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Tag: USA

  • These are the most Instagram worthy destinations in the world

    These are the most Instagram worthy destinations in the world

    Route 66 has been named as the most Instagram-worthy road trip in the world, according to Brits.

    The world famous Route 66 has been voted as the UK’s favourite destination for Instagram worthy pictures. marioschmidtphoto / Pixabay

    The study, which polled 2,000 adults, found the top three routes are all located in the US – specifically through the Grand Canyon National Park and along the Pacific Highway Coast.

    The drive through the Grand Canyon parks, typically following the South Rim to the North Rim and famed for its exquisite views of the stunning natural wonder was second.

    ‘PCH’, also known as Route 101, came third.

    The route takes you on a coastal, cliff-hugging drive from San Francisco to San Diego, passing by San Jose, Big Sur and Monterey.

    Fifty-six per cent of those took part named the USA as the road trip capital of the world.

    Commissioned by Hertz, the research also identified key ingredients for a successful road trip – including wide-open roads, driving past famous attractions and spotting wildlife along the way.

    Discovering views and taking in the scenery were highlighted as the main reasons for adults going on a road trip.

    Temerity Vinson, senior director of international marketing, Hertz said: “The survey results clearly show how much adventurers love the USA for a road trip.

    “The influence of social media has had a huge impact on destinations of choice, bringing increased awareness of less well-known areas, as well as ensuring that gems such as the Route 66 are still as popular as ever.

    “Hertz is always dedicated to finding new ways to help our customers plan their dream trip.

    While views and scenery were important for older travellers, millennials are more focused on having a ‘new experience’.

    More than two-thirds of millennials admitted the places they see on Instagram affect their choice of location, compared to just 13 percent of adults over 38s.

    iankelsall1 / Pixabay

    In fact, 30 per cent said they are unlikely to visit somewhere if they’ve never seen photos of it on Instagram.

    Hashtags and location tags have become a new way to research the next travel destination and four in 10 millennials use the platform to discover new points of interest and places to visit.

    The survey, conducted via OnePoll in December 2018, also found an average of 12 photos a day are taken on a holiday or a trip.

    Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they were most likely to take a photo of a landscape or cityscape while on a trip.

    Double the number of millennials compared to the over 38s are likely to take a photo of their food.

    Iceland’s ring road made it on to the list. The road takes in the entire country. Free-Photos / Pixabay

    It seems that photographs make memories, with 36 per cent of millennials saying that they would struggle to remember their trip if they didn’t post a photo of it, compared to 19 per cent of over 38s.

    Furthermore, one in 10 admitted to visiting somewhere purely because they want to share it on Instagram.

    When it comes to planning, Brits take an average of six months to arrange an adventure of a lifetime.

    Twenty per cent of respondents would like to combine creating their own route with a structured drive.

    The Great Ocean road down under takes in some of the world’s most amazing views, but you’ll have to travel hours to pass them. Jonny_Joka / Pixabay

    Following the research, Hertz has launched three new routes to its USA Road Trip Planner: Canyons of Arizona and Nevada, California Surfing and Totally Texas, providing inspiration for routes to experience iconic and off-the-beaten track scenic drives and pit-stops.

    Vinson added: ”Our USA Road Trip Planner can help our customers experience a different culture, discover new cuisines or visit famous landmarks.”

    A free online resource, the Hertz Road Trip Planner also features the legendary Route 66, along with 30 other bespoke routes across the USA.

    For road trip inspiration, travellers are welcome to check out the Hertz Road Trip Planner and the new @HertzRoadTrip Instagram channel. Hertz is also inviting road trippers to share their road trip experiences by tagging @HertzUK (Facebook & Twitter).

    1. Route 66 – U.S
    2. Grand Canyon – U.S
    3. Pacific Coast Highway –U.S
    4. West Coast Perth to Broome – Australia
    5. South Island Circuit – New Zealand
    6. Great Ocean Road – Australia
    7. Cowboy Trail – Canada
    8. The Argyll Coastal Route – Scotland
    9. Ring Road – Iceland
    10. Snowdonia – Wales
  • Here are the top ten extreme travel nightmares

    Here are the top ten extreme travel nightmares

    Being vomited on, broken luggage and people dying on your flight have all been voted as extreme travel nightmares.

