ScotsGay Issue 134 - ScotsGay Magazine

ScotsGay
scotsgay.co.uk
A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE
EDITED, PRINTED & PUBLISHED
IN SCOTLAND SINCE 1994
ISSUE 134
£1.50
WHERE SOLD
Priscilla
Jason Donovan in
Queen of the Desert
Edinburgh Playhouse
March 2013
gay marriage
FOR SCOTS ONLY?
Three cheers for the European Court of
Human Rights. You may have read that it
very recently affirmed an employer’s right to
limit the expression of religious beliefs in the
workplace where these conflict with equality
laws.
This right related to three cases, including
a north London registrar who was
disciplined for refusing to conduct the civil
partnership of a same-sex couple and a
counsellor in Bristol who was sacked for
denying sex therapy to gay people.
Surprising that these were even brought
to the court – you either serve the public
according to the law or you do not. Not just
those members of the public you are not
prejudiced against. Many Christians believe
that sex can be justified for procreational use
only. What if, say, the counsellor had refused
to give sex therapy to a couple beyond child
bearing age, or to a disabled couple who
were unable to have children? Can’t see
them getting to the European court then…
So, of course, up jumps the Vatican
Foreign Minister. (Yes, the barely populated
Vatican is a country. That’s why the UK had
to pay millions in 2010 for Il Papa’s State
visit.) This Archbishop says that everyone in
Europe should have the right to object to
issues they find immoral. “Regarding
morally controversial subjects such as
abortion and homosexuality, freedom of
consciences must be respected,” says he.
How many of us find the church’s
campaign against abortion immoral?
Including how religious brainwashing means
that in nearby Ireland draconian antiabortion laws were only narrowly eased a
tiny bit recently. Many women still need to
look abroad or engage in dodgy illegalities.
Gay laws there are now very liberal, but the
church still regards any gay activity as
“unnatural”, and, according to the present
Pontiff, “an abomination.”
Of course, Catholic priests are supposed
to be celibate men, and definitely not gay.
Hahah! A while back I recall walking in a
well-known cruising area on a Sunday
afternoon. A cheerful, smiling man I knew, in
his 40’s, smart dark jeans and anonymous
top, leapt from behind a bush and began
chatting. I knew he was a Catholic priest,
and I wondered what he had been saying in
the pulpit that morning. And what if he found
the man behind the next bush was a
parishioner? I’ve met Catholic priests
cruising the clubs on a Saturday night,
happy to chat over a pint, then go off to chat
up likely lads. What if they look down from
the pulpit next morning and the see the face
of the guy whose bum they pinched last
night, before going on to... The hypocrisy.
Tony Challis
tony@scotsgay.co.uk
Labour MP Rob Flello:
“A very religious man who
does not agree with samesex marriage taking place in
a church”
I’ve had a few Catholic friends who’ve
been into pretty heavy and adventurous sex.
But… they feel they are good, conscientious
Catholics, and they support all that the
church does – and thus add to its
homophobic power.
I was recently at a rally where the
estimable secular comedian Robin Ince
commented on the foul outpourings of some
religious leaders concerning gay marriage.
“The only thing,” he said, “that could
damage my marriage was if I was to in some
way dishonour my marriage partner. There is
absolutely no effect that Lesbian and Gay
people getting married could have on my
marriage.”
However, I now read that a Labour
Shadow Justice Minister at Westminster,
one Rob Flello MP, is to vote against gay
marriage. It was said that Labour was to be
whipped to vote in favour – now it appears
that when Deputy Leader Harriet Harman
called for that a rift appeared in the shadow
cabinet, with two MPs threatening to resign
from the front bench, plus a number of
Labour MPs saying they will vote against.
Mr Flello’s office is quoted as saying,
“Rob is a very religious man and does not
agree with same-sex marriage taking place
in a church, but is a great supporter of civil
partnership.” Er... doh! When was this MP
last given an IQ test? Throughout the debate
it has been made clear that this is purely a
vote on civil marriage, and only recently has
the idea been discussed of allowing those
religious groups that wish to to have gay
marriage on their premises. (I find myself
wondering if it is possible that Cameron’s
talk of “double-locking” the C of E so that
gay marriage cannot happen in their
churches, but leaving the option for other
churches to demand it, has been fostered
knowing that this further step would divide
Labour. Am I being cynical?)
In the crazy political ship of fools that we
currently live in, whilst the gay marriage
issue will be settled separately in Scotland, it
would be very strange if Scottish
Westminster MPs were not to be allowed to
vote in this matter, even though it only
applies to areas they do not represent. Those
MPs could possibly cause gay marriage to
founder South of the Border… or they could
rescue it!
So – as well as drumming up support for
gay marriage in Scotland, maybe ScotsGay
readers could spare a thought for lobbying
their Westminster MPs – so that their
benighted cousins in parts of the UK where
they do not even have devolution, let alone
independence, may obtain the freedom to
celebrate same-sex marriage too!
SNIPPETS
PRIDE SCOTIA
Pride Scotia is changing the date of their
annual event as London Pride is now
happening on 29th June as well as a major
Orange Order Parade in Edinburgh on the
same day. The new date is likely to be either
1st or 15th June.
RECEPTION
LGBT Young People are invited to a
Parliamentary Reception hosted by Marco
Biagi MSP on behalf of LGBT Youth Scotland
in the Scottish Parliament on Thu 7th Feb.
This essential event is also for anyone interested in improving education for lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender young people.
Drinks and nibbles will be provided.
Please register before 30th Jan at
https://lgbtyouth.wufoo.eu/forms/
parliamentary-reception-registration/
NEW HELPLINE
Do you have the compassion and commitment to provide support, information and
advice to LGBT people over the telephone?
The new National Scottish LGBT Helpline is
opening this Spring and is looking to recruit
a team of dedicated volunteers in the Edinburgh and Lothian areas. Full training is provided and you do not have to identify as
L,G,B or T to apply. Please E-mail Stephen at
Stephen@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131-652
3287 for more information.
JOLLY GOOD
For the third year in a row, the NHS National
Waiting Times Centre has been ranked the
best Scottish NHS Board in Stonewall’s
Workplace Equality Index (WEI). The Board
– which manages the Golden Jubilee
National Hospital and Beardmore Hotel and
Conference Centre - came ninth of all organisations in Scotland, and since last year have
moved up from 166th to 159th place in the
United Kingdom rankings. The WEI is a
measure of how an organisation meets the
needs of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB)
staff and service users and is a good
indicator for equality generally. Using this
national benchmarking tool allows organisations to measure their own progress against
other public and private companies and institutions within the UK.
USELESS HERBERTS
If you’ve written to ScotsGay at PO Box 666
in the last month and had mail returned
undelivered, our apologies. Royal Mail took a
month to deliver themselves our cheque for
the annual box renewal, closed the box without telling us and are now denying everything. The box is now open again and mail is
being delivered… We are unimpressed!
obar dheadhainn
ABERDEEN
Here we go with the first update of 2013
and as some of you may know it’s been a
very sober month for me as I took part in the
Dryathlon for Cancer Research UK! You can
still donate if you want by texting andi69 £2
or any amount to £70070!
Back to business now and there’s a few
things happening in this corner of Scotland
to tell you about.
Starting off with the scene, Feb each year
celebrates LGBT History Month and there
are a couple of things happening in
Aberdeen including Our Northern LGBT
Lives! Go along and share your stories,
poetry, music and short films. All are invited
to come along to this friendly informal event.
Please bring an object which will help to
start the stories flowing, and help us create a
memory archive. Refreshments provided.
The event takes place at Aberdeen Arts
Centre on Fri 1st Feb, book your place and
find more events by checking out the LGBT
History Month Website
at www.lgbthistory.org.uk
RESPOND
Andi Watson
aberdeen@scotsgay.co.uk
Zone Youth will also be looking at LGBT
History Month on Sat 9th Feb at their regular
monthly meeting, for obvious reasons the
venue is not disclosed. Contact me
at andi.watson@gmh.org.uk or Ellie at
ehepburn@aberdeencity.gov.uk for more
information.
Gay Men’s Health have got a few things
happening and in the pipeline for the next
few months including looking for models for
a photoshoot for photos for the office and
also to possibly be used
on publicity
material. The guys will
also be out and about at
Cheerz getting the
message out on sexual
health so keep an eye out
for them and chat away
about anything you want
to know. They are also
always on the lookout for
new volunteers to help
out with various projects
and events. To find out
more call the office
on Aberdeen (01224)
930355 or E-mail:
grampian@gmh.org.uk
Now moving onto the scene in The
Deen, Cheerz have had a bit of a shuffle of
the entertainment offering by adding in Alan
MacKay with his mix of Karaoke tunes and
cheek to Mon and Tue nights whilst Kevin
Thorburn keeps his regular Wed slot. Miss
Romy’s Thu night quiz remains busy with
banter and prizes including play your cards
right where even I won £40 a few weeks
ago! The weekends are full of so much
entertainment with Craig and Ross keeping
the tunes going PLUS the
lovely ladies Miss Cherry
Bakewell, Scarlet Diamonte
and Ms Bobbie Dazzler
show you a good time with
fabulous costumes and
numbers! Steve and Garry
would like to thank
everyone for an amazing
and fabulous 2012 and
onward and upward in 2013
to bring you more of what
you want to see.
Don’t forget right next
door to Cheerz is the
Market Arms with banter,
booze and where Delores
brings you big bitchy banter with a few
tunes and games thrown in for good
measure.
Just a quick column this month ...
Technical errors from the editor and all that!
If you have any news, views, photos or
gossip you can send them to me at the usual
address.
to the
Scottish
Government
consultation
on equal
marriage:
www.equalmarriage.org.uk/consultation
dùn deagh
DUNDEE
With the festive season finally over for
another year, everyone is needing to take
their minds off the heavy heating and sky
high credit card bills that plague every Jan
and what better way to do so than by
coming out of the belated winter wonderland
and warming your tootsies in one of the
many sizzling parties that are always on the
go on the scene?
Each of the clubs and pubs had their own
fantastically festive theme nights over the
Xmas season which went down a treat, there
was also notable debut on Xmas Day itself in
Klozet of Shina Twat - Klozet’s resident
Karaoke DJ the illustrious Robert Annand as
his alter ego - who was the bitchy belle of
the ball and gave a fine show!
On 3rd Feb Before Out is bringing in the
great home-grown
band Buck-Rodgers
to give you some
choice
entertainment.
Adding a cherry on
the already sweet
cake that is Before
Out: Layered with
the cheapest prices
in town, freaky fun
times with Suzie
Blue (a karaoke
hostess with
mostest to rival any
other) and filled, as
always, with a great
friendly bar staff and
atmosphere.
Club Out is as
busy as always with
queues out the door
every week despite
the weather bringing you top
tunes with cheap drinks and devilishly good
DJs Club Out is the place to be.
Meeting Dates 2012 - 2013
apier
bathrooms & interiors
Douglas Latto
dundee@scotsgay.co.uk
Salty Dog continues with its unique
atmosphere and resident DJ, the one and
only, Ross Mcgillivray. Sunday Club every
Sun and next theme party the St. Valentine’s
Day Massacre on Feb 24th.
Klozet had a great year in 2012 and
promises to make 2013 even bigger and
better. Some of the best top acts will be
returning including The Drag with No Name,
Jo Frances, Kelly Wilde and The Boy George
Experience plus all the NEW confirmed acts
including some special ones thrown in.
Club Aftertaste, as well as well as being
open its usual days, is now available for
private function hire and is licensed for adult
entertainment until 2.30am.
Jocks Sauna is due to reopen on 1st Feb
with a new name, new ideas and new staff.
Promises to be very friendly and welcoming,
so watch this space and keep looking at the
website for further details.
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Vast range of magazines and dvds
New stock arrives
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Sun Noon-9pm Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
dùn eideann
EDINBURGH
So that’s dreary Jan almost over, and the
city is ready to party large after the extended
period since last pay day for most of us! Jan
was pretty mundane, as ‘Burgh-ers fought
with new year’s resolutions and had a meltdown about an inch of snow! And Feb is
LGBT History Month, so check out
www.lgbthistory.org.uk to find hundreds of
local activities and events you can take part
in to celebrate this most important time for
us.
Over at Planet, their Thu Quiz Nights are
going down a storm! £100 cash prize every
week - you’ve got to be in it to win it! And
with Johnboy and Fredstar hosting, it’s
guaranteed to be a riot! Get down and take
advantage of their promos for the homos; a
little something for everyone whatever your
tipple! Every Mon to Thu is ‘Happy Day’ with
all day/night promos. And there’s more
mayhem with DJ Fredstar every Sun, with
karaoke and party games. And with free
passes to GHQ, this makes Planet the
fantastic pre-club venue. And new this
month, take advantage of Planet’s Loyalty
Card promo! Each time you buy a spirit and
dash, you get a card stamped. On
completion of the full card, you are rewarded
with up to 6 free dashes depending on the
size of your round! Innovative bargains - just
what we’ve come to expect from the Planet
crew!
Close by at Cafe Habana, kick start your
Fri night with karaoke with Jamie Lee Morley
til 9pm, then DJ Daz Glaz takes over to keep
you shaking your tail feather till 1am! Sat
brings you DJ Bunny from 9pm til late. And
on Sun, DJ Daz Glaz 4-9pm then DJ Paton,
with up to date karaoke all day and night and
fabulous tunes in between. And some great
drinks promos! So get your Sun best on and
head on down to your premier gay bar
The guys at BearScots will be raising
money for Gay Men’s Health this month,
with the return of the kissing booth in
Edinburgh on Sat 9th Feb at the New Town
Bar. Last year they raised over £120 selling
kisses for Valentine’s month, and they are
continuing to support Gay Men’s Health this
year. Get down to the New Town and support
the BearScots - and get some hot kisses too,
whilst helping a marvellous local charity everyone’s a winner!
