THEGAYUK

Tag: Homophobia

The latest news about homophobia across the UK and the globe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Many called for ForAmerica to reevaluate its morals

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

     

  • Man takes his own life following months of homophobic abuse

    A young Scottish man took his own life after months and months of homophobic bullying.

    Scott McIntosh was 28-years-old when he took his own life according to Scottish news site, Sunday Post. It alleges that Scott was targetted by an acquaintance, Kevin Edgar whom Scott knew from school. Edgar is said to have made a series of homophobic phone calls to Scott, after he came out as gay. Scott was a deep-sea diver from Aberdeen. He was also a father to a four-year-old boy.

    On Wednesday, the Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Edgar, 29,  admit to a charge of making an obscene phone call that related to Scott’s sexuality, the communication was said to be indecent, obscene or menacing character” and contained “homophobic remarks”.

    The anonymous calls and emails started 20 months before Scott finally killed himself.

    Edgar was originally charged under the Communications Act 2003 by making threatening phone calls and “electronic communications messages” over a four-month period.

    “took his life due to depression and anxiety”

    Scott died from suicide in Feb 2018, leaving behind his only son, Riley. In August his father, Doug McIntosh, told the Scottish Sun that his son, “took his own life due to depression and anxiety and that seems to be something a lot of young people go through these days.

    “It’s becoming a bit of an epidemic. But it’s a horrific thing for a family to go through”.

    Scott’s father is now raising money for Scott’s son, Riley. A JustGiving page has already raised £5,900. Doug McIntosh writes, “I started this campaign “For the Life of Riley” after losing my Son Scott in February 25th 2018 and want to keep positive to help my Grandson Riley in Scott’s memory.”

     

  • Hate crimes against gay people rockets in the UK

    Hate crimes against gay people rockets in the UK

    Hate crimes against gay and bisexual people in the UK have rocketed by double-digit figures, new statistics show.

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Twelve percent (11,638 crimes) of recorded hate crimes in England and Wales were directed at gay and bisexual people new figures from the Home Office reveal, a 17 percent increase since last year.

    Two percent of recorded hate crime (1651 crimes) were those against transgender people – up a staggering 32 percent.

    Overall recorded hate crimes were up, with nearly 100,000 crimes reported. Double the amount in just five years. The majority of hate crime (75%, 71,251 crimes) were racially motivated. Religious-based hate crime accounted for 9 percent (8336 crimes) of recorded crimes.

    A report from the Home Office made a suggestion as to why the figures had soared stating, “This increase is thought to be largely driven by improvements in police recording, although there has been spikes in hate crime following certain events such as the EU referendum and the terrorist attacks in 2017,

    “It is thought that the sharp increase in religious hate crimes is due to a rise in these offences following the terrorist attacks in 2017.”

    Worryingly, the number of closed prosecutions dropped by over 2 per cent from 14,480 in 2016/17 to 14,151 in 2017/18.

    Home Secretary Sajid Javid said, “Hate crime goes directly against the long-standing British values of unity, tolerance and mutual respect – and I am committed to stamping this sickening behaviour out.

    “Our refreshed action plan sets out how we will tackle the root causes of prejudice and racism, support hate crime victims and ensure offenders face the full force of the law”.

    Only a small proportion of crimes get recorded

    The home office report also suggests that only a small proportion of hate crimes against LGBT people are reported. The combined 2015/16 to 2017/18  dataset estimates that there were 30,000 sexual orientation hate crimes per year.

  • Three assaulted in homophobic attack in London

    Three assaulted in homophobic attack in London

    One of the three victims was left with injuries that required hospitalisation.

    (C) MET POLICE

    Cops in London are seeking information that can lead to the identification of two men they wish to speak to in connection with a brutal homophobic assault on three men in their early twenties in North London.

    The attack in Wood Green happened on the 4th October at around 4:30 AM. Haringey police were called to Station Road near the junction with High Road, N22, where three men aged in their 20s had been assaulted by two suspects, according to a police report.

    In a statement from the Met Police, one of the men attacked required hospital treatment, but he was subsequently discharged.

    Detectives from Haringey are investigating. They are releasing images showing two men they wish to trace in connection with the incident. One of the men is seen in both images, the second man is only seen from the back in one of the images.

    There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

    Anyone who knows the identity of either of the men, or has information that may assist the investigation, is asked to call detectives in the Haringey Community Safety Unit via 101 quoting CAD 969/oct04.

