THEGAYUK

Day: 5 November 2015

  • ELTON JOHN To Northern Ireland Politicians “enter the 21st Century”

    Sir Elton John told Northern Ireland politicians to “enter the 21st Century” on Radio 4’s Today programme.

    Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the legendary singer said that politicians in Northern Ireland should “enter the 21st Century” saying that if it was left to public decision same-sex marriage would “sail in”.

    MPs voted recently on whether same-sex marriage should become law in Northern Ireland. As it stands Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where marriage between gay couples is not legal.

    Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Programme Director of Amnesty International, said:

    “Sir Elton John’s support for marriage equality in Northern Ireland is very welcome.

    “Sir Elton has a proud track record of standing up for gay rights around the world. It’s great that he’s speaking out for the rights of LGBTI people in Northern Ireland, which is now the only part of the UK or Ireland that ban same-sex marriage.

    “He’s 100% correct when he says that most people in Northern Ireland back same-sex marriage and that if there was a public vote it would ‘sail in’. Local politicians who continue to block equality must wake up and realise the damage they’re causing to gay people in Northern Ireland, as well as to our international reputation.”

  • How To Do The Tinder (Dance Move) In Five Steps

    It’s been a while since “Big Fish, Small Fish, Cardboard Box” and “Screw The Light bulb”, so we’re immensely excited that there’s a new dance move brought to you by the wonder of Le Grind in their new single Pillow Talk.

    Yaasssss. We have a new dance move.

    It’s been a while since “Big Fish, Small Fish, Cardboard Box” and “Screw The Light bulb”, so we’re immensely excited that there’s a new dance move brought to you by the wonder of Le Grind in their new single Pillow Talk.

    Here we take you, step by step, on how to perfect “The Tinder”.
    Step One:

    Ensure that you have at least two back up dancers, more is better. This is essential and really helps pull focus away from your surroundings. The sole focus should be on you and you alone.
    Step Two:

    Have someone to direct your “Tinder” to. Obvs you can totally do this by yourself in a club, but it helps if you’re aiming your frustrations on a guy. A hot / hung / moneyed one.
    Step Three:

    Extend your right arm perpendicular to the floor and release your index finger. Always… always give face.
    Step Four:

    “Wag” said index finger as though you’re saying “NO” not too strongly, but full of sass. (The more ‘tude added here will score you more points from onlookers and wallflowers.)
    Step Five:

    Once you wagged your finger for four beats, you “swipe” your right arm to the left in a vigorous motion, as you do so, lift your left knee slightly. This is to a) counterbalance your vigorous swipe b) relives any pressure felt in the balls of your feet.
    Repeat or go to the bar and re-fill your VDC (Vodka and Diet Coke).

  • ANASTACIA and Michelle Visage Have Talked About A Musical Collaboration

    Pop goddess Anastacia has revealed that she’d be open to a duet with Michelle Visage.

    Get ready for the campest thing since Geri Halliwell’s single G-A-Y.

    In an exclusive interview (out mid-November) with THEGAYUK, I’m Outta Love singer Anastacia has revealed that she would be up for a duet with Celebrity Big Brother star Michelle Visage. Speaking about their relationship Anastacia said,

    “I’ve known Michelle since we were like in our early early twenties in New York!”

    And when asked about the possibilty of a single released together she went on to say,

    “That is something we have talked about… definitely. She my little Madonna.”

    She went on to say,

    “What I see us doing – we would do a song and make all the money go to a HIV /AIDS charity – that is just something we would do!

    “We would put it out not make a penny on it. I’d make sure we did a Pride Tour.

    “That would just be fun. She could be my hostess and I could be up there just singing my ass off. I would have some drag queens up there too!”

     

    Anastacia is currently in the UK promoting her new collection album, which is out tomorrow.

     

  • Columbia Lifts Gay Couple Adoption Ban

    Columbian gay couples are now legally allowed to adopt children, thanks to a historic ruling in which adoption agencies are no longer allowed to discriminate on the basis of sexuality.

    A historic ruling in Columbia now means that same-sex couples are allowed to adopt children in a 6-2 vote.

    The constitutional court lifted the ban so adoption agencies are no longer allowed to discriminate against gay couples. Couples are now able to adopt children that are unrelated to them. Before the ban’s lift, same-sex couples could only adopt if the child or children was one of the couple’s own children.

    Same-sex unions were made legal in Columbia in 2013, however full same-sex marriage is still illegal.

