THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • LGBT Helpline Distances Itself From Gossip Journalist Dan Wootton

    LGBT Helpline Distances Itself From Gossip Journalist Dan Wootton

    The recently re-branded Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline has sought to distance itself from journalist Dan Wootton after “odious” Hollywood HIV article.

    © ITV Photographer: Tony Ward

    The UK’s largest helpline for the LGBT community “mutually” ended Dan Wootton’s patronage of the charity back in June but after an article in which he alleges a Hollywood actor has HIV was heavily criticised for it’s “scaremongering” language and taking reportage of HIV back to the 80s, has sought to distance itself from the controversial writer.

    Dan Wootton, 32, who writes for The Sun and is the showbiz reporter for Lorraine on ITV alleges that an unnamed Hollywood actor has HIV and insinuates that he has “a host of high-profile sexual partners”, which includes “an award-winning actress, a religious movie star, a top Hollywood personality with a controversial past, a TV star, a media personality and a glamour model.”
    A statement released by the Helpline charity reads,

    “Switchboard brought Dan Wootton on as a Patron during our re-brand in June 2015 to provide media support. Following the re-brand we mutually agreed to end our relationship and Dan has had no involvement with Switchboard since that time.”

    Daniel Browne, the founder of LGBT charity Push Projects, writing for THEGAYUK, called Wooton’s reportage “odious” and said,

    “Let’s begin with the fact that regardless of this person’s fame, everybody has a right to privacy and confidentiality, particularly when it comes to something such as medical records. Running this story is an absolute invasion of privacy.”

  • Man Dies After Becoming Ill In Newcastle Gay Sauna

    Man Dies After Becoming Ill In Newcastle Gay Sauna

    A man has died in hospital after falling ill at a gay sauna in Newcastle.

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  • Passion Pit Singer Michael Angelakos Comes Out As Gay

    American singer Michael Angelakos, front man of Passion Pit has come out as gay on a podcast.

    Michael Angelakos, frontman of Passion Pit has come out as gay on a podcast produced by writer Brett Easton Ellis.

    Angelakos, 28 who has released 3 albums in the UK divorced his wife Kristy Mucci earlier in 2015.

    They were married for two years.

    The singer decided to come out to Brett because he “admires” him. He admitted that the most difficult thing about coming out was admitting he was gay to himself.

    After the podcast was released Angelakos took to Twitter to write,

    “everything’s going to be okay”

    https://twitter.com/passionpit/status/663848760318033924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

     

    and then went on to thank his fans saying,

    “i’ve received so many kind and supportive messages today. thank you for reaching out and being so kind to me.”

    https://twitter.com/passionpit/status/663912575453761536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

     

    He said that his ex-wife was extremely supportive on hearing the news. He remarked,

    “I just wanted so badly to be straight, because I love her so much,

    “I think that was one of the most painful things when we decided to separate.

    “When I decided to really deal with it head on – which was, I don’t know, in June – she was the one that kind of spearheaded it in a way.

    “She said, ‘You need to figure out what’s going on with your sexuality, you can’t hate yourself any more.’”

  • Gareth Thomas Strips Off To Remind Us About Pneumonia

    Former rugby champ Gareth Thomas has stripped off and painted his body to remind us that pneumonia can strike even the healthiest of us.

    Last year 40-year-old Gareth Thomas was struck down by pneumonia, a virus that claims the lives of over 50,000 of us in Britain every year. Even those, like Gareth who are healthy and active can be affected by it. As many as one in one hundred of us will develop the chronic condition, brought on by a bacterial infection which causes the tiny air sacs in your lungs to become inflamed and swell up with fluid, something that is very uncomfortable and debilitating.
    Thomas who is fronting the campaign ‘Expect the Unexpected’ said,

    “I was getting ready to take part in a pantomime last December, but had been suffering with a cold for a while,

    “Once a cough came, everyone agreed I should go and see a doctor, who confirmed it was the back-end of a cold.

    “I left it at that but I didn’t feel any better and it started to get worse and worse.

