THEGAYUK

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  • School stops LGBT+ lessons after hundreds of parents withdraw their children from classes

    School stops LGBT+ lessons after hundreds of parents withdraw their children from classes

    Around 600 children were removed by their parents from a school in Birmingham on Friday in protest of a lesson that helped children understand about LGBT+ life.

    Wokandapix / Pixabay

    The Parkfield Community primary school in Birmingham has cancelled lessons aiming to teach primary school-aged children about same-sex relationships and gender after the parents of around 600 students at the school withdrew their children in protest.

    The children are thought to be from predominately Muslim families, according to The Guardian.

    The lesson was the brainchild of Andrew Moffat, who was awarded an MBE for his work in LGBT+ equality through the campaign, No Outsiders, where the ethos was to promote LGBT+ equality and to question transphobia and homophobia in primary schools.

    Students were being taught five No Outsiders lessons each school year.

    In a letter to parents, the school said, “Up to the end of this term, we will not be delivering any No Outsiders lessons in our long term year curriculum plan, as this half term has already been blocked for religious education (RE).

    “Equality assemblies will continue as normal and our welcoming No Outsiders ethos will be there for all.

    The school has now confirmed that they have put the lessons on hold and will, according to The Guardian, “resume only after a full consultation with every parent”.

    The letter continued, “The discussions were a helpful first step and identified the key issues that are concerning parents, including the ethos, the books, the age appropriateness, the lessons and the assemblies. The agreed outcome of the meeting was the need to have a discussion with the school community about the No Outsiders curriculum and how it should be delivered.”

    Some parents have argued that their children are “too young” to be learning about same-sex relationships.

    One mother, Fatima Shah said, “We are not a bunch of homophobic mothers. We just feel that some of these lessons are inappropriate. Some of the themes being discussed are very adult and complex and the children are getting confused.

    “They need to be allowed to be children rather than having to constantly think about equalities and rights.”

  • Perez Hilton stuns with his body transformation pictures

    Perez Hilton stuns with his body transformation pictures

    Internet gossip and Celebrity Big Brother star Perez Hilton stuns fans with body transformation pic.

    The Celebrity Big Brother star, Perez Hilton has bravely showcased his body on Instagram after embarking on a healthy living routine.

    The dad of three, told fans that he had second thoughts about positing the picture because in his mind he had “made no progress” but when he looked back at last week’s photo, he recognised that he had made an improvement.

    He wrote, “I almost didn’t post this today because in my mind I’ve made no progress this past week, but then I compares this photo with last Sunday’s and I’m so glad I took this! Even the smallest bit of improvement is a big win!!!!”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bujn24pHu5u/

    Last week, the world’s most famous Internet gossip, who has recently gone through a hair transplant procedure took a photo of his efforts last week, but admit because of the transplant and family vacays that he had taken two weeks off from  the gym.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuRT2tbngGd/

    Fans were quick to congratulate Perez on his health-kick, with one saying that they love his attitude, while another wrote, “Looking masterful Daddy!!!”

    Another fan added, “You look great Perez! And I always say the older you get the harder it is to get back into shape and at least you are trying! So good for you!”

    Another remembered, “U’ve done it before! U can do it again!”

    In 2015, Perez revealed a huge weight loss, where he lost an incredible 70 pounds.

     

  • Man stabbed in Soho has “life threatening” injuries

    Man stabbed in Soho has “life threatening” injuries

    A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with two linked stabbing on Sunday, 3 March.

    geralt / Pixabay

    Police are linking two stabbings in the nation’s capital today after one man was left with “life threatening” injuries” in Soho and a boy, 16, was stabbed in Camden, just hours apart.

    Police were called just after 6:00 AM on Sunday, 3 March, to a seriously injured man in Romilly Street, W1.

    Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found the 37-year-old man suffering stab injuries. He was taken to hospital where his condition is being treated as life-threatening.

    An immediate investigation was launched by detectives from Central West CID.

    A woman, aged in her 40s was arrested near to the scene. She has been taken to a central London police station where she remains in custody.

    A crime scene was put in place, forensic work commenced and enquiries undertaken to identify any relevant witnesses or CCTV.

