THEGAYUK

Tag: Cardiff News

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

  • 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 To date, only 23 nations have prohibited this outdated treatment.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.
  • This Welsh LGBT+ pub has the can-do spirit when it comes to “circuit breaker” lockdown

    This Welsh LGBT+ pub has the can-do spirit when it comes to “circuit breaker” lockdown

    An LGBT+ bar in Wales has said that a two-week lockdown enforced by the Welsh government “isn’t that bad” and has said that it made it through the first one and it will make through the next.

    From the 23rd of October Wales will place all its citizens in a strict lockdown for 17 days in order to reduce the rising cases of coronavirus in the nation.

    The bar’s owners added that they would do their best to keep all its clientele updated and revealed that they have planned a whole two weeks of Facebook Live shows, including a Halloween Special on the 31st October.

    With reported cases of COVID-19 rising across the country, the devolved governments of the UK are permitted to enact whatever policy they see fit to bring the number of Covid-19 cases down.

    Back in March, the whole of the UK was placed in lockdown, about the only time that the UK, Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh government have had a coherent approach to dealing with the pandemic.

    The economic fallout of lockdown has seen thousands of businesses close across the UK, with hundreds of thousands of job losses. There have also been some casualties when it comes to the LGBT+ scene. At least one bar in Wales has closed permanently due to the ongoing crisis, while another said that it would be closing indefinitely.

    Is there support for a National Lockdown?

    We surveyed readers of THEGAYUK on whether they’d support a second “circuit breaker” lockdown. 58 per cent of readers said that they would support another lockdown, 30 per cent said they didn’t why the remaining 12 per cent said they were unsure.

  • New 10 PM closure curfew restrictions force this LGBT+ bar to close

    New 10 PM closure curfew restrictions force this LGBT+ bar to close

    With a “heavy heart” Mary’s in Cardiff have announced that they are unable to keep the doors open after the latest restrictions for hospitality venues were announced earlier this week.

    Many bars and restaurants have reopened in the last month, many spending hundreds if not thousands of pounds becoming compliant to Government guidelines on being “COVID-secure”.

    A 10 PM curfew, along with other restrictions on the number of patrons bars can serve has left many venues struggling to make money.

    In a statement on social media the Cardiff bar, which is a popular venue with drag acts and cabaret performers said that due to the 10 PM closure times announced, that the bar would have to remain closed during the enforced period.

    “Not financially viable”

    They said, “It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform all our customers that due to the 10 pm closure notification that was imposed on us, that Mary’s will be closed during this period of time as it’s not financially viable for us to try and trade, maintain turnover and monitor costs with a 10 pm closure.”

    The bar had reopened once the rest of the hospitality industry was permitted to do so, and the management said that the team had worked hard to make the venue COVID-secure and work within the restrictions, “with panache”.

    They added, “It has been hard to operate Mary’s without the rest of our team, our DJ’s, Entertainment but we have done so and we have conformed fantastically to the new ways of operating

    “I like to think that even without our entertainment we still ensured you all enjoyed your visit to Mary’s”

    Fans are supporting the bar

    Fans of the bar were quick to let bar management that the community was behind the venue and fully supportive.

    One user added, “Sad to hear but once you’re reopened, we will be back. The whole community is behind you!” Another said, “I’m really saddened to read this and hope that you’ll be back soon. So many members of our community are behind you with their full support.”

  • Legendary drag bar in Cardiff set to close

    Legendary drag bar in Cardiff set to close

    A bar, popular with the LGBT community in Cardiff for 25 years is set to close in May 2020.

    Minksy’s showbar in Cardiff is set to close after 25 years after the new owner of the building decided not to renew the lease, according to the bar’s management.

    Speaking about the decision to close the doors, the bar’s owners, Owen Sendell and Nathan Barker said,

    “It is such a shame that we are having to close our doors at our current premises, we are going to miss providing top quality entertainment to Cardiff and our visitors from further afield”

    However, all is not lost as the pair are looking for another venue in Cardiff to continue the legacy, they added,

    “We’re currently looking for another venue so that we can continue to provide Cardiff with amazing shows.

    “We’re currently looking for another venue so that we can continue to provide Cardiff with amazing shows. Entertainment Manager Gavin Wilson said “We’ve lined up a top evening of entertainment for our big send off.”

