THEGAYUK

Author: Chris Jones

  • OPINION | Picture Perfect, Digital Photography Today

    Having an admitted love affair with the internet – I now have to admit to having a little addiction. Nothing too illegal you understand, it allows me to indulge my passion for bright shiny things, and a little exhibitionism – I love digital photography. When I was at art college, I trained to use a 35mm SLR camera, changing the film, processing it and printing my own photos – totally self sufficient.

    This was the early 80’s, the height of sophistication in cameras back then were Nikon SLR’s. If you wanted music on the move, the only option was a Sony Walkman cassette version – yes, remember them? There were different formats for your film, but all used physical film to produce negatives from which prints were made. Creating the prints was an art in itself – and part of the fun of photography back then. For some it still is, but the norm, for now, is digital

    During the late 90’s, my use of photography dwindled, mainly due to the costs and inconvenience of getting films developed and printed. However, since the introduction of digital photography, my love of photography has re-ignited. I’m impatient and want immediate gratification – and digital photography gives me just that.

    My first digital camera didn’t have a screen on the back, so felt very similar to the old 35mm in that you used a viewfinder to frame your image and crossed your fingers that what you got was good! Fast forward 10 years and we not only have huge screens on the small cameras we have access to, but better cameras on our phones.

    I love my gadgets but at first cameras on phones met with a frosty reception – I want a camera to be a camera and a phone to be a phone. Or at least I did until I started using my phone as a camera. Once you start looking at the apps available, and the ways you can share your photos immediately, it becomes more fun and suddenly you see a point to having a good camera on your phone. Being out for a night and taking photos is great – being able to upload them to Facebook or Twitter as soon as you take them gives it an edge.

    Taking your holiday snaps on a camera, using connectors to download them to your tablet or laptop and adding filters to enhance them makes you feel more in control of the finished image – gives you the chance to alter your work in ways you couldn’t imagine a few years ago.

    Take Instagram – a hybrid of a photo/filter app and a basic social network. This allows you to add various filters, and then not only share on their own network, but add Facebook or Twitter too. I use Instagram a lot and love the variety of filters but also being able to view the work of others on there – professional and amateur alike. There are other, more technical apps like Hipstamatic, which allows you to alter your lens and film type and buy additional packs of lenses, films, gels, etc – but also create albums and make prints from your phone.

    There are purists who would scoff but even they have to admit that cameras on phones have caught up with stand alone digital cameras, to the point that a smartphone can function as a good quality camera, letting you carry just one item that takes snaps, edit them and upload or share them via your favourite sights. I don’t think I could consider a phone now that didn’t include a decent camera, although I do still love my Leica digital camera and my Canon DSLR – my phone does a decent job too! I never leave home without one or the other!

     

    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.

  • FILM REVIEW | Any Day Now

    ★★★★★ | Any Day Now

    So, here’s the thing, I can be an old, hard cynical fart when I want to be – but occasionally, just occasionally along comes something that makes me weep like a baby.

    This film is one of those things.

    What starts out as a simple story of love and acceptance quickly turns into one of bigotry and spite – leading to an unexpected ending. Based on a true story, this is one emotional roller-coaster.

    The storyline is simple, boy meets boy, boy blows boy in front seat of car, Rudy (Alan Cumming) is a low rent drag queen/singer, Paul (Garret Dillahunt) is a closeted lawyer – and these are our two main characters. Set in Los Angeles in 1978, Rudy lives in a flea pit apartment block, and when his drug addicted neighbour is arrested and sent to jail, the twosome take in her teenage son Marco (Isaac Leyva) and become the family unit they all want and need.

    However, this is the late ’70s, and their family soon draw the wrong kind of attention, and then the prejudice kicks in. A biased legal system, people perceptions of gay life and children – a far cry from the current ads being run by several councils offering fostering with images of smiling gay or lesbian couples as images of happy families.

    It highlights a time when it was “in the child’s best interest” to be placed with a convicted drug addict, rather than a loving same sex couple. When a downs syndrome child may be better off incarcerated in an institution rather then even consider that a gay couple could give him the love and caring he needs.

    There are some lovely set pieces in the film, the loving couple Rudy and Paul portray, the stories Marco needs to sleep (always with a happy ending), his love of donuts and Isaac’s acting ability – the heart wrenching scene when he cries himself to sleep as he can’t go home.

    A strong cast and crew make this one of the best films of its kind in a long time with Travis Fine doing a great job as director, writer and producer.

    My advice, buy a big bag of Minstrels and an entire box of Kleenex before hitting play – enjoy the film, and the cry!

