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  • Seven Days Later – The Legacy of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting

    Seven Days Later – The Legacy of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting

    Seven days ago my usual Sunday morning routine was in full swing. I was making a cup of tea, picking up my tablet and heading back to bed to eat biscuits, listen to the radio and browse the net. Seven days ago my usual Sunday morning routine was broken rather abruptly by the eight o’clock news as it reported the shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Seven days ago, my usual Sunday morning routine was interrupted for me to write an article on the breaking story for THEGAYUK.

    Photo Credit - Paul Szabo
    Photo Credit – Paul Szabo

    For the remainder of the day, as the events of the night before unfolded and the scale of the tragedy became apparent; I eagerly listened to the news for developments in a story that we all wish we had never had to hear.

    In the last week, I have felt many emotions about what happened that evening. Those people were groups of friends enjoying themselves in a nightclub, quietly getting on with their lives in a space that was meant to be a safe place for all members of the gay community. There are been times when I’ve been angry. There have been times when I’ve been sad. There are times when I have felt despair and there are times when I wondered exactly what this world is coming to.

    But despite all of these feelings, there is one which has always bubbled to the surface and has always seemed to have overridden all of the others, forcing them to be no more than temporary swells in a turbulent sea of emotion. And, believe it or not, it has been an enduring feeling of hope.

    On Monday evening, I attended a vigil in Sheffield, my home town. Sheffield does not have a particularly large gay scene and I felt it was important to go along not only to pay my respects to the victims of the tragedy but also because I felt that those who had organised the vigil at such short notice, who had publicised it and who were wanting to share their feelings with others should be supported. I wanted to take a stand and publicly say that this was not the type of story I ever wanted to hear about or write about again. As I approached the square where the vigil was to be held I was completely taken aback by the number of people who had attended. There were so many people who had come to express their sadness, their anger and to share in a common experience with others who felt the same.

    And that’s when I started to look at social media. Vigils were taking place not only in my home town but all over the UK. Whilst Compton Street made national headlines and was widespread across the media, there were pockets of people; in great numbers and in few; all over the UK who were coming together as a community to be unified in their grief, anger and support. It didn’t stop there. All over the world, vigils were being held and people were uniting.

    Both Twitter and Facebook were awash with rainbow flags, with the hashtag #loveislove, and with people outpouring not only their grief but also their support of the gay community. World leaders stopped to draw attention to the tragedy. All across the globe, people both gay and straight were coming together to tell the world that this tragedy is not acceptable. They were coming together to tell the world that prejudice will not be tolerated and they were coming together to tell the world that the fight will not cease until equality is achieved.

    And if there is a silver lining to this blackest of clouds, it hit me as I stood in the rain, surrounded by around 200 other people and holding a candle in Hallam Square in Sheffield. Despite the hatred that we so often see, hear about and experience; thankfully incidents like this devastating tragedy are rare. What it has highlighted to me is not the hate for the gay community that people hold; but actually how many people love, welcome and embrace the gay community; how many people support the gay community and, in particular, how the gay community support each other.

    I’m writing this article on Father’s Day. I can’t stop thinking that there are fathers in Orlando who are missing their sons or daughters today. I can’t stop thinking about how, for the husband of murdered MP Jo Cox, Father’s Day is going to have a very different meaning this year. It made me realise even more that all over the world there are fathers and mothers who are missing their sons and daughters because of hate crime and homophobia. But the outpouring of love and support across the globe in the wake of the Pulse nightclub shooting proves two things to those who hate – that love is stronger and that the numbers of people who offer love far outweigh those who offer hate.

    Whilst nothing can bring back those were needlessly murdered 7 days ago, we should celebrate their memory and their lives by remembering that on that very bleak day of the 12th June 2016, the World stood together and said that “love is love”; and that those taken from us left not only many happy memories for their family and friends, but also left the global gay community with a legacy of hope.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, it’s management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

     

  • OP ED: LGBT – Legal, Guns, Ban, Them

    OP ED: LGBT – Legal, Guns, Ban, Them

    It has taken me a while to sit down and write this. To sit down and write anything. In fact, it has taken me a while to want to write anything. Mainly because I’m not entirely sure what it is I want to say. And, if I’m honest, I’m still not entirely sure, so bear with.