Plans for the next ELECTROsexual night
on Fri 1st Feb - the lovely Becki Bardot (Alex
Tronik Records, Cruz) will be joining James
Deans and Lucky Luciano. She DJ’s regularly
in the Edinburgh club scene and has played
in Ibiza’s best chillout bars and lounges. She
was also the resident of legendary Scottish
bar, Kilties in the summer of 2011 playing to
the crowds of San Antonio and is currently
Jodie
Fleming-Stanley
edinburgh@scotsgay.co.uk
PICS: Out in Fife
resident at Cruz
Bar at The Shore.
A great night, so
don’t miss it!
Also at CC
Blooms, every
Sun from 6pm
you can spin the
Wheel of Four
Tunes - at the
Church of High
Kicks! Sunday skool for afters! Praise be
sinners, confess all as you party the last of
the weekend away!
For those who like something a bit
different, head down to Edinburgh’s next
queer/LGBTI/feminist electro-punk live
music night. Pussy Whipped is being held at
the Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh College of Art,
on Fri 8th Feb at 7pm. The first night of 2013
brings 3 awesomes to the city. Mayr, a
genderfucking one-Mayr-band,
bringing her sometimes dark,
sometimes pop songs to us all
the way from Austria, where
she plays in countless amazing
queer bands. She’s punk, she’s
funny, she’s smart and she’s
got a great moustache. Spat, a
grrrl rawk 4 piece - energetic
and angry, with tonnes of pop
hooks. If you ask them nicely,
maybe they’ll do their Kim
Wilde cover for you? And
Spread Eagle, a new (ish) grrrl
band from Glasgow, featuring
members of Lungleg and Peter
Parker who, for those who
don’t know, were two of the
most amazing underground
bands to ever come from
Glasgow. This will be a very
fine opening performance!
Over in the Kingdom, lots of
exciting things happening!
Firstly, the OUT in Fife night
has moved to a Fri due to
popular demand. The Jan event
was the best one to date.
Loads of new faces, and it also
saw the start of Live music to
accompany the DJ. Feb will see
Out In Fife’s LGBT history
month extravaganza on Fri 15th
Feb at 7pm, at the Jam Jar in
Dunfermline. Local support
groups and organisations have
been invited to attend to see
how much the night benefits
the community and it will also
be a chance to educate them
on LGBT history. Fife
Constabulary are going to be attending and
we are keen to see if Out in Fife can beat
them at the LGBT history quiz! There will live
music from Missing Myla - a local pop punk
band - donating their talents in support of
the night. As always, Clive from Terence
Higgins Trust will be there with sexual health
promo. A special feature on the night will be
the Out In Fife history wall, highlighting
achievements over the last 7 months. A
great night not to be missed!
The OUT in Fife crew also host an
Icebreakers session for those new to all
things LGB and T in Fife. If you feel a bit
nervous about attending the social night on
your own, hook up with some others at the
Icebreakers easy going intro session.
Contact OUT in Fife’s facebook page for
more info.
And for the young ‘uns, there are now 3
LGBT Youth groups in Fife - they are based
in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Levenmouth.
For more info, contact
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
PIC: The MSC held their traditional Burns
Supper recently and were entertained by the
choristers of Edinburgh Gay Men’s Choir –
one of whom was surprised to be garlanded
in a decidedly un-traditional manner!
glaschu
GLASGOW
Well my darlings, it looks like you have
the pleasure of my company in this edition.
So what’s new?
If you have not had a chance to get down
to The Gallery, I can recommend that you
give it a go! As you all know I’m not only
fond of the odd pint of cider but I love wine
and this wee gem has a lovely long list of
them, some are only available at The Gallery
itself! The external seating area can hold 52.
They have just started a food menu with a
selection of home bakes. At the weekend the
bar has live entertainment including singers
and small bands.
The Court Bar still has its Karaoke on
Mon, Wed and Fri with Audrey Nortie
Hepburn. Some of you may have noticed
that the bar is a lot busier now during the
day.
Delmonicas has booked Michael Darling
for a Valentine’s show on 13th Feb and is
still running its popular karaoke on a Sun
with Bela Houston whilst Daren Dunn hosts
the very busy quiz night on a Thu.
As you all know, B has a wonderful bingo
day on a Sat in Underground and as there is
no end to her talents, she hosts a fabulous
karaoke night on a Tue. But did you know
that this is also on a Sun now and proving to
be very popular indeed?
The ever busy Bear Night also happens at
Underground on the first Fri of every month
where the lovely staff will service your every
need!
There’s a brand new weekly Drop In
Sexual Health Clinic (no appointment
needed) service based at the GMH offices
(4th Floor, 30 Bell St) which offers HIV
testing with results being given in only 20
minutes (The shortest waiting time possible
for this kind of test in Glasgow) as well as
full sexual health screening and vaccinations
for Hepatitis. The clinic runs each Thu 4.307.30pm. The service, delivered by GMH in
association with SRP@ Sandyford, is funded
by NHS GGC. Everyone that has been so far
has said that it has a pleasant atmosphere
with pleasant staff.
ScotsGay
scotsgay.co.uk
A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE EDITED, PRINTED & PUBLISHED IN SCOTLAND SINCE 1994
Criz McCormick
criz@scotsgay.co.uk
PIC: Greg at The Gallery
Virginia Gallery, under Luke & Jack, are
launching a new photographic exhibition
called Patchwork 7 which will run 29th Jan 22nd Feb. It was first shown in Paris in late
2012 and goes on tour around Europe in
2013. These erotic images are a celebration
of the human form and the exhibition is well
worth a visit.
And really that’s about it! So until our next
merry meeting!!
TO ADVERTISE IN SCOTSGAY CALL MARTIN MANN ON 0131-661 6037 OR
E-MAIL SCOTSGAYADVERTISING@GMAIL.COM
strathclyde lesbian and gay switchboard
THE END OF AN ERA
Volunteers at Scotland’s last nightly gay
switchboard have cleared down for the last
time.
After nearly 40 years of being a valuable
source of contact for the gay community,
Strathclyde Gay and Lesbian Switchboard
has shut due to lack of funding. It truly is the
end of a great institution, as they were the
last nightly gay switchboard left in Scotland.
In today‘s high-tech society, where
technology is at the forefront of our lives
and we can get information at the click of a
mouse, it’s easy to take something as simple
as person to person communication for
granted and to forget how important it can
be. SGLS have always put the message
across that when it comes to down to it,
there’s nothing to take the place of one-toone communication and to have someone
there to listen to what you have to say.
Basing itself in Glasgow, Strathclyde Gay
and Lesbian Switchboard has been going
strong since around since the mid 70’s. In
the late 70’s and throughout the 80’s activity
was at its height as volunteers handled an
enormous volume of calls as HIV and AIDS
arrived on the scene. Campaigns such as
Keep the Clause (Section 28) and some of
the tabloid press homophobia meant that the
Switchboard was very busy as it helped give
the gay community somewhere they could
talk about their fears and concerns. The
Switchboard offered a unique service and
has always been there providing a voice for
anyone out there who just wants to talk.
Whether it was someone feeling
isolated, lonely, confused, in need of
advice about sexual and emotional
health, or just wanting to know where to
go on the scene, SGLS has been there to
listen and help people or point them in the
right direction, and any subject was always
up for discussion. Staffed entirely by
volunteers, all funding they received went
towards accommodation rentals, the
telephones and internet access. One of the
many important aspects of the Switchboard
was that all volunteers were gay, lesbian,
bisexual or transgender, so a caller could
always be sure that they could identify with
whatever they are calling about.
Although great strides have been made in
the laws regarding LGBT people, there are
still stark reminders that things haven’t
progressed as much as we would wish. With
homophobia, bullying and discrimination
still highly prevalent in today’s society, it’s
clear why a service such as SGLS is needed.
This makes the news that, as of 31st Dec
2012, Scotland no longer has such a
valuable and relevant resource extremely
sad.
Ian Hughes
ian@scotsgay.co.uk
I was lucky enough to go along and talk to
some of the volunteers and find out what the
Switchboard has meant to them. All the
volunteers have come from a wide range of
backgrounds, occupations and perspectives
on life. One of the volunteers I spoke to has
been a volunteer for 25 years and was there
when it was based above a Chinese
restaurant in Union Street, before moving to
Sauchiehall Street, Park Circus and then to
its current location. “In the early days it was
a vital part of the gay community,” he told
me, “as there was no other way of getting
information about the gay scene, especially
as homosexuality was still illegal in Scotland
when Switchboard began. Over the years
we’ve helped a lot of people come to terms
with their sexuality and find out where to go
to meet other gay people.”
Dee joined SGLS 15 months ago, having
previously worked with LGBT Youth. “I
missed volunteering in my life and I was
really interested in the service Switchboard
provides. It has a place within the LGBT
community and in particular gives people a
safe space to talk without fear of judgment
or reprisal.” This is something that
Switchboard has always prided itself on - the
fact that none of the volunteers judge
anyone who calls and there is no limit to
how long they want to talk for. “I get a sense
of satisfaction from it,” Dee continues, “and
I’ve met some really good people through
Switchboard.”
Claudia has been with Switchboard for 2
years and joined because she wanted to do
something worthwhile for the LGBT
community. “Even though it‘s 2012 there are
still plenty of problems out there like stigma
and bullying,” she explains, “and I’d imagine
that coming from smaller communities of
which we have a lot of in Scotland, that it
must be really difficult whether you’re in the
younger age bracket or older.”
David works as a social worker and has
been a volunteer for 8 years. “It’s been good
helping people with issues like coming out,”
he tells me. “There’s very few opportunities
to phone anywhere like Switchboard,
without having to press 1 or press 2 and be
put on hold. You know you’re going to get a
LGBT person to speak to who understands
the issues.”
One thing the volunteers were agreed on
was that they wanted to give something back
to the gay community. Alf, who has been a
volunteer for 4 years, found that as he found
himself feeling more comfortable within
himself and with his own sexuality, he felt
ready to move on and do something in
terms of volunteering. “I think it’s very
important because as an organisation, it’s
quite unique.“ He continues, “I see
Switchboard as being broad in its intent, in
the sense that it’s one of the only places
where people can phone us and get support
if they need it, but also they can get
guidance to other services within the
community, whether it’s sexual health,
mental health, or even what’s going on in the
scene. It’s almost like a one-stop shop for
the LGBT community where people can get
directions to other places, but also get
support if they need it.”
Another positive aspect of working for
Switchboard has been that all the volunteers
have all made many new friends through
volunteering for Switchboard, something
that Paul, a volunteer for 1½ years has
found. “I wanted to get involved in the gay
community that I socialise in and also to get
new friends and new goals,” he told me. “I
think Switchboard is a lifeline to the
community, for people who want to speak
out about their personal feelings and have
someone there to talk to when they can’t talk
to other people - even their best friends or
family. They know it’s confidential and that
there’s no comeback. No one is going to
question them and they can just speak
outright.”
David Thomas is the coordinator for
Switchboard and joined in 2001. It was a
tragic circumstance that got him involved.
“A young girl had thrown herself under a
train at my local train station,” he explained.
“When I enquired as to what had happened,
I got the full story - that she’d been a goth at
school and was picked on and then she’d
come out as a lesbian, which was the final
straw for everyone and they all rejected her.
She felt the only solution was to throw
herself under a train. When I saw the
Switchboard advert, I wanted to do
something positive to try and avoid that kind
of thing happening again.“ It is stories such
as this one that makes the closure of
Strathclyde Gay and Lesbian Switchboard
particularly sad. All types of calls have been
taken over the years of Switchboard’s life from all over Britain and even abroad. “There
have been calls from Singapore, Norway,
Sweden, and closer to home Liverpool,”
David tells me. “I think Switchboard makes a
huge difference to the people who phone
us.”
SGLS have delivered a number of services
throughout the years including a weekly
dedicated line for lesbians and bisexual
women, as well as the Crosslynx telephone
support line for transgender people, friends
and family. Other services include a hate
crime third party reporting line and
Icebreakers - a regular supported social
event. Gary volunteered 1½ years ago says
that he got a great deal of satisfaction out of
it. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at
Switchboard and feel that I’ve got a sense of
belonging and also that I‘ve helped give
something back to the gay community.
Switchboard was there for me when I
needed them and I feel that there will always
be a need for people to hear a reassuring
voice on the other end of the phone. I don’t
feel that a service like that will ever be
irrelevant and I feel very sad about
Switchboard closing as there is still a
continuing need for this type of service to
continue in the future.”
This originally started out as an article to
help promote Strathclyde Gay and Lesbian
Switchboard, but lack of
funding has meant that
proper promotion of
the service could not
be maintained and
as 2012 came to an
end, so, alas, did
this worthwhile and
much needed service
which has helped the
LGBT community for the
last 30+ years. They truly
were the “friendly ear” for the
LGBT community, and I’m sure
there are a lot of people out there who,
like Gary, have phoned them at one time or
another and benefited from the experience.
So as we bid farewell to 2012, raise your
glasses and toast Strathclyde Gay and
Lesbian Switchboard for all the wonderful
work they’ve done. It’s just a shame that
what should have been a great anniversary
for them has instead forced them to hang up
their phones for good. Thanks SGLS for all
you’ve done for us.
Strathclyde Gay and Lesbian Switchboard It’s been good to talk.
I would very much like to thank all the
volunteers who kindly gave up their time to
let me come in and talk to them.
PRISCILLA - QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Priscilla Queen of the Desert is coming to Edinburgh! Jason Donovan will reprise the role of Tick, the part he
played when the show originally opened in the West End. Jason reached the final of last year’s ‘Strictly Come
Dancing’. He has had a hugely successful and varied career as both an actor and singer and was a finalist in ITV’s
smash hit “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!”.
