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  • Perez Hilton Shows Off His Slimmed Down Frame

    Perez Hilton has treated his fans to a topless picture showing off his remarkable weight loss.

    The celebrity gossip has posted a picture on Instagram of his amazing continuing weight loss although he has taken a little break from his fitness regime because of an exceptionally busy week.

    He said,
    “I didn’t make it to the gym once this week!! It’s been so exceptionally busy! BUT, I have committed to my healthy eating and this coming week should be less crazy. Life can be challenging, but I am committed to being healthy and being as happy as possible!”

    Perez posing before shifting his weight. In an interview, Hilton has claimed to have lost 70 pounds.

  • FILM REVIEW | Tab Hunter Confidential

    ★★★★★ | Tab Hunter Confidential

    Tab Hunter was and still is at the age of 83-years old a stunningly handsome man.

    When he was a teen idol in the 1950s he was the ultimate clean-cut, all-American boy and seemingly butter would not melt in his mouth. He was Warner Brothers Studio’s biggest box office movie star for at least three years of his tenure there. Surprisingly, we learn from this documentary, that Tab’s sexuality didn’t play a part in the ending of his Hollywood career. It was the actor’s own desire to buy himself out of his studio contract. Even though he was a major star, Hunter was extremely unhappy with the lightweight fluffy movies that he was always having to make.

    Tab Hunter Confidential is based on the memoir that Hunter penned with film historian Eddie Muller in 2005. It is a lively account of how this handsome matinee idol, with a rigid set of principles, coped with his dramatic professional and personal life. His sexuality, although hidden from the public in the early days, was no deterrent for studio mogul Jack Warner who never raised the subject. He was simply happy that Hunter was such a moneymaker for him. When on one occasion Hunter’s privacy was sacrificed to save Rock Hudson from being exposed, Warner defended him with a blunt, “Today’s headlines are tomorrow’s toilet paper.”

    With his career fading, Hunter resorted to dinner theatre and whatever work he could get to scrape by until his career got a second wind in the 1980s when he co-starred in Polyester with Divine.

    The most interesting part of the story is Hunter’s romances ranging from ice skater Ronnie Robertson to actor Tony Perkins, the latter who managed to break his heart and steal a role that he had coveted. In an era when homosexuality was not only illegal but could also destroy lives, Hunter resisted taking the well-worn path of other closeted gay men in the public eye who had marriages of convenience. True, he very publicly ‘dated’ many starlets and took part in many photo spreads in fanzines with them, but he resisted the pressure to opt for the easy way out by getting wed.

    Hunter a very devout Catholic explains his dilemma at the time: “If you were with a man you would be sinning, and if you were with a woman you would be lying.”

    He did, as Debbie Reynolds confirmed, make the right choice and he eventually was able to come to terms with his sexuality by accepting the Church’s teaching on love and self-acceptance.

    Some 30 years ago, Hunter aged 53 met a 23-year-old man called Allan Glazer who became his partner, and now after three decades together Glazer is a producer of this documentary which may be a reason why there is little of him in this movie. Since Hunter’s second movie with Divine in 1985 Lust In The Dust, he has settled down to a life away from the spotlight on his ranch with Glazer raising horses.

    Emmy Award winner Jeffrey Schwarz directs the movie, and this is his fourth documentary of a gay icon (Vito, Jack Wrangler and Divine). Schwarz shows a genuine affection for his subjects and the portraits he paints are very insightful and totally riveting. He reintroduces this disarmingly charming man to those of us who have memories of Hunter growing up, and present him to a new generation, who will see him as a role model that they can look up too.

     

    The Tab Hunter DVD is available to buy

  • Ivan Massow Out Of The Mayoral Race In Favour Of Tory Insiders

    Despite being a favourite with the public, openly gay Ivan Massow has failed to make the Tory party’s candidate shortlist for the London Mayoral race in 2016.

    Ivan Massow who created the first company to offer insurance policies and financial services to gay people in the 1990s, when many companies weren’t ensuring gay people or were offering crippling premiums, has lost his campaign to become London’s mayor in 2016 after the Conservative party snubbed him in favour of an MP, an MEP a London Assembly member and the Deputy Mayor.

