THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • Viewers in shock as YouTuber undertakes “Coronavirus Challenge” by licking the toilet rim in a public restroom

    Viewers in shock as YouTuber undertakes “Coronavirus Challenge” by licking the toilet rim in a public restroom

    People are in shock after a YouTuber uploads a video of him licking the rim of a public toilet.

    In a video, YouTuber, “Larz”, who is well-known for his outrageous and sometimes self-harming videos, walks into a public toilet and licks the rim of a toilet and calling it the “Coronavirus Challenge”

    The video, which was uploaded to Twitter on the 21st March has been viewed over 4.3 million times and attracted thousands of negative comments, including people questioning why he hadn’t been arrested.

    WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW

    https://twitter.com/GAYSHAWNMENDES/status/1241192396282646529

    Viewers were dismayed at the video, blasting the entertainer as “nasty” and called from him to delete the tweet.

    Users also branded him a “bad example”. The video also unleashed a wave of homophobic responses to the video.

    Hours after the video was uploaded, it appears that Larz has been hospitalised. He revealed in the short video clip, which at the time of publishing has been viewed just over 90K times, from a hospital bed that he had tested positive for the virus known as Covid-19, which is currently sweeping the planet.

    Speaking in the video he tells his fans that he’s “pretty doped up from his meds”.

    https://twitter.com/GAYSHAWNMENDES/status/1241875381088661506

  • Pride In London Postponed

    Pride In London Postponed

    Pride In London has been postponed but a new date will be announced “in due course”.

    Organisers of Pride In London, the UK’s biggest Pride celebration has been postponed, due to the fears around the spread of Covid-19.

    A statement from the pride’s two co-chairs, Alison Camps and Michael Salter-Church said, “It’s been a tough decision to postpone the Pride in London Parade and events, but the health and safety of our communities is our top priority. With the climate changing daily, we need to think even further ahead and make timely decisions to protect the health and wellbeing of our communities, volunteers and participants”.

    Other outliner events have also been postponed including, “Pride Festival, Pride’s Got Talent, Pride in the City, Pride Boxing, the Pride 10K and all other upcoming events”.

    They added, “We fully appreciate the pressures and effects that the current situation is having on all of our communities. Allyship is needed more than ever, so we ask everyone to continue to be kind, loving and generous. Our priority now will be to look closely at how we can support and bring communities together over the coming months”.

    You can still support Pride In London from home as there are still some items left from last year’s Pride merchandise, celebrating the Jubilee of Pride – 50 years of pride.

  • Wondering why your phone battery keeps dying? Maybe you need to chill with Grindr

    Wondering why your phone battery keeps dying? Maybe you need to chill with Grindr

    The thirst from Grindr is real…

    A new report has shown that dating apps are thirsty… and not just in a Chris Pine thirst kinda way.

    The online comparison site, Uswitch analysed 50 of the most popular apps of all major app stores, taking into account the permissions they allow and how many each app has access to, constantly draining the energy from your phone.

    The results revealed that gay favourite Grindr is the most draining dating app, using 28 permissions in total including location, photos and identity.

    Now that social distancing has been encouraged to delay Coronavirus, this has resulted in a spike in online dating app activity. As more find themselves caught indoors, many are relying on digital to ignite romantic and social conversations, here’s a guide to the apps to use to limit your usage (and the ones you will need your charger for) as you look for love.

    What Uswitch found was that Grindr asked for way more permissions (28) that other dating apps including, Bumble (20), Tinder (18) and Hinge (13).

    But if you’re looking for the most permission seeking apps – and therefore most battery-intensive, look no further than Google (72), Facebook (50) and Facebook Messenger (46).


    Based on the permissions they require, Google, Facebook and WhatsApp are the biggest drains on our batteries.  

    Facebook amongst others in the top 10, runs constantly on our mobile phones in the background and is accessing over 50 permissions including; contacts, location and media. 

    It might appear that Amazon’s Alexa is listening more than we realise. The Alexa app requests 39 permissions on our mobile phones ranging from location, camera and photos/media even when it’s not running. 

