Britain’s Got Talent star, La Voix has sent an emotional message to her fans to keep a look out for her tour van which was stolen in the early hours of the morning.
The drag star is currently touring the UK on her Red Ambition tour.
At approximately 1 AM this morning (September 20), the van, which contains equipment and costumes estimated to be valued at £30,000, was taken from the Dunstable area.
In an emotional video posted to social media, La Voix said: “I’m just appealing if anyone sees the van, if you’re offered any dresses any costumes please, please, please, please, inform the police, let me know. I’ve got to got to get this stuff back. This is everything. This is my livelihood. This is my business. It’s not just me it’s my crew, my band, about 10-15 people rely on this show for their income.
“We’ve gone through so much with the pandemic and not getting work and this tour is going to be amazing. I’ve put so much work and love into this show and I cannot do it without my tools. Vans are replaceable, everything’s replaceable but not the stuff I need to go out there and make people have a good night. It’s my job to make people laugh and they have taken away the tools Ineed to make that happen.
“The dresses mean nothing to you, they’re everything to me. Please, please, please, please. And if you see an interesting person walking around in a Diana Ross dress it’s probably mine.”
One of the UK’s busiest gay sex shops, in Manchester, CloneZone has suffered 5 terrifying attacks on its shops. The latest attack was in broad daylight while the shop was open.
The latest attack on the shop happened on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at around 2 pm.
Preliminary investigations into this incident indicate that two individuals, riding a motorbike, approached the store. Their initial attempt to shatter the windows, fortified with iron bars due to prior assaults on the establishment, proved unsuccessful. Subsequently, they resorted to hurling objects at both the entrance doors and the security apparatus affixed outside the premises.
This destructive act resulted in an estimated £3,500 worth of damage.
Detectives, following a review of the CCTV footage, have reason to believe that the motorbike employed in this attack is the same one used in a previous incident back in May 2023. They are now seeking assistance from the public in locating this particular bicycle.
Chief Inspector Steve Wiggins of GMP’s City Centre Neighbourhood Team, said:
“So far, we have arrested a person but we know that there is someone out there who knows where this bike is and who it belongs to and we are urging them to reach out to us.
“We appreciate that the images in the CCTV image are not of the best quality, but we are releasing them in the hope that someone was able to witness this attack and can come forwards with information.
“The attacks are very specific, with all five attacks showcasing the same style of offending to one specific shop, with offenders arriving on bikes and causing significant damage. We are keen to find out the motivations behind the attacks which will assist us with tracing those responsible and bringing them to justice.
“This is the fifth attack on this business in the last four months and this cannot continue. We are doing everything in our power to investigate the incidents whilst protecting the business.
“We have a dedicated specialist unit investigation in addition to patrols being conducted by neighbourhood officers, and we hope this goes someway to reassure the local community that we are committed to protecting the public.
“The neighbourhood officers who are out and about are approachable so please come and speak to us if you have any concerns or information that may help us.
“Community intelligence is crucial for us to focus these patrols in the right areas at the right times to catch individuals involved in crime so please report anything which appears suspicious and out of the ordinary to police.
“Crimestoppers is offering a £2,000 reward for information given to them directly that that leads to the arrest and conviction of any involved. This information can be passed anonymously through the Crimestoppers independent charity on 0800 555 111. “Information regarding the bike or if you can identify the men in the image information can also be passed by calling officers on 0161 856 3345 or via 101.”
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.
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.
Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey couldn’t hold back his tears as he was acquitted of all charges in his sexual assault trial in London. The jurors at Southwark Crown Court returned not guilty verdicts for nine sexual offence charges involving four men from incidents spanning between 2001 and 2013. The deliberations took more than 12 hours, and Mr. Spacey expressed gratitude to the jury for their thorough examination of the evidence.
Outside the court, the Oscar winner humbly spoke about his feelings after the verdict, acknowledging that there was a lot for him to process. He thanked the jury for their careful consideration of all the facts and evidence before reaching their decision. The actor also expressed his appreciation to the courthouse staff and security for their support during the trial.
