Once again, the excellent photographer Verner Degray, offers us the superb photos of his last shoot “secret intimate” where nature and muscle are one.
Watch the video here:
Verner Degray is the must-have male photographer. His exhibitions around the world have been a huge success and have given him the title of Best Photographer USA by Advocate Magazine 3 years in a row.
A brand new LGBT+ venue is opening in September in Weston-Super-Mare.
In contrast to the scene across the UK, Weston-Super-Mare is about to get a brand new queer space, Proud Bar after a nearly a decade of no gay scene.
The bar recently shared a post saying it was “bar stool shopping”
There are no gay bars in Weston at the moment, the longest standing bar, Alexandra Bar served its last pint in August 2009, before being rebranded as The Edge.
Weston-Super-Mare does have a very popular annual pride, which is attended by thousands of people.
The new bar is located 20 Boulevard BS23 1NA in Weston-Super-Mare and is due to open on the 19th September 2018 at 5PM.
Writing on his timeline he told his 6.42 million followers that he had a zero tolerance policy to “foul-mouthed abuse on Twitter”
Falling foul of this policy will find you blocked from following and interacting with Mr Morgan and there are no “yellow cards – just straight red blocks”.
He then went on to call anyone who fails his policy a “cesspit dwelling troll”.
Piers Morgan has presented Good Morning Britain since 2015.
In 2017, the presenter condemned LGBT charity Stonewall, calling them “Piers-phobic” after a spokesperson blasted him for “bullying” a couple who identified as non-binary on Good Morning Britain.
So there you go. Don’t be nasty to Mr Morgan or you might just get a red card.
Once again Instagram deletes another account which depicts the nude male body.
Yesterday it was reported that the world’s biggest picture sharing site, Instagram, had banned Meat‘s latest account – which at the last count had garnered 5000 fans, the previous one, (yes they’ve had two banned) had 15,000 fans. What was their crime? Allegedly falling foul to that cardinal sin… displaying naked men. Okay, you say, it’s right there in the community guidelines, “no nudity” however these pictures had a whopping great modesty circle in front of anything that might be even slightly racy.
This isn’t the first time that the Facebook-owned company has deleted pictures of the male form. In the past, it has deleted the Warwick Rowers and in August it deleted Greeks Come True. There was not one penis on show. These are beautifully crafted pictures of men, who yes, are naked, but where you cannot see anything that would give you tingles downstairs. Pornographic? No. Homoerotics, hell yes, but there’s a huge difference between porn and eroticism.
Meat is different though. It’s a breath of fresh air – the guys portrayed are unphotoshopped, average bodies. It shows that even when you don’t have a six-pack you can still appear on the front of a magazine or calendar.
Recently THEGAYUK.com polled over 300 of its Twitter readers about whether they were comfortable being naked in the presence of other people. Over half of us answered in the negative. Over a half of us are awkward about our natural state why is that?
And I’m not hating on you six-packers. Hey, the true is I’m jealous. Aren’t we all a bit envious of those who can obtain and maintain a single digit body fat percentage? But I will just never be that guy.
“The thought that I was fat kept me in a perpetual state of eat, feel guilty, purge and workout”
I have always struggled with my own perception of my weight. The thought that I was fat kept me in a perpetual state of eat, feel guilty, purge and workout. At one point, in my attempt to have what I thought was a “good body” I would throw up everything I ate and go to the gym twice a day. Needless to say, despite being, what I now see as thin I could only see body rolls. Even now, over a decade on, I still find myself with fingers down my throat with “WTF are you doing” going round and round in my head.
What was / is the cause of my insecurity and clearly a huge majority of us?
I’m not going to sit here and solely blame the media because I’m part of it (there’s my disclosure). I’m very aware of the pressures upon us in the media to get clicks, to shift copies, to adhere to the old adage that sex sell, or at the very least the notion of what sexy is – sells. We’ve been accused in the past of posting only certain types of male images – but let me tell you, I see the analytics and despite the protestations from some audience members, pictures of different bodies just don’t fly. Why is that?
