THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • Jehovah’s Witnesses distribute leaflet telling gay people to “control their urges”

    Jehovah’s Witnesses distribute leaflet telling gay people to “control their urges”

    A leaflet has been distributed in Devon calling on gay people to “control their urges”

    Jehovah's Witnesses Office In New York City
    CREDIT: Jehovah-s-Witnesses photo.ua

     

    A leaflet distributed by Jehovah’s Witnesses has caused widespread offence after suggesting that gay people should “control their urges.”

    The leaflet which is entitled “How to harness your habits” has been described as “anti-gay” after a section of the text told readers that the bible condemns ‘homosexual acts’. The LGBT charity Stonewall called the leaflet “damaging vitriol”.

    The leaflet has been examined by the Devon and Cornwall police who considered that the material did not meet “the threshold to be considered a crime”.

    The leaflet seemingly compares gay people to animals by suggesting that “unlike animals, they can choose not to act on their impulses”.

    Passages highlighted by the religious group also quoted,

    “A person who has homosexual leanings can control what he allows his mind to dwell on, just as he would control any other wrong desire, including leanings towards anger, adultery or greed.”

    ALSO READ: This video released by Jehovah’s Witnesses suggests that gay people can be changed

     

    In the leaflet Jehovah’s Witnesses distributed to people in North Devon claim that the,

    “Bible tells Christians to be respectful of all kinds of people. (1 Peter 2:17) But that does not mean that Christians must accept all kinds of conduct.

    “Consider a comparison: Suppose you view smoking as harmful and even repugnant. What if you have a workmate who is a smoker? Would you be considered narrow-minded just because your view of smoking differs from his?

    Would the fact that he smokes and you do not smoke automatically mean that you are prejudiced against him?

    If your workmate were to demand that you change your view of smoking, would that not make him narrow-minded and intolerant?

    The leaflet explained that whilst Jehovah’s Witnesses choose to live by a moral code set forth in the bible and do not approve of actions not set out by the bible as ‘moral’ they will not “mock nor mistreat” people who don’t follow that code.

  • INTERVIEW | Judge Rinder

    Robert Rinder swaps his gavel for some dancing shoes as one of the stars for this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing. The judge has been delighting ITV’s afternoon audiences for a number of years with his courtroom antics – but will he be able to command respect on the dancefloor?

    Why are you taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year?
    I really love the show and I really love dancing, even though I’m not very good, I’m a private secret dancer and I love to dance. The main reason is as my grandparents get older it’s a show they absolutely love. Although they’ve always been unconditionally proud of me I think there is something magical about being able to take part in something which gives them such joy and escapism especially as they suffer from all sorts of illnesses.

     

    ALSO READ: 11 things you didn’t know about Judge Rinder
    ALSO READ: Benedict Cumberbatch officiates at Judge Rinder and his boyfriend’s wedding.

     

    Which judge do you want to impress the most and why?
    Well I would say Craig Revel Horwood, the only difference is unlike him I’m actually able to raise a judicial eyebrow… But actually, I like to impress them all as I think they’re all amazing. I was a massive fan of Darcey Bussell even before she started Strictly and I’ve seen her in a number of ballets and as a huge fan of hers I’ll be actually quite intimidated to meet her – I’d really like her to say something nice, although I should say something nice as well.

    Have you been given any helpful advice or tips from any previous contestants?
    Yes, Susanna Reid typically told me just to be nice (I looked at her slightly perplexed thinking how on earth am I supposed to do that?) and Rachel Stevens who I grew up with said try to remember the steps and be talented (again that’s alright if you’re Rachel Stevens). She is amazing; she has always been super talented even when she was little. We used to play as kids; we’ve known each other since primary school.

  • Do you have a gay name? Most common gay names revealed

    Do you have a gay name? Most common gay names revealed

    A new name has topped the poll of gayest names, I mean who knew a name could be gay – but peeps at ranker.com users have been voting on it… So it must be a thing.

    CREDIT: © nito103 /Depositphotos

    So last year we reported that Christopher was voted the most common name for gay men. This year it’s all changed as people vote a brand new set of names as the top 10 most common names of gay men – yep. This is being voting on.

    The votes have been taking place on the ranker.com website.

    So last year, the top four most common names for gay men were: Christopher, James, Jimmy, and Michael. This year Christopher has dropped 77 places to number 78.

    This year it’s all changed and there’s a brand new most common name for gay men, namely Sebastian. Now we’re not sure on this one – for last year’s Christopher – we were able to find a number of out celebrities with the name Chris/Christopher but we can’t think of any called Seb or Sebastian. Can you?

