THEGAYUK

Tag: London News

All the latest from London, the capital of the UK, home to the UK’s largest gay community.

  • From Pride to Power: Why Gay Spaces Still Matter in 2025

    In an era where LGBTQ+ visibility is at an all-time high, it’s tempting to think that the fight for gay spaces is behind us. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the UK for over a decade, Pride festivals attract record numbers, and even your local high street might have rainbow bunting in June. But for many gay men, especially post-pandemic, there’s a growing recognition that visibility alone isn’t enough—we still need places where we can truly belong.

    For years, there’s been talk of the “death of the gay bar.” With the rise of dating apps and more integrated social scenes, many LGBTQ+ venues across the UK—from Manchester’s Canal Street to London’s Soho—have closed their doors. But now, something interesting is happening: a quiet but powerful resurgence of queer spaces.

    Whether it’s a LGBTQ+ focused cinema in Bermondsey Square, a chilled-out LGBTQ+ bookshop café in Nottingham, or a countryside wellness retreat for Buddhist queer men in Devon, there’s a renewed focus on community. And it’s not just about partying. These spaces are about connection—real, in-person connection—which so many of us realised we missed during lockdowns and isolation.

    More and more, queer spaces are becoming cultural hubs. Nights out aren’t just about drinks and dancing—they’re about drag bingo, queer cabaret, LGBTQ+ film nights, Rock Painting or just a place to sit with a friend and feel seen.

    The vibe is shifting from survival to celebration.

    And in 2025, celebration is political. As conversations around identity become more complex, and occasional headlines still stir up anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, there’s real value in being surrounded by people who understand your story without needing an explanation.

    So this summer, go beyond the apps. Head to that Pride picnic, check out the local gay pub, or support a queer-run event in your city.

    These aren’t just nights out—they’re lifelines, full of laughter, history, and possibility.

    Gay spaces in the UK aren’t fading—they’re evolving. And they still matter. Maybe now more than ever.

  • Iconic LGBT Pub The Black Cap Could Reopen—Because Fabulous Never Truly Dies

    The Black Cap, one of Camden’s most iconic LGBT venues, has been closed for years, but there are fresh whispers of a fabulous comeback.

    Victory in Sight: The Black Cap’s Comeback is More Fabulous Than Ever!

    It’s been a decade-long saga, but victory is finally within reach for campaigners who’ve fought tooth and nail to revive Camden’s legendary LGBTQ+ pub and cabaret venue, The Black Cap. Plans have been submitted for a revamped venue that promises all the glitz and glam we’ve been waiting for—and then some.

    What’s the Plan?
    The new proposal, lodged at Camden Town Hall, outlines a vision for a refreshed LGBTQ+ bar, cabaret performance space, and even a bed and breakfast. (Yes, now you can sleep where the magic happens!)

    The pub, which closed in 2015, has been at the heart of a nine-year campaign—complete with weekly vigils on the pavement. Imagine dedicated locals standing guard, rain or shine, determined to bring back their beloved boozer. Now that’s commitment!

    The Black Cap’s Legacy of Fabulousness
    For over six decades, The Black Cap’s stage was the place to be for cabaret acts. Even the legendary Paul O’Grady honed his iconic Lily Savage act there and was a longtime supporter of the campaign to reopen. (Paul’s wig probably still haunts the place in spirit.)

    Performer and activist Alex Green couldn’t be more thrilled. “Finally, we can say we’re optimistic, and the owners are really excited,” he said. “It’s been a massive win to have everyone sitting around the table with the same goal—to get The Black Cap back the way it should be.”

    Green reminisced about the pub’s unique vibe. “It felt like a social club—a place for birthdays, weddings, funerals, New Year’s Eve. It was the least pretentious gay pub in the world. You could even invite non-LGBTQ friends, and they’d feel welcome.”

    The Grand (and Fabulous) Comeback
    According to the plans, regulars will feel right at home with a few improvements:

    • Upper floors: Staff quarters and B&B-style rooms so cabaret stars can stay the night. (No more schlepping back in full drag at 2 a.m.!)
    • Ground floor: A revamped performance space with new staging, décor, toilets, and dressing rooms.
    • First floor: The bar named after legendary cabaret star Mrs. Shufflewick will stay, with access to a sun terrace for those glamorous post-show drinks. There’ll even be a kitchen for proper pub grub.