    Another male stabbed, Camden

    Later that morning, at 11:36hrs, police in Camden were called to a teenager stabbed in University Street, WC1.

    Emergency services attended the scene where the 16-year-old victim was taken to hospital. His wounds have also been assessed as life-threatening.

    A man, aged in his 30s was arrested near to the scene in connection with the Camden stabbing. He was further arrested a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder in Romilly Street, which is the heart of London’s LGBT Scene.

    The arrested man has been taken to hospital having told officers that he had swallowed a quantity of drugs. Police are awaiting an assessment of his condition.

    Enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of both incidents.

    Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police should call detectives via 101 quoting reference 1783/mar03. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    At this stage, nobody else is sought in connection with either of these incidents.

    There is nothing to suggest that these crimes are related to homophobia at this time.

  • Man stabbed in the centre of London’s gay scene

    Man stabbed in the centre of London’s gay scene

    A man has been hospitalised after a stabbing in London’s Soho.

    Man stabbed in the centre of London's gay scene
    (C) GOOGLE MAPS

    A man in his 30s has been attacked and stabbed in the centre of London‘s gay scene on  Romilly Street, early Sunday morning.

    The status of the man has not been made public, although the police have revealed that he sustained “serious injuries”.

    Earlier this morning, police and paramedics were called to reports of a stabbing in Romilly Street in Soho at about 6 AM.

    A crime scene has been established as detectives begin their investigations.

    The motive of the attack has not been made known and details about the victim remain private at this time.

    One person, a woman in her 40s has been arrested.

    This is a developing story.

    Anyone with information is urged to call Central West CID on 101 and to provide the reference 1783/03Mar19

  • Drag Race’s Felicia Heal’s daughter, 10, has created an incredible and powerful new equality project

    Drag Race’s Felicia Heal’s daughter, 10, has created an incredible and powerful new equality project

    Drag Queen, Felicia Heals’ daughter, Dasha, who is just 10-years-old and her friends have created a beautiful and powerful project all about equality.

    The ten-year-old daughter of Felicia Heals, who made headlines in January after becoming Drag Race Thailand’s first ever bio drag queen hopeful, has created an incredibly powerful and emotional video project, inspired in part by Drag Race Thailand’s star Pangina Heals and the model Cindy Sirinya, to help fellow students at her school realise there is no need to bully or judge other students.

     

    Dasha managed to get Drag Race star Pagina Heals into her video and say the powerful lines ” I am equal”

    Speaking about the project, Felicia Heals said, “As some of you know my daughter has been working on a project about equality that was inspired by @panginaheals And @cindysirinya, I was and am in full support of her idea and this was the video she has created with her friends about equality. The thing she said at the end of the video made me think about our perception on people…

    “Thank you all of you for the support and giving her your time , so she can spread such a wonderful message out”

    The video starts by asking the viewer, “Have you ever judged a person by their gender? By their sexuality? Their skin colour? Or what they do? before allowing a number of people, who identify in many ways, including trans, non-binary and gay to introduce themselves before saying the line “I am equal”.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK, Dasha said, “I got inspiration from the global goals and from all the different but equal people I know.

    “I think that my project will inspire all types of people that can encourage people who are afraid of letting other people know about themselves and fight for their own rights and respect.

    “Also I wanted to open eyes to people in my school to see that no matter how different a person is we are all equal and there is no reason to bully and judge them for being who they are.

    “I am really happy to have different people to join my project no matter what is their gender, sexuality , religion and nationality. And thank you so much for the wishes, I hope it makes a difference for someone.

    “We can all learn alot from people with different backgrounds.

  • BB star Ryan Ruckledge hits out at the creator of the “Momo Challenge”

    BB star Ryan Ruckledge hits out at the creator of the “Momo Challenge”

    Big Brother star, Ryan Ruckledge has hit out at the creators of the so-called Momo challenge, calling the creators “psychotic” and gives a stark warning to parents of children on social media.

    Going on one of his legendary rants, Big Brother star, Ryan Ruckledge took the creators of the so-called “Momo Challenge” to task. The “Momo Challenge” happens when strangers communicate through social media and messaging apps, sending messages that are unsettling to the dangerous.

