Heavy Issue 82 - ScotsGay Magazine
Transcription
Heavy Issue 82 - ScotsGay Magazine
scotsgay.co.uk 80/- HEAVY • £1.50 WHERE SOLD • ISSUE 82 EDITED, PRINTED & PUBLISHED IN SCOTLAND SINCE 1994 • DISTRIBUTED FREE IN LGBT AND OTHER SELECTED VENUES Garry Otton’s ‘Badge of Shame’ Andrew Baines at the Artery Gallery Stewart McDonald: Understanding Iran Andrew Doyle Scott Capurro talks to Scottish Gay Scene Reviewed & Listed NEWS REVIEWS CONTACTS LISTINGS ScotsGay OPENING REMARKS Inside this Issue of ScotsGay 3 5 8 12 13 Opening Contents & Beth’s Opinion LGBT News Scottish News p5 International News p6 Going Out Aberdeen p8 Edinburgh p9 Highlands p10 Glasgow p11 The Surreal Deal Focus on Andrew Baines new work at the Artery Gallery Opinion Stewart McDonald gives his view on Iran Not a Proper Lesbian...? ime and time again the same drunken argument crops up… stereotypes... and time and again I’m made to question my lesbian credentials. T Yes I like to sleep with women, yes I own cats, yes I like to play pool and drink beer and yes until recently I drove a Vauxhall Tigra. So far it’s looking good. Granted, I don’t have short spiky hair and I am not on the scene every night of the week, but when the question is posed: “are you a feminist?”, I officially become the worst lesbian in the world. Now don’t get me wrong, I agree with equal opportunities, abortion rights and all that. I am very thankful for what the ladies of the past have fought for and won. But I am afraid that’s where it ends for me. I work in a very male dominated industry, where I can safely say that me being female, or for that matter a lesbian, has never once been an issue for me. In fact from time to time I use being female to my advantage. Beth Robinson beth@scotsgay.co.uk What do you think? E-mail feedback @scotsgay.co.uk I am not embarrassed to admit that, where needed, I have flirted to get what I want, or, when I need something heavy carried, I have occasionally played the “female card”. Now surely I am not the only one to think this…. so I type “feminism” into “Wikipedia”, and apparently I’m not alone. I am in fact, it says here, a postfeminist. Seems there are many saying that feminism is no longer relevant to today’s society. I was going to read on but got distracted by much more interesting Wikipedia topics. Also, I am not ashamed to say I love men. Granted, I would never sleep with one, but I couldn’t imagine my life without my male friends. I remember when I first started going out on the scene, being frowned on as my best mate was a gay man. Apparently lesbians and gay men didn’t mix. Thankfully, this has changed a bit. So if there was a qualification in “being a lesbian” would I fail? To me it’s quite simple - if I enjoy sleeping with women, does it matter what I look like, where I drink or if I would be willing to burn my bra? ScotsGay: a monthly magazine for LGBT folks and friends. scotsgay.co.uk 15 Reviews Films p15 Books p16 ScotsGay 60/- Light (Scene Edition) appears at the end of odd numbered months, whilst ScotsGay 80/- Heavy appears at the end of even numbered months. ISSN: 1357-0595. Unless otherwise stated © Pageprint Publishers Limited, June 2008. PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. Non profit use by the LGBT community of material in the magazine, to which we hold copyright, will normally be permitted free of charge, but you must contact us first for permission. 80/- heavy • £1.50 where sold • Issue 82 Edited, Printed & Published in Scotland since 1994 • Distributed free in LGBT and other selected venues Garry Otton’s ‘Badge of Shame’ Editorial: 0131-539 0666 editor@scotsgay.co.uk Advertising: 07722 388903 advertising@scotsgay.co.uk Andrew Baines at the Artery Gallery 2 ScotsGay 18 Scott Capurro 20 Badge of Shame 22 Listings Andrew Doyle talks to the controversial comic Garry Otton’s exploration of the Media coverage of Section 28 LGBT Groups p22 LGBT Venues p26 28 Contacts 34 Sport etc Post/E-mail p28 Phone p30 HotScots FC Competition & Free Stuff Stewart McDonald: Understanding Iran Andrew Doyle talks to Scott Capurro Scottish Gay Scene Reviewed & Listed Book & Film Reviews Views expressed in ScotsGay don't necessarily reflect the views of ScotsGay. People featured in ScotsGay may indentify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, straight or anything really. Editor/Designer Publisher Cover ScotsGay Online Martin Walker John Hein Scot Capurro from the Edinburgh Fringe Show Scott Capurro Goes Deeper www.scotsgay.co.uk www.myspace.com/ScotsGayMagazine & www.bebo.com/ScotsGayMagazine Advertise with ScotsGay For rates & terms contact our Advertising Department E-mail: advertising@scotsgay.co.uk Phone: 07722 388903 Web: www.scotsgay.co.uk/advertising Address: PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW Deadline Published Fri 18th July Fri 8th Aug Fri 19th Sep Fri 24th Oct Fri 21st Nov Fri 12th Dec Fri 23rd Jan Fri 20th Feb Fri 20th Mar Fri 25th July Fri 15th Aug Fri 26th Sep Fri 31st Oct Fri 28th Nov Fri 19th Dec Fri 30th Jan Fri 27th Feb Fri 27th Mar ScotsGay is published by Pageprint Publishers Limited Registered in Scotland: No 340162. Read the editor’s blog at www.bebo.com /ScotsGayMagazine ScotsGay 3 ScotsGay SCOTTISH LGBT NEWS New Bill Sweeps Clean ! " # $ % & % # $ '% ( % & SIX REASONS WHY YOU NEED A GAY SOLICITOR 1. Comfortable and confidential environment 2. Respect for you and your relationships 3. Recognition that we have some different needs 4. A gateway to other gay solicitors who can help in specialist areas 5. 30 years experience in the law giving you ability and thoroughness 6. Access to one of the top 4 Edinburgh Solicitor Estate Agencies Call Donald Reid now for your FREE initial consultation, quoting ref: GS1 0131 228 2828 or E-mail: dr@vmh.co.uk 4 ScotsGay LGBT Helpline for Tayside ( 01382 ) 20 26 20 Mondays 7 to 9pm contact@diversitay.org.uk www.diversitay.org.uk Volunteers also required - contact us! REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY NO SC022425 The old gay sex crimes of sodomy and gross indecency are finally to be abolished, under new Scottish Government proposals. The Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill modernises the law, replacing all Scotland’s sex offences with new ones that apply equally regardless of the gender of the victim, and the gender of the perpetrator. The crime of rape will be extended to include anal and oral rape of a woman or a man. For the first time, male rape in Scotland will be recognised as rape, instead of being charged as sodomy. The Bill also ensures that transsexual people will be fully protected by rape law. The new offences will include sexual assault (replacing indecent assault), and coercing someone to have sex without their consent. There will also be offences of coercing a person to be present during sexual activity, to see an image of sexual activity or to receive a sexually explicit communication, if the person does not consent to it, and if the intention was to obtain sexual gratification or to humiliate, distress or alarm the person. The age of consent will remain at 16, with offences covering sexual activity with a child under 16, and causing a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity. Other offences include causing a child under 16 to be present during sexual activity, to see an image of sexual activity or to receive a sexual communication, if the intention is to obtain sexual gratification or to humiliate, distress or alarm the child. Presumably, things like sex education, and making available to young people books or art which depict some sexual activity, will remain legal, so long as it is not done for sexual gratification, or with the intention of distressing young people. The Bill proposes some changes to the law on consensual sexual activity between young people. It will not be a criminal offence for two people aged 13 to 15 to engage in consensual sex, including oral sex, so long as the sex does not include vaginal or anal penetration. The same applies where one person is over 16 and the other under 16, if there is no more than a two year age difference. Consensual penetrative vaginal or anal sex between young people of these ages will remain illegal. The existing crime of Public Indecency, is unaffected by The Bill. It could be amended by the Parliamemt, so the details above might change. It may become law sometime in 2009. - Tim Hopkins Edinbugh Gay Men’s Chorus John Hein newsdesk@scotsgay.co.uk Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus sang at CAMRA’s Scottish Beer Festival on Saturday 21st June. Scottish Community Groups and Organisations are listed on Pages 22-25 Young People In Control Glasgay! LGBT Youth Scotland are holding their National Gathering in the Westpark Conference Centre, Dundee on 5th and 6th July. In Control, Your Life, Your Choices is a national event for LGBT young people, and their friends and families. It’s a unique opportunity for young people to come along and get advice and information to help them make their own choices about their lives. Over the two days, young people can take part in workshops dealing with issues that are important to them, alongside a healthy helping of fun activities including: professional hairstyling, scavenger hunts, chillout space and evening entertainment, including ceilidh and disco. The event is for LGBT young people up to the age of 26, family members, friends and allies of LGBT people. Places are free for young people with travel and accommodation provided. More information on the National Gathering can be found at: www.lgbtyouth.org.uk LGBT Youth Scotland is also hosting an event for professionals working in the youth and community sector on 4th July, in the Westpark Conference Centre, Dundee. inCLuDe Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Young People is a conference bringing together CLD professionals from across Scotland to explore the benefits of actively including LGBT young people in their service provision, and to give practical advice and support on how this can be achieved. More information, and registration www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/cld_conference _2008.htm The Scottish Arts Council has announced that the annual Glasgay! festival has been awarded flexible funding for a fixed term till 2011. At £60k annually this effectively doubles the Company’s past annual grants. The festival has also won a three year deal from Glasgow City Council as well as enjoying the continued support of Event Scotland and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau. This new support takes the festival to almost £¼ million turnover and secures its long term future growth and development. The Producer, Steven Thomson, appointed in 2004, has over the last four years effectively quadrupled the funding, grown the festival from two weeks to four and produced a high profile programme of work by Scottish and international artists. In 2008 Glasgay! becomes The Tennessee Williams Festival - for one year only. It will be a major celebration of the life and work of the author on the 25th anniversary of his death. The festival takes place between 1st October and 9th November 2008. The lineup includes visual art from David Trullo and former ScotsGay coverboy Gregor Laird, as well as BOUT!QUE, a four-week programme of contemporary performance from newly emerging Scottish artists. Edinburgh LGBT Centre Office space is now available in the Edinburgh LGBT Centre. The room is 12x16 ft, and costs £350 per month including rates and utilities. The annual Borders LGBT barbecue took place at Boleside picnic site, Galashiels, on Saturday 7th June. During July, the walls of the Regent Bar in Edinburgh will be graced with photographs of Scotland by Edinburgh based photographer Irvine Scotland. ScotsGay 5 ScotsGay WORLD LGBT NEWS Norway The Americas Norway’s Parliament legalized same-sex marriage in June. Support came from the three-party ruling coalition as well as two opposition parties, the Conservatives and the Liberals. The Christian Democrats and the Progress Party opposed the move. Norway has had a registeredpartnership law that gives gay couples nearly all rights of marriage since 1993, but some new rights will come along with the word “marriage.” They include access to church weddings, adoption and state-funded artificial insemination. The legislation requires that sperm donors be identified so that children born to lesbian couples will be able to find their fathers if they want to. Gay couples will be allowed to begin marrying in about six months. Same-sex marriage also is allowed in Belgium, California, Canada, Massachusetts, the Netherlands, South Africa and Spain. Canada and California have no residency requirement for marriage and visitors often can complete the process in a single day. The General Assembly of the Organization of American States unanimously adopted a resolution condemning human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Human Rights Watch praised the move and called on the 34 OAS member nations to ensure that the resolution is implemented. “This resolution is a bold first step toward ending violence and discrimination”, said Scott Long, director of HRW’s LGBT Rights Programme. “For the resolution to have an impact, concrete changes in law and policy must follow.” The OAS adopted the Brazil-sponsored “Resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity” during its 38th session in Medellín, Colombia. The nations also agreed to hold a special meeting “to discuss the application of the principles and norms” of the inter-American system to abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity. More than 20 LGBT activists from 16 Latin American and Caribbean organizations met with OAS members during the session to advocate for the resolution. In a separate process, OAS nations are negotiating the text of a proposed Inter-American Convention Against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories. The resolution that was adopted expresses concern about violence and human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, asks a key OAS committee to address the topic before next year’s session of the General Assembly in Honduras, and urges the organization’s Permanent Council to report to the Honduras gathering on implementation of the resolution. Rex Wockner rex@scotsgay.co.uk Thousands March in Tel Aviv Asia LGBT groups from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have created a network to work jointly on issues that arise in the individual countries, The Jakarta Post reported in June. Representatives of the groups met in the Bali tourist resort area of Dusa Nua. A spokesman for the Indonesian LGBT group Arus Pelangi (Rainbow Flag) told the Post that gay people in those nations face similar problems of discrimination, stigmatization and persecution from religious groups. Thousands of people marched in Tel Aviv’s 10th gay pride parade. The march on 6th June, funded by a £40,000 grant from the city, was also a celebration of the new gay community centre in Gan Meir park. A small group of counterdemonstrators carried signs that said: “Animals! You have nothing to be proud of - take your medication”, local media reported. 6 ScotsGay CHRISTOPHER GREEN in Tel Aviv Pride. Wockner News/Photo by Amit Lev Thousands March in Warsaw Poland Stefan Niesiolowski, a deputy speaker of Poland’s lower house of Parliament, the Sejm, disparaged gays during a televised debate on a court decision that deprived a lesbian mother of custody of her 4-year-old daughter. “The court didn’t bow down to the pressure of the aggressive homosexual community, which came to make a scene as they usually do”, Niesiolowski said. “This community is so compulsive that they tried to influence a court decision. ... It’s unacceptable for (the child) to have two mothers or fathers. If they (gays) want to live together, then fine, but get the hell away from children.” Niesiolowski vowed to “fight the serious pathology which is a pair of lesbians with a child”. “Not too long ago homosexuals said ‘don’t persecute us’ and now they demand adoption and the right to raise children, and that will never be allowed”, he said. OLD MAN MANAGEMENT PRESENTS Warsaw Pride. Wockner News/KPH Photo Several thousand people marched in Warsaw’s fourth gay pride parade with the theme “Live, Love, Be”. Counter-protesters from All-Polish Youth and the National Radical Camp yelled insults at the marchers but there were no physical altercations. A recent poll found that more than two-thirds of Poles wish gays wouldn’t broadcast their sexuality. In 2007, pride organisers won a European Court of Human Rights case against former Mayor Lech Kaczynski, who is now Poland’s president, over his attempted ban of the 2005 parade. The court said the city breached European Convention on Human Rights provisions on discrimination, freedom of association and assembly, and access to an effective remedy. ‘A HORRIBLY HILARIOUS SPOOF’ The Times 10.20 31stJuly-25th August PM (NOT 11TH) TEXT UB TINAC TO 82500 TO BUY TICKETS ScotsGay 7 ScotsGay ABERDEEN ScotsGay EDINBURGH obar dheadhainn Arrghhh is how I am going to start this month’s article!! We are now into July and days away from Rainbowfest the new LGBT pride event for Aberdeen and I am sure that thousands of you will be joining us on Saturday 5th July at Queens Links to see Bucks Fizz, Booty Luv, Lisa Maffia & Natalia on our main stage plus loads of fantastic local acts lined up by The Tunnels and DJ David Craig. Also on the day there will be information stalls from Terrence Higgins Trust, Aberdeen City Council, First Aberdeen, Metropolitan Community Church, Stonewall, Aberdeen Women’s Alliance, LGBT Youth, LGBT History Month, National Youth Council and a few more. As well as the main event there are 2 other events in association with Rainbowfest. A comedy night on 4th July hosted by and featuring Andrew Learmonth and 3 other leading Scottish comedians. After the main event on 5th you can join the After Party with BBC Radio 1’s Annie Nightingale - both events are taking place at The Tunnels. Tickets for both are available from One Up and Cavern Records on Belmont Street or on the door. Further information is available at www.rainbowfest.co.uk Rainbowfest is the big event of the year but there are plenty other things happening in gay Aberdeen. Andi Watson andi@scotsgay.co.uk For Aberdeen’s venues listings see Page 26. Community Groups are listed on Pages 22-25. SCENE NEWS Cheerz is STILL open 7 days a week with entertainment all the way at the weekend! Start your weekend with DJ Steve See more pics from Aberdeen at www.bebo.com /ScotsGayMagazine Motion on a Friday, continue it with him on a Sat and Sun too! PLUS Saturday night those bitches are there… the gorgeous Miss Cherry Bakewell – I dinna ken aboot exceedingly good but aye she’s a tart and her taller, scarier sidekick Miss Jameekra Jaffro who was recently spotted coming out of the kebab shop with the rotating thing! Some folk will do anything for a bit of meat! Fit a quine she is! Before all this fun and frolics at the weekend there’s the quiz every Thursday with a chance to win £500 in the big quiz on 3rd July as part of the Rainbowfest Week…the big Cheerz news is that they are back on bebo at the new address of www.bebo.com/CheerzBar where you will find all the info, comment on the bar and more. Foundation is putting the finishing touches to their plan for Rainbowfest week. The week includes the final of Foundation’s Got Talent – your chance to perform on the Main Stage! Rounding off Rainbowfest week on 6th July will be Sarah Diva with her usual banter, camp and show tunes from 10pm. Open 7 days a week it is the main club in town with something for everyone every night – Gay Bingo, Karaoke, Camp DJ’s and if you have any ideas let them know as they are always looking for ways to keep you entertained. The smallest venue in town is the gay friendly Market Arms next door to Cheerz. Open from 11am Mon to Sat and 6pm Sun. DJ Matt and Miss Carrie Mi Jugs provide fun and Entertainment. The bar staff are also very friendly and will serve you in between eating their McDonalds Happy Meals (Julie & Ricki). Wellmans is trialling opening on Sundays from 2pm to 9pm. Rod the owner says “use it or lose it” which basically means if it gets used he will keep it open. The rest of the week it is open 10am to 10pm if you want more information you can give them a call on Aberdeen (01224) 211441. COMMUNITY NEWS Grampian Police recently issued a new Homophobic crime poster to encourage people that have been involved in any type of incident to report it to the police or a 3rd Party. The posters have details on how to contact the police and who is involved in the 3rd party-reporting scheme. Wellmans and Terrence Higgins Trust are proud to be partners in the scheme. The main contact number for Grampian Police is 0845 6005700 with details of the LGBT Liaison officers available at www.grampian.police.uk Aberdeen Gay Football has had a few kick abouts over the past few weeks and is beginning to get big enough to start a formal team. They are currently looking for suggestions of a team name as well as more players to join them. Matthew Middler says, “you don’t have to be mega fit to join the team, it’s all a bit of fun” To get more information on the team you can go to the bebo page www.bebo.com/abdngayfootball Terrence Higgins Trust will be at Rainbowfest on 5th July giving out loads of Get it On Packs and information on sexual health and well-being to people on the day. As well as being there on the day, THT is 8 ScotsGay dùn eideann open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm at 11 Waverley Place for you to drop in for a coffee and a chat, pick up condoms and get advice. They are currently looking for volunteers right across the board of tasks including condom packing, community support and outreach. Saturday 9th August will see a “Talking Shop” day at Terrence Higgins Trust. The event, which takes place from Noon-4pm, is dedicated to developing new local support networks and tackling the issue of isolation that is often felt by many LGBT people in rural areas. Although things are steadily improving, the fear of homophobic attack and disapproval can stop people accessing support services and talking about their true feelings. In the last year alone, THT Scotland has been inundated with requests for more local support. The event is open to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Friends are also welcome. Venue details will be provided on request. To book a place or for more information about this event or anything else that THT does contact Andi Watson on 0845 2412151 or E-mail: andi.watson@tht.org.uk Well that’s it over for another month….hope to see some of you along at Rainbowfest on 5th July! If you have any news, gossip, photos get in touch! It’s a fine n dandy time to be in the Capital at the moment! Everything is changing once again; we’re getting a glimpse of some sun and there are parties aplenty. So here’s a run-up of the latest …. First up, the big news is the temporary closure of The Club Formerly Known as eGo. They’ve decided to have a bit of a spring clean/update/refurb, so closed down on Monday 23rd June, due to re-open on Thursday 10th July as Luna. How exciting! So we must all head down there then for a game of ‘spot the difference’. Meantime, Vibe sessions will be on hold until Tuesday 15th July. Fever’s July date will also be postponed to Saturday 19th July due to the refurb, and will then return to its regular slot of first Saturday of the month on 2nd August. Don’t forget the pre-club at The Street. Taste celebrates its 14th birthday this month, and are marking the occasion with a birthday party extraordinaire on Sunday 29th June at the Liquid Rooms. Be there …. It’s sure to be a helluva party! CC Blooms is also celebrating its birthday. On Thursday 10th July they are throwing a huge 15th birthday party, with a Vogue theme. Entertainment includes DJ Fredster on karaoke, DJ Shellbell, and close friend of CC Blooms Michele McManus will be live on stage at Midnight. There’s a free glass of punch promised on arrival …. Now I wonder how many times I can enter the venue in various guises without them getting suspicious! With raffles, prizes and entertainment galore, this is a birthday bash not to be missed! Just a wee reminder that CC’s offer Freddieoke karaoke every Thursday from 11pm, with the one and only dynamo Freddie hosting. And then on Sunday evenings, karaoke is hosted by the luscious Kirsty. So folks, get those cats choirs together and support Tim and Mitch, the new owners of CCs. Not to be outdone on the party front, oor Habs wouldn’t let a lil thing like the absence of occasion spoil their party plans! So they’ve decided to hold a massive Xmas Party Extravaganza on Sunday 27th July. So get yer Santa hats on and ho ho ho down to Habana, where they have promised to have the full Xmas finery adorning the place. Cabaret will be hosted by Miss Coco Chanel and friends, with DJ Bunny as Santa on the decs from 10pm-1am. Now who’s gonna be first to sit on Santa’s lap?? This is a charity fundraiser too folks, so dig deep! I’m most curious as to whether Habs‘ latest clientele will be taking up their invite to sit on Santa’s lap! Whilst enjoying an afternoon drinkypoos at Habana, we were suddenly swarmed with the lavender rinse brigade. Blame the Playhouse Theatre for their afternoon matinees .... it was High Teas and Werthers originals all round. Visions in tan tights and twin-sets, and exclamations of ‘Oh i must bring my grand-daughter in to meet that lovely young lad behind the bar....