THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • London Gay Centres Are A Breeding Ground For Homophobic Attacks

    Westminster and Vauxhall, two of London’s main LGBT areas have been revealed as having the most homophobic hate crimes reported.

    Westminster has been revealed as having the most homophobic hate crimes reported followed by Vauxhall, both locations are known to home the majority of London’s LGBTI spaces. Crimes in Westminster have soared 23% while in Lambeth, which homes Vauxhall’s gay scene, anti-gay crimes have risen 25%.

    When Hackney, which homes another important LGBTI centre (Shoreditch) is included in the number of crimes reported up to July 2015 rises to 406 – over 1 crime per day.

    Overall, homophobic crime has risen, year on year, 29.3% in the capital. However, this may be a result of more reports of crimes. Of course, these figures do not reflect the true scale of the problem – as many crimes against LGBTI’s go unreported. Research from University of Leicester’s Centre for Hate Studies reveals that 88 per cent of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people had experienced some form of hate incident and that over 35,000 of these crimes go unreported across the UK.

    Shockingly some boroughs have seen increases of up to 217% (Bromley) and 185% in Croydon. Almost every borough has seen an increase of anti-gay crimes.

    A total of 1667 homophobic hate crimes were reported in the 12 months to July 2015, up from 1289 in the 12 months to July 2014. The figure rounds down to almost 5 homophobic hate crimes a day in the UK’s capital.

    Crime in London had risen overall by 3.5%.

  • Anna Calvi at Meltdown: Hellfire Passion in Pantyhose

    Rock guitarist Anna Calvi is living feminist wildfire. Her 2011, game-changer debut album instantly castrated sacred notions of male guitar god supremacy, and tonight, her beautiful heresy’s fiercer still.

    Is she straight? Bi? Undecided? Who cares? Isn’t mystery and mystique the most panting aphrodisiac ever? And in a web-scape awash with Miley Cyrus booty, frankly, flesh-flashing is beyond passé.

    So back to Miz Calvi, the darling of indie-kids of all ages. You’ve seen her, maybe, on You Tube or Jules Holland, all crimson, neck-high blouse, raw-wound lipstick and black toreador pants, her classic, Michaelangelo mouth constantly kissing desire. Petite but poised, her hair as tight-gripped as a suppressed climax, she’s perfect pop androgyny, a female Pete Doherty of startling cupidity.

    Not tonight, however, in her highest profile gig yet at ex-Talking Head David Byrne’s Meltdown. Hushed and expectant, eyes straining for Calvi’s entrance, we’re unexpectedly caressed by a low, almost subsonic, hum, as twelve white-cloaked choristers file onstage. Forming a protective crescent moon, they frame the suddenly-here Calvi, a rock-goddess Joan Of Arc dwarfed by her trademark guitar.

    And quite properly, in accord with the aura of imminent rapture, it’s as if Calvi’s signature scarlet blouse has bled out to pure, satin-weave white from the streaming wounds of her sung passion. Ah, but if the trappings, ambiance and yearning seem screamingly religious, they’re focused on human transcendence, not some dumb, mythical sky-guy; Calvi’s way too sharp to fall for manic dogma.

    Rather, she’s the lead attack angel of bliss, frenzy and scorching connection, an imperial killer queen drunk on her own guitar ecstasies. Miraculously fusing flamenco, rock and reverb over furious, stampeding drums, her mezzo-soprano simply soaring with liquid libido, Calvi is pure, delirious, multiple sonic orgasm.

    Singing with excess, storming ambition and sheer abandon inconceivable to X-Factor mediocrities, Calvi, incredibly, utterly redefines Torch Song sizzle for the 21st Century.

    Okay, the set’s not all deathless swoon and smoulder – especially when a duet with lean, tanned preppy David Byrne arguably breaks the flow – but Calvi’s glacial, blue-steel guitar brilliance is a constant beacon to otherworldliness.

    And what fabulous harbours that beacon signals; Edith Piaf’s ‘Jezebel’, Bruce Springsteen’s ‘On Fire’ and Suicide’s ‘Ghost Rider’, seamlessly buttressed by ‘The Devil’ and ‘Blackout’, Calvi’s own glorious odes to the ineffable.

    Moving like no other guitar player, part matador, part frenzied, sacredly erotic Ken Russell nun, Calvi brandishes her snow-white Stratocaster like a reincarnated Boudicca pissing on male patriarchy.

