SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland ScotsGay 80/- Heavy - Issue 51 - April 2003 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 2003. 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) 8ukp 6 issue sub (Overseas) 15ukp 12 issue sub (UK & EC) 15ukp 12 issue sub (Overseas) 28ukp 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 Glasgow Don't Clap Hands - STI's Edinburgh Humour Letter to the Editor Aberdeen Scottish Media Monitor Dundee International Films Dance Chart Books Arts Voice Personals Boxes - the ScotsGay Meet Market Helplines Listings Venues --------------------------------------------------------------- EDITORIAL ========= Sorry to harp on about it, but it's about time that we were thinking of Pride again - especially in the view of John Smart's remarks that such things should be banned! And when I say "we", that's exactly what I mean. By now, we all know the sorry tale of the demise of Pride Scotland Limited following last year's festival in Glasgow. What should have been a triumph for the organisers turned into a soggy loss making event. The subsequent mode of winding up affairs hasn't helped - instead of paying all creditors a small but significant dividend out of the GBP 10K left in the pot, at the insistence of just one numpty of a creditor ,every penny will go to a professional liquidator just so that everything is done "properly". So, if we're going to have a Pride in Central Scotland (Aberdeen seem to be doing jolly well all by themselves - and good luck to them too!), it's really down to "us" to organise it. And, on the basis that the National event alternates between Scotland's Number Two City and Scotland's Number One City (I leave it to denizens of both to make the case for which is which), it's Edinburgh's turn this time. Realistically, it's not likely to be something elaborate with tents, stages and loud popular beat combos. Perhaps it will be like the 2001 event where we had a cracking march and then broke up and wandered round the extensive Edinburgh Scene. Or it could take the form of a formal wanderette followed by impromptu picnics in some of Edinburgh's public spaces - weather permitting. Whatever, it's down to us. The previous organisers aren't going to do it again. So, here's a proposition: Sunday 4th May at 2pm in the wheelchair accessible Holyrood Tavern, 9a Holyrood Road. A public meeting. For us, the public, to work out what we want for/from Pride and how we can best achieve it with the limited funds, personnel and time at our disposal. If we can't get something together, perhaps we in the Lowlands don't deserve Pride and really should leave it all to the Aberdonians! John Hein E-mail: editorial@scotsgay.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS ==== NOT SO SMART A Conservative Candidate for the Scottish Parliament has claimed that gay pride marches should be outlawed because homosexuality is "morally wrong" and shouldn't be paraded in public. John Smart, the Tories' Edinburgh East and Musselburgh parliamentary candidate also warned his party leadership to think again about its efforts to become more tolerant of minorities and said the party must stand unequivocally for family values. He attended the 2001 Pride march in Edinburgh carrying a Biblical quote and whinges that he was confronted by a marcher exposing himself. Speaking to Scotland on Sunday, Smart claimed that Christian values must be placed at the heart of Scottish politics after MSPs voted to repeal the law which banned the "promotion" of homosexuality in schools. He said: "I find quite horrendous the sort of materials being provided to impressionable youngsters in schools now. It is quite vile. The focus must be on marriage between a man and a woman. Homosexuality is morally wrong. It is certainly something that ought not to be promoted." Pledging to campaign to ban gay pride marches if elected, Smart, who said his views were "not about persecution of homosexuals", added: "It is so in your face. I find it absolutely abhorrent. It's not something that needs to be dealt with openly. A number of tourists were there who were quite horrified at what they saw. They came to Edinburgh not to see sexual antics. Some of the costumes being worn were very disturbing." Smart is well known for his superstitious views having been editor of the Protestant Standard. He also admits to having been a member of the Orange Order. Smart's views come in the face of Scottish Tory Leader, David McLetchie, who sent a letter of support to the 2001 march, stating that "Scotland should aspire to be a just, tolerant and inclusive society in which individual freedom is respected under the law and where we can live in harmony with one another". USE YOUR VOTE People who vote in the Scottish Parliament elections on May 1st will base their choice on all sorts of factors: local, national and international. But what about the parties' policies on LGBT equality? Tim Hopkins of the Equality Network looks at some of the party manifestos and what they promise for Scotland's LGBT people. These manifestos fall into two groups. There are the parties whose manifestos make specific commitment to important LGBT issues: the Greens, Liberal Democrats and Scottish Socialist Party. Then there are the others, which may make general commitments to equality, but say nothing about the specific issues that concern us. The Conservative manifesto says the Tories respect diversity, but has no mention at all of sexual orientation equality. The Green Party manifesto commits the party to pursuing equality and respect for all social groups, including on grounds of sexuality. It goes on to say "we will work towards ensuring that married couples and unmarried couples - including same sex couples - are awarded the same partnership rights ... We will also recognise the civil registration of partnerships." The Labour manifesto says that prejudice and discrimination are wrong, and mentions proposed action against racism and sectarianism, but makes no mention at all of sexual orientation equality. The Liberal Democrats promise to seek to ensure that everyone is treated on an equal basis, including on grounds of sexuality. They pledge to "recognise the rights of unmarried and same-sex long-term partnerships in legislation, including the opportunity to register a long-term partnership." The SNP manifesto commits the party to "a constitutionally enshrined guarantee of equal opportunities for all Scots regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality, faith, belief, disability or social background. We will continue to place this commitment at the centre of our actions." The Scottish Socialist Party manifesto has a whole half-page on "gay rights", promising to "promote equal rights for gay and lesbian couples in parenting, fostering and adoption; to support the principle of a Civil Registered Partnership, which would be open to same-sex partners and would give the same status to people living together as married couples; to support and fund initiatives in schools and colleges aimed at eradicating homophobic bullying and isolation; and to support and fund community projects such as the Glasgow LGBT Centre and develop similar facilities in other towns and cities." Tim Hopkins John Hein comments: Ignored by Tim are two other parties with good LGBT pedigrees - The Liberal Party in Scotland (for which I am standing on the Lothian List) and Bunny's Violate Party. HAVING A VOICE - SOMETHING WORTH SHOUTING ABOUT Positive Voice, the self-help group for people living with HIV in Lothian, is now offering a major new service for positive people. Positive Voice has recently launched its advocacy service. Advocacy is about giving people a voice - helping to ensure their views are heard. Consultation with service users and other agencies carried out by Positive Voice gave a very clear message: Positive People are looking for advocacy support. So Positive Voice raised funds to enable them to invest a lot of time researching and developing training to enable a group of their volunteers to offer a high quality advocacy support. With the training course now completed the service is up and running. If you are HIV positive, or close to someone living with HIV, and you would like support in your dealings with your consultant, your employer, another HIV agency you can contact one of the volunteer advocates Rob, Dawn or Shiv at Positive Voice on 0131-652 0754. The advocates also work to support the voice of communities of people living with HIV. If you feel there are issues that have a bearing on the community, the advocates can represent your views by contacting professionals, working with the press. FLAGS DAY Shaun McKillop is behind Fife Fun Lesbian and Gay Society, a new charity based in Dunfermline, which is in the process of setting up a safe meeting space and drop-in centre providing health education and safe sex supplies, support groups, youth group and social activities, as well as a telephone help line. Can you help? Want to join the steering group? Would you like to access these services? Any suggestions...? Facilities will be provided for all age groups but we need to know what you want. Tel: Aberdour (01383) 738517. E-mail: FifeFLAGS@dsl.pipex.com HAPPY MORN 'Christians for an Inclusive Scotland' was launched by a gathering of Christians from a broad range of Scottish Churches and other organisations held on Sat 22nd Mar at Augustine United Church in Central Edinburgh. The next Scottish Parliament is likely to face calls for recognising same sex partnerships, allowing same-sex couples to be considered as adoptive parents on the same terms as mixed-sex couples and reflecting in law the genders of transsexual people. The painful debate surrounding repeal of Section 2A of the Local Government (Scotland) Act (also know as "Clause 28") shows that the loudest Christian voices are often those opposed to justice for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people and the organisers of this event were keen to show that many Christians believed it was their duty to campaign for the Gospel values of justice and equality to extend to all Gods children, irrespective of sexuality or gender identity. The event attracted a wide cross section of Scottish Church life with members of the Church of Scotland, the Roman Catholic Church, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Metropolitan Community Church, the Unitarians and the United Reformed Church turning up to show their support as well as people from organisations such as the Iona Community, Quest (the LGBT Catholic Organisation), the Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement, the Evangelical Fellowship of LGBT Christians, Courage, the Equality Network, Gay Men's Health, Reach Out Highland, LGBT Youth Scotland and Parents Enquiry Scotland. Rev Ian Bonner-Evans, Pastor of Holy Trinity Metropolitan Community Church, an Edinburgh Church which has been campaigning on these issues for several years, was pleased that the event was so successful: 'The time has come for us to let the people of Scotland know that Christs Gospel of love and liberation is bigger than human bigotry. This is about more than justice for LGBT folk - this is about standing up for the Gospel in the face of those would use it to exclude and stigmatise.' Further events are planned after the Scottish Elections. PARTY TIME IN ABERDEEN All of the major parties took part in the first ever LGBT Political Hustings in Aberdeen, those represented included Labour, Liberal Democrats, SNP, SSP, The Green Party and the Scottish Conservatives. That's right folks the 'Tories' were there!! An interesting choice of candidate coz his views were personal as opposed to towing the party line, and reasonably believable! The Labour Party Candidate on the other hand referred continually to his copy of the Labour Manifesto without directly answering any of the questions asked. The Green Candidate if for nothing else should be thanked for her enthusiasm during the evening. If push came to shove the SSP's Policy covers many of the issues regarded by the LGBT Community as being of paramount importance, whilst the SNP and Lib Dems policies like those of the SSP put diversity and fighting injustice faced by members of minority groups at the core of their manifestos. Everyone including members of the LGBT Community and those representing the political parties who attended the Forum Hustings took the meeting seriously but as with everything else we ran out of time but not questions. The fact that all of the major parties turned up and the LGBT Community felt it was worthwhile gives us the feeling that we now have a voice and that LGBT issues in Scotland are definitely on the wider agenda. Many questions do remain unanswered but the political process takes time, we will just have to wait and see what develops over the next Scottish Parliamentary term. As the NELF Forum is run by volunteers we are always looking for more people to take part assisting in changing attitudes and supporting the work of the forum for the LGBT Community in Aberdeen. Mark Thomson UNCHAINED JOY Bisexuals Grow Up in London: The UK's National Bisexual Convention reaches 21. BiCon, the world's longest running bisexual convention, is coming home in 2003. Founded in London back in 1984 and held in a different UK city every year, BiCon gathers hundreds of bisexuals and their allies, and anyone curious, for a weekend of discussion, networking and partying. This year's BiCon is to be held in London's Docklands over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Friday 22nd to Monday 25th. The four-day event will be bigger and better than ever before, with film showings, speakers, live performances and a costume ball. This is the only large-scale bisexual event taking place in Britain this year. It is the occasion when the UK's bisexual communities, friends and allies gather en masse to celebrate our diversity. Write: BM BiCon, 27 Old Gloucester St, London. WC1N 3XX. Tel: 0781 490 6134 (Recorded message