    According to the BBC the chief justice of the Constitutional Court, Maria Victoria Calle Correa said that excluding gay couples,

    “limits children’s right to a family,

    “A person’s sexual orientation or gender are not in and of themselves indicative of a lack of moral, physical or mental suitability to adopt.”

  • SINGLE REVIEW: Pillow Talk, by Le Grind

    I get asked to review quite a few things, some are a little “meh” so I tend to pass, some are good and I’ll say so, some are amazing and I’ll gush – this, this little gem is toe-tappingly tremendous! So there!

    Like all good gays, I love me a decent beat, something to shake my ample booty to, even if these days its more likely to be shaken in the kitchen whilst making dinner rather than semi-naked in some sweaty club somewhere. This trio deliver that beat, in spades!
    Le Grind are a duo formed in a nightclub in Queens, Gareth (writing/production and instrumentation) and Boo (drums/production) met singer Reyna when she out sang a Prince track! Takes some guts and a decent set of tonsils – this lady has both.

    Their first single, “I was there (Where were you?)” was an underground hit and received some decent airplay and reviews, with Marc Almond no less (ask yer mum or dad if you are too young!) appearing in their promo.
    Next came “Toute Chaud”, which gained support form the likes of Roisin Murphy and Andy Bell and airplay on BBC6 Music, KissFM and Gaydio.
    Their latest offering, “Pillow Talk”, mixes electro/funk/disco into an instant hit, and armed with their own dance mixes, this trio are bound for great things.
    The promo below is self-produced also and includes their “Tinder” dance move…..I know not what this Tinder is (!) but apparently, it means “onto the next one”!
    Give them a listen, tap your toes or tantalise with your tush……either way, enjoy!

    Available on Amazon | iTunes
    And watch the Le Grind/Adele parody here:

  • Gay Bars That Have Closed In London Since The Turn Of The Century

    Gay Bars That Have Closed In London Since The Turn Of The Century

    There’s a lot of conversation over the number of gay/LGBT bars and clubs that have closed in recent years, using an old copy of Fluid magazine, (which no longer exist either) from 2001 we discover the bars, clubs or gay nights that have closed in London since 2000.

    Can you help us create a full listing complete with pictures? We’re trying to create the ultimate Lost LGBT Scene archive. If you have any details you can add to the descriptions or have photos please click on the venue and use the comment section at the bottom of the page to add your memories.

    Gay Bars Closed (124)

    (Click on the name to go to the venue’s page)

