SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland ScotsGay 80/- Heavy - Issue 36 - October 2000 ELECTRONIC EDITION ***Now available on the Web: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe information is now at the END of the magazine. All Material Copyright (c) Pageprint Limited 2000. Permission is hereby given to distribute this material provided that this copyright notice is included and that distribution is specifically for non-profitmaking reasons. Distribution for profit must be done only with prior written consent of the magazine any deviation from this will be seen as an infringement of copyright. Hardcopies are limited to one per person for personal use only and such hard copies are subject to the same copyright restrictions as laid out above. The printed edition of ScotsGay is available by post at the following rates: 6 issue sub (UK & EC) 6ukp 6 issue sub (Overseas) 12ukp 12 issue sub (UK & EC) 12ukp 12 issue sub (Overseas) 24ukp Make Cheques and POs payable to 'Pageprint'or 'ScotsGay'and send them to: Subscriptions ScotsGay Magazine PO Box 666 Edinburgh Scotland EH7 5YW Inside this issue: Editorial News Scottish Media Monitor Granny Spice Joy Chart ScotsDyke Glasgow Edinburgh Aberdeen Dundee Bi-Vocal Fiction can be jast as strange as the truth Films Arts Books and Video International ScotsGay Voice Personals Boxes - the ScotsGay Meet Market Listings Helplines Venues -------------------------------------------------------------------- Editorial ========= I'm getting increasingly worried about the way that the debate within our community on gay marriage is going. It seems to be some sort of totem of LGBT campaigners that the state should be forced to accept formalised same gender relationships and afford them exactly the same status as those formalised between people of opposite genders. On the grounds of equality, this is totally unexceptionable. However, the radical position used to be quite different. The argument then was that we should do away with the artificial construct of marriage and relate sexually to other people in freely negotiated individual arrangements that weren't necessarily constrained by monogamy or constancy. As we couldn't marry, gays had to work out things from first principles rather than apeing heterosexual marriage and the apparent fluidity of gay relationships was seen as an exemplar of how the new liberated order might work for everybody. Personally, I don't have any problem with people wanting to mark their relationships as they see fit. What I do object to is that marriage is so often promoted as 'better' than any other way of organising our lives and bribes are paid by the State to encourage people to marry or remain married. What of people who wish to remain truly single - either being celibate or having only casual sex? Are their living arrangements worthy of lesser respect than those of married couples? Surely not! I worry too that the extension of married 'benefits' to gay people will also mean that we can find ourselves unwittingly or unwillingly entering into Scots Law marriages 'by habit and repute' simply by living together with someone for a time. After some 13 years of an open relationship, longer than most 'proper' marriages, I'd be caught in this way and the State would be able to impose a standard 'fits everybody' set of financial rules on our relationship. Realistically, though, much as I may think that marriage sucks, I recognise that its sheer familiarity means that many people will continue to be attached to the idea and abolition isn't really an option. Instead, why don't we campaign for the Privatisation of Marriage as something far too important to let the State meddle in? If you want a superstitious marriage, go to a church, mosque or synagogue and submit to the rules of your chosen denomination. If you want a Humanist marriage, then let a Humanist officiant do their thing. If you want married by Mr Tesco, get enough points on your Clubcard. If you want married by the publican of your local boozer, then drink enough beer... In short - choose the type of marriage that suits you. Or don't. And we'd all be equal in the eyes of the law, because none of it would have any kind of legal recognition whatsoever. A potentially truly popular Privatisation scheme that wouldn't fuck our railways, bugger the NHS or generally ruin our public services. You know it makes sense! John Hein ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NEWS ==== Centre Forward This November sees the 25th anniversary of the Edinburgh Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre - the oldest surviving project of its kind in Britain. The project, set up in 1975 by the Scottish Minorities Group, aims to benefit the community by promoting the well being, both mental and physical of Lesbians, Gay Men and Bisexuals. David Ben Aryeah, one of the founding members, recalls why the project was set up: "Well, back in the old days, there was a terrible stigma attached to gay people. Gays were targeted by the police and the effects of being found out be involved in any homosexual activity could mean being sent to prison or fined. There was also a lot of nastiness flung at gays like blackmail and physical violence and the press would 'out' you in the worst possible way". "A crowd of us used to meet in the Kenilworth in Rose Street which, like most pubs back then, shut at 10pm, so we would move on to Crawfords in Hanover Street which was a late night cafÇ and that was open till 11. It was the late Ian Dunn who first came up with the idea of setting up the Scottish Minorities Group. He felt that we needed to find a safe space where we could socialise, so he and Fr Anthony Ross, the Chaplain of the Catholic Chaplaincy Centre, came up with the idea of holding Edinburgh's first gay disco in the hall of the Chaplaincy Centre. The first disco which was a big success and about 60 people turned up. There were a few who looked out of place with their shiny black shoes, polo sweaters and casual jackets - the only thing that was missing was the blue flashing lights on their heads. It was obvious they were the police vice squad hoping to catch us out, but there was no illegal activity going on, no fondling or outrageous activity." "The disco was a good source of income and after 3 months we managed to raise enough money to rent a basement room in Broughton Street. In the beginning there was a lot of opposition from the locals but a lot of good work was done and better relations built. Ian Dunn was amazing in what he achieved, he was the first gay to put his head above the parapet, he was always available to the media and would always give a reasoned response." "I was away in Israel after that for about 20 years and in 1995 I returned to Edinburgh and remember standing on the steps of the Centre on Gay Pride Day and looking down the street. There were 3,000 gays marching - out of the shadows, proud, open and the stigma of criminality gone. There were tears in my eyes - that little disco had come a long way". A major refurbishment has been taking place in the Centre over the past 2 years, and organizations using it include Pride Scotland, The Equality Network, Gay Dads' Group and Stonewall's Youth Project. Peter Holt, one of the Directors, said that "I have seen businesses and users come and go, each leaving their own special mark on the Centre. It has become an international meeting place for Gay men, Lesbians, Bisexuals and the Transgendered Community. We are also proud to have the 'new look' Nexus CafÇ Bar - the heart of the whole operation. We have Atomix, a shop appealing to a wider clientäle than previous retail outlets. Also an holistic health practice operates from here and offers therapeutic massage amongst many other alternative therapies." "The Centre as a whole is a very positive force within the Gay Community and I am very proud to be part it". Diane Armstrong Programme of events: Monday 13th @ 6pm - Open Evening/Press Launch. Refreshments will be served. Tuesday 14th @ 6pm - AGM/Live music night. Refreshments will be served. Wednesday 15th @ 8pm - Atomix Fashion Night. Including piercing & body jewellery launch. Thursday 16th @ 8pm - Comedy Night. Stand-up and laughs galore! Friday 17th @ 8pm - Fantasy Casino Night Prizes and drinks promos. Saturday 18th @ 8pm - Party night at Nexus. Need we say more? Sunday 19th @ 7pm - Black-Tie Jubilee Dinner & Auction Top chef Joana Martinez & unlimited wine! Full details available from the Centre. + Donald Dewar As ScotsGay went to press, Scotland's LGBT equality groups were contemplating the sudden death of First Minister Donald Dewar. As Secretary of State for Scotland from 1997 to 1999, Mr. Dewar was responsible for the Scotland Act which set up the Scottish Parliament. He oversaw the establishment of a Parliament with strong structures and procedures to promote equality; one whose membership is closer to being gender-balanced than almost any other Parliament in the world. Donald Dewar was passionate about social justice, and LGBT people were not excluded from his idea of equality. In his speech to the Labour Party conference two weeks before his death, Mr. Dewar singled out the repeal of Section 28 as one of the main achievements of the first year of the Parliament. "Scotland did not keep the clause," he said, "Section 28 is gone." By the time you read this, the Scottish Labour Party will have chosen its new leader, who will be confirmed as First Minister by the Scottish Parliament at the start of November. Somewhat worryingly, the two principal candidates, Henry McLeish and Jack McConnell, were two of the three "Big Macs", who, according to the Daily Record, wanted earlier this year to give more concessions to the Keep the Clause campaign. Henry McLeish seems most likely to emerge as the new First Minister, and Labour insiders suggest that his dubious position over Section 28 was more a matter of cultivating support in Scotland's largest circulation newspaper, than specific opposition to LGBT equality. Equality groups will be watching developments carefully, and continuing to campaign for the Executive and Parliament's real commitment to equality and justice. Tim Hopkins Family Law White Paper - Is it enough? The Scottish Executive's White Paper Parents and Children proposes to do a lot of good things. Certainly consideration of the SLC's reports The Grounds for Divorce (1989) and Family Law (1992) is long overdue. Jim Wallace wants to support families in transition, protect vulnerable partners and modernise Scottish family law. But there are some rather strange proposals and omissions which could do with some scrutiny. Illegitimacy as a status is to go - good. But children will still be treated differently depending on the marital status of their parents. The child whose father is married to their mother has two parents with automatic parental responsibilities and rights - the child born of unmarried parents does not. The Executive's proposal is that only where the unmarried father is allowed to jointly register the birth will he have 'automatic' parental responsibilities. So children will still be treated differently because their parents are unmarried they won't be illegitimate just different. The policy is said to exclude unmeritorious fathers. If that is valid, why not require that all parents prove their worth and is marriage or joint registration always a good test of parental suitability? The proposals to reduce the period of separation for divorce from 5 years to 2 without consent and from 2 years to 1 with consent is welcome. But the Executive also ask 'should the fault grounds of adultery and unreasonable behaviour be merged into a single fault ground?' First year students know there is only one ground of divorce (neither of the above) and hopefully know that fault based divorce is an anachronism. One worrying proposal is to allow a court to 'require a declaration that the parties have taken the necessary steps to dissolve the marriage according to the religious usages' of the parties (para 8.5). Why should the facilities of the civil law of Scotland be denied, even temporarily, to persons brought up in particular religious groups? Which religions will be recognised; what of competing doctrinal interpretations? Is this really modernisation? Finally, the proposals to tackle domestic abuse and provide (minimal) financial protection for cohabiting couples are welcome, so far as they go. But same-sex couples and their children have, it seems, been forgotten. Perhaps the answer lies in the definition of domestic abuse used by, eg, the Executive's Scottish Partnership on Domestic Abuse which denies that domestic abuse can occur between same-sex couples. Why provide protection if your definition of domestic abuse requires a male perpetrator and a female victim? Whatever the reason, the Scottish Parliament cannot legislate to provide protection for mixed-sex couples and their children yet exclude same-sex couples and their children. This would breach Convention Rights and is, therefore, simply outwith the Parliament's competence. The Executive must seek either to remove rights from all cohabitants or extend them regardless of sexual orientation (see coverage of Da Silva Mouta v Portugal (App #33290/26) in 2000 SCOLAG Feb p34). Perhaps the Executive will take these criticisms as something of a compliment. Their proposals are not radical enough but they can get there. Otherwise there would be no point in commenting. Brian Dempsey Condoms The Healthy Gay Scotland Condoms by Post scheme has been in operation for a while but it wasn't being as well used as it could be. Now with lots of advertising and the new look web site; within the first week of going on-line, HGS has already had more requests than they'd had in the last six months. There are lots of gay men all across Scotland who use the Internet for all sorts of things, this is an ideal way to reach them with the safer sex message. Condoms are of course freely available in gay bars in the cities but HGS are really trying to provide condoms for men who don't have such easy access. If you live outside the bigger towns it can sometimes be difficult buying KY and condoms. So now you can get them direct to your door and the chemist need never know! You can get your free condoms at http://www.hgscotland.org.uk/ where you will also find lots of links and information. Networking Equality Network are holding their annual conference in Glasgow on Sunday 5th November. Starting at 10.30am in the Scottish Trades Union Centre, 333 Woodlands Road, the conference will consider Family Values - What sort of partnership recognition do we want in the new Scotland? Details from Equality Network (see Listings). Valete Austins in Glasgow, The City Bar in Aberdeen and Bar Xs in Dundee have all shut their doors in the last week. New Name Dundee LGB Switchboard has changed its name to Diversitay (LGBT Group) following the award of funding until 2003 by Tayside Health Board. They are to launch a new newsletter called Eligibility. When In Roam ROAM (the Edinburgh service for male sex industry workers and cruising men) have published a new leaflet outlining their services. It's available from the Spittal Street Centre. Christians Asleep The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement has been wound up in Scotland. Apparently there were no leaders although there were plenty to be led. Fife Fife Men are conducting a survey on homophobia. Called, 'Homophobia Can Kill', questionnaires can be obtained from Fife Men's office in Kirkcaldy. (See Listings) Meanwhile, Fife Constabulary have adopted a progressive policy on policing the LGBT community. Liaison Outright Scotland have proposed to the Justice Department of the Scottish Executive and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland that a Scottish National Police LGBT Liaison Group be set up. Organ Outright Scotland are continuing with plans to resurrect Gay Scotland as a monthly news magazine. Glasgow Call The Glasgow World AIDS Day Service Group is looking for help in setting up this year's non religious Service which is to be held in The Arches at 7.30pm on 1st December. Phone: 0141-332 5925. Write: c/o Body Positive Strathclyde, 3 Park Quadrant, Glasgow. G3 6BS. E-mail: gwads@bigfoot.com Pussy Body Positive Strathclyde held a recent open day for cat lovers, inspired by the charity Therapist. More than 30 humans attended along with 4 felines. