THEGAYUK

Category: Front Page

  • Daily Mail returns to Virgin trains after outcry

    Virgin boss Richard Branson on Monday said he would resume offering the right-wing tabloid the Daily Mail on his trains after a decision not to stock them sparked accusations of censorship last week … (more…)

  • India Willoughby is the first evictee from Celebrity Big Brother

    Controversial housemate, India Willoughby is the first housemate to be evicted from Celebrity Big Brother.

    On Tuesday night, Emma Willis entered the Celebrity Big Brother house and surprised the sixteen housemates with live face-to-face nominations. The girls voted in a showdown that left India and Jonny up for the public vote.

    Since Tuesday, viewers have been voting to save either India or Jonny. Tonight, in the first live eviction of the series, Emma revealed live to the house that India received the fewest votes and would be the first housemate to leave Celebrity Big Brother January 2018.

    After saying goodbye to her fellow housemates, India was greeted to cheers from the crowd.

    Emma asked if India expected to be nominated, “I sensed it in the room actually. The whole three bears episode. Honestly, that was another big mistake. I watch Big Brother every year and I know it’s crucial to get a good bed because obviously sleep is a big issue in there. Paramount in my head, as soon as I got in the house, I wanted a single bed. It was just one of those things; I didn’t see that it was Ann’s bed.”

    Asked if she thought the outcome would have been different if the male housemates were able to nominate, India told Emma, “I don’t think so. I think I peeved them off on the first night that they came in with that question about gender and love. That got their hackles up a little bit. My tactics were all over the place.”

    Emma asked if she went in there to play a game, and India replied, “I was psyched up to mix it a little bit. Maybe have some confrontations; just stir things up, cause a little bit of trouble. But it’s not that sort of house.”

    When asked about Shane J, India told Emma, “Shane in there has been terrific. He’s a great guy, we’ll stay friends after this show.”

    Emma asked India about Ashley and Ginuwine, “I don’t think it is a showmance, honestly. It is genuine that they like each other. The eye contact is consistent.”

    India wants Shane J to win, “for me, he’s the star of the show.”

    Tune into Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On The Side with Rylan Clark-Neale at 11:05pm on Channel 5. Celebrity Big Brother returns tomorrow night at 10:30pm on Channel 5, or catch it first on 5Star at 9pm. Emma will be back next Friday at 9pm for a live DOUBLE eviction.

  • Underwear company Andrew Christian is facing a boycott after Tom Daley leak

    “Boycott”

    Famed underwear company, Andrew Christian is facing a boycott from angry consumers after it blasted its mailing list with the nude leaks alleged to be of diver Tom Daley.

    Customers vented their anger at the clothing company, accusing them of using the leaked pictures as a marketing tool, some even suggested that the Olympic medalist should even take legal action against the company that was founded by Andrew Christian, himself.

    The email was met with disgust from some on social media.

     

    Andrew Christian often uses its mailing list to direct potential customers to its blog or “feed” and often hosted stories of leaks or pictures of near-naked men. Other times the mailing list is used to notify subscribers of deals and money off offers.

    The link contained in the email about Tom Daley now forwards users to a 404 page.

    THEGAYUK.com reached out Andrew Christian for comment asking if the Andrew Christian brand had received a take-down notice from Tom Daley’s legal representatives and whether Andrew Christian himself feels that it is right to utilise personal, private leaked photos of someone for marketing purposes.

     

     

     

  • Transgender star of Big Brother dies unexpectedly

    The star of 2009’s series of Big Brother Rekebah Shelton has died unexpectedly

    ** This story has been updated, click here to read the update.

    Rebekah Shelton, who fans of the show may remember her when she entered the house as Rodrigo Lopes, has died unexpectedly at the age of 32. The news was confirmed by a Tweet from her official, verified Twitter account. Rekebah was, according to her Twitter account living in Dubai.

    A tweet from her personal account read, “We’re sorry to inform everyone of the sad news that our wonderful and lovely Rebekah died unexpectedly on Wednesday night.

    “We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time.”

    Ms Shelton hadn’t been using the platform much in 2017. Her last update was in November when she updated her profile picture (ABOVE). The tweet before that was sent in June and said, “Im [sic] sending this tweet to you people who still like me for some reason. People from the UK who always loved and accepted me for who I am”.

    Rebekah Shelton transitioned in 2012. Speaking about her transition she said, “I always felt like I had a woman inside of me, always, but I used to hide it. I’ve always liked make-up, treatments and other womanly things, and I was 18 when I first started experimenting. But early this year I told my best friend Andrea how I was really feeling.

    “She encouraged me. When I came back to the UK I started wearing my friends’ clothes first, then I began shopping for them”.

