THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • UK votes to leave EU

    UK votes to leave EU

    The United Kingdom has voted to leave the EU in a historic referendum which will end its 40-year tie to the European Union.

    The United Kingdom has voted to leave the EU after a historic referendum sees the Leave campaign win 51.9 per cent of the vote. The Remain managed to swing 48.1 per cent of the vote.

    The Leave campaign was headed up by Boris Johnson and the Remain was headed by Prime Minister David Cameron.

    David Cameron / Palinchak / Depositphotos

     

    Voters in England and Wales voted strongly to leave the EU whilst voters in Scotland, Northern Ireland and London (60 per cent stay) voted overwhelmingly to stay within the EU.

    The turnout for the referendum was 71.8% with over 30 million people turning out to vote.

    UKIP leader Nigel Farage said that the 23rd June would, “go down in history as our independence day”.

    Nicola Sturgeon
    CREDIT: Scottish Government images

    Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party said that the way in which Scotland voted as a whole proved that it “makes clear that the people of Scotland see their future as part of the European Union,” leaving little doubt that Scotland could be staging their own, second independence referendum.

    Money Matters

    As the news broke at 6AM that the UK had voted to leave the EU, the pound dropped to its lowest level since 1985. Against the US dollar it hit $1.3305. Oil prices also slumped after the news with Brent crude falling 5.2 per cent.

    Against the Euro the pound dropped 7 per cent to €1.2085.

    Financial instability and drops were expected in the case of a Leave vote with many finance experts expecting the markets to rectify themselves in time. The Bank of England said it was monitoring the markets saying,

    “It has undertaken extensive contingency planning and is working closely with HM Treasury, other domestic authorities and overseas central banks. The Bank of England will take all necessary steps to meet its responsibilities for monetary and financial stability.”

     

    ALSO READ: Reaction to UK leaving the EU from the LGBT community

    ALSO READ: Prime Minister David Cameron to step down as UK’s Premier

  • Man fined after he was caught masturbating by cops

    A man in his fifties has been fined by police in Bucks after they found him masturbating on the M40, whilst driving his car.

    In an operation to catch out distracted drivers Thames Valley Police managed to catch one man red-handed as he masturbated in his BMW on the motorway, which has a 70 MPH speed limit.

    He was fined after police caught him “carrying out an indecent act” near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.

    Police were taking part in a campaign to catch out distracted drivers on the county’s roads.

    Apart from the masturbating man, they found over 147 drivers using their mobile phones. In total 187 motorists were fined between £60 and £100.

    Sergeant Paul Diamond said,

    ‘Most of the offenders are not horrible criminals, they are often kind and decent people but they just don’t realise the consequences of their actions not just to the victims but on their own lives and to the security of their jobs and family.

    ‘The irony is that most of the people we stop agree with what we are doing, so why do they do it?’

    So come on own up have you ever conducted an “indecent act” whilst driving?

    H/T Metro

  • Man wears 100 years of underwear in 3 minutes

    Man wears 100 years of underwear in 3 minutes

    If you’ve ever wondered how men’s underwear has changed over the years, now’s your opportunities to feast your eyes.

    The 3 minute video from Mode shows the many different styles that men’s underwear has gone over the past 100 years. From full bodywear with a slit in the back to today’s more comfortable and lightweight Calvins!

    Our favourite is a bit of commando of course!

    Enjoy

  • Cliff Richard will take sexuality to the grave

    Cliff Richard will take sexuality to the grave

    Legendary singer Sir Cliff Richard has said that he won’t be revealing his sexuality any time soon.

    Speaking with Gloria Hunniford, Sir Cliff said that he won’t reveal his sexuality… because it’s nobody’s business.

    Being interviewed in an extended and exclusive Loose Women, hit maker Sir Cliff spoke about his recent ordeal after being accused of sexual abuse by men dating back to the 80s, which he described as the “deepest and darkest hole” he had ever been in.

    The Crown Prosecution Service dropped its investigation against the 75-year-old singer after finding “insufficient evidence to prosecute”.