    Uber also makes the top 10 with 35 battery-draining permissions constantly accessing our location causing your battery to die faster than others. Waze is one of the most raved about map applications but is found to be more draining than Google maps. 

    Other apps such as Tik Tok, Mcdonalds, Grindr and Snapchat all make the top 20 list which can be found here. 

    Ernest Doku, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com advises on how to preserve your mobile phone battery, “It’s estimated that over 5 billion people in the world now own a mobile phone, it’s our main form of communication and for some people even a method of payment. 

    It can cause issues when you’re caught out with a drained battery. There are a few simple ways to preserve your mobile phone’s battery life, such as turning off WiFi/Bluetooth and making the most of low power modes. 

    If all else fails, remember to put a portable charger in your bag on long journeys”. 

  • HIV and Covid-19 | I’m feeling really isolated – what can I do?

    HIV and Covid-19 | I’m feeling really isolated – what can I do?

    During this time, isolation can be just as scary as any other part of the Covid-19 outbreak particularly if you’re LGBT+.

    We asked leading HIV Awareness advocate Philip Baldwin what you can do to keep your spirits up.

    “I have noticed a lot of people on social media complaining that they feel isolated.

    “These are strange times. Many LGBTQ people felt isolated even before Covid-19. Unfortunately most of the charities I would usually recommend have reduced services, such as peer support, because of Covid-19.

    I know that a number of them are still operating helplines and if you are struggling then I encourage you to reach out to someone. I recommend looking at the Terrence Higgins Trust website and also that of the LGBT Foundation. Personally, I am working from home, catching up on Netflix, Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer.

    “I recommend phoning friends and/or speaking to them via Skype or FaceTime. Interactions do not have to take place face-to-face and we are lucky to benefit from modern technology.”

    THEGAYUK.com has also created a page full of helpful resources, articles and helplines. Click here to visit.

  • RED DWARF | Lister is a God and Rimmer goes through changes in new Red Dwarf trailer

    RED DWARF | Lister is a God and Rimmer goes through changes in new Red Dwarf trailer

    To help us through the dark days the Red Dwarf team decided we could do with another dose of a trailer to lift our spirits.

    And what a trailer it is!! We are treated to Lister reacting to the news that many decades later the cat race is still dying for their belief in him. The man who never wanted to be a God explains he isn’t one and all the Dwarfers agree.

    The next snippet tells us that circumstances change. Soon the Dwarfers become part of the war and Lister might have to “act like a God” after all, even though he “scarcely mastered human”, according to Rimmer.

    Rimmer’s arc is intriguing: we see him going through a lot of his old wardrobe, presumably before settling on that interesting new getup we showed you earlier this week. Then we see Lister throw what looks like his lightbee into the corridor. With Rimer saying what seems like his goodbyes to Lister in trailer one, we wonder: could Rimmer be sacrificing himself for him?
    We will find out on Dave Channel, April 9.

  • HIV And Covid-19 | I’m living with HIV – is it safe for me to hook up with people?

    HIV And Covid-19 | I’m living with HIV – is it safe for me to hook up with people?

    Does social distancing also mean hookups? What about hooking up and having sex during the current situation, particularly if you’re living with HIV?

    Firstly we asked Doctor Earim Chaudry, the Medical Director at Manual, who told us that Covid-19 isn’t sexually transmitted, but the virus can still be transmitted by direct contact between two people, particularly through droplets from coughs and sneezes – it goes without saying, if you’re swapping saliva you’re at risk if the other person is positive for Covid-19.

    We also asked, leading HIV awareness activist, Philip Baldwin who told THEGAYUK.com, that there is no evidence to suggest that “HIV positive people are more vulnerable to Covid-19” or that people living with HIV would be more severely affected.

    However, he added, “HIV positive people, LGBTQ people and the population, in general, should aim to follow the Government’s guidance on social distancing and self-isolation.”

    He continued,

    “As we are not even supposed to be sitting or standing next to each other in restaurants or bars, I think it is a struggle to interpret the guidance as not prohibiting hooking up! However, the Government has currently only issued guidance. I suggest you follow it, for your own safety and that of others, but (at the moment) no laws have been passed to enforce it.