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Scottish Media Monitor ====================== Garry Otton Fights Colour Prejudice Against Pigs! "Censors allow more smut in movies rated for teenagers" huffed the Daily Mail over news that the British Board of Film Classification was relaxing its rules. It means "films featuring casual sex and nudity would more easily gain a 15 rating while there will be no constraints on the levels of nakedness or horror that can be shown under an 18 rating". It means that the "notorious" film Deep Throat can now be seen uncut for the first time since its release almost 30 years ago. While BBFC director Robin Duval made a stand against Britain's obsessive nannying, The Scotsman's frumpy Linda Watson-Brown slung on her apron and wagged a podgy finger: "No matter how devotedly the pornographers adopt the language of the anti-censorship, free speech movement, what they produce is very often little more than documented evidence of criminal acts". Eager to twist this into yet another excuse for some anti-porn hectoring, she barked: "What can appear to be consensual may not be. What may appear to be liberal may not be. What may appear to be a blow for personal freedom may not be". And what may appear to be an open-minded female writer without a hidden agenda may not be. So, with The Herald's opinion outweighed by superstitionists and moral conservatives and The Scotsman dishing out moral guidance from an embittered anti-porn campaigner, liberal readers will have to look outside Scotland for a balanced broadsheet. Ms Watson-Brown could hardly contain herself after having discovered PORNsweeper, a helpful device that filters out all that nasty porn we are sent on the Internet while we are supposed to be working. This is marvellous! It recognises the harmless stuff by how the models strike a pose! It can even assess the amount of exposed skin on an image file! But it has some drawbacks. Because of the similarity in skin tone, you could easily set off the alarm by downloading a few pictures of your favourite piglet! This could spark a revival in - if not dressed pigs - those lovely black and white Victorian prints of frilly knickerbockers and spanked bottoms just to avoid displaying colour! Once again, someone wrote in to congratulate Ms Watson-Brown on her piece. Surprise, surprise! It was Catherine Harper from Scottish Women Against Pornography. Soon after, the daft bitch was at it again attacking 'straight' lad's magazine, Loaded. "The new pornbrokers..." she gasped. "Open a copy of any of the sad little lad's mags in your local filth-friendly newsagent and you will see just as much naked flesh and pathetic double-entendres as in honest pornographic fare higher up the shelves". A pic of a naked Germaine Greer in (oh God, not another) piece by Watson-Brown had her sharply reprimanding Professor Greer for her "NAKED STUPIDITY". She looked far from "uncomfortable" to me, but that was how this deranged feminist saw it before setting about filling in the blanks and answering her own questions. "Is it not then a bit rich to deny these women the chance to cavort cheesily across the pages of this month's skin mags if that is what they opt for?" she asked. "No it is not," she sniffed. "They may think they are posing for a tasteful photograph... but it comes with a price". Watson-Brown suggested the Daily Mail "and other family newspapers" were trying to present such activities in "a sanitised, acceptable manner" while "the lad mags who have made such a profitable industry of pornography for the masses resort to something slightly less than post-feminist analysis in their accompanying texts." Great! Nothing like a bit of post-feminist analysis while you have a wank! Behind the church's powerful autocracy lurk its tawdry secrets. A string of allegations against the Order of the Poor Sisters of Nazareth brought about Judgement Day in the High Court in Aberdeen for Sister Alphonso, alias Marie Theresa Docherty. Former children from the orphanage lined up to provide testimonies of daily beatings, the force-feeding of a little girl with her own vomit, the wrapping of bed-wetters in their urine-soaked sheets and the plunging of a little girl into a cold bath in the middle of an epileptic fit, an illness which Sister Alphonso was supposed to have described as "the work of the devil". There were lads dropped into scalding baths and the 'cleansing' of menstruating girls by immersing them in baths filled with Jeyes disinfectant. 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. One woman claimed Sister Alphonso had dragged her by her hair and beat her head so hard against a wall it broke her front teeth leaving only the stumps. Louise Clark told the same court how she had been beaten mercilessly simply for not attending church. Sister Alphonso led a disciplined life herself. She told the court how as a child she had pulled down her knickers and asked her father to beat her. At the Aberdeen home where she worked, Sister Al gave the girls a good talking to after she caught them watching a forbidden TV programme, Top of the Pops. Despite money stashed in overseas accounts to pay for what was expected to be a string of compensation claims, the Catholic Church were not giving up easily. They appointed a team of top lawyers, including former Solicitor General Paul Cullen, QC and stood by Sister Alphonso. A Scottish Catholic Church source said: "The view within the church is that she deserves sympathy, not more punishment. The church will rally round her..." In a prepared statement, the Rt Rev Mario Conti, the rather camp Catholic Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney explained: "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...(others and) 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 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 gasped, "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". On the grounds of her age, state of health, lack of previous convictions and the time that had passed since the crimes were committed Marie Docherty was free to walk away. Before doing so she whispered a polite 'thank you' to Sheriff Colin Harris. The Scottish Daily Mail tried to "put this case in perspective" and suggested that what Sister Alphonso did "was not in the same category as the more sordid offences involving paedophile priests and social workers" assuring readers in an editorial: "There was no sexual element involved". While this was all going on, of course, Frances Edmonds, a 35-year-old mother - the Scottish Sun referred to as a "blonde... seductress" - was jailed for 12 months and placed on the sex offenders' register for 10 years for having consensual sex with two 14-year-old boys. There are plenty of other allegations against similar institutions run by the Catholic Church. Not so long ago the Big Issue in Scotland 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 sexuality's. 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 'Sexfinder General', not usually reluctant to give sound bites to the press decided to leave it to his secretary to explain to the Big Issue in Scotland: "It's nothing to do with us any longer". In his obituary in The Scotsman, Hugh Farmer wrote: "...Just as when he was handling the good news, Fr Tom made himself available to the media and didn't hide the facts". The shrine of the Catholic Church's chief apologist Fatima Katie Grant was open for worship in Scotland on Sunday. She was dismissive of the allegations against the Catholic Church - "...many, let us not forget, turning out to be completely false and unsubstantiated... fertile territory for ingenious headline writers". She recommended the Church "keep its head" and solidly advised they respond to "unfair headlines" by modelling itself on Christ. For its ruthless and unapologetic persecution of queers over the centuries I have little sympathy for the Catholic's political power base and even less for Katie Grant's whingeing of "a kind of hysteria abroad". She cried: "Soon... Catholic priests will be accused not only of abusing children but eating them too. All nuns will be branded monsters and anybody voluntarily taking a vow of chastity a potential pervert..." What goes around comes around, lovey! Katie Grant's alma mater, the Scottish Daily Mail was still struggling to promote marriage as some God-given equal to birth and death with a picture of MP Paul Boateng "and wife Janet". Apparently, the MP had "broke ranks" with Labour to promote it. All the Scottish Executive was doing was proposing to reduce the time it took to get a divorce, particularly for victims of abuse. The White Paper on family law also promised unmarried fathers the same rights as those who were married. The Scottish Daily Mail lifted up their voices in disgust and cast around for those singing from the same hymn-sheet. "...Divorce goes up unless you strengthen marriage," insisted Gordon Macdonald of Christian family values group CARE. Father Danny McLaughlin for the Catholics chipped in with: "...Making divorce easier is not helpful as far as supporting marriage is concerned. It is lessening the value of marriage". And crackpot Tory Phil Gallie asked: "What evidence is there to suggest that speedier divorces will benefit children?" Walmer Crescent in Glasgow, designed by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, is under threat from water erosion. Not from the eternal Glasgow rain but from Ranger's supporters pissing up against the 'B' listed crescent. The Glasgwegian quoted travel agent Jim MacKenzie's disgust at further dirty doings - and he wasn't talking about 'number twos', I'm sure! "Dumping is also a huge problem here..." and how "the situation is so bad council notices have been erected threatening fines of GBP 20,000 on anyone caught dumping out the front" Poor Billy Robertson, 12, was "left stunned" after he opened a packet of Walker's crisps and found a condom. He and mum June from Dundee "were horrified" according to the Scottish Sun. She said: "It can't be right that condoms end up in a product that is so popular with kids... Being a parent is hard enough without having to explain the birds and the bees to young kids and I think it's disgraceful that I should have been put in that position". For goodness sake, June... Anyone would think the condom had been used! Under demonic Martin Clarke, the Daily Record once made a cynical reference to splits in the gay community, imagining us "at each others throats" over who deserved the credit for repealing Section 28. Ironic then, that in the Sunday Times Scotland we should be reading how "hardline Keep the Clause campaigners have rounded on their former patron Stagecoach tycoon Brian Souter" after the Family Action Movement (FAM), "a militant offshoot" of Keep the Clause was fielding its own candidate in the Falkirk West by-election. 'Sophie' Souter instead gave his backing to the repeal-supporting SNP and got his private mouth, Jack Irvine to explain he was "realistic enough" to know Hugh Lynch's mob were only likely to field "a few hundred votes". Funny that! Even funnier was the reference to FAM being "hardline" and a "militant offshoot". And the reporter...? Mastermind of some of the most homophobic reporting ever seen in Scotland... It was the Daily Record's Carlos Alba. The 'Sexfinder General', Monsignor Tom Connolly is dead. The hated 66-year-old homophobic spokesman for the Catholic Church died of liver cancer. The Scotsman wrote that he was "privately on the church's more liberal wing... he was nonetheless accepted by all sections and managed to weave a diplomatic course when asked to comment on potentially divisive issues". Which just shows how much The Scotsman knows! I wonder what part of the word 'liberal' the 'Sexfinder General' didn't understand? He thought men kissing was "in bad taste" and after lesbians were offered their own health clinic said: "I would have thought they would have wanted to be treated as normal people..." He campaigned against the expression of erotica describing sexy Scottish Contacts magazine as "vulgar, depraved, sick and dangerous". He believed homosexual acts were wrong. He supported inequality and discrimination. He was against an equal age of consent, supported Section 28 and wanted 'family values' placed in the school curriculum. He spoke about boys treating girls as "playthings... out for what they can get..." leaving girls "soiled and disreputable." He was against proper sex education, describing 14-year-olds who were taught it as "not mature enough..." saying: "The more sex education, the more condoms, the more pills that are handed out, the more pregnancies there are. The root cause of the problem is discipline." Beneath his distorted logic lurked hypocrisy. After the Catholic Church spent years covering up the activities of its priests, he sent his blessing to Desmond Lynagh, a convicted sex offender after he announced his plans to marry. "The church is a church of forgiveness..." he reminded everyone. "We wish him every blessing and hope that he goes forward and learns from the sadness of his past." Yet, after he learned of incentives awarded to prisoners for good behaviour, he told the Scottish Daily Mail: "I always assumed that people were put in prison because they had done something wrong. It should not be a question of giving somebody sweeties