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  • Man stabbed in his car by man he met on a gay dating app

    Man stabbed in his car by man he met on a gay dating app

    Police in Greater Manchester are looking a man in connection to a horrific stabbing of a man in his car, after using a gay dating app.

    The victim, who is in his 20s was stabbed several times by a man he had planned to meet on a dating app, police in Manchester have said.

    The police have released a CCTV image of a man they’d like to speak to in connection to the incident.

    At around 5.45pm on Tuesday 26 March 2019), a man in his 20s was threatened in his car on Bolton Road in Pendlebury by a man he had met up with earlier this afternoon via an online dating app.

    The alleged offender, who was a passenger in the car, threatened the man as they were parked on the roadside and demanded his victim hand over his car keys before stabbing him several times.

    The attacker then fled the scene on foot in the direction of Birch Drive towards High Bank Road, police say.

    The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries and he remains there for treatment.

    This incident is being linked to two other carjacking attempts that occurred yesterday (Monday 25 March 2019) in Irlams o’ th’ Height, Salford and Prestwich.

    Three dating app attacks have occurred

    CREDIT: Ryazan / BIGSTOCK

    Detectives have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to as part of their enquiries.

    Detective Inspector Gareth Jenkins, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “This is now the third attack following an attempted carjacking after an online dating app meeting and we’re working hard to find the man responsible.

    “We have a CCTV image of a man we want to speak to as part of our investigation and I would appeal directly to the man to get in touch with us.

    “We would also continue to encourage people using dating apps to always meet new people in public places and to let someone know where you’re going.

    “If you have any information that could assist our investigation or if you recognise the man pictured, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

    Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5194 or 101 quoting reference number 1764 of 26/03/2019.

     

    Reports can also be made anonymously, via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • Teachers ‘scarred’ by legacy of 1988’s Section 28

    Teachers ‘scarred’ by legacy of 1988’s Section 28

    Legislation repealed in 2003 continues to affect the professional life of LGBT+ teachers

    Wokandapix / Pixabay

    LGBT+ teachers who taught in schools during the late 1980s and 1990s remain scarred by the effects of Section 28 of the Local Government Act in England – a piece of legislation introduced in 1988 banning the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools – according to new research published in the journal Sex Education.

    The legislation was introduced partly as a reaction to a 1986 children’s book called Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin, which depicted the life of a child with two gay fathers. Controversy about the availability of the book in some schools in London led to the passing of Section 28.

    It was repealed in 2003, but during the time of its enforcement, many LGBT+ teachers felt it prohibited them from being open about their own sexual identity in the workplace.

    Researchers found that 88% of post-2003 teachers were public about their sexuality to all school colleagues, compared to 20% of those from the Section 28 era.

    Research by Anglia Ruskin University compared the current attitudes of teachers who taught during this era, and those who entered the profession after its repeal. Researchers found that 88% of post-2003 teachers were public about their sexuality to all school colleagues, compared to 20% of those from the Section 28 era. While 45% of post-2003 teachers were “out” to their pupils, the same was true of only a fifth of Section 28 teachers.

    The study, compiled using questionnaires, also revealed just 20% of Section 28 teachers lived in their school’s catchment area compared to 43% of post-2003 colleagues. Comments by respondents spoke of guarding their privacy aggressively, and fiercely separating out home and workplace identities, with privacy closely associated with safety among LGBT+ individuals.

    The Conservative government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher were responsible for enacting Section 28. (C) BIGSTOCK

    There were also notable differences between the two groups in how they socialised with their school communities. 60% of Section 28 teachers never took their partner to school social events. However, only 12% of post-2003 teachers never took their partner along.

    A total of 48% of Section 28 teachers had suffered from anxiety and depression linked to their sexuality and role as a teacher, while the figure for post-2003 teachers was 24%.

     

    Dr Catherine Lee of Anglia Ruskin University, author of the study, said, “There has been significant progress in England in protecting LGBT+ teachers in the workplace since the repeal of Section 28. However, it is clear that a lot of teachers remain scarred by their experiences during this period.

    “While this legislation was not the only difficult aspect of being an LGBT+ individual in the 1980s and 1990s, it has helped leave a legacy of caution, self-censorship and complex identity management that harmfully lingers some 15 years after the repeal.

    “School leaders must reflect on the inclusiveness of their own institutions, and decide whether equality policies are actually lived on a day-to-day basis. LGBT+ teachers and pupils should be able to participate fully and without fear in their school communities.”

  • When was Section 28 repealed?

    When was Section 28 repealed?

