For eight years, Christopher Zeischegg’s identity was almost entirely wrapped up in his alter ego. To millions of viewers he wasn’t Chris, but porn star Danny Wylde. In 2013, he quit the industry after doctors warned him he risked causing permanent damage to his genitalia if he continued taking erectile dysfunction drugs to enhance his sexual performance. (more…)
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Ex-Porn Actor Urges #MeToo to Include Sex Workers
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Mail Online removes advertising from controversial columnists
The MailOnline has seemingly removed advertising from some of its most controversial columnists.
The DailyMail/MailOnline, it seems, has taken steps to remove advertising from around content created by some of its writers, including Richard Littlejohn, Katie Hopkins, Peter Hitchens and Jan Moir.
The Daily Mail was heavily criticised last week after it published a column by Richard Littlejohn which criticised Tom Daley and husband Dustin Lance Black for their baby announcement, the fallout from which included at least two advertisers pulling their spend from the title and several others looking into why their brands was being featured next to the content.
First, the Southbank Centre announced that it was no longer going to spend advertising in the Daily Mail, followed by Center Parcs. Numerous other businesses have also joined an advertising boycott of the paper.
The paper, released a statement to say that the article was not homophobic in content and that those who “bullied” advertisers into boycotting the paper were “politically motivated internet trolls” according to the Press Gazette.
A spokesperson for the Daily Mail said: “Had any of the political zealots who attacked Richard Littlejohn’s column actually read it they would know that he explicitly supports civil partnerships and the fostering of children by gay couples – hardly evidence of homophobia.
“Nor is it homophobic to ask whether it is right to deny a child the love of its own mother.
“It is very sad that any advertiser should give way to bullying by a tiny group of politically motivated internet trolls in their attempts to censor newspapers with which they disagree.
Removing Ads from select commentators
Not all columnists have had adverts removed, a quick review of the MailOnline website showed that content written by Piers Morgan, Liz Jones and Janet Street-Porter still had ad placements running next to the content.
Speaking to THEGAYUK.com a spokesperson for StopFundingHate, said,
“Our campaign has never been about individual columnists or journalists. For
#StopFundingHate, what matters is that we find a way to change the underlying business model which makes divisive, discriminatory and inflammatory media profitable.“Given the role that advertisers play in funding the media, consumer power is the key here. If even the Daily Mail now recognises that mainstream brands do not want to be associated with divisive stories such as last week’s piece targeting Tom Daley, then this shows that using our voices as consumers to challenge media hostility really can make a difference”.
THEGAYUK.com reached out to the Daily Mail to confirm that it had removed advertising from some of its articles.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Quartet – National Tour
★★☆☆☆ | Quartet – National Tour
Cecily, Wilfred and Reggie are three ageing opera singers, happily spending their twilight years in a retirement home for ageing artists, but their days reminiscing on their time in the spotlight are abruptly interrupted by the sudden and unexpected arrival of Jean, a former collaborator, a fading star and the ex-wife of Reggie. With an opportunity to reform the quartet for one final performance at the home’s annual gala, will old rivalries, old feelings and old friendships stand in the way of their last performance?
Paul Nicholas’ stands out from the cast with a confident and rather polished performance as the somewhat frisky Wilfred, a character simultaneously brimming with bravado and with insecurities; whilst Sue Holderness plays the somewhat crestfallen soprano, Jean, with an air of believability. Jeff Rawle’s passive to aggressive character transformations are well handled, and Wendi Peters gives a sly wink and a knowing nod to the audience with her portrayal of the slightly eccentric Cecily which stays on the right side of caricature.
Production wise, the play is set in the confines of a music room at the retirement home; with the wooden panelled walls encasing the sturdy and detailed box-set; which was accompanied by a lighting and sound design which were befitting and perfectly functional. The narrative is based around whether the four singers will perform together, but delve a little deeper and you will find themes of both holding on to, and letting go of, the past; and about moving on from past mistakes.
This is a very gentile and steady play, with little more to offer its audience than some competent performances and a wordy, and at times, wandering script. Given the setting and the characters, there is little in the way of visual stimulation or on stage movement to engage the audience, and therefore the writing is left to carry the piece; which it does with varying degrees of success. A few moments of comedy were set against some rather dry passages in the script, and the melancholy themes of growing old and facing your own mortality were intermingled with some quick-witted put-downs and comedic one-liners; alongside some subtle and not so subtle humour.
Quartet is a bittersweet play which is not for everyone. It’s slowly paced and rather sedate, and may well reward the patient audience member, but requires a sharp focus on the script rather than a reliance on the visuals.
