THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • Vermont LGBT bar changes name after pressure from community

    An LGBT bar in Vermont, USA, has changed its name after a backlash from the LGBT+ community.

    Mister Sister in Winooski in Burlington, Vermont, has changed its name to The Bridge Club after a huge backlash from some in the LGBT+ community. The bar opened in March and has faced calls for boycott because some in the community considered the name, Mister Sister a slur against trans people.

    Defending the name back in March, the bar’s owner, Craig McGaughan, who identifies as gay, said initially,

    “It is a term that has been used among gays and Drag Queens for decades intended to be positively gender-bending,

    “Mister Sister is for the Misters and the Sisters, those that identify as both and everyone in between. The official description of Mister Sister is “a gay bar for him, her and them.

    “I have been very intentional in using a pronoun that isn’t specifically male or female as a way to include anyone that identifies as part of the LGBTQ community.”

    Board members of the Pride Center in Vermont criticised the name. Bailey Cummings, who resigned from the board due said,

    “Basically the name of this bar is a transmisogynistic slur,

    “And I feel strongly as community leaders that the Pride Center is responsible for standing up for our trans community members, and coming out against a slur.”

    Unveiling the new name this week. Mr McGaughan said,

    “I hope everyone finds the humor in going to The Bridge Club to party, sees the nod to the historic Winooski Bridge and recognizes the camaraderie and necessity in building bridges

    “I realize now that I mistakenly listened to the fight rather than the pain. I apologize to anyone that feels personally affected by the actions of myself or the bar. I’m choosing to forgive and would ask for forgiveness in return”.

     

     

  • Conservatives sign a deal with anti-LGBT DUP

    Theresa May’s Government has signed a deal with the anti-LGBT Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

    An agreement between the two parties will mean that the DUP‘s 10 ministers will support the Conservative minority Government. However, the deal falls short of a formal coalition.

    The Conservatives failed to achieve an overall majority in the recent General Election, securing 318 seats. A party needs 326 seats in order to have a majority in the UK. A deal with the DUP could ensure an extra 10 votes.

    Embed from Getty Images

    The Conservatives have said it will find an extra £1.5 billion in funding for Northern Ireland as part of the agreement.

    Speaking about the partnership, the DUP’s leader, Arlene Foster said she was, “delighted that we have reached this agreement, which I think works, obviously, for national stability.”

    The DUP has a long history as an anti-gay party. Its founder, the Rev Ian Paisley spearheaded the Save Ulster from Sodomy in the 1970s, which was opposed to the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Northern Ireland, in fact, Northern Ireland was the last country within the UK to decriminalise homosexuality, which it did so in 1982. Paisley’s son, Ian Paisley Jr said that he was “repulsed” by homosexuality.

    More recently the struggle to achieve marriage equality was stalled for the LGBT+ community in Northern Ireland. The same-sex marriage bill has been voted upon four times in Northern Ireland. Each time equality for NI’s LGBT community has been frustrated by the DUP. It is the only part of the UK which does not provide same-sex marriage to its citizens.

    The DUP has said that it is not homophobic but holds traditional views when it comes to marriage.

    Taking to Twitter, the leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn said that the deal was not done in the national interest, but in the interest of the PM and the Conservatives own “political survival”.

     

     

     

  • RIP | Drag Queen Vanilla Lush dies

    London-based Drag Queen Vanilla Lush has passed away.

    The singer, who had been battling cancer has passed away. Vanilla Lush, real name, Aalbert Martijn Smit was a former member of the drag super-band, the Supreme Fabulettes. The entertainer passed away last Thursday. He was 38.

    He was born and raised in the Netherlands and began his drag career in Amsterdam. In the summer of 1999, he moved to London and became a Powder Puff Girl in Heaven nightclub.

    Tributes from fans and friends have been pouring in on social media. Boy George took to Twitter to say, “Sad about the passing of Vanilla Lush ‘A trouper in high heels and a true character. R.I.P.”

    London pub, Admiral Duncan also paid tribute saying, “Very sad to hear the loss of Vanilla Lush Rest in Peace and sleep tight sweet angel xxx Tonight we raise our glass. Condolence to the family”

    https://twitter.com/admiral_duncan/status/878615277071675393

    Jason Reid, a columnist for QX magazine, took to Instagram to say, “Devastated to hear that Vanilla Lush (Aalbert Martijn Smit) has passed away.
    I’ll never forget the experience of shooting this cover with him. It was a huge deal for the both of us, and I was so incredibly apprehensive, yet he couldn’t have been more kind and caring. That was just his nature. A beautiful person.”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVuTdM6AH_J/?taken-by=jasonreiduk

     

  • Molly Moggs is back

    After a short break, the popular drag bar, Molly Moggs is back…

    Molly Moggs has reopened

    The shutters are off and Molly Moggs is back – open and ready for business. The popular pub, one of the must go to bars in London has returned after it closed in March.

    Molly Moggs has broken the spate of the seemingly never-ending sad demise of London’s LGBT scene by reopening. The official reopening day was at the beginning of June and slowly the bar has rescheduled its ever-popular entertainment programme.

