ScotsGay Issue 118 - ScotsGay Magazine

ScotsGay
scotsgay.co.uk
A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE EDITED, PRINTED & PUBLISHED IN SCOTLAND SINCE 1994
Glasgay!
Scottish Scene
ISSUE 118
£1.50
WHERE SOLD
Is Frenchies
Radek Rhys the hottest
barman in Edinburgh?
Pic taken by John Hein
Bennets
Gay Marriage
Gay 5K
editorial
GAY MARRIAGE
I was wrong.
Originally somewhat dismissive of the
high priority set by LGBT campaigners on
permitting same sex couples to marry, like
many radicals, I saw (and still see) marriage
as an outmoded institution ripe for abolition
and really could not fathom why sensible
gays would want to have any part of it .
What I did not foresee was the way in
which Civil Partnerships have accelerated
the acceptance of openly homosexual people
in our society.
When an Edinburgh councillor
announced his impending CP with a long
standing partner, it was but a footnote on an
inside page of the Evening News. When that
relationship started, knowledge of its mere
existence would have been a front page
shock horror story and possibly a criminal
offence.
Attending a number of CPs, I’ve seen
doting relatives turning out in droves to
celebrate the big day - many of them of
generations that were brought up to
condemn homosexuals but who, now that
there is a government sanctioned ceremony
and certificate, feel free to scoff the wedding
feast and express approval for their loved
ones’ choice of partner.
CPs have changed the landscape.
They’ve mostly marginalised those for whom
homosexuality is to be deprecated. They’ve
even managed to fracture the largely
homogenous homophobia of faith
communities as well as initiating the break
up of some of these institutions.
As a confirmed atheist since before
Saint Dawkins ever saw the light of print,
I’ve long yearned to see an end to belief in
the irrational. The buildings are magnificent,
the music sublime, the free dribblette of
wine and cannibalistic snack on a Sunday
morning almost worth getting out of bed for
– but the imaginary friend… Oh, dearie me!
JohnHein
[email protected]
PIC: RICHARD DAWKINS
It’s all fine by me if it’s a pleasant weekend
fantasy, but if you actually believe in the
Sky Fairies, then you at the very least are
showing a lack of discernment!
I must admit to having some
sympathy for those who cling to the
floating detritus of tradition in what they
see as an uncertain sea of churning moral
turpitude. Nevertheless, as Oliver Cromwell
once said in an address to the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland, “I
beseech ye, in the bowels of Christ, to
think it possible you may be mistaken”. Not
just about poovery but also the imaginary
friend.
Anyway, here we are with Civil
Partnerships firmly established and
governments both North and South of the
Border considering where to go from here.
Marriage is a devolved matter, so what
is decided by the Scottish Parliament can be
quite different to Westminster legislation –
with all that implies for a resurgence in the
economy of Gretna Green. The Scottish
Government currently tends “towards the
view that religious ceremonies for civil
partnerships should no longer be prohibited
and that same sex marriage should be
introduced so that same sex couples have
the option of getting married if that is how
they wish to demonstrate their commitment
to each other”.
I don’t see why CPs shouldn’t also be
opened up to opposite sex couples but it’s
really for heterosexuals to shout the odds on
that one.
The Scottish Government goes on to
say, “We also believe that no religious body
or its celebrants should be required to carry
out same sex marriages or civil partnership
ceremonies”.
What, I ask, does the law currently have
to say about religious bodies or their
celebrants being able to refuse to marry a
ScotsGay
ADVERTISE IN
IT’S NOT AS
EXPENSIVE AS
YOU THINK
Email: Martin Mann
advertising@
scotsgay.co.uk
For the rate card
www.scotsgay.co.uk/
advertising
PIC: OLIVER
CROMWELL
couple of different skin colours bearing in
mind that some churches still consider such
unions to be against their interpretation of
The Word Of God?
Ultimately, though, I don’t think that you
can or should legislate to force people to be
nice or sensible – the current bill to
criminalise the soccer related ritual of crass
remarks about the belief systems of others
seems a particular waste of valuable
parliamentary time especially in view of a
rumoured insolvency and possible
liquidation of Rangers Football Club!
If some persons of faith wish their
buildings to remain free of the sweet savour
of homosexuality and forgo the extra
income, they will merely increase the misery
of their few remaining gay members (who
really shouldn’t still be going where they’re
not wanted) and allow the rest of us (of all
sexualities and none) to snigger at their
antediluvian attitudes.
For, it is becoming increasingly clear
that fewer and fewer Scots consider the
bleating of the discredited leaders of our
faith communities to be worth heeding if it
gets in the way of what their heads, hearts
and genitals are telling them.
The Scottish Government’s
consultation is open until 9th Dec 2011 http://tinyurl.com/3r9qadr - worth having
your say and not letting the moral minority
swamp the debate!
At Ritchie Neill we understand
that all families are different.
We cater our services to suit
everyone and would love
to hear from you.
Different
Families
Same Love
• Cohabitation Agreements
• Advice on Civil Partnerships
• Family Law including: Divorce,
Dissolution & Separation
• FREE Will Writing Service
• Power of Attorney
• Estate Agency • Conveyancing
GayScene HIGHLANDS
obar dheadhainn
a’ ghaidhealtach
ABERDEEN
Here with go with a wee update from the
North East: THT ask you to get involved in
shaping sexual health services, Stormers FC
are looking for players and we look at what’s
to be seen on the scene.
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence
Higgins Trust Scotland (THT Scotland) is
working with NHS Grampian to ask the
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) community in Grampian what their
sexual health needs are, to enable positive
sexual health and wellbeing.
THT Scotland will invite LGBT people
from all over Grampian to contribute their
views in a variety of ways: either by
completing a survey, attending a face to face
interview, or taking part in a focus group
interview. Topics covered will include sex,
relationships, awareness of HIV and sexually
transmitted infections, and use of local
health services. THT Scotland and NHS
Grampian will then use the information
generated to shape future sexual health
services for the LGBT community.
Jane Morel, Area Manager for
THT Scotland, said, “Following the
publication of the Scottish
Government’s new Sexual Health
and Blood Borne Virus
Framework, NHS Grampian are
reviewing sexual health services in
the region. As men who have sex
with men remain one of the
Andi Watson
[email protected]
PIC: CHEERZ
dùn deagh
DUNDEE
Hey folks! Well Oct is upon us already,
and after a decent break from writing this I
almost feel refreshed enough to write
something other than my usual technical
diatribe – then again who am I kidding?!
First up The Abode has a great ‘Queer
Quiz’ night hosted by Lexie Lush on those
dull Thu nights (almost the weekend, but not
quite near enough for hammering the JD)
that is proving very popular. They have the
usual karaoke on a Fri and Sat nights, and
are also going to be co-hosting a karaoke
competition along with The Salty Dog – Fri
in the Abode then the following week the Sat
in the Dog, starting from the beginning of
Oct. Exact details at the bars, but I do know
that there will be a big cash prize up for
ChrisMcGiffin
grabs for the winner! Food is also back on
[email protected]
the menu in the Abode with a new chef
joining the team, serving Mon to Sat Noon5pm you can get two courses for as little as
PIC: BROOKS
£6.75 from a good choice of pub grub.
As mentioned, The Salty Dog will be
co-hosting the karaoke competition with
the Abode, and has all the other usual salty
goings on that avast this bountiful tavern,
arr (some residual pirate talk there after
International Talk Like a Pirate Day – I hope
the Salty had a party for it!). Anyway time
is closing in on the ‘inbetween’ room –
which looks like it had been decorated by
Sir Walter Scott – and is soon to be
updated. As part of this, Ross has put a call
out for all sorts of quirky tat that you may
groups most at risk of HIV and other
sexually transmitted infections in the UK,
evaluating how services might be improved
for the LGBT community will be a key part of
this. We would encourage anyone who is
LGBT and living in Grampian to get in touch
and make their voice heard.”
LGBT people interested in taking part
should contact THT in Aberdeen on 0845
241 2151, or E-mail: [email protected]
Granite City Stormers FC is on the
lookout for new players. Whether you are a
novice or are Ronaldo you will be made very
welcome in the team. They aim to promote
a healthy and active lifestyle within the LGBT
community by providing the opportunity to
participate in football, regardless of age,
ability and experience, and in a friendly, fun
and supportive environment. For info please
contact John Deary E-mail:
[email protected] for more
information.
The scene in Aberdeen has something
for everyone whether you’re looking for drag
shows, quizzes, a quiet drink or a livelier
night. There are venues with something for
everyone.
Cheerz Bar & Club in Hadden Street is
the home of cheese, chart and quizzing on
the gay scene in Aberdeen! Open 7 nights a
week with entertainment for everybody’s
taste including Karaoke with Scott West,
Cheese and Chart from the master of cheese
himself DJ Steve Motion plus the fabulous
Drag Queens with their weekly offering, Miss
Romy invites you to get quizzical every Thu
from 9pm for a chance to win and Miss
Bobbie Dazzler quickly freshens her gusset
every Sun and invites you to open her box
which could contain anything. Find out
more about Cheerz and keep up to date with
Cheerz on Facebook or twitter
@cheerztweet.
You’ll find the city’s other LGBT club
Chaplin’s in the Adelphi just off Union
Street, open Wed-Sun every week! Join Jim
for Karaoke on Wed and Sun, DJ Ross
Barney for a mix of dance and chart every
Thu plus great local DJ’s and acts on Fri and
Sat. The next planned event is Gareth
Fulton, Comedy Hypnotist on Sun 20th Nov
with Tickets costing £7 available now at the
club. To keep up to date with what’s
happening at Chaplins find them on
Facebook.
Aberdeen’s other LGBT friendly pub is
The Market Arms on Stirling Street, open
from 11am Mon-Sat and open later on a
Sun, start your night out with tunes and
cheek at The Market from Peter and the
team. You can check in and Like The Market
Arms on Facebook to keep up to date.
That’s everything up to date for another
month, if you have any news, views, gossip
or photos drop me an e-mail to the usual
address.
want to donate that will fit in with the unique
theme of this bar: nautical bits, stuffed
animals, penis shaped objects – if you’ve
been there you know the sort of thing! There
are all the usual drinks offers on, as well as a
small selection of hot pies now available.
Brooks Bar had a great celebration of
their first birthday, of which I can remember
some although the pictures that appear on
Facebook help jog the memories (including
those probably best forgotten!). Coming up
we have Scarlette Diamonte and the
Scarlettes on Sat 1st Oct, with a whole great
new show never before seen in Dundee (free
entry). Also look out for an even bigger bigname act coming up soon, although Michael
was staying tight lipped about it so look out
for more details in the bar. On the drinks
side look out for the Absolute Kiwi at 2 for
£5, and Bacardi cocktails 2 for £3, the usual
extensive collection of shots and exclusive
list of ten – yes ten – bombs, and
double anything comes with a free
dash from the gun (so Bombay
Sapphire drinkers who require tonic,
tough luck!). And, of course, I could
not possibly forget Suzie –
especially after all the threats last
time I did (only joking!). Suzie ably
takes charge of the karaoke on Wed,
Fri and Sun eves, as well as DJing
Sat – exception being the first one of
the month, when there is a guest DJ
in instead, or other acts are on.
Klozet has had some great live bands
playing in the last month, and this continues
into Oct. On Sat 1st, the Honeythieves are
back after playing a very successful opening
night a couple of months ago; there is
Savanah on Sat 22nd, and Cherry Bombz –
the “UK’s number 1 female fronted
indie/rock/punk tribute band” – on the 29th.
As if that wasn’t enough, they have a great
act on with The Untamed Dame Edna
Experience on Sat 8th Oct – this will be a
ticketed night remember so make sure you
get your ticket, as well as Burlesque night on
Fri 11th – I’ve currently no idea what exactly
that entails but look out for more details in
the bar and on their Facebook page. Don’t
forget there is the usual great selection of
drinks and offers on, as well as free WiFi, a
pool league being put together and quiz and
bingo nights in the pipeline.
Out has had to postpone its Lady Gaga
night until later in Oct - although with very
good reason as they are putting together one
hell of a night, and due to supply issues have
simply had to delay whilst they get it all
together. Look out for more details in the
club or on their Facebook page, but it is
probably going to be a couple of weeks into
Oct. There will also be the usual great night
to look forward to at the end of Oct for
Hallowe’en. There are all the usual great
drinks offers, not forgetting the vodka jellies
that seem to be selling like cold, gelatinebased hot cakes.
GayScene
Inverness is certainly getting itself on
the map. The Gay Police Association hosted
its national meeting here in Sep with 15
delegates from across Scotland and the UK,
each representing the GPA in their respective
Force, as well as the National Executive
Committee. An open invitation was extended
to the local LGBT community to meet with
them at a buffet evening. Alan Sneddon
(Scotland Officer for the GPA) said, “This is
an ideal opportunity to engage with the local
police force and the community, bringing the
police and LGBT community in the
Highlands together. Our membership is
particularly weak in Northern Constabulary
compared with the rest of Scotland. Those
members we do have tend to be in the
Joanne MacKenziecloset. Hosting an event in Inverness and
Winters
having our quarterly meeting there will raise
[email protected]
our profile and offer those individuals hope
that we are here and will support them PIC: PINK CASTLE RUNNERS
no matter what the circumstances“.
The Equality Network came up to
Inverness for a focus group on the
needs of disabled LGBT people and
access to the services they use.
Sep was a busy month with good
turnouts at Girlzone and the LGBT
Curry Night in Wetherspoons.
Mambo’s has changed ownership, been
refitted and at the time of writing it has
just re-opened as Nova.
The Pink Castle Runners are
GayScene
meeting every Wed evening for a 3 mile jog
starting outside Inverness Leisure Centre.
Contact Morgan on 07745 930383 or E-mail:
morgan@ tramstop.org for details. Even if
you don’t want to run, you can meet up with
them afterwards at Macnabs Bar in the
Columba Hotel for a drink and bite to eat.
Morgan says, “It’s reckoned there could well
be 25,000 of us in the Highlands and
Islands, so I’m saying to LGBT folk “Come
on. Let’s get out on the streets, get fit and
have some fun together while we’re doing
it”. Equality and integration are major
themes running through today’s LGBT
communities, and ours here in Inverness is
now ready to do its bit by offering
something of value to everybody, of 16 years
or over… whoever they are. We already have
straight people participating enthusiastically
too. While the members of most clubs and
activities are presumed ‘straight’ until
proven otherwise, the Pink Castle
Runners are turning the tables, inviting
everyone, but this time from a LGBT
default position. This is important as
many gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender people have suffered
prejudice and discrimination and so feel
more comfortable in an LGBT-friendly
group. Ultimately our goal would be to
actually drop the LGBT-friendly tag, and
just be a truly and fully-inclusive running
group, which makes no assumptions and
welcomes all as equals.”
Highland-based Q North Foundation is
on the look-out for some communityminded and committed people to get
involved with their Board to help them
govern and manage their scholarship
programme. Brainchild of Lisa Buchanan,
the Foundation aims to create a scholarship
programme to support LGBTQ people and
their allies to undertake educational,
research and arts-based projects for the
community, by the community, in the
Highlands and Islands. They have already
raised enough money to award the first
scholarship but are hindered in the process
because in order to progress their legal
status as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated
Organisation, they need to attract more
volunteer board members. They are looking
for a monthly commitment to meetings
initially, although this will move to quarterly.
Members will need to commit to helping the
team raise the funds to provide annual
scholarship awards. See Facebook or E-mail:
[email protected]
Check out www.gay-ness.org.uk for
details of the Hallowe’en Bash on Sat 22nd
Oct. Tickets will be on sale on the door and
in advance from the Art Media shop at 104
Church Street, Inverness. And plans are
afoot for a big Ball in May 2012!
dùn eideann
EDINBURGH
Hey all, it’s been a bit of a quiet Sep, and
now we’re ready to get mad wi’ it again!
Kicking off at Cafe Habana, Penny
Arcade will soon be returning and will be
hosting this year’s Drag Idol competition.
The competition will take place over 6
weeks, with every week having a different
theme. If anyone is interested in taking part,
enquire at the bar or contact Penny Arcade
on Facebook. Habs have also asked that we
pass on their thanks to customers for their
patience while they renovate the toilets – it’s
all for the greater good!! And just a wee
reminder, that Habana still have their drinks
promos Mon–Thu, with vodka and mixer
only £1 and pints from £2.50, to name but a
few! And they also offer Habana and Skittle
bombs for £1.50. Wed evenings will soon
see the return of the Habz Quiz too, so get
that grey matter going over the cheap
vodies!
Over at The Street, time to
celebrate as they reach their 7th
birthday! Sun 2nd Oct is the big day –
7 years of The Street have flown by, as
they’ve become synonymous for
sophisticated drinking, fabulous
cocktails and awesome food! The
‘LUCKY 7’ themed party kicks off at
7pm.
And for the ladies, the next
Saturday Night Beaver is on Sat 15th
Oct, at Cab Vol. Since its rebranding, the
night has gone from strength to strength at
its new venue attracting ladies from all over
Scotland. Last month saw a visit from the
fabulous Order of
Perpetual Indulgence.
A special treat for
all you Mumbo Jumbo
fans, as they feature a
guest DJ this month –
the amazing Twitch
from Optimo! Catch
them over at the
Bongo Club.
Up at The Regent, cask ales are going
strongly as always. This month they’ll be
championing two Scottish beers –
JodieFlemingSchiehallion And Ossian – as well as their
Stanley
usual selection. Since it’s been a terrible
[email protected]
summer and it’s passed the equinox,
they’ve decided to start selling their
infamous mulled ginger wine early this
year, so get over there and get in as
much of it as you possibly can!
Also at The Regent, The World
Famous Regent Bar Quiz is on Tues
25th Oct. Six themed rounds of brain
teasing, tomfoolery and free nibbles!
Enter for your chance to win a £50
food and drink quiz. If you’re not in it,
you can’t win it! So get in!
Over at the Newtown Bar, Friday
Fun and Frolics returns with the cousin
of Ms. Sushe Buffet - the wonderful
Ruby Reynolds! from 9pm onwards!
And the BEAR SCOTS have their
annual Bear Fest from Fri 14th til Sun
16th Oct. A fun filled weekend for all
involved! E-mail:
[email protected] for more
details. The MSC
will be holding a
Rocky Horror
Evening on Sat
22nd Oct, from
9pm in the
basement of the
Newtown, where
the film will be
shown. So dust off
your corsets and
fishnets and head
on down!
Also, the
Caledonian
Thebans are holding their annual
Rugby Clinic at the Newtown Bar from
Fri 28th Oct – Sun 30th Oct. The
weekend is always a good laugh, with
lots of rugby shorts and entertainment
to be had if that takes your fancy. If
you’d like to take part, E-mail:
[email protected]
In other Newtown news, from Sun
30th Oct the basement bar will be
closed for a bit of a spruce up/refurb!
Watch this space for deets on its new
opening. And a tally on the festival
FUNdraisers has shown a fantastic
£2,250 was raised for Waverley Care!
Well done!!! The Newtown would like
to thank all their patrons for being so
a taste of BearScots
generous, and to all the 60 acts for
www.bearscots.org.uk
giving up their time – and of course to
A weekend
of furry fun!
the bar staff for working so hard over the
month.
Down at Priscillas, they have 2 new
DJ’s on board - Conny and Reuben, who are
already giving everyone nights
to remember! Playing the best
music from each era, they are
a guaranteed hit along with the
usual resident DJs 7 nights a
week. Priscillas have a brand
new winter line up, including
their ‘’New Look Fridays’’
where they are offering
karaoke and requests all night
long – will lots of fun and games thrown in
by Jamie Lee Morley. From 9pm up to 1am.
Also at Priscillas, they have a
Hallowe’en extravaganza on Sat 29th Oct
with the theme ‘’Dead Special’’.... Come
along dressed to impress as your favourite
‘’dead’’ celebrity and be in with a chance of
being crowned our Hallowe’en Winner 2011!
Who will rise to the challenge? And to top it
off, the night will be hosted by Miss Scarlet
Diamonte featuring a horror-tastic cabaret
show! And their new talent competition
‘’The Voice’’ will be coming very soon. The
crew at Priscillas are shouting out now for
singers to come along and try out, and they
have 2 amazing prizes up for grabs this time
for the winner. Prize 1 is a cash sum, and the
2nd prize is exclusive Recording Studio time
in one of Edinburgh’s Top Recording
studios! Not too shabby at all!! Application
forms are available in the bar from mid-Oct.
