Sam Giffen has hit out at claims that he’s been photoshopping his pictures.
(C) Sam Giffen / Instagram
In one of the latest of the reality star’s social posts, Sam Giffen was showing off his slender frame when another user accused him of photoshopping the picture.
The Big Brother star quickly responded by telling the over-keen fan “have a nap”
The photoshop criticism came from a user called sarahflaherty1 who accused Sam of a photoshop fail because it appeared the star’s back arm was missing from the picture and that his back leg looked “wonky”.
“Photoshopped badly! Where’s your hand and arm from that mug and your legs look all wonky too #photoshopfail”
Sam wasn’t haven’t any of it and shot back, “my other arm is on the other side of my body and my other hand is on the other side of the mug holding the handle you absolute fruit loop. Seriously what is wrong with you people go and have a nap”.
There are a number of numbing lubes out there for those who might be having problems with bottoming or trying out fisting, but there’s a downside which ultimate could cause more harm than good.
Speaking on the Talk About Gay Sex podcast, gay-sex positive doctor, Evan Goldstein of Bespoke Surgical was warning against the use of numbing gels or lubes – especially if you’re planning to take something huge up your ass.
The problem with the numbing lube is that if you’re doing damage to yourself, you might not feel it.
Speaking with the two hosts Steve Rodriguez and Steve Carpenter, Dr Goldsten revealed, “A lot of people are using numbing lubricants or poppers or other to relax, and the reality of that, is that, it leads to injury because a lot of people don’t feel the trauma happening”.
Host Rodriguez answered, “Really numbing is a negative word, we should never be numbing ourselves of anything, emotionally, physically, because we’re just sort of masking it”.
Carpenter added, “There’s also a lot of nerves which can be pleasure nerves. If you’re numbing that you’re taking that pleasure away”.
Goldstein finished by saying that he was all for poppers or whatever gets you off, but you should only use that stuff when you’ve achieved full openness – rather than using them to get you opened up in the first place – so that you are more aware of what is happening with your body.
If you find yourself at a loose end and just don’t know what to watch, here are five LGBT or camp classics on the streaming service NOW TV for you to enjoy.
Mean Girls ★★★★★
Wearing Pink is not absolutely required but suggested. Naive new girl Lindsay Lohan accidentally falls in with catty queen bee Rachel McAdams. Top teen comedy. Moderate language/mature themes/flashing images. (2004)(93 mins) Streaming until 17th Jan 2021
Just Charlie ★★★★★
Tender drama about a gifted young footballer whose future appears mapped out, until a long-held and closely guarded secret comes out into the open. Harry Gilby stars. (2017)(99 mins) Streaming until 31st May 2019
First Wives Club ★★★★★
Three of the campest gay icons join forces to create the 90’s campest film. Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton and Bette Midler take revenge on the husbands who dumped them for trophy wives. Girl power comedy with Maggie Smith and Sarah Jessica Parker. (1996)(99 mins) Streaming until 29th Feb 2020
As Good As It Gets ★★★★★
Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt are on Oscar-winning form as a cranky novelist has to look after his gay neighbour’s dog after the neighbour is queer bashed in his own apartment. Bittersweet comedy. Strong language/mature themes. (1997)(134 mins) Streaming until 30th Nov 2019.
Boys Don’t Cry ★★★★★
Moving to a new town, an Oscar-winning Hilary Swank hides a secret that could rip her life apart. True-life drama. Strong language/drug use/violence/sexual violence. (1999)(114 mins) Streaming until 11th April 2020
Others:
In and Out ★★★
Teacher Kevin Kline becomes the talk of the town after being pronounced gay by a famous ex-pupil. With an Oscar-nominated Joan Cusack. Strong language/sex/mature themes. (1997)(90 mins) Streaming until 31st Oct 2019
McDonald’s is to phase out single-use plastic straws by 2019
The world is literally thanking McDonald’s RN.
The mega-chain McDonald’s has announced that it’s to quit using plastic straws. It currently uses 1.8 million straws every day, according to the BBC – most of which are single use and end up in the trash.