    Emotional about transition

    In early 2017 an emotional Shelton shared a video on Twitter over her confusion and upset over her transition. Speaking via Twitter, in Tweets that she’s now deleted, she spoke of her journey, since embarking on a series of operations to fulfil her transition. She spoke of her loneliness and the discrimination she’s faced since beginning her physical transition.

    She was left questioning whether the transition was worth it.

    The videos were uploaded after she managed to log into her old Rodrigo Facebook account and left the star feeling emotional. She said,

    “I went on, after five years, I was trying to find the Facebook account, as Rodrigo, you know, from the past. I was shocked, it’s hard to go through everything I’ve been through – having all these surgeries and things. It’s crazy when you look at yourself and the way you used to be, and it makes you wonder, what have I done?”

    “If you are following me and you want to transition, think. Think, once, twice, three times, four times, five times, because it’s not easy. You have more opportunities in your birth gender because there is still discrimination. There is still discrimination, you know so just think.”

     

    Ill Health and Coma

    In 2014 the star fell into a coma after it was discovered she had a brain tumour.

    Taking to Shelton’s official Twitter her family tweeted, ‘The doctors found a head tumour and she is in come [sic]. We cannot speak anymore. Please just pray for our Rebekah’

    The cause of Shelton’s death is unknown at this time.

  • Homophobic abuse on the UK’s train system continues with another incident

    Police are appealing for information after a passenger was homophobically abused by a fellow passenger.

    A passenger on a train travelling between London and Birmingham on the 23rd December was homophobically abused while waiting to use the onboard toilet, British Transport Police say.

    The passenger who is 23, was waiting to use the toilet when a fellow passenger allegedly started to make homophobic comments.

    Onboard CCTV shows the man later putting another passenger, a teenage boy in a headlock.

    The individual that police would like to speak to alighted the train in Wolverhampton. If you know the man picture BTP would like to hear from you.

    They told us, “Hate crime of any description will not be tolerated on the rail network”.

    Do you recognise the man in this image? Officers would like to speak to him as they believe he may have information which could help the investigation.

    String of homophobic incidents

    This incident is just the latest in a string of homophobic attacks that have taken place on the UK’s train system. In early December a man allegedly abused two women, and two teenagers were arrested following an attack where a young man was forced into a headlock and told to apologise for being gay.

    In November, another man was “punched repeatedly” outside Charing Cross station, just a few hundred meters from one of London’s highest-profile gay clubs, heaven.

    In September a woman hurled homophobic abuse at two men on a train between Havant and Pulborough, with one of the victims suffering an injury after the women threw a glass jar at them.

    In September, three teenagers pleaded guilty to attacking two boyfriends on a train in Ealing. They were jailed for their attack.

    Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016, with reference 495 of 23 December.

  • India Willoughby: Women like me are drowned out by the LGBT narrative

    India Willougby has hit out at the LGBT+ community saying that women like her have been silenced.

    Celebrity Big Brother housemate, India Willoughby has said that she feels that ‘women like her’ have been drowned out by the current “LGBT narrative that is going on”.

    The trans newsreader, who has already criticised the genderfluid and non-binary community for what she feels “cheapens” the seriousness around transgender issues, was expressing how she felt men in the house would be more comfortable flirting with Shane Jenek (Courtney Act) because “he’s a gay guy” than herself, because she’s a trans woman.

    Shane was quick to point out that perhaps it was most likely because of his demeanour not just because he was a gay guy.

    India went on to explain that it was part of the problem of being “hitched” to the LGBT community.

    Shane responded by reminding India that women like India have actually been “uplifted” by the community. He told India, “… the LGBT has enabled you to be here and have this voice… by lobbying, essentially, with the LG and the B… we now have an environment where someone can be trans and be a newsreader”.


    CBB continues tonight on Channel 5 at 9 PM

  • Actually, it seems Tim Farron does think gay sex is a sin

    Tim Farron misled the British people on his views on homosexuality – can he ever be trusted again?

    Former Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Farron, who was asked repeatedly during the General Election 2017 whether he thought gay sex was a sin or not has revealed that he actually regrets some of the things he said during the GE2017.

    Farron stepped down as the party’s leader shortly after the results of the General Election were announced.

    Today during an interview with Premier Christian Radio the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale said that he had felt under pressure to mislead the public on his true thoughts about the subject and that he had regrets for some of the things he said during the many times he was questioned about his beliefs.

    He told them,

    “The bottom line is, of course, I did [feel pressured] and there are things – including that – that I said that I regret.

    “There was a General Election and all they wanted to do was talk about my Christian beliefs. I foolishly and wrongly attempted to push it away by giving an answer that frankly was not right.

    He added, “I found myself in a situation, partly because of events beyond my control and partly because of things that were my fault, where I either had to be compromising my faith and say things that were not true – or be true to my faith, and be in a situation where I sucked all of the attention away from our main message.”

