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  • Pride In London “concerned” over YouTube LGBT video restrictions

    YouTube has been blasted by Pride In London as “concerning” over the restriction of its videos, including a speech given by Prime Minister David Cameron.

    CREDIT: (C) Joffe Walters

    Videos including a speech by then Prime Minister David Cameron to the LGBT+ community have been restricted by the Google-owned video platform, YouTube.

    The video service has been criticised after it was revealed that it had restricted 1000s of LGBT+ content creators’ videos, meaning that only people who had opted into unrestricted viewing would be able to see content.

    Videos which have been restricted on the Pride In London YouTube channel include performances from X Factor‘s Seann Miley Moore and that of the Pride In London talent winner 2016, Jack Feureisen.

    Commenting on YouTube’s ‘Restricted Mode’ filtering out some LGBTQ+ video content, Matthew Hemes, Senior Social Media Manager for Pride in London said,

    “YouTube is an incredible space giving LGBTQ+ contributors around the world a platform to be heard. We are concerned that around 25 per cent of Pride in London’s video content is hidden when using YouTube’s ‘Restricted Mode’. Videos not shown include Prime Minister David Cameron’s message to those taking part in 2014, various videos from recent #NoFilter and #FreedomTo campaigns plus many performances on stage in Trafalgar Square. YouTube has been a fantastic supporter of Pride in London and we hope this is rectified soon.”

    Last night the Hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty trended worldwide as users and audiences blasted the move by the world’s biggest video platform.

    In a full explanation of the YouTube explained that they were looking into the concerns of its users and reiterated that it had a “passion” for making its platform inclusive, diverse and vibrant.

  • 55 of Pride In London’s YouTube videos have been restricted

    55 of Pride In London’s YouTube videos have been restricted

    Fifty-five of Pride In London’s videos on the Google-owned platform, YouTube have been restricted.

    London Pride and YouTube ban
    CREDIT: Pride In London/Twitter

    YouTube has been under fire since it came to light that it had restricted many viewers from watching content from LGBT+ content creators on its platform.

    Pride In London, the UK’s biggest pride festival, has had 55 of its 225 videos restricted.

    https://twitter.com/MattHemes/status/843809384102842368

    Last night the Hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty trended worldwide as users and audiences blasted the move by the world’s biggest video platform.

    Taking to their official Twitter account, Pride In London displayed how their playlist had been affected by turning on and off a restricted and non-restricted view of their account. Fifty-five of their videos from their public playlist were restricted.

    Pride In London’s video content has no adult content on its channel.

    Restricted mode is turned off by default, but some users have found restriction has been automatically turned on, effectively making the video impossible to watch unless the viewer is logged on if the content is deemed “potentially inappropriate”.

    YouTube apologised for the action saying, but only hours after the hashtag had started trending,

    “LGBTQ+ voices … [were] a key part of what YouTube is all about”, it said that only “mature content” was supposed to be restricted.

    “The intention of Restricted Mode is to filter out mature content for the tiny subset of users who want a more limited experience. LGBTQ+ videos are available in Restricted Mode, but videos that discuss more sensitive issues may not be.”

    In a full explanation of the YouTube explained that they were looking into the concerns of its users and reiterated that it had a “passion” for making its platform inclusive, diverse and vibrant.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Frogs, Jermyn Street Theatre

    ★★★ | The Frogs, Jermyn Street Theatre

    The-Friogs-2-THE-FROGS-1-George-Rae-Zanthia-and-Michael-Matus-Dionysos-and-cast-Photo-David-Ovenden1

    Stephen Sondheim is the grand master of some of the wittiest, campest and catchiest musical theatre numbers of all time. He’s also still going strong and still writing at 86. His back catalogue is staggering with Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and Company to name a few, so it’s exciting to see a rarely revived 1974 musical re-surface.

    There’s always a worry that there’s a reason a musical stayed under the water (be warned, the ‘frog’ puns are just too easy to resist) and in this case, it’s easy to see why this one floundered and never quite hit the shoreline.

    The story is based on an ancient Greek comedy and concerns a demi-god and his slave who decide to travel to the underworld to bring back a great writer. It’s as silly a story as it sounds and a mad musical but one with a timely political undertone about the role of the arts in society. The chorus sidle on and off the stage playing a variety of parts, jazz-handed and legs crossing and high-kicking in the tiny space of The Jermyn Street Theatre. Dionysos and his slave have some great interactions but the songs are sparse with long discourses in between about theatre and the arts. It sounds dull but isn’t at all, apart from a peculiar piece in the second act that slackens the pace. This being Sondheim, the lyrics are densely packed and razor sharp. It can feel like a list of ‘in’ jokes at times with riffs on theatre etiquette and the behaviour of actors but they’re funny ‘in’ jokes nonetheless. Michael Matus as Dionysos is a musical theatre stalwart/legend and it’s a privilege to see him perform in such an intimate venue.