During the emotional moment when the verdict was read, Mr. Spacey placed his hand on his chest and mouthed “thank you” twice to the jurors as they left the room. The trial involved seven counts of sexual assault, one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, all of which he was acquitted of.
During the trial, the jurors firmly rejected the prosecution’s claims against Mr. Spacey. The allegations included accusations that he had “aggressively” grabbed three men by the crotch and performed a sexual act on another man while he was asleep in his flat. However, the jury did not find sufficient evidence to support these claims.
The prosecutors had argued that Mr. Spacey’s actions left the four complainants feeling “small, diminished, and worthless.” But the jurors carefully considered the evidence presented and ultimately did not find the allegations convincing.
Throughout the trial, Mr. Spacey vehemently denied all charges, describing the accusations against him as “weak,” “madness,” and a “stab in the back.” His 64th birthday fell during the course of the proceedings. The actor maintained his innocence, and the jury’s verdict cleared him of all the sexual assault charges brought against him.
By law, all complainants are entitled to life-long anonymity.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) expressed its respect for the jury’s decision regarding the case. In a statement, a spokesperson emphasized that the role of the CPS is not to determine a person’s guilt in a criminal offence.
Instead, their responsibility is to conduct fair, independent, and objective assessments to determine whether charges should be brought forward.
The trial, which lasted nearly four weeks, featured the testimonies of multiple witnesses, including Mr. Spacey himself. Throughout the proceedings, the jury carefully considered the evidence presented before reaching their verdict. The outcome of the trial concluded with the actor being cleared of all charges, highlighting the importance of a thorough and impartial legal process.
Two men, who are believed to be a gay couple, were reportedly assaulted by four individuals in New York City’s Times Square, during which “anti-gay slurs” were used.
The New York Police Department has stated that the incident, which resulted in the hospitalization of the two victims, may be investigated as a hate crime pending further information. Fox News reported that the attack occurred on April 8th at approximately 10:30 pm while the couple was walking around Times Square.
The victims have asked to remain anonymous but shared that the group made derogatory comments towards them before assaulting them physically. The couple was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where one of the victims reportedly underwent surgery. No arrests have been made thus far, and the investigation remains ongoing.
New York is relatively safe for LGBTQ+ travellers. However, like many cities, New York City has experienced incidents of violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in the past. However, it’s difficult to say how frequently such incidents occur, as not all cases are reported to the police or media outlets. According to a report by the New York City Anti-Violence Project, in 2019, hate violence against LGBTQ+ people in New York City increased by 20% compared to the previous year.
The report also found that transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals were more likely to experience violence and harassment than cisgender individuals.
It’s worth noting that hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals are not unique to New York City and occur in many places around the world.
According to a report from December 2020, 68% of LGBTQ+ individuals in England and Wales reported experiencing hate crimes based on their sexual orientation or gender identity within the past year, with 27% reporting physical injuries resulting from the attacks.
Most of these incidents went unreported due to a lack of trust in the police’s ability to take the reports seriously. Marta Lima, who helped create an app for those affected by hate crime, emphasized that every individual in the LGBTQ+ community has a story, but many are unaware of their rights and do not believe reporting incidents will make a difference.
Anyone who has witnessed or experienced a hate crime is encouraged to report it to the police or visit the True Vision website. In case of an emergency, dial 999.
In the UK, a hate crime is defined as any criminal offence that is motivated by prejudice or hostility towards someone based on their perceived race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Hate crimes can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical assault, harassment, and damage to property.
Under UK law, hate crimes are treated as aggravating factors, which means that they can lead to more severe penalties for the offender. Additionally, victims of hate crimes are entitled to special protection and support under the law.
It’s important to note that hate speech, while harmful, is not necessarily a hate crime unless it crosses the line into criminal behaviour. However, in the UK, hate speech that incites violence or hatred towards a particular group is illegal under certain circumstances.
How do I know if I’ve been a victim of a hate crime?
If you believe that you have been targeted or attacked because of your perceived race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, then it’s possible that you have been the victim of a hate crime.
Here are some signs that you may have been a victim of a hate crime:
You were targeted because of your identity: If you were targeted because of your race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, then you may have been the victim of a hate crime.
