THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • Guys get real about why they love their Pup / Handler relationship

    Guys get real about why they love their Pup / Handler relationship

    You might have seen people at Pride who wear dog masks and wondered what it was about. Well, these guys share what they love about puppy play.

    So what are puppies and handlers?

    According to the MyUmbrella charity, the Puppy / Handler identify falls under the Fetish / Political umbrella. They say, “In puppy play, or dog play, one of the participants acts out canine mannerisms and behaviours, which is sometimes associated with leather culture”.

    UPDATE: It should be noted that pups and their handlers span all sexualities and genders.

    One user of Reddit asked the AskGayMen subreddit, what the appeal of Pup play and here are some of the best responses.

    First off, Bufferrodentfl0 made three points. The first was that pup/handler play was all about headspace and escapism. They wrote,

    “A lot of pups use the time spent as a “pup” as a form of escapism. Its time where they don’t have to think about responsibilities and where they can just focus on being in scene.”

    Secondly they wrote that the appeal could be about Primal Sexual Urges, adding,

    “Roleplaying as a pup isn’t always necessarily being submissive, and that its more about finding the idea of primal sexual urges attractive, since to a canine, sex is just sex, its just a a biological component”

    Community

    FILE PHOTO of Pups at BourneFree Pride (C) MONTY MCKINNEN

    The final point made was the community aspect of the puppy world. There is a huge community of pups and handlers all over the world. They even have their own flag, websites and pride events.

    T-Shirt – Would You Like My Bone

    Attention

    kinkygayturtle added that the short answer to why he loved puppy play was all about the “Cuddles, Attention and Playing”. He added,

    “I just get snuggled and pet and praised and called cute for doing absolutely nothing!

    “I balance a ball on my nose and get given lots of treats!

    “The handlers around me all cuddle me and give me head scratches!”

    https://www.thegayshop.co.uk/product/lola-collar-and-leash-black-os/

    Calming

    SchwerelosKTZ added that Puppy play offered “more of an escape” and that play was “calming”

    He wrote,

    ” I can let go of my stress and just play, nap, do dumb dog stuff. In that way, it’s not always sexual, and I’m not always commanded to enter it. Sometimes, much like many people do with little-space, I slip into it here and there when I’m stressed or anxious. It’s calming.”

    https://www.thegayshop.co.uk/product/spike-neoprene-puppy-hood-blue/

    Loving yourself?

    nixxxxxxx suggested that for many it could be about therapy and growth, writing

    “You have to shed stress/distractions and look inside to see what’s holding you back from loving yourself. It’s all about reaching this moment of acceptance and joy that’s really quite beautiful.

    “It’s like faking it til you make it, because you take that emotional momentum back with you into human life.”

    Sex?

    It seems that while there may be a sexual element to the puppy/handler relationship it isn’t necessarily the engine that drives the community. Bufferrodentfl0 added,

    “it’s not just about sex (in fact for some it’s not about sex at all), it’s about the animalistic headspace”.

  • Has Sir Keir Starmer always supported LGBT+ rights?

    Has Sir Keir Starmer always supported LGBT+ rights?

    We looked into Keir Starmer’s voting record on gay and LGBT+ issues to see how LGBT friendly he is.

    Since entering the House of Commons as an MP for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015, Starmer has consistently voted pro-gay in laws relating to equality, although it has to be noted that he has very few opportunities to vote in matters concerning the rights of LGBT+ people in the UK – as there haven’t been many LGBT+ bills debated in parliament.

    Overall Keir has voted on 1 issue relating to the LGBT community. On that major piece of legislation, Keir Starmer voted in favour or positively for equality.

    In 2019 he voted to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

    Embed from Getty Images

    “Full solidarity” with the LGBT+ community

    In Feb 2020, before he became the Labour leader, he tweeted that he fully supported the LGBT Labour group saying that he stood in “full solidarity” with Labour’s LGBT+ members.

    He added that he would “defend LGBT+ rights and protections, and campaign with you for the changes rightly prioritised”.

    Overall in the opinion of THEGAYUK.com editorial team, Keir Starmer, politically has been an ally to LGBT+ people.

  • Davey Wavey’s porn studio just dropped one of the best offers

    Davey Wavey’s porn studio just dropped one of the best offers

    If you’re a fan of man on man porn that’s genuinely trying (and succeeding in our opinion) to change mainstream gay porn then you’ll have to check out the latest offer from Davey Wavey‘s porn studio, Himeros.

    To celebrate 2020’s pride season, Himeros is offering TWO YEARS of porn streaming pass for the price of one.

    So for $179.40, you’ll get full access to Himeros output, which is the equivalent to just $7.48 per month.

    Along with the offer the studio has also published it’s Porn Star Bill Of Rights – and it’s pretty powerful reading.