    Free-Photos / Pixabay

    From cancelled flights and natural disasters to frantic, last-minute searches for accommodations, it can cost the average traveller at least $570 (£444.70)– and upwards of $4,198 (£3276)– when things go wrong on an airline trip, according to new research.

    In fact, from being the victim of pickpocketing to cancelled flights, being vomited on by a child or even seeing a fellow passenger die in flight, as many as a third (35 per cent) have experienced what they deem a “travel nightmare,” in which seemingly every part of the trip went wrong.

    And when those “nightmare trips” do occur, not only is there a wide range in potential costs, there’s also a high risk of the whole vacation being ruined – half of the respondents who experienced a nightmare said it completely ruined the rest of the trip.

    Although many have thankfully never experienced a nightmarish scenario, the study of the travel experiences of 2,000 Americans found that the majority of travellers (59 per cent) report having been on a trip where things really didn’t go as planned.

    And it doesn’t have to be a big thing going wrong for traveller comfort and enjoyment while travelling to decline severely. One in six respondents rate themselves “extremely disappointed” even when they don’t get their preferred seat on the plane, with the majority preferring the window seat.

    Commissioned by AIG Travel, a global leader in travel insurance and assistance solutions, and conducted by OnePoll, the survey also examined modern travel etiquette on flights and revealed America’s top 10 most commonly experienced traveller faux pas.

    The behaviour that passengers find most aggravating is when the person in front of them reclines his or her seat (65 per cent), followed by having their seat kicked by the person behind them (57 per cent).

    Also making the top five were travelling with a disruptive baby or child (54 per cent), hogging both armrests (53 per cent) and people who talk loudly on the flight (49 per cent).

    While travellers can’t always do something about other passengers’ behaviour, there are ways they can help their own trip go smoothly – or at least be prepared if something doesn’t go according to plan.

    To combat potential “travel nightmares,” 60 per cent of travellers make sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before their flight, 55 per cent print out all confirmation emails and 39 per cent call hotels and airlines to double-check their reservations.

    StockSnap / Pixabay

    Surprisingly, though, 74 per cent of travellers have taken the risk and flown without travel insurance.

    “We don’t like to think about the things that can go wrong when travelling, and while travel insurance can’t stop someone from kicking the back of your seat, it’s designed to help protect from unforeseen, potentially ruinous events,” said Jeff Rutledge, AIG Travel CEO. “When coupled with 24/7 assistance services, it can also improve the overall travel experience.”

    A quarter of travellers find the most difficult part of travelling to be navigating the airport and the security screening process, while 23 per cent say the flights – including any transfers and layovers – are the worst part.

    Seven in 10 travellers have experienced a delayed flight, while 44 per cent have had their checked bags delayed and 40 per cent have had a cancelled flight.

    “Travel insurance is specifically designed to provide financial protection in these situations – lost or stolen luggage, flight delays or even emergency medical issues,” Rutledge said. “However, even if a claim isn’t made, our Travel Guard plans offer comprehensive assistance for anything from event ticketing to restaurant recommendations, finding a local translator abroad or sending souvenirs home.”

    Unfortunately, travel insurance doesn’t protect your seat – and 23 per cent of respondents admit to trying to take a seat that isn’t theirs, with those who want middle seats the most likely to do so.

    The survey was conducted online from Aug. 10 to Aug. 28, 2018, by OnePoll with a sample of 2,000 American adults (aged 18 and older) who have travelled by plane. The research was commissioned by AIG Travel.

