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  • THEATRE REVIEW | Afterglow, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | Afterglow, London

    ★★★★ | Afterglow, Waterloo East Theatre, London

    An extramarital relationship takes its toll on two men expecting a baby in the return of the sexy play Afterglow.

    After a sell-out run at the Southwark Playhouse which ended just a few months ago, Afterglow returns to the cosy Waterloo East theatre, with a new cast, and 15 minutes shorter. Does this make the show better than the previous production? Yes it does.

    The problem with the previous production was the time-consuming moments when the actors would re-arrange the furniture for the scene changes – all a bit tedious and it took away from the sexually charged energy of the show.

    What we have now is a cast who are just as sexy, but with a show that is tighter and sexier, while we are still treated to those delicious and sexy scenes where the actors are totally naked (in the bed, in the shower, practically all over the stage)!

    The plot, if you buy a ticket for that, involves Josh (Adi Chugh), Alex (Peter Mcpherson) and Darius (Benjamin Aluwihare). Josh and Alex have been together a long time and have decided to have a baby via surrogate. But their relationship is an open one – they participate in three ways and allow each other to have fun with other guys. But when Darius enters their bedroom he and Josh click right away, and start to see each other, with Alex’s approval, and they eventually start to fall in love. But with the baby coming very soon (Josh and Alex cheekily change the name of their unborn baby weekly to peaches, lemon and cauliflower), and with Alex starting to get worried about Josh and Darius spending more time together, can Alex and Josh endure this big bump in their relationship?

    The actors are all very sexy and are all good in their respective roles, especially Aluwihare who brings a bit of naivety to his role. It’s a very good production, and at 75 minutes it’s not a big investment in your time – and it’s in a cosy and warm theatre where you might be tempted too to take your clothes off.

    Book now here

  • FILM REVIEW | By the Grace of God

    FILM REVIEW | By the Grace of God

    ★★★★ | By the Grace of God

    Francois Ozon is back at the top of his game in his new film By the Grace of God.

    Ozon, director of some very unique and unusual films such as 8 Women, Swimming Pool, and The New Girlfriend, takes a turn towards fact in a film about the Catholic Church abuse scandal, a true story where three men publicly come out to tell their story about being sexually abused by the same priest when they were very young.

    In this French film, Melvil Poupaud, who was amazing in Laurence Anyways, plays Alexandre Guérin, married wth children, yet he’s got something in his past that keeps haunting him – the time when he was young and was molested by Father Bernard Preynat (played by Bernard Verley). When he learns that Father Preynat is stil working with children, and not wanting to be on his seeking out justice – he finds two more victims – Francois (Denis Menochet) and Emmanuel (Swann Arlaud), and among them they band together. They form an organization and publicize it, and more victims come forward. But with this brings memories of the past, memories that some of the men can’t get over, but Father Preynat must pay for his sins, and the men won’t stop until Preynat is jailed.

    Ozon, who also wrote the film, has chosen the right actors to play the victims. They are all very good but especially Poupaud who carries this heavy burden with him while managing to be a good husband and father to his children without concealing his emotional scars. Like ‘Spotlight,’ the 2015 Best Picture winner which told a similar story from journalists perspective, By the Grace of God is more effective because it tells the story from the victims perspective and how a man they, and their parents, trusted, could do something as horrific, evil and criminal to them at such a young age – it’s a crime.

    Believe it or not, the real Father Preynat is still alive, has never served time for his crimes, and the only punishment he has so far received is to be defrocked by the Archdiocese of Lyon. Shocking.

    By the Grace of God In cinemas and on Curzon Home Cinema on 25th October.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Ian McKellen On Stage, London

    THEATRE REVIEW | Ian McKellen On Stage, London

    ★★★★★ | Ian McKellen On Stage, Harold Pinter Theatre, London

    “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”

    This is a famous quote from Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, and it can also be applied to Sir Ian McKellen, and his performance in his one-man show ‘Ian McKellen On Stage,’ a show that is both very entertaining, engaging, brilliant and great!

    McKellen has been touring this solo show all over the UK – 80 theatres for his 80th birthday, and now 80 performances at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London.

    And I strongly encourage you to go – do whatever you can to get a ticket. It is a tour de force performance, so unlike anything I’ve ever seen in live theatre. And it’s rare to see someone of his calibre, celebrity, candor, wit and knowledge on a West End Stage.

    McKellen takes us through his life during this show, which includes his work in both film (especially Lord of The Rings where he famously played Gandalf) and theatre, working with legends any actor can only dream of working with (Laurence Olivier). There is also a huge suitcase on stage, a suitcase littered with stickers of theatres where he has performed this very same show (The Space in the Isle of Dogs, the Young Vic, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Leicester Curve Studio… the list goes on and on). But in this suitcase are books by William Shakespeare, and McKellen gets the audience involved by asking them to call out the names of any Shakespeare book, which McKellen plucks out of the suitcase and proceeds to tell a story about said book, until all the books have been talked about – pure genius.