    Far more than Kate Perry, Jessie J or even the ferociously trashy, but culturally impotent, Courtney Love, Calvi crucially reclaims impeccable pop dignity for standalone, female artistry. No, she’s not competing with the boys in their playground – her conceptual aplomb dwarfs that demeaning idiocy – and has no need or wish to.

    Instead, as she exits in a susurrus of chanted, hymnal Latin, Calvi – along with like-minded mavericks Bjork, Laurie Anderson and Diamanda Galas – is building new platforms for new voices, and new expressions of confronting gender. To do that in the world of pop and rock is impressive enough, but – like David Bowie before her – she’s helping pan-sexuality pour free, naked and unrestrained in an explosive, cultural ferment. Anna Calvi – the warrior-queen harbinger of a world way beyond binary, us-and-them stupidity? Perhaps there’s no greater praise than that.

  • Barbra Streisand is coming back to London

    Well, it’s not the real Barbra Streisand but the world’s most famous Barbra Streisand impersonator – Steven Brinberg.

    Brinberg is returning to the lush surroundings of Brasserie Zedel’s Crazy Coqs cabaret room with his show titled ‘Simply Barbra celebrates Funny Girl’ to coincide with the 40th release of the film ‘Funny Lady.’

    Steven has been acclaimed for his vocal performance of Barbra Streisand for over a decade around the world. He has also appeared in numerous concerts with the late Marvin Hamlisch, released two CD’s, appeared in films such as ‘Camp’ and ‘Boys Live,’ and has also appeared in a concert version of ‘Funny Girl’ on Broadway, with Whoopi Goldberg and Kristin Chenoweth.

    Tickets for ‘Simply Barbra celebrates Funny Girl,’ which is running from Tuesday September 15 to Saturday September 19th, can be bought here

  • Nick Ferrari – I Will Have A Sex Change If David Beckham Becomes Bond

    Call Me Nicola – Nick Ferrari says he will have a sex change if David Beckham becomes the next James Bond.

    As Daniel Craig comes to the end of his tenure as Bond, all eyes turn to the next possible actor who will play the iconic spy. Former footballer David Beckham has been suggested as Craig’s successor.

    Nick Ferrari, 56, quipped, “Call me Nicola” in disgust at the suggestion.

    Speaking about Beck’s potential as a Bond, LBC morning presenter Nick Ferrari said, he would have a sex change before Beckham became Bond. Of course Ferrari’s glib remark about a gender reassignment would cost the presenter thousands of pounds and he’d have to endure incredibly painful.

  • COMMENT | Manchester Pride & Me: A time for community

    I recently attended one of the best pride events I have been to in a long time. For me, Manchester pride is a shining example of how a pride should be.

    The reminders of our past, the celebration of our achievements and the hope for our future all wrapped up in 1 event. All you have to do is look around at how everyone interacts and how the businesses operate and you get such a sense of community in the air. I’ve been to many different prides over the last 10 years or so including some of those in Europe and I would gladly place Manchester pride up there amongst the best.

    Yes I had a cider or 2, but then I’d have a cider or 2 regardless of it being pride. But for me it was a weekend of friends, old and new, learning about new things and pushing my boundaries to do and experience new things. To challenge some of my own prejudices and short comings and come out the other side with a sense of achievement.

    On the Monday evening, for those that did not stay the full weekend, in the community park a candle lit vigil occurs on behalf of the Georges House Trust (GHT). GHT have been in Manchester offering HIV-related services & support for 30 years and this year decided to remember those 30 years and some of those that have used the service.

    Each of the various different national and local well-known figures brought with them to the stage a memory, a memory of someone close to them that they are there to remember. Someone who cannot be with us but is with us in our hearts. Each talk, albeit short, was utterly moving and emotional. A local theatre company performed a selection of calls that had been received by the GHT to their telephone support line. The 3 performers read out the ‘call diary’ of the volunteers on call that detailed what the call was and what advice was given.

    Some calls were sweet. Some calls were creepy. Some were routine and some revealed the sheer scale of horror and injustice that living with HIV was like in the 80s and 90s. You could not help but be moved to tears when you hear about a man losing his partner because he committed suicide after finding out he was HIV+, or a mother so scared for her HIV+ son that she turns to the GHT for help in utter desperation. In each call the GHT volunteers were there to help and they, and all other organisations throughout the world that offer a similar service, are truly a shining light in the darkness of someone’s desperation.

    Many people ask me “what is the point of pride” especially when we enjoy such freedoms and exposure these days and all the say is a load of youths drinking. For me I answer with this; pride is not a march, it is a parade. It’s a celebration of all we have achieved but also a remembrance of all those we have lost. Those that have given their lives or suffered greatly fighting for what is right deserve to see the benefits of their work. To be remembered and celebrated and to allow people to be whomever they want to be and live in a world with no prejudice for phobia. Even if that is only during the pride festivities.