‘ If only they knew they’d been eating in a derty derty gay bar! Hehehe! Now if awards were to be given for Jodie Fleming jodie@scotsgay.co.uk For Edinburgh’s venues listings see Page 26. Community Groups are listed on Pages 22-25. VOTE for the hottest Edinburgh gay bar at: www.bebo.com /ScotsGayMagazine Pics: Vibe - Big thanks to James Longworth cool flyers, Planet Out would defo be in the running …. Or, should I say ‘The Royal Bank of Planet plc’ who have re-introduced the very popular Monday Club. Every Monday, 4pm-1am, drinks from £1. I’m a sucker for gimmicky flyers …. And when I spotted the loooovely new pink pool table, I was mucho impressed. Custom-designed for the venue, it’s a one-off. So all you chalk-lovin’ pool table pissheads, please be careful with the pink! Gently does it…! We mentioned briefly last month the opening of GHQ’s lesbian option, FHQ. Now how long have people been promising us a lesbian bar in the City?? Let’s hope that now we’ve got it, we’ll support it well enough to justify it! And to launch it, Furburger hosted an extraordinary night of lady lovin’ music and mayhem last month. Following its success, they are hosting another Furburger on Friday 11th July, from 10pm til 3am. Woohoooo, long time dancey dance! Now for those not in the know, FHQ – the new lesbian hang-out – is situated at the downstairs bar of GHQ, from 5pm onwards every night. So get down there and support the ladies – this is for us, by us. And nice timing too, Velvet – a lesbian institution if ever there was one, is currently taking time out, watch this space for news. Talking about institutions, Edinburgh’s ultimate DJ extraordinaire Alan Joy, a legend among legends, is special guest DJ at Satisfied – held on Saturday 12nd July at Club Luna (formerly eGo). He will join Resident DJ’s Brian Dempster (Mingin) and Brett King (Joy), from 11pm til 3am. And for all those fans of Miss Cilla Slack who have been wondering where she disappeared off to, fear not - she’s been discovered hosting a crazy night of karaoke at GHQ, every Sunday from 9pm - then DJing in the main room right through til 3am. Go down and give the lady some lovin’! Now with Pride season already started down south, I’m sure we’re all anxiously anticipating the event up here. Well, the folks at Queer Mutiny have come up with a DIY, non-commercial alternative to gay pride. They’re offering a week long free event, which will include parties, film screenings, workshops and talks. I think it’s a fantastic concept – however I’m not convinced on their choice of name for the event! ‘Gay Shame’ - ok I get that they’re juxtaposing with Gay Pride, but it still grates on me to put the words gay and shame together. Particularly in view of the historical origins of the Pride event. Perhaps a re-think on the marketing strategy is required folks?? And here’s your chance to go down in history and get more than your 15 minutes of fame. As you’ve probably noticed, photo libraries of same-sex couples and LGBT families are notoriously ‘American pie’. Geeky haircuts and plimsolls … so not a good look. So if you want to change the face of LGBT information archives, the Equality Network are compiling a Scottish-based LGBT photo library. E-mail them some piccies of you or your nearest and dearest (no naughties pur-lease!) to jane@equality-network.org Hottest Gay Bar in Edinburgh? To Vote and see the Results go to: www.bebo.com /ScotsGayMagazine or write to: ScotsGay Poll, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW Finally, here’s a chance to win £50. If you’re LGBT and living in Scotland, fill in a short on-line survey and you will get the chance to win fifty smackers. The survey is about your experiences of public services – ‘the good, the bad and the downright ugly’. These could be health services, housing, public transport … you name it. Whether your experience has been positive, negative or indifferent, your voice counts. Get those fingers tapping at www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/goodpractice ScotsGay 9 ScotsGay GLASGOW ScotsGay HIGHLANDS glaschu a’ ghaidhealtach Dates for your diary this month. On Tuesday 8th July it’s the Highland ’R’ Us 2008 event. The Highlands and Islands Equality Forum is organising a diversity day in Falcon Square and the Eastgate Centre in Invernss. The day will feature a mix of carnival and celebration along with opportunities to learn more about equality and diversity in a rural area. A large stage will be set up in the city’s main central plaza, Falcon Square, with a few stalls set up in the adjoining shopping mall and seminars running in the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Church Street. The Square will be the main focus with a day of colour, music and dance and theatre to draw in a crowd in this first week of the school holidays. On Tuesday 1st July it’s the second gay-friendly party night at Cactus Jaks in Inverness for LGBT and Friends. The first party last month was a great success! Why not enjoy the outdoors, improve your fitness and make some more friends all at the same time? GOC (Gay Outdoor Club) Highland is organising a walking weekend Friday 11th - Sunday 13th July. Torridon, hillwalking and some easy scrambling. Objectives are Liathach and possibly Beinn Eighe. Accommodation at Torridon YH. Could members make their own bookings with the SYHA. Please contact the organiser, Alan, beforehand to check the detailed arrangements regarding meeting times and Agnes Boes agnes@scotsgay.co.uk GET INVOLVED! Pride Scotia are currently looking for volunteers from the community to help make Pride Scotia 2009 one of the best ever. Whether you can afford a few hours a month or even a few hours a week right down to volunteering on the day then we want to hear from you. B S 10 ScotsGay p o n s o r e d y how because they do not have the transport, they live in a too remote area, they do not feel ready to meet other people in a group. Becoming a member of an online community may help break through that wall of isolation and allows meeting like minded people. THT offer now four online groups. Whether people are living in the Highlands, in Argyll and Bute or on one of the islands, however remote their home is, these online communities are for them. It is their space. Use them: drop a line, ask a question, share a joke, express your worries, announce an activity, start a topic.... When people become a member, they can send e-mails to the group as a whole or to an individual member. These online groups do not replace any other kind of support that THT are offering: one to one support, group support, counselling, welfare right support, etc. It is an additional service. http://groups.yahoo.com/group /lgbtnorthscotland http://groups.yahoo.com/group /HighlandTransgender http://groups.yahoo.com/group /HighlandHIVpos http://groups.yahoo.com/group /HighlandHepCpos For more information, please contact me, Agnes Boes, Health Promotion Specialist, Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland on Inverness (01463) 711585 or E-mail: agnes.boes@tht.org.uk Finally, more than 35.000 people attended Rock Ness music festival on Saturday 7th-Sunday 8th June. Situated along Loch Ness amidst the most beautiful scenery, young and old enjoyed music and … the THT Sexual Health Marquee with exquisite condoms, femidoms, dams and lube and loads of brochures. 27,500 safer sex materials were distributed by a whole group of volunteers: sexual health nurse, a GP, nurse for the homeless, health promotion specialist, managers, health advisor, a 16 year old and volunteers sympathetic to our cause. Volunteers coming from different service providers (Highland Sexual Health, Brook and THT), from different walks of life and from different areas (Glasgow, Lochaber and Inverness). All these different people worked very happily together. Youngsters were very pleased with our presence, our goodies and our information and everyone had a good time! What more can you wish for? Live and Play in Dundee? Get involved now by calling 0131-556 9471 www.pride-scotia.org volunteer@pride-scotia.org places, food, etc. Alan’s number is Inverness (01463) 751258.The North of Scotland has now its own online lgbt community. It is called lgbtnorthscotland, the online community for Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals and Transgender people. It offers lgbt people, in however a remote area they are living, on whatever island they are living, the opportunity to get into contact with each other. It can be a forum for discussion, to find information, to post lgbt events, for social networking… it is there for you. So join the group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group /lgbtnorthscotland and make it bubble! MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) – an lgbt-friendly church - is holding a service every third Sunday of the month at RNI Chapel, Ness Walk, Inverness. Doors open at 2.30pm and the services start at 3pm. More information on www.MCCInverness.com Girlzone gives lesbians the opportunity to meet for lunch twice in July: Saturday 5th July from 1pm in Brooklyn’s bar & Restaurant at 5 Queensgate (near the main Post Office) and Friday 18th July in Debenhams upstairs restaurant from 12.30pm. E-mail: girlzone@gayness.org.uk There is also the monthly LGBT night out in Bar Pivo (Academy Street, Inverness)from 8pm. Look for the table with the red top hat. Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland offers the following LGBT activities this month Monday 7th July: LGBT lunch drop-in from 12-2pm, Wednesday 9th July: monthly evening group for transgender people from 7-9pm, Thursday 10th July: LGBT social group Caithness from 6.30pm, Tuesday 15th July: HepCpositive support group from 6-8 pm, Friday 25th July: HIV positive support group from 12-2pm, Tuesday 29th July: gay movie ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’ at 6.30pm. All activities take place at 34 Waterloo place, Inverness, IV1 1NB. Visit http://thtscotlandhighlandservices.blogspot.com and http://groups.yahoo.com/group /lgbtnorthscotland or phone Inverness (01463) 711585 for more details. THT provides support and services to many different groups: lesbians, gays, bisexuals and people who identify as transgender. They also offer support to people who are HIV+ or HepC+. They know that peer support is very important and that many people would like to get in touch with others but do not know . . ScotsGay is looking for an enthusiastic volunteer writer, who likes to go out in Dundee. Is this you? E-mail: editor@scotsgay.co.uk for more information Hola my little homoerotic friends (or would fiends be more apt?) and how are we all doing this month? Or more importantly, who are we all doing this month???? Spill… you know you want to! Well I am all alone this month (sympathy please) as ‘Gary Glamourosa’ aka ‘Gary Gossip’ has deserted ship and is currently on a nationwide search for his marbles………… His disappearance is a long and most horrific of tales but perhaps if you are very good I shall spill all at a later date, which means at the back of a pub/club when I’ve had one too many glasses of the gabby water. Anyhoo that’s the end of my news, time for the motherfecking reviews! Well let me start by introducing you to, not only one but TWO new gaydo haunts swinging open their doors here in the fine city of Glasgay. The first one is rather aptly named FHQ (Female Head Quarters for those too sozzled or just too plain stupid to figure that out) which intends on being the first “girl only” establishment in Scotland. As much as I love the lady lesbians, all I can say is I hope the security hired are strong and fierce cos I know all the patrons will be! Ain’t no fight like a lesbionic fight and all that jazz… Partnering FHQ will be a bar called ‘Speakeasy’ which is part of the infamous G1 Group and is promising us an upper class venue with diversified entertainment and great food and drink. I’m told the launch party is going to be very early summer so hooray to that!!! I shall keep you updated on the specifics as soon as I am sober enough to give them a call and get the details. Backtracking to a tried and tested haunt, Delmonicas is still rocking and rolling with yet another theme night. Every Wednesday is now going to be ‘Dels got talent’ complete with six heats running up to a grand finale. So if you see yourself as an incredible crooner or just a general funny bastard now is the time to slip into the spotlight and prove it! The contest also has a celebrity judge (my mind is bloody boggling as to who this is going to be, any ideas anyone???) and a cash prize (which could come in handy as you may need a serious amount of alcoholic beverages after giving your performance to get over the personal shame or as an apology to all those forced to listen to it). And if you’re all really fucking lucky I shall be up and doing my Tina Turner ‘rolling down the river’ impression complete with wig, stilettos and black mini dress………. And if you believe that you will also believe that I am a stunt double for Vin Diesel. Whilst on the topic of Dels, word of warning there is a new selection of security staff that have been added to our favourite usual ones and they don’t know all the regulars yet so if you are blessed enough to have a cutie pie face that looks under 21 then please bring ID and save the mortification of being turned away. Also Glasgow’s only alternative queer night Utter Gutter @ the Art School is yet again abruptly sticking two fingers up at the mainstream and ‘doing their thang’ on the second Saturday of the month but if all this beat banging sounds like too much goddamn effort then why not have a leisurely stroll along to the Saltmarket and look in the Q! Gallery which is dedicated to Miss Shivey siobhan@scotsgay.co.uk For Glasgow’s venues listings see Page 27. Community Groups are listed on Pages 22-25. VOTE for the hottest Glasgow gay bar at: www.bebo.com /ScotsGayMagazine queer art and artists and not only that but the Stud!o is an adjacent performance/research/workshop. Right so, moving swiftly on, do you fancy going to T in the Park??? Well tough titty, you can’t, cos it is goddamn sold out LOL (oh how I love to tease you all) but what you can still do is head down to ‘T in the Dark’ which is a club night on the Saturday 12th July at Blackfriars on Bell Street. I shall clarify before any of you straightophobes get there and play spot the straights and freeeeak the fuck out, that this is not strictly a gay event but I can assure all there will be a mixed crowd and their promise of twisted disco, electro house, visuals and lasers is sounding . Door entry is a fair and friendly £5 bucks or £4 for my penniless pauper student friends. Well if nothing I have mentioned so far is tickling your pickle then how about a day of sobriety (God that word was difficult to type let alone try…) and keep fit? If you head over to The National Badminton Academy in Scotstoun, you will find a gay and lesbian club between Noon-2pm every Sunday and after 8pm on a Thursday evening. They play against other clubs as well as internationally so if you’re handy with a shuttlecock then pop in or drop them an E-mail at teamscotland@gaysport.info Time to wind up this month with the best of the bunch; I have neglected my favourite Bunties of late (as it is a tried and tested venue and a bit like Marmite/anal you’re either loving it or hating it), but I think it’s about time I refreshed all of your drink addled memories and gave you the latest on the best bouncy haunt around. The infamous Miss Kelly Llorrenna has decided she wants to grace Bennetts’ stage once more and is arriving on Saturday 26th July and you know she’ll be belting out all our favourite hits from her own albums and her days with N-Trance. Word from the wise though, get yer arse in gear and get there early because the amount of squeezing and squishing that goes on in the second floor when Kelly is performing can be totally horrendous, in fact so much so that with all those sweaty topless punters it can turn almost orgy-like. There has been many a time I have lost a shoe or had some hysterical fan pull my hair to get in front! Whilst on the subject of Bennets, please please please pay some attention to my favourite member of staff who I always look forward to seeing, our man Paul on the ticket counter aka “six pound darling” whom without the club just would not be the same! Hola Paul! Oh how I love to name and shame, fabulous! Last but not least to everyone and anyone who has an up and coming event they would like reviewed by moi then please do not hesitate to drop me an e-mail at the above address. I am always open to offers, so don’t be shy!!!!! Look forward to hearing from you and remember it’s ok to hate me I’m sure I talk shit about you anyways. Hottest Gay Bar in Glasgow? To Vote and see the Results go to: www.bebo.com /ScotsGay Magazine or write to: ScotsGay Poll, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW ScotsGay 11 ScotsGay ScotsGay THE SURREAL DEAL COUNTER OPINION ew works by Andrew Baines are now on exhibition at Artery Gallery in St Andrews and Crieff. He has exhibited extensively in Switzerland, the US and Canada as well as around Australia and has proved equally collectable in Scotland, since being introduced by Artery Gallery three years ago. N One time illustrator and sign-writer, Andrew Baines has risen in recent years to become one of Australia’s top contemporary artists. In the last four years alone, he has been a finalist in no less than twelve competitions, two of which have been for the Australian National Portrait Award. It has been as a figurative painter that his reputation has been established. With a strong resemblance to the work of Belgian surrealist Rene Magritte, the majority of Andrew’s work depicts suited businessmen, not necessarily floating in the sky, but lined up along the shallows of a golden beach, reminiscent of the beaches near to his hometown of Grange, South Australia. With other huge influences being Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Prohart, the inspiration behind Andrew’s paintings are more direct and pivotal to his own experiences and personal decision to become a painter. “When I was 14, my parents took me back to England to visit the relatives”, says Baines, who had emigrated from Colchester when he was just one year old. “One morning we caught the Underground. I went down onto the platform and I was greeted by a sea of formally dressed, bowlerhatted men, holding their umbrellas and briefcases. It just looked so incredible, because they were all clones and they all looked lifeless ... waiting for their train to come in. That stayed in my subconscious for years and years.” When Baines got his first job at 17 at a department store, these images resurfaced. He adds, “I’d be on the bus with all these commuters and think to myself that this is exactly the same as the bowler-hat men – but much more Australian, more casual. I used to think their lives were already spelled out for them. I thought to myself, ‘I don’t want to be like this’”. His early surrealism was largely ignored. Since he lived by the beach and had always done so, it was suggested to him that he begin interpreting the environment closest to him. He says he had avoided painting the beach because he wanted to be different. The beach was too obvious. But the beach was a hit with the art market and Baines’ exhibitions were sell-outs. With his paintings taking off commercially, Andrew mixed this style with his original vision. Now his beach shallows and rolling hills are populated by circus performers, herds of cows and wooden chairs! “They’ve still got that nice aesthetic mood but then you’ve got my underlying, self-conscious feelings on life coming through”, he says, “A post-modern landscape.” Surrealism has dwelt in his mind’s eye throughout his painting years and it is a genre to which he returns, rather than begins. With this amount of success as an artist, Andrew Baines has become the real deal. The new works from Andrew Baines are now on exhibition at Artery Gallery in both St Andrews and Crieff, and can also be viewed online at www.arteryuk.com Arts Coverage in Association with The Luvvies is an Edinburgh based LGBT theatre company, which aims to give LGBT people the opportunity to act, direct, produce or organise theatre or take part in any aspect of the creative process. No previous experience is necessary. Tel: 07854 836605. E-mail: info@theluvvies.org he Middle East is the most volatile region on earth. We’ve been on a mission to achieve peace in the region for decades, yet we still don’t see a meaningful peace legacy. T Why fiddle about with boring art? Artery Gallery can help you compose the look you want in your home with beautiful, unique works from local, national and international artists. With original contemporary paintings, sculpture, ceramics, wood, metal, jewellery and more why settle for mass-produced? 