THEGAYUK

Search results for: “ ”

  • LGBT+ pop up bar, Chateaux to close after two years

    LGBT+ pop up bar, Chateaux to close after two years

    Sad news, as The Chateau, a Pop Up LGBT+ bar and cultural space is set to close at the end of April.

    The bar, which started life in Camberwell, London made the announcement that it’s due to close at the end of April.

    The statement said, “we’ve held on as long as is humanly possible, but the time has come to move on…”

    It added, “The Chateau is an entity without and we will continue to live outside of the basement.

    “Thank you to all who have supported us over the last two years, it’s been stunning”.

    The bar was planning a raft of events up until the last date in April, however, a further message from the organisers wrote,

    “In light of the current situation, we have taken the decision to cancel all events scheduled this week at The Chateau.

    “We will keep you posted with our plans going forward. Sending lots of love and strength to all the artists, promoters, djs, freelancers and queers right now and thank you for all your support for the chateau team at this tough time. “

  • Is Covid-19 sexually transmitted? Is it safe to have sex?

    Is Covid-19 sexually transmitted? Is it safe to have sex?

    As it stands, all we really know is that Covid-19 is spread through droplets from when people sneeze and cough.

    The reproduction rate of the coronavirus is pretty high (higher than the normal flu) which is why we’re being told to wash our hands for 20 seconds and to cough and sneeze into the crook of our elbow or into tissues.

    Is the virus spread through sexual contact?

    Is the coronavirus spread through sexual contact?
    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Doctor Earim Chaudry, Medical Director at Manual’s told us that “Covid-19 is not a sexually transmitted disease”.

    He added,

    “While Coronavirus isn’t an STI, the virus can still be transmitted by direct content between two people and if one partner is infected, there’s a strong chance the other partner would also contract the virus.

    “The virus can enter through these droplets through the eyes, nose or throat if you are in close contact, which means it can be spread by touch if a person has used their hands to cover their mouth or nose when they coughed or sneezed.

    So what are the chances of being infected if you come into contact with someone who has Covid-19? Well as Dr Chaudry explains, “Covid-19 is also a highly infectious virus, which means if you are in close contact with someone infected there’s a high chance you will also become infected”.

    If you’re having sex at this time, the good doctor gives this advice,

    “As for safe sex, I wouldn’t recommend getting intimate with someone you’re unfamiliar without protection regardless of Covid-19.

    “Always practice good ole fashioned safe sex: that means wearing a condom if you don’t know your partner’s sexual health/history. Stay safe!”

    [totalpoll id=”112594″]

    So what are the symptoms?

    The symptoms to look out for are primarily a new cough or fever.

    Find out how long you and your household need to self-isolate for if you have any of these symptoms.

    Feeling panicky, isolated or anxious during these uncertain times? We’ve created a resource page which has important phone numbers, articles and support groups listed. Click here to go there.

  • Propaganda nightclub in Nottingham seeks to reassure customers “strong disinfectant used on tabletops, chairs, taps, door handles and other common surfaces”

    Propaganda nightclub in Nottingham seeks to reassure customers “strong disinfectant used on tabletops, chairs, taps, door handles and other common surfaces”

    Nottingham‘s only dedicated LGBT+ club has sought to reassure its customers that they doing everything they can to keep customers and staff safe during the Covid-19 outbreak.

    The club took to Facebook to say that all their staff were “fully trained on strict hygiene practices” and that there were “constantly checking for updates and further advice from the NHS and government”.

    Club bosses also advised, “Antibacterial hand soap remains in our soap dispensers (and we have plenty of it!) so please do use it. You may find our team members wearing latex gloves on shift, so please do not be alarmed if you see us sporting the sexy blue gloves. This is our way of protecting you and us”.

    It added, “In line with government guidance, WE REMAIN OPEN and welcome you to join us at Propaganda”.

    Meanwhile in London, Jeremy Joseph, the owner of one of the UK’s biggest LGBT+ nightclub brands, G-A-Y blasted the UK’s PM, Boris Johnson, as a c**t amidst the current climate of uncertainty. He also said that the clubs would be closing for the foreseeable future.

  • Drag Race UK filming postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak

    Drag Race UK filming postponed due to Covid-19 outbreak

    The show was “well underway” according to a source but has been postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

    Drag Race UK has apparently been placed “permanently on hold” according to The Sun – after a show source admitted that they’ve had to “pull the plug”.

