TV star Rick Cosnett has made an unashamed announcement – “I’m gay”.
The actor who is most famous for starring in The Flash and Quantico took to Instragam to fulfil a promise he had made himself about living his truth every day.
The 36-year-old told his 265,000 fans on Instagram,
“I am gay. And I just wanted everyone to know.
“Because I’ve made a promise to myself to live my truth every day. And sometimes that is a really hard thing to do when you have all these subconscious things you don’t even know about from childhood and society and just life.
As well as Quantico from 2015-2016 and The Flash from 2014-2017, Rick has also starred in The Vampire Diaries and NCIS.
“I am sure most of you probably knew anyway. I also have a stye in my eye which really adds to the whole drama of the whole thing.”
The fight to end new HIV transmissions in England and Wales is being severely limited according to the Head of Policy, Debbie Laycock, at the Terrence Higgins Trust.
Although there are plans to make PrEP more widely available from April, Laycock says that the “continued lack of detail from Ministers about what a national programme will look like” gives the charity, “serious concerns”.
In a statement, Debbie Laycock, said,
“PrEP stops HIV and limiting access is holding us back in the fight to end new HIV transmissions by 2030. News that the Government plans to make PrEP routinely available by April is long overdue but we have serious concerns about the continued lack of detail from Ministers about what a national programme will look like.”
As it stands, there is a limited medical trial in England and Wales for those at risk of contracting HIV. These trial places are very limited and many people, particularly gay and bisexual men have been denied placement or have had to wait on a list until a placement becomes available.
In Scotland PrEP is available on the NHS.
The Terrace Higgins Trust is concerned, as local councils, who will most likely be responsible for the drug’s distribution, are under enormous financial pressures since having their budgets slashed by the Conservative government by 25% since 2014.
The government needs to “put his money where its mouth is”
Debbie Laycock said,
“If the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock is serious about championing public health, he needs to put his money where his mouth is and provide councils with the resources they need to make PrEP available.’
“We’ve seen delay after delay on PrEP and we simply cannot wait any longer. The countdown to ending new HIV transmissions by 2030 has started and it’s time PrEP had a proper home so no one is turned away from this HIV game-changer.’
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, it is a drug treatment protocol using prescription medicine and has been shown in clinical trials to be highly effective in preventing HIV, when taken daily and used in combination with other infection prevention measures.
The once-a-day pill contains two main drugs (tenofovir and emtricitabine) and is already routinely used in combination with other medicines to treat existing HIV infection, helping those living with HIV to lower their viral load and effectively becoming undetectable.
The shuttering was so swift and unexpected a crowdfunder was set up to help pay for the staff’s wages.
Gay Star News, which has now dropped the word “gay” from its title and is stylised as GSN was acquired by Iconic Labs PLC – a marketing company.
According to statements put out by Iconic Labs, the company bought GSN to “build critical mass and in particular expand its proprietary targeted distribution channels that can be utilised under the Iconic Labs brand offering”.
“Received significant interest in branded content partnership”
It has also “received significant interest in branded content partnerships for GSN but the new operational website is a necessary next step to activating these contracts and increasing the platforms revenue potential”.
Indeed, it went on to explain, “with the proven capability to generate in excess of £500,000 a year in revenue for £33,000, represents exceptional value for Iconic Labs”.
This also means that GSN, one of the UK’s leading LGBT+ publishers is no longer LGBT+ owned.
Chief Executive Officer, John Quinlan, said: “We are delighted to relaunch GSN. The ability of GSN to already get over 1 million users a month gives an indicator of its revenue potential but also of the capital value of the brand. We are very confident in building on this strong start and excited at the potential we are seeing in the sales pipeline.”
Chief Business Officer, Liam Harrington, said: “We are excited to relaunch GSN. The fact that the website is already getting 1 million users a month is a testament to the strength of the brand and the community.”
