THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • Does Alison Moyet make a good point about the word “Womxn”?

    Does Alison Moyet make a good point about the word “Womxn”?

    The word “Womxn” has been trending on Twitter after a TedTalk’s account said that their use of the word “Womxn” was not a typo. That Tweet went on to be severely ratio’d with over 6,300 comments. Mainly of people complaining about the term.

    TEDxLondon wrote, “that’s not a typo: ‘womxn’ is a spelling of ‘women’ that’s more inclusive and progressive. The term sheds light on the prejudice, discrimination, and institutional barriers womxn have faced, and explicitly includes non-cisgender women.”

    Alison Moyet has made a very good point about the word, “Womxn”, which is supposed to be a much more inclusive way of including all types of women, including trans women. Her point, in a nutshell, is why is “Mxn” being used for men?

    Which is a good point. If women are being asked to accept womxn shouldn’t men be expected to use mxn?

    She wrote, “Womxn but not Mxn? Why would that not be problematic for anyone desirous of inclusive language? Inclusive language must include or it is otherwise”.

    https://twitter.com/AlisonMoyet/status/1303264303773028353

    What do you think? If Women becomes Womxn, should Men become Mxn?

    [totalpoll id=”122400″]

  • Birmingham stabbing suspect arrested

    A man has been arrested following a stabbing incident that left one man dead and seven others injured.

    According to a police report, The suspect was detained at an address in Selly Oak at around 4 am.

    The 27-year-old remains in police custody for questioning over the knife attacks that shocked the city in the early hours of Sunday morning.

    The first attack happened in Constitution Hill followed by further stabbings in Livery Street, Irving Street and finally Hurst Street.

    How the incident unfolded

    12:30 AM Police received their first call to Constitution Hill just after 12.30 am where a man received a superficial injury,

    12:50 AM A further call 20 minutes later to Livery Street. A 19-year-old man was critically injured and a woman was also injured.

    1.50 AM we were called to Irving Street where sadly one man lost his life and another man suffered serious injuries.

    2:00 AM Ten minutes later we were called to Hurst Street where a 32-year-old woman was seriously injured and two men received lesser injuries.

    “Officers worked through yesterday and into the early hours”

    Embed from Getty Images

    Birmingham Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, said, “Officers worked through yesterday and into the early hours of this morning in a bid to trace the man we believe responsible for these terrible crimes.

    “We issued CCTV footage of the suspect and had a strong response from the public. I’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and who provided information to the investigation.

    “One line of enquiry ultimately led us to an address in the Selly Oak area this morning where a man was arrested.

    “Clearly this is a crucial development but our investigation continues. We still need to speak to any witnesses who saw what happened who’ve not yet spoken to us, or anyone who may have video footage or photos of the incidents or the attacker.

    “We have a hotline number and a dedicated web page where you can submit information, photos and videos.”

    A Hotline has been set up for anyone with info. Please call 0800 056 0944

  • Birmingham cops: “stay vigilant” but fail to release a description of the suspect – 16 hours after the incident

    There are growing calls for Midland’s Police to issue a description of a suspect who allegedly killed at least one man and injured at least seven others in the early hours this morning, in Birmingham.

    There have been no arrests and a manhunt and murder investigation is now underway.

    Police were called to an incident at 12:30 AM in Birmingham’s gay village where sadly one man died from injuries sustained from a knife attack.

    Despite the city’s wide spread use of CCTV the authorities have yet to release any description of the man they say they wish to question in connection to the incident.

    The police have warned citizens to “remain vigilant” and that they would release more information in due course.

    The police have said that they do not believe the motive for the attack to be a hate crime, gang-related or terrorism, instead suggesting that the attacks were random.

    No description, but asked to remain vigilant.

    Embed from Getty Images

    However, more than 16 hours since the incident the police have yet to issue any formal description.

    Numerous people took to social media to question why are such a long time why the police had yet to release any further information on the suspect. One person wrote, “Surely 16 hours later you must know who you are looking for??? Wouldn’t it be in public interest to show who you are looking for???”

    While another added, “For a city centre covered in CCTV, I find it highly suspicious that you’ve yet to release a description or images of the attacker. Any reasonable explanation why?”

  • Murder investigation opened after “major incident” in Birmingham

    Murder investigation opened after “major incident” in Birmingham

    Police in Birmingham have confirmed that they have opened a murder investigation after a man died died and two further victims suffered serious injuries.

    Police also note that a further five people have been injured although their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

    A manhunt is now underway and no arrests have been made. The police have not released a description of the suspect.

