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Tag: Scotland News

Get the latest LGBT+ Scotland news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Scotland, UK

  • COMMENT | Why Free Pride Glasgow are Offensive, Not Cis Drag Queens

    Over the past couple of years, I have been noticing a worrying pattern of behaviour amongst a number of LGBT people, who seemingly take offence to absolutely everything and cry outrage at the drop of a hat.

    Whether it’s being offended over the naming of a road, the use of the word queer, or the inclusion of UKIP in a Pride parade, I often feel much of this ‘outrage’ is unnecessary and rarely take offence to things myself. Sometimes we need to lighten up a bit and consider the bigger picture. However, on hearing the news that Free Pride Glasgow have banned cis drag performers, I am on the side of those who are outraged at the decision.

    I had not heard of Free Pride Glasgow until the news of their drag ban was posted all over Twitter. After doing a bit of research on the event, on one hand I admire what they’re about. I organise a Pride event myself and do my best to ensure it’s not a commercial event. It’s all about the community and I feel that Prides should be free events that are accessible to all. However, on the other hand, I feel that Free Pride Glasgow are a bit militant in their views and the way they are going about things. For starters, putting their event on the same day as the mainstream Glasgow Pride is a bit confrontational. Then, of course, we come to the decision to ban cis drag performers from being a part of Free Pride Glasgow.

    Drag Queens are a huge part of our history and culture. Without Drag Queens we wouldn’t have many of the freedoms we take for granted today. The Stonewall riots in the 60s were started by Drag Queens and for that reason we have much to thank them for. To ban cis drag performers is to ignore a large part of our culture. I genuinely feel that the organisers of Free Pride Glasgow should be ashamed of themselves. It doesn’t appear to be in the spirit of being ‘free’, nor in the spirit of Pride.

    Pride festivals need to be inclusive of all people, whether they be lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, cis, non-cis, straight, black, white, purple, orange or anything else. They should be open to anybody who wants to celebrate diversity and our rich LGBT culture, and that should extend to entertainers. Banning cis drag performers makes Free Pride Glasgow an exclusive event, not an inclusive one.

    A solution to this situation would be for Free Pride Glasgow to allow cis drag performers to be a part of their event, but to have them perform in a specific drag area like some other Pride events do. That way, those who are not offended by cis drag artists can see them perform, and those who are offended by cis drag artists don’t have to see them.

    There are clearly ways around this that would benefit everyone. However, Free Pride Glasgow are choosing to bow to pressure from one section of our community and alienate a whole other section in the process. The organisers are doing nothing to further our cause by taking this action. In fact, they are contributing to a divide in our community that I fear is growing at a time when we all need to be on the same side. For that, they should be ashamed of themselves.

    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.

     

  • Pride event bans Drag Queens in case they offend

    Glasgow’s Free Pride, not to be mistaken for Glasgow Pride, has taken steps to ban drag queens from its Pride after a trans and non-binary caucus decided some drag acts could offend.

    A pride event has become the first in the UK to officially ban drag queens from its event after deciding that some drag acts could offend.

    UPDATED: 20th July 2:36

    A pride event has become the first in the UK to officially ban drag queens from performing at its event after deciding that some drag acts could offend.

    A statement released by the “anti-commercialist” pride event reads:

    “After much discussion, the trans and non binary caucus decided not to have drag acts perform at the event.

    “This does not mean that people of any gender can’t wear what they want to the event, we simply won’t be having any self-described drag acts perform at our Free Pride Event on the 22nd August. We hope people can understand and support our decision. However we feel it important to fully explain why we came this decision.

    “The decision was taken by transgender individuals who were uncomfortable with having drag performances at the event. It was felt that it would make some of those who were transgender or questioning their gender uncomfortable.”

    However the policy has led to many commenters to react angrily accusing the pride to be bigoted against cis people and question its role as a non-discriminatory event.

    One user commenting on Free Pride’s facebook page reminded Free Pride organisers that the gay pride movement was started when Drag queens “stood up against oppression” and that they should be “lauded not excluded” Glasgow Pride responded to Free Pride’s policy by saying,

    Glasgow Pride, Scotland’s largest Pride event, responded to Free Pride’s policy by saying,

    “We can understand the actions behind Free Pride over the banning of Drag Performers but believe this to action to (be) wrong and going against what an inclusive event should be about. As an organisation Pride Glasgow had a similar discussion back in 2010 over how Drag could cause discomfort to people however we took the decision that Drag Queens and Kings play an important part in the history of the Pride movement and should be included within the event.”