    1. 3 Monkey: Greenwich
    2. The Angel: a cabaret bar in Stratford.
    3. The Anvil: rather sleazy bar within the Shipwrights Arms in Tooley Street
    4. Artful Dodger: in Highbury and Islington.
    5. The Backstreet: London’s longest-running fetish and leather club 1985-2022.
    6. The Bar: a large style cafe bar in Shoreditch.
    7. Bar Aquda: on Maiden Lane near Covent Garden.
    8. Barcode Vauxhall: cruisy bar in Albert Embankment. 1996 – 2015
    9. Barcode: a dancey bar in Soho which closed in the late 00s.
    10. Bar Fusion: in Islington.
    11. Bar Titania: Was on Charing Cross Road on the site of the old Ku Bar next to Manbar/CXR. Closed 2016.
    12. The Birdcage: A traditional friendly pub in Chiswick which closed in 2006.
    13. The Black Cap: legendary North London drag bar and club which closed in 2015. 1965 – 2015
    14. The Black Horse: East end gay bar near Stepney Green.
    15. Blackout: an Art Deco style cocktail bar on Molton Street
    16. The Blush Bar: a lesbian bar in Stoke Newington. 1997 – 2015.
    17. The Boltons: Corner of Earls Court Rd & Brompton Rd
    18. The Box: relaxed cafe on Seven Dials near Covent Garden.
    19. Brewery Tap: a friendly local gay bar in Stockwell
    20. Brewers Tap: Walthamstow 
    21. The Britannia: a different themed night every night in Leytonstone
    22. Brief Encounters
    23. The British Prince: An intimate east end boozer near Limehouse
    24. Bromptons: Big and cruisy was once part of the now-defunct Earl’s Court gay scene. Is now being turned into flats. 1984 – 2008.
    25. Buzz Bar: Bar in Clapham Junction
    26. Cafe Au-Reole: gay bar set on two floors, was part of the Earl’s Court gay scene.
    27. Central Station, Walthamstow: gay bar with nightly entertainment in Walthamstow.
    28. Candy Bar: London’s number one Lesbian bar – had a brief reopening, but closed again in 2014. 1996 – 2014
    29. Catch 22: short-lived gay bar in Wood Green, the most northern gay bar in London.
    30. The Cellar Bar, Charing Cross
    31. Citrus Grove: Fridays only in Gipsy Hill.
    32. The Champion: long-running and unpretentious in Notting Hill.
    33. Copacabana: Disco bar in Earls Court closed in the late 90s
    34. Cock: a traditional pub in Kennington which closed in 2005.
    35. Cock and Comfort: large gay boozer in Bethnal Green
    36. The Coleherne: bar which tried to rebrand in 2008 becoming the Pembroke. It was London’s oldest gay bar until its closure.
    37. The Coronet: described as a stylish east end bar, near Stratford, now apartments
    38. Compass: Islington
    39. Crews: Central London, on St. Martin’s Lane. Read a story about why Crews was opened.
    40. Crown and Anchor: a gay and mixed pub in Bromley North. Closed in 2006 and reopened as a non-gay bar and told customers who were looking for a gay bar to go to Stonewall bar in Lewisham – also now closed.
    41. David Warriors A Bar: for men with attitude – men only in Southwark
    42. Due South: in Stoke Newington
    43. Dukes: a gay bar which was very popular with bears in Vauxhall It now operates as Eagle London, which is still a gay venue.
    44. The Duke of Clarence: Lesbian bar on Rotherfield Street, just off Essex Road, Islington.
    45. The Duke of Wellington: mixed and friendly bar in Islington.
    46. Edge, The: 4 Storey gay bar perched on the edge of Soho Square.
    47. Embassy, The
    48. Escape: Popular dance bar with student night in Soho, closed in 2014. 1998 – 2014.
    49. Fallen Angel: Islington. Bar with rooms upstairs where support groups would meet. Has now been turned into flats.
    50. Flag, The, Finsbury Park
    51. The Fort: a cruisy gay bar in Elephant and Castle. Was reported closed in August 2011. 1997 – 2011.
    52. First Out Cafe Bar: legendary gay venue lasted 25 years before closing in 2011. 1986 – 2011.
    53. The George Music Bar: Cosy bar in Isleworth.
    54. Goose and Carrot: a gay-friendly mixed pub in Croydon
    55. Gladstone Arms: gay bar in Borough which had regular themed nights.
    56. Gloucester, The: Gay bar featured in Beautiful Thing
    57. The Green: Swanky, an upmarket bar on Upper Street, Islington. 2007 – 2012.
    58. The Green Carnation: Upper market wine bar on the edge of Soho. Closed in 2015.
    59. The Green Man: Traditional and mixed in Harlesden.
    60. George And Dragon: in Shoreditch was forced to close after a dramatic price hike in its lease.
    61. Golden Lion, Kings Cross
    62. The Halfway House: described as east London’s friendly gay bar in Bethnal Green.
    63. Harpoon Louis:  The bar upstairs, Harpoon Louie’s (later Harpo’s and later still Banana Max), was until the late 1980s among the most popular gay bars in London. It is now a Wagamama restaurant. Above the Copa in Earls Court Road, it was the largest gay bar in London, on 3 levels with an extensive garden. Opened in 1983 and closed in 1997 (thanks to John for the info)
