Hassan!

Go for it, Heather!

2012-01-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Just a quick note to say I'm now on Tumblr.

It's Britney, bitch

2007-11-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

...and Camilla Parker Bowles' love child: Dolly

Can you handle it?

Stu + Has return to GC (www.greencarnationsoho.co.uk) for an exclusive DJ set on Friday, November 30th from 9:30 -11:30

Be there or be square.

Join the girls for a decadent night out at the fab Green Carnation (5 Greek Street, right off Soho Square)

There's gonna be a delicious mix of disco dancing, laughter, showtunes, vodka cranberries, and splash of modern pop classics

RSVP for guestlist (hassanmirza81@gmail.com)

S+H

"I would like a nice, powerful, mind-altering substance. Preferably one that will make my unborn children grow gills" -Party Girl(1995)

La Vie en Rose

2007-08-30T04:46:00.000-07:00

Oliver Dahan’s Edith Piaf biopic is a epic triumph, with a flawless Marion Cotillard as France's doomed diva

Oliver Dahan’s epic biopic La Vie en Rose (La Môme) , although somewhat disjointed and twenty minutes too long, reigns resolutely triumphant, chronicling the tragic life of France’s beloved diva Edith Piaf, gorgeously played by a flawless Marion Cotillard. The big-budgeted, majestic blockbuster impressionistically brings to life the story of a rags-to-riches Edith Piaf, whose tragic life distinctively reflected her magically soulful, yet melancholy voice. Writer-director Oliver Dahan ambitiously focuses on Piaf herself as the centrepiece with alarming authenticity, framed by an appropriately surrealistic, fantastical backdrop.

This decision results in a blurred perspective of war and politics, as we remain locked into the heart and mind of the morphine-addicted, cancer -stricken Piaf on her death bed, reminiscing through a series of jumbled flashbacks. Although the strategy works relatively well, the non-linear narrative confusingly jumps back and forth in an effort to cover as many life events as possible, sometimes undermining the film’s fluidity. However, the enormous talent of Dahan’s leading lady and many memorable and inspired sequences- including a spine-tingling conclusion - far outweigh the film’s minor flaws.

Born into poverty in Paris 1915 as the unwanted child of a circus performer and a failed cabaret singer, Edith spent her childhood in her grandmother’s scabby brothel, raised by prostitutes who cared for her while she suffered from a temporary blindness, brought on by conjunctivitis. Bizarrely enough, the prostitutes introduced young Edith to religion by taking her on a pilgrimage to honour Saint Thérèse, allegedly sparking the “miracle” of her recovery. The early event instilled a profound and life-long spirituality in Edith, a theme that Dahan revisits throughout the film, showing how later in life Piaf refused to perform without her beloved crucifix.

By 16, Edith was a street-smart and talented street performer with a penchant for hard liquor, frequenting the decadent 1930s Parisian nightclubs. She was discovered by the Louis Leplée, played by the charming Gerard Depardieu, who helped launch her career as a cabaret singer, giving her a nickname La Môme Piaf (The Sparrow Kid), commenting on her tiny stature and her powerful voice.

Piaf went onto become a huge star in Paris, where she became very much associated with the French resistance movement - a fact which is never mentioned, and criticised for not being included in the film. In following years she achieved worldwide success, even conquering New York, where she met boxer Marcel Cerdan, with whom she fell in love with. His 1949 plane crash death devastated Piaf – a moving sequence which is wonderfully executed in the film, although bordering on the melodrama of Greek tragedy. Her grief, coupled with a car crash she was involved in two years later, resulted in a desperate morphine addiction that she wrestled with until her death in 1963.

Marcel Cerdan (Jean-Pierre Martins) ©Photography Bruno Calvo

La Vie en Rose travels from steam-filled Normandy brothels to Parisian underground cabarets to post-war New York's heaving boxing rings with production values that are absolutely breathtaking. From its atmospheric cinematography to its vibrant art direction, clever lighting and exceptional hair and makeup (Marion Cotillard’s transformation is utterly shocking), the film leaves no visual detail to chance.

And musically, the film’s soaring score equally compliments Piaf’s beautifully restored vocals of the title song (1946), "Hymne à l'amour" (1949), "Milord" (1959), and "Non, je ne regrette rien" (1960). This is, without a doubt, a film meant to be appreciated in the cinema.

Edith Piaf (Marion Cotillard) ©Photography Bruno Calvo

But of course the real star of La Vie en Rose is the exquisite Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf. The 31-year-old actress expertly plays the troubled Piaf with the perfect combination of anxious vulnerability doubled with a gut confidence and acerbic wit. Cotillard acts from the eyes and effortlessly mimes to Piaf’s vocals with such fervour and urgency that you never once doubt the voice comes from her, or even doubt that you are watching Piaf herself. Cotillard is so eerily capable of impersonating Piaf’s cartoonish mannerisms and her odd, guttural speaking voice that you almost question if the portrayal isn’t parody. Before you can, Cotillard switches gears and exposes a raw humility in the character , constantly making Edith interesting and captivating – most effectively brought to life in an understated sequence where Marlene Dietrich [Caroline Silhol] approaches Piaf at a concert pronouncing Édith’s voice “the soul of Paris".

Cotillard, likewise, captures the soul of Piaf, in a performance that is nothing short of extraordinary.

A bit slick, Sophie?

2007-08-29T04:28:00.000-07:00

Sophie Ellis Bextor talks to Gay.com about her new album, gay mates, the sexually ambiguous Mika, and why she turned down Agent Provocateur

Following a three year break during which she tied the knot and had a baby, pop starlet Sophie Ellis Bextor found time to churn out a refreshingly indulgent pop album – Trip the Light Fantastic. The album promises to be one of the hottest of the summer, with a healthy dose of disco, electro, and - of course - glamour. Upon meeting, the 28- year-old doesn't look like your average wife and mother: at a shocking 6ft tall, clad in sparkling red heels and a candy-apple vintage dress, she's more of a human doll, with a flair of 1950s panache with a splash of fairy-tale-esque looks. Hmm, Dorothy of the new millennium? How fitting that she clicks her heels together in new single Me & My Imagination. Having conquered Europe with DJ Spiller's Groovejet in 2000 and Murder on the Dance Floor in 2002, she's back with a vengeance and thirsty for another whirl at the disco. Although having settled into motherhood, the indie-lead-woman-turned-pop diva still enjoys a night out with the boys. Gay.com was lucky enough to catch up with her for a pleasurably candid chat about the album , her influences, the competition, why she stepped back from an Agent Provocateur ad (which went to Kylie) and the media storm surrounding pal Mika

So, tell me about your new album

Well, it’s basically a…pop record! (laughs) A celebration of all things pop, I love pop music. Half of it is an album you can dance to and the other half is a bit more eclectic. There’s a bit of disco, a bit of electro, a bit of indie…

What’s an average day for you?

Being a pop star, we don’t really have average days. Different things are happening all the time which suits me very much because I get bored quite easily. It keeps evolving. At the moment I got the single Me & My imagination coming out in three, four weeks.Tomorrow I got a performance on a TV show to do. Friday I got interviews, I don’t really have a typical day.

What about your day off?

Generally just spend a lot of time with my little boy. He’s 2 right now, he’s gonna be three on Monday. He’s quite grown up!

What kind of music are you listening to these days?

I’m listening to music all the time, I spent a lot of time last evening downloading stuff from the itunes store. I got some Dolly Parton and Julie London and ELO. I listen to a real mixture – the new Arcade Fire album?

Oh yeah, I heard it. It’s good.

Yeah, they’re brilliant. I love the first one as well, it’s exciting that the second album is so good. It’s actually quite Bruce Springsteen, which is quite unexpected. I’ve been listening to …what else? I like Keiser chiefs, I like Franz Ferdinand, I like Amy Winehouse, Gwen Stefani…

What about pop girls….have you heard Hillary Duff?

No.

She sounds a little similar to you…

The only thing about that some of that stuff is that they’re quite songwritten songs, you know? It sounds a bit…put together. I like pop music with a bit of soul tapped in. I think mine is a bit more soul. It’s a bit slick.

Who did you like musically when you were a kid?

I really loved Michael Jackson, and I was also really into Madonna, in quite a big way.

Are you still into Madonna?

Yeah…well... she’s one of those people…there’s aspects of her career that I adore and others that I don’t understand quite so much, but whenever I see her live, you can’t help but just…she has this ability to have you in the palm of her hand again. I went to see her last year in the Confessions on a Dance Floor and it was brilliant, it was really inspiring. I can never quite leave her behind really. Songs like Hung up, and Sorry – I don’t know if they get me in the same way the as the songs I knew when I was little like Like a Prayer and Cherish and Express Yourself.

Are you going on tour this year?

Yeah, definitely.

Will yours be, in a way, similar to Madonna’s?

Well for Madonna, budget is a non-issue so…it won’t be at quite the same level obviously (laughs), but I try to see lots and lots of gigs, and you take little bits from everywhere. I do believe in showmanship. I think the thing that Madonna does, which I hope I can do, is that she has this ability to come across as quite austere at the beginning …not cold exactly but a little detached. But at the end of it she looks like she’s having a great time - she’s dancing, and you’re dancing, and it’s all great. I think that’s really clever how she gets that dynamic to work. You always feel at the end of it that you’ve somehow won her over. I don’t know, that’s a real…you know what I mean? Not everyone has that.

Yeah, this is gonna sound dumb, but she kinda takes the audience on a journey. I can see how you’d wanna do something like that

Yeah, exactly, but I’ve seen a lot of great performers. My husband’s in a band called The Feeling and Dan, the front man, is really good with the crowd, Justin from The Darkness is really brilliant with the crowd, the Scissor Sisters are really great with the crowd, there’s lots of ways of doing it.

So I was reading that you were the lead singer for an indie band theaudience. How did you make the transition from that to pop…disco pop. How was that transition? And why did you make it?

Yeah, I think, the whole thing from going from an indie band to a dance track… that was quite a big change because the indie world is quite cliquey. I don’t know how to describe it, it’s sort of a ‘boutique world’. You were in that club and no one really strayed out of it. So making the move out to do a dance record , which would never be featured in NME, it was quite a big leap for me. And really important for me because it made me realise that you can really do whatever you set your heart to. You don’t have to play by anyone else’s rules, you can make your own. But there’s also the side of it at the time I was …what I was doing with theaudience was pop. The whole Brit Pop thing was massive and there wasn’t really a pop side of things like we have now, so music itself has gone on a journey as well. So at the time everybody was doing it, pop music was indie. Indie pop.

Yeah it seems difficult to sometimes differentiate – I feel even these days NME covers pop too..it kinda covers everything

Yeah well again, pop again is has moved on. Now you get The Arctic Monkeys being covered by Girls Aloud and vice versa…these things I know they’re on different sides of the tracks, but the way they move, is sort of in tandem, you know what I mean?

Yeah, makes sense. Are you pretty clued into the Internet and do you use your Myspace? Are you tech-savvy?

Yeah I do. I’m one of those people who almost likes to have too much information so yeah, I’m always checking out new people’s music you know, seeing how things are doing around the planet! Yea, it’s all out there. And I love Youtube and things I’ve heard people mention saying, ‘oh this is really funny’ and if you’ve missed it, you can catch it.. I watched Avril Lavigne on Pop world. Did you see that?

No, I didn’t. But I do occasionally see her on Perezhilton…do you look at that?

Yeah, yeah, sometimes.

Yeah he slates her pretty harshly

Well when she was on the show, she didn’t know what Pop World was, so she was being asked all these questions and she just looked very uncomfy. She kept looking at her PR person with a look of ‘what is going on?’ It’s awkward, I felt sorry for her really.

So you have you tried to break out into the states a bit?

Mmmm, not really, I dunno, when I had success with Murder on the Dance Floor, I kinda had to go where the song took me, and I was really swept off my feet. I learned it’s best to go where people are inviting you really.

Well I have to tell you, that when I used to Tigerheat in LA, I guess your equivalent to G-A-Y? I remember dancing to that song all the time.

(Laughs) Yeah I think there are little pockets where people have heard it. I know there are people on my website from New York, from LA, from San Francisco. I’d love to do a few performances in gay clubs in the states. That’d be brilliant. But like I said, I’d rather go where I’m invited.

It’s interesting right now how British pop music has boomed in the states – Lily Allen, Mika, Amy Winehouse has done really well. I think that’s a lot to do with the blogging and Myspace and how people are more connected through the internet…

Yeah! But these things have also gotta be a bit organic. Yeah, and you can go and tour America for as long as you like, but if you don’t get people playing your records on radio, if you don’t get interviewed or get TV performances it’s all a bit pointless. So I’d rather just wait until something… if one of my songs gets picked up – fab. But I’m just as happy if it happens in France, I’m just as happy if it happens in Mexico. I don’t give it any more importance …but I don’t give it any less importance either, is that makes sense

Right. Yeah, that makes sense. So your mother was on Blue Peter. How did that affect you growing up? Did you get teased?

Yeah, I did, not because of Blue Peter exactly, but just because kids get kinda jealous of special treatment. I used to be able to get into museums, and cut the queue. I used to get new toys she’d bring in from work, so the kids got quite fed up and ganged up a bit. So yeah, and I probably was a bit annoying about it as well.

Do you have a gay best friend?

A gay best friend? I’ve got loads of friends who are gay. Absolutely. The lead singer of my husband’s band is a gay man and he’s my son’s godfather (the sexy Dan Gillespie-Sells of The Feeling) He’s got a lovely group of guys that I love going out with…and there’s his boyfriend Ryan …so we got a little network! And they’ve introduced me to some of my favourite clubs in London.

Which ones?

Wig Out is one of my favourites at Ghetto. I also love Rebel Rebel.

When is Rebel Rebel?

It’s the first Saturday of every month at the Phoenix Bar. Wig Out is actually my favourite – it’s a real party night.

What was it like working with Fred Schneider of the B-52s?

It was great, Fred is brilliant, I saw him last week actually, and luckily he’s become of a friend. And they’re coming over, they’re gonna play the Love Box festival which will be their first gig in a long time. Yeah, he’s lovely, really funny. He’s really secure in his skin.

So I saw that you were at the opening part of Mika’s album release party…

Oh yes.

Well as you probably know the gay media have kinda been after him - or rather, the media in general have been after him to talk about his sexuality. Do you think that’s fair to ask that? Do you think it’s right for him to say he’s not gonna talk about it?

I actually think he’s completely entitled to it. I know that Dan, someone I know as a gay musician, he was actually fine to talk about it, but it’s kinda beside the point. With Mika I kinda respect the fact that he doesn’t have to tell people everything. Why do we feel we have to know? I mean he’s got lyrics like ‘I tried to be like Grace Kelly, and I tried a little Freddie’. And if you want the answer, I think he’s kinda giving it to you. I think he’s completely entitled to do his own thing.

The reason why I asked you is that it seems to be a big topic of discussion. In every interview he does, someone asks him.

I think he should just tell them all to just bugger off. I don’t know why people think they’re entitled to know all that. More than I’d want people asking me about my sex life. It’s not because you’re ashamed or embarrassed or anything, but just because it’s just like, ‘why do you need to know?’

You were in line to do an Agent Provocateur ad a few years back, that went to Kylie (click here to see the final product) why did you turn in down?

Well to put in context, it was about 5 or 6 years ago, and I had just come out with my first record, and I was doing the video for Murder on the Dance Floor, where in the video I was playing this horrible girl who’s killing people, and the advert for Agent Provocateur was basically me, on a bucking bronco in my underwear, arousing the men watching. I just thought, every girl watching this is gonna think I’m a complete bitch. I’d probably do it now, but at the time…I’m a big believer in serendipity, right thing at the right time. It just wasn’t the right time for me to be in my pants on a bucking bronco! Laughs. Maybe now is!

Sophie’s third album ‘Trip The Light Fantastic’ is out on May 21st.

Click here to watch Catch You

Click here for Me & My Imagination

Kismet’s kitsch carpet fails to fly

2007-08-28T04:45:00.000-07:00

ENO's Kismet, set in a bewilderingly bawdy Baghdad, proves to be a dated, meaningless piece of shtick

English National Opera’s decision to include a Broadway musical in each season is enlightened in that it both broadens the public’s concept of what music theatre is and offers high production values for hugely entertaining works that are rarely staged.

Since over half of ENO’s funding comes from the public purse there is also a huge responsibility to spend wisely, and many could argue that since there are so many musicals in the West End, the role of an opera house is to carefully uphold the unique mission of opera. I am a huge fan of blurring the boundaries between high art and pop culture and ENO are masters at this. Unfortunately the Coliseum’s production of Wright & Forrester’s Kismet, which opened last week and runs for 15 performances until the 14th July, was grossly ill conceived.

Michael Ball as A Poet

The production team obviously struggled to feel inspired by the script and score and I felt the cast and crew also found it hard to feel involved in a story more suited to a Croydon Panto than the cutting edge of British Music Theatre. Michael Ball as the Poet did his best but was probably more challenged when he played Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang than in this romp. Faith Prince brought great fun to her role as Lalume and the audience were entertained enough, but the hugely kitsch, sparkly- pink sets by Ultz, ironically, seemed dull. The same was true with the costumes. If camp is done cheaply it betrays the very meaning of the word.

This grand musical, meaning fate in Arabic was a huge hit on the Great White Way and the West End in the early 1950’s. Out of date, even then, in a climate of shows such as Guys and Dolls and Wonderful Town it was given the ultimate treatment by Vincente Minnelli for MGM, whose genius was able to get the colour, text and humour at the right pitch.

Transporting a rather frivolous musical into an opera house is already problematic. Unlike great works of art which transcend time and place and which ENO usually revels in, Kismet comes across as daft and dated and it seems can only be done as a well orchestrated panto.

Faith Prince as Lalume

I was tempted not to return for the second act but performances by company soprano Sarah Tynan who played the poet’s daughter Marsinah and the wonderfully funny Faith Prince, who was a class act in her own right, helped me stay the course. The sheer energy of ENO’s orchestra galloped through the score, which is more Vegas than Broadway, giving us a unique experience to hear show tunes on such a grand scale.

In light of the current situation in Baghdad I was asking myself, is it ok to present the city with chocolate box confection filled with badly veiled women and dancing boys singing “Stranger in Paradise”? Probably not. Is the use our most magnificent London theatre, tightest orchestra and chorus and truly talented cast in this dated, meaningless piece of shtick relevant to a discerning London audience today? Definitely not.

The week in Pop

2007-08-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

Gay.com previews hottest new tracks from the Gossip, Scissor Sisters, MIA, Lily Allen and more

The Scissor Sisters – “She’s My Man”

The sisters turn it out once again with the fab third single – She’s My Man. In the spirit of current videogame mania, the live-action Street fighter-esque video sprinkled with slapstick humour makes for an entertaining few minutes, even if it only half-heartedly reflects the song’s dedication to New Orleans. Whether it’s perplexing puppetry or computer animation – or both, She’s my Man’s will make you want to pick up a throbbing joystick.

Click here to see the video.

MIA - “Bird Flu”

Fierce and edgy Sri-lankan rapper MIA follows her well-received 2005 debut with “Bird Flu” –the first single off her upcoming album Power Power. “Bird Flu” is a thrashing, high-energy chant with video featuring MIA herself, dancing among wildly enthusiastic Indian local. MIA’s politically subversive lyrics and punishing beats compliment the gritty, yet jubilant spirit of the tsunami-hit fishing village where the video was filmed.

Click here to see the video and click here for MIA’s myspace.

The Gossip – “Standing in the way”

I was a bit late to discover the magic that is Beth Ditto – but better late than never. The self-proclaimed “Fat, proud lesbian”, now notoriously named NME’s Coolest Person of the Year (Take that, Prom queen!!), the sexy Ditto lives up to the name. Her husky, soulful voice echoes a bizarre yet highly satisfying combo of Joan Jett, Tina Turner, and Mamma Cass. Standing In The Way Of Control is apparently protest song about Bush's attitude to gay marriage, and was appropriately used to soundtrack that deliciously lascivious trailer for new teen sex romp The Skins. “Listen up” is also a must-download, and the remixes are amazing.
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Click here for The Gossip's Myspace

And click here for their remixes.

Cazwell and Avenue D - “The sex that I need”

Filthy gorgeous disco-rapper Cazwell joins forces with the nasty girls of Avenue D (of electroclash anthem ‘Do I look like a slut?) for a shockingly raunchy chit-chat about their recent tricks. Rapped over a 70s-porn-ish groove, it could almost be a PSS’s (Proud Single Slut) anti-Valentines anthem.

You can listen to the song here on Cazwell's Myspace.

Lily Allen – “Alfie”

Another gem from the adorable Lilly Allen. Lily’s little brother Alfie - like many boys - spends his day drinking, smoking pot, and furiously masturbating. Ms Allen’s sweetly ironic ode to little brother (played perfectly by scowling puppet) rings true to anyone who’s ever had a lazy sibling, who you only abuse affectionately, of course . The song, reminiscent of Sandy Shaw’s 1967 Eurovision-winning Puppet on a String is brilliantly brought to life by director Sarah Chatfield ‘s delightful Disney-mocking music video.

Click here to watch Alfie

Gwen Stefani’s – "Sweet Escape"

Gwen is somewhat able to redeem herself for the cringe-worthy Sound of Music-sampling mish-mash Wind it Up with the second single off her new album – Sweet Escape. The pleasantly catchy tune reminds me a bit like her earlier successes with No Doubt. But that said, Stefani’s latest efforts are so hyper-produced, so gold-splashed – that the final product results in a gaudy anti-climax. Minus all the glitter and gimmicky Harajuku girls, Gwen is “just a girl”. Thankfully she is reportedly returning to band No Doubt after The Sweet Escape significantly disappointed.

Click here for the video.

Nothing like a Dame's Wrath

2007-08-26T03:40:00.000-07:00

Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett let the bitch slaps fly in the sinfully delicious Notes on a Scandal.

Move over Dreamgirls! The Catfight of the Year award, no longer in the hands of Supreme-wannabe divas, belongs to an unlikely duelling pair – Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.

Known primarily for their restrained dramatic roles, The A list actresses let the bitch slaps fly in their most memorable roles to date - in the sinfully delicious Notes on a Scandal.

This well-crafted riveting melodrama tells a familiar story of unrequited same-sex psychopathic love – such classics as Single White Female and The Talented Mr Ripley come to mind. Judi Dench plays narrator Barbara Cox, a lonely spinster working as a miserable London schoolteacher, whose smug wit and malicious observations come alive in her darkly comic diaries.

Beautiful and naïve Snow White-esque Sheba Hart, played by the picture perfect Cate Blanchett, arrives as the new art teacher in school, quickly catching the ravenous eye of the wicked witch. It isn’t long before Barbara surreptitiously gains the trust of her female prey, who readily confesses the daily frustrations living as wife to a significantly older man (Bill Nighy) and mother to a down syndrome son.

As Barbara becomes increasingly possessive of her new best friend, Blanchett’s ingénue takes a bite of the forbidden fruit – embarking on a highly erotic affair with 15- year old student (Andrew Simpson). Upon discovery Barbara avoids reporting her kiddie-fiddling chum, and instead uses the secret to her advantage, drawing Sheba closer to her through a nasty web of deceit and blackmail.

Director Richard’s Eyre’s plot moves along with irresistible alacrity, just as his realistically vulnerable characters unravel to the sadistic glee of Puppetmaster Dench. Philip Glass’s phenomenal score (Glass was also responsible for the score of The Hours) skilfully compliments the direction, further elevating the already dramatic momentum, eerily tinkering in the mind of Barbara as she sits in solitude.

The film’s casting couldn’t have been better with scene-stealing scenes from supporting actors: the flawlessly natural Bill Nighy as Sheba’s well-meaning cuckold husband and the enigmatically sexy Andrew Simpson (yes, he’s 18) as Sheba’s enticing jailbait.

Cate Blanchett’s complex take on Sheba Hart is nothing short of astounding, winning her a well-deserved Oscar nomination for supporting actress. Although it seems unlikely she’ll beat out Dreamgirls’ Jennifer Hudson, Blanchett deserves praise for conveying Sheba Hart’s desperate paranoia, indulging Barbara’s whims and gullible to her threats. While its easy to sympathise with her ill-informed decisions and her downward spiral (although she does have redeeming explosive moments), it’s just as easy to laugh at her ignorance through the eyes of Barbara.

The real star of Notes on a Scandal is not its fatally flawed heroine, but its comically manipulative villain, Dame Judi as Barbara Cox. Bow down, ladies, here’s the real Oscar forerunner. Even while she mercilessly blackmails Sheba, lonely Barbara is the one you sympathise with, in her all her efforts to win over the flagging companion. Her steadfast perseverance and sinister humour, narcissistically getting off on her own diary entries, make her an absolute pleasure to watch.

That said, Dench also brings a peculiar vulnerability to Barbara, whose cynical world can be torn apart just as easy as it comes together. Dench’s nuanced, detailed performance adds a rich layer to the already electrifying thriller, resulting in one of the most riveting climaxes in recent cinema.

Le Jazz Hot!

2007-08-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

Christina talks exclusively with Gay.com about her new album Back to Basics, old Hollywood glam, and why she loves her gay fans!

With a new album on the way, the newly-wed Ms Aguilera gets Back to Basics. With a new burlesque-y sound and look, Christina takes us back to the jazz era… yet “still dirrty, gritty, and raw” - just the way we like it! She recently released the chart-jumping new single “Ain’t No Other Man”, and we were lucky enough to catch up with the stunning diva – platinum blond locks, blood red lips and all! – at London’s Sanderson hotel, where she talked to us about her new album, old Hollywood glam, and of course- why she’s Still Dirrty.

Congrats on the new album, it sounds great! How’d you come up with the concept?

Thank you very much. Well, for this record I wanted to draw upon things that I’m solely inspired by - the elements of blues, jazz music- and combining it with the visuals of say 20s, 30s, 40s, you know—old Hollywood glam screen sirens. Itt was such a great time for music, and a great time for… the iconic female.

I’ve always loved old blues, jazz, soul music. Over the past year– I wanted to dive into those eras and look at everything that was going on at the time and everything around.You know, you've got your Marilyn, your Marlene Dietrich, your Veronica Lake - all these incredible starlets that really took time to get ready. I love the whole glam of it all. It’s very ‘feel good’ to me.

There’s a track on the album called Save Me from Myself. What do you mean?

Save Me from Myself is the only song that is truly dedicated to my husband and I wanted it to come across in a very real and honest and vulnerable way.

It’s using just a four-piece string quartet and an acoustic guitar and the vocal is recorded in away that I’ve never done before: It’s super vulnerable, super up-close. No effect, no reverb. I usually have a lot of reverb.

A lot of what I do is belt, and do ad libs, things like that. On this record, it’s stripped away of any of that.

Lyrically what it’s about – on my worst days – I think we all have somebody that’s able to - or at least I hope, for the sake of other people! He’s that one person who is able to reach in there on my darkest days and pull me out of my own heavy space and make me realise all the amazing and beautiful things around me.

Could u sacrifice your career for your marriage?

No. I wouldn’t marry someone who’d ever put that pressure on me to do so. I married a man who knows what I’m about - as a woman and as an artist. He supports me in every way.

So Christina…obviously, you have huge gay appeal. Why do you think gay men love you?

[She laughs] I appreciate it very much!

I think that what I do comes off very real and honest and open.

I know that I got that I got a lot of love for my video for Beautiful because it depicts a man that did like to dress as a woman, and really, what that song was about was really letting everyone know, that even though you may see something as an imperfection, or it may not be accepted by other peoples’ opinions or judgements, no matter what, at the end of the day, it’s you who has to feel comfortable with yourself...

There are things that make us different that people might call imperfections that make us who we are - that make us amazing.

And you guys are just free spirited, and open-minded! So it makes it easier for me as an artist because that’s what I am and that’s how I express myself, you know? I just appreciate the love and support and I always try to take risks and make bold choices and take to you to new places that you can use your imagination, especially on my tour which will be really exciting.

Are you going on a European tour?

Yes! I’m actually going to start in Europe this time, in the fall.

What’s your favourite song on the album?

My favourite song on the album? That’s like asking me which child is my favourite! Oh Mother and Save Me from Myself those are the two that are more deeply spirited.

What kind of lipstick do you wear?

I go through many different ones! This one in particular that I’m wearing today is Powerhouse by Mac.

And what dress are you wearing?

Clothes? This [dress] is by Stella McCartney… belt by ..hmmm (she reaches for the label but can’t see it)…and um.. just a black sweater.

You appear totally naked in GQ. Are you happy with your body?

Yeah , I think it’s really important for woman to feel comfortable in their own bodies to express themselves as they feel they need to.

In society there’s so many rules and regulations and restrictions on how a woman should look and how she should wear her clothes – ‘Don’t be too provocative or too sexual or you’re gonna get judged’.

I think that’s just another form of a double standard that still goes on today and I think it’s really sad, so it’s how I feel comfortable and I’m not going to be afraid to show it.

You said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the video for Dirrty had a very strong message. Do you still have a message for the new album?

I’m always trying to break new ground with how women feel about themselves. I think as women we need to respect other women in their choices that they make.