    Section 28 was introduced by the Conservative government in 1988. When was it repeal and why was it introduced?

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Teachers who taught in schools during the late 1980s and 1990s were unable to teach or speak on issues of homosexuality because of Section 28 of the Local Government Act in England – a piece of legislation introduced by the Conservative government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in 1988 banning the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools – according to new research published in the journal Sex Education.

    In Scotland, similar legalisation was introduced called Section 2A.

    It was introduced under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government. The legislation was introduced partly as a reaction to a 1986 children’s book called Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin, which depicted the life of a child with two gay fathers. Controversy about the availability of the book in some schools in London led to the passing of Section 28.

    It was repealed in 2003 under the leadership of Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Labour government, but during the time of its enforcement, many LGBT+ teachers felt it prohibited them being open about their own sexual identity in the workplace.

    Section 2A was repealed by the Scottish government in the year 2000 and was one of the first pieces of policy enacted by a devolved Scottish government. The rest of the UK would have to wait another three years before the anti-gay clause was removed from the law books.

     

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | The Swan, London

    RESTAURANT REVIEW | The Swan, London

    ★★★★★ | The Swan, London

    Tucked inside the world-famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the South Bank right next to the Tate Modern is a restaurant where you can get perhaps one of the best Sunday roasts in London.

    The Swan, a multi-level restaurant and bar, has an excellent great-valued Sunday lunch that is very delicious. At just £26.50 for two courses, or £29.50 for three courses, not only do you get great food, you also get to sit a beautifully designed restaurant as well as savour an amazing view of the Thames (from all the tables) in surroundings that include white tablecloths, Robert Welch cutlery, all which looks very upscale and expensive but actually isn’t.

    It’s best to make reservations for Sunday lunch as the day my friend and I were there the place was 90% full mid-afternoon. We, of course, opted to have the Roasts. I preferred the pork belly while he wanted the beef, and we both were not disappointed.

    My Old Spot Roast Pork Belly, baked apple sauce with all the trimmings was delicious. A nice large slab of pork, resting in a fetal position over a mound of very soft cabbage, was very tender, moist and cooked to perfection. Served with quite a few large cooked carrots, a nice helping of browned potatoes, and a big yorkshire pudding, plus a cooked onion sitting in pork juice was an extra touch. My friend had the same exact trimmings but his Sirloin of aged Ayrshire beef was cooked exactly as per his request (medium well – though The Swan does recommend medium rare). He said his meal was very good. And luckily for me, he could not finish half of his portion, so I polished it off for him (thanks buddy)!

    The two starters we had were very good. My friend had the Ellie’s Dairy Goat’s Cheese with salt baked Heritage beetroot, and glazed hazelnuts, and it was a very colourful (because of the different varieties of beets) and different. I helped him to finish it, and even though I am not a fan of beets, I particularly liked the orange and pink flavoured ones – so different and so good which gives a great taste to an otherwise dull vegetable. I had the Bitter Leaf Salad, Kentish Blue Cheese, poached pear with walnut dressing. It was on the small side but it was perfect as a prelude to the main course. It was simple yet very tasty as I was given several leaves that were filled with the walnut dressing with blue cheese and the bits of pear sprinkled on top – I can still taste the walnut dressing, unique and delicious.

    The Puddings are a must must must! My friend had the Bitter Chocolate Marquise in salted caramel sauce with grue nib tuile (a chocolatey biscuit made with almonds). His dish was three layers of different coloured chocolate, including an inner portion that was like a chocolate mousse. It is a dish that is decadent and delightful! And he finished it all! I opted for the Almond & Apple Tart with Devon cream – and I was not disappointed. The tart was moist (and tasted almost like it was soaked in rum – but it wasn’t unfortunately), with a graham cracker crust, and almonds baked on top for a tart that is one of the best that I have ever had. Recommended!

    There are cocktails and mocktails on the Sunday menu. We had two mocktails. My Mango Fiesta was just that – a fiesta! Multi-coloured and multi-tasty – very juicy and served up lots of flavour without any alcohol. The Seedlip & Pink Grapefruit that my friend had lacked the kick of the Mango Fiesta but it was nonetheless refreshing. The Swan also has an extensive wine list and a range of draft, craft and bottled beers.

