THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • When is series 12 of Red Dwarf back on in the UK?

    Red Dwarf is returning to Dave TV tonight in the UK. Here’s what you need to know about the new series starring Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Danny John-Jules and Robert Llewellyn.

    The brand new season of the cult classic, Red Dwarf returns to British TV screens tonight, on Dave with the original cast Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules and Robert Llewellyn all reunited for another series.

    What is Red Dwarf about?

    For  nearly 30 years, the sci-fi classic Red Dwarf has been delighting audiences around the world. So what is it about? All but one of the crew, Dave Lister, (who was in suspended animation) are killed by an onboard radiation leak aboard the mining ship Red Dwarf. Three million years later, when the radiation levels have returned to normal, the ship’s computer Holly reanimates the lone crew member who discovers that he is all alone on the giant mining ship, except for a humanoid cat who evolved from Lister’s pregnant cat, a hologram of a former roommate and a service-bot Kryten.

    So what happens in Season 12?

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com the series creator, Doug Naylor said that although lots of information had already leaked about the 12th series, however the very last episode is his favourite. The last episode; called Skipper, has been much talked about as it sees the return of the original ships computer Holly as played by Norman Lovett and Arnold Rimmer appears to be time travelling to the setting of the first series.

    The series has six episodes in it and explores what would happen if evil was curable.

    Will there be a 13th series?

    Naylor revealed to THEGAYUK that “everyone” wants to do another series- saying, “Everyone wants to do more and by everyone, I don’t mean just me and the cast”.

     

    Where can I watch Red Dwarf?

    Red Dwarf is available to watch in the UK on the digital channel Dave at 9 PM.

  • 10 of the best pop songs to come out to for #NationalComingOutDay

    In the olden days (I’m talking about G-A-Y at the Astoria), when I used to go out as an excitable newbie gay and was able to wear stomach revealing tees, Pop music was my haven.

    Pop music of the late 90s and early 2000s seemed to know my man loving ways and was only to happy to deliver thumping after thumping hit for me to perform my little camp heart out on the sticky floors of that old, fondly missed haunt.

    1) Geri, the official gift to gay men delivered ‘Lift Me Up’ / ‘Look At Me’ / ‘Bag It Up’. No list of coming out songs is complete without one Ginger song and she’s given us at least 3. Geri’s debut solo album Schizo-Phonic offered up a plethora of camptastic tunes. I still put on ‘Bag It Up’ from time to time and it still makes me jig. Yes I said ‘jig’ and I’m owning it.


    2) ‘Get This Party Started‘, When Pink slammed onto the scene with this song it almost became a homo chant. “I’m coming out, so you better get this party started’. Its place in the annals of gay culture was cemented when the Dame of Bassey made her almost definitive version of the classic for that M&S advert.


    3) ‘One Day In Your Life’, at the height of Anastacia’s greatness the ab’d goddess with the huge voice was churning out stompers like nobody’s business. ‘One Day In Your Life’ has such a seriously strong chorus that it has become one of my all time club classics.


    4) ‘I Am What I Am’, The Dame of Bassey (Shirley Bassey). Ok, this isn’t one that featured much in the clubs – but sexuality affirmed men (and some who are yet to discover their true selves) with feather boas across the nation kick out their legs in unison whenever this track is played. It is against the law not to do some kind of jazz hand whilst this is playing – fact.


    5) ‘Can’t Take That Away’, just before the true madness of Mariah Carey was unleashed upon the world, the stratospheric octaved diva delivered probably her most camp, dramatic and butterfly filled song ever – with a ‘love and respect’ yourself theme, what self-respecting gay can’t listen to this with a tear in his eye and a knowing in his heart?


    6) Britney was on fire (and had a full head of hair) at the beginning of the noughties and ‘Stronger’ was a killer track. Pre ‘Madonna kiss’ post ‘I’m a naughty school girl’ – Brit knew the way forward was her gays.

     


    7) ‘It’s Raining Men’ is a track, which just needs to feature on this list. It’s a floor filler. Geri’s is okay, but you can’t beat the original Weather Girls’ version, it only counts if you clap in the right place – those who miss the double clap HANG YOUR HEAD IN SHAME.


    8) Remember Holly Valance, that Neighbours star turned pop princess? Vaguely? Well, she burst onto the scene with a seriously sexy number ‘Kiss Kiss’, which I remember making an impact – in my bedroom, but that’s not for here!


    9) ‘Beautiful’, by XTina featured a rather hot gay couple in the video – which gets my vote and the song, has a gooey, lovey vibe, which makes me feel my most beautiful.