    10 OF THE MOST EXTREME “TRAVEL NIGHTMARES”

    1. Having a man die one row over on the plane
    2. Passengers joked about a bomb threat on the plane, delaying the flight
    3. Being choked by another passenger
    4. Three emergency landings before arrival at the destination
    5. Rerouted when almost there after being struck by lightning
    6. Being vomited on by a child
    7. Breaking a foot after getting tangled in a suitcase strap
    8. Spending five nights in an airport because hotel accommodations fell through
    9. Flying in a thunderstorm and being asked to get in crash position for the landing
    10. Getting robbed/pickpocketed

     

    AVERAGE COST WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG ON A FLIGHT

    (Based on dollar figures given by 2,000 respondents.)

    Missed flights                                      $570 (£444)
    Lost luggage                                       $582.14 (£454)
    Medical situations                              $568.74 (£443)
    New accommodations                       $591.77 (£461)
    Lost or stolen passport/wallet           $571.04 (£445)
    Natural disaster                                  $638.30 (£498)
    CaCancelledlights                              $676.05 (£528)
    Total:                                                   $4,198 (£3276)

  • Ricky Martin offends after wearing a native headdress

    Ricky Martin has been accused of cultural appropriation after wearing a traditional Native American headdress.

    Ricky Martin
    CREDIT: kobby dagan/ bigstock

    International pop star Ricky Martin has been accused of causing offence to Native people and cultures after posing for a picture in which he is wearing a traditional Native American headdress.

    One user on Instagram wrote, “Are you Native? If not, take that headdress off!” While another wrote, “There’s information all over the internet explaining why this is upsetting/offensive to Native people/cultures”

    “Not a costume to wear at a club”

    When a fan tried to suggest that the headdress was a Taino headdress, a user, BellieBunny1 corrected the assumption by saying, “Ricky Martin was raised in Puerto Rico he is not Puerto Rican. He is Spanish Basque and Canarian, and that is not a Taino headdress.

    “Like I said, that is a War Bonnet only to be worn by certain members of the tribe, it is sacred, not a costume to wear at a club or because it’s a carnival. It is earned one feather at a time, so unless Mr. Martin suddenly turned into an important member of one of our Tribes, and earned each one of those feathers on the regalia, he hasn’t the right to wear it as he has not earned it and he is not a part of my culture or heritage.

    “The fact is he is NOT Native American, he is of Spanish, Basque and Canarian heritage and not entitled to wear this War Bonnet, and I AM the daughter of a card carrying Native American / First Nations Elder.

    Not Earned

    BellieBunny1 continue to educate on the matter by saying that each feather in the headdress is actually earned.

    “It is only to be worn by certain members of the tribe, and it was made over time, each feather earned. Ricky Martin is fabulous, but it is not about culture or his to wear, as he did not earn it, and he is not part of the tribe of the people’s who bestow that regalia. Ricky himself said that he is of Spanish, Basque and Canarian heritage, not Native American/ First Nations”

     

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    What happens in Miami…… ends up on IG. . #miami #studiotime

    A post shared by Ricky (@ricky_martin) on

    Another user hit back saying, “I am Puerto Rican myself. We are from Taíno (indigenous), African, and Spanish descent. Native Americans are NOT the only ones with these headdresses. This is normal from our Taínos, and like I said, in the Caribbean, we dress up to pay homage”.

    In recent years the wearing of headdresses for festivals and in particular Halloween has been heavily criticised for cultural appropriation. The wearing of sacred clothing for fun or for show can be seen as deeply offensive to some from the culture from which the costume or clothing comes from.

  • This year’s Rockefeller Christmas tree was donated by a same-sex couple for the first time

    For the first time in the tree’s history, 2018’s tree was donated by a lesbian couple.

    (C) ROCKEFELLER CENTER BLOG

    The first ever tree to be lit at the Rockefeller Center in New York was in 1931. The lighting of the tree tradition became in 1933. This year’s tree was donated by Shirley Figueroa and Lissette Gutierrez.

    New Yorkers for Parks noted on its official Twitter account that “This year, Rockefeller Center’s tree is from a woman who grew up on a block in the Bronx that had no trees! It’s also the first tree in Rockefeller Center’s history to be donated by a same-sex or Latina couple!”

    Embed from Getty Images

    According to the Rockefeller Centre, “Growing up, Figueroa loved seeing people from all “different cultures and backgrounds” visiting Rockefeller Center at Christmastime, so she’s grateful to help continue that tradition, especially for the kids who come from all over the city to enjoy it”.

