The iconic singer, Aretha Franklin has passed away at the age of 76.
This is a developing story.
The icon Aretha Franklin has reportedly died, she was 76-years-old. It was reported a few days ago that she was “gravely ill”. The cause of her death is reportedly advanced pancreatic cancer.
The singer who rose to fame during the 60s has had an enduring career that lasted well into her 70s. She is most famous for singing, “Respect”, “Say A Little Prayer” and “Natural Woman”.
In 1976 she became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
In the 1980s she sang “Knew You Were Waiting For Me” with the late George Michael.
Franklin wipes a tear after being given the Presidential Medal of Freedom on November 9, 2005, at the White House. She is seated between fellow recipients Robert Conquest (left) and Alan Greenspan.
In 2011 she showed her commitment to same-sex marriage by singing at the wedding of two men, Bill White and Bryan Eure.
Franklin’s first album was recorded and released in 1956, but it wasn’t until 1967 that she enjoyed a chart success with the album, I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You. Her first number 1 single in the US was “Respect”. Her last charted song was “Rolling In The Deep” which was released in 2014, which got to number 47 in the US R&B Chart.
For any Alfa Romeo fan or ‘Alfisti’ as they call themselves, Matteo Licata’s book on the much ignored Giulietta from 77 – 85 is an absolute must. I like the Giulietta and have looked forward to reading a copy since he broadcasted it to his Twitter followers this year.
Matteo is a lover of sports cars in general and he has a fondness for automotive lost causes. Full-time lover of good life, blogger and writer on Twitter, he’s an automobile enthusiast firstly. He carved a career in car design, graduating from Turin’s Istituto Europeo di Design in 2006. He’s even contributed to the 2006 Giulietta of 2010. So we are in good hands.
The Giulietta, in general, has been largely overlooked. It was for Alfa Romeo, a short-lived car and as a result has only ever been mentioned in a paragraph or berated for being a cheaper shorter car based on the Alfetta. One of my first books on cars was on Alfa Romeo and that only had a one-page colour spread with two shots of a Giulietta on it. This has finally been addressed.
This is Matteo’s first book and l have to say l am impressed with the level of information this book is packed with. As a general rule of thumb, most books on Alfa Romeo are rich in page numbers. For the 58 pages in Matteo’s book, each page packs a punch with knowledge on the Giulietta. It comes in bite-size snippets of information and it works for me. The book is particularly good at capturing the data that you as an enthusiast want without waffle.
In the beginning, there was a lovely snapshot of the history of Alfa Romeo. Even after all these years of being an ‘Alfisti’ myself, some of it was new news to me. After this, there are eight chapters covering everything from the launch to evolution and ending with the geeky satisfaction in vital statistics.
Things l had forgotten about Giulietta (read that as didn’t know) was that there were three series in production. Subtle changes here and there are covered along with the confusing array of engine line-ups across Italy and the rest of Europe. And then there are rare photos throughout the book of the car itself including six very rare and spacial models like the Fiorucci Giulietta “Punk” of ’78. It beggars belief!
A worthy read and addition to your Alfa Romeo library? YES.
What happens when your boyfriend won’t stop hooking up with the lad from your last threeway and doesn’t invite you?
(C) BIGSTOCK
My boyfriend keeps seeing a guy that we had a threesome with. This is even after I told him that I’m not cool or comfortable with it. I’ve told him straight to his face. I don’t have the courage to tell the other guy to knock it off.
I really don’t know what to do. I love my boy and I’m sure he loves me but it hurts me that he’s insisting on seeing this other guy, outside of a threeway.
What should I do?
We asked two of our contributors to give their advice.
Lee Henriques, writer
First I’ve gotta ask – is this an open relationship? Do you normally allow a regular hookup/no strings attached situation between the two of you or is this guy someone your partner’s made an exception for?
If it’s the latter, and it bothers you this much, it sounds cliché and obvious but you have to communicate your feelings. If you don’t, it’s going to build and become an even worse situation – but it’s a little confusing as to why he’s insisting on hooking up with this person in the first place; maybe ask him if he’d like to open the relationship (if it’s not already) or if you’d be interested, perhaps broach the topic of sharing your sexual experiences with a third person.
It could benefit the both of you but make your boundaries clear. What’s bothering you the most? Is it the fact he’s hooking up with someone else or the fact that that person is someone you’ve both hooked up with in the first place?
