THEGAYUK

Author: Jake Hook

  • Brands are under pressure to drop Mail Online advertising after shocking Richard Littlejohn column

    Some of the UK’s biggest brands are under pressure to stop advertising in the Daily Mail and Mail Online after one of its columnists wrote a scathing piece about Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black’s baby announcement.

    “Pass the sick bag…”

    Richard Littlejohn has written a column entitled, ‘Please don’t pretend two dads is the new normal’ in which he blasts the parents to be Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black for announcing that they are expectant fathers.

    In the column, Littlejohn firstly questions who the mother is. Then goes on to ask, what role of the mother will play in their child’s life and who the sperm donor is.

    ALSO READ: OPINION | The “mother” of all questions, who is Tom Daley’s surrogate mother?

    Littlejohn then goes on to slam a transgender woman for becoming the first trans woman in the world to be able to breastfeed a child, born to her partner, who did not wish to breastfeed the child.

    He misgenders the woman numerous times and describes the move as a selfish demand of “adults being given priority over the best interests of the unborn child”.

    He writes,

    “For a start, this person is described as a woman, but has had no surgery to transition from a man. Sorry, but I’m with Germaine Greer — someone in possession of a full set of wedding tackle is a man, not a woman.

    Secondly, if this is his/her baby, did he/she fertilise the egg in the traditional fashion? On third thoughts, let’s not go there”.

    Brands questioned

    Brands such as Jet2, Calvin Klein, Quorn and Natwest have all had their brands advertised next to or under the content on the web version of the newspaper.

    The Daily Mail was urged to fire Richard Littlejohn by over 200,000 people in 2013 after a piece he wrote “monstered” transgender school teacher, Lucy Meadows, who sadly committed suicide shortly after her transition.

    StopFundingHate a UK pressure group whose campaign focuses on changing the media via its advertisers have called upon Quorn, Natwest, Visa and VisitNorway to answer on whether they were happy that their brands were effectively funding the content on the MailOnline.

    The ads placed on the column are provided by a system called InRead, by Teads, an inventor of native video advertising.

    UPDATE: Both Center Parcs and Southbank have pulled their advertising spend for the Daily Mail.

    THEGAYUK.com has reached out to Quorn, Natwest, Visa, Jet2 for comment.

  • OPINION | The “mother” of all questions, who is Tom Daley’s baby’s surrogate mother?

    It’s none of your god-damn business.

    On Valentine’s Day, Tom Daley and husband, Dustin Lance Black announced to the world that they were expecting a baby. The announcement from Dustin (on Instagram – how modern) simply said, “happy valentines, from ours to yours” and included an ultrasound picture of their child.

    It wasn’t long before questions about the child’s mother were being raised, both on social and mainstream media. LBC Radio Tweeted a question on whether it was sinister, while one of its presenters Shelagh Fogarty wrote, “No mention of the womb and the woman or women making this possible. Nice.”

    LBC ended up apologising for the tone of its question and deleting the Tweet.

    Katie Hopkins suggested that the baby was “bought” to fix their marriage…

    Even Richard Littlejohn, Daily Mail columnist whined, “We are not told her identity, where she lives, or even when the baby is due. She is merely the anonymous incubator.

    What an incredibly creepy line of questioning Rich.

    You know what Shelagh, Richard, Katie et al., it’s none of your business who the mother is or indeed whose sperm is used. And you know, it’s not that confusing. There are millions of children in the world without a mother, a father or either, but are raised in a variety of ways. As long as there is love, food, protection, warmth and education children will survive and grow up to be productive members of society.

    Don’t let facts get in the way…

    The simple truth is that we don’t know the facts. You don’t even know the first thing about their relationship. Only what they choose to share.

    Let’s pause for a moment and think about the invasive questions or assumptions being made, especially because these two parents happen to be male. With an opposite-sex couple would you ever dream of asking the parents to be, the intimate conception details – like: Did you use a sperm donor? Did you use IVF? How long did you try?