because they've done something good." Amongst The Scotsman's platitudes, they claimed newspaper journalists would remember the first priest to be put in charge of the Church's Media Office "affectionately". (The Herald attributed this to Ann Davies, a former Press Officer for the Church of Scotland). Former editor of the Catholic Herald, Hugh Farmer - who added that the media had lost "a true friend and colleague" - penned Connolly's obituary in the broadsheets. Skilled in expounding the Church's right-wing propaganda, the 'Sexfinder General' was sufficiently respected by the Pope to be appointed to the Pontifical Commission for Social Communication. In 1998 he was made a Prelate of Honour with the title of Monsignor. His deft handling of the media ensured the Church's propaganda gained a high profile. He helped form the Catholic Broadcasting Centre under the guidance of BBC broadcaster Bishop Angelus Andrew. With the growth of commercial radio stations, it grew in strength. He was also a member of the International Association for Catholic Broadcasters (UNDA), the Vatican's worldwide organisation for Catholic broadcasters, and was a member of the consultative committee of the Media and Theological Education course at Edinburgh University. In his office, he left a framed photograph of himself with Pope John Paul II, and - although he never discussed football - one of a gay icon: Former Rangers football star Ally McCoist. garryotton@bigfoot.com A new book by Garry Otton is under preparation. http://www.SCOTTISHMEDIAMONITOR.com (c) Garry Otton 2000 cut it out! * Linda Watson-Brown gave Germaine Greer a good slapping for baring her all in Daily Mail (and copied by The Scotsman): "Celebrities are no more than stripping slappers desperate for any attention, no matter what context". * Sounding like he was flapping round the ward in nothing more than a sheet, 'Geraldine' Warner impressed a nurse with his impersonation of Monty Python and his recurring nightmare in Scotland on Sunday: "This clause is no more... It is dead... This is a deceased democracy!" * Tom 'Brigadier' Brown in the Daily Record finds "IVF for infertile couples is one thing..." but if born to caring gay couples are "Frankenstein babies". * An unhappy sibling - sure her mum would be shocked if she found out dad was accessing erotica on the Internet - dropped Old Mother Burnie a line in the Daily Record. After writing dad off as a "dirty old man", Old Ma Burnie told her to speak to him and "tell him yourself that you don't like having this filth in your home, which might shame him into behaving himself". * Found in Milngavie Primary School's newsletter on its motto: "Each Aids The Other". Parents were told: "In view of the additional meaning of the word AIDS we are looking for a replacement motto". What a modern, progressive lot we are today! * The truth according to Scotland on Sunday is that the Scottish Executive is focusing on "political correctness" at the expense of "more pressing issues... That is how the controversy over the repeal of Section 28 is largely viewed in hindsight in Scotland, especially since the UK parliament conveniently ditched its commitment to repeal the same section in England and Wales because it discovered it had better things to do with its time". Pants! Like your paper, McGurk! -------------------------------------------------------------------- Granny Spice ============ Hello sweet things! How my old ass is burning. Never being one to be outdone, I just had to get myself an angiogram, because of little problems with the "old" ticker. Needless to say they told me I'm going to need some repairs in that department. I had to make light of the occasion, and fairly shocked the dishy young doctor who was pressing on my groin to stay the blood flow post angio . "I'm sorry to say this is going to mean surgery!", he said. Your old grannie's reaction? "Tell me doctor, could you possibly enhance my tits a little more at the same time? Oh and while you're at it get rid of the 3-piece suite- no one wants to sit on it anyway!" Two for the price of one so to speak! Got to keep a sense of humour girls! So that's it I'll be going under the knife at some time in the future, and will keep you posted. Sadly this issue we report the passing of Donald Dewar. I knew Donald personally from my days as a researcher and always found him a kind man. We do have his party to thank for their Clause 28 fight and hopefully our future Scotland will be all that he desired in terms of Social Justice notwithstanding his vehement waspish and homopobic critics like Frau Warner in Scotland on Sunday. Needless to say they'll only be silent until they find a new target. Of lighter things, I hear from a wee highland bird that the lady Carlotta has descended on Glasgow's Merchant City and taken up residence therein after a number of years' absence. We wish her well on her return from her exile in Malaga and hope that Glasgow will once more hear the clash of her castanets once heard at her famous bashes in Finnieston! My editor mentioned that our Gordon was seeking makeup tips from me- somewhat shocked I thought Gosnell was turning to the skirt- only to discover that the tips are for some pretty diminutive creative he's escorting to the ball! I hope she doesn't get too used to the frocks, Gordon, you'll have to dish out more than pocket money if she gets the habit! We were priviliged to have the presence of Her Serene Highness Grace of Leadhills in town socialising for a couple of weeks. She didn't bring any of her shepherd lads with her and I was most disappointed- in fact she seemed to spend most of the time scrubbing out the Lady Shona's new palace in the sky from where she reports with her binoculars she has an excellent view of the goings on in Queens Park- so watch it girls or she'll be faxing me the naughty details! It's October again and the drag Queens to be are flushing out the charity shops to look their best at the ball. What I always find strange is that the guys who look down on the trannies all year can't wait to get into a frock for one night! Tra la la I say! Slap it on and look your best! Nothing quite like the the touch of silk against the skin and the air flushing through your legs to get the men going! Had a chat with Goldilocks over the garden wall the other week and she said I really ought to get out and about a bit more despite the ailments and problems with stalkers- I think I'm about to take her advice and may be making a reappearance fairly soon to boost my spirits! Will be paying a visit to Manchester before the next edition as Lady Brenda has gotten herself a new apartment there and is now a 2-city jump- she promises me much fun which I will report back on to you after the visit. At time of going to press I'm only having to report that Thomas the Tank, the Lanarkshire stud, seems to have settled down in some sort of menage with a lesbian person- shock horror! Then I discovered its only Lanarkshire's Larry the Lamb come back home! How things go round in circles! Keep the peckers up and rubberised now that the cold nights are drawing in, love each other with kindness and see you all next month. Love and safe fucks, Beti beti@drink.demon.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------- Joy Dance Chart =============== 1 Datar B Hooj Choons 2 Way Out West The Fall (Bedrock Vocal Mix) BMG 3 SPX Straight to the Point (Commie Remix/X-Cabs Remix) Inversus 4 Schiller Das Glockenspiel (Humate Remix) Data 5 Junkie XL Bon Voyage Manifesto 6 Roland & Danny Switch Sim 7 V-One Dead Cities EP: Clouds in the Sky Lost Language 8 Ski Oakenfull Fifths (The Pascal FEOS Remix) INCtraxx 9 Tenth Planet Ghosts (The Rocco Mix) Conception 10 Lost Witness 7 Colours (Moguai Instrumental) Data 11 Steve Lawler Rise'In (16B Remix) Bedrock 12 James Holden's Ariane Eternity (Original Mix) Hope 13 Laurent Garnier The Man With the Red Face (Jan Driver Mix) Pias 14 Jaya Stellar (Arksun Remix) Inversus 15 Circulation PH1 Headstart 16 Kosheen Catch (Grayed Out Vocal) Moksha 17 Grace Jones vs. Funkstar De Luxe Pull Up To the Bumper (Funk's Extension Mix) Edel 18 Rey Over My Shoulder (Jack's Deep Pan Mix) Volume 19 Taiko Uno, Dos, Tres, Quatro (Die Blechtrommel) (Nick Sentence Remix) Incentive 20 Gigi D'Agostino Bla Bla Bla (Megamind Mix/Mario Piu Remix) Media -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ScotsDyke ========= Sesti porci questi romani Cristina Meloni is a 38 year old Italian gay woman who has lived in Scotland for the past 16 years and now considers herself Scottish. She came out to her family in Italy 10 years ago and I was intrigued to find out the difference between coming out here in Britain and in a very religious city like Rome. Heather What age were you when you realised you were gay? Cristina: I was very young when I realised but never came out till much later Heather: Did growing up in Rome with its strong Catholic culture put you off coming out? Cristina: Yes, I felt that I had to leave Rome to find myself Heather: Did you find it hard accepting yourself having been brought up as a strict Catholic? Cristina: I found it hard admitting it to myself as the way I was brought up I was told it was wrong and I believed it, so that was probably the hardest bit overcoming that to get where I am today. Heather: You never told your family you were gay until you moved to Scotland. Was this because you were afraid of the reaction you would get? Cristina: Yes, I was scared that they would not accept me and I was afraid that I would devastate them, but I am very glad now that I did tell them. Heather: How did your family react to you telling them you were gay? Cristina: My Mum and Dad asked me why I never told them I had "this problem" and when I told them it was not a problem they started blaming each other. I told them it was no fault of theirs but I understand how difficult it is for them to accept it and still now they think it's just a phase and I'm 38 years old. Heather: What is the main difference you notice with society and how they react to gay people in Italy compared to Scotland? Cristina: We are much more open here in Scotland and I find that your sexuality does not matter, you are human and I feel that if you do realise that you are gay it's easier to come out here. I felt that I would have to have hidden myself away in Rome and never have been able to feel comfortable with myself. Heather: It's got easier for people in Britain to come out over the last ten years. Do you think that this is now the case in Italy? Cristina: Probably, yes. It is still more difficult than in Scotland but it is getting easier now and slowly they are beginning to accept it. Love to all Heather heather@drink.demon.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- Glaschu/Glasgow =============== Arse Bandit with Attitude BC23 What did you all think of the photo on the cover last month? Thirty years since the Stonewall riots, thirty years trying to bury all the old stereotype images and unsurprisingly we get a front page picture of some queen in a pair of combats (even the fucking straights don't wear them anymore!) complete with her whistles and rainbow umbrella! Call this progress? Mind you, it makes a change from fairies dressed as nuns and drag queens! Hmph!!! (It's called Diversity, dear. Live with it. Ed.) I wrote last month that the Glasgow scene had recently lost Slave, Trade, Love Boutique and the Boogie Bar as gay or gay friendly venues, and I hoped there would be no more casualties as the current slump in the licensed trade bites deeper. Sadly, another two venues have now bitten the dust with the recent loss of Austins and Hype. The brewery may step in to keep Austins going, but at the moment this remains unconfirmed. It's quite worrying that, with the exception of the GLC Cafe, there are now no wholly owned LGB venues left in the city. Certain sections of the gay press would have you believe that the commercial gay scene is a booming industry, but the scene in Glasgow is clearly contracting at an alarming rate, and none of the remaining venues can boast the same levels of business that they enjoyed only a few years ago. Neither Bennets nor the Poo have the same queues and crowds of recent years, and things are likely to get worse still, as more straight venues attempt to chase the elusive pink pound. The good news is that the remaining venues will have to fight to remain competitive, but it is a pity that the small independents such as Austins who have always supported the gay community are unable to compete against the larger straight owned venues who do nothing for their customers, charge them over the odds, treat them like shit, and simply view the gay community as something to be milked for every available penny. Strathclyde Police are running a new initiative where you can report homophobic attacks or abuse (in confidence if neccessary) to a helpline - the number is 0141-331 2727 (7-10pm nightly). The police now have a liaison officer, and are holding meetings in the Glasgow Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgendered Centre every couple of weeks. Entry is open to all, and you can use the opportunity to report any attacks or talk to the police about any aspect of homophobic behaviour. The Police are undoubtedly making serious efforts to build bridges between themselves and the LGBT Community, and I urge anyone who has been a victim of crime to use either the public meetings or the helpline to report it. Centurion Spa are running a winter promotion for all you sauna queens, and are now offering reduced entry at certain times. On Tuesdays and Fridays, you can get in for only GBP 7 if you arrive before 1.30pm or after 7.30. On Saturday, students and the unemployed get in for only GBP 7 all day, and on Sunday, entry is GBP 7 for everyone all day long. I asked if Centurion was intending to offer reduced entry to under 25s, but Alex and Gordon are of the opinion (like myself) that there is enough ageism on the scene, and have taken the commendable decision not to go down this route. (OK, it would get a few more punters in, but all the slobbering old pervs would drool all over their nice new carpet). Remember also, that under their loyalty scheme, every fifth visit is totally free. The Candle Bar got off to a good start, and seems to be attracting an interesting mix of customers. I had expected it to be mainly the younger crowd, but have noticed quite a few of the Waterloo customers popping in for a sherry or two, as well as the designer label posers. Women seem to have taken to the place too, and the Candle Bar currently has a good sprinkling of dykes in most nights. The entertainment seems to be going down well too - I was in last Sunday, and the Karaoke queens were having a fine old time as Wendy and Evan threw in a bit of good natured abuse to the victims. The door staff are friendly too, and you won't have any of the