Richard Grieve will play Bernadette. He is probably best known as Jonny Foster in
“Emmerdale”. A native Australian, he played Sam Kratz in “Neighbours” and Dr
Lachlan Frazer in “Home and Away”.
Graham Weaver will play Felicia, which he played in the West End production
of the show. His other theatre credits include Mary Sunshine in “Chicago” and
“Assassins”.
Based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical
depicts the adventure of three gay drag queens who hop aboard a battered old bus
searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have ever
dreamed of. With a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and featuring dancefloor
favorites including ‘It’s Raining Men’, ‘Say a Little Prayer’, ‘Go West’, ‘Hot Stuff’ and
‘Always on My Mind’, this wildly fresh and funny new musical is a journey to the heart of
everything that’s fabulous!
The musical originally opened in Australia in 2006 where it ran for two years before opening in the
West End for a run of a further two years. The show recently played a hugely successful season on
Broadway. Along the way, it has won numerous awards including the
prestigious Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Costume Design.
Priscilla
Jason Donovan in
Queen of the Desert
Edinburgh Playhouse
March 2013
Listings information
Venue: The Edinburgh Playhouse, 18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA
Dates: Mon 4th Mar-Sat 9th Mar
Times: Mon-Thu 7.30pm, Fri 5pm and 8.15pm, Sat 2.30pm and 7.30pm
Ticket prices: £10- £45
Box Office: 0844 871 3014
Online: priscillathemusical.com
The show will return to Scotland from Mon 17th-Sat 29th June at Glasgow’s
King’s Theatre. Keep an eye on the website for casting announcements!
FANCY THE ROLLER DERBY?
Roller Derby is an all-female sport that involves teams competing on an oval track in a series of 'jams' - two
minute periods that see teams of five players each battling to score points. During each jam, one player on
each team is designated as the 'jammer' who scores a point for every member of the opposing team she
passes.
The sport requires a punishing array of agile and athletic skills, from zig-zag blocking moves to body slams
to all-out speed-skating. To perfect these manoeuvres, skaters commit to several hours of practice every
week, paying for gear and practice space out of their own pockets.
For upcoming Auld Reekie Roller Girls bouts at Meadowbank in Edinburgh visit: arrg.co.uk
culture
OF DRAGONS AND GAYS
Last night, while watching the closing
credits of “How to Train Your Dragon”, I
asked myself “How gay was that?” It’s a
question I often ask myself at the end of
animated features, and I answer by making a
tally of Pinkie points: one point for any male
character (human, vegetable, animal or
mineral) showing the subtlest camp
tendency; one for a chummy pair of
characters of the same sex who show no
interest in the other sex; one for a villainess
who looks and behaves like an ageing drag
queen suddenly relegated to second billing;
two points for an unmistakable gay gag
designed to make adults think that it’s
designed to go over children’s heads; three
for a same-sex marriage; and so on. (I’ve yet
to see a CGI SSM, but the three points are
there waiting.)
I used to award a point for what I call the
vindicated misfit plot: the one in which an
underdog hero rejects social conformity in
pursuit of some eccentric form of selffulfilment, is mocked and ostracised, but
triumphs when his unconventional talent
saves or benefits the community. At some
point however (I think after “Ratatouille”) I
started omitting the vindicated misfit from
my tally on the basis that it seemed to have
become a standard feature of almost every
other animated film off the production line.
In “Ratatouille” a rat suffers the disapproval
of his tribe by wanting to be a chef. He
eventually succeeds and earns their respect.
In “Happy Feet” a penguin suffers the
disapproval of his tribe by wanting to be a
dancer. He eventually succeeds and earns
their respect. In “A Bug’s Life” an ant suffers
the disapproval of his tribe by wanting to be
an inventor. He eventually succeeds and
earns their respect. “How to Train Your
Dragon” follows the formula with scrupulous
fidelity. At the beginning its teenage Viking
hero is already an enduring disappointment
to his warlike father on account of his
puniness and lack of aggression and later
provokes outrage by secretly befriending
one of the dragons with which his tribe is at
perpetual war. (This friendship, amounting
almost to some taboo kind of love affair
earns the film half a Pinkie point, especially
when the hero fits an artificial fluke on the
dragon’s damaged tail to enable them to
enjoy safe flight together, or am I reading
too much in?) Eventually, of course, his
talent for dragon-training saves the tribe,
brings peace, and wins him the admiration
of everyone and the love of The Girl (who
earns the film its other half-Pinkie-point by
being far butcher than he is).
The vindicated misfit plot is nothing new
in animated film, appearing as early as 1931
Robert Canning
robert@scotsgay.co.uk
in Disney’s first version of “The Ugly
Duckling” and making its feature debut a
decade later in “Dumbo”, but it has been
noticeably common in recent years, and I am
intrigued by the way this trend chimes with
an increasing acceptance of homosexuality,
especially among the young. Before
pursuing this parallel further, I should clarify
that not every tale of an underdog who
eventually triumphs belongs to the
vindicated misfit category. Cinderella traces
a similar arc from pariah to princess but she
is never a misfit in the sense that the heroes
previously mentioned are. The gourmet rat,
the dancing penguin, the inventor ant and
the pacifist Viking become social outcasts
because their inclinations are so different
from those of their communities as to be
considered unnatural: a rat who wants to
cook is not a true rat, etc. These “freaks of
nature” either get banished or have to leave
the tribe in search of a more sympathetic
environment in which to flourish. Cinderella,
on the other hand, is not naturally eccentric
(unless we count the usual clandestine
singing to animals, which earns half a Pinkie
point) and she is differentiated from the
social group by the will of that group, not
despite it. Her stepfamily, far from wanting
her to behave like them and share the same
aspirations, insist on her behaving
differently, thrusting her into a uniquely
slavish role in which all aspirations are
forbidden. Cinderella’s social transgression
is not to seek something different but to
seek the same old conventional thing the
others seek - to marry the prince - and her
triumph is subversive only in that it asserts
her equal right to be conventional. At the end
of “Cinderella” the heroine changes her
status but does not create change in her
society. She merely gains access to society
by shedding her differentness: the slave role
that was forced upon her and was never part
of her nature.
At the end of the vindicated misfit plot, by
contrast, the hero not only triumphantly reenters his society but brings his
differentness with him, and it is society, now
forced to recognise the value of that
differentness, which changes to
accommodate it, and in many cases to
embrace it. “How to Train Your Dragon”
ends with Vikings and dragons happily
working together instead of waging the type
of cartoon war seen in the opening scenes in
which much property is destroyed but noone gets seriously hurt. The pacifist
dragon-trainer who had been derided as less
than a true Viking is now hailed as a great
Viking, but this is because the villagers have
broadened their definition of what a Viking
should be, not because the hero has
changed his nature to fit the original narrow
definition. Not only is he just as puny, he
now also has an artificial leg, but it doesn’t
matter, because the old conformist model of
accepted male role playing has been sent out
on a longboat and shot full of flaming
arrows. Similarly happy social
transformations conclude the other films in
this category: all the rats in “Ratatouille” end
up working in the restaurant where the rat
whose gastronomic ambition had previously
exasperated them is now a celebrated chef,
while the penguin shunned for his unnatural
love of dancing in “Happy Feet” is treated to
a finale in which the whole colony breaks
into a Broadway routine.
All very heart-warming, but what have
pacifist Vikings etc. to do with
homosexuality? Ostensibly nothing, which
might be another reason I stopped
automatically awarding Pinkie points to
misfit heroes, yet gay viewers will inevitably
feel a connection between their own
experience and the clearly posted moral
message common to all these films: “Be
yourself no matter what they think, and if
you succeed, their thinking might change.”
Given how strongly gays are likely to identify
with such characters, it seems a pity that the
proprieties of marketing mainstream family
entertainment prevent animated films from
containing overtly homosexual characters
and relationships, yet it must also be
acknowledged that their absence allows the
message to be far more widely disseminated
and easily absorbed. A tale of romance
between two cartoon princes or princesses,
even if it managed to gain the necessary
universal rating, would probably, even in
2013, find little support at the box office
other than from homosexuals, über-liberal
parents and connoisseurs of novelty, which
would not be enough to recoup the
production cost. Such a film would be
dismissed as a weird aberration by
audiences who happily accept such fantastic
examples of individualism as cooking rats
and dancing penguins. Since such
characters cannot exist in real life, they do
not scare the conservative horses as lesbian
princesses might, and since no-one in the
auditorium is any kind of rat or penguin
(usually), everybody has to make the same
imaginative leap to connect with the hero,
who thus resembles no section of the
audience in particular and can have universal
appeal.
The hero of this type of plot is therefore
paradoxical. He (or more rarely she) is an
outsider within the world of the film but can
elicit a universal identification from the
audience, who grant him the acceptance
denied him (at first) by his own society. A
related paradox is that films centring on an
unpopular character are often very popular,
as long as the character’s unpopularity is
likely to be seen by viewers as unjustified.
These paradoxes are not hard to explain, as
most people have at some time found
themselves in an uncongenial social
environment, or felt misunderstood,
underappreciated, unjustly treated, restricted
by silly rules, or frustrated in their
ambitions. Being the outsider is a universal
fear or fantasy. A more positive explanation
is that we all value our individuality, and
especially in the USA - the source of all the
films I have mentioned - the cult of the
individual, of the lone pioneer in the land of
wide opportunities, has long been a counterforce to social conformism.
I believe that such films, even when they
start to seem formulaic to the point of
cheesiness, have a strong part to play in the
battle to promote tolerance, most of all in
the minds of their young viewers. In
comparison with explicitly gay materials
(which I am not opposing), they have three
big advantages: they slip easily past the
gateposts of censorship and parental
queasiness; they appeal to a wider audience;
and they present tolerance as a universal
concern that is in the interest of society as
much as of the individual. This last part of
the message comes into play in these films’
closing acts, when the hero is allowed to
show what he has to offer his society and
how wrong they were to reject him, whether
by saving the village, or starting a restaurant
which will guarantee the group’s prosperity,
or teaching everyone how enjoyable dancing
can be, etc. It is this aspect of the genre
which in today’s climate has the most radical
propaganda potential in gay terms. One of
the brickbats most frequently flung by antigay forces is that increasing inclusion and
normalisation of homosexuality will change
the whole of society, and such change can
only be destructive. These films send a
message that social change should be
evaluated by its effect rather than by its
source, and that it is quite normal for daring
minorities to be agents of positive change,
while the majority often unthinkingly toe the
line merely because they have been
conditioned not to step over. Again, there is
no specific gay reference, but we see the
endorsement of a general principle very
much in tune with the gay equality
movement.
The promotion of the outsider to pioneer
of social change represents a significant
addition to the original formula. The 1931
Disney “Ugly Duckling” tells the story of a
duckling accidentally hatched by a hen (not,
as in the Anderson original, a cygnet raised
by a duck). In this version, the duckling is
vehemently rejected by his surrogate family
but gains the heroic-status-and-socialacceptance package when his swimming
ability saves the chicks from a waterfall.
What is absent is social change: the chicken
family welcome the duckling but show no
interest in learning to swim. Likewise in
“Dumbo” the flying elephant becomes a star
and brings a new level of fame to his circus,
but he is still the only one who flies. By
contrast, what I found most interesting in
“How to Train Your Dragon” is that the hero
not only leads the way to a new social order
but does so by first winning over the other
teenagers, at a point when all the adults are
still resolutely against Viking-dragon
harmony. The village teens at first show all
the anti-dragonian belligerence of their
fathers, whom they aspire to emulate, but
they are set apart from the adults by the
curious fact that they are all voiced with
American accents while their fathers appear
to be a race of Scottish Vikings little known
to history. This hint of potential for a culture
gap, jarring at first, possibly helps to prepare
us for the division of outlooks which later
opens between the generations, to be closed
when the fathers come round to the
youngsters’ perspective. The additional
messages that are thus attached to the film’s
anti-conformist banner - “Elders aren’t
always wiser”, “A younger mind is less set”
and “To see the future, look at your children”
- are particularly pertinent to the advance of
gay equality when opinion polls show such a
clear correlation between youth and
acceptance. If the polls are correct, perhaps
I will even live to award three points to a CGI
same-sex marriage after all.
Mary Woodward has been watching the Metropolitan Opera’s live relays at the Cameo Cinema in Edinburgh:
The Magic Flute – Mozart Dec 2012
What a festive treat! I had seen Flute in New York some years ago, and was delighted to revisit what turned out to be an abridged version, in English, performed as the Met’s
version of panto in 2006 and the first Met production to be broadcast live in HD.
Julie Taymor’s Japanese-inspired production is enchanting, with magnificent puppets [especially the giant bears!], truly magical sets and effects, and a fabulous cast headed by
Matthew Polenzani as Tamino and Ying Huang as Pamina, who through their trials earn each other’s respect and love. Erika Miklósa was chillingly stratospheric as the Queen of
the Night: her Ladies used their hand-held puppet heads to good effect and the three boys sang well, even while flying across the stage on a giant bird. Nathan Gunn’s
Papageno stole the show with his superb singing, amazing acrobatic skills, and heart-warming mixture of effervescence and human frailty.
Les Troyens – Berlioz Jan 2013
Grand spectacle, intimate moments: massive sets with great flexibility: fabulous orchestration superbly played: magnificent chorus work and a galaxy of soloists made an
outstanding performance of a rarely-performed work.
Deborah Voigt’s Cassandre acted well but was uncomfortable singing in French: Susan Graham’s Didon shone both vocally and dramatically in a role that fits her like a glove.
