A gay couple from London were beaten unconscious in a vicious homophobic attack.
Updated: 10th August
A married gay couple, Tristan and Vestal, from Lewisham in London found themselves beaten beyond recognition and unconscious in a homophobic attack on the Greek Island of Mykonos.
The attack took place on the 19th July as the couple returned from a popular gay bar on the island, which is known for its usually friendly gay scene.
The couple were beaten so badly that Tristan will need reconstructive treatment on his teeth.
“I can remember walking up a hill and turning round because Vestal wasn’t with me.
“I could see he was talking to someone we didn’t know and was being pinned up against some railings.
“I said to him ‘Vestal, we need to go’ and he said he would deal with it. It was the last thing I could remember.
“When I woke up my head was feeling battered and my two front teeth were missing. I cradled Vestal who was also unconscious. He only came to when he was in the hospital.”
The Greek police are now investigating the attack, although the assault happened in an area without CCTV.
A gofundme page has been created to help the couple pay for dental treatment for Tristan, who will need extensive treatment to restore his teeth, a number of which were broken and knocked out during the attack.
The fund has already attracted over £6000 in donations.
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Yesterday marked the 8th anniversary of the death of Michael Causer, a gay teenager who was brutally attacked and murdered as he slept at a house party.
CREDIT: Michael Causer Foundation
A vigil was held in Liverpool yesterday in memory of Michael Causer – a gay teenager who was brutally murdered at a house party in 2008.
Following his death Liverpool’s LGBT community rallied around the Causer family, to raise money for legal and funeral expenses.
A number of speakers spoke at the vigil, including the Chief Constable, Cllr Dave Hanratty and Jnr Lord Mayor Zac Wilde.
Michael Causer’s parents, Marie and Mike set up the Michael Causer Foundation with the aim to “provide education, motivation and accommodation for young LGBT people”, like their son.
A twenty-one year old student has been charged with committing grievous bodily harm to a gay man in Brighton.
Sussex police have confirmed that Arain Moradi, 21, from London is accused of committing grievous bodily harm against a man in the early hours of Sunday, 8th May on Madeira Drive, in Brighton.
He allegedly used homophobic language before attacking the victim and breaking his jaw.
Historic win for NAT as the High Court overturns NHS England refusal to consider PrEP
NAT (National AIDS Trust) is delighted by the judgment passed down in the High Court today that NHS England acted unlawfully in withdrawing PrEP, a game-changing drug preventing transmission of HIV, from its decision-making process.
PrEP is urgently needed and has been shown to be cost-effective. NAT has always believed that there is no legal impediment to PrEP being commissioned by NHS England and the court agrees.
Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of NAT, said,
“This is fantastic news. It is vindication for the many people who were let down when NHS England absolved itself of responsibility for PrEP. The judgment has confirmed our view – that it is perfectly lawful for NHS England to commission PrEP. Now NHS England must do just that.
Over 4,000 people are getting HIV every year in the UK – we desperately need further prevention options to add to condom use. PrEP works. It saves money and it will make an enormous difference to the lives of men and women across the country who are at risk of acquiring HIV. The delay to commissioning PrEP is both unethical and expensive.”
In his judgement Mr Justice Green wrote,
‘No one doubts that preventative medicine makes powerful sense. But one governmental body says it has no power to provide the service and the local authorities say that they have no money. The Clamant is caught between the two and the potential victims of this disagreement are those who will contract HIV/AIDs but who would not were the preventative policy to be fully implemented.’
He goes on to conclude that in all the possible scenarios that were explored in the judicial review, NHS England does have the power to commission PrEP.
It is enormously disappointing that NHS England has decided to appeal this judgment, especially given the wide ranging and well-reasoned arguments it contains. The appeal will further delay clarity in this area, and mean that any potential commissioning of PrEP will not take place for months.
Following this decision, there will now be a 30-day public consultation on PrEP, which should start almost immediately, and an NHS England committee will consider the case for commissioning it, but final announcements and actual commissioning will be contingent on the outcome of the appeal.
YouTuber Georgie Aldous has hit out at people, including his mum, who criticize men who wear makeup.
CREDIT: Georgie Aldous/YouTube
“Please tell me why it’s an issue for men to wear makeup in 2016” asks Georgie Aldous in his new vlog.
Vegan YouTuber Georgie has made a video about why no one should be batting an eyelid if men wear makeup – especially in 2016.
