THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • THEATRE | As Is Reopens In London After 25 Years

    The first London production since the 1987 UK premiere of William M. Hoffman’s ‘As Is’ opens at the Finborough Theatre for a four week limited season on Tuesday, 6 August 2013 directed by Andrew Keates.

    New York City, 1985.

    Rich, a young writer who is beginning to find success, is breaking up with his longtime lover, Saul, a professional photographer. However Rich’s idyll with his new lover is short-lived when he learns that he has contracted the terrifying new disease AIDS and returns to Saul for sanctuary as he awaits its slow and awful progress.

    In a mosaic of brilliantly conceived short scenes, some profoundly moving, some brightly humorous, As Is captures the pathos of Rich’s relationship with friends and family, the cold impersonality of the doctors and nurses who care for him and the widely diverse aspects of New York’s gay community. A heartbreaking and unsparing examination of a deeply felt human relationship shattered by a mindless, destructive disease.

    Blending humour, poignance and brilliant theatricality, As Is was a revolutionary and groundbreaking play of its time, and is still sadly urgently relevant as the number of gay and bisexual men being diagnosed with HIV in the UK reached an “all-time high” in 2011, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

    Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, London SW10 9ED

    Box Office 0844 847 1652 Book online atwww.finboroughtheatre.co.uk

    Tuesday, 6 August – Saturday, 31 August 2013

    Tuesday to Saturday Evenings at 7.30pm. Sunday Matinees at 3.00pm. Saturday matinees at 3.00pm (from the second week of the run).

    Prices for Weeks One and Two (6–18 August 2013) – Tickets £14, £11 concessions, except Tuesday Evenings £11 all seats, and Saturday evenings £14 all seats. Previews (6 and 7 August) £9 all seats.

    £6 tickets for Under 30’s for performances from Tuesday to Sunday of the first week when booked online only.

    £10 tickets for residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on Saturday,

    10 August 2013 when booked online.

  • Westboro Baptist Church criticises Queen for Royal Assent on gay marriage

    Westboro Baptist Church criticises Queen for Royal Assent on gay marriage

    Anti-gay and homophobic church group Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) has tweeted a picture depicting Her Majesty calling her ‘Queen of fags’.

    Wesboro Baptist Church
    CREDIT: Wesboro Baptist Church

     

    Tweeting from @WBCSigns, the infamous American church group have called HM Elizabeth II the ‘Queen Of Fags’ and published a picture of the Queen with a pink triangle on her forehead to attack her Royal Assent on same-sex marriage in the UK last Wednesday.

    The accompanying text read:

    “In honor of Elizabeth II giving same sex marriage the royal nod last week, we dedicate this picket to her”

    The Queen gave her royal stamp of approval last Wednesday making same-sex marriage officially legal in the UK.

  • Gay tourists in Russia could be jailed or deported

    A warning for gay travellers and tourists thinking about venturing to Russia this year might need to rethink their plans after Russia passes anti-gay law.

    The new bill, now fully in effect could find openly gay visitors, detained for up to fourteen days, if found to be promoting homosexuality, although it is unclear what constitutes promotion.

    The new bill, now fully in effect could find openly gay visitors, detained for up to fourteen days, if found to be promoting homosexuality, although it is unclear what constitutes promotion.

    Skift.com has written:

    The law also contains a provision permitting the government to arrest and detain gay, or pro-gay, foreigners for up to 14 days before they would then be expelled from the country. That provision ought to send chills to anyone gay, lesbians, bisexual or transgender who is planning to attend or participate in the Winter Olympics.

    The International Olympic Committee released a statement calling for the acceptance of all athletes due to attend Russia’s winter Olympics.

    The International Olympic Committee is clear that sport is a human right and should be available to all regardless of race, sex or sexual orientation,” the statement said. “The Games themselves should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media and of course athletes. We would oppose in the strongest terms any move that would jeopardize this principle.”

    The official and legal definition of ‘homosexual propaganda’ is currently unclear, however reports are emerging of arrests for kissing, holding hands, wearing or using rainbows.

    The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has also updated its advice for gay people travelling to Russia. On their website the DoFA states:

    “Homosexuality was illegal in the USSR up until 1993 when it was decriminalised. However, a federal law has recently been approved that prohibits the promotion of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgenderism in the Russian Federation. Fines can now be imposed on those who provide information about the homosexual, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities to minors. According to the legislation, public displays of affection or activities regarded as counter to the law may also lead to fines, arrests and deportations.”

    Actress Tilda Swinton was recently seen in front of the Kremlin holding a rainbow flag with a statement that read:

    “In solidarity. From Russia with love.”

  • Air New Zealand To Play Host To 1st Same-Sex Marriage At 30,000 Ft

    Air New Zealand To Play Host To 1st Same-Sex Marriage At 30,000 Ft

    Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson will board an Air New Zealand domestic flight alongside a lucky Kiwi couple to celebrate the first ever same sex marriage at 30,000 feet next month.

    Same sex marriage becomes legal in New Zealand on Monday 19 August, and Air New Zealand is on the hunt for a special Kiwi couple to prove that love is truly in the air by tying the knot on a flight between Queenstown and Auckland.