    64. The Hoist: cruise and sex venue for guys in Vauxhall. Closed in January 2017 after 21 years in business
    65. The Horns: cruise bar at London Bridge.
    66. Jacomos
    67. The Joiner’s Arms: Long established LGBT space which closed in January 2015 1997 – 2015
    68. Jonathan’s
    69. The Jubilee Tavern
    70. Two8Six: Was a pub formerly known as Stonewalls, it closed in 2012. The 1960s – 2012
    71. Kazbar: Announced it would close at the end of 2016. Was one of two gay bars in Clapham, the other being The Two Brewers.
    72. Kensington Roof Gardens: had a gay night on Sundays.
    73. King Edward IV: in Islington closed in 2011. 1966 – 2011
    74. Kudos
    75. Leinster, The: The pub opened in 1998 and closed in 2005 on two floors, a traditional gay pub for the “Chelsea crowd” The pub which was on the corner of Ossington St has since been demolished. (Thanks to John for the info)
    76. Limelight, On Charing Cross Road, near the Palace Theatre. Was a Sunday night evening event.
    77. The Little Apple: traditional gay pub closed in 2014. 1993 – 2014
    78. Lo-Profile: a gay bar started by the dating site, Gaydar, closed in 2013.
    79. London Apprentice: Old Street, North London
    80. Lower Ground: a basement bar in West Hampstead.
    81. Lounge: iconic lesbian night which closed and then reopens and then closed again.
    82. Macbeth, The: gay run pub near Old Street.
    83. Madame Jo Jos: famed Drag venue which closed in 2014. 1966 – 2014
    84. Manbar: the bar that went on to replace CRX79 on Tottenham Court Road.
    85. The Market Tavern: Islington.
    86. Molly Moggs: a friendly and brash central London pub, famous for its larger than life drag queens, karaoke and friendly staff. One of the oldest LGBT pubs in the UK.  Molly Moggs has now reopened. Update 2019 It is now closed and reopened as another bar, which isn’t LGBT.
    87. The Navy Arms: a Friendly pub in Deptford.
    88. Nelson’s Head: a traditional pub in Horatio Street. 2007 – 2015.
    89. The Oak: lesbian bar in Manor House. 1994 – 2013
    90. Old Ship: East end gay pub near Old Street. (UPDATE) It’s now under new management and isn’t “gay” anymore, but gay-friendly – and has drag acts.
    91. The Orange: Described as a large boys space, with themes every night.
    92. The Outback Bar: next to Buzz Bar, also closed in Clapham Junction.
    93. Penny Farthing: A favourite Hammersmith hangout.
    94. Piano Bar
    95. Play Pit: A sleazy barroom cruisy bar in Kings Cross
    96. Profile: a cafe and bar opened by dating gurus Gaydar, closed in 2013 along with the sale of their radio station Gaydar Radio. 2007 – 2013.
    97. Prohibition Cafe Bar: gay owned, a gay-friendly pub in Streatham.
    98. Princess Of Wales: Friendly gay bar in Woolwich.
    99. Queens Arms: closed in the early 2000s and turned into flats. It was a smart, upmarket pub.
    100. Queens Arms: a homely pub in Hounslow Central.
    101. Queens Head: Chelsea gay/straight pub that was unable to negotiate a new lease due to increased costs in 2016.
    102. Ram, The: Islington with legendary party nights.
    103. Rocket: Two bars in one, in Acton.
    104. Roebuck: a bar situated in Rennell Street, later called Bar Phoenix which was eventually demolished.
    105. Rose and Crown: Greenwich
    106. Red Stiletto: in Vauxhall.
    107. Racecourse: The a friendly mixed pub in Crouch End.
    108. Route 73: traditional gay bar in Stoke Newington.
    109. Rush Bar: a lesbian bar which closed in the mid-2000s.
    110. Salisbury: St Martins Lane, WC1 (yes it is still there, but now straight).
      This was pub frequented by actors and gay men in the 1950/60s becoming completely gay in the 1970s. It ceased trading as a gay pub in 1985 with the opening of a new gay bar across the road (Brief Encounter).  It was featured in the film “Victim” with gay leading actor Dirk Bogarde. The film made in 1961 told the story of the culture of blackmail in the gay community.
      The film set in motion the legalisation of homosexuality in 1967. (thanks to John for info)
    111. The Salmon, in Islington
    112. Shadow Lounge: A members dance club/bar that allowed guest listing announced it was to shut in September 2016.
    113. Skinners Arms: a Traditional gay pub in Oval.
    114. Soho’s Strippers
    115. Southopia: a lesbian bar in Kennington.
    116. The Spiral Staircase, a gay bar on Shoreditch Highstreet
    117. SW9: a stylish cafe bar in Brixton.
    118. The Stag
    119. Star And Garter: a traditional pub in Bromley. 2006 – 2014.
    120. Stokey Stop: a lesbian bar in Stoke Newington
    121. West Central
    122. White Horse: a mixed pub on the Westferry DLR.
    123. Woolwich Infant: Plumstead
    124. Y Bar: On Essex Road in Islington.
    125. 79CXR: manly bar on Tottenham Court Road. 1994 -2015

