THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • 2021 Census will include questions about gender and sexuality

    The UK’s 2021 census will include questions to help determine the size of Britain’s LGBT+ community.

    ellisedelacruz / Pixabay

    The digital first 2021 Census will help shape public services to meet the needs of the LGBT+ community in the years to come, as plans set out in a government white paper today show.

    The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recommended a new voluntary question on sexual orientation for those aged 16 and over. In addition to the usual question on being male or female for all ages, there will also be a voluntary question on gender identity in England and Wales for those aged over 16.

    It was always the intention of ONS that these questions would be voluntary.

    The data gathered from these questions will make it easier to monitor inequalities under the anti-discrimination duties of the Equality Act 2010 and to directly plan public services and support for these groups.

    “Stand Up and Be Counted”

    National Statistician, John Pullinger, said: “The Census is for everyone; it gives us all the opportunity to stand up and be counted in democratic debate and policy decisions.

    “We have designed it with people at its heart and we consulted widely to ensure it meets the needs of society. Unlike previous Censuses, it will be digital first which will make it easier to complete electronically, with help available for those who need it.”

    The date for the digital-first census has been confirmed as 21 March 2021, subject to parliamentary approval.

    Information gathered by ONS will ensure vital public services can be targeted into communities and groups where they are needed, in 2021 and beyond.  

    ONS is transforming the way it collects, processes and shares data and the next census is part of a wider drive towards making more use of data already held and moving surveys online.

    In line with previous censuses, ONS will hold a census rehearsal in October 2019 and is currently reviewing which local authority areas will be included.

    For more information, see the white paper which has been laid today in Parliament.

    How many LGBT people are there in the UK?

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    The number of people who identify as lesbian, gay and bisexual is a hotly debated subject, with no clear answer, but here will look at all the available stats.

    There has long been a widely-held belief that around 10 per cent of the population is gay, lesbian or bisexual or who identify as non-heterosexual. This is probably the most accurate of all the figures – as more and more people feel comfortable to come out about their sexuality.

    The ONS (Office of National Statistics) says that in a survey of people in the United Kingdom it found that 1.5 per cent of people identified as LGB. This result was arrived at by extrapolation of data collected. However, these statistics were disputed for not being accurate or showing the full picture.

    By their estimations, this would mean that there are only 990,300 LGB people in the UK.

  • BBC announces its first LGBT+ correspondent for BBC News

    The BBC has announced that it has hired its first LGBT+ Correspondent for its news service.

    Ben Hunte has been appointed the BBC’s first LGBT+ correspondent for BBC News, a role which he’ll start in the New Year.

    This newly created role will report on the stories, issues and debates surrounding sexuality and gender and focus on providing insight and analysis on matters affecting the LGBT community in the UK.

    Ben played a key part during the coverage of the BBC’s Gay Britannia season and presented his own series of LGBT-themed programmes on BBC Radio 4 and 4 Extra called “The Ben Hunte Interviews”. He interviewed a range of high profile guests including Paul O’Grady and Stephen K Amos. This year Ben also became the presenter of BBC What’s New?, the BBC’s first TV programme and digital service for children in Africa.

    Ben Hunte said, “I’m delighted to be taking on this important new role for BBC News and I am looking forward to finding and telling stories from the LGBT community.”

    Richard Burgess, UK News Editor for BBC News, said, “BBC News has a rich heritage of covering issues and debates from the LGBT community. This year we announced our first gender and identity correspondent, Megha Mohan, and I’m thrilled that Ben will be taking up this dedicated role which aims to strengthen our offering of LGBT stories and original journalism across the BBC”.

    Ben Hunte graduated from the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus with a degree in Neuroscience, before studying TV Journalism at City University of London.

    The BBC isn’t the first mainstream news company to hire a specific LGBT+ correspondent for their coverage. In 2017 the Evening Standard hired Amy Ashenden, but the role was short lived and Amy moved to PinkNews.

  • This is how millennials really want to celebrate Christmas

    This is how millennials really want to celebrate Christmas

    One in 10 millennials secretly hope there is no room at the in-laws, a study found and six percent still believe in Santa Claus!

    Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults aged 21 to 38, found the last thing they want to do is spend the night at their other half’s parents.

    Having worked long hours all year, those polled revealed they’re ‘desperate’ for some peace and quiet over the festive period – and being on duty at the in-laws holds little appeal.

