THEGAYUK

Category: Entertainment

  • EDINBURGH | Just over a week until Pride Scotia

    TheGayUK is happy to annouce that in just over a week Pride Scotia, Edinburgh’s very own pride parade will take to the streets.

    The march will assemble outside Scottish Parliament from 11:30 – and will move promptly at noon on the 15th June 2013

    The march route will be High Street, crossing in portions at North Bridge.

    A pause outside the City Chambers for speeches. March resumes along George IV Bridge to Bristo Square.

    TheGayUK is a proud media sponsor of Pride Scotia – we’ll be bringing you news about Pride events in Edinburgh during the forthcoming week.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Scott Capurro Islamohomophobia, Soho Theatre

    ★★★★★ | Scott Capurro: ‘Islamohomophobia’

    Waspish Californian stand-up Scott Capurro is performing his latest show for 4 nights only at the intimate Soho Downstairs at The Soho Theatre on Dean Street. It’s not a show for the faint hearted but is definitely a treat for those with a dry and dark sense of humour.

    Capurro regales us with tales of his recent marriage to his boyfriend, a near lynching in Cardiff and the events surrounding the death of his mother; a story that is by turns irreverent but ultimately poignant.

    Although you may not feel safe sitting on the front row, as he cunningly wheedles out sordid details of the audience’s personal life, Capurro ultimately comes across as a charming and likeable man who’s enjoying his art. He may have the power to make you choke on your Martini with his acerbic comments but he also could probably manage to seduce you if you gave him enough time or wore loose enough trousers.

    The content of his routine may seem controversial, initially, but it’s all fine as Capurro manages to insult absolutely every group of people without discrimination.

    Catch Scott Capurro live at The Soho Theatre until Saturday the 8th of June

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Knee Deep, Riverside Studios

    ★★★★★ | Knee Deep, Riverside Studios

    Following their hit show at the Edinburgh Fringe festival last year, Casus are back with their breathtaking performance of Knee Deep at the Riverside Studios.

    The 4 performers (Emma Serjeant, Jesse Scott, Natano Fa’anana and Lachaln McAulay) are captivating to watch, their bodily strength is truly incredible.

    They use hoops, straps, silks and more amazingly, raw eggs to perform some spectacular circus tricks. The stage is empty and simply lit and your proximity to the performance creates an intimate atmosphere, where every movement absorbs you fully into the action of the piece.

    Its truly awe inspiring to watch and I spent most of the hour agog at the exceptional skills of these performers and their incredible physiques. For me, it’s a must see.

    by Becky Harper

  • Gay producer creates iPhone sitcom

    Fancy a comedy break from the gym or light relief on the Tube? GOING NOWHERE, a new British sitcom from enterprising young gay media executive Robert SJ Lucas, is set to get global audience laughing when it is launched as an app next month. The series has been created for iphone users and will have plenty of appeal to gay and lesbian audiences.

    Written, produced and directed by Robert, the series consists of eight episodes in total, each lasting 15 minutes, and stars rising young actors in the lead, Stephen McLeod and Rebecca Livermore, who play two young marketing execs, reservedly gay, punctually uptight Martin and loudly confident Sandra. They find themselves stuck together in a number of awkwardly confined situations, such as a taxi, a lift, a bar, even a cupboard. Despite working as a team, they dislike each other and as they teeter on the edge of turning 30, careers and relationships are moving them forwards but taking them nowhere, fast.

    Born in Tufnell Park, London, 28 year old Robert has always aspired to be a scriptwriter. His parents, a Scotland Yard detective and a graphic designer divorced when he was young, and it was his grandparents who nurtured his love of theatre, music and drama, and his obsession with Dr Who. Determined to follow his creative ambitions, he abandoned his psychology studies and set up Disclosure Group in 2010 which has become the production outlet for a number of his self-penned projects. These include London-based relationship drama, LADIES + GENTLEMEN, which explores a seemingly random group of relationships between boyfriends, girlfriends, lovers and strangers brought together by one shocking event; and a web-based soap, PA’s.

    His current project, PORN brings together five hot guys and girls in a comedy series that mixes muscles with mirth, libido with laughter, tanned torsos with testosterone. He has also worked with Channel 4 developing the ‘For3minutes’ initiative for their 4talent scheme and also provides advertising content for clients such as Zipcar.

