THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • Man arrested in connection to Grindr attacks

    Man arrested in connection to Grindr attacks

    Officers have been investigating three separate attempted carjacking incidents that occurred after the victims engaged with a man they had met on the online dating app Grindr.

    At around 7pm on Monday 25 March 2019, a man in his 50s was threatened in his own home in Irlam o’ th’ Height by a man armed with a knife who demanded he hand over his car keys.

    Around an hour later on Bury Old Road in Prestwich, a man in his 40s was held at knifepoint by a man who again demanded his car keys.

    The victim suffered several cuts to his throat, back and forearm and was taken to hospital for treatment. He has since been released and is recovering at home.

    The following day (Tuesday 26 March 2019), the third victim, a man in his 20s, was threatened in his car that was parked on Bolton Road in Pendlebury.

    The alleged attacker, who was a passenger in the car during the assault, stabbed the man several times after demanding he hand over his car keys.

    The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a stable condition.

    A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and two section 18 assaults. He remains in custody for questioning.

    Man will be questioned by detectives

    Chief Inspector Amanda Delamore, of GMP’s Salford district, said, “We now have a man in custody who will be questioned by my team in the coming hours as our enquiries continue.

    “Our thoughts remain with the three victims who have all been left incredibly shaken by their ordeals and officers will continue to provide them with support at this distressing time.

    “Our investigation does not stop here and I would continue to urge anyone with any information that could assist us to please get in touch with police.”

    Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5194 or 101 quoting reference number 1764 of 26/03/2019.

    Reports can also be made anonymously, via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | American Idiot – National Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | American Idiot – National Tour

    ★★★☆☆ | American Idiot – National Tour

    In a post 9/11 America, three friends go their separate ways to try to find both themselves and where they belong in society. Will stays in suburbia to try and make his relationship with his pregnant girlfriend work, Tunny joins the army and Johnny stays in the city to find friendship but finds a part of himself he never expected. But it doesn’t take long for the American Dream to come crashing down around them as they become increasingly disenfranchised trying to fit into a world where they don’t seem to belong.

    Based on the songs of pop-rock band Green Day, America Idiot presents itself as a sing-through rock opera, where the relentless barrage of songs tells the story and there is little room for any script. The show opens with the title song and, for the first act, literally doesn’t let up from there. Tom Milner (Waterloo Road) as Johnny is a charismatic lead with a performance brimming with cocksure swagger and confidence, whilst Joshua Downen portrays Tunny’s journey from angry young man to war veteran with subtlety.

    After exploding onto the stage, the first act is loud, bold, brash, rebellious, angry and exhilarating; and has an unyielding, in your face energy which carries the audience along for the ride, assaulting their senses and reverberating the bass guitar in their chest. However, the second act doesn’t maintain the energy of the first, and as they story grows very dark and the pace slows down, the show loses some momentum.

    America Idiot reflects a warts and all portrayal of a recent time in American politics and a biting attack on a divided society which will be recognisable to angst ridden teens; whilst Green Day’s music continues to speak to a generation and still maintains relevance in today’s current political climate.

    America Idiot is at the Sheffield Lyceum until 30th March 2019 before continuing on its national tour. The show contains adult themes and strong language.

  • Someone is targeting gay men on Grindr, attacking them and trying to steal their cars

    Someone is targeting gay men on Grindr, attacking them and trying to steal their cars

    Police are continuing to investigate after three men were attacked by a man they began speaking to on the Grindr online dating application.

    In each of the three incidents in or around Salford, Manchester, the offender also unsuccessfully attempted to steal the victims’ cars.

    The incidents are being treated as linked and police believe the same man is responsible for each of the crimes.

    A CCTV image has been released of a man police want to speak to in connection with the attacks.

    As well as appealing for potential witnesses, officers are directly appealing to users of the Grindr app who may have encountered the man pictured, or fallen victim to someone they met on the application.

    The first victim, a man in his 50s, was threatened in his own home in Irlam o’ th’ Height shortly before 7pm om Monday 25 March 2019 by a man with a knife who demanded that he hand over his car keys. The offender failed to start the car and fled the scene.

    An hour later in Prestwich, a man in his 40s had a knife held to his throat by an offender on Bury Old Road who demanded the victim’s car keys.

    The man received small cuts to his throat, back and forearm and was taken to hospital for treatment, where he remains in a stable condition.

    The third man, aged in his 20s, was attacked at around 5.45pm on Tuesday 26 March 2019.

    He was threatened by a man who was a passenger in his car on Bolton Road, Pendlebury as they were parked on the roadside. He demanded he hand over his car keys before stabbing him several times.

