THEGAYUK

Category: Front Page

  • WATCH | Gay man fighting cancer for a year, get surprise of his life at Pride In London

    This weekend, 21-year-old Dean Eastmond, got the surprise of his life when a video message was broadcast in front of thousands in Trafalgar Square.

    Who is Dean Eastmond, gay man fighting cancer,

     

    At this Saturday’s Pride in London (8th July 2017) Dean Eastmond, a 21-year-old LGBT advocate and journalist, living with cancer, was surprised with a special video from family and friends, which was beamed across Trafalgar Square to an audience of thousands.

    Dean, was diagnosed with cancer last year. 12 months on he’s still fighting the disease, as treatment so far has proved unsuccessful.

    To help raise awareness of Dean’s work in shifting stigma of LGBT people with cancer, social change company, Shape History, teamed up with Pride in London, to surprise Dean with the emotional video.

    Dean Eastmond, following his surprise, said:

    “I was so overwhelmed and shocked! When the drag queen on stage mentioned a 21 year old with cancer, my initial reaction was “oh wow, there’s someone here like me”. It took a while for it to click on that she was talking about me! The video has really shown me how important my friends are to me and (apparently) how important I am to them! I have no idea how they kept it as quiet as they did, but it was a beautiful last moment until I re-start chemotherapy.”

    Mike Buonaiuto, Executive Director of Shape History said:

    “When we first heard Dean’s story we were truly touched and inspired by what he has been working on in spite of going through treatment for cancer.”

    “He’s campaigned and stopped discrimination faced by LGBT people living with cancer wanting to freeze their sperm, he has launched a successful queer culture magazine across the UK for young people, and has written about his struggles going through cancer –  inspiring thousands online in the process.”

    “When his treatment was unsuccessful we decided as a team we had to do something – and spread Dean’s message to thousands more people in Trafalgar Square on Saturday – surprising Dean in the process. It’s our hope more people will find his work and be inspired.”

  • THE UNDATEABLE GAY | It’s not me it’s them

    To quote a best friend:
    “You must be the unluckiest person I know when it comes to love and men.”

    I wouldn’t disagree with her, nor would the rest of my friends, families or readers of this column. But her pearls of wisdom got me thinking. And before anyone says anything, yes, I am capable of getting the old grey matter to work. I’m very intellectual. I’ve got a degree, you know. A line I often pull out the bag if anyone questions my intellect.

    But here I go, distracted and side tracked again. Back to what her pearls of wisdom got me thinking about. WHERE AM I GOING WRONG WITH MEN?! To be this undateable, I must be doing something not quite dateable. So I thought, let me retrace my steps. To my last two potential Mr Rights who added themselves to my long list of Mr Wrongs.

    Well, first up, there’s a man from Chiswick. I met him on Grindr. And f*ck me sideways, he actually wanted a date and not a quick bunk up on the high road. After the initial shock of being asked on a date (from Grindr), I accepted and we agreed to meet in a beautiful little pub on the river.

    As soon as I saw him, I noticed he had slightly BFG ears but this didn’t deter me. I thought, how handy they would be to hold onto when he drops to his knees. PMA. Every cloud has a silver lining. The conversation was quite pleasant and the wine flowed like the rivers of Babylon. Until we got onto the topic of Boy Scouts. I disclosed that my cub leader had been arrested for fiddling with some of my fellow Cubs.

    As I continued on in this fashion of unsuitable date conversation, I felt Joan Rivers and Pam Ann (and Sauvignon Blanc) taking over my body and my mouth,

    “I had to be questioned by the police. Luckily he didn’t touch me. I don’t know why. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

    I sat there, laughing and he looked at me,

    “That’s not funny!”

    “Oh”, my jaw dropped quicker than a gay boy in a football changing room. And before I knew it, he’d booked an Uber and left. Obviously didn’t appreciate my sense of humour. Oh well, at least he admitted it and for once, I had a reason for why a date had ditched me. Our sense of senses of humour were definitely not compatible.

