Tag: UK

  • From Pride to Power: Why Gay Spaces Still Matter in 2025

    In an era where LGBTQ+ visibility is at an all-time high, it’s tempting to think that the fight for gay spaces is behind us. Same-sex marriage has been legal in the UK for over a decade, Pride festivals attract record numbers, and even your local high street might have rainbow bunting in June. But for many gay men, especially post-pandemic, there’s a growing recognition that visibility alone isn’t enough—we still need places where we can truly belong.

    For years, there’s been talk of the “death of the gay bar.” With the rise of dating apps and more integrated social scenes, many LGBTQ+ venues across the UK—from Manchester’s Canal Street to London’s Soho—have closed their doors. But now, something interesting is happening: a quiet but powerful resurgence of queer spaces.

    Whether it’s a LGBTQ+ focused cinema in Bermondsey Square, a chilled-out LGBTQ+ bookshop café in Nottingham, or a countryside wellness retreat for Buddhist queer men in Devon, there’s a renewed focus on community. And it’s not just about partying. These spaces are about connection—real, in-person connection—which so many of us realised we missed during lockdowns and isolation.

    More and more, queer spaces are becoming cultural hubs. Nights out aren’t just about drinks and dancing—they’re about drag bingo, queer cabaret, LGBTQ+ film nights, Rock Painting or just a place to sit with a friend and feel seen.

    The vibe is shifting from survival to celebration.

    And in 2025, celebration is political. As conversations around identity become more complex, and occasional headlines still stir up anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, there’s real value in being surrounded by people who understand your story without needing an explanation.

    So this summer, go beyond the apps. Head to that Pride picnic, check out the local gay pub, or support a queer-run event in your city.

    These aren’t just nights out—they’re lifelines, full of laughter, history, and possibility.

    Gay spaces in the UK aren’t fading—they’re evolving. And they still matter. Maybe now more than ever.

  • Iconic LGBT Pub The Black Cap Could Reopen—Because Fabulous Never Truly Dies

    The Black Cap, one of Camden’s most iconic LGBT venues, has been closed for years, but there are fresh whispers of a fabulous comeback.

    Victory in Sight: The Black Cap’s Comeback is More Fabulous Than Ever!

    It’s been a decade-long saga, but victory is finally within reach for campaigners who’ve fought tooth and nail to revive Camden’s legendary LGBTQ+ pub and cabaret venue, The Black Cap. Plans have been submitted for a revamped venue that promises all the glitz and glam we’ve been waiting for—and then some.

    What’s the Plan?
    The new proposal, lodged at Camden Town Hall, outlines a vision for a refreshed LGBTQ+ bar, cabaret performance space, and even a bed and breakfast. (Yes, now you can sleep where the magic happens!)

    The pub, which closed in 2015, has been at the heart of a nine-year campaign—complete with weekly vigils on the pavement. Imagine dedicated locals standing guard, rain or shine, determined to bring back their beloved boozer. Now that’s commitment!

    The Black Cap’s Legacy of Fabulousness
    For over six decades, The Black Cap’s stage was the place to be for cabaret acts. Even the legendary Paul O’Grady honed his iconic Lily Savage act there and was a longtime supporter of the campaign to reopen. (Paul’s wig probably still haunts the place in spirit.)

    Performer and activist Alex Green couldn’t be more thrilled. “Finally, we can say we’re optimistic, and the owners are really excited,” he said. “It’s been a massive win to have everyone sitting around the table with the same goal—to get The Black Cap back the way it should be.”

    Green reminisced about the pub’s unique vibe. “It felt like a social club—a place for birthdays, weddings, funerals, New Year’s Eve. It was the least pretentious gay pub in the world. You could even invite non-LGBTQ friends, and they’d feel welcome.”

    The Grand (and Fabulous) Comeback
    According to the plans, regulars will feel right at home with a few improvements:

    • Upper floors: Staff quarters and B&B-style rooms so cabaret stars can stay the night. (No more schlepping back in full drag at 2 a.m.!)
    • Ground floor: A revamped performance space with new staging, décor, toilets, and dressing rooms.
    • First floor: The bar named after legendary cabaret star Mrs. Shufflewick will stay, with access to a sun terrace for those glamorous post-show drinks. There’ll even be a kitchen for proper pub grub.

