THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • David Gest Found Dead, 62

    David Gest, 62, has been found dead in a London hotel.

    CREDIT: Channel 5
    CREDIT: Channel 5

    The American producer David Gest has been found dead in a London hotel. He was 62 – no details of his death have been released, other than that the Metropolitan police don’t believe his death to be suspicious.

    A statement from a friend and former bodyguard Imad Handi confirmed his death.

    The star, who appeared in Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year was staying at the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Wharf when he died.

    Mr. Gest was forced to leave Celebrity Big Brother early due to ill-health. He last 13 days in the house before he left.

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    The statement released to the press read,

    “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that David Gest has died today,”

    A statement from the Metropolitan Police said:

    “Police were called at 10:17 on Tuesday 12 April to the Four Seasons hotel, in Westferry Circus to reports of an unexplained death of a man in his 60s.

    “London Ambulance Service were called to the scene. Life was pronounced extinct at the hotel. A post-mortem will be held in due course. Next of kin are in the process of being informed.”

    Police have said there appear to be no suspicious circumstances.

    Mr. Gest was most notably married to gay icon Liza Minelli.

    Their marriage lasted from 2002 to 2003. They officially divorced in 2007.

    David Gest was a theatre and concert producer. He had planned to tour the UK in July with his latest offering “the David Gest Is Not Dead But Alive With Soul Tour!”

    In his last Tweet – Mr Gest paid tribute to Patty Duke who died at the beginning of April.

    Darren Day who appeared with Mr. Gest in CBB, tweeted his tribute to the legendary producer. He said, “Heaven will be a brighter place”

  • Murder Suspect Of Gay Cop Has Virtual Court Appearance

    Murder Suspect Of Gay Cop Has Virtual Court Appearance

    A man has appeared in custody via virtual court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court in connection to the murder of Gordon Semple.

    CREDIT: Facebook
    CREDIT: Facebook

    A 49-year-old charged with the murder of an openly gay police officer in London has appeared in custody via virtual court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court. 

    No indication of plea was given.

    Stefano Brizzi was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on the 13th April. Mr. Brizzi was wearing a grey prison issue tracksuit, as he confirmed his name, age and address via video link from Lewisham Police Station.

    Detectives working on the case are now satisfied that the remains found at an address in London are those of Gordon Semple, 59, who went missing on the 1st April.

    Earlier today Mr. Semple’s brother paid a painful tribute to Mr. Semple and spoke about their heartbreaking loss.

    He said,

    On behalf of Gordon’s partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon’s nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week. It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.

    I would also like to thank Oliver Westbury for setting up “Gordon Semple, 59 missing” Facebook appeal page and also other cousins and nephews who tried to find Gordon.

    Gordon will be sadly missed by all of his immediate family, his colleagues in the Met Police, former Bank of Scotland colleagues in Inverness & London, Friends from his Tartan Army Days, but most of all the hardest loss is for Gary at this time.

    Gordon was a much loved Partner, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle & Cousin and our world will be a worse place without him.

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    A post-mortem exam was carried out on the 8th April but the cause of death has yet to be established. A further post-mortem is to be carried out on the 13th April.

    Detectives are treating his death as a murder.

    Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation into Gordon’s murder, said:

    “I am keen to trace a man who went to Brizzi’s flat in Southwark Street on Friday, 1 April at about 15:00. He was there for only one minute, and did not go inside, but it is incredibly important that we speak to him.

    “If you are that man please come forward and call us on 020 8721 4961. I will treat what you tell me with sensitivity and confidentiality – please get in touch with us I need to talk to you.”

  • Scottish Greens Back Calls For LGBT Inclusivity Training In Schools

    The Scottish Green Party have announced their support for LGBT+ inclusive education in schools.

    CREDIT: Edinburgh Greens : CC Flickr

    The Scottish Greens have backed a campaign by Time For Inclusive Education (TIE) which aims to introduce teacher training in LGBT+ inclusivity for Scottish schools in an effort to tackle homophobia and transphobia in the classroom.

