THEGAYUK

Author: News Desk

  • School at the centre of LGBT+ lesson protest, says headlines are misleading

    School at the centre of LGBT+ lesson protest, says headlines are misleading

    Parkfield Community school in Birmingham, which has been at the centre of a row over its LGBT+ equality lessons says that headlines about it stopping lessons is “misleading”.

    stevepb / Pixabay

    The school, which was faced with the removal of hundreds of children over plans to introduce LGBT+ relationship and equality lessons, called No Outsider, has said that headlines suggesting it had stopped the lessons was “misleading”. It quoted a headline from The Guardian newspaper.

    In a single Tweet, the school, wrote, “We are concerned this headline is misleading. Parent meetings/ workshops are soon to begin and our no outsiders work continue”.

    https://twitter.com/ParkfieldSchool/status/1102684438583042048

    The tweet echoed a letter sent to the parents of children at the school which said,

    “Up to the end of this term, we will not be delivering any No Outsiders lessons in our long term year curriculum plan, as this half term has already been blocked for religious education (RE).

    “Equality assemblies will continue as normal and our welcoming No Outsiders ethos will be there for all.

    The school has now confirmed that they have put the lessons on hold and will, according to The Guardian, “resume only after a full consultation with every parent”.

    The letter continued,

    “The discussions were a helpful first step and identified the key issues that are concerning parents, including the ethos, the books, the age appropriateness, the lessons and the assemblies. The agreed outcome of the meeting was the need to have a discussion with the school community about the No Outsiders curriculum and how it should be delivered.

    According to The Guardian, around 600 children from predominately Muslim families were removed by their parents from a school in Birmingham on Friday in protest.

    THEGAYUK has reached out for comment from the school, but has not heard back.

     

     

  • One of Madonna’s most iconic songs just turned 30

    Thirty-years-ago Madonna released one of her most controversial songs ever…

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Madonna has taken to Instagram to celebrate the 30th release birthday of ‘Like A Prayer’, one of her most, the singer admits, controversial songs ever.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Speaking about the song which was released in 1989, the icon said, “30 years ago today I released Like a Prayer and made a video that caused so much controversy because I kissed a black saint and danced in front of burning crosses!

    “I also made a commercial with PEPSI that was banned because my video was seen as inappropriate.”

    Embed from Getty Images

    She then added, “Happy Birthday to Me and Controversy!”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BumXA2LBxT0/

    But always wasn’t well with the orginal post, apparently Instagram blocked her original post! Madge added, “What a shocker”.

  • Why is Section 28 trending on Twitter?

    Following on from the news that one Birmingham school has stopped its LGBT+ relationships and equality lessons, Section 28 has started trending on Twitter.

    CREDIT: © tomwang Depositphotos

    So for those who don’t know what Section 28 is here’s a little summary.

    What was Section 28?

    Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 meant that local authority employees, including school teachers, could not “intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality” or “promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”.

    Section 28 was supported by a number of religious groups including, Salvation Army, the Christian Institute Christian Action Research and Education, the Muslim Council of Britain, and groups within the Catholic Church and the Church of England.

    It became law in England, Scotland and Wales on the 24th May 1988 under Margaret Thatcher’s Tory government. Section 28 was repealed in 2003 by the Labour government. The Scottish government was able to repeal this bill in 2000 and was, in fact, one of the first pieces of legislation enacted by the new Scottish Parliament.

    Why is it trending now?

    The Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood, Shabana Mahmood gave a speech at the end of February in which she raised concerns from her constituents that there was no consultation with parents before schools embarked on the No Outsiders campaign in Birmingham, where the ethos  of the campaign was to promote LGBT+ equality and to question transphobia and homophobia in primary schools.

    Many critics have called the speech shameful and homophobic.

    What’s happened?

    Embed from Getty Images

    Hundreds of predominantly Muslim parents at the Parkfield Primary removed their children from the school on Friday in protest at the No Outsiders lessons.

    The school removed the lesson and in a letter to the parents it said,

    “Up to the end of this term, we will not be delivering any No Outsiders lessons in our long term year curriculum plan, as this half term has already been blocked for religious education (RE).

    “Equality assemblies will continue as normal and our welcoming No Outsiders ethos will be there for all.

    The school has now confirmed that they have put the lessons on hold and will, according to The Guardian, “resume only after a full consultation with every parent”.

    The letter continued,

    “The discussions were a helpful first step and identified the key issues that are concerning parents, including the ethos, the books, the age appropriateness, the lessons and the assemblies. The agreed outcome of the meeting was the need to have a discussion with the school community about the No Outsiders curriculum and how it should be delivered.”

    Some parents have argued that their children are “too young” to be learning about same-sex relationships.

    One mother, Fatima Shah said,

    “We are not a bunch of homophobic mothers. We just feel that some of these lessons are inappropriate. Some of the themes being discussed are very adult and complex and the children are getting confused.

    “They need to be allowed to be children rather than having to constantly think about equalities and rights.”