    Jamie Johnston, who’s kept the weekly vigil going for nine years, is cautiously optimistic. “It’s a positive development, and I hope the plans get a good public response.”

    A Decade in the Making
    The pub originally closed after previous owners Kicking Horse failed to win permission to build flats above the venue. But thanks to the tireless efforts of Camden’s LGBTQ+ community and local supporters, The Black Cap is now poised for a dazzling revival.

    So, dust off your sequins and shine those shoes—The Black Cap is ready to be fabulous once again!

  • Ryanair Is Scrapping Flights to Europe This Summer (Because Why Not Ruin Everyone’s Travel Plans?)

    Ryanair Is Scrapping Flights to Europe This Summer (Because Why Not Ruin Everyone’s Travel Plans?)

    We all love that smug feeling of snagging a last-minute flight for the cost of a fancy coffee. But if you’re dreaming of sunbathing in Spain or nibbling croissants in France on a budget, Ryanair has a little plot twist for you. They’re cutting a bunch of routes faster than you can say “Bargain Bucket Airlines.”

    Why? Well according to The Mirror, To avoid paying European taxes and airport fees. Because, let’s be honest, Ryanair’s business model doesn’t leave much wiggle room for “luxuries” like extra costs.

    Spain: Hasta Luego, Cheap Seats
    Spain, the beloved land of tapas and accidental sunburns, is taking a big hit. Ryanair plans to chop summer 2025 air traffic here by a hefty 18 per cent. Translation: roughly 800,000 fewer bums on seats and 12 entire routes saying “adiós.”

    Bye-bye, flights to Jerez and Valladolid, and one airport in Santiago will also disappear. Plus, cities like Vigo, Zaragoza, Asturias, and Santander will see traffic cuts. Expect a lot of confused tourists clutching beach towels at random Spanish bus stations.

    Italy: Arrivederci, Aircraft
    Over in Rome, Ryanair is pulling one of its planes from Fiumicino airport. The Italian government must be shaking its fists in frustration, or maybe just enjoying another espresso.

    Denmark and France: Route Reductions Ahoy!
    All flights from London Stansted to Aalborg in Denmark are getting the axe. Meanwhile, French and Austrian routes are also hanging by a thread. Apparently, Ryanair has had it with their aviation taxes.

    What’s a Budget Traveler to Do?
    If your budget escape to Europe is suddenly feeling more “mission impossible,” fear not. You could book with another airline—or embrace your inner train enthusiast! Sleeper train services are set to make a big splash in 2025. Nothing screams “adventure” like bunk beds and lukewarm sandwiches.

    So, Ryanair may be flying less, but your options for quirky travel stories are wide open. Happy (tax-dodging) travels!

  • Here’s what’s totally gay at Edinburgh Fringe in 2024

    Here’s what’s totally gay at Edinburgh Fringe in 2024

    There’s a whole lot of gay going down at Edinburgh this year, here’s our top picks for what LGBTQ+ people should look out for whilst out at the fringe.

    Stephanie Martin (Juniper and Jules; Joy) who is bringing her new comedy DID YOU MEAN TO FALL LIKE THAT? about expectations we place on ourselves through the lens of modern-day masculinity and the sexual as well as personal awakenings that might arise when life hasn’t quite gone according to plan. In this one-man show, James McGregor (Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, The Palace Theatre; Pride, Pathé) will take on the role of Charlie, who is on a journey of healing whilst rejecting the pressures from society and embracing sexual fluidity.

    WHERE AND WHEN: Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 3), Wednesday 31st July – Monday 26th August 2024, 11:35

    PILLOCK has ADHD and is trying to keep his head above water, but he is drowning in loneliness, hook-up culture and medical role-plays. Then he meets Eugene – but will he be Mr Right or Mr Right Now? Pillock wants to trust his gut, but with his lactose intolerance, his can’t even handle a Muller Corner. Capturing the essence of the ADHD experience, Pillock is a darkly hilarious coming-of-age remix following a young man who is struggling with ADHD while dreaming of something bigger and wanting more from life.

