THEGAYUK.com will switch off its bar finder and news app from today at 11.59PM. When the app was first launched it was one of the only venue finders for the LGBT+ community – however, Google now makes finding your nearest gay club so easy the need to have a dedicated app is pretty redundant.
THEGAYUK’s editor, Jake Hook said, “When we first started working with our developers back in 2013, it was sold as an app that could also be used as a chat app – despite repeated calls for the developers to reinstate and upgrade that feature, it never materialised. In order for us ensure a good return on the development and administration time spent on getting the app ready, we decided to press ahead and despite over 40,000 people downloading and using the app since 2013, it’s not a good or effective use of our resources.”
THEGAYUK, however, is more widely available than ever before. News is available on the global news app, Apple News and we’re working to bring it to Android. We’ll also be announcing further development of sources for our news throughout 2018.
At the end of last year, THEGAYUK launched its LGBT+ podcast on Apple, TuneIn and Soundcloud. Each episode features a well-known celeb or VIP and they talk to our editor and chief, Jake Hook, about their life and time.
Millions of anti-gay slurs are issued on Twitter every year – so is Twitter up to the task of weeding out and stamping out homophobia?
Granted there’s been a massive fall from the homophobia seen at its peak in 2013, but millions of slurs are still being published on Twitter every year. NoHomophobe.com has been tracking four commonly used slurs, “faggot”, “No Homo”, “So Gay” and “Dyke” since 2012.
Today the website has tracked over 38 million instances of the word “faggot”, 13 million uses of the words “No Homo”, 12 million uses of the term “So Gay” and over 6 million uses of the word “Dyke”.
Although there has been a decrease, there are spikes in the usage of these harmful words. For instance, just before Donald Trump’s win as President in the 2016 US Election, Twitter saw a surge in the word “faggot”.
In recent months, however, the word “Dyke” has seen a dramatic increase in usage.
What is Twitter doing about it?
LoboStudioHamburg / Pixabay What is Twitter doing about the trans, bi and homophobia on its platform?
Twitter does have policies in place to protect its community, but does it go far enough?
Twitter says, “We will review and take enforcement action against accounts that target an individual, group of people, or a protected category with any of the following behavior [sic] in their profile information, i.e., usernames, display names, or profile bios”.
Abusive slurs, racism and misogyny are explicitly cited, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are not.
Twitter also, however, notes that it will not act upon insults in its policy.
So does Twitter really have a handle on hate directed towards the LGBT+ community?
Today Primark announced it was releasing a brand new range of pride merch – with just 20 percent of the sale price going to Stonewall, but not to prides.
Primark has teamed up with Stonewall to sell pride merch, with famous pride cities, like Madrid, Brighton and London emblazoned across the products – but none of the profits are supporting prides.
The UK Pride Organisers Network has called out the scheme as disappointing for not supporting local prides, some of which are struggling financially.
We’re delighted to announce we will be working with @Primark on a new range! #ComeOutForLGBT this pride season, with 20% from full-priced Stonewall marked products donated directly to us, to support the work that we do to improve the lives of LGBT people: https://t.co/UvcpBbphdYpic.twitter.com/Adie72csS1
Stonewall, while attending many prides across the UK – except Pride In London this year, does not organise any pride events in the UK.
In a statement the UK Pride Organisers Network said,
“After being alerted by some members, the Network was disappointed to see that proceeds from Primark’s range of ‘Pride’ clothing and accessories, launched in time for Pride season, is not being donated to the Pride organisations that organise these events. Instead, it is being given to Stonewall who, whilst they attend some Prides, do not organise the events themselves.
“All Pride organisations are voluntary bodies that struggle every year to raise the funds necessary to hold these major public events, most of which are free to attend. In the last week, in one city where Primark will be selling these products, the Pride has announced it is scaling back its event due to a lack of funds. This is a daily reality for most Pride organisers.
“Stonewall have been critical of Prides in the past, and this is an insult to those Prides who sell their own merchandise to raise funds for their events. We urge everyone who wants to support their local Pride to do so by purchasing merchandise from them, or from stallholders at the event. And we call on Stonewall to work with us to reallocate the income they receive from this partnership so that it can be used to directly support Pride organisers who are driving the Pride movement for the good of all LGBT+ people across the UK.
“Finally, given Primark’s history, we seek reassurances from Primark that the production of these items is not taking place in any country where homosexuality is illegal.
“A full map of all UK Pride events can be found on our website at http://www.ukpon.lgbt/pridedates/ If you wish to make contact and support your local Pride, we are sure that any support would be most welcome.”
