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  • GAY TRAVEL | Overdose on chocolate and then go and sleep with Hubert in Brussels.

    GAY TRAVEL | Overdose on chocolate and then go and sleep with Hubert in Brussels.

    dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

    There’s no real scientific evidence to suggest that chocolate actually does work as an aphrodisiac. Many foods have been assigned such qualities, but by and large, they tend to have a strong placebo effect instead. In other words, they get you thinking about sex just by association, and this puts sex to the front of your mind. Could this be why ‘Chocolate Row’ in a central part of Brussels positively glows with the frisson of sexiness?

    dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay

    Belgium is known for two things, and if you are not here for the beer, then you should head along to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and try the chocolate. Found right in the heart of Brussels, this glass-domed series of galleries was one of the first shopping malls to be built in Europe and still retains the grandeur and architectural spectacle that reflects its century and a half age. It is filled with high-end boutiques, cultural organisation and, of course, a generous helping of chocolate shops.

    Walkerssk / Pixabay

    And if you are looking to explore the heart of Brussels social scene, bars and nightlife then there is no better location to use as your base than the nearby Hotel Hubert. Only a few minutes from the Grand Palace and Brussels Central Station, Hubert is a perfect mix of the luxurious and the easy-going, aims towards self-service but has an attentive staff to help you negotiate its modern concepts.

    Lobby lounge at Hotel Hubert Brussels near Grand Place

    They strive for a home from home feeling, and that is precisely what you get. Brussels is one of the most progressive and liberal cities in Europe, it is a leading gay city with a rich history, thriving nightlife, a French vibe and delicious cuisine. It also has plenty to explore for the man looking for a men-only scene, a scene which you will find is discrete, varied and welcoming.

    Accommodation at Hotel Hubert Brussels near Grand Place

    As the gay scene in London seems to be slowly fading out, Eurostar promotions are keeping the Londoners afloat with extremely affordable deals. If you want a city destination that is close and reasonably priced.

     

    5 gay establishments to consider in Brussels

    Macho Sauna: A very friendly and comfortable suite of rooms accommodating a sauna, a steam room, a gym and a hammam, a terrace, a lounge and a club zone. Choose the time to go carefully, mid-week is perfect if you want to concentrate on the facilities but the weekend is when it gets jam-packed and turns into a party zone.

    Oasis Sauna: Pretty much the opposite of the sleek modernity of Macho Sauna, instead it is housed in a rather grand building filled with chandeliers, fireplaces, portraits and comfortable armchairs. All the usual facilities are to be found but with more of the atmosphere of an old-time Gentlemen’s Club.

    The Stammbar: Open about the fact that it is a “music cruise bar, “ it is fitted out in an industrial style, has cruising areas, a dark room and is open every night. While it plays to the more obvious end of the scene, it is friendly and attitude free, popular with locals and visitors alike and manages to stay on the right side of the divide that separates sleazy and sexy from sordid and grubby.

    La Baroque: Best described as compact and bijou but proves that size isn’t everything by being one of the most popular bars on the city’s the gay scene. It is full of colour and atmosphere, but most visitors drink outside. On the weekend, there’s usually a DJ who plays a mixture of club classics and pop music. Give him a wink, and he’ll play your favourite tune.

    Station BXL: Midweek is very busy. It has a retro feel, plenty of room for dancing, some dark corners for more intimate encounters and although it might be at the more expensive end of the drink pricing it is undoubtedly a comfortable and rewarding place to spend time.

    Written by Ray Si – proud member of IGLTA

  • Gay bar security staff sacked after asking customers for money to free event

    Gay bar security staff sacked after asking customers for money to free event

    Security staff at a bar in Birmingham have been dismissed after it was revealed that they were asking for money from patrons before allowing them to enter the premises.

    Missing Bar in Birmingham has fired their on door security team after it was revealed that the bouncers were demanding money from patrons before allowing them to enter the building, even though the venue itself does not charge an entrance fee.

    The bar’s management offered an apology to its customers and told patrons that the security staff were dismissed “on the spot” and the money collected was donated to charity.

    Patrons of the bar were quick to congratulate the bar’s owners on their swift decision making and resolving the issue quickly.

