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Gay dating app, Growlr just got sold for a lot of $$$s

GROWLr just got sold Y’all!

GROWLr has become the latest dating app, aimed at gay and bi men to be sold, and it was sold for some big $$$s!

Although the amount paid for it is dwarfed by the amount paid by a Chinese gaming firm for Grindr, the buyers still parted with nearly $12,000,000 ($11.8m) for GROWLr and that’s not to be sniffed at. This also means the app is no longer gay-owned or operated and becomes an “acquired property” of the much larger company, The Meet Group.

Currently, GROWLr has around 10 million users of which 200,000 of them use the app daily.

Speaking about the acquisition, Geoff Cook, the CEO of The Meet Group, said, “In addition to reporting a strong quarter, I’m excited to announce the acquisition of Growlr, which provides a meaningful step into the large same-sex dating market and expands the base of users to whom we can deliver our live video product,

“We are thrilled to add Growlr to The Meet Group portfolio,” said Cook.

“Similar to what we have done with our other acquired properties, we plan to be aggressive in bringing our video model to Growlr. We expect to begin rolling out live video on Growlr in the fourth quarter of 2019.

“We also see opportunities to grow advertising revenue on the app, and we plan to further invest in user acquisition to expand brand awareness and reach.”

12th March 2019
Ofsted says “No evidence” that Birmingham School’s No Outsiders lessons are age-inappropriate

Ofsted has said there was no evidence the curriculum overly focused on LGBT issues and that it is taught in an age-appropriate way.

Parents at the Parkfield Primary school in Birmingham had criticised the school’s No Outsiders lessons as age-inappropriate over some of its focus on LGBT+ relationships and gender expressions, but a report today from Ofsted has now said that the lessons are not taught in an age-inappropriate manner and do not overtly focus on LGBT+ issues.

In reality, the lessons focus on race, religion, gender identity, age and disabilities. Despite this, the lessons have caused many parents of children at the school to demonstrate outside the school and around 600 children were removed from classes by their guardians at the beginning of March 2019.

Headteacher David Williams described the report as “great news”, according to the BBC.

The inspection by Ofsted was arranged after parents said that they were concerned over the leadership at the school.

In his report, Ofsted’s senior inspector Peter Humphries said, “A very small, but vocal, minority of parents are not clear about the school’s vision, policies and practice.

“This group of parents feel that staff do not sufficiently listen to their concerns.

“Their view is that PSHE education and equalities curriculum focuses disproportionately on LGBT issues and that this work is not taught in an age-appropriate manner.

“Inspectors found no evidence this was the case.”

12th March 2019
100 Copies of Scottish LGBT Poetry Book Donated to Schools

One hundred copies of Wain, a poetry book by Rachel Plummer, have been donated to schools across Scotland ahead of its publication this Thursday.

Wain is a new collection of LGBT poems aimed at teenage readers, themed around retellings of Scottish folktales. In the wake of abusive messages received on social media, publisher the Emma Press created the option in their webshop for people to buy copies at a discount, to be donated directly to schools. The Emma Press are working with LGBT Youth Scotland to ensure each copy finds a good home.

One customer included this message with their donation: ‘Thank you for adding the option to donate a copy to schools – it’s so important for everyone of every age to have the opportunity of representation in every area. This stand against the anti-trans hatred that is sadly gaining traction in Britain currently is much appreciated.’

Wain is based on Scottish folklore; the collection contains many magical and mythological beings, such as selkies, kelpies, and the Loch Ness Monster. These characters all fit within the LGBT spectrum. Wain was commissioned by LGBT Youth Scotland, the largest youth and community-based organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Scotland. The cultural commission was funded by Creative Scotland.

The book features enchanting full-colour watercolour illustrations by Helene Boppert, bringing the mythical creatures in the poems to life.

The Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh is hosting a launch event for Wain on the 15th March. All ages are welcome, and tickets are free. The launch starts at 6 pm, and will feature a reading from Rachel Plummer, along with a Q&A.

12th March 2019
Perez Hilton is looking for love and it could be YOU!

