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  • FILM REVIEW | Naz & Maalik, a tender love story amidst barriers in their culture

    ★★★★ | Naz & Maalik

    Bedford-Stuyvesant is a tough neighbourhood to grow up and live in, it’s even tougher if you’re young, black, Muslim and gay.

    Naz & Maalik (Kerwin Johnson Jr. and Curtiss Cook Jr.) are two closeted Muslim teenagers who happen to be in love with each other. Their relationship remains a secret, not just to their families they are very close to, but also because of their religion’s condemnation of homosexuality. But Naz & Maalik shows us how both young men go about their daily routine on a Friday afternoon, it’s an afternoon that sees their relationship get tested over a series of events that take place on that day. They sell lottery tickets and saints cards on the streets to passersby to make a bit extra spending money, and then they go to their local mosque for afternoon prayers, where the preacher says a special welcome to any police or FBI who might be in attendance.

    A man on the street tries to sell them a gun that interests Maalik who tries to get the guy to bring the price down. They decide to just walk away and not buy the gun. But unbeknownst to them, the gun seller was an FBI agent (Bradley Brian Custer) who, along with his partner Sarah Mickell (Annie Grier), start following the young men around. But It’s Mickell who takes more of an interest, she corners them separately and questions them on where they were the night before, and while Maalik tells her that he was with Naz, it’s Naz who lies and tells her he was at another friends house as to not give Mickell an idea that him and Maalik are in a relationship. But the young men just want to be left alone, and to complete their day’s mission of getting a chicken to kill for Maalik’s mom’s birthday.

    Inspired by true events, Naz & Maalik poignantly tells what it’s like to be an outsider within your own community, a community that has been under constant surveillance since 9/11. And at its centre is a well-acted film by its two lead stars. Writer and Director Jay Dockendorf interviewed Muslims, including closeted gays, to get a realistic point of view. It’s an impressive first feature from Dockendorf.

    Available on Amazon

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Lady Lust, Birmingham Rep

    Lust be a lady tonight. ★★★★★

    (more…)

  • LGBT Mental Health Charity Shuts For The Last Time

    LGBT Mental Health Charity Shuts For The Last Time

    The mental health charity, PACE has closed due to “local authority budgets”.

    The London-based PACE mental health charity aimed at helping the LGBT community is due to close on the 29th January 2016 citing cuts in funding and a tough financial climate.

    The 31-year-old company is due to cease all operations from the 29th January.

    A statement on the charity’s website said,

    “The decision to close the doors on PACE after 31 years of supporting the LGBT+ community is one that we have taken with a very heavy heart.

    “The financial climate is very difficult for small charities, especially those delivering services at a local level with continuing cuts to local authority budgets. Sadly despite work to support the charity raising the necessary income needed has proved increasingly hard and it has become clear that it is no longer financially viable for the charity to continue.

    “The staff and trustees will work to ensure that PACE’s clients are given as much support as possible during this difficult time and referred to other support services as far as is possible.

    “We would like to thank all those who have supported us and worked with us to deliver vital support services for the LGBT+ community. A very big thank you to all the staff and volunteers over the last 31 years wo have provided so much support and dedication to the community.”

    In November PACE released findings that showed that 34 per cent of young LGB people have tried to commit suicide in the last year, spelling out how necessary a charity, which focuses on the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in the UK, is at this time.

     

     

     

  • TOP LIST | Top Foodie Films

    Here is our favourite eclectic selection of mouth-watering films where the real star is the FOOD. (more…)

  • RECIPE | Herby Turkey Samosas

    Antioxidant Rich  / Digestion Helper

    Makes 32 small samosas – good for a crowd

    An abundance of lively fresh herbs, anti-oxidant power houses sweet potatoes & red onions, heart helper garlic, lean turkey mince and super spice turmeric fused to fill my delicious nutritious baked samosas. Utilizing flour tortillas in place of pastry, and feel free to go with your personal preference of tortilla.

    Turmeric can rapidly increase the antioxidant capacity in your body, which will really work along side the sweet potato, red onion, coriander, parsley, and mint as all these are abundant in anti-oxidant ammo!

    CORIANDER – A great source of vitamin K (great for bones and teeth). It’s also high in antioxidant vitamins A & C, which promote healthy immune system function. Coriander is also beneficial for people suffering with skin disorders (eczema and dryness). Coriander is also good for stimulating our digestion system.