predictable "Not tonight lads" bullshit which some of the other poofter palaces still dish out to you, secure in the knowledge that you're pathetic enough to put up with their crap and come back for more of the same treatment! Anyway, it looks as though The Candle Bar will become an established favourite, and it's one of the few venues Goldilocks gives the seal of approval to. Definitely worth a visit! I've had another load of e-mail in about my last column. A lot of you were writing to thank me for speaking out about the shitty treatent you all get in Dels - just a pity you lot are so fucking spineless that you don't complain about it. Still, I suppose that's what sets the Goldilocks's of the world apart from all you brown nosers! Most of the rest of the mail was from readers agreeing with my comments about ageism on the scene. I've also had a lot of you talking to me in the pubs about the obsession that the scene has with youth and the advertising ploys that use youth to sell products. In the same week that the last edition of ScotsGay came out, another magazine started running a contact ads scheme where you called a premium rate telephone line to have a text message sent to the guy you fancied's cellphone. Reading through the ads, I noticed that they were all from guys aged 18-22. Obviously ads from younger guys are going to attract more responses from all the no-hopers, but I can't help but wonder whether all the ads were genuine, or if some of them were bogus ones submitted by a company so desperate for revenue that they were no longer willing or able to earn an honest living, and were now reduced to the level of spivs taking money under false pretences. I've actually had a few of my younger readers telling me how fed up they get with sad ugly twats who persist in chasing them despite them not being interested. Frankly, I think the whole fucking lot of you deserve each other. If you're over 40 and still believe the world is full of pretty 18 year olds dying to get shagged by a fat old ugly guy, then it serves you right if you find one that prick teases you all night, costs you a fortune in drinks, then turns round at closing time and tells you to FUCK OFF! Serves you all right for being so pathetic! This reminds me of a rather funny sight in one of the saunas recently. There was a twinky in getting chased by half a dozen no-hopers. The twinky wasn't interested, but was enjoying all the attention, and it was funny to watch him being followed around the building by this queue of slobbering old pervs! Sad, sad, sad! (It's sadder that you don't seem to see how ageist your own attitudes are in dismissing older people as no-hopers and perves. Ed.) And so we come to the Goldilocks Pub and Club awards for the month. As usual, you chose The Waterloo as Best Pub at 39% and The Poo coming last with no votes at all. Best Club Night went to Planet Peach, but with the loss of Media, Slave, Trade and Love Boutique they didn't have any competition except for Fruitfly. Bennets was Best Club with 73% of the votes and The Waterloo got Best Service with 39%. You're all dying to know which bar the scene awarded the Biggest Dump award to aren't you? I don't need to tell you do I? Comes as absolutely NO surprise that yet again Dels won this award which they no doubt will consider to be a sign of how much "attitude" they've got. Of course Dels is just another of the many bars who are failing to pull in the crowds they used to, and we have to wonder how long it will be before they are forced to face up to the realities of a diminishing clientele. SNIPPETS and assorted stuff >>> Phace West are running courses on self awareness and self esteem every Tuesday night between 17th October and 14th November. If you would like to book a place, or want further information, give them a call on 0141-332 3838 >>> I see that Trade have now started up again in Edinburgh after their sudden departure from The Arches. Interesting to note that they've now dropped the door price. Too much competition in Embra? - Or are the East Coast frootz just not prepared to pay any old price for all this over rated, over-hyped and over priced nonsense? >>> The annual Rainbow Fund Hallowe'en Ball goes ahead as usual in the Central Hotel on 28th October. Tickets are GBP 10 from the usual pub outlets or phone Johnstone (01505) 347301 for postal details.>>> The GLGBTC are hoping to have an art exhibition all year round, and are looking for artists who would like to display their work. If you're interested, give Stu a call on 0141-221 7203, or send details by E-mail to gglc1@dircon.co.uk >>> Better apologise to Beti Hutton for giving her age as 170 in the last issue. I think it was a typo, or maybe my small bald ginger editor is taking the piss again! (Indeed, as we all know, Ms Hutton is 169. Ed)>>> I see one of the clubs is now making a bit of extra money selling cases of beer for customers to take home. Does the Licensing Board know that they are doing this in clear breach of the licensing laws? I think they will shortly, as I'm sure some of you malicious queens with an axe to grind are reaching for the phone at this very moment! Goldilocks E-mail:- goldilocks@gay-glasgow.co.uk Webshite:- http://www.gay-glasgow.co.uk/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dun Eideann/Edinburgh ===================== Hiya peeps, Ali here with the news from the lovely city of Edinburgh! No Martin this month, so the The Editor has left it to me to tell you all the gossip! Starting of in the Nexus cafe where as of the 17th October Feeh and Sam will be starting a new quix night "Play Your Cards Right" which will start at 8.30pm and will surely be fun. Also at Nexus, Joey D from just up the road will be cooking his speciality Spicy Pasta for you to enjoy for free, just turn up, buy a drink and let Trixibelle supply you with some Easy Listening muzac! Also at the LGB Centre, they will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary from 13th November. Remember that this is Britain's oldest centre so go along and help them out with some partying! Atomix is offering a 10% discount to students who bring along their ID cards. The Blue Moon Cafe has got the lovely Terry (ex-Planet Out) working for them now (Hello!!) and is as busy as ever, as is the Out of the Blue shop below. Remember Hot Stuff on Rose Street (the old French Connection)? Well Rory has now taken full control as Sandy has now left us. He would like to mention that he will be changing the name of the pub, and welcomes ideas. Send them to me or visit the pub and speak to Rory. Remember that he still has Titty Galore doing karaoke on Wednesday nights from 9pm and the Disco on Friday Nights with DJ Dale AND bingo for GMH on Sunday afternoons!! The Newtown Bar is still as busy as ever and the lovely Colin and his staff are waiting for you to drop in for a pint of his best! Planet Out still have the lovely Trendy Wendy and DJ Mike on alternate Monday nights with Wendy spinning her Cheesy Choons and Mike playing a more laid back affair. Mike is also doing every Saturday night in Planet Out playing a more commercial sound. Cafe Habana up the road would like us to point out that they still have their drinks promos on during the day, and are slowly becoming a busy pre-club bar! Ego still have Three Piece Suite every other Thursday and Grant Mackintosh is still running his Queer Fridays and Queer Sundays with success, see fliers for more details. At CC Blooms this month the lovely Davey (of the Downstairs bar - Grolsch is his tipple!!) has informed me that CC's and GMH and outintheuk.co.uk are having a Hallowe'en party on Friday 27th. It's fancy dress and he promises that there will be prizes a-plenty. GMH will provide their usual malebox services as well as all the usual shenanigans associated with Hallowe'en. Remember that DJ Annie is on every Friday and Saturday nights and that Georgie Boy and Emma host karaoke on Thursdays and Sundays! More Hallowe'en madness follows on Saturday 28th with the Hallowe'en Ball at the Assembly Rooms. Tickets are GBP 15 or GBP 12 concessions. With all the usual DJ's - Mike, Venus and the Icons dancers and Miss Edith Budges' Tea Party, should be fun. See the staff in Planet Out for more ticket details. Tackno is back on the 29th with its famous Pjyama Party. Bring your duvet, your continental quilts or just turn up in what you wear to bed - within reason!! Starting Sunday 5th November is Lush! at Why Not on George Street. DJ's Dale and Craig hope to bring you more madness in another new club night for us all. Entry for this night is only GBP 3 and there is a pre-club party at Nexus from 8pm. I would mention the Stag and Turret but it's about to change hands to Mo who used to have the Laughing Duck. More details on that next month. Remember all the other usual fun nights, Trade, Joy and Mingin'. You'll find the fliers in the usual places. If you have any gossip or anything you feel I need to mention, let me know. Until next month, See ya!! Ali ali@drink.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------ Obar Dheadhain/Aberdeen ======================= Unhappy old queens were found recently in Madisons when American teeny boyband B-Factor were cancelled with just days to go before performing at the club. One story is that they were so shite at Liberty that the Manager there called our own Colin to recommend he bin them. The other is that the all straight band didn't want the 'gay tag'! Well darlings you ain't all straight - they never are - and we were good enough for Boyzone, Take That, etc. So go get on their website at BFactor quickly before they become B-Forgottenabout!! Finally it appears the club has indeed changed its name to Madison. For weeks they were C2 but now Madisons, then the name board outside had both names on it and just the other day it finally changed to the new name. Talk about a slow change!! But don't the doorstaff look good in their designer named jackets. Scorgie would of course look good in nothing. Glad to see him back from his holiday in Portlethen and hopefully keeping young Kes in hand. Morgans in Market Street is becoming 'gay-er' by the minute. Not the busiest pre club bar in the area, at least it is karaoke free. The DJ is great on night when he doesn't look as if he is about to fall alsleep. A posy amongsy a buch of nettles, this bar is ideal for the gay community. City Bar in Netherkirkgate still has its busy moments. Larger than the club we have, it could be more exciting with a lively DJ, a decent sound system and my wimmin friends think the pool table should be open at the weekend. Rumours are the friendly Manageress tried to charge the owner of Madisons the 'infamous' pound for charity when his mobile phone went off one evening. hardly a good way to better relations between the venues. The Mudd was being stirred recently when Colin of Madison checked out the Monday night competition. Apparently he was unimpresses by the delapidated and sticky decor. Wasn't that long ago his venue was the same!! We all enjoy the cheaper pints on the Monday in the Mudd Club so hopefully he will have noticed that and reported it back to the High Command in Dundee. Speaking of Dundee, I've always found the atmosphere in all three venues better than Aberdeen. Perhaps its the staff who make it that way. The City Bar and Madisons staff are not the most fun loving. let your hair down folks, Liberty staff were in fancy dress last time I was in Dundee (don't know why). Staff in Aberdeen LGB venues look more like they're in for a spot of DIY. It was a while ago now but you probably remember the 'Queer as Folk' tv series and the album. I see Madison has joined with Liberty to bring us Hannah Jones who sang on the album and has just released that dance version of Simaon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water which we all dance to in the Mad Club. Other singer lined up are Rochell which I was surprised to have on one of my camper discs recorded by Acadeny, so I'll be there for that at the end of November. And Kelly (no not Kelly Marie) appears between Christmas and New Year singing some camp numbers and her hit Gloria. Good or bad, we can now see our regular chune chosers at Madison since the bomb proof screen has been removed. Elaine has now sought a payrise for more sessions on the sunbed and on Tuesdays, resident DJ Scorgie, is having to cope with even more boyz nickers being thrown at him. Hopefully this may brighten up the venue and even bring a smile to Colin's face or are we asking toooooo much? (Since writing this, I hear that the City Bar has closed). Plug plug@drink.demon.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------- Dun Deagh/Dundee ================ Well it has finally happened! Yes Liberty is getting a make-over and I ain't talking a quick shampoo and set! There's a major program of refurbishment currently taking place and already improvements have occurred! Yes it's a fond farewell to the daunting stairs beside the toilets, which over the months have been the demise of even the best of us on occasion! Yeah ok I've fell down them a couple of times, due largely, one thinks, to alcohol! However Stewart Mc claims the honour of being the last person to 'faa on his arse doon the stairs' to my knowledge, with the distinction of having gone head over heels, but still retain a stalwart grip on his drink, which he later held aloft in jubilation of this amazing feat! All such events will now be resigned to history sadly, but on the good side there is now a nice new ramp. Earlier in the month seen the visit to Liberty of an 'up and coming boy band' (yes I've forgot their name-oops) which was very entertaining. However it must be said the bar staff stole the show! As if by way of preview perhaps for the 'Hallowe'en Bash' all the bar staff went in fancy dress for the night. Characters ranging from Barry the Builder to Naughty Nursey Paul,(who looked decidedly convincing as a girly!) led to numerous compliments for them all and it must be said enhanced the night considerably. If you missed all the fun then don't despair you can always take a peek at the pics, there on the wall beside the top stairs in Liberty. Look out for 'Schoolie Simon, Porn star Marc and Officer Nelly, who's legs will be well and truly slapped if his mums gets sight of those pics! Others have picked up the torch and are preparing even now for the Hallowe'en night, Kool Kate had been seen sporting a pair of pumps known only as her 'Moo Shoes' you've gotta see them! Oh and 'Karaoke Kath' has been absent lately, rumour has it she's breaking in a new man! Talking of Karaoke, Brian aka 'Miss Taloula' won the GBP 100 prize karaoke contest at Libs and took a few of his Pals on the town with the money, so congratulations to him. Charlies Bar continues to pack them in. Barmaid Kerry (who keeps her singing talent hidden away), treated us all to a few songs at the karaoke night recently in Charlie's and boy she can sing! Charlie keeps telling me he's planning to do the place up and install a sauna! Wow Dundee's 1st official Gay Sauna. 