Perez Hilton hasn’t been on a date in FOUR MONTHS and that man is on the prowl!

Perez Hilton admitted that he’s been going through a bit of dry spell, thanks to his hectic schedule, family and of course, his fitness regime. So now he’s visualising and manifesting his dream man into his life – and being Perez he did this in an open love letter to his “future husband” on YouTube.

The Celebrity Big Brother star admitted that since moving back to LA that the dating site he used to use in New York just isn’t coming up with the goods.

The star starting off by revealing the three most features for him in a man were being “nice and honest and loyal”

Somebody who loves what they do!

He then went on to say that he’d love to date a teacher or someone who works for a non-profit or a therapist!

He said, “My dream guy: his profession is a teacher something who works at a non-profit, a therapist, somebody who helps others somebody who loves what they do for a living. Who’s driven, who’s passionate… who of course I’m in to visually and have great chemistry with in bed.

“Who who is willing to take a chance on me cuz as I said in the previous video a lot of gay men actually most gay men do not like me but I’m a great partner.

The star was then interrupted momentarily by his mum, and he joked, “Someone who loves my mom, someone who loves my kids… I come with a lot!”

He continued, “Some one who will love me for me, won’t try to change me, I make dancing videos, it brings me joy, so I don’t want somebody who’s embarrassed if I’m dancing with my kids or if I’m dancing by myself.

“I don’t want to feel like I’m suppressing a piece of me to make somebody else happy. I want somebody who will love me for me. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for is it?”

Last year I went out on four dates with two people – it gives me hope!

Speaking about his recent love life, the star revealed, “It does give me hope that since I’ve been “Perez” I have been in a one year relationship kept that real quite – that was a while ago now, that was in 2010 and the last year I went out on four dates with two people. That gave me hope.

11th March 2019
Hunky Country Music star comes out in new music vid

Cameron Hawthorn becomes one of the latest country music stars to come out.

The Country music singer, Cameron Hawthorn has used his latest music video to “Dancing In The Living Room” to reveal to his fans that he’s in a relationship with another man.

In the video, a range of couples are seen romantically dancing in their own homes and one of the couples happens to be Cameron and his partner, who join together and slow dance in their very own living room.

“I remember always thinking how special it was to dance freely with my boyfriend in the living room of our apartment,” he tells The Advocate.

“Being gay, it’s not as easy to dance as a couple in public together as it is for a straight couple. I wanted to express how special that moment is for a couple when it’s just the two of you in the privacy of your own four walls.”

Cameron joins a handful of out Country singers including, Billy Gillman and Ty Herndon who both came out in 2014. In the early 20-teens, Steve Grand made global headlines when he became the first male country singer to come out as gay.

11th March 2019
Terry Miller gives an eyeful poolside at clothing optional holiday in Palm Springs

“That monster should be free to swim”

Terry Miller, or as we like to call him, the real-life Tom of Finland stunned fans with a series of hot pictures of him poolside in some very revealing swimwear.

The model, who actually is the official Tom of Finland ambassador was hanging out poolside at the gay men’s CCBC resort hotel in Palm Springs, US, where the pool’s rules state, “clothing optional” however, Terry chose to maintain some modesty and went for the next best thing, a pair of very revealing trunks by Cocksox – which left nothing to the imagination, much to the delight of Terry’s near 90,000 fans on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Buy_QRjlr9H/

Needless to say the picture drove Terry’s fans wild, will one saying, “That monster should be free to swim” referring to the incredibly large bulge in Terry’s briefs. Another added, “Loving the bulge action”.

Another fans pointed out that the picture was “zoom worthy”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu1jtjzlzn7/

In another separate revealing post, Terry appeared in a pair of banana yellow longjohns with the caption, “Lazy, sunny, long john, birthday weekend vibes. Old man Terry catching up on @broadcity this AM.”

11th March 2019
Donald Trump says calling Tim Cook, “Tim Apple” was all about time-saving

You may have heard that President Donald Trump called Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple – well now the President has said that it was entirely intentional.

via GIPHY

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has taken time out of his busy schedule to assure his electorate that him calling Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc, “Tim Apple” was entirely intentional, explaining that it was all about time-saving.

