Key West is by far the most friendly for gay travellers of the islands that make up the Florida Keys. It’s also the last island on the stretch of road that links them all. There’s a great gay scene and a few men only / gay hotels and resorts to choose from.
The majority of gay/ LGBT+ bars and venues are based on Duval Street. The street itself runs from on side of the Island to the other and is approx 1 and a quarter miles long. Intersecting with Duval you’ll find Flemming Street which has two gay guest houses, The Equator Resort and Island House.
We’ve never seen so many pretty colours in one drink… plus it’s a drink that comes with edibles, so sensibly you’re lining your stomach before you go to town!
Brilliant
Here’s how to make the Rainbow Road cocktail.
METHOD:
Blend six ice cubes with the 15ml Blue Curaçao. Pour into the bottom of a jam jar style glass that’s been dipped in hundreds and thousands.
Blend the pineapple juice, lemon juice, vodka and bubblegum gomme with six ice cubes and pour gently on top of the Blue Curaçao.
Top with crushed ice and pour over the cranberry juice and Very Cherry Lambrini.
Garnish with fizzy rainbow strips, marshmallows a slice of watermelon and other colourful sweets.
At the far reaches of the Keys is Key West, which is where you’ll find most of the Keys’ gay life. There are three main ways in which you can arrive to the extremely gay-friendly Key – by car, plane and boat.
From the latter, you can fly directly into Key West International Airport. Despite its name, you won’t find any direct flights from the UK flying into the airport. There are a number of ways you can make the journey – a standard transatlantic flight (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, AA and Delta all make these flights) into Miami, Orlando, Ft Lauderdale, Tampa or Atlanta and then getting a connecting flight to Key West International with AA, Delta or Silver Airways.
One of the most impressive ways to arrive is by car, but be warned the journey is quite long from Miami to Key West (about 4 hours, including comfort and food breaks) and there’s no guarantee of parking once you get there. Space is limited in Key West and there are many resident-only parking spaces. Hotels and resorts in Key West tend not to have their own parking.
Along the scenic and historic drive, you’ll cross over 42 bridges that connect the islands. One of the most famous is the Seven Mile Bridge, which connects the Knight’s Key and the Little Duck Key. While on the Seven Mile Bridge you’ll be able to see an original bridge built in 1909 – 1912 which is now restricted to cyclists and pedestrians. This was the bridge that was constructed under the direction of Henry Flagler, whose vision of connecting the Islands with an Overseas Railroad ensured the growth of tourism in the region.
You can also travel by sea. Key West Express operates a high-street ferry from Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island on the west coast of Florida. It takes three and a half hours.
Authors tip: When I travelled to Key West (in April time) we managed to find a parking space relatively close to the hotel we were staying at, The Equator Resort. The spaces are marked. Some have “residential” printed on the ground next to them – others do not. We asked a local whether the space in which we had parked was okay – and he told us, “you’ve won the lottery ticket” – meaning that parking spaces are few and far between. During our stay, we didn’t move the car – but opted to get taxis if we decided to leave the Key. However, it should be noted that Key West is not that big and most of the places of interest like the: Southern Most Point, the legendary Pan Am’s birthplace, the gloriously iconic Tropic Cinema and the poignant Key West Historical Memorial Sculpture Garden.
The Human Rights activist, Peter Tatchell has praised the Supreme Court ruling that mixed-sex couples should be allowed to have civil partnerships.
A straight couple, Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, have won their legal case, which will allow them to have a Civil Partnership instead of a traditional marriage.
Up until now, the only couples permitted to have CPs were gay and lesbian couples.
It was a law introduced by the Labour government in 2004, before the Conservatives, under David Cameron were able to vote and pass Same-Sex marriage.
Civilly Partnered couples are entitled to many of the protections offered by marriage including, inheritance, tax, pension rights and next of kin arrangements.
Steinfeld and Keidan argued that the Civil Partnership act was unlawful before it was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Speaking about the ruling, leading Human Rights activist, Peter Tatchell said, “This is a victory for love and equality. It was never right to deny opposite-sex couples the option of having a civil partnership. In a democracy, we are all supposed to be equal before the law. It is wonderful news that the Supreme Court has ruled against the government and in favour of equal civil partnerships”.
Peter Tatchell has supported Rebecca Steinfeld’s and Charles Keidan from the outset of their legal challenge in 2014.
Indeed, he championed the right of opposite-sex couples to have a civil partnership from the moment Tony Blair’s government announced in 2003 that the option would be available to same-sex couples only, condemning it as “blatant discrimination based on sexual orientation.”
Speaking about today’s victory in the Supreme Court, Mr Tatchell said, “The ban on opposite-sex civil partnerships was discrimination and a violation of human rights. It is outrageous that the government was unwilling to legislate equality and that this couple were forced to go to court to get a basic human right – the right to be treated equally in law.
“It was never fair that same-sex couples had two options, civil partnerships and civil marriages, whereas opposite-sex partners had only one option, marriage,” said Mr Tatchell.