    Ian McKellen on Stage is what I suspect is the real Ian Mckellen off stage; genuinely warm, friendly, self-assured and confident and making you feel this way too, and by the end of the night he makes the audience feel that they were let in on his life, with some secrets told, and some gossip about other famous people, and opening up his life to us in a way no other performer (that I know of) has ever done. And we feel that we want to share our lives with him at some point as well. Ian (yes I feel comfortable enough to call him Ian) collects money in the lobby after the show for theatre charities (proceeds from this show also goes to theatre charities).

    Taking this show to 80 theatres around the country was an 80th birthday present to himself – it is also a birthday gift to us and is a once in a lifetime experience for us as well.

    Ian McKellen On Stage, is at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 5th January 2020, Book now

  • “Terrifying” homophobic assault leaves a man in Manchester hospitalised

    “Terrifying” homophobic assault leaves a man in Manchester hospitalised

    Police in Manchester have released an image of a man they wish to question in connection to an alleged homophobic hate crime on the outskirts of Manchester earlier in October.

    According to police reports, a man in his 20s was attacked by another man in what they are calling “an unprovoked attack”

    The assault, the police say, took place close to the entrance of Clayton Vale Park on Ten Acres Lane on Sunday 6 October 2019 just after mid-day at 12:30 PM

    The victim, who has not yet been named, was left with serious facial injuries and needed medical treatment.

    Do you know this man?

    (C) GMP / SUPPLIED

    READ NEXT PAGE 2/2

  • Azealia Banks warns the gays “Y’all stay off that f*cking PrEP”

    The controversial performer Azealia Banks has taken time out of her busy schedule to warn people using the anti-HIV drug, PrEP.

    Of course, she had little (read no) evidence to back her claims.

    Banks, who has a history of attacking the gay community, with the outrageous usage of the word f*ggot, took to Instagram Stories to question the drug’s side effects and warn users of potential outcomes.

    “There’s no reason you need to have a fucking pill so you can just fuck whoever you wanna fuck,” she said.

    According to Queerty, and a copy of the Instagram Story on Twitter, she continued,

    “The boys are still getting HIV.

    “The girls are getting fucking renal failure. They’re getting liver fucking failure, they’re getting anal warts, they’re getting anal cancer, OK? That’s a fucking death trap.”

    However Banks failed to present any evidence for her claims.

    She then took aim at out singer Frank Ocean, who recently opened a club night called, PrEP saying,

    “And for that dumbass n*gga Frank Ocean to sit up there and f*cking promote that to y’all gays like that’s something that y’all need? It’s evil. And he’s probably getting paid, by some white gay corporation to f*cking do this sh*t”

    “Y’all stay off that f*cking PrEP.”

    She also suggested that people taking PrEP could have a sex addiction and should seek the help of a therapist.

    “They trying to spark a new AIDS epidemic?”

    Further on in her rant, Banks delved into a wild conspiracy theory suggesting that there could be a new AIDS epidemic from the wide usage of unprotected sex brought on by people using PrEP.

    She said, “I don’t know what new epidemic they trying to spark. They trying to spark a new AIDS epedemic?”

    https://twitter.com/lavishxjustin/status/1185364911624343552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1185364911624343552&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.queerty.com%2Fazealia-banks-slams-taking-prep-blasts-dumbass-frank-ocean-20191021
    Embed from Getty Images

    Banks and her obsession with gay sex

    This isn’t the first time Banks has poked her nose into the sex lives of gay men. In 2018 she warned against the use of Poppers. In that tweet she wrote,

    “Stop sniffing poppers!! When you sniff poppers there’s is [the] possibility for your pain threshold to be heightened – which means you will not feel yourself being harmed until after the fact. No more poppers and fleets!!! Embrace that boochie baby.”

    “Just be patient with yourself. Sometimes it takes 20 minutes to get inside a boochie and THAT IS OKAY. Don’t speed up the process by using poppers to accommodate a forceful top. Say “I HAVE THE BUSSY… I MAKE THE RULES!”

  • Here’s why you shouldn’t be taking Viagra and poppers together

    Here’s why you shouldn’t be taking Viagra and poppers together

    It could be lethal. So here’s what you need to know.

    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    One doctor told THEGAYUK.com, that taking a Viagra and poppers together, could cause “…a significant drop in the blood pressure that can lead to collapse and death”

    Those are the words of a doctor who is warning users that mixing Viagra and poppers together could cause some real damage to health after a new study revealed that over half (55 per cent) of people who use Viagra have also used poppers alongside them. Over half of those said they had no idea of the dangers of mixing.

