THEGAYUK

Tag: Bristol News

Get the latest LGBT+ Bristol news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Bristol in the UK.

  • 6 awesome UK trans prides that are taking place in 2022 you have to know about

    6 awesome UK trans prides that are taking place in 2022 you have to know about

    Specific transgender pride events are on the rise in the UK for our transgender siblings to show off their pride and be centred within their own events.

    Here are the top six transgender pride you have to know about that are happening in 2022 right here in the UK.

    Less than a decade ago there was no specific transgender pride events in the UK, now in 2022, there are over half a dozen, from Northern Ireland to Brighton. Our partner site, The Pride Shop has been keeping track of transgender prides in the UK.

    Here are some of the transgender prides that are happening in July and beyond.

    Where are the biggest trans pride events in the UK?

    First on the list is Brighton’s Trans Pride which takes place on the 16th of July 2022, this is probably the most famous of the transgender prides in the UK and one of the longest-running. Brighton’s transgender pride has been running since 2013. It is a grass-roots, community-led organisation staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers

    From one of the oldest events to one of the newest, Cornwall Pride in Newquay this year was dedicated to transgender people. It took place on the 14th of May 2022.

    When is trans pride in the UK
    Trans prides happen all across the UK. They usually take place between March and July.

    Trans Pride London is set to take place this year on the 9th of July, a week after Pride In London.

    Trans Pride Southwest is an annual event which takes place in Bristol. Places are still being put together for its 2022 event. Its first event took place in 2019. During the pandemic, it ran a number of online and limited in-person events.

    If you live in Northern Ireland you’ll be happy to know that there is usually Trans Pride in Belfast, however, a date is yet to be announced. Its first pride was marched in 2018. Unfortunately due to Covid-19, the last two events had to be cancelled. it is hoped that an event will take place in 2022.

    There is a transgender pride in Scotland, however, it’s already had its march. In May a pride event took place in Paisley. Each year the Pride takes place in a different city in Scotland, in 2018 it was in Edinburgh, in 2019 it was in Dundee.

    So why does Trans Pride exist in the UK?

    As Brighton’s trans pride puts it, “Our aim is to inspire all trans, intersex, gender variant and queer people to help make a real difference by celebrating trans lives and gender diversity. We aim to educate and eliminate discrimination by promoting equality and diversity through visibility, while also celebrating our unique history,”

  • Bristol Pride 2022 returns with 2 WEEK festival

    Bristol Pride 2022 returns with 2 WEEK festival

    Bristol Pride Festival 2022 announced

    LGBT+ charity announces programme of events taking place over 2 weeks in June & July and a return to The Downs

    Today, 3rd February the organisers of the award winning Bristol Pride Festival have confirmed that the annual event will return again this year in its original format after 2021 saw the event, like many others, have to adapt to restrictions in place at the time.

    The popular festival’s return will span two weeks from Saturday 25th June – Sunday 10th July.

    During the two weeks, the festival’s exciting programme of events will take place in venues across Bristol bringing the city alive with Pride as the charity also helps to support one of the hardest hit sectors, especially venues that are serving the LGBT+ community.

    Pride Day will take place on Saturday 9th July and after a two year absence, will return to The Downs. The event will feature multiple stages and will attract some of the biggest names in live music and entertainment, plus showcasing new and emerging talent including performances from local artists and community groups.The line-up will be released over the coming months. Pride Day will also see a welcome return of the Pride Big Top, Youth Area, Family Zone and Community Area.

    The LGBT+ community and its allies have spent so much time apart, organisers are thrilled to be able to put on events that will showcase the community and allow people to come together, to be proud, to protest and celebrate.

    When is Bristol Pride in 2022?
    shauking / Pixabay

    Eve Russell, Festival Director, Bristol Pride said:

    “We are so excited to be working on delivering this year’s festival in person again and to be able to bring everyone back together to celebrate. The Pride Parade March will also make a physical return this year, louder and prouder than ever as we mark the 50th anniversary of the first pride march in the UK. The march is an integral part of what pride is and after two years of quiet streets, we’re excited to be filling the city with colour. It is a chance to be visible and, importantly, it serves as a reminder that the LGBT+ community continues to fight for equality.”

