Police are linking two stabbings in the nation’s capital today after one man was left with “life threatening” injuries” in Soho and a boy, 16, was stabbed in Camden, just hours apart.
Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found the 37-year-old man suffering stab injuries. He was taken to hospital where his condition is being treated as life-threatening.
An immediate investigation was launched by detectives from Central West CID.
A woman, aged in her 40s was arrested near to the scene. She has been taken to a central London police station where she remains in custody.
A crime scene was put in place, forensic work commenced and enquiries undertaken to identify any relevant witnesses or CCTV.
Another male stabbed, Camden
Later that morning, at 11:36hrs, police in Camden were called to a teenager stabbed in University Street, WC1.
Emergency services attended the scene where the 16-year-old victim was taken to hospital. His wounds have also been assessed as life-threatening.
A man, aged in his 30s was arrested near to the scene in connection with the Camden stabbing. He was further arrested a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder in Romilly Street, which is the heart of London’s LGBT Scene.
The arrested man has been taken to hospital having told officers that he had swallowed a quantity of drugs. Police are awaiting an assessment of his condition.
Enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of both incidents.
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police should call detectives via 101 quoting reference 1783/mar03. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
At this stage, nobody else is sought in connection with either of these incidents.
There is nothing to suggest that these crimes are related to homophobia at this time.
A man has been hospitalised after a stabbing in London’s Soho.
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A man in his 30s has been attacked and stabbed in the centre of London‘s gay scene on Romilly Street, early Sunday morning.
The status of the man has not been made public, although the police have revealed that he sustained “serious injuries”.
Earlier this morning, police and paramedics were called to reports of a stabbing in Romilly Street in Soho at about 6 AM.
A crime scene has been established as detectives begin their investigations.
The motive of the attack has not been made known and details about the victim remain private at this time.
A crime scene is in place in Romilly St, Soho whilst we investigate a stabbing at 6:00am. A quick police response resulted in an arrest. Anyone with info please contact Central West CID via 101. Quoting ref 1783/03Mar19
— Westminster Police | Central West BCU (@MPSWestminster) March 3, 2019
One person, a woman in her 40s has been arrested.
This is a developing story.
Anyone with information is urged to call Central West CID on 101 and to provide the reference 1783/03Mar19
Olly Alexander has said if more people listened to and supported LGBT+ artists, they’d get more slots at Pride.
Years and Years singer Olly Alexander has suggested that if more people supported LGBT+ artists then they’d they get more slots at Pride events across the UK.
The singer also revealed that he “always donates” his part of the Years and Years fee to perform at any pride they are asked to attend.
This year, Years and Years will be performing alongside Ariana Grande at Manchester Pride.
The singer said that although he’d love to see more LGBT+ headliners “the reality is line ups are a mix of artists depending on their availability and the need to sell tickets.”
Manchester Pride has been at the centre of a row over the announcement of Ariana Grande as its headliner in 2019, with many suggesting that the Pride should have chosen an LGBT+ identified person. The singer released a statement over the backlash.
Ariana Grande has responded to criticism of her headlining this year’s Manchester Pride, saying that the ticket price was “mostly” out of her control.
[[File:93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball Tampa Florida IMG 6824 (11490181726).jpg|93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball Tampa Florida IMG 6824 (11490181726)]]Manchester Pride has taken a bashing on social media this year due to a new pricing structure and issues surrounding who it announced as its headline for 2019, Ariana Grande.
Grande’s headlining confirmation spurred a huge online debate, with many questioning why a straight-identified artist was chosen by the Pride.
The singer has now responded, Taking to Twitter she wrote,
“Hi my love. I have nothing to do with ticket pricing – Manchester Pride sets those rates, and they’re mostly out of my control.
“The LGBTQ community has been so special to me and supportive throughout my entire career. The relationships i have with my LGBTQ fans, friends, and family make me so so happy. I want to celebrate and support this community, regardless of my identity or how people label me. and also i wanna visit a city that means so much to me. LGBTQ representation is incredibly important, and I’m always proud to share the stage with LGBTQ artists!
“Over the years, pride events have been headlined by performers and artists of all sexual orientations and genders, including straight allies like Cher and Kylie Minogue. i do think there’s room for us to talk about these issues without equating a performance *for* an LGBTQ audience with exploitation of the LGBTQ community.
