THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • Man left needing hospital treatment after homophobic attack in London

    Man left needing hospital treatment after homophobic attack in London

    Police say that a man has been left with head injuries after an attack in London over the weekend.

    geralt / Pixabay

    A man in his late twenties was hopsitalised after an attack which police are calling a homophobic hate crime, just a week after Pride in London.

    The victim was allegedly verbally abused and then assaulted at around 3 AM in the morning on Camberwell Road in South London in what police have described as a hate crime.

    The 29-year-old victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a head injury. This has been assessed as not life-changing or life-threatening, and the man has been discharged from hospital.

    19-year-old arrested at the scene

    A 19-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of GBH. He has since been released under investigation.

    The incident is being investigated as a homophobic hate crime due to comments made prior to the assault. Enquiries into the circumstances continue.

    Detectives from the Safeguarding Unit based at Brixton are investigating. Anyone with information or footage is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1376/14Jul or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • This is who is on the new £50 note

    This is who is on the new £50 note

    It has been announced that scientist and code breaker, Alan Turning is the new face of the £50 note.

    The Bank of England have announced that Code Breaker and gay scientist, Alan Turing is to be the new face of the £50 note.

    Today, the Bank of England announced that WWII hero Alan Turing will be the face of the new £50 note at an event in Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry.

    Former Manchester MP and gay rights campaigner John Leech led a nearly decade-long campaign to pardon Alan Turing, gaining immense public support from legendary physicists such as Stephen Hawking.

    During the campaign, Leech submitted several bills to Parliament describing Turing’s long-held conviction as “utterly disgusting and ultimately just embarrassing”.

    After his campaign proved successful, Leech turned to secure pardons for the 75,000+ other men and women convicted of the same outdated crime in what is now nicknamed the Alan Turing Law.

    Welcoming today’s news, Turing pardon architect John Leech said, “It is almost impossible to put into words the difference that Alan Turing made to society, but perhaps the most poignant example is that his work is estimated to have shortened the war by four years and saved up to 21 million lives.

    “And yet the way he was treated afterwards remains a national embarrassment and an example of society at its absolute worst.

    “I’m absolutely delighted that Turing will be the face of the new £50 note and I hope it will go some way to acknowledging his unprecedented contribution to society and science.

    “It is a fitting and welcome tribute to a true Manchester hero.

    “But more importantly I hope it will serve as a stark and rightfully painful reminder of what we lost in Turing, and what we risk when we allow that kind of hateful ideology to win.”

  • Acceptance of gay relationships declines in the UK

    Acceptance of gay relationships declines in the UK

    The UK’s acceptance of same-sex relationships has decreased slightly year on year, with experts suggesting that tolerance has “plateaued”.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    According to new research by the British Social Attitudes survey (BSA) the acceptance of gay relationships amongst the population of the UK has stalled and even slightly declinced over previous findings.

    Previously, 68% of people thought that same-sex relationships were acceptable, however the latest findings have seen a slight decreased to 66 per cent, suggesting that 34% of people in the UK do not think that homosexual relationships are acceptable.

    A point of plateau

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    The BSA survey, which has been conducted since 1980, warned that the country has “reached a point of plateau” according to a spokesperson for the organisation.

    Some 66% of those polled in 2018 said same-sex relations were “not wrong at all”, down from 68% the previous year.

    The survey covers a wide variety of societial questions, covering many subjects. Of the nearly 3,000 people polled, 74% said sex before marriage were “not wrong at all”, down from 75%  over the previous years, revealing that perhaps the UK is becoming a little more conservative on issues of sexuality.

    Leading LGBT+ rights activist, Peter Tatchell, called the findings, “concerning”, saying that there had been no “significant increase in support recorded over the past few years”.

     

     

  • No police officer to face discipline over the investigation of the Stephen Port serial killings

    No police officer to face discipline over the investigation of the Stephen Port serial killings

    The Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed that none of the 17 police officers who were being investigated, working the Stephen Port serial killings will be disciplined.

    Stephen Port
    CREDIT: met police

    The IOPC has confirmed that none of the 17 officers it investigated over the Stephen Port murder investigation will be disciplined.

    In March 2017 the IOPC announced it had launched an investigation of 17 officers into the service’s response to the deaths of 4 men, Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth, and Jack Taylor murdered by Stephen Port.

    Port was convicted at the Old Bailey in London in 2019 where the judge said that Port had carried out the murders to “satisfy his lust” for sex with men who were rendered unconscious.

    According to the Barking And Dagenham Post, an IOPC spokesman said, “While we agreed none of the officers involved in these investigations may have breached professional standards justifying disciplinary proceedings, we will be making a number of recommendations to the Metropolitan Police to address some of the systemic failings our investigation identified.

