END SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a bi-monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland Issue 11 - August 1996 ELECTRONIC EDITION ***Now available on the Web: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe information is now at the END of the magazine. All Material Copyright (c) Pageprint Limited 1996. Permission is hereby given to distribute this material provided that this copyright notice is included and that distribution is specifically for non-profitmaking reasons. Distribution for profit must be done only with prior written consent of the magazine any deviation from this will be seen as an infringement of copyright. Hardcopies are limited to one per person for personal use only and such hard copies are subject to the same copyright restrictions as laid out above. The printed edition of ScotsGay is available by post at the following rates: 6 issue sub (UK & EC) 6ukp 6 issue sub (Overseas) 12ukp 12 issue sub (UK & EC) 10ukp 12 issue sub (Overseas) 22ukp Make Cheques and POs payable to 'Pageprint Limited'or 'ScotsGay'and send them to: Subscriptions ScotsGay Pageprint Limited PO Box 666 Edinburgh Scotland EH7 5YW ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In this edition: Editorial - is he isn't he is he isn't he News - reports & investigations Otton On... - how they killed free radio Music - Joy DJ Alan's latest chart Soapbox- helping ourselves Inside Out- the total scene guide Venues - what and where Scene -who and how Boxes - the ScotsGay Meet Market Burns Compo- Competiton winner International - news from around the world Festival Reviews - what shows you must see Reviews - books, music, vids, films Listings - checked and updated every issue Helplines - if you need a friendly ear ScotsDyke - after coming out ------------------------------------------------------------------------- EDITORIAL ========= Gay journalists throughout the world have been tussling with the thorny problem of what to do about Jack Kemp, the man that Republican Bob Dole has chosen as his running mate for the UN presidential elections in November. Clearly, in view of Kemp's anti-gay political record, he'd be a prime target for outing if he was gay. However, although there are many rumours, nobody seems to be able to stand them up 100%. Kemp, 53, is married with four children - but that doesn't mean he hasn't had sex with men! But now the Internet has been humming with stories of his alleged sexual habits of the past. According to one anonymous poster: "Speaking of my years prowling Greenwich Village, I'm amazed that Dole has picked Jack Kemp as a running mate. He used to prowl the same streets as, and in at least three cases picked up the same young men, I did." And various anonymous sources have testified to Kemp being seen coming out of a gay club or approaching them for sex in the 70's. The tale has surfaced inconclusively in the past. In 1967, when Kemp was working for Ronald Reagan (then the Governor of California) he was alleged to have been involved in a wild gay party at a ski cabin, which he partly owned with several gay men, in Lake Tahoe. Subsequently, two gay men were fired by Reagan, but Kemp kept his job after denying any sexual high jinks. A few papers, gay and straight, have run with the story. But unless a credible witness emerges who has actually had sex with Kemp, it looks like this one will go the way of the rumours about Dan Quayle in 1988. Which is all probably just as well. I mean, would you be happy to find out that Margaret Thatcher was a lesbian? There are some people that we just don't want in our tribe. John Hein --------------------------------------------------------- NEWS ==== CHARITIES PROBE FOR CENTRE A former used car salesman from Harrogate is at the centre of a row which could threaten Lottery funding for Edinburgh's Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Centre. In February, Paul Bryan-Ivison was appointed as a Director of the new Charitable Company, Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Community Project Limited, which was set up by OUTRIGHT Scotland to run the Centre. However, on 20th July, he abruptly resigned and shortly afterwards, the charity granted a commercial lease over shop premises at their Edinburgh centre to Glasgow based PJ's Watches and Gifts - a firm in which the thirty-six year old Ivison now claims to have a financial involvement. The shop premises became vacant because of the departure of Drondale Limited - partly as a result of the decision to move the shop unit into the basement of the building. However, the lease was never advertised and this has led to claims that Ivison, advertising manager of Gay Scotland, would have been able to use his inside knowledge of its availability. Certainly, advertisements for the new business venture (which is due to open on 2nd September) appeared in an edition of Gay Scotland which is believed to have gone to press before the lease was formally signed. Now, ScotsGay understands that the matter has been raised with charity watchdog the Scottish Charities Office. Unfortunately, the SCO (which is part of the Crown Office) refuses to confirm or deny this - explaining that all information is received by them in confidence and they do not comment on such matters. The Centre is currently the subject of a bid for funding from the National Lottery and any cloud over the way in which the charity has been run could affect the outcome of the application. Ivison, as Centre Manager, has previously been in hot water after Pulse owner, Gordon Gosnell, had occasion to speak to him with regard to the removal of bulk copies of his competing free distribution magazine from the Centre. As Gay Scotland Advertising Manager, he is known to greatly exaggerate GS sales figures to advertisers - claiming to one potential advertiser that the magazine had a circulation of 4,000 at a time when it only printed 2,000 copies! (A taped copy of this conversation has been given to ScotsGay.) Last year, he also attempted to remove safer sex literature from display in the Centre's entrance hall complaining that it was too sexually explicit. When we attempted to contact Ian Dunn and Tim Hopkins (the remaining directors of the charity) for comment, Ian Dunn was on holiday and Tim Hopkins did not return our call (presumably also on holiday). Paul Ivison also did not return our call. Dave Richards KEN COWAN ROOM The recent opening of the Ken Cowan Room at the Gay and Lesbian Centre in Glasgow commemorated the work of Ken Cowan for both gay rights and AIDS activism. The opening ceremony was performed by Robert Murdoch, Ken's partner, and Maureen Moore, Chair of PHACE West. POLICE SUCCESS Strathclyde Police have now included sexual orientation in their Equal Opportunities Policies for both uniformed and civilian staff. This move comes as the result of lobbying by the West of Scotland Lesbian and Gay Police Group. However, a forthcoming meeting of the National Police Liaison Steering Group in Glasgow will not have any representation from any of the Scottish Police Forces. GLASGOW CENTRE CONCERN Centre Books, the bookshop at the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre has closed down after operating for only a few months. And now, former bookshop partner Gordon Gosnell has hit out at the way in which the Centre is being run. Gosnell claims that the closure of the bookshop has occured as a direct result of the failure of the Centre's management to properly publicise the building. "In common with all the other businesses in the Centre, we did a fair amount of advertising, but it's up to the Centre management to promote the whole Centre. There just haven't been enough people using the building and the management didn't seem to be taking this sufficiently seriously, despite being told again and again at the regular meetings with businesses in the Centre." "In the light of this, we weren't prepared to continue running a business with too few customers and had to pull the plug." According to Centre Chair, John Wilkes, the focus of the volunteer board of directors has been to get the Centre funded and open. "I'm sorry that the bookshop has made the decision they have", he said. "It's a pity that they didn't feel able to stay on a bit longer as we have just appointed a Centre Manager and many of Gordon's concerns are now being addressed". The new Centre Manager, Gloria Gibbons is a former Director of the Centre and was appointed to the job after it had been widely advertised. An external interviewer from Glasgow Council for Voluntary Service was involved in the appointment. Wilkes claims that numbers using the Centre are steadily increasing and this includes groups actually meeting there. In October, the Unison Lesbian and Gay Group is to hold their conference in the building. Wilkes does however accept that "the profile of the Centre needs to be higher". The Centre's new lift is shortly to be installed and will be the subject of an opening ceremony to be performed by Baillie Alec Mosson. CLAIM OF RIGHTS OUTRIGHT Scotland formally launched its 'Claim of Rights'in Glasgow recently at a meeting attended by George Galloway (MP for Glasgow Kelvin), Bill Spiers (STUC Deputy General Secretary). Janey Buchan (OUTRIGHT Scotland Honorary President and former MEP for Glasgow) and Professor Alan Miller (Chair of SCCL). Brian Dempsey, principal author of the document, which is a new and significant re-focus for gay rights work in Scotland, has sent copies to all the Scottish MPs asking them for support. "At the next general election we will seek and publicise the views of all candidates on the question of equality", he promised. Support for the claim has come from the unlikely source of Allied Domecq. According to spokesperson Alison Jarvis, the brewing and drinks conglomerate believes that, "Successful companies, and indeed the whole of society, can only be based on values of respect, trust and integration in all internal and external relationships". POSITIVE MOVE Body Positive Strathclyde members have voted overwhelmingly to reconstitute the body as a company limited by guarantee. 76% of votes were cast in favour of the move whilst 94% supported the adoption of a revised constitution. RADIO Regular Gay Radio will be available in the UK and most of Europe when Freedom FM takes to the audio subcarriers of Channel 50 of the Astra satellite on September 1st. Freedom will broadcast for six hours each day, sharing their frequency with Country Music Radio. STEAMIN' PHACE West recently orgainsed a paddle steamer cruise on the PS Waverley with time in Rothesay to discuss health issues for gay men. HOW-DE-DO Waverley Care will benefit from a charity performance in the Festival Theatre (put together in 24 hours) of The Mikado. It takes place on 7th September and will be conducted by Christopher Bell. EDIN-BI'S The Edinburgh Bisexual Group, which runs the Bisexual Phoneline, is profiled in the latest edition of Bi Community News. BICON '96 The 14th National Bisexual Conference will be held in Kingston-Upon-Thames 30th August - 1st September. Write to BiCon, c/o Box BM LBWG, London. WC1N 3XX or e-mail: bicon@ijama.demon.co.uk. WRIT INVISIBLE No writ has yet arrived at Scotsgay over our listing of Nico's Bar in Inverness following hotel owner (and chair of the Scottish Tourist Board) J Nicoll Manson's fulminations in the national press. BASHING Gay men are avoiding the Strathclyde Park cruising area after a number of homophobic attacks on cruisers and their vehicles. NEW Lanarkshire Gay Men's Group have produced a welcome pack for first time visitors to the group outlining how they operate and giving safer sex advice. Membership has doubled recently following publicity in the Hamilton Advertiser. FOOD LINE An alternative ceilidh is being held in Maryhill Community Central Hall on 30th August as a fundraiser for the charity. CLOSURE SAFE, the Lothian based organisation which provided equipment for people with HIV/AIDS, is due to close as a result of funding loss. MOVES Lothian Switchboard is to move out of Edinburgh's New Town to new premises in Norton Park whilst Gay Men's Health is planning a move from Spittal Street to Leith Walk. ---------------------------------------------------------------- OTTON ON .... ============= CLAUSE 159: SILENCING FREE RADIO Remember the Pirate radio stations? Those children of the 60's which blasted out non-stop loud popular noise to the trannies of the nation and offered young and old something different to the staid output of the BBC. In the first part of a two part article, Gary Otton (who must be far too young to remember them) look back at a medium with more than its fair share of gays. Our thanks to Jack McLaughlin for the loan of the pix. Scottish gays have been fighting for their human rights for decades against a background of media distortion, lies and censorship. On radio, we remain at the mercy of its controllers. Scot FM hinted, last year, through programme editor, Ken McRobb, that he might consider a programme for gays. It came to nothing. James Boyle, head of BBC Radio Scotland, whose station was recently praised in a BBC annual report for being 'radical'says. "We do not, as a rule, provide niche broadcasting in the form of interest group programmes." Yet, straight women, farmers, Gaels, religionists and football fans all boast their own slots. After a gang in Glasgow stabbed young Michael Doran several times in the groin in June 1995; rained down on him 83 blows to his body; stamped on his face until they had broken every bone in his head and left him choking to death in his own blood, Moyra Tourlamain, directorate secretary of regional broadcasting was assuring gays of BBC Scotland's committment to gay issues, saying: "Last week, for instance, the arts programme is considering lesbian poetry... " Despite this, our disproportionate contribution to the arts and entertainment industries has meant we have had a major role in the emancipation of sound broadcasting, not just for our own sake, either. On 25 July 1990, Earl Ferrers helped seal the fate of Radio Caroline, Britain's symbol of free radio in the House Of Lords, putting the case for the new Broadcasting Act that would make it legal for government agents to board broadcasting ships in international waters, to take someone's life, if necessary, with legal impunity, to silence anyone who dared broadcast to Britain in the same way the BBC World Service had done for years to other countries. This was the same noble Lord who considered the age of consent for gay men should be 75 and fought the Government's side in fighting off amendments to the notorious Clause 25. Lord Annan stood up to protest. He thought the Government's measures were "high handed and bullying," adding: "Section 7a enpowers Servants of the Crown to seize property and detain persons, to require the crew to produce documents and - this is most extraordinary and reprehensible - to grant officials immunity who are engaged in search and siezure! There must be some question as to whether it is necessary to extend the powers beyond the police and customs officers. That could mean anyone at all! "The immunity clause is iniquitous. What if a member of the crew resists and is knocked overboard into the water and drowns? His family will have no case in damages; there will be no case of manslaughter brought against the officer who did this. It is a licence for official thuggery. "It reminds one of other instances in which the Government use power, when those it is used against have no power to resist it. Homosexuals and disc jockeys are not likely to make much of a comeback. What was the result of Clause 28, which was a totally unnecessary and ham-fisted measure? I well remember the noble Lord; Lord Boyd-Carpenter, in his most assured manner telling the Chamber that, of course, it would never be employed against genuine artistic products such as 'The Importance of Being Ernest.'What happened? Kent County Coucil banned Benjanln Brittan's opera 'Death In Venice.'I have a feeling that the Government will regret passing a measure of this kind. They are trying to bring down a mosquito with artillery fire. I know also that they are trying to bring Radio Caroline down by illegal means. My purpose is to bring home to the Government and to the public tbat tbe Government are about to pass a clause which is illegal in International law and an affront to those who care about the principles of justice." Like the age of consent amendment to the Criminal Justice bill, the debate took place late in the evening. A vote was called, the doors were opened, and a large number of peers poured in from the bars to register their vote for the Government before heading home. The Government won: 93 votes to 29. MARCONI The first human voice was transmitted in 1919 and from that moment on, the Armed Forces put pressure on the Post Office to ban further broadcasts until the Government could think up ways of regulating it. In the twenties, Marconi's Managing Director, Godfrey Isaacs became embroiled in what was to become known as the Marconi Scandal. A Select Committee had to be set up to investigate the serious allegations of insider dealing between himself; his brother Isaac Rufus (who was then Attorney General); the Postmaster General, Herbert Samuel and the Prime Minister, Lloyd George. Licences were eventually issued by the Government allowing stations to broadcast just 15 minutes a week. In July 1922, one of these new stations broadcast some rather trivial local news of a garden fete. The press were quick to respond, calling it: "unconsidered trifles of the lightest type," so the Conservative Government resumed responsibility for broadcasting and formed the British Broadcasting Company Limited under the directorship of a rather dour Scotsman called John Reith. Bisexual sculptor Eric Gill was commissioned to work on a statue of Ariel, now posing above the doorway of Broadcasting House. Reith, whom it has been hinted was himself a closeted gay, was so shocked at the size of Ariel's genitals, he ordered them to be reduced. In 1926, 16 participating European countries, including Britain, sat at the first conference on radio in Geneva and carved up the airwaves between then, RADIO LUXEMBOURG Before Radio Luxembourg, Captain Plugge toured France with the very first car radio manufactured by Philco and beamed music from Radio Normandy to Britain after midnight. 