WWE In Saudi Arabia: My Thoughts

I was recently asked by Pink News to respond to the recent controversy surrounding World Wrestling Entertainments decision to hold a major PPV event, namely the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia in my capacity as the creator of Twitter fan page 'WWE LGBT'. I found it really difficult to write a response and be balanced! On one hand Saudi Arabia has a disgusting record when it comes to human rights, but on the other there are many in Saudi Arabia with more progressive views, and the WWE has been promoting equality much more in recent years. I think we need to be careful and try and see it from the WWE's point of view as well as the LGBT fans.

I don’t wish to be overly critical with regards to the WWE choosing to host the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, but neither can I say I’m thrilled about the location of Friday’s event. There’s no doubt the Saudi regime has committed horrendous human rights atrocities and their treatment of women and the LGBT+ community is an absolute disgrace. For example just for being LGBT+ is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia, which is just horrifying.

I think through initiatives like the women’s evolution and more LGBT+ visibility the WWE is heading in the right direction when it comes to equality, and it’s clear they do not hold the same views when it comes to human rights. These things take time and patience is the key, as we know when we consider the wider women’s rights and LGBT+ rights movements. The WWE have a 10 year long deal to hold events in Saudi Arabia and as long as the WWE push for more equality including allowing the women wrestlers to perform, maybe we can see this as a potential way to promote more humane attitudes in the country.

I feel I can’t fully condemn the WWE’s decision, however nor can I fully agree with it, especially considering women won’t be performing, which is disgraceful and goes against the values which the WWE has been championing. From the debates around this issue on the ‘WWE LGBT’ page it is clear this is by no means a clear cut argument with fans divided over it. At the time of writing this a Twitter poll asking whether it’s right for the WWE to be holding an event in Saudi Arabia, shows 64% of 500 fans saying they believe it’s wrong for them to hold the event in the country. Meanwhile 24% think they still should, with 12% saying they’re undecided. Though I don’t think those on the ‘yes’ side of the argument are exactly thrilled about the idea either.

The arguments against the WWE’s decision are obvious and detailed above, it’s about Saudi Arabia’s appalling human rights record and the discrimination the women performers are facing, just by not being allowed to perform. The main arguments supporting the WWE are that if the WWE don’t go there how can they encourage and promote change. This was echoed by WWE Company Executive Triple H just days ago when he said “what you can't do is affect change anywhere by staying away from it”. I believe Triple H’s comments are sincere however we cannot forget that money will also be playing a significant part of this decision.

I think if perhaps the WWE hadn’t chosen such a big event, being that this will be the largest Royal Rumble in WWE history, with 50 superstars taking part, maybe this wouldn’t have been so much of an issue. But this is a major PPV event and I have no doubt it’ll receive massive viewing figures with some superb matches set to take place.

I should add these are my personal thoughts only and the ‘WWE LGBT’ fan page is not affiliated with WWE in any way. We are non-profit and just want to support and promote further equality within WWE’s programming. We have had contact from sources within WWE who are interested to see how the Twitter page develops and what fans from the LGBT+ community have to say, which I think speaks volumes about their commitment to promote positive change and further equality. I have been overwhelmed by the support the ‘WWE LGBT’ page has received in the month since I created it. I just really wanted to form a Twitter presence where LGBT+ fans and allies can get together and discuss how we can continue to support the WWE’s efforts to become more inclusive.

-Sam Willey

You can visit WWE LGBT on Twitter - @WWELGBT

PhD researcher launches study into sexual health among men who have sex with men

A PhD researcher at Birmingham City University is looking for participants, to take part in a research study.

The researcher is Naomi Pierce, and the study aims to learn about how the social lives of men (specifically men who have sex with men), could help to explain and address unsafe sexual behaviour.

What can research into social lives tell us about sexual wellbeing? 


Sexual transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis rates for men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United Kingdom (UK) are commonly higher than those of the general population.

36% of STI diagnoses in MSM were for gonorrhoea, a disease with reported cases of treatment resistant strains. There has been a 14% increase in syphilis (an STI with potentially serious neurological effects) diagnoses in MSM.

In an effort to tackle this problem, researchers are working to learn more about how the social lives of men could help to explain and address unsafe sexual behaviour.

The size of an individual’s social network, the extent to which men engage with the gay community and attendance at gay bars and clubs are all reported to be associated with unprotected sex.

It is therefore important to understand the relationship between social interaction and sexual health in more detail, and approaching the issue by looking at the role of peer groups (often called sub-cultures or sub-communities) is one way to do this.

