THEGAYUK

Tag: UK

  • Stonewall quits Pride in London to focus energies on UK Black Pride

    Britain’s largest LGBT charity will not take part in Pride In London and will instead devote resources to UK Black Pride.

    The UK’s largest LGBT+ Charity, Stonewall has decided it will not take part in Pride In London this year and will instead focus its energies on UK Black Pride instead, THEGAYUK.com has learned.

    The charity cited an issue with perceived failings with diversity, inclusion and representation of non-white communities, despite Pride In London not releasing any information on forthcoming events, 2018’s programme or activities that are planned surrounding this year’s event.

    Some of these concerns were highlighted by the Pride’s independent advisory board in 2017. In last year’s report, the CAB (community advisory board) suggested that future prides in the capital need to focus on the bisexual, BAME and other marginalised groups amongst other suggestions.

    The concerns were dismissed by Pride In London who issued a statement, at the time, to say, that the report was inaccurate, but that they would meet with the CAB to discuss their concerns.

    In a statement the Stonewall said,

    “We have also made the decision not to attend Pride in London this year.  We know this is an event that’s important to many in our communities and very much hope to attend in future years. However last year, Pride in London’s Community Advisory Board again raised concerns about the lack of diversity and inclusion at Pride in London – particularly of black and minority ethnic communities.  Pride in London rejected those concerns from the community in the strongest terms and, as yet, have failed to make any public acknowledgment [sic] that they may need to make significant changes if Pride in London is to be an event for everyone.

    “We continue to be very willing to support Pride in London on this journey and recognise that they are taking some steps to increase the diversity of Pride in London and the events around it. We’re looking to support Prides around Britain to create events that are as inclusive as possible of all LGBT people in their communities.  It is vital that organisations listen to those they represent and respond with an openness to improve and change.

    “We are excited to extend our support of UK Black Pride, have a strong presence at more community Pride events than ever, celebrate our diverse LGBT communities, and talk to thousands of LGBT people around Britain this summer.”

    “Stonewall always welcome”

    Today Pride In London, issued a statement to say,

    “We will always welcome Stonewall to march with pride in the Parade, and we
    hope to welcome their team at many community-driven events that will take
    place this year, during the Pride Festival.

    “Embracing diversity in all its forms, and supporting organisations like UK
    Black Pride, is absolutely at the heart of our mission as a team. Our
    volunteers work hard to put on an event that is for everyone. It brings our
    diverse community together and gives groups, individuals, and organisations
    the opportunity to show what pride means to them.

    “We are working closely with the Community Advisory Board and are dedicated
    to making Pride a success for all our communities – from those who have
    never been involved, to those who come back year-on-year, enabling them to
    celebrate, protest and march for equality.”

    UK Black Pride is an event which historically takes place in London over the same weekend as Pride In London.

    THEGAYUK.com reached out to Stonewall for comment.

  • Dealer who used Grindr to sell Chemsex drugs jailed for nearly a decade

    Dealer who used Grindr to sell Chemsex drugs jailed for nearly a decade

    A prominent ‘Chemsex’ scene drug dealer, who used the hook up app, Grindr to set up parties and sell drugs to its users, has been sentenced to nearly a decade in jail for possession with intent to supply Class A and C drugs.

    Angelo Jardim, 49 (11.12.68) of Landor Road, SW9, who is originally from Portugal, was arrested on 15 September, 2017 by officers from Lambeth after intelligence suggested his property was being used to deal drugs.

    Officers carried out a raid of his property and seized Class A drugs and around £13,000 in cash. He was arrested on suspicion with intent to supply.

    During the raid, officers found Jardin had access to another address on Voltaire Road, SW4. They carried out a raid on this property and found large quantities of Class A and C drugs.

    He was charged on 15 September, 2017, with six counts with possession to supply Class A, B and C drugs.

    He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesdayy, 20 February 2018 and was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 20 February to nine years and ten months in jail.

    PC Francis Stanton attached to Lambeth Proactive unit, commented: “Jardim was a prominent member of the Chemsex scene; organising parties and selling drugs to a large amount of men he met of the dating app, Grindr.