    WHERE AND WHEN: Assembly George Square (Front Room), 1st – Monday 26th August 2024, 18:25

    SECONDS TO MIDNIGHT explores queer friendship, platonic love and nuclear anxiety, following Jo and Eddie through the first seven minutes of their friendship – and the final seven hours of the world. With most queer stories on stage and screen focussed around romance, Love Song Productions set out to fill the gap by making a show about queer friendship. While female friendship is often written about, very few stories have been told about the unique dynamic between queer men and women when the possibility of attraction is taken away.

    WHERE AND WHEN: Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker One), Wednesday 31st July – Monday 26th August 2024 (not 7th, 14th, 21st), 11.45am

    A new play by Rachel E. Thorn, which was longlisted for the Kenneth Branagh Award, is coming to Pleasance Courtyard this Edinburgh Fringe festival, and it’s all about the utter selfishness of true love. ME FOR YOU tackles the fundamental paradox of modern life – we want to be good people but we’re just so bloody self-absorbed. The play is about a gay couple who join Extinction Rebellion in a bid to save the planet. In the process, they have to face the fact that we do good things for personal gain. After all, what could be more selfish than being in love?

    WHERE AND WHEN: Pleasance Courtyard (The Green), Thursday 1st – Saturday 25th August 2024 (not 7th and 13th), 18:10

    THINGS BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH is a psychological thriller that depicts the aftermath of a widow discovering her husband’s affair and murder through a book written by their close friend, exposing everything to the whole world. From a global majority perspective of East Asian culture, LGBTQ rights may seem integrated to Western countries, but elsewhere, a profound stigma persists. Things Between Heaven and Earth delves into the persistent taboo surrounding homosexual relationships, prevalent not only in the 64 countries that still criminalise them but also within immigrant communities locally.

    WHERE AND WHEN: Underbelly Bristo Square (Jersey), Thursday 8th – Monday 26th August (not 13th), 13:00

    With six actors, six roles and one story – There are hundreds of combinations for the audience to choose as they direct the love story of the summer. REJECT ME ALREADY provides a space of endless possibilities with pairing across gender and sexuality. From newcomer Paul Richard Keegan comes this light-hearted yet sincere romcom that gives the audience the chance to develop the characters and story and build the world around them, even as they watch.

    WHERE AND WHEN: Greenside (Lime Studio), Friday 2nd – Saturday 24th August, 19.40

    IN DEFIANCE OF GRAVITY: Ezra Montefiore is the greatest psychic to have ever lived. He’s a master of the séance, telekinesis, and spirit summoning. Eyewitnesses swear he can raise the dead, heal the sick, and levitate 70 feet into the air. He defies all scientific explanations. But when an unexpected encounter with Prince Felix Yusupov catapults Ezra into the world of Russia’s aristocracy, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of power, seduction, and political intrigue. As rumours of his affair with both the prince and his wife reach the ears of Rasputin, Ezra faces an impossible choice: denounce himself as a fraud or commit political murder.

    WHERE AND WHEN: Summerhall (Demonstration Room), 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL. Thursday 1st August –Monday 26thAugust 2024(not 12th, 19th), 21:15

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  • When is the first pride of the year in the UK?

    When is the first pride of the year in the UK?

    You won’t have to wait long in order to start celebrating pride in the UK. The first Pride that takes place in the UK is the yearly Student Pride and it takes place annually in February.

    Student Pride is a yearly Pride event that takes place in February to mark LGBTQ+ History Month, which also takes place in February. In the UK, unlike the US and other places in the world, LGBTQ+ History Month takes place in February, and the rest of the world celebrates it in October.

    According to The Pride Shop’s official pride list for the UK, Student Pride is set to take place in London from the 23rd to the 25th of February.

    The official lineup for Student Pride includes Joe Lycett, Tia Kofi and Russell T Davis.

    (C) Love Productions / BBC Photographer: Mark Bourdillon

    Joe Lycett is set to appear at Student Pride 2024, along with Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies.