We all feel differently about how we want to go about expressing ourselves and it’s really important for us as a support team for each other, and to not criticise other women for how they feel they need to come across.

On this record there’s actually a song called Still Dirrty conveying that message once again just to say that even though I’m married - because there was a lot of press that actually came out in the states about ‘if she’s changed because she’s married, she’s given up this, she’s not doing this, she’s not doing that.’

Really, it was insane to me because I’m a woman who would never change who I am in the process of marriage.

And Still Dirrty says, in a very tongue-in-cheek kind of way that, you know, I’m still the same girl that I used to be.

It’s just that sexuality has taken on a different form for me. It will always show up in my work – it’s an important message I feel, for myself and as a need to express myself as a woman.

If there’s one thing u could to do to change the music scene now, what would it be?

One thing I could change? Well, I’m putting forth my best efforts…just trying to stay as open-minded as possible. I think it’s important in the kind of artists that I look up to in pop music and otherwise, are the ones that really do take those risks, and those are the true groundbreakers that really pave the way for future music.

AND the show queens would like to know - what is your favourite musical?

The Sound of Music is a good one. I love Meet Me in St Louis , that’s another good one, with Judy Garland , a Star is Born, Some Like it Hot. Thank you.

No. Thank you, Christina!

Two face porn-boss murder charges

2007-07-31T03:18:00.000-07:00

11/7/07

Adult film's Harlow Cuadra and Joseph Kerekes will be extradited Thursday for trial in the death of porn producer Bryan Charles Kocis.

Two alleged escorts from Virginia are facing murder changes for the brutal killing of gay porn producer Bryan Charles Kocis.

In January, Bryan Charles Kocis, 44, was found dead in his burning home in Dallas Township, Penn. Although his body was badly burned, a coroner ruled that he had been stabbed and his throat slashed. Dental records were used to prove his identity.

Harlow Cuadra, 25, and Joseph Kerekes, 33, will be extradited Thursday from Virginia, where they have been jailed, to Pennsylvania for the court case.

Cuadra and Kerekes are charged with homicide, accomplice to murder, burglary, robbery, arson, theft, tampering with evidence, abuse of corpse and criminal conspiracy to commit such crimes.

They were arrested in May after evidence found on Kocis' computer (which survived the fire) revealed that Cuadra arranged a meeting Kocis the night of the killing.

Described to investigators as "flashy and flamboyant," the suspects were apparently rising stars in the gay porn industry. Police claim that the motive of the killing had to do with Kocis' rival porn company. The pair were keen to hire Kocis' lead actor Sean Lockhart, 19.

Cuadra and Kerekes lived together in a $500,000 home in Virginia Beach and "enjoyed exotic vehicles and extravagant dinners, and traveled the country making contacts for their escort and adult video businesses," prosecutors claim.

"It was obvious these were two individuals who led an extravagant lifestyle and followed through with it in all facets of their life," police Cpl. Leo Hannon said.

Kocis' company, Cobra Video, produces and sells gay porn, specializing in bareback films starring twinks. Titles include "Brent Corrigan's Fuck Me Raw," "A Boy's Raw Urges" and "Bareback Twink Orgy."

In 2001, police raided Kocis' home as part of a child pornography investigation and seized video cameras, photos, magazines, computer discs and more than 600 videos.

At the time of Kocis' death, neighbor Jennifer Hughes commented that he wasn't the most pleasant of neighbors, and that he was notorious for hosting large gay parties.

"I knew what he was involved in, unfortunately, it was not nice at all," Hughes said.

"All the time we saw him he would wear the same aviator glasses, baseball cap and jeans. He wouldn't say hello to anybody. He would just keep to himself.

"I know his background so I'm not totally shocked. He had boys over all the time, young boys," she said.

Porn company drops gay bomb

2007-07-31T03:11:00.001-07:00

5/7/07

Following last month’s news that the Pentagon had devised a ‘gay bomb’ , Gay porn company Dark Alley has jumped at the opportunity to make a film inspired by pseudo science-fiction, inherently homophobic military maneuver.

In a move to “kick the US Government while it’s down,” Dark Alley described the upcoming “Gay bomb”, to begin filming in November 2007, as follows:

“Gay Bomb will take us into the future and the year 2012. George the Second has refused to step down as leader of the “free world,” and the nations of Europe have banded together to fight the new American military dictatorship.”

“Desperate to fend off its attackers, the US launches the experimental ‘gay bomb,’ designed to make the enemy forces drop their guns and turn fag. But the winds of fate blow in a different direction, and soon America is brought to its knees.”

In June it was revealed that US Air Force had investigated building a "gay bomb", a hormone bomb that was aimed to turn heterosexuals into homosexuals. Government papers suggested that this type of weapon would make enemy soldiers "sexually irresistible" to each other.

Edward Hammond, of Berkeley's Sunshine Project, used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain a copy of the proposal from the Air Force's Wright Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio.

The 1994 plans were projected over six years and would have cost $7.5m. The plans were eventually turned down.

Gay community leaders in California said that they found the idea of a "gay bomb" both offensive and ridiculous.

Commenting on their upcoming feature, Dark Alley’s Matthias von Fistenberg insisted, “We’re really not making this up. In fact, if the Pentagon officials want to see the outcome of this project, they should tune into Dark Alley TV on December 1.”

Dark Alley producer Owen Hawk concurred: “This was too good an opportunity to pass up. When they’re not busy wiping their asses with the Constitution, they’re showing total contempt for basic scientific knowledge and spending tax dollars to turn armies gay. We should laugh at their expense every chance we get.”

Dark Alley is also responsible for the porn political parody Gaytanamo.

London Pride: Wet and joyful defiance

2007-07-31T03:09:00.000-07:00

3/7/07

Despite lashing rain and terror threats, London Pride blazed ahead, attracting tens of thousands revellers for the annual festivities...

Despite lashing rain and last week’s attempted terrorist attacks, London Pride blazed ahead, attracting tens of thousands revellers for the annual festivities.

The march began at Baker Street and made its way, as planned through Oxford Street and Regent Street, confronting a hostile, yet small group of conservative Christians and National Front protesters at the bottom of Haymarket, before spilling into Trafalgar Square for a rally and pop performances.

Pride organisers met with Police on Friday and determined there was no need to cancel the festivities. Police deployed over 350 officers to secure the event, supporting their LGBT Met comrades who marched in the parade in uniform.

On Friday London Mayor Ken Livingstone insisted he would be attending the Gay Pride march, saying: "I think people are completely safe to walk about the streets of London today and tomorrow. "I have promised my family all week that we are all going on the Gay Pride march. We will all be there," he told BBC radio. "I suspect virtually everybody who intended to go on that march will be there."

Livingstone joined actor John Barrowman and comedian Amy Lamé on Pride’s lead float before speaking in Trafalgar Square with his two young children. He was joined by Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs.

Commenting on the gay community’s defiant response to the terror threats, a proud Livingstone recalled the London’s similar response to the events of 7/7.

''They planned to cause destruction and fear, and they failed,'' Livingstone said. ''No one stayed home in fear.''

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, noted the parade's spirit of joyful defiance as his personal highlight.

"My highlight was the wonderful moment when the parade passed two dozen of the extreme Christian protestors shouting and barracking at revellers passing them by in the Mall," he told Gay.com.

"They were heavily protected by the Metropolitan Police but the noise of their hateful sloganeering was drowned out by singing and cheering and whistles. It was a reminder of that age old truth; that goodness always triumphs over hate."

"My low-point (of course) was the incredibly heavy rain. But if the Bishops of Carlisle and Liverpool believe, as they claimed rather bizarrely at the weekend, that all this rain is Britain’s punishment for introducing civil partnership then God is obviously going to have to try a little harder if he wants to stop Pride next year. Perhaps a plague of locusts?"

Pride performer Darren Hayes, whose forthcoming album 'This Delicate Thing We've Made' comes out in August, told Gay.com:

"I have to say that Pride London was my first one as an openly gay and happily married gay man and it was fab."

"The crowd were incredibly warm and I had rocketed on in from New York esepcially to be there. For me the highlight was being able to kiss my sexy husband Richard the minute I left the stage."

"I feel lucky to live in a country where same sex marriage is not just a technicality but a civil right."

Ruth Kelly ousted in cabinet shift

2007-07-31T03:05:00.002-07:00

29/6/07

Gordon Brown announced his Cabinet appointees, shifting Ruth Kelly,former Communities secretary, to Transport secretary

The chemistry of British politics changed today as Gordon Brown announced his Cabinet appointees, shifting former Communities secretary Ruth Kelly to Transport secretary.

Roman Catholic and a devout member of Corpus Dei, Kelly lost her position of Minister of Women and Equality a position that she was criticised for, considering her strong religious ties and implicit anti-gay stance. She refused to answer questions about whether she personally thought homosexuality was sinful.

In January the Independent on Sunday reported that Kelly delayed the Sexual Orientation Regulations in a bid to exempt Catholic adoption agencies from gay and lesbian couples as prospective parents.

The Equality Act, protecting LGB people from discrimination in regards to goods and services, came into effect on April 30th.

Kelly has been replaced by Hazel Blears, Labour MP of Salford.

Alistair Darling has been confirmed as chancellor, David Miliband will replace Margaret Beckett as foreign secretary and Douglas Alexander will become international development secretary.

For a complete list of the new cabinet, click here.

Gay teacher jailed for teen sex affair

2007-07-31T03:05:00.001-07:00

19/6/07

A schoolteacher has been sent to jail after it was discovered that he had a consensual relationship with a pupil

A schoolteacher has been sentenced to a year in prison after it was discovered that he had a consensual relationship with a student of fifteen.

Thamesbridge College Drama teacher David Le Brocq, 30, was found guilty on Monday of having a six month sexual relationship with his pupil, Karl Donaldson. The relationship began when Donaldson was 15, but the pair alleges that they didn’t have sex until Donaldson’s 16th birthday, a decision which was approved by the boy’s mother, Donna Stacey.

Le Brocq found himself in court in October 2006, but the jury failed to come to a verdict. A new jury convicted him to a year in prison at Oxford Crown Court in a retrial that began last month.

The Judge Anthony King was relatively forgiving when he addressed Le Brocq saying that it was “perfectly apparent” that there was a mutual attraction.

“Sadly, though, this case is a classic example of a substantial and serious breach of trust.”

"I am wholly satisfied that this is not one of those cases where an adult has acted in a predatory, grooming way towards a young person,” judge King added.

The court heard that the pair began the relationship when Donaldson passed a note to his teacher with his mobile phone on it. While drinking at a party, Le Brocq called Donaldson and confessed his love in February 2004.

The pair then began meeting regularly at Le Brocq’s flat in Dorset. It was even reported that Le Brocq was introduced to the boy’s mother as his boyfriend, which she actively encouraged. Their relationship ended when Le Brocq told his young lover that he had fathered another colleague’s child.

Prosecuting solicitor Alan Blake, told jurors: “[Karl] loved David Le Brocq and his mother wanted him to be happy. The evidence is that there was a mutual infatuation between them.

“David Le Brocq exercised some restraint in not allowing matters to progress too far physically before the boy’s 16th birthday.”

The relationship came to light and police were notified when Donaldson’s younger sister spoke about the affair to a teacher.

Donaldson, who is now 19, responded to Le Brocq’s sentencing:

"I am glad it is now all over and I do not have to worry about anything now."

"I have not been in touch with him [Le Brocq] since we broke up and just want to forget about what happened and get on with the next chapter in my life."

His mother Donna added: "We did not choose to go through any of this.”

"My son just fell in love with the wrong person and it was his first relationship, but he is much stronger for it and has moved on."

Prior to the scandal, Le Brocq enjoyed a career of awards and was praised for his work in the school. He was even nominated for National Teacher of the Year award after three months in the profession by the pupils, teachers and parents.

Michael Barrymore arrested

2007-07-31T03:03:00.003-07:00

15/6/07

Essex police arrested Michael Barrymore once again over the death of Stuart Lubbock

British comedian Michael Barrymore was arrested along with two other men over the death of Stuart Lubbock, according to the BBC.

In March 2001, 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock died after three witnesses, including Barrymore, claimed to find him motionless floating in Barrymore’s swimming pool. Although post-mortem tests showed that he died as a result of drowning, alcohol, ecstasy, and cocaine were found in his body. He also suffered severe anal injuries, suggesting that he had been raped.

At the time tabloid papers accused Barrymore of having drug-fuelled gay orgies in his Essex home, claiming that he was responsible for the death. Barrymore denied all allegations.

The Press Association are reporting that Barrymore, 55, was one of the three men arrested by Essex police. A 37-year-old man in Lancashire and a 32-year-old man in Staffordshire were also arrested on suspicion of serious sexual assault and murder.

Following Lubbock’s death in 2001 Essex police carried out an investigation to no avail. Two people who attended Barrymore’s party, unemployed Justin Merritt and drag queen Jonathan Kenney were arrested in June 2001, but were later released. The inquest that took place in September 2002 reached an open verdict.

In December 2006, Essex police reopened the case and the Independent Police Complaints Commission launched a separate investigation. The IPCC investigation is currently on hold.

In January 2006 following Barrymore’s participation in Celebrity Big Brother, Terry Lubbock, father of Stuart Lubbock, met with Michael Barrymore and apparently told him he didn’t blame him for his son’s death.

"I don't believe you had anything to do with what happened to him,” he told Barrymore, according to the Sun.

Since Stuart’s death, Terry Lubbock has leaded a campaign to secure a conviction in his son's case. He and Barrymore are said to have an amicable relationship.

Lubbock’s lawyer Tony Bennett said he was “quite surprised and shocked” that Barrymore may have been arrested.

"We've always thought [Barrymore] may have known more but up till now we've never had any indication that he might have been involved in the actual assault, and Tony Lubbock has never actually alleged that and neither have I,” Bennet told the BBC.

"What we've been campaigning for over the past 18 months is for somebody to be charged and brought to court."

Britain supports the gays

2007-07-31T03:01:00.001-07:00

23/5/07

A nationwide survey found that almost 9/10 Britons support gay and lesbian legal protections

The vast majority of Britons support newly-introduced legal protections for gay and lesbian people, according to a nationwide poll. The 2007 Sexual Orientation Regulations, which came into effect on May 1st, assure that businesses cannot discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation.

The legislation has been fiercely opposed by right-wing religious institutions, most notably Catholic adoption agencies that launched efforts to be exempt from the regulations.

The Stonewall-commissioned "Living Together" survey also found that 73% would not mind if their child’s teacher was gay, 80% would not mind if a relative was gay, and 88% would not mind if member of royal family was gay.

YouGov, a market research firm, surveyed over 2,000 people across Britain to analyze public attitudes toward gay people. The discovered that an astonishing 85% of people support the new laws, and that 73% of people think more should be done to tackle anti-gay hate crime.

“We wanted to establish whether the shrill voices in modern Britain still opposing equality are actually representative,” Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said,

“While a significant majority of Britons are clearly not prejudiced, as this polling demonstrates, their voices are often drowned out by a minority who are.”

In April, the House of Commons passed the regulations with 310 votes to 100, dismissing efforts made by a group of Tory MPs to block them at committee stage. From the Tory party, David Cameron, Gordon Brown, and even Ruth Kelly voted in favour of the regulations.

Catholic adoption agencies have until the end of 2008 to comply with the new laws.

"Gay gangs" harass Birmingham councillor

2007-07-31T02:58:00.003-07:00

17/4/07

Councillor Michael Mullaney is at the centre of a hate debate after he complained about gay cruising on YouTube

Michael Mullaney, a Lib Dem candidate for Birmingham city council, has found himself at the centre of a hate debate after he publicly complained about gay cruising in the local park.

Using YouTube to articulate his stance, Mullaney highlighted ‘anti-social behaviour’ by gay men who cruise in public view.

As a result, bushes will be cut in Highbury Park, and officers patrolling the area have been equipped with radio communications.

Apparently cruisers were not amused by the councillor’s efforts as placards have appeared near his home, pointing onlookers in the direction of "Mullaney's Paedophile Palace."

Fellow councillor Emily Cox who also appeared in the Youtube clip has also received threats from a man advising her to drop the cruising issue.

"I suspect this latest attack is the work of one of the gangs of men who use Highbury Park to have sex underneath the laurel bushes during daylight hours," Mr Mullaney told the Birmingham Evening Mail.

"Since that video went out I have received a threatening letter from one of these men and council colleagues have been shouted at in Mayfield Road, north Moseley."

A large group of residents apparently complained of rampant gay sex in the park, and dozens of used condoms were found in the bushes. In response to suggestions that his move is anti-gay, Mullaney said he would be opposed to anyone, gay or straight, having sex in the park.

"With regards to homophobic - well I'm a weird homophobe since I support gay marriage and gay couples adopting children. So how do you square that?”

"I just don't want anyone, whatever their sexual orientation, having sex in a public park in broad daylight."

Would you like a peek at the Mullaney’s Youtube video? Of course you do. Click here.

Soho nail bomber gets 50 years

2007-07-31T02:58:00.001-07:00

7/3/07

David Copeland, responsible for the 1999 bombing of London gay bar, gets extended stay in prison

Nail bomber David Copeland, responsible for the 1999 bombing of London gay bar Admiral Duncan, has been sentenced to prison for a minimum of 50 years.

High court judge Justice Burton extended the original sentence of 30 years to 50, citing the "exceptional gravity" of the case under new legislation.

Copeland, was originally sentenced in June 2002 for three counts of murder and three for causing explosions in order to endanger lives.

Copeland, a neo-Nazi, had planted a series of bombs throughout London – in Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho – in a space of 13 days which resulted in 139 injuries.

Fatalities of the 1999 Admiral Duncan blast included a pregnant Andrea Dykes, 27, John Light, 32, and Nik Moore, 31.

Judge Burton said the attack was a a "really exceptional case of deliberate, multiple murder".
Burton said Copeland serve longer than his extended sentence if it was "necessary for the protection of the public".

"When the defendant has served the minimum term, and if the parole board decides to direct his release, he will remain on licence for the rest of his life and may be recalled to prison at any time."

At the time of the bombings, Copeland was 22. His plea of manslaughter on the grounds that he was a paranoid schizophrenic was dismissed.

A former British National Party member, Copeland allegedly quit because the right wing group was not militant enough.

Senior Scotland councillor : “I’m gay”

2007-07-31T02:56:00.001-07:00

13/12/06

Scotland’s most senior councillor has come out amid escalating media scrutiny of his private life.

Steven Purcell, 34, the youngest-ever leader of the Glasgow City Council, confirmed on Saturday that he had split from his wife of five years after coming to terms with his sexuality.

"Over the past couple of weeks the rumours surrounding my marriage have increasingly become a distraction to me. I wish to set out in public the facts surrounding the issue,” he told The Herald.

"For the last year my marriage has been in trouble and some months ago my wife and I separated. One of the issues we have been facing up to is the fact that I have realised I'm gay.”

"Now that they are aware of the situation, and that Katrina and I are clear that they understand the issues, I want to dispel the rumours and get on with the important job I am privileged to do as leader of the city council."

Purcell’s wife Katrina did not find the news of Purcell’s homosexuality particularly surprising and said that she will continue to support him. The couple do not have children. "It did not come as a shock to me to find out Steven was gay and I now intend to offer him continued friendship and support and otherwise to get on with my own very busy life."

"This has been a difficult time both for me and Steven," she continued. "And I'm naturally very sad that we have had to announce our separation.

Purcell, who has been a councillor for only a year, has been praised by Tony Blair for his efforts to focus on social projects in Glasgow.

Wife’s web cam fury at gay husband

2007-07-31T02:52:00.001-07:00

24/10/06

A Manchester woman allegedly went on a drunken rampage upon discovering that her husband was gay, according to the Manchester Evening News.

A Manchester city court heard that social worker Fiona Marsden, 45, had returned unexpectedly at the couple’s home in Northendon to discover her husband performing a lewd act in front of a web cam.

Marsden then drank multiple double-vodkas at the local pub and then drove her car into two parked cars on her way home. Local residents tried to stop Marsden from fleeing the scene.

Marsden then viciously attacked one of the residents, former deputy district judge Tony Broadley.

She apparently kicked Broadley in the groin and punched him in the face before being restrained by emergency services.

In court, Marsden admitted to assault, using threatening language and behaviour and careless driving.

Her defending barrister Jenny Callis said that Marsden, who was also taking prescription painkillers for nerve damage, could not remember anything after leaving the pub.

"The humiliation and shock of finding out her husband was gay in the manner in which she did was enormous," she said.

Callis also went on to say that Marsen was suffering from severe emotional distress, and that now she is in danger of losing her job as a social worker.

The Magistrate conditionally discharged Marsden, due to "exceptional mitigating circumstances". She was banned from driving for 18 months and had to pay £100 compensation fee to Mr Broadly.

Her husband is now living with his web cam lover.

The Eden Sessions

2007-07-30T04:42:00.000-07:00

Lily Allen, Rufus Wainwright, and the Pet Shop Boys will grace the stage at Cornwall's spectacular Eden Project

Attention music fans!

Lily Allen, Rufus Wainwright, and the Pet Shop Boys are only a few of many fabulous acts that are coming up a as part of Eden Sessions at Cornwall’s Eden Project this summer.

Voted as the UK’s best rock music venue, with the stage set up against the spectacular Biomes, The Eden Sessions have attracted the very best of the music scene and have already sold out their July show for the amazing Amy Winehouse.

The outdoor concerts are being sponsored by The Eden Project, a giant environmental complex in Cornwall. And for the price of the concert ticket (for all shows), you’ll also get free admission to the Eden Project which has quickly become one of the most popular and fantastically futuristic attractions in the UK.

The complex includes two sets of massive, interconnected transparent domes made of ETFE cushions, each emulating a natural biome, that house plant species from around the world. The first emulates a tropical environment, the other a warm temperate, mediterranean environment.

Inside the Eden Project

Gay.com recently interviewed the enormously talented Rufus - to celebrate the release of his new album Release the Stars. His much anticipated show at the Eden Sessions promises to be nothing short of fantastic. It would be a mistake to miss.

And special guest for Rufus Wainwright on July 10 will be electro-pop act Hot Chip who won NME Track of 2006 for Over and Over.

Following her sell-out US tour, the adorable Lily Allen will be joined on stage by the sexy Mark Ronson, one of the world’s hottest DJs and producers, responsible for much production on Alright Still. Mark has also recently released Version, a record featuring his unique interpretation of songs taken from a wide variety of genres, including Radiohead’s Just.

To check out an animated Lily in latest video for single Oh My God, featuring Ronson himself, click here.

Don’t miss the Eden Sessions at the Eden Project for this one-of-a-kind music experience!

For more details and/or to buy tickets online, click here

Pictured: Mark Ronson

Any dream will do?

2007-07-30T04:41:00.000-07:00

Lee Mead has been cast as Lloyd Webber’s Joseph. Is he up to par? Check out his official video

And then there was one.

One the heels of winning the coveted role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lee Mead has released the official Children in Need single, the aggressively gay title song Any Dream will Do.

Featuring dew-eyed Lee Mead sighing and frolicking on a sparkling digital rainbow, it’s questionably joyful and charmingly low budget (and seethingly irritating and maniacal to some). I imagine it would be a decent theme song for a child pride festival, if there was such a thing. Nonetheless, this video will find an audience with gay six-year-olds and show queens - with little to no taste -everywhere. Unicorns should have been included.

Although beating out the vocally superior and more charming Keith, Lee does pull it off – adding just the right amount of zest. Despite the campness of it all, he seems oddly heterosexual. Wrong.

Click here to take a look.

A Drowsy Hit!

2007-07-30T04:39:00.000-07:00

Joyfully camp and subtly sweet, The Drowsy Chaperone has the recipe for the West End's best musical comedy

Having successfully transferred to the West End, sparkling Broadway import The Drowsy Chaperone should be at the top of your hit list. Despite the bewildering title, this satirical, yet inspired look at the early musicals of the 1930s results in a joyfully kitsch and subtly sweet mix. High camp and sentiment don’t often belong in the same sentence, let alone the same stage – but the Drowsy Chaperone cleverly demonstrates how the two can marvellously co-exist.

A play within a play, The Drowsy Chaperone is narrated by a self-deprecating, yet charmingly enthusiastic show queen, only referred to as ‘Man in Chair’ played with much heart by the play’s co-writer Man in Chair Bob Martin. The lonely Martin chats to the audience from his dismal New York flat about his love of escapist musical comedies with such giddy enthusiasm that he’s hard to resist.

Bob Martin as Man in Chair

As he plays his original cast album on his rickety record player, the musical comes to life, bursting through his windows and doors in cartoonish glee. As much as he loves the musicals themselves, he’s equally obsessed with the musical theatre stars, the closeted leading men, their backstage antics and egos, their tawdry life stories - details of which he pops in throughout the show.

Although the musical itself is satirical pastiche, it intelligently covers all ground with slapstick humour and a formulaic, yet nonsensical plot, complete with solid roles of the loud brassy diva, the dim chorus girl, the toothy leading man, and dancing gangsters, reminiscent of the popular musicals of the 1930’s (Cole Porter’s Anything Goes most readily comes to mind). As with many musicals of this era, there happens to be a happy ending – featuring a big, ridiculous group wedding. Pure joy.

West End veteran Elaine Paige is a delight in her role as a drunkenly and disorderly ‘chaperone’ of a glamorous chorus girl. She’s entertainingly two dimensional as she dismisses her responsibilities to chase the affections of a wily Italian Adolfo. Martin is quick to point out that the chaperone’s penchant for booz wasn’t too far from reality as the actress was ‘notoriously difficult’ – an observation with becomes apparent when the chaperone hysterically upstages the other leading actress in showstopper As We Stumble Along.

The stunning Summer Strallen, playing haughty chorus girl Janet van de Graaff, sadly lacks the pizzazz of Broadway powerhouse Sutton Foster who originated the role. She does shine however in the memorable and witty I Don’t wanna show off, as she knowingly contradicts herself through song, dance, magic tricks, and acrobatics.

And where so many musicals have underperformed, Drowsy gloriously succeeds musically as Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison's songs craftily parody popular standards of the 30s, never comprising the original integrity. Director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw adds just the right amount of slapstick and heart in a piece that, with any more effort, could have been a huge mess. The Drowsy Chaperone is, without a doubt, the best musical comedy in town.

The Drowsy Chaperone
Novello Theatre

Smoke this!

2007-07-30T04:28:00.001-07:00

MTV Canada's new commercial featuring a gay kiss, oddly to warn against the perils of pot-smoking.

MTV Canada has created a new commercial featuring a gay kiss, oddly to warn against the perils of pot-smoking.

The Saatchi & Saatchi created ad features a trio of young men sitting in a car in an empty car park, apparently after smoking marijuana. Two of the boys kiss, provoking a stunned response from the third. Click here to take a look.

Earlier this year a Snickers commercial featuring a gay kiss between mechanics caused uproar among the American gay lobby.

The ad, broadcast during the Super Bowl, was pulled after the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD condemned the Mars company for the commercial, which they interpreted as anti-gay.

“The makers of Snickers and its parent company at Mars should know better,” Joe Solmonese, president of HRC said.

The ad featured a pair of mechanics who end up unintentionally kissing when eating opposite ends of a Snickers bar. Horrified at what they’ve done, the pair rip their chest hair to do “something manly”.

The Snickers ad campaign was pulled within a week.

Hello Sailor!

2007-07-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

ENO packs a punch with its joyful tale of horny seaman out On the Town.

ENO’s splendid production of On The Town returns to The Coliseum for 20 performances only and is one of the must-see cultural events of the season.

To experience this 1940’s Broadway show with the enormous forces of English National Opera’s 62 piece orchestra balanced with a cast of 62 performers is a total treat for both show queen and philistine alike. Its charm is in the simple plot of 3 sailors on twenty-four hours leave in New York City and their quest to find a date.

A scene from On the Town

“The show was light” Bernstein once said, “ but the subject was serious”. Set against the backdrop of World War II’s darkest hour, the sailor’s vulnerability and joy for life and their meeting with 3 great gals carries us through both funny and moving episodes told by song, dance, comedy and drama.

The young creators of On The Town were all in their mid twenties in 1944 and this youthful ambition and excitement of New York is captured throughout. Conceived by choreographer Jerome Robbins, the whole piece is hugely balletic and as much a visual feast as a musical one. Bernstein’s score is both sassy and poetic and its huge ambition is realised scene after scene.

June Whitfield (Madame Maude P. Dilly) / Helen Anker (Ivy Smith)

The strength of the cast added to the night’s success. What a treat to see June Whitfield hamming it up as Madame Dilly while the hoofers were spot on.

In particular Caroline O’Conner brought a Broadway edge to the show. Previously seen as Ethel Merman in the Cole Porter bio-pic, De-Lovely, as Nini Legs in the Air in Moulin Rouge, and set to bring Judy Garland to the London stage in End of the Rainbow towards the end of the year, Miss O’Conner as Hildy gave her all to “Back to My place” capturing the energy of the time. It reminded me of all the reasons we love a show tune and musical theatre girl.

