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  • Only One In Eight Teachers Trained To Tackle Homophobia In Schools

    Stonewall: Schools failing to prepare young people for realities of modern Britain.

    86% of secondary school teachers say homophobic bullying happens in their school. A third of teachers hear homophobic language from other school staff.

    New YouGov polling released today by Stonewall shows that teachers are still failing to tackle homophobic bullying in Britain’s schools. The Teachers’ Report 2014 polled nearly 2,000 school staff and reveals that fewer than one in ten (eight per cent) primary school teachers and fewer than one in five (17 per cent) secondary school teachers have received training on tackling homophobic bullying.This is despite the fact that two thirds (66 per cent) of secondary school teachers say that homophobic bullying has a detrimental impact on students’ achievement and attainment at school.
    Shockingly three in ten (29 per cent) secondary school teachers and two in five (37 per cent) primary school teachers do not know if they are even allowed to teach lesbian, gay and bisexual issues.

    The polling also revealed that more than a third of secondary school teachers (36 per cent) and nearly a third of primary school teachers (29 per cent) have heard homophobic language or negative remarks about lesbian, gay or bisexual people from other school staff.

    The Teachers’ Report 2014 also reveals that an overwhelming majority of teachers across both secondary and primary schools believe school staff have a duty to prevent and respond to homophobic bullying.

    Encouragingly the report does show that the percentage of teachers who say homophobic bullying happens often in their schools has fallen by half (13 per cent in 2014, compared to 25 per cent in 2009.
    Stonewall Acting Chief Executive Ruth Hunt said: ‘Teachers are the most powerful tool that we have in the fight to tackle homophobic bullying. Sadly our new research shows that, despite some progress, the legacy of Section 28 is lives on in Britain’s schools.

    ‘We’ve seen what happens when schools fail to get to grips with teaching the realities of 21st century Britain. The Government must now make it a priority that every single teacher is trained to tackle all types of bullying and abuse in our schools.’

    The Teachers’ Report 2014 is launched today at Stonewall’s annual Education for All Conference, which brings together teachers, politicians and students.
    The charity is also launching an interactive new website for primary schools to help them tackle homophobia and to talk about different families in an age-appropriate manner: www.stonewallprimary.org.uk

    Alongside of the new guidance and research Stonewall has named the top local authorities who are working to tackle homophobic bullying. Brighton & Hove council is named the top local authority for their work to prevent bullying and create inclusive schools. Hertfordshire Country Council and Wiltshire Council round out the top three performing local authorities in 2014.

    Speaking about the Education Equality Index, Stonewall’s Head of Education Luke Tryl said: ‘When local authorities abdicate their leadership on tackling bullying and prejudice it is students across Britain who suffer. The local authorities, and particularly Brighton & Hove Council, have shown that we can build schools that are welcoming for all where students can achieve their full academic potential, regardless of their sexual orientation.’

  • FILM PREVIEW | Pride

    PRIDE tells the true story of how a group of lesbian and gay activists joined forces with a small Welsh mining community in 1984, supporting them during their darkest hour.

    Despite the subject matter, it is deliciously funny. Starring an ensemble cast including Dominic West, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott and Paddy Considine, PRIDE received a standing ovation at Cannes this year and is being heralded as the British feel good movie of the year. PRIDE opens nation-wide on 12th September.

    Here is a link to the first trailer that has just been released;-

  • Work Positive Employment Scheme For People With HIV Extended

    Terrence Higgins Trust extends employment scheme to support people with HIV back into the workplace.

    HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust has secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) to extend its annual back to work scheme for people living with HIV in long-term unemployment.

    The scheme, which was set up in 2011, has been relaunched under the banner Work Positive, with 25 work placements on offer in London and the south east. Placements are open to anyone living with HIV who has been unemployed for two years or more, or is receiving state benefits.

    Participants will each be given a six-month work placement within the charity, supporting them to develop the skills and experience to get them back on their chosen career path. Alongside their placement, they will undertake an intensive programme of training, coaching and mentoring, with the aim of boosting their confidence and ensuring they are work-ready.

