THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • Gay Brits Can Now Marry In 24 New Countries

    The Foreign office has confirmed that LGBT brits can now marry at 24 British consulates in 24 countries around the world.

    (C) TheGayUK
    (C) TheGayUK

    Gay Brits who wish to get married aboard will now have the choice to do so in 24 countries including, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Serbia, and Vietnam.

    The FOC said the number of countries where same-sex couples could wed was limited to 24 because “British missions are only able to provide a same sex marriage service in countries where it is not possible for British nationals to have such a marriage under local law and where the local authorities have given permission for the missions to conduct consular marriages of same sex couples.”

    Same-sex couples will now be able to marry at the British consulates in Russia, despite its archaic anti-gay law and Azerbaijan, which currently carries one of the lowest ILGA ratings for LGBT equality in Europe.

  • Anti-Gay Marriage MP Tells Gay Voter Never To Contact Him Again

    The former MP and now Conservative hopeful for Peterborough, Stewart Jackson, who voted against the same-sex marriage act, has allegedly sent a response to a constituent, asking her to never bother him again after learning that she is in a same-sex marriage.

    Laura O’Sullivan was shocked to find an official communication from her then local MP Stewart Jackson, that stated that she should never “bother” him again. Mr. Jackson was a key figure in the Coalition for Marriage, a campaign which claimed to have attracted over 600,000 signatures against the redefining of marriage and he was one of 175 MPs who voted against same-sex marriage in 2013.

    Taking to Facebook, Ms. O’Sullivan said,

    “I got a letter through the post, addressed to Laura Hawes, asking me to vote for Stewart Jackson, Peterborough MP.

    As he voted against gay marriage and had kindly left his email address at the bottom for responses I sent him the following message:

    Dear Stewart Jackson,
    You sent me a letter, I wish to inform you that it was sent to the wrong name, Hawes is my maiden name. As of last October I am happy to say I am married, And have therefore changed my surname to O’Sullivan.

    And as my Wife and I enjoying our rights to an equal marriage, something that you did not support we will not, in no un certain terms, be voting for you.
    Please never write to me again.
    Mrs Laura O’sullivan

    She received the following response a few hours later:

    The feeling’s fully mutual.
    Please feel free to never bother me again.
    Yours
    Stewart Jackson”

    THEGAYUK reached out to Mr. Jackson’s office to ask if his response was standard practice for communicating with his constituents. His office replied, “It is the regular practice of Stewart Jackson and his office not to comment on any private correspondence between his office and his former constituents.”

    The post, on Facebook, has now attracted nearly 1,200 shares and a number of comments.

    As the UK Parliament has been dissolved until after the General Election on May 7th, Mr. Jackson is no longer the MP for Peterborough. In a statement on his website he wrote, “It is my honour and privilege to have been elected in May 2005 and re-elected in May 2010 to represent the Peterborough constituency in the House of Commons. He is now fighting for re-election in Peterborough.

    “I have made it my duty to work for Peterborough in Westminster and not for Westminster in Peterborough. I am working for your interests, not self-interests. Above all, I will always put my constituents’ interests above my political career.”

  • Nine-Year-Old Pupil Reacts Perfectly To Her Teacher Coming Out As Gay

    A nine-year-old apparently wrote an acceptance letter to her “great, amazing, brilliant and brave” teacher who shared with his class that he was getting married to a man.

    The teacher told his class about his sexuality to demonstrate issues that could be brought up during anti-bullying week. Speaking to PinkNews the unidentified teacher said, “I’d asked who’d heard ‘gay’ being used as an insult. Almost every one of my class put their hands up. I was stunned,

    “Then I asked who thought that people who were gay or lesbian were bad or wrong in some way, again almost every hand went up.”

    The teacher then asked the Head teacher of the school, whether he could share the news about his fiancé, to show that when people used gay as a pejorative term, they were actually talking about someone like him.

    He continued, “The reaction was fantastic – there were a lot of gasps and shocked looks and some basic questions – do you have a boyfriend, etc – but after a couple of minutes they were over it and we moved on to the rest of the lesson.”

