So So Gay
It’s time to catch up with the latest and biggest LGBT stories of the week. Be prepared for the good, the bad, and Paris Hilton. Ouch.
Monday 17 September 2012 – Terrence Higgins Trust launches UK’s first health resource for transgender people
The Terrence Higgins Trust has launched two new guides with health and wellbeing advice for transgender people – the first guide of its kind in the UK. One for transwomen, and one for transmen. Currently, research into transgender health is fairly patchy, however, there is a growing consensus that transgender people have a much higher risk of contracting HIV and other sexual diseases. Both guides offer advice on broader wellbeing, including body image, disclosure and relationships.
Wednesday 19 September 2012 – QX and RVT announce charity Drag Roast
QX Magazine and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern are teaming up for London’s debut Drag Roast, a charity event that will raise money for the Terrence Higgins Trust. The first evening of its kind in the capital will see drag legend Sandra, roasted by a panel that promises to feature ‘some of the funniest names on the circuit’, to raise money for the HIV and sexual health charity. The Drag Roast will be held on Thursday 11 October at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, London. For further information and tickets, visit www.rvt.org.uk/event/drag-
Thursday 20 September 2012 – New film clip showing UK athletes promoting safe sex
Terrence Higgins Trust, a HIV and sexual health charity, has released a short film clip, in which an assortment of British and international athletes talk about sex and condoms. Be a Good Sport – which was written and directed by Marcus Jones and Jacquie Beaumont at Jam Creative – is a clever, tongue-in-cheek video which makes you question just what these athletes are really referring to, whilst promoting safe sex at the same time. Its release comes at the end of the UK’s summer of sport, during which a record 150,000 condoms were handed out to Olympic athletes in London – nearly 15 per competitor.
Socialite Paris Hilton has been caught on tape making homophobic and derogatory statements about gay men who have random sex with strangers. During the audio, Paris is heard saying, ‘Gay guys are the horniest people in the world. They’re disgusting. Dude, most of them probably have AIDS.’ The recording was caught by a taxi driver during New York’s fashion week, who was giving Hilton and her openly gay male model friend a lift in the early hours of 7 September in Manhattan. Later she’s heard saying, ‘I would be so scared if I were a gay guy…You’ll like, die of AIDS.’ A spokesperson for Hilton released a statement saying Paris would ‘never purposefully make any negative statements about anyone’s sexual orientation.’
Saturday 22 September 2012 – Stonewall announce nominations for their Heroes and Bigots of 2012
Popstar Jessie J and the founders of Ben & Jerry’s are amongst those nominated for the ‘Hero of the Year’ award by Stonewall. The organisation highlighted Jessie J for her head-on tackling of tabloid rumours over her sexuality, and for serving as a role model for bisexual Brits. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, who founded ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s are nominated for renaming their ‘Oh! My! Apple Pie!’ flavour ‘Apple-y Ever After’ in support of the government’s proposals to allow same-sex marriage. In contrast, the leader of Scotland’s Catholics, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, has been nominated for Stonewall’s ‘Bigot of the Year.’ The Edinburgh Archbishop, who previously claimed LGBT people to be ‘captives of sexual aberrations’, has been heading up Scotland’s anti-marriage equality lobby in the face of a consultation on reforming the law. Winners will be announced at the seventh annual ceremony to be hosted in the V&A Museum on 1 November, 2012.
‘Make Us An Offer’ night set to raise funds for people living with HIV
HIV and Sexual Health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is re-launching its much-loved charity shop in Pimlico, on Friday 28 September by inviting people to haggle for items in one of the best charity shops in London. The store which has been renamed ‘Boutique’ and undergone a full transformation ahead of the re-launch, will offer shoppers the chance to stop in and barter for items, including art, vintage clothes, household items, books, and new stock from high street suppliers including Moschino and Nigel Hall. The shop has attracted regular custom from celebrities including comedian Alan Carr, and is listed among retail guru Mary Portas’ top three charity shops. For enquiries about the event please email [email protected]
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