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  • TOPS AND BOTTOMS and… But what do you call a guy who isn’t into penetration?

    TOPS AND BOTTOMS and… But what do you call a guy who isn’t into penetration?

    Not into topping. Not into bottoming? What are those guys called?

    What does side mean with gay men
    (C) BIGSTOCK

    There’s a relatively new term for guys who don’t like having anal sex. Yep, guys who aren’t into topping or bottoming. Some are identifying themselves as “sides”.

    Although the term itself is not getting the love it might deserve. As the LGBT+ community expands and adds more identities shouldn’t Sides be getting the recognition they warrant?

    There’s a lot of emphases on anal sex in the gay, bi and curious community. Editor of THEGAYUK.com, Jake Hook says, “We are in a world where we’re expected to make instant proclamations on what we’re into. There’s a lot of pressure to define yourself as one or the other and the assumption that sex has to end up with penetration. Where does that assumption come from?

    “First on the list is gay porn. All scenes tend to end up in anal sex. It’s become the standard.

    “Secondly, the apps we used often ask us to pigeonhole ourselves into tribes including whether we’re tops, bottoms or vers.

    “Thirdly, penetration is the world’s goto sex act – and it’s pretty heteronormative. In media we constantly see people going at it. One moment they are kissing the next he’s whipping off his trousers and she’s hitching her skirt. Straight to the penetration, without too much discussion about the other types of sex you can have.”

    So who or what is a side?

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    It’s a guy who’s not into anal sex of any type instead he’ll be into kissing, hugging, oral and other types of sexual activity. Also, guys who cannot have anal sex might be considered a side. For instance, those who have had prostate surgery may not be able to have penetrative sex. It doesn’t mean that sex stops. It changes as prostate cancer campaigner Martin Wells told us.

    So what are the other types of sex you can have without penetration?

    There’s a whole world of sex that doesn’t end up with P in A action. Mutual masturbation, cock2cock frot, frottage, scissoring, oral, rimming, digital penetration, tantric, toy play, role play. Take your pick. All of those can end up with one or both of you climaxing, without the need to put a dick in an ass.

    Where does the term “side” come from?

    It appears that the term “side” was coined by Joe Kort Ph D in an article written for Huffington Post. Unfortunately, the author doesn’t explain the reason behind the word.

    Defining Sideism he said, “Sides prefer to kiss, hug and engage in oral sex, rimming, mutual masturbation and rubbing up and down on each other, to name just a few of the sexual activities they enjoy. These men enjoy practically every sexual practice aside from anal penetration of any kind. They may have tried it, and even performed it for some time, before they became aware that for them, it was simply not erotic and wasn’t getting any more so”.

  • The top 5 grooming products you need for the Pride Months

    The top 5 grooming products you need for the Pride Months

    Pride Month is a pretty spectacular thing. Across the globe this month, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been out in force. To make themselves recognised, share their love and most importantly, remember those that thought for our present-day rights.

    For some of us though, Pride Month is just the start of summer long Pride celebrations. London Pride is next weekend and we’ve got to keep ourselves looking and feeling our best. So we can be confident in ourselves and our community. Our grooming expert Thomas Swallow has got just the products to help you maintain your pride all summer long.

    1. The Soap Brewery: Bar Soaps (£6.50)

    Now I know we all started steering away from bar soap but I promise you, it is not the devil. Long gone are the days of your Dad’s Imperial Leather skin stripper. The Soap Brewery’s Bar Soaps are ideal for summer pride trips or just travelling in general. Easy to pop in your carry-on (they don’t count as liquids), you’re instantly set to stay fresh all way through the summer months. With ingredients kind to your skin, you will be left feeling nourished and squeaky clean. My personal recommendations are the Activated Charcoal & Tea Tree options. Both great to keep the body looking clear and avoid any post workout bacteria from the gym.