    Those questions are answers to be offered at the parents’ own will, not questions you have the right to ask.

    You have to ask yourself why on earth do you want to know. How is it going to affect your life? I’d wager… not a dot.

    For all we know, the mother didn’t want to be acknowledged. Maybe she wanted anonymity.

    For all we know, Tom and Dustin aren’t using a surrogate. It could be that they adopted an yet unborn child.

    Stop making your assumptions and just get on with your life.

    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.

  • Catholic group criticises Tom Daley for baby news

    “Tom Daley’s baby will be deliberately deprived of a mother”

    Without knowing any of the facts surrounding the birth of a baby for Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black, a spokesperson for the  Catholic pressure group, Catholic Voices has described the decision for Tom and Dustin to have a child is depriving the baby of a mother and its loss of identity.

    Neither Tom or Dustin have announced whether a mother will be involved in the upbringing of their child, nor have they released any details on whether they are using a surrogate mother.

    It’s also not known whether the mother involved has asked for anonymity.

    On Valentine’s Day, both Tom and Dustin released a picture of an ultrasound, featuring a baby. The news was met with both praise and horrendous homophobia.

    Elizabeth Howard from Catholic Voices told news outlet, Christian Today, “A baby is always a blessing and someone of inestimable value.

    “However, Tom Daley’s baby will be deliberately deprived of a mother, and no matter how much Tom Daley and his partner love the baby, it will not make up for the enormous loss inflicted on him or her.”

    Ms Howard describes herself as a “donor-conceived person” and said that growing up without her genetic parent meant she felt a “huge loss of identity” and had a sense of “not belonging”.

    Catholic Voices describes itself as a project to “improve the Church’s representation in the media”.

    Why are the Christians so obsessed with Tom Daley?

    This isn’t the first time a Christian based group has criticised Tom Daley.  In 2016 an article claimed that Tom was “seduced into sodomy” after the tragic death of his father.

    The article by Stephen Green argued, that a “degree in psychology” wasn’t needed to work out why Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black were in a relationship together.

    Stephen Green wrote, “Tom Daley, he was seduced into sodomy by an older man, not very long after the untimely death of his beloved father.  You don’t need a degree in psychology to work out what’s going on there.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Perez Hilton can’t get a boyfriend, “I’m disappointed”

    It’s nearly Valentine’s, but he can’t find a boyfriend.

    It seems that even Perez Hilton can’t catch a break in the dating world. Despite changing up his online profile and uploading new pictures, the internet’s “queen of gossip” just can’t find any boyfriend material.

    The father of three, looked healthy and relaxed as he updated his fans in a video blog, but said he was left feeling “disappointed” that he couldn’t get traction with any guys from his online dating efforts. Since moving out of New York, Perez revealed that there just weren’t many guys using the website that he currently uses for his hook-ups… yes, we said website.

    According to the vlog Perez published, he refuses to use phone-based apps – and only uses website dating. Considering the world is on Tinder or Grindr perhaps he needs to change tactics!

    But he’s not just leaving his dating fate to the online world – he was even cruising guys at a recent GLAAD event, which he said was an excellent opportunity to meet men. Despite lots of “eligible bachelors” at the event, he didn’t manage to hook up with anyone!

    Supposedly, Perez has always imagined that he wouldn’t meet somebody until he was in his 40s, well he doesn’t have too much time left, as he turns 40 next month.

    Getting serious for a moment, Perez said, “I don’t see it, I don’t see it happening. But maybe… Maybe I’ll date a YouTuber! Who knows. Although most YouTubers are not nearly 40-year-olds like me”.

    Well, there’s no rush – Mr Right is out there.

  • If you don’t think your dating “preferences” are racist, here’s a helpful explainer video for you

    You might not consider yourself racist, but if you’ve ever uttered something along lines “I’m just not into black guys” you might be suffering some structural racism.

    Just because we are a marginalised demographic, doesn’t mean we don’t also further marginalise other people within our own community.