    It includes:

    1. Himeros.TV does not fetishise models’ ages, shapes, ethnicities, gender expressions, sizes or colours.
    2. All Himeros.TV shoots are drug and alcohol-free.
    3. All models provided with mental health support.
    4. All models paid fair and liveable wage
    5. All content is consensual.

    To enjoy this offer, click here

    Just so you know THEGAYUK.com will benefit from an affiliate fee if you click through and sign up.

  • Boris Johnson thanks the LGBT community for “inspirational work”

    Boris Johnson thanks the LGBT community for “inspirational work”

    On the 1st June, the start of Pride Month, the UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson took to his official Twitter account to speak directly to the LGBT+ community.

    In the Tweet Johnson wrote that that he was thankful for the “inspirational work in fighting tirelessly to overcome the prejudices many face”

    He added, that the contributions by the community had “helped shape a better future for people in the UK and around the world”

    However, many users on Twitter were not pleased for Johnson’s thanks. Many took the opportunity to remind the Prime Minister of the various controversial things that he has written about the gay community over the years.

    Embed from Getty Images

    During the late 90s and early 00s, Johnson was a columnist for The Telegraph and The Spectator. He used his platform to write several comments about marriage between gay men and teaching same-sex relationships in the classroom.

    He also used his platform to say he was a supporter of the very damaging Margaret Thatcher policy, Section 28.

    Since 2001 and in the time in which Johnson has been an MP there have been 16 votes in which he was eligible to vote. Of that 16, he voted positively in three, negatively in 1 and abstained from voting in the rest.

    Lord Michael Cashman responded to the Tweet saying, “We had to fight to overcome you and people in your party. And there are still some there like Liz Truss. To name one from many.”

    https://twitter.com/mcashmanCBE/status/1267582160342523906

    His Tweet which has been liked 4.9K times and retweeted 509 has been ratio’d with over 1.4K comments, the majority of which were negative.

  • What has Boris Johnson said about gay people in the past?

    What has Boris Johnson said about gay people in the past?

    Boris Johnson’s position as the UK’s Prime Minister is problematic for many, particularly as he has referred to members of the LGBT+ community, particularly gay men, in a less than complimentary way.

    Here we look at some of the most controversial things Boris Johnson has written about homosexuality, gay marriage and section 28. If you want to see how Johnson voted on LGBT+ issues during his time as an MP click here.

    On pupils being taught about marriage equality: The Telegraph 2000.

    “We don’t want our children being taught some rubbish about homosexual marriage being the same as normal marriage, and that is why I am more than happy to support Section 28.”

    On Gay Marriage: Friends, Voters, Countrymen, 2001

    “If gay marriage was OK – and I was uncertain on the issue – then I saw no reason in principle why a union should not be consecrated between three men, as well as two men; or indeed three men and a dog.”

    Poofs?: The Spectator, 2000

    “The clerics gave us [journalists] a wigging for being so mean to the Church of England … Why did we draw attention to tricky subjects like homosexuality, aka the Pulpit Poofs issue?” (VIA)

    Bum Boys: The Telegraph 1998

    In a column about Peter Mandelson’s resignation from the Labour government, Johnson said the announcement would lead to “tank-topped bumboys” in “the Ministry of Sound” nightclub, and “the soft-lit Soho drinking clubs frequented by Mandy and his pals.” (VIA)

    Questioning BBC workers’ partner’s rights to a pension – inline with their heterosexual counterparts: The Telegraph 1996

    “In my hand was a magazine from something called the BBC Resources Equal Opportunities Unit. There were letters from gays asking about their “partner’s” right to a BBC pension.”

  • New Coronavirus legislations bans sex in your own home

    New Coronavirus legislations bans sex in your own home

    Buried deep within the new set of regulations due to come into force today is a new section which bans “any social interaction” (including sex) with another person not from your household inside your own home.

    New legislation to be brought forward by Prime Minister Boris Johnson has gone further than any other government in history to ban social interactions between people in their own homes, even if you are already in a committed long-term partnership – but don’t live together.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    The new legislation which comes under the new Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 bill has been gutted of many of its original elements but has had a few new details added which curtails your freedom to social interactions with whomever you’d choose in your own home.

    A new section consists of the wording which reads, “No person may participate in a gathering which takes place in a public or private place indoors, and consists of two or more persons”, effectively outlawing sexual interactions between people who don’t live together.

    “Sex between two (or more) people in a private place who do not live in the same household… is illegal”

    Adam Wagner, a Human Rights Barrister took to Twitter yesterday to outline the new rules, saying,

    “I can’t believe I’m about to tweet this. From tomorrow sex between two (or more) people in a private place who do not live in the same household is a “gathering” between 2 or more people and is therefore illegal.”

