Edith Windsor, who helped end the ban on same-sex marriage has died at the age of 88.
Ms Windsor’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, announced that the same-sex marriage activist had died at the age of 88, in New York, USA. The cause of her death was not given, but Ms Windsor had been struggling with a heart condition for years.
Commenting on her death President Obama said that she was a “quiet” hero for the equality cause. He said, “Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor — and few made as big a difference to America.”
Ms Windsor was 81 when she brought a lawsuit (United States V. Windsor) which would end up being the turning point for LGBT rights in America. In 2009, after the death of her first wife, Thea Spyer, to whom she was married to in Canada, Ms Windsor was prevented from getting a marital deduction on Spyer’s estate, because their marriage was not legal in the US.
Ms Windsor was successful, with justices ruling 5-4 in June 2013. The law (the Defense of Marriage Act DOMA) was deemed unconstitutional and the stepping stones for same-sex marriage were in place. Same-sex marriage became legal in every state the US in 2015.
Ms Windsor remarried in 2016 to Judith Kasen, in New York City Hall.
Edith Windsor became a legend because of her tireless activism. Her legal action in United States V. Windsor was instrumental in bringing down DOMA and ensuring that same-sex marriage would be legal across every state in the US.
Edith Windsor appeared at Washington DC pride in 2017 as the Parade’s Grand Marshall. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and worked for IBM from 1958. In May 1968, she attained the title designating the highest level technical position at IBM, Senior Systems Programmer. In 1975 she left the company and with her severance pay she began to focus on her activism.
The researchers interviewed 21 gay men who had recently been diagnosed with HIV in London or Brighton. Most of the men thought that a combination of factors contributed to risk behaviours and HIV infection.
Each year, more than half of HIV diagnoses in the UK are in gay and bisexual men. A new study paints a picture of the complex reasons, including chemsex, use of dating apps, childhood trauma and stressful life events, that are associated with gay men acquiring the virus. Because of the success of HIV medication in treating HIV and extending life expectancy, changing ideas about how serious it is to have HIV was also seen to be a factor.
Childhood trauma
Many respondents in the study described difficult experiences during childhood, including dysfunctional relationships with parents and bullying at school, which had long-lasting impacts on their mental health. A few men grew up in environments where gay men were highly stigmatised, which could result in low self-esteem. Some respondents linked such experiences with subsequent drug use. One man said,
“I mean it probably was the perfect storm you know, they [drugs] got me at a time…mid-forties when I wasn’t that secure, there were a few issues, I was looking for fun…it was an escape and it seemed at the time that it was…enjoyable.”
Drugs and apps
The researchers interviewed 21 gay men who had recently been diagnosed with HIV in London or Brighton. Most of the men thought that a combination of factors contributed to risk behaviours and HIV infection. Another interviewee said:
“The sex and the drugs and the apps all intertwined simultaneously and I can’t really say which one led to the other.”
Matthew Hodson, Executive Director of NAM aidsmap commented, “All too often discussion of HIV within the gay communities is reduced to gay men being somehow ‘irresponsible’. The reality is that gay men’s lives are complex and the reasons that gay men may engage in sex that carries a risk of acquiring HIV are complex too. The homophobia which underpins the idea that gay men are irresponsible, in itself, seems to have played a role in many men not finding themselves able to avoid HIV infection.”
Recent stressful events caused psychological distress for many participants. These included the death of family members, relationship break-ups, violent partners, loss of friendships and health problems. A number of men were exposed to multiple psycho-social risk factors and the combination could be devastating.
Valuing your own life
“I didn’t value my life… Because so much had happened and I’d been through so much in the past three, four, five years with…break ups and losing everything and emotional things and deaths and God knows what else, it almost becomes a bit “all my life has just been so crap anyway what’s the point, do I really care if I get it [HIV] anyway?”
Dating apps provided convenient access to multiple sexual partners for many participants, regardless of age. They could also introduce men to chill outs and chemsex.