    The amazing letter sent by one of his pupils, known only as “A”, was given to him shortly after the lesson – and it “brought tears” to the teacher’s eyes.

    Dear Mr R

    “Even though you’re gay, I will always treat you the same way as I do now. I still think about you the same way as I used to. You’re a great teacher and these are just some of the word’s [sic] that I would describe you as: great, amazing, fantastic, brilliant, awesome and brave.

    “The reason why I say brave is because you shared a personal secret which was very brave.

    “You don’t have to feel scared because I know that everone [sic] in the class feels the same way as I do.

    “From A x x

    PS. We are all proud of you”

  • X FACTOR Johnny Robinson Drops New Single – As A Woman

    You won’t quite believe the new look, but X FACTOR legend Johnny Robinson has just debuted his new music video.

    X FACTOR Johnny Robinson, 45, who won the nation’s hearts with his renditions of Hung Up and Unchained Melody and his outrageous costumes on the 2011 series of the show, has unveiled an altogether new look, complete with heavy eye makeup and massive hair. The sort even Bonnie Tyler would be proud of.

    His new, high energy single is called Eaten Alive. and even stars a Michael Jackson tribute. Check out the new look and video here.

    The former X FACTOR star, isn’t just famous for his singing stint on Simon Cowell’s flagship show, when he was 24, Robinson starred as Boy George on Stars In Their Eyes.

     

     

     

  • Gloucestershire Loses Its Only Gay Bar

    The Westgate in Gloucestershire has served its last pint as the number of LGBT venues across the country gradually gets smaller and smaller.

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  • If You’re A White Gay Male Student, Don’t Act Like A Black Woman – It’s Policy

    The UK National Union of Students has passed a policy which means that white gay men must stop appropriating black female culture.

    It is being reported that delegates at the Women’s Conference today passed a motion makes it against policy to snap, click or sashay away, or generally act in any way that can be attributed to black women.

    Submitted by the NUS LGBT Committee the motion reads:

    503: ‘Dear White Gay Men: Stop Approprirating [sic] Black Women’.

    The appropriation of Black women by white gay men is prevalent within the LGBT scene and community.

    1. This may be manifested in the emulation of the mannerisms, language (particularly AAVE- African American Vernacular English) and phrases that can be attributed to Black women. White gay men may often assert that they are “strong black women” or have an “inner black woman”.
    1. White gay men are the dominant demographic within the LGBT community, and they benefit from both white privilege and male privilege.
    1. The appropriation of Black women by white gay men has been written about extensively. This quote is taken from Sierra Mannie’s TIME piece entitled: “Dear white gays, stop stealing Black Female culture”:

    “You are not a black woman, and you do not get to claim either blackness or womanhood. There is a clear line between appreciation and appropriation. I need some of you to cut it the hell out. Maybe, for some of you, it’s a presumed mutual appreciation for Beyoncé and weaves that has you thinking that I’m going to be amused by you approaching me in your best “Shanequa from around the way” voice. I don’t know. What I do know is that I don’t care how well you can quote Madea, who told you that your booty was getting bigger than hers, how cute you think it is to call yourself a strong black woman, who taught you to twerk, how funny you think it is to call yourself Quita or Keisha or for which black male you’ve been bottoming — you are not a black woman, and you do not get to claim either blackness or womanhood. It is not yours. It is not for you.”

    The conference, believes, that “This type of appropriation is unacceptable and must be addressed.

    “Low numbers of Black LGBT women delegates attend NUS LGBT conference. This can be attributed to many factors, one of which may be the prevalent appropriation by white gay men, which may mean that delegates do not feel comfortable or safe attending conference.”

    In a second motion they passed the banning of cross-dressing or drag due the offence it could cause trans women.

    Speaking to GayStarNews about the policies a spokeswoman said, “We’re a democratic society, and if members voted for it, these are our policies”.

     

     

  • Julian Clary Reaches 7000 Signatures To Take Over Top Gear

    Julian Clary has thrown his hat into the ring in consideration for the role of the new presenter of BBC’s flagship programme Top Gear.

