THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • Homophobic knife attack in Liverpool – two men left with injuries

    Homophobic knife attack in Liverpool – two men left with injuries

    Police in Liverpool are appealing for information after a homophobic assault, which involved a knife, in Liverpool over the weekend.

    geralt / Pixabay

    Police in Liverpool are investigating after it was reported that at around 9.20pm, on Saturday, two men, both in their 30s were walking down Manningham Road in the direction of Priory Road, when they were approached by three male youths. The youths made homophobic insults towards them, before, it is alleged, one of them produced a knife and assaulted the men.

    One of the victims sustained injuries to his head and neck described as serious but non-life threatening while the second sustained a minor hand injury. They have both been taken to hospital for treatment and were left incredibly shaken by the incident.

    The offenders are described as between 12 and 15 years old, with one wearing a dark bubble coat and one riding a bike.

    Detectives are urging any witnesses to come forward.

    Detective Inspector Tara Denn said, “This was an appalling and unprovoked attack on two men simply making their way home and we are working tirelessly to locate those responsible.

    “Two men have been left with significant injuries tonight and the hate and violence that has been inflicted on them is simply unacceptable and won’t be tolerated on the streets of Merseyside.

    “I would ask anyone in Manningham Road or the surrounding areas this evening to please come forward with any information. You may have witnessed the incident or youths making off from the scene, or even have CCTV or dashcam footage, and I would urge you to please get in touch with police. Likewise, if you know who is responsible for this crime, please do the right thing and let us know.

    “There is absolutely no place for hate crime in society and we know how much of a massive impact it has on victims. I want to reach out to the LBGT community, who I know will be deeply saddened by this news and reassure you that we stand with you and if you report such incidents to the police, we will do our utmost to support and protect you and bring those responsible to justice.

    “We are passionate about maintaining the right of all our communities to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect and by working closely with our partners will continue to work to eradicate hate crime of all forms.

    “Victims can report directly to the police where experienced hate crime officers will treat them with sensitivity and compassion, or via third party reporting centres in fire stations, citizen advice bureaus and hospitals where the information will be passed on.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside PoliceCC. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 19100328734 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.

  • LGBT+ teens told to “kill themselves” by homophobes after pride event in Stoke-On-Trent

    Cops in Stoke On Trent are investigating after teens who attended the pride event are attacked on the street.

    Officers from the Staffordshire police force are investigating a hate crime after a group of teenagers allegedly verbally abused and attacked another group of teens who were making their way home from Stoke On Trent Pride.

    One of the victims was also punched and kicked in the attack, according to the police report.

    Another victim claims that the attackers told them to “kill themselves” as well as using anti-gay slurs against the LGBT+ group.

    The entire incident was filmed and shows scenes of a horrific and vile attack on members on the young LGBT+ friends – all aged between 14 and 16 who live in the local area.

    The attackers can be heard using homophobic slurs against their victims.

    According to The Mirror, the teens were attacked after leaving the annual Stoke On Trent pride over the weekend and were taunted and attacked as they tried to get away in a taxi.

    A 14-year-old girl, who identifies as bisexual, told StokeonTrentLive, “We’d had a great time at Pride then all of a sudden this group appeared and started chasing after the taxi. They pulled open the door and start attacking them.

    “There were girls screaming at us. They told us to ‘go kill yourselves’ and said we should die. One of them shouted ‘faggots’. I’ve had a few things said to me before but nothing like this. It was mainly girls but there were some boys too. It was right outside the YMCA.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 911 of June 15.

    Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Boston’s “Straight Pride” has raised only a fraction of its costs

    Boston’s “Straight Pride” has raised only a fraction of its costs

    Support for Boston’s so-called “straight pride” doesn’t seem to be going that well!

    The official fundraiser for Boston’s “straight pride”, which was created to celebrate heterosexuality in the US city has raised only a tiny proportion of its $5000 ask.

    After three days, and at the time of publishing, the group has raised just $364 or around 7.28% of its goal.

    The pride is due to take place in late August and has booked Milo Yiannopoulous, the openly gay author and former Brebait journalist to be its Grand Marshall.

    bobwright / Pixabay

    In a funder which is called “Permits cost money” organisers of the pride event, called “Super Happy Fun America” are asking supporters for $5000 to help cover the cost of putting on the non-LGBT+ pride event in the US city of Boston.

    According to the organisers, Super Happy Fun America, “advocates on behalf of the straight community in order to foster respect and awareness with people from all walks of life”.

    The pride event even has its own straight pride flag and is planning to raise the flag which is Blue and Pink with yellow Male and Female symbols interlinking in the middle.