HIV is managed by taking “a few pills a day”
Some interviewees, especially middle-aged men, talked about the shifting perception of HIV in the gay community. Thanks to the availability of effective HIV treatment and good medical care, HIV was widely perceived to be a manageable condition.
“Everyone knows somebody positive now and knows that they’re fit and healthy and they take a few pills a day…That’s a huge factor in why so few people use protection anymore…because it has become a treatable illness…I think it changed everyone’s risk calculations, because even if the worst did happen, it was no longer the worst.”
Psychological issues and drug use were often mentioned in combination. For example, a man in his forties identified the important factors in his HIV infection as:
“The drugs…but also depression because I didn’t care about taking risks…I gave up.”
When thinking about why gay men have risky sexual behaviour, the researchers say that individual factors (like difficult childhood experiences) are important to take into account. At the same time, we also need to think about the wider community and society. For example, some interviewees felt that recreational drugs were too easy to come by or that risk taking was normalised in some parts of the gay scene.
“Recently acquired HIV infection among (gay and bisexual men) reflects a complex web of factors operating at different levels,” says Annabelle Gourlay of University College London.
Matthew Hodson of NAM aidsmap added, “There is a wide variety of factors involved in gay men being vulnerable to HIV infection. HIV prevention can be most effective when it identifies the individuals who are most likely to acquire HIV, the times when they are most vulnerable, and the strategies that will work for them. A ‘one size fits all’ approach to prevention is not sufficient to deal with such complex needs.”
Fashion designer, Tom Ford has said that sleeping with a man doesn’t make you gay.
In an in-depth interview with The Telegraph the openly gay fashion designer, Tom Ford, has revealed his thoughts on gender stereotypes and that sleeping with men, when you’re a man, doesn’t necessarily make you gay.
Ford was speaking about how he admired the younger generation’s dismissal of traditional stereotypes of gender and sexuality. He praised their attitudes of dismissal saying, “What’s great about this new generation is that they’re growing up in a culture where anything goes”.
Hating “Masculinity”
The designer, who also has a range of fragrances spoke how he hates the word masculine. Arguing that people should be able to wear whatever fragrance they thought suited them. He is releasing two new fragrances F*cking Fabulous and Noir Anthracite.
He said, “If you love something and it smells great, why shouldn’t you wear it? Why can’t a man wear a beautiful peony-based fragrance?”
The designer suggested that younger people didn’t think that just because you have sex with someone of the same sex that you are gay.
New Generation
The designer also praised the millennial generation for their “anything goes” culture and attitude, saying,
“What’s great about this new generation is that they’re growing up in a culture where anything goes.
“If you’re a guy who paints his nails, that doesn’t mean anything.
“You’re a man sleeping with a man? So what, that doesn’t mean you’re gay.
“I think that men have always been just as vain and cared just as much (about their appearance) as women, but our culture perhaps didn’t support it,”
Of course having sex with men, if you are a man, doesn’t make you gay – you could, of course, be bisexual or pansexual or someone who identifies as MSM (man who has sex with men).
Looking for something to do this weekend – check out our quick guide…
Keep it Kings Cross
Free (before 10 PM) + drinks
Fancy seeing some traditional drag head on over to Central Station in Kings Cross – a camp little haven awaits you as drag queen Lizzy Drip takes to the stage at 10:30 PM. There’s free entry before 10:00 PM and £5 after. The Kings Cross area once had a buzzing gay scene, with a number of nights or venues, and although the area is being redeveloped with expensive restaurants, hipster hangouts and extortionate housing costs, Central Station remains an uncomplicated, honest, fairly priced option. Hell, you can still get a glass of white for £3.70! Serves food. 37 Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, London N1 9SD, 020 7278 3294
Blooming great pre-drinks
Free + drinks
If you’re looking for something a little different to drag, then visit the underground, uber cool New Bloomsbury Set. Great prices and a 10-minute walk from Central Station – the perfect jump off before you head off clubbing…
Go East
Free + drinks
For something a little edgier venture to Shoreditch – where the only label that matters is: “attitude free”. Take in the sights and sounds at Homodrop, the camp as f*ck disco at Dalston Superstore. And it’s free to get in. 117 Kingsland High St, E8 2PB.