    Student Pride is a pioneering event shaping the agenda on LGBTQ+ issues. It was established in 2005 and has consistently led discussions on LGBTQ+ topics, from addressing racism and mental health within the community to advocating for inclusive sex education.

    The next Pride after that will be in March and will be Inverurie Pride in Scotland. Inverurie Pride is due to take place on the 30th of March 2024.

  • Are there gay cruising grounds in Edinburgh?

    Are there gay cruising grounds in Edinburgh?

    Did you know there are many gay cruising and dogging grounds in Edinburgh?

    Edinburgh is home to several cruising and dogging grounds, did that surprise you?

    Whether you love or loathe the idea of anonymous outdoor gay sex, it’s hard to escape the fact that gay cruising grounds are all around us.

    You probably don’t even know, but from where you’re sitting or standing right now there’s probably a cruising or dogging ground just metres away from you in Edinburgh, and they’re a hangover from more homophobic times in the UK. At our last count, there were at least 7 known cruising grounds in Edinburgh and surrounding areas. The most popular are Sliverknowes Promenade and Blackford Hill.

    Interested in all cruising grounds in Scotland? Check out Scottish gay cruising grounds here.

    Why have cruising grounds become more popular?

    Although we can’t say for sure, something has to be said about how the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown has affected the way in which gay, bi and curious men get sex. With saunas and bathhouses closed for the best part of three months, many more are yet to still open, guys who can’t, or don’t want to accommodate in their own homes are looking to other places. One of those will be outdoor venues.

    Where did gay cruising come from?

    Gay cruising is not a new phenomenon. It dates back to when sex between men was illegal in the UK. Finding a place where two men could be intimate with each other without too many questions being raised was tricky until it was realised that men’s public toilets were a perfect place.

    These were named cottages because they actually used to look like quaint little cottages.

    The act of finding sex in these public conveniences became known as “cottaging“.

    The sex between men who would frequent a cottage would usually be anonymous. Gloryholes, a hole drilled between stalls in public toilets became a way in which this sex could remain faceless.

    To this day there are loads of cottages and cruising grounds in Edinburgh

    Cottaging and cruising etiquette

    Are there gay cruising grounds in Edinburgh?
    Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

    Generally speaking, not a lot of talking goes on when cruising. A series of looks and gestures would let others know what you were up to. At urinals, guys would stand, playing with themselves subtly to let others know that they were up for some play. Then if the feeling is mutual the pair could make their way to a cubicle for more privacy.

    At cruising grounds, much of the same would happen, except the action took place away from public footpaths.

    Is Cottaging Legal in the UK?

    Cottaging is illegal in the United Kingdom under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and applies to both heterosexual and homosexual acts.

    The Sexual Offences Act 2003 doesn’t say however that sex in a public place is illegal. Cruising grounds and cottaging are two different spaces. Cruising grounds are defined as open spaces, where men can hook up with men, or straight couples can meet for sex (often referred to as dogging), as long as no members of the public can see you.

    You risk being arrested if reported by a member of the public. If this happens you have the right to legal advice from an on-duty solicitor at the police station. If convicted you could be sentenced to 6 months in prison and /or a fine.

  • New HIV Transmission between gay and bi men continues to decline

    New HIV Transmission between gay and bi men continues to decline

    New transmissions of HIV have declined by 42% from 2019 to 2022 new data shows.

    The number of new HIV diagnoses among gay and bisexual men fell by 42% from 1,239 to 724 between 2019 and 2022, according to the latest HIV Action Plan monitoring and evaluation framework (MEF), published today. However, the UK’s Government hopes to reduce transmission by 80% by 2025.

    Meeting HIV targets

    England also met the UNAIDS 2025 95-95-95 targets for the third time with 95% of all people with HIV being diagnosed, 98% of those diagnosed on treatment and 98% of those on treatment being virally suppressed and unable to pass on the virus.

    While there has been a notable decline in cases among white gay and bisexual men from 2019 to 2022, there is a disparity among ethnic minority gay and bisexual men, with new HIV diagnoses not decreasing at a similar rate.