    But as you know, you don’t keep me down for long. Not unless it involves a rugby squad and blow jobs. But that’s a story for another column. Anyway, stop the side tracking. I’m scattier than a March hare. Is that even scatty? I don’t know. I just remember my dear old Nan saying it from time to time. Oh no, it’s just hit me. It’s as mad as a March hare. Well, you get the drift!

    Back to my story of the second Mr Wrong, who once again, came from Grindr. I know you can see a pattern forming here. Well, we hit it off. We had a spark better than the new year fireworks on the Thames. Or so I thought. We were up until 4 in the morning on our first couple of times talking. And then suddenly, nothing. He did a quicker u-turn than Theresa May. But I thought, hang on a damn second. I ain’t having this so I thought, for once, I’m going to get to the bottom of this behaviour.

    So here is a transcript of a WhatsApp conversation:

    MARK: I’m really interested to know what changed for you. Because we were talking till late at night, so full on and then nothing!
    MR WRONG: I dunno. I just don’t chase people and doubt we’re compatible in the vanity sense, I don’t care about Botox and fake tan.
    MARK: But you knew about the fake tan and the Botox before you spoke to me.
    MR WRONG: Well it didn’t bother me but then it did. I can’t help it, I’m just insecure with guys.
    MARK: Well, if you’d have just given us a try, you might have had a great time. But now you’ll just carry on with your insecurity. I was there, I was willing…

    I do like having the last word. And I’ve never heard from either of these Grindr men ever again. Lesson one that I’ve learned, don’t expect anymore than a shag and an STD from Grindr. And lesson two, it’s not me, it’s them. I feel so liberated.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • Channel 4’s Naked Attraction had trans and pan dating hopefuls and people loved it!

    Channel 4’s controversial dating show Naked Attraction had naked trans and pansexual people strip off and people loved the inclusivity.

     

    In a Naked Attraction first, trans and pansexual dating hopefuls were added to the naked panel. The show’s second season premiere featured self-identified pansexual Lizzy who came out after one year of university and says she is open to all genders saying, “I’m attracted to everyone”.

    Speaking about being transgender, presenter Anna Richardson said,

    “Transgender people identify with a different sex to the one they were assigned at birth. To bring their body in line with how they identify some take hormones to promote physical changes within their bodies.

    “Of the estimated half a million transgender people in the UK, only a third have gender confirmation surgery where their sexual organs are altered”.

    Lizzy had six of naked people to choose from including two trans people.

    Naturally, the good people of Twitter had a lot to say about the programme, but the representation of trans people was generally appreciated, with some pointing out that trans representation on mainstream television was poor and that Naked Attraction’s approach deserved kudos.

     

    https://twitter.com/imjustboujee/status/880542426246426624

    https://twitter.com/ChrisChetal73/status/880562849940217856

    https://twitter.com/W4352/status/880543549514805251

     

    Watch the entire episode on All4.

  • Here’s all the things that Trump said June was the official month for… none of them LGBT Pride

    President Donald Trump has proclaimed that June is the official month for so many things… so so many things, just not Pride.

    Is Donald Trump homophobic

    So Donald Trump has said that June is the official month for

    • Great Outdoors Month

    A press release was sent from the White House on the 31st May, proclaiming that June 2017 was the Great Outdoors Month.

    • National Caribbean-American Heritage Month

    Another press release sent on the 31st May was earmarked as the National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

    • African-American Music Appreciation Month

    Ditto: African-American Music Appreciation Month

    • National Ocean Month

    To celebrate “the mighty oceans and their extraordinary resources,” Donald Trump said that June was the national month for Oceans.

    • National Home Ownership Month

    You know Home Owners – they need a month to recognise their struggles…

    He also declared that June was the official month for Father’s day and National Flag Week.

    Of course, all these things are important and need their recognition, no one denies that… but come on Prez where’s the love for the LGBT+ community?

    The White House has yet to acknowledge Pride in the US. Rewind to last year when Trump reached out to the LGBT+ community during his campaigning to let them know he was keen to protect LGBT equality and rights.

    He said,

    “As your president, I will do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful foreign ideology,

    “As a Republican, I’m so happy to hear you cheering for what I just said.”