Pick Up The Soap
£££
Of course, if you fancy something a little more sexy and soapy, try the Foam Party at Sweatbox in Soho. The party is never ending with a 24-hour pass costing £17 or a 48-hour pass costing £19. 1-2 Ramilies Street, Soho, W1F 7LN.
Temping Tate
Free
Get lost in the epic Tate Modern gallery and marvel at the sheer scale of the Turbine room.
Be a cultured gay and head off to the Tate Modern on the ever so romantic South Bank. Take the walk from Embankment Station – cross the footbridge – walk past the Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre – and hold hands. No one will blink an eye lid. It’s all very chill. There are plenty of exhibitions on at the Tate Modern including, Voices and Media Networks. You must, of course, whilst you’re there, go and see Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych.
The Thames
Free
Whilst you’re out and about around the Thames, artist Jason Bruges has created a light installation to shine on the Sea Containers building – a little further up from the Tate Modern. The design of the lighting reflects the water quality – according to the Thames water data. The display is a permanent fixture to help spread awareness about the quality of water in the Thames.
A bite in Soho
£££
Some New York cool right in the centre of London. Grab a cocktail and relax.
The gay epicentre of London is in Soho – this is where the highest number of LGBT+ spaces exist. However, for food, you should check out Dirty Bones on Denman Street – right next to the Piccadilly Theatre. Dirty Bones the restaurant categorises itself as New York comfort food and cocktails, well it’s that and more.
Car Boot Sale
£
Will you be able to pick up a bargain at the Kings Cross car boot? From 10 AM on both Saturday and Sunday.
I mean it’s definitely an unusual idea for a date… but if you’ve got a new BF this might be the perfect place to really discover what kind of guy he really is… They say you can tell a lot about a man by what he’s got in his basket – so to speak. There’s a car boot in Kings Cross, in Granary Square, from 10 AM and on Sunday from 10 AM. Just £5 to get in.
Skinny Dipping?
£2 (day ticket)
Located in North London is the Hampstead Heath Ponds, three large freshwater swimming ponds that are popular for same sex and mixed couples alike. For centuries people have been coming to the ponds for a relaxing dip in the waters. Catch the last of the summer heat and take your partner to the ponds and have some wet fun. Let your playful side come out while enjoying an athletic dip. You must wear trunks in the water… but you know… once you’re in… who could possibly tell if you quickly slipped them off!
Those mostly naked “kilted coaches” have revealed a whole lot of themselves…
So the kilted pair first met doing a paper round 20 years ago – and the rest, as they say, is history…
But apparently the lads keep on getting one question over and over – are they gay (and together)
So watch the video – it’s a long one, but skip ahead to 11.35 for the big reveal, but not before disclosing that they are both family men with kids. But guys, if you’re hoping for a bit of a Scottish Brokeback Mountain love up, you’ll be disappointed… The dynamic duo opens up, however about the homophobic internet trolls that live in their comment sections – before adding, “our sexual orientation shouldn’t come into it”.
Too right – we’re not watching because you might be gay… we’re watching because you’re super hot and get naked… a lot.
Anyway watch the lads have a natter about life together (but not together… together)
Speaking on Good Morning Britain this (formerly gay) Doctor asked where the evidence that homosexuality is “innate” and “unchangeable” was. Apparently, Doctor Mike Davidson helps up to 14 people a WEEK “locate the trauma that triggered their homosexual feelings”.
He said,
“I believe that people are not born gay, that they come into homosexual feelings, and that it is something that in some cases is reversible for people who want to make that the trajectory of their lives.