    Ethnic minority groups still at risk

    In 2022, ethnic minority groups accounted for 42% (304 out of 724) of diagnoses in GBMSM (Gay Bisexual and Men who have sex with men), compared to 34% (417 out of 1,239) in 2019.

    While there was a 13% decrease in overall new HIV diagnoses in England, dropping from 2,819 in 2019 to 2,444 in 2022, there was an increase from 2,313 to 2,444 between 2021 and 2022. To meet the 2025 transmission target, there would need to be a yearly reduction of 627 in HIV transmission.

    Cases of HIV have risen in Women and ethnic minority groups

    The recent increase can be attributed in part to a slowdown in the progress toward the elimination in heterosexual women and ethnic minority groups. Despite a decrease in cases among heterosexual women from 589 in 2019 to 447 in 2021, there was a 26% rise from 447 to 564 in 2022.

    While diagnoses among white British women declined by 39% between 2019 and 2022, there was only a 6% reduction among black African women. Among heterosexual men, new HIV diagnoses decreased by 25%, falling from 458 in 2019 to 281 in 2022.

    hiv, disease, health
    Photo by https://pixabay.com/users/geralt

    Dr Alison Brown, Interim Head of HIV Surveillance at UKHSA, said, “England remains a world leader in efforts to reduce HIV transmission and ensure that those diagnosed have timely access to effective treatment.  

    “While there is much to celebrate, with numbers of HIV diagnoses continuing to decrease in certain groups, there is also much more to do. HIV diagnoses are increasing among heterosexual populations, particularly among women.

    “It is concerning that testing levels in these groups has not recovered to 2019 levels, prior to Covid-19. So please, no matter your gender or sexual orientation, get regularly tested, use condoms and get PrEP if you’re eligible, to protect you and your partners’ health.”

    Professor Kevin Fenton, government’s Chief Advisor on HIV and Chair of HIV Action Plan Implementation Steering Group said, “This week’s announcement to start new research on an expansion of the HIV opt-out emergency department testing programme,  demonstrates the government’s commitment to keep the momentum up to end new transmissions of HIV within England by 2030.

    “HIV opt-out testing is successful at reaching everyone, including women and those from ethnic minorities, who are living with HIV without knowing. It is a huge step in the right direction, and today’s research shows we need to do more to make sure these groups are effectively being targeted.

    “I believe we can meet our 2030 targets and thank the UKHSA for its research to point us in the right direction – and identify where more can be done.”

    Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said, “We have all of the tools we need to end new HIV cases by 2030 and diagnose those out there who are unaware they’re living with HIV. But with just six years left to achieve that goal, we need to do more and do it faster. Crucially, we also need to ensure that the progress we’re making is felt by all of the groups impacted by HIV – without exception. That includes for women, heterosexual men and people from racially minoritised communities, where testing levels continue to lag both behind pre-Covid levels and those seen among gay and bisexual men. 

    “The announcement of £20million funding to expand opt-out HIV testing in A&Es to an additional 46 hospitals is great news as this approach is proven to help address inequalities, with the proportion of women, older people and those of Black ethnicity diagnosed in A&Es higher than those found in sexual health. But this landmark expansion is only part of the puzzle and needs to happen in parallel with the better utilisation and availability of HIV prevention drug PrEP, ramping up testing in a wide range of settings and, of course, tackling the highs levels of stigma still surrounding HIV.”

    Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of National AIDS Trust, said, “This period of time is absolutely crucial in our fight to end new HIV transmissions. Though the data shows some really encouraging progress, it also demonstrates how important it is to tackle inequalities across different communities as our key focus.

    “PrEP and opt-out testing are game-changers, but they’re not enough if they’re not reaching the right people. People who adhere to their medication cannot pass the virus on. This is also known as Undetectable = Untransmissible (U=U) and it is a vital message in the ongoing fight against stigma and discrimination, however, not enough people are aware of it. Tailored engagement and interventions which involve the communities that we are trying to reach must be the starting point to addressing inequalities.”

    The year 2022 also saw the highest ever number of tests in sexual health services among gay and bisexual men, but numbers have remained lower than pre-pandemic levels for heterosexual men and women. 

