THEGAYUK

Tag: Top List

  • Three things you need to do if you move in with your boyfriend

    The concept of nesting with your long term boyf can be about as appealing as being stranded with Katie Hopkins in Halifax’s ASDA car park.

    gay boys moving in with each other
    CREDIT: Wavebreak Media Ltd bigstock

    Sharing ya feng shui-ed, Versace Barocco gold leaf and Royal Blue wallpapered boudoir on a permanent basis. Coming home to that bouncy and easily excitable person every night. And of course dividing the responsibility for buying the loo-roll, Lurpack and lube. The colour can drain from a relationship quicker than a pair of over-washed Primark jeans.

    Once you’ve stumbled across that compatible stud-muffin and Cupid’s arrow has been firmly wedged deep inside your person – living together is inevitable for most.

    Here are three tips from an experienced nester six months in.

    1) When your 70 squid pot of face firming cream gets mistaken for Anusol, look on the bright side. It’ll be a smoother ride for you in the long run.

    2) Bottom burps can lift spirits at dawn’s crack. If your partner lets a cheeky one slip first thing, don’t curl your toes in repulsion. Embrace said puff and giggle away your morning blues.

    3) Hire a cleaner.

    Take these three gems onboard and look forward to a more harmonious, homo home life.

  • 10 of the worst AF pieces of relationship advice ever given

    When it comes to love, lust and relationships of all forms, it can seem like you’re lost in a darkroom. We all need the occasional nudge, pull or poke in the right direction.

     

    You might run a multi-billion pound conglomerate, command an army-like workforce, or parade your beautifully ripped, baby smooth torso behind a bar while pulling pints in Soho. But when it comes to matters of the heart or ya lunchbox, logic can dwindle away quicker than Nick Clegg’s popularity.

    So, you turn to your fruit flies, closest gay chums and family members – your confidants for guidance.

    But no one’s perfect, even your bestie can lean you towards a Roberto Cavalli, over-embellished multicoloured-silk shirt when all you really needed was a Tom Ford, classic-fit high-collar stand-barrel-cuffed.

    THEGAYUK asked ten gay men and one lady – who says she’s practically a gay man – what’s the worst relationship advice they have ever received. Here’s what our boys, and girl, had to say:

    Jack Rigby, 22, Junior Architect
    ACT ELUSIVE

    “A hot guy who rode motorbikes asked me out in Uni. Being the blushing virgin I was, I hadn’t a clue how to play the situation. I asked my best girlfriend at the time for advice. She told me to tone it down and act mysterious. I never saw him again.”

    Michael Bates, 46, Property Developer
    FOLLOW THE RULES

    “My memory of the worst relationship advice relates back to a period in the late nineties. There was a book called The Rules, which my straight friends read to help with their relationships. The book gave a series of guidelines in creating a relationship. For example, if a potential partner rang you for a date, then the rule was that you only rang him back after 3 days to confirm. For me ‘The Rules’ was disastrous. Quite frankly, it was ‘a crock of shit’. It taught me that there are no rules. Just be you – just be yourself.”

    Roy Hollywood, 53, Music Teacher
    SHARE YOUR FANTASIES

    “My worst relationship advice: Share your secret fantasies with your partner. Dreadful advice – they’re secret for a reason – keep them bottled up.”

    Marc Davies, 29, Advertising
    BREAK IT OFF

    “Worst advice I ever had was from one of my best friends, who flat out said: ‘break up with him’. This was only a few months into the relationship. I didn’t, and we worked through it. Honesty, and speaking about your problems can fix a lot. Don’t run. We ended up together for over three years. The actual break-up is another story.“

    Gregory Gerot, 37, COO Broad Group International Consulting
    SEX IS NOT IMPORTANT

    “I was having a few issues with my partner. One night outside a nightclub my friend said ‘Darling, I know you love him but you need to have an open-relationship if you want it to work’. I didn’t take the advice. Five years later and we’re still together and happier then ever.”

    Adrian Moore, 52, Funeral Director
    PROPOSE DRUNK

    “The worst advice I received was a few years ago, from an extremely frustrated individual: sex is not that important”.

    Steve Braganca, 38, Project Manager
    WRITE A LIST OF PROS AND CONS

    “I was going out with a really nice guy, but there were a few issues. I was young (and stupid) and was advised to write a pro’s and con’s list about each other and discuss it over a drink. He stood me up and texted later saying the list showed all my negatives and couldn’t be arsed to see me again. Lesson, never write a pros and cons list.”“‘Also, with a different guy, I was advised to ‘play games’ and ignore his calls and texts to make myself appear less keen. It didn’t work, as he became less interested and accused me of playing games.”