    The campaign which has been founded by Jordan Daly and Liam Stevenson has already been praised by Scotland’s First Minster Nicola Sturgeon who last week said,

    “I think what Time for Inclusive Education are doing is impressive and I hope that whoever forms the next Scottish Government will work with them, as we will.”

     

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    Speaking about TIE in an interview with Common Space, co-convener of the Scottish Greens Patrick Harvie said:

    “During the next session of the Scottish Parliament we have to see real progress. We wouldn’t even be in that position, of understanding how that progress had to happen, if it hadn’t been for the TIE campaign getting the ball rolling. It really is inspiring, the work they have done.”

    The comment comes following an upsurge in national debate around the topic of LGBT+ inclusive education as a result of TIE, which recently saw Nicola Sturgeon state that she was impressed by the campaigners, and committed to working with them within the next parliament as she admitted that “more has to be done” on LGBT+ inclusion within education.

    Commenting on the news, a spokesperson for TIE stated:

    “It is fantastic to gather more political support for our campaign. We are pleased that the Scottish Greens have adopted our aims and committed to a clear strategy for tackling LGBT-phobia in schools. With the amount of positivity coming from Scottish political parties around this issue, the next parliament looks to be very progressive on LGBT+ equality – particularly focussed on inclusive education.”

    The Scottish Greens are the second major political party to support the campaign, following the unanimous passing of a motion in support of TIE by SNP members at the party’s spring conference earlier this month, which committed the SNP to creating an education system that is fully inclusive of LGBT+ identities and relationships within the next parliament, in order to promote a “safe, equal and accepting environment for all of Scotland’s young people”.

    All party leaders, with the exception of UKIP’s David Coburn, have agreed with TIE’s calls for a commitment to improving accessibility to LGBT+ specific teacher training, with Patrick Harvie specifically highlighting that faith schools must not be exempt from any strategy proposals.

  • Family and Partner Of Slain Gay Cop Mourn His Death

    Family and Partner Of Slain Gay Cop Mourn His Death

    The family and partner of Gordon Semple have released a heartbreaking message on Facebook mourning the tragic loss.

    Gordon Semple
    CREDIT: Metropolitan Police

    The family and partner of Gordon Semple whose body was discovered in London after an extensive public appeal by the Metropolitan Police have released a heartbreaking message paying tribute to the openly gay PC saying that he would be sadly missed by his family, partner and co-workers in the Met.

    Police were called to an address in Greenwich after a concern member of the public reported a foul odour emanating from the scene.

    A man has been charged with Mr. Semple’s murder.

     

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    Mr Semple’s brother wrote,

    On behalf of Gordon’s partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon’s nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week. It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.

    I would also like to thank Oliver Westbury for setting up “Gordon Semple, 59 missing” Facebook appeal page and also other cousins and nephews who tried to find Gordon.

    Gordon will be sadly missed by all of his immediate family, his colleagues in the Met Police, former Bank of Scotland colleagues in Inverness & London, Friends from his Tartan Army Days, but most of all the hardest loss is for Gary at this time.

    Gordon was a much loved Partner, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle & Cousin and our world will be a worse place without him.

    It would be appreciated if the family is given time to grieve privately.

     

    Police are not speculating on the cause of death and added,

    A post-mortem will be held in due course, and until that has taken place we will not speculate on the cause of death.

  • Police Confirmed The Death Of Gay London Police Officer

    Police Confirmed The Death Of Gay London Police Officer

    Police have confirmed that human remains found in London are that of  officer Gordon Semple, who was openly gay.

    Gordon Semple
    CREDIT: Metropolitan Police

    Police in London have issued a statement that human remains found are those of an openly gay PC, Gordon Semple, 59. who was reported missing on the 1st April 2016.

    Commander Alison Newcomb released a statement saying that the Metropolitan police were not able to speculate on the cause of Mr. Semple’s death, but a man has been arrested after human remains were found at Peabody Estate in Southwark Street, SE1.

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    Police were called the scene when a member of the public got in contact with the police after confirms of a foul odour coming from the scene.

