THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • This Brighton church welcomes its first non-binary, trans man ordained minister

    A Brighton church is the first to welcome their first non-binary, trans man minister.

    Rev. Peta Evans is to join the church in Brighton as an Associate Pastor. The Village Metropolitan Community Church is a church which was created by LGBT+ Christians, their families, their friends and allies.

    The Reverend’s first sermon is due to be given on the 8th October at 6 PM at the Village MCC. In 2010 Peta left Brighton to train a clergy intern in North London and now is returning to Brighton

    When not ministering, Peta is a care-worker and tailor.

    Rev. Peta said, “Returning to Brighton, I am excited to serve again in the community which first welcomed me and supported me in both my ministry journey and my gender transition. I would love to see the sincere passion and integrity of The Village MCC reach out even more widely to people of all ages, gender identities and walks of life.

    “I am also enthusiastic about reclaiming the Bible from those who have tried to make it a weapon against those who are different, and I’m starting a group for Trans people to do just that, ReTranslation, to look at the text for themselves without past interpretations getting in the way. I have a love for Celtic spirituality, which weaves together the practical and the spiritual, finding depth and delight in all things, no matter how mundane, and for creative expressions of spirituality, which I hope to share with The Village in the coming months.”

    Rev. Michael Hydes, Senior Pastor of The Village MCC said, “I’m looking forward to working with Rev. Peta. Their rootedness in Celtic Christianity and experience working in the Trans communities are just two of the many gifts they bring to their work. I know we’ll all be enriched by their participation in our church life and leadership within our community of faith.”

  • Shopping is more stimulating than SEX

    Shopping could be more stimulating than SEX, according to a pioneering neuroscience study.

    Scientists have today unveiled the physiological effects of shopping on the human brain, revealing how “inspired shopping” can deliver moments of prolonged highs in the brain comparable to sexual intercourse.

    Experts isolated the secrets to better browsing by analysing Gamma brainwaves which are scientifically linked with higher mind-states of creativity and extreme pleasure.

    Partnering with mind-tech experts, MyndPlay, the data unveiled some astounding insights about how Brits can put the inspiration, satisfaction and pleasure back into shopping.

    According to the data 84 percent of Inspired Shoppers experienced a ‘buyers high’ at check-out, comparable to a Formula 1 driver finishing a circuit – and twice that of their “Shop-y-cat” counterparts – who just buy things to “fit in”.

    Shop-y-cat Shoppers, on the other hand, felt exhausted, with an accumulative 30 percent increase in mental fatigue every ten minutes while shopping.

    The results also show Brits can train their brains to stay in the inspiration zone and shop better by staying present, still and calm.

    Rob Hattrell, Vice President of eBay UK, said: “Shopping is personal. It’s a reflection of what makes you, you.

    “eBay is encouraging Brits to reject the boring and beige, and to stop shopping like everybody else. Instead, we want shoppers to be bolder and express their individuality.

    “This fascinating research gives great insight into the highs that can be achieved when you hit the zone of inspiration and shop like nobody else.”

    What is a Shop-y-cat?

    Self-confessed ‘Shop-y-cats’, which make up nearly half of the population, admit to often buying items for themselves simply to fit in and ‘keep up with the Joneses’.

    Mostly men, these, shop-y-cats experienced a short-lived rush at check-out after making a purchase, observed behavioural psychologists.

    More than four in five Shop-y-cats also felt the pressure to fit in whilst browsing increased mental fatigue by 30 percent every 10 minutes.

    This is in sharp contrast with Inspired Shoppers who embrace a more intuitive approach, purchasing unique things they truly want, as an expression of their individuality.

    Be an Inspired Shopper!

    Brain monitors showed that 84 percent of Inspired Shoppers experience a prolonged mental high, nearly twice that of shop-y-cats and comparable to sex or aa Formula 1 driver finishing a race.

    But it seems shoppers are out-of-practice when it comes to experiencing retail euphoria.

    When asked to find a unique item, 89 percent of participants found it mentally laborious.

    However, the study uncovers that getting into the inspiration zone and achieving optimum enjoyment, simply requires shoppers to maintain a mindstate of being present, still and calm.

  • Drag Race’s Willam blasted for being “transphobic” during live broadcast

    Drag Race star, Willam Belli has been blasted over comments made during her show Suck Less.

