Edith Windsor, who helped end the ban on same-sex marriage has died at the age of 88.
Ms Windsor’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, announced that the same-sex marriage activist had died at the age of 88, in New York, USA. The cause of her death was not given, but Ms Windsor had been struggling with a heart condition for years.
Commenting on her death President Obama said that she was a “quiet” hero for the equality cause. He said, “Few were as small in stature as Edie Windsor — and few made as big a difference to America.”
Ms Windsor was 81 when she brought a lawsuit (United States V. Windsor) which would end up being the turning point for LGBT rights in America. In 2009, after the death of her first wife, Thea Spyer, to whom she was married to in Canada, Ms Windsor was prevented from getting a marital deduction on Spyer’s estate, because their marriage was not legal in the US.
Ms Windsor was successful, with justices ruling 5-4 in June 2013. The law (the Defense of Marriage Act DOMA) was deemed unconstitutional and the stepping stones for same-sex marriage were in place. Same-sex marriage became legal in every state the US in 2015.
Ms Windsor remarried in 2016 to Judith Kasen, in New York City Hall.
Edith Windsor became a legend because of her tireless activism. Her legal action in United States V. Windsor was instrumental in bringing down DOMA and ensuring that same-sex marriage would be legal across every state in the US.
Edith Windsor appeared at Washington DC pride in 2017 as the Parade’s Grand Marshall. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and worked for IBM from 1958. In May 1968, she attained the title designating the highest level technical position at IBM, Senior Systems Programmer. In 1975 she left the company and with her severance pay she began to focus on her activism.
In the new Channel 5’s Autopsy series, the programme looks at the tragic death of the songwriting and singing legend, Maurice Gibbs.
What really happened to the Maurice Gibbs, one-third of one of the world’s most famous bands. Forensic pathologist Dr Jason Payne-James takes a look into the life and death of Maurice Gibbs to find out exactly why he died.
The star died in his Miami home in 2003.
in this programme, forensic pathologist Dr Jason Payne-James examines all the available evidence medical to create a timeline of the events leading to his death.
The show begins this Friday, 15th September, on Channel 5 at 10.00 PM and again on 5+1 one hour later.
Ottavio, who was one-half of Bratavio has got a new day dream – supporting his dream to become a successful recording artist. The singer, who has just released his debut single – was proud to show off the fact that he now works for the UK’s biggest supermarket – yes Tesco.
The job might be miles away from the glamour of hanging out with Louis Walsh and the X Factor juggernaut, but the star insists he’s still working towards becoming a singing sensation, plus he looks pretty hot in his uniform!
Last year Louis Walsh was heavily criticised and homophobically abused online when he decided to take the duo through to the live shows. In the end, Bratavio’s success on the show was short lived as they only managed to stay the course for one show.
Along with Bradley Hunt (Right) the duo became one of the most talked about act on last year’s X Factor. They don’t perform together anymore/
When asked by fans if he had a job – the singer replied, “Yes, I love earning money and following my dream at the same time”.
Cornwall’s only full-time LGBT+ venue is set to close unless a new buyer can be found.
A gay bar in Cornwall has become the latest LGBT+ venue to close. Deja Vu’s owners Steve and Chris decided to put the venue on the market. They took over the bar from Bar Qdos just two years ago. They opened the venue after a large renovation for Cornwall pride in August 2015.
The couple vowed to keep the venue open as long as it was sustainable, which it was, but when Cornwall Pride – and its associated events moved from Truro to Newquay it was the “final nail” in the coffin for Deja Vu.
There are no LGBT+ club is Newquay.
It was revealed that money raised from the footfall that Cornwall Pride would create for the venue helped the owners pay for its building insurance, music license. However, because of the Pride’s move, those costs are now being met out the pockets of the owners.
The couple has put the business on sale for just under £40,000.
Speaking to THEGAYUK, Chris said,
“When (we) opened the bar it was for the LGBTQ community and the bar would stay open as long as it paid for itself and with Cornwall pride and special events throughout the year this was the case.
“The final nail in the coffin was the relocation of Cornwall pride from Truro the capital of Cornwall to the seaside resort of Newquay ensured the bar to lose a large chunk of income from this one night. The income from this one night normally pays for the insurance buildings and contents and public liability along with the PRS music licence for the year.
“But due to the relocation of pride we are going to have to pay these out of our own pocket so the time has come to sell up”.
The researchers interviewed 21 gay men who had recently been diagnosed with HIV in London or Brighton. Most of the men thought that a combination of factors contributed to risk behaviours and HIV infection.