    It will, apparently be raised over Boston City Hall after the parade, after which, organisers have promised speeches. The organisers have invited Mayor Martin J. Walsh to participate.

  • Gay man found dead, house sitting for a friend

    Gay man found dead, house sitting for a friend

    An Irish man was found dead in a luxury flat he was housesitting after inviting a man for a dating app hook up.

    Adrian Murphy, 43, was found dead in a flat in Battersea, London, which he had been house sitting. It is thought that he may have laid dead for up to three days before he was discovered, on the 4th of June.

    The man, from Kilkenny in Ireland, had apparently organised a hook up on a dating app and has the hallmarks of a similar attack on a 40-year-old man in east-London just days beforehand.

    The flat in which he was staying had been ransacked and property allegedly was stolen.

    It is thought that he may have been drugged, police are still awaiting upon a toxicology report from Mr Murphy’s autopsy.

    A post-mortem examination at St George’s Hospital on Wednesday, 6 June failed to determine a cause of death and detectives are now awaiting the result of further tests.

    Arrests made

    A Detective with the Metropolitan Police, Rob Pack confirmed that a 24-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were arrested on the 12th June on suspicion of murder, rape and theft.

    A 24-year-old man [A] was arrested late on Tuesday, 12 June, on suspicion of murder, rape and theft. He has since been bailed to attend a police station at a later date.

    A 17-year-old girl [B] was arrested earlier on 12 June on suspicion of murder and theft. She has been released under investigation.

    Detective Pack said, “We have linked these two incidents through our suspects and our enquiries continue to establish the exact circumstances.

    “We know the victim in the Walthamstow incident met the male suspect through a social networking site and we are investigating whether there is a similar connection in Mr Murphy’s death.

    “Both incidents happened over a short period of time and thorough enquiries have led us to make these prompt arrests. However, there is a possibility other offences may have been committed before 30 May.

    “Has anything similar happened to you, or someone you know? A meeting arranged online that has led to intoxication, robbery and possibly sexual assault. Please have the confidence to approach my team so we can investigate what happened to you. You can also contact third party organisations such as the charity Galop. You will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity.

    “I would also be keen to talk to anyone who saw anything suspicious on the afternoon of 4 June around Lombard Road, anything that looked out of place.”

    Enquiries have linked this incident to an earlier allegation of rape at an address in E17 on Thursday, 30 May at around 13:00hrs.

    READ ALSO: How to stay safe when meeting people from dating apps

    Echoes of Barking Murders

    Stephen Port
    CREDIT: met police

    Similarly to the Stephen Port murders, in which the serial killer drugged, raped and the murdered his victims, he found on gay daying apps, the 40-year-old victim who survived his ordeal, believes he was drugged by a man he had invited to his flat after meeting him on a social networking platform.

    He became unconscious and was found later that day by a friend who raised the alarm.

    The victim was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital and has since been discharged.

     

    Anyone who can help is asked to contact 101, quoting CAD 6467/4 June, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the charity Galop or via their Shoutline on 020 7704 2040.

  • Porn star, Jay Dymel has died

    Porn star, Jay Dymel has died

    Adult performer, Jay Dymel has passed away.

    Falcon Studios has reported on social media that one of its stars, Jay Dymel has passed away after reportedly being placed on life support in hospital. He worked with the studios Falcon and Naked Sword during 2019 – his latest scene was released on Naked Sword last week.

    Falcon Studios took to social media to write, “It is with great sadness to inform the passing of today! Our thoughts go out to Jay’s family, friends and partner

    https://twitter.com/FalconStudiosPR/status/1139020493816680449

    The cause of his death is unknown, although it is known that the performer was in hospital and placed on life support before his death. He had been active on social media up to three days before being in a coma, when he was celebrating Pride Month with his partner Ryan Stone.

    Ryan wrote a heartbreaking message on Twitter following the news of Jay’s death saying, “Words can not describe what is going through my head. I just want him to come back.

    “I want him to be next to me when I wake up. I want to kiss him. I want to hug him and I just want him.  I love you, baby, you’re everywhere. In everything I do. Everyday”.

    https://twitter.com/RyanStoneXxX/status/1139987119823130624

    A GoFund me page has been set up to help out with the cost of his funeral.

  • Cornwall Pride’s world famous Pride Tour is happening again this weekend

    Cornwall Pride’s world famous Pride Tour is happening again this weekend

    Cornwall Pride’s world famous Pride tour is happening again this weekend,  this is where the tour will be stopping and where you can join in with the celebrations.

