THEGAYUK

Category: Front Page

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Bourgeois And Maurice At The Soho Theatre

    You know those occasions when you meet your mates in town for a drink after work. It gets to about 9 and you think it might be nice to round off the evening in some way.

    Well instead of heading to your local kebab house, why not nip down to the Soho Theatre for a bit of cabaret, where you can catch one of the final performances of Sugartits, by the award-winning duo Bourgeois and Maurice? It would be a great way to round off a convivial evening with friends.

    And convivial, for the most part, is what this cabaret is. The duo delivers a selection of self-penned songs, covering a range of contemporary topics, such as tax, internet junkies and the homogenisation of our town centres (an “improvised” song about Birmingham could be about any town in the UK, which is actually the point). However, though engaging and entertaining, it’s not quite as hard hitting as they’d like to think, pandering, as it does, to middle-class Liberal sensibilities. I felt it could have done with a set of sharper teeth.

    That said, I could hardly fault the performances of the duo, who are the perfect foil for each other. Bourgeois, looking rather like a cross between the Divine David and the MC from Cabare, (I loved the Putin decorated jumpsuit he changed into half way through) delivers his songs and linking dialogue with a sardonically laconic wit, whilst Maurice, sporting a 60’s beehive, which would be the envy of Marge Simpson, has an engaging goofiness, and a rare talent at the keyboard. I particularly enjoyed her surreal attempt to tell a joke, in the manner of Michael McIntyre.

    Certainly, worth a trip, you can catch the show at the Soho Theatre Downstairs until September 21st.

  • BOOK REVIEW | Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

    ★★★ | Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

    Tales of the supernatural and dark vampires stalking dystopian worlds seem to have abounded in recent years and are; it seems, here to stay.

    If you’re looking for an erotic vampire story with a gay twist then J.R. Ward’s ‘Black Dagger Brotherhood’ series are the ones to look out for. ‘Lover at Last’ is the 11th book in the series but works well as a standalone also.

    The story follows the stories of Qhuinn, a disavowed aristocrat who is now a brutal fighter in the darker corners of a ravaged New York and Blay, who after years of unrequited for Qhuinn has finally started to move on. What follows is a multi layered story with good dramatic tension and erotic scenes. If you like Twilight but just wish there’d been more male on male action then this series is for you

    Buy the book here

  • Police arrest suspect for gay murder

    Police in South Africa have arrested a man who is suspected of being linked to a series of killings which have targeted gay men.

    iafrica.com is reporting that a suspect has been arrested in connection to a number of murders in Gauteng and Cape Town in South Africa.

    Police are investigating whether a man is connected to the murder of Siphiwe Nhlapo who was found dead in his home in Kliptown. Had been strangled and his face covered in acid. He is also being investigated to see whether he has connections to the murders of eight other gay men.

    The man had evaded arrest for over a year, but on the 19th August 2013 was arrested for another crime, a hijacking in Dobsonville.

    He will appear at the Protea Magistrate’s court on Monday.

    A report by the Human Rights First organisations said that the, ‘day-to-day reality for many LGBTI individuals remains grim due to the ongoing harassment, intimidation, and violence motivated by a sexual orientation or gender identity bias.

    ‘Openly gay men and women—as well as human rights defenders working to promote the rights of LGBTI individuals—have been targeted across the country due to their visibility.’

  • New Gay Pub Opens In Ipswich, Suffolk

    Following a major external refurbishment carried out by STAR PUBS & BARS, The County of Suffolk is re-launching in Ipswich on Tuesday 30th September 2013.

    New Lessee; Mr Michael Knight, says “ I am delighted at the work that has been carried out around the building, the new fresh colour scheme, enhanced external lighting and brand new signage has really helped to restore life into this fantastic, historical building.”

    On the back of the success of a recently launched sandwich, Panini and jacket potato menu, a brand new hot food menu has also been introduced to coincide with the grand re-opening and features pub classics such as “Retro Prawn Cocktail”, “Fish & Chips”, “Scampi & Chips” together with locally sourced “Procters” sausages and regional specials. Sunday lunches to be launched soon!

    Mr Knight and his Team have high hopes for the new development, stating: “we are here for the whole of Suffolk and surrounding areas to enjoy – we intend to provide a warm welcome and a top class and affordable range of food and drinks within a safe and homely environment”. We also have 2 double guest rooms available on a room only basis at a very competitive rate of from £20.00 per night per room.

    Over the next few months Mr Knight will be developing The County of Suffolk’s offer with speciality evenings such as “sausage & cider week”, “quiz nights”, and themed evenings in the lead up to Christmas.

