THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • LBC lets Nigel Farage go before his contract is up

    LBC lets Nigel Farage go before his contract is up

    One of the UK’s most popular radio stations, LBC, is letting Nigel Farage leave the station before his contract was officially over.

    The station which is owned by Global Media, said in a statement that it wished him well, but after discussions with Farage it had been decided that Farage would step down with “immediate effect”.

    According to the statement, Farage’s contract, which hadn’t fully run its course but was “up very shortly” with the radio station wouldn’t be renewed and that he was being released from it with “immediate effect”.

    The station has had a history of ending its contract, or not renewing contracts with some of its most controversial hosts. In 2017 the station ended its relationship with Katie Hopkins.

    In early 2019, Farage created a new political party, after stepping down as the UKIP party leader. The new party, The Brexit Party welcomed in a variety of politicians including Anne Widdecombe, well noted for her anti-gay voting history.

    At the time of publishing, Nigel Farage had not acknowledged the statement by LBC.

  • TODAY IN LGBT+ HISTORY: The city of Philadelphia reveals 8 stripe Pride flag

    TODAY IN LGBT+ HISTORY: The city of Philadelphia reveals 8 stripe Pride flag

    In 2017 the City of Philadelphia revealed their take on the traditional LGBT+ pride flag, to include two new stripes. A black and brown stripe to represent LGBT+ communities of colour.

    The organisers of the campaign, to drive awareness of some of the issues faced by communities of colour, added an extra brown and black stripe to the flag and used the hashtag #MoreColorMorePride.

    It has proved to be both adored and controversial since its reveal.

    While some maintain that the standard Rainbow Flag was supposed to be inclusive of everybody, regardless of race, colour or creed, others have suggested that for far too long, people of colour have been precluded from LGBT+ history nor given proper credit for some of the culture that has developed and enjoyed by the wider LGBT+ community.

    Since its introduction in 2017, numerous Pride events across the UK, have adopted that version of the flag, particularly in cities where there is a large BAME (Black Asian and minority ethnic) community.

    “Fuelling an important conversation”

    A statement on the campaign’s website says,

    “In 1978, artist Gilbert Baker designed the original rainbow flag.

    “An iconic symbol of LGBTQ+ unity. So much has happened since then. A lot of good, but there’s more we can do. Especially when it comes to recognizing people of color in the LGBTQ+  community. To fuel this important conversation, we’ve expanded the colors of the flag to include black and brown.

    “It may seem like a small step. But together we can make big strides toward a truly inclusive community”.

  • Is the original Gay Pride rainbow flag available to see anywhere?

    It’s probably become one of the most famous symbols in the world. It’s internationally recognised and brings hope to millions of LGBT+ across the globe.

    But where is and who created the first rainbow flag?

    Where can I see the original pride flag? Does the original gay flag still exist.
    (C) PR SUPPLIED

    The original rainbow flag was created in 1978 in San Franciso by an artist called Gilbert Baker.

    The flag has been identified as one of the defining designs of the modern age, the flag was part of an original series of ten that Baker designed and created in 1978.

    Where is the original gay pride flag now?

    The original flag can now be viewed at the Design Museum London which acquired the flag as part of a series of new objects for its permanent collection.

    It was acquired by the museum in 2017.

    Why did Gilbert Baker create the rainbow flag for gay pride?

    Speaking about the rainbow as a symbol for LGBT+ folx Gilbert Baker said, “There was no other international symbol for [the LGBT+ community] than the pink triangle which the Nazis used to identify homosexuals in concentration camps,

    “Even though the pink triangle was and still is a very powerful symbol, it was very much forced upon us”.

  • When is Gay Uncle Day in 2020?

    When is Gay Uncle Day in 2020?

    Did you know that there was a “Gay Uncle” day? It is a relatively new awareness day in the LGBT+ calendar.

    In 2020 International Gay Uncle” or Guncle day takes place on the 9th August 2020 and is observed all over the world. It usually falls on the 2nd Sunday of August.

    The first Gay Uncle” day was first celebrated in 2016 and took place in the US. However, it proved quite popular.

    What are the colours of the Gay Uncle Day?

    Gay Uncle Day doesn’t actually have a flag, although, at a push, you could use the traditional rainbow flag, (find out about what the rainbow flag means here) if you were thinking about waving a flag for your gay uncle.