    What are critics saying?

    https://twitter.com/Tonyblaney/status/1102866557795999745

     

    https://twitter.com/MarkBinmore/status/1102855095753105408

  • Twitter could be adding this amazing feature to combat bullying

    Twitter could be adding this amazing feature to combat bullying

    Twitter could be adding this one feature that will help combat cyberbullying.

    PhotoMIX-Company / Pixabay

    THEGAYUK has learned that Twitter could be adding a “hide replies” feature. An innovation that could help anyone who is the target of online or cyberbullying remove hateful messages without deleting crucial evidence for the police.

    Twitter, for many, has become a toxic battleground and where cyberbullying is rife. In 2018 THEGAYUK discovered that anti-gay and homophobic slurs were racking up in their millions on the platform. Just before Donald Trump’s win as President in the 2016 US Election, Twitter saw a surge in the word “f*ggot”.

    A hide feature would help users control what they see and when they see it. It could work very similarly to the Turn Off Comments function on YouTube.

    It could also allow the primary user to help control the conversation, remove falsehoods or hate from their timeline, before other users jump in on a thread.

    Twitter has recently rolled out a number of schemes to help detoxify the app.

    In 2018 it said it would ban deadnaming and misgendering for trans people.

    It’s not clear if and when this feature will be rolled out.

     

     

  • Leaving Neverland: Who is Wade Robson and what is he famous for?

    Leaving Neverland: Who is Wade Robson and what is he famous for?

    Wade Robson shares his story in the new Channel 4 documentary film, Leaving Neverland, where he accuses the late Michael Jackson, along with James Safechuck, of sexual abuse.

    Wade Robson,is part of the ground-breaking documentary film, Leaving Neverland, which is due to be broadcast on Channel 4 in early March.

    He, along with James Safechuck teamed up with the documentary maker, Dan Reed, to tell their story of alleged abuse against them when they were just children.

    In interviews with the documentary maker, Wade, James and their families describe their relationship with Michael Jackson. Wade and James allege that Jackson sexually abused them at his home, Neverland Ranch, in California.

    Dan sat down with Wade in Hawaii and interviewed him over a three day period.

    How did Wade Robson meet Michael Jackson

    Wade Robson was originally from Queensland, Australia and a huge Michael Jackson fan when he won tickets at a dance competition to see Michael on tour, the two met. Wade was around five years old when he took part in the competition.

    Is Wade Robson gay?

    No Wade doesn’t identify as gay and has married a woman. According to interviews, the alleged abuse he received from Jackson did make him question his sexuality, however, felt confusion as he always had an attraction to women.

    In an interview, he said, “I was very confused early on, wondering, am I gay?

    “I felt a lot of sexual attraction to women, but I always had that question. Then, later, I was trying to prove my heterosexuality to myself. I was very promiscuous, trying to make sure that I was ‘normal’.”

    Is Wade Robson married?

    Yes, Wade is married to a woman. Together they have one son.

  • Leaving Neverland: Who is James Safechuck and what is he famous for?

    Leaving Neverland: Who is James Safechuck and what is he famous for?

    James Safechuck shares his story in the new Channel 4 documentary film, Leaving Neverland, where he accuses the late Michael Jackson of sexual abuse.

    James Safechuck is part of the ground-breaking documentary film, Leaving Neverland, which is due to be broadcast on Channel 4 in early March.

    He, along with Wade Robson teamed up with the documentary maker, Dan Reed, to tell their story of alleged abuse against them when they were just children.

    In interviews with the documentary maker, Wade, James and their families describe their relationship with Michael Jackson. Wade and James allege that Jackson sexually abused them at his home, Neverland Ranch, in California.

    Dan sat down with James in LA and interviewed him over a two day period.

    How did James Safechuck meet Michael Jackson

    Michael and James met while they both starred in a Pepsi commercial in the US. When James was growing up he was an actor and took part in occasional projects.

    Is James Safechuck gay?

    No James Safechuck doesn’t identify as gay and has married a woman. Together they have two children, the first was born in 2010. According to interviews, the birth of his children helped him come to terms with what he alleges happened to him with Jackson and realise that it wasn’t right.

    Is James Safechuck married?

    Yes James, or Jimmy as he is sometimes referred to as, is married to a woman called Laura Primack. She also took part in the documentary, Leaving Neverland. It’s unclear how long ago they got married, but they do have two children together.

  • Perez Hilton stuns with his body transformation pictures

    Perez Hilton stuns with his body transformation pictures

    Internet gossip and Celebrity Big Brother star Perez Hilton stuns fans with body transformation pic.

    The Celebrity Big Brother star, Perez Hilton has bravely showcased his body on Instagram after embarking on a healthy living routine.

    The dad of three, told fans that he had second thoughts about positing the picture because in his mind he had “made no progress” but when he looked back at last week’s photo, he recognised that he had made an improvement.

