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  • REVIEW: The Top 10 Best Gay Dating Apps

    REVIEW: The Top 10 Best Gay Dating Apps

    Recently the opportunity came up to review gay dating apps. Now being a single pringle ready to mingle I thought to myself, why not? I need to get my lazy butt back out there and this seemed like my kind of thing and I do enjoy a good app (who doesn’t??).

    Well I can safely say I’ve been on a little journey boys and girls and let me tell you it’s a maze of nonsense out there.

    Ranging from the apps that Cupid would be proud of to the apps that try and fail miserably there are literally countless numbers of apps out there for you to chose from. I’ve gone with a small selection of the ones most people appear to have heard of (or that came recommended to me).

    Let’s begin with the usual suspects. Number 1, good old Grindr…

    Grindr Xtra

    Now if you haven’t heard of Grindr then where have you been for the last five years or so? Love it or hate it the fact is that most (emphasis on most, but not all) gay men have been on it at some point over the last six or seven years. I gave it up for two years when I was with my boyfriend and didn’t miss it but now that I’m single again it does become a little habit. Good or bad, I’ll let you decide.

    Grindr sells itself as “the best gay dating app” and yes as far as technology goes it is the simpler of the apps out there. It simply shows 1 profile picture for you, shows you people around you and lets you input basic information about who you are and what you are looking for. I currently pay for Grindr “xtra” (because I’m sad like that) and it basically gets you unlimited blocking capability and a much larger list of guys to view. I’m undecided if it’s worth paying the extra few pounds for. It could be to remove the ridiculous amount of adverts that are on the free version.

    Now because it is location based it’s also very handy for those that want “a quick hook up” and nothing more. Hence there are a lot of guys on there that are after one thing and one thing only. On the ‘looking for love’ scale, if you go onto it with low expectations when it does happen (and I know that it has) then it’s a pleasant surprise. Otherwise, I’d recommend it for visiting new areas and seeing who is about or for those days when a booty call is really all you want (and don’t deny that you have those days, because we all know that you do!).

    POF

    For months I have resisted the urge to join Plenty of Fish because, rightly or wrongly, I saw this type of site as the last chance saloon of singledom. And I don’t think I’m quite there yet… (Famous last words). Now I fully accept that was being prejudiced having that view and I took the plunge some months ago and signed myself up with an account. I’m all about challenging perceptions and all that so why not start with my own? I have to say that I was surprised a little with what you are given. Yes, it’s the same faces on here as there is on Grindr but actually, this is geared up more to those just looking about to see who wants to connect.

    Yes, you do get the people that start off all sweet and lovely and then declare that they are horny and “can our date be moved forward to right now”, but actually that’s just men. We can’t really blame an app for what an arse your average man can be.

    But actually, if you’re looking for something different then POF could be for you. Unfortunately, the app does load other users that are near you so if you happen to check it while travelling about you may have to disappoint some people that message you thinking you are local when in fact you are just travelling through.

    If you are concerned like I was that being on there is “sad” or not something to admit in public then I would challenge you do try it out. You might be surprised at what you see. Again, the app is only as good as what you put into it. Put rubbish in, get rubbish out.

    Tinder

    Like POF tinder a simpler app designed to “match” people based on their personalities and likes/dislikes. Tinder asks you to complete a survey and provide as much information about you as possible so that it can create a list of possible matches for you and ask you to “like” or “not quite right” profiles that it presents to you.

    The traditional features are all there including location-based searches but like POF there are very little opportunities to declare your sexual preferences or put on your profile that you’re horny. Like POF they are still on there but this app is geared up to be very “blind date” matchmaking.

    It sounds cheesy but it really isn’t. I’d recommend checking it out as it’s fairly modern in design, appears to be stable and like
    POF if you put some real effort in you may be surprised with what you get out.

    Jack’d

    Jack’d is a really odd app as it is very simple to use, a little more functionality that Grindr does (more pictures for example and a “matching” service) but it’s also very basic, very clunky in places and has a habit of presenting you to a lot (and I do mean a lot) of US-based guys. I’d say out of all of the profiles that messaged me during my time on here a good 50% were “non-UK” based. Which is great if you’re looking for a long distance to marry and move to the states with. But for us lowly average gays it doesn’t really do much for your chances.

    It also seemed to struggle with logging in quite a lot (more than Grindr anyway which is saying something). Can you see Willam Belli or another drag queen making a song with a reference to Jack’d? No me neither!