'Auntie'was not amused. Even less so when she heard the French government was behind the 200 kilowatts of dance music pumping out from Luxembourg to England every night. The Postmaster General wrote to the Head of the BBC saying: "We must use all our influence to stop this." In an internal memo of 7th April 1933, the BBC suggested persuading leading newspapers not to refer to it. It went on to say: "It seems to me that a possible way of combating Luxembourg would be to allot the wavelength to somebody else, not as their only wavelength, but to get someone with a sporting spirit to take it on and try and clear the channel." The British Government monitored Radio Luxembourg from its listening post at Tatsfield, compiled a list of foreign stations they claimed might be experiencing interference, and demanded Luxembourg accepted a frequency more befitting the size of the country. Luxembourg refused. The Government then successfully persuaded the Newspaper Publisher's Association to completely censor any information connected with Radio Luxembourg. By now, any artistes who worked for Radio Luxembourg were blacked by the BBC while its own announcers spoke in punctilious statements between records and women addressed the microphones in ball gowns. During the war, Radio Luxembourg was used as a propaganda station by the occupying German fascists. In 1944, a special American task force under the direction of the Psychological Warfare Division liberated the station and silenced Lord Haw-Haw's (alias William Joyce's) infamous voice. He was later hanged for treason. During the fifties, the 500 or so new records released each week in Britain could only be aired on the BBC Light Programme's 'Mid-day Spin', Sunday's 'Family Favourites'or the daily 'Housewives'Choice.' In 1960, Macmillan's Conservative Government set up the Pilkington Committee to discuss local radio of which they found "no evidence of public demand". However they did recommend a trial, but the Government resisted in its White Paper of July 1962 saying that they "would prefer to take cognisance of public reactions before reaching a decision". (A little difficult considering the last time the public had heard local radio was before the Home Service was set up at the outset of World War II)! THE 'PIRATE'STATIONS The very first European offshore free radio station - one of a handful, off Scandinavia - was Radio Mercur, broadcasting off Denmark in 1958. The Scandinavian Governments put their heads together to enact their own anti-'pirate'legislation on August 1st, 1962. Radio Syd, however, continued and resulted in the imprisonment, in Sweden, of the station's owner, Ms Britt Wadner. The Scandanavians benefited by the arrival of Radio Scotland whose broadcasts reached then from off the coast at Dunbar on 242 metres from the MV Comet on New Year's Eve 1965 before it sailed round the coast to broadcast off Troon. Newspaper recruitment ads for Radio Scotland read: "Why not be a disc-jockey and join the Glamour Set!" Along with camp deejay Tony Allan, deejay Jack McLaughlin, fresh out of Aberdeen University, did just that: "I used to wear a wee bonnet and queen it about!" In 1964, channel tracking stations watched as several new radio stations set themselves up around the British coast. One of them was Radio Caroline, carrying Britain's most popular gay DJ: Kenny Everitt. Then Postmaster General, Reginald Bevins, declared that Radio Caroline was causing interference to a Belgian station concerned with communications to ships at sea and that she was interfering with British Maritime Services. A former BBC radio engineer reported back in the Daily Mail that Radio Caroline was broadcasting nowhere near the maritime wavelengths. The Post Office cut off the ship-to-shore service and permitted its use for maritime emergency use only. They then set about warning the general public that they would be liable for prosecution under the Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1949 if they even so much as listened to the stations! British Customs and Excise Officials sent out the Venturous in an attempt to board Radio Caroline to see her bonded stores. After it was pointed out to then that the ship was in international waters they steamed away. HM Customs and Excise ruled that passports had to be carried by all persons on board tenders going out to the ships. HM Waterguard, HM Immigration. Special Branch, CID, Board of Trade, Ministry of Transport, British Railways, the Port of Health Authority, Trinity House and the Local Harbour Board continued to make regular inspections and Caroline House in Chesterfield Gardens was forbidden an entry in the GPO telephone directory. It was reported that less than 1% didn't support the stations. The Daily Telegraph reported that "Radio Caroline has a bigger afternoon audience in the areas that it covers than all the BBC programmes put together." The Labour Government was determined to ignore public opinion, but with such a slim majority they couldn't risk taking any action at this stage. Conservative backbenchers, however, were making maximum capital out of the situation, openly supporting the free radio stations. The sudden introduction of The Continental Shelf Act in September 1964 extended UK territorial waters to include the continental shelf and put paid to stations like Radio Sutch and 390 broadcasting from old sea forts whose structures rested on it. Ships would not be affected by this act since they were afloat and outside the three-mile limit. Talk by some of the free radio stations of moving to the only fort outside this new limit was thwarted at the last minute. The Government had it blown up. 21-year old Jean Ollis appeared in a series of BBC advertisements that read: "People like me like the BBC Third Programme", (the forerunner of Radio Three). After payment she was happy to announce that she in fact listened to Radio Caroline, Radio Caroline attempted to put its case backed by a team of independent radio experts but were unable to gain any time on BBC radio or television to do so. Phonographic Performance Limited and the Musicians' Union also refused to discuss the matter with them. Radio Caroline was particularly eager to point out that prior to its broadcasts just four companies owned 100% of record sales, The free radio stations had been successful in whittling that down to 80% in just three years. All the leading stations continued to pay money to the Performing Rights Society and were regularly bombarded by performers and promoters, eager to have their material broadcast. In 1967, after just three years of opening, the National Opinion Polls announced Radio Caroline had the greatest weekly audience of any commercial station in the world. The Labour Government under Harold Wilson did its best to avoid free radio becoming an election issue until they had a bigger majority in the House: which they did in 1966. Then, the Postmaster General, Tony Benn, prepared the case against free radio. He argued that they stole wavelengths; paid no copyright on the records played; were a hazard to shipping as they interfered with ship-to-shore communication; flouted international regulations and gave the country a bad name abroad. The Government went on to cite 12 European countries registering complaints of interference with their own authorised broadcasts. They were all signatories of the Strasbourg Treaty. At one minute past midnight on 15th August 1967 the Marine Offences etc bill became an Act of Parliament and one by one, the offshore free radio stations closed down. The final part of this article will appear in our next issue. -------------------------------------------------------------- JOY CHART 1. Three Brides - Three Brides (Original Mix) (Wax Trax) 2. Midi Xpress featuring Anthoney - Fade to Grey (Pete Wardman's Sherbet Club Mix) (Labello Dance) 3. Jinx - After The Fallout (Blue Vinyl Mix) (Fresh) 4. CMR - Wannabe (Red Ant) 5. Sugar Bush - I Need (Deep Need Mix / Frankie Lopez Dub) (Deepend) 6. Must - Understood (Aura) 7. Stange Attractor - Luxor (Phono) 8. Force Mass Motion - Everybody (Let's Go) (Rabbit City) 9. Levent Conseven - Funk-o-Rama (Get The Funk part 1) (Neuform) 10. The Timewriter - Smashin'Friendship (Plastic City) 11. Soapy - Horny as Funk (Tall Paul Remix) (WEA) 12. Scoria - Desiera's (Peak Time Mix) (Metropolitan) 13. Decoy - Arena (Culture Groove Remix) (99%) 14. Elli Mac - Celebrate (Mad Mix) (Moonshine) 15. Peach - On My Own (Klubbheads Tribal Dub Mix) (Mute) 16. Libido - The Second Coming (De Vit Mix) (White Label) 17. Klymax - I've Got A Feeling (Clubzone Flying Dub) 18. The Digital Blondes - Antheum (Free Mix) (Fluid) 19. Vincent De Moor - Systematic (Deal) 20. D-Matic - Brokenhearted (Nick Hook Up Generation Mix) (AATW) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HARD THRUSTING MANHOOD ====================== Derek Ogg is a leading criminal lawyer and gay activist. He founded SAM, Scotland's largest AIDS/HIV agency in the 80's, and is currently a Trustee of Milestone House, Scotland's only AIDS hospice. He helped found the ground-breaking radical AIDS education agency GMFA in London in 1992. I thought that headline might grab your attention. If it had been about AIDS then, let's be honest, most gays nowadays prefer to skip the page. After all it's been ten, heavy, years of that stuff - what more is there to say? Stick with this tho', I think we need some hard thrusting gay maleness to break out through a cloud of depression, grief and dependency that has engulfed and weakened our sense of gayness in the last few years. That cloud is dangerous to our survival as a community. Most AIDS education agencies are firmly in the hands of very straight local authority funders and are themselves directed by conservative and timid committees of management hobbled by deference to their funders, political correctness and managerialism. We can hardly be surprised that in the last three years there has been no new gay male thinking coming out of those type of agencies. The gay man in Scotland knows everything, but everything, he needs to know about HIV and how to avoid it. The reason we still have ludicrous infection levels among gay men here is that gay men in Scotland have been derailed from developing a gay identity that sustains a healthy confident future by a culture of depression and grief. Take free condoms. Why does the gay community still need free condoms supplied by those 'caring'agencies in the HIV field? Answer: We don't! We do all need care from and to each other but we've lost a huge part of the message of gay liberation by thinking that 'they'(outside agencies and organisations) will provide for us instead of us providing for ourselves. What is it about our lack of self esteem, self confidence, self love, concern for others, that we won't fork out a couple of quid for a three pack of condoms? The caring agencies tell us we need to get them free because we get ourselves too drunk to remember to buy them, or because we are too inadequate to be able to shop for them, or (a favourite this) we're too young to understand the need for them, or we're too poor to afford them. Bull-shit. These attitudes are the very ones that continue the depressive inaction and lethargy of our gay community. We are also being sold a destructively negative image of ourselves which is far from the truth. I manage to shop for that ant-crab lotion if I need it. I used to take a prescription for penicillin to the chemist if I needed to. I was always, as the poorest student, able to afford to get drunk and then remember to get myself home without driving a car into a wall or falling down a hole. We must have been made of sturdier stuff in those days, not. One example of treating ourselves as responsible grown up gay men intent on being hard enough to survive HIV, thrusting enough to build a new community from our last 10 years experiences is for us to start buying our condoms and lube and stop allowing ourselves to be the passive docile inadequates that some 'carers'see us as. See your Saturday morning shopping list? After toothpaste, aspirin, bleach, hair gel and moisturiser - add condoms. In a series of articles over the coming months in this magazine I hope to explain and flesh out some controversial even shocking ideas for our gay agenda in the coming years. But let me be the first to say it before anyone bitches me - I'm no guru and I don't claim any monopoly on ideas or the direction we should take - what is important is for us as gay men to be talking and debating again about our future as a healthy self confident liberationist community. Derek Ogg --------------------------------------------------------------------- INSIDE OUT ========== Scotland's lesbian, gay and bisexual scene - the works. Inside we list all the places this summer's new tottie will be heading for (you know, the pubs and clubs and bookshops and cafes) the latest gossip, and what has to be the finest selection of box ads for you stay-at-home types... VENUES ====== Aberdeen ABERDEEN WOMEN'S CENTRE Shoe Lane. Tel: (01224) 625010. Fax: 01224 625777. Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Where the women hang out. Lesbian group meets Wednesday 8-10pm. CLUB CABERFEIDH 9 Hadden Street. Tel: (01224) 212181. Tue-Sun 10pm-2am. Disco - tends to be quiet midweek but busier at the weekends. SWEET! Exodus (upstairs), Triplekirks, Schoolhill. Tel: (01224) 624288. Fri 10pm-2am. Weekly house night with the JOY DJ's from Edinburgh. Dundee DEVA'S 75 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 226840. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight. Formerly the Gauger, Dundee's long established gay bar. Something for everyone! Pool table. LIBERTY NIGHTCLUB 124 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 200660. Thu-Sat 11pm-2.30am Sun 10.30pm-2.30am. Good atmosphere, very popular disco with wide selection of sounds and the occasional act/PA. Thursdays and Sundays are quieter - but not much. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/liberty/ Edinburgh BLACK BO'S 57/61 Blackfriars Street. Tel: 0131-557 6136. Mon-Fri 12.30pm-2.30pm and 6pm-10.30pm, Sat 12.30pm-10.30pm, Sun 6pm-10pm. Superb little vegetarian restaurant. Friendly staff. Mixed clientele. Good value lunch menu. BLUE MOON 1 Barony Street/36 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788. Popular lesbigay cafe/bar complex. The Cafe opens Daily 11am-1am. The Buzz Bar is open Nightly 5pm-1am, and the new Pool Room is open Nightly 5pm-1am. CAFE STREUSELKUCHEN 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-478 7068. Tue-Sun 11am-9pm. Expensively re-furbished and friendly upmarket bun shop selling sticky German buns (baked on the premises) and continental coffee as well as other snacks and light meals. Should be open by the time you read this - but that depends upon the Great British Worker. Don't mention the war! CAFE KUDOS 22 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 4349. Daily Noon-1am. Food Noon-9pm. Fresh, stylish and always crowded. Mainly gay but tolerant of well behaved heterosexuals. WWW: http:/www.scotsgay.co.uk/kudos/ CAFE LUCIA 13-29 Nicolson Street. Tel: 0131-662 1112. Generally 10am-10pm but hours vary according to performances. Mixed bar attached to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre. Full of luvvies and their friends! C.C. BLOOM'S 23 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331. Daily Noon-3am. Bar/diner serving superb food in the Hole in the Wall restaurant (Noon-2.30pm,5-9pm). Karaoke on Thursday and Sunday. Male strippers Sun at 4pm. Disco every night from 10.30pm. CITY CAFE 19 Blair Street. Tel: 0131-220 0125. Mon-Sat 11am-1pm, Sun 11am-Midnight. Not as outrageously mixed as it used to be, but still seriously conventional. CLUB ORANGE 33-39 Market Street. Tel: 0131-226 4224. 1st Sun of each month. 11pm-4am. Club run by the Gay Preservation Society. COLLETTE AT WEST & WILDE 25a Dundas Street. Tel: 0131-556 0079. Beauty and Body Therapist. CYBERIA 88 Hanover Street. Tel: 0131-220 4403. Daily 11am-10pm. Friendly mixed cybercafe with friendly mixed gorgeous staff (says Seumas). WWW: http://www.cybersurf.co.uk/ EDINBURGH LESBIAN GAY AND BISEXUAL CENTRE 58a and 60 Broughton Street. Owned by OUTRIGHT Scotland. Houses Cafe Streuselkuchen. Calosa Publishing Limited, and PJ's Watches and Gifts. Provides meeting and noticeboard space for many lesbigay organisations. Private mailboxes available. FANTASIES 8b Drummond Street. Tel: 0131-557 8336. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm. Sun Noon-9pm. Scotland's ONLY licenced SEX shop where you'll be made welcome by the very bearish Vince (who's straight) or Paddy (who isn't). Toys galore, video rental too! Glamour shop upstairs. FLUFFY AT THE HONEYCOMB The Honeycomb, 36-38a Blair Street. Tel: 0131-226 7651. New monthly club - 2nd Wednesday 11pm-3am. FOUR BBBB's CLUB 26b Dublin Street. Tel: 0131-538 7775. Big Beary Bulky Boys have their own club at Intense in the New Town Bar on the 4th Friday of the month. 8-10pm - bar opens to non members 9pm-1am. FRENCH CONNECTION 89 Rose Street Lane North. Tel: 0131-225 7651. Mon-Sat Noon-1am. Sun 1pm-1am. After a period as Maggie Rayes, this old favourite has reverted to the old name and the old management has returned. Never a dull moment. Karaoke Tue & Fri. JOY Royal Chimes Nightclub, 3 Royal Terrace. Tel: 0131-556 6918. JOY Info Line: 0131-467 2551. Fortnightly - Saturdays. 11pm-3am. Joy has found a new home just on the edge of the gay village. Downstairs: Maggie and Alan. Upstairs: Trendy Wendy's disco room. Plus chill out lounge. KUBHLAI KHAN 43 Assembly Street, Leith. Tel: 0131-555 0005. Mon-Sat 6pm-2am. Sun 12-Midnight. Mongolian barbeque. Mixed. MARMALADE CAT BISTRO Old Craighall Road, Millerhill, near Dalkeith. Tel: 0131-660 1211. Mon-Sat Noon-2.15pm and 6-9.30pm, Sun 12.30-2.45pm and 6-9pm. Mixed establishment specialising in Portuguese cuisine. Vegetarian menu available. NEW TOWN BAR 26B Dublin Street. Tel: 0131-538 7775. Daily Noon-1am. Especially popular with Bears, but has wide clientele. Intense, the sub-basement leather and fetish bar is open Thurs-Sun 9pm-1am - men only. No EIGHTEEN 18 Albert Place. Tel: 0131-553 3222. Mon-Sat Noon-10pm. Sun 2-10pm. Sauna club for gay gentlemen - run by a couple of straight Dykes! Now open on Sundays - great for that aprs Kirk Session! OVER THE RAINBOW 32c Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-557 8969. Daily 11am-1am. Not quite as camp as it used to be, but still attracting a mixed crowd. PJ'S WATCHES AND GIFTS 60 Broughton Street. Mon-Sat 10am-3pm, 4pm-7pm. Opens 2nd September selling the same sorts of useful bits and pieces as the shop in the Glasgow Centre. ROUTE 66 6 Baxter's Place. Tel: 0131-556 5991. Nightly 3pm-1am. Food served all day. Disco Sat. Real Ale. Misnamed - it's the best Route to a 69 that we've ever found - but keep on telling Stevie that it's buses we're talking about! TASTE The Honeycomb, 36-38a Blair Street. Tel: 0131-220 4381. Sun 11pm-3am. Weekly mixed members'club with DJs Fisher and Price. Visitor's passes from West & Wilde. THEATRE ROYAL BAR 24 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-557 2142. Mon-Sat Noon-midnight. Sun 12.30pm-11pm. Basically straight, this Real Ale bar (formerly a Gas Board Showrrom) in the middle of Edinburgh's Gay Triangle attracts a fair number of queers for an off-scene pint before heading for nearby fleshpots. TOMMY THAI'S BAR Linden Hotel, 9-13 Nelson Street. Tel: 0131-557 4344. Daily Noon-11pm. Quiet bar attached to Edinburgh's biggest gay hotel. Superb Thai restaurant. Owned by London's Philbeach Hotel. E-mail: linden.seal@ukonline.co.uk. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/linden/ WEB 13 13 Bread Street. Tel: 0131-229 8883. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun Noon-8pm. Informal mixed cybercafe with homely and approachable staff. WWW: http://www.web13.co.uk/ WEST & WILDE BOOKSHOP 25a Dundas Street. Tel: 0131-556 0079. Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun Noon-5pm. Scotland's only lesbian and gay bookshop. Lots of books and quite a few magazines! Falkirk DROOKIT DUCK 16 Grahams Road. Tel: 01324 613644. Mon 11am-3pm and 5pm-11.30. Tue-Thu 11am-3pm and 5pm-12.30am. Fri-Sat 11am-1am. Sun 7pm-Midnight. Straight bar used by a few discrete local gays. Galashiels GREEN'S DINER 4 Green Street. Tel: 01896 757667. Mon-Tue 10am-5pm. Wed-Sat 10am-10pm. Mixed. discreet trendy cafe/bar. Regular meeting place for all Border Town lesbians, gays and bisexuals. Closed Sundays. Glasgow ATLANTIS CAFE BAR 22 Cambridge Street. Tel: 0141-333 1375. European style cafe/bar welcoming people whose sexual orientation is not a big deal. AUSTINS 183a Hope Street. Tel: 0141-332 2707. Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight, Sun 12.30am-Midnight. Friendly and busy basement pub. Food lunchtimes (until 5pm). Entertainment every evening. BENNETS DISCO 80-90, Glassford Street. Tel: 0141-552 5761. Currently closed for extensive refurbishment. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/bennets/ CAFE DELMONICA'S 68 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-552 4803. Daily Noon-Midnight. Food Noon-7pm. Busy pub with backroom area (not THAT kind of backroom!). DJ: Tue-Sun. Bingo: Tuesdays. Games/Quiz: Wed. Take your prick: Thu. Karaoke: Sun. Happy hours: 5-7 and 9-10 every night. Mondays: Becks at ukp1.15 all night. Chill Out Sunday has happy hours 12-7 and 9-10. CCA Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street. Tel: 0141-332 7521. E-mail: cca@easynet.co.uk. Centre open Mon-Wed 9am-11pm Thur-Sat 9am-Midnight Sun Noon-10.30pm. Bookshop Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Sun Noon-5pm. Galleries Mon-Sat 11am-6pm Sun Noon-5pm (admission free). Two galleries, two performance spaces, cafe bar and bookshop. Lesbigay friendly place bustling with life, the universe and everything. Wheelchair accessible apart from upstairs performance space. CLUB X-CHANGE 25 Royal Exchange Square. Tel: 0141-204 4599. Tue-Sun 11pm-3am. Large basement club, popular with young crowd. Wednesday nights are straight (though still quite mixed). Not as busy as it used to be. COURT BAR 69 Hutcheson Street. Tel: 0141-552 2463. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 8.30-11pm. Small bar beside former Sheriff Court. Straight until mid-evening. GLASGOW GAY & LESBIAN CENTRE 11 Dixon Street. Tel/fax: 0141-221 7203. Daily 10am-10pm. Glasgow's community centre for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Cafe and Gift shop (PJ's). Other businesses in the centre include Asset Mortgages, Calosa Publishing, and Maya Vision. Two large meeting rooms available for hire. E-mail: gglc@gglc.org.uk. WWW: http://www.gglc.org.uk/gglc/ GLC CAFE/BAR GGLC, 11 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-204 5418. Mon-Sat 10am-11pm. Sun 10am-5pm. The eaterie for the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre. Now licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages. INTERNET CAFE 239 North Street. Tel: 0141-221 8447. Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun Noon-11pm. Popular cybercafe. Mixed clientele. WWW: http://www.linkcafe.co.uk/ LOVE BOUTIQUE The Arches, Midland Street. Te;: 0141-221 9736. 10.30pm-3am. 1st Saturday of the month. Busy mixed club popular with the younger crowd. MADAME GILLESPIE'S 26 Cheapside Street. Tel: 0141-221 2929. Tue-Sun 8.30pm-3am. Large club. Features regular PAs, and theme/party nights. Under new management yet again. PJ'S WATCHES AND GIFTS GGLC, 11 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-226 9977. Mon-Sat Noon -7pm. Sun Noon-5pm. Gifts for all. SADIE FROST'S 8-10 West George Street. Tel: 0141-332 8005. Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight, Sun 7pm-Midnight. Bar meals Mon-Sat Noon-7pm. Newly refurbished with no expense spared. Friendly staff who compliment the upmarket decor. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/sadie-f/ SAPPHO'S 8-10 West George Street. Tel: 0141-332 8005 (ask for Jane). Mon-Sat 7pm-Midnight. Glasgow's first and only all woman bar. Very popular. Inside Sadie Frost's. SQUIRES LOUNGE 106 West Campbell Street. Tel: 0141-221 9184. Mon-Fri Noon-Midnight, Sat 12.30pm-Midnight, Sun 8pm-Midnight. Long narrow intimate basement bar, DJ Sun, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat. Packed at the weekend. Nightly happy hours 11pm-midnight (all night Sun). VICTORIA BAR 157-159 Bridgegait. Tel: 0141-552 6040. Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight, Sun 12.30pm-Midnight. Basically straight, but justly popular with real ale queens and dykes. THE WATERLOO 306 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-221 7359. Daily Noon-Midnight. Popular, crowded, down to earth gay drinking shop. Scotland's oldest gay bar - what more can we say? Inverness NICO'S BAR/BISTRO Glen Mhor Hotel, Ness Bank. Tel: (01463) 234308. Wed and Fri 9-11pm. Smart relaxed bar popular with local gays especially on Wednesday and Friday nights (9.15pm onwards). Mixed clientele. Kilmarnock KAYPARK TAVERN 27/29 London Road. Tel: (01563) 523623. Straight pub - the lounge is used by some local gays on Mondays evenings. Stirling BARNTON BISTRO 312 Barnton Street. Tel: (01786) 461698. Mon-Thur 10.30am-11.45pm, Fri-Sat 10.30am-12.45am, Sun Noon-11.45pm. (Food: Day and early evening). Near to railway station, Mixed, busy, bohemian and friendly bar/bistro. Popular with students and Sons/Daughters of the Rock alike. Good food. Real Ale. InsideOut: a monthly magazine for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. ISSN: 1360-9327. Edited, printed and published in Scotland. (c) Pageprint Publishing Limited, August 1996. PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5JW. In even numbered months, InsideOut appears as part of ScotsGay. Non profit use by the lesbigay community of material in the magazine will normally be permitted free of charge - but contact us first for permission. We haven't had sex with most of the people who appear in the magazine, so we don't actually know what their sexuality is. Editorial: Tel: 0131-539 0666. Fax: 0131-539 2999. E-mail: scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk. Internet World-Wide-Web: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ Advertising: Tel: 0131-558 1279. Fax: 0131-539 2999. Subscribing by E-mail: Send a 'subscribe scotsgay-list'message to listserver@drink.demon.co.uk and the text files of future editions will be delivered to you by e-mail. ABERDEEN ======== Greetings from the pen of the 'short fat bald'one Dear oh dear!...I guess I must have really hit a live nerve with Miss Minerva last issue, and boy did she let me know it. Have you ever seen so much venom dripping from one page in your life? Well you know what they say Minerva.... if the glove fits! As it happens, whilst on her rampage, Minerva actually hit the nail on the head....Macho isn't in the way you look or in the way you dress or the way you act but rather it's an attitude. I think Keats said it best - A man has three characters; that which he exhibits, that which he has and that which he thinks he has. Suffice to say I know where I stand on this and hey...9 out of 10 Bears can't be wrong!!! Anyway enough of this bitchin'cause it really ain't my scene, so let's get on with the job at hand (no I didn't say hand job! Put it away honestly! ) I guess you want to know what's been happening since the last issue. Well if you read my last column you will remember I was having a bit of a gripe about the lack of Bears and Leathermen on the scene nowadays. Well, as fate would have it, I was in my local Safeways doing my weekly shopping, and believe it or not I always seem to meet other gay friends there (have they started having gay singles nights now?). Anyway, getting back to the story, I came upon one of my bear friends ( gutter minds - there you go again) and would you believe it the Bear Club hasn't stopped but has recently moved venues. The Aberdeen Bears Club is now meeting on the first Friday of every month at 7.30pm in 'My Father's Mustache'in the Rosemount area of the city. The club is open to all Hirsute men and those who like their men that way. So if this meats your taste (I'd like to taste that meat!) them pop along and let those hairy hunks tickle your fancy (or whatever!) Grizzly Adams ain't a patch on these guys! I still haven't heard from the Leather crowd yet but I guess that they're bound (and gagged) to get in touch with me and as soon as they do I will post all the details here for your pleasure. Well 'The Works'has certainly found its place in the city and has been running some excellent events at the weekend. The club has now decided due to public demand to open its doors during the week for commercial events (private functions) Mondays - Thursday and also on Sundays. The club is making an amazing offer to interested parties who wish to use the venue for a Private Function. 'The Works'will not charge for the use of the building and will fully staff the bar (yummy fatigues 'n' all) and of course supply the DJ. All the person booking the venue has to do is print up the tickets and see to their distribution, it couldn't be easier. So come on people, it's time to take the bull by the horns (or the balls!) and take advantage of this opportunity. Perhaps this is just the vehicle for someone interested in setting up a club but not sure how it would be received, well here is a perfect testing ground for you. 'The Works'is very gay friendly and is open to any suggestions, so come on people stop complaining about the lack of gay venues within the city and get off the fence and do something about it. Any interested parties should contact: The events organizer - Chris on 01224 648000. The Women's Group has recently started holding pre meeting pool tournaments in Ally Dawson's on Mearn's Street. The group meets from 10pm - 2am so if you fancy knocking some balls about (who would've thought it, lesbians playing with their balls - whatever next?) then contact the bar on 01224 583881 for more details. A little birdy tells me that there have been some positive developments in the saga of the city's Internet cafe. Since its temporary closure back in June, a few of the city's most prominent businessmen have put in some interesting bids to help buy over the building and word has it that the cafe looks destined to open its doors for business again within the next four weeks - so good news for all of you who use #bearcave or enjoy browsing through the sex news groups!...watch this space for further developments. Last Saturday saw the re-opening of Rabbies'Bar beneath The Caberfeidh. The guest of honour at the ceremony was this year's winner of ITV's 'Stars in their eyes'...Yip that's right the yummy Marti Pellow lookalikey. Needless to say the event was well attended by both starstruck Queens and puberty stricken pre teen girlies all clambering for a look at the man himself. A good time was had by all and Mr Pellow's lookalikey seemed to cope admirably well with all the attention from his gay admirers reasonably well. I'm informed that he sounded a lot like the real Marti Pellow although I couldn't hear a thing for all the screaming girlies - the female contingent were pretty loud too!. Well things are certainly picking up at The Caberfeidh (which someone at Edinburgh Castle tried to tell me means 'Antlers of the deer!') Anyway the karaoke nights are being very well attended on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a great time is had by all taking part, I'm not sure it's so great for those listening, but hey, those into S/M will love it. Jacquie informs me that the Malibu night is still going to come off although no date has been set yet, but all the drinks and freebies have arrived. So, fret not girls, there will be enough free t-shirts to go around! Exciting News.... such was the success and interest generated by Jacqui and Elaine's blessing in the club earlier this year that the club has now been approached by three more couples interested in taking their vows. This is a very positive sign and is good for both the couples involved and also the Gay community as a whole. Its really encouraging to see couples standing up and claiming the rights which after all should be theirs anyway. It is a very strong symbol for the 'Hetro' community to let them know that it's more than just tolerance we expect but rather that it's complete acceptance and all the rights that goes along with it. Due to the agreement that the couples have to sign with the Humanist society who carry out the service, press are not allowed to cover the event until after the ceremony, but worry not, a full report of the ceremony and wedding pics will grace this column shortly after the service... so watch this space. So you see there is quite a lot going on in the city - you just have to look beyond Golden Square! Anyway gotta go it's time for the Short fat bald one to go polish his head! So until next time: Fuck hard and Fuck safe. Doug AKA Little Bear littlebear@drink.demon.co.uk DUNDEE ====== I swear the time between copies gets less and less. I thought moving to Dundee would help me escape the Edinburgh (two hours on the bus to get home) Festival but No! It's followed me even here. Not only is the Dundee Rep Theatre being a venue for the second year running, the damn copy date has come forward to accommodate! Now that I've got that grump out of the way - on to business. Speaking of the Dundee Rep, if you fancy a quiet drink in pleasant surroundings and/or a good meal with a varied menu including vegetarian dishes, then why not give it a try? The clientele is generally quite mixed. Liberty Nightclub is still great, fab, brill, etc etc etc and if Herr Editor has got his wayward filing system sorted out the promised pic should be appearing this issue (sorry Brian for the delay). More out of town talent are checking out the club so it is definitely the place to be. There is a Women's Party Nite at the Weaver Arms Function Suite on Princes Street on Friday 6th September 8pm til late. The theme is still to be decided but it will be fun! This follows on the success of the 60's and 70's fancy dress night in June. The next Women's Disco at Sinatras is on Friday 11th October 8-12pm. Devas is ticking along as ever. Hot on the heels of the successful women's pool competitions there is to be a men's competition also. This will alternate on Wednesday nights, the next women's being on 21st August, men's on 28th August. Karen organised a charity night recently one Sunday evening which was very well attended and enjoyed. Two drag artistes provided the entertainment and were well received by the punters. Well, that's all folks! I have to keep something back for the next issue after all (she writes lying through hre fingertips). Jol EDINBURGH ========= So, the city is full of festivalgoers again, but that won't last long and soon we'll be back to the usual totty. Might as well make the most of all the visitors whilst we can! The Fringe Club has seemed pretty faggoty of an evening at times, but the best bet seems to be the Festival Club in Chambers Street (which I hear probably won't be around next year as the Uni's Staff Club is moving to smaller premises. Down in the gay ghetto, CC's seems to be going even more up market. The clientele boasts a few megastars who quite happily paraded around the Baxter's Place venue recently. Lily of savage and Ferguson the 'freak', have been spotted by my sources. It's the second year of baby CC's life and things are going very well, much to the annoyance of others. The management work hard to keep the changes coming - the bogs have now been decorated and instructions printed on the walls just in case you forget how to get your tackle out (for peeing that is !) August has seen Blooms as a Festival venue with Big Karn Dunbar doing a comedy show. I saw it and had a damned good belly laugh. Especially the bit about the King Edward! It was nice to see Edinburgh's top gay bar/disco venue less bustling than usual with room to breathe. Students are now making a comeback to the Edinburgh scene with lots of freshers arriving for the new term. Obviously there'll be a few who are nervously discovering their homosexual freedom now being away from home, so be gentle. Some of the LGB groups are inviting anyone along to their meetings so look out for details on posters or phone the various student unions. It has to be said it will be nice to see a few new faces on the Edinburgh circuit! If you are quite arty, then the freshly repainted Blue Moon has a rolling programme of exhibitions adorning its walls (saves the management cash as it's cheaper than buying pictures themselves). It isn't as busy as it used to be and some of the waiting staff portray more attitude than they can carry off. Up the way on Broughton Street you'll find Over the Rainbow - probably Edinburgh's most comfortable gay cafe/bar. The decor is now getting a revamp - a yellow brick road now graces the floor making you want to skip in singing 'we're off to see the wizard'. It's a colourful, characterful place and the people who go there are fab. The 'regulars' karaoke on the first Wednesday of each month is becoming legendary. It's hosted by Peter and Brian, 'the management', Laurel and Hardy come to mind. There always seems to be a rumour about new venues opening in the capital and this month is no exception. There's news of a possible club opening near to the gay triangle (Broughton Street, Baxter's Place, etc.) I can't think where there's a suitable building or one big enough in the area, so we'll have to see. Plus the city council don't appear to have had an application for an entertainment/drinks license. Watch this space though. Is Joy hitting the spot again? Views please. I've always liked the music so it's hard to judge. The most pretentious people seem to have disappeared in the direction of Sakred at the Honeycomb. The new venue at the Royal Chimes is excellent, it has to be said, and we wish Joy all the