43 South Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9QR Tel: 01334 478221 22 King Street, Crieff, Perthshire PH7 3HA Tel: 01764 655722 www.arteryuk.com Please quote ‘SCOTMAG’ when making enquiries 12 ScotsGay Many people (myself included) saw that hope get even more distant when Tony Blair was appointed Middle East peace envoy just last year. The one man who has contributed vastly to the destabilisation of the region, is now being sent in to promote peace. This is a bit like asking the BNP to run the Muslim Council of Britain: a disaster! So, 5 years in to a war with Iraq with no real end in sight. Where do we go from here? Well as many ScotsGay readers will know, there has been much speculation between British and American governments about a possible war with Iran. The reason being… the same reason that they invaded Iraq. They are certain that Iran is developing (or has developed) nuclear weapons. Even though their own intelligence services have said that there is no evidence to suggest this, as did the international atomic energy agency (IAEA), they don’t like it, Israel doesn’t like it so they do what they done with Iraq… Ignore the evidence and the public opinion and develop a war strategy anyway. Now I’m opposed to nuclear weapons of any kind. However, what I don’t get is, why are some countries allowed to have them and others aren’t? Especially Israel, who has over 200 nuclear weapons, illegally held, undeclared and subject to no treaty obligations. A war with Iran would be a huge mistake in my view. If one finger is raised against Iran, the first people to be targeted will be the British and American soldiers that we have stationed in the South of Iraq, where thanks to us, Iran is now top dog. If you want to know what that would look like, think about the film Zulu, only without the happy ending. Whenever I mention Iran to someone they always seem to have such a negative image of the country, yet know so little about it, its history, culture or its people. So I want to lay down a few truths, dispel a few myths and hopefully if Gordon Brown or George Bush is reading, end the contemplation of war with Iran. Iran is one of the Middle East’s most oil and gas rich countries. Infact it’s so rich in oil and gas that in 1953 America and the UK overthrew the democratically elected government of the day to then ship over half of its oil (and its profits) over to the USA. Both the USA and Britain then installed a puppet government headed by the Shah (the king) and they continued to allow the USA to run and profit from half of the nations oil and gas. Then in 1979 we had the Islamic revolution and the return of ayatollah Khomeini, who was greeted by cheers from hundreds of thousands of Iranians on the streets of Tehran, the nation’s capital, and we seen the birth of the Islamic Republic of Iran as we know it today. Let’s fast forward to 2005 and the current president, Dr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, defeated his opponent in the presidential elections with 17 millions votes to 10 million. The current President, Ahmadinejad, is never far from criticism in the west. He has been known for his denial of the holocaust, Stewart McDonald stewart@scotsgay.co.uk www.stewartmcdonald .blogspot.com For further reading on Iran, Stewart recommends Iran Today by Dilip Hiro UNDERSTANDING IRAN claiming that homosexuality doesn’t exist in Iran and his most famous and chilling goal of wiping Israel off the map. This is where I want to dispel some myths… Firstly, Ahmadinejad has never denied the holocaust. He has always called for a reexamination of the holocaust to reveal its true extent. He’s not convinced by the current evidence from history and he wants it re-examined. This has happened with several tragedies throughout history, from the Iran/Iraq war to the atrocities of 9/11. Although there is clear evidence of the holocaust occurring to the extent that it did, he wants to put this evidence to question. Secondly, he didn’t deny that homosexuality exists in Iran. He said that homosexuality isn’t a big phenomenon in Iran. Now, in anything that Ahmadinejad has to say about homosexuality, I disagree with everything, as would most people. He doesn’t agree with homosexuality and his government don’t treat them equally, by any extent at all, however it is important that we don’t allow mainstream media to mislead us in such a patronising manner. Peter Tatchell, for whom I have great respect, was once furious with George Galloway MP for claiming that homosexuality is not punishable by death or indeed a crime in Iran. This is in fact true. Now whilst I wouldn’t encourage you to dance down the streets of Tehran with your boyfriend, holding hands and kissing with a cheeky little French Martini, being gay is not a punishable crime by law in Iran. The main square in Tehran is a well known place for gay men to meet each other. It is also well known, although kept very quiet, that a lot of men with wives and children choose to have a sexual relationship with another man. Now that is illegal under Iranian law. Homosexuality is generally kept on the down low, Iranian men are over butch and over macho and, more than Ahmadinejad would like to admit, bisexual. It is illegal for two men to have sex, but it’s not illegal to be gay. Even so, most people won’t flaunt it. It’s well known that if you’re out, you will find it hard to get a job, a place at university and it’s even known to be disowned from your family. A lot of men, to make life a bit easier for them get a sex change, which is paid for by the state. In fact Iran has the second highest amount of sex changes in the world, second only to Hong Kong. We’ve all seen the horrific pictures of the two young boys who were sentenced to death by hanging for “crimes of a sexual nature”. To say the least, these images were disturbing. This is where Iran needs to reform, however, under Ahmadinejad, who is a hard-line conservative that is unlikely. However, we should understand that gay sex is criminalised in Iran, not being a gay man or woman. I don’t believe that the death sentence or torture is right in any case, especially not in the case of whom you choose to love enough to have a sexual relationship with. The third and final myth I would like to clarify is Ahmadinejad’s apparent ambition to wipe Israel off the map. This is again another canard, generated by the propaganda that passes for journalism in our society today. Ahmadinejad is no fan of Zionist Israel, of that there is no doubt. However he didn’t say that he wanted Israel to be wiped off the map (contrary to what Bush and Brown want you to think), he said he wanted to see Zionism wiped from the page of history, along with Communism and Nazism. Now, when Britain wanted to wipe out Communism we didn’t want to wipe out Russia or the Russian people. Ahmadinejad has never called for the end of the State of Israel. He has continued to call for a referendum to be held amongst the Palestinian people to allow them to exercise their legitimate right to self determination. He accepts that Israel has a right to exist, just not at the expense of other people’s homes, land and blood. That’s the view of most people who understand the Israel/Palestine conflict. That’s a hell of a lot more than Bush, Ohlmert (Israel’s PM), Blair or Brown ever called for! Iran is a fascinating country with a great story to tell. From being the first country in the region to have a democratically elected parliament, allowing and encouraging a lively political and social movement amongst its people, being one of the first Arab countries to allow woman to stand for parliament and vote, and its solidarity with those whose lands are being occupied by imperialist and Zionist forces. However, on the other hand, it is a country with a troubled past and with uneasy relations with the West. It is a country that has always had ongoing tensions between conservatives and those who want to reform Iran and take its “democracy” to new and unfounded heights. There is no doubt that Iran is a major human rights abuser. However, this doesn’t represent the majority of Iranians who want to live in a peaceful and truly democratic country. So if the PM is reading this… DON’T ATTACK IRAN! ScotsGay 13 ScotsGay FILM REVIEWS Time has proved the popularity of the Abba songs to many age groups and MAMMA MIA! (PG) repeats the success of stage musicals that have run for years in several countries. The storyline would have us believe Meryl Street became pregnant after having sex with three guys in quick rotation and cannot be certain who is the father of her child. They run a small hotel on a Greek island and her soon to be married daughter finds Meryl’s diary of the period she was conceived and decides to invite her three possible fathers to her wedding. Rousing chorus numbers give Pierce Brosnan and Julie Walters the chance to prove their singing abilities and it is a joyous movie that could top the popularity of the stage shows. CASS (18) is an engrossing drama about a black boy being bullied at school who turns the tables by growing up tough enough to run his own gang. But he chooses to make them football hooligans who enjoy fights against the hooligans following other teams. Based on a true story it pinpoints violence leads to more violence leading to knives and guns. In time Cass realizes this and changes his life writing a book about it. CHOP SUEY is a unique documentary about a top American advertising photographer Bruce Weber and his obsessions with straight young men who happened to have magnificent bodies. He was a family friend when they finally married and had children and I doubt if they told their wives everything about their relationships with Bruce. Besides putting them in fashion pictures he showed much of their stunning shapes in ad campaigns for Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. His film shows his friendship with the gay singer Frances Faye and has a mature Robert Mitchum proving he can sing. An even more surprising documentary is MAN ON WIRE about a French young man who taught himself to tightrope walk and then in the seventies he and his friends organised a highwire between the twin towers in New York City. It is terrifying watching him. And before that he had perfected his walks on tall buildings in France and Australia. Making a film about his amazing exploits is a brilliant idea. Mike McGrath mike@scotsgay.co.uk which is the first choice of people desperate for a better life. This is shown in THE VISITOR (15) with a young man from Syria, Tarek, whose journalist father was imprisioned for seven years for criticising the government which finally killed him. Tarek and his mother flee to America and are happy for a few years till the US immigration men catch him in New York and plan to deport him. He has been befriended by a middle aged college professor who feels obligated to help. It doesn’t help that they cast a nondescript character actor as the professor. With a little more imagination they would have cast someone like Dennis Quaid who plays a college professor in “Smart People” on release now. Although in his fifties Dennis has taken good care of his face and still looks good in close-ups. I miss the Hollywood studio system that finished in the sixties where the bosses only gave unknowns the leads in films if they were putting them under contract for years. It happened to Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power in 1935 who were top stars for the following ten years. DVD WORLD CURRENT RELEASES There are those of us who rever the Welsh poet of the past Dylan Thomas as a phenomenon and EDGE OF LOVE (15) covers a wartime period of his girl obsessed life. He and his wife, Sienna Miller, had an open relationship with both of them having affairs elsewhere. One of his early interests, Keira Knightly, marries an army officer who is so enraged suspecting while he is on duty his wife is sleeping with Dylan that he rushes to their home with a loaded rifle. Dylan is the appealing Matthew Rhys who, once again, British film producers have been slow at making him a major name. As he has had impact in American TV series we may have to wait till they make him a big star. If you think we have an immigrant problem here you should live in America 4 MINUTES - the most impressive German film of the last decade - set in a womens’ prison where 20 year old Jenny is so violent she viciously punches and kicks anyone who annoys. Anyone who has been devoted to their mother or grandmother must see MRS PALFREY AT THE CLAREMONT on Acorn Media based on an Elizabeth Taylor novel. Joan Plowright is a pensioner widow comfortably off enough to travel to London to stay in a hotel. As her grandson works nearby she leaves him messages inviting him to lunch and waits in vain. The hotel guests are all pensioners eager to meet the grandson who never arrives. Joan encounters by chance a young writer, Rupert Friend, and their friendship develops so rapidly that for the hotel guests he becomes the grandson who finally arrives for lunch. Joan’s mature charm with Rupert’s youth and delightful warmth of personality make it the most endearing film I have ever seen. At the end of July Peccadillo Pictures have 4 MINUTES - the most impressive German film of the last decade - set in a womens’ prison where 20 year old Jenny is so violent she viciously punches and kicks anyone who annoys her. Her life has been littered with extreme suffering including child sex abuse. Yet her virtuoso talent at the piano could make her a major concert pianist. By chance the prison has an elderly piano teacher whose main problem is persuading authoritiy this girl has hope. Made by a brilliant writer/director, Chris Kraus, any future movies he makes will have a problem topping this one. In 1985 Daniel Day Lewis had his first major screen role in MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE as a gay thug determined to give up his criminal past. Befriended by a Pakistani young man with an understandable passion for kissing him it is refreshing to see Daniel before his later success when he became obsessed with exhaustingly serious roles. Life in an Asian family is amusingly told and it is only marred by unnecessary violence. I was so overpowered ten years ago by the British “Queer As Folk” on TV that when I heard an American version was being made I didn’t bother to track it down. But now, can you believe, season 3 of their QUEER AS FOLK has just been issued by Warner home entertainment. Watching their gay men and women with often more daring storylines is worth some time. It is good to see Americans copying us. As British TV appears to be nervous of importing the sexier American series TLA Releasing has no such nervousness. DANTES COVE season 3 will be with us at the end of July aimed at the gay market with very good looking guys and girls in swimwear and less. Those who never saw the first two series have a treat in store. ScotsGay 15 ScotsGay BOOK REVIEWS Loving Ourselves The Gay and Lesbian Guide to Self-Esteem By Kimeron N. Hardin Ph.D. Published by Alyson Books Flaming June is here and hardly flaming, but to be perfectly honest, I find Summer hardly conducive to wade through yet another self help book, but here we are, the first book this month is, you guessed – a self help book. It’s touted as the “Definitive book on self esteem for the LGBT community” and it’s supposed to be a groundbreaking manual which sets out to explore the cultural underpinnings of problems of low self-esteem. Did it tell me anything new? Guess what, the answer to that question is a resounding NO, I found this book full of recycled platitudes and not as much as a hint of anything new and exciting. Everything in the writing of Hardin has been explored previously and is exercised by the LGBT community every day of our lives. Do me a favour and keep your wallet firmly in your pocket and don’t buy this book, you’d just be wasting your hard earned pink pound. The Gambler By Chris Johns Published by Star Books This book on the other hand is one worthy of space in your suitcase when you’re off on your holidays. It tells the story of Charlie Fellows, who sells himself into sexual slavery to pay off an enormous gambling debt -and through his BDSM servitude he meets and falls for Winston, a young Caribbean man. Charlie Fellows is an Englishman with a serious gambling problem. To pay off his debts he signs himself into a 10-year contract as a modemday sex slave to a millionaire with a large estate in the Caribbean. The punishments are harsh, but the rewards are often hot and steamy, as the millionaire enjoys BDSM bondage play. But, whilst serving his sentence, Charlie meets and falls for Winston, a young Caribbean man who stays by his side through his trials and tribulations. The Gambler is a melting pot of extreme sex, corporal punishment, sadness and joy, but mainly the story of a deep and true love between two men from entirely different backgrounds. Country Boys, City Boys Edited by John Patrick Published by Star Books It was a sad day in October 2001 when the gay community lost John Patrick, who was a prolific, prize-winning author of fiction and non-fiction. He was the editor of many highly popular collections of gay erotica, many of which are still in print now. But of course now we have to make do with many anthologies and re-prints of the works of this most famous of gay writers. This particular anthology features stories by respected erotica authors including James Medley, Greg Bowden, Jarred Goodall, Thorn Nickels, Leo Cardini and William Cozad, to name but a few. Although many of the stories have been published 16 ScotsGay Dirk Kriete dirk@scotsgay.co.uk previously this book still delivers and is filled with the hot action and sweaty climaxes that only a John Patrick anthology can deliver. It tells us what happens when country boys get to grips with boys more used to city ways and the results will make readers long for hot sex under the sun in open fields - or conversely, rooftop play in busy metropolises. This is another book you should have in your luggage. The Dying Gaul and Other Screenplays By Craig Lucas Published by Alyson Books Gosh, this book was hard going, but I’m sure that’s just me, I find it hard to read screenplays of any kind. I’m glad I persevered though, because in the end I really enjoyed this book. These are the shooting scripts for The Dying Gaul, The Secret Lives of Dentists, and Longtime Companion all packed into this single volume. In The Dying Gaul, a struggling screenwriter finds himself in a conflict of interest when he falls in love with his film’s executive producer. In The Secret Lives of Dentists, which won Lucas the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Screenplay in 2003, a married couple with a joint dental practice face adultery—and the flu—head first. And Longtime Companion delivers a breathless tale about the emergence of the AIDS epidemic through the eyes of several gay men and their circle of friends. Following the success of these films, Craig has received critical acclaim for his directing and screenplay-writing talents and he is the author of several plays, such as Prelude to a Kiss, Reckless, Missing Persons, and Blue Window. Lucas won the Excellence in Literature Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters; an Obie award for Best American Play in 2004 for Small Tragedy; the PEN/Laura Pels Mid-Career Achievement Award; and a Tony Award nomination for the book of the Broadway musical The Light in the Piazza. Teacher is the Best Experience By John Butler Published by Star Books I really enjoyed this novel and short story collection about lots of gay sex in a university setting, with the taboo - but perfectly legal - professor/student relationship in the starring role. Spare a thought for the University lecturer. Surrounded by students, all of whom are of age, most of whom are horny, and a proportion of which will be eager to get to know him better! But acting on these impulses would present not only a threat to the professor’s continued employment, but also an ethical challenge. In the novel contained within Teacher is the Best Experience, Howard Kohler is a single lecturer who is determined to remain ethical in the face of extreme temptation - there are a vast number of attractive young men in the student body at Farrar University. Tate Logan is one such Farrar student: gorgeous and well hung. When Howard finds out that Tate is selling his “talents” for cash, Howard figures he can waive his ethical objections. But Tate becomes an addiction, and their relationship begins an upward spiral of sexual activity - and ethical challenges - that threatens to ruin Howard’s career. Teacher is the Best Experience also features three short stories which all deal with gay sex in a University setting, all told in the frank language that mark Butler’s work. The Prophet Murders By Mehmet Murat Somer Published by Serpents Tail I’m writing about this book with a great big smile on my face, remembering the hilarious situations described in this really funny book. Something’s gone seriously wrong in Istanbul - a killer is on the loose, and transvestites are being murdered, the modus operandi becoming increasingly bizarre with each death. Our detective transvestite nightclub owner and glamour puss extraordinaire downs her lipstick and ups the ante in the search for the killer. As the murders accelerate, our girl struggles against the odds in her pursuit - after all, everyone knows that running in stilettos and a black leather cat-suit is hell ! Can she end the slaughter without breaking a nail? Mehmet Murat Somer was born in Ankara. He has worked as an engineer and banker. Since 1994, he has been a management consultant. When not working out in the hammam, he writes books in the Hop-CikiYaya series, of which there are now six. Apart from all the funny moments this book is a well constructed crime story that will keep you guessing to the last page. Pierce By Roberta C. Ferrari Published by Harrington Park Press Last for this month, let’s revisit a book that was published last year. I’ve just re-read it and really enjoyed it again. This is one of those rare books in the “Gay Interest” genre where the author has not made use of the well rehearsed gay stereotypes and because of that has created an intelligently written, emotionally mature and extremely well structured mystery novel with an absolutely engrossing storyline. The book starts quite literally with the death of Matt, and then goes back and forth at breakneck speed between the past and the present highlighting the emotional turmoil the death of his boyfriend causes in grad student’s Leo Vasari’s life. Things take a turn for the worst when exactly a year after the accident Matt’s mother and close friend of Leo’s tries to commit suicide. This is when Leo decides that although he is still mourning his loss, he must somehow unravel the mystery that lies at the heart of the very troubled Pierce family. Fortunately for Leo he makes the acquaintance of the handsome UPS delivery guy and journalist Armando who helps him not just to unravel dark family secrets, but also rekindles his ability to love again. Reading this book has been an emotional tour de force, definitely one of those that you really don’t want to put down. Idaho Code By Joan Opyr Published by Bywater Books This is what I’d call a ‘comfort read’ – warm, enjoyable and impossible to put down. The author injects a sharp sense of humour into an intricate yet accessible plot line, with a plethora of dynamic characters the reader can relate to. The story is narrated by Bil, a baby butch struggling to find her place in a family that’s both dysfunctional and unconventional. On her travels, the book covers a range of topics, from coming out in a small town to bi-phobia, relationship dynamics, gay politics and murder with an seamless ease and plausibility that is simply ingenious. The characters are very well developed and leave the reader anxious to hear more – I for one insist that Opyr writes a sequel! Miss McGhee By Bett Norris Published by Bywater Books We are introduced to the eponymous character as she commences a new job in a cloud of mystery. With the back-drop of post-WWII in the American South, the story begins as a lesbian love affair and somewhere in between progresses into a clash of class and race. The novel spans 20 Jodie Fleming jodie@scotsgay.co.uk years, and the character development and role reversal is clever and convincing as the two central characters find their niche in the activist struggles of the civil rights movement. The author expertly combines forbidden romance with history, sociology and politics to create a riveting read that I’d definitely recommend. The Choice By Maria Ciletti Published by Harrington Park Press This is a uniquely written story of a woman who has to choose between a marriage, family and career or being true to herself and her sexuality. No one can have it all – or can they? To call this a ‘coming out’ story would be doing the author a huge disservice. I loved that this story was not the clichéd victim status dyke stuck in a loveless marriage. The love between Mena and her husband is very real, as is the sexual chemistry. That’s what makes her choice so difficult. Eloquently written with passion and high emotion, the protagonist’s journey is written in a way that forces the reader to question the parameters of the sexuality spectrum. A fascinating read for anyone who’s ever had to ‘come out’, and an even more insightful read for those of us who have never had to. Ultimate Lesbian Erotica 2008 Edited by Nicole Foster Published by Alyson Books This is a compilation guaranteed to get your juices flowing – all of them. With stores for all erotic tastes, from the frilly frissons of romantic sex to red-hot rough and raw fucking, these stories share one commonality – they are written by women who clearly know how to love women, with an emotional connection almost as hot as the sexual encounters. There is one exception, and that’s the two stories by ‘Heather Towne’, which stand out like dirty maggots in a bowl of fresh fruit. Crass, demeaning and clumsy - written by someone with far too much testosterone! Jake Finds His Smile By Dawn Stanley & Paula Lavery Published by Trafford This is a beautifully written and illustrated warm ’n’ fluffy childrens book, written by two gay women. The story is of Jake, a little boy whose family life is far from perfect. As Jake cannot seem to find his smile at home, he looks to outward sources for his smiles, and discovers that these can be found in many other places. The smiles are depicted as brightly coloured, laughing faces, which show Jake the way to positive reinforcement that every child needs. This book is something of a revolution, as this psychological insight into the mind of a child, for a child, is something which hasn’t been explored in this way before. Social Services are currently looking to distribute the book, which is also available to order on www.amazon.co.uk. Blown Away By Perry Wynn Published by Alice Street Editions This poor attempt at a political thriller was a big blood boiler for me. The plot line was unconvincing at best, and downright farcical at worst. A corrupt Christian Far Right Presidency convinces a top gay rights activist to sell out the gay community for the price of a Harley Davidson, a posh house and the doe eyes of an unrequited love. She convinces the whole gay community of America to give up their lives as they know them, to enter a manufactured ‘gay city’ – population 12 million. The alternative is to stay where they are, living a closeted life with the risk of imprisonment if their sexuality is discovered. The author attempts to broach the topic of a ‘gay utopia’ but fails hopelessly. The premise of this book sets the gay rights movement back decades, and the characters are very implausible. The story spans 14 years yet the characters are staid and undeveloped, learning nothing from their experiences. Flaws and inconsistencies abound, although the