    The Conservatives also snubbed ex-footballer, Sol Campbell who is also a party outsider. The shortlist also snubbed women in favour of an all male line up.

    Last week the Brighton-born mayoral hopeful, Massow, 47, released a video campaign in which he was asking Londoners to invite him to stay over for the night in order for him to get a hands-on look at what were high priority issues for Londoners in 2015/16.

    Despite being the Head of Policy for London for the Conservative Party in the 1990s and having been asked to be a London Mayoral candidate for the party in that same period, his sudden resignation in a protest against the homophobic and antiquated Section 28 made front page news at the time, which made him unpopular with some Tory leaders.

    Taking to his Twitter account last night Ivan said:

    “Just heard by text that I didn’t make it onto the list. Really want to thank everyone who’s supported me and my team. It was quite a journey.”

  • INTERVIEW: DAVID TAYLOR: Say Hello To The New Balans

    Have you seen the new Balans? Well, it’s not strictly called Balans anymore. We delve into the world of Balans Soho Society and why it’s all change at London’s most famous gay eatery.

    For those in the know, Balans Soho Society is a stalwart fixture on the Soho scene. Every king, queen and fairy has walked through its doors to be waited on by some of the most beautiful people in the business, to lap up its gloriously transitory environment and to be served the best salmon on toast at 5AM in the morning after a heavy night of Heaven. We speak with the owner, DAVID TAYLOR to see what’s new, what’s changing and if the hot waiters will still be a permanent fixture.

    JH: When Balans began life, Soho was at its heart and, in particular, the gay community. Is this the new guise of Balans and will the gay community play an important role or still be considered an important consumer?

    DT: Nothing will change and we will be as gay friendly as ever. Our simple mission and instruction (as it has always been) is to indulge and enjoy oneself in the company of fellow bon vivants. We are a café, a restaurant, a bar and definitely a place where rules are made to be broken – a place to go when you feel like doing things you probably shouldn’t.

    Balans has always acted as a refuge for outsiders: minorities, eccentrics, bohemians, dreamers… people drawn together by a shared conviction that normal rules don’t apply to them and this could never be more relevant than to the gay community.

    Nothing communicates what Balans Soho Society now stands for quite like the design of its façades and interiors, curated by the outrageous Simon Costin (who first made his name creating fashion shows for Alexander McQueen and now his work can be seen at The Met in New York and London’s V&A). Every detail is specifically designed to start conversations such as the genius illustrations detailed on the cutlery and plates of the eye symbolising awareness, tolerance and inclusiveness whilst the key logo represents freedom where a world of pleasure opens up…

    We even have match boxes cleverly give some serving suggestions ‘For whatever sparks you up’ which capture the heart, soul and spirit of Soho.

    JH: Many famous faces have passed through the doors of Balans. Who has been your favourite and who do you want to see come in for a slap up nosh?

    DT: We’ve entertained everyone from ageing rock stars to the likes of Barbara Windsor and Gok Wan who actually worked for us as a waiter.

    We’ve also enjoyed the camp company of Dale Winton when he was looking for work as a young man (and when he made it) as well as Davina McCall and all the reality show and soap actors. Two of my favourites of all time would be Amy Winehouse and Adele. This week we had drag queen and gay rights activist, Panti Bliss coming in to eat before her show.

    Since opening the restaurant in the early 90s we’ve probably had most of the great and good pass through at some point but we’ve never made it our business to broadcast this as we want people to feel safe and relaxed without the glare from the outside world. The lock logo featured on the new Balans Soho Society branding symbolises just this – in other words – what happens in Balans Soho Society stays in Balans Soho Society.

    JH: Tell us why this rebrand is important?

    DT: When we opened the Soho restaurant in 1993 we shocked and thrilled many. The first design was described in the press as “a launderette on acid”. We were the first openly gay friendly venue on Old Compton St and, in fact, in London. There were many known gay pubs and one or two restaurants but they were all hid away or behind dark shop fronts. We literally opened the doors with a sliding full height glass shop front and the party spilt onto the street. The Village, Yard etc. quickly followed. Having bought out my partner from the English Balans, I’m now more determined than ever to bring back some sparkle and excitement to the restaurants and invite the outsiders in.