    Other events to look out for across the two weeks of the festival include the return of Pride Night official after-parties plus the ever popular Dog Show, Comedy Night, a spectacular Circus Night, Theatre Night and Queer Vision Film Festival. Further details of the planned programme will be announced over the coming months.

    Organisers are encouraging attendees to purchase a Supporter Wristband. Priced from £7, they enable future events like Pride Day to remain accessible to those, who for socio-economic reasons, may not be able to afford to attend an exclusively ticketed event. Wristbands are on sale now and include various offers including free bus travel on Pride Day, within the Bristol Zone, with First Bus and discounts at onsite bars.

    Advance purchase of wristbands will speed up entry to the festival site, and the provision of contact details will allow organisers to advise of any changes to the entry policy due to covid restrictions.

    Daryn Carter MBE, Director of Programming and Partnerships, said:

    “The whole team are so excited to be working on our 2022 festival which will see our biggest ever line up as we return to The Downs for Pride Day. As well as the incredible events we are known for delivering across the two weeks of Pride, we have also been working behind the scenes over the last few months to commission exciting new works to showcase during the Festival.

    I know that after being disconnected for so long it’s going to be very special to have everyone back together and share the love and support of our incredible community through our events and as we all take to the streets for the Parade March.”

    For more information about Bristol Pride, how you can support the Festival, and all the latest news and events visit bristolpride.co.uk and sign up to the mailing list.

    For more pride dates, visit ThePrideShop UK PRIDE 2022 CALENDAR: Pride dates for 2022

  • Where Can I Buy Poppers In Bristol?

    If you’re in the market to buy poppers or room aromas and you’re in the Bristol area, here’s where you can buy them from.

    Pickings are rather short if you’re looking to buy room aromas in Bristol however there’s one place on the highstreet you can definitely try.

    Firstly, Prowler has a hybrid store along with Simply Pleasure based in Bristol. The store be found in the town centre at 30 Bond Street
    Broadsmead, Bristol, BS1 3LX. Phone: 0117 925 3174. They have a variety of different brands available for you to purchase.

    You can also try the local gay sauna, called Lad’s Locker, which is located 19-21 WEST ST, BRISTOL, BRISTOL BS2 0D.

    However, if you’re looking for a more online option, you can always buy poppers online. A number of shops exist that sell room aromas. The shop, THEGAYSHOP has a wide variety.

    Are poppers legal in the UK?

    Where can you buy poppers and room aromas in Bristol?
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    It is completely legal to consume and sell poppers in the UK. In 2017 there were fears that the Conservative government would outlaw their sale and usage, however, poppers were proven to not be a psychoactive substance and so the government made a U-turn and decided against making the liquid illegal.

    If you’re wondering whether poppers are safe to use, then read our advice on them here.

    What else is LGBT+ in Bristol?

    Bristol has a number of LGBT+ / gay venues including Sauna and Bars in the Dorset area. It also has a yearly pride event called Bristol Pride which is one of the largest in Southern England.

  • 25th anniversary production of Beautiful Thing heads to Bristol

    25th anniversary production of Beautiful Thing heads to Bristol

    The iconic show, Beautiful Thing is to get a run at the Bristol Tobacco Factory

    Beautiful Thing, which tells the story of two 17-year olds growing up on an estate in Thamesmead, was a seminal moment in representation of working class LGBT stories in British theatre. Beautiful Thing came out in the wake of a nation living in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic and, in the face of Thatcher’s attempts to alienate the LGBT community, Harvey presented an optimistic coming-of-age story of two young working class schoolboys discovering their sexuality. The premiere in 1993 took place at the Bush Theatre before moving to the Donmar Warehouse and the West End starring Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting), Philip Glenister (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes) and Jill Marsden (EastEnders).

    The film of Beautiful Thing, directed by Hettie MacDonald in 1996, was recently voted 20th most iconic LGBT film in history with the hopeful nature of the movie as well as the intersectionality of the piece often being remarked upon. The film sees Meera Syal and Linda Henry appear and launched the career of Tameka Empson, it remains a surprisingly unique watch even now, 22 years on from release.

