THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • What shows has Ryan Murphy got on Netflix?

    What shows has Ryan Murphy got on Netflix?

    In 2018 it was reported that Netflix had signed up Ryan for a five-year $300 million creative contract to create shows for the entertainment giant. The Politician is the first of his shows for the platform to go live.

    We discover what shows he currently has on the streaming platform.

    The Politician

    What shows does Ryan Murphy have on Netflix?
    THE POLITICIAN

    Ryan Murphy and his long-time creative partner, Brad Falchuck have a number of shows on Netflix, the most recent of which is the critically acclaimed and fan-loved The Politician starring, Goop‘s Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Platt. There are eight episodes of the show for you to enjoy charting the rise, stumbles and rise again of Payton to become President, of the school’s Student Body. Also stars Ryan’s go to camp vamp, Jessica Lange. Series 2 of the show has now been released.

    Glee

    Next up is Glee. The juggernaut show from the late noughties that follows the lives of school kids of William McKinley High School and their neverending goal of reaching the talent finals with their Glee club. Glee was the third major series that Ryan worked on after Nip/Tuck and Popular, but arguably his most profitable yet. The soundtracks to the show alone have broken all records – including ones held by the Beatles.

    American Horror Story

    Up next is American Horror Story, the epic show that just won’t quit. Netflix carries 8 seasons of the cult show including our personal favourites, ‘Murder House’, ‘Asylum’ and ‘Freak Show’. Look out for the new series, ‘1984’. In these shows, the core cast, including Jessica Lange, Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett get to stretch their acting legs in a variety of characters.

    Circus Of Books

    Circus of Books (C) NETFLIX

    A documentary film, about a straight couple and their family who opened a gay book store to make money out of the LGBT+ market in West Hollywood. The film is made by the couple’s own daughter.

    Pose

    Hailed by viewers as incredible (the show has a Rotten Tomatoes scored in the high 90s), Pose is a show set in New York at around the time of the LGBT+ ballroom culture (see Paris Is Burning). Netflix has just season one available to stream, but there is another already out and a third has been ordered.

    The People V O.J. Simpson

    Engross yourself in the details of the O.J. Simpson murder trial that rocked the United States in the mid-1990s. Ryan and his team meticulously recreate the drama and feel of the story that threatened to derail Los Angeles’s frail race relations and legal system. The level of detail is never as claustrophobic as the inside of that infamous courtroom.

    The Assassination of Gianni Versace

    The next in the instalment of American Crime Story, The Assassination of Gianni Versace follows the story of one of America’s most notorious gay serial killers, Andrew Cunanan, whose murder spree ended in the death of Gianni Versace in 1997. Utterly captivating. Again Ryan and his team manage to squeeze detail after detail of the gruesome story into a must-see show.

    Eat Pray Love

    A film this time, rather than a series. Starring one of Hollywood’s most enduring leading actors, Julia Roberts, Eat Pray Love sees Liz reshaping her life after divorce. Based on a true story, this film is sentimental and romantic.

    Hollywood

    HOLLYWOOD

    Hollywood has an all-star lineup and follows the hopes and dreams of young actors who come to tinsel town to find their fame and fortune. Partly based on fact, and real people and the realities they faced (homophobia, racism and sexism) and the part total fantasy, which ultimately ruins the season.

    The Boys In The Band

    (Released on the 30th September 2020)

    THE BOYS IN THE BAND (2020) Jim Parsons as Michael, Robin De Jesus as Emory, Michael Benjamin Washington as Bernard and Andrew Rannells as Larry. Cr. Scott Everett White/NETFLIX ©2020