    Taking to the official Molly Mogg’s Facebook page the management wrote:

    “You have no idea how excited we are to get into Mollys and start getting ready for Monday!”

     

     

  • Toronto Pride parade goes ahead without police in the parade

    Toronto Pride went ahead this weekend with the exception of one long-running supporter in the parade, the police force.

    Gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans police officers in Toronto did not take part in this year’s event after Black Lives Matter protestors disrupted last year’s parade and demanded that they be excluded from the parade along with other requests, which the organisers signed on the spot – without consultation.

    Black Lives Matter said it had launched its objection to hold Pride answerable for its “anti-blackness”.

    Instead of taking part in a parade which was on their home turf, 100 TPA officers and civilians marched in the New York City parade.

    The Pride organisers were keen to clarify that the force was not “banned” saying that LGBT officers were welcome to take part with “select conditions”. They were asked not to include “uniforms, weapons, and vehicles”.

    They said,

    “We welcome and encourage their participation to add to Pride this year as members of our community. LGBTQ+ police officers and their allies can march in the parade with community groups, with the City of Toronto, or even create their own group.

    “We are simply requesting that their participation not include the following elements: uniform, weapons, and vehicles.

    “The Toronto Police Service has been involved and supportive to us throughout our festival planning. They will provide all the necessary services to ensure that the festival weekend and parade are secure and successful.

    What Were The Black Lives Matter demands?

    • Continued space, including stage and tents, funding and logistical support for Black Queer Youth.
    • Self-determination for all community spaces at Pride, allowing community groups full control over hiring, content and structure of their stages.
    • Full and adquate funding for community stages, including logistical, technical and personnel support.
    • Doubling of funding for Blockorama to $13,000.
    • Reinstatement of the South Asian stage.
    • Prioritising of the hiring of Black transwomen, Indigenous people and others from vulnerable communities at Pride Toronto.
    • More Black deaf and hearing sign language interpreters for the festival.
    • Removal of police floats in the Pride marches and parades.
    • A town hall organised in conjunction with groups from marginalised communities, including but not limited to Black Lives Matter – Toronto, Blackness Yes and Black Queer Youth, in six months, where Pride Toronto will present an update and action plan on BLM-TO’s demands

    Black Lives Matter did not take part in this year’s parade saying they wanted to ensure their “presence is felt through the parade” through other organisations.

  • Katie Hopkins has a meltdown over Pride police cars

    Controversialist Katie Hopkins has slammed the Sussex police service for their colour Pride cars.

    Taking to Twitter wannabe gay icon Katie Hopkins has blasted the Sussex police service for spending £750 of taxpayer’s money on Pride decals for two of their vehicles for the upcoming Eastbourne and Hasting’s Pride.

    Tweeting to Inspector Mark Evans, Critical incident Inspector for Sussex Police, Katie suggested that the money would be better spent sorting out crime reporting issues.

    She said,

    “Mark – Shall we spend some cash sorting our crime-reporting issues? Nah mate, screw that crime nonsense. Let’s colour in a cop car.”

    https://twitter.com/KTHopkins/status/877930669355270144

    Outlining her point, she said, “It costs £750, Taxpayers [sic] cash”.

    The Tweet inciting a lot of commentators on Twitter, with some suggesting that it was a “disgrace” and baulked at the “lunacy of the modern PC PC!!”

    The force said,

    “Sussex Police play a large role in the policing of Pride.

    “We also feel it is important to promote LGBT equality within our local communities.”

  • There’s a sex position that you’ve probably not heard about and we’re interested… very interested

    It’s called the “68”…

    good sex positions

    So we were reading Cosmo, as you do, and we found out about a new sex position and well we were naturally interested. It’s called the “68”.

    It’s similar to its slightly older brother the very famous “69”, but instead of giving both of you pleasure it focuses more on just one of you. Brilliant!

    So what do you need to do?

    Well, apparently the “bottom” lies on their back with their legs slightly open with their knees bent and feet flat on the floor or bed. The “top” lies on top of the “bottom” facing up with their head on the “bottom’s” thighs. It’s like a natural resting place.

    Your junk should be right in your partner’s face.

    Now, this could be great as a rimming position or oral sex position… Although be careful as your penis might not bend fully that way… and you don’t want to break it.

    Don’t forget if you’re the top to take some of the weight off your partner’s chest, by using your elbows to take some of the strain.

  • “No Gay or Lesbians” London landlord posts homophobic room to let poster

    An advert left in a shop’s window has caused outrage after being discovered in Greenwich London.

    CREDIT: Amanda O’leary

    A homophobic note which says that gays and lesbians, along with children, Pets, DSS, “Benefit Seekers” are “strictly not permitted” was found taped up to a shop window in Greenwich London.

    Amanda O’Leary a single mother who lives in the area, was the first to see the sign and speaking to THEGAYUK said,

    “I think it’s disgusting. I’m a gay mum of two beautiful children.

    “What if my eldest read this? What would I say to her?  Shame on them. Like I tell me kids love is love. That’s all that matter in our family. Just wish others accepted that was well.”

     

    THEGAYUK reached out to the number listed on the advert of the property. We spoke to a man who said that he “was sorry” and that he was “told today that it was not right and it would be removed today”.

