THEGAYUK

Category: Answers

  • When was Section 28 repealed?

    When was Section 28 repealed?

    Section 28 was introduced by the Conservative government in 1988. When was it repeal and why was it introduced?

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Teachers who taught in schools during the late 1980s and 1990s were unable to teach or speak on issues of homosexuality because of Section 28 of the Local Government Act in England – a piece of legislation introduced by the Conservative government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in 1988 banning the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools – according to new research published in the journal Sex Education.

    In Scotland, similar legalisation was introduced called Section 2A.

    It was introduced under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government. The legislation was introduced partly as a reaction to a 1986 children’s book called Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin, which depicted the life of a child with two gay fathers. Controversy about the availability of the book in some schools in London led to the passing of Section 28.

    It was repealed in 2003 under the leadership of Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Labour government, but during the time of its enforcement, many LGBT+ teachers felt it prohibited them being open about their own sexual identity in the workplace.

    Section 2A was repealed by the Scottish government in the year 2000 and was one of the first pieces of policy enacted by a devolved Scottish government. The rest of the UK would have to wait another three years before the anti-gay clause was removed from the law books.

     

  • Assassination of Versace: Did Versace’s partner die?

    Assassination of Versace: Did Versace’s partner die?

    What happened to Versace’s partner Antonio D’Amico and is he still alive?

    If you’ve watched The Assassination of Versace you may have been led to believe that Antonio D’Amico, Versace’s long-term partner of 15-years died from a self-inflicted drug overdose, shortly after the designer’s murder by Andrew Cunanan, but in reality, Antonio is still very much alive.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Antonio in 1999, two years after the passing of his boyfriend, Gianni Versace.

    Embed from Getty Images

    SPOILER ALERT BELOW

    In the last scenes of The Assassination of Versace, Antonio, played by Ricky Martin is seen taking a handful of pills before being found on the floor, near death by a member of staff, but in reality, Antonio is still alive and is now around 60-years-old.

    Since Versace’s murder in 1997, Antonio has returned to fashion and has become a designer in his own right.

    In Versace’s will, it is reported that Antonio was left a stipend of 15 million Lira a month (around £6,400 by today’s exchange rate, if Italian Lira were still currency) and the right to live in any of the homes owned by Gianni. However as shown in The Assassination of Gianni Versace the homes were actually owned by the fashion company, but it has been reported that after legal proceedings D’Amico won a limited right to live at homes. In the TV series, the viewer is almost led to believe that Antonio was left with nothing after the death of Versace, however, there was also a legal arrangement, that he would also have rights to a fraction of the 15 million Lira, according to Wikipedia.

     

     

     

     

  • Are there LGBT sports clubs in Hull?

    Are there LGBT sports clubs in Hull?

    Hull is home to a friendly LGBT+ scene in the North-east of England and there are sports clubs for you to join.

    Are there LGBT sports clubs in Hull?
    RemazteredStudio / Pixabay

    If you like rugby there is the Hull Roundheads RUFC. They are a team of over 35 players and are an inclusive club where men of any gender, sexuality and race can come together for the love of the sport and get into rugby

    Find out more by visiting their website

    We’d like to expand this list. If you run or manage an LGBT+ sports club and would like to be listed here, please leave a comment below and we’ll be in touch.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

     

  • LEAVING NEVERLAND: When is the Michael Jackson film on and what channel?

    LEAVING NEVERLAND: When is the Michael Jackson film on and what channel?

    The controversial documentary film, Leaving Neverland is coming to the UK and you’ll be able to watch for free.

    When is the Michael Jackson film on and what channel?

    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.

    The four-hour film, which will be shown in two, two hour programmes, has already proved controversial with fans of the late Michael Jackson and his family. It is due to broadcast on Channel 4 in the near future. The decision to broadcast the series has proved problematic for the channel after being deluged with messages of disapproval from users on Twitter.