    PARSLEY – The vitamin C content is higher than oranges (53% of your recommended daily intake in 30g of fresh parsley). Within the same 30g you will get 553% of your daily intake for vitamin K (healthy bones). It’s packed full of antioxidants, vitamin A, folate, iron. and can help neutralize carcinogens. Containing a high amount of enzymes, parsley benefits digestive activity .

    FRESH MINT – One of mint’s best attributes is it’s anti-oxidant properties. Fresh mint also may help healthy digestion due to it being an anti-inflammatory. Mint also stimulates digestive enzymes which absorb nutrients from food, consuming fat and converting it into usable energy, which may help with weight management.

    RED ONION – Any dark fruit or vegetable is going to be anti-oxidant rich, but with the red onion it also contains a bioflavanoid called Quercetin. Quercetin has been found to contain anti : fungal / bacterial / inflammatory, and cancer fighting properties. One study suggests that half an onion a day could reduce the risk of stomach cancer by 50%. (SOURCE:

    Ingredients.

    2 packs of 8 white flour tortillas

    60g fresh coriander, finely chopped

    60g fresh parsley, finely chopped

    10g fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

    2 red onions, finely chopped

    5 garlic cloves, finely chopped

    200g frozen petit pois

    3 small sweet potatoes, peeled & chopped

    500g turkey mince

    1 tbsp turmeric

    1 tbsp chilli flakes

     

    Method.

    Preheat your oven to 200c / 180c (fan) / Gas Mark 6

     

    1. In a small saucepan get your sweet potatoes in boiling water and cook until soft. Mash with a tsp of coconut oil if you have it, alternatively a tablespoon of olive oil- along with some salt & pepper. Set aside.
    2. Next fry your onions in a little olive oil, with the turmeric and chilli flakes, over a medium heat until they are translucent and soft (around 5-7 minutes).
    3. On the final minute of cooking the onions add the garlic. Remove from the heat and set aside.
    4. Brown the turkey mince until completely cooked through and then add the peas continuing to cook for a couple more minutes.
    5. In a large mixing bowl now combine your cooked sweet potato mash, onions, turkey & peas, and now add your fresh chopped herbs. Mix well with a spoon to combine thoroughly.
    6. On a clean surface, lay a tortilla down and run a knife vertically down the centre, creating two semi-circles. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the centre of each semi-circle. Dab water around the edges of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla vertically and squish the edges together to seal the samosa. You could also crimp the edges, pressing hard, if you have any difficulty sealing the edges. Repeat this step until all your tortillas have been transformed into samosas.
    7. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, place onto baking sheets and into the oven for 20 minutes, turning once at halfway mark.

     

     

     

  • Do We Declare People As Gay Icons Too Easily?

    For some time I have been of the opinion that any old celeb is declared a gay icon these days. It appears that all people have to do now is pander to the gay community, remove their clothes, camp it up and/or say they love the gays in order to be awarded gay icon status.

    Then there are those who declare their interest in being gay icons (yes, I’m talking about you Katie Hopkins). No. Just no.

    The world appears to be saturated with ‘gay icons’ in these modern times. I’ve heard people proclaiming the likes of Nick Jonas, Gemma Collins (who I had to Google because I had no idea who she was) and Dan Osborne as gay icons. While I have great, and purely shallow, admiration for Nick Jonas and Dan Osborne, they are not gay icons. They may frequently take their clothes off to the rabid cheers of gay men, but what have they actually done for the gay community other than cash in on us?

    Then we have our beloved Kylie Minogue. Let me put it out there that I’m a bit of a stereotype in that I’m a huge Kylie fan. However, in my opinion she isn’t a gay icon. As fabulous as Kylie is, what has she actually done to help further gay rights? I can get on board with her campness and her words of wisdom, such as “When in doubt, add more glitter”, but for all Kylie’s fabulousness, she is not a true gay icon. This is because my idea of a gay icon is someone who has contributed significantly to LGBT causes and issues. People who have broken down stereotypes and challenged perception are also gay icons to me. So here is my list of people who I believe are genuinely gay icons.