    Changes

    Couples who don’t live together will have to continue to socially distance from each other.
    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Previously the laws for the new health act, (for England) did not include references to gatherings in private homes.

    From today (1st June) people in England will be able to do the following things:

    • spend time outdoors, including private gardens and other outdoor spaces, in groups of up to six people from different households, following social distancing guidelines
    • visit car showrooms and outdoor markets
    • in line with the arrangements made by your school, send your child to school or nursery if they are in early years, reception, year 1 or year 6, if you could not before
    • if you are an elite athlete as defined by this guidance, train and compete using the specified gyms, pools and sports facilities you need – which will, in the coming weeks, we hope enable others to watch live sport on TV

    No Debate on laws

    Wagner said that it was “so frustrating” that the regulations weren’t being put to parliament for debate.

    He added, “It’s madness. These are huge changes and they affect every single person in England, and there are loads of potentially unclear and difficult bits.

    “Why so reluctant to engage debate?”

  • Are there any gay bars in Islington?

    Are there any gay bars in Islington?

    Once upon a time, Islington was North London’s hub of queer activity. There were several gay bars, but over the years, like so many parts of London, the number of LGBT+ spaces has dwindled.

    Are there any gay bars left in Islington?

    Unfortunately, the likes of The Green, Bar Fushion, The Duke Of Wellington and King Edward IV have all long gone. Many of these places were open until the middle of the 2000s, but as with many LGBT+ spaces across London and the UK, in general, all have now closed.

    Time was when you could bar hop between several bars on Upper Street and the Essex Road. Some of the bars had seating outside so you could sit, drink and watch the world go by.

    There were many LGBT+ spaces in Islington, but sadly they’ve pretty much all closed. Many, like The Green and Bar Fushion, since the turn of this century. Just a couple of places remain, Central Station and The King’s Head.

    The spot where The Green was… now a cafe.
    Green, Islington, N1

    The King’s Head and its world-famous pub theatre both have a long history of being LGBT+ Friendly and the theatre part of the pub is known to have produced and staged many gay and queer shows over the years.

    Central Station, which is in the Kings Cross area is a well-established haunt for lovers of karaoke and the traditional gay bar experience. It also has a number of themed nights.

    However there are a few gay listings for Islington, from charities to groups.

    Do you have memories or photos to share with our readers? Use the comments below to let us know – or visit the Lost LGBT Scene project to upload a story or memory of your favourite place.

  • MICHAEL CASHMAN: Boris Johnson “like Tissue Paper without the depth”

    MICHAEL CASHMAN: Boris Johnson “like Tissue Paper without the depth”

    Lord Cashman has branded the UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson as unimpressive amidst the Dominic Cummings controversy.

    https://twitter.com/mcashmanCBE/status/1265755395190075393

    The former Eastender‘s actor and co-founder of the LGBT charity, Stonewall, has slammed the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as “unimpressive” and like “tissue paper but without the depth”.

    Tweeting directly to Johnson, Cashman said that when he met the PM he was “so unimpressive”.

    The Tweet, which was sent from Lord Cashman’s official account, has been retweeted hundreds of times and garnered over 1.3K likes.

    Human Rights’ advocate Peter Tatchell replied “Well said Michael”

    [totalpoll id=”118667″]

    The comment comes after a highly turbulent few days at Downing Street, where Johnson’s top advisor, Dominic Cummings faced questions about his movements and decision making during the coronavirus lockdown.

    U.S. Embassy photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

    Sliding public support

    According to some polls, Johnson’s approval rating has taken a battering over recent days. The Independent reports that Johnson’s rating “plunged by 20 points in four days”

    Johnson’s approval peaked at 47 per cent on the 8th April, when he went to intensive care after he was infected by Coronavirus. However, since his return to work, approval from the general public has slid on a downward trajectory. On the 25th May, it was at -1 per cent according to the poll by Savanta.

    Calls for Cummings to be fired

    Embed from Getty Images

    Lord Cashman has also called for Dominic Cummings to be sacked from his position within the Government – and shared a Change.org petition, which has nearly gathered 1 million signatures.

  • RIP | AIDS Activist and author Larry Kramer dies, 84

    RIP | AIDS Activist and author Larry Kramer dies, 84

    One of the AIDS’ crises most outspoken advocates, Larry Kramer has died at the age of 84, his husband has confirmed.

    Larry Kramer is also famous for writing the emotional play, turned film, The Normal Heart, which documents the lives of gay men who died during the AIDS crisis in the 80s and 90s.

    When the AIDS pandemic hit, the gay community was lucky to have Larry Kramer, whose editorials and plays (particularly The Normal Heart) demanded that the government take action and that gay men take responsibility for their health.

    Larry died from pneumonia, at his home in Manhattan, New York, his David Webster said.