    “Previously, a lot of Chemsex scene criminals were going under the radar, and not being detected, however we are making significant headway in the way we catch these criminals. Not only do they break the law by dealing drugs, but they also have a negative impact on families, and communities, by getting people addicted to illegal substances.”

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Milton Keynes

    ★★★★☆ | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Milton Keynes

    **This review was taken from the Sheffield date**

    During the 1960’s Carole King was part of one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the era, writing hits for The Shirelles, The Drifters and Little Eva; leading to success with songs including “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, “The Loco-Motion”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman”, “You’ve Got A Friend” and “I Feel The Earth Move”.  But behind the success was a personal struggle for King in trying to make her marriage with Gerry Goffin, her philandering husband and songwriting partner, work; and it is her rise to the top and her troubled home life which form the backbone of the story for this musical biopic.

    Beautiful really stands apart from the usual jukebox musical/musical biopics, given the quality of the writing, presentation and performances. The narrative absorbs you straightaway; and there is an abundance of instantly likeable characters, a wonderfully sharp script filled with warmth, humour and personality and a lighting design which really does bring the stage to life, making it feel bright, bubbly and brimming with energy.

    But the quality was not reserved only for the look of the piece, but extends to its rather talented cast members. Bronte Barbe was delightfully charismatic as Carole King, projecting a powerful voice without ever having to force a note; and exuding a natural and believable on-stage chemistry with Kane Oliver Parry as King’s husband, Gerry Goffin. Amy Ellen Richardson and Matthew Gonsalves bounced off each other nicely as the bickering Weil and Mann; and the entire cast, including the ensemble, all stepped up the plate in terms of their vocals, alongside some incredibly competent acting, giving rise to very believable performances across the board.

    The first act, detailing King’s success within the music industry, brings with it a barrage of 17 musical numbers which are performed with flair and vigour; whilst the second act is slightly more downbeat and more drama focussed, as the decline of King’s marriage and her growth into a solo artist are depicted.

    Although you may not have heard of Carole King, her music is embedded into popular culture, and with the number of songs that you immediately recognise adorning the stage, you realise just how much of an influential songwriter King really was. Ultimately, this is a story of love, hope and determination, and a production which rises above the usual jukebox musicals with a set of strong central performances, in particularly Bronte, and a polished, professional and quality feel.

    Beautiful is at the Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes until 24th February 2018

    The show then continues on its national tour until 23 June 2018. Click here to book tickets.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Girls and Boys, Royal Court Theatre

    THEATRE REVIEW | Girls and Boys, Royal Court Theatre

    ★★★★☆ | Girls & Boys, Royal Court Theatre

    Any play that starts out with the line ‘I met my husband in the queue to board an Easyjet flight and I have to say that I took an instant dislike to the man’ you know you’re going to be hooked. And that’s how Girls & Boys pulls you in a tight grip and never let’s go.

    It’s not just the sharp dialogue that grabs your attention, it’s also the way it’s delivered, by the super famous actor Carey Mulligan. And she’s solo for the entire show – a one-woman show about her character’s relationship with the man she met at the airport, their life together, which produced two children, and then, as nothing in life is totally perfect, the relationship with her husband breaks down, but that’s not the end of it. An unspeakable tragedy happens, and by this time Mulligan and Girls & Boys has sucked us in, and doesn’t let go. It’s heartwrenching and heartbreaking.
    Mulligan IS terrific. She flits back and forth from delivering the monologue directly to the audience but then jumps into a scene in the show, in her white living room – devoid of colour, and life. There she plays with her two children, but they are actually not there, they are invisible but a reminder that her past life was full of love and life, but is now full of emptiness. Mulligan reminisces about a life that was to good to be true, and it was.
    Mulligan, star of the recent critically acclaimed film Mudbound, is a formidable presence on the stage. You forget she’s a famous actress because you get wrapped up in the story, of her telling of it, as she wraps and grasps the audience in the story. A tight sharp script by Dennis Kelly and crisp direction by Lyndsey Turner make this 90 minute show a must see, unfortunately, it’s sold out for its entire run.
     