    “We have advised the families of Port’s victims and the officers involved that the performance of nine officers fell below the standard required. They will now be required to improve their performance.”

    None of the families of the victims have commented on the announcement.

  • Broadcaster Iain Lee comes out as bisexual

    Journalist, broadcaster and I’m A Celeb star, Iain Lee comes out as bisexual.

    Iain Lee, who came third in 2017’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here has come out as bisexual while on his TalkRadio show.  The broadcaster had been talking about seeing a therapist after a serious car accident and the breakdown of his marriage saying, “He’s helped me realise that I’m probably bisexual,

    “So I guess I’m coming out. This is me coming out, I suppose is how they would call it, at the age of 46, and I’m terrified by it.”

    Embed from Getty Images

    Taking to social media, Iain, wrote, “This week I kind of came out on air as bi and the support has been nuts. So like thanks. I’ll probably delete this tweet as I still feel embarrassed and ashamed and weird but I’m working on it.”

    https://twitter.com/iainlee/status/1146490792300728321

    He then joked about who he needed to pay his “gay subs” too.

    Stars and fans were quick to congratulate Iain, with Big Brother‘s Luke Anderson saying, “The strength it takes to come out as who you really are is phenomenal, congratulations Iain 🙂 be the real you!”

    While author Jonathan Harvey added, “Hooray. Good for you, kid x”

    Bisexual advocate and rights campaigner Lewis Oakley remarked on Iain’s status with “Always great to see other bi men in the media! Hope our paths cross so we can talk about it!”

     

  • Pink News apologises to MP and makes a donation to charity as compensation

    Pink News apologises to MP and makes a donation to charity as compensation

    One of the UK’s leading LGBT+ news outlets, PinkNews apologises after publishing a story about Joanna Cherry QC which was later found to be untrue.

    kconcha / Pixabay

    PinkNews has offered an “unreserved” apology to  Joanna Cherry QC the MP for Edinburgh South West after it published a story which was later found to be untrue.

    Taking to Twitter, Ms Cherry wrote, “Last week ⁦⁩ published a defamatory story about me. I’m pleased to have secured a full apology, a donation to a charity of my choice – – & full payment of my legal costs”.

    In a statement, PinkNews wrote,

    “The claim was untrue and we would like to apologise unreservedly to Ms Cherry.

    “It is well known that Ms Cherry is a human rights lawyer. She came out as a lesbian over 30 years ago and campaigned against section 28. She has spent a lifetime marching and campaigning for the rights of the LGBT+ community and as a politician regularly speaks up for their rights in parliament and beyond.

    “It was not our intention nor is it in our interest to alienate any member of the LGBT+ community and we are truly sorry for the harm caused.

    “We are happy also to confirm that we have made a donation to the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group at Ms Cherry’s request in compensation for the damage done and we have paid Ms Cherry’s legal costs.

    In a statement published by Pink News, Ms Cherry wrote,

    “I am pleased that the PinkNews has withdrawn this damaging and hurtful allegation. I believe in equal rights for all. It is not acceptable for lesbians who speak up for women and girls’ rights and against hateful speech and abuse to be denigrated. I hope the LGBTI+ movement can resume its previous habit of respectful debate over differences of opinion within the community.”

    The amount donated to the UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group has not been disclosed nor have the legal costs involved.

     

  • Fairy is about to donate £50,000 to this LGBT+ charity

    Fairy is about to donate £50,000 to this LGBT+ charity

    One of the UK’s most traditional brands, Fairy washing up liquid is about to donate a huge 50K to the Albert Kennedy Trust with the launch of a limited edition product.

    Fairy is coming out in support of the LGBT+ community by promising to donate £50,000 to the Albert Kennedy Trust, the LGBT+ homelessness charity with the launch of its limited edition FAIR range.

    This comes as the brand publishes The FAIR Report which looks at the attitudes and perceptions of British parents and finds that, while things have come a long way in Britain since Fairy launched in the 1950s, there is still a long way to go for all families to enjoy equality. Key findings include:

    • Less than a third (30%) of British parents surveyed said they think families with LGBT+ members are fairly treated in 2019
    • Seven in ten (69%) said they would support their child if they were in a same-sex relationship and wanted to have a child
    • When asked what would help to create equality for families with LGBT+ members, education in schools was the top answer (59%)

    While some stats from the report were promising, others showed there is still work to be done:

    • Just over half of parents (59%) think that they talk openly and positively about LGBT life and issues to their kids.
    • Less than half of parents of an LGBT+ child (47%) believe that their child was comfortable telling them they are LGBT+
    • Over a quarter (27%) of British parents say they agree that it is fair to treat people differently because of who they love or who loves them
    • Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) said that LGBT+ parenting has no place in 2019

    The research, conducted amongst 2,000 British parents during May 2019, shows that, while we’ve come a long way, there is room for family life to be more FAIR today. For this reason, FAIRY is donating £50k to the charity akt to help progress equality for members of the LGBT+ community and help them find a supportive family unit.

