THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • The world’s first protest beer against anti-gay Russia

    In a rather cool move BrewDog have unveiled the world’s first protest beer, by satirising Russia’s Anti-Gay Law.

    * Beer carries a picture of the Russian premier
    * 50% of the profits will be donated directly to charities that represent the opressed around the world.
    * BrewDog has sent the president a case of the limited edition beer

    The Scottish Craft Brewery, BrewDog has launched their new beer Hello My Name Is Vladimir – designed as a beer ‘not for gays’ which carries a picture of the Russian president on the front.

    The beer is the world’s first ‘protest beer’ – which aims to support the LGBT community by ‘undermining the potential of the Winter Olympics to deflect attention from Russia’s recent law banning ‘homosexual propaganda’.’

    James Watt, BrewDog co-founder commented:

    “We sincerely hope that when Vladimir Putin is tired from a busy day riding horses with his top off, grappling with burly men on the Judo mat or fishing in his Speedos, he reclines on a velvet chaise longue and has one of his handsome helpers wet his whistle with a glass of Hello My Name is Vladimir.”

    “As Hello My Name is Vladimir is clearly marked ‘not for gays’ we should bypass the legislation introduced by Putin outlawing supposed ‘homosexual propaganda’, so Vlad shouldn’t have an issue with it. He might even invite us to ride bareback with him in the Siberian mountains.”

    “It’s been our mission at BrewDog to upend the status quo in whatever form it occurs. Whether it’s the stranglehold the mega brewers have had on beer production in Europe over the last 50 years, or in the case of Russia, the sick legislation that discriminates against millions of its citizens. Our core beliefs of freedom, integrity and passion drive all our actions. Since we started in 2007, we’ve always striven to strike fear at the heart of the gatekeepers and establishment, the launch of Hello My Name is Vladimir is simply a continuation of that tradition.”

    BrewDog is trying to mount a global social media pressure on Putin whilst the Sochi Winter Olympics are on, using the hastag #NotForGays

    The beer will be available for £2.89 a bottle in all BrewDog bars and brewdog.com from 9:30AM today.

  • MUST WATCH | Russia’s Gay Hunting Season

    MUST WATCH | Russia’s Gay Hunting Season

    If you do nothing else this Wednesday, sit yourself down in front of Channel 4’s Dispatches documentary “Hunted”.

    CREDIT: Channel 4
    CREDIT: Channel 4

    This deeply disturbing programme, directed by Ben Steele and reported by Liz MacKean, shows us a bleak picture of a Russia, where gay people are literally hunted down like animals, subjected to humiliating and painful abuse.

    Though homosexuality has been legal in Russia for twenty years, it has never been accepted. The recent Russian law banning propaganda of non-traditional sexual attitudes to minors, has only served to make worse anti-gay feeling, which is so deeply entrenched in Russian society, it is hard to know how to challenge it. Strengthened by the views of the powerful Russian Orthodox Church and those in power, vigilante groups carry out their crimes in full view, knowing that the police will do nothing to intervene.

    This brilliant film offers no easy solutions, but in talking to the leaders of these groups it exposes the problem at the very heart of Russia, “ the worst place to be gay in Europe”, where homophobia is normal and a contrary view, even if you are straight, is likely to get you in trouble.

    Not to be missed, “Hunted” airs at 10pm on Channel 4.

    http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/videos/all/hunted

  • It’s Raining Men Enters Into Official UK Single’s Chart

    The Weather Girl’s camp classic, It’s Raining Men has entered the charts at number 31 after a Facebook campaign.

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  • PHE warns of Shigella Dysentery rise in gay and bisexual men

    A new campaign to warn gay and bisexual men about the risk of Shigella dysentery is being launched today by Public Health England (PHE) in partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), as new figures show a surge in cases likely to have been sexually-acquired over the past 12 months.

    * Shingella is a serious gut infection
    * Can cause prolonged diarrhoea and stomach cramps
    * Can be caught through Oral sex and Rimming

    In the UK, Shigella flexneri usually affects similar numbers of men and women and is linked with overseas travel, but 2013 data show an excess of more than 200 cases of the infection in men with no or unknown travel history, compared to women. London is most affected.