    AVAILABLE AT: www.soapbrewery.co.uk

    2. By Vilain: Revolution Wax (£25.00)

    If you’ve seen my Brand Highlight of By Vilain, you’d know by now that I think they’re a pretty amazing brand. With their new limited edition Revolution Wax, they hit the mark yet again. The wax that is created in collaboration with their retail site Silkhaar and is everything you need in a hair wax. Strong-hold, lots of playtime to get it just right and a fragrance, that is to die for. Make sure to grab some while you can, as when this stock is gone. It won’t be coming back. Use code ‘THEGAYUK’ at checkout, to grab an extra 10% off site-wide.

    AVAILABLE AT: www.slikhaarshop.co.uk

    3. Lock Stock & Barrel: Recharge Moisture Shampoo  100ml (£17.74)

    British owned brand Lock Stock & Barrel, really hit the mark on their Recharge shampoo. It’s a rare feat for a shampoo not to leave your hair feeling stripped but actually nourished and this shampoo does exactly that. This product has quickly become a staple in my morning routine and creates the perfect canvas to style your hair. Allowing me to go longer between conditioning, I find my hair much easier to style and manage. I’d definitely give this one a go, especially in the summer months. To give our scalps a more gentle treatment, whilst coping with the summer heat.

    AVAILABLE AT: www.mankind.co.uk

    4. Radox: Bath Therapy Muscle Relax Bath Salts 900g (£4.99)

    I’ll have to be honest, I never thought I’d be mentioning Radox in one of these lists but I have kind of been loving their Bath Salts lately. With Pride and summer looming, I’ve been hitting the gym more and generally just taking better care of myself and my body. One thing that I’ve found essential throughout this process, is the need to relax and unwind after a long day. My muscles are aching and my body/mind just need a break. Here’s where the Radox Bath Salts come in. A few handfuls in a lukewarm bath and unwind for 20 minutes. I say lukewarm here, as nobody needs a boiling bath in the summer heat and just in general, hot water is terrible for your skin. I would say to avoid these if you have a fragrance allergy but if you tolerate fragrance well, definitely give them a go. I find them super relaxing and are a very good price point, for the amount you get.

    AVAILABLE AT: www.boots.com

    5. PROVERB Skincare: Strengthening Skin Serum (£65.00)

    Albeit more on the higher end of the pricing scale, PROVERB Skincare is definitely an investment worth making. Their Strengthening Skin Serum is an anti-ageing miracle. Fortifying the skin barrier, leaving skin looking plump, supple and full of life. Ideal to use morning and evening during the summer months under moisturiser, to help renew and fortify the skin barrier pre and post-sun exposure. It’s definitely something you need in your travel bag for your summer holidays. Because let’s face it, boys, we can age gracefully or like a leather handbag. Apply the SPF and look after your skin!

    AVAILABLE AT: www.proverbskin.com

  • Victoria Beckham has released a t-shirt for Pride season and it’s £90

    Victoria Beckham has released a t-shirt which aims to raise money for the LGBT+ charity Albert Kennedy Trust.

    But it looks to be sold out – and it cost £90!

    The simple T-Shirt which bears the slogan, “Everyone Deserves Love” from Victoria Beckham seems to have sold out – as no options are available left on the official website. VB has promised that 25 per cent of each sale will go to help out LGBT+ homelessness.

    However, explaining the reasoning behind the apparel, Victoria said,

    “In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, I wanted to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and their continued message of positive change and inclusivity,

    “This year, for the first time, I’ve created a t-shirt with proceeds benefitting the Albert Kennedy Trust that champion human rights.”

    There was no mention of how many t-shirts were made available or what the total donation to akt will be, unlike Procter and Gamble’s Fairy Liquid, which has promised the charity a whopping £50,000.

    Victoria adds: “I have always felt a deep connection to the LGBTQ+ community and am proud to help support their fight for equality.”

  • Fairy is about to donate £50,000 to this LGBT+ charity

    Fairy is about to donate £50,000 to this LGBT+ charity

    One of the UK’s most traditional brands, Fairy washing up liquid is about to donate a huge 50K to the Albert Kennedy Trust with the launch of a limited edition product.

