THEGAYUK

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  • Star Trek Actor, Anton Yelchin Dies

    Actor Anton Yelchin has died at the age of 27

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    Actor Anton Yechin has died at the age of 27 after a tragic accident involving his own car. The Star Trek actor who played Checkov in the reboot of the Star Trek franchise in 2009, was struck by his own vehicle as it rolled down his steep drive at his home in Los Angeles.

    The car pinned him against a brick post box and a security fence. He was pronounced dead at 1.00AM  (8.00 AM GMT).

    Openly gay actor Zachary Quinto was one of first Star Trek cast to pay homage to the actor saying,

    “One of the most open and intellectually curious people I have ever had the pleasure to know. So enormously talented and generous of heart. Wise beyond his years. And gone before his time. All love and strength to his family at this impossible time of grief.”

    JJ Abrams also paid tribute to the actor saying,

    “You were brilliant, You were kind. You were funny as hell, and supremely talented. Anton, you weren’t here nearly long enough. Missing you,”

    Yelchin’s publicist, Jennifer Allen, confirmed the actor’s death and said in a statement that his family wished for privacy.

    What Is 27 Club?

    Users on social media were quick to point out that as Yelchin was 27 – he might be considered part of 27 Club, which lists number of stars who died at the age of 27.

    However the 27 Club is populated by musicians rather than actors.

    Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse are all considered part of the 27 Club.

  • Thousands take part in Portsmouth’s pride parade

    Thousands take part in Portsmouth’s pride parade

    Thousands of people have taken part in Portsmouth’s second annual pride 2016.

    (C) TheGayUK

    Well over a thousand people stood in complete silence in Guidhall Square in the centre of Portsmouth to remember the victims of last week’s massacre in Pulse night club in Orlando, USA.

    The crowd erupted into applause in a show of solidarity for the 49 victims as the town’s bells rung out, before setting off to Parade through the centre of Portsmouth.

    This follows the vigil that was held in Portsmouth the night before, where the Rainbow Voices and local speakers lit candles in memory of the victims.

    Following the attacks, Portsmouth’s famous Spinnaker tower was lit in the rainbow colours.

     

    (C) TheGayUK

    This is the second annual Parade in Portsmouth with thousands speculating and taking part in Hampshire’s largest LGBT+ pride.

  • Russia forces withdrawal of Durex condoms

    Russia forces withdrawal of Durex condoms

    Durex condoms are to be removed from stores in Russia after the product was found to be incorrectly registered.

    Bigstock Photo

    Concerns are rising in Russia that sexually transmitted infection could spread across Russia after Durex maker Reckitt Benckiser has been forced to withdraw the popular Durex brand because the product’s paperwork was not “registered in the proper manner,” said Mikhail Murashko who heads up the federal healthcare watchdog.

    The condoms could be back in Russian stores soon, but only if Reckitt Benckiser follows the correct registration procedure.

    Murashko said that access to condoms should not be a problem for Russians, as Durex is just one of sixty brands available for purchase in Russia.

    However, according to The Guardian, Durex accounts for one-quarter of all condom sales in Russia – but Durex’s withdrawal could potentially affect the public’s access to safe and rigorously tested condoms.

    As of 2016, Russia has over one million registered HIV cases being reported.

    A spokeswoman for Durex said,

    “We have been made aware that Durex products sold in the Russian Federation may require updates to its local registration.

    “It is a purely administrative issue and neither is the quality nor the safe use of Durex condoms affected.

    “We are working closely with the regulators to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

    “This matter affects only Durex products sold in Russia. No other market is affected.”

  • The Big Gay Musical Creator Dies, 41

    The Big Gay Musical Creator Dies, 41

    The director and writer of the film The Big Gay Musical has died after committing suicide.

    Film producer and director Fred M Caruso has died after committing suicide in Las Vegas. He was 41-years-old.

    He left a long, heartbreaking note on The Big Gay Musical‘s Facebook page – and timed it to publish soon after his death.

    Mr Caruso said that he had made peace with his decision to end his life but also spoke about how miserable he was in his life and his terrible loneliness.

    He asked that if people wished to make a donation that they contribute to the Trevor Project, a national 24-hour, free phone suicide hotline in the United States. He pleaded with his friends and fans not to feel guilty and thanked everyone who touched his life.

    The writer also revealed that he had attempted to take his life a week prior to successfully taking his life by taking 30 Ambien pills – but was not successful.

    Read his note here:

    “WELL… Hey everyone – I have some good news – I will no longer be sending out BERNIE s***. Its (sic) not because I support hiLIARy (sic) – its (sic) because I’m no longer alive.

    “(yes I’ve been making bad jokes for 41 yrs (sic) and I intend to end things the way it began.) I have been forced to send this out through the BGM page – cause (sic) Facebook doesn’t allow you to delay posts on your personal page.’

    “For … most of my life I have been absolutely miserable – exact (sic) for when I was creating,’ he explained.

