THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • Here are 10 Drag queens who would absolutely SLAY in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

    Now that Drag Race UK has been announced we can start imagining who would be sensational! Well, there’s such a wealth of drag talent in the UK we’d be spoilt for choice, well here’s our top 10…

    10) Lady Lloyd

    She’s loud, proud, brash and powerful it’s earned her a status as a loveable loose cannon within the drag world.

    9) La Voix

    La Voix already wowed audiences on BGT and she’s a regular around the UK… so could she be a contender?

    8) Mary Mac

    A powerhouse Scottish queen, whose vocals are second to none. Was a part of the Supreme Fabulettes before going on to front her own show at The Admiral Duncan.

    7) Yshee Black

    Pronounced Why Is She Black this Birmingham-based drag queen is insanely talented and very very funny – get yourself to Church honey…

    6) Crystal D’Cantor

    This fabulous queen is what British Drag is all about, getting down with the crowd, wearing the biggest wig you can find/afford and animal print. Always animal print. You could write what this queen doesn’t know about backcombing on the back leg of a My Little Pony.

     

    5) Sandra

    There probably isn’t a club, bar, backroom or toilet that Sandra hasn’t performed in. Having been on the scene for over 15 years – Sandra has sworn, blown and bitch slapped her way to our top 10 ten. All hail the Whore Of Hampsted.

     

    4) Dave Lynn

    Ah Dave Lynn… In a career that’s spanned nearly 40 years Dave Lynn knows how to control an audience like a wireless vibrator. She rose to fame after entering a competition at the now defunct Black Cap and the only queen to have appeared on The Weakest Link with Anne Robinson (praise be) 4 times.

    3) Dusty O

    Described as queen bee of Soho, you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Dusty O once she’s up on stage, with mic in hand.

     

    2) Titti La Camp

    Basically RuPaul would have no idea what hit her if Titti was in the house – it’d most likely be a chicken leg. Titti La Camp’s routine, is, well the stuff of legend. The audience knows what’s coming up and loves every moment of it. From Michelle McManus to Karen Carpenter.

    1) Paul O’Grady as Lily Savage

    Possibly the most famous drag queen the UK has ever enjoyed. Although Paul O’Grady is unlikely to don another pair of heels, we think Paul O’Grady could teach even Ru a thing or two about Drag.

     

  • Magazine publisher takes a break from Twitter following on from Trans-Inclusion backlash

    “I refuse to change my views on Trans Inclusivity”

    (C) BBC Julie Bindel (left) Linda Riley (Right)

    Publisher of Diva Magazine, Linda Riley is taking a break from social media after receiving online abuse following on from her determination to include and represent trans women.

    Taking to Twitter today (5th December) Riley, who is the publisher of Diva Magazine said she was “taking a break” from the platform because of the abuse levelled at her. She reaffirmed her position saying that her magazine was the largest in Europe for “lesbian visibility, lesbian inclusivity” before adding that Diva stood with the trans community.

    The announcement comes after a heated exchange following an appearance on BBC’s Women’s Hour where Riley when head to head with gender critical feminist Julie Bindel to stand up for transgender people and their rights, which left the Diva boss subjected to a vile backlash online.

    Accused of only representing one view

    On Twitter one user, Kate Harris, questioned the publisher on why her publication haven’t engaged some women on issues that matter to them, such as the number of children being referred to gender clinics, chest binders, the self-identification of trans women, changes to the Gender Recognition Act and equality in the sports arena.

    Harris then challenged Riley, saying, “…you as (a) publisher can do so much to advance understanding but only if you are prepared to print different views”.

    Riley replied, “I refuse to change my views on Trans Inclusivity within DIVA magazine and I was very clear on this when I met you. To spell it out clearly DIVA will not print or publish any views which we deem to incite hate against the Trans Community.”

  • RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to UK

    RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to UK

    Queens… get ready, RuPaul’s Drag Race is coming to the UK…

    This is the news that we’ve all been waiting for. No more rumours. It has been confirmed.

    BBC 3 is set to be the broadcaster for a UK version of the epic drag queen reality TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. BBC three tweeted and confirmed the news this morning (5th December).

    RuPaul told The Sun: “I am beyond excited to celebrate the massive charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent of the Queen’s queens. And before anyone asks, yes, we would be thrilled to have Meghan Markle join us, as we are already preparing a ‘Royal-Mother-To-Be’ runway challenge.”

    Michelle Visage took to Twitter to say, “HERE WE GO! SEE YOU ON THE MAIN STAGE, UK QUEENS…. Audition deets coming soon! Hey super queens, who’s got what it takes to be part of our royal family?”