    BUY ON AMAZON | BUY ON ITUNES

     

  • ALBUM REVIEW | Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Wanderlust

    ★★★★★ | Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Wanderlust

    You know when you have a favourite artist, someone with a specific, unique sound, a person whose albums you buy, time and again because you love that sound? That pop/dance fusion that has you nodding your head as you listen on your way to work?

    Yeah, that! And then, they go and find a new sound, change things around, shift your expectations slightly left of field…
    That’s the latest self-funded offering from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Wanderlust. It has a folky appeal, an approach that isn’t formulaic, little in the way of dance tracks… and is proving hugely popular with her existing fans, and the legion of fans she won on her recent stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

    She’s credited her trips to the former eastern bloc as her influence on this album, along with working with Ed Harcourt on writing and producing this album – all equates to a lovely shake up. This lady’s not one to rest on her laurels, with a couple of rug rats under her belt (not literally) and an active social media presence, she’s willing to open up and dismiss that long held aloof image.

    Her distinctive voice is here – one of the few english singers who sing with a tangible english ac-cent, rather than the adopted US slant we know and love.

    Track Listing:
    Birth of an empire – towering and epic, its one to tingle your toes!
    Until the stars collide – beautiful instruments and her lilting voice all mixed in harmony
    Runaway Daydreamer – stripped back to basics and sheer perfection
    The Deer & The wolf – toe tapping without being cliched
    Young Blood – slow and sleek, her voice at its best
    Interlude – a showcase for her vocals in a new style
    13 Little Dolls – made me dance round the living room
    Wrong Side of the sun – a clean sound, great lyrics and a wonderful vocal
    Love is a camera – soaring instruments, almost cinematic
    Cry to the beat of the band – that hypnotic beat and the choir, amazing
    When the storm has blown over – again, no gimmicks, no remix, just her amazing voice on show

    All in all, this is a showcase for how her voice has grown over her career, and also a brave choice of work to put out there. Some may say its a vanity project, self-financed because it isn’t immedi-ately commercial, but its seems to be working. Sales have been good, and to be honest, its grown on me – wasn’t too sure on the first listen. This is one of the reasons for the delay in writing this, rather than immediately after the albums release – it is a grower. If I’d written this after one hear-ing, my rating and review would be very different.

    And thats a good thing – sometimes, being too hasty is a bad thing…

  • INTERVIEW | Lisa Stansfield

    INTERVIEW | Lisa Stansfield

    This is the first time I’ve had to interview someone I feel like I grew up with, that I shared some of my most intimate moments with, that made me laugh and cry, made me shake my tushie round the living room – and still wanted to meet up and have a pint with.

    I should point out that when I say sharing the most intimate moments with, we weren’t actually in the same room, town or probably country… but you get my drift, I do mean as a soundtrack.

    The lovely Lisa Stansfield is back. After a brief recording sojourn, she’s here with one hell of an album and is working that whole media circus in her inimitable way. “Seven” (this is her 7th album) is chock full of tracks you feel you know but don’t – her style is here in full force, those vocals, that initial breath before she launches into a track that’ll tear your soul out and stomp all over it, and then make you dance like no-ones watching with the next track.

    I got the chance to chat with Lisa (I still can’t believe it!) and ask the Rochdale chanteuse what she’s been up to and what makes her tick.

    First up, I asked about the influences on this album…

    LS: Same as they always have been really, they are the reasons I got into music, Motown, R&B, Northern Soul.

    So, on this album, any favourite tracks?

    LS: When you make an album, it’s all very personal emotionally. An example is the track Conversation which makes no sense and everyone asks me what it’s about and I can’t tell them – but it makes them cry with its raw emotion.

    It’s been a long time since the last studio album, why the gap and what’s been happening?

    LS: I don’t see it as a gap. I’ve continued working, biding my time. Why bother making music if you have to compromise? These days it feels like if you’re not in the spotlight 24/7 then people forget you. I prefer to make work that’s timeless, doesn’t date, rather than something that’s trendy.

    So how does it feel to be more Radio 2 than Radio 1 these days?

    LS: Things shift and audiences change or grow older. Radio 1 isn’t the same as when I was younger, it seems less mainstream – that’s more Radio 2 these days.

    How do you feel about the current state of the music industry?

    LS: There are 2 sides, manufactured versus integrity. It’s always been like that though. You can feel empowered by taking your time, owning your work, putting your stamp on it rather than being told what to do and with some Svengali in the background.

    Lisa’s personal sense of style has always been a talking point – remember the kiss curl and bakers boy caps back in the day? For Jools Hollands Hootenanny, she showed how to grow up and look classy and still relevant (lisa-stansfield.com/lisa-on-jools-hollands-hootenanny)

    I asked her what input she had on this?

