Yesterday marked the 8th anniversary of the death of Michael Causer, a gay teenager who was brutally attacked and murdered as he slept at a house party.
CREDIT: Michael Causer Foundation
A vigil was held in Liverpool yesterday in memory of Michael Causer – a gay teenager who was brutally murdered at a house party in 2008.
Following his death Liverpool’s LGBT community rallied around the Causer family, to raise money for legal and funeral expenses.
A number of speakers spoke at the vigil, including the Chief Constable, Cllr Dave Hanratty and Jnr Lord Mayor Zac Wilde.
Michael Causer’s parents, Marie and Mike set up the Michael Causer Foundation with the aim to “provide education, motivation and accommodation for young LGBT people”, like their son.
A twenty-one year old student has been charged with committing grievous bodily harm to a gay man in Brighton.
Sussex police have confirmed that Arain Moradi, 21, from London is accused of committing grievous bodily harm against a man in the early hours of Sunday, 8th May on Madeira Drive, in Brighton.
He allegedly used homophobic language before attacking the victim and breaking his jaw.
The London Gay Symphony Orchestra are set to take up their instruments in a battle to become the greatest Orchestra in the BBC’s nationwide search that captures the spirit of amateur music-making.
The four-part series will air on BBC Radio 4 at the end of August and will be hosted by BBC Radio 3’s Katie Derham. I
n each week’s episode, the orchestras will present a performance to be judged by renowned conductor Paul Daniel and the winning orchestra will perform at BBC Proms in the Park!
A spokesperson for the London Gay Symphony Orchestra, which turns 21 next year said the players were “excited” by the news.
Mr. Arnold, 37, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years and 4 months. He pleaded guitly for a quick sentence.
Chilling Message
The Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Arnold had become agitated after having sex – that he slashed and stabbed Mr. Lound, who was 30 at the time. After the grizzly attack, Arnold wrote the chilling message, “your (sic) not reddy (sic) for me. I always win. “I always win” on the student’s bedroom wall.
The victim, William Lound was openly gay. According to reports, he also wore women’s clothing and makeup – which have led some to believe that the attack may have been anti-trans.
He had 12 knife wounds to his back, neck and head. The knife was found in the victim’s body.
23 years and 4 months
Mr. Arnold will now serve a life sentence, with a minimum term of 23 years and 4 months.
Judge John Potter said,
“This was a brutal, pre-meditated sustained attack with a weapon upon a vulnerable and defenceless man.
“There is, in my judgement, evidence that your victim was murdered as a consequence of his sexual orientation.”
According to The Mirror, Detective Superintendent Simon Retford, from GMP’s serious crime division, said,
“This was a horrific murder of a young man whose only mistake was to trust and try to help the wrong person.
“Lee Arnold used William’s kind heart and good nature to gain his trust and then stabbed him to death.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the LGBT community that I do not believe this was a case of Arnold randomly attacking somebody from within that community.
“Sadly, it appears that he and William had previously met, which ended up leading to his tragic death.”
Warwick District Council have come under criticism after refusing to fly the rainbow flag during Warwickshire Pride.
Photo Credit – Paul Szabo
The organisers of Warwickshire Pride have raised concerns with Warwick District Council after it said it would not fly the rainbow flag, at a town hall, during the county’s main pride event, which takes place in Leamington Spa on 20th August.
Daniel Browne, who founded Warwickshire Pride said that he wrote to the council to find out about the possibility of flying the rainbow flag during Warwickshire Pride. Mr Browne also enquired whether flags could be flown along Leamington Spa’s high street during the event.
A number of towns and cities across the UK, have raised rainbow flags to show their solidarity with the LGBT community after the Orlando massacre killed 49 people in June.
Matter of policy?
However, Councillor Andrew Mobbs, Leader of Warwick District Council replied that flags can only be flown for national events, not local ones. The leader remarked that this was not a new policy.
Spaces for flags on Leamington Spa’s high street are taken up by the Bowls Championships.
Further investigation by Mr Browne revealed that no such policy exists.
Mr Browne said,
“On Friday 29th July, I was contacted by a local councillor. He informed me that he has discovered that Warwick District Council do not have a flag policy.
“This is deeply concerning, as Cllr Mobbs specifically mentioned a council flag policy in his original email to me.”
Across the UK there are around 62 prides, with the bulk of events taking place to celebrate the LGBT community in July and August.
Entrance Flag
The council have confirmed that there will be a flag flown, but only at the entrance of Jepson Gardens – directly opposite the pride site – but not at the Town Hall.
Mr Browne continued.
I did raise concerns that he had not addressed the rainbow flag flying at the Town Hall and I asked him some direct questions about it. I asked for an explanation of the flag policy so I can understand it a bit more, asked who was involved in the decision making, and also whether it means Cllr Mobbs does not recognise Pride as a national event.
