ScotsGay Issue 118 - ScotsGay Magazine
Transcription
ScotsGay Issue 118 - ScotsGay Magazine
ScotsGay scotsgay.co.uk A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE EDITED, PRINTED & PUBLISHED IN SCOTLAND SINCE 1994 Glasgay! Scottish Scene ISSUE 118 £1.50 WHERE SOLD Is Frenchies Radek Rhys the hottest barman in Edinburgh? Pic taken by John Hein Bennets Gay Marriage Gay 5K editorial GAY MARRIAGE I was wrong. Originally somewhat dismissive of the high priority set by LGBT campaigners on permitting same sex couples to marry, like many radicals, I saw (and still see) marriage as an outmoded institution ripe for abolition and really could not fathom why sensible gays would want to have any part of it . What I did not foresee was the way in which Civil Partnerships have accelerated the acceptance of openly homosexual people in our society. When an Edinburgh councillor announced his impending CP with a long standing partner, it was but a footnote on an inside page of the Evening News. When that relationship started, knowledge of its mere existence would have been a front page shock horror story and possibly a criminal offence. Attending a number of CPs, I’ve seen doting relatives turning out in droves to celebrate the big day - many of them of generations that were brought up to condemn homosexuals but who, now that there is a government sanctioned ceremony and certificate, feel free to scoff the wedding feast and express approval for their loved ones’ choice of partner. CPs have changed the landscape. They’ve mostly marginalised those for whom homosexuality is to be deprecated. They’ve even managed to fracture the largely homogenous homophobia of faith communities as well as initiating the break up of some of these institutions. As a confirmed atheist since before Saint Dawkins ever saw the light of print, I’ve long yearned to see an end to belief in the irrational. The buildings are magnificent, the music sublime, the free dribblette of wine and cannibalistic snack on a Sunday morning almost worth getting out of bed for – but the imaginary friend… Oh, dearie me! JohnHein editorial@scotsgay.co.uk PIC: RICHARD DAWKINS It’s all fine by me if it’s a pleasant weekend fantasy, but if you actually believe in the Sky Fairies, then you at the very least are showing a lack of discernment! I must admit to having some sympathy for those who cling to the floating detritus of tradition in what they see as an uncertain sea of churning moral turpitude. Nevertheless, as Oliver Cromwell once said in an address to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, “I beseech ye, in the bowels of Christ, to think it possible you may be mistaken”. Not just about poovery but also the imaginary friend. Anyway, here we are with Civil Partnerships firmly established and governments both North and South of the Border considering where to go from here. Marriage is a devolved matter, so what is decided by the Scottish Parliament can be quite different to Westminster legislation – with all that implies for a resurgence in the economy of Gretna Green. The Scottish Government currently tends “towards the view that religious ceremonies for civil partnerships should no longer be prohibited and that same sex marriage should be introduced so that same sex couples have the option of getting married if that is how they wish to demonstrate their commitment to each other”. I don’t see why CPs shouldn’t also be opened up to opposite sex couples but it’s really for heterosexuals to shout the odds on that one. The Scottish Government goes on to say, “We also believe that no religious body or its celebrants should be required to carry out same sex marriages or civil partnership ceremonies”. What, I ask, does the law currently have to say about religious bodies or their celebrants being able to refuse to marry a ScotsGay ADVERTISE IN IT’S NOT AS EXPENSIVE AS YOU THINK Email: Martin Mann advertising@ scotsgay.co.uk For the rate card www.scotsgay.co.uk/ advertising PIC: OLIVER CROMWELL couple of different skin colours bearing in mind that some churches still consider such unions to be against their interpretation of The Word Of God? Ultimately, though, I don’t think that you can or should legislate to force people to be nice or sensible – the current bill to criminalise the soccer related ritual of crass remarks about the belief systems of others seems a particular waste of valuable parliamentary time especially in view of a rumoured insolvency and possible liquidation of Rangers Football Club! If some persons of faith wish their buildings to remain free of the sweet savour of homosexuality and forgo the extra income, they will merely increase the misery of their few remaining gay members (who really shouldn’t still be going where they’re not wanted) and allow the rest of us (of all sexualities and none) to snigger at their antediluvian attitudes. For, it is becoming increasingly clear that fewer and fewer Scots consider the bleating of the discredited leaders of our faith communities to be worth heeding if it gets in the way of what their heads, hearts and genitals are telling them. The Scottish Government’s consultation is open until 9th Dec 2011 http://tinyurl.com/3r9qadr - worth having your say and not letting the moral minority swamp the debate! At Ritchie Neill we understand that all families are different. We cater our services to suit everyone and would love to hear from you. Different Families Same Love • Cohabitation Agreements • Advice on Civil Partnerships • Family Law including: Divorce, Dissolution & Separation • FREE Will Writing Service • Power of Attorney • Estate Agency • Conveyancing GayScene HIGHLANDS obar dheadhainn a’ ghaidhealtach ABERDEEN Here with go with a wee update from the North East: THT ask you to get involved in shaping sexual health services, Stormers FC are looking for players and we look at what’s to be seen on the scene. HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland (THT Scotland) is working with NHS Grampian to ask the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Grampian what their sexual health needs are, to enable positive sexual health and wellbeing. THT Scotland will invite LGBT people from all over Grampian to contribute their views in a variety of ways: either by completing a survey, attending a face to face interview, or taking part in a focus group interview. Topics covered will include sex, relationships, awareness of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and use of local health services. THT Scotland and NHS Grampian will then use the information generated to shape future sexual health services for the LGBT community. Jane Morel, Area Manager for THT Scotland, said, “Following the publication of the Scottish Government’s new Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Framework, NHS Grampian are reviewing sexual health services in the region. As men who have sex with men remain one of the Andi Watson aberdeen@scotsgay.co.uk PIC: CHEERZ dùn deagh DUNDEE Hey folks! Well Oct is upon us already, and after a decent break from writing this I almost feel refreshed enough to write something other than my usual technical diatribe – then again who am I kidding?! First up The Abode has a great ‘Queer Quiz’ night hosted by Lexie Lush on those dull Thu nights (almost the weekend, but not quite near enough for hammering the JD) that is proving very popular. They have the usual karaoke on a Fri and Sat nights, and are also going to be co-hosting a karaoke competition along with The Salty Dog – Fri in the Abode then the following week the Sat in the Dog, starting from the beginning of Oct. Exact details at the bars, but I do know that there will be a big cash prize up for ChrisMcGiffin grabs for the winner! Food is also back on dundee@scotsgay.co.uk the menu in the Abode with a new chef joining the team, serving Mon to Sat Noon5pm you can get two courses for as little as PIC: BROOKS £6.75 from a good choice of pub grub. As mentioned, The Salty Dog will be co-hosting the karaoke competition with the Abode, and has all the other usual salty goings on that avast this bountiful tavern, arr (some residual pirate talk there after International Talk Like a Pirate Day – I hope the Salty had a party for it!). Anyway time is closing in on the ‘inbetween’ room – which looks like it had been decorated by Sir Walter Scott – and is soon to be updated. As part of this, Ross has put a call out for all sorts of quirky tat that you may groups most at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the UK, evaluating how services might be improved for the LGBT community will be a key part of this. We would encourage anyone who is LGBT and living in Grampian to get in touch and make their voice heard.” LGBT people interested in taking part should contact THT in Aberdeen on 0845 241 2151, or E-mail: jane.morel@tht.org.uk Granite City Stormers FC is on the lookout for new players. Whether you are a novice or are Ronaldo you will be made very welcome in the team. They aim to promote a healthy and active lifestyle within the LGBT community by providing the opportunity to participate in football, regardless of age, ability and experience, and in a friendly, fun and supportive environment. For info please contact John Deary E-mail: deary696@btinternet.com for more information. The scene in Aberdeen has something for everyone whether you’re looking for drag shows, quizzes, a quiet drink or a livelier night. There are venues with something for everyone. Cheerz Bar & Club in Hadden Street is the home of cheese, chart and quizzing on the gay scene in Aberdeen! Open 7 nights a week with entertainment for everybody’s taste including Karaoke with Scott West, Cheese and Chart from the master of cheese himself DJ Steve Motion plus the fabulous Drag Queens with their weekly offering, Miss Romy invites you to get quizzical every Thu from 9pm for a chance to win and Miss Bobbie Dazzler quickly freshens her gusset every Sun and invites you to open her box which could contain anything. Find out more about Cheerz and keep up to date with Cheerz on Facebook or twitter @cheerztweet. You’ll find the city’s other LGBT club Chaplin’s in the Adelphi just off Union Street, open Wed-Sun every week! Join Jim for Karaoke on Wed and Sun, DJ Ross Barney for a mix of dance and chart every Thu plus great local DJ’s and acts on Fri and Sat. The next planned event is Gareth Fulton, Comedy Hypnotist on Sun 20th Nov with Tickets costing £7 available now at the club. To keep up to date with what’s happening at Chaplins find them on Facebook. Aberdeen’s other LGBT friendly pub is The Market Arms on Stirling Street, open from 11am Mon-Sat and open later on a Sun, start your night out with tunes and cheek at The Market from Peter and the team. You can check in and Like The Market Arms on Facebook to keep up to date. That’s everything up to date for another month, if you have any news, views, gossip or photos drop me an e-mail to the usual address. want to donate that will fit in with the unique theme of this bar: nautical bits, stuffed animals, penis shaped objects – if you’ve been there you know the sort of thing! There are all the usual drinks offers on, as well as a small selection of hot pies now available. Brooks Bar had a great celebration of their first birthday, of which I can remember some although the pictures that appear on Facebook help jog the memories (including those probably best forgotten!). Coming up we have Scarlette Diamonte and the Scarlettes on Sat 1st Oct, with a whole great new show never before seen in Dundee (free entry). Also look out for an even bigger bigname act coming up soon, although Michael was staying tight lipped about it so look out for more details in the bar. On the drinks side look out for the Absolute Kiwi at 2 for £5, and Bacardi cocktails 2 for £3, the usual extensive collection of shots and exclusive list of ten – yes ten – bombs, and double anything comes with a free dash from the gun (so Bombay Sapphire drinkers who require tonic, tough luck!). And, of course, I could not possibly forget Suzie – especially after all the threats last time I did (only joking!). Suzie ably takes charge of the karaoke on Wed, Fri and Sun eves, as well as DJing Sat – exception being the first one of the month, when there is a guest DJ in instead, or other acts are on. Klozet has had some great live bands playing in the last month, and this continues into Oct. On Sat 1st, the Honeythieves are back after playing a very successful opening night a couple of months ago; there is Savanah on Sat 22nd, and Cherry Bombz – the “UK’s number 1 female fronted indie/rock/punk tribute band” – on the 29th. As if that wasn’t enough, they have a great act on with The Untamed Dame Edna Experience on Sat 8th Oct – this will be a ticketed night remember so make sure you get your ticket, as well as Burlesque night on Fri 11th – I’ve currently no idea what exactly that entails but look out for more details in the bar and on their Facebook page. Don’t forget there is the usual great selection of drinks and offers on, as well as free WiFi, a pool league being put together and quiz and bingo nights in the pipeline. Out has had to postpone its Lady Gaga night until later in Oct - although with very good reason as they are putting together one hell of a night, and due to supply issues have simply had to delay whilst they get it all together. Look out for more details in the club or on their Facebook page, but it is probably going to be a couple of weeks into Oct. There will also be the usual great night to look forward to at the end of Oct for Hallowe’en. There are all the usual great drinks offers, not forgetting the vodka jellies that seem to be selling like cold, gelatinebased hot cakes. GayScene Inverness is certainly getting itself on the map. The Gay Police Association hosted its national meeting here in Sep with 15 delegates from across Scotland and the UK, each representing the GPA in their respective Force, as well as the National Executive Committee. An open invitation was extended to the local LGBT community to meet with them at a buffet evening. Alan Sneddon (Scotland Officer for the GPA) said, “This is an ideal opportunity to engage with the local police force and the community, bringing the police and LGBT community in the Highlands together. Our membership is particularly weak in Northern Constabulary compared with the rest of Scotland. Those members we do have tend to be in the Joanne MacKenziecloset. Hosting an event in Inverness and Winters having our quarterly meeting there will raise highlands@scotsgay.co.uk our profile and offer those individuals hope that we are here and will support them PIC: PINK CASTLE RUNNERS no matter what the circumstances“. The Equality Network came up to Inverness for a focus group on the needs of disabled LGBT people and access to the services they use. Sep was a busy month with good turnouts at Girlzone and the LGBT Curry Night in Wetherspoons. Mambo’s has changed ownership, been refitted and at the time of writing it has just re-opened as Nova. The Pink Castle Runners are GayScene meeting every Wed evening for a 3 mile jog starting outside Inverness Leisure Centre. Contact Morgan on 07745 930383 or E-mail: morgan@ tramstop.org for details. Even if you don’t want to run, you can meet up with them afterwards at Macnabs Bar in the Columba Hotel for a drink and bite to eat. Morgan says, “It’s reckoned there could well be 25,000 of us in the Highlands and Islands, so I’m saying to LGBT folk “Come on. Let’s get out on the streets, get fit and have some fun together while we’re doing it”. Equality and integration are major themes running through today’s LGBT communities, and ours here in Inverness is now ready to do its bit by offering something of value to everybody, of 16 years or over… whoever they are. We already have straight people participating enthusiastically too. While the members of most clubs and activities are presumed ‘straight’ until proven otherwise, the Pink Castle Runners are turning the tables, inviting everyone, but this time from a LGBT default position. This is important as many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people have suffered prejudice and discrimination and so feel more comfortable in an LGBT-friendly group. Ultimately our goal would be to actually drop the LGBT-friendly tag, and just be a truly and fully-inclusive running group, which makes no assumptions and welcomes all as equals.” Highland-based Q North Foundation is on the look-out for some communityminded and committed people to get involved with their Board to help them govern and manage their scholarship programme. Brainchild of Lisa Buchanan, the Foundation aims to create a scholarship programme to support LGBTQ people and their allies to undertake educational, research and arts-based projects for the community, by the community, in the Highlands and Islands. They have already raised enough money to award the first scholarship but are hindered in the process because in order to progress their legal status as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, they need to attract more volunteer board members. They are looking for a monthly commitment to meetings initially, although this will move to quarterly. Members will need to commit to helping the team raise the funds to provide annual scholarship awards. See Facebook or E-mail: qnorthfoundation@rocketmail.com Check out www.gay-ness.org.uk for details of the Hallowe’en Bash on Sat 22nd Oct. Tickets will be on sale on the door and in advance from the Art Media shop at 104 Church Street, Inverness. And plans are afoot for a big Ball in May 2012! dùn eideann EDINBURGH Hey all, it’s been a bit of a quiet Sep, and now we’re ready to get mad wi’ it again! Kicking off at Cafe Habana, Penny Arcade will soon be returning and will be hosting this year’s Drag Idol competition. The competition will take place over 6 weeks, with every week having a different theme. If anyone is interested in taking part, enquire at the bar or contact Penny Arcade on Facebook. Habs have also asked that we pass on their thanks to customers for their patience while they renovate the toilets – it’s all for the greater good!! And just a wee reminder, that Habana still have their drinks promos Mon–Thu, with vodka and mixer only £1 and pints from £2.50, to name but a few! And they also offer Habana and Skittle bombs for £1.50. Wed evenings will soon see the return of the Habz Quiz too, so get that grey matter going over the cheap vodies! Over at The Street, time to celebrate as they reach their 7th birthday! Sun 2nd Oct is the big day – 7 years of The Street have flown by, as they’ve become synonymous for sophisticated drinking, fabulous cocktails and awesome food! The ‘LUCKY 7’ themed party kicks off at 7pm. And for the ladies, the next Saturday Night Beaver is on Sat 15th Oct, at Cab Vol. Since its rebranding, the night has gone from strength