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  • Have Colton Haynes and Jeff Latham split?

    Dramz over at the Haynes/Latham house

    Have Colton Haynes and Jeff Latham split?
    Have Colton Haynes and Jeff Latham split?

     

    First, there was the deleting of photos, then the rumour of a split, then the words cheating were circulated. There was a song written and “cheating drama” and then a denial – just what is happening to the newly-wed couple?

    According to Arrow actor, Colton himself, Jeff didn’t cheat – the song “Man It Sucks”, that he wrote and posted online, although referred a cheating partner wasn’t about his husband and actually about a “past relationship”. He also told his fans that Jeff was “an amazing man and that “he’d never cheat”.

    But Colton has dropped the word “husband” from his Instagram profile late last week and deleted the hyphenated married name, “Haynes-Leatham.”

    However, pictures from their marriage still remain on Jeff’s profile.

    So what gives?

    The couple were only married in October last year and Colton then described the marriage as a dream come true.

    Well whatever happened guys we hope you can patch it up and feel better…

  • Do Gay Men Have Less Testosterone?

    Testosterone can be a teste subject…. get it? It’s a popular topic of conversation amongst gay men and gym bros, and especially with gay gym bros. While there are lots of assumptions thrown about, how much actual evidence is there to suggest that gay men have less testosterone than straight men?

    Testosterone and aggression

    Known as the male sex hormone, testosterone is found in higher concentrations in men than it is in women – but it’s still found in women. Higher levels of the hormone have been found to increase aggressive behaviour and so-called “masculine characteristics” such as that “take charge” attitude that’s so attractive in straight guys and so frowned upon in women (barf).

    Studies in which female participants were given testosterone supplements showed an increase in these types of behaviours, however when given to men, testosterone boosters actually inhibited the natural production of the hormone, having little effect.

    This means that any of those so-called testosterone supplements you might be taking in order to improve your gym performance will only inhibit your natural testosterone production, keeping your T-levels (as the lingo goes) the same.

    Testosterone makes you a man

    Testosterone is quite literally what makes us men. During puberty, it’s our increasing T-levels that makes our voices break, promotes muscle growth, makes us grow body hair, and sends our poor teenage sex drives through the roof.

    As an adult, testosterone also regulates important functions like sex drive, muscle and bone mass, muscle strength, fat distribution, and red blood cell production. However, there is still no conclusive evidence to claim that lower T-levels at either stage in life is what makes gay men fabulously gay.

    Adult hormonal theory

    Adult hormone theory was based on the following, somewhat flawed, logic; if testosterone is responsible for driving heterosexual male sexual behaviour, it stands to reason that homosexual men must have a lower level of this hormone.

    German scientist Günter Dörner (the most German-sounding name I’ve ever heard) studied this theory extensively in the 1970s, but it was the research of a neurobiologist at Columbia University, Heino Meyer-Bahlburg, that properly deflated this theory.

    In 1984, a series of studies produced such underwhelming evidence to support adult hormonal theory that it was effectively discredited. While three studies did show significantly lower t-levels in homosexual men, two studies reported higher t-levels in gay men than in straight men – with another unhelpfully showing the levels to be higher in bisexuals than in either gay or straight men.

    All in all, there is still no real evidence to suggest that gay men have lower testosterone levels.

    Gay men don’t want to build muscle… do they?

    In researching this article I came across several fitness “experts” that still managed to shock me with how little they knew about gay men. Some even suggested that, as gay men, our fitness goals would probably be the same as women, wanting only to be lean and skinny rather than putting on muscle.

    … barf.

    Lower testosterone levels in all men

    Due to the ever-changing environment we live in, it has been shown that testosterone levels as a whole are falling across the board, with straight men and gay men alike showing around 60% less testosterone in their system than our grandfathers had 60 years ago. Add to that the fact that most men’s t-levels start to drop by about 2% a year by the time they reach their 40s, testosterone is in short supply with all men, whether gay, straight, or unicorn.

    Gay Personal Trainers

    If you would still like some extra help achieving a pair of perfect pecs or anything else, why not get yourself a gay personal trainer. They can design a training and nutrition program to suit your individual needs, and be on hand to help coach you towards your goals.

    Sharing is caring

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    And you can also receive weekly workouts for free by subscribing to the Gay Fitness UK newsletter. Happy gaying!