    In fact, those polled revealed they can only tolerate their company for three hours before they start to struggle.

    Instead, the research commissioned by Hotels.com, found a fifth will look to spend Christmas Day with their mates, while 15 per cent are intending to go away on holiday.

    Adam Jay, president of Hotels.com brand, said: “We all love getting together with friends and family at Christmas, and everyone celebrates it differently.”

    The research also found eight in 10 are planning to have get-togethers with friends at some point over the festive period.

    Three in 10 of those will cook a Christmas dinner with their mates and a quarter intend to go to a Christmas market with them too.

    Similarly, 20 per cent are doing a Secret Santa and eight per cent are going to have a mini break with their friends.

    The research also explored what millennials will do on the day itself.

    Which films do they love the most?

    More than half will sit in front of the TV and watch movies.

    And the chances are at least one of the flicks they enjoy will Home Alone, Elf or Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – these were voted the top three Christmas movies among those polled.

    More than a third will spend time on social media, 35 per cent will play board games or card games and a fifth will take selfies.

    Eighteen per cent intend to send a Christmas message to their social media friends and followers, 17 per cent will have an afternoon nap and 14 per cent will do a spot of online shopping in the sales.

    And whilst they aren’t keen to hit the prosecco, they are a dab hand in the kitchen with 19 per cent of millennials planning to host when it comes to the cooking.

    Almost half revealed they are planning to stray from tradition and have an ‘alternative’ festive meal – with a vegan dinner and pizza among the dishes likely to be served up.

    And the break from what many consider the norm doesn’t end there – a fifth are planning to avoid alcohol completely on Christmas Day.

    Death of the onesie

    Three in 10 will wear a Christmas jumper on the day, 22 per cent will wear pyjamas and only four per cent will opt for a onesie this year.

    The research also revealed a quarter of women polled will accessorise with a festive manicure

    While 12 per cent of men will go for a glitter beard and the same proportion will have a bauble beard.

    And seven per cent of everyone surveyed will be wearing festive pants.

    Despite all the excitement over Christmas and the rise of new traditions, those polled are sketchy over its origins – just 16 per cent know the complete nativity story.

    Four in 10 don’t know Jesus features – and it’s a similar story for Mary and Joseph (37 per cent) and Angel Gabriel (49 per cent).

    Don’t Stop Believing

    Six per cent even believe Santa Claus makes an appearance.

    Those polled also revealed their thoughts on how the nativity story might differ if it were to happen now.

    One in 10 think a unicorn would replace the donkey, 15 per cent think the three kings would be the three queens and 10 per cent believe Angel Gabriel would appear to Mary via Instagram.

    Carried out through OnePoll, the study also found gifts from the three kings – or three queens – would be a little different too.

    They’d include an iPhone (22 per cent), a Netflix subscription (18 per cent) and rose gold jewellery (16 per cent).

    Other gifts might include Bitcoin (12 per cent), a selfie stick (10 per cent), beard oil (8 per cent), Uber vouchers (seven per cent) and avocado on toast (seven per cent).

    Adam Jay added: “Whatever the occasion – friendsmas, quality time with the family or in-laws – there’s always room at the inn at Hotels.com and you can get a reward night when you stay ten nights with Hotels.com Rewards.”

    *Hotels.com is offering 10 per cent off bookings for Christmas Day with the code ‘RoomAtTheInn’.

    For more information click here [https://uk.hotels.com/]

  • Facebook’s new ban on mentioning sexual roles and preferences are “horrifying”

    Facebook’s new ban on mentioning sexual roles and preferences are “horrifying”

    Facebook has taken aim at the information you can share about yourself on its platform.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    In a new policy move, Facebook has banned a raft of sexual details which you are no longer able to discuss about yourself on the platform. The policy which is named the “sexual solicitation” policy has been branded as “horrifying” by critics and it could adversely effect LGBT+ users on the platform.

     

    The policy could potentially ban gay, bisexual and transgender users from discussing whether they are top or bottoms on the site as it seeks to ban “sexual hints such as (the) mention of sexual roles, positions or fetish scenarios”.

    The platform says it is now “drawing a line” when any conversation leads to a “sexual encounter between adults”.

    No nudes, no positions, no roles

    It will also ban users from sending nude pictures to each other as the policy specifically bans “offering or asking for nude images”.