Sean Palmer (Chip) / Caroline O'Connor (Hildy Esterhazy)

As the American art-form the musical is often misunderstood but the sheer excellence and confidence of On The Town captures the spirit of youth in wartime using song and dance, humour and pathos and proves that great art found in the opera house can be totally accessible and entertaining across the generations.

On The Town runs from 20th April for 20 performances.

On The Town
London Coliseum
St Martin’s Lane, WC2
Call ENO's Box Office on: 0870 145 0200
Performances April – May 2007.

You can book online by clicking here.

Photos by Laurie Lewis

Let the sun shine?

2007-07-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

Danny Boyle's science-fiction epic Sunshine hits cinemas this weekend. Is it worth the hype?

The year is 2057, and the sun is dying. As a result, all life on earth is jeopardised. The world pools together its resources to deliver a bomb, through the vessel of a space ship, designed to ‘re-ignite’ the sun. If the suicide mission is successful, mankind is saved.

After years of travelling to the sun, the astronauts on board ship are -as you would - going a bit mad. As their ship Icarus II approaches Mercury, they lose contact with earth, and pick up a distress call from Icarus I, the ship that disappeared in the same mission seven years before. After a heated debate, the crew decide to respond to the floating ship, sparking a domino of disastrous and frightening results.

I went into science-fiction thriller Sunshine with high expectations…but left deflated.

I do respect Danny Boyle’s past films and his ability to tackle multiple genres (He’s responsible for the twisted classic Trainspotting, and the gloriously horrific 28 Days Later, which as far as I’m concerned is the best zombie movie ever) but despite its impressive special effects and brilliant art direction, Sunshine doesn’t quite make the cut.

Sunshine, above all, is a sensory experience. Impressively created in London’s East End 3 Mills studios, the film features wildly imaginative visual effects. Parts of the film are absolutely breathtaking – bizarrely visceral, trippy and psychedelic. The sound and score similarly reflect a gelled and tranquil consciousness- and sounds a bit like French electronic duo Air. This kind of epic space film is designed for the big screen.

Sunshine also boasts an impressive cast, led by rising star Cillian Murphy as Capa, sensitive, yet hot-tempered scientist responsible for the decision to change the mission’s course of action. The beautiful Rose Byrne, playing scientist Cassie, possesses a charmingly vulnerable quality. Quite subtle, the characterisation of Sunshine works because they just seem like real people with real emotions. That said, they’re not particularly believable as scientists.

Sunshine builds effectively to its thrilling climax; the mood and characters are established and for a few moments, there's hope that the film will go beyond the normal conventions of the science-fiction/horror genre.

But sadly as the plot speeds up and haphazardly introduces new challenges to the crew, suspense falters and logic disappears. I’m not against horror by any means- but it can be frustrating when a film that sets out to be metaphorical and poignant, turns into a slasher flick. Why? The result is messy.

The choppy editing also makes Sunshine difficult to watch. There are so many cuts from inside the spaceship to outside and back to the sun; it becomes stress-inducingly unclear what you are looking at. Perhaps remaining calm under such circumstances is part of the talent of appreciating science fiction – but I don’t seem to have that gene.

Sunshine touches on unexpected psychotic consequences of the astronauts’ mission, but moves too quickly to develop any clarity. It also has a fair share of intriguing religious references – the end of mankind, man's efforts to change 'the course of nature'– but simply fails to give any of these ideas enough room to breathe. Another lost cause.

The last 40 minutes is nearly unbearable in its incomprehensiveness, but the unforgettable final sequence manages to round it out, and brilliantly capture the hypnotic charm of the scorching sun. Hopefully the dazzling sequences can make you forget the many flaws of this film.

Sunshine opens nationwide on Friday, April 6.

Scissor Sister Del Marquis talks

2007-07-30T04:21:00.000-07:00

The sexy gay guitarist talks to Gay.com about life on the road...

As the Scissor Sisters sparkle through another world tour - showcasing their latest musical triumph TaDah, Gay.com caught up with them in Detroit and chatted to lead guitarist, Del Marquis. Arguably the least vocal and visible of the queer power phenomena led by song writing duo Jake Shears and Babydaddy, the 27-year old Del, aka Derek Gruen, has an understated charm and sexiness. For those of you who have witnessed the Sisters in concert, you’ll recognise Del for his high strung, matador trousers, mostly deadpan expression, and phallic guitar - often scoring a centre-stage solo. Earning a reputation of staying enthusiastic and remarkably modest, The Scissor Sisters seem unfazed by their growing celebrity. The down-to-earth Del was no exception, chatting familiarly about time-insensitive touring, absent gay groupies, his Brooklyn boyfriend, and about the band’s sisterly dynamic.

So, what did you do today?

Everybody sleeps really late because we travel on a bus. I don’t know if you’ve been on the traditional tour bus, but it’s devoid of light and any kind of natural sense of time… it drives me insane. So as soon as my eyes open I get up, and its usually around 9 am. No one gets up for hours. I just have to start my day. So today, we went to our day rooms, I went to the gym and I had breakfast. It’s really kind of monotonous, it’s not that exciting (laughs).

So how to you build up your energy up for a show?

Exactly like this, by doing something really regular, as if it’s any old day. I don’t sleep late at home so when I’m on tour, so I try to get up at a reasonable hour, eat a big meal and take a walk around the city…to some place interesting. Detroit just doesn’t happen to be that.

Yeah, Detroit’s not very exciting.

Yeah, I mean, it’s not bad. Detroit’s hard to get around in. I’m in motor city and I don’t have a car.

So I’ve read about your fan group, the Deltoids. Do you get groupies? Has anyone ever done anything really crazy?

You know what? In the scheme of rock history, I doubt it. I’ve obviously read about everything from the Led zeppelin incident to Def Leopard groupies, but I don’t think it’s that crazy for us. I don’t know if the gay fans are willing to go all the way like the classic girl groupie.

That’s interesting.

Yeah, it’s true, you might get them at a bar, but in a mixed venue, they’re a little shy. I guess we should ask people to step out a little, and be a little more daring. They’re familiar with the music, but then they might be confronted with the mixed audience, and not feel as comfortable as they would as in all gay crowd. I say, do what you wanna do (laughs).

Who are you closest to in the band?

It really kind of depends. I think we’re all such of different archetypes…are you asking if I have a specific issue I want to talk about or…?

If something heavy has happened, who would you go to?

Something heavy. I actually feel pretty comfortable going to most band members. For something heavy, I don’t think there’s any one member I wouldn’t feel comfortable confiding in .These are people that you spend so much time with, but there’s no avoiding knowing the details if something really awful had happened. You can’t hide it. Everyone ends up knowing, and that’s a good thing.You don’t wanna be a moody asshole, and everyone is like – hey, what’s up your butt? And you’re actually like, ‘Uh, My relative just died, and I can’t go home for the funeral cause I’m on tour’.

Right. So I imagine that the gay energy of the group can be really intense, especially with you guys being in such intimate quarters. How do you deal with that? Does it feel any different than if you were with straight guys?

I’ve only been in two bands with straight guys, and I would definitely take this situation over that. There are more straight men in our entourage that outnumber the gay band members, but our direction comes from the fans. We have a certain sensibility, a queer sensibility, and that extends to Ana and other people we surround ourselves with.

I don’t like to call it a gay sensibility, it’s a queer one. It’s about a sense of humour, a sense of openness…and I don’t think I could do this without it. It’s great, I could never be with anything less. There’s just such openness, everyone is really funny and witty. And they’re also really emotionally developed people. I don’t know any other situation - I just like the one I’m in.

Do you have a boyfriend?

I do have a boyfriend.

And how long have you been together?

A little over two years. We live in Brooklyn.

So is he touring with you, or is he back home?

Nah, he has his own career, he has a job and you know, does the 9 to 5. It doesn’t really allow him to travel much to meet me, but we make time to meet up. He can’t put his life on hold for me.

I saw your Myspace page, but there wasn’t any music up, and you said there was more to come. Tell me about your music.

Well obviously there’s a really strong song writing core in The Scissor Sisters, Jake and Babydaddy write most of the music. Yeah, I mean, it’s not for lack of writing songs, the songs I write aren’t always gonna be appropriate for this band, but that doesn’t dissuade me or stop me from working on music. And I’ve had stuff on the page, but because they’re demos. I take them down, and I work on them., depending how busy I am with the band. Sometimes I neglect that page (laughs).

But there will be time between the albums, I’ll hope to work on other projects. I don’t know where they’re gonna lead, but I think that what this band does is open a lot of doors. There’s a lot of possibilities.

I read that you are interested in film. What kind of films do you like?

Sometimes I like to see a really wrank kind of big Hollywood movie. It’s kind of my escapism.

What was the last film you saw?

That last thing I saw was a Netflix movie. Capturing the Friedmans. (IMDB: “Documentary on the Friedmans, a seemingly typical, upper-middleclass Jewish family whose world is instantly transformed when the father and his youngest son are arrested and charged with shocking and horrible crimes”)

Oh I saw that. Wasn’t it amazing?

It is amazing, and I was just talking about it with my boyfriend actually. The film doesn’t give you the answer, I don’t know if you go into the film thinking are they guilty..or if are they not…

It’s very weird.

They’re not particularly guilty of all the crimes, but they’re not innocent either. The film is willing to be middle ground. Everyone wants it to be one way or another, but it’s really somewhere in the middle. It was even hard for me to say well, ‘Oh they may be guilty of some things,’ but I definitely think they were overcharged. There was definitely something of a witch hunt.

I agree. So what does Elton John look like at Breakfast???

(Pause) He keeps his appearance up. I don’t really wanna comment on that.

So, you’ve have been invited to separate lunch dates. One from Paul McCartney and another from Heather Mills. Who would you go with and why?

I would go with Paul McCartney. I have nothing to talk to Heather Mills about without being mean spirited.

What’s the next single?

We just released She’s My Man, as a single and the video is out. The next single will most likely be Kiss you Off.

Oh, I really like Kiss you off!

Oh I know, I really like it too. I think it’s one of my favourite songs to play. And this means that Ana is kind of the creative driving force for the video. She has her own ideas of beauty and film, so it should be good…and different.

The Scissor Sisters tour will headline the O2 festival in London on July 26th and 27th and play the Manchester Evening News Arena on July 30th, 31st, and August 1st.

To find more tour information, click here.

Pop this pill

2007-07-30T04:19:00.000-07:00

If drugs could make you straight, would you be tempted to take them? Don't miss the thought-provoking and clever Hard Pill

One of the most difficult, unexpected challenges about coming out is that once you do, there’s no looking back. And if you expect to find romance, or at least feel part of a community, you may end up feeling more isolated than you were before.

Would life be easier if you could be straight?

John Baumgartner’s clever and poignant Hard Pill tells the story of chronically single, average, unhappy Tim.

Working at a dead-end job, Tim’s most romantic relationship is with a doting overweight Ugly Betty. The closest thing he has to a sex life is begging a manic- depressive straight friend to graciously accept a blow job.

Despite his best efforts, Tim can’t break his lack of self-confidence, and a harsh, unfriendly gay scene further fuels his depression. Desperate for change, he volunteers for a controversial pharmaceutical study designed to make gay men straight.

While the gays and the church go head-to-head (which is brought to life through a brilliant documentary approach), Tim slips through the cracks and begins treatment – despite objections from close friends. The treatment works, and although he tries to enjoy his new life, he's faced with unexpected consequences of his decision.

Filmmaker Baumgartner’s novel idea and direction make for a thought-provoking and suspenseful drama. Conversion treatment isn’t new, and the introduction of sexuality conversion – in pill form - doesn’t seem an unlikely reality. Just last week Christian leader Albert Mohler suggested that if being gay is biologically determined – people should be “fixed” to be straight, prompting backlash from gay rights groups.

Besides the impressively provocative premise, the casting of Hard Pill is also noteworthy. There’s a very distinct ‘kitchen sink’ aspect to the characters, each imperfect and vulnerable, reflecting Tim’s troubled state of mind. The supporting cast – made up of Tim’s straight crush, a hard-partying queen, and a doting female companion - each have very precise character traits and motivations, later instrumental in Tim’s unravelling.

Susan Slome stands out in her performance of Sally, Tim’s fag hag …literally. Overweight and homely, Sally is devoted to Tim – and would “marry him if he was straight”. While she is upset by Tim’s decision to dismiss his gayness, she secretly warms to the prospect of Tim being a hot-blooded hetero.

With the exception of some briefly excessive melodrama, Hard Pill is definitely worth a watch. Refreshing and sweet, similar to the amazing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Hard Pill is another rare example of a quality gay drama.

My rating? 4.5/5 stars

Hard Pill is available on DVD.

‘Idol’ alumni in cottaging scandal

2007-07-30T04:16:00.000-07:00

Pop star Mario Vasquez has been accused of "masturbating" in front of an American Idol employee

Pop star and former American Idol contestant Mario Vasquez faces allegations of sexual harassment from a former employee of the reality show's production company.

In a lawsuit that was filed last week to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Magdaleno Olmos, an assistant accountant to Fremantle Media, claimed that Vasquez tried to cruise him in the company lavatory.

According to the documents, which were obtained by TMZ on Monday, Vasquez, who has never publicly acknowledged his sexuality, asked Olmos "if he wanted oral sex."

Olmos said that Vasquez followed him into the lavatory, knocked on the toilet stall that Olmos was using, and looked at him through the space in the stall door. Vasquez made eye contact with Olmos, and smiled "lasciviously" as he "started to rub his genitals over his pants."

Although he resisted Vasquez’s advances, Vasquez forcefully unzipped Olmos' pants and touched his "chest and stomach underneath his shirt ".

As Olmos tried to exit the lavatory, he turned and “saw Vazquez standing in front of him with his pants down masturbating".

Olmos reported the incident to his supervisor Eric LaPointe, who then threatened Olmos with termination and called him “crazy”. Olmos was fired a few months later.

In addition to suing Vazquez, Olmos is also taking FOX Entertainment and Fremantle Media to court for wrongful termination.

Shortly after the incident, Vasquez, who had made in into the final round of the reality show, dropped out of the competition citing “family reasons”.

Quashing rumours that he had clashed with Idol producers, Vasquez told morning show "Good Day New York" that his experience on American Idol was “only positive”.

Aussie pop star: I'm gay

2007-07-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

“Yes, I am gay,” said Australian pop singer and former Idol contestant Anthony Callea

Australian pop singer and former Australian Idol contestant Anthony Callea has come out of the closet, after being accidentally outed by a Sydney radio host earlier this month.

“Yes, I am gay,” Callea told News Limited on Monday.

His sexuality has been the subject of much speculation, especially since he denied being gay in 2004 and insisted, “I'm not gay. I don't know why people say I am. A lot of people just make up rubbish.”

Callea, now 24, revealed that he is now comfortable with himself and wanted to end the rumours.

"I have no issue with my sexuality now but it has taken time to become confident with who I am and happy with who I am," he said.

"I'm looking forward to living a life with no holds barred and not worrying about having to say the right thing."

Callea's confirmation of his sexuality follows an on-air conversation on Sydney radio station on March 6, 2007, when a traffic reporter nonchalantly mentioned that Callea is gay.

Callea admitted that he regretted not coming out earlier, but felt pressure to hide his sexuality, especially during Australian Idol.

"You learn from your mistakes. I was 21, 22 at the time," he said. "I didn't want to be known as just the gay contestant from Idol.

He also discussed how growing up gay in an Italian family was difficult.

"I went through a major depression. I hated myself. I had to see a psychologist. I wasn't talking to anyone. My parents didn't know what was wrong with me," he said.

"But getting through that makes you a stronger person. It allows me to do what I'm doing now and not be affected by what's said.”

Callea currently holds the record for being the highest-selling single and fastest-selling single in Australia for his debut single The Prayer.

Cruel and Unusual

2007-07-30T04:12:00.000-07:00

Filmmaker Reid Williams' new documentary examines the punishing realities of transgender abuse in US prisons

In the United States, a shocking 30% of transgender people have been in incarcerated. Although the US Constitution forbids 'cruel and unusual' punishment for any crime, some argue that the placement of transgender women in male prisons represents this kind of punishment. Solitary confinement, hormone withdrawal, medical neglect, and sexual assault are among the punishing realities of a transgender inmate. Gay.com spoke with Reid Williams, whose award-winning documentary Cruel and Unusual chronicles the stories of five transgender prisoners and their often harrowing experiences.

Why did you make this film?

I was working with organisations that help at risk GLBT youth in New York City, and I was told a story of a transgender woman in the juvenile justice system. They put her in a men's facility where she was brutally raped and beaten repeatedly.

I was so shocked by this I was inspired to investigate where else this was happening in the US. I found the problem to be wide spread across the US prison system. Not one prison system had a just policy for transgender people.

The United States claims to be a model for human rights, and this is just one example where this is not true.

Did you encounter problems in the filmmaking?

The most difficult part of the filmmaking was getting access inside US prisons. The prison system is more than reluctant to let the outside world know what is actually going on inside.

Was there any situation too intense to include?

No. All of the participants in the film were very intent on having their story told no matter what revealing detail would come to light. They really are modern day warriors in a way. Their whole goal is to live as they feel they were born, and they would go to any length to live this truth.

What do you think needs to be changed in the jail system?

Prisons need to acknowledge the needs of transgender people. That includes providing accurate medical care and providing them the safety they deserve as human beings.

How about changes in transgender legislation?

I hope that all prisons will be forced to comply by standard medical practices in regard to transgender people. Unfortunately, they are not doing it on their own accord, so somehow it needs to be enforced for the safety of this population.

What’s your next project?

I'm producing a narrative feature which will begin shooting in two months. It's a very different experience compared to documentary film. I've never been able to control the outcomes of my subjects. In some ways that's more ideal however you owe the audience that much more.

Cruel and Unusual plays tonight, March 23rd at 20:40 at BFI Southbank.

London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
March 21 - April 4 2007
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London
SE1 8XT
Tel: 020 7928 3232

For screening information on Cruel and Unusual , click below

A dim Sparkle

2007-07-30T04:10:00.000-07:00

The deceptively titled Sparkle, about a scheming boy caught in a incestuous love triangle, does anything but.

Although not particularly gay in theme (despite its directors and a pair of effeminate uncles) Sparkle has ingredients for a promising British film – a strong, reputable cast and ‘kitchen sink’-dramatic elements, but overall the script lets it down, and the film falls flat.

Sparkle tells the story of Liverpudlian Sam, an hot-blooded 22-year-old heterosexual who jets off to London only to be followed by his protective, karaoke singing mother "Sparkle".

While waitering he draws the attention of high powered PR bitch Sheila– played by the charming, yet type-cast Stockard Channing . Sheila is essentially Grease’s Rizzo, 30 years older with second rate plastic surgery. Hmm, perhaps this is where the gay appeal lies.

After a few tepid jabs over a spliff, the older woman and the horny boy are back her fabulous flat and shagging. The sex chemistry seems fair enough, but a montage of cuddling and romance plays out unconvincingly.

The predictably needy Sheila replaces her sobbing assistant with the new boy toy, while young Sam enjoys the fruits of his new Sugar Momma. With too much ease and with no credentials Sam slips into the demanding role, while nailing the boss at night.

The affair is interrupted when Kate, a young attractive student who enjoys smoking pot and going to environmental rallies, shows up as mysterious guest at Sheila’s house party. Kate flirts with the distracted Sam – who coincidently has even less chemistry with her – and without blinking an eye, Sam starts shagging her too. And of course, they “fall in love”. Yawn.

And the nasty twist of fate: Kate and Sheila are mother and daughter.

At which point everyone’s morals are questioned, incredulous drama ensues, and the movie changes tone and becomes overly worthy. And in order to be worthy, the characters have to have depth - which they sadly don't.

The character of Kate could possibly be the most irritating aspect of this film – and unfortunately for the audience, she is the central character, introduced far too late in the story to make you care.

Despite all of its flaws, Sparkle does have some redeeming qualities in the form of Lesley Manville and Bob Hoskins, respectively playing Sam’s slightly mad, but sweet mother Jill and her earnest, peculiar admirer Vince.

Jill genuinely sings Culture Club covers in scabby bars, dreaming of stardom – while Vince, a charming loner desperately seeks her affection. But the pair are simply side-story to the tiresome mess of Sheila, Kate, and Sam – and are wrongly undermined as comic relief.

Despite good performances by the supporting cast, the main characters are mostly unlikeable, and the end lacks emotional impact. The potential was there, the substance was not.

London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
March 21 - April 4 2007
BFI Southbank
Belvedere Road
South Bank
London
SE1 8XT
Tel: 020 7928 3232

For screening information on Sparkle, click below

Actor John Inman, 71, dies

2007-07-30T03:49:00.000-07:00

8/3/07

John Inman, popular for his camp role of Mr Humpries in Are You Being Served?, died on Thursday

Actor John Inman, popular for his memorably camp role of Mr Humpries in 70s sitcom Are You Being Served?, died today in London, aged 71.

He died this morning in St Mary's Hospital in Paddington after suffering a Hepatitis A infection.

His character’s catchphrase “I’m free” and suggestive sexual humour made Inman a star, and since then he starred in more than 40 pantos.

Named BBC personality of the year and 'Funniest Man On Television' by TVTimes in 1976, Inman remained popular long after the show ended in 1985. He went on to star in an Australian version of the show in the early 1980s, and has also appeared on BBC's 2004 show Revolver.

The show also reached the United States in the late 1980s, where it become a cult hit.

When publicly questioned about his sexuality, Inman remained coy for many years, but admitted that he could be bisexual.

However, in late 2005, Inman made his sexuality public when he entered into a civil partnership with partner of 33 years, Ron Lynch. Lynch is said to be “devastated” by his death.

Although the Mr Humpries was widely criticised as a gay stereotype, Actress Rula Lenska, who worked with Inman, defended the gay undertones of the character.

"It was suggestive but never in your face or aggressive. It had an innocent quality that you rarely find today," she told the BBC.

"[Inman] was a joy to work with and even after an exhausting day in pantomime he would have time for the fans who crowded round the stage door."

Wendy Richard, who played shop assistant Miss Brahms in the series told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "John was one of the wittiest and most inventive actors I've ever worked with.”

"He was a brilliant, brilliant pantomime dame and he was a very good all-round actor, really. He was a true professional."

Inman’s manager Phil Dale said: "John was known and loved throughout the world. He was one of the best and finest pantomime dames working to capacity audiences throughout Britain."

"John was known for his comedy plays and farces which were enjoyed from London's West End throughout the country and as far as Australia, Canada and the USA."

George Broadhead, secretary of Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association, told Gay.com that at the time of the show, "Inman became a bit of a bete noir for the gay community for promoting stereotypes of gay men as effeminate."

However, he said, " the gay community has grown up since then and has come to appreciate its trailblazers. Inman fits into the same mould as Larry Grayson and Frankie Howard. We can actually see re-runs of Are you Being Served and appreciate their zaniness now, rather than cringing at stereotypes."

For video clips from Are You Being Served?, click here.

The Candyman Can!

2007-07-30T03:48:00.000-07:00

The latest videos from Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and Shakira

Christina Aguilera – Candyman

Ms Christina turns it out once again in this colourful retro-inspired pop video. Paying homage to the USO girls of the 1940s – known for entertaining WWII troops- a trio of stunning Christinas also emulates the feminist iconography of Rosie the Riveter. With a modern tune reminiscent of those of the Andrew Sisters (Boogie Woogie Bugal Boy Mr Sandman), who were popular USO girls themselves, Christina still pulls it off flawlessly. Easily the best pop video I’ve seen in a long while. Don’t show this one to Britney – it just may push her off the edge.

This video makes me feel like: What else? Eat lollipops, dress in drag, and swing dance

Click here for Candyman

Also check out GAY.COM’s 2006 interview with Christina

Beyonce + Shakira – Beautiful Liar

Strut! Roll! Bounce! Beyonce and Shakira buddy up and morph into one! This one is sure to be an instant hit at the gay discos – and simultaneously provides ample masturbation material for straight boys. Beyonce explains, “"It basically talks about two women; the same guy is trying to get at both of them but instead of them fighting, they’re saying, ‘He’s a beautiful liar, let’s not fight, let’s stick together – forget him!’

So deep! You wouldn’t predict a duet between the two would work, but their voices compliment each other surprisingly well. But that said, this collaboration is about T&A and since both somewhat lack in the chest department – it’s instead about H&A (Hips and Arse) which they work damn hard. Mmmhmm. It reminds me a bit of Flashdance.

This video makes me feel like: Stripping to a thong, jumping in a puddle of mud, and interpretive dancing. And… doing 700 crunches.

Click here for Beautiful Liar

The Rubettes – Sugar Baby Love

No, this isn’t a music video – but this French gay safe-sex cartoon, using the 1974 UK number one as a soundtrack, may as well be - as it has given the song a lovely new dimension. Following the quest of a gay boy in his search for love – this condom advocating animation is by far the most creative and effective sex-safe campaign I’ve ever come across. Directed by Wilfred Brimo and released by the NGO AIDES, condoms never looked so good.

This video makes me feel like: having safe sex!

Click here to watch!

Loggerheads

2007-07-30T03:47:00.000-07:00

27/2/07

Sensitively acted and subtle in approach, Loggerheads defies the nightmarishly camp tradition of gay drama

Far too often gay dramas cross a very fine line into cringe-worthy territory, inspiring jeers instead of tears. The combination of melodrama, a barrage of humourless stereotypes, vapid characters can turn a potentially moving piece of film into a camp nightmare.

Case in point: Latter Days, a ‘drama’ about a closeted Mormon boy who falls in love with an LA party boy is laughably bad, despite boasting some desperate entertainment value. Forcibly worthy when the Mormon boy sobs as he’s smacked by his fiercely homophobic mother - it’s impossible not to laugh. Dark comedy But I’m a Cheerleader is a far better, and wittier portrayal of ritualistic reparative therapy.

Tim Kirkman's Loggerheads defies this gay cinematic tradition, and approaches emotionally overwhelming circumstances in an understated, non-obtrusive way.

The multi-narrative Loggerheads seamlessly tackles HIV, adoption, fundamentalist Christians, and even manages to pull off a love story. At first glace it seems like a perfect recipe for superfluous disaster. However, its non-prescriptive script, sensitively acted characters, and blissful cinematography yield something nearly as touching as Brokeback Mountain.

Loggerheads follows the story of an aimless drifter Mark, played by an impeccable Kip Pardue, whose fascination with Loggerhead turtles, draws him to seaside village of Kure Beach. As he searches for the endangered species, he quickly draws the attention of curious locals.

Meanwhile, a devout Christian couple become increasingly sceptical of their gay neighbours, and in another narrative, a suicidal woman (played by the fantastic, yet underrated Bonnie Hunt) investigates the whereabouts of a child she gave up for adoption 25 years prior.

Upon closer examination the plot, perhaps the emotional effectiveness of a drama can be measured in line with its broader themes, widening the intended audience. In the case of Loggerheads, it appeals to universal emotions – felt by Christians and gay people alike. I could easily watch it with my mother. Latter Days, not so much.

Gay movies also tend to be concentrated in large cities with established gay communities and larger-than-life characters, so a change to the rural setting – where non-closeted gays are relatively rare- adds a rich dimension to the story as well as a picturesque locale.

Also impressive is the non-preachy way the director was able to humanise devout religious people to a gay audience. It sounds simple enough, but at a time when every other news headline is about the Pope condemning homosexuality, it’s easy for us to react by conversely condemning all Christians, easily dismissing our own religious upbringing as destructive and hateful. I’ve certainly guilty of this – as I suppose many other are.

If I had any criticism it would be that Loggerheads, akin to the turtles, is a bit on the slow side. Hopefully that doesn’t distract too many as the emotional impact is a powerful one.

Before you head off into the gay film festival circuit - London’s Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is quickly approaching – be sure to check out Loggerheads on DVD.

My rating? 4/5 stars

A Friend of Dorothy

2007-07-30T03:45:00.000-07:00

Rufus Wainwright's ambitious take on Judy Garland's definitive concert proves a triumphant success

Among other defining gay rites of passage - fumbling over first kisses, coming out to hysterical parents, crying a the disco, enduring filthy evenings at your local afterhours – lies the greatest love of all : expressing gratitude and respect to the greatest of gay icons, Judy Garland.

Myself a late bloomer, I didn’t discover Judy Garland until three years ago when I fell for a raging Judy Garland addict. Since then I’ve been forced to endure hours of movie musicals, documentaries, interviews, made-for-TV movies, and preaching lectures about MGM’s super-starlet, which has left me with an undeniable impression: Judy is God.

And if she isn’t, a devout gay cult certainly believes so.

And she was apparently never godlier than when she defied all odds in 1961 and delivered the ultimate comeback gig at New York’s Carnegie Hall. "You're all simply divine!" she cried to her adoring audience.

So naturally, news of singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright's ambitious plans to cover this definitive moment in gay history was met with as much skepticism as excitement. Despite obvious good intentions, how could he possibly avoid the pitfalls of camp pastiche?

But succeed and soar he did, to the glee of a highly appreciative audience. Backed up by an equally impressive 30-piece orchestra led by a handsome young conductor Stephen Oremeus, Mr Wainright managed to leave his ego at the door, and devote himself fully - not only to Judy - but also to the fantastic showtune standards by the likes of Rogers and Hart, Lerner and Loewe, Gershwin and others.