    Embed from Getty Images

    The tree was cut from their home in Wallkill, about 60 miles north of New York City. They nicknamed their tree “Shelby”.

    Embed from Getty Images

    Millions of people are expected to turn up to see the 75-year-old tree during the festive period and it will be lit with over 50,000 LED lights and topped by a 9 foot wide Swarovski crystal star.

     

  • This American anti-gay group criticised two girls kissing and it spectacularly backfired

    Anti-gay, ultra-conservative group, ForAmerica tried to shame NBC and Macy’s for showing two girls kissing in the annual Thanksgiving Parade and they got slammed by Twitter.

    ForAmerica says its aim is to “reinvigorate” the public with the principles of exceptionalism: freedom, prosperity and virtue, but when they criticised broadcaster NBC and famous department store Macy’s on Twitter for showing a lesbian kiss, they got their asses handed to them.

    The tax-exempt, not-for-profile organisations said that Macy’s and NBC had blindsided parents in order to push “their agenda” on them.

    ForAmerica‘s original tweet was commented on over 8700 times, most of which were lambasting the organisation, while it received a meagre 1800 likes and under 500 retweets, at the time of publishing.

    Many commentators used examples of current politics in the US to shame the organisations. User Stephen Spin wrote, “President cheats on wife w/porn star – OK! President constantly belittles & bullies others – OK! President defends murderers like Putin & MBS – OK! Nazi salutes – OK! Active shooter drills – OK! 2 adult females kissing – OMG, THE WORLD IS ENDING”

    While Morgan Jon Fox reminded ForAmerica that “Millions of small children will grow up to be gay & have families,” before reminding ForAmerica that what they witness was “called love”

    Many called for ForAmerica to reevaluate its morals

    However, this user seemed to have the best suggestion yet:

     

  • Got an American lover? here’s probably what turns him on

    Got an American lover? here’s probably what turns him on

    Neck kisses, nibbling and eye contact- new research reveals America’s 20 biggest turn-ons.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    The new survey of 2,000 Americans saw kisses on the neck voted as officially the biggest turn-on, followed by your partner saying just three little words…

    According to the findings, a partner simply saying the words “I like that” in bed ranked the second most-appealing way to ramp up the mood.

    The study, conducted by sex toy retailer EdenFantasys.com, sought to uncover Americans’ biggest turn-ons and turn-offs and found that 76 percent of respondents like their partner giving them a little verbal reassurance in bed.

    A little nibbling on the ear was another high scorer on the turn-ons list, while eye-contact during sex was something that really got many a respondent going.

    Another saucy 46 percent of Americans say the presence of sex toys in bed is a total turn-on.

    The survey also split the results of the list by gender, which is where it gets really fascinating.

    For instance, it appears men get a lot more out of going down on their partner than women, with 76 percent of men reporting that going down on their partner is a turn-on for them compared to only 56 percent of women.

    In fact, nearly one in four (23 percent) of women reported that going down on their partner was a turn-off for them.

    Anal sex was another polarizing act — very polarizing. Over half of men (52 percent) called it a turn-on, compared to 19 percent of women. An incredible 57 percent of women actually consider it a complete turn-off.

    Being teased during sex was one thing women did like, however, and interestingly enough, it was the only thing that women said they liked more than men, with 52 percent of women calling it a turn-on compared to 49 percent of men.

    Not all turns ons have to be sexy

    But who said being turned on has to be a sexual act? The survey found a bevvy of inherently non-sexual things that are turn-ons.

    For instance, just smelling good was voted as the biggest non-sexual turn on, with 69 percent of the respondents labelling it as such.

    Simply being affectionate was the second biggest (64 percent), and making somebody feel appreciated rounded out the top three with 61 percent listing it as a turn on.

    “The study showed that non-physical affections are the biggest turn-ons for everyone, said Fred Petrenko of EdenFantasys.com. “‘All we need is love’ is as true today as it’s always been.”