    Taking to Facebook Missing bar wrote,

    “AN APOLOGY
    “We were made aware that our door security team were asking customers to pay an entrance fee last night.

    “We have never charged for entry at Missing and never will.

    “Both of the security team were dismissed on the spot and any money they collected will be donated to charity”.

    One user who was asked to give money to the door staff on Thursday night last week did say that the bouncers had made it clear that the money “was non-obligatory”.

    One Facebook fan said that the behaviour from the door staff was “shocking”. Another added that it was good that the bar hadn’t taken the side of the bouncers, while another agreed saying, “I totally agree with this from past issues with their bouncers”.

     

  • LGBT Charity calendar banned from Facebook for “sexual activity” despite none

    LGBT Charity calendar banned from Facebook for “sexual activity” despite none

    Facebook’s over-eager censorship tools have caused the Naked Rugby Players page to be banned from Facebook.

    One of the UK’s top 5 charity calendars, has been banned from the social media giant, Facebook. The owners of the Naked Rugby Players charity calendar were banned this morning (16th December) and given the explanation that the picture uploaded to the platform contained genitals, sexual activity, explicit language or female nipples, despite the picture cleverly hiding every player’s genitals.

    The Naked Rugby Players calendar is a national calendar which aims to raise money for cancer charity, Balls To Cancer and LGBT+ inclusive rugby as well as bring awareness to testicle cancer and LGBT sports.

    However, the “offending” picture that was uploaded does not contain genitals, female nipples, sexual activity or sexually explicit language.

    In an explanation, Facebook told the page’s owners that the post went against their community standards and banned the page from commenting or posting for 24 hours.

    However, in a cruel double standard, Facebook hasn’t decided to delete other user’s content. Kim Kardashian-West’s page, which has over 27 million fans has dozens of naked women, which displays at least one fully naked frontal picture of a woman.

    The calendar’s Creative Director, Jake Hook said, “We take a huge amount of time on photo shoot days to ensure that everybody is comfortable and making absolutely 100 per cent sure that nobody’s genitals are on show. In fact, it is in our agreement with the clubs that take part that we make sure that no one’s genitals will be visible.

    “Facebook’s ban is obviously disappointing. We are so proud of this calendar and the message that it gives. Be proud of your body, be proud of your sexuality and be comfortable in your own skin”.

    Facebook’s Sexual Purge

    Facebook has come under fire recently for its brand new community standard’s policy. The policy which is named the “sexual solicitation” policy has been branded as “horrifying” by critics and it could adversely effect LGBT+ users on the platform.

    The policy could potentially ban gay, bisexual and transgender users from discussing whether they are top or bottoms on the site as it seeks to ban “sexual hints such as (the) mention of sexual roles, positions or fetish scenarios”.

    The platform says it is now “drawing a line” when any conversation leads to a “sexual encounter between adults”.

     

    Support the players

    If you’d like to support the players and buy the 2019 calendar you can visit their website where they are offering free shipping on calendars.

  • PHOTO GALLERY | Verner Degray’s Redemption

    PHOTO GALLERY | Verner Degray’s Redemption

    Verner Degray offers us once again the fruit of his work!

    Here’s Mike!

    Boys from around the world are hurrying to Verner’s goal. After Jamal, from Morocco, it is the turn of Mike, straight from Cuba to give himself to the artistic eye of Verner.

    Despite the cold in France, Verner chose the forest and the cold light that pierces the foliage to showcase this beautiful model.

    Want to see the uncensored version go to Verner’s OnlyFans page.

    Of course, you can see the uncensored images at Verner Degray’s Only Fans page

  • Students singing ‘fagg*t’ from Fairytale Of New York is disturbing

    A  video of students at a Birmingham university singing along to ‘Fairytale of New York’, but only knowing the lines including the homophobic slur “faggot” has gone viral.

    The video which was captured by Georgia Walshe shows how, as she describes, a “upper-class, homophobic, racist” group of “Tory” students singing along to the Christmas classic, ‘Fairytale of New York’, however the only words they know is the line proceeding the homophobic insult “faggot” – to which they sing at the top of their voices.

    The video has been retweeted over 500 times and “liked” over 3700 times.