She was surpassed, however, by the tenor Bryan Hymel who took over from Marcelo Giordani as Enée at five days’ notice, and stunned the Met audience with his ringing top
notes, vocal range and power and acting ability throughout the opera - the heroic warrior leading the escape from Troy, the tender lover in the magical love duet with Didon, the
man torn between love and his calling to abandon her and go to found Rome: he richly deserved his rapturous applause both during and at the end of a truly memorable night.
listings are free
GROUPS
HELPLINES
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ABUSED MEN IN SCOTLAND
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Support for men surviving
domestic abuse. Write: Unit 1F6,
Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside
Road, Edinburgh. EH10 4DP.
Office: 0131-447 7449.
contact@amis.org.uk
www.abusedmeninscotland.org
NATIONAL LGBT FORUM
Active events calendar for LGBT
and other equality events in
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of LGBT organisations. Free
registration to add campaigns and
events to the Community pages.
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BREATHING SPACE
Tel: Freefone 0800 838587
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6am (24 hours at weekends).
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CUMBRIA AND THE BORDERS
GAY HELPLINE
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Nightly 6-9pm.
DIVERSITAY LGBT SWITCHBOARD
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Write: PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1
3YG.
contact@diversitay.org.uk
www.diversitay.org.uk
t: @diversitaylgbt
LOTHIAN LGBT HELPLINE
Tel: 0131-556 4049
Wed 12.30-7pm.
PRIDE SCOTIA
Organising Pride Scotia 2013 which
will be held in Edinburgh in June
2013! Tel: 0131-556 9471. Write:
58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh.
EH1 3SA.
edinburgh@pride-scotia.org
www.pride-scotia.org
fb: Pride Scotia
STONEWALL SCOTLAND
Campaigns for equality and justice
for gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender people living in
Scotland. Write: Mansfield Traquair
Centre, 15 Mansfield Place,
Edinburgh. EH3 6BB. Tel: 0131-474
8019.
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www.stonewallscotland.org.uk
LOCAL
ORGANISATIONS
ABERDEEN:
TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST
Tel: 0808 8021221
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm.
The HIV and sexual health charity
for life.
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www.tht.org.uk
LONDON SWITCHBOARD
Tel: 0300 3300630
FAX: 020-7837 7300
Daily 10am-11pm.
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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:
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0666). Fax: 0131-539 2999. Write:
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publisher@scotsgay.co.uk
www.scotsgay.co.uk
LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS
Queer alternative DIY magazine for
women.
info@
lockupyourdaughtersmagazine
.co.uk
www.lockupyourdaughtersmagazin
e.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: 0131-467
6039. Fax: 0131-476 9006. Weekly
e-mail and quarterly paper
newsletters on LGBT equality
campaigns and developments.
Regular conferences, forums, and
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en@equality-network.org
www.equality-network.org and
t: @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:
0141-248 9969.
Pride In Aberdeen: Organises the
Pride event.
recruitment@prideinaberdeen.co.uk
www.prideinaberdeen.co.uk
ANGUS:
ALED (Angus LGBT for Equality
and Diversity): Offers online
confidential advice, parental
guidance groups, social events and
activities for anyone 13 and over.
Write: c/o 13 Park View, Brechin.
DD9 7AT. Tel: 07719052195 or
Brechin (01356) 629366.
aledlgbt@hotmail.co.uk
www.aledlgbt.webs.com
fb: Aled Angus Equality Diversity
AYRSHIRE:
NESA (North, East, South
Ayrshire) Social Support Group:
Tel: David Bingham on 0141-332
3838.
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.
alastairlings@yahoo.co.uk
fb: Borders Bisexual Lesbian And
Gay Group ( BBLAGG )
Scottish Borders LGBT Equality
Forum: Aims to provide advice and
act as a consulting body to all
community planning partner
organisations and to develop a
range of social and recreational
activities. Write: PO Box 14120,
Selkirk. TD7 5WE.
www.scotsborderslgbt.co.uk
fb:Scottish Borders LGBT Equality
Forum
Street, Dumfries. DG1 2BJ. Tel:
Dumfries (01387) 255058. Text:
07786 202 370.
DandG@lgbtyouth.org.uk
www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk
fb: DumfriesLGBTCentre
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.
contact@diversitay.org.uk
www.diversitay.org.uk
t: @diversitaylgbt
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.
info@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 LGBT-owned 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.
info@edinburghlgbtcentre.org.uk
Icebreakers: Social group for
LGBT people 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:
Pride Glasgow: Organises
Glasgow pride event.
pride@prideglasgow.co.uk
www.prideglasgow.co.uk
INVERNESS:
Highland Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender Forum: Regular
events and discos in Inverness.
Tel: 07512 231904.
forum@gay-ness.org.uk
www.gay-ness.org.uk
Inverness, Highlands and Islands
LGBT Group: New Group. Tel:
07833 456341.
MORAY:
LGBT Moray: Social networking
group for LGBT people in Moray.
1st Tue of each month: Get
together at The Muckle Cross Pub,
34 High Street, Elgin from 7.30pm.
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.
lgbtmoray@gmail.co.uk
fb: lgbt.moray
OBAN:
Gateway Group: Meets last Sat of
each month, 2-4pm. Tel: Katrina on
07760 701308.
E:katrina.mitchell
@waverleycare.org
CAMPBELTOWN:
STIRLING:
Kintyre Embrace: Meets first Wed
of each month, 7-9pm. Tel: Katrina
on 07760 701308.
katrina.mitchell@waverleycare.org
Stirling Gay Men's Social Group:
Meets monthly from Sep-Jun
(generally 3rd Fri) in private
houses.
mensgroup@talktalk.net
CLYDEBANK:
Clydebank LGBT Group: Meets
Dalmuir CE Centre 6.30-9.30 pmon
3rd Wed of each month Tel: Fiona
on 07974 489520 or Tanya on
07598 387585.
clydebanklgbt@yahoo.co.uk
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY:
Dumfries & Galloway LGBT
Centre: Dumfries based LGBT
Centre reaching out to the whole of
Dumfries and Galloway. Groups,
social events, drop-ins, support and
volunteering for LGBT young
people, adults and their families.
See What’s On section of their web
site for more details. 88b High
EDINBURGH:
NATIONAL:
AD Group: Social group exclusively
for lesbians over 40 who have
come to terms with their sexuality
as lesbians. Meets each month to
plan social activities such as
cinema, meals out, walks and
more.
adgroup40@gmail.com
CAMERADERIE LESBIAN
PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
Meets monthly in and around the
Tayside/Dundee/Aberdeenshire
area, weather permitting.
spamdd7@yahoo.com
Amazing Gracies Women’s
Football Club: Meets Wed 7-8pm
at Gracemount Leisure Centre, 22
Gracemount Drive.
enquiries
@amazinggraciesfc.org.uk
www.amazinggraciesfc.org.uk
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.
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.
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 month from 24.30pm at the LGBT Centre for
Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street.
Tel: Alison on 0131-652 3283.
alison@lgbthealth.org.uk
Word: Women’s Book Group meets
7.30-9pm on 2nd Wed of each
month at the LGBT Centre for
Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe
Street. Interested in reading and
want to meet friends who share
your passion? Join this friendly
women’s book group.
wordbookgroup@gmail.com
FIFE:
Fife Inbetweeners:
A friendly group of lesbians who
meet every 2nd Sat eve from 8pm
at Man I' The Rock, 101 High St,
Dysart, Kirkcaldy. Informal meeting
allows them to chat, have a wee
drink and even a game of pool!
Arranges social events and link
between the Rubyfruits Group in
Edinburgh and OutskirtSocial in
Dundee (hence the group's name!)
braethedug@btinternet.com
GLASGOW:
Glasgow Women's Library:
15 Berkeley Street, Glasgow. G3
7BW. Tel: 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.
info@womenslibrary.org.uk
www.womenslibrary.org.uk
OLGA - Older Lesbians Get
Around: Meets monthly. Tel: 07813
268938.
Sandyford: 2-6 Sandyford Place,
Glasgow. G3 7NB. Sandyford
provides sexual, reproductive and
emotional health services for all
lesbian and bisexual women. Tel:
0141-211 8130 for further
information on sexual and
reproductive services or Tel: 0141211 6700 for counselling services.
All services available at a range of
locations throughout NHS Greater
Glasgow and Clyde area.
www.sandyford.org
INVERNESS:
WOMEN'S
LISTINGS
DUNDEE:
Outskirtsocial: Social group for
LBT women in the East of Scotland.
An opportunity for women to make
new friends, connect up with
existing ones and generally have
some fun. Administered by the
editing group of the Out-skirts
online magazine
ionafiesta@yahoo.co.uk
fb: Outskirtsocial
t: @Outskirtsocial
GirlZone: Friendly, informal social
group for LBT and friends - all
welcome. Meets 1st Sat, 2nd Thu
and 3rd Fri of each month.Tel:
Joanne on 07792 223687 for
details and venue.
girlzone@gay-ness.org.uk
www.gay-ness.org.uk
Highland Lesbian Republic: A
voluntary group which has been in
existence for over twenty years.
Organises fundraisers for
Womankind Worldwide.
High_Les@bigfoot.com
www.freewebs.com/
highlandlesbiangroup
www.womankind.org.uk
LESBIAN SCOTLAND
Lesbian Guide to Scotland,
including links to social groups,
sports clubs, support groups and
events in different Scottish cities.
www.lesbianscotland.com
OUT-SKIRTS
Quarterly e-zine for lesbian and bi
women in the East of Scotland and
beyond.
ionafiesta@yahoo.co.uk
SCOTTISH NETWORK FOR
LESBIAN STRENGTH
To further lesbian issues, follow a
lesbian agenda and foster lesbian
visibility.
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
Sun of each month in Glasgow
(Contact for venue details).
Meetings also held occasionally in
Edinburgh (at 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.
info@biscotland.org
www.biscotland.org
ABUSE
BROKEN RAINBOW LGBT
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE
(UK)
Works to change the situation for
LGBT people facing domestic
violence. Runs helpline for lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender
people, their family, friends, and
agencies to support LGBT people
around domestic violence. Mon &
Thu 2-8pm,Tue & Wed 10am-5pm.
Tel: 0300 999 5428.
mail@brokenrainbow.org.uk
www.brokenrainbow.org.uk
fb: brokenrainbowuk
t: @brokenrainbow
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
(6pm-Midnight). Minicom available.
www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
THRIVE
Counselling service for male
survivors of childhood sexual
abuse. Write: Sandyford
Counselling & Support Services, 26 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3
7NB. Tel: 0141-211 8133 or 0141211 6700.
thrive@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
ATHEISTS AND
HUMANISTS
GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST
ASSOCIATION
GALHA is a membership
organisation promoting a gayfriendly Humanist outlook and
LGBT rights as human rights.
Membership is open to supporters
worldwide. Write: GALHA, 1 Gower
Street, London. WC1E 6HD.
membership@galha.org
www.galha.org
PINK TRIANGLE TRUST
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.
ceremonies@pinktriangle.org.uk
www.pinktriangle.org.uk
Internet Magazine (The Pink
Humanist) at
www.thepinkhumanist.com
BEARS
BEARSCOTS
The national group for bears, big
boys, their friends and admirers.
Glasgow Bear Weekend (1st
weekend of each month): Bears in
the West, Underground Bar, Fri
9pm-1am. Edinburgh Bear
Weekend (2nd weekend of each
month): Bears in the East, New
Town Bar, Sat 10pm-2am. Check
website for details of events around
Scotland.
info@bearscots.org.uk
www.bearscots.org.uk
fb: bear.scots
NORTHSCOT BEARS
New Aberdeen bear group.
www.northscotbears.co.uk
fb: NorthScot Bears
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.
monicastewart@btinternet.com
www.affirmationscotland.org.uk
AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH
41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
EH1 1EL. Meets Sun 11am - LGBT
people especially welcome. Last Sat
of each month: Our Tribe (LGBT
worship) 7pm. Transcendence
group to support Transgender
people. Tel: 07957 543359.
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.
edinburgh.qlgf@gmail.com
EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP FOR
LESBIAN & GAY CHRISTIANS
Lesbian, gay or bisexual? From an
Evangelical tradition? So are they.
Tel: Andrew on Mid Calder (01506)
499926. Write: c/o Flat 3, 7 Upper
Tollington Park, Finsbury Park,
London. N4 3EJ.
info@eflgc.org.uk
www.eflgc.org.uk
LESBIAN AND GAY CHRISTIAN
MOVEMENT (LGCM)
UK-based international charity
which challenges homophobia and
transphobia, especially within the
church and faith-based
organisations, as well as working to
create and praying for an inclusive
church. Write: Oxford House,
Derbyshire Street, London. E2 6HG.
Tel: 020-7739 1249.
lgcm@lgcm.org.uk
www.lgcm.org.uk
SGI-UK (SCOTLAND)
Lay buddhist organisation
established in over 190 countries.
"In Nichiren Buddhism,
enlightenment is not a matter of
changing ourselves into something
which we are not. Rather, it is a
matter of bringing forth those
positive qualities we already
possess. Through Chanting Nam
Myoho Renge Kyo, members
transform their inner lives and
develop the qualities needed to
bring about personal fulfilment and
contribute to the positive
development of their communities."
Has participated in Pride events
across the world and is now known
as Rainbow Activities.
Rainbow@sgi-uk.org
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.
minister
@edinburgh-unitarians.org.uk
www.edinburgh-unitarians.co.uk
CULTURAL
THE BIG LGBT MUSIC JAM
Meets 1-4pm on 1st Sat of each
month at the LGBT Centre for
Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe
Street, Edinburgh. A creative and
supportive space for making music.
Play, sing your own song, or just be
an appreciative listener. No need to
book, just turn up. Bring your own
instruments, some percussion
supplied.
biglgbtmusicjamedinburgh
@gmail.com
THE CULTURE CLUB
Meets 7-8.30pm on 1st Wed of
each month at the LGBT Centre for
Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe
Street, Edinburgh to talk about
current arts affairs, exhibitions,
events, ideas, music, and creativity.