Communication and honesty are the key pillars of any relationship (thanks Cosmo) and if you’re uncomfortable you have to let him know. He probably wouldn’t want you being uncomfortable and keeping it bottled inside and if you love each other then you can make it work. It sounds like it’s just sex so maybe the other guy won’t even mind and will look elsewhere but if it continues and they both ignore your wishes, it’s hard to do but maybe re-evaluate the kind of relationship you want vs. the relationship you’re in.
Hope this has helped – I’d love an update!
Tom Driver, The Knee Jerk Columnist
I don’t really see things like other people so if my interpretation of the situation is “off point” please forgive me.
I read that you are threatened by this situation and suspect you may know why! As you have both hooked up with this guy in the past I guess you know what happens when he gets together with another man and will have an insight into what it is your bf sees in him.
So I guess the resolution is can you do that for your bf and cut this third person out? Or are there similarities between him and you that identify the type of person your bf goes for and this is ringing alarm bells in your head?
My other thought on it is the boundaries of your relationship and whether you are lacking the confidence to negotiate/set/impose them? It can be relationship changing to appear either dominant and insistent or insecure and frankly, this could appear to be both and more.
Got to be honest fella, if the other guy has a heart and you know him I would be speaking to him and asking him to put himself in your shoes and show some respect for you and your relationship.
In the final analysis: men like men and men like cock. All of that is tangible and real, relationships between men are based on the intangibles of love and trust, if that isn’t there then perhaps your bf is subtlety letting you know it’s time for you to look elsewhere too.
Jake Hook, Editor
Ultimately you should find out why your boyfriend wants to continue this other relationship without you. A future of any sort of relationship with him really does come down to this – and whether you’re prepared to accept the answer.
What exactly is making you uncomfortable about his third-party hookups, because when you dig down to the root of your feelings, you’ll have your answer on what to do next.
If he is set on continuing this relationship, you really only have three options. Dump, Live with it or Thruple it. Have you thought about opening the relationship as a thruple? If you’re all up for it it could be a beautiful addition to your life. Some people can make this work, but you will need a certain level of maturity, trust and open-mindedness.
Have you got advice? Give it in the comments below.
Actor, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman has shared a beautiful photo to celebrate his boyfriend’s birthday. The couple have recently celebrated their third year together. In the cute IG message Jeffrey, wrote to Andrew, “I think you’re a brilliant genius, and you’re also very handsome and I love you. Happy Birthday Andrew Jack”
I think you’re a brilliant genius, and you’re also very handsome and I love you. Happy Birthday Andrew Jack ? #xoJBC
Jeffrey is currently starring in the fourth series of the Amazon Prime show, UNReal as a character called Jay. His boyfriend, Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist and creative director.
Jeffrey also has an upcoming guest star role in the new series of American Horror Story, Apocalypse and earlier in 2018 he was a guest judge in RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Been exploring the world with this guy for three years today. Happy anniversary @jeffreybchapman I love you ♥️☀️?
An anonymous writer (we don’t know the gender, so we’ll use neutral pronouns) on Quora wrote that their husband accidentally “sharted” in front of them and now they just don’t feel attracted to the man anymore. That was the question and well the internet did not take too kindly.
The general gist was that this person needs to get over it or divorce their husband, mainly for the husband’s sake.
It, Shit Happens
Colleen McFee, a palliative nurse said, “I’m saddened that you would even stoop this low. This is your husband & do remember, he is human. A human being is a human being & yes, shit happens!” She then invited the original poster to join her during one of her shifts, before adding, “If you no longer feel attraction for your husband, simply because he “accidentally sharted”, then you may NEVER have been that in love with him in the first place”.
Most touching moment can come from illness
Another user, Molly Maloney recounted the most touching moment between a couple when the woman in the couple had severe stomach flu. “She was stuck on the toilet with a bucket on her lap. Eventually her body decided it was all-systems-go and she wretched so hard in all directions that she passed out and toppled onto the floor. And that’s where her husband found her when he came home from work that evening. There she was, naked, covered in a smattering of every kind of bodily fluid, unconscious in a limp pile on the floor and with a busted lip to boot. Without so much as a word about it, he scooped her up, sponged her off, put her in clean jammies, and put her to bed. And yep, that’s disgusting. And that’s love.
It could happen to you
Penny Ladiner warned, “As they say, shit happens. Sometimes an innocent little fart turns into something more… tangible. Hasn’t it ever happened to you? If not, perhaps one day it will, through no fault of your own”.
Love does see what disgusts us
Paula Bass wrote, “My husband has witnessed me give birth to four children. He still finds me attractive. He has seen my doctor elbows deep in my abdominal cavity. He still finds me attractive. He gave me an enema when I was in excruciating pain from constipation following my last C-section. He still finds me attractive. I have gained and lost over 100 pounds over the course of our marriage. He has ALWAYS found me attractive, even when I found myself disgusting.
