THEGAYUK

Day: 10 June 2017

  • COMMENT | Tory and DUP? Not so much a Coalition of Chaos but a Partnership of Peril

    Right now my eyes are tired and my heart is heavy. I stayed up all night Thursday, watching until the early hours as the results rolled in. The exit poll told us we’d get a hung Parliament but I was willing it not to be true. The votes rolled in and it all became clear; Theresa May had failed but so had Jeremy Corbyn. Let’s get this absolutely straight; Corbyn has revolutionised the Labour Party and has mobilised a generation, but he should not be taking this a win. Labour lost. Conservatives lost. Now Britain has lost.

    It’s probably easy for me to be accused of being dramatic but I had outlined clearly my views on why Labour were the right choice. But it needs to be unequivocally clear; what we’ve ended up with now is dangerous and terrifying for LGBT people. Theresa May has decided to get into bed with the DUP. This is not so much a Coalition of Chaos but a Partnership of Peril.

    But why? Let’s look at the anti-LGBT viewpoint of the DUP. In 2005, during a Hustings event, one of their candidates said “You don’t bring a child up in a homosexual relationship. That the child is far more likely to be abused and neglected.” The DUP at the time said that Jim Well’s views were not their policy but just look at First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster. The Irish Government were poised to lift, by a minority, the ban on Gay Marriage. Arlene Foster introduced a Petition of Concern. This is a controversial mechanism in the Irish Assembly which means that, if submitted, proposed legislation must receive at least 60% of the vote and 40% of Nationalists and Unionists must also be present to vote. Arlene Foster knew this would kill the Pro-Same Sex Marriage legislation out of the gate.

    That’s just their leader in Northern Ireland. Their representative in Westminster proposed an introduction of a “conscience clause” in the Equality Act 2010 to allow businesses to turn away LGBT people on religious grounds. This man is a Party hero.

    And what about Equality elsewhere? The DUP played a vital role in continuing to restrict Abortion Rights in Northern Ireland. The DUP are anti-abortion even if the woman has been raped, a victim of incest and even if the foetus won’t survive the birth. This is despite a Court ruling which said the ban was against Human Rights.

    So here we are now with Theresa May who has publicly declared she would “rip up” the Human Rights Act and increase surveillance on the Internet. Sure, I am all for doing our best to battle against Islamic Extremism and Radicalisation online but you know exactly what’s going to happen. They’ll start asking Internet Service Providers to keep a database of our search and browsing history. These databases will inevitably be the target for hackers resulting in millions of people’s private searches being released. What about those in the closet? And hell, what about those people that are into the kinky side of sex? I can see it now; teachers and doctors, Police and Fire Officers being struck off after their private and intimate lives are leaked online. LGBT people hiding in fear of being exposed. You only have to look at the recent TalkTalk hack to know how lax ISP security can be.

    This is why we need to get over our heartbreak and sadness about this election and actually do something. We need to mobilise even more. I do not want to hear nonsense about Jeremy Corbyn and his leadership dominating the Labour Party for the next ‘x’ amount of months. The Labour Party must now focus on strong opposition. And we must join them. I will be re-joining The Labour Party and their efforts to oppose our Government. I will sign every petition and participate in every march because now is not the time for complacency. As we head into the Pride months as we celebrate by waving our flags, kissing our partners and living our free lives we must remember the activists of our past. They did not lay down their lives for us to stay behind our keyboards and allow our Government to steamroll over years of progress. And it isn’t enough for us to only turn up to LGBT events. Our country’s women will need us too.

    So I beg of you. Take this weekend to grieve the loss. Cry to your friends, ponder the future and hashtag your anger. But when it comes to Monday, it is time to clock back in. Your country needs you, your Community needs you, this world NEEDS you. We. Will. Rise.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • Gay TV star dies, 34 after being found ‘unconscious and unresponsive’

    Reality TV star, Danny Dias has died at the age of 34 after being found ‘unconscious and unresponsive’ in his New York home.

    Aged just 34, Danny Dias who starred in MTV’s Road Rules in 2004 and The Challenge: Gauntlet 2 in 2005 has died after being found by a police after a friend had no heard from him for two days.

    Embed from Getty Images

    According to TMZ emergency services found the former reality star  ‘unconscious and unresponsive’. Initial reports allege that Dias may have taken his own life, whilst on the hallucinogenic drug LSD. These claims have not be verified by emergency services.

    An NYPD officer later told US Weekly, “No criminality is suspected at this time. The medical examiner is going to determine the cause of death.

    “There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.”