For those wanting something a bit
different, get yourself down to HOT MESS.
This is a disco party for queer folk and their
friends, who are looking for an alternative to
Edinburgh’s mainstream gay scene. It boasts
an eclectic music
policy that ranges
from synthwave and
italo obscurities,
through throbbing
house and techno,
with a deep streak of
disco love joining the
musical dots. HOT
MESS started one
year ago in Oct, and
this month is on Fri
7th Oct from 11pm3am at the Wee Red
Bar.
Over at CC Blooms, on Fri 14th Oct
BearScotFest returns to Woof! For the 2nd
year, downstairs at CCs will be dedicated to
this annual festival of all things furry. DJ
Blondie will be pumping out the tunes,
mixing camp with dance, guaranteed to fill
the dancefloor. From11pm-3am, this is an
official event as part of the BearScotsFest
2011 and therefore a men only and ticket
only event, though the BearScots guys will
be on the door on the night to offer any fur
lovers entry for a small fee.
Then on Fri 21st Oct, Boys Own returns
downstairs after a successful launch last
month. This is CCs’ monthly event for men
who like men. DJ Blondie blasts out club
mixes while the CCs GoGo boys oil up and
strip down to their underwear and strut their
stuff on the podiums. Early arrivals get the
Boys Own complimentary drink, so get
there first and enjoy.
Then on Sat 29th Oct, - CC’s are
hosting CC Bloom’s Musical Halloween
Party. The theme is, obvo, Musicals!
Expect great pop tunes upstairs, with
classic musical tunes from Film and
Theatre thrown in for your enjoyment.
Come dressed as a character from a
Musical yourself and receive a
complimentary Skittlebomb and free
draught mixers for the rest of the night!
Electrosexual’s still business as usual,
with the next nights Fri 7th Oct and Fri 4th
Nov. DJ Lucky Luciano and guests will be
playing ‘dirty fondue’ electro bootlegs.
And then there will be a special Dirt.E
Stopout fancy dress Hallowe’en ball at the
Street on Sun 30th Oct, where they’ll be
playing disco remixes and chunky house.
Finally, we hope you enjoy the pics of
staff and customers of Frenchies,
Edinburgh’s most centrally located gay
bar. It’s also the oldest gay bar in the
capital and it has to be said, one of the
friendliest too. It’s open from 1pm-1am
Mon-Sat and 12.30pm-1am on Sun. By day
it’s the perfect place to pop in for a quick
refreshment whilst out doing the
messages. At night it’s party HQ with
friendly banter with the staff and regulars.
For those that haven’t yet, do check it out!
Gareth
Boyle
ALL PICS: FRENCHIES
GayScene
It’s with sad hearts that we have
to write this tribute to a much loved
member of the Edinburgh scene and
a huge part of the “Habana Boys”.
Our Gareth passed away on 8th
Sep 2011 at the tender age of 31
(don’t tell anyone). Gareth was a
fantastic long term bar man in
Habana and whoever drank/visited
would never leave without a smile on their faces... although their smile would never have been as
large as his smile! Gareth moved over to Edinburgh from Coleraine to study at Napier University.
After working at the Palace, he swiftly followed this with a part time job in Habana, where the
boys took him under their wing and from then on he seemed to be a permanent fixture, becoming
full time and a total star, earning him the bar name of Agent Boyle.
Gareth touched many people’s hearts in Edinburgh and nothing would ever be too much
trouble for him, be it a bed to stay in or a “sherry hen” he was there for all his friends of whom
he had a lot. In this time he moved into a flat in Morrison Street with Chris and Stuart from
Habana where he spent many happy days and even happier nights before moving back to his
parents in Coleraine 3 years ago - although the bright lights of his Edinburgh friends meant he
was never a stranger...
There will be a charity night in Habana for the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke
Foundation which is the chosen charity of Gareth’s family. The date has still to be confirmed and
will be advertised soon.
Rest in peace Gareth, forever in our hearts x x x x The Staff at Habana
glaschu
GLASGOW
It has pissed down with rain virtually
every day this Sep and I’m not happy about
it one bit. In fact if it wasn’t for the arrival of
a fresh batch of wide-eyed freshers and a
busy month for Gay Glasgow to distract me
from the dreary stormclouds, I would
probably have taken the month off for
hibernation, calling to mind the Green Day
lyric ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’.
But brave am I and so I didn’t let the
fickle clouds rain on my parade! For those of
us who decided to soldier on through the
dismal weather and leave the house for town
this month there has been plenty on offer!
First and foremost a huge ‘well done!’ to
those who took to Kelvingrove Park for the
Gay 5K back in the last week of Aug.
Flocking to the city’s favourite grassy patch
for less salacious reasons than usual, gays
came from far and wide to participate in the
first ever Gay 5K in Scotland, which enjoyed
higher turnout than the first Gay 5K in New
York! The race was organised by Gay Men’s
Health and running group the Bellahouston
Harriers. With no Pride this year the Gay 5K
felt like an ample replacement event, pulling
everyone together from the SheBoom
drummers, to
Delmonicas own
Bella Houston,
Vanity von Glow
and the whole
team from
Bennets
nightclub. The
afterparty, hosted
by VVG, was a
surprisingly
subdued affair
with many
runners too
exhausted
(translation:
drunk) to make it out for an all-nighter.
Bennets put up hundreds of pounds worth of
prizes from bottles of wine to signed
autobiographies by famous fruits Graham
Norton and Paul O’Grady. Particular shout
outs to the boys from Luke and Jack who
helped the drag queens on water duty during
the race, and thanks to all those who made
the day great! Well done!
And while talking of Gay Men’s Health,
Speakeasy ran a charity auction in mid-Sep
flogging the costumes of Musty Gusset and
Avon Starr who both leave Scotland for
Belgium and Portugal respectively at the end
of this month. Loud-mouthed activist Nathan
Sparkling oversaw
proceedings and did a
great job helping to raise
£355 for the sexual health
charity and it’s great to see
Speakeasy taking the lead
on charity events in a
month when most venues
are focused on pulling in
the student crowd.
If you weren’t aware of
the Hollywood film crew
who took up residence in
Glasgow’s city centre last
month then you must have
been living in a cave! The
Thom Glow
[email protected]
ALL PICS: C.U.N.T.
whole city was abuzz with excitement at
Brad Pitt’s latest cinematic venture, the film
adaptation of acclaimed novel ‘World War Z.’
A seminal work in the ‘zombie-lit’ genre, the
gang at midweek clubnight C U Next
Tuesday celebrated by hosting a truly
terrifying zombie themed party – Z U Next
Tuesday. Hundreds of ghoulish characters
descended the emerald staircase at
Chambre69 to have a party in the
underground venue, almost the whole crowd
garbed as flesh-eating undead clubkids!
Later in the month similar crowds got
down and dirty at the Tunnel nightclub for
their UV Glow party! I’ve always thought that
ultra-violet lighting and glow-in-the-dark
body paint set the perfect mood for a great
night out and I’m gutted I didn’t make it
along to the club as photographs tell me it
was a fantastic night out! Good to see
Tunnel upping the ante and Tue and Wed are
now well and truly established as the
midweek nights to shake a tailfeather.
That’s not to say weekend clubbing isn’t
doing well, and the new DJ talent of the Polo
Lounge is improving the weekend
soundscape. Fraser Bone of alternative
clubnight Lock Up Your Daughters
has taken up residency in the Polo
Lounge’s back room, ‘Club X,’ and
the bold choice of putting the less
mainstream DJ on over the
weekend will surely pay off. After
moderate success with his Bitter
Glitter clubnight on a Thu, Fraser
certainly deserves the bigger
weekend platform where he can
bounce around behind the decks
to a larger
crowd!
Speaking of
alternative
sounds, the
Italo-Disco monthly night
Menergy has enjoyed a
back-to-basics vibe over
the last couple months in
their temporary home at
Stereo. A night which
emphasises a purer disco
sound and live
performance, Stereo is a
great venue to showcase
both of those elements. DJ Kid Zipper,
Menergy co-founder and resident the Niallist
don’t compromise on their sound, and drag
denizen Lady Munter takes no prisoners as
she performs her off-colour lipsyncs (‘Two
Guys For Every Girl’) and
songs which include
lyrics comparing an
offending character to a
‘vaginal blister’. Band
Demimonde have made a
couple of Menergy
appearances this year as
well, a genuinely exciting
electronic genderfuck
duo. It always amazes me
how polite and well
spoken the boys are out
of drag, but when taking
to the stage they
aggressively and
unapologetically leap into their self-penned
tracks with impressive presence and vigour.
What I’m really excited about is the Oct
Menergy which moves to Chambre69 for
their Annual Vogue Ball, Scotland’s biggest
drag event which sees armies of divas take
to the catwalk to strike a pose in the name of
all things fierce. Don’t miss it on 22nd
October!
In fact looking ahead at the coming
months there are a couple of exciting events
due to take place! Glasgow will welcome
new gay venue The Village to the scene as
they open in the coming weeks across from
the Brunswick Hotel
in the heart of the
Merchant City. With
many of the details
of this new bar still
mysterious I shall
be sure to get along
as soon as they
open to check the
place out. Also due
in the next couple of
months are
Delmonicas’
legendary Charity
Week and if my
calendar tells me correctly, their annual Drag
Idol competition. Oh! And if rumours are
true (they are) then those looking to go for a
drink to Revolver will have to cancel their
plans and go to ‘Underground’ instead as
the venue has undergone a surprise name
change! It’s a shame in a way; I always
enjoyed singing the Madonna/Lil’ Wayne
song as I minced down the stairs for a drink.
The bar is still run by the same team though
so fear not – just a little name change.
Presumably bitten by the same bug as
‘Scene’ which became ‘Milk’ a couple of
months ago. What next? I’m hoping
Speakeasy will take my advice and change
their name to the more appealing
‘Squeakeasy’ and be done with it! And
Squeakeasy is exactly where you’ll find me
every Thu playing the piano and singing
Adele songs like there’s no tomorrow. Stop
by and say hi! Until next month!
glaschu
a sporting chance?
INTERVIEW
THE GAY 5K
It’s all a bit like Cheryl Cole’s X Factor
dismissal if you ask me. Poor cow couldn’t
cut the mustard through in America and was
replaced last minute by the superior talent of
Nicole Scherzinger, former Pussycat Doll
and in my view a gay icon in waiting. It
featured many of the traits of an X Factor
theatrical; the drama, the rumours, the
judgement and the tears. All we need now
are dubiously gifted vocalists to warble their
way through Adele’s back catalogue and
we’re all set! What am I talking about? Why
the Bennets takeover of course. Or not a
takeover, rather a ‘rescue’ as it is described
by new General Manager, Paul Stirrat who
agreed to sit down with me and set the
record straight on what really happened
when Bennets was bought over back in May
of this year.
Paul Stirrat has all the relaxed late-night
charm one expects from a successful
nightclub manager (he’s the Nicole
Scherzinger of our story. He might not have
her exotic beauty, but the previous
management of Bennets had none of
Cheryl’s glam either). He offers me a drink
as we sit down to chat in the empty club –
it’s daytime and Paul has been working
through the day’s duties getting ready for
another busy night. In his new position as
Bennets GM, Paul wields more power to
affect gay people than most within our
community and I am keen to hear what his
thoughts are for gay Glasgow, and where a
new Bennets will fit into that. We all want a
vibrant, exciting and energised gay scene
which matches the vibrancy and energy of
the people within it. With sixteen years
management experience and nine years’
service in the RAF, he’s surely seen it all and
there is a wizened and Dumbledore-esque
glint in his eye each time he talks about his
newest project. Back in the day, long before I
had arrived fresh-faced in Glasgow excitedly
anticipating the promised land of gay clubs
and beautiful people Bennets was, he tells
me ‘the place to be. Bennets was at the top
of its game.’ It’s not the first time I’ve heard
people speak of the club in these nostalgic
terms. Chambre69 owner Colin Barr, with
whom I work closely, was one of the original
team members thirty years ago when
Bennets was founded. Though straight, Colin
too speaks of Bennets with fondness and
misty-eyes. It seems there was a real magic
to the club which dared to open its doors for
gay people long before the Polo Lounge or
gay nights in Tunnel and the old Cube were
even thought of.
‘In the last couple of years Bennets lost
its way and it was in trouble.’ As Paul says
this I can’t help but smile at the
understatement. The Bennets of my
generation had become something of a dive;
the place you went when you were too tipsy
to get in anywhere else. With a poor public
image, and a dramatic decline in footfall
Bennets had lost the lustre of its younger
years. It’s strange to think that Bennets used
to be famed the world over, and boasted
high profile acts such as Pete Burns and
drag superstar Divine, who was at the time
considered the most popular nightclub act in
the world. None of that excitement existed in
Thom Glow spoke to
Bennets new
General Manager
Paul Stirrat
PIC:
PAUL STIRRAT
PIC:
BENNETS STAFF
the Bennets I first walked into five years ago.
I ask Paul why any company would want to
take on the responsibility of a club which
had wound up with such a bad name? ‘It
was something that the company thought
they could revive, basically. It was like an old
friend that was dying - it needed life brought
back into it.’ At the beginning of the takeover
– sorry, rescue - there was suspicion from
within the community. Gay people are a
discerning bunch and often spot the
difference between well-meaning gaypositive nightclub brands and those that fail
to acknowledge the specific needs and
desires of gay people. Paul is adamant that
the transition was essential. ‘The shakeup
had to happen or the venue wouldn’t have
been here. It’s not the case that it wouldn’t
have survived the way it was, it’s that it
didn’t survive the way it was.’
It was Glasgow’s worst kept secret that
Bennets had gone into receivership earlier
this year and that the space was almost
certainly going to be redeveloped as a
residential space. ‘We thought we were the
people to take it on, to keep Bennets in the
community and keep it a gay club instead of
a block of flats.’
Acrebuild Ltd is a company with
nightclub experience, though not specifically
gay venues. I asked Paul what gay people in
Glasgow were to expect from the new
Bennets, run by a large company with no
previous experience of operating a club in
the competitive gay market. ‘Bennets is
being run as an independent venue, with the
backing of our parent company should it be
needed. The company won’t have a ruling in
the way things are done,’ Paul says ‘that’s
my job. Myself and the team we have here
will run Bennets based on what we think the
gay community needs.’ It’s a tricky task –
how do venue managers, with their
professional responsibilities, get the time to
sit down and find out what it is that gay
clubbers want? Paul laughs the question off
‘I’ve always found gay people to be very
forthcoming with their opinions’ he laughs.
‘But seriously I like to be out there and to
meet people – I’ve been on the scene for
fifteen years and gay people aren’t short in
telling you if you’re doing something wrong
or something right. We also have had a few
focus meetings with customers to find out
what works, what doesn’t, what they would
like. I think that’s the way forward for any
venue. After all it’s a venue for them.’
This approach seems to be something
of a community model; establishing the
needs of the community based on
consultation and observation, rather than a
profit driven business strategy. It’s no secret
that the ‘pink pound’ is coveted in many
areas of retail and leisure. With our high
disposable incomes and great hair, the gays
are certainly an obvious target for profiteers
looking to fill their pockets with pink
pennies. How can we expect Bennets to do
right by us, as gay scene consumers, when
we know that profit is the primary motive
behind any business? ‘A lot of companies
have no interest in helping out in the
community. We’ve already hosted the Gay
5K after-party for Gay Men’s Health…’ and
that much is true – Bennets made a clear
statement about their desire to operate as
part of the community when they put up the
money for literally hundreds of pounds
worth of prizes for the athletes who took
part in this August’s Gay 5K. There is also
the introduction of Bennets new ‘student
card’ which entitles customers to several
bonus features, free cloakroom etc. It’s very
easy to make broad statements about
helping the community, but Bennets have
made the right steps which indicate a level of
sincerity not always shown in the clubbing
world. ‘It’s important to me that we aren’t
seen as a competitor, but as a venue that’s
part of the community.’ It’s my favourite
thing he’s said so far.
Of course Bennets has much to prove –
‘Glasgow doesn’t have enough choice; we
need more venues. Bennets keeps other
venues on its toes, no venue should relax.
The fact we’re here should give other venues
a kick up the backside, basically. I think for
the size of Glasgow we need other clubs.
Glasgow needs to put itself on the map, gay
scene wise.’ It’s an ambitious mandate.
When asked what Bennets needs to do to
help put Glasgow on the map, Paul answers
quickly ‘it’s about the quality of the
entertainment, the quality of service, and the
quality of the venue. We have a lot planned,
not just for the venue, but for PAs, acts and
other upcoming things.’ It sounds exciting. I
can imagine this means more from
ScotsGay’s own snapper Stephanie
Valentine, whose monthly theme parties are
causing ripples on the scene. Along with DJ
Leah’s Girls On Top she helps makeup the
new talent line-up in the venue.
It does sound that Mr. Stirrat has a clear
idea of the direction in which he’d like to
take Bennets. The crowd the place now
attracts is certainly different from the
previous bunch, and yet in many ways the
place still has its familiar feel. I get the
feeling this is exactly what was intended, as
any adjustments to the club’s aesthetic have
been subtle tokens, rather than dramatic
overhauls. There was speculation for a time
that Bennets would undergo a name change
as part of the rejuvenation project, and
anyone could be forgiven for wanting to
wipe the slate clean and relaunch with a new
identity. ‘Bennets had lost its crown and it
did have a bad name when we took over, but
the place has been around for a long time.
Bennets had a good name at one stage and
it’s a case of turning it around and giving it a
good name again.’ So the plan, it seems, is
to earn back the good reputation the club
once had? Paul nods fervently.
I’m interested to know how Paul has
gone about building his dream team of bar
staff, steward,s etc. to help take Bennets
forward. There are familiar faces from Paul’s
old regime at the Polo Lounge. Surely a
completely fresh approach would be needed
to establish Bennets as a new venue? He
disagrees - ‘it’s about trust. You bring in
people you trust. It’s just a case of when we
first opened we were inundated with people
looking for jobs and it was a case of picking
the people we thought would gel as a team
and with the customers.’ Well that’s fair
enough I suppose. Were I to take on the
enormous responsibility of managing a
beloved venue I’d want to make sure I was
surrounded by the people I could trust,
especially in Glasgow’s constantly evolving
scene. When Paul talks about his staff it is
with genuine pride. The team do seem to gel
now, and with a few subtle updates to the
bar areas, lighting etc. things are just a bit…
fresher in the new Bennets. ‘I think I can
honestly say with my hand on my heart –
and nobody could honestly disagree – we
have the best service and best standards of
any pub or club. You will never wait any
length of time for a drink and if you do I
want to hear about it because it shouldn’t
happen.’ Good to hear, Paul! And I must say
the wait at the new Bennets bar is virtually
non-existent. For someone who likes a
beverage as much as I surely do, this is
definitely a step forward for Glasgow’s gay
clubs!
‘We’re not here to tell people what they
should be listening to or doing, what they
need and what they want. The staff are very
close knit. When good ideas emerge we let
people run with them’ he mentions DJ Leah,
Stephanie Valentine et al ‘it’s about
listening.’
And for those who worry that too much
has changed at Bennets – with a fresh
attitude, new door staff, and a better
clubbing experience, fear not – cloakroom
diva Netta has stayed on to keep everybody
right! ‘Some things don’t need to change’
Paul tells me. That is indeed comforting.
Naturally Paul’s position is that
everyone should try Bennets for their next
night out. He reminds me that with their
online guestlist facility customers can get in
free every night of the week if they want. ‘It’s
a case of knowing your gay scene’, he says,
‘and knowing what’s on offer.’
Paul shows me out down the now
mood-lit stairwell and through the famous
wooden doors on Glassford Street, now
given a fresh lick of paint. Its funny how the
small changes help make a place. I feel
better about Bennets already.
For a lot of gay people the relationship
they have with sports has always been a little
fractious. The majority of us no doubt
remember that tortuous gym game at school
– the one where you just knew you were
going to be the last person to be picked for
that day’s activity. Anyone who wasn’t
naturally sporty was considered to be weak
and a “sissy” or “poof.” Of course even if
you happened to be good at sports, then
perish the thought that you could possibly
be gay. Sports can be an intimidating
environment for gay men and women
especially when it comes to the major team
sports like football, rugby and cricket which,
especially for a gay man, can seem daunting
and homophobic. This was never more
brutally experienced than when, in 1990,
Justin Fashanu became the first professional
football player to come out as gay. After
receiving torrents of abuse and a false
allegation of sexual assault, Fashanu took
his own life in 1998, aged just 37. So have
attitudes got any better, or are we still stuck
in this laddish Neanderthal age?