    The stranger sending the message uses the now infamous bug-eyed artwork of a woman with dark hair – which actually has no connection to the terrifying “challenge”.

    There is at least one report that a child was told to hold a blade to their throat or have their family threatened.

    Taking to Insatgram, Ryan said, “What the f**k is going on with this momo challenge that is all over the news and the media at the minute? Who is that psychotic enough to create an app for kids to go on to and do challenges to kill themselves, like what sort of world are we living in? Like I don’t know about anybody else, but when I was younger I used to love nothing more than going for a game of curby or manhunt or lobbing an egg at Barbara’s window, down the street,  because I knew her husband was going to give me a chase like – kids shouldn’t be on social media – 7,8,9 years of age.

    GET THEM OFF SOCIAL MEDIA. Ryan warns parents to get their children off social media.

    He continued, “If your kid is getting told to do suicidal thing by f**king Momo.

    “Get them off it. Give them a footy and tell them to go for a kick about in the park. Not listening to this bullsh*t on social media. All jokes aside, warn your kids about it. it is quite scary and dangerous, but take the phones off them.

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

    “Who the f**k is Momo anyway?

  • UNHCR responds to allegations of “neglect, collusion, and inaction” of LGBT+ asylum seekers

    UNHCR responds to allegations of “neglect, collusion, and inaction” of LGBT+ asylum seekers

    “The safety and security of all refugees is of utmost priority to us. “

    Following on from the allegations from The Peter Tatchell Foundation that LGBT+ asylum seekers are being neglected and victimised in Kenya’s refugee camps, the UNHCR responds.

    Yesterday we reported that according to Peter Tatchell, the UN High Commission For Refugees boss Filippo Grandi had failed to respond to concerns raised by the Peter Tatchell Foundation (PTF) over the alleged failure to protect LGBT+ people in Kenya, who have fled homophobic persecution from neighbouring countries like Uganda.

    The UNHCR has responded by telling THEGAYUK, that “The safety and security of all refugees is of utmost priority to us” and that ‘all LGBTI refugees registered and known to UNHCR in Kakuma are promptly relocated to safer places”.

    Speaking THEGAYUK Peter Tatchell said, “Since 2017, I have received persistent reports of neglect, indifference and abuse by UNHCR staff and those they employ, including the failure of the UNHCR to protect LGBT+ refugees from abuse and violence by other refugees and the Kenyan police,

    “The UNHCR in Kenya has a duty of care towards all refugees, including LGBT+ ones. For at least two years, it has failed that duty of care – and sadly it continues to fail now”.

    The Peter Tatchell Foundation has proposed a five-point plan to the UNHCR to end the threats, violence and exclusion, including removing UNHCR staff and contractors who have behaved in a homophobic way.

    “All LGBTI refugees registered and known to UNHCR in Kakuma are promptly relocated to safer places”

    Speaking to THEGAYUK, a spokesperson for the UNHCR said, “The safety and security of all refugees is of utmost priority to us.

    “UNHCR is responding to Mr. Tatchell’s letter to address his stated concerns. Our Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees, Volker Turk, recently wrote to LGBTI activists engaged in this issue and reaffirmed our steadfast commitment to finding a solution to this situation.

    “All LGBTI refugees registered and known to UNHCR in Kakuma are promptly relocated to safer places, where we provide them with shelter, food, water, medical care, legal and psychological counselling and other assistance. We ensure they receive official documentation that legalizes their residence in urban areas, an important measure in light of Kenya’s encampment policy. Assessments are conducted on immediate needs and to identify the best long-term solution.

    “UNHCR is actively advocating with resettlement countries to increase the number of places available for LGBTI refugees. However, the number of resettlement places needed worldwide far outstrips the number of places available. For 2019, just 70,000 places are available for more than 1.4 million refugees UNHCR has identified as in need of resettlement.  Our Nairobi office has been working to secure resettlement for as many LGBTI refugees in Kenya as possible.  In the last part of 2018, we submitted more than 100 LGBTI cases for resettlement from Nairobi and have submitted approximately 150 further cases for consideration so far this year.