“If love was solely based on attraction we’d ALL be screwed.”
Why did you marry him?
Perhaps it was Robert who put it best, “Why did you marry your husband? Did you think that he doesn’t have normal bowel functions? That he may not develop a serious illness which may cause him to bleed, vomit, shit, stink? What were your marriage vows about?
If you are not “attracted” to him any more, then it may be best for you to leave him. For him, anyway.
If you liked getting rimmed your day is about to get even better.
(C) BIGSTOCK
Does your boyfriend have 10 pleasure settings and the stamina to go for an hour – with a 90 day standby time? If he does we want to meet him. If he doesn’t or you don’t have a BF then we’d like you to meet ORA (2). The oral sex – sex toy.
The toy, which is from the upmarket Swedish intimate toy manufacturer LELO, describes the toy as “better than real” and “thrilling”. We’re interested – very interested.
Although the website describes it as perfect for “clitoral stimulation” we’re betting this will feel just as good on your boy booty bean.
So now you don’t need a man to give you a good licking. You can even give the BF the night off while you go to town on yourself.
After 10 successful years of annual LGBTQI+ cross art event, GFEST – Gayise FESTival is calling upon organisers to create and hold their own events.
The theme for GFEST 2018 is ‘Socially EQUAL’, and events should run from Monday 12 November to Saturday 24 November.
GFEST – Gaywise FESTival® (known as GFEST) is recognised as an annual LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex +) cross-art celebration. Over the last 10 years, the festival has presented LGBTQI+ films, music, performances, art exhibitions, interdisciplinary art, poetry, book reading, workshops, participatory events, debates, etc. events each November.
GFEST producer arts charity Wise Thoughts is inviting community and arts groups, local museums, local authorities or libraries etc. to join and share awesome LGBTQI+ arts and stories from all over the world, as this year’s festival events. GFEST 2018 events, wherever they will take place, now can be added to the events list and promoted on the GFEST website.
The festival has been endorsed by all three Mayors of London, many celebrities, ministers, and cross-party MPs.
Niranjan Kamatkar FRSA, artistic director of GFEST said, “We want to reach out to audiences that we couldn’t in the past, and where there is a greater need to promote the LGBTQI+ cultural issues. To help ensure this we are changing the format from this year. We will include more web-based events and podcast etc. and we can also present a recommended programme, acts and films list from next year”.
He added, “If you have got it, flaunt it! Young or old, fresh or established, show the world that real talent always shines the best! GFEST events value and promote diverse talent from diverse art forms and promote artistic excellence. Celebrating diversity continues to endorse LGBTQI+ equal rights and reduces possible discrimination. GFEST ethos is to develop cultural and social equality for and amongst diverse LGBTQI+ people from all age groups, including people from different religious or/and cultural backgrounds. The festival actively supports individual creative abilities and participation in the society.”
If you are interested in organising your own event please visit and list the event details: https://gaywisefestival.org.uk/submissions/
With Warwickshire Pride’s sixth annual event just around the corner, we speak with Warwickshire’s most vibrant Drag Queen, Sassi Afrika on why pride is still important in 2018…
(C) THEGAYUK
…and who her favourite act on the Warwickshire Pride stage is.
THEGAYUK: Sassi Afrika is back at Warwickshire Pride‘s main stage this year, what can we expect? Sassi Afrika: You’re right, Sassi is back. There’s no stopping me honey. Everyone knows that. This year I’m presenting the main stage at Warwickshire Pride again. They have agreed to let me out of the cage they impounded me in after last year’s festival. You can expect lots of fabulous talent. The talent is outstanding this year. We have a very diverse lineup, which is how it should be. There is also the Big Rainbow Bake Off. I’m judging and presenting the contest. My next 3D lipo session is booked for a few days after I’ve tasted all those cakes. We also have speeches on stage and lots of fun for all the community.
TGUK: Why is Warwickshire Pride so important? SA: I believe Warwickshire Pride is very important because it is a grassroots, community movement. It’s not commercial. It’s not all about making money. It’s about putting on something great for the community. We are fully inclusive and welcoming to all people. We try to create something in the spirit of what Pride was all about, while also celebrating how far we have come. I think Warwickshire Pride pulls it off quite nicely. Y’all be blessed now.
“Some people are quick to criticise and point out what is wrong with Pride. But none of those people ever step up and help to make things better the next time.”