Twinks, Bears, Leathers and the numerous other peer groups present with the MSM community are well known to most men, whether or not they are a part of a peer group.

Existing work shows that identifying with a peer group (e.g. feeling part of a community of Bears, Twinks or Leathers for example, having friends in these groups and taking part in associated activities) may contribute to a range of physical, mental and sexual health outcomes.

This furthers our understanding of what is important in helping men in these peer groups to manage their sexual wellbeing, but there is more to be done.

We need to include all MSM in this type of research, including men who don’t identify with a peer group and men with sexual identities other than gay or bisexual.

My research will use the Gay Peer Crowds Questionnaire (GPCQ) to explore the relationship between peer group membership (and non-membership) and sexual health.

The GPCQ has not been used with UK MSM before, and so this is an exciting opportunity to explore whether being part of a peer crowd contributes to men’s sexual wellbeing.

I am currently recruiting men to take part in this study, which involves completing the GPCQ and another questionnaire about sexual behaviour and health.

This should take no longer than 20 minutes. If you are over 16 and would like to take part, you can do so here: CLICK HERE

The study is part of my PhD research, which looks at the role of peer groups and identity in how men understand and manage sexual health risk.

If you would like further information or have any questions or comments on my research, you can contact me via naomi.pierce@bcu.ac.uk

About Naomi:

I am a PhD researcher in psychology at Birmingham City University, where I am looking at the role of peer groups and identity in how men understand and manage sexual health risk.

My research takes a critical approach to mainstream conceptions of sexual health, through which I hope to challenge stereotypes of MSM as unsafe in their sexual practice, and advocate for increased understanding of the role of social interaction in sexual health.

You can find me on Twitter @PrcNaomi

Man injured in Glasgow defending friend during a homophobic attack

A man has been left with serious facial injuries, after he intervened when his friend was subjected to homophobic abuse in Glasgow.

The incident, which occurred at 2am on Wednesday morning, is being treated as a hate crime.

The 22 year-old and his friend were on Kersland Street, near Great Western Road when a man approached them shouting verbal abuse.

He was then taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.

Police have released a description of the man they're looking for in connection with the incident.

He's described as white, in his early 20's, and was wearing a black top and black tracksuit bottoms.

He was with a woman who was also in her early 20's, blonde hair and approximately 5ft 6in tall.

Detective Constable Stuart McDonald from Police Scotland said:

"This despicable individual not only subjected an innocent man to homophobic abuse, but also assaulted his friend when he came to his aid."

"This type of behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and I would appeal to anyone who either witnessed the incident, or saw the man and woman described to please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers in Drumchapel CID via 101 and quote incident number 0268 of Wednesday August 9th 2017.

Ellen talks about bullying from Hollywood when she came out as lesbian in the 90's

Ellen DeGeneres has revealed how she faced bullied when she came out as a lesbian in the 1990's.

She first openly discussing her sexuality during an interview with Oprah.

The decision to come out left Ellen without a sitcom, no longer a mainstream comedian, and even facing protests outside ABC Studios, with religious groups demanding she be taken off air.

Here's what she had to say about it recently:

"The bullying I endured after I came out, made up for the lack of it during my childhood."

"I moved out of LA, went into a severe depression, started seeing a therapist and ha to go on anti-depressants for the first time in my life."

"It was scary and lonely. All I'd known for 30 years was work, and all of a sudden I had nothing."

"Plus, I was mad, it didn't feel fair - I was the same person everyone had always known."

"Anger and aggression weaken you, because they take so much energy to hold in place."

"But kindness is a strength, that makes you more serene."

The TV host has always spoke out when it comes to bullying, here's what she had to say on the issue after a number of tragedies in 2010:

English referee comes out and says homophobia is still a problem in football

Football referee Ryan Atkin has become the first openly gay ref in the game in England.

Speaking to Sky Sports he said he felt it was the right time for him to say that he's someone involved with professional football, and just so happens to be gay.

There are currently no openly gay footballers in England.

Atkin told Sky Sports: "I hope that my action, however small, will help give others in a similar situation, the confidence to be themselves."

Calling the move a step into the unknown, he added: "Homophobia is still a problem, but things are improving all the time. Those who do need education, generally change their ways once they've been made aware that their behaviour is unacceptable in society."

Atkin began officiating games in 1999 and currently referees for National League South.

The 32 year-old had a strong message when it came to people being open and comfortable, with who they are.