    According to the research, a third (32%) of British parents say, within their family, they find it difficult to find the right moment to talk about sensitive issues. And whilst over half (59%) believe they talk with their children openly and positively about LGBT+ issues, a quarter of those surveyed (25%) did not.

    “FAIRY has been a presence beside British kitchen sinks for over 70 years – if a bottle of FAIR can help families find a moment to talk openly and positively about LGBTQI+ issues, that will really help shift perceptions and drive equity for all family members, everywhere,” said Tim Sigsworth, CEO of akt.

    “Fairy’s donation will help akt develop innovative responses to ensure parents, caregivers and siblings are better informed and supported – increasing the possibility that young people will continue to enjoy a supportive and loving family life, after they come out.”

    “Whilst there has been huge progress in equality in the UK, there’s still room for greater fairness.  In partnership with akt, our FAIR campaign recognises and celebrates the diversity in family life today” said Tom Moody, Vice President & General Manager, P&G Northern Europe

    “When people chose a limited edition FAIR bottle and place it by their sink at home, they’ll be supporting a fabulous cause and our vision to create a world free from bias where everyone is free to be themselves” he continued.

    Fairy has created ‘The Fairy FAIR film’ with campaign ambassador, Duncan James and akt to accompany the report. Commenting on it, Duncan said, “I count myself so lucky that my Mum and grandparents have been so loving and supportive over the years.

    “We have come such a long way but The FAIR Report highlights that there are still so many members of the LGBTQ+ community who struggle to have a happy family life. I would encourage families – next time you’re having a cup of tea or doing the washing up, have a chat and let each other know, we’re all equal no matter who we love or who loves us.”

    The limited edition FAIR range will be available from leading retailers from July 2019. A donation of £50,000 will go to akt.

     

  • MPs to debate make online homophobia a specific criminal offence

    MPs to debate make online homophobia a specific criminal offence

    On Monday 1 July MPs will debate a petition urging the Government make online homophobia a specific criminal offence. Daniel Zeichner MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, will open the debate.

    Houses of parliament
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    The petition, which has more than 152,000 signatures was started by TV personality Bobby Norris.

    Bobby Norris states: “As a gay man I find it devastating how members of the LGBT community are still subjected to homophobic abuse online.

    “Just because I am on TV I don’t think that makes it acceptable to be sent homophobic messages and comments on social media platforms.

    “Nobody should have to receive these comments.”

    Mr Norris adds, “I won’t go into detail as to the various names I have been called, but this should not be acceptable and can have an impact on people’s mental health and has certainly helped in making my anxiety and low self-esteem worse by receiving them.”

    In response to the petition, the Government said, “The Government recognises the harm that homophobic online messages can cause. We are working cross-Government to challenge inequality and make the UK’s online environment a safer place for everyone.”

    Monday’s debate will provide an opportunity for MPs to question a Government Minister directly on this topic.

    In January, the Petitions Committee published its report into online abuse and the experience of disabled people. The inquiry found that the current laws around online abuse are not fit for purpose. The report can be read here

  • Nearly 40 per cent of companies who have co-opted the Rainbow Flag are not supporting any LGBT+ organisations

    Nearly 40 per cent of companies who have co-opted the Rainbow Flag are not supporting any LGBT+ organisations

    Shocking new research shows that 36 per cent of corporations that are utilizing the rainbow flag for Pride month are not giving back to the LGBT+ community.

    filmbetrachterin / Pixabay

    Research conducted by marketing experts, Rebootonline.com have noticed that only 64 per cent of companies undertaking promotional activity surrounding Pride are giving back to the community – while the research shows that nearly 90 per cent of the LGBT+ community feel that all brands using Pride should donate to LGBT+ causes.

    Marketing experts Rebootonline.com noticed this spike in Pride campaigns by brands and decided to investigate their commitment to the LGBT+ cause, and how those in the community feel about the increase in ‘corporate Pride’. To do this they looked at 122 companies, of varying sizes, to see what LGBT+-related marketing they were doing, whether this was the first time they have done something for Price, and whether they were donating any proceeds to relevant charities.

    Rainbow Capitalism

    rihaij / Pixabay

    The marketing agency also took into account a survey of 250 LGBT+ respondents, answering questions on how they felt about ‘Rainbow Capitalism’.

