THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • Everything You Need To Know About Exeter Pride 2018

    Exeter’s 10th annual pride takes place in May but what do we know about one of the busiest pride events in southern England.

    Everything You Need To Know About Exeter Pride 2018
    Everything You Need To Know About Exeter Pride 2018

    Exeter’s pride is celebrating its 10th year in 2018 and here’s everything you need to know about the pride event which will take place on the 12th May 2018.

    The Pride’s chair, Adam Rank said,”There will be a real celebration feel this year, being our 10th anniversary, it is the perfect time to consider how far we have come since Exeter Pride began.

    “We work closely with a range of partners to stage the event, including Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, the University of Exeter, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, and local businesses.

    “It would not be possible without generous donations or sponsorship from local and national businesses, organisations and individuals and the fundraising efforts and assistance of many volunteers. We are currently welcoming approaches from those who would like to get involved as volunteers, have a stall or be a partner or sponsor. In addition, we are running our usual wristband scheme which offers year-long discounts at restaurants/shops etc, which makes them very desirable.”

    This year the pride is Celebration.

    What time does Exeter Pride begin?

    Exeter Pride officially opens with a parade from the St Sidwell Centre which will move down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens. The highlight will be a 50-metre rainbow flag carried by volunteers from Exeter Pride. The time is yet to be announced.

    Is there a parade?

    This year’s parade will involve thousands of people including: roller skaters, Street Heat samba band, a fire engine, an ambulance, Morris dancers, police officers, representatives from community groups and organisations, and volunteers carrying an incredible 50-metre rainbow flag.

    Where is Exeter Pride?

    Exeter Pride takes place in Northernhay Gardens, but there is also a parade to watch. It will run from the St Sidwell Centre which will move down Exeter High Street to Northernhay Gardens.

    What does Exeter Pride cost?

    Exeter Pride is a FREE event for all of the community to enjoy, however, you can buy a wristband (£10) which helps support the pride – and you can get discounts at a variety of business across the city until 2019.

    What entertainment will there be at Exeter Pride?

    Yes, the full programme will be announced at the end of April.

    Does Exeter Pride have a website?

    Absolutely. You can view all thing Exeter Pride HERE and buy your wristbands to support the pride.

    What should I bring to pride?

    We’ve created a list of Pride survival ideas. Take a look – but don’t forget to bring sunscreen, money and fully charged phone!

  • Indonesia stops public whippings, but will continue to whip gay men, behind closed doors

    Indonesia stops public whippings, but will continue to whip gay men, behind closed doors

    Authorities in Indonesia’s strictest Province, Aceh are to stop whipping gay men in public after an international outcry.

    CREDIT: ErikaWittlieb / Pixabay

    Whipping in public is a common punishment for a variety of crimes, including being gay, but officials in Aceh, the Muslim-Majority province of Indonesia, have decided to stop the cruel punishment from being done in public AFP reports. Instead, the punishment will be handed out behind prison walls.

    The ultra-religious area, the only place in Indonesia that follows Islamic law, has attracted international criticism after people accused of being gay or having same-sex relationships were lashed in public. Now, those found guilty of the crime of being gay, will be whipped, behind closed doors.

    Only journalists and adults will be able to watch the punishment, and it will be against regulations for the penalty to be filmed.

    Aceh is the strictest place in Indonesia and punishes people for being gay. Indonesia (C) Sateda : Depositphotos

    In 2014, same-sex sexual activity can attract a punishment of 100 lashes.

    ALSO READ: Is Indonesia a safe place for gay people to travel?

    Hundreds of men, accused of being gay have been arrested in Indonesia, in what some have termed, an “anti-gay crackdown”.

    In May last year, two men were lashed 83 times after being found in bed together. Earlier this year, 12 transgender women were detained in Aceh. They were “forced to strip off their shirts and cut their hair in public to coach them into becoming ‘real men.’”

    Other crimes which have been punished by public floggings have included, playing an arcade game, gambling and drinking alcohol.

    The regulation was passed on Thursday, but it’s not clear when the new ruling will be enforced.

  • RuPaul has advice for you if you want to be a drag queen

    The world’s most famous DQ RuPaul has advice if you ever want to be a drag queen.

    RuPaul
    CREDIT: Photography Mathu Andersen

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com a few years ago, RuPaul has some sage advice for those who are thinking about becoming a Drag Queen – and it’s real people. Real Estate.

    For those of us in the UK – that means being an Estate Agent.

