Category: News
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Gay designers Dolce and Gabbana sentence to 20 month prison for tax evasion
Italian designing duo, Dolce and Gabbana have been sentenced to 20 months in prison after being found guilty for tax evasion by an Italian court.
CREDIT: maxoidos / BigStock Openly gay designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been sentenced to 20 months jail time after being found guilty of tax evasion in Italy.
The duo has not commented on their sentences, which have been suspended pending an appeal.
According to the BBC an investigation by the Italian authorities began around six years ago as part of a crack down by the government on tax avoidance.
The judge at their hearing, which took place on today (19th June), ruled that the designers moved their world famous brand to a Luxembourg-based holding company Gado – which is an anagram of their two surnames.
The judge said they had done this to avoid declaring taxes on royalties of around 1 billion euros £822m.
The pair had already been cleared of the charges at a previous trial in April 2011. However, Italy’s highest court has the power to overturn previous rulings and ordered the case to be retried.
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HIV Campaign ” It Starts With Me”
Health Protection Agency has given two years of funding to the Terrence Higgins Trust to deliver the ‘It Starts With Me’ HIV Campaign. This campaign focuses on three aspects: Test, Treat and Protect.
Did you know that 8 out of 10 gay men get HIV from a man that doesn’t know that he’s got it? Or that 100,000 people in the UK have HIV but don’t know it? If these aren’t good enough reasons to encourage you to get a HIV test here are some more: regular testing gives you piece of mind, it’s free, confidential and convenient.
You can arrange an appointment at your local sexual health clinic or even do a test through a postal kit. Jake, our Editor, recently reviewed the home testing kit. ‘It Starts With Me’ campaign even has a ‘Do I need an HIV test?’ Questionnaire, answer five quick and easy questions to establish if you need a HIV test. Earlier testing helps get quicker access to treatment for those that are HIV positive.
A better understanding of HIV has led to treatment that gives a HIV positive person a feeling of better health and a longer life. According to ‘It Starts With Me,’ earlier treatment can extend your life expectancy by about 10 years; equally delaying testing and starting treatment can cost you 10 years of your life.
The Campaign video (below) says that treatment stop the spread of HIV by reducing amount of HIV in a HIV positive person’s blood stream to an ‘undectable level’ meaning that they are unlikely to pass on HIV. Watch the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqMxrLqHAVo
The Department for Health, Terrence Higgins Trust and all other sexual health organisations recommend the use of condoms when having sex. Condoms are the best way to Protect against HIV, especially when 8 out of 10 gay men get HIV from a man who doesn’t know that he’s got it.
Gay men 25-29 years old are most likely to test HIV positive, but HIV doesn’t discriminate on age, gender, race, sexuality or for any other reason. If you’re worried about HIV you can speak to your GP, local sexual health clinic, or call Terrence Higgins Trust on 0808 802 1221. If you’ve got a sexual health question, visit TheGayUK sexual health section:http://www.mysexhealth.thegayuk.com
If you’ve recently been diagnosed HIV positive, the forums on: http://www.myhiv.org.uk are said to be helpful along with Terrence Higgins Trust Website.
There are also several bloggers who share their experience living with HIV; here are just a few of them:
Alex: HIV & Me
Website: http://alexsparrowhawk.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/birdy_tweet
HIVing The Dream
Website: http://hivingthedream.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HIVingTheDream
HIVPozGuy
Website: http://hivpozguy.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hivpozguy
UKPositiveLad
Website: http://www.ukpositivelad.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKPositiveLad
Remember to get tested regularly, if you’re HIV positive to get treatment and always protect yourself using condoms when having sex. Together we can and will stop the spread of HIV.
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Call for Boycott on Moscow World Championships
A group called Boycott Moscow 2013 have called for the rejection of the 2013 World Championship in Athletics in Moscow.
The group has created the page in response to the anti-gay law that was passed by the Russian Government earlier this week, where 434 – 0 voted to pass the controversial bill that could see anyone marching in a pride or even talking about homosexuality to anyone under 18 receive hefty fines or even jail time.
Scenes of violence erupted against 20 gay and pro-gay campaigners,, when a group of 200-strong anti-gay protesters physically abused, threw rotten eggs and chanted ‘Russia Not Sodom.’