    More than fifty years after Mart Crowley’s play became an unexpected smash hit for putting gay men’s lives centre stage with honesty and humour, THE BOYS IN THE BAND returns to the screen in a new adaptation that reunites acclaimed director Joe Mantello with the all-star cast of the Tony-winning, 2018 Broadway production. In 1968 New York City – when being gay was still considered to be best kept behind closed doors – a group of friends gather for a raucous birthday party hosted by Michael (Jim Parsons), a screenwriter who spends and drinks too much, in honour of the sharp-dressed and sharp-tongued Harold (Zachary Quinto). Other partygoers include Donald (Matt Bomer), Michael’s former flame, now mired in self-analysis; Larry (Andrew Rannells), a randy commercial artist living with Hank (Tuc Watkins), a school teacher who has just left his wife; Bernard (Michael Benjamin Washington), a librarian tiptoeing around fraught codes of friendship alongside Emory (Robin de Jesús), a decorator who never holds back; and a guileless hustler (Charlie Carver), hired to be Harold’s gift for the night.

  • The best Nudist Beaches in the UK

    The best Nudist Beaches in the UK

    Looking for the best nudist beach in the UK?

    When searching for a nudist beach, minds often wander to a warmer, more ‘European’ environment. Where banana hammocks are frequently discarded in favour of sunning those few parts that were left to the imagination. But you don’t have to travel that far to get some sun on your privates at a not-so-private locale, there are plenty of nude beaches right here in the UK.

    We have nude beaches in the UK? Really? All I can think about is the amount of unflattering shrinkage that will be occurring. But for those of you who enjoy shedding your clothes and parking your posterior on pebbles WHATEVER the weather, there are a surprising number of nudist beaches right here in the UK for you to explore.

    Just remember that not all nudist beaches are gay beaches, and not all gay nudist beaches are ok with other “activities”. A nudist beach is not always an excuse to go dogging.

    Studland Bay, Dorset

    Let’s start with the most (in)famous nudist beach in the UK. Studland has the image of naked men baked right into the title. The popular beach is packed come summertime, whether or not the weather is hot, so this is not the beach to come to if you’re looking for peace and solitude. The shy nudists out there might be better off trying a different beach if you’re still precarious about stripping off.

    Studland Bay has a dedicated gay section which, whether you like it or not, has unsurprisingly become a popular cruising ground. Many voyeurists take to the dunes for a little slap and tickle of the bait and tackle before taking a cheeky skinny dip in the sea.

     

    Brighton Beach, Sussex

    Originally opened in 1979, Brighton’s nudist beach is one of the most popular and most accessible nudist beaches in the UK. And since it’s Brighton and involves public nudity, the beach is hugely popular within the gay community. Despite the fact that the beach itself is one of shingle and pebbles, it remains one of the UK’s busiest naturist spots. So be sure to bring flip-flops and particularly comfortable towel if you’re planning on sunning your bits in Brighton.

    Porthzennor Cove, Cornwall

    If you’re looking for something more secluded, and perhaps a little more comfortable and beach-like, then it’s time to head to Cornwall. Britain’s best beaches are tucked away at its southernmost point, many of which are treacherously difficult to access. The rugged beauty of the West Cornwall coastline makes it ideal for naturists, populated with plenty of little coves and rocks that are perfect for sunbathing in your birthday suit. Though naturism is not officially recognised down there, you’ll be sure to come across many isolated coves whose seclusion makes them well-suited for nudists.

    Porthzennor is one of the coastline’s secluded sandy coves that is difficult to get to but ensures that there won’t be any passers-by that will be shocked to see your white bits. The crashing cliffs cleave open to reveal several corners of private sand that make an ideal private beach for two (or more). Just be careful when swimming as there are often strong undertows, and the closest land from there is the USA.

    St Osyth, Essex

    Nude beaches in Essex just seems to be asking for trouble to me. I mean how many people try to tan in the land of fake tan? But low and behold St Osyth exists, not far from Clacton-on-sea, in the heart of good ole Essex beach country. The beach itself is a bugger to get to, taking about 20 minutes to walk to from the nearest car park. So while this makes access difficult for the more “mature naturist”, it also discourages snoopers.

