THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • Powerhouse Gay ICON Angie Brown Wows Warwickshire Pride

    Powerhouse vocalist Angie Brown brought the house, well the field down, at yesterday’s Pride event in Warwickshire.

    The Pride which is in its third year, saw thousands of people coming together to celebrate LGBT diversity in Leamington Spa, with the message of “Drop The Label”. The headliner Angie Brown took to the stage to sing hit songs to a cheering crowd, including Why Waste Your Time. At one point jumping off the stage and joining the dancing spectators on the grass.

    One pride goer, James Newington, said: “She was just incredible. Love her, she’s such a gay icon.”

    Thousands of people turned up to the Pump Room Gardens in Warwickshire in the sunshine and enjoyed over 7 hours of entertainment.

    The Pride’s organiser, Dan Browne praised the volunteers and team who helped to put on the event and promiser of a big and better pride in 2016.

  • ISLE OF MAN is Still Holding Out On Same-Sex Marriage Rights

    Despite a huge shift of opinion across the UK and Ireland, the Isle of Man is still holding out on its LGBT+ population.

    The Isle of Man’s, Chief Minister has signalled that laws surrounding same-sex marriage are to change, but how long will same-sex couples have to wait?

    Situated in the northern Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is home to around 85,000 people and is a Crown Dependency, allowing it to make its own laws over domestic matters and with regards to same-sex marriage.

    The Chief Minister, Alan Bell has signalled his support for same-sex marriage, however, the island still remains one of the few places that have not equalised the laws with regards to same-sex marriage. Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey authorities have continued to block progress in equality for the LGBT community. Mr Bell announced his intention to repeal the law that bars same-sex marriage on the island.

    In the past Mr Bell has spoken out at the inequality for LGBTs on the Island. Speaking out about how one couple was forced out of their rented home by their landlord because of their sexuality he said,

    “I am extremely disappointed that this type of ugly, out-dated prejudice survives after all the work that has been done over the past 20 years or so to make the island a more tolerant place”

    Consultation on the Isle of Man’s Equality Bill 2015 ended in November.

    Speaking to 3FM the Chief Minister said,

    “I believe in same-sex marriage.” Mr Bell added “equality and human rights must prevail.”

  • 2015: Half Year In Review, The top stories on THEGAYUK so Far

    As we’ve just passed the half way point of 2015 we look back at the most-read stories on TheGayUK from January 2015 to June 2015 end.

    Top Read content on TheGayUK overall:
    1) Benedict Cumberbatch Marries Judge Rinder and his husband
    2) Eleven Facts About Judge Rinder
    3) Gay Films On Netflix
    4) Louis Tomlinson’s Penis Breaks The Internet
    5) Hot Gay Actors Under 40
    6) Top 10 Best Israeli Gay Films
    7) X FACTOR’s Johnny Robinson Drops New Single – As A Woman
    8) 8 Naked Boybands
    9) Do You Have A Gay Name, Christopher Voted Gayest Name
    10) Interview with The Overtones

    Top Read content on TheGayUK overall:
    1) Benedict Cumberbatch Marries Judge Rinder and his husband
    2) Eleven Facts About Judge Rinder
    3) Gay Films On Netflix
    4) Louis Tomlinson’s Penis Breaks The Internet
    5) Hot Gay Actors Under 40
    6) Top 10 Best Israeli Gay Films
    7) X FACTOR’s Johnny Robinson Drops New Single – As A Woman
    8) 8 Naked Boybands
    9) Do You Have A Gay Name, Christopher Voted Gayest Name
    10) Interview with The Overtones

    Top Celebrity story
    1) Benedict Cumberbatch Marries Judge Rinder and his husband
    2) Louis Tomlinson’s Penis Breaks The Internet
    3) X FACTOR’s Johnny Robinson Drops New Single – As A Woman
    4) Interview with The Overtones
    5) Michelle Visage “Most Vain Because I’m A Drag Queen”
    6) Katie Hopkins Not A Gay Icon – The Overtones Rage Over The Thought
    7) Jeremy Jackson Naked Pictures Emerge
    8) Interview with Bianca Del Rio
    9) Big Brother’s Joel Admits He Could Make Out With Aaron
    10) Did Rhianna OUT Cristiano Ronaldo?

