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  • Discovered: Sexuality has a genetic basis (in part)

    Discovered: Sexuality has a genetic basis (in part)

    But there isn’t just one “gay gene”.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    According to a new report published in Science Magazine, sexuality isn’t defined by one “gay gene” but seemingly a series of genes which make up 8 to 25 per cent of a person’s sexuality. No one sexuality gene has yet been isolated.

    The findings could not be used to predict the sexuality of a person.

    Nearly 500,000 people from the US and UK helped up make the study using the UK’s BioBank 409,000 people and the US’s 23andMe (68500 people).

    Users were asked if they had ever had same-sex sex exclusively or whether they had opposite-sex partners.

    qimono / Pixabay

    According to the BBC, “…Harvard and MIT researchers concluded genetics could account for between 8-25% of same-sex behaviour across the population, when the whole genome is considered.

    “Five specific genetic variants were found to be particularly associated with same-sex behaviour, including one linked to the biological pathway for smell, and others to those for sex hormones”.

    No such thing as a ‘gay gene’

    David Curtis, honorary professor at the UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, said, “This study clearly shows that there is no such thing as a ‘gay gene’.

    “There is no genetic variant in the population which has any substantial effect on sexual orientation.

    “Rather, what we see is that there are very large numbers of variants which have extremely modest associations.

    “Even if homosexuality is not genetically determined, as this study shows, that does not mean that it is not in some way an innate and indispensable part of an individual’s personality.”

    “Natural and normal part of the variation”

    Fah Sathirapongsasuti, a senior scientist at 23andMe, said, “This is a natural and normal part of the variation in our species and that should also support precisely the position that we shouldn’t try and develop gay ‘curism’. That’s not in anyone’s interest.”

    Discrimination

    Science Magazine notes, “Attributing same-sex orientation to genetics could enhance civil rights or reduce stigma. Conversely, there are fears it provides a tool for intervention or “cure.” Same-sex orientation has been classified as pathological and illegal and remains criminalized in more than 70 countries, some with the death penalty”.

    The discovery of sexuality by genetics could go a long way to ensure that legal equality is mandated by law. Many people still believe that sexuality is a choice, made into a “sin” by the major religions of the world.

    The genetic factor could help make lawmakers give consideration to equality when confronted with scientific evidence that sexuality is in nature, not nurture.

  • 25 signs that prove you’re with Mr Right

    25 signs that prove you’re with Mr Right

    We used to say it with flowers — but now the true sign of modern love is a change in Facebook status from ‘single’ to ‘in a relationship’, according to research.

    CREDIT: Oneinchpunch-bigstock

    A survey asking 2,000 adults about the modern signs of true love found a massive 64 per cent said updating on social media makes a new relationship ‘official’. Having your partner’s photo as your desktop background, using their name for your online passwords and saving their favourite shows to your Netflix account were also named as modern signs of true love.

    Amazingly, over a third of adults confessed they would say ‘I love you’ for the first time in a text, instant message or video chat.

    The research also found being in constant contact is indicative of a modern relationship – with the average couple texting or instant messaging each other seven times throughout the day. Texting habits were often mentioned amid the list of true love, with 13 per cent who said they’d rather send a soppy text than buy a spontaneous gift for their partner. Sending a text in the morning and night is the done thing if living separately, said a quarter of adults – as well as sending one more when arriving somewhere safely.

    Signing greeting cards from both of you, coming home from a night out to be with them and feeling strange having the bed to yourself were all named as modern signs of a serious relationship.

    Interestingly, the results showed independence to be important in modern love, with many who said being able to have your own bank accounts and your own friends are signs of true love.

    The study found many people look to Facebook to confirm a relationship – as a huge 63 per cent of adults said they’ve only found out about a friend’s new partner because of their profile updates. s well as a change in online relationship status, things are serious with a partner if they’re Facebook friends with your family members, said 19 per cent of adults.