    JH: What is the key to being a successful restaurateur?

    DT: Masochistic tendencies of course.

    JH: What’s your favourite cocktail on the menu?

    DT: Having had more than my allotted share for this lifetime I am no longer allowed to drink them BUT, if I did, it would have to be the Pornstar Martini – although we are proud to present the Ode To Madame Jo Jo on our new cocktail menu.

    JH: The gay scene in Soho seems diminishing by the day. What’s going on? High rates and rents, difficult trading economy or less gay people out on the scene?

    DT: In the early 1990s there was no social media, Grindr or Scruff and so the only way to meet was to go out but now the dynamics of ‘socialising’ have changed. I also believe that whereas before there were only a few areas with a collection of gay venues, now there are many places in London where one can go out, especially in the East of London, and so the gay scene has become more dispersed.

    JH: Which celebrity chef would you give a job to in the Balans’ kitchens?

    DT: Skye Gyngell.

    JH: Will there continue to be a bevvy of gorgeous waiters at Balans Soho?

    DT: Is the Queen Madonna?

    Kensington High Street has also just relaunched (187 Kensington High Street, London W8 6SH)

     

  • UPDATE: BBC News Now Reports On Norwich Pride Despite Being On Its Doorstep

    UPDATE: BBC News have now run a story on the Pride and its parade.

    In a move many in Norwich’s LGBT+ community will question, the BBC News had failed to report on Norwich Pride, despite being on the doorstep of the Norwich BBC headquarters.

    BBC News have now run a story on its website about the pride parade.

    With offices overlooking the main pride area, questions are being asked why the BBC failed to report on Norwich’s pride event yesterday, which drew large numbers of people into the city’s centre yesterday.

    The BBC News website failed to report on the pride event, which featured original members of the Lesbian And Gays Support The Miners group, who featured in the blockbuster hit Pride in 2014. It appears that the only story reported in Norfolk yesterday was, “Beach rocks moved to protect cliffs”.

    ITV’s news team did report on the Pride and its parade.

    BBC Radio Norfolk did, however, have Norwich Pride’s chairman Nick O’Brien on to talk about the pride parade and the Pride was featured in the tea time TV bulletin, yesterday evening.

    THEGAYUK reached out to BBC England news team to ask why the Pride celebrations were ignored.

  • Top Stories: Enrique, Harry’s Foreskin, Essential Gay Films and My First Porn

    From Enrique Inglesias’s penis selfie to the BBC defending an implied gay sex scene, here are the top 6 stories you read on TheGayUK this week.

    First off when pop star hunk Enrique took a selfie of his penis on a fan’s camera, the world went wild for it, despite not actually seeing the “hero”. We’ve been searching for the camera on which he took the picture ever since.

    Then a Canadian penis activist made news when he wanted every teenage fan to know that Harry Styles has a foreskin. He is on a crusade to get people, especially in the US, to know that foreskins are beautiful and natural… okay.

    Our very own Greg Mitchell made a splash with his column on his very first porn shoot. Greg shared his experience of working for a top US porn producer.

    The BBC found itself having to defend an “implied” sex scene between Ben Mitchell and Paul Coker after 48 complaints were made to OfCom.

    Openly gay Conservative candidate for London Mayor Ivan Massow released an interesting campaign in which he said he wanted to stay overnight with a new Londoner every night for 30 nights.

    and finally…

    Also the Scottish Pride event, Free Pride, came under intense criticism this week after it decided to ban all non-trans drag queen from performing at its event. It later reversed it’s policy after becoming the focus of international headlines.

     

     

  • COMMENT | The Fry That Got Away

    Stephen Fry is up there as one of my all-time favourite celebrities.

    We share the exact same view with regard to god – if there was a god how could dreadful creatures like Katie Hopkins exist? I love the fact he’s human with a colourful past. And more recently, Stephen is utterly entertaining, knowledgeable and charming on QI.

