THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • Two Men Injured In Halloween Homophobic Attack In London

    Officers in Kingston Borough are appealing for witnesses and information following a homophobic attack on two men in Surbiton in the early hours of Saturday morning, 1 November.

    Police were called at around 01:20hrs that day to reports of males fighting outside the KFC restaurant in Brighton Road, Surbiton.

    Officers attended and found a 21-year-old man [victim1] suffering a head injury.

    London Ambulance Service attended and the man was taken to a hospital. He has since been discharged.

    A second man with the victim, aged 18 [victim2], was also suffering minor facial injuries.

    The Community Safety Unit on Kingston Borough is investigating and is treating the attack as a homophobic hate crime.

    At this early stage, it is understood both victims were walking along Victoria Road and as they passed a group of two men and three women outside the YMCA they were subjected to homophobic abuse from one of the two men.

    The two victims walked away but when they reached the zebra crossing nearby the two men [suspects 1 and 2] approached them and ‘victim 2’ was punched.

    ‘Victim1’ intervened to protect ‘Victim2’ and the suspects then assaulted him.

    ‘Victim1′ ended up on the floor where the suspects kicked and stamped on him.

    Passersby intervened to stop the attack and the suspects both ran off along Victoria Road.

    A search of the area by officers did not locate anyone matching the suspects’ descriptions.

    ‘Suspect1’ has been described as: a white man, aged in his late twenties, with fair hair that was shaven, a muscular build, short in height, and wearing a pink tutu.

    ‘Suspect2’ has been described as; a white man, also aged in his late twenties, with brown short hair, and also wearing a pink tutu.

    A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

    He was arrested on Tuesday, 4 November for grievous bodily harm and common assault and remains at a west London police station.

    Enquiries continue regarding the identity of the second suspect.

    Trainee Detective Constable Ann-Marie Hodgkiss, the officer in the case, said: “This was a violent and unprovoked hate crime and I am appealing for anyone with any information about the incident to contact me.

    “The two suspects were distinctively dressed, probably due to Halloween, and I would urge anyone who recognises their description and who may know who they are to contact me and help us trace them.”

    Any witnesses or anyone with any information are asked to call the Community Safety Unit at Kingston Police Station on 0208 721 5858 or via 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • No More Go Slow On Your Mobile

    The government sets out plans to eliminate poor mobile coverage that blights a fifth of the UK.

    As part of its long-term economic plan, the government today set out plans to eliminate the poor mobile coverage that blights a fifth of the UK.

    Culture Secretary Sajid Javid today said mobile users in many parts of the UK regularly suffer from a poor signal leaving them unable to make calls or send texts.

    These areas – so-called ‘partial not-spots’ – have coverage from some but not all of the 4 mobile networks (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone). Depending on the network consumers are on, they, therefore, may have no coverage.

    The Culture Secretary is determined to improve coverage from all 4 networks in these areas and has therefore launched a consultation on the various legislative proposals that can help achieve this.

    This will give the government the chance to hear views on these proposals from all interested parties.

    Talks have been held with the mobile companies in recent months in an attempt to find a voluntary solution and this work by the industry is expected to continue whilst the consultation runs.

    Sajid Javid said, ‘I’m determined to ensure the UK has world-class mobile phone coverage as an investment in infrastructure will help drive this government’s long-term economic plan.

    ‘It can’t be right that in a fifth of the UK, people cannot use their phones to make a call. The government isn’t prepared to let that situation continue.

    ‘We’ve been talking to the mobile companies about the problem and they are working with us to find a solution.

    ‘This consultation will complement the work industry is doing and allow the government to hear from the wider telecoms sector, businesses and the public.

    ‘Businesses have been clear about the importance of mobile phones and improved coverage will help deliver jobs and economic security.’

  • Man Has Strap-On Surgically Removed After It Got Stuck

    A man in Greece has had to undergo surgery after his girlfriend’s strap-on got stuck up his anus.

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  • John Barrowman Gives Husband A Puppy

    John Barrowman MBE, celebrity ambassador for the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, has sponsored an adorable cocker spaniel puppy called Merry as a gift for his husband, Scott, this Christmas.

    John has supported the charity for many years, and recently went ‘deaf for the day’ to raise awareness of the challenges that deaf people encounter on a daily basis. Both John and Scott already have two dogs, a cocky Jack Russell called Captain Jack and an adorable Cocker Spaniel called Harris. John Barrowman commented:

    “Scott and I love dogs. We’ve always had two or three in the family so when I had the opportunity to add one more to our brood, I couldn’t resist. I’ve sponsored a puppy called Merry for Scott this Christmas. Scott will get regular updates, lots of adorable photos, and the best part is that this Christmas present will be a gift that will change the life of a deaf person…

    When I experienced going deaf for the day, I was anxious and isolated. When Merry grows up, she’ll not only help make a deaf person’s life safer, she’ll also bring them companionship. We’re going to have a very MERRY Christmas!”

    Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is now asking the public to sponsor an adorable puppy as a gift for a loved one this Christmas, and help change the life of a deaf person.

    The public can also choose to sponsor John Barrowman’s puppy Merry, or Cockerpoo puppy Berry, from just £3 a month. Each supporter will receive a welcome pack which includes a certificate, gorgeous photos, and other exciting gifts, and sponsors donating £5 or more per month will also receive a cute and cuddly soft hearing dog toy.

    To find out more about sponsoring a puppy through their training, visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk/puppy or call Hearing Dogs for Deaf People on 01844 348100.

  • One In Ten Of Us Will Not Claim A Cancel Trip If We Are Ill

    At a time of year when many people are preparing to enjoy seasonal breaks in the UK, new research from Nationwide Building Society shows around one in ten won’t try to claw back any money if they have to cancel their trip due to illness.

    With the mercury starting to fall and the rising threat of winter bugs such as flu, there is a greater chance of cancellation, meaning hotels and planned travel arrangements may need to be put on ice. Nationwide is advising people perhaps to consider paying a little extra for flexible travel to ensure illness doesn’t ruin their plans.

    The research highlights a knowledge gap around travel insurance, with a third of people (33%) unaware that travel insurance can cover trips in the UK, assuming it is only able to be used when going abroad.

    Despite most people being aware that travel insurance can be used domestically, only around a third (38%) said they would consider using their policy to recover their costs if they had to cancel their plans due to sickness, while around one in ten (9%) willing to write-off a cancelled trip as a bad experience instead of attempting to claim any of their money back.

    Some bank or building society accounts offer services such as insurance, of these is Nationwide which costs £10 a month, provides worldwide family travel insurance, including the UK, providing your staying two nights at a commercially run premises, and covers a range of holiday hiccups – from cancelled accommodation and travel to lost luggage and theft. It will cover trips cancelled due to serious illness should a refund not be available from the provider.

    Nationwide’s Phil Smith, Head of Current Accounts, said: “One way of unpicking the fact that many would rather suffer financially than attempt to recoup their holiday expenses is to understand the resilient and hardy nature of the British. We may be quick to moan but we’re also masters of overcoming adversity. – we almost expect to get ill during the colder months, which is perhaps why we don’t consider claiming. However, it makes sense to factor this likelihood into plans at this time of year by being flexible with travel and accommodation plans.

    “It is also surprising that many people are unaware travel insurance covers holidays in the UK. While we have the NHS, there are many other factors to take into consideration, such as cover for lost luggage, missed or cancelled travel and stolen items.”

  • Majority Think Cheryl Should Be Dropped From X Factor

    Majority Think Cheryl Should Be Dropped From X Factor

    A new X-Factor poll has revealed that 59% of heat magazine readers think Simon Cowell should drop Cheryl as a judge.

    CREDIT: ©SYCO /THAMES TV/ITV
    CREDIT: ©SYCO /THAMES TV/ITV

    A survey of over 1,000 visitors to heatworld.com asked if Simon was to drop a female judge, it should be Cheryl, with 58 per cent saying the judges bickering is “overshadowing the acts”, and 54 per cent calling Mel B “the most honest judge”.

    Speaking exclusively to heat last week, axed X Factor contestant Jake Quickenden said that he felt the contestants weren’t being treated fairly by the judges.

    “Simon is the king of mind games, but it would be better to get some constructive criticism rather than just arguing among themselves. I liked Mel, because she was straight with you – she wouldn’t bulls**t you like what may happen with the others.”

    Back in June, Simon said he was pinning all his hopes on Cheryl, 31, returning as the big name on the panel.

    “The pressure is going to be on Cheryl this year. There’s a real buzz,” he said. “People are already talking about it and I think that’s partly because Cheryl is back. All eyes are going to be on her, but she knows that and she’s ready.”

    “The X Factor is one of the toughest shows on TV to get right,” says heat’s TV editor Boyd Hilton. “The show needed more ‘characters’, like it had in 2010, when it was getting 14million viewers watching acts like 1D, Wagner and Katie Waissel. The emphasis this year has clearly been on trying to mix quality acts with big personalities. Unfortunately for those who watch the show for talent, some of those personalities aren’t great singers.”

