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.
Tuesday 31 July 2007
Porn company drops gay bomb
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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”
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
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.
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.
Monday 30 July 2007
The Eden Sessions
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?
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
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?
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.
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
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
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
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”.
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
“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
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
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
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
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.
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!
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!
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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.
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?
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!
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.
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
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.
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