    To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • Magazine is CLOSED DOWN after publishing shocking homophobic articles

    Magazine is CLOSED DOWN after publishing shocking homophobic articles

    A longstanding magazine was closed after publishing a series of outrageous homophobic articles.

    Publishers of the 33-year-old magazine, Shincho 45 made a decision to close the magazine after a series of homophobic articles, Queerty is reporting.

    It all started in August when Mio Sugita, a junior lawmaker in the ruling party, the Liberal Democrat Party made a series of claims stating that same-sex couples were “unproductive” and shouldn’t be able to claim benefits.

    In this instance, it’s thought that by “unproductive” she meant couples unable to conceive a child.

    It caused a huge upset. Even the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is childless, warned that Sugita should be “more mindful of her words.”

    The publisher’s own president Takanobu Sato said that the article showed “outrageous prejudice” towards gay couples.

    In its next issue, Shincho 45 cemented its future by publishing a further SEVEN articles defending Sugita’s original article. 

    In one of these articles,  gay and bisexual men were referred to as SMAG – sadist, masochist, ass fetish, and groper.

    Following the publication, the publisher released a statement saying, “It is undeniable that our editing of articles and scrutiny of feature series in the pipeline has grown perfunctory over the years as we struggle with the magazine’s dwindling circulation and numerous trials and errors

    “We both thank and apologize to our readers and all parties concerned for their support and cooperation over the years”.

    The magazine was closed shortly after.

     

    So long, farewell.

    [metadata element=”date,author,comments,views” ]

  • Matchmaker tells followers that women’s partners are gay if do any of these things

    Matchmaker tells followers that women’s partners are gay if do any of these things

    Literally, WTF.

    Walking on the kerb… GAY! Free-Photos / Pixabay

    Good Ereseh who says he’s Africa’s first certified match-maker (we’re assuming people, not little flammable sticks) has shared a list with his near-15,000 followers which he called “Signs Your Boyfriend Is Secretly Gay”.

    1. He constantly stares at guys than women.
    2. He could be gay if he criticizes gay people too much.
    3. He could be gay if he appears to be too damn faithful.
    4. He could be swinging if you have no issues with him concerning other women.
    5. Ereseh actually leaves out number 5 for some reason?
    6. He keeps more male friends on social media than women.
    7. That brother could be holding blowing pipes, when he tries to avoid sex with you.
    8. He could be seeing guys when he doesn’t disturb you to have sex with him and on the other hand you thanking God that you have met a man that isn’t after sex.
    9. When he suggests you both invite a guy to bed so the both of them can satisfy you, sister run because he’s bringing his friend in to caption your brain thinking he is so understanding.
    10. When he cares too much about how he looks like female friends you have. There is something about it when he starts to care about his physical appearance.
    11. He wants to feel how you feel during penetration, he wants you to insert your finger down there.
    12. I repeat this, if he doesn’t check other women out he is completely gay. Don’t argue, he is not being faithful to you he just doesn’t find the need to feel attracted to women. Instead he talks about men more.
    13. If he praises a particular male friend of his than you the one that claims to hold his heart, trust me that guy could be his gay partner.
    14. He is classically touchy with other men, he enjoys hugs, holding hands and even loves the male bathroom hehehehehehe.
    15. He enjoys other’s sexuality, it’s an interesting topic for him, trust me nicca is gay.

    Basically, reading between the lines, what Ereseh is saying is that unless your man is a sex-addict, slime-ball, narcissistic jealous-flying-off-the-handle type of toxic male then he might be gay.

    SIGNS YOUR BOYFRIEND IS SECRETLY GAY. Part 1 • • 1. He constantly stares at guys than women 2. He could be gay if he criticizes gay people too much 3. He could be gay if he appears to be too damn faithful 4. He could be swinging if you have no issues with him concerning other women 6. He keeps more male friends on social media than women 7. That brother could be holding blowing pipes, when he tries to avoid sex with you. 8. He could be seeing guys when he doesn’t disturb you to have sex with him and on the other hand you thanking God that you have met a man that isn’t after sex • • Part 2 and 3 tomorrow morning please watch out #goodereseh

    A post shared by ???? ??????® (@goodereseh) on

    How about, if your boyfriend just tells you, “Sorry hun, I think I might be gay, let’s call the whole thing off” – is actually a sign that he might be gay.

    In case you’re interested Ereseh also says he’s a sex therapist, love doctor and counsellor.

