Tag: Sponsored

Top 5 condom brands for more pleasurable sex

Condoms have had a lot of negativity thrown at them, for destroying the moment of passion whilst you fiddle around with lubed fingers trying to put one on, to wondering why you bothered getting excited in the first place because it now feels like you’re wearing a mini Michelin Man down there.

Sponsored by THEGAYSHOP

However, condoms are still one of the most effective ways of preventing STI infections spreading and the makers themselves have researched and invested in new technologies to make you get the most out of your sexual experiences whilst still being protected. We’ve taken a look at 5 of the newest brands out there to make you fall in love with the condom again without losing that moment of passion.

No.1 – The Handy One – Wingman Condoms

We all love a helping hand in the bedroom and these Wingman condoms feature a clever plastic handle so you can slip it on with just one hand, perfectly, every time. This leaves the other hand free to continue the action whilst you seamlessly protect yourself ready for the main event. Available Here – £9.99 (12 pack)

No.2 – The Thin One – Durex Invisible

Durex is one of the most well-known brands out there and their new Invisible Extra Thin condoms are both strong and offer a feeling of wearing nothing at all, letting you get as close as possible to your partner whilst still being protected. Available Here – £14.99 (12 pack)

No.3 – Bee Inspired – LELO Hex Condoms

Drop everything… literally. The condom really has been re-invented here by the clever team behind LELO Hex. Made up of 350 connecting hexagons, the structure gives a more sensitive and intimate sensation with a secure grip. Smooth on the outside and textured on the inside for an enhanced pleasure.

No.4 – Fancy A Snack? – Skins Flavoured condoms

Skins flavoured condoms are here for those who like a nibble in the bedroom. This multi-pack comes with Banana, Strawberry, Bubblegum, and Mint flavoured condoms for those who enjoy a fruity mouthful. Available Here – RRP £8.99 (12 pack)

No.5 – Size Queen – My.Size Condoms

If you’ve had problems fitting in then it may be because you’re using the wrong size condom. My.Size condoms are available in 7 sizes depending on the girth of your member. Simply measure your width in centimetres, or get someone else to, and find your perfect fit. No more squeezing into a regular for you! RRP £8.99 (10 pack)

Available Here: 47 – (9.5-10cm) 49 – (10-11cm) 53 – (11-11.5cm ) 57 – (11.5-12cm ) 60 – (12-13cm ) 64 – (13-14cm )

8th March 2017
6 gay artists you need to pay attention to in 2017

Lately, there’s been a boom in music from LGBT artists and as acceptance of gay people grows and grows worldwide we look to see who are the names you need to be looking out for in 2017.

CREDIT: Kenny Rials

Sponsored by

Kenny Rials

Broadway star (yes he starred in Hedwig And The Angry Inch) turned recording artist, Louisiana native, turned full-on Brit, Kenny Rials (photo above) has a brand new album out called Second Chances, which is a follow-up to his debut EP, Time Doesn’t Stand Still, which featured the club smash “Not Yet, Someday”. Kenny is a strong advocate for anti-bullying and his latest album contains the self-penned anti-bullying anthem, “It Never Rains Forever”. Speaking about his experience with bullying the star revealed, “I kept my head down and tried to be invisible. In my lyrics, I ask those still being tormented to please hold on, it will be our time to shine soon”. He’ll be touring the UK and USA in 2017 check out date and more info at his website.

Adam Lambert

Adam released a brand new song “Welcome To The Show” in July which amassed over 8 million streams on Spotify and nearly 2 million views on YouTube. Well, it hints that perhaps there will be a new album for 2017. His last album The Original High was released in 2015 so it’s about time there was a new one.

Sam Smith

CREDIT: kathclick / bigstock

Surprisingly Sam Smith, despite his huge worldwide success, has actually only released one album and okay it is a whopper having shipped over 6.5 million units, but that was in 2014. So will Sam be releasing new music in 2017? The star revealed that he was going deeper than ever for the next one, saying, “Every day I’m having little epiphanies and changes and loving it. But all I can say is that I’m putting my heart even more out on the (expletive) line. I’m going even deeper. I can’t believe I’m even doing it, but I’m going even deeper.”

Steve Grand

CREDIT: Steve Grand / Instagram

Steve Grand is as famous for his shirtless crowdfunding of albums as he is for his actual music. His last album All American Boy was in 2015 so 2017 could be the year for new music from the star, which he hinted at could be on the way soon with the release of a duet, “Look Away” released in March. Bring it on Stevie.