    Lee Brobson, 24, Optical Consultant
    DRINK… LOTS

    “I didn’t know how to act around my new boyf. My close friend told me to become a drunken mess and go wild so he’ll know what to expect. It didn’t last long – funny that.”

    Girish Divan, 39, London Fire Brigade
    OPEN UP YOUR RELATIONSHIP

    “My boyfriend’s best friend convinced me to propose when I was drunk last year at his birthday.”

    Michael Woodhead, 30, MI Web Developer
    DATE LOTS OF PEOPLE

    “A friend told me to date lots of men at the same time, because it stops you from focusing on one person. If one goes quiet, you’ve got other options. For me, I found this didn’t work. I kept making comparisons, I stopped putting in any effort and never really got to know any of them.”

    Nina Bass, 42, Healthcare PR – practically a gay man
    ONLY MARRY THEM IF YOU WANT TO TEAR OFF THEIR CLOTHING EVERYDAY

    “As I stood meringue-clad facing my imminent husband-to-be at the altar, the kind, rather nasal vicar proffered his number one golden rule for any couple; ‘never go to sleep on an argument.’ Wise words but not what he should have said. He should have asked; are you madly, passionately in love with this man? Does the ground move when he walks into a room? Do you want to rip off all his clothes and run out the church together? Sadly, an acrimonious and lengthy divorce followed.”

    We can all learn from the above. Trust your gut, and never propose after a skinful.

  • 7 amazing things about gay men and their girlfriends

    Gay men and women have played together since before Barbie and anal beads were invented.

    There are the girls you don’t speak to or hangout with every week but you consider them your good pals. And there’s the ladies you can’t get off the blower. They’re glued to your Dsquared2, black leather biker jacket sleeve, and they fill in the gaps when there’s no love interest – your fruit fly, fag hag queen bee, flame dame or fairy princess.

    Both have expectations!

    The female friends you don’t see often.

    Plus one

    When said friend is invited to a wedding, bar mitzvah or social engagement you might be summoned to fill in as her plus one if she’s single. Be prepared to be dropped quicker than a bag of Whole Foods organic yams if she lays her hands on a ripped, Brazilian cage fighter.

    Entertainer

    Your scintillating repartee is one of the reasons she adores you, and why you’re invited to most of her soirees. You’re cheaper than a magician.

    Sex advice

    Who needs Cosmopolitan magazine for sex advice. You know how to handle said tool and you own one.

    Advice

    You’re her agony aunt. All gays are good listeners and they give the best advice.

    The fully-fleged gay boy loving gals

    All of the above plus extras.

    Plus one extra…

    Your fruit fly will want to be invited to the opening of your sock drawer as well as a heavy, disco-ball-swinging night out at G-A-Y.

    Number one

    She’ll assume she’s your number one girl and should be made a priority in all situations. She could turn from pretty, perfectly preened princess into grouchy, green-eyed gremlin if this doesn’t happen.

    Unrequited love

    Gay boy loving gals require the same reassuring belly tickles, pettings and cuddles as your prized cockapoo.

    But let’s face it chaps, when the glass slipper is on the other immaculately pedicured tootsie, we demand just as much, probably more. We’re just a grand piano minus the candelabra without them.

    Thank Liza for all our female chums.

    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.

  • 10 things you know as a gay guy in your 30s

    Shock horror younglings, gay men in their 30s do exist, I am one of them. And here is my helpful tongue in cheek guide to traversing the minefield of being classed as over the hill by anyone who’s under 25.

    1. It creeps up on you faster than you think.

    http://gph.is/1UkkJdN

    When I was but a wee gay nipper myself back In the early 2000s I never thought 30 would happen. But time marches on, and suddenly I was 30 before I knew it. There’s only 52 Saturday nights to be had in a year, and those goes shockingly quickly. In just a few short years, you too will be a bitter old queen writing articles about how to cope being in your 30s.

    2. Beauty fades, dumb is forever

    http://gph.is/XLjZ6y
    Here’s a tip for you, you aren’t going stay looking the same for the rest of your life, and let’s face it, getting surgery or fillers will make you end up looking like a permanently shocked shop mannequin, or Madonna. So for the love of god, please teach yourself some skills that don’t involve how to get into a pair of skinny jeans.