    The beach itself is about 2 miles long and isn’t overlooked, with about 1 or 2 miles of ground between it and the nearest road or track. St Osyth is unofficially divided into three different sections: one for straight naturists, one for men only, and then one populated by sand dunes. The latter part has been known to be something of a “swinging” area, but again that’s all just luck of the draw and who’s around on that day.

    Morfa Dyffryn, Wales

    Wales?! I know, first Essex now Wales, but hear me out. What the Welsh coast lacks in warmth, it makes up for with incredible landscapes to go with your manscapes (I’m running out of naked men jokes here). The blissful Morfa Dyffryn beach was made an official nudist beach in 2000 after a number of complaints by residents. The council put signposts up earmarking a 1 km space for people to disrobe. It has pristine clear (albeit slightly chilly) waters that are so clean they have earned the highest quality rating by European standards. Waters which are frequented by dolphins and the occasional German nudist. High praise from both.

    Cleat’s Shore, Isle of Arran

    indianabones / Pixabay

    So at this point in the list, we’ve all but abandoned the idea of a hot sandy beach in favour of whatever else UK beaches have to offer. So in for a penny, in for a pound, and let’s get naked on the brisk beaches of Scotland.

    Cleat’s Shore is Scotland’s only official nude beach, and despite that impressive title, it is almost always empty. This makes it a great spot for our first time naturists. You’re far more likely to spend your time conversing with nature rather than other couples. But you won’t be the only nudists on the beach; seals are common in the area, so at least you’ll be skinnier than someone.

    Throw in some rock pools, basking sharks and the occasional golden eagle, and Cleat’s Shore is a nude beach with a difference, which, let’s face it, is probably a good thing.

    So don’t write off the UK as a great place to strip off. Yes, the water may be colder, but the experience may be all the richer because of it. Have you been to any secret or beautiful nude beaches in the UK? Want to know what it’s like to go on a nudist beach for the first time, our editor tried it out.

  • Are there gay cruising grounds in Wolverhampton?

    Are there gay cruising grounds in Wolverhampton?

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

    Wolverhampton 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 Wolverhampton, and they’re a hangover from more homophobic times in the UK. At our last count, there were at least 22 known cruising grounds in Norwich and over 10 cruising grounds in Wolverhampton and that number is growing

    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 accomodate 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 Wolverhampton and in wider Staffordshire.

    Cottaging and cruising etiquette

    Are there gay cruising grounds in Wolverhampton?
    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 Ilegal 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.

  • These are the best gay bars in Nottingham according to Google Reviewers

    These are the best gay bars in Nottingham according to Google Reviewers

    Nottingham is home to a small but friendly choice of LGBT+ venues, but which one has come out top in the Google reviews?

    There are about 3 LGBT+ bars and clubs in Nottingham and further two “gay-friendly” places. They are dotted around the city as Nottingham doesn’t really have a “gay quarter” as other big cities have.

    So here are the best and worse gay bars in Nottingham ranked worst to best by Google Map users.

    The Lord Roberts 4.3 stars out of 447 reviews

    The Lord Roberts is the highest rated LGBT+ friendly pub in Nottingham and it’s true. We can totally vouch for that. The bar staff go out of their way to make you feel welcomed. One reviewer adds, “A welcoming safe venue. Somewhere I always feel welcome, alone or with a group. The landlord welcomes you in as if it’s a friend welcoming you into his home”.

    Another added, “Since Craig took over the Lord Roberts it’s become the place to be in Nottingham City Centre.. it’s friendly and welcoming and the place is kept immaculate”.

    New Foresters 4.1 stars out of 181 reviews

    New Foresters is located on St Ann’s Street and has been voted one of the best bars by Google reviewers. It is also award-winning, with a plethora of certificate adorning its walls.

    It has 181 reviews. One reviewer called the New Foresters a “great little gem” while another added that it had “Friendly staff, average price, great crowd and atmosphere”

    The Foresters Inn 3.7 stars out of 56 reviews

    The Foresters Inn, located on Huntington Street, just behind the Victoria centre is not technically an LGBT+ bar, but it once was and therefore has a little hangover from that period. It raucous and you’ll be able to find cheap drinks and karaoke.