    As far as “hook up” usefulness, yes like Grindr it is location based so can show the guys around you it doesn’t really sell itself as a hookup friendly app. You will find the same guys on it mind you. Except on this one its long walks and snuggles and on Grindr its long dicks and group sessions. That’s a massive generalisation but you get the point.

    Wapo

    “Wapo” (what used to be called Bender before someone cottoned on that it really is a stupidly unwise name) apparently is Spanish for ‘handsome man’. Far be it for me to quote trade descriptions at them as I oversell myself but seriously?

    In recent years it’s undergone a major overhaul so that now it’s not bad looking. It gives you more functionality than Grindr (ability to view your profile views for example without having to pay for it) but it is slightly temperamental. Not only in my experience but some of the reviews on the app store also give it a scathing report that it is unstable and not very user friendly. On the upside it does let me detail my height in feet and inches (it’s the small things. Oh and I’m 6 foot 3).

    Again, most of the people you’ll find on Grindr or Jack’d you’ll find on Wapo but it does seem to be more of a mixed bag. Worth a look and see what you think. I do however think the name is lame.

    Hornet

    Now hornet seems to be a mix of all the others. It has a very simple setup like Grindr with some added features liked Jack’d (public and private photos, view tracks, add favourites etc) but isn’t quite as ‘tidy’ or as finely tuned as Grindr. The Hornet app is also geared up for those looking for something more as not once does it ask you your “role” or if you are listed as looking for “hook-ups”.

    What I also like about Hornet is that it asks you if you know your HIV status and when you were last checked. You can choose not to provide that information as it’s not mandatory but alongside asking you it also encourages you to find out and get checked. As a promoter of good sexual health, this is a big tick in the box for me. An app that seems to actually care…

    Booty call usefulness again depends on your profile. Like the others it is location based so if you are anywhere near another user then you’ll show up and who knows what could happen. It doesn’t appear to offer any sort of “matching” service nor does it offer chances to detail your sexual preferences so in the battle between “sex app” vs “dating app” Horney remains decidedly neutral.

    Gaydar

    For those guys, that like me had a gaydar profile back in the days when it was just a dating website I couldn’t not mention the app they now have. Given all the changes Gaydar has been through lately the app isn’t bad overall. It is reasonably well designed, clear and easy to understand. It follows the same sort of layout as the website profiles and gives you pretty much all the same information as the full website.

    As Gaydar is the longest serving gay dating website that I’m aware of, its ‘looking for love’ factor is quite high. The days of sitting on Gaydar just for the chat rooms are long gone. Having a look around online and talking to other people I get the impression that everyone has a profile on there, but not many people actually use it or update it.

    This means that Gaydar does have a chance of helping you find love, little to no chance of finding a hook-up and providing you’re in no hurry to find anyone or get a reply to your messages then this is the app for you.

    (After this little exercise I decided to completely delete my profile on there… No real reason other than I very rarely got anything from it and I decided it was the end of an era).

    Fitlads

    Now I’ve always liked the Fitlads main website. Yes, it is basic but functionality wise it offers a lot and some of the guys on there are a laugh. I’ve had many a good night on Fitlads and made a few online friends from it.

    But having said that I wouldn’t recommend the app. It’s very basic, not very stable and makes you want to log on to the website to see what it’s trying to present to you. You can search for members, use your location to find other people, message and post on the forums but is pretty much it. Whereas the mobile web page lets you do much more. I mainly use the mobile web page now, to be honest. I may also be the person that subscribes monthly to get access to the porn videos. Far better than storing them on my laptop. ;o) I’d recommend checking out the website www.fitlads.net as it’s a pretty good, albeit basic, site for meeting guys, getting dates and various other things. I think I bought my first sex toy from the Fitlads shop. For that reason, well that reason and others, it will always have a little soft spot in my heart.

    If I was to tell you that I was ever so slightly hairy and fell into the category of “otter” would you be surprised? No? Didn’t think so! Well for those that also love the male form with a little bit of hair (or not) then Scruff is the app for you. It’s got all of the functionality of Grindr and Jack’d and is a little more stable and easy to navigate. It’s a little more complex than Grindr as you can have private “albums” and search internationally for people but essentially it is simple to use. Having been on Scruff during my single years I’ve found it to be very handy for meeting guys that not only like the hairier male form but also some real guys that are looking for something more. I’ve got a couple of dates out of Scruff and while they haven’t developed into a relationship (because not everyone has to fall in love with the first guy they meet) I’ve actually made some good friends from it. And yes I have also had some good times from it. As it is location-based and allows for private album sharing it is very “hook up” friendly. But like all the others, it is an app where what you put in is what you get back out again. If you’re after the more masculine man then Scruff is for you. If not, then I’d stick with Grindr.