    Facebook’s community standards says, “Do not post content that engages in implicit sexual solicitation, which can be identified by… using sexual hints such as mentioning sexual roles, sex positions, fetish scenarios, sexual preference/sexual partner preference, state of arousal, act of sexual intercourse or activity (sexual penetration or self-pleasuring), commonly sexualized areas of the body such as the breasts, groin, or buttocks, state of hygiene of genitalia or buttocks.”

    The policy change comes just a day after blogging site Tumblr said it was going to remove all adult content from its site.

    Global community is sensitive to this kind of content

    One of the reasons Facebook has decided on the changes is because it says some in its “global community” may find the content “sensitive”. It also said that some users might find it hard to connect with their “friends and the broader community”.

    Looking for a “good time” go somewhere else

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Facebook is also banning suggestive elements such as saying that you’re “looking for a good time tonight”, you’ll also fall foul of the ban if you mention “sexual roles, sex positions, fetish scenarios, sexual preference/sexual partner preference, state of arousal, act of sexual intercourse or activity (sexual penetration or self-pleasuring), commonly sexualised areas of the body such as the breasts, groin or buttocks, state of hygiene of genitalia or buttocks”

    What you can do

    Well, THEGAYUK.com has a social network where you are welcome to upload and talk about whatever you want – as long as it’s legal. Join today for free.

     

  • Magazine publisher takes a break from Twitter following on from Trans-Inclusion backlash

    “I refuse to change my views on Trans Inclusivity”

    (C) BBC Julie Bindel (left) Linda Riley (Right)

    Publisher of Diva Magazine, Linda Riley is taking a break from social media after receiving online abuse following on from her determination to include and represent trans women.

    Taking to Twitter today (5th December) Riley, who is the publisher of Diva Magazine said she was “taking a break” from the platform because of the abuse levelled at her. She reaffirmed her position saying that her magazine was the largest in Europe for “lesbian visibility, lesbian inclusivity” before adding that Diva stood with the trans community.

    The announcement comes after a heated exchange following an appearance on BBC’s Women’s Hour where Riley when head to head with gender critical feminist Julie Bindel to stand up for transgender people and their rights, which left the Diva boss subjected to a vile backlash online.

    Accused of only representing one view

    On Twitter one user, Kate Harris, questioned the publisher on why her publication haven’t engaged some women on issues that matter to them, such as the number of children being referred to gender clinics, chest binders, the self-identification of trans women, changes to the Gender Recognition Act and equality in the sports arena.

    Harris then challenged Riley, saying, “…you as (a) publisher can do so much to advance understanding but only if you are prepared to print different views”.

    Riley replied, “I refuse to change my views on Trans Inclusivity within DIVA magazine and I was very clear on this when I met you. To spell it out clearly DIVA will not print or publish any views which we deem to incite hate against the Trans Community.”

  • Theresa May remembers those who have died from AIDS

    Theresa May remembers those who have died from AIDS

    The British Prime Minister, Theresa May has paid tribute to those lost to AIDS-related illnesses.

    PM Theresa May has taken to Twitter to paid tribute to those who have lost their lives due to AIDS-related illnesses.

    Speaking from the G20 summit in Argentina, the PM said, that it was also important to remember the support needed by those living with HIV today.

    Ms May went on to say that she was “proud” that the UK was one of the first countries in the world to honour the UN’s 90/90/90 target which is related to HIV diagnoses, treatment and viral suppression.

    Ms May also went on to say that globally the UK is helping “millions of people” access much-need antiretroviral therapy and supporting HIV prevention in some of the world’s poorest nations.

     

     

  • Grindr president confirms committed to LGBT+ equality

    Grindr president confirms committed to LGBT+ equality

    Following on a statement in which Grindr’s CEO said he believed that marriage should be between a man and woman, the straight, cis-gender, married man released a statement.

    CREDIT: Ryazan / BIGSTOCK

    Scott Chen, who is married to a woman, wrote, in a deleted (but later reinstated) social media message that it was his belief that marriage should be between and man and a woman.

    The story, interestingly was first reported by the Grindr-owned digital magazine, IntoMore, who have received a new statement from Chen, which said,

    “On November 26, I wrote a post on my personal Facebook account meant to condemn those advocating against same-sex marriage in Taiwan. The words I chose related to marriage between a man and a woman were meant to express my personal feelings about my own marriage to my wife – not to suggest that I am opposed to marriage equality.