TGUK: Why is Pride important to Sassi? SA: Pride is very important to me honey. The LGBT+ community took me in when I landed on Earth and now I’m part of the family. But seriously, Pride is important to me because it’s nice to be part of something where I can be myself and be accepted for who I am. I have been discriminated against and assaulted for being LGBT+ and for having disabilities. Pride as a movement is still so important and I am proud to be part of it.
TGUK: It takes a lot to put on a pride event – do you think people take pride for granted? SA: I don’t think many people realise how much hard work goes into putting on a Pride event. I do believe that a lot of people take it for granted, whether they realise it or not. Some people are quick to criticise and point out what is wrong with Pride. But none of those people ever step up and help to make things better the next time. On the flip side, there are people who really appreciate Pride and understand how much time, effort and money it takes to put it on. I just wish more people would understand and help. But hey, we do what we can as Pride organisers and I do it all with a dash of sass.
“Sassi is single and ready to mingle”.
TGUK: What’s your favourite thing about Pride? SA: My favourite thing about Pride is seeing so many people coming together for a celebration of diversity. That and the fit guys I can eye up from the stage. Yes, honey, Sassi is single and ready to mingle. I do like seeing everyone at Pride and being who they are. It’s important that everyone has that opportunity to be who they are, without prejudice and judgement.
TGUK: Could RuPaul’s Drag Race Handle Sassi? SA: Let’s be honest, can anyone handle the sass I bring? I’d like to see Mama Ru and Drag Race try.
“We have at least 75% local acts and 75% LGBT+ acts. That kind of representation is needed at Pride”.
TGUK: Who’s your favourite act to have performed on the Warwickshire Pride stage? SA: My favourite act to have performed at Warwickshire Pride is me. What else can I say… No, I’m joking. I tell you who was really good. Angie Brown. She can sing and puts on a great show. She is also a really nice person and I adore her. I also think Jordan Gray is fantastic, and Feryl is very good too. But one thing I like about Warwickshire Pride is all the local acts we have. We have at least 75% local acts and 75% LGBT+ acts. That kind of representation is needed at Pride. We have to represent the people that the event is for. Otherwise, we are failing. And Sassi don’t fail honey.
As Madonna, the undisputed QUEEN OF POP turns 60 this week, we look at her top 10, most played songs on YouTube.
Madonna is one of the best selling artists of all time. In fact, she’s the only female singer, according to Wikipedia, to have sold over 200 million records.
In the past year alone Madonna has racked up a whopping 570 million streams on YouTube – which is 1.6. million streams a day – 66,000 of those are from fans here in the UK.
So which are the most streamed videos/songs on Madonna’s own channel? Here they are ranked by popularity
Well, deep diving into YouTube’s analytics, Madonna’s most hardcore fans aren’t in the UK, not even in the US – no, apparently they can’t get enough of the Material Girl in Mexico, followed by Chile, followed by Brazil. The UK came sixth, after the French and followed by USA.
Hollywood legend Tab Hunter died from heart failure and was also living with prostate cancer at the time of his death.
TAB HUNTER on the left
The 1950/60’s heartthrob Tab Hunter died from heart failure. His death certificate, published by TMZ also shows that the actor was also living with prostate cancer.
According to the document, Tab Hunter died cardiogenic shock, which is where the blood can’t be pumped fast enough to deal with the body’s requirements.
Tab Hunter died last month, just three days before his 87th birthday.
“For young people coming to terms with their sexuality today, all I can say is, be true to yourself. Geraldine Page once told me, (The press loved her. They hated my guts.) ‘If people don’t like you, that’s their bad taste.’ I needed to hear that, and I’d like to pass that on to all of you. Just remember… If people don’t like you, that’s their bad taste.”
Tab Hunter didn’t come out as gay until later in his life. He came out in 2005 when he released his autobiography Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star (2005)
A 49-year-old man has been left with life-changing injuries after being attacked hours after Pride in London on the 8th July He was struck in the back, the impact from which broke his spine.
He was walking along Greek Street at around 1:30 AM on Sunday morning towards Tottenham Court Road, where he planned to catch a bus home.
He also had his mobile phone stolen.
The victim was able to make his way to Stratford Underground Station where he was given medical treatment by officers before being taken to the hospital. He was found to have suffered a broken back and continues to receive treatment.
Details from the Metropolitan Police suggest that “offensive language heard by the victim shortly before the assault” so it is being treated as a hate crime.
Detectives have carried out extensive CCTV enquiries to identify the suspect(s).
They would like to hear anyone who witnessed the assault which happened following Pride in London. The area would have been busy at the time. Officers would also like to speak with anyone who helped him off the tube at Stratford.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Community Safety Unit at Westminster via 101.
Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.