    10) ‘I’m Coming Out’, Diana Ross sang this song either with full knowledge of the gay anthem she was about to create or in complete naivety. It features one of the longest introductions in the world, but lyrically this song has to come in at number 1. It says what it does on the tin (if it had a tin).

    What are your TOP coming out songs?

  • A New LGBT Film Festival Is Set To Open In North London

    Following the success of their Unrestricted View Film Festival and Unrestricted View Horror Film Festival, the team at the Hen & Chickens Theatre in Islington have just launched their first LGBT+ film festival called Rainbow Umbrella.


    The festival is run by filmmakers and aims to celebrate the very best in indie and encourage all aspects of independent LGBT filmmaking. As well as live screenings, there will also be various networking events to be announced shortly.

    Festival Director Mark Lyminister has worked with Unrestricted View and been Theatre Manager of The Hen & Chickens Theatre for many years. Having also worked extensively as an actor in theatre, film and TV, Mark said;

    “Rainbow umbrella has been set up to encourage actors and filmmakers from the LGBT+ community to have a platform to express their hopes, fears, desires and experiences and share them with new audiences.

    “We aim to allow anyone with a voice, an opinion, a vision, a calling, to be free to write, act, direct and be free to express themselves through the medium of film. From first-time filmmakers with little or no budget to the films with more experience and financial clout, they are all welcome under our umbrella!

    “We want to share films that show every emotion of someone experiencing life as an LGBT person.”

    You can submit films via the Film Freeway website here: https://filmfreeway.com/festival/RainbowUmbrella

    The festival takes place at the Hen & Chickens Theatre on the 12th – 14th January 2018. The full programme will be announced in December 2017 when tickets will go on sale at unrestrictedview.co.uk

  • Looking actor Jonathan Groff stars in the Netflix drama Mindhunter

    Looking actor, Jonathan Groff is starring in the brand new Netflix drama, Mindhunter

    Looking actor Jonathan Groff stars in the Netflix drama Mindhunter

    In a stark contrast to his previous roles in Frozen, Glee and Looking, Jonathan Groff takes on a hard-hitting role, of an ambitious FBI agent who tries to understand the minds of some of the world’s most dangerous killers – so that he can catch other killers.

    He’s teamed with experienced agent Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) in the Behavioral Science Unit and will work with his sometimes reluctant partner to find new methods of investigation. Together they will meet some of America’s gravest killers – and face the cynicism and scorn of the tradition-bound hierarchy of the 1970s’ Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Speaking about his new role, Jonathan said that the director, David Fincher made him feel “completely relaxed” despite feeling “intimidated” in meeting the Gone Girl and Social Network director.

    “It was a wonderful, surreal feeling,” says Groff, of sitting down with the Seven and Zodiac director to discover he’d got the part. “The idea of meeting David Fincher feels so intimidating, because of the work he’s created, but the minute I sat down I felt completely relaxed. He makes you work harder than anybody else, but he makes you feel more at ease than anyone else.”

    Mindhunter is set to stream on Netflix from 13th October.

  • Perez Hilton becomes a dad for the THIRD time

    Hollywood gossip Perez Hilton becomes a father for the third time.

    Congrats are in order for Perez Hilton. The world’s most famous blogger has welcomed his third child, born by a surrogate, into the world. He shared a series super cute Instagram pictures and introduced his new daughter Mayte Amor.

    A post shared by Perez Hilton (@theperezhilton) on

    In the first photo, he is joined by his mother and his moment’s old daughter, who he said arrived fashionable late at 41 weeks! He said that the birth of his new daughter made him truly thankful, humbled and indebted.

    Taking to Instagram he said,

    Dear friends,

    A lot has changed over the past decade plus and I am so thankful, humbled, and truly indebted that you have accepted me through the fat and the fug and the then and the now. We’ve grown up together and evolved and I continue to do so – in the best way possible!

    I am beaming with joy and pride as I share with you that my family has grown yet again.

    Last week my son and daughter welcomed a sister into the world!

    #MayteAmor was born on Wednesday, October 4th at 3:26 PM – weighing 7 lbs 4 oz, measuring 20 inches long, and she’s perfect!

    Named after her grandparents – Mario & Teresita – their love will forever flow through her and protect her and all of my kids.

    Grandma is over the moon and so are her siblings!

    Mayte Amor waited until 41 weeks to make her fashionably late arrival. She’s doing everything a newborn should do and doing it so well. She’s a whole 7 days advanced!