    However, the heat survey isn’t all criticism – 70 per cent said they are enjoying The X Factor more than Strictly this year. And while Strictly is scoring two million more in the ratings, The X Factor’s 7.5million viewership is still impressive. “The Saturday live shows have been very long, so the show finishes after 10pm,” says heat’s Boyd. “It’s nigh-on impossible to beat Strictly’s Saturday ratings with that scheduling. Interestingly, X Factor does better on a Sunday with the hour-long show, in which you can catch up with Saturday night anyway.”

    Other statistics:

    38% think Simon is the best mentor, Louis is considered the worst mentor with just 3% of votes. He’s also considered the ‘most boring’ judge.

    78% think Simon’s return has improved the show.

    Mel B is the meanest judge according to heat readers with 60% of votes.

    47% think Andrea Faustini is set to win this year’s show with 22% saying they would buy his album.

  • Starbuck Ventures In To Marketing Towards Gay Community

    A hilarious new viral ad campaign from the World’s biggest coffee shop chain, Starbuck to target the gay community.

      • The brand new ad features Ru Paul’s Drag Race 6 stars Adore Delano and Bianca Del Rio.
      • The clip is called Coffee Frenemies
      • Originally released with OUTTv

    After hearing the details for her full-on day job Adore Delano, spots a coffee shop and goes inside only to find a queue. She asks a number of people in line if she can sneak ahead – that is until she meets with Drag Race winner, Bianca Del Rio, who swiftly rebuffs her request at jumping, but not before ordering a Skinny Latte Extra Foam from the counter.

    Just before Bianca goes nuclear on Adore, coffee is served and thus the World is saved for another day.

    Starbucks is the latest in highstreet brands and high profile names targeting the gay community a very profitable business – as in the UK – the LGBT+ community is worth over £96 BILLION alone.

    Natwest, Coca-Cola and Chevrolet are just some of the big brands to tap into the market, with big budget commercials.

    Last year Coca-Cola was praised for the inclusion of a gay male married couple in a campaign called Reasons To Believe, however, the company was later criticised for removing the couple from the Irish version of the advert.

  • Two Gay Men In Horrific Anti-Gay Attack On Manchester Tram

    Two gay men were assaulted on a Manchester Tram in the early hours of Saturday morning (1st November) leaving one unconscious.

    Jean-Claude Manseau and Jake Heaton were singing songs from the hit musical Wicked when the pair were subjected to verbal abuse by an another passenger.

    When Manseau and Heaton got off at Piccadilly Gardens the homophobic passenger called over a group of 15 others and according to the victims proceeded to attack them physically.

    Manseau was knocked unconscious and sustained head injuries while Heaton was punched to the back of the head.

    Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Manseau said, ‘It has destroyed every bit of confidence I have. It will be a while before I go anywhere on my own. I don’t know when I’ll feel safe to go into Manchester again.

    ‘They split my forehead, my lip, broke my nose. My eyes are black and swollen. My ribs are painful, I can’t move much. My face is going to be scarred for life. That has upset me.’

    Heaton went on to say, ‘It was terrifying. They crowded around us and it probably only last a few seconds but it felt like a lifetime. It’s completely shocking. Nowadays you think people are mostly accepting of people’s sexuality, especially in a big city like Manchester.

    ‘We did nothing to provoke it. We were just having a laugh and a sing on the tram. It was definitely homophobic. Throughout it all, they were hurling abuse at us. I don’t feel safe now. You feel like you can’t be who you actually are when there are people like this walking the streets.’

    Anyone with information, please call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

  • Ant And Dec To Host The Brits 2015

    Ant & Dec, the primetime kings of British entertainment TV, will take over the prestigious hosting duties of The BRIT Awards with MasterCard next year. The BRITs will take place Wednesday 25th February at The O2 and will be broadcast live on ITV.

    The BAFTA award winning duo will return once again to take the helm of the biggest night in the UK music calendar having hosted in 2001, and will bring their popular humour and presenting prowess to proceedings, to ensure a truly memorable occasion.

    Ant & Dec said, ‘We’re really excited to be hosting the BRITs again next year, it is undoubtedly the biggest night in the British music calendar. We’re especially excited now we’re No.1 recording artists ourselves. We’ll be offering our advice to the fledgling pop stars backstage as to how to have a No.1 hit, as long as they’re prepared to wait 19 years for their records to top the chart like ours did!’

    Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have had an incredible career in TV broadcasting: starting off in BBC’s children’s drama Byker Grove they went on to make TV shows such as the BAFTA-award dinning Ant & Dec show which ran on BBC1 for two series, followed by a move to Channel 4 to make Ant & Dec Unzipped. Through their own production company, the duo launched SM:TV and CD:UK in 1998, and by 2000 had signed an exclusive contract with ITV1 which saw them present Pop Idol.

    In 2002, Ant & Dec were back on Saturday night TV with the launch of a new prime time show, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, before travelling all the way across the globe to host I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here which they continue to win awards for now. In 2007, the pair launched another entertainment giant with ITV1, Britain’s Got Talent. Ant & Dec have won a staggering number of awards throughout their career – including 26 National Television Awards, six British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA, and have risen through the ranks of British TV broadcasting to become two of the country’s true national treasures.

    The pair have also enjoyed an exciting music career which produced fourteen Top 20 hits including the pop smash Let’s Get Ready To Rhumble (re-released in 2013 to go straight to the top of the charts), three multi-platinum albums, as well as re-writing and recording the official World Cup anthem for the England football team in 2002.

    BRITs Chairman Max Lousada said: “Ant & Dec are two of the most popular TV broadcasters this country has ever produced and it’s a real honour to have them take centre stage once again to host the BRITs. It’s great that these two pillars of British TV will be part of a night about celebrating icons in British music.”

    The designer of the BRITs statue was recently unveiled as Tracey Emin, continuing the impressive lineage of British artists who have re-worked the famous Award with their own unique creative spin. Further campaign announcements will be made in the coming months including details for the second ever BRITs Week. The 2014 (and first ever) BRITs Week saw a host of musical events take place in the week running up to the main Awards date itself.

  • Top 12 Tips To Get A Bargain At A Christmas Market

    More people than ever are considering taking a trip to a Christmas market in Europe this year, perhaps buoyed by the current strength of the Pound against the Euro, now offering £1 = 1.2465 Euros compared to £1 = 1.1588 Euros this time last year.

    While some stall holders will take cards, in most instances cash is king, offering opportunities for buyers to barter and haggle. Leading travel money provider ICE – International Currency Exchange is reminding travellers to request low denomination notes when ordering their currency to maximise the chances of some good old fashioned haggling and reduce the risk of theft in busy markets, by taking a pin-protected prepaid currency card.

    Koko Sarkari, COO of ICE said,

    “There are around 100 Christmas Markets in Germany alone, 25 in France, 20 in Belgium and 18 in Italy so there’s no shortage of magical places to visit this November and December. And if you fancy some haggling, you’ll need some cash to show the stall holder you mean business. But don’t be tempted to take all your spending money in cash – that could be asking for trouble. Load some money onto a prepaid currency card such as the ICE Travellers Cashcard and then withdraw what you need at ATMs and to pay for meals out and larger purchases in shops. Unlike a credit card, if a prepaid card is lost or stolen, only the amount on the card is at risk. One of the key benefits of the ICE Travellers Cashcard is that it comes with a free back up card which can be activated through one call to our team.”

     

    Top 12 Haggling Tips

    1. Do your research and shop around – make sure you know the types of crafts and products on offer and what they should cost

     

    2. Understand the exchange rate – make sure you know how much sterling is worth

     

    3. Don’t flash too much cash – take smaller denominations

     

    4. Learn the lingo – it’s much harder to negotiate in a foreign language so try to learn a few choice words – it may help the vendor to warm to you and lower the price

     

    5. Every city has its key take-home souvenir – ask the locals who does the best or cheapest souvenir

     

    6. Set a budget and don’t be tempted to exceed it

     

    7. Don’t haggle too soon

     

    8. Make sure you’re in control of the situation and lead the negotiation

     

    9. Offer half of the stated price as your first bid

     

    10. Stand your ground

     

    11. Get the vendor to include something extra for no additional cost

     

    12. NEVER tell them your budget

  • Jack Walton Booted Off X Factor

    Hottie Jack Walton was booted off the X Factor last night after a surprise double elimination this week.

    The young Yorkshire man failed to impress the judges with his shaky rendition of Leona Lewis’s mega smash Bleeding Love.

    Despite being the most popular contestant on the programme Jack failed to rack up the votes after his performance, despite his massive fan base each given 5 free votes on the X Factor App.

    This year X Factor voting rules have changed, with X Factor app users given 5 free votes per elimination.

    He was, however, the bookies’ favourite to be booted off the show. He is the second of Mel B’s northern lads to be kicked off after Jake Quickenden was axed last week.

    X Factor continues tonight at 8:00PM on ITV 1