    My lack of willingness to put down my thoughts is because my thoughts are fighting with each other. I have no idea what thought it is I should listen to. I have no clue as to which emotion I should let take the forefront of my mind-set. Sadness? Anger? Confusion?

    I am, of course, saddened. Horribly so, down to my gut. I am, of course, just as angry and outraged and mad as I am saddened. I am greatly perplexed. Confused as to the actions of this man, yet just as confused as to the lack of action by the American government. And then I am lead to, in some respects, the most frightening reaction of all, I am unsurprised. Unsurprised that this has happened, yet again. Of course it was going to happen again. America has not changed anything to do with gun law so of course a man – a man known to the FBI – can still purchase a gun and spread his hate and end the lives of those so opposite to him. So different to him.

    I am not just talking sexually here. But in open-mindedness. He hated what he didn’t know. He hated them because they were so unlike him. A man kissing another man, to him, was wrong. Morally wrong. Yet, to him, murdering them was not morally wrong, but acceptable. Falling in love with a man if you are a man is outrageous. Killing them because of that fact, is not. To him murder was more honourable than love. Natural love killed by manmade weaponry.

    Maybe he thought he was freeing them? Curing them of their gay lives. Healing them of their gay wounds. But how can someone be freed from freedom? Two definitions of freedom so horribly different. Their freedom, my freedom, so loving, so celebratory, so real. His freedom, so damaging and demented and vile and unethical.

    Then comes the anger. The anger for him. The anger for American gun law. The anger that a Kinder Egg is banned for consumption in the USA because it is threatening to the American people. A choking hazard. A piece of confectionary is deemed more damaging than a gun. Nice one America.

    The statistics of these mass shootings are ludicrous. In 2016 so far, just this year alone, there have been 133 mass shootings in America. That’s 133 in just 164 days! It took the UK just one mass shooting – the 1996 Dunblane massacre – for our own gun law to change. In Australia the gun law was reworked after the horrific Port Arthur massacre of 1996. Yet in America, 133 in just one year and still nothing.

    How many people have to die?

    In light of the most recent mass shooting, the 133rd shooting of 2016. Where the death of 49 (at present) members of the LGBT community occurred, LGBT is pretty apt, pretty ironic for the occasion. LGBT: Legal Guns, Ban Them.

    I am proud to be LGBT. I am proud of how our community stands tall. Stands together. United. I may feel many things at present. I may feel angry and sad and confused. But thanks to the support of this community, I have never for a second felt threatened.

    Follow Mark Goggin on Twitter

     

    ALSO READ: Nearly one quarter of LGBTS are scared for their safety on the scene after the Orlando shootings

    ALSO READ: Who were the 49 victims of the Orlando shootings

    ALSO READ: How to survive a terrorism attack

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, it’s management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Aladdin

    ★★★★ | Aladdin

    Disney has done it again. They’ve produced another musical based on one of their very popular animated movies – this time it’s Aladdin.

    Already playing on Broadway where it opened in 2014 to very good reviews, Aladdin takes the colorful animated movie and successfully transfers it to the stage. It’s a production so colourful, so full of life, with quite a few memorable scenes, that it’s likely this show will follow in the footsteps of The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast in entertaining lots of children (and adults) for years to come.

    Of course the Aladdin film is most famous for Robin Williams as the voice of the Genie. It was a natural fit; his huge character persona so in line with the genie’s. In the stage version, the genie is just as memorable (played by a campy and very funny Trevor Dion Nicholas), who practically steals every scene he’s in. He can grant three wishes in this love story between Aladdin (Dean John-Wilson) and the Princess Jasmine (Jade Ewen). Aladdin is poor, and hangs out with a trio of losers and thugs in the town of Agrabah. Meanwhile Princess Jasmine is very unwilling to enter into an arranged marriage by her father the Sultan (Irvine Iqbal). But lurking in the background is the Sultan’s Prime Minister Jafar (Don Gallagher) – his right hand man – who wants to overthrow the Sultan and will do whatever it takes to do so. This entails locating a dangerous cave where there’s a special lamp that grants wishes.