    Recon.

    Now I thought I’d throw this one into the mix purely because of my last article about kink in the media. If you are looking for love on here then you will be hard-pressed to find it but that isn’t to say that you can’t. I know a fair few people that have met their partners in a roundabout way through Recon. So don’t automatically dismiss the idea.

    Now that being said, Recon is very much aimed at those with a kinkier side to their personality. From the hardcore through to the milder tame stuff. The app, just like the website, is very geared up at the sexual aspect detailing what you are into, what your body is like and what you can be contacted for. The app allows messages, searching based on your current location, editing your profile and searching for Recon events in your area.

    Check it out. Go on, it may surprise you…

  • 10 Reasons British Gays Are The Best

    Our colleagues over at NewNowNext recently reignited the 90’s East Coast/West Coast rivalry, fought not over hip hop but homos. While I have nothing but love for American gays (I am one, after all), let’s be real: we all know that British gay men are the best gay men. Here’s just ten reasons why: (more…)

  • Five Things Straight Men Who Sleep With Gay Guys Should Know

    On Monday, New Next Now reported on a straight-identified Redditor who recently hooked up with a gay man. Afterwards, the man finds himself right in the middle of a Sam Smith song; he decides he actually is hetero, but fears the gay man wants to take the relationship to the next level. (more…)

  • Top 5 Erotic Games To Play

    Top 5 Erotic Games To Play

    We thought we’d share some games you could play with your partner or F buddy to get the mood going.

    Looking to find an online gay sex position generator game, check out ours here

    Sound of Silence

    Taking one of your senses out of the equation can heighten the intensity of touch. Get your partner to put on a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before sensually touching them in whichever way you choose. Temporarily removing sounds can help crank up the sensation of your touch on their skin. If you and your partner are game, you can also experiment with blindfolds as another way of stimulating their senses.

    Creative Combinations

     Write down, on a separate card for each, ten intercourse positions you like, and a series of timings from 3 minutes up to an hour. Then take it in turns to pull out two cards, one from each pile, to decide how you’ll make love and how long you’ll make it last.

    Jigsaw Fantasy

    Take a sheet of A4 paper and on it draw a picture of something naughty that you’ve fantasised about doing with your partner. (Don’t worry if you can’t draw!) Cut the paper into sixteen square pieces and hide them around the house. Send your partner hunting for the pieces – you could give them a sexy reward for every one they find. When all sixteen pieces have been discovered, your partner can put the picture together and then act out the fantasy.

    The Erotic Audit

     One of you lies perfectly still, the other touches from head to toe, covering every inch, no missing areas. The receiver murmurs numbers – from 1 to 5 where 1 is good and 5 is amazing – to reflect what feels best… what to do less of… what to do more of… what to keep doing more and more and more.

    Choosing His Spot

    A game just for him. He chooses three sensitive parts of his body – His partner creates a love experience using only those three spots and no other.

  • Gay celebs with big age gaps, showing that age is just a number

    What’s age… it’s just a number after all. Here are some celebrity pairings that we’ve found have quite a large age gap. Not that it matters of course.

    Dan Savage and Terry Miller (6 years)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BKPHqQhDfKJ

    Okay, so the age gap between Terry Miller and Dan Savage is not so big, but this power couple have been together for years bringing up their son, DJ.

    >>> NEXT: LANCE BASS AND MICHAEL TURCHIN>>>

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  • 17 Hilarious Karen Walker Quotes

    17 Hilarious Karen Walker Quotes

    A few weeks ago, I was ill and in need of cheering up. I padded over to my DVD shelf and picked up a box set of Will & Grace. After watching one episode, I was hooked and ended up watching the entire box set.

    What struck me as I watched and laughed is that I’d forgotten how funny Karen Walker is. So here are 17 of my favourite Karen quotes, on all the important things in life.

    Karen Walker on Herself

    Karen Walker on Alcohol

    Karen Walker on Drugs

    NBC/KoMut

    Karen Walker on Friendship

    Karen Walker on Maintaining Friendships

    Karen Walker on Marriage

    Karen Walker on Sex

    Karen Walker on Being Lesbian

    Karen Walker on Nature

    NBC/KoMut

    Karen Walker on Fashion

    Karen on Grace’s Fashion Choices

    Karen Walker on The Gay Tree

    NBC/KoMut

    Karen Walker on Crazy

    Karen Walker on Work

    Karen Walker on hook ups

  • How to be more Quiche like Ja’ime Private School Girl

    If you don’t know who Ja’mie is you’re just not Quiche. And if Quiche only means a hot goat’s cheese and spinach tarte from Waitrose, we shouldn’t be talking right now. We’ve come up with a little guide to help you be more Ja’mazing.