    This weekend, look out for Cornwall Pride‘s tour bus as it weaves its way around the entirety of Cornwall, bringing pride to the people of Cornwall.

    The tour, which is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, is going to be bigger and larger than last year’s tour and is spread over two days.

    The tour will be taking in 18 towns across Cornwall over the two days – with plenty of time to get involved with the activities and festivities.

    There will be two mini pride events on the Friday in Truro, Cornwall and on Saturday afternoon in Saint Austell.

    Where is the Cornwall Pride tour stopping off?

    On Friday, 21st June the tour will be stopping at

    Falmouth, Prince Charles Pier 9.50 AM

    Helston School, 11 AM

    Porthleven, The Green, 11.55 AM

    Penzance, Promenade, 12.45 PM

    St Ives Harbour Beach, 1.55 PM

    Hayle, Spar Shop, 2.55 PM

    Cambrone, Commerical Square, 3.30 PM

    Redruth, Fore Street, 4.15 PM

    Truro, Piazza, 5.05 PM

    On Saturday 22nd June

    Padstow Harbour, 10 AM

    Wadebridge, John Betjeman Centre, 11.05 AM

    Bodmin, Shire Hall, 11.05 AM

    Launceston, Castle, 12.55 PM

    Callington, Saltash Road Playing Field, 2.05 PM

    Saltash, Pier Old Ferry Roady, 2.50 PM

    Liskeard, Town Centre, 4 PM

    Lostwithiel, King George Field, 5.05 OM

    St Austell TBC

  • YouTuber Daniel Howell comes out as gay

    YouTuber Daniel Howell comes out as gay

    The YouTuber Daniel Howell has come out for Pride month.

    In a video which he titled, “Basically I’m Gay” YouTuber, Daniel Howell, has come out to his 6.5 million followers. Speaking in the 45-minute video, Howell said, “We live in a heteronormative world… what this means is that most people are presumed to be straight so, if you’re not, at some point you have to come out.

    “So yep, I’m here, I’m queer and don’t worry, I’m still filled with existential fear.”

    The celeb, who has over 6 million subscribers on YouTuber and has had over 650 million views, apparently came out to his family via email a month earlier, he said, “I literally just sent them an email saying: ‘Hello gang. I’ve been meaning to talk to you all for a while, something quite important that should be disclosed at some point,

    “‘I thought I would around Christmas, then Mum’s birthday, then last Easter Sunday etc but every time I meant to, I either felt like I would ruin the mood on the day or I just felt awkward and didn’t want to.

    “‘So I decided to just email you all instead which is really inappropriate and just weird, but that somehow seems appropriate for me and at least I’ll just finally say it. Basically I’m gay,”

    His video has been watched almost 4 million times since it was uploaded!

  • Botswana decriminalises gay sex

    Botswana decriminalises gay sex

    The High Court in Botswana strikes down discriminatory laws which effectively outlawed homosexuality.

    nancydowd / Pixabay

    Today’s High Court decision in Botswana to strike down antiquated laws criminalising consensual same-sex sexual conduct is a huge win for the human rights of LGBT people in the southern African country and beyond, says the Human Dignity Trust (HDT).

    In a broad and forward-thinking reading of the Botswana Constitution, the three-judge bench unanimously ruled that the criminalising laws were discriminatory against LGBT people and breached their rights to privacy, dignity and liberty.

    Embed from Getty Images

    “We heartily congratulate the Botswanan and southern African LGBT human rights defenders and lawyers who have worked tirelessly on this pivotal case. LGBT people in Botswana have had their constitutional rights confirmed today and can now be more hopeful of a future free from discrimination, harassment and violence,” said Téa Braun, Director of HDT.

    “This judgment, which comes less than three weeks after a deeply regressive decision on the same issue from the Kenya High Court, is legally sound, ground-breaking and courageous, and is a ray of hope for all those LGBT Africans looking to their legal systems for justice and fair treatment,” she added.

    Sections 164, 165 and 167 of Botswana’s British colonial-era Penal Code outlawed ‘carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature,’ attempts to commit carnal knowledge and acts of ‘gross indecency’ respectively. Those convicted under these laws faced jail sentences of up to seven years. Section 167 was updated in 1998 to apply to same-sex acts between women as well as men.

    A court case from 2003, in which it was argued that these sections of the Penal Code were unconstitutional, was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, so today’s victory is especially welcome as it aligns Botswana’s criminal domestic laws with both the country’s 1966 Constitution and international human rights law, says HDT.

    Botswana has shown increasing tolerance towards LGBT people in recent years.