  • Edinburgh Fringe says it has “Zero tolerance” on harassment, abuse and bullying

    Edinburgh Fringe says it has “Zero tolerance” on harassment, abuse and bullying

    “No matter who you are or where you come from, you should feel at home at the Fringe”

    luxstorm / Pixabay

    Following on from the shocking news that a performer has suffered homophobic jeers and insults while trying to publicise his show at this year’s Fringe, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has reaffirmed its stance on bullying behaviour towards performers and audience members.

    Nick Cassenbaum, the star of My Kind of Michael, which is currently playing at the Edinburgh Fringe festival has encountered a barrage of homophobic abuse on the streets of Edinburgh while trying to promote the show, which runs until the 26th August at the Summerhall.

    The show is about Cassenbaum’s childhood hero, Michael Barrymore, who was an incredibly popular TV star until a tragic incident at his home in 2001 left a young man dead and the star came out about his bisexuality. 

    ABOVE: The lifesize cut out which has caused controversy as some passersby resort to homophobia on the streets of Edinburgh.

    Unfortunately, the promotion has been met with “old-fashioned homophobia and trial by tabloid” comments.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK.com a spokesperson for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said, “No matter who you are or where you come from, you should feel at home at the Fringe. The Fringe Society have a zero-tolerance policy on harassment, abuse and bullying and we take the safety and welfare of all of our participants and audience members extremely seriously. We provide advice on all aspects of performing and taking part in the Fringe and would encourage anyone who has been affected by issues such as this to contact us.”

     

  • Edinburgh Fringe show rocked by homophobic jeers and slurs on the streets of Edinburgh

    Edinburgh Fringe show rocked by homophobic jeers and slurs on the streets of Edinburgh

    A show currently performing at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe festival has been rocked by persistent homophobic jeers and insults.

    (C) Danny Braverman

    Nick Cassenbaum, the star of My Kind of Michael, which is currently playing at the #Edinburgh Fringe festival has encountered a barrage of homophobic abuse on the streets of Edinburgh while trying to promote the show, which runs until the 26th August at the Summerhall.

    The show is about Cassenbaum’s childhood hero, Michael Barrymore, who was an incredibly popular TV star until a tragic incident at his home in 2001 left a young man dead and the star came out about his bisexuality. 

    The show, My Kind of Michael, chronicles Cassenbaum’s childhood infatuation with the Strike it Lucky presenter and how he was inspired by Barrymore to take to the stage himself.

    As part of the promotion for the show, a life-size cut out of Michael Barrymore has been used on Edinburgh’s streets.

    Speaking about the abuse, Cassenbaumn said, “After all this time I thought people may be prepared to accept him as a brilliant ‘working class boy made good’ entertainer, but it’s become apparent that not only do some people hold strong views about him but that they are prepared to use blatantly homophobic language to make their point.

    “Old-fashioned homophobia and trial by tabloid is alive and well at the Edinburgh Fringe”

    Cassenbaum then shared some of the abuse that the show and indeed Michael Barrymore (who is not part of the lineup) has endured,

    ‘He’s as bent as a ten-bob note. He killed a man. He raped a man. He’s a pervert’
    ‘He raped a man and drowned him’
    ‘He’s alwight in the back hole’
    ‘Get that murdering pervert away from me’ (referring to a cardboard cutout of Barrymore)

    Others have apparently accused him of being known for preying on young boys, said Cassenbaum.

    Cassenbaum continued, “I have been flyering for this show for two weeks now and this type of language has shocked and surprised me. Especially at a ‘liberal’ arts festival that is known for controversial and cutting-edge productions.

    “Barrymore has had to put up with this for nearly 20 years now. I want to make it clear that he was never charged for anything, yet people treat him as if he is a perverted murderer and child molester, tarring him with the same brush as those convicted following Operation Yewtree.

    “It seems that old-fashioned homophobia and trial by tabloid is alive and well at the Edinburgh Fringe.

    Essex Police admitted wrongful arrest – and never charged

    This year, Michael Barrymore won a court case against Essex Police over the wrongful arrest of the entertainer after the death of a man at his home in 2001.

    Stuart Lubbock, 31 was found dead at the star’s Essex home in March 2001. In June 2001 Police arrested Barrymore, his partner and another man in connection to Lubbock’s death but no charges were brought forward. The same three men were arrested again in 2007 but the case was dropped again after three months. No one was charged.

    Essex Police admitted the arrest was unlawful and that the arresting officer did not have reasonable grounds to suspect that Mr Barrymore was guilty.

    In 2009 the IPCC found multiple failings with the original police investigation.

    Speaking to THEGAYUK a spokesperson for Edinburgh Council said, “Hate crime is not tolerated and we would urge anyone who has been a victim of or has witnessed hate crime to report it to the Police“.