line, please leave voicemail: press enquiries will be responded to within seven days.) E-mail: info@bicon2003.org.uk WWW: http://www.bicon2003.org.uk/ FIFE Alec Deary writes: Body Positive (Fife) has been dissolved. Following the decision of the membership (around 4 of them I think) made on Thu 17th Apr it will take about six weeks to get financial details in order. Once all the debts have been honoured the assets (if any) are to be tranfered to West Fife Drugs, a recommendation that the Fife Men Project will be challenging. Grounds for this are twofold - as we had worked with BPF raising funds through the Red Ribbon Appeal and collecting the majority of the cash it is felt that this should be returned to FMP and secondly FMP are the only service in the voluntary sector specifically aligned to HIV prevention and support for gay and bisexual men (one of the reasons BPF would not want assets to head in our direction). BPF will go down in history as a service that did not want a profile that was, in the words of the redundant gay chairperson, "too gay". BLUE BONNETS Borders Switchboard has now closed However, Alastair Ling is hosting the fourth annual Scottish Borders LGBT Barbeque near Galashiels on Sat 31st May, in the afternoon. As well as running the new Scottish Borders Hillwalking Group, Alastair hopes to continue some of the defunct switchboard's social group activities under the banner of the Scottish Borders LGBT Forum. For further details, contact Alastair on: Galashiels (01896) 757861. E-mail: sbhg@drink.demon.co.uk BOOK FEST Edinburgh Independent Radical Book Fair takes place 29th May-1st Jun, in the Assembly Rooms. Full details from Word Power Bookshop, 43 West Nicolson Street. Tel: 0131-662 9112. E-mail: books@word-power.co.uk WWW: http://www.word-power.co.uk/ YOUTH JOB John Paul Fitzpatrick has recently taken up a seconded post working for Glasgow City Council's Youth Services section as Scotland's first full time, local authority LGBT Youth Worker, working with young people aged 16-25. His job is to develop and expand youth work provision for young people aged 16-25 in conjunction with partner agencies in the voluntary sector such as LGBT Youth Scotland and statutory as in other council departments and Health Board. Much of the work is based on the Something to Tell You Needs assessment produced last year and published by Greater Glasgow Health Board. Tel: 0141-248 1842. E-mail: johnpaul.fitzpatrick@mac.com NAME CHECK Stonewall Youth Project has changed its name to LGBT Youth Scotland. MAIR BALLS Caledonian Thebans Rugby Football Club, Scotland's first gay friendly rubgy club, is predominantly made up of gay/bi men, but all are welcome. Instruction and practice is by experienced members. Learn the game and get fit with them. Their summer season (Starts 7th Jun) will provide new and experienced players with a good grounding for playing with the team - No experience necessary. Tel: 07960 954242 (after 5pm). E-mail: chairman@thebans-rfc.co.uk WWW: http://www.thebans-rfc.co.uk/ FREE The Pink Media Group, providers of the Pocket Pink Guide Books, is giving away copies of its National Business Directory(normal RRP GBP 5!) absolutely FREE of charge to readers of ScotsGay. They are even paying the post and packing! The directory contains listings of Gay friendly businesses who have pledged that they do not discriminate against Gay, Lesbian, Bi sexual or trans-gendered people. Many of the businesses are giving discounts to users of the directory. To get hold of your free copy you should either E-mail them at info@pinkpublishing.co.uk or visit them online at WWW: http://www.pinkpublishing.co.uk/ and reach them by using the Contact Us section of their website. UNSMOOTHED Velvet has become a casualty of the proposed sale of the lease at Ego. Therefore after the April 25th date there will be no Women's Club at Ego. Velvet is currently seeking a new home, so watch this space. Velvet's April 25th date will go ahead as their last night at Ego / the last women's night at Ego. FAGS OUT Following a successful pilot smoking cessation support group based at the Sandyford Initiative, the Steve Retson Project team will commence a new group in the LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow on 22nd May at 6.30pm. This will be an eight week course using group support with NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) - or without NRT if you prefer. This group will be led by one of the trained host helpers, and is open to all Gay or Bisexual men, and Transgender people. The first meeting is an information session where NRT samples will be available for you to choose the type that suits you. (We do not prescribe your NRT. This must be done by your own GP.) Week two is your Quit day and you should bring your NRT with you to this session. Weeks Three to Eight are support sessions. For an information pack call 0141-211 8628. --------------------------------------------------------------- Glasgow/Glaschu =============== Salutations and felicitations, gentle folk. Truth is stranger than fiction. Have the Martians landed in Huddersfield? No. Has Kirsty Wark admitted to being post-op? No. It is only April and the sun is out in Glasgow. I know what you are thinking, but do not worry. The matter has been raised at the highest level and I am assured that we will soon be back to the piss awful weather we all know and loath. God bless the Empire. A quick note, by way of a slight apology, to anyone turning up at Blackfriars for club 'Mystyx' on 19th Apr. The night has been moved to the following Saturday. Unfortunately, no one bothered to inform your's truly. So, this is a reminder to organisers of events: I report what I am told - if you change the dates, please let me know ASAP. On 29th Mar, I travelled out to Edinburgh in order to experience club 'Violate' held in suitably baroque surroundings - the Dungeons just around from Waverley Station. On entering the premises, one was faced with the delightful Sharon all dressed up as a medieval wench, demanding money and offering dire consequences for those who dared to enter. Travelling further down into the bowels of Edinburgh, the place starts to close in around you. It's a maze of interlinked rooms and passageways with more flights of stairs hidden around corners. By the time I arrived, the place was really lively. People had made a great deal of effort with their outfits and entered into the spirit of the event. Of special mention is the young guy wearing boots and a morose look, who wandered around most of the night with a large erection! The only downside to the whole event was the early finish time, which hopefully at future events will be extended. Another plus would be if the bar area and staff entered more into the spirit of the event dress wise. On the whole though a good night in a really special venue. Apparently the plan is to hold an event at the dungeons around every three months. The next date in the Edinburgh Dungeons is 7th Jun. I recently met up with Brian Johnston of B.U.R.L.Y to see what they have planned for the next few months. On Fri 25th Apr 'Taurus the Bull' will take place at the Mercury Lounge. There will be a promotion on Red Bull, a biggest balls competition and a hairiest arse competition! Doors open 10pm until 3am. Entry is GBP 5; Dress code is Uniforms, Rubber, Leathers, Industrial, Denims and Kilts. On Sat 17th May 'Brief Encounter' will take place. Doors open 10pm until 3am. Entry is GBP 3; dress code is Boots 'n' Underwear Only. The dress code will be strictly enforced (Oooh Matron!) T-shirts will be allowed. There will be a B.U.R.L.Y weekend at the Mercury Lounge running from Fri 30th May until Sun 1st June. 'Tattooed and Topless' will take place on Fri 30th May. Doors open 10pm until 3am. Entry is GBP 5. Sat 31st May will see a 'B.U.R.L.Y Private Party' - this event will be invitation only. Sun 1st Jun will be possibly a first in Glasgow - 'BURLY-esque' an LGBT Tea Dance from 3pm until 8pm. Entry will be GBP 6 for guests and GBP 5 for members. Free dance lessons, sandwiches and Bucks Fizz. Dress code is stylish, smart and sexy (No trainers, tracky bottoms, baseball caps or denim). For further details check the listings page or Tel: 07930 357401. Another reminder: the next Glesgay Ceilidh with the Macappella Band will be held on Sat 3rd May, 8pm until midnight, St Andrews Hall, St Andrews Square, (off the Saltmarket). Tickets are GBP 12 (GBP 10 concessions). Available from Clone Zone, Tron Theatre, LGBT Centre, Revolver Bar and by post to: Centre Admin, LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL (inc. SAE and Payment). Further info Tel: 07764 569094 or E-mail: glesgayceilidh@btopenworld.com If you go down to the woods tonight.... BearScots Pub Night in Glasgow. Sat 26th April, 9pm until Midnight. Informal pub meeting at the Revolver Bar, John Street, Glasgow. For all hairy, bearded and moustached men and their admirers. For contact details see the listings page. Goth club Bedlam throw open their doors again on Sat 3rd May. This club usually runs on the last Saturday of the month at Qudos, Main Floor, Queen Margaret Union, Glasgow University, Hillhead. Doors open 9pm until 2am. Tickets are GBP 3 available from Osiris, 487 Great Western Rd, Glasgow and Missing Records, Wellington St, Glasgow and on the door on the night or E-mail: brian@cantara.demon.co.uk or gg@nakedtruth.co.uk or try WWW: http://www.bedlamcorp.co.uk/ One final word on the up and coming elections. In refusing to vote, you disenfranchise yourself and, by association, your own community. If you believe the LGBT community should have a voice, then get off your arse and vote on 1st May. If you do not vote, you have no right to complain when the politicians screw things up. Well, that is about it for another fun packed edition, full of wizard wheezes and jolly japes. My jester's suit is going to the dry cleaners and I am off down south once more. I have an appointment with a No#10 scalpel. No doubt some people will consider it well overdue! Whatever else you find to do: be safe. Angharad E-mail: angharad@drink.demon.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------- Don't Clap Hands: Sexually Transmitted Infections ================================================= Let's start with a look at drug use: Crystal (meth / Tina / ice / crank / glass / crazy medicine) is one of those designer drugs that's doing the rounds and contains such lovely ingredients as drain cleaner, battery fluid and that good ole favourite antifreeze. Crystal is more addictive and deadly than heroin or crack and has the effect of cutting you off from positive thoughts, feelings and emotions. Users become detached and feel suicidal as the feeling of insecurity and fear takes hold. The other side effects leave the user with depression, paranoia, psychotic episodes and convulsions; this leaves you with a lack of appetite and sleep deprivation. The more noticeable and physical changes can be seen in the form of wasted muscle definition leaving the user looking gaunt and pale. As with any drug/alcohol use and misuse it not only costs an arm and a leg to feed the habit but also leads to unsafe sexual practices and is a factor in the increase in the spread of HIV and other Sti's. At the end of the day, this stuff like Crack Cocaine can turn you into a Zombie and is more than able to lead you to a swift demise (DEATH). This writer does not condemn or condone the use of drugs, what you do with them is your choice nobody else's, just be safe! Gonorrhoea is back and badder than ever! There is an outbreak in Scotland amongst the gay and bisexual community so if you're cruising or sexually active be aware that it is out there. The route of transmission for Gonorrhoea follows so many other Sti's, so time to refresh your memory. What is it? Gonorrhoea is an infection caused by a germ (Neisseria Gonorrhoea) fab Latin name, nasty little bugger!! It is spread by unprotected anal and vaginal sex and less commonly through oral sex. It is found in the rectum (up your arse), in the urethra (the tube from the bladder to the tip of you dick), in the throat through giving a blow-job and can be transmitted by rimming (licking around the anus). Kissing an infected partner cannot pass gonorrhoea. Ok so that's the way it can be caught, but, I hear you cry, what the fuck are the symptoms? In men a pain when you're pissing along with a green or yellow (nice colours!) discharge from the tip of your dick. If your infection is in the arse, Gonorrhoea can cause constipation; pain or bleeding (or both) when passing solids combined with that green or white discharge in your shit. In your throat the infection may cause soreness at the back of your throat (similar to that of tonsillitis). Like most of the nastier buggers out there, there may be no symptoms at all that anything is wrong in the majority of cases. If left untreated, there is always the high risk of passing on the infection to other partners. Gonorrhoea also causes inflammation (swelling) in the scrotum (ball sac) and can cause infertility. How quickly will the symptoms show? The symptoms develop if detected within four to eight days but depending on the type may be as much as two weeks. Remember the symptoms don't often show up! So what do you need to do, how can you tell if you have Gonorrhoea? If you think you have any of those symptoms listed or feel that you have put yourself at risk get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. If you are unable to go to your own doctor get yourself along to a GUM (Genito Urinary Medicine) Clinic (numbers listed in the phone book), or a project like Steve Retson in Glasgow and have yourself checked out by a specialist. What happens at the Clinic? A swab will be taken from the inside of your arse, the urethra and your throat, the samples can be relatively quickly diagnosed but in some cases samples will also be sent away to ensure that the diagnosis is correct. OK so you have Gonorrhoea, what's the treatment, does it hurt? The treatment takes