    “It is therefore not illegal to hook up with people. This could change. It could be the case that, as in other parts of the world, legislation will be passed enforcing curfews in the UK.

    “I urge you not to switch on your dating apps and start hooking up”

    CREDIT: ©-Maridav-Depositphotos

    Philip went on to say, “It has to be noted that human beings are social creatures. We were not made to be stuck indoors for days, let alone months. Especially alone.

    “Sometimes we all crave intimacy or escapism, particularly in times of fear. However, I urge you not to switch on your dating apps and start hooking up. Society as a whole, including the LGBTQ community, needs to observe the emergency health measures.”

    If you’re living with HIV and you are concerned about the ability to get HIV medications during the current Covid-19 outbreak we’ve got some reassuring news for you. Click here to find out more

  • HIV and Covid-19: I’m worried about getting my meds if there’s a lockdown – what can I do?

    HIV and Covid-19: I’m worried about getting my meds if there’s a lockdown – what can I do?

    If you’re living with HIV and you are concerned about the ability to get HIV medications during the current Covid-19 outbreak we’ve got some reassuring news for you.

    THEGAYUK.com spoke to leading HIV awareness activist, Philip Baldwin, who told us that, “both the NHS and the British HIV Association have made it clear that everyone will be able to access their HIV medication”.

    He also recommended that people have at least 30 days worth of medication in case of a quarantine situation.

    He added, “Call your HIV clinic if you are worried and follow their advice. Listen to your healthcare professionals. You can also check your clinic’s website, which should have up-to-date information.”

    CREIT: © garyphoto Depositphotos

    If you’re unable to actually leave your house to collect medication Philip said,

    “Many people living with HIV receive their medication through Homecare (home delivery rather than collecting it from a pharmacy). Homecare will continue where patients are already registered. Do not panic and try to stockpile – the UK has more than adequate supplies as long as we remain sensible.”

    Feeling panicky, isolated or anxious during these uncertain times? We’ve created a resource page which has important phone numbers, articles and support groups listed. Click here to go there.

  • So why are people bulk and panic buying? An expert in human behaviour explains

    So why are people bulk and panic buying? An expert in human behaviour explains

    We’ve all seen the pictures of empty shelves at supermarkets from people buying more than they need – but why are people bulk buying?

    The reason we are panic buying due to the imminent threat of COVID-19 is that the brain’s survival mode overrides any rational decision making, says Dr Ali Fenwick, an expert in human behaviour at Nyenrode Business University.

    According to Dr Fenwick there are four major reasons why we bulk buy:

    1) Survival mode


    When we are put in an uncertain or threatening situation, our more primitive part of the brain takes over. We fall back on survival mode, suppressing or distorting rational decision-making, which in the case of grocery shopping leads to bulk buying.

    We are buying to ‘survive’. Although the government promises there will be no disruption to the food supply, we don’t know this for sure as most of us have not been in a similar situation before. So, we rather buy more food than we normally would.

    2) The Scarcity Effect

    (C)THEGAYUK

    When products become scarce, people perceive them as more valuable. We are more willing to go out and buy, and even pay more, for scare products. Scarcity drives buying behaviours, even for products we might not actually want. Which explains why we buy more food than we need to have or why so many people are currently on the run for toilet paper.

    3) Herd Behaviour


    Although you might not bulk buy yourself, the fact other people around you are, creates an immediate urge for you to do the same. In uncertain situations, we tend to follow what other people do or say, especially people similar like us. So, if your friend, family member, or colleague is bulk buying you feel you should do the same.

    4) Sense of control

    The global pandemic is a cause for a lot of uncertainty in the world and has resulted in many countries closing their borders and imposing self-isolation. These external constraints create an internal need to exert personal control as a way to feel safe. Being able to buy things provides us with a sense of control over our surroundings, which also leads to us buying more than we need to have.

    According to Dr Fenwick,
    “In summary, bulk buying is caused by various psychological and environmental cues which throw rational-thinking out of the window. When in survival mode, we let mainly our emotions drive decisions and are more susceptible to social influences. So, we will rush out and buy more because we believe others are doing the same”.