A safe space to discuss the arts at
large.
cultureclub.edin@gmail.com
EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S BOOK
GROUP
Meets 7-9pm on 4th Wed of each
month at the LGBT Centre for
Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe
Street, Edinburgh. An inclusive
group where you can meet new
people and read and discuss
interesting books.
info@gaybookgroup.org.uk
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
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. Always very
welcoming of new members,
especially those new to Scottish
Country Dancing.
info@gaygordonsedinburgh.co.uk
www.gaygordonsedinburgh.co.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.
info@mccinglasgow.co.uk
www.mccinglasgow.co.uk
GLASGAY!
Scotland's annual celebration of
queer culture. Next dates: 15th Oct3rd Nov 2012. Contact the festival
office for further information. Write:
27-29 Trongate, Glasgow. G1 5EZ.
Tel: 0141-552 7575.
info@glasgay.co.uk
www.glasgay.co.uk
QUAKER LESBIAN AND GAY
FELLOWSHIP
A welcoming and supportive
national group for people of all
sexual orientations and their
friends. Write: Roy Vickery, 9
Terrapin Court, Terrapin Road,
London. SW17 8QW.
qlgfcontact@btclick.com
www.qlgf.org.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.
IKILTas@aol.com
www.freewebs.com/ikas
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: (Freefone)
0808 808 0234. Write: BM Box
2585, LONDON. WC1N 3XX.
quest@questgaycatholic.org.uk
www.questgaycatholic.org.uk
LGBT FILM CLUB
Regular monthly group returns in
Jan 2013 with documentaries,
shorts and full length films with an
LGBT twist. For film events this
quarter see Special Events section
on web site. If you own or have
access to a film that you would like
to see screened at the group, or are
interested in getting involved,
please Tel: Jules on 0131-523
1104.
jules@lgbthealth.org.uk
www.lgbthealth.org.uk
LGBT HISTORY MONTH
SCOTLAND
Increasing the awareness of LGBT
people’s lives, histories and
experiences. 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, 39-40
Commerce Street, Edinburgh. EH6
6HD.
www.lgbthistory.org.uk
LOUD & PROUD
Scotland's original choir for LGBT
singers is made up of over 60
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 in 2006. Write:
Remember When Project, c/o The
Living Memory Association, The
Stables, 64/1 The Causeway,
Edinburgh. EH15 3PZ. Tel: 0131553 4580, and leave a message,
stating clearly that it is for
Remember When.
miles@livingmemory.org.uk
FETISH
MSC SCOTLAND
A club for men interested in
Leather, Rubber, Uniform. Write: PO
Box 28, Edinburgh. EH3 5JL.
secretary@msc-scotland.net
www.msc-scotland.net
HEALTH AND
ABILITIES
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 Thu 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), 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.Tel:
Alzheimer's Helpline on 0845 300
0336. Write: Alzheimer's Society
LGBT Support Group, Alzheimer's
Society, Devon House, 58 Saint
Katharine's Way, London. E1W 1JX.
enquries@alzheimers.org.uk
www.alzheimers.org.uk
/Gay_Carers/index.htm
BIPOLAR SCOTLAND
LGBT 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.
aileenb@bipolarscotland.org.uk
BROWNLEE CENTRE (GLASGOW)
Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053
Great Western Road, Glasgow. G12
0YN. Confidential information,
advice, counselling and direct
access testing for HIV, Hepatitis and
Syphilis. The Centre provides
ongoing medical and social care for
people with HIV infection, plus
psychological and emotional
support for people living with HIV
and Hepatitis C infections, as well
as one to one counselling for
people at risk of HIV. Tel: 0141-211
1089. Fax: 0141-211 1097. MonThu 9am-5pm, Tue 5-6.30pm, Fri
9am-4.30pm.
BROWNLEE SOCIAL WORK 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 3102.
GAY MEN'S HEALTH ABERDEEN
246 George Street, Aberdeen. AB25
1HN. HIV prevention and support
services in Grampian including
Community Support, Group
Support and LGBT Youth groups.
Tel: Aberdeen (01224) 930355 or
07858 893829.
andi@gmh.org.uk
www.gmh.org.uk
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.
info@gmh.org.uk
www.gmh.org.uk
GAY MEN'S HEALTH GLASGOW
4th Floor, 30 Bell Street, Glasgow.
G1 1LG. 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.
glasgow@gmh.org.uk
www.gmh.org.uk
HIV-AIDS CARERS AND FAMILIES
SERVICE PROVIDER SCOTLAND
10 Elderpark Workspace, 100
Elderpark Street, Glasgow. G51
3TR. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm.
Telephone Support Service: 07778
117900 Mon-Fri 7pm-10pm. Tel:
0141-445 8797.
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 provides
knowledge and expertise to help
inform and deliver strong policies
and effective strategies to tackle the
spread of HIV in Scotland.
info@hivscotland.com
www.hivscotland.com
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.
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.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.
admin@lgbthealth.org.uk
www.lgbthealth.org.uk
MEN UNITED @ THT
Social and support group for gay
and bisexual men living with HIV.
Meets at THT Office, 134 Douglas
Street, Glasgow. G2 4HF. on Thu
eve from 7-9pm. Tel: David
Bingham on 0141-332 3838.
david.bingham@tht.org.uk
www.positivehelpedinburgh.uk
POSITIVE HELP:
13a Great King Street, Edinburgh.
EH3 6QW. Practical help for people
who are infected or affected by
HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C in
Edinburgh, their families and
carers. Tel: 0131-558 1122. Fax:
0131-558 3636.
office
@positivehelpedinburgh.co.uk
www.positivehelpedinburgh.uk
POSITIVE MIXTURE
Self help group offering support
and assistance for individuals with
HIV/AIDS in the Grampian area.
Write: 246 George Street,
Aberdeen. AB25 1HN. Tel: 07789
408209.
carina.ebdy@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.
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 0141-211 8130.
helpsandyford@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
www.sandyford.org
SEXUAL HEALTH LINE
Freefone 0800 567123. 9am-8pm.
Confidential advice and information.
Minicom: Freephone 0800 521361.
www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout
STEVE RETSON PROJECT
Sandyford Central , 2-6 Sandyford
Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. A free
sexual health screening and
counselling service for gay and
bisexual men. Clinics run Tue &
Wed 5-8pm. Tel: 0141-211 8628 for
appointment..
TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST
SCOTLAND
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: 0141-332 3838. Fax:
0141-332 3755. Helpline: THT
Direct 0808 8021221 Mon-Fri
10am-8pm.
info.scotland@tht.org.uk
www.tht.org.uk
overlooked group. Now recruiting
volunteers - opportunities available:
'Reference Group' membership
(65+), 'Community Champion'
(18+) or as part of a film project.
Write: LGBT Centre for Health and
Wellbeing. 9 Howe Street,
Edinburgh. EH3 6TE. Tel: Stefan
0131-523 1102 or 07851 490454.
stefan@lgbthealth.org.uk
www.lgbthealth.org.uk
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: 0131-441 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 0131441 2791.
info@waverleycare.org
www.waverleycare.org
PRIME TIME (EDINBURGH)
Informal social group for men over
40. Meets in GMH, 10 Union Street,
from 2-4.30pm on 1st and 3rd Sun
of each month. Tel: John on 0131556 1309 or Steve on 0131-558
9444.
j.thompson39@btinternet.com
WAVERLEY CARE GLASGOW
12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow. G4
9AS. Tel: 0141-332 2520.
ahpglasgow@waverleycare.org
www.waverleycare.org
WAVERLEY CARE HIGHLAND
34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. IV1
1NB.Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585
highland@waverleycare.org
www.waverleycare.org
WEE CHILL
Adult (18+) issue based group for
improving the mental health and
wellbeing of people affected by
LGBT issues. Every Wed from 68pm at Dumfries & Galloway LGBT
Centre, 88b High Street, Dumfries.
DG1 2BJ.
DandG@lgbtyouth.org.uk
www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk
fb: DumfriesLGBTCentre
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 27th Jan & Sun
24th Feb. Write: PO Box 2087,
Blackpool. FY4 1WL. Tel: Blackpool
(01253) 318327.
Caffmos2@aol.com
Edward (Scottish Contact):
ebsc18624@blueyonder.co.uk
www.caffmoscommunity.com
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
50’S AND FRIENDS
Social opportunities for older LGBT
individuals and friends across
Dumfries & Galloway. Sign-up via
Out and About social network at
www.bigtent.com/groups/
outandabout
dandg@lgbtyouth.org.uk
www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk
fb: DumfriesLgbtCentre
HIGHLAND RAINBOW FOLK
Independent working group which
raises awareness of issues facing
older LGBT people. Monthly
meetings in Inverness. Tel: Suzy on
07791 874583.
highlandrainbowfolk@gmail.com
www.spanglefishcom
/highlandrainbowfolk
LGBT AGE
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 the word to any older
LGBT people you know. Anyone
interested in using the service or
volunteering, please call Garry on
0131-523 1107.
garry@lgbthealth.org.uk
www.lgbthealth.org.uk/content
/lgbt-age
LGBT AGE
CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT
Aims to improve service provision
for older LGBT people and to
increase visibility for this often
PRIME TIME (GLASGOW)
Social group for gay and bisexual
men 40+. Meets last Sun of each
month from 3-5pm at GMH Office
4th Floor, 30 Bell Street. Tel: Criz on
0141-552 0112.
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
OPI CONVENT OF DUNN EIDEANN
The Edinburgh convent. Write:
Mistress of Communications, c/o
PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW.
opi@drink.demon.co.uk
OPI CONVENT OF MORAVIA
The North Eastern convent. Write:
Sister Bobby OPI, Cairnglass, St
Combs, Fraserburgh. AB43 8UT.
Tel: Inverallochy (01346) 583145.
circushighschool@gmail.com
OUTDOOR
PURSUITS
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY OUT
AND ABOUT:
Social network for LGBT individuals
and friends across Dumfries &
Galloway. Sign-up via Out and
About social network at
www.bigtent.com/groups
/outandabout
dandg@lgbtyouth.org.uk
www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk
fb: DumfriesLgbtCentre
FREEDOM CLUB
UK and Europe Wide LGBT Caravan
and Camping Club. Aims to provide
a means whereby gay people can
meet up for rallies throughout the
UK and sometimes into Ireland and
Europe. Tel: Eddie on Cheltenham
(01242) 526826.
enquiry@freedomclub.co.uk
www.freedomclub.co..uk
GAY BIRDERS CLUB
For LGBT Birdwatchers. Write: Gay
Birders Club, GeeBeeCee, BCMMono, London. WC1N 3XX.
info@gbc-online.org.uk
www.gbc-online.org.uk
GAY CARAVAN & CAMPING CLUB
For men and women.
Tel: Ian on 07977 317872.
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.
info@goc.org.uk
www.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.
robert@gocscotland.org
OUTDOOR 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
listings are free
GROUPS
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.
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.
tartantravellers@talktalk.net
www.tartantravellers.wix.com/info
PARENTS
GAY DADS SCOTLAND
Support group for gay fathers.
Meets on last Thu of each month
(except Dec) in a private room in
Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a
Broughton Street. Assemble in
Café Nom de Plume first from 8pm
- look out for sign on table. Gay
dads from all over Scotland
welcome.
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.
parentsenquiry@hotmail.com
www.parentsenquiryscotland.org
RAINBOW FAMILIES
Quarterly events for anyone looking
to meet other LGBT parents, share
experiences and socialise in a
family setting. Tel: Jules Barnes on
0131-523 1104.
jules@lgbthealth.org.uk
POLITICAL
LIBERAL PARTY
LESBIAN AND GAY CAMPAIGN
Tel: 0151-259 5935 (Telephone
Answering Machine). Write: 41
Sutton Street, Liverpool, L13 7EG.
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.
hq@scotlibdems.org.uk
www.scotlibdems.org.uk
t: @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.
bent.bars.project@gmail.com
www.bentbarsproject.org
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.
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.
contact_ecc
@edwardcarpentercommunity
.org.uk
www.gaycommunity.org.uk
MEN4MEN - SCOTLAND
"All of you is welcome – your
shadow and your light." A group of
men who are attracted to men
committed to a journey of knowing
themselves and how they relate to
others and their environment.
Seekers of an inner peace they
explore and stretch their
psychological, emotional, physical,
social, spiritual and sexual limits
whilst respecting each other’s
personal boundaries in a loving,
sacred, safe and supporting space.
They aspire to be their authentic
selves.
www.men4men.org.uk
THE FINDHORN FOUNDATION
Spiritual community, ecovillage and
holistic learning 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.
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.
membership@thebans-rfc.co.uk
www.thebans-rfc.co.uk
EDINBURGH CUESTARS
POOL GROUP
Looking for new members, Meets
on 2nd and 4th Tue of each month
at Shandon Snooker Club, Slateford
Road from 7-10pm. Costs £3 per
person.
darren.girdwood@yahoo.co.uk
EDINBURGH RACQUETEERS
BADMINTON GROUP
Gay and lesbian badminton club,
meets each Thu from 7-9pm at
Meadowbank Stadium. Seeks more
full time and part-time players.
Plays more at an intermediate level
and takes part in some friendly
competitions. Come along, have
fun, enjoy meeting the other
members for a friendly game and a
social get-together afterwards.
Plays all year round and can
generally accommodate more
players during the Summer season
(May-Aug).
info@theracqueteers.co.uk
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
kevrowe72@yahoo.co.uk
www.gfsn.org.uk
GLASGOW FRONTRUNNERS
Running group for the LGBT
community and friends. All abilities
welcome. Meets 7pm Thu and
11.30am Sun at the Arc Leisure
Centre in Glasgow Caledonian
University, Cowcaddens Road.