    Thank you to my sister for keeping everything running so smoothly on the site.

    Thank you to everyone who’s reached out with love and concern over my needed social media break.

    And, most importantly, thank you to the surrogate who gave me the greatest gift anyone could ever receive!

    And thank you to the other two surrogates who helped us as well!

    And thank you to all the surrogates who give so selflessly and whose kindness is inspiring!

    There are still many states in America that, sadly, prohibit surrogacy and I hope to use my voice to advocate for making it legal across the country!

    I am deliriously tired and equally happy! This is a very special time for me and my family!

    Family time is the best time! Family first! They are my everything!


    In a later post, Perez helped his fan pronounce his daughter’s name, Mayte, after finding out that many of them, and the hospital where Mayte was born had problems  getting the name right. Mayte, he says, is a common Spanish name.

  • INTERVIEW | Amanda Lepore: Always have the highest heels in the room

    Icons draw attention, but none quite like Amanda Lepore. Her blonde hair and highly accentuated form are the stuff of legends. There are no double takes when Lepore walks into the room. Just one look and instantly you’ll recognise that you’re with a commanding presence and a persona that demands that all eyes follow. In 2015 we spoke with Lepore about plans for her new album and how she might be coming to a wedding near you.

    JH: So do you ever get tired of being called fabulous?
    AL: No!

    JH: (Laughs) and that’s it! You dress to impress and it gets a lot of column inches. Tell me a bit about constructing the Ms Lepore look.
    AL: Well, I love makeup, I’m very girly, I really enjoy perfume, and I like to take my time doing makeup and stuff. I’m really good at hair lately, I have a hair stylist too once in a while so that’s really fun and they do a more sculpted type of thing. I do like to show my body off a lot! Even as a child when I was visiting a psychiatrist to get the whole sex change thing, they said I was extremely body conscious because I always wore tight clothes and everything, so it’s just something I liked even before I was in the spotlight.

    JH: You’re a bit of an exhibitionist then?
    AL: Errrm, I think so. I wear what I like too so it’s sort of for myself too.

    JH: Is it important to be talked about?
    AL: I kind of just go with the flow. Before all this happened, I had no idea and I wasn’t a very ambitious type of person so I just went with what the cards were giving me. I guess I’m used to it, and I would probably miss it because I’ve had the taste of it, and I’ve made a career of it. So I guess it’s important at this stage but not initially no. I’ve always liked the attention though. Like when I worked at disco 2000 in the 90s, I was on the Joan Rivers show, and people were writing about me that “I was the girl of the minute” and a “Jayne Mansfield lookalike.” so I would always get them (the newspapers) and read them, so I did like it.

    JH: Is it quite addictive?
    AL: Yes, I think so, and it goes along with how I shaped my career too.

    JH: So what is the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
    AL: Well, the first thing I do is usually order breakfast and coffee and take vitamins. I’m like a vitamin freak. I learned one time, when I went to an Alexander McQueen sample sale, I took the vitamins without eating. Then I threw up. It was really embarrassing, so I had to get a banana from the deli. I learned that you have to eat if I was going to take all the vitamins and hormones. The last thing I do is either wear something sexy for a man or take off my make up and just sleep naked.

    JH: So you say you order breakfast? Do you have room service where you live?
    AL: Errrm no, but there are lots of restaurants and delis in my area. So I tend to just shop in my neighbourhood.

    JH: It’s been a great couple of years in terms of visibility for trans people. How does that feel for someone like you?
    AL: It feels really good, I mean I was ok without being visible and I made myself visible after David LaChapelle. I was always flamboyant about it and made a thing about it but I think it’s good for young people. Especially the super young people with their parents.It’s just much easier to transition and have your parents help. There’s more role models for them as well, there wasn’t really any when I was young, I had no transsexual friends when I first did treatments. It wasn’t until I moved to New York and met other transsexuals, I mean, I would see them at the doctor’s office and everything but I was super young when I went and they were older than me so it just wasn’t really right. I was with a dominant man at the time too so he kept me away from all of that. It’s really important for kids to have a role model.

    JH: You’re part of that visibility obviously and part of the story for young people to have a role model. How does that make you feel?
    AL: Even before the super visibility, I’d always get Facebook messages and people telling me, “Oh, like you gave me the willpower to transition and do it and everything,” so I knew that I was a role model and it would make me feel really good. I felt like I was spreading happiness. It always felt good being out as most transsexuals didn’t want people to know. Like, they would be more blending in the supermarket and like not have their boyfriends know. So, I think I helped make it more visible.