Not him losing his marbles.

CREDIT: By Michael Vadon [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsTaking to Twitter (of course) he wrote, “At a recent round table meeting of business executives, & long after formally introducing Tim Cook of Apple, I quickly referred to Tim + Apple as Tim/Apple as an easy way to save time & words”.

As you see, doing this saved literally two words. “Cook” and “From” – a time saving of around a second. But say, if you were say it over and over – like a demented cuckoo on speed, you can see how these seconds would all add up.

Bravo.

He then hit out at news organisation that reported that he had referred to Cook as Apple – calling them “Fake News” saying “The Fake News was disparagingly all over this, & it became yet another bad Trump story!”

There you go people. If you want to save time and prove yourself as a time-saving lord, just refer to people as Firstname followed by the company they work for.

11th March 2019
INTERVIEW | Jockfighters: Born to let his primal instinct run free

The Modern Man: well-groomed, charming, sophisticated, athletic… and just yearning for his chance to let his primal instinct run free.

Born out of the open-culture two friends experienced through travelling the world, Italian circuit brand Jockfighters aims to embody this concept of “The Modern Man”. With gear that not only looks masculine and athletic but will aid its wearer in transitioning from the daytime gentleman, to the primal beast that lays within.

We at THEGAYUK sat down with one of the co-founders, the DILF that is Mr Ivan Bubu, to find out a little more about the brand and just how bad he gets, in order to do good. Don’t worry his Instagram is just below so you can check out this hot daddy…

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsps01elS_J/

The Brand

Where did the name Jockfighters come from?

We just wanted to find a strong and unusual name out of the scene. It wasn’t easy but then it came to us ‘JOCKFIGHTERS’. JOCK because of jockstraps, something that holds a man’s most important assets and following the 60s has been synonymous to masculinity and sport. FIGHTERS because the urban man wears our gear in the daily fight of their lives. Together the name brings about a masculine modern meaning, meaning the wearers of our gear are ready for whatever life throws at them.

And what makes Jockfighters stand out from other brands?

Unlike other conventional gay brands, the style and quality of the materials really do stand out. We made these products to endure everything from the gym to the darkroom in one of Berlin’s clubs and not only that, do so in style!

So you talk about the style standing out, how do you bridge the divide between conventional sportswear and fetish/circuit-wear?

We basically make sure every aspect of our designs is related to the desired fetish. The colour palette we use is always black with either red, yellow and blue. Representing the 3 major know fetish colours (fisting, water sports and anal). Sometimes we also incorporate materials such as lycra, that give our gear that sexy fetish feel to them. Oh and let’s not forget out logo… look at it long enough and I’m sure you’ll see that dick!

Ok, so final question Mr DILF. Then we wanna get to know about the sexy daddy behind the brand. What is the one piece from your brand that you think every man reading this should own?

I think this is a bit of a trick question. Not one piece from my brand will fit every member of the fetish community. The nature of the community dictates that we all have different tastes and fetishes. So my answer to this is simply the one piece that makes you feel comfortable and that you feel your best self in. As long as my customers feel sexy and happy in their gear from us, I’m happy!

That’s a fair point handsome. Very good answer!… Ok now let’s get to know a little more about you!

The DILF

Your brand references the concept “BE BAD… DO GOOD!!!”… but what does the concept of being bad mean to you?

In the gay community being, ‘bad’ isn’t about actually being bad. It’s about your attitude and the way you act. This means it can be very fun if you’re good at being ‘bad’!

And just how “BAD” have you been in your time travelling? Anything in particular jump out?

Well travelling around gives you the chance to do things, that you are not expected to do. You feel free when travelling, all alone with yourself. Meeting people, exploring boundaries and crossing them… sometimes. I’ve never been bad in the real meaning but in the ‘gay’ meaning, definitely yes! I was a punk and had very alternative experiences across Europe. I was always more of a punk on the outside though not so much a rebel on the inside but a lot of things change as you get older…

Finally handsome, do you still actively go to events on the circuit? And what are your all-time favourite events to go to?