    The attacker then fled the scene on foot in the direction of Birch Drive towards High Bank Road.

    The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

    “Attacks became progressively more violent”

    geralt / Pixabay

    Chief Inspector Amanda Delamore of GMP’s Salford Division said, “We believe that the same person is responsible for these premediated acts of violence.

    “The injuries inflicted upon these men became progressively more violent with each attack and it’s imperative that anyone with information on these crimes contact us immediately.

    “As well as appealing for witnesses, I’d like to appeal to anyone who uses Grindr and recognises the man in the image we’ve released to get in touch as a matter of urgency.

    “Like other forms of online communication; dating applications carry risks.

    “We’d urge people to be cautious when agreeing to meet strangers they have been speaking to online.

    “Always meet someone new in a public place first, let someone know where you’re going and never give out personal information to someone you’ve just met.”

    Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8172 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

  • Man stabbed in his car by man he met on a gay dating app

    Man stabbed in his car by man he met on a gay dating app

    Police in Greater Manchester are looking a man in connection to a horrific stabbing of a man in his car, after using a gay dating app.

    The victim, who is in his 20s was stabbed several times by a man he had planned to meet on a dating app, police in Manchester have said.

    The police have released a CCTV image of a man they’d like to speak to in connection to the incident.

    At around 5.45pm on Tuesday 26 March 2019), a man in his 20s was threatened in his car on Bolton Road in Pendlebury by a man he had met up with earlier this afternoon via an online dating app.

    The alleged offender, who was a passenger in the car, threatened the man as they were parked on the roadside and demanded his victim hand over his car keys before stabbing him several times.

    The attacker then fled the scene on foot in the direction of Birch Drive towards High Bank Road, police say.

    The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries and he remains there for treatment.

    This incident is being linked to two other carjacking attempts that occurred yesterday (Monday 25 March 2019) in Irlams o’ th’ Height, Salford and Prestwich.

    Three dating app attacks have occurred

    CREDIT: Ryazan / BIGSTOCK

    Detectives have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to as part of their enquiries.

    Detective Inspector Gareth Jenkins, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “This is now the third attack following an attempted carjacking after an online dating app meeting and we’re working hard to find the man responsible.

    “We have a CCTV image of a man we want to speak to as part of our investigation and I would appeal directly to the man to get in touch with us.

    “We would also continue to encourage people using dating apps to always meet new people in public places and to let someone know where you’re going.

    “If you have any information that could assist our investigation or if you recognise the man pictured, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

    Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5194 or 101 quoting reference number 1764 of 26/03/2019.

     

    Reports can also be made anonymously, via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • When was Section 28 repealed?

    When was Section 28 repealed?

    Section 28 was introduced by the Conservative government in 1988. When was it repeal and why was it introduced?

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Teachers who taught in schools during the late 1980s and 1990s were unable to teach or speak on issues of homosexuality because of Section 28 of the Local Government Act in England – a piece of legislation introduced by the Conservative government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in 1988 banning the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools – according to new research published in the journal Sex Education.

    In Scotland, similar legalisation was introduced called Section 2A.

    It was introduced under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government. The legislation was introduced partly as a reaction to a 1986 children’s book called Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin, which depicted the life of a child with two gay fathers. Controversy about the availability of the book in some schools in London led to the passing of Section 28.

    It was repealed in 2003 under the leadership of Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Labour government, but during the time of its enforcement, many LGBT+ teachers felt it prohibited them being open about their own sexual identity in the workplace.

    Section 2A was repealed by the Scottish government in the year 2000 and was one of the first pieces of policy enacted by a devolved Scottish government. The rest of the UK would have to wait another three years before the anti-gay clause was removed from the law books.

     

  • RESTAURANT REVIEW | The Swan, London

    RESTAURANT REVIEW | The Swan, London

    ★★★★★ | The Swan, London

    Tucked inside the world-famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the South Bank right next to the Tate Modern is a restaurant where you can get perhaps one of the best Sunday roasts in London.

    The Swan, a multi-level restaurant and bar, has an excellent great-valued Sunday lunch that is very delicious. At just £26.50 for two courses, or £29.50 for three courses, not only do you get great food, you also get to sit a beautifully designed restaurant as well as savour an amazing view of the Thames (from all the tables) in surroundings that include white tablecloths, Robert Welch cutlery, all which looks very upscale and expensive but actually isn’t.

    It’s best to make reservations for Sunday lunch as the day my friend and I were there the place was 90% full mid-afternoon. We, of course, opted to have the Roasts. I preferred the pork belly while he wanted the beef, and we both were not disappointed.