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Rat Pack – Live From Las Vegas – National Tour

    Falling somewhere between a tribute act and a musical revue, The Rat Pack – Live From Las Vegas, brings together the kings of cool, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davies Jr, as they play a fictional night of variety on the stage of the Sands Hotel. Renowned for their old boy’s club style of camaraderie and songs that defined a generation, the three leads rattle their way through their classics, including You Make Me Feel So Young, That’s Amore, Mack The Knife and My Way.

    With a sparse set and little changing visually throughout the show, there is a reliance on the songs and performances to carry the production. The aces in the pack here are Stephen Triffitt with an intonation and vocal style which is undeniably Sinatra and Nicola Emmanuel with a naturally soulful, jazz infused voice as Ella Fitzgerald. But the show’s greatest strengths lies is in its musical numbers, and whilst the classic status of the songs is undeniable, the real joy was to hear them accompanied by a live orchestra creating a sound which reverberated in your chest, and with not a synthesizer or drum machine in sight.

    Despite its musical prowess, the show stumbles with an over indulgence of on stage banter which grows old and tiresome towards the end, whilst the portrayal of Dean Martin’s alcohol use descended from witty observation into comedic parody; but it was the racist, misogynistic and homophobic jokes which sat the most uncomfortably, and whilst they may have been reflective of the time, there doesn’t feel any reason why they should have been included for a modern audience.

    But there is still plenty of pleasure to be found here, with a barrage of songs, toe-tapping beats and singalong classics coming together to form a fairly undemanding evening of entertainment.

    The Rat Pack – Live From Las Vegas is currently at Sheffield Theatres until 5th May 2018 before continuing on its national tour.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Bat Out of Hell, Dominion Theatre

    ★★★★★ | Bat Out of Hell, Dominion Theatre

    Bat Out of Hell returns – and it’s just as rocked up and fantastic as it was when it played in London its first time around.

    Bat Out of Hell had a sold out run at the London Coliseum last year, and it was practically begging to open again – and it has – this time in a bigger venue (Dominion Theatre). It’s the same story – a musical set to Meat Loaf’s mega-selling 1977 album of the same name. While some of the actors have not returned from it’s original run, it’s still a rocktastic, fun and mega exciting ride.

    Raven (Christina Bennington – returning from the original show) is literally locked up in a mega mansion in the sky by her parents Falco (Rob Fowler) and Sloane (Sharon Sexton). Raven is a lonely girl – she’s not allowed outside at all – but she really wants to experience the outside world, to ride the subway, to meet a boy. In the outside world Strat (Andrew Polec) leads a gang of nomads and hangers on, and he’s always dreamt of catching the girl – particularly Raven, but she’s not available. So all sorts of musical mayhem takes place including Strat trying to kidnap Raven so that him and her can be together. Meanwhile, one of the gang members (a fabulous Danielle Steers – returning) is slowly falling in love with another gang member, while she’s actually a maid in the Falco household. She knows their secrets, and lies.

    This is the story, in a nutshell, but the way it’s told is spectacular. Motorcycles, explosions, video projection, skimpy costumes, a convertible on stage that was formerly a dining room table, and said convertible plunging off the stage into the orchestra pit – it’s all musical mayhem – from a rock classic album, and it is just as good on stage as it is on the album and when it played at the Coliseum. The cast dance and prance on stage, and with most of the songs dealing with love, Bat Out of Hell is a love story set to rock music. It’s loud, it’s crazy, it’s superb!

    BAT OUT OF HELL is currently booking until 27 October 2018.

  • These are the 9 things every gay man needs in his bedside drawer

    These are the 9 things every gay man needs in his bedside drawer

    What’s in your bedside drawer? Is it full of random stuff? You know, the kind of stuff that you just don’t know what to do with? Clear it all out and make sure you have these 9 essential items in your nightstand.

    essentials to have in your bedside table
    CREDIT: CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay / Unsplash

    Condoms

    There’s no point in having your condoms in the bathroom in a completely separate room from where all the action is happening. Make sure your condoms are right in grabbing distance. Even better so that you don’t ruin the flow of your night put them under your pillow. Also, don’t forget to stock some non-latex condoms. Some guys may have a negative reaction to latex.

    Even if you’re in a long-term relationship and don’t use condoms anymore, it’s always good to have some in stock if you both decide to have a third/fourth or fifth around for some fun. Make sure any rubbers you have are still in date.

    Lube

    And don’t just have one type of lube. Have a variety. As they say, variety is the spice of life. Depending on what you’re doing you might need different lubes. If you’re using condoms make sure you’re using silicone or water based lubes, if you’re going bare you might prefer a more oil based or buttery lube. If toys are your thing you should use water-based lubes.