    When asked what advice he would give, RuPaul said, “get your real estate licence” – because it’s not likely you’ll be making enough for your rent, at least in the beginning.

    ALSO READ: 10 most shocking moments from RuPaul’s Drag Race

    RuPaul, who has been a drag queen since the 80s, has a career that spans films, music, podcasts and, of course, one of the world’s most popular reality TV shows, RuPaul’s Drag Race.

    RuPaul’s career has spawned countless albums and singles. She has also starred in films. More recently she and Michelle Visage started the incredible popular What’s The Tee? Podcast

    RuPaul went on to say that show business is a “hard business” and that you shouldn’t lose your head if you get a glimpse of fame. She told us, “Show business is a hard business. Most people see all the glamour and their names in the paper but that’s just such a small part of what it takes to maintain a career.

    ALSO READ: 10 UK queens who would slay in RuPaul’s Drag Race

    “You have to be very resilient, you have to know thyself and you have to have an understanding of what is being asked of you by the public.”

    Finally, RuPaul has this final piece of advice, “What is it they get from you? What your value is?”

    Drag is a business baby – what’s your USP?

  • 13 Reasons Why: Behind The Scenes Photos

    Here’s an inside look at how they made 13 Reasons Why

    Behind The scenes at 13 Reasons Why season 1
    Behind The scenes at 13 Reasons Why season 1

    Based on the best-selling books by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why follows teenager Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) as he returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch.

    Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who tragically committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Will Clay be one of them? If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, 13 Reasons Why weaves an intricate and heart-wrenching story of teenage life that will deeply affect viewers.

     

    The cast of 13 Reasons Why gather on set. (Left to Right) Selena Gomez, Tommy Dorfman, Steven Silver, Michele Ang, and Dylan Minnette

    Newcomer Katherine Langford talks with Director Tom McCarthy who directed two episodes of the first series.

     

    Star Dylan Minnette is directed by Tom McCarty.

     

    Katherine talks character with Tom McCarthy.

     

    Tom McCarthy directs Dylan and Ajiona Alexus in the hallway of the school. The shoot happened in the halls of a real school in northern California until the end of holidays. When a replica was created on a soundstage.

     

    Tom McCarthy talks to Alisha Boe and Brandon Flynn. Brandon came out shortly after the TV series debuted on Netflix.

     

    Director Tom McCarthy talks with Dylan Minnette. Some of the shoots were conducted in the dead of night in order to get as much done as possible. Actors from the show have spoken about having 4 AM shoots.

    The show also used female directors too. Here Director Helen Shaver talks to Dylan Minnette.

    Miles Heizer shoots in the hallways in episode 3. Every scene takes hours to shoot. Directors will want to get action from many different angles including long shots as well as closer more intimate mid and close shots.

    Director Kyle Patrick Alvarez talks with Dylan Minnette and Ajiona Alexus.

    Christian Navarro in episode 5.

    Director Gregg Araki and Steven Silver.

    Katherine Langford, Ross Butler

    Tommy Dorfman, who also came out during the production of 13 Reasons Why, being shot by the crew.

    Shooting out in the open, brings its own pressures and problems, here in Episode 10 Dylan Minnette and Miles Heizer is directed by Carl Franklin. During outdoor shoots, shadows and lighting conditions are constantly changing so a crew must work quickly to get the scene for continuity’s sake.

    The crew of episode 10, directed by Carl Franklin overlook the production.

    Derek Luke in Episode 11.

  • Fadi Fawaz tells of the horror of finding George Michael dead on Christmas morning

    The boyfriend of the late George Michael, Fadi Fawaz has opened up about the horror of finding him dead at his Highgate home on Christmas morning 2016.

    George Michael's partner, Fadi opens up about finding him dead on Christmas morning

    Taking to social media, Fadi Fawaz,  shared a picture of an emotional letter he wrote the “Careless Whisper” singer,

    “My dear George, I miss talking to you, miss telling you how I am doing, what is going on and I do miss your beautiful face and smile very much.

    “Since I saw you last time a lot has happened. Xmas Day I went to wake you up to go for Xmas lunch in Highgate but u were dead (can you flicking believe that),”

    “From that very first moment the world rose from death and pointed their fingers at me…I was all alone…they even accused me I [sic] had something to do with your death. They stopped all my cards, they stopped all of the support I got from your team. I even got denied to our home in Goring where they even packed my clothes and send them to me in bin bags.”