    And one in ten said a committed partner would ‘tag’ them on social media to let their friends know they’re on a date.

    THE MODERN SIGNS OF TRUE LOVE

    Wavebreak-Media-Ltd-bigstock

    1. Signing greeting cards from both of you

    2. Come home to them early when on a night out

    3. Not wearing make-up or doing your hair

    4. Feeling strange when you have the bed to yourself

    5. Updating to ‘In a relationship’ on Facebook

    6. Knowing what to order them when getting a takeaway

    7. Being in constant contact, through texts, instant messages or calls

    8. Texting when arriving somewhere so they know you’re safe

    9. Texting goodnight/morning texts if you aren’t staying together

    10. Having their photo as your desktop background/phone wallpaper

    11. Buying their favourite food when grocery shopping

    12. Answering the door to them in pyjamas/trackie bottoms

    13. Having your own bank accounts/cash as well as a shared account

    14. Your family members ‘adding’ your other half on social media

    15. No longer being envious of your friends’ single lives

    16. Finding yourself getting them spontaneous gifts based on private jokes

    17. Each having your own friends, not just ‘couple friends’

    18. Finishing off each other’s sentences

    19. Enjoying doing their laundry when they’ve been staying with you

    20. Having their favourite shows saved to your Netflix account

    21. Tagging them on Facebook when you’re out together/on a date

    22. Using his name or birthday for online passwords

    23. Wearing one of his t-shirts to bed

    24. Leaving a long line of kisses at the ends of texts or messages

    25. Going on a diet/cutting out alcohol when they do

  • Politicians demand Manchester Pride answer to “disastrous Fyre Festival” comparison

    Politicians demand Manchester Pride answer to “disastrous Fyre Festival” comparison

    The Liberal Democrats have demanded an Equalities Scrutiny summoning for Manchester Pride organisers amidst comparisons to the disastrous Fyre Festival.

    Lib Dem leader John Leech wrote to the Chair of Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee outlining a number of serious concerns surrounding the organisation and running of Pride including accusations of racism and lack of disabled access.

    Various attendees at the event which cost upwards of £70 to attend complained of terrible visibility issues for those in wheelchairs and poor crowd management for the headline event, starring Ariana Grande. Many condemned the Pride event – likened this year’s celebrations to the notorious Fyre Festival.

    The Lib Dems have demanded a summoning to investigate the Parade’s security, freedom of the press, disabled access, racism and equality issues.

    To jusitfy their demand, the Lib Dems says that the following allegations must be answered for:

    “Security: A group of individuals were able to hijack the parade, and allowed to take part in the parade, despite not arranging to be involved in advance. There is a real danger that other groups may try to do the same in the future.

    “Freedom of the Press: A photo-journalist was blocked from taking photos of protesters. Pride staff tried to make him leave the vigil, and made complaints made about photos taken from public locations. The journalist was also threatened with having his accreditation withheld in the future.

    “Disabled Access: People were allowed to block the view of disabled visitors to the parade at disabled viewing platforms, and access for disabled visitors was not maintained around the village.

    “Ticket Issues: People with tickets were not being able to gain access to the Mayfield venue, after restrictions on entry after 7 PM were introduced after tickets had been sold. Other ticket holders have complained about not being allowed back in after visiting the toilets near to the entrance.

    “Racism: Complaints of racism from black and Asian visitors who were refused entry into bars, not served in clubs and were followed around by staff”.

    Liberal Democrat Leader John Leech said, “Every year, Manchester proudly welcomes people from all backgrounds from around the world for the biggest and best celebration of equality, where we come together to renew our fight for equal rights.

    “But serious concerns have been raised about this year’s Pride celebrations, including accusations of racism and limited disabled access.

    “As a celebration that should be all-inclusive, we cannot let concerns like this slip and the Council has a responsibility to ensure it is a safe, inclusive and successful event.