He said: "It's my belief that being yourself, without fear, ultimately makes you happier, which in turn makes you a better person. Some of my colleagues already know about my sexuality, and they treat me equally and with respect."

"I'm confident that those who don't yet know will be just as accepting. Going forward, I don't want to dwell unnecessarily on the possibility of not being accepted by others."

It's no secret that homophobia is still a problem in football.

In May FA boss Greg Clarke said the men's game is two decades behind the women's game, when it comes to attitudes around sexuality.

Recent awareness raising campaigns have also been adopted by major football clubs, including the Premier League.

Stonewall's Rainbow laces campaign, which involved players and officials wearing rainbow laces over one weekend in November, really brought the issue further into the spotlight, with more clubs than ever taking part.

The campaign's slogan is "Make Football Everyone's Game", and club's supported the initiative by posting pro-LGBT messages across their social networks, and around stadiums during the games.

Australian Ex-PM Tony Abbott's lesbian sister Christine Forster shuts down attack on same sex marriage

Earlier this week former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, lashed out, strongly opposing same sex marriage.

Debate over the issue has certainly heated up in the country over the past few weeks.

Abbott was the PM in Australia from 2013 to 2015 and yesterday he said people should vote 'no' to equal marriage in order to 'stop' political correctness.

He said: "If you are worried about freedom of speech and freedom of religion, vote no."

"If you don't like political correctness, vote no, because this is the best way to stop it in its tracks."

Abbott's strong opposition to same sex marriage, is despite his sister Christine Forster, waiting for the right to be able marry her same sex partner.

Forster is a councillor in Sydney and had the following response to her brothers comments:

"If you value mutual respect: vote yes. If you want all Australians to be equal: vote yes. If you believe in free speech: vote yes. If this is about the people: vote yes."

"If you want the person you love to be in every sense a part of your family: vote yes."

"If you don't believe your relationships (or anyone else's) are second rate: vote yes."

"If you believe your own marriage is a good thing: vote yes!"

It looks like same sex marriage will go to a public vote in Australia, which will cost $120 million, and wouldn't even be legally binding.

That's despite the majority of MP's in Parliament supporting it, and it being widely known that the majority of the Australian people support it, with recent polls suggesting up to 70% are in favour.

Hence equal marriage campaigners and sane people are asking why spend millions on this, when it could be free!

Australian TV presenter asks "Why are we stopping people from loving each other?"

An Australian TV presenter has summed up how ridiculous government stalling on same sex marriage really is.

It comes after the Australian Parliament voted to block a free vote on the matter.

That's despite the majority of MP's supporting equal marriage, and the majority of the Australian public supporting it.

Today Presenter Karl Stefanovic began by saying: "A non binding, non-compulsory postal vote is complete BS."

Referring to plans for a plebiscite, which would allow the public a vote on same sex marriage, but the government would be under no legal obligation to carry out the decision.

Stefanovic went on the say:

"In my opinion there have been far too many column inches, far too much airtime, far too much taxpayer money wasted on an issue I believe should be decided in Parliament."

"Let's get on with it....Let's look at this simply confidently and compassionately. Why are we stopping people from loving each other? In a world where we should be celebrating love over hate, this decision is a no-brainer."

"Two people who want to share their lives together, love the big events as a union, and the small moments in life."

"Vote in Parliament and say yes to gay marriage, and lets live happily ever after."

You can view the full video - HERE

Northern Ireland equal marriage campaigner tells leaders "respect the will of the people"

An equal marriage campaigner in Northern Ireland has told leaders its time to respect the will of the people.

Una Mullally made the comments before Amnesty International's Belfast Pride lecture last week, she said the public "overwhelmingly support marriage equality".

Mullally added: "One of the things we need to work on as an island as a whole, is greater solidarity and communication between communities north and south. This is acutely apparent in how the LGBT community's rights have been divided on the island."

"It is absurd that a lesbian or gay couple can get married in Dundalk, but not in Newry. It is absurd too, that politicians continue to veto the equality and rights of people in Northern Ireland, disrespecting the will of the people."

Mullally is an columnist for the Irish Times and authored a book on same sex marriage in Ireland.

She was a key campaigner during equality efforts in the Republic of Ireland, which saw same sex marriage legalised in 2015.

Meanwhile The Northern Ireland Assembly isn't even functioning at the moment, after the collapse of the power-sharing agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Sinn Fein want same sex marriage introduced, but they face strong opposition from the homophobic DUP.