In May THEGAYUK.com ran a poll of its readers which found that 62 percent of LGBT+ people who answer believed that Civil Partnerships should be open to all couples, while only eight percent believed that they should remain for just same-sex couples.
Thirty percent believed that Civil Partnerships should be scrapped altogether.
A straight couple, Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan, have won their legal case, which could allow them to have a Civil Partnership instead of a traditional marriage.
Up until now, the only couples permitted to have CPs were gay and lesbian couples.
It was a law introduced by the Labour government in 2004, before the Conservatives, under David Cameron were able to vote and pass Same-Sex marriage.
Civilly Partnered couples are entitled to many of the protections offered by marriage including, inheritance, tax, pension rights and next of kin arrangements.
Steinfeld and Keidan argued that the Civil Partnership act was unlawful before it was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.
In May THEGAYUK.com ran a poll of its readers which found that 62 percent of LGBT+ people who answer believed that Civil Partnerships should be open to all couples, while only eight percent believed that they should remain for just same-sex couples.
Thirty percent believed that Civil Partnerships should be scrapped altogether.
This brilliant video shows how to sign some important words for the LGBT+ community.
Deaf Direct has produced this video of signs to help everybody speak a little BSL (British Sign Language) this pride season. So if you’ve ever wanted to know how to sign lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, now’s your chance!
William and Simon, who both ID as gay, explain in the video that here in the UK we use BSL – rather than ASL (American Sign Language).
Here they take you through the way in which you can communicate with people who know BSL.
The words they recreate are:
Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Queer
Straight
Leather
Bear
Drag
Pride Day
Happy Pride Day
Fabulous
So go learn how to say Happy Pride Day you Fabulous Queers
From 6th – 8th July, London’s Soho will be awash with all things bright and beautiful in the world-famous celebration of Pride. Every year, local business join the revelry to show their ongoing support of the gay community and this time around is no exception.
BLADE
Soho salon Blade Hairclubbing® is nodding to Pride both through the styling team and through a special offering from the resident mixology wizard Stroo Despot-Olofsson.
Revellers will be able to enjoy the limited edition Rainbow Maker – a rainbow-coloured flight of top-shelf liqueurs with a craft lager chaser. A heady line-up of Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, Green Chartreuse, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Walcher Biostilla Deluxe Organic Amaretto and De Kuyper XO Cherry Brandy is rounded off with a refreshing chaser of Harviestoun Schiehallion Craft Lager and will be available from now until 8th July.
Those looking to up the ante style-wise can then go for a Pride Glitz; Blade’s top stylists will make sure that guests are Pride-ready by applying glitter to your roots, hairline or parting, ensuring that everyone leaves ready to join the party, sprinkled with sparkle and full of rainbow spirit – quite literally!
HIPCHIPS
This Pride, Soho favourite HIPCHIPS – which is based right on the Pride March route on 49 Old Compton Street – will be offering visitors to the parlour a chance to Pimp for Pride. All partyers will have the chance to pimp up the usual dip options, adding a touch more glitz and glamour in honour of Pride In London. HIPCHIPS will also be serving some pink bubbly to help visitors to the parlour get in the mood for revelry in the most fabulous way possible. All offerings available throughout the first week of July.
The Pride In London Pop Up Shop
Selling all manner of goodies and pride merch Pride In London’s pop up shop is now open at 72 Old Compton Street. Teeming with pride ideas the store also doubles up as a community centre for LGBT+ with plenty of activities to keep you entertained and informed. Don’t fret if you can’t make it into London you can always do your shopping online with THEGAYSHOP.co.uk, the official online merchant for Pride In London.
Ahead of the RuPaul’s Drag Race finale this week (already!?!) here are the queens who have had the most successful music careers since leaving the show.
Leave Drag Race – release a single. So many queens have trodden this path after starring in RuPaul’s Drag Race, but not all are successful! But for those who are, the spoils can be great. The head queen herself, RuPaul has released a whopping 11 albums, but which of her gals has had the most successful music career outside the show?
Sukh Ryatt, Managing Director at leading intranet software supplier, Oak, tells us how being mindful of our digital footprint could be the key.
What’s your dream job? A lawyer, an artist, a web developer? Whatever your chosen career path might be, did you know that having a sound understanding of digital markets, and tech-based skillsets can make you a more desirable candidate?
The fact is that employers are desperately seeking individuals with technical skills outside of their specialisation. Digital skills have become transitional, so much so that every industry requires employees to be ‘tech savvy’ just to understand day to day business operations. If you’re still not convinced, read on to find out exactly how technical understanding makes you more employable, regardless of industry.
Including digital skills on your resume will make you stand out, ahead of your non-techy competition. Think you don’t have any digital skills? Think again. Are you computer-literate? Can you use Microsoft Office? If the answer is yes, then you have the digital skills necessary for 99% of jobs. The key to writing a top-class CV is to identify the skills you have and apply them to the role you’re applying for. For example, if you kept a successful blog through Uni, you’ll have good copywriting skills and a comprehensive understanding of site management tools, which instantly makes you a more desirable candidate.