    Of course, The Swan is more than just Sunday lunch! There is an excellent regular menu with something for everyone, as well as a breakfast menu (I want to go back for pancakes), and a theatre menu (excellently priced like the Sunday menu). There is also a bar menu for the cosy bar downstairs, and just to add there is a room on the top floor for private events. But it has to be mentioned again that the views from the bar, restaurant and the private events room are spectacular, overlooking the Thames and north of it including St. Pauls and the skyscrapers of the City (and the Millennium Bridge just right outside). Just beautiful. And to also mention the service is very good. The courses were impeccably timed, and we were not rushed at all. But for an extra kick before you leave, have a cup of their strong Arabica coffee – it’s good if you like your coffee strong!

    Their Midsummer Night’s Dream afternoon tea, inspired by the journeys of the characters found in the play is also a bargain at £28.50 per person. The people sitting next to us had it and I had to refrain myself from grabbing one of their cakes!

    And let’s not forget that this Mother’s Day The Swan has a set menu (priced at £29.50 for 2 courses, and £32.50 for 3 courses) which will include starters of Cured Cornish mackerel, poached Yorkshire rhubarb, yoghurt and tarragon; Corn fed chicken, carrot and savoy cabbage terrine, celeriac puree; and Jerusalem artichoke veloute, truffled creme fraiche topped with artichoke crisps. Mains follow with Baked Stonebass fillet, charred asparagus, pea puree and morels; Roast lamb rump, leek and parmesan gratin, lamb fat potato; Roast free-range pork belly, confit shallots, roasted apple sauce; and Roast 28 day aged Sirloin, glazed bone marrow and a cauliflower cheese puree. Indulgent desserts are found in the Chocolate fondant tartlet, salted caramel ice cream; Bramley apple parfait, raisin puree and walnut crumb; Mango Bavarois, tropical fruit salad, caramelised white chocolate or a selection of British farmhouse cheeses

    The Swan has the best of contemporary British cooking, and a proportion of their revenues goes to the Shakespeare’s Globe Trust, a charitable organisation set up to further the experience and international understanding of Shakespeare in performance.

    The Swan is a fantastic restaurant in a convenient location offering great views, amazing value, delicious food in a superb and cosy environment. 

    To book, please go here: https://www.swanlondon.co.uk

    020 7928 9444

    reservations@swanlondon.co.uk

    Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe
    21 New Globe Walk
    Bankside
    London SE1 9DT

  • Bullying: Mister Senior Netherlands 3rd Runner-Up Miguel Martins shares his story with Susan Leurs

    Bullying: Mister Senior Netherlands 3rd Runner-Up Miguel Martins shares his story with Susan Leurs

    Mainly engaged in narrative and documentary photography, Susan Leurs is a Dutch self-taught photographer. As a child, she was a victim of bullying. When she started working in education, it became clear to her that bullying was still a serious issue, so she decided to do something about it.

    In 2016, she began taking photographs of and interviewing victims of bullying.

    She called this project “PESTEN” (the Dutch word for bullying). More and more people heard about this project and wanted to participate, including bullies themselves. Her work exposes the serious influence bullying has on the lives of the victims. In her own words, “The people I photograph are either bullied or have bullied someone themselves. My goal is to make people think about what they can do to change this bullying behavior. We are ‘civilized’, but apparently we lack the social skills to accept each other as we are. Think about how you can do something in your environment to prevent bullying!”

    Just like Susan, I was a victim of bullying for many years. I noticed from a very young age that there was something different about me. Growing in a small village in Portugal 30 years ago, I never felt like I belonged. While my male friends enjoyed playing with cars, I preferred playing with dolls or trying my mother’s clothes and shoes on. And all that felt perfectly fine, until people started pointing the finger at me. Experimenting with my mother’s clothes and playing with dolls was just a phase, but my range of interests always made me stand out.

    This became more obvious when I went to school. For being different, I became an easy target for the other kids. Back then there were no discussions about bullying. I’m not even sure that there was a name for it back then. But the fact is that a group of kids repeatedly and intentionally caused me emotional harm.

    I remember feeling alone, isolated, and humiliated. And yet I did not tell a single person what was happening to me. The main reason why I decided not to tell anyone about it was because being bullied made me feel extreme shame and embarrassment. I knew I was being bullied because of something that I was very sensitive about: my sexual orientation. To talk about the bullying would require me to highlight what I believed was my “defect.”

    The thought of bringing up my “defect” to an adult felt worse than the bullying itself. Also, I was afraid of retaliation.

    I feared that reporting my bullies wouldn’t do any good. Instead, I worried that my bullies would only make my life worse. I naively hoped that, if I kept quiet, the bullying would eventually stop. But, because no action was taken, the problem escalated. Suddenly I was not only being bullied because of my sexual orientation anymore, but also because of a nervous tic that caused my eyes to twitch (“Don’t wink at us – they would say – we’re not faggots like you!”), or even just because I was a good student. At this point, I would be bullied for pretty much anything. This started when I was 6 years old, and it continued until I was 18.

