THEGAYUK

Day: 24 March 2015

  • The Gayest Object In The World

    Today, the world’s first and only ‘gay’ object – a sweater knit from the donated hair of more than 100 LGBT people – makes its debut during Toronto Fashion Week.

    • Sweater made out the hair of 100 lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people
    • Thought to be the only product in the world that is 100% “gay”
    • Made to highlight the correct use of the word “gay” and end the misuse of the word.

    Appearing ahead of this summer’s upcoming Pride Week celebrations in Toronto, New York, San Francisco and London, The Gay Sweater was created to make people everywhere understand that it is incorrect and offensive to use language like ‘that’s so gay’ to negatively describe something. #TheGaySweater also aims to raise awareness of the detrimental effects that such misuse of the word ‘gay’ has on LGBT youth. The project is an initiative of The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD).

    “The idea for the sweater was born from a desire to educate and encourage everyone to use ‘gay’ the correct way,” said Jeremy Dias, director of the CCGSD. “We want the conversation that surrounds the gay sweater to inspire those who are using ‘gay’ in a detrimental way to both realise the negative impact their words and actions are having and change their behaviour.”

    Along with the sweater, a short film at thegaysweater.ccgsd-ccdgs.org gives voice to youth who have been impacted by the derogatory use of the word ‘gay’ and showcases the process that went into creating the one-of-a-kind sweater. Using the sweater and the film, the CCGSD is hoping to start a much-needed conversation that encourages everyone to think before they use hurtful words like ‘gay’ in a negative way. Readers can follow that conversation and all sweater-related content on the website and by searching the hashtag #TheGaySweater.

    Stylist Jennifer McConville of CBC News Now will be styling models wearing the sweater at David Pecaut Square on Tuesday, March 24th between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. (EDT).

  • £2 Million Awards Announced From Homophobic Bullying Fund

    Funds awarded to projects to train school staff and provide support for pupils affected by homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

    Stonewall awarded nearly half million pounds of the £2million total.

    Minister for Women and Equalities Jo Swinson, said, “It’s good news that schools are making progress on homophobic bullying

    Today eight organisations will be told they are to get a share of £2 million to help prevent and eradicate homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) bullying. The funding was announced by Jo Swinson, Minister for Women and Equalities, and Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, in October 2014.

    Homophobic bullying in schools is decreasing: 55 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people surveyed for Stonewall’s 2012 School Report said they had experienced homophobic bullying, down from 65 percent in 2009.

    However further action is still needed. Metro’s Youth Chances Survey 2014 found that more than half of gay young people had experienced either discrimination or harassment. In a report from Stonewall, last year 86 percent of secondary school teachers and 45 percent of primary school teachers said pupils at their school had experienced homophobic bullying. Most (89 per cent for secondary schools and 70 per cent for primary) had heard homophobic language used. Teachers say they lack the knowledge and confidence to tackle HBT bullying effectively. These projects will help to build that confidence by providing training and resources for school staff.

    Minister for Women and Equalities, Jo Swinson, said, “It’s good news that schools are making progress on homophobic bullying, but it must be eradicated entirely. The trauma of being bullied at school can stay with you for life, and it is absolutely unacceptable that those who may be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender are being targeted. Teachers need specialist support and training to help them stamp out homophobic bullying, which is why we have funded these excellent projects which are designed to tackle this issue head on.”

    The organisations awarded funding are:

    Anne Frank Trust (£104,894) – to run workshops and educate young people about prejudice and the impact of the Holocaust on lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

    Barnardo’s (£263,218) – to provide face-to-face support for victims of HBT bullying and training for staff with a focus on cultural issues in schools in Leeds and Wakefield.

    Diversity Role Models with Brook (£277,722) – to develop and deliver training on tackling HBT bullying to 10,000 teachers and staff in 400 schools.

    EACH (£189,304) – to deliver a training and resource programme in schools across Avon and Somerset.

    Educate and Celebrate (£214,048) – to train staff in 60 schools, giving them confidence and strategies to address HBT language and bullying and promote inclusiveness throughout the school environment and the curriculum.

    National Children’s Bureau (£128,754)– to train 1,500 teachers on tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia through PSHE.

    Show Racism the Red Card (£119,557)– to hold workshops with 2,000 young people at football clubs around England, train 200 teachers and run a film competition for young people on tackling HBT bullying.

    Stonewall (£465,594) – to extend and share its ‘train the trainer’ course with 60 partner organisations, enabling them to run the programme with schools in their local communities and giving them the skills to tackle HBT bullying.

