THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • Seven men wanted after a suspected homophobic attack in Coventry

    Seven men wanted after a suspected homophobic attack in Coventry

    Police in Coventry are appealing to the public for information after a 24-year-old man was left with injuries after a suspected homophobic attack.

    A 24-year-old man was left with severe facial injuries after a suspected homophobic attack in the city of Coventry police say. THEGAYUK has learned that Coventry police are looking for information on seven males, who were filmed by CCTV outside the Noodle Bar in Coventry in March.

    According to the police, a 24-year-old man was attacked and left with multiple injuries which included fractured cheekbones, a broken nose, blurred vision and nerve damage after it is thought that seven men set upon the unnamed victim. The alleged attack happened just before 4.30am on Saturday 16 March.

    The alleged assault happened outside the Noodle Bar on Bull Yard in Coventry city centre. Police say that is believed a homophobic insult was heard during the attack.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.UK between 8 am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.

    Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting crime reference 20CV/68141L/19.

  • Man brutalised and left unconscious by gang of up to six in homophobic assault

    Man brutalised and left unconscious by gang of up to six in homophobic assault

    Detectives investigating a homophobic assault and robbery in Greenwich are appealing for information.

    A man was left with multiple injuries and had his car stolen after he was homophobically assaulted in a London park. Police were called to Vanbrugh Park Road in Blackheath in London at 22:23hrs on Sunday, 7 April following reports of an alleged assault.

    Officers found a 36-year-old man with bleeding and bruising to his face.

    Police are looking for six thugs

    The victim was walking on Blackheath Common, Greenwich, in an area known as Blackheath Dip when he was attacked by a group of around five males, and possibly a female.

    He was repeatedly punched in the face and held around his neck, causing him to lose consciousness. They then dragged him across the ground by his hood and hit his face against the pavement. Throughout the attack, the gang used homophobic words.

    They then stole the victim’s car keys and drove off his white Peugeot 208 Access, which contained his mobile phone and wallet.

    The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to a hospital. He has since been discharged but is suffering from his injuries and is still in shock.

    One of the males was described as white, with a thin face, thin lips and spoke with a London accent. He was wearing a grey hooded jumper.

    Homophobia was the motivation of this assault

    Investigating officer Detective Constable Adam Pearce, from the South East Command Unit, said, “This was a completely unprovoked and targeted assault and we believe there may be further victims not yet in contact with police.

    “Both the attack and the homophobic motivation of this assault are abhorrent and I appeal to anyone with any information that could assist the investigation to come forward.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact the South East Safe Guarding Unit by dialling 101 and quoting reference CAD 7270/07Apr, Tweet @MetCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Vile thug has homophobic rant at Street Performer in Nottingham

    A street performer known as Disco Bunny has shared footage of him being abused on the streets.

    A performer known as Disco Bunny (Pablo Woodward) was entertaining the crowds in Nottingham city centre when he was set upon by a man in the crowd who took offence to Disco Bunny’s look. The man then proceeded to homophobically abuse the performer and at one point called Woodward a “f**king nonce”.

    The unnamed man repeatedly asked Disco Bunny who he was sexually attracted to in front of a gathering crowd. When Disco Bunny refused to answer the man’s question the thug launched into a foul-mouthed six-minute rant in which he using the words “nonce” and “batty man”. He also said that he didn’t trust the performer with his six-year-old little boy. During the tirade, the man grew more and more agitated and at one point took off his t-shirt.

    Disco Bunny, who travels up and down the country to entertain people in city centres, uploaded the footage on to his Facebook page where it has been viewed over 350,000 times and has been shared nearly 2,500 times.

    The man’s rant drew a shocked crowd who jumped in to defend the performer. At one point two people hold up the rainbow flag behind the street performer. Speaking about his supports Woodward said, “I thank the public for their support and for their respect of my work and each other – and for their restrained behaviour. I bear no grudge.”

    Police in Nottingham have begun an investigation after a hate incident was reported, Police said, “We have spoken to the victim, a 39-year-old man, and are aware that a video of the incident, in which homophobic abuse is shouted, has been shared online and this will be investigated as part of the enquiry,” a statement read.

    “Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help the enquiry is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 729 of 1 April 2019.”

  • The Best of Flare 2019 – LONDON’S LGBT FILM FESTIVAL

    The Best of Flare 2019 – LONDON’S LGBT FILM FESTIVAL

    BFI Flare, London’s LGBT+ Film Festival, had a successful 33rd year with over 50 features and more than 80 shorts, with special events, guest appearances, club nights – it was a very busy 9 days!

    It is hard to compile a ‘best of’ list as myself, and everyone I know, did not actually watch ALL the films – but herewith are the best films that I saw at Flare, some of which will soon be at a theatre near you.