    In the survey by AssuredPharmacy over 1400 people were questioned about their popper usage, 80 per cent admitted to using poppers and over half admitted to using poppers regularly.

    Aside from a headache, potential skin burns and fainting, poppers are known to cause a drop in blood pressure, and mixing with Viagra according to one doctor, could be very dangerous.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Dr Roisin McHugh BSc, MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG, DCH, DGM, DPD said,

    “Alkyl nitrites, commonly known as poppers, if taken in combination with sildenafil (Viagra) can have a dangerous effect. The combination will cause a drop in blood pressure, this can be a significant drop in the blood pressure that can lead to collapse and death”

    Are poppers safe?

    Many gay and bisexual men use poppers and don’t suffer any issues, however, their usage does come with warnings. For instance, they can cause death if swallowed. Also, people who have heart problems should stay away from using them – especially when combined with other medications, such as Viagra. They can cause a person’s blood pressure to drop incredibly low.

    Don’t forget the skin burns!

    Doctor McHugh also warned about skin burns, saying, “Poppers cause chemical burns if you get the liquid on your skin and don’t wash it off with water quickly enough. In rare cases, there are also some reports that poppers can cause impaired vision or sight loss, although this may be reversible if you stop using them. If you abuse them heavily you can experience crusty yellow facial skin lesions around the lips, nose and mouth”.

    Issues with your eyes?

    LhcCoutinho / Pixabay

    In 2014 optometrists warned about vision loss in those who habitually use poppers. There have been reports of temporary and permanent vision loss. It is referred to as “poppers maculopathy”.

    If you experience any issues with your eyesight you should seek medical advice.

  • CAR REVIEW | Volvo XC40 R-Design Pro Automatic AWDSwedish Seduction 

    CAR REVIEW | Volvo XC40 R-Design Pro Automatic AWDSwedish Seduction 

    REVIEWED: Volvo XC40 R-Design Pro Automatic AWD, Swedish Seduction

    What Have We Got?

    Having recently tried Volvo’s smallest SUV offering with the competent XC40 Momentum Pro, we now jump seats and try their sporty XC40 R-Design fitted with the same 190hp T4 petrol engine.

    I’ve not been a fan of the R-Design spec Volvo’s, so does this R-Design “do it” for me?

    Driving

    First thing you notice about the XC40 R-Design is its ride. It’s notably firmer in its springing rates. Something you would expect from the sporty lineup. 

    Strangely I’m rather won over by it. For a high sided car, It felt composed and taught. And despite what I said about the Momentum and its perfect choice of gearing, the R-Design gives you wheel paddles that allow you to engage in a more enthusiastic driving experience.  The only problem with the sporty model is the throttle response to gentle pressings just didn’t feel as progressive or fluid. Here is where it encourages enthusiasm by having adopting its own driving style. 

    Adhesion, already impressive with FWD, is further boosted in this AWD system. It encourages you and rewards you with a drive that you should expect from a small SUV.

    Inside

    One thing that is worthy of note is the use of recycled bottles, turned into fluffy material and used in the door cards and transmission tunnel. It has a warmth and feels like a faithful dog pressing against your left leg. 

    R-Design also has such niceties as door illuminations making the car feel more affluent in the range than in some ways, it should feel. 

    The downside is that in the day, the R-Design is a touch too dark on the inside. What it gives you at night, it takes away in the day. 

    Living With It

    The XC40 R-Design is easy to engage with when you want to travel fast. It will reward you with its taught road behaviour and cosset you at night with its soothing ambience which feels a mile away from what it is.. 

    The Verdict

    I’ve not been kind to the R-Designs in the Volvo ranges and when driven back-to-back with other models I am still not sold. What then happened was I’ve been seduced by this R-Design. 

    Jumping from the Momentum Pro T4 in the range, you notice its driving manners immediately and this time, they really are noticeably different. But it’s not bad. I even contacted Volvo PR Barnaby Jones to tell him that I’ve changed. 

    Its sporty prowess is exaggerated by the use of a 4 wheel drive system. It gives added encouragement to really use the T4 petrols 190hp and though it does hit the economy, it’s the payoff you expect to pay in a sporty model. It’s just that, at almost £4000 more than the Momentum Pro, it has a lot to offer but does it justify that extra? I’ll let you decide when you go to Volvo to take a look.

    Love

    Minimal sharp edges within cabin trim

    Handling

    Supportive seats

    Loathe

    Price

    Dark interior 

    Lacking fluidity

    The Lowdown

    Car –  Volvo XC40 R-Design Pro Automatic AWD

    Price – £ 42,485 (as tested)

    MPG – 32.8 – 35.3 mpg (WLTP combined)

    Power – 190hp

    0-62mph –  8.2 seconds

    Top Speed –  130 mph

    Co2 – 163 (g/km)

  • There’s a big gay rally happening tomorrow to try and get a people’s vote on BREXIT

    There’s a big gay rally happening tomorrow to try and get a people’s vote on BREXIT

    The march is to take place tomorrow in London.