BREAKING: Probably the most influential man of day-time TV, Phillip Schofield comes out as gay after nearly 27 years of marriage.
The presenter made the announcement via a deeply personal Instagram post.
Taking to Instagram, Phillip wrote, “With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay,” the This Morningpresenter wrote.
“This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home.
“I have been married to Steph for nearly 27 years, and we have two beautiful grown-up daughters, Molly and Ruby.
“My family have held me so close: they have tried to cheer me up, to smother me with kindness and love, despite their own confusions. Yet still I can’t sleep and there have been some very dark moments.
“My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better. Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud. Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I cam causing to my family.
“Steph has been incredible – I love her so very much. She is the kindest soul I have ever met. My girls have been astonishing in their love, hugs and encouraging words of comfort.
“Both mine and Steph’s entire families have stunned me with their love, instant acceptance and support. Of course they are worried about Steph, but I know they will scoop us both up.
“My friends are the best, especially Holly, who has been so kind and wise – and who has hugged me as I sobbed on her shoulder.
“Every day on This Morning, I sit in awe of those we meet who have been brave and open in confronting their truth – so now it’s my turn to share mine.
“This will probably all come as something of a surprise and I understand, but only by facing this, by being honest, can I hope to find peace in my mind and a way forward.”
Finally Phillip asked, “Please be kind, especially to my family.”
(C) PHILIP SCHOFIELD / INSTAGRAM
This story is breaking please refresh to see more.
The Pride Flag flies outside the Scottish Parliament during the Opening of the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament. 02 July 2016. Pic – Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
The latest statistics from the Hate Crime In Scotland report show that charges in relation to homophobic hate crime increased by 5 per cent in the 2018/19 period compared to the year before.
Meanwhile, transphobic crimes decreased by 23 per cent. Court proceedings were commenced in respect of 29 of the 40 charges.
In the same period, homophobic hate crime charges increased by five per cent to over 1,100 reported crimes.
In total, 40 charges of transphobic hate crime were reported to the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland in 2018/19. The previous period recorded 52 reports, this is a decrease of 23 per cent.
In 2018 to 2019 hate crimes based on sexual orientation rose by five per cent according to a report on Hate Crime In Scotland. There were 1,176 charges reported in 2018-19. The numbers of crimes reported and charged have risen year on year since 2010, except in 2014/15.
Since 2010 hate crimes against gay and bi people have increased by over 160 per cent.
Homophobia the only hate crime to rise
CREDIT: Yastremska-bigstock
In contrast to religious, race and gender identity-based crime, hate crime based on sexual orientation is the only hate crime to steadily climb.
Although race-based hate crimes are the most reported type of hate crime, the number of charges reported has decreased by 37% since a peak in 2011-12.
Cabinet member, Michael Gove has been blasted for a TV clip first broadcast in the early 90s for its “disgusting” homophobia and
In the clip, which was first broadcast on a Channel 4 programme called, Stab In The Dark Mr Gove, who had hoped to become the UK’s Prime Minister, before ultimately losing out to Boris Johnson, is filmed in front of a live studio audience delivering a supposedly satirical speech about the ending of a ban on gay people in the armed forces.
In the clip, Gove trots out worn cliches about gay men, including the clothes they wear, having no families and attracting other men through their hairstyles and moustaches.
The clip which was unearthed by a Twitter user, @TheLabourLeftie, was apparently filmed in 1992 for a Channel 4 show called Stab In The Dark.
@TheLaboutLeftie, blasted the top Tory saying,
“I spend a lot of time calling out the Tories but this clip is unacceptable.
“Top Conservative toff Gove embarks on a tirade of homophobic slurs.
“This is not funny. This is not satire This isn’t, nor ever was, okay.
“Let’s hold him to account”.
In the clip, which it’s fair to say gets a luke-warm reception from the audience, Gove says,
“Everything about the army is designed to attract gays.