    With Netflix having already successfully launched new content as an online subscriber-only service with major dramas such as House of Cards and Hemlock Grove, it is hoped that the independent spirit behind GOING NOWHERE will find Robert going somewhere towards fulfilling his dreams.

    GOING NOWHERE is set to be launched at the end of June.

  • BOOK REVIEW | Peggy Lee Loves London Katrina Leskanich and Sher Harper

    ★★★★ | Peggy Lee Loves London

    Being on the verge of moving to London, I’ve been looking for a good tour guide to take me around some of the more quirky spots that only Londoners know about. I didn’t expect that my tour guide would be a glamorous lady poodle called Peggy Lee, but I’m very glad that I’ve found her.

    Eurovision has just been and gone and it may serve you well to reminisce about happier times when we actually made a dent on the score-cards. This lovely book was written by our last Eurovision winner, Katrina Leskanich of Katrina and the Waves, along with her partner, writer Sher Harper. They’ve spent the last six years pounding the streets of London along with pretty little Peggy Lee, exploring the curiosities so you don’t have to.

    The book features a wide variety of haunts including bars, open spaces, markets, eateries and landmarks. Each page has brief but tantalising description of each off-beat attraction along with a picture of the aforementioned poodle and links to transport to get there. The pictures are comical, beautiful and intriguing. Although there’s not a huge description of each place, this works well in the context, making you want to go and find out more for yourself.

    It’s a delightful book and if you’re looking for a fun guide to London then look no further. If Peggy Lee is available, I’m also prepared to tag along on the end of a lead. I’m very well behaved and never shed a hair.

    View the website: http://peggyleeloveslondon.com

    Available from Amazon to buy

    Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/peggyleeloves

  • One week till Oxford Pride

    A week full of activities to celebrate Oxford Pride will commence from today as Oxford gears up for its 11th Pride

    A fantastic turn out at Oxford Pride’s launch party last night means that the festivities are well underway for what is hoped will be the best Oxford Pride ever.

    There are activities all week in Oxford leading up to the main Parade and Pride event this forthcoming weekend.

    Here’s some of what’s coming up:

    Saturday 1st June

    14:00-16:00 Queer Oxford: Walk on the Wilde Side

    Meeting at Magdalen Bridge. How well do you know the LGBT past in Oxford? Join a casual stroll around Oxford as we explore 600 years in this ‘City of Romance’.

    Sunday 2nd June

    12:00-16:00 Rainbow Families LGBT Picnic

    At Bury Knowle Park Headington – Enjoy an afternoon of fun & games for LGBT families of all shapes & sizes! Look for the rainbow flags.

    17:00-18:00 Pride Dog Show

    At The Jolly Farmers, Paradise Street OX1 1LD – Prizes for Best Trick, Look-a-like, Cutest, Butchest, and more! Donations to Pride.

    19:30-21:00 First Sunday: Labyrinth and Communion

    At St Columba’s United Reformed Church, Alfred Street, Oxford, OX1 4EH A modern take on an ancient meditation practice. A spiritual journey into our self, toward the pine, and back out to the modern world.

    Monday 3rd June

    06:30-07:30 Free Fitness for Pride

    At All Saints Church Hall, New High Street, OX3 7AL – Free Trial of the Fitness and Fat Loss Bootcamp. It’s a 1-hour wake-up workout on Mon, Wed & Fri.

    08:00-16:00 Be Beautifully Strong

    Consultation, Gym Induction & Takeaway Program for Women: Leave your boring workouts behind you … come and be inspired! Bookings essential for your £10 session

    19:00-21:00 The Oxford LGBT Book Club

    Meeting at The Chequers, High Street OX1 4DH – Reading Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

    20:30-23:00 The Pride Quiz

    At The Jolly Farmers OX1 1LD – A fun night with Cash Prizes – Groups of 2-6 people, £2 per person – Free Buffet

    Tuesday 4th June

    20:00-21:30 Lesbian History Group: The notorious Eliza Robertson

    At The Castle Tavern (Downstairs). Talk on how an 18th century Blackheath schoolteacher became notorious for swindling her partner and her neighbours. All women welcome.

    20:00-23:00 Wine & Wisdom

    At The Castle Tavern, Paradise Street OX1 1LD – Join Rob for a unique Cheese, Wine & Quiz night.

