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  • The £1m goal to open gay hostel in memory of murdered son

    The £1m goal to open gay hostel in memory of murdered son

    The mother and father of a gay teenager who was murdered in 2008 have vowed to open a £1m gay hostel in his name.

    Michael Causer
    CREDIT: Michael Causer Foundation

     

    Marie and Mike Causer have begun a campaign to raise £1 million to open a hostel for LGBT Youth at risk. Their aim is to provide temporary emergency care for gay and lesbians who are at risk of living on the streets.

    Marie and Mike Causer set up the Michael Causer Foundation to provide housing and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people at risk in northwest England.

    Marie Causer said,

    “I want money people have donated in Michael’s memory to be used to help young people.”

    “These youngsters need somewhere to go where they feel safe and are surrounded by people who have gone through a similar experience.”

    Mrs Causer hopes to help young people aged 16-25.

    “I did not want a stone or a plaque to be put up in his memory. I wanted to do something worth doing and I am very lucky to have the support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community behind me.

    In August, it will be five years since Michael died

    Marie added,

    “I miss him so much. I think it’s his personality. He was a strong person and his personality outshone everything. I’ve met people just like Michael and I think if I give up who is going to be there for them?

    “We need this house, we need accommodation for them. People say to me ‘if Michael wasn’t gay, would you be doing this?’ I say ‘yes’. Michael used to call the bingo and do events for charity. So, on some level, I’m helping because he would.”

    The Michael Causer Foundation’s Development Worker, Kieran Bohan, was appointed in April to help achieve its vision: to create a society where LGBT young people feel safe, happy and understood; at home in their communities; and supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.

    Kieran said,

    ‘I was on a stall at a youth centre when I overheard a child explain to her friend how Michael died, “He was killed because he loved another boy.”

    ‘If a ten-year-old can understand that no-one deserves to die because of who they are or who they love, then everybody can.’

    The Foundation aims to raise £1m by 2015 to create a safe haven and provide round-the-clock support.

    The first openly gay Lord Mayor in the country, Cllr Gary Millar, a trustee of the Foundation, took on the role of first citizen of Liverpool in May.

    To boost their efforts, he has nominated the Michael Causer Foundation as one of four charities he will support during his year in office.

    On the anniversary of Michael’s death each year, the Foundation leads a vigil in Temple Square, in Liverpool’s Stanley Street Quarter.

    Marie’s son, Michael Causer was brutally murdered five years ago, was 18-years-old at the time of his attack.

    Michael’s family believe was assaulted because of his sexuality, at a house party in Merseyside, he died 10 days later in the Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery after undergoing extensive emergency surgery to his brain. However Michael’s killer was sentenced on the basis it was not a hate crime.

    Two men were charged with murder, James O’Connor and Gavin Alker. Alker was acquitted of murder and manslaughter; O’Connor was convicted and sentenced to service life, with a minimum of 11 and half years before he could be considered for parole.

    For more information please visit:www.michaelcauserfoundation.org.uk

  • Graham Norton confirms split from boyfriend

    Graham Norton confirms split from boyfriend

    The openly gay Irish entertainer Graham Norton has confimed that he has split from his long-term partner Trevor Patterson.

    Graham Norton
    (C) BBC – Photographer: Andrew Hayes-Watkins

     

    Graham Norton and Canadian software designer Trevor Patterson have split after two years together, the Mirror is reporting.

    Asked if he was in love, Norton replied,

    “No, not at the moment.”

    And told that someone would be very lucky to be with him, he comically cried,

    “If only now, if only now. Tweet me.”

    Norton had shared his London flat with Patterson, but is enjoying his own space again, with his beloved dogs.

    He said,

    “I love living alone, which sounds so miserable, doesn’t it? But it is one of my greatest joys.

    “I have Bailey and Madge – so I’m never truly alone.”

  • Father freaks out after his 3-year-old son told about gay marriage

    Father of pre-school boy worried that ‘same-sex’ marriage is being discussed with children as young as three.

    In a letter published by the Belfast Telegraph a father writes that ‘a homosexual’ told his son, 3, that ‘when they grew up, they could get married to a girl, or a boy.’

    The letter begins:

    ‘MANY of your commentators have speculated as to what the wider implications of allowing same-sex marriages will be on society. I was given a stark illustration of this at the weekend.’

    The man’s son, (names have been withheld), asked what marriage was, the father’s response was, ‘when a man and woman loved each other very much and wanted to spend their lives together.’

    His son then told him that boys could get married too.