    LS: I’m in control of what I wear, I have to be comfortable with it and not wear something that’s simply given to me. I work with a fabulous stylist called Johnnie Blue Eyes. He understands what I like and I’ll ring him and say “I’m thinking of wearing this with that and those” and he’ll come back with “yeah, but add that too” and it works.

    It’s part of being who I am.

    With it being 25 years since the release of All Around The World, I asked if she still listens to her back catalogue?

    LS: No! Do I f**k! Once you’ve done an album and done the promotion and tour, you tend to move on to create the next. It’s funny but Ian and I (husband and co-writer/producer Ian Devaney) did a Greatest Hits a few years ago, and we had to listen to the back catalogue to choose the material, and when we were done, we looked at each other and said god, we’re good! You forget some of the material you’ve created and hearing it together was unusual.

    Some may be surprised by Lisa’s acting career – having appeared in several films and TV series already, she is set to star in the upcoming title: Northern Soul (imdb.com/title/tt1837613/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1), an uplifting look at the world of all-nighters, flares and American soul music via a town up North. She stars alongside Steve Coogan, Ricky Tomlinson and John Thomson.

    LS: Love acting, it’s looking at a character, getting inside them, finding their identity. I’m very excited about this film.

    I asked if she had plans to do more?

    LS: I’d love to, and might once my schedule calms down.

    As the clock was ticking, I asked Lisa why she thought she was so popular with a gay audience? Was it her torch song prowess? Her ability to convey emotions so strong in her music? With typical Northern bluntness:

    LS: Honestly, I don’t know but I think it’s because I don’t take shit from people and I stick up for my friends.

    You have to love this woman, she tells it like it is!Feeling daring, I asked if she had an inner Diva she hid from the public? Was she the kind that demanded only yellow M&M’s in her dressing room?

    LS: I think everyone has an inner Diva but to be truthful I’m an inanimate object first thing in the morning, I’m just human! I tend to live with whatever’s given on tour, no major demands – except for monkey balls!

    Forgive me here dear reader, I had to ask….

    LS: It’s a Chinese herbal medicine for your throat. I had a sore throat one morning and couldn’t see me going on that night, and was given one of these and it worked. Now I take them with me on tour. It’s this tiny herb that you put in water and it swells up to the size of, well, a monkey’s ball but it soothes your throat!

     

    And on that note, I’ll leave you to purchase a copy of the wonderful new album, “Seven”.

     

    Me? I’ll be off down the pub with the lovely Lisa to bitch and gossip the night away… ∎

     

     

     

  • INTERVIEW | Christopher Camplin

    If, like me, you’re a fan of social media, tumblr and Pinterest, Christopher Camplin will be no stranger to you – even if you only recognise the beard! Or, you may have seen or heard him play at one of the many nights he DJ’s and promotes. Either way, he embodies a new generation – a portfolio career generation who now survive by doing a multitude of things, making sure they earn good income but doing what makes them happy.

    I got the chance recently to chat with Chris and discuss the variety of sides to his work life, and his beard:

    So, how would you describe yourself in terms what you do?
    Model, DJ, Web Developer / Designer & Club promoter! An unusual mix I know

    As someone I see as having a true portfolio career that spans several areas, which is your favourite?
    It’s difficult to say which is my favourite as all have their pros & cons, like any job. Web development is really steady and there’s a lot of work out there, I recently went freelance & fortunately get calls from recruiters all the time. On the other hand it’s pretty antisocial and requires hours in front of a computer. Modelling has been great fun for me and I’ve been lucky enough to shoot with some lovely people in interesting situations & locations even travelling around Europe, working with Huskies & some people who became great friends. If I had to choose I would probably say DJing is my favourite, that moment when the crowd really gets into what you’re playing & the whole dance-floor is moving, there’s nothing quite like the feeling it gives you. I had almost stopped regular clubbing when I was asked to come & play little gay brother & it’s brought me back onto the scene and I am really glad about this. Terry (Vietheer) & I recently played in Berlin & the people there were going crazy, it was so cool to play to such a responsive crowd.