to strength at its new venue attracting ladies from all over Scotland. Last month saw a visit from the fabulous Order of Perpetual Indulgence. A special treat for all you Mumbo Jumbo fans, as they feature a guest DJ this month – the amazing Twitch from Optimo! Catch them over at the Bongo Club. Up at The Regent, cask ales are going strongly as always. This month they’ll be championing two Scottish beers – JodieFlemingSchiehallion And Ossian – as well as their Stanley usual selection. Since it’s been a terrible glasgow@scotsgay.co.uk summer and it’s passed the equinox, they’ve decided to start selling their infamous mulled ginger wine early this year, so get over there and get in as much of it as you possibly can! Also at The Regent, The World Famous Regent Bar Quiz is on Tues 25th Oct. Six themed rounds of brain teasing, tomfoolery and free nibbles! Enter for your chance to win a £50 food and drink quiz. If you’re not in it, you can’t win it! So get in! Over at the Newtown Bar, Friday Fun and Frolics returns with the cousin of Ms. Sushe Buffet - the wonderful Ruby Reynolds! from 9pm onwards! And the BEAR SCOTS have their annual Bear Fest from Fri 14th til Sun 16th Oct. A fun filled weekend for all involved! E-mail: info@bearscots.org.uk for more details. The MSC will be holding a Rocky Horror Evening on Sat 22nd Oct, from 9pm in the basement of the Newtown, where the film will be shown. So dust off your corsets and fishnets and head on down! Also, the Caledonian Thebans are holding their annual Rugby Clinic at the Newtown Bar from Fri 28th Oct – Sun 30th Oct. The weekend is always a good laugh, with lots of rugby shorts and entertainment to be had if that takes your fancy. If you’d like to take part, E-mail: chairman@thebans-rfc.co.uk In other Newtown news, from Sun 30th Oct the basement bar will be closed for a bit of a spruce up/refurb! Watch this space for deets on its new opening. And a tally on the festival FUNdraisers has shown a fantastic £2,250 was raised for Waverley Care! Well done!!! The Newtown would like to thank all their patrons for being so a taste of BearScots generous, and to all the 60 acts for www.bearscots.org.uk giving up their time – and of course to A weekend of furry fun! the bar staff for working so hard over the month. Down at Priscillas, they have 2 new DJ’s on board - Conny and Reuben, who are already giving everyone nights to remember! Playing the best music from each era, they are a guaranteed hit along with the usual resident DJs 7 nights a week. Priscillas have a brand new winter line up, including their ‘’New Look Fridays’’ where they are offering karaoke and requests all night long – will lots of fun and games thrown in by Jamie Lee Morley. From 9pm up to 1am. Also at Priscillas, they have a Hallowe’en extravaganza on Sat 29th Oct with the theme ‘’Dead Special’’.... Come along dressed to impress as your favourite ‘’dead’’ celebrity and be in with a chance of being crowned our Hallowe’en Winner 2011! Who will rise to the challenge? And to top it off, the night will be hosted by Miss Scarlet Diamonte featuring a horror-tastic cabaret show! And their new talent competition ‘’The Voice’’ will be coming very soon. The crew at Priscillas are shouting out now for singers to come along and try out, and they have 2 amazing prizes up for grabs this time for the winner. Prize 1 is a cash sum, and the 2nd prize is exclusive Recording Studio time in one of Edinburgh’s Top Recording studios! Not too shabby at all!! Application forms are available in the bar from mid-Oct. For those wanting something a bit different, get yourself down to HOT MESS. This is a disco party for queer folk and their friends, who are looking for an alternative to Edinburgh’s mainstream gay scene. It boasts an eclectic music policy that ranges from synthwave and italo obscurities, through throbbing house and techno, with a deep streak of disco love joining the musical dots. HOT MESS started one year ago in Oct, and this month is on Fri 7th Oct from 11pm3am at the Wee Red Bar. Over at CC Blooms, on Fri 14th Oct BearScotFest returns to Woof! For the 2nd year, downstairs at CCs will be dedicated to this annual festival of all things furry. DJ Blondie will be pumping out the tunes, mixing camp with dance, guaranteed to fill the dancefloor. From11pm-3am, this is an official event as part of the BearScotsFest 2011 and therefore a men only and ticket only event, though the BearScots guys will be on the door on the night to offer any fur lovers entry for a small fee. Then on Fri 21st Oct, Boys Own returns downstairs after a successful launch last month. This is CCs’ monthly event for men who like men. DJ Blondie blasts out club mixes while the CCs GoGo boys oil up and strip down to their underwear and strut their stuff on the podiums. Early arrivals get the Boys Own complimentary drink, so get there first and enjoy. Then on Sat 29th Oct, - CC’s are hosting CC Bloom’s Musical Halloween Party. The theme is, obvo, Musicals! Expect great pop tunes upstairs, with classic musical tunes from Film and Theatre thrown in for your enjoyment. Come dressed as a character from a Musical yourself and receive a complimentary Skittlebomb and free draught mixers for the rest of the night! Electrosexual’s still business as usual, with the next nights Fri 7th Oct and Fri 4th Nov. DJ Lucky Luciano and guests will be playing ‘dirty fondue’ electro bootlegs. And then there will be a special Dirt.E Stopout fancy dress Hallowe’en ball at the Street on Sun 30th Oct, where they’ll be playing disco remixes and chunky house. Finally, we hope you enjoy the pics of staff and customers of Frenchies, Edinburgh’s most centrally located gay bar. It’s also the oldest gay bar in the capital and it has to be said, one of the friendliest too. It’s open from 1pm-1am Mon-Sat and 12.30pm-1am on Sun. By day it’s the perfect place to pop in for a quick refreshment whilst out doing the messages. At night it’s party HQ with friendly banter with the staff and regulars. For those that haven’t yet, do check it out! Gareth Boyle ALL PICS: FRENCHIES GayScene It’s with sad hearts that we have to write this tribute to a much loved member of the Edinburgh scene and a huge part of the “Habana Boys”. Our Gareth passed away on 8th Sep 2011 at the tender age of 31 (don’t tell anyone). Gareth was a fantastic long term bar man in Habana and whoever drank/visited would never leave without a smile on their faces... although their smile would never have been as large as his smile! Gareth moved over to Edinburgh from Coleraine to study at Napier University. After working at the Palace, he swiftly followed this with a part time job in Habana, where the boys took him under their wing and from then on he seemed to be a permanent fixture, becoming full time and a total star, earning him the bar name of Agent Boyle. Gareth touched many people’s hearts in Edinburgh and nothing would ever be too much trouble for him, be it a bed to stay in or a “sherry hen” he was there for all his friends of whom he had a lot. In this time he moved into a flat in Morrison Street with Chris and Stuart from Habana where he spent many happy days and even happier nights before moving back to his parents in Coleraine 3 years ago - although the bright lights of his Edinburgh friends meant he was never a stranger... There will be a charity night in Habana for the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Foundation which is the chosen charity of Gareth’s family. The date has still to be confirmed and will be advertised soon. Rest in peace Gareth, forever in our hearts x x x x The Staff at Habana glaschu GLASGOW It has pissed down with rain virtually every day this Sep and I’m not happy about it one bit. In fact if it wasn’t for the arrival of a fresh batch of wide-eyed freshers and a busy month for Gay Glasgow to distract me from the dreary stormclouds, I would probably have taken the month off for hibernation, calling to mind the Green Day lyric ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’. But brave am I and so I didn’t let the fickle clouds rain on my parade! For those of us who decided to soldier on through the dismal weather and leave the house for town this month there has been plenty on offer! First and foremost a huge ‘well done!’ to those who took to Kelvingrove Park for the Gay 5K back in the last week of Aug. Flocking to the city’s favourite grassy patch for less salacious reasons than usual, gays came from far and wide to participate in the first ever Gay 5K in Scotland, which enjoyed higher turnout than the first Gay 5K in New York! The race was organised by Gay Men’s Health and running group the Bellahouston Harriers. With no Pride this year the Gay 5K felt like an ample replacement event, pulling everyone together from the SheBoom drummers, to Delmonicas own Bella Houston, Vanity von Glow and the whole team from Bennets nightclub. The afterparty, hosted by VVG, was a surprisingly subdued affair with many runners too exhausted (translation: drunk) to make it out for an all-nighter. Bennets put up hundreds of pounds worth of prizes from bottles of wine to signed autobiographies by famous fruits Graham Norton and Paul O’Grady. Particular shout outs to the boys from Luke and Jack who helped the drag queens on water duty during the race, and thanks to all those who made the day great! Well done! And while talking of Gay Men’s Health, Speakeasy ran a charity auction in mid-Sep flogging the costumes of Musty Gusset and Avon Starr who both leave Scotland for Belgium and Portugal respectively at the end of this month. Loud-mouthed activist Nathan Sparkling oversaw proceedings and did a great job helping to raise £355 for the sexual health charity and it’s great to see Speakeasy taking the lead on charity events in a month when most venues are focused on pulling in the student crowd. If you weren’t aware of the Hollywood film crew who took up residence in Glasgow’s city centre last month then you must have been living in a cave! The Thom Glow glasgow@scotsgay.co.uk ALL PICS: C.U.N.T. whole city was abuzz with excitement at Brad Pitt’s latest cinematic venture, the film adaptation of acclaimed novel ‘World War Z.’ A seminal work in the ‘zombie-lit’ genre, the gang at midweek clubnight C U Next Tuesday celebrated by hosting a truly terrifying zombie themed party – Z U Next Tuesday. Hundreds of ghoulish characters descended the emerald staircase at Chambre69 to have a party in the underground venue, almost the whole crowd garbed as flesh-eating undead clubkids! Later in the month similar crowds got down and dirty at the Tunnel nightclub for their UV Glow party! I’ve always thought that ultra-violet lighting and glow-in-the-dark body paint set the perfect mood for a great night out and I’m gutted I didn’t make it along to the club as photographs tell me it was a fantastic night out! Good to see Tunnel upping the ante and Tue and Wed are now well and truly established as the midweek nights to shake a tailfeather. That’s not to say weekend clubbing isn’t doing well, and the new DJ talent of the Polo Lounge is improving the weekend soundscape. Fraser Bone of alternative clubnight Lock Up Your Daughters has taken up residency in the Polo Lounge’s back room, ‘Club X,’ and the bold choice of putting the less mainstream DJ on over the weekend will surely pay off. After moderate success with his Bitter Glitter clubnight on a Thu, Fraser certainly deserves the bigger weekend platform where he can bounce around behind the decks to a larger crowd! Speaking of alternative sounds, the Italo-Disco monthly night Menergy has enjoyed a back-to-basics vibe over the last couple months in their temporary home at Stereo. A night which emphasises a purer disco sound and live performance, Stereo is a great venue to showcase both of those elements. DJ Kid Zipper, Menergy co-founder and resident the Niallist don’t compromise on their sound, and drag denizen Lady Munter takes no prisoners as she performs her off-colour lipsyncs (‘Two Guys For Every Girl’) and songs which include lyrics comparing an offending character to a ‘vaginal blister’. Band Demimonde have made a couple of Menergy appearances this year as well, a genuinely exciting electronic genderfuck duo. It always amazes me how polite and well spoken the boys are out of drag, but when taking to the stage they aggressively and unapologetically leap into their self-penned tracks with impressive presence and vigour. What I’m really excited about is the Oct Menergy which moves to Chambre69 for their Annual Vogue Ball, Scotland’s biggest drag event which sees armies of divas take to the catwalk to strike a pose in the name of all things fierce. Don’t miss it on 22nd October! In fact looking ahead at the coming months there are a couple of exciting events due to take place! Glasgow will welcome new gay venue The Village to the scene as they open in the coming weeks across from the Brunswick Hotel in the heart of the Merchant City. With many of the details of this new bar still mysterious I shall be sure to get along as soon as they open to check the place out. Also due in the next couple of months are Delmonicas’ legendary Charity Week and if my calendar tells me correctly, their annual Drag Idol competition. Oh! And if rumours are true (they are) then those looking to go for a drink to Revolver will have to cancel their plans and go to ‘Underground’ instead as the venue has undergone a surprise name change! It’s a shame in a way; I always enjoyed singing the Madonna/Lil’ Wayne song as I minced down the stairs for a drink. The bar is still run by the same team though so fear not – just a little name change. Presumably bitten by the same bug as ‘Scene’ which became ‘Milk’ a couple of months ago. What next? I’m hoping Speakeasy will take my advice and change their name to the more appealing ‘Squeakeasy’ and be done with it! And Squeakeasy is exactly where you’ll find me every Thu playing the piano and singing Adele songs like there’s no tomorrow. Stop by and say hi! Until next month! glaschu a sporting chance? INTERVIEW THE GAY 5K It’s all a bit like Cheryl Cole’s X Factor dismissal if you ask me. Poor cow couldn’t cut the mustard through in America and was replaced last minute by the superior talent of Nicole Scherzinger, former Pussycat Doll and in my view a gay icon in waiting. It featured many of the traits of an X Factor theatrical; the drama, the rumours, the judgement and the tears. All we need now are dubiously gifted vocalists to warble their way through Adele’s back catalogue and we’re all set! What am I talking about? Why the Bennets takeover of course. Or not a takeover, rather a ‘rescue’ as it is described by new General Manager, Paul Stirrat who agreed to sit down with me and set the record straight on what really happened when Bennets was bought over back in May of this year. Paul Stirrat has all the relaxed late-night charm one expects from a successful nightclub manager (he’s the Nicole Scherzinger of our story. He might not have her exotic beauty, but the previous management of Bennets had none of Cheryl’s glam either). He offers me a drink as we sit down to chat in the empty club – it’s daytime and Paul has been working through the day’s duties getting ready for another busy night. In his new position as Bennets GM, Paul wields more power to affect gay people than most within our community and I am keen to hear what his thoughts are for gay Glasgow, and where a new Bennets will fit into that. We all want a vibrant, exciting and energised gay scene which matches the vibrancy and energy of the people within it. With sixteen years management experience and nine years’ service in the RAF, he’s surely seen it all and there is a wizened and Dumbledore-esque glint in his eye each time he talks about his newest project. Back in the day, long before I had arrived fresh-faced in Glasgow excitedly anticipating the promised land of gay clubs and beautiful people Bennets was, he tells me ‘the place to be. Bennets was at the top of its game.’ It’s not the first time I’ve heard people speak of the club in these nostalgic terms. Chambre69 owner Colin Barr, with whom I work closely, was one of the original team members thirty years ago when Bennets was founded. Though straight, Colin too speaks of Bennets with fondness and misty-eyes. It seems there was a real magic to the club which dared to open its doors for gay people long before the Polo Lounge or gay nights in Tunnel and the old Cube were even thought of. ‘In the last couple of years Bennets lost its way and it was in trouble.’ As Paul says this I can’t help but smile at the understatement. The Bennets of my generation had become something of a dive; the place you went when you were too tipsy to get in anywhere else. With a poor public image, and a dramatic decline in footfall Bennets had lost the lustre of its younger years. It’s strange to think that Bennets used to be famed the world over, and boasted high profile acts such as Pete Burns and drag superstar Divine, who was at the time considered the most popular nightclub act in the world. None of that excitement existed in Thom Glow spoke to Bennets new General Manager Paul Stirrat PIC: PAUL STIRRAT PIC: BENNETS STAFF the Bennets I first walked into five years ago. I ask Paul why any company would want to take on the responsibility of a club which had wound up with such a bad name? ‘It was something that the company thought they could revive, basically. It was like an old friend that was dying - it needed life brought back into it.’ At the beginning of the takeover – sorry, rescue - there was suspicion from within the community. Gay people are a discerning bunch and often spot the difference between well-meaning gaypositive nightclub brands and those that fail to acknowledge the specific needs and desires of gay people. Paul is adamant that the transition was essential. ‘The shakeup had to happen or the venue wouldn’t have been here. It’s not the case that it wouldn’t have survived the way it was, it’s that it didn’t survive the way it was.’ It was Glasgow’s worst kept secret that Bennets had gone into receivership earlier this year and that the space was almost certainly going to be redeveloped as a residential space. ‘We thought we were the people to take it on, to keep Bennets in the community and keep it a gay club instead of a block of flats.’ Acrebuild Ltd is a company with nightclub experience, though not specifically gay venues. I asked Paul what gay people in Glasgow were to expect from the new Bennets, run by a large company with no previous experience of operating a club in the competitive gay market. ‘Bennets is being run as an independent venue, with the backing of our parent company should it be needed. The company won’t have a ruling in the way things are done,’ Paul says ‘that’s my job. Myself and the team we have here will run Bennets based on what we think the gay community needs.’ It’s a tricky task – how do venue managers, with their professional responsibilities, get the time to sit down and find out what it is that gay clubbers want? Paul laughs the question off ‘I’ve always found gay people to be very forthcoming with their opinions’ he laughs. ‘But seriously I like to be out there and to meet people – I’ve been on the scene for fifteen years and gay people aren’t short in telling you if you’re doing something wrong or something right. We also have had a few focus meetings with customers to find out what works, what doesn’t, what they would like. I think that’s the way forward for any venue. After all it’s a venue for them.’ This approach seems to be something of a community model; establishing the needs of the community based on consultation and observation, rather than a profit driven business strategy. It’s no secret that the ‘pink pound’ is coveted in many areas of retail and leisure. With our high disposable incomes and great hair, the gays are certainly an obvious target for profiteers looking to fill their pockets with pink pennies. How can we expect Bennets to do right by us, as gay scene consumers, when we know that profit is the primary motive behind any business? ‘A lot of companies have no interest in helping out in the community. We’ve already hosted the Gay 5K after-party for Gay Men’s Health…’ and that much is true – Bennets made a clear statement about their desire to operate as part of the community when they put up the money for literally hundreds of pounds worth of prizes for the athletes who took part in this August’s Gay 5K. There is also the introduction of Bennets new ‘student card’ which entitles customers to several bonus features, free cloakroom etc. It’s very easy to make broad statements about helping the community, but Bennets have made the right steps which indicate a level of sincerity not always shown in the clubbing world. ‘It’s important to me that we aren’t seen as a competitor, but as a venue that’s part of the community.’ It’s my favourite thing he’s said so far. Of course Bennets has much to prove – ‘Glasgow doesn’t have enough choice; we need more venues. Bennets keeps other venues on its toes, no venue should relax. The fact we’re here should give other venues a kick up the backside, basically. I think for the size of Glasgow we need other clubs. Glasgow needs to put itself on the map, gay scene wise.’ It’s an ambitious mandate. When asked what Bennets needs to do to help put Glasgow on the map, Paul answers quickly ‘it’s about the quality of the entertainment, the quality of service, and the quality of the venue. We have a lot planned, not just for the venue, but for PAs, acts and other upcoming things.’ It sounds exciting. I can imagine this means more from ScotsGay’s own snapper Stephanie Valentine, whose monthly theme parties are causing ripples on the scene. Along with DJ Leah’s Girls On Top she helps makeup the new talent line-up in the venue. It does sound that Mr. Stirrat has a clear idea of the direction in which he’d like to take Bennets. The crowd the place now attracts is certainly different from the previous bunch, and yet in many ways the place still has its familiar feel. I get the feeling this is exactly what was intended, as any adjustments to the club’s aesthetic have been subtle tokens, rather than dramatic overhauls. There was speculation for a time that Bennets would undergo a name change as part of the rejuvenation project, and anyone could be forgiven for wanting to wipe the slate clean and relaunch with a new identity. ‘Bennets had lost its crown and it did have a bad name when we took over, but the place has been around for a long time. Bennets had a good name at one stage and it’s a case of turning it around and giving it a good name again.’ So the plan, it seems, is to earn back the good reputation the club once had? Paul nods fervently. I’m interested to know how Paul has gone about building his dream team of bar staff, steward,s etc. to help take Bennets forward. There are familiar faces from Paul’s old regime at the Polo Lounge. Surely a completely fresh approach would be needed to establish Bennets as a new venue? He disagrees - ‘it’s about trust. You bring in people you trust. It’s just a case of when we first opened we were inundated with people looking for jobs and it was a case of picking the people we thought would gel as a team and with the customers.’ Well that’s fair enough I suppose. Were I to take on the enormous responsibility of managing a beloved venue I’d want to make sure I was surrounded by the people I could trust, especially in Glasgow’s constantly evolving scene. When Paul talks about his staff it is with genuine pride. The team do seem to gel now, and with a few subtle updates to the bar areas, lighting etc. things are just a bit… fresher in the new Bennets. ‘I think I can honestly say with my hand on my heart – and nobody could honestly disagree – we have the best service and best standards of any pub or club. You will never wait any length of time for a drink and if you do I want to hear about it because it shouldn’t happen.’ Good to hear, Paul! And I must say the wait at the new Bennets bar is virtually non-existent. For someone who likes a beverage as much as I surely do, this is definitely a step forward for Glasgow’s gay clubs! ‘We’re not here to tell people what they should be listening to or doing, what they need and what they want. The staff are very close knit. When good ideas emerge we let people run with them’ he mentions DJ Leah, Stephanie Valentine et al ‘it’s about listening.’ And for those who worry that too much has changed at Bennets – with a fresh attitude, new door staff, and a better clubbing experience, fear not – cloakroom diva Netta has stayed on to keep everybody right! ‘Some things don’t need to change’ Paul tells me. That is indeed comforting. Naturally Paul’s position is that everyone should try Bennets for their next night out. He reminds me that with their online guestlist facility customers can get in free every night of the week if they want. ‘It’s a case of knowing your gay scene’, he says, ‘and knowing what’s on offer.’ Paul shows me out down the now mood-lit stairwell and through the famous wooden doors on Glassford Street, now given a fresh lick of paint. Its funny how the small changes help make a place. I feel better about Bennets already. For a lot of gay people the relationship they have with sports has always been a little fractious. The majority of us no doubt remember that tortuous gym game at school – the one where you just knew you were going to be the last person to be picked for that day’s activity. Anyone who wasn’t naturally sporty was considered to be weak and a “sissy” or “poof.” Of course even if you happened to be good at sports, then perish the thought that you could possibly be gay. Sports can be an intimidating environment for gay men and women especially when it comes to the major team sports like football, rugby and cricket which, especially for a gay man, can seem daunting and homophobic. This was never more brutally experienced than when, in 1990, Justin Fashanu became the first professional football player to come out as gay. After receiving torrents of abuse and a false allegation of sexual assault, Fashanu took his own life in 1998, aged just 37. So have attitudes got any better, or are we still stuck in this laddish Neanderthal age? Well thankfully things seem to be taking an upward turn. In 2008 Australian diver Matthew Mitcham, then only 20, came out, making him one of few openly gay athletes at the 2008 Summer Olympics and when international rugby player Gareth Thomas announced he was gay at the end of 2009, it seemed to pave the way for more people to make that significant leap forward. Earlier this year Steven Davies, the 24 year old Surrey and England cricketer, revealed he was gay, making him the sport’s first professional to come out. Shortly afterwards Anton Hysén, 20, became only the second professional football player to come out. Although we have had several sports people coming out, many do it when they are nearing the end of their game, or have retired. Mitcham, Davies and Hysén are young men, with their best years of their career still to come and as such should be applauded for the stance they have taken. With these encouraging signs, it was announced that Glasgow would host a Gay 5k on August 19th in Kelvingrove Park. The brainchild of Gay Men’s Health’s very own Tom Lusk, this event was aimed at giving young people positive gay role models in sport and hopefully encourage more highprofile sports stars to come out. Celebrating sexual diversity, the event was open to everyone who shares the same principles of an open and free society. Normally my contribution to sports is a sudden fascination with diving during the Olympics (can’t think why!) and sniggering everytime the umpire says “New balls please” at Wimbledon. However I decided, despite having never run in a competitive race before, to take part in this worthwhile event. And so it was that on a cloudy drizzly Friday evening I found myself in Kelvingrove Park surrounded by a myriad of serious runners (including Front Runners, Glasgow’s first gay running group), and a host of enthusiastic beginners just like myself. Strutting all above everyone were the glamorous Vanity Von Glow and Miss Bella Houston who had grabbed their heels and Ian Hughes ianh@scotsgay.co.uk sashayed along to the park to wish everyone the best of luck. Also making their presence known was the wonderful drummers SheBoom who really got the atmosphere going. As the klaxon sounded for everyone to make our way to the starting line, there was a huge buzz of excitement and anticipation … just as the rain decided to put in an appearance! Thankfully a little rain refused to dampen our enthusiasm and as the klaxon went for the start of the race we set off. With the drumming of She-Boom echoing around the park, and children in the park shouting support and high-fiving the runners (I even heard them shout “Come on Gay Men’s Health” as I jogged past, and “Come on Scooby Doo” to one runner dressed in a dog costume), the atmosphere continued to be one of high-spirits. Although this was my first ever run, and I found it a little tough at times, I kept going, and when I heard someone shout “Only another 100 yards to go,” I felt a surge of relief and speeded up to cross the finish line 79th out of 147 in a time of 26 mins 49 seconds, which considering I’ve never run a race before, I was pretty chuffed with. It made such a change to see so many gay people taking a wee break from the bars to participate in this worthwhile event, although it was just a pity that nobody from the broader sporting community came along to support it. It would have been great having a high-profile name or team associated with it as this would have been a landmark step in helping to stamp out homophobia from sport. Even Brad Pitt was invited along to start the race but he was too busy fleeing from zombies in Glasgow (sounds like a normal weekend evening to me!) It’s hoped that this will be an annual event, so should you fancy doing something different and having the chance to raise money for your chosen charity, then dig out your trainers and keep your eyes peeled for future events. Who knows - you may even enjoy yourself and help get the message across that sport can be for everyone, regardless of sexuality. 15th Oct - 12th Nov 2011 www.GLASGAY.co.uk ince it was founded in 1993 by Cordelia Ditton and former Gay Scotland editor, Dominic d’Angelo, Glasgay! - Scotland’s annual celebration of queer culture - has gone from strength to strength. Here ScotsGay previews the best Glasgay! events being held in Oct. We’ll focus on Nov in the next issue. S PIC: DEATH DISCO Clubbing DEATH DISCO PIC: BIG GAY RESTAURANT Eat & Drink LITTLE JOHNNY’S BIG GAY RESTAURANT The Arches Café Bar Daily from 5.30pm Little Johnny is a bit of a Madonna fan - so the boy from Random Accomplice theatre company has turned The Arches Café Bar into a big gay, Madonna-themed restaurant: an idyllic hideaway where you can bathe in the luxurious surrounding of 80s imagery and Madonna videos. In celebration of the iconic album’s 25th anniversary, sip the True Blue cocktail, served by your obsessed host, whilst you chow down on your lovingly prepared exclusive Madonna inspired threecourse menu. A special event is planned for 6th Nov, her Madgesty’s birthday. Film GIGOLA Glasgow Film Theatre 15th Oct at 7.30pm. £7 (£5.50) The Stylish and sexy Parisian lesbian underworld of the 1960s is brought vividly to life in this star studded thriller. The stylishly butch Gigola spends her days roaming chic Parisian cafes and her evenings in famous lesbian cabaret bar Chez Moune. It’s a life she enjoys, or so it seems, until an accidental overdose throws her in the path of a beautiful psychiatrist, who reminds Gigola of her first and only love, and she begins to question everything. The Arches 15th Oct at 11pm. £14 (£7) A double dose of eye-popping debauchery from fearless electro-trash legend Peaches and the outrageous Hard Ton. One of the founding fathers of dirty electro, Peaches has been spitting out hits since 2000. From Lovertits and Set It Off to Fuck The Pain Away and I Feel Cream, her explicit lyrics and gender-blurring live shows set a new precedent for risqué club performance. In the next room, out-there BEAR Hard Ton will be channeling the spirit of Leigh Bowery and the sweaty haze of New York disco circa 1975 as he delivers hi-NRG hits in his vinyl bondage gear. You can sign up for half price passes at www.deathdisco.info Theatre Comedy LOVE HURTS BOURGEOIS & MAURICE Tron Theatre 18th-22nd Oct at 8pm & 22nd Oct at 2.30pm. £7 (£5.50) New neighbours have moved in at 41 Primrose Place and they’ve caught Susan’s attention. The new couple seem rather nice. Too nice perhaps... and Number 33 agrees her blinds haven’t stopped twitching since they moved in. Something is going on behind their closed door: something bad, dirty, unspeakable...and Susan is determined to find out exactly what it is. Sometimes keeping up with the neighbours is murder... After the success of Smalltown, Promises Promises and Little Johnny’s Big Gay Wedding, Random Accomplice present Love Hurts – a pitch black comedy, and the first in a series of Random Accomplice Bites: smallscale intimate theatre performances designed to make its audience gasp, giggle and greet. Written and directed by Johnny McKnight. Performed by Toni Frutin. The Arches 21st Oct at 7.30pm. £9 (£7) Darker and slicker than a BP oil spill, London’s award-winning cabaret stars Bourgeois & Maurice are a musical duo with style as sharp as their wit. Part cabaret, part theatre, part catwalk freak show they merge bitingly witty original songs with slanderous gossip and a truly staggering collection of outfits. With irreverently witty and glorious offensive lyrics, Bourgeois & Maurice‘s music explores the mundane absurdity of modern life and wraps it up neatly in a catchy pop hook. Comedy CRAIG HILL Tron Theatre 22nd Oct at 10pm. £15 (£11) Scotland’s favourite kilted treasure puts the wind in your willows! After his last smashhit, tour that sold out throughout the UK and in Australia, South-east Asia, South Africa and even in Switzerland, Craig breezes back to the Tron with his new show in an PIC: ANDREW AGNEW PIC: CRAIG HILL PIC: BOURGEOIS & MAURICE Available A vail vailable able on o DVD D in the the UK for the th he firstt time “One “ One of the funniest comedians in America” Workshop COMIC REINVENTION PIC: GIGOLA The Virginia Gallery 17th-22nd Oct at 10am. FREE The latest incarnation of Batwoman is an exservicewoman who left the military because she is a lesbian. An all-gay superhero comic called Spandex is getting excellent critical acclaim in the mainstream media. Is this the dawn of a new comic book age? This free workshop and will help participants create their own superheroes and heroines, and tackle the theme of empowerment. Can supermen and feminine icons help us to take back some power in our own lives? No previous art skills or knowledge of comics are required. Participants will have the chance to show their work alongside emerging and established artists in transgressive new art venues, The Virginia Gallery and Luke & Jack. Contact Garry McLaughlin comicworkshops@yahoo.co.uk exhilarating evening of pure-and-simple comedy. Sometimes wickedly provocative and always outrageously cheeky, treat yourself to an uplifting hour of fun from the fabulous East Coast comic. Comedy DUALLY ANDREWS! Rose & Grants 19th-20th Oct at 8.05pm. £10 If Balamory actor Andrew Agnew was given a Pink Pound every time someone asked him “What’s the Story?” he would be a millionaire. For this year’s Glasgay! he has compiled some of his stories together with his favourite songs from stage and screen, sprinkled with a dusting of his Panto magic and before you could say “The Rain in Spain” - there it was. Accompanied by Andrew Salmond on piano, Angnew will guide you through a Cabaret of the Highs and Lows of a Gay Life so far. Together they are Dually Andrews! THE NEW YORK TIMES “A “An An impressive radical adical voice” LONDON L O ONDON E EVENING VENING STANDARD STANDARD “The woman “ is fearless” THE BOSTON GLOBE Coming Soon 5-Disc Box Set Collection on WWW.MARGARETCHO.COM WWW W.MARGARETCHO.COM ZZZPDWFKER[ÀOPVFRXN ZZZ PDWFK KER[ÀOPVFRXN On DVD 10 OCTOBER THH Pre-order Pr re-order now at 15th Oct - 12th Nov 2011 www.GLASGAY.co.uk Clubbing Theatre Film THE 2ND FIERCE RULING DIVAS BALL CH CH CHANGES KILLING US SOFTLY: ADVERTISING’S IMAGE OF WOMEN Cambre 69 22nd Oct at 11pm. £10 Hot on the stilettos of last year’s hugely successful balls in both Glasgow and Manchester, the gay dance party, recently named by Attitude Magazine as Glasgow’s “brightest club on the block“, returns with its second annual MENERGY BALL! It’s your chance to strut your stuff and bring it to the runway up against houses of drag queens, drag kings, club kids, freaks and many others! Anyone can participate and you can enter either as an individual or compete as a house. There will be different categories for houses to send their individual members to walk in, and these will be announced on www.menergy.tv nearer the time. A full VIP judging panel will award fabulous prizes, so you’d better WORK that look, girl! And remember - we’re here to be fierce, not shady! PIC: JONNY WOO Comedy THE BEST OF JONNY WOO The Arches 22nd Oct at 7.30pm. £9 (£7) Jonny Woo is arguably the queen of London’s alternative drag scene. From Gay Bingo to Tranny Talent Night, Woo has stamped his mark across London and New York as a host, compere, DJ and outrageous performer over the past decade. Lauded by New York performance artist Taylor Mac (“I saw Johnny Woo and I realised that drag can be anything you want it to be”), his hilarious popculture parodies - such as Stark Dallas Naked and Night of a Thousand Jay Astons - have