    “The Lib Dems have therefore called for the organisers of Pride, including the PR and security teams, be brought in front of the Equalities Scrutiny Committee, along with Council Officers, to get to the bottom of these concerns and ensure they are never repeated.”

  • The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Nissan Micra K11 1992 – 2002

    The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Nissan Micra K11 1992 – 2002

    The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Nissan Micra K11 1992 – 2002

    NISSAN UK

    This second-generation Micra, for those in the UK at least, was a bit of a dullard. Thankfully the ’90s saw the rise of the grey import. Japanese spec’d cars with a host of goodies that were devoid from our options list. Thanks for nothing Nissan UK!

    What came over was the camp as tits Figaro with an equally gay name. There was also the utilitarian styled Pao but these were based on Micra K10. So nothing really great was to come of the K11.

    Or was it? Thankfully we have the Mitsuoka Viewt. A half-arsed attempt at making a Micra look like Morse’s Mk2 Jaguar. It was both awful and eye-catching at the same time. Sort of what BMC did to the Mini in making it the Riley Elf and Wolseley Hornet but less successfully.

    The 1.3 engine gave the Micra K11 a bit of a useful shove. The same could not be said for the 1 litre. It was typical in its behaviour of Nissan’s other NA engines of the time. Drive it like it’s a Sunday, don’t rev it. It didn’t make a rats arse of a difference if you did and if you did, it sounded as exciting as sticking your head under the water in a bath and farting.

    The K11 Micra with 338 points, won “Car of the Year 1993”, beating its competitor, the Cinquecento by 34 points. Renault’s flop, the Safrane came third.

    1993 was a quiet year for the motor industry.

    It was a car that was devoid of emotion and that appealed to the new motoring masses made up of learner drivers. Driving schools couldn’t get enough of them and chances are, if you were born in the ’70s, you came of age learning to drive one.

    In 1992 a school friend got one and her mother took great delight in telling me that “Sarah has a new  Micra-dot” I had an old 1986 Citroen, it cost me nothing so fuck off Jenny! To be honest, I couldn’t have thought of anything worse than having a Micra back then. Even now, I shudder at the thought.

    Micra K11 isn’t good, bad or ugly. It’s a nothing car. Now, in 2019, if it goes wrong, you thrown it away. Trouble is, they NEVER went wrong. Buy one and use it as a chicken shed. At least it’ll have a purposeful use.

  • Motorcycle gear review

    Motorcycle gear review

    For my day to day riding, I’ve been wearing my old textile gear until recently. The old jacket and trousers have seen many, many miles in wind, rain and shine. To be honest, they were well past their best and not only did they leak, but I looked like a tramp in them.


    The final straw was when the seam on the arse of the textile trousers split.

    Design, trends and materials have moved on significantly since I bought my old gear.

    Most of the motorcycles I ride these days are naked bikes and I’m not the same guy I was then. I’m older and carry a few more kg’s.

    I don’t often ride for just pleasure these days either. I visit customers, so need to be reasonably presentable.

    Boots: Tucano Urbano Marty Boots

    This was easy. I saw a guy wearing some Tucano Urbano Marty Shoes while I was wearing my old, clumsy sports bike boots recently. Decision made.

    These look a bit like leather Converse, casual but smart enough to wear to customers I know.

    100% waterproof is a massive bonus and the ankle bone padding works well.
    Overall the Marty shoes are great. They look really good, they’re waterproof, strong and well built.

    They’re great to wear, not too heavy, although they are reinforced around the heel, ankle and across the front which adds some weight. Superb boots that I’ll wear until they fall off.

    CE Certified model – category 2 compliant with EN13634:2017 directive. £129.99

    Trousers: Richa Original Jeans

    Generally, I’ve always worn textile trousers which are usually bulky and sweaty. Mine were well past their best and the protection wasn’t up to current standards either.
    I’ve never tried motorcycle jeans so thought I’d try some Richa Original jeans in black.

    These are obviously not waterproof but tick all the other boxes. I’ll probably get some new textile trousers at some point too.