    The gay man’s Kama Sutra

    Want to up your bedroom game? Get this book to give you ideas and some insightful tips on new positions. Wow your partner with some new moves with the gay man’s Kuma Sutra.

    Breath mint

    Worried about morning breath? There’s nothing worse than breath can peel the wallpaper off from fifty feet. Pack some mints in your bedside drawers. Then pop one in first thing if you’re planning for a morning bonk.

    Pad and pen

    Ever wake up in the mid of night with the world’s most amazing idea and completely forget it by the morning? Keeping a pen and pad by your bed is key to collecting all those midnight memories. Also if you’re not sure you’ll remember the name of the person you’ve just gone to bed with you can always jot it down!

    Glasses

    If you need glasses keep a set by your bed, especially if you like reading or watching TV last thing at night. Also, comes in very handy if you need to get up in the middle of the night to pee.

    Some toys

    Sex toys deserve to be placed near to where the action is going to take place. That way you can seamlessly integrate them into your sex life.

    Cum rag

    Yep. When the business is done, don’t go searching high and low, have a rag on hand to clear up all the mess. Also can be great to have a cloth or scrap of material to place used toys or condoms on ready to clear up in the morning.

    Bio Oil

    I know this a random choice, but it’s a perfect night oil for your face. Wake with softer more youthful skin. This is a grooming product I absolutely swear by.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Fat Friends The Musical – Glasgow

    ★★★☆☆ | Fat Friends The Musical, Glasgow

    *Review taken from the Sheffield production*

    As her wedding day approaches, Kelly buys her dream wedding dress, even though it is two sizes too small for her.

    When Julia Fleshman, the head of a national slimming club chain, comes to town to judge a slimming contest live on TV, Kelly ends up going viral with her body confident comments; and seizing the opportunity for some publicity, Fleshman offers to pay for Kelly’s wedding if she can slim into the dress in time for the big day. But with the wedding only six weeks away, the pressure is on…

    Fat Friends is very much a piece of crowd-pleasing theatre. Pulling together multiple stories of the good folk of Headingly, a town near Leeds, the stage is filled with likeable, if slightly caricatured, characters and is a straightforward evening of undemanding fun.

    The show boasts a good cast, with Jodie Prenger taking the lead as Kelly, and doing so with a cocky northern confidence and a belting singing voice. Sam Bailey (The X-Factor) is great as Kelly’s Mum and Natasha Hamilton (from Atomic Kitten) is the scheming Julia Fleshman. Thrown into the mix is an affable turn from Kevin Kennedy (Coronation Street) and ex-cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, who takes to the stage and fares better than expected with a slightly stilted, if not tongue in cheek, portrayal of Kevin, Kelly’s nice but dim fiancé.

    The songs are amiable enough and used to move the story forward, and whilst they were perfectly pleasant to listen to and shoehorned a few laughs into the lyrics, they served their purpose well enough in terms of keeping up the show upbeat and jolly, but were ultimately fairly forgettable. The live orchestra added to the atmosphere within the theatre and the set design was a colourful cartoonish affair which was well lit and effective in its simplicity.

    Written and directed by Kay Mellor, who wrote the original TV series that the show is based on; Fat Friends is a rather loud, boisterous and upbeat show, which really resonates with its target audience. It’s a rather clichéd musical by numbers, with a heavy-handed script, fairly trite lyrics and a rather unsubtle approach to its humour, but what it lacks in sophistication, it makes up for with likeable characters, a few good belly laughs and buckets-full of near the knuckle, northern charm.

    Fat Friends is at the King’s Theatre Glasgow, Glasgow until the 5th May 2018, book tickets click here

  • Dating As A Gay Muslim: No fats? No Femmes? No Asians?

    Dating As A Gay Muslim: No fats? No Femmes? No Asians?

    Being a gay Muslim of South-Asian descent I often find some sort of prejudice within the gay community when it comes to dating and hooking up.

    rawpixel / Pixabay

    I noticed it especially when I started using the apps. The apps are great, you can be as specific as you want and really filter down to find what you are looking for. There are also a number of different apps to cater for specific gay communities and labels. They are also a great way of realising how picky you can be when it comes to what you want. A lot of people are open-minded and others are very upfront with their requirements.