    On Trendsetting
    “Everyone’s going on about twerking, but I actually invented it about two years ago. Seriously, ask anyone at my school. I did it in an assembly presentation during NAIDOC Week and it spread from there.”

    On Self Exposure
    “Every now and then I post a tit photo on my Facebook and leave it up for 24 hours to create a buzz.”

    On Being A Powerful Woman
    “I’ve made a lot of changes around the school: the coffee machine for prefects only, no phones during school hours (except prefects) and no Asians allowed on the oval at lunch.”

    On Personal Wealth
    “JUST because I’m rich, doesn’t mean I’m a bitch.”

    On Being Gracious
    “When I meet girls, they’re usually really threatened straight away, right?. So then I meet and they’re like “oh my god, she’s so hot, I’m never going to be friends with her” and then I go up to them and I’m like “Hi! How you going?!” and they’re really surprised that I’m giving them the time of day.”

    On Charity
    “Going with the AIDS thing means that people are more likely to give money because they’re going to feel really bad. If I just said it was for the formal they wouldn’t care. Do you know what I mean?”

    On Human Rights
    “A school that bans formals is a school that bans life. Summer Heights High, you should be ashamed of yourself. Firstly, formals can give hope. They give povo people something to live for. Lack of formals in a school can seriously affect the development of a girl. Without formals, you can seriously stunt girls socially and physically.”

    On Sexuality
    “I’d rather be a paedophile than a lesbian, seriously…”

    Advice For Friends
    “Reduce your tits, Stop being dumb, Fix your acne and don’t be Asian”

    On State Education
    “Thank you. And thank you to the traditional landowners of Summer Heights, the Wurundjeri people. My name is Ja’mie. J-A-apostrophe-M-I-E. Weird name, I know. But you’ll get used to it. Yes, I come from one of the most expensive private girls schools in the state, but I’m actually really cool. Please don’t be intimidated by me. People always go “Private schools create better citizens,” but I would say they create better quality citizens. Studies have shown that students from private schools are more likely to get into Uni and end up making a lot more money; while wife-beaters and rapists are nearly all public-school educated. Sorry, no offence, but it’s true.”

  • 5 Reasons Why Madonna’s Justify My Love Video Is a Masterpiece

    5 Reasons Why Madonna’s Justify My Love Video Is a Masterpiece

    Madonna is often knocked these days. Whether it’s for having younger boyfriends (good for her, I say), adopting African children, or dressing ‘inappropriately’, Madonna is frequently ridiculed.

    Even when making a statement such as dressing up as a boy scout in opposition to the Scouts in America not allowing gay people to join, Madonna was slated and told to dress her age. The whole point of what she was doing was missed. It’s frustrating, but I doubt Madonna cares. I have always admired her for doing things on her own terms and having a don’t give a f**k attitude.

    Over the years I have accumulated many favourite Madonna moments. Whether it’s snogging with Britney, supporting gay people and Pussy Riot when in Russia, putting on a triumphant performance in Evita (she should have won an Oscar for that), or refusing to grow old gracefully, I adore the woman. But my absolute favourite Madonna moment is her video for “Justify My Love”. It is a masterpiece. I’ll tell you why.

    1. Sex

    Human sexuality and the act of sex fascinate me, so it’s great to see various facets of that in the video. Sex is a natural human behaviour and I enjoy seeing it portrayed in artistic glory. It’s not done in a trashy, sluttish way the likes of Rihanna would put in their music videos. It’s shot in an artistic way. It’s filmed in black and white, features the art of tease, and plays with varying genders and sexualities. It does not feature women bouncing their bottoms and boobs about like so many music videos do in these modern times. Those young girls who are in the charts today can learn a lot from Madonna and should explore her back catalogue of excellence.

    2. Gender Bending

    Men dressed as women and ladies dressed as fellas. I like it. I like it a lot. Especially as it’s not done in a way that exploits cross-dressing and makes those who partake in it look like freaks. Again it is a natural part of being a human. Self-expression should be treasured and that extends to people having the right to dress in any way they choose. It’s a positive portrayal of something that still largely remains behind closed doors.

    3. Gay and lesbian romping

    In the early 1990s. In a music video. I cannot think of another music video from a mainstream artist that features such a thing. Madonna was a trailblazer. I can only commend her for that.

