A housing authority in Leeds has been criticised for sending a questionnaire to its residents asking them some pretty personal questions.

Leeds sex quiz fury - Yorkshire Evening Post

The excuse is to make sure that that people are receiving a good service. The authority promised that data would be safe and only divulged to "building maintenance firms, alarm fitters and drain cleaners". Why is it the drain cleaner's business that I'm gay or belong to this or that church?

Here's a thought, why not devise a set of standards for treating all people with courtesy and fairness and avoiding the need to fill in stupid forms in a money and time-wasting exercise?

What would you do if confronted with a form from the council asking about your sexual orientation, religious beliefs and health?

Anyone go to Derby Pride this weekend? Here's some cheering news. The citizens of Derby helped raise enough racket to drown out a counter demo by members of the city's Muslim community who decided to tell us how evil we are <yawn!!>.

Oh yes mile:

the story

I suppose it's only fair to put this in some kind of perspective

Quote:Gulfraz Nawaz, secretary of Derby's Jamia Mosque, said last night: "The views of the protesters do not represent all the Muslim community – they are a very small minority and they give the majority of Muslims a bad name.
"I think we should live and let live."

Once again the Church of England has ruled out Dr Jeffrey John for a job on the basis of his sexuality. This latest job from which his name has been unshortlisted was to be for the Bishop of Southwark. His supporters say he is eminently qualified for the job, but I have no idea about that. What seems so wrong is that he is clearly committed to his calling and I believe appointment is decided after competitive interview? There aren't many other jobs where women and lgbt people have to put up with this kind of opposition for which other employers would be made to face the law. So it would cause a "schism" in the church - what exactly is wrong with a schism? I can only think money is involved somewhere! Perhaps someone can explain in words that make sense why the Archbishop of Canterbury is so against letting the 'phobes float off to Lalaland to wallow in their own hatred. Surely he's not trying to save their souls? What about the physical and mental wellbeing of those believers who keep getting knocked back because they are gay? That the churches are pretty much exclusively the fuel for all homophobic hatred and violence seems to go unnoticed by them all. If you watched this evening's Dispatches on Channel 4 television you'll see where that leads. :mad:

The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement seems unable to make anyone see sense. Once again the human animal displays its unfailing masochistic ability to jump through ridiculous hoops at someone else's whim.

the story

In the past (up until about one year ago) when I watched movies - usually DVD's - I seemed to have always gravitated towards the main stream movie genre.
Thankfully I got out of that rut !
How?

By 'accident/chance/coincidence' I discovered some really great gay movies; but more importantly, I became acquainted with (and now immensely enjoy) the movies by Writer/Director/Producer Casper Andreas.

Casper is probably one of the best gay writers, producers, and directors curently in the U.S.A. I would like to say, "the very best" - but I will let you decide.
When you get a chance, watch all of his movies.
A few of my favorites:

A Slutty Summer - a great comedy !
Between Love and Goodbye - serious, heartwarming, and "gut-wrenching" - (not for anyone who cannot cope with serious emotions or is determined to watch only "happy" films).
A Big Gay Musical - his latest release.

New films coming:
Violet Tendencies - currently being shown at Reviews
Going Down In La La Land (in post production stages).

Why do I like Casper's films?
Several reasons - and each reason is as important as the other.
1) He makes a movie that is of extremely high quality in all fields: Script, Acting, Sound, Editing - you name it, his work shines through with PROFESSIONALISM.
2) Ever watch a movie - and in several places if indeed not all the way through it - the sound (voices) are either so loud you can't stand it, or, just right at one moment then soooooo loooooow the next minute you must trun up the volume on your DVD PLAYER/TV in order to "almost hear" what is being said ?
[Casper NEVER falls into this "trap".
3) Casper makes movies on a very limited budget, yet his works are far superior to those of most other movie producers - who spend upwards of several million dollars on each movie.

Don't take my word for it. Next time you really want to see a GREAT GAY MOVIE - whether it be a musical, comedy, or serious drama, rent or buy one of Casper's DVD's.

DJ

recently, i got a chance to see some gay movie.
As so far, i like the "same difference", about a twins, younger one is a gay, run time 11 min. i like it when i see it at the first time. the music is good and the chief actor is cute..
also, i saw the "Otto, or Up with Dead People". it is cool to be a gay Zombie.
when i saw the "Fantasma, O", i feel a little pathetic..
i know there are many good gay movie. i would like to see some which are moved, creative. if possible, has some cute actors...:biggrin:

Did anyone go this year?

What were your favourite moments?

NEW HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY COUPLE ALERT! Lance Bass of NSYNC & pro US figure skater/fashion designer Michael Kuluva are officially a couple! We have heard it though our sources in Hollywood just moments ago that they are OFFICIALLY the new "Power Couple" of Los Angeles and HOLLYWOOD. Watch out Ellen and Portia there's some new RUDE kids in town!!! CHEERS MATES!!!

Seem to have missed this from two weeks ago! Got sent it in an email today...

BBC News - 'Artificial life' breakthrough announced by scientists

Did you hear about it?

Now this is much better news to come out of Africa.

Quote:Kenya is embarking on a new strategy to combat the spread of HIV/Aids among the gay community.

The government will establish special round the clock clinics, facilitate the importation of protective gear such as condoms and lubricants, train health workers on how to handle those seeking healthcare and roll out a vigorous sex education campaign among the youth. ... more

Can someone explain what this photograph is about?



It looks like President Ahmadinajad kissing another man. Don't people in Iran find themselves swinging from a rope for less?