    In 2013, Latina magazine reported that Mexican soap star Sebastián Ligarde came out as bisexual and was inspired by Ricky Martin to come out.

    Anyways here’s the top 10 most common gay names.

    Here’s the top ten!

    Sebastian

    Tristan

    Julian

    Stefan

    Gaylord

    Troy

    Justin

    Gabrial

    Quincy

    Lukas

  • Mark Ruffalo apologises to trans community over CIS casting for trans character

    American actor Mark Ruffalo has apologised to the trans community after a backlash against the casting of Matt Bomer in a new transgender movie Anything.

    Mark Ruffalo
    CREDIT: -tanka_v-Depositphotos

    The Normal Heart actor Mark Ruffalo has apologised for causing ‘pain’ after casting openly gay actor Matt Bomer in his new movie, Anything, in which he plays a transgender sex-worker.

    Trans advocates have criticised the casting decision of a cis-gender actor playing a trans character.

    Actor Jen Richards suggested that having a cis-gender male playing a male to female transgender character reinforced the notion that trans women are “still really just men”

    Taking to Twitter Ruffalo, who is an executive producer of the film, said that he could “hear” the criticism over casting a CIS male actor and that it was time to have the “conversation”.

    He defended his decision to cast Bomer after bonding with him in a “profound experience” he had with the actor during the filming of The Normal Heart.

    A petition, by Hannah Howard, has been created calling for the producers not to release the film, saying,

    “The practice of using cisgender male actors to portray transgender women and trans femmes isn’t just about erasure, or about depriving transgender actresses of roles they ought to get.

    It directly leads to violence against the most vulnerable in our community, particularly transgender women of color and trans femmes of color.”

    The petition’s creator has said that if the film is released that the petition will turn into a boycott petition of the film.  So far there are 537 supporters.

    ALSO READ: Zoolander faces harsh criticism and boycott threat over the non-binary character “All”

  • Remember Neville Longbottom… My my hasn’t he changed

    We were reminiscing about Harry Potter as you do – and we were wondering what did ever come about Neville Longbottom’s actor Matthew Lewis…

    Well that kid grew up to be one hot fella since his first film appearance in 2001. Judging by some new smouldering pictures that have emerged from his production of Unfaithful currently playing in London – we think he must have cast some kinda sex spell.

    Matthew Lewis is looking hotter than ever!

    Niamh_Cusack__Matthew_Lewis_Photo_Marc_Brenner

    So since the last Harry Potter in 2011, Matthew has launched into theatre work and TV – appearing in Ripper Street and Happy Valley.

    Matthew_Lewis_Photo_Marc_Brenner

    Basically HOT!

  • Rugby star leaves nothing to the imagination, gets completely naked for selfies

    It’s not everyday a sports star reveals himself, utterly and completely… but hey we’re not complaining.

    Uruguayan rugby player Leandro Leivas has posted pictures to guyswithiphones.com and leaves nothing to the imagination.  In 2015 he was on the national team for the Rugby World Cup. The 28-year-old hunk plays in Wing position – and clearly isn’t shy in sharing with the world his very very nekkid pictures.

    To see more of Leandro click here

  • Renee Graziano just snubbed Bear with the most EPIC put-down

    Renee Graziano just snubbed Bear with the most EPIC put-down

    Runner up (and winning American) Celebrity Big Brother star Renee Graziano just slayed winner Bear with the most EPIC put down, even Mariah would have been impressed.

    CREDIT: Channel 5

     

    It’s fair to say that Renee and Bear did not get on in the celebrity Big Brother house – in fact it looked at times as though Renee would tear Bear a new one if he didn’t get out of her way.

    Well some people have been suggesting that Renee has been having a case of the sour grapes because she didn’t win. Well honey. She ain’t having any of it.

    Renee
    CREDIT: Channel 5

     

    Taking to Twitter she told fans that she wasn’t jealous – and could she possibly be – when she told her fans that Bear’s signing fee for CBB was allegedly less than hers – in fact she goes on to say that her flight was more expensive that his fee!

    Ouch.

    Bear.
    CREDIT: Channel 5

    But as we like to say. Harsh But Fair.