    The pub is open 12noon until 11pm, 7 days a week and offers a wide range of draught beers and cider with weekly specials of hand pumped real ale. A full selection of soft drinks, together with teas and coffees are available throughout the day.

    The County of Suffolk is a gay-run, gay-friendly venue welcoming the whole of the LGB&T community.

     

  • Gay women release calendar for Breast Cancer Care

    A group of fearless women have dropped their clothes for a calendar which they hope will raise much-needed funds for breast cancer care and the Breast Cancer Campaign.

    The Calendar has been made by a group of friends that got together in aid of Breast Cancer Campaign, some are survivors, some are Mothers, Sisters, Aunties, and Friends of Women that have passed away, and who would like to dedicate this calendar to them.

    None of the models are professionals, none of the photographers are professionals & nor are the editors. What we are is a group of “real gay women” who worked together to support a “real cause” & we truly hope you’ll support us by buying one of our calendars.

    You can find ou more by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gaywomenuk you can also donate to their just giving page at: http://www.justgiving.com/teams/GayWomen

  • English Gay Youth Twice As Likely To Smoke And Drink Hazardously

    A study by University College London has concluded that young lesbians and gays in England are twice as likely to drink and smoke.

    Young people who identify their sexuality as lesbian or gay are twice as likely to have smoked than their heterosexual peers, according to new research published by BMJ Open. They were also more likely to have consumed alcohol and at more hazardous levels.

    The research data was accumulated from data of over 7600 participants. This representative sample of school students entered the study at age 13 or 14 and they were followed for 5 years. The participants were asked about their smoking and alcohol use.

    At the age of 18/19 they were asked about their sexual identity.

    Young people who identified as LGB which accounted for around 3.5% of the sample were twice as likely to have smoked and used alcohol.

    Gay or lesbian participants were more likely to say that they drank alcohol frequently (more than weekly), and report hazardous alcohol drinking patterns (frequent intoxication).

    Dr Joanna Semlyen, one of the authors of the studied said,

    ‘There are several reasons why LGB young people may be more likely to smoke tobacco and drink alcohol hazardously and we do not, as yet, due to lack of research, have definitive evidence as to what the reasons are, however, we suspect that the impact of homophobia and heterosexism within society, in addition to the possible experience of homophobic bullying whilst at school, may lead to what we call ‘minority stress’ or in increased low self esteem which young people then perhaps seek to alleviate with smoking and/or alcohol.’

    Bisexual participants were more likely to have smoked but had similar alcohol use patterns to their heterosexual peers.

    Lead researcher Dr Gareth Hagger-Johnson, from the UCL Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, said,

    “Our research shows that despite recent social change, young people today who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual are twice as likely to have smoked as their heterosexual peers. Gay and lesbian young people also appear to have more frequent and more hazardous alcohol drinking patterns than heterosexuals. Smoking and drinking alcohol frequently and hazardously can lead to chronic disease in later life, and so we should be worried about these health inequalities in this minority group and the longer term consequences they may face.”

    “From a public health perspective, we need to understand why young gay, lesbian and bisexual people are more likely to engage in risky health behaviours than their heterosexual peers,” continued Dr Hagger-Johnson. “This will need to involve longitudinal research, following a large sample of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people over time. We are concerned that ‘minority stress’, resulting from homophobia and heterosexism, might lead people to self-medicate symptoms of anxiety and depression with cigarettes and alcohol.”

    When asked whether the government or the health service could do more to interface with young LGB, Dr Semlyen said,

    ‘As a researcher and LGBT Health Psychologist, I would like to see the routine collection of sexual orientation data within population based health and well-being studies and as part of the NHS’ own routine identity data collection. This would allow us to accurately determine the health inequalities being experienced by this group and, by virtue of being included, would go a long way to indicate to LGBT people that their health is being considered. LGB people want to be counted in surveys. Indeed we noted the question in this study had a very low refusal rate.’

     

    If you have been effected by issues in this article and wish to talk to someone visit: http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

  • THEATRE REVIEW | House of Burlesque

    ★★★★ | House of Burlesque

    International burlesque sensation Tempest Rose’s House of Burlesque is an evening of comedy, circus, music, politics and, yes, several beautiful ladies wearing very little. Above all else though, it’s an evening of glamorous, decadent fun.

    The first thing to strike you as the introductory group dance starts is the sheer variety of shapes on view – not just wafer thin model types; these are real ladies with real ladies’ curves, and the evening is all the better for it.