Returning to the essence of Mullally's comments: I think it's really interesting that politicians who are so against same sex marriage, seem to ignore the clear public support for it.

It seems to take threats of being defeated at the ballot box which make them take notice.

For example in Germany many felt Angela Merkel's decision to allow a vote on same sex marriage, was due to looming elections. The Chancellor actually voted against the measure so clearly she hasn't had a change of heart on the issue.

Meanwhile in Australia, the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is getting pressure from backbenchers in his own party to allow a vote.

Recent polls show the vast majority of Australian's support same sex marriage. But its only been since Turnbull started to consider he might lose votes, that the rhetoric has changed, and we could see some movement in Australia, as early as this week.

Australia could be moving closer towards a vote on same sex marriage in the coming week

There's been a lot of chatter about same sex marriage in Australia this past week.

It comes as recent polls show the vast majority of the public, are supportive of equal marriage.

Reports indicate the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has made it easier for legislation on the issue to be introduced.

It is expected to be raised at party-room meetings when Parliament returns next week.

Turnbull has supported calls for a nationwide vote on the issue, called a plebiscite, before legislation can be introduced, but the latest reports suggest he may be backing away from that being a requirement.

He told reporters: "In our party, backbenchers have always had the right to cross the floor." Signalling his awareness of many backbenchers who have said they would be in favour of same sex marriage.

It also apparently opens the door and gives backbenchers permission to vote against their own party, which is in government.

Marriage equality campaigners have largely opposed the plebiscite, saying such an electoral exercise could have a negative impact on LGBT+ youth.

Furthermore any plebiscite which is held would not be legally binding, so the government could just ignore it if they wished to. Hence why many want legislation to be pushed through parliament so MP's have to vote on it.

Meanwhile a Conservative senator published a draft bill titled Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, which would provide the legislation for same sex marriage.

Though the bill would allow people of the same gender to marry, it would also allow religious institutions to refuse to carry out the marriages, provided they comply with anti-discrimination laws.

Co-Chair of The Equality Campaign, Anna Brown said: "We've been waiting for marriage equality for a long time and now our politicians have the opportunity to make it a reality, with a Bill that reflects the hard work and extensive consultation undertaken by a Senate committee earlier this year".

"This is about civil marriage. No religious sacrament is impacted in anyway. Religious leaders will still have the right to conduct their marriage ceremonies in line with their doctrines and beliefs", she added.

The draft bill also confirms that businesses and non-religious organisations won't be able to refuse service to same sex couples.

It's felt that if legislation was introduced it would easily pass, with just four Liberal MP's required to join forces with the Labour Party to pass it.

Other MP's have pointed out how ridiculous the governments opposition to equal marriage is considering the majority of the public agree with it.

Many believe Malcolm Turnbull's government could suffer at the next election if no progress is made on the issue.

One Liberal backbencher, Tim Wilson, said: "It's in our best interests to move on from this issue so we can focus on the sorts of things I think people voted for me, and for my party to deal with."

Australia has looked more and more behind the times in recent years.

Neighbouring New Zealand legalised same sex marriage in August 2013, along with the United Kingdom, and just this year the German Parliament voted in favour.

It should be an interesting week ahead, so keep your eyes open for more news from Australia!

The Ray: DC's gay superhero is fighting oppression wherever it exists

The Ray is coming soon, and guess what? He's a gay superhero, said to be the first to lead his own series.

According to Digital Spy the new DC Series from the creators of The Flash and Supergirl, is set to air on CW Seed, and is a spinoff from Arrow.

The series takes place in an alternate history timeline in which Germany won the Second World War, and now rules the United States.

The synopsis:

Raymond 'Ray' Terrill was a reporter who discovered a group of government scientists working on a secret project to turn light, into a weapon of mass destruction.

But before he could report on his findings, the project head exposed Ray to a genetic light bomb, which resulted in him obtaining light-based powers.

His mission is to fight violence and oppression wherever it exists.

The Ray first appeared in DC Comics back in 1940, and in the past has been featured as a member of the Justice League.

Check out the first trailer for 'The Ray', which premiered at Comic Con last month:


Actor John Barrowman, who stars in Arrow said last year he felt it was time an openly gay superhero took the spotlight.

In response to a question about whether or not the audience would be ready for it, Barrowman said: "Personally, I don't care if they are, or not. It's time we had one."

CW Seed already has an Arrow spinoff 'Vixen' and the network are looking at Vixen and The Ray crossing over onto the 'Arrow' live action TV series.

