THEGAYUK

Tag: Explainer

All the latest Explainers.

  • Which characters are gay in Star Trek: Discovery?

    Netflix’s new sci-fi offering is Star Trek Discovery and it’s pretty groundbreaking with its representation of minorities in media  – and includes the introduction of a gay couple.

    Which characters are gay in Star Trek: Discovery?

    The introduction of gay characters in the mainstream Star Trek universe is a relatively new idea – there was the introduction of Hikaru Sulu’s partner and daughter in the film Star Trek: Beyond, although it was a glancing scene – which didn’t expand on their story.

    Star Trek: Discovery has changed this by putting two guys, in prominent roles, into a relationship with each other. The characters are  Lt. Paul Stamets and Chief Medical Officer Hugh Culber.

    In Episode 5 the couple is introduced as they brush their teeth in their quarters and discuss their day. A pretty average scene, but fantastic in its representation of a gay couple as really typical.

    Fans of the series remarked how great it was finally getting representation on Star Trek.

    Treating gay relationships like any other

    Explaining their relationship, the actor Anthony Rapp, who plays Stamets said,

    “I’m really excited and happy when a gay character is a part of a story — especially when a gay character is created in a complex and human and non-stereotypical, interesting way, and that has certainly been the case with Stamets,

    “And you get to see his relationship. There was a little glimpse with Sulu in Beyond, and it was a nice nod.

    “But in this case, we actually get to see me with my partner in conversation, in our living quarters, you get to see our relationship over time, treated as any other relationship would be treated.”

    Are the actors who play Stamets and Culber gay in real life?

    Anthony Rapp who plays Lt. Paul Stamets in Star Trek: Discovery said in a 1997 interview with Oasis magazine, that he identified as “queer” rather than “gay” saying that, “I don’t want to get into labels, but I’ve never labelled myself except to say I’m queer. The thing that’s been most important to me to be out about is that I have been in loving relationships with men…I haven’t said ‘I am gay.’ Because the truth is that I’ve also been in love with women, although the truth is I do think I’m primarily homosexual…”

    Wilson Cruz, who plays Chief Medical Officer Hugh Culber identifies as gay and is an LGBT+ advocate and even joined the board of directors of GLAAD in 1997. In 2012 he became the National Spokesperson and Strategic Giving Officer at the organisation. 

    You can watch Star Trek: Discovery now on Netflix

  • How did George Michael die?

    It’s nearly a year since singer George Michael died, but how did he die and where is he buried?

    How did George Michael die?

    George Michael passed away on Christmas Day 2016. His death shook the world and left millions of fans worldwide reeling from the news. Investigators said that his death was ‘unexplained but not suspicious’. The star died at the age of 53. He was found in his Oxfordshire home by his partner, Fadi Fawaz on Christmas morning. He was found lying, “peacefully in bed”

    The news of the star’s death wasn’t announced to the press until late Christmas evening.

    The superstar’s autopsy was inconclusive and more tests were ordered to determine the cause of his death. There were many reports that drug usage was to blame for the untimely passing, including his cousin who erroneously claimed, on the Victoria Derbyshire show on BBC,  that an accidental drugs overdose caused George’s death.

    In March, the cause of George’s death was revealed following more conclusive testing, the corner returned a death by natural causes verdict.

    Natural Causes

    The coroner concluded that the star had died after suffering a dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver.

    Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease which causes the heart muscle to stretch and thin – leaving it unable to pump blood around the body efficiently. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. Fatty liver is a type of liver disease. It can be caused by a build-up of fats in the liver. These are usually caused by alcohol or sugars and fats in the diet.

    Where is George Michael buried?

    Where is George Michael buried?

    George Michael is buried at the Highgate Cemetery, London just a mile away from his former London home. His funeral was a private event, attended only by family and close friends. it took place at the Highgate Cemetary in late March.

    His funeral was attended by his former WHAM! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley. George’s partner Fadi was also at the funeral despite speculation that he had been banned by the family from attending. Kenny Goss, George’s long-term lover, also attended the service.

  • What Law Says About Gay Men Donating Blood After Vegas

    After the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history killed 58 and injured around 530 people in Las Vegas Sunday night, blood banks in Nevada have been inundated with people wishing to donate blood to help the victims.


    Due to licensing this article must be read on our website

    But some people on social media, like former NSYNC singer Lance Bass, have reported that they are unable to… (more…)

  • Who is Anne Marie Waters the UKIP leadership hopeful?

    Annie Marie Waters is in a battle to become the next leader of the UK Independence Party.

    Who is Anne Marie Waters the UKIP leadership hopeful?

