THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • Heartbreaking online vigil for Roger Jean Claude Mbede

    A heartbreaking online vigil has gone online at AllOut.org for Roger Jean-Claude Mbédé who was killed in Cameroon, where it is still illegal to be gay.

    • Roger Jean-Claude Mbédé was jailed for 3 years in prison
    • He had sent a text saying ‘I’m very mich in love w/u
    • He faced physical abuse and was unable to find employment or critical healthcare after prison.

    Sign Petition Now

    From AllOut.org

    On January 10, 2014, we learned that Roger Jean-Claude Mbédé had died in Cameroon. Roger had been sentenced to 3 years in prison because he sent another man an SMS that said “I’m very much in love w/u” – in a country where it’s illegal to be gay.

    The details of how Roger died are not yet clear – but what we know is this: In prison he faced physical abuse and medical emergencies. Out of jail he was attacked and turned away from employment, school, shelter and even critical healthcare.

    Despite attacks and great hardship, Roger spoke out against Cameroon’s anti-gay law. He said he did it so that other lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in Cameroon would not have to face what he did.

    Roger lived with love but died without seeing justice for himself. The world needs to hear his story. Will you add your name to this ‘virtual vigil’ to honour Roger’s memory, and call for an end to the anti-gay laws that are destroying lives?

    Sign Petition Now

  • Nigeria passes anti-gay law

    The president of Nigeria has signed a new bill, shrouded in secrecy that outlaws homosexuality.

    • Law criminalises homosexuality
    • Punishment includes prison tariff up to 14 years.
    • Law does not allow gay clubs, associations or organisations.

    A step in the wrong direction for Nigerian LGBT people, as the Country’s President signs into law a bill that will make being gay in the African country a near impossibility, the telegraph is reporting

    Associated Press obtained a copy of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, which was signed by President Goodluck on the 7th January. However, no official announcement was made that the law had been signed.

    The law has made it illegal for gay people to hold meetings, run LGBT organisations, associations and clubs.

    Nigeria is still part of the Commonwealth. Last year Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II signed a charter that opposed all forms of discrimination.

    TheGayUK has contacted the Commonwealth for comment.

    British human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell, has been campaigning with Nigerians against the Bill. He commented:

    ‘This is a tragic day for human rights in Nigeria. Signing the Bill is a backward step that gravely intensifies the already existing harsh anti-gay laws in Nigeria. These laws were originally imposed by the British during the period of colonial rule in the nineteenth century.

    ‘The legislation outlaws the hosting, participation or witnessing of a same-sex marriage or civil union. It also criminalises LGBT organisations and advocacy groups, support for gay organisations and events, and public expressions of same-sex affection. This makes it one of the most draconian homophobic laws in the world.

    ‘The Bill violates the equality and non-discrimination clause of the Nigerian constitution (Article 42), the Commonwealth Charter and Articles 2 and 3 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, which Nigeria has signed and pledged to uphold.

    ‘This law is symptomatic of the many human rights abuses that prevail in Nigeria and which all Nigerians – LGBT and straight – have a common interest in overturning.’

  • Brazillian Olympic Diving Hopeful Inspired By Tom Daley To Come Out

    Ian Matos has been inspired by Tom Daley’s coming out video to make the leap in telling the world that he is gay.

    • Ian Matos came out in a newspaper interview
    • Diver was told by friends to stay in the closest until after Rio 2016
    • Tom Daley’s coming out video inspired the diver to come out

    An Olympic diving hopeful Ian Matos, 24, has been inspired to come out as gay after watching Tom Daley’s emotional coming out video, which he made in December.

    Although friends had advised the diver to stay in the closet until after the Rio Olympic games in 2016, Matos changed his mind – and came out in a newspaper interview in his home country of Brazil.

    Tom Daley’s coming out video has inspired other sports stars to come out of the closet including Thomas Hitzlsperger who came out last week.

  • Gays have happiest relationships thanks to tea and cuddles

    New study shows gays and lesbians have happier relationships than straight couples and how a cuppa tea keeps the love on track rather than a tropical holiday or diamond encrusted watch.

    Over 5,000 people have revealed how they are keeping their relationships on track, despite what life may throw at them, as part of a major two-year study into modern couples funded by the Economic & Social Research Council. The Enduring Love? study, conducted by social scientists at The Open University, showed that simple acts of kindness are the things that keep people together.

    Co-author of the report, Dr Jacqui Gabb said: “Actions really do speak louder than words and many people consider a loving gesture to be as valuable as hearing ‘I love you’. Grand romantic gestures, although appreciated, don’t nurture a relationship as much as bringing your partner a cup of tea in bed, or watching TV together.”