     

    1. Madonna

    This is a totally obvious one, but the truth is that Madonna really is a gay icon. She has long stood up for gay rights and was an active champion of our cause in the days when it wasn’t really cool. Even in recent years, Madonna has stood up for gay rights by turning up at a GLAAD event dressed as a boy scout in protest at the scouts in America not allowing gay people to join and protesting against Russia’s treatment of gay people whilst touring in the country. This led to a court summons for Madonna and she was branded an “ex-whore” by someone in the Russian government. What I like about Madonna is that she knows exactly what she is doing. She knows that her profile as one of the most famous people on the planet will draw attention to the issues that she chooses to highlight. Then there’s Madonna’s video for her song Justify My Love, which features man on man action and lesbian cross-dressing sexual games. Nobody else was doing things like that in the early 90s. We have a lot to thank Madonna for.

     

    1. Skin

    Skin is the lead singer of Skunk Anansie, who are one of my favourite bands. Skin is a bald headed black bisexual female who makes heavy rock music. At the time Skunk Anansie rose to fame, black women were put into boxes as RnB singers and the idea that a black female would make hard rock music was absurd to the music industry. But Skin stuck to who she is and carried on, eventually becoming massively successful with her band. Over twenty years since Skunk Anansie released their first album, Skin remains one of a kind. Never one to flaunt her sexuality or claim to be any kind of gay icon, she has simply remained true to herself throughout an amazing career. So for me Skin is not only a gay icon, but an icon for black people and more simply, an icon full stop.

    1. Stephen Fry

    While being delightfully entertaining, Stephen Fry has also actively campaigned for many years on things such as HIV/AIDS, mental health and gay rights. He also championed a number of LGBT causes, often using Twitter to tell his 11 million followers about the important work of certain LGBT charities.

    1. Lady Gaga

    Although another obvious choice, Gaga has done a lot in terms of raising awareness of LGBT issues and speaking out against discrimination. It’s well documented what Gaga has done for LGBT people, from speaking out about the suicides of gay teens in America to marching on the White House to get the controversial Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell rule abolished. If you forget about the circus act that surrounds Lady Gaga, it’s plain to see that she is an example of an amazing human being.

    1. Sir Ian McKellan

    Not only is Ian McKellan one of the most well-known actors in the world; he is also probably the most high profile out gay actor. With a large pull at the box office, on stage and on television, Ian McKellan has still got it. However, it’s not just being an out actor that’s got him onto this list. He has also been active in the campaign for gay rights since the 1980s and even helped to found Stonewall.

    Other people I view as gay icons include Ben Cohen, Jimmy Somerville, Ellen DeGeneres, Peter Tatchell and Tony Blair. Perhaps my list is predictable and there are not many people on it who differ from the typical roll call of gay icons. However, I see everyone listed as a true gay icon. They have actually done something significant to help further gay rights and break down stereotypes. That’s what a gay icon is, right?

     

    by Daniel Browe | @MrDanielBrowne

     

    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.

  • RECIPE | Firework Chickpea Salad

    Serves 2 (or 4 as a starter) Prep 10 mins Cook 30 mins

    This far from boring warm chickpea salad has a beautiful array of colours and flavours, hence the name firework. It goes amazingly well with grilled meats. I usually would have minted lamb meatballs, pita bread, and houmous to create a Middle-Eastern theme for the table. You could add some feta after all the cooking has been done. Or a handful of raisins. The recipe could easily be doubled and is bound to get attention at the table. Leftovers are fab the next day for lunch whether you add feta, a few olives and cucumber and make it into something Greek-Chic, or slapped between two pieces of bread with some ham. To get the most out of your shopping why don’t you use the other half of the fennel and cabbage in my Fennel & Red Cabbage Slaw.

    FENNEL – Fennel contains a healthy amount of flavonoids that give it strong antioxidant properties. When researchers tested the impact of fennel on animals, it has repeatedly shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and help prevent cancer. Fennel is a very good source of fibre too, as fibre helps flush out potential carcinogenic toxins, fennel could be useful in the treatment of colon cancer. High in potassium, this vegetable is another winner for helping lower blood pressure. (SOURCE; http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=23 )

    RED CABBAGE – The deep purple colour of red cabbage denotes high amounts of antioxidant properties. Red cabbage is more than 90% water so could also be a useful aid in weight management if you are watching calories. When cooked, 150g of cabbage will provide the following of your daily recommended intake; 79% vitamin K , 68% vitamin C, 20% B6, 16% manganese, and 15% fibre- to name a few. (SOURCE: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=19 ). Cabbage has also had extensive research into it’s prevention and in some cases treatment of cancer. This is due to it’s ; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glucosinolate properties. (SOURCE: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=19 )

    FRESH MINT – One of mint’s best attributes is it’s anti-oxidant properties. Fresh mint also may help healthy digestion due to it being an anti-inflammatory. Mint also stimulates digestive enzymes which absorb nutrients from food, consuming fat and converting it into usable energy, which may help with weight management. (SOURCE; https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-mint.html )

    Ingredients.