    ‘Apparently, his carer at nursery, a homosexual, told the entire class that he had great news: when they grew up, they could get married to a girl, or a boy.

    Surely, my son is too young to have this discussion? If I were to complain, however, I would be labelled a bigot.’

     

    The same-sex marriage bill has been debated and voted upon by the UK’s MPs and Lords and successfully passed the bill, which will now go to committee and the UK could be celebrating its first same-sex marriage in the summer of 2014.

  • OPINION | When Pride Was About Pulling

    Gay Pride events, what wonderful things they are. These days I like to get fully involved in the true meaning of pride and have an active role in community aspects of it.

    I am even organising my county’s first ever Pride (www.warwickshirepride.co.uk). But there was a time in the not too distant past when going to Pride was all about pulling.

    One year when I was particularly ‘mad fer it’, I went to Birmingham Pride with the intention of getting extremely drunk and copping off with as many guys as I could. How disappointed I was when it didn’t work out quite like that. What was even more disappointing was seeing each person I was at Pride with getting off with someone or at least having somebody show an interest. Even my heterosexual step-mother got hit on by a lesbian, but I had absolutely no interest in me at all. I know, how can that be possible?

    I spent the afternoon at the famous Nightingale Club in Birmingham with my friends and step-mother. It was a typically rain drenched Pride day so we had decided to take shelter and get drunk. I went to the toilet with my step-mother to get dried off. At this point a guy armed with a bag full of hairdressing equipment said he would style my step-mothers hair (as you do in a unisex toilet at Gay Pride – anything goes, I guess). Upon leaving the toilet my step-mother had been transformed from a drowned rat into a glamourpuss courtesy of the dude carrying a hairdressing kit around Pride all day. As she strutted towards the bar, heads were turning and one particular woman walked up to her and said “alright darling”. My step-mother thought it was hilarious. I was horrified. Why was she getting hit on and I wasn’t?

    I eventually saw the funny side of it and continued with my plan to pull. Once my step-mother had gone home and I was more able to misbehave, I began picking out the guys that I wanted to get jiggy with. Alas, more disappointment awaited. Nobody reciprocated the not so innocent feelings I had. Worse still, a girl I was with pulled a woman and my male mate pulled a man dressed as Queen Elizabeth 1st, which was quite bizarre actually.

    Eventually, I resigned myself to the fact I wasn’t even going to get a Pride snog. So I got very drunk and shook what my mama gave me in the club that night. But the next morning something unexpected happened.

    I was sharing a hotel room with my friend who had previously decided he was into guys that dress as Queen Elizabeth 1st, and somehow found myself in a tryst with him. It was nice. It was familiar. It wasn’t what I had intended, but sometimes these things just happen.

    So although I did pull, I don’t really count it as it wasn’t with somebody I didn’t know. I went home feeling incredibly disappointed that I had failed in my task. My strike rate had been very high, but perhaps I just tried too hard that weekend.

    Looking back, I am not too impressed with the way I conducted myself and now realise there is so much more to life than getting off with guys, and indeed more to Pride than pulling. However, on the other hand, I am glad I was like that because it has provided me with plenty of entertaining stories to tell my mates down the pub, and also some that I can share here.

    However you view Pride and whatever you get up to while you are there, the only thing I must insist on is that you have pride in yourself and enjoy it. If you see it as an opportunity to pull, then go for it and be safe. If you see it as a time to protest and focus on the issues that LGBT people face, then I salute you and again say go for it. Pride can be whatever you want it to be.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • Top 10 Things You Need To Survive Pride: The Pride Survival Kit

    Top 10 Things You Need To Survive Pride: The Pride Survival Kit

    Pride season is upon us once again. Here’s a list of 13 essential items to help you to have a safe and enjoyable pride.

    Pop these items in your man-bag and call it: The Pride Survival Kit.

     

    1. Pride Map / Guide –

    Most offer Pride organisers offer a Pride map and guide, whether it be printed when you buy tickets or on their website online. Pop a copy in your Survival Kit and you’ll never be lost in the world of Pride or miss any of the big events. Did you know that TheGayUK has an App that you find directions to your nearest Pride. Visit: www.app.thegayuk.com

    2. Mobile / Smart Phone –

    These are great to keep in contact with your friends, partner or significant others at Pride. But should something go horribly wrong, in an emergency you can dial 999 and ask for the Police, an Ambulance or Fire and Rescue Services to attend.

    3. Emergency Mobile / Smart Phone Charger –

    Your mobile’s no good if the battery has gone flat, so carry an Emergency Mobile Phone Charger. There are a variety of these devices on the market and they all have different features, such as: solar panel charging, disposable – one use only, super fast charging, etc.