    The survey also pinpointed 37 as the age when Americans are at their kinkiest overall.

    Being turned on isn’t such a rarity, either, with Americans saying they’re noticeably turned on three times every day, with one in five (19 percent) saying it’s actually more times than that.

    And it’s not necessarily in the evening when we feel this way, with the average American saying they’re most likely to be turned on at 2:46 p.m. As The Starland Vocal Band once famously sang: “Skyrockets in flight…”

    “Not surprisingly, sex toys are one of the major turn-ons for many couples,” continue Petrenko. “We encourage people to experiment more in the bedroom for a happier and sexier life.”

    AMERICA’S 20 BIGGEST TURN-ONS
    • Neck kisses
    • My partner telling me ‘I like that’
    • My partner undressing me
    • My partner going down on me
    • Undressing my partner
    • Nibbling my ear
    • Lingerie
    • Eye contact during sex
    • Going down on my partner
    • Being teased
    • Sex toys
    • Dirty talk in English
    • Partner doing a striptease
    • Being dominated
    • Partner being rough
    • My partner spanking me
    • My partner pulling my hair
    • Biting
    • Having to be quiet and sneaky (‘don’t wake the roommate’ etc.)
    Role-playing

     

    AMERICA’S 20 BIGGEST TURN-OFFS
    • Poor hygiene
    • Being mean • Being rude to waitstaff
    • Eating with mouth open
    • Being flirty with other people
    • Talking about exes
    • Being cocky
    • Talking too much/not listening
    • Dressing poorly
    • Baby talk
    • Insecurity
    • Long fingernails
    • Wearing too much cologne/perfume
    • Being cheap
    • Lack of confidence
    • Body hair
    • Being too ‘handsy’ in public
    • Bad driver
    • Poor taste in shoes
    • Calling me pet names in public

    TOP 5 TURN-ONS IN BED FOR MEN
    My partner telling me “I like that”   78%
    My partner going down on me       78%
    Undressing my partner                  78%
    Going down on my partner            76%
    Neck kisses                                   76%

    TOP 5 TURN-ONS IN BED FOR WOMEN
    Neck kisses                                  82%
    My partner telling me ‘I like that’   74%
    My partner undressing me           68%
    My partner going down on me     67%
    Undressing my partner                63%

    TOP 10 NON-SEXUAL TURN-ONS
    Smelling good              69%
    Being affectionate        64%
    Making me feel appreciated 61%
    Dressing nice              46%
    Intelligence                  45%
    Confidence                  43%
    Generosity                   39%
    Active listening            39%
    Playing with my hair    34%
    Being taller than me    28%

  • 10 best places to eat in Key West

    10 best places to eat in Key West

    If you’re looking for places to eat Key West has a huge array of restaurants, cafes and bars all servicing delicious food.

    FitzFox / Pixabay

    Without a doubt. seafood is the mainstay of Island eating – but there’s a fusion that happens at many of Key West‘s restaurants. There’s a strong Carribean and Latin influence, thanks to the Keys’ geographical location. Boatloads of trawlers ensure daily arrival of fresh fish. Vegetarians, vegans, meat eaters and pizza lovers won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer as well.

    There are over 300 restaurants listed for Key West, but here are just 10 of our favourites.

    Bagatelle (115 Duval Street, FL 33040)

    Go to Bagatelle for the ultimate in people watching and the best mojito on the island. Be sure to book first and ask for a seat on the veranda on the second floor. There you’ll be able to watch the streams of people who are on the strip below as the island’s night scene comes to life. Slip your ice-cold cocktail as live music drifts from a nearby venue. Heaven. https://bagatellekw.com/

    Island House (1129 Fleming Street, FL 33040)

    Island House is one of the gay-go-tos on Key West. The food is of good quality, but the real reason you’ll stay is for the poolside view, as you chow down on your club sandwich. Island House resort has a clothing optional policy for its guests.  Sip a cocktail while checking out the local talent. https://islandhousekeywest.com/

    The Flaming Buoy (1100 Packer Street, FL 33040)

    If going gay is your policy then The Flaming Buoy should be on your list of places to eat. It opens nightly at 6 PM. This highly rated eatery offers Key specials including the fresh catch, pan seared with banana salsa ($28) or the red Thai curry with grilled Key West pink shrimp.