    The Frogs was originally performed in a swimming pool with Sigourney Weaver and Meryl Streep splashing around amongst the cast. According to Sondheim, the acoustics made it sound like it was being sung in a urinal and it bombed. Nathan Lane (The Birdcage, The Producers and The Good Wife) re-invigorated the play in 2004 but still; it’s a difficult beast.

    If like me you’re a Sondheim fanatic then you’ll love this. If you’re not initiated then it might feel like a drag.

     

    The Frogs plays at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 8th April 2017

  • YouTube heavily criticised after it makes some LGBT videos invisible

    YouTube heavily criticised after it makes some LGBT videos invisible

    YouTube has come under heavy criticism from its users after many LGBT content creators found that their uploads had become “invisible”.

    what videos did YouTube ban from LGBT people

     

    Google-owned YouTube has found itself in the centre of a Twitterstorm and a heavy online backlash after many LGBT content creators found that their videos were no longer open for the general public to view. Instead, in order to watch the videos users had to log into the service, using a Google account, as a way of verifying age, before content would be played.

    Last night the Hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty trended worldwide as users and audiences blasted the move by the world’s biggest video platform.

    Restricted mode is turned off by default, but some users have found restriction has been automatically turned on, effectively making the video impossible to watch unless the viewer is logged on if the content is deemed “potentially inappropriate”.

    YouTube apologised for the action saying, but only hours after the hashtag had started trending,

    “LGBTQ+ voices … [were] a key part of what YouTube is all about”, it said that only “mature content” was supposed to be restricted.

    “The intention of Restricted Mode is to filter out mature content for the tiny subset of users who want a more limited experience. LGBTQ+ videos are available in Restricted Mode, but videos that discuss more sensitive issues may not be.”

    One of the platforms best-known Vloggers, Tyler Oakley, who has 8 million subscribers was caught by the block took to Twitter to explain his frustration at YouTuber saying,

     

    In a full explanation of the YouTube explained that they were looking into the concerns of its users and reiterated that it had a “passion” for making its platform inclusive, diverse and vibrant.

    YouTube’s CEO stated that she had ordered a full investigation into the issue and was pushing her team for answers.

     

     

     

  • Which TV star has become Twerking King?

    It seems as though we might have a new twerking king on our hands…

    X Factor star Lloyd Daniels just served it – giving the current twerking king, Aaron Frew, a bit of a run for his money. We hailed Big Brother star Aaron ‘Twerking King’ after he pulled some serious moves in Big Brother in the summer of 2015. In fact, he showed us how to twerk whilst bottoming. Which has come in handy… quite a few times.

    But now has Lloyd stolen his crown? Judge for yourself….

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BR011EbjeBi/?taken-by=lloyddanielsuk

    Enjoy!

  • This guy totally nails Britney’s Toxic onboard a real jet

    This airline worker has totally nailed Britney’s iconic Toxic routine on board a real life jet.

    Assraf Nasir has pulled off the best version of Britney’s “Toxic” we’ve ever seen (although Craig Revel Horwood’s in Lip Sync Battle UK was pretty darn good). Assraf, however, has the extra added bonus of being a real-life worker for an airline.

    https://twitter.com/FarhanRzman/status/842405850673111040

    As in Britney’s original chart-topper, 2003’s “Toxic”, Assraf dances down the aisles, sings into the intercom and pushes a food trolley down the Airbus 330’s cabin – all in perfect precision – mimicking Britney’s very own dance moves for the hit.

    The 1-minute film starts with the airline worker singing into the aircraft’s intercom system. He perfectly manages to lipsync to the song’s words.

    Then he perfectly dances the exact routine to the 2003 Britney hit.

    Just as in the original video, a food trolley is used to run through the aeroplane’s main cabin. The video has already been retweeted over 4,000 times as Britney’s fanbase fall in love with the viral video.

  • Jude Law bubble booty is giving us feels

    Jude Law gets nekkid in his latest drama, The Young Pope

    Jude Law is dropping jaws as well as his fluffy white bathrobe.

    In his latest HBO drama, The Young Pope, Jude playing a pope… See Popes can be sexy AF.

    Want to see it? CLICK HERE

  • Did we misgender Jack Monroe in our reports?

    Editorial note:

    For those of you who are wondering why we used the female pronouns “she” and “her” in our latest reports about Jack Monroe and her legal case against Katie Hopkins, we approached Jack to find out which pronouns she would prefer us to use before filing our article.

    Jack Monroe told us that female or the plural pronouns (their, them and they) were acceptable to use.

    If you have comments about this please email: newsdesk@thegayuk.com

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Stepping Out

    THEATRE REVIEW | Stepping Out

    ★★ | Stepping Out, Vaudeville Theatre, London

     

    Stepping Out steps into the West End again but it’s on the wrong foot and it’s not a very exciting show.