“Gays attract each other by dressing in a certain way. Cropped hair, moustache and a peaked cap. Put them together and what have you got? Lord Kitchener.
The only other place they encourage men to dress up in uniform and discipline each other, apart from the army, is Larry’s Leather Bar on a Tuesday Night”.
“If you want to discourage homosexuality, you do not force 30 young men to sleep in the same room, encourage their aggressive instincts and deny them contact with the opposite sex”
Some users on Twitter found the clip to be funny and called it satirical. One user, who identified himself as gay said, “It is funny. It is satire. It is OK, and I’m saying this as a gay person. Get over yourself.”
Apparently up to 60 per cent of people in the UK are unaware that LGBT+ people can foster children!
National independent fostering provider, Five Rivers Child Care, is calling on the gay community to consider local fostering opportunities, after a damning report shared at the start of 2020 has shown a record number of children are in care.
According to Government statistics, there are currently 78,150 children in the care system across England and another 7,200 foster carers are needed to meet demand and provide loving homes to vulnerable children and young people.
Ahead of LGBT+ History Month, which aims to promote the visibility of the LGBT+ community throughout society, Five Rivers is challenging a common misconception that sexual orientation prevents gay, bi and trans people from fostering.
Over 60 per cent of people across the UK are unaware that gay couples or those from the LGBT+ community are eligible to foster.
If just one per cent of the LGBT+ became foster parents there’d be no children waiting for a home
Commenting on the need for more LGBT+ foster carers, Martin Leitch, Head of Fostering Operations at Five Rivers Child Care, said: “There’s a desperate need for more people to enter the fostering industry. With nearly 80,000 vulnerable young people in need of a safe home we want to challenge misconceptions that might prevent LGBT+ members from fostering.
“It’s extremely important to have a diverse range of foster carers across the country to reflect the diverse nature of the children and young people entering the care system and provide role models from all walks of life. We have some amazing LGBT+ carers who are enriching children’s and young people’s lives every day and encourage anyone who would like to do the same to get in touch.”
People from all walks of life can become foster carers as long as they are over 21 years of age. This includes single people, co-habiting couples, same sex couples and people living in rented accommodation – the only requirement is a private bedroom for each foster child.
Police in London are looking for witnesses following on from alleged homophobic abuse at a football match at the London stadium.
Homophobic chanting was heard from a number of individuals during the match in the Sir Trevor Booking Stand at The London Stadium. It is believed to have involved home fans.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or can provide detectives with video footage is urged to come forward.
Inspector Matt Ashmead from the Met’s Public Order Investigation Team said, “We take allegations such as these extremely seriously and will act accordingly to any information brought to our attention. We work in partnership with the club and the stadium safety team to identify those who commit hate crime at football and we will take robust action against them.”
Arrests Made
(C) GOOGLE MAPS
Mr Ashmead continued, “With the assistance of law-abiding fans this weekend we were able to identify and arrest two individuals who were obtusely shouting homophobic abuse towards other supporters during this game. We welcome any further information or footage that would supply further evidence, or identify other offenders.
“Behaviour like this is completely unacceptable and perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions, so that the majority of law-abiding fans can enjoy a football game without the minority ruining their experience.
“If you have any information or footage to support our investigation please call us on 020 8246 9386 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
The latest statistics from the Hate Crime In Scotland report show that charges in relation to transgender hate crime decreased by 16 per cent in the 2018/19 period compared to the year before.
Court proceedings were commenced in respect of 29 of the 40 charges.
In the same period, homophobic hate crime charges increased by five per cent.
In total, 40 charges of transphobic hate crime were reported to the Procurator Fiscal in Scotland in 2018/19. The previous period recorded 52 reports, this is a decrease of 23 per cent.
In contrast, crimes charged and reported on the basis of sexuality increased to over 1100 reported crimes.
In 2018 to 2019 hate crimes based on sexual orientation rose by five per cent according to a report on Hate Crime In Scotland. There were 1,176 charges reported in 2018-19. The numbers of crimes reported and charged have risen year on year since 2010, except in 2014/15.