Each year, more than half of HIV diagnoses in the UK are in gay and bisexual men. A new study paints a picture of the complex reasons, including chemsex, use of dating apps, childhood trauma and stressful life events, that are associated with gay men acquiring the virus. Because of the success of HIV medication in treating HIV and extending life expectancy, changing ideas about how serious it is to have HIV was also seen to be a factor.
Childhood trauma
Many respondents in the study described difficult experiences during childhood, including dysfunctional relationships with parents and bullying at school, which had long-lasting impacts on their mental health. A few men grew up in environments where gay men were highly stigmatised, which could result in low self-esteem. Some respondents linked such experiences with subsequent drug use. One man said,
“I mean it probably was the perfect storm you know, they [drugs] got me at a time…mid-forties when I wasn’t that secure, there were a few issues, I was looking for fun…it was an escape and it seemed at the time that it was…enjoyable.”
Drugs and apps
The researchers interviewed 21 gay men who had recently been diagnosed with HIV in London or Brighton. Most of the men thought that a combination of factors contributed to risk behaviours and HIV infection. Another interviewee said:
“The sex and the drugs and the apps all intertwined simultaneously and I can’t really say which one led to the other.”
Matthew Hodson, Executive Director of NAM aidsmap commented, “All too often discussion of HIV within the gay communities is reduced to gay men being somehow ‘irresponsible’. The reality is that gay men’s lives are complex and the reasons that gay men may engage in sex that carries a risk of acquiring HIV are complex too. The homophobia which underpins the idea that gay men are irresponsible, in itself, seems to have played a role in many men not finding themselves able to avoid HIV infection.”
Recent stressful events caused psychological distress for many participants. These included the death of family members, relationship break-ups, violent partners, loss of friendships and health problems. A number of men were exposed to multiple psycho-social risk factors and the combination could be devastating.
Valuing your own life
“I didn’t value my life… Because so much had happened and I’d been through so much in the past three, four, five years with…break ups and losing everything and emotional things and deaths and God knows what else, it almost becomes a bit “all my life has just been so crap anyway what’s the point, do I really care if I get it [HIV] anyway?”
Dating apps provided convenient access to multiple sexual partners for many participants, regardless of age. They could also introduce men to chill outs and chemsex.
HIV is managed by taking “a few pills a day”
Some interviewees, especially middle-aged men, talked about the shifting perception of HIV in the gay community. Thanks to the availability of effective HIV treatment and good medical care, HIV was widely perceived to be a manageable condition.
“Everyone knows somebody positive now and knows that they’re fit and healthy and they take a few pills a day…That’s a huge factor in why so few people use protection anymore…because it has become a treatable illness…I think it changed everyone’s risk calculations, because even if the worst did happen, it was no longer the worst.”
Psychological issues and drug use were often mentioned in combination. For example, a man in his forties identified the important factors in his HIV infection as:
“The drugs…but also depression because I didn’t care about taking risks…I gave up.”
When thinking about why gay men have risky sexual behaviour, the researchers say that individual factors (like difficult childhood experiences) are important to take into account. At the same time, we also need to think about the wider community and society. For example, some interviewees felt that recreational drugs were too easy to come by or that risk taking was normalised in some parts of the gay scene.
“Recently acquired HIV infection among (gay and bisexual men) reflects a complex web of factors operating at different levels,” says Annabelle Gourlay of University College London.
Matthew Hodson of NAM aidsmap added, “There is a wide variety of factors involved in gay men being vulnerable to HIV infection. HIV prevention can be most effective when it identifies the individuals who are most likely to acquire HIV, the times when they are most vulnerable, and the strategies that will work for them. A ‘one size fits all’ approach to prevention is not sufficient to deal with such complex needs.”
Five people were arrested over the weekend at a demonstration and counter protest in Bristol.
Two groups, British and Immigrants United Against Terrorism and Gays Against Sharia demonstrated in Bristol yesterday about “issues of female genital mutilation, homophobia within Islam and Sharia Law”.
They were met with a counter protest by members of the LGBT community and Stand Up To Racism.
The Bristol Post reports around 65 people listened to speeches from UKIP candidate Anne-Marie Waters, former EDL member Tommy English.
There were five arrests, four for assaulting a police officer and one for one for obstructing the police in their duties.
Huge police presence
Protesters and demonstrations were met with 250 officers from the Avon and Somerset police force, neighbourhood officers, specialist public order-trained officers, mounted colleagues and dog handlers.
Chief Inspector Andy Williams said, “Overall the operation went well with the vast majority of those involved behaving and following our request for peaceful demonstrations.
“Unfortunately there were a small number of counter protestors who deviated from their pre-agreed route and who became disruptive.
