THEGAYUK

Tag: Top List

  • AUSTRALIA, Here’s 11 things that failed to happen when same-sex marriage became law

    So much happened… but at the same time so little did!

    We thought we’d take a look at what HASN’T happened since marriage between two people of the same gender got the right to be treated like everyone else. Despite the warnings from right wing, religious fundamentalists these are the things that have failed to happen.

    1) The sanctity of straight marriage will crumble, wilt and die.

    Except of course for divorce, which has always been a bit of blight on the ‘death-do-us-part’ bit of marriage

    2) The floods…

    Won’t somebody think of the floods and the pestilence, the fire and brimstone? Some UKIPPER, whose name I can’t remember, not really care to remember said that gay marriage would bring about lots and lots of rain, of a Noah and Ark amount. Okay, there has been a little more precipitation than usual scientists are putting that down to global warming rather than gay marriage, because you know, that’s actually what’s happening…

    3) Children are still being born in and out of wedlock.

    The world realised that you don’t need a man and a woman to marry in order to have kids. Children are still being born, they are still being educated, fed and loved by their parents. Bob and Fred getting hitched at the end of the road had no impact on parents being able to have children – and actually, people understand that you don’t need to be married to make children – there isn’t a switch that is suddenly turned on when you say “I Do”.

    4) Pastor Rich Scarbrough didn’t combust or set himself on fire.

    Yep, this saint of a Christian man threatened to set himself on fire if marriage equality passed. We’ve been waiting patiently with a fire blanket in hand, but nothing. Not even a puff of smoke.

    5) Parents will have no say in the sex ed that their kids are taught in school…

    Well they do… and if you don’t want little Joanie to find out that actually what she’s feeling is totally normal, rather than her hiding away, feeling shame and alone – then perhaps you need to look at your parenting credentials.

    6) Equal rights for gays, bis and lesbians

    Even though we have marriage equality, we’re still not actually legally equal. Non-consummation doesn’t count (meaning basically that the law doesn’t recognise gay sex as equal to straight sex) for grounds for divorce…

    7) Bakers will be forced to make gay cakes.

    In the UK you can’t discriminate against people because of their sexuality or gender identity – but you can just refuse an order and not give a reason… So if you’re still a total f*ckwit bigot you still have your rights, you just have to be quiet about them, but actually when you do, it lets us all know to avoid you like the plague.

    8) Churches will be forced to have gay marriages.

    Nope. We’re still not allowed to get married in your sacred places. But we can come and be a guest and totally upstage your day with how fabulous we are. Especially if we start on the white wine before the first note of “Here Comes The Bride” starts.

    9) Man will be able to marry his pets

    Nope still not legal. And dear god Mary, why are you even thinking about animals marrying?

    10) Straight marriage will carry less kudos.

    People were concerned that gay marriage would cheapen the brand. Not like Britney’s 55-hour marriage.

    11) The world’s end

    Those fascinating people (read in a sarcastic tone) at the Westboro Baptist Church said that we’d all die and go to hell, but as I sit here – in Cashmere and I look out of the window, we’re still very much here.

  • Are you Patsy Stone? 12 Signs You Might Be Patsy

    Man loving, alcohol swigging, chain smoking, power dressing magazine icon. Patsy Stone we love you.

    On Smoking

    “Smoking is good for you…”

    On Her Drinking

    “The last mosquito that bit me had to book into the Betty Ford Clinic.”

    On Sex

    “My ring needs resealing, I know the gutters sagging a bit but how about a quick plunge up the waste pipe?”

    On Work Ethics

    “It’s 7– 7:30? In the…? Why, that means nothing to me!”

    On Driving

    “Keep driving, Eddy. You haven’t hit anything yet.”

    On Fashion

    “Are you mad? I’ve got nothing to wear on public transport?”

    On Safi

    “You may dress like a Christian, but the similarity ends there. I think you do it on purpose. How long does it take you to get the crease so crisp down the front of your jeans, you torturer?”

    More on Safi

    “Oh you little BITCH TROLL FROM HELL.”

    On People

    “She’s emaciated, like her brain!”

    As A Fashion Editor

    “The only label she wears is “Drip Dry”.

    On Brand

    “One wiff of a cocoa bean and our customers would fly like vampires before garlic. Jeremy’s must remain a sterile oasis, free from street eaters and coffee carriers. Aseptic and razor-sharp as our customer’s hipbones. These women shop for lunch! Labels are their only sustenance! Their skeleton legs in Manolos have worn trenches down the pavement of Sloan Street. Their arm sinews have just enough muscles left in their arm to lift up a credit card.”<

    On Motherhood

    “Nothing, and you shouldn’t have to. I mean, look at you. You’ve been a fantastic mother. You’ve let them ruin your figure. Your stomach’s stretched beyond recognition, you’ve got tits down to your knees, and what for, for God’s sake? For a potholer who’s worn nothing but a purple nylon tracksuit and a Gazza t-shirt for the past two years. Cut the cord, darling.”

  • Six Ways to Stamp Out Homophobia in the Workplace

    Looking at the stats, it’s clear that homophobia in the workplace is still a problem – and one that many of us will have encountered.

    One in five LGBT+ people have experienced bullying from colleagues or customers in the past five years, one in five wouldn’t feel confident reporting homophobic bullying in the workplace, and in the UK, 2.4 million people of working age said that they had witnessed verbal homophobic bullying at work. Adding to that,  a massive 26 percent of LGBT+ people are not open to their colleagues about their sexual orientation – so in this age where we have rights that are verging on equal, something’s clearly amiss. In fact, The Human Rights Campaign – a US lobby group, found that a huge 62 percent of millennial LGBT+ graduates went back into the closet when starting their first job – something I was guilty of, and something that can get the careers of LGBT+ people off to an uncomfortable and unpleasant start.

