THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • Evening Standard appoints its first LGBT+ correspondent

    Evening Standard appoints its first LGBT+ correspondent

    The Evening Standard has appointed its very first LGBT+ Correspondent.

    London Evening Standard
    CREDIT: By Philafrenzy (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
    One of London’s most read news outlets, The Evening Standard has appointed its first LGBT+ correspondent, Amy Ashenden, who is also the outlet’s online Assistant Video Editor. The writer is also the editor of The Gay Word, a documentary about the evolution of the word “gay” asking the question, “Is it homophobic or has language evolved?”

    Amy Ashenden
    CREDIT: Amy Ashenden/Twitter

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Amy spoke how important the new role way for the LGBT+ community saying,

    “I feel it’s an important role because London has a huge queer community.

    “There’s so much happening here and being queer myself, I’ve always been keen to make sure LGBTQ voices are heard and that all of London is represented. LGBTQ content is something I’ve been doing a lot of ever since I started at the Standard and I’m delighted the new title will formally recognise that”

    Having an LGBT+ correspondent is very rare for mainstream media and Amy suggests that it’s a great way of making content inclusive, representative and a brillaint way to bring more diversity across the media,

    Amy continued,

    “I think having a LGBTQ Correspondent is a great way of making content inclusive and more relevant to wider audiences. There is a lack of diverse content across many media outlets, and being fair, representative and inclusive is something I think all journalism should strive to be”

    “I am very proud to be the Evening Standard’s first ever LGBTQ Correspondent and it goes to show you should never shy away from telling stories you feel passionate about. If there’s something LGBTQ happening, particularly in London, please get in touch! I’m always keeping an eye out for stories”.

    You can read Amy’s articles here

  • Police are looking for information in connection to an attack on a gay couple in London

    Police are looking for information in connection to an attack on a gay couple in London

    British Transport Police is appealing for information from the public after two boyfriends were attacked on a London-bound train after a night out in Reading.

    ealing broadway
    CREDIT: Google Maps 2015/2017

    Police are investigating an attack on two men at Ealing Broadway rail station on the morning of 15th February. The two men, a couple, were subjected to an attack, which they said was “for being gay”. The victims say the attack happened on a Great Western Railway train.

    Police confirmed that the pair sustained injuries and were transferred to hospital by ambulance.

    The police were called at 1.04 AM.

    Phillip Poole, 35 and his boyfriend, Zbynek Zatloukal, 26 were apparently brutally beaten on a London-bound train travelling from Reading on Valentine’s day. Mr Poole said that the couple were set upon by a gang of five “for being gay”.

    According to Mr Poole, the thugs boarded the train in Ealing, West London and verbally abused the couple with a homophobic insult before physically attacking them. Mr Poole says that he was sleeping on his partner’s shoulder when a punch to the face woke him.

     Anyone with any information about the incident should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or 61016 citing reference 30 of 15/02/16.
  • Britain’s first high profile racing driver, Danny Watts comes out as gay

    Britain’s first high profile racing driver, Danny Watts comes out as gay

    Danny Watts, an award-winning, high profile racing driver has come out as gay and is believed to be the first in the sport.

    CREDIT: Danny Watts/ with Permission / @jacobebrey

    Danny Watts, 37,  is believed to be first high-profile racing driving to come out in Europe. Speaking to THEGAYUK.com he said it was “such a good feeling” to be out.

    He came out in an interview with Autosport.com in which he revealed that he felt he had to hide his sexuality within his industry because “it’s a very masculine sport”.

    He told them,

    “There was something burning inside that said ‘right, you can’t hide it anymore, you’ve got to be free and be true to yourself and let it go out there’.

    “I told close family members and friends. There was obviously shock to start with but people were also very supportive, which was nice.

    “So I thought if they’re cool with it, let’s go with it.”

    Danny ended his driving career after Le Mans last year to focus on driver coaching. He admitted that he was “concerned” about coming out before he retired from racing, about how sponsors and team members might have reacted to the news about his sexuality.

    Speaking about how he feels since coming out and advice for others considering coming out, Danny said,

    “So what’s the best solution?

    “Just come out and just do it. If it’s out there and everyone knows about it then they can think what they want, whether it’s good or bad or ugly.

    “At least I can get into bed at night not having to think about it and know that it’s out in the open and I can live life a lot happier.”

    Danny joins just a handful of out professional sportsmen and women in the UK.

  • Railway bridge given a rainbow makeover to celebrate LGBT community

    Railway bridge given a rainbow makeover to celebrate LGBT community

    A 100-year-old railway bridge which passes through the gay village of Leeds has received a rainbow makeover.