    “I have nothing left in me to create. I truly don’t think I have any idea what love or happiness is.

    “I have been incredibly lonely and at the same time – I hate being around people. I hate meeting new people and I’m always waiting for someone to stab me in the back. – lets just say I already have a whole culinary collection.”

    The Big Gay Musical was released in 2009 and was directed by Mr. Caruso and Casper Andreas. Caruso also directed Go Go Crazy in 2011.

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    If you are affected by this subject of this article or need to talk to someone you can call Switchboard, the LGBT+ hotline on 0300 330 0630 or the Samaritans on 116123

     

  • Pro gay rights MP dies after being shot and stabbed multiple times

    A British politician has died after being stabbed and shot in the street in her constituency.

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    MP Jo Cox has died after being shot and stabbed several times in an attack in her constituency.

    The 41-year-old Labour politician had only recently begun her career in the Houses of Parliament after being voted in as the MP for Batley and Spen near Leeds in the latest general election in 2015.

    The lawmaker had recently called on the government to “to take further steps to end discrimination and bigotry against LGBT people in the UK and around the world”.

    A man, Tommy Mair has been arrested and is being questioned by police.

    West Yorkshire police said,

    “At 12.53 today, police were called to a report of an incident on Market Street, Birstall, where a woman in her 40s had suffered serious injuries and is in a critical condition.

    “Armed officers attended and a 52-year-old man was arrested in the area. There are no further details at present.

    “Police presence in the area has been increased as a reassurance to the community.”

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    The streets surrounding the area in which Ms Cox was attacked have been cleared and forensics teams are sweeping the area for clues and evidence.

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    Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned the attack on Cox saying,

    “The whole of the Labour Party and Labour family – and indeed the whole country – will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today.

    “Jo had a lifelong record of public service and a deep commitment to humanity. She worked both for Oxfam and the anti-slavery charity, the Freedom Fund, before she was elected last year as MP for Batley and Spen – where she was born and grew up.

    “Jo was dedicated to getting us to live up to our promises to support the developing world and strengthen human rights – and she brought those values and principles with her when she became an MP.

    “Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve. It is a profoundly important cause for us all.

    “Jo was universally liked at Westminster, not just by her Labour colleagues, but across Parliament.

    “In the coming days, there will be questions to answer about how and why she died. But for now all our thoughts are with Jo’s husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for.

    “We send them our deepest condolences. We have lost a much loved colleague, a real talent and a dedicated campaigner for social justice and peace. But they have lost a wife and a mother, and our hearts go out to them.”

    Ms Cox is survived by two children and her husband Brendan Cox.

  • How To Survive A Terrorist Attack: Run, Hide and Tell

    British counterterrorism officials have released information on how best to survive a terror attack.

    CREDIT: ©-Chalabala-Depositphotos
    CREDIT: ©-Chalabala-Depositphotos
    This information was made public shortly after the Paris attacks in November which left over 100 people dead.

    In light of the recent attack on an Orlando gay club, we’re republishing this information.

    Officials have given the following specific advice in relation to attacks undertaken with firearms or other weapons.

    Run

    Escape if you can

    Consider the safest options

    Is there a safe route? RUN. If not, HIDE

    Can you get there without exposing yourself to greater danger?

    Insist others leave with you

    Leave belongings behind

    Hide

    If you can’t RUN, HIDE

    If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you

    Find cover from gunfire such as substantial brickwork or heavy reinforced walls

    Be aware of your exits

    Try not to get trapped

    Be quiet, silence your phone

    Lock and barricade yourself in

    Move away from the door

    Tell

    Call police: What do the police need to know?

    Location: Where are the suspects?

    Direction: Where did you last see the suspects?

    Descriptions: Describe the attacker, numbers, features, clothing, weapons

    Provide further information: Casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits, hostages

    And stop other people entering the building if it is safe to do so

    They also warned that when the police do arrive that they may point guns at you and “treat you firmly”. The advice continues:

    When police arrive, they may point guns at you, treat you firmly, question you, and be unable to distinguish you from the attacker.

    You ought to remain calm, keep your hands in view, avoid sudden movements that may appear a threat, and follow officers’ instructions

  • Nearly a quarter of LGBTs afraid for their safety after Orlando massacre

    Nearly a quarter of LGBTs afraid for their safety after Orlando massacre

    Nearly a quarter of LGBT+ people in a flash poll said they were afraid for their safety after Orlando gay club massacre.

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    The LGBT+ community remain on high alert after an attack on a gay club in Orlando left 49 people dead.

    In a flash poll conducted by THEGAYUK 23% of people surveyed said that they were afraid for their safety after the deadly attack in Orlando.

    When asked if the attack in Orlando directly affected their feelings of safety in going out on the gay scene 23 per cent said that they were afraid.

    Seventy-seven per cent of those questioned said that they would not allow “hate to win” and they would not be put off going to gay clubs and bars.