Well thankfully things seem to be taking
an upward turn. In 2008 Australian diver
Matthew Mitcham, then only 20, came out,
making him one of few openly gay athletes
at the 2008 Summer Olympics and when
international rugby player Gareth Thomas
announced he was gay at the end of 2009, it
seemed to pave the way for more people to
make that significant leap forward. Earlier
this year Steven Davies, the 24 year old
Surrey and England cricketer, revealed he
was gay, making him the sport’s first
professional to come out. Shortly afterwards
Anton Hysén, 20, became only the second
professional football player to come out.
Although we have had several sports people
coming out, many do it when they are
nearing the end of their game, or have
retired. Mitcham, Davies and Hysén are
young men, with their best years of their
career still to come and as such should be
applauded for the stance they have taken.
With these encouraging signs, it was
announced that Glasgow would host a Gay
5k on August 19th in Kelvingrove Park. The
brainchild of Gay Men’s Health’s very own
Tom Lusk, this event was aimed at giving
young people positive gay role models in
sport and hopefully encourage more highprofile sports stars to come out. Celebrating
sexual diversity, the event was open to
everyone who shares the same principles of
an open and free society.
Normally my contribution to sports is a
sudden fascination with diving during the
Olympics (can’t think why!) and sniggering
everytime the umpire says “New balls
please” at Wimbledon. However I decided,
despite having never run in a competitive
race before, to take part in this worthwhile
event. And so it was that on a cloudy drizzly
Friday evening I found myself in Kelvingrove
Park surrounded by a myriad of serious
runners (including Front Runners, Glasgow’s
first gay running group), and a host of
enthusiastic beginners just like myself.
Strutting all above everyone were the
glamorous Vanity Von Glow and Miss Bella
Houston who had grabbed their heels and
Ian Hughes
[email protected]
sashayed along to the park to wish everyone
the best of luck. Also making their presence
known was the wonderful drummers SheBoom who really got the atmosphere going.
As the klaxon sounded for everyone to make
our way to the starting line, there was a
huge buzz of excitement and anticipation …
just as the rain decided to put in an
appearance! Thankfully a little rain refused to
dampen our enthusiasm and as the klaxon
went for the start of the race we set off. With
the drumming of She-Boom echoing around
the park, and children in the park shouting
support and high-fiving the runners (I even
heard them shout “Come on Gay Men’s
Health” as I jogged past, and “Come on
Scooby Doo” to one runner dressed in a dog
costume), the atmosphere continued to be
one of high-spirits. Although this was my
first ever run, and I found it a little tough at
times, I kept going, and when I heard
someone shout “Only another 100 yards to
go,” I felt a surge of relief and speeded up to
cross the finish line 79th out of 147 in a time
of 26 mins 49 seconds, which considering
I’ve never run a race before, I was pretty
chuffed with.
It made such a change to see so many
gay people taking a wee break from the bars
to participate in this worthwhile event,
although it was just a pity that nobody from
the broader sporting community came along
to support it. It would have been great
having a high-profile name or team
associated with it as this would have been a
landmark step in helping to stamp out
homophobia from sport. Even Brad Pitt was
invited along to start the race but he was too
busy fleeing from zombies in Glasgow
(sounds like a normal weekend evening to
me!) It’s hoped that this will be an annual
event, so should you fancy doing something
different and having the chance to raise
money for your chosen charity, then dig out
your trainers and keep your eyes peeled for
future events. Who knows - you may even
enjoy yourself and help get the message
across that sport can be for everyone,
regardless of sexuality.
15th Oct - 12th Nov 2011
www.GLASGAY.co.uk
ince it was founded in 1993 by Cordelia Ditton and
former Gay Scotland editor, Dominic d’Angelo,
Glasgay! - Scotland’s annual celebration of queer
culture - has gone from strength to strength.
Here ScotsGay previews the best Glasgay! events
being held in Oct. We’ll focus on Nov in the next issue.
S
PIC: DEATH DISCO
Clubbing
DEATH DISCO
PIC: BIG GAY
RESTAURANT
Eat & Drink
LITTLE JOHNNY’S BIG GAY
RESTAURANT
The Arches Café Bar
Daily from 5.30pm
Little Johnny is a bit of a Madonna fan - so
the boy from Random Accomplice theatre
company has turned The Arches Café Bar
into a big gay, Madonna-themed restaurant:
an idyllic hideaway where you can bathe in
the luxurious surrounding of 80s imagery
and Madonna videos. In celebration of the
iconic album’s 25th anniversary, sip the True
Blue cocktail, served by your obsessed host,
whilst you chow down on your lovingly
prepared exclusive Madonna inspired threecourse menu. A special event is planned for
6th Nov, her Madgesty’s birthday.
Film
GIGOLA
Glasgow Film Theatre
15th Oct at 7.30pm. £7 (£5.50)
The Stylish and sexy Parisian lesbian
underworld of the 1960s is brought vividly
to life in this star studded thriller. The
stylishly butch Gigola spends her days
roaming chic Parisian cafes and her
evenings in famous lesbian cabaret bar Chez
Moune. It’s a life she enjoys, or so it seems,
until an accidental overdose throws her in
the path of a beautiful psychiatrist, who
reminds Gigola of her first and only love,
and she begins to question everything.
The Arches
15th Oct at 11pm. £14 (£7)
A double dose of eye-popping debauchery
from fearless electro-trash legend Peaches
and the outrageous Hard Ton. One of the
founding fathers of dirty electro, Peaches
has been spitting out hits since 2000. From
Lovertits and Set It Off to Fuck The Pain
Away and I Feel Cream, her explicit lyrics
and gender-blurring live shows set a new
precedent for risqué club performance. In
the next room, out-there BEAR Hard Ton will
be channeling the spirit of Leigh Bowery and
the sweaty haze of New York disco circa
1975 as he delivers hi-NRG hits in his vinyl
bondage gear. You can sign up for half price
passes at www.deathdisco.info
Theatre
Comedy
LOVE HURTS
BOURGEOIS & MAURICE
Tron Theatre
18th-22nd Oct at 8pm & 22nd Oct at
2.30pm. £7 (£5.50)
New neighbours have moved in at 41
Primrose Place and they’ve caught Susan’s
attention. The new couple seem rather nice.
Too nice perhaps... and Number 33 agrees her blinds haven’t stopped twitching since
they moved in. Something is going on
behind their closed door: something bad,
dirty, unspeakable...and Susan is determined
to find out exactly what it is. Sometimes
keeping up with the neighbours is murder...
After the success of Smalltown, Promises
Promises and Little Johnny’s Big Gay
Wedding, Random Accomplice present Love
Hurts – a pitch black comedy, and the first in
a series of Random Accomplice Bites: smallscale intimate theatre performances
designed to make its audience gasp, giggle
and greet.
Written and directed by Johnny McKnight.
Performed by Toni Frutin.
The Arches
21st Oct at 7.30pm. £9 (£7)
Darker and slicker than a BP oil spill,
London’s award-winning cabaret stars
Bourgeois & Maurice are a musical duo with
style as sharp as their wit. Part cabaret, part
theatre, part catwalk freak show they merge
bitingly witty original songs with slanderous
gossip and a truly staggering collection of
outfits. With irreverently witty and glorious
offensive lyrics, Bourgeois & Maurice‘s
music explores the mundane absurdity of
modern life and wraps it up neatly in a
catchy pop hook.
Comedy
CRAIG HILL
Tron Theatre
22nd Oct at 10pm. £15 (£11)
Scotland’s favourite kilted treasure puts the
wind in your willows! After his last smashhit, tour that sold out throughout the UK and
in Australia, South-east Asia, South Africa
and even in Switzerland, Craig breezes back
to the Tron with his new show in an
PIC: ANDREW AGNEW
PIC: CRAIG HILL
PIC: BOURGEOIS & MAURICE
Available
A
vail
vailable
able on
o DVD
D in the
the
UK for the
th
he firstt time
“One
“
One of the
funniest
comedians
in America”
Workshop
COMIC REINVENTION
PIC: GIGOLA
The Virginia Gallery
17th-22nd Oct at 10am. FREE
The latest incarnation of Batwoman is an exservicewoman who left the military because
she is a lesbian. An all-gay superhero comic
called Spandex is getting excellent critical
acclaim in the mainstream media. Is this the
dawn of a new comic book age?
This free workshop and will help participants
create their own superheroes and heroines,
and tackle the theme of empowerment. Can
supermen and feminine icons help us to take
back some power in our own lives?
No previous art skills or knowledge of
comics are required. Participants will have
the chance to show their work alongside
emerging and established artists in
transgressive new art venues, The Virginia
Gallery and Luke & Jack. Contact Garry
McLaughlin [email protected]
exhilarating evening of pure-and-simple
comedy. Sometimes wickedly provocative
and always outrageously cheeky, treat
yourself to an uplifting hour of fun from the
fabulous East Coast comic.
Comedy
DUALLY
ANDREWS!
Rose & Grants
19th-20th Oct at
8.05pm. £10
If Balamory actor
Andrew Agnew was given a Pink Pound
every time someone asked him “What’s the
Story?” he would be a millionaire.
For this year’s Glasgay! he has compiled
some of his stories together with his
favourite songs from stage and screen,
sprinkled with a dusting of his Panto magic
and before you could say “The Rain in
Spain” - there it was.
Accompanied by Andrew Salmond on piano,
Angnew will guide you through a Cabaret of
the Highs and Lows of a Gay Life so far.
Together they are Dually Andrews!
THE NEW YORK TIMES
“A
“An
An impressive
radical
adical voice”
LONDON
L
O
ONDON
E
EVENING
VENING STANDARD
STANDARD
“The woman
“
is fearless”
THE BOSTON GLOBE
Coming Soon
5-Disc Box Set
Collection
on
WWW.MARGARETCHO.COM
WWW
W.MARGARETCHO.COM
ZZZPDWFKER[ÀOPVFRXN
ZZZ
PDWFK
KER[ÀOPVFRXN
On
DVD
10 OCTOBER
THH
Pre-order
Pr
re-order
now at
15th Oct - 12th Nov 2011
www.GLASGAY.co.uk
Clubbing
Theatre
Film
THE 2ND FIERCE
RULING DIVAS BALL
CH CH CHANGES
KILLING US SOFTLY:
ADVERTISING’S IMAGE OF
WOMEN
Cambre 69
22nd Oct at 11pm. £10
Hot on the stilettos of last year’s hugely
successful balls in both Glasgow and
Manchester, the gay dance party, recently
named by Attitude Magazine as Glasgow’s
“brightest club on the block“, returns with
its second annual MENERGY BALL! It’s your
chance to strut your stuff and bring it to the
runway up against houses of drag queens,
drag kings, club kids, freaks and many
others! Anyone can participate and you can
enter either as an individual or compete as a
house. There will be different categories for
houses to send their individual members to
walk in, and these will be announced on
www.menergy.tv nearer the time. A full VIP
judging panel will award fabulous prizes, so
you’d better WORK that look, girl! And
remember - we’re here to be fierce, not
shady!
PIC: JONNY WOO
Comedy
THE BEST OF JONNY WOO
The Arches
22nd Oct at 7.30pm. £9 (£7)
Jonny Woo is arguably the queen of
London’s alternative drag scene. From Gay
Bingo to Tranny Talent Night, Woo has
stamped his mark across London and New
York as a host, compere, DJ and outrageous
performer over the past decade. Lauded by
New York performance artist Taylor Mac (“I
saw Johnny Woo and I realised that drag can
be anything you want it to
be”), his hilarious popculture parodies - such as
Stark Dallas Naked and
Night of a Thousand Jay
Astons - have rocketed
him to the ranks of one of
the most outrageous,
boldest alternative
performance artists in the
UK. His new ‘Best of’ show
sees him storming
through a cavalcade of his
favourite characters,
mixing jubilant queer
anthems with twisted
storytelling and moments
of downright poetic
brilliance.
PIC: MARGARET CHO
PIC: TRANSGENDER EXPRESSIONS
Exhibition
TRANSGENDER
EXPRESSIONS
The Virginia Gallery
23rd Oct at 6pm. 24th Oct-26th Nov at 11am
except Sundays 12.30pm. FREE
Featuring photographs of the transgendered
of Brazil, some street workers, others just
everyday people, each facing multiple levels
of discrimination, violence and poverty.
This work celebrates their triumph over
adversity. Barry M. Wolfe is a Glasgow-born
photographer who has lived in Brazil for the
last 23 years. He started SOS Dignity, a
human rights project, five years ago, dealing
with transgender issues, including AIDS,
human trafficking, sexual exploitation and
slavery. In 2009 he won a prize for human
rights in Brazil.
PIC: MENERGY
Comedy
CHO DEPENDENT
Stand Comedy Club
23rd-24th Oct at 7.30pm. £12
Fresh from storming the Edinburgh Fringe,
stand-up’s controversial diva Margaret Cho
makes her UK DVD debut with the October
10th release of her concert film Beautiful.
Known for her frank brand of humour, Cho
delivers riotous yet thought-provoking
material, exploring sexuality, equal rights,
race, politics and body image.
For Glasgay! she treats audiences to her hit
Edinburgh Fringe show at the home of live
comedy, the Stand Comedy Club.
ScotsGay talked to Cho about ‘Cho
Dependent’ as part of our Fringe coverage
earlier this year. sgfringe.com/category/
interviews/margaret-cho/
PIC: WEEKEND
Film
WEEKEND
Glasgow Film Theatre
25th Oct at 8.30pm. £7 (£5.50)
On a Friday night after hanging out with his
straight mates, Russell heads out to a night
club, alone and on the pull. Just before
closing time he picks up Glen. And so begins
a weekend - in bars and bedrooms, getting
drunk and taking drugs, telling stories and
having sex - that will resonate throughout
their lives.
Citizens Theatre
25th Oct-12th Nov at 7.30pm. £5
preview/£10/£12
Herald Angel Award Winner 2010 Grant
Smeaton transmutes into a spectrum of
multi coloured sexuality as seen through the
eyes of five characters in mid-life in this
intimate, compelling and provocative new
one man show.
Written by Martin O’Connor and partly
devised through the personal accounts of
the big changes impacting on the lives of
LGBT people growing up through the
sexually ambiguous 70’s and beyond,
Smeaton riotously transforms and changes
sex and sexuality before your eyes and asks
the question - where does our sexuality
begin and end?
CCA
27th Oct at 7pm. £5 (£3)
A report published in the late 70s by the UN
Commission on the status of women claims
that ‘advertising is the worst offender in
perpetuating the image of women as sex
symbols and an inferior class of human
being’. This film illustrates how
advertisements reinforce stereotypes and
affect our self-image, concepts of success,
worth, love, sexuality, popularity and
normality. Director Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D. is a
feminist author, speaker and filmmaker who
is internationally recognized for her work on
the image of women in advertising.
PICS: KILLING US SOFTLY
Theatre
SPAIN
Citizens Theatre
25th Oct-12th Nov at 7.30pm. £5
preview/£10/£12
You can’t run away from your problems...but
you can take them to nicer places. At 22, Ally
relocated from Edinburgh to Gran Canaria
and he’s never looked back. He hasn’t had
time. He’s been too busy enjoying
himself…and other people. Lots of other
people. In fact, in the twenty years he’s been
on the island he’s averaged a man a week.
But at 42, Ally is entering promiscuous
person’s mid-life crisis. As he waits for the
arrival of his latest gentleman caller, he finds
a small memento that takes him back to his
life in Scotland.
Spain tells the story of an ex-pat
Scot, thrown into an existentialist crisis and
forced to begin a long journey home.
James Ley is a young writer from Edinburgh
who has had success with Up and I Heart
Maths at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Glasgay!
and Oran Mor. Co-created and performed by
Mark Kydd.
Comedy
BOTTOMS UP
Rose & Grants
26th-29th Oct at 8.05pm. £10
Join ‘Gram with a G’ on his gay
detox and get a peek into his Big
Fat Gay Diary, as he deletes his
Gaydar, strips bare, sings like a
girl and tries to male you fall head
over heels for him the old
fashioned way. Musical
arrangements by Claire McKenzie
and her ‘Gastric Band’. Presented
by Oxi Morons.
PIC: STRANGE CREATURES
Comedy
STRANGE HUNGERS
PIC: BIG SCARY FAIRY CEILIDH
The Arches
27th-29th Oct at 7.30pm. £9 (£7)
Obscene inverts! Sexless termites!
Hermaphroditic spinsters! Just some of the
things they’ve been called while touring the
world with their timeless lavender cabaret
(grubby lesbo freakshow).
Now you lucky Glasgow queers can bask in
the squalid sapphistry of your filthy hosts,
Claude and Maud, as we root around the
icons and dykons of the past hundred years.
Let us edu-tain you with shocking tales of
cross-dressing, boarding school crushes,
Boston Marriages and intimate
“friendships”. Part queer history lesson, part
titty-show, come indulge your Strange
Hungers. By Rosanna Cade and Eilidh
MacAskill also known as Fish and Game.
Ceilidh
Big Scary Fairy Ceilidh
St Andrews in the Square
29th Oct at 8pm. £15 ceilidh/£25 ceilidh with buffet
A Halloween ceilidh and fancy dress up do! An evening of Scottish country dance, food and
pre-panto kilted fun. Dress up as your scariest Halloween nightmare before Christmas
character and dance the night away. Music and instruction by ladies of The Belle Star Band.
A charity fundraiser in aid of Gala Scotland.
op-ed
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
advisor, to do something about an
outrageous infringement of his freedom of
expression. (I know. The irony). He’s been
throwing his toys out the pram over Google
(allegedly) blocking his site. Amongst page
after page of self-congratulatory waffle Brian
Souter.com reminisces on his ‘Keep the
Clause’ campaign to prevent gay kids
receiving appropriate information in school.
“A total of 1,262,686 people returned ballot
papers and a staggering 86.8% - that’s
1,096,011 - agreed with Brian that Clause 28
should not be repealed”, adding that those
voting with him to keep the clause far
exceeded the number of votes cast for any
single political party in Scotland at any
election over the last 10 years. What Mr
GarryOtton
Souter ‘forgot’ to mention was that he
[email protected]
pumped around £2 million into the
campaign, also more than any single
political party spent in Scotland at any
election over the last 10 years. He also
disenfranchised more liberal youngsters who
tend to move about a lot when his glorified
opinion poll posed as an authentic plebiscite
using an out-of-date electoral register. The
Electoral Reform Society wanted nothing to
do with it. He got a 32% turnout; quite
Read the latest
pathetic given that even a previous postal
instalment of Garry Otton’s
ballot in Scotland on the privatisation of
Badge of Shame at
water services in Strathclyde attracted
www.scottishmedia
71.5%! Of those returning the ballot papers,
monitor.com
11,356 were spoilt and 11,856 were empty
where you’ll also find links to
Scottish newspapers and other envelopes. The ‘referendum’ suggested that
166,406 voted for repeal (13%) and
media organisations
1,094,440 voted against repeal (86%).
So, a massive 70% of Scots rejected
the ‘Keep the Clause’ campaign, either
by binning the ballot or by voting for
repeal.
Let me be frank. And I don’t need
figures - although there are plenty and
you only need to pop your head round
#OMFORTABLE AND CONlDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT
a Church door on a Sunday - if it’s not
already boarded up or turned into a
2ESPECT FOR YOU AND YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
discount carpet warehouse, to see it
for yourself - the Church is fucked. And
2ECOGNITION THAT WE HAVE SOME DIFFERENT NEEDS
it’s not gay marriage or ‘aggressive
secularists’ that are doing it. It is killing
! GATEWAY TO OTHER GAY SOLICITORS WHO CAN HELP
itself.