Joe McElderry
Credit Mark Yeoman
Joe’s recorded music career has been quiet of late, having not released anything since 2012’s Here’s What I Believe which reached number 8 in the UK. Joe will be back on the road with Joseph And The Technicolour Dreamcoat in January. There are dates planned for Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales.

Danyl Johnson
CREDIT: Monty McKinnen / THEGAYUK
Danyl has been working on some new music and you should expect more music in 2017. Speaking to THEGAYUK earlier in the year Danyl revealed since his time on the X Factor that he had travelled to Nashville, USA, to work on material with some great, talented songwriters.

Sponsored by Kenny Rials. Produced by THEGAYUK editorial team.

22nd December 2016
How to catch the eye of the man you fancy at the office Christmas party

We are in the party season and if you’re anything like us you won’t be trying on just one outfit. Your bedroom will end up looking like a scene from Storage Wars with clothes thrown across the bed and discarded products cluttering every corner.

CREDIT: nito-bigstock

Sponsored by

Well take a moment, breath and relax. Here we have ten top tips to keep you looking tip-top this party season.

1)    Pocket Square

CREDIT: Rampley & co

It might not be the most obvious thing in the world, but a pocket square in the breast pocket of your blazer signifies a confident, sartorially inclined man. If you thought a pocket square was just a white hanky in your pocket think again. Luxury men’s outfitters Rampley & Co have pocket squares to suit the simplest to the most extravagant of tastes.

2)    Suit and boot

The Christmas party can come in a number of guises, so work out what kind of outfit you’ll need to plan for. Is it black tie? Suit? Or is it smart casual? For most Christmas parties or social gatherings this winter a smart casual look will fit in perfectly. You can keep your jeans casual as long as you team them with a great tan brogue. Build on the look with a fresh, crisp simply patterned shirt, and finish off with a blazer with the aforementioned pocket square and you’ll be the talk of the party. For those colder nights, you could slip on a block-colour cashmere v neck jumper under the blazer. Don’t be afraid to try bold colours.

3)    Trim that beard

CREDIT: NejroN Photo bigstock

Sorry hipsters, that beard has got to go. There’s only one man allowed to have a bushy face on the 25th and he arrives with reindeers. Go fresh-faced and watch the admiring glances from across the room.

4)    Scrub-a-dub-dub

Feel and look your best by investing in a good exfoliant. You can refresh tired looking skin and reveal a youthful glow under all the dead skin cells that collect on the surface of your face. Don’t let winter take its toll on your visage! Take a look at our top exfoliating product list.

5)    Get yourself a good barber

A visit to a barber is a definite must to complete the man about Christmas town. Investing in a good haircut is key to feeling great about how good and how polished you look. A good barber will offer a variety of different services from hot towels to manicures. Why not treat yourself to 211 years of grooming experience at Truefitt & Hill, London’s oldest barber shop and the world leader in men’s grooming

6)    A splash of colour

Well, one does want a hint of colour. Even if your party requires an uber smart Black Tie look you can be totally subverting with your choice of sock. Check out these shocking pink Langham dress socks (£12.00) by Rampley & Co. No one will know unless you give them a peak of your ankle… Victorian is the new Millennium.

7)    Cologne

Aftershave is utterly important for a Winterfest party. Have you ever had a man tell you how amazing you smell? It’s wonderful. The gay community has in the past favoured a few fragrances like Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male and Davidoff’s Cool Water, but Rihanna’s Rogue (from £26.82) is surprisingly seductive and Hugo Boss Unlimited (from £46.90) is sniffing up a storm here at TGUK HQ.

8)    Man bag

Don’t clutter up the lines of your outfit with your phone, wallet or keys. Keep them all in a bag. In that bag, you should also pack, lip balm to protect your lips in the cold, icy winds, your aftershave, and a comb or hairbrush. The winter weather can play havoc with your skin so make sure you pack a good moisturiser with SDF, to make sure you’re protected from those winter sun rays.

9)    Clean teeth

Pearly whites never go out of fashion. Check out our review of teeth whitening and dazzle your prince charming with the perfect smile.

10) Centre of attention

Don’t be a wallflower. Work out a story, a joke or subject that you feel confident talking about. Read up on the news and get a sense of what’s going on in the world. That way you can talk with authority about something and be a conversation leader rather than a follower. However, best to stay clear of divisive topics such as religious, politics or M&Ms Vs Skittles.

7th December 2016
We know if you’ll get nookie at your office Christmas party

Ah, it’s that time of the year. The office Christmas party is looming and now you’re hedging your bets on whether you’ll be able to get Phil from accounts beneath your bedsheets.