    You’re very tech orientated in your main job role – how did you get into this and how does it feed into your other interests?
    I got into the web development by accident really, I chose a university degree that was 50% analytical work and 50% vocational which allowed me to try video editing, sound editing as well as Flash and conventional Web development. From there I started making websites for people to earn a bit of extra money on the side and when I graduated I continued doing that whilst working At the Eagle, The Hoist & Comptons – after this I found a job working on Apple’s European websites. That was a lucky break as I got to go & work in California 4/5 times a year as well as learn a great deal from top developers.
    All this has come in very useful recently as I now make all the flyers & do any web work for our parties & as a full time career choice it seems to have been recession proof.\\

    As one-half of Camplin & Vietheer, what are your influences when it comes to your DJ sets?
    I would say I have been influenced by a wide range of sources. I’ve been on the London club scene since I was about 15 & 13 years of clubbing means I can draw from a wide range of DJs & unique experiences I’ve had over the years. I started going to places like Trade, Crash, Nag Nag Nag & The Cock, when I was probably far too young to be going to those places! I even used to hand out flyers for Trade & Salvation back then. The weekend would start at Atelier @ The End, then via Fiction @ The Cross, Crash, Trade & DTPM and usually end at Orange Monday morning at what was then the Viaduct! A really bizarre place that eventually became what is now Fire. I also was lucky enough to go to Circoloco @ DC10 in Ibiza during it’s early years and even Berghain in Berlin, I also went to the first Horse Meat Disco party in Soho & eventually spent some time working behind the bar at the Eagle which opened my eyes to Disco, something I had never really appreciated before but that I have grown to love. I’m also a big fan of the Blues, Soul, Motown, rock and a whole host of other genres which combined with the influences of these parties over the years, and a youthful love for UK garage and even Drum & Bass before I came out have given me a wide knowledge of music that I try to draw on when selecting tracks for a mix.

    How easy is it to collaborate on something most of us see as personal taste? Any arguments or is it match made in Heaven? Do you DJ alone?
    I think Terry & i compliment each other really well, he brings a different set of influences to our mixes & we often keep each other on our toes but also play records that the other would have probably played anyway. We have our differences like any relationship but no real arguments as yet! Of course a bit of discussion often goes into recording a mix.

    Describe your sound? Do you have a recognisable sound?
    I would foremost describe my ‘sound’ as HOUSE but that can incorporate Detroit, Chicago, New York, Garage, Deep, Tech, Techno, Disco, Funk, Soul & more… I like to find that balance between self indulgence & reading the crowd… I was until recently purely a digital DJ, using my Laptop & Traktor. Recently I managed to get hold of a pair of Technics 1210s & have started collecting vinyl & learning to beat match, which has been a tough learning curve but i think it’s essential for someone taking DJing seriously.

    Obviously, you’re on Soundcloud – how do you use media like this?
    Soundcloud is a great tool that I use to both share and discover music, it’s become the standard for a lot of DJs to post mixes & samples of their new tracks. There are pros & cons like with many new music technologies but being exposed to and able to share even more music has been great

    Where can people hear you play? What nights do you do and where?
    The next Little Gay Brother is going to be on 15 March @ Dalston Superstore and is called Chip Butty ( I’m making the flyer tonight) Terry & I have so far played Jodie Harsh’s Room Service In Soho, Lee Dyers’ Dirty Diana, and gigs in Berlin & will be playing Beyond @ Area in the near future + Dalston Superstore’s 5th Birthday in the coming weeks.

    I play at myself & Clayton Wright’s party Little Gay Brother which has a residency @ Dalston Superstore as well as touring several festivals over the summer. I can’t say which festivals we’ll be at as nothing is 100% confirmed but the summer is shaping up to be a lot of fun! I Over the coming weeks you can hear me play @ TheMenWhoFellToEarth, Meat & the next Little Gay Brother party @ Dalston Superstore on the 15th March. I also have a weekly residency at Gym Box, Bank on Wednesdays.

    You are also have a major presence on other social media sites, like Facebook and Twitter. Are these for business or pleasure or are the two interchangeable?
    Facebook & Twitter were initially for pleasure but I suppose they have increased publicity for me and as a DJ / Model I suppose it becomes business as well as pleasure. I try & keep things like that to a minimum because i worry that I can have too much exposure if I’m not careful. I bet my friends & family must be sick of the site of all those pictures that have been so popular. A lot of the time other users post & tag me rather than me promoting my own stuff.

    Moving into your modelling, how did you start in this area?
    My first foray into modelling happened about 7 years ago… I was Beyond when it used to be @ Club Colluseum in Vauxhall & i met twins Jodie & Bayo who run The Eye Casting. They were looking for a guy from the street to be in a nude shoot for GQ Style & Tom Ford, quite a major name to work for a first time! I never imagined anything more would come of it but after that but I was approached by stylist Toby Grimditch who has become a close friend of mine. He also was looking for guy from the street , this time one who could walk for J.W Anderson’s MAN show @ London Fashion week. Toby also introduced me to other people in the fashion world & gradually i was getting calls from various people. A few years ago I signed up with Models 1 in Covent Garden & more recently have moved to Established – an agency started by some of people originally behind Models 1. This year i have already done a shoot for Hero magazine &VisitBritain & have had a few interesting castings i can’t mention now…
    http://www.establishedmodels.com/model/christopher-camplin/

    You’ve done catwalk and studio – so which do you prefer and why?
    I really prefer studio as it’s a much more relaxed atmosphere & you have more chances to get the shot right!