    22:00-03:00 Poptarts

    At Baby Love Bar, Kind Edward Street OX1 4HS – Oxford’s longest running LGBT night where town and gown meet in style

     

    Wednesday 5th June

    06:30-07:30 Free Fitness for Pride

    At All Saints Church Hall, New High Street, OX3 7AL – Free Trial of the Fitness and Fat Loss Bootcamp. It’s a 1-hour wake-up workout on Mon, Wed & Fri.

    17:30-19:00 The University of Oxford LGBT Staff Group and Equality and persity Unit: Pride Panel Debate

    At the University Natural History Museum, OX1 3PW – A panel discussion on LGBT issues, how far we’ve come and how we’re still “not there yet”. All welcome

    Thursday 6th June

    From 18:00 Oxford Area LGBT University Staff Social Group: 1st Thursday Drinks

    At The University Club, 11 Mansfield Road OX1 3SZ – This casual monthly after works drinks gathering is an opportunity to meet new people or catch up with friends in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. We will have a rainbow flag on the table to help newcomers find us. All are welcome.

    18:00-21:00 Pride Curry Night

    At The Jolly Farmers, OX1 1LD Come along to an all-you-can-eat curry night for just £6.99. All profits going to Oxford Pride.

    20:00-23:00 Karaoke

    At The Castle Tavern, Paradise Street OX1 1LD – Share your vocal skills for a fun filled evening with Donations to Oxford Pride.

    22:00-23:00 Lashings of Ginger Beer Time presents Fanny Whittington: A Queer Sort of Pantomime

    At the Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, OX1 2AQ – £8 full/ £6 cons. Young orphan Fanny Whittington sets off to London… but whatever the streets are paved with, it’s definitely not gold. Can Fanny save her pet rat Basil from mortal peril (BOO!), win the love interest of her dreams (AWWW!) and avoid becoming the world’s most unpaid intern? Find out in this anarchic LGBTQ+ pantomime! Show 8pm Friday & Saturday too!

     

    Friday 7th June

    06:30-07:30 Free Fitness for Pride

    At All Saints Church Hall, New High Street, OX3 7AL – Free Trial of the Fitness and Fat Loss Bootcamp. It’s a 1-hour wake-up workout on Mon, Wed & Fri.

     

    Saturday 8th June

    12:00-13:00 Pride Parade

    City Centre Starts at Cornmarket & Ship Streets.

    12:00-20:00 Pride Event

    Oxpens Field Next to the Ice Rink, OX1 1RQ

    20:00- late Pride After Parties

    Castle Tavern, Jolly Farmers & Plush Lounge

     

    NOT THERE YET

    Oxford Pride’s theme for Pride 2013 is “Not There Yet”, examining that whilst we have come a long way in recent years in terms of LGBT rights, we still have a way to go to achieve full equality.

    Globally, there are over seventy countries that outlaw homosexuality, and far more where same-sex marriages are not permitted, whether labelled as ‘marriage’ or otherwise. Despite the fact that homosexuality is punishable by the death penalty in Uganda, LGBT Ugandans held their first Pride

    Parade last year with nearly a hundred risking their lives and turning ut for the festivities.

     

    Whilst we in the UK don’t have to fear legal repercussions for our orientation or gender identities like many in other countries do, we still have a way to go to achieve full equality, and the ability to live free from discrimination.

    OXFORD PRIDE is a 10-day arts and cultural festival from Friday 31 May to Sunday 9 June. You are invited to join in the celebration of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer life in Oxfordshire.

    For more information visit: http://www.oxford-pride.org.uk

  • Confessions Of A Male Stripper

    So it’s Friday afternoon, so we thought we’d share these half naked beefcake pictures with you (don’t worry they’re work safe!)

    (more…)

  • PRIDE | Oxford Pride kicks off Pride Week

    Oxford Pride is readying to kick off its Pride week with its launch on the 31st May.

    The Pride which celebrates its tenth year, is kicking off its Pride week with a launch party at the Boiler Room Gallery, Jam Factory, 27 Park End Street OX1 1HU – Featuring speeches & entertainment including an interactive performance by Stavroula Kounadea

    Then later on there is the after party at The Plush Lounge, 27 Park End Street OX1 1HU – Sponsored by Plush. Open to the public from 10.00pm to late.

    In March 2013 Oxford Pride received registered charity status.

    NOT THERE YET

    Oxford Pride’s theme for Pride 2013 is “Not There Yet”, examining that whilst we have come a long way in recent years in terms of LGBT rights, we still have a way to go to achieve full equality.

