THEGAYUK

Tag: Top List

  • 12 Campest Moments Of X FACTOR

    Here they are… the 12 campest moments from X Factor

    Another chance for the weird and wonderful to grace our TV screens with glittery performances and outrageous outfits. There has been many a camp moment over the years and this year will no different. Now we take a look back at some of the great, and not so great contestants and their camp moments during the last 12 years.

     

    Chico (Series 2, 2005)

     

    It’s Chico time…You can’t have a camp list without Chico and his time. So naturally his campest moment is Chico Time from week 6. But it comes to something when you can’t even beat the dull as dishwater Andy Abraham who finished second eventually.

    Same Difference (Series 4, 2007)

     

    Well what can one say about the eternally smiling, incredibly close, brother and sister duo Same Difference, who every week the viewers had to be reminded were brother and sister. Their constantly upbeat and sparkly performances really puts them in the camp category, but I would have to say their campest moment would be the performance of “Blame it on the Boogie”.

    Rhydian Roberts (Series 4, 2007)

     

    Rhydian with his jawline that could carve a steak, how do I best describe him? Well his shock of white blond hair made him stand out every week and his operatic style voice propelled him into second place that year to eventually lose to Leon Jackson. He was larger than life and put on quite the show every week. However his campest moment came in week 5 of the live shows when dressed as a sailor he sang The Pet Shop boys classic “Go West”.

    Alexandra Burke & Beyonce (Series 5, 2008)

     

    Not exactly a camp moment in itself, but it got all the gays moist with excitement when Alexandra Burke started singing “Listen” by Beyonce, and low & behold the lady herself glided effortlessly on stage and completely stole the show with her powerful vocals that helped Alexandra win the whole series.

    John & Edward Grimes AKA Jedward (Series 6, 2009)

     

    Oh Jedward, you distressingly annoying pair of idiots. From the word go with their hybrid American/Irish accent I knew I would hate them and every week I willed them to not make it any further. Jedward started the trend of having at least one “entertaining” contestant rather than actual talent. Their vocals harmed TV speakers over the whole country and while it’s difficult to pick a best camp moment out of the many they decided to inflict us with, I’m going to have to go with their dreadful, red PVC suit wearing rendition of “Oops I Did it Again”.

    Diva Fever (Series 7, 2010)

     

    If gay was personified, it would be Diva Fever, who didn’t exactly sing a whole lot. The public were never entirely sure if they were watching a singing act or a dressage performance. They only managed to survive 2 weeks in the live shows but they certainly left an impression with their high camp moments from the auditions through to the live shows.

     

    Katie Waissel (Series 7, 2010)

     

    Song destroying Katie Waissel, who many people think didn’t deserve her place because she rarely made it through a full song during the auditions, managed to outdo herself in the camp factor during week 4 of the live shows. Dressed in a birds nest on her head and bright white eyelashes, along with dancers with inflatable pumpkins she mutilated the theme song to “Bewitched”.

    Wagner (Series 7, 2010)

    I can’t pick one camp moment from Wagner because he did so many hilarious mash-ups of various camp classics. Trouble was, he took himself seriously and thought he was amazing while the rest of the country didn’t. He managed to cause controversy when he described Cheryl as “A girl from a council estate who got lucky” and not long after he was booted from the competition after a series of rants about the show

    Johnny Robinson (Series 8, 2011)

     

    A Kylie Minogue classic, a kimono and a fan that threatened to upstage him, made for the campest moment of this series with Johnny Robinson singing “Can’t Get You Out of my Head”. No other contestant could’ve pulled this off quite like Johnny did, so it made quite the interesting performance.

    Rylan Clark (Series 9, 2012)

     

    Nicole, Nicole, Nicole, why did you do this to us and inflict Rylan upon the world. The perma-tanned, TOWIE wannabe who cried in a very scary way was forced upon us, despite his obvious absence of talent. And most weeks he was there, he murdered camp classics but managed to survive to come 5th. But the controversial deadlock decision by Louis Walsh in week one against the slightly boring yet more talented Carolynne Poole made people start to openly question the validity of the show.

    Stevi Ritchie (Series 11, 2014)

    This time it’s Simon Cowell’s fault. Stevi Ritchie was the one who looked like the creepy, friend of the family who you were forced to call “uncle”. He certainly tried his best each week despite his lack of vocal ability, and his campest moment had to be the strangely Egyptian themed version of “I’m Still Standing”.