    Top Advice Stories:
    1) Top 6 Best Gay Apps
    2) Three Of The Best Teeth Whitening
    3) SEX ADVICE: Can We Use Fruit And Veg In Bed?
    4) Five Top Tips To Keep Your Man Bush Under Control
    5) Why Do I Have Erections In The Morning – 5 Things Guys Should Know
    6) 10 Ways To Make Your Semen Taste Better
    7) How To Massage Your Prostate
    8) How To Last Longer In Bed
    9) Feed Your Penis – Eat these to keep your man bits healthy
    10) Want a stronger penis? Drink more coffee

    Top World News Stories
    1) Another Man Thrown To His Death By ISIS For Being Gay
    2) Three Men Accused Of Being Gay Executed In Iraq
    3) When Bradley Cooper Had His (Gay) Cherry Taken
    4) Frameline Festival Has The Gayest Promo Ever
    5) Bearded Queen Wows Crowd On America’s Got Talent
    6) ISIS Fighters Hug Two Gay Men Before Stoning Them To Death
    7) Chris Hemsworth Massive Penis Is Everything
    8) Twin 10-Year-Olds Abby And Sarah Sing Amazing Sam Smith Medley
    9) We Do Not Like Gays Living Here – Vile Welcome Note To Gay Couple
    10) Westboro Baptist Church To Picket Barry Manilow Concert

    Pages views were up 65.20% and Unique views were up 54.59% from the same period in 2014. Mobile usage increased 97.8% in the same period, tablets 84.5% and a modest 10.6% growth on people visiting the website on their desktops. Access to TheGayUK via mobile devices accounted for 65.3% of all traffic.

  • London Gay and Drag Pub Up For Sale

    After a spate of closures on London’s gay scene Molly Moggs is up for sale.

    The popular Molly Moggs pub on the corner of Old Compton Street and Charing Cross Road is apparently up for sale according to GayStarNews.
    The Alan Sugar owned pub’s leasehold is up for grabs for £275,000, however, the pub’s staff has not been told about the pub’s future.

    Molly Moggs is set in a listed building so only the leasehold is available to purchase and it is likely to remain a pub because of the licensing conditions, this is not a guarantee that it will remain a gay venue once new owners are found.

    According to GSN, the listing for the pub suggests, “An initial discreet viewing on a customer basis is required. Staff are unaware and should not be approached.”

    The London gay scene has seen a number of venues close. The Black Cap, The Joiners Arms, Barcode, The Green Carnation are just some of the businesses which have been shuttered in recent years.

  • Welsh Lib Dems Say Transgender Action Plan Does Not Go Far Enough

    The Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Welsh Government’s trans action plan, brought about by the party’s landmark debate, but says it falls short on many key issues.

    In November 2014, the Welsh Lib Dems led a landmark Assembly debate on issues faced by trans people in Wales – the first debate of its kind. The party’s motion, which was backed by the Welsh Government and all parties, called for action to improve the provision of public services for all Welsh trans people.

    The Transgender Action Plan, launched today for consultation by the Welsh Government, does not specifically mention provision for a gender identity clinic in Wales nor creation of LGBT+ safe housing – two key issued raised by Welsh Lib Dem AMs during the debate.
    Peter Black AM, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Equalities Minister, said:

    “I’m delighted that the Welsh Lib Dems’ landmark debate has resulted in positive action to improve the lives of trans people in Wales. However, there is much to be wanted from what’s been launched today.

    “During our debate, Welsh Lib Dem AMs raised specific concerns about the lack of a gender identity clinic and LGBT safe housing in Wales. Despite listening to these problems and promising to address them, there’s no specific mention of either issue in this document. We will be making our views on this clear as we respond to the consultation.

    “Labour Ministers seem more focused on ensuring inclusivity in the public services already provided, rather than addressing the gaps in trans-specific services where Wales falls short. While inclusivity is of course vital, I had hoped we’d see something a bit more ambitious from the Welsh Government.”

  • Non Observant Bigot Accuses NBC Of Turning Its Logo Gay

    NBC… You know the logo right? The brightly coloured peacock with its feathers, well one irate social media user blasted the corporation for changing its logo for pride.

    A Mr. Stair wrongly slammed NBC owned KARK 4, for changing its logo and argued that NBC’s integrity was in shatters after he assumed that they had changed their logo to the “colors of the gays”.