'Freedom Fighters: The Ray' is set for release at the end of the year.

Russian LGBT Network releases a terrifying new video showing the "gay purge" in Chechnya

The Russian LGBT+ network have released a video showing the terrifying reality, of what LGBT people are going through in Chechnya.

It comes after the group released a report, based on 33 interviews with men, about the so called 'gay-purge', which is occurring in the country.

Reports of LGBT+ people being rounded up and held in concentration camps first emerged in December last year.

Since then there has been growing concern from human rights groups and the international community.

The report details that dozens have been killed, with many fearing that number could be over 200.

The Russian LGBT Network released 'Unable to Breathe' which explains the context of the anti-LGBT purges.

You can watch it here:

During the video, the narrator reads segments from an series of interviews which the LGBT Network have conducted, with those who have been persecuted in Chechnya.

One man interviewed earlier this year says he was arrested, then subjected to torture including via means of electrocution, and physical beatings and was left without food and water for a week.

It was after the police tracked him down, after he had been using websites to meet and chat with other gay men.

He adds: "I can't get rid of the feeling that I'm being followed. I'm afraid of the telephone. If a car pulls up, it startles me"

The video ends with the chilling words "You can't breathe there", referring to how he wishes for a better life for himself and his family outside of Chechnya.

'In a Heartbeat' the LGBT animated short that everyone is talking about

An LGBT animated short film went viral after its release this week, praised for its portrayal of a young boy experiencing his first crush.

Directed by Beth David and Esteban Bravo the short was released on Monday, and immediately people were wanting more than just the four minute offering.

The video now has over 3 million views on YouTube, leading David to call it "mind blowing" in an interview with MTV.

She added: "There's fan art, and people are cosplaying it. They're sending us GIFs. That's crazy! We're blown away and it's so exciting."

'In a Heartbeat' follows the story of Sherwin, a young boy who is yet to come out.

His heart literally comes out of his chest and chases Jonathan, the boy he has a crush on.

The story revolves around Sherwin tracking down his heart before it can reveal to Jonathan how he feels about him.

The short has absolutely no dialogue, but it's no necessary! It's a truly heartfelt piece of animation. You can watch it here:

The LGBT animation was created by David and Bravo for their senior year thesis at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.

They started pre-production in January 2016, so it's been well over a year in the making.

A Kickstarter Campaign was launched for it late last year, which resulted in $14,000 in donations, despite their initial goal only being $3,000.

The money was used to hire Arturo Cardelus, who has created the original score for the film, they also hired sound designer Nick Ainsworth.

All young people should see this video, as it shows that gay relationships do happen and they're completely natural.

Education is the key! When I was growing up I didn't feel represented at all, and I think seeing something like this, would have made me feel better and actually feel represented, rather than "weird" or "strange".

Over 40 men arrested in Nigeria for "performing homosexual acts"

A total of 42 men were arrested in Nigeria over the weekend for "performing homosexual acts".

It follows a police raid in Lagos state at a hotel on Saturday, which locals say is known for "harbouring" homosexuals, as they put it!

The men will appear in court and could face up to 14 years in prison if they are found "guilty".

It comes in a week that the U.K. marked the passing of the Sexual Offences Act 1967, which partly decriminalised homosexuality in England and Wales 50 years ago.

This story reminds us that though we have come a long way, LGBT+ people are still subjected to the most horrendous discrimination around the world.

Laws against gay people in Nigeria were actually enhanced in 2013, under the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, gay sex and same-sex unions were added to the list of things which are outlawed in the country.

The law states that if people enter any form of same-sex union they are liable for 14 years in prison.

Meanwhile those who "witness, abet or aide solemnisation" of same-sex marriage or civil unions can face up to 10 years in jail.

You don't even need to be LGBT+ to be prosecuted. Earlier this year 53 people were charged, accused of attending a same sex wedding.

So while the U.K. celebrates very important mile stones in terms of LGBT+ equality, we have to remember the rest of the world, and the struggles LGBT+ people still endure.

Pink News have started a petition calling for an end to anti-LGBT+ discrimination in Nigeria, you can sign it - HERE

Poll finds that 58% of Americans support transgender troops

A poll published by the Reuters news agency and Ipsos has found that 58% of Americans support the right of transgender people, to serve in the U.S. military.

The poll was undertaken from July 26th until July 28th and shows the majority disagree with Donald Trump on the issue.

Only 27% said they shouldn't be allowed to openly serve, and the rest said that they didn't know.