    Jamie Johnston, who’s kept the weekly vigil going for nine years, is cautiously optimistic. “It’s a positive development, and I hope the plans get a good public response.”

    A Decade in the Making
    The pub originally closed after previous owners Kicking Horse failed to win permission to build flats above the venue. But thanks to the tireless efforts of Camden’s LGBTQ+ community and local supporters, The Black Cap is now poised for a dazzling revival.

    So, dust off your sequins and shine those shoes—The Black Cap is ready to be fabulous once again!

  • Police release picture of man they’d like to talk to in connection to homophobic stabbings in London

    Police release picture of man they’d like to talk to in connection to homophobic stabbings in London

    Detectives investigating a homophobic attack on two men outside the Two Brewers in Clapham have issued fresh images of the man they want to trace.

    The images were taken from a route 50 bus in Thornton Heath at approximately 20:30hrs, before the incident.

    Detective Chief Inspector Jivan Saib from the local policing team in Lambeth leads the investigation and said:

    “These images provide a clearer picture of the person we need to identify and locate following this shocking attack. I would urge people to look at these images – do you know this man? Do you recognise the clothes he is wearing? 

    “If you can help identify him then please get in touch.”

    The incident happened at approximately 22:15hrs on Sunday, 13 August as the two men stood outside a nightclub – they were approached by a man who attacked them with a knife before running away.

    Both men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.

    Officers continue to follow-up a number of lines of enquiry provided by witnesses and members of the public as they work to locate and arrest the suspect.

    There are also ongoing patrols in and around the area of Clapham High Street which will continue over the coming days.


    PC Hayley Jones who is the dedicated LGBT+ Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for Lambeth and Southwark added: 

    “We understand some people from the LGBT+ community may not have the confidence to speak to police; my role was introduced to provide a dedicated LGBT+ point of contact to support the community and advise on investigations where homophobia and transphobia is a motive. You can contact me directly for advice and support, or to assist this investigation.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    If you wish to contact the Lambeth and Southwark LGBT+ CLO please contact PC Hayley Jones on 07825101104 or Hayley.Jones@met.police.uk.

  • Two gay men viciously attacked in South London

    Two gay men viciously attacked in South London

    In South London, a distressing incident unfolded where two gay men became victims of assault, echoing the homophobic stabbing near The Two Brewers bar in Clapham that occurred a mere week earlier. The unfortunate recipients of this attack were Michael Smith and his partner Nat Asabere. Their ordeal unfolded while they waited for a bus around 11 p.m. in Brixton on Saturday, August 19.

    This incident followed their participation in the UK Black Pride event earlier in the day.

    The assailant, an unfamiliar man, confronted the couple, subjecting them to violence. Asabere was struck at the back of his head, while Smith endured a series of “three or four” punches to his face. Fearing for their safety, they managed to escape onto a bus. The extent of Smith’s injuries came to light only after they had fled, eventually leading to medical treatment.

    Recounting the events to the BBC, Smith shared, “Fortunately, my instinct to flee kicked in, and we sought refuge on that bus. It was then that I noticed blood staining my shirt, leaving me bewildered about its source. The taste of blood in my mouth and its presence on my hands, along with the sensation of a significant split in my lip, became apparent.”

    No Arrests Made

    As of now, no arrests have been made, and law enforcement is treating this incident as an act of homophobia. This attack follows another disturbing event where two men were stabbed outside the Two Brewers in Clapham on August 13, just over a week prior. The victims of that incident were men in their 20s and 30s, attacked by an individual wielding a knife.

    Authorities at the Metropolitan Police are actively pursuing the perpetrator.

    Although the attacks transpired within close proximity and a short timeframe of each other, the Metropolitan Police do not believe there is a connection between the two incidents. The aftermath of the assault has left Asabere grappling with headaches, while Smith struggles to come to terms with the incident and its impact on him emotionally.

    Smith expressed the growing concern over escalating anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments contributing to heightened hostility against the community. In response to this ordeal, he is raising funds for Stonewall, an organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights.

    Reflecting on his decision to take action, Smith shared, “I had to channel all those complex emotions into something positive. That’s why I initiated a fundraiser and chose to speak out. I understood that if I kept silent, it would only eat away at me.”

    Individuals with information regarding the attack are encouraged to contact the police at 101, referencing case number 8673/22AUG. For those who have witnessed or been victims of hate crimes, seeking help is strongly advocated. The police can be reached at 101, Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 for anonymous tips, or via the True Vision website. In emergencies, dial 999.