    Air New Zealand’s Head of Global Brand Development, Jodi Williams, says the airline expects to be inundated with couples wanting to have a unique wedding experience so they can demonstrate their love to the world.

    “We expect this marriage at 30,000 feet to attract significant global media interest. Naturally, the couple’s family and friends will want to be on hand for the special occasion so we have plenty of seats set aside for them. Jesse Tyler Ferguson being present will make the day even more memorable,”

    Ms Williams says.

    “Jesse has been deeply committed to campaigning for marriage equality and the fact that he is prepared to travel from the United States to be here demonstrates the historic nature of this event.”

    Jesse Tyler Fergusson says,

    “Justin and I are thrilled to be taking part in witnessing this historic moment for New Zealand! After launching ‘Tie The Knot’, our bow tie campaign for marriage equality in the US, it is clear that the journey towards marriage, both in the US and beyond, means so much to us. We cannot wait to celebrate this joyous occasion with Air New Zealand!”

    Kiwi couples keen to walk down the aisle on board the Air New Zealand flight are invited to visit www.flyingsocialnetwork.com and share their love story. Entries close 26 July 2013.
    Ms Williams says the lucky winner will also get the honeymoon of a lifetime.

    “We’re shouting them a honeymoon to Palm Springs in the United States. It’ll be an amazing time there escaping the cold Kiwi winter.”

  • NEWS: UK Peers Say ‘I Do’ To Gay Marriage

    Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill passes Third Reading. First same-sex marriages expected next spring.

    (more…)

  • Sir Nick Partridge to step down as CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust

    Sir Nick Partridge will step down from his role as Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust at the end of October 2013.

    Sir Nick joined Terrence Higgins Trust as its first paid member of staff in 1985 when it operated out of a small London office run by a determined and dedicated group of volunteers. It is now the largest HIV and sexual health charity in Europe, supporting more than 100,000 people with HIV or sexual health needs every year through over 30 centres across England, Scotland and Wales. It has a membership of 14,000 people, 500 tireless volunteers and 270 staff, and an annual turnover of just over £20 million.

    Sir Nick Partridge said: “It’s been an extraordinary three decades, and a privilege to serve such a remarkable charity as Chief Executive. Having led Terrence Higgins Trust through it’s 30th anniversary, the time feels right for me to move on to other challenges. I know that the Trust will continue to go from strength to strength and of course I’ll continue to support that journey as a friend of the charity.”

    Professor Christopher Bones, Chair of Trustees of Terrence Higgins Trust said,

    “We are hugely grateful to Sir Nick for his enormous contribution to Terrence Higgins Trust over the last three decades. His vision, networks and insight are huge assets, and I am delighted that he will remain an important part of our family in the years to come.

    “Our environment is one of continual change and we know that the future holds significant challenges. The Board is now looking for the next Chief Executive to lead Terrence Higgins Trust to 2020 and beyond.

    From 1st November, Paul Ward, currently Deputy Chief Executive at the Trust, will become acting Chief Executive while the Board recruits into the role.

  • Update on cluster of Meningitis cases in gay men in Europe

    Public Health England have released advise on the clusters of meningococcal disease in MSM in USA and Europe

    An outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) (serogroup C) has been reported amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) in New York City, with 22 cases notified between August 2010 and February 2013. There have been seven deaths, five of which were among HIV-positive cases. New York City Health Department has been recommending vaccination for all men who had regular intimate contact with multiple male partners whom they met through a website, smartphone application, bar or party, in New York City since 1 September 2012. This recommendation was initially limited to known HIV-infected men but was later expanded to HIV-uninfected men with the same high risk behaviours.

    Lisa Power, Policy Director at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Doctors have recently reported small clusters of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) (serotype C) among gay men in New York, Berlin and Paris. This is a type of meningitis. There have been a small number of deaths in those cities, particularly in men with HIV, and we are aware that news of this is spreading via social media and word of mouth.

    “IMD type C is very rare in the UK, with around 30 cases a year overall. The UK has a vaccination programme which means that most men aged 35 and under will already have been vaccinated, and the vaccine is available free on the NHS to anyone under 25. An outbreak in London, or anywhere else in the UK, is therefore considered much less likely, but gay men who are concerned about the news can download an app about symptoms from the Meningitis Trust. All HIV and sexual health clinicians have had a briefing from Public Health England giving the facts.

    “Realistically, if you’re out there partying this summer, you’re much more at risk of HIV, Hepatitis C, gonorrhoea or sunstroke. Take your suncream, condoms, and HIV treatment if you’re positive, and stay informed.”

    To find out the symptons of Meningitis visit: http://www.meningitis-trust.org

  • GT releases new social website

    Gay Times, the original gay men’s lifestyle magazine, today launch GT socializer the first social discovery network to connect reader’s offline at group social events and help guys to meet new people and explore their city.

    The networks aims to fill the gap in the market for guys who want to connect with new groups of friends locally, as opposed to dating or meeting up one to one, and coincides with the launch of DIVA socializer – a network for lgbt women looking to meet new groups of girls.