author’s poor attempts at symbolism did give me a good chuckle. ScotsGay 17 ScotsGay INTERVIEW s the countdown to the Edinburgh Festivals gets underway, Andrew Doyle chats to comedian Scott Capurro over a lesbian coffee. A The fading bruise on Scott Capurro’s arm is his version of a battle scar. He explains how a woman on the front row at his last gig turned nasty and lobbed a beer bottle at him. I want to know if she was provoked, but anyone who has seen Scott’s stand-up will know that, for him, comedy is provocation. As it turns out, Scott had thrown a glass of water over this woman and called her a “Polish whore”, so it’s difficult to sympathise with his position. But there’s an unexpected tinge of regret when he talks about throwing the water. “I shouldn’t have done that”, he says. “I’ve only ever done that once before, and I regretted it then too. But people never ask comics what their boundaries are, which annoys me. They never ask why I might go after someone in the first place. This woman was talking all the way through the show. She was discourteous. Audiences need to learn how to behave properly. It’s a live performance, not a conversation. It’s never about them.” Scott rolls up his sleeve and orders another coffee. He suggests that, in hindsight, this lesbian café was perhaps not the best place to hold the interview. “This coffee has no punch. Why are lesbians so afraid of caffeine?” I tell him that I’m rather enjoying my latte, and he responds with a withering look. Scott is refreshingly candid when it comes to talking about his performances. All his talk of courtesy may be hypocritical in the extreme, but he’s never defensive. This is surprising, because of all the stand-up comedians working the circuit today it is surely Scott who has most consistently offended his audience members. I have known Scott for years, and I can confidently say that I have seen more walk-outs at his gigs than at those of any other performer. He pushes buttons effortlessly, be it his musings on the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam – “the Dutch don’t know how to run a theme park” –, or his description of his black boyfriend: “He’s so black he’s purple. I can’t wait till he dies so I can see what colour he turns”. Nothing is out of bounds. So do you enjoy offending people? “I enjoy making people think differently about gay men. Whether they’re offended or not I don’t really care. If I hurt their feelings, it’s probably just because they’re retarded.” As he is quick to explain, he only ever goes on the offensive if he feels that someone has a problem with his sexuality. “This Polish woman said that she wouldn’t sit there and be insulted by some fucking queer. Now I can take anything. Call me a skinny, ageing, desperate, horrible, AIDS-ey old faggot and I’m not offended. But don’t call me a fucking queer and actually mean it. Because then you’re like a schoolyard bully, and I become completely irrational.” If you’ve ever watched one of Scott’s shows, you’ll know that he is fascinated by the ways in which we identify ourselves. His comedy relies on the idea that people cannot avoid being defined by their ethnicity, sexuality, or cultural origins. “When I was a kid living in San Francisco the world made sense. The Jews were evil, the Chinese were crooks, and the Spanish were illegal. It’s all mixed up now. It’s so confusing. It used to be better. White was good. Beige was dubious. Black was baaaaaad.” It would seem that Scott is just as provocative in conversation as he is on stage. But is he really being serious? Scott’s act often makes for uncomfortable viewing because it’s often difficult to determine whether his remarks are tongue-in-cheek or outright bigotry. It’s this ambiguity that makes his act so unique. When I saw his show Laughter Shock at the Soho Theatre earlier this year, a group of women were cheering and applauding Scott’s overtly racist comments. They weren’t laughing because the jokes were funny, they were laughing out of endorsement. There was a sudden tension in the predominately liberal audience when it became clear that certain people were taking Scott’s act at face value. It was disquieting. It was pure theatre. Like everyone else in the audience that night, I want to know whether Scott actually means what he says on stage. “I don’t know if I believe any of it. That’s not what it’s about. It’s a show. Whether I believe that Madeline McCann was murdered by her parents or whether she’s been stuffed and put on someone’s mantelpiece in 18 ScotsGay Andrew Doyle andrew@scotsgay.co.uk www.andrewdoyle.co.uk Photo of Andrew © Eamon McGoldrick Andrew Doyle is a playwright and performer. His plays include Jimmy Murphy Makes Amends for BBC Radio 4, and Borderland for 7:84 Theatre Company. Scott discusses the quality of the coffee with the same waspish flippancy that he uses to describe Jesus as “a hot kike on a spike”. I decide to change the topic, in the hope that I might learn more about the man behind the bile. - Awarded to ScotsGay for Fringe coverage Tokyo, it’s not the point. Many people assume that Americans have no understanding of irony, so they’re quick to assume that I’m being sincere. But I don’t want them to know how I really feel.” One thing is for certain: Scott’s first instinct is to ridicule. He can find comedy in any human tragedy, and they all sound better with a punch line. “Look, here’s the thing. You can’t control people’s sensibilities. If someone gets upset because I mention the holocaust that’s their issue, really. You should be able to say anything.” But what upsets people the most? “It’s usually the Maddy stuff. It used to be the Queen Mother. People get so pissy about the Royal Family. In Edinburgh I had a guy throw a beer bottle at me and walk out because I made fun of the Queen. He should have stuck around for the finale. I had a mannequin on stage, and I put a picture of Prince William’s face on it and then blew him. That was hot.” Is it all that surprising, then, that Scott has been described as “the gay Bernard Manning”? He suddenly gets very excited when I mention this, and polishes off his coffee in a single gulp. Within seconds he’s on the phone to his agent, telling him that he wants this accolade splashed across his posters. I can’t help but voice my scepticism. Aren’t you worried about the type of audiences you might get? “Why should I be worried? I thought some of Manning’s jokes were funny. When he said ‘I saw a black man going to work the other day… that’s the joke’, that really pushed people’s sensibilities. And that’s good. Either you’re funny or you’re not. He was. If you don’t like his material, don’t go and see him. It’s that simple.” Scott actually met Bernard Manning on the comedians’ edition of The Weakest Link. It turned out to be quite a revealing experience. “In the green room before the show all the comics were saying to each other ‘let’s get him off first’. He had to be carried on because he had some joint problems. And I thought, he’s an old man for fuck’s sake. Comics are like hair dressers or yoga teachers, each one thinks they do it better than the others. And I know that there is a lot of jealousy amongst comics. To be honest, on that panel, he was by far the most famous. And probably the richest. And I just thought, you jealous, nasty cunts. But you know who didn’t care about Bernard Manning being voted off? It was Julia Morris and me. And I’m sorry, but if anyone on that white, middleclass panel should have cared, it should have been the woman or the fag. He attacked women and queers in his act all the time. But I think a bunch of comics conspiring to have him kicked off a TV show six months before he drops dead is mean and unnecessary.” Personally, I never found Bernard Manning funny, and I mention this to Scott. My point is that Manning didn’t need to be funny in order to be successful because his audience would laugh to endorse the attitudes he represents. “But that’s true of a lot of comics,” Scott retorts. “I think Al Murray worries about the fact that some of his audience are cheering for the wrong reasons, missing the irony. But he’s a great performer, and if the audience listen properly they’ll understand that he’s actually the antidote to Manning.” For Scott to embrace the comparison with Bernard Manning doesn’t do him justice, because he is by far the better performer. But comparisons are difficult; Scott’s brand of confrontational comedy has a theatricality that few other comics can rival. As Scott says, “it isn’t enough for me to be entertaining. Clowns are entertaining. That wouldn’t get me up in the morning.” Although wildly different in style, the performer who comes closest to Scott’s fusion of theatre and stand-up is the performance artist David Hoyle, formerly known as the Divine David. In his most recent show at the Vauxhall Tavern in London, Hoyle told a shocked audience to “find your local Priest, or Imam, and slit his throat!” If any comment by a performer can be said to violate the incitement to religious hatred laws, this must be the most strident example. Scott has tested similar waters in his act, most notably when he discusses the Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, or his views on the Koran: “I always keep a copy around the house, you know, in case I run out of toilet paper”. When the topic of religion arises, Scott becomes very animated. He’s obviously given this subject a lot of thought. “Gordon Brown says there are fundamentalist Muslims everywhere, but I’m only scoring with about one a month. This war is really damaging my self-esteem.” Show: Scott Capurro Goes Deeper Venue: Underbelly, 56 Cowgate, Edinburgh When: Thursday 31st July to Sunday 24th August at 9.15pm (not 12th or 19th August) Tickets: From £8.50-£11.50. Previews £6 More Info: www.edfringe.com & www.scottcapurro.com It’s at this point that I start to worry about the lesbian couple sitting at the next table with their infant daughter. They’ve been giving us some quizzical looks for a while now, and Scott’s latest outburst has evidently not gone down too well. After an hour with Scott Capurro, it’s easy to forget that such topics are sensitive. He has this kind of anaesthetising effect, drawing you into a world where the boundaries are less distinct. He discusses the quality of the coffee with the same waspish flippancy that he uses to describe Jesus as “a hot kike on a spike”. I decide to change the topic, in the hope that I might learn more about the man behind the bile. Scott divides his time between London and San Francisco, where he was raised. I want to know if he feels disconnected from America. “Yeah, I do. The thing that’s so great about America is that it keeps changing. I mean, I don’t agree with all of it. But thank fucking God people take a fresh breath every now and then. Britain never changes. Everything’s run by people who have Oxford and Cambridge connections. David Cameron is a perfect example. They think Cameron will win the next election because people want change. But if you really wanted change you wouldn’t vote for Cameron. Are you kidding me?” He laughs out loud at the possibility. “He went to Eton, for fuck’s sake. That’s like stepping back. Way back. If you really want change go and vote for the Green Party, like the Germans. I mean, thank God for the holocaust. Maybe that’s what it takes. Know what I mean?” Another dubious look from the couple at the next table. I think it was the “thank God for the holocaust” comment that did it. Do you think attitudes in Britain are changing towards gay people? “The thing is they all hate us. They hate queers. They wish we’d keep our mouths shut about it. They wish we’d all be more flamboyant and girly and apologetic, like the horrible ones. And I don’t see it changing. No one’s trying to change it. Well I am, but nobody cares what I do. I always thought Queer As Folk would change it, but it didn’t. Nothing happened.” I point out to Scott that Stonewall raised a number of objections to Queer As Folk. As I try to defend their position, he orders another cup of coffee, possibly because he finds my arguments tedious. From my perspective, I tell him, Queer As Folk runs the risk of promoting promiscuity as the norm for gay men, even as a kind of gay ideal. I’m not anti-promiscuity at all, I assure him, but why couldn’t Queer As Folk have represented at least one stable gay relationship? “Do you mean horse fucking?” he says, deliberately undermining my entire argument at one fell swoop. The bitch. I look over Scott’s shoulder in dismay as the couple hurriedly ask for the bill and wrap up their daughter in a duffel coat, perhaps to protect her from the noxious atmosphere. Scott continues, unimpeded: “I just saw a movie about that. It’s called Zoo, and it’s based on a true story. This guy in Washington crept into a stable and got fucked by a horse and died a couple of days later. It had been filmed and got passed around on the internet. Zoo is a bad movie, to be honest. The original clip on the internet was hot, though.” I suspect that Scott can see that I’m not all that keen to pursue a conversation about equine snuff films and, to his credit, he reverts to our previous topic without me having to ask. “I get what Stonewall were saying. I mean, sure, I’d like to see a broader representation of gay people of TV. But come on, Queer As Folk was great. It was beautifully filmed, brilliantly written. A lot of gays would love to behave that way. A lot of straights would too. I liked the fact that their lives looked fun, rather than those miserable fat ugly faggots you get on TV right now. Every time I see a queer in a movie now he’s either dying, dead, or spreading AIDS around.” It’s quite easy to accuse Scott of hypocrisy on this score. After all, his act could also be seen as promoting the idea that gay men are inherently promiscuous. “But gay men use their sexuality to intimidate people all the time,” he insists. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. I have a lot of friends who don’t want to fuck me.” He suddenly looks at me and his eyes narrow into a teasing squint. “Did we ever have sex? I don’t know, I can’t remember.” No, I tell him. We didn’t. “Alright, okay, if you say so”, he says, a mischievous smile creeping onto his lips. The fact that this reminder was necessary tells me all I need to know about how many sexual partners he must have had over the years. “I spray audiences with my sexuality like bullets, and in some ways being an out queer male in this culture is a lot more dangerous than carrying a gun around. It terrifies people... putting up a barrier.” - “If you really wanted change you wouldn’t vote for Cameron. He went to Eton, for fuck’s sake. That’s like stepping back. Way back. If you want change vote for the Green Party like the Germans.” - “I think gay men are angels”, he continues. “Because we don’t have children and we don’t need to get married. Some of us don’t give a shit. Thank God. Marriage is such a Victorian proposition anyway. Up until the late nineteenth century people got married for money. It was a financial institution. Which is part of the reason why some gays get together, let’s face it. Or stay together. It’s why one couple I know are staying together right now. They own two homes together. Booooring.” So marriage isn’t for you then? “I don’t know. I asked a guy to marry me years ago and he said he’d rather fall on a pair of rusty scissors and to me that sounded like a no.” Despite Scott’s sexual confidence, he is more than willing to expose his human vulnerabilities. He tells me quite frankly that he recently fell in love with a young man who did not reciprocate his advances. When we discuss it, he becomes less vivacious. It’s clear that he has been genuinely hurt by this experience. “One of the things that was hard about this guy was that I found his sexuality terrifying. Wherever we went there were people he’d fucked, and he’d talk about it, and hit on other people constantly, even though he knew I was interested in him. And I suddenly thought to myself, this might be the reason I’ve been single for such a long time. Because I’m like that.” It’s quite an admission. Scott has seen a facet of his own behaviour exhibited by someone else, and doesn’t like it. So is his sexual frankness a form of defence? “It’s defensive and offensive. It’s part of my armour, but it’s also very intimidating. I spray audiences with my sexuality like bullets, and in some ways being an out queer male in this culture is a lot more dangerous than carrying a gun around. It terrifies people. In a way it’s anti-social, because you’re putting up a barrier.” Scott must have had five cups of coffee by now, but like he says, it’s only lesbian coffee, so it hasn’t given him any kind of buzz. His new show at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scott Capurro Goes Deeper, promises to be edgy as we would expect, but it's clear from our conversation that he's not afraid to open up. “I know that I can shock people, I’ve proved that over and over, and now what I’m trying to do is reveal more about myself and create some sort of intimacy on stage. And I think the show is evolving into that, and I think that’s what the shock will be.” I get the impression that Scott is looking forward to this Edinburgh run. With any luck, this time, he’ll escape without any bruises. “Queer As Folk was great. A lot of people would love to behave that way. I liked the fact that their lives looked fun. Every time I see a queer in a movie now he’s either dying, dead, or spreading AIDS around.” ScotsGay 19 ScotsGay BADGE OF SHAME THE STORY SO FAR… tagecoach boss, Brian Souter, the Catholic Church and the SSBA feel vindicated after the Scottish press exposed the Gay Sex Now! sex information booklet. They have now won the support of Falkirk and Lanarkshire Councils to fight repeal of Section 28... S There was a flood of opinion polls, the results of each one endorsing a particular paper’s editorial stance in the debate over the repeal of Section 28. Supporting ‘Keep the Clause’, Scotland on Sunday predictably waded into the fracas with the results of their poll. “Today’s ICM poll in this newspaper, echoing other tests of public opinion over the last few days, reinforces the fact that a clear majority of people in Scotland do not want to see Section 28 repealed”. The Scottish News of the World stretched itself beyond the very narrow confines of its own representations of sexuality to declare: “Now we’ve polled the people who count - the kids themselves…” Without disclosing how many or even how they phrased the question, the paper boldly announced “three quarters of Scotland’s schoolkids believe that there is no place for gay lessons in the classroom”. Evidently drawn up by hand-wringing old hacks who believed gay sex was about to be ‘promoted’ in schools, The Scottish News of the World reported: “Kirsty Laird, 17, from Glasgow thinks Catholic schools and gay issues don’t mix. She said: ‘Religion at Notre Dame makes it hard for sexuality to be discussed mainly because the teachers are embarrassed. If it comes up it’s quickly swept under the carpet but I’m not sure that promoting a gay lifestyle is the answer”. Only 10 youths of 16 and 17 appeared to have been polled. “Jamie McCaig and pal Tom May, both 17, are happy to keep Section 28”, the tabloid boasted. Jamie, from Newton Mearns, Renfrewshire, said: “The politicians went to school a long time ago, and are out of touch with what it is like now”. Tom said: “Sex is far more openly discussed, so there is no need to take it into school”. Robbie McCellan, 16, a fifth year student at Kelvinside Academy, said: “I don’t think that it would make any difference if Section 28 was abolished. It seems to me that the system works fine as it is”. Another Kelvinside Academy pupil, Ollie Shields, 16, from Cambuslang, added: “I agree with Robbie. Sexuality is not really something that I think should be dealt with in the classroom. It is a private matter, and our teachers would be too embarrassed to talk about it. The only time it has really been discussed is in the light of this recent controversy.” The Scottish Mail printed the results of what they claimed was the “biggest and most comprehensive poll 20 ScotsGay Garry Otton garry@scotsgay.co.uk The author has not received payment for compiling this history but welcomes donations to any of the following: Peter Tatchell Human Rights Fund, PO Box 35253, London. E1 4YF www.tatchell rightsfund.org Amnesty International www.amnesty .org.uk National Secular Society www.secularism .org.uk PART 9 OPINION POLL FEVER conducted on Section 28” finding “less than a third of Scots” wanted Section 28 repealed. “Only among voters aged 18-24 are there more who favour abolishing Section 28”. Scottish Opinion Limited’s results, also loudly trumpeted by The Daily Record, had The Scottish Daily Mail celebrating in bold on their front page: “SCOTLAND SAYS NO TO GAY SEX LAW ABOLITION”. Scottish Opinions claimed to have asked 1,104 members of the public the loaded and profoundly dishonest question: “Do you think the Scottish Executive is right to repeal Section 28 of the Local Government Act which prohibits the promotion of homosexuality in schools?” With the debate for repeal of Section 28 in England and Wales also looming in the House of Lords, The Scottish Daily Mail issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Cabinet colleagues in London. “They risk a similar wave of public revulsion in England over their determination to delete the law from the statute books”. Under the heading: “Voters support ban”, there was again praise from a host of predictable sources. A spokesman for the ‘Keep the Clause’ campaign cheered: “This is tremendous news. It confirms in the most comprehensive way that the majority of people in Scotland do not want the repeal…” Alan Smith, executive treasurer of the Scottish School Boards’ Association (SSBA) was convinced that “the hearts and minds of the majority of people are clearly in favour of keeping Section 28”. And a spokesman for Cardinal Winning believed that “once again scientific sampling proves that the silent majority of Scots have genuine fears about the policy”. Writing in The Scottish Daily Mail, right-wing columnist, Gerald Warner declared his opinions on the matter proved “beyond dispute”, begging: “Why are Scottish politicians contending frenziedly to secure the votes of the three per cent of the population that is homosexual, while ignoring the potential votes of the large majority?” However, had the opinion polls gone against him, as they did on one occasion, he could be altogether more circumspect. “Sophisticated psephological exercises, opinion polling and trawling of focus groups are still less reliable political guides than human instinct”, he said. The Scottish Daily Mail’s editorial decided; “the only honourable and democratic course for the Executive is to bow to the wishes of the people”. But what people? Their own poll showed massive gaps in the way different generations had responded. A majority of under-35s – Scotland’s future - predictably displayed more progressive attitudes to homosexuality and thought Section 28 should go. Dismissed by The Daily Record as a “STITCH-UP”, a “shameless fix” and “clearly rigged by the gay lobby”, reporter Carlos Alba’s report on the Scottish Executive’s consultation exercise spat nails. “Forty gay groups and dozens of quangos - including the British Potato Council - were also asked for their views. But the public were frozen out”. The tabloid reported: “All 129 MSPs were consulted individually on the controversial plans, and Equal Opportunities and Local Government committees were also invited to respond. That meant that Labour MSPs Johann Lamont and Michael McMahon, who are on both committees, were asked for their opinion three times”. Not that would have made much difference: A week later, the former steelworker, Michael McMahon, the Catholic MSP for Hamilton North and Bellshill was serenaded in The Daily Record for being the first to publicly break ranks on Section 28. Communities’ minister Wendy Alexander MSP pointed out in The Sunday Herald: “80% of teachers who responded to our consultation about this are in favour of repeal. There have been more than 2,300 responses so far. We are being accused of not listening to public opinion but, in all, 85% of those who responded backed the repeal of Section 28 as humane, tolerant and right for the new Scotland”. The Scottish Executive’s consultation process was altogether different from a poll, inviting individuals and organisations to put their case to MSPs over a period of six weeks. Missing the point, the dickey-bowed former religious correspondent Tom Brown in The Daily Record declared the results “overwhelmingly against scraping Section 28… So what was the point of the ‘consultation process’?” The Scottish Executive was not like Westminster where the whole theatre of democracy took place in the House of Commons. In Scotland, consultation can take place over many weeks involving different organisations. Not exactly tabloid material. Or was it? The Daily Record slid their balls across the abacus. “More than 40 gay groups were consulted including the Glasgowbased Bi-g-les group which came under fire last month for posting gay porn on the Net”. And “it later emerged that gay campaigners had mounted a campaign to distort the results”. The Executive’s consultation process came under intense scrutiny by the tabloids. There were some grounds for concern too, not least the haste in which the Executive confirmed its intention to repeal Section 28, just two working days after the close of the consultation process. On Friday, 21 January The Scottish Sun joined in, bellowing across its front page: “SO WHAT HAVE GAY LESSONS TO DO WITH THE PRICE OF SPUDS?” They wrote: “More than 6,000 copies of the Ethical Standards in Public Life Bill were sent out to groups last November… There were 2,300 responses”. The tabloid had been selecting some of the many groups who had been sent consultation papers: “The British Potato Council… The Deer Commission, ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, the Welsh Office, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Arthritis Care Scotland and Alzheimer Scotland Action on Dementia”. Objections from individual members of the public were excluded from final figures. Donald Dewar tried to explain to the Executive the difficulties of consultation over such a sensitive issue and the weighting given to various types of opinion, for example teachers; members of the public, the Church and gay groups. Two days after the Scottish Executive announced the results of its consultation process, The Kirsty Walk Show on BBC One Scotland commissioned a poll carried out by MORI that found 56 per cent in favour of repeal compared to only 29 per cent against. They also found only 15 per cent agreeing with Cardinal Winning’s claim that homosexuality was a perversion. 