    Sir Cliff revealed that Sir Elton John was one of the first of his celebrity mates to contact him after the news broke that the police were searching his property for evidence. He said,

    “Elton [John] was one of the first people that called me. I can’t use the language he used, but he said ‘Go for the — rotten throat.”

    When questioned about his sexuality, Richards said,

    “I always feel that I’m one of the most open people.

    “I don’t mind talking about things but there are things that are mine.

    That will go with me to my grave. And I’ve given up for instance, I don’t talk about my family, I certainly don’t talk about my sexuality.”

    He went on say that his personal life was strictly off-limits and that it was nobody’s business.

    “My personal life is absolutely my business, and it’s nobody’s business but mine. And I feel that about other people. I read stories in the press about other celebrities and alleged scandals and things going on. And I’m thinking ‘Is it illegal?’ No? If adults do what they want to do behind their bedroom doors it’s absolutely up to them. I have no interest. It’s not my business and it’s not your business either about me.”

  • Addison Lee showing their pride by turning 30 cars into rainbows

    Will you be stepping into a rainbow taxi this weekend for Pride in London?

    Addison Lee Pride Car 2

    Addison Lee are coming out in support of the gay community by turning 30 of their fleet into rainbow cars.

    The car service is offering a promotional discount code (*PRIDE10) to help revellers get around on the day of the London parade, Saturday 25th June. Addison Lee will also be donating £5 to Pride for every customer that uses that code right until the end of July.

    This, they hope is a visual reminder of the real investment by Addison Lee in its commitment to the vales of tolerance, equality and diversity.

    Addison Lee Pride Car (3)

    Andy Boland, CEO, Addison Lee says,

    “Addison Lee has been proud to serve all Londoners for over 40 years. Pride is a great opportunity for Addison Lee to celebrate that we do more than anyone else in the industry to train drivers about equality and diversity issues.”

    Michael Salter-Church MBE, Chair, Pride in London says,

    “I salute Addison Lee for the journey that it has undertaken as a business. Its equality, diversity and disability training is unmatched within the minicab industry. We are delighted to have Addison Lee as our transport partner, helping volunteers, performers and others to create a successful Pride.”

     

    Addison Lee has worked for the last three years with Stonewall, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender rights charity, to create an inclusive and accepting environment in its vehicles and offices. The company’s determination to ensure that all of its passengers and drivers feel safe and secure has been recognised by Stonewall with the award of Diversity Champion status.

  • Joe McElderry shows off his speedos

    Joe McElderry shows off his speedos

    Joe McElderry continues to defy trolls who said he was getting fat by showing off his incredible body in a series of hot Speedo shots.

    (C) CREDIT: Scott Alder

    Former X Factor, Pop Star To Opera Star and Jump winner, Joe McElderry continues to show trolls who called him fat that he comitted to a rigirous training regime and keeping his body in tip tip condition.

    In 2015, after an appearance on Lorraine, users of social media were quick to criticise the singer for looking as though he had piled on the pounds.

    The singer, who is currently starring in Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat was seen in Weymouth jumping in the sea…with nothing on but a pair of very small swimmers.

    In a reflective moment Joe remarked that he “felt at home with sea air.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BG91vnoPOj2/?taken-by=joemcelderry91&hl=en

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BG916ttPOkU/?taken-by=joemcelderry91&hl=en

     

    This isn’t the first time he’s uploaded pictures of him in the sea, earlier in the year, Joe braved the icy cold sea in April as part of his fitness campaign.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BGrLfhovOnl/?taken-by=joemcelderry91&hl=en

     

    ALSO READ: Joe shows off his incredibly slimmed down body

    ALSO READ: Joe McElderry shares his Terry Wogan memories

     

  • How the LGBT community is planning to vote on the EU Referendum

    How the LGBT community is planning to vote on the EU Referendum

    Over the past couple of months THEGAYUK has conducted a number of flash polls to see what way readers were tending to skew for the EU Referendum.

    CREDIT: EU
    CREDIT: EU

    Referendum day is upon us and up and down the United Kingdom today millions of people will be casting their votes to secure Britain’s future in or out of the European Union.