    Back in town, Princess Jasmine dresses as a commoner and walks around town and meets Aladdin. They’re smitten with each other but the romance hits a rocky start when Aladdin gets arrested for being in the palace. He’s saved by Jafar, who enlists him to go into the cave to retrieve the lamp. But it’s Aladdin who, accidentally, gets to own the lamp, and like in the film, he has three wishes to make, wishes that will not only change his life but the lives of his friends and Princess Jasmine as well.

    Aladdin is not a perfect musical. There’s not very many memorable musical numbers (except the well-known ‘Friend Like Me’ and ‘A Whole New World,’ which plays out on a magic carpet flying above the stage with the stars twinkling all around. It’s a magical and mesmerizing scene).

    John-Wilson is good as Aladdin, but he doesn’t wow us. Gallagher as the evil Prime Minister is especially good. He’s evil, cunning and very clever, with the aide of his assistant Iago (Peter Howe).

    Former UK Eurovision contestant Ewen, as Princess Jasmine, is very good and proves that she can sing AND act. However it’s Dion Nicholas as the genie who you will cheer and applaud. But it’s the sets, wow the sets, that are the real star of the show.

    Moroccan deserts, palaces, villages, sunsets, and perfect costumes are all worth the ticket price. And while Aladdin resurrects the story and music written for the 1992 movie by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice and the late Howard Ashman, it’s no Lion King but it sure comes close.

    Alladin plays at the Prince Edward Theatre (London)

     

  • FILM REVIEW | Those People

    FILM REVIEW | Those People

    ★★★★ | Those People

    Those People

    Spoiled rich kids on Manhattan’s Upper East side have lots to deal with, including lack of parental guidance, and secret crushes on each other in the gay romance film Those People.

    But it’s Charlie’s story. Played by Jonathan Gordon, Charlie, a painter, is one of five people in his very very tight knit group of friends, which includes two women and two other guys. One of the guys – Sebastian (Jason Ralph) – is who the group revolves around. Every emotion, laugh, anger that is emitted from Charlie has effects on the rest of the group. He’s at the center of everyone’s attention because his hedge fund father has just been sent to prison for swindling money, and it’s up to the gang to rally around Sebastian to make sure he’s protected from the media spotlight (and to perhaps help spend some of his money). And Charlie is at Sebastian’s every beck and call 24 hour seven days a week. When Sebastian asks Charlie to move in with him in his big empty house (poor him!), Charlie does so right away. You see, Charlie, for the past 15 years, has been carrying a torch for Sebastian, and Sebastian has known this but has never let on that he knows. Sebastian gets a kick out of it, without reciprocating back. But when Charlie meets successful pianist Tim (Haaz Sleiman) and slowly starts to fall in love with him is when Sebastian realizes that he might be losing Charlie to Tim. It gets all the more complicated after Sebastian’s father kills himself in prison, and Tim announces that he wants to take Charlie with him to San Francisco where he’s offered a great job. It’s a move that will make Charlie chose between his love for Tim or his loyalty and friendship and more for Sebastian.

    Those People shows us what a group of young, rich, and goodlooking upper east side kids get up to. It’s a life of parties, drama, drinking and secret crushes. It’s a sophisticated, beautifully debut film brought to us by Director, writer and Producer Joey Kuhn. It’s a world he seems to know (he was born and raised in NYC), as he captures the lives of these upper crust young adults very well. And the cast are all respectable and fine. It’s a classy movie without being too snobby.

    AWARD WINNER
    Audience Award, Best Narrative Feature, NewFest, New York LGBT Film Festival
    Best Actor, Jonathan Gordon, Atlanta Out on Film
    Audience Award – Best U.S First Feature, Outfest Film Festival
    Jury Award, Best Feature Film, Kansas City LGBT Film Festival

    Those People is now available on DVD/VOD

  • Thousands take part in Portsmouth’s pride parade

    Thousands take part in Portsmouth’s pride parade

    Thousands of people have taken part in Portsmouth’s second annual pride 2016.