    Co-author of the report, Dr Janet Fink said: “With a tough economic climate, the rise in grey divorce and social media opening up new ways to start affairs, it isn’t always easy to keep love alive today. However, our survey has shown that surviving adversities – even very difficult situations such as being out of work – can make a relationship much stronger. What doesn’t break you, can make you.”

    Other findings from the survey include:
    – Parenthood shapes relationship quality more than any other factor
    – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Queer (LGBQ) couples, especially younger people, remain afraid to hold hands in public for fear of reprisal
    – However, LGBQ couples are generally happier about their relationship quality and are more likely to act spontaneously
    – Money issues are one of the most difficult aspects of modern relationships, but stressors such as being out of work do appear to pull couples together
    – Couples cherish affection and cuddles as much as sexual intimacy though sex remains an important part of the relationship

    Ruth Sutherland, Chief Executive of Relate said: “We welcome this insightful and important research into what makes love last. What this study shows us is that couples need to keep investing in their relationships. It’s reassuring to know, especially in these tough economic times, that it’s the small gestures of appreciation and affection, rather than the big romantic displays that really make the difference. The report shows the importance of creating a culture where seeking help to strengthen our relationships is seen as the norm.”

  • Attack At Brighton Gay Bar

    Attack At Brighton Gay Bar

    Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was glassed in the face in a pub in Brighton.

    (more…)

  • CNN to air gay sport doc starring Robbie Rogers and Blake Skjellerup

    This weekend CNN is to place the spotlight on homosexuality in sports, with an hour long original documentary featuring Robbie Rogers, Blake Skjellerup and Brittney Griner.

    In ‘World Sport Presents: Journey of the Gay Athlete’, a one-hour original documentary, CNN gets exclusive access to people on the frontlines fighting against homophobia in sport, to profile some of sport’s most courageous athletes and hear their stories of tackling sport’s last taboo:

    Professional footballer for the LA Galaxy, Robbie Rogers shares what it was like growing up gay on the pitch and delves into his greatest fears about coming out in the international world of football.

    Brittney Griner, basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury, always knew she would be a professional athlete. But she didn’t always know how she to cope with being taunted and bullied as a teenager or how to navigate high school as a lesbian.

    For years, speed skater Blake Skjellerup dreamed of representing New Zealand in the Olympics. To Blake, being gay meant his dream of competing on the international stage seemed almost impossible. He shares his thoughts on the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and why he stands beside those opposing Russia’s gay propaganda laws.

  • Phil Marriot joins Gaydio

    London house music DJ, Phil Marriott has taken up residency on Gaydio, Sunday – Thursday nights from 6pm.

    2013 has seen Gaydio’s audience soar to 850,000 listeners a month following the acquisition of DAB Digital Radio licences formerly operated by GaydarRadio. The station is available on DAB Digital Radio in London and the Sussex Coast, on 88.4fm in Manchester, on mobile apps and online.

    Phil has been working as a DJ and radio presenter for over sixteen years, and continues to play at numerous clubs across London and the South, as well as internationally. For the last six years, Phil was previously the evening show presenter and Head of Music at GaydarRadio. Phil’s DJ work has seen him play for XXL (London), SupermartXe (London), The Dragon (Dublin), Onyx (London), Poptronik (Sitges) & RVT (London).

    Phil says ‘I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to getting on air at Gaydio. I’m really excited about bringing my love of London and experience of playing dance floors across the UK to the station.’

    Toby Whitehouse, Station Director, added ‘Phil is a great addition to the lineup at Gaydio. He’s already a familiar voice to our listeners in the South, and his passion for the very best dance music is a totally infectious listen.’

    Phil claims to have been well and truly bitten by the radio bug, and it’s largely down to having a lifelong lust for music and interviewing some of the biggest and most interesting celebrities.

    ‘Without wanting to namedrop, I can honestly say that in all the time I’ve worked in radio, I’ve probably met hundreds of famous people and most of them have been lovely,” says Phil. “Beth Ditto, Boy George, Annie Lennox, all absolutely charming.’

    ‘And it’s always comforting when someone (in this case, George Michael) says that your photographs don’t do you justice. I think I’d be lying to admit that it isn’t quite a nice feeling to temporarily disbelieve the ‘face for radio’ rule.’

    Phil was christened ‘Double R Double T’ by house diva Katherine Ellis after his grievance at peo-ple constantly spelling his surname wrong tickled her fancy. She even once made him a jingle which resembled the Bodyform advert.

    Phil has played quite a few dancefloors in his time. His highlights include supporting Tiesto at Victoria Park in London (2010), Freemasons (at their Shakedown 2 album launch), and playing at the ‘Our Friends Acoustic’ Mencap fundraiser with Erasure’s Andy Bell.