    Suicidal thoughts went through my mind countless times. I guess I was just too afraid to attempt against my own life. But let’s not forget about all those who can no longer cope with the pressure and feel like suicide is the only way out.

    It wasn’t until I came to terms with my sexuality much later that I took away the power that the bullies had over me. Finally, I accepted me as I am and there was nothing else that they could hold against me. I eventually forgave all my bullies, but I will never forget what they put me through. I cannot forget, because even today I must deal with the long-lasting effects that so many years of bullying had on my self-esteem and on my self-confidence.

    If it happened now, I would bring the issue to someone’s attention.

    In my opinion, we fear what we don’t understand. I believe that by educating people we can help them understand, accept and hopefully recognize the important value of diversity in our society. And if education is not enough, other actions must be taken. It is important that we don’t ignore the issue, because nothing will ever change if we ignore it.

    Mine is one of the many stories that victims of bullying shared with Susan Leurs. So far, more than 100 people have posed for Susan and shared their stories with her. Some are victims. Some are repenting bullies. Together we share our very own experiences and try to create a world in which diversity and inclusion are the rule and bullying no longer exists.

    Susan Leurs is still looking for more stories. If you were bullied, or if you bullied someone, or if you would like to host this exposition, feel free to contact Susan Leurs directly: https://www.susanleurs.com/contactme.

    Let’s remember what Jung once said: “I am not what happened to me. I am what I chose to become.”

    Miguel Martins

    (Mister Senior Netherlands 2018 3rd Runner-Up / Winner Public Choice / Winner Best Talent)

  • Is there any right way of picking up a straight guy at the gym?

    Is there any right way of picking up a straight guy at the gym?

    The gays often have a fantasy that fit straight guys are so horny all the time that they’d be more than happy to abandon their heterosexuality in exchange for a quick blowjob in the changing rooms between sets.

    But has this actually happened to anyone? Seriously, we’re asking. If anyone has successfully sucked off a straight guy that was genuinely straight while at the gym you’ve got to get in touch and tell us about it, Dear Penthouse Forum-style.

    What does the internet suggest?

    CREDIT: curaphotography-bigstock

    This article began when I “stumbled upon” an old post about how to pick up straight guys at the gym. In it, the author claims to have successfully stalked picked up plenty of straight guys, and if you follow his tried and tested method you could too.

    This method involves the following steps:

    Step #1: Find out the guy’s name – either by eavesdropping or looking at his membership details when he swipes into the gym (not creepy at all).

    Step #2: Search the Internet and Social Media – once you have his name you can easily search the internet for info and images of him. A good ole fashion cyber-stalk.

    Step #3: Get all muscled up and ask for a spot – a perfectly acceptable practice in the gym that is also the start of plenty of pornos. Be sure to “Dress somewhat sexy but keep it tamed down.”

    Step #4: Say thanks and walk away for that day – you don’t want to seem desperate or crazy at all…

    Step #5: Make sure you say hello next time you see him at the gym – this one I have no problem with.

    Step #6: Repeat step 5 several times with a twist – Remember, your goal is a hook up with your fantasy gym guy, not some random hookup off a phone app. So take your time stalking this guy properly. Like a gentleman. Oh, and be sure he notices you checking him out casually. That’s really important. Straight guys love that.

    Step #7: Make your move – This is when you ask him to “hang out” sometime, he’ll know what you mean. But god help you if he’s actually straight and he ends up inviting you to watch football with the boys. That’s creep-karma for ya.

    What you’ll actually get

    There is no reason you can’t be sociable and make friends at the gym. Granted in cities like London, people don’t really respond well to… well, people, but that won’t be true all the time and in all the gyms.

    The best-case scenario is you’ll strike up a sociable conversation with a straight guy that could eventually become a friend, acquaintance, or workout buddy. Which would be great, even better than bathroom blowies in my opinion.

    Don’t be a creep

    Just don’t do it.

    Hook up culture has made it SO easy to pick up guys, whether they’re gay, bi, curious, or some wonderful mixture of all three. So why not just open up Grindr in-between sets.

    If he’s looking for a hookup the chances are he’ll be on there too. If not then you can get on with your workout without further distraction … other than when he walks past, bends over, flexes or flashes his abs in the mirror. You’re allowed to be a little creepy and perv over that, I mean guys have been doing that to girls for decades so it’s only fair.