best. A call is going out to the city's menfolk to come down to Western Stars' end-of-festival Boot Scoot at the Leith Assembly Rooms on Friday 30th August. There are sure to be plenty of cowgirls there but the cowboys seem to be a bit thin on the ground. If Glasgow can fill the Grand Ole Opry, then we can give it a go through here too. It's damned good fun too anyway. That said you'll have to keep some energy in reserve so that you can scoot your way up to 4BBBBs end-of-festival bash in Intense afterwards. Last orders at the bear (sorry, bar) there and upstairs in The New Town is at 3am so it should make for a great night - dancin'and sleaze, yumyum! Iain iain@drink.demon.co.uk GLASGOW ======= Well, I can't believe it's a month since I wrote my last column. Can't believe it's been a month since I woke up with the mother of all hangovers after getting back from the pub and doing my last piece. That's what happens when I get a day's notice to get my copy submitted. I normally just enjoy a small sherry at Christmas! Still, it's a fact of life that people tend to be at their most creative under the influence of alcohol. A lot of the classical composers wrote some of their best works when they were pished! It's true, Tchaikovsky used to come home bevvied from his local gay bar, and if he hadn't got a piece of trade, he'd think, bollocks! might as well write a symphony! It also explains why there are so many unfinished works. They'd sit there in front of the harpsichord, trying to compose, knowing what they were trying to get down on paper, screwing up badly, and finally giving up, cos Tippex hadn't been invented back then! Seems like I've pissed off your Scene Queen from Aberdeen, serves her right for slagging off the mighty Minerva. You started it, you've got to learn to take it as well as giving it, so to speak. The pen is mightier than the sword, and my penis mightier than yours sweetie!. If you can't stand the heat, don't wear a rubber frock in the kitchen. Did you know that DS, I'M A CLONE is an anagram of one of Glasgow's gay bars? For all of you people reading this on the Internerd via AOL, wondering what I've got against Aberdeen, let's just say that if Aberdeen was in the US, it would be in Michigan. If it was in Canada, it would be in Newfoundland. Nuff said!!. Not a lot to report from Glasgow this month. Nothing much new happening, so the editor is going to have to get out the tray of BIG metal letters when he typesets this, otherwise it will only fit half the page. Being Summer, the town is full of tourists just now. Loads of hunky, tanned bits of foreign meat in George Square, camera in one hand, a map in the other. Just wish they would stop asking me about bus routes, do I look like the sort of celebrity that gets on a BUS?. Was in town a couple of Sunday afternoons ago, felt thirsty, and went into Austins for a quiet drink. Big mistake!. Forgot they had Karaoke on, the place was out the door with Madonnawannabees. What is so fascinating about watching people making pratts of themselves?. It's like listening to Lucy Pavvi singing Nessum Dorma with a gob full of nipple clamps!. Still, it seems to work, cos they were packing them in!. Austins is now doing a Karaoke competition with prizes, free drinks, and a trophy. If you're sad enough to want to hit the big-time, get your arse down there on Thursday nights. Wednesday Karaoke still going strong with Jason, and the new yellow staff T-shirts are so LOUD that they drown out the dreaded Karaoke! Was walking past Bennets a few days ago, and the front doors were open, so I had a peek inside. Still piles of builders materials in the foyer, and the word is that the re-opening date will now be late August. Seems like there's been a whole pile of dosh going out on the refurbishment, and we've got one hell of a lot to look forward to when the club re-opens!. Sadie Frosts still going as strong as ever, but I'm disappointed to hear that some dykes seem to think that it is somehow fashionable NOT to support a women only bar. (Sappho's is pretty crowded from what I've heard, but then, what would we know? - Ed) This is the sort of stupid reasoning that gay guyz are also using when they think it is fashionable to go clubbing in straight venues. Use it or lose it girlz! Been a few changes down at Madge's recently. (Quick digression here, why is Madame Gillespies the only place with a nickname? Up in the Grotty City, we had the Mincery, the Clappy Fud, the Poxy Parrot and Piggys.) I like Madge's cos it's the only place where you can moor the yacht at the end of the street, and not worry about getting a taxi home! I was accused of never writing about Madge's, and was happy to point out that it is another Scottish magazine that was ignoring them. The most important change is that they now have 2 pool tables in the bar area. That's one thing I've really missed since moving down from Dod'nBunty town. Any chance of some proper table lights? There is now a pool competition on Saturday in the bar with trophies and cash prizes. It's open from 2pm to let you warm up, the competition starts at 7pm, and there is a buffet. Predictably, the women seem to be monopolizing the tables. Are there no bendyboyz who play the game? There is now a quiz night on Thursdays, and a games night on Wednesdays. ukp3 to get in to the Disco on Tuesdays, the jury is still out on that one!. The bookshop in the Gay and Lesbian Centre has now closed. It's a shame to go in and see an empty space where a Lesbigay business should be thriving. Hopefully somebody else will take over from where Gordon and Joseph left off, but it's up to the Lesbigay community to support this place. Again, it's a case of use it, or lose it!. Anybody noticed that the car park on the Clyde Walkway near to the S.E.C.C. is getting a bit cruisy during the afternoons?. Forget Liza Minelli as a queer icon, check out Mary-Anne on the American shit-com Cybil, 9pm on Fridays on Ch4. Absolute bitch, total glamour, brilliant one-liners, and wears frocks too short for somebody of her age, but gets away with it because she's got the legz!. Final thought for this month: If children get to travel on the underground for half price, why don't they charge fat people double, when they take up two seats and slim celebrities have to stand!!?? See you next month, Luv from Minerva. minerva@drink.demon.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, Pageprint Limited, 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 Personal Ads in ScotsGay's Meet Market are read by more people than any other Scottish Gay Title! WOMEN Ayrshire - Glasgow Funny, fat, honest, Ayrshire dyke, medium length brown hair, outgoing and good sense of humour, caring and genuine, looking for similar in Ayrshire/Glasgow area. ALA. Photo appreciated. Box SG11005. Lonely Lesbian 25 year old lonely lass, boyish/butch, enjoys nites-out, loves nites in. Seeks fem lass who needs lots of TLC and romance, with GSOH. Photo if possible. Box SG11031. MEN 19 Year Old - Fife - Edinburgh Tall, stocky build, hairy, n/s, s/a, GSOH, seeks similar 18-30 for safe fun, nights out/in, possible 1-2-1. Very horny! Box SG11006. Seeking Young Guy Gentle guy, very hairy, 40, would like to meet young student type (or perhaps somebody going to uni next term) who wants to explore their sexuality in a supportive atmosphere. Can accommodate. Total discretion and safety assured. Box SG11007. Central Scotland Slim, 10 stone, 43 year old, nice body, seeks active well-built new companions, up to 50 years old, for brief encounters. Discretion important. Write with photo, ALA. Box SG11008. Scotland - Anywhere Fife Guy - sick of timewasters - can travel/accommodate - looking for the chance to meet other gays irrespective of looks aged 18-32 for safe sex fun. I am 29, and of stocky, if not fat build, but am fun, sociable and adventurous. Box SG11009. Looking for a bit (lot) of fun 24 year old out for a good time before heading off for the States. Looking for guys between 20-35 (maybe stretching to 38!), clean shaven, non-smoker (I'm asthmatic!). Uniform of some sort a bonus :o) Box SG11010. Aberdeen 36yr old gayboy (helicopter pilot) moving to Aberdeen wants to meet new friends. Interests vary from scene (in moderation), to swimming, to soaps! GSOH req'd. Non-smokers. No christians please! Box SG11011. Dundee Hi, I'm Chris, I'm 19 years old, and I'll be moving toDundee in Mid Sept. '96 to study Anatomy at Dundee University. If there is anyone else moving to Dundee, maybe other students, lets get together and meet ? ...hope to hear from you soon. Box SG11013. Glasgow - Ayrshire 22 year old guy looking for intelligent, wild, uninhibited people for fun and friendship in and around Glasgow. Likes: cinema, clubbing, philosophy, sex, literature, eating out and music. ALAWP. Box SG11014. Glasgow 38 year old Bi guy medium/muscular build, hairy, inexperienced , professional, sophisticated tastes, not unattractive, clean shaven, dark hair, balding, lives in Glasgow, can travel not accom. looking for bi/gay slim male same age or younger for discrete experience and company. E-mail:101516,222@compuserve.com. Box SG11015. Edinburgh 19 year old music student seeks similar age to explore gay life, the universe and everything. Box SG11016. Fife Guy 31, shy, genuine, inexperienced, seeks '999'worker for discreet friendship. Would also like to hear from gay guys who cycle or water-ski in Fife. 100% discretion assured. Box SG11017. Edinburgh - Scotland - Anywhere Genuine down to earth average looks 30 year old, 5'5". Looking for no time wasters, non smokers, genuine friend(s) to have safe fantasy, horny fun in our leather gear. ALA. Box SG11018. Edinburgh Caring Male Edinburgh caring male, 23, tall, slim, dark hair, VGSOH, enjoys clubs, nature, talking, music, seeks n/s male 22+ with similar interests for possible 1-2-1 and friendship. ALA. Box SG11019. Edinburgh John, aged 46 and w/e, looking for fun time. Am inesperienced and can travel only - Edinburgh area preferred. TV most welcome. Box SG11020. Dundee - Tayside Anyone prefer love and commitment to one night stands and loneliness? If you prefer the warmth and companionship of being together, please write. Me: 49 years old, slim, passive guy. Box SG11021. Edinburgh - Anywhere Gay lad, 32, into leather, rubber, denim, boots, seeks other guys into similar for fun times outside. Bikers, skins especially wanted. ALA but photo appreciated. Box SG11023. Motherwell - Glasgow - Lanarkshire Guy, 33 year old, seeking others 18-35 year old interested in denim/leather. I enjoy being spanked with belts and tawses which I have. Also collection of videos, magazines. W/e preferred. Own flat available. Photo and telephone number if possible. Discretion assured and expected. Box SG11024. Are You Under 5'8"? 5'6" honeymonster (38) would like to hear from you if you're smooth chested and under 26. Stocky build is a decided advantage. Non smoker preferred. Box SG11025. Dundee - Tayside 49 years old, reasonable looks, straight acting, non scene, slim. Interests include: walking, theatre, travel. Seeks genuine active guy any age for special friendship and hopefully 1-2-1 relationship. ALA. Box SG11026. Renfrewshire - Anywhere Genuine couple, mid 30's, down to earth, clonish and smokers interested in meeting genuine singles or couples who enjoy quiet nights in, safe times. Good video collection. Can travel and accommodate. ALAWP. Box SG11027. Glasgow Businessman 45 year old businessman seeks young slim guys for fun and friendship. Non smokers only. Can travel or accommodate. Light spanking given if required. Box SG11028. Serviceman Based In Scotland I'm 26, s/a, 5'7" tall, very good looking with very fit body, GSOH. Seek gay/bi guy for good horny/fun. You must have own place. Discretion expected. 18-30 only. Box SG11031. Glasgow - Edinburgh 30 years old 5'11" bear seeks others for fun hugs, good nights in or out. Can travel or accommodate. 18-50. ALAWP. Box SG11032. Edinburgh - Glasgow Are you 18-25? Inexperienced? Willing to learn? Looking for some fun with an older mature guy? Then write! Discretion assured. Box SG11033. Edinburgh Lad Where are all the real blokes? I'm sick of pretentious poofy queens on the scene and want somebody tall, dark, muscular and hung. Me 5'11", blond cute(ish) and available. Condoms provided. Box SG11034. Skin - Edinburgh 34, 5'9", blue eyes, No 2 crop, wants guys up to 40 into army gear, DMs, leather, rubber, w/s, used gear, poppers. Write with phone number. ALA. Box SG11035. Horny 21 Year Old Needs Sex! I live in Edinburgh and am looking for guys 18-25 for safe, hot sex, nothing long term, just a bit of fun. If you want the same, please reply. Come on guys, you know you want to! Box SG11036. Scottish-Irish Mates Sought! Attractive guy, 25, 5'8", 1034 stone, dark looks. Seeks mates (age, looks, immaterial) with interests in Irish-Scottish history, pubs, culture, music (traditional - rebel - Wolfe Tones - etc). Photo gets mine. Box SG11037. Wanna Be Daddy's Boy? 40 year old Dad seeks 18-24 year old Son for fun and friendship. Non smoker essential. Box SG11038. Are You A Mature Man? Mature men sought by tall slim Glasgow student (22). I prefer the company of bearded beary men - not pimply children! Box SG11039. Ayrshire - Glasgow Young Stevenston guy seeks guys 18-40 for hot and steamy cummy safe fun and friendship. Policemen expecially welcome. All letters answered. Box SG11040. BISEXUAL Bi Guy Sought Friendly gay guy, in open relationship, looking for a bi guy for occasional or regular fun. Nothing complicated. Discretion assured. I'm 38 and would like somebody 18-28. Might suit bi-curious or beginner. Box SG11022. Edinburgh Tall slim guy, 33, GSOH, with many wondrous and varied interests too boring to cite here, seeks female to explore other wild interesting things. Box SG11029. Bisexual Married Couple Mixed couple, early forties, would like to meet similar or genuine sincere men and ladies of same orientation. Genuine advert, so genuine replies please. Box SG11030. SITUATION REQUIRED Modelling 19 year old seeks modelling work. Nude shots not a problem. Artistic shots free. Please write for more info. Box SG11002. WANTED Central Scotland Photographers - Help! Does anyone have a darkroom they can let me use? Young B&W photographer seeks time to print nude material. Can photograph or model in exchange. Box SG11003. ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED Aberdeen 36yr old gayboy (helicopter pilot) moving to Aberdeen needs accomodation. Room needed mid-Sep to Mid-Oct, then looking to rent a house. Non-smoker. Anyone help? Box SG11012. Glasgow Accommodation urgently required in West End of Glasgow by a continental postgraduate student. Please phone me at: 0141-332 2870 or email: guav42@udcf.gla.ac.uk LOOKING FOR Does anybody know the whereabouts or a telephone number of Keith Adamson, formerly Glasgow and volunteer with Strathclyde G&L Switchboard? Need to get urgently in touch with him and would appreciate a message by phone 01856 850522 (ansaphone connected, so please speak) or by e-mail: CRAG@quoyloo.demon.co.uk PASSING GLANCES Charing Cross Station Saw you, young guy on train, several weeks ago about 11am between Hyndland and Charing Cross. Me: tall guy, jeans, dark blue climbing jacket and backpack. Couldn't take eyes off each other. You followed me up station stairs. Sorry, was in a hurry. Think about you every day. Please contact. Box SG11001. David from Stirling Would David from Stirling who answered box ad SG10026 in Issue 10 please get in touch again with phone number if possible. Box SG11004, FRIENDS ABROAD Australian/American of Scottish Descent Australian-born (mother Fraser) sociology professor (religion and protest movements) and church musician (organist/choir director) living in suburban New York City. Tall, bearded, gregarious, strong, handsome, young 56. Write: Ronald Lawson, 8 Glendale Rd, Ossining, N.Y. 10562, USA or e-mail: rlawson@cloud9.net Canada Hey Guys this is Iain in Toronto, Canada (born in Glasgow) I'm looking for guys to E-mail. I'm 6'2" 185lbs brn hair blue eyes 32 years of age, Would love to start a friendship up with someone in Scotland. Write Me! E-Mail : emans@interlog.com or write: Iain White, 1233 Yonge Street #202, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4T 1W4 Malta I am seeking a tall butch handsome houseman in a kilt who needs servicing daily. Tattooes welcome. Honesty essential. Age 25-40. Art dealer and antiques. Lovely home overlooking sea. Suberb accommodation and good pay comensurate with house duties. Fax 00 356 237286 or write with photo to Mark Micallef, 35 St Barbara Bastions, Valletta, Malta GC. Scottish Israeli Guy wants Penpals 29 year old guy. Wants to write to gay men/lesbians all ages about books, photography, travel, politics, cats, and exchanging phonecards for gay postcards. Also interested in writing to guys into S/M. A. Reid, Cherut 26a, Ramat Gan 52541, Israel. USA Hi, I am looking to meet other sincere guys in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe. I am looking for those who like sincere guys without the need for good looks or good builds. Those who are looking for the looks or the build will have to look elsewhere. I seek only sincere and warm guys. I am a 57 year old gay male living in Redondo Beach, California. I am 5'8", 220#, brown hair, brown eyes, hairy chest and somewhat hairy back but no beard. I am warm and affectionate. I do plan to return to Europe sometime in the future but have made no plans as of yet. I would be interested in staying over with you when I come for a visit and would like to see your area. Please e-mail me at johnc2000@earthlink.net or you may write me: John Coyle, 2121 Vanderbilt Lane, #3, Redondo Beach, CA 90278 USA. BACK RUBS Masseur - Edinburgh A caring skilled personal touch at excellent poundstretcher value. Jim. 0131-556 7199. Masseur - Edinburgh Chubby masseur gives great relaxing massage at the best possible cost. Phone Kenny on 0131-665 0313 anytime. Masseur - Paisley Relaxing aromatherapy massage. Reasonable rates. Paisley area. Phone Tony on 01505 324561. Give yourself a treat. New! Craig (18) and Gary (24) - escorts and professional massage. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayrshire. Your place or ours. Telephone: 0141-636 0462 (24 hours). FOR SALE D2MAC Card Multichannel. ukp15. Telephone George: 01282 869009. SERVICES Accountancy Services Tax problems, accounting, auditing, business plans, call Marios on 0131-228 9757. Members of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors. Personal and confidential service. Aussie Rules Football Shorts Featured in Boyz. Black only. Waist 28, 30, 32, 34, 36. Send cheque/PO for ukp15 to: Jimmy Marvel, 71a Beechmount Avenue, Hanwell, London. W7 3AF. Books Good quality books for gay men available by mail order. Fast confidential service and good discounts. Titles include Spartacus '96, New Joy of Gay Sex and Safer Sexy. Call 0171-635 0332 for leaflet or write to: Frontier Books, 149 Chadwick Road, London. SE15 4PY. Boudoir Noir The non-fiction Leather-Fetish-Consensual SM Magazine. Box 5, Station F, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4Y 2L4. Phone: 00 1 416 591 2387. Fax: 00 1 416 591 1572. E-mail: boudoir@the-wire.com. Sample $10. Subscription $24 ($50 outside North America). Member Canadian Magazine Publishers Association. Check out our Web Site at http://www.the-wire.com/boudoir.noir. Company Formations Why pay more? For only ukp90, Cosun Limited will supply a freshly formed Scottish, English/Welsh or Northern Ireland Limited or PLC with your own choice of name. For a free copy of our "Guide to Limited Companies": Freephone 0800 526421. Gay Business Association Member. E-mail: cosun@drink.demon.co.uk. Http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/cosun/ Contacts in USA and France Voluntary Group for holiday exchange, penpals, etc. Covering USA and French-speaking countries. For sample bulletin send 3 International Reply Coupons to: Recontre France/Amerique, 350 Nature Trail Lane, Murrysville, PA 15668, USA. French/German Tuition Offered by qualified teacher. Glasgow West End. Telephone: 0141-334 9487. Genuine Phone Dating For Gay Men The Dating Line that has it all! Instant Messaging, VoiceMale Dating and 'Traditional'Phone Dating. 0891 556655. 39p/min cheap, 49p/min other. TBO, Box 425, PE25 2RQ. CALL NOW! Get Wet Leather, rubber & PVC clothes for men & women, leather & rubber harnesses, silicone and latex toys, lubricants, SM equipment, wholesale available. Send ukp5 for catalogue or sae for price list to: Get Wet, BCM 3564, London. WC1N 3XX. Tel/Fax: 0171-627 0290. Pen Friends Gay, Lesbian and Bi-sexuals ages 16+, non profit organisation, members nationwide and worldwide, membership ukp6 p/a or ukp3 p/a concessionary. Write, enclosing 2 stamps to: LGB National Pen Pals, PO Box 2000, Horwich, Lancs, England. BL6 7PG. Penpal Mag Penpal Mag for adults: over 500 photos. Approval copy from: Matchmaker (K38), Chorley, PR7 4BS. Or ring: 01257 480155 (24 hours). Stories To Order Our stories enliven those parts others cannot. Why? Because they are created especially for you and only you. Read about whatever you wish by using our definitive fantasy service. Intrigued? Then why not send a stamp for full details of our truly individual service to: TTS, PO Box 1846, Bath. BA1 3TJ. The Cellar The CELLAR is for Leather-Rubber-Denim-Uniform guys wishing to contact others with similar likes. For full info please send an sae to:- THE CELLAR(SG), PO BOX 17, BURY ST EDMUNDS, SUFFOLK, IP32 7AT. Or e-mail ranger@dircon.co.uk. Translations English to German and German to English. General business and personal translations undertaken by native German speaker. Details: Phone Colne (01282) 862351. Worldwide Penfriends Regular lists. Make friends, exchange holidays, improve your languages. For general and music lovers'lists send ukp3 to "The Penpal List", c/o 221B Merton Road, Southfields, London. SW18 5EE. PHOTOGRAPHY Explicit/confidential Photo Processing 6"x4": 24exp ukp6.00, 36exp ukp7.00, extra set ukp4.00. 7"x5": 24exp ukp7.50, 36exp ukp8.50, extra set ukp6.00. Please add ukp1.00 p/p per film. Chq/PO: A2Z Trading Co., 501 International House, 223 Regent Street, London. W1R 8QD. Discretion assured. Overnight service. Just 18 Nude photo sets, sample set ukp15 from BM Ferrari, London, WC1N 3XX. Cheques and postal orders payable to 'M Bentley'. Models required. Send photo to above address. WHERE TO STAY Ardbeg House Ardbeg House Hotel, Dervaig, Isle of Mull. Welcome breaks, two nights or more, ukp27 per person per night, Dinner B&B (some en-suite rooms with four poster beds). Scenically situated. Beautiful period country house full of character, home comforts and good food. Phone Neil on 01688 400254. Beside the Seaside ... Roseland Guest House, Ayr. Ron invites you to enjoy Bed and Breakfast in his quiet, centrally located Victorian townhouse. For that totally relaxing break. (Not exclusive). Please Tel/Fax 01292 283435 for current prices. Birmingham, West Midlands Sebastion Guest House. Telephone: 0121-455 9459. Large Georgian house located in the city centre, close to the gay village, all rooms colour TV, double beds, tea/coffee, communal lounge, sun room and large gardens. Blackpool Regent Hotel. Telephone: Blackpool (01253) 22787. Recently refurbished, Late Bar, Happy hour daily, En-Suite available, Flamingo's concessions, Mid-week specials Mon-Fri ukp44 B/B, Fri-Mon B/B (excluding Bank Holidays). Single nights available. Call Ernest NOW to avoid disappointment. Brighton Shalimar Hotel, 23 Broad Street, BN2 1TJ. Exclusively gay in centre of gay village. Most rooms en-suite. Four poster for that special occasion. Full English breakfast. Tea/coffee. Fridge. Hairdryer. Colour Television. Clock Radio/alarm. Telephone. Residents'bar. Phone or Fax Kevin or Lawrence - 01273 605316. Brighton Women's guesthouse. Fantastic value accommodation from ukp11pp in a friendly atmosphere next to the sea - and you don't have to get up early! Leaflet: The Only Alternative Left, 39 St Aubyn's, Hove, Sussex. BN3 2TH. Telephone: 01273 324739. Scotland-Brighton direct train! Capital Accommodation Want a gay stay for a holiday or just a change of scene?!!! Aries Guest House offers a warm, friendly welcome to Edinburgh. Ten minutes from Princes Street, close to theatres, cinemas, shops and restaurant, clubs and bars. Telephone: 0131-229 4669. Central Private Hotel Mixed clientele, Junction 28 M1, short distance to Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, ALTON TOWERS, Sherwood Forest, Rooms En-suite, Licensed Restaurant, vegetarians, laundry service. Own front door key, no restrictions, Massage & Sunbed room. Weekend rates available. Phone: 01623 552373/Fax: 01623 443106. Fife - Scotland B&B Private Residence - central situation - convenient public transport - parking if required. Good facilities, relaxed friendly. Businessmen, UK tourists, overseas visitors, welcome - guys only. Telephone: Vic - 01592 201985. Glasgow Berkeley Hotel, 63 Berkeley Street, G3. Phone: 0141-204 5470 or 0141-221 7880. Central, gay friendly, TV room, pool room, self catering facilities, shared and doubles. Special midweek rates. New York and San Francisco Pride Travel has the largest selection of gay and lesbian friendly hotels, guest houses and apartments in New York, San Francisco and throughout the USA/Canada. For brochure, phone Pride Travel-USA on 01273 606656. New Zealand Accommodation SIGMA - South Island Gay Managed Accommodation, a network of accommodation for gays and lesbians visiting the South Island of New Zealand. For a free list, write to: Ron Harris, Shag Point, RD2 Palmerston, Otago, NZ or phone 00 64 3-465-1742. Scarborough Hotel Interludes, "Holiday Which" recommended, welcomes gay men/women. Friendly, peaceful atmosphere. Licensed. Unique theatre theme. Elegant, en-suite, non-smoking seaview bedrooms (double, twin, 4-poster). ukp24pp B&B with 5% discount for 4 nights and 12.5% for 7 nights. Phone Ian/Bob 01723 360513. Torquay Oscars Hotel is a gay family run hotel in the heart of Torquay's English Riviera. Single, Double & Triple rooms available all year round. Very comfortable 2 star accommodation and candlelit cellar restaurant. Call Ricky or Allan for details. 01803 293563. 10% discount on stays of three nights or more offered to ScotsGay readers! Want a friendly B&B? Balnacrive Guest House, Dulnain Bridge, by Grantown-on-Spey. Anne and Mary warmly welcome you to the Scottish Highlands. All sports and recreation available from walking to ski-ing. Please phone 01479 851228 for brochure. York Pauleda House Hotel, 123 Clifton, York. YO3 6BL. Enjoy superb accommodation centrally situated only minutes away from all the historic attractions. All rooms en-suite. Satellite TV, some Fourposters. Parking. B&B from ukp20 pppn. Family run. Gay Friendly. Tel: 01904 634745. Fax: 01904 621327. ----------------------------------------------------------------- BURNS COMPETITION ================= I'm afraid that we've had a rather poor response to our Burns Competition. So, we're only going to award one prize and that goes to Guy Buchan who has managed to catch the spirit of the bard with this short poem on a theme all too familiar to us today. Guy wins ukp50 which will be winging its way to him shortly. Our thanks the others who entered. Down in Black Mourning A poem by the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, who died at the age of 37 on July 21, 1996. Down in black mourning's no for me, Down in black mourning - spare me! When all my mates are cowered by AIDS I want to go fucking - dare me! Cauld blaw the warnings, death obsessed; Their drift is pointed, sairly; Sae loud and shrill they pierce my chest, The way they scare unfairly. To me the ads are worse than porn - At least they do not cheer me; And lang's the night frae e'en to morn Without a man to spear me. Guy Buchan ----------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL ============= by Rex Wockner RABID MOBS ATTACK ZIMBABWEAN GAY GROUP The group Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) fought back in court and won the right to staff a booth at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair (ZIBF), black Africa's main commercial and cultural publishing showcase, which ended Aug. 3. But once there, GALZ repeatedly was confronted by vicious mobs of homophobes. "We don't care what the High Court says," screamed public prosecutor Herbert Ushewokunze Junior, who joined one group of anti-gay hecklers. "This is the court of the people, not a court of poofs." Another mob chanted, "Gays must be destroyed." "GALZ must be completely destroyed," said economics student Nixon Nyikadzino. "They are here to rearrange the hormones of our youths." "We will smash them, we will kill them," shouted another protester. On the fair's final day a pack of 60 black men destroyed the GALZ stand - ripping down posters, overturning tables and setting fire to the group's literature. GALZ members had fled the booth 15 minutes earlier fearing for their lives. Earlier in the week, however, many people had stopped at the stand just to discuss or argue. "The GALZ stand is a vigorous discussion point," reported one visitor. "No other stand is getting this kind of crowd." GALZ's top opponents are Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and a host of other government officials. They successfully banned GALZ from last year's fair. This year, ZIBF vowed to stand up for GALZ but as the fair opened, the government wielded the Censorship and Entertainments Control Act, which prohibits material that is "undesirable" or "is likely to be associated with breaches of the peace, disorderly or immoral behaviour ..." At that point, GALZ headed to court. High Court Judge Wilson Sandura promptly declared: "The notice of prohibition is null and void and has no force or effect." A Swedish activist has set up an easy way to protest at GALZ's treatment. Letters to appropriate officials will be faxed to Zimbabwe in your name if you e-mail your name and address to skolander@bahnhof.se BULGARIAN GAYS CRUSHED Police have crushed the Bulgarian gay movement, an activist said in an Internet message. Writing in English, Angel Bliznachki, said: "The start of the last police action for total liquidation of [the gay organization] Flamingo ... and its members is the brutal rush in the organization's office. The police confiscated the cardfiles, the correspondence, the computer ... and other auxiliary technicals, advertising materials, merchandise, and [they] sealed the centre after a rude and demonstrative arrest of the employees." He said the raid followed "systematic repressions by the governmental structure and their satellites, [including] police spying, phone tapping, 'loss'of international and home correspondence, threats, regular [raids] in the places of gay gathering [and] document robberies. ... That motivated some murders." He called on "all the tolerant people in the world, public organizations and governments for moral, material and political help." He also asked for political asylum abroad for himself and his family, citing "constant police pressure on me" and "crudely fabricated accusations." Flamingo, 208 Tzar Simeon Street, Sofia 130, Bulgaria; and P.O. Box 64, Sofia 1680, Bulgaria. AUSTRIA Austrian body painter Karl Machhamer has invented a liquid condom that is painted onto the penis, reported Reuters. It is ready for use after seven minutes'drying time. One bottle of the liquid latex costs about $8 and will coat an average-sized penis three times, Reuters said. Your mileage may vary. BELARUS Word has only now reached the West that the former Soviet republic of Belarus legalized gay sex in 1991 - before any other former Soviet republic did so. Dr. A. Pimenov from the Belarus National Center for AIDS Prevention told Austrian activist Kurt Krickler that his center drafted the reform bill that Parliament passed. But the repeal was not publicized at all, he said. Pimenov also reported that the age-of-consent was equalized at 16 for gays and straights alike. Other former Soviet republics that are known to have legalized gay sex include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine. LATVIA Latvia's Association for Sexual Equality says it is busy uploading information into its new World Wide Web site. "It is not 100% complete, but already now you can find information about our group and its history, other events which took place in Latvia, as well as a gay guide to Riga," said Juris Lavrikovs. Lavrikovs said the URL is http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/parade/gf96 and e-mail lasv@com.latnet.lv NEW ZEALAND Gay protesters in Nelson prevented the Christian Fellowship from showing the anti-gay propaganda video "Gay Rights, Special Rights" recently, reported the Nelson Mail. The demonstrators entered the Senior Citizens Hall on Trafalgar Street and blocked the movie screen with banners. After police mediation, the gays and the Christians sat down to chat over tea and biscuits, according to the report. NORWAY About 200 blacks protested in Oslo, Norway after the Health Department urged African immigrants who believe they are HIV-positive to use condoms when they have sex with other Norwegians, reported Reuters. The protesters called the advice "racist." But government spokesman Roger Ingebrigtsen said: "It is an indisputed [sic] fact that people from these countries pose a risk group. "It is, however, important to stress that it is the act, not the colour or nationality, that poses the risk," he added. 244 of Norway's 1,584 HIV+ residents (15%) are African immigrants while only 1% of Norway's population is non-white. TURKEY A bill approved July 31 by the Turkish parliament's Justice Committee would expel people who have "unnatural sexual intercourse" from the military. The measure also targets men who visit prostitutes or "morally decadent women," according to information provided by the gay group Lambda Istanbul. ------------------------------------------------------------------- THE SHOWS SO FAR The Edinburgh Festivals are still in full swing until the end of August. Martin Powell has been living and sleeping Fringe Productions during Week 1 and now shares his experiences with us. One can often tell a lot about a production in Edinburgh before it has even started by simply looking at the stage, and nowhere is this clearer than in the two productions about Kenneth Williams on show this year. In Kenny Carries On (Diverse Attractions 15:00 until 24th) we see a stage with a bed, a chair, a desk and chair, a bookcase, and various other items. These are used in telling us a story about Kenneth Williams and his life and makes much of his sexuality, although it told me nothing I didn't know already. In any normal year this would be a perfectly acceptable play, unfortunately this year it is up against Think No Evil of Us: My Life with Kenneth Williams by David Benson (St John's Church Hall, various times until 31st). Actually this "life" with Kenneth Williams is over hyped - the author's connection is that at the age of 13 a story he had written was read by Kenneth Williams on Jackanory. In this show the stage is bare apart from a chair with a jacket hanging over it. This can only be described as a masterful theatrical triumph. As Benson comes on stage we see Kenneth Williams, as he speaks we hear Kenneth Williams, and for the next hour and a half we are with Kenneth Williams - except when we are at Benson's school at an all too plausible assembly, or with Benson himself today. Benson has no need of props, he can create a scene, such as Williams dining with three others at a restaurant, simply through the power of his acting. It is also clear that he has done considerable research to bring us this wonderful play. As usual Clyde Unity Theatre are back at Theatre Workshop (22:30 until 26th) and are back on form with Gagging with Mince & Tatties. This superb comedy is written by Stephen Docherty and features himself and John Binney. The play starts with Mince (Binney), a female patient at a psychiatric hospital, who is about to kill herself by throwing an electric fire into a bath when she is interrupted by her best friend, Tatties (Docherty), who tries to stop her. We then have a flashback to their first meeting as two 14 year olds in hospital. Mince is, at the time, a good Catholic girl while Tatties is streetwise and promiscuous. Mince wants a boyfriend and Tatties gives her some tips on how to get one. Needless to say, at 17, Mince ends up pregnant and dumped by her man. Some time later (it's too complicated to explain), Mince ends up in prison and discovers she is a lesbian, and is soon in a long term relationship. Much of the play is devoted to Tatties'efforts to sustain her relationship with Mince, often going to demented efforts to do so. There is also much imaginative use of props. Until seeing this play I had never seen a toilet used as a supermarket trolley. Be warned, this is playing in the studio theatre and when word gets out about just how good it is tickets are going to be impossible to find. This may also be a problem with quite a few other shows at Theatre Workshop who seem to have a knack for finding some of the best things on the Fringe. Shows selling out is unlikely to be a problem for Love Theatre Company's Stormin'(Gilded Balloon III 14:15 until 25th). This is the tale of a young man coming to terms with the fact that his lover has been killed by queer bashers who were inspired by an unscrupulous tabloid journalist. It is also the tale of a man who feels he has nothing in common with the gay scene