    “The breaking point came in bed one night when I was coughing so hard I was sure I’d broken my ribs – I knew what broken ribs felt like, and I had that feeling. I was so tired of being ill, so frustrated and in so much pain that I started crying. I couldn’t take any more so decided to go to hospital.”

    Doctors and healthcare professions are urging Brits to keep an eye on coughs and colds that won’t go away. Those living with HIV and other immune system issues should be especially aware about pneumonia symptoms, which you can read in the table above.
    Dr Ben Marshall, a consultant in respiratory medicine and expert in the field of pneumonia from University Hospital Southampton comments,

    “We find that there is still a lot of confusion between pneumonia and a ‘really bad cold.’ Symptoms are very similar, including cough, fever and shortness of breath. However, pneumonia is usually much worse, it is an infection in your lungs that requires antibiotics and can sometimes lead to hospitalisation. The risk of pneumonia increases with age and for those living with chronic conditions. If you are considered vulnerable, there are ways by which pneumonia can easily be prevented, please consult your local GP, nurse or pharmacist in this instance”

    Thomas adds,

    “I now know to listen to my body; if I catch a cold this Christmas that seems to last longer than it should I’ll chat to my doctor, rather than try and tough it out.

    “I’d definitely talk to my doctor about a vaccination, 100%. I would never want to go through this again and never want anyone else to have to experience it.

    “I would take prevention for pneumonia as seriously as I take my flu jab, the flu is a walk in the park compared to pneumonia.”

  • Who Is Going To Win X Factor 2015 Can Twitter Predict Again?

    At this stage of the competition we like to bring back TWATS. Twitter Winning And Theoretical Service.

     

    In previous years we used Twitter to see if we could predict who the season’s winners would be. What we can tell you is that 2015’s contestants are vastly unpopular when compared to previous seasons of X Factor.

    In 2014 after two live shows the contestants with the most Twitter fans was Jack Walton with 148K followers.In 2013 Union J had 288K followers on Twitter, this year Louisa is by far the most popular on but lags fair behind both on 82.4K.

     

    Louisa 82.4K

    4th Impact 52.2K

    Mason Noise 41.5K

    Lauren Murray 39.1K

    Seann Miley Moore 35.4K (eliminated)

    Che Chesterman 34.7K

    Monica Michael 28.1K

    Kiera Weathers 21.1K (eliminated)

    Anton Stephans 20.4K

    Reggie N Bollie 19.9K

    Alien Uncovered 17.9K (eliminated)

    Max Stone 16.3K

    Bupsi Brown 8.9K (eliminated)

     

    Two of last year’s top three were already in triple digits by this point. Andrea Faustini had 147K followers and eventual winner Ben Haenow was at 122K followers. Runner up Fleur East was at 68.8K followers.

  • Proof That Most Men Are A Little Bit Gay, Survey Finds “Men Need Men”

    According to new research millions of men value their Bromances more than their actual relationships.

    A study of men in the UK found that they would prefer to turn to their mates for advice, companionship, and a good old gossip over drinks than the women in their life. With one in six questioned saying that they don’t consider their partners to be their best friend.

    In fact, a third of the guys surveyed admit their partner simply doesn’t share the same interests and hobbies as them, while a further quarter claim their spouse never listens.

    Nearly a third would prefer to go on a weekend away with their male friends than with their female partners.

    The study conducted by Grant’s Signature Whisky showed that in addition to their partner, the average male feels the need for at least three best mates with whom they want to share important parts of their life with.

    Carrianne Sutton, Brand Manager for Grants Whisky, which conducted the study of 1,000 British men said:

    “Men need men, it’s as simple as that.

    “Unlike a relationship with your significant other, the lack of intimacy in a Bromance means there are no barriers. They don’t need to be wary of what they’re saying and how they’re acting With blokes, anything goes.
    “You can share a drink and have banter, knowing that whatever you say, it won’t get taken out of context. In fact, a lot of partners could learn a lot from their man’s Bromance!”

