SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland ScotsGay 80/- Heavy - Issue 66 - October 2005 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 Publishing Limited 2005. 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) GBP8 6 issue sub (Overseas) GBP15 12 issue sub (UK & EC) GBP15 12 issue sub (Overseas) GBP28 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 Velvet Tony Challis Dundee Aberdeen Scottish Media Monitor Glasgow Glasgay! Martin Walker Burly Edinburgh International News Film Reviews Book Reviews Voice Personals Boxes - The ScotsGay Meet Market Helplines and Switchboards Listings Venues ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EDITORIAL ========= West Lothian Question Just how far should we go when it comes to those who oppose us? That's the question that's been chasing around my cranium since a West Lothian councillor made a very public arse of himself the other week. First, Duncan Maclean (Independent councillor for Armadale West) failed to find a seconder at a Council meeting for his motion against the proposals to hold civil partnership ceremonies at registry offices and approved venues. Failing to persuade them, he said they should "hang their heads in shame" and asked why "queers have to parade about in public". Then he told the Edinburgh Evening News, "I don't think I am offending any of my constituents as I know for a fact that none of my voters are gay". Well, not now I presume. The ritual calls for his immediate resignation followed from the usual suspects including a petition organised by gay campaigners in Edinburgh. To no avail: the Councillor remains. But complaints have also followed to the Standards Commission for Scotland. And that's what worries me. You see, the Standards Commission (like similar bodies elsewhere in the UK) has draconian powers to remove councillors it considers to have transgressed its standards. That, in itself, wouldn't be so bad if it merely had the effect of forcing the ousted councillor to go back to his electorate and seek a new mandate. But the Standards Commission also has the power to ban a councillor from standing again for a considerable period. In my view, that's anti-democratic. If people want to re-elect a tosser, that's up to them. But it's all part of the modern trend to silence dissent and reduce the possible scope of debate. Often, this is dressed up as a way of reducing hurt to the feelings of minority groups. But, instead, it's creating a society in which we don't know who many of our enemies actually are. If homophobes, racists, sexists and other assorted twallies are encouraged to speak their minds (which shouldn't take too long), then we can combat their nonsense by rational debate. If they're forced to stay quiet, their pernicious cancer of irrationality may grow undetected and unopposed until it takes over the whole body politic. I really don't want to see that happen. So, what should we do about Councillor Maclean? Well, I for one would rather like to see next year's Pride Scotia march moved through from Glasgow to Armadale. This would not only have an illuminating effect on the good people of West Lothian, but would also mean that those of us from Edinburgh wouldn't have to travel so far to Pride in 2006. For which, some of us might thank the Sage of Armadale West whilst leaving the far travelled Weegies to vent their spleen on his doorstep. I knew I'd find a use for a homophobe one day! John Hein E-mail: editorial@scotsgay.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS ==== THE COST OF EQUALIT All cohabiting same-sex couples will experience a reduction in state benefits, as a side effect the new Civil Partnership Act. Even couples who don't want a civil partnership and have not registered their relationship will face cuts. In addition, same-sex friends or ex-lovers who live together will have to prove that they are not in a relationship - otherwise they, too, will lose out financially. It is feared that the Department for Work and Pensions will assume that all cohabitees are partners and cut their benefits accordingly. These revelations come from LGBT human rights group OutRage! and Rainbow Ripples, the Leeds Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Disabled People's Group. They are concerned that civil partnerships will be financially beneficial to rich samesex couples, but cause economic hardship to many low income and benefit-dependent LGB (lesbian, gay and bisexual) partners - especially unemployed, elderly, ill or disabled people. OutRage! has written to David Blunkett MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, urging the government to offer transitional protection to all the UK's existing LGB state benefit claimants. From December, to coincide with the introduction of civil partnerships, the government's pensions and benefits agencies will assess as a couple all same-sex partners who are living together; ending individual assessment. Couples will have no choice. The new arrangements will be forced on same-sex partners who choose not to register a civil partnership. There will be no transitional relief to help ease financial hardships caused by the new rules. This means that an elderly LGB couple who previously received individual pensions will be reassessed as the equivalent of a married or civil partnership couple. They will receive only a married couple's pension - resulting in a loss of nearly a third of their pension income. It will also have devastating effects for a couple where one partner is on means-tested benefits and the other is earning a good income. Because they will be jointly assessed, the partner claiming benefits could lose most or all of their benefits income, including housing benefit and free prescriptions and dental treatment. This could add thousands of pounds to the annual costs of cohabiting same-sex households, where one partner is on a low income or is unemployed, elderly, sick or disabled. Joint assessment and cuts in benefits will force the partner on benefits to become financially dependent on their incomeearning partner. It will also mean that if they took out a tenancy or amortgage based on their existing benefits, the loss of income may force them to move to cheaper rented accommodation or to sell their home. All LGB benefit claimants in relationships will be worse off. BICYCLES RIDE INTO TOWN by Alison Eales, Communications Manager, BiCon 2006 BiCon, a weekend-long festival for bisexual people and their allies, is coming to Glasgow in 2006. BiCon, the annual national bisexual gathering, always enjoys a diverse attendance, representing a wide crosssection of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, spirituality, age, ability, lifestyle, and tastes. A comment often heard by attendees is how positive and accepting everybody is, and that they wish the rest of the world could be more like BiCon! BiCon 2005 was held at University College, Worcester on the last weekend in August, and proved to be a huge success. There were many and very varied workshops on topics ranging from speed dating to commitment to Japanese bondage. The Time Travellers' Ball was hugely well-attended, with music spanning the 1950's to the present and most attendees arriving in fancy-dress. In 2006 the 24th BiCon will be held at Glasgow Caledonian University on the Glasgow Fair weekend (Thu 13th - Mon 17th Jul). The organising team has a policy of inclusion, and we welcome suggestions from anyone who feels they would like to contribute. Most of the team attended BiCon 2005, and gathered valuable input from those attending. Our goals for BiCon 2006 are to run a really fun event for the UK bisexual community and to create a space where attendees can feel accepted, and be safe from persecution. We will also do everything we can to make the event accessible to anyone who wishes to attend, including one-day registrations, a sliding scale of registration fees, a Helping Hand Fund, provision of child The BiCon 2006 website at http://www.bicon2006.org.uk/ includes a Frequently Asked Questions section, information on travelling to Glasgow, and hopefully soon an interactive area for suggestions. If you would like further information about BiCon, please visit the web address above, or alternatively E-mail team@bicon2006.org.uk CHURCH NEWS The Metropolitan Community Church of Edinburgh, an Edinburgh Church, founded 10 years ago within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, has unanimously voted to call Rev Kerri Mesner as their new Pastor. Rev Mesner, a native of Victoria, Canada, has a background in the arts, education and community work, bringing to the Church skills as a performer, manager, educator and mediator. She is graduate of the College of New Rochelle on the New York Theological Seminary campus and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Rev Mesner completed her training for ordination in Metropolitan Community Church of New York where she was involved in running children's ministry and transgender ministry and has served Metropolitan Community Church groups and congregations in Vancouver and North London. Rev Mesner is looking forward to flitting to Edinburgh in early November. "Edinburgh is a beautiful City with an active and committed LGBT Community. It will be an honour to minister in this setting - I know that, working together, we can truly seek to live Christ's Gospel of love and liberation for all." SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN 'Silence is Not Golden' is a new website aimed at tackling homophobia in our society. Supported by Police Forces across the country it aims to break the silence surrounding homophobia and hate crimes. Created by the same people that provide the online community Out Everywhere this website gives LGBT people the chance to speak out about homophobia. There are sections on providing advice for staying safe, personal experiences and links to police forces and support organisations across the country. There is also the ability to report a homophobic incident, advice on why you should and the different ways in which you can. This site is not only for the benefit of LGBT people, but for our whole society. By working together and spreading the word, we can break through the silence that surrounds the lives of people affected by homophobia and hate crime. We can help make homophobic behaviour unacceptable. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender is not a crime, but abuse is. Everyone has the right to live without fear. If you are a victim of homophobia - tell someone. Contact Lisa on Escrick (01904) 727805 for information or visit http://www.silenceisnotgolden.org/ HUMAN FERTLITY AND EMBRYOLOGY ACT The UK government is currently reviewing the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (the HFE Act): the public consultation closes on Fri 25th Nov. The HFE Act regulates all fertility treatment in the UK, including the use of donated sperm at treatment centres licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). When a woman is treated with donor sperm at a licensed fertility clinic, if she has a male partner, a mixed-sex couple can be 'treated together', which makes a husband the legal father of the child and gives him automatic parental rights and responsibilities (PRR): a male cohabitant is still the legal father of the child and can apply for PRR. However, the HFE Act's language specifically excludes female partners. Not only is there no entitlement under this legislation for the female partner of the woman treated with donor sperm to become the child's legal parent, section 13(5) of the HFE Act specifies that before a woman can receive fertility treatment, the clinic must take into account the need of that child for a father. The HFEA guidelines say that 'where the child will have no legal father' the treatment centre is expected to assess not only the ability of the mother to care for the child, but also 'the ability of other persons within the family or social circle willing to share responsibility for those needs'. The Equality Network believes that the language of the HFE Act should be amended to give civil partnership equal legal status with marriage: and that when a same-sex couple are treated together as a couple, the other partner should have the same right to be the legal parent of a child conceived via donor sperm, as the man in a mixed-sex couple does now. See the Department of Health's live consultations webpage (scroll down to Review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act: A public consultation) http://www.dh.gov.uk/Consultations/Liv eConsultations/ The HFEA's response to the Department of Trade and Industry Women and Equality Unit's Civil Partnership consultation is available (scroll down to Published reponses to consultations) at http://www.hfea.gov.uk/AboutHFEA/Con sultations/ Recognition The General Register Office for Scotland has a new page on their website to explain how they will issue replacement birth certificates to people who get gender recognition: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/regscot/gender-recognition.html whilst information about how to apply for gender recognition is available from http://www.grp.gov.uk/ Switchboard Rings Changes There's now a new way to contact Lothian Gay & Lesbian Switchboard: check out their website at http://www.lgls.co.uk/ for news of their services, their events, what's on in town, links to other organisations and sexual health info, and to click into their e-mail support service. Their trained volunteers will answer you within 72 hours. It's now live. Meanwhile, they apologise for any recent disruption to their phone services while they've been having a major upgrade to their helpline systems. They're still there almost every night on 0131-556 4049. They're recruiting for new volunteers to join their team. See their ad for more details. Finally, if you didn't make the Highland Fling, a date for your diaries is Sat 18th Feb 2006: see website for more details. Racqueteers The popular Racqueteers Badminton Group which meets Thu evening 7-9pm at Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh will be taking a break after 1st Dec but will resume mid Jan. E-mail: brian@beetee.org WWW: http://beetee.org/badminton.htm Speed The new bar at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh will be the venue for a Speed Dating session on Sun 27th Nov from 6.30-10pm. For GBP17.50, participants will receive a cocktail on arrival and then have the chance of meeting up to forty other speed daters. Contact Mel on 08700 423645 to book. All Together Public services Trades Union UNISON is to hold its Annual Scottish Conference for LGBT Members on Sat 5th Nov. The conference will take polace in the UNISON offices at 18 Albion Street, Glasgow 11am-4pm. Police The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland is hosting a one day seminar on policing the LGBT Community at Tulliallan Police College on 9th Dec. Speakers will include Lothian and Borders Chief Constable Paddy Tomkins. Fife Fife Men will be celebrating World AIDS with a number of events. They'll have a stall at Kirkcaldy Farmer's Market on 26th Nov. On the day itself (Thu 1st Dec) they'll be distributing condoms at the Harlem nightclubs in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline. On Sat 3rd Dec, Kirkcaldy Town Square will see a Red Ribbon Balloon Release to which local MP Gordon Brown has been invited. Research Researchers are asking for ScotsGay readers' to take part in a national survey exploring domestic violence in same sex relationships. Researchers based at Sunderland and Bristol Universities are being funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to undertake this research. If you'd like to take part, telephone Jonathan Holmes on 0191-515 2218 or E-mail: jonathan.j.holmes@sunderland.ac.uk Transgender Offender The Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, available on the Scottish Parliament website under Bills In Progress, contains possibly the first reference to "transgender" in British legislation: A court may make an order banning from football matches a person convicted of engaging in violence or disorder by stirring up hatred against a group or against an individual defined by their identity as a member of that group. The "groups" listed include both sexual orientation and transgender identity. See http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/bills/billsInProgress Census Officials from the General Register Office for Scotland are to carry out a sample survey, asking individuals to tick a box to show if they are heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or other. The Equality Network is carrying out a survey on the proposed wording of national census questions about sexual orientation - http://tinyurl.com/92mkl care and fully accessible literature, and close liaison with the venue to ensure accessibility. In addition, we would like to have a particularly Scottish theme to the event, and hope to improve bi-visibility in Scotland and to network with and involve other LGBT groups in Scotland. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- VELVET ====== WORDS: Jessica Laine PHOTOS: Shona McInnes Churches were once the main place to be in towns for people of all ages to meet on a regular basis. A chance to talk, laugh, hold socials, meet anyone new, and perhaps secretly flirt with the regulars you'd previously had your eye on. One such church in Leith embodies these same social principles under the guise of a nightclub. Mariners, a converted church retaining many of its period features, hosts women's club night Velvet on the first of each month. And the place has class. On entering the softly lit building you are met by the male and female bouncer team. They don't push their weight around but they have enough presence so that you wouldn't think they'd have much trouble taking control of any problems. Inside the main door lies a short, wide corridor where customers pay their GBP3 (entry before 10.30pm) and get a cat stamped on their hands before entering the main building. The space on the lower level is partially split by a bar/staircase fusion, with booths running up both sides leading you to a modern version of a retro looking dance floor. The second level is open to the full height of the church and comprises of sofa and matching stool areas and small bar. Transparent panels around the drop to the dance floor connect the split level arrangement. The lighting inside is sufficient enough so that you're not straining to see your friends and dark enough so you don't feel like you're on display. Although this is primarily a women's club, men are welcome if accompanied by a gay lady. This is a good idea and works well as long as the men don't mind the fact that both toilets are open to women – fantastic! - less of the usual queuing for us girls. The men's toilets have plumbed in buckets instead of the usual urinals, definitely worth a look. Both the music and women who attend are diverse and likely to suit most tastes. The DJ booth is on the lower level looking onto the dance floor, two DJs take turns at choosing music throughout the night. There were the usual little cliques but most of the clientele were mixing and there were plenty of people on the dance floor. There wasn't anything that put a dampener on my night even though twice during the evening, the glamorous, if over excited Natalie spilt her drinks over me (but that says more about Nat then it does the club). Jess E-mail: jessica_laine@hotmail.co.uk If you know of a ladies or mixed night that I should be writing about, or have anything to say about VELVET, get in touch at the E-mail above. xxx I'd like to say thanks to everyone who posed for pictues. All the best to Serge, Cara, Claire, Helgo & Lyngar, Fiona, Kizzy, Greg, Jimmy, Maggie, Nancy & Elle, Mags, Desmond, Becky and Pete, Bob, Jo, Carrie, Lorrain, Jodie, Sarah, Anneka, Phil, Martin, Natalie and all the venue staff. Sorry there wasn't room for all the photos! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TONY CHALLIS ============ One highlight of the recent Lesbian and Gay Film Festival was, Summer Storm, which concerns Tobi, star of the rowing club, who is very attached to fellow team member, Achim. Achim has a girlfriend, and encourages Tobi to get closer to his own "girlfriend". All four travel to the summer rowing competition, where and out team called Queer Strokes are competing. Tobi's real feelings can no longer being suppressed. One of the Queer Stroke team is keen on Tobi, and eventually things come to a head in a way very explicit for a mainstream film. You won't forget the scene on the landing stage! Yes, this is a German film, but you will forget any subtitle problems as you watch the gorgeous guys and enjoy the humour and the action. And I know what my favourite line in the film is - it comes very close to the end. Look out for the DVD! You don't have to join the rowing team to enjoy the company of handsome German men. All of the major German cities have a very wide range of gay venues, from gay "locals", to mainstream clubs, to fetish venues, to saunas (for a long time now, Amsterdam has not been the only fruit) I'm sorry, but comparing the scene in say, Cologne with Bristol or Hamburg or Edinburgh suggests that Britain still has not entirely shaken free of Queen Victoria's petticoats. If you haven't tried Germany there is a treat in store at many levels – scene, architecture, history, lakes and spas – and very friendly people. Back in Britain, I hear of the two vile killers who attacked Jody Dobrowski on Clapham Common in London last month. In what was called 'a frenzied attack' they seem to have pulped the head and neck of poor Jody, a 24 year old bar manager. The police said that, despite being accustomed to violent crime, they were taken aback by the injuries. Homophobic crime occurs everywhere, in our cities, towns and countryside. However, it is reckoned that only about a fifth of anti gay hate crime gets reported. A spokesman for Gallup, the LBGT charity that counsels victims and homophobic harassment and violence said, "The level of hate crime is high and the level of reporting is low". I'm sure there are many reasons why some of the people using a place like Clapham Common would not like it to be known that they were there. If they are attacked and the crime is not even reported, there is nothing is going to happen with the attackers. They are going to feel emboldened to further attacks. The police stated that they felt that Jody Dobrowski's murderers have attacked before, as such a sustained and vicious attack and would not be usual in a first attack. So those people who have been attacked on Clapham Common in recent months have two thugs became more confident, might now have some serious reflecting to do. Silent victims breed crime. Whether you are in Edinburgh or Elgin or Irvine it could be you. And if self-respect means anything, it means standing up for yourself against attackers. Make sure that, even if you don't want to reveal your details, the police know that the crime has happened. But preferably, pursue the matter as fully as you can. If we all display this kind of self-respect we will all be safer. E-mail: tony_challis@hotmail.com Tony writes for the Lesbian and Gay Humanist ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DUNDEE ====== Hello and welcome, I have taken over from Chris writing about Dundee. Ihave the daunting task of being one of the very few females writing for ScotsGay. My name is Beth and I am the new chair of Diversitay. You may know me from Dundee University where I graduated 2 years ago, from the Union where I worked for nearly 4 years or from Drouthy Neebors where recently worked. I hope to carry on from where Chris left off but also try to get as many new organisations and events in as possible. Diversitay will be holding its monthly Icebreaker on Thu 17th November in Braes. This is a chance for people who may not be fans of the scene, people new to the area or people coming to terms with their sexuality to have a few drinks in a safe relaxed environment. Diversitay also hopes to build on the women's disco held last month and try and organise something for the New Year. Most importantly, Diversitay is always on the look out for new volunteers - as Dundee's only LGBT organisation, the help of the community is always needed. For more call (01382) 202620 on a Monday night or visit http://www.diversitay. org.uk/ Charlie's isn't having a quiz this month but it will return in December for its Xmas special, more details next month. As normal Ross will be supplying the music on Friday and Saturday nights with his blend of old and new, so don't be surprised to hear the current number one followed by a classic show tune. Down the road at Brooklyn's there is karaoke on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights, their pool competition on a Thursday night and the Showbar the last Saturday of the month (26th November). For those who have yet to visit the Showbar it is a must before Xmas. If you're a weekend club goer, why not branch out and visit on a Wednesday or Thursday where they have a selection of shooters and spirits for a quid. Friday nights see Jamie on the decks and Saturday nights see Dean, no matter how much you resist they'll have you tapping your feet and before you know it strutting your stuff on the dance floor. Does your mother know is back at the Union every other Thursday Night (10th and 24th November) with Ross providing the music. This is a must for all students and for all you non-students, go, befriend one and get signed in, remember to bring some photographic ID in order to get past security. For the ladies of Dundee I must mention Wee Bissums. This is a monthly newsletter for the women of Tayside and is an ideal way of keeping up with what's happening in the area - E-mail: weebiz@hotmail. com for more information. For the energetic ones amongst you Lillidots meets once a month for hill walking with a side of socialising, I haven't been able to get more details or contact information so if somebody can help please get in touch at my E-mail below. E-mail: beth_scotsgay@yahoo.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ABERDEEN ======== Hi there and here is this month's round up of what's happening North of anywhere. PHACE Scotland in Grampian is about to go through a wee bit of a change over the next couple of months. The reason is that Mark Thomson and his partner Mark are relocating to Leeds. This is Mark T's farewell: "After five very happy years at PHACE and almost twenty years in Aberdeen it has not been an easy decision to make, Mark and myself have spent a lot of time over the last two months deliberating, cogitating and discussing our options. Mark takes up a new post with Cooper Cameron in Leeds as a Product Design Engineer (he's the brains in the family, closely followed by the cat!) at the end of October and I'll be moving on to some similar work with Yorkshire MESMAC in early December. One of the things I'll miss most about Aberdeen and PHACE Scotland is the people. Since I came onto to scene as I said earlier almost twenty years ago. I joined the then 'Aberdeen Gay Group' now NESGG, I never realised what support and friendship I would be lucky enough to have in what I then thought of as the 'Big City' (come on...I did come from Elgin!!), Aberdeen is often accused of having a small town mentality, I've said so myself! But what that also does is give Aberdeen in the main a close knit and friendly atmosphere that for a country loon at the time was very comforting. I think that feeling still exists today in the city. The LGBT community has changed and developed quite a bit since I moved here in the late eighties, we have a fantastic network of groups, internet resources, links with the police, health and local authorities and have proved through the PRIDE in Aberdeen events the talent and drive to do things for ourselves that bring not only our own community together but the wider Grampian community as a whole. There are really too many people for me to say thank you to individually for their support, friendship and advice (some taken, some not!) both in my private life, previous work and at PHACE Scotland so I will only mention a few here: The staff past and present at PHACE Scotland, here in Aberdeen and Glasgow, but especially Charlie McMillan, Susan MacDonald, Leslie Hay and Michael McGregor; Andy Webb and Bridget Stone (those well kent faces); Graeme Fyvie and Nicky Summers (you know why); but more important than anyone Mark Guest, the most wonderful person I know. So as the late Ronnie Barker would say, 'Its goodnight from him and a goodnight from me'. As aye have fun, be safe and let's be careful out there!" It is sad to see friends leave the area and Mark T's effort and enthusiasm for working in and developing the LGBT community will be missed. I wish them both all the best for their new adventure South of the Border and hope that they will stay in touch. The date for Pride in Aberdeen's AGM has been announced -it will be held on Thu 24th Nov at 7.30pm in the Premier Travel Inn, West North Street, Aberdeen – just opposite the Lemon Tree. The old Board will be standing down and a new one elected to bring us next year's Pride event. For further details, contact Chris - E-mail: chris@prideinaberdeen.org.uk There will be a meeting of the Police Forum on Wed 16th Nov at 7.30pm in the Service Centre next door to the Police Office at Bucksburn. All visitors should go to the Public Office at Bucksburn Police where you will be met. The format of the meeting will be an introduction to the Service Centre, its role and the launch of the Consultation and its associated Action Plan. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion on these topics. Contact Joan Morrison at Community Partnerships on Aberdeen (01224) 709976. Continuing on the success of the LGBT Sports Club a further couple of walks are planned. The first will be the circuit of Loch Muick near Ballater and will be on Sun 13th Nov. The second will be a walk in or around Aberdeen and will be on Sun 11th Dec. Meet at the Phace offices on Waverley place at 10.15am. The next two meetings for the club to discuss future events will be on Thu 17th Nov and Thu 15th Dec both at 8pm at Phace. Phone the Phace Offices on (0845) 241 2151. A couple of performances of 'Game, Set and Match' written by Mark Thomson will be performed for World Aids Day at the former Linksfield Academy on King Street. The dates are Sat 26th and Sun 27th Nov starting at 7.30pm. There are no tickets but donations towards World Aids Day will be gratefully received on both evenings. As I am looking to hand over the role of Aberdeen's reporter anyone wishing to take over from me please contact the editor. E-mail: tivoli_abdn@yahoo.