    Over the past months we’ve polled our readers in a series of flash polls to get a feeling about how people are planning to vote today.

    Here are our findings:

    Polling date: 23rd March

    How are you likely to vote on EU?

    25% Vote Leave

    61% Vote Stay

    14% Undecided

     

    Polling date: 24th April

    Better In Or Out of The EU?

    82% Better In

    18% Better out

     

    Polling date: 22nd June

    With the EU vote looming are you decided on which way you’ll vote?

    56% Remain

    32% Leave

    10% Still undecided

     

    Live poll:

     

  • Majority of LGBT+ people in UK still feel they need to lie about their sexuality

    Pride in London, in partnership with Quadrangle and Populus, conducted a survey of more than 1,000 LGBT+ people in the UK. The research also discovered that people who are LGBT+ are six times less likely to hold a partner’s hand in public than the rest of the population, and that LGBT+ respondents are five times more likely to have been bullied at work because of their gender.

    Pride in London is one of the city’s biggest one-day events, with as many as 1m people coming to the festival to support the UK’s LGBT+ community. It is run entirely by volunteers, with more than 800 volunteers helping on the day.

    Chair of Pride in London, Michael Salter-Church said,

    “Great progress has been made in the name of LGBT+ equality in recent years, but these figures show the striking reason why Pride is still as important as ever.

    “People in Britain who are LGBT+ still face the need to filter their true selves, and hide affection to their loved ones. At its heart, Pride in London is a community led movement that recognises the struggles and successes of everyone in our community.”

    Marketing Director of Pride in London, and Deputy Chair at Quadrangle Research, Alison Camps said,

    “As well as changing laws we need to change hearts and minds. Pride in London gives us an incredible day to celebrate who we are, and give people the confidence to be proud.

    “This is what this year’s campaign #nofilter is all about. We will recognise those people who must live life under a filter, fight for them, and celebrate a day of #nofilter.”

    David Ames, who plays Dominic Copeland in Holby City, and appears in the #nofilter campaign said,

    “My chosen career asks of me to wear a mask, to tell someone else’s story and to put myself in someone else shoes. Well, that’s all very well when it’s work and I’m being paid.

    “In my personal life, however, I don’t want to have to wear a mask. I want to be the narrator of my own story and I certainly don’t want to wear someone else’s grotty shoes.

    “So, I fully support and applaud this year’s Pride in London for its #nofilter campaign.

    “Showing others that you’re proud, encouraging those who need it to stand tall and making sure those most vulnerable know at all times that, as a community, we’ll do all we can to support you.

    “Leave your filters for your Instagram and go and celebrate being you.”

     

    The research finds:
    74% of LGBT+ respondents still feel the need to lie about their sexuality or gender identity
    2% of the population has been bullied at work because of their gender, compared to 10% of LGBT+ respondents in our survey
    77% of LGBT+ respondents felt uncomfortable being their true self in public, compared to just 23% in the general population
    21% of LGBT+ respondents felt completely comfortable being themselves in all situations, compared with 41% of straight respondents
    75% of LGBT+ respondents were out to all their friends, but only 50% were out to all their colleagues
    Friends are by far the most common group to be out to, and men are much more likely to be out in the workplace (89% of our male survey respondents) than women (76% of our female survey respondents)
    59% of LGBT+ respondents had felt threatened by other people’s attitudes and behaviours towards them, compared with 16% of the wider population
    While only 5% of people think twice about holding a partner’s hand in public, 30% of LGBT+ respondents were uncomfortable with this, rising to 41% of gay men

  • TV doctor says best option for UK is to vote out

    TV doctor says best option for UK is to vote out

    Doctor David Bull has shown his support for the Leave Campaign ahead of the UK’s EU referendum tomorrow.

    Dr Bull, who is known for presenting BBC’s Watchdog, Newsround and Sugar Dome has spoken out about why he feels the UK should vote to leave the European Union.

    Campaigners for the Out and Proud campaign were out in Soho yesterday to make a last-minute push to help people make up their minds about the impending EU referendum in which voters in the UK decide whether Britain should stay in the European Union or leave.