    Incredibly a fifth of men claim partners come and go, but friends are there for life.
    So there you go MEN NEED MEN and we couldn’t agree more!

    TOP 10 REASONS WHY BLOKES VALUE THE BROMANCE ABOVE THE ROMANCE:

    • Blokes are totally honest, regardless of feelings
    • They are always there for you, even at 3am in the morning
    • Mates have the ability to make you laugh even when you feel terrible
    • They don’t judge you, whatever your behaviour
    • They’ll stick up for you whenever you need it, even if you’re in the wrong
    • They know what to say to you when you’re feeling really down
    • They enjoy trivial meaningless conversations about absolutely nothing
    • They are always on your side, even if you’re behaving badly
    • They always see the best in you, when perhaps no-one else can
    • They share all your hobbies and interests

  • ELTON JOHN To Northern Ireland Politicians “enter the 21st Century”

    Sir Elton John told Northern Ireland politicians to “enter the 21st Century” on Radio 4’s Today programme.

    Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the legendary singer said that politicians in Northern Ireland should “enter the 21st Century” saying that if it was left to public decision same-sex marriage would “sail in”.

    MPs voted recently on whether same-sex marriage should become law in Northern Ireland. As it stands Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where marriage between gay couples is not legal.

    Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Programme Director of Amnesty International, said:

    “Sir Elton John’s support for marriage equality in Northern Ireland is very welcome.

    “Sir Elton has a proud track record of standing up for gay rights around the world. It’s great that he’s speaking out for the rights of LGBTI people in Northern Ireland, which is now the only part of the UK or Ireland that ban same-sex marriage.

    “He’s 100% correct when he says that most people in Northern Ireland back same-sex marriage and that if there was a public vote it would ‘sail in’. Local politicians who continue to block equality must wake up and realise the damage they’re causing to gay people in Northern Ireland, as well as to our international reputation.”

  • Columbia Lifts Gay Couple Adoption Ban

    Columbian gay couples are now legally allowed to adopt children, thanks to a historic ruling in which adoption agencies are no longer allowed to discriminate on the basis of sexuality.

    A historic ruling in Columbia now means that same-sex couples are allowed to adopt children in a 6-2 vote.

    The constitutional court lifted the ban so adoption agencies are no longer allowed to discriminate against gay couples. Couples are now able to adopt children that are unrelated to them. Before the ban’s lift, same-sex couples could only adopt if the child or children was one of the couple’s own children.

    Same-sex unions were made legal in Columbia in 2013, however full same-sex marriage is still illegal.

    According to the BBC the chief justice of the Constitutional Court, Maria Victoria Calle Correa said that excluding gay couples,

    “limits children’s right to a family,

    “A person’s sexual orientation or gender are not in and of themselves indicative of a lack of moral, physical or mental suitability to adopt.”

  • UK Government Refuses To Ban “Gay Cure” Treatments

    The UK’s Conservative Government is refusing to get rid of treatments which aim to “cure” patients of their homosexuality, despite being “firmly opposed” to the controversial treatments.

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  • The Great British Gay Icon 2015

    We asked our readers to nominate and then vote on their favourite British gay icons. We had over 70 names nominated and then voted on by thousands of readers, giving us the 2015 Great British Gay Icon.

    Of course this opens up the debate about who and what makes a great icon, but looking at the top 50, it’s clear that icons, are inspirational individuals who have changed and shaped the lives of thousands of LGBT people in the UK.

    # 1 Stephen Fry

    An incredible man for which the honour of Greatest British Gay Icon has been bestowed. Actor, writer, activist and all round genius. Beloved by all.

    # 2 Alan Turing OBE

    The gay scientist who created the machine that would end the Second World War, two to four years earlier saving millions of lives. He was recently posthumously pardoned for “gross indecency” charges laid against him because he was gay. Being gay at the time was illegal in the UK.

    # 3 Sir Ian McKellen

    Sir Ian  has worked tirelessly on activism and is part of the reason why we have pride in the UK. Recently, his show Vicious with Sir Derek Jacobi became one of the first shows on ITV to show a same-sex marriage.