Yes, I do still go to circuit events but unfortunately, I am quite often disappointed with the music. I have been to circuit events all around the world and they are all fun and great to experience in different ways. In fact, I just started a party in Milan with some friends called DOM party. An all fetish inclusive dance party with international DJs and the music is strictly underground, tech house and techno. You guys should definitely come along soon!

Find out more visit: www.jockfighters.com

11th March 2019
Petition supporting Andrew Moffat’s No Outsiders programme surges

A brand new petition in support of the No Outsiders campaign for Primary School ages gains thousands of signatures in just a few hours.

Andrew Moffat’s No Outsiders campaign is getting a lot of love after a petition was created in support of the lessons which aim to teach primary school-aged children about LGBT+ acceptance, relationships and equality.

Parkfield Primary school has become somewhat of a battleground as parents removed 600 pupils from the school in February, and then proceeded to demonstrate outside the school in protest at the lessons. The parents say that the lessons are not age appropriate and that they weren’t consulted with about the lessons.

Critics of No Outsiders have called it “toxic” and parents and their children at the protest, last Thursday, shouted “shame, shame, shame” at the idea of teaching children that it is okay to be gay and Muslim.

The No Outsider lessons include reading children, as young as five-year-old, story such as Mummy, Mamma and Me, which can be heard here:

https://twitter.com/salxerribrooks/status/1103940178941374464

The petition, which was created by Lacey McFadyen wll be delievered to Parkfield Primary School and reads,

Andrew Moffatt is the deputy headteacher at Parkfield Community School near the deprived Bordesley Green area of Birmingham. Birmingham is home to a diverse range of people from different backgrounds and beliefs, which is what makes our city inclusive for everyone.

Andrew’s “No Outsiders” programme reflects this and teaches children about inclusiveness and diversity. This ethos has been extended to parents too through parent/child workshops, where the message can be continued at home. The programme has also been extended to other schools in cities across the UK.

Andrew also runs a “Parkfield Ambassadors” after-school club that creates opportunities for children at his school where 99% of students are Muslim to meet others of different races, religions and cultures around Birmingham.

In May 2016 Ofsted awarded the Parkfield School ‘Outstanding’ status, recognizing Andrew’s project as a strength, saying: “The provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is a strength and permeates the school’s work. This is an inclusive school that celebrates diversity.”

In November 2017 Andrew was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen for services to equality and diversity in education.

Programmes like “No Outsiders” are more than ever needed to ensure future younger generations learn about acceptance and respect of others.

In recent media there has been a backlash of the project with concerns that inappropriate material is being taught to the children. This includes a concern over topics such as LGBT+ being included in the programme. Concerns raised have included the stereotype that LGBT+ is ‘inappropriate’ and ‘sexualised’. This project does not include topics of this nature and instead teaches children about different family dynamics in general.

Please show your support for Andrew’s “No Outsiders” programme by signing this petition and to support the inclusion of LGBT+ topics in this programme.

You can add your support by click here.

11th March 2019
THE UNDATEABLE GAY | Goes on First Dates – Yes, THAT Channel 4 show

You can catch my date on Series one of First Dates, episode five.

After having successive failed dates, I thought I’d try my luck in the First Dates restaurant. What did I have to lose?

In my opening interview, I proclaim on national television that I’m a really horny person and if I see a fit man on the tube, I get a tent pole and have to cover my crotch with my man bag. Great start.

It was a boiling hot day and as I walked into the restaurant, I was sweating like a Bombay hooker. I chose to wear a pair of shorts, hoping it wouldn’t look too casual. But to my relief, my date Lee, was also in shorts. Phew, I thought, we can both look casual together.

I was escorted to meet Lee by the maitre’d and we awkwardly introduced ourselves. We clearly didn’t know whether we should shake hands or share a kiss on the cheek. After nearly head butting each other, we settled on the kiss on the cheek.

We instantly found we had some common ground, discovering that we’d both worked as entertainers for holiday parks. The other mutual trait we shared were perfectly plucked pruned eyebrows. This put me off straight away as I usually like my men a bit more rugged and less manicured. I WANT to be the pretty one in a relationship.