    The last shout

    The last night Minsky’s will be open to our customers will be Saturday 9th May 2020. We’ll have entertainment from Opal Fruits, Jolene Dover, Dr Bev, and Mary Golds and a whole host of other entertainment starting from 7:30pm.

    Tickets are £5 for standing, £10 for silver and £25 for gold. For more information visit www.minskys-showbar.co.uk

  • RuPaul drag queens are coming to Cardiff and this is how you can see them

    RuPaul drag queens are coming to Cardiff and this is how you can see them

    Asia O’Hara, Detox, Eureka O’hara, Kameron Michaels, Kim Chi, Monét X Change, Naomi Smalls, Sharon Needles  Violet Chachki and Michelle Visage are all coming to Cardiff in 2019 here’s where you can get tickets.

    RuPaul’s Drag Race ‘Werq The World Tour’ is coming to Cardiff in 2019 with its biggest UK show ever. The tour which showcases some of the best stars from the hit TV series will play Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre on the 19th May 2019.

    Produced by Voss Events, Drag Race producers World of Wonder and VH1, the all-new production follows a team of intergalactic queens including Aquaria, Asia O’Hara, Detox, Eureka O’Hara, Kameron Michaels, Kim Chi, Monét X Change, Naomi Smalls, Sharon Needles and Violet Chachki on their mission to the sun to save our solar system from a dark entity intent on harnessing its power.

    Mission leader Michelle Visage guides the audience through the universe for a dynamic display of the wonders held by each planet and its regal sovereign.

    Tickets go on sale December 19 (pre-sale begins December 17), just in time for the holidays.

    “This is the biggest, most elaborate production we have ever created,” says an exuberant Brandon Voss, the show’s producer.

    “The music, sets, fashion, choreography and lighting are all a cosmic feast for the senses. Audiences will be in awe as their favourite queens come together on some incredible numbers.”

    “Werq the World is the official Drag Race tour for a reason,” continues Visage. “The show has always been a theatrical production of the highest calibre but in 2019, we’re stepping it up into the stratosphere. This show is going to leave fans gagging and I’m not afraid to say that my performance, in particular, will give you life.”

    Voss Events is a leading production company that consistently delivers superior entertainment programming. Past events have featured stars such as Lady Gaga and Cher.

    The queens will be coming to Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, London, Bristol, Glasgow and Sunderland.

    The WERQ THE WORLD TOUR will travel major cities in Europe, Asia, Australia, North and Latin America in 2019. To book tickets for all the dates click here

  • Six prides are bidding to host UK Pride 2018

    As the LGBT+ Pride season draws to a close in the UK, six Pride organisations have thrown their hat into the ring to host UK Pride in 2018.

    The first UK Pride took place at Pride in Hull in July. The event saw a huge increase in attendee numbers, and visitors from across the UK. Licensed by the UK Pride Organisers Network (UKPON), UK Pride is the national equivalent of EuroPride and WorldPride.

    Exeter Pride, Folkestone Pride, Isle of Wight Pride, Liverpool Pride, Preston Pride, and Pride Cymru have all announced that they will bid for UK Pride 2018 at UKPON’s annual conference in Blackpool later this month.

    Co-Chair of UKPON, Andy Train, who is also Vice-Chair of Pride in Hull, said:

    “At Pride in Hull we were delighted to have the honour of hosting the first UK Pride earlier this year, and it’s a tribute to the impact it had on our Pride to see six Prides bidding for next year’s event. The Pride movement is growing across the UK and we had more than 20 brand new Prides this year. UK Pride helps to create a focal point for one Pride each year, to help increase visibility and awareness.”

    “UK Pride status is a unique opportunity and uplift for any Pride. I wish all six Prides all the very best of luck, and I can’t wait to see their bids,” said Mr Train, who is also the Regional Director for the UK for InterPride, the international Pride organisers association.

    All organisers of Pride events in the UK are entitled to be members of UKPON, and each Pride organisation has one vote at the Conference.

    Adam Rank, Chair of Exeter Pride said:

    “Exeter Pride hopes that winning UK Pride will help us to increase LGBTQ+ visibility not just on one day but all year. 2018 is our tenth anniversary year and the perfect time to consider how far we have come both as a movement and a city. We work closely with cultural partners and local businesses, and hope that becoming UK Pride will help us not only to celebrate diversity but also to honour the city that we are so proud of!”