    Most LGBT Pride events take place across the US in the month of June… It was chosen to commemorate the Stonewall Riots which happened at the end of June 1969. President Bill Clinton was the first US President to declare June as “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month” on June 2, 2000. President Barack Obama proclaimed that June was LGBT Pride Month in 2009 through 2016.

  • Milo Yiannopoulos’s book pre-orders are HUGE

    Regardless of what you think about Milo Yiannopoulos, the interest in his forthcoming book, Dangerous has been enormous.

    According to Milo, there have been 65,000 preorders for his controversial book, Dangerous. This is despite no interviews carried by the mainstream media. Taking to social media to unveil a huge advert for the book,  the writer said, “65,000 preorders and counting. Number of mainstream media interviews: zero”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVz9O23AleF/?taken-by=milo.yiannopoulos&hl=en

    The advert was placed just one block away from his former publisher’s offices.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVz3RhHgD8q/?taken-by=milo.yiannopoulos&hl=en

    The book is now being published by “Dangerous Books” after it was pulled by Simon and Schuster following a controversy over comments made by Milo, over child abuse. A statement from the publisher said, “After careful consideration, Simon & Schuster and its Threshold Editions imprint have cancelled publication of Dangerous by Milo Yiannopoulos.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BV03Cu-Algi/?taken-by=milo.yiannopoulos&hl=en

    Within weeks the right-wing commentator said that he had managed to secure $12 million in investment for a new media venture. In a statement, the former Breitbart writer said that he had formed a new media company, called MILO inc, and said that the venture had attracted $12 million in investment. The funding has come from undisclosed investors.

     

     

  • Andrew Hayden-Smith is waving his power tool about

    Andrew Hayden-Smith is showing off his power tool and we’re not complaining.

    Former cover star for THEGAYUK, Andrew Hayden-Smith excited fans with a topless moment on Hollyoaks which is due to air in tonight’s episode. The TV star joined the soap in 2016 as DS Armstrong.

    It looks like he’s been getting some DIY in – wonder if he does call outs?

    Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, with first look screenings at 7pm on E4.

  • RIP | Drag Queen Vanilla Lush dies

    London-based Drag Queen Vanilla Lush has passed away.

    The singer, who had been battling cancer has passed away. Vanilla Lush, real name, Aalbert Martijn Smit was a former member of the drag super-band, the Supreme Fabulettes. The entertainer passed away last Thursday. He was 38.

    He was born and raised in the Netherlands and began his drag career in Amsterdam. In the summer of 1999, he moved to London and became a Powder Puff Girl in Heaven nightclub.

    Tributes from fans and friends have been pouring in on social media. Boy George took to Twitter to say, “Sad about the passing of Vanilla Lush ‘A trouper in high heels and a true character. R.I.P.”

    London pub, Admiral Duncan also paid tribute saying, “Very sad to hear the loss of Vanilla Lush Rest in Peace and sleep tight sweet angel xxx Tonight we raise our glass. Condolence to the family”

    https://twitter.com/admiral_duncan/status/878615277071675393

    Jason Reid, a columnist for QX magazine, took to Instagram to say, “Devastated to hear that Vanilla Lush (Aalbert Martijn Smit) has passed away.
    I’ll never forget the experience of shooting this cover with him. It was a huge deal for the both of us, and I was so incredibly apprehensive, yet he couldn’t have been more kind and caring. That was just his nature. A beautiful person.”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVuTdM6AH_J/?taken-by=jasonreiduk

     

  • Katie Hopkins has a meltdown over Pride police cars

    Controversialist Katie Hopkins has slammed the Sussex police service for their colour Pride cars.

    Taking to Twitter wannabe gay icon Katie Hopkins has blasted the Sussex police service for spending £750 of taxpayer’s money on Pride decals for two of their vehicles for the upcoming Eastbourne and Hasting’s Pride.

    Tweeting to Inspector Mark Evans, Critical incident Inspector for Sussex Police, Katie suggested that the money would be better spent sorting out crime reporting issues.

    She said,

    “Mark – Shall we spend some cash sorting our crime-reporting issues? Nah mate, screw that crime nonsense. Let’s colour in a cop car.”

    https://twitter.com/KTHopkins/status/877930669355270144

    Outlining her point, she said, “It costs £750, Taxpayers [sic] cash”.