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTTISH MEDIA MONITORS ======================= GodPods and Holy Socks! One step away from Blow-Up Priests and Biblical Loo Roll. Is The Church About To Blow Itself Apart? Asks Garry Otton The Church gets evermore desperate. An advertorial in The Sunday Times Scotland for the Ideal Church Show - sorry, should I say, Christian Resources Show - held at The Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston said it all. It's a veritable Paddy's Market of Karaoke hymn machines; preaching puppets; nonalcoholic communal wines; a GodPod, (solar-powered talking Bible); a board game called Salvation Challenge where players compete to give away money; make-up for Christian clowns; JCUK tee-shirts and Holy Socks adorned with Biblical scenes. There's everything but a blow-up priest! There is even an articulated lorry kitted out with unashamed religious propaganda otherwise disguised as a multimedia classroom by the Scottish Bible Society "in an attempt to inject what it calls the 'wow factor' back into schoolchildren's experience of scripture. Intended for use as part of the national curriculum, the expandable trailer features a mock film studio and a simulated flight over parts of the world where Christianity is on the increase". The Sunday Times added: "Just to make sure Scotland's unchurched youth is listening, the vehicle will be unveiled and sent on its national tour by Cameron Stout, the famously celibate 2003 winner of Big Brother". Margaret Stewart from Newton Stewart smiled: "We had an order from Mongolia for the camel and star design and last week I sent three pairs of socks to India". Emblazoned with scriptures, "she expects this year's hit to be her Glory Golf Balls..."If this signals a Church in trouble, so does its lurch to the political right. Also in The Sunday Times Scotland was Mike Merritt and Mark Macaskill's report on notorious fundamentalist group Operation Christian Vote, now re-branded as the Scottish Christian party. They are to "field candidates against every MSP in Scotland with the help of GBP500,000 from a mystery benefactor... the generous donation of GBP500,000 from a wealthy businessman, whose identity has not been revealed, will enable them to challenge every seat in the country... The party will also be receiving donations, capped at GBP200 each, from overseas supporters". The homophobic Rev George Hargreaves who wrote the gay anthem, 'So Macho' for Sinitta, founded the party. Before he had even opened his mouth, most Scottish Sunday papers - thanks to the efficiency of the Catholic press office - was reporting on Cardinal O'Brien's annual Red Mass in Edinburgh in which a sermon was to be preached to a gathering of leading figures in the Catholic community including lawyers, judges and prosecutors. Scotland on Sunday advised: "Scotland's most senior Catholic will today launch a scathing attack on MSPs 'intent on enacting unjust and immoral laws which do not stem from any natural or rational basis'". Forgive me, but aren't such pronouncements from a 'leader', largely ignored by Scottish Catholics, more worthy of criticism than elevation? And according to The Herald: "Professor John Brewer, head of the department of sociology at Aberdeen University, has been awarded almost GBP124,000 for a research project focusing on religion as a reconciliation tool". Hmm! Where's all that reconciliation now? Scotland on Sunday headlined: "Cardinal O'Brien attacks MSPs over 'unjust and immoral laws'" which was ruthlessly used as a vehicle to undermine equality and fair play. He insisted that historically, "certain fundamental civil arrangements", (not ours), shared across many societies, faiths and traditions, including the respect and protection for marriage and the family, had been historically proven to lead to the common good. This was presented as "the clearest proof", all of which might come as some surprise to children of violent or drug-addicted parents or even some gay mums or dads who've done a perfect job outside this 'common good'. MSPs had the good sense to hit back. Green MSP, Patrick Harvie was quoted in The Sunday Herald giving O'Brien the kick up the backside he sorely needed: "Traditional morality is as ludicrous a concept as anything the cardinal has come up with recently. The idea of one moral code is dead – and for good reason. Most Catholics understand this fact, so it's a shame the Church hierarchy doesn't". Scottish Socialist Party leader Colin Fox didn't exactly mince his words either: "The cardinal needs to haul himself into the 21st century. O'Brien's remarks do not reflect the views of a majority of Scots who clearly believe in equality for all. He's stuck in the past". Historically, religion has stunted Scotland's growth as a nation. During the seventies and eighties, Scotland haemorrhaged as the young, the talented and the inspired fled, usually to London, escaping its moral strictures to seek fame and fortune in a more liberal climate. Today, much of the Church has abandoned its spiritual roots to turn religion into a political force for its own conservative agenda. Recently Cardinal O'Brien used the Time for Reflection slot at Holyrood to lecture the "captives to... sexual aberration";turned on society for losing sight of the "sacred nature of human life"; used an Easter Sunday Homily in Edinburgh to call for the promotion of 'pro-life issues'; called a parliamentary report on embryo research a "development which would lead to even more destruction of human life"; called for all General Election candidates to be quizzed on their pro-life stance; called on Scotland's Catholics to boycott the National Lottery for giving GBP3.3m to the FPA and Brook Advisory Centres and, (when the issue of equality suddenly mattered); used the First Minster's summit on sectarianism as an opportunity to call for a repeal of the outdated Act of Settlement, which bars Catholics from the throne. Religion also remains the greatest obstacle to improving sexual education in Scotland. The Herald, having been shaped and influenced by religionists over the years could no longer ignore steps taken to challenge the sexual habits of young people in Scotland. Given the sexual insight of most young people, these were hardly radical proposals. A questionnaire was to be sent to headmasters asking them to identify classes suitable to take part in a survey. Parents would then be contacted before allowing pupils from third to sixth-year secondary school pupils (aged 13-17) to participate. The Herald's editorial scraped the highlighter over "one question, with three parts, about oral sex and whether it is right or reasonable to expect teenagers as young as 13 to answer it. The short answer must be no... It is difficult to imagine any parent allowing their early-teens child to take part in that sort of survey". The Herald sniffed: "The Catholic Education Commission has raised its objections with the city council, claiming it has not been consulted about a matter - sexual health and contraception - where it should have a major input". Should it? Just ask them how they treat gay kids! I don't recall any Scottish newspaper challenging them on such an issue. I don't believe the Catholic Church - or any other religion for that matter - has any business interfering in sex education, let alone being allowed to run schools, or worse, securing public funds to run them. With one in ten teenage girls infected with Chlamydia, Europe's worst pregnancy figures and rising sexual infections in Scotland, we need radical action. If that means sweeping aside the moral concerns of religionists and moral conservatives, then so be it! Some years ago I appeared on a programme filmed in Aberdeen debating whether gays should have children. The director divided the opposing factions' right down the middle. I remember a headmistress on the other side of the room indignantly remonstrating that these poor children would be victimised in school. The very idea of tackling the root causes of the bullying was clearly a step too far for her. 14-year-old Ross McKirdy is different. The six-foot, gentle giant is also a brilliant musician. (Perhaps in later years, his parents might be fortunate enough to discover they have a gay son, but for the time being, his sexuality is not an issue). He was a victim of an assault filmed by the perpetrators on their mobile phones and has suffered terribly at the hands of the bullies. His schooldays have been a complete misery and seemingly, like for so many gay kids, an utter waste of time. He has already had to move school twice and admitted to wanting to take his own life. After reading his diary of despair, his parents became desperate enough to try a private school, but when the cash ran out, Ross was forced back to a state school. However accessible good (and bad) porn is to kids, chancing upon it by accident seems to be the most damaging. Out in the open is when people are forced to deal with it. The Southern Reporter's staff reporter Bob Burgess told the tragic story of a 61-year-old religious education teacher, John Stephen, who ran the school's video club. He was forced to resign after being convicted of culpable and reckless conduct. Rape? A stabbing? Pissing on his neighbour's roses? No. Mr Stephen sold a video he picked up at home, maybe used by his gay lodger and labelled as the school's 2003 Christmas concert, to two "stunned" 17-year-old girls. They were subsequently treated to more than just a few minutes of a good horn section filmed off Sky TV's the Spice channel. Or as The Southern Reporter would have it, "three hours of pornography..." Come on John; have you not seen Sky's Gay TV yet? So full of limp dicks and coy sexual suggestions that the only danger would be unexcited users worrying if they were perhaps impotent! In court, "the pupil told a sheriff she was shocked and embarrassed at what she described as gay porn". If that wasn't bad enough, a 15-year-old guy chanced on the same hot action when he switched on a video machine at the school! (No mention of the inherent risks buggering about with the school's electrical equipment unsupervised). More worryingly, he told the sheriff at Selkirk's Sheriff Court "that he was scared by what he saw and told a teacher". An over-excited Crown begged Mr Stephen be put on the Sex Offenders' Register. Fortunately, the sheriff thought otherwise. It's not surprising the Sex Offenders' Register has been growing over the years. It now holds almost 3,000 names in Scotland. If that's not bad enough, police have been keeping an unofficial register for six years – that's people who haven't been convicted – which, according to Scotland on Sunday, holds something like 30,000 names. Sheriff Drummond declared: "There was a foreseeable danger that pupils would be exposed to inappropriate material which was recorded and stored within the accused's home" and said he was "satisfied that the culpable and reckless conduct – was attended by the consequences of fear and alarm". I'm not sure enough has been done to attend to precisely those consequences. By the end of this year, I will be marking the tenth year of the Scottish Media Monitor. I have made the decision, on this anniversary, to finish writing this column to concentrate on my business and complete my second book, Badge of Shame, which will be chronicling the repeal of Section 28, the notorious law, introduced by former PM, Margaret Thatcher to prevent local authorities from 'promoting' homosexuality in schools. I have to say, I'm uncertain at this stage, of the Scottish Media Monitor's future. The Scottish Media Monitor opened in the January 1995 issue of Gay Scotland, a few months before Thomas Hamilton tragically gunned down a classroom of children and their teacher in Dunblane. It is a story that is back into the papers now that secret police files have been opened to public scrutiny. In so doing they have laid to rest rumours that Thomas Hamilton was part of a 'paedophile ring', sharing photographs of the boys he had taken attending his boys' clubs. Local parents had challenged Hamilton's sexual status and unleashed a dragon. A decade later and the tap still drips. Mike Tait wrote in The Metro: "...The mass killer was accused of taking 'dirty' photographs of a young boy. The evidence, giving a chilling insight into the mind of Hamilton, raises vital questions as to why he was allowed a gun licence". For the majority of its life the Scottish Media Monitor has occupied the centre pages of ScotsGay magazine and its website, scottishmediamonitor.com. My column has chronicled a difficult period in the media's treatment of sexual issues, which has included campaigns like The Daily Record's SmutWatch and The Scottish News of the World's 'Name and Shame'. It has witnessed everything from the insidious peddling of religious propaganda by media columnists to seemingly benign stories like the man arrested with a snake down his trousers or the doll with a penis under her dress. Then, at the turn of the century, Brian Souter, an evangelical Christian, with an estimated GBP2m and the help of large swathes of the Scottish press, launched a vile campaign to 'Keep the Clause' (Section 28). It was led by a former editor of Scottish editions of The Sun and included a massive billboard campaign across Scotland. Souter launched a private 'referendum' while the media, much like the church today, went to war with itself over the issue. There were daily stories demonising gays - including anatomical drawings on how to spot a homosexual – set against a background of vandalism to gay-run premises, beatings and murders of gay men. 