Photographer Ilya Varlamov captured the scenes, (view the pictures here) which included one of police standing on the neck, allegedly, of a pro-gay activist.One bystander purportedly heard an unidentified Duma official from the Communist Party approached and shook hands with a policeman, and reportedly said: “So are you guys ramping up the pressure on these faggots? Beat them up well! Cut their balls off!”
In a statement on the official Facebook page the organisers wrote:‘This TuesdayThe Russian Parliament, the Doma, Passed Two Fascist, Homophobic and anti LGBT Laws:
1. “Banning Propaganda of Non-Traditional Sexual relations”
2. “Offending Religious Feelings”
This [sic] two laws make it practically illegal to be openly gay in Russia.We cannot remain silent while this horrible country receives postivies [sic] reviews during the 2013 Moscow Games. We must show Putin that LGBT Rights of Russian are not an “internal issue” that can be shadowed.
WE MUST BOYCOTT MOSCOW 2013’AllOut.org have a petition for the Russian President, Putin. Nearly 125,000 people have already signed it.
The petition asks:
‘TO PRESIDENT PUTIN, RUSSIAN POLITICIANS AND ALL WORLD LEADERS:We stand with citizens across Russia who are calling on their government to stop the crackdown against lesbian, gay, bi and trans people that is fuelling anti-gay violence.We urge leaders around the world and within Russia to work to eliminate all anti-gay laws and protect all citizens from violence and discrimination in Russia.’
Sign it it here www.allout.org/en/actions/russia-attacks
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“Cut their balls off” Russian anti-gay protesters ramp up pressure
As the Russian lower house passes a law that could see anyone who ‘promotes homosexual propaganda’ to anyone under 18 face stiff fines or even jail sentences, 200 anti-gay protesters beat, threw bottles at and abused pro-gay activists.
Disturbing images from Ilya Varlamov show to some extent the abuse that 20 pro-gay rights activists faced yesterday as Russia’s government voted 434-0 to install a new bill that could leave anyone promoting a homosexual lifestyle to anyone under the age of 18 with jail time or a hefty fine.
Vocativ reports that at one point ‘an unidentified Duma official from the Communist Party approached and shook hands with a policeman, and reportedly said: “So are you guys ramping up the pressure on these faggots? Beat them up well! Cut their balls off!” ‘
Violence towards gay and pro-gay rights activists has been ramped up in the past few months, with two murders and numerous attacks happening within a few weeks of each other.
AllOut.org have a petition for the Russian President, Putin. Nearly 85,000 people have already signed it.
The petition asks,
‘TO PRESIDENT PUTIN, RUSSIAN POLITICIANS AND ALL WORLD LEADERS:
We stand with citizens across Russia who are calling on their government to stop the crackdown against lesbian, gay, bi and trans people that is fuelling anti-gay violence.
We urge leaders around the world and within Russia to work to eliminate all anti-gay laws and protect all citizens from violence and discrimination in Russia.’
Sign it it here www.allout.org/en/actions/russia-attacks
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Trafalgar Square and Dean Street Line Up Announced For Pride In London
Pride in London announces the line up for two stages in the centre of London on the 29th June 2013.
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The £1m goal to open gay hostel in memory of murdered son
The mother and father of a gay teenager who was murdered in 2008 have vowed to open a £1m gay hostel in his name.
CREDIT: Michael Causer Foundation Marie and Mike Causer have begun a campaign to raise £1 million to open a hostel for LGBT Youth at risk. Their aim is to provide temporary emergency care for gay and lesbians who are at risk of living on the streets.
Marie and Mike Causer set up the Michael Causer Foundation to provide housing and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people at risk in northwest England.
Marie Causer said,
“I want money people have donated in Michael’s memory to be used to help young people.”
“These youngsters need somewhere to go where they feel safe and are surrounded by people who have gone through a similar experience.”
Mrs Causer hopes to help young people aged 16-25.
“I did not want a stone or a plaque to be put up in his memory. I wanted to do something worth doing and I am very lucky to have the support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community behind me.
In August, it will be five years since Michael died
Marie added,
“I miss him so much. I think it’s his personality. He was a strong person and his personality outshone everything. I’ve met people just like Michael and I think if I give up who is going to be there for them?
“We need this house, we need accommodation for them. People say to me ‘if Michael wasn’t gay, would you be doing this?’ I say ‘yes’. Michael used to call the bingo and do events for charity. So, on some level, I’m helping because he would.”