    That in mind, we’ve put together a list of 6 Ways to tackle homophobia in the workplace. Given that most of us are spending 40+ plus hours a week there, it’s more important than ever that the workplace is somewhere LGBT+ people can feel free to be themselves and to contribute openly and equally to the working world.

    1. Know Your Rights

    Homophobic discrimination and harassment is illegal – and has been since 2003. There’s no doubt that a lot of people don’t see their comments as discriminatory or harassing, but if you encounter homophobic abuse, tell someone – speak to your manager or, if they’re the problem, speak to the HR team or someone you trust higher up in the company. Awareness is important – and if they know it’s a problem then chances are training can be put in place to make sure that this doesn’t happen again, either to you or your future colleagues. If you’ve left a job due to discrimination or harassment, then speak to your local Citizen’s Advice – they can offer advice on what to do next, and whilst legal action may be the last thing on your mind, they can advise if they think it something worth pursuing.

    2. Be Open

    By being open I don’t mean arriving for your first day at work riding a rainbow unicycle and singing “I Am What I Am”, but more being yourself in the workplace and taking part in conversations with your colleagues in a way that you’re relaxed with. There’s always going to be questions about your home life when you’re new to a job – and it’s only going to be easier for you if you’re open from the off. That fear of coming out is often far worse than the result – and given that it’s likely you’ll already have done it once, expressing that to your colleagues in a manner of fact way should hopefully be a walk in the park

    3. Deal with Banter

    A macho work culture can be fun at times – but it can also be damaging for those who don’t fit into that stereotype. Much like at school, offensive phrases are often flung around with little malicious intent behind them, but they’re still symbolic of a culture that needs to change. Be straight with people – if you don’t like a comment or phrase, have a direct word with them. Most people will respect that, and if they don’t, your manager or HR partner should be able to advise further, and potentially play a role in re-educating your colleague. Cultures like this can only be changed by raising awareness – so it’s important to say something if you’re not altogether happy.

    4. Explaining the benefits

    Being comfortable and secure in the workplace isn’t just something that will make you feel better – it’s been proven that being able to be yourself in the workplace can hugely increase productivity. It could be worth mentioning this if you feel like you’re feeling homophobia in the workplace, as companies will want the best possible work from their employees, and stamping out homophobia will go a long way to ensure that. Adding to that, companies with diverse workforces can attract a wider range of customers, as well as improving ideas and drive by being full of contrasting and complementary backgrounds, experiences and situations. Making the workplace more colourful can only be a good thing – bosses should be selling and celebrating the diversity of their employees.

    5. Don’t be Alone

    The community can be a big part of gay life – and the workplace is no different. It can all depend on the size of your company, but there’s a strong chance that someone else there will be LGBT+. Like straight media often assumes, being gay doesn’t mean that you’re immediately going to be best friends or lovers, but having shared experiences in the workplace can help. If there’s enough of you, you can look at starting up an LGBT+ network. I’ve attempted to do this in the past and found that there’s a lot of help available out there – including many straight allies who were immensely encouraging. Even if your LGBT+ network just goes for a monthly drink in the pub together, it can be a huge source of support for those inside the group, as well as providing vital visibility for those on the outside.

    6. Change the Culture

    Sounds like a big ask – but encouraging training and education in the workplace can make a huge difference. Corporate Social Responsibility is becoming a huge thing for many companies – and ensuring that LGBT+ visibility and training is part of this channel is vital. Speak to HR and see if there is a “CSR” manager or advocate in the company who you can chat to about training – these things not only benefit companies hugely but also, it’s worth pointing out, can serve as excellent PR. If there’s no CSR person or no training plan available, why not write some yourself? The stats are easily found out there, and organisations like Stonewall (linked at the top) provide fascinating and relevant information on LGBT+ people in the workplace. It’s something I’ve done it in the past – and it was an eye-opener not just for my colleagues, but for me as well – so it’s worth putting the time and effort in – not only can it help stamp out homophobia, but showing a sense or proactivity can in the workplace can only ever be a positive thing.

    The most important thing to remember is that if you’re experiencing homophobia in the workplace you’re not alone and that you have every right to feel happy and secure in every area of your life. If you feel like change isn’t happening, then don’t stay in a job that makes you unhappy – but make sure your bosses know exactly why you’re going. Visibility is vital – these problems only make themselves known when we’re open and honest about them, and use them to drive change forwards in order to make the workplace open, accessible and safe for all.

  • 4 Tips To Going Nude In Iceland

    As the name implies, Iceland is frickin’ cold.

    Although they may only get a few days of sunshine each year, Iceland’s summers make British summer seem positively balmy. So getting naked and wandering around in a field is not going to be an option for about 360 days of the year. I mean you could, but there’d be some serious shrinkage. However, we’ve never let that stop us before have we boys? 😉

    So if you’re planning to bare it all in the barren countryside of the land of ice, here are a few things you should know before stripping off:

    1. You won’t find (m)any Icelandic nudist groups

    The cool and laid-back nature of Icelanders will have you thinking that nudism is widely celebrated like it is in many other European countries. In truth, nudism in Iceland is more typically done individually rather than in groups or at social gatherings, as it has only recently started to be popular.

    nude in iceland

    2. Spa does NOT imply nude spa

    Unlike my recent trip to Germany which left me lacking a towel even when in polite company, Icelanders aren’t all about getting your bits out. Spas and swimming pools are a big part of Icelandic culture, but they almost always involve wearing swimming trunks. So don’t rock up to the Blue Lagoon with the D hanging out. You will be asked to leave. (However, the water is so opaque, I doubt anyone would notice if you stripped off while you were in there)

    3. You MUST shower naked

    Let me clarify that, as you probably shower naked anyway. You must shower naked before entering public pools or spas. There were even shower police on-hand in the changing rooms to make sure that you didn’t just rinse yourself in your swimmers. Showering thoroughly before getting into the spa is a topic of national importance in Iceland. So much so that this public service message was made to further clarify the issue.