    MTV have responded to the news by issuing a statement that read, “We are saddened by the news of Danny Dias’ passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”

     

  • Ryan Murphy is bringing Bette and Joan to BBC 2

    Ryan Murphy is bringing the iconic Bette Davis and Joan Crawford to the small screen.

    BBC Two has acquired Feud: Bette and Joan, Ryan Murphy’s eight-part series about the legendary rivalry between Hollywood icons Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The series was acquired from 20th Century Fox Television Distribution and will air on BBC Two later in 2017.

    Starring Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis, Feud: Bette and Joan‘s stellar cast also features Catherine Zeta-Jones as Olivia de Havilland and Kathy Bates as Joan Blondell. The four Academy Award winners are joined by Judy Davis as Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, Alfred Molina as director and producer Robert Aldrich, Stanley Tucci as Warner Bros. studio head Jack L. Warner, Jackie Hoffman as Mamacita, Crawford’s housekeeper, and Alison Wright as Pauline, Aldrich’s assistant. The series also stars Dominic Burgess as Crawford and Davis’ co-star Victor Buono, Sarah Paulson as Geraldine Page, and Kiernan Shipka as Bette Davis’ daughter, B.D.

    Beginning with Davis and Crawford’s collaboration on What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? and continuing long after the cameras stopped rolling, Feud: Bette and Joan explores with great style and wit how the two stars endured ageism, sexism and misogyny while struggling to hang on to success and fame in the twilight of their careers.

    Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, says,

    “Drama on BBC Two has to stand out for its authorship, unique vision and exceptional craft so I am delighted that Ryan Murphy’s brilliantly realised series Feud: Bette and Joan is coming to the channel. It features some wonderful performances, a flawless recreation of period and a delicious unravelling of a personal drama that had a massive impact on modern cinema. Feud is a real treat.”

    Sue Deeks, BBC Head of Programme Acquisition, says,

    “BBC Two viewers will relish this critically-acclaimed portrayal of Old Hollywood and a famously combustible yet poignant relationship – it is a zesty cocktail of glamour, wit and grit.”

    David Smyth, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution (TCFTVD) said,

    “Feud: Bette and Joan is a whip-smart series with fantastic performances by two of today’s greatest performers, which we’re sure will captivate and delight audiences. BBC Two is the perfect home for our next series from creator Ryan Murphy, whose The People vs O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, just won the BAFTA after airing last year on BBC Two.”

    Ryan Murphy serves as Executive Producer along with Executive Producers Tim Minear, Alexis Martin Woodall and Dede Gardner of Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment. The series is produced by Fox 21 Television Studios and distributed by 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.

  • THEATRE NEWS | Comedy, The Ruby Slippers, makes London debut

    The sell-out comedy The Ruby Slippers is making its London debut!

    The Ruby Slippers comes to London

    It enjoyed standing ovations and rave reviews during its sell-out premiere run in the North West last year. And now The Ruby Slippers is on its way to London for a date at the hottest new theatre in the West End.

    The comedy-drama about love, friendship and identity will get its debut at the award-winning Arts Theatre West End on Sun 2 July. Slap on some lipstick put on those high heels and get ready for a riotous rollercoaster of emotions at one of the two performances on the day, taking place at 4 pm and 7.30pm.

    Raz is on top of the world. He’s the owner of his own paradise drag club in Blackpool, The Ruby Slippers, and has met Ryan, the man of his dreams.

    However, all is not as it seems. Business is poor, while a rival club, Nine Inches, has opened which threatens to not only steal Raz’s customers but also his star acts, Drag Queens Phoenix and Destiny.

    And then there is the secret Ryan hides that will change everything.

    Are his business and relationship doomed? Or will the power of love win the day?

    The comedy drama, created by Break A Leg Productions in association with Bill Elms (Epstein – The Man Who Made The Beatles, Twopence to Cross the Mersey), comes from the pen of writers Emma Culshaw and David Paul and is directed by Craig Ryder.

    The talented cast also includes James Rogerson as Raz, Jamie Paul as Ryan, Debra Redcliffe (Helen), Emma Vaudrey (Laura), Owen Farrow (Destiny) and Jordan Simms (Phoenix).

    Writers Emma Culshaw and David Paul said,

    “The play tackles transgender issues and we hope audiences enjoy what we set out to achieve, creating a play full of compassion, humour and outrageous one-liners but with a strong underlying message.”

    Co-producer Bill Elms added,

    “The Ruby Slippers has a great script, great comedy and most of all a great storyline.”

    “I’ve been delighted to watch its growth, and now it’s getting the London debut it deserves – and in one of the most exciting new spaces in the West End too. London audiences are in for a treat.”