The Michael Causer Foundation’s Development Worker, Kieran Bohan, was appointed in April to help achieve its vision: to create a society where LGBT young people feel safe, happy and understood; at home in their communities; and supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Kieran said,
‘I was on a stall at a youth centre when I overheard a child explain to her friend how Michael died, “He was killed because he loved another boy.”
‘If a ten-year-old can understand that no-one deserves to die because of who they are or who they love, then everybody can.’
The Foundation aims to raise £1m by 2015 to create a safe haven and provide round-the-clock support.
The first openly gay Lord Mayor in the country, Cllr Gary Millar, a trustee of the Foundation, took on the role of first citizen of Liverpool in May.
To boost their efforts, he has nominated the Michael Causer Foundation as one of four charities he will support during his year in office.
On the anniversary of Michael’s death each year, the Foundation leads a vigil in Temple Square, in Liverpool’s Stanley Street Quarter.
Marie’s son, Michael Causer was brutally murdered five years ago, was 18-years-old at the time of his attack.
Michael’s family believe was assaulted because of his sexuality, at a house party in Merseyside, he died 10 days later in the Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery after undergoing extensive emergency surgery to his brain. However Michael’s killer was sentenced on the basis it was not a hate crime.
Two men were charged with murder, James O’Connor and Gavin Alker. Alker was acquitted of murder and manslaughter; O’Connor was convicted and sentenced to service life, with a minimum of 11 and half years before he could be considered for parole.
For more information please visit:www.michaelcauserfoundation.org.uk
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Father freaks out after his 3-year-old son told about gay marriage
Father of pre-school boy worried that ‘same-sex’ marriage is being discussed with children as young as three.
In a letter published by the Belfast Telegraph a father writes that ‘a homosexual’ told his son, 3, that ‘when they grew up, they could get married to a girl, or a boy.’
The letter begins:
‘MANY of your commentators have speculated as to what the wider implications of allowing same-sex marriages will be on society. I was given a stark illustration of this at the weekend.’
The man’s son, (names have been withheld), asked what marriage was, the father’s response was, ‘when a man and woman loved each other very much and wanted to spend their lives together.’
His son then told him that boys could get married too.
‘Apparently, his carer at nursery, a homosexual, told the entire class that he had great news: when they grew up, they could get married to a girl, or a boy.
Surely, my son is too young to have this discussion? If I were to complain, however, I would be labelled a bigot.’
The same-sex marriage bill has been debated and voted upon by the UK’s MPs and Lords and successfully passed the bill, which will now go to committee and the UK could be celebrating its first same-sex marriage in the summer of 2014.
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Top 10 Things You Need To Survive Pride: The Pride Survival Kit
Pride season is upon us once again. Here’s a list of 13 essential items to help you to have a safe and enjoyable pride.
Pop these items in your man-bag and call it: The Pride Survival Kit.
1. Pride Map / Guide –
Most offer Pride organisers offer a Pride map and guide, whether it be printed when you buy tickets or on their website online. Pop a copy in your Survival Kit and you’ll never be lost in the world of Pride or miss any of the big events. Did you know that TheGayUK has an App that you find directions to your nearest Pride. Visit: www.app.thegayuk.com
2. Mobile / Smart Phone –
These are great to keep in contact with your friends, partner or significant others at Pride. But should something go horribly wrong, in an emergency you can dial 999 and ask for the Police, an Ambulance or Fire and Rescue Services to attend.
3. Emergency Mobile / Smart Phone Charger –
Your mobile’s no good if the battery has gone flat, so carry an Emergency Mobile Phone Charger. There are a variety of these devices on the market and they all have different features, such as: solar panel charging, disposable – one use only, super fast charging, etc.
4. A 24-Hour Supply of Any Medication You Take–
Your transport home might be delayed or you might not get home at all. Take a 24-hour supply of any medication you take, so that you don’t miss a dose.
If you’re planning to have a drink of the alcoholic variety, check beforehand that it’s OK to mix your medication with alcohol. If you’re unsure speak to your GP or prescribing health care professional who will be able to tell you.
5. Painkillers –
There’s nothing worse than being in pain to spoil your Pride mood. Take some painkillers and avoid being the member of the group who’s not in the mood because of pain.