    Users suggested that the pub was a “Good place to have a few drinks to start the night off” and had “Nice friendly atmosphere guest beers from local breweries reasonably priced”

    Propaganda 3.4 stars out of 415 reviews

    Located on the Broadway, in Nottingham’s Lace Market area, Propaganda, was until recently Nottinghams only specific LGBT+ bar. The owners announced it was closing down shortly after the lockdown began. However, there are hopes that they will find another location and reopen the club,

    NG One 3.0 stars out of 77 reviews

    Located on Lower Parliament Street, NG One was once Nottingham’s largest LGBT+ club. It has changed its door policy and is now open to anyone, however it does still attract some LGBT+ folk. It has 4 bars and 2 dance floors with a capacity of almost 1000. Open until the early hours every weekend.’

    It dropped it’s gay tag back in 2015.

  • HOT ALERT: Pleasuredrome is showcasing the guys who made it through their casting call

    A little while back, Pleasuredrome, one of London’s leading gay saunas, put out a casting call for its “A New Generation” advertising/marketing campaign and now, they’ve been showcasing some of the talent that made the final cut.

    Of course, it’d be remise of us not to show you the guys who made the finals!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDI3-0IlGhP/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDLhrRCFNse/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDN2pHGFlWP/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDQgw3YFPbN/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDTLQTgFRr-/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDVvUj_FhjE/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDYpnIXFwvc/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDd3OuxFBDs/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDjA0vClfkT/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDn8q0ugejf/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDv4zNZjvd6/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CD1CYMDl9N-/
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CD5-PWqAv64/

    Give Pleasuredrome a follow on Instagram for further updates!

  • Are there gay cruising grounds in Norwich?

    Are there gay cruising grounds in Norwich?

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

    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 Norwich, and they’re a hangover from more homophobic times in the UK. At our last count, there were at least 22 known cruising grounds in Norwich and over 27 cruising grounds in Norfolk.

    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 Norwich and in wider Norfolk.

    Cottaging and cruising etiquette

    Are there gay cruising grounds in Norwich or Norfolk?
    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 Ilegal 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.

  • Gay Dating | What does PnP mean on a dating app?

    If you ever see the acronym “PNP” on a guy’s profile, it’s to with having sex and “partying”, simply put, fucking while on drugs.

    PnP stands for party and play – generally speaking drugs play a part in this guy’s sexual activity. Sometimes also referred to as chemsex.

    Drugs that might be used could be

    Crystal methamphetamine,  (Meth, Tina, Ice, Glass, Crank)

    GHB/GBL,  (G, Gina, Liquid Ecstasy)

    Mephedrone (M, Meph, Meow Meow, M-Cat)

    MDMA (Molly, Mandy, Ecstasy)

    Cocaine (Coke, Charlie, Crack, C)

    Ketamine. (K, Ket)

    Make sure you keep safe during PnP often drugs can make people take risks with their sexual health, due to lowered inhibitions and feelings of intimacy and sexual drive when on certain drugs.

    A fantastic resource and read into the world of chemsex is the book by James Wharton, Something For The Weekend, available from all good book stores and Waterstones online.

    If you need help with addiction or are worried about drugs in your life, you can find resources at the Drugwise website.

    Check out more gay dating terms.

  • Joe Lycett has an interesting idea on how to get the hospitality trade back on its feet

    Joe Lycett has an interesting idea on how to get the hospitality trade back on its feet

    The Great British Sewing Bee presenter Joe Lycett has taken to social media to shine a spotlight on some of his favourite eateries, in an effort to get Britain eating out again.

