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Category: Answers

  • What shows has Tan France made for Netflix

    What shows has Tan France made for Netflix

    Tan France is probably most famous for being one-fifth of the Netflix reboot of Queer Eye, however, since his debut on the show five seasons ago (2018), he has gone on to star in a number of other shows for the streaming platform and is celebrated as being one of the only, openly gay Muslim men on Western television.

    Tan, who grew up in the Northern city of Doncaster, but now is a US citizen has become a bit of favourite at Netflix HQ. Since starting on Queer Eye in 2018 he has gone on to star in a number of other shows including Nailed It! and Next In Fashion.

    He also has a memoir out called Naturally Tan which was released in June 2019.

    In just a few short years, Tan has become one of Netflix most bankable stars.

    So, what other shows has Tan France made or starred in for Netflix?

    NEXT IN FASHION

    Aside for the most famous, Queer Eye in which he has appeared in 47 episodes since 2018, he has also appeared in Nailed It! – as himself.

    He also appeared as the character Fett Ragoso in the hit Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which also is available to stream.

    He lent his voice to an episode of Big Mouth – a Netflix original animated series in 2019. The episode is called ‘Disclosure the Movie: The Musical!’ and all of the “Fab Five” were called upon to give Coach Steve a Queer Eye-style make over.

    QUEER EYE: We’re In Japan!

    In 2020 he has even more appearances to add to his resume! He is a contestant on the show The Big Process he is the head host along with Alexa Chung on the reality contestant show, Next In Fashion.

    Unfortunately for Tan, Next In Fashion was cancelled by Netflix after just one series, but not all is lost, Tan will return to Queer Eye for a sixth series.

  • Has Sir Keir Starmer always supported LGBT+ rights?

    Has Sir Keir Starmer always supported LGBT+ rights?

    We looked into Keir Starmer’s voting record on gay and LGBT+ issues to see how LGBT friendly he is.

    Since entering the House of Commons as an MP for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015, Starmer has consistently voted pro-gay in laws relating to equality, although it has to be noted that he has very few opportunities to vote in matters concerning the rights of LGBT+ people in the UK – as there haven’t been many LGBT+ bills debated in parliament.

    Overall Keir has voted on 1 issue relating to the LGBT community. On that major piece of legislation, Keir Starmer voted in favour or positively for equality.

    In 2019 he voted to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

    Embed from Getty Images

    “Full solidarity” with the LGBT+ community

    In Feb 2020, before he became the Labour leader, he tweeted that he fully supported the LGBT Labour group saying that he stood in “full solidarity” with Labour’s LGBT+ members.

    He added that he would “defend LGBT+ rights and protections, and campaign with you for the changes rightly prioritised”.

    Overall in the opinion of THEGAYUK.com editorial team, Keir Starmer, politically has been an ally to LGBT+ people.

  • What has Boris Johnson said about gay people in the past?

    What has Boris Johnson said about gay people in the past?

    Boris Johnson’s position as the UK’s Prime Minister is problematic for many, particularly as he has referred to members of the LGBT+ community, particularly gay men, in a less than complimentary way.

    Here we look at some of the most controversial things Boris Johnson has written about homosexuality, gay marriage and section 28. If you want to see how Johnson voted on LGBT+ issues during his time as an MP click here.

    On pupils being taught about marriage equality: The Telegraph 2000.

    “We don’t want our children being taught some rubbish about homosexual marriage being the same as normal marriage, and that is why I am more than happy to support Section 28.”

    On Gay Marriage: Friends, Voters, Countrymen, 2001

    “If gay marriage was OK – and I was uncertain on the issue – then I saw no reason in principle why a union should not be consecrated between three men, as well as two men; or indeed three men and a dog.”