    I want to make clear that I am an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and have been since I was young. I support gay marriage and I am proud that I can work for Grindr. I apologize that my words did not clearly convey these feelings.

    I am very proud of the work INTO does and stand by them as an important part of our business.

    One of our greatest strengths at Grindr is our diverse team and our respect for one another. Together, we will continue the important work we do fighting for LGBTQ+ equality.”

    No longer under gay ownership

    Despite its gay beginnings, the Grindr app was snapped up by a Chinese gaming app in January 2018.

  • There’s going to be a Queer As Folk 20th Anniversary show

    There’s going to be a Queer As Folk 20th Anniversary show

    Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Queer As Folk first hit the small screen in the UK?

    Queer As Folk
    CREDIT: Channel 4

    The first cast member for the original UK version of QAF has been announced for the 20th-anniversary celebration of the show’s first airing.

    Actor Craig Kelly has been announced as the first Queer as Folk cast member joining the glittering line up for the show’s 20th birthday live music extravaganza.

    Kelly, who played loyal, loveable supermarket manager Vince Tyler in the hit series, will take centre stage at the 2019 anniversary event, but is staying tight-lipped about exactly what his role entails.

    Craig said, “I’m delighted to be part of the Queer as Folk live event, I can’t believe it has been 20 years since Vince strutted down Canal street. I’m looking forward to sharing in the music, magical moments and surprises of what promises to be the ultimate birthday party befitting Vince, Stuart, Nathan and ‘mum’ Hazel, as she was always in on the act!”

    Show producer, Rob Ellis, whose critically acclaimed comedy stage play “Fetish Knights,” enjoyed sell-out runs in two consecutive years at The Lowry, Salford said, “Having Craig join us really is the icing on the birthday cake. Vince’s silky, Mancunian drawl narrating the gore and the glory of gay Millenia is as iconic as the music in the soundtrack.

    “As far as I’m concerned, Vince Tyler is Queer as Folk and Craig Kelly’s beautiful portrayal made him the bench mark for best friends all over the world. It’s inconceivable to me that we’d celebrate the 20th anniversary of Queer as Folk without Craig Kelly. Now we, and fans alike don’t have to!”

    The show celebrates the greatest anthems from Queer as Folk and will see performances from guest artists’ including Strictly Come Dancing & STEPS star Faye Tozer and instrumental support from Manchester Camerata’s 28-piece orchestra.

    Queer as Folk, written by Russell T Davies, was set around Manchester’s Gay Village. It received international acclaim at the time and a cult status around its epic soundtrack, which included smash hits such as “I Am What I Am,” “Haven’t You Heard,” “Love Pains” and “Santa Maria” which filled dancefloors around the world.

    Carl Darcy, director of CDC Events and co-executive producer added: “We are absolutely thrilled that Craig is going to be part of the show.  The character of Vince Tyler was the friend every gay man wanted, and it’s great that Craig has agreed to join us for this very special night.

    “It’s going to be a fantastic and unmissable event and what better way to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Queer as Folk than with the people who starred in it and a live spectacular of the drama’s greatest music anthems.”

    Tickets for QUEER AS FOLK 20: STILL DOIN IT LIVE! are currently on sale and the show performance will be on Friday 22nd February 2019, at the Albert Hall, Manchester.

    For more information and to purchase your tickets visit www.stilldoinitlive.com

  • If you need a reason to delete Grindr, this might be it

    If you need a reason to delete Grindr, this might be it

    By this point, you either LOVE or HATE the world’s biggest gay dating app, but if you’re looking for a reason to delete it, this latest controversy might be the one to push you!

    CREDIT: Ryazan / BIGSTOCK

    The Chinese owned app Grindr is apparently headed by a cis-gender, straight man who is facing a backlash after saying that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

    Despite its gay beginnings, the Grindr app was snapped up by a Chinese gaming app in January 2018. The firm that owns the app put a straight, cis-gendered man, Scott Chen as the CEO.

    Scott Chen, who is married to a woman, wrote, in a deleted (but later reinstated) social media message that it was his belief that marriage should be between and man and a woman.

    He said, “There are people who believe that marriage is a holy matrimony between a man and a woman. I agree but that’s none of our business. There are also people who believe that the purpose of marriage is to create children that carry their DNA. That’s also none of our business. There are people that are simply different from you, who desperately want to get married. They have their own reasons.”