    Marcel Varney, Assistant Director for Barnardo’s, said, “At Barnardo’s, we hear about HBT bullying from the young people we work with across the organisation. We know that the bullying of a young person because of their sexuality can be incredibly damaging and can impact dramatically on a young person’s ability to succeed at school.

    “This commitment from the government will enable us to reach hundreds of young people to alert them to the impact of HBT bullying. It‘s a big step towards stamping out HBT bullying. We aim to improve the visibility of LGBT lives in the school environment and ensure that young people are supported regardless of culture or religion.”

  • Best Sips For Spring 2015

    Ahh… the sweet smell of spring… and it’s coming from my cup. Gone are the evenings of the mulled wines and ciders, the hot toddies, and as much as we want it to be, summer isn’t quite here so it doesn’t seem right to be shoving umbrellas in fruity long drinks  with sugared rims… yet.

    Here are some sips for spring that I feel match the season perfectly.

    It’s also worth mentioning that where reviewed on Amazon these products have scored highly in the 5 star range, as well as the nod from us…

    Licor43. Spain’s number 1 selling liqueur, and after tasting this I now know why. A special blend of 43 ingredients, hence its name. For me it is similar to Tuaca (a favourite amongst us Brightonians reading this).

    Tussock Jumper Moscato Rose Wine. This light and spritzer-like rosé has great sweet and citrusy flavours making it a perfect fit for a dessert wine. It does have a surprise element to it as you don’t expect it to be bubbly, but it does make a lovely twist.

    The Wild Geese Irish Honey Liqueur. A premium smooth whiskey that is blended with 100% pure natural honey.

    It really is a smoothy this one and I love the honey element adding a touch of sweetness to a drink that would normally make my face screw up rather unattractively.

    Qcumber Sparkling Drink. A refreshing and light sparkling water with no preservatives, artificial colours, sweeteners, or flavouring. Just the natural essence of cucumber infused with fizzy spring water, made here in the UK.

    A touch sweet but not overly so. Lovely solo with ice, but this would go amazingly with a pitcher of Pimms. Alternatively, stick your gin in it!

    Pimento. With sweet and spicy flavours set to be a food trend for 2015, what’s to not say this combo can’t translate into drinks? Only recently available in the UK, Pimento is an alcohol free ginger beer with a fiery kick.

    This is so refreshing and I love how they have captured the chilli element in a strong but not overpowering flavour. If you’re having a night off the sauce then check out their range of mocktail recipes at; www.pimentodrink.com

    I love Cawston’s Beetroot & Apple press before exercising, but it’s really great to see Cawston developing their brand further with their new range of vegetable / fruit drinks. 750Ml packs in Sweet Greens, Sunshine Blend, and Radiant Roots varieties. Never from concentrate and all natural. Coming soon to shelves for Spring.

    The first sunny evenings of spring always have me heading for a chilled cider. Rekorderlig have a wide range of flavoured ciders for those who like to break the apple norm. A personal favourite is their new limited edition passionflower cider.

    Made from passionfruit and Swedish spring water this is one to sip with the sun shining on your face as you dream of the Swedish guy that sadly wasn’t there to  serve it to you.

  • ADVICE | Can We Use Fruit And Veg In Bed?

    ADVICE | Can We Use Fruit And Veg In Bed?

    My boyfriend and I are quite adventurous when it comes to the bedroom and we’re wondering whether we could use fruit and veg and other foods as part of our activities? Is it dangerous to insert things like cucumbers and carrots?

    Using fruit and veg could be a great way to excite and reignite your sex life. Using soft fleshy, non-acidic fruit such as honeydew melons or watermelons can be an exciting way to get new sensations. Simply put a hole in it and thrusting in and out will provide interesting brand new feelings.

    Alternatively you can always use other foodstuffs such as chocolate spreads or even Marmite, who recently brought out body paint. To answer your question about carrots and cucumbers, extreme caution must be used when inserting anything into your butt that doesn’t have a handle or give good grip.

    Many people have ended up in A&E after failing to retrieve a cucumber, banana or carrot lodged in their rectums. A painful experience that can actually lead to death if left untreated. We would urge anyone who has gotten anything stuck up there to seek medical advice immediately, no matter how embarrassed you feel.

    Oh did I say use lots of lube…

    If you’re looking to insert a food, why not try a lollipop or ice cubes, which will melt.

    It’s best to use implements that are actually designed for insertion, such as dildos and vibrators. Don’t forget if you’re using toys together and share them, to use a fresh condom before using it on your partner, and wash them properly after use.

    If you are going to insert a carrot, gherkin, cucumber or banana, make sure you’re relaxed. Some of these veg can be much larger than a penis, so using lots of lube and taking your time is a must. Oh did I say use lots of lube…