    GUT INFECTION
    Shigella is a serious gut infection causing severe, prolonged diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Among gay and bisexual men, Shigella is usually passed on through the faecal-oral route during sex, either directly or via unwashed hands – only a tiny amount of bacteria can spread the infection.

    Symptoms often develop around 1-3 days after sex, including:
    · Frequent and explosive diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours
    · Stomach cramps
    · Feeling feverish with flu like symptoms
    · Some people report vomiting
    · Feeling weak and tired (accompanying the gastrointestinal symptoms)
    Men experiencing Shigella symptoms are advised to visit their GP or a clinic, specifically mentioning Shigella and requesting a stool sample test. The infection is treatable with antibiotics. Risk of infection can be reduced by avoiding oral contact with faeces during sex and washing hands thoroughly and showering after sex.

    Interviews with gay and bisexual men who caught the infection through sex found links to high numbers of partners, often met anonymously online or at sex parties. For many, using drugs, such as mephedrone, methamphetamine (crystal meth), ketamine and GBL, before or during sex led to lowered inhibitions and riskier sex. Worryingly, one in three men using these drugs had injected them (known as ‘slamming’). Most of the men interviewed had not heard of Shigella before and thought they had food poisoning.

    CAUSES OF SHIGELLA
    One of the men interviewed, who got Shigella through anal-oral sex (‘rimming’), said: “Getting Shigella was the lowest point in my life. I suffered uncontrollable bloody diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps. The ferocity of symptoms and dehydration headaches made me think I was going to die. Initially I blamed it on a bad curry and held off visiting my GP for a week, but really wish I had gone straight away. Although it was treatable with antibiotics, the illness cost me a fortune as I had to take six weeks off work on statutory sick pay.”
    As part of the awareness campaign, posters and leaflets are being distributed in nightclubs, saunas and other gay venues, plus sexual health clinics, highlighting the symptoms of Shigella, how it is transmitted and how to avoid it.

    ON THE RISE
    Dr Gwenda Hughes, PHE head of STI surveillance, said: “Shigella is on the rise, so it is vital gay and bisexual men know about it and how to avoid getting it. We’re also seeing increasing HIV and gonorrhoea diagnoses among gay and bisexual men in the UK – indeed, most of the men with Shigella had been diagnosed with other STIs including HIV. This is a reminder how important it is to use a condom when having sex with casual and new partners.”

    Cary James, Head of Health Improvement at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Although on paper the number of documented cases of Shigella are quite small, the concern is that not all cases are being reported. Men with symptoms who haven’t heard of Shigella before might assume it’s a particularly bad case of food poisoning. However, the infection can be dangerous, even more so if you’re already living with HIV or Hep C. We would urge anyone who is experiencing symptoms, or who’s concerned they may have been at risk, to call our free helpline THT Direct or visit www.tht.org.uk/shigella.”

    Dr Hughes continued: “The Shigella awareness campaign is part of a broader commitment to helping improve the health of gay and bisexual men, including exploring the links between health and drug use. The level of injecting drug use is a particular concern as we know that this puts men at greatly increased risk of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C”
    Individuals worried about Shigella or their drug use can find out more on the Terrence Higgins Trust website – including finding a local service to visit for further advice. www.tht.org.uk/shigella

  • Ben Summerskill to step down as CEO of Stonewall

    Stonewall today announced that Ben Summerskill OBE is to step down as Chief Executive of the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity after eleven years at the helm.

    His time as Chief Executive saw a dramatic change in the legal landscape for lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Britain. During his tenure he led successful campaigns to secure legal equality for gay people in Britain, including the repeal of Section 28, goods and services protections, civil partnerships and marriage equality.

    Ben’s tenure also saw a transformation of the charity itself, taking it from one with just 20 staff, an annual income of £1.3 million, to an effective campaigning organisation of 75 full time staff with annual income of excess of £4.2 million, with improved governance and financial integrity including substantially augmented reserves in line with charity best practice.

    Paying tribute to his time as Chief Executive, Stonewall Chair Jacqueline Davies said: ‘In the last decade, under Ben’s direction, Stonewall has become a hugely influential campaigning body that has played a key role in achieving legal equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Britain – from the repeal of Section 28 to the recent same-sex marriage bill.

    ‘Britain is now a beacon of equality around the world and we are incredibly proud of Stonewall’s contribution to this. Ben’s own commitment has been extraordinary. He has worked tirelessly to achieve equality at home, at school and at work – and we are enormously grateful to him.