    3. You WILL lose those luscious locks.

    http://gph.is/29Fls7m

    I still feel a slight pang of jealousy towards the young gays who can have any hairstyle and colour they want, I used to do it myself, but these days I’ve only got 12 hairs, and three of them are my husbands. But there is a high chance that by your 30s you too will either be bald, or balding. So make the most of your hair while you have it, but once you start losing it, shave that stuff off and grow a beard, or invest in some really ridiculous wigs.

    4. You have to become fabulous

    http://gph.is/2jI8mip

    In order to stay relevant on the gay scene, you will have to become hilarious and fabulous. One liners will have to actually be witty, and you need them to distract from your gnarled old face and rapidly vanishing hairline, you will have to become a talking point but luckily, by your 30s you should have met a group of people who put up with your crazy notions of “good music” and who will sit with you and judge everyone else.

    5. Nightclubs will become a chore

    http://gph.is/15CoNhx

    Not only do hangovers last a lot longer, attempting a death drop could result in breaking a hip, and you’ll also find yourself resenting the fact that you can no longer tell when one song ends and another begins. You also don’t want to have to deal with the drama that young gays manage to get themselves into. While in your youth you could cope with the crying friend, the horny friend and the throwing up friend all in one night, once you’re past 30, most of the time your find the expression “oh for f***s sake, what now?” will become a staple of your vocabulary when dealing with the 18 year olds.

    6. It becomes a lot harder to maintain your figure.

    http://gph.is/2d1Xjvo

    That skinny twink body of yours you so love, yep that’ll go the way of your hairline once you get past 25, and it becomes a lot harder to maintain it without taking out a pact with the devil. That whole pizza and cheesy chips you managed to cram down after a night out, will now stay on your hips unless you run a marathon or rig up a home liposuction device using a funnel, a hose and a Dyson.

    7. Hookups in their 40s become a viable option.

    http://gph.is/2ghqsDE

    When you’re 20, the idea of hooking up with a guy in his 40s might seem like a terrible idea unless he’s rich, has a heart condition and you really like loud indoor fireworks. But in your 30s you realise a guy of 40, could only be 5 years older than you and they are the only ones paying you attention on Grindr anymore.

    8 And on the subject of hookups…

    http://gph.is/2lMWs3s

    In one’s youth, you can be ready for a hookup at the snap of a finger and with pretty much anyone. you’d meet a guy in the club, go back to his place and be careful not to wake up his parents. Even an invitation of “can you meet now?” on Grindr is ok, because you know your feet won’t ache if you walk a mile. Past 30, if someone were to ask “meet now?” You’d have to think about whether you can be bothered to travel that far and whether it’s worth having to have another shower for what could potentially be a lacklustre blowjob.

    9. Popularity isn’t everything

    http://gph.is/1SGkont

    The wisdom of old age makes you understand popularity doesn’t mean a goddamn thing if the people who hang around with you wouldn’t piss on you if you were on fire, they’d most likely Snapchat it and try to go viral, so they too can become a vapid attention seeking whore. But fear not young gay, by your 30s the people who have stuck around are the ones who will have your back and most likely be able to provide bail money.

    10. You can still have a f**king good time

    http://gph.is/1uaonYi

    It’s not all doom and gloom, by your 30s you’ll have found yourself, and find the whole idea of the gay scene infinitely amusing and you can appreciate it a lot more. You’ll have met so many different types of people that hardly anything will be a surprise, but you’ll have enough experience not to care. You’ve loved and learned and become a better person for it, so strap on your safety belts, it’s still a hell of a ride.

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  • 10 Things That Could Void Your Travel Insurance, just what will they pay for?

    With at least two “cover-all” opt-outs for insurance companies, just what are you paying Travel insurance for? Here are 10 reasons to pay more attention to the travel insurance small print

    Excessive alcohol consumption, failure to take recommended inoculations, reckless or illegal behaviour and travel paid for using loyalty schemes could all cost you dear

    Gocompare.com Travel Insurance is warning people to read the conditions and exclusions in travel insurance small print to ensure that they buy the right cover at the right price and don’t unwittingly invalidate their cover.

    Exclusions and conditions vary between policies but common ones include claims made as a result of excessive alcohol consumption, fighting (except in self-defence) and taking part in activities insurers deem ‘hazardous’ such as jet skiing, quad biking or diving.

    Common conditions and exclusions

    1 Pre-existing medical conditions

    Failure to disclose an existing medical condition (including mental, nervous or emotional disorders).

    2 Preventable or avoidable medical treatment/conditions

    Failure to take prescribed medication or travelling against medical advice. Claims resulting from a tropical disease where the recommended inoculations and/or recommended medication for the country visited have not been taken; self-inflicted injuries; treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.