    In 2022, 40% of women attending sexual health services were not offered an HIV test compared to 27% in heterosexual men and 23% in gay and bisexual men.  Women, and ethnic minority populations were also less likely start or continue PrEP.

    UKHSA continues to work with DHSC and partners towards the HIV Elimination Action Plan, including supporting the evaluation of the Opt-out testing programme to increase HIV diagnoses and providing guidance to clinicians to help get people with HIV access treatment.

    UKHSA will also be working to understand why women are less likely to be offered a HIV test to help tackle inequalities.

  • 15 Lesbian Christmas Gift Ideas: Thoughtful Presents to Spark Love and Joy!

    15 Lesbian Christmas Gift Ideas: Thoughtful Presents to Spark Love and Joy!

    Discover the magic of the season with our Lesbian Christmas Gift Ideas guide! Unwrap the joy and find thoughtful presents that celebrate love and unity. From stylish accessories to cosy essentials, explore the perfect gifts to make this Christmas merry and bright for the lesbians in your life. 🌈🎁✨

    Here’s our top Lesbian Christmas Gift Ideas

    Merry Catmas Mug and Chocolate

    Lesbians and their cats… A troupe or the truth? Well, if your lesbian pal loves cats then they’re gonna love this Merry Catmas mug featuring the Lesbian Community flag colours and a Lindt Chocolate Gold Reindeer. We think it’s one of those great Lesbian Christmas Gift Ideas that will delight your pussy loving friends.

    Get it here

    Coffee Table Books

    Kick off your gift-giving extravaganza with a coffee table book that’s a total game-changer. Our curated selection includes must-haves like “The Queer Bible,” “Queer X Design,” and “The Queen’s English.” These titles bring a uniquely queer perspective, perfect for your discerning non-binary, trans, or genderqueer loved ones. Explore THE PRIDE SHOP’s full LGBTQ+ book collection for more fabulous finds. 🌈📚

    Get it here

    Lesbian Christmas Gift Ideas

    Handmade Bracelet with Swarovski® element

    These bracelets are handmade in the UK by expert jewellery makers and feature world-famous Swarovski crystals for a wonderfully unique gift. It’s one of our favourite Lesbian Christmas Gift Ideas for 2023.

    Get it here

    Frida Kahlo Jigsaw Puzzle

    Frida Kahlo is a lesbian icon and anything of hers makes for Lesbian Christmas Gift Ideas

    Piece together artists, artworks and surroundings to bring Frida Kahlo’s world to life in this colourful 1000-piece puzzle. The completed puzzle measures 68 x 48.5cm, and the puzzle image is reprinted on the inside lid with over 20 footnotes, which reveal all the interesting things to discover in the puzzle and the meaning behind them.

    Get it here

    Forever Flower In A Tin

    These cross-grain roses are presented as a forever gift in a tin box with a clear lid. The rose is handmade in the UK and uses Lesbian LGBTQ+ colours. It’s a beautiful gift that will last forever.

    Get It Here

    Lesbian Flag Mug

    Sip your pride with our Lesbian Community Flag Mug! This ceramic masterpiece features the vibrant lesbian flag and boldly declares #Proud in crisp white. Start your day with a cup of confidence and showcase your pride in style. It’s not just a mug; it’s a statement. 🌈☕✨ #ProudLesbian

    Get it here

    Lesbian Colouring Book

    Unleash your creativity with our Lesbian Colouring Book! Dive into a world of inclusive and empowering illustrations, celebrating love and diversity. This delightful colouring book is filled with enchanting designs that capture the spirit of the lesbian community. Relax, colour, and let your imagination flourish with every stroke. 🌈🎨✨

    Get it here

    Colouring Pencils

    The perfect colouring book companion. The set of 24 artist-quality pencils comes in a sturdy box that converts into a two-tiered pencil stand for easy access and organization; the 10 Bright Ideas pencils each carry a quirky and encouraging phrase printed on the barrel.

    Get it here

    The Lesbian Elf Christmas Jumper

    Get it here

    Lesbian Gift Box

    Select a gift for your lesbian pals from PrideBox.co.uk – a letterbox gifting service for the LGBTQ+ community – starting from £9.99.