    Annie Marie Waters is a contender for the next leader of UKIP. She’s been campaigning on an anti-Sharia law stance and was involved in Bristol’s recent, Gays Against Sharia demonstration. She’s currently bookies favourite to win the leadership contest. Her personal website lacks any manifesto or vision should she win the leadership.

    Anne Marie is the director of Sharia Watch UK a watchdog which says its “particularly concerned with the elements of sharia law which are discriminatory and violent towards women and girls, and which endanger and threaten the democratic principle of freedom of speech”. She also called Islam “evil”

    She also, along with former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson, launched an organisation called Pegida UK which “protests against mass immigration and the Islamisation of the west”.

    Annie Marie was born in Dublin in Ireland but describes herself as “passionately, loyally, resolutely and proudly British.” She studied journalism at Nottingham Trent University and graduated in 2003. She also gained a Law degree whilst she was working for the NHS as a secretary.

    She describes herself as an LGBT activist and also served as a director of the National Secular Society.

    Originally a Labour supporter.

    Anne Marie started her political life supporting Labour, however, she left the party in 2013 saying that it was “betraying” the UK with its refusal to oppose Islam. She twice unsuccessfully attempted to become a Labour Party MP candidate.

    Marriage?

    Annie Marie is in a civil partnership with her wife.

    The right and not right

    Annie Marie recently engaged with defamation solicitors to seek a legal position on news outlets which referred to people as “far-right”, “fascist” or “racist” because they were engaged in conversation or negatively spoke out against Islam. She suggested that those who do speak out were frequently the subject of smears.

  • Is Judge Rinder Married?

    Judge Rinder has become a bit of a daytime legend… but there’s something the folks at home want to know about him… is he married?

    Is Judge Rinder married?

    Is Judge Rinder gay?

    Yes, Robert Rinder the star of ITV’s daytime courtroom show Judge Rinder is in fact gay. He married his partner Seth Cumming in a beautiful ceremony in Ibiza in July 2013. The ceremony was officiated by his friend and actor Benedict Cumberbatch at the stunning location.

    The couple have been married for over three years.

    His business buddy and former GAYUK cover star Ivan Massow was at the wedding who shared these pictures of Robert and Seth getting married. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who is a legally ordained minister can be seen taking control of the cliff top ceremony which took place at the Hacienda Hotel on the sunny party island of Ibiza.

    Since his wedding, Robert has remained tight-lipped about his marriage to Seth and rarely, if at all speaks about it in public.

    The 39-year-old revealed his reason for taking part in Strictly recently by saying that he was doing it to make his Grandparents proud saying,

    “The main reason is as my grandparents get older it’s a show they absolutely love. Although they’ve always been unconditionally proud of me I think there is something magical about being able to take part in something which gives them such joy and escapism especially as they suffer from all sorts of illnesses.”

  • What is a bottom in gay sex?

    So here we are: gay sex 101.

    What or who is a Bottom in terms of gay sex?

    Well, it could mean a variety of things to a variety of people, but generally, the “bottom” is the guy who is the receptive partner in anal sex. Although it could be a label for someone who is more sub with in sex.

    So the guy who’s underneath (or on top if you’re doing the cowboy) is known as the “bottom”. The giver is known as the “Top”. Not everybody likes the terms “top” or “bottom” for some being a bottom is seen as less than, more subservient or more effeminate, but some, like Big Brother US star Ragan Fox have empowered the word and meaning by calling themselves, “power bottoms”.

    More recently, when Nurse Jackie star, Haaz Sleiman came out as gay he totally owned the bottom thing saying, “Not only am I a bottom, but I’m also a total bottom, which means I like it up you-know-where.”

    Other wise you could go with giver and givee, catcher and pitcher or just their names… (no labels!)

    Apparently, there’s quite a bit of stigma attached to being a bottom. A survey found sixty per cent of readers thought that there was or weren’t sure if there was a stigma attached to bottoming or being the receiving partner during penetrative sex. Only 40 per cent said no there wasn’t a stigma.

    Only 40 per cent said no there wasn’t a stigma.

    What is a Power Bottom?

    Power Bottoms are those who dominate in sex but are those who enjoy receiving anal sex – or someone who can power through and take the *D* for a long time.

    Those who like being both a top and the bottom are usually referred to as “vers” which means versatile.  The terms tops, bottoms and vers have been around for a long time, but have become increasingly popular since the dawn of internet dating and apps.

    Guys who like to bottom are usually great at keeping things clean and hygienic down there. Want to know more? You can read our tips on what to eat if you’re planning to bottom tonight or how to prep yourself like a porn star!

    What are bottom myths?

    Bottoms aren’t (necessarily)

    Effeminate

    Slutty

    They want it all the time

    Don’t feel the pain

    Totally sub

     

    So there you have it – got tips or something to add? Use the comment section below…

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Is Martin Roberts gay?