    Richa jeans are a mix of denim Cordura, cotton & polyester for the outer so are strong but soft, and have poly-cotton soft lining so are nice and warm too.

    Safety stitching is standard everywhere and importantly, they have D3O knee & hip protection should the worst happen.

    I actually found these came up a little small, so went for a size bigger than usual. They fit well, are really comfortable and I wish I bought some ages ago.

    They’re perfect for day to day riding. I can visit customers as they’re black, and they look great on stuff I’m riding at the moment; Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Street scrambler and the like.

    CE certified. £149.99

    Jacket: Richa Infinity 2 Jacket

    This was a big decision. I ride in all weathers and technology and materials have improved so much since I last bought a jacket.
    I chose the Richa Infinity 2 Jacket.

    Richa says it’s a four-season jacket and to support that claim, it comes with 2 zip outliners. One is a thermal, quilted liner and the other is a waterproof liner.

    I took both out because I find the jacket is fine on its own for me. I have used the waterproof liner a couple of times, but haven’t needed the thermal liner yet. I’m sure I will though.

    We’ve been fortunate enough to have had some lovely weather this year. When it’s been hot, the air vent system has been a huge benefit. You can unzip vents to let the airflow through. They are excellent, well placed and really make a difference.

    It’s pretty waterproof too. It leaks after a while in continuous rain but it’s really not bad at all, and that’s what the waterproof liner is for.
    It’s not a long jacket, it’s more of a hip-length jacket, kind of an in-between sports jacket and touring jacket. That really works for me and looks great.

    The Infinity 2 jacket is a quality piece of clothing. Well made and comfortable, helped by the wide range of adjustability.

    Armour and protection is a particularly strong point of this jacket. D30 armour sits in the shoulders, back and elbow, extending down your forearm.

    As a jacket for all year use, it’s a great buy. Lots of pockets, very comfortable, great protection and it looks good too. £239.99

     

     

     

     

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | Bōkan, London

    RESTAURANT REVIEW | Bōkan, London

    ★★★★ | Bōkan, London

    Three floors of great food, drinks, and a spectacular view is what Bōkan is all about.

    Located across the water from the Heron Quays DLR stop in the Southwestern section of Canary Wharf, Bōkan is on top of the Novotel hotel building – it’s a bit hard to find and a bit in the middle of nowhere, but once you arrive you will be rewarded.

    Bōkanis on the 37th, 38th and 39th floors of the hotel, and as you can imagine, the views facing west (and south and north) are simply stunning, with the Thames almost literally at the foot of the hotel, and the buildings of the Shard and the City, along with Tower Bridge, straight ahead, and the new high rises of Vauxhall in the distance. The views are superb in either cloudy or sunny weather, day or night. The early evening we were there it was still light on a cloudy day but as it got darker the clouds added a cool effect to the view.

    Start your evening with a cocktail in the bar (38th floor). Their cocktail menu is limitless. We had two amazing drinks – the delicious Flying Dutchman (orange in colour, with unique ingredients including mandarin with ginger beer, and Peroni, with lime and corn wine topped with a cherry and a lemon skin twist), and the other was the Dark Whale – which was a notch better than the Dutchman and included rum, lime, mandarin, mint, ginger beer, and aromas of cinnamon, dark chocolate and unmistakable Angostura aromatic bitters for an explosion of flavours. Their cocktails are unique and tasty and very affordable in a bar that is laid back and not stuffy at all – very cool, just like the drinks!

    We were given a filo pastry over a mix of beetroot and apple as a pre-meal treat – it was interesting and inventive and tangy. One starter was a chilled dish, light and fresh: steamed organic hen’s egg which was well complemented by fresh tomatoes and creamy goats cheese and perfect for a summer evening, and was a beautiful looking and very colourful dish, while the courgette cannelloni with a small slice of watermelon was adventurous and quite different, but the bisque foam sauce did not enhance the dish.

