THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • 13 stars who should have checked their social accounts for homophobia and slurs in 2017

    The stars were out in force with the blatant, everyday and casual homophobia this year…

    It’s amazing how much homophobia there is on Twitter. Even some of the UK’s most loved celebs have been found to have messages that we’re sure they’d wished they checked for or never sent in the first place. Here are 13 celebs, who made the news this year, caught with having slurs against the LGBT+ community on the social timelines.

     

     

    Zoella

    One of Britain’s most popular YouTubers, Zoella, was caught with homophobic comments on her Twitter timeline. The 27-year-old who has over 12 million subscribers on the Google-owned platform, tweeted, “I find it funny when gay men spit… it’s like they’re trying to be a bit macho but never works”. The tweet dated back to 2010, before Zoella became the household name.

    In 2011 she allegedly wrote a tweet with an anti-trans slur saying,  “Are they honestly letting a tranny in a policeman hat speak to them like that? How odd! Haha x”.

    In her apology she wrote, “I’ve seen a few of my old tweets from 7/8 years ago floating around (which I have now deleted) using words like “chav” “skank” and other words I wouldn’t use now as part of my language and lot of them were taken out of context referring to TV shows but I would never say those things now and I’m sorry if I have offended anyone, that was not my intention.

    “Obviously that is not who I am today and I’d like to think I’m a little older and wiser! I’m not perfect and I’ve never claimed to be, I’m only human!”

    Jack Maynard

    Jack Maynard’s departure from I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here caused a huge media stir – with millions of viewers at home in the UK wondering what he had done so wrong to warrant leaving the jungle after just two days. Well, dozens of anti-gay tweets were discovered on his Twitter timeline dating back at least five years. Numerous racist slurs were also found on his timeline. The YouTuber left the jungle and it took him nearly three days to apologise for his error. It was an apology that didn’t go down particularly well – after he used a well-worn cliché “I’ve got lots of gay friends” during his interview with The Sun.

    Stormzy

    Nearly 20 homophobic tweets were found on the BBC’s ‘Artist of The Year’ – Stormzy’s twitter account. The tweets, some of which dated back to 2011 used homophobic slurs, like “no homo” and “faggot” to blast critics on his social media account.

    Stormzy was swift to issue an apology. In a statement, he wrote that the messages sent from his account were “unacceptable and disgusting”. He also said sorry and that he regretted sending the messages.

    Jared O’Mara

    An MP who sat on the Women’s and Equality Committee had past homophobic and sexist forum comments unearthed by the political website, Guido Fawkes. The MP, who unseated Nick Clegg in the last General Election, was said to have used numerous anti-gay slurs on the Morrissey Solo website forum and Drowned In Sound. Terms such as “fudge packers” and driving “up the marmite motorway” to describe gay people were used and a message was written that said gay people were “bitter and resentful about being homosexual”.

    The Labour party took action to suspend the newly elected MP for Sheffield Hallam. He also resigned from the Women’s and Equality committee.

     

    Katie Hopkins

    This year Katie had problems with Rainbow police cars, police marching in pride parades, non-binary people, transgender people, the LGBT+ community in general. To be honest, her twitter timeline is full of moans and angry tweets – but fear not, apparently she deletes her entire catalogue once a week, so the offensiveness doesn’t last long. Screengrabs, however, are forever.

     

    Piers Morgan

    Where to begin. Piers Morgan’s timeline has been filled with rage against people whose gender doesn’t conform to the binary of man and woman. Piers has fought with campaigners on his ITV show and on his own Twitter timeline and even written about it in his column with the MailOnline.

    Earlier in 2017, the presenter condemned LGBT charity Stonewall, calling them “Piers-phobic” after a spokesperson blasted him for “bullying” a couple who identified as non-binary on Good Morning Britain.

    Josh Rivers

    Josh Rivers, the new editor of Gay Times was suspended and then fired after just 20 days in the job, following the discovery by Buzzfeed, of antisemitic, lesbian hating, body shaming and anti-Asian tweets in his Twitter timeline. The majority of tweets were published between 2010 and 2015.

    Rivers was working on a mandate of promoting inclusivity and diversity at the magazine when a number of incendiary comments on his Twitter account between 2010 and 2015. Some of the tweets which have been deleted described Jews as “gross” and some directed hatred towards lesbians, overweight women and men, and Asian and Chinese people. Apologising for his tweets, Rivers wrote: “To every single person who is hurt, offended and disappointed: I’m sorry”.

    He has now deleted his profile.