    3 Claims arising as a result of ‘excessive alcohol consumption’

    A common ‘catch-all’ – incidents occurring after you’ve consumed ‘an excessive amount’ of alcohol; claims arising from alcohol or drug abuse or solvent abuse.

    4 Sports, adventurous activities

    Standard policies typically exclude winter sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, quad biking, rugby, paragliding, martial arts, cycling touring, diving (solo or beyond a certain depth), riding mopeds or motorcycles. Competitive and professional activities are excluded.

    Where an activity is covered, you’ll be required to follow any safety precautions and conditions. If you’re planning an adventurous you may need a specialist policy.

    5 Taking reasonable precautions

    Another ‘catch-all’ – insurers expect you to take ‘all reasonable precautions to avoid injury, illness, disease, loss, theft or damage and take all reasonable steps to safeguard your property from loss or damage and to recover property lost or stolen’.

    6 Reckless or illegal behaviour, including fighting and the unauthorised use of swimming pools

    Claims arising from reckless behaviour or from taking unnecessary risks, e.g. ‘you sitting on any balcony railing; jumping from or climbing on or over any balcony railing, ledge or wall, regardless of its height, other than Artificial Wall Climbing listed in the Leisure Activities section’.

    Some insurers preclude ‘any claim arising from the unauthorised use of a swimming pool outside the specified times of opening.’

    7 Visiting volatile destinations

    Cover for travel to destinations against Foreign & Commonwealth Office and/or World Health Organisation advice. Cover for war, civil commotion and terrorism. Last year the FCO warned LGBT visitors that visiting Russia could be potentially problematic given the Country’s anti-gay law.

    8 Travel paid for using loyalty schemes or points

    Some policies exclude ‘any claim for unused travel or accommodation arranged by using air miles, loyalty or points based ownership schemes, timeshares or similar promotions; management fees, maintenance costs or exchange fees associated with loyalty or points based ownership schemes, timeshares or similar promotions’.

    9 Visas and other documents

    Failing to get the visa or other documentation you require to visit your chosen destination.

    10 Work: paid, unpaid and voluntary

    Undertaking paid or unpaid manual work or physical labour of any kind. If you’re planning to work abroad, including voluntary charity work or you are undertaking a business trip, then you will need to choose a policy which specifically covers these activities.

    “Travel insurance is designed to protect you against the unforeseen, not careless or reckless behaviour. Insurers generally require you to take reasonable care of yourself to guard against injury and illness and to safeguard your belongings from loss or damage. So, for example, you won’t be able to claim for a stolen wallet or iPhone left under your towel while you went for a swim in the hotel pool or claim back the cost of medical treatment you needed as a result of injuries sustained from a fall while drunk. Likewise, insurers are unlikely to pick up the bill for medical treatment for a tropical disease where you’ve not had the recommended vaccinations or completed any recommended course of medication a course of anti-malarial tablets for the country you are visiting.” Caroline Lloyd from Gocompare.com Travel Insurance commented, “When you buy travel insurance, take the time to read the small print, rather than waiting until you need to make a claim and finding out, too late, that you’re not covered. The policy wording will also contain details of the procedures and paperwork, such as police or medical reports, and helpline numbers which may be required to make a valid claim, so don’t forget to take a copy with you.”

    “Medical cover is one of the most important elements of travel insurance because treatment abroad can run into thousands of pounds. So, on the application, be honest about your health – particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition, even if it’s mild and under control. If, while on holiday, you suffer a related illness without declaring an existing condition or any referrals or investigations you have received, there’s a good chance your claim will be rejected. While some insurers specifically exclude pre-existing conditions, there are specialist insurers who will cover you for even the most serious illnesses.

    “Another common area of exclusions and conditions relates to activities which insurers consider adventurous or hazardous. These include a range of things from taking part in winter sports, jet skiing, bungee jumping, quad biking to riding mopeds or motorcycles. So, if you like a bit of a holiday adventure, you’ll need to make sure that all the things you want to do are covered and follow any required safety precautions and conditions outlined in the small print. Insurers do update these lists from time to time, so if you are worried about a specific activity our advice would be to contact your insurer directly.”

  • Top 10 albums which are total sex albums

    It’s the age old move to set the mood set for a bit of hot love making. The smooth movers amongst us, will already have a playlist on standby as soon as the bottle top has been popped and the lights have been set for the evening’s entertainment. Here are our TOP 10 albums to SEX to.

