The policeman who was shot and killed in what is being called a suspected terror attack in the French capital was a “proud gay man” committed to the LGBT cause.
Xavier Jugelé was killed when he was shot in the head in a suspected terror attack in Paris, last night. It has been revealed that he leaves behind his partner, who he was civilly wed to. He was a member of Flag!, a group that represents LGBT police officers.
Mr Jugelé was described by the New York Times as a “proud gay man”. He had been a serving officer since 2010.
The 37-year-old officer was shot by a gunman who was later killed by French security forces as he tried to flee the scene.
Mr Jugelé was sitting in a police vehicle near the world-famous Champs-Élysées when the gunman opened fire.
The shooter, 39-year-old Karim Cheurfi, was apparently known to security services had been a list of suspected terrorists. He lived in the city’s suburbs. ISIS have claimed responsibility for the attack.
Mr Jugelé had been one of the first responders during the 2015 Paris terror attacks in which 130 people were killed.
So you’re owed some holiday time. It’s time to pack your shiz up and go on vacay.
Are your work colleagues starting to give your work station a wide berth and “concerned” look because you’re giving off that all-work-no-play-makes-Jack-go-crazy look?
But where to go? The world is your oyster.
Well users over at Ranker.com have been voting on the best holiday destinations to go to if you’re LGBT…
Here’s where they suggested:
San Francisco
Ah, possibly the gayest location on earth. Don’t forget to visit the Castro and breath in all that gay history.
Paris
I mean they say Gay Paris don’t they!
Seattle
The weather may not always be perfect, but its stance on equality has always been incredible having legalised same-sex marriage in 2012 and having provisions for gay state employees since 2001. Bravo.
New York City
How you doin’…
Montreal
First of the Canadian cities to get voted on… Best time to go would be early August when the city celebrates Pride.
Vancouver
CREDIT: Pixabay / gtriay
Let the vibrant city invigorate. Check out Davie Village and Commercial Drive.
One of the main suspects in the Paris Attacks Salah Abdeslam, is still at large after Belgian police arrest 16 suspects.
◼︎ 16 suspects connected to the Paris terror attacks arrested by Belgian police.
◼︎ Salah Abdeslam who was spotted in gay bars in Brussels is still at large.
◼︎ Gay bars in Brussels are working with the police to ensure the safety of customers.
◼︎ Abdeslam is the subject of Europe’s biggest manhunt with around 2000 officers searching for him.
Salah Abdeslam is still on the run from authorities after police conducted 22 raids yesterday (Sunday) arresting 16 suspects connected to the terror attacks in Paris on the 13th November leaving 130 dead and 350 injured.
Brussels remains on high alert, the Government keeping the terror threat level at its highest level. The Belgian capital is in lockdown as the manhunt for Abdeslam continues.
It was reported that Abdeslam was spotted in gay bars in Brussels’ Saint Jacques quarter. A bartender at one of the bars told the Sunday Times (sub) that they had him down as a rent boy. He was always hanging out with that kind of crowd.”
Brussels has been in lockdown after the Belgian Government raised the Terror threat level to the highest level; “very serious” indicating that a terrorist attack is serious and imminent.
The entire Brussels metro network was closed on the 21st and 22nd and many events, such as football matches had been cancelled.
Last week the British Government issued guidance on how to survive a terrorist attack.
Some of Brussels’ gay bars have remained open during the lockdown but have issued statements saying that they are working with the police to ensure the safety of customers.
One of Brussels’ busiest gay bars, Le Boys Boudoir, issued a statement that it was keeping normal hours, but asked patrons not to bring bags into the bar.
The Chez Maman issued a statement that on the advice from police “not to run no risk and exceptionally close its doors”.
Some of Brussels’ gay bars are open for business despite a citywide lockdown as the Belgian Government raises the terror threat to “Very Serious”.
Some gay bars in the Belgian capital of Brussels are open for business as usual but are working with the police to ensure the safety of their customers. The news comes after the Belgian Government put the entire city into lockdown, closing the Metro and raising the terror threat to its maximum level.
The capital is enduring its second day of security lockdown as police forces continue to look for “several terror suspects” including Salah Abdeslam who was seen in gay bars in Brussels’ Saint Jacques quarter, before the attacks in Paris, which left victims 130 dead last week.
Last week the British Government issued guidance on how to survive a terrorist attack.
One of Brussels’ busiest gay bars, Le Boys Boudoir, a popular bar in Brussels issued a statement that it was keeping normal hours, but asked patrons not to bring bags into the bar.
The Chez Maman issued a statement that on the advice from police “not to run no risk and exceptionally close its doors”.
The gay community is on edge after it has emerged that one of the Paris Terror fugitives, Salah Abdeslam was seen in a Brussels’ bar “flirting” with customers.
Salah Abdeslam is 26 and was born in Brussel.
He is the subject of Europe’s biggest manhunt for his alleged part in the Paris Terror Attacks over a week ago.