    4. Find a remote spot to strip off

    Spas in and around the capital city tend not to allow nudity, likewise with the Blue Lagoon. And while there aren’t any official nude beaches or specific nudist locations in Iceland, the vast majority of Iceland is barren and remote, with plenty of natural hot springs and geyser dotted across its volcanic landscape. And while I wouldn’t recommend skinny dipping in a geyser as they tend to reach temperatures of 80-100 degrees Celsius, few people would judge you for stripping off in a secluded natural hot spring.

     

    Maybe check out the Secret Lagoon, but be warned, there may be children there. And keep an eye out on social media for groups looking to promote naturism within Iceland. They will often rent out swimming pools after hours, or arrange nudist meetups in remote locations, which would be a great way to get nekkid and mingle with some Viking locals in the buff.

    Be sure to let us know how you get on!

  • SEX ADVICE: Tips For Great One Night Stands

    One Night Stands can be a whole mix of emotions from pre-bedroom nerves to an overwhelming fear of doing something wrong. Of course they can also be a lot of fun. We asked Sexpert Alix Fox about how to get the most from your one night stands. Having written for many large titles on the various aspects of sex, her nookie knowledge spans the whole sexual spectrum from beginner and vanilla to the most obscure and fascinating kooky kinks.

    CREDIT: © dnf style| Depositphotos

    “I’m a strong advocate of the idea that almost anything goes in the boudoir so long as it’s safe, consensual, and conscientiously considered, so whatever rocks your world is unlikely to shock this girl!” she smiles. “Equally though, I don’t preach that you have to be some kind of crazy wild child in order to have a satisfying love life – not at all. Sex isn’t a competition to see who can be the most bonkers, so I’m a big believer in getting the basics right, and recognising and developing whatever works for you.”

    Since she’s down-to-earth about getting down ‘n’ dirty, THEGAYUK asked Alix to give some top tips on getting the best from one night stands. “Often, the one night stand – or ONS – is simply a one-off night of indulgent fun for both partners,” she says, “but sometimes an ONS can leave both parties feeling like the experience could have been better, both physically and emotionally, and perhaps stop a could-have-been relationship in its tracks if it’s disappointing. There are no hard and fast rules about how to make a hard and fast night go brilliantly, but my tips are designed to avoid a one night stand becoming a stand-up comedy (or worse) and instead make it stand and deliver a damn great time, and maybe even lead to more.”

    Make sure your head’s in the right place (and I’m not talking about saucy positions). Many a lasting love has stemmed from what was originally intended to be a one night stand, and some people like to cut to the chase and find out quickly if they’re likely to be sexually compatible before they begin dating someone on a longer-term basis. However, the majority of ONSs are just that – one-time hook-ups. Ensure that you’re in the right frame of mind to appreciate this. Be honest with yourself about the situation, and realistic in your expectations. If, afterwards, it’ll make you bawl if they don’t call, an ONS could set you up for a fall.

    Clear the doom from your room. If you know you’re likely to be bringing someone back to your place, do at least a 10-minute basic tidy before you head out. Make your bed; whack dirty washing out of sight; make sure there’s bog roll and baby wipes in the bathroom so it’s easy for your ONS to freshen up before you get fresh; and for God’s sake, make sure there’s no poo in your loo. Ew! This may not be your style, but I like scented candles in my boudoir: not only do they make it smell delicious, but they cast light that’s much more flattering and relaxing than having the big bulb on.

    Get Durexcellent! Surely I do not need to tell you the zillion reasons why you need to use protection if a newcomer penis is going to feature in your plans. Carry at least a couple of condoms, and carry them correctly: they can get creased and damaged in your wallet, so slip some into a metal business card holder instead. Keep condoms by your bed, too – I empty mine into a discreet wooden box so that a new lover doesn’t see an opened packet and wonder who (ahem) came before him. Just make sure that if you have a mixture in there, they’re all in date. Top quality condoms mean peace of mind, easier use and better sensation. If you’re sleeping with someone for one night only, don’t risk the experience being downgraded by relying on some dodgy beer-flavoured novelty rubber from a pub vending machine.

    A range of condoms and other bedroom items can be found in our online store here.

    Don’t let ‘one on the rocks’ stop you getting your rocks off. It might be tempting to knock back extra booze to give you Dutch Courage before an ONS, but that ‘one for the road’ could make sex a car crash. Too much booze can make it tougher for gents to maintain an erection, and generally makes it more likely that your ONS will become a fumbling, bumbling, right rum do. Alcohol can make your mouth dry, too; grab a glass of water before you head to bed to keep kisses (and the rest) juicy.

    Check your bellybutton before you try to push buttons! Pre-sauce session, nip to the WC and check your navel isn’t full o’ fluff! If you’ve worn a new top or pants, and especially if you’re a hairy guy, there may be lint in there. It’s not seductive for a new partner to find Carpet World hiding in your tummybutton while they’re kissing their way down your happy trail.

    A kiss is not a contract. And neither is inviting someone into your home or going back to theirs. If you change your mind at any point during an ONS, that is just fine. You don’t owe anybody anything, so don’t feel obliged to go through with something or push yourself beyond your comfort zone ‘because you’ve already got this far’. The objective for both people is to have a good time. If you’re not, stop. And if your play pal says they’d like to slow down – or you just get the vibe that this might be the case even if they don’t pipe up – be cool, respectful and good-natured about it, and make it clear that just savouring some snogging together – or whatever – is A-OK. Being honourable is way more important than any orgasm.

    Turn ‘interruption’ into ‘intimacy’ or ‘intensity’. Some people complain that putting on condoms ‘interrupts the moment’ or ‘spoils the mood’, which can be particularly unwelcome during an ONS, but that doesn’t have to be the case at all. Putting a condom on means that all the attention is focused closely on the penis, and that can be an enticing, exciting thing for you both, rather than a moment of sombre, serious silence. If you’re not the one unrolling the condom, don’t sit staring like a spare part while he prepares his parts: be vocal about how hot his cock looks if you’re into dirty talk, or stroke his neck, nipples, torso or inner thighs. Suspect he needs to concentrate or not feel like he’s being watched, but don’t want to feel like a left-out lemon? Get behind him and kiss his neck or put your arms around him and lay your head on his back. Alternatively, put on a show that will keep him hard and thus make the condom-donning easier by touching yourself in front of him.