    In a statement, police confirmed, “We believe the incidents, which took place between 12:30 am and 2:20 am, are linked and we’re doing all we can to find whoever was responsible.

    “Detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry and we’ve increased our uniformed and armed response in the city.

    “We continue to hold a number of scenes across the city, including Livery Street, Irving Street and Hurst Street.

    “We’re urging anyone who witnessed anything or anyone who has any CCTV or mobile phone footage to get in contact as soon as possible, as the information you have may be crucial to our investigation.

    “tragic, shocking and understandably frightening”

    Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, responsible for policing in Birmingham, said: “The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic, shocking and understandably frightening.

    “Please be assured that we are doing absolutely everything we can to find whoever was responsible and try to understand what exactly happened.

    “We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. Your safety is always our priority and that’s why you’ll see an increase in officers on the streets.

    “In the meantime, we’d ask anyone who’s in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.”

    The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said: “Last night’s events are truly terrible and have  shocked the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the country.

    “My first thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time. 

    “I have every faith in West Midlands Police who are working extremely quickly on this investigation.

    “My thanks also go to the ambulance and hospital staff who are working around the clock to help those who have been injured.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat on our website or call 101. If you are in danger please call 999.

  • Major incident declared in Birmingham’s gay quarter after multiple stabbings

    Major incident declared in Birmingham’s gay quarter after multiple stabbings

    *This is a live article and changes are being made as new and updated information is being released*

    Police in Birmingham said there have been multiple stabbings in the area near to the gay village.

    A murder investigation has now been opened after a man sadly died. A further two people were seriously injured and another five were left with less serious injuries.

    A manhunt is now underway and no arrests have been made. The police have not released a description of the suspect.

    ALSO READ: Murder investigation opened after attack in Birmingham city centre

    ALSO READ: Birmingham cops: “stay vigilant” but fail to release a description of the suspect – 16 hours after the incident

    Police say that at around 12:30 AM this morning there were reports of a stabbing in the city centre. A further number of stabbings happened after.

    Police have now cordoned off an area on Hurst Road, which has a number of LGBT+ venues and bars on it.

    The police have confirmed that a number of people have been injured. They said in a statement,

    “We are aware of a number of injured people, but at the moment we are not in a position to say how many or how serious. However, all emergency services are working together at the scene, and making sure that those who are injured receive medical care.”

    According to Midlands Zone, one bystander, Graham Littlewood from DevilsKitchen commented, “it appears around five people were stabbed, one possibly fatal. The police came to my burger van and told us to close immediately and for everyone to move out of the area.”

    Has anyone been arrested?

    There are reports on social media that a man has been caught, however, this is currently unconfirmed.

    The force said “Work is still going on to establish what has happened, and could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything. At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.”

    Gunshots?

    According to some reports, a number of people had heard what sounded like gunshots, however, police say they have found no evidence at this time, that a firearm had been fired.

    Midland’s Police said, “We’re aware of some comments that gunshots were fired, this has not been reported to us at this stage.”

    This is a breaking story. Please refresh to see new information.

  • Nine men accused of holding a “gay party” in Indonesia are facing 15 years in jail

    Nine men accused of holding a “gay party” in Indonesia are facing 15 years in jail

    Things for LGBT+ people in Indonesia are going from bad to worse after nine men arrested in Jakarta are arrested for what the police are calling a “gay party”.

    Nine men have been arrested in Indonesia after police say they were holding a “gay party”, this is despite that homosexuality is not illegal except in the Aceh region. There were apparently 12 men at the party, nine of them were detained as the “organisers”.

    The nine were charged under article 296 of the Criminal Code Law that says “Any person who commits or facilitates obscene act with another person, shall be punished by a maximum one year and four months imprisonment and a maximum fine of IDR15.000″

    The police also charged them with article 33 in conjunction with article 7 and or article 36 in conjunction with article 10 of the Pornography Law. 

    Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid says that there is no legal justification for criminalising these men and that raids like these were sending “a terrifying message to LGBTI people”.

    In a statement, Hamind said, “There is no legal justification for criminalising the behaviour these men are accused of. Such a gathering would pose no threat to anyone. The authorities are being discriminatory and violating the human rights to privacy and family life, freedom of expression, and the freedom of assembly and association. 

    “Raids like these send a terrifying message to LGBTI people. We call on the authorities to release all people arrested in the party and drop all charges against them. They must also stop these arbitrary and humiliating raids and stop misusing laws against loitering or public nuisance to harass and arrest people accused of same-sex activity. 

    “No one should be targeted and arrested because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. The police should be keeping everyone safe, not stoking more discrimination.”