    With the news that Jeremy Clarkson has been dropped by the BBC following his suspension from Top Gear due to a ‘fracas’, the conversation turns to who might be JC’s replacement and what better than another JC – Julian Clary. Julian Clary has already secured over 7000 signatures on a petition to take over the presenting job.

    The petition set by Robert Claxton-Ingham has attracted nearly 7500 signatures and has suggested that Clary is up for the challenge.

    However, a BBC insider told THEGAYUK that former Big Breakfast star and now Radio 2 presenter Chris Evan’s is hotly anticipated to take over the role now that Clarkson has been removed but questioned whether the presenter could ‘cut it’.

  • HBO Cancels Gay Drama Looking

    HBO has just announced that it has cancelled the TV series ‘LOOKING’ after just two seasons and this summer it will wrap up the storylines with a one hour special.

    In a statement issued today a spokesman said, “after two years of following Patrick and his tight-knit group of friends as they explored San Francisco in search of live and lasting relationships, HBO will present the final chapter of their journey as a ‘special’’’. They added, “we look forward to sharing this adventure with the shows loyal fans.”

    HBO have claimed that Looking had never been a strong ratings performer, but executives were very impressed with the buzz the show had created on social media and it’s growing band of viewers that sadly started to fall off in the second season.

    Created by Michael Lannan and executive produced by Andrew Haigh (director of Weekend), Looking stars Jonathan Groff, Frankie J.Alvarez and Murray Bartlett who explore the fun and sometimes overwhelming options available to a new generation of gay men in San Francisco. It also co-stars Lauren Weedman, Raul Catillo and Russell Tovey

     

  • The Gayest Object In The World

    Today, the world’s first and only ‘gay’ object – a sweater knit from the donated hair of more than 100 LGBT people – makes its debut during Toronto Fashion Week.

    • Sweater made out the hair of 100 lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people
    • Thought to be the only product in the world that is 100% “gay”
    • Made to highlight the correct use of the word “gay” and end the misuse of the word.

    Appearing ahead of this summer’s upcoming Pride Week celebrations in Toronto, New York, San Francisco and London, The Gay Sweater was created to make people everywhere understand that it is incorrect and offensive to use language like ‘that’s so gay’ to negatively describe something. #TheGaySweater also aims to raise awareness of the detrimental effects that such misuse of the word ‘gay’ has on LGBT youth. The project is an initiative of The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD).

    “The idea for the sweater was born from a desire to educate and encourage everyone to use ‘gay’ the correct way,” said Jeremy Dias, director of the CCGSD. “We want the conversation that surrounds the gay sweater to inspire those who are using ‘gay’ in a detrimental way to both realise the negative impact their words and actions are having and change their behaviour.”

    Along with the sweater, a short film at thegaysweater.ccgsd-ccdgs.org gives voice to youth who have been impacted by the derogatory use of the word ‘gay’ and showcases the process that went into creating the one-of-a-kind sweater. Using the sweater and the film, the CCGSD is hoping to start a much-needed conversation that encourages everyone to think before they use hurtful words like ‘gay’ in a negative way. Readers can follow that conversation and all sweater-related content on the website and by searching the hashtag #TheGaySweater.

    Stylist Jennifer McConville of CBC News Now will be styling models wearing the sweater at David Pecaut Square on Tuesday, March 24th between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. (EDT).

  • £2 Million Awards Announced From Homophobic Bullying Fund

    Funds awarded to projects to train school staff and provide support for pupils affected by homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

    Stonewall awarded nearly half million pounds of the £2million total.

    Minister for Women and Equalities Jo Swinson, said, “It’s good news that schools are making progress on homophobic bullying

    Today eight organisations will be told they are to get a share of £2 million to help prevent and eradicate homophobic, biphobic and transphobic (HBT) bullying. The funding was announced by Jo Swinson, Minister for Women and Equalities, and Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan, in October 2014.

    Homophobic bullying in schools is decreasing: 55 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people surveyed for Stonewall’s 2012 School Report said they had experienced homophobic bullying, down from 65 percent in 2009.