    Seann Miley Moore (Series 12, 2015)

     

    Anyone who comes on stage in high heeled boots, a fur jacket and a see-through top has to be a camp moment. Singing The Show Must Go On, he does have a good singing voice, and might actually break the curse of being the irritating “entertaining” one and actually be talented instead. We’ll just have to see if he makes it through to the live shows.

  • 8 Ways To Queer Up Back To The Future

    In an attempt to shoe horn Back To The Future onto TheGayUK we’ve looked at ways to queer up the films. Here’s 8 moments we think would have worked better or had a significant, in our minds, queer sensibility.

    (more…)

  • 7 Celebs Who Have Been Outted As Having Smaller Penises

    There are those celebrities who don’t feel the need to brag about their penis size… Here are a few that have come out or outted by their exes for their apparently smaller wangs.

    Robbie Williams recently admitted not having the biggest willy in the world. Speaking to the Sun on Sunday he said,

    “It’s not a small c**k, I’ve got massive thighs and it’s an optical illusion’. It’s not though, it really is quite small! ”So if I had an extra inch and a half, I’d be a naturist.”

    NEXT: Enrique Iglesias

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  • Four Essential LGBT Plays… That Happen To Be Touring The UK

    As the nights start to draw in, what could be better than heading to your local theatre and seeing a show which will entertain, make you laugh, stir your emotions and make you think?

    There are plenty of blockbuster gay themed plays out there which are currently touring the UK (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is still on tour, and Tipping The Velvet is soon to be heading from the West End to Edinburgh), but there are some excellent plays out there that are written, performed and produced by people with a real passion for their story, or a personal tale to tell.

    Wherever you are in the Country, one of these plays should be near you soon and are well worth a look.

    Miss Nightingale – The Burlesque Musical

    In the midst of the Second World War, Maggie is a cheeky Northerner who heads to London with her Jewish friend and songwriter, George, seeking out the bright lights and success of the big city. Her burlesque act is picked up by Sir Frank Worthington-Blythe who turns Maggie into the toast of London. But behind the scenes, there is something far more explosive than the blitz which is about to start. Frank and George fall in love and conduct a secret (and illegal) affair, which strains the relationship between the three of them.
    Miss Nightingale is currently embarking on its fifth and final tour of the UK, having been a huge success with critics and audiences alike. The love story between the two men is touching, sad, poignant and moving, and the pathos is balanced with some hilarious, cheeky and saucy songs as Miss Nightingale takes to the stage with her unique brand of entertainment. But despite the historical setting, the play still remains relevant today, where there is so much persecution of the LGBT community in various countries. However, alongside its genuinely important message, the show is a superb evening at the theatre, which will entertain, make you laugh, make you cry and make you leave the theatre on a high. Don’t miss your last chance to see this wonderful production.
    Miss Nightingale is currently on tour, visiting numerous locations until the 20th February 2016 , including Cast Theatre in Doncaster; Sheffield Theatres; Norwich; Hull and Blackpool. Visit www.missnightingale.co.uk for full details. You can also read our interview with Matthew Bugg, the writer and composer of the show
    DV8 – West Yorkshire Playhouse

    DV8 are one of the most cutting edge dance companies out there and thoroughly impressed The Gay UK last year with their piece, John. In this stunning piece of dance, DV8 not only focus on the central character, John, and his reasons for having sex with men, but also unflinchingly examines why men may or may not take risks with their sexual health, telling their stories without judgement or prejudice. The piece is based on interviews conducted with men at a gay sauna, and as the creators of the show undertook their research, one particular story emerged to the forefront. TGUK writer Greg Mitchell was impressed by the choreography, saying that “one of the joys of this production is seeing the way bodies fuse together, meld into one and then just as easily drift apart” and that the piece as a whole was “endlessly fascinating, but ultimately incredibly moving”. But this piece delves much deeper into John’s past and unravels his turbulent and difficult history and the show promises to be a visual treat.
    DV8 are performing this piece at West Yorkshire Playhouse, their only tour date, on the 22nd to the 24th October 2015. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a stunning piece of theatre. Tickets and details can be found at www.wyp.org.uk/events/john/Big Girls Blouse – Cast Theatre, Doncaster and National Tour

    Part cabaret, part biography and part political statement, Big Girls Blouse is performed by Kate, a transgender woman who delights in her gentle and subtle political performances, telling her story of growing up and becoming a woman. Quite literally making a song and dance about her life, Big Girls Blouse is an award winning show which pushes boundaries, educates, encourages solidarity for the transgender community and manages to do it all with a good dose of the celebration of diversity to break down both barriers and stereotypes.
    This is a show which deserves a wide audience and is a perfect example of how theatre can be used to entertain whilst getting across a powerful message.Big Girls Blouse is currently touring calling in at various venues around the country until 14th May 2016. For further details and to book tickets, visit www.kateodonnellpresents.com
    Nine Lives – Doncaster Cast and National Tour