    “… For the next 6 months I couldn’t even eat. They denied my right as partner, as (a) person as (a) human and as (a) citizen in this world.”

    Fans leave their tributes on George’s car and at his home. CREDIT: SWNS

    George Michael passed away on Christmas Day 2016. His death shook the world and left millions of fans worldwide reeling from the news. Investigators said that his death was ‘unexplained but not suspicious’. The star died at the age of 53. He was found in his Oxfordshire home by his partner, Fadi Fawaz on Christmas morning. He was found lying, “peacefully in bed”

    To end, he wrote that he was still waiting for the singer to “wake up” and that he loved him.

    “… I am still waiting for you to wake up my dear, Love you x”

  • Accused serial killer in Canada charged with seventh murder

    Bruce McArthur has been charged with a seventh murder.

    Bruce McArthur has been charged with a seventh murder.
    Bruce McArthur has been charged with a seventh murder.

    The man accused of killing multiple men in Toronto, Bruce McArthur, 66 has been charged with a seventh murder after human remains were allegedly found inside large planters at an address in Canada.

    McArthur made an appearance, via a video link from a detention centre, at a court in Toronto, where the new charge was read to him.

    The charge relates to Abdulbasir Faizi, who went missing in 2010. His car was found in early 2011 close to a property used by McArthur to store gardening equipment, according to local reports.

    The gay community of Toronto have been shaken by the grim discovery of bodies, thought to be of gay men from the city.

    Investigators have found dismembered human remains in some 20 planters at the property’s garage. So far only four of the victims have been identified, one includes that of Mr Faizi, and another a former boyfriend of McArthur, Andrew Kinsman. All of whom went missing from Toronto’s gay village.

    So far, police have charged McArthur for the first-degree murders of Andrew Kinsman, 49; Selim Esen, 44; Dean Lisowick, 47; Soroush Mahmudi, 50; Majeed Kayhan, 59; Skandaraj Navaratnam, 40; and Abdulbasir Faizi, 42.

    Detectives on the case, have also searched more than 30 other properties that are linked to McArthur.

    Local media reports that police made the decision to arrest McArthur in January when, during surveillance of his property, saw a young man enter his property. Detectives found the man, unharmed, but tied up on a bed.

  • WATCH | The emotional trailer to Anything with Matt Bomer released

    The first trailer for the new film, Anything starring Matt Bomer as a trans woman has hit the internet and it looks so emotional.

    The film is out in the US on the 11th May 2018.

  • Pop star, Timmy Matley dies 36

    Singer from The Overtones, Timmy Matley has died at the age of 36.

    Timmy (second from the right) has died at the age of 36.

    Out singer, Timmy Matley has died, at the age of 36, after a battle with cancer. A statement from the band said that the remaining band members, Lachie, Darren, Mark and Mike, was “heartbreaking”.

    “It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce that our dear friend and brother Timmy has passed away. We know this news will be as heartbreaking for you all as it is for us. We appreciate your love and support at this difficult time. Mike, Darren, Mark & Lachie x”

    Issue 1 The Overtones TheGayUK
    The Overtones appeared on the first ever issue of THEGAYUK digital magazine. (Timmy is the second from the right)

    He was best known for singing the high notes in the band.

    He was diagnosed with stage three malignant melanoma in 2016, however, it’s not clear how Timmy died.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com in 2013, Timmy spoke about sexuality (three of the five members of the band were gay) stating, “I’m so proud of where we’re at and that we can, as a band, do an interview with you and talk about it first of all, and for there to be no mention about it or strategy at the label. It’s 2013 and we’re so comfortable in our workplace. To be who we are. We’re never told to be anything else but ourselves and I’m very proud of that. We never get any jip for it. When we first started I was a bit nervous.”

    Timmy Matley first on the right.

    X Factor winner, Sam Bailey who appeared with the band on their third album, Tweeted, “This is so very sad!!! What an amazing voice! Such a loss!!! Here for you guys x anything you need xx”

    Philip Schofield also paid tribute saying, “I’m so terribly sorry to hear this and sending lots of love to you all and particularly Timmy’s family and his many friends”

    The singer was due, along with his bandmates to go on tour in the summer of 2018. They announced the tour earlier in March.

    Together they released 5 albums, each reaching the Top 40, and sold over a million records in the UK.

     

  • Dustin Lance Black was accused of shop lifting

    Dustin Lance Black has blasted Woolworths in Austrailia for accusing him of shoplifting.