    Hot Tin Roof for Sunday Brunch. ( 1 Duvall Street)

    One more absolutely gay thing to do is Sunday brunch at the Hot Tin Roof. This is one of Key Voices Magazine’s must do’s. Author Greg informs us, “my FAVORITE meal there is Sunday brunch. The indoor/outdoor dining venue offers delightful ocean views and unlimited small plates a la carte (no buffet lines for me, thank you!)”.

    A word to the wise, arrive hungry and make your reservation a COUPLE OF MONTHS in advance. The set price is $49 and includes a full Bloody Mary bar and bottomless mimosas!

    Bien (1000 Eaton Street, FL 33040)

    Bien is the highest rated restaurant on Key West according to Trip Advisor. It serves a fusion of Latin and Caribbean food with good vegetarian options. Best still it’s well priced. Average prices are between £3 and £12 for a dish.

    Duetto Pizza and Gelato (540 Greene Street FL 33040)

    According to Trip Advisor, there’s only one place to get pizza in Key West, and that’s over at Duetto Pizza and Gelato on 540 Green Street. It’s a small place and is famed for its pizza, which you can eat in, takeout or even get delivered. At the time of publishing, It has amassed over 2300 reviews with 94 percent of them rated as Excellent or Very Good. It’s cheap too, at $20 for a margarita to share (6 big slices in total) you really can’t go wrong.

    Azur Restaurant (425 Grinnell Street, FL 33040)

    There’s a special deal at this gay-owned restaurant, get 50 percent off your food if you join them for dinner from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. Here you can experience Mediterranean specialities in the comfort of the shaded terrace or from the newly renovated dining room. Find out more: https://www.azurkeywest.com/

    Nine One Five Restaurant and Bar (915 Duvall Street FL 33040)

    If you’re looking for Tapas, there’s only one option 915. It is one of the sister restaurants to Bagatelle, mentioned above. The menu is stuffed with wonderful, well-priced options and you can eat on the typical Key West style veranda. Brendan Orr, the restaurant’s executive chef, has called Key West his home for 20 years and is famous locally for his New Island cuisine, described as “an artful combination of fresh local fare, Caribbean spices, Asian influences and French technique”. Yum!

    Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen And Bar (7001 Shrimp Road Drive, FL 33040)

    Although technically not on Key West, it’s one Key over; we couldn’t help but include Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar. The food is sensational and the service excellent. Try the Black Grouper one of the restaurant’s specialities and get some Cornbread Mash – it’s to die for. Follow with their sublime and traditional Key Lime Pie. Find out more: https://www.perrykeywest.com/eat-and-drink/matts-stock-island

    Better Than Sex (926 Simonton Street, FL 33040)

    What is better than sex? Dessert. Always. One reviewer on Google wrote,  “Is it really better than sex, though? It had me moaning, groaning, and saying phrases like, “Oh my God”. So, it has got to be close!” With infamous names like The Klimax, The Slip Inside and The Money Shot, we know where we’re retiring after our meal, and it isn’t the bedroom.

     

    Where to stay?

    The Equator Resort offers the perfect gay away and offers rooms from as little as $159 per night.

  • Donald Trump’s Walk Of Fame Star to be removed

    Donald Trump’s Walk Of Fame Star to be removed

    It was a unanimous decision.
    CREDIT: andykatz / bigstock

    President Trump‘s star on the Walk Of Fame could be removed permanently after it was destroyed by recent vandalism.

    Deciding on whether the star should be retained following its destruction, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously on a resolution which will urge it and the Los Angeles City Council, who decides on who makes the Walk of Fame. to remove it for good.

    The vote was taken on Monday night and the agenda item read, “The City Council will consider adopting a resolution urging the Los Angeles City Council and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to remove President Donald J. Trump’s star from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, due to his disturbing treatment of women and other actions that do not meet the shared values of the City of West Hollywood, the region, state, and country.”