It is estimated that we use over 8 billion plastic straws in the UK each year and considering there is under 70 million of us in the country – that’s a lot of straw per person.
The restaurant is to phase out the plastic in all 1361 of its UK and Irish store by 2019. The eventual aim is to make all of McDonald’s packaging sourced from renewable or recycled sources by 2025.
The new policy follows on from a successful trial in a few restaurants earlier in 2018. The company said, “Reflecting the broader public debate, our customers told us they wanted to see a move on straws”.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove called it a “significant contribution” to helping the environment, adding that it was “a fine example to other large businesses”.
But the change isn’t happening globally. BOOO.
However, some users, have said that the banning of plastic straws could have unforeseen consequences for people who are disabled, who argue that plastic straws enable people to be able to drink independently, particularly for hot drinks. The eco alternatives either conduct or disintegrate with hot liquids.
Police are calling on witnesses after three people assault on London bus in Lambeth
(C) MET POLICE
Investigators have released a picture of a person they’d like to talk with in connection to an alleged assault on three passengers on board a London bus.
The assault happened in March, but police are now looking for information on a suspect, who was asked to stop making homophobic remarks by fellow passengers.
The assault happened at around 04:15hrs on Sunday, 25 March on board a N87 bus on Wandsworth Road, SW8.
Members of the public were seated on the top deck of the bus when they overheard the suspect sitting in front of them swearing and making homophobic remarks.
When asked to refrain from making such remarks, the suspect then proceeded to assault three passengers on the bus.
The suspect is described as a black man with a shaved head and goatee beard wearing a smart blue suit, black shoes and grey scarf.
Detective Constable Sarah Bunting of the Met’s Road & Transport Policing Command said, “This man is sought in connection with a homophobic assault on a bus.
“If you know who this man is, or may be able to assist us in our investigation, please call 101 and quote CAD 1045/25Mar18.
“The Met will not tolerate any form of hate crime and we strongly urge anyone who has been a victim of this sort of situation to call police and report it.”
If you can’t get to pride – Pride will come to you.
Organisers of have created an ingenious way of ensuring anybody and everybody who wants to get involved with a pride in their county, but can’t make to one central location, can now do so, because this pride is going on tour (and there’ll be drag queens – squeal!) It’s been called a pop-up pride and a flash pride.
The tour bus will be stopping off in 11 different locations on one day, the 23rd June. The stop offs include: Wadebridge 10:05 AM, Launceston 11.15 AM, Bodmin 12:35 PM, St Austell 13:55 PM, Truro 15:15 PM, Falmouth 16:30 PM, Heartlands 17:55 PM, Hayle 18:55 PM, Marazion 19:40 PM, Penzance 20:15 PM, Newquay 21:55 PM.
10.05 Wadebridge – Camel Trail nr. Lidl
11.15 Launceston – Launceston Castle
12.35 Bodmin – Town Council Court
13.55 St Austell – White River Place nr. the Cinema
15.15 Truro – Outside Hall for Cornwall
16.30 Falmouth – Prince of Wales Pier
17.55 Pool – Heartlands, outside the engine house nr. Red River Cafe
18.55 Hayle – Penpol Creak. Park outside Spar
19.40 Marazion – The Station House
20.15 Penzance – Harbour
21.55 Newquay – Killacourt
The event is being called, Come Out For Cornwall and will take place on Saturday 23rd June 2018 and will be a celebration of being proud to be you as we travel throughout Cornwall in our ‘Pride Bus for the day’, visiting most of the major towns to spread the word about Pride and what it means as well as enforcing the message that Cornwall is an inclusive and accepting place to live work and visit, no matter who you are. To find out more click here.
One of the UK’s most prominent Human Rights campaigners has been arrested in Russia, ahead of the World Cup.
CREDIT: Monty McKinnen
Peter Tatchell has been arrested in Moscow after protesting Russia’s mistreatment of LGBT+ citizens as the FIFA World Cup commences.