the form of an Antibiotic taken orally or less commonly by injection. Some types of the germ are resistant to certain antibiotics but your doctor or the clinic will prescribe the appropriate one. It is not uncommon to be asked to go back to the clinic for a further test to make sure the infection has been killed off. During this time, and to allow the antibiotics to work, it is essential to ensure that you avoid all sexual contact until you are sure the infection is gone. It is also important to tell other sexual contacts (if you know them, remember them!) that you have an infection and advise them to go along and be tested as a precaution. Not the easiest thing in the world to do, but hey it could save you from re-contracting the germ. Where can I get information about Gonorrhoea and other Sti's? Information is available from the GUM Clinics, NHS Scotland Health Promotion office in your area, projects like PHACE Scotland, Gay Men's Health in Edinburgh or Steve Retson in Glasgow. Leaflets are also available in many doctors' surgeries. Remember guyz play safe, play wisely and cover up your dick!! Mark T. XXX E-mail: markt@phacescotland.org --------------------------------------------------------------- Edinburgh/Dun Eideann ===================== Summer is truly upon us - we can tell this as Habana has put chairs out on the pavement. Having been on holiday for two weeks I have been enjoying the sunshine as have most of the resident cruisers! Just a shame that the rains have now come. Speaking of Habana, the trendy little bar had its annual collection of Easter eggs in order to donate them to the Edinburgh Sick Children's Hospital. The LGBT community donated generously as many regulars brought along an Easter egg to cheer up the kids on Easter Sunday. Habana also put on a Treasure Hunt in order to allow lots of the bars (gay and straight) to come together for a bit of fun. Money raised from this went to a children's charities in Thailand (Sarnelli House and Children's Home and the Pattaya Orphanage Trust). A raffle followed with resident host, Miss Cilla Slack. Top prizes including a portable music system and a trip to Amsterdam. Well done to all of the venues who contributed and took part: Habana, Laughing Duck, Lloyds, Mood, Thai Me Up In Edinburgh, Conan Doyle, Baroque, Wally Dug, St Vincent, Elm Bar, and CC Blooms (who held a raffle along with the regular Sunday karaoke). Planet Out held a shag-tag all weekend for their Easter frolics as drink promos on selected spirits enticed the LGBT community in their droves. Pink Pound is still proving to be the place to be on a Monday night, partly due to Trendy Wendy providing the tunes - although all drinks being a pound is good too! Tuesday night is quiz night with Big Gay Al. Excellent prizes are on offer so it's an excellent warm up to get the pub in the mood for the pre-Vibe party. The music is so mixed and Alan is only too happy to play any tune of your choice. One of my favourite DJ's (Jon Pleased), along with his wee mate Morgan, host Thursday night's Fruit Salad - an interesting alternative night where anything goes in terms of music - all the old club classics along with the new hits as well. Planet is now officially hosting Joy's monthly pre-club event with DJ Brett King. Joy, now in its tenth year is as popular as ever. Maggie and Alan Joy along with Brett King are on the decks in the main hall with Trendy Wendy and Sally F in the Cocteau Lounge. The night itself is an evening of intense dance with an eclectic eccentric mix of people. Venue is Ego (Picardy Place) and entry is GBP 10 unless you are a Joy member (GBP 8 if you are). Their 'baby' night is Wiggle at the same venue as Joy, when Penny Porn star invites you to a night of pop from 11pm-3am. Proving to be more and more popular, Wiggle caters for chart and dance lovers. Their next date is Sat 26th April with Trendy Wendy and Jon Pleased in the main hall and Sally F and DJ Michelle in the Cocteau Lounge. For all you Madonna lovers out there, 'A Night Of A Thousand Madonnas' is the theme for Sat 24th May. Alan Joy's other night is Mingin' - A Dark Sexy Dirty House Club held every second Sat upstairs at Studio 24, Calton Road. Entry is GBP 5 before midnight and GBP 6 thereafter. The annual Mingin' Boat Trip will take place on Sat 17th May. It's extremely popular and tickets are limited - make sure you get yours soon - they are only GBP 15 and a cheap bar on board should make up price. Call the Joy/Wiggle/Mingin' info line for details: 0131-467 2551. Bad news for all you girlies out there I'm afraid! Your very own night Velvet, is coming to an end as of Fri 25th April. A new venue has been planned but, as nothing has yet been confirmed, I can only tell you that dates have been arranged for a few Saturdays - so watch this space. Why don't you all help Velvet's last night in Ego go out with a bang? Resident Dj Michelle will provide the tunes along with some special guests. Entry is GBP 6 and the usual 2 or 1 entry is applicable before 11.30pm whilst special male friends are allowed at the invitation of females. Velvet would like to thank their sponsors: Giuliano's and the Blue Moon (speaking of which, I hear on the grapevine that Q-Store, the 'controversial' sex shop beside the Blue Moon, hopes to be opening at the end of April). Looking ahead to the Festival, Taste have lots planned for August (advance tickets are available and always sell out really quickly so don't say I never gave you any warning!). Taste is held at The Liquid Room and every Sunday during the festival a late 5am licence has been confirmed. Members are charged GBP 6 and guests GBP 8. The Main Room Residents are Fisher and Price, providing a progressive mix of Garage and House. Back Room residents are Martin Valentine and Steven Wanless pumping out US House and Garage. Festival Highlights include: 11th Aug - Special guest Dj Simmone Black will play in the back room, 18th Aug - Guest DJ Dimitri, 25th Aug - Taste and Luvely team up for a joint Bank Holiday Special. Advance tickets for this are available from Q-Store otherwise pay GBP 12 on the door. For more info WWW: http://www.taste-clubs.com/ Luvely is having a 007 Bondage themed night on Sat 3rd May. Like Taste, the venue is The Liquid Room. Members pay GBP 8 and guests GBP 10. Dress code is Fashion Fetish, Leather, Latex, and Bow Ties are optional! Residents include Tommy Kay, George Paterson, Jared, and Newton and Stone. The next Luvely at Habana will be on Sat 26th April. Thai Me Up In Edinburgh has been listening to its customers and now has a vastly increased number of vegetarian dishes on its extensive menu. Probably a good idea to book as the place is getting very busy at times: 0131-558 9234. The New Town Bar in Dublin St has undergone a wee face lift for the Summer providing a far brighter exterior than before. The comfortable traditional bar, which Ray and Andy have been running for ten years now, has a great atmosphere and anyone visiting for the first time is made to feel more than welcome. Downstairs offers a modern, trendy, and spacious dance floor which is ideal for a night of partying and would give you a break from the old routine. Colin and the bar staff are warm and friendly and drinks are reasonably priced - so go and check it out for yourself. Congratulations to Vibe who celebrated their 1st Birthday on Tue 15th April. Vibe is the place to be for mid-week partying. Held in Ego every Tue, it's a must if you like shakin' your bootie to chart, cheese and pop. Now open on two floors, the spacious dancefloor is usually packed with a mix of clientele. Vibe will also be on every third Fri in Ego starting soon. The Laughing Duck is a must if you want lunch or an early evening meal. Prices are cheap and food is excellent. Beautifully decorated with a comfortable airy environment, the Duck is great for Sunday brunch or a quiet drink with your friends where you can actually hear each other talk! Sala (formerly Nexus), situated in the LGB Centre at 60 Broughton Street, is also proving to be a real hit. This modern tapas bar has excellent food and offers a more trendy place to have lunch or a coffee. On Thu 8th May Lorna Brookes will play an accoustic mix of soul from 8.30pm onwards. Mustn't forget to mention the Claremont Bar with its monthly Bear meet on the 1st Sat of the month from 9pm. Or, for that matter, Frenchies, Edinburgh's oldest gay bar, which just is. Finally, I hear that there's a new weekly Sunday club starting on 11th May called Bootylushous in the Cocteau Lounge at Ego with DJ Craig Lush and Dale on the decks playin RnB, funk and soul (Shaft, Jocelyn Brown, Aretha Franklin, Mary J Blige, J.lo etc...). GBP 2 entry! That's your lot for this month - anyone wanting a cheeky wee mention just e-mail me (thats why it's at the bottom of the page!). Please don't ping flyers in my face or throw ScotsGays because you haven't been mentioned: it's extremly immature. A belated Happy Birthday to my friend Jan on Sun 20th April. I'm 20 on Sat 26th April (You don't look a day over 16 - I wouldn't serve you if I was a publican. Ed.) when my party is on in Planet Out and will start at 8pm (just in case I forgot to invite anyone)! Take care. Wee Alan E-mail: weealan@drink.demon.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------- Humour ====== I am the very model of an urban homosexual Mark Ynys-Mon [The HOMOSEXUAL has entered unnoticed, on poppers] HOMOSEXUAL: Yes I am an urban homosexual! FAG HAG: For he is an urban homosexual! ALL: He is! Hurrah for the urban homosexual! HOMOSEXUAL: And it is -- it is a glorious thing To be an urban homosexual! ALL: It is! Hurrah for the urban homosexual H: I am the very model of an urban homosexual I seek that "special one" and so my cruising is perpetual, And even though I tell folks that I very very happy am A cynic may consider this a self-deluding hollow sham. From club to club and drug to drug I stagger in a twilight world Of profiteering venues outside which the rainbow flag's unfurled, So over priced and over full and over loud it seems to be A symbol now of greed and not of freedom and diversity. ALL: Diversi-versity, diversi-versity! A symbol now of greed and not of freedom and diversity. H: I spend my cash in Clone Zone, Prowler Press and in the Zipperstore. I pull a man each evening; but by morning he's a crushing bore. In short by being shallow, fickle, foolish, apolitical I am the very model of an urban homosexual. ALL: In short by being shallow, fickle, foolish, apolitical He is the very model of an urban homosexual. H: I read Attitude and Boyz and Out and suchlike periodicals That tell me what to wear, to think, and that I want abdominals. (For abs like rock and pecs like steel are what define us nowadays And if you haven't got 'em then to some folk you're not really gay). My body's toned and sculpted and my hair's a very modish crop, My only Social Statement is a Dolce & Gabbana top (Through which I flex my pecs at any passing bit of skinhead trade) And my idea of hell is going out and failing to get laid. ALL: And failing to get laid! And failing to get laid! And failing failing failing failing failing to get laid! H: I follow all the Boy Bands and on Fridays I'm a Dancing Queen At Camp Attack at G.A.Y. pretending that I'm still eighteen. I'll be at Trade the next night in a t-shirt rather minimal... It's non-stop entertainment for an urban homosexual ALL: He'll be at Trade the next night, in a t-shirt rather minimal It's non-stop entertainment for an urban homosexual. H.: Then three hours' sleep and off I go to somewhere rather heavier, A Sunday night cheap-beer'n'fuck do at some run-down leather bar, Where jockstrap clad and nipple clamped, I do the modern fetish thing And sublimate my shyness getting fisted in a leather sling. But still that's not enough for me and so I wander off elswhere In search of quick encounters up to Hampstead Heath or Russell Square But I won't use Clapham Common as I think it's all too sinister - I'm looking for a rent boy but I'd probably meet a minister. All: A mini-minister! A mini-minister! He's looking for a rentboy but he'd probably meet a minister! H: It's 5AM on Monday when I'm suddenly cognisant that I have a job to hold down and I really must get to my flat. And so I get the last bus home depressed that I have failed to pull - Thus ends the usual weekend of the urban homosexual. All: And so he gets the last bus home depressed that he has failed to pull Thus ends the usual weekend of the urban homosexual. WWW: http://www.druidic.org/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Letters ======= (The spelling and grammar are the writer's own) To John Heim, editor of Scotsgay Magazine: As a gay Christian American living in Scotland I obviously found your article both obnoxious and ill-informed. Your sweeping statements about the motives of the USA and its role in current international affairs was highly offensive to me mainly for its inacuracy. The perspective of this article is so typical of post-modern, self-serving Europe -- where any idea of justice and responsibility is nowhere to be found. The relitivistic morass of humanism out of which this kind of perspective originates balks at "doing the right thing" because there is no right thing to do. Thus your self-serving, do-nothing cynicism is exposed for what it is -- lazy, sloppy, selfish and morally-retarded thinking. I suggest you think again. You divest yourself of any responsibility to the world with this kind of thinking. This is no example of respectable thinking for gay people. The USA is being put in this role of world "cop" by the very perstpective you maintain. Imperialism? Hardly. If the USA wanted to dominate the planet it would have done so by now, believe me. As an editor of a gay magazine I would have hoped for a more measured and less rascist perspective. Many gay people I know disagree with you entirely. And you might think before you make such sweeping statements about my country, or anyone else's; there are not only Scots living in this nation or