    When questioned on whether he knew it was against the law to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, the owner replied that he “did not”.

    THEGAYUK was given assurances that the note would be taken down as soon as possible.

    In the UK, it is against the law to discriminate against people on a number of factors. The Equality Act 2010, says that it is against the law to treat someone unfairly because of sexuality, gender, race, colour or ability. The law affects employers, businesses and organisations, healthcare, education establishments and landlords – as well as other organisations.

    There are nine protected characteristics and they include: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership (in employment only), pregnancy, and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

     

     

     

  • Evita is returning to the West End

    Excited.

    The story of an ordinary woman’s meteoric rise to power at a time of extraordinary political unrest, Evita is set to captivate West End audiences again as it makes a much-anticipated return to London, playing 12 weeks at the Phoenix Theatre from 28 July – 14 October 2017, with a press Gala performance on Wednesday 2nd August at 7pm.

    The season marks the 65th anniversary of the death of Eva Perón which will be commemorated in Argentina in July. This enigmatic figure, whose rise from humble beginnings to extraordinary wealth and power is immortalised in the musical Evita, passed away on 26 July 1952 and was laid in state exactly 65 years prior to the commencement of this latest West End season.

    Taking on the iconic role of Eva Perón is one of musical theatre’s most exciting young leading ladies Emma Hatton, who has performed the lead role of Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked, the principle roles of Scaramouche and Meatloaf in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, and Donna in the West End production of Dreamboats and Petticoats.

    Leading Italian performer Gian Marco Schiaretti plays Che, a character who reflects the voice of the Argentine people. Linked to Eva by destiny; he brings balance to the story of Eva’s rise to fame. Gian Marco Schiaretti most recently played the title role of Tarzan in Disney’s Musical Tarzan, in Stuttgart. Prior to this he played Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet across Italy.

    The cast is completed by Oscar Balmaseda, Sarah O’Connor, George Arvidson, Lewis Barnshaw, Jessica Ellen, Callum Fitzgerald, Kellie Gnauck, Dominic Adam Griffin, Joe McCourt, Jude Neill, Jordan Oliver, Chrissie Perkins, Oliver Slade, Matias Stegmann and Yuval Zoref.

    Telling the story of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón, Evita follows Eva’s journey which ultimately lead her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.

    With more than 20 major awards to its credit, and an Oscar winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita is iconic. Featuring some of the best loved songs in musical theatre, including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”, “On This Night of a Thousand Stars”, “You Must Love Me”, and “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”, this spectacular production promises to be the theatrical event of the summer. Don’t miss the chance to see Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary musical Evita in the West End.

  • Syphilis is on the rise – up 97 percent from 2012

    Gay and bisexual men are being warned to take extra precautions as official figures show that syphilis infections are on the increase.

    Data released by NHS England has shown that new syphilis infections have increased dramatically over the last five years. Stats show that in the last year alone there has been a 12 percent rise, but there has been an overall increase of 97 percent from 2012.

    NHS England noted that most cases were associated with gay and bisexual men. In 2015 there were 5281 new cases reported, this rose to 5920 in 2016.

    What is syphilis?

    Syphilis is a bacterial infection and is usually spread through having sex with someone who is infected (including sharing sex toys.) Treatment usually involves antibiotics but the infection can cause serious health problems if left untreated long-term.

    Speaking about the new data, Dr Patrick French, CNWL Consultant in Sexual Health and HIV, said,

    “There is some room for optimism in today’s release of the 2016 Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV figures from Public Health England. The dramatic reduction in the number of new HIV infections among gay men shows that HIV testing, HIV treatment and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis are paying dividends and the reduction in genital warts in heterosexual women and men indicate that HPV vaccination for girls in the UK is working well.

    “On the other hand a further rise in syphilis rates is deeply disappointing. An infection which had been eradicated in the UK in the 1980s and 1990s has now returned and is at its highest levels since 1949. Syphilis increases the risk of transmitting HIV, can cause life-threatening heart and brain conditions and serious problems in pregnancy. This increase in syphilis shows that there is still a lot to be done and sexual health promotion and easy access to high quality testing and treatment services for people at risk of STIs remain a public health priority.

    “People with STIs and HIV often have no symptoms so it’s important to have a check-up if you think you may be at risk. Having the tests is very straightforward and you can make find out about where our clinics are and how to make an appointment at www.sexualhewalth.cnwl.nhs.uk. “

  • Kelly Clarkson just made these guys’ engagement perfect

    Go Kelly!

    Kelly Clarkson just added stock to her gay icon credentials after she helped these two guys to get engaged.

    So when Kelly found out that Alex Malbera wanted to ask his boyfriend, Justin, of four years to get married she was in on the surprise. Sneaky minx.

    https://twitter.com/Alex_Malerba/status/877533940398960640

    The singer got in between the two boyfriends as though she was doing a normal meet and greet photo, but when Alex got down on one knee, Kelly stepped back to let the magic happen.

    After the proposal was accepted, Kelly stepped back in talked with the guys, exclaiming “I was part of it!”

    Congrats guys!!!