    CREDIT: DFree-bigstock

    The Oscar-winning screenwriter was accused by general store Woolworths while in Australia supporting his husband, Tom Daley, who is competing in the Commonwealth Games.

    Taking to social media, the writer, Dustin wrote,

    “OMG! Was just stopped and accused of shoplifting @woolworths in the Gold Coast! Then out of countless folks with bags a search was demanded of mine.

    “Thanks for the warm welcome to #AUSTRALIA @woolworths! Respect customers’ privacy much? Shame. [sic]”

    The couple are expecting their first child. Dustin is in Australia supporting his husband, diver Tom Daley

    “No Apology”

    The expectant father-to-be blasted the organisation, complaining that he didn’t receive an apology after the embarrassing blunder.

    “No apology at all. Just an accusatory zombie-like look in their eyes.

    “So I just got a refund for the drink I’d just PURCHASED and went elsewhere.

    “So silly. Tourists be warned! I didn’t know if I should shout or laugh. Was sure I was on candid camera.

    He went on warn tourist, telling them to stay clear of the shop.

    “Warning all tourists! Steer clear of this very strange place. [sic]”

    But he added he wouldn’t let the incident ruin his time in Australia. He added, “I am. And I still will. But any kidding aside, I do suggest folks avoid this odd place.

    “It was very aggressive and strange. Not a way to treat anyone, particularly in a time when you’d think AUSTRALIA would like to show its best to world. @woolworths #Fail [sic]”

  • Gay couple barred entry to “mixed couples only” bar

    A bar in Leeds is investigating why two gay men were told that they could not enter the venue because they were not a “mixed sex couple”.

    Gay couple barred from venue, leeds
    Jake’s Bar in Leeds where gay couple Jake and Patrick say they were barred entry and told it was because they were not in a mixed-sex couple.

    Patrick Hannon, 30, and Jake Archer, 25 were told that they could not enter “Jake’s Bar” in Leeds on the 24th March. The couple were left “speechless” after being told they could not patronage the bar because they were both men, the BBC reports.

    Public sector worker Jake said that neither he or his partner were drunk when they tried to enter the venue and that there was no queue outside the bar. The couple has been together for 2 and a half years.

    “We were a bit taken aback to say anything,” he said.

    “I was just thinking that if Paddy was my girlfriend then we would have been allowed in. It’s discrimination.”

    After the incident, Jake took to Twitter to complain to the bar, saying, “I have just been turned away from your bar for not being “in a mixed-sex couple” – I was out with my boyfriend. Don’t you think this is discrimination: if I was with a girlfriend this would have been fine as you were only allowing mixed male and female groups in?”

    Manager Paul Lane said it has a “strict equality and diversity policy” and would “never discriminate” against anyone.

    The bar has launched an investigation into their “external door team”.

    He said, “We have many customers who identify with LGBTQIA+ communities who frequent the bar regularly.”

    It is against the law to discriminate against anyone on the basis or the perception of someone’s sexuality. A bar cannot, for instance, bar entry because they are gay or a gay couple.

     

  • Who is Jenji Kohan, creator of Orange Is The New Black and Weeds

    Jenji is responsible for some of TV’s greatest shows, including Weeds and Orange Is The New Black, but what else is she know for?

    Who is Jenji Kohan
    Jeni Johan along with writer Lauren Morelli

    Jenji Kohan is the creator and Executive Producer of Orange is the New Black. She also wrote the first and last episodes of the season.

    What other shows has Jenji Kohan written or created?

    Kohan began her writing career on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air after graduating from Columbia University. Her series writing credits include Mad About You, Tracy Takes On, Sex and the City and Gilmore Girls. In 1999, she was honoured with an Emmy® Award for ‘Outstanding Comedy Series’ for her work on Tracy Takes On.

    She has developed and produced multiple pilots and series, including Showtime’s Weeds, which ran for eight seasons and garnered her the Writers Guild Award for ‘Best Episodic Comedy’ for the pilot entitled ‘You Can’t Miss The Bear.’

    Who is Jeni Kohan?
    Jenji on the set of the second series of Orange Is The New Black.

    Is Jenji Kohan married or have a family?

    Kohan is the daughter of 13-time Emmy® Award-winning television writer Buz Kohan and accomplished novelist, Rhea Kohan.  She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, journalist/author Christopher Noxon and three children Charlie, Eliza and Oscar.