reading your magazine. Did you even think of that before you wrote? Where you have the opportunity to lead out in measured editorial writing you have simply mentally masterbated and not done the hard work of researching what you are talking about. Shape up -- the gay community deserves better than this hand-me-down thinking. infuriated, John Rumple, Edinburgh --------------------------------------------------------------- Aberdeen/Obar Dheadhain ======================= Spring has sprung and all the guyz 'n' girlz are out and about in Bendy Land, things are certainly "hotting up", so find a dry patch of grass, relax and read this tripe! The Scene Stuff: Out Clubbing: Didn't make it down to Dundee on the 5th of April for the Mr Gay UK Tayside Heat, but by all accounts great fun was had by all, I'll leave 'Shafted' to give you the info on that. The Aberdeen Heat is on the 3rd of May and I will be their armed with my camera trying to get some juicy shots and an in-depth interview (there's a first!!) with the winner of the North Heat. So if you tuned and toned your body your pic may be in the next article. Madam Grumpy also asked me to say that the 2-4-1 promos on Wicked and VK as per the last article are ongoing. The refurbishment of the club is marching on with the new fixed seating in place, the new carpets ordered and painters employed to have the club looking fab by the GAY UK night. Now just to quash any rumours out there, Joyce has not been sacked by the club management but is taking up a new job back in Dundee as the Co-ordinator of Diversity, the LGBT Advice and Information Group. This is a new post, and Joyce will be the only full time worker with the project. We wish her all the best of luck and hope to see her back in Aberdeen for the PRIDE event. Abacus: The pink rumour mill is going full steam again to the effect that Jason (formerly of Castro's and Fidel's) has taken over as manager of Abacus. This has to be confirmed and more details will follow. The other unconfirmed rumours doing the rounds are that a new venue is about to open beside 'Owlies' in Littlejohn Street and also that Stefan King of the Polo Lounge, Moda et al in Glasgow is actively seeking premises in the city. Castro's now has a new roof but no further word when it's going to reopen, just keep your eyes on these pages for more info. LAVA (new name-KEF) on Belmont Street is to run the last ever LASHED on Friday 30th May from 11pm until 3am. Now I don't need to tell you lot out there what Lashed is all about, but just in case you've never read this article before -.BE WARNED- Lashed is about debauchery, dance, mad music, phenomenal stage shows and having fun!!! The best bits of the last three years will be mixed with an all-new show. Drinks promos on the night. Five quid entry as normal, the venue is bound to be full to busting so get down early to join in. Wellman's Health Studio is a new private men's health club/studio and is due to open mid May early June in Justice Mill Lane, Aberdeen. Wellman's will have a small but well equipped gym area, stand and tan area, cool rooms, dark room, eight-man spa/hot tub, ten-man sauna, twelve-man steam room and TV lounge. The club will be serving hot and cold food and drink. The studio is well under construction and has a bright and airy feel about it. For further details telephone Alistair or Dennis on Aberdeen (01224) 211441. This is Aberdeen's first truly gay sauna so if you wanna save money by not going to Edinburgh or Glasgow there will soon be one on your doorstep. Community News: LGBT Youth Scotland formerly Stonewall Youth, held their 'Have Your Say Project' residential weekend at Aberdeen University. A total of 30 delegates and about ten workers looked at issues that face the younger members of the LGBT Community. The Lord Provost, Margaret Smith, officially opened the event and reiterated that Aberdeen City Council is committed to ongoing work with the LGBT Community. PHACE Scotland gave input on Sexual Health and Well-Being and Transgendered Issues. It is always a huge pleasure for us as presenters at an event such as this to have a part in such an important piece of work; Andrea and myself were bowled over by the response of the delegates to our input. The weekend was a chance for gay youth from as far as the Borders to the Highlands to meet up and also vote for two members to be elected to the Scottish Youth Parliament (they are Matthew from Aberdeen and Sarah from the Borders). It was organised by LGBT Youth Scotland and co-hosted by Colours (LGBT Youth Project based in Glasgow). Although one of the highlights of the weekend was JP from Colours' chair acrobatics on the Sunday (don't think I've ever seen someone turn so red!) falling backwards with great aplomb! PHACE Scotland (Grampian), Aberdeen City Council and the NELF Forum were presented with awards for the work these organisations are involved in promoting rights and offering support for LGBT Youth. AB-Col LGBT Group is a new befriending and support society for students of Aberdeen College. Stephen Boyd the group co-ordinator can be contacted by e-mailing: sboyd84@hotmail.com for information. The group meets weekly every Wednesday in the PHACE Scotland offices at 21-23 Justice Mill Lane from 7.30pm. Pillar LGBT Group is one year old on the 28th of April and is holding a wee birthday bash to celebrate. If you're interested in attending please contact Pillar on Aberdeen (01224) 621266 or Michael McGregor at PHACE Scotland on Aberdeen (01224) 587166. Like the Queen, there are two birthdays with a party on the 30th May for volunteers, service users and service providers. Because We're Worth It the health event for Lesbian and Bisexual women in Grampian was held at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in the city centre on Saturday 12th April. The event kicked off with munchies (always a good way to grab people!!) and items of interest included a lifestyle and health check, remedial massage, sexual health and well women's advice, Reiki massage/healing and self defence. Believe me, these women cannae half throw a punch!!! Our very own Andrea Rowe was a co-ordinator of the event along with Alistair Pringle of the Scottish Executive's NHS Scotland Inclusion Project who welcomed over fifty women who attended on the afternoon. Local Lesbian groups, Granite Sisters and the Aberdeen Lesbian Group, also participated in the event. The researchers from the Inclusion Project gained some valuable information that will be used to mould service provision within the health service for Lesbian and Bisexual women. Andrea passes on her thanks to all those who took part in the event. Beautiful Thing on May the 24th kicks off a week of events leading up to PRIDE in Aberdeen, tickets will go on sale soon at the Arts Centre and at the PHACE Scotland Offices. I think Paul the Director is getting greyer by the day! Contact the usual telephone numbers for details. A fundraising event for the production will take place at 'Cellar 35' on Sat 3rd of May. The purpose of the night is to raise money for the cost of production (who wants to see a shoddy erection on a stage!!) and building of the set. PRIDE in Aberdeen on the 1st of June is getting closer and we need volunteers to help before the event and on the day. A huge thank you to Brian (Madam Grumpy) of 'Out Clubbing' for donating GBP 500 for PRIDE, I have the cheque firmly lodged somewhere very secure (leave it!!). Even if you have a little time to spare, it all counts. The DJ's are signed up and some of the bands in place to entertain you, we've even managed to get a couple of bouncy castles (one for the kids and one for us older kids!). Most of the major LGBT organisations from across Scotland will also be represented as well as a hairdresser, massage therapist (head and shoulders only), face painting and street entertainers. It's looking like its gonna be quite a day. PHACE Scotland: said cheerio to Charlie McMillan the outgoing CEO last month and we've got the photos to prove it! One of the best leaving speeches ever by a 6'2" man wearing four inch heal ruby slippers (a gift from the staff, nice ain't we!) Charlie knows how to throw a party! Also leaving PHACE on the same night was Rosie who is away to start up her own business and May moving onto work with the GLC. Best of luck to all of you. The Project received its first award this month from all those great guyz 'n' girlz at LGBT Youth Scotland, a big hug to everyone who came along to the Residential Weekend. In Aberdeen we are starting to plan an LGBT Youth Conference for all you much, much younger people out there and we need your input for the event scheduled to happen in July, if you have any suggestions get in touch with us at the office. Michael McGregor is giving some of his time assisting with the admin stuff, so it may be his dulcet tones that greet you when you phone, with a voice resembling not so much Shirley Bassey but Margarita Pracatan (Michael's quote, not mine!). As always be happy, be safe and remember boyz 'n' girlz, Let's be careful out there. Mark Thomson E-mail: markt@phacescotland.org Tel: Aberdeen (01224) 587166 --------------------------------------------------------------- Scottish Media Monitor ====================== Garry Otton on Noble Grossart: When Money Talks "The Union of the Crowns of Scotland and England was a potential disaster and only the consummate political skills of King James VI of Scotland ensured the two countries are able to celebrate an enduring relationship four centuries later..." That was the claim of leading historian, Jenny Wormald, of St Hilda's College, Oxford at a lecture sponsored by the Royal Society of Edinburgh and run as a main story by The Scotsman's Mike Wade and Bill Chisholm. This was a bisexual man I found myself saying. Fair dues: The Scotsman correctly noted that "the king was bisexual, and his love of his male favourites was tolerated by his English court". The fervently anti-smoking king published Counterblast To Tobacco in 1604, married Anne of Denmark, had seven children and had successful relationships with Robert Carr and George Villiers. Ms Wormald claimed James would have been "affable, relaxed, confident, easy and familiar with people" and "immense fun to have dinner with". Sounds familiar! This was an important story given the history of homophobia in Scotland where homosexuality was only partially legalised in 1980 and challenged in recent times by horrific murders, beatings and, of course, the campaign by religionists and right-wingers against the repeal of Section 2a (Clause 28), a law forbidding local authorities from portraying homosexuality as anything more than 'pretended'. So much of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered, history, has been twisted, altered or altogether hidden. Few Scottish papers printed this story at all. Topping lists of any search for James VI on main search engines throws up a distorted and inaccurate history of James produced by an American site, jesus-is-lord.com, regurgitating the tired claim that "today's sodomite/homosexual community is touting the King as one of their own". Just what are the chances that gay people are ever going to be properly represented? Showbiz gossip page, Rav 'n Rachel in The Scottish News of the World jumped on the bandwagon to present the biggest bore since the Rubik Cube. Are the forthcoming Russian entrants for the Eurovision Song Contest, pop group tatu, lesbians? Under the perfect excuse to feature a large blow up of Lena Katina cupping her hands round Yulia Volkova's tits, Yulia's "former lover", a lad from the Russian village of Petrovskoye, revealed "the truth about pop's most rampant 'lesbian'... she can't get enough of MEN". Of course, "sometimes, we'd do it six or seven times a night", he bragged. Of course, Anton... Like you're gonna tell S.N.O.T. World you had a small willy or you couldn't get it up! Her ex also told readers: "...After sex she'd come home and IRON my trousers... She also cooked for me sometimes, for example fried eggs"! Oh, what a gal! Implying lesbian sex was "kinky" and performed for the benefit of straight men, the report added that the pair were "making a fortune after convincing male fans they are kinky lesbians who pleasure each other at least three times a day". And a voyeuristic S.N.O.T. World buys it! For many years the media have ensured that there is always something of a bad smell attached to gay lifestyles. It still happens today. Pick up any newspaper, any day and you'll soon find it! While my hands are already dirty leafing through S.N.O.T. World, their columnist, Britain's number one couch potato, Ally Ross cried "DON'T GAY THERE" over news that a gay character might enter the hallowed portals of Granada Television's soap Coronation Street. Like any soap, it borrows its storylines from real life. Putting aside just how camp this programme really is - invented by gay writer Tony Warren - it has somehow managed to get through half a century without one, single, openly gay character! Ally Ross refused to be dragged off his couch to see anything beyond the bizarre knicker-sniffing S.N.O.T. World he inhabits. He was disturbed that "the thoroughly heterosexual Todd Grimshaw is set to start wrestling with his sexuality and blah blah blah..." He declared that when Corrie "jabbed us in the chest with issues at every turn" viewing figures plummeted. "So put your leaflets away. Give us stories. Give us laughs". But if gay sexuality really is still an 'issue' for numpties like Ally Ross - and I mean everyday gay sexuality, not camp entertainment - then, of course, there is every reason to introduce gay characters in soaps. Leaflets don't work. From the Man Alive documentary on "homosexuals" to tatu's lesbian clinch; gay liberation has depended more on straight voyeurism than gay promotion. It'll take more than Nicholas Witchell sitting on the odd lesbian, trying to read the Six o'clock News, before we get fair treatment in the media! Just how much of an issue lesbian sex - and I mean real lesbian