    Dinner was a struggle to chose. Bōkan offers a sunset menu (£37) and an a la carte menu. We chose the Sunset menu (served before 6 pm every night) and we were glad we did as it’s excellent value with three courses. My main course of Osso Bucco (Short rib) was just perfect. Tender and succulent meat was accompanied with perfectly cooked mash and was topped with gorgeous baby carrots and strips of lemongrass. Every bite was mouthwatering. My dining companion had the Josper grilled cod with vegetables. The sugar snap peas contrasted perfectly with the saltiness of the samphire, all further enhanced by the rich butteriness of the hollandaise sauce. The dish was chunky, juicy and very flavoursome.

    As one would expect desserts were fantastic. The creme brulee with fresh blackberries and ice cream was one of the best – a thin caramel shell to break over the creamy brulee filling combined with a fruity coulis and the burnt toffee flavour of the sugar shell made it special. Meanwhile, the Ivory chocolate mousse, crunchy coconut, pineapple & ginger compote with coconut sorbet was a perfect way to end a dinner – it was not heavy and the crunchiness was a nice change – and it was not that filing.

    With Bōkan being an upscale modern European restaurant, the wines are très fabuleux! We were served the Asiato wine – Portuguese wine – which was a bit sweet but not too much – it went down very well and was a great accompaniment to our main courses. Other wines Bōkanserve include wines from every region imaginable – UK, Italy, New Zealand, Spain – the list goes on. The Graham’s port is a great way to end the meal – they have several so pick one – anyone!

    After our dinner, we retired to the 39th floor which is the outdoor space, and the very top of the building. It’s nice and cosy and, as you can imagine, it’s all about the views. If you do nothing more when you go to Bōkan and just have a drink in the outdoor terrace then you’re missing out on a great experience of both the 37th and 38th floors.

    Executive Chef Guillaume Gillan (protégé of the late Joël Robuchon) succeeds in bringing delicious dishes to Canary Wharf, with the added pleasures for cocktail lovers to enjoy the 38th-floor bar and 39th-floor rooftop terrace for a tranquil escape from the buzz of city life. Bōkan is a true experience in dining and drinking, with each floor a destination in itself. It is a place I want to experience again.

    Bōkan
    Floor 37-39, 40 Marsh Wall, London E14 9TP
    T: 020 3530 0550E: hello@bokanlondon.co.uk

  • FILM REVIEW | Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

    FILM REVIEW | Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

    ★★★★ | One Upon A Time In Hollywood

    Brad Pitt star in Columbia Pictures “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

    Nutshell – Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio together for almost three hours and one of them goes shirtless… not enough? Well, this is Quentin Tarantino’s 9th and apparently, his penultimate movie a homage to the last Golden days of Hollywood, set in 1969 with the Manson murders of Sharon Tate & friends washing around in the background. Two hours of fantastically nostalgic beautiful cinematography & set dressing followed by some standard Tarantino blood lust at the denouement making it possibly the directors weirdest film to date. Leo is a fading movie star and Pitt is his stuntman. The former lives in the Hollywood Hills right next to a house just let to Mr Polanski and Ms Tate,

    Running Time – 161 Minutes so bring a cushion – Cert – 18, and yes you get plenty of language and violence for your buck.

    Tagline – ‘The 9th Film From Quentin Tarantino’ yes that is what they are going with to get you through the doors.

    The Gay UK Factor – The two leading men are and have always been gay icons and eye candy ever since we saw the unknown Brad’s abs in Thelma & Louise where he was playing an escort (we should be so lucky) and DiCaprio ‘s hair was wafting in the wind of a certain sinking ship. In many ways, they have never looked fitter than they do in this film and the camera lingers on every part of their body with a gorgeous soft glow throughout especially their (and everyone’s else feet) which has always been a kink of QT’s so heaven for foot fetishists everywhere. Brad Pitt has an elongated shirtless scene which is a distinct highlight and later LDC jumps into the pool to compete for you masturbatory fantasies.