    There has indeed been an increase in 2019 of brands taking part in Pride month. The results revealed that almost a third of the companies (29%) analysed had never done an LGBT-related marketing campaign before 2019.

    Furthermore, only 64% of those with a campaign for Pride this year donated to charitable LGBT+ causes. This has caused a stir in the LGBT+ community, with 87% of those questioned stating that ALL corporations should be donating proceeds to relevant charities.

    The survey also revealed that 9% of participants stated that they would go as far as purposefully NOT purchasing brand Pride tie-ins.

    This is perhaps a wise choice as, upon further investigation of each company’s CEI (Corporate Equality Index) score (when available), over 1 in 10 companies scored less than 80% for their “steps to ensure greater equity for LGBT+ workers and their families in the form of comprehensive policies, benefits and practices”, with the majority of these failing to provide “equivalency in same and different-sex domestic partner medical and soft benefits”  and showing a lack of “equal health coverage for transgender individuals without exclusion for medically necessary care.”

    Rainbow Bandwagon

    Rainbow laces
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    Clothing brand H&M was given a meagre CEI score of 45% by HRC. Yet they have participated in “corporate pride” this year, with their ‘pride collection’- although they are donating 10% of their proceeds to “support the work of the United Nations’ Free & Equal campaign”- unlike 34% of other companies jumping on the rainbow bandwagon without giving back.

    Other findings from the survey conducted revealed that 84% felt that they felt “positively” about these branded Pride campaigns, with one stating “celebration of LGBTQ is great to raise awareness, especially to younger generations”.

    The LGBT+ community were unanimous in thinking that corporations should “do more throughout the year to help LGBT+ causes, rather than just for Pride month”, with 96% of respondents agreeing with this sentiment.

  • Woman and girlfriend suffer homophobic abuse on Ryanair flight

    Woman and girlfriend suffer homophobic abuse on Ryanair flight

    A woman and her girlfriend say they were subjected to a frightening Ryanair flight from hell when a group of thugs started calling her “Dyke” and a “lesbo”.

    skeeze / Pixabay

    A woman and her girlfriend have yet to receive a satisfying response from Ryanair after she was allegedly subjected to homophobic and misogynistic chants from a group of men on a flight from Stansted to Seville on the 19th June. She accuses the airline of not caring about women or LGBTQ+ people.

    Social Media Manager, Laura Muldoon described a horrific flight in which she says that a group of drunken men shouted, used profanity and homophobic slurs against passengers on the flight. Ms Muldoon said although she complained to the flight attendant at the time of the incident but they were unable to do anything about the behaviour.

    She said that the men even started to blow up condoms and getting their arses out in front of other passengers. When she turned around to the men to complain, they apparently sent her a small bottle of wine to apologise for the disruption, which Ms Muldoon “politely refused” – that’s apparently when their behaviour turned sour towards Ms Muldoon.

    At the time, Ms Muldoon tweeted a picture of the passengers she alleges were disruptive, which was retweeted thousands of time. She wrote, “First-holiday snap! Of this bunch of lads who chanted that I was a “miserable b*tch”, “d**e” and “lesbo” (very well observed!) on @Ryanair flight 12.27 from Stansted to Seville today”.

    Although Ms Muldoon did complain to Ryanair over her ordeal via an online system, she tweeted that she had received a “generic” response from the airline, which stated that they were proud of their “high standards and professionalism”

    THEGAYUK.com reached out to Ryanair for comment.

  • Boris Johnson: Kids need to be taught to reflect society

    Boris Johnson: Kids need to be taught to reflect society

    Speaking on LBC today, Boris Johnson said that pupils across the UK should be taught “about the world as it is”.

    Tory leader and Prime Minister hopeful, Boris Johnson fielded a call today, while on LBC with Nick Ferrari, from an organiser of Shetland LGBTQ, who asked the candidate whether children should be taught about LGBT+ relationships and acceptance in schools across the entire UK.

    The line of question comes after hundreds of mostly Muslim parents in Birmingham protested LGBT+ acceptance and relationship lessons being taught in schools through the No Outsiders‘ campaign.

    Answering the question, Mr Johnson said that he believed that, “People should be able to love whomever they chose” and said that the country was “all the greater” for that right.

    He told Nick Ferrari, “People should be able to love whomever they chose and that’s the way we live our lives in the UK. Our country is all the greater for it. I do think it’s important that kids are taught about the world as it is.

    He added that he believed that teachers and schools have “a responsibility to teach kids about the world as it is”.

    Hundreds of parents removed their children from the Parkfield Primary school in April in protest of the ‘No Outsiders’ lessons.

    When pushed further about whether the parents were right or wrong to take their children out of classes in schools in Birmingham, Mr Johnson continued, “I don’t think kids should unreasonably be taken out of school”