    He blasted the station saying,

    “Your changing your station logo with the colors of gays is a disgrace,”

    “Just stay out of it… Your integrity is ruined… ABC KATV is my choice in the future for all Little Rock station viewing… Shame on you!”

    Of course, Stair was neatly put back in his place after failing to notice that the NBC peacock logo and its brightly coloured feathers has been part of the network’s identity since 1957.

    Kark 4 News, a network owned by NBC wrote him back saying,

    “We didn’t change our logo Don. Same logo as always.”

    Of course many corporations change their logos and products to include the iconic rainbow flag for pride season. Some do it better than others…

  • Man Dies At Gay Sauna In South London

    A man was pronounced dead at one of London’s most popular gay saunas last weekend.

    The unnamed man was pronounced dead at the Waterloo branch of Chariots by paramedics and is being treated as “non-suspicious” the Evening Standard reports.

    The Chariots group of saunas, which operates a zero tolerance on drugs, has four venues across London and describes itself as the “the UK’s biggest gay and bi-sexual men sauna group”.

    A source at the sauna said, the man had died of natural causes, “from a heart attack”. The man’s death was not related to drug usage.

    In February three men were taken to casualty after falling ill at the Vauxhall branch.

  • UKIP Defies Gay Pride Ban And Jumps Barriers At London Pride

    Despite a ban on the political party by the organisers of London’s pride parade yesterday, members of UKIP’s LGBT group joined the parade.

    ◉ 20-25 UKIP LGBT Members jumped the barriers to join parade.

    ◉ UKIP LGBT deputy chair slams Peter Tatchell.

    ◉ The group was banned due to “safety” concerns

    Around 20 to 25 members of UKIP’s LGBT group jumped the barriers at London’s pride parade yesterday. Their actions were made despite being slapped with a “health and safety” ban by the Pride organisers.

    Concerns over safety forced Pride In London organisers to ban the political party. Over 250 organisations, including other political parties were allowed to march in the UK’s biggest gay pride parade.

    The ban on UKIP was slammed by many, including Katie Hopkins and openly gay Lib Dem Lord, Sir Brian Paddick, who said, “After years of campaigning to be acknowledged and accepted by society, the last thing LGBTI people should be doing is excluding a group gays and lesbians from Pride that has a legal right to exist.

    “The police and organisers should be facilitating their right to peacefully and safely participate, not using understandable hatred of UKIP as an excuse to ban them.”

    FREEDOM OF SPEECH?

    In a poll by TheGayUK readers, 71% thought that UKIP should have been allowed to march within the parade.

    Speaking to TheGayUK Nathan Garbutt, the deputy chairman for UKIP LGBT said,

    “There were about 20 to 25 of us in total from all parts of the UK. We were determined to be there despite the ban because we wanted to represent the 2 million people that voted UKIP and the 600 members of LGBT UKIP, who identify as gay and vote UKIP.

    “We had a really positive response, until the end.

    “The organisers and stewards along the route let us participate.

    This is a free democratic country… We have a right to be there.

    “People like Peter Tatchell and the people who got us banned, should be ashamed of themselves… He doesn’t have to agree with our politics, but he should have welcomed us.”

    UKIP LGBT plan to appear at other pride events across the UKIP, including Brighton and Manchester. Their next appearance will be at Leeds pride on the 2nd August.

  • POLICE: “Appropriate And Proportional” Policing Plan Is In Place For Pride In London

    Police in London are on high alert today as up to 750,000 people are expected to turn out to take part and watch London’s Pride parade.

    London’s LGBT+ parade is due to take place just 24 hours after a number of terror attacks took place in Tunisia, Kuwait and France leaving question marks over the safety of the general public in crowded spaces in cities across the world.

    Extra security has been promised for Armed Forces day and the gay pride parade today in London, however spectators are being asked to be extra vigilant.

    The UK’s terror threat level is placed at Severe after ISIS claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Tunisia. The Sun newspaper is claiming that an Armed Forces Day parade in South London had been a target for ISIS. According to the paper a thwarted suicide blast was intended to strike at soldiers from Lee Rigby’s unit during today’s parade.

    According to The Mail, the Met Police’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball, said: “Our priority is to keep people safe and we continue to review our ability to prevent and respond to terrorist incidents and potential threats.