    On the 19th October, there will be a march against a no-deal Brexit, as organisers of the LGBT+ for People’s Vote believe that the Brexit plans currently offered by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, “poses risks to the LGBT+ community”. The LGBT+ for PV rally is in conjunction with the People’s Vote campaign.

    A spokesperson for the LGBT+ for PV said, “LGBT+ people need to join the march because LGBT+ people are one of the communities that will be most impacted by Boris’ Brexit.

    “The voting records and views towards the LGBT+ community from Johnson and his cabinet give no reassurance that Brexit will protect the LGBT+ community.

    “That’s why it’s important to support a People’s Vote and make your voice heard tomorrow.” Lauren Pemberton-Nelson, Campaign Manager, LGBT+ for a People’s Vote. 

    Tomorrow from 10:30 AM

    The LGBT+ rally, which will set off from in front of the Bomber Command Memorial in London, 10:30 AM, is due to take place just 12 days before Brexit is set to happen.

    According to the group around 72 percent of LGBT+ people back a people’s vote.

    THEGAYUK‘s own research from 2016 revealed that 82 per cent of its readers believed the UK to be better off remaining in the EU.

  • The UK’s porn block has been cancelled

    ©-lofilolo-Depositphotos

    The government’s plan to block porn UK users who hadn’t signed up to an age verifying database has been scrapped.

    According to the Digital Secretary, Nicky Morgan, the controversial policy will not be commencing.

    The confirmation comes after the policy had been blocked a number of times.

    The original policy would have required users to register on porn sites with official documents such as a driver’s license, passport or an age verification card.

    The policy had raised concerned by privacy activists who warned that any database that contained personal information or that tracked people’s browsing online could be hacked or used by the government to track people’s most private moments.

    Advocates of the policy said that it would protect children from accessing porn online.

    In a written statement to parliament, Morgan said that the government would heighten its focus on its new “online harms” regulation to address issues caused by minors accessing porn sites.

    She wrote, “The government’s commitment to protecting children online is unwavering. Adult content is too easily accessed online and more needs to be done to protect children from harm”.

  • More and more young people think that being LGBT+ is “immoral”

    More and more young people think that being LGBT+ is “immoral”

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    If you think that future generations of people might be the answer to the inequalities faced by the LGBT+ community, statistics from Galop‘s latest research is sober reading.

    According to Galop, the UK’s leading charity against violence towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, found that 1 in four people aged 18-24 said that being LGBT+ was “immoral or against their beliefs”.

    That statistic becomes more concerning when you consider that, 41 per cent of the age group said that they strongly agreed (12%), agreed (16%) or were ambivalent (13%) with the idea gay or trans went against their beliefs or that being LGBT+ was in some way immoral.

    Just over half of the respondents aged 18 to 24, said that they disagreed with the statement “Being LGBT+ is immoral or against my beliefs”.

    What about the next age group up?

    Valencia
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    The age group 25 to 35 didn’t fair much better with 40 per cent saying that strongly agreed (9%), agreed (12%) or were ambivalent (19%) with the idea that being LGBT+ was against their belief.

    This is in stark contrast to the widely quoted statistic from a YouGov survey that found 49 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds, when asked to plot their sexuality on a scale said that they were not 100 per cent heterosexual.

    Nik Noone, Galop’s Chief Executive said, Recorded anti-LGBT+ hate crime has doubled in the last three years. This is reflected in the escalating scale, severity and complexity of hate crime cases we are supporting at Galop. 

    Our ambition is that this report gives insight into the scale of prejudice still faced by our community. More importantly, we hope its findings and recommendations will act as a springboard for action. 

  • Is The Birdcage on Netflix 2019?

    The Birdcage is one of the most famous gay movies in history and one of Robin William’s most successful, but where can you stream it?

    Is The Birdcage on Netflix in 2019?

    The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane is unfortunately no longer available to stream on Netflix UK. It was removed from the service in Feb 2019.

    The film was originally released in 1996 and has become one of the highest-grossing LGBT+ films in history. Find out about where the cast is now.

    The film is about a nightclub owner (Robin Williams) and his long-term partner (Nathan Lane) who is the club’s drag queen star. When their son, Val, announces he is to wed the daughter of a conservative senator, who deplores liberal values and gay rights, they scramble to make their home, lives and partnership suitable for homophobes. Although it doesn’t all exactly go to plan.

    The Birdcage is also available to buy or rent on iTunes

    The Birdcage is also available to buy or rent on Amazon

    The Birdcage is not available on Now TV.

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