IN SPECIALIST AREAS
Organised religion is resolutely out
of touch with the people it’s supposed
to serve. And it’s happening
!T -($ WE HAVE AN AWARD WINNING TEAM
everywhere, even in countries
OF EXPERTS IN ALL ASPECTS OF &AMILY ,AW READY
traditionally supine to its orders and
TO HELP YOU
edicts. In Ireland, despite celebrating
the introduction of a new blasphemy
#ALL $ONALD NOW ON law last year, the Cloyne Report
followed with a scathing attack on the
OR EMAIL DONALDSKINNERREID MHDLAWCOUK
Vatican by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny;
then there was a case lodged in the
!DOPTION SERVICE s #IVIL 0ARTNERSHIP ADVICE s #ONVEYANCING
International Criminal Court in The
%STATE AGENCY s %STATE WINDING UP s &AMILY ,AW ADVICE s 7ILL WRITING
Hague by victims of abuse against
leading Roman Catholic cleric, Herr
Ratzinger, his Vatican secretary of state
and a handful of other high-ranking
Holy See officials. In Scotland lately,
%DINBURGH OFlCE 1UEEN #HARLOTTE 3TREET ,EITH %DINBURGH %( (4
the government and Catholic Church –
4EL s &AX with a little help from their cronies in
'LASGOW OFlCE #ARLTON 0LACE 'LASGOW ' 47
the Scottish media - have been
4EL s &AX s %MAIL GLASGOW MHDLAWCOUK
promoting a law against ‘sectarianism’.
It took just one silly wanker from the
&AMILY ,AW &IRM OF THE 9EAR n ,AW !WARDS OF 3COTLAND terraces to jump on Celtic captain, Neil
WWWMHDLAWCOUK
Lennon, to have him whisked away
omeone got their sums wrong. And
who was daft enough to believe them?
As soon as First Minister, Mr Salmond
was in the hotseat, the first thing he did was
invite a herd of snake-oil salesmen and
purveyors of quackery - oh, sorry! ‘Faith
Leaders’ - round to Bute House for some
nibbles. You can be sure that the Frocks
would’ve been keen to show him their
muscles.
Behind the smiles the militants running
the Catholic Church would’ve wanted to
impart their spiritual message: Don’t mess
with us. Rt Rev Philip Tartaglia, Bishop of
Paisley, said it again. Warning Alex, (he’s a
fellow religionist too): You let gays marry
and the SNP doesn’t deserve the support of
the 800,000 Scottish Catholics we speak for.
(In your dreams, matey!) Surveys point to
61% of Scots OK with marriage equality and
Tim Hopkins of the Equality Network is not
shy of revealing: “Amongst Catholics in
Scotland, 57% support same-sex marriages
and only 25% oppose it and there were
similar sorts of rations for the other faiths as
well.” C’mon! How many Catholics actually
take any notice of what the lunatics running
their asylum actually say anyway?
800,000? The Right Reverend Philip
Tartaglia - already extreme enough to be
tipped off as the next Cardinal - must be
using the same abacus as Mr Souter.
Another retrenched religionist, the
Stagecoach boss was otherwise busy
niggling Gordon Beattie, his PR and media
S
REASONS WHY YOU NEED A
GAY SOLICITOR
facing charges of ‘religious aggravation’. 26year-old, John Wilson conducted himself in
a disorderly manner, running on to the pitch
at the away team dug-out, shouting,
swearing and breaching the peace. The jury
were having none of this religious stuff, and
neither was John Wilson who insisted he’d
only called Lennon ‘a fucking wanker’; not ‘a
Fenian bastard’! The Catholic Church is
chomping at the bit for new laws to label
criticism of its institution ‘sectarian’. But it
wants its cake and eat it. It wants no
restriction on the display of religious
iconography or anyone making the sign of
the cross on or off the pitch. In fact: It wants
to see more of it with ‘believers’ crossing
themselves in the street and saying ‘God
bless’ at every opportunity. Being the only
western nation with forced praying in all its
schools, unelected clerics in the highest
legislature in the land and taxpayers forking
out for sectarian schools are clearly not
enough for them. The truth is, most of what
could pass as ‘sectarian’ on the football
terraces is mostly ill-informed banter and
has little to do with religion. They would be
hard pushed to remember when the last time
it was they actually saw the inside of a
church. Former Celtic striker Frank
McAvennie got at least that much right when
he turned on legislators saying, “football
should be kept out of politics.”
But as much as Scotland’s fourth estate
might try to paper over the cracks with
whatever the Scottish Catholic Media Office
might throw at it, the Catholic Church is now
beyond help. Had it been any other
institution, no newspaper report would have
been complete without reminding readers of
past indiscretions. So why the doublestandards? Or are the crimes of the Catholic
Church just not terrible enough? Prior to
Ratzinger’s ‘state’ visit to Scotland – at
considerable cost to taxpayers, involving the
raiding of funds set aside for overseas aid
and coinciding with news of 13 suicides of
former victims of priestly abuse in Belgium The Scotsman printed issue after issue of
fawning covering, including a double-page
spread with several photos of Cardinal
O’Brien laughing; smiling and saying that he
would be “happy” if the Pope didn’t
apologise for the child abuse. Apparently,
there wasn’t very much in Scotland anyway.
Oh, really?
Homosexuals; the sixties; ephebophiles
and a greater prevalence of incidences in
other institutions. Catholic apologists have
done everything to lay the blame at someone
else’s door. Ratzinger’s visit clearly wasn’t
the moment anyone was going to be
reminded of the allegations against the Poor
Sisters of Nazareth filed in the High Court in
Aberdeen against Sister Alphonso, alias
Marie Docherty. Former children from the
orphanage lined up to provide testimonies of
daily beatings, sexual abuse from visiting
priests, the force-feeding of a little girl with
her own vomit, the wrapping of bed-wetters
in their urine-soaked sheets, the forcing of a
wee girl into a cold bath in the middle of an
epileptic fit which Sister Alphonso was
supposed to have described as “the work of
the devil”, lads being dropped into scalding
baths and the ‘cleansing’ of menstruating
girls by immersing them in baths filled with
Jeyes disinfectant. One woman claimed
Sister Alphonso had dragged her by her hair
and beat it against a wall so hard it broke her
front teeth leaving only the stumps. Helen
Cuister told a court that when she began
menstruating, Sister Alphonso told her that
it was ‘God’s punishment’ for girls who did
not behave and that her punishment would
go on until midnight when she would die for
being so dirty. Louise Clark told the same
court how she had been beaten mercilessly
simply for not attending church. In defence,
Sister Alphonso told the court how, as a
child she had pulled down her knickers and
asked her father to hit her and, when as a
sister in the Aberdeen home, she had given
the girls a good talking to after she caught
them watching forbidden TV programme,
‘Top of the Pops’. The church stood by Sister
Alphonso. A Scottish Catholic Church source
told the press: “The view within the church
is that she deserves sympathy, not more
punishment. The church will rally round
her.”
And it did. The Catholic Church
appointed a team of leading lawyers,
including former Solicitor General Paul
Cullen, QC and the Rt Rev Mario Conti, the
Catholic Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney,
later the Archbishop of Glasgow, who
stepped in as chief apologist, explaining:
“Some practices which, today seem
excessive and even cruel, would not have
been viewed in this light years ago. These
convictions do not, moreover, invalidate the
great good, which was done by the Sisters
of Nazareth, including Sister Marie, in caring
competently and appropriately for many
thousands of children over the last 100
years”. Still dressed in her nun’s habit, Marie
Docherty was found guilty of just four
counts of cruelty and unnatural practices.
Former care assistant Helen Howie, 75 was
angry that she was not called as a witness.
“She has made all these children out to be
liars”, she was reported saying, “but
everything they said was true. A couple of
times when my husband came to collect me
from his work he had to pull her off to stop
her beating the children. I called him many a
time to take her away from the children”.
Docherty’s age, state of health, lack of
previous convictions and the time that had
passed since the crimes took place were all
taken into consideration. After whispering a
polite ‘thank you’ to Sheriff Colin Harris,
PIC: EX-CELTIC FOOTBALLER
FRANK MCANNIE WITH FRIENDS
PIC: HOMOPHOBE
BRIAN SOUTER
PIC: THE RIGHT REV PHILIP
TARTAGLIA PERFOMING THE
LAYING ON OF HANDS
Marie Theresa Docherty was free to walk
away. The Scottish Daily Mail jumped in to
save the Church. A master of deception, the
tabloid was an expert at making black appear
white. Like its front page headline: “Scotland
first to have gay marriage imposed” – no
Church was having gay marriage imposed
on it if they didn’t want it - and its uncritical
reporting of the Catholic Church’s
parliamentary officer, John Deighan, who,
despite all the evidence, insisted there was
“overwhelming public opposition” to gay
marriage. After Docherty’s trial the Mail tried
to “put this case in perspective” shoehorning
readers into believing that what Sister
Alphonso did “was not in the same category
as the more sordid offences involving
paedophile priests and social workers”
adding “there was no sexual element
involved”.
But there were also the allegations by
11 former pupils in the Court of Session in
Edinburgh who claimed to have been
brutalised by an order of Catholic monks.
Their solicitor, Cameron Fyfe claimed he was
handling the biggest abuse case Scotland
had ever seen. Allegations from former
pupils of St Ninian’s List D School in
Gartmore, Stirlingshire described electric
shocks administered from a device
described as a type of generator kept in a
boot room where boys had to hold on to a
pair of wires leading from the machine.
Central Scotland Police were involved in
compiling a report for the Procurator Fiscal
that also included complaints of regular
thrashings, being forced to eat vomit, sexual
fondling and serious physical abuse.
The Big Issue in Scotland also told a
particularly harrowing tale by resident John
McCorry of the behaviour of the nuns from
the Smyllum Park Orphanage near Lanark.
“They warped our sexualities. We were told
that the toilet - and even using the word
toilet - was evil. We couldn’t refer to any part
of our body between the neck and knees as
anything other than ‘our front’. But as a
result kids would get beaten for talking
about their fronts. We would get beaten for
asking to go to the toilet. It was
institutionalised insanity… Boys who wet
the bed were beaten all the time… They
were forced to drink Epsom salts over and
over again. But that ended up making them
doubly incontinent. Most of the boys who
suffered this ended up soiling themselves a
few hours later. The most disgraceful thing I
ever saw was one boy who was forced to
walk up and down all day in the dining hall
with his wet sheet under his arm. The sister
who made him do this was shouting at us,
saying, ‘Why aren’t you laughing at him?’
There was the sound of forced laughter
everywhere. The boy was crying. It was
sadistic, sick, mental torture”. The Catholic
Church’s spokesman had his secretary
explain to the Big Issue: “It’s nothing to do
with us any longer”.
But it isn’t just in Scotland where we
should be challenging – not Catholics - but
institutions like the Vatican.
Let’s remind ourselves of the Catholic
Church’s own rule about the Popes - the
‘successors of Peter’ – all being culpable.
That must include the ones guilty of
nepotism, murder, sexual debauchery and
general depravity, none of whom the Church
has officially condemned. There are the ones
who took lovers, mistresses, girls or boys,
married, had illegitimate children; housing
and promoting their, er… ‘nephews’. Many
Pope’s had children. And Pope Julius III
hardly made much of a secret about the
teenage boy he picked up in the street. First
he was his ‘monkey keeper’ and then he was
made a Cardinal.
Then there is this Church’s historical
hatred of Jews; passing laws that closed
professions to them, locking them up in
ghettos and forcing them to wear yellow
identification. Read about the inquisitions,
enforced conversions, slave trading and
operations of torture and you are left either
needing counselling or wondering what kind
of twisted mind would ever want to
associate itself with such a poisonous
institution.
And then there is the gun-running, the
financial wheeling and dealing, the
laundering of illegal funds and the
Magdalene laundries of incarcerated women;
the denial of rights to women and people of
a non-heterosexual orientation; the
concordats with South American dictators;
the deals with the Mafia (Pope Paul VI’s
financial advisor, Sicilian tax lawyer, Michele
Sindona recycled proceeds from Mafia
heroin sales through the Vatican bank and
helped the Vatican evade tax by transferring
the bulk of its financial and investment
assets overseas). And let’s never forget the
Catholic Church’s administration of Nazi ratruns. Oh, yes… You didn’t even need to be a
Catholic to get Vatican help here: Just a Nazi.
After the war, funded by Nazi gold, twenty
Catholic agencies helped spirit away the likes
of the commander of Treblinka, Franz
Strangl who murdered 900,000 people;
deputy commander of Sobibor, Gustav
Wagner who murdered 250,000 Jews and
Adolf Eichmann amongst many, many
others. All this before you ever get to the
endless cases of sexual, physical and mental
torture it put children through before the
Vatican tried to cover it up, often
blackmailing its victims into silence or
moving priests to different areas where they
could go on abusing even more kids. The
United Nations have asked the Vatican for a
report. 14 years and they’re still waiting.
Malachi O’Doherty writes in the Belfast
Telegraph: “It’s a peculiar irony that the
Church’s critics lose their power to impress
when they stop going to Mass. By walking
away, we surrendered our punch”. While I
salute every so-called ‘Catholic’ that has had
the courage to speak out against their
religion in a climate of censorship, religious
privilege, propaganda and proselytising;
does walking away really have no effect on
the Church? I think it is that healthy
indifference to religion, becoming so
prevalent in society today, which is securing
for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered
and inter-sexed people, all the fairness and
equality they have ever wanted.
Garry Otton is a member of the National
Secular Society.
To reply to a contact ad, just pop your reply in an envelope with the box number written in the TOP
RIGHT corner and place the envelope with your reply inside another envelope with two loose first
class stamps. If you are writing from outwith the UK, an International Reply Coupon (IRC) should be
enclosed for each reply instead of postage stamps. International Reply Coupons are available from
Post Offices throughout the world. We are unable to send on replies without postage stamps or IRCs.
Replies to : ScotsGay, PO Box 666, Edinburgh EH7 5YW.
contact ads are free
CONTACTS
REMEMBER: You can also place and
answer personal ads free online at
www.scotsgay.co.uk
You can now include your telephone
number in your ad at a cost of £5. You
will be telephoned by ScotsGay to confirm your ad before it is printed.
WOMEN
Sane And Genuine 55 Year Old
Sane and sincere lesbian looking for
friends and maybe someone special.
Likes cinema, walking, quiet nights in.
Box SG11810.
are you rea dy for
t he new lo ok y ou ?
Injectable Facial Treatments Including Derma Fillers
Can Make You Look and Feel:
Younger
Healthier
Fresher
Visit Me in a Centrally Located City Centre Salon
Or Arrange a Home Visit
Performed by a Qualified NHS Nurse Practioner
(in Conjunction with Harley Aesthetics London)
Edinburgh and The Lothians
07745345703
Sporty And Femme
Honest gay woman would like to meet
similar. Enjoy tennis and footie aged also
similar late 40’s and femme. Tel: 07974
889401. Box SG11811.
Edinburgh Sincere Feminine
Sincere feminine lesbian, likes travel,
sunshine and relaxing, meals in and out,
cinema, gym, swimming. Would like to
meet feminine professional 40-50 for
friendship and fun times. Edinburgh. Box
SG11812.
Sane Lesbian - 53 Years Old
Sane femme lesbian looking for friends
maybe even that special person. Love to
walk with someone, go to the cinema,
eat out or quiet nights in. Get in touch.
Box SG11813.
Butch-Butch Dynamic...
Sought by soft/classic butch, 33, in Aberdeen, interested in culture, high or low,
and politics, left and queer. Perhaps
we’re the ones we’ve been waiting for?
Let’s find out. Box SG11814.
MEN
Looking For A Fresher Fair
Mature guy looking for fun with guy(s)
aged 16-26 - probably at my place in
Central Edinburgh. Nothing complicated:
love not required although mutual respect is a must. One off is good, so is
longer term fuck buddy. I’m mostly active but can be versatile if that’s what really works for you. Safer fun only - no
barebacking. And a kiss or cuddle can be
just as good as (or better than) anything
else - so there are a lot of options. What
have you got to lose by replying and
seeing if our needs/desires are compatible? Other than your virginity which is
soon gone with this poof! Box SG11804.
Cheap Inspector Taggart
27 Year Old Arse Eater
Seeks Fit Dude 16-35
I’m a slim, fit, good-looking 27 year old
lad, have my own place in the Edinburgh
area. I love licking lads’ holes. I’m into
rimming, sucking and kissing. I am looking for a fit, sexy, hoodie, cocky dude
16-35 to use me regularly as their sex
slave. I want to be used especially to eat
arse, take farts, suck cock and suck
clean warm, sweaty feet. I really love
younger hoodie type lads, so if you’re
16-25 then you will definitely be my
FIRST choice. You can use me and humiliate me on a regular basis or have me
as your submissive boyfriend - in which
case I will remove this ad straight away.
I will lick your arse-hole all day and suck
you all day. I love rimming a lad. Note
that I do not do anal. If you fit the criteria, text me 07957 210946 and I will
send you my pic and meet up with you
ASAP. Box SG11807.
Dirty Old Man Wanted
Mature bottom slut seeks dirty thinking/talking/acting, open minded older
guy for horny fun. Must enjoy receiving
oral and giving anal. W/E with toys an
advantage but not essential. Can travel
around Glasgow or beyond. Box
SG11817.
Bi-Guy Seeks Male For Fun & More
Bi-Guy, 39, VWE, blond blue eyes, 6’4”
tall, slender seeks male for fun, friendship and more.
Strathclyde/Glasgow/Renfrewshire area.
Box SG11818.
Edinburgh Sleaze...
Top, late 40’s, slim and smooth, looking
for hairy bottoms into toys, poppers and
deep fucking. You 40-55 and up for
sleazy sessions. Box SG11819.
Lochgelly School Belt
Guy looking for a school belting in the
North East Scotland wants to meet a retired teacher over 60. Box SG11820.
Aberdeen - Want Black Man
Latino, 43, looking for top black man for
safe fun and friendship. Own place. Regular meets. Must be well hung. Box
SG11823.
I Want A Skinny Guy!
I’m a 20 year old student, average build,
athletic, very sporty, toned and muscular, with light brown hair and clear eyes
looking for a very skinny guy, max 30,
for a little weekend of fun. No hard sex,
just sexual fun. You must be very slim,
bony, with a very small waist, and very
little appetite (for food, of course, not for
the rest). Only e-mails, discreet, and I
travel (can’t accommodate). Box
SG11806.
Hard Up!
Guy seeks guy(s) for kinky fun in the
Central Belt. Must indulge in out of the
ordinary sex - enjoy toys, FF, etc. But
only if you’re man enough! RU? Box
SG11829.
Sex Technician
Teaches fun and massage. 13 miles from
Glasgow City Centre. Can accommodate
and provide small meal. Text: 07813
530143. Must be prepared to undress
for fun. Box SG11830.
Aspergers?
Sick of all the courtship rituals? 50’s guy
with mild Aspergers, likes the company
of 16-26 year olds. Get in touch if you’d
like to meet and discuss what to do next.
Box SG11832.
Older For Younger
Are you under 25, fed up with the scene,
prefer older guys irrespective of what
your peers say? Well this guy may be
just what you’re after. I am a chubby silver daddy bear type. Box SG11833.
BISEXUAL
Bi Curious?
There has to be a first time for everything! Aged 16-21? Get in touch? Considerate, experienced, versatile, older
guy will talk you through things at your
own pace before getting down to some
safe fun. Your limits respected. Total discretion assured. Live in Edinburgh and
can accommodate but may travel if required. Box SG11801.
Retired Hippy
Ginger Minger Seeks
Young, Smooth Guy
Small (5’6”), fat (15st), old (53), balding
red hair and beard, very hairy body,
looking for fun and friendship with
young (16-22) 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
SG11821.
Visit Middle East
(Palestine, October 2011)
Gay guy, 40, fit, London based, seeking
travel buddy(ies) to Palestine October
2011 for alternative trip / olive picking
(Bethlehem based hotel). Please E-mail:
[email protected] or Write: Box
SG11822.
Miserably perverse, as is his wont at this
time of year, Taggart attempts to revisit
scenes of his youth in Kelvingrove Park
only to find the vegetation thin and the
welcome from youths even thinner.
Later, deleted from Fitlads for mistakenly
roasting one of the owner’s hens, he attempts solace on Caffmos only to discover that all the youths there find him a
tad young for their tastes. Before he resorts to Silver Daddies, he resolves to
try ScotsGay once again. Box SG11805.
Hi!
Glasgow gay guy, 62, tall, slim, seeks
fun and friendship. Tel: 07788 763948.
Box SG11828.
Glasgow Scally Lad
- Cute And Attractive
Looking, 36, SA, SL, OHAC, look
younger, sporty, casual dressed. Hobbies: gym, footie, pubs, clubs. Looking
to meet gay or bi guys 16-35 for fun relationship. Text 07503 379678. Box
SG11824.
36 Year Old Prisoner Seeks Guys
Released soon, looking for penpals initially, maybe more when I’m out. Bi or
gay guys welcome. ALA. 18-30. Box
SG11825.