     

  • Ollie Locke is planning to adopt with his husband-to-be

    Ollie Locke is planning to adopt with his husband-to-be

    The reality TV star, Ollie Locke is planning to adopt with his soon-to-be husband, Gareth Locke.

    Ollie Locke
    CREDIT: Channel 5

    The former Made In Chelsea and Celebrity Big Brother star, Ollie Locke, has declared that he is planning to adopt a child with his fiancé, Gareth Locke, but not until the “madness of their careers” has died down.

    The couple is still planning their wedding, to be set in Italy in September next year, after announcing their engagement earlier this year.

    The star revealed his plans to the Sunday Times saying, “We might adopt at some point, maybe in 10 or 15 years, once we’re done with the madness of our careers.”

    Before their engagement, it was revealed that the couple has actually known each other for over a decade but only made it their relation romantic earlier in the year.

    During his time in the Celebrity Big Brother house, Locke, then 29, identified as bisexual and said that he had never slept with a man. However, the star became out as gay in 2016.

    In an exclusive interview with Hello! Magazine, Ollie explained how Gareth popped the marriage question, “We decided to go for a lovely walk with Bear [his dog] in Kensington Park Gardens which is my favourite park and we came across the Peter Pan statue, which is my favourite statue. I walked towards Gareth who was just standing there and he gave me a hug…”

    Gareth continued, “I was 200 yards away and I was thinking ‘I have got to do this now’.”

  • Theresa May remembers those who have died from AIDS

    Theresa May remembers those who have died from AIDS

    The British Prime Minister, Theresa May has paid tribute to those lost to AIDS-related illnesses.

    PM Theresa May has taken to Twitter to paid tribute to those who have lost their lives due to AIDS-related illnesses.

    Speaking from the G20 summit in Argentina, the PM said, that it was also important to remember the support needed by those living with HIV today.

    Ms May went on to say that she was “proud” that the UK was one of the first countries in the world to honour the UN’s 90/90/90 target which is related to HIV diagnoses, treatment and viral suppression.

    Ms May also went on to say that globally the UK is helping “millions of people” access much-need antiretroviral therapy and supporting HIV prevention in some of the world’s poorest nations.

     

     

  • This gay couple proposed 100 times on the streets of Poland to film people’s reactions

    This gay couple proposed 100 times on the streets of Poland to film people’s reactions

    Proposing just the once can be nerve-racking enough but this Polish couple did it a whopping 100 times to see what public reactions were like.

    (C) www.rainbowstar.pl

    You may remember Jakub and David as the Polish LGBT activist and vlogger couple who are trying to change the public’s perceptions of LGBT+ people in Poland. Since their very first video, the duo has faced hideous homophobia as well as death threats including a threat to have their throats slit, in their home country of Poland.

    Against all odds, the couple actually tied the knot last year, although not in their home country, because Poland does not yet offer it’s lesbian and gay couples same-sex marriage.

     

    (C) www.rainbowstar.pl
    (C) www.rainbowstar.pl

    To gauge the public’s reaction to two men proposing to each other, Jakub and David took to the streets of Warsaw to propose marriage in front of strangers and filmed their responses.

    They recorded the reactions with hidden cameras and asked unsuspecting members of the public to take part in the experiment, by asking them to film the proposal, without them realising that the proposal would be to another man.

    A spokesperson for the couple, Robert Peszek said, “Surprisingly it turned out that people totally accept them and wished them all the best. They didn’t cut any hates or bad people reactions. It’s absolutely wonderful and enormously uplifting for all LGBT society in Poland what they did.”

  • Grindr president confirms committed to LGBT+ equality

    Grindr president confirms committed to LGBT+ equality

    Following on a statement in which Grindr’s CEO said he believed that marriage should be between a man and woman, the straight, cis-gender, married man released a statement.

    CREDIT: Ryazan / BIGSTOCK

    Scott Chen, who is married to a woman, wrote, in a deleted (but later reinstated) social media message that it was his belief that marriage should be between and man and a woman.

    The story, interestingly was first reported by the Grindr-owned digital magazine, IntoMore, who have received a new statement from Chen, which said,

    “On November 26, I wrote a post on my personal Facebook account meant to condemn those advocating against same-sex marriage in Taiwan. The words I chose related to marriage between a man and a woman were meant to express my personal feelings about my own marriage to my wife – not to suggest that I am opposed to marriage equality.