    In 2016, the Court of Appeal sent a strong and progressive signal that LGBT people have the same human rights as everyone else in the country, whilst in 2018 the President said they are, ‘Just like other citizens (…) and deserve to have their rights protected.’

    The victory at the High Court today was notable given the generally hostile climate towards the human rights of LGBT people across Africa. Of the continent’s 53 countries, 32 continue to criminalise homosexuality.

  • Celebrity

    What brings you here?

  • Gay couple beaten on top of London bus

    Gay couple beaten on top of London bus

    A same-sex couple say they were attacked on the top deck of a London bus, after refusing to kiss for a gang of men.

    Melania Geymonat and her girlfriend Chris say they were attacked in an apparent homophobic attack in North London.

    The Ryanair employee, Melania said that she and her girlfiend were travelling on the top deck of the bus when a group of men began to harass the couple, calling on the two to kiss.

    When the couple refused, the gang allegedly became violent towards the couple, according to The Metro.

    Melania released a picture of the couple the moments after the attack, which shows them covered in blood with numerous facial injuries.

    Melania said, “They wanted us to kiss so they could watch us. I tried to defuse the situation as I’m not a confrontational person, telling them to please leave us alone as Chris wasn’t feeling well.’

    “The next thing I remember was Chris in the middle of them and they were beating her.

    “I didn’t think about it and went in. I was pulling her back and trying to defend her so they started beating me up.

    “I don’t even know if I was knocked unconscious. I felt blood, I was bleeding all over my clothes and all over the floor. ‘We went downstairs and the police were there.”

    Melania said that at least one of the alleged attackers spoke Spanish but the remaining gang all spoke with a British accent.

    Lewd and homophobic comments

    A spokesperson said, “Police are appealing for witnesses and information after two women were assaulted and robbed in a homophobic attack on a bus in Camden. ‘The incident happened at approximately 02:30hrs on Thursday, 30 May after the two women, both aged in their 20s, boarded a N31 bus in West Hampstead.

    “As they sat on the top deck they were approached by a group of four males who began to make lewd and homophobic comments to them.

    “The women were then attacked and punched several times before the males ran off the bus. A phone and bag were stolen during the assault. ‘Both women were taken to hospital for treatment to facial injuries.”

    Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD737/30May. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111

     

    LGBT couples don’t feel they can hold hands in public

    CREDIT: © oneinchpunch Depositphotos

    THEGAYUK.com recently conducted a flash poll on social media, asking 200 people from the LGBT+ community whether they felt they could hold the hand of their same-sex partner, where opposite-sex partners could and would hold theirs – and the results are staggering.

    Over 80 per cent (85%) of those who answered the poll said that they didn’t feel they could hold their same-sex partner’s hand in public in the UK. Only 15 per cent of those who answered said they would feel comfortable.

    Speaking about the findings, editor of THEGAYUK.com, Jake Hook said, “What this poll shows is very troubling. Despite LGBT+ people having almost equal legal rights in the UK, our community still don’t feel that we’re societally equal.

    “Gay and bisexual men and women should be able to walk down any street in the UK, where their straight counterparts hold hands and feel that they can do the same without ridicule, attack or comment”.

  • Ann Widdecombe is cancelled

    Ann Widdecombe is cancelled

    Ann Widdecombe has had her one-woman show cancelled after suggesting that science may have an answer to homosexuality.

    Ann Widdecombe has one less opportunity to spread her thoughts after a theatre company, Selladoor, scrapped an event at a venue in Ilfracombe, Devon, where the right-wing politician was due to host a one-woman show, next March.

    The decision to cancel the show follows on from an interview on Sky News in which Widdecombe suggested that science may “produce an answer” to homosexuality – a comment which has led to a huge backlash against the Brexit Party politician.

    Embed from Getty Images

    David Hutchison, Selladoor’s chief executive – posted on Twitter, “Absolutely disgusted at Ann Widdecombe’s comments.

    “Took no time in immediately cancelling her planned ‘evening with’ event at one of our venues.

    “We will never provide a stage for these vile people.”

     

    During her time in office as the MP for Maidstone and The Weald, Ann Widdecombe voted against every piece of pro-LGBT+ or equalising legislation for the gay community in the UK.

    In 2003 she voted to maintain Section 28 in schools and in 1998 she voted against the law to equalise the age of consent. Between 1998 and 2009 she was involved in 17 votes pertaining to LGBT+ rights – 13 of which she voted against and the other four she was absent from, according to theyworkforyou.com

    Ann Widdecombe’s career as an MP was ended in 2010.