    Give a (hopefully genuine) compliment or two. You may never see your ONS again, but by saying something nice about how they look in the nude, or an aspect of their technique, you leave them with a pleasant memory and a confidence boost. Even if, in some ways, the sex turns out a little clumsily – as it can when you’re with a new partner whose body and tastes you’re unfamiliar with – simple praise like “Mmm, your ass is gorgeous!” or “You’re great at that” can help leave an overriding impression that the experience with you was a worthwhile, good one. Which is helpful if you do see them again.

    Make sure you can grab a cab. Install a taxi app on your mobile that uses GPS to find your location and allows you to pay using your pre-loaded credit card details, so that if you go back to someone else’s place, you can always get home safely and easily as and when you want to, without needing to give a cabbie directions or have cash on you.

    Talk with your hands. We all know good communication improves sex. In long-term relationships, you get to gradually explore about what your partner likes, and discuss what works for you both. Yet with a one night stand, you and your playmate may know little or nothing about each other’s preferences. You need to learn fast, but you’re eager for copulation, not conversation – so let your fingers do some of the talking instead. If you’re giving oral sex, try putting a digit in your lover’s mouth, telling them “Show me what you like”, and mimicking their movements and pace as they lick or suck it.

    Follow Alix on Twitter @AlixFox

  • The Hottest Intimate Gay Scenes Of All Time In Cinema

    The Hottest Intimate Gay Scenes Of All Time In Cinema

    Well someone had to sit down and do it… Putting porn to one side, here’s six of the most memorable gay same sex scenes in film.

     

    6. Threesome

    Intellectual Eddie (Josh Charles) is in the closet. Heading to college, he finds himself sharing a dorm with Stuart (Stephen Baldwin), a jock and serial womaniser. But due to an administrative error, their other roommate is Alex (Lara Flynn Boyle), a feisty young woman who is down as a male on the college records. But the complications start as they grow closer. Stuart loves Alex and wants sex with her. Alex loves Eddie and wants sex with him. And Eddie loves Stuart, hiding his desires to have sex with him and secretly checking him out at every opportunity. The three of them become firm friends and, of course, sex gets in the way. Until that is, they think that they have found the perfect solution…. But will the three of them end up in a ménage a Trois and will Eddie ever get his desires towards Stuart fulfilled? A mostly shirtless, muscular Baldwin brother plays the all-American depraved teen with lustful desires towards his female roommate, but who gets more of an education at college than he probably imagined when he filled out his application.

    BUY ON AMAZON

    05. Shelter

    Zack is an aspiring artist trapped in a life of supporting his dysfunctional family and caring for his nephew, until his best friend’s gay brother, Shaun (Brad Rowe), comes back from L.A. As the two hang out and surf together their feelings for each other develop among the waves, surfboards and wetsuits. Not only do they hide their relationship for Zack’s benefit, who is struggling with his new found feelings, Shaun encourages Zack to take control of his life and follow his ambitions. But not before the two of them have engaged in plenty of bedroom activities. If a hunky surfer, a semi-twink and lots of manly dudes in wetsuits is your thing, then this film may be for you. The beautiful boys find time to kiss, cuddle and caress each other in the California sun, the highlight of this film is an early morning romp whereby the boys nearly get caught by their brother and best friend.

    BUY ON AMAZON

     

    04. Wild Things

    In this steamy thriller, two girls accuse a high school counsellor of raping them in a convoluted extortion plot. But as they key players in the plan find themselves increasingly mistrusting of the others, Suzie Marie Toller (played by Neve Cambell) attacks Kelly Lanier Van Ryan (Denise Richards) in a swimming pool, but the attack turns to lust as the two girls kiss passionately and undress each other, whilst all the time being observed and filmed by a police officer hiding in the undergrowth. The swimming pool scene is one example of how this film strides out where other erotic thrillers (Basic Instinct, Showgirls) feared to tread by showing erotic lesbian sex scenes with partially nude Hollywood starlets. After watching this, it becomes clear why they stayed in the pool to cool off.

    BUY ON AMAZON

     

    03. Beautiful Thing

     

    Teenage life on a London council estate is difficult for Jamie, who has a crush on his handsome classmate and neighbour, Ste (played by the very beautiful Scott Neal). Ste has his own problems with his dysfunctional family and alcoholic father. Love slowly blossoms between the two boys as they deal with an interfering neighbour, visit their first gay bar and grow into their sexuality. The catalyst for all of this is when Ste is beaten by his father and spends the night at Jamie’s. Sleeping “top to toe”, Jamie starts by massaging Ste’s bruised body, but this turns into much more as the two boys end up kissing and subsequently sleeping together. But what makes this scene so special is that it is a beautifully tender moment which takes you back to your first love and maybe even reminds you of those fledgeling fumbles you once had.

    BUY ON AMAZON

     

    02. Bound

    In this film noir fuelled movie, Violet (Jennifer Tilley) wishes to escape her violent criminal boyfriend and so engages in a clandestine affair with a sexually charged ex-con, Corky (Gina Gershon) and the two of them plan to rip off $2 million of mob money. Double crossing, violent criminals and underhand tactics cannot detract from the explicit sexual aspects of this film. The two women are beautiful and their first encounter is a breathy, whispered and intimate one. Who ever thought that showing someone your tattoo would lead to such an erotic encounter? But their second encounter is why this film makes the list. As the camera pans around the two women, their graphic intimacy is clearly shown and the passion of the two women for each other really shows. More visually detailed than your usual mainstream Hollywood film, this was a groundbreaking film at the time and settles in a high position in this list.