    JH: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
    AL: Go blonde? (laughs) I always remember that when I first transitioned that she (the doctor) said it was good that I was young when I first had hormones. So I always tell people to do it before you’re 24. You can change everything but afterwards, it’s harder to take away certain male characteristics. So, I say, if you do want to do it, you shouldn’t wait.

    JH: And who would you like to musically collaborate with?
    AL: Marilyn Monroe, she’s kind of like an idol. Elvis would be great too!

    JH: Which has been the happiest period of your life?
    AL: I think now, for sure, like things are the best now for me.

    JH: And what is left on your bucket list to be done?
    AL: I want to do more music, but have it more theatrical sort of like a Vegas show or like a Broadway show. Hopefully, I could get bigger audiences and more elaborate stage sets and stuff. That would be a dream! I’d like to do acting too, like a nice juicy role that I’m comfortable with. I think film more than theatre because they have more control over it (laughs).

    JH: Are you a bit of a control freak?
    AL: Yeah!

    JH: What are your three top requirements for being a class A socialite?
    AL: I think it’s really important to look people in the eyes and be nice with everyone because you never know who everyone is. It’s good karma! I think it’s important to smell nice too… And have the highest heels in the room. Just smelling good is the most important I think. Beautiful makeup!

    JH: Is there new music coming?
    AL: Well, there is new music coming out, but I was touring so much that we didn’t finish it. I did four new songs though so I’m excited about the new stuff as well but it’s a little delayed. I’m coming out with a book in spring and I’ll probably have a book tour with that. Also, I’m now an ordained minister so I’m doing weddings too which is really fun. I just married a couple and I can kind of do myself and just dress really glamorous and everything. I can look how I like and dress how I want.

     

    This interview appeared in Issue 15, October 2015

  • Oxford students banned Christian Union from Freshers’ fair over homophobia concerns

    Students at Balliol, one Oxford University’s most prestigious colleges, banned the Christian Union (CU) from its Freshers’ Fair, citing homophobia and neo-colonialism as its reasoning.

    The CU was banned from attending and recruiting student members at the college’s Freshers’ Fair this year after organisers said that their presence could cause harm to communities “struggling to feel welcome in Oxford.”

    President of the JCR, Hubert Au, wanted the event to be a “secular environment.”

    Au wrote,  “Christianity’s influence on many marginalised communities has been damaging in its methods of conversion and rules of practice, and is still used in many places as an excuse for homophobia and certain forms of neo-colonialism”.

    The decision was reached through discussions with the JCR Welfare subcommittee.

    In the end, a general, multi-faith religious stall was allowed at the fair on the understanding that no representatives from any of the faith societies staffed it. There was a vote by students at the college, on Sunday that said the decision was a ” violation of free speech and religious freedom.”  The motion prohibited the barring of official religious societies from future freshers’ fairs.

  • OMG! Emmerdale just killed off a gay character – and fans are distraught

    We didn’t see it coming!!!

    Emmerdale has killed off a gay character and his death has left fans reeling. Finn Barton, played by Joe Gill was killed off last Thursday. In an interview with the Radio Times, Joe said, that he felt it was “time to move on.” He said: “I felt professionally it was time to move on. I’ve loved every second of playing Finn and being part of the Barton family, but creatively it seemed like my time had naturally come to an end and I wanted to play different characters.”

    Joe revealed that he felt “a bit sorry for Finn” when he heard about the fate of his character. “When you tell the bosses you want to leave you put the characters’ fate in their hands, and part of me felt a bit sorry for Finn I’ll be honest. But it’s a case of whatever’s best for the show, and if it meant getting that impact then it was the right thing to do”.

    Fans were naturally upset by the heartbreaking episode with one writing: “Honestly devastated as Finn deserved a happy ending! Thank you Joe Gill for bringing us a character the public loved.” Another added: “Gutted. Love Finn,” while a third said: “I’ve already cried five times. I’m going to miss him a lot.”

    Joe Gill identifies as straight, but he knew that the character of Finn Barton was gay before he auditioned for the part. Speaking in an interview he revealed that he enjoyed playing a gay character because it helps him understand, learn and see things from other points of view. He said, “I think it’s been really good for me to play a character that’s far removed from myself. It means that I get to see things from someone else’s point of view, and learn and understand things that maybe I wouldn’t have done if I hadn’t played Finn”.