    4. Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another .

    That’s right. Unless of course, someone wants to be submissive and allow another person to dominate them. Which is ok of course. Human sexuality can be so fluid and rarely stays within the confines of what is perceived to be the norm. We all have our kinks and things that do it for us. I simply love that quote from the song and how the whole sub/dom topic is covered in the video. It’s a breath of fresh air.

    5. The dancer covered in black paint.

    He is a bizarre addition to proceedings but at the same time is utterly fabulous. He has me captivated as he winds his body into all sorts of shapes. I can only dream of moving like that.

    So there we have it; five reasons why Madonna’s Justify My Love video is a masterpiece. It’s five minutes of artistic brilliance. I cannot think of a video before or since that covers such a topic in a positive and empowering way. The act of sex in its various forms, cross-dressing and fluid sexuality tend to kept behind closed doors. I feel we are quite prudish in this country at times. Personally, I am quite open and talk about sex with great ease. There’s is nothing that fazes me. Perhaps my past working in sexual health has made me more open. Or perhaps I’m just filth. Either way, I applaud Madonna and thank her for the gift of “Justify My Love”.

  • 6 stupid things straight people mistake about gay men

    6 stupid things straight people mistake about gay men

    A problem gay men face regularly is ‘coming out’. Now I’m not talking about the first time you decide to embrace your sexuality, build up the courage and let the world know you’re a Spice Girl loving, bum blasting bender.

    CREDIT ©-s_bukleyDepositphotos
    CREDIT ©-s_bukleyDepositphotos

    I’m talking when you meet a new group of people, are in a new situation or start a new job and unless you’re sporting chaps with a vest or have a sign on your forehead, people generally assume you’re straight. This was the case two weeks ago when I started my summer course in preparation for Uni. This can be slightly awkward. Believe it or not, I didn’t wear chaps on my first day and decided not to make a Jack McFarland-style entrance into the classroom.

    By lunchtime, I had made some new friends and the topic turned to why I moved back home from Sydney. I explained that my partner and I had broken up and when discussing the situation one guy insisted on using the term ‘she’.

    The older I get the less I tend to give a shit so after 3 times of him saying it I decided to correct him and tell him she, was in fact, he. After a moment’s silence, he declared “I guess you were the woman then!” Well, the last time I checked we were both men with fully functioning penises and I don’t know about him but I’m still the same however to avoid any further awkwardness I decided to reply with a smile. A lot of people have perceptions about us gays, most of them being myths which I feel is my duty clear up!

    No 1: Gay men act like girls in bed –

    It’s true that when two men have sex, sometimes one can take on a more dominant role but I have personally never known any gay man to act like a girl in the bedroom, in fact, the complete opposite. Most guys tend to let their ‘manliness’ come out when it comes to having sex. There’s nothing like getting bitch slapped between the sheets, by a guy who was wearing denim hot pants and a sequined top twenty minutes prior on the dance floor to make for a great night of passion.

    No 2: Gay men want to bed every straight man that breathes –

    Come on really? Yeah when we talk to you, we may want to undress you but more than likely it’s to re-dress you in better clothes. Ladies, if your boyfriend approaches us or talks to us, it doesn’t make him gay! It simply means he is bi-curious.

    No 3: Gay men have sex with children and dogs –

    Now I’ve had my fair share of dogs but none of them had four legs and the last time I checked, people who have sex with children are called something and it isn’t homosexual.

    No 4: You can ‘catch gay’ –

    Unfortunately not, so really no need to cross the road/run the other way when you see us coming. It’s also over the top to go and say ten Hail Mary’s before dousing yourself in holy water if we happen to shake your hand. We are born fabulous, we didn’t catch it. Some have theories as to why, personally I feel it’s because Jesus hates us. So if you were born straight, you’re stuck being hetro I’m afraid.

    No 5: All gay men have AIDS: –

    No, we don’t all have AIDS or diseases for that matter, just most of us. Come on, it’s not the friggin 80s. That is why God invented condoms!

    No 6: All gay men love Kylie/Cher/Madonna –

    Now this one is indeed true.

  • Six Of The Best Naked Scenes In Film

    Here are our “Six of the Best” films where the leads are not afraid to shed their clothes.

