THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • Instagram really has a problem with its double standards on nudity

    Instagram really has a problem with its double standards on nudity

    The picture-sharing platform, Instagram, has allowed numerous stars, like Lizzo and Kim Kardashian to upload completely nude pictures while gay porn stars and LGBT+ body-positive organisations have their pictures removed and accounts cancelled.

    There seems to be one rule for some and another for everyone else. Over the years we’ve reported countless times where Instagram and Facebook (which owns Instagram) have deleted, cancelled or suspended pictures and people it deems to break its community guidelines.

    However, in the latest show of its double standards, between some famous women (such as Kim Kardashian) and LGBT+ folx, Instagram has allowed nude pictures, taken by singer Lizzo to remain on its service.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5i2Rl7hAoQ/

    The pictures which were uploaded on the 1st of December have garnered over 1 million likes on the social media platform with thousands and thousands of comments.

    Instagram recently came under fire after it deleted a picture featuring a wet – but (semi) clothed Jason Derulo, with a peen outline. He was wearing underwear… no nudity at all.

    Earlier this year porn star Brent Everett hit out at Instagram after it removed a picture of him in the nude and a report that we ran on the removal of said picture had THEGAYUK’s official Facebook page’s moderators banned from the platform for 30 days.

    In 2018 the gay pin-up magazine, Meat,  had its account suspended and deleted numerous times. Despite this Kim Kardashian, has posted naked pictures including a full-frontal to her heart’s content – gaining millions of likes, without being deleted by the social giant.

  • The African country of Gabon criminalised gay sex

    Gabon has joined dozens of other African countries in making same-sex sexual relationships illegal.

    Gay sex is now reportedly illegal in the African, predominately Christian country of Gabon. Being found guilty could see you landed with a six-month jail sentence and a fine of 5 million CFA francs (£6,400) reports The Independent.

    According to the report the ban was introduced in July 2019. The minister of justice has apparently declined to comment on the ban.

    Gabon joins 32 other countries on the continent which criminalises sex between men.

    Silence from World Leaders

    The news has had relatively little pick up in the international press and world leaders have remained largely silent in condemning Gabon’s government on criminalising gay people.

    The UK’s own Gov website is out of the date – currently informing potential travellers that “same-sex sexual activity is legal in Gabon”.

    Prime Minister Boris Johnson has yet to speak out over Gabon’s new anti-gay law.

  • Gothy Kendoll calls gay Tory voters “f*ggots”

    Gothy Kendoll calls gay Tory voters “f*ggots”

    (C) BBC

    The Drag Race UK contestant Gothy Kendoll has hit out at gay Conservative voters calling them a slur word.

    In the tweet sent just a few days before the General Election the 22-year-old drag queen, who was the first queen to be eliminated from the debut series of Drag Race UK, said, “gays vote labour, faggots vote tory”.

    A few days later the drag queen then asked her 24.7K followers “why do all gay tories look the same”.

    While some users agreed with the entertainer, others questioned why she used the slur, one wrote, “Unfortunately I see no joke, I spend my time within school teaching today’s young people not to use that word.

    “It’s not a joke it’s a word used to bring people down, people of the LGBT+ community.”

    Another added, “I like the sentiment but please reword it. We can’t keep using that horrible F word”

    https://twitter.com/Spider_Man_Si/status/1205012945035497472

    Others branded the tweet disgusting, to which Gothy replied that it was a “joke”.

    THEGAYUK.com reached out to Gothy Kendoll for comment.

  • LGBT+ social group blasted for “mocking” Diane Abbott

    A tweet sent by All Together which used a picture of Labour MP Diane Abbott was branded racist and sexist by some followers, which the group itself said was “ludicrous”.

    The All Together group, which boasts around 4000 members, has been blasted by Twitter users after it shared a photo of Diane Abbott purportedly wearing two left shoes.

    The photo which many users are now claiming is a photoshopped, fake picture.

    Embed from Getty Images

    All Together tweeted a well-circulated picture of the MP’s feet, asking if any of its followers had “pulled a Diane Abbott” after watching an all-night election special.

    “Who stayed up late watching the #GeneralElectionResults? …

    ” Anyone so tired they pulled a #DianeAbbott and put 2 left shoes on this morning? “

    https://twitter.com/AllTogetherLGBT/status/1205403368270782464

    However, users and followers were quick to tell the group to delete the tweet branding the tweet “unfunny” and adding to the mountain of racist and sexist abuse that the North London MP deals with on social media.