    ‘Mapplethorpe’ – the controversial American photographer Robert Mapplethorpe’s life is given a dramatic re-telling, and it’s just as sensational as it’s subject matter. Matt Smith gives it his all, and then some, for a movie that is just about perfect – a film that was lucky enough to get permission to use all of the sexy and dirty images that Mapplethorpe created in his lifetime. This film is already in limited release in the U.S., however, no UK release date has been announced, but this is a must see film for THE GAY UK readers.

    Also a must for GAY UK readers is ‘Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life’ – a documentary about sexy Israeli gay porn star of the same name. We are taken on a ride, and whatta a ride it is, in a documentary that’s emotional (we loved his mother), sexy (lots of gay sex is shown) and hard-hitting (drugs). Directed by Tomer Heyman, the man who brought us the excellent ‘Whose Gonna Love Me Now’ in 2016, ‘Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life’ is both erotic yet car crash cinema.

    ‘Consequences,’ starring the very sexy Matej Zemljič, who plays a teenager with behavorial problems. When his parents send him to a juvenile correctional facility, he bonds with a group of men who are violent yet fluid in their sexuality. He falls for the ring leader, who instructs Matej’ character to rob and steal, but consequences ensue until one final incident that changes everyone’s lives.

    I am really glad that I saw ‘Transmilitary,’ a documentary about the lives of four soldiers who risk dismissal or demotion to fight for Transgender rights in the U.S. Armed Forces. Very very current – this documentary takes us up to early 2018 – it’s also very timely in light of President 45’s ruling to ban certain Transgender people from the military. And I guarantee you will fall for Senior Airman Logan Ireland; he’s sexy, muscular and with the most amazing smile and eyes. And he used to be a woman.

    Another military-based documentary that also deals with discrimination – The Fruit Machine – is an historical account which exposes decades of governmental criminalisation of LGBTQ+ members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Yet many many years later, many of these members say that after being kicked out, disgraced, and, according to the Canadian Government at that time, criminalistic, they all agreed that they would proudly go back and serve their country.

    ‘Jose’ is a cute and light story of a young Guatemalan man who lives with his struggling mother all the while looking for love in, literally, all the wrong places. Kudos go to filmmakers Li Cheng and George F. Roberson for immersing themselves in Guatemalan culture and hiring locals for the film, which was all shot in Guatemala.

    Another great documentary was ‘Light in the Water,’ a look at the West Hollywood Swim Team. Of course we get to see many men and women in tight swimming costumes, but it’s the people in the swimming costumes that we really get to know and bond with, including a man in his late 40’s who was previously married with kids, then divorced, came out as gay, joined the swim team and met friends for life. Footage of previous Gay Games, as well as lots of shots in the California Sunshine, are an extra bonus. An overall feel good film.

    ‘Papi Chulo,’ starring Matt Bomer, is a sentimental film about a television weatherman who has a breakdown after the end of a relationship with an older Latino boyfriend. He instantly falls in love with the older migrant worker he hires to paint his deck. It’s a bit silly and sentimental, but the migrant worker, played by Alejandro Patino, is excellent.

    ‘The Heiresses’ was just delicious. An older Lesbian couple are separated due to the actions of one of them, which gives the other one time to explore new experiences and venture into new territory, and this includes meeting a younger attractive woman who lights a spark in her. Both leads Ana Brun and Margarita Irun are superb.

    This is just a small taste of what was on offer at Flare this year. And now only 6 more weeks until the Cannes Film Festival!

  • Christopher Biggins felt “violated” after his phone is snatched by thug

    Christopher Biggins felt “violated” after his phone is snatched by thug

    Celebrity Big Brother star Christopher has said that he was left terrified after his phone was snatched by a cyclist in a hoody.

    Christopher Biggins
    Celebrity Big Brother 2016

    Panto fave Christopher Biggins had his phone snatched by a cyclist in a hoody as he waited for a taxi.

    The I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here star said the experience was “terrifying” and left him feeling “violated”.

    Talking on BBC Wiltshire, where he is today taking over the station as guest editor, he explained that he has just left a swanky restaurant in Covent Garden, London, on Wednesday night.

    “I walked down to Charring Cross Road to get an Uber at quarter to midnight and I was on my phone,” he told the BBC.

    “I was looking down toward Trafalgar Square and I was seeing how far away he was and suddenly a hooded cyclist came by and stole my phone – just took it out of my hand.

    “It was such a violation.

    “I shouted very loudly but it was quarter to midnight and he got away.”

    He said talking to insurers the next day made him feel a little better because some of them asked: “Is that the real Mr Biggins?”

    Christopher, however, is certain that the thief won’t be able to hack into his phone to steal the treasure trove of celebrity contacts that the star has gained over the years.