    Poofs?: The Spectator, 2000

    “The clerics gave us [journalists] a wigging for being so mean to the Church of England … Why did we draw attention to tricky subjects like homosexuality, aka the Pulpit Poofs issue?” (VIA)

    Bum Boys: The Telegraph 1998

    In a column about Peter Mandelson’s resignation from the Labour government, Johnson said the announcement would lead to “tank-topped bumboys” in “the Ministry of Sound” nightclub, and “the soft-lit Soho drinking clubs frequented by Mandy and his pals.” (VIA)

    Questioning BBC workers’ partner’s rights to a pension – inline with their heterosexual counterparts: The Telegraph 1996

    “In my hand was a magazine from something called the BBC Resources Equal Opportunities Unit. There were letters from gays asking about their “partner’s” right to a BBC pension.”

  • Are there any gay bars in Islington?

    Are there any gay bars in Islington?

    Once upon a time, Islington was North London’s hub of queer activity. There were several gay bars, but over the years, like so many parts of London, the number of LGBT+ spaces has dwindled.

    Are there any gay bars left in Islington?

    Unfortunately, the likes of The Green, Bar Fushion, The Duke Of Wellington and King Edward IV have all long gone. Many of these places were open until the middle of the 2000s, but as with many LGBT+ spaces across London and the UK, in general, all have now closed.

    Time was when you could bar hop between several bars on Upper Street and the Essex Road. Some of the bars had seating outside so you could sit, drink and watch the world go by.

    There were many LGBT+ spaces in Islington, but sadly they’ve pretty much all closed. Many, like The Green and Bar Fushion, since the turn of this century. Just a couple of places remain, Central Station and The King’s Head.

    The spot where The Green was… now a cafe.
    Green, Islington, N1

    The King’s Head and its world-famous pub theatre both have a long history of being LGBT+ Friendly and the theatre part of the pub is known to have produced and staged many gay and queer shows over the years.

    Central Station, which is in the Kings Cross area is a well-established haunt for lovers of karaoke and the traditional gay bar experience. It also has a number of themed nights.

    However there are a few gay listings for Islington, from charities to groups.

    Do you have memories or photos to share with our readers? Use the comments below to let us know – or visit the Lost LGBT Scene project to upload a story or memory of your favourite place.

  • What does pansexuality mean? Who is pansexual?

    What does pansexuality mean? Who is pansexual?

    Pansexuals are all about “Hearts not parts”

    Pansexuality, might not be on your radar as much as homosexuality or bisexuality, but it’s all-inclusive nature has got people falling in love with the sexual and romantic orientation that is pansexuality – which is, essentially hearts, not parts – you fall in love and lust with the heart of someone, not just their biological sex or gender expression.

    We asked readers for their best description, here’s what one person told us

    “As a 21-year-old pansexual male, I found that there was a lot of stigma that went with being pansexual and many people don’t understand/know what it means.

    “To me, it’s different for different people, I personally think that in my eyes, gender/sexual-orientation does not count towards anything in the way of attraction and in the way of love. I believe that you fall in love with the person and not their genitals or what gender they are attracted to.

    “I have dated various genders, various people with different sexual orientations and yes they have been very different partners and have been very different relationships however the one thing that is, all the same, is the feelings towards that person. The spark that I have felt towards each individual person and that feeling was not towards there genitals, it was towards them as people.

    “My opinion of pansexuality is love.

    What does pansexual and pansexuality mean?

    Another user, Alex, told us,

    “Love without gender, connection without exclusion, and plenty of fish in the sea”

    and another, Eggy, wrote,

    “sexual attraction regardless of gender”

    Want to add your thoughts? Use the comment box below.

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  • What does RuPaul say at the end of Sissy That Walk?

    What does RuPaul say at the end of Sissy That Walk?

    Have you ever noticed at the end of RuPaul’s greatest bop, “Sissy That Walk” that something is said, in a childlike voice?

    It got us wondering what on earth RuPaul is saying at the end of the song, once the music has stopped. In fact, it always comes as little bit of a shock – and a tab bit creepy.

    Strangely, however, it only appears on the album recording of the song and not on the accompanying music video.