    Got a venue to add? Click here.

    Gay Clubs Closed (43)

    1. Adams Club: In in Leicester Sq.
    2. Area: Dance club in Albert Embankment 2006 – 2014
    3. Atelier at The End: Weekly lounge-style event near Tottenham Court Road.
    4. Bangs Nightclub on Charing Cross Road in the 70s
    5. Benjy’s 2000: a Sunday night club night for gay men, near Mile End.
    6. The Block: A Bromley by Bow dress code, cruisy club night.
    7. Catacombs: A bar in Earl’s Court, which never sold alcohol. Read a story from the Catacombs.
    8. Coco Latte: every Friday night at the Chocolate Bar.
    9. Club V: a popular gay indie night every other Saturday in Islington.
    10. Club Kali: at the Dome, a bi-monthly Bhangra bash in N19.
    11. Club Tranvesties: A Stepney night for “TVs/ TSs” every Sunday near Aldgate East
    12. Chaguaramas Club: Neal St, closed in 1970
    13. Crash: late night club from 10.30 in Vauxhall. Closed in 2007. It now operates as Union, which is still a gay event.
    14. Dorian Club off Kings Road in Chelsea in the 70s
    15. DTPM
    16. El Sombrero: (Yours or Mine) Kensington High Street
    17. Extreme: Sunday afternoon clubbing from 1 PM till 9 PM.
    18. FF was at Turnmills
    19. Fist: described as a “sleaze pit” with a strictly enforced dress code.
    20. G-A-Y: at the Astoria: 1993 – 2008 Moved to Heaven.
    21. Gay Tea Dance: at the Limelight on Shaftesbury Ave.
    22. Ghetto: Cult Soho dance club with a mixed clientele of club freaks, artists and international A-listers.  Legendary nights included NagNagNag, Misshapes and The Cock (thanks to LWellsted).  2001 – 2008
    23. Le Foyer: A club in Soho in 70s
    24. Long Yang Club: a gay night for Southeast Asians.
    25. The Masquerade club: On Earl’s Court Road
    26. Napoleon: A club on Bond street
    27. Off The Hook: at Velvet – mixed Monday night club.
    28. The Phoenix: clubbing on Saturdays near Oxford Circus.
    29. Popstarz: mixed club night which used to be held in Kings Cross closed in November 2014.
    30. Reflections: an intimate gay night in Stratford.
    31. Reflex: attitude-free clubbing in Kingston Upon Thames.
    32. Sadie Masie: at the now-defunct London lesbian and Gay Centre in Cow Cross Street, Farringdon. (Thanks to John)
    33. Shadow Lounge: A members club in the heart of Soho famous for its light-up dance floor and VIP sections. Closed 2016.
    34. Silks Club: A club in Shepherd’s Bush shopping centre
    35. Spats club in Oxford St.
    36. The Spiral: gay-friendly club near Old Street.
    37. Substation South: late night club, with different themes each night of the week in Brixton.
    38. Substation Sound-Shaft: on Hungerford Lane – cruisy late night club/bar – Thursday nights were called Twisted and Fridays were called SPUNK.
    39. Subway: Leicester Square
    40. The Lounge: described as a “gentleman’s” club with bar and restaurant.
    41. The Masquerade Club, In Earl’s Court
    42. Trade: Techno club night at Turnmills. 4 AM till 1 PM in Farringdon. Last night was held in October 2015.
    43. Trash Palace: In Soho, set over three floors down the road from Ku Bar.
    44. The Tube: Late night club and cruise bar on Saturdays was called Wigout.
    45. Turnmills: Clerkenwell
    46. Voltz: Was beneath the Roebuck in Lewisham.

    Got a venue to add? Click here.

    Other gay venues closed

    Biograph: A cinema were gay men went, but didn’t spend much time watching films. Read a story about a young man’s first sexual encounter at Biograph.

    Got a venue to add? Click here.

    Gay Saunas Closed

    Steamworks 309 – Sauna based in New Cross Closed 2014

    Chariots Shoreditch – It was London’s largest sauna but was demolished in 2016 to make way for a new development.

    Chariots Streatham – Was a sauna that was closed without warning in 2016.

    Chariots Waterloo – Was closed in 2017 to make way for a new development in the area.

    Holland Park Sauna – A sauna right in the middle of the shopping centre

    Got a venue to add? Click here.

    Can you help us flesh out descriptions? Send your email to newsdesk@thegayuk.com. Please let us know if any of the listings are mistaken or if we’ve left a favourite haunt of yours.

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