    The Tweet inciting a lot of commentators on Twitter, with some suggesting that it was a “disgrace” and baulked at the “lunacy of the modern PC PC!!”

    The force said,

    “Sussex Police play a large role in the policing of Pride.

    “We also feel it is important to promote LGBT equality within our local communities.”

  • COMMENT | They weren’t voting for a trans woman, they were voting for Sophie Cook

    As I stood on stage, a room full of expectant people looking up at me I was totally focused on the next words that I would hear.

    “Sophie Rose Cook, Labour Party, 20,882.”

    In the space of five short weeks, we’d achieved the seemingly impossible, taking a previously safe Tory seat and making it a marginal, increasing the Labour vote by 114% with one of the biggest swings in the country at 19.8 percent.

    At the start of the general election campaign, no one gave the Labour Party a chance, both nationally and here in East Worthing & Shoreham.

    The constituency had always been blue and the Tory incumbent, Tim Loughton, had been the MP for 20 years.

    He felt safe and secure that no one could ever challenge him, and I’m sure that the selection of a little-known transgender TV presenter as the Labour candidate only added to the feeling that he would increase his 15,000 majority.

    My selection caused a few waves, I was told that ‘this isn’t Brighton’ and that the people of the constituency wouldn’t warm to a transgender candidate.

    The press gave my campaign some coverage and despite being one of nine transgender candidates I was the one that got the most attention due to my profile from working in football and TV.

    “Labour candidate could become first transgender MP” said one headline whilst another mentioned the fight for LGBT rights, “Trans activist is fighting to oust anti-LGBT Conservative politician.”

    Being transgender and in the public eye, I was already used to abuse, both online and in the real world. I’d been trolled by various groups including receiving death threats on Twitter and as I stepped into the political arena I was bracing myself for a renewed onslaught of hatred.

    But then something unexpected happened.

    Instead of the abuse, I was greeted with love and support, sure there were still a few transphobic remarks online but nothing like I’d experienced previously.

    I’d heard first-hand accounts of trans people moving out of the constituency because of abuse and yet, when I started to talk to people, they responded with warmth and openness.

    My gender identity that had hit the headlines around the world seemed to mean nothing to the constituents that I met, it was never mentioned on the doorsteps, the street stalls or the hustings. The only people that made it an issue were the press, not the voters. They listened to the policies, my ideas, passion and belief and they embraced me.

    On June 8 nearly 21,000 of them chose to put their mark next to my name on the ballot paper.

    “They weren’t voting

    for a trans woman,

    they were voting

    for Sophie Cook”

    They weren’t voting for a trans woman, they were voting for Sophie Cook, they were voting for the Labour Party. They saw beyond the headlines and the things that made us different and in their way struck a massive blow for trans equality.

    We now have the most diverse parliament ever with 45 LGB MPs, I missed out on adding a T to that by 5000 votes. 

    We need transgender politicians, after all, everyone in society needs to feel represented. But the main reason why I believe that the time is right for a trans-MP has nothing to do with equality or diversity, it’s down to the constituents who put their faith in me to represent them, regardless of my gender identity.

    Since the election, I’ve spoken to hundreds of people who said that I’ve given them hope for the first time.

    That feeling goes both ways, they saw that there is more that unites us than separates us, they saw a person rather than a label, and they too gave me hope for a brighter tomorrow.

     

     

  • 5 things you need to try if you’re going to have a one night stand

    When it comes to the traditional one night stand, or having sex with strangers, none of the honesty or rules of chivalry apply! In fact, you probably stand a better chance of pulling, if you employ full use of your carefree attitude. So guys, when you’re getting ready to go out tonight, make sure the last thing you put on, is your shagger swagger!

    tips for a one night stand

    The beauty of having sex with a stranger is that it can be completely anonymous, and string free. The best part of a relationship, with the added bonus, that it only lasts one night! For those of you that have never slept with a stranger, are you starting to see the appeal yet?