Unsurprisingly Democrats were more likely to support trans troops, whilst Republicans were more evenly split on the issue.

Meanwhile 38% of respondents said they believe not allowing trans service members would have a negative impact on morale.

It comes after the shocking and callous announcement made by President Trump earlier this week, when he declared that trans troops would not be allowed to serve.

He said on Twitter that victory was too important for it to be "burdened" with trans people.

Trump's actions rolled back measures brought in by the Obama Administration last year, which allowed trans people to openly serve for the first time.

During the election campaign Trump said he would "protect the LGBT community", but as usual what comes out of his mouth can never be trusted.

The reason given by Trump was that it was costing the Department of Defence too much in medical costs, for things like gender reassignment.

It later emerged that the military was actually spending five times more on viagra, than it was on anything related to transgender service members.

It seems the Pentagon was just as shocked by the announcement. Generals said on Friday that they had no idea it was going to happen, and had not received any guidance on the matter.

Meanwhile activists have taken to the streets and to social media, declaring "trans people are not a burden", adding that the real burden is the Trump administration.

Lets face it Trump is desperate to get attention away from his Presidency - which is in disarray.

It seems every week another scandal crops up, which usually results in a firing or resignation, this week it was the turn of Reince Priebus, now the former White House Chief of Staff.

On the LGBT+ front, rights organisations are urging everyone to be vigilant.

This coming week there are fears Trump might allow increased religious freedom laws, which would allow for further discrimination of LGBT's.

Trans man in China who was discriminated against wins court battle

A trans man who was unfairly dismissed from his job in China has won his court battle.

The court found Mr C, 29, had been unfairly treated and discriminated against because he was trans.

A district court in the southwestern city of Guiyang agreed and ordered his former employee Ciming Checkup, a health care provider, to pay $297 in damages.

But it hasn't been easy, Mr C has been fighting the case for over a year.

In May 2016 he said he had decided to sue the company, because he felt that someone had to do it, at a time when many people are still unwilling to speak up about their employment rights.

Mr C also faced set backs, in December a court said he was improperly dismissed, but said there was no evidence that he was discriminated against because he was transgender.

But this latest court battle has become the first lawsuit in China to be based on the discrimination of an LGBT+ person.

"I think this lawsuit has achieved its purpose" Mr C told the Associated Press news agency.

He added: "It's never been about money. We hope, through this case, people in similar situations will realise they have a right, and we hope it will eventually result in a workplace anti-discrimination law".

Mr C says many LGBT+ people in China are simply too scared to challenge discrimination from employers.

Progress was made earlier this month, when a Chinese court ruled so called "gay cure" therapy illegal.

But there's still a long way to go! China only decriminalised homosexuality in 1997, and the Chinese Psychiatric Associated removed it from their list of mental disorders in 2001.

Gay blogger Scott McGlynn teams up with British Olympian to fight cyberbullying

Scott McGlynn has teamed up with his friend, Olympian Tom Haffield, to take on cyberbullying.

He decided to embark on the challenge after being told he would "never be a man's man".

McGlynn, who's from Caerphilly, and is currently based in Cardiff told Gay Star News: "I wanted to prove them wrong. You can't just speak to people like that".

The blogger, who has a large following on social media, is halfway through his challenge, which involves swimming for an hour, six days a week, for ten weeks at pools across South Wales.

At all the pools he goes to he's told the staff about his challenge, and they've all been really supportive about it, and the reasons he's doing it.

Apparently he's not really into fitness (I can relate to that!) and he's revealed establishing a routine has been one of the hardest parts. Understandably Scott choses Sunday as his day of rest!

In 2016 he published a memoir entitled 'Out', in which Scott talks about years of being bullied just for being gay:

"I would never want anyone to go through what I did, I felt very alone. So when this happens, that's what you think: I'll prove them wrong", he said.

Scott has received an official sponsorship for his challenge from Zoggles (No prizes to guess what they manufacture).

As well as swimming for hours per week, blogging and writing memoirs Scott also presents 'The Scott McGlynn Show' podcast, which has featured celebrity interviews with the likes of Daniel Alexander and Jinkx Monsoon.

Find out more about Scott McGlynn - HERE

My take

I think what Scott says about loneliness really gets to the heart of the issue when it comes to bullying. That feeling like 'nobody understands' tends to be quite a common theme when it comes to LGBT's who face bullying and discrimination.

I can certainly relate, after being bullied mercilessly all through my school years for being "not normal", or "different".