    The rainbow bridge leeds
    CREDIT: Joe Burke / JoeMB Media

    The rail bridge HUL4/53, which is called the Leeds Freedom Bridge, has been coloured the colours of the LGBT rainbow flag. The update is all thanks to Network Rail, Leeds City Council and local LGBT diversity campaigner Thomas Wales.

    ALSO READ: Do you know your LGBT pride flags? Take the Quiz

    Speaking about the update, Thomas Wales, ‘Leeds Freedom Bridge’ project leader and LGB&T campaigner, said,

    “Each colour represents something different, from Life and Harmony to Nature and Spirit, it is also a scheme that has been adopted internationally to celebrate freedom in sexuality and gender identity in our city. It is destined to become a landmark we can all be proud of.”

    Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy executive member for culture, said,

    “This bridge represents a tremendous show of support for the city’s LGBT community. Not only will the Leeds Freedom Bridge be an eye-catching addition to what is already a lively and electric part of Leeds, it will also make a huge statement to our many visitors, that here, we embrace and celebrate diversity and the contribution it makes to ensuring Leeds is such a warm, welcoming and successful city.”

    The rainbow paintwork commenced in December and was completed in February 2017, just in time to share the Freedom Bridge love over the Valentine’s weekend.

  • Child carer told not to tell parents that she was gay, in case they thought she was paedophile

    A child carer caller on Katie Hopkins LBC radio show claimed she was told by the school that she works with not to tell parents that she is gay.

    A caller rang into Katie Hopkins‘ morning talk show on LBC to say that she was advised not to tell parents that she was a lesbian. Sally, who says that she was “head of care” at a residential school in the UK, was told not to disclose her sexuality by the head of the school – in case people thought she was a paedophile.

    Speaking to Katie, Sally said,

    “I was once asked by the head not to let any of the parents know that I was a lesbian, because they wanted for parents to believe that they were safe. There are a lot of people out there who still believe that being homosexual is akinned to being a pedophile.

    “I think that view prevails throughout society”.

    Sally called in after Katie asked her listeners whether the “traditional family unit” was best, after the Church of England’s Synod rejected a call for continued opposition to same-sex marriage.

  • This gay retro colouring in book is to DIE FOR

    This gay retro colouring in book is to DIE FOR

    This retro 1964 colouring book is slightly amazing.

    The Gay Coloring Book

    In it, you’re invited to colour in scenes of a bathhouse orgy, a park cruising scene and the jolliest birthday party you’ve ever witnessed. Welcome to The Gay Coloring Book.

    The flamboyant book, of which there are several in the series, were first published in 1964, cost $2.00 and contained 32 pages for your colouring in delight.

    Back in the 60s you could mail order, My Trip Around The World described as a new devilishly witty where Danny, our hero gets to meet 35 of the “world’s most attractive men”.

    Find more images over at HoustonLGBTHistory.org

    H/T UnicornBooty.com

  • Delta passenger called the police on Mykki Blanco because he didn’t like people like Mykki

    Delta passenger called the police on Mykki Blanco because he didn’t like people like Mykki

    Rapper Mykki Blanco has reported on Twitter that a passenger sitting in the next seat had the police called because Delta Airlines allowed “someone like me” on board.

    By Imnotcmjames (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
    Mykki Blanco, real name Michael Quattlebaum Jr,  was taking a flight on board a Delta Airlines flight from Toronto to Detroit when the man in the next seat had the police called. According to Mykki, the passenger said he was “not comfortable” and didn’t know how Delta allowed someone like Mykki to board the plane and sit next to him.

    https://twitter.com/MykkiBlanco/status/832724865056698370

    https://twitter.com/MykkiBlanco/status/832725072318050305

    When questioned by the police, Mykki said a police officer told him that an FBI report would be made about the “interaction” between the entertainer and the other passenger. Mykki refutes that any interaction happened and insists ” I slept through the entire flight”

    https://twitter.com/MykkiBlanco/status/832725529258139648

    Mykki hopes the Delta cabin crew would be able to back up the statement about being asleep during the flight.

    https://twitter.com/MykkiBlanco/status/832858267235844097

    According to the entertainer’s own report, the police told Mykki that he would “go to jail” if he continued to ask why the police were giving preferential to the man who made the report.

    Mykki has said that this was the most “bizarre” form of homophobia the artist has ever experienced.

    https://twitter.com/MykkiBlanco/status/832725875212836864

    A Delta customer service rep was quick to respond on Twitter saying, that they couldn’t believe their eyes and that they were “sorry” for the experience. They said that “discrimination of any kind” was not tolerated onboard their flights and that they “Love” all their passengers.

    THEGAYUK has reached out to Delta for comment.

     

    ALSO READ: Mykki Blanco latest video apparently banned from YouTube

     

     

     

     

  • Gay couple brutally beaten “for being gay”

    Gay couple brutally beaten “for being gay”

    A gay couple were brutally beaten in what’s been described as a homophobic attack on a London-bound train on Valentine’s Day.