    #4 Freddie Mercury

    View image | gettyimages.com

    One of the world’s most visible icons of all time. He told us it was okay to Break Free. He died from AIDS related complications in 1991 at the height of the AIDS crisis.

    # 5 Princess Diana

    Princess Diana was the first prominent public figure to be photographed with a man who had AIDS at a time where there was much fear from the general public about it. She was the patron of the National AIDS Trust until her death in 1997. She was also known to be great friends with Freddie Mercury.

    #6 Tom Daley

    Became a hero to a legion of fans when he came out via YouTube in December 2013.

    #7 Will Young

    Young’s coming out was a national affair, a day after he won the first ever Pop Idol in the UK. Over a decade later he’s still releasing music and filling theatres with his concerts.

    #8 Jennifer Saunders

    Is the genius that brought us Absolutely Fabulous, universally quoted by gay men. Glass of Champagne for Lulu.

    #9 Geri Halliwell

    One fifth of the world’s most famous girl group – although her eye for the camp and kitsch has seen Halliwell become a firm favourite with the gay community.

    #10 Annie Lennox OBE

    Warrior, singer, writer and activist Annie Lennox has been the soundtrack to our lives. Hailed as a icon of the 80s music scene and is famed for her work on HIV awareness.

    #11  Russell Tovey

    Actor

    #12 Joanna Lumley OBE

    Actor and activist

    #13 Russell T. Davies

    Writer and script writer

    #14 Alexander McQueen CBE (1969 – 2010)

    Clothing designer

    #15 Ben Cohen

    Sporting personality and activist

    #16 Paul O’Grady MBE

    TV personality and former Drag Queen (Lily Savage)

    #17 Sue Perkins

    TV Personality/Presenter

    #18 Kenneth Williams (1926 – 1988)

    Actor

    #19 Jimmy Sommerville

    Musician

    #20 Cilla Black OBE (1943 – 2015)

    TV Personality / Singer

    #21 Kim Cattrall

    Actor

    #22 David Bowie

    Singer

    #23 Pet Shop Boys

    Singers

    #24 Mika

    Singer

    #25 Julie Walters

    Actor

    #26 Julian Clary

    Comedian / Novelist

    #27 Sam Smith

    Singer

    #28 Dusty Springfield OBE (1939 – 1999)

    Singer

    #29 Alan Carr

    TV Personality / Comedian

    #30 Sir Patrick Stewart

    Actor

    #31 Noel Coward (1899 – 1973)

    Playwrite/Composer/Director/Actor

    #32 Kate Bush

    Singer

    #33 Gareth Thomas

    Sports Personality / Writer

    #34 Katie Hopkins

    Writer/ TV Personality

    #35 Dame Joan Collins

    Actor

    #36 David Beckham

    Sports Personality

    #37 Peter Tatchell

    Activist

    #38 Sharon Osborne

    TV Personality

    #39 Boy George

    Singer

    #40 Marilyn

    Singer

    #41 Dame Maggie Smith

    Actor

    #42 Dame Judi Dench

    Actor

    #43 George Michael

    Singer

    #44 Quentin Crisp

    Writer

    #45 Queen Mother

    Royalty

    #46 Sir Elton John

    Singer

    #47 Andy Bell

    Singer

    #48 Lord Michael Cashman CBE

    Actor / Lord

    #49 Tony Blair

    Politician and former Prime Minster of UK

    #50 David Cameron

    Prime Minister

  • IKEA Features Gay Couple Kissing In Christmas Advert

    A Christmas advert for IKEA features a kiss between two men in their latest advert.

    The advert which has been released by IKEA Germany features a gay male couple who come to Christmas dinner. In the advert the pair sneak a quick peck on the cheek.

    This not the first time IKEA has used gay couples in their advertising. It first introduced same-sex couples over two decades ago in 1994. The 1994 advert was released in the US and resulted in some stores receiving bomb threats.

    See what you think – do advertisers include gay couples enough in their adverts?