sex, not the sort laid out for the benefit of 'straight' men - really is for S.N.O.T. World was further revealed in Frank Hurley's 'exclusive' just a few pages on. "RHONA THE MOANER 'WAS NOT BULLIED AT SCHOOL'." Just enough of comedienne Rhona Cameron's old schoolmates from Musselburgh were contacted to justify the bold headline. One pal told S.N.O.T. World: "...I don't remember her being physically bullied or being spat upon", and another admitted: "Rhona got her leg pulled for being gay but that was about it". Exactly what part of the word 'bullied' does S.N.O.T. World not understand? Both former pupils admitted to an element of bullying that Rhona would've had to face on a day-to-day basis. "Of course she got some verbal abuse..." said one, and "Rhona got her leg pulled...", admitted another. What else went on behind the scenes, or because she's gay, is she a liar too? "Wear a ribbon for our heroes" begged The News of the World, beating its drum in yet another moral "campaign". Tony Blair came over all Home Service to sing its praises: "I welcome the total support that you and your readers are giving to our Armed Forces. This pride and support is rightly reflected in the News of the World's Yellow Ribbon campaign". The campaign, rooted in World War II nostalgia and the rhetoric of a bygone age, called upon First Minister Jack McConnell to opine: "I am happy to wear a Yellow Ribbon as a tribute to Our Boys - I would urge others to do the same". The News of the World advised: "Families, sports stars and celebrities back our campaign for our heroes". When the right-wing press bellows its support for Blair's war, will this dalliance lead New Labour even further down the right-wing gutter? Will this affect sexual reform? It will and it has. Gone are the heady days of Gay Lib, Women's Rights and Burn Your Bra, they have all been consigned to the dustbin of history. How much will the media help us to remember them, not as episodes on the road to social reform, but as the politics of the Loony Left; Political Correctness Gone Mad? It seems that New Labour might be all too willing to adopt the slogans of Thatcher's Conservatism. "LEGAL RED LIGHT ZONES ALL OVER SCOTLAND" roared The Scottish News of the World over a "shock plan for sex industry". Scottish editor Euan McColm was clearly put out that MSP Margo MacDonald was introducing a bill to create safe areas for "prostitutes" after her private members bill failed first time round. This would apparently "infuriate members of the SNP". Why, when "Scottish Executive sources" had already indicated to S.N.O.T. World she would get the backing of the next Parliament? The story was juxtaposed with Andrea Vance's report: "Vice girls use school for sex". It was explained how "DRUGGED-UP vice girls are plying their seedy trade in a Scots school PLAYGROUND". It was "SICKENING: Prostitutes are using primary school to do their business". A case for the setting up of a 'tolerance zone', surely! Over the possible opening of Scotland's first gay licensed sex shop, Edinburgh's Evening News's reporter, Brian Ferguson turned to someone living near the city's gay quarter: "I'm shocked and horrified an application has been submitted for a licence to trade as a sex shop in a street which is 99 per cent residential and has the same postcode as Heriot Row... This isn't Soho and this shop will have a large detriment on house and flat prices in the area..." Had they observed the mushrooming of house prices in every city's gay quarter from London's Soho to New York's Greenwich Village, they would have been able to sleep a little easier under their nylon quilt. Another warned: "There's a real danger that the area will become a seedy sex centre..." But we all live near seedy sex centres, don't we? It's called the bedroom; or in some circumstances, the kitchen floor, the draining board, or, if you're lucky, at the back of Asda's car park. (Tesco's, dear. Have you no class? - Ed.) Of course, as with anything with the word 'gay' in it, it sparked "a storm of protest" despite the shop operating in the basement of Edinburgh's Blue Moon cafe for the past five years without complaint. Amongst the 20-or-so objections were "several families with young children", backed by an anonymous leaflet campaign, undoubtedly from N.I.M.B.Y. religionists or curtain-twitching Conservatives. Point them in the direction of the ballot box and let's see the Conservative & Unionist Party really bite the dust in the May 1st Scottish elections this time round, shall we? Cocking her leg up at every media opportunity to dribble her Conservative/religionist point of view, the solidly Conservative Mrs Katie Grant noted in her regular column in The Scotsman of Matthew Paris, the gay columnist: "...He slumped down with a cup of tea beside his Rayburn. A Rayburn? Don't real men have Agas? The Rayburn is the Lib Dem of kitchen appliances. It promises to be all things to our household simultaneously - cooker, water-heater, comforter. However, when push comes to shove, it delivers none of these functions satisfactorily, taking every opportunity to sink into lukewarm apathy. The Aga, on the other hand, stolidly does its duty, simmering your soup, boiling your kettle, heating your water and burning your bottom with dogged and unswerving determination". I wish someone would burn her bottom! If she, one of Scotland's most unpopular writers, doesn't steer you clear of voting Conservative at the forthcoming election, there's no hope for you at all! Let's turn our attention, for a moment, to a couple of Scotland's finest businessmen - yes, that is a hint of sarcasm you detect in the curve of my serifs - more specifically, to merchant bank, Noble Grossart. Its managing director, Sir Angus Grossart and its co-founder, Sir Iain Noble. While Scotland saw out the old century and Conservatives and religionists rallied together to halt the repeal of Clause 28 in Scotland, The Daily Record, under its former editor Martin Clarke, backed the vile campaign. At the time, Sir Angus Grossart was chairman of The Scottish Daily Record and reminded The Sunday Herald: "I have a lot of respect for Brian and... he has the right to do this". Noble Grossart's portfolio included Brian Souter's Stagecoach as well as the Church of Scotland. Sir Angus Grossart has been Scotland's leading investment banker and a dealmaker whose influence has reached into many boardrooms. He controlled large amounts of arts funding as chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, served on the boards of brewer Scottish & Newcastle, the Royal Bank of Scotland and even became a director of David Murray's Murray International Holdings, which listed Noble Grossart as its merchant banker. (Jack Irvine, the boss of the PR company behind Brian Souter's Keep the Clause campaign was both managing director and editor-in-chief of Murray's failed newspaper, The Sunday Scot). Sir Angus Grossart was also chairman of the GBP 1.1 billion Scottish Investment Trust (SIT). (Standard Life Investments are big institutional shareholders in both SIT and Stagecoach). Sir Angus recently faced angry shareholders when it was revealed the SIT, of which he was chairman, paid his merchant bank, Noble Grossart more than GBP 300,000 in corporate advice fees in 2001. But that was nothing compared to the fury unleashed over the payment of GBP 2.5m of bonuses to four of his fellow directors of the Royal Bank of Scotland! Grossart was on the committee approving the bonuses. There was a huge protest vote of 235 million shares (some GBP 4bn of the bank's stock market worth) against him. His seat on the SIT board, held for almost a quarter of a century, almost three times as long as the nine-year maximum term considered appropriate, angered shareholders. It wasn't the only time a company was advised by Noble Grossart while its chairman, Sir Angus Grossart, sat on the board of that company. Recently, Edinburgh Fund Managers, where Sir Angus formerly held a position as deputy chairman, paid GBP 229,000 in fees to Noble Grossart. As advisors to plant hire group, Hewden Stuart, Deutsche Bank was dropped in favour of Noble Grossart, which went on to help sell the company to Finning International of Canada. And what a coincidence, too! Grossart just happened to be a director of Hewden Stuart! And then there is former Eton-educated Sir Iain Noble, co-founder of Noble Grossart, who was invited recently to talk to the pro-blood sport Scottish Countryside Alliance, another outfit whose PR is handled by Jack Irvine's Media House. He told the audience how proud he was not to have English blood in his veins, something he felt the Scottish National Heritage would appreciate in its efforts to maintain "the purity of species". How very Third Reich! Turning on sex workers, he added: "Damn it, prostitution is the easiest thing for a woman to do who wants to earn a bob. But it doesn't mean it's the best". He hit out at "English people..., buying up all the houses" before adding: "Damn it, it would be quite wrong if this continued. Who can stop it and how can we do it? Does that mean I must be a racialist? I think I have to confess that I am. It doesn't mean I don't like foreigners. I love them, all colours. I have many friends and even one or two black ones. But I don't want them to settle and create ghettos in my patch of the country. And I believe that SNH should approve of this instinct, because genetics are the key to everything". Which neatly brings me to a rather Masonic-style, all-male gentleman's club in Scotland: The Speculative Society. The membership includes large swathes of Scotland's legal establishment as well as senior businessman, civil servants and bankers. Lord MacKay of Clashfern, a retired former Lord Chancellor and former member of Margaret Thatcher's cabinet and sponsor of Brian Souter's 'private referendum' on the repeal of Clause 28 is a member. Sir Iain Noble who owns an estate and hotel on the Isle of Skye and was chairman of the Skye Bridge Community is a member. So too, is Sir Angus Grossart, a financial advisor to the builders of the controversial bridge, the Miller Group. What a complicated web we weave! Garry Otton's book SEXUAL FASCISM is published by Ganymede Books priced GBP 8.99. If you wish to be informed of progress on Garry Otton's forthcoming book, 'Badge of Shame - Repeal of Clause 28 in Scotland', please e-mail Garry Otton. E-mail: garry@scottishmediamonitor.com WWW: http://www.scottishmediamonitor.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Dundee/Dun-deagh ================ The annual jamboree now known as Mr Gay UK rolled into town with three gorgeous representatives. They enticed almost fifteen contestants to display their talents to us. Compre of the evening was Suzi, AKA Karaoke Bella, who coped admirably with difficult situations like a foreign guy who spoke no English and an underager who got past (temporarily) the security. Most guys stripped off and used the oils generously applied by the club owner. The underager did not strip off in case we saw he had not yet reached puberty. Judges for the evening were landlady Charlie, Mike Bidwell (AKA Biddy to anyone who can read the tattoo above his arse), Kerry (the Duty Manager), and fashion guru and main DJ of the night, Rosanna. They voted David the winner and Charlie and Brian immediately offered him a job. Second prize went to John Reilly the Slasher who has previously been offered a job by both. Third prize was Jamie who has still to go to work on Brian! A great night was had if a bit drawn out and a guest appearance from the Aberdeen DJ whose music was as good as his looks. If you want to see the DJ or have the whole thing repeated you can head north to Aberdeen on Saturday 3rd May when Mr Gay Aberdeen is held. Some tickets are still available at GBP 10 for a bus and entry from Dundee. Others plan to go by car so Dundee might be empty as we all visit our sisters in the Granite City. The brilliant weather seems to be bringing out the gays again after a period of hibernation. Charlie and Ian have been really busy according to them and the drinks promotion of pints at GBP 1 from 5-8pm is definitely helping. A generous gesture from them brought about by the fact that the competition were doing that.. Well, as long as we punters get the benefit! Brooklyns is still packing them in and particularly so on the successful karaoke nights of Wed, Fri and Sun. A warn welcome is given from Kerry and Dean who tell me they have loads of drink offers on all the time. The latest shot is called Stiffys and with school day flavours such as Kola Kubes it is a hit with boyz and girlz. Club nights at OUT have been helped by the return of BOGOF (buy one get one free) of WKD on Wednesday and VK on Thursday. Fridays with DJ BP are much busier. With all the DJs being told by club boss Brian to brush up their act, things may finally improve musically. So the former lap dancing bar which was, err, a former gay bar, is to return to being a gay bar but open till late. I didn't understand the explanation either! Apparently the titty club is moving up one floor and Brooklyns is getting Brooklyns II which is to be a showbar with songs from musicals on screen. So more changes on the scene which does seem to keep evolving as Madame Grumpy heads for even more profit. Nice to see the new boss from the local switchboard partying in the club last Saturday. Soon to return from her secondment to club land in Aberdeen, Joyce Duncan takes the reigns of Diversity to bring it forward to service the community for the next decade. Her involvement can only be for the better and hopefully the committee will wholeheartedly support her plans. Vandals have struck the new toilets in the club even before they are finished. It is advisable to wear a nappy as a quick run to the loo is not always the option as some will be out of order. Perhaps with all the money spent in there they should have installed security cameras. They could have sold videos on the Internet to pay for the toilet upgrade. A drag act appeared in Brooklyn's recently but I can't remember the name. It was a change to the usual night but not the funniest I have seen. The previous one was Sassy Stryker who would be difficult to follow - in those heels!! Shafted --------------------------------------------------------------- International News from Rex Wockner =================================== BELGIAN WEDDINGS IN JUNE The first same-sex marriages in Belgium probably will take place on 16th June. Belgium is the second country, following The Netherlands, to let gays get married just like straight people do, under the regular marriage laws. The measure passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 91-22 on 30th Jan. Built-in delays -- the king had to sign the law, it had to be "published," then a three-month waiting period began -- place the law's starting date at 1st Jun. Then there is a 14-day waiting period between applying for a marriage license and being allowed to get married. 