“All we ask is that the LGBT+ community in Leamington Spa receive the same visible support that councils around the UK show to their communities for Pride. A small gesture would go a very long way.”
A petition has been launched in which the Warwickshire Pride organisers “ask that the LGBT+ community in Leamington Spa receive the same visible support that councils around the UK show to their communities for Pride. A small gesture would go a very long way.”
The Pride Flag flies outside the Scottish Parliament during the Opening of the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament. 02 July 2016. Pic – Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament
One of London’s most famous saunas has let the cameras in…
Film-maker Chris Amos and his team have released a video to show you what it’s like in one of London’s most famous gay saunas, Pleasuredrome.
The sexy teaser, starring Marshall Arkley, Danny William & Jaider Bello Carmona, shows the sauna’s “deluxe” pods which have programmable lighting, key-card entry and a place for you to charge you devices – oh and the pods can be rented for 2 to 8 hours…
But let’s face it you’re not going there to charge your smartphone, are you!
One of the hottest number one selling bands in the UK, Years and Years, will be bringing their unique electro-pop sounds to South Wales on Friday 12th August 2016.
CREDIT: PR Supplied
The ‘Desire’ hitmakers will be performing in the picturesque setting of Cardiff’s Cooper’s Field and the concert is brought to you by the organisers behind Pride Cymru, marking the organisations inaugural, ‘Party in the Parc’ event.
The British electronica trio will entertain with a full set performing the classics from their brilliant no.1 debut album Communion. The album marked a moment in UK pop music history and rocketed to the top of the first Friday release chart, propelling the London based 3 piece into the stratosphere of UK stardom. It’s now Platinum in the UK, and has sold over 1.4 million copies worldwide.
Hits have included their first #1 single ‘King’, alongside recent track ‘Desire’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Eyes Shut’ – all in all selling over 10 million singles worldwide to date.
To complete the evening of music and celebration a strong support line-up is set to comprise of electronic duo, Maribou State, singer-songwriter Izzy Bizu, cool five-piece band Nimmo and Jax Jones DJ.
Co-founder of Party in the Parc, Lu Thomas said,
“We’re thrilled to have secured such amazing acts which will give concert goers an evening to remember. If Years & Years recent performances such as their Glastonbury set are anything to go by then we are in for one hell of a show!”
The Years & Years gig titled, Party in the Parc has been organised to support Pride Cymru, all profits from the event will be invested into Pride Cymru to ensure the organisation remains sustainable.
Olly Alexander lead singer of Years & Years said,
“We’re so excited to play Wales’ pride party this August. Pride is something that we all care deeply about and having grown up in Wales I’m so happy we get the chance to celebrate with people there. Pride continues to be a vitally important day for the LGBT+ community and our allies, especially in the light of recent events. Celebrating our diversity, supporting each other and promoting visibility is something I really care about. Pride Cymru is a great organisation that provides crucial support for the LGBT+ community and we’re so thrilled we get to play at their party. See you in August Wales!”
Tickets to Party in the Parc in association with Pride Cymru are on sale via www.partyintheparc.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk and prices range from £29.95 – £55.00. The ticket price includes a full set from the ‘King’ hitmakers, plus support from Maribou State, Izzy Bizu and DJ Jax Jones.
A Scottish Father has kick-started a fundraiser in support of tackling homophobia in schools, as he tells of his fears for his son’s future within the education system.
Glasgow resident Neil Dallimore, 33, plans to walk 96 miles along the West Highland Way – from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Scottish highlands – and is seeking public donations for his efforts, in order to raise funds for campaign group Time for Inclusive Education (TIE).
Dallimore has an 11 year old son who recently told him that he was gay but asked for it be kept a secret from his school teachers because he feared that he would be “treated differently”.
He said,
“To hear your child ask that a part of his identity not be known to elders that are there to educate, protect and support him is a gut punch. His reason was simple enough – another boy had been open about his sexuality last year and afterward the teachers treated him differently in a negative way.
Too often I hear stories from my kids about how they’ve either been the target of or personally witnessed homophobic bullying and it’s a problem that few teachers have seemed to know how to handle. It’s worrying and upsetting to see your child treated like an outsider by other children based on sexuality and it must change.”
Despite it being 16 years since Section 28 was repealed in Scotland, there has been little progress towards eradicating homophobia in the playground. Now, Dallimore intends to address this head-on by supporting TIE’s calls for LGBTI inclusion within schools.
He said,
“What TIE are doing that gives me hope, is making sure that – if nothing else – when children go to school, no matter who they are, no matter what they hear hateful people say, they will have an enlightened place, a safe place and they will know that they are equal, natural and loved.”