     

  • Parents of man detained in Dubai over touching a man’s hip, speak out of their worry for him

    The parents of Jamie Harron, the Scotsman arrested in Dubai for accidentally touching another man’s hip while trying to avoid bumping into him in a crowded bar, have spoken out. They tell of their fears for Jamie, and how the pressure has affected their close family.

    Jamie’s father Graham, a caterer, and his mother Patricia are beside themselves with worry. Patricia cannot sleep. “I’m up all night worrying about what is going to happen to Jamie in court on Sunday,” she says. “There’s no chance of sleep.”

    Jamie was in Dubai, with a friend, on a two-day stopover from Afghanistan, where he worked as an electrician.

    Jamie, says he was trying to ensure that a drink he was holding did not spill on himself or others. He touched the other man’s hip in order to avoid an impact.

    He was arrested for public indecency and his passport was seized but authorities. In fighting his case, Jamie has spent in excess of £30,000 in legal fees. He has spent all of his savings and spent £12,000 on credit cards.

    Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained In Dubai, the NGO representing Jamie and his family is in constant communication with the worried couple.

    Graham stresses that he is very grateful for all the support from the press and the people of the UK.

    He says, “Patricia and I have not been able to relax for a moment. We never dreamed we would have to face something like this. I wanted him to tell his story to the press but he really did not think it would be necessary. We can’t believe that this nightmare has gone on for three months. Jamie is a good boy. He has never been a problem and never in trouble. We are a very close family and it is killing us to think of him spending even 3 nights in jail, let alone 3 years.”

    The Embassy is doing nothing

    Graham continues, “The UK embassy has not done anything to help and seem to think it is absolutely fine for British nationals to be abused in this way. People have to stop visiting that country. Since Jamie was arrested, I have researched and found that this is more common than any of us think. It is unacceptable the FCO actually promotes the UAE to British tourists.”

    “We are so worried about what may happen tomorrow at the hearing. We have been told to expect he will be taken into custody. We feel helpless.”

    “Questions need to be answered as to why there is no advice about these incidents on the UK FCO website,” Graham insists, “and where are the embassy staff who should be offering emotional and practical support to both Jamie in the UAE and his family back home in Stirling?”

    Graham and Patricia spoke of their family’s finances which are now in tatters, Jamie has been forced to pay over £10,000 for a solicitor and run up huge credit card debts which he is going to have trouble repaying, now that he has lost his job. Loving parents Graham and Patricia have also stretched their own finances to breaking point to help their son.

    Horrible dream

    Jamie adds, “the whole thing is like a horrible dream and I just don’t know when it is going to end. I thought it would be over by now but it feels like it will never be. I am lucky I have friends to stay with but this has broken me, financially and emotionally. I am in debt because of the legal fees and won’t even be able to afford to appeal the case if it doesn’t go in my favour”.

    Radha Stirling adds in a statement, “Jamie’s local MP, Stephen Kerr, contacted me today to ask whether he should intervene and we have requested he do so. This case has been brought to the attention of the UAE government who we hope will intervene and stop the injustice. More and more British nationals have written Dubai off as a possible holiday destination in light of several recent high profile arrests and we are inundated with more stories of legal abuse. We are hoping to work with the UAE government to make improvements to make the country safer for tourists, expats and investors.

    We are all anxiously awaiting to see whether Jamie is jailed tomorrow for previously not turning up to a court hearing that neither he, nor his lawyer, were advised of”.

  • Surprise… Louis got the boys

    Well, it’s that time of year again… Where the X Factor contestants are carved up like meat and slung to the judges… This time round Louis got the boys.

    The boys stand waiting for their mentor to make an entrance. They have no idea that Louis is behind the door – and could lead them to X Factor victory.

    In a change to the norm, Louis Walsh got the boys this year, having only officially had them once before – he also had the under 25s in one of the first shows, before the boys became their own category.

    This year, though, Louis is in with a good chance of winning the series, as the boys’ category has tended to do well with the voting audience at home, with the category winning six times, more than any other category in the competition.

    Surprise lads! Louis is your mentor!
    Louis gives the boys a pep talk… Let the battle commence.

    Usually, Louis – the longest-serving judge on the X Factor, mentors the groups, having done so 6 times in the past. Louis has taken part in every season of the X Factor, apart from two years ago, when he was replaced by Nick Grimshaw in a massive programme shakeup.

    However, he and Sharon Osborne were reunited last year – when the show’s execs decided to bring back the original judging line up.

    The boys will now, have to go through the six chair challenge and then be taken to the judge’s houses where they will have to impress Louis and a guest judge before they are able to appear on the live shows.

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