    The song was being played at a party at which Walshe did not attend but could hear throughout the student halls. She made the video to demonstrate the level of noise past midnight when the Christmas hit started to play.

    Writing on Twitter, Walshe wrote, “As soon as I heard what song was on I knew straight away when they were gna [sic] get louder – absolute tories”

    In the evergreen Christmas-hit, Kirsty MacColl sings the line “You scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot.” The line causes a debate every year about whether the slur should be removed or censored from the song as some people in the LGBT+ community find it very problematic.

    The video which Walshe shared has now gone viral.

    Speaking to Gay Star News Walshe said, “I just don’t associate with these people, they’re not my type of people. I don’t know them by name.

    “I’ve met a lot of those lot in the first few weeks [from freshers parties]. I’ve heard them sing along and use the ‘N’ word in songs.

    “When I heard Fairytale of New York come on, I knew what I was going to hear. It’s part of their entitled homophobic bigotry.”

    Number 1 Christmas Song

    The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” has been crowned the best Christmas song of all time.

    However, the song crowned number one contains a homophobic slur and is found problematic by some. Every year a debate rages about whether the song should have the word “faggot” bleeped or silenced when it is broadcast publicly.

    Topping Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas” and WHAM!’s “Last Christmas”, “Fairytale of New York” has been crowned the nation’s favourite Christmas song.

    It also managed to top Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas“, which took the fourth spot.

    In 2007, BBC’s Radio 1 in the UK, censored the offending word, but soon reinstated it after a public backlash.

     

  • CAR REVIEW | Alfa Romeo Stelvio

    CAR REVIEW | Alfa Romeo Stelvio

    ★★★★☆ | Alfa Romeo Stelvio – Alfa Romeo’s Power House

    What Have We Got?

    Alfa Romeo has buckled to the trend and launched a very sporty SUV into the ever popular SUV market. It’s big and rather good looking but can it wow you and win you over, away from the competition?

    Driving

    The downside for me was the steering lacked some feedback. You could tell when it was ploughing on in an enthusiastically taken corner but this was probably more to do with its sheer size than through the steering wheel.

    That said, the overall driving experience wasn’t a bad one. Quite the opposite. The 2-litre 280hp  petrol engine would hurtle towards 60mph in 5.7 seconds. Now for a car that can manage that and develop its maximum of 400 Nm of torque at just 2250rpm, it seemed to be rather more refined than you’d think. It wasn’t really throwing you back into your seat on hard acceleration and yet it never hesitated in response to throttle inputs from stand-still or when on the move.

    In actual fact, you’d be wise to select the MPH display on the fascia panel at all times. The Stelvio gathers pace quicker than it feels. 

     

    Inside

    Inside is below par for the class and the money. What was nice to see was that nothing rattled. That might sound premature when a new car is being reviewed but this Stelvio was delivered with almost 24,000 miles on the clock at the time of the test. It is just over a year old. That’s almost the equivalent or 2-3 years of motoring. Alfa Romeo hasn’t been known, in the past, for rattle free insides, well they have now. And this is a press car. They pass from journalist to journalist and they are driven hard. This is a great testament to Alfa Romeo. 

    Living With It

    It’s rapid and great fun to drive and deserves to wear that Alfa Romeo badge. As SUV’s go, the Stelvio cuts it in the market for being different. It might not do things as well as a Mercedes GLC but then again, for the money, the GLC isn’t going to do things that the Stelvio can do. 

    For drivers alike, the Stelvio is a great car to drive. It’s comfortable and despite its size and somewhat lack of steering feel, it does give the impression it is far nimbler that on first acquaintance. 

    The Verdict

    It’s not the best. Then again you’re not going to regret having it parked on your driveway and an Alfa Romeo key in your pocket. There are things I’d like to see changed in line with the market leaders but then again, if it did, it wouldn’t be an Alfa Romeo! 