    The source said,

    “At the moment the plug has been pulled completely on the show and as it stands, the second series of Drag Race is permanently on hold.

    “It’s awful for everyone involved, people aren’t working and the studios are empty. But obviously the health of everyone on the show comes first.”

    Fans of the first series had rejoiced when the BBC announced, along with the Drag Race production company, World of Wonder, that there was to be a second series of the hit BBC 3 show.

    Drag Race UK isn’t the only show to be halted. A number of shows have been suspended or delayed since the outbreak of Covid-19.

    Today the BBC announced a raft of postponements. In a statement the corporation said,

    “In light of the spread of Covid-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed until further notice. The decision was made after the latest government update.

    “We will continue to follow the latest news and advice from the World Health Organisation and public health organisations.”

    THEGAYUK.com has reached out to World of Wonder for comment.

  • Here’s how long you need to stay at home if you’ve got Covid-19 symptoms

    Here’s how long you need to stay at home if you’ve got Covid-19 symptoms

    Health officials have outlined guidance for self-isolating if you have symptoms of Covid-19.

    The symptoms of Covid-19 include a new continuous cough and/ or a high temperature.

    The guidance states that if you live alone and you have those symptoms you should stay at home for 7 days from when the symptoms started.

    If you live with other people but they are well, they should stay at home for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

    Making sure that people self-isolate for 14 days will “greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community” according to the Government issued guidance.

    THEGAYUK has put together a page full of useful articles, helplines and other resources for the wellbeing of our community. Check it out here.

  • Beware of scams selling fake Covid-19 self-test kits

    Beware of scams selling fake Covid-19 self-test kits

    These are fake.

    According to Doctor Hilary on this morning’s, Good Morning Britain, Dr Hilary warned against buying into a scam, which sees fake kits being sold for £20 which allege to test for Covid-19, however, the doctor slammed these sellers as “scum” saying,

    “There are a lot of scams going around. There is a lot of scum perpetrating scams selling £20 kits which are totally inaccurate and potentially very dangerous because they’re giving people false reassurance…”

    The UK had scaled back its testing for Covid-19 with the Chief Medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty saying, on the 12th March that it was “no longer necessary for us to identify every case”.

    However, it seems as though the Government is asking the NHS to ramp up testing amid concerns over the lack of capacity for testing within the community and for NHS frontline staff.

    The NHS is expected to test around 25,000 patients who are already in hospital for the Coronavirus.

    As of 18th March, over 56,000 people had been tested within the UK of which 2626 were confirmed to be positive for Covid-19.

  • G-A-Y Owner: Boris Johnson is a c**t

    G-A-Y Owner: Boris Johnson is a c**t

    Jeremy Joseph has launched a blistering attack on the UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, calling him a c**t over his response to the current Covid-19 pandemic.

    In a social media post, blasting the PM, the owner of the world-famous G-A-Y brand wrote, “Boris Johnson, you are a c*nt”.

    His outburst was in relation to Boris Johnson’s media briefing yesterday suggesting the general public should start social distancing, by not using pubs, restaurants and theatres but not mandating that those businesses close.

    Embed from Getty Images

    In a Facebook post Jeremy wrote,

    “Telling people to avoid pubs, restaurants & theatres but not closing them, in other words, unofficially closing venues but making sure Government isn’t liable for staff to get sick pay”.

    Embed from Getty Images

    G-A-Y operates in four venues, three in London and one in Manchester.

    Jeremy has decided for the time being to close all the venues saying, “I no longer feel comfortable being open, so G-A-Y will be closed until further notice”

  • One of the UK’s busiest gay saunas has shut “until further notice”

    One of the UK’s busiest gay saunas has shut “until further notice”

    “Pleasuredrome will undergo maintenance and cosmetic improvements providing work for our core staff”

    One of the UK’s busiest gay saunas has announced that it is to shut its doors from today, “until further notice” due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

    A spokesperson, Chris Amos, for the sauna said,

    “Following last night’s advice from the UK government recommending people avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues and in the interest of the health and wellbeing of our much-valued guests as well as the wonderful staff we have decided to temporarily close our doors from 7 am today until further notice.”

    [totalpoll id=”112613″]

    The sauna will use the time to “undergo maintenance and cosmetic improvements” which will provide work for the core staff at the facility.