    Whether it is an expression of art, for the purposes of titillation or arousal or whether it is just for a good laugh, nudity is becoming more and more prevalent in mainstream cinema. Some well-established stars are becoming more comfortable with showing their bodies leading to more flesh on display than ever before. So sit back, relax, hide your modesty and enjoy six of the best…

    Bronson

    Telling the story of Charles Bronson, one of Britain’s most prolific prisoners, this hard, edgy and violent drama was surrounded in controversy upon its release for glorifying both violence and crime and, most notoriously, for Charles Bronson himself sending a phone message for the film’s premiere from a mobile smuggled into his cell. The film is uneasy viewing at times and relentless in its normalisation of violence, but the film also gained massive praise for the performance of Tom Hardy. Hardy not only gives what is arguably a career best performance but also delights gay men everywhere by a number of full frontal scenes and him engaging in naked fighting with an assortment of prison guards.

    BUY IT FROM AMAZON

    The Full Monty

    This feel good film tells the story of six unemployed Sheffield steelworkers who decide that they are going to make a quick profit by setting themselves up as male strippers. But what sets them apart from the other acts at the working men club is that for one night only, they are going “the full monty”. Crammed full of cheeky northern humour, genuine laugh out loud moments and a touching story of family and friendship underpinning the comedy, this low-budget British film went on to be nominated for four Oscar’s (landing one of them) and became one of the most successful British films of all time. What it lacks in eye candy, it makes up for in soul…. And who can forget the films memorable ending..?

    BUY IT FROM AMAZON

    Borat: Cultural Learning’s of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

    In his second and most successful big screen outing, Sacha Baron Cohen shocked audiences with his divisive comedy in this mockumentary about a hapless TV reporter from Kazakhstan. Borat travels across America in search of American culture whilst obsessing over Pamela Anderson. Audiences watched from in-between their fingers, not knowing whether to laugh or be horrified as Borat engages in a naked wrestle with his sweaty TV producer (it’s not as gay as it sounds…). Starting in their hotel room, where there are some scenes of uncomfortably close body contact, the pair round off their melee by streaking through the hotel and gate-crashing a business conference being held there. Raising more than eyebrows, Baron Cohen went on to push the boundaries of comedy even further with his gay Austrian TV presenter, Bruno.

    BUY IT FROM AMAZON

    The Pillow Book

    Peter Greenaway directs Ewan McGregor in this rich and visually intriguing film which fuses a dark, modern drama with Asian cultural ideals and standards. The film centres on a young Japanese model and her exploration of her cultural and sexual boundaries through calligraphy. Utilising her lover’s bodies, as well as her own, as her canvas, there is flesh in abundance, including enough of Ewan McGregor to write a few sentences on. The film is not the usual Hollywood fare, and at times is very heavy going, but the rich characters, beautiful visual presentation (with reams of overlaid Japanese scripture and heavy colour washes) along with an unusual story make this a rewarding watch for the patient viewer.

    Starship Troopers

    Bugs, spaceships, non-stop action, tongue in cheek humour and graphic gore all combine in Paul Verhoven’s classic sci-fi film. Set in the not too distant future, the story follows a group of friends as they go through their training in the futuristic armed forces to defend Earth from the attacks of giant bugs from space. The film is often described as a sideways swipe at fascism and the elements of fascism in American society. That aside, the film really is as silly as it sounds, and is immense fun for those with a slightly stronger stomach, given the high violence and gore content. It also has a ridiculously attractive “wholesome” cast, including the incredibly chiselled and perfectly formed Casper Van Dien and the beautiful Denise Richards, amongst others, displaying everything they own in a communal mixed-sex shower.

    BUY IT ON AMAZON

    Love and Other Drugs

    Set against the backdrop of Pittsburgh, Viagra salesman, Jamie Randall, meets a young woman, Maggie, and seduces her for a one night stand. Maggie, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, simply wants a physical relationship with the bed-hopping salesman, but, despite their best efforts, they both find themselves falling in love. However, Maggie’s illness becomes progressively worse, leading to difficult choices for them both. This film is your typical romantic comedy fare with very little in terms of storyline and plot to separate it from most other films of the genre. But what it does have is two incredibly attractive leads that portray likeable characters and the film also has a certain charm which means you find yourself getting swept up in the fluffiness of it all. But even if you fail to engage with the story, there is eye candy aplenty in the form of a very frequently naked Jake Gyllenhaal and the beautiful Anne Hathaway showing more than anticipated giving both the boys and the girls something to look at.

    BUY IT ON AMAZON

     

  • Six of the best gay icons of film

    Whether you’re looking for a film about a gay icon or whether it is a gay icon in a starring role, the cinema is the perfect place to track down your favourite idol.