    Pride also reminds us is that we have still a long way to go on some areas. In the recent Dean Street data incident, the fact that some people have taken that list of email addresses and are sending the recipients abusive messages shows that HIV ignorance and prejudice is still a problem in this country. Even some of the news agencies listed Dean Street as an “AIDS clinic” rather than the sexual health clinic that it is. So long as ignorance and intolerance of HIV & AIDS exists then work will go on. For that matter, so long as HIV still exists then the work will go on.

    GHT handed out to everyone and encouraged them to share these 5 facts about HIV via social media. I encourage everyone to do the same. Even if you don’t engage in pride or know of anyone that has suffered with HIV you can do your bit and simply share some common facts to promote awareness.

    1 – Testing regularly for HIV is the right thing to do

    2 – Medication is stopping HIV from being passed on

    3 – HIV is a manageable condition when diagnosed early

    4 – People living with HIV are enjoying happy and fulfilling relationships

    5 – Positive attitudes encourage discussion about HIV

    by Scott Sammons | @i_scotty

  • Louis Walsh Finds A New Talent Show

    Former X FACTOR judge Louis Walsh has found a new home judging seat… in Blackpool.

    Stalwart talent judge Louis Walsh has found a new judging chair to occupy after leaving the X FACTOR this year. Walsh is now set to judge Talent Fest UK, which takes place in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on 26th and 27th September.

    Speaking about his new role as Talent Fest UK head judge Louis said,

    “I’m really excited about judging Talent Fest UK. People ask me if I ever get fed up judging talent competitions, but to be honest it’s in my blood and I absolutely love it. Every day is different and you never know who is going to walk in the door. I don’t miss X Factor at all. I’ve so many new exciting projects up my sleeve. I’m looking for someone who not only has excellent talent, but with a great attitude and work ethic. Ideally I’d love to find an artist like Tom Jones with a great soulful voice or even the next Michael Buble.

    Who knows what talent Talent Fest UK will unveil and it’s the not knowing and anticipation that excites me.”

    We still reckon he’d make a brilliant judge drag on UK Drag Race if it ever makes it over here

  • THEATRE REVIEW | F*cking Men

    I was all set in my mind to hate this; I imagined it being hammy, awkward and amateur. It was, after all, a play about gay sex lives to be performed in the back of a pub. I had images in my mind of either uncomfortable soft-core porn or over-pretentious dramatics involving a man in clown makeup reading poetry and eating an apple.

    The play follows the intertwining lives of 10 gay men, tackling the usual gay issues of fidelity, trust and sex. Yes, of course, there’s a character who’s an escort in there. It wouldn’t be gay theatre if there wasn’t.

    The setting was simple, if amateurish, reminding me of the various performances we put on during A-level drama exam week. Although if the boys in my school looked ANYTHING like the cast I would never have left.

    Which brings us on to the most important part, the cast. They were fantastic. Those who weren’t stunningly gorgeous were hilarious and heartfelt. In fact many were gorgeous and heartfelt, a combination you don’t actually see in real life… so maybe a bit of realism lost there. Some of the acting was a little laboured; feeling over the top and out of place for such a small and intimate setting. When there were fight scenes you heard the fake slap, and when there were screaming matches you got wet. And not in a good way.

    The initial intimacy of the play can be a bit overwhelming, but the rhythm of the scene changes is consistently good and you’re easily moved from one character’s story to another. Some of the best characters aren’t introduced until towards the end, by that I mean both the funniest character and then arguably the hottest character. Despite its low budget, the show is still appealing to a wide audience, nothing too gay niche to prevent the characters from being relatable.

    I am forced to wonder, however, if the play would have been as engrossing if the cast weren’t as beautiful as they were. The good thing is you don’t need to find out.

    Entertaining and full of eye-candy. Go and see F*cking Men at the King’s Head Theatre, Islington before the end of it’s run in September (extended for another month due to popular demand).

    Worth it even if you’re just looking for new entries in your spank bank.

  • London Sex Health Clinic Accidentally Publishes Email Addresses Of Patients

    Around 780 HIV patients from the sexual health clinic, 56 Dean Street, have had their personal details disclosed in an email sent in an “administrative error”

    The personal email addresses of around 780 patients at London’s busiest sexual health clinic have been leaked via an email. A newsletter was sent to HIV patients of the clinic which disclosed names and emails addresses to everyone on the list.