Genuine Appeal
Slim, youthful, 60 year old, clean
shaven, smart appearance, still got cute
arse for age, WLTM or visit mature gay
male for friendship, discreet safe sexy
fun. Like O&A. Can travel. Box SG11826.
Mature Student
Edinburgh mature student, 54, WLTM
younger student(s) in the city for fun
and friendship. Easy going. Non scene.
Non smoker. Discretion assured. Box
SG11827.
55,looking for some love and affection
from women and men of all ages. Box
SG11802.
Professional Couple Sought
Bi male 38 seeks broadminded assertive
couple any age to explore the delights of
being friendly with a sub slave/gimp. The
pleasure is only limited by imagination.
Box SG11815.
23 Year Old Prisoner
Looking for fun and penfriends with
guys 16-26 bi or gay and to see where
this may go. ALA. Photos appreciated.
Box SG11831.
Aberdeen - Looking For New Friends
Spanish, 43, looking for safe fun and
friendship. I’, straight acting. Looking for
males or females. Box SG11834.
STRAIGHT
Silver Bear
Edinburgh based 50something guy
seeks morally relaxed women of all ages
for fun and friendship. Box SG11803.
60something Male Seeks Assistance
With Unreliable Erection
Illness has reduced functionality, possibly temporarily, would you help to prove
this is correct? Alternative methods of
satisfaction guaranteed! Box SG11809.
Women - Share Your Toys
Would any slim(ish) mature woman like
to share her toys with a sane, laid back
man with a nice bum? You use mine and
I’ll use yours - could be fun experimenting. I can travel to Glasgow and beyond.
Box SG11816.
FRIENDS
ABROAD
We do not provide box numbers to advertisers outwith the UK. Instead, their
personal contact details will be published both in the magazine and online.
INTERGAY
Penpal contacts with gay men all over
the world. Over 120 subscribers in 30
countries. To join is free: send your ad.
Only subscribers get the booklet with all
data and addresses by enclosing £5. INTERGAY, Voorstraat 12-A, 4033 AD Lienden, Netherlands.
BACK RUBS
Massagalicious
Nude Slow And Sensual Massage
www.massagengrooming.com
Advertising Pays
ScotsGay charges just £20 a month for
an ad here with your picture! E-mail:
[email protected] or Tel:
0131-539 0666.
Full range of holistic health
and beauty treatments,
by qualified, experienced
male therapists, at
competative prices.
Black Bottom Glasgow
T. 0 1 4 1 2 3 7 3 1 5 8
M. 07772299755
E. [email protected]
JOBS WANTED
Top 2 Toe sensual hot cream body massage. Showering facilities available.
Available 9am-10pm, 7 days. Based
West End, Glasgow. Discretion assured
and expected. 6’1”, 28”w, passive/versatile 28 year old. WWW: http://www.
massagalicious.co.uk/ Tel: 07838
217109. [113]
Edinburgh
Experienced cleaner, trained masseur,
looking for work in Edinburgh. Deep
cleaning, shopping, everyday household
tasks undertaken. Trained in Swedish
massage techniques. Tel: 07954 619132
JOBS OFFERED
Cash For Your Body
Photogenic guys can earn £150 cash
posing for Mike Arlen who has had 15
glossy magazines published called Mike
Arlen’s Guys. Send snapshots of your
magnificent body to him: Mike Arlen,
Wetherby Studios, 23 Wetherby Mansions, Earls Court Square, London. SW5
9BH or Phone: 020-7373 1107. E-mail:
[email protected] [0]
Professional Domination
Young black muscular guy, 28 years old,
new on the scene, offers an escorting
service. In/out calls. Very clean, very
discreet. Call me for a good time. JAMES
07833 781881. [115]
Black Massage Therapist Edinburgh
SERVICES
Uniform Dating - Free Membership For
Every ScotsGay Reader
Fancy a date in uniform? Here’s your
chance! With thousands of registered
firemen, nurses, pilots, military, police
officers and singles from other professional uniformed services, Uniform Dating offers the most unique online dating
experience. It is now open to those who
are not in uniform. Uniform Dating has
been made available to readers of the
ScotsGay Magazine, with thousands of
registered members just waiting to be
contacted. And, thanks to this offer,
membership of this fantastic website is
absolutely FREE. To take advantage of 5
day’s free membership, visit www.uniformdating.com and create your free profile. Then in the ‘Upgrade’ area, enter the
promotional code: SGM. [0]
CAFFMOS
Contacts and friendships for men over
sixty. The organisation for the more mature gentleman and his admirers. Write
to: CAFFMOS, PO Box 2087, Blackpool.
FY4 1WL. Or phone Blackpool (01253)
318327 for info. [0]
Black muscular man 33, 6ft, weight 13st
10lb, friendly and discreet. Based in Portobello in/out calls £80. You get a professional nude massage (I’m nude as
well) with added extras. Call me: Chris
07740 066600. For more pictures
www.gaydar.co.uk/holisticfingers [120]
Edinburgh - Tantric Indian Hot Oil Massage
Intimate full body massage with hot oils
with unique classic original sensual
techniques, healing,therapeutic, awakening. discreet experienced masseur, city
centre, free parking, In/Out. Competitive
price. Tel: 07551 321545. [113]
Edinburgh
Due to demand, I am now offering a new
15 minutes massage service for those in
a rush! Young experienced 24 year old
slim male offering special massage in a
cosy flat near the city centre. Males and
females of all sizes welcome. No rush
service guaranteed. Discretion assured
so don’t be shy. Treat yourself. Call
Jamie on: 07818 856448. [113]
Male/Male Massage
Come and enjoy a relaxing and envigorating full body oil massage with qualified therapist. Shower available.
Perth/Fife area. Give me a call on 07940
488254. [118]
‘FresHH’ Beauty
Skin Therapies
Fully accredited non-surgical aesthetics nurse
practitioner administering
wrinkle reduction injections and dermal fillers.
Operating from established salons in Edinburgh
and Falkirk. Home visits also catered for.
ScotsGay
Please visit website for full details
www.freshhskintherapies.com
Or contact Brian on 07868 614543
Experienced Master, 33, offers all forms
of BDSM. Fully equipped dungeon in
Glasgow city centre. Can accommmodate. Out/overnight calls. Subs also
available for use. Contact Master James
for details: 07766 717767. [113]
Limited Companies
Only £90 for your own Limited Company. PLCs, Guarantee, Charitable and
Unlimited Companies also available.
Freephone 0800 526421. E-mail:
[email protected]. www.cosunformations.co.uk [0]
TD MONTHLY
A contact ads publication for gay and bisexual men, 18+, who enjoy all forms of
male-to-male discipline! Contacts, Stories, CP Pictures, CP Videos & DVDs,
News, CP Clubs and Events. SAE for details or E-mail. Write: TD Monthly, PO
Box 310, Manchester. M15 6WT. E-mail:
[email protected].
www.tdmonthly.net [0]
Massage For Guys - Edinburgh
Experience a full body Swedish Massage
using deep tissue manipulation using
sensual Tantric techniques - guaranteed
to make you feel relaxed. Offered by fully
qualified and friendly guy based in Edinburgh near Holy Corner. Sessions last
just over an hour. No out calls. Reasonable rates - £30 (£15) for students.
Phone 07983 422652 or E-mail:
[email protected] [113]
Massage 4 Men
Erotic Videos
For all your mucky movies: www.filthonline.co.uk [0]
Proofreading And Tuition
In English (including TEFL), French,
Latin, Greek and Gaelic, Typing Services,
Historical and Genealogical Research.
Charles S Coventry, 303/3 Colinton
Road, Edinburgh. EH13 0NR. Tel: 0131441 7898. E-mail:
[email protected] [0]
Muscular and fit black young guy in
Glasgow, for nude, slow and hot oil massage. Can accommodate for fun times
together. Hung, friendly corporate and
private escort. In/out calls are available.
Happy ending assured. Free parking. Call
Michael on 07504 396338. [116]
WHERE TO STAY
Advertising Pays
ScotsGay charges just £60 a year for an
ad here! E-mail: wheretostayads
@scotsgay.co.uk or Tel: 0131-539 0666.
Feel the benefits of a massage in a
warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere
with relaxing music and candles - unwind in comfort. My fee is £30 for a full
hour - fresh towels (and shower facilities
if required). I operate from home in the
south side of Edinburgh conveniently located in EH8 - a 10 minute bus or 5
minute taxi ride from the city centre. Email: [email protected]
Please call or text if you require more information - David 07747 552968. If I
should miss your call please leave a
message with a contact number and I
will get back to you. (Genuine calls only
and NO withheld numbers please!) I respect your privacy and discretion is
100% assured. This advert is of a non
sexual nature. [114]
Massage For Men - Edinburgh
Are you in need of an affirming, masculine, stress busting chill out guys? Experience the blissful pleasure and benefits
of a deeply relaxing, holistic, sensual,
tantric, nurturing full body pampering
massage in a private city centre sanctuary. I use a broad range of techniques
that can be selectively blended to meet
individual need. Excellent rate of £20
(one hour session) for all clients, provided by a qualified, experienced (15
years) gay therapist who is friendly, respectful and caring. Contact Jim on
07503 446534. [120]
Mature Male Masseur
Available by appointment in Perthshire.
Cyclists massage. General sensual massage. Relax with a naturalist massage.
Contact 07737 477167. [118]
18 Barony Street - Edinburgh
Live the life,stay in the village. Clean
spacious comfortable rooms (shared
bathrooms) from £25 pp/pn. Tel: 07949
157219. E-mail:
alananrayesbanb18baronyst@
hotmail.co.uk You can also find us on
facebook/eighteenbaronyst edinburgh
and Twitter. [128]
All New, All Gay Guesthouses - Edinburgh
Two great locations. Exclusively gay.
Easy walk to nightlife. Stylish rooms, all
with TV and video (tapes available).
Shared and private
bathrooms. Breakfast available till noon.
Non-smoking houses. Easy parking.
Room rates: £29-£49 per night. Call
0131-558 1382 or Fax 0131-556 8279.
Web: www.gayscotland.com/alvahouse
[117]
Moffat - Dumfriesshire
Comfortable Bed and Breakfast. All
rooms en-suite with TV and DVD and
free WiFi in all rooms. Massage available. Tel: 01683 221905. E-mail:
[email protected]
[124]
Personal Ad: FREE!
Men
Women
Bisexual
Trans
Other
Photo with Ad
with Phone No.
Commercial Ad
Back Rubs Ad
with Photo
Postal Subscriptions to ScotsGay
6 Issue Sub (UK)
6 Issue Sub (Overseas)
12 Issue Sub (UK)
12 Issue Sub (Overseas)
Penzance - Cornwall
Small, gay-friendly, period hotel situated
with own parking in town centre. Rooms
available en-suite. Web:
www.cliffhotelpz.co.uk Tel: Penzance
(01736) 368888. [0]
ScotsGay Magazine
PO Box 666
Edinburgh EH7 5YW
SG118
listings are free
GROUPS
HELPLINES
ABUSED MEN IN SCOTLAND:
Tel: Dunfermline (01383) 624411
Support for men surviving domestic abuse.
Office: Dunfermline (01383) 736108.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.abusedmeninscotland.org
BREATHING SPACE:
Tel: FreePhone 0800 838587
Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri 6pm-Mon 6am (24
hours at weekends).
www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
CROSSLYNx NATIONAL
TV/TS/TG HELPLINE:
Tel: 0141-847 0787
Mon 7.30-9.30pm.
www.crosslynx.org.uk
CUMBRIA AND THE BORDERS
GAY HELPLINE:
Tel: Bassenthwaite Lake (01768) 776244
Nightly 6-9pm.
DIVERSITAY LGBT SWITCHBOARD:
Tel: Dundee (01382) 202620
Mon 7-9pm.
Write: PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1 3YG.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.diversitay.org.uk
twitter.com/diversitaylgbt
HATE CRIME REPORTING:
Tel: 0141-847 0647 or
Stirling (01786) 469483
Nightly 7-10pm.
LOTHIAN LGBT HELPLINE:
Tel: 0131-556 4049
Wed 12.30-7pm.
STRATHCLYDE
LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD:
Tel: 0141-847 0447
Nightly 7-10pm.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.sgls.co.uk
STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN LINE:
Tel: 0141-847 0547
Wed 7.30-10pm.
www.sgls.co.uk/services1
THT DIRECT:
Tel: 0845 1221200
Mon-Fri10am-10pm,Sat-SunNoon-6pm.
LONDON SWITCHBOARD:
Tel: 020-7837 7324
FAx: 020-7837 7300
Daily 10am-11pm.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.llgs.org.uk
www.turingnetwork.org.uk
PUBLICATIONS
SCOTSGAY:
Monthly magazine edited, printed and
published in Scotland since 1994. All of the
words from the magazine can be found on our
website as well as interactive Meet Market and
our Listings which are frequently updated.
Sample copy available by phoning 0906
1100256 (calls cost no more than £2). Tel:
0845 1208062 (+44 131-539 0666). Fax:
0131-539 2999. Write: PO Box 666,
Edinburgh. EH7 5YW.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.scotsgay.co.uk
LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS:
Queer alternative DIY magazine for women.
E-mail: info@
lockupyourdaughtersmagazine.co.uk
www.lockupyourdaughtersmagazine.co.uk
NATIONAL
ORGANISATIONS
OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND:
Scotland's oldest lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender rights organisation. It was
founded in 1969 as the Scottish Minorities
Group, later became the Scottish Homosexual
Rights Group and changed its name to
OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND in December 1992.
Currently hibernating.
EQUALITY NETWORK:
Working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender equality in Scotland. Write: 30
Bernard Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6PR. Tel:
07020 933952. Fax: 07020 933954. Weekly email and quarterly paper newsletters on LGBT
equality campaigns and developments.
Regular conferences, forums, and other
events. E-mail or write to join the network.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.equality-network.org and
twitter.com/LGBTScotland
LESBIAN ARCHIVE :
The UK's largest and most significant
collection of materials relating to lesbian lives.
The collections are based at Glasgow
Women’s Library, 15 Berkeley Street,
Glasgow. G3 7BW. Tel/Fax: 0141-248 9969.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.womenslibrary.org.uk
NATIONAL LGBT FORUM:
Active events calendar for LGBT and other
equality events in Scotland. Comprehensive
directory of LGBT organisations. Free
registration to add campaigns and events to
the Community pages.
www.scottishLGBT.org
PRIDE SCOTIA:
Now busily organising Pride Scotia 2012
which will be held in Edinburgh in 2012. Tel:
0131-556 9471.
Write: 58a Broughton Street,Edinburgh.EH1
3SA.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.pride-scotia.org
STONEWALL SCOTLAND:
Campaigns for equality and justice for gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender people living
in Scotland. Write: 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh.
EH3 6TE. Tel: 0131-557 3679.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.stonewallscotland.org.uk
LOCAL
ORGANISATIONS
AYRSHIRE:
Ayrshire Social & Sexuality Support
Group:
Meets 3rd Wed of each month at 7pm in
Irvine. Details of venue from David
Bingham on 0141-332 3838 (Mon-Fri
9am-5pm).
E-mail: [email protected]
BORDERS:
Borders Bisexual Lesbian And Gay
Group (BBLAGG):
Organises social and recreational events
for LGBT adults living in the Scottish
Borders. Events include: pub nights,
men’s film nights, hillwalks, barbeques
and an annual visit to Ireland to take part
in North West Pride. Tel: Alastair Lings
on Galashiels (01896) 757861 or 07763
850087.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=
120233614684563
Scottish Borders LGBT Equality Forum:
Aims to provide advice and act as a
consulting body to all community
planning partner organisations, develop
a range of social and recreational
activities, and provide a befriending
service to LGBT people. Write: PO Box
14120, Selkirk. TD7 5WE.
www.borderslgbt.org.uk
CAMPBELTOWN:
Kintyre Embrace:
Meets first Wed of each month, 7-9pm.
Tel: Katrina on 07760 701308.
E-mail:
[email protected]
DUMBARTON:
Clyde Valley LGBT Group:
Tel: Fiona-Marie or Sandra on 07519
474797.
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY:
Dumfries & Galloway LGBT Centre:
Runs services including groups, social
events, drop-ins, support and
volunteering for young people and
adults. 88b High Street, Dumfries. DG1
2BJ. Tel: Dumfries (01387) 255058.
Text: 07785 274147.
E-mail: [email protected]
DUNDEE:
Diversitay LGBT Group:
Offers support to LGBT people living in
Tayside and North East Fife. Bi monthly
newsletter “Out Now” available from PO
Box 53, Dundee, DD1 3YG. Tel: Dundee
(01382) 202620.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.diversitay.org.uk and
twitter.com/diversitaylgbt
DUNFERMLINE:
FifeFLAGS:
Fife Free Lesbian and Gay Society.
Provides a welcoming and safe meeting
space and drop-in centre near the town
centre for the LGBT community, our
friends, family and supporters. Regular
social group meets on the 2nd and 4th
Sun of the month from 7.30-11pm.
Generally has a nice friendly mixed
group most nights across the age range
so come along and meet new friends.
Internet access, mini pool table or just
hang out and chill over coffee and
biscuits. Safer sex information and
supplies available as part of the Fife
Health Board condom distribution
scheme. Tel: Dunfermline (01383)
738517.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.fifeflags.org.uk
EDINBURGH:
Couple Counselling Lothian:
Scotland’s oldest and largest relationship
counselling agency promotes the
wellbeing and longevity of same sex
relationships. 65 years experience of
serving clients in Edinburgh and the
Lothians. Tel: 0131-556 1527.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.cclothian.org.uk
Edinburgh LGBT Centre:
Owned and managed by Lesbian Gay
and Bisexual Community Project
Limited, which is registered as a Scottish
Charity and as a Scottish Company.
Bought in 1974 by the Scottish
Minorities Group, it is the only LGBTowned LGBT Centre in the UK and is
also the oldest LGBT Centre outwith the
USA. Write: Edinburgh LGBT Centre,
58a/60 Broughton Street, Edinburgh.
EH1 3SA. Tel: 0131-556 9471. Meeting
Room Booking Tel: 07817 533337.
E-mail: edinburghlgbtcentre
@drink.demon.co.uk
Icebreakers:
Social group for guys and gals who
want to make friendships and feel more
at ease in the company of other gay
people. Takes place from 7.30-9.30pm
in The Regent on 2nd Wed of each
month. If you're recently out or new to
Edinburgh or just feel a bit cut off and
want a break, come along.
GLASGOW:
Icebreakers Group:
For lesbians, gays and bisexuals new to
the scene. Details from Strathclyde
Switchboard.
Pride Glasgow:
Tel: 0141-416 2300.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.prideglasgow.co.uk
Spectrum:
Group for gay and bisexual men from Black
and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities.
Meets on 1st Tue of each month at 6.30pm.
Tel: 0141-552 0112.
E-mail: [email protected]
INVERCLYDE:
Clyde Men:
Social/support/information group for gay and
bisexual men. Meets monthly in central
Greenock location. Tel: Criz on 0141-552
0112.
E-mail: [email protected]
INVERNESS:
Highland Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender Forum:
Tel: 07512 231904. PO Box 5735, Inverness.
IV1 9DB.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.gay-ness.org.uk
Highland LGBT Social Group:
Regular events and discos in Inverness.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.gay-ness.org.uk/events.html
Inverness, Highlands and Islands LGBT
Group:
4 King Brude Gardens, Muirtown, Inverness,
IV3 8TT. New Group. Te;: 07833 456341.
E-mail:invernessandhighlandslgbtgroup
@hotmail.co.uk
www.gay-ness.org.uk/events.html
MORAY:
LGBT Moray
Social networking group for LGBT people in
Moray. 1st Tue & 4th Thu of each month: Get
together at The Muckle Cross Pub, 34 High
Street, Elgin from 7.30pm. 2nd Wed of each
month: Get together at Scribbles Coffee/Pizza
House, 154 High Street, Elgin from 11am.
3rd Sat of each month: Get together at Time
Out Café, 79 High Street, Forres from
10.30am. For all meetings, look for rainbow
coloured bag and VW camper money box on
table. For further info or to be met in advance:
Tel: 07598 418638.
E-mail: [email protected]
OBAN:
Gateway Group:
Meets last Sat of each month, 2-4pm. Tel:
Katrina on 07760 701308.