    Globally, there are over seventy countries that outlaw homosexuality, and far more where same-sex marriages are not permitted, whether labelled as ‘marriage’ or otherwise. Despite the fact that homosexuality is punishable by the death penalty in Uganda, LGBT Ugandans held their first Pride

    Parade last year with nearly a hundred risking their lives and turning ut for the festivities.

    Whilst we in the UK don’t have to fear legal repercussions for our orientation or gender identities like many in other countries do, we still have a way to go to achieve full equality, and the ability to live free from discrimination.

    OXFORD PRIDE is a 10-day arts and cultural festival from Friday 31 May to Sunday 9 June. You are invited to join in the celebration of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer life in Oxfordshire.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The History Boys, Sheffield

    ★★★★ | The History Boys, Sheffield

    Based in the fictional Cutlers Grammar School in Sheffield, this award winning play tells the story of a group of young students as they prepare for university interviews at Oxford and Cambridge.

    The headmaster of the school is determined to propel the school up the ranks of the league tables by increasing the number of pupils who are accepted by the prestigious establishments. In his resolve to do so, he enlists a supply teacher called Irwin, whose sole responsibility is to fully prepare the boys by employing a rigid teaching structure and encouraging them to stick strictly to stock answers, whether they believe what they are saying to be true or not. This approach is in stark contrast with that taken by the boy’s favourite teacher, Hector, who is eccentric and laid back, revelling in the joy of knowledge, whilst encouraging the boys in their free thinking and exploration of their own interests, allowing them to forge their own educational path. Unfortunately, one of Hector’s interests is taking the young students out on his motorcycle and touching them up, something that the boys seem to readily accept as harmless fun, but which eventually leads to a confrontation between Hector and the headmaster. As the two teachers and their respective teaching styles clash and the young boys turn into young men, the relationships between the students, both with each other and with the staff, is examined which leads to tension, sexual angst and divided loyalties.

    Sheffield Theatres once again excels, this time with their production of this award winning Alan Bennet play, which has a wordy, warm and witty script. Within its critique of the education system and its social commentary on the almost hierarchical nature of learning, the play also explores, both gently and more blatantly, a number of themes surrounding the often painful transition into adulthood and aspects of accepting and coming to terms with homosexuality and sexuality in general. Posner (beautifully played by Oliver Coopersmith) says at one point “I’m a Jew. I’m small. I’m a homosexual. And I live in Sheffield. I’m f***ed”. This neatly sums up his frustration at his status as the youngest of the class and more importantly, his unrequited and unconditional love for his fellow pupil, Dakin (played by Tom Rhys Harris). Dakin is a cocksure and bravado filled young man, who relishes in his ladies’ man status, yet who develops a deep admiration for and relationship with his teacher, Irwin. This leads to the point where Dakin propositions Irwin and offers himself readily; causing Irwin to face his own closeted sexuality. There is also the darker undertone running through the play of the abuse of position and trust by the teachers, Hector who is touching the boys when he takes them out on his motorcycle (much to Posner’s annoyance that it is never “his turn”) through to the direct confrontation between Dakin and Irwin whereby Irwin’s teaching of the importance, or otherwise, of the truth is challenged.The set made excellent use of the Crucible’s unique stage, effortlessly merging the scenes and creating a real school hall feel, from the parquet gym floor to the strip lighting, the PE benches to the plastic chairs. The play was well directed, ensuring the whole audience felt included and addressed. The performances were all of a very high quality, especially from Edwin Thomas who excelled as Irwin in what is his professional stage debut. Matthew Kelly undertook his role of Hector with a quiet confidence, but his performance was overtaken by the lead boys, namely Will Featherstone as Scripps, Tom Rhys Harris as Dakin and Oliver Coopersmith expertly demonstrating the teenage angst of burgeoning sexuality.The play was scattered with bridging sequences for the set changes, which involved short, loud blasts of electro new romantic and punk music accompanied by over exaggerated schoolboy dancing. These segments which sharply transported you back to your own school days were entertaining and nicely contrasted with calmer, more classic aspects of the script. The script was wordy, with long soliloquies delivered by the characters, but was punctuated with warm and gentle comedy delivered by likeable characters. The play was slightly long for me (perhaps it could have been around 20 minutes shorter), but this is not a criticism of the production in any way and more a reflection on the type of theatre I prefer. Overall, it was exceptionally well performed, staged and presented and was a memory invoking, through provoking piece of quasi-nostalgia tinged theatre which tackles head on a number of social issues within the education system.