    Love

    Linear throttle reactions

    Infotainment system

    Auto box changes

    Loathe

    Interior quality

    Fuel consumption

    Steering feedback

    The Lowdown

    Car –  Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0 Turbo 280hp Q4 Milano Edizione

    Price – £ 46,865(as tested)

    MPG – 40.4mpg (combined)

    Power – 280hp @ 5250 rpm

    0-62mph –  5.7 seconds

    Top Speed –  143 mph

    Co2 – 161 (g/km)

  • Die-cast Dreams 

    Die-cast Dreams 

    I had some fun thinking about this article. Motoring writer and author, Richard Gooding recently posted up on Twitter pictures from his visit to the Hornby toy museum in Kent. This got me thinking about the toy cars that I longed to own as the real thing. Namely those from Corgi and Matchbox.

    There is no sense of occasion with die-cast toys anymore. In the ’80s, a new Matchbox or Corgi release was AMAZING. Imagine the rush for the latest iPhone, to a young boy, it was exactly like that.

    I can still remember certain releases with fondness. Even a rehash of an old model in new colours was a worthy occasion. 1985 was a particularly hot year for releases and first to get the new Golf GTi, BMW 325i cab, Escort cab or Lamborghini Countach was frantic.

    I would save my £1 a week pocket money and once I had got to the usual £4.99 (I think), I’d treat myself to a large Corgi or for about a quid, I’d buy one of the 75 small Matchbox cars available, choosing it from the rotating Matchbox stand in our local toy shop, Chapmans. The nostalgia I am feeling right now is unbelievable.    

    The small Matchbox and larger corgis were the ones I loved. I wasn’t so keen on the larger Matchbox or the smaller Corgi’s. Matchbox Superkings lacked details and the small corgis were just cheap. That said, I still had some because, well because I wanted that car like the Peugeot 305 saloon from Matchbox, so don’t judge me. 

    The die-cast toy was a gateway to driving and car ownership. It taught you about keeping the paint pristine or what would happen in the real world when a brick was dropped onto say, a Rolls Royce. I did end up with a fair number of convertibles and a scrapyard worthy of a lot of money had it been real.

    There were also adventures to be had with a die-cast and dream garages could be built from new or exchanging with friends. In some ways, it really is little different to car ownership. So without further ado, let us look at my dream garage of die-cast.

    One particular model jumps out. The Corgi Fiat X1/9. It was blue with some racing decals. It looked the nuts. Sleek and wedge-like. There was nothing else like it in my toy box. What’s more, this came with a tow hook. What a stupid option. 

    That’s what I thought until I was given the Carlsberg X1/9 with the boat on a trailer. Forget the silly little boat you could win on Bullseye, this was a real speedboat with a Cosworth engine. Both of these models I still have and to that, I also have to add a real Fiat X1/9.  

    Another model was given to me second hand. A small matchbox VW camper van. It was wicked at rolling down the hill. Sadly by the time it got to me, it had lost its pop-up roof. That didn’t stop me from prizing it apart and painting it white over orange. That was always the dream. 

    Didn’t quite work out that way in the end because I ended up with a yellow VW camper van instead.

    Another die-cast hero of mine was made by Solido, the French die-cast manufacture. Always a little more expensive. They made an Alfasud racer. Not quite the Alfasud I wanted but that never stopped the hankering for one. And again I would eventually own the real car. Sadly, like the Solido model that came apart quite easily for restoration, my Alfasud came apart too.

    I’ve since managed to make die-cast replicas of practically all the cars I have owned. Sadly Corgi and Matchbox aren’t really the same anymore and what they sell aren’t really what I aspire to own. Instead, I have to turn to the many other makers of die-cast out there for my dreams or more importantly, to remake into my current garage. Thankfully Vitesse made some truly unusual models so I have been able to make the last addition to the fleet, the Berlingo. 

    Where it goes from here, why knows. I’m hankering for a Lancia Beta coupe, Solido made one of those. I also want another Citroën Dyane and I know Corgi made that because I’ve already got one.

  • 2021 Census will include questions about gender and sexuality

    The UK’s 2021 census will include questions to help determine the size of Britain’s LGBT+ community.

    ellisedelacruz / Pixabay

    The digital first 2021 Census will help shape public services to meet the needs of the LGBT+ community in the years to come, as plans set out in a government white paper today show.

    The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has recommended a new voluntary question on sexual orientation for those aged 16 and over. In addition to the usual question on being male or female for all ages, there will also be a voluntary question on gender identity in England and Wales for those aged over 16.

