THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • Brighton Pride goers prepare for rail misery and turmoil

    As one of the busiest prides in the UK is set to take place this weekend, railway firm, Southern Rail issues journey warnings and long delays.

    CREDIT: Martine314 / Bigstock

     

    Hundreds of thousands of people attending Brighton Pride face travel turmoil as Southern Rail continues to grapple with industrial disputes and infrastructure issues.

    The company recently announced it was cancelling 350 daily services.

    Southern Rail which runs the service between London and Brighton released a statement to warn passengers of long delays and station closures during the Brighton Pride weekend and asked people to consider about alternative routes and journeys if they were planning to visit Brighton over this weekend.

    The company said in a statement,

    “Reduced train service will mean very busy trains.

    “Preston Park station will be closed for the safety of passengers and staff.”

    “There will be a reduced service over the weekend to and from Brighton meaning very busy trains.

    “Given the large attendance expected at Pride, as usual there will be a queuing system in place at Brighton Station for return journeys – and the closure of Preston Park Station and the continuing engineering works at London Bridge mean that customers should expect long waiting times before they can board a train home.”

    Queuing System

    The queuing system at Brighton station will be in place from 06:00, and customers will be allowed on to the platforms on a first-come-first served basis as space allows.

    Security precautions

    The problems may further be compounded with added security features to protect pride goers over the weekend.

    Sussex Police said that concrete barriers will be installed as security is stepped up after the terror events in Orlando in June and Nice in July – and all though the UK’s terror threat level is the same as last year – officers are taking no risks.

    Ch Supt Nev Kemp said,

    “[But] most people are unlikely to notice any difference from previous years and none of the changes that we have made should affect the enjoyment of people involved.”

  • Drag mayhem on top of Snowdon

    Drag mayhem on top of Snowdon

    A cock in a frock on a rock… Drag queens are gearing up to scale Wales’ tallest mountain, Snowdon.

    Next summer, a gaggle of drag queens are set to climb Mount Snowdon, one of the UK’s tallest mountains in aid of four charities.

    Organiser, Miss Roxy Ritz said,

     “I was supporting one of my drag queen colleagues, Crystal Ball, who was performing at a local venue and went outside to get some fresh air.

    I was speaking to one of the venue locals who mentioned that they lived in Wales near Snowdonia, which got me talking about Priscilla Queen of the Desert (don’t ask how!). After going back inside I did a little thinking and then it came to me… Queens of Snowdonia!”

    “The idea of drag queens hiking up Snowdonia excited me, so for the next couple of days as I built on the idea, I asked a few people to see what they thought about it and, lo and behold, Queens of Snowdonia progressed from conception, so to speak.”

    The challenge was accepted by Miss Jason, Betty Swollocks, Sissy Sucks and Stephanie Von Clitz and even Dave Lynn.

    © AMzPhoto Depositphotos

     

    Miss Roxy Ritz wants to ultimately get a minimum of 20 drag queens to take part with the aim of raising £10,000 for the causes. You can find out more on their facebook page.

    The four charities the queens aim to raise the cash for are: Macmillan Cancer Research, Terrence Higgins Trust, Cancer is a Drag and Sussex Beacon.

     

  • Liverpool vigil takes place to remember murdered teen Michael Causer

    Liverpool vigil takes place to remember murdered teen Michael Causer

    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.

    Michael Causer
    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.

    The LGBT Choir Liverpool also sang at the event.

    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.

  • 21-year-old student charged with ‘homophobic’ attack Brighton

    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.

    According to the Brighton and Hove Independent, the student is on conditional bail and is due to appear Brighton Magistrates’ Court on September 1.

     

  • Gay Symphony Orchestra selected for BBC’s Battle of the orchestra

    The London Gay Symphony Orchestra has been selected by the BBC to take part in its Great Orchestra Challenge.

    CREDIT: © Justin David

     

    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.

  • Homophobic Killer murdered man moments after sex so he was “most vulnerable”

    Homophobic Killer murdered man moments after sex so he was “most vulnerable”

    A man has been jailed for life after a short trial in Manchester after stabbing a student to death in halls of residence.

    CREDIT: William Lound / Facebook
    CREDIT: William Lound / Facebook

     

    Lee Arnold admitted to murdering student William Lound in his halls of resident, just moment after having sex – whilst the victim was still naked and at his “most vunerable.”

    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 Council refuses to fly LGBT rainbow flag on Town Hall

    Warwick Council refuses to fly LGBT rainbow flag on Town Hall

    Warwick District Council have come under criticism after refusing to fly the rainbow flag during Warwickshire Pride.

    Photo Credit - Paul Szabo
    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.”

    This isn’t the first case of a council deciding against flying a flag – Aldington near Oxford refused to fly a flag recently after a vote by the town’s council defeated the motion to fly a flag during Oxford Pride 2017.

    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
    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

    In stark contrast, Pride flags were flown over Scotland’s parliament during Edinburgh Pride and Norwich’s town hall went to town with flags – and rainbow bunting on the front of its building.

    THEGAYUK reached out to Warwick District Council for comment.

  • Wanna know what it’s like in a gay sauna?

    Wanna know what it’s like in a gay sauna?

    One of London’s most famous saunas has let the cameras in…

    Pleasuredrome2016PromoVideo

    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!

  • Years and Years to support Pride Cymru with park gig in Cardiff

    Years and Years to support Pride Cymru with park gig in Cardiff

    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
    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.

  • Scottish Father to walk 96 miles to tackle homophobia in schools

    Scottish Father to walk 96 miles to tackle homophobia in schools

    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.

    Neil

     

    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).

    TIE are calling for LGBTI issues to be taught in all Scottish schools in an effort to tackle high rates of mental health, self harm and suicide amongst LGBTI young people.

    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.

    First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – who has described herself as a “huge supporter” of the group – restated her pledge to work with the campaigners during a parliamentary debate on LGBTI equality last month.

     

    This article is by Time For Inclusive Education

  • Is London failing the gay dating scene?

    Is London failing the gay dating scene?

    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
    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.”

    ALSO READ: London’s most gay friendly neighbourhoods revealed.

    ALSO READ: Top 10 gay dating apps reviewed