    Let us explain… or in fact let Dylan Marron explain something to you.

    In a video posted on the MTV Decoded Facebook page, Marron spells out that perhaps your “preference” of not wanting to go out with an Asian/Black/Mixed race guy could be a product of structural racism – because, in the Western world, we’ve all been brought up to believe that white/blonde/blue-eyed/twink/hairless (etc etc etc) is the beauty standard.

    He explains,

    “We actually learn how to define what is attractive from those around us. And because we’re raised within a framework of Western beauty standards, society often characterises non-white features as ‘different’ or ‘unattractive.’”

    And if you’re wondering if why this happens, he explains,

    “This is where structural racism comes into play. Because preferences are actually shaped by learned values. When you’re judging a person based solely on their racial background, you’re acting on generalisations you’ve learned to associate with that person’s appearance or heritage. You can’t say it’s their personality because you shut them down before you even got to know them.”

    WATCH BELOW

     

     

  • 10 things you probably didn’t know that happens if you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer

    In our latest podcast, prostate cancer survivor and information campaigner, Martin Wells revealed what happens after you are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

    1) You might not even have any symptoms.

    In our interview with him, Martin told us that he didn’t have any symptoms before he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He actually went to his GP for a totally unrelated matter. His doctor decided to check out his prostate. Two days later Martin was called by his surgery to come in to discuss the results, which is where found out that he had prostate cancer.

    2) You don’t have to be a cis-gender man to get prostate cancer.

    Transgender Flag

    Anyone who still has their prostate gland can get prostate cancer. Trans women can be diagnosed with this type of disease. It is completely nondiscriminatory in who it affects, gay, straight, bisexual or transgender.

    3) One in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

    There are 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Most people who are diagnosed are over the age of 50 – but more and more men younger than this are being diagnosed each year.

    4) Black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed. 

    One in 4 men with African-Caribbean or African descent will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is not known why prostate cancer affects this demographic of people more.

    5) Depending on your treatment, you could lose your ability to get self-maintained erections, but you can still have sex.

    What happens when you get prostate cancer

    Martin told us, that even though he couldn’t have sex in the same way as he had before his treatment, he learned a brand new way of being intimate with his partner. He now enjoys a more tantric approach to sex.

    6) Sex can last up to three hours.

    No more WHAM BANG THANK YOU MAN. Martin says he found that he could still have a sex life, but now lasts much longer.

    7) Depending on your treatment, you might not be able to ejaculate…

    but you can still cum. No mess… no fuss.

    8) As good as the NHS is dealing with cancer patients, it’s not perfect –

    Will the NHS help me if I get prostate cancer

    You could be misgendered if you’re transgender and those who are treating you might assume that you have a wife if you’re gay. However, once told that you’re not married or heterosexual, healthcare professionals are pretty good at making sure they don’t say it again.

    9) There’s no one to talk about the sexual repercussions of prostate cancer treatment.

    Martin found that there was no one able (or willing) to talk about getting erections or how he could have sex again after the removal of his prostate. That’s one of the reasons why he started his support group, Out With Prostate Cancer.

    10) The Prostate is a satsuma sized gland, located between the penis and bladder.

    Its function is to help in the production of semen. It produces the white fluid which is mixed with sperm created in the testicles.

    Listen to our chat with Martin Well on iTunes.

  • Tory MP slammed for ‘transphobic’ message about trans women’s genitalia

    “Somebody possessing a penis & pair of testicles is definitely not a woman”

    David Davies, the MP for Monmouth has been slammed by trans advocates and his party’s own LGBT+ group for being a transphobe after he Tweeted a shocking message, which suggested that trans women who still have a penis and testicles are not women.

    Taking to Twitter he wrote,

    “Somebody possessing a penis & pair of testicles is definitely not a woman. This should be a biological fact not a matter for political debate. At least we can agree on something.”