“If you truly feel like i didn’t deserve to be offered this spot, I respect that. But i did accept it excitedly and gratefully. I’m not claiming to be the hero of the community or the face of the LGBTQ rights movement – I just wanna put on a show that makes my LGBTQ fans feel special and celebrated and supported. That’s all I wanna do.”
Grande will be joined by Years and Years, 80’s duo Bananarama over the August bank holiday weekend at Mayfield Depot.
Stuck in a dead end job and in a deadbeat family, Tony Manero escapes the dull routine of his life by gathering the adoration of the crown as he struts his stuff on the dance floors of Brooklyn’s discos. But whilst practising with new dance partner, Stephanie Mana, his eyes are opened up to a world beyond the Brooklyn Bridge, and Tony slowly realises that his life has to change.
Richard Winsor (Casualty) is affable enough as Tony Manero and is well matched by Kate Parr as Stephanie, whilst the ensemble cast fills the stage and brims with energy and enthusiasm during the dance numbers.
Overall, the production has its faults. The set intrudes on stage leaving little room for the cast; the second act is narrative heavy with a storyline which all gets rather gloomy, the rapid flicking between brief scenes made the proceedings feel disjointed and the faux Brooklyn accents made the script difficult to decipher at times.
But as you would expect, where this show comes alive is in the disco scenes, and these sections of the show are vibrant, colourful and full of life; and as they explode onto the stage they are a pure joy to watch. Featuring a soundtrack which defined a generation, the live band and singers were one of the show’s strongest features, as they brilliantly captured the look, sound, feel and falsetto harmonies of the Bee Gee’s, and belted out a string of songs which are deeply embedded in popular culture, including ‘Stayin’ Alive’, ‘Jive Talkin’’, ‘If I Can’t Have You’ and ‘How Deep Is Your Love’.
Overall, Saturday Night Fever is a bit of a mixed bag, albeit one which is lifted by its strong and infectious musical numbers, the enthusiasm of the cast and a heavy dose of nostalgia.
Saturday Night Fever is currently at Sheffield Theatres until Saturday 2nd March 2019 before continuing on its national tour.
Evelina London Children’s Hospital and community services have introduced NHS rainbow badges for its staff to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) patients.
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The scheme at Evelina London, which is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’, is now being rolled out across the Trust, following a successful pilot at the children’s hospital, launched last October.
The move follows a recent Stonewall survey that found that one in seven (14%) of LGBT people have avoided medical treatment for fear of discrimination and almost one in four (23%) have witnessed discriminatory or negative remarks against LGBT people by healthcare staff. It also coincides with LGBT history month this February.
The badge is an NHS logo superimposed on the rainbow pride flag and can be worn on lanyards or uniforms. They promote a message of inclusion and are a sign that the wearer is someone you can talk to about issues of sexuality and gender identity.
When staff sign up to wear the badge they are provided with information about the challenges people who identify as LGBT+ can face accessing healthcare and what they can do to support them.
The hospital has also created a toolkit to support and encourage other NHS organisations to implement the scheme. More than 100 clinical commissioning groups, GP surgeries and hospitals from across the country have already expressed an interest in rolling it out.
The project has been backed by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who regularly wears the badge, and Strictly Come Dancing star, and former Evelina London paediatrician, Dr Ranj.
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said, “Every patient and everyone who works in the NHS should feel welcomed by the NHS, regardless of their gender identity, race or sexual orientation.
“I love wearing my rainbow badge and I wear it with pride. I’m delighted to see Evelina London rolling out this fantastic initiative, to ensure no one feels alone or faces prejudice.”
Dr Ranj said, “Young LGBT+ people face greater and more complex challenges than their peers, including in healthcare. As health professionals we have a duty to ensure their wellbeing is paramount in all areas of their lives, so we need to create an environment where they can feel comfortable, valued and secure, especially when they need help.
“Small gestures like this mean so much to those that really need it the most, and I am beyond proud to be part of something that progresses the culture and values of the Trust. Now let’s do it across the whole NHS!”
The NHS rainbow badge initiative is supported by the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, which provides funding for projects across Guy’s and St Thomas’.
Dr Michael Farquhar, NHS rainbow badge initiative lead and sleep consultant at Evelina London, said, “Despite improving social attitudes in the UK, LGBT+ people can still face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and this can have a detrimental impact on physical and mental health
“Wearing a NHS rainbow badge is a way for our staff to show that Evelina London is an open, non-judgemental and inclusive place for children, young people and their families who identify as LGBT+ and that we are here for them in every way.