    Biggins is one of four presenters guest editing BBC Wiltshire this week for the station’s 30th birthday.

    The others have been Time Team’s Phil Harding, Olympian Sharron Davies and Apprentice star Nick Hewer.

    Christopher Biggins has just turned 70.

  • Celebrations as Queer Beer “Proud” turns One

    Celebrations as Queer Beer “Proud” turns One

    The UK’s first “queer beer” today turns one year old, celebrating 20,000 sales and £4000 raised for LGBT+ charities.

    The craft beer, brewed with “proper Yorkshire water” in Harrogate is an LGBT+ startup based in London whose aim it is to “revolutionise the way the LGBT+ community is supported”.

    The beer, or their “LGBTQIPA” as they are calling it works in partnership with three leading LGBT+ charities, the Terrence Higgins Trust, Diversity Role Models and the LGBT Foundation, with a direct contribution of 20p from each sale going to these charities. PROUD also support community projects, sports groups and LGBTQ professional networks throughout the UK.

    In their first year of trading, PROUD has already partnered with over 100 businesses and venues including the award winning LGBT+ theatre, Above the Stag; the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre and entertainment, bar and restaurant venues across London and the UK.

    Ethan Spibey, Co-Founder of PROUD said, “I’ll be honest, My Dad was less than impressed when I said I was going to spend the money I’d saved for a house deposit on starting a beer company. But frankly, we were fed up with seeing brands simply slap a rainbow flag on something for one month of the year and pretend they cared about our community and the challenges we face. PROUD has been built with our charities and our community in its heart and soul. Beer is beer, and it’s a tasty beer, but we believe beer can change the world and be a platform for our sparkling LGBTQ+ community, it’s what makes us a queer beer.”

  • 7 things you actually need to do at Savage Disco & Sink The Pink’s Sunday Service

    7 things you actually need to do at Savage Disco & Sink The Pink’s Sunday Service

    Sunday is about to get epic.

    If you’re in London on the 14th April then you might want to check out the camptastic, dragtastic and fantastic Savage Disco & Sink The Pink’s Sunday Service. An epic event that will leave you breathless and certainly a way to queer up your Sunday. So here are the 7 things we absolutely suggest you do if you go to Savage Disco & Sink The Pink’s Sunday Service.

    1) Check out the DRAG

    On Sunday you’ll see the full Savage Disco family of dancers and performances from Asttina Mandella, Barbs Balls, Bimini, Bourgeoisie, Carlie Carpenter, David Cummings, Hairy Rose and more…

    2) Be one of a million

    Well, 5000 in fact. Yep, this is going to be the biggest, queerest event in London

    3) Spread yourself out


    There are two rooms of music, including Printworks iconic main room the Press Halls, plus specialist bars for craft beer, cider and cocktails as well as a spacious outside courtyard with food vendors and plenty of seating to relax between dance floor stints. Queer club night Transmissions will also be overseeing the locker space with podiums, inviting party-goers to heaven or hell.

    4) Beautiful people


    Dress to impress or dress to feel comfortable. Savage Disco & Sink The Pink’s Sunday Service is all about feeling the most you. Be outrageous, be camp, be flamboyant or whatever makes you comfortable, go for it. As they “you do you, baby”.

    5) Get into Hymn…


    Sing along to the House Gospel Choir with hymn sheets handed out on the day or make big shapes on the dance floor to house and disco spun by legendary DJs Kenny Dope and Todd Terry.

    6) Room Bounce

    One of the great things about there being multiple rooms of music and beautiful people is that you can room hop. From the cavernous Press Halls where several ‘services’ will take place throughout the day, to the intimate Crypt hosted by Savage Disco’s DJ, and Sink The Pink’s Pop Heaven room with Tete Bang, the organisers will be pulling out all the stops with immersive production at this alternative Sunday homage – expect rows of confession booths, smutty stain glass windows, foul-mouthed preachers, the best in drag cabaret and a whole load more… This daytime extravaganza isn’t just a party, it’s a festival

    7) Get third release tickets now

    Third release tickets start at £32.50 + BF and grant access to the full event including the balcony with stunning views of the Press Hall dance floor. All tickets available from: https://www.printworkslondon.co.uk/listings/sunday-service/

    This article was sponsored by (what does this mean)

    Printworks:

    https://www.facebook.com/printworkslondon

    https://twitter.com/printworks_LDN

    https://www.instagram.com/printworkslondon/

     

    Sink The Pink:

    https://www.facebook.com/sinkthepink.page/

    https://www.instagram.com/@sink_the_pink

    https://twitter.com/SinkThePinkLDN

  • The Dorchester Collection closes its social media due to “abuse”

    The Dorchester Collection closes its social media due to “abuse”

    The Dorchester Collection of hotels has closed its social media accounts after being targetted with abuse from online users.