    It was always the intention of ONS that these questions would be voluntary.

    The data gathered from these questions will make it easier to monitor inequalities under the anti-discrimination duties of the Equality Act 2010 and to directly plan public services and support for these groups.

    “Stand Up and Be Counted”

    National Statistician, John Pullinger, said: “The Census is for everyone; it gives us all the opportunity to stand up and be counted in democratic debate and policy decisions.

    “We have designed it with people at its heart and we consulted widely to ensure it meets the needs of society. Unlike previous Censuses, it will be digital first which will make it easier to complete electronically, with help available for those who need it.”

    The date for the digital-first census has been confirmed as 21 March 2021, subject to parliamentary approval.

    Information gathered by ONS will ensure vital public services can be targeted into communities and groups where they are needed, in 2021 and beyond.  

    ONS is transforming the way it collects, processes and shares data and the next census is part of a wider drive towards making more use of data already held and moving surveys online.

    In line with previous censuses, ONS will hold a census rehearsal in October 2019 and is currently reviewing which local authority areas will be included.

    For more information, see the white paper which has been laid today in Parliament.

    How many LGBT people are there in the UK?

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    The number of people who identify as lesbian, gay and bisexual is a hotly debated subject, with no clear answer, but here will look at all the available stats.

    There has long been a widely-held belief that around 10 per cent of the population is gay, lesbian or bisexual or who identify as non-heterosexual. This is probably the most accurate of all the figures – as more and more people feel comfortable to come out about their sexuality.

    The ONS (Office of National Statistics) says that in a survey of people in the United Kingdom it found that 1.5 per cent of people identified as LGB. This result was arrived at by extrapolation of data collected. However, these statistics were disputed for not being accurate or showing the full picture.

    By their estimations, this would mean that there are only 990,300 LGB people in the UK.

  • BBC announces its first LGBT+ correspondent for BBC News

    The BBC has announced that it has hired its first LGBT+ Correspondent for its news service.

    Ben Hunte has been appointed the BBC’s first LGBT+ correspondent for BBC News, a role which he’ll start in the New Year.

    This newly created role will report on the stories, issues and debates surrounding sexuality and gender and focus on providing insight and analysis on matters affecting the LGBT community in the UK.

    Ben played a key part during the coverage of the BBC’s Gay Britannia season and presented his own series of LGBT-themed programmes on BBC Radio 4 and 4 Extra called “The Ben Hunte Interviews”. He interviewed a range of high profile guests including Paul O’Grady and Stephen K Amos. This year Ben also became the presenter of BBC What’s New?, the BBC’s first TV programme and digital service for children in Africa.

    Ben Hunte said, “I’m delighted to be taking on this important new role for BBC News and I am looking forward to finding and telling stories from the LGBT community.”

    Richard Burgess, UK News Editor for BBC News, said, “BBC News has a rich heritage of covering issues and debates from the LGBT community. This year we announced our first gender and identity correspondent, Megha Mohan, and I’m thrilled that Ben will be taking up this dedicated role which aims to strengthen our offering of LGBT stories and original journalism across the BBC”.

    Ben Hunte graduated from the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus with a degree in Neuroscience, before studying TV Journalism at City University of London.

    The BBC isn’t the first mainstream news company to hire a specific LGBT+ correspondent for their coverage. In 2017 the Evening Standard hired Amy Ashenden, but the role was short lived and Amy moved to PinkNews.

  • James McVey shows off shocking jungle weight loss

    James McVey shows off shocking jungle weight loss

    Spending time in the Celebrity Jungle will take its toll.

    James McVey who recently starred in 2018’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here showed off his shocking weight loss. During his time in the jungle, James who was already lean, lost 5kgs (0.7 stone).

    The Vamps’ guitarist shared a candid shot with his 1.1 million followers on Instagram, of him in his hotel room shortly after leaving the jungle looking incredibly skinny. He joked that he needed pizza and ice-cream.

    He captioned the photo “This was taken as soon as I got to the hotel after leaving camp. The jungle took 5kg from me and gave me awful facial hair. Here’s to pizza and cake…”

    Fans were quick to worry about the star, with many warning that he was looking “too thin”, “starved” and to look after himself.