    The History Boys is currently at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield until the 8th June 2013.

  • FILM REVIEW | Behind The Candelabra

    ★★★★ | Behind The Candelabra

    According to director, Steven Soderbergh, the Hollywood studios refused to finance “Behind the Candelabra”, so it ended up being made as a TV movie by HBO.

    t seems the movie was deemed too gay (post Brokeback Mountain, really?) and so, though it is getting a cinema release here in the UK (out on June 7), in the USA, it will only be seen on television.

    If I’m honest, the movie does rather betray its origins as a TV movie, albeit a very enjoyable one with high production values and excellent performances.

    Production designer Howard Cummings, and set designer Barbara Munch-Cameron went to great pains to ensure the movie looks authentic, and many of the props, the pianos and the cars, are actually ones that Liberace himself owned, found on extensive scavenging trips to various antique dealers and prop buyers; some on loan from the Liberace museum. Liberace’s Las Vegas mansion and Los Angeles penthouse are revealed in all their lavishly over the top, glitzy, rococo splendour and the costumes, by Ellen Mirojnick, are detailed reproductions of ones worn by Liberace and Scott Thorson.

    Not wanting to make a traditional biopic, Soderbergh has concentrated on the period spanning the relationship of Liberace and Thorson, adding a short coda that takes in Liberace’s death from AIDS and his funeral, and is mostly based on Thorson’s book “Behind the Candelabra”. During this period, Thorson gained a lot of weight, then lost it again, and both Liberace and Thorson underwent plastic surgery.

    Even if one knows little about Liberace, the story is a familiar one, basically a celebrity marriage that goes wrong. The end of Liberace’s relationship with Thorson is already there in the beginning. When Thorson first meets Liberace, we also meet Liberace’s current lover, a relationship that has obviously soured, so it is no surprise when the scene is replicated later in the film, this time with a young dancer taking the Thorson role, and Thorson taking the role of the disgruntled lover. There is no doubt about the love and affection the two men have for each other at the beginning of the relationship, but things take a bizarre turn when Liberace decides he would like to adopt Thorson, and asks Thorson to undergo plastic surgery to make him look more like Liberace’s younger self.

    Having settled into domestic bliss, they have both gained weight, and the idea comes to him after Liberace sees himself on TV on the Jonny Carson show, declaring he looks like his father in drag. He enlists the help of Dr Jack Startz, a plastic surgeon and dietician (brilliantly played by Rob Lowe, with a completely immobile face). Quite how the make-up department achieved the amazing before and after transformations I am not sure, but they have done so brilliantly.

    Soderbegh’s direction is not always sure footed, and the film drags a little in the middle, which might be less noticeable in the context of a TV movie. He does however get wonderful performances out of his all star cast. Aside from the aforementioned Rob Lowe, there are some great cameos from Dan Ackroyd, Scott Bakula and Debbie Reynolds (remember her?), but the movie succeeds or fails on the work of its two stars, and both Michael Douglas and Matt Damon give faultless performances. Damon is thoroughly believable as the star struck young innocent who gradually descends into drug addiction, and Michael Douglas quite simply gives one of the best performances of his career.

    It would have been so easy, and so tempting, to overplay the role and come up with a clownish caricature, but Douglas completely avoids that trap, and comes up with a performance of great subtlety. If the movie had a cinema release in America, he would no doubt be in line for an Oscar. As it is, surely he’ll walk away with the Emmy.

    Available to buy / view on: Amazon | Amazon Prime | iTunes

  • Six of the best gay icons of film

    Whether you’re looking for a film about a gay icon or whether it is a gay icon in a starring role, the cinema is the perfect place to track down your favourite idol.

    The question of what defines someone as a vintage icon is a difficult one, whether it is their looks, their sexuality, their personal life or their work for equal rights. But taking the definition in its widest sense, here are six of the best films which, for various reasons, are perfect examples.

    Evita

    Icon status – Madonna is undeniably a gay icon for many reasons. A long and successful career and a devil may care attitude combine with her longstanding dedication to bringing gay rights to the attention of the public. Whether it is by dressing up as a boy scout, in her song lyrics, in the company she keeps or by expressing her sexuality through her creative output, she has been prominently in the public eye when it comes to issues of equality, HIV and AIDs or commenting upon change.