    Beautiful Thing will be directed by Tobacco Factory Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mike Tweddle and runs 11-27 October. Amy Lee-Hickman will star in the show, known for her role as Nasreen Paracha inAckley Bridge, a role that made waves as a rare representation of a gay Asian young woman.

  • Five arrests made at “Gays Against Sharia” protest in Bristol

    Five people were arrested over the weekend at a demonstration and counter protest in Bristol.

    Five arrests made at "Gays Against Sharia" protest in Bristol

    Two groups, British and Immigrants United Against Terrorism and Gays Against Sharia demonstrated in Bristol yesterday about “issues of female genital mutilation, homophobia within Islam and Sharia Law”.

    They were met with a counter protest by members of the LGBT community and Stand Up To Racism.

    The Bristol Post reports around 65 people listened to speeches from UKIP candidate Anne-Marie Waters, former EDL member Tommy English.

    There were five arrests, four for assaulting a police officer and one for one for obstructing the police in their duties.

    Huge police presence

    Protesters and demonstrations were met with 250 officers from the Avon and Somerset police force, neighbourhood officers, specialist public order-trained officers, mounted colleagues and dog handlers.

    Chief Inspector Andy Williams said, “Overall the operation went well with the vast majority of those involved behaving and following our request for peaceful demonstrations.

    “Unfortunately there were a small number of counter protestors who deviated from their pre-agreed route and who became disruptive.

    “This led to a small amount of anti-social behaviour in the Old Market area which caused some congestion on surrounding roads while officers dealt with the situation.

    “We’d particularly like to thank those motorists who were affected by this and apologise to them for any inconvenience.

    “A total of five arrests were made during the day, four for assaulting police officers and one for obstructing them in their duties.

    “Violence and disorder will not be tolerated and we, as the public would expect, have been robust in tackling with those who have engaged in this behaviour.”

    The right to protest

    The police force took to social media to announce the number of arrests – but also to assert the rights of citizens to protest peacefully.

     

    Police stepped in after a number of protesters deviated from the route that was agreed in advance of the day. One person was arrested for obstruction.

    Amjid Ali, chair of the Bristol Independent Advisory Group, said:

    “The way in which the local neighbourhood policing team have conducted this operation has been a great example of partnership working.

    “It is much appreciated by all the diverse communities of Bristol. Well done to all those involved in keeping everyone safe.”

  • Greens: Molly Scott Cato MEP condemns shocking homophobic attack in Bristol

    Greens: Molly Scott Cato condemns shocking homophobic attack in Bristol

    Molly Scott Cato, MEP for Bristol, has condemned the shocking homophobic attack on a 19-year-old man in the Park Street area of the city on Sunday.

    She said,

    “I condemn this disgusting and unprovoked attack in the strongest terms; this is not the city most of us recognise. It is horrifying that such violent and shocking homophobia has visited our city. Bristol prides itself on being open, tolerant and inclusive and we must do everything we can to ensure it is a safe city where everyone is able to be themselves. There is no place for intolerance.”

    “I hope the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice and urge anyone with any information to contact the Police. There is no excuse for members of our communities living in fear because of their sexuality or gender orientation.”

    Molly Scott Cato is the Green Party’s parliamentary candidate for Bristol West.

  • Homophobic attack leaves teenager in hospital

    Police in Bristol are investigating a homophobic crime which left a 19-year-old man in hospital.

    homophobic assault in Bristol
    CREDIT: GoogleMaps

    The victim was in Park Street, near to Tesco on College Green, when the 19-year-old was verbally abused by two men before one of them punched him in the face just before 4am on Sunday (7/5). The teenager was leaving the OMG nightclub in the heart of Bristol.

    The police are treating this attack as a hate crime because of the words used by the offenders before the attack was carried out.

    The victim was treated at Bristol Royal Infirmary for injuries to his face.

    Investigating officer PC Leanne Weeks said,

    “This was an extremely unpleasant and unprovoked assault on a man who was targeted because of his sexuality.

    “It’s hard to understand how and why someone would do this and we’d urge people to come forward and help us if they can.