No surprises, I was instantly knocking back the Sauvignon Blanc. And I went straight in for direct questioning. No point beating around the bush, I always say.

In fact, I never beat around the bush.

Hence the fact I’m gay.

Direct and to the point, that’s me. Just call me Jack Bauer.

“So are you looking for a long term relationship?” I asked.

Maybe a little forward for the first conversation but I do like to know where I stand. Even though I didn’t fancy Lee on first sight, I like to keep an open mind. You never know if the spark will come later.

The conversation quickly moved onto kids and we both agreed we would want a boy if we were to have children.

“I’d want a boy because girls are bitches!” I declared, whilst looking around for my Savvy B to be topped up.

As I swigged some more of the First Dates restaurant’s savvy B, for some reason I decided it would be a good idea to tell my date that I’ve already got my wedding planned. And no word of a lie, this is what I have envisaged all of my life.

I want the vicar to come up from under the pulpit on a revolving platform. And I want a disco ball spinning as I make my way down the aisle. And the best bit; my walk in song is Whitney Houston classic, ‘How will I know?’, “if he really loves me, I say a prayer with every heartbeat”.

Really proud that I’d clearly described my wedding, I see Lee has fallen deadly silent, lost for words. A rarity with this man, let me tell you, as he loved the sound of his own voice.

Breaking the silence, I asked, “Does it sound like a wedding for which you’d like to be the fellow groom for?”

“NO”, he bluntly replies, “It sounds really tacky.”

My face drops as I knock back some more wine and another deathly silence fills the table. Well, I guess I did ask.

To break the silence, Lee asks if we should go for a cigarette. Relieved that we both smoke, I jump at the chance to grab a nicotine fix after failing to woo him with my wedding plans.

As we puffed on our Mayfair fags (yes, classy I know), the conversation turns to our coming out stories. I came out to the world at 17, even though I don’t actually think I really needed to tell anyone because they’d all guessed that I was a raging homo. Actually, I don’t know if guessed is the right word. It just so happens that none of my friends and family are blind or deaf.

Discussing our school years, I opened up about being bullied. God, now I know I’m quite an open and honest person but I don’t think I’d ever been quite so open and honest on a date before.

Once upon a time, I was held down on the school field by some boys who wrote “Faggot” on my forehead in black marker pen. Yes, sad but a true story. And then I was the one who got into trouble with the Headmaster. YES, ME! He told me off for having pen on my face which wasn’t in accordance with the school uniform policy. What a bastard, although this was the 1990s. If that were to happen in this day and age, the Headmaster would get sacked for sure.

Nicotine fix complete, we were back at the table, being served our mains when… Cue another awkward silence as I bring up the fact I had quite a religious upbringing. Believe it or not, I went to Sunday school and I was in the church choir. And I still regularly go to church now.

“So have you never been to church?” I enquire.

“I go for like christenings, weddings, just when I’ve got to”, was his response.

As the conversation evolved, I fear I was a little too defensive of my old mate Jesus. After Lee called the communion wine, rancid old vinegar, I proclaimed:

“I can’t believe you just dissed Jesus’ blood!”

That quote will follow me around for years to come as I saw it quoted on Twitter hundreds of times the night the programme went to air.

“Maybe we shouldn’t discuss religion”, I sensibly suggested as I grabbed the waiter’s attention to get some more wine. And no, I didn’t ask for rancid old vinegar.

Note to self: Don’t talk about religion, wedding plans or being bullied on first dates. It creates too many awkward silences.

During my closing interview, the producers were plying me with wine. Trying to get me pissed they were. Attempting to loosen my lips even more so than they usually are.

I proclaimed that I didn’t really fancy him but if there was the option, I’d probably go home to bed with him.

SLUT.

I think our final conversation on camera summed up our date perfectly.

LEE: I think you’re really nice. BUT… we are too alike personality wise.

ME: It would be like shagging myself if I shagged you.

LEE: Just a better-looking version.

Cue my pursed lips.