    ‘We remain all too aware that Stonewall’s work is by no means complete. The whole organisation remains more determined than ever to fight for full equality for gay, lesbian and bisexual people in all areas of life – both in the UK and internationally.’
    Ben Summerskill said: ‘I’ve had a wonderful 11 years at Stonewall. As a charity, it comprises a constellation of staff and volunteers who, working together, have achieved remarkable things. The fact that Stonewall’s Workplace Programme now engages the employers of ten million people and one in three local authorities in Britain now works with us to tackle homophobic bullying in schools is testament to some of the fantastic teamwork I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with.’
    The Stonewall Board today also announces that current Deputy Chief Executive Ruth Hunt will be appointed as Acting Chief Executive while the Board recruits into the role. In recent months, Ben has worked with Ruth to ensure the organisation transitions smoothly and remains focused on its key priorities.

    Ruth Hunt said: ‘The Stonewall team is working hard to achieve equality for gay people in education, the media and in the workplace.’

    ‘As a leadership team, our priority will be to maintain the momentum Ben has built up over the last 11 years so that we continue to see significant progress in these areas. I’ve worked side-by-side with Ben over the last eight years, and will be delighted and honoured to step into the role of Acting Chief Executive.’

  • Falcon Porn Studio Removes Condoms Digitally

    In a controversial new move, Falcon Studios has digitally removed condoms from its actors.

    The porn studio, which up until now has been steadfastly condom only, has digitally removed condoms from one of it’s latest releases Calfornia Dreamin’ 1.

    In a press release posted by Joe My Blog, Falcon said:

    ‘Legendary gay film producer Falcon Studios has decided to use some decidedly new tech to compete with bareback studios. For it’s latest release, California Dreamin’, the San Francisco-based studio used advanced Photoshop techniques to remove condoms from the final film. While the film itself was shot using condoms, the final result appears as condomless.

    The move comes in response to two trends in the industry. Porn studios are facing increasing financial pressures from consumers who want to see films without condoms and state regulatory agencies that have fined adult film producers for going without.

    In an interview with the consumer-facing blog, GPB, director Tony Dimarco described it as,

    “a throwback to the classic, pre-condom Falcon poolside movies from the 70′s and 80′s.”

    “Falcon itself has used condoms in all its features since the late 80s.’

    So what do you think? Hot or Not? Does it increase the desire for gay people to have bareback sex?

  • NEWS: Brand New Networking Site For Gay Muscle Men

    If you’re a fan of the muscles, then you’re going to love this all new networking site for gay muscle men.

    (more…)

  • Cheshire’s fire service among top LGBT employers

    Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is celebrating after once again making it into Stonewall’s annual list of the UK’s top 100 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) friendly employers.

    After making the Top100 of the Workplace Equality Index for the first time in 2013, the Service increased its ranking by 20 places, achieving the 25th slot and placing it in the top quarter of organisations.

    Deputy Chair of the Fire Authority, Cllr Stef Nelson said: “Making the Top100 for a second year is something we are incredibly proud of. It demonstrates that the culture of the fire and rescue service is changing for the better. We are totally committed to getting the most out of every single member of staff and developing an inclusive working environment where our staff feel valued regardless of their background or sexual orientation”.

    Stonewall is a national organisation that works to achieve equality for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people. The Index has been running for ten years and is seen as the definitive benchmark for gay-friendly employers.

    Nearly 400 organisations entered the 2014 Index, including some of the UK’s (and the world’s) largest and most successful firms. The Service was the joint-highest scoring organisation based solely in the North West.

    The Workplace Equality Index provides an audit for workplace culture and ranks the top employers for LGBT staff through a 25-question evidenced assessment, focussed on the approach and mechanisms for supporting LGBT employees, customers and communities.

    Chief Fire Office Paul Hancock, who is the senior sponsor of the Service’s LGBT staff network, added: “I am delighted that our organisation has again improved its placing in Stonewall’s Top 100 this year. It reflects the hard work invested by our staff and volunteers, not only in ensuring that our people can perform at their best and be themselves, but also so that LGBT people across Cheshire know that we are here to support them. Our aim is always to deliver an excellent fire and rescue service and to do that we need people from every background.”

    Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has an active LGBT employee network group, Firepride, which has once again been accredited as a ‘Star Performing Network’. This means that it has been recognised as ‘making an invaluable contribution to the experience of LGBT staff in the organisation and beyond’.

  • THEGAYUK teams up with Gaydio to bring you live radio

    THEGAYUK have teamed up with the world’s best loved gay radio station Gaydio to bring you live radio to your favourite magazine.

    We promised exciting changes for 2014 to bring you a bigger, better, brighter TGUK and what a start to the year it’s been. We’ve kicked off with Issue 1 of THEGAYUK Tradigital Magazine, available from Apple and Android Newsstands and for ONLY £1.49. Then if releasing an affordable magazine wasn’t enough, we are now pleased to announce that THEGAYUK has teamed up with Gaydio to bring you the best of the ‘gay-waves’ across the UK.

    To listen to the Beat-Of-Gay-UK just click on the Gaydio Listen Live tab on the right hand side to open. Don’t miss your favourite programmes including the Chris and Emma Breakfast show – Weekdays at 7am – 10am. Phil Marriott Sun – Thu from 6pm and Kieron Richardson Sundays 4pm – 6pm. You can see the full line up here: uk.gaydio.co.uk/on-air/

  • CNWL NHS named as one of the top gay friendly employers

    Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) has been rated one of the most gay-friendly employers to work for by gay rights organisation Stonewall.

    The Trust was ranked 23rd in the charity’s annual Top 100 Employers List which showcases the achievements of employers submitting to the Workplace Equality Index.

    As part of the submission, employees from across the United Kingdom were asked to complete a confidential survey rating their employer’s performance in LGB related matters. A total of 38 different industries from across the private, public and third sectors entered the Index this year, many of these being international private sector organisations with far greater resource than the public sector.

    Organisations were required to not only explain what they do to improve their workplace for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff, but also to demonstrate how that has had a real and lasting impact on their organisation.

    Robyn Doran, CNWL Chief Operating Officer, Equality and Diversity Lead and member of the LGBT Staff Network, said “We are immensely proud to be recognised for our work in creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for our lesbian, gay and bisexual employees. Getting to number 23 is not an overnight achievement; it is thanks to the efforts of our Equality and Diversity Team, the LGBT Staff Network and a commitment by the leadership team to demonstrate the kind of employer we want to be and our core values. We hope to improve upon this result year after year.”

    Stonewall, Europe’s biggest LGB charity, praised the Trust for its efforts and cited its policy of delivering LGBT equality and awareness training.

    Claire Murdoch, CNWL Chief Executive, said “This is a fantastic achievement! The nature of our workforce and of the populations that we serve means that, for all staff, responding to diversity lies at the heart of our CNWL identity. As a Trust, we are committed to ensuring that staff, service users and patients are treated with equal respect and dignity and warmth, irrespective of their diversity.”

    The Trust’s employee engagement activities include strong and robust policies to tackle workplace discrimination, an advice, information and support service for LGBT staff, internal communication channels to raise employees’ awareness of issues affecting LGBT people, as well as training to equip staff to foster an inclusive working environment and reinforce the message that CNWL does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

  • Men charged for homosexual group sex in China

    Eight men have been charged for engaging in homosexual group sex in China.

    • 8 Men from the ages of 20-40 were discovered by police naked in hotel room
    • Participants were charged 50 yuan (£5) by the organiser to attend China.org,cn reports
    • The group was organised via chat service QQ

    Eight men in the Xuhui District, in Shanghai have been given detention or administrative penalties for participating in group sex, China.org.cn are reporting.

    According to the site, Mr. Wu, the organiser booked a hotel room and waited for attendees, who he connected with via a chat service called QQ. Wu charged each of the attendees 50 Yuan to attend, around £5.

    He was sentenced to five months of administrative detention for engaging and organising the group sex. The attendees were give administrative penalties.

    China has a chequered history in LGBT rights – same-sex sexual activity has only been legal since 1997, whilst the country does not recognise gay relationships or marriages. Same-sex couples are not permitted to adopt and there is no legal statute to protect gays from discrimination. However transsexuals are legally permitted to change their legal gender.

    Homosexuality was removed from the Ministry Of Health’s list of mental illnesses in 2001.