Social get-together after the run as
well! Tel/text: 07919 894317
(Simon).
secretary
@glasgowfrontrunners.org
www.GlasgowFrontrunners.org
t: @glasgowfrontrun
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!
robleadbetter@hotmail.co.uk
HOTSCOTS
Scotland's very first LGBT group
for football players and fans alike.
Holds regular training sessions
every Thu eve at Saughton Sports
Complex (8.45pm) and kick-abouts
every Fri eve, also at Saughton.
Would love to hear from anyone
who would like to take part.
Compete in Division 1 of the UK
national gay league but 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).
Tel: 07585 132595
mail@hotscotsfc.com
www.hotscotsfc.com
LEAP SPORTS SCOTLAND
Challenges homophobia, biphobia
and transphobia in sport and
showcases LGBT people’s
participation in sport. Tel: 07738
456852.
fraser.robertson@leapsports.org
www.leapsports.org
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.
contact@saltirethistle.com
www.clubwebsite.co.uk
/saltirethistle
SHUTTLESCOTS
BADMINTON CLUB
Friendly and relaxed group of mixed
ability players, including beginners.
Meets 7-9pm every Tue at
Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh
with a coach on hand every other
week and doubles social play in
between. The club is a great
opportunity to meet new people,
make friends and get some
exercise.
info@shuttlescots.co.uk
www.shuttlescots.co.uk
TEAM SCOTLAND
BADMINTON CLUB
Glasgow based gay and lesbian
badminton club meets Sun Noon2pm 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 LGBT Societies - contact via
your Students Union. Tel: NUS
Scotland LGBT Officer on 0131-556
6598 or Fax: 0131-557 5679. Write:
Hazel Marzetti, LGBT Officer, NUS
Scotland, 29 Forth Street,
Edinburgh. EH1 3LE.
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
admin@transmenscotland.org.uk
www.transmenscotland.org.uk
ABERDEEN:
NEST Support: Write: c/o GREC, 41
Union Street, Aberdeen. AB11 5BN.
nestsupport@gmail.com
www.nestsupport.co.uk
BUCHLYVIE:
TV/TS Group: Meets last Sat of
each month at 5pm. Tel: Gladys or
Michelle on Buchlyvie (01360)
850516 or 07896 307348.
gladyspaterson2@yahoo.co.uk
support group for transgender
people, those questioning their
gender identity or cross-dressing.
Meets 1st Sat of each month from
Noon-2pm. Tel: Dumfries (01387)
255058 for venue details.
Write: Regional Equal Rights
Officer, GMB Scotland, Fountain
House, 1/3 Woodside Crescent,
Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Tel: 0141-352
8109.
louise.gilmour@gmb.org.uk
DUNDEE:
HIGHLAND LIFE STAFF EQUALITY
NETWORK
LGBT staff network for public
sector employees in the Highlands.
LGBT@highlandlife.net
www.highlandlife.net/lgbt-network
Diversitay: T With Biscuits: Trans
Group meets monthly. For more
information, Tel: Diversitay on
Dundee (01382) 202620 (Mon 79pm).
EDINBURGH:
Edinburgh Trans Women: Support
group for transsexual women.
Meets 1st Sat of each month 7.309.30pm in LGBT Centre for Health
and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street.
info
@edinburghtranswomen.org.uk
www.edinburghtranswomen.org.uk
Me & T Monthly: Supportive space
for people who have friends, family
or partners who are transgender or
exploring their gender. An
opportunity to meet other people
who may have similar experiences,
questions or concerns. Meets 4th
Sunday of each month from 2-4pm
at the LGBT Centre for Health and
Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street.
me.and.t.edinburgh@gmail.com
fb: MeTMonthly
T-Time: Informal social for all
transgender people, their partners,
family and friends, held the 3rd Sat
of each month from 1-4pm at LGBT
Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9
Howe Street. A friendly, safe and
relaxed environment where there's
also space to change. Tel: Jules
Barnes on 0131-523 1104.
jules@lgbthealth.org.uk
GLASGOW:
Crosslynx Transgender Group:
Check website for details.
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.
colinmackillop@nhs.net
T-Time: Informal social for all
transgender people, their partners,
family and friends. Held on 1st Sat
of each month from 1-4pm at the
Terrence Higgins Trust, 134
Douglas Street. A friendly, safe and
relaxed environment where there’s
also space to change. Tel: Jules
Barnes on 0131-523 1104.
jules@lgbthealth.org.uk
INVERNESS:
Swans Of Scotland: Meets last Thu
of each month from 7-9pm at
Beaufort Hotel, 11 Culduthel Road.
swansofscotland@gmail.com
www.spanglefish.com
/SwansofScotland
PERTH:
Perth Trans Group: Meets first Sat
of each month at 7pm at Grampian
Hotel, York Place, Perth.
kate485@btinternet.com
STIRLING:
Central Scotland Transgender
Group: Meets 2nd Sat of each
month 7-10pm at Westlands Hotel,
Dunblane. Tel: Sarah Whyte on
07748 484703.
sarah_m_whyte@yahoo.co.uk
TRANSGENDER YOUTH
See our Youth listings.
WORKPLACE
EIS LGBT NETWORK
Write: National Officer (Education
and Equality), 46 Moray Place,
Edinburgh. EH3 6BH. Tel: 0131-225
6244.
SMcCrossan@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.
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
DUMFRIES:
TG Times: Monthly social and
GMB SCOTLAND
EQUAL RIGHTS GROUP
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.
pcsproud@live.co.uk
www.pcsproud.org.uk
UNISON
Glasgow City LGBT Group. Meets
pay day Tue at 5pm in Glasgow City
Unison Offices, 84 Bell Street. All
LGBT members welcome.
YOUTH
NATIONAL:
LGBT YOUTH SCOTLAND
The Citadel, 39/40 Commercial
Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6JD.
Provides services and opportunities
for LGBT young people (13-25)
throughout Scotland. Tel: 0131-555
3940. Glasgow Office: 30 (3/2) Bell
Street, Glasgow. G1 1LG. Tel: 0141552 7425. Their website has details
of Youth Groups throughout
Scotland.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
fb: lgbtys
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. 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.
andi@gmh.org.uk
fb: zoneyouthlgbt
ALLOA:
CLAX LGBT Group: Meets 1st Thu
of each month from 6.30-8.30pm at
Kilncraigs.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
EDINBURGH:
Beyond Gender: Meets every Tue
7-9pm at The Citadel, 39/40
Commercial Street. For 13-25 year
old transgender youth.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
fb: beyondgender
Sound Youth: Meets every Wed
6.30-8.30pm at The Citadel, 39/40
Commercial Street. For 13-17 year
olds.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Vada: Meets every Thu 7-9pm at
The Citadel, 39/40 Commercial
Street. For 17-25 year olds.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Weekend Group: Meets every 2nd
Sat 7-9pm at The Citadel, 39/40
Commercial Street. For 13-25 year
olds.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
FALKIRK:
FK1nclude: New group for LGBT
young people and their friends and
allies aged 13-26. Meets Thu 6.308.30pm at Park Street Community
Education Base, Park Street.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
GLASGOW:
Rainbow Sisters Girls' Group:
Meets every 2nd Mon 7-9pm at 30
(3/2) Bell Street. For 13-17 year
olds.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Shout: Meets every Tue 7-9pm at
30 (3/2) Bell Street. For 13-18 year
olds.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Standout: Meets every Wed 7-9pm
at 30 (3/2) Bell Street. For 18-25
year olds.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Trans Youth Glasgow: Meets every
2nd Mon 7-9pm at 30 (3/2) Bell
Street. For 13-25 year old
transgender youth.
info@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.
graham.kane@yls.org.uk
KILMARNOCK:
East Ayrshire LGBT Youth Group:
For 13-26 year olds. Meets Mon
6.30-8.30pm at The Gateway
Centre, Foregate Square,
Kilmarnock. KA1 1LN. Tel: Louisa
on Kilmarnock (01563) 554588.
Louisa.McEvoy
@east-ayrshire.gov.uk
KIRKCALDY:
BORDERS:
INVOLVED: Meets Wed 5-8pm in
Galashiels. Tel: 0131-555 3940.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
CLYDEBANK:
Y Sort It FUSION LGBT Youth
Group: Meets every 2nd Mon 6.309pm.
gillian@ysortit.com or
david@ysortit.com
DUMFRIES:
LGBT Youth Group:
rebecca.mellon@linkhaltd.co.uk
LANARKSHIRE:
LGBT Youth Group: Meets every
Thu. Tel: 0141-332 3838.
groupwork.scotland@tht.org.uk
LEVENMOUTH:
Youth 2 LGBT Youth Group:
Meets every Mon in Leven.
Lisa.Hunter@fife.gov.uk
Dumfries & Galloway Phoenix:
LGBT and friends youth group for
people aged 12-21. Tue 7-9pm. 88b
High Street, Dumfries.Tel: Dumfries
(01387) 255058.
dandg@lgbtyouth.org.uk
www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk
fb: DumfriesLgbtCentre
Glow: Meets Thu 6–8pm at 68-86
Scott Street.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
DUNDEE:
Triangle!: Meets every 2nd Wed
from 6.30–8.30pm at the Crawford
Hall.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Allsorts: Meets every 2nd Tue 68pm at The Shore, 15 Shore
Terrace.
info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
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. Offers a
safe and friendly environment to
meet and discuss issues affecting
the LGBT community and our
families. Tel: Shaun on Dundee
(01382) 206222.
shauntaylor498@hotmail.co.uk
DUNFERMLINE:
LGBT Youth Group: Meets every
Wed eve at Tower House Youth
Centre, Commercial School Lane.
vikki.robertson@fife.gov.uk
PERTH:
STIRLING:
Retired Hippy
contact ads are free
CONTACT ADS
REMEMBER: You can also place and
answer personal ads free online at
www.scotsgay.co.uk. You can now include your telephone number in your
ad at a cost of £5. You will be telephoned by ScotsGay to confirm your
ad before it is printed.
Scottish lads eager to
chat and hook up now!
WOMEN
Brunette Aviemore Woman Seeks
Girlfriend
44 years of age, I am a slim intelligent
assertive crime novelist. I am seeking
a lesbian/bisexual lady aged 30 to 60
for a casual/long-term loving relationship. My interests include rock climbing, alpine skiing, dining out,
homemaking, civilian/military transport and...cats. Box SG13420.
9
p
IN
PER M
Good Evening Ladies
I’m a 48 year old gay female. I enjoy
travelling, dog walking, motorbiking
and generally having a hassle free life.
I’m looking to meet new gay female
friends maybe that new lady of my
life. I’m not into the scene as such but
do like to have a drink and enjoy myself. I’m honest and can be very
funny. I’m quite butch if you want to
catagorize me but to me I’m just me. I
believe you have to be your own person and enjoy life to the fullest you
can. Contact me for a chat or maybe
more if we get on OK. Thanks. Box
SG13407.
100s of guys online. CALL NOW!
!
"
Honest Sincere Woman
Honest, sincere woman would like to
meet similar women aged 63 to 67 for
friendship, socialising or maybe
something special. Likes music, films,
eating out and in. Get in touch. Box
SG13408.
Genuine Gay Woman Seeks Similar
I am an attractive fuller figured, genuine,kind,sensitive, caring, honest and
loyal gay woman with a good sense of
humour, intelligent and educated IQ
165, creative, eccentric, witty, well
mannered and respectful, with a good
sense of humour looking for a nondrinking clean living spiritual similar
gay woman aged 40-55 to be her
sweetheart (no men, married or bisexual women please or women with
children ) who is looking for a long
term committed relationship with
someone who enjoys music, art, cinema, theatre and exhibitions, cultural
pursuits and eating out and a quiet life
to settle down with. My starsign is
Virgo. Within local or 1 hour bus or
train travelling distance by public
transport of Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland. Box SG13409.
Sincere Gay Woman - 56 - GSOH
WLTM honest, loyal, sane gay woman
non-drinker who likes the quieter life.
I have slight disability, but can do
most things. Are you the woman I
have been looking for? Box SG13410.
Sane And Genuine 55 Year Old
Sane and sincere lesbian looking for
friends and maybe someone special.
Likes cinema, walking, quiet nights in.
Box SG13411.
Sporty And Femme
Honest gay woman would like to meet
similar. Enjoy tennis and footie aged
also similar late 40’s and femme. Tel:
07974 889401. Box SG13412.
Edinburgh Sincere Feminine
Sincere feminine lesbian, likes travel,
sunshine and relaxing, meals in and
out, cinema, gym, swimming. Would
like to meet feminine professional 4050 for friendship and fun times. Edinburgh. Box SG13413.
Sane Lesbian - 53 Years Old
Sane femme lesbian looking for
friends maybe even that special person. Love to walk with someone, go
to the cinema, eat out or quiet nights
in. Get in touch. Box SG13414.
Easy Going 39 Year Old - Caithness
Looking for someone who’s into
music, having nights out or chilling at
home with a few vinos and good
sense of humour for fun times. Box
SG13415.
Edinburgh
Warm, affectionate, loving, caring
woman, 51. Capricorn, 5’2”, blue
eyes, strawberry blnde hair. Interests
include all genres of music, theatre,
art, drama. Like full body massage,
hot stone therapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, etc. Like UK holidays. Go by
personality not looks. Looking for solvent woman, 40-50, not bossy,
preferably from Edinburgh area. Box
SG13416.
MEN
Ancient Organs
Old copies of Gay News and magazines (no porn) are available for a donation to charity, or to a good home.
Box SG13417.
Edinburgh
Mature guy looking for fun with
guy(s) aged 16-26 - probably at my
place in Central Edinburgh. Nothing
complicated: love not required although mutual respect is a must. One
off is good, so is longer term fuck
buddy. I’m mostly active but can be
versatile if that’s what really works for
you. Safer fun only - no barebacking.