You were subjected to verbal abuse: If you were called derogatory names, threatened, or subjected to slurs based on your identity, then you may have been the victim of a hate crime.
You were physically attacked: If you were physically assaulted or threatened with violence because of your identity, then you may have been the victim of a hate crime.
Your property was damaged or destroyed: If your property was damaged or destroyed because of your identity, then you may have been the victim of a hate crime.
How do I report a hate crime in the UK?
If you have been the victim of a hate crime or you have witnessed a hate crime, it’s important to report it as soon as possible. Here are the steps to report a hate crime in the UK:
Dial 999 in an emergency: If you or someone else is in immediate danger or harm, dial 999 and ask for the police.
Contact the non-emergency police: If you are not in immediate danger, but you have been the victim of a hate crime, you can contact your local police force on the non-emergency number 101. You can also report hate crimes online through the True Vision website.
Report to a third-party reporting centre: There are also many third-party reporting centres that specialize in handling hate crimes. These include organizations like Stop Hate UK, Tell MAMA and Galop. They can provide support and advice and can report the hate crime on your behalf.
When reporting a hate crime, try to provide as much detail as possible about the incident, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses or evidence that you have. It’s also important to provide a description of the offender if possible.
Is hate crime quite common in the UK?
Hate crimes do occur in the UK, and while the exact number of incidents can vary from year to year, they are unfortunately not uncommon. According to the UK Home Office, police recorded 105,090 hate crimes in England and Wales in 2020-2021, an increase of 4% from the previous year.
The majority of hate crimes reported to the police in the UK are related to race or ethnicity, followed by sexual orientation, religion, and disability. However, it’s important to note that hate crimes based on gender identity are often underreported and may not be fully reflected in official statistics.
It’s also important to recognize that hate crimes are not just isolated incidents, but they can have a significant impact on the individuals and communities affected. They can cause fear, anxiety, and stress, and can contribute to a wider culture of discrimination and prejudice.
To combat hate crimes, the UK government and law enforcement agencies have implemented various measures, including improving reporting systems, increasing awareness of hate crimes, and providing support to victims. However, it’s clear that more work needs to be done to address this issue and promote a culture of respect and inclusivity.
The UK is generally considered to be a relatively safe country for LGBTQ+ people, but unfortunately, hate crimes and discrimination still occur. According to a survey by Stonewall, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the UK, almost one in five LGBTQ+ people (18%) have experienced a hate crime or incident in the past year.
In terms of public safety, there are many cities and towns in the UK that are known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming. For example, London, Manchester, Brighton, and Glasgow are all known for their vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and safe nightlife scenes.
However, LGBTQ+ people in the UK may still face discrimination and harassment in certain situations, such as in the workplace, in healthcare settings, or when accessing public services. Transgender people, in particular, may face additional challenges and discrimination.
Overall, while there is still work to be done to ensure that LGBTQ+ people feel safe and accepted in all aspects of UK society, progress is being made towards a more inclusive and accepting culture.
The idilic island nation of Jamaica seems like it might be an awesome place for a restful holiday for LGBT+ people, but the reality is, if you’re gay, your illegal.
Same-sex sexual intercourse could lead to imprisonment, fines, beatings and worse.
The Country’s Tourism Minister called the Country a “melting pot” and that everyone has a place.
It’s hard to fathom that in this day and age that simply being who you are can be illegal in a country, particularly in one that considers itself welcoming to all according to its Minister of Tourism for Jamaica Hon. Edmund Bartlett said recently in an interview with Sky News.
“Jamaica is that melting pot, that has a place for everybody…” that is of course, unless you’re LGBT+.
Yes, the sex you have with someone of the same sex is legally governed by Jamaica and sex between two same-sex couples could land you with imprisonment, torture, vigilante executions, and vigilante beatings.
However it should be noted that Barlette has in the past welcomed LGBT+ travellers saying in an interview with ManAboutWorld, “We say that Jamaica is open to all travelers. We have a diversified offering that the extent to which we go to embrace various passion points is equal. We have no laws which prevent people of any orientation to come in and to enjoy the benefits of the destination. The ethics which guide tourism guide everybody, and so it is within that tourism ethic that we will operate with all the visitors that come to our country.”