    “At this point I do not wish to speculate on what has happened.

    “… a forensic search started at the address and is ongoing. It will take some time for us to complete that work. It is a vital search for evidence. I would like to thank the local residents for their patience and support.

    “My thoughts are with Gordon’s family and friends at this time of personal tragedy. I would ask that they are given the space and privacy they need to come to terms with this development.

    “This is a very sad day for Gordon’s colleagues. There are many officers who have served London alongside Gordon during his 30 year career who will acutely feel his loss.”

    Police are not speculating on the cause of death and added,

    A post-mortem will be held in due course, and until that has taken place we will not speculate on the cause of death.

  • Police Call For Witnesses After Homophobic Attack In Bedford

    Police in Bedford are calling for witness after a woman was assaulted by a group of men in an anti-gay assault.

    CREDIT: ©-ronfromyork-Depositphotos
    CREDIT: ©-ronfromyork-Depositphotos

    According to police in Bedford a woman was assaulted and injured in an apparent anti-gay attack by a group of men aged between 16-20 year-old.

     

    ALSO READ: British Gay Man Stabbed To Death By A Spear After Arranging A Hook Up In The Algarve

    ALSO READ: Police seek witnesses after two doormen stabbed at London gay club

     

    She was reportedly attacked in Mareth Road in Beford after leaving a convenience store on Cardington Road at around 9pm on the 1st April.

    CREDIT: Google Street Maps 2016

    The alleged offenders made homophobic remarks to the victim and punched and kicked her, causing minor injuries to her face and body.

    Three of the offenders were around 5ft 4in while one was slightly taller and all of them were wearing jeans and jackets.

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    Sergeant James Hart, hate crime tactical lead for the force, said,

    “This was a despicable attack against a woman who describes herself as openly lesbian, believes that she was targeted because of her sexuality.

    “The victim has been left extremely upset by this senseless assault, and we are committed to finding the people responsible so that they cannot continue to commit such hateful acts.

    “Hate crime of any kind will not be tolerated and I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident to come forward.”

    Call 101 with information quoting crime reference JH/13449/16, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information.

     

  • Paypal Pulls Out Of North Carolina Over Anti-Gay Legisation

    Paypal Pulls Out Of North Carolina Over Anti-Gay Legisation

    Tech giant PayPal has cancelled a large-scale investment plan after the US state of North Carolina enacted anti-LGBT legislation.

    CREDIT: PayPal
    CREDIT: PayPal

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  • Gay British Man Stabbed To Death In Algarve

    Gay British Man Stabbed To Death In Algarve

    A man in his 50s has been stabbed to death by a spear in an attack in the Algarve.

    (more…)

  • Balans Restaurant Founder Found Dead, 59

    Balans Restaurant Founder Found Dead, 59

    The founder of Balans Restaurants has been found dead at his home in Miami.

    Balans

    The founder of the restaurant chain Balans, Prady Balan, has been found dead in his Miami home. The cause of death has been confirmed as a heart attack according to the Miami-Dade County medical examiner’s office He was just 59.

    The restaurateur was found by his son, Jonathan, according to the Miami Herald.

    The chain was started in Soho in 1993 and grew to 7 locations across London. In 1997 Mr. Balan opened his first Miami restaurant in 1997.

    The chain is as famous for its food as it is for the celebrities who are known to visit. Louis Walsh has been spotted eating in the Miami branch.

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    Last year the English branches were bought off Mr. Balan by his business partner David Taylor.

    David Taylor said during his 2015 interview,

    Having bought out my partner from the English Balans, I’m now more determined than ever to bring back some sparkle and excitement to the restaurants and invite the outsiders in.

     

  • FIRST LOOK | Johnny Carter Is Back In EastEnders

    FIRST LOOK | Johnny Carter Is Back In EastEnders

    Johnny Carter is back and here’s the first look.