    “The offender who carried out the assault is white, of slim build, around 20 to 23 years old, with light brown hair in a quiff style which was short at the sides. He was wearing a baby blue long-sleeved shirt and black skinny jeans.

    “The man who was with him, who used homophobic language, is white, aged 23 to 25 years old, around 6ft, of muscular build, with dark brown hair also in a quiff style and short at the sides, with a short-cut well-groomed beard. He was wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt and black jeans.

    “We’re reviewing CCTV from around the area and will be making further enquiries with venues in the area to try and identify these two men.

    “If you were out last Saturday night, or early hours of Sunday morning and recognise the description of these men, or if you saw this incident in the College Green area of Park Street just before 4am on Sunday, please come forward.”

    If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5217101079

  • Man jailed for the rape of two men in Bristol

    Man jailed for the rape of two men in Bristol

    A man in Bristol, who posed as a fitness photographer has been jailed for the rape of two men at his home after luring them with the promise of a photoshoot.

    Bristol police
    Bristol police

    Nigel Brent Wilkinson, 43, of Hill Avenue has been jailed after admitting to two counts of rape and three counts of administering a substance with intent to rape and possession of class C drugs Flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol) and Nitrazepam.

    The photographer was sentenced to 11 years at the Bristol Crown Court today.

    Det Con Stacey Matthews said,

    “Nigel Wilkinson promoted himself as a male fitness photographer and last summer set up an online enterprise called WilkoPhotography.

    “He’d use social media to identify men he wanted to photograph and would invite them to Bristol for a photoshoot.

    “The men would often stay at his home and throughout their visit he would ply them with alcoholic drinks, some of which were laced with sedatives.

    “While they were in a drugged state, Wilkinson’s predatory nature would prevail and he’d commit sexual acts on them without their consent.

    “We began our investigation in February 2016, when Kent Police were called by the girlfriend of the 19-year-old victim who received a concerning text message from him saying he believed he’d been drugged.

    “We went to Wilkinson’s home and found the victim inside. He was taken to hospital and tests were carried out which found traces of a sedative in his system.

    “He attended a Sexual Assault Referral Centre for more tests and our investigation continued, resulting in officers attending Wilkinson’s home in April to arrest him.

    “When they arrived, they found a 23-year-old man asleep on the sofa. He was also taken to hospital and then The Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Bristol. There was evidence he’d been drugged and raped.

    “On the surface, Nigel Wilkinson was a photographer with an interest in male fitness models. In private, he was a cunning sexual offender who used his photography enterprise as a cover and catalyst for his deviant activities.

    “The victims have shown immense bravery, dignity and courage throughout our investigation and I’d like to thank them for the support they’ve given the investigation team. These crimes have had a significant impact on them and their families.

    “We believe there’ll be more victims who haven’t yet come forward and I’d urge them to do so. If you’ve had any contact with Nigel Wilkinson or WilkoPhotography, or have come into contact with him through dating websites or dating apps, please call Avon and Somerset Police on 101 quoting reference number 5216165860.”

    PC Mike Steven, who is leading our Force’s ongoing campaign to raise awareness of male rape and sexual assault and improve services for victims, said:

    “The circumstances of this case are truly horrifying.

    “The victims have all attended Sexual Assault Referral Centres and are being given continual access to any expert services they may need now or in the future.

    “I’d encourage any other victim of Nigel WIlkinson to come forward and speak to us. We’re always here and ready to listen to, believe and respect victims.

    “Our vital work to change perceptions and improve our response to male victims of rape or sexual assault is continuing to evolve and I hope it’s encouraging more victims to find the strength to come forward.

    “If you don’t want to speak to the police, please speak to someone. Don’t suffer in silence.”

    If you want to report a rape or sexual assault but don’t want to speak to the police, you can contact your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre – available 24/7, 365 days a year. Details of your local SARC can be found atwww.thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc

     

  • NEWS: The Cattle Market – Bristol Bisons RFC Bachelor Auction

    Bristol Bisons RFC in support of the Terrence Higgins trust is proud to present The Cattle Market – Bachelor Auction and BBQ. (more…)