    Dodging gay questions

    During the election, the Prime Minister hopeful repeatedly dodged questions about his beliefs. He finally, during an interview on the BBC, said specifically that he didn’t think that gay sex was a sin. The week before he told the House Of Commons that he didn’t think that being gay was a sin.

    During his time as an MP, according to TheyWorkForYou.com Farron has for voted for gay equality six times, once against and was absent for three votes.

    ‘Christians have a clear idea of what sin is’

    Continuing with Premier Christian Radio, Farron said,

    “It’s tricky really. In the end, if you’re a Christian you’ve got a very clear idea of what you think a sin is. It is us falling short of the glory of God. That is something that all of us share.

    “To be asked that question is to persecute one group of human beings, because sin is something we are all guilty of.

    “If you’re not a Christian, what does sin mean? It’s to be accused of something, it’s condemnatory. We’re talking different languages.

    “Maybe I could have explained that, and the Biblical teaching on sex and sexuality. But let’s be brutally honest, with the exception of programmes like this you don’t get more than 20 seconds to get your message across.”

    Watch the full video here above.

     

     

  • Grindr is now 100 percent owned by Chinese gaming firm

    After purchasing a majority stake in Grindr last year, a Chinese gaming company has acquired the rest of the dating app for gay men from its founder Joel Simkhai, the West Hollywood company announced Friday. (more…)

  • Virgin Trains will no longer stock the Daily Mail

    “Not compatible with our beliefs”

    Virgin Trains have made the decision not to stock the Daily Mail after deeming that the paper’s ethos is not “compatible” with the ethos of Virgin Trains.

    The paper has historically come under strong criticism for the way it editorially deals with issues surrounding immigrants, LGBT+ issues and welfare recipients. The publisher, which also own the MailOnline website has also published controversial articles by Richard Littlejohn, Piers Morgan and Katie Hopkins.

    Staff at the train company were told via an internal memo that the Richard Branson backed train enterprise would no longer stock the paper in its shops or be provided in its first class carriages.

    The memo seen by PR Weekly reads, “Thousands of people choose to read the Daily Mail every day. But they will no longer be reading it courtesy of VT [Virgin Trains]. There’s been considerable concern raised by colleagues about the Mail’s editorial position on issues such as immigration, LGBT rights, and unemployment. We’ve decided that this paper is not compatible with the VT brand and our beliefs. We won’t be stocking the Daily Mail for sale or as a giveaway.”

    Mixed reaction

    The move has been praised and derided on Twitter. The anti-hate activism campaign, Stop Funding Hate has been a very vocal opponent of the Daily Mail and strongly encourages advertisers not to choose right-wing outlets for their marketing spend.

    Infowars editor-at-large, Paul Joseph Watson, hit out at Branson saying that the train company could possibly lose customers because of the decision to stop stocking the paper.

    In 2017 the Daily Mail was banned by Wikipedia as a citing source. Wikipedia has marked The Daily Mail as an “unreliable” source for stories and has banned its thousands of volunteer contributors from using the paper or the Mail Online as a source for facts after its volunteers decided that the 120-year-old newspaper was “unreliable” and that other sources should be cited.

    A spokesman for the Daily Mail said, “It is disgraceful that, at a time of massive customer dissatisfaction over ever-increasing rail fares, and after the taxpayer was forced to bail out Virgin’s East Coast mainline franchise – a decision strongly criticised by the Mail –  that Virgin Trains should now announce that for political reasons it is censoring the choice of newspapers it offers to passengers.”

  • Two men wanted after a “vicious” homophobic assault outside London nightclub

    Detectives in London are on the hunt after a victim was left with a fractured cheekbone in an attack described as vicious by two men.

    Police are calling on witnesses after a man, who was attending a themed night in a Tower Hamlets’ nightclub, was allegedly attacked by two men. The victim, Gordon Maxwell says he believes he was targetted because of his sexuality and is now afraid to leave his home.

    At the time the victim was wearing a white dress, ‘Doctor Martin’ boots and a brown jacket. He is around 6ft tall, of a slim build, with a goatee beard.

    Homophobia

    A man (Suspect One) was standing at some nearby barriers outside the club and made a homophobic comment towards Mr Maxwell.

    He is described as a white man, of medium build. He was wearing a blue coat with the hood up and a white peak coming out of the hood.

    The second attacker is described as aged between 19 and 28 years old, of an Asian or black appearance. He was wearing a blue puffa-style jacket with the hood up and a silver/white emblem on the left upper arm, dark tracksuit trousers with white lettering on the left leg and dark trainers with thick white soles.

    Following the attack, Mr Maxwell went back to the club and sought medical assistance from door staff.

    He later attended hospital where it was confirmed that he had a fractured cheekbone that would require reconstructive surgery.

    Shattered Confidence

    Mr Maxwell, from Greenwich, said, “I fully believe I was targeted that evening because of my sexuality.