    I want to make clear that I am an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and have been since I was young. I support gay marriage and I am proud that I can work for Grindr. I apologize that my words did not clearly convey these feelings.

    I am very proud of the work INTO does and stand by them as an important part of our business.

    One of our greatest strengths at Grindr is our diverse team and our respect for one another. Together, we will continue the important work we do fighting for LGBTQ+ equality.”

    No longer under gay ownership

    Despite its gay beginnings, the Grindr app was snapped up by a Chinese gaming app in January 2018.

  • What does the Red Ribbon used for World AIDS Day mean?

    What does the Red Ribbon used for World AIDS Day mean?

    Every year on the 1st of December many people start wearing a red ribbon for World AIDS Day, but what does it mean and who designed it?

    Why is the Red Ribbon used for World AIDS Day and who designed it?
    ArtsyBee / Pixabay

    The Red Ribbon symbol has become the defining icon for the awareness, fundraising and determination to beat HIV and AIDS. It is a strong vibrant red symbol that has become synonymous with every 1st December and it was designed in 1991.

    A decade after AIDS began its stranglehold, decimating communities, a coalition of 12 artists gathered to devise a plan to raise awareness for Visual Aids, a New York arts organisation which raises awareness of HIV.

    The 12 people consisted of photographers, painters, filmmakers and costume designers. After a short collaboration they came up with the striking, but the simple idea of the red ribbon, inspired by the yellow ribbons tied on trees at the time, to denote support for US military fighting in the Gulf war.

    Pink and rainbow colours were rejected because of their association with the LGBT+ community, and the designers were keen to show that HIV went beyond gay people and could potentially affect everyone.

    The red ribbon logo became recognisable across the globe.

    Signify Awareness and Support

    OpenClipart-Vectors / Pixabay

    In our interview with David France, director of How to Survive A Plague told us,  “In one of the worst moments we ever faced we rose above it. We took care of each other. It was extraordinary and beautiful”.

    The ribbon is worn to signify awareness and support for people living with HIV.

    According to WorldAIDsDay.org, “When the artists sat down to work on this project, their aim was to get people talking about HIV. This was at a time where HIV was highly stigmatised and people living with HIV were suffering behind closed doors, some too scared to even tell their loved ones they were living with the virus. The artists wanted to create a visual expression of compassion for people living with, and affected by, HIV.”

    At handmade ribbons where distributed in New York

    Back in 1991 a group of artists created the red ribbon. The first batch was handmade and given out on the streets of New York.

    In the very beginning, the artists made the ribbons themselves and distributed them around New York. “Within weeks of the red ribbon idea being born, world-famous actors starting wearing the red ribbon to high-profile award ceremonies such as the Oscars and talking about why it was important. The media also cottoned on, and within a short space of time the red ribbon symbol became universally recognised.” Explains the website.

  • There’s going to be a Queer As Folk 20th Anniversary show

    There’s going to be a Queer As Folk 20th Anniversary show

    Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Queer As Folk first hit the small screen in the UK?

    Queer As Folk
    CREDIT: Channel 4

    The first cast member for the original UK version of QAF has been announced for the 20th-anniversary celebration of the show’s first airing.

    Actor Craig Kelly has been announced as the first Queer as Folk cast member joining the glittering line up for the show’s 20th birthday live music extravaganza.

    Kelly, who played loyal, loveable supermarket manager Vince Tyler in the hit series, will take centre stage at the 2019 anniversary event, but is staying tight-lipped about exactly what his role entails.

    Craig said, “I’m delighted to be part of the Queer as Folk live event, I can’t believe it has been 20 years since Vince strutted down Canal street. I’m looking forward to sharing in the music, magical moments and surprises of what promises to be the ultimate birthday party befitting Vince, Stuart, Nathan and ‘mum’ Hazel, as she was always in on the act!”

    Show producer, Rob Ellis, whose critically acclaimed comedy stage play “Fetish Knights,” enjoyed sell-out runs in two consecutive years at The Lowry, Salford said, “Having Craig join us really is the icing on the birthday cake. Vince’s silky, Mancunian drawl narrating the gore and the glory of gay Millenia is as iconic as the music in the soundtrack.

    “As far as I’m concerned, Vince Tyler is Queer as Folk and Craig Kelly’s beautiful portrayal made him the bench mark for best friends all over the world. It’s inconceivable to me that we’d celebrate the 20th anniversary of Queer as Folk without Craig Kelly. Now we, and fans alike don’t have to!”