    Of course, you may have heard of the Government’s scheme to help the ailing hospitality industry called, Eat Out To Help Out which encourages the UK’s citizens to don its collective mask and go and eat out, (but stay home unless absolutely necessary) at restaurants, pub and cafes around the UK, which have signed up to its Eat Out scheme. The scheme offers would-be punters a whopping 50 per cent off their food bills (maximum £10 per person).

    You can follow the online discourse by clicking on #EatOutToHelpOut.

    Support local

    Doing his part, Joe has highlighted some of his favourite eateries around the Birmingham area saying that Nandos “don’t need you right now”.

    However, it seems he has an issue with the campaign’s primary hashtag which is #EatOutToHelpOut calling it “discriminatory”. Instead, the comedian offered a number of other campaign slogans which may or may not whet your appetite, including

    Eat Out Or Wank Off A Lad For Dinner, or Handjob And A Curry and our personal favourite Spaff And A Snack.

    We’re not entirely sure restaurateurs are going to be 100 on board with this… but you never know.

  • Gay Dating | What does BS mean on a dating app?

    Gay Dating | What does BS mean on a dating app?

    If you ever see the acronym “BS” on a guy’s profile, it’s probably contained in a sentence like: “Not into BS” or “No BS” and basically it just means “No Bullshit”

    You’d think that being on a hookup or dating app would be simple right? I mean we’ve all downloaded the app for one of a few reasons, right? Surely we’re all on there to search for a date, sex or maybe just friends (Yeah, sure Jan)

    Surely the need for BS – however it manifests just wouldn’t need to be a thing, but it is.

    From Ghosting to Catfishing to picture collectors there are all manner of shitty and bullshit behaviours on dating apps – although it seems that some apps are a breeding ground for shitty behaviour.

    So why not just cut to the chase, cancel the bullshit and say what you want…

    Check out more gay dating terms.

  • New lockdown measures mean you can’t visit other people’s homes in these Northern towns this weekend

    New lockdown measures mean you can’t visit other people’s homes in these Northern towns this weekend

    Just as things were starting to loosen up, the Government has mandated that it is against the rules to meet with people outside your social bubble in your own home and has plunged a number of communities in England under local lockdown.

    As the weather has been warming up and Coronavirus restrictions ease, many people have been meeting with hookups and going on dates. However, if you’re living in a number of towns and cities in northern England, including one of the UK’s biggest LGBT+ communities, Manchester, you may have to hold off a few more weeks.

    The green light was never fully given by the Government on the resuming of hookups and dates, however reading between the lines of recent guidelines, many deemed it safe enough to hop back on their favourite dating app.

    Without warning

    Sudden lockdown measures have forced many people in some major northern cities in England to rethink their plans for the weekend after the government took the unprecedented steps to lock down a number of places without warning.

    The changes come after a spike in cases of Covid-19.

    https://twitter.com/i/events/1289157717383233536

    The cities include Greater Manchester, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale, Bradford, Rochdale, Calderdale, Kirklees and Leicester.

    However, people will still be able to visit pubs, restaurants and other businesses, providing they do so not to meet other people from other households.

    The gay scene in Manchester will remain open for business. Nevertheless, people who visit pubs and bars will need to drop off a contact name and number in order to help authorities track and trace should anyone visiting the premises be unknowingly carrying the virus.

  • Gay Dating | What does BND stand for?

    Gay Dating | What does BND stand for?

    Decoding BND

    Have you ever seen the acronym BND and wondered what it meant, well simply put it means, Boy Next Door. Although the term is not widely used on Grindr, it can be found on Scruff as a way of describing who you are or what you’re looking for.

    What is a Boy Next Door?

    Often the Boy Next Door is categories as the “every boy” meaning that he’s probably cute or average looking, average build, average height. Maybe he coy or shy or an introvert and keeps himself to himself. Think unassuming nice lad, who would lend you a cup of sugar or an egg or two if he had them and you’ve got yourself a BND.

    It’s a catch-all vanilla-ery term and actually isn’t particularly useful – cause Hanibal and Dexter were guys who lived next door to somebody!

    Check out more gay dating terms.