    BUY ON AMAZON

     

    1. Brokeback Mountain

    Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist Jake Gyllenhaal) are two Cowboys who find themselves with only each other for company whilst working high up on the slopes of Brokeback Mountain. With nothing but a supply of whisky and each other, they find a way to pass the time, leading to some fairly rough initial intimacy and huge feelings of guilt. But as the years go by, they share something more special than either of them ever anticipated and what starts off as a drunken fumble becomes a deep love for each other, although Ennis struggles more with it than Jack, who wants them to be together. Who could resist Heath ledger and Jake Gyllenhall dressed as cowboys and engaging in some manly fun? Their first encounter in the tent, involving some spit and a few minutes of grunting is perhaps the best-known sex scene in the film, despite a number of other more romantic encounters as the years go by. But the film makes the list not for this scene or for the tantalising prospect of the two leads in various states of undress, but for the most romantic scene whereby, on a fishing trip, Ennis approaches Jack and simply folds his arms around him in an emotional embrace. Who says that romance is dead?

    BUY ON AMAZON

  • Who are the LGBT stars who have starred in Celebrity Big Brother

    So the 20th series of Celebrity Big Brother has just launched. We thought we’d see which LGBT celebs have starred in the ever popular show.

    Generally speaking, LGBT celebs tend to do well in Celebrity Big Brother. There have been two openly gay winners, Rylan and Julian Clary. There have been three runners-up, Sue Perkins, Austin Armacost and Michael Barrymore. However, some LGBT celebs have caused controversy and were booted from the house, including Tila Tequila and Christopher Biggins. There have been two trans women to take part in the show.

    There have been:

    Lesbian 3

    Bisexual 8

    Gay 14

    Trans* 3

    Honourary 1

    Total 29

    Series 2

    Sue Perkins, came 2nd

    Former Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins wasn’t as famous back then as she is now. Series two of CBB was just ten days long and she managed to stay right till the last day but didn’t win the series. That honour went to former Take That singer Mark Owen.

    Series 4

    Jodie Marsh, first evicted.

    Jodie Marsh who said she was bisexual after being celibate for 4 years didn’t fair well during her time on the show. She was the first evictee from the series. In an exclusive interview with THEGAYUK.com she told us that only gay porn gets her off now.

    Michael Barrymore, came 2nd

    His appearance in Series 4 of Celeb Big Bro was largely considered Michael Barrymore’s comeback to mainstream television following the death of a man at his home. He managed to spend 22 days in the house and was crowned runner up of the series.

    Pete Burn, came 5th

    Peter Burns came fifth the fourth series of Celebrity Big Brother. There were hopes he’d be invited back for the ‘All-Stars’ version of the show, but he died a few months before the start of the 17th series.

     

    Series 5

    Ian H Watkins, came 4th

    Ian, or as many of our readers will know him as “H” from Steps, came out officially on the day he entered the house. He was in one of the most talked series ever, after a “race row” between a number of the housemates and Indian actor Shilpa Shetty. He eventually placed fourth.

     

    Series 7

    Alex Reid, winner

    Alex, who has spoken about how he might consider himself transgender or a cross gender-dresser in 2015 managed to win the 7th series of the show. During her time in the Big Brother house ex-wife Katie Price talked about how much Alex liked butt play.

     

    Series 9

    Gareth Thomas, came third

    Rugby’s first out player, Gareth Thomas, finished 3rd in the ninth series of Celebrity Big Brother.

     

    Series 10

    Jasmine Lennard, first evictee

    Jasmine didn’t fair too well in the tenth series as she was the first celebrity to be booted from the show.

    Julian Clary, winner

    Julian won the hearts of the nation and was crowned king of the house.

    Julie Goodyear MBE, came 7th

    Coronation Street actor, Julie Goodyear, managed to stay the course for 22 days and was the seventh celeb to be evicted.

     

    Series 11

    Rylan Clark, winner

    King of the presenters, Rylan Clark managed to win the 11th series just weeks after being booted from the X Factor.

     

    Series 12

    Louis Spence, came 7th

    Louis managed to dance and prance his way through the 12th series of CBB placing 7th overall.

    Lauren Harries, came 3rd

    Lauren was the first openly trans person to star in Celebrity Big Brother. She came third in the 12th series of CBB. In December, Lauren gave heavy hints that she’d be joining the 17th series, but so far she’s not appeared.

     

    Series 13

    Lee Ryan, came 7th

    Lee went in a straight man, however, a sexual revelation during a conversation with some housemates made many viewers believe that he is bisexual. Even his fellow Blue bandmate, Duncan James tweeted that he thought he was the only “only bi/gay in the band”. Lee lasted 24 days in the house.

    Ollie Locke, came 3rd

    Ollie announced that he was bisexual before entering the house and admitted that he had never slept with a man. He has since come out as gay.

     

    Series 14

    Leslie Jordan, 2nd evictee

    Will and Grace actor Leslie got more than he bargained for when he joined series 14. A few spats with Frenchy saw his best undies destroyed by the star.

    Kellie Maloney, came 9th

    Kellie Maloney became the second trans woman to enter the BB house. She won the nation’s hearts with her public transformation. Kellie also reveals that Tom Selleck would be her perfect man.

     

    Series 15

    Kavana, came 7th

    Boybander Kavana, didn’t get much airtime in the 15th series thanks to huge personalities like Michelle Visage, Perez Hilton and Katie Hopkins.

    Michelle Visage, came 5th

    Okay, so Michelle Visage is an honorary member of the LGBT community. She did herself proud in the house and even managed to make Katie Hopkins seem approachable.

    Perez Hilton, came 6th

    Apparently, possibly, the most talked about housemate in the history of the show. Execs were so eager to have him back for the latest series but failed to meet his “double the money” demand.