and his lover who yearns to get back to the scene. It is also the story of the action this group take when the said journo is to appear in a pantomime in their area (I had some difficulty believing that bit). It is also a show with songs and quite a few subplots. This is the problem - there is enough material for half a dozen plays and crammed together like this it says none of the messages satisfactorily. If the actors wanted to see a play about gay issues done well all they have to do is pop around the corner to Southside and see Bradford Playhouse Touring Company's Behind the Aquarium at the Last Pizza Show (14:15 until 23rd). This excellent play by Jonathan Hall tells the story of Graham (Paul Chamins) a married man, and Gary (Simon Saunders) whom he meets by chance one lunchtime and their developing relationship. Graham is adjusting to recognising he is bisexual whereas Gary has no problems with his gayness, other than not having told his parents. This enthralling story follows their relationship and how it turns out over several years. This is the sort of quality production that makes the Fringe worthwhile. See it if you can. Alternatively see Lady Bracknell was a Lesbian by The Broken Dream Theatre Company (C 19:45 most days until 31st). This is a superb play written and directed by Gavin Armstrong - a name I feel sure will become much better known in future years. It tells the tale of Philip Andrews, an army private who is gay and of the problems of being gay and in the armed forces, it also deals with his mother's acceptance of his sexuality and the problems this causes her. However not only is the writing first rate so is the acting. At the time of writing I have not seen one of this Bristol based company's other works, I Can't Even Think Straight, but if this play is anything to go by it will be magnificent. EVA, who are running Hill Street Theatre and Moray House this year, have got some outstanding work on and have even managed to win 2 Fringe Firsts in week one. One of these was for Stratford-on-Guy Productions Martin and John (19:20 until 31st). This is based on the book Fucking Martin and is a powerful play about a man called John and the loss of his friends to AIDS. It is difficult to characterise Pantomime Prods Chloe Poems Healing Roadshow (Pleasance 23:45 until 31st). Imagine if you can a gay socialist transvestite poet, dressed in gingham, doing a show about faith healing and taking the piss out of everything from body builders to drag queens. So surreal it needs to be seen as a few lines can't do it justice. Just occasionally one sees a show one expects to be good and comes away amazed at how good it actually is. This is what happened with The Kosh in Endangered Species (Gilded Balloon 19:30 until 31st). This could be listed under comedy and revue, musicals, or theatre but is listed under dance. In fact it could hold its head up under any of these categories. Truly innovative dance that amuses and entertains. Looking at the notes I made at the time I see I used the words absolutely bloody spectacular, brilliant, superb, sheer poetry. I think you get the idea. However this wasn't the best thing I've seen. That award has to go to Compagnie Yvette Bozsik for Kafka Pieces. It is easy to forget between Festivals just how good Bozsik is but even for her this was astounding. A series of largely separate dances each featuring 2 or 3 dancers that captivate the audience with their originality, notability, and quality. Who needs to spend ukp30 at the International Festival on some pretentious new work by Mark Morris when for ukp6 one can see some of the finest dance in the world at the Famous Grouse House? In fact, this venue which is under new management, have put together a programme that is well worth close investigation as it seems to have quite a number of excellent things on. Martin Powell John Hein adds: Our thanks to Prominent Features for the photo for our front cover - a colour version of their own poster, no less! Never Has a Musa Sapientis looked finer. I hear that their show got 5 stars in The List not to mention getting onto the short leet for a Guardian award which it rightly deserves. The Caledonian Beer Festival proved to be an interesting experience. Lots of talent and lots of beer - so much so that I can't remember what the talent looked like which is probably just as well! The Chinese State Circus were very colourful, very professional and confirmed for me that I don't really like circus. Everybody else seemed to enjoy it immensely though, so don't let me put you off. Scott Capurro proved somewhat of a disappointment. His show, was, I felt, patronising and played out gay stereotypes to a largely hetty audience. Perhaps it might have worked differently with a predominantly gay audience. And I'm not the only person to think so. Something definitely not to be missed is L'Ultima Recital with Marianne James as a LARGE German soprano and Ariana Cadier as her accompanist. Playing to a disgracefully tiny audience at Pleasance Over The Road the night I was there, their show is a little gem. From opera to rock, this pair send it up something rotten but with fine musicianship. See it if you see nothing else. Camp par excellence. Jane Bom-Bane at the Spider's Web is a somewhat eclectic performer. But anybody in a mermaid's outfit with a revolving goldfish bowl on her head must be worth a visit. In passing at the Fringe Club, full marks to Earl Okin (surprise, surprise), whilst Kendal Mitch Cake II (The Second Helping) looked as if their combination of a conjuror and a singer with wicked reworkings of popular standards were worth further exposure. -------------------------------------------------------------------- REVIEWS ======= books By Angels Driven: The Films of Derek Jarman edited by Chris Lippard Flicks Books, ukp14.95 p.b. This is a very comprehensive guide to the films of Derek Jarman. It is an excellent compilation of facts which I am sure would be great for students of film and television and for true fans of Jarman. I found this book very hard going, as I am not a great fan, nor am I a student of film and television and personally had trouble trying to digest any of the information contained within. Good informative book but, in my opinion, it is definitely not worth ukp14.95. The Penguin Book of International Gay Writing edited by Mark Mitchell Penguin, ukp11.00 A fantastic collection of 47 outstanding short stories and excerpts, some of which have never been seen before and show the diversity of gay writing across the world. In this book there are writings from Plato to the Marquis de Sade, from Gustave Flaubert to Sigmund Freud, there is also an excerpt from one of my favourite novels of recent times (When Jonathan died by Tony Duvert). There is also one from Thomas Mann's Death in Venice (I still tremble with lust when I think of the movie). Sorry about that, I was drifting there, this book will, I feel, be snapped up quicker than you could say Tadzio (oh dear, there I go again) and if you like to read then you would be a complete moron if you did not buy what could turn out to be one of the greatest compilations of gay literature ever produced. I have no doubt at all in my mind that this will be one of the best purchases you will ever make in your lifetime. A real winner. The Blood Countess by Andrei Codrescu Quartet Books, ukp10.00 Spooky story about an American journalist of Hungarian descent who gets sent back to Hungary after the fall of communism just to find that his roots lie in the evils of medieval aristocratic society. Very well written and researched, this book made a nice change to the usual dribble of horror writers. It was very believable and at times I had the feeling that I was actually reading an autobiography. The author has combined in this book details of the life of Elizabeth Bathory taken from historical documents in the Hungarian State Archive and intertwined them skilfully into a Twilight Zone type story. Well worth reading and especially so on dark, windy and rainy nights in front of a crackling fire. The Men of Thailand: Guide to Thailand based on material by E.G. Allyn Floating Lotus, US$15.95 I've never been to Thailand, but looking at this book I've been getting itchy feet. I think I would call this book an essential part of anybody wanting to explore the gay Thai culture. Full of hints and tips and phrases I reckon that you really should try and get this book either before you go or even once you get there. Unfortunately I've been told that people had difficulties obtaining copies of this book in this country, but I've also been reliably informed that it is widely available in Thailand. And just to make you think, the following item appeared on CNN Text on 28.6.1996 Transvestite Volleyball Team claim Discrimination: Thailand's Top-All-Transvestite Volleyball Team claim they have been kept out of the national men's team because of their sexual preferences rather than a lack of skill. The twelve men - who have had plastic surgery, grown breasts and wear heavy make-up - represent Lampang Province. Last week they won the gold medal in Men's Volleyball at the National Games. Volleyball Association officials were unavailable for comment. New Boy by William Sutcliffe Penguin, ukp6.99 What a refreshing change to read a rite of passage book set in Britain rather than in the sweltering heat of the deep south or the dusty environs of the corn belt. I know all about growing up gay in those places due to the hundreds of books I've already read about this subject. But to read about a teenager growing up with the peculiar type of British homophobia and the even more peculiar British type of humour was a lovely change. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the escapades of Mark and his beautiful friend Barry. Always trying to impress, Mark never thought he could really be a closet poof. But Barry's arrival at his school throws his oh so wholesome world into a riot of confusion and self-doubt. And of course, being brought up in a Jewish household, contact with Gentiles is not nourished anyway and gay Gentiles are definitely out of the question. Anyway what can I say, I really enjoyed this insight into the mind of this confused teenager and I'm sure so will you. Flesh and Blood by Michael Cunningham Penguin, ukp6.99 It does seem as if all American writers these days are writing rite-of-passage books. This one is thinly disguised as a family anthropology but is basically just another book showing the difficulties growing up differently in a society riddled with preconceptions, homophobia and a general fear of anything nonconformist. It's a sometimes entertaining, sometimes boring, sometimes exciting, but mostly it is an American book of little or no relevance to British readers. Although well written, it's not a literary masterpiece and I don't think it will be very popular in Britain. The Femme Mystique edited by Lesla Newman Alyson Publications, ukp8.99 This one is for all you femmes, whether you are a femme top, femme bottom, high femme, ultra femme, a femme who sleeps with other femmes, a femme-on-the-street-butch-in-the-sheet-femme, a furious femme, a former femme, a future femme or a forever femme. There'll definitively be something for you in this book. Lesla Newman has brought together a wealth of femme writing in this wonderful book. She challenges the stereotype views of too many in the lesbian community, that to be a real lesbian you've got to be a shapeless, unshaven parody of a male. And good on her, 'cause like many others I've had my run-ins with these often manhating people. I remember vividly an episode in my youth, when I was at an Anti-Nuclear Power demo in Torness and walking along the soon to be destroyed beach I heard the angelic voice of a woman singing in the distance. Inexorably I was drawn towards the heavenly sounds emanating from the sand dunes, and found a group of women around a fire listening transfixed to that voice. Suddenly one of these women (looking very butch) saw me standing there, pointed at me and screeched: "There's a fucking man there!" This resulted in a general chorus of abuse and screaming and I took to the hills. Unfortunately this incident has stayed with me all this time, and I've found it hard to tolerate the butch lesbians. But I'm waffling here, all I'm really saying is that I enjoyed this book tremendously and without wanting to sound too patronising I would advice all you dykes out there to widen your horizons with this one. Dangerous Pleasures: A Decade of Stories by Patrick Gale Flamingo, ukp15.99 I have always felt that one of the hardest things to do is to write short stories, especially the ones that grip you from start to finish. Nevertheless, this is exactly what Patrick Gale has achieved and here is a collection of his most brilliant pieces together for the first time ever. His subjects are wide ranging and various, he explores the subtle boundaries that shift between the fantastic and the shockingly real . This book really cannot be left on the shelf - you must pick it up and read it. Your book collection will not be complete without this one. GO OUT AND BUY IT. My Search for Warren Harding by Robert Plunket Quartet Books, ukp7.00 p.b. Warren Harding, twenty ninth president of the United States, died in office in 1929. Elliot Wiener, the hero of this novel, is an expert on this obscure president and when he discovers that Harding's mistress is still alive and may still be in possession of his love letters to her he becomes obsessed by the prospect of publishing them. Does he get them? Does he publish? Who does he have to see to get them? I of course cannot tell you, so you shall have to read it for yourself. Hilarious, sad, painfully poignant are just some of the ways to describe this book. You should save this one for a rainy day and savour it at leisure behind locked doors and after reading it you will see rainbows through tears of joy. Go out and get this one and REMEMBER : never ever try to flush a rat down the loo, it just does not work !!!!. Partings at Dawn edited by Stephen D. Miller Gay Sunshine Press, US$19.95 Partings at Dawn is the most comprehensive collection of homo-erotic writings emanating from Japan you could ever wish to lay your eyes on. From the anonymous writings from the 12th century, from which this book derives it name, via the poignant 14th century Story of Kannon's Manifestation As A Youth and the many poems from all ages, right to the outright randy writings of the present day authors, it's all there. The quality of the writing and the translation is exceptional and gives the reader a very pleasant insight into the gay history of this fascinating culture. I always knew there was more to the Japanese than HiFis and Camcorders. You've simply got to read this book. music A Twist Of The Rope by Mike Parker Jongleur JNL-CD1 The heart of a journo can sink no faster than when he's presented with a CD and asked to review it by the artiste's lover. If it's crap (and it usually is) how can one preserve a friendship? Not so with this particular disc - from the first track to the last - I was entranced. Harp music, from Celtic nations of all flavours. Just the perfect accompaniment to keep you sane whilst typing in all the Meet Market box ads. And, knowing Mike and Richard, could there just be a little double entendre in the title? I am assured that the promo photo is exclusive to ScotsGay and is NOT for the straight press! John Hein video Euro Boy - Tender Young Lust Prowler Press 60min Some nice shots of Liverpool Ferries here coupled with some even nicer shots of young Liverpool men getting down to the sorts of things that Councillor Steve Radford might approve of! With muzak by Pet Shop Boys, this compilation of six 'fresh faced youths'should prove popular. And there even appeared to be something sticky dribbling down one of their chests - wonder where that could have come from? Forbidden Zone Prowler Press 60min Another one for the transport enthusiasts with some entertaining shots of Russian trolley buses and planes. The plot is pretty threadbare - English boy visits Russian penfriend and then goes shagging his way across Russia. But the bodies are nice, the action is hot and who cares about plot anyway? Boys In Boots Load Inc 56 mins If you're into footwear, you'll like this one. A selection of eight All British Boys - one of them with piercings - but all with that gormless slightly ruff look that appeals to so many perves. The boot shots link the action but don't dominate it. Justin Milne film To save you spending money on air flights you may like to consider the Latin American Film Festival from 6th to 19th September running concurrently in Glasgow and London. A hit Cuban movie of the past has a gay leading man in "Strawberry and Chocolate" plus "Gay Cuba" covering three decades with gay and lesbian Cubans telling their stories of harassment and acceptance. The Edinburgh Film Festival previewed "The Incredibly True Adventure of 2 Girls In Love" about the problems at school of attractive American lesbian gay teenagers coming out and the general release date is 20th September. For me, however, "A Time To Kill" (opens 13th Sept) is the movie to track down as it launches a new leading man you are likely to approve of called Matthew McConaughey and a plotline that engrosses. In the American south a ten year old black girl is brutally raped and assaulted by two racist thugs on a drunken spree. In an act of passionate retribution her father kills both of them. Matthew is the idealistic young lawyer who defends him in court. This is the first of a spate of McConaughey films coming our way and a cover story on a recent "Vanity Fair" says he is the hottest new male to hit the screen in years. Those who prefer the calmer times of the Jane Austen novels will enjoy "Emma" that opens on the same day, and has Brad Pitt's girlfriend, Gwyneth Paltrow, in the lead. She matchmakes her friends in the rural Britain of 200 years ago with a charm that makes you understand completely why Mr Pitt loves her offscreen. It is a worthy addition to the Austen stories filmed recently particularly because the leading men, Jeremy Northam and Ewan McGregor, fulfil many of our fantasies. A mystery to rivet you is "Diabolique" (6th Sept opening) with Sharon Stone as a teacher in a school where the headmaster's dead body is found floating in the swimming pool. It kept me intrigued. Christopher Eccelston has been appearing in TV plays for years and now has his first lead on the big screen in "Jude" (4th Oct opening) based on a Thomas Hardy Victorian novel. Wearing glasses as an accountant in "Shallow Grave" didn't make the most of the Eccelston impact that generates considerable excitement in "Jude". But a story about unmarried couples who live together and