69 per cent did not. More surprisingly, it found fewer than half of the Catholic head teachers - 47 per cent - backed Winning’s views on homosexuality. The Herald’s political cartoon had a Catholic pontiff holding a small megaphone marked 25 per cent, bellowing: “Let the moral majority be heard!” Behind him, he was about to be swallowed up by an enormous megaphone marked 75%. The Sunday Herald discovered it was as much about how a question was worded as anything else. Reporting on the MORI poll, they wrote: “While a huge majority of 83% are in favour of sex education including information on homosexuality, 60% remain opposed to the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality as defined by the controversial Section 28, which the government proposes to repeal. The contrasting results show how the debate on Section 28 is distorted by the language of the act which means local authorities cannot ‘promote the teaching of homosexuality’.” The poll also endorsed previous findings that 60 per cent disagreed with Winning’s interpretation of homosexuality as a perversion with only 32 per cent of Catholics supporting it. It was, of course, still alarming that a poll could show even one third of Scots agreeing with him, but as The Sunday Herald made clear in its editorial, “an alarmingly high 43% of Scots do not think that children should be taught the facts of life, including homosexuality”. The Daily Record was determined to discredit any poll that disagreed with them. The tabloid scoffed: “A BBC poll… showed Scotland’s head teachers backed the repeal of Section 28. But only half of the country’s 300 secondary school heads took part in the survey carried out for The Kirsty Wark Show”. (This was a bit rich since The Daily Record claimed its poll asked only 940 out of a Scottish population of around eight million)! Grace Wallace demonstrated where a large proportion of the results were coming from; dismissing the results and penning a response to letters’ pages of The Scottish Daily Express. “The majority of head teachers in Scotland do not want the law repealed - surely somebody should listen to them…? The Bible clearly teaches that it is unnatural to practise homosexual acts”. The Daily Record was impervious. “FACT: Every single poll of the subject finds that Scottish parents oppose repeal of Section 28 by a majority of two to one”. The influential businessman, Brian Souter expressed a touch of remorse for the First Minister but remained quite emphatic: “I feel sorry for Donald Dewar’s postie, - his back must be breaking but the message from the Scottish people is very clear… Either they please the very influential three per cent of citizens who find Section 28 offensive or risk the wrath of the other 97 per cent…” The ‘Keep the Clause’ campaign set up a chat forum on its website. Unfortunately for them, the gay community magazine, The Pink Paper clicked on it to notice that the “vast majority of responses in the past two days have been pro-repeal, and openly gay-friendly. Of a total of 73 messages posted from 31 January to 2 February 2000, 57 were in support of repeal with just 16 homophobic or anti-repeal”. The whole poll business began to turn in on itself. Dr James M Wilson of Glasgow University’s Management Studies Department wrote to The Herald: “I seem to be missing a subtle distinction that Saturday’s Herald finds between one poll’s ‘80% endorsement’ and another’s ‘four out of five’. One warrants a front-page ‘Huge support for Cubie’ headline (the independent committee into student finance) while the other sinks to the last column of an inner-page continuation of a headlined ‘Souter faces backlash’ article. Seems to me that an 80% result ought to constitute the same level (huge or otherwise) of support regardless of the issue. I have for several years past taught a session on ‘How to Lie with Statistics’ to our MBA and management students. I do so appreciate such a good, bad example for teaching presentation. Thank you”. Whilst the media wrestled with the findings of opinion polls, others were taking their opinions onto the streets. Reports began circulating amongst Scottish gays of incidents of name-calling, victimisation and queerbashing. For anyone whom, by dint of fate, was effeminate or openly gay, everything was about to change. For them, at least, Scotland was becoming a dark and dangerous place. As each day passed there were more Next: The Daily Record & ‘Brigadier’ Brown For the next part go to www. scottishmedia monitor.com Leave an E-mail address and we will update you when the next part is ready. newspaper stories; more barracking from columnists; more readers’ letters, more voices of outrage; each one more shrill than the last. The talk of the gay bars in Scotland at the time, and the fears of those who used them, was what were going to be the consequences of this unfolding campaign? There were rumours too: Someone had been verbally abused on a bus by a group of lads shouting ‘Keep the Clause’; some drunk had spat at someone outside the Glasgow gay pub, The Waterloo… Memories of the Soho gay pub bombing by 23-year-old BNP supporter David Copeland the year before, in April 1999, were still fresh. Fuelled by right-wing extremism and insecurities about his own sexuality, he planted a nail-bomb in the busy Admiral Duncan pub in London’s Soho. In the carnage that ensued, three people were killed and over 80 injured with 13 sustaining serious injuries including two with traumatic amputation of limbs. So too were memories of the violent murder of 35-year-old Michael Doran less than five years before, during the summer of 1995 in Glasgow’s Queen’s Park. A gang of three lads and a 14-year-old girl were on a ‘queerbashing’ rampage, putting a hammer through one man’s head, beating another so badly he was unable to walk and, finally, murdering Michael Doran. Michael received 83 blows to his body. They stabbed him several times in the groin, stamped on his face until they had broken every bone in his head and left him in the bushes, choking to death in his own blood. With their clothes still bloodstained, the gang joined friends at a nearby party, bragging about what they had just done. Inspired by Wendy Alexander’s promise to repeal Section 28, the gay community believed Scotland was now ready to move forward into a new, tolerant age. Far from it. Things were going to get much worse. The nightmare had only just begun. ScotsGay 21 ScotsGay GROUPS ScotsGay Listings are FREE. Send your group’s details and logo to listings@scotsgay.co.uk For bang up-to-date Listings visit www.scotsgay.co.uk/listings fun social activities and to chat about issues that affect men living in rural areas. For more information, contact Chris Kimber at Terrence Higgins Trust. Tel: 0141332 3838. E-mail: chris.kimber @tht.org.uk GLASGOW: The Sandyford: QUEER WOMEN'S ACTION: STIRLING: PUBLICATIONS SCOTSGAY: Monthly magazine edited, printed and published in Scotland since 1994. All of the words from the magazine can be found on our website as well as interactive Meet Market and our Listings which are frequently updated. Sample copy available by phoning 0906 1100256 (calls cost no more than £2). Tel: 0845 1208062 (+44 131-539 0666). Fax: 0131-539 2999. Write: PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail: editor@scotsgay.co.uk or scotsgay @drink.demon.co.uk www.scotsgay.co.uk QS: Scottish gay lifestyle magazine launched in March 2008. Tel: 0845 643 9663. Write: 143/6 Ferry Road, Edinburgh. EH6 4ET. E-mail: info@qsmag.co.uk www.qsmag.co.uk Previously Pride Scotia (Glasgow). Currently planning Pride Glasgow on Sat 30th Aug 2008. Write: 84 Bell Street, Glasgow. G1 1LQ. Tel: 0141-416 2300. E-mail: pride @prideglasgow.co.uk www.prideglasgow.co.uk www.bebo.com /prideglasgow www.myspace.com /prideglasgow www.facebook.com/grou p.php?gid=10290459947 PRIDE SCOTIA (EDINBURGH): Now busily organising Pride Scotia 2009! provisionally Sat 27th Jun. Tel: 0131-556 9471. Write: 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. E-mail: edinburgh @pride-scotia.org www.pride-scotia.org STONEWALL SCOTLAND: 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: Campaigns for equality and justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people living in Scotland. Write: 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6TE. Tel: 0131-557 3679. E-mail: info @stonewallscotland .org.uk www.stonewallscotland .org.uk LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ABERDEEN: Working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in Scotland. Write: 30 Bernard Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6PR. Tel: 07020 933952. Fax: 07020 933954. E-mail: en @equality-network.org www.equality-network.org and http://equalitynetwork.invisionzone.com Weekly e-mail and quarterly paper newsletters on LGBT equality campaigns and developments. Regular conferences, forums, and other events. E-mail or write to join the network. LESBIAN ARCHIVE AND INFORMATION CENTRE: The UK's largest and most significant collection of materials relating to lesbian lives. LAIC (at Glasgow Women's Library) 2nd Floor, 81 Parnie Street, Glasgow. G1 5RH. Tel/Fax: 0141552 8345. Closed to the public until Autumn 2008. E-mail: info @womenslibrary.org.uk www.womenslibrary.org. uk/laic/laic.html PRIDE GLASGOW: G@THT: A social group for gay men. Meets 4th Sat of every month from 1-4pm at THT, 11 Waverley Place. Tel: Alan on 0845 2412151. E-mail: info.aberdeen@tht.org.uk North East Scotland Gay Group: A befriending group for gay and bisexual men. Meets 3rd Sun of each month at 7.30pm. E-mail: nesgg @hotmail.co.uk RainbowFest: A new concept for Aberdeen which aims to plan and host an event on 5th Jul 2008 based around the ethos of Pride but different. E-mail: info @rainbowfest.co.uk www.rainbowfest.co.uk AYRSHIRE: Ayrshire Social & Sexuality Support Group: Meets 3rd Wed of each month at 7pm in Irvine. Details of venue from David Bingham on 0141332 3838 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). E-mail: david.bingham @tht.org.uk BORDERS: Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum: Aims to provide advice and act as a consulting body to all community planning partner organisations, develop a range of social and 22 ScotsGay recreational activities, and provide a befriending service to LGBT people. Contact Alastair Lings Phone: Galashiels (01896) 757861 or 07763 850087. E-mail: alastairlings@yahoo.co.uk Write: 79 Tweed Road, Galashiels, TD1 3DX. Or contact Linda Jackson: Tel: 07877 381200. E-mail: lindajack57 @hotmail.com www.borderslgbt.org.uk DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY: LGBT Youth D&G: As well as services for young people, runs a mailing list for information and occasional events for LGBT people of all ages from Dumfries and Galloway. Write: 26 Brewery Street, Dumfries. DG1 2RP. Tel: Dumfries (01387) 739888. Text: 07785 274147. E-mail: DandG @lgbtyouth.org.uk DUNDEE: Disco:very: The newsletter from Diversitay. Available from: Diversitay (LGBT Group), PO Box 53, Dundee, DD1 3YG. DUNFERMLINE: FifeFLAGS: Fife Free Lesbian and Gay Society. Based in Dunfermline, provides a welcoming and safe meeting space and dropin centre near the town centre for the LGBT community, our friends, family and supporters. Regular social group meets on Mon 7pmMidnight. Generally has a nice friendly mixed crowd most nights across the age range so come along and join the fun. Internet access, mini pool table or just hang out and meet new friends over coffee and biscuits. Safer sex information and supplies available as part of the Fife Health Board condom distribution scheme. Tel: Dunfermline (01383) 738517. E-mail: Info@ FifeFLAGS.org.uk www.fifeflags.org.uk EDINBURGH: Edinburgh LGBT Centre: Owned and managed by Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Community Project Limited, which is registered as a Scottish Charity and as a Scottish Company. Bought in 1974 by the Scottish Minorities Group, it is the only LGBTowned LGBT Centre in the UK and is also the oldest LGBT Centre in Europe if not the world. Write: Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a-60 Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. Tel: 0131-556 9471. Meeting Room Booking Tel: 07817 533337. E-mail: hello @edinburghlgbtcentre .org.uk www.edinburghlgbtcentre .org.uk Icebreakers: Social group for guys and gals who want to make friendships and feel more at ease in the company of other gay people. Run by Switchboard volunteers. Takes place from 7.309pm in CC Blooms on 2nd & 4th 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. A welcoming and nonthreatening environment. First timers can be met outside. Phone Lothian Switchboard for details. Stirling Gay Men's Social Group: Meets monthly from SepJun (generally 3rd Fri) in private houses. E-mail: mensgroup@beeb.net WOMEN'S LISTINGS ABERDEEN: Granite Sisters: GLASGOW: Glasgow LGBT Centre: The Centre Board manages Glasgow LGBT Centre Limited, which is registered as a Scottish charity and as a Scottish Company. Centre Administrator and Manager are on duty (9.30am-5pm Mon-Fri). Membership criteria for Glasgow LGBT Centre Limited is available to all interested people agreeing to the code of conduct. See press for notice of the Annual General meeting of Members - childcare and BSL interpreter can be organised, but please give advance notice. Membership is closed in the last month. Write: Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street, Glasgow. G1 1LQ. Tel: 0141-552 4958. E-mail: admin1 @glgbt.org.uk www.glgbt.org.uk Icebreakers Group: For lesbians, gays and bisexuals new to the scene. 12.30-3pm on 1st Sun of each month at LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard. INVERNESS: Highland Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Forum: E-mail: forum @gay-ness.org.uk www.gay-ness.org.uk Highland LGBT Social Group: Regular events and discos in Inverness. Tel: 07969 271086. E-mail: forum @gay-ness.org.uk www.gay-ness.org.uk /events.html Terrence Higgins Trust Highland Gay Men's Group (and activities): Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 or E-mail: agnes.boes @tht.org.uk LANARKSHIRE: Lanarkshire Gay Men’s Group: Fortnightly social group for LGBT people living or working in Lanarkshire. Meets fortnightly Thu 7-9pm at the Hamilton Town House. Get together for Aberdeen based social and cultural group for older (over 30's) lesbians throughout Scotland. The website is the main link for members and interested lesbians to gain information etc. Although under re-construction at the moment it will be live asap. E-mail: 13@clara.co.uk www.13.clara.co.uk L@THT: Women's group meets 6pm on 1st Mon of each month at THT, 11 Waverley Place. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: info.aberdeen @tht.org.uk EDINBURGH: AD Group: Ancient Dykes is a long established Edinburgh based social group for lesbians aged 40+ organised by women for women. Holds monthly meetings and frequent social events such as days out and about. Meets on first Sat of each month during the afternoon. Tel: Ruth on 0131-554 7256 or phone Edinburgh Lesbian Line. Connect-Ed: Scottish Charity providing counselling service to LBT women in the Lothians. The kind of issues they expect to be contacted about may include: relationship difficulties, sexual problems, drug or alcohol use, abuse, loss, self esteem, bullying, mental health issues, anxiety/depression. All counselling sessions last for one hour and you may attend for counselling for a short time or longer depending on your needs. All Connect-Ed counsellors are lesbian or bisexual. Presently has to charge on a sliding scale to pay their counsellors and will discuss this when you contact them. Tel: 07906 178220. Lesbian Book Group: Meets monthly (Wed 7.30-9.30pm). Contact Kerry for further details / next book by E-mail: kjmcdoll @yahoo.co.uk Counselling and Support Services at Sandyford Place (old Eye Infirmary), Glasgow. G3 7NB. Tel: 0141-211 6700. Minicom: 0141-211 6703. Fax: 0141-211 6702. Sappho @ The Sandyford: Sappho promotes positive health for lesbians and easier access to sexual, reproductive and women's health services. A well-woman clinic and screening service is provided in a lesbian friendly setting. Tel: 0141211 8130 for appointment. Counselling takes place fortnightly on Tue eve. There is a crêche within Sandyford - Tel: 0141-211 8647 for info. www.sandyford.org Glasgow Women's Library: 2nd Floor, 81 Parnie Street, Glasgow. G1 5RH. Tel/Fax: 0141-552 8345. Closed to the public until Autumn 2008. Lending and reference library books, magazines, journals, videos, leaflets and information. UK and overseas feminist and lesbian publications. Contains the Lesbian Archive and Information Centre - a unique national collection of publications, journals and ephemera by and for lesbians. E-mail: info@ womenslibrary.org.uk www.womenslibrary .org.uk OLGA - Older Lesbians Get Around: Meets monthly on 2nd Sat of each month at 2.30pm in Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street. Lorna on Dumfries (01387) 247536. E-mail: roseodoherty @hotmail.com INVERNESS: GirlZone: Friendly, informal social group for LBT and friends - all welcome. Meets 1st Sat and 3rd Fri of each month. Tel: Joanne on 07792 223 687 for details and venue. E-mail: girlzone @gay-ness.org.uk www.gay-ness.org.uk Highland Lesbian Group: A friendly lesbian social group which offers support and information. Organises fundraisers for Womankind Worldwide: E-mail: High_Les @bigfoot.com www.womankind.org.uk www.freewebs.com /highlandlesbiangroup Terrence Higgins Trust Highland Lesbian Group (and activities): Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 or E-mail: agnes.boes @tht.org.uk NATIONAL: Lesbian Film Group: Meets 3rd Thu of each month at 7.15pm (for 7.30pm start). Open to lesbian and bisexual women. E-mail: gaybookfilm @yahoo.co.uk LESBIAN INFORMATION SERVICE: Lesbian Social Group: Meets 3rd Wed of each month at 7.30pm in The Regent, 2 Montrose Terrace. E-mail: lesbiansocialgroup @hotmail.co.uk E-mail: jan @lesbianinformation service.org www.lesbianinformation service.org Activist group promoting the interests of lesbian, bisexual and transgender women in Scotland. Write: 97 Lower Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1ER. E-mail: info@qwa.org.uk www.qwa.org.uk SCOTTISH NETWORK FOR LESBIAN STRENGTH: To further lesbian issues, follow a lesbian agenda and foster lesbian visibility. E-mail: High_Les @bigfoot.com YOUNG LESBIANS: See our Youth Groups listings. BISEXUALS BISCOTLAND: Support and social network for people who are bisexual or questioning their sexuality. Also organises training and activist activities in support of bisexual visibility and pride. Informal 'safe space' meetings are held on 1st Wed of each month in Glasgow (7.30pm downstairs in the LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street) and 3rd Wed of each month in Edinburgh (contact for details of venue). Meetings (open to all bi or questioning people) are usually followed by social gatherings which are open to partners or friends. Write: BiScotland, c/o Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street, Glasgow. G1 1LQ. Information line: 07963 960321. E-mail: info@biscotland.org www.biscotland.org INVERNESS: Terrence Higgins Trust Highland Bisexual Group (and activities): Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 or E-mail: agnes.boes@tht.org.uk ABUSE BROKEN RAINBOW LGBT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICE (UK): Works to change the situation for LGBT people facing domestic violence. Runs a helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their family, friends, and agencies to support LGBT people around domestic violence. Mon & Thu 28pm, Wed 10am-1pm. Tel: 0845 2604460. E-mail: mail @broken-rainbow.org.uk www.brokenrainbow.org.uk MEN AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE: 1-2-1 counselling for adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, male rape, male domestic abuse and under 18's. Tel: 0141-550 2048. E-mail: masacounseling @aol.com www.masa-listens.com RAPE AND ABUSE LINE: For male and female survivors. Women answer the Tel: Freephone 0808 8000123 (or Dingwall (01349) 865316) hours as advised on telephone answering machine. Men answer the Tel: Freephone 0808 8000122 (or Dingwall (01349) 862686) hours as advised on telephone answering machine. Callers are welcome to phone either line. Write: PO Box 10, Dingwall. IV15 9HE. the 3rd Sat of each month. Write: PO Box 28, Edinburgh. EH3 5JL. E-mail: president @msc-scotland.net www.msc-scotland.net SCOTSSKINS: Information Site for Scottish Gay Skinheads. ScotsSkins meet informally in The Claremont in Edinburgh on the 2nd Sat of each month. E-mail: scotsskins @btinternet.com http://scotsskins .bravehost.com SM GAYS: 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: The Sandyford Initiative, 4 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Tel: 0141-211 8133. E-mail: thrive @ggc.scot.nhs.uk ATHEISTS /HUMANISTS GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION: GALHA is a membership organisation promoting a gay-friendly Humanist outlook and LGBT rights as human rights. Membership is open to supporters worldwide and gives access to a range of events. Write: GALHA, 1 Gower Street, London. WC1E 6HD. Tel: 0844 800 3067. E-mail: secretary @galha.org www.galha.org PINK TRIANGLE TRUST: PTT is a gay Humanist charity which can arrange non-religious ceremonies of love and commitment for lesbian and gay couples at very reasonable rates in most parts of Scotland. Write: 34 Spring Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2HB. Tel/Fax: Kenilworth (01926) 858450. E-mail: ceremonies @pinktriangle.org.uk www.pinktriangle.org.uk BDSM E-mail: info @smgays.org www.smgays.org SM PRIDE: National organisation providing information, advice and support on BDSM and related issues. Write: SM Pride, PO Box 413, Torquay, Devon. TQ1 1WZ. Tel: 0845 094 2250. Fax: 08702 415058. E-mail: theteam @uksmpride.org www.uksmpride.org BEARS BEARSCOTS: For hairy, moustached, bearded or bulky men and their admirers. Write: PO Box 12785, Edinburgh. EH6 7YU. Tel: 0131-516 4553. E-mail: info @bearscots.org.uk www.bearscots.org.uk Edinburgh BearScots: 1st Sat of each month: Men Only pub night, Claremont Bar, 9pm-1am. 2nd weekend of each month: Edinburgh Bear Weekend. Sat: Edinburgh Bear Sauna, Steamworks, 2-8pm. Bears in the Basement, New Town Bar, 9pm-2am. Sun: Bearlyawake Brunch, New Town Bar, 12.30-2.30pm. Glasgow BearScots: 1st weekend of each month: Glasgow Bear Weekend. Fri: BEARlinnie, Revolver Bar, 8pm-Midnight. Sat: Bearly-awake Brunch, M.E.T., 12.30-2.30pm. Bear Sauna, Pipeworks, 2-6pm. BELIEVERS AFFIRMATION SCOTLAND: .org.uk www.affirmationscotland .org.uk EDINBURGH QUAKER LESBIAN AND GAY FELLOWSHIP: Meets on the 3rd Wed of each month at 7pm in