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Mayor Boris Johnson channeled Brokeback at this weekend's gay pride march in London. While most politicians garner praise for their pride appearances, Johnson suffered some mixed reviews:

Johnson sported a pink cowboy hat as he led a Gay Pride parade through London, drawing boos along the way from some who remembered his past doubts about civil partnerships.

But others at Saturday's annual march say they are reserving judgment, to see what Johnson does as mayor.

Johnson's dubious gay politics included comments worrying that gay unions would lead to polygamy and bestial nuptials. Wrote Johnson, 'I saw no reason in principle why a union should not be consecrated between three men, as well as two men, or indeed three men and a dog." Those comments came seven years ago and gay activists, like Ben Summerskill of UK's Stonewall, suggest that Johnson's adapting to the times.

Besides, he's only been mayor since May, so the homos should give him a shot.

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» Surprise…

New London mayor Boris Johnson, who has been criticized for being anti-gay, asked a few gay people to be part of his new administration. [Pink News UK]

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» Pricey Pride.

Being out and proud don't come cheap. Organizers of London's annual pride revealed today that last year's event cost them £392,000, or $771,416. And that's not counting all the mental anguish. [UK Gay News]

  Respond
» Gay Rugby To Take London

The fur will be flying next May when gay rugby club Kings Cross Steelers host the Union Cup. Seventeen gay rugby teams will converge on London in hopes of winning the prize, which is currently held by The Steelers. Mayor Ken Livingstone described the event as "a platform to introduce lesbian and gay sport to new audiences." We're not exactly sure why that is, but it sure sounds nice. [BBC]

  1 Response
Will Developers Destroy Homo History?

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There's a battle brewing in London, where developers are attempting to turn historic gay-owned hotel, The Philbeach Hotel, into a bunch of straight-washed flats. Now a coalition of queers are rallying to save their homo habitation. They've even composed a form letter:

The hotel has been open for over 20 years, and it is the only gay hotel in London which is privately owned by gays and run by gays.

It was recently announced that the hotel has been sold to an unknown developer to turn into flats.

The current staff there have been given 3 weeks to find new employment and new housing.

The hotel closes on 31st January 2008.

Apparently the Princess restaurant will also be destroyed, which would be a real tragedy.

If you're inclined to save this gay edifice, join the Save the Philbeach campaign. It's more fashionable than Ron Paul and twice as fun as Edwards.

"We do not want to see any further dividing walls."

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The Anglican's gay debates took a new spin this week. Homophobic leaders are threatening to hold their own Jersualem-based conference ahead of the international communion's Lambeth meeting in London this summer.

Jerusalem's Archibishop Suheil Dawani, however, says he hasn't been consulted. Nor does he condone the meeting.

I am deeply troubled that this meeting, of which we had no prior knowledge, will import inter-Anglican conflict into our diocese.

It could also have serious consequences for our ongoing ministry of reconciliation in this divided land. We who minister here know only too well what happens when two sides cease talking to each other. We do not want to see any further dividing walls.

Sydney Archbishop Peter Jensen, however, fears the crumbling walls: Some American Anglicans are as committed to their new sexual ethics as to the Gospel itself…The problems posed by the American church are not going to remain in America."

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• Japanese scientists have made a "humanoid robot" called Simroid, which can feel "pain".

• It's that time of the year again: Bid 2 Beat AIDS offers 1000s of collectibles on eBay. The eBay charity auction officially begins tomorrow, but they've already posted tickets for Mary J Blige's Tuesday show honoring BET's Stephen Hill.

• Popnography's Shana Naomi Krochmal and NPR "consider" bands who play queer.

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Jeff Corwin, Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta looked smart at the Planet In Peril premier.

Latino parents neglecting gay discussions.

Wayne Besen on the Closet's construction.

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Gay loving Sophie Ellis-Bextor saluted London hot spot, G-A-Y this weekend.

While there were no Murders on the Dance Floor, Ellis-Bextor definitely killed the crowd with tracks from her new full-length, Trip The Light Fantastic.

The 28-year old singer, who recently appeared with George Michael on his UK tour, launches her own UK tour on August 14. That's more than fantastic. That's fucking fabulous!

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Scissor Sisters kicked off their UK tour of duty last night with a particularly energetic performance at London's O2 Arena. Despite the menacing inflatable invaders, it seems fans - and their mamas - were taken to the other side of entertainment.

After two more performances in London, the popsters will high kick their way to a three-day set in Manchester. Ooh!
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• Kentucky's Creation Museum's take on homos leaves something to be desired. Like a new curator. (Although, we do love this graffiti inspired warning.)

Jossip intern Joseph has a date! But the poor thing has nothing to wear! We voted for white shirt (with minimal pit stainage)". What say you?

Perez Hilton has at least one testicle.

Henry Rollins handles gay rumors like a pro, "Never once in my 46 years have I wanted a dick in my mouth."

Julie (Not Downtown) Brown wants to be gay.

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Freedom Issue Ain't Given Freedom

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London's Underground needs to get with the gay times. Literally. The mass transit system successfully petitioned Gay Times magazine to switch out an advert they found offensive, citing one of the models' state of "unnecessary­ state of undress".

CONTINUED »

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London's G-A-Y Bar may soon get a new mama.

Mean Fiddler, the entertainment company that owns G-A-Y and G-A-Y Late, announced that it's considering an offer from music and entertainment investors, MAMA group, which owns myriad music venues and publications, including The Fly. Melvin Benn, Mean Fiddler's managing director, confirms the offer:

We consider the offer to be positive and are currently awaiting confirmation of that offer being confirmed before a final decision is to be taken. We anticipate the offer to be formalized in early August.

G-A-Y Club - a regular venue for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Madonna and Enrique Iglesias - may also find itself in Parliaments line of fire: politicos are considering using the Astoria hot spot for a new subway station. That would s-u-c-k.

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British actor Lee Mead twirls at a press call for the London revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, proving once again that everything look when getting screwed.
Those of you familiar with the Bible know Joseph as Jacob and Rachel's child who can interpret dreams. His brothers couldn't handle his attention and sold him into slavery. Talk about sibling rivalry!

Of course, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice put a music - er - spin on the legendary story. We haven't had a chance to see this revival (it officially opens July 17th), but judging from these pictures, lead Mead does a swell job making the Bible - and enslavement - tempting.

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Madrid Loves It, Wishes Rest of Europe Loved It, Too

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An estimated 1.5 million party people lived it up at this year's Europride in Madrid. The revelers toasted Spain's government for its inclusion, including the government's 2005 passage of gay marriage and historic trans rights laws.

CONTINUED »



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