    His new show starts in-the-mix at 6pm during the week, and his Sunday show will feature the Gaydio Upfront Chart.

    Listen to gaydio at http://www.gaydio.co.uk

  • Former Aston Villa Football Player Comes Out As Gay

    Thomas Hitzlsperger, German-born former Aston Villa and West Ham player, has announced that he is gay.

    The 31 year old, who retired from professional football four months ago, made the announcement in the German newspaper, Die Zeit.

    Speaking to Die Zeit, Hitzlsperger, who has played for Germany 52 times, said that he had come out because he wanted to “further the debate about homosexuality among sports professionals.”

    He justified his silence on the matter until after his retirement from the sport, saying that homosexuality would “simply be ignored” in football. Nonetheless, he stated that he had “never been ashamed” of his sexuality, although he admitted that it had been “a long and difficult process” coming to terms with his sexuality.

    Although Hitzlsperger is the highest profile footballer to come out as gay, to date, he is only the fourth footballer to do so.

    Hitzlsperger’s coming out coincides with an upsurge in movements aimed at wiping out homophobia in football. Kick It Out, which was initially founded in 1993 to tackle racism in the sport, now encompasses all types of bigotry in football. And in 2008, the Justin Campaign was created in memory of Justin Fashanu, the first openly gay football player, who committed suicide in 1998.

    However, campaigns to stamp out homophobia in the sport have met with debatable success. The most recent example in the UK is Stonewall’s ‘Right Behind Gay Footballers’ campaign, which was slammed for its links with betting company Paddy Power and for relying on gay stereotypes.

  • “Gay” man shot dead in Yemen

    A gunman has shot dead a man he suspected of being gay in Lahj, Yemen – the latest in a series of attacks on gay people in the country.

    Dailystar.com.lb is reporting that a man suspected of being gay has been shot dead in the Southern province of Lahj.

    It has been reported that at least 34 people have been killed in attacks that target gay people.

    Being gay in Yemen is illegal.

    The reports comes from a security official who spoke anonymously.

  • Terrence Higgins Trust Appoints New CEO

    Dr Rosemary Gillespie appointed as Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust.

    HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Rosemary Gillespie as its new Chief Executive.
    Dr Gillespie joins the charity from the role of Chief Executive of international HIV awareness charity AVERT. Her previous roles have included Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy and Research for Breast Cancer Care, and Chief Executive of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

    Dr Gillespie said: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive of this outstanding and iconic charity. I look forward to working with staff and volunteers in the next phase of development, growth and innovation, as we face new challenges in the fields of HIV and sexual health, and continuing attempts to eradicate prejudice and discrimination.’

    Professor Chris Bones, Chair of Trustees at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “The Trustees are delighted to have secured Dr Gillespie as the new CEO. She brings a remarkable combination of clinical practice, health management and charity leadership at a critical time for our development. No organisation can stay still in the current economic climate and Dr Gillespie’s track record of successful change and innovation across a number of sectors will help us meet the challenges ahead in both HIV and the wider area of sexual health.”

    The recruitment process was provided by executive search firm The Talent Business, working on a pro bono basis. Kate Harrison, Partner at The Talent Business, said: ‘The Talent Business is used to leading ‘C Suite’ talent searches on a daily basis, but it has been a particular pleasure to partner Terrence Higgins Trust in the search for a new CEO. From the outset I believe we had real alignment in what was needed from the future leader of the charity, and both the process and outcome were designed innovatively as a result. I believe the organisation deserves an inspirational leader to help it grow to the next level, and this appointment should help secure a bright future from a bright past.’

    Dr Gillespie will begin her role as Chief Executive on Tuesday 1st April. Paul Ward will remain in post as Acting Chief Executive until March.

  • 700 million now living with gay marriage

    A new analysis undertaken by Melbourne-based LGBT rights activist, Tony Pitman, has revealed that there are now 700 million people worldwide living in jurisdictions with full marriage equality.

    Pitman, a spokesman for Melbourne Ports Residents for Marriage Equality, first undertook this analysis in July 2013. At that time the figure was 607 million people. Now, six months later, the number has risen to 700 million.

    “That’s an increase of 93 million in just six months. It’s quite extraordinary! It also means that marriage equality is now a reality for almost 10 per cent of the entire world’s population; another extraordinary figure!” said Tony.

    “It makes you wonder how many more people will achieve marriage equality before Australians also attain this basic human right. 100 million? 300 million? It’s embarrassing that Australia is so far behind the rest of the world on this issue.”

    Last month same-sex marriage law was overturned by the High Court in the only part of Austraila where it was legal in the Capital Territory.

    Over the last six months the jurisdictions that achieved marriage equality were England and Wales, as well as five states of the USA; New Jersey, Hawaii, Illinois, New Mexico and Utah.