    “It’s Fake”

    “Mocking”

    Another user said that they were left “disgusted” that the tweet was sent from an organisation which says it promotes inclusivity.

    https://twitter.com/captain_az/status/1205409459683631104

    One commenter wrote about how Diane Abbott has been an LGBT+ advocate.

    https://twitter.com/daniellewas/status/1205427919293542400

    One user blasted the group saying that the group need to “studied” for “tearing down a black woman”.

    https://twitter.com/jsweetxe/status/1205479653898641410

    “The page is apolitical, it always has been”

    THEGAYUK.com reached out to All Together for comment, who said that the reaction against their tweet was an “overraction” and that the post was meant to be “light-hearted”.

    It also said that the “accusations of amplifying racial bullying of Dianne are ludicrous” before reaffirming that the political stance of the group is “apolitical”.

    “Poor taste, maybe? An overreaction. Definitely. A light hearted post, turned sour and twisted by others. The accusations of amplifying racial bullying of Dianne are ludicrous.

    “The language used by others to validate their distaste is what should be studied. The page is apolitical, it always has been.

    “If you’re that sensitive today over a post regarding a woman who put 2 left shoes on, put your phone down”.

  • Jeremy Corbyn expected to step down as Labour leader after crushing defeat at the polls

    Jeremy Corbyn expected to step down as Labour leader after crushing defeat at the polls

    Bookmakers are now sharing the odds of when Jeremy Corbyn is expected to step down as Labour leader following the loss of over 45 seats in the 2019 General Election.

    Betfair Exchange is giving 4/7 odds that Jeremy Corbyn will step down in December, 11/5 in Jan-March 17/2 by April – June and 12/1 that he’ll stay in place until July.

    They are also taking bets on who will become the next Labour leader.

    Betfair Exchange spokesperson, Sam Rosbottom said that if the result was “anything to go by then it is set to be an incredibly disappointing night for the Labour Party and Jeremy Corbyn, who is now odds-on at 4/7 to step down as leader before the end of the month.”

    “The early front runner to take over from Corbyn is Keir Starmer at 13/8, while Rebecca Long-Bailey is 5/1 and Angela Rayner is 8/1 to become the next leader of the Labour party.”

    “After a disastrous night for Jeremy Corbyn and an equally disappointing night for the leader of the Lib Dems, Jo Swinson, who lost her seat, punters are already clear with who they think will step up as leaders. 

    “Corbyn has already explained that he won’t be leading the Labour party at the next election, and overnight Kier Starmer shot into the 13/8 odds-on favourite to become their new leader.

    “One of the big casualties of the evening was Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, who lost her seat in East Dunbartonshire. The early favourite to take over from her as leader is Ed Davey at odds of 8/13, while Layla Moran is closely behind him in the betting at 8/11. 

    “Now that the Prime Minister has a majority, focus will turn on how and when he will ‘Get Brexit Done’, with punters heavily backing a Meaningful Vote to pass in 2019 overnight into 2/5, but now those odds have drifted out to 6/4, suggesting bettors now aren’t as confident that Johnson will get his deal passed by the end of the year.”

    Who won the election?

    Overall, at the time of publication, the Conservatives, led by Boris Johnson won the most seats, meaning that Boris Johnson will become the UK’s next Prime Minister. They have won a majority with 364 seats. The Labour party has 203 seats, losing 59 seats.

    In Scotland, the SNP added another 13 seats meaning that it now has 48 MPs in Parliament.

    Liberal Democrats failed to make any headway, losing one seat and now has just 11 MPs sitting in the House of Commons.

  • No, workers are not being “forced” into putting preferred pronouns on their email signature

    No, workers are not being “forced” into putting preferred pronouns on their email signature

    We can categorically state that companies in the UK are not forcing their workers to put preferred pronouns onto their email signatures.

    This notion was brought up by India Willoughby who tweeted,

    “Something else that I’m surprised no news organisation has picked up on is forced declaration of pronouns in the public sector. Employees now have to declare on their email signature their preferred pronouns. Why? It’s not an issue for 99.9% of people”

    https://twitter.com/IndiaWilloughby/status/1204738420234444801

    However, there is no law that requires workers to share their gender or pronoun statuses, or any law that requires organisations to force their workers to select a pronoun.

    Unsurprisingly the tweet got a few replies from India’s followers, one from Dr Adrian Harrop, who replied,

    “Not sure it’s really being “forced” onto anyone. I find it to be quite an impactful & empowering thing. it is one of those cues / signals that show our organisation to be one that is inclusive & in which it is safe for trans & non-binary people to be open re: their identity”.