Gloriously transcending generations, Rufus thoroughly satisfied musically as he effortlessly crooned through tune after tune. His distinctive smokey voice, a far cry from Judy’s, was consistently interesting to listen to – and relaxed more than usual when singing uptempo. I often turned to look at my little Judy addict, who never withdrew a foolish grin.

It was as if Judy’s spirit had somehow taken over the body of this 33-year-old gay man who paradoxically managed to invoke her, without losing his own persona. A bit awkwardly theatrical, Rufus tried his best at jazz hands and making the occasional funny faces.

But he was able to pull it off because he never lost his sense of humour. As he opened with “When you’re smiling”, he interrupted himself, clearly shocked as his own ambition and asked, “What am I doing?"

Thankfully, we laughed with him, and on he sailed.

Like Judy, he chatted with the audience between songs, and unlike many artists who aren’t capable of candid banter, he was endearingly natural. Rufus relayed how much he loved the Wizard of Oz, how his father grew up with Liza, and how he dressed in his mothers clothes. It was really quite remarkable how well the show gave you a taste of what it must have been like in 1961.

Rufus was also joined onstage – in an emotional moment – by his sister Martha, who confessed how proud she was. Seemingly touched, he laughed off her compliment and blamed it on "jetlag". She then treated the audience to a tender rendition of “Someone to Watch over me”.

And if it couldn’t get any better, Rufus launched into the show-stopping " Trolley Song", adding an impromptu interpretive dance. By this point, the grannies and gays were bouncing in their seats. Suddenly, out from the wings burst the deliciously camp Lorna Luft, Judy's daughter, eliciting an audible sigh of chaotic delirium. ( I must admit, I didn't know who she was until the Judy addict quickly informed me).

She thanked Rufus for his appreciation of her mother's work before belting out “I could go on singing”, which she probably wanted to do, but was gracious enough to hand it back to the worthy star.

With a refreshingly original concept from a modern pop star, Rufus has made an significant gesture to the memory of Saint Judy, celebrating a rich body of work in a show that was full of heart.

At the after show reception, a representative from Cruisaid made a passionate speech thanking Rufus for the generous contribution raised from proceeds of the concert and reminded us that their work to support people living with HIV/AIDS in poverty was far from over.

There is a repeat performance at L’Olympia in Paris this week and again on Sunday, 25th of February, at the London Palladium. Rufus, as Judy, is the “must see” event of the winter.

For tickets call 08700 400 046 or 020 7539 3884.

Introducing...Madame Nawazish Ali!

2007-07-30T03:41:00.000-07:00

Pakistan's answer to Dame Edna is queen of the late night TV

Pakistan’s conservative landscape has embraced a shockingly progressive late night TV show, hosted by drag queen Begum (meaning Madame) Nawazish Ali.

The remarkably classy character (a drag Shilpa?), glamorous aristocrat widow of an army colonel, Begum Nawazish Ali has gained notoriety through scandelous monologues and an assertive way of interacting with her guests, who include top-notch Pakistani celebrities and politicians,

Played by actor 28-year-old Ali Saleem, the risqué entertainment has quickly become the most popular TV late night show in the Muslim country.

"Some people compare her to Dame Edna's character on British television," Saleem told NBC’s Worldblog, "but Begum Nawazish Ali is much too sophisticated to ever be that crude."

If she’s not crude, she’s certainly suggestive as the character has raised eyebrows for the way she invasively questions and flirts with her male guests – not exactly your archetypal behaviour from a good Muslim woman.

However, even the country’s religious leaders have appeared undisturbed, and even amused by the drag queen’s natural manner.

"We couldn't convince [head of a Muslim political party] Qazi Hussain Ahmed to come on the show," said Saleem. "But he was very good-natured about it. He praised the Begum and said he would rather just watch the show on television."

Ali even nonchalantly addressed his sexuality in the interview, another shocking confession for a public figure in Pakistan – or better yet, a shocking confession of any public figure.

"I am happy to openly accept my bisexuality because it does justice to the man in me and the woman in me," says Ali. He also said Begum has "only received love, adoration and respect, never anything evenly remotely negative."

Clearly empowered, Ali told worldblog "I want to be the voice of the youth and for all of Pakistan. The idea was always to break barriers and preconceived notions, of gender, identity, celebrity and politics and to bring people closer. In any case, I think Begum Nawazish Ali is the strongest woman in Pakistan!"

Click here to watch an exerpt from the show, where Begum interviews a panel of guests discussing Lollywood, Pakistan's second-rate, Bollywood-aspiring film industry

The Gay Book Wish List

2007-07-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

Leave a few gifts till the last minute? Check out GAY.COM's pick of the hottest books this season!

If you're like me, you routinely leave things till the last minute.

Getting Christmas gifts is no exception to the rule. Although a part of you may find it thrilling to rush through voracious "Christmas cunts' (as we affectionately call them in the office), another part of you is questioning your sanity - and hysterical.

But do not worry, there is hope! Thankfully bookstores are relatively easy to navigate. And Amazon, where you can get quality books delivered promptly, has made gift-buying even easier.

So in the spirit of tardiness, here is our gay book wish list.

Butt Book: The Best of the First 5 Years of "Butt" - Adventures in 21st Century Gay Subculture

The underground, indie gay mag Butt has been around for only five years, but this compilation will most likely be a hit with most semi-intellectual gays. It consistently steps outside the spectrum of your average gay glossy, and is quite satisfying in its quirky and ironic appreciation of the anti-cliché. Also, it cleverly manages to connect fashion, sex, and art in a way that is worldly – often unveiling up-and-coming gay talent before it gets noticed by the wider gay media. My personal favourite: a candid, kinky photo shoot of a young Jason Sellards (aka Jake Shears) before the Scissor Scissors took off, accompanied by raunchy testimonials of former tricks.

Wall and Piece, By Banksy

Who is she, you ask? Well you might as well have been living under a rock if you haven't heard of the shenanigans of this controversial pop artist, with work littered all over London (and all over the world) like Easter eggs. Open your eyes: you'll see his work. The graffiti artist from Bristol has been called a prankster – somehow managing to mysteriously keep his identity hidden while creating graffiti/stencilling masterpieces, predictably drawing ire from conservative types who have accused him of vandalism. His public work, featured in Wall and Piece, often political and subversive. Notable imagery includes: gay police officers kissing, monkeys with WMDs, and children digging a hole (on a wall between Israel and Palestine). Provocative and funny, Banksy is a modern sensation.

Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins

Stewart Who, although initially sceptical, has this to say about the lastest gay celebrity bio: "There’s been an impressively consistent trickle of hype surrounding Rupert Everett’s ‘Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins’. For once, it seems the fuss is entirely justified. While the juicy tome took some time to charm this particular reader, by the final page, Everett’s autobiography could only be declared a triumph.‘Red Carpets…’ outshines the competition through the simple fact that Everett’s a decent writer. His authorial voice is exactly what one expects; snotty, careworn, witty and well-educated. Nobody else could write this book, because nobody else has lived anything like this life."

Gay Life and Culture: A World History

For all the history buffs, Editor Robert Aldrich has successfully taken on the ambitious attempt to create a comprehensive and fascinating gay history. From Theocritus' verses to Queer as Folk, from the berdaches of North America to the boy - wives of Aboriginal Australia, this extraordinarily book illustrates both the commonality of love and lust, and the various ways in which such desires have been constructed through the ages

Berlin Gay Mates

For a bit of cheeky fun, there’s Karim Konrad’s buoyant picture book, featuring a bevy of Berlin’s boisterous boys…Karim surrounds his beautiful models with candy, toys, donuts, unafraid to frame his butch men with feminine delights. Reminiscent of La Chappelle's buoyant use of colour and sass, Berlin Gay Mates is fun fun fun.

Free Press: Underground & Alternative Publications, 1965-1975

This new book revisits the underground press’s golden age- pre-gay liberation. The flowering gay press of the time was combined with those burgeoning minority voices - feminists, hippies, punks, avant-garde artists , and black power activists. The result is a vivid window into a seemingly undocumented part of queer history – complete with psychedelic imagery, gritty reporting, newspaper cut-outs encompassing the mood of a restless generation.

What would Barbara do?

2007-07-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

24/1/07

Can musicals change your life? The Guardian’s Emily Brockes faces the critics in this quirky and candid read.

Everyone has guilty pleasures, secret passions that aren’t always respectable or socially acceptable. Whether it be a generally reviled pop act or a ‘socially irresponsible’ reality show (Big Brother fan till death!), most of us will go through a process of justifying it – against those who disagree, and coming to terms with it.

My guilty pleasure? Musicals.

Thankfully, an affinity for musicals is generally embraced by the larger gay community. But this is not always the case. I nearly fell out with a close friend on a trip to Berlin because he refused to watch West Side Story on stage sung in German, dubbing it “not art” to my shock and horror.

And even in an office full of gays. I sense an entire room roll their eyes if I admit how much I loved the stage production of Mary Poppins.

However in non-gay circles, I admit a resistance to ‘coming out’ about musical theatre appreciation. My adoration for Liza Minelli isn’t something I openly talk to my builder about.

For those who have this embarrassing affinity toward musicals, Emily Brockes’ What would Barbara Do? How musical can change your life is just what the doctor ordered, and though vaguely unorganised, is full of often laugh-out-loud anecdotes and uninhibited honestly.

Candid and humourous, the Guardian journalist Brockes examines the bizarre and camp appeal of movies musicals – from the holy The Sound of Music to the atrocious Xanadu (Tragically, Olivia Newton John’s comeback film after Grease unfavourably won Brockes recognition for Worst Musical of All Time)

For a passion that’s often difficult to put into words, Brockes manages to touch on socio-cultural contexts of musicals, without sounding too academic, relishing in the kitchy sentimental quality of them. Unlike most books about musicals, which lack a sense of humor, she cleverly touches on how people who love musicals also love to make fun of them. Half the fun of watching the Sound of Music, for example, is mocking how sincere the characters want to be.

Liesel: Look, Fräulein Maria-- I mean Mother. Mother? That sounds so nice.
I like calling you "Mother.
Maria:I like hearing it.
Liesel: You love Father very much. I can tell you do.
Maria: Very much.
Liesel: Mother, what do you do when you think you love someone?
I mean, when you stop loving someone or he stops loving you?
Maria: Well, you cry a little.
Then you wait for the sun to come out.
It always does.
Maria: There are so many things I think I should know but I don't.

From this, you may be able to imagine the conversation that would take place if Maria were to, perhaps, explain the Birds and the Bees to naïve Liesel, or the importance of abstinence.

Brocke’s tone is refreshingly easy to identify with; so much so that while reading it, I almost felt like it was written for me personally. She goes through a phase of considering musical addiction as a foible, drawing disapproval from her peers. Men in her life are consistently baffled by her showtune appreciation. She admits that she loves musicals, but at the same time has been embarrassed or required to apoligise for this – in some circles – tasteless and classless art form.

Quite rare to find a brit study, since musical theatre is widely considered the American art form and hence her continuous apologising. However her style is engaging, and I would in all sincerity recommend it to all musical lovers. Especially gay ones as she elaborates on all musical theatre gay icons including Babs, Judy, Liza, Ethel, Carol Channing, Bernadette, Esther Williams, the list goes on.

However, where Brocke’s succeeds in her sincere delivery, she loses footing a bit with her somewhat haphazard organisation – carelessly linking sometimes disconnected events – and when she runs out of things to say about a particular musical, she launches into dry plot summary.

That said, there is a surprising emotional core to the book that involves her relationship with Mum, who introduced her to musicals, which in a way makes sense of all Brocke’s lighthearted rambling, giving the work deeper personal significance.

So, can musicals change your life? Yes.

Hey Mika!

2007-07-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

21/1/07

Oh Mika you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind!

If Rufus made you sigh, and Jake made you dance, Mika is gonna make you squeal! Pop’s new saviour has arrived in the form of a beautifully ebullient, brown-eyed boy: Mika.

The newest addition to a long and proud tradition of flamboyantly joyful musical geniuses originally hails from Lebanon. Raised in Paris and then in London, Mika spent an awkward childhood inevitably turning to music.

Even as a child he began writing songs “not because of grand ambitions but because it was an easy way to tell a story, a joke and often the truth,” he says in his Myspace profile.

Besides the obvious comparison to the Scissor Sisters, the enormously talented 23-year-old – most notably has been compared to late and great Freddie Mercury. Just as Elton has channelled attention and energy to Jake Shears - if Freddie were alive, he'd probably do the same with Mika.

To be entirely honest, his press pictures don’t really do him justice, making him look a bit more grown-up than he actually appears to be. Witness to a last night's acoustic gig at the ever-trendy The Reindeer, I can tell you that he’s a bit lanky, a bit clowny, definitely a bit gay, and unapologetically joyful.

His superfluous, charmingly juvenile energy is incredibly hard to resist. That, however, doesn't undermine his well-crafted, ironic songwriting - in particular, the noteworthy Billy Brown, a simple and sweet narrative of a married man "who falls in love with another man".

His first album Life in Cartoon Motion will be released by Casablanca Records in early 2007, and the word on the young musician – which probably owes itself greatly to the magic that is Myspace - is quickly snowballing.

After going to his recent gig, it was made abundantly clear that Mika is no passing trend. He already has a savage groupie following – which I now am proudly a part of (even to the point of nicking a Mika poster).

Refreshingly original, yet strikingly familiar, Mika is gonna be big.

Don't miss his biggest gig to date in Camden's Koko, on February 22nd.

Colloquial Cazwell

2007-07-30T03:18:00.000-07:00

29/11/06

Hot gay rapper Cazwell talks about the unspoken rules of hip hop, the boys he likes, and - of course - sexy disco, rhythm and rhyme

Cazwell - the next gay ‘It’ boy - is guaranteed to get heads turnin’ and jaws droppin’ next month with the release of his debut album – Get Into It. Already the next big thing in the states and a hit on the NY downtown club circuit, Cazwell’s dirty boy appeal is hard to resist. Cheeky and foul-mouthed, this unapologetic “arse-eating cannibal” delights with catchy electro-tinted hip hop beats and witty raunchy repartee. The video for his first single, All Over Your Face, banned from MTV for its explicit content, has quickly become a YouTube sensation with nearly 100,000 views. In a candid interview with GAY.COM Cazwell tells us about the boys he likes, the unspoken rules of hip hop, and - of course - sexy disco, rhythm and rhyme.

So how did you end up as a white gay New York rapper?

Well I was born white and gay, so that part was easy. I honestly only started rapping because I can’t sing (laughs). I knew my medium was music so if I had some kind of fantastic singing voice maybe I would have gone in a different direction. The more I started rappin' the more creative I got. But I consider myself just an all around artist more than just a rapper.

I’ve heard you’ve been filming a new video for your single Watch My Mouth. How did that go?

Well, it was pretty hectic. We shot it at Boysroom in the East Village while they were opened, so it was hard to get the lights right. The premise is psychelic club scene stuff .There's really no story like in All Over Your Face.

I loved All Over Your Face. It’s done really well on YouTube.

Yeah, thank God since I can’t get it on TV! But it was a lot of fun to make. It was going to have a documentary feel to it so we didn’t have to worry about lighting. I wanted it to have kind of a Andy Warhol movie feel too.

That’s sucks you can’t get it on TV.

Well no matter how much I sensor it – it is what it is; a song about jizz on your face, and I can’t really hide that, but Watch My Mouth is gonna be rated G.

So how are your music and lyrics distinctive of the New York scene?

Well, the all around daily experience of living in New York kinda creates a whole vibe. I’m very lucky to be on West End Records because I have access to their music, and their disco hits have a very 70's gritty NY sound. Very sexy disco with live instumentation. I try to show the whole downtown scene that I’m part of, in the videos. Club life people carry a very superstar appeal. I love it.

So what’s your take on the London scene. How does it compare to New York’s?

Unfortunately, I was only out there for less than a week but i had a blast. I think it’s very similar to New York. You guys have your crazy freaks like Yr Mum Yr Dad, the really good dj's and of course – the parties. It was also Fashion Week in London when I was there, so maybe that made it a little more crazy. I played at Family, which i hear is now Boombox and at the Ghetto for The Cock party. The kids are a hot mix.

So the girls wanna know..do you have a boyfriend? If not, what do u look for? Are you strictly dickly?

I don’t have a boyfriend. I like a guy that smiles and I like brown eyes. As far as boyfriends go I’m more attracted to guys that are artists. Hmm.. I’m really trying to answer this question with alot of thought. (Pause)…I’m very particular even when it comes to hookups. I probably don’t hook up as often as you think. i have alot of dry spells. I would probably have a hard time dating a heavy smoker or a bad tipper. I dated a smoker before and I never wanted to kiss him.

That will disappoint the smokers.

Maybe that would inspire them to quit. I hear it causes cancer.

Alright. Another tangent. What happened to electroclash?

Good question. I have my own theories. It still exists in some music and it kind of morphed into dance music. I think that alot of critics didnt think that "electroclash" artists were very talented. I had a hard time figuring out what electroclash was and wasn’t sometimes. But it was a more experimental time.

Who inspires you? Who would you like to collaborate with?

Man, that’s a tough one. I never get used to that question. I get inspired by different things at different times. I would say David Bowie is a big inspiration, Beastie Boys, I listen to alot of oldies too like The Ronnettes and The Supremes. I love that sound. I listen to the WestEnd catalog non-stop. Right now my favorite record is The Gossip, Standing in the Way of Control. I would love to collaborate with them.

What did you like about the Beastie Boys?

I love MCA's voice. I liked the whole vibe and their sound was hiphop and punk

From a gay perspective hip-hop/rap are often thought of as being misogynist and homophobic, What's your take?

I don’t really consider myself hip-hop. If i did i would have to apply my life to the rules of hip-hop. The unspoken rule of hip hop is you can’t be a fag. You certainly can’t be an out fag. If you could, there would be more. I love the power of rhyme combined with music. If you think I’m hip hop that’s cool. If you don’t I can live with that.

You have been quoted as saying, "I want to make gay people cool again". What do you mean?

Well a lot of the gay people I know are very creative and trying to do something expressive, either with fashion or music and such. I think that gay people can have really good lives. I have straight friends that are totally envious of my lifestyle. For one sex is easy. Gay guys don't go through half the stress that straight guys go through just to get some pussy. The most mediocre lookin' gay sex addict can probably get more sex than a hot straight guy because we don’t have to play the same games that straights do just to get laid. Hell, we don’t even have to ask their name.

But back to your question....ultimately what I meant by that is that gay people know how to throw the best parties - with no drama or violence - and have the best time.

I really appreciate that answer. Favourite diva?

Madonna..shes the queen bee.

Omigod, yes, right answer. You just pushed my button. I know it’s cliché but I’m obsessed.

Well, I do love Madonnna. I don’t always love her music, but i love her because she is self-made. I believe that’s why shes so succussful and that inspires me.

Brooklyn or Manhatten?

I prefer the island. Manhattan. I live in the East Village.

And just one more to conclude. What is it about Amanda Lepore gets your creative juices flowing?

She has the most interesting life of anyone that I've ever met. And she's very open. I’m a Cancer and she's a Scorpio, so since we're both water signs we seem to flow pretty well.

And flow they do! Cazwell’s album – Get Into it – is out December 12th. Click here for his official website and here for his Myspace.

Defying gravity?

2007-07-30T03:15:00.000-07:00

17/10/06

Wicked has finally arrived. Is it worth the hype?

A few years back I stumbled on the Gregory Maguire bestseller Wicked, when the musical based on the book was in production. I wondered how this novel of a much darker, politicised Oz – pre-Dorothy – would translate to stage. It seemed like a dramatically over ambitious feat – especially while being pitched as a family musical, with its mature political overtones.

Wicked, however - first and foremost - is a massive, hypnotic, glittery spectacle. And fair enough, as a ‘prequel’ to The Wizard of Oz , we have high expectations of the magnificence of Oz.

Wicked, aesthetically, is utterly awe-inspiring. From the giant mechanical dragon framing the proscenium, to the recreation of the shimmery yellow brick road, Wicked is an acid trip, and a fantastic one at that.

It’s impossible not to ‘oooh’ and ‘ahhh’ at it, and the high flying Act 1 finale will leave you breathless.

The story begins with Elphaba, a misunderstood, yet highly talented green-skinned misfit, as she enters university. She unavoidably shares a room with none-other-than pampered, self-confident blond Glinda and despite initial hostilities with each other—the two girls form a tight bond.

As the friendship develops, the girls realise that ‘something bad is happening in Oz’. When faced with a crucial decision, morality kicks in and drives the girls in opposite directions; one chooses to be anti-establishment (guess which one?) while the other opts for fame and fortune.

Without delving into too much detail, at the heart of this story is a complex political allegory –sometimes simultaneously dealing with themes of racism, discrimination, propaganda, ethnic cleansing, and fascism.

The biggest problem with Wicked is that it’s so focussed on spectacle and efforts to please a broad audience, that even when it hints at the deeper themes, it doesn’t have enough time – or nerve, to actaully develop them. Instead, it insists on white-washing the story, making it less about politics, and more about the somewhat cringeworthy ‘sisterhood’ of these two women.

That said, there’s definitely a brain and heart there; it’s just a bit hard to see when you aren’t being blinded by bright emerald light.

The Wizard, for example, the clueless and self-proclaimed ‘hick’ ruler of Oz seems to allude to George Bush, while his henchmen eerily resemble those of the Third Reich. The story is also very clever in its approach to tie up all the loose ends of the Wizard of Oz ; explaining the siginifiance of the Ruby slippers, and how a tin man, a lion, and a scarecrow came to exist.

Wicked’s great strength, which complements the spectacle – lies in its leading ladies, Idina Menzel, who originated the role, and Helen Dallimore, who respectively play Elphaba and Glinda. They could't be better suited for the powerful female roles.

What’s especially interesting about Wicked is the rarity of two leading females in a musical, and the fact that the relationship and chemistry between the women is key to the story.

Menzel, Broadway royalty in her own right, originating roles in Rent and now Wicked, has entirely earned what is rumoured to be the highest paid West End female role to date.

She has lived and breathed the character of Elphaba since 2003 and her capacity to morph from a enthusiastic nerdy outcast to angry witch pop diva is simply astounding.

Likewise, Dallimore delights as the ebullient care-free blonde (strikingly similar to Big Brother’s Nikki), in her transformation to self-knowing esteemed public figure.

It’s interesting to watch these two characters grow into adults and lose their sense of optimism, and become disillusioned when faced with life’s inevitable complications.

Stephen Schwartz score and lyrics are pleasantly surprising. Although far from phenomenal, most tunes are memorable and without a doubt, teenage girls and show queens alike will flock to get a CD and sing along.

Highlights include a poignant and understated “I’m not that girl’ and the soaring pop ballad, “Defying gravity”, which is already the staple song of the show.

Expect Wicked to be around for the long haul.

To book, click here.

For general information, click here.

Perfectly Marvelous

2007-07-30T03:11:00.000-07:00

23/20/06

What good is sitting alone in your room? Come to the Cabaret!

In a season of over-the-top high-budget shows, the understated gem Cabaret should be at the top of your must-see list.

Cabaret successfully entertains, titillates, devastates, and questions its audience; an exceptionally rare recipe in today’s West End.

Cabaret opens in 1930s Berlin, a breeding ground of creative and sexual experimentation, just before the Nazi takeover.

The sinister Emcee, played by James Dreyfuss, narrates the journey of an American writer Clifford Bradshaw, played by a charmingly naïve Michael Hayden, who arrives at the Kit Kat Klub only to be quickly lured into its hypnotic world of decadence and debauchery.

Headlining the entertainment is the intentionally second-rate Sally Bowles, played by the well-cast – young Anna Maxwell Martin.

British director Rufus Norris’ interestingly departs from previous versions of the musical, dismissing any genuine attraction between Cliff and Sally, and instead brings them together as a desperate means for Cliff to hide his homosexuality, and for Sally to find shelter and escape the downward spiral as a cabaret singer, playing to an audience eager for her mediocrity.

But the real romance of Cabaret takes place entirely outside of the Kit Kat Klub with innkeeper Fraulein Shneider, played by the luminous Sheila Hancock, and Jewish fruit shop owner Herr Schultz, played by Geoffrey Hutchings.

Their delicate romance, framed by what is essentially a whore house, makes it that much more real.

Much of the music to this emotional core of the piece was cut from the 1972 film and hearing it restored, particularly the delightful Married, provides an earnest contrast to the Weil-esque songs of the Kit Kat Club. Indeed, Sheila Hancock’s performance reigns as the most memorable and heartfelt.

Kander and Ebbs’ score is utterly flawless; there isn’t a weak or misplaced song in the show.

The way the songs are integrated into the story, commenting on the action, is never contrived. This production highlights why Cabaret is regarded as one of the best musicals of all time.

Cabaret’s greatness also comes from its ability to appeal to different generations. Originally written and performed in the 60s, followed by the Oscar-winning 1972 film, and the widely successful 1994 Sam Mendez revival, Cabaret has successfully re-invented itself for a number of audiences and has a timeless quality.

Katrina Lindsay’s swift sliding door design collaborates seamlessly with Jean Kalman’s lurid lighting design, resulting in what is sometimes shocking, voyeuristic experience in a seedy backroom.

Javier De Frutos’ choreography brilliantly exemplifies the power of contemporary dance in its overtly sexual re-imagining of Fosse’s signature choreography.

In the same way that the lyrics of the title song Cabaret take on a totally different slant when sung by Sally upon her decision to have an abortion, De Frutos re-appropriates dance that at first suggests something erotic and later appears morbid and distorted. Cabaret is constantly surprising.

Anna Maxwell Martin, as Sally Bowles, is brilliant as the falsely confident, alcoholic lounge singer. It is her acting, rather than her singing voice, that will win you over.

Instead of impressing through a fantastic sounding Sally Bowles, instead we see a vulnerable young woman, who washes away self –doubt with whiskey and cocaine, which of course fuels her self doubt even more.

Even though at time we hope that she will break through, or masterfully reach a high note and belt it – she never quite gets there, nor is it in her character to get to that point. When she sings, “Maybe this time I’ll win”, we sadly know she won’t.

The most amazing aspect of this production is the collaboration of the creative forces; the direction, the design, the dance, the music, the acting they all combine fluidly in complete and satisfying piece of provocative art.

The subtlety is essentially what makes it work. As with so many musicals which try and force emotions onto its audience, Norris’s Cabaret leaves quite a bit to the imagination making the end result even that more unsettling and haunting.

Cabaret
Lyric Theatre
Shaftesbury Ave, London W1
Performances begin 10 October 2006

Click here to buy tickets.

The Devil wears...

2007-07-30T03:05:00.000-07:00

9/10/06

Primark. Prada, it ain't! Even La Streep can't save this mess.

It’s a bit hard to swallow the notion that The Devil Wears Prada is a biting satire.

This best-seller turned Hollywood-blockbuster is sharply-produced but ultimately fails to ridicule the fashion world as hoped.

Instead, this film is nothing more than a cliché-filled 2-hour episode of Sex and the City, minus the humour. It makes no apology in its blatant promotion of the fashion world, a vicious realm that it unconvincingly sets out to denigrate.

The film is headlined by the genuinely frightening Meryl Streep, who plays Runway front-woman Miranda Preistley aka The Devil. The routinely impressive Streep may be the only reason to see this; she’s spot on in her performance as the cold-blooded editor from hell. However, her relentless malevolence is so intense at times, that it may make you feel physically ill.

Perhaps that's the intention, but it distracts from any pleasure of seeing this usually pleasure-to-watch actress.

While Streep turns out a memorable performance, the film is too caught up in trying to amuse its’ target audience (apparently sadistic teenage girls). The endless, unfunny quips about eating disorders and unacceptable dress sizes are too glib to actually yield anything interesting or original.

The problem is that the film is just as aggressive as its unlikeable one-dimensional characters – and apart from a promising opening sequence – it sadly falls flat.

Anne Hathaway has been unfortunately type-cast as the ugly duckling Andy, who ‘accidently’ ends up applying for the high-profile position as Miranda Priestley’s second assistant (“a positon most girls would die for”).

Predictably, she transforms into a workaholic, self-centred Miranda clone- complete with beautiful hair, hips, and heels.

Right on time, she becomes aware of the nasty metamophosis and her moral conscience kicks in…and you can guess the rest. This formula was best done in Heathers, only to be imitated by the Mean Girls, and now this mess.

And of course, every bitch has a soft side. Cue the bad music and the fake smiles. Forced efforts to make you feel sympathy for Miranda’s sarcastic, nasty minions, played by Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt, may also make you wretch.

Only Streep pulls off a scene of mild vulnerability…but then again, since when should we feel sympathy for The Devil?

Obviously I felt pressured to like the movie, especially with La Streep in modus high camp but a combination of nauseous characters, cheesy music and a poorly written screenplay proved far too much. I’m still frustrated I didn’t walk out earlier.

If you’d like to watch a real parody of the fashion world, I highly recommend watching Funny Face (1957), with the most deliciously camp opening number "Think Pink.”