130 people were gunned down in the streets of Paris
Abdeslam was reportedly seen by bar staff in Brussels’ gay bars, who thought he might be a rent boy.
According to reports one of the Paris Terror Attacks’ suspects, Salah Abdeslam, 26, was seen by regulars in gay bars in Belgium’s capital city Brussels. He has been on the run ever since the atrocities in Paris that left 130 dead. Sources are claiming that Brussels-born, Abdeslam was part of the terror cell that prowled through the streets of Paris killing innocent people indiscriminately. It is believed that he rented and drove the car containing the attackers to Paris.
A bartender at one of the bars told the Sunday Times (sub) that they had him down as a rent boy.
“He was always hanging out with that kind of crowd.”
It also emerged that regulars had seen him smoking, drinking and flirting with men in the bars of Brussels’ Saint Jacques quarter, according to the report. It is not known if he actually had relations with anyone from the bars.
The bar owner, who wished to remain anonymous after going through hours of security footage from his premises.
An international manhunt for Abdeslam has so far failed; causing concern for authorities around Europe. Around 2000 police officers are involved with the search.
Brussels has been in lockdown after the Belgian Government raised the Terror threat level to the highest level; “very serious” indicated that a terrorist attack is serious and imminent. The entire Brussels metro network was closed on the 21st and 22nd and many events, such as football matches have been cancelled.
Last week the British Government issued guidance on how to survive a terrorist attack.
Meanwhile gay bars in Brussels are remaining open, but are working closely with the police. Le Boys Boudoir, a popular bar in Brussels issued a statement that it was keeping normal hours, but asked patrons not to bring bags into the bar.
Diana Vreeland the ‘Anna Wintour’ of the 1940’s –1960’s once very archly declared ‘the best thing about London is Paris!’.
Art lovers would definitely agree with her this week as the French Capital hosts the 40th Edition of The International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC) which after Art Basel is THE leading exhibition in the World. Based in the Palais Grand and in venues all over the city and for several days it becomes the meeting place between artists, collectors, gallerists, curators, museum directors and stars from the world of international contemporary art.
We know that Ms Vreeland would thoroughly approve of such a stylish gathering, but we are a little unsure of what she would have thought of American artist Paul McCarthy’s piece called ‘ Tree’ an 80ft inflatable sculpture ‘erected’ in the heart of the Place de Vendome.
It kind of reminds us of something BUTT we are not quite sure what!
Vandals have destroyed an art installation by Paul McCarthy.
An art installation which was criticised for looking like a butt plug has been destroyed over night by vandals. The art was erected in Place Vendome, which is near the centre of Paris. Protesters who said the tree looked like a sex toy had decried it, saying it was a waste of tax payer’s money.
The 80ft inflatable piece simply called ‘Tree’ was popped overnight. It had caused a lot of upset amongst anti-gay groups because it looks like a giant butt plug.
Police in Paris said, ‘Individuals have severed the cables that hold the sculpture in place, taking advantage of a momentary lack of a security guard,
‘Investigations are ongoing.’
The Mayor of Paris condemned the attack and the French Culture Minister Fleur Pellerin said that the vandalism was ‘an attack on creative freedom’.
The French Act Up organisation is facing financial ruin slander suit goes ahead.
◉ Two former civil servants are planning to take the LGBT Rights organisation to court after being named in a press release.
◉ Organisation faces financial ruin if the court case goes ahead.
◉ Act Up Paris urging supporters to donate money to help the organisation.
According to Act Up Paris, the organisation says its very survival is at stake after two former civil servants of the Ministry of Economy plan to sue the organisation for slander – after being mentioned in a press release.
A statement from Act Up Paris reads,
“This lawsuit is a threat to the very survival of the association, which is now facing harsh financial difficulties. Beyond our organization and the struggle against the AIDS epidemics, our loosing this trial would also have dire consequences for all citizens and organizations that will later denounce equivalent treatises.”
The press release in question was about the ACTA Treaty.
‘Two years ago, you were taking part to the struggle against ACTA, this international agreement which, had it been signed, would have harshly restrained our rights and fundamental liberties, in particular as far as access to medicines, the neutrality of Internet and open software are concerned, the statement continues.
‘Today we appeal to your solidarity. To support us in this trial is to defend the right of civil society to launch alerts against threats, to denounce international agreements being negotiated without citizen control and to question the responsibility of civil servants led to counsel our political decision-makers without their having full knowledge of what is at stakes with these treatises.’
Last year French anti-gay marriage group La Manif Pour Tous planned to sue activism group Act Up after members threw red liquid at the JLF genetic research firm in south-west Paris.
Act Up Paris is the French unit of the Act Up Organisation, which was set up in the early 80s by co-founder Larry Kramer.
Visit: http://www.actupparis.org/spip.php?article5359 to find out more and to make a donation.