     

    Series 16

    Austin Armacost, came 2nd

    It didn’t take long for Austin to get naked in the BB house, in fact, it was just a couple of hours. He managed to bromance his way to the finals with James Hill.

    Tila Tequila, ejected

    The less said the better, to be honest. She got kicked out when BB execs realised that she had written some offensive messages on social media.

     

    Series 17

    Christopher Maloney, came 8th

    Christopher failed to make much of an impact in this season of CBB – although proved himself to be the nice guy.

    John Partridge, came 5th

    John Partridge proved popular and likeable during the 17th series of CBB.

     

    Series 18

    Christopher Biggins, ejected

    Poor Christopher Biggins didn’t last long in CBB after a number of offensive conversations, Biggins was booted off the show.

    Marnie Simpson, came 4th

    Bisexual star Marine Simpson fell in love with Lewis Bloor and his massive penis. Their love story was the stuff of true boredom.

    Samantha Fox, came 7th

     

    Series 19

    Austin Armacost was once again invited back to the house but didn’t get very far after he was evicted in a cruel twist when housemates voted him the dullest. He was in the house for 11 days.

    Series 20

    Jemma Lucy

    Entered the house on day one. In her opening VT, Jemma proudly stated she was bisexual.

    Trisha Paytas

    Entered in the house on day one – and spoke with Jemma about dating both men and women.

     

     

    • Claims of sexuality made during various times and by various news sources. If an assertion of sexuality or gender is wrong please email the newsdesk for correction.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • The 15 best restaurants in London 2017

    There are thousands of restaurants in London ranging from the Michelin Starred to the greasy spoon. From Italian to Chinese from Hipster chic to LGBT enclaves. London’s cuisine scene has it all.

    The 15 best restaurants in London 2017

    Grills

    Brasserie Zedel (Piccadilly Circus) is steps away from Piccadilly Circus and is one of the most beautiful, elegant and affordable restaurants in London. The restaurant serves traditional French food at amazingly affordable prices. In what is perhaps the best dinner deal in London, they offer, for a mere £12.75, a three-course Prixe Fixe meal which includes Carottes Rapées, Steak Haché with Frites, and a Café Gourmand or a Tarte aux Fruits. It’s a very delicious and satisfying meal. (Tim Baros)

    Eccleston Square Hotel (Victoria) Just a brief walk from the chaos of Victoria Station lies the calm, stylish, uber-cool and uber-tech hotel within Eccleston Square. If you’re not a natural-born Londoner, sometimes the “buzz” is a bit overwhelming. Eccleston Square manages to create an ambience to instantly chill and transports you to a peaceful place. (Jordan Lohan)

    Bar + Block (Kings Cross) The Kings Cross area, if you haven’t recently been, is buzzing. Years ago it was a warren of prostitution and crime, now it’s gentrified with trendy and expensive apartments and a healthy choice of restaurant options. Bar + Block, in my opinion, is THE restaurant option in the area. It is, in fact, the perfect place to go for an excellent and very affordable meal. Located right next to Kings Cross Station on York Way and past McDonald’s and Nandos, Bar + Block, right underneath the Premier Inn, is an excellent find. In the space that used to be the dreary hotel bar, it has been remodelled, chomped and changed. It’s now a beautiful restaurant where the bar, dining area and kitchen are all in one superbly designed and spacious large room. But it’s not just the layout that’s fantastic, the food is also amazing. (Tim Baros)

     

    World

    Ping Pong (Soho) is a restaurant where the concept is Dim Sum – food that comes in small bite-sized portions which allow you to eat lots and lots of different types. Don’t assume the dishes will be quite small because the prices are quite low. Once the food arrives you’ll need a second table to capture the overflow! (Tim Baros)

    Thai Square is an oasis in the heart of central London. Away from the hustle and bustle and crowds and pollution, stepping into Thai Square is akin to stepping into a whole different world, a world that is calm and tranquil and where one can find excellent food. (Tim Baros)

    Zaika of Kensington (Kensington) went above and beyond the usual expectations of Indian cuisine. The pricing of the dishes are on point for the quality and execution. The whole experience felt grand and glam. If you have a team of curry fans, Zaika of Kensington is the place for you. (Jordan Lohan)

    Jamboree Foodfest & Bar (Blackfriars) Don’t be put off by the corporate exterior. The building is accessorised with a fun red neon Jamboree sign and their colourful interior can be seen from across the traffic-magnet main road. Once inside you’ll feel as though you’ve walked into a London take on a barn dance bar. High ceilings laden with multicoloured bunting and exposed vintage bulbs, bare wood beams, walls, floor and tables. A clean spit-without-the-sawdust gaff. We approve. (Thabian Sutherland)

    Gastropub

    The Narrow Is Gordon Ramsay’s gaff and it simmers with locals who’ve come straight from the office or schlepped from their Limehouse pied-à-terres. It gives the riverside eatery a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Good service in a Ramsay gaff is like buff, topless bar staff at Ku Bar – totally expected. You won’t be disappointed. No F Words and the staff are knowledgeable and will treat you as though you were regulars. (Thabian Sutherland)

    Marquis of Wellington (Bermondsey) Loud, brass and cheap as chips. The locals are lucky to have this pub on their doorstep, and visitors to the area will enjoy it as well. (Tim Baros)

     

    Italian

    Tozi (Victoria) A breeze to get to – being a five-minute walk from Victoria. The decor is spacious, cool and contemporary. You’ll love the sleek, swift (and suiting smart shirts) service. Their menu incorporates some wonderfully unique ingredients, such as their home made chestnut infused rum. And oh the men. All the Italian men. Overall, I am all over it, and it has been decided that this place is definitely Tozi ‘Mazeballs. (Jordan Lohan)

    Stuzzico (Marble Arch) is tucked away in a section of London called Connaught Village, steps away from Marble Arch and the Middle Eastern restaurants of Edgware Road, Stuzzico, as small as it is, is a standout. Luca, one of the proprietors, will greet you with a warm Italian smile and will recommend dishes and especially wine that superbly complements each other. Its smallish menu will allow you to try various specialities of the Puglia region, but it all depends on what you fancy; fish, meat and/or pasta. (Tim Baros)