    In the UK, around a quarter of people with HIV are currently unemployed. Thanks to modern drug treatments, many can return to work, but – if they have had a long period of ill health – they may lack confidence, or feel they no longer have the skills or stamina required to find a job in an increasingly competitive market.

    Ruth Burns, Work Positive Coordinator from Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Since 2011, our back to work scheme has been helping people living with HIV back into the workplace, but there’s so much more we want to do. This funding from the BLF means we can now offer work placements to more people and in more locations than ever before. Having regular employment gives a sense of purpose which can transform people’s lives, particularly if they’ve been feeling isolated or depressed. We’d encourage anyone living with HIV who is ready to get back on the career ladder to get in touch and find out more.”

    Work Positive is open to anyone living with HIV who has been unemployed for two years or more or is receiving benefits. Placements have been confirmed in London, Bedford, Ipswich and Colchester, and Terrence Higgins Trust hopes to offer places at further locations across the country. The deadline for applications is Friday 15th August. People living with HIV can also access a wealth of careers advice, including online support from an advisor, by signing up to www.myhiv.org.uk.

  • The Secret Is Out, The Shadow Lounge Is Back

    If you’re in London this weekend with post pride blues wondering where the next party’s at, then check out the newly refurbished Shadow Lounge in the heart of Soho.

    Soho’s Biggest Secret has been unleashed and it’s clear there’s been no expense spared when it came to refurbishing the sophisticated venue. From the installation of the latest sound system sourced from Vegas to the ceiling and walls covered in special LED screens which display a whole range of graphics including images of clubbing guys to our favourites; the twinkling stars.

    Gone is the ‘hole-in-the-ground-bull-ring’ dance area, complete with 70’s disco floor and the limited walking space, and say hello to a roomier, more open, intimate-warehousey space, it doesn’t sound possible but they’ve done it.

    Shadow Lounge is a great club to party and lose yourself in the music. Ensconced within one of the private booths TheGayUK team were served by the cute and attentive bar staff who were on hand to serve and make us feel at home. Special shout out to Antonio who made us all feel incredibly welcomed.

    You don’t have to be a member to visit the Shadow Lounge, however there are a host of benefits in becoming one including, complimentary entry for you and a friend, birthday champagne and personal table service. Full details can be found at www.theshadowlounge.co.uk

    Wednesday’s are hosted by The Family Fierce, Thursdays Minty, Fridays Miss Dusty O’ and Saturdays Johanna Londinium.

    Shadow Lounge is located in Brewer Street (number 5), right next to Prowler and is open from 9:00PM to 3:00AM and is available for private hire. Find out more visit: http://www.theshadowlounge.co.uk

  • Australia’s First Gay Rugby Team To Play First Professional Match

    Australia’s first gay rugby union team (the Sydney Convicts) will make history when they become the first gay rugby team in the world to play as part of a professional match.

    In fact, it’s only the second time in the world that a gay team has been invited to play a curtain raiser ahead of a professional game (the first time was at a French soccer game in 2006). The Sydney Convicts, which play in a mainstream rugby competition, will play against Macquarie University next Sunday afternoon ahead of the game between the NSW Waratahs (AUS) and the Highlanders (NZ) at Allianz Stadium. The event is part of wider efforts by both organisers of next month’s Bingham Cup as well as Australia’s professional sports to help end homophobia in Australia and around the world.

    Nick Phipps plays for the Australian national team the “Wallabies” as well as the NSW Waratahs. He is also a strong supporter of the Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 said, “Sport is such a beautiful thing and in this day and age, there should be no discrimination at all. After getting to know some of the boys who play for the Sydney Convicts, they’re really good fellas and we want to help them as much as we can. Hopefully the fans also get behind the boys and show their full support, to end discrimination in sport and raise awareness about the Convicts as a team and what they stand for.”