    Pleasuredrome says it will continue to monitor the Government’s advice and “act accordingly to ensure public health and safety.”

    You can keep up-to-date with the sauna on their Twitter feed.

    Need some guidance or help, we’ve created a page of resources for our community.

  • DILEMMA | I’m concerned about coronavirus, should I stop hooking up? (UPDATED)

    DILEMMA | I’m concerned about coronavirus, should I stop hooking up? (UPDATED)

    A reader asks whether he should stop hooking up with guys from dating apps, during the coronavirus outbreak.

    Dear Uncle,

    I’m really concerned about the spread of coronavirus and wondering whether hooking up with random guys off grindr is safe.

    What do you suggest?

    Matthew

    In line with advice from the Government and healthcare professionals, it would best for the time being to cease casual hookups and non-essential meetings with people.

    The Government has called upon people to start “social distancing” in order to protect older people and the most vulnerable in society, this includes those living with HIV and AIDS and those who have compromised immune systems.

    Need some guidance or help, we’ve created a page of resources for our community.

    Dear Matthew,

    You ask a good question and one that could be applied to any number of viruses or infections that we face every time we make the decision to hook up with someone random off an app.

    Every time we decide to hook up with someone we haven’t received an entire up-to-date health scan from (read: basically every time) you are at some risk, but overall we make the call that the risk is worth the play.

    So should Coronavirus be any different?

    An agent for change?

    CREDIT: ©-Vadymvdrobot-Depositphotos

    I think coronavirus could be a good engine for change or adaptation for our community. It might invite us to start talking more openly about our sexual health, testing and well-being in general and there’s no harm in having a conversation with someone about their health before you hook up.

    The more we talk about these things, hopefully, the less stigma there is attached to our health.

    Is coronavirus overhyped?

    Despite the massive media attention given to coronavirus, it’s worth acknowledging that every year the human race battles flu, colds and other infections. The LA Times notes that this flu season alone 32 million Americans were infected with influenza, which resulted in 18,000 deaths.

    But with that said, it would be prudent to take some precautions.

    You could ask the person you’re planning to meet with whether they’re likely to have come into contact with the virus – i.e. have they travelled from one of the places hardest hit with the virus – like China, Iran, Italy or South Korea.

    However, given that the incubation period for this virus is assumed to be around two weeks, even someone who isn’t showing any symptoms may actually be carrying the virus.

    Be wary of your own heath – do you have underlying health conditions that could lead to complications should you become infected with the coronavirus.

    Keep the NHS website in your bookmarks for updates from the medical professionals and make your decisions based on their advice.

    Matthew, in the end, it’s up to you. I wouldn’t stop having fun at this stage, but I’d urge you and others to self isolate if you think you’ve started to get symptoms and not just with Corona – don’t hook up with guys if you’ve got a cold, flu or if you’re in treatment for an STI.

    Let’s not spread infections around.

    We’re a community that needs to protect each other.

    While I’m at it, why not go for a sexual health check-up – ask about PrEP, the HPV and Hepatitis vaccines.

    Got a dilemma you’d like us to answer? Click here

  • Mental Health Resources

    Mental Health Resources

    In times of anxiety, depression and isolation it can help to reach out and talk to somebody.

    Here are some helplines which we encourage you to call, email or instant message with.

    (We’re currently updating this page. Please check back soon for more options)

    Helplines

    England

    Samaritans (116-123)

    Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

    Switchboard (formerly London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard) (0300 330 0630)

    Open from 10 AM until 10 PM. Has phone, email and instant messages services.

    LGBT Foundation (0345 3 30 30 30)

    Open from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 6 pm.

    Birmingham LGBT Centre

    Birmingham LGBT is the city’s leading charity advocating for and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities in Birmingham and beyond. We offer a range of services focused on improving the health & well-being of individuals.

    Brighton and Hove Switchboard (01273 204050)

    Open 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM on Wednesdays and Thursday

    Leicester LGBT Centre

    Leicester LGBT Centre is a voluntary organisation set up to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans.

    Albert Kennedy Trust

    Support for 16-26-year-olds LGBT+ people who have been made homeless or living in a hostile situation. Offices in London and Manchester

    Armistead Centre, Liverpool

    LGBT-specific sexual health in Liverpool.

    Scotland

    LGBT Health and Wellbeing in Scotland

    Promoting the health, well-being and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) adults (16+) in Scotland. We welcome the entire diversity of our LGBT+ community including non-binary, queer, intersex, and asexual people and all identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.