Muslims slam Freddie Mercury party

2007-07-30T02:55:00.000-07:00

30/8/06

A Zanzibar celebration of Freddie Mercury has been condemned by local conservative Muslims.

A Zanzibar celebration to commemorate what would have been the 60th birthday of the African island's most famous native, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury - has come under condemnation of local conservative Muslims.

A Zanzibari Muslim group has complained that the gay singer’s flamboyant lifestyle offended Islam, brought shame upon the island, and therefore, a celebration must be stopped.

"Associating Mercury with Zanzibar degrades our island as a place of Islam," the island's Association for Islamic Mobilisation and Propagation said in a letter to the Tanzanian archipelago's culture ministry

"Allowing such a function for a person known outside Zanzibar as a homosexual tarnishes the name of Zanzibar," the letter continued.

Event organiser Simai Mohamed Saidi, who runs restaurant and club "Mercury's" on the waterfront, said he would go ahead with the party on September 2nd despite the complaint.

He defended the world-famous rock star, who died of AIDS complications in 1991, and suggested that he would launch a counter-drive and speak with officials about promoting Mercury's link with Zanzibar to promote tourism.

Zanzibar remains to be a popular tourist destination for gays from South Africa, despite oppressive laws against homosexuality.

The finale!

2007-07-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Those we thought would emerge victorious might not be so lucky. Who should win Big Brother 7?!

Alas, the day has come! From Horse-face Grace dumping water on Susie to Nikki’s never-ending fits to Richard and Michael’s bitch war – this summers BB has failed to disappoint. And especially in the final week, those we thought would emerge victorious might not be so lucky.

As Big Brother 7 rapidly approaches the end, I decided to let everyone in on who I think should win – and it what order.

Jennie

I don’t really have anything against Jennie per se, and even though I think I’d personally get along with her—Big Brother hasn’t portrayed the youngin’ in a particularly interesting light. Real, yet whiny, Jennie is lucky to be in the last five. She’ll be first out.

Nikki

Nikki’s original eviction was pretty close to perfect. She didn’t know what to expect, she didn’t know that the public found her tantrums so incredibly entertaining… she just didn’t know anything - that’s why we loved her. The eviction enhanced my appreciation for her – so drama! However..and that’s a BIG however, for any other reason but to confess her love for Pete – she doesn’t serve a purpose anymore. She now knows how utterly famous she is, how she can get away with being a child, she knows Pete will believe everything she says. Those tantrums that would make me scream will laughter, I now find irritating. It’s like Nikki has channelled the spirit of Grace (is that what fame does?) and is turning into her own version of Lady Macbeth, dragging Pete out of the Most Likely to Win spot. Fifth place.

Richard

Girlfriend’s come a long way. I originally said Richard was “devoid of charm or intelligence, brimming with vanity. And seems to attract attention by perpetuating gay stereotypes.” I know some people still feel this way, but I have to respect Richard for staying as level headed as he did – I certainly would have lost it. Managing to be a somewhat paternal and diplomat figure in the house, Richard also had his moments of vulnerability—like when he got teary listening to the letter of his cancer-stricken mother. I did appreciate that. I hope Richard does well, but not that well. Something tells me he’ll lose all charm when the fame hits him. Fourth place.

Glyn

Sweet simple Welsh Glyn has done his momma proud. I get happy when he speaks Welsh and when he does that goofy laugh. Is that unreasonable? There doesn’t seem to be a mean bone in his body – although it was upsetting that he was so defensive of horse –face Grace. And although he probably often fantasised about Aisleyne sitting on his face, he always treated her like a lady. Nice lad. Third place.

Pete

I don’t know many people who didn’t fall for Pete at some point or another. I never was that convinced. Is it wrong to say I think Pete was boring? It was vaguely entertaining watching all the ladies fight over him. I was amused by palpable discomfort when Leah confessed her love. And then came his anti-climatic reunion with Nikki..i did care, but when after they kissed, I was over it. And just this week, Mr least-likely-to-have-an-ego – actually has one! He lost my vote when he told Richard about that ridiculous dream where his friend told him he was going to win. Is he suddenly Jesus?? No, he’s not. I’m not happy about it, but he should come second.

And the winner is…(I hope)…

Aisleyne

What is there really to like about Aisleyne? Was it her moping, her paranoia, her appreciation for warm milk? She had the biggest character arch; she emerged from that box- a sassy, hard-talking, antithesis to Grace. Since then she’s befriended her enemies (including Imogen who admitted she’d be friends with Aisleyne over Grace) and she’s just been …real, innit? I can identify with her. She seems to understand her own complexities, and she’s self evaluating and somewhat vulnerable. At the same time, Aisleyne is one of the stronger characters and will speak up about bullshit. She gets my vote for the win.

Happy viewing!

In Madonna We trust

2007-07-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

I didn’t realise it at the time, but at the supple age of 10, Madonna helped cement my gayness. Growing up, I was relatively quiet, shy, subdued. I was always very well-behaved. That was...until Vogue.

Something about Vogue really struck a chord me..I learned the lyrics immediately. I constantly had to Vogue, and couldn’t really stop. I lost control. It quickly became a problem , and on one occasion I even Vogued during a lesson – and my teacher demanded I stopped dancing.

I responded, “ I’m not dancing! I’m Vogue-ing. Strike a pose!”

Which of course, I did. The classroom went silent. I was officially a homo and a Madonna- addict, and I’ve been a devout follower ever since.

Today, Madonna is an incredible 48 - and tonight marks her final Confessions show in London.

She’s at the top of her game, she looks incredible…her dancing, her look, her attitude – I find it utterly spellbinding. She is the face of eternal youth. And if you are like me, you are thinking ‘How will she top this? What will she do next? Is there anything she can’t do? Will it measure up?’

Of course it will. She’s been producing music for more than two decades, only taking breaks to have babies. I’m a little bit embarrassed to say - but at this point, I love everything she does. She can do no wrong.

Honestly, she’s kind of God-like to me, and I enjoy worshiping her. I easily check Madonnalicious five times a day. Spank me.

I even daydream about what her life was like—living as a struggling artist in New York, losing her mother so young, becoming ridiculously famous in a small amount of time, knowing people literally worship her. And of course there are the Madonna dreams..at least one a week.

Is it mental sickness? Perhaps. But my admiration is not purely an infatuation.

Madonna is intelligent, she is political, a champion for the gays, a feminist, an innovator, and someone who stands up against the establishment.

In spite of the fact that she embodies the whole rags to riches ‘American Dream’ concept, she still steps out of herself and critiques it – the way no other American pop act – especially a woman – has dared to do.

And she’s done it from the beginning.

And just last week, after upsetting religious leaders with her now-famous rendition of Live to Tell, staging a mock-crucifixion, Madonna arrived in Rome (I was lucky enough to attend). She even sent out an invite to the Pope.

Born a Catholic, she’s always been one to relish in blasphemy – which I think a lot of us can appreciate.

The efforts to excommunicate her, the monitor her, to criticise her ‘disgusting’ disregard for Christian beliefs – only really serve to enhance her celebrity and essentially sell more concert tickets.

And besides the crucifix that people can’t seem to get enough of, she also performs Forbidden Love alongside dancers with the Star of David and the crescent moon painted on their bodies.…and the performance of Isaac features a burka-clad female dancer…trapped in a cage who subsequently removes her burka – which I would say was my personal emotional highlight.

So they say Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders are all up in arms about Madonna?

As far as I’m concerned, that’s when you know you are doing something right.

For all the groveling Condoleezza Rices and Margaret Becketts in the world, aren’t you glad we have Madonna?

Death becomes her

2007-07-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

15/8/06

Volver: Almodóvar’s fantastic new film, a darkly-comic tale of death in La Mancha.

In his latest film Volver acclaimed Spanish director Almodóvar changes landscape, taking a break from scandal–ridden urban tales of coke-snorting trannies and paedophile priests (Bad Education), HIV-infected pregnant nuns (All About My Mother), and sexually ambiguous men into necrophilia (Talk to Her).

He takes us out of the frenetic city and into the idyllic country - a place which can often be more frightening for some city-bred queens - for fleshy tale of life and death in his native region of La Mancha.

Despite the location change, most elements of a signature Almodóvar film remain intact (with the exception of gratuitous male nudity and gay sex). Volver is as darkly comic and surreal as ever.

He effortlessly combines humour, drama, mystery in a story about a dead mother who revisits the living to patch up old wounds…and have a bit of fun along the way.

Volver has a particularly visceral, yet subdued aesthetic – and is less flashy than his previous films.

Opening on a rural cemetery where elderly women furiously scrub, restore, and decorate tombstones, the film immediately establishes the central theme of death and of the influence the dead have on the living. The dead don’t die, and according to rampant superstitions – sometimes they walk among us.

But Volver is no ghost story - and far from morbid. Volver, essentially, is a film about the family; and it this case, a family of women.

One of Almodóvar’s greatest talent seems to be his ability evoke real appreciation and celebration of women, despite their innate complexities. His characters can commit murder – yet we will still identify with them and appreciate their humanity.

Leading an ensemble of perfectly-cast, well-groomed actresses is the ravishing Penelope Cruz, who stars as the soulful young mother Raimunda, giving the performance of her career.

Some seem quick to criticise her. Perhaps the atrocious film Captain Correlli’s Mandolin can be blamed, but with Volver she redeems herself entirely. We even forgive her for that ridiculous affair with Tom Crazy. And as a spectator, you can really sense an intimate relationship with her director.

Almodóvar, himself, admits fascination with the actress. He explains, “Penelope is at the height of her beauty. It’s a cliché but in her case it’s true. Those eyes, her neck, her shoulders, her breasts! Penelope has got one of the most spectacular cleavages in world cinema.”

Indeed she does. And she has fantastic energy- and an intuitive vulnerability. In one scene, she scrambles around town collecting food to feed her restaurant, and the image of her: struggling, stressing, sweating – is utterly sexy. Not many can pull off that look. Volver is worth seeing - if just to watch Penelope Cruz.

Although Volver may represent one of Almodóvar’s more conventional works, it is, nonetheless, an entirely gratifying piece and perhaps hits a bit closer to home for the audacious director. With summer cinema full of brainless blockbusters it would be a mistake to miss it.

Volver opens nationwide on August 25th.

Click here to watch the trailer

‘N Sync boybander: "I'm gay"

2007-07-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

26/7/06

Boybander Lance Bass of ‘N Sync, has officially come out of the closet.

In an interview with People magazine, Bass declared: ”I’m gay”.

For months bloggers have speculated about and ridiculed the pop star’s sexuality, posting pictures of Bass, 27, together with his current beau, reality TV star Reichen Lehmkuhl, 32, of Amazing Race, who started seeing each other earlier this year.

Gossip queen Perez Hilton even posted pictures of the boys on separate occasions, wearing each others clothes – sharing everything from t-shirts to a pair of jeans.

Prompted by the rumours, Lance Bass went to the popular magazine to tell his story.

"I knew that I was in this popular band and I had four other guys' careers in my hand, and I knew that if I ever acted on it or even said (that I was gay), it would overpower everything," Bass told People.

"I didn’t know: Could that be the end of ’N Sync? So I had that weight on me of like, ‘Wow, if I ever let anyone know, it's bad.' So I just never did.”

Earlier this month, when pictures of the Lance and Reichen appeared together in a Provincetown gay bar, the Washington Blade reported that Bass had been outed.

"If privacy is what Lance wants, that's something that's easy to have," Kevin Naff, managing editor of the Washington Blade. "But if you're Lance Bass, and you're going to the gayest town on the gayest day of the year and going to gay parties, you have to expect something."

Bass explained he came out because the rumours “really were starting to affect [his] daily life”.

“Now it feels like it's on my terms. I'm at peace with my family, my friends, myself and God so there's really nothing else that I worry about."

"The thing is, I’m not ashamed – that’s the one thing I want to say."

"I don't think it's wrong, I'm not devastated going through this. I'm more liberated and happy than I’ve been my whole life. I'm just happy."

Last week Darren Hayes, ex-lead singer of Savage Garden, also came out – and announced a civil partnership with his boyfriend of two years.

The Teaches of Peaches continue…

2007-07-16T05:48:00.000-07:00

17/7/06

The Queen of sleazy electro rock is back with a vengeance with her latest - Impeach my Bush.

The Queen of sleazy electro rock is back with a vengeance with her latest - Impeach my Bush.

Canadian rocker Peaches, based in Berlin, headed to the Hollywood Hills to record the Fatherfucker follow-up, and although there’s no change of tone, per se (no, the tracks are indeed dirrrtier than ever) this album sounds more fresh, youthful, and poppy than precursors.

Those words may not immediately come to mind when you think of this petulant potty-mouth – but this slicker version of Peaches is more accessible…and a bit more (gasp!) fun.

Fair enough. Her raspy-rapping seems to have inspired a number of incarnations from the likes of Britney to Gwen Stefani – all of whom presented PG-rated versions of Peaches edgier, sexier lyrics – so it’s about time Peaches reclaim her signature sound.

And don’t let the slick, pop-tastic “Downtown”, an ode- to going down….town, put you off. If you prefer hard-rocking, nasty-talking Peaches…there’s plenty of that.

In “Give’er” she shows off a more soulful rock belt – as does “You love it”, which features Joan Jett who contributes on the vocals.

Of course, another favourite is Slippery Dick- featuring some of the most delicious diction to describe…what else, but hardcore sex?

Peaches asks, “Can you cut the mustard to clear the custard?” (I’m not really sure what this means but I like it anyway) and then launches into a cacophony of joyous vulgarity.

And as an artist with a punky post- fem following (reversing gender roles, objectifying men, in-your-face sexuality, etc) she does her audience a service by never taking herself too seriously.

There always seems to be an element of humour or irony in her lyrics - and even though “Impeach my bush” definitely has its political connotations, Peaches thankfully keeps her lyrics as apolitical as possible – with the exception of the title track: “I’d rather fuck who I want than kill who I am told to!”

Amen!

We get the message – and we’re entertained.

And a piece of advice: When Peaches goes on tour- SEE HER. I saw her a few years back and it was one of the most raucous and raunchy shows i've ever seen.

She’s helped me channel my inner sexual rebel. Vulgar was never so fun.

Stars Are Blind

2007-07-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

15/6/06

Paris the pop sensation? Check out Ms Hilton's video debut!

We thought we'd never see the day...but alas, our beloved Britney has returned to her white trash roots - only to be replaced by... Paris Hilton?

One word. WHY??

Perhaps money can buy anything. But, sadly, it's not as bad as we hoped. Still, it can't beat that other video.

Click on the links below to watch Stars Are Blind.

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Can't Help Lovin Dat Show!

2007-07-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

25/5/06

Enjoy a fabulous night of musical theatre with the spectacular Showboat at the Royal Albert Hall

Hey ya’all!

This one is for all you show queens - we know you're out there!

Enjoy a fabulous night of musical theatre with Showboat at the Royal Albert Hall, where the first time a musical will be staged in the round.

This spectacular brand new production by renowned director Francesa Zambello promises to recapture the nostalgia and romance that surrounds the most influential musical of the twentieth century.

Showboat, which opened on Broadway in 1927, is well regarded for breaking musical theatre ground, as it was the first Broadway score to have a coherent plot and integrated songs.

Adapted by Oscar Hammerstein from Edna Ferber's novel, Showboat dealt with especially racy subject matter for the time - including mixed marriages, gambling, infidelity, illegitimacy.

Sounds like the Archers!

Unlike most Broadway shows of the time - all the relationships are problematic; feckless immature men versus tough women. Oscar Hammerstein, of course, went on to adapt such classics as The King and I and The Sound of Music.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform Jerome Kern's jazzy score which includes songs such as Ol' Man River, Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man and Only Make Believe, in a stunning new production featuring a huge cast, lavish costumes and dazzling choreography.

Showboat is a classic. Don't miss it!

Showboat will show at the Royal Albert Hall from 10 June - 25 June.

Big Brother Bedlam

2007-07-16T05:06:00.000-07:00

This summer’s Big Brother promises to be more outrageous than ever – with an even wilder array of circus freaks (housemates).

The time has come…and already we’re addicted.

This summer’s Big Brother promises to be more outrageous than ever – with an even wilder array of circus freaks (housemates).

What voyeuristic pleasure it’ll be to watch these personalities boil and bubble – with a healthy dose of paranoia and cabin fever. What will Big Brother come up with next!

Here are my first impressions. Sadly, both gays in the house are unforgivably cringe-worthy.

Shahbaz As much as I feel the need to defend my fellow gay-sians, I think this may be the most obnoxious creature I’ve ever seen on television. Obviously very disturbed, this one craves all kinds of attention (especially negative attention) . And what’s with him groping everyone?? Ugh, Keep your hands to yourself!! And now he’s requesting ‘gay solidarity’ with bitchy Richard. If someone has tranquilizers in the house- please shoot up Shahbaz.
Star Quality: 2.5/10

Pete For all you hard partiers- this one may resemble a character you encounter at your neighborhood afterhours. I’m not sure how appropriate it is to put person suffering Tourette's Syndrome in the house—but then again, they’re all suffering in their own way, aren’t they? Mildly attractive, slightly unnerving, entirely entertaining.
Star Quality: 7.5/10

Lisa Sassy, sloppy, and cynical…the perfect recipe for quality fag haggery. Her voice may make your skin crawl – but her swaggering drunken mannerisms, unapologetic attitude to Shahbaz, and fobby Chinese woman impressions definitely have entertainment value.
Star Quality: 6/10

Lea Plastic boobs, excessively tanned, and resembling Latoya Jackson. Probably has serious baggage. Pure camp, and surprisingly dignified. Boasting the largest breast implants in the UK. Need I say more?
Star Quality: 7/10

Richard A sexual terrorist? Please. Go back to Canada. Devoid of charm or intelligence, brimming with vanity. And seems to attract attention by perpetuating gay stereotypes. Let’s hope this queen can redeem herself because, at the moment, it’s looking grim. The problem with gay men? One word. Richard.
Star Quality: 4/10

Sezar My mind says NO but my body says YES. Although he is ridiculously cocky, has trimmed chest hair, and the word ‘bastard’ often comes to mind – this little entrepreneur does have the most impenetrable sexual energy. Hmm, I wouldn’t say no. And he’s got our attention now that he admitted he’ll “kiss a man, no problem". Hop to it, Richard.
Star Quality: 6.5/10

Imogen Sweet and Pretty. Hope she doesn’t give in to Sleazy Sezar. Mmm..that’s it. Points for being attractive.
Star Quality: 5/10
##

Glyn As pleasant as you can hope a straight 18-year-old BB housemate to be. A bit tricky to understand his speech. Doesn’t like to be groped by strange men, which he carefully explained to the belligerent gay-sian (Shabaz) who still insists he has the ‘right to be tactile’. Ugh. Glyn, you have my permission to wallop the bitch if she touches you.
Star Quality: 3.5/10

Bonnie Let’s just call her Boner for entertainment sake. Or maybe Boring? Poor thing seemed a bit frightened of all the crazies in the house. I imagine the only way she’ll be able to provide entertainment is by having a breakdown. At the moment, dull and forgettable.
Star Quality: 2/10

George Another posh Chelsea brat. Apparently a momma’s boy. Who cares? Why is he there? It was vaguely amusing to watch him squirm with discomfort upon initially meeting his new housemates. He’ll be out soon.
Star Quality: 1/10

Mikey Dreamy Welsh model. Mmmm. Reserved, quiet, and likes to cuddle. We’d like to imagine he’s a stud in the sack… and well hung.
Star Quality: 5/10

Grace The pampered, mildly patronising dance teacher hasn’t impressed us much . I sense a bit of a mean streak…which could potentially be fun. Already the two dancers – Grace and Nikki – are developing a bit of a competition. What will come of it?
Star Quality: 4.5/10

Dawn Slightly concerned that girlfriend wants to be reincarnated as Jesus/Hitler, but this lady has held it together and seems to be one of the most level-headed heads in the house. Self- described as ‘serious and determined’, Dawn wins extra points for tactfully slamming Shahbaz. "Verbally I could destroy you, your puns are just shit," she told him bluntly. "You're a parody of John Inman and Mrs Doubtfire. You're a rubbish comedian because you've got no sense of humour." Pure genius. Minus a point for alleged BO.
Star Quality: 9/10

Nikki I know this ‘wannabe footballer's wife ‘ may not be everyone’s cup’a tea, but I have to admit- her freak-out about Dawn’s alleged BO- has given us the giggles. Upon finding a sweatshirt that Dawn had been sitting on, Nikki questions the other girls " Why doesn't she[Dawn] just wear deodorant? It must be her fanny and her arse that smell bad then." Mmm. Let’s take a minute to thank channel 4 for this moment of TV heaven. Hoorah for tactless blonds! Someone’s gotta stir the shit.
Star Quality: 8.5/10

Stay tuned!

Hips Don't Lie

2007-07-16T05:01:00.000-07:00

9/5/06

Aye, pappi! The Latin lovely Shakira seduces us with her hypnotic hips. Check out the video!

"My hips tell me where and when I should move. And my hips don't lie - my hips tell me the truth."

Work it, baby, work it!

While Britney's knocked-up and lactating and Christina's getting dirty with her hubby, pop goddess Shakira returns with a bang - and doesn't disappoint- with her saucy new video for "Hips Don't Lie".

Famed for her literary prowess, in this latest offering, Shakira may be implying her swivelling hips have intuitive powers to match her infamous mind.

GAY.COM has another video exclusive, featuring the new single with Wyclef Jean, where you can marvel at her mind-boggling body control.

Never mind pilates and yoga, the next craze is bound to be the Shakira Hip Workout! Enjoy.

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Pledge Allegiance to Pink!

2007-07-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

Pink has never been one for subtlety.

True, her last album Try This didn’t quite get off the ground, but the powerful Pink has returned with a vengeance, with her latest fiery album I’m Not Dead (she certainly isn’t!).

We have an exclusive live clip of her performing the controversial Dear Mr President, written as a scathing letter to the Dubya, asking questions like “What kind of father might hate his own daughter if she were gay?” and proclaiming “You’ve come a long way from whiskey and cocaine!”

Hoorah for politically-minded angry divas! She may be losing a fan base of Bible-thumping rednecks, but she certainly gets points from us!

Click here for more on the new album!

Sellevision!

2007-07-16T04:38:00.000-07:00

7/2/06

Take a trip to the twisted world of home shopping in Augusten Burrough’s debut novel.

Although not quite as up to par as his critically-acclaimed and hysterical memoir Running with Scissors, Augusten Burroughs’s Sellevision takes us to a similar place: the surreal and camp world of America’s retail broadcasting network, in what Burroughs himself calls a “shallow, petty, mean-spirited little book”. If you’re into dark and sarcastic comedy, this is your cup a’ tea.

Reminiscent of Armistad Maupin’s popular Tales of the City, Sellevision reads swiftly, jumping from episode to episode in a quirky sit-com-like manner.

Full of laugh-out-loud moments, Burroughs mocks cliché over-the-top on-camera personalities, following the stories of Sellevision’s top tv presenters: Max, Peggy Jean, and Leigh.

Leading presenter of Sellevision, handsome and gay Max Andrews’s luck takes a turn for the worst when his accidentally exposes his penis on live television.

The scandal sets off a series of events including the promotion of Leigh, Sellevision’s junior presenter, who uses her new fame to plot an even more scandalous revenge on her current married boyfriend, who also happens to be her boss.

But the real star of Sellevision is Peggy Jean Smythe: church-going, elitist, and self righteous - the perfect embodiment of the teeth-clenched, irritatingly synthetic tv bitch.

After a string of vicious emails from a stalker mocking her “hairy earlobes”, Peggy Jean plummets into a world of binge drinking and pill-popping , following a pattern of favourite female gay icons, ironically redeeming herself through failure. As Peggy Jean loses her grasp on reality and heads to rehab, her husband turns his attention to the underage babysitter Nikki.

There’s something sadistically pleasurable about watching the demise of Peggy Jean, and at times, you almost wish the entire novel followed her – the other characters are tedious in comparison.

I found myself wanting to skip forward to Peggy Jean’s bits. Even Max, the staple gay of the book, comes across as a pitiful wet blanket.

While Sellevision is an engaging and humorous quick read, it comes off a bit flat. The energy that begins the book dwindles and most of the characters come across as one-dimensional caricatures.

Burroughs succeeds in creating the cartoony world of the home shopping network, and in a way, the book reflects his own cynical attitude toward advertising [His memoir Dry records Burroughs' years as an alcoholic Manhattan ad writer].

While Sellevision doesn’t reach the fantastic calibre of his memoirs, it certainly gives you a taste of his deliciously sardonic wit- and is perfect if you need a literary upper to relieve your winter blues.

'Beautiful' boys

2007-07-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

18/1/06

A fantastic new London production of Jonathan Harvey's Beautiful Thing is set to close this week. Don't miss it!

Ah, young love!

Known primarily for the successful film adaptation - Beautiful Thing - Jonathan Harvey's uplifting story of adolescent gay love returns to the London stage in a one month engagement at the Sound Theatre in the Swiss Centre.

In this witty coming-of-age drama, a pair of teenage boys growing up in a working-class neighbourhood become aware of their homosexuality.

One hot summer in a South London housing estate, we meet Jamie, played by Andrew Garfield, unpopular and awkward, who lives with his tough but warm-hearted mother Sandra, a struggling barmaid.

He lives next door to his classmate Ste, an athletic type who often has to take a beating from his hard-drinking father and brother. When Sandra discovers the abuse, she offers refuge to Ste, who then bunks up with Jamie, thus unintentionally initiating the boys' budding romance.
Set against the backdrop of working-class 1980s London, the play deals with the trials and tribulations of the boys coming to terms with their sexuality and of their growing attraction.

It also explores the tender relationship between Jamie and his mother, with the subplot of Sandra’s desire to buy her own pub as a means to escape the dismal estate.

Adding some much needed comic relief there is Leah, a brassy high school dropout obsessed with Mama Cass, who spends her time smoking and doing a variety of mind altering drugs. If you’re tired of gay tragedies, Beautiful Thing offers an optimistic alternative, poignantly illustrating that out of the dreariest, angst-ridden circumstances comes a glimpse of hope.

Beautiful Thing
Sound Theatre in the Swiss Centre, W1
Featuring Andrew Garflied and Gavin Brocker
January 10- February 4
Box Office 0870 890 0503

Madonna Euphoria at the Astoria

2007-07-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

22/11/05

Brimming with utter euphoria and hysteria, the Astoria became the centre of the world for many fans Saturday night; the Queen was due to arrive just past midnight. Following last week’s “warmup” gig at Koko (formally known as Camden Palace) Madonna decided to grace the stage at club G-A-Y in London, as a special, appreciative nod to her most loyal and faithful fans: the queers.

For those obsessed and devoted enough to queue up from the early morning to seize a holy purple wristband, the sweat and tears were all worth it to see the diva of all divas. The moment people got past security and saw the stage, gloriously projecting the album cover on a screen, most forgot who they were and turned into giddy 16-year-old girls. Every half hour up to showtime, the DJ played a Madonna hit, each time sending the crowd into bedlam as scores of balloons dropped from the ceiling.

As the clock struck half past midnight, the crowd eerily chanted her name. Her band appeared, looking sharp in vintage white suits. We screamed, we cried… and then, without introduction, the clock started ticking…with that orgasmic ABBA tune crescendo...and then, in a surreal moment, the screen projecting a spinning disco ball split, and there she was.

Achingly beautiful, clad in pink sequined jacket and pink hotpants, she strut downstage, followed by an entourage of stunning creatures and performed her 11th number one, “Hung Up”. Her body moved flawlessly, her voice sounded better than ever, and when she finally spoke, she resembled the feisty twenty-something New Yorker she once was.

Playful and chatty, she asked the crowd if they approved of her new album. Responding to the wild enthusiasm, she screamed, “Good! I wrote this album for you fuckers!!”

Seductively, Madonna stripped off her jacket, revealing her unworldly body tightly wrapped in a pink vintage leotard. She sighed and asked, “Aren't you guys hot! I should have worn my bathing suit. Oh wait....I did!” Before she agreed to continue, she demanded that everyone in the front row had to take off their tops. When some were shy, she asserted, “No. That’s an order!” to which a handful of sweaty t-shirts were flung into the air.

She continued and performed “Get together” and “I Love New York” (She defended her position, saying, “‘I Love New York’ is just a figure of speech. I fucking love London!”).
She apparently loves New York so much that she was even inspired to simulate masturbation, indulging her fans with some much-appreciated, old-fashioned Madonna debauchery.

She also treated the audience to a whole lot of fierce pelvic thrusts while aggressively pulling up her leotard, making it impossible to avoid staring at her luminous, powerful crotch. She even dry-humped the New York backdrop. Sitting on the stage, she began “Let it will be”, starting off slowly and then chaotically burst into a head- banging, arms- throwing, foot-stomping dancing frenzy.

Pure Madonna heaven.

Just as the sexual energy nearly blew the top off of the Astoria, Madonna graciously thanked her fans, finishing off the show with “Everybody”, her first single from 1983. The dancers, usually with stone-cold expressions, even let loose and were laughing as they were engulfed in another excessive balloon dropping.