And a kiss or cuddle can be just as
good as (or better than) anything else
- so there are a lot of options. What
have you got to lose by replying and
seeing if our needs/desires are compatible? Other than your virginity
which is soon gone with this poof!
Box SG13404.
Shrewd Move
Your move against mine - E2 to E4. Email: pwood403@googlemail.com or
write: Box SG13406.
Fun With Elderly Gent At The
Weekend
Regular fun wanted by 62 year old
man living in Cumbernauld. All ages
welcome. Meal provided. Text: 07466
000815. Box SG13428.
I’m @ Edin
40 year old seeking friend for camping. Smoker. English, Skinhead. Box
SG13429.
Dundee Lad 30’s
Looking for open minded guys to get
naked with and have a good time,
booze, porn, fetish group. I can’t accommodate. If interested get in touch.
Box SG13430.
Discreet Fun Time Anytime
Mature non scene Fife guy needs regular discreet fun time at any time. Can
be your place or mine (very private),
Whatever you fancy is definately possible. Interested? Drop me a line. Box
SG13431.
Massage For Stocky Men
I am a very chubby passive guy who
would like to offer stocky sincere guys
a body massage. Experienced enough
to please. No time wasters - thank
you! Box SG13432.
Ayrshire Guy
Aged 62, medium build, good SOH,
looking for friendship, 1-1, maybe
more. Tel: 07816 036054. Box
SG13433.
Very Much Needed
Isle of Lewis based keen naturist
seeking like minded company 18-38
and local area based companionship
to enjoy indoor and outdoor nudism
with and for naturism related pursuits. Genuine replies only, please.
Tel: 07971 028598. Box SG13418.
Roar!
Wild 22 year old seeks Adventure
Time with those who are loyal to Pan.
Easily Seduced but easier to seduce
you. Box SG13434.
Curious
I am 41, bi curious, I also like wearing
panties, stockings. I need a genuine
mature guy to help me. If you are
over 50 and would like to help, please
get in touch. Box SG13419.
Older 4 Younger
Single disabled gent, walks with cane.
Needs to find young caring loving
companion to help me when out’n’about and also for me to spoil.
Photo please. Box SG13436.
27 Year Old Edinburgh Rimmer
Seeks Master 16-35
I’m a slim, fit, good-looking 27 year
old lad, 5ft 10in. I have my own place
in the Edinburgh area. I am looking
for a lad 16-35 to rim and suck regularly. I love eating ass and sucking
hole. I am up for regular fun. I can
send you my pic before meeting. If
this sounds good and gets you really
hard, please text me: 07957 210946.
Box SG13421.
Master Required
Master required for novice slave. I am
mature but young looking and slim.
Have 20 years experience BDSM and
need limits expanded and new ones
created. If you have an equipped playroom in Scotland, I am quite willing
to pay for a session. Totally reliable
and trustworthy. Willing to be taught
exactly to Sir’s specifications and
some say I have some extreme desires... Nothing ventured nothing
gained. Would appreciate if anyone
can direct me to a proper Master for
appropriate training and servitude.
Box SG13422.
Ginger Friends In Aberdeen
Looking for ginger men for fun and
friendship. I’m Spanish. Live in Aberdeen. Box SG13423.
Sub Guy Seeks Dom
I am very submissive. I like giving
oral and being dominated. WLTM well
endowed dom master aged 50-60 for
genuine relationship. Box SG13424.
Wanting Hot Older Men
I’m 43 and looking for older guys in
suits, uniform. Drivers. Workmen,
Dads and Bears welcome. Box
SG13425.
Mature Student
Edinburgh mature student, 55, WLTM
younger (16-26) student(s) in the city
JOBS OFFERED
Cash For Your Body
Photogenic guys can earn £150 cash
posing for Mike Arlen. Send snapshots of your body to: Mike Arlen,
Wetherby Studios, 23 Wetherby Mansions, Earls Court Square, London.
SW5 9BH or Phone: 020-7373 1107.
E-mail: mikearlen69@gmail.com
for fun and friendship. Easy going.
Non scene. Non smoker. Discretion
assured. Box SG13426.
Massage In Cumbernauld
Sex technician gives free massage
and fun in Cumbernauld. Text: 07813
530143. Box SG13427.
Edinburgh, Deep And Wide...
Still good-looking at 50, top, seeking
hot bottom, 45-55, for long, deep,
sleazy sessions, with toys and poppers and lots of laughs... Hoping to
find a new FB for 2013... Box
SG13437.
cleaning, shopping, everyday household tasks undertaken. Trained in
Swedish massage techniques. Tel:
07954 619132.
56, looking for some love and affection from women and men of all ages.
Box SG13402.
SERVICES
A1 Erotic Videos
For all your mucky movies:
www.filthonline.co.uk
GENDERQUEER
Edinburgh
26 year old genderqueer looking for
suitable persons to eat out... with. It’s
hard for me... to express how much I
want this to happen. Wanna tie me
up? Want me to tie you up? Box
SG13405.
STRAIGHT
Silver Bear
Edinburgh based 50something guy
seeks morally relaxed women of all
ages for fun and friendship. Box
SG13403.
FRIENDS ABROAD
We do not provide box numbers to
advertisers outwith the UK. Instead,
their personal contact details will be
published both in the magazine and
online.
INTERGAY
Penpal contacts with gay men all over
the world. Over 120 subscribers in 30
countries. To join is free: send your
ad. Only subscribers get the booklet
with all data and addresses by enclosing £5. INTERGAY, Voorstraat 12-A,
4033 AD Lienden, Netherlands.
JOBS WANTED
Edinburgh
Experienced cleaner, trained masseur,
looking for work in Edinburgh. Deep
CAFFMOS
Contacts and friendships for men over
sixty. The organisation for the more
mature gentleman and his admirers.
Write to: CAFFMOS, PO Box 2087,
Blackpool. FY4 1WL. Or phone
Blackpool (01253) 318327 for info.
Gardening
Very experienced good looking
gardener available to look after your
garden to the very highest standards,
no task too difficult. Based in the
central belt and covering Glasgow and
Edinburgh. Please call me on
07981 920156.
chester. M15 6WT. E-mail:
tdmonthlymagazine@btinternet.com
Web: www.tdmonthly.net
Uniform Dating - Free Membership
For Every ScotsGay Reader
Fancy a date in uniform? Here’s your
chance! With thousands of registered
firemen, nurses, pilots, military, police
officers and singles from other professional uniformed services, Uniform
Dating offers the most unique online
dating experience. It is now open to
those who are not in uniform. Uniform Dating has been made available
to readers of the ScotsGay Magazine,
with thousands of registered members just waiting to be contacted. And,
thanks to this offer, membership of
this fantastic website is absolutely
FREE. To take advantage of 5 day’s
free membership, visit Web:
www.uniformdating.com and create
your free profile. Then in the ‘Upgrade’ area, enter the promotional
code: SGM.
BACK RUBS
Advertising Pays
ScotsGay charges just £20 a month
for an ad here with your picture! Email: backrubsads@scotsgay.co.uk or
Tel: 0131-539 0666.
Limited Companies
Only £90 for your own Limited Company. PLCs, Guarantee, Charitable and
Unlimited Companies also available.
Freephone 0800 526421. E-mail:
info@cosunformations.co.uk. Web:
www.cosunformations.co.uk
Massage For Men - Edinburgh
Are you in need of an affirming, masculine, stress busting chill out guys?
Experience the blissful pleasure and
nurturing benefits of a deeply relaxing
full body massage in a private city
centre sanctuary. I use a broad range
of techniques that can be selectively
blended to meet individual need. Excellent rate - £20 (£10 students).
Qualified, experienced (17 years) gay
therapist who is friendly, respectful
and caring. Contact Jim on 07503
446534. [136]
Proofreading And Tuition
In English (including TEFL), French,
Latin, Greek and Gaelic, Typing Services, Historical and Genealogical Research. Charles S Coventry, 303/3
Colinton Road, Edinburgh. EH13 0NR.
Tel: 0131-441 7898. E-mail:
charlie@charliecov.plus.com
TD MONTHLY
A contact ads publication for gay and
bisexual men, 18+, who enjoy all
forms of male-to-male discipline!
Contacts, Stories, CP Pictures, CP
Videos & DVDs, News, CP Clubs and
Events. SAE for details or E-mail.
Write: TD Monthly, PO Box 310, Man-
!
Massage For Guys - Edinburgh
Experience a full body Swedish Massage using deep tissue manipulation
using sensual Tantric techniques guaranteed to make you feel relaxed.
Offered by fully qualified and friendly
guy based in Edinburgh near Holy
Corner. Sessions last just over an
hour. No out calls. Reasonable rates £30 (£15 for students). Phone 07983
422652 or E-mail: Massage-for-MenEdinburgh@hotmail.co.uk [137]
Glasgow, Edinburgh And Surrounds
Sensual naturist massage. Roger, 42.
In/Outcalls in Glasgow and Outcalls in
Edinburgh/elsewhere. TEL: 07905
710920. www.gaydar.co.uk/ahairyman
[134]
Massagalicious
Fully qualified BSY masseur offering
top to toe hot cream body massage.
Waxing or body trim/clipper/shave
and tidy service. Hot and hygienic
showering facilities in comfortable
surroundings. For immediate appointments contact Ricky on 07835
217109. Visit my website for more information on services and competitive
prices. www.massagalicious.co.uk
[134]
Perthshire - Fife - Central
Good looking escort/companion available for fun and good times, very discreet, Perthshire, Fife, Central areas,
call Johnnie on 07928 180568. [134]
!
night or as long as you wish. The gay
village is on our door step. [140]
All New, All Gay Guesthouses
- Edinburgh
Two great locations. Exclusively gay.
Easy walk to nightlife. Stylish rooms,
all with TV and video (tapes available).
Shared and private
bathrooms. Breakfast available till
noon. Non-smoking houses. Easy
parking. Room rates: £29-£49 per
night. Call 0131-558 1382 or Fax
0131-556 8279. Web: www.
gayscotland.com/alvahouse [129]
Cherry Tree Lodge - West Fife
Cherry Tree Lodge is a gay owned, secluded, easily accessible guest house
and retreat space offering bed and
breakfast with stunning views of the
Scottish countryside in the Kingdom
of Fife. We offer a tranquil, relaxing
space for those exploring the area,
business people who want a more
personal experience than a hotel or
those just wanting to stay awhile and
be nourished in mind, body and soul.
Tel: 01383 851059. It’s a place where
you can just “Be”.
www.cherrytreelodge.net [133]
Top For Bottom
Topper, 50, looking for greedy, hot
bottom, 40-60. Edinburgh area. Can
accommodate. TVs and CDs also welcome for special treatment. Discretion
assured and no strings attached. Box
SG13440.
BISEXUAL
Bi Curious?
There has to be a first time for everything! Aged 16-26? Get in touch?
Considerate, experienced, versatile,
older guy will talk you through things
at your own pace before getting down
to some safe fun. Your limits respected. Total discretion assured. Live
in Edinburgh and can accommodate
but may travel if required. Box
SG13401.
A World Full Of Married Men
Some bi, some curious. If you are either, I’d love to meet you. I’m 60, bi,
very open minded. I can accommodate or travel. Discretion assured/expected. ALA. Box SG13435.
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. Replies to : ScotsGay, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW.
Moffat - Dumfriesshire
Comfortable Bed and Breakfast. All
rooms en-suite with TV and DVD and
free WiFi in all rooms. Massage available. Tel: 01683 221905. E-mail:
Mcleancamm1956@btinternet.com
[136]
ScotsGay
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]
West Fife – Therapies On A “Pay
What You Can” Basis
Penpals Needed
Lonely prisoner, 21, gay, in gaol for 5
years for drug offences. In Shotts.
Single. Into being sub. WLTM guys
16-30 for writing and later sex. 8”.
Blond. 5’8”. Smoker. Box SG13438.
Aspergers
Recently diagnosed mature 50’s guy
seeks younger Aspie guy (16-26) for
fun and friendship. Box SG13439.
Isle Of Iona Self Catering
Cottage available on the Isle of Iona
for self catering. Recently extensively
renovated: new bathroom with
shower, central heating, plus back sun
room looking across the fields to the
sea. One small double room, one single room, two bed sofas. The beach is
3 minutes walk away - however the
cottage is 10 minutes walk from the
jetty. Very quiet and peaceful, ideal for
walking and relaxing. Non-smoking
house. Special mid week rates. See
http://www.ionadreams.co.uk for pictures and more details or contact
Jenny on 07961 446904 (E-mail from
website preferred). [136]
Personal Ad: FREE!
Hi, my name is Mark and I have created www.rainbowhealing.org.uk for
Mind, Body and Spirit Therapies offering: Massage, Emotional Freedom
Technique (EFT), Reiki. I have a therapy room in the beautiful setting that
is www.cherrytreelodge.net. The
credit crunch is affecting some more
than it is others. So, if the usual fees
are in the way of getting the healing
you need, I invite you along in good
faith on a PAY WHAT YOU CAN basis.
As part of my business ethic, 5% of
any fees received go to a featured
charity. Please take a look at the site
for more details on the therapies, myself, my usual fees and the charities I
support. Contact: mark
@rainbowhealing.org.uk or Call 07940
421038 for a professional, healing,
non-sexual experience. [134]
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)
WHERE TO STAY
Advertising Pays
ScotsGay charges just £60 a year for
an ad here! E-mail:
wheretostayads@scotsgay.co.uk or
Tel: 0131-539 0666.