    NOM DU PLUME

    My advice is to completely invent yourself a pseudonym, build up a whole alter ego, do whatever you like, be whoever you like and do it with whoever you want to do it with! You have to make sure though, that when you’re building up your night-time image, that you have to remember your story! Stick to the lies, you’ll thank me in the morning – never let your secret slip!

    TRY SOMETHING COMPLETELY NEW

    Experiment, it’s always fun to try new things! If one nighters aren’t your thing, then honey, pick up your Bible and tighten up your chastity belt, 2017 isn’t the year for you! If you’re thinking of trying it out, then do it – don’t think too much, you might change your mind! If you’re a more seasoned bed hopper though, why not embrace your adventurous side – my motto – if it’s comfortable and slow – you just aren’t doing it right!

    KEEP THE DEETS SECRET

    In my experience, it’s for the best that you Never Swap Numbers, once you do, you run the risk of (a) if you rocked his world, gaining a stalker (b) having to admit you lied and (c) making awkward conversation because you’re too nice to tell him to leave you alone! If you don’t feel comfortable saying no to giving him your number, and can’t make one up off the top of your head – take his, tell him your phone is dead and discard on the way home!

    DON’T BE A COMPLETE DRUNK

    When sleeping with strangers, it’s a good idea to make sure you watch your level of Intoxication, you don’t want to be so drunk you end up waking up face down in a ditch, with your trousers around your ankles, and all of your possessions gone with the stars! I am going to say though you don’t want to be sober either; you just won’t enjoy yourself if you are! Get yourself to that merry state, and voilà, you’re in for a night filled with filth.

    WRAP IT UP

    And, as ever, we at THEGAYUK always promote Safer Sex, you can never be too careful! We know that in the heat of the moment, taking the time to roll down your condom is possibly the last thing on your list, but you have to be responsible!

    I hope you enjoy your night, have fun, go wild but most importantly, think P.E.N.I.S. – Pseudonym, Experiment, Never Swap Numbers, Intoxication and Safer Sex.

    As I always say, don’t be a fool – wrap that tool! If you need any advice, or for more information on sexual health visit: http://www.gmfa.org.uk/sex/ better to be safe, than sorry!

  • Could These Be The Sexiest Stewards in the Skies?

    We stumbled across the best Instagram account out there for those of you who’ve ever had a cabin crew crush.

    Let’s be honest, most of the time the second we clamber onboard our Ryan Air flight, we put our headphones in and do our best to ignore the world until we land. Yes, I know I should watch the safety demonstration, but I literally flew out 2 days ago and I doubt anything has changed since then. Wear a seatbelt, don’t smoke, brace brace, etc etc.

    That being said, perhaps I’d be more inclined to pay attention if these guys were standing by the cockpit (there, I’ve said it, the cockpit joke has been made. Now we can all move on).

    via me.me

    After stumbling across this meme of a beefcake flight attendant, I went in search for his Instagram. What I found instead will shock and amaze you!

    Welcome to the wonderful world of @sexystews

    An Instagram account dedicated entirely to the gorgeous guys of the skies.

    Here are a few that would totally get me in the upright position!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zSr-UkG5Km/

    Check out that cheeky smile! What do you think he’s up to under that first class blanket?

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/UjK3-3G5At/?taken-by=sexystews

    Brace for impact… maximum impact, like us dancing to Madonna.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zL5dy6m5H_/

    When there’s great lighting, the passengers can wait while he takes a selfie!

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVDQAmEBHX_/?taken-by=blackflightattendantsusa&hl=en

    Work the mic… work the mic right.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zL6Wm4G5Ju/

    Pucker up and get in line to join the mile high club with this cutie!

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zJkwoem5I-/

    Holy crap there’s two of em! Would you prefer the beef option, sir?

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zX3LMOG5Je/

    I would NOT be complaining if I had a long layover with this Brazilian beauty.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zNgl2sm5Kp/

    Sending you a little extra love from up above!

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zLFiafG5I_/

    Him: Can I help you with your bag sir?

    Me: Hhhnnmmnnnflrghglr

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/zGmgV3m5HT/

    We hope you fly us again.

    And if cabin crew aren’t your thing and you’re looking for something a little more…. authoritative…

    Welcome on board!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BVkNrWMALCY/