SPONSORED BY:

This quiz will find out how successful you’ll be in your quest!

[os-widget path=”/thegayuk/will-you-get-sex-at-your-office-christmas-party” of=”thegayuk” comments=”false”]

So research from Superdrug as revealed that 41% of Brits want more sex this Christmas, but a whopping 30% won’t be carrying a condom. In a bid to raise awareness about practising safe sex during this festive season Superdrug has teamed up with condom manufacturers Pasante to develop a range of condom prototypes. The condoms are designed in response to the 41% of people who said they’d buy condoms if they had a fun, festive twist.

The prototype designs include:
A fur-lined condom with its luxury feel for the ultimate pleasure
The Rudolph, with its fluorescent red tip to, erm, ‘guide you’
Festive Feast selection that includes Christmas turkey, mince pie or mulled wine-flavoured condoms
Jingle Balls with a baubles texture for an extra seasonal sensation

Superdrug’s Head of Commercial Healthcare, Caris Newson says,

“These condom prototypes have been designed to be fun and get people talking this party season. However, there’s also a more serious message to them – we want to help remove the barriers around carrying condoms and encourage people to have a great time but ultimately remember to protect themselves.

“And if you find yourself having unprotected sex then do something about it. The Superdrug Online Doctor can help with advice, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections as well as services such as the morning after pill and contraceptives.”

1st December 2016
Top 5 gay things to do in 2017 around the UK

Top 5 gay things to do in 2017 around the UK

Sponsored by

BLACKPOOL – Book A Weekend Break For Single Gay Men

With all the bad press around dating apps at the moment, one hotel in Blackpool is offering something a little different for 2017. Fun packed weekends for single gay men. Enjoy a two-night break in one of the UK’s largest gay party towns whilst meeting up with other single gay men. You can get involved as much or as little as you want and whether you’re looking for love or just new friends, you’re guaranteed a memorable weekend. Two night stays from just £65 including welcome and farewell drinks.

When: Various dates, see website for details.

Visit: De-LovelyHotel.co.uk for more information
Bookings: 01253 717943

HULL – Attend the 1st ever national UK Pride event

50 years on since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, Hull will be hosting the first national LGBT+ UK Pride event, having been awarded the honour earlier this year. This new annual event will be awarded to different towns and cities across the UK each year and is hailed as the UK’s newest and largest Pride Party that’ll attract thousands of LGBT+ people from across the UK. Book early!

When: 22nd July 2017

Visit: PrideInHull.co.uk for act announcements and tickets

SNOWDONIA – Climb the UK’s third tallest mountain… in a frock!
© AMzPhoto Depositphotos
Join the Queens Of Snowdonia and drag up for charity this coming July 2017. Organised by Miss Roxy Ritz and other Queens, the walkers hope to raise £10,000 for four different charities. So if you wish to take part and relive that famous Priscilla scene then get yourself signed up. Heels not recommended!

When: 7th July 2017

Visit: Queens Of Snowdonia Facebook page for sign-up and updates.

CARDIFF – Visit the Iris Prize LGBTI Film Festival

CREDIT: ©-franky242-Depositphotos

With thirty short films by or about LGBTI people, you’ll be sure to find your own winner as they compete to win the £30,000 prize in this 10th annual festival. Set over four days, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the city of Cardiff.

When: 10th – 15th October 2017

Visit: IrisPrize.org for more details

EDINBURGH – Get all cuddly at BearScotFest

CREDIT: © kantver Depositphotos_52523889_s-2015

Four days of parties, brunches and sightseeing await the bears, cubs, otters, chasers and admirers at the UK’s largest coming together of all things furry at BearScotFest 2017 in a city filled with heritage sites and numerous gay bars to explore.

When: 5th – 8th October 2017

Visit: BearScots.org.uk for more details

26th November 2016
Are you planning something BIG and LIFE AFFIRMING?

So the BBC is looking for some people who are heading towards a life changing week and they want you to share your experience with them.

Sponsored by

So… are you?

Going to tell your family you’re gay

Perhaps you’re going to tell your boss that you’re going to start your DRAG career

Maybe you need to tell your friends something

Maybe you’re going to start living as your true identity

Maybe your gonna start a family with your boyfriend!

Maybe you’re going to go on your very first date

CREDIT: Oneinchpunch-bigstock

Maybe you’re going to meet your Internet boyfriend in REAL LIFE!