rocketed him to the ranks of one of the most outrageous, boldest alternative performance artists in the UK. His new ‘Best of’ show sees him storming through a cavalcade of his favourite characters, mixing jubilant queer anthems with twisted storytelling and moments of downright poetic brilliance. PIC: MARGARET CHO PIC: TRANSGENDER EXPRESSIONS Exhibition TRANSGENDER EXPRESSIONS The Virginia Gallery 23rd Oct at 6pm. 24th Oct-26th Nov at 11am except Sundays 12.30pm. FREE Featuring photographs of the transgendered of Brazil, some street workers, others just everyday people, each facing multiple levels of discrimination, violence and poverty. This work celebrates their triumph over adversity. Barry M. Wolfe is a Glasgow-born photographer who has lived in Brazil for the last 23 years. He started SOS Dignity, a human rights project, five years ago, dealing with transgender issues, including AIDS, human trafficking, sexual exploitation and slavery. In 2009 he won a prize for human rights in Brazil. PIC: MENERGY Comedy CHO DEPENDENT Stand Comedy Club 23rd-24th Oct at 7.30pm. £12 Fresh from storming the Edinburgh Fringe, stand-up’s controversial diva Margaret Cho makes her UK DVD debut with the October 10th release of her concert film Beautiful. Known for her frank brand of humour, Cho delivers riotous yet thought-provoking material, exploring sexuality, equal rights, race, politics and body image. For Glasgay! she treats audiences to her hit Edinburgh Fringe show at the home of live comedy, the Stand Comedy Club. ScotsGay talked to Cho about ‘Cho Dependent’ as part of our Fringe coverage earlier this year. sgfringe.com/category/ interviews/margaret-cho/ PIC: WEEKEND Film WEEKEND Glasgow Film Theatre 25th Oct at 8.30pm. £7 (£5.50) On a Friday night after hanging out with his straight mates, Russell heads out to a night club, alone and on the pull. Just before closing time he picks up Glen. And so begins a weekend - in bars and bedrooms, getting drunk and taking drugs, telling stories and having sex - that will resonate throughout their lives. Citizens Theatre 25th Oct-12th Nov at 7.30pm. £5 preview/£10/£12 Herald Angel Award Winner 2010 Grant Smeaton transmutes into a spectrum of multi coloured sexuality as seen through the eyes of five characters in mid-life in this intimate, compelling and provocative new one man show. Written by Martin O’Connor and partly devised through the personal accounts of the big changes impacting on the lives of LGBT people growing up through the sexually ambiguous 70’s and beyond, Smeaton riotously transforms and changes sex and sexuality before your eyes and asks the question - where does our sexuality begin and end? CCA 27th Oct at 7pm. £5 (£3) A report published in the late 70s by the UN Commission on the status of women claims that ‘advertising is the worst offender in perpetuating the image of women as sex symbols and an inferior class of human being’. This film illustrates how advertisements reinforce stereotypes and affect our self-image, concepts of success, worth, love, sexuality, popularity and normality. Director Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D. is a feminist author, speaker and filmmaker who is internationally recognized for her work on the image of women in advertising. PICS: KILLING US SOFTLY Theatre SPAIN Citizens Theatre 25th Oct-12th Nov at 7.30pm. £5 preview/£10/£12 You can’t run away from your problems...but you can take them to nicer places. At 22, Ally relocated from Edinburgh to Gran Canaria and he’s never looked back. He hasn’t had time. He’s been too busy enjoying himself…and other people. Lots of other people. In fact, in the twenty years he’s been on the island he’s averaged a man a week. But at 42, Ally is entering promiscuous person’s mid-life crisis. As he waits for the arrival of his latest gentleman caller, he finds a small memento that takes him back to his life in Scotland. Spain tells the story of an ex-pat Scot, thrown into an existentialist crisis and forced to begin a long journey home. James Ley is a young writer from Edinburgh who has had success with Up and I Heart Maths at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Glasgay! and Oran Mor. Co-created and performed by Mark Kydd. Comedy BOTTOMS UP Rose & Grants 26th-29th Oct at 8.05pm. £10 Join ‘Gram with a G’ on his gay detox and get a peek into his Big Fat Gay Diary, as he deletes his Gaydar, strips bare, sings like a girl and tries to male you fall head over heels for him the old fashioned way. Musical arrangements by Claire McKenzie and her ‘Gastric Band’. Presented by Oxi Morons. PIC: STRANGE CREATURES Comedy STRANGE HUNGERS PIC: BIG SCARY FAIRY CEILIDH The Arches 27th-29th Oct at 7.30pm. £9 (£7) Obscene inverts! Sexless termites! Hermaphroditic spinsters! Just some of the things they’ve been called while touring the world with their timeless lavender cabaret (grubby lesbo freakshow). Now you lucky Glasgow queers can bask in the squalid sapphistry of your filthy hosts, Claude and Maud, as we root around the icons and dykons of the past hundred years. Let us edu-tain you with shocking tales of cross-dressing, boarding school crushes, Boston Marriages and intimate “friendships”. Part queer history lesson, part titty-show, come indulge your Strange Hungers. By Rosanna Cade and Eilidh MacAskill also known as Fish and Game. Ceilidh Big Scary Fairy Ceilidh St Andrews in the Square 29th Oct at 8pm. £15 ceilidh/£25 ceilidh with buffet A Halloween ceilidh and fancy dress up do! An evening of Scottish country dance, food and pre-panto kilted fun. Dress up as your scariest Halloween nightmare before Christmas character and dance the night away. Music and instruction by ladies of The Belle Star Band. A charity fundraiser in aid of Gala Scotland. op-ed THE CATHOLIC CHURCH advisor, to do something about an outrageous infringement of his freedom of expression. (I know. The irony). He’s been throwing his toys out the pram over Google (allegedly) blocking his site. Amongst page after page of self-congratulatory waffle Brian Souter.com reminisces on his ‘Keep the Clause’ campaign to prevent gay kids receiving appropriate information in school. “A total of 1,262,686 people returned ballot papers and a staggering 86.8% - that’s 1,096,011 - agreed with Brian that Clause 28 should not be repealed”, adding that those voting with him to keep the clause far exceeded the number of votes cast for any single political party in Scotland at any election over the last 10 years. What Mr GarryOtton Souter ‘forgot’ to mention was that he garry@scotsgay.co.uk pumped around £2 million into the campaign, also more than any single political party spent in Scotland at any election over the last 10 years. He also disenfranchised more liberal youngsters who tend to move about a lot when his glorified opinion poll posed as an authentic plebiscite using an out-of-date electoral register. The Electoral Reform Society wanted nothing to do with it. He got a 32% turnout; quite Read the latest pathetic given that even a previous postal instalment of Garry Otton’s ballot in Scotland on the privatisation of Badge of Shame at water services in Strathclyde attracted www.scottishmedia 71.5%! Of those returning the ballot papers, monitor.com 11,356 were spoilt and 11,856 were empty where you’ll also find links to Scottish newspapers and other envelopes. The ‘referendum’ suggested that 166,406 voted for repeal (13%) and media organisations 1,094,440 voted against repeal (86%). So, a massive 70% of Scots rejected the ‘Keep the Clause’ campaign, either by binning the ballot or by voting for repeal. Let me be frank. And I don’t need figures - although there are plenty and you only need to pop your head round #OMFORTABLE AND CONlDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT a Church door on a Sunday - if it’s not already boarded up or turned into a 2ESPECT FOR YOU AND YOUR RELATIONSHIPS discount carpet warehouse, to see it for yourself - the Church is fucked. And 2ECOGNITION THAT WE HAVE SOME DIFFERENT NEEDS it’s not gay marriage or ‘aggressive secularists’ that are doing it. It is killing ! GATEWAY TO OTHER GAY SOLICITORS WHO CAN HELP itself. IN SPECIALIST AREAS Organised religion is resolutely out of touch with the people it’s supposed to serve. And it’s happening !T -($ WE HAVE AN AWARD WINNING TEAM everywhere, even in countries OF EXPERTS IN ALL ASPECTS OF &AMILY ,AW READY traditionally supine to its orders and TO HELP YOU edicts. In Ireland, despite celebrating the introduction of a new blasphemy #ALL $ONALD NOW ON law last year, the Cloyne Report followed with a scathing attack on the OR EMAIL DONALDSKINNERREID MHDLAWCOUK Vatican by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny; then there was a case lodged in the !DOPTION SERVICE s #IVIL 0ARTNERSHIP ADVICE s #ONVEYANCING International Criminal Court in The %STATE AGENCY s %STATE WINDING UP s &AMILY ,AW ADVICE s 7ILL WRITING Hague by victims of abuse against leading Roman Catholic cleric, Herr Ratzinger, his Vatican secretary of state and a handful of other high-ranking Holy See officials. In Scotland lately, %DINBURGH OFlCE 1UEEN #HARLOTTE 3TREET ,EITH %DINBURGH %( (4 the government and Catholic Church – 4EL s &AX with a little help from their cronies in 'LASGOW OFlCE #ARLTON 0LACE 'LASGOW ' 47 the Scottish media - have been 4EL s &AX s %MAIL GLASGOW MHDLAWCOUK promoting a law against ‘sectarianism’. It took just one silly wanker from the &AMILY ,AW &IRM OF THE 9EAR n ,AW !WARDS OF 3COTLAND terraces to jump on Celtic captain, Neil WWWMHDLAWCOUK Lennon, to have him whisked away omeone got their sums wrong. And who was daft enough to believe them? As soon as First Minister, Mr Salmond was in the hotseat, the first thing he did was invite a herd of snake-oil salesmen and purveyors of quackery - oh, sorry! ‘Faith Leaders’ - round to Bute House for some nibbles. You can be sure that the Frocks would’ve been keen to show him their muscles. Behind the smiles the militants running the Catholic Church would’ve wanted to impart their spiritual message: Don’t mess with us. Rt Rev Philip Tartaglia, Bishop of Paisley, said it again. Warning Alex, (he’s a fellow religionist too): You let gays marry and the SNP doesn’t deserve the support of the 800,000 Scottish Catholics we speak for. (In your dreams, matey!) Surveys point to 61% of Scots OK with marriage equality and Tim Hopkins of the Equality Network is not shy of revealing: “Amongst Catholics in Scotland, 57% support same-sex marriages and only 25% oppose it and there were similar sorts of rations for the other faiths as well.” C’mon! How many Catholics actually take any notice of what the lunatics running their asylum actually say anyway? 800,000? The Right Reverend Philip Tartaglia - already extreme enough to be tipped off as the next Cardinal - must be using the same abacus as Mr Souter. Another retrenched religionist, the Stagecoach boss was otherwise busy niggling Gordon Beattie, his PR and media S REASONS WHY YOU NEED A GAY SOLICITOR facing charges of ‘religious aggravation’. 26year-old, John Wilson conducted himself in a disorderly manner, running on to the pitch at the away team dug-out, shouting, swearing and breaching the peace. The jury were having none of this religious stuff, and neither was John Wilson who insisted he’d only called Lennon ‘a fucking wanker’; not ‘a Fenian bastard’! The Catholic Church is chomping at the bit for new laws to label criticism of its institution ‘sectarian’. But it wants its cake and eat it. It wants no restriction on the display of religious iconography or anyone making the sign of the cross on or off the pitch. In fact: It wants to see more of it with ‘believers’ crossing themselves in the street and saying ‘God bless’ at every opportunity. Being the only western nation with forced praying in all its schools, unelected clerics in the highest legislature in the land and taxpayers forking out for sectarian schools are clearly not enough for them. The truth is, most of what could pass as ‘sectarian’ on the football terraces is mostly ill-informed banter and has little to do with religion. They would be hard pushed to remember when the last time it was they actually saw the inside of a church. Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie got at least that much right when he turned on legislators saying, “football should be kept out of politics.” But as much as Scotland’s fourth estate might try to paper over the cracks with whatever the Scottish Catholic Media Office might throw at it, the Catholic Church is now beyond help. Had it been any other institution, no newspaper report would have been complete without reminding readers of past indiscretions. So why the doublestandards? Or are the crimes of the Catholic Church just not terrible enough? Prior to Ratzinger’s ‘state’ visit to Scotland – at considerable cost to taxpayers, involving the raiding of funds set aside for overseas aid and coinciding with news of 13 suicides of former victims of priestly abuse in Belgium The Scotsman printed issue after issue of fawning covering, including a double-page spread with several photos of Cardinal O’Brien laughing; smiling and saying that he would be “happy” if the Pope didn’t apologise for the child abuse. Apparently, there wasn’t very much in Scotland anyway. Oh, really? Homosexuals; the sixties; ephebophiles and a greater prevalence of incidences in other institutions. Catholic apologists have done everything to lay the blame at someone else’s door. Ratzinger’s visit clearly wasn’t the moment anyone was going to be reminded of the allegations against the Poor Sisters of Nazareth filed in the High Court in Aberdeen against Sister Alphonso, alias Marie Docherty. Former children from the orphanage lined up to provide testimonies of daily beatings, sexual abuse from visiting priests, the force-feeding of a little girl with her own vomit, the wrapping of bed-wetters in their urine-soaked sheets, the forcing of a wee girl into a cold bath in the middle of an epileptic fit which Sister Alphonso was supposed to have described as “the work of the devil”, lads being dropped into scalding baths and the ‘cleansing’ of menstruating girls by immersing them in baths filled with Jeyes disinfectant. One woman claimed Sister Alphonso had dragged her by her hair and beat it against a wall so hard it broke her front teeth leaving only the stumps. Helen Cuister told a court that when she began menstruating, Sister Alphonso told her that it was ‘God’s punishment’ for girls who did not behave and that her punishment would go on until midnight when she would die for being so dirty. Louise Clark told the same court how she had been beaten mercilessly simply for not attending church. In defence, Sister Alphonso told the court how, as a child she had pulled down her knickers and asked her father to hit her and, when as a sister in the Aberdeen home, she had given the girls a good talking to after she caught them watching forbidden TV programme, ‘Top of the Pops’. The church stood by Sister Alphonso. A Scottish Catholic Church source told the press: “The view within the church is that she deserves sympathy, not more punishment. The church will rally round her.” And it did. The Catholic Church appointed a team of leading lawyers, including former Solicitor General Paul Cullen, QC and the Rt Rev Mario Conti, the Catholic Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, later the Archbishop of Glasgow, who stepped in as chief apologist, explaining: “Some practices which, today seem excessive and even cruel, would not have been viewed in this light years ago. These convictions do not, moreover, invalidate the great good, which was done by the Sisters of Nazareth, including Sister Marie, in caring competently and appropriately for many thousands of children over the last 100 years”. Still dressed in her nun’s habit, Marie Docherty was found guilty of just four counts of cruelty and unnatural practices. Former care assistant Helen Howie, 75 was angry that she was not called as a witness. “She has made all these children out to be liars”, she was reported saying, “but everything they said was true. A couple of times when my husband came to collect me from his work he had to pull her off to stop her beating the children. I called him many a time to take her away from the children”. Docherty’s age, state of health, lack of previous convictions and the time that had passed since the crimes took place were all taken into consideration. After whispering a polite ‘thank you’ to Sheriff Colin Harris, PIC: EX-CELTIC FOOTBALLER FRANK MCANNIE WITH FRIENDS PIC: HOMOPHOBE BRIAN SOUTER PIC: THE RIGHT REV PHILIP TARTAGLIA PERFOMING THE LAYING ON OF HANDS Marie Theresa Docherty was free to walk away. The Scottish Daily Mail jumped in to save the Church. A master of deception, the tabloid was an expert at making black appear white. Like its front page headline: “Scotland first to have gay marriage imposed” – no Church was having gay marriage imposed on it if they didn’t want it - and its uncritical reporting of the Catholic Church’s parliamentary officer, John Deighan, who, despite all the evidence, insisted there was “overwhelming public opposition” to gay marriage. After Docherty’s trial the Mail tried to “put this case in perspective” shoehorning readers into believing that what Sister Alphonso did “was not in the same category as the more sordid offences involving paedophile priests and social workers” adding “there was no sexual element involved”. But there were also the allegations by 11 former pupils in the Court of Session in Edinburgh who claimed to have been brutalised by an order of Catholic monks. Their solicitor, Cameron Fyfe claimed he was handling the biggest abuse case Scotland had ever seen. Allegations from former pupils of St Ninian’s List D School in Gartmore, Stirlingshire described electric shocks administered from a device described as a type of generator kept in a boot room where boys had to hold on to a pair of wires leading from the machine. Central Scotland Police were involved in compiling a report for the Procurator Fiscal that also included complaints of regular thrashings, being forced to eat vomit, sexual fondling and serious physical abuse. The Big Issue in Scotland also told a particularly harrowing tale by resident John McCorry of the behaviour of the nuns from the Smyllum Park Orphanage near Lanark. “They warped our sexualities. We were told that the toilet - and even using the word toilet - was evil. We couldn’t refer to any part of our body between the neck and knees as anything other than ‘our front’. But as a result kids would get beaten for talking about their fronts. We would get beaten for asking to go to the toilet. It was institutionalised insanity… Boys who wet the bed were beaten all the time… They were forced to drink Epsom salts over and over again. But that ended up making them doubly incontinent. Most of the boys who suffered this ended up soiling themselves a few hours later. The most disgraceful thing I ever saw was one boy who was forced to walk up and down all day in the dining hall with his wet sheet under his arm. The sister who made him do this was shouting at us, saying, ‘Why aren’t you laughing at him?’ There was the sound of forced laughter everywhere. The boy was crying. It was sadistic, sick, mental torture”. The Catholic Church’s spokesman had his secretary explain to the Big Issue: “It’s nothing to do with us any longer”. But it isn’t just in Scotland where we should be challenging – not Catholics - but institutions like the Vatican. Let’s remind ourselves of the Catholic Church’s own rule about the Popes - the ‘successors of Peter’ – all being culpable. That must include the ones guilty of nepotism, murder, sexual debauchery and general depravity, none of whom the Church has officially condemned. There are the ones who took lovers, mistresses, girls or boys, married, had illegitimate children; housing and promoting their, er… ‘nephews’. Many Pope’s had children. And Pope Julius III hardly made much of a secret about the teenage boy he picked up in the street. First he was his ‘monkey keeper’ and then he was made a Cardinal. Then there is this Church’s historical hatred of Jews; passing laws that closed professions to them, locking them up in ghettos and forcing them to wear yellow identification. Read about the inquisitions, enforced conversions, slave trading and operations of torture and you are left either needing counselling or wondering what kind of twisted mind would ever want to associate itself with such a poisonous institution. And then there is the gun-running, the financial wheeling and dealing, the laundering of illegal funds and the Magdalene laundries of incarcerated women; the denial of rights to women and people of a non-heterosexual orientation; the concordats with South American dictators; the deals with the Mafia (Pope Paul VI’s financial advisor, Sicilian tax lawyer, Michele Sindona recycled proceeds from Mafia heroin sales through the Vatican bank and helped the Vatican evade tax by transferring the bulk of its financial and investment assets overseas). And let’s never forget the Catholic Church’s administration of Nazi ratruns. Oh, yes… You didn’t even need to be a Catholic to get Vatican help here: Just a Nazi. After the war, funded by Nazi gold, twenty Catholic agencies helped spirit away the likes of the commander of Treblinka, Franz Strangl who murdered 900,000 people; deputy commander of Sobibor, Gustav Wagner who murdered 250,000 Jews and Adolf Eichmann amongst many, many others. All this before you ever get to the endless cases of sexual, physical and mental torture it put children through before the Vatican tried to cover it up, often blackmailing its victims into silence or moving priests to different areas where they could go on abusing even more kids. The United Nations have asked the Vatican for a report. 14 years and they’re still waiting. Malachi O’Doherty writes in the Belfast Telegraph: “It’s a peculiar irony that the Church’s critics lose their power to impress when they stop going to Mass. By walking away, we surrendered our punch”. While I salute every so-called ‘Catholic’ that has had the courage to speak out against their religion in a climate of censorship, religious privilege, propaganda and proselytising; does walking away really have no effect on the Church? I think it is that healthy indifference to religion, becoming so prevalent in society today, which is securing for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered and inter-sexed people, all the fairness and equality they have ever wanted. Garry Otton is a member of the National Secular Society. To reply to a contact ad, just pop your reply in an envelope with the box number written in the TOP RIGHT corner and place the envelope with your reply inside another envelope with two loose first class stamps. If you are writing from outwith the UK, an International Reply Coupon (IRC) should be enclosed for each reply instead of postage stamps. International Reply Coupons are available from Post Offices throughout the world. We are unable to send on replies without postage stamps or IRCs. 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Men Women Bisexual Trans Other Photo with Ad with Phone No. Commercial Ad Back Rubs Ad with Photo Postal Subscriptions to ScotsGay 6 Issue Sub (UK) 6 Issue Sub (Overseas) 12 Issue Sub (UK) 12 Issue Sub (Overseas) Penzance - Cornwall Small, gay-friendly, period hotel situated with own parking in town centre. Rooms available en-suite. Web: www.cliffhotelpz.co.uk Tel: Penzance (01736) 368888. [0] ScotsGay Magazine PO Box 666 Edinburgh EH7 5YW SG118 listings are free GROUPS HELPLINES ABUSED MEN IN SCOTLAND: Tel: Dunfermline (01383) 624411 Support for men surviving domestic abuse. Office: Dunfermline (01383) 736108. E-mail: info@abusedmeninscotland.org www.abusedmeninscotland.org BREATHING SPACE: Tel: FreePhone 0800 838587 Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri 6pm-Mon 6am (24 hours at weekends). www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk CROSSLYNx NATIONAL TV/TS/TG HELPLINE: Tel: 0141-847 0787 Mon 7.30-9.30pm. www.crosslynx.org.uk CUMBRIA AND THE BORDERS GAY HELPLINE: Tel: Bassenthwaite Lake (01768) 776244 Nightly 6-9pm. DIVERSITAY LGBT SWITCHBOARD: Tel: Dundee (01382) 202620 Mon 7-9pm. Write: PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1 3YG. E-mail: contact@diversitay.org.uk www.diversitay.org.uk twitter.com/diversitaylgbt HATE CRIME REPORTING: Tel: 0141-847 0647 or Stirling (01786) 469483 Nightly 7-10pm. LOTHIAN LGBT HELPLINE: Tel: 0131-556 4049 Wed 12.30-7pm. STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD: Tel: 0141-847 0447 Nightly 7-10pm. E-mail: info@sgls.co.uk www.sgls.co.uk STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN LINE: Tel: 0141-847 0547 Wed 7.30-10pm. www.sgls.co.uk/services1 THT DIRECT: Tel: 0845 1221200 Mon-Fri10am-10pm,Sat-SunNoon-6pm. LONDON SWITCHBOARD: Tel: 020-7837 7324 FAx: 020-7837 7300 Daily 10am-11pm. E-mail: admin@llgs.org.uk www.llgs.org.uk www.turingnetwork.org.uk PUBLICATIONS SCOTSGAY: Monthly magazine edited, printed and published in Scotland since 1994. All of the words from the magazine can be found on our website as well as interactive Meet Market and our Listings which are frequently updated. Sample copy available by phoning 0906 1100256 (calls cost no more than £2). Tel: 0845 1208062 (+44 131-539 0666). Fax: 0131-539 2999. Write: PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail: publisher@scotsgay.co.uk www.scotsgay.co.uk LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS: Queer alternative DIY magazine for women. E-mail: info@ lockupyourdaughtersmagazine.co.uk www.lockupyourdaughtersmagazine.co.uk NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND: Scotland's oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights organisation. It was founded in 1969 as the Scottish Minorities Group, later became the Scottish Homosexual Rights Group and changed its name to OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND in December 1992. Currently hibernating. EQUALITY NETWORK: Working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in Scotland. Write: 30 Bernard Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6PR. Tel: 07020 933952. Fax: 07020 933954. Weekly email and quarterly paper newsletters on LGBT equality campaigns and developments. Regular conferences, forums, and other events. E-mail or write to join the network. E-mail: en@equality-network.org www.equality-network.org and twitter.com/LGBTScotland LESBIAN ARCHIVE : The UK's largest and most significant collection of materials relating to lesbian lives. The collections are based at Glasgow Women’s Library, 15 Berkeley Street, Glasgow. G3 7BW. Tel/Fax: 0141-248 9969. E-mail: info@womenslibrary.org.uk www.womenslibrary.org.uk NATIONAL LGBT FORUM: Active events calendar for LGBT and other equality events in Scotland. Comprehensive directory of LGBT organisations. Free registration to add campaigns and events to the Community pages. www.scottishLGBT.org PRIDE SCOTIA: Now busily organising Pride Scotia 2012 which will be held in Edinburgh in 2012. Tel: 0131-556 9471. Write: 58a Broughton Street,Edinburgh.EH1 3SA. E-mail: edinburgh@pride-scotia.org www.pride-scotia.org STONEWALL SCOTLAND: Campaigns for equality and justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people living in Scotland. Write: 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6TE. Tel: 0131-557 3679. E-mail: info@stonewallscotland.org.uk www.stonewallscotland.org.uk LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AYRSHIRE: Ayrshire Social & Sexuality Support Group: Meets 3rd Wed of each month at 7pm in Irvine. Details of venue from David Bingham on 0141-332 3838 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). E-mail: david.bingham@tht.org.uk BORDERS: Borders Bisexual Lesbian And Gay Group (BBLAGG): Organises social and recreational events for LGBT adults living in the Scottish Borders. Events include: pub nights, men’s film nights, hillwalks, barbeques and an annual visit to Ireland to take part in North West Pride. Tel: Alastair Lings on Galashiels (01896) 757861 or 07763 850087. E-mail: alastairlings@yahoo.co.uk www.facebook.com/group.php?gid= 120233614684563 Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum: Aims to provide advice and act as a consulting body to all community planning partner organisations, develop a range of social and recreational activities, and provide a befriending service to LGBT people. Write: PO Box 14120, Selkirk. TD7 5WE. www.borderslgbt.org.uk CAMPBELTOWN: Kintyre Embrace: Meets first Wed of each month, 7-9pm. Tel: Katrina on 07760 701308. E-mail: katrina.mitchell@waverleycare.org DUMBARTON: Clyde Valley LGBT Group: Tel: Fiona-Marie or Sandra on 07519 474797. DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY: Dumfries & Galloway LGBT Centre: Runs services including groups, social events, drop-ins, support and volunteering for young people and adults. 88b High Street, Dumfries. DG1 2BJ. Tel: Dumfries (01387) 255058. Text: 07785 274147. E-mail: DandG@lgbtyouth.org.uk DUNDEE: Diversitay LGBT Group: Offers support to LGBT people living in Tayside and North East Fife. Bi monthly newsletter “Out Now” available from PO Box 53, Dundee, DD1 3YG. Tel: Dundee (01382) 202620. E-mail: contact@diversitay.org.uk www.diversitay.org.uk and twitter.com/diversitaylgbt DUNFERMLINE: FifeFLAGS: Fife Free Lesbian and Gay Society. Provides a welcoming and safe meeting space and drop-in centre near the town centre for the LGBT community, our friends, family and supporters. Regular social group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sun of the month from 7.30-11pm. Generally has a nice friendly mixed group most nights across the age range so come along and meet new friends. Internet access, mini pool table or just hang out and chill over coffee and biscuits. Safer sex information and supplies available as part of the Fife Health Board condom distribution scheme. Tel: Dunfermline (01383) 738517. E-mail: Info@FifeFLAGS.org.uk www.fifeflags.org.uk EDINBURGH: Couple Counselling Lothian: Scotland’s oldest and largest relationship counselling agency promotes the wellbeing and longevity of same sex relationships. 65 years experience of serving clients in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Tel: 0131-556 1527. E-mail: admin@cclothian.org.uk www.cclothian.org.uk Edinburgh LGBT Centre: Owned and managed by Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Community Project Limited, which is registered as a Scottish Charity and as a Scottish Company. Bought in 1974 by the Scottish Minorities Group, it is the only LGBTowned LGBT Centre in the UK and is also the oldest LGBT Centre outwith the USA. Write: Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a/60 Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. Tel: 0131-556 9471. Meeting Room Booking Tel: 07817 533337. E-mail: edinburghlgbtcentre @drink.demon.co.uk Icebreakers: Social group for guys and gals who want to make friendships and feel more at ease in the company of other gay people. Takes place from 7.30-9.30pm in The Regent on 2nd Wed of each month. If you're recently out or new to Edinburgh or just feel a bit cut off and want a break, come along. GLASGOW: Icebreakers Group: For lesbians, gays and bisexuals new to the scene. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard. Pride Glasgow: Tel: 0141-416 2300. E-mail: pride@prideglasgow.co.uk www.prideglasgow.co.uk Spectrum: Group for gay and bisexual men from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Meets on 1st Tue of each month at 6.30pm. Tel: 0141-552 0112. E-mail: spectrum@gmh.org.uk INVERCLYDE: Clyde Men: Social/support/information group for gay and bisexual men. Meets monthly in central Greenock location. Tel: Criz on 0141-552 0112. E-mail: criz@gmh.org.uk INVERNESS: Highland Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Forum: Tel: 07512 231904. PO Box 5735, Inverness. IV1 9DB. E-mail: forum@gay-ness.org.uk www.gay-ness.org.uk Highland LGBT Social Group: Regular events and discos in Inverness. E-mail: forum@gay-ness.org.uk www.gay-ness.org.uk/events.html Inverness, Highlands and Islands LGBT Group: 4 King Brude Gardens, Muirtown, Inverness, IV3 8TT. New Group. Te;: 07833 456341. E-mail:invernessandhighlandslgbtgroup @hotmail.co.uk www.gay-ness.org.uk/events.html MORAY: LGBT Moray Social networking group for LGBT people in Moray. 1st Tue & 4th Thu of each month: Get together at The Muckle Cross Pub, 34 High Street, Elgin from 7.30pm. 2nd Wed of each month: Get together at Scribbles Coffee/Pizza House, 154 High Street, Elgin from 11am. 3rd Sat of each month: Get together at Time Out Café, 79 High Street, Forres from 10.30am. For all meetings, look for rainbow coloured bag and VW camper money box on table. For further info or to be met in advance: Tel: 07598 418638. E-mail: lgbtmoray@gmail.co.uk OBAN: Gateway Group: Meets last Sat of each month, 2-4pm. Tel: Katrina on 07760 701308. E-mail: katrina.mitchell@waverleycare.org INVERNESS: GirlZone: Friendly, informal social group for LBT and friends - all welcome. Meets 1st Sat and 3rd Fri of each month.Tel: Joanne on 07792 223687 for details and venue. E-mail: girlzone@gay-ness.org.uk www.gay-ness.org.uk Highland Lesbian Group: A friendly lesbian social group which offers support and information. Organises fundraisers for Womankind Worldwide: E-mail: High_Les@bigfoot.com www.freewebs.com/highlandlesbiangroup www.womankind.org.uk NATIONAL: CAMERADERIE LESBIAN PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP: Meets monthly in and around the Tayside/Dundee/Aberdeenshire area, weather permitting. E-mail: spamdd7@yahoo.com LESBIAN INFORMATION SERVICE: www.lesbianinformationservice.org OUT-SKIRTS: A monthly e-newsletter for lesbian and bi women in Tayside, Fife and beyond. E-mail: ionafiesta@yahoo.co.uk SCOTTISH NETWORK FOR LESBIAN STRENGTH: To further lesbian issues, follow a lesbian agenda and foster lesbian visibility. E-mail: High_Les@bigfoot.com www.freewebs.com/highlandlesbiangroup YOUNG LESBIANS: See our Youth Groups listings. BISEXUALS BISCOTLAND: Support and social network for people who are bisexual or questioning their sexuality. Also organises training and activist activities in support of bisexual visibility and pride. Informal 'safe space' meetings are held on 1st Wed of each month in Glasgow (Contact for venue details) and 3rd Wed of each month in Edinburgh (8pm in the LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street). Meetings (open to all bi or questioning people) are usually followed by social gatherings which are open to partners or friends. Information line: 07963 960321. E-mail: info@biscotland.org www.biscotland.org STIRLING: Stirling Gay Men's Social Group Meets monthly from Sep-Jun (generally 3rd Fri) in private houses. E-mail: mensgroup@talktalk.net WOMEN'S LISTINGS ABERDEEN: Granite Sisters: Aberdeen based group for older lesbians throughout Scotland. There are no social events planned for the near future and the website is the main link at this time for gay women to gain information, etc. Although under construction at the moment it will be completed ASAP. E-mail: 13@clara.co.uk www.13.clara.co.uk EDINBURGH: AD Group: Social group exclusively for lesbians over 40 who have come to terms with their sexuality as lesbians. Meets monthly to discuss activities which range from cinema vists to days out and about. E-mail: adgroup40@gmail.com Amazing Gracies Women’s Football Club: Meets Wed 7-8pm at Gracemount Leisure Centre, 22 Gracemount Drive. www.amazinggraciesfc.webs.com Ladybird Book Group: Friendly and social lesbian book group meets 2nd Tue of each month from 7.45pm in Café Nom De Plume. Newcomers welcome. Contact for more information and details of books coming up this year. E-mail: Carol_Purcell@hotmail.com Rubyfruits Edinburgh: For lesbians and bi women. Meets Wed eve anytime after 7.30pm in Café Nom De Plume, 60 Broughton Street. Widen your social circle, network, plan weekend/eve activities (eg walking, cinema, exhibitions) and maybe meet that special somebody. E-mail: rubyfruitsedinburgh@yahoo.com www.rubyfruitsedinburgh.webs.com Women’s Group: New group offering the chance to meet other women in a relaxed environment. Chat and information on health and wellbeing issues, as well as activities in and out the Centre. 