    CREDIT:(C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes
    CREDIT:(C) BBC – Photographer: Jack Barnes

     

    He’ll be singing karaoke in his first episode of EastEnders on the 12th April – but you may notice that he looks a little different from the last time he was in Albert Square.

    Last time we saw Johnny Carter he had jumped on his Vespa and was riding his way to Italy to join his boyfriend Gianluca to live in Rome – and he was played by Sam Strike – well Johnny is back and this time is being played by the gorgeous Ted Reilly.

    CREDIT:(C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes
    CREDIT:(C) BBC – Photographer: Jack Barnes

     

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    CREDIT:(C) BBC - Photographer: Jack Barnes
    CREDIT:(C) BBC – Photographer: Jack Barnes

    Speaking about landing the role Ted said,

    “I’m truly delighted to be joining such an iconic show. The Carters are a fantastic family and I can’t wait to get started!”

    Johnny’s return will see him coming to terms with lots of drama – as he knows nothing about his mum’s rape, baby brother’s brain trauma, that aunt Shirley is actually his grandmother. So expect lots of bomb shells over the next month as Johnny rejoins the Carters.

     

  • LGBT Inclusion In Scottish Schools Is Important For Nicola Sturgeon

    LGBT Inclusion In Scottish Schools Is Important For Nicola Sturgeon

    Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has stated that she will work with campaigners from TIE (Time for Inclusive Education) as she accepts that there is still “more to be done” to tackle homophobia in schools.

    Nicola Sturgeon
    CREDIT: Scottish Government images

    Sturgeon’s vow came as she set out her proposals to ensure that a “leap forward” is made for LGBT+ rights over the next Scottish parliament. At an LGBT+ hustings on Thursday evening (31/03), attended by all party leaders, Sturgeon praised the “impressive” work of TIE and urged whichever party forms the next Scottish government to work with the campaigners.

    She stated:

     “At our conference, we had a moving debate and passed a motion in favour of inclusive education. I think what Time for Inclusive Education are doing is impressive and I hope that whoever forms the next Scottish Government will work with them, as we will.”

    The move follows the unanimous passing of a motion in support of TIE by SNP members at the party’s spring conference earlier this month, which committed the SNP to creating an education system that is fully inclusive of LGBT+ identities and relationships within the next parliament, in order to promote a “safe, equal and accepting environment for all of Scotland’s young people”.

    The topic of inclusive education has been propelled by TIE’s campaigners over the past year and Sturgeon’s support marks a significant turning point for the movement, coming just hours after the campaign argued that the SNP’s proposals for achieving LGBT+ inclusive education must go further.

    Earlier in the evening, Sturgeon announced the SNP’s strategy, which included a focus on providing equality training for new, guidance and promoted teachers “so they are confident in tackling prejudice-based bullying”, and ensuring that “all children and young people learn tolerance, respect, human rights” to prevent prejudice and discrimination.

    However, TIE’s campaigners argued that the strategy announcement did not go far enough, claiming that LGBT+ specific teacher training is required, stressing that “the next strategy to tackle homophobia has to be the right one”.

    Commenting on the news of the First Minister’s support, a spokesperson for TIE stated: 

    “We are pleased that Nicola has agreed to work with us and we welcome her support. Her party’s current proposals do not go far enough and it is vital that the next strategy to tackle LGBT-phobia in Scottish schools is the right one – for too long we have dealt with a Section 28 hangover, the next Scottish Government must tackle this properly. We are happy to work with the SNP, and all other parties within the next parliament to ensure that our education system is inclusive of LGBT+ identities.”

    All party leaders agreed with TIE’s calls for a commitment to improving accessibility to LGBT+ specific teacher training, with co-convener of the Scottish Green Party Patrick Harvie highlighting that faith schools must not be exempt from any strategy proposals.

    Support for TIE’s movement for LGBT+ inclusive education has continued to grow, with Harry Potter actress Emma Thompson being the latest celebrity to endorse the campaign and call for an end to homophobia in Scottish schools.

    Sturgeon later stated that: 

    “We must show leadership and courage in supporting LGBT+ equality. We have to have guts and lead by example.”