'Keep the Clause' was supported up by the Scottish School Boards' Association (SSBA) at the same time it was homophobic catchphrase in Scottish playgrounds. The National Library of Scotland, which selects websites that are judged to be an important part of the documentary heritage of Scotland, has archived the Scottish Media Monitor. Gary Otton E-mail: garry@scottishmediamonitor.com Read the papers, post your comments or search for material at the http://www.scottishmediamonitor.com ScotsGay supports the work of Outrage! P O Box 17816, London SW14 8WT. Donations welcome. http://www.outrage.org.uk / CUT IT OUT Ubiquitous columnist Mrs Katie Grant, airing her views in The Scotsman on the European Court of Human Rights: "The ECHR has moved us into 'have a go' country and even if many of those who have a go don't succeed, a culture of litigiousness and grievance is generated which spills over and encourages those who don't get as far as they would like down the human rights path to try other legal avenues – anti-discrimination or anti-racism legislation, for instance – in pursuit of that crock of gold known as compensation" ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GLASGOW ======= Well it's that time of year again when Witches, Werewolfs and Wierdos wander wild, within and without! The Riverside Club is hosting 'Utter Gutter' on Fri 28th Oct, if you don't like the mainstream gay scene you may enjoy this. Bennets and the Polo are doing their 'Halloween' head to head thing, with events from Thu 27th Oct through to Sun 30th Oct, it's so inconvenient to have it fall on a Monday! Ghosts, goulies and goblins may not be your thing and not everyone thinks that Mr Fox was a bad guy! Fireworks going off at all hours and mid-riffed tops in mid-winter may do your head in but it's all part and parcel of the season. If you take my advice you will baton down the hatches and just wait it out! Or you could join in, let's face it anything gos at this time of year as far as gear goes and you may well surprise yourself by having a wee bit of fun! Guising used to be laugh! BURLY is in the Arches on the 4th of Nov for its Carnival of Sin, they are still looking for dancers brave enough to do the stage. Violate will provide the 'torture chamber' and music by DJ Raymo and Hi-Fi Sean, the wickedness begins in Revolver Bar at 8pm and the Carnival is from 10.30pm till 3am! If you were lucky enough to catch it at last year's Glasgay! then you know what to expect, if not give yourself a wee treat - you will love it! Death Disco is having its third birthday in the Arches on 19th Nov - it promises to be interesting with '3D visuals' and 'play rooms', you have David Holmes and Johnnie Wilkes to thank for bringing some imagination to clubbers! Club Devotion has 'Respect' with DJ Mark on Thu and 'Classic' on Sun and it's free! A 'Tee Perty' is promised in the future, for those who don't attend places of a worship between the hours of 2pm and 7pm. Photography has long been a love of mine so I was pleased to hear about two exhibits poping up from mid Oct to mid Nov. The Tron is hanging 'Menelas: Shirley's Temple'. For those of you who are not up in 90's club history, Shirley's Temple was an archetypal mixed Glasgow nightclub where anything went. The more things change the more they remain the same! Christopher Bowen's 'Bobyshots' is on at the Q! Gallery in the Saltmarket, these 'portraits' are moody in feel and seems to take a wee bit of the guys soul as the lens captures the image. Aching is an exhibition by Craig Robertson from the 1st of Nov in the Brunswick Hotel. He describes his body of work as 'the work of his body'. Self-portraiture is used to explore form, outside and in with quit beautiful results. These photos are more than just 'figure work' they are art, hung in a gallery or in your home it brings an atmosphere all of its own. Well, that's all that I have heard, seen, been told and had screamed at me! Till our next merry meeting, happy Samthin to you all and this witch must fly! E-mail: criz@drink.demon.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GLASGAY ======= Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture is back GLASGAY! is bigger than ever with hundreds of events at seventeen venues across the city. To find out more read on... ScotsGay cover girls, Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens are at the Centre for Contemporary Arts with a celebration of lesbian love as art in Post Porn Love, a red wedding for all! What happens when former porn star and perf o r m a n c e artist Annie Sprinkle falls madly in love with experimental artist, professor and sexy dyke playboy Elizabeth Stephens? Check out this world premiere, exploring art, sex, death and queer weddings. Hot on the heels of her sell-out concert at last year's Glasgay!, Carol Laula performs at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall with the World premiere of her new album "Kitchen Stories". Written between Mexico and Lewis, it's an acoustic journey that will transport you from the kitchen to far away shores. There is more great music at The Tron, where Ruth Martin's eclectic style and unique blend of acoustic folk/rock feature on a double bill with Helen Reeves. Helen has won the hearts and minds of her increasing fanbase with her simple, honest tales of love, loss and yearning combined with her down-to-earth style and distinctive countryblues- inspired voice. If you're looking for a serious play, The Citizens Theatre presents a new multi-media adaptation of Manuel Puig's Kiss of The Spiderwoman. An old radical Communist martyr with a secret longing for a "woman with class" and a gay film lover may seem unlikely bedfellows and indeed, they are. But the interplay between the characters will take you to a tense, tight and totally gripping emotional space. Add a very modern multi media layer and you have what should be a very rewarding experience. Also at the Citz you should check out the dark and richly funny Whatever Happened To Baby Jane – the chamber musical – well worth a look if you're a fan of the classic film. The Theatre Royal brings us The Royal National Theatre in Alan Bennett's The History Boys an intensely moving funny play of depth as well as dazzle. Back at the Tronwe find Tim Fountain, who brings us his naughty, sexy show - first seen in Scotland at the Edinburgh Fringe. In Sex Addict he casts his online net across Glasgow in the search of the perfect partner - and you decide who he hooks up with. Also at the Tron is a personal favourite of ours for many years, Chloe Poems - the gay socialist transvestite poet. This Verse Vaudevillian returns perhaps more literary than in her cabaret these days, but none the less as stark, vivid and entertaining as ever. The film programmes at both the CCA and GFT have expanded massively from previous years. You can expect everything from Cowboys & Angels to 70's icons Klaus Nomi and That Man Peter Berlin to kick boxing legend Michelle Arboro, the hilarious take off The D Word and Australia's own Stonewall story The Tasty Bust Reunion as well as the 20th anniversary screening of My Beautiful Laundrette. If you missed them in Edinburgh live earlier this year, catch New York's hottest cabaret act, Kiki and Herb, in a filmed recording of their live London performance on HMS President showing at the CCA - featuring songs made famous by the likes of Eminem, Radiohead, Kate Bush and Britney Spears. Brilliant. Those fab folk at Healty Gay Scotland are exhibiting Cock Tales, at the Q! Gallery. Aimed at young gay and bisexual men, Cock Tales seeks to educate and inform as well as entertain and amuse. For the first time anywhere, visitors will be able to view original artwork from Issues One and Two of Cock Tales, as well as a sneak preview of Issue Three. Trace the development of favourite strips, from first rough sketches to final colour artwork, and get an exclusive look at unseen material. The GLASGAY! festival wouldn't be complete without some top comedy. Pam Ann ( The Garage), Scott Capurro ( The Stand) and Nathan Evens ( the Tron) feature, but pick of the bunch must be Topping and Butch – don't miss their show at The Stand– sadly performing for one night only. Combining satire and camp, Topping and Butch are the best double act in the UK today. Do what ever you can do to get a ticket - and tell them ScotsGay sent you! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- MARTIN WALKER ============= So Margaret Thatcher has survived past her 80th birthday. And I am duly impressed, especially with Tony Blair whom, although too busy to commemorate Robin Cook's life at a ceremony in Edinburgh, found time to party on with his right wing friend. It was Thatcher who personally championed the infamous Clause 28, which effectively sought to bar any discussion of homosexuality in schools and put an end to local authority funding of community resources aimed a gay people. And it was the leadership of the 'Old Labour' Party that refused to the back so called Looney Left councils - which sought only to deal with this issue sensibly. Thatcher's hate law lead to an increase in the bullying of kids, the victimisation of gay teachers and succeeded in encoraging queer bashing. Didn't we just love the eighties? Thankfully amongst all these attacks, Frankie Goes to Hollywood were on hand to help us Relax. Perhaps at 35 I'm getting old. But when discussing this ancient history with a couple of younger guys in Edinburgh's Planet Out the other day, whilst they had heard of Frankie and indeed, were fans, they had no idea that their debut hit, 'Relax' had been banned by the BBC for being 'too gay' and for 'promoting gay sex.' Their lead singer, Holly Johnson, was (and still is) not only openly gay but, bold, brash and beautiful at a time when a closeted Elton John was getting married and Boy George 'preferred a cup of tea'. Nor had they an inkling of Clause/Section 28, the once unequal age of consent, the pretty policemen picking up and then arresting men in toilets, the police raids on gay bars – to those two eighteen year olds, the only problems with being gay were "coming out to my mum" and "where is my next shag is coming from?" Of course, whilst much has changed for the better, things for us queers are still far from perfect. There are those that say that "past is passed" and have no time for history lestons. But what about those that marched, campaigned, protested, broke the law, got arrested, imprisoned, and worse, to fight for these rights that we all enjoy? Thankfully there are those that still see the inequalities in today's society and continue to campaign for change. That's why ScotsGay proudly supports the work of the Equality Network, a campaigning organisation for total equality for all LGBT people in Scotland. We heartily recommend you visit http://www.equality-network.org for the latest on all issues effecting you – yes you! – and those of your friends and partners. If you've never been on a gay pride march or have no idea who your MSP is - well here is a good place to start. LGBT rights, of course, may not be your bag. Perhaps the 'Identity Politics' of gay reform is too narrow for your agenda. Well then, take a look at the state of the environment, the state of your local hospital, or the state of the war in Iraq. Gay rights, workers rights, and all other rights have all been hard won by those that have gone before and campaigned for them. Unjust wars have ended, and lives saved, by those that protested for peace. History teaches that the old cliche, 'You Can Make a Difference' holds true. The information is all out there for anyone who can type a line into http://www.google.co.uk. Take a look, take an interest, and surprise yourself. E-mail: mgwuk@hotmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INDUSTRIAL ACTION ================= Review BURLY – Industrial Strength @ The Caves Friday 21st October 2005 BURLY - usually held in the Arches Glasgow and Mariners Edinburgh saw the award winning BURLY boys deliver an utterly fantastic club night at The Caves, Cowgate, Edinburgh. The club famous for its theme nights, attracted a heady mixture of superb looking BURLY men : bears/skins/leathermen/kilties/sportsmen/joe blokes and guys tooled-up wearing Industrial gear. The brilliant club DJ HiFi Seans' electro house music gave a deep dark throb to the night ensuring the dance floor was packed all night. The excellent club layout of bars, chill out area's and caves gave an edge to the night. Bears mainly took over the upstairs bar with its large balcony, lots of nooks and cranny's allowed for a safe cruisy atmosphere to snog your favourite BURLY guy. BURLY has really moved with the times of the gay scene in Scotland and is for my money the best club around. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EDINBURGH ========= He used to give me roses I wish he could again... ah, the theme to Australia's most popular drama series – Prisoner Cell Block H. In the late 80's ITV screened this series – the original Bad Girls pulling in more than 11million viewers, tucked away after the watershed on Tue evenings. Set in Wentworth Detention Centre, we followed the goings on of the inmates in Block H. The star of the show in the early years and half the run of the show, Val Lehman (better known as Top Dog 'Queen Bea') has launched her own official website at http://www.val-lehman.com/ Val and the show has a strong fan base within the LGBT Community though a certain Edinburgh Nightclub turned down the offer of having Val doing a PA, apparently she doesn't pull in the crowds any more, a bit weird considering she is still the best known face of a programme first shown before I was born! On the showbiz stuff, Madonna and Kate Bush have albums out in November both the best I have heard. And oh yes why I am here (I was beginning to wonder – and that was after cutting four paras of this guff. Who do you think you are? John Addy? Ed.)the scene... Fur-burger one of Edinburgh's newest and hottest nights out has confirmed their next date which will be - Thu 10th Nov and then 2nd Thu of the month. The venue is the popular eGo on Picardy Place. 11pm-3am / GBP3 admission / drink promotions music provided by Dejay Bird, The Funki Diva, DJ Michelle & Guests you have been told to wear good shoes (wonder why?). The weekend starts... Nowhere! With a new club night: "Nowhere" also at eGo.1st Thu of the month - starts Thu 3rd Nov. Admission GBP3 / Drink Promotions DJ's: Dejay Bird, DJ Michelle, The Funki Diva, DJ Yonis & Special Guests. Nowhere is based on the ever changing New York Club scene with people as eclectic as the music. Sounds interesting check out the website or pop into planet for more info and let me know what you think. http://www.clubnowhere.co.uk Wee Alan ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL NEWS ================== by Rex Wockner *Group posts photos of tortured Iranian gay man The Turkey-based Persian Gay & Lesbian Organization has posted graphic photos on its Web site of an Iranian gay man who escaped Iran after being beaten by the police because of his sexuality. The photos can be seen at http://pglo.org/pglo-web/english/index.htm "Amir" said an undercover policeman made a date with him over the Internet, then arrested him when they met. A week later he was sentenced to 100 lashes, which were administered in jail. Amir says the police told him that if he were apprehended again, he would be hanged like the two male teens recently executed in the city of Mashad. The government claims those teens were hanged for raping a boy, but some human-rights groups say they have information that the boyswere executed solely for being gay. "Iranian homosexuals are ... subjected to oppression, injustice and death and it is likely that only a small fraction of it comes to light,"the Persian gay group said. "The largest part of such disaster gets left[in] silence behind the curtain of fear — or many of [those cases] getmixed with ... accusations so that the main story gets disguised." *Turkish gay group survives shutdown attempt Turkey's Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and SolidarityOrganization has survived a legal attempt by Ankara Deputy Governor Selahattin Ekremoglu to shut the group down. The 11 year old organization incurred Ekremoglu's wrath when it receivedofficial recognition as a nongovernmental organization from the Ministryof the Interior. He said the group's existence violated Turkish CivilCode articles that prohibit organizations that threaten morality. But Ankara prosecutor Kursat Kayral has disagreed, declaring that homosexuality is neither a disorder nor immoral. *Sperm donor must support offspring A Swedish lesbian who broke up with her girlfriend has succeeded inforcing a friend who donated sperm so the couple could have children tobegin paying child support, according to Radio Sweden. The unnamed man lost an appeal to Sweden's highest