    The question of what defines someone as a vintage icon is a difficult one, whether it is their looks, their sexuality, their personal life or their work for equal rights. But taking the definition in its widest sense, here are six of the best films which, for various reasons, are perfect examples.

    Evita

    Icon status – Madonna is undeniably a gay icon for many reasons. A long and successful career and a devil may care attitude combine with her longstanding dedication to bringing gay rights to the attention of the public. Whether it is by dressing up as a boy scout, in her song lyrics, in the company she keeps or by expressing her sexuality through her creative output, she has been prominently in the public eye when it comes to issues of equality, HIV and AIDs or commenting upon change.

    The film – What could be better than Madonna doing what she does best in this film which is, in essence, a two hour music video? But in the expert hands of director, Alan Parker, Madonna gives a career defining performance as Eva Peron, a poor villager who sleeps, manipulates and carefully plots her way to the arms and bed of the Argentinian President, becoming adored by the people and a strong political influence behind the scenes. But all the time, her self-serving ways are never far from her and as the people around her start to realise her motives, a split in the country and the political party starts to appear. Based on the concept album and subsequent stage show by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber, this is a sumptuously filmed movie with a golden globe winning performance from Madonna, who has never been better in an acting role, excellent support from Antonio Banderas and a soundtrack which you just can’t help singing along to.

    Further suggested viewing – In Bed with Madonna; I’m Going to Tell You a Secret; A League of Their Own

    The Colour Purple

    Icon Status – Whoopi Goldberg has a cult following in America and is a prominent activist for gay rights. In 2010, Whoopi joined Cyndi Lauper for the launch of the Give A Damn campaign, to raise awareness of LGBT discrimination. She frequently defends the LGBT community on her talk show The View and in 1987 spoke at the historic March on Washington for Gay Rights. In 2013, she has been honoured by the Human Rights Campaign as the 2013 recipient of the organization’s Ally For Equality Award, which is “given to allies outside the LGBT community who stand up on behalf of equality for all Americans”. But she is also an Academy Award winning actress, singer, songwriter, and comedienne and, to top that list off, has appeared in the Absolutely Fabulous special “Gay”.

    The Film – Adapted from the novel by Alice Walker, the Colour Purple tells the story of a black woman, Celie, growing up in 1930’s Georgia. Forced into marriage and living under the hand of her tyrannical husband, known as Mister, the film follows her transformation from a shy and awkward youth to empowered and a strong and independent woman. She empowers herself by being surrounded by people who love, support and care for her. She also forms a friendship with, and a deep love for, a beautiful and sultry lounge singer, Shug, and the two women form a bond which allows Celie to realise that she does not have to be the person that she has been told she has to be. This simply stunning film was adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, was directed by Steven Spielberg and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards. This touching and beautiful film is an often forgotten gem.

    Further suggested viewing – Ghost; Sister Act; Made In America.

    Milk

    Icon Status – Harvey Milk was the first openly gay politician to be elected into public office in California. Initially, gay rights were not at the forefront of his agenda, but as his time in politics grew, so did his passion for the subject. During his relatively short 11 months in office, he passed a stringent gay rights ordinance for the city of San Francisco (where he lived), using the increasing political and economic power of the Castro District (San Francisco’s gay village) to push through changes. Tragically assassinated in 1978, he remains an icon and martyr in the San Francisco community and has been described as “the most famous and significantly open LGBT politician ever elected in the United States”.

    The Film – Starring Sean Penn, the film tells the story of the political career and the tragic end to the life of Harvey Milk. Addressing his movements into politics, detailing his political battles against the limitation of the rights of gay people and his ideals in life, the film was a critical and commercial success. Securing a total of 8 Academy Awards, Penn won an Oscar for best actor in a lead role and the film also won for best original screenplay. Released in 2008, at the time when California were debating Proposal 8, an anti-gay marriage proposal which in some way mirrored the anti-gay rights legislation in Proposal 6 which is addressed in the film itself, it proves that the themes explored from the 70’s are as relevant today as they were then.

    Further suggested viewing – The Times of Harvey Milk (a 1984 documentary).

    Rebel Without A Cause

    Icon Status – James Dean has long been considered a gay icon. His rugged, chiselled good looks, his masculinity and his status of the epitome of cool set him apart from other actors of his era. There were questions about his ambivalent approach to sexuality and debates about his sexuality have long been circulated. He is alleged to have slept with both men and women, but whether that was true and if so, whether it was for pleasure or to forward his career will forever remain a mystery. When asked if he was a homosexual, he replied “No, I am not a homosexual, but I am also not going to go through life with one hand tied behind my back”. The Gay Times Readers’ Awards have previously cited him as the male gay icon of all time. He is often said to be the epitome of cool and effortlessly projected an image of rebellion, non-conformity and, more importantly, living his life how he wished to live it.