Just as the song was about the end, Madonna started "Jump", and everyone did the obvious, probably breaking the foundation of the venue.And then, like an apparition, she disappeared, just as swiftly as she entered. Three days later, I’m still breathless.

Hollywood’s ‘veiled’ sexuality

2007-07-16T04:11:00.000-07:00

Ernesto Tomasini returns to the Drill Hall in his clever, bittersweet, one-man ‘musical extravaganza’- "A Veiled Screen: A Secret History of Hollywood" - written and performed by Tomasini himself, exploring one gay man’s obsession, and identification, with Hollywood.

Despite some messy transitions and the sometimes superfluous, strained effort to include as many film references as possible, the show works quite well. He manages to pull off some very funny, as well as touching, poignant moments.

In this highly interactive, one man-show, Tomasini takes us on a surreal, dreamlike journey through the history of film, from the perspective of the sentimental cinema projectionist, Sebastian Venable.

Tomasini proves to be an incredibly talented, versatile performer. He convincingly brings to the stage a range of memorable moments from film, both male and female, tying them in with his gay identity. He even covers major moments in gay history.

He gives you a chance to relive classic movie moments, effortlessly highlighting just how campy and queer they really are.

Although he’s on top of the ball for most of the performance - when he initially comes on stage, he seems a tinge uncomfortable. Thankfully he warms up to it, and ten minutes in, he is flying.
From high camp drag numbers to slapstick comedy, Tomasini also manages to take us to the darker, quieter place in Sebatian’s mind. The show is skilfully written, with scenes of upsurd comedy juxtaposed with purposely facetious scenarios.

He begins as an silent film actor, brilliantly capturing the melodramatic mannerisms, takes a dramatic turn, and arrives on stage as a giddy 1950s housewife and, amazingly. pulls off a wonderful falsetto. He performs a number of other iconic screen moments, ending with powerful and ironic academy awards acceptance speech.

If you want an enjoyable and thoughtful night out, A Veiled Screen in your answer.
"The Veiled Screen – A Secret History of Hollywood" closes this weekend.

For information/online booking go to www.drillhall.co.uk

The Drill Hall
16 Chenies Street
LondonWC1E 7EX
Box office. 0207 7307 5060

Online dating success!

2007-06-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

Is online love for real? Yes! GAY.COM met with couples to talk about their online dating success.

Believe or not, people succeed finding love through the internet.

With more people meeting online than ever before, we thought it was about time we hear from those who actually found something special, in addition to a shag.

First we talked to Sami, 24, a publishing assistant, and James, 39, music producer. On the eve of their two year anniversary, we had a chance to talk to them about their initial meet.

How did you meet?

Sami: On GAY.COM. I was hesitant to meet James, but he was really responsive to my self –deprecating attitude (which is rare) and I had to respect that. After much deliberation, and him confessing to me that he was getting an MA in musical theatre (I then knew he was harmless) I agreed to have him over for a spliff and Moulin Rouge…I had to sneak him into my student halls.

James: It was a relaxed Sunday evening and I guess I wanted an adventure, I was chatting to Sami online and the offer of smoking cigarettes and watching a musical sounded perfect. Oh and he looked cute in his profile picture!!

Why do you think people have qualms about meeting people online?

James: I guess because it is unconventional but in time it will become more accepted. Lots of people I know met friends online but are at first ashamed to admit it. I think it could be something to do with attitudes towards sex and the attachment to traditional values of courtship.

Sami: Because it’s a gamble, isn’t it? The concept of meeting someone online, especially to have sex, is unfairly stigmatised; it doesn’t always end as a one-night-stand. It seems that people only hear horror stories about meeting randoms online—sometimes it turns out ok.

Do you think your relationship would be different if you met each other in person instead of online? Explain.

Sami: I don’t know if our relationship would be all that different now, but how it initially progressed would have been different. And as sad as this is, if I met James in a more traditional way, I don’t know if I would have had the nerve to tell him that I was attracted to him.

James: No, not in any way. I think if people share common interests and 'click' with each other they will continue to feel a connection. Where they meet is inconsequential.

Were you nervous about meeting each other? If not, how did you feel?

James: I think excited is a better word than nervous.

Sami: Very nervous. I felt fat and felt like my hair was too long..

What kind of reactions do you get when you tell people you met online? Do you ever feel embarrassed about it?

James: Not any more. There is still some taboo but I think peoples attitudes are changing. I think people judge relationships on how they are in the present moment rather than where the two people met.

Possible civil partnership plans?

Sami: Yes! We are getting a civil partnership next month!

Are you doing anything special for Valentines Day?

Sami: Dinner, DVD, and sex.

What advice do you have for people who seek a partner online?

Sami: Avoid saying annoying things like “Age/sex/location?”, “Are you horny?”, “How big are you?” – it’s rude and lame. Just be yourself. You can have a sense of humour when you go online—it seems like people forget that they have one.

James: You need to have a sense of adventure but be under no illusion that the rules of the courtship or relationship are in anyway different than if you had met at a Valentine's dance or in wartime Berlin, there is a rhythm and timing to the growth of the relationship and that depends on both of your commitment and respect for each other.Online dating may be part of our 'want it now' culture sidelining the traditional values of making greater effort towards finding a partner.

James: But what makes us attractive in our online profile can soon fade away if we cannot reveal the qualities necessary to form a loving bond with another human being. However gorgeous the person you are chatting to and perhaps decide to meet, if he is selfish, greedy, and egotistical you won't want to hang out with him. The internet is a great gateway to information and other people, once passing through the gate the effort is then required. It's a fantastic option to have and one that should be embraced by lovers of love all over the world.

Thanks James! How insightful. Our next couple are Nigel and Henry. Nigel, 34, a financial analyst, and Henry, 31, a banker met 8 months ago in a Pimlico pub, after chatting online.

So, How did you meet?

Nigel: Well, we chatted for probably 2 months online, then finally agreed to meet each other for a drink at a pub. We had similar backgrounds and similar occupations in the financial industry. Then a couple of weeks after our first meeting at the pub, he invited me to join him and some of his friends in Brighton for the weekend, so I went, and that was the first time we shagged.

Why did you decide to meet each other?

Henry: He seemed like a nice guy, down to earth, wasn't too pushy, which I liked. So I finally just thought, why not?

Nigel: I was tired of always meeting the same kind of cracked out twinks at the bars who have no direction, no reputable profession and nothing interesting about their character. When I chatted with Henry online, he made laugh - I knew that was a good sign.

Why do you think people have qualms about meeting people online?

Henry: It's an unfair stigma. I think some people look down on those who meet online.
They might assume that people who meet online are not capable of meeting in bars or clubs - it's not true.

Nigel: I don't know, I just got tired of putting up with all the shit and found it easier to try something over the internet.

Were you nervous about meeting each other? If not, how did you feel?

Nigel: Not really, only because we had been talking for about two months before we met in person so I felt like I knew him a bit better in a sense.

What kind of reactions do you get when you tell people you met online? Do you get embarrassed about it?

Nigel:I actually don't tell people we met online; I tell them we met in a pub, which isn't a complete lie because we did meet in a pub - just not for the first time.

Henry: Only embarrassed when straight people ask us. I think it's pretty much accepted in the gay community.

Possible civil partnership plans?

Nigel: Well we've only been dating for 8 months (laughs). We'll see, I guess. I do however like the idea that that option is available now to us. Let’s not spoil it by putting too many expectations on the long term.

Henry: Agreed. For now we're just having fun and enjoying each other's company

Doing anything special for Valentines Day?

Henry: Dinner at the Ritz, and Nigel has never seen Mamma Mia, so I got tickets for that.

What advice do you have for people who seek a partner online?

Henry: Take it slow, converse with the person on a fairly regular basis for a while before you meet up - that way you know the person better.

Nigel: if you go in with the expectation of just having sex, you'll probably be limiting yourself to just that.

Goodness! Don't waste any more time, find your online lover now!

In an unprecedented move, GAY.COM has decided to offer all our personals services, including Premium membership, to all new members completely free of charge.

Click here for more information.

Homo blogging, part 2!

2007-06-30T05:15:00.000-07:00

17/4/06

Blogs are taking over...so be prepared. From hysterically vicious to the downright bizarre, we found some of the net's must-see sites.

Blogs are taking over...so be prepared. If you aren't at least browsing them, or creating your own, you may miss out on some seriously vital information. From hysterically vicious to downright bizarre, we found some of the must-see sites.

World of Wonder

From the twisted minds who brought you the films Party Monster and Being Bobby Brown (reality TV show featuring Whitney 'Crack is wack' Houston) comes this shrewdly amusing blog commenting on the campier side of pop culture. A gay -leaning production company, they ridiculule Diana Ross's outrageous funeral gown (worn at Richard Pryor's funeral ) and also speculate about the reality of Baby Cruise, spawn of Tomkat. This site is also home to the deliciously vicious rantings of ex-club kid turned author James St.James. Pure joy.

Perez Hilton

Paris's gay Cuban cousin?! Bueno! Perez indulges us with a healthy dose of latin sassiness in his daily bitchfest of celebrity bashing and gossip. Recently Perez has been sued by Colin Farrel for providing much appreciated commentary and links to the infamous Colin Farrell sex tape, which makes us love him even more. Flamboyantly offensive, he's basically a male equivalent of Joan Rivers - if you can handle it. Apparently Perez and Paris have become party buddies, so Perez has an inside scoop on celebrity dirty dishes!

Beautiful

Boys. Boys. Boys. And Madonna. For all those basically one-tracked minds, this blog is less of a blog and more a plethora of pictures of the most breathtakingly 'beautiful' male specimens on the planet, which occasional diva-update. 'Beautiful' will give you plenty to drool over. Watch out for unexpectedly 'drool-worthy' paparazzi pics of Ricky 'I'm not gay' Martin and an area dedicated to new pinup Jake Gyllenhall. Yummy.

Fake Gay News

"Because Real Gay and Lesbian News is Too Damn Depressing." We hope not...but if you're looking for an absurd fictional take on gay media - from celebs to politics- Fake Gay News is your answer. Darkly comic, usually taking the piss on political correctness, with titles like "Historians Claim King Kong was gay, calls his death a hate crime" and "Disaffected New Yorkers try and re-enact Rent get crap beat out of them", FGN fails to disappoint.

Go Fug Yourself!

Are you one of those people who gets a ridiculous amount of pleasure out of slagging off other peoples fashion tragedies? Do you even really have a right to talk? Not that it matters, but this catty blog gives you a chance to let out your aggression on some well-meaning celebs, who just wanna look their best; unfortunately, they fall flat on their ass! From bashing fashion mistakes of 'D-list' celeb ex-Celebrity Big Brother housemate Jodie Marsh to the Emaciation Watch Terror Level Chart with Nicole Richie at the top of the list, Go Fug Yourself redefines fugly!

Fun in the sun...

2007-05-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Your one-stop guide to the cream of the queer festival crop around the country this summer...

As the summer quickly approaches and we’re able to wilfully shed a few clothes, at least one of many outdoor events are sure to tickle your fancy. Besides the upcoming and exciting pride season – celebrated in style all around the country – there are a flurry of queer/queer-friendly festivals and events happening all summer long. So don’t waste time, mark your calendar, book your tickets, and get outside!

Stonewall’s Brighton Equality Walk
May 6 (Bank holiday Sunday)
Why? For all those evenings spent drunk in a pub or watching Xtube, do your arse a favour and put on your walking shoes. We all know Stonewall does amazing work, especially as far as tackling homophobic bullying in schools, not to mention all the lobbying done for the Equality Act – and here’s your chance to meet some socially minded, genuinely friendly boys and girls who care about more than pop and partying. Stonewall’s major fundraiser also gives you an excuse to head out to summer gay haven that is Brighton. What’s not to love? This year’s walk will be joined by Coronation Street‘s Anthony Cotton, Amy Lamé and Mr Gay UK, Mark Carter.
Tickets/Registration? Only £10
www.equalitywalk.org.uk/

Queer Up North
May 7-27
Why? Because Manchester’s infamous queer event covering all queer arts and culture, you can’t afford to miss it. With music, theare, comedy, cabaret, and clubbing events, there’s truly something for everyone. Among the events are comedy night Laugh Out Loud, a discussion with American author Edmund White (who wrote The Farewell Symphony, which in my opinion, is one of the best gay books ever), colourful club night Shinky Shonky, and the unmissable Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes.
Tickets/Registration? Varies
www.queerupnorth.com/

Glastonbury
June 22-24
Why? Because Glastonbury is the largest performing arts festival in the world, and while its known for pop and indie acts, there’s dance, comedy, theatre, circus, and cabaret. It seems to be dominated by straights, but why shouldn’t the gays participate? Oh yes…mud. But if you can manage to get your hands dirty, it’ll be worth it. Although the complete lineup hasn’t been released, among those confirmed to be performing should make any music fan drool: Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, Bjork, Kaiser Chiefs, Killers, Mika, Shirley Bassey and more ..and complete list is revealed June 1st. ...and this year the queens fight back as the world's first travelling homo club, NYC DownLow shall be there and not just running a club, they'll also be hosting a series of events including a Horse Meat Disco Vogue Ball, Tranny Olympics, Gay Bingo and a recreation of the Stonewall Riots. With a 15k sound system and an all night license at Glastonbury, The NYC DownLow, associated with the Horse Meat Disco, is guaranteed to be one of this year’s festival highlights.
Tickets/Registration? Standard tickets have now sold out. There will however be a further sale of coach and ticket packages online through www.seetickets.com/g2007 on Thursday 26th April at 9.00am, when a final reconciliation of all coach requests and cancellations has been completed.
www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

Bestival
September 7-9
Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight
Why? Having only seen the Isle of Wight from afar, I've heard fabulous things..and besides Bestival, there's also a rumour of the best antique markets around. Bestival itself has won praise for its non commercial feel - so if you're a hippy, you may feel right at home. Meet like-minded folk, munch fantastic foodstuffs and experience a myriad of musical genres and extraordinary performances. Plus boutique camping, kids area, farmers market, fancy dress and much more. The line-up? Beastie Boys, The Chemical Brothers, Primal Scream, Gregory Isaacs, The Levellers, The Orb, Billy Bragg, The Maccabees, Dub Pistols, Calvin Harris and The Shakes
Tickets? Weekend Tickets - £115
www.bestival.net/

Also see The Isle of Wight Festival (June 8-June 10)

Get Loaded in the Park
August 26
Clapham Common, London
Why? London's definitive indie-dance festival takes over Claphma Common (sorry, cruisers!) on Bank holiday Sunday – so there’s an extra day to recover! If you’re a fan of some bitchen’ rock n’roll or if you’re an electrofreak- you’ll wanna be here. Get Loaded boasts it’s the UK's most groundbreaking inner-city events and apparently “rejuvenated Pete Doherty's Babyshambles last summer”. Hmmm, ok! Anyway, the lineup looks pretty fierce as The Streets, Dirty Pretty Things, Dizzee Rascal, and 2 Many DJs are gonna perform. And when you’re done rock ‘n rolling- you could even swing through The Two Brewers! Or maybe not.
Tickets? £39.50
www.getloadedinthepark.com

V
August 18-19
Hylands Park, Chelmsford, and Weston Park, Staffs
Why? Gay.com favorites Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, and Pink headline the Virgin group’s annual music fest. Disco darling Sophie Ellis Bextor will also be performing with an array of fab acts like the Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol, Killers, Kasabian, Kooks, The Fratellis, Mika, Babyshambles, Jarvis Cocker, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Beverly Knight.
Tickets?£130 weekend, £63.50 per day.
www.vfestival.com

Pride season round-up, coming soon…

Adnan Ali speaks

2007-05-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

We caught up with one of our most visible gay Muslims Adnan Ali.

In the aftermath of recent anti-terror arrests, scrutiny of Muslims is snowballing.

With Britain entering an overwhelmingly turbulent political atmosphere, many of us (including myself, someone who was raised Muslim) are feeling especially suspicious of our Muslim neighbours.

While many Muslim leaders are quick to condemn homosexuality, some gays and lesbians still manage to embrace the religion which has publicly rejected them.

There is a growing resistance to the anti-gay beliefs held by many religious leaders; some are challenging the polarisation of religion and sexuality within the Muslim community.

In recent years with the founding of the UK-based Imaan support network and international organisation Al-Fatiha, the gay Muslim voice is finally being heard.

We caught up with one of Britain's most visible gay Muslims Adnan Ali to talk about the problems faced by gay muslims in the wake of rising homophobia and Islamaphobia.

Originally from Pakistan, Adnan came to the UK and with the help of Al-Fatiha and helped start Imaan.

Featured on Channel 4's documentary Gay Muslims, Adnan recently celebrated a civil partnership with his partner of 4 years and is currently completing a Masters Degree in Gender, Culture, Politics at the University of London.

Do you identify yourself as a Muslim?

YES, I am a practising Muslim. Being Muslim can mean different things to different people, whether referring to a certain association with a specific culture (like being Pakistani-Muslim in my case) and/or reference to Islamic rituals and spirituality in everyday life.

Have you ever felt like you had to dismiss your religion to be gay?

In the beginning yes I did, just like I had to dismiss my sexuality to be Muslim. However, things changed and got better once I met other gay and lesbian people who culturally and/or religiously identified as Muslim.

Are you out to your family? How have they responded?

I don't recall coming out in a certain organised fashion; perhaps it was more of being 'found out'. As a young boy my immediate and extended family always knew of my fondness for other boys and men.

The breaking point was the day I articulated my association with the word 'gay'. Worse, I told my family I would not get married.

There was no initial mention of Islam. No one said anything about Islamic condemnation of homosexuality – the concerns were more along the lines of what other people would think of me and them as family members.

The realisation that I was gay was more of a blow to the traditional patriarchal notion of manhood and they were pretty hostile towards their self-assumed compromise of masculinity.

Do you feel you have additional responsibility as a gay Muslim?

Yes, responsibility as a minority within a minority. Being a gay-Muslim-Asian man there are so many varied identities to deal with it - sometimes separately and often at the same time.

Why do you think it is important for there to be gay groups with religious affiliations? What do these groups accomplish??

It is a personal choice. The secular notion of the West is still a minority concept. Majority of the people in the world are not secular. We have to accept this fact while living in the West, whether we like it or not. More and more gay people are being discriminated and treated horribly due to conservative religious interpretation of the theology.

Therefore it is quite significant to question this religious banishment by actually finding out what a particular religion says about homosexuality. You will be surprised to learn that a religion can be appreciative of sexual diversity. So it is important for some of us to have religious gay groups.
##

However, I don't expect everyone to have affiliations.

These groups do strive hard to accomplish a very basic sense of integrity with and within a sexual-religious minority, whether through cultural and ritual celebrations or intellectually stimulating debates on theology.

How do you feel about the gay community? Do you feel like you are a part of it?

For a lot of us, who come from different cultural and social backgrounds, the sense of community on the basis of our sexuality is important.

Whether it is going clubbing every weekend or protesting outside Russian embassy against the ban on the Moscow pride, there is definitely a sense of support, alliance, and community. Yes, I am very much part of this community.

Do you feel comfortable going to the mosque?

The day I offer prayer at home, my home becomes a mosque for me. My mosque is in my heart.

Yes, when I go to a (formal) mosque, I don't go there as a gay or straight person; I am there to pray and bow, and no one can question my sexuality. So far no one has ever dared to, and if someone ever does that, I am confident enough to defend myself.

A mosque is a house of Allah, and I have not given anyone that right to stop me from going there.

What are your thoughts on 'Moderate Islam'? Does it exist?

Yes it does. Granted, not in a very visible sense.

However, there is a debate going on amongst few progressive and moderate Muslims. The important issue is for it to be inclusive and accessible to all Muslims from different social, cultural, geographical and economic backgrounds.

What do you think is the best way to challenge anti-gay attitudes from Muslims in the UK?

More visibility of LGBT Muslims and dialogue with and within the mainstream Muslims on the issues surrounding Islamic instructions on homosexuality are very important.

We need to dispel the invalid ideas such as the idea that being gay is a "western thing" or "a white man's disease".

To challenge anti-gay attitudes, one must be very confident of his/her own sexuality. Imaan and Safra Project are two support groups in the UK, who are doing commendable work in providing that support to LGBT Muslims, their friends, and allies.

Do you feel like there is Islamophobia within the gay scene? What can gay Muslims to challenge that?

Yes, and there has been a rise since September 11th. In a way it is good that people are expressing their concerns about Islam, that Islamophobia is more visible; it makes it strategically easier to be challenged.

More moderate Muslims have to speak out against the discriminatory remarks by the conservative Muslim leaders and similarly not let any person to generalise the image of Islam as oppressive religion.

As Muslims we also share the responsibility in the existence of Islamophobia. We have to be more political and vocal for our very basic human rights and not allow any orthodox/fanatical Muslim cleric to speak on our behalf.

To learn more about Imaan visit www.imaan.org.uk

Forgive the Randy Reverend

2007-05-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

Please forgive Ted Haggard - the gay-hating, meth-smoking, whore-humping reverend - says Soulforce.

American organisation Soulforce has launched a letter writing campaign urging gay people to express concern and compassion to Rev Ted Haggard, the president of a major Evangelical group, who resigned after admitting to a sexual relationship with gay rent boy Mike Jones.

Haggard, 49, married with children, resigned after Jones, who had a problem with Haggard’s hypocrisy, disclosed their relationship to the press.

"People may look at me and think what I've done is immoral, but I think I had to do the moral thing in my mind, and that is expose someone who is preaching one thing and doing the opposite behind everybody's back," Jones told KUSA Radio.

In an open letter, Haggard admitted “guilt of sexual immorality” to his 30-million-member congregation, and asked for forgiveneness.

He drew more anger from gay groups when he further denigrated homosexuality by saying, “There's a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I have been warring against it for all of my adult life."

To counter general gay disapproval of Haggard’s actions, Soulforce’s Media Director Paige Schilt issued the following statement:

"This is obviously a moment of personal, familial, and professional crisis for Rev Haggard."

"We want to make sure that the voices of intolerance and homophobia are not the only voices that he hears during this difficult time."

Rev Richard Kirker, Chief Executive of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement praised Soulforce for their campaign and told GAY.COM that Haggard “needs people who genuinely understand and empathise unconditionally”.

“I expect he has very few of those from within the hard-line, unforgiving fundamentalist world which he has inhabited for the whole of his conflicted, misguided and confused adult life,” he continued.

“It will remain an open question - perhaps indefinitely - as to whether he ultimately embraces and accepts his own sexuality, with his heart and mind, but one thing is clear. If he is tempted by the false prospectus and bogus claims of all the so called ‘ex-gay’ ministries he will suffer another fall which will be even more painful.”

“ Ted Haggard has been no friend of lesbian and gay people because he was no friend to himself. He has been at war with us and himself.”

“ Let us be graceful enough to forgive and be ready, if the day happens, to welcome him into the community he has so self-destructively shunned.”

To write a letter to Haggard, click here.

Gay nativity doll upset

2007-05-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

A stunt involving gay dolls placed in a Roman nativity scene caused a predictable uproar.

A daring move by the Italian "Rose in the Fist" party - placing dolls of gay couples in a nativity scene in Rome’s parliament - caused a predictable uproar.

Parliamentarians Bruno Mellano and Donatella Poretti, who were responsible for the stunt, told reporters that they included the dolls to prove that gays and lesbians have been around since Jesus’ time, and that it is time for Italy to grant legal rights to same-sex couples.

The dolls were carefully placed among the shepherds, only to be quickly removed by pages.

The conservative party called for Mellano and Poretti to be censured displaying "a vulgar and unacceptable double attack against both [an Italian] institution and a religious symbol."

Union of Christian Democrats, called it a "pure attack against the religion practiced by the majority of Italians".

Some members of Prime Minister Romano Prodi's leftist coalition, including the Communist Party which supports LGBT civil rights, criticised the extreme move which they suggested could backfire and reverse the gay cause.

Last month Italy’s House of Justice committee began to consider gay union legislation. They are said to be considering various proposals, combining the into a single bill.

Italy PM Romano Prodi pledged to pass a civil union bill as part of this year’s election campaign, despite inevitable rage from the Vatican.

The Rose in the Fist, founded in 2005, include members of the Italian Democratic Socialists and the Italian Radicals.

Profile: The Gay Muslims

2007-05-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

Confronting Islamophobia UK LGBT Muslim leader Farazana talks about popular misconceptions.

With the Faith and Homophobia conference fast approaching, to be held on February 17th 2007 in London, GAY.COM takes a look at a growing trend of LGBT religious and spirituality groups. With recent news focussing on the ever-present conflict between the gays and God, highlighting the need for gay interfaith dialogue, The Faith and Homophobia conference couldn’t be timelier.

“There is nothing that says you must be heterosexual to be a Muslim or that you need to be a terrorist. Strangely a lot of people are a bit confused about those points.” – Farzana, Chair and co-founder of IMAAN, the UK LGBT Muslims

These days it seems that everyone has something to say about The Muslims.

And there's even more to say about the Gay Muslims, who to the casual observer may seem particularly self-hating - in light of violence-preaching Imams (some fanatic ones who preach the death of gays) displayed in popular British media.

While some Muslim leaders are quick to condemn homosexuality, this group has admirably stood defiant and stayed together, and deserve respect for managing to embrace a religion which publicly rejects them.

The Gay and Lesbian Muslims, however, have acquired a somewhat precarious reputation among the gay community - most notably baffling gay parade-goers in 2005 when they appeared on a London Pride float, hiding their identities.

Imaan at London Pride 2005

Imaan at Europride 2006

Farzana, whose surname remains anonymous, chair and co-founder of Imaan, spoke to GAY.COM about their practices, problems, and plans.

How did your organisation come about?

We started in Sept 1998 - which means we celebrate our tenth anniversary next year! We were brought together by an advert in the Pink Paper. A group of us, strangers to each other at the time, met up and formed the group. We've been going strong ever since, we hold monthly meetings, international conferences, religous celebrations, social events, run a web forum, mailing list and more besides.

Are there conflicts between doctrine of your religion and your personal practices?

Islam teaches a great many things like respect, justice, kindness, charity, empathy, humility, faith and so on. Like any religion some things are easier to follow than others. It depends on the individual.

What are the basic tenants of your faith?

Were you not listening during your R.E. lessons? Seriously though, there are five pillars of Islam that you must follow in order to be considered a Muslim.

The Shahada or declaration of faith that there is one God and His name is Allah and that Mohaamed is His messenger
Sawm - or Fasting during the month of Ramadan
Salaat - or regular prayers
Zakaat - Charity
Hajj - Pilgrimage to Mecca once in your lifetime if you are able

Note: there is nothing in the above that says you must be heterosexual to be a Muslim or that you need to be a terrorist. Strangely a lot of people are a bit confused about those points.

How do members benefit from your organisation?

Primarily by knowing that there are other LGBT Muslims around and that indeed we are a growing community. When I first help start the group I was in shock at meeting so many others. These days it’s odd to see new members so blasé about it. How times have changed.

What impact does your organisation have on the larger Muslim community?

The wider Muslim community is growing increasingly aware of our existence. Most are shocked or surprised, and we have had a lot of negative attention. However we have also had a lot of support as well.

We have made tentative steps to gauge the possibility of working with mainstream Muslim organisations through talking to various influential individuals. It’s not something that will happen over night but Inshallah (God Willing) it will happen.

What about the larger gay community?

It's a mixture of abuse and support. The abuse goes up whenever Muslims get bad press, so for example at London Pride the other year we had gay people and a Pride steward likening us to terrorists.

Some other gay campaigners don't realise or don't care that they insult us by insulting Islam and other Muslims. We have had running battles with people like Outrage! the Lesbian and Gay Humanist Association and the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement.

Imams? Do you get any support from them?

We have the support of a couple of Imams and they are a great help to our members in understanding the true nature of Islam and the differences between it and cultural practices.

The combination of sexuality and religion seems really tricky…and rather depressing. Do you guys have a laugh?? Talk about social atmosphere.

Personally speaking, the people that I've met through Imaan are some of the funniest most self-deprecating people I've ever come across. There is a lot to be said for sharing the same religious upbringing and family experiences, languages and culture.

It is like laughing though adversity. I would hate for people to think we are all doom and gloom because we are in a very sensitive position. In fact I remember one time after being verbally abused by some lovely anti-Muslim gay campaigners, one of them said to me: Why are you always smiling even when you're being attacked? What could I answer? What do you want me to do, cry?

I do find a lot of the arguments and attacks quite funny. It helps to have a sense of humour. But yes, Imaan is a very social, close and supportive community.

Aren’t gay culture and religion immediately at odds with each other?

I think gay culture is at odds with many gay people's lifestyles. There does seem to be an overwhelming oppressive feeling that drugs, casual sex and booze define popular gay culture. There is, however, more out there that I wish was more publicised, especially for younger people first coming out on the scene.

Will Imann be participating in The Faith and Homophobia conference?

Unfortunately Imaan has not had positive experiences in dealings with the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, organisers of the conference, so instead we are focusing on more positive endeavours for the benefit of our growing LGBT Muslim community.

For more information about IMAAN, visit their website here

Also this blog from Gay Muslim makes for a interesting read..