    What “names” have you worked for?
    I’ve worked for Tom Ford, GQ, ID, Vidal Sassoon, Walter Van Beirendonck, Simon Foxton, Hero magazine, Nick Knight to name a few…

    Your “Google” image search has such a range – from the fully clothed and quite straight forward to the full frontal – any preference?
    I’m more happy doing fully clothed shoots really…but, if it’s tasteful enough I’d consider doing nude again.

    Do you find it easy doing nude work? You do seem at ease in your underwear – is this true?
    I have no real problem doing nude work although i would never do porn…I wouldn’t call myself a conventional underwear model but I’m pretty comfortable in my underwear yes…

    You are known for your look, which obviously includes the beard – yet you shaved it off for a Fantastic Man feature. How did that feel? And how long did it take to grow it back?
    When i first shaved it off I hated it, it didn’t feel right… I started growing the beard as soon as i was able, about 17, so 10 years without shaving i barely recognised myself when it came off. it took a good few weeks before I really felt comfortable with my own face! it’s crazy really… I even received messages from admirers saying ‘please don’t shave again!’

    Any beard maintenance advice for our readers?
    I am actually pretty lazy with mine, i’ve only really had it trimmed professionally when doing shoots… I do shampoo it in the shower and use a bit of hair wax if it’s looking a bit wild in the morning.

    You’re an avid surfer, so whats the appeal for you? What do you get from it?
    Surfing is an addiction, albeit a healthy one. Once you catch & ride an unbroken wave you have to keep chasing that feeling…I started a group on Facebook ‘London Gay Surfers’ & have met some really nice guys through it. We have already been on some trips down to the West Coast of England last year, one to Lanzarote & i just came back from Fuerte Ventura… We’re planning several more trips over the summer as the water gets warmer.

    So what’s next for you?
    It’s shaping up to be a great year. I’m currently working full time on a contract at MyOptique group beautifying their website a little… A number of photographers in LA have requested to shoot me so I’m planning to combine a California coast Surf trip, with getting those done. Several UK festivals & Bi-monthly Little Gay Brother parties… Another Berlin tour is on the cards for Camplin & Vietheer along with a number of UK dates… I’ve also been casting & have some interesting shoots planned. All in all it should be a good year.

    If you want to know/hear/see more, simply follow any of these lovely links:

    http://christophercamplin.com/
    http://christophercamplin.com/development
    https://soundcloud.com/christopher-camplin

    https://www.facebook.com/christopher.camplin
    http://www.establishedmodels.com/model/christopher-camplin/

  • TECH REVIEW | Dell Venue 8 Pro

    I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I’m out and proud…. about my love of Apple and its products.

    I tend not to consider other brands initially, going straight for an Apple version of whatever I want, tablet, phone, laptop, desktop, even TV streaming, however, this job gives me a chance to try other products and be honest about their performance, their design and comparisons to Apple.

    When the Dell Venue 8 Pro arrived, I was a little anxious. I have used Dell laptops in various job roles and found them okay to use, nothing special in terms of design but reliable. So what would their foray into tablets be like?

    On opening the box, I have to admit, Apple’s influence is apparent. The packaging is simple and clean, instructions at a minimum but adequate and the product well protected – and on unwrapping, one hell of a beauty.

    This 8inch tablet bridges that gap between a Smartphone and the usual tablets, such as iPads. It fits in your hand; it has a rubberised backing, which helps if you’re a little clumsy (guilty as charged). Again, like Apple, they have kept buttons and all extraneous details to a minimum and on the sides. This little beauty doesn’t have a centre button like iPad, but once you get used to that, it actually makes more sense to shift it to the side. It allows a decent HD screen size – perfect for watching Netflix on the go, reading emails without squinting (or is that just me?) and surfing the net – at the same time, it makes for a powerful, beautiful item to pop into your bag or pocket to keep you connected to your social networks and entertainment.

    My only issue is around the OS, which is Microsoft based. Although most of us use MS software at some point, usually at work or college, the transition to tablet isn’t always smooth. It takes a while to get used to the swipe left, right, up or down and what each gesture does and where it takes you. The app store is good, and covers all the basics. For me, it made sense to think about what you want to use this for and keep the apps to a minimum. This tablet only has 2GB RAM built in, but you can expand it with an SD card.