    Cast – Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie (Hugely underused), Emile Hersh, Dakota Fanning plus cameos from Bruce Dern, Al Pacino & Damian Lewis and the very sexy hunks that are Luke Perry & Timothy Olyphant.

    Key Player – This is the writer, director & co-producer show and if you like QT then you have been waiting for his new movie for a while, if not a fan then the weird structure here may not convert you. It is definitely his most beautiful but is it lazy, overlong or indulgent… probably a bit of both.

    Budget – $90 Million and you often wonder how he produces such a fantastic 1969 look right throughout the film so cheaply, simply it looks a lot more expensive. QT films always make money (except the niche Jackie Brown) and at double the cost at the Box Office already then this is a hit but will it out gross Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained we think that running time and confusing word of mouth may halt it?

    Best Bit 1.28 mins; A very tense and languid confrontation between Pitt’s stunt man character and some of the Manson families followers on their derelict ranch home. As this film is not factual you don’t really know where this or other scenes are going and it is all the better for that. Rewriting history could be not big and not clever but it sure works here.

    Worst Bit – 0.40 mins; The Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski scenes are a bit undercooked and feel tacked on although they are of course vital to the film. Sharon has a long drawn out visit to a cinema to see a movie she is starring in which is certainly where the editor’s scissors should have started to maybe bring this marathon movie down under two hours.

    Little Secret – This maybe QT’s ‘9th film’ according to publicity but in fact, he has 22 directing credits and even more writing credits at 30… he has acted in 37 movies but it is difficult to remember any of them as he is not gonna give Daniel Day-Lewis a run for his money. Most of his films are 18 Certificate including this one.

    We checked the most successful 18 movies in History and found that there is only one ‘Horror’ film in the top 20 (Hannibal) the rest are made up of films there sometimes for violence but most commonly for swearing and the number one 18 Cert adult film of all time surprisingly is The Wolf Of Wall Street… no sex, no violence, no horror just Leo DiCaprio’s filthy mouth did his Mum not wash it out with soap enough when he was young.

    Further Viewing – Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, The Hateful 8, Kill Bill 1 and 2, Inglorious Bastards, Django Unchained you get the idea plus anything by Robert Rodriguez or Chris Nolan, Helter Skelter, The Manson family, The Black Dahlia, Hollywoodland and in fact any film that glorifies Hollywood’s past from Sunset Boulevard right through to La La Land.

    Any Good – Is it Tarantino’s best? No, but it is certainly way ahead of most other movies and a pleasant change to endless sequels and instantly recognisable blockbuster fare. In one word this is Art and it is not about making money although it will do that. Its structure is strange the longest build-up in cinema history slowly VERY SLOWLY introducing us to all its characters as they head into the last 30-minute typical Tarantinoesque showdown which is a major shot to the gut when the style change finally arrives.

    This reviewer is not the biggest QT fan but we enjoyed it more than any of the other eight but it is not for everyone as we said at the top this film is weird. If he directs another film it will be a Star Trek of all things and we hope he does as we cannot wait to see what he makes of a sci-fi franchise but we bet Kirk calls Spock a fucking big-eared c..t at some point as they get beamed up.

    Rating – 74/100

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – Birmingham

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – Birmingham

    ★★★ | The Girl On The Train – National Tour / Birmingham

    Based on the best selling book by Paula Hawkins, The Girl On The Train stars Samantha Womack (Eastenders) as Rachel Watson, a troubled woman who romanticises about a couple she sees from her commuter train window every day, as she imagines the life she could have had. When one of the couple goes missing, she finds herself drawn into the mystery; but the gaps in her memory and her inability to separate out reality from her fantasy leads to her becoming a suspect in the woman’s disappearance.

    Samantha Womack is entertaining as Rachel and she is ably supported by a small but proficient cast. The set changes are fairly slick, the set is sufficiently detailed, and the lighting and sound design all compliment the mood of the piece.