     

    outandproudletter

    The Out and Proud campaign is a grassroots drive by members of the LGBT+ community who are campaigning to Leave the EU.

    Dr Bull who had been a supporter of the Remain campaign switched sides.

    In his video Dr Bull said,

    “The UK has never really been fully in. We don’t even share the same currency, we have many opt outs and so either you get in or you get out. I think the best thing for us to do is as a Country is to vote Leave.”

    Crispin Blunt MP, Chairman, Foreign Affairs Select Committee said,

    “Britain is proudly at the forefront of LGBTI equality and will continue to be one of the world’s leading proponents of LGBTI rights if we Leave the EU.

    There are some who purposely confuse the debate by muddling the EU and ECHR, and say that by leaving one we will leave the other. This is completely false. The EU and the ECHR are completely different treaties, and there is no question of us leaving the ECHR.

    Outside the EU we will have a renewed positive global role. A role that is more attuned to our people, economic strengths, history and culture. We should Leave the EU to play a positive not a defensive and negative role in the world.”

  • Canterbury gay bar’s window reportedly “shot out”

    Canterbury gay bar’s window reportedly “shot out”

    Police are currently undertaking a search of the area surrounding the Limes gay bar in Canterbury after the window was reportedly “shot out”.

    According to Kentonline.com police officers are currently searching the area surrounding Canterbury’s only gay bar Limes Lounge, after a window was allegedly “shot out”. A small hole was discovered in the window, leading people to believe that the window had been shot at.

    It is not yet clear how the hole was created, officers are investigating the possibility that a catapult or air rifle was used. No weapon was seen by witnesses or seized by officers.
    A Spokeswoman for Kent Police said,

    “No injuries were reported and the investigation into the incident continues.

    “A window was broken and the cause of the damage remains under investigation. No weapons were reported to have been seen.”

    Officers were called to Rosemary Lane in Canterbury at 9.50pm on Sunday 19 June following a report of a disturbance after a number of people had been asked to leave a venue. A window was broken in the incident. The cause of the damage remains under investigation. No weapons were reported to have been seen.

    Shortly after 4am two people – an 18 year-old man from Dover and a 17 year-old woman from Hythe – were arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in custody.

    No injuries were reported and officers remain at the scene as investigation into the incident continues.

     

    In 2014 the boss at Limes said he was threaten with arson six months after it opened. The owner  Tony Butcher told Kentonline that he was also approached by a man in a dog collar who suggested that he should be cleansed of his sins by attending his church.

     

  • US Senate Blocks Gun Controls To Known Terrorists Days After Orlando Massacre

    US Senate Blocks Gun Controls To Known Terrorists Days After Orlando Massacre

    A proposal that would ban people on the US terror watch list the ability to buy guns has been rejected by the US Senate.

    guns

    Just a week after the gun massacre in Orlando, Florida, which killed 49 people in a gay night club, a proposal which would see people on the terror watch list in America banned from buying a gun has been rejected by the US senate.

    The US senate blocked a number of proposals which would have strengthened gun control across America. Senators rejected proposals including those which would see extremists unable to buy guns. The proposals also strengthened background checks.

    Yesterday the FBI released transcripts from the Orlando shooting where the gunman told police that he was an “Islamic solider” and allegedly declared his allegiance to ISIS.

    Omar Mateen was able to legally buy his guns despite being included on a federal terrorism watch list for 10 months prior to the shootings in Florida.

    The Senate voted largely along party lines. The Democratic party, which proposed a ban on gun sales to suspected terrorists failed by 13 votes of required 60.

    The Republicans put forward a similar proposal and it was rejected by the same margin.

    There are currently around one million people on the Terror watch list in the US.

    The BBC reports other bills which were rejected by the Senate included:

    • A bill to ban suspects on terrorism watch lists from buying guns
    • A bill (backed by the NRA) that would allow the US attorney general to delay a gun purchase by a known or suspected terrorist, but prosecutors would need to convince a judge of the would-be-buyer’s connection to terrorism within three days
    • A bill that would alert the FBI to terrorism suspects who have purchased a gun, without blocking the purchase outright