15th June is a Sunday, when city halls are closed, so the first marriages will be on Monday, 16th June, activists expect. "We try to organize the first marriages together with the gay- and lesbian-friendly City Council of the city of Brussels on the 16th of June early in the morning," said Anke Hintjens, spokesperson for Holebifederatie, a federation of 92 Flemish gay groups. "How early depends on the will of the mayor to get out of bed early." The Belgian law change did not extend adoption rights to married gay couples, and foreign gays will only be permitted to marry in Belgium if same-sex marriage is legal in their home country. For the time being, that means Dutch gays are the only foreign gays who can marry in Belgium. In The Netherlands, on the other hand, foreign gays can get married after a brief period of residency. PIM FORTUYN KILLER CONVICTED The man who killed Dutch gay politician Pim Fortuyn was convicted of murder and sent to prison for 18 years on 15th Apr. Some of Fortuyn's supporters believed Volker van der Graaf, 33, should have been jailed for life. They stormed from the courtroom when the sentence was announced. Van der Graff said he shot Fortuyn, who founded a very popular grass-roots political party, for the sake of The Netherlands' Muslim population. Fortuyn had proposed a ban on additional Muslim immigrants, saying the ones who were already there had failed to integrate into Dutch society. Van der Graaf said, "I could see no other option than to do what I did." Fortuyn, who may have had enough support to become prime minister, headed the new party Pim Fortuyn's List, which grabbed 26 of Parliament's 150 seats nine days after the assassination, coming in second behind the Christian Democrats who won 43 seats. In addition to stemming immigration, the party stood for a crackdown on crime and increased attention to problems such as hospital waiting lists, train delays and education funding. The List joined a three-way center-right governing coalition but infighting among List MPs prevented the three parties from working together and the cabinet disintegrated last October, becoming the shortest-lived Dutch government in 50 years. Many media reports labeled Fortuyn a right-winger but he also was called a populist, a maverick, an independent and a libertarian. CANADIAN CHILD CAN'T HAVE THREE PARENTS A two-year-old boy in London, Ontario, Canada, can't have two moms and a dad, Family Court Justice David Aston has ruled. Although the three adults share parenting of the boy, only the biological mother and father are his parents, Aston ruled. The judge said he wanted to rule otherwise, but the Children's Law Reform Act prevents him from naming more than two people as a child's parents. The boy "obviously [is] thriving in a loving family that meets his every need," Aston said. REP. FRANK TACKLES EGYPT Gay US Rep Barney Frank, D-Mass., is stepping up his campaign against Egypt over its recent treatment of gays. Citing a "sustained, blatant and increasingly brutal crackdown against gay men," Frank has urged gay organizations to start lobbying Congress against the Arab nation. Frank also wrote to Egypt's US ambassador, Nabil Fahmy, accusing him of lying last year when he told Frank that Egypt was not persecuting gay men. "His fundamental dishonesty is now evident," Frank said. On 15th Mar, 21 men who were arrested in a gay-bar raid and in other anti-gay sweeps were sent to prison for three years for the crime of habitual debauchery. Numerous other men have faced the same fate in the past 20 months -- many after being entrapped on the Internet by police officers pretending to be gay cruisers. JAPAN OK'S GENDER-SWAP CANDIDATE Japan's home affairs ministry ruled in mid-April that a transgender candidate could run for a local-government seat identified as her chosen gender. News reports said the ministry's instructions to the Metropolitan Election Administration Commission may be the first time the government OK'd submission of a public document with a gender reference contrary to an individual's family register. Aya Kamikawa, 35, will run for the Setagaya Ward Assembly as a woman even though she was born male. The election is on 27th April. 25% OF NZ WOMEN HAVE HAD GAY FEELINGS Twenty-five percent of New Zealand women and 11 percent of men admit to having had gay sexual attractions, the University of Otago's Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study has found. FRANCE GETS GAY CABLE CHANNEL France's Higher Audiovisual Council has OK'd the launch of a gay cable channel -- Pink TV. In addition to regular programming, the channel will be permitted to broadcast 208 porno movies per year if they are doubly encrypted and air only between midnight and 5am. As part of its bargaining with the council, Pink agreed to invest 23.5 percent of its profits in French TV and film production. --------------------------------------------------------------- FILM ==== Malcolm Epstein With the American popularity of the three "Scream" films, I realized years ago their passion to see girls slashed with knives and the screen full of blood was something I could never understand. But the cycle is continuing and I have walked out of previews recently that have close-ups of girls beinq tortured and murdered. The best of the new wave of shockers is "Identity" (15) set on a niqht of tropical storm that has ten strangers arriving at a desolate motel. John Cusack made me watch. People who can cope vith seeing a severed head in a spin dryer may appreciate it. Hollywood must know there is a public who pay to see this kind of thing or they wouldn't make them. Offbeat sex shocks me far less even thouqh director and writer Steven Shainberg iustifies makinq "Secretary" (18) in a peculiar way. His heroine Maggie Gyllenhaal (couldn't she have chanqed that when she became an actress?) has just left a mental institution where they tried to cure her of slashinq her limbs with razor blades. Working for lawyer James Spader as his secretary she is not shocked to find he is a sadist because she is a masochist. When her typing errors irritate him he orders her to bend over his desk while he slaps her backside. She rushes home to rip down her underwear so she and the camera can study her bruises. If you enjoy that idea, it is the movie for you.. Surprising sex was more my scene in "The Most Fertile Man In Ireland" (15). You just have to be prepared to believe that Irish men have problems qetting their women pregnant. Kris Marshall is a nervous 24 year old living with his mother and working in a datinq agency. By chance he finds he has the highest sperm count in Ireland. Women are ringinq the agency sayinq they are havinq no success qetting pregnant. He is being sent out to answer their problems. Ridiculous but very amusing. The 17th Lesbian and Gay Film Festival that was at London's National Film Theatre is tourinq the country between May and September. In Scotland it will be at the Glasgow Film Theatre; the Filmhouse, Edinburgh; Dundee's Contemporary Arts; the Eden Court at Inverness; Robert Burns Film Theatre in Dumfries; and the MacRobert Arts Centre in Stirling. One of the slickest productions in that festival that goes to cinemas in June is "Food Of Love" (15) about an 18 year old piano student Kevin Bishop who is introduced to concert pianist Paul Rhys in San Francisco and turns the pages for him at his concert. Later while on holiday with his mother in Barcelona Kevin finds Paul has been performing there. When they meet he admits having every recordinq his hero had ever made. A romance develops. But Kevin is hurt to realise concert pianists have to be fixated on their work touring the world. When you see him you will wonder how anyone could leave him behind. If you like costume drama of the 17th century you must consider "To Kill A King" (12a). It is the civil war between the Roundheads and Cavaliers. One of the best looking men in Britain, Dougray Scott and Tim Roth as Oliver Cromwell are against the King, Rupert Everett, for expecting unfair taxes. A gigantic cast and luxurious locations could keep you engrossed. Not everyone is aware Charles I was beheaded in public. A successful Dodie Smith book of the past "I Capture The Castle" (PG) has been filmed very effectively. Set in 1934 an eccentric family live in a dilapidated Sussex castle years behind on their rent when the new owners of the estate, attractive voung Americans, suddenly arrive. The teenage dauqhters are swept into a world of opulence and romance. It is for those of us who love time trips to the thirties. Touqh guys amongst us could appreciate "Basic" (15) in which an unpopular army drill sergeant, Samuel L Jackson, has disappeared on maneuvers and is believed murdered. Investigator John Travolta has his work cut out as his men don't tell the truth. Mr Travolta has matured into a fine character actor. But it is not easy for many of us to forget his pretty boy imaqe in "Saturday Night Fever", one of the record breaking films of all time, that was back in 1978. CURRENT RELEASES The most stunning new male in Hollywood movies, Colin Farrell, is with us again in "Phone Booth" (15) which combines themes American audiences love - violence, bloodshed and humilating the leading man in any ways possible. An admitted murderer aims a gun at him from a building opposite a.s he stands in a phone booth on a New York street and talks to him constantly ordering him to do anything that will embarrass him. It is bearable because Mr Farrell looks sensational from every angle. With most scripts he is compellinq viewing. The plot of "The Recruit" on release now humiliates him less and is therefore more satisfyinq. In his private life Colin has let it be known to too many females that he enjoys casual sex and one of them is now carrying his baby. He is going to find this is a far more expensive hobby than in his native Ireland. In American courts, women can be awarded large chunks of money when it is known a star makes many millions from each film. "Le Fate Ignoranti" (15) is an essential Italian movie with a gay theme that is one of my favourites of the year. A happily married woman loses her husband in a road accident and when his office returns his belongings to her they include a print from his wall with an inscription on the back thanking him for a memorable seven years. She thinks it must be from a woman, but her enquiry proves his lover was a man. If Stephen King books are your passion you may well love "Dreamcatcher". Four old friends are in a hunting cabin in a deserted forest when aliens arrive. The special effects are mindblowing. The quys have sex appeal plus. Mountains of snow horrified me as much as beings from another planet. The current obsession with humiliating the leading man is explored yet aqain in "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days" (12a). It is for those of us who know Matthew McConaughey is one of the most attractive guys in films today. And Kate Hudson is lovely if girls are your scene. --------------------------------------------------------------- Joy Dance Chart =============== 1 BRIGHTON PROJECT HARDON (Harlem) 2 KINGKADE MAGIC CIRCLE (Original) (Dirty Blue) 3 DER DRITTE RAUM TANTZSTANZE (Virgin) 4 MARK BELL featuring BLAKKAT REVOLUTION (Evolution Remix) (Rev) 5 DJ ERRIK WE FEEL THE SAME (Club Mix) (Superstar) 6 LAURENT WOLF WORK (Julien Creance Remix) (Darkness) 7 ROACH MOTEL WILD LUV (Superchumbo Roach Cup) (Junior Boy's Own) 8 LANDA PURENESS (Original Mix) (Selfish) 9 ERIC B & RAKIM FOLLOW THE LEADER (Gene Carbonelli's Less Equals More Mix) (rr1000) 10 GOLDFRAPP TRAIN (Ewan Pearson Dub Mix) (Mute) 11 MURK ALRIGHT (Southside's Bangin' On The Drums Mix) (Tommy Boy) 12 CATTANEO CASS MANGAN HUBBUB (Nick Muir Edit) (Perfecto) 13 DECEPTICONS THE BEAST (The Great Beast) (Dorigen) 14 SWITCHKRAFT JUST DON'T TOUCH / BASEMENT (Tone) 15 STEPHANE MALCA featuring KENNY REVOLUTION (Mike Monday Badman Remix) (Kinky Vinyl) 16 DPM featuring ELY RUNAWAY (Kluster SoBe Tribal Mix) (Sounds For People) 17 TOMCRAFT LONELINESS (Benny Benassi Remix / Tillmann Uhrmacher Remix) (Data) 18 AQUACULTURE DON'T PLAY THE GAME (Airgap) 19 KID CRME HYPNOTISING (Tony Senghore's Horehaus Vocal) (Positiva) 20 POP OUT AND PLAY WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (Justin Drake Remix) (Purpose) --------------------------------------------------------------- Books - reviewed by Dirk Kriete =============================== A Sweet Obscurity Patrick Gale Published by Flamingo GBP 10.99 Here we are again with the latest crop of the best new books this month, and what a crop it is. This first one is quite a large book, 471 pages, and more then just enjoyable. Set in Cornwall and in London it tells the story of a nine-year-old little girl and it tackles all the problems that come with our fast and furious lifestyle. Its the search for the perceived protection and security in others and the story of individuals in search of a family group, a story full of longing for belonging. Dido is the nine-year-old little girl and, although very young, she knows that the adults