court, which said he is the legal father of the three children, who were born in the early 1990's. The man argued that his agreement with the lesbians was that he would have no responsibility for the children, though he could visit them on occasion. However, just prior to their breakup, he said, the women pressured him to sign a document admitting paternity. The children's mother then quickly demanded maintenance payments, the report said. A Swedish activist and former journalist who said she knows the biological mother took issue with the media's reporting on the case, however. Elisabet Qvarford said: "When the couple split up, the biological mother was unemployed and the other mother was studying. When the biological mother tried to get a kind of parental welfare as a single mum, the authorities said she could not get that since the three kids had a father who should pay. The authorities then took the dad to court to make him pay for his kids. This has been a terrible case for the mum who has tried all means to protect her children from the publicity and herself refused to be interviewed. ... She has been portrayed in the media as a bitchy, lesbian golddigger when all she wanted was to be able to buy her kids shoes." *Italians oppose same-sex marriage Seventy percent of Italians oppose same-sex marriage, according to a new Ispo Ltd. poll. Twenty-seven percent like the idea and three percent aren't sure what they think. Pollsters quizzed 1,002 adults via telephone. No margin of error was provided. *Marriage bill introduced in Austria The Green Party has introduced a samesex marriage bill in Austria's Parliament, the gay group Rechtskomitee Lambda reported. "Registered partnership is the model of the past century", said Lambda President Helmut Graupner. "What we are in need of today are not statutory ghettos for homosexuals (registered partnership) and heterosexuals (marriage) but simply equal rights for all." The bill should see preliminary action in Parliament by January. *Unknown gay group takes credit for fake bombs The previously unknown "Gay Power Brigade" has claimed responsibility for planting 13 fake bombs around Warsaw. Much of the Polish capital ground to a halt during morning rush hour as citizens began to report the devices to police. "The 'bombs' were very professionally done, and it was only after thorough checks that officials were able to say we were dealing with fakes," Interior Minister Ryszard Kalisz told the Agence France-Presse news wire service. In an E-mail to media, the gay brigade said: "You paralise our life, we'll paralise yours" — a reference to, among other things, a gay-pride-parade ban issued by Warsaw Mayor Lech Kaczynski, who is a candidate for president. Kaczynski said he didn't believe gays were responsible for the fake bombs. "Gay groups are very well organized but not for this type of operation," he said. The city is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of the people who planted the devices. *Lesbians form group in Kyrgyzstan A lesbian organization has formed in the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan after several women were kicked out of a Bishkek cafe because two of them kissed, says the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. "After this incident, when we were thrown out of the cafe like dogs, we decided to gather together and create an organisation which could protect our rights, the rights of lesbians," said Labris cofounder Sasha Kim, a law student. "This will take years, and perhaps several generations," another group member, identified only as Sveta, told IWPR. "But we have come out of the underground and have been the first to do so. "If we were not certain that we could stand up for our rights, gain acceptance from society, love each other openly like everyone else, register our marriages legally and have families, we would not have gathered together to fight." *Lithuanian antigays protest against nonexistent pride march There are no plans to stage Lithuania's first gay-pride parade anytime in the foreseeable future but that didn't stop 50 antigays from protesting the very notion of such a parade. Supported by several large Christian denominations, the demonstrators gathered in Vilnius' Europe Square in hopes of fending off a future "attack by homosexuals," they said in a statement. They carried signs that read "Down with homophiles" and "No to gay marriage." *Spaniards like gay marriage The people of Spain oppose the opposition Popular Party's plan to file suit to undo the nation's recent legalization of same-sex marriage, a poll has found. Sixty percent of 1,000 adults questioned recently called the move "a negative development." Only 29.9 percent said it was "a positive development." The rest were unsure or didn't answer the question. The poll's margin of error was 3.1 percent. The Congress of Deputies legalized same-sex marriage earlier this year in a 187- 147 vote with four abstentions. Full marriage also is available to same-sex couples in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands and Massachusetts. *Argentine court orders partner benefits A federal court in Rosario, Argentina has ordered the country's largest union-operated health-care organization, the Obra Social de Empleados deComercio y Actividades Civiles (Retail and Store Personnel Union Health Care Organization), to extend coverage to a member's same-sex partner. Judge Sylvia Aramberri declared that "the dynamics of social life require that the laws regulating human conduct adapt to the variations that operate within it to prevent reality from overflowing the legal norms." She said her ruling was based on the national Constitution, the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. *PM: Singapore should not have gay parades Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said that there should be no gay parades in the city because people would disapprove. "I don't think we're homophobic," Lee said, answering a question at a Foreign Correspondents Association event. "Homosexuals are people like you and me. But there's some segment of Singaporeans who vehemently disagree with that and we have to be aware of that. "Gay pride — well, you can do that in Sydney, in London, in San Francisco. But I'm not sure if I want to do that in Singapore. I think it would be offensive to a large number of Singaporeans and will be very divisive. ... It is not a wise thing to do." *Gay magazine launches in Beirut Beirut has its first gay magazine - Barra (Out) is published quarterly by the gay organization Helem. Helem coordinator Georges Azzi claims that Lebanon is the only Arab country where gays can find refuge and that Helem is the "first Arab non-governmental organization openly fighting for their rights." Lebanon punishes "unnatural sexual intercourse" with up to a year in jail. *Uganda bans same-sex marriage Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. The measure passed Parliament in August. It says "marriage is lawful only if entered into between a man and awoman," and emphasizes that "it is unlawful for same-sex couples to marry." Criminal penalties for entering into a same-sex marriage will be added in an upcoming revision of the penal code. Gay sex was already banned in Uganda. *Svend Robinson wants to re-enter politics Canada's first openly gay member of Parliament is re-entering politics and will seek his old seat in the next federal election. Svend Robinson, who was a Vancouver area MP for 25 years, resigned in 2004 after stealing a $50,000 diamond ring from a jewelery sale. He pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service. Robinson later revealed he suffers from bipolar disorder. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FILM REVIEWS ============ by Malcolm Epstein The problem about writing on new films is that half of them are either very inadequate or a complete waste of time. I read weekly review columns in national newspapers where highly paid journalists are giving a great deal of space to films that only deserve two sentences. They are justifying comfortable pay packets. I have a big enough problem every other issue in finding films to tell you about that wont waste your money. I don't tell you about endless previews I walk out of and don't tell you about so that nobody writes to me to complain I gave space to rubbish. The film reviewer in the Sunday Times, Cosmo Landesman, devoted one entire page to THE DUKES OF HAZZARD, but the only memorable line was "I really hated this film." The advantage of growing up in London in my teens is that I found the best way to see the best films of the past since talkies began in the latter twenties was to visit the National Film Theatre at Waterloo regularly organised by the British Film Institute. Fortunately many of these are being issued now on DVD which I will mention periodically. An essential to look out for from the end of December is BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (15) the best bisexual film ever made. Set in the vast countryside of Wyoming and Texas a ranch hand and rodeo cowboy meet on a summer job in 1963 herding thousands of sheep. On cold nights they share a tent together and , surprising both of them, lust develops into love although they both maintain "I'm not queer." When the job finishes they return to their straight lives, but the electricity generated between them keeps them in contact and wives and children are left as their story is they are off on fishing trips. Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal have enough sex appeal to make this compulsive viewing. Based on a short story by Pulitzer prize winning author Annie Proulx and directed with great taste by Ang Lee it is one movie you have to see. If you have any interest in the spirit world or ghosts JUST LIKE HEAVEN (15) is worth seeing after Christmas. Reese Witherspoon leaves this life in a car crash, but her spirit doesn't realize it and returns to her flat that has been let to the tall, dark and hairy chested Mark Ruffalo. How he handles the situation makes an offbeat comedy sustained by the fact they are both very good to look at. MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS (12A) tells the factual story of how in the thirties a mature wealthy widow, Judi Dench, bought a London theatre, the Windmill, and persuaded the censor to let her present the first nude girls onstage as long as they didn't move. Bob Hoskins directs her productions and they maintain performances through the war when the troops of many nations pack the theatre. I loved it. Despite the fact it is very under scripted I was impressed by THE CONSTANT GARDENER (TBC) as Ralph Fiennes has a personality I never tire of watching. Based on a John le Carre novel he plays a London diplomat married to the lovely Rachel Weisz whose passion in life is helping minorities and poverty stricken people. When Ralph is posted to Kenya she quickly befriends a black doctor and pleads to join him flying around the country to health centres. She would have been aware of the Oxfam research about the millions dying of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria with the drug companies of the world not acting as if they were concerned about it as these people could not afford their products. A scene explaining her views on this would have helped. Ralph is stunned to hear she has been brutally murdered with the rumour that as she was staying at hotels with the attractive doctor they could have been having an affair. His investigation reveals the doctor was, in fact, gay. Ralph's enquiries take him to Berlin and back to London to reveal a political cver-up. Worth tracking down in November. France has produced the most stunning leading man for many years in Romain Duris. THE BEAT MY HEART SKIPPED (l5) has him as a smalltime gangster bullying people for his property dealer father. But his mother was a concert pianist and he has inherited her talents. Classical music raises this to a movie to see for Mr Duris. CURRENT RELEASES But right now he is essential viewing in THE ADVENTURES OF ARSENE LUPIN (15), an expensive French story of a top jewel thief of the 1890s. Diamonds by Cartier are slid from the necks of wealthy women and he encounters Kristin Scott Thomas who is a bigger rogue than he is. The plot is to extraordinary to explain, but if you only see one film with subtitles this year this must be the one. His exploits have him clean shaven, with moustache or beard. Either way Romain Duris is irresistible. A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (18) is far better than it sounds as the violence is mostly in gunfire. Viggo Mortensen is married with two children running a cafe in a small American town who is humiliated by two murderers on the run who aim a gun at him. In the fight that follows he kills both of them and receives national publicity for it. This gets the attention of three gangsters who turn up at his cafe saying they knew him in his teens. This is one of the very best thrillers of the year. If you want pointless violence you may enjoy GREEN STREET (18) which they are calling "Hooligans" in America as it is about the guys who couldn't care less who wins football games as they are only interested in the punch-up afterwards. Charlie Hunnam, remembered as being so appealing in the "Queer As Folk" TV series, is totally transformed here into a football thug who leads Elijah Wood into fights. New director and screenwriter Lexi Alexander who grew up in Germany and is a former karate and kick boxing champion went to Hollywood with just two duffel bags and a pair of boxing gloves. Clearly she enjoyed every bone crunching punch. After the resounding success of the TV production ten years ago it takes a great confidence to make PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (U) for cinemas. But this version is beautifully done and an interesting insight into the late 18th century. If Shakespeare plays are to be endlessly repeated on stage and screen why shouldn't Jane Austen novels which have far more easily understood dialogue. GOAL (12A) covers a humble Mexican growing up in Los Angeles whose brilliance as a footballer in amateur games is noticed by a Newcastle United scout on holiday. The young man finds his own fare to fly to Britain and his story makes the best football film ever made. As they plan a follow up I hope they cover the vast number of girls who haunt nightclubs hoping wealthy players will pick them up so they can later sell their stories to the Sunday newspapers. THE BUSINESS (18) is an efficent British made gangster movie about guys who go to Spain on the run from the police. If tough men are your scene you could love it. The Spanish tourist board might not be so pleased as it points out mosquito bites there could give tourists a very hard time. ONE DOLLAR CURRY (12A) has a good looking Indian arriving in Paris whose personality attracts people to help his poverty. With his kitchen on wheels he manages to survive and is taken up by the wealthy to cook for their parties. Juggling two lovely women who are mad about him becomes his main problem in life. SPIRIT TRAP (15) is a paranormal British teen thriller with Billie Piper and the pleasant to look at Luke Mably and a cast chosen for their facial appeal. Students move into an old empty mansion to find ghosts there who are not at all pleased. Those