    Get it here

    Rainbow Candle

    This candle is designed by Anna Cella and is made from 100% organic soy wax and features vibrant colours that make up the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag.

    Get it here

    Trust the Triangle

    Fashion faux pas, dating dilemmas, career crises – whatever life throws you, you can count on these cards to tell it like it is, the way a best friend should. Each card has a question on one side. Pick the one that suits your situation – or that piques your curiosity – and then read the words in each corner of the card.

    Get it here

    Lesbian Flag Earrings

    Get it here

    Lesbian Nag Champa Incense Set

    This multipack of Incense sticks is perfect for adding some fragrance to your room for relaxation, meditation or just to chill out on a lazy Sunday. This pack contains Celestial Bliss (Dark Red) Pyramids (Red) Positive Vibes (White) Rose (Pink) Reiki (Purple) – the colours of the official lesbian community flag.

    This popular Satya Nag Champa brand is made in India.

    Get it here

    Miriam Margoyles

    She’s one of the UK’s most famous lesbians and well, one of the UK’s national treasures. This fearless woman shares her life story in only a way that Miriam can!

    Get it here

  • 14 great Christmas gift ideas for Gay men

    14 great Christmas gift ideas for Gay men

    The Holi-gays are coming and Tis the season to slay, and we’ve got the ultimate Christmas gift ideas for the fabulous gay men in your life. From festive fashion statements to gifts that scream “extra,” our guide is filled with enough sparkle and spice to make even the sugarplum fairies jealous. Get ready to sleigh the gift game with presents as bold and brilliant as your favourite holiday playlist. So, buckle up, buttercup, because these Christmas gift ideas for gay men are about to sleigh your world and make this Christmas the most fabulous one yet! 🌈🎁✨

    Christmas gift ideas for gay men

    RuPaul

    RuPaul is undoubtedly a cultural touchstone for the gay community at the moment. Since the launch of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the world-famous drag queen’s popularity has soared. We love this RuPaul jigaw (under £15) for a start, but there’s also this RuPaul pin badge which is under £5 and numerous books for any RuPaul fan.

    LGBTQ+ Coconut Bracelet

    The world-famous gay flag was created back in 1978. Since then it has been used as a way to show support and solidarity with the gay community. Originally it had 8 coloured stripes, but a later version cut that number to 6 stripes. These awesome rainbow bracelets (under a tenner) capture the original colours of the Gilbert Baker flag and the 6-stripe version. This particular one is made from coconut wood and has a single rainbow resin bead.

    These bracelets are handmade in the UK by members of the LGBTQ+ community. Buy from THE PRIDE SHOP

    Christmas gift ideas for Gay men
    Photo by Daniel Holback on Pexels.com

    Kinky Bear

    These bondage bears are cuteness in bear form. Even The Most Extreme Fetishist Will Appreciate These bondage-loving teddy bears. There’s Charlie Chains, Sal The Slave, Freddie Flogger, Bound Up Billy, Gag Ball Gary and Gimpy Glen. They’re all extremely cuddly and cute and priced at £23.99

    Rainbow Keyring from Lego Bricks

    These Rainbow keyrings made by THE PRIDE SHOP from official Lego blocks are an awesome way to show someone you care. Each keyring uses a coloured Lego block to create the LGBT Rainbow flag. They are stuck down so they won’t come apart in your pocket. Buy from Etsy

    Gay Men’s Flag

    Did you know that gay men or men who love men (MLM) have their very own flag – aside from the standard rainbow one? Yes! You can find out about the gay man’s flag here, but in the meantime check out the full MLM range here.

    Patrick Devon Naughty Mugs

    We love these gay erotic art mugs from our very own sex and relationship expert Patrick Devon. He’s created these very sexy mugs which feature a pop art depiction of men having sex.

    Not for the faint arted… or those who work in a very public office.