    Martin Roberts is the popular presenter of daytime favourite Homes Under The Hammer, but who is he and what do we know about him?

    Is Martin Roberts gay?

    Is Martin Roberts gay?

    Martin Roberts isn’t gay or bisexual, he’s married to a woman called Kirsty Roberts. They wed in 2010 and together they have two children. Speaking about what he was going to miss the most before entering the I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here jungle in 2016, Martin said, “Aside from my family, my mobile phone as I am attached to it and coffee – I drink eight cups a day”.

    What is Martin Roberts most famous for?

    Martin is probably most famous for starring in in Homes Under the Hammer on the BBC which he’s been hosted for 14 years. He’s also starred in Celebrity Masterchef in 2010.

    How old is Martin Roberts?

    Hailing from Warrington in Cheshire, Martin Roberts was born in 1963, which makes him 53/54.

     

    Is Martin Roberts married?

    Yes, Martin Roberts is married to a woman called Kirsty Roberts. They wed in 2010. They now live in Bath, Somerset with their two children. He said that he’s, determined to make his two children proud of him.

    What is Martin Roberts’s net worth?

    Thanks to his property development business skills Martin is reportedly worth a cool £1.2 million according to spearswms.com.

    Does Martin Roberts have a man crush?

    Yes, it seems as though Martin Roberts would like to create a bromance with Eddie Izzard. He said that he believes Eddie would be a “riot” to hang around with and be the perfect camp mate.

    What was Martin Roberts first job?

    Martin’s media career started in 1986 when he left Bradford University. He was a reporter and producer at BBC Radio Lancashire. In the 90s Martin became a property developer and made the move to television when the BBC’s Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and How to Survive the Property Crisis came calling. He’s now a daily fixture on Homes Under The Hammer which he’s been hosting for 14 years.

  • Who are the Dragons of Dragon’s Den?

    It’s become a bit of a MUST WATCH bit of programming, but who are the Dragons in Dragon’s Den?

    Who are the Dragons of Dragon's Den?

    Dragon’s Den has just launched its 15th series and two new millionaire investors have joined the illustrious dragon ranks – so who are all the Dragons?

    Tej Lalvani

    Tej Lalvani is the CEO of Vitabiotics.

    Vitabiotics is the largest vitamin company in the UK by value sales with a current group turnover of over £300 million a year. Tej is the CEO of the company which was founded in 1971 by his scientist father Professor Kartar Lalvani who remains the company’s Chairman. Over the last 20 years Tej has grown the business into one of the leading and most innovative nutrition companies in the UK.

    Through hands on experience in all departments of the business from driving fork lifts to his current role as CEO Tej’s key goal and vision is to build Vitabiotics into the largest specialist vitamin company in the world.

    Jenny Campbell

    After leaving school at 16 to begin her working life counting cash in a bank branch, Jenny climbed through the ranks to become one of the few senior female bankers at the time in the UK.

    Following thirty years in the banking trade, Jenny left the corporate world in 2006 in pursuit of a new challenge – to turn around a failing cash machine business. Jenny launched a major operational restructure of Hanco ATM Systems, turning it from a business that was making a huge loss in competitive markets to a thriving, profitable entity operating across Europe.

    In the midst of the turnaround process and at the height of the financial crash, Jenny was tasked with selling the business. However, she saw that the business had real potential and wasn’t ready to give up on it or the people in it. So she decided to buyout the business and become the majority shareholder – later re-launching it as YourCash Europe Ltd.

    Ten years on from taking the business under her wing, Jenny sold YourCash in October 2016 for £50 million.

    Previously awarded Business Woman of the Year, Jenny’s favourite business motto is “live by corporate standards, but breathe like an entrepreneur”.

    Touker Suleyman

    Touker Suleyman joined the Dragon’s Den in 2015 for the 13th series.

    Touker Suleyman has 40 years’ retail and manufacturing experience and is best known as the founder of quintessentially British menswear brand, Hawes & Curtis and the man credited with reinventing the seminal 90s womenswear label, Ghost.

    After a false start in accountancy, Touker kicked off his retail career at the age of 18. He entered into a joint venture in a leather factory and soon after established a clothing manufacturer supplying to some of the biggest names of the British high street.

     

    Deborah Meaden

    Deborah joined the Den in the 3rd Series. She said the best thing about a Dragon was “the ingenuity of British entrepreneurs. Every year I think I’ve probably seen it all and every year they prove to me there are still plenty of opportunities to go for and that is the life blood of British business.”

    She made her money owning a family holiday businesses and a running textiles business.

    Peter Jones

    Peter is the longest serving Dragon having joined the show at its start. He has a reported net worth of £435 million and has business interests in the mobile phones, television, leisure and properties. One of his first majorly successful businesses was the company Red Letter Days.