    After getting past my initial bombardment of unsolicited photos, I started looking through profiles until I found someone I was interested in. He looked great and the start of his profile was funny. But that’s when I saw it. He specifically stated he didn’t want Asians, wanted the guy to be smooth and wanted him to be slim. All of the things I am not in other words. I was hurt in some way from reading this, but quickly shrugged it off and said to myself that the views of one person shouldn’t make me feel bad. I moved on to the next guy, whose profile was blank, and messaged him. He replied that he wasn’t looking for Asians as well. I took this in one of two ways. He was genuinely not looking for Asians, or using it as an excuse to end the conversation early. Again I shrugged it off, I can’t change my ethnicity so why bother myself with people who are being prejudiced against me. I did find a lot of people who were interested and we had some conversation that either led to something or didn’t. Such is the nature of the apps I found.

    But it got me thinking, is it prejudice or racism. I mean we all have our types, myself included, but I don’t feel the need to implicitly tell people that I don’t want a specific skin colour. I am open-minded, and my main criterion is someone with kind eyes. It sounds funny, but I am drawn to eyes and how they can convey a lot about people. I understand that these guys who put their requirements are doing so to ward off any unwanted attention, and to help them find what they are looking for faster. But is that really the case? I tested this out and put my requirements based on my current mood, and I found a handful of matches. When I saw these select few it made me realise that I didn’t particularly feel drawn to any of them. I went back to my more open requirements and felt instantly better. But that is just how I am, these people who don’t want fats, femmes or Asians know what they want, and that is their choice. It would be easy for me to judge them, but then again should they not be allowed to seek what they want?

    One interaction that really threw me off was when a guy messaged me saying he doesn’t usually go for Asians, but I would be an exception. That is when I genuinely got angry at the comment he made. It implied that I am acceptable even though I am Asian, and that he deems me worthy of his attention. I rightly put him down for that comment and ended the conversation there. He blocked me, which was to be expected, but had he not I would have blocked him and his pointed views out of my life anyway. Other interactions have had people ask me where I was born, as they don’t want people who weren’t born in the UK or don’t speak English without an accent. Again, I have no time for these people. They are trying to cover up their prejudice towards immigrants by making it out that they are just having a normal conversation.

    This isn’t to say I haven’t found people from the apps, as I have had a number of dates. What it is saying is that people shouldn’t feel bad if they find prejudice within the apps. They should ask themselves if they would want to be with someone like that, and if they do then that is fine. But you never know what you might find when you venture out of your preferences. I know I have been surprised and learned more about myself when I have ventured out. So for any profile out there that states ‘no Asians,’ I’m sorry but you are missing out. We are amazing.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Sunset Boulevard

    ★★★★☆ | Sunset Boulevard

     

    Sunset Boulevard celebrates the golden age of Hollywood, where fading silent screen icon, Norma Desmond is trying to put herself back into the spotlight, with the assistance of Joe Gillis, a screenwriter who literally crashes into her life and is seduced by the lifestyle she can offer. However, scratching beneath the surface of the glitzy show business veneer exposes a dark tale of unrequited love, obsession, jealousy and controlling and manipulative behaviour, which brings people to the brink of insanity and murder.

    Sunset Boulevard is not necessarily Lloyd-Webbers strongest work, although it does have a score which, at times, is reminiscent of Evita; but it certainly entertains. And whilst, in the words of the musical, Evita may have brought with her “just a touch of star quality”, Ria Jones brings an abundance of dazzling West End class with a powerhouse performance as Norma Desmond, proving that she is every bit the star that her character once was. Danny Mac (Strictly Come Dancing) is also very impressive as Joe Gillis, strutting the stage with a cocksure swagger and holding his own against such a strong leading lady.

    But this production it is not all about the performances. Colin Richmond’s set design is top-notch, with a real attention to detail and some inventive visuals; and the scenes transform smoothly and elegantly from one location to another whilst projected images enhance the multi-layered set. The staging is grandiose and inventive, moving from the large open spaces of the studio backlot to the intimacy of darkened rooms of Desmond’s mansion. The 16 piece orchestra is delightful and the lighting design washes the stage with the orange and gold glamour of Hollywood before fading into the dimly lit locations of the darker corners of the story.

    Sunset Boulevard is a standout touring production which oozes with class, sophistication and quality.

    Sunset Boulevard is playing at Sheffield Theatres until Saturday 28th April 2018, before continuing on its national tour

  • Everything You Need To Know About York Pride 2018

    If you’re planning to go to York pride here’s everything you need to know before the 2018 event.