    Jason Fowler, a player with the Sydney Convicts, played with Macquarie University (the team the Convicts are playing) prior to joining the gay and inclusive rugby team. Many of his former teammates at Macquarie University didn’t find out he was gay until he played against them as a Sydney Convict. “Playing at Allianz is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the entire team is extremely proud and excited to be making history. For me, I’m amazed by how my life has come full circle. Just 2 years ago I was afraid to come out of the closet to my teammates, now I’m playing against them on a gay rugby team as part of a professional sporting event.”

    David Whitaker, president of the Sydney Convicts said, “The Sydney Convicts are very excited and proud to be the first gay and inclusive rugby team to be invited to play as part of a professional sporting match. Often discrimination and homophobia is based on stereotypes that gay people are somehow weak and they can’t play tough sports like rugby. We hope this game helps to challenge these misconceptions while also raising awareness that homophobia in sport is still a major issue and gay people often still feel unwelcome,” says

    Nick Farr-Jones is one of the most successful captains in Wallabies’ history. He’s also Chairman of NSW Rugby and a Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 Ambassador. He said, “NSW Rugby is proud to be a long-time supporter of the Sydney Convicts and their efforts to tackle homophobia. Rugby is very committed to making our sport welcoming to everyone, regardless of their sexuality. I hope this historic curtain raiser will help us continue to send a strong message that there is no room for discrimination of any kind in rugby, both on and off the field.”

    As part of the event on Sunday, Allianz Stadium will air a 30 second anti-homophobia TV advertisement during the Waratahs/Highlanders game featuring some of the most well-known athletes in world sport. This includes Mitchell Johnson (Cricket), Ryan Harris (Cricket), Harry Kewell (Football), Alessandro Del Piero (Football), Paul Gallen (Rugby League), Nate Myles (Rugby League), David Pocock (Rugby Union), Lauren Jackson (Basketball), Nathan Jones (Australian Rules), Sam Mitchell (Australian Rules), Kim Green (Netball) and Libby Trickett (Swimming). The Waratahs will also run a feature article in the game program and include a panel discussion on homophobia in sport as part of their pre-game show.

    This historic curtain raiser is one of three history making initiatives led by the Australian organisers of Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 to tackle homophobia in sports. In April, they organised a joint commitment by every major professional Australian sport to ‘eliminate’ homophobia. The sports signed an ‘Anti-homophobia and Inclusion Framework’ and challenged sporting organisations around the world to do the same. The second historic initiative was launching the first national and international study on homophobia in sport involving researchers from 6 universities from Canada, UK, USA and Australia. The study, called Out on the Fields, has already collected the stories and experiences of over 5000 LGBT people worldwide. Researchers hope more people will take part in the study, which can be found at www.outonthefields.com

    Australians are receiving strong international praise and recognition for their efforts to change sporting culture. Les Johnson is Vice-President of Membership with the Federation of Gay Games, the world’s largest LGBT sporting organisation. “This is only the second time we’ve heard of a gay team being invited to be part of a professional sporting match and it’s a first for a gay rugby team. We applaud rugby and Australia’s other major sports for being trailblazers and for strongly supporting our community. The historic initiatives being led by Australians are significant developments in the worldwide effort to end discrimination and make sport welcoming and safe for all.”

  • Double Murder Suspect May Have Met Gay Victims On Social App

    A man who is suspected of killing two gay men in Seattle may have met them on a social app.

    According to documents released by the courts, Brown may have used a social app to meet with the two men, and that there are no signs of robbery or drugs as a motive. Police say that Ahmed Said, may have been targeted because he was a gay man with a Muslim sounding name.

    ‘It is evident that the murders were premeditated and unprovoked and part of a common scheme or plan,” Senior Deputy Prosecutor Wyman Yip wrote in the charging documents. ‘The evidence from the crime scene, Said’s vehicle, and the autopsies suggest that the victims were essentially executed.’

    The victims had been enjoying an evening at R Place, a popular gay nightclub on Capitol Hill. According to his friends, Ahmed Said told them that he was meeting a “friend” outside the club.