The Faith and Homophobia conference will take place at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green Road on Saturday, February 17, 2007. Click on the links below to find out more and register.

Click here for a detailed programme of events.

Profile: The Gay Jews

2007-05-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

With the Faith and Homophobia conference fast approaching, the Gay Jews sat down with GAY.COM for a candid Q&A.

With the Faith and Homophobia conference fast approaching, to be held on February 17th 2007 in London, GAY.COM takes a look at a growing trend of LGBT religious and spirituality groups. With recent news focussing on the ever-present conflict between the gays and God, highlighted the need for gay interfaith dialogue, The Faith and Homophobia conference couldn’t be timelier.

The LGBT Jewish community have had their fair share of challenges last year when in November their Israeli counterparts became the centre of international concern when massive riots broke out in Jerusalem, threatening a planned Pride March. Despite the major security threats, 4000 attendees triumphed in a unifying statement to the Orthodox Jews who have continually blasted homosexuality as an abomination.

Edward Teeger of Jewish Lesbian and Gay Group, representing the Jewish faith at the Faith and Homophobia Conference, did the following Q & A with GAY.COM

How did your organisation come about?

Thirty four years ago it was established as a social and support group, and it is, we believe, the first such group to be set up anywhere.

Gay culture and religion are immediately at odds with each other. Is this true?

Not for all Jews.

Are there conflicts between doctrine of your religion and your personal practices?

Some orthodox and right wing Jews have a real problem with gayness. The other denominations, Masorti, Reform and Liberal Jews accept that the strict biblical statement appears out of date, along with many other 3,000 year old laws that have been altered through the centuries.

The Chief Rabbi, who represents only the Orthodox Jews, seems to have accepted that gay couples can adopt through the only Jewish adoption agency, called Norwood, which I work for, subject to the usual procedures, such as inspections, investigations, parent's views and the needs of the child.

What are the basic tenants of your faith?

Monotheism, the 10 commandments, do unto others as you would they do unto you. The Jewish religion affects all daily life, eating, your home, work ethics etc and to perform the laws first and understanding will follow.

To be Jewish, like being gay, is a chance of birth, not a choice. There is no desire to convert others to Judaism, and no encouragement of celibacy at all.

What impact does your organisation have on the Jewish community?

Not much. We advertise our events in the Jewish press. All Jews chose which laws to obey and which to ignore.

What about the larger gay community?

We march every year at London Pride, advertise in the gay and Jewish press. The Jewish population of the UK is well below 1%, though perceptions may differ.

And the Rabbis? Do you get any support from them?

Yes, but not from all depending on their personal views. Even some Orthodox Rabbis now are tending to accept that gay Jews will not change and are created gay by God, but they do not offer a solution to the law against “sex with a man as with a woman is an abomination”.

The combination of sexuality and religion seems really tricky…and rather depressing. Do you guys have a laugh?? Talk about social atmosphere.

We love being part of two minorities that we find ourselves in by birth, Jewish and gay, and we celebrate them both. Some orthodox gay and lesbian people have a difficult conflict with their religious commitment and their sexuality.

The Faith and Homophobia conference will take place at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green Road on Saturday, February 17, 2007. Click on the links below to find out more and register.

Click here for a detailed programme of events.

Jody Dobrowski remembered

2007-05-30T06:10:00.000-07:00

“We know from Jody’s death, homophobia kills. This living memorial we’re doing is something that will endure, and last…and grow.”

Family of friends of the murdered Jody Dobrowski got on their hands and knees with South London community leaders and supporters to plant a memorial garden in Clapham Common on Thursday evening, commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia.

Dobrowski was beaten to death in October 2005, having suffered fatal injuries from the beating including a swollen brain and broken nose. His assailants Thomas Pickford and Scott Walker have since been sentenced to life imprisonment.

In the vicinity of Dobrowski’s murder location the garden is based on a tranquil grassy knoll, protected by trees near Clapham Common’s bandstand.

Myself, planting a flower

In a moving and powerful moment of resistance, Jody’s mother Sheri Dobrowski noted that Jody’s death was one of many “that will not be forgotten”.

“We’ve all come here to plant new life together as to remember those who suffer and die simply for being who they are” Dobrowski said.

“Jody did not die because of his sexuality,” added Mike Haddock, Jody’s stepfather. “Jody died because of someone else’s prejudice and hatred.”

Commenting on the event’s significance and The International Day Against Homophobia, PC Graham Alldus, Lambeth’s LGBT liaison officer noted in 80 counties still criminalise homosexuality and condemn consensual same sex acts with imprisonment. It was only in 1990, the General Assembly of the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from their list of mental disorders.

Lambeth’s LGBT liaison officer PC Graham Alldus

“We’ve come a tremendously long way in this country since the decriminalisation of sexuality in 1967,” he told GAY.COM. “There’s still a long way to go internationally.”

“We know from Jody’s death, homophobia kills. This living memorial we’re doing is something that will endure, and last…and grow.”

Alldus said while homophobic attacks happen often in Lambeth, the biggest challenge is getting victims to report the abuse. He said victims can always contact LGBT liaison officers, like himself, to speak with if they are uncomfortable speaking to the police.

“We always encourage people to report particularly LGBT hate crime,” he added.

“If someone behaves homophobically, unless they’re challenged about it or police are told, they’re likely to repeat their behaviour, and it’s likely to snowball. So what becomes one day’s verbal assault, could be next day’s physical assault, and could be another day’s murder.”

Lambeth council leader Steve Reed (on right)

Steve Reed, leader of Lambeth council, further emphasised that Lambeth has one of the largest LGBT communities in the country, a fact that the council is “very proud of”.

By participating in the memorial, Reed said the council, along with the community, was making a statement that “we’re proud of the fact that we’re diverse and we’re not going to let people come and hurt and kill and slash our community.”

Christopher Desusa, a community safety manager of Lambeth, said that while Lambeth has a very high hate crime record, the rise of people reporting homophobic hate crime is encouraging.

“We know from evidence that homophobic crime is really underreported,” Desusa, said. “The fact that people are coming forward and reporting the crime means that they have confidence that the police and other agencies will work together to help them.”

Jody Dobrowski’s memorial on May 17th was one of more than 80 events commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia around the UK.

To view a brief video of the memorial click here.

Sensational San Paulo Pride

2007-05-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

San Paulo’s now notorious Pride festival keeps getting bigger and better...

San Paulo’s now notorious Pride festival keeps getting bigger and better, as more than 3 million revellers came out to take part in the festivities, bypassing last year's reported 2.5 million.

Floats made their way down the Avenida Paulista in the city's financial heart as dance music blared from huge loudspeakers.

"This is the biggest parade on the planet," Tourism Minister Marta Suplicy told the Associated Press. "Our city is showing, once again, its respect for diversity."

Said to be the largest gay pride parade in the world, this year’s festivities highlighted the need to end broader discriminations, extending beyond the LGBT community in Brazil.

"We want to address machismo, racism and homophobia [...] which still exists in Brazil," said the president of the parade, Nelson Matias Pereira.

Despite relatively progressive laws regarding discrimination activists claim that between 1980 and 2006 there have been 2,680 anti-gay murders in Brazil. Civil unions are only legal in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

The 11th annual parade, which began in 1997 with 2,000 people, received official sponsorship this year and was attended by Brazil's ministers for tourism and sport.

The festival follows another demonstration attended by one million Evangelical Christians condemning homosexuality called the March for Jesus. One minister that spoke at the event linked homosexuality with Satanism.

San Paulo’s parade is one of an seventy gay parades around Brazil.

Click here for some fabulous coverage and pictures of the parade

Gay.com’s official Pride Guide!

2007-05-30T06:06:00.000-07:00

We've got all you need to know about all things Pride, this summer. From London to Brighton to Manchester and everything in between...

Pride season has arrived! If you’re not stripping off, dragging up on a float, dancing in the street, or waving the political flag – the least you can do is show up and get pissed! There are a number of Pride festivals popping up all over the country – from the massive London Pride to more intimate local Prides – there’s truly something for everyone.

Pride London
Festival: June 15-30
Parade: Saturday, June 30
www.pridelondon.org/
After a brilliantly successful Europride festival last year, Pride London returns with a vengeance this year with crowds expected to reach a cool half a million. The two-week queer arts festival marks the 35 anniversary or this Pride legend, which is touted as Europe’s largest gay festival. The parade will take over the Wes End, tracking down Oxford Street and Regent Street, culminating for the annual rally in Trafalgar Square. Parties for all shapes, sizes, tastes, and cliques of queens will be sparking up all over the capital. Don’t miss the now legendary dance party in Soho square – or London’s bumping disco village in Vauxhall. For up-to-date details of London clubland check out Discodamaged. Click here for our inside on the women’s scene. Darren Hayes, Dragonette, Qboy, Mz Fontiane, Kelly and The Kelly Girls, Jimmy Sommerville, Unckle Jam, Nemesis and Axe Girl are set to perform in Trafalger Square’s mainstage with celebrity hosts including Amy Lame, Jamie Crick, John Barrowman, Lucio and Graham Norton. This year’s theme? “Icons”. See you there!

Dublin Pride
Festival : June 8-23
Parade: Saturday, June 23
www.dublinpride.org
Cultural and racial diversity are set to triumph at Saturday’s Dublin Pride parade which is gonna move on down O’Connell Street, ending with a wild party where you can strut it outside the Civic Offices. Yeah! The Pride n’ Joy festival has a plethora of exciting events, leading up the parade and if you’re especially adventurous, check out the GFSN Football Tournament, Pride film at the Irish film Institute, Friday’s Official Pride Dyke Night, the free Pride Champagne Breakfast hosted by OUThouse. Click here for Gay.com’s travel guide for Dublin.

Pride Scotia
Saturday, June 23
www.pride-scotia.org/
Get your glad rags on and get to Edinburgh for, Scot style! Scotland's annual Gay Pride event will be one big sloppy party in Pilrig Park, with numbers expected to reach a whopping 5000. The park is set to become a village of marquees, with a large stage for cabaret and comedy acts and another for a tea dance and ceilidh. Kick off the parade at East Market Street, saunter down Queen street (naturally) and splash down in the park for what promises to be a fantastically festive fest.

Brighton Pride
Festival: July 28th –August 5
Parade: Saturday, August 4
www.brightonpride.org
Fire and foremost, this year’s theme is Musicals! (Hysterical applause for that decision) And for that reason alone, you need to be there. Period. Pride in Brighton and Hove is the largest free Pride festival in the UK and show queens by the tens of thousands are likely to turn out this massive spectacle by the sea. Expect lots of Marias, Sandys, and even more Dorothys – amid a sea of glistening and gurning hard bodies. What more could a girl want?! The Carnival Parade starts from Maderia Drive at 11am. The main event on Preston Park runs from 12noon-8pm.

Manchester Pride
Festival:August 17-27
The Big Weekend and parade: August 24-27
www.manchesterpride.com
Manchester’s Canal Street will become a hotbed of decadence, pleasure, and pride for a solid 72 hours – making it the largest gay pride festival outside of London. Entry into the big weekend costs a wee ten quid, for which you get access to all of the village’s gay bars and the mainstage, lifestyle expo, women’s space, and the Pride market. The Kylie exhibition will also be transplanted up north, celebrating the iconography and costumes of the pop princess. As part of Manchester Pride,Pink Parents UK have organised the Pink Picnic, welcoming LGBT families from all over the country, taking place in Sackville Park on the Sunday. Don’t forget the tremendous Sparkle!, the annual international transgender celebration featuring workshops, exhibitions, film-making and fashion shows. There’s so much to do and see at this year’s Pride; it’ll be a mistake to miss it. For the latest up to date information, check out Gay.com’s scene channel for exclusive updates from Manchester's Bobbie Dazzler and Miss Whiplash.

There’s also…

Cardiff-Wales Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras
Saturday, September 1
www.cardiffmardigrad.co.uk

Oxford Pride
Saturday, July 14
www.oxfordpride.org.uk

Nottingham Pride
Saturday, July 28
www.nottinghampride.co.uk

Leeds Pride
Sunday, August 5
www.leedspride.com

Cambridge’s Pink Festival
Saturday, August 18
www.pinkfestival.com

Elsewhere in Europe…

Europride in Madrid
June 30-July 2, 2007
www.europride2007.com
Click here for Gay.com’s guide to Europride

Amsterdam Pride
August 2-August 5
www.amsterdampride.nl

Berlin Pride
June 23
www.csd-berlin.de

Paris Pride
June 30
www.inter-lgbt.org/

Hamburg Pride
August 3-5
www.hamburg-pride.de

Jesus on Ice raises eyebrows

2007-05-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

Figure skater Johny Weir is causing waves again in a decision to play Jesus on ice.

Figure skater Johny Weir, who during the Winter 2004 Olympics famously dodged questions about his sexuality , is causing waves again in a decision to play Jesus on ice.

On Saturday night at the 2005 US Skating Championship in US state Washington, Weir will become Christ for his long programme entry set to “Child of Nazareth” by Maxime Rodriguez, telling the story of Jesus through skating.

"In no way am I portraying the actual entity of Jesus. I'm just performing the story of his life,” Weir told the press.

“It's an interesting concept, an interesting idea to push myself forward and make myself better. It has nothing to do with anything else."

He went on to say:

"It's more exciting to walk in a fashion show or portray Jesus than it is to sit at home learning how to play the piano or skating to 'The Nutcracker'...The risks I'm taking are natural to me. I didn't go to BlackBook and say, 'I want to pose in heels.'”

photo: Blackbook

“ I said I'd do it because it's fun for me. It wasn't like I went in and said, 'Oh my God, I want heels. I want fur. I want glitter. I want to be made up totally like Amanda Lepore (the self-proclaimed No. 1 transsexual in the world).' ... I think the pictures are very interesting. They're not gaudy. They're not campy. They're just me modeling clothes."

Weir has also come under criticism from gay commentator, former skater Mark Lund, for consistently avoiding the gay question.

“I say to Mr. Weir, ‘You enjoy being outspoken and a free spirit. You have said frequently that you have been brought up to speak your mind. However, you refuse to support the very community that paved the way for you.’” Lund said.

“I say to all those that believe my comments about Mr. Weir were homophobic to take a step back and realise the beliefs you are actually expressing. Mr. Weir is an individual who enjoys all the rights of the gay community without coming out to support the gay community. Now who is the hypocrite here? Most certainly not me.”

A record 146,311 tickets have been sold for this week's skating events.

Pro basketballer comes out

2007-05-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

British-born US basketball player John Amaechi is set to come out of the closet.

British-born John Amaechi, a professional American basketball player, is set to come out of the closet.

A Stockport native of English and Nigerian backgrounds, Amaechi, 36, will announce that he is gay on popular sports channel ESPN early next week, according to Outsports.

Promoting his new book Man in the Middle, Amaechi chronicles life as a closeted basketball player in the NBA (National Basketball Association), the US premier men's professional basketball league.

He formerly played for US state Florida teams Orlando Jazz and Orlando Magic. He retired playing professionally in 2003.

His sexuality has been a topic of speculation for years, even so far as sparking a tasteless comment on Amaechi’s “atypical” fondness of gardens, opera, and poetry.

"Could be that the Nigerian-Brit just operates on a different planet?" Sports writer Randy Boyd once asked in his ever-insightful column. "But then again, that explanation for his atypical behaviour wouldn’t be any fun now would it?"

When nominated among those in the NBA most likely to be gay (ranked in 16th place), Ameachi reportedly asked "Why wasn't I higher than 16th?"

Next week’s public confession is said to kick off Amaechi’s book-promoting campaign in New York.

His publicist Howard Bragman has described Amaechi as “ an activist for a lot of different causes, and [he] thought it was silly that he wasn't an activist for the LGBT community, so he decided there was no reason for him to stay in the closet."

Bratman further described the athlete as “discreet but not deeply closeted”.

“For people who know him or have covered him it's probably not a shocking revelation."

In his book, Amaechi described his sexuality as “an open secret” amid the American sports media.

"By the end of my second season, I was practically daring reporters to take the bait and out me," he wrote. "But it never happened. My sexuality, I felt, had become an open secret, which was fine by me. I'd left enough open to interpretation that suspicions were gaining momentum."

In a 2002, Amaechi spoke to the Scotsman, explained why gays weren’t visible in the NBA.
"If you look at our league, minorities aren't very well represented. There's hardly any Hispanic players, no Asian-Americans, so that there's no openly gay players is no real surprise. It would be like an alien dropping down from space. There'd be fear, then panic: they just wouldn't know how to handle it."

Amaechi, listed on the website 100 Great Black Britons, was raised in the UK where he currently works as philanthropist of the ABC Foundation, which works to construct sports centres and create mentors and athletic programmes for children in England.

The foundation's first sports centre was built in Manchester.

Amaechi also represented England last year during the Commonwealth Games, which won him a bronze medal.

Time to come out

2007-05-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

Come out, come out, wherever you are! Check out our top ten coming out tips.

Coming out of the closet can be one of the hardest (yet fulfilling) things you will ever do, and is often gradual process involving a great deal of soul searching and courage.

And if you can come out, especially if you are in a less-than-ideal situation, rest assured that that you will be able to conquer almost anything. It will make you a stronger person.

Your coming out experience depends of a number of different factors: family, culture, religion, location …the list goes on. And even the phrase ‘coming out’ is tricky because for some people it can all happen in a moment, while for others it is a process that takes many years.

There is no one way to come out, the same way no two coming out experiences are the same.

Here are ten important tips to keep in mind while you come out. This by no means an all-inclusive list;

1. The earlier you do it, the better

I’m not suggesting you scream ‘I’m gay!’ as a 5 year old, but you should generally be able to gauge when you know and when you are ready to say something. Don’t wait untill your wedding day! The longer you wait, the more you put your own state of mind on the backburner. Waiting too long can lead to regret, resentment, and anger , which you might end up taking out on yourself and/or others. It’s also easier to adjust to change when you are younger. Thankfully, times are changing and it has gotten easier for young people to come out , especially through non-confrontational means like the internet.

2. Do your homework

Because being gay isn’t socially acceptable to many, coming out will often challenge people’s deep-seated prejudices, and it’s going to better for you if you are as well-read as possible. Try and learn about stigmas associated with gay people, and see what you can do to challenge them. Pay special attention to politics surrounding gay people. Know at least the basics about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases because it is likely that that is what mum and dad will especially worry about. You need to be prepared to dispel myths! Watch gay-themed films (not porn!), read books, take notes!

3. Make gay friends

Understandably, this can be tricky, and you may have to settle for a sympathetic straight friend. You also may have to get over your fear of being seen with an openly gay person. The benefits of having a friend who can really empathise with you, completely outweigh the negatives; not to mention you can tell them dirty details you aren’t comfortable telling straight friends. Having friends who have been or are in your position makes the coming out process considerably easier. Also, don’t surround yourself with homophobes!

4. Don't come out in anger

You might be hesitant about coming out and need an extra something to make you do it; don’t let that something be anger. It will always be remembered by the person you come out to as a weapon and you may find yourself constantly being defensive about it, which you want to avoid. This also seems obvious, but be sober when you come out. You want to be as dignified, and being wasted won’t help.
##

5. Don’t be careless or leave clues

As a general rule, come out before you get found out. Especially when dealing with your parents, the last way you want to come out is by them finding the computer crashed due to excessive porn downloading. The problem with that is that, again, you are put on the defensive – and because being gay isn’t something to be ashamed of, it sends the wrong message.

6. Don’t apologise

Don’t get confused about it. Coming out is NOT about admitting shame or guilt; it is about being honest – with yourself and with others. You don’t have to claim a label. Coming out takes an incredible amount of courage and self respect – and there are plenty of people who never get a chance to do it, and not only suffer themselves, but often unintentionally create suffering for others.

7. Don’t expect too much too soon

Patience is a virtue. Naturally you want to be quickly accepted, but sometimes people, especially your parents, will find it very difficult to accept the fact that you are gay and come up with all kinds of theories to explain how/why you ‘turned gay’. Keep in mind that it’s not your problem; it's theirs. While they are struggling, try to move on with your life as best you can.

8. Coming out establishes trust

The act of coming out can establish a real bond between you and another person, because you have to be vulnerable to a certain extent. Because you have shared something personal, the other person might share something personal too. This is something that you might not initially expect when you come out, but it enables you to forge stronger, more honest relationships and finally lets you be yourself. You can even have a sense of humour!

9. There are some people who will never be supportive

This is the hardest thing to accept about coming out, especially if you come from a collectivist culture where family name/honour relies on you as part of a whole, therefore making it very hard to see yourself as a capable individual without collective support. You have to learn to be self-reliant. Keep in mind that coming out is not about others accepting you; it’s about you accepting yourself.

10. When you come out, you are not only helping yourself, you are helping others

You are making a statement when you come out, whether you realise it or not. There are many people who, for whatever reason, never get a chance to come out; so when you do, feel proud! You’ve jumped a major hurdle, and the act of you coming out has the potential to make it easier for others to follow your lead. When someone else benefits from your words of advice, it almost makes up for any pain and frustration you went through coming out. You can make a difference...

Good luck!

Golden Globe fashion mishaps!

2007-05-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

Who looked hot and who looked wrong? Check out our fashion/attitude critique of Hollywood's celeb parade.

Branjelina

Mmmm, wax figures? Brad looks a bit tired..he's morphing into Robert Redford before my very eyes! Angelina looks like she's high on barbituates....although she does look content, in a 'fuck off' Cleopatra kind of way. How could Jen face her even if she wanted to? Angie's eyes are pretty wild.

Beyonce

Strut! Tits! Glow! Shimmer! Diva! It's a pretty ambitious pose and only the likes of Beyonce can pull it off. Although her facial expression is a bit over the top, it looks like she's holding her breath. Breathe, bitch! The dress is pretty fierce,yes. Although i prefer relaxed B'day.

Vanessa Williams

"Oh I'm sorry, where am I? I though this was the Dreamgirls audition?" Let's hope the ex-Miss America decided to show up in this getup to amuse her peers. I'm sure everyone needed a good hearty laugh. I'm not sure who told her a fro and a fur was appropriate, but I'm grateful for that person. I can definitely appeciate her sense of humour to wear something so dramatic. This is joyful.

Jennifer Lopez

Sure she's dodgy for befriending Tomkat and the Beckhams, but girlfriend always knows how to work it on the red carpet. I especially love the 'turn to the side, pivot turn' pose. She makes a complex manuever look ever so simple. Her arm looks amazing. If there's anything to criticise, it would be her vaguely receding hairline.

Reese Witherspoon

Um, first off. The SHOES!! Stunning. I don't normally notice women's shoes (who am i kidding?) But those little red numbers are pretty amazing. I would definitely be curious to see the heel. Neck down: the Oscar winner looks pretty OK - and i have to give her a bit of credit for wearing yellow. Her face frightens me a bit, too much botox? I know girlfriend must be suffering quite a bit -without the beautiful Ryan Phillipe by her side..her expression is a bit vacant. How long till she pops a pill?

Justin Timberlake

Everyone's favourite Southern boy is looking pretty damn good. Does he belong at the Golden Globes? No. But who cares as long as he provides some much needed eye candy? The suit is very well tailoured..although I'd prefer seeing a bit o' skin.

Cameron Diaz

Considering the ex is pictured above looking amazing, Ms Diaz deserves applause for showing up, sporting the red lips, black hair, and the 'don't fuck with me' attitude. Let her example inspire the rest of us.The dress is not perfect, no, but i am digging the belt and her fab accesories, especially the rings. Her attitude makes the look.

Jennifer Hudson

Diva of the year, Jennifer Hudson, can do no wrong. Winning last night for her now legendary cinematic debut as Effie White in Dreamgirls, Ms Hudson's understated look somehow still managed to scream " I have arrived, bitches!" How does she do it? I do prefer a heavier Hudson, and must insist she continues to eat on a regular basis. The next time we wanna see more arms, longer lashes, and more cleavage.

photos: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

My Big Gay Buddhist Islamic Wedding

2007-05-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the anniversary of the Civil Partnership Act, GAY.COM's Hassan Mirza shares his wedding album

‘Everybody’s gonna love today! Love today! Love today! Love today!’ – Mika

I’ve been a bit hesitant to discuss my wedding on the site for awhile, fearing that if my disapproving mother saw my wedding pictures, she’d be devastated. But I also have a feeling she secretly googles my articles – and a part of her, even though she will deny it – enjoys reading them. On this very momentous day, the anniversary of UK’s civil partnership act, I’m gonna be loud and proud!

So this one is for mom.

Before we get on with the picture show, here’s a bit on chronology.

February 2004 Stuart and I meet. I declare my undying love a month later when I drunkenly arrive at his house he’s playing piano, singing, and accompanying himself with an accordion.

May 2005 We are reunited when I return to London, following a year long hiatus. Birds begin to sing.

December 2005 He proposes over a morning coffee, at a café on Lower Marsh, near Waterloo - at which point he is a struggling composer, and I’m just struggling. We have no money. The madness begins…

April 1, 2006 We have a civil partnership with seventeen of our closest friends on a sunny day in Brixton town hall. Tears flow, Dancing Queen blares, I throw a bouquet, and by 2am, I’m screaming at people to leave my flat. It’s my party and I cry if I want to.

July 2, 2006 Stuart and I are creative types – so we decide to have a big ridiculous party the day after Europride. This party’s theme brings together major aspects of our personalities. Therefore, we referred to it as ‘My Big Fat Gay Buddist Islamic-chic Transcontinental Wedding’.

It took place on a beautiful garden up in Hendon, North London – on one of the hottest days of the year. We chanted, we laughed, we danced, we frolicked. It was hippy heaven..

...And the best day of my life.

Ceremony: Like a Prayer (yes, Madonna was sung by a friend, accompanied by a harpist) and Secret Love, from Calamity Jane. Surreal.

First dance: Kavita, covering a Lata Mangeskar wedding classic…No, I don’t know the name. Yes, it is YouTubed. Click here to see.

Last dance: Superman by Barbara Streisand. We were flying.

Chanting, initiating the ceremony.

In the ceremony there is a Saki drinking tradition. I'm not good at explaining it, so I won't.

Louise, Stuart's wonderful maid on honour, who came dressed as an Islamic flight attendent

Fab artist/DJ/extraordinaire Ellen Van De Graf wears a vintage Louis Vuitton hijab

The unstoppable Stewart Who? and myself.

UM....work!

The wedding dance.

Today - December 5, 2006 Bliss. And I'm thinking about babies...

To be continued...

I Love LA

2007-05-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

California native Hassan Mirza discovers the charm of sunny, sexy LA and its bubbling gay scene

If you've never visited Los Angeles you've probably encountered its critics more often than its admirers. On a recent trip home, while playing tour guide to visiting Brit friends, I had a chance to rediscover LA, which actually possesses quite a bit of beauty and charisma. Its many offerings - including an eclectic gay scene - make it an ideal getaway, especially at a time when the exchange rate strongly favours the pound (2 to 1)!

Los Angeles often gets flack for its rebellious layout, devoid of a city centre, a sprawling cluster of neighborhoods connected by a complicated network of 5-lane freeways, with an ever-present layer of thick smog reaching from the top end to bottom. Oh yes, and the misconception that driving is the only mode of transportation. (There is, in fact, a modern, ever-expanding and inexpensive underground metro).

Unfairly pitted against New York City, which may as well be a different country, LA does have a soul. Despite the suggestions that everyone there is fame-obsessed, a brain-dead surfer, or a celebrity wannabe, the residents are every bit as different and interesting as LA's various regions.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood itself has undergone major reconstructive surgery (how fitting) and billions of dollars have been spent in transforming the once dodgy area, formerly teeming with crack addicts and prostitutes, and turned it into a glittery commercial-laden tourist trap, complete with star-painted sidewalks. It is definitely an improvement on wrong end of Oxford Street, and to my LA virgins who couldn't wait to put their hands in Judy Garland's, outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre, it was a guilty pleasure.

Though Hollywood may have once been the centre of LA life, there’s plenty to see and experience elsewhere. And in the words of resident Julie Andrews, these are a few of my favourite things - to do:

1. West Hollwood pub crawl

For a scene that outsiders sometimes find intimidating and harsh – LA's gayborhood, with clubs and bars situated in the West Hollywood cut of Santa Monica Blvd, shouldn’t be too much of a threat. It can be a bit of a circus on the weekend, drawing hords of gays from neighboring counties, but it is worth the effort. You’ll wanna begin at The Abbey, LA’s most famous, most “Hollywood” gothic-inspired gay bar/restaurant. Swarming with the pretty and vacant, it’s not somewhere you wanna hang too long. But if you wanna see a celebrity, stick here. Britney was spotted there a few weeks back, wearing underpants!

Next door, is the somewhat sloppy, yet endearing, the Motherload. A bit rough around the edges, The Motherload draws an edgier, sometimes older crowd – complete with weekly karaoke, friendly bar staff (as apposed to the Adonises at the Abbey) and pool tables. A five minute walk up the street – past former legendary club Rage, hit up the festive Fiesta Cantina – where Cancun meets Weho, complete with Margarita-fueled twinks, Mexican kitsch, and a fab roof terrace.