“It’s inconsistent with some people’s value systems and they want to be true to themselves. I think we’re here today because there’s clearly a population group who feel they are not comfortable with homosexual expression, and they want out of it”.
The doctor claims he’s turned away from homosexuality by prayer, counselling and psychotherapy – and has been married to his wife for 35 years.
Piers Morgan, who was presenting the show, along with Susanna Ried, literally burst…
“We have a word for people like you in this country. We call them bigots! In my view, you are a malevolent and dangerous part of our society!
“What’s wrong with you? Who are you to say such things?
“Do you really think homosexuality is something that needs to be cured? Why don’t you shut up, you old bigot! This is utterly ridiculous!”
“Has it crossed your bigoted mind that gay people may not want to find your path? Maybe they are quite happy being gay and don’t want to be ‘cured of this abomination’ because that is deeply offensive!
“Why don’t you put a cork in it? I’ve had enough, Dr Michael, just shut up!”
A little over a year since the tragedy that shook the LGBT+ to its core and there are talks of the Pulse night club reopening in a new location.
In June 2016 the lives of countless LGBT+ people and their allies were changed forever when a gunman opened fire in the Pulse Nightclub causing the worst single act of violence against LGBT+ people since World War Two. Forty-nine people were killed and over 100 were injured in the attack.
Now, a little over a year fresh talks on reopening the venue have been renewed after the owner of the club, Barbara Poma has suggested that she’s looking for a new location to reopen the club.
Shortly after the shooting it was rumoured at the owner wished to reopen the club, on the original site, but the idea was dropped. It now looks like the original site will become a permanent memorial or museum to LGBT+ history.
Dean Eastmond, who created the HISKIND magazine has passed away aged just 21.
Dean, who had become a bit of a social media legend because of his epic and brave battle against cancer, has sadly passed away at the age of 21. He had been sharing his journey on Twitter – receiving hundreds of messages of support from fans and celebs alike.
Dean was diagnosed with cancer last year at the age of 20 when he was studying at University. He had been suffering from Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer. Twelve months on and his valiant efforts to keep upbeat during his many treatments made him a social star.
Left my ward today to spend time at home. If I’m dying, I’m so happy it’s these NHS angels making it as comfortable as possible for me ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FnXFATrFoH
Speaking about discovering he was living with cancer he wrote for the Guardian,
“In mid-Jun, I was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma – a rare soft tissue cancer growing off my ninth rib. I first noticed a problem after my housemates and I decided to have a party to celebrate making it through our first term of uni. The morning afterwards, I felt an excruciating pain in my side. I took a couple of paracetamol and shrugged it off as a drunken bump from the night before, but when I noticed a prominent protrusion of a rib a few months later, I knew something was clearly not right. Within a few weeks, my life went from normal to a series of scans, tests and biopsies, leading to a swift diagnosis”.
The news of his death has shocked many in the LGBT+ community, with stars and fans of Dean’s work, paying tribute to the writer.
A convicted murderer has been jailed for the attempted murder of ANOTHER MAN after dating app hook up goes hideously wrong.
Peter Lund was originally convicted of a murder of man in 1980.
He was released in 2015.
Now he has been jailed for the attempted murder of another man he found on a dating app.
Peter James Lund (09/01/1954) of Pett Level Road, Winchelsea Beach, East Sussex has been jailed for attempted murder after being found guilty at an earlier hearing.
Dating App Meeting Gone Wrong
In December 2016, Lund travelled to Manchester to see a man he met on a dating app and spent the evening with him, after taking him to a Chinese takeaway in his silver Jaguar.
A few days later, Lund and the man spent the evening together watching television and making plans for New Year’s Eve before going to sleep.
At around 6.15am the next morning, Wednesday 21 December, the man awoke to an extremely sharp pain in the right of his neck.
He opened his eyes to see Lund standing over him holding a knife and, when he asked him in disbelief what he was doing, Lund professed it was his sharp fingernails that had caused the pain.