2nd & 4th Fri of each monthfrom 2-4.30pm at the LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. Tel: Alison on 0131-652 3283. E-mail: alison@lgbthealth.org.uk GLASGOW: Sandyford: 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Sandyford provides sexual, reproductive and emotional health services for all lesbian and bisexual women. Tel: 0141211 8130 for further information on sexual and reproductive services or Tel: 0141-211 6700 for counselling services. All services available at a range of locations throughout NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. www.sandyford.org Glasgow Women's Library: 15 Berkeley Street, Glasgow. G3 7BW. Tel/Fax: 0141-248 9969. Provides a library, archive, is an Accredited Museum and also houses the UK’s national Lesbian Archives. Range of events, courses and other activities delivered through their learning programmes, along with an Adult Literacy and Numeracy Project and Black and Minority Ethnic Women’s Project. Check website for more info. E-mail: info@womenslibrary.org.uk www.womenslibrary.org.uk OLGA - Older Lesbians Get Around: Meets monthly. Tel: 07813 268938. ABUSE BROKEN RAINBOW LGBT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE (UK): Works to change the situation for LGBT people facing domestic violence. Runs a helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their family, friends, and agencies to support LGBT people around domestic violence. Mon & Thu 2-8pm, Wed 10am-5pm. Tel: 0300 999 5428. E-mail: mail@broken-rainbow.org.uk www.broken-rainbow.org.uk MEN AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE: 1-2-1 counselling for adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, male rape, male domestic abuse and under 18's. Tel: 07896 839415.. E-mail: masacounseling@aol.com www.masa-listens.com RAPE AND ABUSE LINE: For male and female survivors. Female Support Workers answer Freephone 0808 8000123 most evenings and Male Support Workers answer Freephone 0808 8000122 on selected evenings. the Helpline hours are advised on both answering services. Callers are welcome to phone either line. Write: PO Box 10, Dingwall. IV15 9HA. www.rapeandabuseline.co.uk RAPE CRISIS SCOTLAND HELPLINE: Scotland-wide telephone service providing support to women and men experiencing sexual violence, as well as their friends and families. Tel: Freephone 0808 8010302 (6pmMidnight). Minicom available. www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk THRIVE: Counselling service for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Write: Sandyford Counselling & Support Services, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Tel: 0141-211 8133 or 0141-211 6700. E-mail: thrive@ggc.scot.nhs.uk ATHEISTS AND HUMANISTS GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION: GALHA is a membership organisation promoting a gay-friendly Humanist outlook and LGBT rights as human rights. Membership is open to supporters worldwide. Write: GALHA, 1 Gower Street, London. WC1E 6HD. E-mail: membership@galha.org www.galha.org PINK TRIANGLE TRUST: PTT is a gay Humanist charity which can arrange non-religious ceremonies of love and commitment for lesbian and gay couples at very reasonable rates in most parts of Scotland. Sponsors of LGBT History Month. Write: 34 Spring Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2HB. Tel: Kenilworth (01926) 858450. E-mail: ceremonies@pinktriangle.org.uk www.pinktriangle.org.uk Lively Blog at www.pinktriangle.org.uk/ptt/blog.html Internet Magazine at www.gayandlesbianhumanist.org BDSM SM GAYS: www.smgays.org BEARS BEARSCOTS: The national group for bears, big boys, their friends and admirers. Glasgow Bear Weekend (1st weekend of each month): Revolver Bears, Revolver Bar, Fri 9pm-1am. Edinburgh Bear Weekend (2nd weekend of each month): Bear Sauna, Steamworks, Sat 2-8pm. Bears In The Basement, New Town Bar, Sat 10pm2am. Check website for details of events around Scotland. E-mail: info@bearscots.org.uk www.bearscots.org.uk BELIEVERS AFFIRMATION SCOTLAND: Network in the Church of Scotland of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians, their friends and supporters. Formed in 2006 in response to the issue of ministers and deacons being able to conduct ceremonies to mark civil partnerships without fear of censure. Write: Monica Stewart, 37 Main Street, Invergowrie. DD2 5AB. E-mail: monicastewart@btinternet.com www.affirmationscotland.org.uk AL-JANNAH: Online social community for LGBT Muslims, Non-Muslims, South Asians. Based in Scotland. New gay Desi networking: meet members in your area, chat and upload photographs - Hindus, Sikhs and other Asians/Non-Muslims welcome. E-mail: admin@al-jannah.co.uk www.al-jannah.co.uk AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH: 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. EH1 1EL. Meets Sun 11am - LGBT people especially welcome. Last Wed of each month: Transcendence (welcome space to support and explore transgender spirituality) - 7pm. Last Sat of each month: Our Tribe (LGBT worship) - 7pm Tel: 07957 543359. E-mail: ourtribe.auc@gmail.com www.augustine.org.uk EDINBURGH QUAKER LESBIAN AND GAY FELLOWSHIP: Meets on the 2nd Wed of each month at 7pm in the Glasite Meeting House, 33 Barony Street. Members of the LGBT Community and their friends are most welcome. Tel: 07543 975590. E-mail: edinburgh.qlgf@gmail.com EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP FOR LESBIAN & GAY CHRISTIANS: Lesbian, gay or bisexual? From an Evangelical tradition? So are we. Tel: Andrew on Mid Calder (01506) 499926. Write: c/o 123 Byron Road, Chelmsford. CM2 6HJ. E-mail: info@eflgc.org.uk www.eflgc.org.uk METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH IN GLASGOW: A church of the LGBT communities welcoming all people. Meets for worship Sun 3pm at Ibrox Parish Church, 67 Clifford Street. Tel or Text: 07972 139128. E-mail: info@mccinglasgow.co.uk www.mccinglasgow.co.uk QUAKER LESBIAN AND GAY FELLOWSHIP: A welcoming and supportive national group for people of all sexual orientations and their friends. Write: Ruth (SG), 46 The Avenue, Starbeck, Harrogate. HG1 4QD. E-mail: qlgfcontact@btclick.com www.qlgf.org.uk QUEST: Organisation for lesbian and gay Catholics. Monthly meetings are held in different regional groups throughout Britain. Scottish meetings held in Glasgow. Quest Linkline The Helpline for Gay and Lesbian Catholics Tel: (Freephone) 0808 808 0234. Write: BM Box 2585, LONDON. WC1N 3xx. E-mail: quest@questgaycatholic.org.uk www.questgaycatholic.org.uk ROMAN CATHOLIC CAUCUS OF THE LESBIAN & GAY CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT: Write: RC Caucus, PO Box 24632, London. E9 6xF. Tel: 020-7226 0847. E-mail: lgcm_rccaucus@hotmail.com SGI-UK (SCOTLAND): Buddhist organisation established in more than 190 countries throughout the world. Their belief and practice direct people to respect that which is of ultimate value: life itself. Through their faith and practice, members transform their inner lives and develop the qualities needed to bring about personal fulfillment and contribute to the positive development of society. SGI-UK has participated in Pride events throughout the world and is now known as Rainbow activities. www.sgi-uk.org UNITARIANS IN EDINBURGH: An inclusive community of diverse beliefs which supports the pursuit of individual spirituality and humanism. Meets at St Mark’s, 7 Castle Terrace at 11am on Sun and for Mindfulness @ Lunchtime at 12.15pm on Tue. Relationship blessings conducted. E-mail: minister@edinburgh-unitarians.org.uk www.edinburgh-unitarians.co.uk CULTURAL EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S CHORUS: Brings together individuals interested in singing a fun repertoire, including pop, rock and songs from the shows and movies. Now is a great time to get involved, whether you're a closet shower singer or have some experience. Rehearses Tue eve in Central Edinburgh. For full details and to sign-up: www.egmc.co.uk FILM CLUB: Meets every other Fri, 6.30-9.30pm at LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. A wide selection of documentaries, short films and full-length movies with an LGBT twist will be screened for your viewing pleasure, from old classics to arty new ones. All screenings subject to a small donation. E-mail: clazzle333@hotmail.com GAY GORDONS EDINBURGH: Scotland's first LGBTQ Scottish country dance group with a good mix of women and men. Meets Mon 7.30-9.30pm at St Stephen’s Centre, Stockbridge. E-mail: info@gaygordonsedinburgh.co.uk www.gaygordonsedinburgh.co.uk GLASGAY!: Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture. Next dates: 21st Oct - 12th Nov 2011 (provisional). Q! Gallery is Glasgay's new year-round gallery dedicated to queer art and artists. Mon-Sat 11am-5pm. The Stud!o is an adjacent performance/research/workshop and holistic arts space. The Q! Gallery, 87-91 Saltmarket, Glasgow. G1 5LE. Tel/Fax: 0141552 7575.Text: 07762 722460. E-mail: info@glasgay.co.uk www.glasgay.co.uk INTERNATIONAL KILT APPRECIATION SOCIETY (IKAS): Contact and social group for guys interested in viewing/wearing kilts. Regular newsletter. Write: Mervyn Tacy, 'Ziveli', 20 Ordsall Park Road, Retford. DN22 7PA. Please enclose sae. Tel: 01777 708270. E-mail: IKILTas@aol.com www.freewebs.com/ikas LGBT HISTORY MONTH SCOTLAND: Increasing the awareness of LGBT people’s lives, histories and experiences. The website provides listings for cultural opportunities, events, news items, and resources. If you would like to be involved, volunteer or add information, contact LGBT History Month, 3940 Commerce Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6HD. www.lgbthistory.org.uk LOUD & PROUD: Scotland's original choir for LGBT singers is made up of approximately 45 singers and holds regular concerts in the Central Belt. The repertoire, which is sung a capella in varying numbers of parts, includes simple rounds, popular music, traditional music, light classics, festive and seasonal songs, lesbian/gay anthems, and show tunes. Meets weekly for rehearsals in Edinburgh. E-mail: info@loudandproudchoir.org www.loudandproudchoir.org LUVVIES THEATRE COMPANY: Edinburgh based LGBT theatre company, which aims to give LGBT people the opportunity to act, direct, produce or organise theatre or take part in any aspect of the creative process. No previous experience is necessary. Tel: 07854 836605. E-mail: info@theluvvies.org www.theluvvies.org OURSTORY SCOTLAND: A charity which works to collect, archive and present the life stories and experiences of the LGBT Community in Scotland. If you have a story to tell or experiences to share, or would like to find out more about their upcoming programme of events, then please contact them. Write: OurStory Scotland, Archives and Special Collections, The Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow. G3 7DN. E-mail: info@ourstoryscotland.org.uk www.ourstoryscotland.org.uk PINK CASTLE PHILOSOPHY CLUB: Meets 2nd Tue of each month at 7.30pm in Riverside Lounge, Glen Mhor Hotel, 8-15 Ness Bank, Inverness. IV2 4SG. Tel: Morgan on 07745 930383. E-mail: morgan@tramstop.org www.pinkcastle.eu REMEMBER WHEN PROJECT: Documenting the collective history of Edinburgh's LGBT communities, recording life-stories and personal memories across the generations, and celebrating our rich and varied contributions to the quality of life in the city. The culmination of this work was an exhibition entitled 'Rainbow City: Stories from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Edinburgh' held at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh in 2006. Write: Remember When Project, c/o The Living Memory Association, The Reminiscence Centre, 101 St Leonards Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9QY. Tel: 0131-667 0761, and leave a message, stating clearly that it is for Remember When. E-mail: miles@livingmemory.org.uk SCOTTISH BORDERS GAY FILM GROUP: Meets monthly during autumn through to the spring, and views video/DVDs with a gay theme or character. For more details please contact Alastair on Galashiels (01896) 757861 or E-mail: alastairlings@yahoo.co.uk people and those affected thereby to eliminate the stigma and isolation they experience. Tel: Dundee (01382) 226860. Fax: Dundee (01382) 322606. Tue-Thu (Drop In) Noon3.30pm. E-mail: admin@bodypositivetayside.org www.bodypositivetayside.org BROWNLEE CENTRE (GLASGOW): Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN. Confidential information, advice, counselling and direct access testing for HIV and Hepatitis.The Centre provides ongoing medical and social care plus psychological and emotional support for people living with HIV infection and one to one counselling for people at risk of HIV. Tel: 0141-211 1089. Fax: 0141-211 1097. Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Tue 57pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm. BROWNLEE COMMUNITY TEAM: Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN. Social work service for people with HIV/AIDS providing intensive community based support. General advice and information on community care and housing needs also provided. Tel: 0141-211 1090. GAY MEN'S HEALTH EDINBURGH: 10 Union Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. A community led Lothian wide project for gay and bisexual men. Wide ranging volunteering opportunities which provide services including support and counselling, scene work, peer education and training, provision of condoms, lube and Safer Sex information. Tel: 0131-558 9444. E-mail: info@gmh.org.uk www.gmh.org.uk GAY MEN'S HEALTH GLASGOW: Unit 9, The Adelphi Centre, Gorbals, Glasgow. G5 0PQ. Tel: 0141-552 0112. A community led project across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board Area for gay and bisexual men. Wide ranging volunteering opportunities which provide services including support, scene work, peer education and training, provision of condoms, lube and Safer Sex info. E-mail: glasgow@gmh.org.uk www.gmh.org.uk GAY MEN'S HEALTH TAYSIDE: Exists to promote the sexual and holistic health of gay and bi men living in Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross (including men who have sex with men but who do not identify as gay or bi), reduce the spread of HIV within those communities and challenge the discrimination, health inequalities and social exclusion that can be faced by gay and bi men, including HIV positive gay and bi men, and those affected by HIV. Tel: Dundee (01382) 424070. Fax: Dundee (01382) 424090. E-mail: info@gaymenshealthtayside.com www.gaymenshealthtayside.com HIV-AIDS CARERS AND FAMILIES SERVICE PROVIDER SCOTLAND: 10 Elderpark Workspace, 100 Elderpark Street, Glasgow. G51 3TR. Mon-Fri 10am5pm. Telephone Support Service: 07778 117900 Mon-Fri 7pm-10pm. Tel: 0141-445 8797. E-mail: hiv-aids_carers@lineone.net www.hiv-aids-carers.org.uk HIV SCOTLAND: Suite 2, 27 Beaverhall Road, Edinburgh. EH7 4JE. Tel: 0131-558 3713. Fax: 0131-558 9887. The national policy charity for HIV in Scotland. Speaks out for people living with HIV and provide knowledge and expertise to help inform and deliver strong policies and effective strategies to tackle the spread of HIV in Scotland. E-mail: info@hivscotland.com www.hivscotland.com FETISH THE JANEK LATOSINSKI CHARITABLE TRUST: Provides free complementary therapies and psychotherapy to all people living with HIV in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. E-mail: austen@tjlct.org.uk www.tjlct.org.uk MSC SCOTLAND: A club for men interested in Leather, Rubber, Uniform. Meets in Edinburgh from 10pm downstairs in the New Town Bar on 3rd Sat of each month. Write: PO Box 28, Edinburgh. EH3 5JL. E-mail: president@msc-scotland.net www.msc-scotland.net LANARKSHIRE HIV, AIDS AND HEPATITIS CENTRE: Monklands Hospital, Airdrie. One stop shop for HIV testing, treatment and support. Appointments available Mon 9am-5pm (eve available by request). Tel: Airdrie (01236) 712247. Support group for HIV Positive men also available. HEALTH ABILITIESAND LGBT BIPOLAR SELF HELP GROUP: For LGBT people with bipolar disorder, and their carers, family and friends. Meets 7-9pm on 1st Tue of each month at Terrence Higgins Trust, Rothesay House, 134 Douglas Street, Glasgow. No need for referral, just come along on the night. Tel: Aileen on 0141-560 2050. E-mail: aileenb@bipolarscotland.org.uk AL-ANON: Fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problem. Anyone affected by another person’s drinking is welcome. LGBT & Friends Group meets 6.45-7.45pm at Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a/60 Broughton Street. Tel: Catherine on 07940 473150. www.al-anonuk.org.uk ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Whilst AA runs the f ollowing LGBT meetings in Edinburgh and Glasgow, please note that it is a non restrictive organisation and LGBT people are welcome at any meeting. AA Edinburgh: Tue 8pm (Edinburgh Peace And Justice Resource Centre, St John’s Church, Princes Street). Please note that the last meeting of the month is open to non AA members. AA Glasgow: Tue 7.30pm (Spoon Café, 46 Trongate), Thu 7.30pm (Nye Bevan House, 20 India Street), Fri 7.30pm (The Ogilvie Centre, 25 Rose Street). AA National: Helpline: 0845 7697555 (24 hours). Northern Service Office: 0141-226 2214. www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.uk ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY LGBT SUPPORT GROUP: Trained and skilled volunteers able to offer understanding and a listening ear to LGBT people affected by Alzheimer’s disease or any other form of dementia.To contact: Tel the Alzheimer's Helpline on 0845 300 0336 or write to Alzheimer's Society LGBT Support Group, Alzheimer's Society, Devon House, 58 Saint Katharine's Way, London. E1W 1Jx. or E-mail: gaycarers@alzheimers.org.uk www.alzheimers.org.uk /Gay_Carers/index.htm BODY POSITIVE (TAYSIDE): 13 Main Street, Dundee. DD3 7EY. A charity that exists to empower HIV and HepC positive LGBT CENTRE FOR HEALTH & WELLBEING: 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6TE. This unique Centre exists to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of LGBT people living in, working in and travelling to Edinburgh. Runs events, workshops and courses promoting healthy lifestyles,including the LGBT Headspace programme focusing on improved mental health and the LGBT Age programme offering services to those over 50. The Centre also provides a wide range of information on health and LGBT topics, offers one to one support services and supports community groups. Tel: 0131-523 1100. E-mail: admin@lgbthealth.org.uk www.lgbthealth.org.uk POSITIVE HELP: 13a Great King Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6QW. Practical help for people who are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS in Edinburgh, their families and carers. Tel: 0131-558 1122. Fax: 0131-558 3636. E-mail: office@positivehelpedinburgh.co.uk www.positivehelpedinburgh.uk POSITIVE MIxTURE : A self help group offering support and assistance for individuals with HIV/AIDS in the Grampian area. Contact THT, 246 George Street, Aberdeen. AB25 1HN. E-mail: info.aberdeen@tht.org.uk ROAM OUTREACH: Part of the Harm Reduction Team within Lothian NHS. Offers a confidential and anonymous service for men who have sex with men, including male sex workers throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Provides a wide range of services including sexual health and safer sex advice, information and advice on drug use, personal safety, police and legal advice, including operating in the Remote Reporting Scheme. A great deal of their work is done on an outreach basis in Public Sex Environments and venues as well as on-line as part of the SNN group. They run an 'Out of Hours' Testing Service Mon 57.30pm at "The Exchange", Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh where you can have a full SEXUAL HEALTH check up including Hep A & B vaccinations. No appointments necessary. For further information or to receive condom and lube supplies contact Vaughan, Peter or Del on Tel: 0131-537 8300 or 07774 628227. E-mail: enquiries@roam-outreach.com www.roam-outreach.com SANDYFORD: 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Glasgow's main sexual, reproductive and emotional health centre. Free web access and health library with large LGBT lending collection. Specialist services for gay men (See separate ScotsGay Listing for Steve Retson Project) and lesbians (See separate ScotsGay listing for Sandyford under Women). Self-referal sexual health service with open access clinic each weekday with registration from 8.30-10am or book on 0141211 8130. E-mail: helpsandyford@ggc.scot.nhs.uk www.sandyford.org the word to any older LGBT people you know. Anyone interested in using the service or volunteering, call Garry on 0131-652 3282. E-mail: garry@lgbthealth.org.uk www.lgbthealth.org.uk/content/lgbt-age PRIME TIME (EDINBURGH): Informal social group for men over 40. Meets in GMH, 10 Union Street, from 2-4.30pm every 2nd Sun (from 2nd Oct). Tel: John on 0131-556 1309 or Steve on 0131-558 9444. E-mail: j.thompson39@btinternet.com PRIME TIME (GLASGOW): Social group for gay and bisexual men 40+. Meets twice a month in central Glasgow from 3pm. Tel: Criz on 0141-552 0112. E-mail: criz@gmh.org.uk ORDER OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE The Sisters and Brothers of the OPI are part of a world wide order of queer men and women of all sexualities which is open to all who feel the habit. Its tenets are: The expiation of stigmatic guilt and the promulgation of universal joy through habitual manifestation and perpetual perpetration. www.thesisters.org.uk SEXUAL HEALTH LINE: Freephone 0800 567123. 