E-mail:
[email protected]
INVERNESS:
GirlZone:
Friendly, informal social group for LBT and
friends - all welcome. Meets 1st Sat and 3rd
Fri of each month.Tel: Joanne on 07792
223687 for details and venue.
E-mail: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
www.freewebs.com/highlandlesbiangroup
www.womankind.org.uk
NATIONAL:
CAMERADERIE LESBIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
GROUP:
Meets monthly in and around the
Tayside/Dundee/Aberdeenshire area, weather
permitting.
E-mail: [email protected]
LESBIAN INFORMATION SERVICE:
www.lesbianinformationservice.org
OUT-SKIRTS:
A monthly e-newsletter for lesbian and bi
women in Tayside, Fife and beyond.
E-mail: [email protected]
SCOTTISH NETWORK FOR LESBIAN
STRENGTH:
To further lesbian issues, follow a lesbian
agenda and foster lesbian visibility.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.freewebs.com/highlandlesbiangroup
YOUNG LESBIANS:
See our Youth Groups listings.
BISEXUALS
BISCOTLAND:
Support and social network for people who
are bisexual or questioning their sexuality.
Also organises training and activist activities
in support of bisexual visibility and pride.
Informal 'safe space' meetings are held on
1st Wed of each month in Glasgow (Contact
for venue details) and 3rd Wed of each month
in Edinburgh (8pm in the LGBT Centre for
Health & Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street). Meetings
(open to all bi or questioning people) are
usually followed by social gatherings which
are open to partners or friends. Information
line: 07963 960321.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.biscotland.org
STIRLING:
Stirling Gay Men's Social Group
Meets monthly from Sep-Jun (generally 3rd
Fri) in private houses.
E-mail: [email protected]
WOMEN'S LISTINGS
ABERDEEN:
Granite Sisters:
Aberdeen based group for older lesbians
throughout Scotland. There are no social
events planned for the near future and the
website is the main link at this time for gay
women to gain information, etc. Although
under construction at the moment it will be
completed ASAP.
E-mail: [email protected] www.13.clara.co.uk
EDINBURGH:
AD Group:
Social group exclusively for lesbians over 40
who have come to terms with their sexuality
as lesbians. Meets monthly to discuss
activities which range from cinema vists to
days out and about.
E-mail: [email protected]
Amazing Gracies Women’s Football Club:
Meets Wed 7-8pm at Gracemount Leisure
Centre, 22 Gracemount Drive.
www.amazinggraciesfc.webs.com
Ladybird Book Group:
Friendly and social lesbian book group meets
2nd Tue of each month from 7.45pm in Café
Nom De Plume. Newcomers welcome.
Contact for more information and details of
books coming up this year.
E-mail: [email protected]
Rubyfruits Edinburgh:
For lesbians and bi women. Meets Wed eve
anytime after 7.30pm in Café Nom De Plume,
60 Broughton Street. Widen your social
circle, network, plan weekend/eve activities
(eg walking, cinema, exhibitions) and maybe
meet that special somebody.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.rubyfruitsedinburgh.webs.com
Women’s Group:
New group offering the chance to meet other
women in a relaxed environment. Chat and
information on health and wellbeing issues,
as well as activities in and out the Centre. 2nd
& 4th Fri of each monthfrom 2-4.30pm at
the LGBT Centre for Health & Wellbeing, 9
Howe Street. Tel: Alison on 0131-652 3283.
E-mail: [email protected]
GLASGOW:
Sandyford: 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow.
G3 7NB. Sandyford provides sexual,
reproductive and emotional health services
for all lesbian and bisexual women. Tel: 0141211 8130 for further information on sexual
and reproductive services or Tel: 0141-211
6700 for counselling services. All services
available at a range of locations throughout
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.
www.sandyford.org
Glasgow Women's Library:
15 Berkeley Street, Glasgow. G3 7BW.
Tel/Fax: 0141-248 9969. Provides a library,
archive, is an Accredited Museum and also
houses the UK’s national Lesbian Archives.
Range of events, courses and other activities
delivered through their learning programmes,
along with an Adult Literacy and Numeracy
Project and Black and Minority Ethnic
Women’s Project. Check website for more
info.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.womenslibrary.org.uk
OLGA - Older Lesbians Get Around:
Meets monthly. Tel: 07813 268938.
ABUSE
BROKEN RAINBOW LGBT DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE SERVICE (UK):
Works to change the situation for LGBT
people facing domestic violence. Runs a
helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people, their family, friends, and
agencies to support LGBT people around
domestic violence. Mon & Thu 2-8pm, Wed
10am-5pm. Tel: 0300 999 5428.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
MEN AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE:
1-2-1 counselling for adult male survivors of
childhood sexual abuse, male rape, male
domestic abuse and under 18's. Tel: 07896
839415..
E-mail: [email protected]
www.masa-listens.com
RAPE AND ABUSE LINE:
For male and female survivors. Female
Support Workers answer Freephone 0808
8000123 most evenings and Male Support
Workers answer Freephone 0808 8000122
on selected evenings. the Helpline hours are
advised on both answering services. Callers
are welcome to phone either line. Write: PO
Box 10, Dingwall. IV15 9HA.
www.rapeandabuseline.co.uk
RAPE CRISIS SCOTLAND HELPLINE:
Scotland-wide telephone service providing
support to women and men experiencing
sexual violence, as well as their friends and
families. Tel: Freephone 0808 8010302 (6pmMidnight). Minicom available.
www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
THRIVE:
Counselling service for male survivors of
childhood sexual abuse. Write: Sandyford
Counselling & Support Services, 2-6
Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Tel:
0141-211 8133 or 0141-211 6700.
E-mail: [email protected]
ATHEISTS
AND
HUMANISTS
GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST
ASSOCIATION:
GALHA is a membership organisation
promoting a gay-friendly Humanist outlook
and LGBT rights as human rights.
Membership is open to supporters
worldwide. Write: GALHA, 1 Gower Street,
London. WC1E 6HD.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.galha.org
PINK TRIANGLE TRUST:
PTT is a gay Humanist charity which can
arrange non-religious ceremonies of love and
commitment for lesbian and gay couples at
very reasonable rates in most parts of
Scotland. Sponsors of LGBT History Month.
Write: 34 Spring Lane, Kenilworth,
Warwickshire. CV8 2HB. Tel: Kenilworth
(01926) 858450.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.pinktriangle.org.uk
Lively Blog at
www.pinktriangle.org.uk/ptt/blog.html
Internet Magazine at
www.gayandlesbianhumanist.org
BDSM
SM GAYS:
www.smgays.org
BEARS
BEARSCOTS:
The national group for bears, big boys, their
friends and admirers. Glasgow Bear Weekend
(1st weekend of each month): Revolver
Bears, Revolver Bar, Fri 9pm-1am. Edinburgh
Bear Weekend (2nd weekend of each month):
Bear Sauna, Steamworks, Sat 2-8pm. Bears
In The Basement, New Town Bar, Sat 10pm2am. Check website for details of events
around Scotland. E-mail:
[email protected]
www.bearscots.org.uk
BELIEVERS
AFFIRMATION SCOTLAND:
Network in the Church of Scotland of lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender Christians, their
friends and supporters. Formed in 2006 in
response to the issue of ministers and
deacons being able to conduct ceremonies to
mark civil partnerships without fear of
censure. Write: Monica Stewart, 37 Main
Street, Invergowrie. DD2 5AB. E-mail:
[email protected]
www.affirmationscotland.org.uk
AL-JANNAH:
Online social community for LGBT Muslims,
Non-Muslims, South Asians. Based in
Scotland. New gay Desi networking: meet
members in your area, chat and upload
photographs - Hindus, Sikhs and other
Asians/Non-Muslims welcome. E-mail:
[email protected]
www.al-jannah.co.uk
AUGUSTINE UNITED CHURCH:
41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. EH1 1EL.
Meets Sun 11am - LGBT people especially
welcome. Last Wed of each month:
Transcendence (welcome space to support
and explore transgender spirituality) - 7pm.
Last Sat of each month: Our Tribe (LGBT
worship) - 7pm Tel: 07957 543359.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.augustine.org.uk
EDINBURGH QUAKER LESBIAN AND GAY
FELLOWSHIP:
Meets on the 2nd Wed of each month at 7pm
in the Glasite Meeting House, 33 Barony
Street. Members of the LGBT Community and
their friends are most welcome. Tel: 07543
975590.
E-mail: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
www.eflgc.org.uk
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH IN
GLASGOW:
A church of the LGBT communities
welcoming all people. Meets for worship Sun
3pm at Ibrox Parish Church, 67 Clifford Street.
Tel or Text: 07972 139128.
E-mail: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
www.qlgf.org.uk
QUEST:
Organisation for lesbian and gay Catholics.
Monthly meetings are held in different
regional groups throughout Britain. Scottish
meetings held in Glasgow. Quest Linkline The Helpline for Gay and Lesbian Catholics Tel: (Freephone) 0808 808 0234. Write: BM
Box 2585, LONDON. WC1N 3xx.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.questgaycatholic.org.uk
ROMAN CATHOLIC CAUCUS OF THE
LESBIAN & GAY CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT:
Write: RC Caucus, PO Box 24632, London. E9
6xF. Tel: 020-7226 0847.
E-mail: [email protected]
SGI-UK (SCOTLAND):
Buddhist organisation established in more
than 190 countries throughout the world.
Their belief and practice direct people to
respect that which is of ultimate value: life
itself. Through their faith and practice,
members transform their inner lives and
develop the qualities needed to bring about
personal fulfillment and contribute to the
positive development of society. SGI-UK has
participated in Pride events throughout the
world and is now known as Rainbow
activities.
www.sgi-uk.org
UNITARIANS IN EDINBURGH:
An inclusive community of diverse beliefs
which supports the pursuit of individual
spirituality and humanism. Meets at St Mark’s,
7 Castle Terrace at 11am on Sun and for
Mindfulness @ Lunchtime at 12.15pm on
Tue. Relationship blessings conducted.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.edinburgh-unitarians.co.uk
CULTURAL
EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S CHORUS:
Brings together individuals interested in
singing a fun repertoire, including pop, rock
and songs from the shows and movies. Now
is a great time to get involved, whether you're
a closet shower singer or have some
experience. Rehearses Tue eve in Central
Edinburgh. For full details and to sign-up:
www.egmc.co.uk
FILM CLUB:
Meets every other Fri, 6.30-9.30pm at LGBT
Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe
Street, Edinburgh. A wide selection of
documentaries, short films and full-length
movies with an LGBT twist will be screened
for your viewing pleasure, from old classics to
arty new ones. All screenings subject to a
small donation.
E-mail: [email protected]
GAY GORDONS EDINBURGH:
Scotland's first LGBTQ Scottish country
dance group with a good mix of women and
men. Meets Mon 7.30-9.30pm at St
Stephen’s Centre, Stockbridge.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.gaygordonsedinburgh.co.uk
GLASGAY!:
Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture.
Next dates: 21st Oct - 12th Nov 2011
(provisional). Q! Gallery is Glasgay's new
year-round gallery dedicated to queer art and
artists. Mon-Sat 11am-5pm. The Stud!o is an
adjacent performance/research/workshop and
holistic arts space. The Q! Gallery, 87-91
Saltmarket, Glasgow. G1 5LE. Tel/Fax: 0141552 7575.Text: 07762 722460.
E-mail: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
www.freewebs.com/ikas
LGBT HISTORY MONTH SCOTLAND:
Increasing the awareness of LGBT people’s
lives, histories and experiences. The website
provides listings for cultural opportunities,
events, news items, and resources. If you
would like to be involved, volunteer or add
information, contact LGBT History Month, 3940 Commerce Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6HD.
www.lgbthistory.org.uk
LOUD & PROUD:
Scotland's original choir for LGBT singers is
made up of approximately 45 singers and
holds regular concerts in the Central Belt. The
repertoire, which is sung a capella in varying
numbers of parts, includes simple rounds,
popular music, traditional music, light classics,
festive and seasonal songs, lesbian/gay
anthems, and show tunes. Meets weekly for
rehearsals in Edinburgh.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.loudandproudchoir.org
LUVVIES THEATRE COMPANY:
Edinburgh based LGBT theatre company,
which aims to give LGBT people the
opportunity to act, direct, produce or organise
theatre or take part in any aspect of the
creative process. No previous experience is
necessary.
Tel: 07854 836605.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.theluvvies.org
OURSTORY SCOTLAND:
A charity which works to collect, archive and
present the life stories and experiences of the
LGBT Community in Scotland. If you have a
story to tell or experiences to share, or would
like to find out more about their upcoming
programme of events, then please contact
them.
Write: OurStory Scotland, Archives and
Special Collections, The Mitchell Library, North
Street, Glasgow. G3 7DN.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.ourstoryscotland.org.uk
PINK CASTLE PHILOSOPHY CLUB:
Meets 2nd Tue of each month at 7.30pm in
Riverside Lounge, Glen Mhor Hotel, 8-15
Ness Bank, Inverness. IV2 4SG. Tel: Morgan
on 07745 930383.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.pinkcastle.eu
REMEMBER WHEN PROJECT:
Documenting the collective history of
Edinburgh's LGBT communities, recording
life-stories and personal memories across the
generations, and celebrating our rich and
varied contributions to the quality of life in the
city. The culmination of this work was an
exhibition entitled 'Rainbow City: Stories from
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Edinburgh' held at the City Art Centre,
Edinburgh in 2006. Write: Remember When
Project, c/o The Living Memory Association,
The Reminiscence Centre, 101 St Leonards
Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9QY. Tel: 0131-667
0761, and leave a message, stating clearly that
it is for Remember When.
E-mail: [email protected]
SCOTTISH BORDERS GAY FILM GROUP:
Meets monthly during autumn through to the
spring, and views video/DVDs with a gay
theme or character. For more details please
contact Alastair on Galashiels (01896) 757861
or
E-mail: [email protected]
people and those affected thereby to eliminate
the stigma and isolation they experience. Tel:
Dundee (01382) 226860. Fax: Dundee
(01382) 322606. Tue-Thu (Drop In) Noon3.30pm.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.bodypositivetayside.org
BROWNLEE CENTRE (GLASGOW):
Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great
Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN.
Confidential information, advice, counselling
and direct access testing for HIV and
Hepatitis.The Centre provides ongoing medical
and social care plus psychological and
emotional support for people living with HIV
infection and one to one counselling for
people at risk of HIV. Tel: 0141-211 1089. Fax:
0141-211 1097. Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Tue 57pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm.
BROWNLEE COMMUNITY TEAM:
Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great
Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN. Social
work service for people with HIV/AIDS
providing intensive community based support.
General advice and information on community
care and housing needs also provided.
Tel: 0141-211 1090.
GAY MEN'S HEALTH EDINBURGH:
10 Union Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. A
community led Lothian wide project for gay
and bisexual men. Wide ranging volunteering
opportunities which provide services including
support and counselling, scene work, peer
education and training, provision of condoms,
lube and Safer Sex information.
Tel: 0131-558 9444.
E-mail: [email protected] www.gmh.org.uk
GAY MEN'S HEALTH GLASGOW:
Unit 9, The Adelphi Centre, Gorbals, Glasgow.
G5 0PQ. Tel: 0141-552 0112. A community
led project across the Greater Glasgow and
Clyde Health Board Area for gay and bisexual
men. Wide ranging volunteering opportunities
which provide services including support,
scene work, peer education and training,
provision of condoms, lube and Safer Sex
info.
E-mail: [email protected]
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:
[email protected]
www.gaymenshealthtayside.com
HIV-AIDS CARERS AND FAMILIES SERVICE
PROVIDER SCOTLAND:
10 Elderpark Workspace, 100 Elderpark
Street, Glasgow. G51 3TR. Mon-Fri 10am5pm. Telephone Support Service: 07778
117900 Mon-Fri 7pm-10pm. Tel: 0141-445
8797.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.hiv-aids-carers.org.uk
HIV SCOTLAND:
Suite 2, 27 Beaverhall Road, Edinburgh. EH7
4JE. Tel: 0131-558 3713. Fax: 0131-558 9887.
The national policy charity for HIV in Scotland.
Speaks out for people living with HIV and
provide knowledge and expertise to help
inform and deliver strong policies and effective
strategies to tackle the spread of HIV in
Scotland.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.hivscotland.com
FETISH
THE JANEK LATOSINSKI
CHARITABLE TRUST:
Provides free complementary therapies and
psychotherapy to all people living with HIV in
Glasgow and the West of Scotland.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.tjlct.org.uk
MSC SCOTLAND:
A club for men interested in Leather, Rubber,
Uniform. Meets in Edinburgh from 10pm
downstairs in the New Town Bar on 3rd Sat of
each month. Write: PO Box 28, Edinburgh.
EH3 5JL.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.msc-scotland.net
LANARKSHIRE
HIV, AIDS AND HEPATITIS CENTRE:
Monklands Hospital, Airdrie. One stop shop
for HIV testing, treatment and support.
Appointments available Mon 9am-5pm (eve
available by request). Tel: Airdrie (01236)
712247. Support group for HIV Positive men
also available.
HEALTH
ABILITIESAND
LGBT BIPOLAR SELF HELP GROUP:
For LGBT people with bipolar disorder, and
their carers, family and friends. Meets 7-9pm
on 1st Tue of each month at Terrence Higgins
Trust, Rothesay House, 134 Douglas Street,
Glasgow. No need for referral, just come along
on the night. Tel: Aileen on 0141-560 2050.
E-mail: [email protected]
AL-ANON:
Fellowship of relatives and friends of
alcoholics who share their experience,
strength and hope in order to solve their
common problem. Anyone affected by
another person’s drinking is welcome. LGBT &
Friends Group meets 6.45-7.45pm at
Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a/60 Broughton
Street. Tel: Catherine on 07940 473150.
www.al-anonuk.org.uk
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS:
Whilst AA runs the f ollowing LGBT meetings
in Edinburgh and Glasgow, please note that it
is a non restrictive organisation and LGBT
people are welcome at any meeting.
AA Edinburgh: Tue 8pm (Edinburgh Peace
And Justice Resource Centre, St John’s
Church, Princes Street). Please note that the
last meeting of the month is open to non AA
members.
AA Glasgow: Tue 7.30pm (Spoon Café, 46
Trongate), Thu 7.30pm (Nye Bevan House, 20
India Street), Fri 7.30pm (The Ogilvie Centre,
25 Rose Street).
AA National: Helpline: 0845 7697555 (24
hours). Northern Service Office: 0141-226
2214.
www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.uk
ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY
LGBT SUPPORT GROUP:
Trained and skilled volunteers able to offer
understanding and a listening ear to LGBT
people affected by Alzheimer’s disease or any
other form of dementia.To contact: Tel the
Alzheimer's Helpline on 0845 300 0336
or write to Alzheimer's Society LGBT Support
Group, Alzheimer's Society, Devon House, 58
Saint Katharine's Way, London. E1W 1Jx. or
E-mail: [email protected]
www.alzheimers.org.uk
/Gay_Carers/index.htm
BODY POSITIVE (TAYSIDE):
13 Main Street, Dundee. DD3 7EY. A charity
that exists to empower HIV and HepC positive
LGBT CENTRE FOR
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6TE. This
unique Centre exists to improve the physical,
mental and social wellbeing of LGBT people
living in, working in and travelling to
Edinburgh. Runs events, workshops and
courses promoting healthy lifestyles,including
the LGBT Headspace programme focusing on
improved mental health and the LGBT Age
programme offering services to those over 50.
The Centre also provides a wide range of
information on health and LGBT topics, offers
one to one support services and supports
community groups. Tel: 0131-523 1100.
E-mail: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
www.positivehelpedinburgh.uk
POSITIVE MIxTURE :
A self help group offering support and
assistance for individuals with HIV/AIDS in the
Grampian area. Contact THT, 246 George
Street, Aberdeen. AB25 1HN.
E-mail: [email protected]
ROAM OUTREACH:
Part of the Harm Reduction Team within
Lothian NHS. Offers a confidential and
anonymous service for men who have sex
with men, including male sex workers
throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Provides a wide range of services including
sexual health and safer sex advice, information
and advice on drug use, personal safety, police
and legal advice, including operating in the
Remote Reporting Scheme. A great deal of
their work is done on an outreach basis in
Public Sex Environments and venues as well
as on-line as part of the SNN group. They run
an 'Out of Hours' Testing Service Mon 57.30pm at "The Exchange", Lady Lawson
Street, Edinburgh where you can have a full
SEXUAL HEALTH check up including Hep A &
B vaccinations. No appointments necessary.