    In March the students union passed a motion banning cross-dressing or drag due to the offence it could cause trans women.

    Disclosure: THEGAYUK is a media sponsor for Glasgow Pride.

     

  • HOTEL REVIEW | Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre

    HOTEL REVIEW | Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre

    ★★★★ | Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre

    A contemporary gateway into modern connected Glasgow

    Hilton Glasgow

    Set along Glasgow’s famous Clyde River, the Hilton Garden Inn is the perfect place to stay, when visiting the bustling city of Glasgow.

    Situated in the redeveloped and developing area around the historic Finnieston Quay, the hotel is a stone’s throw from the burgeoning media city and the sports facilities that were in full use during the Commonwealth Games 2014.

    The newly built hotel has 164 guest rooms, which all feature an iMac entertainment system and free WIFI along with, what I would call room essentials, an ironing board, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities. There’s also a well equipped, free Precor gym, should you want to burn off calories from the exquisite food available from the AA Rosette restaurant, City Café.

    The rooms are well appointed, with an inventive, airy, modern sensitivity, and best of all they offer stunning views across the river, and spectacular visions of The Clyde Arc, or as some around these parts call it, the ‘Squinty Bridge.’ It’s especially beautiful at night as the coloured light from the bridge reflects off the inky blackness of the Clyde.

    If you’re in Glasgow to do a spot of business, the rooms also have an ergonomically designed office chair – as well as that iMac mentioned previously, for you to use, but if you prefer to be amongst the people, you’ll also find a fully functional 24-hour business centre.

    A brisk walk along the river bank will take you into the heart of Glasgow to enjoy the many delights that Scotland’s second largest city has to offer, including a well developed gay scene, with bars and clubs.

    With a late check out of 12:00PM and the trademark ‘nothing-is-too-much-hassle’ attitude from staff, the Hilton Garden Inn, Glasgow City Centre, is the first choice for accommodation in Glasgow.

    Parking is just £5 and all rooms are non-smoking.

    Visit the Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow online

  • Scottish Government Launches Next Phase Of Bowel Cancer Campaign

    Bowel cancer can be beaten – if detected early. This was the message Scots were told today as the Scottish Government launched the second phase of its bowel cancer awareness campaign.

    In a bid to encourage more Scots aged 50-74 to take part in the life-saving national bowel screening programme, the new campaign carries the powerful message that early stage bowel cancer can often be cured.

    The campaign shows the real value of completing the home screening kit, which is the best way to find bowel cancer early.

    Picking up where the first campaign left off, the next phase wants to increase the 57 per cent of bowel cancers detected at the earliest stages, by asking more people to return their completed kits.

    Last year’s public awareness campaign resulted in a large increase in calls to the national bowel screening centre and the latest statistics shows that uptake of the programme has gone up from 54 to 56 percent in two years.

    Health Secretary Alex Neil said: “We know that nine out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer if it is detected early. Completing and returning the home test is the simplest way to get checked – giving yourself the best possible chance of survival.

    “However, only just over half of those eligible have taken the opportunity to get tested. Bowel cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, especially when it’s caught early, and taking the test helps us to do exactly that.

    “We want to encourage even more people to take up the services on offer and help further increase the rate of bowel cancers detected at the earliest stage, when people are least likely to need invasive treatment and most likely to survive.

    “An important part of this is ensuring everyone who is eligible takes the time to complete their home test kit. Having done the test myself I know how simple it is to do and the results could make a difference to your life. My message is clear, bowel cancer can be beaten if its caught early. Don’t get scared, take the test.”

    The campaign, which goes live today, is supported by 70-year-old Sheena Edgar who is one of Scotland’s growing number of cancer survivors thanks to screening.

    Sheena, from Lanarkshire, was diagnosed with bowel cancer after completing a routine bowel screening test three years ago.

    Highlighting the importance of the returning the screening kit Sheena said: “I had no symptoms at all but I sent away my test anyway. Just a few days later I had a letter asking me to get in touch with the hospital to arrange a colonoscopy. They told me they found three polyps which were then sent away for testing.

    These tests, which would not have been done if Sheena hadn’t returned her kit, showed that she did indeed need treatment.