“This led to a small amount of anti-social behaviour in the Old Market area which caused some congestion on surrounding roads while officers dealt with the situation.
“We’d particularly like to thank those motorists who were affected by this and apologise to them for any inconvenience.
“A total of five arrests were made during the day, four for assaulting police officers and one for obstructing them in their duties.
“Violence and disorder will not be tolerated and we, as the public would expect, have been robust in tackling with those who have engaged in this behaviour.”
The right to protest
The police force took to social media to announce the number of arrests – but also to assert the rights of citizens to protest peacefully.
Officers managing today's protest have just arrested five men. Four for assaulting them and one for obstruction (1/2).
Oh my… Just look at James Van Der Beek’s trouser snake.
It looks as though 40-year-old James Ver Der Beek has a ri-donkey-hously big peen. We’re just wondering about the logistics. The star, who is probably most famous for his stint as Dawson in Dawson Creek was preparing to go on the Late Late Show, on US TV.
“Well, we have a rota. I do Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. He does the Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Tuesdays we both take a day off to chop wood.”
The answer is as stupid as the question. Do these questions deserve sarcasm or genuine explanation? Is it really offensive to have bizarre remarks or questions thrown at you by straight people?
1) Some of my best friends are gay:
Yay! I’d shout it loud too if I had some gay best friends. We’re great to have around. We’re behind lots of the most innovative stuff going off in Britain. We design great clothes, produce great comedy, music, films, fiction and theatre. We’re often stylish and witty. We’re may actually be the new master race! Shouldn’t we let them be proud they’re our friends? Most modern women’s fiction characters have a gay best friend. We’re top of the must have list for 2012.
2) How old were you when you knew you were gay?
Well, ten out of ten for having an inquiring mind. I applaud this question. Not easy to answer always and it usually gets a stunned silence when I tell them I was 5. I like to quantify it too by explaining that lots of people don’t realise till they’re much older and there isn’t actually a rule. In fact, there’s not actually a need to define yourself as gay or straight or bisexual, unless you really want to or are backed into a corner by a gunman.
3) So, which one of you two is the girl?
Now, this is a complicated one. Who can blame them for asking? Do they mean sex or domesticity? Our sex lives are full of possibilities. Of course, we intrigue. People love to know what goes where. We can be as puzzling as a diagram for a flat pack wardrobe. It’s even more puzzling if we have fetishes or a dislike of penetrative sex or a non-conventional relationship. As for domestic arrangements go: sadly the average straight couple still fulfil lots of stereotypical gender roles. Childcare and household duties are still often predominantly female activities. Sure, people wonder which one of us can use the drill and which one can sew curtains. My partner and I are a real puzzle. I like to clean and he doesn’t. I can’t thread a needle and he can sew beautifully. We can, however, both cook well and are both quite nurturing. We can both happily do traditional men’s roles around the house too but power tools scare me. I watched too much Casualty as a teenager. He’s in charge of the drill.
4) How did you know you were gay?
Erm. Well, there are these things called men and I quite fancy them. So much so in fact that I want to have sex with them. That was pretty much a giveaway. The rest is history.
5) So you gays all like Kylie/Musical Theatre/want to come on my hen party wearing a pink Stetson?
We don’t all fit the clichés. Lots of us do and that’s fine. That’s how stereotypes develop. It’s fine to love Kylie, fine to want to drink Barcadi Breezers whilst wearing a pink Stetson and fine to be able to hum all the tunes to The Sound of Music. It’s also fine not to. I can hum the tunes. The other two are a big fat NO. We’re not all anally retentive clean freaks and we’re not all cute, camp or foppish. Life might be easier if we could all be compartmentalised and fitted neatly into our assigned boxes but it’s much more interesting that we don’t.
6) Gays are so bitchy. Really?
Well if you want that I can have a go. Fasten yourself in and I’ll begin.
Maybe it’s better that people do ask. We should encourage dumb remarks and seemingly stupid questions. I’m a firm believer in there being no such thing as a stupid question. It’s much more dangerous to not ask and remain ignorant. It’s our opportunity to break down barriers and try to dent those stereotypes. We should be on a mission to inform. If we can be bothered. Otherwise, sarcasm helps.
Have you ever wanted to live like a Hollywood Director? Well now you can if you stump up a massive £36,000 A MONTH.
£8000 per week and you can rent from the famous Hollywood director.
The out director Roland Emmerich has opened up his London home for tenants – providing they can pay the £8,000 a week price tag. The house, which is located in Knightsbridge has five sizable bedrooms and boasts a unique style throughout the house, but also an eye-watering £36,000 per calendar month price tag – or a whopping £432,000 a YEAR.