    Homosexuality is not illegal, but authorities are finding other ways to criminalise gay people

    Consensual same-sex relations are not crimes under the Indonesian Criminal Code. However, the Pornography Law has been widely applied and doesn’t relate to any of the actions or behaviours actually carried out by the people arrested or harassed under this law. 

    In Indonesia, LGBTI people are frequently harassed, intimidated, criminalized, and even killed, simply because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, according to Amnesty International.

    Increase intimidation and attacks

    In the last few years, intimidation, attacks and discrimination against LGBT+ people in Indonesia has increased after several public officials made inaccurate or misleading statements on the grounds of “defending the country’s public morality and public security.”  

  • Matt Hancock won’t condemn homophobia because Tony Abbott is a trade expert

    Matt Hancock won’t condemn homophobia because Tony Abbott is a trade expert

    In an awkward exchange with Sky‘s Kay Burley, Health Secretary Matt Hancock seemingly excused homophobic and misogynistic comments by the former Australian PM, Tony Abbott, because he is an “expert on trade”.

    The former PM is reportedly being eyed up to be the joint president of the UK’s Board of Trade as the UK prepares its trade deals upon leaving the EU.

    Previously Abbott opposed gay marriage before it became legal in Australia and said that he feels a “bit threatened by homosexuality”.

    “I don’t believe that’s true”

    Hancock firstly argued that he didn’t believe Tony Abbott to be a homophobe or a misogynist, saying, “I don’t believe that’s true, I haven’t seen any of his (comments)”

    When Burley replied, “I just told you what he said, I’m sure you don’t support some of his comments, he’s a homophobe and a misogynist”, Hancock’s response was. “He’s also an expert on trade”.

    Pressing the point, Burley went on to ask, “So one plays off each other? Really? Is that what you’re really saying, Health Secretary? Come on!”

    Hancock responded, “No, what I’m saying is that we need experts in different areas and the former Prime Minister of Australia is obviously an enormous expert in the area of trade. it doesn’t change my views.

    So forgive because he’s good at trade?

    Embed from Getty Images

    Burley continued, “So we can forgive his comments about women and about letting the elderly die of Covid-19 and his views on the gay community, even though his sister is gay. We can forgive all of that because he’s good at trade?”

    Hancock didn’t answer the question and went back to form, by saying, “I’m doing everything in my power to prevent a second wave and protect people from coronavirus

    At which Burley butted in and remonstrated the Health Secretary, by pointing out “That was not my question”, she asked, “Is he a fit and proper person to represent us?”

    “Mr Abbott is very good and very experienced in trade”, responded Hancock, “It is clearly a very important decision that the Prime Minister (Boris Johnson) and the Trade Secretary are across, because we do want experts… and have huge experience”

  • This gay bathhouse has done something quite interesting while it can’t open as a sauna

    This gay bathhouse has done something quite interesting while it can’t open as a sauna

    Number 52 sauna in Newcastle has chosen to reopen, but it’s not quite as you’d expect.

    All gay bathhouses, like many businesses across the UK, were required by the government to close at the end of March, in order to flatten the curve of Coronavirus.

    Slowly parts of the UK’s economy have reopened and although some gay saunas have reopened, some remain closed.

    Number 52 has done something very different.

    In a Facebook post, Number 52 wrote, Number 52 is back… “Our venue has been temporarily repurposed”

    Where you’d normally find plenty of naked men, milling the halls of Number 52, you’re more likely to bump into a barista!

    You can now get a coffee in the steam room – minus the steam of course.

    They explained,

    “Number 52 will be reopening Sunday 30th August from 3pm until the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday

    “Our venue has been responsibly adjusted in accordance with current government guidelines. We have installed seating throughout, adapting the venue into a Cafe & Bar.

    “We’ve got alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, teas, coffees and we’ll also be serving food and snacks. Take this opportunity to see Number 52 in a different way.

    “Admission is temporarily free as we are operating as a Cafe & Bar. Everyone is welcome, pop on down and have a drink.”

  • LGBT Magazine, Midland Zone to close

    LGBT Magazine, Midland Zone to close

    In a blow to the LGBT+ media market, Birmingham based title, Midland Zone is set to close.

    The magazine, which has been in print since 1997 was a free pickup magazine available in LGBT+ bars and spaces across the Midlands. It had, according to its own stats, had 60,000 magazine readers.

    Over the years it has had had a myriad of LGBT+ icons grace its covers including, Boy George, Saara Aalto and Lily Savage.