    4. A 24-Hour Supply of Any Medication You Take–

    Your transport home might be delayed or you might not get home at all. Take a 24-hour supply of any medication you take, so that you don’t miss a dose.

    If you’re planning to have a drink of the alcoholic variety, check beforehand that it’s OK to mix your medication with alcohol. If you’re unsure speak to your GP or prescribing health care professional who will be able to tell you.

    5. Painkillers –

    There’s nothing worse than being in pain to spoil your Pride mood. Take some painkillers and avoid being the member of the group who’s not in the mood because of pain.

    6. Emergency Money –

    It’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected. Emergency money will cover costs because of an unexpected event at Pride. How much emergency money you put to one side is up to you and depends up on your circumstances.

    7. Sun Protection Lotion –

    In the UK we have ever-changing weather; it can be pouring down with rain one minute and the next the sun is cracking flags. Taking sun protection will stop you burning and protect against potential UV damage when the sun comes out at Pride.

    8. Condoms & Lube –

    At Pride you may meet someone and hook up with them. Whether or not you’re planning to hook up, take condoms and lube. Then if something happens you wont have to worry about the unprotected sex the morning after.

    Some pubs and clubs do provide safer sex packs, but don’t rely on these. The pub may have stopped providing them since the last time you were there, or there may have been a rush and are out of stock.

    Condoms & lube are provided free at your local sexual health clinic. If you are worried because you’ve had unprotected sex, the sexual health clinic can also undertake testing and offer support. For more information visit The Gay UK Sexual Health Site.

    9. Bottle of Water –

    Staying well hydrated will protect against sunstroke (along with sun protection lotion) and will also lessen or prevent alcohol-related hangovers.

    10. Safety Clips & A Spare Pair of Pants –

    If you’re in the Pride Parade safety clips are essential, as costumes don’t always stay together. Even if you’re not taking part in the Pride Parade safety clips are still useful to have.

    We’ve all had wardrobe malfunctions at the most inconvenient of times and a safety clip or a spare pair of pants can prevent that ground-open-up-and-swallow-me-now moment.

    11. Alcohol Hand Rub –

    Toilets, especially outdoor ones soon become unclean. Alcohol hand rub used after a visit to the toilet will keep your hands hygienic.

    12. Lollipops / Sweets / Other Snacks –

    Keeping your sugar-levels up with lollipops, sweets and other snacks will provide your body with plenty of energy. This will mean that you can enjoy Pride to the fullest.

    13. Ear Plugs –

    These are great if the music gets too much. They also prevent your ears from ringing or buzzing the day after Pride.

    Pride is a celebratory event where we come together to celebrate our sexuality as part of who we are. Gay people throw a great party, but there’s always a potential for things to go wrong. The Pride Survival Kit if carried in full or part is likely to reduce the risk of something going wrong for you. We hope that you have a safe and truly fantastic Pride.

     

  • OPINION | Closets are for clothes

    “What have you done today to make you feel proud?” Heather Small

    Today I was able to kiss my partner in public and for that, I am proud. I am proud to live in a society where being part of the LGBT community is accepted and I am able to express my feelings for a member of the same sex openly without judgement.

    The Stonewall riot of 1969 in New York City inspired and motivated members of the LGBT community to fight for equality. The gay liberation movement encouraged people to accept and announce their sexuality and has influenced celebration for years to come in the form of Pride Parades.

    Since this time the LGBT community has grown and although the fight for equality still continues we are still further that we were over forty years ago. Although something simple such as showing my partner affection in public may seem small, it stems for years of struggle and fighting for recognition and acceptance.

    I have openly admitted to my parents that I was gay. At a New Year party my Mother looked at me and said,

    “So, I see your in a relationship on Facebook. Who is he?”

    For years I had been dancing and thought no one was watching. In theory, everyone had been watching and they were waiting for was for me to discuss the matter.

    “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?” RuPaul

    Although my Nan still refers to my boyfriend as my ‘special friend’ I still know that I have support from my family and friends in terms of my sexuality. I am proud of them for being open minded and accepting.

    Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if my Mother had never questioned my relationship status. Would I have been strong enough to recognise that the closet is just for clothes?

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • Denise Welch joins Mind to combat stigma

    Mind, the mental health charity, today announces that Denise Welch will join the organisation as an official ambassador. She will raise vital awareness, encouraging the one in four people who experience a mental health problem every year, to access support.