Next door is the salacious Mickey's. Often snubbed for being trashy, Mickey's can be a giggle, especially because it’s the only place to go when all the other clubs close, serving alcohol for another hour. Despite the music being a bit limited to Salsa music and bad pop, Mickey's is well known for their raunchy latin go-go boys, who enthusiastically expose their bits for a mere buck. If G-A-Y is your scene, you may appreciate Thursday’s europop twink fest – Tigerheat. Named after Heat-esque teen mag, Tigerbeat, this 18+ club draws in a slew of barely legals, who’ve often binged on vodka prior to entering ( only 21+ can drink) so it has potential to entertain.

Hotdog's club ad

The best night out is the comically vulgar Hotdog at venue, 7969. Previously Hotdog was at smaller venue Parlour –which was especially scandalous for its smoke-friendly back room - but has moved on since this Horse Meat Disco–esque party attracts the masses of gays tired of Weho pretense. Attracting an eclectic crowd of bearded boys, jaded creatives, trannies, fashionistas, and 70s porn-themed go-go boys and girls, this energetic night satisfies for a ‘plump and juicy’ Saturday night.

2. Biking through Venice

One word. Heaven . For a Southern California native with an unreasonable aversion to the ocean, biking from Marina del Rey up through Venice Beach and to Santa Monica isn’t something I would normally consider. Anything not involving a car usually scares LA'ers. However, once I got my lazy arse on a bike, I was awe-struck with the experience.

It lives up completely to your most endearing cliché image of LA; the sun shining, people laughing, beautiful boys and girls jogging in slow motion down the sand, the sun-bleached surfers. The only thing missing was the cast of Roller Boogie (1979), skating in formation around Venice wearing bright spandex, now made eerily trendy by American Apparel . Even around Christmas time, the weather is unbeatable, and through biking you can get a taste of the marina and seafood heaven in Marina Del Rey, the “Camden meets the beach” vibe in Venice, and shopping heaven at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

Venice Beach, home of Romy and Michelle

3. Silverlake

East of Hollywood, before you hit LA’s lacklustre Downtown, is the mushrooming and trendy Silverlake. Attracting a mix of artists, hipsters, leather daddies – Silverlake may be a bit more your cupa’ if being surrounded by the cliché gay party boy isn’t ideal. That said, Silverlake does attract its fair share of eye- candy, especially at relaxed bar/disco – Akbar.

Morrocan-themed, the vibe is relaxed and friendly. Hosting the well received Dirty Dirty House Club on Thursday nights, Akbar also is THE destination for trendy-but-not-too-trendy 25-40 year olds looking for a fab night out, where you can actually strike up conversation over music. MJ’s, formerly Woody’s which has been modernly refurbished, is quite popular with the leather crowd, and plays a mix of disco, classic rock, and hip-hop. Also don’t miss Silverlake’s popular leather festival in April.

4. Melrose Avenue

The only respectable shopping destination devoid of “chains” or “mall”. The long stretch of boutique shops, fab retro and vintage gems, trendy coffee shops and quality eats, Melrose is most famously referenced in Clueless and the trashtastic Melrose Place. The non-mall atmosphere is actually quite liberating and also attracts its fair share of gays, milling through the bargain racks. If you are seeking labels, hit up The Beverly Centre, The Grove, or Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade.

5. Studio tour

Sony Studio's generic Main Street

Since you’re in Hollywood, it makes sense to take time and explore the studios which put Hollywood on the map! Many of them are tourist-friendly, more notably Universal Studios, which is a big, loud theme park within itself. Because I was with a movie musical fanatic, we went to Sony Studios, formerly the magnificent MGM. Although the tour guide tried to impress us with news of Sony’s latest up coming blockbuster, Spiderman 3, we were far more interested in where The Wizard of Oz was filmed and of course, where Judy Garland was forced to work ‘round the clock on amphetamine-fuelled dance numbers.

Although I was a bit less-than-impressed, the other tourists ‘ooh’ed and ‘ah’ed all the way through every film set. In Culver City, home of Sony Studios, also lies the Culver Hotel, where the munchkins from the Wizard of Oz were famously housed – drawing media coverage when drunken dwarfs brawled, and female drawfs were busted soliciting.

Upon arrival, we shamelessly asked the front door clerk why they didn’t have more Wizard of Oz memorabilia – a request which was met with blank stares. Nevertheless, a studio tour in LA is a must.

6. The Getty Centre

Nestled in the Hollywood Hills, The Getty Centre is architecturally awe-inspiring and boasts the most dramatic views in the entire city. The surrounding gardens, fountains, and an elegant café make this trip to the museum especially friendly to people who quickly tire of museums. LA’s equivilant of the Tate Modern, the Getty Centre houses a vast European collection of paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture.

The Getty

I visited an exhibition called Where We live: Photographs of America from the Berman Collection, a comment on the ever-present fallacy of the American Dream– focussing on 20th century locations famous for doubt and controversy. Captivating and nuanced, it was the perfect exhibit to visit before heading out to the Getty garden’s hedge maze.

7. Muholland Drive

With David Lynch’s surreal masterpiece named after it, it’s no wonder why this famous Hollywood hills windy road captures the imagination of visitors, radiating mystery and danger. Very narrow and minus any street lights, driving on Muholland Drive, which at night can make you feel like you’re suddenly miles away from civilisation.

It’s only when you come around a corner when you know that the city is closer than you think, when the city appears almost floating, for what seems like a mile beneath you. The views are utterly spectacular. On one side you see the Valley, and on the other side – Downtown Los Angeles, and East LA. During the day you should be able to see things more distinctly, but at night its simply a sea of glittering lights.

The view from Mulholland

Bear Pride has arrived!

2007-05-30T04:12:00.000-07:00

23/5/07

Grizzlies, cubs, otters, and their loyal admirers will descend on London and Birmingham this weekend for Bear Pride 2007

Grizzlies, cubs, otters and their loyal admirers from all over the UK and abroad will descend on London and Birmingham this weekend for Bear Pride 2007

The annual charity event for the British Heart Foundation, Terrence Higgins Trust and The Albert Kennedy Trust promises to be exciting to date.

Launched in 2003 under the old name Bear Necessities, it’s a week of boozing, boogie and B-B-Qs, which serves the dual purpose of get-together and fundraiser. It was London’s first Bear Pride Event.

In 2004 decides to build on the following of ‘Bear Necessities’ and simplified the name to ‘Bear Pride’ With the success of the 2003 event word spread further a field and the 2004 Bear Pride event saw bears from all over the UK attending.

The word got out about Bear Pride. 2005 saw bears cubs and their admirers attend from all corners of the globe. XXL Bear Pride had truly become the highlight of the International Bear Scene.

In 2006 Mark built on the success of the previous 3 Bear Pride Events. Mark saw that the the line between the Bear and Leather community was always a bit blurred, he expanded the event to include the leather community with the bear community to produce a combined event.

Bear & Leather Pride 2006 was the most successful event to date with an extended weekend of events to cater to all in the Bear & Leather Community.

XXL London and XXL Birmingham are hosting a flurry of fabulous event s all weekend long. To find out details, click here.

Vatican news roundup

2007-05-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

20/12/07

Catch up on the "Vatican versus The Gays" battle in our Vatican news roundup.

The Vatican has never had an particularly pleasant relationship with the LGBT community. In the the past few months, since the reign of Pope Benedict XVI began, the attitude has become especially hostile.

August 30th, 2005 Pope Benedict XVI is said to be considering a controversial new policy excluding gay men from becoming priests. Click here for more

September 5th, 2005 Activists hold a vigil outside the Vatican in memory of a gay man, Alfredo Ormando, who set himself on fire in protest of the Catholic Church’s treatment of lesbian and gay people. Click here for more

September 16th, 2005 News that Catholic investigators will search US seminaries for “evidence of homosexuality” has caused an uproar, with gays angrily charging the Vatican with mounting a “witch hunt”. Click here for more

October 25th, 2005 Roman Catholic bishops make their own decisions about whether to deny communion to politicians whose opinions differ from official church doctrine, according to a vote by the synod of bishops. Click here for more

November 14th, 2005 New details about a forthcoming Vatican document on gay priests - the subject of speculation and press leaks in recent months - are published by Italian newspaper Il Giornale of Milan. Click here for more

November 30th, 2005 The Vatican publishes its instruction on gays in the clergy. Men with "deep-seated" homosexual tendencies should not be ordained, according to the nine-page document, but those with a "transitory problem" can be ordained if they have overcome their feelings for three years. Click here for more

December 5th, 2005 The Archbishop of Cardiff slams the new Civil Partnership Act, warning it will “undermine” marriage. The Roman Catholic Archbishop, the Most Rev Peter Smith, said that rather than focus on offering equality to lesbian and gay people, the government should look at promoting heterosexual marriage. Click here for more

December 16th, 2005 A group of gay Roman Catholic clergyman publish an open letter online defending their homosexuality. The letter says that they felt like church had unfairly rejected them, treating them like "unloved and unwanted children". Click here for more

Pope Benedict XVI had approved the instruction on August 31st, making it one of the first major documents he has approved for publication since being elected pope April 19th. While the document has been in development for years, its existence was discovered in 2002 during the clergy sex abuse scandal.

Pakistani transman and wife jailed

2007-04-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

22/5/07

A female-to-male transsexual and his wife have been sent to jail in Pakistan after a court ruled the husband is a woman.

It is believed that the case of first of its kind in the Islamic country, despite the fact that many male-to-female transsexuals live openly in Pakistan.

The judge ruled that the couple had broken the law by lying about the gender of the husband, Shumail Raj, 31.

The wife, Shahzina Tariq, 24, said that she married Raj to avoid being forced into an arranged marriage. At the time of the marriage, she said she was unaware that Raj was biologically female.

The bride’s father is responsible for the pair being arrested, as he made efforts to annul the marriage claiming that it is against two people of the same sex to marry.

The High Court of Lahore ruled that Shumail Raj, 31, lied to the court by saying he was a man.

"Neither Islam nor our law allows marriages of the same sex. This mistake cannot simply be overlooked," Lahore High Court judge Khawaja Sharif told the couple, according to the BBC. "Why should a case be not registered against you for committing an unnatural offence and telling a lie?" he asked.

Since the court ruling Shumail Raj has been sent to jail in Lahore while the wife Shahzina Tariq has been sent to jail in their hometown of Faisalabad. They will remain incarcerated until their trial begins. The date has yet to be announced.

"We're not homosexuals,” said Shahzina Tariq, wearing a niqab, a face covering scarf. “Ours was a love marriage.”

The Burqa Barrier

2007-04-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

17/10/07

Are Jack Straw's comments about the Muslim burqa unfair? Strip the veil, says GAY.COM's Hassan Mirza.

Is it a surprise that any comment remotely criticising Muslim practices, no matter how tactful or politically correct, results in a ‘furor’?

Raised as a Muslim American, I can understand why women wear face-covering scarves in Muslim countries, yet I struggle to understand why it is necessary in the West. And being out, gay, and from a Muslim family, I'm constantly dealing with my own frustrating conflicts with Islam's take on gender and sexuality.

Cabinet Minister Jack Straw's suggestion to Muslim women to remove the face veil has sparked massive controversy, despite his effort to not be "prescriptive" when suggesting that covering peoples’ faces makes community relations difficult.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission called Straw’s article in the Lancashire Telegraph "astonishing" and accused Mr Straw of discrimination, according to the BBC.

The Protect-Hijab organisation said Straw showed “a deep lack of understanding".

What is more ‘appalling’ and ‘astonishing’ is the swift, angry response from Muslim organisations, despite Straw carefully questioning if covering one’s face is as an anti-social statement.

“Communities are bound together partly by informal chance relations between strangers - people being able to acknowledge each other in the street or being able pass the time of day," Straw explained.

“I have no problem with Muslim women wearing a scarf but to exclude the person you are talking to from your facial expressions is not reasonable.”

"I understand the concerns but I hope, however, there can be a mature debate about this.”

Sorry Jack, but unfortunately you’re dealing with people who consider debate blasphemy.

Before getting into Muslim ‘sensitivities’ about women being covered in face sheltering niqabs (only eyes exposed) or worse, the burqa, covering the entire face and body, leaving just a mesh screen to see through – let me just say that if anyone, man or woman, Muslim or non-Muslim – covered his or her face, it would always result in a paranoia.

If I happen to decide to cover my entire face and body, I would expect people to be suspicious of me. I would be suspicious of me.

Covering your face – in this country - as a form of body language says things like ‘I’m ashamed’ , ‘I don’t want to be seen’ , ‘I am not one of you…’ and it can also say things like – ‘I don’t want to be identified by CCTV!’

Yet we make an exception for some women to cover up. And before the women who actually wear burqas or niqabs speak up (oh wait, they’re not allowed) – Muslim men and hijab (face exposed) - wearing women are the first ones to condemn the comments.

One Muslim woman on the BBC this morning insisted that wearing face-covering veils – is NOT forced upon women by men, but instead a choice of the women. And this, boys and girls, is what we called Disillusionment.

Dr Reefats Drauba, the chairman of the social and family affairs committee of the Muslim Council of great Britain said, “ If Mr Straw thinks this is going to break down barriers, it isn’t. If anything, it was going to alienate Muslim women and be a catalyst for more of them to wear the veil and prove a point.”

How insightful, ‘Doctor’! In response to a Straw’s tactful suggestion, you’ve just declared a burka jihad.

I’m sorry, Dr Drauba but no, actually Muslim people isolate themselves and insist that others are isolating them.

Or maybe that's too harsh a statement, maybe it’s the fault of organisations like the Muslim Council of Britain, who are suppose to bridge the gap between British Muslims and everyone else (including me, not just wealthy old white men), but they repeatedly fail to do so and drive a bigger wedge between the Muslims and the rest of the world.

Do we ever hear from these people unless they are condemning something?

They have no concept of integration and face-to-face communication, yet they ponder why Muslims feel alienated? A nasty foreign policy is not an excuse to withdraw from the rest of society, especially from people who are interested in initiating dialogue.

This organisation repeatedly disappoints in its ridiculous accusations, and I can only hope it is unrepresentative of the greater British Muslim population.

I’m not going to try to speak for all Muslims. I’m certainly not representative of one.

However, I will say that even my Pakistani Muslim mother shares my disdain for the oppressive burqa barrier - which does nothing but to foster more hostility and alienate women.

Poland to outlaw gay "promotion" in schools

2007-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

16/3/07

Poland’s Education minister Roman Giertych proposed new legislation akin to Section 28

Poland’s deputy Prime Minister and Education minister Roman Giertych has proposed new legislation that would outlaw any discussion of homosexuality in schools.

At a Ministry of Education on Wednesday, he tried to introduce new laws - strikingly similar to the UK’s Section 28 - that would "prohibit the promotion of homosexuality and other deviance."

Educators that break the law could face imprisonment under the proposed law.

The laws would punish anyone who “promotes homosexuality or any other deviance of a sexual nature in educational establishments, "according to junior Education minister Miroslaw Orzechowski.

At a recent EU education ministers meeting, Roman Giertych criticised the "homosexual propaganda" in schools and suggested a EU-wide ban.

Robert Biedron, President of Polish LGBT organisation Campaign Against Homophobia, said he was “embarrassed” of the proposed legislation.

He called on the EU to take notice of the homophobic legislation "before things go to extremes".

"What happens when a Minister of a member state regularly practices hate-speech and encourages intolerance?" Biedron asked.

"What else are we waiting for before we finally take action? Are we waiting for increase of data on victims of homophobic violence? Are we waiting for camps for LGBT people?"

Roman Giertych also serves as chairman for the ultra conservative League of Polish Families.

In September, he released an official press statement saying he would no longer speak to BBC journalists after the BBC reported about pedophilia among Catholic priests.

87 gay men arrested in Iran

2007-04-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

15/5/07

"All my friends were arrested while seven or eight policeman beat them with batons..."

Eighty seven gay men were arrested at a private house party in Iran on May 10th, according to the Toronto-based Iranian Queer Organisation, IRQO.

The group claims that police raided a birthday party for a man named Farhad. According to witnesses, the police brutally assaulted the host, his parents, and the guests. It remains unclear exactly how many people were arrested.

A man identified as Peyman spoke to IRQO and said that he arrived at the house late only to find the police had already arrived.

“As soon as I turned in to their street, I saw police cars parked everywhere," Peyman told IRQO.

"All my friends were arrested while seven or eight policeman beat them with batons. Fearing the usual punishments for attending a party, two had jumped from the second-floor window and were in a bad condition.”

He also said that all communication with the individuals has been cut off. “We have no information about the situation inside the jail,” Payman added.

Another IRQO contact, identified as Kia, reported: “Guests had come from Shiraz, Tehran, Shahin Shahr to Isfahan for Farhad’s birthday. When they were coming out of the house followed by the police, their clothes were ripped, their faces and bodies were covered in blood. They were beaten up badly.”

IRQO cites reports that detainees are being tortured in the jail in Isfahan, and that the courts are not allowing families to visit the arrested.

Some women who attended the party also were arrested, but were released the following day. It is believed that all men attending the party are in jail.

Arsham Parsi, the executive director of the Iranian Queer Organisation said: "Obviously this crackdown is yet another systematic violation of human rights, along with brutal suppression of womens' movements in Iran and must be strongly protested by all human rights organisations as yet another violation of people's private rights and liberties.

"This means that for now, what is urgently needed is to strongly object to this gross violation of human rights and the invasion of young people's lives and dignity."

This latest raid marks the largest single attack on Iran’s gay community, further confirming a disturbing trend of sexual cleansing in the Islamic Republic, made legal through Sharia law. Sodomy is a crime for which both partners can be punished by death, while all types of sexual activity outside a heterosexual marriage are also illegal.

African LGBT coalition slams Peter Tatchell

2007-04-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

5/3/07

A coalition of African LGBT leaders hits out at Peter Tatchell and Outrage!

A coalition of twenty African LGBT and human rights leaders issued a public warning, slamming the credibility of Peter Tatchell and Outrage!.

The coalition, including leaders such as Juliet Victor Mukasa, Chairperson of Sexual Minorities Uganda, and Peter Njoroge of Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, accused the prominent gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell of “causing damage” to their efforts, particularly in regards to Nigeria’s proposed anti-gay legislation.

In January Tatchell sent out a press release about the Nigerian bill, urging international pressure against what he described as the most “comprehensively homophobic legislation ever proposed in any country in the world.”

Tatchell vehement efforts are now being refuted and criticised by this coalition who claim that Outrage! acts “in contempt and disregard of the wishes and lives of African LGBT human rights defenders.”

“We have made every attempt to address this matter with Outrage!, personally, and they have refused to listen,” the statement read.

“We fear that Peter Tatchell's sudden call for a campaign to pressure the Nigerian government regarding the proposed same-sex marriage prohibition might backfire and cause the oppressive homophobic bill's passage.”

“Until Outrage!'s action was issued, the bill was dead.”

Leading activist Dorothy Aken'Ova of the Nigerian organisation, the International Centre for Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights, has also signed the coalition’s statement.

She had considered the bill dead and prior to Tatchell’s press release, urged reporters to stay silent on the issue in fear that international press would reignite legislators' interest in the measure.

"Press attention to the bill, even if it is as mild as reporting that it is presumed dead as a result of political tension will be dangerous. Right now, we want silence," Aken'Ova said in an interview with American journalist Rex Wockner.

However, other local activists disagreed with her sentiments.

"Silence does not equate the death of the bill," Alimi Adebisi Ademola, executive director of the gay youth group The Independent Project told Wockner. "We believe strongly that the bill is still alive only going through a process that no one knows."

Leo Igwe, executive secretary of the Nigerian Humanist Movement, has encouraged international activism.

“Even though the 'general feeling' now is that any call for public action might be counterproductive unless there are indications that the legislation might be passed in weeks."

Kizza Musinguzi, African Affairs spokesperson for OutRage! and a Ugandan gay rights activist, slammed back at the coalitions’ allegations calling them “untrue and sectarian”.

Musinguzi denied that the groups contacted Outrage! or Peter Tatchell.

“[The statements] are made mostly by people who have never had any contact with Peter Tatchell or OutRage! Since we have not run any campaigns about their countries, how can they accuse us of treating them badly?” Musinguzi told Gay.com.

“They have been fed lies about us by people who are jealous of OutRage!'s effective campaigns.”

Peter Tatchell told Gay.com that in the twenty years he’s worked with African gay groups, he’s never encountered complaints.

“All have appreciated the support I have given their campaigns," said Mr Tatchell.

"Our news releases do not contain untrue information, we do not exaggerate homophobic repression, our campaigns have not caused damage and we have never put anyone's life in danger. These wicked smears are being made by political opponents who are trying to discredit me and OutRage!”

"A week before these activists denounced us, we halted our Nigerian campaign. We have not campaigned on Uganda for five months.”

"This vendetta has nothing to do with gay rights. Certain groups seem more interested in fighting other activists than in fighting homophobia. Their petty jealousies and political sectarianism is undermining the campaign for gay equality in Africa.”

The proposed Nigerian bill states: "Publicity, procession and public show of same-sex amorous relationship through the electronic or print media physically, directly, indirectly or otherwise are prohibited in Nigeria. Any person who is involved in the registration of gay clubs, societies and organisations, sustenance, procession or meetings, publicity and public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly in public and in private is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a term of 5 years imprisonment."

It remains unclear whether Nigeria’s National Assembly will pass the bill before April's general election.

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Russian rent boy soldiers confess

2007-04-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

16/2/07

A new report found that young recruits in the Russian army are being forced into prostitution.

Following recent news that Russia may reinvigorate Soviet law by jailing gays, a new report found that young recruits in the Russian army are being forced into prostitution.

The Gazeta newspaper discovered that soldiers from an army base in St Petersburg are routinely being ‘pimped’ by senior officials, who then force them to turn over the earnings.
Clients include a former general of FSB, Russia's intelligence agency.

Anonymous soldiers, told Gazeta that they were violently tortured and beaten by senior officers as a means to force them into prostitution. Last year a 19-year-old recruit was reportedly beaten so badly that his genitals and legs had to be amputated.

Human rights group Union of the Committees of Soldiers' Mothers of Russia, speaking on behalf of soldiers, said that clients arrived at the base late at night to avoid recognition. Soldiers were forced into cars and often would be gone all night.

"The officers would beat us on the arms and legs. We were sent out to the park to earn money,” one solider told the newspaper. ”I was tortured with electric shocks.”

The officers allegedly pasted a client list to successors, suggesting that the practice was long-held tradition. Soldiers were paid about £25 on average for each client, most of which went back to the officers.

Defense Minister, Sergei Ivanov, rumoured to be potential successor to president Vladimir Putin, has pledged an investigation.

Lesbian daughter of Israeli PM talks

2007-04-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

14/11/06

Dana Olmert, lesbian daughter of Israeli PM Ehud Olmert, reflects on Jerusalem's Gay Pride rally

Dana Olmert, the lesbian daughter of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, spoke to Israel’s Army Radio about Friday’s Gay Pride rally and hostility toward the Israeli gay community.

"There is a continuing history of violence and hatred, there is homophobia. Coming out of the closet is not a one-time struggle," Olmert said.

"I thought it is important to tell those who were not there what those who were there felt. I was happy to be there with the sweetest people there is."

"But on the other hand there is a sad feeling in that they took us into a closed area. It was a feeling of being in jail. At the entrance we were asked to put on a pink ribbon and the feeling was that the event is too sterile."

Last Friday’s planned parade was cancelled due to violent threats from the Ultra-orthodox Haredi sect. Leading up to the event, thousands of protesters took to the street, and even called upon Christian and Muslims to join in the anti-gay demonstration.

The event, which attracted 4,000 was held behind fences at a university sports stadium on the Holy City's outskirts after organisers bowed to police fears of violent protests the Haredi sect.

“After what happened I am sure the community's leader should not give up and therefore we have to march. The fear campaign is a problem. The fact that we were distanced from the public teaches us that something in the separation war succeeded, and that's what turned the event into a bitter victory,” she continued.

"I think that the community was offended in this struggle but there is another side to that. Now, homosexual and lesbian haredim, and there are haredi homosexuals and lesbian, know they are not alone in the world."

Olmert also slammed the media for not differentiating between violent vs non-violent anti-gay groups.

"There is on the one hand a group of people who want to march without violence, and their message is not one of hate. And on the other hand there is a group of people who express themselves violently – and the media presents both sides in a politically correct manner. I believe the media should take a stance."

When questioned about the Prime Minister’s silence on the issue she said, “I don't like to speak as the daughter of my father. I don't act in the public sphere as such, but I keep to myself the right to express myself when I think I am right and this is one such time."

NY offers revolutionary gender option

2007-04-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

9/11/06

Gender becomes personal choice as New York’s Board of Health will allow people to alter their documented sex, even with no sex-change

In a momentous move, New York City is about to revolutionise its approach to gender by “separating anatomy from what it means to be a man or a woman”, according to the New York Times.

Gender, essentially, will become personal choice as New York’s Board of Health will allow people to alter the sex on their birth certificate, even if they have not had a sex-change surgery.

Those born in the city will be able to change their documented sex by providing affirmation from doctors and mental health professionals explaining why their patients should be considered members of the opposite sex.

The documents from the doctors must also ensure that the change will be permanent.
Applicants would have to change their name and show that he or she had lived as the adoptive gender for a minimum of two years.

The process to change gender identification on a birth certificate varies from state to state, and almost all 50 states in the US make it a fairly easy process for people who've undergone a sex reassignment surgery to obtain a new birth certificate.

However, only a handful of states allow the change to take place without a physiological change.

Although the move has been hailed by transgender advocates, some health experts have criticised a move which they consider to be re-writing history.

Dr Arthur Zitrin, a Midtown psychiatrist who was on a panel of transgender experts at a hearing, criticised the move.

“They should not change the sex at birth, which is a factual record.”

“If they wanted to change the gender for all the compelling reasons that they’ve given, it should be done perhaps with an asterisk.”

Joann Prinzivalli, a lawyer for the New York Transgender Rights Organisation, made a counterargument to the doctor’s opinion and suggested that the Board of Health’s move marks progress.

“[The decision] is based on an arbitrary distinction that says there are two and only two sexes.”

“In reality the diversity of nature is such that there are more than just two, and people who seem to belong to one of the designated sexes may really belong to the other.”

Anti-gay riot sparks Israeli high alert

2007-04-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

1/11/06

A riot erupted Tuesday night as hundreds of ultra Orthodox Jews marched to protest next months’ Jerusalem Pride.

Members of the Haredi sect created massive uproar: blocking roads, setting rubbish bins on fire, and throwing rocks at police officers. Protestors were led by leaders wearing sack cloths, a Biblical sign of bereavement, and carrying placards slamming homosexuality that said "Jerusalem will not be like Sodom and Gomorrah".

Police cited similar disturbances around Israel on Tuesday.

The riot followed the Jerusalem police chief’s significant decision to place the force on an “Emergency Alert”, raising the national alert to its highest level relative to current scenarios.

According to the Jerusalem Post the current police situation in response to the protests resembles that of the 2005 pullout from the Gaza Strip, with all police holidays suspended to ensure maximum manpower on the day of the parade, November 11.

The police have expressed concerns that the anti-gay activists may take refuse in houses along the parade route and throw objects at parade participants. They even fear that they may try to disable the city’s electricity.

Parade organisers, Jerusalem Open House, predict that the number of protesters will far exceed the number of parade participants.

There have also been calls by Muslim leaders for mass Muslim protests in Jerusalem.

Political Porn?

2007-04-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

Gay porn star and producer Michael Lucas heads to Israel to perform a live sex show to entertain Israeli soldiers.

In a deluded and politically insensitive move, Russian-born, American-based gay porn star and producer Michael Lucas is heading to Israel to perform a live sex show to entertain Israeli soldiers.

He is also plans to film the first Israeli gay adult film. He has not yet announced a plan to make Lebanese gay porn.

“I am very proud to be going to my home away from home and entertain gay Israelis in a time of war,” he says in his blog.

An outspoken and controversial gay celebrity, he has been avid advocate for safe-sex and anti-drug campaigns in the gay community.

He has recently joined the political arena slamming UN leader Kofi Annan calling him “the enemy of Israel and not a friend of the United States. He is a corrupt anti-Semite.”

Despite the implications of a self-serving publicity stunt, especially considering the politically delicate atmosphere in the region, some may wonder - from the perspectives of those gay Israeli youths obligated to enlist, regardless of sexual orientation - why shouldn’t the gay soldiers be allowed to watch live gay sex?

If their hetero counterparts can be entertained by busty babes, surely the gays should be allowed to be entertained by hung hunks.

The vocal porn star, who readily admits “I do not bottom either on camera or in my private life”, is allegedly loved by proud Republican country singer Lee Ann Womack and Jersey Republican Babe of the Week Angie Harmon.

In his insightful blog Lucas writes:

“I'm heading to Israel to do a show on Friday September 1, as I am invited to make an appearance in the most popular club there, Male Vox.”

“There will free admission for Israeli soldiers.”

“I haven't decided yet who will be my partner for the live sex show I'm doing there (Israel has no problem with that type of entertainment).”

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Image from Lucas Entertainment