    The season four drag queen was joined by Season 6 runner-up, Courtney Act, to answer fan questions. One such question was from a girl who had recently started to date a trans man. She was unsure of how to proceed with the relationship because he didn’t have a penis.

    Well, the resulting comments from Willam have sent fans on social media into a frazzle.

    During the show, Willam said,

    “Here’s the thing, he’s not your boyfriend if he’s not a boy and he’s not f**king you… just because someone says they’re a boy, doesn’t make them a boy.

    “If they haven’t had the science, they’re not a boy yet. Just because you cut your titties off and take testosterone, that doesn’t change your chromosomes.”

    Courtney called Willam out, saying that the comments were “transphobic” and told Willam that she had quoted Germaine Greer’s infamous “just because you lop off your d**k and then wear a dress, that doesn’t make you a f***ing woman.” quote.

    Courtney wasn’t having any of it and address the viewer directly saying,

    “You’re dating a trans man, by the sounds of it,”

    “Sometimes men have vaginas, and sometimes men have penises, and that is a fact of the world we live in.

    “[Just because he] does not have a penis, it doesn’t mean that he can’t pleasure you.”

    “I feel bad”

    The discussion continued – as Willam and Courtney continue to unpack the controversial comments made earlier.

    On Reddit, fans were not happy calling Willam transphobic and saying that as a Drag Queen should know better.

    Willam has responded to the allegations of transphobic saying,

    “I feel bad about how I made people feel about it and this is my official apology,”

    “I’m sad that me not knowing these things made my friends feel some kind of way,” he continues. “What I do makes me a known entity or a public figure, so I have to be more responsible for my words.”

  • Four US cities you totally need to visit in the Midwest

    Four US cities you totally need to visit in the Midwest

    Travelling to America as a gay man you probably think New York, South Beach or San Francisco, well we recently had a little vagaytion to America’s Midwest and we uncovered some wonderful gems.

    gay things to do in Chicago
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    View from the John Hancock centre. 96 floors up.

    Springfield

    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Springfield’s capitol building.

    Springfield is the state capitol of Illinois and the political heartland of the state. Every street corner is bustling with political back channelling, clandestine meets and poll rigging… We may have just made that up, but we’re absolutely certain people were talking about The Good Wife. Politically speaking, Illinois is one of the epicentres of US politics, which boasts two Presidents who lived in the state, Abraham Lincoln and Barrack Obama.

    Abraham Lincoln nose
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Rub the nose of Lincoln, it brings good luck

    Whilst you’re there make sure you visit the Illinois State Capitol building (pictured above) and breath in that political air, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Oakridge Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln’s tomb is located, (don’t forget to rub the nose of his statue, it’s supposed to be good luck) and be sure to grab yourself a hot dog on a stick at the Cosy Dog Drive in.

    Gay bar Springfrield
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    You might be surprised to know that Springfield has its very own gay bar, Club Station House – a very friendly affair. On the night we stayed we sang Rick Astley karaoke – the locals had no idea who he was, but they clapped all the same.

    Hotel in Springfield
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Stay at the gorgeous State House Inn, but here’s a tip – ask for an odd numbered room. They’re at the back of the hotel – and you shouldn’t be disturbed by the Juggernaut trains that slice through the city at 3 AM in the morning – horns blaring.

    Chicago

    Chicago
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Obviously, no trip to America’s Midwest would be complete without a stay in Chicago. From an LGBT perspective, it’s got two incredibly friendly neighbourhoods – the more youth orientated Boystown and the slightly maturer Andersonville. Of course, there are many gay bars to visit and street festivals to try out, but one particularly sensational event to try, is the Andersonville Annual Midsoomarfest. If you go a stranger, I promise you won’t leave without making friends.

    Andersonville, gay bar
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    When you’re in Chicago top attractions include: The Tilt – a glass enclosure which tilts you out over Chicago, 94 floors up the John Hancock centre, Navy Pier – where you can book an evening cruising on the sleek Odyssey cruise boat and watch as the sun sets on Chicago’s famous skyline, take in a few paintings at the Art Institute of Chicago and if you’re feeling brave – splash out on a helicopter ride overlooking the entire beachfront of the magnificent city.