    Research shows one in five people who’ve experienced a mental health problem has sought help directly because they’ve been inspired by a celebrity sharing their story in the media. Denise will therefore play a pivotal role at the charity, sharing her experiences with the wider public and in turn reassuring many others that it’s ok to talk.

    The actress and Loose Women presenter first experienced post-natal depression, following the birth of her eldest son, then battled episodes of severe depression over 24 years. She now talks very openly about her process of recovery, the significant role loved ones play in helping her to stay well, and the urgent need to stamp out the stigma that continues to surround mental health problems.

    Denise Welch said:

    “Mind is a charity very close to my heart and I’m honoured to represent them and the great work they do. Depression and mental health problems don’t discriminate, they can affect anybody at any time and every week I hear from people in all walks of life who are facing experiences I’m all too familiar with.

    “No one should have to face a mental health problem alone and I hope, through my role at Mind, I can help people understand that help is here. It all starts with a conversation and I’m definitely not afraid to speak up.”

    Paul Farmer, CEO for Mind says:

    “When people in the public eye speak out, it inspires others to seek help. We are thrilled to have Denise’s support and know her honest and frank approach to mental health will spark many conversations across the country.

    “Following Stephen Fry’s disclosure last week, thousands of people contacted Mind through our Infoline and social media – the ripple effect will undoubtedly be felt long-term.”

  • COLUMN | We’re here, we’re queer and we might go shopping

    I’m at that age where I’ve become a bit jaded. Let’s just say I’m over 40, A.K.A. dead in gay years. I get the sensation that I’ve seen it all before and done it all; more than once.

    The thought of hanging about in a park all day whilst a lot of drunken people watch the latest celebrity boy bands whilst trying to get Grindr to work and buying cheap tat that’s had the word “gay” added to make it saleable, is my idea of hell.

    Thinking back though, this wasn’t always the case. It was the late 1980s and aged 18, I got on a coach laid on by the local gay bar from the Midlands town where I lived, and came down to London to attend Gay Pride. I was intrigued by what it would be like and had no idea what to expect, media coverage of such events being largely non-existent then. I wasn’t expecting what I saw.

    The huge throng of people was a sight to see. I’d also never seen so many gay people or even had any idea that they’re that many LGBT people in the whole of England. I’d also never seen men kissing in public or holding hands and thought that I’d landed on some strange planet where things were as they should be. There were many other things I hadn’t seen before: two women with their breasts pierced and chained together (Health and Safety hazard: one slip or trip and you’d lose a nipple), 30 men dressed as Wonder Woman charging along to the theme music from the show, drag queens in vertiginous heels and many many other weird and wonderful sights. The appeal wasn’t that alone though. There were also a huge amount of people just like me. Representatives from the emergency services, various social, political and career groups were all out and proud with a rallying cry of “We’re Here, We’re Queer and we’re Not Going Shopping”. I liked the more strident political side to it and the inventive banners as much as the comedic ones and the fripperies of the O.T.T. drag.

    For once, I actually didn’t really want to go shopping. I passed Fortnum and Mason’s without as much as a twitch. I was amazed that we were so public and that we passed so many London landmarks and also staggered that no one was throwing bricks, spouting venom or condemning us to hell-fire.

    The festival on the park afterwards had a drag tent which kept me amused, as well as some bad pop and a wealth of people watching opportunities. I felt strangely empowered as the fireworks went off with a bang (as they do) and the bus set off for home.

    It’s hard to remember our youth and more innocent joy at things we now take for granted so maybe I’ll try again. Well, I may have to pop in Fortnum and Mason’s first. One needs a good picnic and a comfy rug if sitting on a park at my age.

  • EDINBURGH | Just over a week until Pride Scotia

    TheGayUK is happy to annouce that in just over a week Pride Scotia, Edinburgh’s very own pride parade will take to the streets.

    The march will assemble outside Scottish Parliament from 11:30 – and will move promptly at noon on the 15th June 2013

    The march route will be High Street, crossing in portions at North Bridge.

    A pause outside the City Chambers for speeches. March resumes along George IV Bridge to Bristo Square.

    TheGayUK is a proud media sponsor of Pride Scotia – we’ll be bringing you news about Pride events in Edinburgh during the forthcoming week.

  • INTERVIEW: Anttix the pop prince is all for gay marriage

    So we sit down for a chat with the UK’s newest, hottest pop prince Anttix, he’s a cheeky thing – him. Even though his preference is the single ladies, he’d still take us out on a date, he’d sing at our weddings plus you can watch him perform at numerous Pride events this summer. Plus he looks abit alright in the buff. Meet Anttix…

    So we have to ask… Where’s the name from and does your family call you Anttix?