    In a statement on its official Facebook page, Midlands Zone wrote,

    “Rather than dwelling on yet another business being seriously affected by the coronavirus pandemic, we would instead like you to join us in focusing on and CELEBRATING the 23 glorious years we have enjoyed together.

    “The decision to cease Midlands Zone at the end of August was actually made a few weeks ago – and will explain why we’ve been reminiscing in recent weeks with video posts of the Pride Ball over the years.

    “So please celebrate with us all the fantastic times we’ve had together. And who knows, Midlands Zone may well be back at some point in the future with new publishers (talks with several interested parties are currently ongoing, so watch this space!).”

    Former Attitude editor Matthew Todd wrote, “Sorry to hear that. Had some great times with you all in Birmingham over the years.”

    While, LGBT+ Advocate, Khakan Qureshi said, “Sorry to see you go. Hopefully, new publishers will be found. Good luck with all your future endeavours.”

    LGBT Media closures

    In 2019 THEGAYUK reported how LGBT+ media has continued to decline in recent years, there have been at least 10 closures of titles including, GayStarNews, Polari Magazine and the Grindr online outlet, Into. However GayStarNews was bought by a marketing company and rebranded as GSN and started republishing earlier this year.

  • Music ban “nail in the coffin” for gay bars in Scotland

    Music ban “nail in the coffin” for gay bars in Scotland

    A well-known LGBT+ bar in Aberdeen has called the decision to ban background music in hospitality venues a “nail in the coffin” and urgently called for a review into allowing music back in venues in Scotland.

    In a statement, Cheerz Bar in Aberdeen wrote, “We’ve gone from a party venue with Drag, DJ’s and Karaoke 7 Days a week, 365 Days a year to still be functional with table ordering and background music but recent changes in government legislation has stopped this in an effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.”

    It also called for urgent help for the hospitality sector from both the Scottish and UK government. It said that the lack of support for bars and nightclub was “deeply disappointing”.

    The ban on background music was introduced by the Scottish Government on the 14th of August.

    The lack of music could lead to people avoiding bars altogether

    In the statement Cheerz owners laid out how they believed the ban on music would affect its customers’ behaviour, saying,
    ” – Customers will now get closer to have private conversations.

    – Customers will speak louder because music will no longer disperse the sound of other tables.

    – Customers will be more inclined to party at other households with music.

    Massive losses for hospitality sector

    Cheerz noted how businesses in the hospitality sector have sustained massive losses, due to “stock wastage, rental costs, water rates, equipment charges”.

    On top of this, Cheerz bar says it was sent a bill from Aberdeen City Council, looking for its annual licensing fees.

    “We are trying our hardest to keep our doors open at this time but ultimately we need to save our team’s jobs and our venue”, the statement added.

    “We’ve made it 10 years, and we hope to make it for another 10+ but this now depends on the actions of the Government.

  • Piers Morgan is totally owned after saying he is a “long-time vocal supporter of gay rights”

    Piers Morgan is totally owned after saying he is a “long-time vocal supporter of gay rights”

    After labelling a Pride train, ‘Virtue Signalling’ Piers Morgan said that he was a “long-time vocal supporter of gay rights” except, history proves that this isn’t necessarily the case.

    Morgan was called out by the Royal Vauxhall Tavern’s Twitter page after he labelled a train, which was decorated in Pride colours, the “Virtue Signalling Express” and asked “Why” when the train was unveiled.

    (ITV)

    The RVT Twitter page wrote, “The thing is, Piers, when you tweet stuff like this your followers then feel emboldened to openly attack LGBTQ+ people in the replies and in the street. Yet you stay silent. Your silence speaks volumes.”

    Piers wrote that he thought the train was ridiculous

    Piers Morgan replied, that it was “it’s perfectly possible to be a long-time vocal supporter of gay rights – like me – AND think a gay train is ridiculous.”

    Owned

    However, the RVT was quick to reply with a newspaper article which was was printed by The Sun in 1989. In the article, it appears that Piers calls the two gay characters on Eastenders, “Yuppie Poofs”.

    Further on in the article, readers were invited to ring in on the question “Do you think TV should show scenes of men kissing each other?

    The article was in relation to the first-ever gay kiss on the BBC soap, which was groundbreaking at the time.

    https://twitter.com/thervt/status/1298719691620233216/photo/1

    Lord Cashman, who starred in that Eastender‘s scene, also commented on Piers’ history as a journalist, saying, “Just look at his history as a journalist and the coverage of gay issues in the late 80s. He is a fair-weather ‘friend’, and as the weather turns so friends reveal themselves!”

    https://twitter.com/mcashmanCBE/status/1298891953032003584