2. Digital presence = your opportunity
Almost every company in the UK has some form of digital presence. Regardless of whether it’s an active social media account, a thematic blog, or simply a brochure site, the digital world is roaring with opportunity. Employers are looking to create dynamic workforces, who can contribute more to business operations, and having digital know-how is key.
3. Be critical
Every company will be interested to gain feedback about their digital footprint. Make yourself familiar with the company’s online campaigns, prior to interviews and be sure to comment on what you think they’re doing well on and how they could improve. Being critical will highlight your analytical skills, which is vital for any business to thrive.
4. Businesses want to stay ahead of the game
The UK is leading the European market when it comes to tech skills and we want it to stay that way. Businesses want to ensure that their employees are well versed in digital aspects to stay ahead of the competition, so they are actively seeking team members who are up to date with the latest technologies, so their business can thrive.
The bottom line is that all employers will expect their staff to be computer literate, with Millennial business operations relying on technology for everything from conference calls, to documenting sales figures. Regardless of the sector, you’re entering in to, having technical understanding will widen your career options and can significantly increase your rate of progression.
Transitioning your technical knowledge to the workplace will help you to work more efficiently, freeing up more time to get involved in other projects, that you enjoy working on. Technology has the power to change workplace standards – think flexible working hours and remote days. Not only can you improve your work-life balance, you’ll impress your employers, especially when they see how productive you are.
7. Trust the stats
A study conducted by universitiesuk.ac.uk reported that 63% of skill shortage vacancies are a result of candidates lacking technical, practical, or job-specific skills. In fact, it’s said that your chances of employment increased by 25% with the relevant tech abilities and your salary will be an average of 10% higher than your non-technical friends.
With numbers on side, it’s clear that tech skills are increasingly important to land the career of your dreams. So, embrace your inner geek, nail that interview and fall in love with your new career prospects!
55 million people can’t be wrong, which is why Wicked is one of the world’s most successful musicals. Wicked is going into its 12th year in London and it’s still fresh, timely and defying expectations.
The story is believed, by many, to be the prequel to L Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz, however, its creator has actually suggested that the story is more of an alternate universe, Gregory Maguire, who wrote the novel on which this musical is based, says it’s a “re-imagining” of the same world – and the action takes place before, during and after the original story.
Wicked takes you behind The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz story to find out about the two witches featured in the original story, “Wicked Witch”, Elphaba (you know the one – green and gets the bucket of water) – played by Alice Fearn and the “Good Witch”, Glinda (you know, the one that arrives by bubble) played by Sophie Evans.
After meeting and becoming roommates at Shiz University, (think Harry Potter meets Clueless) the two witches form a love/hate relationship. They decide to make their way to meet the great and powerful Oz, where they discover that something incredibly sinister is being pushed onto the citizens of Oz.
What follows is a moving story of overcoming discrimination, learning to trust and believe in yourself and two strong women changing the world for the better.
I have just two criticisms. Although the central relationship is about two women, which makes a wonderful change from the heteronormativity of most musicals – boy girls, girl sings to boy, boy and girl fall in love – the end – I couldn’t help but notice that when it came to the massive, impressive ensemble pieces, the dancing was still male on female, which is a shame. Watch any TV show, (a particular shoutout to Netflix) now and if there’s a school dance or a group scene you’ll always see a nod towards its LGBT+ audience, but not Wicked – which, based on musical theatre’s huge gay fan base, is a missed opportunity.
The second is the finale. It’s such a disappointment.
It’s not the way in which the story wraps up, it’s just there’s no finishing song, no reprise of any of the show’s standout hits of which there are four main songs, ‘Popular’, ‘I’m Not That Girl’, ‘For Good’ and of course, the hit ‘Defying Gravity’. To summaries two hours and 45 minutes of stratospheric vocals, incredible costumery and feel-good, sparkling story-telling, the audience is delivered a sub-2-minute song with a walk down.
Investigators are seeking this man in connection to a homophobic verbal assault on two men on a train in Southend.
The British Transport Police are looking for a man in connection to an alleged homophobic hate crime against two men aboard a train in Southend, Essex, on the 7th May.
British Transport Police report that at around 7.40pm, a man approached two men and verbally assaulted them with homophobic comments as he sat next to them. He then continued to mock them by rubbing one of the victim’s thighs and making offensive remarks about gay people.
The victims then left their seats and got off the train at Chalkwell because they felt unsafe.
Detective Sergeant Hayley Whyte said, “Everyone has the right to travel without fear or intimidation and nobody should be subjected to offensive or homophobic language. I am keen to speak to anyone who was on the service and saw this incident.”
Officers would like to speak to the men in these images as they believe they may be able to help them with their enquiries.
Text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, quoting 380 of 1 June, if they look familiar or you have any information that could help our investigation. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