For further information or to receive condom
and lube supplies contact Vaughan, Peter or
Del on Tel: 0131-537 8300 or 07774 628227.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.roam-outreach.com
SANDYFORD:
2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB.
Glasgow's main sexual, reproductive and
emotional health centre. Free web access and
health library with large LGBT lending
collection. Specialist services for gay men
(See separate ScotsGay Listing for Steve
Retson Project) and lesbians (See separate
ScotsGay listing for Sandyford under
Women). Self-referal sexual health service
with open access clinic each weekday with
registration from 8.30-10am or book on 0141211 8130.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.sandyford.org
the word to any older LGBT people you
know. Anyone interested in using the service
or volunteering, call Garry on 0131-652
3282.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.lgbthealth.org.uk/content/lgbt-age
PRIME TIME (EDINBURGH):
Informal social group for men over 40. Meets
in GMH, 10 Union Street, from 2-4.30pm
every 2nd Sun (from 2nd Oct). Tel: John on
0131-556 1309 or Steve on 0131-558 9444.
E-mail: [email protected]
PRIME TIME (GLASGOW):
Social group for gay and bisexual men 40+.
Meets twice a month in central Glasgow from
3pm. Tel: Criz on 0141-552 0112.
E-mail: [email protected]
ORDER
OF
PERPETUAL
INDULGENCE
The Sisters and Brothers of the OPI are part
of a world wide order of queer men and
women of all sexualities which is open to all
who feel the habit. Its tenets are: The
expiation of stigmatic guilt and the
promulgation of universal joy through
habitual manifestation and perpetual
perpetration. www.thesisters.org.uk
SEXUAL HEALTH LINE:
Freephone 0800 567123. 24 hours.
Confidential advice and information. Minicom:
Freephone 0800 521361.
www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout
OPI CONVENT OF DUNN EIDEANN:
The Edinburgh convent. Write: Mistress of
Communications, c/o PO Box 666,
Edinburgh. EH7 5YW.
E-mail: [email protected]
STEVE RETSON PROJECT:
Sandyford, 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3
7NB. A free sexual health screening and
counselling service for gay and bisexual men.
Clinics run Tue, Wed & Thu 5-8pm. Tel: 0141211 8628 for appointment..
www.sandyford.org/sexual-orientation/
men-who-have-sex-withmen/steve-retson-project.aspx
OPI CONVENT OF MORAVIA:
The North Eastern convent. Write: Sister
Bobby OPI, Cairnglass, St Combs,
Fraserburgh. AB43 8UT. Tel: Inverallochy
(01346) 583145.
E-mail: [email protected]
TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SCOTLAND NATIONAL OFFICE - GLASGOW:
134 Douglas Street, Glasgow. G2 4HF. HIV
prevention and support services in
Lanarkshire, Ayrshire & Arran, Argyll & Bute,
the Glasgow area and Western Central
Scotland. Support & Advocacy Service
provides a full range of welfare rights advice
and representation as well as community
support for people living with blood borne
viruses. Also provides a range of health
promotion services for gay and bisexual men
throughout the West of Scotland. Contact for
further details. Volunteers welcome! Tel: 0141332 3838. Fax: 0141-332 3755. Helpline: THT
Direct 0845 1221200 Mon-Fri 10am-10pm,
Sat-Sun Noon-6pm.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.tht.org.uk
TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SCOTLAND ABERDEEN OFFICE:
246 George Street, Aberdeen. AB25 1HN. HIV
prevention and support services in Grampian
including Community Support, Group Support
and LGBT groups. Also provides a range of
health promotion services for Gay and
Bisexual men throughout Grampian. Please
contact for further details. Volunteers
welcome! Tel: 0845 2412151. Helpline: THT
Direct 0845 1221200 Mon-Fri 10am-10pm,
Sat-Sun Noon-6pm.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.tht.org.uk and www. thtscotlandhighlandservices.blogspot.com
TOGETHER:
Social/support/information group for gay and
bisexual men living with HIV. Meets 2nd and
last Tue of each month from 7-9pm (new
members invited from 6.30pm). Tel: Criz on
0141-552 0112.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.gmh.org.uk/together
WAVERLEY CARE:
3 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6NB.
Scotland's leading charity providing care and
support to people affected by HIV and
Hepatitis C. Whether someone is living with
HIV or Hepatitis C or are the partner or family
member of someone affected by these
conditions, Waverley Care has services that
can support them and provide up to date,
accurate information and resources. Services
include: Short-term Residential Intensive
Support, Support Services for all, including
specialist services for gay men, Community
Support and Outreach Services (including
Advocacy and Information, Arts Project,
Befriending/Buddying, Care at Home, Spiritual
and Pastoral Care, Complementary Therapies,
Counselling, Health Promotion), Prevention
and Awareness Raising. Tel: Neil - Gay Men's
Support Worker on 07962 909730 or Tel:
0131-558 1425 Mon-Fri 9-5pm or Tel: 0131441 6989 24hrs, 7 days per week. To become
a Buddy with Waverley Care, Tel: Kelly
McKnight on 07929 132675 or 0131-312
9953 or Annette Wilson on 0131-441 2791.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.waverleycare.org
WAVERLEY CARE ARGYLL & BUTE:
The Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street,
Glasgow. G2 4JP. Tel: 0141-333 9393.
WAVERLEY CARE HIGHLAND:
34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. IV1 1NB.Tel:
Inverness (01463) 711585
OLDER GAYS
CAFFMOS:
Nationwide Social and Contacts Club for the
older gay gentleman and his admirers, both
young and old. Scottish group next meets
from 1-4pm at Café Habana in Edinburgh on
Sun 21st Aug & Sun 25th Sep. Write: PO Box
2087, Blackpool. FY4 1WL. Tel: Blackpool
(01253) 318327.
E-mail: [email protected]
Edward (Scottish Contact):
E-mail: [email protected]
www.caffmoscommunity.com
HIGHLAND RAINBOW FOLK:
Independent working group which raises
awareness of issues facing older LGBT people.
Monthly meetings in Inverness. Tel: Suzy on
07791 874583.
Email: [email protected]
www.spanglefishcom/highlandrainbowfolk
LGBT AGE:
New support service for LGBT people over 50
years old in Edinburgh and the Lothians,
which will offer befriending, social events,
information and advocacy. Please help spread
OUTDOOR
PURSUITS
FREEDOM CLUB:
UK and Europe Wide LGBT Caravan and
Camping Club. Aims to provide a means
whereby gay people can meet up for
weekends, weeks or even longer rallies
throughout the UK and sometimes into
Ireland and Europe. Tel: Eddie on Cheltenham
(01242) 526826.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.freedomclub.co..uk
GAY BIRDERS CLUB:
For LGBT Birdwatchers. Write: Gay Birders
Club, GeeBeeCee, BCM-Mono, London.
WC1N 3xx.
Tel: Annie on 0131-552 6333.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.gbc-online.org.uk
GAY CARAVAN & CAMPING CLUB:
For men and women.
Tel: Ian on 07977 317872.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.gaycaravanclub.com
GAY OUTDOOR CLUB:
Holds regular events including walking,
skiing, cycling, climbing, mountain-biking,
kayaking, mountaineering, camping, youthhostelling, badminton, running and
swimming. For more information, vist
website or send an A5 sae to BM GOC,
London. WC1N 3xx. Or Tel: 0844 8700462.
www.goc.org.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
OUT DOOR LADS:
A UK-Wide, web-based organisation, offering
a wide range of activities: from camping,
hostelling, hill-walking and indoor climbing,
to the more extreme activities like gorge
scrambling, ice climbing, technical mountain
biking and many more. There's something
for everyone, no matter what your interest.
Core membership is Gay and Bi-sexual lads,
aged 18-35, but OutdoorLads does not
discriminate on any grounds including age,
sexuality, disability or sex, and welcomes
anyone who agrees with the group's aims
and objectives.
www.outdoorlads.com
TARTAN TRAVELLERS:
Scottish based club for all LGBT fans of
caravanning, camping and motorhoming.
Arranges meets, social events and more. Tel:
Craig on 07972 881155.
PARENTS
GAY DADS SCOTLAND:
Support group for gay fathers. Meets on last
Thu of each month in a private room in
Edinburgh LGBT Centre, 58a Broughton
Street. Gay dads from all over Scotland
welcome. Tel: 07791 188742.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.gaydadsscotland.org.uk
PARENTS' ENQUIRY SCOTLAND:
Coming out? Information and support for
parents of LGBT people. Helpline and admin:
Tel: 0131-556 6047 before 10pm. Write: c/o
ScotsGay Magazine, PO Box 666, Edinburgh.
EH7 5YW.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.parentsenquiryscotland.org
RAINBOW FAMILIES:
Friendly group is for anyone looking to meet
other LGBT parents, share experiences and
get advice from the group’s health visitor.
Regular outings organized. Toys provided!
Meets 2nd Sat of each month from 10amNoon at the LGBT Centre for Health &
Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. Te;:
0131-523 1100 for more information.
E-mail: [email protected]
POLITICAL
LIBERAL PARTY LESBIAN AND GAY
CAMPAIGN:
Tel: 0151-259 5935 (Telephone Answering
Machine). Write: 41 Sutton Street, Liverpool,
L13 7EG.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.liberal.org.uk
SCOTTISH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS FOR
LGBT EQUALITY:
Tel: 0131-337 2314. Write: 4 Clifton Terrace,
Edinburgh. EH12 5DR.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.scotlibdems.org.uk
www.twitter.com/scotlibdems
PRISONERS
FREE MAGAZINES FOR PRISONERS:
Copies of ScotsGay are sent free of charge to
prisoners in UK prisons and institutions.
Please contact us if you wish to be added to
the mailing list.
BENT BARS PROJECT:
Letter writing programme that connects
lebian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual,
intersex, queer and gender non-conforming
communities across prison walls.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.co-re.org/bentbars
REAL ALE
LESBIAN AND GAY
REAL ALE DRINKERS:
The Edinburgh group of CAMRA's Task Group
for LGBT real ale and cider fans. Meets in The
Regent on the 1st Mon of each month from
9pm to sample the brewers' art - Aug 2nd
Mon (to avoid GBBF). Tel: Karen on 0131-557
8790.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.lagrad-edinburgh.org.uk
and www.lagrad.org.uk
RESIDENTIAL
EVENTS
EDWARD CARPENTER COMMUNITY OF
GAY MEN:
Committed to principles of caring, trusting,
personal growth, sharing, and creativity aimed
at nurturing 'community' as an alternative to
the commercial scene. Organises Gay Men's
Weeks and shorter events each year in SW
Scotland, the English Lake District and other
venues across the UK. Write: Edward
Carpenter Community, BM ECC, London.
WC1N 3xx. Tel: 08703 215121.
E-mail: contact_ecc
@edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk
www.gaycommunity.org.uk
THE FINDHORN FOUNDATION:
Spiritual community, ecovillage and education
centre. Offers regular residential workshops
and retreats for gay men and lesbians at
Findhorn in the North East of Scotland, and at
its retreat house on the peaceful island of Iona.
Tel: Findhorn (01309) 690311.
E-mail:[email protected]
http://bit.ly/findhorn-lgbt for all Findhorn
Foundation gay and lesbian workshops, or
http://www.findhorn.org/ for information
about all the Foundation’s activities.
SPORTS
CALEDONIAN THEBANS RFC:
Caledonian Thebans Rugby Football Club is
Scotland's first gay/bi friendly rugby club.
Offers gay/bi/trans men the chance to learn
the game and play rugby in a safe and
supportive environment. Welcomes new
players (+18) at any level or experience and
new supporters to the club. If you're interested
in playing or supporting gay rugby in
Scotland, please get in touch. Come along and
get fit! Tel: 07758 668784 or Text "thebans" to
60300.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.thebans-rfc.co.uk
EDINBURGH CUESTARS:
Meets fortnightly on Tue (next 10th May) in
Shandon Snooker Club from 7-10pm.
Looking for new members who have an
interest in Cue sports and like to meet new
people in a new environment
E-mail: [email protected]
EDINBURGH GAY MEN’S VOLLEYBALL:
Looking to start up a gay volleyball team (and
for people who have had experience and
exposure to competitive volleyball) to take to
both local and international competitions. If
there is enough interest, an open day will take
place to meet and play volleyball to get an idea
of what your levels are and hopefully form a
team based on this. Everybody welcome
irrespective of sexuality.
E-mail: [email protected]
EDINBURGH LGBT RUNNING GROUP:
Meets 6.15pm prompt Wed at the Jawbones,
The Meadows. Everybody made welcome
from complete beginners to the more
experienced. Get in contact so that we can
expect you, in case we need to make changes
to time or venue. Tel: Robert on 07738
939836.
E-mail: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
www.gfsn.org.uk
GLASGOW FRONTRUNNERS:
Running group for the LGBT community and
our friends. All abilities welcome. Meets at
7pm every Thu at the Arc Leisure Centre in
Glasgow Caledonian University for a run.
Social stuff after the run as well. Join our
Facebook group. Tel/text: 07919 894317
(Simon).
E-mail: [email protected]
www.GlasgowFrontrunners.org
GLASGOW GAY AND LESBIAN BADMINTON
CLUB:
Meets each Thu from 8-10pm. Come along
and have fun and enjoy meeting the other
members for a friendly game. All welcome.
Tel: Paul on 07708 514676 (6-11pm).
GRANITE CITY STORMERS FC:
Gay football team meeting regularly to play,
train and for social events. Based in Aberdeen
and open to people of all ages, experience and
ability. Always on the lookout for new
members and volunteers, so if you can help
out with organising training, fundraising,
coaching, arranging kick abouts or socials or
contributing in any way, please get in touch!
E-mail: [email protected]
HOTSCOTS:
Scotland's very first LGBT group for football
players and fans alike. Currently organises
regular socials and kick-abouts every Thu eve
at Saughton and kick abouts every Fri eve at
World of Soccer and would love to hear from
anyone anywhere in Scotland who would like
to take part. Now competing in the UK national
gay league. However, all ability levels are
welcome, and the social side is just as
important as the playing - so what are you
waiting for? Text "Football" to 80800 for more
information (texts cost 25p) or
E-mail: [email protected]
www.hotscotsfc.com
LGBT ACTIVE:
First Steps Fitness: Mon 6.30-7.30pm at
Inverleith Park. Free beginners fitness group
for anyone that wants to get off the sofa and
improve their health and fitness.. Tel: 0131523 1100.
E-mail: [email protected]
RACQUETEERS BADMINTON GROUP:
Edinburgh based gay and lesbian badminton
club meets Thu 7-9pm at Meadowbank
Stadium. Spaces are limited but seeking more
full time and part-time players. Plays all year
round.
E-mail: [email protected]
SALTIRE THISTLE FC:
LGBT-friendly football team based in Glasgow
open to all from Scotland. Training on Wed at
Glasgow Green, open kickabouts on Fri at
Crownpoint and matches most Sun in
different venues across the West. All abilities
and skills are welcome plus those who want to
watch and support. Regular social events
organised too.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.clubwebsite.co.uk/saltirethistle
TEAM SCOTLAND BADMINTON CLUB:
Glasgow based gay and lesbian badminton
club meets Sun Noon-2pm at National
Badminton Academy, Scotstoun for
competitive games. International tournaments
and matches against clubs in London and
Europe are held annually. Sorry - no
beginners. Tel: Raymond on 0141-778 9220.
STUDENTS
Many Universities and Colleges have Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Societies.
Contact these via your Student Union or
Student Association. ScotsGay also links to a
number of LGBT Soc websites from our own
web page at www.scotsgay.co.uk Many LGBT
Socs are open to non-students living in the
area.
Tel: NUS Scotland LGBT Officer on 0131-556
6598. Fax: 0131-557 5679. Write: Nathan
Sparling, LGBT Officer, NUS Scotland, 29
Forth Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LE.
E-mail: [email protected] or
[email protected]
TRANSGENDER
NATIONAL:
Transmen Scotland:
A national support group for all female to male
transgender people. Meets 2nd Sat of each
month from 7-9pm at LGBT Centre for Health
and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh. For
further info Tel/Text 07948 735179 or
E-mail: [email protected]
www.transmenscotland.org.uk
ABERDEEN:
NEST Support:
Contact Nicola on 07523 279546.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.nestsupport.co.uk
STIRLING:
Central Scotland Transgender Group:
Meets 2nd Sat of each month 7-10pm. Tel:
Sarah Whyte on 07748 484703.
E-mail: [email protected]
WORKPLACE
EIS LGBT NETWORK:
Write: National Officer (Education and
Equality), 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. EH3
6BH.
Tel: 0131-225 6244.
E-mail: [email protected]
FIRE BRIGADES UNION
LGBT SUPPORT GROUP:
For firefighters and control staff. Write: c/o Pat
Carberry, FBU, 68 Coombe Road, Kingston
upon Thames, Surrey. KT2 7SE. Tel: 07725
602524 or 020-8541 1765.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.fbulgbt.org.uk
GAY POLICE ASSOCIATION
IN SCOTLAND:
Membership is open to all police officers and
police staff, serving or retired. Tel: 07092
700213 .
www.gpascotland.com
GMB SCOTLAND EQUAL RIGHTS GROUP:
Write: Regional Equal Rights Officer, GMB
Scotland, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside
Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Tel: 0141-352
8109.
E-mail: [email protected]
PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES
UNION (PCS) PROUD GROUP
Scottish Rep : Dave McNeilly c/o PCS,
Equalities Committee, 160 Falcon Road,
London. SW11 2LN. Tel: 07896 471891.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.pcsproud.org.uk
UNISON:
Glasgow City LGBT Group. Meets pay day Tue
at 5pm in Glasgow City Unison Offices, 4th
Floor, 18 Albion Street. All LGBT members
welcome.
YOUTH
NATIONAL:
QUEER ATTITUDE:
Edinburgh based website for young LGBT
people everywhere.
www.queerattitude.com
QUEER YOUTH:
UK National organisation run by and for young
people providing a united voice for all lesbian,
gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, intersex,
transgender, transsexual, queer and curious
youth. Online 24/7 providing peer support
through forums, campaigning for equal rights,
running regional groups across the UK and
much more! Queer Youth Scotland usually
meets monthly in either Glasgow, Dundee or
Edinburgh.
www.queeryouth.org.uk
ABERDEEN:
Zone Youth: LGBT group for people aged
under 26. Meets 2nd Sat of each month
Noon-3pm. Tel: 0845 2412151.
E-mail: [email protected]
BORDERS:
Tutti Frutti: Youth group meets Wed eve in
Galashiels. Tel: 0131-555 3940.
DUNDEE:
Allsorts: Meets everyTue 6-8pm. Tel: 0131555 3940. Text: 07781 481788.
E-mail: [email protected]
BUCHLYVIE:
TV/TS Group:
Meets last Sat of each month at 5pm. Tel: Kira
on 07808 564626 (Mon-Thu 6-9pm), Gladys
or Michelle on Buchlyvie (01360) 850516 or
07743 936157.
E-mail: [email protected]
DUNDEE:
Diversitay: T With Biscuits:
New Trans Group meets monthly. For more
information, Tel: Diversitay on Dundee
(01382) 202620 (Mon 7-9pm).
EDINBURGH:
Edinburgh Trans Women:
Support group for transsexual women. Meets
1st Sat of each month 7.30-9.30pm in LGBT
Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe
Street.
E-mail: info
@edinburghtranswomen.org.uk
www.edinburghtranswomen.org.uk
Polygender Scotland:
Provides support and friendship to all people
who identify as genderqueer, androgyne, third
gender, polygender or any other gender other
than male or female. Meets 2nd Thu of each
month (contact for details of venue). Tel: Kelli
Neil on 0131-523 1100.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.androgyny.org.uk
T-Time:
Informal social for all transgender people, their
partners, family and friends, held the 3rd Sat
of each month from 1-5pm at LGBT Centre for
Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. A
friendly, safe and relaxed environment where
there's also space to change. Tel: 0131-523
1100.
E-mail: [email protected]
GLASGOW:
Crosslynx Transgender Group:
Meets 2nd Wed of each month from 7.309pm (contact for details of venue). Tel:
Crosslynx Helpline on 0141-847 0787 (Mon
7.30-9.30pm).
www.crosslynx.org.uk
Sandyford Trans Women's Support Group:
Meets twice a month. Further details and
support from group member on 07758
462988 or contact Sandyford Community
Access Co-ordinator on 0141-232 8417.
