Plans to turn public toilets into gender-neutral spaces were unveiled this week, by London mayor Sadiq Khan.
London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has plans to turn the capital’s toilets into gender-neutral spaces, a move that he hopes will reflect the capital’s incredible diversity. Advocates of gender-neutral spaces see the policy helping trans and non-binary people feel more comfortable.
Sadiq’s “London Plan” will call on building planners and developers to include more gender-neutral toilets in places like leisure centres, shopping malls and cinemas, in a bid to reflect London’s diverse population.
Gender-neutral toilets are usually toilets in separate cubicles, with a shared hand washing and drying area. Doors and walls of each cubicle are floor to ceiling length. These spaces could house baby changing facilities and have better access for people with disabilities.
“We need a range of toilets to reflect diversity”
Mr Khan said, “I have vowed to be a Mayor for all Londoners so I am determined to ensure that everyone has the ability to enjoy our great city to its fullest.
“Toilets are a vital public service and can help to shape the experience of the capital for those who live here and for those visiting.
“We need a range of toilets that reflect the incredible diversity of this city – giving people the confidence to move around London with dignity.”
Guidelines
The guidelines are only advisory for planners, however, many councils have adopted the ideas.
The Mayor’s plans also call for management, surveillance and cleaning procedures to be agreed at the planning stage. It also calls for the installation of free drinking fountains.
There are many businesses and public spaces that have already adopted gender-neutral facilities, the Barbican Centre, as well as Channel 4’s headquarters, have non-gendered toilet areas.
Being diagnosed with any kind of cancer can be a devastating experience, but can you start to think about sex again after treatment?
For men, a testicular or prostate cancer diagnosis and the treatment of those cancers can lead to so many questions about their sex lives. We spoke to Dr Becky Spelman who is a relationship expert at We-Vibe who explained to us male cancers can be an emotional blow and can have a deep impact on the sex lives of survivors.
She told us,
“Engaging with our sex life after a serious illness is always a challenge—and it’s even trickier after treatment for a condition such as prostate or testicular cancer. Survivors of prostate or testicular cancer may feel like they are “less of a man”, and this can pose a significant emotional blow, which can impact seriously on their sex life. They might feel unattractive, or that the illness was their fault, for some reason they don’t understand and can’t articulate. It’s important to understand that the illness is no one’s fault. Anyone can get sick. Take the time you need to engage with the emotional as well as the physical side of the healing process, and attend a professional therapist, or group therapy, if you feel it will help”.
Things after cancer change
Men who survive cancer can find problems with maintaining erections. Dr Becky explains,
“Survivors of these kinds of cancer may have to live with the reality of a very different sex life than the one they had before. Many men will now be unable to maintain an erection. While this can mean the end of penetrative sex, it doesn’t have to mean the end of all sex, forever. Lots of sex acts don’t involve penetration—and, of course, there’s nothing to prevent a post-operative man from being the receptive partner in lovemaking. An open mind, and the willingness to experiment will open up possibilities that you might never have considered before.
Men who have had prostate cancer, can continue to have anal sex, but the charity, Prostate Cancer UK warns, “Some men who receive anal sex find that after having their prostate removed their experience of sex changes.
“Bowel problems and sensitivity in the anus after radiotherapy can also be an issue. It’s best to wait until your symptoms have settled before trying anal play or sex. If you’ve had permanent seed brachytherapy there is a risk in the first few months that your partner might be exposed to some radiation during sex. Talk to your doctor or nurse about when it’s safe to have sex.”
Acceptance
“People in recovery from serious illness can be horrified to find themselves struggling with negative emotions such as resentment. They may feel that it’s not fair that they got sick when others, who perhaps have less healthy lifestyles, are just fine. While these are not noble emotions, they are understandable.
Rather than ignoring them or pushing them below the surface, you need to accept that they are there, and find a way to manage them. There’s lots of help out there for people recovering from serious illness. People can and do recover from the trauma of illness all the time—and rebuild healthy sex lives in the process”.
Westboro Baptist Church has lost a legal battle to protest at funerals in Nebraska.
The Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) has lost a legal battle meaning that it cannot protest within 500 feet of cemeteries mortuaries or churches, one hour before a funeral or two hours after it has taken place.
The law which was enacted in 2006 forbids the WBC or any other group to demonstrate during the hours in which a funeral takes place.
The WBC is infamous for its noisy protests outside funerals of openly gay people and the funerals of military personnel.
KOAM TV revealed that the WBC challenged the law, but were unsuccessful in the lower courts, the US Supreme court said it wouldn’t take up the case.
Speaking to Reuters, the church’s lawyer, Margie Phelps, said that they would continue in their endeavours.
The wait time before gay and bisexual men can legally give blood has been reduced from 12 months.
The UK now has one of the most progressive blood donation policies, concerning donations from gay and bisexual men, in the world. From today, gay and bi men will no longer have to abstain from sex for 12 months before they can donate blood. The new wait period is three months. Despite this, critics are still calling on the Government to go further.
In July the Government announced that it would be reducing the deferral period for gay men and other groups from 12 months to three, which means the UK now has one of the world’s most progressive deferral-based blood donation policies.