Although it’s unlikely the director will have someone living in for a full year as Emmerich is only letting it for short-term lets.
Roland Emmerich is looking for only short term lets for his £8000 a week home in Knightsbridge.
The director who can count Independence Day, Godzilla and Stargate as his hit movies has clearly used his theatrical sensibilities in the styling of the house – you’ll even find a Pope in full garb under the stairs.
Time for confession? The gay director has a wax figure of Pope Jean-Paul II under the stairs.
Daniel Bickerdike, Lettings Manager at KFH South Kensington, said, “The opportunity to live in such a unique home doesn’t come around very often. From the murals and ornaments inspired by figures from world history to Pope Jean Paul II sitting in the under-stairs cupboard, residents will be equally challenged, fascinated and entertained by the décor throughout this property.”
Renters will be able to take a shower with Saddam Hussein holding a child. The house is also full of artworks with communist leaders as the subject.Those who take up residence will a stone’s throw from some of London’s most exclusive shops and restaurants.
Along with the opportunity to sit with the Pope, houseguests will be able to shower with Saddam Hussein and other communist dictators.
Each room has a different feel – but does have hardwood flooring throughout.
Each room feels like a movie set with bespoke murals, ornaments and soft furnishings sitting alongside unique artwork and furniture.
The property is available through KFH South Kensington who can be contacted on 020 3792 5523.
Fashion designer, Tom Ford has said that sleeping with a man doesn’t make you gay.
In an in-depth interview with The Telegraph the openly gay fashion designer, Tom Ford, has revealed his thoughts on gender stereotypes and that sleeping with men, when you’re a man, doesn’t necessarily make you gay.
Ford was speaking about how he admired the younger generation’s dismissal of traditional stereotypes of gender and sexuality. He praised their attitudes of dismissal saying, “What’s great about this new generation is that they’re growing up in a culture where anything goes”.
Hating “Masculinity”
The designer, who also has a range of fragrances spoke how he hates the word masculine. Arguing that people should be able to wear whatever fragrance they thought suited them. He is releasing two new fragrances F*cking Fabulous and Noir Anthracite.
He said, “If you love something and it smells great, why shouldn’t you wear it? Why can’t a man wear a beautiful peony-based fragrance?”
The designer suggested that younger people didn’t think that just because you have sex with someone of the same sex that you are gay.
New Generation
The designer also praised the millennial generation for their “anything goes” culture and attitude, saying,
“What’s great about this new generation is that they’re growing up in a culture where anything goes.
“If you’re a guy who paints his nails, that doesn’t mean anything.
“You’re a man sleeping with a man? So what, that doesn’t mean you’re gay.
“I think that men have always been just as vain and cared just as much (about their appearance) as women, but our culture perhaps didn’t support it,”
Of course having sex with men, if you are a man, doesn’t make you gay – you could, of course, be bisexual or pansexual or someone who identifies as MSM (man who has sex with men).
★★★★★ | Doubt, a Parable, Southwark Playhouse, London
CREDIT: Paul Nicholas Dyke
It’s Autumn 1964 and young priest Father Brendan Flynn doesn’t fit into the spartan and puritanical ideals of the school as run by sour faced Sister Aloysius. He’s all warmth and casual attitude, bouncing a basketball around with the boys. Her view of the school system is one where art is a frippery, the children should be contained and disciplined and pastoral care involves telling people to buck their ideas up. Her ever watchful gaze is centred on Flynn and when a young nun divulges her suspicions of inappropriate behaviour between Father Flynn and a pre-pubescent boy she appears to relish the chance to get rid of him and launches into decisive and cunning action.
If you want big acting shoes to fill then look no further than ‘Doubt’. This 2005 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play was made into an astoundingly good film with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep as the warring priest and nun. This version has pulled together an accomplished cast with Stella Gonet as the terrifying yet eminently human Sister Aloysius. It;’s a dense, dialogue heavy play that’s an intense ninety minutes but one that passes in a flash and will set you cogitating as you consider the facets of the situation and the personalities concerned. Oh, as well as thinking about that little matter of the truth. Much like life, there aren’t any wholly good or bad or stupid or clever people only people on a spectrum constantly sliding somewhere between the two.
The confined space of a fringe theatre like Southwark Playhouse suits this piece as you get to see every thought flit across each face and the intensity ramps up a notch or two. This is a rarity: an entertaining and rousing play that’s also intelligent and thought provoking. Go see it.
Doubt, a Parable, plays at the Southwark Playhouse, London until 30th September 2017
Along with the opportunity to sit with the Pope, houseguests will be able to shower with Saddam Hussein and other communist dictators.
