Day: 1 August 2014
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COMMENT | Why We Need To Lay Off James Arthur
Scrolling through my Twitter and Facebook timelines earlier this week I kept seeing the same thing over and over again on the various LGBT-related pages I follow; hate comments aimed at James Arthur for daring to want to put right his wrongs. How dare he do such a thing!
Last year James Arthur caused a bit of outrage among gay people when he used a homophobic slur in a rap aimed at a fellow artist. Since then his career has faltered as the nation turned against him and branded him a monster homophobe.
Although I do not condone the use of the words “f***ing queer”, I do actually intend to stick up for James here because I do not believe him to be a homophobe. What James is actually guilty of is speaking before thinking it through.
In my book that makes him human.
Can anyone honestly say they have never said something hateful or nasty about someone and then regretted it or wished they had thought before speaking?
I know I can’t.
That’s because I’m human too. Is that such a crime?
Stonewall’s newly appointed Chief Executive, Ruth Hunt, tweeted James Arthur to offer him an opportunity to meet some of the organisation’s youth volunteers. Arthur tweeted back to accept that opportunity.
Whether it’s a cynical move to get his career back on track or not, it’s still a good thing. It demonstrates that the perceived homophobe can’t really be one and that he is willing to go through some form of rehabilitation to right his past wrongs.
Maybe becoming involved with Stonewall will be a massive wake up call for him, in that he’ll begin to think before speaking and realise the damage that homophobic slurs can cause to gay people. As leader of my own LGBTQ youth support charity I’d also welcome discussion with James Arthur and extend an opportunity to meet some of the young people that the charity works with.
Sometimes I feel that the LGBT community becomes outraged too easily. There are genuinely awful things happening around the world that we should be angrier about. It was fine to be livid with James Arthur when he made that rap containing the words “f**king queer”, but nearly a year on and with him now trying to do something positive, I think it’s time people climbed down from their soapboxes and left the guy alone.
Some of the comments aimed at James Arthur on social media sites have been appalling and I believe that makes those people no better than him when he used that homophobic slur.
What we should be doing is applauding James Arthur for accepting his wrongdoings and trying to make amends. Surely everyone deserves a second chance?
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The Putin Butt Plug
Butt plugs come in all shapes and sizes, as individual as their users – as unique as a snowflake – or something like that – but this new Putin Plug, is something that we’re curious about.
Have you seen the Putin butt plug yet? Putin’s war against gay people in Russia has outraged many, but one designer in Orlando has taken revenge to a whole new level.
The sex toy was designed by Fernando Sosa, who said, ‘As many of you guys know Russia is bringing an all out war against the civil right of Gay people in Russia. Leading the charge is Mr. Putin and his homophobic leadership.
‘I wanted to ridicule Mr Putin so I wanted to make a voodoo-like doll of him so people could do whatever they wanted to him in the privacy of their own home.’
The current version of the toy is made from sandstone, but Sosa is looking for funding to make the toy a reality.
He continued, ‘What better way to attack Mr Putin’s shirtless bear wrestling reputation?
‘We are looking to make this into an actual usable toy but we need funds and resources to manufacture this. For the meanwhile This is meant as a decorative item and a conversation piece.’
You can buy Putin sex toys from http://politicalsculptor.com
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THEATRE REVIEW | Drag King Richard III, Riverside Studios, London
★★★★ | Drag King Richard III, Riverside Studios, London
STANCE Theatre’s highly acclaimed production drags Shakespeare’s Richard III into a black comedy exploration of transgender identity.
For Laurie, born biologically female, the frustration of living in the wrong body presents disturbing consequences with long-term lesbian friend, La Femme. She identifies with Shakespeare’s deformed anti-hero after auditioning to play him in a school production; seeing parallels with the betrayal she feels within, her from her own body and the play is interspersed with clever interpretations of Shakespearean dialogue that fit perfectly within the context of Laurie/Laurence’s story.
When Laurence re-enters La Femme’s life after a spell away in the army, she reveals that she’s transitioning. La Femme struggles to understand this, initially and the issue brings into perspective her own thoughts and feelings about gender identity, how others perceive and react to you and what it means to be you.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this performance but I definitely got more than I bargained for. Terri Power’s award winning piece is a funny, deftly written play with some genuinely moving moments. The themes of identity are universal and not just applicable to transgender people. Laurie’s story is a fascinating one and one that shouldn’t feel too difficult for anyone to grasp, thanks to Power’s concise yet powerful play. The conceit of the two handed perspective and the humorous touches worked brilliantly. This is much more than a straightforward ‘issues’ play. Well worth seeing with very strong performances from the two leads.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this performance but I definitely got more than I bargained for. Terri Power’s award winning piece is a funny, deftly written play with some genuinely moving moments. The themes of identity are universal and not just applicable to transgender people. Laurie’s story is a fascinating one and one that shouldn’t feel too difficult for anyone to grasp, thanks to Power’s concise yet powerful play. The conceit of the two handed perspective and the humorous touches worked brilliantly. This is much more than a straightforward ‘issues’ play. Well worth seeing with very strong performances from the two leads.
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BREAKING: Uganda court strikes down anti-gay law
The BBC is reporting that the Constitutional Court in Uganda has annulled the anti-gay law, which was introduced earlier this year.