    THEGAYUK.com undertook a quick survey across two social media platforms to check the validity of the statement of enforced pronoun selection.

    The answer came back with the vast majority (94%) saying that they were not forced to share any gender details with their email correspondents.

    What’s the legal standpoint?

    We asked  Helen Hughes, legal director and employment law specialist at the law firm, Shakespeare Martineau about the legal ramifications on employers asking their employees to state their gender publicly. Hughes told us,

    “Although this may be introduced with the best intentions – to address individuals with respect and courtesy in the way that they wish to be referred to – employers must be wary about requesting information from employees that could impact the way they are treated. Although they can’t force you to disclose this kind of information, you should feel comfortable sharing preferred pronouns if you feel it important to do so.

    “Forcing employees to reveal their pronoun preferences could leave employers open to discrimination claims, and employees feeling alienated.”

    Helen hughes

    What are preferred pronouns?

    kerplode / Pixabay

    A preferred pronoun indicates which gender a person would like to be referred to, usually with a choice of male, female or non-binary pronouns.

    Masculine pronouns are, he his and him

    Feminine pronouns are she and her and hers

    Non-binary pronouns are: They, Them Theirs / Zim Ze and Zis / Mx / Thon /

    So what should companies do?

    Helen continues,

    “Having an inclusive workplace culture is crucial however singling out one group of people is a dangerous game for employers. Being open, honest and above all else celebrating people’s differences will no doubt go a long way to improve culture, retention and breed a workforce that looks beyond age, gender, race or the like. There is simply no need to force employees to reveal any more information than they are comfortable with.”

  • What is breadcrumbing and are you guilty of it?

    What is breadcrumbing and are you guilty of it?

    So so so douchey…

    What is breadcrumbing?
    CREDIT: ©-Maridav-Depositphotos

    Apparently breadcrumbing is the new way of completely messing with people’s minds. Especially if they’re interested in dating you, but you’re just not so into them, but you’re stringing them along with a flurry of flirty messages or texts.

    “the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal text messages”

    So the definition offered by Urban Dictionary is “the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal text messages (ie “breadcrumbs”) in order to lure a sexual partner without expending much effort,” which is kinda leading people on, right?

    It can also be used for someone you have broken up with but don’t quite want to let go… or keeping a guy on hold if you’re not quite ready to date him yet.

    What does breadcrumbing mean?
    Free-Photos / Pixabay

    Mobile or tech dating is just a fact of life as we head into the twenties… and sometimes it just tough to get a straight answer from someone so, like Madonna sings, “Don’t go for second best baby… Put your love to the test”.

  • The humble wank could save the NHS millions

    The humble wank could save the NHS millions

    Leading sex brand LELO is urging the department of health to open up to the idea of prescribing masturbation to patients as part of a wellness programme over a range of stress-related health problems.

    LELO’s UK sex therapist Kate Moyle commented: “Sexual wellness is a part of all-round wellness, and as a Psychosexual Therapist it is clear to see that when there are challenges in our sex lives and sexuality, that can impact other aspects of our health and wellbeing. 

    There’s a lot of research to show that having a handy shandy can relieve a variety of ailments because it boosts endorphins, reduces stress, improves sleep, improves immune system functioning, and can help with menopausal symptoms.

    Could help patients

    Moyle continues, “The function of pleasure is to make us feel good; and self-pleasure and masturbation can have positive benefits for our health in a variety of ways, including the release of the hormone oxytocin which can lower cortisol levels, getting to know our bodies better, and building sexual self-confidence.

    “Potentially recommended as a part of an integrated wellness programme, masturbation could be of benefit to some patients, when put forward with confidence and educative information.”

    It’s NORMAL

    In addition to the wealth of positive side-effects, masturbation has also been linked to an improved self-esteem and body image – championed by a wave of feminists who helped women discover sex-positivity. And in 1972, the taboo of self-masturbation was finally lifted when the American Medical Association declared it “normal”. 

    An Marcella Zanchi LELO UK Marketing Specialist commented: “We call on the Department of Health to act now and review and refresh the current practices when treating wellness issues, and to include the prescription of “masturbation” and self-pleasure to patients as and where needed as part of a wider wellness programme.”

    So do you feel better after a wank? Let us know in the comments below

    Want a toy that will revolutionise your wank? Read our review of the Satisfyer wand.

  • How open is your relationship?