    Twitter

    Twitter itself came under fire this year for bi-erasure and for suspending a number of popular gay/ LGBT+ websites. Twitter effectively deleted the #bisexual hashtag from showing photos, videos and news items which used that tag. When users tried to use that hashtag in the search bar, they were met with a “no results” page. It took the platform several days to fix the issue.

    Lily Allen

    British singer, Lily Allen used the word “fags” on Twitter and got a response, trouble was it probably wasn’t the one that she was probably hoping for. Her Tweet, “Fags Hate Trump” did not go down well it’s fair to say. The singer was swiftly admonished by many in the community. Some called the singer ‘homophobic’.

    Amir Khan

    Another Celeb from this year’s I’m A Celeb, Amir Khan, was allegedly found to have Tweets on his timeline which were found to be homophobic. In a tweet said to have been sent in 2011, Khan allegedly wrote, “Nothing against them. Sort it out lad. No wonder pple think u like boys haha”.

    In another post from 2010, a tweet which read, “Abuse @saj23x for keeping pictures on his phone, he is defiantly gay after today’s tweet. Asll the guys beware, @saj23x is GAY” was sent from his official account.

    Amir has not apologised or commented on the tweets.

    Rebekah Vardy

    Yet another 2017 I’m A Celeb alumni was allegedly found to have casual homophobia found on her Twitter timeline. Vardy never commented on the Twitter and has not apologised for the offensive tweet.

    Hazel E

    Not Twitter this time, but on Instagram. Hazel E star of the Love & Hip-Hop Hollywood TV show asked her gay fans to forgive her for saying, “burn in hell just like God said in the bible”

    She made the comment in a comment on her boyfriend’s already homophobic Instagram post, which proclaimed that he said he hoped all gays would die and go to hell.

    Tom Barber

    Homophobic tweets sent by Big Brother housemate, Tom Barber came back to haunt him after it was revealed that he allegedly used the homophobic slur “faggot” and used “gay” and “lesbian” as pejorative descriptions in tweets sent to friends.

    Channel 5, the broadcast of Big Brother refused to remove him from the show, despite previous housemates from other series being removed for racist language on their Twitter accounts.

  • ‘Homophobic’ man wanted by cops after a couple threatened on train

    A couple of women were threatened and physically assaulted according to cops, who launched an investigation to find a man they wish to speak to in connection with a homophobic and racist incident.

    British Transport Police are on the hunt for a man they’d like to talk to in connection with what police are describing as a “sustained” and “frightening ordeal” on two women who boarded a train from London’s Kings Cross to Peterborough.

    On the 9th December, two women boarded a train at 8.22 PM from Kings Cross in London heading towards Peterborough. According to a police report, a man started loudly saying racist and homophobic comments. The women interjected, and the man responded by assaulting one of them by pushing her on the shoulder and inappropriately touching the other.

    He then threatened them both.

    The man, who was wearing a bright blue top and described as bald and heavy set, alighted the train at Huntingdon.

    Investigating officer PC, Christopher Marshall said, “This was a sustained and frightening ordeal for the two women, who did nothing to incite such violence.

    “We will not stand for hate crime of any kind, and so if you have any information in relation to this offence, please contact us as soon as you can.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 with reference 590 of 9 December.

    There have been a number of attacks on the UK’s transport network in the latter quarter of 2017.

    homophobic attacks on London underground

    Earlier in December, two teenagers were arrested following an attack where a young man was forced into a headlock and told to apologise for being gay.

    In November, another man was “punched repeatedly” outside Charing Cross station, just a few hundred meters from one of London’s highest-profile gay clubs, heaven.

    In September a woman hurled homophobic abuse at two men on a train between Havant and Pulborough, with one of the victims suffering an injury after the women threw a glass jar at them.

    In September, three teenagers pleaded guilty to attacking two boyfriends on a train in Ealing. They were jailed for their attack.

  • Ryan Phillippe shows off his impressive abs

    This is a dad bod we’d truly proud of.

    Actor Ryan Phillippe knows how to get his fans hot under the collar after sharing a rather revealing, topless picture of his incredibly chiselled torso – wearing nothing but a grey beanie and a pair of black boardshorts in the freezing conditions.

    The 43-year-old, dad of three, stripped off in the snow revealing that his body is as ripped as ever – as he showed off his defined pecs, rippling abs and bulging biceps.

    movin snowflakes by the O-Z

    A post shared by ryan (@ryanphillippe) on

    He captioned the picture,  ‘movin snowflakes by the O-Z.’ in the background of the picture, snowflakes are seen falling from the sky.