    10. One of the sexiest albums around has to be JANET JACKSON’S VELVET ROPE:

    Queen of sexy music takes us through a bump and grind of an album and at times it almost feels as though she’s in the room with you… Key tracks: ROPE BURN / TOGETHER AGAIN

    9.  SUFJAN STEVEN’S – ILLINOISE:

    Make a welcome bed buddy, with a gentle vibey 70 minutes of music. Doesn’t have any major beats within the music, but it’s soft, lyrical and Sufjan’s voice is sexy – you almost wish he was singing to you.

    8. ADELE 21:

    Certainly makes an impact and sets the tone. Soft and easy on the ear – 21 certainly doesn’t distract from the mission at hand. KEY TRACK: SOMEONE LIKE YOU

    7. QUEER AS FOLK – SEASON FOUR – VARIOUS ARTISTS:

    Ever see the US version of QAF. If not you’ve missed out. The music from the series is outstanding and the compilation is flawless for a bit of pawness! (plus you can act out your favourite sex scene from QAF – are you into rimming???)

    6. DAMIEN RICE – 0:

    Is always a favourite artist choice. His music gently adds atmosphere without taking away from the moment. Like candles and incense. The man has a seriously sexy voice and the music drips emotion, perfect for a softly, softly love making session.

    5. Can I hear you get DIRRTY? Oh yes, no Sexy Album List would be complete without our Dirrty mistress Christina’s STRIPPED.

    This landmark album entered our CD collection in 2002 and is probably the most played. It superbly fits a sexy session, anytime, any day with enough beats and slow downs to keep you both going for the 70 minute length of the CD. (Oo er, a 70-minute session – we’re tired just at the thought!)

    4. AIR – MOON SAFARI.

    This is some seriously sexy music. The French duo takes the listener to a place that’s smooth, sexy and sublime. KEY TRACK: SEXY BOY (Obvs!)

    3. ALICIA KEYS – AS I AM.

    Turn the lights now and let this smooth voice take you away. This voice is like getting high on dope (not that we know) but we imagine that’s what it’s like. KEY TRACKS: LESSON LEARNED, LIKE YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN.

    2. WEEDS SOUNDTRACK VOLUME 2 – VARIOUS ARTISTS:

    This is an eclectic mix of songs from artists like Fern Jones (Strange Things Are Happening) To Regina Spektor (Ghost of Corporate Future) All together this album packs a nice, sexy smooth pace. KEY TRACKS: HOLLAND – SUFJAN STEVENS, JENNY OWENS YOUNGS: ***K, WAS I.

    1. JAKE HOOK – SXY.


    Believe it or not, this EP was written about sex and believe it or not it was written by our very own Editor and Chief, Jake Hook in 2007. It’s 31 minutes long and takes you on a journey from “Crave” (when you really want it) to masturbation (Satisfied?).  All good stuff TBH and it’s free to listen to on Spotify.

  • Ten Musicals That Failed In The UK

    Musicals are an expensive business and when they go right it can be a cash cow for the producers, theatres and the entire West End, but get it wrong and you might never work in show business again.

    Musicals that failed in the West End

    Here are some of the musicals that couldn’t cut the mustard in the West End or on their UK tour. Some of them should have been successful, and some of them should never have left the drawing board.

    Viva Forever

    I mean this musical had everything going for it, apart from the sales. Backed by the Spice Girls, written by Jennifer Saunders; sounded as though it should have been a shoo-in, but just six months after it opened it closed its doors for the last time. So dire was the show that even our reviewer couldn’t bring himself to love it. Apparently, the show’s producer Judy Craymer and her backers lost millions on the project.

    Urinetown

    Now Urinetown deserved to be more successful, tongue in cheek humour, fantastic songwriting, worldly issues discussed, brilliantly performed but a name that nobody could get into…

    Happy Days The Musical

    Mondays, Tuesdays happy days, Wednesday, closed. Despite massive profile building on a Channel 4 show, a member of Buck Fizz and backed by the Fonz himself, Happy Days couldn’t get the bums on seats in its UK Tour.

    I Can’t Sing

    It was more like I Can’t Sell Tickets, we could have told you that, in fact, I think we did. This was the worst idea for a musical, like ever. It ran for just two months and costing producers allegedly millions of pounds. First of all knocking Geri Halliwell’s singing is the death knell to any project. That Spice has fingers in all sorts of pies. Geri-Spice-hands… The world has had enough of X Factor; dwindling viewing figures tell you that – it’s only a number 1 show because there is nothing else to watch come those cold dark nights (in August).