    How open is your relationship?

    It’s not really unusual for gay and bi guys to open up their relationships…

    (C) BELAMI

    Sometimes what we do in our own community might seem strange to those outside it, like this straight-identified man who took to Reddit to ask whether it was normal for gay guys to have open relationships after his gay friend confided in him that he was getting bored of married life after just one year and decided to have a threesome.

    Reddit gays were on hand to let him know that it’s not that uncommon that gay couples, but not always, to open up their relationships – to differing degrees.

    So what are those degrees of an open relationship?

    The door has a keyhole

    makamuki0 / Pixabay

    Where a couple might talk or fantasise about having a threesome or a four-way with another couple. It’s on the table, the discussion is happening, maybe they even watch threesome porn together, but they’re not physically committed yet.

    The door is open a crack

    neshom / Pixabay

    There’s the casual threeway, where you both agree on the same person and are both involved. The couple sets up a date and go for it together.

    The screen door

    http://gty.im/6262-000289

    This is where a couple regularly has three ways, four ways or even attend orgies. They are okay with their partner having sex with other people and don’t necessarily have to be involved, as long as they are in the same room or building or event and have both agreed to the sex that is happening outside the relationship.

    The stable door

    455992 / Pixabay

    Both parties of a relationship are “allowed” to go play with other people, but it’s strictly “don’t ask don’t tell” and “not in our bed”.

    The door is wide open

    Pexels / Pixabay

    This is where the couple is open and honest about having sex with other people. There still may be rules attached to the sex, like condoms only, but generally, both parties in the relationship are happy about their partner having sex with someone else. The line would be drawn at creating an emotional attachment to someone outside the relationship.

    The Truple (the swing door??)

    I can’t take the door analogy any further but the truple is where a couple decides to open their relationship in all senses, sexually and emotionally and allow a third to become part of the family.

    So what do you think? Are you open to an open relationship?

  • Nearly one-quarter of the UK’s gay community are undecided on who to vote for

    Nearly one-quarter of the UK’s gay community are undecided on who to vote for

    10 Downing Street
    Who will win the race to 10 Downing Street – will Boris keep his premiership or can Corbyn or even Swinson knock him from the top spot?
    CREDIT: TheGayUK/Jake Hook

    With just days before our 3rd General Election in 4 years just around the corner, THEGAYUK.com undertook a flash poll to find out whether its readers had made a decision on who they were going to vote on the 12th December.

    THEGAYUK.com asked its readers a binary question of whether they were decided or undecided on who to vote for.

    In total, nearly 400 people took part in the survey, at the time of publication.

    One quarter are still undecided

    In a previous poll, about which way they were planning to vote, THEGAYUK’s readership said that Labour, led by Jeremy Corbyn, was their first choice with 38 per cent of the vote but was closely followed by the Liberal Democrats, headed by Jo Swinson.

    The Conservatives, with the incumbent Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, managed to grab hold of 15 per cent of the vote, while “other” which would you include parties such as the Greens, UKIP, The Independent Group For Change, Brexit Party, Plaid Cymru.

    However, there is just under one-quarter of people who are still undecided on who to vote for.

    At the time of publication, 23 per cent they were undecided, seventy-seven said they had made up their minds.

    One commentator, Jay, summed up their feelings by saying, “You look at the conservatives how many lies they have told and with the leader they have got with Boris Johnson is embarrassing. And you have Labour with the likes of Diane Abbott and a leader like Jeremy Corbyn. You have the Lib Dems who look like competition winners. I don’t know who to vote for.”

  • Baga Chipz spotted hanging out with Naked Rugby players

    Baga Chipz spotted hanging out with Naked Rugby players

    RuPaul Drag Race UK superstar, Baga Chipz has been keeping good company – as she was recently spotted with some of the lads from the Naked Rugby Players calendar.

    Casually hanging out with some of the lads from the Bristol Bisons, who semi stripped off for her, Baga held the calendar in hand and told viewers they’d feel “much betta” if they went and bought it – of course, proceeds from the calendar go to Balls To Cancer and the six inclusive rugby teams that took part in the calendar.

    She even managed to get the Naked Rugby lads to say her world-famous catchphrase with her.

    Baga came third in the first-ever Drag Race UK but became a firm favourite of fans of the show. She also managed to bag herself the catchphrase “Much Betta” cementing her as one of the most memorable queens ever to take part in the show.

    You can buy The Naked Rugby Players’ calendar directly from their store, or from any of the clubs involved.