6. Emergency Money –
It’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected. Emergency money will cover costs because of an unexpected event at Pride. How much emergency money you put to one side is up to you and depends up on your circumstances.
7. Sun Protection Lotion –
In the UK we have ever-changing weather; it can be pouring down with rain one minute and the next the sun is cracking flags. Taking sun protection will stop you burning and protect against potential UV damage when the sun comes out at Pride.
8. Condoms & Lube –
At Pride you may meet someone and hook up with them. Whether or not you’re planning to hook up, take condoms and lube. Then if something happens you wont have to worry about the unprotected sex the morning after.
Some pubs and clubs do provide safer sex packs, but don’t rely on these. The pub may have stopped providing them since the last time you were there, or there may have been a rush and are out of stock.
Condoms & lube are provided free at your local sexual health clinic. If you are worried because you’ve had unprotected sex, the sexual health clinic can also undertake testing and offer support. For more information visit The Gay UK Sexual Health Site.
9. Bottle of Water –
Staying well hydrated will protect against sunstroke (along with sun protection lotion) and will also lessen or prevent alcohol-related hangovers.
10. Safety Clips & A Spare Pair of Pants –
If you’re in the Pride Parade safety clips are essential, as costumes don’t always stay together. Even if you’re not taking part in the Pride Parade safety clips are still useful to have.
We’ve all had wardrobe malfunctions at the most inconvenient of times and a safety clip or a spare pair of pants can prevent that ground-open-up-and-swallow-me-now moment.
11. Alcohol Hand Rub –
Toilets, especially outdoor ones soon become unclean. Alcohol hand rub used after a visit to the toilet will keep your hands hygienic.
12. Lollipops / Sweets / Other Snacks –
Keeping your sugar-levels up with lollipops, sweets and other snacks will provide your body with plenty of energy. This will mean that you can enjoy Pride to the fullest.
13. Ear Plugs –
These are great if the music gets too much. They also prevent your ears from ringing or buzzing the day after Pride.
Pride is a celebratory event where we come together to celebrate our sexuality as part of who we are. Gay people throw a great party, but there’s always a potential for things to go wrong. The Pride Survival Kit if carried in full or part is likely to reduce the risk of something going wrong for you. We hope that you have a safe and truly fantastic Pride.
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Denise Welch joins Mind to combat stigma
Mind, the mental health charity, today announces that Denise Welch will join the organisation as an official ambassador. She will raise vital awareness, encouraging the one in four people who experience a mental health problem every year, to access support.
Research shows one in five people who’ve experienced a mental health problem has sought help directly because they’ve been inspired by a celebrity sharing their story in the media. Denise will therefore play a pivotal role at the charity, sharing her experiences with the wider public and in turn reassuring many others that it’s ok to talk.
The actress and Loose Women presenter first experienced post-natal depression, following the birth of her eldest son, then battled episodes of severe depression over 24 years. She now talks very openly about her process of recovery, the significant role loved ones play in helping her to stay well, and the urgent need to stamp out the stigma that continues to surround mental health problems.
Denise Welch said:
“Mind is a charity very close to my heart and I’m honoured to represent them and the great work they do. Depression and mental health problems don’t discriminate, they can affect anybody at any time and every week I hear from people in all walks of life who are facing experiences I’m all too familiar with.
“No one should have to face a mental health problem alone and I hope, through my role at Mind, I can help people understand that help is here. It all starts with a conversation and I’m definitely not afraid to speak up.”
Paul Farmer, CEO for Mind says:
“When people in the public eye speak out, it inspires others to seek help. We are thrilled to have Denise’s support and know her honest and frank approach to mental health will spark many conversations across the country.
“Following Stephen Fry’s disclosure last week, thousands of people contacted Mind through our Infoline and social media – the ripple effect will undoubtedly be felt long-term.”
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EDINBURGH | Just over a week until Pride Scotia
TheGayUK is happy to annouce that in just over a week Pride Scotia, Edinburgh’s very own pride parade will take to the streets.
The march will assemble outside Scottish Parliament from 11:30 – and will move promptly at noon on the 15th June 2013
The march route will be High Street, crossing in portions at North Bridge.
A pause outside the City Chambers for speeches. March resumes along George IV Bridge to Bristo Square.
TheGayUK is a proud media sponsor of Pride Scotia – we’ll be bringing you news about Pride events in Edinburgh during the forthcoming week.