    Can you buy Gungle jewellery or gifts?

    Gift ideas for gay uncles

    Yes, there are many stores which have gifts which would be perfect for gay uncles. Some of them even carry the rainbow flag. Check out our partner store, The Pride Shop for some ideas!

    To find out other days in the LGBT+ calendar click here.

  • Poland’s President just signed an extremely anti-gay charter

    It’s Pride month across the world, but that hasn’t deterred Poland‘s President Andrzej Duda signing one of the most anti-LGBT+ charters in the EU.

    The charter defends the “institution of marriage” which means that there is no acceptance of gay marriage.

    He’ll also refuses to accept allowing gay couples to adopt children

    and says that he will protect children from an “LGBT ideology”.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Poland’s biggest LGBTQI-organisation KPH (Campaign Against Homophobia) have criticised the President, saying that he is using the anti-gay charter as a way of bolstering his presidential campaign ahead of the elections on the 28th June 2020

    https://twitter.com/spychalski_b/status/1270638272931401728

    In a statement they wrote, “We have no doubt that he’s just playing his presidential campaign game trying to gain the electorate by setting it on LGBT persons.”

    “A choice between European values and Russian traditional values”

    Rémy Bonny an expert on LGBTQI-politics in Central & Eastern Europe told us, “The elections are a choice between European values and Russian traditional values – a choice between democracy and autocracy. The elections will eventually decide on the future of Poland within the European Union.

    “Over the last decade, the LGBTQI-community became well-organised and very visible in Poland. The government is afraid that a professional and vibrant civil rights movement would overthrow their corrupt and elitist rule for a real equality-based government.

    No such thing as “LGBT Ideology”

    The Polish activists from KPH directly reach out to President Duda in an open letter to say,

    “Mister President, let us say it out loudly and clearly once again: there is no such thing as the ‘LGBT ideology’ – it’s just a homophobic construct. LGBTs are lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender persons who personally experience the consequences of homophobic and transphobic hate which you also fuel.

    “Those people are Kacper, Dominik and Milo, who are no longer here with us, because the homophobic propaganda of the profit-oriented authorities killed them.

     “It’s time to change it and we will do it! We will remember about it, Mister President and we will settle accounts with you by the ballot boxes. Let June 28th be the day when freedom, respect and mutual solidarity in Poland prevails!”, KPH concludes

    The LGBTQI-community is in the frontline of the far-right PiS-government’s fight against liberal democracy.”, Bonny continues. 

  • Scotland to become the first in the UK to put LGBT+ history into lessons

    Scotland to become the first in the UK to put LGBT+ history into lessons

    Scotland‘s schools will offer LGBT+ history as it becomes the first nation in the world to add the struggle for equality in the LGBT+ community on its curriculum.

    The EdinburghLive website is reporting that from 2021, schools in Scotland will teach LGBT+ history in its schools and include subjects surrounding equality and identity.

    Deputy First Minister and Education Secretary John Swinney said “Scotland is already considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTI [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex] equality.

    “I am delighted to announce we will be the first country in the world to have LGBTI inclusive education embedded within the curriculum.”

    Across age groups and subjects

    It is hoped that lessons will be taught to a wide variety of age groups and across various subjects. The lessons will tackle inequalities faced by LGBT+ people as well as homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

    Rising Homophobia

    Although Scotland may be leading the way in bringing much-needed education on LGBT issues, statistics released in 2020 from the Hate Crime In Scotland report showed that charges in relation to homophobic hate crime increased by 5 per cent in the 2018/19 period compared to the year before.

    Meanwhile, transphobic hate crimes in the same period had decreased by 23 per cent.

    The rest of the UK?

    Parkfield Primary became a flashpoint for demonstrators from religious backgrounds against teaching LGBT+ equality.

    In England, lessons taught under the “No outsiders” banner to Primary school-aged children, which included LGBT+ elements were met with a huge backlash in England last year.

    Parents removed hundreds of children from at least two schools after they said they had not been informed or consulted about the lessons.

    The lessons led to mass protests outside the primary schools. Eventually, the protesters were banned from demonstrating outside schools. In November 2019, a judge ruled that parents, mainly from an Islamic background, but included members from other religious backgrounds, would not be able to protest outside a school in Birmingham.