    He wrote, “I almost didn’t post this today because in my mind I’ve made no progress this past week, but then I compares this photo with last Sunday’s and I’m so glad I took this! Even the smallest bit of improvement is a big win!!!!”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bujn24pHu5u/

    Last week, the world’s most famous Internet gossip, who has recently gone through a hair transplant procedure took a photo of his efforts last week, but admit because of the transplant and family vacays that he had taken two weeks off from  the gym.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuRT2tbngGd/

    Fans were quick to congratulate Perez on his health-kick, with one saying that they love his attitude, while another wrote, “Looking masterful Daddy!!!”

    Another fan added, “You look great Perez! And I always say the older you get the harder it is to get back into shape and at least you are trying! So good for you!”

    Another remembered, “U’ve done it before! U can do it again!”

    In 2015, Perez revealed a huge weight loss, where he lost an incredible 70 pounds.

     

  • Man stabbed in Soho has “life threatening” injuries

    Man stabbed in Soho has “life threatening” injuries

    A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with two linked stabbing on Sunday, 3 March.

    geralt / Pixabay

    Police are linking two stabbings in the nation’s capital today after one man was left with “life threatening” injuries” in Soho and a boy, 16, was stabbed in Camden, just hours apart.

    Police were called just after 6:00 AM on Sunday, 3 March, to a seriously injured man in Romilly Street, W1.

    Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found the 37-year-old man suffering stab injuries. He was taken to hospital where his condition is being treated as life-threatening.

    An immediate investigation was launched by detectives from Central West CID.

    A woman, aged in her 40s was arrested near to the scene. She has been taken to a central London police station where she remains in custody.

    A crime scene was put in place, forensic work commenced and enquiries undertaken to identify any relevant witnesses or CCTV.

    Another male stabbed, Camden

    Later that morning, at 11:36hrs, police in Camden were called to a teenager stabbed in University Street, WC1.

    Emergency services attended the scene where the 16-year-old victim was taken to hospital. His wounds have also been assessed as life-threatening.

    A man, aged in his 30s was arrested near to the scene in connection with the Camden stabbing. He was further arrested a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder in Romilly Street, which is the heart of London’s LGBT Scene.

    The arrested man has been taken to hospital having told officers that he had swallowed a quantity of drugs. Police are awaiting an assessment of his condition.

    Enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of both incidents.

    Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police should call detectives via 101 quoting reference 1783/mar03. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    At this stage, nobody else is sought in connection with either of these incidents.

    There is nothing to suggest that these crimes are related to homophobia at this time.

  • How to make sure you always see stories from THEGAYUK in your Facebook timeline

    How to make sure you always see stories from THEGAYUK in your Facebook timeline

    You could be missing out on loads of stories from THEGAYUK if you are a follower on Facebook. This is how you can always get the latest updates from us.

    Simon / Pixabay

     

    You may be aware that Facebook changed the way it delivers news from pages, like ours, on your timeline. Last year the platform said it would decrease the amount you’d see from pages you’d like despite the fact you’ve made it clear that you want to hear from us.

    But, there is a way to ensure that we always remain on your timeline. Just follow these simple steps.

     

    1) Go to THEGAYUK Facebook page.

    2) Click the “Follow” or “Following” Button

    3) Select the “See First”

    and that’s all there is to it.

     

     

  • Man stabbed in the centre of London’s gay scene

    Man stabbed in the centre of London’s gay scene

    A man has been hospitalised after a stabbing in London’s Soho.

    Man stabbed in the centre of London's gay scene
    (C) GOOGLE MAPS

    A man in his 30s has been attacked and stabbed in the centre of London‘s gay scene on  Romilly Street, early Sunday morning.

    The status of the man has not been made public, although the police have revealed that he sustained “serious injuries”.

    Earlier this morning, police and paramedics were called to reports of a stabbing in Romilly Street in Soho at about 6 AM.

    A crime scene has been established as detectives begin their investigations.

    The motive of the attack has not been made known and details about the victim remain private at this time.

    One person, a woman in her 40s has been arrested.

    This is a developing story.

    Anyone with information is urged to call Central West CID on 101 and to provide the reference 1783/03Mar19

  • Matt Lucas calls out two tabloids for inaccurate reporting

    Matt Lucas calls out two tabloids for inaccurate reporting

    The comedian took to Twitter to call out two of Britain’s leading tabloid newspapers for false reporting over Finding Neverland Michael Jackson tweet.

    Back in February, Matt Lucas said, that Michael Jackson could “rot” after watching the forthcoming documentary film, Leaving Neverland about the alleged abuse of two boys by the late singer.

    However, since that tweet, Matt has said that a handful of Jackson’s fans have harassed him, saying that he had even received a death threat by one sick person.

    Both The Sun and The Mirror picked up the story, but inserted that Matt Lucas had called Jackson a “paedo”. A word that Matt never actually used in his original tweet.

    Taking to Twitter Matt wrote, “I don’t know why but both The Mirror and The Sun have misquoted me. I did not call Michael Jackson a ‘paedo’ at any point.”

    Leaving Neverland is going to be broadcast in the UK on the 6th and 7th March 2019 on Channel 4. The film, which will be split into two episodes, documents alleged abuse against two boys James Safechuck and Wade Robson.