    You can win tickets to see the show… enter below

    Competition Terms & Conditions

    1. Prize includes: 2x Tickets for The Ruby Slippers at the Arts Theatre, London on the 2nd July. You can choose either the 4pm or 7:30pm performance.
    2. You have until the 26th June 2017 12.01PM to enter.
    3. Entries made after this time will not be counted.
    4. Offer is not-transferrable and no cash equivalent will be given.
    5. Entry is free of charge.
    6. Winner will be notified by email from TheGayUK by the 27th June 2017.
    7. Winner will have two days to claim their prize. Afterwards a new winner shall be drawn and previous claims will be forfeit.
    8. Winners must be over the age of 18 years.

  • Joe Jonas Bulge is getting people hot AF

    Joe Jonas has uploaded a clip which is getting his fans quite flustered.

    We’re advocating that Joe Jonas’s trouser bulge should get its own hashtag or Twitter account – or bank holiday. Something. The clip shows, Joe and his DNCE bandmates, Jack Lawless and Cole Whittle have a boogie on a tennis court.

    The band have released once album, which reached number 48 in the UK. Their lead single, Cake By The Ocean was very successful in the UK, reaching a peak of number 4 and going Platinum in 2015.

  • Theresa May reassures no erosion of gay rights in return for DUP support

    Theresa May has assured Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, that there will be no erosion of LGBT+ rights in return for DUP support.

    Ruth Davidson, who is planning to marry her partner Jen Wilson, spoke to the Prime Minister about the issue of LGBT+ rights and told the BBC’s Reporting Scotland programme, “I was fairly straightforward with her and I told her that there were a number of things that count to me more than party, One of them is country, one of the others is LGBTI rights.”

    Ms May apparently gave a “categoric assurance” that any deal between the Conservatives and DUP would see “absolutely no rescission of LGBTI rights in the rest of the UK”.

    Ms Davidson also said that Mrs May said she would use her influence to advance gay rights in Northern Ireland.

    Northern Ireland is the last place in the UK to legalise same-sex marriage – with the issue being voted on four times.

    WHO ARE THE DUP?

    The DUP have earned themselves a reputation for being homophobic after voting against same-sex marriage four times.

    Theresa May looks to have negotiated with the DUP, who have 10 seats, in order to take their total number of seats up to 328, a majority of just two seats. However, the coalition will not be welcome news for many in the LGBT+ community has the DUP has run on a platform of conservativism which includes anti-LGBT equality and anti-abortion.

    During their campaigning and the release of their manifesto, the DUP failed to mention any pledges for the LGBT community.

    The party’s founder Ian Paisley spearheaded the Save Ulster from Sodomy in the 1970s, which was opposed to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Northern Ireland, in fact, Northern Ireland was the last country within the UK to decriminalise homosexuality, which it did so in 1982. Paisley’s son, Ian Paisley Jr said that he was “repulsed” by homosexuality.

     

  • Petition urging Theresa May not to form DUP coalition reaches 110,000

    A petition of no confidence in a coalised Government between the Conservatives and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has reached 110,000 in under 24 hours.

    Mrs May’s plans to form a Government with the help of the DUP is facing mounting pressure after a petition of no confidence was signed by 110,000 people in under 24 hours. Another petition has reached 380,000 petitioners.

    However, the DUP is a deeply unpopular party with certain segments of society due to their stances on LGBT+ equality, women’s rights and the environment.

    The Prime Minister was unable to secure a majority Government after the results of her snap election revealed a shortfall and overall lost in seats, winning only 318 seats. Propped by DUP’s 10 seats, Mrs May will have a majority of just two seats. The Conservatives did have a majority of five before the election.

    The petition is hosted on the change.org platform and it remains to be seen whether the cause will be debated in Parliament as per the rules, that any petition that surpasses 100,000 signatures will be considered for debate in Parliament. However, the official UK Government petitioning site is not accepting any new petitions as they are waiting for a new petitions committee.

    WHO ARE THE DUP?

    The DUP have earned themselves a reputation for being homophobic after voting against same-sex marriage four times.

    Theresa May looks to have negotiated with the DUP, who have 10 seats, in order to take their total number of seats up to 328, a majority of just two seats. However, the coalition will not be welcome news for many in the LGBT+ community has the DUP has run on a platform of conservativism which includes anti-LGBT equality and anti-abortion.

    During their campaigning and the release of their manifesto, the DUP failed to mention any pledges for the LGBT community.

    The party’s founder Ian Paisley spearheaded the Save Ulster from Sodomy in the 1970s, which was opposed to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Northern Ireland, in fact, Northern Ireland was the last country within the UK to decriminalise homosexuality, which it did so in 1982. Paisley’s son, Ian Paisley Jr said that he was “repulsed” by homosexuality.