    It has 2 cameras built in – and it takes a hell of an image with its 5M pixels – and is light enough to actually be a decent camera alternative. Unlike those who try use their full size iPads as cameras and look like they are about to break their neck! Front and back cameras also make it ideal for Skyping on the go.

    Bluetooth helps you link to external speakers, keyboards and desktops making it flexible and adaptable.

    In terms of improving this well thought out piece of kit, I could only ask for another micro USB port. Some people may want to use this instead of a PC, and the more ports the better – it really is that good. I’m not a huge fan of Microsoft OS, but it works, it does its job and once you get used to it, its easy enough to use – but it’s no iOS. It’s not as intuitive as Apple’s product, but it’s a damn fine piece of kit.

    Price: £239.99 inc VAT from
    http://www.ebuyer.com/611945-dell-venue-8-pro-tablet-pc-5830-0339

    Overall, I love this item – its lightweight, it feels comfortable to hold, it’s quick and responsive, it works well and its a good price. My perspective would be that its a serious contender to an iPad Mini, with a much lower price tag.

  • OPINION | James Wharton’s View; Shut Gay Saunas

    So, James Wharton, an openly gay soldier, would like all gay saunas shut down so that we no longer “feed the haters”?

    Hmmmm……I wonder if he’s right? My gut tells me that shutting private premises where what happens happens behind closed doors isn’t going to stop bigots from abusing other humans, verbally or physically. If someone fundamentally doesn’t like who or what you are, will closing down a business premises actually make them think “hang about, I got you gays all wrong, come here and lets cuddle”? Cant see it myself

    James claims to be “no prude” yet says that having multiple partners, in a consensual setting disgust him. The thought that saunas exists for gay men to meet and participate in whatever they want rather revolts him. Is that because he isn’t invited? Sorry, that was a flippant comment – but why does he feel he needs to comment?

    Now, lets look at the flip side: we have massage parlours where straight men attend, usually for more than a massage – we all need happy ending at times! We have straight saunas that offer the same facilities as gay saunas and I don’t see anyone asking for them to shut down so that the LGBT community wont hate them, but wait, we don’t tend to abuse people for their sexuality and tend to be slightly more relaxed in our attitude towards sex and sexuality.

    I find the thought that someone feels they can judge in this manner, and for it to be one of our “own” community, revolting and abhorrent. If someone feels the need to go to a sauna, who am I to condemn them? It doesn’t affect me in the slightest, it doesn’t impact me or mine so why would I call for them to close?

    Surely they serve a purpose, or they wouldn’t exist? For a start, they provide employment, they also provide an outlet for some in our community who feel the need to go here rather than on the scene to meet partners. Again, who are we to judge where people go to meet others? They aren’t illegal!

    James comments that surely the reason for their existence are long gone. But have they? We still have closeted people, either not ready or unwilling to come out, so somewhere they feel able to do whatever they want anonymously can’t be bad – can it? Does James live in a rose-tinted world where there are no closets and everyone can be what or who they want?

    My issue is once again, the slow eating away at, for want of a better term, our freedom, our liberties, our rights to make our own choices and pick up shags where we want!

    Even health and gay rights campaigners comment that closing them down would have no effect on homophobia. Surely, taking it one step further, if they closed saunas, more clandestine opportunities may be sought out, leading to more attacks and risks taken? Is that a good thing?

    I do understand that they can be dangerous and risky places too – the recent death in a Manchester sauna highlighted the issues around drugs and sex. However, the issue should have been more around the drugs taken, not the venue it was done in? Yet, the sauna owners and staff were heavily criticised for the event.

    As we watch in amazement at the draconian measures being implemented around the world, we should protect what we have and push for more! Hands off our saunas!

     

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

  • A Re-Think Of HIV And Its Treatment

    A radical re-think is underway in the area of HIV, its prevention and its treatment.

    While we are seeing what feels like an ever increasing reduction in support for LGBT across the world, and something of a religious backlash underway in so-called civilised societies, we are also seeing breakthroughs in treatments and therapies for HIV, provided the people who need it are given access to the treatments.

    A consortium of groups including the European Aids Treatment Group (EATG), Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) and the National Aids Manual (NAMS) issued a joint statement on 27/12/2014 to encourage, almost demand the basic human rights of individuals to choose their treatment – especially in terms of preventative treatments.

    Their statement calls for the choice to start treatment belonging to the individual concerned, and not the state, doctor or charity. This is so that treatment is seen as a benefit to the individual, and not to aid anyone else or further their agenda. HIV treatment has been proven to increase life expectancy and should be available to anyone who wants or needs it, without social stigma or fear of legal reprisals.