Quartet is currently on national tour
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Dealer who used Grindr to sell Chemsex drugs jailed for nearly a decade
A prominent ‘Chemsex’ scene drug dealer, who used the hook up app, Grindr to set up parties and sell drugs to its users, has been sentenced to nearly a decade in jail for possession with intent to supply Class A and C drugs.
Angelo Jardim, 49 (11.12.68) of Landor Road, SW9, who is originally from Portugal, was arrested on 15 September, 2017 by officers from Lambeth after intelligence suggested his property was being used to deal drugs.
Officers carried out a raid of his property and seized Class A drugs and around £13,000 in cash. He was arrested on suspicion with intent to supply.
During the raid, officers found Jardin had access to another address on Voltaire Road, SW4. They carried out a raid on this property and found large quantities of Class A and C drugs.
He was charged on 15 September, 2017, with six counts with possession to supply Class A, B and C drugs.
He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesdayy, 20 February 2018 and was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 20 February to nine years and ten months in jail.
PC Francis Stanton attached to Lambeth Proactive unit, commented: “Jardim was a prominent member of the Chemsex scene; organising parties and selling drugs to a large amount of men he met of the dating app, Grindr.
“Previously, a lot of Chemsex scene criminals were going under the radar, and not being detected, however we are making significant headway in the way we catch these criminals. Not only do they break the law by dealing drugs, but they also have a negative impact on families, and communities, by getting people addicted to illegal substances.”
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BREAKING: US Preacher, Billy Graham dies aged 99
One of the United States most influential preachers, Billy Graham has died at the age of 99.
Billy Graham, a preacher who believed that homosexuality could be cured and that same-sex marriage should be banned, has died at the age of 99. In his 60 year career as a preacher, it is thought that he preached to over 210 million people.
On his website, he once wrote an advice column,for someone who found out that a loved one was gay, he wrote, “We want to assure you that any willing person can be liberated from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ”.
The BBC have reported his death and that he died at his home in Montreat, North Carolina
This is a developing story.
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How to check your balls for lumps and bumps
Take the matter into your own hand…
Finding lumps on your balls can be worrying, but there’s lots of stuff going on down there. Jackie Hall, Health at Hand operations manager at AXA PPP healthcare gives us some insight on how to check our balls for cancer.
Testicular cancer is a male cancer which should be checked for regularly, and just like other cancers, it can be easier to treat if detected early. By regularly examining yourself, you are more likely to notice if anything changes or feels unusual so it is best to make this a part of your usual daily routine.
The best time to check your testicles is after a warm shower, as this is when the skin is most relaxed, by following the below guide:
Contrast and compare
Rest your testicles in the palms of your hands and compare one testicle with the other for equal heaviness. A lot of men have one testicle which is larger than the other, or one that hangs lower than the other, so don’t worry if this is the case
Roll them balls
Place your fingers behind the scrotum and gently roll your testicle between your thumb and fingers
Hard lumps?
You are looking out for any hard lump or swelling – or any particular changes in shape. Make sure you check each testicle individually
Does it seem normal?
A normal testicle is oval shaped and feels firm, but not hard
Heavy balls?
Most cases of testicular cancer start with a painless lump in the testicle; though sometimes there can be pain or discomfort or a heavy feeling in the scrotum. Make sure you consult your GP as soon as possible if you experience any of these sensations, or if you find a lump
If you experience any of the above symptoms for testicular cancer, make an appointment with your GP.
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THEATRE REVIEW | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Milton Keynes
★★★★☆ | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Milton Keynes
**This review was taken from the Sheffield date**
During the 1960’s Carole King was part of one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the era, writing hits for The Shirelles, The Drifters and Little Eva; leading to success with songs including “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, “The Loco-Motion”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman”, “You’ve Got A Friend” and “I Feel The Earth Move”. But behind the success was a personal struggle for King in trying to make her marriage with Gerry Goffin, her philandering husband and songwriting partner, work; and it is her rise to the top and her troubled home life which form the backbone of the story for this musical biopic.
Beautiful really stands apart from the usual jukebox musical/musical biopics, given the quality of the writing, presentation and performances. The narrative absorbs you straightaway; and there is an abundance of instantly likeable characters, a wonderfully sharp script filled with warmth, humour and personality and a lighting design which really does bring the stage to life, making it feel bright, bubbly and brimming with energy.