Recalling a conversation where his mum questioned if he wanted to be a transvestite because of selfie he posted to Facebook, in which he wore false nails and makeup, he hit back saying, “Stop living in the dark ages.”
He argued,
“Makeup isn’t gendered in my opinion. I can wear makeup if I want to, doesn’t mean I want to be woman, I’m happy being a man. I just love to express myself through makeup.
“Makeup is art at the end of the day.”
CREDIT: Georgie Aldous/YouTube
Well said…
ALSO READ: Adam Lambert proves that men wearing make up is totally hot
The London Gay Symphony Orchestra are set to take up their instruments in a battle to become the greatest Orchestra in the BBC’s nationwide search that captures the spirit of amateur music-making.
The four-part series will air on BBC Radio 4 at the end of August and will be hosted by BBC Radio 3’s Katie Derham. I
n each week’s episode, the orchestras will present a performance to be judged by renowned conductor Paul Daniel and the winning orchestra will perform at BBC Proms in the Park!
A spokesperson for the London Gay Symphony Orchestra, which turns 21 next year said the players were “excited” by the news.
Mr. Arnold, 37, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years and 4 months. He pleaded guitly for a quick sentence.
Chilling Message
The Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Arnold had become agitated after having sex – that he slashed and stabbed Mr. Lound, who was 30 at the time. After the grizzly attack, Arnold wrote the chilling message, “your (sic) not reddy (sic) for me. I always win. “I always win” on the student’s bedroom wall.
The victim, William Lound was openly gay. According to reports, he also wore women’s clothing and makeup – which have led some to believe that the attack may have been anti-trans.
He had 12 knife wounds to his back, neck and head. The knife was found in the victim’s body.
23 years and 4 months
Mr. Arnold will now serve a life sentence, with a minimum term of 23 years and 4 months.
Judge John Potter said,
“This was a brutal, pre-meditated sustained attack with a weapon upon a vulnerable and defenceless man.
“There is, in my judgement, evidence that your victim was murdered as a consequence of his sexual orientation.”
According to The Mirror, Detective Superintendent Simon Retford, from GMP’s serious crime division, said,
“This was a horrific murder of a young man whose only mistake was to trust and try to help the wrong person.
“Lee Arnold used William’s kind heart and good nature to gain his trust and then stabbed him to death.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the LGBT community that I do not believe this was a case of Arnold randomly attacking somebody from within that community.
“Sadly, it appears that he and William had previously met, which ended up leading to his tragic death.”
Warwick District Council have come under criticism after refusing to fly the rainbow flag during Warwickshire Pride.
Photo Credit – Paul Szabo
The organisers of Warwickshire Pride have raised concerns with Warwick District Council after it said it would not fly the rainbow flag, at a town hall, during the county’s main pride event, which takes place in Leamington Spa on 20th August.
Daniel Browne, who founded Warwickshire Pride said that he wrote to the council to find out about the possibility of flying the rainbow flag during Warwickshire Pride. Mr Browne also enquired whether flags could be flown along Leamington Spa’s high street during the event.
A number of towns and cities across the UK, have raised rainbow flags to show their solidarity with the LGBT community after the Orlando massacre killed 49 people in June.
Matter of policy?
However, Councillor Andrew Mobbs, Leader of Warwick District Council replied that flags can only be flown for national events, not local ones. The leader remarked that this was not a new policy.
Spaces for flags on Leamington Spa’s high street are taken up by the Bowls Championships.
Further investigation by Mr Browne revealed that no such policy exists.
Mr Browne said,
“On Friday 29th July, I was contacted by a local councillor. He informed me that he has discovered that Warwick District Council do not have a flag policy.
“This is deeply concerning, as Cllr Mobbs specifically mentioned a council flag policy in his original email to me.”
Across the UK there are around 62 prides, with the bulk of events taking place to celebrate the LGBT community in July and August.
Entrance Flag
The council have confirmed that there will be a flag flown, but only at the entrance of Jepson Gardens – directly opposite the pride site – but not at the Town Hall.
Mr Browne continued.
I did raise concerns that he had not addressed the rainbow flag flying at the Town Hall and I asked him some direct questions about it. I asked for an explanation of the flag policy so I can understand it a bit more, asked who was involved in the decision making, and also whether it means Cllr Mobbs does not recognise Pride as a national event.
“All we ask is that the LGBT+ community in Leamington Spa receive the same visible support that councils around the UK show to their communities for Pride. A small gesture would go a very long way.”