    It wasn’t long before the party’s own LGBT+ group, LGBT+ Conservatives, commented, “David TC Davies’ transphobic views are abhorrent and out of kilter with Conservative Party policy.

    “It’s clear that the T in his name stands for transphobe. It’s equally clear what the C stands for.”

    The MP hit out at the group calling them a “disgrace” questioning whether the group was fit to stand for equality saying, “It is appalling that a Conservative group which purports to stand for equality is willing to allude to the word “c*nt” to describe MPs it doesn’t like. You are a disgrace.”

    LGBT+ voting record

    David Davies has, according to TheyWorkForYou.com, consistently voted against gay rights. During his time in office, he has voted five times against and been absent five times on LGBT+ equality laws. He also voted against same-sex marriage.

    Victim of abuse

    The MP went on to Tweet about the abuse that MPs face on social media.

    “Abuse on social media is par for the course as an MP – but it’s a sad day when it comes from a group based in the HQ of the party which I have actively supported for over 30 years.”

    He then called out the LGBT+ Conservatives for being misogynistic before suggesting that he would report the group for online abuse to the party Chairman, Brandon Lewis.

    Targetting the perpetrators of online abuse, cyberbullying and trolling have been in the sights of the Conservatives in recent years. Those found guilty of online maltreatment could face prosecution in England and Wales.

  • Six things we loved about Oranges and Elephants, Hoxton Hall

    ★★★★☆ | Oranges And Elephants

    An all-female musical has opened in London, Oranges and Elephants

    1) The story. Set in Victorian London and there’s a turf war between two all-female rival groups, the Oranges and the Elephants, led by two fierce women and their battle to reign supreme. Plot: Get two sparring gangs, in a Victorian setting, throw in a newbie (a brilliant Sinead Long (Mary)) to the city, a quick lesbian romp, dressed it all up in drag king goodness conclude with an ending even Shakespeare would be proud of and you’re close to why Orange And Elephants is the most exciting musical to open in London in an age.

    2) The lack of men.  This show simply doesn’t need us menfolk. We’re not missed. At all.  So yeah, f*ck the patriarchy. The cast’s observation of masculinity and, well, frail masculinity at that, is superb. A special mention to Rebecca Bainbridge, whose gangster, Ada (Oranges), is frankly beyond scary and you won’t find a more vicious matriarch than Liz Kitchen’s Annie, leader of the Elephants.

    3) A new musical… At last a new musical that isn’t a jukebox musical. All new music and perfectly suited to the piece. It is ballad heavy but there are a few rousing gems from Jo Collins’ score. The entire cast gets involved with playing the instruments and acting without it feeling forced, and there’s also audience participation, expertly carried through by our narrator. Oh, and BTW, it’s funny. Very funny.

    4) Costumes. Some of the best costumery (Sara Perks) we’ve seen in a long time and while we’re at it, a special mention to the set design. Simple but incredibly effective. You won’t look at an A to Z in the same way again… (for those who just asked, what’s an A to Z, think Google Maps but on paper).

    5) Hoxton Hall. This is a double edge sword for us. On one hand, the music-hall design of the rather stunning venue helps transport you back to the Victorian era – but it has, without a doubt the most uncomfortable seating, so bring a cushion.

    6) A nod to the queer community – as there’s even a little bit of lesbian twist, which sticks two fingers up at the traditional boy meets girls blah blah blah. Bravo!

    A little rough around the edges, but a ruby in the Victorian dust.

    Oranges and Elephants runs at Hoxton Hall until 10 February.

  • An LGBT+ person killed every 19 hours in Brazil

    Nearly 450 LGBT+ people were killed in violence in Brazil in 2017.

    New research has suggested that nearly 450 LGBT people were killed at the hands of homophobes and transphobes in Brazil in 2017. Brazil also has the highest number of murders in the world. A record 62,000 murders were recorded in 2016.