    Teaming up with citysocializer, the UK’s largest social discovery network, it comes as one of the first branded partner channels on the Socializer platform the company is set to launch this summer.

    Anyone who joins GT socializer can search by interest and location for days and nights being organised near them and click to join whenever they are free. Members can also post their own plans on the site and see who is free to join.

    Kim Watson, Media Director at GT (Gay Times) and DIVA commented:

    “We are very happy to be launching a much needed unique social discovery and events platform targeting the LGBT community. As social media is growing and the gay scene is changing across the UK, it is sometimes harder for people to meet up face to face and we are very excited about the prospect of working with citysocializer to bring people together face to face in gay friendly venues.”

    The activities on the site range from after work drinks, cinema nights, and Sunday lunches to walks in the park or nights out clubbing, exhibitions or anything the community wants to share. The interest based search engine then makes it easy for members to find things to do and people to do them with.

    GT socializer will host their launch party in London next Wednesday 24th July, and anyone who signs up this week will be in with a chance of attending.

    Further city launches will follow throughout the summer starting with Manchester and Brighton, with a full calendar of events and activities already in the pipelines.

    The site is a premium paid network, costing from £7.99 per month, however anyone that signs up before July 24th will receive 1 month free membership using the promotion code GTPRESS giving them unlimited access to socials & events, unlimited messaging and more.

    Visit: http://www.gtsocializer.com for more details

  • MANCHESTER: Spread The Sparkle

    As different cities up and down the country are gearing up and winding down from pride events, it’s an entirely different scene in Manchester’s village.

    (more…)

  • TheGayUK Launches the No Excuses Project

    The No Excuse Project is launched today, posting free condoms to your door. TheGayUK and the NHS’s Freedoms Shop have teamed together to ensure that anyone who needs access to free condoms can get them – delivered directly to their door, for free.

    New HIV infections and other sexually transmitted infections in the gay, male bisexual and Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) community are at record levels. So to try and combat this trend TheGayUK decided to launch their No Excuse Project to help out.

    TheGayUK’s co-founder Jake Hook said,

    “I was watching Channel 4’s The Sex Clinic and it occurred to me that somehow we’re being failed as a community in relation to sex health education. With cuts to vital services and the upward trend of new HIV infections in the UK, either people aren’t freely able to access condoms or don’t know that they can dramatically make the sex you have safer.

    “The day after the programme, I rang Katy Harrad at The Freedoms Shop and asked whether Freedoms would be able to help us out with condoms, luckily for us, she’s just as passionate about safer sex as we are.

    “We’re working towards making sure that there is No Excuse – ever – not to have a condom in your home or pocket.”

    Stand-up comedian Pam Ann, who’s offering her full support to the project, says:

    “If it’s NOT ON… it’s NOT ON!”

    The campaign called the No Excuse Project aims to ensure that everyone and anyone in the gay, bisexual or MSM community who doesn’t have access to free condoms, either because they’re too shy or embarrassed, think they’re too young or don’t live close to a gay bar which provides free condoms, can simply fill in a confidential form at www.noexcuseproject.co.uk and receive condoms through the post.

    A team from TheGayUK will be at a number of Prides around the country, including Oxford, Edinburgh, Reading, North Wales, Gloucester, Warwickshire and Doncaster aiming to bring attention to the campaign and giving out thousands of condoms to revellers.

    If you would like to donate towards the running of the No Excuse Project then please visit: Donate Here

    For every £1 donation we can help protect up to 4 partners from catching or spreading STIs.

    Thank you.

  • Two Men ‘Free Of HIV’ After Bone-Marrow Transplant

    Two men in the US have been taken off their HIV medication after bone-marrow transplants seemingly clears the virus from their bodies.

    Doctors at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, have cautiously announced that two men who were infected with HIV have been cleared of the virus for months.

    One of the patients has spent nearly four months off his anti-retroviral drugs – with no signs that the infection is returning. The other man stopped taking his medication 7 weeks ago.

    The two men, who have not been identified, have been living with the virus for 30 years.

    Speaking to the BBC Dr Timothy Henrich said,

    “We have not demonstrated cure, we’re going to need longer follow-up.

    “What we can say is if the virus does stay away for a year or even two years after we stopped the treatment, that the chances of the virus rebounding are going to be extremely low.

    “It’s much too early at this point to use the C-word [cure].”

    He continued in saying that even the virus seemed to have disappeared it could still be hiding inside ‘brain tissue or the gastrointestinal track.”

    Dr Michael Brady, Medical Director at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “It is too early to know whether HIV has been eradicated from these men’s bodies or whether it might return. However, the case suggests that what happened to Timothy Ray Brown, the Berlin Patient was perhaps not a one-off.
    “A bone marrow transplant is a complex and expensive procedure, which comes with significant risks. For most people with HIV, it would be more dangerous to undergo a transplant than to continue managing the virus with daily medication. While this is by no means a workable cure, it does give researchers another sign-post in the direction of one. Until a cure is found, we urge people to continue using condoms and testing for HIV if they’ve put themselves at risk.”