A petition has been launched in which the Warwickshire Pride organisers “ask that the LGBT+ community in Leamington Spa receive the same visible support that councils around the UK show to their communities for Pride. A small gesture would go a very long way.”
The Pride Flag flies outside the Scottish Parliament during the Opening of the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament. 02 July 2016. Pic – Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
One of the hottest number one selling bands in the UK, Years and Years, will be bringing their unique electro-pop sounds to South Wales on Friday 12th August 2016.
CREDIT: PR Supplied
The ‘Desire’ hitmakers will be performing in the picturesque setting of Cardiff’s Cooper’s Field and the concert is brought to you by the organisers behind Pride Cymru, marking the organisations inaugural, ‘Party in the Parc’ event.
The British electronica trio will entertain with a full set performing the classics from their brilliant no.1 debut album Communion. The album marked a moment in UK pop music history and rocketed to the top of the first Friday release chart, propelling the London based 3 piece into the stratosphere of UK stardom. It’s now Platinum in the UK, and has sold over 1.4 million copies worldwide.
Hits have included their first #1 single ‘King’, alongside recent track ‘Desire’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Eyes Shut’ – all in all selling over 10 million singles worldwide to date.
To complete the evening of music and celebration a strong support line-up is set to comprise of electronic duo, Maribou State, singer-songwriter Izzy Bizu, cool five-piece band Nimmo and Jax Jones DJ.
Co-founder of Party in the Parc, Lu Thomas said,
“We’re thrilled to have secured such amazing acts which will give concert goers an evening to remember. If Years & Years recent performances such as their Glastonbury set are anything to go by then we are in for one hell of a show!”
The Years & Years gig titled, Party in the Parc has been organised to support Pride Cymru, all profits from the event will be invested into Pride Cymru to ensure the organisation remains sustainable.
Olly Alexander lead singer of Years & Years said,
“We’re so excited to play Wales’ pride party this August. Pride is something that we all care deeply about and having grown up in Wales I’m so happy we get the chance to celebrate with people there. Pride continues to be a vitally important day for the LGBT+ community and our allies, especially in the light of recent events. Celebrating our diversity, supporting each other and promoting visibility is something I really care about. Pride Cymru is a great organisation that provides crucial support for the LGBT+ community and we’re so thrilled we get to play at their party. See you in August Wales!”
Tickets to Party in the Parc in association with Pride Cymru are on sale via www.partyintheparc.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk and prices range from £29.95 – £55.00. The ticket price includes a full set from the ‘King’ hitmakers, plus support from Maribou State, Izzy Bizu and DJ Jax Jones.
On Wednesday his mother, Christine Leinonen, 49, gave an emotional speech at the Democratic National Convention demanding tighter gun controls in the United States.
She was supported on stage with survivor Brandon Wolf, and Drew’s ex-boyfriend, Jose Arriagada.
She told the crowd that “common sense policies, saves lives”
A Scottish Father has kick-started a fundraiser in support of tackling homophobia in schools, as he tells of his fears for his son’s future within the education system.
Glasgow resident Neil Dallimore, 33, plans to walk 96 miles along the West Highland Way – from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish highlands – and is seeking public donations for his efforts, in order to raise funds for campaign group Time for Inclusive Education (TIE).
Dallimore has an 11 year old son who recently told him that he was gay but asked for it be kept a secret from his school teachers because he feared that he would be “treated differently”.
He said,
“To hear your child ask that a part of his identity not be known to elders that are there to educate, protect and support him is a gut punch. His reason was simple enough – another boy had been open about his sexuality last year and afterward the teachers treated him differently in a negative way.
Too often I hear stories from my kids about how they’ve either been the target of or personally witnessed homophobic bullying and it’s a problem that few teachers have seemed to know how to handle. It’s worrying and upsetting to see your child treated like an outsider by other children based on sexuality and it must change.”
Despite it being 16 years since Section 28 was repealed in Scotland, there has been little progress towards eradicating homophobia in the playground. Now, Dallimore intends to address this head-on by supporting TIE’s calls for LGBTI inclusion within schools.
He said,
“What TIE are doing that gives me hope, is making sure that – if nothing else – when children go to school, no matter who they are, no matter what they hear hateful people say, they will have an enlightened place, a safe place and they will know that they are equal, natural and loved.”
During this year’s parliamentary election, every major political party had included manifesto commitments endorsing TIE’s calls for teachers from all schools to received specific training on how to challenge homophobia and discuss LGBTI issues in the classroom.