of us eager to be scared will like it. DVD WORLD Makers of gay romance movies have been finding a big market in America on DVD. Slowly they are being imported and you could be the first to hire them from the end of September. For punch and power see FAQS from Parasol Peccadillo about a dishy young man new to West Hollywood who is chased by two queer bashers who meet their match in a large underground garage where a tall black transvestite befriends him and produces a gun from her handbag. That scene made my week. She gives him a bed and a bath and adopts him. His adventures are worth seeing. EDGE OF 17 TLA Releasing is a new company to Britain who are offering many good things. EDGE OF SEVENTEEN has the best looking teenager you will see during this incarnation coming out of his shell in l984 getting a summer job at his local amusement park. It is his first experience meeting guys who are happy to admit to being gay. He lets a girl infatuated with him dye his hair and the scene where he finally tells his mother he is gay will bring memories to many. LATTER DAYS has a young Morman missionary new to Los Angeles who goes door to door spreading the word of his religion. He is rapidly noticed by a gay body building waiter who does not have an easy time trying to seduce him. EVERYONE, named the best Canadian film at the Montreal film festival, has a couple choosing to cement their partnership with a gay marriage who invite their relations to the ceremony. The dramatic time their brothers have with their wives and lovers took up a fraction too much time for me. But it gets the point across that whether you are gay or straight much commonsense is needed to make a relationship work. The brother and sister, Richard and Karen, were the Carpenters, my favourite singers of the seventies, and now REMEMBERING THE CARPENTERS is available from MovieMail. Thedy were a magical act marred by Karen suffering from anorexia and dying at 32 twenty two years ago. For me that was the biggest tragedy that has ever happened in show business. Some of their songs like "Close To You" and "I Need To Be In Love" will be on my turntable for ever. MovieMail is a DVD company essential to your life who issue a monthly brochure of their releases. You can be on their mailing list by phoning 0870 264 9000. Their catalogue has over 3,000 subjects. Those eager to know what Britain was like in the war should know they have issued three movies by the best documentary maker of the time THE HUMPHREY JENNINGS COLLECTION. The British changed personality when they were surviving over 6O nights of air raids plus frequent afternoon bombing. The snob values of before the war changed with people talking to each other on buses and trains for the first time. Those of us who love the early history of movies could be fascinated that the British Film Institute have issued PRIMITIVES AND PIONEERS covering shorts made between 1895 and l910. A double disc set has a voiceover explaining all and there is a 24 page booklet abougt early moviemakers. It is all an engrossing time trip to another world. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- BOOK REVIEWS ============ by Dirk Kriete Close Up by John Fraser Published by Oberon Books GBP8.99 John Fraser, who by many is thought to have been the Jude Law of '60s cinema, has written this very revealing, funny and moving autobiography. The book starts with his childhood in pre-war Glasgow, tells the tale of touring theatre in Africa and Asia and lifts the curtain on the glamour of '60s Hollywood. Close Up reminded me of the classic autobiography by David Niven "The Moon's a Balloon". I heard of this book when it was published in hardback at the end of 2004 but never got a review copy until now in paperback, which incidentally contains an additional chapter. If you like Hollywood and the scandal, gossip and intrigue or you are interested in such legendary figures as Rudolf Nureyev, Hedy Lamarr, Dirk Bogarde and Bette Davis then this book is a must for your collection. Gutter Boys by Alvin Orloff Published by Manic D Press GBP8.99 Very funny and original book about a strange and somewhat sad relationship set in the carnal world of orgiastic delights of Lower Manhattan in the early '80s. It tells the story of Jeremy, an almost painfully shy 19 year old who falls madly in love with Colin, a slighted jaded, but nevertheless brilliant older hustler. Colin does not return Jeremy's feelings but takes him on as a protege, introducing him to his world of New Wave nightclubs and gay bars in the days before AIDS and the war on drugs. Jeremy has a couple of highly unusual and hilarious sidekicks - the guardian spirits of his beloved dead grandmothers - one a fierce Jewish socialite, the other a very prim and proper British matron, and for me the undoubted stars of this book, who dispense pearls of wisdom almost on every page turned. It's a feel good book right to the end when Jeremy finally reaches an understanding with Colin he never anticipated. All in all this is a nice book to snuggle up with in bed on cold winter nights. My First Time Vol:4 Edited by Jack Hart Published by Alyson Books GBP10.99 My, my, is it really volume 4 already? Do you remember your first time? These stories just keep on coming - pun intended - and this latest volume is still as fresh and horny as the first, the second and the third. There are 21 hot stories here that evoke the trembling, heart-pounding and sweaty-palmed excitement of the first trip down the road of carnal knowledge and whether you remember your first time as vivid as these stories or not, I'm sure these little gems will turn you on just like your first time did at that moment. Pulling Taffy by Matt Bernstein Sycamore Published by Suspect Thoughts Press GBP9.99 This is the first novel by Matt Bernstein Sycamore and having read and reviewed some time back the book Tricks and Treats: Sex Workers Write about Their Clients, which he edited I was very excited when this book landed on my mat. It's got rave reviews all over the place and of all sorts of people such as Edmund White, Michael Bronsky and D. Travers Scott - an excerpt from it even got selected for "Best Gay Erotica" - and you know what, I really didn't like it. As far as I'm concerned it pictures a sad repetitive sojourn from one drug induced sexual adventure to the next, with just the very odd moment of genuine charm or excitement. I found the style of writing to be an affront to the English language, immature and cliched to the extreme and I really can't understand what all the hype is about. This is a book for the txt mssgng gnrton. The Mannequin Man by Luca Di Fulvio Published by Bitter Lemon Press GBP9.99 Very much unlike the previous review my first thoughts on this book were totally negative, due to the fact that I live with a partner who is totally into watching any sort of crime or detective story on the box, while I'm completely indifferent about them. And guess what, this book is - have you guessed yet - yes, it's a crime - detective novel. Oh well, such is the life of a review writer I thought and got stuck in. And stuck in I got, so much so that I finished the book in record time, the old adage of not judging a book by it's cover literally proved right once more. It's the gripping story set in an unnamed Italian city, it could be Genoa, where the rubbish men are on strike, the smell is overpowering and tempers begin to flare. In the middle of this chaos the killing starts and the already overstretched Inspector Amaldi has to deal with mutilated body parts appearing all over the filthy city. This book is a tour de force from the first page to the end, if you like a good crime yarn then this is as good as it gets. A Gay Man's Guide to Prostate Cancer Published by Harrington Park Press GBP11.99 And now for something completely different, this book could potentially save your life. None of us like to think about the possibility of getting ill, let alone being confronted with the big "C", but unfortunately it is a fact of life that Prostate cancer is the commonest cancer in men in the UK, with over 30,100 new cases a year. The lifetime risk for being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 1 in 14. This book might be helpful in the early self-diagnosis of this potentially fatal illness - but with early diagnosis this form of cancer has proven to be eminently treatable. And then there is the other side of help available in this book. If you or a partner or friend have already been affected then this book might be able to help getting support from doctors or partners, it might help by giving you up to date advise about the different treatments available or in the worst case assist you with issues of grief, mortality or worries about sexual activity, masculinity and incontinence. It's good to see a book written from the perspective of a gay man's need as most of the medical world tends to be too heterosexually assumptiv Review by Adrian Finkelstein Cannabis Breeders Bible by Greg Green Published by Green Candy Press GBP13.99 After salivating over some of the pictures inside this book I decided to calm down and take a proper look at this publication. I had already had the good fortune to be loaned the Cannabis Grow Bible, which was also written by Greg Green and whereas the Cannabis Grow Bible was for everyone wishing to just grow a bit of grass successfully, the Breeders Bible is seriously delving into the whole world of the botanic experience and it helps to unlock the mystery of this plant and gives people intent on providing the best medicinal marijuana possible with as much knowledge and understanding of this fascinating plant. There is a very two faced attitude by this government on the issue of cannabis and there are rumours amongst those in the know that this drug could possibly find itself going in the opposite direction and becoming a class "A" drug because of increased pressure from the Bush administration (no pun intended). In a colossal U-turn this government is now suggesting that massive mental health problems arise from taking this drug, the propaganda machine hasn't been so busy since the Nazis were in power. Many people are out there giving aid to those in need of help and they all are doing it at a severe risk to their personal freedom. They help individuals who suffer from MS, ME, Cancer, HIV, Glaucoma and many other things besides, they do not ask whether you are gay or black or rich or poor, they just help to the best of their abilities. There's a witch hunt on at this very moment against members of THC4MS and they could do with your support at http://www.thc4ms.org.uk/ The drugs companies must be getting desperate. Some time ago I was prescribed a drug by my doctor called Vioxx and was told that it was for my arthritis and that I should take all the tablets in the course, however after reading the instruction label which stated that one of the side affects was possible death (I assure you that this is no joke and although I'm paraphrasing it was really on the sheet of instructions that came inside the box of tablets). I thought to myself that there was no way I was prepared to take any of these tablets and sure enough only weeks later there was news on the telly that this drug was killing people and it had been withdrawn from the market. Cannabis has never killed anybody at all, it has never produced children with a disability or made people mad, although it may have been the architect of nice dreams, the kind which include a sense of love and kindness and of happiness and a true oneness with your fellow man and gives one a social conscious and maybe it is this that makes it a dangerous drug to the present government. --------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTSGAY VOICE FOR PERSONALS ============================ (We regret that this service is only available within the UK) To reply to ScotsGay Voice Ads, phone 09068 556613 (calls charged at 60p per minute) and use the number at the end of the ad. You can leave your own ad FREE on FREEphone 0800 138 4121. It's completely FREE to place your ad by phone on 0800 138 4 1-2-1 We'll not only print your ad in our next few issues, but it will also be available for telephone callers to our browse hotline on 09068 556613 Advertisers get their own private voice mailbox and can pick up replies on 09068 556613 Why not suck it and see? Conditions of service: All participants must be 18 or over. Ads will run for up to 3 issues. It will not be possible to reply to advertisers who have not collected replies for more than 28 days. service supplied by Tele-Dater, PO Box 425, PE25 2RQ. E-mail: admin@bizorg.co.uk. Helpline (10am - 6pm weekdays) 0870 121 1210 (not a premium rate number). To reply to ScotsGay Voice Ads, phone 09068 556613 (calls charged at 60p per minute) and use the number at the end of the ad. You can leave your own ad FREE on FREEphone 0800 138 4121. *MEN Leather And Boots Edinburgh slave, 43 years old, into leather and boots, is willing to serve a very dominant Master. Bikers, Leather, Uniform... "Give me a ring - you will not be disappointed". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6378. Go West West Scotland, Bi-curious guy wants to meet a friendly Cop, Fireman or Prison Officer. Can accommodate. Discretion assured. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6384. Traditional Flogging Hard man are you? Could you take a traditional flogging? Travel expenses to Glasgow if required. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6385. Horny Pair Two guys in Edinburgh: one active, the other versatile, looking for no strings fun with 18-32 year old guys. Discreet, non-scene and horny at all times. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6386. Use And Abuse Scott Scott is looking for an older guy to use and abuse him. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6387. Wellies And Waders Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh. Guy 40's seeks others into wellies and waders. Can travel. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6388. Settle In Edinburgh I'd like to get in touch with a blond or red-haired guy, or any Southern European guy, slim 25- 45 years. I'm not into one night stands and ideally I am looking to settle down. I am 37 years old, from Edinburgh with short dark hair, 5'9" tall and a 30" waist. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6402. Music And Dancing 25 year old straight-acting gay male looking for someone 16-24 years. "I like dancing and listening to music". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6405. David From Aberdeen David from the Aberdeen area is 45 years old, 6' tall with blue eyes, clean shaven, 38" chest and a 34" waist. Hobbies include walking, nights in, eating out and cinema. "I am a genuine, easy-going guy looking for a guy 20-50 years for fun and friendship with a view to a one to one". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6406. Modest Seeks Hairy I am a very handsome, masculine, very muscular, 30 year old guy based in Aberdeen. Seeking extremely hairy guys, preferably bearded, age and looks unimportant. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6408. Fillings Hairy-bodied, masterful type guy 30 years+, any nationality in the Edinburgh area sought by fullbodied late 50's submissive guy with "a full set of dentures which can be opened by persuasion". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6409. Falkirk 41 years old crossdresser, passive, seeks active. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6410. Report To Me NOW! Edinburgh guy, 62 years old, instructs badly-behaved boys to report to him NOW for correction. Spanking, belts, strap and cane over trousers and bare bottom. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6318. Ponytail And Leathers Bobby lives in a private farm near Fraserburgh and is 49 years old with long dark brown hair held back usually in a ponytail. He wears lots of jeans, T-shirts, leathers, is fair to average looking, of a heavier build but has lost a lot of weight recently. He is looking for subs, passives, guys who are into being used both indoors and outdoors. Looks aren't important. "I guarantee that you won't go away disappointed". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6331. Romantic Rider 45 years old, 6' tall, 32" waist guy looking for a cute guy 25-35 years old for company and friendship. He loves horse riding and the countryside, going to the gym and meals out. He is very romantic and passionate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6335. Clyde Valley TV Slim, pretty TV seeking mature male 40-70 years old, preferably from the Clyde Valley or South Lanarkshire area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6336. Versatile Couple 2 bi-guys in Central Scotland are looking for a third with lots of imagination, special interests etc. Discretion assured. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6337. Questions, Questions This master is adding to his stable. Are there any guys out there who are into BDSM? Do you like to be tied, gagged, blindfolded and hooded ready for use as and when master wants? Does pain and bondage bring excitement or pleasure? Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6348. Affectionate Alan Alan from Kilmarnock is a slim 38 year old with blue eyes and fair hair, 5'8" tall and is looking for affectionate guys aged 21-45 for fun and friendship. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6356. Boots, Gloves And Whips 43 year old Edinburgh sub looking for a leather guy top. He is 5'6" tall with shaved head and hairy chest and likes boots, gloves and whips. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6358. Spaniard In Aberdeen Spanish guy, 30's, passive, recently moved to Aberdeen is looking for new friends in the area to go out and have fun with. "Please leave a message and I will call you back". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6361. Tight Leather Jeans Aberdeen or anywhere. 40 year old looking for guys in tight leather jeans. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6373. Safe Fun In Tayside 43 year old Tayside male is looking for discreet, safe fun. He is very open minded. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6374. Dundee Seeks Younger Good looking, slim, muscular Dundee guy, 30 years, likes swimming, cycling, travelling, photography and many other things is looking for younger males with similar interests who like socialising and meeting up. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6314. Edinburgh Smoothie? Mid fifties, straight looking and acting active guy would like to meet a smooth-skinned, passive Asian guy. Has his own place in Edinburgh. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6315. Stuart McKenzie - Seaborne Pride Seeking Stuart McKenzie who worked with John-Pierre di Martino on the "Seaborne Pride" 1988-1989. Jean-Pierre is coming to Edinburgh in mid August and would love to meet again. Please get in touch. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6297. Fun Male Top Joe describes himself as "a fun male top" who is into keep fit. He is seeking a slim camp male or sexy feminine TV for fun and friendship. "If you're out there - get in touch". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6304. Firm Handed? Paul, 43 years old with a Number 1 crop, 5'7" tall is looking for leather tops: boots, masks etc. He is "in need of a firm-handed master". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6306. Introduction Mid-fifties first-timer "would like to be introduced...". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6247. Boots Without Strings Paul, 43 years, is into leather, bikers, hairy chests, shaved heads, boots and gloves. Looking for leather top: "if you are interested, give me a ring. No strings". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6255. Rubberist Male Rubberist would like to hear from others who are into rubber and latex. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6257. Two Masters Edinburgh-based 2 Masters, 60 and 49 years want bad boys to report for punishment. All levels of CP catered for. No under 25's, no overweights will be dealt with. Discretion assured and expected. Genuine replies only. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6260. Loving Andrew Andrew is 6'2" tall, 52 years old, hirsute and slim. He lives in Morayshire and has his own house and car. He is a Vegetarian and enjoys healthy cooking, the usual arts and cultural interests, cycling and slimming and is looking for someone 18-40 years, maybe taller or chubbier. He describes himself as fairly kind and gentle and would look for the same characteristics in other people. He'd like friendship or a loving relationship with someone else. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6204. Easy Going In Aberdeen Gay, 6' tall, 40 year old, slim built, easy going male from Aberdeen seeks male 25-35 years for friendship and possibly more. Genuine replies only. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6206. Novice Cross-dresser Brian is a very inexperienced cross-dresser who lives in Glasgow. "I am very new to this and would love someone to teach me how to dress and finish things. I am looking for a bi guy or TV or even a woman who would be interested in helping me. I am young 40's, very clean and discreet and 100% genuine". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6212. Dundee Fiftysomething Late 50's gay man living in Dundee. Straight acting and looking with usual interests - walking, travel, music and reading - is looking for a gay man with similar interests for fun and friendship. "If you're interested, please leave a message and I'll get back to you". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6174. His Master's Pleasure Edinburgh master seeks young submissive guy between approximately 18 and 30 years who must be prepared to accept bondage and punishment "and to be used for my pleasure". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6181. Bend Me, Take Me White, smooth, stocky 56 year old slave from Edinburgh with his own place would like to meet a stocky, hairy, strict disciplinarian master "to make me bend to his commands". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6197. Insurance Salesman Sought Tom is looking for a slim, active stocky guy "with an exceptional endowment". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6200. Passive Andy Andy 53 years from the Borders can accommodate. He is 5'10" tall with a stocky/medium build and a shaved head, goatee beard and blue eyes. He is 100% passive and is looking to meet a guy who is stocky or muscularly built, 30-50 years. Can travel within a reasonable area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6201. Chastisement 61 year old Edinburgh disciplinarian: "Call me now for suitable chastisement". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6124. Army Robert from Dundee is an exarmy gay guy with a smart appearance. He would like to meet gay/bi guys for fun and roleplay scenarios. "Suited and uniformed guys most welcome". He can accommodate anytime. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6136. Dundee Sub Passive submissive guy with his own place near Dundee is looking to meet dominant Tops up to 45 years of age. He is also into cross-dressing, bondage, CP and poppers. "Genuine guys only please. All calls will be returned". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6162. Slim Slave Slim 43 years old slave looking for dominant guys 50+. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6093. Shaved Wants Hairy Edinburgh smooth, shaved, bigbusted mid-50's guy with his own place, very discreet, is looking for a hairy Pakistani or Arab guy. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6051. Slave Seeks Master Slave from Glasgow looking for a master. "I will do anything my master wishes". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6069. TV Times Male, mid-forties, quite fit and fully employed is looking for a feminine TV who likes to dress up. "I am not a time-waster, so please get in contact with me". Edinburgh area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6010. Forceful Ex-Forces Richard from Dundee is 45 years old and is looking for someone like-minded who is into O and A, bondage and restraint. Can accommodate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6012. Bend Over Edinburgh Headmaster 61 years has vacancies now for naughty "schoolboys". "Drop your trousers and bend over for a sound thrashing". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 6006. Fellow Novice Wanted Scott, 39 years old from the Fife area, 5'9" tall, 30" waist, likes films, eating out and the occasional drink. Looking for another novice 20-35 years, preferably slim and clean-shaven who is willing to experiment and go from there. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5970. Anything Goes (You Name It) "I am a male in my early forties who is looking for a dominant master to be your slave. Anything goes: uniforms, dressing up, you name it. I come from the Fife/ Edinburgh area. If you are interested - give me a call". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5900. Horny Uncle Horny uncle type seeking nephew for hot, horny fun with no strings attached. He is 40 years old, 5'7" tall with a 30" waist and 40" chest. "No camps, effeminates or fatties". Can accommodate or travel in the Glasgow area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5701. Cute, Cuddly And Quiet Steve from Dundee is 32 years old, cute and cuddly. He likes watching TV, quiet nights in and nights out. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5730. Forceful False Floosie For Forties Fife Frolics I am looking for a dominant TV. I am a mid-forties male who stays in Fife and works in Edinburgh. Looking for somebody who is into fun and entertainment. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5695. Anything Goes In Aberdeen Aberdeen area 39 year old tolerant slave seeks master, 45+. Anything goes. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5431. Edinburgh Lock Male, early 40's, into domination, rubber, leather and restraints. Comes from Edinburgh but can travel. Please give him a call if you are similarly interested. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5452. Peter From Edinburgh Peter from Edinburgh is 48 years old, 5'8" tall and totally nonscene. He is very genuine, honest and caring. He likes theatre, cinema, walking, the gym and holidays. He is looking for a likeminded gay or bi-guy who enjoys life - 18-50 years old. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5380. Suberdonian Aberdeen area slim 38 year old submissive guy seeking dominant guys 40+. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5321. Belting Memories "I am looking for a genuine retired or former teacher, living in Scotland, over the age of 50 to give me the belt as per my schooldays. I need my hands warmed again". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5252. Pissable Meeting In Aberdeen Aberdeen area. Slim, tanned, 38 year old Sub, into bondage and yellow, looking for other guys 40+. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5199. Colourful Aberdonian Aberdeen area, submissive 42 year old, into yellow or brown, into dominant guys, any age. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5082. Yellow Sub- 38 year old slim, submissive guy, into yellow, is looking for dominant guys any age. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 5060. Professional And Non-scene 31 year old professional, nonscene 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. 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, and briefs and he is looking to meet people for fun. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 4710. -------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Cute But Careful 29 gay professional female still looking for that special woman. I like films, music, holidays, animals, art, older women. I am genuine, caring, kind and romantic seeking similar gay woman for friendship and more. Box SG66026. Bi Female Sought - Moray To Aberdeen Bi curious female with bi-male boyfriend seeks 40's-50's for fun times, long term if interested. Please write statng what you like. Our likes etc. by return. Lotsa love. Take care. Box SG66061. MEN Your Parents Warned You About Me! Are you 16-21? Then this 47 year old guy, old enough to be your father, would like to meet you. Box SG66002. Skinhead Boyfriend Wanted Skinhead, 24, wishes he could find a skinhead boyfriend aged 18-35, slim/average build, clean shaven, from the Dundee, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth areas. Send detailed letter/photo. Box SG66005. Wanted: Bare buttocks to spank! I am a fairy fit and active male in my early fifties. I am NOT looking for a sexual encounter as I consider myself to be rather straight! But the thing that really turns me on is having a man submit to me and being rather submissive by taking down his trousers for me - then bending over a chair or bench while he is still wearing his underpants. I then like to spank his bottom with my very heavy two tailed genuine school strap. I only use gentle blows on the buttocks at first. Then I remove the other mans underpands and lash down really hard with my belt on his bared buttocks. The maximum amount of strokes will be twelve of the very best. Any men out there aged between 25/50 willing to let me give them a good hard belting? No time wasters please. I cannot accommodate as I live with a woman and she would not understand. Gay men are the only men who will allow me to do this to them. But even being "straight" I do feel a strange sexual excitement performing this punishment thing! Any guys out there brave enough to feel the sting of my genuine school strap on their bared buttocks? Get in touch. Enclose a pic if possible. You will not be disappointed. Box SG66008. Young Man Wanted For Spanking I am male, in my early fifties. I desire a nice looking young guy aged around 24 or over to administer a severe bare bottom belting with my heavy leather school tawes. I cannot accommodate so perhaps you have a flat where we can go to. I prefer to do a warm up first before the real punishment begins (the maximum of 12 strokes will be administered). Okay, ready to report to me to get your bare ass blistered. Box SG66010. Paisley Buddy Seeks Soulmate 63 year old buddy, s/a, n/s, guy. Discreet, no baggage, WLTM local guy (60+) for friendship. Enjoy xxx videos, mutual pleasure, oral antics. Box SG66011. Please Take This Bear Home And Enjoy It! 48 year old Paddington is looking for cub (16-26) to