“It was really important to us that the badge is meaningful, which is why when staff sign up to wear one they are provided with information about LGBT+ health inequalities and ways that they can help to tackle them.
“The initiative has already led to many extremely positive conversations between our staff and patients. We really hope that our toolkit will encourage other NHS organisations to introduce rainbow badges as they can play a valuable part in reducing stigma and inequality.”
Since the scheme launched almost a third (32%) of Evelina London staff have signed up to wear the badge. A target of 25% was set to combat the Stonewall statistic that almost a quarter of NHS staff have heard their colleagues make a negative remark about LGBT+ people.
Jayne King, head of security and co-chair of the LGBT+ forum at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said, “Equality for both our staff and patients is extremely important to us and the NHS rainbow badge initiative demonstrates our support for the LGBT+ community and our ongoing commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating diversity.
“NHS staff are in the perfect position to be advocates and supporters for LGBT+ people. Increased awareness of the issues LGBT+ people face when accessing healthcare can make a significant difference to their experiences, and, in turn their physical and mental health.”
Over 100 people from SLC offices in Glasgow, Darlington and Llandudno have signed up to the network since it launched last February with the number expected to grow in the year ahead. The company employes over 3,300 staff members and has 8.6 million customers.
Gary Stevenson, Co-Chair of the network said, “It’s been a really busy first year and the response to the network has been inspiring. More than 60 people showed their support in joining us at Pride Glasgow and Northern Pride Parades last year. Our colleagues in Wales were empowered to hold their own on-site Pride event at their office too.”
Staff also showed support by contributing to the network’s fundraising efforts for local LGBT+ charities by taking part in bake sales, charity football matches and quiz nights.
Morven Spalding, Director of HR added, “It’s fantastic to see the organisation readily engage with the network. In keeping with LGBT History Month, some of the network’s activities have really helped to shine a light on various aspects of LGBT+ life. The network’s ‘Let’s Chat’ drop-in sessions ran across all of our sites and gave staff the opportunity to drop in to discuss, listen and ask questions on different aspects of LGBT+ life such as the Transgender Day of Remembrance from different people within the community.“
Support for the network and community goes all the way to the top at the company as CEO Paula Sussex recently demonstrated when she met with LGBT+ students from Northumbria University. She was invited to have her photograph taken with the university’s Proud Ally sign as part of a campaign to celebrate influential individuals who stand for equality in the student populace.
Karl Robson, Vice President Education, Northumbria Student’s Union said, “When influential individuals like Paula show solidarity with the LGBTQ community, it helps students feel validated and gives them confidence that, when they go out into the graduate job market, employers will be supportive.
“The message from Paula is an important part of a larger vision to support equality across the university and the graduate job market, and will make a bigger impact than we are able to measure.”
Manchester Pride has announced that Ariana Grande is to headline the the event, but The Voice finalist, Lauren Bannon and Pride’s Got Talent finalist Andrea Di Giovanni have branded the announcement as “The straight cis white-washing of Pride”.
[[File:93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball Tampa Florida IMG 6824 (11490181726).jpg|93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball Tampa Florida IMG 6824 (11490181726)]]The Voice and Pride’s Got Talent finalists Lauren Bannon and Andrea Di Giovanni have called the headline of Manchester Pride unacceptable and hit out at the Pride’s ticket price hike from £22 to £75 as a “joke” as many students and other pride goers will be unable to afford the ticket.
THEGAYUK.com reached out to Manchester Pride to ask if there were reductions on offer, but they did not return comment.
Andrea Di Giovanni told THEGAYUK “Ariana Grande has been chosen to headline Manchester Pride 2019 and that’s unacceptable, especially right now in a moment where the LGBTQ+ community faces continuous attacks by politicians, press and overall media.
“The straight cis white-washing of Pride celebrations has reached its peak and we, as a community, need to stand up and truly focus on highlighting our own beautifully diverse talents. Ariana headlines Manchester, Kylie Minogue Brighton and Kate Nash & M.O. Birmingham; are we blind or we don’t want to see it?”
The controversial artist continued, “I’m not against allies, we need them but I am against a queerbaiting process that has its chore pure capitalism. It’s not a surprise, in fact, that Manchester Pride this year asks its participants to pay £70 a ticket to access the main stage area, compared to the £22 price of last year – pride is an honour of the people, a protest, not a concert to celebrate straight art! We do this every day.”