     

    This article was first published on our partner site, Gay Fitness UK

  • Top 5 Grooming Items for March 2019

    Top 5 Grooming Items for March 2019

    Damn this year is going by quick! We are already in March and yes, that does mean that Winter has finally gone and Spring is finally here. This month’s feature is all about being fresh and walking into spring with a smile on our faces. Here are our Top Grooming Items for March 2019.

    1. FIT Skincare: Moisturising Ultra Serum (£50.00)

    Now if you’ve never tried a serum in your skincare regime before, then I definitely recommend you start doing so ASAP. Serums are generally more concentrated moisturisers full of active ingredients, that do work miracles for the skin. This one in particular from FIT Skincare is no exception. The lightweight formula sinks into the skin and visibly hydrates more than a moisturiser ever could. Since using this product, I have stopped seeing blemishes in my beard line and I can only presume, that this has something to do with it.

    Available at: fitskincare.co.uk

    2. White Glo: Diamond Series Whitening System (£15.00)

    Remember when I mentioned walking into spring with a smile on our faces? Here’s the reason why. This 2 step kit from Aussie brand White Glo, has given me visible results in less than 2 weeks. I never had major discolouration on my teeth but like everybody, I am partial to the odd coffee and glass of Malbec. I said I was London’s answer to Carrie Bradshaw for a reason. What this kit does though, combines a whitening treatment with a daily dental regime. The whitening gel is used for 10 mins daily, to achieve a brighter smile without abrasion and then the White Glo® Professional Choice toothpaste locks this treatment in place while providing your daily dental care. You do have to use the product for at least a week, in my opinion, to start seeing visible results but when you do, it is definitely worth the wait. I have been shocking myself in the mirror with my new brighter smile!

    Available at: Superdrug

    3. Mr Vanguard: Vanguard Eau De Parfum (£64.99)

    Another important aspect of stepping into spring is that ever important spring fragrance. Our pick for this season is Vanguard Eau De Parfum by Mr Vanguard. If you’ve never heard of Mr Vanguard before, they are an award-winning perfume brand from the UK, that pride themselves on the uniqueness and longevity of their fragrances. Having put this to the compliment test, yes I did see how many people complimented me on my aftershave for a week. I can safely say this one seems an all-around winner.

    Available at: mrvanguard.com

    4. Rosalique: 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula (£29.99)

    Now, this is one for anybody who has ever suffered from red and or inflamed skin. Yes, it’s one for us sensitive souls out there and will make our skin that little bit less sensitive. Rosalique is quite an ingenious product. It instantly covers redness with the green pigmentation, whilst protecting from UVA and UVB damage with SPF25 and then in the long term, it gently reduces redness within the skin. My advice here though is to only use a little product. The green pigmentation is quite strong and so this is definitely one to use sparingly. Once I got the quantity right, I started to see the results immediately and my skin has gotten less inflamed over the last month using this product.

    Available at: rosalique.co.uk

    5. Kiehl’s: Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men SPF19 125ml (£33.00)

    Another solid product from Kiehl’s and one that has yet again been in my bathroom cabinet over and over. To put it bluntly, this moisturiser is hard to fault. It keeps your skin energised, hydrated and even controls oil production, keeping you shine free all day. Now, this was the original, they’ve now made it even better and added broad-spectrum sun protection to the moisturiser. Boasting a more than adequate SPF19, this moisturiser is ideal to see you through the Spring months. If you fall in love with it, as we’re sure you will and carry on using it into the Summer months, we definitely do recommend adding an extra SPF into your routine. It’s set to be another scorcher guys, say no to premature ageing and use an SPF daily!

    Available at: kiehls.co.uk

  • The Drag Race anti-Brexit placards were out in full force this weekend!

    The Drag Race anti-Brexit placards were out in full force this weekend!

    Drag Race stars used for wildly different purposes in Poland and the UK as Rupaul arrives for British Drag Race

    Yes girl!! It’s starting!! This week Rupaul and Michelle Visage arrived in the UK to start preparing for Drag Race UK. The two also caused a stir attending Waitress the musical and surprising the cast backstage.

    https://twitter.com/RuPaul/status/1109373808153116673

    Rumour has it the recordings will start this Monday!!

    Arriving in the UK right in time for the anti Brexit march, Rupaul might have been pleasantly surprised that so many signs carried her image or variations on famous Drag Race quotes.