  • Catholic group criticises Tom Daley for baby news

    “Tom Daley’s baby will be deliberately deprived of a mother”

    Without knowing any of the facts surrounding the birth of a baby for Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black, a spokesperson for the  Catholic pressure group, Catholic Voices has described the decision for Tom and Dustin to have a child is depriving the baby of a mother and its loss of identity.

    Neither Tom or Dustin have announced whether a mother will be involved in the upbringing of their child, nor have they released any details on whether they are using a surrogate mother.

    It’s also not known whether the mother involved has asked for anonymity.

    On Valentine’s Day, both Tom and Dustin released a picture of an ultrasound, featuring a baby. The news was met with both praise and horrendous homophobia.

    Elizabeth Howard from Catholic Voices told news outlet, Christian Today, “A baby is always a blessing and someone of inestimable value.

    “However, Tom Daley’s baby will be deliberately deprived of a mother, and no matter how much Tom Daley and his partner love the baby, it will not make up for the enormous loss inflicted on him or her.”

    Ms Howard describes herself as a “donor-conceived person” and said that growing up without her genetic parent meant she felt a “huge loss of identity” and had a sense of “not belonging”.

    Catholic Voices describes itself as a project to “improve the Church’s representation in the media”.

    Why are the Christians so obsessed with Tom Daley?

    This isn’t the first time a Christian based group has criticised Tom Daley.  In 2016 an article claimed that Tom was “seduced into sodomy” after the tragic death of his father.

    The article by Stephen Green argued, that a “degree in psychology” wasn’t needed to work out why Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black were in a relationship together.

    Stephen Green wrote, “Tom Daley, he was seduced into sodomy by an older man, not very long after the untimely death of his beloved father.  You don’t need a degree in psychology to work out what’s going on there.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Gay Police Association changes its name to Scottish LGBTI Police Association

    The Scottish LGBT+ policing group has changed its name.

    The GPA (Gay Police Association) has changed its name to a more inclusive Scottish LGBTI Police Association. The changes include changing the official Facebook URL and name.

    Along with the name change, the old GPA logo will disappear and will be replaced with a new logo.

    The change has come to mark LGBT History Month. Every February it is LGBT History Month in the UK.

    A statement from the association’s website states,

    “Our Association has a long and proud history spanning 27 years…

    “At our AGM in 2016, members took part in an exercise in order to review how the Association was structured, the Aims and Objectives, what could be improved and examine ways to encourage membership engagement and inclusion.

    “Following the 2016 AGM, a number of recommendations came to light which would form the basis for a “Re-structuring Strategy”. Following 12 months of discussion within the Executive Committee, the Strategy became a proposal which was passed at the 2017 AGM.

    “This is far more than simply a name change and re-branding. A new General Board will replace the former Executive Committee. The Association will now include Transgender and Intersex as well as LGB. The Aims and Objectives have been replaced with a simple Mission Statement backed up with key priorities. There will be a new focus on localism with the creation of Local Coordinators. We will retain important aspects including our independence and remain an association of members.”

    The full change over is due to happen on the 16th February 2018.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Glasgow

    ★★★★☆ | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

    **This review was taken from the Sheffield date**

    During the 1960’s Carole King was part of one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the era, writing hits for The Shirelles, The Drifters and Little Eva; leading to success with songs including “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, “The Loco-Motion”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman”, “You’ve Got A Friend” and “I Feel The Earth Move”.  But behind the success was a personal struggle for King in trying to make her marriage with Gerry Goffin, her philandering husband and songwriting partner, work; and it is her rise to the top and her troubled home life which form the backbone of the story for this musical biopic.

    Beautiful really stands apart from the usual jukebox musical/musical biopics, given the quality of the writing, presentation and performances. The narrative absorbs you straightaway; and there is an abundance of instantly likeable characters, a wonderfully sharp script filled with warmth, humour and personality and a lighting design which really does bring the stage to life, making it feel bright, bubbly and brimming with energy.