Speaking about the controversial price hike, Lauren said, “For the prices to go from £22 to £75… now that’s a joke. I have no problem with straight performers, allies and the like, but when none of the biggest pride celebrations has a single LGBTQ+ headline, it highlights the lack of representation we have in the mainstream industry.
“As for the price increases that follow these ‘Major Acts’ when did pride just become another capitalist venture? It’s supposed to be a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, it should be accessible to all but by hiking up the prices it’s just making it less obtainable and disrespecting the whole purpose as to why we have a day like pride!”
Northampton is home a small but friendly LGBT+ scene and there are sports clubs for you to join.
Firstly there is the famous Northampton Outlaws Rugby Club – famous as they have starred in the Naked Rugby Calendar, not once but twice. The Northampton Outlaws are an inclusive rugby team based in Northampton which began life in 2012, and new players are always welcome. They play on the Rushmere Road rugby grounds.
Squad training takes part on Tuesday nights with games being played on Saturday afternoons.
Dolly, no last name needed, brings to the West End the musical of her huge song and hit film 9 to 5, and it’s a hoot!
How could we forget the film, which starred Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda as secretaries at Consolidated Companies who turn the tables on their misogynistic boss? The song has endured more so than the 1980 film, so it’s perfect that it’s been turned into a musical.
9 to 5 the Musical had a brief Broadway run in 2009 and finally it’s here in London at The Savoy Theatre. Natalie McQueen is just about perfect and a dead ringer for Parton in the role of Doralee Rhodes, secretary to the flirting and very handsy boss Franklin Hart Jr. (a very good and game Brian Conley). Amber Davies is in the Jane Fonda role as Violet Newstead, who is newly divorced and finds herself starting a new job at Consolidated, while Caroline Sheen is Lily Tomlin in the role of Judy Bernly, who has worked at the firm for years yet keeps on missing out on promotions that go to men. One day Judy accidentally puts rat poison in Mr Hart’s coffee (or at least she thinks she did), but when Hart finds out he threatens to call the police so the ladies kidnap him and attempt to find dirt on him, which of course they do. But from start to finish, accompanied by fun songs and a dazzling set, and great performances from the cast (which also includes Bonnie Langford as busybody Roz Keith), 9 to 5 the Musical will drive you happy if you let it!!!
Of course, there are some cringe-worthy moments, especially when Mr Hart grabs his balls and plays with his nipples during one song (‘Here for You’), while society has moved on about this sort of treatment of women in the workplace with the #metoo movement in full force. But overlook these as we all have a good time watching the show. And it’s Dolly who is our narrator in the beginning, middle and ending (a video, not her in real life, unfortunately) who sets up the story and then winds it up. ‘9 to 5’ is no longer a rich man’s game, it’s all for us to enjoy!
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL plays at the Savoy Theatre, Savoy Court, until 31 August 2019, Book tickets here.
London has a rich history of drag from the Royal Vauxhall Tavern to the now-shuttered Black Cap, here’s the best place to go to catch some drag in the UK’s capital.
Central London
Admiral Duncan
If you’re in central London, i.e. Soho, there’s really only one place to find drag every night and that’s at the Admiral Duncan. It’s a friendly traditional pub in the heart of Soho (Old Compton Street). It has regular drag from the likes of Mary Mac, Sandra, Baga Chipz and Cookie Monstar. See what’s going on at their website.
Halfway II Heaven
Is another great haunt to see some traditional drag queen shenanigans with queens appearing almost every day of the week, right on the doorstep of Trafalgar Square (where Pride In London is hosted). Whether you’re into karaoke, lip syncing or good old fashion cabaret this venue is a must watch. See what’s going on at their website.
East London
The Glory
The home of East London Drag, the Glory is a highly rated queer space in the heart of East London with events almost every night of the week. See what’s going on at their website.
South London
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
One of the oldest, if not the oldest venue in London just south of the river in Vaxuhall. With shows from Duckie to David Hoyle the Royal Vauxhall Tavern offers a cool, queer as f**k experience that mustn’t miss if you’re in London town. See what’s going on at their website.
Two Brewers
This is a MUST go venue if you’re in south London (Clapham). It’s legendary and it’s drag from wall to wall. It’s also got a great value for money bar and friendly bar staff. See what’s going on at their website.
