THEGAYUK

Tag: Editor’s Letter

Read the latest Editor’s letter.

  • Happy New Year from THEGAYUK

    We just want to thank you all for being part of THEGAYUK this year – and look forward to growing further with you in 2014.

    It’s been an amazing journey – and we’re so excited to take TGUK in 2014!

    Lots of love

    Jake + Graham and the entire TGUK Team

  • EDITOR’S LETTER | December 2013

    This month tis all about the sticky situation of homosexuality and religion and where we as homos, bi’s, trans and everything in between fit into gods’ plans – or don’t – as is often highlighted.

    Nothing gets the knickers twisted quicker than a mention of bum sex when it comes to religious men of the cloth– as Stephen Fry found out during his documentary Out There, when talk of anal completely engrossed Pastor Solomon Male in Uganda.

    Having been raised a Roman Catholic (and no I wasn’t abused sexually) and my formative years spent being educated in a RC Primary, I quickly came to realise that I, my actual person, was thoroughly frowned upon. Bible passages quickly assured me that I was to end up in hell, burning with the likes of unrepentant mass murderers and rapists, because of my love of Neighbours’ star Toby Schmitz.

    How was my 7-year-old self to know that those things are completely comparable in the eyes of God?

    Are they? If God does exist, why would s/he care who I love? I mean seriously, there’s so much more to be interested in…

    It strikes me as a bit strange at how what we get up to in bed, or don’t, as is most often the case, totally consumes the minds of those who use the ‘good’ book to justify their hate for homosexuals. I’m looking at you Pat Robertson et al. And I’m not buying that BS ‘Love the Sinner, Hate The Sin’ crap. Either love me and everything I do / or don’t and nob off.

    At the age of 14, I made the conscious decision, not to be Confirmed by a church that puts my life state lower that those who wish to procreate and live in perpetual sin and if that’s your bag, I’m happy for you, even if you can’t be!

    So this month, as it’s Christmas coming up and all, we thought we’d be a bit controversial and take a look at Religion Vs. Sexuality and ask the questions that matter to the gay community like: Does someone’s belief take priority over someone’s inherent being?

    If you’ve got something to say on the matter, why not write us an article or get involved with the comments section.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • EDITOR’S LETTER | Look who’s one!

    I can barely believe it’s been a year since Graham and I officially started THEGAYUK. What started, as a reviewing site for music and film has turned into something we’re both so incredibly proud of and something we’re completely addicted to.

    I don’t think there’s been a day when something hasn’t been posted for our wonderful readers, even if we’re driving up and down the country, dipping into Internet cafes and buying a dongle – when Wi-Fi wasn’t available.

    We’ve managed to speak to some incredible people and celebrities over the year:

    Julian Clary, Gareth Thomas, Rylan Clark, Ben Cohen, Peter Tatchell, Doctor Christian Jessen, Scott Mills, Margaret Cho, Elvira, Steps, Heather Small and Pam Ann are just some of the wonderful people we’ve managed to interview in the last 12 months. Our readership has grown from 2,000 in the first few months to over 130,000 every month.

    We’ve seen some phenomenal stories develop from MPs voting on gay marriage to Russia’s frightening anti-gay agenda to the hideous way in which the traditional press treated the late Lucy Meadows.

    We have over 50 contributors who bring you the best in opinion, reviews, interviews and news. We’re so proud of everyone who has made TheGayUK possible – and we’re still open for anyone to write or contribute to us.

    In the year we’ve been official, TheGayUK created a free legal clinic and online sexual health clinic (with our special partners 56 Dean Street) and released our first App, which will help you find any gay business in the UK as well as free access to all our articles. We’re still thinking of ways we can help, like the introduction of our No Excuse Project – which will see us deliver free condoms to your door – anywhere in the UK.

    Recently Graham and I have been to a number of Prides up and down the country and have been meeting with some wonderful people. It’s been amazing to speak with the UK’s gay community from Scotland to Brighton. We’re proud and what’s more when we speak to our readers, they’re proud too.

    For as long as we have each other we’ll continue to be THEGAYUK.

    Ok gush over, let get back to being gay.