    “And as we approach a weekend of large public celebrations around the country, including Armed Forces Day events and Pride London, we will be putting in place additional security measures to help protect and reassure the public.’

    PARADE DETAILS
    The London LGBT parade will leave Baker Street at 1.00PM and end in Whitehall at 4:30PM.

    The Metropolitan Police report that they have been liaising with the organiser of this year’s Pride event for some months and that an appropriate and proportionate policing plan is in place.

    This year’s Parade is one of the biggest ever with over 250 groups registered to take part in the parade.

    Numerous worried members of the public have taken to social media to question the safety of London and the event.

    The Pride In London committee have commented that they have over 1000 stewards and have been working closely with the Met Police to ensure the safety of those attending the parade.

    Tweeting from their official Twitter account, they said, “All our usual precautions, and we work very closely with the @metpoliceuk to deliver a safe event.

    “Safety is our utmost priority, above all else.”

  • Government Offers New Online Tool To Deal With Online Anti-Gay Abuse

    A new website tackling online abuse aimed at women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is launched today.

    • Internet site aims to help people struggling with online abuse.
    • Women and Equalities Minister says the site is proof that the government is determined to tackle discrimination.

    A government funded, but created by Galop site is aimed at stopping online abuse was launched today with a view to help wipe out online trolling.

    Charities with a combined 161 years of experience in anti-violence work collaborated to provide answers for people struggling with online abuse. The news comes after it was announced in October 2014, that internet trolls could face up to two years behind bars for their crimes.

    The website aims to provide advice for anyone who is falling victim to online abuse. It aims to “empower people facing sexist, homophobic, biphobic or transphobic abuse online.”

    Nik Noone, Galop’s CEO said:
    “Evidence suggests that over one million people in the UK face online abuse each year. Whilst online abuse can affect anyone, women and LGBT people often experience abuse as a result of their sex, gender identity or sexual orientation.

    “We’ve all seen a growing number of high profile examples of online abuse in the news. Our casework here at Galop also evidences an increasing trend, the impact of which can have far reaching consequences. This project is about ensuring that protection from harassment and abuse against women and LGBT people in the real world exists in the online world too.”

    Women and Equalities Minister Nicky Morgan, who voted in opposition to the same-sex marriage bill in 2013, said:

    “This new site will provide practical advice for women and LGB&T people on how to recognise abuse, what steps to take to report it and how to get offensive content removed. It is another sign of our determination to tackle discrimination in all its forms and to creating a fairer society for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

  • Barnados Is Seeking Out Gay Parents For Children and Siblings

    Barnardo’s will appeal to the crowds at this weekend’s Pride in London event to find would-be adopters who could offer a loving family for a group of siblings.

    A team of around 40 LGBT staff, volunteers and allies from the children’s charity will join the march through central London on the afternoon of Saturday, June 27, helping to raise awareness that adopters who offer family life to sibling groups can benefit from a wide range of support.

    The parade will run from 12pm to 4pm and will culminate in a celebration at Trafalgar Square where Barnardo’s will have a stall close to the famous Fourth Plinth.

    Volunteers will be at the stall all day talking to Pride supporters about tailoring support to adopters who take on three or more siblings, such as a home extension, financial assistance, a bigger car or help in the home.

    Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “Barnardo’s has been actively placing children with LGBT adoptive parents for more than 25 years and we are very proud of the contribution they have made in turning around the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

    “Pride in London will be another great opportunity for us to talk to potential foster carers and adopters who would like to find out more about offering a loving family to sibling groups.”

    Barnardo’s is working with the charity New Family Social to recruit more adopters to offer siblings a loving family. Siblings on average wait the longest time for a placement.

    Barnardo’s Family Finder Ian Harmer-Draper, who will run the Trafalgar Square stall, said: “As always we’re very proud to take part in Pride in London and stand up for Barnardo’s LGBT staff, carers, adopters and volunteers.

    “It’s also a great opportunity to explain to people who want to adopt that although providing a loving family for a group of three or more siblings can seem daunting, there can be lots of support available to help you make it work.

    “If you are attracted to the idea of a large family but are concerned about coping with the material, financial, practical and emotional impact, you might be surprised by just how much help may be at hand.”

    Call 01206 562438 to book your place(s) at an information meeting that will cover the work of the sibling group initiative.

    To find out more about adoption visit www.barnardos.org.uk/adoption