24 hours. Confidential advice and information. Minicom: Freephone 0800 521361. www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout OPI CONVENT OF DUNN EIDEANN: The Edinburgh convent. Write: Mistress of Communications, c/o PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail: opi@drink.demon.co.uk STEVE RETSON PROJECT: Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. A free sexual health screening and counselling service for gay and bisexual men. Clinics run Tue, Wed & Thu 5-8pm. Tel: 0141211 8628 for appointment.. www.sandyford.org/sexual-orientation/ men-who-have-sex-withmen/steve-retson-project.aspx OPI CONVENT OF MORAVIA: The North Eastern convent. Write: Sister Bobby OPI, Cairnglass, St Combs, Fraserburgh. AB43 8UT. Tel: Inverallochy (01346) 583145. E-mail: circushighschool@gmail.com TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SCOTLAND NATIONAL OFFICE - GLASGOW: 134 Douglas Street, Glasgow. G2 4HF. HIV prevention and support services in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Argyll & Bute, the Glasgow area and Western Central Scotland. Support & Advocacy Service provides a full range of welfare rights advice and representation as well as community support for people living with blood borne viruses. Also provides a range of health promotion services for gay and bisexual men throughout the West of Scotland. Contact for further details. Volunteers welcome! Tel: 0141332 3838. Fax: 0141-332 3755. Helpline: THT Direct 0845 1221200 Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun Noon-6pm. E-mail: info.scotland@tht.org.uk www.tht.org.uk TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SCOTLAND ABERDEEN OFFICE: 246 George Street, Aberdeen. AB25 1HN. HIV prevention and support services in Grampian including Community Support, Group Support and LGBT groups. Also provides a range of health promotion services for Gay and Bisexual men throughout Grampian. Please contact for further details. Volunteers welcome! Tel: 0845 2412151. Helpline: THT Direct 0845 1221200 Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun Noon-6pm. E-mail: info.aberdeen@tht.org.uk www.tht.org.uk and www. thtscotlandhighlandservices.blogspot.com TOGETHER: Social/support/information group for gay and bisexual men living with HIV. Meets 2nd and last Tue of each month from 7-9pm (new members invited from 6.30pm). Tel: Criz on 0141-552 0112. E-mail: together@gmh.org.uk www.gmh.org.uk/together WAVERLEY CARE: 3 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6NB. Scotland's leading charity providing care and support to people affected by HIV and Hepatitis C. Whether someone is living with HIV or Hepatitis C or are the partner or family member of someone affected by these conditions, Waverley Care has services that can support them and provide up to date, accurate information and resources. Services include: Short-term Residential Intensive Support, Support Services for all, including specialist services for gay men, Community Support and Outreach Services (including Advocacy and Information, Arts Project, Befriending/Buddying, Care at Home, Spiritual and Pastoral Care, Complementary Therapies, Counselling, Health Promotion), Prevention and Awareness Raising. Tel: Neil - Gay Men's Support Worker on 07962 909730 or Tel: 0131-558 1425 Mon-Fri 9-5pm or Tel: 0131441 6989 24hrs, 7 days per week. To become a Buddy with Waverley Care, Tel: Kelly McKnight on 07929 132675 or 0131-312 9953 or Annette Wilson on 0131-441 2791. E-mail: info@waverleycare.org www.waverleycare.org WAVERLEY CARE ARGYLL & BUTE: The Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow. G2 4JP. Tel: 0141-333 9393. WAVERLEY CARE HIGHLAND: 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. IV1 1NB.Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 OLDER GAYS CAFFMOS: Nationwide Social and Contacts Club for the older gay gentleman and his admirers, both young and old. Scottish group next meets from 1-4pm at Café Habana in Edinburgh on Sun 21st Aug & Sun 25th Sep. Write: PO Box 2087, Blackpool. FY4 1WL. Tel: Blackpool (01253) 318327. E-mail: Caffmos2@aol.com Edward (Scottish Contact): E-mail: ebsc18624@blueyonder.co.uk www.caffmoscommunity.com HIGHLAND RAINBOW FOLK: Independent working group which raises awareness of issues facing older LGBT people. Monthly meetings in Inverness. Tel: Suzy on 07791 874583. Email: highlandrainbowfolk@gmail.com www.spanglefishcom/highlandrainbowfolk LGBT AGE: New support service for LGBT people over 50 years old in Edinburgh and the Lothians, which will offer befriending, social events, information and advocacy. Please help spread OUTDOOR PURSUITS FREEDOM CLUB: UK and Europe Wide LGBT Caravan and Camping Club. Aims to provide a means whereby gay people can meet up for weekends, weeks or even longer rallies throughout the UK and sometimes into Ireland and Europe. Tel: Eddie on Cheltenham (01242) 526826. E-mail: enquiry@freedomclub.co.uk www.freedomclub.co..uk GAY BIRDERS CLUB: For LGBT Birdwatchers. Write: Gay Birders Club, GeeBeeCee, BCM-Mono, London. WC1N 3xx. Tel: Annie on 0131-552 6333. E-mail: info@gbc-online.org.uk www.gbc-online.org.uk GAY CARAVAN & CAMPING CLUB: For men and women. Tel: Ian on 07977 317872. E-mail: info@gaycaravanclub.com www.gaycaravanclub.com GAY OUTDOOR CLUB: Holds regular events including walking, skiing, cycling, climbing, mountain-biking, kayaking, mountaineering, camping, youthhostelling, badminton, running and swimming. For more information, vist website or send an A5 sae to BM GOC, London. WC1N 3xx. Or Tel: 0844 8700462. www.goc.org.uk E-mail: info@goc.org.uk GLASGOW GAY RAMBLERS GROUP: Leisurely walks in the countryside. Bring sensible footwear/clothing and packed lunch. 2nd Sat of each month. Meet at Mitchell Library, Berkeley Street. No membership just turn up. Cars normally shared. Tel: Robert on 0141-950 1081. E-mail: robert@gocscotland.org OUT DOOR LADS: A UK-Wide, web-based organisation, offering a wide range of activities: from camping, hostelling, hill-walking and indoor climbing, to the more extreme activities like gorge scrambling, ice climbing, technical mountain biking and many more. There's something for everyone, no matter what your interest. Core membership is Gay and Bi-sexual lads, aged 18-35, but OutdoorLads does not discriminate on any grounds including age, sexuality, disability or sex, and welcomes anyone who agrees with the group's aims and objectives. www.outdoorlads.com TARTAN TRAVELLERS: Scottish based club for all LGBT fans of caravanning, camping and motorhoming. Arranges meets, social events and more. Tel: Craig on 07972 881155. PARENTS GAY DADS SCOTLAND: Support group for gay fathers. Meets on last Thu of each month in a private room in Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a Broughton Street. Gay dads from all over Scotland welcome. Tel: 07791 188742. E-mail: info@gaydadsscotland.org.uk www.gaydadsscotland.org.uk PARENTS' ENQUIRY SCOTLAND: Coming out? Information and support for parents of LGBT people. Helpline and admin: Tel: 0131-556 6047 before 10pm. Write: c/o ScotsGay Magazine, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail: parentsenquiry@hotmail.com www.parentsenquiryscotland.org RAINBOW FAMILIES: Friendly group is for anyone looking to meet other LGBT parents, share experiences and get advice from the group’s health visitor. Regular outings organized. Toys provided! Meets 2nd Sat of each month from 10amNoon at the LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. Te;: 0131-523 1100 for more information. E-mail: admin@lgbthealth.org.uk POLITICAL LIBERAL PARTY LESBIAN AND GAY CAMPAIGN: Tel: 0151-259 5935 (Telephone Answering Machine). Write: 41 Sutton Street, Liverpool, L13 7EG. E-mail: libgay@libparty.demon.co.uk www.liberal.org.uk SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS FOR LGBT EQUALITY: Tel: 0131-337 2314. Write: 4 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh. EH12 5DR. E-mail: hq@scotlibdems.org.uk www.scotlibdems.org.uk www.twitter.com/scotlibdems PRISONERS FREE MAGAZINES FOR PRISONERS: Copies of ScotsGay are sent free of charge to prisoners in UK prisons and institutions. Please contact us if you wish to be added to the mailing list. BENT BARS PROJECT: Letter writing programme that connects lebian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, queer and gender non-conforming communities across prison walls. E-mail: bent.bars.project@gmail.com www.co-re.org/bentbars REAL ALE LESBIAN AND GAY REAL ALE DRINKERS: The Edinburgh group of CAMRA's Task Group for LGBT real ale and cider fans. Meets in The Regent on the 1st Mon of each month from 9pm to sample the brewers' art - Aug 2nd Mon (to avoid GBBF). Tel: Karen on 0131-557 8790. E-mail: lagrad@drink.demon.co.uk www.lagrad-edinburgh.org.uk and www.lagrad.org.uk RESIDENTIAL EVENTS EDWARD CARPENTER COMMUNITY OF GAY MEN: Committed to principles of caring, trusting, personal growth, sharing, and creativity aimed at nurturing 'community' as an alternative to the commercial scene. Organises Gay Men's Weeks and shorter events each year in SW Scotland, the English Lake District and other venues across the UK. Write: Edward Carpenter Community, BM ECC, London. WC1N 3xx. Tel: 08703 215121. E-mail: contact_ecc @edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk www.gaycommunity.org.uk THE FINDHORN FOUNDATION: Spiritual community, ecovillage and education centre. Offers regular residential workshops and retreats for gay men and lesbians at Findhorn in the North East of Scotland, and at its retreat house on the peaceful island of Iona. Tel: Findhorn (01309) 690311. E-mail:enquiries@findhorn.org http://bit.ly/findhorn-lgbt for all Findhorn Foundation gay and lesbian workshops, or http://www.findhorn.org/ for information about all the Foundation’s activities. SPORTS CALEDONIAN THEBANS RFC: Caledonian Thebans Rugby Football Club is Scotland's first gay/bi friendly rugby club. Offers gay/bi/trans men the chance to learn the game and play rugby in a safe and supportive environment. Welcomes new players (+18) at any level or experience and new supporters to the club. If you're interested in playing or supporting gay rugby in Scotland, please get in touch. Come along and get fit! Tel: 07758 668784 or Text "thebans" to 60300. E-mail: membership@thebans-rfc.co.uk www.thebans-rfc.co.uk EDINBURGH CUESTARS: Meets fortnightly on Tue (next 10th May) in Shandon Snooker Club from 7-10pm. Looking for new members who have an interest in Cue sports and like to meet new people in a new environment E-mail: darren.girdwood@yahoo.co.uk EDINBURGH GAY MEN’S VOLLEYBALL: Looking to start up a gay volleyball team (and for people who have had experience and exposure to competitive volleyball) to take to both local and international competitions. If there is enough interest, an open day will take place to meet and play volleyball to get an idea of what your levels are and hopefully form a team based on this. Everybody welcome irrespective of sexuality. E-mail: edinburghgayvolleyball@live.com EDINBURGH LGBT RUNNING GROUP: Meets 6.15pm prompt Wed at the Jawbones, The Meadows. Everybody made welcome from complete beginners to the more experienced. Get in contact so that we can expect you, in case we need to make changes to time or venue. Tel: Robert on 07738 939836. E-mail: robert.cole@gocscotland.org GAY FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS NETWORK: Write: GFSN Membership Secretary, PO Box 7424, Milton Keynes. MK8 9WQ. Tel: Barry on Milton Keynes (01908) 564085. Scottish Contact: Kevin Rowe - Tel/Text: 07808 263173 or E-mail: kevrowe72@yahoo.co.uk www.gfsn.org.uk GLASGOW FRONTRUNNERS: Running group for the LGBT community and our friends. All abilities welcome. Meets at 7pm every Thu at the Arc Leisure Centre in Glasgow Caledonian University for a run. Social stuff after the run as well. Join our Facebook group. Tel/text: 07919 894317 (Simon). E-mail: secretary@glasgowfrontrunners.org www.GlasgowFrontrunners.org GLASGOW GAY AND LESBIAN BADMINTON CLUB: Meets each Thu from 8-10pm. Come along and have fun and enjoy meeting the other members for a friendly game. All welcome. Tel: Paul on 07708 514676 (6-11pm). GRANITE CITY STORMERS FC: Gay football team meeting regularly to play, train and for social events. Based in Aberdeen and open to people of all ages, experience and ability. Always on the lookout for new members and volunteers, so if you can help out with organising training, fundraising, coaching, arranging kick abouts or socials or contributing in any way, please get in touch! E-mail: robleadbetter@hotmail.co.uk HOTSCOTS: Scotland's very first LGBT group for football players and fans alike. Currently organises regular socials and kick-abouts every Thu eve at Saughton and kick abouts every Fri eve at World of Soccer and would love to hear from anyone anywhere in Scotland who would like to take part. Now competing in the UK national gay league. However, all ability levels are welcome, and the social side is just as important as the playing - so what are you waiting for? Text "Football" to 80800 for more information (texts cost 25p) or E-mail: mail@hotscotsfc.com www.hotscotsfc.com LGBT ACTIVE: First Steps Fitness: Mon 6.30-7.30pm at Inverleith Park. Free beginners fitness group for anyone that wants to get off the sofa and improve their health and fitness.. Tel: 0131523 1100. E-mail: admin@lgbthealth.org.uk RACQUETEERS BADMINTON GROUP: Edinburgh based gay and lesbian badminton club meets Thu 7-9pm at Meadowbank Stadium. Spaces are limited but seeking more full time and part-time players. Plays all year round. E-mail: info@theracqueteers.co.uk SALTIRE THISTLE FC: LGBT-friendly football team based in Glasgow open to all from Scotland. Training on Wed at Glasgow Green, open kickabouts on Fri at Crownpoint and matches most Sun in different venues across the West. All abilities and skills are welcome plus those who want to watch and support. Regular social events organised too. E-mail: contact@saltirethistle.com www.clubwebsite.co.uk/saltirethistle TEAM SCOTLAND BADMINTON CLUB: Glasgow based gay and lesbian badminton club meets Sun Noon-2pm at National Badminton Academy, Scotstoun for competitive games. International tournaments and matches against clubs in London and Europe are held annually. Sorry - no beginners. Tel: Raymond on 0141-778 9220. STUDENTS Many Universities and Colleges have Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Societies. Contact these via your Student Union or Student Association. ScotsGay also links to a number of LGBT Soc websites from our own web page at www.scotsgay.co.uk Many LGBT Socs are open to non-students living in the area. Tel: NUS Scotland LGBT Officer on 0131-556 6598. Fax: 0131-557 5679. Write: Nathan Sparling, LGBT Officer, NUS Scotland, 29 Forth Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LE. E-mail: lgbt@nus-scotland.org.uk or mail@nus-scotland.org.uk TRANSGENDER NATIONAL: Transmen Scotland: A national support group for all female to male transgender people. Meets 2nd Sat of each month from 7-9pm at LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. For further info Tel/Text 07948 735179 or E-mail: admin@transmenscotland.org.uk www.transmenscotland.org.uk ABERDEEN: NEST Support: Contact Nicola on 07523 279546. E-mail: nestsupport@gmail.com www.nestsupport.co.uk STIRLING: Central Scotland Transgender Group: Meets 2nd Sat of each month 7-10pm. Tel: Sarah Whyte on 07748 484703. E-mail: sarah_m_whyte@yahoo.co.uk WORKPLACE EIS LGBT NETWORK: Write: National Officer (Education and Equality), 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6BH. Tel: 0131-225 6244. E-mail: enquiriesn@eis.org.uk FIRE BRIGADES UNION LGBT SUPPORT GROUP: For firefighters and control staff. Write: c/o Pat Carberry, FBU, 68 Coombe Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. KT2 7SE. Tel: 07725 602524 or 020-8541 1765. E-mail: PCarberry@fbu.org.uk www.fbulgbt.org.uk GAY POLICE ASSOCIATION IN SCOTLAND: Membership is open to all police officers and police staff, serving or retired. Tel: 07092 700213 . www.gpascotland.com GMB SCOTLAND EQUAL RIGHTS GROUP: Write: Regional Equal Rights Officer, GMB Scotland, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Tel: 0141-352 8109. E-mail: louise.gilmour@gmb.org.uk PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES UNION (PCS) PROUD GROUP Scottish Rep : Dave McNeilly c/o PCS, Equalities Committee, 160 Falcon Road, London. SW11 2LN. Tel: 07896 471891. E-mail: pcsproud@live.co.uk www.pcsproud.org.uk UNISON: Glasgow City LGBT Group. Meets pay day Tue at 5pm in Glasgow City Unison Offices, 4th Floor, 18 Albion Street. All LGBT members welcome. YOUTH NATIONAL: QUEER ATTITUDE: Edinburgh based website for young LGBT people everywhere. www.queerattitude.com QUEER YOUTH: UK National organisation run by and for young people providing a united voice for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, intersex, transgender, transsexual, queer and curious youth. Online 24/7 providing peer support through forums, campaigning for equal rights, running regional groups across the UK and much more! Queer Youth Scotland usually meets monthly in either Glasgow, Dundee or Edinburgh. www.queeryouth.org.uk ABERDEEN: Zone Youth: LGBT group for people aged under 26. Meets 2nd Sat of each month Noon-3pm. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: youth.aberdeen@tht.org.uk BORDERS: Tutti Frutti: Youth group meets Wed eve in Galashiels. Tel: 0131-555 3940. DUNDEE: Allsorts: Meets everyTue 6-8pm. Tel: 0131555 3940. Text: 07781 481788. E-mail: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk BUCHLYVIE: TV/TS Group: Meets last Sat of each month at 5pm. Tel: Kira on 07808 564626 (Mon-Thu 6-9pm), Gladys or Michelle on Buchlyvie (01360) 850516 or 07743 936157. E-mail: gladyspaterson2@yahoo.co.uk DUNDEE: Diversitay: T With Biscuits: New Trans Group meets monthly. For more information, Tel: Diversitay on Dundee (01382) 202620 (Mon 7-9pm). EDINBURGH: Edinburgh Trans Women: Support group for transsexual women. Meets 1st Sat of each month 7.30-9.30pm in LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. E-mail: info @edinburghtranswomen.org.uk www.edinburghtranswomen.org.uk Polygender Scotland: Provides support and friendship to all people who identify as genderqueer, androgyne, third gender, polygender or any other gender other than male or female. Meets 2nd Thu of each month (contact for details of venue). Tel: Kelli Neil on 0131-523 1100. E-mail: admin@androgyny.org.uk www.androgyny.org.uk T-Time: Informal social for all transgender people, their partners, family and friends, held the 3rd Sat of each month from 1-5pm at LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. A friendly, safe and relaxed environment where there's also space to change. Tel: 0131-523 1100. E-mail: admin@lgbthealth.org.uk GLASGOW: Crosslynx Transgender Group: Meets 2nd Wed of each month from 7.309pm (contact for details of venue). Tel: Crosslynx Helpline on 0141-847 0787 (Mon 7.30-9.30pm). www.crosslynx.org.uk Sandyford Trans Women's Support Group: Meets twice a month. Further details and support from group member on 07758 462988 or contact Sandyford Community Access Co-ordinator on 0141-232 8417. E-mail: colinmackillop@nhs.net INVERNESS: Swans Of Scotland: Meets last Thu of each month from 7-9pm at Beaufort Hotel, 11 Culduthel Road. E-mail: swansofscotland@gmail.com www.spanglefish.com/SwansofScotland Different Visions Celebrate (DV8): Youth group for young people 25 and under who have issues with their sexuality or with the sexuality of a member of their family. Drop In Service 9-5pm at Eighteen And Under, 1 Victoria Road, Dundee. Offers a safe and friendly environment to meet and discuss issues affecting the LGBT community and our families. Tel: Shaun on Dundee (01382) 206222. E-mail: shauntaylor498@hotmail.co.uk DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY: LGBT Youth D&G: Groups, volunteering and support for LGBT people under 26 from Dumfries and Galloway. Write: 88b High Street, Dumfries. DG1 2RP. Tel: Dumfries (01387) 255058. Text: 07785 274147. E-mail: DandG@lgbtyouth.org.uk www.lgbtyouth.org.uk EDINBURGH: LGBT Youth Scotland: The Citadel, 39/40 Commercial Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6JD. Provides services and opportunities for LGBT young people (13-25) in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Borders, Tayside and Dumfries & Galloway. The groups include drop-ins at their Edinburgh offices for under-18's (Wed) and for over 18's (Thu). They also have a range of different opportunities to get involved with, including volunteering and projects involving video and arts work, and they offer training services. Nationally, they run regular events for young people to get involved in local and national decision-making, and to make new pals and have a laugh. Office Tel: 0131-555 3940 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm). E-mail: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk www.lgbtyouth.org.uk GLASGOW: LGBT Youth Scotland Youth Programmes: Glasgow Head Office, 38 Queen Street, Glasgow. G1 3Dx. Tel: 0141-548 8121. Vivid Youth: For young LGBT people aged 1325. Group for 13-18 year olds: Tue 7-9.30pm. Group for 18-25 year olds: Thu 7-9.30pm. Contact for venue details.Tel: 0141-548 8121. E-mail: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk www.lgbtyouth.org.uk HAMILTON: Skittles LGBT Youth Group: For 16-25 year olds. Meets Mon 6.30-10pm. Tel: Graham on Hamilton (01698) 456680 during office hours. E-mail: graham.kane@yls.org.uk MORAY: Big Deal: For under 26 year olds. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: andi.watson@tht.org.uk PERTH: LGBT Youth Group: Last Wed of each month. Tel: 0141-548 8121. Text: 07781 481788. E-mail: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk *denotes ScotsGay available VENUES&EMPORIA ABERDEEN EDINBURGH CHAPLINS* 20 Adelphi. Sun & Thu 9pm2am, Fri-Sat 9pm-3am. New LGBT and Straight friendly venue in old My Club premises. ADULT CONCEPTIONS* 8 Drummond Street. Tel: 0131557 9413. Fax: 0131-557 8336. Sun Noon-9pm, Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. Fem 2 Dom is at 25 Easter Road. Tel: 0131-623 6969. Licensed sex shops. CHEERZ BAR & CLUB* 11 Hadden Street. Lively gay bar and club with entertainment and more. MARKET ARMS* 13 Hadden Street. LGBT friendly pub with karaoke 5 nights a week. WELLMAN’S HEALTH STUDIO* 218 Holburn Street. Tel: (01224) 211441. Mon-Fri Noon-10pm, Sat Noon-9pm, Sun 2-9pm. 8-man Jacuzzi, sauna, steamroom, café. Free Internet access. Massage available. E-mail: rod@ wellmans-health-studio.co.uk www.wellmans-healthstudio.co.uk DUMFRIES DUMFRIES LGBT CENTRE* 88b High Street. Tel: (01387) 255058. Text: 07781 481788. Drop-in: Mon 3.30-5.30pm. E-mail: DandG@lgbtyouth.org.uk www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk STICKY Sky Bar, The Venue, 6/7 Church Place.Tel: (01387) 263623. Infoline: (01387) 739888. 9pm2am. Last Fri of each month. Club night. www.clubsticky.co.uk DUNDEE ABODE* 22 St Andrew’s Street. Tel: Dundee (01382) 223923. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 12.30pm-Midnight. New LGBT friendly bar and eaterie. www.bebo.com/theabodebar BAR CLOZET* 73-75 Seagate. Tel: Dundee (01382) 690403. Sun 12.30Midnight, Mon-Sat 11amMidnight. Formerly The Gauger. Karaoke Thu, Fri, Sun. Pool table. BROOKS BAR* 2 St Andrew’s Lane. Wed-Thu 7pm-Midnight, Fri-Sun 3pmMidnight. New gay bar. JOCKS HEALTH CLUB/SAUNA* 11 Princes Street. Tel: (01382) 451986. Noon-10pm. Sauna, gym, steamroom, lockers, lounge, cabins. E-mail: ask@jockssauna.co.uk www.jockssauna.co.uk OUT* 124 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 200660. Wed-Sun 11pm2.30am. Good atmosphere, very popular disco with wide selection of sounds and the occasional act/PA. THE SALTY DOG* 9 Crichton Street. Sun-Tue 4pm-Midnight, Wed-Thu 2pmMidnight, Fri-Sat 11am-Midnight. Cosy little bar. Newly opened. THE AULD HOOSE* 23-25 St Leonards Street. Tel: 0131-668 2934. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat Noon1am. Everybody-friendly real ale bar. Food served: Mon-Sat Noon-9.30pm, Sun 12.308pm. E-mail: liz@theauldhoose.co.uk www.theauldhoose.co.uk BLUE MOON CAFÉ* 1 Barony Street/36 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788 (Bar) or 0131-557 0911 (Office). Sat-Sun 10am-11pm, Mon-Fri 11am-11pm. Food served until 10pm. Popular LGBT café. www.bluemooncafe.co.uk BOBBIE'S BOOKSHOP* 220 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131538 7069. Mon-Sat 10am-1pm, 2-5.30pm. Sells a selection of gay magazines. BOOTY* GHQ, 4 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-550 1780. Info Line: 07736 936650. Sun 11pm3am. Club night. E-mail: dale@lushmarketing.com www.club-booty.com CAFÉ HABANA* 22 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131558 1270. 1pm-1am. Friendly pre-club bar popular with locals and visitors. Free WiFi Internet. E-mail: cafehabanaEH1@mac.com www.cafehabanaEH1.com CAFÉ NOM DE PLUME* 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131478 1372. Café/bar at the LGBT Centre. Meals, snacks, drinks. Free WiFi. Dogs welcome. Outdoor smoking area. E-mail: info@theregentbar.co.uk C.C. BLOOM'S* 23-24 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331. Sun 9pm3am, Mon-Thu 8pm-3am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am. Two funky floors! Disco every night from 11pm. E-mail: ccblooms@tiscali.co.uk www.bebo.com/ CCBloomsNightClub DARE SpeakEasy, 28 Blair Street. Tel: 0131-220 6176. 11pm-3am. Last Sat of each month. Club night with DJ Jon Pleased. www.thecabaretvoltaire.com DV8 Spiders Web Basement, 258 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-228 1949. 8pm-1am. Last Fri of each month. Fetish club. http://dv8fetishclub.co.uk EDINBURGH LGBT CENTRE* 58a and 60 Broughton Street. Houses Café Nom De Plume and Pride Scotia. Free WiFi Internet access (sponsored by ScotsGay). Bought in 1974 by the Scottish Minorities Group, it is the only LGBT-owned LGBT Centre in the UK and is also the oldest LGBT Centre outwith the USA. Tel: 0131-556 9471. Meeting Room Booking Tel: 07817 533337. E-mail: edinburghlgbtcentre @drink.demon.co.uk ELBOW* 133-135 East Claremont Street. Tel: 0131-556 5662. 11am1am. Breakfast until 6pm at weekends, Lunch 11.30am6pm, Dinner 6pm-10pm. Bar and restaurant. www.elbowedinburgh.co.uk ELECTRO-SEXUAL* C.C. Bloom’s, 23-24 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331. 11pm-3am. First Fri of each month. Club night. www.facebook.com/ electroedinburgh FRENCHIES BAR* 87-89 Rose Street Lane North. Tel: 0131-225 6967. Edinburgh’s oldest gay pub now open after tasteful refurbishment. E-mail: frenchies.bar@hotmail.co.uk www.frenchies-bar.com GHQ* 4 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-550 1780. Tue-Sun 5pm-3am. Stylish bar and club catering for the capital's fashionable gay crowd. www.socialanimal.co.uk/ Edinburgh/GHQ LGBT CENTRE FOR HEALTH & WELLBEING* 9 Howe Street. Tel: 0131-523 1100. LGBT community centre in the heart of the New Town offering a range of events, courses and activities. Also provides meeting space for community groups. See website for listings. Email:admin@lgbthealth.org.uk www.lgbthealth.org LUVELY Liquid Room, 9c Victoria Street. Tel: 0131-225 2564. Info Line: 0131-657 4633. 10.30pm-3am. 1st Sat of each month. Club night. www.luvely.com THE REGENT* 2 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131661 8198. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat 11am-1am. Edinburgh’s Gay Real Ale Pub. CAMRA's Lesbian & Gay Real Ale Drinkers meet here on the 1st Mon of the month (2nd Mon in Aug) from 9pm. E-mail: info@theregentbar.co.uk www.lagrad-edinburgh.org.uk SATURDAY NIGHT BEAVER SpeakEasy, 36 Blair Street. Tel: 0131-220 6176. 10.30pm-3am. 3rd Sat of each month. For gay and bi women and LGBTI friendly friends. STEAMWORKS* 5 Broughton Market. Tel: 0131477 3567. Daily 11am-11pm. Stylish sauna forming part of busy gay hotel and sauna complex in centre of gay quarter. State-of-the-art facilities including large spa pool, sauna cabin, large steam room, video room, labyrinth with themed areas, café lounge, free Internet access, tanning booth. www.steamworkssauna.co.uk THE STREET* 2 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-556 4272. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat Noon-1 am. Small but perfectly formed bar run by Louise and Trendy Wendy. www.thestreetbar.co.uk TACKNO The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street. Tel: 0131-556 7060. 10pm-5am. One off club nights with Trendy Wendy and guests - see website for dates. www.tackno.com WORD POWER* 43-45 West Nicolson Street. Tel: 0131-662 9112. Sun Noon5pm, Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Independent radical bookshop. E-mail: books@wordpower.co.uk www.word-power.co.uk GLASGOW NEW TOWN BAR* 26B Dublin Street. Tel: 0131538 7775. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Thu Noon-1am, Fri-Sat Noon-2am. Food: Mon-Fri Noon-3pm. Popular and busy gay bar. Free WiFi Internet access. E-mail: alanemerson @newtownbar.co.uk www.newtownbar.co.uk AMBASSADORS RAINBOW* 41b York Street. Tel: 0141-237 3011. Mon-Thu NoonMidnight, Fri-Sun Noon-2am. Sauna. Mon: Buddies Day (2 for 1), Wed: Towel Free Day, Fri: TVs, CDs and Admirers Day, Sun: £5 entry. www.ambassadorsrainbow .com www.facebook.com/ ambassadors.rainbow No EIGHTEEN* 18 Albert Place, Leith Walk. Tel: 0131-553 3222. Mon-Thu Noon-10pm, Fri-Sun Noon11pm. The UK's first VAT registered gay sauna! £10 (£8 concessions), £5 after 8pm. www.number18sauna.com BABYLON* 28 Bath Street. Tel: 0141-332 1377. Noon-8pm. New men only sauna. Entry from £5. Free Sunday breakfasts. E-mail: babylon@babylonleisure.co.uk www.babylonleisure.co.uk PLANET* 6 Baxter's Place. Tel: 0131-556 5551. 1pm-1am. Popular and busy gay bar with friendly staff. Karaoke Sun-Thu from 9pm. Nightly DJ. E-mail: planetgaybar@googlemail.com BENNETS* 80-90 Glassford Street. Tel: 0141-552 5761. Wed-Mon 11.30pm-3am. Scotland's oldest gay disco. E-mail: bennetsniteclub@gmail.com www.bebo.com/bennetsniteclu b www.facebook.com/ bennetsniteclub PRISCILLA'S CABARET BAR* 17 Albert Place, Leith Walk. Tel: 0131-554 8962. Sun 2pm1am, Mon-Fri Noon-1am, Sat 5-10am and 4pm-1am. Friendly bar putting the fun back into coming out! E-mail: debrakeith11@yahoo.co.uk Q-STORE 5 Barony Street. Tel/Fax: 0131477 4756. Sun 1-5pm, Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm. Scotland's only licensed gay store. Not just feelthy pictures lifestyle too! CCA* 350 Sauchiehall Street. Tel: 0141-352 4900. Fax: 0141-332 3226. Café Tel: 0141-332 7959. Sales & Info: The Centre for Contemporary Arts. 6 performance and exhibition spaces, café, bar. ScotsGay available in bar. E-mail: gen@cca-glasgow.com www.cca-glasgow.com COURT BAR* 69 Hutcheson Street. Tel: 0141552 2463. Sun Noon-Midnight, Mon-Sat 8am-Midnight. Intimate bar. Straight friendly. DELMONICA'S BAR* 68 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141552 4803. Noon-Midnight. DJs nightly from 9pm. Thu: Quiz. Sun: Karaoke. www.socialanimal.co.uk/ GlasgowCityCentre/Delmonicas FHQ* 10 John Street. Tel: 0141-553 5851. Mon-Wed 5pmMidnight, Thu 9pm-3am, Fri 5pm-2am, Sat-Sun Noon-2am. Female only bar and club. E-mail: fhq@g1group.com www.socialanimal.co.uk/ GlasgowCityCentre/FHQ LIQUID LOVE Mansion House, The Glasshouse, 20 Glassford Street. Tel: 0141-553 4888. Thu 1130pm-3am. Club night. E-mail: liquidloveglasgow @yahoo.co.uk LUKE & JACK* 45 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141552 5699. Mon-Sat 10.30am-6.30pm, Sun Noon5.30pm. Scotland’s newest LGBT shop - locally owned and independent. Sells aromas, toys, lubes, magazines and books, underwear, T-shirts, gifts, etc. E-mail: hello@lukeandjack.co.uk www.lukeandjack.co.uk MERCHANT PRIDE 20 Candleriggs. Tel: 0141-564 1285. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Fri 4pm-Midnight, Sat Noon-Midnight. Bar in the heart of the Merchant City. MILK* 17 John Street. Mon-Fri 4pmMidnight, Sat-Sun 3pmMidnight. Gay bar (formerly Scene). http://moojuice.co/ MODA* 58 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141553 2553. Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sun 5pm-3am. Fashionable pub/club. www.socialanimal.co.uk/ GlasgowCityCentre/Moda THE PIPEWORKS* 5-10 Metropole Lane. Tel: 0141-552 5502. Mon-Thu 11.30am-11pm, Fri 11.30amSat 6am, Sat Noon- Sun 11pm. Men's Health and Leisure Club. Usual facilities. £13 (£10 concession). www.thepipeworks.com PLUSH Orbis Nightclub, 10-36 Bell Street. Tel: 0141-552 1212. Tue 11pm-3am. Club night. www.orbisglasgow.com POLO LOUNGE* 84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553 1221. Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, FriSun 5pm-3am. Long established pub/club. Young crowd. Club open Fri-Sun, £5 after 11pm. www.socialanimal.co.uk/ GlasgowCityCentre/ Polo_Lounge RELAX CENTRAL* 3rd Floor, 27 Union Street. Tel: 0141-221 0415. Sun Noon8.30pm, Mon-Sat 11.30am-10pm. Established gay sauna. Entry £8. E-mail: relaxcentral@ymail.com www.relaxcentral.co.uk SILKS AND SECRETS* 308 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141572 1017. Fax: 0141-221 0959. Sun Noon-5pm, Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Clothes and toys catering for gay, transvestite and fetish tastes. www.silksandsecrets.com SPEAKEASY* 10 John Street. Tel: 0141-553 5851. Mon-Wed 5pmMidnight, Thu 5pm-3am, Fri 5pm-2am, Sat-Sun Noon-2am. Fresh alternative to the gay scene. Food served until 9pm. E-mail: speakeasy@g1group.com www.socialanimal.co.uk/ GlasgowCityCentre/Speakeasy TRON THEATRE CAFÉ BAR* Chisholm Street. Tel: 0141-552 8587. Fax: 0141-552 6657. Sun 11am-Late, Mon-Sat 10amLate. Friendly theatre bar. Mixed. Good food. www.tron.co.uk UNDERGROUND* 6a John Street. Tel: 0141-553 2456. Mon-Fri Noon-Midnight, Sat-Sun 1pm-Midnight. A refreshing antidote to the current gay scene. Free WiFi. www.undergroundglasgow.com/ VIOLATE Violate Club Line: 09099 108174 (75p per min at all times) or 07939 723387. BDSM Runs regular clubs at the Big Joint in South Street, Glasgow on the first Sat of the month. www.violate.co.uk THE WATERLOO* 306 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141248 7216. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight. Popular, crowded, down to earth drinking shop. Scotland's oldest gay bar. Busy, busy, busy! www.waterloobar.co.uk WEDNESDAYS The Tunnel, 84 Mitchell Street. Tel: 0141-204 1000. 1st Wed of each month. 11.30pm-3am. Club night. www.tunnelglasgow.co.uk INVERURIE VALLURE CAFE & WINE BAR* Garioch Centre. Tel: Inverurie (01467) 622966. New gay friendly establishment. E-mail: info@vallure.co.uk www.vallure.co.uk STIRLING ALBION BAR* 51 Barnton Street. Tel: (01786) 461252. Mixed bar. Bar meals available. E-mail: cj@albionbar.com www.albionbar.com STORNOWAY AN LANNTAIR* Kenneth Street. Tel: (01851) 703307. Mon-Sat 8.30am-Late. LGBT friendly arts centre with bar and restaurant. Real ale. E-mail: info@lanntair.com www.lanntair.com ScotsGay a monthly magazine for LGBT folk and friends. ISSN: 1357-0595. Unless otherwise stated © Pageprint Ltd, Sep 2011. PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. Non profit use of material in the magazine, will normally be permitted free of charge, but you must contact us first for permission. Views expressed in ScotsGay don't necessarily reflect the views of ScotsGay. People featured in ScotsGay may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, straight, some, all, or none of the above. Editorial: 0131-539 0666 editorial@scotsgay.co.uk Advertising: 07850 576106 advertising@scotsgay.co.uk Editor John Hein Advertising Martin Mann Design Holly Wodehouse SCOTTISHLADS Hundreds of HOT Scottish guys waiting for your call Text, Chat and Share pics Listen to HOT and Horny Confessions CALL 08712 333 310 TEXT SCOTS’ ‘S TO 85722 SE XY CONFESSIONS CALL 09097 908 110 18+ Calls to 08712 cost 10p per minute. Calls to 09097 cost £1.53p per minute. Calls from mobiles may be considerably more. Texts cost 50p WR UHSO\ WR PHVVDJHV S WR UHFLHYH SUR¿OHV %LOOHG LQ DGYDQFH LQ £5 segments. First £5 FREE, available to new customers only. s s s s s s s s s FFree/Discounted /Di t d Entr E Entry ty Free Cloakroom Free Mixer On All Drinks Friday/Satu Friday/Saturday urday Monthly Prize Dr raw Draw Q Jump Free Bubbly On Y our Bir thday Your Birthday Discounted Room m Hire First W ith News Of Upcoming Eventss With Benefits Change Monthly For full f details, please see www www.bennetsnightclub.com w.bennetsnightclub.com .bennetsnigh htclub.com The Management M reser reserve ve the right to t change or withdraw these offers o at any time 90 Glassford Street, Gla Glasgow, asgow, G1 1UR - 0141 552 2 5761