    The vote was unanimous.

    After the meeting, a council rep emailed The Hollywood Reporter saying, “At this evening’s regular City Council meeting, the West Hollywood City Council voted unanimously to approve the Resolution.”

    However, this vote doesn’t necessarily mean that the LA City Council and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will act on its vote.

    The LA City Council and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce have never removed any Walk Of Fame stars for reasons of controversy or wrong-doing.

    Trump’s star has been vandalised numerous times and completely destroyed twice. The first vandalism happening in 2007. The latest was in July when a 24-year-old activist allegedly took to it with a pick-axe.

    Donald’s Trump’s Walk Of Fame star was awarded to him in 2007.

  • This man is bringing a class action against Grindr for allowing racial discrimination

    “A breeding ground that perpetuates racism against gay Asian Men”

    A man is planning to sue the gay dating app, Grindr, for racial discrimination and is looking for co-plaintiffs across the US’s fifty states so that he can bring a class action.

    In a statement released on social media, Sinakhone Keodara, the CEO and founder of the Asian Entertainment Television company says that Grindr allows “white gay men to write in their profiles ‘no Asians’, ‘not interested in Asians’: or ‘I don’t find Asians attractive’,” which he says, leads to people feeling “offended, humiliated, degraded and dehumanised” by the app.

    Keodara says that anyone who is considering joining him must be a paying customer.

    In 2018, Grindr became fully owned by the Chinese gaming firm, Kunlun Tech Co.

    The dating app OKCupid recently analysed sexual racism among 1m of its male site users. The company found that compared to black, Asian or minority ethnic users, white users got more messages. White users were also found to be less likely to reply or match with users of a different race to themselves, and more likely to question interracial marriage.

    Recent research from Australia also found that 15% of gay men on the dating app Grindr included sexual racism on their profiles. This was more likely to be the case if the profile user was white, and if the user held broader racist views.

  • Is The Birdcage a real club?

    Is The Birdcage a real club?

    Set in Florida’s famous and beautiful South Beach, The Birdcage made good use of the iconic beachfront, but is the club they feature in the film an actual real club you can go into?

    Is The Birdcage a real club?
    (C) JAKE HOOK / THEGAYUK

    Yes and no. The actual building used, well the frontage, is real. Right there on Ocean Drive, South Beach, but the business that occupies the building isn’t called The Birdcage. It’s called The Carlyle and it is somewhere you can get a bite to eat or drink. But unfortunately no drag show. No Agador. No Armand and Albert.

    The Carlyle is not a hotel but actually, a residential building with 19 individually owned and operated units within it which can be rented out for holiday stays. It has a restaurant on the ground floor. The building itself has starred in many movies including, Bad Boys 2 in 2003, Random Hearts in 1999, Pronto in 1997, The Birdcage in 1996 and Scarface in 1983.

    It originally opened in 1939 and is famous for its iconic Art Deco design.

    You can eat The Carlyle, check out the reviews on TripAdvisor.

     

     

     

  • This pro footballer has just come out as gay

    Slowly the closet doors that lead to the sportsfield are being swung open.

    Twenty-three-year-old Collin Martin has just come out as gay, wrapped in a pride flag. Amen to that. He becomes the second Stateside pro footballer to do so. Robbie Rogers was the first in 2013.

    He made the announcement via Twitter.

    He wrote, “I am announcing for the first time publicly that I am an openly gay player in Major League Soccer,

    “June is Pride month, and I am proud to be playing for Pride, and to be playing as an out gay man.”

    Collin plays for Minnesota United for two seasons. Before that, he played for DC United. He is a midfielder.

    Despite this great news, the UK has yet to see an openly gay player come out. There are concerns that football players are scared of the consequences of coming out as gay. There are also concerns about the level of scrutiny they may receive. British tabloids have run numerous stories of a Premiership footballer who is on the cusp of coming out as gay or bisexual.

    In 2015 a betting site even opened odds on who the first footballer to come out as gay would be.