    The above is true in certain regimes – Greece in 2012 introduced mandatory testing for some women, in 2013 it was re-introduced and gave the police the right to stop anyone they suspect of being HIV+ and forcibly testing them. Botswana is another country currently considering mandatory testing. Add these to the recent legislative changes in Russia and these measures can only serve to drive HIV underground and prevent those who need treatment from obtaining it.

    Repressive regimes have shown time and time again that their stance against LGBT is linked to HIV, and as a result the most vulnerable in their societies are denied basic healthcare and endanger the global fight against HIV and its spread. Some of the worst regimes (Russia/Ukraine) have some of the lowest proportion of people on treatment, but the highest mortality rates.

    Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has been shown to decrease the chances of passing the disease by 96%, as one of the biggest issues facing someone HIV+ is the risk of passing the disease to someone else. ART has been proven to effectively render the patient non-infectious. This doesn’t negate the need for standard prevention (condoms, etc) but goes a long way towards that day.

    The recent statement release by this consortium is simply that – a statement that shows the common sense approach on offer there – but one that is constantly under threat from narrow minded legislation that will, inevitably, do more damage than good.

    As the statement says, ART itself will not end the epidemic, but it is an essential component. I am no expert in this field, and more than willing to listen to anyone who is – I grew up alongside this disease, have lost friends and lovers to it and the prospect of it getting hold of newer generations when we have, within our grasp, the tools to help eradicate it, is nonsensical and abhorrent.

    Go over to the site and add your voice. If you have questions, ask them, get this topic back on the agenda and up for discussion, alongside the erosion of LGBT rights worldwide. But don’t forget, HIV is a virus that hits people, not sexualities!

    You can see and sign the statement at:

    www.HIVt4p.org

  • OPINION | Arizona – The Pink Dollar Wins?

    I’ve watched in total bewilderment as the recent situation in Arizona unfolded. In the past few weeks, we’ve some draconian measures come into force in terms of gay rights and archaic laws adopted in countries around the world but also some breaking down of barriers as gay marriage is accepted in others.

    We seem to win some ground in some parts of the world, and lose it in others – but the recent registration in Arizona beggars belief.
    Let me give you a layman’s view of this legislation:

    Senate bill 1062 was passed by the Republican controlled Arizona legislature last week and would have given Arizona business owners with “sincerely held” religious beliefs the legal right to refuse service to anyone if it would conflict with those beliefs.

    Thats it in a nutshell – it gives a business downer carte blanche to refuse service to anyone the owner believes to contravene their ‘sincere’ religious views. The widely held view is that this is aimed at gays and lesbians and the whole marriage question. Cake shops can refuse to deal with the LGBT community on religious grounds, not personal feelings – but who can differentiate between the two? And how do you prove this?

    This comes hot on the heels of several high profile law suits in America when services were refused to LGBT couples wishing to purchase goods or services, based mainly on the business owners religious beliefs.

    With the new and growing area of LGBT marriage, some businesses are embracing it, as it is a money-spinner in these tough economic times – others seem happy to turn away the business.

    Now, once this bill had been passed, and highly advertised through social media with everyone and his tanning salon having an opinion (and quite rightly), we then come to the next amazing turn of events. I swear to god (pun intended) if this turns out to be an ad campaign for Arizona Tourism, it should win awards.

    My favourite piece on Facebook this week about this actually quotes one Arizonan as saying that they hadn’t realised that “gays spent money” and the whole issue of it being bad for business hadn’t occurred to them. They actually went on to blame the “gays” for this as we (the gays) should have brought it to their attention before they agreed the legislation!

    In what must be a most embarrassing turn of events, the governor for Arizona, a seemingly sensible woman named Jan Brewer has vetoed this bill. The state senators even came out (pardon the pun) against it, stating it would be catastrophic for the state in terms of business, commerce and tourism.

    Even big business came out (yes, I did do it again!) against it, with Apple, American Airlines and Marriott trying to tell the state what a mistake it was making! The NFL was said to be investigating shifting the agreed Superbowl away from the state as it feared a backlash.

    Even Obama’s regime waded in, stating it trusted in the integrity of the state governor – but also doubted the ability of the bill to hold up in the supreme court!

    On behalf of my fellow gays, I apologise for not making the entire state of Arizona aware that we have money and like to spend it. Please be aware that our pink pounds, dollars, euros do actually get used to buy products and services – but not in places that feel they have the right to judge us for what we are. We vote with our very well shod feet honey and go where we are welcomed!

    I feel 2014 is going to be an interested and challenging year for human rights everywhere – watch this space!