  • Just Stop Oil threatens action over Pride In London sponsors

    Just Stop Oil threatens action over Pride In London sponsors

    Pride In London may be in for a bit of trouble this weekend over taking money from sponsors such as United Airlines.

    The Pride event could find itself in the headlines once again after the protest group, Just Stop Oil published a list of demands on Twitter, insisting that they may take action if the demands are not addressed.

    Taking to Twitter Just Stop Oil made 3 demands of Pride In London. The group said that if they were not met, “we may or may not take action at this weekend’s events”. 

    Just For Oil also suggested that the Climate Crisis was the biggest threat to LGBT+ rights, due to social collapse.

    The letter to Pride has apparently been penned by LGBTQ+ members of Just Stop Oil.

    Pride In London have yet to respond to the letter.

    Pride In London’s sponsors for 2023 include Tesco, WeWork, Netflix, Coca-Cola, Transport For London, Playstation, OpenReach, intuit QuickBooks, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Durex and Cisco.

  • The UK is the 9th gay-friendliest place in the world

    The UK is the 9th gay-friendliest place in the world

    The UK has been ranked 9th in the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2023, making it one of the top 10 best places in the world for LGBT+ travel.

    The index, which is published annually by Spartacus International Gay Guide, ranks countries based on a number of factors, including legal protections for LGBT+ people, the availability of LGBT+-friendly services and facilities, and the level of LGBT+ acceptance in society.

    Malta emerged as the indisputable champion for the first time during the EuroPride held in September 2023, reaffirming its selection as the ideal host nation.

    Canada and Switzerland shared the second position, with Switzerland experiencing a significant increase in its score from seven to twelve points due to its adoption of equal marriage and a liberalized gender self-identification law for individuals aged 16 years and above.

    Israel and Vietnam also made notable progress by outlawing ‘conversion therapy’, a harmful and discredited practice. To date, only 23 nations have prohibited this outdated treatment. Meanwhile, the Conservative government of the United Kingdom is slow to act on its commitment to ban conversion therapy across the country.

    This year, the United Kingdom maintained its previous score and secured a joint ninth position along with Germany, Iceland, and Spain.

    The UK scored highly in all of these areas, with particular praise for its legal protections for LGBT+ people and its vibrant LGBT+ scene.

    The UK is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to LGBT+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the UK since 2014, and there are no laws against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

    The UK also has a thriving LGBT+ scene, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and other venues catering to LGBT+ people. London is particularly known for its vibrant LGBT+ nightlife, and the city hosts a number of annual LGBT+ Pride events.

    The Spartacus Gay Travel Index is a valuable resource for LGBT+ travelers, and the UK’s high ranking is a testament to its welcoming and inclusive environment.

    Here are some of the best places to visit in the UK for LGBT+ travelers:

    • London: London is one of the most LGBT+-friendly cities in the world, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and other venues catering to LGBT+ people. The city also hosts a number of annual LGBT+ Pride events.
    • Brighton: Brighton is another popular LGBT+ destination in the UK. The city has a large LGBT+ population and a thriving LGBT+ scene. It was recently crowned the gayest place in the UK.
    • Manchester: Manchester is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a strong LGBT+ community. The city has a number of LGBT+-friendly bars, clubs, and other venues.
    • Edinburgh: Edinburgh is a historic city with a thriving LGBT+ scene. The city hosts a number of annual LGBT+ Pride events.
    • Cardiff: Cardiff is the capital of Wales and a popular LGBT+ destination. The city has a number of LGBT+-friendly bars, clubs, and other venues.

    Where is the worst place in the world for gay people to visit?

    Unfortunately, there are still many places in the world where the LGBTQ+ community faces discrimination, persecution, and limited rights. Some of the countries with the worst gay rights records include:

    1. Chechnya: The Chechen Republic, a federal subject of Russia, has been accused of conducting a violent campaign against gay men, including torture and extrajudicial killings.
    2. Saudi Arabia: Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia and can be punished with imprisonment, fines, or even death.
    3. Iran: Same-sex activity is illegal in Iran and can be punishable by death. LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran also face discrimination and harassment.
    4. Uganda: Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and can be punished with life imprisonment. LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda face harassment, discrimination, and violence.
    5. Nigeria: Same-sex relationships are illegal in Nigeria and can be punished with imprisonment, fines, or even death. LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria face discrimination, harassment, and violence.