So if you fancy being part of this groundbreaking documentary why not give the MY BIG WEEK team a call or an email.

The BBC is making a new BBC2 series which will consist of 6 hour-long episodes that will go out next year at the 9pm time slot. Each episode will follow members of the public of all ages in an observational documentary style as they go through a week of change. We are interested in lots of different ideas for what is making that week extraordinary with life’s milestones being the running theme. They will also have access to support and advice from people across the world during the week. As a BBC2 production it will have a warm, life affirming tone with the human interest story at the centre.

We would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in talking to us about the series, by expressing interest there is no obligation to take part and all calls will be treated as confidential.

To get in touch email mybigweek@bbc.co.uk or call 07834 624 111

This article was sponsored by BBC Two, but created by THEGAYUK.

7th October 2016
LGBT Icons And Stars Who Have Passed Away In 2016

These are the gay icons and LGBT stars who have died in 2016.

Inclusion in this list is not indicative of a person’s sexuality, but a tribute to their work for the LGBT community in their lifetime which earned them the mantle of “gay icon” or LGBT ally.

David Bowie

Singer, Songwriter, 11th January 2016

David Bowie passed away at the age of 69 after an 18 month battle with cancer. His son Duncan Jones confirmed the news.

David Bowie’s sexuality was well documented and discussed. He came out as gay in 1972, two years into his marriage with Angie Bowie during an interview with Melody Maker.

In 1976 he confirmed he was bisexual. Four years later in 1980 Angie Bowie and David divorced.

By 1983 he declared that calling himself bisexual was the “biggest mistake” he had ever made and once again made the statement that he was a “closet homosexual”.

Alan Rickman

Actor, 14th January 2016

Alan Rickman was 69 when he passed away after a battle with cancer.

He recently won a fresh legion of fans as the rather camp Professor Snape in the Harry Potter franchise of films and as the equally camp Hans Gruber in Die Hard With A Vengeance in 1995.

Tony Warren

Coronation Street creator and writer, 2nd March 2016

Tony Warren passed away after a short illness at the age of 79. He created Coronation Street in 1960 for ITV, when he was just 24. He wrote the first 13 episodes of what would become the UK’s longest running soap drama.

He was always openly gay, even at a time when homosexuality was illegal in the UK.

Haydn Pope

AXM owner, 21st March 2016

The owner of AXM, Haydn Pope died after “losing his fight” with cancer according to a Facebook post on the company’s page posted over the weekend. He was 49.

Gaydio’s morning team Chris and Emma, paid tribute to Mr. Pope saying that he was an amazing man, who was always supportive of Gaydio, especially in its early days.

Denise Robertson

Agony Aunt 2nd April 2016

© ITV

Long standing agony aunt for ITV’s This Morning. She joined the morning team at the very beginning and helped 1000s of people across the UK. She was particularly helpful to members of the LGBT community coming to terms with their sexuality and dealing with family fall out after coming out.

She was 83 and died after a “short but determined” battle with cancer.

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13th April 2016
Gay Icon Jess Glynne Set To Hot It Up In Malta

Jess Glynne is set to wow audiences at the annual Isle of MTV festival in one of Europe’s most gay friendly countries this summer after being the first act to be announced.

CREDIT: PR Supplied

Sponsored by

Jess, who enjoys heavy rotation on the UK’s number one gay radio station Gaydio, will be singing her hits Rather Be and My Love in Malta for the 10^th Annual Isle Of MTV and will be joined by a host of other acts, which have yet to be announced.

A relative newcomer, Jess, has become one of the most successful female artists in the UK with five of her singles hitting the number 1 spot. She and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini are the only two British women to have achieved the feat.

Jess Glynne commented: “I am super excited to be coming to Malta for the 10th anniversary of Isle of MTV. Can’t wait to celebrate with you all”

CREDIT: Visit Malta

50,000 people are expected to descend on Malta for the free MTV festival. The Island is just a short 3-hour flight from the UK and has in the past hosted a whole range of celebs in the past including Jessie J, Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas and even Rylan Clark’s bestie icon Nicole Scherzinger.

The number of visitors under the age of 24 to Malta since the start of the Isle Of MTV event nine years ago has risen 120% and now accounts for 20% of all tourists, according to MaltaToday.com

For many festivalgoers the Isle of MTV is their first introduction to the Island and its smaller neighbouring Island Gozo. Coupled with the fine weather and English as an official language, Malta cements itself as one of the go to holiday destinations in Europe.