     

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

  • OPINION | Sochi Sucks

    So, there I am, minding my own business when BAM – suddenly being gay in Russia is seen as a crime and beating people much like myself seems to be turning into a national sport!

    To top this off, the eyes of the world are on Sochi from today – with the opening of the Winter Olympics, and the patronage of dozens of sponsors and the IOC. Seemingly, despite calls for the games to be moved, they are staying put with the clarion call of “keep politics out of sport”.

    However, there are mixed signals here – is ensuring that people have basic human rights across the globe really politics? When there were issues over South Africa and apartheid, it actually felt wrong to buy something flown in from there when we were urged to hit them where it hurt – in the economic pocket.

    So what’s the issue here? My social media timelines are full of conflicting messages.

    1: Boycott the games totally as a show of support for gay people over there, show Russia that the world wont stand for this by NOT participating in the myth that everything is lovely and there aren’t cases of state sanctioned beatings and murders which are available to view as shared videos fly around various sites.

    2: Watch the games as a way of showing Russia that the world really is watching and watching carefully. Every loo seat that is put on the wrong way round in a journalists hotel, every reported case of “canine cleansing” where companies are recruited to clear the streets of stray dogs days ahead of the opening ceremony, every report of $30 Billion of a reported $50 billion budget going missing…

    What’s the answer? Is there one? Is it a case of make your own mind up? Make an informed decision? If this interests you, and we have to accept it won’t interest everyone, then read what you can and decide for yourself.

    Me? I hate sport – dull as dishwater, so I wouldn’t be watching anyway – but I am boycotting some of the sponsors.
    Why I hear you cry? It’s simple really – it’s my own little response, my own little act of defiance. I’m just me, one teeny tiny individual in the world – but I hate bullies and having seen some of the footage around, that’s what this feels like it comes down to – sanctioned bullying. I had enough of that at school and I’ll be damned if I’ll stand by and watch it happen elsewhere IF I feel I can do something about it.

    So, a certain well known brand of soft drink is off the menu for good – my teeth and general health will no doubt thank me too! It won’t change the world, it won’t stop the bullying and assaults happening worldwide, but it makes me feel like I’m doing something. They may think they can placate us as a group by adding a lovely image of gay marriage to their recent ad – but compare that with being beaten and humiliated for what you are and it just doesn’t cut it.

    So, do what your heart tells you is right – watch or don’t watch, support the sponsors or don’t. Remember, we have the freedom to decide to do this, some don’t have that luxury.

     

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

  • BOOK REVIEW | How Are You Going To Get Out Of That One, Alan Ambrose, by David Moreton

    Ever seen a book review in 10 words or less? No? See Below?

    Like Carry On? Like farce? Love this!

    There! Never let it be said I didn’t rise to a challenge. But, to flesh it out a little (oooh, errr, Missus), this rib achingly funny book from David Moreton is like a gay romp through all those bawdy British comedies I grew up on. Saucy comments via Carry On – check. Rude jokes via On The Buses – check. Double entendres via Nearest & Dearest – check.

    Right up my street if you’ll forgive me! This book is a gem of a read, taking the reader on a journey as we follow our hero, Alan, through his growing pains, coming out, staying in, cottaging, trading favours for gifts, you name it – it reads like the kind of book Rupert Everett would like to write, but doesn’t.

    David has a talent for writing farce, creating situations that at once make you laugh out loud (not great on a Manchester bus at night) and also inwardly cringe (hoping to god it never happens to you). He describes sex in all its seedy reality, warts an all – as it were. These scenes are all too graphic and farcical, but feel as if they are based on real situations…..cottaging, not as its shown in glossy porn clips, but in all its piss stenched reality, gritty and dirty…..but always with a glint in the eye and a smirk on the chops!

    We read of Alan’s adventures as he moves from man to man, sometimes voluntarily, sometimes shoved/pushed/dumped, from continent to continent, villa to bedsit, Hollywood to Hove. And I feel better for it! We read as he gets involved in scrapes, schemes and porn…..

    At over 3,000 pages, this isn’t a light read – and I thank god its on e-reader, cant imagine the weight of it as a physical book but would imagine it’d give you a pretty good workout carrying it around!!

    You end up feeling like Alan is someone you want to know, want in your life, want to go get a drink with, never want to meet at a urinal, and always check your wallet is still there before he leaves…..fun, frank and farcical…..

    If you are looking for that book to read whilst warming your toes during the long winter nights….do yourself a favour. Ignore those sour-puss, just-sucked-a-lemon, up-yer-bum serious novels that always populate the “high brow” review pages and get this one. It’ll tickle your funny bone, it’ll make you smile, it’ll make you think, it’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on for under a fiver!

    Get your copy here