It’s totally fabulous to explore different gay scenes when travelling. You can dance the night away to some truly camp-tastic tunes, or cruise the darkrooms for Mr Right Now. Perhaps you want to enjoy feathers and frills at a drag queen cabaret show? We’ve looked at some of the best gay hotspots in Europe to suit everyone’s needs.
Benidorm, Spain
CREDIT: piquetsebtotal CC0 Public Domain / pixabay
The Benidorm gay village can be found in the Old Town area of this popular Spanish holiday resort. The gay part of Benidorm’s Levante beach sits in front of the Don Cesar café, and is a great place to tan before a night out with your best pals. 7th Heaven has been a popular gay bar for years and has an excellent reputation for making tourists and locals feel welcome. This is a fab bar for an early drink, and the relaxed atmosphere is ideal for meeting new people. Cabaret lovers will enjoy a night at Mardi Gras, with top performances from Miss Stella Artois, plus an excellent Cher tribute act. Younger LGBT crowds can be found at the Mercury nightclub, which is famous for its pumping dance music and buzzing atmosphere. This club is for real party animals only, as the doors don’t even open until after midnight.
Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
CREDIT: MonicaVolpin CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay
Make your way to the Yumbo Centre for all the gay action you’ll need; this place is like a shopping centre bursting with gay bars and nightclubs. Those of you who love drag queen acts will feel at home in Sparkles Show Bar. Enjoy hilarious cabaret shows and maybe some audience participation too if you’re lucky! Meanwhile, Coco Loco is great for the younger gays who want to dance and enjoy a cheeky flirt (in the hope of starting a holiday romance). There’s also a terrace to cool down on, if it all gets a little hot and sweaty inside. Babylon XL club is for those who really want to party ’til the sun rises. Enjoy laser shows, sexy male dancers and of course the obligatory darkrooms.
The Algarve, Portugal
CREDIT: Peter Etchells
LGBT-friendly bars and nightclubs are scattered everywhere in this southern region. Boémio Disco is the oldest gay club in the Algarve and can be found next to the Ponte Velha Bridge in Portimão. Boémio Disco also offers free Wi-Fi, which is ideal if you want to log into Grindr as you dance and sip a cool drink. When you’re not dancing the night away, relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Portugal, the Praua da Rocha, and check out all the guys in their tight speedos. Another club in Portimão is Loft by Pride; which is considered by many to be the best gay club in the Algarve. Then there’s Fame Bar which can be found on the busiest street in Albufeira, a popular holiday resort within the Algarve region. Finally, if you fancy one last boogie before the flight home, check out Heaven Club near Faro airport.
Amsterdam, Holland
The most famous gay area is Reguliersdwarsstraat Street. So how about starting your evening in style here at the Amstel Fifty Four Club, one of the oldest gay bars in Amsterdam? You can join in with raucous groups singing along to the jukebox and belt out your favourite tunes. Afterwards, move onto Club NyX, which is one of the biggest gay discos in the city and promises you a wild evening. Named after the Greek goddess of the night, the club is spread over three floors, each playing a different style of music. If you’re camper than Alan Carr and David Walliams put together then mince your way to the Exit Café next door. This small nightspot is decked out like a mountain ski bar and is full of young, cute Dutchman. So what are you waiting for? Squeeze into that tight t-shirt, spray on the glitter and say hi to the locals!
Paris, France
(c) TheGayUK
No list would be complete without a mention of the world’s most romantic city, Paris – a quick hop away from the UK, Paris is reachable by air, train and sea. A bustling gay scene and more romantic walks than you can shake a stick at. Plenty of gay bars await you in the Marais district in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. You’ll find lots of gay friendly bars and restaurants – and no one will bat a eye if you hold your lover’s hand in public – ah gay Paris!
Clément Méric, an 18-year-old student and well known gay rights activist in Paris was violently attacked by a group of three ‘far-right skinheads’, including one women near the Saint-Lazare train station on Wednesday evening, the Local is reporting.
Four arrests have been made in connection to the attack including the individual suspected of delivering the final blow to Méric’s head in Wednesday’s attack.
The Local also reports that at least one of the attackers wore knuckle-dusters according to initial reports.
An eyewitness, named only as Aurelia, described to French journalists the horrendous scene she had witnessed.
“I was out doing some shopping, when I found myself face to face with the attackers,” who she told reporters had shaved heads and wore leather jackets.
“I saw the young man falling, and his head hitting a bollard. There was blood coming out of his ears and nose, and then he went into convulsions.”
“He had a huge lump at the back of his head, and his face was covered in blood,” she added.
Anti-gay crime has soared in the last few months, as France became the 14th nation to equalise same-sex marriages.
In April a gay dancer, Raphaël Leclerc was beaten unconscious in Nice, and Wildred de Brujin was attacked in Paris. Also in the same month four people were detained by police on suspicion of carrying out an attack at a gay bar in the French city of Lille.
A vigil will take place this evening for the victim.