    As with all major cities make sure you make time for a river cruise and perhaps catch something at the theatre – perhaps the Blueman group and avail yourself of some Chicago pie. It’s like nothing you’ve ever tried before.

     

    Indianapolis

    Indiana
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    Outside Illinois state, in the state of Indiana,  you’ll want to try and visit the state’s capital city, Indianapolis, famous for amongst other things the Indy Car Race Track. If you’re around March through September make sure you catch one of the 16 races – and join over 300,000 spectators who revel in the high-octane Indy car racing. If you fancy something a little slower then try a Sedway riverside tour. Honestly, as you take a Sedway tour along the river, you’ll think you’re in a different time altogether – as it looks incredibly futuristic. It’s no secret that Indianapolis’s culinary scene is booming, ask any city-dweller the best place for eats, and they’ll gladly reel off a list of great places. For one of the most incredible meals, you need to dine out at St Elmo’s Steak House and try the Shrimp Cocktail.

    Indianapolis is home to a number of gay bars and spaces and has one of the highest attended LGBT Prides in the US. If you’re looking for a spot of entertainment then a visit to the Talbott Street Nightclub is a must. They regularly host special events which often feature the gals from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

    For more venues visit our guide page.

     

    Galena

    Galena
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    If you’re a fan of the fly/drive holiday then you’ll want to check out the Great Lakes Facebook page, where you’ll get lots of ideas for glorious cities, friendly towns and exciting hot-spots to visit whilst you’re in the area. One such find is the ridiculously beautiful town of Galena. Around 3 hours west of Chicago, you’ll drive through miles and miles of farming land – the Midwest is known as the breadbasket of America – because of its wheat production and you’ll certainly see a lot of it.

    The roads are easy, wide and once outside the city limits mainly free from traffic. You can forget the M6 or M25. Galena is a different world altogether and as you enter through the town’s giant floodgates (it sits on the Galena River which feeds into the almighty Mississippi River) you’ll be left wondering if you’ve actually stepped back in time.

    Home to just under 3500 people, the town has an incredible friendly laid-back appeal. You must stay in one of the gorgeous, unique suites at the Jail Hill Inn – owned, operated and lovingly restored by the Inn Keeper, Matthew Carroll. Fill your boots at the wonderfully authentic Vinny Vanucchi‘s Italian restaurant. To really get your orientation in this quaint historic town buy a ticket for the Galena Trolleys – which depart from 10 AM  until 9 PM. Your guide will take you on a whirlwind stop of this picture perfect town.

    If you’ve a head for heights book yourself on to the Balloon flight experience – and see how beautiful the Midwest countryside is from the sky. As you float several thousand feet up let yourself drift with the wind – who knows where you’ll end up next.

     

  • Two more “terrorist” organisations have been proscribed by Amber Rudd

    Two more organisations have been proscribed by the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd.

    Scottish Dawn and NS131 were identified by the Home Office as aliases of National Action, which was proscribed in December 2016. Speaking today, Ms Rudd called National Action a “vile racist, homophobic and anti-semitic group” which glorified violence and that she wouldn’t not allow it continue under different names.

    The neo-Nazi group National Action was banned last year following an assessment that it was ‘concerned in terrorism.’ The order laid today means that it cannot operate as Scottish Dawn or NS131, which have been identified as alternate names the group has used.

     

    From the 29th September when the order comes into effect, being a member – or inviting support for – the organisations will be a criminal offence, carrying a sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

    Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, said:

    National Action is a vile racist, homophobic and anti-semitic group which glorifies violence and stirs up hatred while promoting their poisonous ideology and I will not allow them to masquerade under different names.

    By extending the proscription of National Action, we are halting the spread of a poisonous ideology and stopping its membership from growing – protecting those who could be at risk of radicalisation.

    Our priority as government will always be to maintain the safety and security of families and communities across the United Kingdom and we will continue to identify and ban any terrorist group which threatens this, whatever their ideology.

    National Action’s online propaganda material featured violent imagery and language, inferring that violent acts, including the attack on the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and the murder of Jo Cox should be emulated.

    Decisions about proscribing or extending the proscription of a particular organisation are taken after extensive consideration and in light of a full assessment of available information.

     

  • When does the new series of Walking Dead start?