    Ishmael is a young man who is seeking asylum in the UK following a surge in homophobia in his home in Zimbabwe threatens his life. As he arrives in Leeds, he is forced to re-start his life. Knowing no-one and being an a totally alien environment, he waits in desperation to find out whether the first steps he has taken to rebuilding his life will have been all for nothing if he is to be returned to Zimbabwe or whether he is able to find peace and love in a place which protects him as a gay man.
    The topic of people seeking safety through asylum has been at the forefront of the news in the last few weeks and with homophobic attacks and the repression of the LGBT community in various countries around the world, this play hits home with the relevance of its political message. Written by Zodwa Nyoni, Channel 4’s writer in residence in 2014, this play injects wit and lightness into a difficult and challenging subject and following critical acclaim following its premiere at West Yorkshire Playhouse earlier this year, the show is now on national tour.
    You can see Nine Lives at the following venues. Contact your local theatre for details and tickets12 October 2015 – The Bikeshed Exeter, Exeter

    17 October 2015 – Trinity Bristol, Bristol

    23 October 2015 – The Cube, Malvern

    06 November 2015 – Upstairs at Western, Leicester

    12 November 2015 -Cast, Doncaster

    16 November 2015 – Waterside Arts Centre, Trafford

    19 November 2015 – Arc Stockton, Stockton on Tees

    10 December 2015 – Brighton, Brighton

    January 2016 – Arcola, London

     

  • Ten Ways To Come Out As Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Trans

    We asked readers and our writers for their top tips for coming out.

    Everybody’s experience for coming out will be different, what works for one person might not work for someone else, but hopefully at least one of these tips will help you in the process of coming out.

    1) Only come out if it is what you want to do. If you feel pressured into coming out, remember that it has to be your decision. It is a big decision to make in your life and the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with what you are doing.

    2) Treat it like a bandaid and just tear it off. Quick and almost painless. Just tell them, quickly, confidently and get it over with.

    3) Don’t approach the situation like you’re about to announce you’re terminally ill. Body language and the tone of your voice will play a massive role in how people react to what you’re saying.

    4) Do it the way you most feel comfortable! I told my Dad by letter, but my friends mainly face to face…it just got easier the more I did it.

    5) Speaking to a helpline, like Switchboard – first, if you’re not sure what to say. Talking with a counsellor or helpline can help you find the words you need to describe what you’re feeling.

    6) If you’re not sure how to bring it up, casually talk about a celebrity’s recent coming out like Tamal Ray or Apple’s Tim Cook and gauge the reaction before going any further.

    7) If you don’t get the reaction you expect, don’t be put off. You will get some negative reactions, but that is their problem not yours. The amount of positive reactions will far outweigh the negative ones.

    8) It’s not an all or nothing deal. You don’t HAVE to tell everyone all at once. Start off with one person and let it grow organically from there.

    9) Don’t apologise.

    10) There is no right or wrong way to come out. It should be a tailor-made experience, as individual as you are.

  • TOP LIST: Ten of The Top Cross-Gender Performances in Theatre

    During the earliest conception of theatre in English history, there were specific laws that restricted women from having any involvement within performances and acting onstage in any way.

    Englishmen found it amusing that in other countries, such as continental Europe, women were allowed on stage. As the centuries have rolled out and Shakespearean traditions continue to reign stage direction, the 21st century has seen gender role switching become something of a trend within theatre across the world. Some of the most iconic roles in history, such as Hamlet, being played by the opposite gender has a become popular and modern tendency used by directors to creatively adapt the story in a way that is unconventional and engaging. We look at the 10 top plays where switching gender roles have played a role in the success of a play:

    1. The Importance of Being Earnest (2015)

    David Suchet plays the role of the formidable Lady Bracknell in the 2015 version of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ at the London Vaudeville Theatre.2. The Merchant of Venice (2015)

    Rachel Pickup played Portia, who dresses up as a boy to enjoy the freedom that comes without having to be a woman, in ‘The Merchant of Venice’ earlier this year at The Globe, London.

    3. Hamlet (2014)

    Maxine Peake played the Danish Prince in ‘Hamlet’ at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre in 2014, although the leading roles of Prospero and Macbeth each went to males.
    4. Henry IV (2014)

    Harriet Walter plays the lead role of ‘Henry IV’ in Phyllida Lloyds recreation at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in 2014.