    Stephen would be my number one dinner guest if I could choose any well known figure. What I’ve read and seen on-the-box is a patient, distinguished, enchanting man. There is something quite attractive about Fry. We’re not talking physique here – but I understand how Elliot Spencer, a bright 27-year-old comedian, could fall for, in my eyes, such a charismatic and intelligent gent.

    The Big Smoke has been my home for sixteen years – I’m well versed at walking past a member of the Spice Girls, dining in the same eatery as the voice behind Murder On The Dance Floor, or having to sit by one of the dragons from Dragons Den at a friend’s birthday party. I’ve even dated a celebrity. No biggie. So-called celebrities are just successful skin-and-bone after all.

    I met a friend recently at the Royal Academy (RA) to sit in their square and enjoy some jazz from a group called Chico Chico.

    Sipsmith Summer Cup in hand, Havies tapping rhythmically to the melody, and my mince-pies catch Mr Stephen Fry promenading through the RA’s court yard.

    I follow Stephen on Twitter, I’m halfway through More Fool Me, Fry’s current autobiography, and I hardly ever miss QI. Of course, I should politely say hello and ask admiringly for a selfie – how could such an adorable man say no to a civil, dapperly-attired, young homo.

    Like this:

    Without a so much as a glimpse at his pearly-whites, “er er, no no, er”, he shook his head as he steamed into the RA.

    I was left crimson-cheeked, extremely disappointed and with a whole new impression of Mr Fry. Disrespectfully rebuffed, in front a small crowd, can make one feel like a muppet – not the look I was going for.

    A simple smile, followed by – I’m sorry I’m in a hurry – would have sufficed.

    Or, a spared 30 seconds, to please a fan who helps support the lifestyle Stephen enjoys today.

    Stephen’s auto has been tucked away in a drawer and QI hasn’t graced the wide screen since our meet. I’m still following Fry on Twitter, but the expiry date is nearing.

    Has Stephen Fry forgotten he’s part of the establishment – and his manners – or was he just having an off day? Either way, Fry has the privilege of being a role model to the gay community and to British people. Manners cost nothing – even Muppets know that.

     

    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.

  • The Tom Daley 2015 Calendar

    Yes, yes we know it’s only July… But look… Shiny new pictures of Tom Daley… Squeal.

    Okay, okay, keep a grip on it.

    Behold it’s the brand new 2015 calendar of the talented Mr Daley. Wet – check, Muscles, check, Underwear – check.

    The calendar is due out in September, but you can pre-order it now… Just in case it goes out of stock…

  • What Makes The Perfect Dinner Party? 5 Compliments And Smoked Salmon

    Four alcoholic drinks, three couples, two choice pieces of gossip and a dash of Bublé – those are among the key ingredients for the perfect dinner party.

    For a winning evening, add two singletons, chat about the latest films, and a menu featuring smoked salmon and steak, according to a survey of 2,000 UK adults.

    Guests should flatter their hosts with five compliments, while 40 per cent said that requests for second helpings was the ultimate sign of success.

    Jane Rylands, a spokeswoman for Range Cookers by Stoves, who conducted the research, said: “The findings suggest the key to a well-received dinner party is to keep it simple and focus on easy to eat dishes that are full of flavour over trying to impress with expensive or over-elaborate servings.

    “The menu should be nicely balanced – appetising without being tricky to prepare or too fussy to eat and clearly thinking about the atmosphere you create and the dynamics of who you’re inviting are worth putting thought into.

    “It’s natural for anyone hosting to feel a little exposed or at risk of being judged but there are steps that can be taken to give the best chances of success. Putting in the preparation time, having confidence in your oven and plenty of space to prepare will always put a host at ease.”

    Canadian crooner Michael Bublé was number one choice for background music followed by Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Emilie Sandé, while over a quarter said they preferred no music at all.

    Guests are expected to spend about £7 on a bottle of wine, while they shouldn’t consume any more than four glasses of wine or any other alcoholic beverage.