    But for a thriller to work, it’s the story that counts, and over the course of the first act, the plot developed nicely and pulled in the audience, with a narrative which blurred fact and fiction, and imagination and reality; but as the second act unfolded the story became increasingly convoluted with a few too many red herrings and clumsy plot twists for it to maintain its momentum.

    Having not read the book or seen the film, I’m not sure whether fans of either will find enjoyment or disappointment in this play, but as a standalone piece of theatre, it is competently presented and entertaining enough, but not a show which I would imagine will go on to become a classic.

    The Girl on the Train is at The Alexandra, Birmingham until the 31st August 2019. Book tickets now

    This review was taken from a showing at Sheffield and does not account for any cast changes or changes to the direction since then.*

  • This Church went viral after raising the Rainbow Flag for Cornwall Pride

    This Church went viral after raising the Rainbow Flag for Cornwall Pride

    A Church in Cornwall, UK has become an internet sensation after it raised the iconic rainbow flag for Cornwall Pride, this weekend.

    St Michael’s Church in Newquay, Cornwall has become an unexpectant internet hit after it raised a rainbow flag in time for Cornwall Pride this past weekend. The video has been viewed over 13,000 times and received plenty of positive comments.

     

    ABOVE: The historic moment St Michael’s Church raised the Rainbow Flag.

    The Pride’s Chairperson, Matthew Kenworthy-Gomes, noted how times and attitudes towards the LGBT+ community had changed, saying, “12 years ago 10 Christian’s with placards PROTESTED the first-ever Cornwall Pride in Truro! Turning their backs to the Cornwall Parade!”

    Now it looks as though the church is embracing diversity, tolerance and inclusivity, by raising the flag.

    Some of the Church’s followers weren’t happy with the decision to raise the flag, with one person writing, “No longer a Christian Church. The Bible tells us to repent from all sin. Not promote it”, while another added, “Obviously he’s not a Christian. No need to add anything more.”

    However, the majority of comments were entirely positive with many praising and thanking the church for its support.

    On their own Facebook page, the Anglican church noted, that they had a “fantastic afternoon, celebrating pride”.

    Just one of many firsts in the UK

    Earlier this year, Cornwall became the first place in the UK to hold a pride in a school. During the Come Out For Cornwall Pride bus tour, which stopped in 18 towns across Cornwall, the entire pride team decamped at the Helston High School – where hundreds of pupils joined in pride celebrations and waving the UK’s biggest Rainbow Flag.

    Cornwall’s Only Pride

    (C) THEGAYUK

    Cornwall Pride is the only pride event in the region which is home to over 500,000 residents. The yearly celebration is held in the seaside town of Newquay over looking the beach and sea, after it was moved from Truro a few years ago. This year it celebrated its 11th year with record numbers enjoying the entertainment in Killacourt and thousands taking part and viewing the parade which marched through the town’s centre.

  • Drag Race UK contestant, Baga Chipz forced to defend political stance

    Drag Race UK contestant, Baga Chipz forced to defend political stance

    One of Drag Race UK‘s queens has been forced to defend her political stance.

    Baga Chipz, who is one of the contestants for very first RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, has been forced to defend a pro-Conservative op-ed she wrote for a magazine back in 2017, during the General Election.

    In the piece, she wrote, that former Prime Minister Theresa May had “proved to be a capable politician, always on the ball and never at risk of having a ‘Diane Abbott’ moment”.

    The piece was unearthed by fans of the show, some of whom were quick to condemn Chipz as a “Tory Queen”.

    However, Baga Chipz was quick to confirm that she was actually a “life-long labour supporter” but wrote the piece because she wasn’t a fan of Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn.

    She pointed out his “record on antisemitism, his support for the IRA and homophobic terror groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, his support for brutal dictatorships in Venezuela and Cuba”.