    The Walking Dead returns for season 8 and its 100th episode on Monday 23rdOctober at 9pm on FOX

    It’s that time of year again! Get your bloodied baseball bats and your crossbows at the ready because the world of walkers is about to return to your TV screens. This October, not only does the return of The Walking Dead mark the start of a whopping eighth season, but the global smash hit series is also celebrating its birthday – the start of season eight is the 100th episode of The Walking Dead!

    But not everyone is celebrating… Last season Rick Grimes and his group of survivors were confronted with their deadliest challenge yet. The introduction of Negan and the Saviors broke the group physically and emotionally…

    Walking Dead series 8 starts on the 23rd October at 9PM.

  • 29 Epic photos from the first ever Worcestershire Pride

    Last weekend, Worcester played host to the first ever Worcestershire Pride…

    Hundreds of people attended the first ever pride in Worcester last weekend. There was a full day of entertainment hosted by local DQ Princx. The show was headlined by X Factor’s Freddy Parker and Ginny Lemon.

    The pride took place in  The Fountains and Copenhagen Street car park by South Quay and according to organisers took a year in the planning. The pride was also awarded a £9,900 lottery grant to put on the pride.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Entertainment was provided by a slew of wonderful Drag Queens and X Factor’s Freddy Parker, who wowed the audience with his bouncy and energetic set.

     

     

     

  • 52 guys got completely starkers to raise money for testicular cancer in this calendar

    Praise be!

    The Naked Rugby Players calendar is here and it contains 52 nekkid mens!

    Six LGBT rugby clubs around Britain got starkers earlier this year to raise awareness for both inclusive rugby and the importance for guys to check their tackle for lumps and bumps, in partnership with the Balls To Cancer charity.

    From Edinburgh to London, Swansea to Manchester, Northampton to Newcastle, the teams braved the cold, the driving rain (and the rare occasion of sunshine) to bare all on the pitch, locker rooms and showers. Money raised from the sales of calendars help support the clubs involved and the Balls To Cancer charity.

    Photographer Monty McKinnen said,
    “Turning up to each club was a challenge as we didn’t know who the players would be, or how comfortable they’d be when we asked them to strip and get up close to pose with each other. It turned out in the end they didn’t need much encouragement to derobe. In fact at one club we turned around to find them all stood there naked on the pitch before I’d even got the camera out!

    “I have so much admiration for these guys who bared all for charity. 200,000 men are diagnosed with cancer every year. 80,000 of those will die from their cancer. It’s time we got to grips and get a hand on the situation. I hope this calendar empowers guys to check their packages more often and to feel comfortable talking about male cancers.”

    One in two men will suffer cancer in the UK during their lifetimes. Cancers which are detected early, such as testicular cancer, are beatable – but only if the message gets through that men should check their equipment regularly, which is why the Calendar features a cheeky monthly reminder.

    In total 52 guys of all shapes and sizes got completely naked for the calendar, which the organisers hope will bring much needed attention to testicular cancer and the importance of LGBT+ inclusive sports in the UK.

    The calendar is available to purchase directly from the Naked Rugby Players’ website or from Amazon

  • 11 people arrested for coordinated activity into proscribed organisation, National Action

    Eleven men were arrested this morning, across England and Wales as part of a national investigation into the group National Action.

    National Action is an extreme right-wing, homophobic and racist group that was proscribed in the UK in December 2016, which means it is illegal to support or be a member of the group. The group was proscribed in December 2016.

    Those who were arrested were aged between 22 and 35 years-old – are all suspected of membership of National Action.

    As part of the coordinated activity, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and North West, supported by Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit and Wiltshire Police have arrested:

    • Six men from the North West area, one of which has been produced from prison
    • Two men from South Wales area
    • Two men from the West Yorkshire area
    • One man from Wiltshire area

    Eleven properties are being searched across a number of force areas in England and Wales.

    The arrests follow activity earlier this month by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.

    Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, who is responsible for counter-terrorism policing for the North West, said: “We are committed to taking positive action such as this to remove those connected to organisations, such as National Action, from our communities.

    “Individuals involved in proscribed organisations who support extremist ideologies bring damaging consequences to local communities but with the help of the public and our partners, we will do everything we can do bring these people to justice.