    Yes, Drag Race fans made a point in turning out with some amazing banners to tell Brexit to sashay away!
    Here are some of the best.

    https://twitter.com/Alice_h88/status/1109735523290177536

    https://twitter.com/PaulNoblet/status/1109521356805279744

    Poland are also using Ru Queens for a campaign. Sadly this one is not good.
    The images of Alyssa Edwards and Trixie Mattel are being used in a far right campaign against homosexuality. We hope this usage will soon be stopped!

  • TV REVEW | RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11, episode 4: The Future Is Female

    TV REVEW | RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11, episode 4: The Future Is Female

    This week saw a very different Drag Race, as the show got political.

    Drag has always been political in a way: as it is a mirror towards society and it’s expectations. It is a political act just to exist as a drag queen and many a queen has fought back against those in power in her shows. Ru herself has often used Drag Race and her own position to urge people to vote, be involved and make change happen.

    But Trump the Rusical marks the first time the politics were addressed heads on. This shows how problematic society has become. Knowing hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ have risen 226% in areas where Trump held rallies you just can’t remain silent anymore.

    Most of the episode spoke about living in a world where you can be attacked for being who you are. Nina West described her life on a campus where she was abused and threatened. She grew up in a deeply conservative and political environment and was terrorized in college when she ran for student government, once people knew she was gay. She also linked her story to the tragic case of Matthew Shepard which happened at the same time. It was a time when LGBTQ+ tolerance was at a low, where it sadly seems to be heading again now.

    A timely as well as a cautionary tale.

    Then Mercedes Iman spoke out, regretting not doing so last week. She talked about having to fight hate and stereotypes from many sides (being a gay drag queen as well as a black immigrant and Muslim). She wants to show the world that Muslims are not terrorists, despite living in fear on a daily basis. It is good to see her finding herself.

    It would have been great to hear the voice of Plastique Tiara as well in this, as growing up gay in a conservative Vietnamese household raised by her grandmother would give her a unique perspective as well. Sadly she never featured in the episode at all.

    Of course Silky had another surprise up her sleeve: she is a registered republican. Not because she is republican but to fight the power from the inside!! “Re-movement of the districts… Get smarter than them, register as a Republican.” In Untucked Silky also showed a different side of herself when she comforted Vanjie who had a semi panic attack thinking she’d be in the Lip sync.

    Meanwhile Yvie Oddly revealed she suffers from a connective tissue disorder that causes all of her joints to be hyper-flexible and therefore prone to dislocation in physically demanding situations.

    “I have a disease called Ehlers–Danlos syndrome type 3. I don’t produce a whole lot of collagen, so I have extra skin everywhere…. but it’s not going to hold me back in this competition!” She added.

    So after a new kind of mini challenge (newsreading in the style of Rachel Maddow) and a brutal choreography training with Deadpool ballet dancer Yanis Marshall (where Ra’ja found out boosting about dance training isn’t very wise when it was decades ago) it was over to the musical itself.

    Based on Grease it told the tale of the women of Trump who, with a little help from Oprah, find out that being your own person is better than being a dictators possession. It ended with an ode to womanhood and a call for more women to run for office.

    All the queens did very well with a few standouts including Yvie and Nina but in the end Silky’s Oprah was singled out as a winner.

    Talking points were Michelle Visage’s clear dislike of guest judge Joel McHale and the growing relationship between Vanjie and Brookelyn. Vanjie still seems to want to play it down, though.

    It was sad seeing Mercedes leave the show just as she found her voice, it would have been great to see her stay just a little longer as she has already proved herself to be iconic.

    Hope to see you back one day Opulence Queen!!

    RuPaul’s Drag Race is available to stream on Netflix

  • 10 questions we gay men hate hearing!

    10 questions we gay men hate hearing!

    There are a number of things in life that annoy everyone. Trains running late, an unexpected bill, people that do very little work but get all the rewards, Katie Hopkins, the realisation you’ve missed the McDonalds breakfast timings… those sorts of things.

    But there are some things that annoy us gays specifically and things that, one day everyone will be suitably informed and emotionally aware enough to not ask these utterly stupid questions. I’ve run through the top 10 of these questions and thank to you those that fed back on these on twitter.

    Are you the man or woman?

    I’ve been in a serious long term relationship on 2 occasions in my life. On both occasions at least once each time someone has asked (seriously or not) “so who is the man in the relationship?”. Or, the other variation of “so she is the man and woman?”

    First, and foremost, who said relationships have to be defined by gender stereotypes? When did this become unwritten natural law? And second, would being ‘the woman’ be such a bad thing as indicated by your tone?