    (C) TheGayUK

    Well over a thousand people stood in complete silence in Guidhall Square in the centre of Portsmouth to remember the victims of last week’s massacre in Pulse night club in Orlando, USA.

    The crowd erupted into applause in a show of solidarity for the 49 victims as the town’s bells rung out, before setting off to Parade through the centre of Portsmouth.

    This follows the vigil that was held in Portsmouth the night before, where the Rainbow Voices and local speakers lit candles in memory of the victims.

    Following the attacks, Portsmouth’s famous Spinnaker tower was lit in the rainbow colours.

     

    (C) TheGayUK

    This is the second annual Parade in Portsmouth with thousands speculating and taking part in Hampshire’s largest LGBT+ pride.

  • Russia forces withdrawal of Durex condoms

    Russia forces withdrawal of Durex condoms

    Durex condoms are to be removed from stores in Russia after the product was found to be incorrectly registered.

    Bigstock Photo

    Concerns are rising in Russia that sexually transmitted infection could spread across Russia after Durex maker Reckitt Benckiser has been forced to withdraw the popular Durex brand because the product’s paperwork was not “registered in the proper manner,” said Mikhail Murashko who heads up the federal healthcare watchdog.

    The condoms could be back in Russian stores soon, but only if Reckitt Benckiser follows the correct registration procedure.

    Murashko said that access to condoms should not be a problem for Russians, as Durex is just one of sixty brands available for purchase in Russia.

    However, according to The Guardian, Durex accounts for one-quarter of all condom sales in Russia – but Durex’s withdrawal could potentially affect the public’s access to safe and rigorously tested condoms.

    As of 2016, Russia has over one million registered HIV cases being reported.

    A spokeswoman for Durex said,

    “We have been made aware that Durex products sold in the Russian Federation may require updates to its local registration.

    “It is a purely administrative issue and neither is the quality nor the safe use of Durex condoms affected.

    “We are working closely with the regulators to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

    “This matter affects only Durex products sold in Russia. No other market is affected.”

  • OP ED: Post Orlando, Is this the end of an era or a re-birth of the gay scene?

    The Gay Scene: End of an era or a re-birth?

    Embed from Getty Images

    I submitted this article before the tragic events occurred in Orlando but after the attack I’ve decided to edit it slightly and reissue as this is definitely relevant. In this entry I’m talking about the need for the gay scene when put alongside the ‘straight’ scene. One positive thing that could come out of recent atrocities is that people come to see and appreciate gay venues and ‘the scene’ more.

    Almost all the time now you see various people saying “well if gay people can go to ‘straight’ bars and not get kicked out then why do I need a dedicated gay bar?”. In 2014 the BBC even had an article labelled “Do gay people still need gay bars?” which looked at the history of gay venues and some of the purposes they serve.

    But to these people that don’t see the point and question others for going on “the scene” I say yes it is brilliant that we as a community can walk amongst our fellow communities and mingle without fear of attack or exclusion but I don’t think that’s quite true for everyone and gay bars aren’t just for ‘having a drink’.

    In the UK, gay bars were seen safe haven during a time when being LGBT was illegal or still something that would result in you suffering verbal or physical abuse. So yes they were bars and pubs but they were also places where people could socialise with others, have a drink and feel ‘secure’. When the Admiral Duncan was attacked in 1999 it shook the community and people lost their lives but ultimately that determination to have somewhere safe for the community lead the venue (and others) to continue to this day.

    In the UK today yes we have far less abuse than way back when and indeed being LGBT is no longer illegal (we can even get married) so our world is a bit more brighter. But does that mean that the LGBT community is dead and gay bars (“the scene”) along with it? I was at the vigil for the Orlando victims in Soho and I can safely say our community is very much alive and kicking.

    If you in your life can live and breathe your sexuality with no fear of bullying, abuse, or negativity of any kind then I envy you as that is indeed something to be treasured and proud of. And I can see that for you there probably isn’t much of a ‘need’ in that sense for a specific gay scene. But if you do face abuse of any kind, or bullying, or negativity then surely having somewhere where you can express yourself, meet friends and have a drink isn’t a bad thing?