the downstairs bar of the Royal Oak, 1 Infirmary Street. E-mail: edinburgh.qlgf @gmail.com EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP FOR LESBIAN & GAY CHRISTIANS: Lesbian, gay or bisexual? From an Evangelical tradition? So are we. Tel: Andrew on Mid Calder (01506) 499926. Write: c/o 123 Byron Road, Chelmsford. CM2 6HJ. E-mail: info@eflgc.org.uk www.eflgc.org.uk LIBERAL CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH: A small gay friendly fellowship in the Old Catholic tradition. Monthly public service in Edinburgh as well as private Masses and other sacraments. Also Relationship Blessings, Hand-fastings, Funeral ministry and Healing. Contact Bishop Alistair CCP on 07817 767445. E-mail: alistair_bate @hotmail.com www.revalistairbate.com A club for men interested in Leather, Rubber, Uniform. Meets in Edinburgh from 9pm at the Claremont Bar on the 1st Sat of each month and at the New Town Bar on ROMAN CATHOLIC CAUCUS OF THE LESBIAN & GAY CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT: Write: RC Caucus, PO Box 24632, London. E9 6XF. Tel: 020-7226 0847. E-mail: lgcm_rccaucus @hotmail.com BIKERS GAY BIKERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: A UK-wide club for women and men. Active Scottish section. Write: PO Box 33, Long Eaton, Nottingham. NG10 2BF. E-mail: info @gaybikers.co.uk www.gaybikers.co.uk An inclusive church of the LGBT community open to all irrespective of sexuality. Services: Every Sun at 6pm (11am during Aug) at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. Relationship blessings conducted by arrangement. Tel: 0131226 1691. Write: Metropolitan Community Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. EH1 1EL. E-mail: mail@ mccedinburgh.com www.mccedinburgh.com METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH IN GLASGOW: A church of the LGBT communities welcoming all people. Next Sunday Gathering: 6th Jul at 11.30am in Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street. Tel or Text: 07972 139128. E-mail: kate @mccinglasgow.co.uk www.mccinglasgow.co.uk QUAKER LESBIAN AND GAY FELLOWSHIP: A welcoming and supportive national group for people of all sexual orientations and their friends. Write: Ruth (SG), 46 The Avenue, Starbeck, Harrogate. HG1 4QD. E-mail: qlgfcontact @btclick.com www.qlgf.org.uk QUEST: EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S CHORUS: A new venture aiming to bring 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. For full details and to signup www.egmc.co.uk details. Tel: 07857 082220. GLASGAY!: Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture. Next dates: 1st Oct - 9th Nov 2008. Q! Gallery is Glasgay's new year-round gallery dedicated to queer art and artists. Mon-Sat 11am5pm. The Stud!o is an adjacent performance/ research/workshop and holistic arts space. The Q! Gallery, 87-91 Saltmarket, Glasgow. G1 5LE. Tel/Fax: 0141-552 7575.Text: 07762 722460. E-mail: info @glasgay.co.uk www.glasgay.co.uk INTERNATIONAL KILT APPRECIATION SOCIETY (IKAS): Contact and social group for guys interested in viewing/wearing kilts. Regular newsletter. Write: Mervyn Tacy, 'Ziveli', 20 Ordsall Park Road, Retford. DN22 7PA. Please enclose sae. Tel: 01777 708270. E-mail: IKILTas@aol.com www.freewebs.com/ikas LGBT BOOK GROUP: Meets on the first Thu of each month at 7.30pm (contact for details of venue). Books are chosen by group members in advance. E-mail: gaybookfilm @yahoo.co.uk Organisation for lesbian and gay Catholics. Monthly meetings are held in different regional groups throughout Britain. Scottish meetings held in Glasgow. Quest varying numbers of parts, includes simple rounds, popular music, traditional music, light classics, festive and seasonal songs, lesbian/gay anthems, and show tunes. Meets weekly for rehearsals in Edinburgh. E-mail: info @loudandproudchoir.org www.loudandproud choir.org LUVVIES THEATRE COMPANY: Edinburgh based LGBT theatre company, which aims to give LGBT people the opportunity to act, direct, produce or organise theatre or take part in any aspect of the creative process. No previous experience is necessary. Tel: 07854 836605. E-mail: info @theluvvies.org www.theluvvies.org OURSTORY SCOTLAND: CULTURAL METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH: MSC SCOTLAND: Network in the Church of Scotland of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians, their friends and supporters. Formed in 2006 in response to the issue of ministers and deacons being able to conduct ceremonies to mark civil partnerships without fear of censure. Write: Monica Stewart, 37 Main Street, Invergowrie. DD2 5AB. E-mail: membership @affirmationscotland Linkline - The Helpline for Gay and Lesbian Catholics - Tel: (Freephone) 0808 808 0234. Write: BM Box 2585, LONDON. WC1N 3XX. E-mail: quest @questgaycatholic.org.uk www.questgaycatholic .org.uk LOUD & PROUD: Scotland's original choir for LGBT singers is made up of approximately 45 singers and holds regular concerts in the Central Belt. The repertoire, which is sung a capella in A charity which works to collect, archive and present the life stories and experiences of the LGBT Community in Scotland. If you have a story to tell or experiences to share, or would like to find out more about their upcoming programme of events, then please contact them. Write: OurStory Scotland, Archives and Special Collections, The Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow. G3 7DN. E-mail: info @ourstoryscotland.org.uk www.ourstoryscotland .org.uk THE QUEER NOTES: New LGBT choir in Glasgow welcomes anyone who identifies as queer or part of the LGBT Community. Rehearses Fri from 7pm in Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street. E-mail: glasgow_lgbt_ choir@hotmail.co.uk www.thequeernotes.co.uk REMEMBER WHEN PROJECT: Documenting the collective history of Edinburgh's LGBT communities, recording life-stories and personal memories across the generations, and celebrating our rich and varied contributions to the quality of life in the city. The culmination of this work was an exhibition entitled 'Rainbow City: Stories from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Edinburgh' held at the City Art Centre, Edinburgh in 2006. Write: Remember When Project, c/o The Living Memory Association, The Reminiscence Centre, 101 St Leonards Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9QY. Tel: 0131-667 0761, and leave a message, stating clearly that it is for Remember When. E-mail: rw @rememberwhen.org.uk SCOTTISH BORDERS GAY FILM GROUP: Meets monthly during autumn through to the spring, and views videos/DVDs with a gay theme or character. For more details please contact Alastair on Galashiels (01896) 757861 or E-mail: alastairlings @yahoo.co.uk HEALTH AND ABILITIES AL-ANON: Support group for anyone - friends, families, partners, co-workers affected by or dealing with someone else's drinking. Relaxed, friendly, group. All are welcome! Meets Thu 6.30-7.45pm (contact for details of venue). E-mail: LGBTalanon HoweSt@googlemail.com ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Whilst AA runs the following 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 (LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street). Please note that the last meeting of the month is open to non AA members. AA Glasgow: Tue & Thu 7.30pm (Nye Bevan House, 20 India Street), Fri 7.30pm (The Ogilvie Centre, 25 Rose Street). AA National: Helpline: 0845 7697555 (24 hours). Northern Service Office: 0141-226 2214. www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.uk ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY LGBT CARERS: Carers' contacts for gay men and lesbians are trained and skilled volunteers able to offer understanding and a listening ear to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or transsexual carers of people with Alzheimer's disease or with any other form of dementia. To contact the Alzheimer's Society's LGBT Carers: Tel the Alzheimer's Helpline on 0845 300 0336 or write to Alzheimer's Society LGBT Carers, Alzheimer's Helpline, Alzheimer's Society, Devon House, 58 Saint Katharine's Way, London. E1W 1JX. or E-mail: gaycarers @alzheimers.org.uk www.alzheimers.org.uk /Gay_Carers/index.htm BODY POSITIVE (TAYSIDE): 1st Floor, 31 Hawkhill, Dundee. DD1 5DH. A charity that exists to empower HIV and HepC positive people and those affected thereby to eliminate the stigma and isolation they experience. Tel: Dundee (01382) 226860. Fax: Dundee (01382) 322606. Tue-Thu (Drop In) Noon-3.30pm. E-mail: admin @bodypositivetayside.org www.bodypositive tayside.org BROWNLEE CENTRE (GLASGOW): Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN. Confidential information, advice, counselling and direct access testing for HIV and Hepatitis. The Centre provides ongoing medical and social care plus psychological and emotional support for people living with HIV infection and one to one counselling for people at risk of HIV. Tel: 0141-211 1089. Fax: 0141-211 1097. Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Tue 5-7pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm. BROWNLEE COMMUNITY TEAM: Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN. Social work service for people with HIV/AIDS providing intensive community based support. General advice and information on community care and housing needs also provided. Tel: 0141-211 1090. FIFE MEN: 5 South Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy. KY1 1YA. (Behind Sheriff Court). Information, advice and support on gay and health issues, free condoms, and much more! Mon-Fri 15pm, Sat 10am-3pm. Tel: Kirkcaldy (01592) 265666. Fax: Kirkcaldy (01592) 643866. E-mail: enquiries @fifemen.org.uk www.fifemen.org.uk GAY MEN'S HEALTH EDINBURGH: 10a 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. Fax: 0131-558 9060. E-mail: info@gmh.org.uk www.gmh.org.uk GAY MEN'S HEALTH GLASGOW: Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street, Glasgow. G1 1LQ. Tel: 0141-552 0112. Fax: 0141-552 4928. 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 information. E-mail: glasgow @gmh.org.uk www.gmh.org.uk GAY MEN'S HEALTH TAYSIDE: Exists to promote the sexual and holistic health of gay and bi men living in Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross (including men who have sex with men but who do not identify as gay or bi), reduce the spread of HIV within those communities and challenge the discrimination, health inequalities and social exclusion that can be faced by gay and bi men, including HIV positive gay and bi men, and those affected by HIV. Tel: Dundee (01382) 424070. Fax: Dundee (01382) 424090. E-mail: info @gaymenshealth tayside.com www.gaymenshealth tayside.com GRAMPIAN POSITIVE SUPPORT GROUP: A self help group offering support and assistance for individuals with HIV/AIDS in the Grampian area. Contact THT, 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. AB10 1XH. ScotsGay 23 ScotsGay GROUPS HEALTHY GAY SCOTLAND: A national HIV prevention & sexual health promotion programme for gay and bisexual men. Offers a range of services including info on its website, campaigns and resources and a free condoms by post scheme. www.healthygayscotland .com HIV-AIDS CARERS AND FAMILIES SERVICE PROVIDER SCOTLAND: 10 Elderpark Workspace, 100 Elderpark Street, Glasgow. G51 3TR. MonFri 9am-5pm. Telephone Support Service Mon-Fri 7pm-10pm. Tel: 0141445 8797. Fax: 0141-445 8798. E-mail: hiv-aids_carers @lineone.net www.hiv-aids-carers .org.uk HIV SCOTLAND: Suite 2, 27 Beaverhall Road, Edinburgh. EH7 4JE. Tel: 0131-558 3713. Fax: 0131-558 9887. The independent voice for HIV in Scotland, this charity is a policy and strategic body and runs Healthy Gay Scotland and Black Minority Ethnic-related HIV work. E-mail: info @hivscotland.com www.hivscotland.com LANARKSHIRE HIV, AIDS AND HEPATITIS CENTRE: Counselling Service, Monklands Hospital, Monks Court Avenue, Airdrie. ML6 0JS. One stop shop for HIV and Hepatitis health services. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Also Tue & Thu 7-9.30pm (appointments only). Also runs support group for HIV Positive men. Tel: Airdrie (01236) 712247. Fax: Airdrie (01236) 712449. E-mail: liz.mccann @lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk LGBT CENTRE FOR HEALTH & WELLBEING: 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6TE. Currently closed to the public for redecoration. May not re-open due to funding. Working in partnership with the LGBT community and health service providers to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in south-east Scotland. Tel: 0131-523 1100. E-mail: admin @lgbthealth.org.uk www.lgbthealth.org.uk POSITIVE HELP: 13a Great King Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6QW. Practical help for people who are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS in Edinburgh, their families and carers. Tel: 0131-558 1122. Fax: 0131-558 3636. E-mail: posihelp @onetel.com POSITIVE VOICE: 37-39 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh. EH7 5DJ. Self help for people living with and affected by HIV and Hepatitis in Lothian, offering individual 24 ScotsGay advocacy, peer support and subsidised complementary therapies in a safe, confidential and welcoming environment. Tel: 0131-652 0754. Fax: 0131-661 9100. E-mail: enquiries @positive-voice.org.uk www.positive-voice .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 5-7.30pm 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, Del or George on Tel: 0131-537 8300 or 07774 628227. E-mail: enquiries @roam-outreach.com www.roam-outreach.com THE SANDYFORD: 2-6 Sandyford Place (old Eye Infirmary), 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 The 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. E-mail: helpsandyford @ggc.scot.nhs.uk www.sandyford.org SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS: Sex Addicts Anonymous is a twelve-step recovery programme. Our primary purpose is to stop our addictive sexual behavior and to help others recover from their sexual addiction. Our members define their own sexual boundaries with the guidance of their Higher Power, their sponsors and other group members. We encourage our members to discover and explore what healthy sexuality means to them. Meetings in Edinburgh & Glasgow. Tel: Scottish Helpline on 0141-552 0154 (24 hours). E-mail: info @saa-recovery.org www.saa-recovery.org SEXUAL HEALTH LINE: Freephone 0800 567123. 24 hours. Confidential advice and information. Minicom: Freephone 0800 521361. www.playingsafely.co.uk STEVE RETSON PROJECT: The Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place (old Eye Infirmary), Glasgow. G3 7NB. A free sexual health screening and counselling service for gay and bisexual men. Clinics run Tue & Wed 5.30-8.30pm. Also Thu 5.30-8.30pm at Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street. Same-day HIV test Tue morning 8.3010am. Tel: 0141-211 8130. www.steveretson project.org.uk TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SCOTLAND NATIONAL OFFICE GLASGOW: THT Direct 0845 1221200 Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, SatSun Noon-6pm. E-mail: info.highland @tht.org.uk www.tht.org.uk TOGETHER (GLASGOW): Social/support /information group for men living with HIV. Meets 1st Sun of each month from 2-4pm at LGBT Centre, 84 Bell St. call Gay Men's Health. E-mail: together @gmh.org.uk www.gmh.org.uk /together WAVERLEY CARE: Old Coates House, 32 Manor Place, Edinburgh. EH3 7EB. Waverley Care is responsible for a number of projects for people living or affected by HIV and/or Hepatitis C in Scotland. Tel: 0131-226 2206. Fax: 0131-226 2209. E-mail: director @waverleycare.org www.waverleycare.org WAVERLEY CARE AFRICAN SUPPORT GLASGOW: Support for Africans affected by HIV. Tel: 0141-211 0192. 134 Douglas Street, Glasgow. G2 4HF. HIV prevention and support services in Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, the Glasgow area and Western Central Scotland. Support & Advocacy Service provides a full range of welfare rights advice and representation as well as community service volunteers (buddies). Also provides a range of health promotion services for gay and bisexual men throughout the West of Scotland. Please contact for further details. Volunteers welcome! Tel: 0141-332 3838. Fax: 0141-332 3755. Helpline: THT Direct 0845 1221200 Mon-Fri 10am10pm, Sat-Sun Noon-6pm. E-mail: info.scotland @tht.org.uk www.tht.org.uk TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SCOTLAND ABERDEEN OFFICE: 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. AB10 1XH. Formerly Phace Scotland. HIV prevention and support services in Grampian including Community Support, Group Support and LGBT groups. Also provides a range of health promotion services for Gay and Bisexual men throughout Grampian. Please contact for further details. Volunteers welcome! Tel: 0845 2412151. Fax: 0845 2412152. Helpline: THT Direct 0845 1221200 Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, SatSun Noon-6pm. E-mail: info.aberdeen @tht.org.uk www.tht.org.uk TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SCOTLAND HIGHLAND OFFICE: 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. IV1 1NB. LGBT Support and activities. Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585. Fax: Inverness (01463) 711793. Helpline: WAVERLEY CARE BUDDY SERVICE: Waverley Care Buddy Service is a volunteer befriending service offering emotional and social 1:1 support for individuals living with HIV in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Write: Teresa D'Astoli, Buddy Service Co-ordinator, 113 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh. EH14 1EB Tel: 0131-312 9953 or 07929 132675. E-mail: buddy @waverleycare.org WAVERLEY CARE DAYCARE SERVICE: Offers a range of flexible, creative and support activities to people with HIV in the community. Tel: 0131-441 2791. E-mail: daycare @waverleycare.org WAVERLEY CARE MILESTONE HOUSE: 113 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh. EH14 1EB. Creates tailor-made residential care for people with HIV which is flexible, creative and supportive. Tel/Fax: 0131-441 6989. E-mail: milestone @waverleycare.org WAVERLEY CARE SOLAS : 2-4 Abbeymount, Edinburgh. EH8 8EJ. Information, support, advice, counselling, training and self development, arts activities, events, health promotion, African support, one-toone/group support and a café. Also Crusaid Hardship Fund - for those experiencing economic hardship due to HIV infection. Café: Mon-Fri 8.30am-3.30pm. Support services: Mon-Fri 9am5pm. Many support groups and activities outwith these hours, please enquire. Tel: 0131661 0982. E-mail: info @waverleycare.org www.waverleycare.org ScotsGay Listings are FREE. Send your group’s details and logo to listings@scotsgay.co.uk For bang up-to-date Listings visit www.scotsgay.co.uk/listings OLDER GAYS CAFFMOS: Nationwide Social and Contacts Club for the older gay gentleman and his admirers, both young and old. Scottish group meets in Edinburgh. Write: PO Box 2087, Blackpool. FY4 1WL. Tel: Blackpool (01253) 318327. E-mail: Caffmos2 @aol.com Edward is the Scottish Contact E-mail: ebsc18624 @blueyonder.co.uk www.caffmos community.com PRIME TIME: Social group for men over 40. Meets 15 Roseberry Crescent, Edinburgh, every 2nd Sun from 24pm. Next dates: 6th & 20th Jul, 3rd, 17th & 31st Aug. Tel: John on 0131556 1309 or Steve on 0131-558 9444. E-mail: j.thompson39 @btinternet.com www.primetime.uk.net PRIMETIME (GLASGOW): Social group for men 40+. Meets 1st Fri of each month from 5.30-7pm at the LGBT Centre, 84 Bell St. Tel: Austen at Gay Men's Health on 0141552 0112. E-mail: primetime. glasgow@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. E-mail: opi @drink.demon.co.uk OPI GLASGOW MISSION: Write: Novice Maddie Za Hatter OPI, c/o PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail: maddie @blueyonder.co.uk OUTDOOR PURSUITS GAY BIRDERS CLUB: For LGBT Birdwatchers. Write: Gay Birders Club, GeeBeeCee, BCM-Mono, London. WC1N 3XX. Tel: Annie on 0131-552 6333. E-mail: info @gbc-online.org.uk www.gbc-online.org.uk GAY CARAVAN & CAMPING CLUB: For men and women. Regular meets throughout the UK. Tel: Marc on 07977 317872. E-mail: info @gaycaravanclub.com www.gaycaravan club.com GAY OUTDOOR CLUB: Holds regular events including walking, skiing, cycling, climbing, mountain-biking, kayaking, mountaineering, camping, youthhostelling, badminton, running and swimming. Please send an A5 sae to PO Box 637, Skellingthorpe, Lincoln, LN6 5XD E-mail: enquiries08 @gocscotland.org.uk www.gocscotland.org.uk GOC EDINBURGH: Walks and MountainBiking: Andrew on 0131-477 0499. Monthly Social (2nd Thu): James on 0131-229 3142. Cycling/Kayaking: David on 07747 465743. Running: Meets every Wed at the Jawbone, The Meadows, Edinburgh (junction of Melville Drive and Marchmont Road) at 6.30pm prompt. Grid Ref NT255726. Everybody welcome, men or women, from complete beginners to the more experienced. Contact Robert on 07738 939836. E-mail: robert.cole @bt.com GOC GLASGOW: Walks: Robert on 0141950 1081. Cycling & Swimming: Douglas on 0141-632 8707. Climbing: Jonathan on 0141-334 0812. Badminton: Donn on 07919 410042. Running: Chris on 07786 263274. GOC HIGHLANDS: Walks & Weekend Trips: Alan on Dores (01463) 751258. GOC MOUNTAINEERING: Tim on 0131-478 0844. GLASGOW GAY RAMBLERS GROUP: Leisurely walks in the countryside. Bring sensible footwear/clothing and packed lunch. 