    5. Twelfth Night (2012)

    Mark Rylance’s performance as a ‘stylised’ Olivia in Tim Carroll’s Shakespeare Globe adaptation of ‘Twelfth Night’ was critically acclaimed back in 2012 at London’s Apollo.

    6. The War of The Roses (2009)

    Cate Blanchett played Richard II in Benedict Andrews production of ‘The War Of Roses’ in Sydney, 2009.7. Taming Of The Shrew (2003)

    Janet McTeer played the macho Pertruchio in the all-female casting of ‘Taming Of The Shrew’ back in 2003.
    8. The Tempest (2000)

    Vanessa Redgrave gave a memorable performance as Prospero in ‘The Tempest’ back in 2000 at the Globe, London.
    9. Richard II (1995)

    Irish actress Fiona Shaw played Richard II in Deborah Warner’s production at the National Theatre, London, in 1995.
    10. Peter Pan (1954)

    Mary Martin played Peter in the original theatrical production of ‘Peter Pan’ in 1954. Which later saw Cathy Rigby and Sandy Duncan amongst others take the role.

    THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST starring David Suchet will be screened live by satellite from London’s Vaudeville Theatre to 400 cinemas across the UK & Ireland on Thursday 8th October at 7.15pmhttp://importanceofearnest.com/cinema

  • 11 Times Mean Girls Blew Our Tiny Minds

    So today is 3rd October – a high holy day for Mean Girlers everywhere. Here are the top ten quotes from on of the most quotable films of all time.

    If you haven’t watched Mean Girls then you’ll need to hand in your gay card. Mean Girls is one of the seminal moments of camp history, basically when we learnt how to b*tch like the best of them.

    You can buy it here and bone up so you know what the rest of us are talking about.
    The 3rd October

    Trying to make So fetch work

    And again…

    If you want to be one of the plastics you have to follow the rules…

    Just saying…

    This is also where we learned modesty

    And where we get our fashion tips from… Always pink… Always Wednesday

    The most awkward sex ed ever

    No, wait most awkward

    This is where Mariah got the inspiration!

    If you are going to say nasty things about your friends, it’s best to do it on a secure server, where no one can find your bitching.

  • FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Ten Star Cars

    Held once every two years, the Frankfurt motor show is one of the biggest events in the motoring calendar. This year was no exception with important new cars announced by a number of major manufacturers not to mention a selection of crazy concepts. Here’s my top ten show stars.

    Bentley Bentayga

    As luxurious as the Range Rover is, Bentley seems to think that people want even more opulence from their SUV. Not only do you get, according to Bentley, “the world’s finest automotive cabin” but some serious speed as well. A new 6.0 litre turbocharged W12 engine pumps out 600bhp to give a top speed of 186mph. The looks may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s certainly imposing. Even with prices starting at £160k, Bentley seem to be on to something as the first year’s worth of production has sold out already.

    Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept

    The makers of the world’s most expensive production car have at last made something we all have a chance of owning and driving. Sadly it’s only in the virtual world if you have a Playstation and a copy of Gran Turismo 6. Likely to represent the Veyron’s replacement (to be called the Chiron) on a heavy course of steroids, the Vision GT previews the next chapter of Bugatti’s design language and ramps up the aggression severely. Like the Veyron, it’s powered by a turbocharged W16 engine except power is now well over 1000bhp, good for a top speed over over 250mph.

    Infiniti Q30

    If you’ve not heard of Infiniti then you might be surprised to hear they’ve been around since 1989. Like Lexus is Toyota’s luxury arm, Infiniti does the same job for Nissan although not quite as successfully it has to be said. The Q30 hatchback/crossover looks to change that by offering striking looks, an upmarket interior and affordable running costs. As it shares much with the Mercedes A-Class, this could be the car that sees Infiniti break into the mainstream. Any patriots out there might be interested to know it’ll be built in Sunderland too.

    Ferrari 488 Spider

    Frankfurt saw a bit of Italian rivalry between the prancing horse and raging bull as both released rival roadsters. Lamorghini’s Huracan may have looked dramatic but for me the Ferrari 488 Spider was the winner here. Not only does it boast more power but its significantly lighter too. Factor in sexier looks and a hard roof for when the heavens open and it’s a no brainer in my book. 0-62mph takes a scant 3.0 seconds flat while 124mph takes only 8.7 seconds. Keep your foot down and you’ll top 200mph, yes please!