     

    Within hours the picture received nearly 100,000 likes on his Instagram account.

    the bionic man

    A post shared by ryan (@ryanphillippe) on

  • Is Barry Manilow gay?

    He’s sold millions of records and performed in front of countless stadiums of people, but Barry Manilow’s love life was a highly guarded secret for decades.

    Is Barry Manilow gay

    In 2017 Barry Manilow revealed to the world that he was in a relationship and married to his manager, Garry. The pair first met 40 years ago and struck up a relationship in the years that followed.

    Secret marriage to his manager

    Barry came out as gay at the age of 73. It was reported that he married his husband two years earlier than that, however, at the time, the “Mandy” singer’s publicist refused to answer speculation on the reports.

    It seems as though he’s actually been with his partner for nearly 40 years after they met in 1978, whom he describes as “the smartest person” he’s ever met and “a great guy”. Garry is also Barry’s manager.

    Gay bathhouses with Bette

    The singer, who made his name along with Bette Midler in the gay bathhouses of New York City, has never spoken about his sexuality before, but he did tell The Daily Telegraph in 2012, that he wasn’t dating anyone and that he was happily single, despite the fact he was actually with his boyfriend manager.

    Disappointing fans?

    He said that he kept his sexuality secret for so many years for fear of disappointing his fans, although as the People Magazine article notes, it was an “open secret to some in his long-devoted, mostly female fan base”.

  • Rylan says he needs a break

    Apparently, he’s not been axed from This Morning – he just needs a break.

    “I’ve been working constantly for five years,” says the tired presenter. Rylan who found fame on Signed By Katie Price is set to take some time off from ITV after he spoke out about the rumours that he had been fired from This Morning.

    Despite revealing that he needed a break, he will be fulfilling his presenting duties on Celebrity Big Brother which starts on the 2nd January on Channel 5.

    OUT OF TOUCH? Some have said that Rylan is out of touch after he spoke out about Brexit and said that he needed a rest from constantly working.

    Taking to Twitter to battle the axe rumours Rylan wrote, “Rumours in press why I’m ‘leaving’ or been ‘axed’ from @thismorning, Truth is I need a break. I’ve been working constantly for 5 years and I need some time to myself.

    “I will still be at Big Bro. I just need to take some time to myself. That’s all. I’ll be back soon xxx”

    Needless to say, the revelation that the presenter had been working “constantly” on the five programme a week The Morning, some fans were not impressed. With some comparing their work life to the pampered star – writing, “Try working 20 years for the NHS we could all do with a break!”

    The reaction didn’t go down well with Rylan who replied with a gif of himself.

     

     

  • How does your sexual health compare to other gay guys?

    Welcome to our sexual health comparison survey.

    In January our focus will be on the nation’s sexual health – particularly for gay and bisexual men. We’re doing a little research up front to see what our audience thinks and feels about their sexual health – you can view all the answers now – as you proceed – and compare how you fit in with the rest of the gay UK!

    Please answer all the questions that you’re comfortable doing…

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  • When does the new series of Celeb Big Brother start?

    The new series of Celebrity Big Brother is now in its 21st series… When does it start and what channel is it on?

    In January 2018, as the nation marks 100 years since women won the right to vote for the very first time, Celebrity Big Brother launches this series with an all-female cast of celebrity housemates in a salute to a centenary of women’s suffrage on Channel 5.

    What day does Celebrity Big Brother start?

    The brand new series of CBB will start on Tuesday 2nd January 2018 at 9 PM. It will, as usual, be presented by Emma Willis and this series will initially explore how the all-female housemates interact, from politicians to performing artists, as they enter the house first, ahead of the celebrity male housemates.

    All female cast?

    Over the course of the series, as the male counterparts enter the house, the housemates will take part in a series of entertaining tasks and hidden experiments which will test their – and our – assumptions, challenge gender stereotypes and reveal fascinating truths about what it is to be a woman – and man – in the 21st century. See what happens when women hold the power, as Celebrity Big Brother January 2018 is set to be celebratory, surprising and insightful.

    Who’s rumoured to be going into the house?

    CBB bosses have made their first star announcement. Boris Johnson’s sister, Rachel Johnson will be one of the first female stars to enter the BB house in Borehamwood.

    Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On the Side will return weeknights with Rylan Clark-Neal.

  • FIRST LOOK | Will & Grace coming to the UK

    Will & Grace is returning to UK screens in January – and here’s a look at the first episode of the reunion season.

    On January 5th, Will & Grace is coming back to our screens. Channel 5 will be the broadcaster – and as part of their deal, they’ll also be showing the next season when it is released, expected to be in 2019.