Every year, Gran Canaria plays host to one of the biggest LGBT+ pride events in Europe.
adamkontor / Pixabay When is Gran Canaria Pride 2018?
In fact, it’s so proud there are two, Summer and Winter.
The summer pride on the incredibly gay-friendly Gran Canaria takes place in from the 3rd to the 13th May. Nearly 100,000 people turn up to celebrate gay pride on the tiny island of Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria is a four and a half hour’s flight from the UK and remains one of the most popular getaways for the British LGBT+ community.
Next year’s pride will take place from the 2nd to the 12th of May 2019.
Winter pride takes place on the 5th till the 11th November 2019. This winter pride will be the fifth annual event and is one of the largest winter prides in Europe.
Want to book a hotel at the gay exclusive location, check out our listings here.
It’s a year ago since Martyn Hett was tragically killed along with 21 other people, after a bomb exploded at the Manchester Arena.
Today, one year on, Martyn Hett‘s website is up for sale for $2295 by the company HugeDomains.com, a company that sells domains it describes as “premium domains”.
Martyn has become a Twitter legend since his death, with his name trending numerous times since last year. A heartwarming hashtag #BeMoreMartyn is reminding people to have fun and not to take life too seriously.
MartynHett.com is still linked from his official Twitter account. Visitors who visit his URL are greeted with a sales page, offering the domain for thousands of dollars. The original domain would have most likely cost under $20.
HugeDomains.com is offering the deceased PR manager and reality TV star’s former website for a whopping $2295 or in 12 monthly payments of $192. As part of their sale’s pitch, the seller reminds potential customers, “Besides being memorable, .com domains are unique: This is the one and only .com name of it’s kind. Other extensions usually just drive traffic to their .com counterparts.”
Last week, London played host to the Annual Prowler European Porn awards.
The calm before the climax
Fire Nightclub in London was filled to the brim with porn stars from all over Europe last week, as the annual European Porn Awards exploded in a night of celebrating everything gay porn. THEGAYUK.com was there to witness it all… Every naughty detail.
The night was hosted by Chi Chi LaRue and Mr Pam. Providing some of the entertainment was the luscious La Voix.
Best European Top
Paddy O’Brian (WINNER)
Kayden Gray
Kris Evans
Ronnie English
Tim Kruger
Best European Bottom
Logan Moore (WINNER)
Andy Star
Gabriel Cross
Aymeric DeVille
Kevin Warhol
Kamyk Walker
Chi Chi LaRue in command
Best European Newcomer
Dani Robles (WINNER)
Jonas Jackson
Bulrog
Guillaume Wayne
Camilo Uribe
Drew Dixon
Best European Fetish Porn Star
Kamyk Walker (WINNER)
Ashley Ryder
Jeffrey Lloyd
Aymeric DeVille
Logan Moore
Ashton Bradley
Best European Daddy
Viktor Rom (WINNER)
Nick North
Jay Red
Dave London
Tim Kruger
Francois Sagat
Best European Couple
Theo Ford & Gabriel Cross — MEN (WINNER)
Johannes Lars & Dave London — Eurocreme
Kayden Gray & Jack Taylor — Uk Hot Jocks
Leo Rex & Kamyk Walker — Blake Mason
Baptiste Garcia & Chris Loan — French Twinks
Dato Foland & Dani Robles — Men At Play
La Voix entertained the masses
Best European Twink
Paul Delay (WINNER)
Ken Summers
Kamyk Walker
Jasper Rhodes
Matteo Lavigne
Jaro Stone
Best European Jock
Gabriel Phoenix (WINNER)
Kevin Warhol
Logan Moore
Paddy O’Brian
Guillaume Wayne
Kayden Gray
Best European Cam Model
Xavier Sibley (WINNER)
Matt Lloyd
Paddy Pass
Evan & Aaron
Taylor Blaze
Matt Kayd
Best European Director
Paul Stag — TreasureIslandMedia (WINNER)
Adrian Anderson — Men At Play
Luis Acosta — Fuckermate
George Mason — HungYoungBrit
Sean Hardy — Eurocreme
Antione Lebel — French Twinks
Hottest European Porn Star
Max Duro (WINNER)
Darius Ferdynand
Jack Harrer
Viktor Rom
Paddy O’Brian
Tim Kruger
Best European Studio
Staxus (WINNER)
Eric Videos
Bel Ami
Fuckermate
Tim Tales
Men At Play
Best European Website
HungYoungBrit (WINNER)
Tim Tales
Bel Ami
Fuckermate
Brutal Tops
French Twinks
Best European DVD
Guy Spotting — Blake Mason, NakedSword (WINNER)
Is That You Daddy? — Eurocreme
18 Years & Horny — French Twinks
Bel Ami Legends — Lukas Ridgeston
Geared — Bulldog
Raw Summer Heats — Fuckermate
Best European Fetish DVD
Destroying Logan Moore — Treasure Island Media (WINNER)
Hard Gear 2 — Uk Hot Jocks
Desolate — Boynapped
Kinky Angels Jack Harrer — G Dory
Sex Skins — Cazzo
Gaped — Bulldog
Best European Scene
One Hour Detention — French Twinks (WINNER)
Dani Robles & Kayden Gray — Men At Play
Destroying Logan Moore Gangbang — TreasureIslandMedia
If you’re planning to go to Durham pride here’s everything you need to know before the 2018 event.