  • So how did Calvin Harris wish his Manager Happy Birthday … nearly naked of course

    So how did Calvin Harris wish his Manager Happy Birthday … nearly naked of course

    You know sometimes a simple Happy Birthday card and some limp petrol station forecourt flowers just won’t do. So the next best thing is to strip off…

    CREDIT: Instagram / Calvin Harris

    Which is exactly what Calvin Harris did for his manager. Calvin has been reminding his fan base that he’s got an extremely ripped bod, but this time, it was in a rather odd Happy Birthday message to his manager in nothing but his birthday suit.

    Yep. I mean that’s how we always wish our managers best wishes on their various anniversaries.

    Birthday’s get you an undie shout out.

    Wedding anniversaries gets you a saucy french maid outfit

    Passing your driving test gets you a full monty.

    WANNA SEE THE PICTURE – go on you know you want to…

  • What are these posters that have cropped up in Soho?

    What are these posters that have cropped up in Soho?

    Have you seen these posters which have been cropping up in Soho?

    IMG_1236 IMG_1238

     

    Well it’s all about the fact that gay and bisexual men STILL can’t give blood in the UK unless they’ve abstained from sex for ONE YEAR – even if they are in a monogamous relationship or feel that they have been enjoying safer sex.

    IMG_1240

    The posters – which leave out the letters of blood groups – such as A, B, invites people to log on to a website – where they can send a pre-written letter to let the Minster for health, Jeremy Hunt know how you feel.

    Bravo.

     

  • MP calls for Police to reopen 80’s homophobic murder investigation

    MP calls for Police to reopen 80’s homophobic murder investigation

    Jake Berry MP has called upon the Met police to reopen the murder investigation of a talented gay actor and playwright, Drew Griffiths, calling the initial investigation “scandalous”.

    Mr X Production Photo
    Mr X Production Photo

     

    Mr. Griffith was the victim of a vicious homophobic murder in the summer of 1984. Despite an initial investigation nobody was ever found guilty of his murder. The MP for Rossendale and Darwen said that because the case was not properly investigated, someone has “got away with murder”.

    Jake Berry MP said,

    “It is an absolute scandal that this case was not properly investigated, there is someone out there who has literally got away with murder.

    ‘There are allegations that this case was not properly investigated by the police at the time because of Drew’s sexuality and his work as an activist. Drew’s friends quite rightly want assurances that all potential avenues to solve this murder are pursued.”

    The Metropolitan Police have advised that they are examining the original case files from the 1980’s but have yet to confirm whether the investigation will be formally reopened.”

    Drew’s friend, Glynn Kelly, who brought the case to Mr Berry’s attention said,

    “Drew was lively, witty, intelligent – and great company; He was a dynamic and positive life force.  However, at the time of his murder he was dealing with some mental health issues and was very vulnerable.”

     

  • OPINION: What do LGBT people think about the term queer?

    OPINION: What do LGBT people think about the term queer?

    In an earlier issue we asked what our readers thought about the term “Queer”. Here’s what they had to say.

    ©-Ruslan117-Depositphotos
    ©-Ruslan117-Depositphotos

    So way back when (issue 9, Feb 2015) we asked our readers what they thought of using the term Queer to describe the LGBT+ community.

    NOTHING…

    It means nothing to me, as a insult, a joke or a description of ‘what’ I am… I’m just a guy that likes guys. Chris Bennett

    INSULT OR DESCRIPTION…

    I think that ‘queer’ and ‘gay’ can both be used as simple descriptors or horrible insults. I’m overweight. The way some people call me ‘fat’ I would consider an insult but when my daughter snuggles up to my tummy, which she calls ‘fat cushion’, I’d be a fool to be offended. It’s not the word, it’s the way it’s intended. Lyn Renwood

    THE VICTIM MENTALITY…

    Thankfully, being old enough to have been around in the 80s, we reclaimed words like faggot, queer, poof, batty man etc, it’s a long list. We reclaimed, owned and openly used them, by doing so, it takes the sting out of it if people shout it at you in the street. Sadly these days, a lot of gay people wear the victim coat and too easily offended by things. We should all be proud of being shirt lifters, bum bandits, and fudge nudgers or even gay. Tony Reeves

    ALSO READ: Comment: Huff Post now uses Queer Voice for the LGBT section – and boy our editor isn’t pleased!

     

    DEROGATORY…

    While it may be a good thing for you to have ‘reclaimed’ these terms in the past, we are now living in a different time and those terms are used as derogatory terms for gay people as far as I’m concerned. Jake Antony

    JUST DON’T…

    I don’t like that word. It’s a word used within the community and even then I don’t like it. I certainly don’t like it when used outside of the community. I can think of a few words used by other minorities in just the same way. So to answer the question, no. Gary Thomlinson