** Updated** go to end of the article for update
Mr Tatchell was holding a banner supporting gay men who have been violently targeted in a “gay purge” in Chechnya while standing next to the statue Marshal Zhukov close to the Kremlin.
This is the campaigner’s sixth visit to Russia in solidarity with the LGBT+ freedom struggle there. He was previously arrested twice during protests in Moscow and suffered brain damage after being attacked by Russian neo-Nazis in 2007.
Peter Tatchell, speaking from Moscow before the protest, said,
“I was exercising my lawful right to protest, under the Russian constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the right to protest in Articles 29 and 31. A one-person protest, which is what I did, requires no permission from the authorities and the police.
“Getting arrested is standard for Russians who protest for LGBT+ rights or against corruption, economic injustice and Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its bombing of civilians in Syria.
“Unlike brave Russian protesters, I have the ‘protection’ of a British passport, which means I have been treated more leniently than they are.
“My fate was mild compared to what often happens to Russians who dare to challenge the Putin regime. I am awed by their courage.”
“President Putin has failed to condemn and act against the homophobic witch-hunts in Chechnya, which have seen scores of LGBT+ people arrested and tortured, with some even being killed.
“The singer Zelim Bakaev disappeared in Chechnya in August 2017 and has never been seen since.
“Russia’s 2013 anti-gay law against so-called ‘homosexual propaganda’ has been used to suppress peaceful LGBT+ protests, sack LGBT+ teachers and suppress welfare organisations that support LGBT+ teenagers.
“Little action has been taken by the Russian government and police to crack down on far-right extremists who target LGBT+ people for violent and humiliating assaults – including the instigators of the current threats to bash and stab LGBT+ football fans at the World Cup.
Released:
Mr Tatchell received consular assistance during his detention.
Speaking from Moscow, Mr Tatchell said:
“I am required to appear in court on 26 June for violating Federal Law 54 and Presidential Decree 202, which prohibit all protests near the Kremlin and during the World Cup.
“I have written a letter to the Chief of Police of Kitay-Gorod police district, requesting that my court appearance is voided on the grounds that I am flying back to the UK on 18 June. I have been told I will be free to leave Russia on that date as planned. I spent one hour and 40 minutes in police custody, from the moment I was detained near the Kremlin to the moment of my release from the police station.
“Senior officers were stern but the apprehending officer very helpful, friendly and polite. I presume I was well treated, partly because I am a UK citizen and because a senior British Embassy consular official, Colin Wells, contacted the police. I guess the Russians also did not want to be seen as being heavy-handed during the World Cup.”
Eczema can happen all over the body, but what if you get it on your penis?
We asked the health experts at AXA PPP healthcare to shed some light on the issue and find out what you can do about it.
There are a number of skin conditions that can affect the penis, including atopic eczema (or atopic dermatitis) – the most common form of eczema. Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. It is a matter of discovering and avoiding allergens and preventing the skin from becoming dry by using medical moisturisers.
During a flare-up of eczema, the skin becomes red, inflamed and itchy, which can lead to swelling of the skin and tiny blisters which can then rupture. Infected skin can ooze clear or yellowish pus. Sometimes inflamed skin can become infected especially if it is around the penis, where there are more folds and creases.
In addition, there is increased exposure to bacteria from urine and faeces which can thrive in a warm environment. Eczema can be aggravated by temperature, irritants such as sweat and soap, stress, allergens and friction from tight clothing so it’s important to work out if any of these are aggravating your condition.
Make sure that you clean and wash your penis every day -instead of using soap, use an emulsifying ointment. efes / Pixabay
The penis needs to be washed once or twice a day, after fully retracting the foreskin. Instead of using soap, washing with a cream such as an emulsifying ointment, sometimes with the addition of an antiseptic ingredient, can be helpful. Ironically, after washing it is important to dry yourself thoroughly before applying any medical moisturizer. These emollients, together with applying creams on the normal skin areas, will help to repair damage to the skin’s natural barrier and reduce redness, swelling and itching.
Taking an antihistamine tablet will also help to stop the itching and reduce the urge to scratch. When you scratch the skin it becomes irritated, increasing your risk of infection and making the eczema worse.