    My Old Spot Roast Pork Belly, baked apple sauce with all the trimmings was delicious. A nice large slab of pork, resting in a fetal position over a mound of very soft cabbage, was very tender, moist and cooked to perfection. Served with quite a few large cooked carrots, a nice helping of browned potatoes, and a big yorkshire pudding, plus a cooked onion sitting in pork juice was an extra touch. My friend had the same exact trimmings but his Sirloin of aged Ayrshire beef was cooked exactly as per his request (medium well – though The Swan does recommend medium rare). He said his meal was very good. And luckily for me, he could not finish half of his portion, so I polished it off for him (thanks buddy)!

    The two starters we had were very good. My friend had the Ellie’s Dairy Goat’s Cheese with salt baked Heritage beetroot, and glazed hazelnuts, and it was a very colourful (because of the different varieties of beets) and different. I helped him to finish it, and even though I am not a fan of beets, I particularly liked the orange and pink flavoured ones – so different and so good which gives a great taste to an otherwise dull vegetable. I had the Bitter Leaf Salad, Kentish Blue Cheese, poached pear with walnut dressing. It was on the small side but it was perfect as a prelude to the main course. It was simple yet very tasty as I was given several leaves that were filled with the walnut dressing with blue cheese and the bits of pear sprinkled on top – I can still taste the walnut dressing, unique and delicious.

    The Puddings are a must must must! My friend had the Bitter Chocolate Marquise in salted caramel sauce with grue nib tuile (a chocolatey biscuit made with almonds). His dish was three layers of different coloured chocolate, including an inner portion that was like a chocolate mousse. It is a dish that is decadent and delightful! And he finished it all! I opted for the Almond & Apple Tart with Devon cream – and I was not disappointed. The tart was moist (and tasted almost like it was soaked in rum – but it wasn’t unfortunately), with a graham cracker crust, and almonds baked on top for a tart that is one of the best that I have ever had. Recommended!

    There are cocktails and mocktails on the Sunday menu. We had two mocktails. My Mango Fiesta was just that – a fiesta! Multi-coloured and multi-tasty – very juicy and served up lots of flavour without any alcohol. The Seedlip & Pink Grapefruit that my friend had lacked the kick of the Mango Fiesta but it was nonetheless refreshing. The Swan also has an extensive wine list and a range of draft, craft and bottled beers.

    Of course, The Swan is more than just Sunday lunch! There is an excellent regular menu with something for everyone, as well as a breakfast menu (I want to go back for pancakes), and a theatre menu (excellently priced like the Sunday menu). There is also a bar menu for the cosy bar downstairs, and just to add there is a room on the top floor for private events. But it has to be mentioned again that the views from the bar, restaurant and the private events room are spectacular, overlooking the Thames and north of it including St. Pauls and the skyscrapers of the City (and the Millennium Bridge just right outside). Just beautiful. And to also mention the service is very good. The courses were impeccably timed, and we were not rushed at all. But for an extra kick before you leave, have a cup of their strong Arabica coffee – it’s good if you like your coffee strong!

    Their Midsummer Night’s Dream afternoon tea, inspired by the journeys of the characters found in the play is also a bargain at £28.50 per person. The people sitting next to us had it and I had to refrain myself from grabbing one of their cakes!

    And let’s not forget that this Mother’s Day The Swan has a set menu (priced at £29.50 for 2 courses, and £32.50 for 3 courses) which will include starters of Cured Cornish mackerel, poached Yorkshire rhubarb, yoghurt and tarragon; Corn fed chicken, carrot and savoy cabbage terrine, celeriac puree; and Jerusalem artichoke veloute, truffled creme fraiche topped with artichoke crisps. Mains follow with Baked Stonebass fillet, charred asparagus, pea puree and morels; Roast lamb rump, leek and parmesan gratin, lamb fat potato; Roast free-range pork belly, confit shallots, roasted apple sauce; and Roast 28 day aged Sirloin, glazed bone marrow and a cauliflower cheese puree. Indulgent desserts are found in the Chocolate fondant tartlet, salted caramel ice cream; Bramley apple parfait, raisin puree and walnut crumb; Mango Bavarois, tropical fruit salad, caramelised white chocolate or a selection of British farmhouse cheeses

    The Swan has the best of contemporary British cooking, and a proportion of their revenues goes to the Shakespeare’s Globe Trust, a charitable organisation set up to further the experience and international understanding of Shakespeare in performance.

    The Swan is a fantastic restaurant in a convenient location offering great views, amazing value, delicious food in a superb and cosy environment. 