  • Revealed: Met Police is institutionally racist, sexist, and homophobic, report finds

    A recent review has found that the Metropolitan Police in London is institutionally racist, sexist, and homophobic. The review, conducted by an independent panel, was commissioned after the police force faced criticism for its handling of the murder of Sarah Everard earlier this year.

    Following the abduction, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 by one of its officers, Wayne Couzens, a review was commissioned into the Metropolitan Police. Louise Casey led the year-long investigation into the force.

    The report concluded that the force’s institutionalized practices are discriminatory and contribute to a lack of trust and confidence in the police among minority communities. The review highlighted several areas where the force needs to improve, including recruitment, training, and accountability mechanisms.

    The panel made several recommendations for the police force to address these issues, such as improving diversity in recruitment and leadership, increasing transparency and accountability, and strengthening the force’s internal monitoring and complaints mechanisms.

    The findings of this review are a stark reminder of the ongoing need to address issues of discrimination and bias within law enforcement agencies, and to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

    “Are you a giver or a taker”

    According to the 363-page report, the police force also showed evidence of “deep-seated homophobia,” as well as widespread racism and bullying. The report revealed that nearly one in five lesbian, gay, and bisexual employees had experienced homophobia, and 30% of LGBTQ+ employees reported being bullied. Trust, confidence, and fairness scores among LGBTQ+ Londoners have also significantly decreased.

    During the review, an openly gay officer reported that his colleagues continually asked him inappropriate questions about his sex life, such as whether he was a “giver or a taker,” both in briefings and around the police station. He also stated that the response team would collectively groan when an “LGBT matter” came through on the radio.

    While he knew that acquiescing was not the right thing to do, he remained silent for the sake of his own mental health and career. He questioned how the police force could provide Londoners with the service they deserve if they couldn’t treat their colleagues with respect and compassion in one of the world’s most diverse cities.

    Another openly gay female officer also reported witnessing racism and experiencing both misogyny and homophobia. For instance, a male officer told her that his “balls were cold” during a night shift, asking her to “warm them up.”

    Jokes on Whatsapp

    In the report, an openly gay male officer, referred to as ‘E,’ revealed that he is frightened of the police after being subjected to a prolonged campaign of homophobia from within the Metropolitan Police force. The review disclosed that E had seen evidence of WhatsApp groups among serving officers that joked about stopping and searching him off-duty while using homophobic language.

    E reported that when he raised his treatment with the Met, they brushed off his experience. According to Casey, the report’s author, there is a culture of denial in the force, which has allowed predatory and unacceptable behavior to thrive.

    Trust has hit Rock bottom

    According to Casey, public trust in the Metropolitan Police has hit rock bottom. The number of Londoners who lack confidence in the force now exceeds those who do, and black Londoners have had lower trust levels for years.

    Despite efforts to eradicate institutional racism, the Met has yet to rid itself of the problem, and public consent has been lost. The force has also become disconnected from the principles of policing by consent outlined when it was first established by Sir Robert Peel.

    Moreover, the review found that black officers were 81% more likely to be subject to the misconduct system than their white colleagues. The report stated that complaints were often turned against officers from ethnic minority backgrounds.

    LGBT+ Hate crime continues to rise

    Like in many other countries, hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community are a problem in the UK. According to a report by the Home Office, there were over 14,000 hate crime offenses related to sexual orientation in 2019-2020, which represents a 19% increase from the previous year. These offenses range from verbal and physical abuse to more violent attacks and murder.

    In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community in the UK, including the murder of Ian Baynham in 2009, the stabbing of two women on a bus in 2019, and the murder of three men in a terror attack in a park in Reading in 2020. The rise in hate crimes has led to calls for better protection and support for the LGBTQ+ community in the UK.

  • Brokeback Mountain on stage is a thing now, and we’re here for that

    Brokeback Mountain on stage is a thing now, and we’re here for that

    One of our favourite gay / bisexual movies has been turned into a stage play with music and we’re rejoicing, but it seems it’s not the famed Ang Lee version.

    Mike Faist, who was nominated for a BAFTA, and Lucas Hedges, who was nominated for an Oscar, are set to star in a London stage adaptation of Annie Proulx’s bestselling novel, Brokeback Mountain. The play, which will incorporate music, is scheduled to run at the Sohoplace Theatre in the West End for 12 weeks, beginning on May 10.