     

    Phillip Poole Homophobic attack
    CREDIT: Phillip Poole

    Phillip Poole, 35 and his boyfriend, Zbynek Zatloukal, 26 were apparently brutally beaten on a London-bound train travelling from Reading on Valentine’s day. Mr Poole said that the couple were set upon by a gang of five “for being gay”.

    Mr Poole took to social media to share the shocking images of his and his boyfriend’s injuries. The attack has left him feeling anxious and “jumpy”.

    HAPPY TIMES: The couple before the attack – a happy Valentine’s night out.

    The thugs boarded the train in Ealing, West London and verbally abused the couple with a homophobic insult before physically attacking them. Mr Poole says that he was sleeping on his partner’s shoulder when a punch to the face woke him.

    Speaking to the Standard he said,

    “I can’t really remember much about what happened because I was in such shock when I woke up. I managed to get up and stumble down the carriageway but then they followed me.”

    He said that he was not a violent person and did not know how to defend himself against the abusive onslaught. The 36-year-old said he was still jumpy from the incident.

    The couple, who have been together since November 2015 sustained cuts and bruises and were taken to Ealing Hospital.

    Mr Poole took to his Facebook profile to thank his friends and family for their well wishes

    “Just wanted to thank everyone so much for your comments of support❤means the world to Zbyněk and I. We are home resting now but are very bruised and swollen”.

     

    British Transport Police have said they are aware of the incident and was investigating and Mr Poole confirmed to THEGAYUK that they would be contact them next week.

  • Paul Nuttall pulls site down for maintenance, Google has a cache of his thoughts on equality

    UKIP leader Paul Nuttall’s official website is a treasure trove of his personal thoughts – especially what he thinks about political correctness – or as we like to call it, equality.

    You may remember that in 2011 two Christian hoteliers, Peter and Rosemary Bull lost their court case after refusing to allow two gay men to stay at their hotel. Well, writing on his personal blog in 2011 after the court’s ruling on the case, UKIP leader Paul Nuttall believed that the vast majority of people tutted and “rolled their eyes” as the judge affirmed that equality and fairness is the law of the land.

    Mr Hall and Mr Preddy successfully sued the hotel owners for £3600 in 2011, in a landmark case which found that Mr & Mrs Bull had discriminated against the gay couple, on the grounds of sexual orientation under the Equalities Act.

    Although his entire site is now offline, for “scheduled maintenance”, luckily for us, Google has a cache of it and it reveals what Paul thought about the situation.

    Writing in his blog on the site, he seemingly questioned the court’s decision by saying,

    “What a complete joke.

    “Aren’t people allowed to live by their religious beliefs in the country anymore? It seems not, especially if those beliefs clash with ‘modern’ views, which the PC ‘luvies’ constantly tell us, represents ‘progress.’”

    He then asked whether the decision was really progress and asked in whose eye was it progress.

  • Oh dear… Sean Spicer just called the Canadian Prime Minister the wrong name

    Sean Spicer just made a grievous error after calling Canada’s Prime Minister the wrong name.

    Major, major awkwardness from the White House after Donald Trump’s press secretary, Sean Spicer managed to get the Canadian Prime Minister’s name wrong, despite him being a guest of the White House just days previous. What is more alarming is that Spicer seems to be reading the details off a piece of paper in front of him. Written, we presume in black and white. Didn’t he check names before speaking?

    In a press conference, Sean managed to call the PM Joe Trudeau, rather than his real name, Justin Trudeau. Mr Trudeau is considered one of the world’s most progressive leaders when it comes to LGBT rights.

    It’s nice to see that accuracy is held in high regard by Trump’s administration.

     

  • Man fined £150 for two homophobic rants in Shetland pubs

    Man fined £150 for two homophobic rants in Shetland pubs

    A man who admitted shouting homophobic abuse, whilst drunk, has been fined £150.

    Thule bar, Shetlands
    CREDIT: Google Maps 2015

    Twenty-two-year-old Ellis Birnie, of Sandveien, Lerwick, was fined £150 after he pleaded guilty to behaving “in a threatening or abusive manner” in Lerwick, Shetland, in Scotland.

    He made homophobic remarks according to a witness who said that the accused had made “derogatory remarks about the females’ perceived sexuality” last year at the Thule Bar and Captain Flints on 27 September.

    Shetland News reports, Mr Birnie’s defence said that he suffered from epilepsy and diabetes and according did not manage his condition by not managing his diet.

    Sheriff Philip Mann remarked that the behaviour was  “really stupid” and said he hoped it would be a wake-up call for the man.

    “Look after your health and be wise enough to understand you can’t go out and abuse alcohol in this way”.