    Tempest Rose has a natural warmth which suits her role as ring mistress perfectly. Her humour and quick wit, combined with a touch of sass and oodles of sex appeal, hold the audience in the palm of her perfectly manicured hands from the very moment she takes the stage. She has a voice as smooth as velvet and her rendition of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the most beautiful covers I have heard.

    The first solo performance comes from Betsy Rose, who gives us a military themed routine, moving in perfect unison with the beat. This is a lady who knows her body and how to work it to both excite and entice her audience, striking just the right level of suggestion and sexuality.

    The wonderfully expressive Audacity Chutzpah slips from one persona to another with grace during a routine that is as comedic as it is political. As she charts the women’s rights movement through the decades, one cannot help but think that if all history lessons were like this, a lot more people would take note.

    Rapidly becoming a firm favourite of mine, the delightfully sensual Jolie Papillon performs a peacock routine that shows her off to her very best. This girl can move, and does so with a sensuality and provocative grace that is undeniably erotic. Also, as if purposefully, her peacock tail gives me the feathery fabulousness I so desperately crave, thereby restoring my gay credentials for a review in which I’m aware it sounds like they’re rapidly diminishing!

    Proving once and for all just how hot burlesque can be, Trixi Tassels enters in a black leather trenchcoat and demonstrates within seconds the command she holds over her audience. In a perfectly choreographed fire-based routine, the seams of her clothes simply melt away.

    Other excellent performances on the night come from Leonie Soprano (the vanishing showgirl), Jo Foley and Graeme Clint (comedic acrobatic trapeze duo) and Chloe Hannah Lloyd (hula hoops). All acts were ably assisted by the “Stage Kittens” Fille J’adore and Gracie Disgrace.

    Whatever your persuasion; whether you fancy men or women, both or neither, or any variation thereof, this is a deliciously decadent night that dazzles and delights all who attend.

     

    House of Burlesque returns to the London Wonderground on September 5 and 11. Tickets are £15.50 from www.londonwonderground.co.uk/houseofburlesque

  • Police Appeal For Witnesses After Anti-Gay Attack On Piccadilly Line

    British Transport Police (BTP) are looking for witnesses after a man assaults two passengers and makes homophobic remarks.

    * Officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man and woman were assaulted on the Tube.

    * The incident happened around 3pm on Monday, 8 July onboard an eastbound Piccadilly line train travelling between Hounslow East and Northfields London Underground (LU) stations.

    * News comes same day as BTP release data showing that homophobic attacks on the UK’s transport system have risen from 2011/12 to 2012/13

     

    PC Paul Franklin, the investigating officer, said: “Three men and a woman were standing on the platform at Hounslow East LU station when a man made homophobic remarks towards them.

    “The argument continued on the train and the woman was assaulted by the man.

    “A member of the public then intervened and he too was assaulted by the man. The altercation spilled out on to the platform at Northfields LU station and the victim left the station before police arrived.”

    PC Franklin added: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and, at this stage, I am appealing for anyone who was at the station to come forward with information about what they saw.”

    A 27-year-old man from Hounslow has been arrested in connection with the incident and bailed pending further enquiries.

     

    9 Fold Increase in Homophobic Attacks

    BTP also revealed statistics that show recorded offences of homophobic crimes reported on the London Underground have risen 9 fold in the period 1st Oct 2011 – 31st January 2012 to 1st Oct 2012 – 31st January 2013.

    Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference B3/LUA of 12/08/13 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Gay wedding “bombed” on the Island of Haiti

    A British man and his partner have had their wedding attacked by an anti-gay mob in Haiti.

    The French news agency AFP is reporting that several people have been injured after a homophobic group hurled rocks and home-made bombs at the ceremony in Haiti’s capital Port-Au-Prince.
    The British man, who is identified as a Red Cross worker, is said to be unhurt.
    Speaking to TheGayUK a spokesperson for the BritishRedCross said they did have ‘comprehensive security rules’ to protect those people working and volunteering for the organisations.
    Two cars were set alight and numerous windows smashed at the residence were the ceremonies was said to have taken place.
    A local inspector, Patrick Rosarion told the AFP that intervention by the police prevented someone being killed by the mob.
    “This is a criminal act and homophobic,” said Charlot Jeudy, an official from Kouraj (Courage), a group that defends the rights of homosexuals in Haiti.
    “There is no justification for this kind of attack on people in a private residence. Hopefully the justice authorities will react to the perpetrators of this act.”
    Same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults in private has been legal since 1986. The age of consent is eighteen.