What I found is it doesn't stop with school either! In terms of cyberbullying and abuse, my Twitter mentions regularly feature comments such as "I hope you get AIDS" and "Go kill yourself".

It's easier for me to dismiss such comments these days, but to maybe those experiencing it for the first time, it could have potentially fatal consequences, that's the reality of it.

The point is that despite rights for LGBT+ people progressing and attitudes changing, homophobia is still alive and well, and we have to call it out! It can't just be allowed to go unchallenged.

It's not just words which are spoken or typed that are hurtful, it's the long term impact it has on the mental health of the victims who suffer it.

There are plenty of resources online if you are struggling with bullying and need some support/advice:

LGBT Foundation

Stomp Out Bullying - Change the Culture

Stop Bullying.Gov

It's 50 years since homosexuality was partially decriminalised in England and Wales

Today marks 50 years since homosexual acts were partly decriminalised in England and Wales.

The Sexual Offences Act 1967, was an Act of Parliament which decriminalised homosexual acts in private between two men, both of whom had to be at least 21 years of age, and as long as there was nobody else in the house where it was taking place.

It became law on July 27th 1967, and marked a turning point for gay rights in the United Kingdom.

Despite this the age of consent was of course not equalised, acts between more than two gay men were still considered to be acts of 'gross indecency', and the act did not apply to those in the armed forces, or the merchant navy.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003, repealed most of the remaining 1967 Act, age of consent is now equal and there are no laws pertaining to consensual gay sex anymore.

To mark the occasion, writing for Pink News, the current Prime Minister Theresa May said the Conservative Party had been wrong in the past on LGBT+ rights.

The party has changed in recent years, despite going into an agreement with the homophobic DUP, the Conservatives were part of the Coalition Government, along with the Liberal Democrats who legalised same sex marriage.

May said: "While 1967 was a landmark, it took many more decades for it to become widely accepted that a person's sexuality and gender identity are things to respect and celebrate".

"Today we remember and celebrate those who knew what was right and fought for it tirelessly, who were way ahead of the politics of their time, and who shifted public attitudes on LGBT+ equality".

All five living Prime Ministers David Cameron, Theresa May, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major have written a piece for the LGBT+ news source to mark the occasion, and reflect on how LGBT+ people were treated during their time in office.

Last night the BBC aired a special programme as part of their 'Gay Britannia' season. Entitled 'Against the Law', the programme was a docu-drama about the struggles of "living" as a gay man, before 1967, when all gay sex was illegal, regardless of where it took place, and regardless of if it was consensual.

It was heart-breaking as the programme switched from dramatization to interviews with the men who were subjected to the most shocking treatment.

They were incarcerated just for who they love, and then given so called "treatment", to try and cure them of what was seen as a mental illness at the time. The longest sentence I heard mentioned during the programme was 18 months, which is absolutely shocking.

It featured stories of treatment which I had never heard before, like men being given injections to make them ill, and having to lie in their own vomit and faeces, as staff refused to let them clean themselves. The brutal reality of how our "justice" system tortured and castigated these men should never be forgotten.

In Scotland it wasn't until the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 that homosexual acts were decriminalised there, and in Northern Ireland it wasn't decriminalised until the Homosexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 1982.

Of course all men who were targeted and discriminated against under these homophobic laws, have now been pardoned, and apologised to for what they went through.

It's important that the suffering of the LGBT+ people who came before us is talked about to younger generations, who need to know why Pride events are so important, why we must stick together as a community, and why we cannot simply stop fighting for our rights.

We must also remember that though here in the U.K. we are on the whole accepted and safe, around the World in other countries, you can still be imprisoned and even killed and tortured for being LGBT+.

In an article published by The Guardian, the newspaper found that there are still 72 countries and territories around the world where homosexuality is illegal.

It also found that in 45 of those countries, relationships between women are illegal, and in eight countries you can still be tortured and killed for being gay.

Even in "progressive" countries such as the United States, the current administration have now started to target transgender people, saying they can no longer serve in the military. This has been met with hatred from Donald Trump supporters who say trans people are mentally ill - now doesn't that sound familiar?

Furthermore the Justice Department, lead by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, has started to attempt to roll back laws which protect LGBT+ people from workplace discrimination.

Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, LGBT+ equality still isn't in line with the rest of the U.K when it comes to same sex marriage, mainly thanks to the DUP, who have stalled and stopped equal marriage legislation from being passed.

Same sex marriage has been legal in the rest of the U.K. since 2013.