the disapproval it brings is slightly out of touch with audiences in this day and age. This is a pity because Mr Eccleston has the potential of an international star. "Striptease" (opens 20th Sept) has Demi Moore fighting for the custody of her daughter and showing her magnificent, rumour has it silicone enhanced, body in strip shows so she can afford the court cases. "Mr Reliable" (opens 27th Sept) is a worth seeing Australian comedy about a police siege of a house occupied by a small-time crook with a very desirable leading man - Colin Friels. Save on a holiday to Hong Kong by watching "Fallen Angels" (opens 6th Sept) - a fast action thriller with a Chinese cast constrained by a hand camera and a noticeably limited budget. Anyone who remembers the bizarre Andy Warhol movies of the sixties could be pleased to know seven of them are available on video from September with the mesmerizing Joe Dallesandro. The Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 that attracted six hundred thousand people was filmed by Murray Lerner and it has taken him 25 years to raise the money to post-produce the film that is now on a Warner video. It has the last stage performances of Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison with The Doors plus the backstage dramas of an event where the availability of marijuana and LSD meant many of the audience neither knew nor cared what was happening. Malcolm Epstien --------------------------------------------------------------------- LISTINGS ======== We TRY to provide Scotland's most up-to-date and accurate listings. If your group isn't listed, - or if your entry needs updating - please write to ScotsGay with full details. We're not clairvoyant: If we don't know about it, it just won't go in! We'd also like to know about your forthcoming events and meetings. Although many of the listings are for specific towns, they often cover a much wider area. If in doubt, you can always phone one of the Switchboards for more information. Write to:- ScotsGay Listings, Pageprint Limited, PO Box 666, Edinburgh EH7 5YW, Fax them to: 0131-558 1262 or e-mail them to scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk. NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND is Scotland's oldest lesbian, gay and bisexual rights organisation. It was founded in 1969 as the Scottish Minorities Group, later became the Scottish Homosexual Rights Group and changed its name to OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND in December 1992. OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND owns the Edinburgh Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre. To contact, write to: The Secretary, OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND, 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA or send e-mail to tmh@dcs.ed.ac.uk DUNDEE: OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND Dundee Focus Group for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals meets 4th Thursday of each month at 7pm in the YMCA Special Projects Office, 76 Bell Street. Write to: PO Box 104, Dundee. DD1 3DU. Why not join OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND? Membership is ukp12 waged, ukp6 low-waged (under ukp10,000 pa) and ukp3 unwaged. Life membership is ukp150. Please make out your cheque/Postal Order to OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND and send to The Membership Secretary, OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND, 58a Broughton Street, EDINBURGH. EH1 3SA. LESBIAN ARCHIVE AND INFORMATION CENTRE: The UK's largest and most significant collection of materials relating to lesbian lives. LAIC (at Glasgow Women's Library) 109 Trongate, Glasgow. G1 5HD. Tel: 0141-552 8345. Open Tue-Fri 1-6pm and Sat 2-5pm. WWW: http://www.quine.org.uk/resources/glasgow_womens_library/lesbian_archive.html. PRIDE SCOTLAND: Pride Scotland organises the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Pride event in Scotland, which will next be held (probably in Edinburgh) in 1997. Phone: 0131-556 8822. Or write: c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL. E-mail: pridescotland@drink.demon.co.uk. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/pride/. All kinds of help are urgently required all year round! LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ABERDEEN: North East of Scotland Gay Group caters for all ages and meets at 7.30pm on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Phone Ron on Aberdeen (01224) 312547 (7-11pm) for information or write to: PO Box 129, Aberdeen. AB10 7QT. Swim or Social most Wednesdays: Phone David on Aberdeen (01224) 317552. Icebreakers is a social group which meets on Friday evenings. Contact Aberdeen Switchboard for details. AYR: Ayrshire Forum is a group for gay men, lesbians and bisexuals providing support and acting as a social focus. Write c/o The Leisure Centre, 24 Wellington Square, Ayr. CAITHNESS GAY AND LESBIAN CONNECTION: A friendly informal group which meets regularly. Write to: Box 689, Journal Office, 42 Union Street, Wick, Caithness. KW1 5ED. CENTRAL REGION: Forth Friend has a disco (1st Saturday of most months) and a social group which meets every third Saturday. The Forth Friend phoneline operates each Monday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Stirling (01786) 471285. Or write to: PO Box 28, Stirling. FK9 5YW. DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY: Regular social meetings - usually every second Thursday. For details of all events: phone Dumfries (01387) 269161 Thursdays 7.30–9.30pm or write to Dumfries and Galloway Lesbian and Gay Group, PO Box 1299, Dumfries. DG1 2PD. DUNDEE: Tay Friend, holds regular social meetings for gay men. Write to: Tayfriend, PO Box 182, Dundee. DD1 9UP. EDINBURGH: Icebreakers is an alternative to the scene and takes place between 7pm and 8pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each calendar month in the Blue Moon, 36 Broughton Street. Phone Lothian Switchboard for details. ELGIN: Moray Gay Switchboard is trying to get off the ground. For more details, telephone Bobby on Elgin (01343) 542928. MuGGs meets second Wednesday of each month 7.30pm in the Cat's Whiskers pub in New Elgin. Also meets every Saturday 3.30-5pm for informal coffee afternoon in La Fontaine (lower ground floor of St Giles shopping mall). Sunday afternoon outing take place every 2nd and 4th Sunday. 2nd November: Mega Bonfire Bash - ukp3 per ticket (inc. food). 21st December: Fancy Dress Christmas Party "Gays thru the ages" - ukp10 ticket (inc. food). Phone Bobby on Elgin (01343) 542928 for details. Or write: MuGSs1, 2-4 Lamb Street, Bishopmill, Elgin. IV30 2DG. FIFE FRIEND: Small voluntary phoneline offering support, advice and information to lesbians and gay men within Fife. Friday: 7.30pm–10.30pm. Telephone: Kirkcaldy (01592) 266688. Write to PO Box 19, Kirkcaldy, Fife. KY1 3JF. Runs a monthly disco. GLASGOW: Glasgow Gay & Lesbian Centre Project, fundraising, campaigning and social group. Committee meetings held on 1st Saturday each month at 2pm in the Centre, open to all. Write to Glasgow Gay & Lesbian Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL or contact 0141-221 7203 (phone/fax). Childcare expenses and BSL interpreter available - please give advance notice. E-mail: gglc@gglc.org.uk. WWW: http://www.gglc.org.uk/gglc/ Glasgow Gay Group is an informal social group for gay men. Has a regular weekly pub night as well as running other social events like theatre, cinema, bowling, etc. Phone: Steve on 0141-339 7395 - preferably on Mon or Tues evenings. Icebreakers Cafe - An alternative to the gay scene - First Sunday in each month. 12.30–3.30pm in Austin's Bar, 183a Hope Street, Glasgow. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard. HAMILTON: Lanarkshire Gay Men's Group is a group which meets every Wednesday. Social and educational events. Details from Phace West: 0141-332 3838. INVERCLYDE: Inverclyde Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Group meets every Tuesday 7-10pm. Details from Joe Hammill on Greenock (01475) 745903. INVERNESS: Gay Group meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 28 Huntly Street. Phone Andrew on Inverness (01463) 711585 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or write to: PO Box 67, Inverness. IV1 2XX. PAISLEY: Paisley Forum is a social group for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and our allies. Meets Paisley Arts Centre, New Street on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month 8.30-10.30pm. Details: Phone Sandra on 0141-887 2649 or contact Strathclyde Switchboard. WOMEN'S GROUPS ABERDEEN LESBIAN GROUP: Meets every Wednesday 8-10pm in the Women's Centre, Shoe Lane. Phone Aberdeen (01224) 625010 or 627415 for details. DUNDEE: Sumbiddies Dachters (Lesbian Support Group) meets at 7pm every second Tuesday at Women's Health & Family Project, 1 Russell Project, Hilltown, Dundee. DD3 7RU. 3rd September: Meal Night (ukp2 per head). 17th September: Aromatherapy/Massage Workshop. Telephone: 01382 810230. EDINBURGH: AD Group: For lesbians 45+ (younger lesbians who support the concerns of lesbians 45+). Meetings for discussion and support. For more details, phone Lesbian Line. Dykes Nytes Out: social events for couples and singles in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Write to: PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. Edinburgh Bisexual Group meets every Thursday at 8pm-9.30pm in the Edinburgh Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre, 58a Broughton Street. All welcome. Lesbian Line 0131-557 0751, Mondays and Thursdays 7.30–10pm. For information, advice and counselling in confidence. Write to: PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3UU. Lesbian Mothers Group: Phone: Sue Robertson - 0131-556 3899/4563. Or write: One Parent Scotland, 13 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh. EH1 3NX. LIAS: Lesbian Information And Support. A new self help group which meets fortnightly at 40 Shandwick Place (EAMH Meeting Room). Hopes to offer help and support and to provide a comfortable environment to meet and discuss problems/issues for the lesbian community in the Lothians. Phone: 0131-225 8508. Women's Network: PO Box 159, Edinburgh. EH7 5EL. GLASGOW: Dykes Nytes Out: social events for couples and singles in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Write to: PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. Glasgow Women's Library, 4th/5th Floors, 109 Trongate, G1 5HD. Tel: 0141-552 8345. Open Tue-Fri 1-6pm. Sat 2-5pm. Closed Mon. Lending and reference library - books, magazines, journals, videos, leaflets and information. UK and overseas feminist and lesbian publications. Contains the Lesbian Archive and Information Centre - a unique national collection of publications, journals and ephemera by and for lesbians. WWW: http://www.quine.org.uk/resources/glasgow_womens_library/ Lesbian Avengers: Meets regularly. Phone 0141-552 8345 for details. Lesbian Line: 0141-552 3355 Wednesdays 7-10pm. Write to: PO Box 686, Glasgow. G3 7TL enclosing an sae for monthly 'Lavender Listing'. Lesbian Mothers Group: Meets every second Monday at 7pm. Support group, pub nights, informal chat. Crêche and fares help available. Phone Lynne on 0141-221 7150. Lesbian Networking Meeting: Contact Glasgow Lesbian Line for meeting details and Lynne on 0141-221 7150 for childcare information. Lesbian Sports Group: Squash, badminton, tennis. Meets weekly. Phone Glasgow Lesbian Line for details. Lesbian Youth Action: Contact Lindsay Jane Morgan c/o Glasgow Lesbian Line. Olderwomen's Group: Contact Glasgow Lesbian Line for details. Team Caledonia West Women's Cycling Group: Phone Women in Sport on 0141-227 5933 for details. Women's Softball Group: Meets weekly. Contact Glasgow Lesbian Line for details. INVERNESS: Out and About is a friendly lesbian social group that gets together once a month. Write to: PO Box 91, Inverness. IV1 2GJ. LESBIAN INFORMATION SERVICE: PO Box 8, Todmorden, Lancashire. OL14 5TZ. Please enclose an sae. Phone/Fax: Todmorden (01706) 817235. BISEXUALS DUNDEE: New group forming. Phone: Cathy, c/o Dundee Switchboard or write: PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1 3YG. EDINBURGH BISEXUAL GROUP: Meets every Thursday at 8pm-9.30pm in the Edinburgh Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre, 58a Broughton Street. There's an excellent programme of talks and speakers usually followed by a visit to a local pub for socialising. Phone Bisexual Line on 0131-557 3620. EDINBURGH SM BI GROUP: Meets regularly. Write: Edinburgh SM Bis, 58a Broughton Stret, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. GLASGOW BI WOMEN'S GROUP: Meet 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at the Centre for Women's Health. For details, write: FAO Carole, c/o Centre for Women's Health, 6 Sandyford Place, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. G3 7NB. E-mail: (mark mail FAO Carole) c.lamphard@strath.ac.uk. WWW: http://www.quine.org.uk/gbwg/. ATHEISTS/HUMANISTS EDINBURGH FREETHINKERS: An informal network of militant atheists (with one militant humanist agnostic atheist). Write to: PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW or e-mail god@drink.demon.co.uk GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION (GALHA): A group for non religious lesbians gays and bisexuals which promotes an enlightened, rational Humanist approach to homosexuality. Details from GALHA National Office, 34 Spring Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2HB. Phone/Fax: Kenilworth (01926) 58450. BEARS BEARS'CLUB UK: For hairy men and admirers. Meets in the New Town Bar, Edinburgh on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8.30pm. Write to: BCUK, 56 Albert Street, Beswick, Manchester. M11 3SU. BEREAVEMENT LESBIAN & GAY BEREAVEMENT PROJECT: Lesbians and gay men needing advice and support can ring 0181-455 8894 at any time. Or write to: Lesbian & Gay Bereavement Project, Vaughan M Williams Centre, Colindale Hospital, London. NW9 5HG. BIKERS GAY BIKERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: A UK-wide club for women and men. Active Scottish section. Write for details to GBMCC, PO Box 33, Nottingham. NG10 2BF. CHRISTIANS EVANGELICAL: Lesbian or gay? From an Evangelical tradition? So are we. Phone: Ewan on Polmont (01324) 715542 or write: EF(LGCM), 13 Westbrook Drive, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK10 3AQ. HOLY TRINITY METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH: An inclusive church of the lesbigay and trangendered community open to all irrespective of sexuality. Services: first and third Sunday of each month at 6pm in the Quaker Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh and third Sunday of each month at 1pm in the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre, Dixon Street, Glasgow. Phone John on 0131-556 1309. Write: Holy Trinity MCC, PO Box 12433, Edinburgh. EH1 3FU. E-mail: mcc@tattoo.ed.ac.uk. L&GCM: Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement. Scottish Helpline 0141-334 2286 or write to PO Box 1436, Glasgow. G31 2NY. QUAKERS: Quaker Lesbian and Gay Fellowship (formerly Friends'Homosexual Fellowship) is a welcoming and supportive national group for people of all sexual orientations and their friends. Write to: Ruth, 3 Hallsfield, Cricklade, Swindon, Wilts. SN6 6LR. QUEST: Organisation for Roman Catholic men and women who are gay. Monthly meetings are held in Glasgow and Edinburgh. For information, call Linkline Glasgow on 0141-552 8328. Sunday 7-10pm. Or you can write to: Quest, PO Box 280, Glasgow. G12 0AW. COMMUNICATIONS BORDERS BULLETIN BOARD: Computer based info every evening 6pm-8am. Hawick (01450) 377877. To get at the Gay areas, leave a message for the SYSOP asking for access. CHAPPS BBS: 24 hour board operating at speeds up to 28,800. 0131-539 1132 or 0131-538 3345 (speeds up to 14,400) Fido echoes. LAMBDA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (EUROPE): Europe's only club for gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered amateur radio enthusiasts and their friends. Sae to: LARC, PO Box 2782, Brighton. BN1 7LJ. LAMBDA BOARD - EDINBURGH: A free 24 hour computer based bulletin board system. Private mailboxing, areas for Women, Gay Men, Bisexuals, Leather Enthusiasts, TV/TSs, etc. 0131-556 6316. Scrolling (8N1) and Viewdata (Prestel) formats at speeds up to V22bis (2400/2400). CULTURAL GAY CALEDONIAN ASSOCIATION: Social group for kilt wearers and friends. Meets in Glasgow on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. Phone Bill on 0141-646 1513. INTERNATIONAL KILT APPRECIATION SOCIETY (IKAS): Contact and social group for guys interested in viewing/wearing kilts. Regular newsletter: SAE Mervyn Tacy, 'Ziveli', 20 Ordsall Park Road, RETFORD, Notts, DN22 7PA. LONG YANG CLUB: An international organisation for gay orientals and interested people of other nationalities. Promotes social events, education and mutual help services and publishes a magazine. Phone Ray: 0131-336 1287. WESTERN STARS: Western style line and partner dancing for gays, lesbians and friends of goodwill. Thursdays at the Glasite Meeting House, Barony Street, Edinburgh. Beginners: 6.45pm. Others: 7.45pm. Phone: 0131-453 3284. WILD WILD WEST: C&W line dancing group. Every Wednesday. Partick Burgh Halls (Lesser Hall), Glasgow. 7-8.30pm. Phone: Brian Ross on 0141-333 0827. DRINK PROBLEMS If you are a lesbian or gay man with a drink problem and want help and advice, ring Tom on 0141-770 6599, 7 days a week anytime. Tom refers to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but does preparatory work. FORCES AT EASE: An advice service to armed forces personnel and their families on any subject. Free, independent, confidential, impartial. Write: 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6LS or phone (Sundays 5-7pm only) 0171-247 5164. RANK OUTSIDERS: Support group of Lesbian and Gay Ex Armed Forces Personnel. No rank distinctions. Write:Rank Outsiders, BCM Box 8431, London. WC1N 3XX or telephone Regional Director Robb Nunn on 0131-332 9662. National Helpline: 0171-566 0044 Wed 7-9pm. HEALTH MATTERS BODY POSITIVE (GLASGOW): Providing support for those HIV+ and with AIDS in the West of Scotland. Phone: 0141-332 5010. Or write: 3 Park Quadrant, Glasgow. G3 6BS. E-mail: bpstrathclyde@enterprise.net. BODY POSITIVE (GRAMPIAN): Support and assistance for gay men with HIV/AIDS. Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 404408. Or write to: PO Box 83, Aberdeen. BODY POSITIVE (LOTHIAN): Phone to speak to a gay positive person 1:1 on 0131-652 0754 Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 10am-4pm, Thur 10am-7pm. Or write to: 37-39 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh. EH7 5DJ. BODY POSITIVE (TAYSIDE): Self help for HIV+ people on Dundee (01382) 461555 Tue, Wed Thu 10am-4pm. CENTRE FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH: 6 Sandyford Place, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Open Tue-Thur 10am-4.30pm (other times by arrangement). Fully accessible. Telephone: 0141-211 6700 (Minicom: 0141-211 6701). DOT (DUNDEE OUTREACH TEAM): Harm Reduction Centre, 55 Constitution Road, Dundee. DD1 1LB. Telephone: 01382 201919. Sexual health and relevant issues for gay and bisexual men. Free and confidential service. Drop in coffee shop: Sat 2-5pm. Friendly and informal. FRIENDS FOR LIFE: Provides support and information in Glasgow and surrounding areas to people affected by terminal or long term chronic illness. ie Cancer, AIDS, MS, etc. Please call 0141-204 2202 or write to Friends for Life, 5th Floor, 52 St Enoch Square, Glasgow. G1 4DH. GALUP: Gay and Lesbian United Programme. Promotes health issues among lesbians gays and bisexuals in the Dundee area. Write: c/o YMCA Special Projects Office, 76 Bell Street, Dundee. GAY MEN'S HEALTH: A voluntary sector project for gay men, bisexual men and men who have sex with men. Services include counselling, group work, drop-in services, education/ training services and resource development. Spittal Street Centre, 22-24 Spittal Street, Edinburgh. EH3 9DU. Telephone: 0131-229 5995. GLASGOW BARS AIDS WELFARE FUND: Raises funds for various HIV/AIDS projects in the Glasgow area. PO Box 3954, Glasgow. G51 4RA. GLASGOW HIV CARERS SUPPORT GROUP: Phone: 0141-353 2979. Or write to: Church House, 340 Cathedral Street, Glasgow. G1 2BQ. GRAMPIAN AIDS LINE: Aberdeen (01224) 574000 Tuesdays and Fridays 7–9pm or write to GAL, PO Box 250, Aberdeen. PAISLEY SUPPORT GROUP: For people with HIV, partners, friends and family. Meets Tues 1.30-3.30 at The Wynd, School Wynd (off Moss Street). Phone: 0141-842 7203. PHACE WEST: A locally based and managed agency for people affected by HIV/AIDS serving Glasgow and the West of Scotland. 49 Bath Street, Glasgow. G2 2DL. Phone: 0141-332 3838 (Fax: 0141-332 3755). E-mail: 101606.3052@compuserve.co.uk. POSITIVE HELP: Practical help for people who are HIV+ or who have AIDS and their families, children, friends and carers. 64a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. Phone: 0131-558 1122. REACH OUT HIGHLAND: encourages and supports people throughout the Highlands - whether living there or visiting - to take responsibility for, manage, and make informed choices about their sexual health and well-being. 28 Huntly Street, Inverness. Phone: Inverness (01463) 711585. SOLAS NATIONAL HIV INFORMATION CENTRE: 2/4 Abbeymount, Edinburgh. EH8 8EJ. Information, advice and cafe. Information centre: Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri - 11-4pm. Wed, 5-9pm. Phone: 0131-659 5116. STEVE RETSON PROJECT: Weekly sexual health service for gay men. Tuesday 5.30-9pm. Department of GU Medicine, Main Outpatient Department, Royal Infirmary, 16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow. NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE: 0800 567123. A Freephone, 24 hour service for confidential advice and information. LEATHER MSC SCOTLAND: MSC Scotland, PO Box 28, Head Post Office, Edinburgh. EH3 5JL. MSC Scotland is a member of the European Federation of Motorcycle Clubs. LEGAL GAY AND LESBIAN LEGAL ADVICE: GLAD is a London based advice line run by lesbian and gay lawyers. Phone: 0171-831 3535 (Mon-Fri 7-9.30pm). State clearly that you seek Scottish legal advice as our law is very different from that of England and Wales. ORDERS ORDER OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE: The Sisters and Brothers of the OPI are part of a world wide order of queer men and women of all sexualities which is open to all who feel the habit. Its tenets are: The expurgation of stigmatic guilt and the promulgation of universal joy. Contact Sister Solicitation OPI, c/o 60 Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. OUTDOOR CLUBS GAY OUTDOOR CLUB: Holds regular events including walking, cycling, swimming, hillwalking, windsurfing, cross-country skiing, camping and youth hostelling etc. Also holds regular swimming/social meetings in Edinburgh and Glasgow. For more details about GOC, write (enclosing an A5 sae) to: GOC, PO Box 24, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 8YZ or ring one of the Scottish Contacts:- East: Grant on 0131-556 8705 (Hill-walking), John on 0131-226 2341 (Swimming), Iain on 0131-539 0715 (Cycling). West: Douglas on 0141-848 6643. North: Michael on Inverness (01463) 230651. GAY RAMBLING GROUP: Walks on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Phone Robert on 0141-427 1511. OVER FORTIES PHŒNIX: The only national group for the over forties and friends of any age. Write (enclosing an sae) to: Phœnix, PO Box 103, Wallington, Surrey. SM6 9SJ. THEATRE PROJECT: A collaboration of lesbians and gay men working on a project leading up to a theatre production in Glasgow in Autumn 1996. They are interested in meeting women and men who had homosexual experiences and/or relationships in Scotland pre-1970 and are willing to share their stories for research purposes. Write: MCT, c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. PARENTS PARENTS'FRIEND: Phone: 0113-267 4627 from 7.30-10pm. Or write to: Voluntary Action Leeds, Stringer House, 34 Lupton Street, Hunslett, Leeds. LS10 2QW. SCOTTISH PARENTS ENQUIRY SERVICE: Support for parents of lesbians and gay men. Contact via Lothian Switchboard or write to SPE, PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3UU POLITICAL DELGA: Democrats for Lesbian and Gay Action - write to 4 Cowley Street, London. SW1P 3NB or e-mail archdruid@cix.compulink.co.uk LABOUR CAMPAIGN FOR LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS: Works within the Labour and Trades Union movement to secure equality for lesbians and gay men. Contact PO Box 306, LONDON N5 2SY. Local Groups throughout the UK. LESBIAN AND GAY FREEDOM MOVEMENT: LGFM is a movement to bring Anarchist ideas and ideals to lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and to make sexuality a major campaigning issue for all anarchists. Details (3 postage stamps please) from LGFM, BM Box 207, LONDON. WC1N 3XX LIBERAL PARTY LESBIAN AND GAY CAMPAIGN: Phone: Southport (01704) 500115 (day), 0151-259 5935 (ansaphone), write to: Liberal Party Lesbian & Gay Campaign, 41 Sutton Street, Liverpool. L13 7EG or e-mail: libgay@libparty.demon.co.uk TORCHE: Tory Campaign for Homosexual Equality - write: BM TORCHE, London WC1N 3XX. RAPE/SEXUAL ABUSE RAPE AND ABUSE LINE: For male and female survivors. Women: Dingwall (01349) 865316 7-10pm nightly. Men: Dingwall (01349) 862686 Mon and Wed 7-10pm. Or write: PO Box 10, Dingwall. IV15 9LH. SCIENCE FICTION DELANEY'S CHILDREN: Meets every 1st Sunday of the month in Edinburgh from 3-4.30pm. Contact Jane on 0131-556 6109. GLASGOW GAY SCIENCE FICTION SOCIETY: Meets every 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Paul on 0141-339 9176. S/M EDINBURGH SM BI GROUP: Meets regularly. Write: Edinburgh SM Bis, 58a Broughton Stret, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. SM GAYS: Write to SM Gays, BM SM Gays, London. WC1N 3XX. E-mail: bandanas@dircon.co.uk SPORTS ALTERNATIVE WRESTLERS EUROPE: A European-wide gay/bisexual wrestling organisation organised from Glasgow. Contact c/o Alternative Sports, PO Box 437, Glasgow. G42 8HU, phone 0973 310416 or e-mail 100022.2554@compuserve.com BRITISH GAY AND LESBIAN SPORTS FEDERATION: Encourages participation in sport. Write (with sae) to BGLSF, Central Station, 37 Wharfdale Road, London. N1 9SE. EDINBURGH ALTERNATIVE WRESTLING CLUB: Phone Derek on 0131-467 1465. EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S RUNNING CLUB: Meets for 3-4 mile casual local run. Call Alistair: 0131-661 0008. GAY BODYBUILDERS/WEIGHTRAINERS CLUB: contact Winston Duncan on 0171-379 3480 for contact with Scottish members and nationally. Club produces "Iron-Up" magazine as part of ukp25 membership. GAY FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS NETWORK: Glasgow group holds monthly meetings in Squires Bar. For further details, please contact Ewan on 0141-779 2321 or write enclosing sae c/o Phace West, 49 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 2DL. STUDENTS Many Universities and Colleges have Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Societies. Contact these via your Student Union or Student Association. Many are open to non-students living in the area. There are also groups covering wider areas run in conjunction with the National Union of Students - East of Scotland: Write to Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Officer, East of Scotland Area NUS, 11 Broughton Market, Edinburgh. EH3 6NU or phone on 0131-556 6598. North of Scotland: Write to Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Officer, North of Scotland Area NUS, University of Aberdeen, 50/52 College Bounds, Aberdeen, AB2 3DS. West of Scotland: Write to Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Officer, West of Scotland Area NUS, Cathcart House, Langside College, 50 Prospecthill Road, Glasgow. G42 9LB. You can contact the NUS Scottish Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Officer on 0131-556 6598 or write to NUS Scotland, 11 Broughton Market, Edinburgh. EH3 6NU. E-mail: nus-scot@dircon.co.uk. TEACHERS EIS GAY AND LESBIAN NETWORK: Write c/o 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6EH. Or contact Simon Macaulay, Assistant Secretary, on 0131-225 6244. TV/TS ABERDEEN: Crossdressing Group. Contact Aberdeen Switchboard for details. EDINBURGH: Scottish TV/TS Group meets in private rooms every last Saturday each month except December. Ring Lothian Switchboard for further information. GLASGOW: Crosslynx meets second Wednesday of each month from 7pm-10pm. Phone Strathclyde Switchboard for more details. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT VISUAL IMPAIRED GAY GROUP SCOTLAND (VIGG): Offers a listening ear and support to women and men in close co-operation with the Lesbigay Disability Forum. Phone Colin and Jim: Dumfries (01387) 261679. WORKPLACE GMB: Contact Mary Harrison, Regional Equal Rights Officer, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Phoen: 0141-332 8641. MSF: Lesbians and Gays in MSF. Phone: 0171-738 5469 or write c/o 39b Pentonville Road, London. N1 9LP. UNISON NATIONAL L&G CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE: Phone: 0131-469 3880. Or write: c/o 18 St Giles Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1PT. WRITERS INDELIBLE INC: LGB Writers'Group based in Glasgow. Poetry, plays, exchange ideas, collaborations, informal meetings. Phone: Brian 0141-946 2078. YOUTH GROUPS LESBIAN YOUTH SUPPORT INFORMATION SERVICE: PO Box 8, Todmorden, Lancashire. OL14 5TZ. Please enclose an sae. Phone/Fax: Todmorden (01706) 817235. STIRLING YOUTH GROUP: Meets Mondays fortnightly. Details from Forth Friend on Stirling (01786) 471285 Mon 7.30-10pm. STONEWALL YOUTH GROUP: For lesbians, gays and bisexuals under 26. New members group meets Wed night and Core Group and 20+ Groups meet Fri night. Phone: 0131-556 4040 Tues 7.30-9pm (answering machine outwith these times). Or write: Stonewall Youth Project, Dunford House, 7 Boroughloch, Edinburgh. EH8 9NL.. STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN AND GAY YOUTH MOVEMENT: Friendship and support for under 28s. Meets Tuesday 7.30pm and Sat afternoons. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard or Glasgow Lesbian Line. ------------------------------------------------------------------ SWITCHBOARDS AND HELPLINES ========================== BISEXUAL PHONELINE: Thurs 7.30-9.30pm Phone: 0131-557 3620 DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY L&G PHONELINE: Thurs 7.30-9.30pm Phone: Dumfries (01387) 269161 DUNDEE LGB SWITCHBOARD: Mon 7-10pm Phone: Dundee (01382) 202620 EDINBURGH LESBIAN LINE: Mon, Thurs 7.30-10pm Phone: 0131-557 0751 FIFE FRIEND: Fri 7.30-10.30pm Phone: Kirkcaldy (01592) 266688 FORTH FRIEND: Mon 7.30-9.30pm Phone: Stirling (01786) 471285 GLASGOW LESBIAN LINE: Wed 7-10pm Phone: 0141-552 3355 GRAMPIAN LESBIAN, GAY & BISEXUAL SWITCHBOARD: Wed & Fri 7-10pm, some Tues 2-5 Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 633500 Minicom: Aberdeen (01224) 634055 Fax: Aberdeen (01224) 634066 LOTHIAN GAY & LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD: Nightly 7.30-10pm Phone: 0131-556 4049 STRATHCLYDE GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD: Nightly 7-10pm Phone: 0141-332 8372 LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD: 24 hours Phone/Minicom: 0171-837 7324 ------------------------------------------------------------ SCOTSDYKE ========= HOW WAS IT FOR ME? You've thought about it for years but haven't actually put it into practice. Oh there was that time that you snogged your best friend in Primary Seven, but you were pretending to be her boyfriend. It was just the 'mummies and daddies'game taken a little bit further. Now you feel ready. You've been single, or straight, for too long and you don't want to live a lie any longer. It's time to waken up to yourself. Time to come out. Lots of lesbians I know have been going to gay bars since their teenage years, yet still don't believe that they are really 'out'(to family and to old friends), but what about those of us who aren't out at all, even to ourselves? Going to my first gay club was a big step for me. It was planned a week in advance with a straight friends of mine, who agreed to come along for moral support, or maybe she was curious too but wouldn't admit it. That whole week, I anticipated what might happen: loads of gorgeous women swarming towards me as I walked in through the door, eager too see who the new beauty was? Finding the girl of my dreams? Unlikely. Once you've thought about a situation, it never happens that way, does it? It's better not to expect too much, then there's less chance of being disappointed. Anyway, when the night finally arrived and I could see the Calton Studios in the distance, I was feeling great. I felt light with happiness and excitement, free of my heterosexual facade. I was feeling as if all the straight couples walking past us (all two of them!) were thinking 'Oh God, lesbians!', and I felt very proud, even though I'd never even had a proper relationship with a woman and my 'girlfriend' for the night wasn't even gay! Well, there's nothing wrong with a fantasy or two. Once inside, I felt hidden again. I can't say that JOY wasn't good. Of course it was. I loved the music, the lights, the atmosphere and the thought that all (or most) of the people around me were gay. But something was missing for me. In amongst so many lesbians, my friend and I were just another 'couple'. Strange... I actually wanted to tell people that she wasn't really gay, but I was. Rather than being a closeted lesbian, hidden in a straight club, I was now an 'out'lesbian, hidden in a gay one. Was there really any difference? The next week, I gathered the courage to go along to my University's LGB society (though I can't say which one, now that I am going to moan about that as well). I thought to myself, 'This is it. I'll be totally visible. I'll be a new member and all the women will wonder who I am and will want to talk to me.'Well, I made quite a few new friends that night. Unfortunately, they were of the wrong sex for me. I've always found gay men to be really friendly towards me and I love them all, but it's a shame really since I was a lesbian seeking lesbian friendship. A few women did talk to me as well, but they tended to ask me probing questions: "You had a boyfriend? Oh... You're not bisexual, are you?" Well no, actually I'd call myself a lesbian, who maybe was confused for a while, or who didn't know how to shake off society's heterosexual conditioning. But I didn't want to have to explain myself. If gays and lesbians want acceptance, or at least tolerance, surely they should accept and tolerate too. I was wholly disillusioned. Of course I can't let this tale end on such a pessimistic note because things are much more positive now. Sometimes, making too much of an effort to achieve something can have the opposite effect to begin with. However, convincing myself that I wasn't too desperate for a girlfriend, and declining offers from various versions of 'the Freak'from Prisoner, paid off eventually. I met my girlfriend not in any club or bar, not even at the LGB group, but practically next door to mine our student residence. I don't know if maybe it was necessary for me to make the big attempt to be seen to 'come out'in public, but certainly it was a bit of a let down. In the end, just by being friendly, honest and, however corny it may sound, by being myself, I found what I was looking for. This was no anticlimax. Now the fun really was about to begin... Karen McLean ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ScotsGay: a bi-monthly magazine for lesbians, gays and bisexuals edited, printed and published in Scotland. ISSN: 1357-0595. (c) Pageprint Publishing Limited, August 1996. Non profit use by the lesbigay community of material in the magazine will normally be permitted free of charge - but contact us first for permission. We haven't had sex with most of the people who appear in the magazine so we don't actually know what their sexuality is. Editor: John Hein. Contributors in this issue: Dave Richards (News), Garry Otton and Derek Ogg (Features), Doug, Jol, Iain & Minerva (Scene), Rex Wockner (International), Alan Nicholls (Music), Martin Powell (Arts), Justin Milne (Videos), John, Dirk and Andy (Books), Malcom Epstein (Films), Karen McLean (ScotsDyke) Editorial Enquiries: Write to: ScotsGay, Pageprint Limited, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. Telephone: 0131-539 0666. Fax: 0131-539 2999. E-mail: scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk We welcome news, articles, photos, cartoons, etc. - especially lesbian and bisexual material. Advertising Enquiries: Telephone: 0131-558 1279. Fax: 0131-539 2999. World-Wide-Web: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ To subscribe by e-mail: Send an e-mail message to listserver@drink.demon.co.uk The first (not subject) line of the message should be subscribe scotsgay-list (If you are subscribing for a different address from the one you are using to send the request, you should preface your request with a line of the form set address myotheraddress@my.other.system instead) To unsubscribe: Send a mail message to listserver@drink.demon.co.uk The first (not subject) line of the message should be unsubscribe scotsgay-list (If you are unsubscribing for a different address from the one you are using to send the request, you should preface your request with a line of the form set address myotheraddress@my.other.system instead)