  • Sale of “at home” HIV testing kits to be made legal

    HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust has welcomed the Department of Health’s announcement that the sale of HIV self-testing kits is to be made legal in the UK.

    Policy Director Lisa Power said: “We warmly welcome this decision, which Terrence Higgins Trust has long campaigned for. People deserve to have a choice about how and where they test for HIV and proper regulation will make self-testing a safe and supported option for many more people across the country. The public response to our highly successful home sampling scheme shows that many people who have never tested before, or who have been putting off a visit to a clinic, are willing to test at home.

    “Currently, most HIV transmission in the UK is driven by the 25,000 people who have HIV but have not yet been diagnosed. Anything that encourages these people to test, take control of their health and get treatment is a welcome advance.”

    Since 1992, the sale of self-testing kits for HIV has been illegal in the UK. Kits can currently be purchased over the internet, but they are unregulated, often of very poor quality and lack important information on HIV transmission and where to get support.

    In 2010, Terrence Higgins Trust surveyed 657 people via newsletters, social media, and other online media. Of the 490 respondents that had not tested HIV-positive, 63% said they would consider using HIV self-testing kits if they were legalised and 51% thought legalisation would make them test more often. Among gay men, one of the groups most at risk of HIV in the UK, 60% thought legalisation would make them test more often.

    In January 2013, Terrence Higgins Trust and Public Health England co-launched their first HIV home sampling scheme, where people in groups at an increased risk of infection could request a free HIV test by post. Since launch, the scheme has provided almost 9,000 home sampling kits to gay men and Africans in England, receiving over 1,400 requests in the first month alone.

    For more information on HIV testing options, including Terrence Higgins Trust’s community testing clinics and home sampling service, please visit www.tht.org.uk.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Velma Celli, Hippodrome Casino

    The stylishly sophisticated Hippodrome Casino is exactly the right venue for this glamorous, exquisitely fun evening of songs, bendy men and burlesque, hosted by the very fabulous Velma Celli.

    Each of the performers are a delight, but none outshine Velma herself, who sings and dances her way through the evening with a dazzling presence that is captivating and hugely enjoyable. The alter-ego of Ian Stroughair, a well known name on the West End stage in his own right, Velma takes the drag concept to whole new dizzy heights, ably accompanied throughout by Musical Director, Joe Louis Robinson.

    This evening’s guest performer is Jordan Lee Davies, who recently appeared on The Voice. He is a little lost on some of the harder notes of his otherwise beautiful rendition of ‘Just Like A Pill’, but leaves us in no doubt of his vocal capabilities when he performs ‘Suddenly Seymour’ as a duet with Velma Celli. My notes from his performance simply state “Every so often, hits a note that is so perfect it’s f**king scary!”

    Amanda Posner has a voice so smooth it is like melted chocolate and is a genuine privilege to hear. Posner returns in Act 2 as her alter-ego, Mr Fox, who adds a fabulous twist when he duets with Velma. It is a rare treat indeed to see a Drag King and Queen duet performed with such vocal precision. Their ‘Ode to Kerry Katona’ is comedy gold, and sums up what the majority of their audience feel about Katona’s recent casting as Marilyn Monroe in Norma Jeane the Musical.

    An extra dose of glamour, delight and sensuality arrives in the form of Jolie Papillon, who teases us to breathtaking perfection. Everything a burlesque performance should be, Ms Papillon’s routine is sexy, funny, expressive and very, very cheeky. I have long been a fan of burlesque when it is performed well, and this is an absolute pleasure to watch.I mentioned bendy men earlier, and the first of these is Jonathan Finch who is listed simply as a “hand balancer,” which does neither him nor his act any real justice. Finch performs acts of strength, balance and, yes, bending that frankly defy the laws of physics.

    Another bendy man comes in the form of Ben Brown, who performs some of the best aerial hoop work I have seen. A visual treat, Brown is stunningly attractive and it is hard not to be mesmerised by the sheer physical perfection of his boxer short-clad body. However, the grace and dexterity he displays with his hoop soon outshine anything else as he twists into seemingly impossible shapes with breathtaking precision.

    All too soon, the evening is over, and I leave the Hippodrome with that wonderful rush that can only be gained from seeing something so exceptionally wonderful. I am left in no doubt that the name on everybody’s lips is, indeed, going to be Velma.

    Velma Celli next performs at the Hippodrome Casino on 22 August. Tickets range from £10-£30 and are available from http://www.hippodromecasino.com/velma-celli-show.