    The film – What could be better than Madonna doing what she does best in this film which is, in essence, a two hour music video? But in the expert hands of director, Alan Parker, Madonna gives a career defining performance as Eva Peron, a poor villager who sleeps, manipulates and carefully plots her way to the arms and bed of the Argentinian President, becoming adored by the people and a strong political influence behind the scenes. But all the time, her self-serving ways are never far from her and as the people around her start to realise her motives, a split in the country and the political party starts to appear. Based on the concept album and subsequent stage show by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, this is a sumptuously filmed movie with a golden globe winning performance from Madonna, who has never been better in an acting role, excellent support from Antonio Banderas and a soundtrack which you just can’t help singing along to.

    Further suggested viewing – In Bed with Madonna; I’m Going to Tell You a Secret; A League of Their Own

    The Colour Purple

    Icon Status – Whoopi Goldberg has a cult following in America and is a prominent activist for gay rights. In 2010, Whoopi joined Cyndi Lauper for the launch of the Give A Damn campaign, to raise awareness of LGBT discrimination. She frequently defends the LGBT community on her talk show The View and in 1987 spoke at the historic March on Washington for Gay Rights. In 2013, she has been honoured by the Human Rights Campaign as the 2013 recipient of the organization’s Ally For Equality Award, which is “given to allies outside the LGBT community who stand up on behalf of equality for all Americans”. But she is also an Academy Award winning actress, singer, songwriter, and comedienne and, to top that list off, has appeared in the Absolutely Fabulous special “Gay”.

    The Film – Adapted from the novel by Alice Walker, the Colour Purple tells the story of a black woman, Celie, growing up in 1930’s Georgia. Forced into marriage and living under the hand of her tyrannical husband, known as Mister, the film follows her transformation from a shy and awkward youth to empowered and a strong and independent woman. She empowers herself by being surrounded by people who love, support and care for her. She also forms a friendship with, and a deep love for, a beautiful and sultry lounge singer, Shug, and the two women form a bond which allows Celie to realise that she does not have to be the person that she has been told she has to be. This simply stunning film was adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, was directed by Steven Spielberg and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards. This touching and beautiful film is an often forgotten gem.

    Further suggested viewing – Ghost; Sister Act; Made In America.

    Milk

    Icon Status – Harvey Milk was the first openly gay politician to be elected into public office in California. Initially, gay rights were not at the forefront of his agenda, but as his time in politics grew, so did his passion for the subject. During his relatively short 11 months in office, he passed a stringent gay rights ordinance for the city of San Francisco (where he lived), using the increasing political and economic power of the Castro District (San Francisco’s gay village) to push through changes. Tragically assassinated in 1978, he remains an icon and martyr in the San Francisco community and has been described as “the most famous and significantly open LGBT politician ever elected in the United States”.

    The Film – Starring Sean Penn, the film tells the story of the political career and the tragic end to the life of Harvey Milk. Addressing his movements into politics, detailing his political battles against the limitation of the rights of gay people and his ideals in life, the film was a critical and commercial success. Securing a total of 8 Academy Awards, Penn won an Oscar for best actor in a lead role and the film also won for best original screenplay. Released in 2008, at the time when California were debating Proposal 8, an anti-gay marriage proposal which in some way mirrored the anti-gay rights legislation in Proposal 6 which is addressed in the film itself, it proves that the themes explored from the 70’s are as relevant today as they were then.

    Further suggested viewing – The Times of Harvey Milk (a 1984 documentary).

    Rebel Without A Cause

    Icon Status – James Dean has long been considered a gay icon. His rugged, chiselled good looks, his masculinity and his status of the epitome of cool set him apart from other actors of his era. There were questions about his ambivalent approach to sexuality and debates about his sexuality have long been circulated. He is alleged to have slept with both men and women, but whether that was true and if so, whether it was for pleasure or to forward his career will forever remain a mystery. When asked if he was a homosexual, he replied “No, I am not a homosexual, but I am also not going to go through life with one hand tied behind my back”. The Gay Times Readers’ Awards have previously cited him as the male gay icon of all time. He is often said to be the epitome of cool and effortlessly projected an image of rebellion, non-conformity and, more importantly, living his life how he wished to live it.