    “UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy towards any acts of misconduct by our staff or partners”

    “UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy towards any acts of misconduct by our staff or partners, including homophobic abuse. Any allegation we receive is passed on to our Independent Inspector General for investigation. All UNHCR staff and partners are required to sign our Code of Conduct, under which any acts of homophobic abuse leads to disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

     

  • Years and Years’ Olly: “If more people supported LGBT+ artists they’d get more slots”

    Years and Years’ Olly: “If more people supported LGBT+ artists they’d get more slots”

    Olly Alexander has said if more people listened to and supported LGBT+ artists, they’d get more slots at Pride.

    Years and Years singer Olly Alexander has suggested that if more people supported LGBT+ artists then they’d they get more slots at Pride events across the UK.

    The singer also revealed that he “always donates” his part of the Years and Years fee to perform at any pride they are asked to attend.

    This year, Years and Years will be performing alongside Ariana Grande at Manchester Pride.

    The singer said that although he’d love to see more LGBT+ headliners “the reality is line ups are a mix of artists depending on their availability and the need to sell tickets.”

    Manchester Pride has been at the centre of a row over the announcement of Ariana Grande as its headliner in 2019, with many suggesting that the Pride should have chosen an LGBT+ identified person. The singer released a statement over the backlash.

  • This is what gay men actually notice first about each other

    This is what gay men actually notice first about each other

    Are we all butt and package obsessed? Apparently not.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    In a recent survey by THEGAYUK, we uncovered that gay and bisexual men are more likely to notice the eyes first of someone they were romantically or sexually interested in, rather than the butt or package.

    Readers were asked to choose out of four body parts, the eyes, the chest, the penis or the butt, which they are most likely to notice first of someone they fancied.

    Eyes were deemed the most important feature of a potential boyfriend, with 43 per cent of us revealing that eyes the key to attraction. CREDIT: ©-nd3000-Depositphotos

    Given the choice out of the eyes, the chest, the package or the butt, perhaps surprisingly most people chose the eyes, with 43 percent of admitting that it was the eyes that attracted them first.

    Next, our eyes travelled southwards to the butt, with 23 per cent of guys claiming that an impressive ass would give cause for a second look. The chest area was next with 19 percent.

    The chest came third in our poll, with just under 20 per cent of us admitting that we found that area appealing. (C) BIGSTOCK

     

    Lastly, proving that we’re not all bulge obsessed, just 16 per cent of the people who answered the poll on Twitter said that the package was the part of the body they looked at first.

    However, some also suggested that teeth were important as well as hands.

  • UN High Commission For Refugees refuses to respond to accusations of abuse toward LGBTs

    UN High Commission For Refugees refuses to respond to accusations of abuse toward LGBTs

    The Peter Tatchell Foundation has written to the UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi, who as failed to respond to accusations of “neglect, collusion, and inaction” over the victimisation of LGBT+ asylum seekers in Kenya’s refugee camps.

    According to Peter Tatchell, the UN High Commission For Refugees boss Filippo Grandi has failed to respond to concerns raised by the Peter Tatchell Foundation (PTF) over the alleged failure to protect LGBT+ people in Kenya, who have fled homophobic persecution from neighbouring countries like Uganda.

    Speaking THEGAYUK Peter Tatchell said, “Since 2017, I have received persistent reports of neglect, indifference and abuse by UNHCR staff and those they employ, including the failure of the UNHCR to protect LGBT+ refugees from abuse and violence by other refugees and the Kenyan police,

    “The UNHCR in Kenya has a duty of care towards all refugees, including LGBT+ ones. For at least two years, it has failed that duty of care – and sadly it continues to fail now”.

    The Peter Tatchell Foundation has proposed a five-point plan to the UNHCR to end the threats, violence and exclusion, including removing UNHCR staff and contractors who have behaved in a homophobic way.

    The letter sent by the PTF was sent to the UNHCR three times since Mid-January. The organisation has yet to response.

    The letter from PTF reads,

    Dear Filippo Grandi and UNHCR colleagues

    Abuse of LGBT+ refugees in Kenya
    I am a human rights defender of 52-years standing and Director of the London-based human rights ngo, the Peter Tatchell Foundation: http://www.petertatchellfoundation.org

    I work with the UK and other governments on human rights issues.