     

    ALSO READ: Man arrested after threatening to come back “Orlando-style” at gay bar security staff.

     

  • Man threatens to “come back Orlando style” in NY gay bar

    Police in New York have confirmed that a man has been arrested after allegedly threatening to “come back “Orlando-style” to a bar’s security guard.

    A man in Bushwick, New York, has been arrested after an alleged verbal and physical assault on a the Happyfun Hideaway‘s security guard.

    According to witnesses the man shouted abuse and allegedly threatened to come back “Orlando-style” just days after a gun shoot out in the Orlando Pulse nightclub left 49 people dead.

    “I’m going to shoot this place up and get my 50 just like Orlando, Florida,

    “I’m going to come back Orlando-style!”

    According to the NYPD, Justin Rice, 40, was arrested soon after the incident which happened at 11.00PM at the Happy Hideaway bar on Monday night.

    He was charged with aggravated harassment and attempted assault.

    Rice had been at the bar when he was taken outside by bouncers, he is due back in court on the 17th June and bail was set at $10,000.

    A comment left on the bar’s Facebook page thanked its customers for their support.

    “We are open for business and, bewilderment at what an odd world we live in aside, everyone is free of harm and proud to be part of such a loving community that doesn’t stand for hate… the best thing you can do to show the world that we believe in love is to continue to support us and all of our queer and artistic communities…”

     

  • Big Brother housemate Andrew Tate removed after homophobic and racist tweets discovered

    Big Brother housemate Andrew Tate removed after homophobic and racist tweets discovered

    Big Brother housemate Andrew Tate was removed after the discovery of homophobic and racist tweets on his social media accounts.

    Channel 5
    Andrew

    Contestant Andrew Tate was removed from the Big Brother house after homophobic and racist tweets were found on his twitter timeline.

    The tweets were sent several years ago before he entered the BB compound. However producers of show eluded that his removal was due to “new information” – and not necessarily because of the offensive tweets on his social media account.

    In one tweet on Tate’s timeline LGBT education in schools was criticised.

    “They are teaching gay issues to 7-yr old kids. BY LAW. A pure homosexual cannot reproduce, so they need your children for new partners. OK.”

    Racist comments posted on Tate’s timeline suggest that Cheryl Fernadez Versini was a “w*g socket” referring to her marriage to Ashley Cole and another racially offensive tweet read, “I wanted to see black people running id just threaten them with jobs [sic].”

  • Scottish Parliament holds one minute silence for Orlando victims

    Scottish Parliament holds one minute silence for Orlando victims

    Members of the Scottish Parliament fell silent to remember those who were massacred in the Orlando gay club shooting.

    Minute Silence in Chamber

    Scottish ministers held a minute silence yesterday in memory of the Orlando gay nightclub massacre victims before going on to discuss the importance of LGBT+ education in Scottish schools.

    Forty nine people were killed by a single shooter in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando over the weekend, in the worst single act of violence against LGBT people this century.

    Patrick Harvie, the co-convener of the Scottish Green Party, questioned First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on her plans to tackle homophobia in Scottish schools, after she lent her support to the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) campaign, which is calling for school staff to be trained in how address LGBTI issues, during this year’s parliamentary election.

    He said,

    “There are, sadly, still people – including young people – subjected to the ideology that says certain sexual orientations or gender identities are inherent moral defects.”

    “The First Minister has described herself as a huge supporter of the TIE campaign – how long will it be before all schools in Scotland actively promote the equality and dignity of all of their young people, including LGBTI young people?”

    Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, who has committed to the idea of better LGBT+ education, but failed to put in place a timetable to implement strategies said,

    “I don’t want to live in a country, yet alone be First Minister of a country, where any young person has to feel that, somehow, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, they are subject to judgement or made to feel in any way less than any other individual in our society. I have given a commitment to working with the campaign for inclusive education.”

    “The Scottish Government will continue to work to ensure that, whether it’s in a school or any other part of our society, the environment for any young people growing up – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity – is one in which they feel comfortable.”

    Sturgeon also encouraged MSPs to attend Scottish prides in 2016 saying that politicians needed to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the LGBT+ community.

     

  • Les Miserables Forced To Cut Gay Kiss Scene In Singapore

    The popular musical Les Miserables faces action after a gay kiss caused complaints from the theatre goers.

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    The kiss happened during the song Beggars at the Feast, which was actually a short peck on the lips between two male actors. Organisers of the show said the moment had been added for comical value, yet the Media Development Authority (MDA) said it would take action as the scene hadn’t been included during the classification process.

    The show has since pulled the “kiss” following complaints. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relationships are not recognised in Singapore. It is illegal for men to have sex with men which is punishable with up to 2 years imprisonment. Although this isn’t often enforced, legalisation has often been upheld in the courts. The LGBT community can’t adopt children nor do they have any anti-discrimination protections.