    Chani Sanger, Organiser of Folkestone Pride said:

    “After being warned to not expect attendance of more than 100 people, over 800 came to support Folkestone’s first Pride.  Folkestone has one of the highest pro-rata LGBT+ populations in South East England, yet no real LGBT+ community.  Folkestone Pride has started to change that. UK Pride status would give us the platform to evoke real change in our diverse, creative and historic community. We are the only town applying but we have just as much to offer as a city!”

    Shayne Jackson, Youth Pride Committee Chair at Isle of Wight Pride said:

    “A year in which the MP called gay people ‘dangerous to society’, prominent homophobic columns appeared in the local press and a Councillor suggested banning homosexuals from public toilets, 2017 saw the inaugural Isle of Wight Pride, uniquely taking place on a beach with thousands turning out in support. UK Pride status will enable the Island to build on this success and create a major celebration of diversity and inclusivity, showing the rest of the UK what an amazing place it is.”

    Lucy Day, Chair of Liverpool Pride said:

    “2018 is a big year: ten years since Liverpool was European Capital of Culture and also ten years since local lad, Michael Causer was murdered in a homophobic attack, resulting in what is now Liverpool Pride. Whilst we have much to celebrate as a vibrant and diverse city, we still have to fight to tackle hate crime, ensuring attacks like the one on Michael, and so many others, never happen again in Liverpool, across the UK or around the world.”

    Lu Thomas, Chair of Pride Cymru said:

    “Pride Cymru is bidding to host UK Pride because we believe that we are best placed to highlight how the regions outside of London, Manchester, Brighton and Birmingham are able to unite the LGBT+ communities, whilst forging and strengthening the bonds that tie society together.  We firmly believe that we are stronger when reach out to those that are least represented and believe the great work done by regional Prides are overlooked and would benefit from wider UK recognition.”

    Each Pride will have just fifteen minutes to present their bid, and all are being invited to publish their bids online so that people can view them in advance.

    The winning Pride will be announced at approx 1500 on Sunday 22nd October, and will be livestreamed on Facebook.

    Last weekend, Thessaloniki Pride beat bids from Bergen Pride, The Belgian Pride and Hamburg Pride to host EuroPride 2020.

  • University bans the word Homosexual

    University bans the word Homosexual

    Cardiff Metropolitan university has issued its staff and students with guidance banning the word “homosexual”.

    Gay Couple © wtamas Depositphotos

    The Cardiff Metropolitan University has told its 1,200 staff and over 11,000 students that the word homosexual should no longer be used and that lesbian and gay relationships should be referred to as “same-sex” or “other-sex” relationships.

    It has said that it wishes to “raise awareness amongst staff and students of the importance of using appropriate language”.

    In the code of practice, it says that homosexual seems, “laden with with the values of a previous time” and calls on faculty and students to dump other terms like “husband” and “wife”, and use “partner” instead.

    ALSO READ:

    The university, which turns over £98,000,000 a year said that, “Complaints about the excesses of so-called ‘political correctness’ and their impact on organisational cultures are not new,”

    “For Cardiff Met, though, academic freedom and the celebration of diversity are cornerstones of University life – and are entirely compatible with each other.

    “The University has a joined-up approach to providing a positive working environment, free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

    “As part of this approach, the University has a Code of Practice on Using Inclusive Language, which sets out to promote fairness and equality by raising awareness about the effects of potentially discriminatory vocabulary.

    “It makes suggestions for the avoidance of inappropriate generalisations and provides some illustrative examples of gender-laden vocabulary with some neutral alternatives.”

    Editor of THEGAYUK Jake Hook said,

    “Although I commend Cardiff Metropolitan University for being thoughtful on the power of words and their meanings, I do wonder what consultation process this code was subjected to. There have been many times where the word homosexual has been used as an empowering term and has a rich history of a statement of intent or empowerment.

    “I would rather a conversation about language rather than an outright ban or policing of words, especially when some may wish to use those words for themselves”.

  • Years and Years to support Pride Cymru with park gig in Cardiff

    Years and Years to support Pride Cymru with park gig in Cardiff

    One of the hottest number one selling bands in the UK, Years and Years, will be bringing their unique electro-pop sounds to South Wales on Friday 12th August 2016.