    The show celebrates the greatest anthems from Queer as Folk and will see performances from guest artists’ including Strictly Come Dancing & STEPS star Faye Tozer and instrumental support from Manchester Camerata’s 28-piece orchestra.

    Queer as Folk, written by Russell T Davies, was set around Manchester’s Gay Village. It received international acclaim at the time and a cult status around its epic soundtrack, which included smash hits such as “I Am What I Am,” “Haven’t You Heard,” “Love Pains” and “Santa Maria” which filled dancefloors around the world.

    Carl Darcy, director of CDC Events and co-executive producer added: “We are absolutely thrilled that Craig is going to be part of the show.  The character of Vince Tyler was the friend every gay man wanted, and it’s great that Craig has agreed to join us for this very special night.

    “It’s going to be a fantastic and unmissable event and what better way to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Queer as Folk than with the people who starred in it and a live spectacular of the drama’s greatest music anthems.”

    Tickets for QUEER AS FOLK 20: STILL DOIN IT LIVE! are currently on sale and the show performance will be on Friday 22nd February 2019, at the Albert Hall, Manchester.

    For more information and to purchase your tickets visit www.stilldoinitlive.com

  • If you need a reason to delete Grindr, this might be it

    If you need a reason to delete Grindr, this might be it

    By this point, you either LOVE or HATE the world’s biggest gay dating app, but if you’re looking for a reason to delete it, this latest controversy might be the one to push you!

    CREDIT: Ryazan / BIGSTOCK

    The Chinese owned app Grindr is apparently headed by a cis-gender, straight man who is facing a backlash after saying that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

    Despite its gay beginnings, the Grindr app was snapped up by a Chinese gaming app in January 2018. The firm that owns the app put a straight, cis-gendered man, Scott Chen as the CEO.

    Scott Chen, who is married to a woman, wrote, in a deleted (but later reinstated) social media message that it was his belief that marriage should be between and man and a woman.

    He said, “There are people who believe that marriage is a holy matrimony between a man and a woman. I agree but that’s none of our business. There are also people who believe that the purpose of marriage is to create children that carry their DNA. That’s also none of our business. There are people that are simply different from you, who desperately want to get married. They have their own reasons.”

    Then seemingly the CEO remembered who he worked for, went on to say that he wished people wouldn’t donate to anti-LGBTQ causes.

    The story, interestingly was first reported by the Grindr-owned digital magazine, IntoMore.

    Scott Chen was reportedly speaking about Cher Wang the president and CEO of HTC, who according to claims by IntoMore has anti-LGBT+ non-profit organisations organising to influence Taiwan’s referendum on same-sex marriage”.

    “huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights”

    Scott Chen’s post was deleted, but reinstated after IntoMore broke their story. Chen then wrote that he was “huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights” since he was young. He also wrote, “I support gay marriage and I am proud that I can work for Grindr.”

  • Will anyone actually watch the X Factor final?

    Will anyone actually watch the X Factor final?

    The X Factor final is looking to be the lowest rated to date, according to bookmakers.

    The X Factor is odds-on at 8/11 with Betway to pull in its lowest ever final viewership this weekend.

    The long-running singing competition has seen its ratings drop in recent years and 8/11 says this 2018 edition could also be responsible for the lowest ever series viewership, which currently stands at 6.52million.

    THEGAYUK.com recently revealed that only one only gay contestant had won the X Factor, but the show had spawned at least four homophobic winners.

    Worryingly the X Factor has produced more winners who have been revealed to have been homophobic or tweeted anti-gay comments than actual LGBT winners.

    In 2014 James Arthur was eventually dumped by his record label after it emerged that he released a diss track in which he used the term “f**king queer”. In 2018 it was revealed, days before she was to headline Birmingham Pride that Louisa Johnson had repeatedly used the slur “faggot” on Twitter. Birmingham Pride did not cancel her appearance, despite calls from pride goers. The first ever winner of the show, Steve Brookstein once said that he wished the openly gay gossip columnist Dan Wootton had HIV.

    So who will win?

    The leading online bookmaker is not ruling out the possibility of this being the last ever series, going 10/1 for 2018 to be curtains for the long-running show, with Dalton Harris the 1/4 favourite to triumph on Saturday.

    Betway’s Alan Alger said, “Having been on our screens for 15 years, X Factor’s popularity has dwindled and we are 8/11 for this weekend to see the show’s lowest ever final viewership.

    “Dalton Harris is 1/4 to win the series but then it could be curtains for the show altogether, as we go 10/1 for this edition to be the last ever one, though it’s never over until the fat lady sings.”