  • What shows has Tan France made for Netflix

    What shows has Tan France made for Netflix

    Tan France is probably most famous for being one-fifth of the Netflix reboot of Queer Eye, however, since his debut on the show five seasons ago (2018), he has gone on to star in a number of other shows for the streaming platform and is celebrated as being one of the only, openly gay Muslim men on Western television.

    Tan, who grew up in the Northern city of Doncaster, but now is a US citizen has become a bit of favourite at Netflix HQ. Since starting on Queer Eye in 2018 he has gone on to star in a number of other shows including Nailed It! and Next In Fashion.

    He also has a memoir out called Naturally Tan which was released in June 2019.

    In just a few short years, Tan has become one of Netflix most bankable stars.

    So, what other shows has Tan France made or starred in for Netflix?

    NEXT IN FASHION

    Aside for the most famous, Queer Eye in which he has appeared in 47 episodes since 2018, he has also appeared in Nailed It! – as himself.

    He also appeared as the character Fett Ragoso in the hit Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which also is available to stream.

    He lent his voice to an episode of Big Mouth – a Netflix original animated series in 2019. The episode is called ‘Disclosure the Movie: The Musical!’ and all of the “Fab Five” were called upon to give Coach Steve a Queer Eye-style make over.

    QUEER EYE: We’re In Japan!

    In 2020 he has even more appearances to add to his resume! He is a contestant on the show The Big Process he is the head host along with Alexa Chung on the reality contestant show, Next In Fashion.

    Unfortunately for Tan, Next In Fashion was cancelled by Netflix after just one series, but not all is lost, Tan will return to Queer Eye for a sixth series.

  • Queer Eye’s Tan France becomes a US citizen

    Queer Eye’s Tan France becomes a US citizen

    Tan France who is one-fifth of Netflix’s rebooted hit series, Queer Eye and Next In Fashion has become a citizen of the United States of America.

    In an emotional post on Instagram the star, who grew up in UK city of Doncaster in the North of England, said that he would use his citizenship to flex his constitutional rights and “vote for change”.

    According to the star, US citizenship is something that he’s been working towards for 20 years.

    “Vote for the change I wish to see”

    TAN has become a bit of a Netflix favourite as he now appears on Queer Eye and Next In Fashion.

    The 37-year-old fashionista used his first Instagram post as a US Citizen to say that he would be exercising his “constitutional right as an American” adding that he would register to vote – and “vote for the change I wish to see in OUR nation”.

    Stars congratulate Tan

    The announcement from Tan, who has 3.7 million followers on Instagram, was greeted with excitement from his fans, who welcomed the star and his new-found allyship to the US. Both Justin Theroux and Courtney Cox congratulated him with a clapping emoji.

    Queer Eye Co-star Jonathan Van Ness wrote, “There is no word or phrase I have strong enough to say how happy, proud, strong you are I have no words strong enough. Love you so much.”

  • Gay guys share all the non-sexual things that actually turn them on

    Gay guys share all the non-sexual things that actually turn them on

    Some of the stuff that turns us on is weird… some stuff is totally legit… right?

    Some are obvious: A trouser bulge, sure – the outline of a bubble butt, absolutely … but calling you “bro” or changing the gear stick when driving?

    These guys on the subreddit AskGayMen were recently asked what non-sexual things turned them on and well, it became a lengthy love in for all the things, that aren’t sexual at all that men can do that turns us crazy.

    Being called Bro, Dude or Man.

    One user explained that it felt like male bonding. “Growing up I always had more female friends than male so I sort of missed out on that experience. So when a guy calls me “dude” or “bro” as a gay man it makes me feel included!” (VIA)

    A Soft Slap

    TrilIias says that when a man gives him a “soft slap on the back of the shoulder” that would be a turn on. (VIA)

    Chopping Wood…

    And for extra points shirtless. That lumberjack look apparently really gets some guys all hot and bothered. (VIA)

    Singing to them

    Even singing Justin Bieber songs will do the trick according to user CherrySodaBoy92 who revealed, “When I was in college I had a boyfriend who sang and played the guitar in his church choir and one night I went to his dorm room and asked him to play me something and he sang Baby by Justin Bieber (it was cuter than it sounds)”

    As an added bonus he added, “That boy got LAID that night”.