    Everything You Need To Know About York Pride 2018
    This year’s York Pride takes place on the on Saturday 9th June and to celebrate the diversity of the LGBT+ community the theme for 2018 is Flag it Up.
    Speaking about the theme, Greg Stephenson York Pride’s chair said, “We decided on Flag it Up as our theme as it addresses several areas that are important to York Pride. It can mean showing support for the LGBT+ community by visually demonstrating your solidarity. Businesses, charities, and other organisations across the city fly the Pride flag every year, and we wanted to thank people for doing so as well as give the opportunity for those who haven’t so far to get involved. It also allows us to encourage people to challenge inappropriate behaviour. The last year has seen more and more cases of LGBT-phobia being revealed through the media and the increase in public discourse on the subject, and our theme enables us to support people in showing solidarity by ‘flagging up’ any discrimination they witness. We work closely with the public services in York and we wanted to make sure that people are aware that there are various forms of support that they can access should they need it.”

    What time does York Pride begin?

    The York Pride parade officially begins at 11:30 AM, after the parade, the pride continues at the Knavesmire and will continue into the evening with live entertainment.

    Is there a parade?

    York has a parade every year, and is free for the public to participate in.
    It starts at York Minster/Duncombe Place (YO1 7HH) and makes its way through the city centre and ends at the Knavesmire (YO24 1EN) where the main event takes place.
    It is recommended that public participants in the Parade begin gathering from 10:45-11:00, with the Parade set the depart at approximately 11:30am.

    Where is York Pride?

    It starts at York Minster/Duncombe Place (YO1 7HH) and makes its way through the city centre and ends at the Knavesmire (YO24 1EN) where the main event takes place.

    What does York Pride cost?

    York Pride is free for everyone to take part in.

    What entertainment will there be at York Pride?

    Yes, the full programme will be announced shortly. However, the pride does sell wristbands which you can buy on their website.

    Does York Pride have a website?

    Absolutely. You can view all thing York Pride HERE and buy your wristbands to support the pride.

    What should I bring to pride?

    We’ve created a list of Pride survival ideas. Take a look – but don’t forget to bring sunscreen, money and fully charged phone!

    Looking for accommodation for York Pride, find the best deals at Travelodge, Hotels.com or Bookings.com

  • Netflix is going gay, again, announces Tales Of The City comeback

    Netflix knows how to give its gays what they want!

    Netflix has announced that it’s to stream a brand new 10 part series of the iconic Tales of the City books.

    Based on the books by Armistead Maupin, this next chapter – Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City – follows Mary Ann (Laura Linney), who returns home to San Francisco and is reunited with her daughter (Ellen Page) and ex-husband Brian, twenty years after leaving them behind to pursue her career.

    Fleeing the midlife crisis that her picture-perfect Connecticut life created, Mary Ann returns home to her chosen family and will quickly be drawn back into the orbit of Anna Madrigal (Olympia Dukakis) and the residents of 28 Barbary Lane.

    It’s due to start filming soon and will debut on Netflix in early 2019.

    Find out more from Netflix

  • THE KNEE JERK | My driving is apparently “gay”

    THE KNEE JERK | My driving is apparently “gay”

    Apparently, my driving is Gay!

    tookapic / Pixabay

    I took a colleague with me the other night and dropped him off home as it was on my way.

    Today I overheard him talking with others and he described my driving as “gay”! I felt compelled to challenge him. You see I was not out at work, but using the term gay in a derogatory way just makes the small hairs on the back of my neck stand up; I think my upper lip curls to a snarl too.

    It would appear my adherence to the speed limit and signalling was the reason for terming my driving as “Gay” or ‘like a woman.’

    He went on in front of his young friends to tell me all about the advances of modern technology and how quick a car could brake. One of his friends has a ‘souped up’ hatchback (I actually think it has spoilers, skirts, fancy wheels and a big shiny exhaust; but a standard engine) and he has taken the same colleague home. He boasted how he could easily take two to three minutes off my time.

    I will never be a hero, well except in the bedroom, and even then my days of coming off the wardrobe in a cape are behind me. Ever the more so, as middle-aged spread makes me as aerodynamic as a brick!

    I said it to them, “I will never be a hero, but I do know common sense. I agree there have been significant advances with cars, but humans are just as fragile as they were at the start of the age of the car. I may never save a life, but the way I drive could mean; I will never take a life.

    I have a better chance of stopping should a child run out in front of me. Heaven forbid I should run a child over; they would have a greater chance of survival with a low-speed impact. Just for your information by the way I am gay too, proud of it and my driving.”

    Perhaps I have got past the dick measuring stage and penis/car substitution, after all at my time of life its size has as much to do with the weather as any other stimulus!