    Nissan Gripz Concept

    Nissan have been producing ‘Z’ badged coupes for over forty years now, a lineage that’s currently represented by the 370Z. Unfortunately for sports car fans, Nissan’s penchant for crossovers seems to know no bounds with the Gripz concept previewing a revolution for ‘Z’ cars. Said to be inspired by 240Z rally cars of the 70’s, it’s not just the jacked up stance that’s new. While there is an (undisclosed) petrol engine under the bonnet, this acts as a generator to power electric motors that drive the wheels. It may upset a few purists but it looks good and is likely to appeal to a much wider audience than the 370Z.

    Considering they haven’t produced a truly great car for quite some time now, there’s always plenty of love for Alfa Romeo. Petrolheads (me included) always want to love the Italian brand but have been disappointed by previous ‘comebacks’. The Giulia – fingers crossed – should be the car we’ve yearned to own for decades. Rear wheel drive is back and the 3 Series sized saloon packs 510hp in top QV trim, enough to make it quicker than an M3 or Merc C63 AMG. It’s also far more attractive and even comparatively kind to the environment. Fingers crossed it lives up to expectations.

    Mercedes Concept IAA

    Standing for Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile, this Mercedes concept is the closest you’ll get to a Transformer for the road. Below 80km/h the IAA’s main focus is style, offering a glimpse as to what a future CLS might look like. Above this speed, the tail extends by 390mm, the front bumper changes shape and the wheels become flat to help the IAA cleave through the air more efficiently. The interior may seem space age but is said to preview the next E-Class executive saloon while the hybrid drivetrain is fairly conventional too. If this is Mercedes’ future, BMW and Audi had best up their game.

    Honda Project 2&4 Concept

    Did anyone ever think the Ariel Atom was a little tame? Probably not but that didn’t stop Honda trying to top it with the certifiable Project 2&4. Powered by a 1.0 litre V4 engine lifted from their MotoGP racing bike, it weighs just 405kg, even less than the Atom. It isn’t short of power either, the engine may be dinky but it’ll rev to a staggering 14,000rpm and produces 215hp without a turbo. Uniquely, the driver sits on a floating seat that is designed to leave you as exposed as possible just like a motorbike. Bonkers.

    Jaguar F-Pace

    Bentley aren’t the only manufacturer launching their first ever SUV, Jaguar are muscling in on the action too with the F-Pace. Available withworthy (but dull) four cylinder diesels, a 300hp V6 diesel (warmer) or a 380hp supercharged V6 (juuust riiiight), it manages to combine familiar brand aesthetics with chunky 4×4 looks much more successfully than the Bentayga. Jaguars also have a habit of being fantastic to drive and I can’t see the F-Pace bucking the trend. With prices starting at around £35k, it should put a big cat amongst the German pigeons.

    Porsche Mission E

    Arguably the star of the show, the Mission E suggests what would happen if – or more likely when – Porsche decides to produce a rival for the Tesla Model S. With an electric motor for the front wheels and another for the rears, the Mission E develops over 600hp in total to give 0-62mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Not only is it fast, but it’s also capable of over 300 miles on a single charge. With only fifteen minutes needed to get the batteries from flat to 80% full, you could happily travel much further than that in a day too. Welcome to the future.

  • Allies And LGBT Icons Who Died In 2015

    There have been a number of sad losses for the LGBT community in 2015. Here are some of those who will be sadly missed for their great contribution to the community.

    Jackie Collins

    Author

    19th September 2015

    Jackie Collins lost her battle with stage 4 breast cancer on the 19th September. Her sister Joan Collins is said to be “devastated” by the loss. Jackie Collins had written 32 books in her lifetime and had included a gay character from the very beginning. She lost a very close childhood friend to suicide, Peter, who was gay. His suicide prompted her to say to Out Magazine,

    “One day he committed suicide. And that made me think really deeply about the problems that some poor guys go through when they want to come out.

    “I’ll never forget Peter,” she says. “He was so good-looking; he had curly hair, and he was tall and lovely. He just couldn’t come out, and then he killed himself. He must have been about 17, maybe.”

    Charl van den Berg

    Mr Gay World 2010
    6th August 2015

    The 33-year-old South African activist and model died after being diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. He was Mr Gay South Africa in 2009 and became Mr Gay World in 2010. With his win, Mr. Van den Berg said he wanted to,

    “break down stereotypes and differing mindsets in the global community and promote oneness and equality for all people by bridging the gap between those mindsets.

    “It is my understanding that people are people before we are different.”

    Cilla Black

    Singer, Performer, Entertainer
    1st August 2015

    Legendary performer and entertainer Cilla Black died after a fall, following a stroke at her Spanish home. Her musical career spawned two number hits, Anyone Who Had A Heart and You’re My World and a slew of top 10s including Aflie.