    Brown could potentially face the death penalty if convicted of the double homicide. A Judge in Ocean County has issued a $500,000 arrest warrant for Brown.

    The gay community has been warned by Police Chiefs to be careful when meeting new people on apps such as Grindr or Jack’d.

    Ali Muhammad Brown, 30, was charged with two counts of aggravated first-degree murder. Two gay men were his victims. Ahmed Said 27, and Dwone Anderson-Young, 23 were shot in the head on the 1st of June near the home of one of the victims.

    Brown is currently on the run and police are hunting him in New Jersey following a cafe robbery and attempted car-jacking. Brown has been described as an ‘American-born Muslim extremist.’

  • THEATRE REVIEW | West Side Story, Sheffield Lyceum And UK Tour

    ★★★★ | West Side Story, Sheffield Lyceum And UK Tour

    Set in the mid 1950s, two rival gangs battle it out for control of their little piece of the Upper West Side of New York. The Jets, local boys whose families have lived there for generations, are at loggerheads with The Sharks, the Puerto Ricans, who are trying to settle into their new lives. Tony, the former leader of the Jets meets with Maria, the sister of Bernardo who is the leader of The Sharks, and the two fall madly in love. But as their love grows, so does the rivalry between the gangs, leading to tragedy.

    This revival of the classic musical, based on Romeo and Juliet, is a thoroughly entertaining piece of theatre. The show has a gritty edge to it and a dark, dramatic and emotional story at its heart. The score, with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, includes Tonight, Maria and Somewhere, all of which still pack an emotional punch. The mood is lightened by the mischievous Gee Officer Krupkee, the flamboyant America and the whimsical I Feel Pretty, with the whole of the classic score being played beautifully by the live orchestra and expertly sung by the cast.

    Both Louis Maskell, who plays Tony, and Katie Hall as Maria, were in stunning voice, with Hall’s almost operatic qualities complimenting Maskell’s emotion filled vocals. Matthew Hawksley, making his professional debut, stood out from the crowd with his convincing performance as “Action”, comfortably conveying the characters frustration and pent up aggression and Djalenga Scott entertained as the feisty Anita.

    But the ensemble pieces were where this show really excelled, with the set, which reflected the back alleys and fire escapes of the inner city, being deceptively versatile, opening up to create a generous dance space for the large and very talented cast to undertake the breath-taking dance routines. By going back to the original choreography by Jerome Robbins, the dance in this production is simply superb to watch – with the sequences assisting in conveying and moving forward the narrative; the standout scenes being the Mambo at the gym, and the Ballet Sequence.

    The lighting was also well designed, utilising colour washes and silhouettes alongside low level highlighting, providing a visually interesting interplay of light and shadow. The balance between vocals and music was fine – but the only quibble in terms of the production was the volume of the speaking in between the musical numbers was a little low, meaning it was sometimes difficult to hear what was being said.

    The show has everything to please both established fans and to introduce a new generation of theatre goers to this beautifully crafted piece of theatre. Some may find it heavy going, but for those who would like a little more narrative, character and drama from their musical theatre then this show is the one to see.

    West Side Story is currently at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 12th July 2014 (http://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/event/west-side-story-14/ ) before continuing on its national tour (http://westsidestorytheshow.co.uk/home ).

  • HOTEL REVIEW | Western Peacock Hotel, Kenilworth

    ★★★ | Western Peacock Hotel, Kenilworth

    Despite the hotel’s aging decor and desperate need of modernising, the service is second to none and the Peacock Hotel does provide good value for money.

    If you’re looking for corporate homogeneity in Kenilworth, near Leamington Spa, you won’t find it at the Best Western Peacock Hotel, but you will find a warm reception and a ‘can do’ attitude that some hotels just fail to provide.

    The room was pretty old fashioned and the shower was merely a dribble in the room we stayed, but it had everything you could need including a trouser press and it was clean. The only thing missing from the room was a hairdryer, which when asked at reception, the manageress, who was incredibly attentive and friendly said she would get her own for us – now that’s service.