'You go Charlie!' came the cry from certain corners! Seriously though, Charlie is planning to refurbish so keep a eye out for those builders! But don't go buying new swim wear just yet! Oh that leads me nicely to a flyer I noticed in Liberty for a gay men's swimming group so why not check it out. Dundee welcomed back its Student Populus, which will see the Universities Lesbian Gay and Bisexual and Transgendered society reopen its doors, so check out the web-page for more info. If your feeling naughty then take a peek at http://www.Jimmycam.co.uk/. But be warned it's not for the faint hearted, so I'm told! The star of the show is currently doing research in Manchester, so who knows what he'll do next and he's mentioned to me he's auditioning for a co-star soon! Mr Gay UK may be but a distant memory in the minds of some, but 'Belfast Bill Cater to the stars' is in the Gym preparing even now! "I'm going to Win Mr Homosexual UK or die trying" He told me recently, in his a thick Irish brogue. Oh Big hello to the following; Lou 'nice buns', Alan 'Wanna buy a watch' C and his accomplice 'The other' Alan, Raymond (Jesse) and Paul (Irene) long time no see! Last line goes to two people this time: Big cya to Brian of Karaoke Fame who's off to England soon and Happy Birthday to Tracy who celebrated her (censored)th at Liberty recently. Perry X perry@drink.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bi Vocal ======== The Late Bisexual Years ago, when Punch was still worth a look, a sentence appeared within its pages. "A word about marriage." It read, "Don't." Later someone said that this was the best joke ever written. Well, no it's not, but the phrase did come to prominence when marriage was much more popular than it is today. And times have changed. In today's Britain, (I use the term unadvisedly) even the Conservative Party are having a spliff and the odd game of hide the sausage, although none of them seem to have enjoyed it. Marriage, some Tories say, (rather unconvincingly) is maybe one model of lifestyle but not, by any means, the only one. And who am I to argue? For myself, marriage is out of the question today. I'm in an open relationship with a girl and a boy, 2 years the former, 6 years the latter. (That's years together, not their ages, before the mob turn up at the office.) All three of us are free to see others and the only rule is that we are totally open and honest about what we do. There are periods when I happen upon, as my flat mate put it, "loads of sex". And I'm happy. Who wouldn't be? Well, lots of people actually. Lots of right minded, totally together, chilled liberal people would never embark on an open relationship. And why should they? After all, many perfectly liberal, reasonable folk want to marry one day or, shock, are in perfectly happy marriages of their own already. Some don't see relationships as a priority like Cliff Richard and Ann Widdecombe. Do you like tea or coffee? Or, like me, do you like both? Maybe you don't like hot drinks at all, like Cliff Richard and Ann Widdecombe. (Sorry about these examples by the way, I'm not trying to offend single people, I just can't think of any likeable famous people who are single. Dale Winton? Edward Heath?) The natural state of any human being isn't heterosexual or homosexual. Nor are we innately monogamous or promiscuous. At the most there is perhaps a touch of genetic disposition, but let's face it, the evidence for even that is thin and disputed. We are a product of environment, choice and chance. Faith, self-belief and experience guide our path. We are not born this way. Indeed, the only thing I was born to be was late. Martin Walker mgwuk@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fiction can be just as strange as the truth =========================================== by Peter McGraith Early this year the controversial author and photographer P-P Hartnett, sifted through a postbag of 717 short stories, to find thirty of the best for publication in the Gay Times Book of Short Stories, New Century/New Writing. As editor of the anthology he set out to bring some quality control to the gay bookshelves, with a collection of radically new gay writing that breaks away from what he describes as the dreary, trite, safe product that has passed for gay fiction over the last two decades. Six weeks after the closing date, Hartnett received a late submission from unpublished writer Craig Metphert. So keen was he on Craig's story that he took one story more than he had planned for. Then, to Craig's amazement he was asked to appear on the cover of Gay Times, October issue, to help publicize the book's launch. Although the magazine and the book are published by different parts of the same company, MPG, (formed in the merger of Gay Mens Press, Millivres Books and Prowler) Craig was somewhat surprised to learn that Gay Times Editor Colin Richardson, hadn't read a word of his story before choosing to put him on the cover. Richardson wanted Craig for the cover purely on the strength of the photographs Craig had supplied for the jacket of the book. But Craig Metphert can hold his blond head high, in the knowledge that his writing was selected for the book on its merits alone, nothing to do with how he looks in photographs, nothing to do with who he knows; because, until recently, no-one had ever seen a photograph of Craig Metphert, and he had no connections in publishing, because, until recently, he was nothing more than a jumble of letters, an anagram of my own name, Peter McGraith. In late Autumn1999, I read an ad calling for submissions for this anthology. For years I'd thought of myself as a writer-in-waiting, and I saw this as the lube that would ease my entry into the tight-arsed world of literary fiction. I had met the book's editor, P-P Hartnett, briefly. I didn't know if this would help or hinder my chances, but I was hopeful that my writing would ring his bell. I sent him a gently humorous, dark story about a social climbing young professional whose crush on a senior politician (Peter Mandelson) develops into a worryingly all-consuming crusade. The story examines some difficulties facing prominent gay public figures, while tracing the steady slide in the narrator's state of mind. And I also submitted a piece about a young dancer who gets involved with a prisoner serving life for murder. He didn't go for that one. The idea had sprung from my own experiences as a teenage actor, but maybe it was too close to home for P-P. I had learned that he'd formed a relationship with convicted serial killer Dennis Nielsen. When the closing date for submissions arrived, the publisher was getting jittery over the possibility that Mr Mandelson might sue for libel. I could see my hopes of publication about to vanish. I wrote to Mr Mandelson, twice, letting him see the story, informing him that it might be published, and asking him for his comments. I was desperate to get into print. If this book was going to be a staging post in the development of gay writing in Britain, then I wanted to be involved. I waited for a reply. None came. I knew my story wasn't libellous, but in case MPG might not publish it, I decided to enter another story under the pen name Craig Metphert. And just to put them off the scent, I had my friends in Manchester mail it from their address. This new story, RHUBARB, almost entirely written in dialogue, was well received, but Hartnett asked Craig to change some of the dialogue to prose, or to submit something else. I didn't fancy reconstituted RHUBARB and so I sent him another story, New Blade. He wrote back, declaring, I FUCKIN LOVE YOUR NEW STORY YOU AND YOUR SHAVEN ARSE ARE IN! This was a reference to the ritualistic rite of passage that the protagonist undertakes, and nothing to do with my personal grooming, of which Hartnett knows nothing. Anyway, I was delighted that Craig's story was in. Meanwhile, I received word that they were going to publish my Mandelson story after all. I was ecstatic; but what if they should discover, and take umbrage at, my double-dealing? Then started the hard slog of keeping up two identities. I supplied two biographies and two author's photographs for the book jacket; and even though I know a couple of the guys in the MPG office, nobody twigged that Craig and Peter were the same guy. There was a lot of correspondence between the editor and myself; letters shuttling between London (my home) and Colne (his home) via Manchester; flirty, suggestive letters with much play around the word rhubarb: hot tart, stiff and purple, and so on. Very cultured! I was spending a fortune on Special Delivery, but inevitably my letters were arriving late. It appeared to Hartnett that Craig didn't give a fuck. He was unpredictable, independent, and elusive. Hartnett was turned-on by his fantasy of Craig. He kept writing to Craig, asking him to phone him, to meet him in Manchester for a drink, to e-mail him in the United States. The guy was eager, but that teaser Craig was always busy. Hartnett invited Craig to a reading at Caf Pop in Manchester. I got a friend to deliver a note to the venue letting him know that Craig had left town on work. He began to wonder if Craig was deaf, or married like the protagonist in Craig's story, or was he an established writer who wanted to be involved in the book without lending his name to it? I was looking forward to the book going to the printers so that I could come out. The tension was killing me. Then, to my dismay, Craig got an email (yes, I'd even set up an email address for Craig) from the editor of Gay Times, asking him to be on the cover! In for a penny, I decided to keep up the subterfuge. What else could I do? It would have seemed suspicious not to accept his offer. I wangled it so that I got to organise the photo shoot, using my own photographer. But, how would I disguise myself? I wore dark glasses and a hat, pulled a strange face, had my hair streaked blond, put in green contact lenses, and smeared myself in shaving foam. In some other shots I went for more obvious disguises. When I saw the shots I wasn't convinced that the lighting and camera angles had camouflaged my identity sufficiently, but still no one at MPG sussed. In fact when they received the cover photographs, the magazine designer is reported to have said, Peter McGraith would have been better for the cover. Nonetheless, I knew Craig's time was short; both Craig Metphert and Peter McGraith were scheduled to read at launch events. A week after the photo shoot, a journalist from Gay Times came up to Manchester to interview Craig face to face. I couldn't lie to the guy. I had to tell him that I wasn't a natural blond. I came out to him. For a minute I thought 'this guy thinks I'm a nutter'. He was a bit bemused at first, but soon he was thoroughly enthralled with his scoop. Luckily my motives were not misconstrued, and the team at MPG had a good laugh about it too. Ahh, bless. So, they all lived happily ever after? Well, not really. Craig's found himself a boyfriend who has moved in with us, and I don't even fancy the guy. Meanwhile we're arguing constantly over who gets access to the computer to write his novel first. Catch P-P Hartnett and some of the contributors to the Gay Times Book Of Short Stories, New Century/New Writing on the reading tour: Manchester, Waterstones, Tues. 31st Oct. with Craig Metphert, Amardeep Gill and John Myatt. Edinburgh, East End, Waterstones, Wed. 1st Nov. with Christopher Whyte and Chris Ferguson. Glasgow, Borders Books, Thurs. 9th Nov. with Peter McGraith, Chris Ferguson and Toni Davidson. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Films ===== by Malcom Epstein Anyone who has ever had a problem telling their parents they are gay will love "Why Not Me?" (15) a French movie set in Barcelona. It has Camille, Eve, Ariane and Nick discussing the best way to tell parents they have not been telling them the whole truth about vital parts of their lives. During a very comic weekend at a chateau in northern Spain the truth is told and the parents reveal a few surprising secrets. Nice to see the French pop singer of yesteryear Johnny Halliday as one of the irate fathers. In America Wood Allen is a largely overlooked genius. For years he has been writing, directing and starring in brilliant comedy movies that do very well indeed in most places outside the States. The subtlety of his humour appears to go above their heads. But his latest "Small Time Crooks" (PG) even has far more than his New York Neighbours rushing to cinemas. He plays a smalltime loser who plans to rob a bank with two inept friends by renting a shop next door and tunnelling through the basement. His wife, Tracey Ullman, distracts attention by selling her homemade biscuits in the shop. They are so delicious the shop takes off and they have to open a bigger factory. With endless money Tracey asks calculating art dealer Hugh Grant to give her a finishing on her education. It is the most hilarious 94 minutes I have spent in the cinema this year. For anyone unacquainted with the horrors of Stalin's Russian dictatorship some of the incredible truths are revealed in "East-West" (12). In 1946 he launched a vast propaganda campaign aimed at Russian emigrants living in the west who wished to take part in the post war reconstruction of the USSR. On arrival most were executed or taken to forced labour camps. Because they were short of doctors, they treat Oleg Menchikov, his wife and son with a fraction more respect. They are allocated a single room in a communal apartment while he cares for the workers in a textile factory. The lack of privacy at home and the brutality of the regime makes his wife plot for years to escape. Visiting actress Catherine Deneuve helps her achieve this. Watching it happen is a gruelling but nevertheless compelling story. Every year only the top one percent of students at American colleges are chosen to become a member of secret societies. At least three US presidents are know to have been members. Admission is a virtual guarantee of future success. The most powerful of these secret societies is "The Skulls" (15). Joshua Jackson is a poverty stricken student surrounded by sons of millionaires whose astute mind brings him an invitation to join. But when a journalist plans to write an expose about them he realises they won't stop at murder to keep their secrets. Gwyneth Paltrow proves she can sing very effectively in "Duets" (15) that highlights the karaoke craze in America where big money prizes can often be earned. The cast is California bound driving across the country stopping only to compete in karaoke bars with their practised singing styles. Frequent dashes of drama hold your interest between the music. If a time trip to Edwardian Britain