    I echo the concerns expressed by Richard de Luchi and LGBT+ refugees about the failure of the UNHCR to protect Ugandan and other LGBT+ refugees in the Kakuma and Nairobi refugee camps from homophobic abuse, threats and violence by fellow refugees, the Kenyan police and allegedly from some UNHCR staff and their external contracted employees, such as security staff.

    The UNHCR in Kenya has a duty of care towards all refugees, including LGBT+ ones. For at least two years it has failed that duty of care – and sadly it continues to fail now.

    Since 2017, I have received persistent reports of neglect, indifference and abuse by UNHCR staff and those they employ – and their failure to protect victimised LGBT+ refugees from abuse and violence by others. Allegations of prejudice and neglect persist against UNHCR staff.

    This is in clear violation of the UNHCR’s mission statement and brings shame to an esteemed UN organisation.

    You have the power to help put right these terrible wrongs. I urge you and the UNHCR to:

    1. Halt the placement of LGBT+ refugees in the Kakuma camp. It is unsafe.

    2. Transfer all LGBT+ refugees from Kakuma to Nairobi to a secure location, separate from other refugees who may threaten them (not all have been transferred thus far).

    3. Speedily facilitate the resettlement of LGBT+ refugees to safe countries where they can live their lives without fear, threats, discrimination and violence.

    4. Remove UNHCR staff and employed contractors who have behaved in a homophobic way towards LGBT+ refugees from any contact with these refugees and/ or dismiss them from UNHCR work.

    5. Give UNHCR staff training in LGBT+ awareness and the unacceptability of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia – and make such prejudice a disciplinary offence.

    I would be grateful to receive your assurances on these five points and be updated
    on progress on their implementation.

    Thank you very much.

    Yours sincerely,

    Peter Tatchell

     

    Speaking to THEGAYUK, a spokesperson for the UNHCR said, “The safety and security of all refugees is of utmost priority to us.

    “UNHCR is responding to Mr. Tatchell’s letter to address his stated concerns. Our Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees, Volker Turk, recently wrote to LGBTI activists engaged in this issue and reaffirmed our steadfast commitment to finding a solution to this situation.

    “All LGBTI refugees registered and known to UNHCR in Kakuma are promptly relocated to safer places, where we provide them with shelter, food, water, medical care, legal and psychological counselling and other assistance. We ensure they receive official documentation that legalizes their residence in urban areas, an important measure in light of Kenya’s encampment policy. Assessments are conducted on immediate needs and to identify the best long-term solution.

    “UNHCR is actively advocating with resettlement countries to increase the number of places available for LGBTI refugees. However, the number of resettlement places needed worldwide far outstrips the number of places available. For 2019, just 70,000 places are available for more than 1.4 million refugees UNHCR has identified as in need of resettlement.  Our Nairobi office has been working to secure resettlement for as many LGBTI refugees in Kenya as possible.  In the last part of 2018, we submitted more than 100 LGBTI cases for resettlement from Nairobi and have submitted approximately 150 further cases for consideration so far this year.

    “UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy towards any acts of misconduct by our staff or partners”

    “UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy towards any acts of misconduct by our staff or partners, including homophobic abuse. Any allegation we receive is passed on to our Independent Inspector General for investigation. All UNHCR staff and partners are required to sign our Code of Conduct, under which any acts of homophobic abuse leads to disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

     

     

    This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect the comment by UNHCR

  • Davey Wavey just introduced the world to his boyfriend

    Davey Wavey just introduced the world to his boyfriend

    And they make a very beautiful couple.

    Internet thirst trap, Davey Wavey has introduced the world to his boyfriend, Chad Remy while they were both on an paradise all-gay holiday in Key West. The duo stayed in the exclusive Equator Resort for gay men in the the Lower Keys, Florida.

    The star simply introduced his bae in an Instagram picture, which he captioned, “Oh, by the way, this is my boyfriend”.

     

    Later he admited that what he loved most being with Chad was that they “don’t complete each other” and added, “we are two fully formed, unique, independent people who happen to enjoy the shit out of each other”.

     

    The couple spent a week in the resort and thanked the Equator Resort for putting up with their shenanigans, saying, “A week in paradise. Big thank you to @equatorresort for putting up with these two messy queens”