    Olive oil

    1 carton chickpeas (230g drained weight)

    1 lemon, juice and zest of

    1 small red onion, thinly sliced

    ½ fennel bulb, thinly sliced

    1 small carrot,  grated

    ¼ head red cabbage, finely shredded

    20g mint, finely shredded

    2 cloves garlic,crushed 1

    tsp dried marjoram

    1 tsp dried oregano

    1 tsp dried thyme

    More lemon zest & lime zest for decoration (optional)

     

    Method.

    Preheat your oven to 140c / 120c (fan) / Gas Mark 1

    1. In a bowl mix the drained chickpeas with the marjoram, oregano, thyme, lemon juice / zest, and two teaspoons of olive oil. Place in a shallow baking tray, give a good shaking of salt and a bit of pepper, and bake for 10 – 20 minutes. *The outer shells should turn crispy and leave a soft centre due to the low cooking temperature. Set aside once done.

    2. Meanwhile, pop a glug of oil in a small frying pan and shallow fry the red onion slices until they have turned a deep red colour and look crispy. Remove from the heat and drain using kitchen towel. You will use the crispy onions to decorate the
    top of the salad.
    3. If the rest of the ingredients will fit in the frying pan you used for the onions then use it again (saves washing up!) when you heat about a tablespoon of olive oil on a high heat and add in; red cabbage, carrot, fennel, and garlic. Cook stirring regularly
    for 5 minutes.
    4. Take the heat off, and stir in the chickpeas and mint (I usually leave some behind to scatter on top for presentation).
    5. Move the salad to your desired plate / platter / bowl – top with remaining
    chickpeas, any remaining mint, crispy red onions, and more lemon / lime zest. Taste

  • COMMENT: Do We Need Gay Sports Clubs In 2016

    COMMENT: Do We Need Gay Sports Clubs In 2016

    As a sportsman (or someone who is not very good, but really enjoys it) I am someone who plays cricket for a ‘normal’ straight team and football for a gay team.

    The question is often asked now if we need to have gay teams, or if the gay community is becoming too inclusive?

    It doesn’t need me to tell people that a number of sports have ‘moved on’ in attitudes such as Rugby and cricket, which now have openly gay professional players. I also don’t need to comment that it’s a shame no British based professional football players feel that they can come out and be open with their sexuality. Of course, there may not be any gay footballers, but then pigs might fly as well.

    At a recent European Gay football tournament that I had the pleasure of playing in for Village Manchester in Hamburg, Thomas Hitzlsperger (ex Aston Villa, West Ham and German International to the uninitiated) attended the closing ceremony and presented the awards. Hitzlsperger came out as gay after his career finished and is now championed by many in the gay sports community, but one of my colleagues felt differently. He asked why if Hitzlsperger is so proud of his sexuality, then why did he wait till his career finished before he revealed it? There may be numerous answers, but I felt it was a poignant question.

    In a small way I can understand this. I personally didn’t come out until I was 31 for fear of being rejected by my cricket team. My fears were extremely ill-founded. I do get a bit of banter now, but it’s all pretty harmless, and I’d rather people feel they can joke about it, rather than be afraid to mention anything.

    The changing rooms for any sports teams are sacred places where all sorts of things (non-sexual for the dirty minded amongst you) go on. So it’s important that all sports people trust and have a respect for each other. Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation should feel comfortable in what they are doing, and I’ve heard a number of stories from guys at Village Manchester that they have felt uncomfortable in ‘straight’ football teams. I believe that’s why gay teams work. People are free to be themselves, talk freely about who they are and enjoy each others company.