Even television can’t guarantee this undateable gay a future of love. Maybe I should try Blind Date next…

10th March 2019
TV REVIEW | RuCap on Drag Race Season 11 Ep 2

This is how you do Drag Race!

So we’ve landed in week two of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11 and what a week it was.

Starting off with only the second, but already much loved, photo-bomb. Sadly in this incarnation, Silky was one of the first to go in and as her picture was such a blinder, most of the Queens after her tried to hard at copying her. Sadly this made the game a bit messy and tacky instead of funny.

The next round was the acting challenge and thankfully everything picked up (a lot!) from there … including, unfortunately, fights!!

Of course, there were the usual squabbles about who was picked last. (Girls: in the end, there will always be a the last one for everything!!)
But something bigger went down as well.

Am I right in thinking this is the first time in herstory where RuPaul her damn self was the one starting the shenanigans? During her team talks, she decided to tell one team what the others had told her about them. And she was clearly enjoying it too.

So thanks to Ru’s gossiping what started out as an off the cuff remark from Brooke Lynn’s team about Silky’s larger than life personality ended up in a fight that overtook half the episode and most of Untucked later on.

It’s safe to say Silky couldn’t have been completely surprised people complained about being annoyed with her as most of the Queens said they’d kill her during an “innocent” round of Mary, Fuck, Kill earlier in the episode.

Oddly on elimination day the fight kind of turned away from Silky to become a bitching fest between Yvie and Ra’Jah for some reason.
In the end, it took Plastique Tiara’s pleading “hug it out” during Untucked to put a stop to it all (for now.)

There was also a sad moment where we learned more about Mercedes, the first Muslim contestant. It turned out that this Kenyan born Queen suffered because of her immigration background, which brought a lot of stress in her life. Things got worse when her name ended up on the “No Flight” list, making it hard for her to get to pageants. In the end, she tried driving everywhere. All this caused her so much stress and exhaustion she suffered a stroke one day, mid-pageant, in her late 20s. She ended up in a wheelchair for a while.

This left her with very low confidence and insecurity about her looks. Hearing this story the Queens, as always, leave behind their fights and arguments to make her feel loved and secure. This is the beauty of Drag Race: no matter the fights or petty remarks, when one of their own is suffering the drag family is there for her.

The acting challenge as well as a deeper meaning this time around. Both teams star in stories that Celebrating black cinema: remakes of Black Panther and Get Out. Both story-lines deal with identity, appropriation (from both black and drag culture,) and violence.

Directed by Michelle Visage (the strictest but also best acting coach of the team) and Ross Matthews (who is also growing in this role) both sketches turn out to be among the best of Drag Race acting herstory. This season turns out to be packed with acting and comedy talent, and it is clear from Michelle and Ross’ responses that they were pleasantly surprised. Seeing their joy in how well the Queens take direction or how funny they are is almost better than watching the scenes themselves. It is clear how much they love their drag children doing well.

There are things that could have gone wrong with the Black Panther pastiche: the cast being mostly white and Plastique Tiara being asked to go stereotypical Vietnamese. Thankfully thanks to some quick thinking (the whitest black panther) and Plastique being the one getting her nails DONE instead of doing them it kind of worked.

Then on to the catwalk, this week with an Astrology theme. The Queens had to stride the stage dressed as their own star sign and some wonderful looks were created.

My only gripe with this one: a lot of Queens were born with the same sign. Wouldn’t it have been better to allocate them with a sign once the show reached 12 girls meaning each girl could show a unique look? Oh well, just a minor squabble with so much fabulousness onstage, including Ru herself in full Wakanda realness!

So onto the winners (yes Ru can’t seem to stop splitting top spots this year) Scarlett and Yvie. Well, it’s only fair, their parts were basically a two-hander and they shared great chemistry during their scenes.

Sadly in the bottom Mercedes and Kahanna. Sharing her story with the girls and the judges seems to have lifted a weight of Mercedes and sees the queen who was once in a wheelchair lipsync, dance and do splits in a fierce performance that even outshines Kahanna who at once stage backflips and does a perfect landing IN HEELS!!

This girls, is how you do Drag Race!!

10th March 2019