    Fairy is coming out in support of the LGBT+ community by promising to donate £50,000 to the Albert Kennedy Trust, the LGBT+ homelessness charity with the launch of its limited edition FAIR range.

    This comes as the brand publishes The FAIR Report which looks at the attitudes and perceptions of British parents and finds that, while things have come a long way in Britain since Fairy launched in the 1950s, there is still a long way to go for all families to enjoy equality. Key findings include:

    • Less than a third (30%) of British parents surveyed said they think families with LGBT+ members are fairly treated in 2019
    • Seven in ten (69%) said they would support their child if they were in a same-sex relationship and wanted to have a child
    • When asked what would help to create equality for families with LGBT+ members, education in schools was the top answer (59%)

    While some stats from the report were promising, others showed there is still work to be done:

    • Just over half of parents (59%) think that they talk openly and positively about LGBT life and issues to their kids.
    • Less than half of parents of an LGBT+ child (47%) believe that their child was comfortable telling them they are LGBT+
    • Over a quarter (27%) of British parents say they agree that it is fair to treat people differently because of who they love or who loves them
    • Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) said that LGBT+ parenting has no place in 2019

    The research, conducted amongst 2,000 British parents during May 2019, shows that, while we’ve come a long way, there is room for family life to be more FAIR today. For this reason, FAIRY is donating £50k to the charity akt to help progress equality for members of the LGBT+ community and help them find a supportive family unit.

    According to the research, a third (32%) of British parents say, within their family, they find it difficult to find the right moment to talk about sensitive issues. And whilst over half (59%) believe they talk with their children openly and positively about LGBT+ issues, a quarter of those surveyed (25%) did not.

    “FAIRY has been a presence beside British kitchen sinks for over 70 years – if a bottle of FAIR can help families find a moment to talk openly and positively about LGBTQI+ issues, that will really help shift perceptions and drive equity for all family members, everywhere,” said Tim Sigsworth, CEO of akt.

    “Fairy’s donation will help akt develop innovative responses to ensure parents, caregivers and siblings are better informed and supported – increasing the possibility that young people will continue to enjoy a supportive and loving family life, after they come out.”

    “Whilst there has been huge progress in equality in the UK, there’s still room for greater fairness.  In partnership with akt, our FAIR campaign recognises and celebrates the diversity in family life today” said Tom Moody, Vice President & General Manager, P&G Northern Europe

    “When people chose a limited edition FAIR bottle and place it by their sink at home, they’ll be supporting a fabulous cause and our vision to create a world free from bias where everyone is free to be themselves” he continued.

    Fairy has created ‘The Fairy FAIR film’ with campaign ambassador, Duncan James and akt to accompany the report. Commenting on it, Duncan said, “I count myself so lucky that my Mum and grandparents have been so loving and supportive over the years.

    “We have come such a long way but The FAIR Report highlights that there are still so many members of the LGBTQ+ community who struggle to have a happy family life. I would encourage families – next time you’re having a cup of tea or doing the washing up, have a chat and let each other know, we’re all equal no matter who we love or who loves us.”

    The limited edition FAIR range will be available from leading retailers from July 2019. A donation of £50,000 will go to akt.

     

  • LGBT Artist, Feryl releases a huge summer BOP

    Following the positive reception of the “RELEASE” EP Pride favourite, Feryl, has released this HOUSE remix of ‘Solemn Light’!

    The track aims to be a summer banger, bringing the Ibiza vibe to the UK, and is produced by the talented Jojo F who is celebrating HUGE success with Da BeatFreakz on Radio1 right now!

    Speaking about the track Feryl said, “Solemn Light” was written for my sister after her husband died suddenly of a blood clot in the brain… I wanted to remind her that the only strength she needed was inside her all along, and listeners have found their own strength in the lyrics”.

    Check out the official Lyric Video

  • MPs to debate make online homophobia a specific criminal offence

    MPs to debate make online homophobia a specific criminal offence

    On Monday 1 July MPs will debate a petition urging the Government make online homophobia a specific criminal offence. Daniel Zeichner MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, will open the debate.