    The Film – Dean plays Jim Stark, a 17 year old young man who moves with his family to LA where he runs into difficulties with the local gang, finds love with a beautiful young woman and becomes a father figure to a 15 year old local trouble causer. He is increasingly frustrated by his family who don’t understand him and finds himself drawn into a feud with the local gang leader which results in tragic consequences. The film about confused, middle class adolescents was seen as an antithesis of the films around the time which depicted delinquents in the urban slums. Dean radiates charisma in his role and the film was ground-breaking in its portrayal of the moral decay of American youth.

    Further suggested viewing – Giant; East of Eden.

    Burlesque

    Icon Status – Cher has been a stalwart of the idolisation of gay men for many years, especially in the USA. Her ability to transform her image and her musical style, coupled with her catchy, camp tunes, her high-spirited stage shows and her daring and non-conformist attitude confirm her icon status. But aside from her ability to not take herself too seriously (her appearance in Will & Grace is evidence of this), her music and her acting career, she is also a strong advocate for gay rights (supporting both the community and the parents of GLBT people) and has publically supported her oldest child, Chaz Bono who stated that he was transgender in 2009.

    The Film – Ali Rose, (Christina Aguilera), a young country girl with an extraordinary singing voice, leaves her dead end life in small town rural America and heads to LA to make her fortune. She stumbles across a Burlesque club, run by a good natured and motherly woman called Tess (Cher). Within the amber tinged bar, she finds employment, friendship and a very attractive roommate, Jack Miller (played by the ridiculously handsome Cam Gigandet). Amazed at her remarkable talent, Tess makes her the star of the show. But can the novelty of singing live save the cash strapped club from a hostile takeover and will Jack and Ali ever admit their true feelings for each other? This film is corny and cheesy, but has a charm all of its own. It has a paper thin and highly predictable plot. But that is not the reason to watch this film. The skimpy and seductive costumes coupled with the exuberant and energetic burlesque musical numbers (performed with an almost overdose level of camp), mark the tone of the film. There are two icons for one in here, (both Cher and Aguilera have a huge gay following) and you get a naked Gigandet hiding his modesty under nothing but a packet of cereal. Throw in one of Madonna’s backing dancers and add Cher belting out a power ballad and you have a cheesy campfest which should be watched for what it is, which is just damn good, but terribly corny, camp fun.

    Further suggested viewing – Moonstruck; Mask; Mermaids.

    Gods And Monsters

    CREDIT: © tanka_v| Depositphotos
    CREDIT: © tanka_v| Depositphotos

    Icon Status – The outstanding Sir Ian McKellan has appeared in many successful films, been in Coronation Street, played the Dame in pantomime, has performed on stage in the West End, Broadway and worldwide and is an openly gay man who is prominent in his active campaigning for equal rights. He has won numerous awards for his acting career and appeared in blockbusters like the X-Men series and The Lord of the Rings films, but has also done less mainstream films, such as his update of Richard III. Since coming out in 1988, Sir McKellan has often spoken and written about gay issues. He is a co-founder of Stonewall UK. He has had a high level presence at Gay Pride events in London and around the world and states that his most urgent concern is legal and social equality for gay people worldwide. Coupled with that, he is one of the nicest people you could wish to meet and always makes time for people at Pride events. How could this talented and dedicated man fail to make a list of vintage icons?

    The Film – Gods and Monsters is the story of James Whale, the gay 1930’s film director, best known for making the Universal Pictures version of Frankenstein. This film follows the latter part of his life, when Whale is a fragile figure, who is physically and emotionally slowly giving up. He reminisces about gay pool parties of his youth and teases a star struck fan that comes to interview him for a magazine. But his new gardener, Clayton Boone, (played by Brendon Frasier) is a young, attractive and muscular straight man and he and Whale strike up an unlikely and, at times, uneasy friendship. Asking his young muse to pose nude for his life drawing, Whale’s obsession with his friend deepens. But to what end? Sir McKellan was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his performance in this film, and rightly so. The film oozes class and explores the nature of the relationship between Whale and Boone in a sensitive manner. The film draws you in with its subtlety and culminates in an emotional gut punch. It is the perfect vehicle for demonstrating what an exceptional actor Sir McKellan is.

    Further suggested viewing – Walter; Richard III; X-Men; Apt Pupil; The Lord of The Rings.