According to Wikipedia, the punishment for LGBT+ activity is 10 years of imprisonment with hard labour. It has been noted that vigilante executions, torture, and vigilante beatings have also been tolerated according to the Human Right’s organisation Amnesty International.
Despite the backlash that LGBT+ people can face in Jamaica, there are a couple of pride events held each year. One is called PRIDEJA and the other is Montego Bay Pride.
Attacks on Jamaican LGBT+ People are rife
According to a new podcast series, Ring The Alarm, host Jasmyne Cannick, one of Los Angeles’ most recognisable Black political strategists and journalists looks into a spate of horrific and alarming attacks on LGBT+ people in Jamaica.
Speaking about the podcast, Cannick told The Advocate,
“I have always used my platform to elevate Black stories and issues I felt were being ignored and Ring the Alarm is no different,
“When I was asked to come to Jamaica to speak to the LGBTQ+ community and share their stories, I immediately said yes.
“I said yes because American’s have had so much to say about the plight of queer people in places like Iran and Afghanistan but for decades have ignored the murders of lesbian women, gay men, and trans men and women in Jamaica.
Today (Friday 11 December 2020) the Court of Appeal ruled that Reynhard Sinaga’s sentence of life imprisonment with a minimum of 30 years would be extended a further 10 years. This means that Sinaga, who was previously convicted of 159 counts of sexual offences against 48 different men, will serve a minimum of 40 years before being considered for release instead of his original sentence of 30 years. Today is a milestone and an extensive sentence – the longest sentence given in a rape case.
Is it thought that there could be many more victims of Sinaga’s assaults. Police have suggested that they believe there to be at least 206 victims, 60 of whom are currently unidentified.
Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said: “We welcome today’s ruling and are very pleased that Sinaga will be behind bars a further 10 years. From speaking to many of his victims, we know that many will be comforted by this outcome and feel that the extension reflects the heinous nature of the crimes committed.
“At the very heart of this case has always been the victims and supporting them through their horrific ordeal. The bravery that these men continue to show has been nothing short of incredible and we, alongside partners such as St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre and Survivors Manchester, will continue to offer as much support as possible to the victims and help them in every way we can.
“Since reporting restrictions were lifted in January 2020, a number of reports were made to our dedicated incident room from people who were concerned they may have been a victim of Sinaga. As a result of this, we have been able to identify a further 23 of Sinaga’s victims. Like many other victims, the majority of these men had been enjoying nights out in Manchester City Centre before being preyed on by Sinaga as they made their way home. We are continuing to offer these men our full support and help them in any way we can.
“As a result of further evidence coming to light, our investigators now believe that Sinaga committed sexual offences against 206 men. We are yet to identify around 60 of these men and would urge anyone who thinks they may have been a victim to please get in touch with us. If you don’t feel like you want to speak to police, specialist support services are widely available with organisations such as St Mary’s SARC and Survivors Manchester.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all of those who have contributed. First, a thanks to our investigation team whom I am incredibly proud of and have had to endure watching the most sickening of video evidence, which was created by Sinaga himself. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our partners, including representatives from the NHS, health and support services, whose top priority has always – and will continue to be – the victims.
“We hope the work of the investigation team sends out a clear message that Greater Manchester Police is committed to investing time and resources into bringing those who carry out sex offences to justice. We also hope it demonstrates our firm commitment to working alongside specialised partner agencies in order to provide victims with any support they need. We will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.”
If you have been affected by this case or believe that you may have been a victim of Reynhard Sinaga, then please contact police or specialist support agencies using the contact details below.
All reports made to police will be fully investigated and Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.
Information can be passed to police via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP19V24-PO2 or by calling 101. The MIPP will also provide contact details for support agencies to anyone who accesses it.
For anyone who wishes to seek support but does not want to talk to police, St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre can continue to be reached on 0161 276 6515 and Survivors Manchester can be contacted on 0161 236 2182.