The law, which was introduced this year, has been widely condemned by world leaders, including President Obama, who called it ‘odious.’
The UK’s deputy PM Nick Clegg, said that the anti-gay law, was ‘abhorrent’.
The law, which included lesbians for the first time, could see anyone conducting same-sex relationships or promoting homosexuality facing life imprisonment.
The gay community in Uganda have suffered huge harassment since the introduction of the anti-gay law, which was introduced by MP David Bahati and signed into law by the Country’s President Yoweri Museveni
Activists reportedly cheered as the law was pronounced ‘null and void’.
More to follow
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Uganda Anti-Gay Law Null And Void
The anti-gay law which was introduced earlier this year has been declared ‘Null and Void.
Activists in the crowded court room reportedly cheered as the law was pronounced ‘null and void’.
The BBC is reporting that the Constitutional Court in Uganda has annulled the anti-gay law, which was introduced earlier this year.
The law, which was introduced this year, has been widely condemned by world leaders, including President Obama, who called it ‘odious.’
The UK’s deputy PM Nick Clegg, said that the anti-gay law, was ‘abhorrent’. Many overseas aid givers had stopped payments over the laws.
The law, which included lesbians for the first time, could see anyone conducting same-sex relationships or promoting homosexuality facing life imprisonment.
The gay community in Uganda have suffered huge harassment since the introduction of the anti-gay law, which was introduced by MP David Bahati and signed into law by the Country’s President Yoweri Museveni
Commenting on the decision of Ugandan judges in the constitutional court that the Anti-Homosexuality Act is unlawful because it was passed by parliament without a quorum, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said, ‘This is a major victory for gay campaigners and their straight allies in Uganda. They fought this law and won, against all odds. Congratulations to the Ugandan gay and straight civil society coalition that brought this legal challenge.
‘Human rights and the rule of law have prevailed against a homophobic, tyrannical parliament and president.
‘The judges have shown commendable independence and integrity by upholding the law, despite majority government and public support for anti-gay legislation.
‘It demonstrates that President Museveni may have nobbled many judges but not these ones,’ said Mr Tatchell.
Dr. Dimitrina Petrova, Executive Director of the Equal Rights Trust, said, ‘We are delighted that the Supreme Court has struck down this pernicious legislation. The law violated many fundamental human rights of LGBT people in Uganda including the right to a private life, the right to dignity and the right to equality. We note that the legislation was found unconstitutional on procedural grounds rather than for its substance and so urge the government of Uganda not to attempt to re-enact the law.
‘As we celebrate this victory, it is important to remember that LGBT people in Uganda continue to suffer profound discrimination and gross inequality, not least through the criminalisation of same-sex sexual activity. We will continue to call for greater protection and respect for the rights of LGBT in Uganda, notwithstanding today’s decision.’ERT has been lobbying the Ugandan Parliament and President Museveni on the Anti-Homosexuality Act and Uganda’s treatment of the LGBT community since 2009. After a detailed study of the then Bill, the Equal Rights Trust produced a comprehensive legal analysis of the proposed law concluding that it violated not only a number of Uganda’s obligations under international human rights law but also the human rights protections within the Constitution of Uganda itself. ERT made repeated calls both to the Parliament and to the President calling for the proposed law to be abandoned in 2009, 2011, 2013 and again in January 2014 before the Bill’s assent.
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Chris Mears and Jack Laugher take gold
Talented duo Chris Mears and Jack Laugher take gold at the Commonwealth Games
Unstoppable diving duo Chris Mears and Jack Laugher are the proud owners of a gold medal which they won in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The gold medal is the second to be awarded at the games, winning the men’s synchronised 3m springboard final.
Taking to Instagram Jack said, ‘GOLD WITH MY BEST BUD @mearschris93 😀 Couldn’t be happier!!!!’
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Safer Sex Message Urged Ahead Of Belfast Pride
Sexual health experts are supporting Belfast Pride, to make sure that everyone taking part in this year’s festival; ‘plays safe and stays safe’. Gay and bisexual men are at particular risk of sexually transmitted infections; latest available statistics from the department of health reveal that rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis in Northern Ireland’s MSM continue to soar.
To tackle the problem, Belfast Pride has teamed up with Confidante, who have developed the world’s only home test, to detect 10 common STIs. Stephen Henderson, Manager at Confidante, says partnering with Belfast Pride, is about, encouraging men who have sex with men to take action:
“One of the reasons that men who have sex with men, have such high STI transmission rates, is because they don’t get tested; perhaps they’ve had a bad experience previously; or perhaps they aren’t showing any symptoms – even though they are infected; many STIs are asymptomatic. We are encouraging MSM and everyone taking part in Belfast Pride to be proud of their sexual health, protect both their partner and themselves and to get tested.”
Seán Ó Néill, Chair of Belfast Pride Festival, is supporting this focus on Sexual Health:
“This year’s festival is about celebrating Diversity and calling for Equality – and this equality is needed within healthcare services for all citizens including LGBTQ people. We are pleased Confidante is coming on board as a partner of the festival and offering more choice in Sexual Health testing and we are working with them to get the message across to the MSM community in Northern Ireland, in particular, to play safe and stay safe”.
The safe sexual health message comes ahead of today’s Belfast Pride Parade, 30 thousand people are expected into the city centre to take part in the event.