    Houses of parliament
    CREDIT: Jake Hook

    The petition, which has more than 152,000 signatures was started by TV personality Bobby Norris.

    Bobby Norris states: “As a gay man I find it devastating how members of the LGBT community are still subjected to homophobic abuse online.

    “Just because I am on TV I don’t think that makes it acceptable to be sent homophobic messages and comments on social media platforms.

    “Nobody should have to receive these comments.”

    Mr Norris adds, “I won’t go into detail as to the various names I have been called, but this should not be acceptable and can have an impact on people’s mental health and has certainly helped in making my anxiety and low self-esteem worse by receiving them.”

    In response to the petition, the Government said, “The Government recognises the harm that homophobic online messages can cause. We are working cross-Government to challenge inequality and make the UK’s online environment a safer place for everyone.”

    Monday’s debate will provide an opportunity for MPs to question a Government Minister directly on this topic.

    In January, the Petitions Committee published its report into online abuse and the experience of disabled people. The inquiry found that the current laws around online abuse are not fit for purpose. The report can be read here

  • Nearly 40 per cent of companies who have co-opted the Rainbow Flag are not supporting any LGBT+ organisations

    Nearly 40 per cent of companies who have co-opted the Rainbow Flag are not supporting any LGBT+ organisations

    Shocking new research shows that 36 per cent of corporations that are utilizing the rainbow flag for Pride month are not giving back to the LGBT+ community.

    filmbetrachterin / Pixabay

    Research conducted by marketing experts, Rebootonline.com have noticed that only 64 per cent of companies undertaking promotional activity surrounding Pride are giving back to the community – while the research shows that nearly 90 per cent of the LGBT+ community feel that all brands using Pride should donate to LGBT+ causes.

    Marketing experts Rebootonline.com noticed this spike in Pride campaigns by brands and decided to investigate their commitment to the LGBT+ cause, and how those in the community feel about the increase in ‘corporate Pride’. To do this they looked at 122 companies, of varying sizes, to see what LGBT+-related marketing they were doing, whether this was the first time they have done something for Price, and whether they were donating any proceeds to relevant charities.

    Rainbow Capitalism

    rihaij / Pixabay

    The marketing agency also took into account a survey of 250 LGBT+ respondents, answering questions on how they felt about ‘Rainbow Capitalism’.

    There has indeed been an increase in 2019 of brands taking part in Pride month. The results revealed that almost a third of the companies (29%) analysed had never done an LGBT-related marketing campaign before 2019.

    Furthermore, only 64% of those with a campaign for Pride this year donated to charitable LGBT+ causes. This has caused a stir in the LGBT+ community, with 87% of those questioned stating that ALL corporations should be donating proceeds to relevant charities.

    The survey also revealed that 9% of participants stated that they would go as far as purposefully NOT purchasing brand Pride tie-ins.

    This is perhaps a wise choice as, upon further investigation of each company’s CEI (Corporate Equality Index) score (when available), over 1 in 10 companies scored less than 80% for their “steps to ensure greater equity for LGBT+ workers and their families in the form of comprehensive policies, benefits and practices”, with the majority of these failing to provide “equivalency in same and different-sex domestic partner medical and soft benefits”  and showing a lack of “equal health coverage for transgender individuals without exclusion for medically necessary care.”

    Rainbow Bandwagon

    Rainbow laces
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    Clothing brand H&M was given a meagre CEI score of 45% by HRC. Yet they have participated in “corporate pride” this year, with their ‘pride collection’- although they are donating 10% of their proceeds to “support the work of the United Nations’ Free & Equal campaign”- unlike 34% of other companies jumping on the rainbow bandwagon without giving back.

    Other findings from the survey conducted revealed that 84% felt that they felt “positively” about these branded Pride campaigns, with one stating “celebration of LGBTQ is great to raise awareness, especially to younger generations”.

    The LGBT+ community were unanimous in thinking that corporations should “do more throughout the year to help LGBT+ causes, rather than just for Pride month”, with 96% of respondents agreeing with this sentiment.