18 Barony Street Guest House
Edinburgh EH3 6BJ
Live the life-stay in the village. Clean
spacious comfortable rooms (shared
bathrooms) from £30 pp/pn. Tel:
0131-531 0664 or 07592 905208 or
07949 157219. E-mail: baronyst
@hotmail.co.uk You can stay for one
Contact Ads
ScotsGay Magazine
PO Box 666
Edinburgh
EH7 5YW
SG134
VENUES&EMPORIA
ABERDEEN
EDINBURGH
CHAPLINS*
20 Adelphi. Sun & Thu 9pm-2am,
Fri-Sat 9pm-3am. LGBT and
Straight friendly venue.
fb: Chaplins Aberdeen
ADULT CONCEPTIONS*
8 Drummond Street. Tel: 0131557 9413. Sun Noon-9pm,
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. Licensed
sex shop.
CHEERZ BAR & CLUB*
11 Hadden Street. Lively gay bar
and club with entertainment and
more.
fb: Cheerz Bar
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 12.30-8pm.
liz@theauldhoose.co.uk
www.theauldhoose.co.uk
MARKET ARMS*
13 Hadden Street. LGBT friendly
pub with karaoke five nights per
week.
fb: MarketArmsAberdeen
WELLMAN’S HEALTH STUDIO*
218 Holburn Street. Tel: (01224)
211441. Mon-Fri Noon-10pm,
Sat Noon-9pm, Sun 2-9pm. 8man Jacuzzi, sauna, steamroom,
café. Free Internet access.
Massage available.
info
@wellmans-health-studio.co.uk
www.wellmans-healthstudio.co.uk
DUMFRIES
DUMFRIES LGBT CENTRE*
88b High Street, Dumfries, DG1
2BJ. Tel: (01387) 255058.
Various group drop-ins, please
view online calendar: www.
lgbtcentredg.co.uk/calendar/ Also
provides LGBT awareness
training to professionals.
DandG@lgbtyouth.org.uk
www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk
DUNDEE
B4OUT*
2 St Andrew’s Lane. Tel: (01382)
200660. 7pm-Midnight. Gay bar.
Karaoke Wed, Fri & Sun: Karaoke.
Free pool table. Smoking balcony.
Available for Private Hire.
fb: b4out
CLUB AFTERTASTE*
51 Meadowside. 11.30pm2.30am. Wed & Sun: LGBT
nights. Sat: LGBT friendly. New
club. Available for Private Hire.
fb: AfterTaste Dundee
JOCKS HEALTH CLUB/SAUNA*
11 Princes Street. Tel: (01382)
451986. Due to re-open soon.
ask@jockssauna.co.uk
www.jockssauna.co.uk
KLOZET*
73-75 Seagate. Tel: (01382)
690403. Sun 12.30-Midnight,
Mon-Fri 11am-Midnight, Sat
11am-2.30am. Formerly The
Gauger. Karaoke Wed, Fri & Sun.
Free pool from 11am-6pm. Free
WiFi. Regular live bands and acts.
fb: klozet.dundee
BLUE MOON CAFÉ*
1 Barony Street/36 Broughton
Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788 (Bar)
or 0131-557 0911 (Office). SatSun 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.
CAFÉ HABANA*
22 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131558 1270. 1pm-1am. Friendly
pre-club bar popular with locals
and visitors. Free WiFi.
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.
info@theregentbar.co.uk
C.C. BLOOM'S*
23-24 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131556 9331. Sun 12.30pm-3am,
Mon-Sat 11am-3am. Recently
renovated nightclub with bar and
restaurant.
ccblooms@tiscali.co.uk
fb: CC Blooms
THE CHURCH OF
HIGH KICKS*
C.C. Blooms, 23-24 Greenside
Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331.
Hosted by drag DJ Jon Pleased
Wimmin, features music, star
turns, talent competition and free
buffet.
fb: Church of High Kicks
DV8
Spiders Web Basement, 258
Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-228
1949. 8pm-1am. Last Fri of each
month. Fetish club.
http://dv8fetishclub.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.
fb: outdundee
EDINBURGH LGBT CENTRE*
58a and 60 Broughton Street.
Houses Café Nom De Plume and
Pride Scotia. Free WiFi
(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.
info@edinburghlgbtcentre.org.uk
THE SALTY DOG*
9 Crichton Street. Tel: 07580
171426. 2pm-Midnight. Cosy little
bar. Fri & Sat: Karaoke. Sun: "The
Sunday Club" with free buffet
from 7pm.
fb: SaltyDog Dundee
ELBOW*
133-135 East Claremont Street.
Tel: 0131-556 5662. 11am-1am.
Breakfast until 6pm at weekends,
Lunch 11.30am-6pm, 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.
fb: Electroedinburgh
FEVER
The Annexe at The Liquid
Rooms, 9c Victoria Street
(Entrance via Cowgate). Tel:
0131-225 2564. 11pm-3am. 3rd
Sat of each month. Club night.
DJs Fisher & Price and Miss
Chris.
GHQ*
4 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-550
1780. Sun & Tue 11pm-3am,
Wed 9.30pm-3am, Thu 11pm3am, Fri-Sat 9pm-3am.
Stylish bar and club catering for
the capital's fashionable gays.
www.ghqedinburgh.co.uk
HOT MESS
Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh College
Of Art, 74 Lauriston Place. Tel:
0131-229 1003. 11pm-3am.
Next date: Fri 8th Feb. 11pm3am. Club night. £5 (£3
students).
fb: HOTMESSDISCO
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. Provides
meeting space for community
groups. See website for listings.
admin@lgbthealth.org.uk
www.lgbthealth.org
NEW TOWN BAR*
26B Dublin Street. Tel: 0131-538
7775. Sun 12.30pm-1am, MonThu Noon-1am, Fri-Sat
Noon-2am. Food: Mon-Fri Noon3pm. Popular and busy gay bar.
Free WiFi. Real ale.
www.newtownbar.co.uk
No EIGHTEEN*
18 Albert Place, Leith Walk. Tel:
0131-553 3222. Mon-Thu Noon10pm, Fri-Sun Noon-11pm. The
UK's first VAT registered gay
sauna! £12 (£10 concessions),
£7 after 8pm.
www.number18sauna.com
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.
planetgaybar@googlemail.com
PUSSY WHIPPED
Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh College
Of Art, 74 Lauriston Place. Tel:
0131-229 1003. 7-10.30pm.
Next date: Fri 8th Feb. Queer and
Female kick-ass band night
followed by queer club HOT
MESS. £3 entry.
p.whipped.edinburgh
@gmail.com
Q-STORE
5 Barony Street. Tel/Fax: 0131477 4756. Mon-Fri 11am-7pm,
Sat 11am-6pm. Scotland's only
licensed gay store.
THE REGENT*
2 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131661 8198. Sun 12.30pm-1am,
Mon-Sat Noon-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.
info@theregentbar.co.uk
www.lagrad-edinburgh.org.uk
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. Lockers £6,
Cabins £11 before 2pm. Lockers
£10, Cabins £15 at all other
times. Students and under 25 £6
lockers all day, every day! No
membership required.
www.steamworks-sauna.co.uk
THE STREET*
2 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-556
4272. Sun 12.30pm-1am, MonSat Noon-1 am. Small but
perfectly formed bar run by
Louise and Trendy Wendy.
www.thestreetbar.co.uk
WEE SPINNEY'S CAFÉ BAR*
20 Leopold Place. Tel: 0131-556
3556. 11am-11pm. Below
Richmond Hotel. Food served
from Noon.
weespinneyscafebar
@hotmail.com
WORD POWER*
43-45 West Nicolson Street. Tel:
0131-662 9112. Sun Noon-5pm,
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.
Independent radical bookshop.
books@wordpower.co.uk
www.word-power.co.uk
GLASGOW
AMBASSADORS RAINBOW*
41b York Street. Tel: 0141-237
3011. Noon-Midnight. Sauna.
Mon: Buddies Day (2 for 1), Fri:
TVs, CDs and Admirers Day.
www.ambassadorsrainbow.com
fb: Ambassadors Rainbow
AXM CLUB
80 Glassford Street. Tel: 0141552 5761. Wed-Sun 10pm-3am.
New club in former Bennets
premises - "Manchester has now
arrived in Glasgow".
info@axm-club.com
www.axmgroup.co.uk/axm-clubglasgow/
CCA*
350 Sauchiehall Street. Tel: 0141352 4900. Fax: 0141-332 3226.
Café Tel: 0141-332 7959. Info:
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Gallery:
Tue-Sat 11am-6pm. Café: Mon Sat, 10am-Midnight. Bar:
Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight. Centre
for Contemporary Arts. ScotsGay
available in bar.
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: 0141-552
4803. Noon-Midnight. DJs
nightly from 9pm. Thu: Quiz.
Sun: Karaoke.
www.delmonicas.co.uk
FHQ*
10 John Street. Tel: 0141-553
5851. Sat 11pm-3am. Women’s
bar/club.
www.fhqbar.co.uk
THE GALLERY*
101 Brunswick Street. Part of the
Old Sheriff Court Building. Tel:
0141-552 6310. 10am-Midnight.
New and upmarket bistro/bar,
clean cut, contemporary with a
relaxed atmosphere. Live
entertainment, large selection of
wines, beers, spirits, teas,
coffees, food and homebakes
available. Free Wi-Fi. Large
external seating area.
fb: merchant.galleryglasgow
THE LANE
60 Robertson Lane. Irregular
hours. Sauna with private cabins.
Not very busy.
LUKE & JACK
ADULT BOUTIQUE*
45 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-552
5699. Mon-Thu 11am-6pm, FriSat 10.30am-6.30pm, Sun
Noon-5pm. Locally owned and
independent. Sells aromas, toys,
lubes, magazines and books,
underwear, T-shirts, gifts, etc.
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.
fb: MerchantPride
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 VIRGINIA GALLERY*
Basement, 45 Virgina Street.
Specialises in art from the LGBT
Community and erotic art for all!
Over 18's only. Regular themed
exhibitions and events. Open TueSat.
www.thevirginiagallery.co.uk
MILK
17 John Street. Mon-Fri 4pmMidnight, Sat-Sun 3pmMidnight. Gay bar.
fb: Milk 17 John Street
THE WATERLOO*
306 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-248
7216. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight,
Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight. Popular,
crowded, down to earth drinking
shop. Scotland's oldest gay bar.
Busy, busy!
www.waterloobar.co.uk
fb: Waterloo Bar
NO. 40 FOX STREET
40 Fox Street. Tel: 0141-258
9082. 11am-2am. New gay and
bisexual private men's club.
membership@40foxstreet.com
www.40foxstreet.com
WEDNESDAYS
The Tunnel, 84 Mitchell Street. Tel:
0141-204 1000. 1st Wed of each
month. 11.30pm-3am. Club
night.
www.tunnelglasgow.co.uk
THE PIPEWORKS*
5-10 Metropole Lane. Tel: 0141552 5502. Mon-Thu
11.30am-11pm, Fri 11.30amSat 6am, Sat Noon- Sun 11pm.
Men's Health and Leisure Club.
Usual facilities. £13 (£10 conc).
www.thepipeworks.com
STIRLING
POLO LOUNGE*
84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553
1221. Sun 9pm-3am, Mon
11pm-3am (Club X only), Tue
10pm-3am, Wed 7pm-3am, ThuSat 11pm-3am. Long established
pub/club. Young crowd.
www.pologlasgow.co.uk
RELAX CENTRAL*
3rd Floor, 27 Union Street. Tel:
0141-221 0415. Sun Noon8.30pm, Mon-Sat
11.30am-10pm. Established gay
sauna. Entry £8.
relaxcentral@ymail.com
www.relaxcentral.co.uk
THE RIDING ROOM*
The Joint On The Corner, 58
Virginia Street. Tel: 0845
6595904. 5pm-3am. Liquor and
cabaret.
george@theridingroom.co.uk
www.theridingroom.co.uk
SILKS AND SECRETS*
308 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-572
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. Sun 12.30pm-2am, MonThu 4pm–2am, Fri 4pm–3am,
Sat Noon–3am. Fresh alternative
to the gay scene. Food until 9pm.
speakeasy@g1group.com
www.speakeasyglasgow.co.uk
TRON THEATRE CAFÉ BAR*
Chisholm Street. Tel: 0141-552
8587. Fax: 0141-552 6657. Sun
11am-Late, Mon-Sat 10am-Late.
Friendly theatre bar. Mixed. Good
food.
www.tron.co.uk
www.armaniroca.com
*denotes ScotsGay available
KATIE’S BAR*
3 Barnton Street. Tel: (01786)
448458. Sun-Thu 8am-Midnight,
Fri-Sat 8am-1am. LGBT friendly.
katiesbar10@hotmail.co.uk
fb: katiesbarbistro
STORNOWAY
AN LANNTAIR*
Kenneth Street. Tel: (01851)
703307. Mon-Sat 10am-Late.
LGBT friendly arts centre with bar
and restaurant. Real ale.
info@lanntair.com
www.lanntair.com
TROON
LITTLE SHOP WITH NO NAME*
41 West Portland Street. Tel:
(01292) 317717. Tue-Sun
10.30am-5pm. LGBT-owned and
friendly art gallery and coffee
shop.
littleshopwithnoname
@gmail.com
www.littleshopwithnoname
.co.uk
ScotsGay is a monthly
magazine for
LGBT folk and friends.
ISSN: 1357-0595.
Unless otherwise stated
© Pageprint Ltd, Jan 2013.
PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW.
Non profit use of material in the
magazine, will normally be
permitted free of charge,
but contact us first for permission.
Views expressed in ScotsGay
don't necessarily reflect the views
of ScotsGay. People featured may
identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual,
trans, straight, some, all, or non
of the above.
Editorial: John Hein
Tel: 0131-539 0666
editorial@scotsgay.co.uk
Advertising: Martin Mann
Tel: 0131-661 6037
Mob: 07850 576106
scotsgayadvertising@gmail.com
A new bathroom concept
30 canonmills edinburgh scotland 0131 556 6166
mail@napierinteriors.co.uk
www.napierinteriors.co.uk
facebook.com/napierinteriors
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