    Stretching and flexing

    Apparently we can’t get enough of guys just stretching out and there are bonus points if his shirt rides up exhibiting a little bit of stomach.

    Kaius117 revealed, “My buddy stretches at work, his shirt rides up, exposing his hairy stomach. He knows I like it and does it on purpose.” (VIA)

    Sleeping Like A Child (VIA)

    Changing gears

    Even changing the gear while driving is enough to drive some guys a little coo-coo. Sagevoss added, “Driving and shifting gear… I don’t know why but when my guy friends do it I wanna make-out with them”.

    Nerding Out

    Being passionate about a subject, whatever it is a huge turn on for many people. Ipomoeatricolor said, “Hearing a guy talk about literally anything he’s passionate and excited about. I wanna see him nerd out!”

    Gaywicca adds, “I love when a guy talks about philosophy or religion, or politics!”

    While, “explaining something long or complicated to me, or just a deep discussion about a topic, like market theory, can really turn me on” says blizzard30

    Fragrances

    Smells are really important – but definitely not bad smelling penises. However, if he smells of fresh laundry that’s a bonus according to GhostOvTheSun.

    Anger

    Primal instincts and reactions are a definite turn on. “When guys get frustrated, it really turns me on” SchwerelosKTZ shares, “Anger is so primal to me, and it makes me just want to get pinned down”.

    Swearing Under Their Breath

    “It makes me think of them doing that in bed… I find it so hot” (VIA)

    Toes

    User ticklish-toes adds, “Wriggling his toes absentmindedly”

    Letting you help him out

    When he lets me do up his tie for him (VIA)

    Just existing (VIA)

    *Some quotes may have been edited for clarity or grammar.

  • Poland is about to get its first TV commercial featuring a gay couple

    Poland is about to get its first TV commercial featuring a gay couple

    Despite the backlash that the gay community is receiving in Poland, husbands Jakub and David are about to star in a TV advert for a condom brand.

    Durex in Poland has premiered a TV ad which featured Poland’s most famous gay couple, YouTubers, Jakub and Dawid. It’s part of a new campaign called “Loud In Bed” and is expected to air on all major TV channels in the country.

    The ad will also air in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania.

    Previously the couple, who got married in 2017 have received death threats for their activism. In 2016 after releasing a video, which went viral commentators said that the couple should be put in a “gas chamber”.

    Recently the couple took to the streets of Poland to give out rainbow face masks in the fight against Coronavirus and homophobia and the results were a mix of gratitude and threats of violence.

  • Gay Dating | What does BDSM stand for?

    Simply put, BDSM is an acronym for Bondage, Discipline, Sadism and Masochism.

    There are many forms of BDSM and they run a spectrum from light power play, like blindfolds and furry handcuffs to rough abuse – including genital abuse like CBT (cock and ball torture).

    Usually, a person takes up a preferred role, dominant or subservient, masochist or sadist, although of course, you’ll get people who like to switch, between the many roles.

    The dom is usually the person doling out the punishment or pain, while the sub is the receiver.

    According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of BDSM was in 1991.

    So what is Bondage, Discipline, Sadism and Masochism?

    What does BDSM mean?

    Bondage is where the tying up of your partner with roles, cables, cable ties, scarves or actual chains. The idea is to restrict your partner’s movement. Again this could be on the lighter side, with just bounding someone’s hands to a full-body restriction suit, made from rubber.

    Discipline could be corporal punishment like hits and spanks, but it could be verbal discipline as well.

    Sadism is where someone is turned on by cruelty or humiliation inflicted upon another.

    Masochism is the opposite of sadism. It’s where you are turned on by subjected to physical pain or humiliation.

    BDSM in the gay community is not uncommon, with many guys trying out one form or another within relationships or other hookups. Many enjoy power play and enjoy the taking of dom or sub-roles, just as their heterosexual counterparts do.

    Many people associate leather wear like harnesses and hogtie with the likes of homoerotic imagery like Tom of Finland or the activities of the annual Folsom street fair in San Francisco.

    It is important to distinguish between consensual BDSM activities between consenting adults and those who are being abused or coerced against their wills.

    Although BDSM does involve abuse, it is welcomed by the recipient, whereas sexual abuse isn’t.

    Check out more gay dating terms.