    Wag! The Musical.

    Oh dear god, I mean where do you go with this? People actually hate wags, so making a musical about them is almost like writing a musical about Josie Cunningham and Katie Hopkins. No wait that actually might work.

    Gone With the Wind.

    After just 79 performances GWTW closed, so bad was it that many reviewers couldn’t give a proper critique of the show, as they had to leave in the second half. Described as long, half-hearted and with forgettable music no wonder nobody wanted to go and see it.

    Stephen Ward

    The musical closed after just four months. Despite the backing and creative genius of Andrew Lloyd Webber and a reported £2.5 million pumped into it, people just couldn’t get into or care about the Profumo Affair. Speaking to the Telegraph ALW said, “I haven’t had a hit in 20 years, I’ve written six musicals in that time.” Has he lost his touch as…

    The Beautiful Game

    Lasted just 11 months. I mean a musical about Football. The first rule of musicals, know your audience.

    From Here To Eternity

    Was anything but. Lasting just five months – despite rave reviews and Darius as the lead, people weren’t interested in watching a musical about Pearl Harbour.

    Lord Of The Rings

    Lasted 12 months, but at £25m it was one of the most, if not most expensive musicals to be mounted. Described by the Guardian as the most costly ‘musical mistake in West End History’. Wizard….

  • Ten Tips To Make A Flawless First Impression

    Ten Tips To Make A Flawless First Impression

    First dates, they can be the makings of a fresh new romance or your very own horror movie. Okay, so that might be a bit of an overstatement, but they can certainly make or break the chances of a potential future with someone. As unfortunate as it might be, these scenarios – whether they play out good or bad for the individual – are one of the very few things that tie us all together.

    https://giphy.com/gifs/fabulous-hair-flip-shrek-wMqzS9qqe6X2E

    There’s a reason first dates are nerve-wracking but follow these ten steps and you’ll be sure to make a lasting – and outstanding – first impression.

    (You can thank me after the third date.)

     

    10 – Think Outside The Box

    There’s no need for dinner and a movie to be the only potential first date option. Get out of your comfort zone and do something a little different to leave a lasting impression on that special guy.

    9 – Dress To Impress

    Put away that ancient Tee and actually button up to be remembered. The right guy’s going to be worth that extra effort. Iron that shirt, polish the shoes, and don’t forget to run a brush through that hair, it’ll be worth it in the long run.

    8 – Have Fun – But Not Too Much Fun

    There’s nothing wrong with a little Dutch courage, but make sure to remember where the line is. Much like you will want to remember the date, he probably doesn’t want to be babysitting a stumbling drunk so maybe keep it to a four-drink maximum.

    7 – Don’t Do ALL Of The Talking

    Dates have a way of including two people for a reason. Just try to remember that it’s not all about you, no one likes a loudmouth whose favourite topic is himself, so ask some questions, and make him feel like the center of attention every now and then.

    6 – Find Some Common Ground

    It doesn’t matter if it’s music, movies, or your mutual love for sausage … dogs. Once you find something you completely agree on the conversation will start flowing without any effort at all. It’ll always give you something to fall back on too.

    5 – Cover The Fun Stuff – But Leave Out All The Rest

    Unless it’s especially important to the both of you, it might be best to avoid anything political or even remotely controversial. You’ll have enough time to cover your stances on Brexit, Gay Rights, and the Pro-Life movement, so let’s not use up all the fun topics on the first date.

    4 – Be Witty.

    Think Tina Fey, not Chandler Bing. The class clown is all well and good in small doses, but no one wants to be stuck on a date full of constant one-liners and immature observations.

    3 – Avoid All The BURNING Questions

    Top or bottom? STD Free? Much like the politics, you have more than enough time to find out these things about one another. While the answers might sway you one way or another – I’m not going to judge what’s important to you – those issues can definitely wait a few dates.

    2 – Leave It On A Good Note

    Like Mama said, “No one’s gonna’ buy the cow if you give the milk away for free.” This one will change from date to date, and person to person, but judge the situation well and leave it in a way that both of you will be happy with.

    Lips were made for more than talking, after all.

    1 – Be Yourself

    It’s cheesy and overused, but it really is the most important thing to remember. You need to find someone who likes the real you, and there’s only one way for them to get to know that awesome guy.

    Remember, confidence is sexy.

  • 10 LGBT films you definitely need to stream on Amazon

    Looking for something to watch today? Amazon Prime has the biggest selection of LGBT films and TV programmes of all the streaming services.