    “All information received will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and can be passed to us anonymously by calling the Anti-Terrorism Hotline on 0800 789 321”

    Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu for The Metropolitan Police, said: “CT policing is committed to tackling all forms of extremism that threatens public safety and security. Investigations relating to alleged extreme right-wing activity are pursued with the same level or resource and vigour as other ideologies, in order to bring suspected offenders before the courts.

    “Today’s arrests, while resulting from two separate investigations, have been coordinated by our officers across a number of forces. This maximises operational effectiveness for police and minimises disruption for the local communities.”

    Arrest Details in Full

    A 24-year-old man from Seaforth on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (Section 5 of the TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

    A 23-year-old man from Newton-le-Willows on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

    A 33-year-old man from Prescott on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

    A 31-year-old man from Warrington on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

    A 35-year-old man from Warrington on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006), Funding Terrorism (s15 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

    A 22-year-old man from Lancashire has been produced from prison for police interview on suspicion of Preparation Of A Terrorist Act (s5 TACT 2006) and Membership Of A Proscribed Organisation (s11 TACT 2006);

    A 28-year-old man from Swansea (South Wales) on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act and under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act, possession of terrorism material/documents

    A 23-year-old man from Sowerby Bridge (West Yorkshire) on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act

    A 23-year-old man from Swansea (South Wales) on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act

    A 26-year-old man from Leeds (West Yorkshire) on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act

    A 30-year-old man from Wiltshire on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organisation under Section 11 of the Terrorism Act.

    * This article’s title has been ammended. A previous edit label the group National Action wrongly.

  • When is Designated Survivor back on Netflix?

    Designated Survivor is returning to Netflix this month. Here’s what you need to know about the new series starring Kiefer Sutherland.

    When is Designated Survivor back on Netflix?

    The brand new season of Netflix’s Designator Survivor is due to start streaming on Thursday 28th September and like the previous series, it is set to air weekly, in contrast to the majority of Netflix’s output.

    The majority of the cast will be joining Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) from season 1.

    What is Designator Survivor about?

    America’s fate rests in the hands of a low-level official after an attack on Washington decimates the government in this gripping political thriller, leaving an unelected president at the helm of a shaken country.

    So what happens in Season 2?

    Speaking to TVLine, ABC’s president, Channing Dungey said,

    “One of the things we realised is it is a very high-concept show, and we had to get the audience past that concept and get [Kiefer Sutherland’s Tom] Kirkman into the White House and all the rest of it,

    “And as much as we love the twists and turns and the cliffhangers, what we’re really looking forward to exploring in Season 2 is some of the character relationships and some of the interpersonal dynamics in the White House.”

     

    What happened at the end of Season 1 on Designated Survivor?

    Season one’s conclusion saw Kirkman resolving to reveal to the nation, the conspiracy which killed the majority of the US government, leading to his selection as commander-in-chief. Despite Agent Wells apprehending CIA agent-turned-terrorist Nestor Lozano, and the mole (Jay Whitaker) in the White House exposed there is still great unrest in the White House.

    Before his detention, Whitaker distributed classified information to billionaire Patrick Lloyd, who is set to become the focus of attention in the next series.

    Where can I watch Designated Survivor?

    Designated Survivor is available to stream on Netflix in the UK.

  • Dynasty star comes out as gay

    The actor Gordon Thomson has come out at the age of 72.

    Best known for his role as Adam Carrington in the camp soap, Dynasty, Gordon Thomas has come out as gay.

    Speaking with the Daily Beast, Thomson spoke openly about his sexuality about while he never “announced” his sexuality – revealing that he assumed people just knew, saying, “I don’t go out of my way because it’s my generation, I think. I’m probably as homophobic as any gay man alive because of my background.”

    He said that his generation’s views of homosexuality helped keep him in the closet, admitting, “When I was growing up it [homosexuality] was a crime, and then classified as a mental illness. It was not until Pierre Trudeau was prime minister of Canada when I was 23, 24 years old, did it cease being a crime, and it was not until I was nearly 30 that it stopped being classified as a mental illness in the U.S. So you’re dealing with that. And the shame, the breathtaking lack of self-esteem, has only just begun to seep out of my soul,”

    The Canadian actor rose to fame during the 80s playing the villainous Adam Carrington in the soap, Dynasty.