around her very much depend on her for their own happiness. The story takes a tragic turn when Dido inadvertently stumbles upon a terrible secret and realises that none of the adults in her life are strong or focussed enough to be able to help her. This is a compellingly narrated tale, made better still by being told from the alternating viewpoints of the four main characters. I was spellbound by these characters and there is no let up in the storyline at any point, Patrick Gale kept me on the edge of my seat all through this book and kept me wondering whether this little girl would end up having the happy childhood she so richly deserved or whether family history would repeat itself and land her in the same predicament as the rest of her family. Setting this book partly in the haunting landscape of Cornwall gives it an even more compelling edge and the author has very much succeeded with all the twists and turns in telling this story to captivate the essence of the strange lives of his characters. I highly recommend this book. The Winter of Our Discotheque Andrew WM Beierle Published by Kensington GBP 10.99 Do you know, I really enjoy the odd romp in the near past, the carefree times before AIDS, when contraceptives were just that, rubbers for straights who didnt want babies, but us queers had no use for them. I feel a little sorry for the generations growing up with the fear of this disease and a little escapism into the queer world prior to that fear is provided here courtesy of this debut novel by Andrew Beierle. Its a novel that combines 'High Style with 'High Camp and is set in America at the dawn of the Disco era. It tells the story of Tony Alexamenos, a mechanic content to spend the mornings riding the waves, the afternoons selling petrol and the nights secretly lusting after bronzed surfer boys. All that changes when he meets the obscenely rich Dallas Eden (when youre beautiful, rich and gay, too much is never enough) and soon his life is transported from the grimy Florida service station to New York, where hes transformed from wide-eyed tourist to half-hearted hustler to Broadway sensation and along the way there is plenty of sex and drugs and disco. But there is a twist to this story and in the wings is waiting true love, the one elusive thing he yearns for. Speaking Sex to Power Patrick Califia-Rice Published by Cleis Press GBP 12.99 This is the other side of the coin, it outlines the depressingly negative consequences that AIDS has had on sexual politics since it has swept across the world. In this first non-fiction book since coming out as a female-to-male transsexual, Patrick Califia charts his provocative and highly controversial take on sex, gender and politics. His opinions often conflict not only with the conservative mainstream, but much of the lesbian, gay and feminist movement as well. His views are controversial and thought provoking and this collection of essays are intelligent but never academic, his explicitness and honesty is enough to make us all squirm in our chairs, no matter how liberal we think ourselves to be. --------------------------------------------------------------- Arts ==== Martin Powell X factor Dance Company In Your Dreams I'm definitely detecting a theme in Alan Greig's dance and that is of extensively researched work that could almost be described as documentary. Not that I'm complaining, just observing. As the title suggests this one is about dreams. The ability each of us has to go quietly insane every night and where anything can happen in a dream. We start with four dancers on stage, getting to sleep, individually. In fact do we literally ever sleep with anybody? Isn't sleep such a personal thing that we have to do it on our own? But once we start to dream we drift in and out of different experiences with all sorts of people and things. Catching the wrong train morphs straight into a relationship between two lovers. They are male and female but this is later repeated between two men. This got me thinking what sexual orientation are we when we are asleep? Indeed is it a sensible question to ask? The dance continues with sections of lucidity and incoherence. I'm not sure whether this was deliberate or not but it didn't matter, is this not exactly what our dreams are like? Did I mention the lighting design? No, it was so good that it took me some time to realise there was a lighting design but unlike so much lighting for dance this cut clearly between scenes rather than distracting with fades. Full marks to Mark Parry for this. Yet another first rate show from X factor. Traverse Theatre Company Outlying Islands by David Greig During the Fringe I like to think I'm pretty good at keeping my ear to the ground and finding out about the great shows before everyone else does. I failed badly with this one and by the time I found out about it the tickets were like gold dust and my schedule so busy that I never saw it.The good news is it's back. After playing in Canada (where they know a thing or two about outlying islands), it is now touring Scotland. Set in 1939 it is a vision of an innocence, a way of being young that is about to be destroyed forever by war. Two ornithologists, Robert, the talented mentor of John, is searching for the elusive Leech's Petrel on a remote island. With them are Kirk, the leaseholder, and his niece Ellen. Left alone they observe each other, are drawn together and ultimately take a journey that pushes to the limits what it is to be human. A stunning image by Euan Myles from the production provides our front cover. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh 23rd Apr - 10th May Citizens Theatre, Glasgow 13th May - 17th May Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy 20th May - 21st May Eden Court Theatre, Inverness 3rd Jun - 4th Jun Highlands & Islands Tour 5th Jun - 5th Jul GoMA Sanctuary Walking past Glasgow's Gallery of Modern Art, I saw the current exhibition was organised in conjunction with Amnesty International. An unlikely combination, so I was intrigued and wanted to find out more. I haven't found out much but will definitely be seeing it. The exhibition takes as its theme human rights issues facing refugees and asylum seekers worldwide. Its on until 29th Sep and is free. 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Safe, Horny And Active Duncan is 32 years old, muscular, tattooed, shaved all over, 5'10" tall and is looking for muscular active fishermen, oil workers, road diggers etc. 18-64 years, Fife area only for safe, horny fun. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5212. A Thorough Spanking Needing firm discipline? This retired teacher in Aberdeenshire seeks naughty boys needing to go across his knee and have their bare bottom thoroughly spanked. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5101. Dunfermline Disciplinarian Dunfermline discipline will give you very, very firm corrective discipline. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5102. Colourful Aberdonian Aberdeen area, submissive 42 year old, into yellow or brown, into dominant guys, any age. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5082. Gym'll Fix It Dominant Master, Glasgow area, 44 years, 5'11", 12 stones with dark brown hair. He's very fit and goes to the gym 3 times a week. He is looking for a slave for spanking, role play and mild CP. He can accommodate and is very discreet. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5052. Yellow Sub- 38 year old slim, submissive guy, into yellow, is looking for dominant guys any age. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5060. Who's The Daddy? Two Daddy figures in Fife are looking for a younger 16+ guy who wants fun and to be looked after. Shy boys are welcome for spoiling. Can collect in the Fife area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5072. Masters Only Please Two passive guys, 32 and 45 years old in the Fife area are looking for an experienced master who can really show them the ropes. Genuine Masters only please. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5073. Initiation Invitation We are two guys who can travel to Edinburgh and Aberdeen and who are looking for an invitation to leather, rubber and fetish parties. We would like to get into the scene. Please give us a call and we will get back to you. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5074. Athletic Student Two Fife gents require young student, athletic types. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5075. Rough Trade Dave is looking for active Skins, Braces, Docs, Sta-Prest, Football, Casuals. Rough trade wanted for sub-professional 52 years old guy in Fife who can accommodate for some CP fun. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5078. Bob A Job? Bobby is 40 years guy old from Aberdeen where he owns his own Training and Animal Centre. He is looking for passive guys 17-30 years old and may be able to offer accommodation and employment. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5001. Rough And Ready in Renfrew? Andy is a 40 year old passive gay male, slim to medium build, who likes walks, videos and cosy nights in. He would like to meet a guy who is tall and dark and hairy - masculine manual worker with tattoos if possible. He lives in Renfrew and can accommodate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4974. Glasgow - Scotland - Anywhere Strict but friendly uncle type, 48, active, seeks nephews 17-29 years, any colour or nationality. Shy lads treated with care. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4907. Oriental Young Oriental wanted by very discreet older man. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4908. Sexy Seeks Shy Attractive, tall, sexy, gym-trained 42 year old professional guy who lives in Glasgow and is into quiet things like walking, movies and music yet enjoys a beer is looking for a younger, shy guy who is equally attractive, for a possible relationship. No queens, cross-dressers or time-wasters please. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4868. Professional And Non-scene 31 year old professional, non-scene gay guy, non-smoker, 5'8", 10.5 stone, 33" waist. Hobbies include cinema, theatre, reading, country walking and swimming. Looking to meet gay/bi guys up to 45 years old for a possible 1-2-1 with the right guy. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4775. Bald, Sincere Glaswegian Wanted 28 year old Glasgow male, 5'9" tall, short-haired and good looking - often doesn't pass for his age. He is mature and studies social and medical sciences. His interest are: reading, watching documentaries, politics, classical music and he has a very keen interest in Modern History. He is looking for friends or a 1-2-1 in the Glasgow area, 35-40 years, preferably bald or with a No 1 haircut. Seeking a caring, sincere, stable man for a possible relationship. Queens, time-wasters, users or two-timers need not apply. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4785. Peter From Edinburgh Peter from Edinburgh is a 51 year old, clean-shaven guy with dark hair. He enjoys, music, cinema, theatre, country walking, swimming, briefs and Speedos and he is looking to meet people for fun. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4710. Renfrew Rendezvous Andrew from mid-Renfrew is 40 years, 5'10" with cropped fair hair, clean-shaven and quite hairy. Likes long walks, videos, cosy nights in and the occasional pint. Looking for tall, dark, muscular, hairy guy for no strings fun. He can accommodate but can't travel. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4521. Belting I am a guy in my 40's that remembers the belt at school. I am looking for a genuine, retired or former schoolteacher over 50 to give me the belt over my outstretched palms. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4437. 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 Rainbow Retreats Women only B&B in Andalucia, Southern Spain. 40 mins from Malaga Airport. All en-suite rooms, private pool and bar. For further details please look at our web site: http://www.womens-holiday.com/or ring 0034 952 495535. [52] Cadzow Athletic Ladies FC Are seeking new players in all positions. We train Tue and Sun in Hamilton. If interested, contact Michelle on Motherwell (01698) 249154. Glasgow-Friendship Maybe More Hi there! I'm in my early thirties, gay, sane, sorted, loyal, good fun, intelligent, quite attractive (even if a bit curvier these days at a size 18) and seeking similar women in and around the Glasgow Area for friendship, maybe more! Box SG51007. Femme Seeks Femme Aberdeen-based professional woman, mid-20's, dark hair and eyes. Enjoys cinema, eating out, trips to the countryside, politics and literature. Seeks 20's/30's feminine woman for conversation, romance and giggles. Box SG51035. Gay Female 39 Boyish, n/s, GSOH, seeks genuine sorted female for friendship, possible 1-2-1 relationship. Likes walking, going out for meals and just having fun. North East Scotland. Box SG51045. Singing Sweetheart GWF, 30, dark hair and eyes, OHAC WLTM genuine caring woman who can make me laugh. Non scene seeks lesbian 25-40 into nights out with friends and cosy nights in. Box SG51071. 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 [52a] Fraserburgh Interested in starting an LGBT switchboard to cover the Fraserburgh area? If so, get in touch. Box SG51001. Gay Football In Glasgow Looking to start up a team to play recreationally and possibly competitively in the Glasgow/Central Scotland area. All players welcome, regardless of skill level, sexual orientation or gender. If interested in either organising or playing, E-mail: Shaun at glbtfootball@hotmail.com Do You Like Panties Too??? I am looking for a guy who likes wearing his wife's panties and bra or seeing another man posing in them. I am 30, 6ft, slim, shaven and good looking, honest and looking for the same. Can you accommodate? Let me know soon. ALA. Thanks. Box SG51004. Cute Young Lad Wanted Sexy, cute, boyish and affectionate 16-21 year old lad wanted for friendship and safe, horny fun by older guy (45). I know you're out there, let's get together! Edinburgh - Glasgow areas. Box SG51005. Glasgow Virgin needs help with seeking male pleasure. 