and Italy appeals "The Golden Bowl" (12) has the most sumptuous clothes and houses of the period. There are two marriages entangled in a complex relationship based on a Henry James novel. Uma Thurman is married to wealthy tycoon Nick Nolte, but she can't forget a previous romance with Jeremy Northam whom she pursues relentlessly. Short of money he has married Mr Nolte's daughter, Kate Beckinsale. He has a hard time persuading Uma the financial security is better than some lust in the long grass. Proving that there is a lot more to him that the James Bond movies, Pierce Brosnan plays the world's first 'eco warrior' in "Grey Owl" (PG). In the 1930s the world became aware of him as a Native Canadian who achieved fame in his books and lectures on environmental and conservation issues. Originally a fur trapper, he came to recognise man's destructive impact on the wilderness. And yet he had an amazing secret which the film reveals. In "Wonder Boys" (15) Michael Douglas is a college professor with his share of troubles. His wife has just left him. His mistress, who is the wife of the gay head of the English department, announces she is pregnant. He can't manage to finish a book that he prays will be as good as the first one he wrote seven years ago. And one of his students is causing him endless trouble carrying a gun. Michael describes it as a "tragicomedy". And much of it is funny. But how British humour is different from American is shown when a large dead dog is left propped up on a pillow under bedclothes. Current Releases. The French "Water Drops on Burning Rocks" (18) based on a Rainer Werner Fassbinder play has an interesting bisexual atmosphere. Attractive young Malik Zid forsakes his girlfriend to have an affair with Bernard Giraudeau who is twice his age and they live together until Bernard starts taking him for granted. Then when Bernard's former girlfriend arrives out of the blue he invites her in for a threesome. Not too pleased about this Malik phones his former girlfriend suggesting she joins them. Possibly to justify the need the public had to witness horror and violence onstage William Shakespeare set his play on the subject "Titus Andronicus" in Roman times. For his audience would have heard of Christians refusing to renounce their faith and being thrown to the the lions. It is slightly surprising to find American stage director Julie Taymor choosing to make "Titus" (18) her first feature film - particularly as her most successful stage production on both sides of the Atlantic is "The Lion King". Roman general Titus, Anthony Hopkins, returns to Rome victorious from fighting the Goths dragging their queen Jessica Lange, and her three grown up sons in chains. His first act is to ritually sacrifice the eldest son while his mother pleads for mercy. The new emperor Saturninun, Alan Cumming, changes her fortunes by making her his queen. She vows revenge. In two hours and 42 minutes heads, hands and tongues are chopped off. I much preferred "The Luzhin Defence" (12) set in the late 1920s in the splendid surroundings of the Italian lakes. John Turturro is a shambling unworldly chess grandmaster who arrives to play the match of his life. The game has always consumed him as his world has been bereft of love and affection. A chance meeting at a hotel with an attractive Russian, Emily Watson, changes his life. They fall in love, but her parents have their hearts set on a wealthy Count for her. An emotional yet tragic love story it will appeal to the romantics amongst us. "Billy Elliott" (15) is a 14 year old growing up in a northern mining town who knows his father and older brother will be furious when they find out he has lost interest in sports and plans to become a ballet dancer. Ballet teacher Julie Walters, giving yet another extraordinary performance, is impressed enough with his prospects to give him free lessons. It is a delightful film with only flashes of violence in local mining disputes. The New York premiere brought rave reviews and word of mouth has brought queues around the block. It is quite a change to see the "X Files" star Gillian Anderson as an Edwardian lady in "The House of Mirth (PG). Based on an Edith Wharton novel it will have difficulty being understood by young audiences whose values are so different today. Seeking a wealthy husband Gillian is falsely accused of having an affair with a married man and is rejected by New York society. The costumes and settings are breathtaking. if you like the idea of a new comical George Clooney, in contrast to his sophisticated doctor of TV fame, consider his new movie made by a very imaginative duo, Joel and Ethan Coen, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (12). It has George in the depression era in a prison chain gang who escapes shackled to two simpletons and their slightly unbelievable adventures. Written with great humour our Mr Clooney plays a sharp talking conman who spends much time combing Dapper Dan pomade into his hair and wearing a hairnet at night. You will enjoy watching them constantly on the run from the police and forming a successful singing group called the Soggy Bottom Boys. Left: Serguei Bodrov Jr. and Sandrine Bonnaire in "East-West". Below: Malik Zidi and Ludivine Sangier in the very bisexual "Water Drops On Burning Rocks" ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Arts ==== Martin Powell I am well aware that this column could give the impression of having an Edinburgh bias. Something which was not helped a few months back when I submitted a piece titled Edinburgh Galleries which, not surprisingly, was about Edinburgh galleries. However by the time this was published under the simple title "Arts" this had an altogether different emphasis and seemed to imply that there was nothing worth seeing outside Edinburgh. Well, this month I'm concentrating on Glasgay! 2000. I have a problem with this - there is so much on from 20 Oct to 5 Nov that nobody could take in more than a small fraction of it all. 7:84 Theatre Company Scotland follow up their Talking Bollocks and mct's Fingerlicks with Just Pretending which explores roles and relationships within the family and the conventions of marriage through the experiences, stories and music of 15 gay men and women and includes members of the Strathclyde lesbian and gay youth group. mct are also doing "Sauna Lads", a rehearsed reading of a new play by Christopher Deans, an exploration into the psyche of male violence and sexuality. Starving Artists and Paisley Arts Centre have Don't Forget Me, where the ambiguity of a young actor's sexuality leads the main character, Angus, deeper and deeper into a conviction about the need for change in a hypocritical environment. You should be able to see this if you are nowhere near Glasgow as it previews at Paisley Arts Centre, and after shows at The Tron, moves on to Kirkcaldy, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Stirling throughout November. RSAMD and the Bi-G-Les Youth Group present Mother of Mine - a piece of theatre that delves deeply into the very personal relationships we have with our mothers. Dance is not forgotten. Sean Tuan John and Bert Van Gorp present "Dances for Aliens", which appears to be an interesting Welsh/Belgian collaboration. "Inspirit" is a solo performance by Lucy Trend which has the advantage of being free. If jazz is your scene then Jazzgay could well be for you. Jazz singer Stephen Duffy and keyboard player Alan McPike combine their talents and pay tribute to some of the gay and lesbian songwriters who contributed to the jazz repertoire. An altogether different event is the Grand Opera Dinner. A mixture of good food and classical song. It sounds interesting. The visual arts are well represented with apparently interesting exhibitions by Fenando Arias, Louise Shambrook & Ian Passmore, Shrine to the Self (where 6 Glasgow based artists exhibit work created during a series of workshops with Hilde Ash ), the intriguing Gay Teapots (ceramics), Dialogue of Flesh and Stone (six poets, two photographers, twelve fusions), Four/Five (an exploration of social identities, past and present, of sexuality, behaviour, gender and the self), Just Passing, and exhibitions at Glasgow LGBT Centre. There is lots and lots of film with something to suit almost any taste. The only one I've seen before is Hamam: The Turkish Bath. A story about an Italian interior designer who travels to Istanbul following an inheritance left to him by an aunt, where sexual relationships develop in unexpected ways. Comedy is not left out. The excellent Clare Summerskill allows us to spend an evening with her and The Stand Comedy Club hosts other events. Together with a club, workshops, literature and the spoken word, what more could you want? More hours in the day I suspect. Those of you with internet access may like to check out http://www.glasgay.co.uk/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- Books ===== reviewed by Andy Martin Smiling in Slow Motion Derek Jarman Century GBP 16.99 These are the previously unpublished journals stretching from May 1991 until a fortnight before his death in February 1994 and, it was the most astonishing and brilliant thing I have read for years. I laughed, cried, got depressed and then laughed again I had never seen the genius of Derek Jarman until this moment, I would also consider him to be one of the worlds biggest drama queens, maybe even the queen of queens. He seems through his life and his work to have created crisis out of his dramas, his like are disappearing fast. I fed on every word it became a part of me it was a unique opportunity to share someone elses views and innermost thoughts, what a privilege that was. I would say that if you have never met Derek Jarman then read this book for that is the best way because you get straight to the man to know intimately his life, loves, hates, and most of all his humbleness and shock at the thought that someone should travel thousands of miles just to have tea with him. Period Dennis Cooper Serpents Tail GBP 8.99 It looks like Dennis Cooper finally lost it and he has overstepped the realm of brilliance and completely fallen apart in a sea of insanity. This the one book short of a 5 book cycle is sadly I feel not reaching the high standard of weirdness and genius we have come to expect from Mr Cooper. See your local library about getting a copy, as you might not want to spend the money on it. Swimming Underground My years in the Warhol factory Mary Woronov Serpents Tail GBP 9.99 Probably one of a very few talented people who took her 15 minutes of fame and used it to propel her on to even greater things. I had to go and have a breather after reading only the prologue; that is how powerful the writing is in this book. It was nice to see some brilliant talented people blossom and disengage themselves from their role as factory fodder to Warhol's Money churning conveyor belt art industry. A real trip. The Night Listener Armistead Maupin Bantam Press GBP 16.99 In The Tales of The City books our emotions were fried, frayed, stabbed and shot through, and now this!. This book is about Gabriel Noone, a writer in his 50s, whose late night radio stories have taken him into the home of millions and who, after reading a proof of a book of memoirs from a dying teenage boy who suffered horrific sexual abuse at the hands of his parents, sets out to meet the boy. In meeting the boy they discover things about themselves and a deep friendship grows and as the health of the boy rapidly deteriorates Noone looks more closely at what really matters to him. Armistead, I thank you for The Tales of The City books, I felt like I had loads of friends overseas, it really came as a shock when someone reminded me that this was fiction, however I live in hope that if I am ever fortunate enough to go to San Francisco I will find someone from 28 Barbary Lane. There goes reality again. reviewed by John Hein The Hand-Reared Boy Brian W Aldiss Souvenir Press GBP 9.99 Essentially a hetty story of a boy's sexual growing up, this, the first of Aldiss's trilogy, has recently been re-issued by Souvenir. Revisiting it after 30 years, I can see why, after my father happened upon my copy, nothing was ever said and the book quietly disappeared. The gay bits are in the context of English public school life consist of mutual masturbation "known as 'insurance' after the Mutual Insurance Company, who had an office near the school". A fun read. The Best of Round The Horne Barry Took with Mat Coward Boxtree GBP 9.99 If you've never heard of Round The Horne, you're probably under 40. If you're over 40, you'll recall these Sunday afternoon programmes originally broadcast on the BBC Light Programme from 1965-68 with affection. Here now are a selection of the scripts which made us laugh so much. A classic of comedy - much of it camp. And much of it heard on national radio before the passing of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 which decriminalised gay male sex for under 21s in England and Wales (Scotland had to wait until 1980 for the law change). Julian and his 'friend' Sandy (played by Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick) were outrageous for the time with their mixture of high camp and 'parlare'. Although, it has to be admitted, it was 1968 before Sand was able to describe Jules as "a miracle of dexterity on the cottage upright". A bona read. The tapes of the programmes are also available. Fantabulosa! reviewed by Iain Turnbull Feel Good Food A Guide to Intuitive Eating Suzie Miller and Karen Knowler There is a disclaimer warning (1) that the book is for educational purposes and is not intended to be prescriptive; (2) that neither authors nor publishers will be liable for any ill effects of using the suggestions or recipes; (3) that it is not a substitute for professional advice and those will medical conditions should seek qualified advice prior to changing their diet. I suppose there is a grain of sense in this book, which starts by stating that, before the invention of fire, we all ate raw vegetables. It advises the non-destruction of flavour, vitamins and the health-giving components of organic vegetables, nuts and grains by not cooking, dehydrating them is necessary, and eating them raw or dries instead. It also points out that this might gove you the shits! Advocating virtually no fats, it offers some interesting recipes and suggests that, once you've purged the body, intuition will guide you to drinking wheatgrass juice, eating layered salads or wraps of leafy veg, grated/chopped fruit and vegetables such as artichocke and physalis, with the odd macadamia nut, pumpkin and sunflower seed thrown in for good measure. I think not! Some of the recipes for soups, guacamole and ice cream looked worth a try though. My recommendation is to borrow someon else's copy and spend the GBP 8.99 on fillet steak. reviewed by Justin Milne The Art of Cruising Men Running Wild GBP 15.99 Cert 18 This is a DVD re-release of a 1995 title previously available on Video. Vaguely amusing, it features a couple of "e-guides" who explore "the erotic world of gay cruising" which is really just an excuse for a bit of flesh and lots of rumpy-pumpy. Sadly, the freeze frame facility of DVD reveals what Video couldn't - that our recently reformed censorship laws didn't really allow very much to be seen and that all was in the suggestive film making and editing. The Dating Game I have here in front of me a large selection of 2001 calendars from Bruno Gmunder priced at GBP 8.95. They all show men in a variety of poses, many of them naked. I have examined the men's naughty bits (where shown) and they appear to be feasibly sized even when erect. I have also examined the dates on the calendars and they appear to be substantially correct. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ International News ================== From Rex Wockner KOREAN TV ACTOR COMES OUT, LOSES JOBS Korean actor Sok-chon Hong publicly came out of the closet after being outed by the newspaper Daily Sports. He was quickly fired from his job as host of the children's TV show "Po Po Po" and his job on the radio sitcom "Nobody Can Deal with My Family." A planned appearance on the TV program "Sexy Night" also was cancelled by the producers. Hong, 29, is the first Korean celebrity to acknowledge being gay. "I really tried to live properly, but I've failed," he told viewers of the TV program Midnight Entertainment Live. "I'm sorry. If you find that you don't like me anymore, I don't know what I'll do. I'm so emotionally worn out. I'm so sorry to the audience, who trusted me and feel betrayed." In a later interview, Hong seemed less self-loathing. "I came out because I didn't deceive myself, and I knew I'm not wrong," he said. "That's it. I knew I would have much disadvantage after coming out and mess up my career I have worked for, but I could not help it. Every day is a struggle after coming out. A struggle with myself and everything. I didn't mean to be a warrior, but it seems that I already am." Several organizations have protested against Hong's dismissal from the broadcast programs, including the gay men's group Chingusai, the Lesbian and Gay Human Rights Federation, the Seoul Queer Film Festival Organizing Committee, the gay magazine Buddy, the Sarangbang Group for Human Rights, and the Citizens Network for the Cultural Revolution. "We are going to fight until the violence, discrimination, prejudices and brutal fascism of this society is stopped," they said in a statement. Foreign supporters can lend their name to the campaign on Hong's behalf by visiting the Web site http://board13.free.cgiserver.net/CrazyWWWBoard.cgi?db=qlib0002b VATICAN REHABILTATES OSCAR WILDE The Vatican has claimed that famed gay author Oscar Wilde's deathbed conversion to Roman Catholicism was real, even though he was only semiconscious. "The time spent behind bars [on a gay-sex conviction] was decisive," said the Rev. Antonio Spadaro, writing in the Vatican- endorsed Jesuit publication La Civilita Cattolica. The priest summoned to Wilde's deathbed was "absolutely sure" the conversion was authentic and that Wilde had renounced his life of degradation, vanity and frivolity, Spadaro said. The Jesuit magazine, founded in 1850, previously had condemned Wilde based on his famous poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol. TAIWANESE PRESIDENT MEETS WITH GAYS Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian met with two American and three Taiwanese gay activists recently following a first-ever gay- pride festival staged by the Taipei Bureau of Civil Affairs. Chen invited Americans Nan Hunter and Michael Bronski to meet with him and they brought three Taiwanese activists along with them. "[The request] came completely out of the blue and was stunning to local activists," Hunter said. She and Bronski discussed gay-rights issues with Chen and gave him a rainbow flag and a rainbow lapel pin. The local activists urged Chen to enact laws to protect gays from discrimination. The pride festival featured a band, dancers, a gay history exhibit and booths staffed by gay organizations. In preparation for the events the city printed pamphlets for the general public explaining gay history and culture and that homosexuality is biologically based. Officials also published a guide to the island's gay groups and meeting places. RUSSIA URGES WANKING, PHONE SEX Russia's National Centre for the Fight Against AIDS began running newspaper ads earlier this month recommending "virginity, masturbation and telephone sex" in place of intercourse. More cases of HIV have been reported in Russia this year than in the past 13 years taken together. The ads also promote "oral sex, condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners." Up to 400,000 Russians are believed to be HIV-positive. TOURISM TORONTO REACHES OUT TO GAYS Tourism Toronto will spend $30,000 to print brochures and set up a toll-free phone line for gay and lesbian tourists, the local gay newspaper Xtra! has reported. "For about two or three years, Tourism Toronto has been looking at a 'visit gay-friendly Toronto' campaign," said Patrick Barry of Rainbow High Vacations who lobbied for the campaign. "They're putting a lot of money into it." LEATHER BAR OPENS IN COSTA RICA Central America's only gay leather bar has opened in San Jose, Costa Rica. The Back Room is located downtown, 150 meters north of the Hotel Europa. Costa Rica is more prosperous than most Latin American nations. The listing of gay bars, bathhouses, restaurants, organizations, hotels, stores and travel agencies in the local gay paper, Gayness, now consumes half a page in 9-point type. NEW FRENCH PARTNERSHIP NUMBERS More than 46,000 couples have registered under France's Civil Solidarity Pact law since it took effect in November 1999. Officials estimate that 50 to 70 percent of the registrations are between same-sex partners. Registered partners acquire marriage rights and obligations in areas such as income tax, inheritance, housing, immigration, health benefits, job transfers, synchronized vacation time, responsibility for debts, and social welfare. The law does not grant marriage rights in the areas of parental rights, adoption or medically assisted procreation. Polls show that 70 percent of the French population supports the law. Several other European nations -- including Denmark (and Greenland), Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden -- have gay-only registered-partnership laws that grant more than 99 percent of the rights and obligations of matrimony. The Netherlands also is in the final stages of legalizing traditional marriage for gays. It should be available to Dutch residents by 1st Jan 2001. POPE DISMISSES GAY FAMILIES Pope John Paul II has denounced gay families. Speaking to 300,000 people in St. Peter's Square for the Jubilee of the Family, part of the church's millennium celebrations, John Paul said: "No one but parents can know just how important it is for children to have both figures -- that of a mother and of a father. "It is not a step forward for civilization to favour those tendencies which put in the shade that elementary truth and would like to see themselves put on the same legal footing." GAY TOWN FIGHTS BACK Protesters blocked the streets of Tabalosos, Peru, on 5th October with trucks and boulders after Lima's America TV-Channel 4 reported that there is something in the town's drinking water that makes all the male residents gay. The remote town of 14,000 is in the northeast of the country. "Our men are really manly men," one group of women protesters chanted. Mayor Francisco Cueva has demanded a retraction and threatened a lawsuit. "It's slander," he said. "We have always been tough and hardworking." The protesters told reporters there likely are some gay people in Tabalosos -- and that's not a problem. CHARGES LAID IN PUSSY PALACE RAID Toronto police say they have filed charges stemming from their recent raid of a women's "Pussy Palace" night at the gay-male Club Baths. But they are not saying what the charges are. Earlier, police officials had said bathhouse patrons were drinking alcohol in areas of the club that were not covered by the organisers' special-event liquor license, and that disorderly conduct charges might be filed. Meanwhile, gays and lesbians protesting against the raid marched on police headquarters chanting, "Hey hey, ho ho, Julian Fantino's got to go" and "Pussies fight back." Fantino is Toronto's police chief. He had a bad relationship with gays in his previous job as police chief of London, Ontario. MORALITY COPS TARGET MALAYSIAN GAYS One hundred and eleven Malaysian men were arrested by the Islamic Affairs Department's morality police for "attempting to commit homosexual acts" last year in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city. "Homosexuality is forbidden in Islam," Abdul Kadir Che Kob, the department's head of education and research, told TIME Asia. "It is a crime worse than murder. They are shameless people. ... How can men have sex with men? God did not make them this way. This is all Western influence." Fifty morality officers work for the department. They are permitted to arrest only Muslims and spring into action only after receiving a complaint. "Usually people give us precise information like where these men are," Abdul Kadir said. "We then go to the place, say, a hotel room. We knock and force them to open the door, but they are usually fully clothed by then. We still charge them for attempting to commit homosexual acts. "We charge them in court [and] put them through what we call Islamic counseling sessions," he said. "They recite the Koran everyday and we will tell them they have committed a grave sin." TIME did not say if any other punishment is meted out. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTSGAY VOICE FOR PERSONALS ============================ (We regret that this service is only available within the UK) To reply to ScotsGay Voice Ads, phone 09068 556613 (calls charged at 60p per minute) and use the number at the end of the ad. You can leave your own ad FREE on FREEphone 0800 138 4121. Hairy Above And Smooth Below Pat is a 38 year old married bi-guy from the Lanarkshire area. He is 5'8" tall, hairy above and smooth below. He loves cross-dressing and is looking for a safe, fun time. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3654. Motherwell Muscle Mike is 40 years old, muscular, dark-haired and has been told good-looking. He likes eating out and in, sport, music, drinking and keeping fit. He has his own house and car and lives in Motherwell. Please give him a call. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3661. 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He likes swimming, cycling, running, reading, nights out and LOVES dancing. Lives in the Perthshire area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3681. Tayside Fun-loving 37 year old Tayside guy seeks similar for friendship and perhaps a relationship. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3686. Blond & Bi With Baby Blue Eyes... David from Livingstone. Is an 18 year old bi-guy who is looking for bi or gay friends aged 18-30, for friendship and possibly more. He is 5'9" tall with strawberry-blond hair, baby blue eyes and has a medium to athletic build. He is up for most safe things and likes a laugh... Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3693. Nice Boy Wants Sox Mike from Dundee is 31 years old, 5'11", weighs 11st and is hairy with blond hair and blue eyes. He says that he's "a nice boy with a sock fetish" and he likes CP. Is interested in guys in their 30s or 40s. Can travel but not accommodate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3698. Schoolmaster Wanted Edinburgh Area. Very passive - looking for Schoolmaster type. 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Bi From Glasgow Jason is a 33 year old Glasgow Bi- guy, 5' 8" tall. Wants guys over 50, cross-dressers or couples. Discretion expected and assured. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3591. Honest, Caring And Loving... Ian, 33 year old from Clydebank. 5'7", likes drama, music, badminton, cinema and running. Is honest, caring and loving and is seeking similar, 30-40 years, for a one to one. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3607. Stocky Stewart Stewart from Central Scotland . 36 years old, 5'8" with a stocky build, dark hair and green eyes. Is genuine and honest with a GSOH and fun to be with. Seeking 30-50 year old, looks and size unimportant. Can accommodate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3609. Bordering On The Painful Geoff is late 40's, dark, good-looking and lives in the Borders. Seeing handsome, obedient young men 18-35 years old who need discipline from a traditional English schoolmaster. "We'll see how hard you are when I'm behind you with a triple dragon cane". 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Willing Kenny Kenny is a heavily-built, easy-going, non-smoking bisexual who is 49 years young. Seeking bisexual or gay guys for fun and is willing to try anything. Can travel in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fife and Dundee areas. All genuine calls answered. Thank you. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3518. A Good Tanning? Stephen, 40yrs old, tall and tanned from Glasgow. Seeking obedience and corrective training from experienced administrators. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3545. Strapping Tayside Delinquent 42 yr old delinquent "schoolboy" from Tayside requires local corporal punishment. Preferably with a strap. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3554. 19th Hole? Stevie from Kilmarnock is a very good-looking 26 year old, 5'11", good-looking guy. He is looking for a bisexual male 18-27 year old to share a round of golf with, go for a drink with etc. No strings attached. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3571. Central TV "Lisa" is a TV in her late 20's from Central Scotland who has long brown hair and green eyes. Seeking a professional man for going out, having meals, walks and fun. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3441. Humiliated Traditionalist Scott, 32 years old, 5'10", medium build with a smooth body lives in Glasgow - but can travel. He is seeking an older gentleman for traditional punishment. Also enjoys humiliation and football kits. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3446. Leave Your Mark On Mark Mark from Dundee is 34 years old, 5'10" with blond hair and eyes. Likes most things including Leather and CP. Seeking guys from 30-45 years. Can accommodate but not travel. Genuine replies only PLEASE. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3448. Give And Take Steve is a 42 year old professional Glasgow guy who is 5'11", slim and fairly muscular. Wants to meet other guys who are interested in traditional spanking - giving or taking. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3450. No Smoke Without Fire? Mark is a 45 year old, fair-haired non-smoker from the Tayside area. Seeking non-smoking friends 18-45 years old. Likes fun, clubbing, eating out etc. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3453. Triar Fuck? Robin Hood (aka Phil) is 43 years old and from Dundee. Looking for Little John (or even Big John) aged 30-45 years - who is a clean-shaven non-smoker with an outgoing personality and full of fun - for Archery Practice and maybe even frolics in the Green Wood. Preferably who lives in the Dundee, Perth or North Fife areas. He is honest, reliable and dependable. If you know a good thing when you hear it - then get dialling! Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3493. Report To My Study NOW! Mature Edinburgh Headmaster-type guy will deal firmly with naughty boys of any age. So call now for a visit to his Study. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3365. Deadly Serious Punishment Special. Guy in his 50's offers hard discipline to well-built guys 18-40 years. Serious interest only. Will travel to Glagow, Edinburgh etc. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3386. Deadly Accuracy Geoff, 47 year old "Lovejoy lookalike" lives near Berwick in the Borders area. He is experienced in administering CP with deadly accuracy and is seeking Scottish lads 18-35 years. Will also take from the right guy. Novices are welcome and all limits and discretion are respected. No timewasters please. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3390. Very Naughty In Edinburgh Very naughty 32 years, 5'11" tall, medium built Edinburgh lad needs to have his bottom well strapped by a mature, over 50 year old man, for his indiscretions. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3412 Passive Seeks Active 40 year old passive gay guy looking for an active guy for fun times. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3421. Bra And Spankies "Samantha" is a Dom-Sub, Bi-guy who likes sex, bondage, S/M and lingerie. Seeking males and females from the Edinburgh area for fun and games. Is 40 years old and a non-smoker. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3282. New Blond In Town 35 year old gay guy, fairly new to the Dundee area: 5'10", blond hair with blue eyes. Is seeking local friends, 25-45 years old, preferably non-smokers. Likes theatre, cinema and eating out. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3212. Voluptuous Kenny wants TLC Chubby, voluptuous gay male, 47 years old from East Lothian area - ideal for chubby chasers. Is into music, videos and nice times together - seeking friendship and TLC with a stockily-built man, 25-40 years old. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3265. Lingerie & Discipline - But No Strings... Kevin from Fife. 5'10" Bi-guy in his early 50s. Is into female lingerie and is seeking gay or Bi-guys who are into no strings fun with optional discipline. He's new to the scene so discretion is expected and assured. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3062. Teacher Gives Bottom Marks... (Is This PUNishment???) Glasgow area Teacher gives naughty boys bottom marks. You should be slim or medium build, under 26 and in need of a firm hand. Please report to this contact number NOW. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3135. Father / Teacher Required 32 year old, 5'11" offshore worker, lives Central Edinburgh. Seeking 50+ medium to well-built guy to play the strict father/schoolteacher role. Number 09068 556613 - Number 2896. Whining And Dining? Bill from Paisley. 50 year old "Dad type" looking for younger "sons" under 28 years old, preferably slim, who are in need of a corrective firm hand from a genuine Guy. Likes eating out, fine wine, nights in, CP. Is strict but caring. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 2759. Glasgow Sub Glasgow Sub seeking Dominant for a spanking good time. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 2858. Come Again? Repetitive submissive TV from Glasgow requires a firm hand. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 2642. All Present For Correction Edinburgh. "All present for correction". You: 50+ well-built with a very strict outlook. Me: 33 years old, bad boy in need of spanking and caning. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 2337. Falkirk Bi Seeks Similar 45 year old married bisexual professional male from Falkirk area. Seeking another, in a similar situation, for friendship and problem-sharing. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 1862. Very Naughty - But Nice.... Edinburgh 32 year old, 5'11" seeking 50+ assertive disciplinarian to take the lead when he's been naughty - which happens quite a lot! Phone 09068 556613 - Number 1811. Bad Boy Needs Discipline 32 year old Edinburgh bad boy wants 50+ gentlemen who are strict disciplinarians with interest in CP. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 1602. Fraserburgh Versatile and fair-haired. Classical music, books and video-lover looking for similar. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 9628. -------------------------------------------------------------- BOXES - THE SCOTSGAY MEET MARKET ================================ To reply to a Contact Ad: By e-mail: We can now accept replies by e-mail for Box Numbers. They should be sent to boxreplies@drink.demon.co.uk and will be printed out and posted on by snail mail to the box number holders. There will be no charge for this service. As box number holders are unlikely to have access to e-mail, please include your name and address so that they can get back to you! And remember to include the box number that you're replying to clearly on each reply. By snail mail: 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 outside the UK, an International Reply Coupon (IRC) should be enclosed for each reply instead of postage stamps. International Reply Coupons are available from most Post Offices throughout the world. We are unable to send on replies without postage stamps or IRCs. Send all replies to: ScotsGay Magazine, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. To place a Contact Ad: Write to the above address enclosing your advertisement copy. Ads are FREE of charge to the advertiser. Or you can send them by e-mail to scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk ***Women Aberdeen Genuinely attractive woman needed for some TLC and possibly romance. Let's get together and see what happens. Non Smoker. Box SG36008. Aberdeen - Friend/more Looking for friendship or maybe more. 21 year old, 31w, short dark hair, straight acting, genuine, GSOH, like music, stay in/out, looking for friendship or more in Aberdeen area. If you're interested, E-mail pearljam19@hotmail.com or write Box SG36013. ***Men Men Spanking Men A fully illustrated magazine containing CP stories of Men Spanking Men. Canes, Tawses, Hands, Straps and much more. For full details and an order form, ring Jason Junior on 0800 9805469. E-mail: jason@jason-junior.co.uk WWW: http://www.jason-junior.co.uk [36a] Glasgow - West Of Scotland Male Glasgow/surrounding. 20 year old monogamous seeks similar, 18-30. Into music, expecially classical, law, politics, clubbing, current affairs and going for coffee. Box SG36003. Come And Go! No strings quickies offered to young guys by friendly Edinburgh 40's guy. Box SG36004. Your Bear Hunt Could Be Over Traditional Scottish Bear, 43, 5'6", 15st, very hairy with beard and long red (balding) hair. I'm looking for no strings fun and friendship with a smooth chested and faced young guy. Can accommodate (Edinburgh) or will travel. Mainly active but can be versatile with the right guy. I'm into guys who aren't too skinny - 'plain' or even 'ugly duckling' rather than 'pretty boys full of themselves'. But no piercings, please. Non smoker preferred. See my pix at http://i.am/ weebear/ and, if you like what you see, drop me a line (ALAWP) to: Box SG36005. Wanted! I am a good looking 23 year old male, blond hair, 5'11" tall, stocky build. Looking for a nice big, strong male under 25 for fun times. Box SG36014. Chubby Looking Oriental Chaser I'm a 49 year old chubby bear type of guy. I'm looking for a LTR with an oriental guy. I am professional and very discrete, you should be too. I'm 5'8" and 280lbs. Enjoy peace and quiet with occasional pub visits. I'm a homely sort of person who would rather watch a movie on TV than go to the cinema. Box SG36015. Indian Chub Seeks Scots Hunk London Indian chub, 21, brown eyes, black hair, 5'11" tall, 7" thick, seeks handsome Scottish guy 18-40 for a relationship. Uni student and a new internet company starter, person who is loyal and understanding. Box SG36016. Uncomplicated Fun Edinburgh guy, 40's, small, fat, hairy and balding, looking for some uncomplicated fun with a young smooth guy who likes that sort of thing. Total discretion if required. Photo helps but not essential. Non smoker preferred. No pierced guys please. Can accommodate or will travel. Box SG36017. Glasgow - 45 And Not Past It! Glasgow guy living in West End - 5'10", slim to med build, looking to meet new friends and, who knows, the elusive Mr Right. Can accommodate or travel. Box SG36018. Fingers Warmed ! Come let me reacquaint or introduce you to the delights of the Lochgelly Tawse. Safe and sane forty something, with an extensive collection of the genuine implements would like to meet you. Write to me with your requirements. Box SG36019. Soulmate Wanted Forty something earthling seeks friend/lover/soulmate. Fife/Tayside enjoys theatre, Classical music, countryside/city side. Non scene. E-mail: ih1745@hotmail.com or write to Box SG36020. Edinburgh 47 year old heavy and chubby guy looking for daytime/evening fun wirh bid stock guy (25-45). If you are active, then this passive guy is wanting to be serviced and appreciated by guys who love big, cuddly, tactile men like me. John (Box No 2031/voicemail please get in touch). ALA, Discretion assured. Cheers, Kenny. Box SG36022. Weekend Fun 19 year old slim guy 5'6", wants weekend fun with a slim guy under 30 who can accommodate in Glasgow for fun weekends. I'm into sport, a few drinks and cinema. Box SG36024. Glasgow Area Firm handed but fair minded dad type in late 40s, looking for son under 26 who would benefit from a firm but fair hand. Box SG36025. West Of Scotland Small chubby bear 48, with own cave, is looking for a slim chaser 18-28 who is in need of lots of TLC. Looks unimportant but the slimmer the better. Box SG36026. Edinburgh Slim, shy, oriental guy seeking mature friends and companions for social interaction. Travel companions welcomed. Varied interests - include gardening, reading, music, short walks! Box SG36027. Edinburgh - Anywhere Student type? Know what you want? Then come and get it! Friendly 40's guy offers discreet fun and frolics to young guys. Write fully. Photo helps but not essential. Can accommodate but will travel. Box SG36028. A Smooth Body To Massage Any Scotsman looking for a smooth oriental body to massage? Box SG36029. Scotland You, bi curious, under 25, maybe a student, or unemployed with time on hands, and looking for daytime fun with older guy, this 40 something guy has the time and inclination to be there when required. Contact with pic if possible, but looks not too important, a healthy sexual need is all that is required for good fun. Box SG3603. Edinburgh Sub/Slave Required Caring Edinburgh couple (man, women) require a truly submissive male for domestic training. Your attitude and submission are far more important than your age or looks. We believe in discipline and punishment and you can expect to be spanked, paddled and caned. You can also expect good evenings with good company just relaxing as friends. You will also be respectful and obedient at all times. If interested E-mail: paul_edinburgh@ yahoo.co.uk or write Box SG36031. Sub For Punishment Edinburgh/Glasgow, 40's guy is looking for a dominant guy into CP sessions involving all types of restraint. You'd be the boss to a compliant sub. Box SG36032. Friends Sought In Scotland Hi, I'm from Milton Keynes in England and I come up to Scotland to visit now and again. It would be nice to have some other friends up there. I visit Arbroath, Aberdeen and Dundee. I'm 27. love clubbing very friendly and great sense of humour. Box SG36033. Edinburgh Non scene 40's guy seeks regular or one-off no strings fun with younger guy. You should be: under 26, smooth (shaved) face and body, stocky or well built, passive or versatile. Looks not too important. Box SG36034. Fat Old Wanker Needs suitable friends. (Pre)Come and enjoy yourself. Edinburgh. Box SG36035. Glasgow Chubby bottom in mid forties, is looking for a younger top guy, under 27 who is looking for some uncomplicated fun and maybe more with right guy. Non-smoker prefered. Box SG36036. Scottish Teacher Is looking to give bottom marks to unruly students who are under 25 and prefer a strict older partner. Box SG36037. North Lanarkshire Guy Stocky, hairy guy, recently hurt, wants new pals/lover/something. 35, into most things. Need man, preferably active, in area. OHAC. Serious replies only. E-mail: beemac@gay.com or write: Box SG36038. CP Do you have an interest in either giving or receiving CP? Would you like to join me in setting up a club in Scotland for like minded people? Then contact me in strictest confidence.The only restriction is that you should be over 18 years of age. Box SG36039. Love Is In The Air 47 year old well built guy from Falkirk with great personality is looking for friendship. Age and looks unimportant. Box SG36040. Affectionate Fun Caring Guy Slim smooth CS NSM WE 46 year old, 6' tall OHAC into pubs, clubs, music, films, videos, good food, WLTM genuine guy 30+ for friendship, fun, and to share good times, hopefully 1-2-1. Glasgow. Box SG36041. Boyfriend Needed Normal s/a guy 6' seeks guy for love and romance, own house and car, open to new ideas, take a chance and get to know me. Box SG36042 Edinburgh Area Slim Dark 30 Into loads of stuff - travelling, cinema, martial arts, scuba diving. Looking for someone to have a laugh with, under 40 and slim. Romance and sex would be good too. ALAWP. Box SG36043. Skinhead - Edinburgh - Glasgow Wants to meet guys into combats, w/s, masks, rubber gear, used and dirty work gear, DM's, for hot wet fun. Phone number for quick reply. ALA. Box SG36044. Genuine Submissive Guy 48, slim, seeks sane mates in Edinburgh/Glasgow for weekend visits with WS and/or boot licking, CP, interests. Doms and skins welcome. Photo appreciated with frank letter. ALA. Box SG36045. Submissive Weightlifter Needs strict whip master. Photo essential. Central Scotland/anywhere. Box SG36046. Horny Sportsman Iris