CREDIT: Visit Malta

LGBT rights in Malta have been majorly ramped up in the last decade. Gay and lesbian travellers can expect to have their marriages recognized and it also has strong anti-discrimination laws.

In 2015, according to the ILGA, Malta came third overall out of 49 in Europe’s best places to live for LGBTs scoring 79% on their scale. Substantive legislative and constitutional progress meant the country raised its place as Europe’s third most LGBT friendly locations an astonishing 8 places.

Promoted by VisitMalta.com (explained)

7th April 2016
Hollywood’s Hottest Buzzcuts

We love a buzzcut… We rank Hollywood’s sexiest buzzcuts.

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1. Heading up Hollywood’s hottest buzzcuts is Wentworth Miller’s rather lush look

2. Hard man Hardy looks tough.

Tom Hardy looks sharp with his locks lopped off. Giving him a very hard man edge to his looks.

3. When Elijah Wood got the calling from Buzz we literally fell in love.

Embed from Getty Images

4. Jake Gyllenhall

Embed from Getty Images

Looking suited, booted and buzzed.

5. Joseph Gordon-Levitt takes his acting to the next level.

Embed from Getty Images

When Gordon played his heartbreaking role in 50/50 he shaved his head, leaving him with this buzzcut.

6.David Beckham

Embed from Getty Images

Beckham changes his hair with the seasons. He went buzz cut when he was a brand ambassador for Emporio Armani.

7. Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Embed from Getty Images

Basically yum.

8. Brad Pitt

Embed from Getty Images

Everything about this man is just swoon worthy. Regardless of whether Brad has long, short or even a buzzcut, he’s a fine looking fella.

9. Zac Efron

Embed from Getty Images

Zac Efron took a break from his normally shaggy, spikey hair do look to give a buzzcut a try. We think it looks incredible.

10.Will Smith

Embed from Getty Images

Will Smith has had his buzz cut from his days as the Fresh Prince. Why change when it’s perfect.

29th March 2016
Spice Girls To Go Ahead With Tour With Or Without Posh

The Spice Girls have been planning a tour to celebrate 20 years since their first hit, Wannabe.

SPONSORED BY:

The show will go on with or without Victoria Beckham who seems to be the only hold out to seeing the world famous five some, and world’s most successful girl group of all time, reunite for the first time since the London Olympic Games in 2012.

CREDIT: ©-s_bukley-Depositphotos

However there have been some rumours that Posh might be involved, but hopes for her to actually sing and dance in the tour are reportedly off the table.

There has been a bit of flip-flopping on whether the fashion designer would be involved with rumours first pointing towards the notion that she would join her former band mates, however, her reps were quick to dowse those rumours, saying it wasn’t happening.

Initially it was suggested that Victoria might be involved on the condition that she was able to keep her focus on her family and her fashion empire.

However the fashion icon’s reps refuted the rumours.

CREDIT ©-s_bukleyDepositphotos

However now sources are confirming that Victoria may put in an appearance “here and there” although dancing and singing was strictly off the table at this point.

An insider told Us Weekly:

‘[Victoria] won’t sing or dance. There’s a small chance she’ll film something with them or make an appearance at a show here and there.’

However even if the 41-year-old designer doesn’t join the rest of the Spice Girls the insider told the magazine:

‘If [Victoria] doesn’t agree, they are moving ahead without her,’ another source told the magazine.

Recently Hannah Spearritt from S Club Seven told THEGAYUK that she would be up for a reunion tour with the rest of her bandmates when the group hits its 20th anniversary in 2019.

26th March 2016
Cosmetic Procedures Routine Or Extreme? Take The Survey

Cosmetic procedures – routine or extreme? Share your views in an online survey.

CREDIT: ©-korolOK-Depositphotos

Sponsored by

We would like to hear from as many people as possible including in the gay community with their views on cosmetic surgery (e.g. breast enlargement or reduction, face-lifts, tummy tucks, etc.) and non-surgical procedures (e.g. chemical peels, injections to remove wrinkles, skin lightening procedures, etc.).
The online survey is made up of 15 questions and should take around 10 minutes to complete. You can fill out below or at www.surveymonkey.co.uk

Create your own user feedback survey The survey will help to inform the evidence gathering of an inquiry run by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics on the ethical and social questions that are raised by the growing use of cosmetic procedures. This is one of many ways we’ll be making sure we hear from a diverse range of people with personal or professional experience of cosmetic procedures, or opinions about the impact of the growing availability of such procedures on social attitudes to appearance. More information can be found at www.nuffieldbioethics.org/project

8th February 2016