    “I did not see the man that punched me; he ran at me from out of the blue, hit me and ran off.

    “This incident has had a massive affect on all aspects of my life. I am afraid to leave the house and to be at home alone. It has totally shattered my confidence.

    “I cannot feel the right side of my face including my right side of my nose. The surgeons say I may have permanent nerve damage. My mouth and right eye does not open fully and I have lost my sense of smell through one nostril.

    “I would like to urge anyone who saw the attack or thinks they know the people involved to come forward as I fully believe they may strike again – they must be stopped and brought to justice.”

    Caught on CCTV

    Detectives from Tower Hamlet have today released CCTV footage of the incident and a still image of the man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

    Detective Constable Alice Tiritas, from Tower Hamlets CID, said, “This was a vicious attack that took place very quickly outside a nightclub and has had very severe effects on the victim, both physically and mentally.

    “We take hate crime like this extremely seriously, and will do out utmost to bring perpetrators of this type of unacceptable attack, to justice. If there is anyone out there who saw these two men or heard them abused Gordon, please contact us as a matter of urgency.”

    Anyone with any information is asked to contact the investigation team on 020 7275 4601 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

     

  • 8 Things To Expect From A Trip To Israel

    8 Things To Expect From A Trip To Israel

    Israel is a land full of contradictions, as both the birthplace of the world’s three major religions and the first country in the entire Middle East to legalise gay marriage. It’s part desert, part war-zone, part perpetual pride parade.

    So here are a few things to expect should you decide to take a gay trip with a difference this year:

    1. There’s more than just Tel Aviv

    stefannyffenegger / Pixabay

    When people think of Israel, they think of the capital city, Tel Aviv. And while it may be the home of one of the world’s greatest and gayest pride celebrations, there is so much more to Israel than Tel Aviv.

    As the birthplace of human civilisation, the history of the country is staggering. I swear our tour guide very rarely began a story that didn’t start 2,000 years ago. At least. Much of the ancient structures are still there, allowing you to experience what life was like before Jesus.

    Locations like Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and Galilee, should definitely be included on any history buff’s itinerary.

    2. It’s VERY gay-friendly

     

    Despite its profoundly religious background, Israel is THE most progressive and gay-friendly country in the entire region. Having accepted gay marriage long before the UK did, that’s made even more impressive by the fact that the region and the country are so deeply religious.

    LGBT-friendly bars and clubs are everywhere in Tel Aviv, and there are plenty of LGBT tours that operate all year round for those wanting to see the sights with some fellow gays.

    3. It’s hot… in a good way

    In some of the mountainous areas, the winter months can see snow while the rest of the country is wearing shorts. We were hiking up mountains in shorts and floating in the Dead Sea in November, and it was GLORIOUS!

    4. It’s not cheap … not in a good way

    Despite the thrift market feel of some of Tel Aviv’s best shopping districts, the city and the country as a whole, are not cheap. So don’t go out expecting a bargain-basement break when you visit.

    5. Religion is EVERYWHERE

    rliessum / Pixabay

    Seeing as Jerusalem was where all three of the major religions were started, it’s not surprising that religion is deeply ingrained in Israel’s society to this day. It was fascinating (if not a little creepy) to be the only atheist in a city where Jesus himself hung out; seeing the tomb where he was supposedly buried, and the countless churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples crammed into this tiny little patch of land.

    6. You’ll eat a lot of hummus

    Ajale / Pixabay

    Every region in Israel claims to be the inventors of hummus, and that they make the best hummus in the world. So be expected to eat a lot of it. From luxury hotels to tiny street cafés, there’s plenty of variations to try, paired with endless servings of freshly baked pita. Indulge! It’s only chickpeas!

    7. They will talk about the war… and it will be awkward

    shafman / Pixabay

    When you tell your mum you’re going to Israel, she will invariably tell you to be careful. And with so much talk about the many wars that have taken place in this tiny stretch of land over the millennia, I can understand why. It took us five days of history lessons before we could finally grasp the intensely complicated history behind the civil unrest that is still taking place. However, there were times during our tour when we were a few scant kilometres from the action, and we never heard a thing.

    There are signs and novelty t-shirts making jokes about Palestine, but in my experience, it’s probably best not to joke about it too loudly if you’re not a local.

    8. Security is STRICT

    eommina / Pixabay

    I like to think I’m fairly well-travelled, and I have NEVER experienced anything like the check-in procedures when visiting Israel. I spent easily half an hour explaining every detail about my trip and my travel history to the woman at customs, all before I’d even checked my back. (It probably didn’t help that I grew up in the Middle East and have a load of Arabic stamps in my passport).

    I arrived 3 hours early, and I certainly needed that much time. They will ask lots of questions, they may take your passport and make you wait for ages, but they’re doing that so that they can keep their country safe. Do you blame them?