  • LGBT+ pop up bar, Chateaux to close after two years

    LGBT+ pop up bar, Chateaux to close after two years

    Sad news, as The Chateau, a Pop Up LGBT+ bar and cultural space is set to close at the end of April.

    The bar, which started life in Camberwell, London made the announcement that it’s due to close at the end of April.

    The statement said, “we’ve held on as long as is humanly possible, but the time has come to move on…”

    It added, “The Chateau is an entity without and we will continue to live outside of the basement.

    “Thank you to all who have supported us over the last two years, it’s been stunning”.

    The bar was planning a raft of events up until the last date in April, however, a further message from the organisers wrote,

    “In light of the current situation, we have taken the decision to cancel all events scheduled this week at The Chateau.

    “We will keep you posted with our plans going forward. Sending lots of love and strength to all the artists, promoters, djs, freelancers and queers right now and thank you for all your support for the chateau team at this tough time. “

  • Is Covid-19 sexually transmitted? Is it safe to have sex?

    Is Covid-19 sexually transmitted? Is it safe to have sex?

    As it stands, all we really know is that Covid-19 is spread through droplets from when people sneeze and cough.

    The reproduction rate of the coronavirus is pretty high (higher than the normal flu) which is why we’re being told to wash our hands for 20 seconds and to cough and sneeze into the crook of our elbow or into tissues.

    Is the virus spread through sexual contact?

    Is the coronavirus spread through sexual contact?
    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Doctor Earim Chaudry, Medical Director at Manual’s told us that “Covid-19 is not a sexually transmitted disease”.

    He added,

    “While Coronavirus isn’t an STI, the virus can still be transmitted by direct content between two people and if one partner is infected, there’s a strong chance the other partner would also contract the virus.

    “The virus can enter through these droplets through the eyes, nose or throat if you are in close contact, which means it can be spread by touch if a person has used their hands to cover their mouth or nose when they coughed or sneezed.

    So what are the chances of being infected if you come into contact with someone who has Covid-19? Well as Dr Chaudry explains, “Covid-19 is also a highly infectious virus, which means if you are in close contact with someone infected there’s a high chance you will also become infected”.

    If you’re having sex at this time, the good doctor gives this advice,

    “As for safe sex, I wouldn’t recommend getting intimate with someone you’re unfamiliar without protection regardless of Covid-19.

    “Always practice good ole fashioned safe sex: that means wearing a condom if you don’t know your partner’s sexual health/history. Stay safe!”

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    So what are the symptoms?

    The symptoms to look out for are primarily a new cough or fever.

    Find out how long you and your household need to self-isolate for if you have any of these symptoms.

    Feeling panicky, isolated or anxious during these uncertain times? We’ve created a resource page which has important phone numbers, articles and support groups listed. Click here to go there.

  • Propaganda nightclub in Nottingham seeks to reassure customers “strong disinfectant used on tabletops, chairs, taps, door handles and other common surfaces”

    Propaganda nightclub in Nottingham seeks to reassure customers “strong disinfectant used on tabletops, chairs, taps, door handles and other common surfaces”

    Nottingham‘s only dedicated LGBT+ club has sought to reassure its customers that they doing everything they can to keep customers and staff safe during the Covid-19 outbreak.

    The club took to Facebook to say that all their staff were “fully trained on strict hygiene practices” and that there were “constantly checking for updates and further advice from the NHS and government”.

    Club bosses also advised, “Antibacterial hand soap remains in our soap dispensers (and we have plenty of it!) so please do use it. You may find our team members wearing latex gloves on shift, so please do not be alarmed if you see us sporting the sexy blue gloves. This is our way of protecting you and us”.

    It added, “In line with government guidance, WE REMAIN OPEN and welcome you to join us at Propaganda”.

    Meanwhile in London, Jeremy Joseph, the owner of one of the UK’s biggest LGBT+ nightclub brands, G-A-Y blasted the UK’s PM, Boris Johnson, as a c**t amidst the current climate of uncertainty. He also said that the clubs would be closing for the foreseeable future.