    However further action is still needed. Metro’s Youth Chances Survey 2014 found that more than half of gay young people had experienced either discrimination or harassment. In a report from Stonewall, last year 86 percent of secondary school teachers and 45 percent of primary school teachers said pupils at their school had experienced homophobic bullying. Most (89 per cent for secondary schools and 70 per cent for primary) had heard homophobic language used. Teachers say they lack the knowledge and confidence to tackle HBT bullying effectively. These projects will help to build that confidence by providing training and resources for school staff.

    Minister for Women and Equalities, Jo Swinson, said, “It’s good news that schools are making progress on homophobic bullying, but it must be eradicated entirely. The trauma of being bullied at school can stay with you for life, and it is absolutely unacceptable that those who may be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender are being targeted. Teachers need specialist support and training to help them stamp out homophobic bullying, which is why we have funded these excellent projects which are designed to tackle this issue head on.”

    The organisations awarded funding are:

    Anne Frank Trust (£104,894) – to run workshops and educate young people about prejudice and the impact of the Holocaust on lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

    Barnardo’s (£263,218) – to provide face-to-face support for victims of HBT bullying and training for staff with a focus on cultural issues in schools in Leeds and Wakefield.

    Diversity Role Models with Brook (£277,722) – to develop and deliver training on tackling HBT bullying to 10,000 teachers and staff in 400 schools.

    EACH (£189,304) – to deliver a training and resource programme in schools across Avon and Somerset.

    Educate and Celebrate (£214,048) – to train staff in 60 schools, giving them confidence and strategies to address HBT language and bullying and promote inclusiveness throughout the school environment and the curriculum.

    National Children’s Bureau (£128,754)– to train 1,500 teachers on tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia through PSHE.

    Show Racism the Red Card (£119,557)– to hold workshops with 2,000 young people at football clubs around England, train 200 teachers and run a film competition for young people on tackling HBT bullying.

    Stonewall (£465,594) – to extend and share its ‘train the trainer’ course with 60 partner organisations, enabling them to run the programme with schools in their local communities and giving them the skills to tackle HBT bullying.

    Marcel Varney, Assistant Director for Barnardo’s, said, “At Barnardo’s, we hear about HBT bullying from the young people we work with across the organisation. We know that the bullying of a young person because of their sexuality can be incredibly damaging and can impact dramatically on a young person’s ability to succeed at school.

    “This commitment from the government will enable us to reach hundreds of young people to alert them to the impact of HBT bullying. It‘s a big step towards stamping out HBT bullying. We aim to improve the visibility of LGBT lives in the school environment and ensure that young people are supported regardless of culture or religion.”

  • ADVICE | Can We Use Fruit And Veg In Bed?

    ADVICE | Can We Use Fruit And Veg In Bed?

    My boyfriend and I are quite adventurous when it comes to the bedroom and we’re wondering whether we could use fruit and veg and other foods as part of our activities? Is it dangerous to insert things like cucumbers and carrots?

    Using fruit and veg could be a great way to excite and reignite your sex life. Using soft fleshy, non-acidic fruit such as honeydew melons or watermelons can be an exciting way to get new sensations. Simply put a hole in it and thrusting in and out will provide interesting brand new feelings.

    Alternatively you can always use other foodstuffs such as chocolate spreads or even Marmite, who recently brought out body paint. To answer your question about carrots and cucumbers, extreme caution must be used when inserting anything into your butt that doesn’t have a handle or give good grip.

    Many people have ended up in A&E after failing to retrieve a cucumber, banana or carrot lodged in their rectums. A painful experience that can actually lead to death if left untreated. We would urge anyone who has gotten anything stuck up there to seek medical advice immediately, no matter how embarrassed you feel.

    Oh did I say use lots of lube…

    If you’re looking to insert a food, why not try a lollipop or ice cubes, which will melt.

    It’s best to use implements that are actually designed for insertion, such as dildos and vibrators. Don’t forget if you’re using toys together and share them, to use a fresh condom before using it on your partner, and wash them properly after use.

    If you are going to insert a carrot, gherkin, cucumber or banana, make sure you’re relaxed. Some of these veg can be much larger than a penis, so using lots of lube and taking your time is a must. Oh did I say use lots of lube…