For the record, I’m not audience blaming either.
Have we all been programmed so hard to only see slim, white, blonde boys as sexy? Perhaps it’s time for all of us to shift the view of what is sexy.
That’s why I love the idea behind Meat and the Naked Rugby Players and even Channel 4’s controversial dating show, Naked Attraction. They are showing that the typical body is beautiful. Bellies, love handles and hair here and there is normal and wonderful.
The likes of Meat and Naked Rugby Players (above) are changing the game.
“We’re bombarded with images that prod at the subconscious saying “you’re not thin enough” and we’ve got to change the narrative.”
Body positivity is a hot topic right now and it should be. If over half of us aren’t happy with our naked bodies there’s something not right. There is a strong link between our bodies and our mental health. Many of us are on endless diets and we aren’t just yo-yoing on weight. We’re playing games with our mental health each and everytime we step on those scales.
We’re bombarded with images that prod at the subconscious saying “you’re not thin enough” and we’ve got to change the narrative. We’ve got to expose ourselves to different standards of beauty. We’ve got to relearn that our normal, unretouched, imperfect bodies are actually perfect – and platforms like Instagram have to start playing their part.
Hunky Dan Osborne has revealed the reason why “human Ken doll” Rodrigo Alves left the Celebrity Big Brother house. The reason has been shrouded in mystery.
Following his exit, Rodrigo took to Instagram to say, “It was a great experience while in the #cbb house thank you all for the love and support. After @realmissnatalienunn Natalie left I started to think how I was getting seen by the public after making a language mistake while DRUNK. I am deeply sorry to have let the viewers down and my Fans now I just need to have some ice cream and rest and life goes on….”
However, Dan has stepped in revealing in The Sun, that there was an unaired incident. saying, “There was an incident in the house, it was just something inappropriate, I didn’t appreciate it.”
(C) CHANNEL 5
Rodrigo, who is openly gay, caused outrage with the show’s audience on his first night after using the n-word twice, when explaining why Dan Osborne wasn’t his type. He was reprimanded by CBB producers but was able to stay in the house.
Dan hasn’t explained what happened but producers were clearly so jolted by whatever the incident that they resolved to never air the footage.
(C) CHANNEL 5
Rodrigo did not appear in the live final nor have an exit interview with Emma Willis or Rylan. He has not responded to Dan’s allegations.
It was reported recently that a club goer to the members club XXL in London was refused entry because they were in (what is being described as) high heels and looked ‘feminine’. They were told they had to remove their heels and dress appropriately as this was a venue that celebrates everything masculine (it was a bear club after all).
Free-Photos / Pixabay
It then transpires that this is actually one of many incidents of this kind and to add insult to injury the owner of XXL even decided to go on an anti-fem (amongst other things) rant on twitter (I’m not going to link to it as it doesn’t deserve the airtime).
These recent incidents have quite rightly sparked a fresh debate about toxic masculinity on the gay scene and how ‘fem’ guys are being pushed out in favour of a more ‘masc’ (masculine) culture. In a recent article by Otamere Guobadia, they talk about anti-femme door policies at various places including quoting examples where drag queens and trans women on nights out are excluded from venues for being too feminine (or not masculine depending on your point of view).
In response to the incidents by XXL, there is a protest against the door policy at XXL on the 23 September and even organisations like All Together UK (an LGBT social group) are boycotting the venue to ensure their members and potential don’t feel excluded from events. With the debate raging is there a danger that nobody wins in all of this?
On the ‘masc’ side you have years of the gay community trying to get away from the stereotypical portrayal of a gay man in the media. Deliberately engaging with, what they see, as normal everyday masculine blokey stuff. Discouraging ‘camp’ behaviour, veering away from more feminine activities and hobbies towards more physical activities, the celebration of the 6 pack and chisled body etc. Has this gone too far down the masculine path? Now that concepts of ‘gender’ are more fluid than they ever have been before, is such a masculine idealism toxic to the community?