    Sheena explained: “I then had an operation, but was home three days later and felt like I was back to normal. It was all really quick. The staff that helped look after me were absolutely brilliant. It was over before I realised that anything had even happened.

    Sheena is sharing her story as part of the new campaign because she recognises how it saved her life – a message she wants others to know.

    She said: “I’m very grateful for the screening service. Don’t be put off doing the test – it’s so simple and could save your life. You might not like the thought of it, but it’s easy and you can do it in private, in your own home.

    “It doesn’t bear thinking about how long I might have had to wait before finding out I had bowel cancer, without the screening programme. It could have been much further down the line, when it was more advanced – I could have been facing a very different outcome all together.

    “I was so lucky it was caught early, thank goodness for the screening service.”

    Applauding the new campaign Emma Anderson, Scottish Operations Manager, Bowel Cancer UK said:

    “Bowel Cancer UK welcomes the next phase of the Detect Cancer Early bowel cancer campaign.

    “We have seen the uptake rate of the bowel screening test increase since the campaign began but there are still too many people not completing and returning their kit. Everyone who is eligible should do the test – it could save their life.”

    Terence O’Kelly, the Scottish Government’s Senior Medical Officer and Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary said:

    “If a tumour is present, just in the bowel wall, it can be cured.

    “I know of many patients who have completed the home screening test, had a positive result, and have gone on to have polyps removed before they develop any further. These individuals have then enjoyed completely normal lives.

    “Clearly not everyone has the same journey or outcome. However, what is clear, is that if detected early, bowel cancer is a form of disease that can be cured.”

    Currently the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme invites all men and women in Scotland aged 50 – 74 to participate in screening every two years.

    The programme was extended in April 2013, so that those over the age of 74 can self-refer every two years by requesting a screening kit through the Scottish Bowel Screening Helpline.

    For information on the screening programme, contact the Scottish Bowel Screening Helpline on 0800 0121 833 or visit www.bowelscreeningtest.org.

  • OPINION | Yes or No… Is Scotland going to go?

    On Thursday 18th Sept 2014, History WILL be made. Never in my lifetime have I seen as many people engaged in politics, some for the very first time, there have been many arguments, wild accusations and straight out lies from both sides, and there have been some very ugly scenes on the streets, It feels like a different country and sometimes it feels like the beginning of a new revolution.

    It is exciting, scary and sometimes downright awful, but a passionate fire in Scotland has been lit, and it is more powerful and brighter than ever, and whatever your view on it all, it can’t be denied what has happened amongst the people has been incredible.

    But what about the LGBTI community in Scotland, how will it affect us?
    On Mon 15th Sept 2014, The Pink News website, published the results of a poll of 2163 LGBTI people and 54% voted in favour of a Yes vote, When I tweeted I wanted people’s opinions for this article, the majority of people also said they are voting Yes, and again the majority of LGBTI people on my social networks also favouring a Yes vote.

    Why is the Yes vote so strong amongst the LGBTI community in Scotland?
    Since the Scottish Parliament was formed, it has taken incredible strides for equality for the LGBTI community, but Britain as you may or may not know has no written constitution, decisions can be made and over-turned just as easily depending on who is in power at any given time, eg. nothing is set in stone, what is law now could just as easily not be law in the next government.

    From an LGBTI point of view that would be disastrous for everyone, for everyone who has fought for equal rights.

    From a Yes point of view, Scotland will have a written constitution with today’s laws written and enshrined in it, that would be a sense of stability for LGBTI communities all over Scotland, we would be equal, it cannot be taken away, an incredible reward for the decades of fighting for the smallest of rights to being able to marry the person we love. It would be leading the way in equality rights.

    It is with this in mind the Rainbow Paper was published detailing why a Yes vote would be beneficial for LGBTI communities –

    What If No Wins
    If a No vote does indeed prevail on Friday morning, then LGBTI communities all over Britain should be aware that after the next general election in May 2015 and the Conservative party are still in power they may seek to review and repeal the Human Rights act, placing everything that everyone who has fought for in jeopardy. That is something that everyone should be aware of, no matter where they live in the UK.

    The Morning After The Night Before
    On Friday 19th Sept, Britain is going to be a very different place, and that IS scary, even if a No vote has succeeded, a fire has been lit not just in Scottish politics but all over the UK, and the Govt and Westminster have a right to be scared, we all want change, we all want something better and we can and should make it happen.