    It’s usually the straights that do this and they are simply imprinting onto to us their own understanding on how relationships work. One person is the man (or boss) and the other is the woman (not the boss). Although many relationships I know of straights, the man is very rarely the boss. So the whole concept is just crap. Not offensive to hear, just bloody annoying after a while.

    Top or Bottom?

    Within our own community, this question does grate on me. Usually online but you do get it face to face as well. “Are you top or bottom?”. Now, I’ve written more than one blog post on bottom shaming, Top vs Bottom etc so I freely admit that I may have added to this problem. But in all my posts I encourage sexual freedom. Don’t be defined or confined by it like this loaded question is designed to do.

    Whenever someone asked me I tend to give a sarcastic response. “Are you a top” is usually met with an “ooooh I love this questionnaire things. I filled one in the other day and it said that I was most like a polo shirt. Stylish, functional and only really used by men of a certain age”.

    Instead, why not ask someone what they enjoy doing sexually? Personally, I enjoy anal but for various practical reasons, I can’t take anything anally. I’m not your typical top as I actually care about the pleasure someone gets and am very patient and understanding about accidents. Something which very few ‘tops’ are. Something which needs to change!

    Two tops or two bottoms – how does that work then?

    Linked to the above is the really probing questions many couples face. When someone finds out if you are one thing or another then just have to know “So, you’re both tops/bottoms? How does that work then?”.

    For which my usual, completely over the top response usually is, “Sorry Mavis, with your piles and John’s hip, how does it work for you?”.

    Piss off, in short. Such questions have nothing to do with the outside world and are not someone one straight couple would ask another. While the temptation to be nosey is there, my eyes roll when I hear it as it’s just an excuse for someone to be nosey, intrusive and completely inappropriate.

    Two friends together however over a wine or two, very different. No subjects are taboo in that scenario!

    Have you ever had sex with a woman?

    via GIPHY

    I always laugh at this one. It’s not like cheese tasting where you try a Danish Blue and decide strong cheese isn’t for you. Gays and indeed Bisexuals have a wide range of backgrounds. Some have drunk from the lady cup, others have not. One is not more valid than the other. Yet, once again, this usually comes from the straights. I’ve seen the odd gay man ask it but not usually with any seriousness and usually with context around our histories.

    Don’t you want to try sex with a woman?

    The straights, however, love to ask. Usually followed up with a “would you though, for the right woman?”. For which, once again, the answer is also no. Sexuality isn’t a cheese tasting course. I’m not going to grow a taste for the odd bit of Wensleydale with a nice dark port. P**s off.

    So, that guy you mentioned, have you slept with him?

    via GIPHY

    When we start talking about a friend we know, if they are male, both gays and straights alike, always get the urge to ask if we have slept with the said man.

    The gays usually do it because they are your friend and they are being nosey looking for a juicy bit of gossip on what happened. Which is fine, sort of, but annoying none the less especially as the answer is usually no even though deep down we really wish it was a yes.

    Did you always know you were gay?

    via GIPHY

    Now this one is very context driven as there are occasions where it is a perfectly valid question between friends. But as one of those Ice Breaker questions when’s someone learns of your sexuality, that would be a no-no.

    For me personally, I came out at 19 and I was only really in the ‘closet’ for about 4 years leading up to that point. Until midway through puberty my thoughts were very much about girls, I would even draw erotic art about girls. But after time I found myself drawing more of the male figure and focusing more on their roles in my short (erotic) stories. Around that point, I realised and starting going through the motions.

    Yet those that haven’t been through what we have, don’t assume that. They just assume we have always lived and breathed being gay and therefore always knew. Not so, for many of us, this was something that developed or being realised at a point later in life. That doesn’t make us any less gay, yet the question seems to imply that we aren’t ‘purebred’ because we weren’t ‘gay from birth’.

    Have you watched Drag Race?

    via GIPHY

    I’ll admit, I do watch Drag Race. But even I get annoyed the number of times I am asked by straight friends and people I meet who learn I am gay. Last time I checked there wasn’t a ‘required watching’ list in order to be a gay man in the 21st century (and even if there was, Drag Race would not be on it). So it always makes me laugh how people take the most obvious part of the LGBT/Queer life and suddenly thing gay = must watch drag race.

    Sorry boys n girls, I know plenty of gay men then don’t watch it and I admire / perve on them all the same.

    How can you be gay, you don’t look gay?

    via GIPHY

    Breaking news everyone, a scientist has discovered that gays are born and grow physically different from the rest of the human race. Research has found that a gay man has
    – a higher metabolism, therefore, is often leaner in body shape (and has a larger penis because of it)
    – has developed different vocal cords, therefore, their voice is often softer and of a higher pitch
    – has weaker joints, therefore, things list wrists, elbows and knees bend easier leading to limp wrists, mincing walks and flexible body parts
    – only seems to have the genes for lighter hair and eye colour
    – skin that tans easily
    – lower cognitive abilities resulting in a tendency for dry wit & humour (often referred to as “sass”.