    To book, please go here: https://www.swanlondon.co.uk

    020 7928 9444

    reservations@swanlondon.co.uk

    Swan, Shakespeare’s Globe
    21 New Globe Walk
    Bankside
    London SE1 9DT

  • The Drag Race anti-Brexit placards were out in full force this weekend!

    The Drag Race anti-Brexit placards were out in full force this weekend!

    Drag Race stars used for wildly different purposes in Poland and the UK as Rupaul arrives for British Drag Race

    Yes girl!! It’s starting!! This week Rupaul and Michelle Visage arrived in the UK to start preparing for Drag Race UK. The two also caused a stir attending Waitress the musical and surprising the cast backstage.

    https://twitter.com/RuPaul/status/1109373808153116673

    Rumour has it the recordings will start this Monday!!

    Arriving in the UK right in time for the anti Brexit march, Rupaul might have been pleasantly surprised that so many signs carried her image or variations on famous Drag Race quotes.

    Yes, Drag Race fans made a point in turning out with some amazing banners to tell Brexit to sashay away!
    Here are some of the best.

    https://twitter.com/Alice_h88/status/1109735523290177536

    https://twitter.com/PaulNoblet/status/1109521356805279744

    Poland are also using Ru Queens for a campaign. Sadly this one is not good.
    The images of Alyssa Edwards and Trixie Mattel are being used in a far right campaign against homosexuality. We hope this usage will soon be stopped!

  • What to watch at the BFI Flare: London’s LGBT+ Film Festival

    What to watch at the BFI Flare: London’s LGBT+ Film Festival

    BFI Flare, London’s LGBT+ Film Festival, is back in its 33rd year and will take place from 21st – 31 March 2019.

    It will be ten days of films and events for our community, a celebration of all things LGBT that promises to offer a vibrant space for all of us who are able to attend. Flare will also be ten days of seeing people you only see during this festival – and a time to meet up and grab a drink or a cup of coffee in between screenings. It will also be a great opportunity to meet new friends and some of the filmmakers and actors.

    BFI Flare will present over 50 features, more than 80 shorts, and a wide range of special events, guest appearances, club nights and much much more. Here is a very brief summary of some of the highlights:

    Flare will open with the period drama Vita & Virginia, charting the passionate relationship between Virginia Woolf (played by Elizabeth Debicki) and aristocrat Vita Sackville-West (Gemma Arterton).

    A must-see for the gay male crowd will most definitely be Mapplethorpe, which stars sexy Matt Smith as the legendary photographer in this no-holds-barred exploration of the controversial and one of the most feted photographers. Another one for the boys is Papi Chulo which stars Matt Bomer as a heartbroken gay television weatherman who forms an unlikely friendship with an older straight migrant worker.

    Another must-see will be the closing night gala screening of JT Leroy. Starring Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart, the film tells the story of how Savannah Knoop (adapted from her memoir) became JT Leroy – a fictional character who came true to life and bedazzled New York’s downtown scene for years.

    The UK premiere of Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life takes place during the festival and paints a portrait of one of the world’s most successful gay porn stars – Agassi – in a life of highs and lows.

    Anna Paquin and Holliday Grainger portray two women who fall in love in 1950’s Scotland in the film Tell it to the Bees, while in Rafiki two young Kenyan women attempt a relationship despite it being illegal in their country.

    On the documentary front, a queer Lucha libre wrestler is profiled in Cassandro, The Exotico, while Halston is a portrait of the American Fashion legend, complete with rare archive footage. Another legend, Montgomery Clift, is profiled in the self-titled film in the search to discover who was the real Clift. Tongues Untied features the work of black gay filmmaker Marlon Riggs, while in Transmilitary, four soldiers risk dismissal to fight for transgender fights in the U.S. armed forces.

    Events/debates include: Trans Creative at the Movies: a discussion that will feature transgender moments in film; At Lethal Lesbians will be a talk about how queer females are deadlier than the male species. In Operation Spanner: Then and Now – 16 men were prosecuted in the late 1980s for their participation in consensual S&M sex sessions, will be explored in two short films and in a discussion.

    The Big Gay Film Quiz is back as well as the very popular Club Nights that take place in the BFI Southbank’s Benugo Bar & Kitchen – great weekend nights out to let your hair down and boogie the night way.

    Also, don’t miss The 25th-anniversary screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert which will take place during the festival.

    Full details, and to buy tickets, please go to this link:

    https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/flare/Online/default.asp

  • The Color Purple Actor dropped from show after anti-gay Facebook post surfaces

    The Color Purple Actor dropped from show after anti-gay Facebook post surfaces

    Seyi Omooba axed from the theatrical tour of the Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome production of The Color Purple after “homophobic” Facebook post surfaces.