     

    Hip

    Wringer & Mangle To enter W&M you walk through a terrace, and past a Moroccan-style den, where lattice fencing, riddled with ivy, sections off an outdoor seating area surrounding a fire pit. Ideal for an aperitif. Cushions, candles and outdoor heaters will keep you snug as a duvet in a tumble dryer. While schmoozing with the trendy-Wendys, happening-hacks and look-at-me-Larrys, canapés were wafted around like incense at a pilgrims’ gathering. Regular visits a must. (Thabian Sutherland)

    Tabun Kitchen It’s recommended that you sit on the lower ground floor. It’s quaint, Mediterranean-styled, and very cosy, perfect if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the food without being in the hustle and bustle and heat of the main room. Faisel, the charming manager, will take you through the menu if you have any questions. And while the pizza was not sexy and the service a bit disjointed, Tabun Kitchen will not disappoint. It’s warm food and cooking style and abundant fresh and delicious flavours will blow you away.  (Tim Baros)

    Rudie’s Jamaican (Dalston) offers what they call a ‘Boss Burger’ – a rare breed of beef chuck patty that is topped with apple wood smoked cheddar, sweet honey mustard, red onion, tomato, pickles and jalapeño chilli – and it’s huge – worth the £12 price. With Dalston becoming the hip place to live, Rudie’s will most definitely live up to a similar mantra – it will be the hip place to eat. (Tim Baros)

     

    LGBT

    Balans in Soho is an absolute must if you’re visiting London’s gay centre. Open 24 hrs you’ll find a bevvy of hot staff serving good value, hearty food with delicious drinks. (Jake Hook)

  • 10 thing straight people say to gay people that would be funny if they weren’t so tragic

    It’s curious, we’re told that it’s very acceptable to be gay in Britain today but there’s an undercurrent of unease that still persists.

    So, I’m not one of those gays who gets all huffy when anyone who’s heterosexual asks questions about being gay – after all, how do you expect to learn if you don’t ask – and don’t say “Google it”. You can only learn so much from a web search. Sometimes things need a personal explanation. So, here are some of the things that are kinda funny but tragic that have been asked or said to me in recent years.

    You can only learn so much from a web search. Sometimes things need a personal explanation. So, here are some of the things that are kinda funny but tragic that have been asked or said to me in recent years.

    I’m don’t mind…

    To be fair my homosexual revelation came as a shock to this particular woman. She may have been edging for a date… who knows. I’m glad you don’t mind. but I wasn’t looking for your disdain or approval.

    I’ve been to a gay wedding

    How sweet. But it did doesn’t give you brownie points for attending.

    I’ve got a gay best friend…

    Ask yourself – did you need to put the ‘gay’ in there. You don’t need to prove your gay-friendly credentials to me – just yourself.

    My cousin (insert name here) is gay – do you know him?

    Yes. We are all linked by gaydar. It’s how all homos keep in touch. It’s got local and international calls and the rates are cheaper than BT.

    Are you married – what’s her name?

    His name is Graham.

    You guys are so cute together, which one is the woman?

    Thank you for the validations. Neither of us is a woman. If you’re asking which role we take in the bedroom we’re going to need a whole lot more wine.

    When did you choose to be gay

    I dunno when did you choose to be straight? If you’re asking when did realise I was gay – I was 5-years-old. When was I finally admit to myself that I was gay? 20-years-old. That was 15 long, lonely years feeling awkward, alone and afraid.

    How do you know you’re gay if you’ve not been with a girl?

    Why are you even asking this? Would a gay person ever ask, ‘how do you know you’re straight if you’ve not been with someone of the same-sex? It’s just something you just know.

    Why do you always have to talk about dirty things… You seem like a lovely homosexual but…

    This was honestly was said to me. Now bearing in mind I hadn’t even said a word to this older woman. I was standing by a card rack full of “naughty” greeting cards we sell – and one of them says, “My Penis Approves Of You”. Bless her she obviously doesn’t realise that penises are a straight thing too and straight people talk about them as well. (If you’ve ever witnessed a hen party, you’ll know that it’s a common theme! Bravo.)

    You don’t seem gay…

    Well, I am. You just wait. Give me a spotlight, some Kylie and promises of a unicorn and I will be so gay for you.

  • Ten stress busting life hacks

    Top 10 stress busting ideas to get you feeling on top of the world and ready to take on any situation.

    1) Breathing.

    via GIPHY

    It sounds silly as we do it automatically every few seconds of every day. I guess because if we didn’t then we wouldn’t have any stresses at all to worry about! Though I still often hear the phrase, “don’t forget to breathe” and why because when we panic we take short little breaths which can make us feel tight and agitated. So when you find yourself in a stressful situation do two things for me. One – Close your eyes. Two – Take in a deep breath to at least the count of six or seven, then control your out breath to a count of ten or eleven. Then repeat. IF YOU START TO FEEL DIZZY STOP! The closed eyes will allow you to focus on your breath and your breathing will help slow and calm the body allowing you to regroup to tackle any problems.

    2) Go for a walk.

    via GIPHY

    If you’re in the office then leave your desk and take a walk around the office, be it to the coffee machine or to the toilets. If you’re on a lunch break then try to leave the building. Fresh air and a different surrounding will really help to take away any work related stresses. Even if you have a deadline approaching a quick five mins walk can help save more time in the long run when you come back refreshed.

    3) Eating.

    via GIPHY

    What are you eating and when? Try not to skip meals like breakfast or lunch. Starving the body means it will fight for you attention and when you have a boss fighting for your attention also you don’t need the extra stress of a flagging body! When you do eat try to have something balanced. A good bowl of fruit and cereal for breakfast then a pasta lunch will do you wonders. Don’t replace meals with fizzy drinks or chocolate snacks as they’ll give you a five minute rush then you’ll feel more tired than you started.