    First staged in the West End in 1984 and running for three years and winning an Evening Standard Comedy Award, Stepping Out was then made into a 1991 movie starring Liza Minnelli. It now returns to the West End in a new production starring Amanda Holden and Tracey-Ann Oberman among others playing characters from various backgrounds who attend a weekly dance and tap class. They also meddle – no surprise – into each others personal lives. Holden is Vera, a wealthy woman who seems to have nothing better to do because her whole life revolves around her husband who apparently spends lots and lots of time with their teenage daughter. Then there is Oberman who plays the brash Maxine, and who gets all the best lines in the show. Anna-Jane Casey is Mavis, the dance teacher who is a bit frustrated, not only because her students can’t dance but also because she’s got issues in her personal life (Tamzin Outhwaite had to pull out of this role temporarily because of a broken foot). So Stepping Out centres around the seven women (and one man – Dominic Rowan as Geoffrey) plus the piano player (a wonderful Judith Barker) as they dance and talk but then get the opportunity (of a lifetime!!!) to perform at a charity show. Wow, how exciting! Will they be ready for the show in time? Will one of the students not drop her hat like she’s done many times in rehearsals? Will more dark secrets come out and, god forbid, will one of the woman pull down the towel where Geoffrey is changing behind to add a bit of excitement to this show because this show has no excitement at all?

    It’s The Full Monty without the Monty! Sure, the women do their best to get ready for the big charity show, but it’s hardly worth our time. We really don’t get to completely know, or sympathize, with the characters, and only a couple are likeable (Sandra Marvin brings a bit of sass to her role as the token black woman – Rose), and Oberman is wonderful, but there’s not really a whole lot to love in this production. Rowan is one note – not at all attractive or likeable as the lone man – he’s a widow but it would’ve been nice to put him in some sort of romance with one of the ladies. Written by Richard Harris in 1984, with this version directed by West End producer wonderwoman Maria Friedman, Stepping Out, which will be playing at the Vaudeville Theatre until June 17, 2017, probably won’t last that long. Do yourself a favour and just step right past the theatre.

    Book tickets now

     

     

     

  • What is the UK release date for When We Rise

    What is the UK release date for When We Rise

    When We Rise is the latest dramatic creation from Dustin Lance Black documenting the battle for equality for the LGBT community in the USA.

    When We Rise UK release date
    CREDIT: ABC/YouTube

    When We Rise was broadcast in the USA on the ABC network at the end of February 2017. It aired nightly, over 8 nights with the final broadcast on the 2nd March 2017. Dustin Lance Black directed the final two episodes. The other six were directed by Gus Van Sant, Dee Rees and Thomas Schalmme.

    As of yet, no broadcast date has been announced for the UK or other world-wide territories. We will keep you updated.

     

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | La Cage Aux Folles

    THEATRE REVIEW | La Cage Aux Folles

    ★★★ | La Cage Aux Folles

    La Cage aux Folles Theatre tour review
    CREDIT: Pamela Raith

    You’ve probably heard of or seen this musical in some form or other. You might know it as the 90’s Robin Williams/Nathan Lane comedy film The Birdcage, the original French farce and subsequent film version from the 70s or the often revived 80’s Broadway musical.

    It’s a queer little story in more ways than one. Drag queen Albin and his long-term lover Georges run a nightclub in St Tropez. Georges’ son (from a drunken one night stand) who they’ve raised together wants to bring home his fiancée and her ultra-conservative parents. There’s one condition, though. Albin must be hidden away for fear of embarrassing their son with his high camp ways. 

    Famously launching the gay anthem ‘I Am What I Am” onto the world, this is a musical that emerged during a storm of reawakened prejudice amidst the AIDS crisis yet managed to lure thousands of people into seeing a heartwarming and fun show about gay men in a committed relationship. It revved up an astonishing reaction in an army of straight men dragged along by their wives and girlfriends who then ended up dancing in the aisles and cheering on a flamboyant and camp main character as he fought against prejudice. Quite a feat.

    La Cage aux Folles Theatre tour review
    CREDIT: Pamela Raith

    This touring production is a bit of a paradox. It feels undercooked and underwhelming in parts and there’s a distinct lack of comic timing from swathes of the cast. In spite of this, it’s also incredibly good fun. Yes, it’s like a night at ‘Funny Girls” in Blackpool. Yes, it’s more Danny La Rue in pantomime than RuPaul. Yes, the drag queens would certainly get a dressing down from Michelle Visage for sloppy padding but it’s got an infectious charm nonetheless.

    John Partridge (best known for his role as Christian Clarke in Eastenders) as Albin shows his musical theatre pedigree and belts out a tune with panache. He’s also not a bad ad-libber (although be warned, public transport users. The show overruns due to this). The sets are stylish but wobbly. The costumes are glitzy and although the plot is absurd it’s tolerable. Forget production values and all that stuff though. All in all, it’s a fun night and the audience at The New Wimbledon Theatre were ecstatic.

    ‘La Cage aux Folles” is on a national tour throughout 2017, book tickets here

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