    LGBT Youth Scotland

    LGBT Youth Scotland provides quality youth work to LGBTI young people and works in partnership for LGBTI equality and human rights.

    Wales

    LGBT Cymru Helpline

    The free phone number is 0800 917 9996 … Lines operate every Wednesday, between 10 am and 3 pm.

    Facebook groups

    You Are Not Alone

    A safe support space for the LGBT+ community to talk and support each other with mental health.

    Warwickshire Pride Social and Support Group

    This group has been set up by Warwickshire Pride for the LGBT+ community to chat, connect and access support while Warwickshire Pride groups and socials are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

    HIV support

    HIV Scotland (0131 558 3713)

    Coronavirus Helpline is live between 10 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

    Terrence Higgins Trust (0808 802 1221)

    THT Direct is open from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday

    GMFA

    The Gay Men’s Health Charity. GMFA offers trusted information, advice and support for gay, bi and trans men who have sex with men on all things sex, sexual health, HIV prevention

    National AIDS Trust

    National AIDS Trust is dedicated to transforming the UK’s response to HIV. We champion the rights of people living with HIV and campaign for change.

    Positive East

    Offering a comprehensive and holistic range of HIV support and prevention services

    LGBT+ Therapy

    Pink Therapy

    Pink Therapy offers a directory of qualified LGBTQIA+ friendly therapists and counsellors providing trusted, non-judgmental services for people who identify as LGBT+

    Free Online LGBTQ+ Group Therapy

    This is a small online therapy group run by Pride Space CIC, usually around 4-5 people plus a qualified counsellor.

    Groups run on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM. To sign up click here

    Do you have a resource that should be added? Click here to let us know.

    Discussion Groups

    A Change Of Scene

    A free monthly forum for gay and bisexual men to share their lives & experiences. Events are free.

    Let’s Talk About Gay Sex and Drugs

    A former monthly forum for talking about sex and / or drug use in the gay male community of London.

    Other support

    The Lucy Faithfull Foundation

    The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is the only UK-wide child protection charity dedicated solely to preventing child sexual abuse.

    Stop It Now

    Supporting people who are worried about their own online behaviour and who want to change. 0808 1000 900

  • Pride In London is calling on the UK Government to intervene on the violation of LGBT+ rights in Poland

    Pride In London is calling on the UK Government to intervene on the violation of LGBT+ rights in Poland

    Pride in London is calling on the UK’s government to help safeguard LGBT+ rights in Poland, where over 100 Polish municipal or local governments have announced that they are “free from LGBTI ideology”.

    The UK’s largest Pride is calling on the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Rabb MP, to intervene directly to safeguard LGBT+ rights.

    Pride in London has expressed serious concerns at the ongoing situation where over 100 Polish municipal or local governments have announced that they are “free from LGBTI ideology”.

    The situation faced by the country’s LGBT+ community has worsened since 2019 when a number of Prides were faced with being banned or had large counter-demonstrations from far-right and nationalist groups.

    The organisation has written to the Foreign Secretary urging him to raise the LGBT+ rights violations in Poland with the Polish Government’s UK Ambassador, Arkady Rzegocki, as a matter of urgency. 

    Alongside this, Pride in London has made a donation to support LGBT+ activists and communities in Poland through the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) Emergency Fund.

    Michael Salter-Church MBE, Co-Chair of Pride in London, said,

    “50 years on from brave activists taking a stand at Stonewall, the appalling situation in Poland clearly shows that the fight isn’t over. Whilst we remain focused on furthering LGBT+ rights in the UK, we mustn’t forget those abroad who need our support. We must take a stand for our community in countries where their fundamental human rights are not being upheld.

    “This emergency fund will help our siblings in Poland continue their vital work towards equality, and we urge members of the LGBT+ community to donate however they can. Beyond this, we must also continue to speak out in order to raise awareness of these shocking events – we have already seen how international attention can often disrupt the violent plans of Poland’s far-right nationalists.”

    Alongside other Pride organisations across Europe, Pride in London is supporting the work led by EPOA and in January developed an Action Plan with Polish counterparts aimed at strengthening ties with LGBT+ communities in Poland and providing strategic and operational advice. 

    Pride in London remains committed to standing up for LGBT+ communities around the world where their fundamental human rights are not being upheld.

More posts