    4) Ditch the phone.

    Having yourself available for contact 24hrs a day is not good for your health. You need ‘you time’. Switch off the phone for an hour in the evenings and treat yourself to spending some time with yourself or a loved one. When a phone is switched off you don’t have to worry about life outside of you. If it’s important they can leave a message. I also urge to ditch the phone whilst sleeping. Turn it off and leave in another room, or if it’s your alarm clock then put it as far away from you in the room. Give the brain some time to relax from the positive energies of the phone that still engulf a room when not in use.

    5) Drink.

    Most of us like a good drink now and then. If anything we all think we may drink a bit too much. I know I do, yet I try to convince myself it’s to help me unwind, to help me relax. True, in moderation! If you’re drinking a bottle of wine a night then it’s likely you won’t be getting a good nights sleep and feel groggy in the morning. Tonight why not ditch the bottle and have a peppermint tea instead? It has no caffeine so won’t keep you awake!

    6) Sex.

    Yes, it can be a great relaxant. A good steamy session or even some quality alone time can help muscles to relax and relieve some tension from the body. However please be careful as sex can also cause a lot of stress to your life if you’re having it unprotected and with people you don’t know. A trip to the GUM clinic is not going to help you achieve a more relaxed you!

    7) Chocolate.

    via GIPHY

    Yes I know I said chocolate and fizzy drinks are bad, but only if they are replacements for your main meals. A little nibble of chocolate (though for me if it’s open, it’s gone!) can give you a little life buzz. It’s these little buzzes that help us to enjoy life.

    8) Smiling.

    via GIPHY

    It’s true! If you smile you instantly feel better. Go on try it now and prove me wrong. Think of anything that makes you smile. For me there’s a whole bank of ‘smile moments’ in my life, mostly at the expense of family members, sometimes at myself, such as the time I walked into a glass door whilst trying to enter a bar in NY. I may have had a bit to drink and missed the sign that said push but nose first I left an imprint like an owl does when it’s hit a window at night. My eyes were certainly as wide!

    9) Massage.

    via GIPHY

    Having someone else rub oils all over your body and rub all the built up tension dirt from inside your muscles away is fantastic. I love it. Then again I just like being touched and It can sometimes be a great lead up to tension busting tip number 6. However not everyone is as free with their bodies, so if you hate the idea of someone else’s sweaty palms prodding you all over then try this. Take a tennis ball and place it on the back of a chair and roll your back over it. This also works for rolling your feet over it to relieve any foot stresses.

    10) Hot Bath & Candles.

    via GIPHY

    Sounds like a cliché but really can do the trick. I love a hot bath filled with fiery spices, light a couple of tee lights and turn the lights off. No phone nearby, no glass of wine, no partner wanting to get frisky, just you, the bath, and your deep thoughts. Breath in for six and out for ten, let your mind be free to wander. Breathing. In and out. Stresses of work, relationships, family will try to take over your clearing head as you breath in and out. In and out. The best advice I was ever given was when a thought enters you head don’t worry about it appearing, just let it drift away as it drifted in. Breath in and out. Let you thoughts evaporate into the steam of the bath. In and out. You have no worries. You have no stresses. You are enjoying the simplicity of life. Enjoy…

  • 12 Essential Points For Putting On A Pride Event

    So I thought I would write a little piece about the ups and downs and pitfalls of organising a Gay pride event.

    How to organise a successful pride

    I doubted writing this piece for a while as I know it will cause an uproar and probably outrage but I feel like I need to write something to get these feelings out.

    No one really tells you what goes into putting on an event, like a pride, what ever the scale and size of it.

    It’s our towns first event in 20yrs. I look back now over the last 7 months and reflect on all the struggles we have had within the gay community alone.

    The local community, local councils and emergency services have been very supportive of the event and want the event to take place but we have come up with more resilience from within our own community it is a very small community here in my town but it is getting bigger as the years have gone on.

    So I thought I would put together a checklist of 12 points to organising any type of event so someone in the future who thinks of putting an event on may have an idea of what to expect

    1. Build a strong team of more than 5 people to share workloads, depending on size of event and have plenty of meetings to cross reference where everyone is. Set up a WhatsApp group. Set up a Facebook Chat.

    2. Take the time and plan well in advance

    3. Seek guidance and advice from other Pride events or the UKPON

    1. Apply for all licences and permits within timeframes

    2. Include all emergency services in plans and details, get contact details for all chiefs or commanders of police, fire, ambulance

    3. Use online networks & websites to get details of local charities & organisations that might like to get involved.

    4. Get social. Set up online accounts, social medias & websites before launching advent, get dates, times and addresses confirmed before going live. Build a database of contact details for everyone.

    8. Artwork! If you have budget get artwork, logos and advertising done well in advance

    9. Infrastructure! Secure all bookings of toilet hire, stage hire, stalls, security, music acts, and any other main essentials with online form and deposits.

    10. Love the volunteer. Build a strong base of volunteers that will help on the day these are the most important people that will be helping on the day to make your event a success

    11. Contact at all times. Keep people informed and keep in contact with everyone whether it’s stall holders, security teams, volunteers, stage crew basically anyone that is going to be involved

    12. Don’t be a crazy train wreck by the end. Give your self 4 weeks before the date of event to have everything done signed and in place so the last few weeks aren’t a crazy mess

    Lastly, enjoy the event and if anything comes up, deal with it calmly and quickly.
    And remember there are plenty of people out their to ask for help and advice and guidance

    From my personal experience, I have learned that try not to let people’s opinions and comments reflect on the importance of putting on any type of event as you are going to criticism and hate and negativity especially from the gay community in small towns.

    I think in bigger towns and cities that have gay scenes and community it’s not as bad but I wish anyone the best of luck in putting on their event and remember if you need any advice or help just ask.

     

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