In a year where the UK had no physical prides, due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, hate crime against LGBT+ has soared new statistics from the Home Office have shown. Homophobic crime was singled out as have the biggest growth in reported incidents.
Crime against people motivated by their sexuality or percieved sexual orientation, has increased by 19 per cent according to the Home Office, more than any other demographic recorded by the hate crime statistics. This means that there were nearly 16,000 reported incidents, up from 13,314 in the previous year. Homophobic crimes recorded have more than doubled since 2015, however some of this down to better recording of crimes by the police.
Hate crimes against transgender people rose by 16 per cent, to 2,500 reported incidents from 2,183 the previous year.
Overall police in England and Wales recorded a rise of eight per cent for all hate crimes, the majority of which still remains on the basis of race (76,070 offences). Hate crime on the basis of religion was the only hate crime to have fallen to 7,203 incidents.
Nearly a quarter (23%) of reported hate crime against gay people included stalking and harassment, whilst this rose to 32% for transgender people.
The rise in homophobic crime reflects statistics released from Scotland earlier in the year which showed that homophobic crime had also skyrocketed in the nation. In July we reported that, in the period between 2019 and 2020, there were 1486 total homophobic hate crime charges brought. In 2018 to 2019 there were 1194 – an increase of 292 charges for the current year, which is equal to a 24 per cent rise. Last year the rise was five per cent. Meaning that crimes against gay, lesbian and bi people has ballooned in Scotland.
What is a hate crime?
According to the Government website, “Hate crime is defined as ‘any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone based on a personal characteristic.’ There are five centrally monitored strands of hate crime: race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, transgender identity and disability.
Has the UK become toxic towards LGBT+ people?
Equal rights campaigner John Leech, who is no stranger to the LGBT+ community, warned that the country is in desperate need of change and laid the blame firmly at the Prime Minister’s door for creating a toxic political and social atmosphere.
John Leech, who led the decade-long campaign to pardon Alan Turing who was criminally convicted for homosexuality, said:
“These figures show a horrifying backwards trend and point to a systemic targeting of the LGBTQ+ community.
“It is embarrassing that in 2020 in this country, the gay community has increasingly become the intentional victims of hate crime.
“But is it really that surprising when Boris Johnson’s Government doesn’t just tolerate, but actively promotes a toxic political and social atmosphere?
“The extreme and divisive language from our own Prime Minister is destroying the soul of this country.
“Politics needs to change; education needs to change—this country needs to change. We must be an open-minded and inclusive society that doesn’t just tolerate the differences in people, but actively celebrates them.
“We must teach our children to grow up to embrace everyone around them regardless of their background, and that must start with politicians taking a lead.
“Liberal Democrats have a long and proud history of standing up for the LGBTQ+ community, and the fight for equality can never end. We will always fight for a far kinder, more understanding and welcoming United Kingdom.”
A man, who has been dubbed a “cannibal killer” is fit to stand trial for the murder of a man he met on the gay dating app, Grindr.
According to police reports, Mark Latunski, 51, used Grindr to find and lure his victim to his home on Christmas Eve. His victim was a man called Kevin Bacon, a 25-year-old hairdresser and psychology student. Latunski’s legal team and his ex-wife have testified to a long history of mental illness.
Using the popular hookup app, Latunski allegedly lured Bacon to his home where he apparently took him to a “secret room”, outfitted as a BDSM dungeon according to the Daily Star, before apparently committing the gruesome slaying of the 25-year-old.
Latunski apparently told police that he stabbed Bacon in the back of the neck, twice. He then “strung” Bacon up by his ankles before slitting his throat, according to Michigan Live.
According to a report by Michigan State Police Special 1st Lieutenant, David Kaiser, Latunski then removed his victim’s testicles, with a knife and ate them.
Committed numerous times
According to divorce papers filed by Emily, his former wife, Latunski has a long history of mental illness. Latunski’s defender, Douglas Corwin has stated that his client has been committed to hospitals numerous times over mental health concerns.
Shiawassee County District Judge Ward Clarkson has, however, ruled that the accused, is “mentally competent for trial”.