    But the quality was not reserved only for the look of the piece, but extends to its rather talented cast members. Bronte Barbe was delightfully charismatic as Carole King, projecting a powerful voice without ever having to force a note; and exuding a natural and believable on-stage chemistry with Kane Oliver Parry as King’s husband, Gerry Goffin. Amy Ellen Richardson and Matthew Gonsalves bounced off each other nicely as the bickering Weil and Mann; and the entire cast, including the ensemble, all stepped up the plate in terms of their vocals, alongside some incredibly competent acting, giving rise to very believable performances across the board.

    The first act, detailing King’s success within the music industry, brings with it a barrage of 17 musical numbers which are performed with flair and vigour; whilst the second act is slightly more downbeat and more drama focussed, as the decline of King’s marriage and her growth into a solo artist are depicted.

    Although you may not have heard of Carole King, her music is embedded into popular culture, and with the number of songs that you immediately recognise adorning the stage, you realise just how much of an influential songwriter King really was. Ultimately, this is a story of love, hope and determination, and a production which rises above the usual jukebox musicals with a set of strong central performances, in particularly Bronte, and a polished, professional and quality feel.

    Beautiful is at the King’s Theatre, Glasgow until the 17th February 2018

    The show then continues on its national tour until 23 June 2018. Click here to book tickets.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Fat Friends The Musical – Sheffield

    ★★★☆☆ | Fat Friends The Musical

    As her wedding day approaches, Kelly buys her dream wedding dress, even though it is two sizes too small for her.

    When Julia Fleshman, the head of a national slimming club chain, comes to town to judge a slimming contest live on TV, Kelly ends up going viral with her body confident comments; and seizing the opportunity for some publicity, Fleshman offers to pay for Kelly’s wedding if she can slim into the dress in time for the big day. But with the wedding only six weeks away, the pressure is on…

    Fat Friends is very much a piece of crowd-pleasing theatre. Pulling together multiple stories of the good folk of Headingly, a town near Leeds, the stage is filled with likeable, if slightly caricatured, characters and is a straightforward evening of undemanding fun.

    The show boasts a good cast, with Jodie Prenger taking the lead as Kelly, and doing so with a cocky northern confidence and a belting singing voice. Sam Bailey (The X-Factor) is great as Kelly’s Mum and Natasha Hamilton (from Atomic Kitten) is the scheming Julia Fleshman. Thrown into the mix is an affable turn from Kevin Kennedy (Coronation Street) and ex-cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, who takes to the stage and fares better than expected with a slightly stilted, if not tongue in cheek, portrayal of Kevin, Kelly’s nice but dim fiancé.

    The songs are amiable enough and used to move the story forward, and whilst they were perfectly pleasant to listen to and shoehorned a few laughs into the lyrics, they served their purpose well enough in terms of keeping up the show upbeat and jolly, but were ultimately fairly forgettable. The live orchestra added to the atmosphere within the theatre and the set design was a colourful cartoonish affair which was well lit and effective in its simplicity.

    Written and directed by Kay Mellor, who wrote the original TV series that the show is based on; Fat Friends is a rather loud, boisterous and upbeat show, which really resonates with its target audience. It’s a rather clichéd musical by numbers, with a heavy-handed script, fairly trite lyrics and a rather unsubtle approach to its humour, but what it lacks in sophistication, it makes up for with likeable characters, a few good belly laughs and buckets-full of near the knuckle, northern charm.

    Fat Friends is currently playing at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until the 17th February 2018 (www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk) before continuing on its national tour until the 2nd June 2018. Visit the show’s website at www.fatfriendsthemusical.com for details.

  • Man found guilty of manslaughter outside a gay nightclub in Newcastle

    One punch was all it took to take the life of a 54-year-old GrahamThurston outside a club in Newcastle in August last year.

    One punch was all it took to take the life of a 54-year-old man outside a club in Newcastle in August last year.

    Graham Thurston was knocked to his death after a brawl in Newcastle’s city centre, when Scott Thomson punched him.

    Thomson was found guilty of manslaughter following a trial at the Newcastle Crown Court.