The victim panicked, shouting at Lund to get off him and pushed him away but, as he did so, his neck was slashed and a struggle ensued with Lund grabbing the man’s shoulder before reaching into his mouth and pulling at his teeth with force.
The struggle reached the kitchen area where Lund took a knife while the man fled to the bathroom to mop his wounds with a towel.
Covered in blood
With them both covered in blood and unclothed, the fight spilled out into the communal corridor with Lund brandishing the large serrated knife and chasing the man as he ran up and down, banging on other doors trying to escape the attack.
Lund tried to drag him back into the flat but he was disarmed by the man who quickly got into a lift and ran to a nearby petrol station to raise the alarm.
Lund ran back inside, cleaned himself up and fled around three minutes later in his Jaguar towards Great Yarmouth where he was arrested by officers, after a short manhunt, on suspicion of attempted murder.
When under arrest, an officer told Lund, ‘I’m not saying you have done it, it’s just on suspicion,’ Lund quickly interjected and admitted the attack, saying ‘I’ve done it!’
Previous murder
Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, heard Lund had spent a large amount of his life in prison, having been convicted of murder in 1980 after he bludgeoned another man to death in his bed.
He has today, Wednesday 30 August 2017, been jailed for 27 years.
Harrowing
Detective Constable Tom Munnery of GMP’s City of Manchester team said,
“This vicious and savage attack on a sleeping man is absolutely stomach-turning with the only consolation being Lund will be in prison for a considerable time.
“In what was clearly a harrowing situation, the victim thought fast to raise the alarm and ensure Lund was found and put behind bars.
“Having to relive these events through the court case has been no mean feat but the bravery and strength shown by the victim is truly commendable. My thanks goes to him for his courage and my thoughts will remain with him as he recovers from the emotional and physical scars he has had to endure.”
A convicted murderer has been jailed for the attempted murder of ANOTHER MAN after dating app hook up goes hideously wrong.
Peter Lund was originally convicted of a murder of man in 1980.
He was released in 2015.
Now he has been jailed for the attempted murder of another man he found on a dating app.
Peter James Lund (09/01/1954) of Pett Level Road, Winchelsea Beach, East Sussex has been jailed for attempted murder after being found guilty at an earlier hearing.
Dating App Meeting Gone Wrong
In December 2016, Lund travelled to Manchester to see a man he met on a dating app and spent the evening with him, after taking him to a Chinese takeaway in his silver Jaguar.
A few days later, Lund and the man spent the evening together watching television and making plans for New Year’s Eve before going to sleep.
At around 6.15am the next morning, Wednesday 21 December, the man awoke to an extremely sharp pain in the right of his neck.
He opened his eyes to see Lund standing over him holding a knife and, when he asked him in disbelief what he was doing, Lund professed it was his sharp fingernails that had caused the pain.
The victim panicked, shouting at Lund to get off him and pushed him away but, as he did so, his neck was slashed and a struggle ensued with Lund grabbing the man’s shoulder before reaching into his mouth and pulling at his teeth with force.
The struggle reached the kitchen area where Lund took a knife while the man fled to the bathroom to mop his wounds with a towel.
Covered in blood
With them both covered in blood and unclothed, the fight spilled out into the communal corridor with Lund brandishing the large serrated knife and chasing the man as he ran up and down, banging on other doors trying to escape the attack.
Lund tried to drag him back into the flat but he was disarmed by the man who quickly got into a lift and ran to a nearby petrol station to raise the alarm.
Lund ran back inside, cleaned himself up and fled around three minutes later in his Jaguar towards Great Yarmouth where he was arrested by officers, after a short manhunt, on suspicion of attempted murder.
When under arrest, an officer told Lund, ‘I’m not saying you have done it, it’s just on suspicion,’ Lund quickly interjected and admitted the attack, saying ‘I’ve done it!’
Previous murder
Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, heard Lund had spent a large amount of his life in prison, having been convicted of murder in 1980 after he bludgeoned another man to death in his bed.