    Ahhh…I used to pretend it was my real name but now thanks to Wikipedia I can’t get away with it! haha…The name came about quite organically really. My management used to say…’Oh look he’s back up to his antics’ (Ill let you imagine what that might be) haha…and my real name is Antony. So we came up with Anttix. Some members of my family call me Anttix but my mum – no way! Not when II’mbeing told off anyway! haha!

    We know you’re straight, well we’re assuming anyway, but for just one moment, imagine… where would you take us out on a date?

    Haha…I’d take you on a date, I’m the most chilled out guy you could meet. I guess It would depend on who you were? As all I know about you is these questions sent to me from my management. Few beers, maybe I would sing to you and make you fall in love with me. Something like that! hahaha!

    Whats your craziest fan moment?

    Im currently on a schools tour across the UK and It’s actually mental. Everyone starts crying at me – I was not prepared for it ALL ALL. At first I didn’t know what to do, it’s kinda mental for me. To me Im just a regular guy. Certainly not worth crying over!! haha…I also get sent lots of fan mail. Some of that is a little crazy, BUT It’s cool. I love them all so it’s all good!

    Biggest guilty pleasure?

    Umm…I don’t get this whole guilty pleasure thing. If I like something I like it. I don’t feel guilty ever. Umm…OK…I ACTUALLY LIKE GANGNAM STYLE.

    Politically hot topic, what’s your take on the gay marriage debate?

    I actually CAN’T BELIEVE this is even a hot topic. It should have been addressed a long time ago. I think the world is mad. I truly believe in equality. I think people should be allowed to love who they want regardless of sex. I mean it’s 2013 man. People are dying in the world and we’re worried about whether two people who love each should be allowed to marry. If two dudes or two chicks wanna tie the knot I’M ALL FOR IT. Don’t forget to send me my invite.

     

    If you found a million pounds in a briefcase in a park somewhere what would you do with it?

    I actually don’t know. Im not that driven by money in general but I guess a million pound in cash – Sh*t the bed. First I’d go and party to celebrate…Then I would probably post a pic of it on my Instagram/twitter…I mean come on…PRIORITIES! haha…then I’d probably call my best mate paul and we’d come up with some ridiculous plan about how were gonna take over the world or something stupid like that.

     

    What’s your biggest fashion faux pas?

    Ahhhh no regrets. hahaha…Probably not wearing clothes in my recent shoot. Noone should be seeing that. hahah!

     

    What couldn’t you live without?

    My phone. Im addicted.

    Are we ever likely to see dirty pics of you on Twitter?

    Define dirty. Probably not! But I guess you can never say never.

    What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

    The first hour after I wake up is always a blur. Usually eat chewits!

     

    The Stig or Jeremy Clarkson?

    The Stig

     

    Kelly Clarkson or Kelly Osbourne?

    Kelly Osbourne

     

    Kelly Rowland or Beyonce?

    Beyonce

     

    Single ladies or MILFs?

    Single ladies

     

    Anttix new single Tornado is out on the 28th July 2013 on The Famous Company Label

  • FRANCE: 18-Year-Old Gay Rights Champion Left Brain Dead After ‘Skinhead’ Attack.

    Clément Méric, an 18-year-old student and well known gay rights activist in Paris was violently attacked by a group of three ‘far-right skinheads’, including one women near the Saint-Lazare train station on Wednesday evening, the Local is reporting.

    Four arrests have been made in connection to the attack including the individual suspected of delivering the final blow to Méric’s head in Wednesday’s attack.

    The Local also reports that at least one of the attackers wore knuckle-dusters according to initial reports.

    An eyewitness, named only as Aurelia, described to French journalists the horrendous scene she had witnessed.

    “I was out doing some shopping, when I found myself face to face with the attackers,” who she told reporters had shaved heads and wore leather jackets.

    “I saw the young man falling, and his head hitting a bollard. There was blood coming out of his ears and nose, and then he went into convulsions.”

    “He had a huge lump at the back of his head, and his face was covered in blood,” she added.

    Anti-gay crime has soared in the last few months, as France became the 14th nation to equalise same-sex marriages.

    In April a gay dancer, Raphaël Leclerc was beaten unconscious in Nice, and Wildred de Brujin was attacked in Paris. Also in the same month four people were detained by police on suspicion of carrying out an attack at a gay bar in the French city of Lille.

    A vigil will take place this evening for the victim.

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