2nd Sat of each month. Meet at Mitchell Library, Berkeley Street. No membership - just turn up. Cars normally shared. Tel: Robert on 0141-950 1081. E-mail: robert@goc scotland.org.uk OUT DOOR LADS: A UK-Wide, web-based organisation, offering a wide range of activities: from camping, hostelling, hill-walking and indoor climbing, to the more extreme activities like gorge scrambling, ice climbing, technical mountain biking and many more. There's something for everyone, no matter what your interest. Core membership is Gay and Bi-sexual lads, aged 1835, but OutdoorLads does not discriminate on any grounds including age, sexuality, disability or sex, and welcomes anyone who agrees with the group's aims and objectives. www.outdoorlads.com PARENTS EDINBURGH LESBIAN MOTHERS GROUP (ELMG): Informal network of parents and women interested in parenting. See listing for Lesbian Mothers Network (Scotland) for contact details. .org.uk and www.lagrad.org.uk game. All welcome. Tel: Paul on 07708 514676 (6-11pm). GAY DADS SCOTLAND: Support group for gay fathers. Meets on last Thu of each month in a private room in Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a Broughton Street. Gay dads from all over Scotland welcome. Tel: 07791 188742. E-mail: info @gaydadsscotland.org.uk www.gaydads scotland.org.uk RESIDENTIAL EVENTS GLASGOW SWIMMING GROUP: Meets informally during adults-only session 7.309pm Thu at North Woodside Pool, Braid Square. Tel: Douglas on 0141-632 8707. E-mail: douglas @gocscotland.org.uk and include GOC in the subject line. Also contact E-mail: enquiries08 @gocscotland.org.uk www.gocscotland.org.uk GLASGOW LESBIAN MOTHERS GROUP: Meets from 2pm on the 1st Sat of each month at Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street. E-mail: admin1 @glgbt.org.uk LESBIAN MOTHERS NETWORK (SCOTLAND): Tel: Sue Robertson on 0131-556 3899/4563. Fax: 0131-557 7899. Write: One Parent Families Scotland, 13 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh. EH1 3NX. E-mail: suerobertson @opfs.org.uk www.lesbian-mothersscotland.org EDWARD CARPENTER COMMUNITY OF GAY MEN: Committed to principles of caring, trusting, personal growth, sharing, and creativity aimed at nurturing 'community' as an alternative to the commercial scene. Organises Gay Men's Weeks and shorter events each year in SW Scotland, the English Lake District and other venues across the UK. Write: Edward Carpenter Community, BM ECC, London. WC1N 3XX. Tel: 08703 215121. E-mail: contact_ecc @edwardcarpenter community.org.uk www.gaycommunity .org.uk SPORTS CALEDONIAN THEBANS RFC: PARENTS' ENQUIRY SCOTLAND: Coming out? Information and support for parents of LGBT people. Helpline and admin: Tel: 0131-556 6047 before 10pm. Write: c/o ScotsGay Magazine, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail: parentsenquiry @hotmail.com www.parentsenquiry scotland.org POLITICAL LIBERAL PARTY LESBIAN AND GAY CAMPAIGN: Tel: 0151-259 5935 (Telephone Answering Machine). Write: 41 Sutton Street, Liverpool, L13 7EG. E-mail: libgay @libparty.demon.co.uk www.liberal.org.uk 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. REAL ALE LESBIAN AND GAY REAL ALE DRINKERS: The Edinburgh group of CAMRA's Task Group for LGBT real ale and cider fans. Meets in The Regent on the 1st Mon of each month from 9pm to sample the brewers' art Aug 2nd Mon (to avoid GBBF). Tel: Karen on 0131-557 8790. E-mail: lagrad @drink.demon.co.uk www.lagrad-edinburgh 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. Continually welcomes new players (+18) at whatever level or experience and new supporters to the club. If you're interested in playing or supporting gay rugby in Scotland, please get in touch. Come along and get fit! Tel: 07758 668784 or Text "thebans" to 60300. E-mail: membership @thebans-rfc.co.uk www.thebans-rfc.co.uk EDINBURGH GOC SWIMMING & GYM GROUP: Meets 8pm prompt each Mon at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road in the main entrance area and afterwards in the Blue Moon Café from 9.15pm. EDINBURGH LGB RUNNING GROUP: Meets 6.30pm prompt Wed at the Jawbones, The Meadows. Everybody made welcome from complete beginners to the more experienced. You can just turn up but best to let us know so we can expect you. Contact: Robert on 07738 939836. E-mail: robert.cole@gocscotland. org.uk GAY KAYAKING GROUP: The group runs regular lessons and excursions at various places throughout Central Scotland. Contact for more information. Tel: David on 07747 465743. E-mail: david @gocscotland.org.uk GLASGOW GAY AND LESBIAN BADMINTON CLUB: Meets each Thu from 810pm. Come along and have fun and enjoy meeting the other members for a friendly GAY FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS NETWORK: Write: GFSN Membership Secretary, PO Box 7424, Milton Keynes. MK8 9WQ. Tel: Barry on Milton Keynes (01908) 564085. Scottish Contact: Kevin Rowe - Tel/Text: 07808 263173 or E-mail: kevrowe72 @yahoo.co.uk www.gfsn.org.uk Contact these via your Student Union or Student Association. ScotsGay also links to a number of LGBT Soc websites from our own web page at www.scotsgay.co.uk Many LGBT Socs are open to non-students living in the area. Tel: NUS Scotland LGBT Officer on 0131-556 6598. Fax: 0131-557 5679. Write: Norman McBreen, LGBT Officer, NUS Scotland, 29 Forth Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LE. E-mail: lgbt@nusscotland.org.uk or president@upsa.org.uk TV/TS NATIONAL: Transmen Scotland: GOC CYCLING GROUPS: Regular cycle rides, of varying distance/pace. Tel: David on 07747 465743 or Douglas on 0141-632 8707. E-mail: enquiries08 @gocscotland.org.uk www.gocscotland.org.uk HOTSCOTS: BUCHLYVIE: TV/TS Group: Meets last Sat of each month at 5pm. Tel: Kira on 07808 564626 (Mon-Thu 6-9pm), Gladys on Buchlyvie (01360) 850516 or 07743 936157. Scotland's very first LGBT group for football players and fans alike. Currently organises regular socials and kick-abouts, and would love to hear from anyone anywhere in Scotland who would like to take part. There is an entire Gay League in England, and in time, they can organise friendlies and competitive games up and down the country. However, all ability levels are welcome, and the social side is just as important as the playing so what are you waiting for? Text "Football" to 60300 for more information (texts cost 25p) or E-mail: mail@hotscotsfc.com RACQUETEERS BADMINTON GROUP: Edinburgh based gay and lesbian badminton club meets Thu 7-9pm at Meadowbank Stadium. Spaces are limited. For full details visit http://sports.groups .yahoo.com/group /racqueteers_edin TEAM SCOTLAND BADMINTON CLUB: Glasgow based gay and lesbian badminton club meets twice weekly 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. E-mail: teamscotland @gaysport.info www.gaysport.info /teamscotland STUDENTS Many Universities and Colleges have Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Societies. INVERNESS: Terrence Higgins Trust Highland T Group (and activities): Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 or E-mail: agnes.boes @tht.org.uk E-mail: central@gpascotland.com (Central Scotland Police), dg@gpascotland.com (Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary), fife@gpascotland.com (Fife Constabulary), grampian@gpascotland.c om (Grampian Police), lbp@gpascotland.com (Lothian and Borders Police), northern@gpascotland.co m (Northern Constabulary, spc@gpascotland.com (Scottish Police College), strathclyde@gpascotland. com (Strathclyde Police), tayside@gpascotland.co m (Tayside Police), www.gpascotland.com GMB SCOTLAND EQUAL RIGHTS GROUP: WORKPLACE EIS GAY AND LESBIAN NETWORK: A national support group for all female to male transgender people. Holds regular monthly meetings in Edinburgh (2nd Sat of each month from 7.30-9.30pm contact for details of venue) and Glasgow (1st Mon of each month at Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street from 7-9pm). For further info Tel/Text 07948 735179 or E-mail: admin@transmen scotland.org.uk www.transmenscotland .org.uk GAY MEN'S YOGA: Meets at Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street. Tel: Gay Men's Health 0141552 0112. E-mail: austen @gmh.org.uk Meets at the Counselling and Support Services Group Room, Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place (old Eye Infirmary), on 1st Wed of each month from 7pm and at the Peach Room, Sandyford on 3rd Sat of each month from Noon. Phone Colin MacKillop (Community Access Co-ordinator) on 0141-232 8417 or E-mail: colinmackillop @nhs.net EDINBURGH: Polygender Scotland: Provides support and friendship to all people who identify as genderqueer, androgyne, third gender, polygender or any other gender other than male or female. Meets 2nd Thu of each month (contact for details of venue). Tel: Kelli Neil on 0131-523 1100. Tel: Lewis on 0131-477 0525. E-mail: admin @androgyny.org.uk www.androgyny.org.uk T-Time: Informal social for all transgender people, their partners, family and friends, held the 3rd Sat of each month (contact for details of venue). A friendly, safe and relaxed environment where there's also space to change. Tel: 0131-523 1100. E-mail: admin @lgbthealth.org.uk GLASGOW: Crosslynx TV/TS/TG: Group meets 2nd Wed of each month from 7-10pm at Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street. Tel: Crosslynx Helpline on 0141-847 0787 (Mon 7.30-9.30pm). Write: c/o 84 Bell Street, Glasgow. G1 1LQ. www.crosslynx.org Write: Veronica Rankin, National Officer (Education and Equality), 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6BH. Tel: Veronica Rankin on 0131-225 6244. E-mail: vrankin @eis.org.uk FIRE BRIGADES UNION GAY AND LESBIAN 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. E-mail: gal01@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. Write: Inspector David Lyle, Lothian & Borders Police, 7 Chambers Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1HR. Tel: 0131-247 4844. Write: Regional Equal Rights Officer, GMB Scotland, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Tel: 0141-352 8109. E-mail: louise.gilmour @gmb.org.uk UNISON: Glasgow City Lesbian & Gay Group. Meets last Tue of month at 6pm in the Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street. YOUTH GROUPS ABERDEEN: Y@THT: LGBT group for people aged under 26. Meets 2nd Sat of each month Noon3pm at THT, 11 Waverley Place, Aberdeen. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: youth.aberdeen @tht.org.uk DUNDEE: 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. Meets Sat 4- 6pm in Eighteen And Under on Victoria Road, Dundee. Offers a safe and friendly environment to meet and discuss issues affecting the LGBT community and our families. Tel: Marley on Dundee (01382) 206222. E-mail: dv8_dundee @yahoo.co.uk DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY: LGBT Youth Groups, volunteering and support for LGBT people under 26 from Dumfries and Galloway. Write: 26 Brewery Street, Dumfries. DG1 2RP. Tel: Dumfries (01387) 739888. Text: 07785 274147. E-mail: DandG @lgbtyouth.org.uk www.lgbtyouth.org.uk Q-20: Meets Wed 7-9pm at LGBT Centre, 26 Brewery Street, Dumfries. Run by and for LGBT people aged between 20 and 29. Has been set up to be a safe place where people can meet others and make friends, have fun, socialise and raise issues! They have lots of exciting plans they want YOU to be a part of so why not come along and find out more? www.myspace.com /Q20group EDINBURGH AND NATIONAL: LGBT YOUTH SCOTLAND: under-18's (Wed) and for over 18's (Thu). They also have a range of different opportunities to get involved with, including volunteering and projects involving video and arts work, and they offer training services. Nationally, they run regular events for young people to get involved in local and national decision-making, and to make new pals and have a laugh. Confidential Youthline Tel: 0845 113 0005 (Tue 7.309pm). Office Tel/Fax: 0131-622 2266 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm). E-mail: info @lgbtyouth.org.uk www.lgbtyouth.org.uk The website has details of Youth Groups throughout Scotland. GLASGOW: LGBT YOUTH SCOTLAND YOUTH PROGRAMMES: Glasgow Head Office, 38 Queen Street, Glasgow. G1 3DX. Tel: 0141-548 8000. Also at: Glasgow LGBT Centre, 84 Bell Street, Glasgow. G1 1LQ. Tel: 0141-552 4807. VIVID YOUTH: For young LGBT people aged 13-25. Meets at Glasgow LGBT Centre. Group for 13-18 year olds: Tue 7-9.30pm. Group for 18-25 year olds: Thu 7-9.30pm. Tel: 0141-548 8121. E-mail: glasgow@lgbtyouth .org.uk www.lgbtyouth.org.uk INVERNESS: John Cotton Centre, 10 Sunnyside, Edinburgh. EH7 5RA. Provides services and opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people (13-25) in Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Borders, Tayside and Dumfries & Galloway. The groups include drop-ins at their Edinburgh offices for Terrence Higgins Trust Highland Youth Group (and activities): Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585 or E-mail: agnes.boes @tht.org.uk MORAY: LGBT YOUTH GROUP: For under 26 year olds. Tel: 0845 2412151. E-mail: andi.watson @tht.org.uk HELPLINES & SWITCHBOARDS CROSSLYNX NATIONAL TV/TS/TG HELPLINE Mon 7.30-9.30pm. Phone: 0141-847 0787 www.crosslynx.org LOTHIAN GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD Nightly 7.30-10pm. Phone: 0131-556 4049 E-mail: help.switchboard@btconnect.com or via website www.lgls.co.uk CUMBRIA AND THE BORDERS GAY HELPLINE Nightly 6-9pm. Phone: Bassenthwaite Lake (01768) 776244 LOTHIAN LESBIAN LINE Mon 7.30-10pm. Phone: 0131-557 0751 E-mail: help.switchboard@btconnect.com or via website www.lgls.co.uk DIVERSITAY LGBT SWITCHBOARD (DUNDEE) Mon 7-9.30pm. Phone: Dundee (01382) 202620 Write: PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1 3YG. E-mail: contact@diversitay.org.uk www.diversitay.org.uk STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD Nightly 7-10pm. Phone: 0141-847 0447 E-mail: info@sgls.co.uk www.sgls.co.uk FIFE HATE CRIME REPORTING HELPLINE 24 hours. Phone: Freephone 0800 3891425 A freephone number for people who wish support in reporting to Fife Constabulary crime motivated by hate. For further information about the service or becoming a trained helpline volunteer, phone us now! HATE CRIME REPORTING LINE Nightly 7-10pm. Phone: 0141-847 0647 or Stirling (01786) 469483 STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN LINE Wed 7.30-10pm. Phone: 0141-847 0547 www.sgls.co.uk/services1.htm THT DIRECT Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun Noon-6pm. Phone: 0845 1221200. LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD Daily 10am-11pm. Phone: 020-7837 7324. Minicom: 020-7689 8501. FAX: 020-7837 7300. E-mail: admin@llgs.org.uk www.llgs.org.uk www.queery.org.uk Sandyford Trans Women's Support Group: ScotsGay 25 ScotsGay VENUES *denotes ScotsGay available ABERDEEN DUNDEE EDINBURGH CHEERZ BAR & CLUB* BROOKLYN'S BAR* THE AULD HOOSE* 2-8 Exchange Street. Tel: (01224) 594511. Bar: Mon-Sat 4pmMidnight, Sun 6pm-Midnight. Club: Sun-Thu 10pm-2am, Fri-Sat 10pm-3am. Lively gay bar and club with entertainment and more. 2 St Andrew's Lane. Tel: (01382) 200660. 3pm-Midnight. Well appointed LGBT bar next door to OUT. Karaoke: Wed, Fri & Sun. DJ: Sat. 23-25 St Leonards Street. Tel: 0131-668 2934. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat 11.30am1am. Everybody-friendly bar. Real ale. Food served: Mon-Sat 11.30am9.30pm, Sun 12.30-8pm. E-mail: management @cheerzbar.net www.cheerzbar.net or www.bebo.com /Cheerz-Bar CLUB FOUNDATION* Carnegies Brae. Tel: (01224) 611451. Tue-Sun 10pm-3am. New club opposite The Tunnels. E-mail clubfoundation @btconnect.com MARKET ARMS* 13 Hadden Street. Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 1-11pm. Traditional bar with quizes and karaoke. WELLMAN'S HEALTH STUDIO* 218 Holburn Street. Tel: (01224) 211441. Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 11am-8pm. From 1st Apr: Mon-Fri Noon-10pm, Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 29pm. 8-man Jacuzzi, sauna, steamroom, café. Free Wifi Internet access. Massage available. E-mail rod@ wellmans-healthstudio.com www.wellmans-healthstudio.com DUMFRIES CLUB INFERNO* Hustlers Snooker Club, 64 North Lindsay Street. Tel: (01382) 229226. 8pm-2am. 3rd Fri of each month. Scotland's most Northerly monthly fetish club. Usual fetish dress code rules but they will happily accept glam. Come along and join the fun on the dance floor or playroom or just sit and socialise with everyone else. £5 members/£10 nonmembers. E-mail: saltire28 @yahoo.co.uk DOUBLY DISCREET* 38 Albert Street. Tel: (01382) 809080. Mon-Wed, Fri 10am6pm, Thu 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm, First Wed of each month (Dundee Munch) 10am-8pm. Alternative clothing shop catering for all genders and sexualities. As well as stocking a wide range of clothing and sex aids they pride themselves on being able to source personal services such as gender friendly beauticians, photographers and offer a personal shopping service. BAR DIESEL* 19 Shore Place, Leith. Tel: 0131-476 6776. Sun Noon-11pm, TueThu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1am. LGBT friendy bar/restaurant. Food served until 10pm. E-mail: info @bardiesel .co.uk www.bardiesel.co.uk BLACK BO'S 57/61 Blackfriars Street. Tel: 0131-557 6136. Mon-Thu 6-10pm, FriSat Noon-2pm & 6-10.30pm. Superb little vegetarian restaurant. Friendly staff. Mixed clientele. BLUE MOON CAFÉ* 1 Barony Street/36 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788 (Bar) or 0131-557 0911 (Office). Sat-Sun 10am-11pm, Mon-Fri 11am-11pm. Food served until 10pm. Popular LGBT café. www.bluemooncafe.co.uk BOBBIE'S BOOKSHOP* 220 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-538 7069. Mon-Sat 10am-1pm, 2-5.30pm. Mixed bookshop selling a selection of UK and imported gay magazines. DUMFRIES LGBT CENTRE* www.doubly _discreet.com 26 Brewery Street. Tel: (01387) 739888. Mon 9am-5pm, TueWed 9am-5pm and 7-9pm, Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-5pm, 69.30pm. Newly opened. THE GAUGER* BOOTY 75-79 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 226840. Sun 12.30pmMidnight, Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight. LGBTfriendly bar with free disco Fri & Sat 8pmMidnight. Free use of premises for prebooked groups. Medina Nightclub (Under Negociants), 45-47 Lothian Street. Info Line: 07736 936650. Sun 11pm3am. "It's our duty to please your booty". DJ Dale Lush and guests. Club Classics, Funky House, Soulful House, US Garage, Old Skool House, Hip Hop, R&B.£3 entry. MIXED BAG Birkhill Hotel, 16 St Mary's Street (Lockerbie Road). Tel: (01387) 739888. 8pm-Midnight. Last Fri of each month. Monthly club night for LGBT people and their friends from Dumfries & Galloway. E-mail: DandG@lgbtyouth.org.uk www.myspace.com /mixed_bag_dg 26 ScotsGay OUT* 124 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 200660. WedSun 11pm-2.30am. Good atmosphere, very popular disco with wide selection of sounds and the occasional act/PA. Under new management. Student discount. E-mail: dale @lushmarketing.com www.club-booty.com BUMFUNK Cabaret Voltaire, 36 Blair Street. Tel: 0131-220 6176. Info Line: 0131-557 4656. 11pm-3am. Every Sun. Brand new Sunday night for the houseless and horny featuring Taste resident DJs Miss Chris and Marco Smith and Fever resident DJ Kaupuss playing uplifting funky house and electro. £4 Members/NUS cards £5 everyone else. Drinks from £1.50 all night. www.taste-clubs.com CAFÉ NOM DE PLUME* 60 Broughton Street. Premises (formerly Sala Café-Bar) are currently closed but opening very soon. C.C. BLOOM'S* 23-24 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331. Sun 7pm-3am, MonThu 6pm-3am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am. Two funky floors! DJ Shazza v DJ Blondie on Sat. Disco every night from 11pm. E-mail: enquiries @ccsnightclub.co.uk www.ccblooms.com CLAREMONT BAR & RESTAURANT* 133/135 East Claremont Street. Tel: 0131-556 5662. Fax: 0131-558 3539. Bar: Sun 12.30pm1am, Mon-Sat 11am-1am. Restaurant: Sun 12.30pm-6pm, MonSat 11.30am-2.30pm and 6-10pm. "The Claremont is one of the most relaxed attitude bars in the city and has a policy that the customer always comes first." Renowned for courtesy, comfort and good food. Male only: Fri night from 10pm, plus 1st 2nd & 3rd Sat of each month from 9pm, (incorporating Bears, Bikers, Leather, Rubber, Skins, Kilts, Camouflage, Fetish, etc). 4th Sat of each month: Stunners (adult fetish group) strict dress code (no street wear), £5 entry, great music by DJ Toni. 5th Sat (where applicable): Ab Drag for all TVs, Transgender, Cross Dressers and admirers. Sun: mixed chill out evening, before those Mon blues set in. E-mail: mail @claremontbar.co.uk www.claremontbar.co.uk DEEP BLUE* 1 Barony Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788 (Bar) or 0131-557 0911 (Office). 4-11pm. Friendly gay basement bar. Unobtrusive music - great for talking to people. Regular drinks promos. Drinks Promos £2+mixer, Doubles £3. www.bluemooncafe.co.uk DV8 Spiders Web Basement, 258 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-228 1949. 8pm1am. Last Fri of each month. Fetish club with strict fetish code door policy (although they do allow smart black dresswear). People of all genders and sexualities are invited to come along and enjoy the friendly atmosphere in the company of Footman John and his team. E-mail: saltire28 @yahoo.co.uk http://dv8fetishclub.co.uk EDINBURGH LGBT CENTRE* 58a and 60 Broughton Street. Houses Café Nom De Plume (opening soon), Pride Scotia (Edinburgh) and Fitlads. Provides meeting and noticeboard space for many LGBT organisations. Free WiFi Internet access (sponsored by ScotsGay). Bought in 1974 by the Scottish Minorities Group, it is the only LGBT-owned LGBT Centre in the UK and is also the oldest LGBT Centre in Europe if not the world. Tel: 0131-556 9471. Meeting Room Booking Tel: 07817 533337. E-mail: hello@edinburgh lgbtcentre.org.uk www.edinburghlgbtcentre .org.uk FEVER Luna, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. Info Line: 0131557 4656. 11pm-3am. 1st Sat of each month. Next dates: Sat 5th Jul, Sat 2nd Aug. Featuring Taste resident DJs Fisher & Price playing an eclectic mix of the current underground tracks in the Ballroom with the Visitor (aka Jon Pleased) and Kaupuss in the Cocteau Lounge playing a wide mix of favourites, Fever is aimed at the folk who can no longer make a Sunday night of it and for any other open minded clubbers who feel like popping along. Pre-club party at The Street from 9pm with DJ Miss Chris. Ask him for discount passes. £8 Members/£10 - Taste members £5 before 11.15pm. www.taste-clubs.com FHQ* 4 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-550 1780. 5pm3am. New bar for women. Free entry. E-mail: picardyplace @g1group.com FRENCHIES BAR* 89 Rose Street Lane North. Tel: 0131-225 7651. Sun 2pm-1am, Mon-Sat 1pm-1am. Vibrant gay bar (Edinburgh's oldest) in the heart of Rose Street. Happy Hour 68pm every day. GHQ* 4 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-550 1780. 5pm3am. Stylish bar and club catering for the capital's fashionable gay crowd with some of the country's top DJs playing dazzling tunes from musical genres such as electro, house, indie, funk and soul. Free entry before 11pm £4/£3 thererafter. E-mail: picardyplace @g1group.com HABANA* 22 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-558 1270. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat Noon-1am. Friendly pre-club bar popular with locals and visitors. Regular promotions and weekly entertainment with free WiFi Internet access. E-mail: cafehabanaEH1 @mac.com www.cafehabanaEH1 .com LA FAVORITA 325-331 Leith Walk. Tel: 0131-554 2430. Noon-11pm. Award winning gay-friendly Italian restaurant. Delivery service too with online or phone ordering. E-mail: Bruna.Pacitti @la-favorita.com www.la-favorita.com LEATHER AND LACE* 8 Drummond Street. Tel: 0131-557 9413. Fax: 0131-557 8336. Sun Noon-9pm, MonSat 10am-9pm. 25 Easter Road. Tel: 0131-623 6969. Noon-6pm. Scotland's ORIGINAL licenced SEX shops! Toys and video rental. LUVELY The Liquid Room, 9c Victoria Street. Tel: 0131-225 2564. Info Line: 0131-657 4633. 10.30pm-3am. 1st Sat of each month. Mega club night with resident DJs Tommy Kay, Dean Newton, Grum Stone, and Jon Edwards. www.luvely.com NEW TOWN BAR* 26B Dublin Street. Tel: 0131-538 7775. Sun 12.30pm-1am, MonThu Noon-1am, Fri-Sat Noon-2am. Food: Mon-Fri Noon-3pm. Back to its old name and under new management after a spell as Twist. Watch out for changes. Drinks Promotions Daily. Downstairs: The male-oriented Disco Bar is open Fri-Sat with resident DJ from 10pm-2am. Bears in the Basement is on the 2nd Sat of each month - 10pm-1am. Free WiFi Internet access. E-mail: newtownbar @aol.com 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! Relaxed and friendly atmosphere with excellent facilities which include large sauna cabin, 14-man steam room, private rooms, communal and private showers, themed rooms, video area and TV lounge. Hot and cold refreshments available. £10 (£8 concessions). Manager's special: admission £5 after 8pm. www.number18.com PLANET OUT* 6 Baxter's Place. Tel: 0131-556 5551. 4pm1am. Popular and busy gay bar with friendly staff. Mon: Quiz from 9pm - booze and cash prizes. Tue: 30% off all drinks from 9pm. Thu: Lemonade with Dejay Bird. DJs Fri & Sat. Promos: Everyday from 4-9pm. E-mail: planetout @btinternet.com THE PLAYGIRL MANSIONS Lulu, underneath Tigerlily, 125 George Street. Tel: 0131-225 5005. Sun 10am-3am. Not the usual George Street crowd. Mixed. Music policy is mostly cutting edge house and disco classics. Drink promos too. PRISCILLA'S CABARET BAR* 17 Albert Place, Leith Walk. Tel: 07986 591695. Sun 12.30pm-1am, MonFri Noon-1am, Sat 5am-1am. Friendly bar that puts the fun back into coming out owned by Deb's and Boozy Soozy. Sun: Karaoke from 9pm. Mon: Request Night with DJ Daz Glaz .Tue: Karaoke with Daz Glaz. Wed: Boozy Soozy’s 'Open the Box' with big CASH prizes then boogie on down with DJ Daz Glaz. Thu: Karaoke Fri, Sat: FREE Cabaret (check board for details) plus resident DJs Boozy or Daz. Also look out for ongoing drink promotions and check out fabulous cocktails and shots. Also serving toasties, burgers, paninis and teas and coffee. E-mail: debra_keith100 @hotmail.com www.bebo.com /priscillasedinburgh Q-STORE 5 Barony Street. Tel/Fax: 0131-477 4756. Sun 1-5pm, Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm. Scotland's only licensed gay store. Not just feelthy pictures lifestyle too! Now with added girl interest. QUEER MUTINY In the process of planning a few events, parties, workshops and film nights over the summer - check website. Against consumerism, assimilation, representation and the rest of the shit that claims to be “the gay lifestyle”. A DIY, nonhierarchical collective, fed up with Edinburgh’s commercial gay scene, provides a queer autonomous space “because Edinburgh’s gay clubs are restrictive to our sexualities”! E-mail: EdinburghQueerMutiny@ gmail.com www.queermutiny.tk www.myspace.com/queer mutiny THE REGENT* 2 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131-661 8198. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat 11am-1am. Edinburgh’s Gay Real Ale Pub - voted Pub of the Year (Edinburgh & South East Scotland) by CAMRA members. Deuchars IPA is always available plus a range of guest real ales. Relaxed atmosphere and comfortable surroundings. Snacks and meals are available all day, plus coffees and teas. Free WiFi Internet access. CAMRA's Lesbian & Gay Real Ale Drinkers meet here on the 1st Mon of the month from 9pm (ex Aug 2nd Mon to avoid GBBF). E-mail: theregentbar @tiscali.co.uk www.lagradedinburgh.org.uk SOLAS CAFÉ* 2/4 Abbeymount. Tel: 0131-661 0982. MonFri 8.30am-3.30pm. Attached to Solas HIV/AIDS Information Centre. Good home cooking (everything cooked on the premises). STEAMWORKS* 5 Broughton Market. Tel: 0131-477 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. Massage available daily. Choice of lockers or private cabins. Admission: Lockers £5, Cabins £10 before 2pm. Lockers £10, Cabins £15 at all other times. Students & under 25 £5 lockers all day, every day! No membership required. Proudly gay owned & operated. www.steamworkssauna.co.uk THE STREET* 2 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-556 4272. Sun 12.30pm-1am, Mon 4pm-1am, Tue-Sat Noon-1am. Small but perfectly formed bar run by Louise and Trendy Wendy. Happy hours Mon-Fri 4-8pm. Heated outdoor smoking area. Food: Tasty wee bites, nibbles, burgers, pizzas and specials daily until 9pm. Snack menu and hot drinks available Sun-Thu until Midnight. Sun: "LOU LOU's BIG SUNDAY JOINT" - Top notch roast dinner Noon7pm (£10 including a drink). Mon: "Double Trouble" 2 for 1 on entire cocktail list. Tue: Lots of promos with your student card. Same drink promos apply to everyone (student or not!) in downstairs bar only with DJ LL Honky Tonk (AKA Louise!!!). Wed: Pub Quiz. Last Thu of each month: "GIRL-ESQUE" burlesque style night for girls ONLY (mixed) downstairs. Fri: DJ Trendy Wendy. Sat: DJs (Morgan, Danny T, Miss Chris, Lick It & Betty Ford). VELVET WOMEN'S CLUB NIGHT The Ark, 5-7 Waterloo Place. Tel: 0131-228 9393 or 0131-556 7597. 