    The Dorchester Collection has closed its social media pages after members of its social media team were targetted with abuse following on from the Sultan of Brunei’s decision to enact a law that would see gay people who engaged in sexual activity with each other stoned to death.

    The Dorchester Collection is ultimately owned by the Sultan of Brunei.

    Taking to Facebook to explain their decision to close their pages, a statement read,

    “Dorchester Collection is an inclusive and diverse company and does not tolerate any form of discrimination.

    “Although we believe in open and transparent communication, we have reluctantly deactivated our hotel social pages due to the personal abuse directed at our employees for whom we have a duty of care.

    “Our corporate social media pages remain in place. Dorchester Collection’s Code emphasises equality, respect and integrity in all areas of our operation and strongly values people and cultural diversity amongst our guests and employees.”

     

     

  • Protests to take place outside Sultan of Brunei’s Dorchester Hotel

    Protests to take place outside Sultan of Brunei’s Dorchester Hotel

    A demonstration is due to take place outside The Dorchester Hotel in London in protest to the death penalty for gay sex in Brunei.

     

    A demonstration is to take place outside the Sultan of Brunei owned Dorchester Hotel in London this Saturday, 6th April 2019. The protest comes as Brunei enacts a law which will see men who have sex with other men face the death penalty by stoning.

    Embed from Getty Images

    The demonstration has been created by Benali Hamdache, a Green Party candidate for the London Assembly.

    Explaining why the demonstrating was going ahead on the official Facebook page, Hamdache wrote, “Brunei has announced that gay sex and adultery will be punishable by death. The Sultan of Brunei is one of the richest men in the world and is personally responsible for this hideous law.

    “He is also the owner of The Dorchester Hotel. Join our demonstration to make it clear that everyone should be boycotting his hotels”.

    The punishment of stoning to death, which has its basis in sharia law will target Muslim LGBT+ people in the region. The law will so see death penalties for those who commit adultery and rape. Those who are caught stealing will have their hands amputated. There will be fines or other punishments for those who miss prayers on a Friday.

    The demonstration will take place outside the Dorchester hotel in London from 2 PM until 4 PM.

     

     

     

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Calendar Girls The Musical – National Tour

    ★★★☆☆ | Calendar Girls The Musical

    When Annie’s husband John dies from leukaemia at an early age, her close friend Chris, suggests that they raise funds though their Women’s Institute group to purchase a comfortable sofa for the visitor’s lounge in the hospital where John was treated. But Chris’ plans are to forego the usual Jam and Jerusalem traditions of the organisation and to get the girls to agree to pose for a nude calendar with only WI pastimes to hide their modesty.

    Based on the well-known true story, Tim Firth’s script vacillates between tickling the funny bone and tugging on the heart strings as it works its way to a laughter inducing denouement and a touching closing scene; but never at the expense of (if you’ll pardon the pun) fleshing out the main characters and the supporting cast. Gary Barlow’s accompanying music is pleasant and carries forward the narrative with a mix of the catchy and the bittersweet, with Anna Jane Casey’s heart-breaking rendition of Kilimanjaro, a song about the struggle to carry on after the loss of a loved one, a real highlight.

    But the show is rightly all about the girls, and Casey is just superb playing the bereaved Annie, bouncing nicely off Rebecca Storm as her best friend Chris. Thrown into the mix, amongst others, are Denise Welch (TV’s Loose Women), Fern Britton (This Morning) and Karen Dunbar, who all come together to give you a group of ladies who form a formidable ensemble cast.

    Based on the true story, Calendar Girls follows in the footsteps of the film and original stage play in celebrating the remarkable achievement of the group of women. Whilst is it a little twee at times, it carries a strong story about friendship, challenging expectations and taking a risk, as conventions and traditions are dropped as quickly as the girls’ clothes.

    Calendar Girls The Musical is at the Sheffield Lyceum until 13.04.19 before continuing on its national tour.

  • A man has been charged over Grindr stabbing and robberies

    A man has been charged over Grindr stabbing and robberies

    Police in Manchester say that a 21-year-old man has been charged with robbery, possession of a knife and the stabbing of a man in his 20s after planning a meet on Grindr.

    geralt / Pixabay

    David Aroge (17/09/1997) of Holden Drive, Swinton has been charged with three counts of robbery, three counts of possession of a bladed article and one count of section 18 assault.

    He has been remanded into custody to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 29 March 2019.

    At around 7 pm on Monday 25 March 2019, a man in his 50s was threatened in his own home in Irlam o’ th’ Height and around an hour later on Bury Old Road in Prestwich, a man in his 40s was threatened and held at knifepoint.

    On Tuesday 26 March 2019, a man in his 20s was threatened and stabbed repeatedly in his car on Bolton Road in Pendlebury.