  • Davey Wavey splits with boyfriend

    Davey Wavey splits with boyfriend

    Our relationship “burned brightly and beautifully”

    Davey Wavey is in splitsville.

    Taking to social media, Internet star, Davey Wavey wrote to tell his fans that he had broken up with his boyfriend, Chad Remy, saying that their relationship had “burned brightly but didn’t last long”. The couple announced their relationship back in February.

    Speaking about the split, Davey said, “We were honest with each other, especially when it was difficult – and pushed each other’s boundaries in ways that served our evolution”.

    Chad used his Instagram account to post a picture of himself against a painted set of wings and used the caption, “I spread my wings & learn how to fly”.

    So Davey is back on the market, and he said that with each relationship, he gets a step closer to what he wants.

     

     

     

  • Woman and girlfriend suffer homophobic abuse on Ryanair flight

    Woman and girlfriend suffer homophobic abuse on Ryanair flight

    A woman and her girlfriend say they were subjected to a frightening Ryanair flight from hell when a group of thugs started calling her “Dyke” and a “lesbo”.

    skeeze / Pixabay

    A woman and her girlfriend have yet to receive a satisfying response from Ryanair after she was allegedly subjected to homophobic and misogynistic chants from a group of men on a flight from Stansted to Seville on the 19th June. She accuses the airline of not caring about women or LGBTQ+ people.

    Social Media Manager, Laura Muldoon described a horrific flight in which she says that a group of drunken men shouted, used profanity and homophobic slurs against passengers on the flight. Ms Muldoon said although she complained to the flight attendant at the time of the incident but they were unable to do anything about the behaviour.

    She said that the men even started to blow up condoms and getting their arses out in front of other passengers. When she turned around to the men to complain, they apparently sent her a small bottle of wine to apologise for the disruption, which Ms Muldoon “politely refused” – that’s apparently when their behaviour turned sour towards Ms Muldoon.

    At the time, Ms Muldoon tweeted a picture of the passengers she alleges were disruptive, which was retweeted thousands of time. She wrote, “First-holiday snap! Of this bunch of lads who chanted that I was a “miserable b*tch”, “d**e” and “lesbo” (very well observed!) on @Ryanair flight 12.27 from Stansted to Seville today”.

    Although Ms Muldoon did complain to Ryanair over her ordeal via an online system, she tweeted that she had received a “generic” response from the airline, which stated that they were proud of their “high standards and professionalism”

    THEGAYUK.com reached out to Ryanair for comment.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | The Girl On The Train – National Tour

    ★★★ | The Girl On The Train -Sheffield

    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 Sheffield Theatres until 29th June 2019 before continuing on its national tour.

  • Boris Johnson: Kids need to be taught to reflect society

    Boris Johnson: Kids need to be taught to reflect society

    Speaking on LBC today, Boris Johnson said that pupils across the UK should be taught “about the world as it is”.

    Tory leader and Prime Minister hopeful, Boris Johnson fielded a call today, while on LBC with Nick Ferrari, from an organiser of Shetland LGBTQ, who asked the candidate whether children should be taught about LGBT+ relationships and acceptance in schools across the entire UK.

    The line of question comes after hundreds of mostly Muslim parents in Birmingham protested LGBT+ acceptance and relationship lessons being taught in schools through the No Outsiders‘ campaign.

    Answering the question, Mr Johnson said that he believed that, “People should be able to love whomever they chose” and said that the country was “all the greater” for that right.

    He told Nick Ferrari, “People should be able to love whomever they chose and that’s the way we live our lives in the UK. Our country is all the greater for it. I do think it’s important that kids are taught about the world as it is.

    He added that he believed that teachers and schools have “a responsibility to teach kids about the world as it is”.

    Hundreds of parents removed their children from the Parkfield Primary school in April in protest of the ‘No Outsiders’ lessons.

    When pushed further about whether the parents were right or wrong to take their children out of classes in schools in Birmingham, Mr Johnson continued, “I don’t think kids should unreasonably be taken out of school”

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