    If a Yes vote prevails, it is very important to remember that it is NOT because Scotland hates England and all that tiresome rubbish the media and scumbags of society are throwing about, Hadrians wall is not suddenly going to re-appear, it was just a chance for change, a chance to make life better, a chance to have your voice heard.

    Scotland will always quite literally be a part of Britain, it will just have its own voice, It will be your annoying brother, that deep down you love to bits, just as England will be the annoying older Brother that we also dearly love.

    I LOVE Britain, It is Great! Just because there maybe 2 Governments instead of 1, does not mean a thing.

    I will still count myself as British, just as I have always done no matter which way it goes.
    In the words of the legendary RuPaul: Can I Get An Amen Up In Here!

     

    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.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Compulsion

    ★★★ | Compulsion

    What’s your secret? What do you do in private that you wouldn’t share with anyone? What happens if the quiet, secret compartments in our heads start to invade our consciousness? And if the curtains are torn down for all to see, could we survive? Would we adapt or die?

    Tom Staunton’s a nice guy. A genuinely nice guy. A little damaged and a little quirky. Who isn’t? But his secrets and compulsions are coming to the fore in a very public way that he can’t control. The voices in his head won’t keep quiet. They have to be heard. What’s his secret? Why is it tearing him apart? Is any part of our nature as human beings too shameful for others to see?

    Join Tom as we examine the dark corners of his mind. Meet the different facets of his personality that hold power over him and witness the incidents in his past that have made him who he is.

    Compulsion is a darkly comic journey into one man’s sub-conscience. Tune into the noise in his mind that simultaneously tortures him and helps him to keep going. Witness the struggle of having to live with oneself.

    As I arrived at the theatre, I was amazed to see an empty stage with just two actors and a chair. I knew this was going to be a true Fringe performance. As I sat down and began to cool down, I was instantly drawn in. Evidently, we were dealing with a gay man being haunted by the different elements of his subconscious. We were presented with three variations of his psyche played by Kim Maouhoub, Paul Storan and Nigel Fyfe.

    We were immediately transported into Tom’s mind by the exquisite use of lighting that matched perfectly with the angst dealt Declan Cooke’s character. Kim Maouhoub, who had an air of Helena Bonham Carter, played her parts brilliantly. Each new character portrayed was performed beautifully with excellent characterization. The other two actors, Paul Storan and Nigel Fyfe were also great with real determination and emotion in their performance.

    The only downside was the length; it only lasted just under 50 minutes with the majority of the time being the scene changes. An interruption which I feel could have been done better. I would have liked to have seen the play developed more and made into more of a developed narrative rather than a glimpse into his innermost thoughts. Furthermore, the LGBT themes seemed to be a bit cliché; a gay man with an abusive past that had been accused of being a paedophile. It is these clichés that I wish were avoided. Instead I would have liked to have seen a deeper dive into Tom’s mind and even perhaps not having a clear and concise answer to why he felt the way he did, however all in all an excellent and true Fringe performance.

    More details in the link below:
    https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/compulsion

    Or feel free to ‘Follow’ them on Twitter: @thecompulsion or ‘Like’ the page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Keep-You-Company-thecompulsion/533083020145519?sk=timeline

    Final words: An interesting production with clichéd themes. Definitely worth a view if you’re in the area especially for Kim Maouhoub. Not bad!

  • Section 28 supporter tops up Scotland’s YES VOTE campaign by £1 MILLION

    Sir Brian Souter, who famously supported keeping a section 28 clause installed in the Scottish legal system, has reportedly topped up the Yes Campaign with £1 Million.

    In 2000 when the Scottish Government were planning to repeal the Section 28 laws, which forbade the promotion of homosexuality to minors, by education staff, and local authorities, Souter became the leader of the Keep The Clause campaign. In Scotland, the clause was known as Clause 2A. A spokesperson at the time said that the transport tycoon was not undertaking the campaign for ‘personal glory’ but was fighting the ‘battle because he is a father and committed Christian’

    At the time gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell stated that ‘Brian Souter’s support for Section 28 is the moral equivalent of the business-funded campaign to maintain racial segregation in the Deep South of the USA in the 1950s.’

    HeraldScotland.com is reporting that Souter has now donated £1m to the SNP, as a ‘gift’ for Yes vote’.

    A spokesperson for the SNP said, ‘It’s a fantastic sign of confidence that Brian and others the length and breadth of Scotland are stepping up to the plate to do what they can so that we have the resources to take on the Westminster establishment and win the Yes vote.’