    In the film, both Wade Robson and James Safechuck allege that Michael Jackson began a long-running relationship with them. The Jackson Estate released a statement denoucing the film as”yet another lurid production in an outrageous and pathetic attempt to exploit and cash in on Michael Jackson.”

    Speaking ahead of the documentary, filmmaker Dan Reed said in a statement, “If there’s anything we’ve learned during this time in our history, it’s that sexual abuse is complicated, and survivors’ voices need to be listened to.

    The film was produced by Dan Reed and edited by Jules Cornell.

  • Are there LGBT sports clubs in Northampton?

    Are there LGBT sports clubs in Northampton?

    Northampton is home a small but friendly LGBT+ scene and there are sports clubs for you to join.

    Are there gay sports clubs in Northampton?

    Firstly there is the famous Northampton Outlaws Rugby Club – famous as they have starred in the Naked Rugby Calendar, not once but twice. The Northampton Outlaws are an inclusive rugby team based in Northampton which began life in 2012, and new players are always welcome. They play on the Rushmere Road rugby grounds.

    Squad training takes part on Tuesday nights with games being played on Saturday afternoons.

    Find out more by visiting their website

     

    If you run or manage an LGBT+ sports club and would like to be listed here, please leave a comment below and we’ll be in touch.

     

  • Where’s the best place to watch drag in London?

    Where’s the best place to watch drag in London?

    London has a rich history of drag from the Royal Vauxhall Tavern to the now-shuttered Black Cap, here’s the best place to go to catch some drag in the UK’s capital.

    where to see good drag in London

    Central London

    Admiral Duncan

    If you’re in central London, i.e. Soho, there’s really only one place to find drag every night and that’s at the Admiral Duncan. It’s a friendly traditional pub in the heart of Soho (Old Compton Street). It has regular drag from the likes of Mary Mac, Sandra, Baga Chipz and Cookie Monstar. See what’s going on at their website.

    Halfway II Heaven

    Is another great haunt to see some traditional drag queen shenanigans with queens appearing almost every day of the week, right on the doorstep of Trafalgar Square (where Pride In London is hosted). Whether you’re into karaoke, lip syncing or good old fashion cabaret this venue is a must watch. See what’s going on at their website.

    East London

    The Glory

    The home of East London Drag, the Glory is a highly rated queer space in the heart of East London with events almost every night of the week. See what’s going on at their website.

    South London

    Royal Vauxhall Tavern

    where to see good drag in London

    One of the oldest, if not the oldest venue in London just south of the river in Vaxuhall. With shows from Duckie to David Hoyle the Royal Vauxhall Tavern offers a cool, queer as f**k experience that mustn’t miss if you’re in London town. See what’s going on at their website.

    Two Brewers

    This is a MUST go venue if you’re in south London (Clapham). It’s legendary and it’s drag from wall to wall. It’s also got a great value for money bar and friendly bar staff. See what’s going on at their website.

  • What is deadnaming?

    What is deadnaming?

    When a person refers to someone by a previous, given or birth name, it is called deadnaming. Deadnaming can be done with malice or by accident.

    It mostly affects transgender people who have changed their name during their transition.

    For instance, if a trans woman’s birth or given name was Martin, but she changed it to Sarah during her transition, calling her Martin or referring to her as Martin would be deadnaming her.

    However, deadnaming could happen to people who have divorced and have changed their surnames (for instance Cheryl being called Cheryl Cole) or even people who have decided to change their legal name for their own reasons. Being referred to a previous name can be traumatic regardless of the reasons it was changed.

    It is often seen as painful as it can trigger memories of a life from which the person feels totally disconnected now.

    Some transgender people, however, are comfortable talking about their previous name and some wish it to remain in history, but you should accept the name you are given by any transgender person, just as you would is the person you are interacting with is cisgender or cisnormative.

    Can you ask trans people what their previous identity or name was?

    You really shouldn’t ask people what their birth name was, unless that information is offered willing to you.

    It is very similar to misgendering but focuses more on someone’s name rather than gender pronouns.

    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