34, nice body, seeks gentle introduction. Cum on! Discretion offered. Box SG51008. Edinburgh Friendly mature Indian guy, 40's, seeks uncomplicated fun with 20's-30's guys. Regret unable to accommodate or travel. Total discretion required and offered. Box SG51009. Sorted 24 - Dundee Well it's worth a shot, innit?! I'm a 24 year old student in Dundee who considers himself totally sorted and happy. I'm 6'1", 30w, dark short hair, blue eyes. No latent mental health issues, my sexuality influences me no more than my hair or eye colour and I can hold my own with anyone in any conversation. I follow the issues and like to keep an eye on most things pathetic scene queens reject off hand. That's not to say I don't go on the scene - I do occasionally - just that I have fuck all in common with 99.9% of 'em!!! I have to say I prefer slim guys under the age of 32. If that's u and u fancy making a new mate (in either sense of the word) then E-mail: uad_24@hotmail.com and we can see from there. Thanx. Box SG51011. Horny Inverness Lad Hi guys! Anyone into some horny fun in Inverness. I am 27, blond hair, blue eyes. Box SG51012. Horny! Scottish lad looking for casual shags, friends, suga-daddies... anything!! Box SG51013. Anyone Normal Around Tayside? I'm a 24 year old European guy, 5'9", looking for friendship and perhaps more with someone 21-40 who's not looking for casual sex. I'm slim with dark hair, blue eyes and GSOH. Get in touch. Box SG51015. Edinburgh - Glasgow - Stirling Any first year students like to meet up with discreet older (40's) guy for fun and friendship? I don't bite but may nibble gently if asked nicely! Box SG51016. Passive And Willing Male, 45, tall and slim, from Glasgow, WLTM dom partner for no-strings. Very willing to perform and comfortable with demanding master. Likes to submit and has very good O levels. Also prepared to submit to tawse and cane. Box SG51017. Old Fashioned Romance Old fashioned 22 year old, attractive, looking for a guy, 20-40, for romance and fun. Box SG51018. Submissive Needed Passive or genuinely submissive type guy required by mid 30's masculine fit guy. If you like looking after someone get in touch. No timewasters. Box SG51019. Genuine Guy 36 year old SA, SL, masculine gay guy. Told good looking (honest). 5'10", short criopped hair. Seeking genuine guys for fun times and/or possible relationship. Box SG51020. Mature City Gent Mature city gent, hirsute bear, gay, seeks the company of any young (16-22 year old) gay/bisexual guys for mutual fun. Cleanshaven face and chest a must, and willingness to explore the many avenues of 'safer sex'. Can accommodate or travel if applicant's home offers a safe and quiet environment. Must include photo (which will be returned) and any details of 'interests' you wish to pursue. Box SG51021. Stable Guy For LTR In Dundee I am a sorted gay guy in Dundee looking for dates to find someone special. 23, 5'9", goatee, dark hair/eyes, generally like older (not exclusively) with something to share. Box SG51022. Active Guy Wanted I'm looking for a genuine active guy in Glasgow or surrounding area. Must be straight acting and into long hot horny sessions, aged 28-55 and well endowed ,7-8". Nationality not important, (love Latinos, Arabs, Blacks). I'm single, 45, 5'9", zero crop balding, green eyes, hairy chest etc, 32w, 42c, good build and passive. Can accommodate, complete discretion assured. Box SG51023. Looking For Men I am 26, very friendly, professional, 6'2" tall, looking for an honest, chubby hairy man for friendship and even more. Box SG51024. Young Gay Male Wanted Young gay male wanted with boyish looks, slim smooth body, little body hair, schoolboy look, into non penetrative fun, non smoker, clean and fit, non scene and straight acting. Box SG51026. Aberdeen Friends I'm 43, professional, short (5'3") medium build (friends say fit though I'm inclined to think that's just a bit kind but not dumpy). I'm really looking for some friends to go to cinema, theatre, restaurants and museums (and maybe hillwalking) with. If more develops, fine but that's not what I'm looking for right now. There's a profile on me on gayday 'vannaef'. Box SG51027. Chubby Seeks Chaser Heavy hairy guy, 44, seeks stocky/medium chaser with intelligence, a sense of romance, and a sense of humour for friendship/possible LTR. Must like beer, good conversation, the internet, and most of all, have an appreciation of the charms larger guys have to offer. All letters answered. Box SG51028. Black Male Seeking Love Handsome reliable masculine professional working class male, seeking to meet a genuine, reliable Scots male 25+ who's serious about a 1-2-1. I'm based in London, but am willing to travel. I'm 30's, very str8 lifestyle, 6'3", athletic, slim build. Up front down 2 earth, independent. Seeking special Scots male with the confidence to make something work. Box SG51030. Stout Seeks Stocky Sumo Gay guy, mid 40s seeks stocky guy interested in sumo wrestling for training/bouts. Box SG51031. Edinburgh - Anywhere Friendly 40's guy, small, fat and hairy, seeks 16-26 year old guy for fun and friendship. Box SG51032. Looking For Horny Active Guys Any guys into horny fun that want a horny 40 slim hairy guy who prefers dominant guys. Live in Perth, can travel and accommodate. Box SG51033. Uncle Seeks Nephew If you are aged 16-33, need an older guy to show you the way, contact this friendly uncle, 48, 5'7", medium build. Your looks not important, any nationality/colour, and keen to learn. Box SG51034. Friend Wanted Bi M, 48, bald, chubby, inexperienced and not WE. Looking for a dominant male, late 40's or older, Edinburgh area to help me explore and expand my submissive side. Especially turned on by effeminate dominant men. E-mail: paulr_2@hotmail.com or Write: Box SG51036. Student Gives/Takes CP Young lad, 25, needs to visit slim gym/headmaster 18+ to correct my bad exam marks - 328/800. I can travel within reason. I do not ring mobile numbers. I also like sucking young lads smooth ears. I am also in need of a submissive/young lad who would like to serve at my feet as a willing house/slaveboy. Box SG51037. Young Virgin Needs It Every Day Young 18 year old virgin lad needs someone to show me the ropes! Genuine and discreet can travel but not accommodate! I am clean and eager to learn so get replying guys! Box SG51038. Hillwalking I am looking for gays of any age who are interested in the outdoors in the Aberdeen area. Also those who like getting away from it all and like hillwalking. Students who are new to the area. Please tell me if you are part of a club - let me know because I am interested in joining. Box SG51040. Fife Reasonably fit slim gay guy offers CP and/or mild bondage games to other willing participants from beginners to experienced, preferably aged under 35 but not exclusively. Would particularly like to meet guys in 20's for regular punishment sessions individually or also in groups. Prefer role play and can accommodate at various times but not overnight. Offers OTK spanking, brush, belts, cane, 'birching' etc. Schoolboy, borstal, judicial punishments. You tell me your fantasies and we can work something out. Have a great play area and an imagination to equal it. Be brave and realise those fantasies. Willing to play with other masters too and may even develop a club or similar. Get in touch and I can supply pic links etc. Box SG51041. Skinhead Seeks Mates Skin wants to meet skins into DM's, rubber, w/s, gob, bondage, humiliation. Let's meet for drinks and hot wet fun. Phone number and photo for quick reply. Box SG51042. Are You A Young Rebel? So rebellious that you don't spend a fortune and/or hours making yourself look like every other so-called rebel with piercings, predictable haircut and clothes just like everybody else? So rebellious that you'd actually prefer the company of somebody old enough to be your father but without his attitude? If this is you, please write. Box SG51043. Skinhead Seeks Mates Zero crop skinhead looking for n/s into gob, w/s, humiliation, rubber, gas masks, poppers and waders for long sessions. Phone number for quick reply. Box SG50144. Edinburgh Lad Looking For Hi, I'm 26. Hoping to find love - maybe more - with a guy between 23-28. Could that be you? I'm an honest and very passionate guy who likes cosy nights in. ALA. Box SG51046. Ex-Teacher Seeks Stud(ent) Break your pencils and rule(r)s, toss the books. My purpose is not to teach a lesson but to explain that school is over. Let's go play under the bleachers. Box SG51047. Well Disciplined Young Men Required for yacht crew based around Oban. Must be strong and fit and ready to take orders - or else. Anywhere. Box SG51048. Slim/Skinny Guys Wanted - Scotland Fife versatile guy seeks slim guys of any age for no-strings fun at my place or yours. Married/bi/male couples welcome. S/A, S/L, N/S. Discretion assured. ALA. Box SG51049. Tall, Slim, Young Lad Lad wants to meet other lads 16-25 for hot fun and friendship. Novices welcome for anal worship, massage, dom/sub, active/passive. I like taking, taking/giving CP, spanking with paddle/caning. London/Scotland. Box SG51050. Livingston - Edinburgh You, 16-23, looking for company during the day as well as night/weekends. You, student/boarder, enjoy massage, wearing briefs in private or being naked. Can accommodate at all times. ALA. Box SG51051. Fit Guy - Good Body Fit guy, good body, zero crop, 42, looking to meet similar guys in the Edinburgh area. Does not matter what age you are as long as you are in shape! Box SG51052. R U UP 4 IT Is there anyone out there looking for no strings attached man-2-man fun? Must like videos, toys and all things 'A' and 'O'. So if you're horny let's get physical. Box SG51053. Fife - Central - Scotland Friendly single mature retired man wants to meet male 25/45 wishing an uncle/father figure friendship. Preferably in Fife. Any nationality or colour. Discretion assured. Sincere replies only please with photo. Box SG51054. 2 Cute Fit Subs Two 30 year old cock worshippers looking for hung active guys for unrivalled service Glasgow/Edinburgh. Photo essential, letters answered with our photo. Box SG51055. Fit Lad Relocating To Edinburgh Rich, 30, fit, tanned and toned lad, VGE, VWE. Moving to Edinburgh this summer, looking for fit mates and accommodation to make the move. Box SG51056. Glasgow Area Passive gay guy, 51, non-effeminate, 5'10", slim-medium, hairy. WLTM guys 27-45, hairy, big muscles, 45"+ chest for tons of fun. Can accommodate, day or night. ALA. Box SG51057. Massage Available - Glasgow/Lanarkshire Free massage for fun, my place or place or yours. 33 year old chubby gay guy, very sensual and active. Age and looks not important, must be discreet. Give it a try. Box SG51058. Holiday Mate I am looking for someone to share a relaxing holiday in the sun this summer. Must be easy going with a GSOH, 30-55 age group. Box SG51059. Horny Wrestling Fun Goodlooking GWM, 38, 5'11", fit, cropped hair, WLTM horny 18-40 guys for sweaty grappling in pro-wrestling gear. Fantasy roleplay/just horny fun. Black/Indian hairy legged guys especially welcomed. Round 1. ALAWP. Box SG51060. Tayside Slim, mature, 50's, passive gay guy into bondage and restraint games is looking for an active partner interested in the same activities. Age, looks and colour unimportant. Box SG51061. Ayrshire Gay male, young, mid 50's, slim, straight looking/acting, but mostly passive, seeks similar aged active top man for regulart safe fun. Possible relationship, but likes to please, likes videos etc. Box SG51062. Born To Be Free Country boy seeks naturists. Fed up with normal life and needs a change. Any nudists aged 20-40 who are genuine naturists fancy forming serious relationship? All letters with photo answered. Box SG51063. Professional Fun Loving Aberdonian 39yr old, 6' guy looking for straight acting males 30-45 to enjoy his life with. I like exotic holidays, theatre and music and lots of fun. Box SG51064. Passive Sexy TV/TS Wanted For 1-2-1 Plus WE, bi guy needs TV/TS who is passive, sexy and dresses to please, loves being a woman with a cock. For fun, romance, 1-2-1 cosy nights. A slave who likes to welcome smooth shaven feminine gays. Box SG51065. Leather Anywhere Genuine Edinburgh guy non-smoking, non-scene, 38, 5'6", blond down to earth with average looks. Looking for a down to earth genuine guy, non-smoker, who likes to have fun in our leather. ALA. Box SG51066. Student Massage Mature, WE, active Edinburgh guy offers aching students free massage to soothe away the pain of academic life. Must have own quiet, secure space. Free most afternoons/early evening or willing to meet at gay sauna. Also shaving and other services available upon request - free of all charges. Box SG51067. Glasgow Guy For Fun Genuine guy, 53, slim, fit, experienced, passive, possibly versatile, seeks fun, fun, fun with VWE guys, any age, single or married. Looks/colour not important. Discretion assured. Can accommodate/travel. Box SG51068. Mature City Gent Well educated hairy bear offers city centre sessions to guys 16-26. Must like quality beers, a good read and a need to explore many avenues of sexual delights. Box SG51069. Submissive Strong Man - 18+ Wanted by highly experienced dominant gay man hoping to show him the ropes of pleasure and pain. Central Scotland/anywhere. Photo please. Box SG51074. Bellshill Guy - 25 Looking for a guy for fun nights with a cool guy. If this is you, please get in touch. Box SG51075. Anybody Else Who Likes To... Looking for male company of the male persuasion who likes either an active or passive role in "O". Not the most experienced guy in the world, but would like the chance to explore further. 32 years old, 5'9", bald skinhead type, beefy. looking for someone who likes to relax and cum in the Glasgow area. E-mail: michaelsweeney@ amserve.com and invite me over. Age and looks not important. Box SG51076.