During this year’s parliamentary election, every major political party had included manifesto commitments endorsing TIE’s calls for teachers from all schools to received specific training on how to challenge homophobia and discuss LGBTI issues in the classroom.
London is failing gay singles according to an industry expert who says that the UK’s capital is not providing gay men the right opportunities to meet long-term partners.
CREDIT: dolgachov-bigstock
If you’re looking to find a long-term partner you’re more likely to find him brunching in New York and not in London, so says matchmaking expert Jacqueline Burns at the Vida Consultancy.
The award-winning consultant blames the lack of social spaces for gay people and London’s “hedonistic” drinking culture.
She told THEGAYUK,
“There aren’t enough places where gay men can socialise, and those that do exist, either in Soho, Vauxhall or Clapham can be quite hedonistic and are mainly party areas.”
She also warns that nighttime prowling could be damaging to your chances of finding love in London.
“The majority out and about are younger men, looking for fun, and they may still be in the early stages of exploring their sexuality. Trying to meet someone after 8pm is not the ideal environment to be your true self and meet someone whose values reflect your own.
Booze Cruise?
According to the expert, New York’s dating scene is more “day focused” with an active brunch scene, weekend trips to the Hampton’s or boat trips to Statue of Liberty. London on the other hand has a Saturday night focus which revolves around boozing.
Burns also warned that as well as problems with drugs and promiscuity in most gay clubs in London, it is increasingly unsafe for gay men.
Recent studies show that around 9000 men are raped each year in the UK, that’s 12% of the national total reported, whilst in London, 307 men reported being raped to the Met Police, a 120% increase over 2012 figures. These figures may be much higher as sexual crime has a notoriously low levels of reporting, even more so among men.
She continued,
“While the Tinder revolution means there is now an endless choice of sexual partners, many gay men are actually looking for marriage and children and London’s hedonistic and fragmented social scene is not conducive to this.”
The British Government has announced it is to open a trade office in the US State of North Carolina, despite the state’s anti-LGBT laws.
CREDIT: Foreign and Commonwealth Office / FLICKR/ CC
The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) is looking to open an office in Raleigh, North Carolina, despite the state’s notorious anti-LGBT laws.
The State which enacted HB2, a bill which bans LGBT+ right ordinances, earlier in the year has seen businesses pull out of investment deals, and rock stars pulling out of gigs.
The newly appointed DIT, headed by Doctor Liam Fox said,
“I am pleased to announce today that the UK government plans to open 3 new offices right here in the United States, in Minneapolis, Raleigh and San Diego.
“Our ambitious vision for an open and outward-looking UK economy includes growing our footprint in the most important markets around the world and these 3 cities offer exciting opportunities to boost trade and investment.”
HB2 Bans LGBT Rights
HB2 bans LGBT+ right ordinances in North Carolina.
In March, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed a law which would allow business owners to discriminate against LGBT people on the grounds of religious belief. The law also requires trans people to use the public toilet that aligns with the gender that is on their birth certificate.
The MP for North Somerset has voted against every piece of legislation that equalised LGBT rights in the UK.
Dr Fox was unsuccessful in his bid to become Prime Minister.
What Is HB2?
Business Over Rights?
THEGAYUK reached out to the DIT about why North Carolina was chosen even when the FOC warned LGBT travellers about visiting the state, a Department for International Trade spokesperson said,
“These locations were chosen because of their potential for UK trade and investment given their economic productivity and well-established research and development institutions and establishing a presence in these cities will help us to increase our reach across the United States to the benefit of British businesses.”
Stephen Port, 41 was first charged with four counts of murder in relation to the deaths of four men between June 2014 and September 2015.
The charges relate to the deaths of:
– Anthony Patrick Walgate, 23, from Barnet, who was pronounced dead on Cooke Street, Barking on 19 June 2014.
– Gabriel Kovari, 22, from Lewisham, whose body was found near the churchyard of St Margaret’s Church, North Street, Barking on 28 August 2014.
– Daniel Whitworth, 21, from Gravesend, Kent, whose body was found near the churchyard of St Margaret’s Church, North Street, Barking on 20 September 2014.
– Jack Taylor, 25, from Dagenham, whose body was found near the Abbey Ruins close to North Street, Barking on Monday, 14 September.
Port denied the charges during a pre-trial hearing at the Old Bailey.
Today prosecutors added six more charges of allegedly administering a poison, seven counts of rape and four charges of sexual assault bringing the total of charges to 29, they are murder, manslaughter, administering a substance with intent, rape and assault by penetration.
Police did not at first link the deaths of together Mr Walgate, Mr Whitworth and Mr Kovari until Mr Taylor’s remains were found.
A major investigation under the Homicide and Major Crime Command led to Port’s arrest in 2015.