    Nica Burns, the theatre’s owner and producer, emphasized that the play is based on Proulx’s original short story, which was published in The New Yorker in 1997, and not on the critically acclaimed 2005 film directed by Ang Lee and starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.

    Mike Faist, who received a BAFTA nomination for his performance in West Side Story, has been cast as Jack Twist in the London stage adaptation of Brokeback Mountain. Lucas Hedges, who earned an Oscar nomination for Manchester By The Sea in 2016, will play Ennis Del Mar.

    The story, which follows two cowboys who fall in love in the vast expanses of Wyoming, resonated with readers and viewers alike. Ashley Robinson, a writer from Brooklyn, approached Annie Proulx about securing the stage rights, which were ultimately granted.

    Jonathan Butterell, who brought the stage and screen adaptations of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, will direct the play, with Dan Gillespie Sells serving as a close collaborator and music writer. Eddi Reader, a singer-songwriter, will perform on stage with a country and western band featuring a pedal steel guitarist.

  • 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,”

  • London’s longest-running men’s leather and fetish club set to close

    London’s longest-running men’s leather and fetish club set to close

    The Backstreet was London‘s longest-running leather and fetish bar/club. It had been running for over 37 years. In a statement released on social media, the management team announced that the club was to close in July 2022

    The announcement said,

    “After an incredible 37 years, The Backstreet will be closing its doors for the last time on 17th July. John and all the staff would like to say how grateful we are for all the support our customers have given us throughout the years. The club could never have carried as long as it has without your loyalty. From all of us to all you of thank you.

    The club which is set in London’s Mile End was established in 1985 when London’s gay scene was booming. Since 2000 THEGAYUK has been tracking London’s gay scene closures of which there have been over 110 LGBT+ venues closed. The Backstreet becomes the latest venue to close. During its time it hosted fetish social nights, life drawing classes, smoking and naked events.

    Fans of the Backstreet shared their sadness at the news, with one fan suggesting that The Backstreet was one of the only social clubs in London to be truly accessible, saying, “You’re the one social club and play space all on one level, which made it the most accessible venue I’ve been to in the UK. Such a shame you’ve decided to close, rather than sell the business on!”

    Another remarked how the fetish scene had been effectively “cleansed” writing, “Consider the scene fetishised cleansed, remember the battle to save Xxl from closing, even the judge, in that case, said there was homophobic play going from the foreign investors, we’ve allowed ourselves to be marginalised, pushed aside.”

    While another added, “It is very sad news indeed. it is 30 years ago (since) I started going to the Backstreet. I was a young man still in my late teens. The UK has become sterile regarding fetish. Most good events are outside of the UK now. Depressing news.”

    Another added how marginalised the leather and fetish community had become within the LGBT+ community writing, “This is a tragedy! Leather men have been pushed out of the London scene over the past 20 years. The anvil. Gone. The Colehearne. Gone. The London Apprentice. Gone. And now the BACKSTREET! Very sad news that will affect my life.”

  • What date is Pride In London 2021?

    What date is Pride In London 2021?

    The dates for Pride In London have been announced by the organisers and it’s in a completely new month. Normally Pride In London takes place in the middle of the summer around the end of June or the beginning of July.

    However, Pride In London 2021 will take place in early September, to help create a lengthy gap between when the government hopes large scale events can start again, on the 21st June and its own event, the biggest Pride Parade in the UK.

    New date for Pride In London 2021

    Today Pride In London confirmed that the new date for London’s very own pride would be the 11th September 2021.

    Following the UK Government’s recently announced timetable for easing of lockdown restrictions, Pride in London – the UK’s largest Pride event – will be returning to the capital on the weekend of 11th September 2021.

    when is Pride In London 2021

    Michael Salter-Church MBE and Alison Camps, Co-Chairs of Pride in London, said, “We’re delighted to announce that Pride in London will take place on the weekend of the 11th September. Now we have the roadmap from the Government, we’re working closely with the Mayor’s office, Westminster City Council and other key bodies in London to finalise what our plans will look like. We’ll be announcing further details of the event, including what format it will take and how to participate or volunteer, in due course. We will continue to monitor and adhere to the necessary health guidance. 

    “Naturally we can’t wait to bring all of our wonderful communities together again and stand with them to champion LGBT+ rights across the capital and beyond. In addition to the plans for September, we’re working on a way to appropriately mark Pride’s traditional anniversary in the summer.

    “In the meantime, our communities have their final chance today to complete our short consultation survey and let us know what they’d like to see from Pride in London this year.”