9pm-1am. No new dates until further notice. Watch this space. E-mail: clubvelvet @blueyonder.co.uk www.bebo.com /clubvelvet www.myspace.com /clubvelvet VIBE CLONE ZONE* Luna, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7434. Tue 11pm-3am. All the normal madness from James Longworth, Jamie Morrison and guests with live cabaret performances every week. Super-popular gay night. £1 drinks promos all night. £4. 45 Virginia Street. Tel/Fax: 0141-553 2666. Sun 12.306.30pm, Mon-Sat 10.30am-7pm. Clothes, videos, magazines, toys. E-mail: jameslongworth @jameslongworth.com www.jameslongworth .com WORD POWER* 43-45 West Nicolson Street. Tel: 0131-662 9112. Sun 12-5pm, Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Independent radical bookshop E-mail: books@wordpower.co.uk www.word-power.co.uk GLASGOW BENNETS* 80-90 Glassford Street. Tel: 0141-552 5761. Tue, Thu-Sun 11.30pm-3am. Scotland's oldest gay disco. E-mail: manager @bennets.co.uk www.bennetsnightclub .co.uk BYBLOS NIGHTCLUB Unit Q, Merchant Square, 75 Albion Street. Tel: 0141-552 3895. Mon & Tue 11.30pm-3am. Mon Passionality: DJ Shawn Roberts, playing your favourite music, from classic dance to cheesy pop and everything in between. Tue AudioCouture: DJ Shazza-Halliwell plays the music YOU want to hear - including charty dance, R'n'B & cheesy camp. £3/£2. E-mail: information @tlcglasgow.co.uk www.byblosglasgow.com CCA* 350 Sauchiehall Street. Tel: 0141-352 4900. Fax: 0141-332 3226. Café Tel: 0141-332 7959. Box Office: Mon 9am-5pm, Tue-Sat 9am-7pm. Gallery: Tue-Sat 11am-6pm. Courtyard Café: TueThu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat Noon-Midnight. Scott Street Bar: TueWed Noon-11pm, Thu Noon-Midnight, Fri-Sat Noon-1am. Food served Noon-7.30pm. The Centre for Contemporary Arts. 6 performance & exhibition spaces, Café/Bar. ScotsGay available in bar. E-mail: gen @cca-glasgow.com www.cca-glasgow.com E-mail: admin @clonezone.co.uk www.clonezonedirect .co.uk COURT BAR* 69 Hutcheson Street. Tel: 0141-552 2463. Sun 12.30pmMidnight, Mon-Sat 9am-Midnight. Intimate bar beside former Sheriff Court. Straight until midevening. CYBER* Unit 3, King's Court, 107 King Street. Tel: 0141-553 0942. Sun Noon-5.30pm, MonSat 10am-6pm. Alternative clothing. E-mail: info@cyberclothing.com DELMONICA'S BAR* 68 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-552 4803. Noon-Midnight. DJs nightly from 9pm. Thu: Quiz. Sun: Karaoke. E-mail: delmonicas @g1group.co.uk www.g1group.co.uk GLASGOW LGBT CENTRE (GGLC)* 84 Bell Street. Tel: 0141-552 4958. Sun 1pm-Midnight, MonSat 11am-Midnight. Welcomes lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered. Services include: M.E.D Café Bar, Info Box, Health Info, Interest Groups, Free Newspapers. Diary of Events, Reading Room, Function space for hire. Fully wheelchair accessible venue. E-mail: admin1 @glgbt.org.uk www.glgbt.org.uk www.medcafebar.co.uk THE LANE 60 Robertson Street Lane (off Argyle Street). Irregular hours. Sauna with private cabins. Not very busy. MERCHANT PRIDE* 20 Candleriggs. Tel: 0141-564 1285. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Fri 4pmMidnight, Sat Noon-Midnight. Upmarket bar in the heart of the Merchant City. Regular cabaret, karaoke and disco. MODA* 58 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-553 2553. MonThu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sun 5pm-3am. Fashionable pub/club. www.g1group.co.uk THE PIPEWORKS* 5-10 Metropole Lane. Tel: 0141-552 5502. Mon-Sun Noon-3am. Glasgow's Men's Health and Leisure Club (formerly The Garage). With 200+ lockers, 25 man spa pool, 20 man steam room, 20 man dry sauna, 14 rest rooms, sling room, tea & coffee bar, free internet access and TV lounge. Entry £12 (£10 concession), after 1.30am Fri-Sat £8. Licensed bar. Entry from £9. Free Sunday breakfasts. E-mail: schwartz.glasgow @yahoo.co.uk www.schwartz glasgow.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. Larger sizes stocked. www.garage-glasgow.com www.silksandsecrets.com THE POLO LOUNGE* TRON THEATRE CAFÉ BAR* 84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553 1221. MonThu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sun 5pm-3am. Long established pub/club. Young crowd. Polo Club (downstairs dancefloor) open FriSun, £5 after 11pm. Taste: new midweek night open every Wed 9pm-3am (Free entry all night - £1 all drinks). E-mail: polo @g1group.co.uk www.g1group.co.uk Q! GALLERY* 87-91 Saltmarket. Tel/Fax: 0141-552 7575. Text: 07762 722460. Mon-Fri 11am-5pm. Glasgay's year-round gallery dedicated to queer art and artists. E-mail: info @glasgay.co.uk www.glasgay.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. E-mail: info@ relaxcentral.co.uk www.relaxcentral.co.uk REVOLVER BAR* 6a John Street. Tel: 0141-553 2456. MonFri Noon-Midnight, Sat-Sun 1pmMidnight. A refreshing antidote to the current gay scene. Pool table, state of the art free jukebox (with over 20,000 tracks on it), no karaoke. Free WiFi. Specialist DJ nights: Fri & Sat. Quiz: Starting Sat 1st Mar at 4pm. www.revolverglasgow .com SCHWARTZ* 1-3 Bridge Street. Tel: 0845 4562310 or 0141-429 5764. SunThu Noon-11pm, Fri-Sat Noon-6am. Previously Club Eros, Glasgow's oldest licenced sauna & gym for gay and bi men set over three floors. 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 THE TUNNEL 84 Mitchell Street. Tel: 0141-204 1000. Wed 11.30pm-3am. Wed: Allure. DJ Darren plays Pop, R'n'B & Dance. Mid-week Night out! Entry £3. Entry £3/£2. E-mail: information @tlcglasgow.co.uk www.tunnelglasgow .co.uk UTTER GUTTER The Art School, Renfrew Street. 11pm3am. Second Sat of each month. Next date: Sat 12th Jul. Glasgow's only alternative queer night that sticks two fingers up at the mainstream scene. £10. E-mail: uttergutter @hotmail.com www.myspace.com /utterlygutted VIOLATE PO Box 808, Glasgow. G71 7YN. Violate Club Line: 09099 108174 (60p per min at all times) or 07939 723387. BDSM and general pervery. Operates in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Runs regular clubs at the Big Joint in South Street, Glasgow on the first Sat of each month. Also holds special one off clubs called UltraViolate roughly every 3 months. E-mail: info @violate.co.uk www.violate.co.uk THE WATERLOO* 306 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-248 7216. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Sat NoonMidnight. Semper idem! Popular, crowded, down to earth drinking shop. Scotland's oldest gay bar. Busy, busy, busy! www.waterloobar.co.uk HAWICK FLIRT* Base Nightclub, 10 Baker Street. 1st Thu of each month. 8pm1.30am. New LGBT friendly club night. Free admission, but you need to register first at www.bebo.com/flirtybase INVERNESS CACTUS JAK’S 39 High Street. Tel: (01463) 248906. First Tue of each month. 9pm-3am. Brought to you by the Highland LGBT Forum and hosted by Mz Flint. Dancers, Party Games, Bucking Bronco. STIRLING BARNTON BAR & BISTRO* 3½ Barnton Street. Tel: (01786) 461698. Sun Noon-Midnight, MonThu 10.30amMidnight, Fri-Sat 10.30am-1am. Food: until 7.30pm. Near to railway station. Mixed, busy, bohemian and friendly bar/bistro. Popular with students and Sons/Daughters of the Rock alike. www.thebistro.co.uk Bang-Up-To-Date Listings at www.scotsgay.co.uk Enjoy your night out safely. E-mail: editor@scotsgay .co.uk ScotsGay 27 ScotsGay CONTACTS BY POST/E-MAIL WOMEN Discreet Date? Sexy female seeks sexy femme for illicit liaisons and secret rendevous and more. Don’t be shy! Let me show you the way. Why not send a photo? Box SG82032. Fem Fun? I’m looking for a sexy woman for fun times. Box SG82033. MEN Small, Fat, Old, Hairy, Bearded, Ginger Seeks Fun With Young, Smooth Guy Small (5’6”), fat (15st), old (50), balding red hair and beard, very hairy body, looking for fun and friendship with young (1622) guy. You: No piercings (self mutilation is not good or clever), preferably a full head of hair (no shaved heads - why do you want to be bald at your age?), smooth chest (shaved is good, naturally smooth is better), no facial hair, not anorexic (I like a bit of plump - although slim is OK). I’m probably far too picky - but then I bet most suitable guys are too! I can accommodate (Edinburgh) or will travel. Box SG82006. a plus, hairyness a minus. All expenses covered. Some personal space and an allowance to enjoy it would be accorded. If interested, send a wee note about your background, interests, why you’d like to go and a photo or three as a first step to exploring compatibility. Box SG82007. Wanderlust? A recently retired professional man planning a trip of some 10 weeks to Thai, Oz and NZ between March and May. Am “generally considered” well preserved. Have a wide range of interests from sport to the arts. Have a bent for mentoring younger men. Am considering taking along, as a companion, a guy aged between 16 and 21. He must be, inter alia, straight acting, not unintelligent, curious and “generally considered” good looking. Boyishness Palestine - Olive Picking October Gay guy, fit, attractive, 37, seeking other genuine guys for wonderful 10 day trip (Tours, Dea Sea, Culture). Details alternative trip. E-mail: tiocfaidh_28@yahoo.com or Write: Box SG82008. Edinburgh 35 year old, just released from prison after serving 15 years. I am inexperienced as before prison I was into girls. I am 5’11” and 30” waist with 7” cock. Seeking 1635, slim. Looking for ScotsGay plenty of fun (15 years to make up) and friendship. Edinburgh only please. Box SG82010. Scally Sporty Guy Casual Dressed Glasgow 32, looks 25, straight acting/looking, cute, athletic build, honest, caring, own flat/car. Hobbies: gym, pubs, clubs, football. Can travel/accommodate. Looking to meet guys 1637 for friendship/relationship. Box SG82009. I Can’t Be Arsed Asperger’s guy in 50’s, can no longer be bothered with feigning interest in the usual mating rituals. If you’re an Aspie aged 1626, let’s have a bit of fun together. It may only last for an hour - or it could become regular. No social skills means no bullshit. Non Aspies welcome too. Box SG82011. Older Support For Younger 43 year old genuine guy in the Scottish Highlands looking for 18-25ish for fun and poss LTR. Have flat to share and offer genuine supportive relationship. Box SG82013. Personal Ad: FREE! (82) Postal Subscriptions to ScotsGay Trying Again As I suffer from long term illnesses, I have tried to find friends through ScotsGay, and although I did find some, was not able to keep in touch. I would very much love them to re-contact me, if they would be so kind, or anyone else for that matter. I am 61, have a walking disibility, and am not able to travel much. Would love to have full sex, and can assure you of a very warm welcome to my house. Love to cook, love all kinds of music, and a VGSH. Thank you for reading my ad. Box SG82014. Mates Wanted Joe, 39, good looking, straight acting, fit, loves the gym, theatre, going out on the scene or straight bars, looking for similar guys for nights out in Glasgow. Sick of standing at the bar on my tod, mates all straight. Please no older than 40, sporty guys prefered. I love my football. Mates only. Sorry, this sounds really clinical. Box SG82015. Fife - Mature 70 - Young Spirit Looking for friendship only, any age, with genuine interest in theatre, music, art. Anywhere in Fife. Kirkcaldy based. Make contact soon in this wilderness. Face photo good. ALA. Box SG82016. ScotsGay Magazine PO Box 666 Edinburgh EH7 5YW We accept Mastercard / VISA - Make cheques/POs payable to ScotsGay 28 ScotsGay Seeking Orientals And Black Guys 64 year old guy, Edinburgh based, seeks Orintals and black guys for discreet day or night fun. No age limit. Can accommodate. Box SG82017. 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. Send all replies to : ScotsGay, PO Box 666, Edinburgh EH7 5YW. Attractive Genuine Guy Blue eyes, 5’10”, toned, slim body, dark hair, 34, seeks genuine honest guy for fun, friendship and possible relationship. Any age/area. All letters answered. Box SG82018. 16 Year Old Master Wanted Fit, tall, slim, 26 year old submissive gay guy would like to meet a 16 year old dominant master who would dump on me and control me. Into brown fun. Got own place. Ages up to 30 will be considered. Text me: 07936 488454. Box SG82019. Caring Dad Type Seeks Sons Caring, playful, early thirties dad type. Would like to find single sons, 1622, athletic-medium build, to start relationship with. Send snail mail with photos please. Box SG82020. Come On Over East coast Fife guy, 30, wishes to meet guys from anywhere for: coffee, drinks, parties, BBQs, outdoor events. Looking for friendship only. No Emails. Box SG82021. Looking For Casual Relaxing Fun With Younger Guy(s) Just 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! SG82022. Men In Panties In Glasgow Bi guy, 50’s, loves hard men in soft lingerie. I’m, 6ft, heavy build. Age/looks less important than sense of fun. Can accommodate. ALA. Let me undress you. Box SG82023. Up Up And Away! Frequent flier with Ryanair and easyJet seeks young companion for overseas visits. I’m 50, you should be 16-26. Must have passport. Send photo and full details. Box SG82024. Town Or Country Genuine, youthful, 59, slim, 5’7”, smart appearance, would like to meet discreet active top gay for relationship. Likes cuddles, kissing and O and A, but a one off sexy session would be nice too! Box SG82025. hearted man for LTR. Box SG82027. Let Me Squeeze Your Spots Spotty face? Blackheads? If you’re 16-26, let me squeeze them for you. And then I can squeeze your other bits too! A face photo would be good. Box SG82028. Obedient Boy Devoted full grown man/boy seeks dominant male 18-75. I am available for private viewing and inspection and for domestic and comfort duties. Central Scotland. Box SG82029. Dirty Old Man Seeks Banal Aged 16-26? Into older guys? Why not come and join me in my large spa bath? Box SG82030. Willing Man Seeks femme, effete, elegant or refined male, any age or shape. I want to admire, adore you and devote myself to you. Glasgow or Central Belt. Box SG82030. Submissive Manservant Seeks dominant master. I’m sexually passive. Will accept training to give total commitment. Letters only as I’m not computer literate. ALA. Box SG82031. First Timer Single genuine guy, fifties, clean shaven, good physique, seeks young friend up to 30 for friendship and more. Non smoker. Tight briefs a bonus. Photo please. Box SG82034. Hairy Bear (50) Seeks cub (under 26). Your cave or mine! Box SG82035. It All Comes Down To Friction In The End Would you like some in your end too? Jovial 50 year old guy seeks 16-22 year old for mutually pleasurable activities. Box SG82036. BISEXUAL Bi Curious? There has to be a first time for everything! Aged 1621? 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 will travel if required. Box SG82001. Retired Hippy STRAIGHT Silver Bear Edinburgh based 50something guy seeks morally relaxed women of all ages for fun and friendship. Box SG82003. Straight Lady Seeks Bi Gent Intelligent slim brunette, 39, would like to meet a bisexual professional man, 45-55 years old, for a loving long term relationship. Regular threesomes with a mutual male friend would certainly spice up one’s lovelife. Inverness-shire. Box SG82004. LOOKING FOR Crush You were at the Glasgow Pride 2006 and were in the ScotsGay Magazine of that month, you had very spikey hair and an “I’m here I’m queer” t-shirt on. I would love to get to know you as I think I have a crush on you! Please contact me at this e-mail address so that I can find out if there’s a chance you might like me too? You never know! Even if you are not interested it would be nice to hear that from you too. Please e-mail: MrBeaucroft@googlemail.c om FRIENDS ABROAD 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 12A, 4033 AD Lienden, Netherlands. Military Inclined Single Gay Man Single, manly gay Dad, strong-bodied 55, cleanshaven, dark eyes. Former competitive wrestler/discus thrower. Seeks gay, muscled Scot 35+ for friendship/visits. Write: Robby E. Sebala, 4901 Seminary Road, Apt 1526, Alexandria, VA 22311-1822, USA. E-mail: FireplugMarineDad2@hot mail.com Good looking, honest, intelligent, manly Ukranian lad, 28, green eyes, with University education (Geography teacher), good health and nice body. Hobbies: nature, travel, sport, art and literature. Non smoker. Seeks special man for LTR. I want to love and be loved. Write: Valentin, PO Box 22, Kiev 03065, Ukraine. JOBS OFFERED Assistant Instructor Required by busy Scottish sailing centre for 2008 season. Applicants must be gay, aged 16-25, fit, reasonably broadminded, passive/versatile, straight acting and looking. Must have an excellent sense of humour and be able to relate well to customers. Full training will be given and all activity kit and equipment provided. Private accommodation and some meals provided. Position can be full time, seasonal or possibly part time starting ASAP. Might suit a student or school leaver. Good terms and conditions. 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He must have a very submissive attitude and know his place in my presence: i.e. completely subordinate and humble. He must not have baggage and be available any time outwith his working hours. It should be noted that it is not a 24/7 situation - but in any other respect it will seem like it. Me: I'm a very 0800 138 4 1-2-1 We'll not only print your ad in our next few issues, but it will also be available for phone callers to browse on 09068 556612 Advertisers get their own private voice mailbox and can pick up replies on 09068 556612 D E V O R P M NEW & I H S I T T O C S S D LA Calls to 09068 numbers cost 60p per minute at all times. Conditions of service: All participants must be 18 or over. Ads will run for up to 3 issues. It will not be possible to reply to advertisers who have not collected replies for more than 28 days. Service supplied by BizOrg, PO Box 425, PE24 5FN. E-mail: admin@bizorg.co.uk. 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First £5 usage FREE, then you are billed £1.50 at time in advance. APN, LS11 8BP. Customer Service: 08712 24 66 35 Drummond Street: Sun Noon-9pm, Mon-Sat 10am-9pm Easter Road: 7 days Noon-6pm Vast range of leather and rubber wear! New stock arriving every day! Also, cards, mags and all the toys you could want! GET YOUR DANGLY BITS HERE! 8b Drummond Street, Edinburgh EH8 9TU • Tel: 0131-557 9413 Also at 25 Easter Road, Edinburgh EH7 5PJ Tel: 0131-623 6969 LEATHER & LACE SCOTLAND’S FIRST LICENSED SEX SHOPS ARE HERE FOR YOU! ScotsGay 33 32 ScotsGay ScotsGay SPORT ETC HotScots at Large O Tony Challis tony@scotsgay.co.uk Tony Challis is a writer for the Gay & Lesbian Humanist. www.gay humanist.com HotScots pic taken 13th April in Deep Blue, Edinburgh n Friday 16th May the Lord Roberts pub in Nottingham was busier than usual. Eight football teams from around Britain had arrived for the Nottingham Ball Bois Second Anniversary Tournament. The place was heaving with fit male flesh for the Tournament Draw. The Edinburgh Team, HotScots, were there in full voice, having refreshed themselves on the train down. Kev Rowe, the HotScots coach, had a lucky start, winning a football lottery. He had chosen Aston Villa, which he supports - as a Brummie myself, I had had to make do with Birmingham City, which didn’t do me any good! Saturday saw the Tournament Group Stages played at Croft Farm in Nottingham. HotScots won both their games, beating Birmingham Blaze 1-0 and London Romans 2-0. On the Sunday they had less luck, having a goal disallowed in the semi-finals. They again beat Birmingham Blaze in the play off for third place, with a score of 2-0. HotScots clearly have a brilliant defence you have to be special to get past them! Stuart was excellent in central defence, with J. P. and Craig both doing extremely well, scoring two goals each. London Titans won the Tournament Trophy, awarded at Niche Bar in Nottingham on Sunday afternoon. Travelling for events like this involves both time and money. If you’d like to support your local gay football team, see our listings RockstarVanity Exhibition An exhibition of conceptual portraiture and alternative fashion photography from Edinburgh based RockstarVanity Photography is being held from Thursday 3rd July Sunday 3rd August. Venue: Hula Juice Bar & Cafe, 103-105 West Bow (Victoria Street /Grassmarket), Edinburgh. Free entry. Contact: Tanya Simpson (RockstarVanity Photography) E-mail: Tanya @RockstarVanity.com Tel: 07737 549774 34 ScotsGay section and get in touch. They’re a brilliant and hot - bunch of lads, and you won’t regret giving them a hand up! They’ll have a regular series of fixtures when the new season begins. It’s great that events like this are occurring more - teams from Edinburgh, London, Nottingham. Leicester, plus Yorkshire Terriers, Merseyside Marauders and Nottingham Nationals - a team made up of players from various GFSN (Gay Football Supporters Network) teams around the country- were there. Eight teams. There were four last year. Sixteen next year? Gay guys doing what they what they love - doing how they want to do it! What could be better? And they’re not just doing it for themselves. Money raised in this tournament will go to Everyman - a campaign of the Institute for Cancer Research focusing on awareness and research into prostate and testicular cancers. Find out more at www.icr.ac.uk/everyman Gay football teams and individual players also put pressure on their local teams to attack homophobia on the terraces. Also, Nottingham Forest, after the application of persuasion from the City Council and local gays, have got involved in a poster campaign against homophobic bullying in schools. The team are foursquare in the centre of a poster saying “no” to homophobic and transphobic bullying being distributed to schools. Justin Fashanu, who came to such a tragic end, was, of course, a Forest and later an Airdrie United and Hearts player. Let’s hope we hear not only of more gay football teams - Glasgow etc? - but rugby, hockey, tennis - maybe we’ll soon need a sports page in ScotsGay? (An idea... Ed.) Bisexuals Gather BiCon today announced that they are expecting a record turn out at their summer event to be held at Leicester University (Oadby Campus), from 28th to 31st August. Numbers have climbed steadily over the last decade, but early figures suggest a significant increase in the number of people they’ll be seeing at BiCon this year. Marketing Officer, Libby, is pleased by the news. She said, ‘We’re really looking forward to seeing a lot of new faces. It’s wonderful that people are finding us; it gives a real sense of pride in the future of the community’. BiCon 2008 is anticipating an attendance of up to three hundred at the four day event. BiCon 2008 is also the most affordable of recent years, with the whole weekend costing as little as £100. E-mail: marketing@bicon2008.org.uk www.bicon2008.org.uk Aberdeen Footy NO WAITING! Aberdeen Gay Football has had a few kick abouts over the past few weeks and is beginning to get big enough to start a formal team. They are currently looking for suggestions of a team name as well as more players to join them. Matthew Middler says, “you don’t have to be mega fit to join the team, it’s all a bit of fun” To get more information on the team you can go to the bebo page www.bebo.com/abdngayfootball Next Day Delivery UK COMPANY Based in Edinburgh EASY TO ORDER Torchwood Yearbook - Ten to Giveaway Torchwood: The Official Yearbook [Titan Books, 22 August 2008, £7.99] is a fullcolour official tie-in to the much-loved and top-rated show. Featuring behind-the-scenes secrets from the Hub, cast and crew interviews and a Season Two episode guide, this hardback volume also contains five exclusive new Torchwood short stories to immerse readers in the world of the show, penned by the likes of Torchwood scriptwriter Joseph Lidster, Steven Savile (author of Titan’s Primeval: Shadow of the Jaguar) and Doctor Who novelist Andy Lane. For your chance to get your hands on a copy answer this question: In which city was John Barrowman born? E-mail your answer, with your full name and address to comp@scotsgay.co.uk or Snail-mail to SG Comp, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. Buy online or phone 0131 510 6969 LOW PRICES Many items cheaper than MEO & others www.GayGearShop.com Telephone: 0131 510 6969 ScotsGay 35