     

    Beau Biden

    Son of Vice President Joe Biden and Trans / Equality advocate
    30th May 2015

    The 46-year-old son of Joe Biden died from brain cancer. Beau Biden was the eldest son of Joe Biden. He was described as an “outspoken supporter of LGBT rights” by Advocate magazine. He had been battling brain cancer for several years.

     

    Martin Fisher

    Leading HIV Specialist
    23rd April 2015

    Martin Fisher was a leading HIV Specialist instrumental in field of HIV medicine and research over two decades. He was found by police at his home.

     

    Richard Glazter

    Film Director
    10th March 2015

    The writer and co-director of Still Alice after a battle with ALS. His partner British born partner for 20 years issued the following statement:

    ‘I am devastated. Rich was my soul mate, my collaborator, my best friend and my life. Seeing him battle ALS for four years with such grace and courage inspired me and all who knew him.

    In this dark time, I take some consolation in the fact that he got to see Still Alice go out into the world. He put his heart and soul into that film, and the fact that it touched so many people was a constant joy to him.

    Sam Simon

    Co creator of The Simpsons
    8th March 2015

    Sam Simon was instrumental in helping TheGayUK save Benjy the gay bull from slaughter. He was just 59 when he died from colon cancer. He was an animal lover and donated £5000 to our campaign to save Benjy.

    Dirk Shafer

    Former Playgirl Centrefold
    5th March 2015

    Shafer first came to public attention when he appeared at age 27 in a photo spread in Playgirl Magazines ‘Holiday 1990’ issue, and was chosen as their Man Of The Year in 1992. He documented all the process and pressures he was under from all sides to pose as straight into the 1995 movie he directed and starred in. He died on the 8th March 2015.

    Albert Maysle

    Director of Grey Gardens
    5th March 2015

    Albert died at the age of 88… Albert has continued to make films the latest of which is ‘Iris’ a profile of 93 year iconic fashion maven Iris Apfel which was profile in TheGayUK

     

    Leslie Gore

    It’s My Party singer
    16th Feb 2015

    Lesley Gore composed songs for the 1980 movie Fame for which she received an Academy Award Nomination, and she recorded her last album in 2005 entitled Ever Since. An out lesbian, who had been with her partner Lpis Sasson a jeweller designer for 33 years, Ms. Gore also hosted the PBS TV series In The Life which focused ion LGBT matters in 2004

  • The Top 10 Healthy Foods And Drinks You Need In Your Fridge

    The market has gone mad for health orientated consumer products, but it’s so often that on closer inspection the product is not designed with our optimum health in mind. The other day I was inspecting a snack bar which had the word “Nature” in it. It’s second highest ingredient was sugar (and not from natural sugars). Akin to snacks, the drinks industry can be just as misleading.

    Below are a collection of food and drink products that keep it simple, with carefully selected ingredients, and the majority focusing on helping us to achieve our 5 to 7-a-day. You are sure to see some familiar products here, but also some unique and interesting finds that are going to be big in 2015 and beyond. Let’s start with some drinks…

    B.Fresh JuicesDirect and cold pressed from Shropshire, probably the closest product you will get to home juicing. In 8 different varieties, B.Fresh have a great vegetable to fruit ratio (we should try to have whole fruits, and juiced vegetables, remember), and have some really refreshing combinations. One of my favourites being their #leanandgreen – cucumber, kale, ginger, lemon, celery, romaine lettuce and spinach. Each juice is one of your 5 a day and the packaging is simple, clear, and highlights each juices greatest qualities (i.e. high in vitamin K etc.).

    £15.00 for 6 bottles, and also available as a recurring order / subscription to provide you with your weekly fix.

    Bulk Powders – Complete Fruits

    Vegan friendly and GM free, Complete Fruits serves as a supplement for those (like me) that need more fruit in their diet. A unique fruit blend of 10 premium quality freeze-dried fruit powders, with one serving equating to 2 of your 5 a day. Bulk Powders also offer Complete Greens with one serving that equates to more than 5 of your 5-a-day! These products should be used in line with a healthy diet, not as a substitute. £31.99 for 100 servings (100 days if taken daily).

    Coco Mojo

    I would probably be considered crazy not to include some form of coconut water within my top picks of healthy drinks. Coco Mojo is my favourite of all brands out there. Deemed more beneficial than sports drinks filled with electrolytes, coconuts are everywhere right now. I like Coco Mojo’s “Soul” and “Passion” varieties as they are blended with other fruits and best of all, botanical herbs. Check their website for stockists in your area. RRP £.1.79-£1.99p each.