    For some of you reading this your local bars will vary greatly from other areas. For example, whenever I visit Canal Street in Manchester I am always envious of the consistent and visual sense of community that the bars, their owners and their customers have. Generally, they stick together to support the street and the community in which they serve. But when you come down south, London doesn’t really have that sense of community amongst the bars. So while each venue is different and does engage with its punters they do seem to operate for themselves only coming together in a real crisis. If all gay scenes operated the same way as Manchester I think the question for what purpose do they serve wouldn’t come up as much, if at all.

    So the scene means different things to different people. Historically it has been a shelter and does continue to be for some people. But in today’s ‘more tolerant world’ while there is a need to be a shelter there is also a need for the scene to be a place for the LGBT community to come together, meet, greet and have fun. What is so bad with that?

    Personally for me I have only ever suffered directly very mild homophobia (my bullying at school was for my distinctly Harry Potter like looks) but I have worked with and supporting those who have seen some extreme homophobic bullying, even in this day and age in 2016. For them, places like gay charities, the gay scene and other places where being LGBT is not judged these places are a lifeline and a key part of their life.

    On a more practical note (as a single gay man) we are also forgetting one of the key things that bars and clubs provide – a chance to meet people! Even the straight community go out to bars and clubs ‘on the pull’ to either have some fun or meet a potential date for another day. If there is nothing but mixed venues not exclusive either way your chances of striking lucky with a gay man (or woman) and not hitting on a straight person in error aren’t great. So if you can’t meet people on a night out what’s left? Grindr? Tinder? I’ll stick with my 12 cats thanks!

    So for me, I prefer having a gay venue where I can actually meet and interact with people in real life and actually have a bat in hells chance of hitting on someone and it actually being someone I have a remote chance with. The fun and excitement of eyes meeting across a busy room, initial questions and discussions, and even a drunken (usually) first kiss.

    I also often hear people saying that they don’t go anywhere near the scene as it’s “full of queens and bitchyness”. Well if that is your opinion then you’re focusing on the wrong things. Every bar, pub, local venue has its dramas and its cliques, the scene is no different, so to accuse gay bars of being unique to everywhere else says more about you than it does about the gay scene. If you don’t need the scene then fine and you should be proud of that but don’t attack something you don’t understand or don’t appreciate. Yes, there is that element but to many people it’s their home.

    The gay scene and its venues are part of our communities’ and this country’s legacy and to so many they represent a place of sanctuary so I say long may they continue!

    My heartfelt condolences go out to those we have lost in Orlando. I am proud of how our global community has come together. Never shall we be beaten.

    Love wins!

    Follow Scott Sammons on Twitter

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Karugula

    ★★★ | Karugula

    What is “Karugula” and what is this play about? I’m not sure that you’ll leave this play with a definitive answer and you may well not even care but it’s an epic journey in this dark imagining of a dystopian world. Prom kings and queens are ritually shot dead, strange cults rule and a twisted version of the Kennedy assassination is a legend that has influenced society as the grassy knoll is reverentially mentioned. This is a sprawling and pleasantly confusing play with non-linear storytelling and a cast of seventy characters played by nine actors in a constantly changing set.

    Philip Ridley has been knocking audiences sideways and winning multiple awards for his ‘in-yer-face’ plays since The Pitchfork Disney in 1991. He’s elicited wide ranging critical responses and there are fables of fainting audience members and people stalking out of theatres in disgust. However, to look at his plays as ‘shock’ pieces would be to misunderstand and cheapen his work. His worlds are violent and terrifying but his skill is in integrating horror with the everyday world that we know. His work draws you in politely and then grabs you with an icy hand and refuses to let go. He’s also witty and wise, with a wry sense of the state of the world. Karagula is no exception. Ridley fans have learnt to never know what to expect from each new play. Here he’s crafted a fable reflecting modern society and the world’s political tensions but has set it the framework of an apocalyptic science fiction story. Much like Alistair McDowell’s ‘X’ and Anne Washburn’s ‘Mr Burns’ that both recently divided critical opinion; this is an unusual theatrical foray into an infrequently explored genre.