    The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society told THEGAYUK.com “No matter who you are or where you come from, you should feel at home at the Fringe. The Fringe Society have a zero-tolerance policy on harassment, abuse and bullying and we take the safety and welfare of all of our participants and audience members extremely seriously. We provide advice on all aspects of performing and taking part in the Fringe and would encourage anyone who has been affected by issues such as this to contact us.

    “Please also take a look at our Your Rights section of our website :https://www.edfringe.com/take-part/your-rights”

  • Victim left with a fractured skull after “vicious” homophobic assault at London gay bar

    A victim has been left with a fractured skull after an alleged “vicious” attack at a London gay bar.

    homophobic attack london,
    An alleged homophobic attack happened at one of London’s most popular gay venues.

    A man was left with a fractured skull after an assault at the Eagle bar in Vauxhall. The alleged attack happened in the early hours of 2nd July 2018, when two men and a woman were asked to leave the premises.

    After the small group was ejected they became violent, according to the Met police. Two males, 42 and 30 and a female, 20-year-old, were taken into custody. They were released under investigation.

    According to a police statement, “It would appear that two men and a woman took umbrage to being asked to move from the smoking area, and were then subsequently ejected from the premises after making homophobic comments to staff at the venue”.

    Investigating officer, Detective Constable Phill Govett, from Lambeth, said, “This was a particularly vicious attack which stemmed from a minor incident and involved the use of homophobic language. Hate crime in any form will not be tolerated by police and we will take all possible action to bring perpetrators of these offences to justice.”

    This weekend, the UK’s capital, plays host to one of the countries biggest pride events, Pride In London. The Met have made policing the event a “priority”.

    Chief Superintendent Helen Millichap, Met spokesperson for the event, said, “As with any large event the Met’s priority is public safety and we are working closely with the organisers in the lead up to Pride to develop our policing plan. We want Pride to be a friendly, safe event for everyone to enjoy and to help us we need the public to take the usual precautions by remaining vigilant and reporting anything of concern to police officers or stewards at the event.”

  • Man charged in connection to Manchester assault

    A man has been charged in connection to an assault which left the victim in a “critical condition” in the heart of Manchester’s gay village.

    A 21-year-old man has been charged with section 18 assault.

    Adil Mohammed Ali (04/04/1997) of no fixed abode was remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court today, Monday 2 July 2018.

    This charge follows an assault on Bloom Street at around 4.45am on Saturday 30 June 2018.

    A 60-year-old man – who was cross-dressed at the time – had been outside AXM bar when he was assaulted.

    He remains in hospital in a critical condition.

    We have reached out to Manchester Police to ascertain whether the victim identifies as a man or woman, who have been unable to speak to the victim due to the victim’s injuries, however, the victim’s family says he identifies as a man.

  • Victim left in critical condition after assault in Manchester’s gay scene

    Victim left in critical condition after assault in Manchester’s gay scene

    Police are calling for witnesses to a vicious assault in the heart of Manchester’s gay village, which left the victim in a “critical condition”

    A person who was “cross-dressed” has been attacked outside one of Manchester’s most famous gay venues AXM. The attack happened at around 4.45am on Saturday 30 June 2018, police were called to reports of an assault on Bloom Street.

    Manchester Police report, “A 60-year-old man – who was cross-dressed at the time of the assault – had been outside AXM bar when he was approached by a man who punched him to the floor.

    “The victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition”.

    We have reached out to Manchester Police to ascertain whether the victim identifies as a man or woman, who have been unable to speak to the victim due to the victim’s injuries, however, the victim’s family says he identifies as a man.

    21-year-old arrested

    A 21-year-old man was arrested at nearby on suspicion of assault. He remains in custody for questioning.

    Enquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone with information to contact police.

    Detective Inspector Patrick Goodrich, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said, “This was a shocking attack on an innocent man who was enjoying his evening but has now been left in a critical condition in hospital. Our thoughts remain with him and his family as he receives treatment.

    “While we have arrested a man, our investigation is still in its very early stages and we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances that led to this incident although it is not believed to be a hate crime at this stage.

    “We can see from CCTV footage that there was a white woman with blonde hair who was wearing a red top and black trousers in close proximity to the attack and we believe she may hold vital information. I want to stress that she is not in any trouble but I would urge her to get in touch as she may have key details that would assist our enquiries.”

    “I would also appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the assault or anyone with information to get in touch.

    Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4409 quoting incident number 471 of 30/06/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.