But the quality was not reserved only for the look of the piece, but extends to its rather talented cast members. Bronte Barbe was delightfully charismatic as Carole King, projecting a powerful voice without ever having to force a note; and exuding a natural and believable on-stage chemistry with Kane Oliver Parry as King’s husband, Gerry Goffin. Amy Ellen Richardson and Matthew Gonsalves bounced off each other nicely as the bickering Weil and Mann; and the entire cast, including the ensemble, all stepped up the plate in terms of their vocals, alongside some incredibly competent acting, giving rise to very believable performances across the board.
The first act, detailing King’s success within the music industry, brings with it a barrage of 17 musical numbers which are performed with flair and vigour; whilst the second act is slightly more downbeat and more drama focussed, as the decline of King’s marriage and her growth into a solo artist are depicted.
Although you may not have heard of Carole King, her music is embedded into popular culture, and with the number of songs that you immediately recognise adorning the stage, you realise just how much of an influential songwriter King really was. Ultimately, this is a story of love, hope and determination, and a production which rises above the usual jukebox musicals with a set of strong central performances, in particularly Bronte, and a polished, professional and quality feel.
Beautiful is at the Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes until 24th February 2018
The show then continues on its national tour until 23 June 2018. Click here to book tickets.
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When does American Crime Story: Versace start in the UK and on what channel?
The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story has a broadcast date for the UK and a channel.
BBC 2 has been confirmed as the broadcaster for The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, the story behind the murder of world-famous designer Gianni Versace.
The air date of the first episode is the 28th Feb on BBC 2.
Following the Bafta award-winning The People Vs OJ Simpson, the hugely successful series returns to BBC Two with The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.Episode one: The Man Who Would Be Vogue
Written by Tom Rob Smith (London Spy), the nine-part drama profiles the cross-country path of destruction that culminated in the murder of an international fashion icon.
July 15, 1997: Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramirez) is shot by Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss, pictured) on the steps of Versace’s Miami villa. As the killer flees, the media descends and the world reacts.
1990: An enthusiastic Andrew – who changes identities and opinions depending on who he’s talking to – contrives an introduction to Versace at an exclusive San Francisco nightclub, and wrangles a date to an opera which has been costumed by the famed designer.
Also starring Penelope Cruz as Donatella Versace, and Ricky Martin as Versace’s partner Antonio D’Amico.
Episode one is directed by Ryan Murphy and the series is executive produced by Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Brad Falchuk and Tom Rob Smith.
The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story start on BBC 2 28th Feb 2018 at 9PM
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Daily Mail: Richard Littlejohn’s article not homophobic
“He supports civil partnerships…”
So that’s alright then.
The Daily Mail has defended an article they published by Richard Littlejohn following on from an outcry from the public concerning what many described as the transphobic and homophobic tone of the column. The article was entitled, ‘Please don’t pretend two dads is the new normal’ in which he criticises the parents to be Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black for announcing that they are expectant fathers.
The paper, released a statement to say that the article was not homophobic in content and that those who “bullied” advertisers into boycotting the paper “politically motivated internet trolls” according to the Press Gazette.
A spokesperson for the Daily Mail said: “Had any of the political zealots who attacked Richard Littlejohn’s column actually read it they would know that he explicitly supports civil partnerships and the fostering of children by gay couples – hardly evidence of homophobia.
“Nor is it homophobic to ask whether it is right to deny a child the love of its own mother.
“It is very sad that any advertiser should give way to bullying by a tiny group of politically motivated internet trolls in their attempts to censor newspapers with which they disagree.”
Advertisers pull their adverts
At least two advertisers pulled advertising from the title, joining a host of other businesses that have said they will no longer advertise with the company. The first was Southbank Centre and then followed by Center Parcs
Quorn Foods UK, which had digital advertising running next to the article have pulled their digital ads as well.
For a more complete list of those who have effectively boycotted an advert spend in the Daily Mail / Mail Online click here.
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Let’s face it, would you really want to join this Pro-Trump dating site anyway?
Trump Dating Site Bans Gays, Invites Straight And Married People
Supporters of President Donald Trump got another place to find love with the launch of a new website – Trump.dating. The website launched in February helps people find friends and partners. However, it allows only straight men. (more…)
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Russell Tovey has romance news
Russell Tovey has made a romantic announcement.
Looking star, Russell Tovey and his fitness coach boyfriend, Steve Brockman have just got engaged.
Confirming to Digital Spy, Russell Tovey confirmed that the pair got engaged over the weekend – and Steve was the one to do the asking.
He said, “Completely unexpected but very very happy and looking forward to having a proper party to celebrate when back in London.”
Tovey is currently living in New York, US while he is filming the third series of Quantico.
Congrats guys!!!