    Cheerleaders chant about assassinations, 1950’s housewives brag of murders in pink kitchens and milkshake parlours aren’t places you’d really want to be. Figures in white clothing inhabit starkly lit interrogation boxes and talk of concentration camps whilst Mad Max style renegades pick over ruins. It’s tongue in cheek and thankfully self-mocking throughout. There are insane touches reminiscent of a 1970’s Doctor Who episode intercut with David Lynch style eeriness. The science fiction references are frequent. Extremism, jingoism and patriotism abound. It’s a mad, mad world but one not far removed from our own. The dialogue is perplexing, odd and hilarious. Ridley’s hallmark style of slowly imbuing the innocuous and banal with sinister overtones works well here.

    The play is overlong at over three hours and is by no means perfect with uneven tones and scenes that feel extraneous. Emotion is rarely poignant or moving (with the exception of a beautiful scene surrounding a mother who’s daughter was taken from her). It’s housed in a disused ambulance station in Tottenham Hale. The production is shaky at times and Shawn Soh’s constantly changing set and the script’s moving focuses of action although impressive, are too distracting. Regardless of any flaws, the acting is skilled and Jethro Cooke’s throbbing ambient soundtrack is a suitable accompaniment.

    Overall it’s an intriguing play but feels less accessible and immediately beguiling than some of Ridley’s prior work.

    Karugula plays at the Styx Theatre until the 9th of July 2016

    Follow Chris Bridges on Twitter

  • The Big Gay Musical Creator Dies, 41

    The Big Gay Musical Creator Dies, 41

    The director and writer of the film The Big Gay Musical has died after committing suicide.

    Film producer and director Fred M Caruso has died after committing suicide in Las Vegas. He was 41-years-old.

    He left a long, heartbreaking note on The Big Gay Musical‘s Facebook page – and timed it to publish soon after his death.

    Mr Caruso said that he had made peace with his decision to end his life but also spoke about how miserable he was in his life and his terrible loneliness.

    He asked that if people wished to make a donation that they contribute to the Trevor Project, a national 24-hour, free phone suicide hotline in the United States. He pleaded with his friends and fans not to feel guilty and thanked everyone who touched his life.

    The writer also revealed that he had attempted to take his life a week prior to successfully taking his life by taking 30 Ambien pills – but was not successful.

    Read his note here:

    “WELL… Hey everyone – I have some good news – I will no longer be sending out BERNIE s***. Its (sic) not because I support hiLIARy (sic) – its (sic) because I’m no longer alive.

    “(yes I’ve been making bad jokes for 41 yrs (sic) and I intend to end things the way it began.) I have been forced to send this out through the BGM page – cause (sic) Facebook doesn’t allow you to delay posts on your personal page.’

    “For … most of my life I have been absolutely miserable – exact (sic) for when I was creating,’ he explained.

    “I have nothing left in me to create. I truly don’t think I have any idea what love or happiness is.

    “I have been incredibly lonely and at the same time – I hate being around people. I hate meeting new people and I’m always waiting for someone to stab me in the back. – lets just say I already have a whole culinary collection.”

    The Big Gay Musical was released in 2009 and was directed by Mr. Caruso and Casper Andreas. Caruso also directed Go Go Crazy in 2011.

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    If you are affected by this subject of this article or need to talk to someone you can call Switchboard, the LGBT+ hotline on 0300 330 0630 or the Samaritans on 116123

     

  • OP ED: Orlando reminds us that the battle for acceptance is far from over

    “I realised that this is a battle won by love, laughter, acceptance and knowledge.”

    Dear World, From Rob (a gay man)

    I never really write anything personal on the internet, I’ve always had the opinion that my personal life is mine, and people probably don’t want to know the boring details anyway, so I post things that I think might be entertaining, and I keep in touch with my friends. After all, I don’t want to come across all soppy now do I?.