    Actor Seyi Omooba has been dropped from the production of The Color Purple after a Facebook post from 2014 in which she said that she did “not believe homosexuality is right” went viral on social media.

    The Facebook post from 2014 went viral when actor Aaron Lee shared a screenshot on Twitter saying Omooba owed an explanation to the gay community for her words.

    In the post, Omooba said that she does not believe people “can be born gay”.

    She added, “I do not believe homosexuality is right, though the law of this land has made it legal doesn’t mean its [sic] right.”

    Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome said that Omooba “will no longer be involved with the production” after admitting that the post had “caused significant and widely expressed concerns”.

    The statement reads,

    “On Friday 15 March a social media post dating from 2014, which was written by the The Color Purple cast member Seyi Omooba, was re-posted on Twitter. The comments made by Seyi in that post have caused significant and widely expressed concerns both on social media and in the wider press.

    “Following careful reflection it has been decided that Seyi will no longer be involved with the production. This decision was supported by the Authors and Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

    “The audition process, as ever, was conducted professionally and rigorously, led by an exceptional casting director with actors who are evaluated on what they present in the audition room. We do not operate a social media screening process in the casting of actors”.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Standing at the Sky’s Edge – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

    THEATRE REVIEW | Standing at the Sky’s Edge – Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

    ★★★★ | Standing at the Sky’s Edge

    Standing on the Sky’s Edge is a new musical which centres around Sheffield’s Park Hill Flats housing estate, and cleverly overlays three stories of three families over three decades as they take residence in the now infamous building. From the ground breaking optimism of the buildings with “streets in the sky” in the early 70s; through the estates decline in the 80s and 90s and onto the current regeneration projects, the show delicately weaves the lives of the seemingly unconnected families together whilst looking at the social and economic changes faced by the city and its residents.

    Richard Hawley (known for his music with The Longpigs and Pulp) provide a mixture of new and old songs which melt seamlessly into the narrative and which are well spaced, well performed and slot nicely into the proceedings; whilst Chris Bush’s script is warm, witty and brims with northern charm and humour.

    But mostly, and at the show’s heart, are stories about love and how it can be tested in so many different ways; wrapped up in a love letter to any building which you can call home and to the city itself.  A husband who has given up, and a wife who won’t; a young couple who face tragedy and a young woman trying to break free of the ghost of girlfriends past all address the central issues with genuine emotion and a warmth radiating from the stage.

    The production is instantly accessible, with characters that feel familiar almost immediately, and some fast paced and assured direction from Robert Hastie, providing a feel of the business and hustle and bustle of the estate. The ensemble cast blend beautifully together as the years portrayed merge into one; and Faith Omole took everyone by surprise with a singing voice so serene, it quite literally stopped the show.

    Despite being a very local piece of theatre, there is enough in there to entertain those unfamiliar with the flats or its history; and makes the trip to Sheffield worthwhile, and being home the message, loudly and clearly, that home is where the heart really is.

    Standing on Sky’s Edge is at Sheffield Theatres until 6th April 2019.

  • Education expert warns drama, music and sports for girls will be next if No Outsiders isn’t reinstated

    Education expert warns drama, music and sports for girls will be next if No Outsiders isn’t reinstated

    As more schools announce that they are suspending the No Outsiders programme, an education expert says that the lessons must continue “in the community where it is most needed.”

    Speaking to THEGAYUK the University of Birmingham’s Colin Diamond says that the No Outsiders lessons must continue after four more schools in Birmingham followed in the footsteps of Parkfield Primary School and stopped the teaching of LGBT rights following complaints by parents.

    The No Outsiders lesson was the brainchild of Andrew Moffat, where the ethos was to promote LGBT+, disability, religious and gender equality and to help students question transphobia and homophobia in primary schools.

    He said, “We must be resolute and hold to the values of the Equalities Act and the Birmingham Curriculum Statement. Local dialogue is essential – but there are red lines here. No Outsiders and in particular the teaching of LGBT issues must continue.

    No music, drama and girls’ participation in sports

    RemazteredStudio / Pixabay

    In a stark warning, Diamond warns that if no action is taken that subjects such as music and drama could be wiped from the ciriculum could be wiped from UK schools.

    If No Outsiders did not continue in school Diamond added, “If it does not, I guarantee that the next targets will be music, drama, liberal humanities and girls’ participation in sports.

    “No Outsiders is taking off in schools across the UK: it needs to continue to thrive in the community where it is most needed.”