    Here are our 10 favourites from Amazon Prime. To see all LGBT films available on Amazon click here.

    Read our top choices for Netflix.

    A Single Man

    Drama centres on the day in the life of a gay college professor who is coming to terms with the death of his long-term lover. Highly rated on IMDB and Netflix, this film stars Colin Firth and Julianne Moore.

     

    Carol

    In the film Carol, Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett play two women who fall in love at a time when it was not accepted and actually frowned upon. Blanchett is magnificent as Carol, who risks losing her daughter yet has strong feelings for a much younger woman. Mara is even more superb as Therese, her innocence and naivete in full display. Both actresses are excellent, yet it’s Mara who ups Blanchette in the acting arena. The movie basically revolves around Therese and her coming of age not just with her career but with her sexuality as well. REVIEW: Tim Baros

    Dallas Buyers Club

    The very scary fact thing about watching Dallas Buyers Club is always knowing that this is sadly a very true story. These clubs like Woodroof’s (there were others in other cities) which provided drugs to those who contracted HIV, played an important role alongside the wonderful ACT-UP movement to continually put the FDA on notice, and without their unceasing pressure, demands and activism so many of the drugs that would eventually help with people with AIDS would never have been made available in time. REVIEW: Roger Walker-Dack

    Gays In Prison

    Gays in Prison is a documentary featuring Latrice Royale, the popular star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as she reveals her own experiences in jail and explores the stories of other former and current LGBTQ prisoners, who face special challenges, violence and discrimination in the criminal justice system. The documentary is a joint production of Rogue Culture and Logo TV.

    The Imitation Game

    Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, The Imitation Game portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. The script is actually very funny as well as being poignant and thrilling. This is a must see film of this autumn/winter. REVIEW: Chris Bridges

    I’m A Porn Star

    Filmmaker Charlie David‘s light-hearted rambling review of the burgeoning gay pornography takes us through the history of porn from the 1930s. The documentary focuses on four of the most successful performers today. All of David’s subjects are very affable men and happy enough to candidly share their views on controversial topics such as barebacking, HIV, social stigma, fetishes and escorting. The whole question of gay-for-pay was also discussed by them and not always in a positive manner. REVIEW: Roger Walker-Dack 

    Milk

    Powerful, heartfelt and a strong testament to a force with that was Harvey Milk, the first openly-gay political powerhouse that ran for major in San Francisco in the late 70s. It is easy for us of a certain age, to forget or not to acknowledge those who went before in the equal rights cause and I say films like this need to be produced more and more, so that we never forget, how and why we are able to live in the western world freer that we’ve ever been able to. REVIEW: Jake Hook

    Please Like Me (seasons 1-4)

    You need to discover this gem of an Australian comedy, created by out actor, writer and comedian Josh Thomas. Follow Josh as he comes out as gay finds his first (second and third) boyfriend and discovers the joy of cooking, dog handling and straight-roommate disciplining. One of the best shows to come out of Australia in years. Fresh and full of heart. REVIEW: Jake Hook

    Rock Hudson’s Home Movies

    From his days as an obscure contract player to the revelations about his “gay life style,” the film provides an innovative and exciting look at the life of a legend: Rock Hudson.

    Transparent (seasons 1-3)

    When the Pfefferman family patriarch makes a dramatic admission, the entire family’s secrets start to spill out, and each of them spin in a different direction as they begin to figure out who they are going to become. Brilliantly thoughtful and wonderfully acted from all quarters.

  • Top 10 Favourite Meryl Streep Movies

    OUR TOP TEN FAVOURITE MERYL STREEP MOVIES.

    (C) Depositiphotos

    (In alphabetical order)

    ANGELS IN AMERICA (2003):

    Technically this film of Tony Kushner’s stunning political epic about the AIDS crisis during the mid-eighties is a TV mini-series BUT it would remiss not to include this as Ms Streep gave unforgettable performances as three different characters (including a male Rabbi) in a piece that is the defining play of that tragic moment in our history.

    DANCING AT LUGHNASA (1998):

    In this adaption of Brian Friel’s play, set in rural Ireland in 1936 when times were very tough, Ms Streep plays Kate a schoolteacher and the oldest of 5 unmarried sisters and the one in charge of all their lives. She’s as strict with her siblings as she is with her pupils but always puts their happiness before her own.

    DOUBT (2008):

    As Sister Aloysius Beauvier a Catholic school principal who questions a priest’s ambiguous relationship with a troubled young student, Ms Streep is all fire and brimstone with her unshakeable faith in a performance that netted her, and all three other actors in the film, Oscar Nominations.