    Check out the Patrick Devon Erotic Mug range here from THE GAY SHOP All under £15

    BinGay Bingo Game

    This totally gay bingo game (£22.00) houses a wealth of queer history’s heroes – activists, artists, comedians, writers, philosophers, musicians and poets. These icons of the LGBTIQ+ community have championed civil rights, radically increased queer visibility and provided means of escapism through their soul-affirming artistry. With 8 double-sided randomized bingo cards, 48 tokens of queer heroes, and instructions for play. Buy from THE PRIDE SHOP

    Naughty Dice

    Behind Closed Doors 4 Sex Dice is an exciting way to spice up your sex life! Roll the dice and see what new pleasures await you and your lover. Looking for Christmas gift ideas for gay men, then maybe a saucy, sexy and naughty game is the way to go!

    Coffee Table Books

    Really neat Christmas gift ideas for gay men could include a collect of coffee table books. Elevate your coffee table with a touch of diversity and pride by exploring our curated collection of LGBTQ+ Coffee Table Books. From captivating photography to compelling stories, these visually stunning books celebrate the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history, culture, and experiences. Showcase your support for love, equality, and inclusivity with these beautifully designed and thought-provoking books that make for both a meaningful and stylish gift for any occasion.

    Gift Card

    Can’t decide what to get him, why not try a gift card from The Pride Shop. Available as a digital/same-day gift option or a physical card that can be sent directly to him. Buy from THE PRIDE SHOP

    Freddie Mercury

    Freddie Mercury gift ideas for gay men

    Freddie Mercury is a classic gay icon and his music can speak volumes to the LGBTQ+ people in your life. Luckily we’ve found there are loads of great gift ideas from Jigsaws, books and even pin badges dedicated to his legacy.

    Neon Rainbow Light

    We’re in love with these Rainbow Neon lights. Perfect for the office, bedroom or living room. It’s battery-operated and can be powered by USB.

    Sounds Gay I’m In

    We’re totally here for anything that sounds gay… so this Sounds Gay I’m In Range are a perfect gift idea for anyone who likes the sound of doing something gay. This coaster is currently £3.50

    Underwear

    Now normally buying underwear for men is so cliché, but swap out a pair of ratty briefs for a cheeky jockstrap or even a thong and suddenly it’s a tree-mendous idea!

    Feeling in the Christmas spirit? Check out our Christmas recipes to cook up a festive feast at home.

    Some of the links in this article may generate us a small commission if you decide to purchase from any of the vendors.

  • This is what the gay community says it’s going to do if X / Twitter starts to charge for access

    This is what the gay community says it’s going to do if X / Twitter starts to charge for access

    It’s fair to say Twitter / X has been rocked by many, many changes since Elon Musk bought and took it over, but one of the rumours currently circulating the mill is that Musk is thinking about charging for access.

    This got us thinking, what will the gays do if X starts to charge?

    We put that question to our followers and it looks as though there could be a mass exodus from the platform if a paywall were to be installed.

    We asked the question: If X starts charging for usage will you… and we offered two answers, Pay up and Leave. So far as of publishing the overwhelming majority (currently over 90%) of our followers chose the Leave option.

  • It’s Ramsbottom Pride 2023 this weekend

    It’s Ramsbottom Pride 2023 this weekend

    According to The Pride Shop’s Pride Date Calendar, Ramsbottom Pride, affectionately known as Rammy Pride is happening this weekend and it’s all due to set off from 11 AM and run until 11 PM.

    Rammy Pride is free to attend and promises to be a great event and is due to take place in the Ramsbottom Civic Centre.

    This is the first pride ever for Ramsbottom.

    Where is Ramsbottom?

    Ramsbottom is a town located in Greater Manchester, England. It is situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Bury, which is part of the Greater Manchester metropolitan county in the North West region of England. Ramsbottom is known for its picturesque surroundings, including the nearby West Pennine Moors, and it has a rich industrial history.

    Who’s headlining Ramsbottom Pride 2023?

    It appears as though there is no official “headliner” for Ramsbottom Pride however there will be plenty of entertainment for those who attend. There will be DJs performing throughout the day as well as performances from Emma Connor, James Gunn Johnson, The ImprompTUNES and more.

    Are there tickets for Ramsbottom Pride?

    No, this Pride is a free event to attend and it does not require a ticket. The event is open to everybody.