    Anyway, to get you in the mood here’s some pictures from the first episode of the new season…

    When will Will And Grace be on TV in the UK

    what time is Will and Grace on TV
    Will and Grace together again, but this time in the White House

    When will Will And Grace be on TV in the UK
    Just Jack being his same old wonderful self. The new series sees all your favourite characters reunited after a decade since the last episode.

    Of course our favourite duo, Jack and Karen are back with their sassy one-liners and penchant for vodka-based drinks.

    Karen has help in the office, with a new character, Tony played by Anthony Ramos.

    The main two: back together after years off the TV.

    Will & Grace will be broadcast on Channel 5, 5th January at 10 PM

  • Lewis Hamilton apologises for yelling “boys don’t wear dresses” at his nephew

    Racing Champ Lewis Hamilton has apologised for yelling at his little nephew for wearing a princess dress, that the boy asked for Christmas.

    “Boys don’t wear princess dresses” shouts Lewis Hamilton at his young nephew – in a clip that the racing pro allegedly uploaded to his Instagram account.

    The shocking clip became a trend on Twitter after people piled in with their criticism of the short video.

    Hamilton, who is 32, was filming his nephew, who received a princess dress for Christmas. The former BBC Sports Personality of the Year then reportedly uploaded the clip onto Instagram, where he has around 5.7 million followers.

    In the video, the driver begins the clip by saying “I’m so sad right now, look at my nephew,” He then turns the camera onto a young boy who is wearing a pretty princess dress. Hamilton then questions his nephew, “Why are you wearing a princess dress?”

    Hamilton then asks if the dress was what the child received for Christmas. The boy answered that he had. Hamilton then questioned the child why he had asked for the dress before shouting, “Boys don’t wear princess dresses!”

    The clip ends almost immediately after the statement.

    The child then covers his ears and turns away. At the time of print mentions of his “Lewis Hamilton” interaction had been mentioned over 10,500 times on Twitter.

    “Inappropriate”

    Since the incident, Hamilton has apologised, taking to Twitter he wrote,

    “Yesterday I was playing around with my nephew and realised that my words were inappropriate so I removed the post. I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all. I love that my nephew feels free to express himself as we all should.

    “My deepest apologies for my behaviour as I realise it is really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalise or stereotype anyone.

    “I have always been in support of anyone living their life exactly how they wish, and I hope I can be forgiven for this lapse in judgement.”

    The short video has now been removed from the driver’s Instagram. THEGAYUK.com reached out to Lewis Hamilton for comment

  • LEWIS HAMILTON yells at his nephew, “boys don’t wear dresses”

    Racing Champ Lewis Hamilton yelled at his little nephew that he shouldn’t be wearing a princess dress, despite the fact that the child asked for the dress for Christmas.

    “Boys don’t wear princess dresses” shouts Lewis Hamilton at his young nephew – in a clip that the racing pro allegedly uploaded to his Instagram account.

    The shocking clip became a trend on Twitter after people piled in with their criticism of the short video.

    Hamilton, who is 32, was filming his nephew, who received a princess dress for Christmas. The former BBC Sports Personality of the Year then reportedly uploaded the clip onto Instagram, where he has around 5.7 million followers.

    In the video, the driver begins the clip by saying “I’m so sad right now, look at my nephew,” He then turns the camera onto a young boy who is wearing a pretty princess dress. Hamilton then questions his nephew, “Why are you wearing a princess dress?”

    Hamilton then asks if the dress was what the child received for Christmas… The boy answered that he had. Hamilton then questioned the child why he had asked for the dress before shouting, “Boys don’t wear princess dresses!”

    The clip ends almost immediately after the statement.

    The child then covers his ears and turns away. At the time of print mentions of his “Lewis Hamilton” interaction had been mentioned over 10,500 times on Twitter.

    Many of the driver’s fans were not happy with the interaction between Lewis and his nephew and criticised the star for the way in which he spoke to his young family member.

    Since the incident, Hamilton has apologised, taking to Twitter he wrote,

    “Yesterday I was playing around with my nephew and realised that my words were inappropriate so I removed the post. I meant no harm and did not mean to offend anyone at all. I love that my nephew feels free to express himself as we all should.

    “My deepest apologies for my behaviour as I realise it is really not acceptable for anyone, no matter where you are from, to marginalise or stereotype anyone.

    “I have always been in support of anyone living their life exactly how they wish and I hope I can be forgiven for this lapse in judgement.”