    Embed from Getty Images

    A fascinating author and a rabble-rouser in the best sense, Kramer continues to be a vital and often infuriating presence. Kramer co-founded the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), in 1981, which has become the world’s largest private organization to raise funds for and provide services to people stricken with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

    Embed from Getty Images

    However, due to his confrontational style he resigned from GMHC and helped to set up ACT UP, a more direct action alternative.

    The whole traumatic period was dramatised by Kramer in his award-winning play – The Normal Heart, which was turned into a film in 2014.

    “Missed and remembered for decades to come”

    Speaking about Kramer, LGBT+ advocate, Peter Tatchell said,

    “Larry Kramer was an inspiring playwright, author and pioneering campaigner on LGBT+ and HIV issues. He helped galvanise the formation of the AIDS activist group ACT UP, which successfully challenged US government inaction and forced pharmaceutical companies to speed their efforts to research and trial treatments. He also helped establish the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, which did so much to support people living with HIV/Aids.

    “ACT UP’s efforts helped save the lives of millions of people worldwide and Larry was part of that achievement. His often angry tirades against President Reagan, the New York Times, drug corporations and the medical establishment were searing and effective. I counted him as a friend and comrade. He will be missed and remembered for decades to come.” 

  • Husbands give out rainbow masks in Poland’s notorious “LGBT Free Zones”

    Husbands give out rainbow masks in Poland’s notorious “LGBT Free Zones”

    Husbands Jakub and David 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.

    Poland has had a spotlight shone on its “LGBT Free Zones” recently and as LGBT+ rights are seemingly threatened in this part of Europe, the couple are keen to be visible and work with the public.

    Jakub and David visited three LGBT FREE ZONES in East Poland – small towns called Mordy, Trzebieszów and Biała Podlaska. They gave away over 200 hundreds of rainbow masks in each spot.

    Watching the movie you can see that it wasn’t very safe and anything could happen. Some people didn’t like the rainbow, one man threatened that he would punch their faces if they didn’t leave but the husband’s found most people’s reactions positive.

    Giving away rainbow masks is Jakub’s and David’s way to fight against COVID 19 and homophobia in their country.

    According to the last report of ILGA EUROPE – Poland is the worst country for LGBT people in the European Union so they still have plenty to do in their country

  • Lockdown an “opportunity to end new HIV infections altogether”

    Lockdown an “opportunity to end new HIV infections altogether”

    If you’ve not been hooking up with other guys during the COVID-19 lockdown and have had no sex with other people since March, now could be the perfect time to get yourself tested for HIV, says, HIV expert Matthew Hodson.

    Taking to social media, Matthew, who is the Executive Director of AIDSMAP, told his followers, that if they hadn’t had sex for five weeks or more, that they could be confident that an HIV test result would be highly accurate, adding that the lockdown has created an opportunity to “root out undiagnosed HIV”.

    Many people have adhered to Government guidelines about self-isolating.

    In a current poll (it is live and subject to change) we asked our readers whether they had abstained from sex with people outside their own homes. The vast majority of people (around 66 per cent) who answered said that they had.

    Only around five per cent said that their behaviour had not changed since the beginning of lockdown at the end of March.

    [totalpoll id=”118500″]

    New HIV Infections to sink faster than before and an opportunity to end HIV altogether

    CREDIT: © rbhavana Depositphotos

    Speaking in a video, Matthew said, “lockdown means far fewer people are having sex, meaning that far fewer people will have just acquired HIV. This is crucial because people are at their most infectious when they’ve just got.

    He went on to say that they were “already anticipating that the number of new infections will go down even faster than before”.

    He added that we have the “opportunity to end new HIV infections altogether”

    The idea is if everyone tests now and receives their HIV status by the time lockdown ends, that anyone who has newly acquired HIV can be on treatment. When people are “virtual suppressed” (UEqualsU) HIV cannot be passed on to anyone else.

    Need an at-home HIV test?

    The charity Saving Lives is offering readers of THEGAYUK a free at-home HIV Testing Kit.

    You can order a FREE at-home HIV test kit from Saving Lives if you use the promo code: GAYUK20.

    Want to know what an at-home HIV test is like? Read our review here.

    Sexual Health is still open

    Although it may seem that many health services might be running at a reduced capacity or you’re unable to physically attend NHS services, but Doctor Naomi Sutton took to social media recently to remind us all that you can still get sexual health advice and, if necessary, access medications and testing if you need them.

    She wrote,

    “The #NHS is still open! Please seek medical advice if you need it.

    “Sexual health services are operating phone consultations, posting contraception, screening tests and medication when needed and seeing patients face to face where necessary”

    https://twitter.com/DrNaomiSutton/status/1255483728366796801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1255483728366796801%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegayuk.com%2Fyes-you-can-still-access-sexual-health-services-during-the-lockdown%2F