This year’s Durham Pride takes place on the on Sunday 27th May 2018 to celebrate the diversity of the LGBT+ community of Durham and surrounding areas. This year’s event will be the fifth in Durham.
What time does Durham Pride begin?
The Durham Pride parade officially begins at 1 PM until 6 PM.
Is there a parade?
Yes, the parade leaves from Palace Green from 1.15 PM. People taking part in the parade are asked to make sure they’re at the green from 12:30 PM.
Where is Durham Pride?
Durham Pride takes place at the Sands Durham, the official postcode for the venue is: DH1 1LH, with an official after party held at KLUTE Durham.
What does Durham Pride cost?
Durham Pride is free for everyone to take part in however you can purchase VIP tickets for the main stage tent. VIP tickets cost £10 and include, Access to VIP Bar/toilets and best stage views, Fast track entry to Afterparty at Klute Durham (before 8pm),
VIP tickets 18+ only for Afterparty. All proceeds go to Durham Pride and charity.
What entertainment will there be at Durham Pride?
This year the organisers have invited “Black Heart” hitmakers, Stooshe. Along with X Factor heartthrob Lloyd Daniels. There’s also the Northern Proud Voices choir, Mickey Modelle, Smashby, Tess Tickle and the Dragettes and Love Inc, featuring Simone Denny. The cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert will also be singing hits from the show.
With just one day to go until Lancaster Pride, this year’s pride promises to be the biggest ever.
The incredible artwork created by the late Amy Winehouse’s tattoo artist, Henry Hate.
Lancaster Pride is an LGBT festival organised by Out in the Bay, a local charity providing support to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in the Lancaster area, as well as raising awareness for LGBT issues and campaigns.
Speaking about what Pride mean, Robert Mee, the CEO of Lancaster Pride said, “Pride is about everyone coming together to support each other to stand side by side to challenge hate and intolerance and to be able to build a better future of equality for all of us.”
What time does Lancaster Pride begin?
The Lancaster Pride parade officially begins at 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM.
Is there a parade?
Lancaster has a parade at this year’s event, and it will be the second in the pride’s history, with the parade taking place from Dalton Square.
The set off place for the parade is Dalton Square and will turn right on George Street and continue along Spring Garden Street. The procession will then turn right onto the A6 and proceed northwards in the right-hand lane.
The parade will then turn right into Church Street and once located inside the pedestrianised area will temporarily halt to allow the participants a breather and to allow the procession to reform.
The procession will turn right onto Gt John St and proceed up the left-hand lane. The procession will then turn left to finish in Dalton Sq.
Speaking at the parade will be Clive Grunshaw, the police and crime commissioner, Erica Lewis a Cat Smith representative, Kara from the multi-faith Church and Doctor Sweeney.
Where is Lancaster Pride?
Most of the day’s events will take place in front of Lancaster’s Town Hall. The postcode is: LA4 4AU.
What does Lancaster Pride cost?
Lancaster Pride is free for everyone to take part in.
What entertainment will there be at Lancaster Pride?
Performing at Lancaster Pride is the singer Whigfield, who you will remember had the massive, number 1 hit, “Saturday Night”. Also appearing is a slew of talent who will be appearing on stage from 11 AM until 6:30 PM in front of Lancaster’s Town Hall.
New research released today by leading breakdown cover provider Green Flag reveals that a whopping 58 percent of drivers are unaware of the MOT changes which come into effect this Sunday.
Under the new MOT rules, drivers could be fined up to £2,500 if they are driving a car with an invalid MOT. A massive nine in 10 (89 percent) of drivers are unaware of this figure, while one quarter (25 percent) are unaware that they will be fined at all.
Recent research by Green Flag found that up to 21 million cars on the roads are faulty and a tendency to “ignore the problem” is racking up bills in British households.