    Then seemingly the CEO remembered who he worked for, went on to say that he wished people wouldn’t donate to anti-LGBTQ causes.

    The story, interestingly was first reported by the Grindr-owned digital magazine, IntoMore.

    Scott Chen was reportedly speaking about Cher Wang the president and CEO of HTC, who according to claims by IntoMore has anti-LGBT+ non-profit organisations organising to influence Taiwan’s referendum on same-sex marriage”.

    “huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights”

    Scott Chen’s post was deleted, but reinstated after IntoMore broke their story. Chen then wrote that he was “huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights” since he was young. He also wrote, “I support gay marriage and I am proud that I can work for Grindr.”

  • ‘Homophobic’ Christmas song crowned greatest festive hit ever

    The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” has been crowned the best Christmas song of all time.

    Topping Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas” and WHAM!’s “Last Christmas”, “Fairytale of New York” has been crowned the nation’s favourite Christmas song.

    It also managed to top Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas“, which took the fourth spot.

    Research commissioned to coincide with the Magic Radio ’12 songs of Christmas’ list found that for nearly half of Brits, Christmas music is most likely to put them in a festive mood.

    A quarter of adults felt seeing Christmas decorations go up helped aid festive cheer, while Christmas shopping came in at third place with 18 per cent.

    A Magic Radio spokesperson said, “When it comes to putting people in the Christmas spirit, music is king.

    “And it’s no wonder that more people are turning to music to bring them festive cheer – it’s the ultimate escapism in another year of uncertain times and bad news.

    “With Christmas bringing loved ones together, there’s no better time to put music on and relax into that Christmassy feeling.”

    “Homophobic”

    However, the song crowned number one contains a homophobic slur and is found problematic by some. Every year a debate rages about whether the song should have the word “faggot” bleeped or silenced when it is broadcast publicly.

    In 2007, BBC’s Radio 1 in the UK, censored the offending word, but soon reinstated it after a public backlash.

    The festive period was selected in the poll as the most anticipated time of the year, with 69 per cent of adults most looking forward to Christmas over New Year and Summer bank holidays.

    Spending time with loved ones was also deemed the most important part of Christmas for 60 per cent of adults, whilst the Christmas Party comes bottom of the list, with just two per cent of adults looking forward to the annual ‘do.

    Magic Radio announced plans earlier this week to switch their playlist to 100 per cent Christmas with non-stop Christmas songs all the way up to Boxing Day.

    rawpixel / Pixabay

    The ’12 Songs of Christmas’ as selected by Magic Radio listeners are:
    1 Fairytale of New York – Pogues and Kirsty Maccoll
    2 All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
    3 Last Christmas – Wham!
    4 Do They Know It’s Christmas – Band Aid
    5 Driving Home For Christmas – Chris Rea
    6 Happy Xmas (War is Over) – John Lennon and Yoko Ono
    7 Step Into Christmas – Elton John
    8 Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
    9 Merry Xmas Everybody – Slade
    10 I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard
    11 Stay Another Day – East 17
    12 Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens

     

     

  • X Factor star calls on ITV to create a gay dating show

    X Factor star calls on ITV to create a gay dating show

    “I’m single and hungover and a boyfriend wouldn’t go a miss”

    James Hughes X Factor

    James Hughes, the “smiliest” contestant who starred in 2016’s X Factor has pleaded with ITV to create a gay dating show after revealing that he’s single and needs a boyfriend.

    Taking to Twitter the singer tweeted to his 11,000 followers that ITV really needed to create a dating show for gay people. He wrote, “.@ITV we need a dating show for gay people, I’m single and hungover and a boyfriend wouldn’t go a miss”.

    ITV currently broadcasts one of the biggest dating shows in the UK in the form of Love Island.

    The Scottish singer wowed both Nicole Scherzinger and Sharon Osbourne during his auditions, particularly when he sang the Tina Turner classic “Proud Mary”.

    Could there be “A Gay Life?”

    His call for a gay dating show comes after E! recently launched its own dating show, hosted by Courtney Act for bisexual people, called, The Bi Life.

    But taking part in a gay dating show isn’t his only TV ambition, the star recently wrote that his new year’s resolution for 2019 was to become a star on C4’s Gogglebox, saying that he and his family would be “insane”.