    Victim Graham Thurston was attacked after accusing Thomson of bullying a man. After the first punch, Thurston got up, seemingly unhurt, but it was the second punch that claimed his life after he cracked his head on the ground.

    Thomson claimed he had acted in self-defence.

    Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Paul Waugh said: “Thompson was intoxicated when he attacked Graham with one punch which sadly caused him fatal injuries. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of too much alcohol, and the consequences of violence on a night out. We want people on a night out to enjoy themselves, but would like to remind people that drinking alcohol can have devastating consequences on your life and the lives of others.

    “We welcome the decision by the jury today and are grateful to the members of the public who came forward and gave evidence in the trial as they helped secure this conviction. This result highlights the importance of the police and public working together.

    “Our thoughts remain with the family of Graham and we continue to offer them our condolence. I hope they find some comfort in that justice has been done.”

    He is due to be sentenced at the same court on 29 March.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – National Tour

    ★★★★☆ | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical


    During the 1960’s Carole King was part of one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of the era, writing hits for The Shirelles, The Drifters and Little Eva; leading to success with songs including “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, “The Loco-Motion”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman”, “You’ve Got A Friend” and “I Feel The Earth Move”.  But behind the success was a personal struggle for King in trying to make her marriage with Gerry Goffin, her philandering husband and song writing partner, work; and it is her rise to the top and her troubled home life which form the backbone of the story for this musical biopic.

    Beautiful really stands apart from the usual jukebox musical/musical biopics, given the quality of the writing, presentation and performances. The narrative absorbs you straightaway; and there is an abundance of instantly likeable characters, a wonderfully sharp script filled with warmth, humour and personality and a lighting design which really does bring the stage to life, making it feel bright, bubbly and brimming with energy.

    But the quality was not reserved only for the look of the piece, but extends to its rather talented cast members. Bronte Barbe was delightfully charismatic as Carole King, projecting a powerful voice without ever having to force a note; and exuding a natural and believable on-stage chemistry with Kane Oliver Parry as King’s husband, Gerry Goffin. Amy Ellen Richardson and Matthew Gonsalves bounced off each other nicely as the bickering Weil and Mann; and the entire cast, including the ensemble, all stepped up the plate in terms of their vocals, alongside some incredibly competent acting, giving rise to very believable performances across the board.

    The first act, detailing King’s success within the music industry, brings with it a barrage of 17 musical numbers which are performed with flair and vigour; whilst the second act is slightly more downbeat and more drama focussed, as the decline of King’s marriage and her growth into a solo artist are depicted.

    Although you may not have heard of Carole King, her music is embedded into popular culture, and with the number of songs that you immediately recognise adorning the stage, you realise just how much of an influential songwriter King really was. Ultimately, this is a story of love, hope and determination, and a production which rises above the usual jukebox musicals with a set of strong central performances, in particularly Bronte, and a polished, professional and quality feel.

    Beautiful is at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 10th February 2018. For details and tickets visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

    The show then continues on its national tour until 23 June 2018. Click here to book tickets.

  • Sheffield man charged after train conductor allegedly subjected to homophobic abuse

    A 32-year-old man has been charged after a train worker was allegedly subjected to homophobic abuse.

    British Transport Police have said that a man was charged with a hate crime after a train conductor was allegedly subjected to homophobic abuse on Sunday 4th Feb 2018.

    The man appeared in court on the 5th Feb 2018.

    String of homophobic incidents

    There have been a number of homophobic reports in the last few months

    In early December a man allegedly abused two women, and two teenagers were arrested following an attack where a young man was forced into a headlock and told to apologise for being gay.

    In November, another man was “punched repeatedly” outside Charing Cross station, just a few hundred meters from one of London’s highest-profile gay clubs, heaven.

    In September a woman hurled homophobic abuse at two men on a train between Havant and Pulborough, with one of the victims suffering an injury after the women threw a glass jar at them.

    In September, three teenagers pleaded guilty to attacking two boyfriends on a train in Ealing. They were jailed for their attack.