    The Film – Dean plays Jim Stark, a 17 year old young man who moves with his family to LA where he runs into difficulties with the local gang, finds love with a beautiful young woman and becomes a father figure to a 15 year old local trouble causer. He is increasingly frustrated by his family who don’t understand him and finds himself drawn into a feud with the local gang leader which results in tragic consequences. The film about confused, middle class adolescents was seen as an antithesis of the films around the time which depicted delinquents in the urban slums. Dean radiates charisma in his role and the film was ground-breaking in its portrayal of the moral decay of American youth.

    Further suggested viewing – Giant; East of Eden.

    Burlesque

    Icon Status – Cher has been a stalwart of the idolisation of gay men for many years, especially in the USA. Her ability to transform her image and her musical style, coupled with her catchy, camp tunes, her high-spirited stage shows and her daring and non-conformist attitude confirm her icon status. But aside from her ability to not take herself too seriously (her appearance in Will & Grace is evidence of this), her music and her acting career, she is also a strong advocate for gay rights (supporting both the community and the parents of GLBT people) and has publically supported her oldest child, Chaz Bono who stated that he was transgender in 2009.

    The Film – Ali Rose, (Christina Aguilera), a young country girl with an extraordinary singing voice, leaves her dead end life in small town rural America and heads to LA to make her fortune. She stumbles across a Burlesque club, run by a good natured and motherly woman called Tess (Cher). Within the amber tinged bar, she finds employment, friendship and a very attractive roommate, Jack Miller (played by the ridiculously handsome Cam Gigandet). Amazed at her remarkable talent, Tess makes her the star of the show. But can the novelty of singing live save the cash strapped club from a hostile takeover and will Jack and Ali ever admit their true feelings for each other? This film is corny and cheesy, but has a charm all of its own. It has a paper thin and highly predictable plot. But that is not the reason to watch this film. The skimpy and seductive costumes coupled with the exuberant and energetic burlesque musical numbers (performed with an almost overdose level of camp), mark the tone of the film. There are two icons for one in here, (both Cher and Aguilera have a huge gay following) and you get a naked Gigandet hiding his modesty under nothing but a packet of cereal. Throw in one of Madonna’s backing dancers and add Cher belting out a power ballad and you have a cheesy campfest which should be watched for what it is, which is just damn good, but terribly corny, camp fun.

    Further suggested viewing – Moonstruck; Mask; Mermaids.

    Gods And Monsters

    CREDIT: © tanka_v| Depositphotos
    CREDIT: © tanka_v| Depositphotos

    Icon Status – The outstanding Sir Ian McKellan has appeared in many successful films, been in Coronation Street, played the Dame in pantomime, has performed on stage in the West End, Broadway and worldwide and is an openly gay man who is prominent in his active campaigning for equal rights. He has won numerous awards for his acting career and appeared in blockbusters like the X-Men series and The Lord of the Rings films, but has also done less mainstream films, such as his update of Richard III. Since coming out in 1988, Sir McKellan has often spoken and written about gay issues. He is a co-founder of Stonewall UK. He has had a high level presence at Gay Pride events in London and around the world and states that his most urgent concern is legal and social equality for gay people worldwide. Coupled with that, he is one of the nicest people you could wish to meet and always makes time for people at Pride events. How could this talented and dedicated man fail to make a list of vintage icons?

    The Film – Gods and Monsters is the story of James Whale, the gay 1930’s film director, best known for making the Universal Pictures version of Frankenstein. This film follows the latter part of his life, when Whale is a fragile figure, who is physically and emotionally slowly giving up. He reminisces about gay pool parties of his youth and teases a star struck fan that comes to interview him for a magazine. But his new gardener, Clayton Boone, (played by Brendon Frasier) is a young, attractive and muscular straight man and he and Whale strike up an unlikely and, at times, uneasy friendship. Asking his young muse to pose nude for his life drawing, Whale’s obsession with his friend deepens. But to what end? Sir McKellan was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his performance in this film, and rightly so. The film oozes class and explores the nature of the relationship between Whale and Boone in a sensitive manner. The film draws you in with its subtlety and culminates in an emotional gut punch. It is the perfect vehicle for demonstrating what an exceptional actor Sir McKellan is.

    Further suggested viewing – Walter; Richard III; X-Men; Apt Pupil; The Lord of The Rings.