    It has to be said that the bed wasn’t the most comfortable, however the pillows were supportive and electric outlets, for those of you who need to charge devices were plentiful.

    Breakfast was included and all in all the hotel was good value for money, especially if you’re just staying for the night. Parking is charged as an extra in the hotel’s carpark.

    The night we stayed the room cost around £38

  • Burger King Feels The Wrath Of Homophobic Customers

    Burger King Feels The Wrath Of Homophobic Customers

    After Burger King announced that they would sell the Proud Whopper yesterday hundreds of customers have taken to the companies Facebook book to complain.

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  • Top 5 Hot Gay Geeks

    With the news that gay geeks are highly sought after in the work place, we pay homage to the hot gay geeks that make things tick.

    In my own personal favourite order let’s run through the top 5 recent “hot Gay Geeks” since they are en vogue right now.

     

    1 – Zachary Quinto

    Spock, and looks amazing in black rim glasses.

    2 – Neil Patrick Harris

    Technical Geek and again, hot geek look.

    3 – Phil Jimenez

    CREDIT: TrishMvhl [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
    CREDIT: TrishMvhl [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
    Comic book writer for Marvel & has that geek rebel look going on.

    4 – Bryan Singer

    CREDIT: ©-S-Buckley-Depositphotos
    CREDIT: ©-S-Buckley-Depositphotos

    X Men – that’s all that really needs to be said. Ultimate gay geek.

     5 – Tim Cook

    Gay Geek in charge of Apple… major brownie points!

     

  • OPINION | The Rise Of (Hot) Gay Geek

    In ‘The Standard’ newspaper earlier this week (1st July) there is a lovely article on how the “gay geek is the most sought after worker in London” in which Benjamin Cohen (not the hot rugby one unfortunately) talks about how big tech firms are jumping on the gay rights bandwagon and engaging in recruitment and events that attract up and coming gay men.

    Did you know that up and coming technical whizz gay men where hot property these days? No, neither did I.

    All either have that geek look about them, or are a big part of the so-called “geek world” and yet retain a level of attraction. It could just be me and my view of the world having said that, but my what a view…
    So I say to that inner geek in you, break out! Be free! And whatever your “geekyness”, remember that it makes you hot… (Especially if you’re Zachary Quinto).

    Mr Cohen goes on in his article to claim that earlier this year a study by the University of California found 46% of the gay US workforce has at least one degree, compared with less than a third of the straight workforce. Similar studies in the UK have found gay men on average earn more than a straight man in the same profession.

    Being a gay professional who seems to fall into that bucket myself I found this fascinating and it got me thinking… us Gay Geeks really are hot property (if I don’t say so myself). Both in a business sense (as it would appear) but also from a rise in the “Hot Gay Geek” look or celebrity.
    But where have these quietly confident hot geeks come from? Have they always been there, lurking in the background at parties being the cute man we all dream for or is this something new? A new craze or fad that has appeared and made the tradition unwelcome geek the cool one at the party? Since the huge success of The Big Bang Theory and the introduction of Zachary Quinto as Spock in the revitalised Star Trek movies, the concept of geek and hot have very much become a “thing”. Don’t we all just want a 3 way with Leonard and Spock??

    Growing up, I was very much a geek (not the modern cool kind) and it’s something that I’ve not really grown out of. From technology & gadgets through to being a card carrying Trekkie, Geek is very much me and very much part of my life. But has this ever been hot? I wouldn’t have thought so, don’t get me wrong geeks find other geeks attractive (it’s less fuss that way) but has this attracted the jock type, or other ‘cool’ or ‘hot’ guys?
    I bet that the moment I say to you “Trekkie” you either don’t know what this means (a Star Trek fan) or if you do know what it means you have a picture of a pale skinned, greasy haired person that has never ‘been’ with another human being let alone met an alien life form (or maybe they have, in which case I have no comment). But you would be so wrong! Geeks are much more than that and this rise to the limelight highlights that. Everyone has a little geek inside them, this latest trend has just brought it all out into the limelight for the world to see.

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