stroke. No strings. Can accommodate (Edinburgh) or travel. Box SG66012. Toilet Master Needed I am an 18 year old slave looking for a master to use me as his/her toilet. I would be a 24/7 toilet but at first I would require time to adjust to you, perhaps we could meet to see if we are compatible. I would have to be restrained all the time, even when not in use and I would be willing to recieve any waste you wish to give me (including partners). If you would like to discuss arangements then please contact me. Box SG66014. Edinburgh - Slave Wanted I am 45 year old single professional guy looking for a houseboy/sub/slave to cater to my needs. Your age/looks don't matter, more important is your desire/need to submit, however you must be slim. Novices/student types accepted as are more experienced slaves. I'm not looking for 24/7, perhaps evening or weekends. I am strict. Box SG66017. Older Dad/Friend Sought 47 year old seeking to meet with older gent, preferably assertive type, for genuine friendship and willing to administer traditional discipline when neccesary to this "lad". Previous experience as houseboy in past. Totally discreet, non scene. Ideally to share other activities. Unfortunately cannot accommodate but willing to travel Central Belt. Genuine search for friendship and fun. ALA. Box SG66018. Kilmarnock - Irvine Looking for BF or regular meets. Me: genuine, reliable, trusting, discreet, own flat, own business, non smoker, non scene, 38, average all round. Looking for similar. I will reply to anyone who gets in touch. Box SG66019. Lingerie Wearing Gay Guy Mature but sexy lingerie gay man seeks similar lingerie wearers for fun and fun! Stockings, suspenders, bra's, knickers, slips, etc, etc, make up OK as well, are my interests. I am smooth and shaven, nice bum and seek genuine friends. Age 20-60. Send photo for mine and mobile no. Gay/bi unattached only please. No marrieds. Discretion assured and expected. Box SG66020. Up, Up And Away Frequent Ryanair/easyJet international traveller, 50, seeks younger (16-25) companions for short jaunts abroad or in UK. Don't do the gay scene generally. More into local food, drink and culture. Box SG66021. Glasgow Southside Genuine ordinary guy (43) looking for somebody to share fun times, friendship and hopefully more. I'm affectionate, tactile, different and a hopeless romantic at heart. Please just be YOU. ALA. Box SG66023. Gay Christian Glasgow Hey there. Wondering if there are any other gay Christians around and about the Glasgow area or am I the only one! Age 43, good fun, like to read, go to movies, see friends, cook (badly!) and lots of other stuff I can't fit into this wee box. Get in touch, you won't be disappointed. Box SG66024. Looking For That Bit More... Scots guy, 33, living in Manchester for 11 years, looking to make new friends/more back up in Scotland. Aged 16-35. Drop me a msg. What can you lose? Box SG66025. Ayrshire Bear Blue eyed, brown hair, 40 years old, straight acting, non-scene WLTM other bears 30-60 years old in Ayrshire, Paisley or Glasgow areas for friendship maybe leading to LTR. Box SG66027. Naturist Male Bonding Group Cock o’the North (C.O.N.) is a social nudist group for men. C.O.N. was formed to bring some nude fun and fellowship to Scotland. We hope to have at least one function every month, hopefully more, which will usually be held in members homes. However, we hope to develop the club by eventually offering weekend breaks, specialist events, and holidays. In the future, we’d like to arrange a permanent venue, perhaps with a local authority or private leisure/health clubs, to hold sports and swimming events, nude of course. We hope our membership will be as diverse as the men of Scotland, including singles, couples, and men from age 18 to 55. We are NOT a sex club, however, sexual activity is allowed at our functions. Box SG66028. Highland Lad Sick Of Timewasters Slim fit Highlander, 30's, lonely and in need of a friend. All genuine replies considered regardless af age, size, long or short term etc. Get in touch and I promise you won't be sorry. Box SG66030. Touch My Heart And More Looking for a girl with a little something extra? I'm looking for a guy who wants to date a beautiful blue-eyed blonde TV for fun times and more. I'm slender, sexy and very convincing. I can dress up or dress down to suit. I'm 36, single and discreet. I live in the Highlands but travel quite regularly and I love going out in cities. I'm bi, and prefer to date guys who are guys. And I can be very sub for the right guy. Interested? I hope so. Touch my heart and I'll send you some pics. Love, Sara x Box SG66032. Sexy Older Guy Sexy older guy who wants to help younger guys to "come out" of the closet, been there know what it's like, wanna help, seriously. If I can help you, I will. Box SG66033. Borderer Seeks Younger 55 year old Border passive gent looking for genuine active younger guy for fun and friendship and possible 1-2-1. Enjoys nights in/out, reading and a sci-fi nutter. Can accommodate. Give me a try, you never know? Box SG66034. Aberdeen 40-something looking for fun! Smoker afraid - otherwise healthy! Afternoon delight if poss. I'm slim but open to all sorts (Licorice mmmm). Like to meet anyone to enjoy a video. Box SG66036. J.O.B. Guy, smooth, fifty, seeking mature JO buddy in Lothian region. Hairy a bonus. Box SG66037. Student Seeks Friends Pretty much down to earth guy, East Indian descent from the Caribbean seeks Glasgow guys for friendship and decent hang outs. Box SG66038. Leatherclad Biker Boy Fit horny 28 year old sportsbiker, slim 30" waist, tanned and toned needing fit guys for hot horny fun in leather. Prefer guys with bikes for rides, Ayrshire area. Box SG66039. What's It Called? Gym teacher, 53, seeks guys for upright and hard fun. Cumbernauld area. I can't reply by E-mail. Box SG66040. Kinky! Seeking guys for 1-2-1 sex. Need to enjoy A/O, toys, FF, Y/B. Anyone over 20 to 60 must reply soon for quick response. Box SG66041. Fife Guy Seeks Slimmer Guys Middle aged versatile Fife guy seeks slim guys of any age for no strings fun. Can accommodate most times of day. Bi, married also welcome as discretion is assured. ALA. Box SG66042. Hopefully Lanarkshire guy, 64, tall, slim, passive. I like music, cinema, sport. Hope to meet any type of interesting guy. Box SG66043. Aberdeen Area Young, 57, looking for 60+ for fun and friendship. I'm slim, 5'6" own place and car ALWPA. Box SG66044. Wanted Houseboy and Models for Photos Models reply with photo, max 22 years old, well paid, living in hot houseboy, well built, also bisexual no problem. Box SG66045. Rugby Player Tall, well built, muscular, cropped, been told handsome, totally masculine and not out, seeks stocky chunky very hairy masculine man, age/looks not important, but tons of body hair is. Box SG66046. Masculine Guy Glasgow VGL, early 30's, slim, VWE, sorted, laid back guy. Loves slim, smooth, tiny dicked guys, 16-25 who love giving O, being rimmed and taking A. Looks unimportant, horny important. ALA. Box SG66047. Bossy Prince Sought Haughty, flamboyant, refined, effeminate, bossy type, could be TV/CD, any age, slim or far sought by sturdy male, domestic servant ready to wait on a prince. Central belt - anywhere. Box SG66048. Friendly Bi Guy - Glasgow/Scotland 50's, NS, wants to meet any guys who can perform auto-fellatio, also guys for mutual fun sessions. Cannot accommodate. Photos welcomed and returned. Box SG66049. Big Slave Boy Man seeks a master or a demanding TV or femme type, any age/size. Will do housework and submit to training. Box SG66050. Adult Baby Guy who loves his nappies, plastic pants, etc. for long wet times. Have loads of nappies, plastic pants etc. Let's meet for long wet nappy times also have plastic rompers. Box SG66051. Hot and Horny Any Time Girl Guy, 41, own place in central Edinburgh, for safe daytime fun. You 30-45 and up for it. Box SG66052. Wheely Horny Active wheelchair user looking for w/e top guys, 18-50. Aberdeenshire area Box SG66054. Need To Atone? Done something wrong? Feeling guilty? I offer strict creative punishment regime to cleanse people like you. You'll serve as personal slave to assertive tough, masculine 34 year old guy. Humiliation, footworship, nude housework, apology sessions. Genuine. Punishment will fit crime - tell me what you've done! Box SG66055. Chubby Wants Stocky! I am in my early 50's, passive, chubby, GSOH, looking for active stocky built guy, equally genuine with GSOH, WE, and looking for friendship/relationship too. Box SG66056. Sexy Sensual Cross Dresser - Glasgow I'm a convincing sexy cross dresser in the Glasgow area, looking to meet bi-married guys from 25-45, hopefully hairy, for discreet clean safe times. Active/versatile welcome. I'm 34, slim/med build, very smooth, soft skinned body, w/e and shaved. I'm not into skinny or heavy built guys - love rugby built guys. I can accommodate but mostly evenings. I'm very genuine, discreet and exceptionally clean and expect the same. ALA. Please write fully about you and what you are looking for. Mandy loves to pleasure! Box SG66057. Older Top Seeks Young Bottom Do you fancy older guys? This one is 47, 5'7", ready to teach new nephew types 16-26 who are hot and willing to learn. Shy boys and any race welcome. Box SG66060. Irish And Looking For Love 6'1" tall, 28, brown hair, blue eyes, living in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. Looking for a goodlooking 18-25. Clean shaven, enjoy cosy nights in/out. DVDs. GSOH. ALA Fun/Friendship maybe more. Box SG66062. Looking For Older Dom Guy 44, bi, sub guy, looking for guys 55+ for twice a month meets. Hopefully you can give me mild bondage and spanking and O and A fun. The more mature guy is what I'm looking for. I don't mind crossdressers as long as you're dom. It would be great if you can just tie me up and have your way when you want. Box SG66063. Bath I am 55 and a Music Director in Bath. Are there any like minded Music or Arts persons who would like to meet. Box SG66064. It All Comes Down To Friction In The End Cynical 47 year old seeks equally cynical 16-26 year old for fun and friendship. Strictly non scene. Box SG66066. BISEXUAL Bi Curious? There has to be a first time for everything! Aged 16-21: get in touch? Considerate experienced versatile older guy will talk you through things at your own pace before getting down to some safe fun. Your limits respected. Total discretion assured. Live in Edinburgh but will travel if required. Box SG66001. Couple Seek Single Female Couple seek single female for sexy adult fun. Both in mid forties and medium build. She: very bi curious and eager to learn. Would hope to make a long term friendship/relationship. So, if you fancy a trip to the St Andrews area just drop us a line. Box SG66006. Hello Ladies And Gents I am a 48 year old male still looking for that female or male to love me and dress me in restricted clothes (chastity belt, corset, tighty dress pantaloons, bonnet for rest of my life) and yet still love me as their lover and soulmate. I will talk to all who answer so please reply and let's become lovers. Bye, Andrew. Please print words as my English is still very unsufficient but I all the time improve it. Box SG66007. Bi Guy For MF Couple Attractive intelligent bi guy, 24, looking for attractive MF couple for experimentation and fun. Willing to try almost anything once! Box SG66009. Bi Scottish Couple Bi couple, looking for safe clean people to have fun with. No pressures either way. Looking to explore. Box SG66013. Broadminded Couple I am a mature male who is looking for a couple who are broadminded enough to want to experiment with a threesome. I respect all limitations and am very considerate. Box SG66016. Effeminate Sub Sissy Sexy effeminate submissive gay crossdresser wants fun with nice masters/mistresses or couple who can play games with me and have me serve them. I have sexy outfits and like to be a complete sissy. Other TV sissies welcome too as I am a Gay-les shemale also. Mmmmmm!! Send photo for mine and details. Cum play with me this Winter. Discretion assured and expected. Box SG66022. Couple - Early Fifties We are a couple, who seriously need a female, to join us for great times and more. We are Jack Daniels fans. We are very clean and have a great sense of humour. We are in our early fifties and have style. Join us for great times on a regular basis. Permanent if you wish. Please get in touch, you will be glad that you did! West Lothian/Edinburgh. We can accommodate. Box SG66029. Lookout I'm on the lookout for men/couples and am looking for hedonistic fun. I'm single (div) 5'11", 46" ch, 32" w, uncut 7", and been told ruggedly handsome. Box SG66031. Looking For CP Glasgow based, can travel and accommodate. Experienced, attractive, submissive male, lots of toys, looking for good CP sessions and to give O and receive. Box SG66035. Sperm Donor Wanted!!! Lesbian couple in Glasgow, mid 20's, looking for someone to donate sperm. Any questions - contact us. Box SG66053. Friendly Bi Guy Glasgow - West Scotland. 50's seeking buddies both male and female for mutual fun sessions. Am NS, don't drive, can't accommodate, can travel. Welcome 21-40. Photos appreciated (returned). Let's meet soon. Box SG66058. More Kink Than You Can Think! Passive guy, single, 46, who when up in Scotia WLTM active guys who can tame this Brum bear sexpot! Can you accommodate? Cause I'm very accommodating! Single, sensual, 6ft. Box SG66059. TV Admirer Seeks TV/CD Or Bi 40, 5'8" tall, clean and discreet. I am looking for a TV/CD or bi for some good clean adult fun. Good A and O levels. Cannot accommodate but willing to travel or up for some car or outdoor fun. Box SG66065. STRAIGHT Edinburgh Friendly, fit, 50something silver bear, recently moved to Edinburgh, seeks morally relaxed women of all ages for fun and friendship. Box SG66003. Retired Hippy 50, looking for some love and affection from women (and men) of all ages. Box SG66004. FRIENDS ABROAD INTERGAY Penpal contacts with gay men all over the world. Over 120 subscribers in 30 countries. To join is free: send your ad. Only subscribers get the booklet with all data and addresses by enclosing GBP5. INTERGAY, Voorstraat 12-A, 4033 AD Lienden, Netherlands. Brazil 44, masculine, hairy, top, tickle/foot fetish, seeks 30-40 non-slim, blond life partner. Marc, Box 3670, Rio 20001-970, Brazil. Italy I am a good looking, very clean, healthy, well endowed 41 year old looking to be seduced by an older mature horny pal that is travelling Italy. I am currently in Florence on a work project. Write: Robert Wilcott, Via Faenza 34, Firenze, Italy. E-mail: name5555@yahoo.com. Visiting Los Angeles, California? If you or anyone you know might be heading toward Los Angeles/Beverly Hills/West Hollywood California, let's see if we can meet up? I am a gay white man, short light hair, very blue eyes, "like the nice man that lives next door"! Or if you just need some info about visiting California, pop me a note. Write: Jess Kalinowsky, PO Box 691309, West Hollywood, CA 90069-9309, USA. E-mail: Jess90069@earthlink.net. JOBS OFFERED Alternative Therapies Available In the comfort of your own home or clinics throughout Edinburgh. Therapies available: Reiki treatments/teaching, Indian Head Massage, Spiritual Readings and Hopi Ear Candles. Fully qualified and insured therapist. Please contact Alan on 07747 714005 for clin