    The short video has now been removed from the driver’s Instagram. THEGAYUK.com reached out to Lewis Hamilton for comment

    • This story has been updated since it was first published to include Hamilton’s apology.

  • THEGAYUK’s Influential Tweeters of the year 2017

    Welcome to THEGAYUK’s first annual Influential Tweeter of the year.

    This list represents THEGAYUK.com’s most influential tweeters in the UK. Just a selection of people who got conversations flowing in 2017. Some of our Tweeters of the year courted controversy and through their actions, they actually galvanised the community, which is why they were chosen. Others on the list used their platform to seek justice for their cause. Some are just too funny not to give a special mention. It’s fair to say that without them, Twitter wouldn’t be as entertaining, insightful, infuriating or indeed, influential.

    In no particular order:

    Marcus Collins – Singer

    One of the funniest tweeters and Instagrammers in the UK. There is not a gif or meme that Marcus doesn’t know about. If you’re ever feeling low and need a lift, visit Marcus’s accounts for an instant mood lift. Follow here

    Monroe Bergdorf – Trans and race activist and former L’Oreal model

    Starting out relatively unknown at the beginning of 2017, Monroe became a household name and one of the most talked about people in the UK thanks to being outspoken on the issue of race in 2017. Earlier this year, her comments on racism found her ousted as a model by L’Oreal, which led to a backlash against the cosmetic giant. Her dismissal didn’t stop Monroe from making a bigger platform for herself and the causes she believes in. Since then she has gone on to pen various articles on being trans and non-white in the UK. Follow here.

    Dylan Jones – Editor of QX Magazine

    Brilliantly insightful. Dylan is the editor of the weekly gay listings magazine, QX. Charged with ensuring that QX hits the streets of Soho every week, on time, Dylan has overseen some incredible, diverse covers for a magazine, which has 52 of them to create each year. For insight into the nightlife of London or generally being an out there kind-of-guy give Dylan a follow. Follow here

    Piers Morgan – Good Morning Britain presenter

    Whether you agree with his comments or not, Piers has certainly raised awareness about gender fluidity and non-binary people this year. He has devoted countless segments on Good Morning Britain to invite people who identify as non-binary, transgender or genderfluid to question their lives and how they identify. His response though has always been met with condemnation from many in the LGBT+ community. Follow here

     

    Ryan Butcher – Former Gay Times Deputy Editor

    He has ‘An infuriated gay man” written in his profile and for many, he is just that, but it cannot be denied that Ryan cares deeply about social issues facing the LGBT+ community. After leaving Gay Times in 2017 in a huge shake-up at the magazine, Ryan simply tweeted, this:

    Which makes him a class act. Follow Here

    Owen Jones – Guardian journalist

    When Owen Jones tweets, people listen, even turning out in their droves. Although it has to be said that he receives a lot of hate for his efforts and took a leave of absence from Twitter after he was sent torture and death threats. Look out for rebel rousing from Owen when President Trump comes to the UK in 2018. Follow here

    Dean Eastmond – LGBT+ Advocate for those living with cancer

    Before his death, Dean launched Hiskind Magazine and was an incredible voice for LGBT+ people living with, getting treatment for and survivors of cancer. Tragically he passed away in September 2017. However, his magazine went on to release another issue and his hope lives on in his Twitter feed. Follow here

    Jack Monroe, Writer and activist

    Jack sued Katie Hopkins this year and won. The food writer has had a rollercoaster of a year, successfully winning a libel case against Hopkins and then running in the General Election as a candidate for the National Health Action party. Jack ran on a pledge to stand up for “Healthcare. Services for people with disabilities. Living standards. Jobs. Decent homes.” Jack quit the campaign trail after death threats were sent to the writer’s home. Follow here

    Martyn Hett, the world’s biggest Coronation Street fan

    Our second posthumous recognition is for Martyn Hett, whose death in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack made us all take a closer look at how we choose to live our lives. His name trended on Twitter days after the bombings as he was recognised as an incredible engine for change and an inspiration on how to live life to the fullest. He was recently remembered again on the platform for what would have been his 30th birthday. Follow here

    Christine Burns MBE, activist 

    Christine is a political activist who was awarded an MBE in 2005 for her work representing the transgender community. Christine is also known being the former vice president for the Press For Change campaign, which focusses on the rights and treatment of trans people in the UK. Follow here

    It is important to note that our decision to make someone an Influential Tweeter doesn’t and should suggest that they are necessarily an ally to the LGBT+ community in the UK. It is our belief that those who create space for conversations surrounding LGBT+ issues, who have huge audiences are influencers.