    Leader Natural Foods – Detox Smoothie

    Vegan friendly smoothie sachets also available in a Balance and an Energy variety. Full of vitamins and vegan-friendly proteins (pea, hemp etc). I concoct my own supplement shakes at home every day, which isn’t viable if I am travelling so usually have a few of these stashed in my bag for a convenient pick me up. They taste pretty lovely too- the Detox smoothie comprising mainly of pineapple, banana, and apple powders. Power foods such as spirulina, nettle leaf, and barley grass also feature in this “superfood” smoothie. Add to coconut water for an extra boost.

    £1.99p each. Available at Superdrug.

    Arctic Power Berries

    Enjoy added to smoothies or home made juices, or alternatively sprinkled atop salads, breakfast or healthy desserts. Available in Blueberry, Cranberry, or Sea Buckthorn. Just a teaspoon of these equates to the goodness of a handful of fresh berries. Dried and powdered with nothing added. Peels and seeds included. Created by two Finnish ladies with backgrounds in nutrition, I have a feeling Arctic Power Berries will be a hit this year. I add the Blueberry to my shake at home.

    £7.50 (50g). Available direct. Check their website for other stockists.

    Whitworths

    Perfect pick me ups with clear information on the packaging- highlighting if they are one of your five a day on the front with their 30g Snack Packs (dried; apple, apricots, raisins, dates, kiwi, mango and many more). How many calories each pack contains are also boldy boasted on each pack. Their range of “Shots” are also scrummy! With a huge pack of dates in front of me I find it hard to self limit with portion, but with these Snack Packs you know exactly how much you’ve had.

    £0.45p Snack Packs (30g). Available from most supermarkets and online

    The Primal Pantry

    Founded and created by a nutritionist in her own kitchen. Primal Pantry cleverly offer the first convenience snack of it’s kind, aimed at people on the popular Paleo diet. Using organic ingredients where they can, and only 4-5 ingredients used per bar, and then cold pressed. Simplicity at it’s very best. Great packaging too. Varieties include; Almond & Cashew, Brazil Nut & Cherry, Coconut & Macadamia (my favourite), and Hazelnut & Cocoa.
    £1.49p per bar- Available from Superdrug & others.Boxes of 18 available direct.

    Bounce Energy Balls

    Founded by a personal fitness trainer and a life coach, aiming to inspire positive change in the way people eat. I like these purely because I find them rather odd. They make a change from the traditional bar shaped product. I particularly like the Spirulina & Ginseng ball as it’s an interesting and tasty ingredient combo. All gluten free and often packed with protein power.

    RRP £1.79p per ball. Stocked in most supermarkets and Holland & Barrett and online

    Trek & Nakd Bars

    Natural Balance Foods offer many varieties of their delicious Trek & Nakd bars. I’m pretty certain all of you reading this would have heard of either of these bars and will agree they are all delicious. Again, another product providing us with 1 of our 5 a day. Doesn’t mean you can eat five a day though! Tempting as it may be. I’ve switched to Trek recently for their higher protein content. Are there any other protein bars out there that also equate to one of your 5 a day? Nope.

    Check their website directly for special offers and big boxes. http://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/

    £0.75p-£0.90p per bar. Available at supermarkets.

    USN Diet Whey BarsWarning. These are dangerously good. More suited to those looking for a sport snack, so if you have recently taken up an exercise regime in the new year, give these a go for a protein packed guilt free snack, with only 5g of sugar per bar. The peanut butter brownie flavour is a proper sweet tooth fix. £35.99p (Box of 18).

  • Top 5 Best And Worst Fictional LGBT Film And TV Characters

    With LGBT characters starting to become far more mainstream in recent years, I want to take a look at how well they are portrayed.

    So I’m going to list my 5 best examples of LGBT characters and my 5 worst, based on their iconic status or accurate portrayal. For this list I’m using the characters sexuality and identity only, not the actors who portray them.

    1. Maura Pfefferman (Jeffrey Tambor)

    CREDIT: Amazon

    Transparent. A sensitive and moving portrait of a trans-woman struggling to come to terms with her gender identity and having to come out to her family as transgender. Transparent depicts the struggles that families go through when a loved one comes out with a secret like this. Luckily the series doesn’t sensationalise the issue, nor does it become offensive of the portrayal of Maura, who says the most wonderful line “All my life, my whole life I’ve been dressing up like a man, this is me” Definitely worth a watch.

