Fun in the sun...

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.