    I joined VMFC in 2014 and I can honestly say that its one of the best things I’ve ever done. That is where gay teams and clubs have a place in society. VMFC also has a number of straight members as well, making it fully inclusive for anyone who loves football. Now there is a perfect world – INCLUSIVE

     

    by Dan Fish | @rava1979

  • THEATRE REVIEW: The Snowman, The Birmingham Rep

    The Snowman is a children’s picture book created by Raymond Briggs and was first published in 1978. The Snowman was televised as a 26-minute animated adaptation on the 26th of December 1982, Channel 4, and it conquered many people’s hearts thereon. It is also a production that has graced The Birmingham Repertory Theatre since 1993. ★★★ (more…)

  • X Factor Stars Sign Huge Record Deal

    The very popular Ghanaian duo who swept to popularity in the current season of X Factor have just signed their record deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco records. The pair came second in the final which was watched by 10 million viewers last month with a total of 8 million votes cast over the final weekend.

    Reggie and Bollie seemed like underdogs throughout the Autumn X Factor run but the country fell in love with their hugely infectious live performances. Usually mashing up two songs together every week they bought the party and received a standing ovation which went on and on every week that the judges often struggled to speak over. As mentored by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini their most famous performance was when early on they melded together Omi’s Cheerleader and One Directions What Makes You Beautiful which was when it was speculated that they would go all the way to the final.

    On the last weekend which was recorded live at Wembley they came second to Louisa Johnson. She then released the winner’s single a cover of Bob Dylan’s Forever Youngwhich was not well received by the music buying public becoming the least successful X Factor Christmas song ever and the only one not to make number one in fact peaking at number 9 before falling like a stone which may play into the lads’ hands.

    Reggie and Bollie may follow in the footsteps of many of the most successful artists of the last decade who gained great exposure from the show without winning it and then were given ample time with less pressure to produce the music they want. It is well logged that performers such as Olly Murs, JLS, One Direction, Fleur East, Union J, Rebecca Ferguson, Cher Lloys and Ella Henderson have tended to be more successful than the actual winners. It is expected that an album and single will appear very soon from Reggie and Bollie which should be easier to produce than Louisa’s as their speciality of covering or mashing songs is a lot more straight forward than trying to find 12 great new songs for a female act when writers may prefer to give their best songs to a Jess Glynne or Ellie Goulding than Louisa who they may seem tainted by her first songs relative failure. Both acts of course have the small matter of the X Factor Nationwide tour to complete which starts next month in Aberdeen prior to any time in the recording studio.

    Cheryl Fernandez-Versini who is of course suffering relationship difficulties at present is keen to have something happy to place on her social media. Jumping on her Instagram she gushed “It’s official, Reggie N Bollie have a record deal and have been signed by Syco. I am so happy for them and it couldn’t have happened to two nicer people ! #regigeandbolliewepopthechampagne watch this space”.

    The lads responded online “We are so happy to be joining the Syco family and releasing our record with them. It is literally a dream come true for us to do what we love for a living. We promise to work hard and show you what Reggie and Bollie are made of. Here’s to a fun 2016”

    Their music is a mix of happy West African music now popularised world wide by their inspiration Fuse ODG and Caribbean soca music as enjoyed at events such as the Notting Hill Carnival. We expect and hope for Hot, Hot, Hot; Whip Me Nae Nae, that One Direction cover and maybe even Modern Romances party classic The Best Years Of Our Lives. In the final they dueted with both Fuse ODG and the legendary Craig David making a very welcome comeback so maybe they will join on the album too. Whichever songs they choose we can hardly wait one things for certain as the pop world goes into ever decreasing spirals of Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Adele, George Ezra, Hozier balladry at long last its time to party again Reggie ‘N’ Bollie style.

  • Cher Dumps On Trump

    Never one to shy away from expressing her feelings global super star Cher has dumped on Trump calling his campaign out as a joke.

    The Believe singer who turns 70 this year, questioned whether GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump actually wanted the top job and all its responsibilities, but rather wanting the job because it is the top job.

    Speaking to Billboard.com she said,

    “I don’t like anything about Donald Trump. It’s a joke at a time when you really need serious people.

     

    “I don’t think he wants the job, or I don’t think he actually wants to do the work. I think he wants the job because it’s the ultimate deal, and he’s the ultimate ego. I don’t know that I’ve heard or seen anybody like him, and I also never thought that Americans would go for someone like him, a person of his quality.”

     

    Time for President Cher?

     

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