    CREDIT: PR Supplied
    CREDIT: PR Supplied

    The ‘Desire’ hitmakers will be performing in the picturesque setting of Cardiff’s Cooper’s Field and the concert is brought to you by the organisers behind Pride Cymru, marking the organisations inaugural, ‘Party in the Parc’ event.

    The British electronica trio will entertain with a full set performing the classics from their brilliant no.1 debut album Communion. The album marked a moment in UK pop music history and rocketed to the top of the first Friday release chart, propelling the London based 3 piece into the stratosphere of UK stardom. It’s now Platinum in the UK, and has sold over 1.4 million copies worldwide.
    Hits have included their first #1 single ‘King’, alongside recent track ‘Desire’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Eyes Shut’ – all in all selling over 10 million singles worldwide to date.
    To complete the evening of music and celebration a strong support line-up is set to comprise of electronic duo, Maribou State, singer-songwriter Izzy Bizu, cool five-piece band Nimmo and Jax Jones DJ.

    Co-founder of Party in the Parc, Lu Thomas said,

    “We’re thrilled to have secured such amazing acts which will give concert goers an evening to remember. If Years & Years recent performances such as their Glastonbury set are anything to go by then we are in for one hell of a show!”

    The Years & Years gig titled, Party in the Parc has been organised to support Pride Cymru, all profits from the event will be invested into Pride Cymru to ensure the organisation remains sustainable.

    Olly Alexander lead singer of Years & Years said,

    “We’re so excited to play Wales’ pride party this August. Pride is something that we all care deeply about and having grown up in Wales I’m so happy we get the chance to celebrate with people there. Pride continues to be a vitally important day for the LGBT+ community and our allies, especially in the light of recent events. Celebrating our diversity, supporting each other and promoting visibility is something I really care about. Pride Cymru is a great organisation that provides crucial support for the LGBT+ community and we’re so thrilled we get to play at their party. See you in August Wales!”

    Tickets to Party in the Parc in association with Pride Cymru are on sale via www.partyintheparc.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk and prices range from £29.95 – £55.00. The ticket price includes a full set from the ‘King’ hitmakers, plus support from Maribou State, Izzy Bizu and DJ Jax Jones.

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  • PRIDE: Four Days Until Pride Cymru…

    This weekend, 15th August, sees Cardiff hold their 2015 Pride Cymru – Wales’ largest annual celebration of equality and diversity. Run entirely by the charity of volunteers, its purpose is to promote the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender, race, religion and others who have been faced with adversity from society.

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  • Club Owner Outs “Third” Of Staff To Prove Business Is Not Bigoted

    A gay couple in Cardiff have claimed that they were thrown out of the DC nightclub after security staff saw them kissing. In response, the club’s owner Richard Jackson outs a third of his staff in the national press in an attempt to show that bigots do not run the venue.

    Oliver Brown, 21, and Hugh Squire have reported that they were subjected to homophobic remarks by bouncers and accuse the nightclub management of throwing them out after they were spotted kissing at the establishment during an office party in December.

    According to the Daily Mail, the club faces closure following the claims by the couple.

    Oliver Brown, a student at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said:

    “I believe we have been targeted because we are gay.

    “If the bouncer had said he was kicking us out because we were fighting I wouldn’t have a problem with that.

    “But he saw us kissing so it was clear that was his problem, it wasn’t anything we had done.”

    In response to the claims and according to the DM the owner Richard Jackson said about a third of his staff are lesbian and gay and refuted the allegations. He said the club’s gay manager warned the couple about their rowdy behaviour.

    He said:

    “I can assure you all they were asked to leave due to rowdy behaviour. They were asked to leave because they were either spraying drinks into the staff.

    “When security came over and asked them to leave that’s when they started hugging and kissing and saying, ‘Oh, you’re only throwing us out because we’re gay’,

    “My gay staff and friends are furious about this”

    “We operate a zero-tolerance attitude towards any kind of discrimination.

    “It wasn’t too long ago that Tom Daley and his partner came in with many of my gay friends – to say we are homophobic is a lie.”

    Jake Hook editor of THEGAYUK remarked:

    “Outing staff to prove whether a company operates a zero tolerance on discrimination not an appropriate way of showing acceptance for LGBT customers. Employee’s personal and private lives should never be traded as means to elicit good will. Staff sexuality should have no bearing on whether motives of removal were homophobic or bigoted and does not prove any policy.”