    The song is deemed one of RuPaul’s most iconic after her debut single “Supermodel (You’d Better Work)” unfortunately unlike “Supermodel” it didn’t chart on the Billboard 200 or the UK top 100. The song was written by RuPaul and Lucian Piane and released back in 2014.

    It might surprise you to know that RuPaul’s highest-charting song in the UK is actually a duet with Sir Elton John. Who Knew?!

    They duetted on “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” in 1994 helping RuPaul secure her only top 10 hit single in the UK.

    So what does she say at the end in “Sissy That Walk”?

    There are quite a few forum and posts dedicated to that very question.

    Some people think that she is saying “mmm hello” while others have suggested that she’s saying “Mihoyyy”

    So we asked the queen herself.

    We’re still waiting.

    Come on Ru! Let us know, what are you saying?

  • What does AFAB mean? And is it offensive to us?

    What does AFAB mean? And is it offensive to us?

    AFAB stands for Assigned Female At Birth, where a person’s gender was given by medical professionals based on the baby’s genitalia found at birth giving a person a biological sex marker on their birth certificate. In this case, AFAB would mean that doctors or midwives found the baby to have a vagina, therefore, would assign female to their birth certificate.

    Using the AFAB acronym could also be used to describe a person’s former gender or biological sex identity – used in the case where the person now lives as non-binary, a trans man or masculine-presenting or a factual status on a woman’s gender identity.

    Is using AFAB to describe someone offensive to say?

    Is using AFAB to describe someone offensive to say?
    Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

    No, but as with most language, it is how the words are applied or the context in which they are used where offensive can be taken. As being described as AFAB is a fact it shouldn’t be considered problematic unless the person you are referring to has said that they are uncomfortable with being called by a certain term. It could in the case of a transgender person out them as trans, or lead to a situation of deadnaming or deadgendering.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • What is Sexual Altruism and who is a sexual altruist?

    What is Sexual Altruism and who is a sexual altruist?

    Sexual Altruism is an idea where someone does something sexually for the benefit of someone else.

    Usually, within a relationship, it means one half does something sexually for their partner to make the other half happy.

    That is, the activity wouldn’t have been their first choice, but they are happy enough to go along with the act.

    For instance, a partner has a fantasy that their other half doesn’t necessarily share but goes ahead with taking part to make their partner feel happy.

    A partner may not necessarily be into feet fetishes, but plays along for their partner’s benefit, or has a threesome with another person in order to satisfy a fantasy for their partner.

    There are ways, of course, of introducing certain activities to the bedroom if you’re not sure if your partner will be receptive. Check out our tips on introducing sex toys or even dressing up in the bedroom.

    The word Altruism means a “selfless concern for the well-being of others”.

    The term was coined by Auguste Comte in about 1850.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Section 377

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Section 377

    What is Section 377?

    Section 377 is a British-Colonial Era law which effectively outlaws same-sex, sexual relations between men. It was installed in 41 former British colonises.

    The text of the law reads,

    377. Unnatural offences: Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.

    Explanation: Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.

    It is still in place in countries across the world, most notably in Singapore, where activists have tried to have the law dismissed.

    What does Section 377 mean?

    Activists in India were able, in 2018, to have the law struck down, but only after years of campaigning and u-turns from the Government.

    The UN has said that the law defies international law

    The law still stands in Malaysia, Singapore (see Section 377A of the Penal Code of Singapore), Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, and Jamaica.

    Section 377 is the model for similar laws that remain in force in Bhutan, Brunei, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, Samoa, Malawi, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka (as Article 365 of the Sri Lankan Penal Code), Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Rimming

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Rimming

    What does rimming mean?

    Rimming if you’re not in the know is where one person (the rimmer) licks, sucks, kisses, penetrates their partner’s (rimmee) anus with their tongue. It’s also known as analingus.

    It often forms part of the foreplay part of sex and can help the bottom to become more relaxed before anal sex. and isn’t unique to gay or bi men. Anyone with a butt or a tongue can do it.

    There are a lot of people who absolutely love receiving it and giving it, or both, but it’s not for everyone.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • 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.