    Have you not heard of this discovery? No? Well, that’s because it’s a load of old rubbish. There is no such thing as a ‘gay look’, other than the typical image given to us by mainstream TV.
    – Camp
    – Blonde
    – Blue or Green eyes
    – Well built
    – softly spoken
    – sassy

    I can see why people have had this impression, therefore, imprint it onto the wider community, but really? I am rarely any of these things (some things I am more of when drunk) but many of the physical things I most certainly am not. Especially the high metabolism part. Yet the last time I checked I was a gay man, capable of loving and pleasing other gay men?

    That one I do find more offensive than annoying, but it is still annoying all the same.

    Do you orgasm every time you have a poo?

    via GIPHY

    This one came into me via Twitter from a follower. Apparently, a straight friend of theirs was curious about anal and asked the question. And for simple minds, I could see why they would come to the conclusion that having a rather large shit was the same as a good-sized cock up your arse.

    I can safely say that they are not related, at all. So don’t ask you narrow-minded gibbon. It’s the same logic as so when you have a swab down your urethra, that’s just like having a piss right? No, it isn’t. ?️‍?

  • CAR REVIEW | Audi’s A1 Sportback S line

    CAR REVIEW | Audi’s A1 Sportback S line

    ★★★ | Audi’s A1 Sportback S line

    What Have We Got?

    Here we have Audi’s A1 Sportback S line. This model sits around the middle of the 6 car line up. It’s suitably dressed to impress but did it impress us at THEGAYUK?

    Driving

    With looks to kill, you’d expect the A1 S line to be fun and entertaining to drive. Thankfully it doesn’t fail to deliver in this department despite its diminutive turbocharged petrol power unit of 999cc. Power figures suggest mediocre outputs of performance. The good news is that the 116PS at over 5000rpm and torque of 147.5 lb-ft is far better than adequate. Developed low down, it will hustle along quite briskly. Yet, despite its revvy nature, it won’t allow redlining in any gear. Changes are done by 6200rpm.

    Those changes are carried out by a much improved DSG gearbox. Now it is able to deliver crawling take up without snatching as smoothly as it does changing up at speed.

    Steering is communicative to a degree, there’s also some muted feedback, though a little more would be better and the brakes, standard silver, no bright shouting red Brembo callipers, pull the A1 up briskly.

    Inside

    It’s a mixture of good and bad. The dashboard is logical and the facia panel is adaptable for maps, big dials or info. It works well and it’s surrounded by blue neons that carry on into the doors. It’s just a shame then that this isn’t carried on around the vents on the passengers’ side and the rear doors are totally void of any fancy architecture, except for a light by the door handle.

    Seats are also a mixture of good and bad. While they hug you in place during spirited driving, the seat base is very firm and despite several manual controls for the adjustments, lumber adjuster is both awkward to implement and even worse to gauge the amount such is the position of the handle.  

    Living With It

    It’s a practical car. It has 4 doors and a wide opening hatch at the rear. It’s not the most spacious in its class but it will do all that is asked of it.

    You won’t lose face when it comes to the carpark beauty pageant. The A1 has good looks on its side and if the badge is important, you have Audi prestige. And it does what it does well. The ride is more than acceptable and thankfully it is entertaining and the handling is fun. 

    There is just one snag.

    The Verdict

    There is a lot to like about the A1. Showroom and kerbside appeal will impress you and those who admire it from the outside. The nice touches that you expect from Audi are there in some places too but not everywhere. The silver trim across the facia is cheap to look at and cheaper to feel.

    And I get that Audi is a premium brand. With the A1 starting at £17,700, it’s just that I find this S line model with all the options this car has, hard to swallow at £70 shy of £30k. That’s a lot of money for a small car. 

    Love

    Facia neon illuminations

    Peppy 1 litre engine

    Gearbox

    Loathe

    Price

    Boring rear door trim

    Firm seat base and awkward lumber lever

    The Lowdown

    Car –  Audi A1 Sportback 30 TFSI 115PS S Line S Tronic

    Price – £ 29,930 (as tested)

    MPG – 47 mpg (combined)

    Power – 116PS

    0-62mph –  9.4 seconds

    Top Speed –  126 mph

    Co2 – 108 (g/km)

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