Drivers are spending an average of £574 per year – a national average of £21.5 billion – on car repairs; and 47 per cent of these repairs could have been cheaper if the issue had been addressed sooner, the research revealed.
Nick Reid, Head of Automotive Technology at Green Flag, commented, “Driving a faulty car is a huge issue. Not only is it dangerous for you, your passengers and other drivers on the road; not getting issues seen to only makes them worse, which means a bigger bill for you.
“Our research indicates that, under the MOT changes which come into effect on Sunday, the majority of drivers are going to get caught out, and potentially face fines for their vehicle treatment. We are urging drivers to read up on the new rules and ensure that they book MOTs in early, so if their vehicle fails they have time to get it repaired before putting it through the test again.”
According to the Green Flag research, one-sixth (16 percent) of drivers don’t book their MOT in early, meaning that if it fails they have no time to get it repaired before putting it through the test again.
When asked about getting their car repaired, drivers revealed they wait an average of 10 weeks before they get the issue seen to. More than half (57 percent) of drivers say repairs are too expensive, 27 percent say they don’t have the time and 23 percent say they simply can’t be bothered.
To help drivers overcome the time and expense issue of getting cars repaired, Green Flag has launched Smart Service, available to new and renewing customers of Green Flag. Smart Service is provided by RoadServe and is designed to save drivers time, money and hassle on MOTs, services and mechanical repairs.
RoadServe acts as the reliable middleman between motorists and the garage, so no more confusing conversations or questionable quotes. They’ll handle everything from the moment the car is booked in. To find out more, visit the Green Flag Smart Service site.
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
CREDIT: INSTAGRAM / RJ Aguiar
Will and RJ are no more. Our hearts are breaking. The couple, who we interviewed for our “Class of YouTube” edition back in 2015 have seemingly split according to a post published by RJ (who identifies as bisexual) on Instagram. The post was a picture of the pair holding hands along with the caption, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
Since the split Will hasn’t responded on Instagram.
Many of the duo’s fans reacted with sadness to the news, with one saying, “It breaks my heart, but I really hope you both find happiness!”, while another added, “I wish you both nothing but true happiness; thank you for so many years of beautiful love! For teaching me tolerance; acceptance and how to teach the same to others!”
The pair hasn’t uploaded a video to their daily vlog in over four months. The last one was captioned “New House Tour”. They have nearly a quarter of a million subscribers and have had over 66 million streams on the video platform.
There are still many countries in which being gay can attract the death penalty for engaging in same-sex sexual relations. Of these countries, all are located in Central Africa or in the Middle East.
CREDIT: TheGayUK
There are the countries places on earth that have specific laws which call for the death penalty of those who are found to have engaged in homosexual acts.
Afghanistan
Men could face execution but are more likely to receive long prison sentences. No executions are known to have been handed out since the end of the Taliban rule.
Brunei*
Gay men in Brunei could be stoned or given 10 years in prison if found guilty of homosexual acts.
Iran
In Iran, gay men can be lashed up to 74 times for “immature men” and the death penalty for mature men of sound mind – and where the acts were consenting. Women can be lashed 50 times and can face the death penalty after their fourth conviction.
Mauritania
Homosexuality is against the law in Mauritania and could attract the death penalty, however, there have been no public executions since 1987.
Qatar
In Qatar, gay men may face execution if they are Muslim otherwise men can face fines and a prison sentence which lasts 7 years.
Saudi Arabia
A second conviction of homosexuality in Saudi Arabia will land a death penalty. For the first offence, men can face fines, castration, flogging, prison and torture.
Sudan
Homosexuality has been illegal in Sudan since 1899. Death penalty occurs on the third offence for men and four offences for women.
Yemen
Married men can expect to be stoned to death if caught having same-sex relations. Unmarried men will receive 100 lashes or one-year imprisonment.
Libya
Gay men could face death in Libya.
Nigeria
Homosexuality is illegal in some states of Nigeria and could attract the death penalty. These states include: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara
Somalia
Homosexuality is illegal in Somalia and could attract a death penalty. Islamic courts have sentenced men to their deaths using Sharia law as their legal basis.
Syria
The actual penalty that gay men should face for homosexual acts is a prison for up to 3 years, however, due to the rise in ISIS a highly advertised death awaits those found guilty of engaging in same-sex sexual acts.
Iraq
Despite homosexuality not being illegal in Iraq, there have been reported executions of gay men in ISIS-controlled areas.
* Brunei is a Sovereign state and not a country.
There are some countries where although capital punishment might not be constitutionally ratified there are cases where gay people have been killed because of their sexuality.