Steroid creams, such as Hydrocortisone or Eumovate can also help during a flare-up to reduce the inflammation. As with all health problems, it’s important to see your GP for a detailed assessment.
In a post entitled “Dear Instagram, This Isn’t Sexual” Rain sets out to explain why the social media giant’s ban of female nipples is wrong. Speaking directly to IG, Rain wrote:
Sure, I may have my DD Breasts out. Nipples shining in the sun. But this is simply a game of basketball between two humans. One of those humans is actually a Pro Basketball player (@crissa_ace ) – who’s skills on the court are far more worthy of a stare than my swinging sacks of potential food providing flesh. But before You delete my IG POST let me DD-fend myself:
#1: Your guidelines say “Female nipples”. I do not identify as “female”. Or “male”. So I am not violating your guidelines. #2 Even if I did identify as “Female”- “Females” can have Pecs. “Males” can have Breasts. And if You argue only people with pecs are considered “Male” bodied- Pecs can be bigger than Breasts and vice versa. Both can also lactate. Both can also be fetishized. What’s so different? #3 What is considered “nudity” or “naked” changes culturally globally. In some places eye contact direct to camera is considered sexual. Showing your shoulders is considered lewd. Hugs are considered worse than kisses. Etc. Aren’t you a globally reaching company? Who’s opinion is controlling what is considered sexual? Can we have a chat one on one?
I wouldn’t have had much of a chance at my career without my IG platform. I’m grateful for this app and what it has done to elevate my opportunities in life. I’m coming TO You. Not AT You. Please consider reviewing the language You use in your guidelines. Either make it so NO one can show their nipples or everyone can. You’re creating a division that’s reinforcing the vulnerable feelings people with breasts already feel. Fear, shame, objectification. Stop targeting “females” specifically. Instead might I recommend addressing INTENTIONS- equally. It’s kind of obvious when someone is creating work with specifically salacious intention. A shirt off is not enough for a conviction. You reach around the world IG. Therefore you can change it- simply by hanging your language. LOVE ALWAYS, Rain Dove
We’re going to say it’s a no from us, but it’s forging ahead and in the movie, he’s playing a super rich gay con man. Billionaire Boys Club is set in the 1980s and is based on a true story about young men, who happen to be rich AF, getting caught up in a Ponzi scheme, which actually sounds like a good film – sort of a Wolf Of Wall Street thing… but yeah, but no.
Despite it being over 100 years since Titanic slipped under the waves, the fascination with the ship and those on board hasn’t faded, as evidenced by the packed house of this revival of Moury Yeston’s musical. The story of the ships maiden voyage and, ultimately, its demise is told through a wealth of characters from all classes of passengers and from the crew on board.
The set, all sheet metal and rivets, towers above the audience instilling in them the impression of the sheer scale of the ship whilst a simple two-tier stage evoked an image of the decks and worked effectively. But from the off, the cast were on top form, as the magnificent ensemble belted out the opening numbers with such gusto that it reverberated in the chest, like the sounds of the engines of the great ship itself.
And therein lays the strength of this production. Its cast was outstanding, and whether singing alone, in small groups or as an ensemble, the whole thing was beautifully sung and more akin to an opera than a musical. The three leads Philip Rham, Simon Green and Greg Castiglioni bounced off each other nicely as the Captain, owner and designer of the ship, and Niall Sheeny impressed as the stoker Fred Barrett. Whilst the direction was fairly minimal, the cast switched between their multiple roles seamlessly, spilling out into the aisles on occasions to engage the audience; whilst on a technical level, the lighting and sound design, the costumes and the balance between actors voices and orchestra were all absolutely spot on.
Sadly, an overly long runtime, a handful of similar-sounding songs and a few too many story threads anchored down the first act to an extent, but the second act picked up the pace as the race to abandon ship took hold.
What comes out of the production is an underlying theme of love between the characters, from the newlyweds to the eloping couple to the elderly husband and wife, and it is this which packs the emotional punch and brings the human cost of the tragedy sharply into focus.