To conclude, yes now is a time to celebrate how far we've come, but to also recognise that the fight doesn't stop until we are ALL EQUAL.

Protesters demand Hong Kong acts after the death of a trans woman

Campaigners in Hong Kong desperately want the government to change its gender laws.

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition asking to make the laws friendlier to trans people, after a trans woman took her own life.

Earlier this month the 25 year-old committed suicide at a busy Metro station, with advocates reporting that her actions showed the difficulties of trans life in the country

Before her death the woman wrote the following on Facebook:

"Every day to not know whether you're able to live, to wake up every day secretly crying in bed, every day watching the world and want to run".

"I am sorry to speak of death, but I have to clearly describe the situation in which my gender role is difficult to gain social acceptance".

Which I'm sure anyone reading this will agree is utterly heartbreaking.

The petition is accompanied by a statement from leading advocacy groups and organisations in Hong Kong.

It asks for the government to move swiftly on the Gender Recognition Act, and calls on the media to respectfully report on gender and for all people, to treat the trans community better.

Gay Star News report that Hong Kong's first openly-gay politician, has said the government's stance on trans issues is negatively affecting the lives of LGBTI people.

He added: "Those who are opposed to legislation, and those who use the worst language and exhibit egregious behaviours to reject us as full members of society have blood on their hands".

In March, an Equal Opportunities Commission and Gender Research Centre at the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies issued a joint statement, calling on the government to take action.

It was supported by over 75 organisations, academics, businesses and religious institutions.

Hopefully the Hong Kong government takes action, as so much work remains to be done, in terms of improving the lives of trans people.

It seems like every month, we hear of another trans person being murdered in the United States and around the world, and it has to stop.

One trans life lost to prejudice and bigotry is one too many.

Sir Elton John pays tribute to his late friend Princess Diana

Sir Elton John has paid tribute to Princess Diana, in a new documentary, marking 20 years since the tragic car crash which cost her her life.

'Diana: Our Mother' aired on ITV last night and will also air on HBO in the United States.

Sir Elton famously sang at Diana's funeral and was a close friend of the Princess, who left behind her two sons Prince Harry and Prince William.

In the documentary, her humanitarian work abroad is highlighted, including her work around HIV and AIDS, fighting the stigma surrounding the disease.

Sir Elton says Diana changed attitudes towards the disease across the Globe. He also observed how much Prince Harry resembles his late mother:

"She had that incredible ability - which Harry kind of inherited to make people feel at ease and make them feel that everything's going to be alright".

"I haven't experienced many people in my life who have that ability, but she could walk into a room of people and make them feel as if everything was great".

Prince Harry recently led a campaign to promote sexual health testing, and even took an HIV test live on Facebook.

Harry has really continued his mother's work in this area, attending the International AIDS Conference in South Africa and visiting testing clinics.

At the time the 32 year old said: "If you respect what my mother stood for, go and get tested for her".

"If she were still here today, she would probably get tested every month, just to prove a point", he added.

It should be noted that 1 in 5 people living with HIV are unaware of their status, as the virus doesn't always show symptoms, and when it does, some just think it's a bad flu, or other virus.

The Prince also believes it's important to tackle the misconception that HIV is exclusively a "gay only" disease.

If you're in the U.K. you can watch the documentary on demand on the ITV Player.

Star Trek Discovery will feature the franchises first openly gay character

Star Trek Discovery, the upcoming Star Trek TV series will feature an openly gay character for the first time.

The news was announced during a panel discussion at Comic Con in San Diego.

Anthony Rapp, who plays Lieutenant Stamets, said his character is openly gay and Wilson Cruz will play his "love interest and partner".

Though Sulu was shown to be in a same sex relationship in Star Trek: Beyond (2016), this will be the first time the TV version has had a gay character.

It should also be pointed out that Star Trek: Beyond did not explore this fully. All we saw was Sulu being greeted by his partner, with only visuals and no dialogue.

LGBT advocate George Takei said 'his Sulu' was not gay in the original series.

This will be the first Star Trek TV series since Star Trek: Enterprise was cancelled, over a decade ago in 2005.

Enterprise was cancelled due to poor ratings, so lets hope with the new generation of streaming services, and a fresh new look, we can look forward to many years of Star Trek: Discovery.

Here's the latest trailer for Discovery, which was released yesterday:

Star Trek Discovery premieres on CBS Action on September 24, and episodes will be available on Netflix, weekly, from September 25.