    Jake and Graham

    Co-founders

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • EDITOR’S LETTER | June, Pride

    Hello all and thank you so much for your continued support for THEGAYUK. Last month we had a record month with as our reach topped over 150,000 unique readers.

    This month we’re dedicating our pages to Pride. Yes love it or loathe it, Pride season is upon us and this year THEGAYUK is happily media sponsoring a number of Prides around the UK – and we look forward to meeting as many of you as possible – if you see us in our sexy T-Shirts come and say hey!

    Pride, I believe, is an incredibly important event for the gay community, from it’s humble beginnings on the July 1st 1972 in London, with just 700 people marching the streets to the mass lavish parties we’ve come to know and love in many of our cities across the UK – But what’s truly wonderful to witness is the growing number of new Prides and smaller Prides that are really starting to blossom.

    My first Pride experience was a little inauspicious shall we say – years before I was out, I happened upon Pride London quite by mistake – as I sat on the Tube from my home town in the far reaches of North London the Tube carriage began to fill with a number of colourful characters – odd I thought, but wasn’t too alarmed. It was only when masses of men boarded the train, dressed in all kinds of costumes, holding hands and yes, even kissing, I began to think I was no longer Kansa, or indeed Southgate… Dorothy.

    Being young and still at that ‘I’m not gay’ stage, I was genuinely shocked and intrigued, my twinset and pearls were being clutched, but I did want to know more, perhaps that man crush I had on a certain Neighbours character was something after all.

    Years on I relish Pride season – putting the clubbing and parties aside, Pride is an important tool for the LGBT community. It breaks boundaries, it allows our voices to be heard and for us to continue our journey to full societal equality.

    We must never forget who we are and how far we, as a community have come, in a relatively short time.

    To quote the theme from Oxford Pride this year, we’re ‘Not There Yet’ but we are getting closer everyday.

    We’re also launching our brand new Sexual Health campaign along with the Freedoms Shop, we’ve dubbed it the No Excuse Project.

    We’re aiming to deliver free condoms to anyone who doesn’t have access to condoms, to those who are too shy or embarrassed or aren’t able for whatever reason to get hold of condoms.

    With the rise of sexual infections and record new HIV infections amongst men who have sex with men, we’re passionate in making sure there is No Excuse not to have a condom in your house or pocket.

    If you’d like to know more or even help us fund the project visit www.noexcuse.thegayuk.com – Every £1 donated could potentially save 8 people from contracting a sexually transmitted disease in the UK.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • COMMENT | Thatcher’s Legacy: The 28ers: The Silent Generation

    As a child of the eighties, I thought Maggie cut a rather marvellous figure, sailing through the decade with her shoulder power-pads, furs and that bulletproof hair – lacquered to within an inch of its existence.

    I was far too young to understand the political ramifications of her tenure: the hardship that fell upon millions in towns where industry was decimated, the rights to buy, or the silencing of a generation’s gays – instead as I played, building my own Lego empire in front of the Beeb’s 6 o’clock news I saw this rather robust and resilient red-lipped woman disembark the steps of yet another 747, shake the hands of craggy leaders around the world and uttering the iconic words ‘Vanity, vanity vanity. ‘ I thought, looking up from my empire construction, ‘this is a woman I should take note of.’

    When Section 28 was introduced I was a pre-teen. What could it possible mean to an eight year old boy, who preferred theatre and designing clothes for Barbie?

    In fact if asked what Section 28 was, I’m sure I would have pointed at the largely ignored volumes of red ultra-bound Britannica Children’s Encyclopaedias my mother had purchased, ‘at great expense’ she constantly reminds us, for the education of her offspring.

    However Section 28 lived on much longer than Thatcher’s premiership. In fact it wouldn’t be repealed until I was 21 – out of school and out of the closet.

    I was unaware that in the mid nineties sitting in a classroom at my north London comprehensive for a PSR lesson (yes that’s Personal Social Responsibility) I would be made to feel dirty, embarrassed and illegal.

    It was 1995. Six years away from the repeal of Section 28. Section 28 of the Local Government Act, prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in schools. It was enacted in 1988.