    In Feb 2013, Souter talked about the issue of same-sex marriage on Question Time. In 2011 he was nominated as Bigot Of Year by Stonewall.

    The people of Scotland will vote on whether they stay part of the UK or leave on 18th September 2014.

  • Chris Mears and Jack Laugher take gold

    Talented duo Chris Mears and Jack Laugher take gold at the Commonwealth Games

    Unstoppable diving duo Chris Mears and Jack Laugher are the proud owners of a gold medal which they won in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The gold medal is the second to be awarded at the games, winning the men’s synchronised 3m springboard final.

    Taking to Instagram Jack said, ‘GOLD WITH MY BEST BUD @mearschris93 😀 Couldn’t be happier!!!!’

  • The Big Commonwealth Gay Kiss – Barrowman Puckers Up

    Amidst the Tartan and Scotties, Scotland had a surprise up her sleeve for the millions of viewers around the globe, who tuned in to watch the Glasgow Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.

    Actor and singer John Barrowman grabbed a guy and gave a full on lip smacker during his stint in the opening ceremony. It is thought the kiss was done as a political statement. 40 of the 53 countries of the Commonwealth criminalise homosexuality.

    Watch the moment John Barrowman kisses a guy in the crowd below.

    The kiss mirrors a number of other same-sex kisses that have happened during a live TV broadcast. In 2012, the Eurovision showed two same-sex kisses and during the London Olympics opening ceremony, the first lesbian kiss ever on British television was replayed.

    Barrowman met his husband Scott Gill in 1993 and entered into a civil partnership in December 2006. In 2013 the pair married in the state of California after the United States Supreme Court overturned Prop 8.

    Speaker John Bercow MP said in a statement earlier this week that the Commonwealth ‘must to do more’ for the LGBT community. He said, ‘Sadly, there might be world-class athletes who will not be able to compete in the Games, as they will have been discriminated against on the basis of their sexuality; shamefully, it is estimated that 4 out of every 5 countries in the Commonwealth criminalise homosexuality. Surely, it is time for the Commonwealth to do more to support lesbian, gay, transsexual and bisexual people, to ensure they are not discriminated against, no matter where they live?’

  • Commonwealth gay kiss: “They should be burned alive”

    In case you’ve been asleep for the last day or so, the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony took place last night. In amongst the usual song and dance of such an affair, something relatively insignificant happened: a person kissed someone.

    This would usually go without comment, except for the fact it was two men; one of them being John Barrowman. I’m no massive fan of Barrowman’s attention-seeking antics, but even he does not deserve this delightful tweet from Twitter user @Looney_Ent: “This is disgusting, they should be burned alive. Commonwealth Games ceremony gay kiss #nohomo #nohomo #nohomo”

    The Twitter community dove into action, reporting the offending tweet to Twitter and the Metropolitan Police. In the face of such backlash, and following warnings from the ever-delightful @FleetStreetFox, the homophobic tweet has been removed and replaced with a barbed apology.

    Unfortunately, I couldn’t reach John Barrowman for comment.

  • REVIEW | Deborah Frances-White, Half a Can of Worms

    ★★★★★ | Deborah Frances-White, Half a Can of Worms

    Deborah Frances-White was adopted at ten days old and up until late October 2012 she had no idea who or where her birth family were.

    An extraordinary run of events meant that she was suddenly living as a round the clock internet Nancy Drew, finding out more information every hour about her birth mother, aunts, uncles, grandparents and even possibly half brothers and sisters. What she is learnt was that you can’t open half a can of worms.
    Armed with a cut price private detective, a lot of social media to trawl through and a template of her own distinctive eyebrows, Deborah navigated her way through a family search that would have flummoxed lesser mortals.

    This is a rare feat: narrative stand-up that is warm and moving and very human. The audience is instantly on Deborah’s side and her persona has the room eating out of her hand. She even helped an elderly lady turn off her ringing phone without the slightest hint of irritation. Stand up comedians can be terribly nice as well as being very funny.

    The show is well composed, backed up by well put together film clips and manages to entertain with a ripping yarn as a backdrop. Deborah certainly deserves to have a hit show with this piece.

    Catch the show at the Edinburgh Fringe from the 1st to the 25th of August
    Buy tickets here: https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/deborah-frances-white-half-a-can-of-worms