    The photo was liked by 111,000 people.

    James lost out on winning this series, which was won by Football legend Harry Redknapp. John Barrowman came in third place, while Emily Atack narrowly missed out on being crowned the jungle queen.

     

     

  • This is how millennials really want to celebrate Christmas

    This is how millennials really want to celebrate Christmas

    One in 10 millennials secretly hope there is no room at the in-laws, a study found and six percent still believe in Santa Claus!

    Researchers who polled 2,000 UK adults aged 21 to 38, found the last thing they want to do is spend the night at their other half’s parents.

    Having worked long hours all year, those polled revealed they’re ‘desperate’ for some peace and quiet over the festive period – and being on duty at the in-laws holds little appeal.

    In fact, those polled revealed they can only tolerate their company for three hours before they start to struggle.

    Instead, the research commissioned by Hotels.com, found a fifth will look to spend Christmas Day with their mates, while 15 per cent are intending to go away on holiday.

    Adam Jay, president of Hotels.com brand, said: “We all love getting together with friends and family at Christmas, and everyone celebrates it differently.”

    The research also found eight in 10 are planning to have get-togethers with friends at some point over the festive period.

    Three in 10 of those will cook a Christmas dinner with their mates and a quarter intend to go to a Christmas market with them too.

    Similarly, 20 per cent are doing a Secret Santa and eight per cent are going to have a mini break with their friends.

    The research also explored what millennials will do on the day itself.

    Which films do they love the most?

    More than half will sit in front of the TV and watch movies.

    And the chances are at least one of the flicks they enjoy will Home Alone, Elf or Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – these were voted the top three Christmas movies among those polled.

    More than a third will spend time on social media, 35 per cent will play board games or card games and a fifth will take selfies.

    Eighteen per cent intend to send a Christmas message to their social media friends and followers, 17 per cent will have an afternoon nap and 14 per cent will do a spot of online shopping in the sales.

    And whilst they aren’t keen to hit the prosecco, they are a dab hand in the kitchen with 19 per cent of millennials planning to host when it comes to the cooking.

    Almost half revealed they are planning to stray from tradition and have an ‘alternative’ festive meal – with a vegan dinner and pizza among the dishes likely to be served up.

    And the break from what many consider the norm doesn’t end there – a fifth are planning to avoid alcohol completely on Christmas Day.

    Death of the onesie

    Three in 10 will wear a Christmas jumper on the day, 22 per cent will wear pyjamas and only four per cent will opt for a onesie this year.

    The research also revealed a quarter of women polled will accessorise with a festive manicure

    While 12 per cent of men will go for a glitter beard and the same proportion will have a bauble beard.

    And seven per cent of everyone surveyed will be wearing festive pants.

    Despite all the excitement over Christmas and the rise of new traditions, those polled are sketchy over its origins – just 16 per cent know the complete nativity story.

    Four in 10 don’t know Jesus features – and it’s a similar story for Mary and Joseph (37 per cent) and Angel Gabriel (49 per cent).

    Don’t Stop Believing

    Six per cent even believe Santa Claus makes an appearance.

    Those polled also revealed their thoughts on how the nativity story might differ if it were to happen now.

    One in 10 think a unicorn would replace the donkey, 15 per cent think the three kings would be the three queens and 10 per cent believe Angel Gabriel would appear to Mary via Instagram.

    Carried out through OnePoll, the study also found gifts from the three kings – or three queens – would be a little different too.

    They’d include an iPhone (22 per cent), a Netflix subscription (18 per cent) and rose gold jewellery (16 per cent).

    Other gifts might include Bitcoin (12 per cent), a selfie stick (10 per cent), beard oil (8 per cent), Uber vouchers (seven per cent) and avocado on toast (seven per cent).

    Adam Jay added: “Whatever the occasion – friendsmas, quality time with the family or in-laws – there’s always room at the inn at Hotels.com and you can get a reward night when you stay ten nights with Hotels.com Rewards.”

    *Hotels.com is offering 10 per cent off bookings for Christmas Day with the code ‘RoomAtTheInn’.

    For more information click here [https://uk.hotels.com/]

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