    In the piece, titled “Why Vote Conservative” for scene magazine Boyz, she wrote,

    “As a member of the LGBTQI community, I often get asked about Theresa May’s voting record on gay rights, and I understand the concerns,

    “But just as Hillary Clinton changed her stance, so has Mrs May. Not only has she voted for every LGBT reform in parliament in the last decade but she was instrumental in pushing marriage equality.”

    “I am not a Tory”

    Defending her 2017 stance, Chipz took to Twitter to write,  “I am not a Tory. I’m actually a lifelong labour supporter. I supported Theresa May in the last election as I’m not a fan of Jeremy Corbyn.. was 4 years ago hun.. one is allowed to change ones views.

    — Baga Chipz MBE (@ChipShopBird) August 21, 2019

    How does Theresa May’s Voting Record on LGBT+ issues stand?

    Although more recently Theresa May’s voting record has leaned to pro-LGBT+ rights here past actions saw her vote in favour of Section 28,  in a GAYUK analysis May only achieved a 29.6% LGBT+ friendly rating. We noted, “Ms May is what we’d call an evolved Minister on LGBT+ and gay rights. Prior to 2004 she systematically voted against the rights of gay people in the UK. Then we see a 180-degree change in her voting pattern, although she did have a blip in 2007 when she failed to vote on the Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality law. Since the beginning of this decade, she has voted positively for the LGBT+ community.”

    Theresa May

    8 votes for, 10 votes against, 9 absences, between 2002–2014

    MAJOR YES VOTES: 5

    2003: Civil partnerships.

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (Feb)

    2013: Same-sex marriage. (May)

    2014:  Enabling the courts to deal with proceedings for the divorce of, or annulment of the marriage of, a same-sex couple.

    2014: Making same-sex marriage available to armed forces personnel outside the UK.

    MAJOR NO VOTES: 2

    1998: Equalising the age of consent.

    2002: Allowing gay couples to adopt children.

    MAJOR ABSENT VOTES: 3

    2003: Repeal a ban on the promotion of homosexuality in schools. Section 28.

    2004: Allow Marriages to Remain Valid If They Become a Same-Sex Marriage.

    2007: Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.

    Rating: 29.6%

     

    Chipz has now said that she’d vote Liberal Democrat.

     

  • There’s now a gay sauna board game – and we’re so in

    There’s now a gay sauna board game – and we’re so in

    Gay Sauna the Board Game is a brand-new adventure game that has just launched its first Kickstarter campaign. Conceived and designed by Adrian Collier, an avid ‘gaymer’, this gay-minded game brings adult fun to board game fans willing to spice up their playdates.

    The game was completely born in Amsterdam. Gay Sauna the Board Game, which has been under development for more than 2 years and has been through over 20 iterations based on feedback from hundreds of playtests, aims to bring a taboo topic (gay saunas) to the masses in a very fun, naughty, and witty way. The Kickstarter campaign, launched on July 26th, has already reached 20% of the fund total in just 5 days – a key element of success for any Kickstarter.

    “After the idea was in my head for over a year, I decided in Autumn 2018 to leave my professional career in IT Development and investigate if my novelty game idea had any merit,” stated the brain behind the game, Collier.

    “I spent the next months doing a lot of research, prototyping and playtesting to see what I wanted to do with my idea. I created ReRoll Works, a creative organization with the intent to create and publish exciting and funny games for the LGBTQ+ audience, with Gay Sauna the Board Game being just the first in what I hope to be a great series of games.”

     

    The Kickstarter campaign runs until Friday August 30th. The intention is to really help a true entrepreneur with no corporate backing to reach his goal of a launch. For interviewing opportunities with Adrian Collier, contact Anthony Hodge, in Dutch or English: ahodge.vansteenbergen@gmail.com, +31 6 308 616 31. For game testing and questions about playdates, contact: adrian@gaysaunatheboardgame.com , +31 6 152 597 51.

    About Gay Sauna the Board Game Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rerollworks/gay-sauna-the-board-game

    Website: https://gaysaunatheboardgame.com/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saunagame

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