    But in the wake of the last couple of days, I’ve been itching to write something, to do something with the feelings I’ve had. Something horrible happened across the world, yet it has affected myself and the LGBT+ community as if were on our doorstep.

    Now, I probably know a few of the people reading this personally, but if I didn’t know you, I’d usually introduce myself by my name, where I come from and how old I am. Simple little details. However, I was thinking today, I’ve never even thought about introducing myself as gay. Not because I’m embarrassed, I’m so, so proud to be gay. Not because I think the other person would be offended, because I honestly wouldn’t give a shit. But because, for me, it’s not even an issue that passes through my mind. I’m a gay man, yes, but my sexuality kind of starts and ends with who I love, it doesn’t affect anything else.

    I thought to myself shortly afterwards that the only reason I have this privilege is because there are generations before me who have fought hard to get us here. Was I being selfish by not realising how much privilege I have in this day and age?
    After facing terrible adversity, the LGBT+ community has got itself to this place, where love is slowly conquering hate, and we’re progressing every day.

    But recent events remind you that it’s not over. Whilst I am lucky to enjoy all of the amazing things that come with being gay in 2016 – holding hands in public, being confident that we can go out and get home safe as a couple – there are so many others who are unable to have this, and it can’t be fair for me to have this and not others.

    I felt hesitant to finish this post because I didn’t have an amazing call to action. I don’t know if I have the words or knowledge to spur on a whole community, or to change the minds of the 1% who hate us. But I realised that this is a battle won by love, laughter, acceptance and knowledge. We are having a vigil in Portsmouth outside the Guildhall, at 6pm on Friday, if anyone wants to join us.

    We’re going to get there, and know that I love you all, regardless of your gender, sexuality, race, class or whatever. It’s a cliché but it’s true, and I’m not afraid.

    -Rob
    ‪#‎loveislove‬ ‪#‎orlando‬

    Follow Rob Ulitski on Twitter

     

    The opinions expressed in this comment piece may not reflect those of the management or editorial of THEGAYUK. If you’d like to write a comment or column for THEGAYUK click here.

  • Pro gay rights MP dies after being shot and stabbed multiple times

    A British politician has died after being stabbed and shot in the street in her constituency.

    Embed from Getty Images

    MP Jo Cox has died after being shot and stabbed several times in an attack in her constituency.

    The 41-year-old Labour politician had only recently begun her career in the Houses of Parliament after being voted in as the MP for Batley and Spen near Leeds in the latest general election in 2015.

    The lawmaker had recently called on the government to “to take further steps to end discrimination and bigotry against LGBT people in the UK and around the world”.

    A man, Tommy Mair has been arrested and is being questioned by police.

    West Yorkshire police said,

    “At 12.53 today, police were called to a report of an incident on Market Street, Birstall, where a woman in her 40s had suffered serious injuries and is in a critical condition.

    “Armed officers attended and a 52-year-old man was arrested in the area. There are no further details at present.

    “Police presence in the area has been increased as a reassurance to the community.”

    Embed from Getty Images

    The streets surrounding the area in which Ms Cox was attacked have been cleared and forensics teams are sweeping the area for clues and evidence.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned the attack on Cox saying,

    “The whole of the Labour Party and Labour family – and indeed the whole country – will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today.

    “Jo had a lifelong record of public service and a deep commitment to humanity. She worked both for Oxfam and the anti-slavery charity, the Freedom Fund, before she was elected last year as MP for Batley and Spen – where she was born and grew up.

    “Jo was dedicated to getting us to live up to our promises to support the developing world and strengthen human rights – and she brought those values and principles with her when she became an MP.

    “Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve. It is a profoundly important cause for us all.

    “Jo was universally liked at Westminster, not just by her Labour colleagues, but across Parliament.

    “In the coming days, there will be questions to answer about how and why she died. But for now all our thoughts are with Jo’s husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for.

    “We send them our deepest condolences. We have lost a much loved colleague, a real talent and a dedicated campaigner for social justice and peace. But they have lost a wife and a mother, and our hearts go out to them.”

    Ms Cox is survived by two children and her husband Brendan Cox.

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