E-mail: [email protected]
INVERNESS:
Swans Of Scotland:
Meets last Thu of each month from 7-9pm at
Beaufort Hotel, 11 Culduthel Road.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.spanglefish.com/SwansofScotland
Different Visions Celebrate (DV8):
Youth group for young people 25 and under
who have issues with their sexuality or with
the sexuality of a member of their family. Drop
In Service 9-5pm at Eighteen And Under, 1
Victoria Road, Dundee. Offers a safe and
friendly environment to meet and discuss
issues affecting the LGBT community and our
families. Tel: Shaun on Dundee (01382)
206222.
E-mail: [email protected]
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY:
LGBT Youth D&G: Groups, volunteering and
support for LGBT people under 26 from
Dumfries and Galloway. Write: 88b High
Street, Dumfries. DG1 2RP. Tel: Dumfries
(01387) 255058. Text: 07785 274147.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
EDINBURGH:
LGBT Youth Scotland: The Citadel, 39/40
Commercial Street, Edinburgh. EH6 6JD.
Provides services and opportunities for LGBT
young people (13-25) in Edinburgh, the
Lothians, Fife, Borders, Tayside and Dumfries
& Galloway. The groups include drop-ins at
their Edinburgh offices for under-18's (Wed)
and for over 18's (Thu). They also have a
range of different opportunities to get involved
with, including volunteering and projects
involving video and arts work, and they offer
training services. Nationally, they run regular
events for young people to get involved in
local and national decision-making, and to
make new pals and have a laugh. Office Tel:
0131-555 3940 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm).
E-mail: [email protected]
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
GLASGOW:
LGBT Youth Scotland Youth Programmes:
Glasgow Head Office, 38 Queen Street,
Glasgow. G1 3Dx. Tel: 0141-548 8121.
Vivid Youth: For young LGBT people aged 1325. Group for 13-18 year olds: Tue 7-9.30pm.
Group for 18-25 year olds: Thu 7-9.30pm.
Contact for venue details.Tel: 0141-548 8121.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
HAMILTON:
Skittles LGBT Youth Group: For 16-25 year
olds. Meets Mon 6.30-10pm. Tel: Graham on
Hamilton (01698) 456680 during office hours.
E-mail: [email protected]
MORAY:
Big Deal: For under 26 year olds. Tel: 0845
2412151.
E-mail: [email protected]
PERTH:
LGBT Youth Group: Last Wed of each month.
Tel: 0141-548 8121. Text: 07781 481788.
E-mail: [email protected]
*denotes ScotsGay available
VENUES&EMPORIA
ABERDEEN
EDINBURGH
CHAPLINS*
20 Adelphi. Sun & Thu 9pm2am, Fri-Sat 9pm-3am. New
LGBT and Straight friendly
venue in old My Club premises.
ADULT CONCEPTIONS*
8 Drummond Street. Tel: 0131557 9413. Fax: 0131-557 8336.
Sun Noon-9pm, Mon-Sat
10am-9pm. Fem 2 Dom is at
25 Easter Road. Tel: 0131-623
6969. Licensed sex shops.
CHEERZ BAR & CLUB*
11 Hadden Street. Lively gay
bar and club with entertainment
and more.
MARKET ARMS*
13 Hadden Street. LGBT
friendly pub with karaoke 5
nights a week.
WELLMAN’S HEALTH
STUDIO*
218 Holburn Street. Tel:
(01224) 211441. Mon-Fri
Noon-10pm, Sat Noon-9pm,
Sun 2-9pm. 8-man Jacuzzi,
sauna, steamroom, café. Free
Internet access. Massage
available.
E-mail: rod@
wellmans-health-studio.co.uk
www.wellmans-healthstudio.co.uk
DUMFRIES
DUMFRIES LGBT CENTRE*
88b High Street. Tel: (01387)
255058. Text: 07781 481788.
Drop-in: Mon 3.30-5.30pm.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.lgbtcentredg.co.uk
STICKY
Sky Bar, The Venue, 6/7 Church
Place.Tel: (01387) 263623.
Infoline: (01387) 739888. 9pm2am. Last Fri of each month.
Club night.
www.clubsticky.co.uk
DUNDEE
ABODE*
22 St Andrew’s Street. Tel:
Dundee (01382) 223923.
Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun
12.30pm-Midnight. New LGBT
friendly bar and eaterie.
www.bebo.com/theabodebar
BAR CLOZET*
73-75 Seagate. Tel: Dundee
(01382) 690403. Sun 12.30Midnight, Mon-Sat 11amMidnight. Formerly The Gauger.
Karaoke Thu, Fri, Sun. Pool
table.
BROOKS BAR*
2 St Andrew’s Lane. Wed-Thu
7pm-Midnight, Fri-Sun 3pmMidnight. New gay bar.
JOCKS HEALTH
CLUB/SAUNA*
11 Princes Street. Tel: (01382)
451986. Noon-10pm. Sauna,
gym, steamroom, lockers,
lounge, cabins.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.jockssauna.co.uk
OUT*
124 Seagate. Tel: (01382)
200660. Wed-Sun 11pm2.30am. Good atmosphere,
very popular disco with wide
selection of sounds and the
occasional act/PA.
THE SALTY DOG*
9 Crichton Street. Sun-Tue
4pm-Midnight, Wed-Thu 2pmMidnight, Fri-Sat
11am-Midnight. Cosy little bar.
Newly opened.
THE AULD HOOSE*
23-25 St Leonards Street.
Tel: 0131-668 2934. Sun
12.30pm-1am, Mon-Sat Noon1am. Everybody-friendly real
ale bar. Food served: Mon-Sat
Noon-9.30pm, Sun 12.308pm.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.theauldhoose.co.uk
BLUE MOON CAFÉ*
1 Barony Street/36 Broughton
Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788
(Bar) or 0131-557 0911
(Office). Sat-Sun 10am-11pm,
Mon-Fri 11am-11pm. Food
served until 10pm. Popular
LGBT café.
www.bluemooncafe.co.uk
BOBBIE'S BOOKSHOP*
220 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131538 7069. Mon-Sat
10am-1pm, 2-5.30pm. Sells a
selection of gay magazines.
BOOTY*
GHQ, 4 Picardy Place. Tel:
0131-550 1780. Info Line:
07736 936650. Sun 11pm3am. Club night.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.club-booty.com
CAFÉ HABANA*
22 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131558 1270. 1pm-1am. Friendly
pre-club bar popular with locals
and visitors. Free WiFi
Internet.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.cafehabanaEH1.com
CAFÉ NOM DE PLUME*
60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131478 1372. Café/bar at the LGBT
Centre. Meals, snacks, drinks.
Free WiFi. Dogs welcome.
Outdoor smoking area.
E-mail:
[email protected]
C.C. BLOOM'S*
23-24 Greenside Place.
Tel: 0131-556 9331. Sun 9pm3am, Mon-Thu 8pm-3am,
Fri-Sat 6pm-3am. Two funky
floors! Disco every night from
11pm.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.bebo.com/
CCBloomsNightClub
DARE
SpeakEasy, 28 Blair Street. Tel:
0131-220 6176. 11pm-3am.
Last Sat of each month. Club
night with DJ Jon Pleased.
www.thecabaretvoltaire.com
DV8
Spiders Web Basement, 258
Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-228
1949. 8pm-1am. Last Fri of
each month. Fetish club.
http://dv8fetishclub.co.uk
EDINBURGH LGBT CENTRE*
58a and 60 Broughton Street.
Houses Café Nom De Plume
and Pride Scotia. Free WiFi
Internet access (sponsored by
ScotsGay). Bought in 1974 by
the Scottish Minorities Group,
it is the only LGBT-owned
LGBT Centre in the UK and is
also the oldest LGBT Centre
outwith the USA. Tel: 0131-556
9471. Meeting Room Booking
Tel: 07817 533337.
E-mail: edinburghlgbtcentre
@drink.demon.co.uk
ELBOW*
133-135 East Claremont Street.
Tel: 0131-556 5662. 11am1am. Breakfast until 6pm at
weekends, Lunch 11.30am6pm, Dinner 6pm-10pm. Bar
and restaurant.
www.elbowedinburgh.co.uk
ELECTRO-SEXUAL*
C.C. Bloom’s, 23-24 Greenside
Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331.
11pm-3am. First Fri of each
month. Club night.
www.facebook.com/
electroedinburgh
FRENCHIES BAR*
87-89 Rose Street Lane North.
Tel: 0131-225 6967.
Edinburgh’s oldest gay pub
now open after tasteful
refurbishment.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.frenchies-bar.com
GHQ*
4 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-550
1780. Tue-Sun 5pm-3am.
Stylish bar and club catering for
the capital's fashionable gay
crowd.
www.socialanimal.co.uk/
Edinburgh/GHQ
LGBT CENTRE FOR HEALTH &
WELLBEING*
9 Howe Street. Tel: 0131-523
1100. LGBT community centre
in the heart of the New Town
offering a range of events,
courses and activities. Also
provides meeting space for
community groups. See
website for listings.
Email:[email protected]
www.lgbthealth.org
LUVELY
Liquid Room, 9c Victoria Street.
Tel: 0131-225 2564. Info Line:
0131-657 4633. 10.30pm-3am.
1st Sat of each month. Club
night.
www.luvely.com
THE REGENT*
2 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131661 8198. Sun 12.30pm-1am,
Mon-Sat 11am-1am.
Edinburgh’s Gay Real Ale Pub.
CAMRA's Lesbian & Gay Real
Ale Drinkers meet here on the
1st Mon of the month (2nd
Mon in Aug) from 9pm.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.lagrad-edinburgh.org.uk
SATURDAY NIGHT BEAVER
SpeakEasy, 36 Blair Street. Tel:
0131-220 6176. 10.30pm-3am.
3rd Sat of each month. For gay
and bi women and LGBTI
friendly friends.
STEAMWORKS*
5 Broughton Market. Tel: 0131477 3567. Daily 11am-11pm.
Stylish sauna forming part of
busy gay hotel and sauna
complex in centre of gay
quarter. State-of-the-art
facilities including large spa
pool, sauna cabin, large steam
room, video room, labyrinth
with themed areas, café lounge,
free Internet access, tanning
booth. www.steamworkssauna.co.uk
THE STREET*
2 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-556
4272. Sun 12.30pm-1am,
Mon-Sat Noon-1 am. Small but
perfectly formed bar run by
Louise and Trendy Wendy.
www.thestreetbar.co.uk
TACKNO
The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West
Register Street. Tel: 0131-556
7060. 10pm-5am. One off club
nights with Trendy Wendy and
guests - see website for dates.
www.tackno.com
WORD POWER*
43-45 West Nicolson Street.
Tel: 0131-662 9112. Sun Noon5pm, Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.
Independent radical bookshop.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.word-power.co.uk
GLASGOW
NEW TOWN BAR*
26B Dublin Street. Tel: 0131538 7775. Sun 12.30pm-1am,
Mon-Thu Noon-1am, Fri-Sat
Noon-2am. Food: Mon-Fri
Noon-3pm. Popular and busy
gay bar. Free WiFi Internet
access.
E-mail: alanemerson
@newtownbar.co.uk
www.newtownbar.co.uk
AMBASSADORS RAINBOW*
41b York Street. Tel: 0141-237
3011. Mon-Thu NoonMidnight, Fri-Sun Noon-2am.
Sauna. Mon: Buddies Day (2
for 1), Wed: Towel Free Day, Fri:
TVs, CDs and Admirers Day,
Sun: £5 entry.
www.ambassadorsrainbow
.com
www.facebook.com/
ambassadors.rainbow
No EIGHTEEN*
18 Albert Place, Leith Walk. Tel:
0131-553 3222. Mon-Thu
Noon-10pm, Fri-Sun Noon11pm. The UK's first VAT
registered gay sauna! £10 (£8
concessions), £5 after 8pm.
www.number18sauna.com
BABYLON*
28 Bath Street. Tel: 0141-332
1377. Noon-8pm. New men
only sauna. Entry from £5. Free
Sunday breakfasts.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.babylonleisure.co.uk
PLANET*
6 Baxter's Place. Tel: 0131-556
5551. 1pm-1am. Popular and
busy gay bar with friendly staff.
Karaoke Sun-Thu from 9pm.
Nightly DJ.
E-mail:
[email protected]
BENNETS*
80-90 Glassford Street. Tel:
0141-552 5761. Wed-Mon
11.30pm-3am. Scotland's
oldest gay disco.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.bebo.com/bennetsniteclu
b
www.facebook.com/
bennetsniteclub
PRISCILLA'S CABARET BAR*
17 Albert Place, Leith Walk. Tel:
0131-554 8962. Sun 2pm1am, Mon-Fri Noon-1am, Sat
5-10am and 4pm-1am. Friendly
bar putting the fun back into
coming out!
E-mail:
[email protected]
Q-STORE
5 Barony Street. Tel/Fax: 0131477 4756. Sun 1-5pm, Mon-Fri
11am-7pm, Sat 11am-6pm.
Scotland's only licensed gay
store. Not just feelthy pictures lifestyle too!
CCA*
350 Sauchiehall Street. Tel:
0141-352 4900. Fax: 0141-332
3226. Café Tel: 0141-332 7959.
Sales & Info: The Centre for
Contemporary Arts. 6
performance and exhibition
spaces, café, bar. ScotsGay
available in bar.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.cca-glasgow.com
COURT BAR*
69 Hutcheson Street. Tel: 0141552 2463. Sun Noon-Midnight,
Mon-Sat 8am-Midnight.
Intimate bar. Straight friendly.
DELMONICA'S BAR*
68 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141552 4803. Noon-Midnight. DJs
nightly from 9pm. Thu: Quiz.
Sun: Karaoke.
www.socialanimal.co.uk/
GlasgowCityCentre/Delmonicas
FHQ*
10 John Street. Tel: 0141-553
5851. Mon-Wed 5pmMidnight, Thu 9pm-3am, Fri
5pm-2am, Sat-Sun Noon-2am.
Female only bar and club.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.socialanimal.co.uk/
GlasgowCityCentre/FHQ
LIQUID LOVE
Mansion House, The
Glasshouse, 20 Glassford
Street. Tel: 0141-553 4888. Thu
1130pm-3am. Club night.
E-mail: liquidloveglasgow
@yahoo.co.uk
LUKE & JACK*
45 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141552 5699. Mon-Sat
10.30am-6.30pm, Sun Noon5.30pm. Scotland’s newest
LGBT shop - locally owned and
independent. Sells aromas,
toys, lubes, magazines and
books, underwear, T-shirts,
gifts, etc.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.lukeandjack.co.uk
MERCHANT PRIDE
20 Candleriggs. Tel: 0141-564
1285. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight,
Mon-Fri 4pm-Midnight, Sat
Noon-Midnight. Bar in the heart
of the Merchant City.
MILK*
17 John Street. Mon-Fri 4pmMidnight, Sat-Sun 3pmMidnight. Gay bar (formerly
Scene).
http://moojuice.co/
MODA*
58 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141553 2553. Mon-Thu 5pm-1am,
Fri-Sun 5pm-3am. Fashionable
pub/club.
www.socialanimal.co.uk/
GlasgowCityCentre/Moda
THE PIPEWORKS*
5-10 Metropole Lane. Tel:
0141-552 5502. Mon-Thu
11.30am-11pm, Fri 11.30amSat 6am, Sat Noon- Sun 11pm.
Men's Health and Leisure Club.
Usual facilities. £13 (£10
concession).
www.thepipeworks.com
PLUSH
Orbis Nightclub, 10-36 Bell
Street. Tel: 0141-552 1212. Tue
11pm-3am. Club night.
www.orbisglasgow.com
POLO LOUNGE*
84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553
1221. Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, FriSun 5pm-3am. Long
established pub/club. Young
crowd. Club open Fri-Sun, £5
after 11pm.
www.socialanimal.co.uk/
GlasgowCityCentre/
Polo_Lounge
RELAX CENTRAL*
3rd Floor, 27 Union Street. Tel:
0141-221 0415. Sun Noon8.30pm, Mon-Sat
11.30am-10pm. Established
gay sauna. Entry £8.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.relaxcentral.co.uk
SILKS AND SECRETS*
308 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141572 1017. Fax: 0141-221 0959.
Sun Noon-5pm, Mon-Sat
10am-6pm. Clothes and toys
catering for gay, transvestite
and fetish tastes.
www.silksandsecrets.com
SPEAKEASY*
10 John Street. Tel: 0141-553
5851. Mon-Wed 5pmMidnight, Thu 5pm-3am, Fri
5pm-2am, Sat-Sun Noon-2am.
Fresh alternative to the gay
scene. Food served until 9pm.
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.socialanimal.co.uk/
GlasgowCityCentre/Speakeasy
TRON THEATRE CAFÉ BAR*
Chisholm Street. Tel: 0141-552
8587. Fax: 0141-552 6657. Sun
11am-Late, Mon-Sat 10amLate.
Friendly theatre bar. Mixed.
Good food.
www.tron.co.uk
UNDERGROUND*
6a John Street. Tel: 0141-553
2456. Mon-Fri Noon-Midnight,
Sat-Sun 1pm-Midnight.
A refreshing antidote to the
current gay scene. Free WiFi.
www.undergroundglasgow.com/
VIOLATE
Violate Club Line: 09099
108174 (75p per min at all
times) or 07939 723387.
BDSM Runs regular clubs at
the Big Joint in South Street,
Glasgow on the first Sat of the
month.
www.violate.co.uk
THE WATERLOO*
306 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141248 7216. Sun
12.30pm-Midnight, Mon-Sat
Noon-Midnight. Popular,
crowded, down to earth
drinking shop. Scotland's
oldest gay bar. Busy, busy,
busy!
www.waterloobar.co.uk
WEDNESDAYS
The Tunnel, 84 Mitchell Street.
Tel: 0141-204 1000. 1st Wed of
each month. 11.30pm-3am.
Club night.
www.tunnelglasgow.co.uk
INVERURIE
VALLURE CAFE & WINE BAR*
Garioch Centre. Tel: Inverurie
(01467) 622966. New gay
friendly establishment.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.vallure.co.uk
STIRLING
ALBION BAR*
51 Barnton Street. Tel: (01786)
461252. Mixed bar. Bar meals
available.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.albionbar.com
STORNOWAY
AN LANNTAIR*
Kenneth Street. Tel: (01851)
703307. Mon-Sat 8.30am-Late.
LGBT friendly arts centre with
bar and restaurant. Real ale.
E-mail: [email protected]
www.lanntair.com
ScotsGay
a monthly magazine for
LGBT folk and friends.
ISSN: 1357-0595. Unless otherwise stated
© Pageprint Ltd, Sep 2011. PO Box 666,
Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. Non profit use of
material in the magazine, will normally be
permitted free of charge, but you must
contact us first for permission.
Views expressed in ScotsGay don't
necessarily reflect the views of ScotsGay.
People featured in ScotsGay may identify
as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, straight,
some, all, or none of the above.
Editorial: 0131-539 0666
[email protected]
Advertising: 07850 576106
[email protected]
Editor John Hein
Advertising Martin Mann
Design Holly Wodehouse
SCOTTISHLADS
Hundreds of HOT Scottish guys
waiting for your call
Text, Chat and Share pics
Listen to HOT and Horny
Confessions
CALL
08712
333 310
TEXT
SCOTS’
‘S
TO
85722
SE XY CONFESSIONS CALL
09097 908 110
18+ Calls to 08712 cost 10p per minute. Calls to 09097 cost £1.53p per
minute. Calls from mobiles may be considerably more. Texts cost 50p
WR UHSO\ WR PHVVDJHV S WR UHFLHYH SUR¿OHV %LOOHG LQ DGYDQFH LQ
£5 segments. First £5 FREE, available to new customers only.
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
s
FFree/Discounted
/Di
t d Entr
E
Entry
ty
Free Cloakroom
Free Mixer On All Drinks Friday/Satu
Friday/Saturday
urday
Monthly Prize Dr
raw
Draw
Q Jump
Free Bubbly On Y
our Bir
thday
Your
Birthday
Discounted Room
m Hire
First W
ith News Of Upcoming Eventss
With
Benefits Change Monthly
For full
f details, please see www
www.bennetsnightclub.com
w.bennetsnightclub.com
.bennetsnigh
htclub.com
The Management
M
reser
reserve
ve the right to
t change or withdraw these offers
o
at any time
90 Glassford Street, Gla
Glasgow,
asgow, G1 1UR - 0141 552
2 5761