    Somewhere in among ‘Energy Saving’ and ‘Litter Picking’, Homosexuality was brought up by the teacher, who promptly said: “We can’t talk about this – but one in ten people are gay, that means at least two people in this class room will be gay’ and with that sword-swipe of a statement turned his back on the room as hands started to raise and a united ‘eurgggh’ sound resounded. All eyes it felt, fell on me.

    Turning a shade of Maggie’s Lips, I felt strangled. The teacher refused to say anymore in fear of having a legal case brought against him.

    Where was the explanation of homosexuality?

    Where were the ‘It’s Ok To Be Gay’ badges?

    The Tote Bags of Equality?

    The “So You Think You’re Gay” pamphlets?

    In that moment I became the love that dare not speak it’s name, too risky and illicit to talk about. Now that I write that down, it feels sexy and very Jilly Cooper, but at the time my head was exploding with questions, with the need to be reassured, to be rescued from the looming, baying mob, who were suspiciously eyeing up their classmates to see which one was the homo. I had my mark. My path was set.

    So what are the long-term effects of Maggie’s rule to my illicit generation?

    It’s hard to say.

    Had the children of the 80s and 90s been able to talk more freely of their sexuality would we be more politically focussed rather than a numbed number? Aren’t we a little guilty for using Pride as an excuse to drink and meet with friends to commiserate times past? Rather than the political statement it was intended? Aren’t we guilty of being a little bit apathetic when it comes to rallies and demonstrations?

    Do we feel stymied by our formative years? We are proud, but not with a capital P.

    I recently attended an Anti-Gay Marriage rally in Trafalgar Square. The ‘Pro’s’ far outweighed by the ‘Anti’s’ – but as I glanced around my fellow queers and allies, I wondered where were my generation?

    It felt all these people were 5 to 10 years older or younger than me. They were far more politically charged.

    Why is it that the 80’s babies aren’t fighting as hard as those born in the 70s or 60s? Maybe it’s because our predecessors had their milk taken away by mother Maggie. Is their political protesting born out of some sort of fight for survival?

    Maybe they are the generation that could actually understand the implications of Section 28 and remember the times where homosexuality was still illegal.

    I sit and talk to my peers about the passing of the Iron Lady and we shrug. Muted. Nonplussed by it all, but feel nostalgic as we watch our childhood play out in the nightly news – reruns of Maggie – once again, dressed in cobalt blue power suits, surrounded by aids and bodyguards blazing through international conferences or sat atop a tank blasting cannons into a field.

    Meanwhile students, who weren’t even twinkles in their parents’ eyes at the time of her resignation rejoice at her passing, while the generation above sneer and remember songs by Billy Bragg and Morrisey.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, it’s management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

     

  • Letter From The Editor, What Are Your Vices?

    Well howdy there folks, I can’t believe it’s April already and it’s still bleeding freezing, so to heat things up this month we’re talking about vices.

    Yes those daily crutches that we love, hate and loathe, but can’t live without. From porn to chocolate we’re delving into dependency darkness to discover the gay nation’s vices. We’ll be asking whether as a community do gay people have more addictions and vices than their heterosexual counterparts? Whether its good to have some bad habits and whether we can truly give up our foibles?

    Personally, I don’t have any vices. Except lying. About my vices. However, I have become a bit of slave to white wine of late. After a virtuous start to 2013 thanks to Dry January, I’ve failed to keep my units down below the acceptable level. So for April, I’m going to go dry again, which might turn out to be quite difficult. I’ve got two major birthdays, my Pa is turning 65 and my partner’s brother is turning 40. Will I succeed in my sobriety? I’ll let you know.

    Anyway this month we also have our first ever bespoke swimwear photoshoot and it looks hot. Can’t wait to share those pictures with you. We also have interviews with some stars from screen and stage. So you’ll have to keep logged on to find out what’s happening at TheGayUK.

    Until next time.

    Jake

    P.s. 1000s of you have already downloaded our brand new App. It’s free and available on iPhones and Android phones. Here are the links.

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • EDITOR’S LETTER: Mental Health Month

    Welcome welcome to THEGAYUK, if this is your first time to our online magazine. I want to thank you for stopping by and taking the time to check us out – so to speak.