    2. Ellen Morgan (Ellen DeGeneres)

    Ellen. In the 1997 The Puppy Episode the character of Ellen loudly announced to a whole airport terminal she was gay and made television history in the process. DeGeneres herself came out on the same day to Oprah (who had guest starred in the episode) and the show took a light hearted comedic approach to the character who’s sexuality had always been a source of speculation. However after the episode aired ratings started to decline and criticisms were aimed at the writers for concentrating too much on the gay aspect of a character and the show was cancelled a year later.

    3. Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan)

    Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Not only was she a bad-ass powerful witch, she knew how to kick a bad guys behind. Hints of her sexuality were alluded to in season 3, but she didn’t come out as gay properly until mid-way through season 4 when she got her first girlfriend, fellow witch Tara. For the rest of the 4th season and throughout the 5th & 6th seasons Willow and Tara showed every aspect of a gay relationship with it’s ups and downs, until the death of Tara at the end of season 6. By the 7th season a new lesbian character was introduced in Kennedy who was almost predatory in her pursuit of Willow and the series took a nosedive in quality.

    4. Jack Twist & Ennis Del Mar (Jake Gyllenhaal & Heath Ledger)

    Brokeback Mountain.Yep it’s a sad one, the tale of two ranch men trying to contain their feelings for one another while stuck in the wilderness of the American West. Much speculation about the characters’ sexuality has been talked about, but the common theory is that Jack is bisexual, and Ennis is straight questioning. But the story is both heartbreaking and sensitive and the characters are portrayed excellently with little done to show it as shocking and done purely for sensationalism. Even cowboys fall in love folks

    5. Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris & Michael Gambon)

    Harry Potter series. While it’s never specifically mentioned in the films or books that Dumbledore is actually gay, JK Rowling confirmed it and has staunchly defended the fact she made the character gay. Dumbledore is a wise and caring man who knew right from wrong and even suffered heartbreak when the man he fell in love with as a youth turned out to be a dark wizard. Sometimes there isn’t a need to be overt with a character and he can still be a role model.

    Honourable mentions

    Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) – Philadelphia
    Sophia Burset (Laverne Cox) – Orange is the New Black
    Dr Frank N Furter (Tim Curry) – Rocky Horror Picture Show
    Armand Goldman (Robin Williams) – The Birdcage

    And now for the 5 worst

    1. Ben Mitchell (Various)

    Eastenders. From a preening little boy dancing to Lady Gaga he went on to turn into a violent and lascivious teenager with a serious attitude problem. Ben Mitchell is a terrible example of a gay character who has no qualms about having sex in a funeral parlour next to an open coffin, while also deceiving his girlfriend and having gay flings behind her back. Eastenders has written a character with every possible worst gay stereotype they could think of.

    2. Stuart Jones (Aidan Gillan)

    Queer as Folk UK version. While the series was written by a gay man, there is nothing redeeming about the main character of Stuart Jones, who doesn’t think twice before sleeping with a horny 15 year old boy and coming across as a nasty individual overall. He embodies the worst aspects of gay life. Yes the series is iconic for the time it was broadcast and introduced gay men onto mainstream TV, but the characters are portrayed as drug addled sluts.

    3. Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer)

    Glee. Now before you jab me with the pitchfork and tell me how I should be respectful of all gay characters even if they are effeminate, I shall say I have no problem with my effeminate brothers, but the character of Kurt uses every effeminate gay stereotype one can think of and simplifies it to a level that is almost painful. He’s bitchy, jealous and overly emotional which is a stereotype gay men are trying to get away from

    4. Ricki/Rochelle (Jennifer Lopez)

    Gigli. It’s so easy to take pot shots at this travesty of a film simply for existing because it really is a bad bad film. But the horrifically over simplified notion of “a lesbian just needs the right penis” is shocking in its idea that a lesbian character can so easily change sexuality when faced with Ben Affleck and his lesbian curing dong.

    5. Caherine Tramell (Sharon Stone)

    Basic Instinct. Did you know bisexuals will literally sleep with anyone for any reason and use lady sex as a way to turn men on and then turn into a murderous psychopath? Well, that’s what Basic Instinct would have you believe anyway when it comes to the main character. A violent individual who uses her bisexuality to get her own way. Not a very nice portrayal really

    Dishonourable mentions

    Jame Gumb (Ted Levine) – Silence of The Lambs
    Jenny Schecter (Mia Kirshner) – The L Word
    La Tenia (Jo Prestia) – Irréversible
    Waylon Smithers (Harry Shearer) – The Simpsons

    by Andy Elliot Griffiths / @AndyEG1982