On the ‘fem’ side you have pretty much the opposite reaction to the above. After years of being told what is masculine and to be gay, you have to be x body shape or behave in Y fashion this is the inevitable result of that. If you repress anyone for long enough they will eventually burst out and push back on the repressive ideas that held them back. This is exactly what we are seeing now and personally, I celebrate it.
“The moment we repress one over the other is the moment everyone loses”
My worry is that this whole argument shouldn’t be a case of masculinity is bad or femininity is bad. Both are good and bad in their own measures and are both valid ways of being in their own rights. The moment we repress one over the other is the moment everyone loses. Calling for masculine bars to be banned is wrong, just as calling for feminine bars to be banned is wrong. Both can exist so long as ones from the other can enter hassle free. That boys and girls is a diverse and inclusive environment not one over the other.
No one should be repressed for being who they are. Masculine, Feminine, Undecided, Fluid or whatever! If we truly want to call ourselves an ‘inclusive’ society then all options should be on the table. If a fem person wants to enter XXL then so be it, just as a butch person walks into a drag show then so be it. They know what XXL is and what its brand is about, just because someone in a corset walks around doesn’t mean the ‘buff’ ‘masculine’ brand and feel of the place has changed. Last time I checked masculinity was a lot more stable than that (but I could be wrong…?).
Personally, I have no idea what I would fit in. I wouldn’t call myself masculine as I was never really a typical ‘bloke’ in that sense. However, I wouldn’t call me particularly effeminate either but I do have my moments. Not that it matters in the grand scheme of things but I wanted to give you where I stand in all of this so maybe you can see why I see both sides of the debate here.
Now that I know a little more about what the XXL owner is about (personally) and while their door policy remains so bullish I’ll also be boycotting the venue – there are plenty of other decent nights out in London! I don’t often boycott as it affects staff more than it does the boss but in this instance, it may just do the trick.
However, if I now have to queue to get into the Eagle I will not be happy.
Meat magazine has found itself falling foul of Instagram‘s “puritanical censorship” rules on nudity, despite not showing any genitals or exposed buttocks. The magazine, which also prints a calendar has not one but two of its accounts removed by the picture sharing site.
Meat‘s first Instagram account had amassed over 15,000 fans when it was erased by the Facebook-owned company and the second account had 4000 fans.
Speaking to THEGAYUK.com the magazine’s owner, Adrian said, “Meat‘s mission is to champion body positivity amongst gay men, in a community where many often feel sidelined by ‘stereotypical’ male beauty standards. The zine allows our followers and fans to celebrate and own their unique beauty, no matter their age, race, body shape or type.”
Instagram has proved an essential part of promoting Meat‘s body-positive message to gay, bi and curious men across the globe. Adrian added, “Instagram doesn’t just help to promote the magazine, it allows our fans a space to see themselves as others see them, and to share and spread Meat‘s message of body positivity for all”.
The pictures shared by Meat on its last account showed men, who though undressed, were not naked – due to the huge modesty circle on top of the genital area.
The pictures that apparently failed Instagram’s nudity test.The pictures that apparently failed Instagram’s nudity test.
However, in stark contrast Kim Kardashian has posted several fully nude pictures of herself – obtaining millions of likes and the platform has taken no action against the account.
The pictures that apparently failed Instagram’s nudity test.
The magazine has now created a new account and added even more heavily edited pictures so as to not fall foul of Instagram’s nudity rules.
Syphilis can be spread by vaginal, oral and anal sex or genital contact with an infected person. Most cases of syphilis are treatable with antibiotics and it is preventable through safer sex practices which include using condoms, regularly being tested and avoiding overlapping sexual relationships.
Speaking to THEGAYUK.com Doctor Rick Viney said, “It’s very easy to contract syphilis in this way (through oral) It will present with an obvious ulcer on a mucosal surface in the mouth but will be painless”.