    Our wonderful team of writers decided that November’s theme was going to be Mental Health. So we’ve lined up some interesting, informative interviews and features which we will published through out the month of November.

    The sad fact is that mental health issues disproportionately affect the LGBT community. Studies show that lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people are more likely to suffer higher levels of anxiety, depression and suicide. The reasons for these feelings range from a number of external factors including hostility, bullying, violence and prejudice, which is still rife today – even in one of the world’s most progressive countries like the UK. We need only look at Nick Griffin’s outburst last month in response to Michael Black’s and John Morgan’s discrimination case and win brought against Susanne Wilkinson, a B&B owner who refused them a bed on the grounds of her beliefs. Even though Nick may be a minority in his thoughts, his words will carry weight for some, and his call to intimidate the gay couple in their own home, will reverberate worryingly amongst many in our community.

    One in four people will suffer some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year and British men are three times as likely to commit suicide than British women, most commonly men under the age of 35.

    As the days get colder and shorter and as Christmas time approaches many lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people may find themselves in challenging situations, feeling mounting pressures and worried about their place in the world, but there is help available and we’re going to uncover options you may not have realise existed.

    Also this month we’re very excited to welcome mega group Steps to our front cover. They’ve a new single, album, tour and fragrance out. When you couple this with interviews from Jo Caulfield, Pam Ann, Adi Nes and Stonewall Awards Nominee Tim Franks, you’ll find TheGayUK is bursting with goodness this November.

    As always, TheGayUK is a community-led platform and we want you to get involved. If you’re affected by the theme and want to write an article, or contribute in whatever way you can. We encourage you to get in touch. We want to hear your stories.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.

  • EDITOR’S LETTER: Coming Out

    Coming Out is a different story for every single person. Some have joy, some have sorrow but most have relief.

    I remember before I came out (I was in a relationship with a guy for 2 years at that point) I was petrified about outing myself. I thought lightening would crack me down, the ground would swallow me up. I worried that I’d haemorrhage friends like cash out of an Icelandic bank and that somehow every plan I had ever made for my future would suddenly become null and void. I was, however, aching to be free of this self-incarceration. I wanted to talk gay things, I wanted to talk about my relationship, I wanted to be myself – which when you’re bound by your own inhibitions is a crippling impossibility. I felt I had no voice.

    Plucking up courage and with 2 bottles of wine inside me (okay it was cheaper than wine – I was at university – so it’s excusable). I decided to come out to a friend,

    “Yes dear, we know, the whole university knows…” was the numbed response in-between smoking his Marlboro lights. I couldn’t believe it.

    “Really?” I said,

    “Yes, now pass more Lambrini!”

     

    So that was it. No lightening, no earth shattering and miraculously I hadn’t become a social pariah overnight. The next day, I felt open, more relaxed, I was easier.

    I am lucky because of my set of circumstances: the university course I was on, the city I live in, the country I was born. It’s easier than ever to be gay in the UK and I never take that for granted. We don’t live in a country were our very existence is abhorrent to the society at large. You won’t be stoned, put too death or spend a life-time in prison for being gay – and for that we should be proud.

    You may feel that people won’t understand, that your family will disown you and that the world will disappear down the toilet if you decide to come out, but more likely you’ll get a shrug of the shoulders and a:

     

    “If you’re happy, we’re happy…”

     

    You don’t need to come out in a huge explosion of confetti, glitter and gold lamé, you don’t need Liza Minnelli to attend the after party, you don’t even need to tell everybody, but coming out, I believe, is one of the most important civilisation changers we can do. It’s only because of our gay forefathers’ campaigning that we enjoy the civil freedoms we have today and they achieved that by coming out and having a public voice. You see coming out gives us a voice. It gives You a voice.

     

    Drunkenly or otherwise, I gave myself a voice 12 years ago when I came out in that dorm room. A voice that I have never regretted.

     

    This month is dedicated to Coming Out and new beginnings. We’re asking for your stories and your contributions. Visit www.thehub.thegayuk.com if you want to share your story.

     

    Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.