He has today, Wednesday 30 August 2017, been jailed for 27 years.
Harrowing
Detective Constable Tom Munnery of GMP’s City of Manchester team said,
“This vicious and savage attack on a sleeping man is absolutely stomach-turning with the only consolation being Lund will be in prison for a considerable time.
“In what was clearly a harrowing situation, the victim thought fast to raise the alarm and ensure Lund was found and put behind bars.
“Having to relive these events through the court case has been no mean feat but the bravery and strength shown by the victim is truly commendable. My thanks goes to him for his courage and my thoughts will remain with him as he recovers from the emotional and physical scars he has had to endure.”
Congrats! We bet you’ve got enough on your plate and could spare having to plan the holiday of a lifetime on top of that. Have you come to the point where you’re pondering all the unanswered questions and steps that are separating you from actually jumping on that plane?
We hear you.
One question that should never be left ignored is whether you picked a honeymoon destination that is gay-friendly. With over 70 countries still having some form of anti-homosexuality law, it’s easy to see how your perfect holiday could go awry. Although not feeling comfortable showing your affection to your loved one in public is not something you should ever have to deal with, it’s an especially unwelcome feeling on this special occasion. So, we’ve put together a list of the most gay-friendly honeymoon destinations; areas filled with beauty, vibrancy and friendliness.
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Previously THEGAYUK.com had suggested Brazil as a good location for a Honeymoon, however, due to the legal and criminal situation, we cannot advise going to this part of the world.
2. Barcelona, Spain
CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
Barcelona is constantly at the top of the most LGBT-friendly lists — and with good reason. A great mix of delicious tapas, fabulous sandy beaches, stunning historical buildings, balmy year-round climate, and a selection of gay bars, saunas, cruises and hotels to boot make it easy to see why it’s a holiday favourite amongst the gay scene.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
Same-sex marriage became legal in Iceland in 2010, but the country always had a relaxed and accepting attitude towards gay couples. For one thing, their prime minister is openly gay! Despite all this, the beauty of this outlandish country is what will captivate you the most. Don’t miss the Blue Lagoon: a geothermal spa located in a lava field where you can soak in milky blue water at any time of the year.
4. Buenos Aires, Argentina
CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
Gay marriage was legalised in 2010 in Argentina, but Buenos Aires was a mecca for gay travellers way before then. Dubbed the “most European place in South America,” it’s a sprawling city rich in history. Take a stroll hand in hand along the pedestrian Calle Florida in the Microcentro, or in the Recoleta, Palermo and marvel at all the beauty without a care.
5. Cancun, Mexico
CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
Cancun has so much more to offer than the hedonistic reputation that precedes it. There’s a bit of everything for everyone. Sure, there’s the crazy night life if you fancy that, but there are also a whole throng of gay beaches and hotels to pick from, and a carefree, ‘live and let live’ vibe that’ll put you right at ease.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
One wouldn’t always think of the African continent when it comes to gay-friendly travel destinations, but South Africa was the fifth country in the world and first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage. Seen by many as one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa, Cape Town promises spectacular scenery, incredible beaches and exotic wildlife. Drive safely, though, as the baboons run free!
7. Taiwan
CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
Taiwan may also come as a surprise for a gay-friendly destination, but it is one of the most accepting countries in Asia. There’s something for all tastes and tonnes to explore for such a tiny island, including nine national parks (don’t miss the Taroko National Park), a bustling metropolis, pleasant sub-tropical weather and beautiful, remote beaches.
8. Palm Springs, USA
CREDIT: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain
The sun always shines in the South Californian desert oasis of Palm Springs. As a city that boasts the most same-sex (and the most clothing optional!) hotels in the world, it’s easy to see how you’ll have a great time. Rather go golfing? Hiking? Clubbing? There’s little that can’t be had in Palm Springs.
Parveen Nanda is an experienced blogger and travel expert at Luxtripper, supplying luxury four and five-star hotels and end-to-end package holidays.