How do you know that you have syphilis?
There are no specific symptoms for syphilis. There will be the presence of one or more painless but highly infectious sores (primary infection) which appear at the site of infection. These sores disappear within two to six weeks in the absence of treatment.
Secondary symptoms may develop six weeks to six months after the initial sores. Later symptoms are highly variable, but may include a rash on the palms or soles.
Late syphilis occurs four or more years after an untreated primary infection. Complications may occur in the mucocutaneous tissue, heart, respiratory tract or central nervous system.
How is syphilis diagnosed?
Syphilis can be diagnosed via a simple blood test, which can be provided at a sexual health clinic.
How can you protect against syphilis?
Syphilis is preventable with the use of condoms when having sex – vaginal, anal and oral. You can use dental dams for oral sex. Regular sexual health screening will also help combat the spread.
A man has been handed a suspended sentence, and avoiding jail time, after pleading guilty to a brutal attack on a man he accused of looking at his penis.
Martin Gallagher, 28, pleaded guilty to a vicious assault on a man – punching him and biting off part of his ear. Gallagher accused the 20-year-old victim, who has left with a disfiguring scar on his ear, of looking at his genitals in the toilets of a nightclub in Newcastle.
He had been drinking in the bar with friends in May last year when he became involved in an argument with a 20-year-old man in the toilets.
Gallagher had accused his victim of looking at his genitals as he was urinating before following him back into the club and challenging to a fight.
He then proceeded to attack the victim who desperately tried to explain to him that he hadn’t been looking at him.
The victim fought back to protect himself but in the scuffle that followed Gallagher sunk his teeth into his victim’s ear, ripping part of it clean off.
Security staff at Digital nightclub threw out both men.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to his injured ear while Gallagher was arrested for his part in the brawl. He was later charged by police and pleaded guilty to assault occasioning grievous bodily harm at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this year.
Detective Constable Lisa Common, of Northumbria Police’s Central CID, said the victim in the case was left permanently disfigured by the attack. Following the case, she said, “This was an unprovoked attack on a complete stranger who had gone out that night to socialise with friends.
“Instead, he was confronted by a drunken male who was so out of control he bit the victim’s ear off.
“The victim has been left suffering not just permanent physical injury, but emotional trauma as a result of the incident.
“I hope he can take some comfort in the sentence that has been given today.”
The victim in the case says he is now trying to rebuild his life and made a point of thanking DC Common for her support. He said, “The last year and a half have been some of the most testing and strenuous times in my life. At times I have been left demobilised by the sheer stress of it all.
“I never could comprehend how one vicious incident could lead to so much pain for so many people until now.
“I’m still coming to terms with my new reflection and hope for a future to bring better days.
“That is largely thanks to the tireless work of Northumbria Police, especially from DC Lisa Common who has been nothing but an exemplary figure throughout the proceedings.
“She has my gratitude for being a strength when I was at my weakest.
“Her hours of work are thoroughly appreciated and I hope she continues to be a pivotal keystone in the community.”
Gallagher was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, September 6.
He was handed a three-month curfew, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also made to pay a £140 victim surcharge and £5,000 in compensation to the victim.
There are over 70 countries where homosexuality is illegal. 35 of them are in the Commonwealth.
As our Government looks to form closer relationships with the 53 countries that make the Commonwealth post-Brexit, we discover which of those nations have active legislation against being gay. There are 35 nations in the Commonwealth where it is illegal to be LGBT+, more specifically the laws usually only target gay and bisexual men. Some of these countries have harsh punishments for those caught in same-sex relationships, such as the death penalty, flogging or life imprisonment.
Antiqua and Barbuda
Bangladesh
Barbados
Botswana
Brunei
Cameroon
Cook Islands
The Gambia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
Kenya
Kiribati
Malawi
Malaysia
Mauritius
Namibia
Northern Nigeria*
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Solomon Islands
Southern Nigeria*
Sri Lanka
Swaziland
Tanzania
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Zambia
Northern and Southern Nigeria are one nation but have different laws pertaining to homosexuality.