However, this still means that men, who are in long-term, committed relationships with other men, are still unable to donate blood.
Fundamental Shift
Blood equality campaigners, FreedomToDonate, has long argued that a 12 month deferral period is unjustifiable in light of today’s scientific and medical capabilities.
The campaign’s founder, Ethan Spibey, who has a particularly personal reason to welcome today’s new policy, said, “Today marks a fundamental shift in blood donation policy recognising the contribution gay men and other groups make. For me, this was always about being able to repay the donors who saved my grandad’s life.
“As the new guidelines come into effect, this step change really does mean that the UK is leading the way in deferral-based blood donation models and and has a role to play in moving towards a safe and truly fair blood donation policy for all.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the FreedomToDonate team and our supporters, who working together have achieved something which will help more people than ever who are in need of blood.”
Stewart McDonald MP, who co-chairs the APPG on Blood Donation which undertook an Inquiry into blood donation policy said, “It’s fantastic that these guidelines have now come into effect which the APPG on Blood Donation recommended throughout the course of its Inquiry. It means more people than ever will be able to take the life-saving act of donating blood.”
Who can’t donate blood in the UK?
The following demographics are not permitted to donate blood in the UK.
Gay and bisexual men who have had sex in the last months
Women who have had sex with a man who has had sex with another man in the previous three months
Sex workers
Somone who has had sex for money or drugs
Someone who has had sex with a “high risk” partner
Those who over 25 stone in the weight
Those under seven stone in weight
Those who are over 70 years old
People on antibiotics
People who are pregnant
Those who have travelled from or through certain countries
An Egyptian court on Sunday sentenced 14 men convicted of being homosexuals to three years in jail each for “abnormal” sexual relations, a defence lawyer said. Ishaq Wadie said the men were released on bail of 5,000 Egyptian pounds ($283, 230 euros) each until an appeals trial.
Take your damned laptop out of your cabin bag… creep.
In this golden age of travel, most of the millennial generation have been on international flights by the time they hit puberty. But just because travel is such a regular part of our lives these days, it doesn’t mean that all etiquette should go out the window. It’s very easy to let jet lag and frustration get the better of you, but if you’re doing any of these nine things, then you’re probably a travel asshole and should stop immediately.
Note: This listicle may contain angry ranting and passive aggressive comments from a traveller who gets very irritable when flying.
We’ve all seen those TV shows in which airport staff are screamed at by angry tourists with a 4-hour delay. But more often than not it’s not their fault. Imagine yourself in their shoes before taking your jet lag-fuelled frustration out on them.
2. Rummaging for your passport when you get to the check-in counter
You’ve been queuing for the last 20 minutes to check in, that’s plenty of time to get out your passport and any other documentation that you know you’ll need when you get to the check-in counter.
You know they need to see your passport, so have it out and ready to speed things up.
3. Leaving liquids in your carry-on
Even if you’ve never flown before, surely you must know that you can’t take liquids in your carry-on luggage.
There are signs saying this pretty much everywhere.
So if you have to take liquids on board, put them in a plastic baggy BEFORE you get to the airport. And please please please, don’t be that jerk who gets all the way to the security check before taking them out of your bag.
What do you think the rest of us have been doing while we queued?!
4. Same with laptops
Now I don’t know why the X-Ray machine needs your laptop to be out of your bag, but it does. So use your time while waiting to take it out (along with your liquids), so you can put it straight in that plastic tub and head straight through.
5. Rushing to board at the gate
Most boarding procedures call up passengers to board based on their zones, so know which one is yours and wait your turn. Those with children and those needing assistance will always board first, but don’t panic; they’re not taking your seat, it’ll still be there for you when you board in a minute. You’re going to be sitting in it for the next few hours, what’s your rush?
6. Blocking the aisles while boarding
You might need to go through your bag to take out your book, snacks, and iPad, but please don’t do it while standing in the aisle.
There are a lot of people trying to get to their seat, and they shouldn’t have to wait for you to find and untangle your headphones before getting past.
7. Using the bathroom while people are boarding
You know what’s more annoying than someone standing in the aisle while 200 people try to board a plane? Someone walking in the opposite direction of 200 people trying to board a flight. Either use the loo before you get on board or hold it until you’re up in the air.
8. Putting your seat back while someone behind you is eating
That’s just a dick move. You’re probably eating too, so sit up straight and let them eat their “delicious” aeroplane meal in peace.
9. Getting up before the seat belt sign has been turned off
They say this every time, and without fail a load of jerks will jump out of their seats the second the plane touches the ground to clamber for their bags. Wait until it’s safe and then chill out and get your bag.
We’re not going anywhere yet as they haven’t parked the plane, so there’s no need to elbow Grandma out of the way to get your bags before she does.
Top tips to get ahead and save you from meeting a man like your granddad unless, of course, that is your thing.
Prove the picture is him
If he has a profile photo and you are meeting through an app, right-click the image and google it to make sure it is him.
Name check
If you have a forename and surname back to the search engine and check out social media accounts, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Web trawl
Your research could mean you will be able to cross reference the image to make sure it is current. Find out about his hobbies. Read his posts and find out about likes and dislikes. Check out his family and friends.