     

  • Who is Jaymi Hensley and what is he famous for?

    He started his career in one of the most successful boy bands to make it out of the X Factor (other than One Direction) but now he’s making it on his own terms.

    Who is Jaymi Hensley and what is he famous for?

    Jaymi Hensley started his career in the X Factor boy band Union J who went on release a number of successful albums. But now he’s trying his hand in reality TV – namely Celebrity MasterChef.

    Is Jaymi Hensley gay?

    Yes, Jaymi does identify as gay and has often spoken out about homophobia. He made tackling online trolling and homophobic a key issue in 2013 saying,

    ‘If someone calls me a derogatory name on Twitter, I challenge it.

    “If I let people call me a ‘fag’, how am I helping fans feel empowered?

    “When I was younger, I used to be called ‘poof’ and ‘fag’ and it made me feel awful – it’s not nice to have abusive words used against you.”

    What else is Jaymi Hensley known for?

    When his bandmate, George Shelley came out, he was one of the first to reach and support the singer. He is also a talented actor – and will be taking the part of Alladin this year in Panto. He is also a frequent contributor to Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On The Side.

    Is Jaymi married or have a boyfriend?

    Yes, Jaymi has a partner, hair stylist Olly Marmon. They got together in 2009 and they got engaged in 2014.

     

     

     

     

  • Who are the Pride In London CAB?

    The Community Advisory Board (CAB) is an organisation established by Pride In London

    The Community Advisory Board was established by Pride in London’s owners, London LGBT Community Pride CIC to give it advice on how to improve engagement and to act as a sounding board on difficult or contentious issues.

    Who is in charge of the CAB?

    The CAB has 19 official positions – of which 12 are filled. There are seven vacant positions including a Women’s Rep and Straight Ally Rep which are new to the board.

    Chair: Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett
    Deputy Chair and Bisexual People’s Rep: Edward Lord OBE (BiUK)
    Secretariat: Mark Delacour (LGBT Consortium)
    Arts and Literature: Simon Tarrant (Winter Pride UK)
    Black and Minority Ethnic People’s Rep: Ozzy Amir (Queen Mary Students’ Union)
    Campaigning and Political Groups: Open for nominations
    Disabled People’s Rep: Open for nominations
    Faith and Belief Groups: Richard Unwin (Galha LGBT Humanists)
    Health Rep: Open for nominations
    Local Groups Rep: David Robson (Wandsworth LGBT Forum)
    Older People’s Rep: Peter Scott-Presland (Opening Doors London)
    Performers Rep: Dr J (The Queer Embassy)
    Professional Groups: Open for nominations
    Sports Rep: Fabian Valencia (Out for Sport)
    Straight Ally Rep: New position and open for nominations
    Trans* People’s Rep: Megan Faulkner (Trans Network London)
    Young People’s Rep: Lukasz Koniezcka (Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre)
    Women’s Rep: New position and open for nominations
    Open Place Rep: Open for nominations

    What does the CAB consult and advise on?

    Diversity and inclusion at Pride
    Engaging different groups (e.g. trans*, BME) as volunteers, participants and audiences
    Future themes and the purpose of Pride
    Event plans
    Parade design and management
    Festival events and acts
    Diversity and inclusion training
    Financial governance

  • Who is Jamie Lambert and what is he famous for?

    He started his career in one of the most successful crossover/musical boy bands in UK history – but now he’s become a success in his own right – who is Jamie Lambert?

    Jamie Lambert started his career in the Britain’s Got Talent boy band Collabro who went on release three successful albums. But he’s become an outspoken advocate for LGBT+ rights.

    Is Jamie Lambert gay?

    Yes, Jamie Lambert does identify as gay. He came out shortly after Collabro success in winning Britain’s Got Talent. He revealed at the time that he had been in a two and half year relationship with a man – and that his celebrity crush was Tom Daley. Later in an exclusive interview with THEGAYUK.com Jamie admitted that Harry Styles was now his perfect man.

    What else is Jamie Lambert known for?

    In his interview with THEGAYUK.com Jamie admitted that he has body dysmorphia and has lived with an eating disorder. He’s a strong advocate for mental health and wellness.  He told us,

    I really want to be able to be there for people who… I get letters and DMs and stuff all the time to say, “I’m a man with an eating disorder and your story helped me,” or, “I’m a man who needs to come out,” or a lady who needs to come out, or, “I don’t identify my gender” or whatever is the problem, “and your story’s helped me.”

    Has appeared on other TV programmes apart from BGT?

    Yes, he’s been a weeklong contributor and guest for The Wright Stuff on Channel 5.

    https://twitter.com/JamieCollabro/status/897348085562605569