Where did the anti-gay laws come from?
Many of the countries that make up the Commonwealth were part of the former British Empire, which established forms of British law in colonies created by administrators. One of these is the infamous Section 377, which India recently struck down. The section prohibits homosexual acts, more specifically anal sex between men.
Which countries in the Commonwealth have the death penalty for gay people?
There are two nations which currently have the death penalty for same-sex relationships between men. Northern Nigeria and Brunei. There are some countries which have a maximum of life in prison, these include, Bangladesh, Barbados, Guyana, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda.
In Jamaica, the penalty for same-sex relations is 10 years imprisonment and hard labour in Jamaica. In Kenya, the punishment is 14 years.
Flogging?
In Malaysia, you could be subject to flogging and 20 years in prison.
What has the UK said it will do?
In 2018 the UK’s government launched an LGBT+ action plan, in which it said it wanted to deal with issues faced by the LGBT community across the Commonwealth. Part of the plan specifically mentioned the Commonwealth. The government has offered support to Commonwealth countries wishing to reform discriminatory legislation. There is a £5.6 million programme, to be delivered through civil society organisations and will advance the legal equality and rights of all Commonwealth citizens, regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. However, critics say that £5.6 million is a minuscule amount of money to split between the nations that could consider decriminalising homosexuality.
The government also stated it would, “work through UK embassies, high commissions and through international organisations, including the United Nations, European institution and the Commonwealth, to protect and promote LGBT rights and to address laws discriminating against LGBT people”.
What has Theresa May said about anti-gay laws in the Commonwealth?
In April, the UK’s Prime Minister, Theresa May said that anti-gay laws in the Commonwealth “were wrong then, and they are wrong now”.
In a speech to the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Ms May said, “I am all too aware that these laws were often put in place by my own country. They were wrong then, and they are wrong now
“As the UK’s prime minister, I deeply regret both the fact that such laws were introduced, and the legacy of discrimination, violence and even death that persists today,” she added.
If you’re a fan of James Franco’s queer sensibilities, then you’ll be pleased that Netflix has four films with an LGBT+ bent.
James Franco has described himself “gay up to a point” and that point being the sex bit, but that hasn’t stopped him exploring his gay side – with James starring in or producing a number of films which explore LGBT+ themes.
Milk
Sean Penn, plays the central role of Harvey Milk and putting aside the hotly debated discussion of whether gay men should fill the roles of gay character’s in the films, Penn does a brilliant job. No ham involved. A remarkably sensitive portrayal of this pioneer in a backward, gay-loathing, backstabbing system. Of course, there is a certain bit of eye candy – that being one Mr James Franco, who plays Milk’s lover Scott Smith.
I Am Michael
Based on the true story of Michael Glatze, who claimed he was no longer gay and became a straight pastor. But in 1999, Michael was in a gay relationship with boyfriend Bennett (Zachary Quinto) and was the editor of the successful real-life XY Magazine, while at the same time living in San Francisco – it was the ultimate gay life and gay lifestyle. But Bennett’s father has a job for him in Halifax, Canada, so they relocate there – it’s a city with not much to do, but they end up hooking up with the young good looking Tyler (Charlie Carver). But after a few panic attacks, and memories of his late father and mother, Michael starts to question his homosexuality – he starts to re-evaluate his life, loves, and takes up to reading the bible for answers, until one day he leaves it all behind for a new life.
King Cobra
Based on a true story, King Cobrais the story of the making of a gay porn star and the demise of another and the murder of a studio owner. Starring the newly out Garrett Clayton as gay porn star Brent Corrigan Also starring James Franco and Christian Slater.
Goat
Although not gay per se, Goat is fairly homoerotic. As these pictures show. However, the film explores the darker and often violent side of college fraternities.