    KRAMER VS. KRAMER: (1979)

    As the wife and mother who walked out on both her husband and child, Ms Streep is off the screen for a great deal of the movies, yet in this her breakthrough performance she wowed us all and won her very first Oscar.

    POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE (1990):

    in this movie based on Carrie Fisher’s life, a young Ms Streep brilliantly plays a substance addicted Hollywood actress who can only get a job if she agrees to live with her mother. Naturally, the mother is worse than any recreational drug and the two have a tempestuous relationship that reflects the real drama queens that they are. Hard to believe now, but Shirley MacLaine played the mother.

    SOPHIE’S CHOICE (1982):

    It’s hard to forget Ms Streep’s compelling performance as the Polish Holocaust survivor who had lost both her children and is now residing in Brooklyn and trying to find a reason to want to live. It rightfully gained her a second Oscar.

    THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (1995):

    Ms Streep plays an Italian War Bride who in the 1960’s finds herself supplanted in an isolated farm house in Iowa and who, totally put of character, has a 4-day affair with a photographer just passing through. She gives a tender and passionate performance in this very touching romantic story.

    THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (2006):

    As the monstrous fashion supremo a la Anna Wintour, Ms Streep shines as the acerbic bitter genius who will stop at nothing to get things done her way. It is one of her most joyous performances ever.

    THE HOURS (2002):

    In Stephen Daldry’s deeply moving film of Michael Cunningham’s book, Ms Streep plays Clarissa a partnered lesbian who is caring for Richard, her best friend and ex-lover, who is dying from the ravages of AIDS. After watching her performance in this great ensemble movie, there is not a single dry eye in the house.

    THE IRON LADY (2011):

    Even though the critics were split over this controversial biopic, they did all at least agree that in portraying Margaret Thatcher. Ms Streep had nailed the character of the late British PM so spot on. It was a riveting performance that snared her yet another Oscar.

  • 5 LGBT films you need to stream on Now TV

    5 LGBT films you need to stream on Now TV

    If you find yourself at a loose end and just don’t know what to watch, here are five queer films on the streaming service NOW TV for you to enjoy.

    Boulevard Robin Williams

     

    If you want to read the full list of LGBT+ movies on Now TV click here.

    Boulevard  ★★★★

    The late Robin Williams is bank branch manager Nolan Mack. He’s literally just going through life’s motions – working at a bank, with a longtime wife (Kathy Baker) and a very sick father in the hospital. Then one late evening after visiting his father, he drives through a derelict part of town and almost runs over a young man, Leo (Roberto Aguire), who turns out to be a male prostitute. Williams gives a delicate performance as the lonely and subdued Nolan. He’s a man whose conflicted, despondent and depressed until Leo comes into his life. REVIEW: Tim Baros

    Brokeback Mountain ★★★★★

    After a short stint trying to re-craft the comic book blockbuster in his own image, Ang Lee returns, gloriously, to more familiar ground. Based on Annie Proulx’s celebrated short story, Brokeback Mountain is a grand epic, a heartbreaking love story of two Wyoming ranch hands who fall for each other. In Retrospect: As soon as it ends you’ll want to watch it again. Even if it meant putting yourself once more through the emotional wringer. REVIEW: Catherine Wray

    The Danish Girl ★★★

    Based on the book of the same name by David Ebershoff, ‘The Danish Girl’ tells the real life story of Einar Wegener (Redmayne) who never felt right as a man so transitioned into a woman, being one of the first known recipients ever of reassignment surgery. It was with the support of his wife and fellow painter Gerde Wegener (Alicia Vikander) that gave him the courage and hope that helped him through transition. REVIEW: Tim Baros

    The Rocky Horror Picture Show Original ★★★★

    Camp as hell and forever stuck in a time warp, Richard O’Brien’s cult gothic-comic musical lures wide-eyed lovebirds Brad and Janet (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) into the mansion-laboratory of fishnet-clad loon Dr Frank N Furter, played with obvious relish by Tim Curry. Can the hapless couple escape Frank and his freakish minions or will the ‘sweet’ transvestite have his wicked way with them? You can almost smell the antici…

    Deadpool ★★★★

    Special forces agent-turned-mercenary Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) undergoes what he believes to be life-saving surgery under the knife of a crazed scientist (Ed Skrein). However, the operation does not go as planned, leaving Wade hideously disfigured and embarking on a violent course of revenge. Dark, sexy and extremely engaging. Ryan Reynolds plays a sexually fluid superhero.

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