    The clinic immediately apologised for the mistake and have started an investigation into how the breach happened. A helpline has been set up by the clinic for patients who are worried about the exposure.

    Dr Alan McOwan, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS trust’s director for sexual health said in his apology,

    “I’m writing to apologise to you. This morning at around 11.30am we sent you the latest edition of OptionE newsletter.

    This is normally sent to individuals on an individual basis but unfortunately we sent out today’s email to a group of email addresses. We apologise for this error.

    “We recalled/deleted the email as soon as we realised what had happened. If it is still in your inbox please delete it immediately.

    Clearly this is completely unacceptable. We are urgently investigating how this has happened and I promise you that we will take steps to ensure it never happens again. We will send you the outcome of the investigation.”

    Concerns have been raised about how the leaked email addresses could be used, including typing the addresses into Facebook to find out a full profile, including pictures and other personal details.

    A spokesperson speaking to THEGAYUK for the clinic said the breach was an “administrative error”,

    “We can confirm that due to an administrative error, a newsletter about services at 56 Dean Street was sent to an email group rather than individual recipients.

    We have immediately contacted all the email recipients to inform them of the error and apologise. Any concerned patients can call 020 3315 9555 and 020 3315 9594.”

  • First English Pro Rugby Player Has Come Out As Gay

    Pro rugby player Sam Stanley has come out as gay.

    Sam Stanley, 23, has become the first English pro rugby union player to come out as gay. His announcement follows Keegan Hirst’s coming out, which happened just a few weeks ago.

    Speaking to the Sunday Times, Stanley said,

    “I was 10 or 11 when I realised I was different to my friends.

    “I didn’t want to accept it, I felt that being different wasn’t right. I had a girlfriend and I was thinking that, like some people say, maybe it is a phase.”

    Stanley went on to say: “Millions of people are in the situation, even people who have been in [his partner] Laurence’s situation and they are still married but are gay. They cannot accept it themselves.

    “It is going to be an issue until more people and athletes come out, until it is not an issue at all. It might take years but hopefully lots of people will find the courage.”

  • Kay Burley Slammed For Calling Sexual Health Clinic “AIDS Clinic”

    Sky News’s Kay Burley has been criticised for calling 56 Dean Street, an “AIDS Clinic”

    Kay Burley has come under fire for calling 56 Dean Street, the NHS sexual health clinic, currently under fire for an email data breach, an “AIDS clinic.” 56 Dean Street is a sexual health clinic which is predominantly aimed at the gay community in London

    Tweeting about the email breach of around 780 of the clinic’s HIV patients, Kay Burley said,

    “Aids clinic which revealed patients names: Clearly this is completely unacceptable. We are urgently investigating how this has happened”

    Aids clinic which revealed patients names: Clearly this is completely unacceptable. We are urgently investigating how this has happened

     

    Slamming Ms. Burley, GMFA CEO Matthew Hodson corrected her by Tweeting,

    “Because of the great work of @56deanstreet & others very few people now progress to #AIDS. @KayBurley please get your terminology right.”

    Britain’s Got Talent’s Aaron Carty, who wowed judges with his Beyonce Experience, corrected the news anchor by saying,

    “It’s actually a sexual health clinic @KayBurley @SkyNews @56deanstreet”

    https://twitter.com/AaronCarty/status/639061301390655488

     

    Speaking to THEGAYUK about the mistake, a spokesperson for the clinic said,

    “We can confirm that due to an administrative error, a newsletter about services at 56 Dean Street was sent to an email group rather than individual recipients.

    We have immediately contacted all the email recipients to inform them of the error and apologise. Any concerned patients can call 020 3315 9555 and 020 3315 9594.”

  • Just Where In The World Do British Men’s Penises Rank In Size?

    Willies… Some are big, some are tiny and have their own micropenis festivals… However where exactly does the UK place in the world in terms of penis size.

    Now according to Mandatory.com average erect penis sizes have been collected and collated from 80 countries across the world and a table of length has been drawn up and the UK’s placement? Well, it’s exactly average.

    The longest average erect penises are apparently in the African country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (7.1 inches) and the smallest are in North Korea with 3.8 inches.

    The average of the averages is 5.5 inches and that’s exactly where the UK are, beating the likes of the US (5.1 inches) and China (4.3 inches) but drawing with New Zealand, Ukraine and Canada.

    According to Mandatory.com the correct way to measure the penis is from tip of the penis to the very bottom of the pubic bone and apparently, only 3% of the world’s men have a dick over 8 inches.