    Travel tales are considered the best conversation topic, while discussions about current affairs, TV shows or movies were also considered a safe bet.

    NO SEX: One of the off-limit talking points.

    The number one off-limit topic was sex, followed by politics, money and relationships.

    Four in 10 people named smoked salmon as their favoured starter, ahead of bruschetta and the old faithful prawn cocktail.

    Steak was the number one main, followed by beef bourguignon, beef wellington and lamb shank.

    Cheesecake was named most popular pudding, pipping Pavlova and profiteroles.

    Four in 10 said board games should remain in the cupboard, although a quarter were in favour of perennial favourites, charades and Trivial Pursuit.

    According to the poll, having confidence in the oven, having enough space in the kitchen and having a well-considered guest list are all advantages in hosting a top notch dinner party.

    Jane added: “Hosting a dinner party comes with a little bit of pressure but there are lots of ways to make it a little easier.

    “Reliable kitchen equipment helps massively – the last thing you want is an undercooked pork belly or dried out crème Brule.

    “Having games on standby is a worthwhile move, but guests shouldn’t be forced into playing them. The host should let the evening take shape naturally without being too imposing.”

    Stoves commissioned the research to celebrate its British-made collection of range cookers, perfect for dinner party hosts and dedicated home cooks and available in sizes to suit every type of kitchen.

    THE PERFECT DINNER PARTY

    START: 7PM

    STARTER: Smoked salmon

    MAIN: Steak

    DESSERT: Cheesecake

    DRINKS – 4 alcoholic drinks for guests

    MUSIC: Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Emile Sande, Paolo Nutini

    GOOD CONVERSATION TOPICS: Travel, films, news

    BAD CONVERSATION TOPICS: Sex, politics, money

    FINISH EATING: 9PM

    BEST GAMES: Trivial pursuit, charades

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS – Compliment the host 5 times over the night

    END NIGHT: 11.30P

  • Gay Man In Texas Charged With Murder After Violent Attack On Boyfriend

    Bryan Canchola, a 20-year-old from Texas has been charged with the murder of his boyfriend after a violent fight over suspected cheating.

    The Austin American-Stateman reports, that the Texas man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly beating his 18-year-old boyfriend, Stephen Sylvester, to death. According to Canchola’s co-workers the pair had been dating for two months.

    Sylvester was found unconscious by police at his home, but died later from injuries sustained in a brutal attack.

    A roommate told police that he had heard fighting between the two boyfriends after he arrived home in the early morning and it was then that Canchola accused Sylvester of cheating. The fight apparently escalated with the roommate hearing “banging and violent crashing”.

    According to arrest warrant affidavit the roommate also heard Sylvester’s pet dog crying out in pain after Canchola reportedly threatened to kill it.

    The last picture on Stephen’s Instagram account is of Canchola and him in an embrace. In the profile section of his account Stephen wrote: “This is my life’s journey, Dare to follow?”

    The roommate found Sylvester after the fight, conscious but with bleeding coming from the back of his head and transported him to University Medical Center Brackenridge. However, Sylvester left the hospital before receiving medical treatment. He returned back to his apartment.

    Later, Canchola called the police to report that the 18-year-old was unconscious. He was once again rushed to the hospital but died of bleeding on the brain according to an autopsy. He also suffered a neck fracture.

    Chanchola is in the Travis County Jail and his bail is set at $500,000

    A friend has set up a GoFundMe page to help fund Stephen’s funeral.

  • Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen: “Not Secretly Gay”

    The flamboyant designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, 50, and his wife have been married for 25 years, but that doesn’t stop the rumours that he might be gay, simply because as he says, he’s a man that “likes to look after himself”.

    Speaking about the gay rumours in Radio Times, the famous lifestyle designer says he’s not bothered by the gossip but his wife is another story.

    His wife Jackie is apparently pi*sed of when people question and mistake him as gay.

    He said, “And I’m certainly not secretly gay – I don’t like the idea of being secretly anything…”

    The pair met when they were both 19-year-old and married in 1989.

    Llewelyn-Bowen is currently starring in an advert for the National Lottery.

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