Since 2010 hate crimes against gay and bi people have increased by over 160 per cent.
Homophobia the only hate crime to rise
CREDIT: Yastremska-bigstock
In contrast to religious, race and gender identity-based crime, hate crime based on sexual orientation is the only hate crime to steadily climb.
Although race-based hate crimes are the most reported type of hate crime, the number of charges reported has decreased by 37% since a peak in 2011-12.
In a move which has left many people on social media baffled, the Conservatives have released an official tea towel feature a picture of PM Boris Johnson with the slogan, “Got Brexit Done”, despite the fact that the UK doesn’t officially leave the EU until the 31st January 2020.
The move has left many on social media questioning whether the account had been hacked or was even a parody account.
Proudly made in the UK
The tea towel, which is “proudly made in the UK” is selling on the Conservative’s website for £12.99 and apparently is the perfect way to “Show your pride in Britain and celebrate Brexit in your kitchen”.
Delivery of the towel won’t happen until the 10th Feb 2020.
Twitter users were quick to slam the product and the Conservatives as “delusional” while another added that they thought the tea-towel would be sold in car boot sales for 50p within a year.
Matthew Hodson commented, “I predict these will age like a fine yogurt.”
You could always team the tea towel with a mug, with the slogan “I got Brexit done” for £15.00.
In a poll by THEGAYUK in April 2016, 82 per cent of our readers thought that the UK was better off in the EU, while only 18 per cent thought that we would be better off out.
Boyfriends were apparently subjected to 30 minutes of homophobic abuse from a stranger on the streets of Glasgow on Burns Night.
Drew and his boyfriend were subjected to a horrifying homophobic ordeal on Burns night as they held hands in Glasgow, Scotland.
Lawyer Drew McCusker, 29, took to Twitter to explain that he and his boyfriend were subjected to a “really sh*t homophobic incident in Glasgow’s southside” which included them being called “bent bastards” and “f**king poofs”.
His tweet went viral within hours of his report.
According to Drew, he and his partner were holding hands when he alleges that a man walking passed them called them “a pair of bent bastards”.
When challenged, the man repeated what he had said, which is when a call was made to the police.
According to Drew, he spent 26 minutes on the phone with police as the man, he said, called the couple “bent bastards” “bent c*nts” “fucking poofs” “pair of poofs” and stating that it was “not fucking right two men sleeping together”
The man’s outrage continued to spew for 30 minutes, apparently telling passersby what he thought of the two boyfriends. An experience Drew has called ” hugely upsetting” and “humiliating”.
When the police arrived, the man was arrested and both Drew and his boyfriend gave separate statements.
The entire ordeal left Drew crying and deeply upset.
He said, “I don’t know if it was arrogance or hubris that made me think I wouldn’t be the victim of such an incident, or that it would upset me as much as it has.
“I’m still hurt by the demeaning language he hurled at us. He looked at, talked to and treated me like I was shit on a shoe. It felt awful.
“Today I feel confused about how to feel”
On Burns Night, my boyfriend and I had a really shit #homophobic incident in #Glasgow's southside. We were holding hands, and a guy walked passed us and called us a "pair of bent bastards". I challenged him, he repeated the phrase, I called 999.
In 2018 to 2019 hate crimes based on sexual orientation rose by five per cent according to a report on Hate Crime In Scotland. There were 1,176 charges reported in 2018-19. The numbers of crimes reported and charged have risen year on year since 2010, except in 2014/15.
Charges brought on crimes against transgender people actually dropped to 40 (2018/19) from 52 reports in the previous period (2017/2018).
Arrested and charged
According to Police Scotland, a 75-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection to the incident.
They told THEGAYUK.com “Around 6:10 pm on Saturday, 25 January 2020, police received a report of a man being verbally abusive to two men in Queen’s Drive”.