Lookout online for Ex’s they will almost certainly have a story to tell or have poured it out all over their timeline and feeds. Follow the trail of crumbs.
Somewhere in all of this, you may find out about his sexual health and preferences.
There may be professional profiles enabling you to look at the work play contrast.
If you still want to meet him and you have not been put off by your research, now is the time to use the insight you have gleaned.
Chat with him before a date
Is the guy a big drinker? If so go for a meal unless you are thinking of loosening him up and getting into the sac.
For a meal, you may already know where he likes to eat or perhaps a favourite food. Coffee or Cognac? All this insider information could make you look intuitive and compatible. Just remember if he knows all there is about you too, it is time to smile at each other and reveal you are both members of Stalkers Anonymous!
“STOP THE BUS!” You will have a foot in the door and established a rapport with these cheats, but now it is time to interact.
First Date Advice
Best advice for a first date is listen and learn. You already know about yourself, so give the guy some time to tell you about him. Wait and see if he wants to learn about and ask about you.
If he loves puppies and brought you flowers (did I mention a small gift as an icebreaker) is attentive and smiles a lot, brushing aside questions about himself, he could be a keeper
Get Out Clause
Have an out option in case he is not for you and the thought of spending another minute with him is hell on earth. I usually have a text ready to send and a friend primed to call me if I am bored, frightened or falling into the whirly pits of despair with a guy on a first date.
Leave the house empty
Finally, before leaving the house, have a wank. There is nothing worse than being so eager for “an empty” that it blurs your senses.
Nothing’s changing.
We’re all still born male or female. The only confusion is being caused by radical transgender activist bullying. https://t.co/YNPpQ9sn5c
Nothing’s changing.
We’re all still born male or female. The only confusion is being caused by radical transgender activist bullying. https://t.co/YNPpQ9sn5c
Well, our favourite American Idol legend, Adam Lambert reminded us that he was going gender fluid waayyyy before Piers was getting his knickers in a twist about it.
Taking to Instagram, Adam shared two covers from his first ever album, For Your Entertainment, saying, “I was feelin my gender fluid (and fully photoshopped) glam rock fantasy.”
The album, Adam’s first, was released 8 years ago.
Giving some insight about his first release, Adam revealed that many retailers were actually “uncomfortable” with the initial cover and the record label cowed to them, providing a second image for the cover.
He said, “The powers that be released a second cover for retailers who felt ‘uncomfortable’ w the original. (Even though I was still fully painted) Hahha seems so funny now…. but just 8 yrs ago it was a much different climate.”
We’re not so sure Adam… that the climate is that different, judging by comments by Piers.
Mirror mirror on the wall who has the biggest of them all?
(C) BRANDON MYERS / INSTAGRAM
Damm those pesky adjacent mirrors at your spa. You think you’re covering yourself up… but it turns out you’re just giving the world an even bigger show. And by bigger, we of course me, eye-watering.
The Bromans star was just hanging out… and although he’s usually quite open with his body, maybe this picture on Instagram just showed a little too much… or maybe, actually this wasn’t an accident at all.
If you’re wondering where exactly you should be looking – it’s not actually any of his reflections.
In an eye-opening interview with the iconic designer and creator of the heritage 60’s fashion label BIBA, Barbara Hulanicki talked about her friendship with the legend Freddie Mercury – and his love of her make up range.
By FreddieMercurySinging21978.jpg: Carl Lenderderivative work: Lošmi – FreddieMercurySinging21978.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7798754
Speaking to THEGAYUK in 2015 Barbara revealed, that in her company’s early days it “… attracted some very special customers too including Freddie Mercury who loved their make-up. Barbara reveals the iconic singer was dating her shop manager, Mary Austin. Mary Austin was known as the girlfriend of Freddie Mercury. She was left the majority of his estate when he died of AIDS-related illnesses in 1991.
Barbara explains that one day she found Mary crying and that she admitted that Freddie had confided his worries about his sexuality.
“However one day I came across a very distraught Mary crying her eyes out and when I asked what the matter was, she told me that Freddie didn’t know if he was going to be gay or straight.”
Freddie Mercury died in Kensington, from Bronchopneumonia brought on by AIDS in 1991.
Freddie himself never publicly came out as gay or bisexual but did tell The NME in December 1974, “Let’s put it this way: there were times when I was young and green. It’s a thing schoolboys go through. I’ve had my share of schoolboy pranks. I’m not going to elaborate further.”
Among other highlights, Barbara is also famed for giving Anna Wintour her start in fashion.
TGUK: And did the future Grand Dame of Vogue Anna Wintour really start her career as your Saturday girl?
BH: Yes.
TGUK: So you taught her all she knows? (laughs) And do you think that Ms Wintour has this first job down on her resume?
BH: No comment.
TGUK: Well if you are going to be tactful about this, can you agree that she may have copied her signature habit of wearing oversized glasses from you?
(Roars laughing)
Read the full interview with Barbara Hulanicki in issue 9 of TheGayUK available on Apple And Android or click here