    Grupo Gay De Bahia an LGBT+ watchdog, recorded a 30 percent increase from the 327 victims killed during 2016. The new figures equate to nearly one violent death every 19 hours. There were 387 murders and 58 suicides linked to homophobia.

    Last year being gay was ruled a disease in the country, when a court in Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, ruled that homosexuality was a disease and that so-called “gay cure” therapy was legal.

    Despite the country hosting one of the world’ biggest LGBT+ prides, Brazil has the highest number of violent deaths linked to homophobia.

    This is despite same-sex marriage being legal in the country and Rio De Janeiro hosting one of the world’s largest LGBT+ pride events. The country also has discrimination protections for its LGBT+ community enshrined in law.

    Luiz Mott, president of Grupo Gay de Bahia told The Guardian that ultra-conservative politicians could have contributed towards the rise in homophobia in the country. He said, “It’s a discourse that destroys solidarity and equates LGBT people to animals,”

  • Ann Widdecombe calls same-sex love “disgusting”

    “Don’t be disgusting”

    Ann Widdecombe, who during her time as a Conservative MP, voted against gay rights consistently, called the love between fellow housemates Shane J (Courtney Act) and Andrew Brady “disgusting”.

    In last night’s episode after Shane J joked to Ann, “You might not respect our marriage Ann but you have to recognise our love!” Ann snapped back quickly, “don’t be disgusting” before leaving the room.

    Shane J and Andrew have been getting very close during their time in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

    The pair is often seen together in an embrace or horse playing with each other.

    Shane and Andrew have both struck up a bromance while in the Big Brother house. Although Andrew identifies as straight, he and Shane have formed a strong bond. Although their antics have caused many viewers of this year’s series to speculate about the nature of their relationship.

    Last week the pair, while Shane J was dressed as Courtney Act, were spotted entering a toilet, where there are no cameras in which Andrew was heard to say “push it in” and “don’t get fu*king lipstick on me”.

    They aren’t the first guys to strike up a “bromance” on the show. In 2015 Austin Armacost and James Hill struck up a close friendship while on the show. James Hill ultimately won the series, with Austin coming runner-up.

    Despite their closeness and much speculation from viewers, the pair has ruled out that a sexual relationship would ensue, claiming that their relationship is just a close friendship.

  • Isn’t it time UK law considered gay sex equal to straight sex?

    For those who continue to call same-sex marriage “marriage equality,” you might be interested to know that the UK government doesn’t consider your sexual activity equal.

    So when same-sex marriage came into law, it didn’t automatically spell marriage equality – it’s one of the reasons why THEGAYUK.com doesn’t use the term.

    One of those things that stopped us from fully embracing the marriage equality slogan was that in UK law gay sex and straight sex are not equal.

    How do we know this? Well, straight couples can get divorced because of adultery. Gay couples cannot. Effectively treating same-sex sexual relations differently from heterosexual sexual relations.

    Adultery is defined by UK law “voluntary sexual relations between an individual who is married and someone who is not the individual’s spouse”, but it only counts if the person is of the opposite sex. A spouse cannot commit adultery if the person they are cheating with is the same sex.

    Grounds for divorce, in this case, would have to be petitioned under “unreasonable behaviour”.

    This is also true of civil partnerships. Speaking to THEGAYUK.com last year, Andrew Smith, Associate Solicitor for Blacks Solicitors’ Family Law team told us,

    “…the definition of adultery is sexual intercourse with someone of the opposite sex outside marriage. Instead, civil partners have to use ‘unfaithfulness’ as one of a number of examples of Unreasonable Behaviour.”

    “Where is the equality?”

    Jodene Murphy is petitioning the UK government for change. Writing on the petition Murphy explains, “When the UK Government welcomed same-sex marriage and updated the Marriage Act accordingly, they neglected to sufficiently update the divorce law. We are now living in a country where same-sex couples cannot divorce under the grounds of adultery. Where is the equality? Equal rights for all.”

    The petition needs to garner over 10,000 signatures in order for the government to answer. At 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.