SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a bi-monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland Issue 16 - June 1997 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 1997. 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 issue: Editorial - Dress Sense News - Outrage! on Labour Pride Scotland - wet and wonderful Soapbox - Return to the Highlands Ottonian Tales - the things they do on the common Ogg's View - pride, hope and glory Inside Out - the total scene guide Venues - what and where Scene - gossip from everywhere Boxes - the ScotsGay Meet Market International - news from around the world Reviews - videos, books & films Listings - checked and updated every issue Helplines - if you need a friendly ear Music - Joy DJ Alan's latest chart ScotsDyke - small town girl EDITORIAL ========= As everybody knows, homosexuals always have the best dress sense. But, for me, clothing is just one of those things that you have to buy even when you don't want to - a real distress purchase With any luck, my annual clothes shopping doesn't amount to more than half an hour in Cock & Arse. Designer clothing? No thanks! Now, I wouldn't mind buying the stuff with the manufacturer's name on it if it was cheaper than the garments without it, but I don't see why I should pay more to advertise somebody else's business. Formal clothes? Only for funerals and visits to my bank manager, if I can help it. What's my lack of dress sense got to do with the price of eggs then? Not a lot. But it does fill a couple of column inches and gives me a vague excuse to tell you the following tale: It appears that John Reid, New Labour's Gay-Unfriendly Armed Forces Minister, recently attended a ‘meet the staff' event at his new ministry. Having been advised that it was an event where formal dress was required, Reid arrived elegantly attired in full evening dress including dicky bow. Only to discover that all the civil servants were smugly standing around wearing lounge suits and that, as a result, he looked like the traditional spare penis at the nuptial gathering. Great was his wrath, I hear. I must say that I have a certain sympathy with Reid. Not however with Chris Patten who totally refused to wear the amusing white costume which traditionally went with the job of Governor of Hong Kong. Is it any wonder that the Chinese Government didn't take him seriously? There really is only one piece of wearing apparel which even I would agree was essential these days: the condom. A practical garment indeed, a bit like my trusty anorak, but slightly more fashionable. Are you wearing one tonight? Perhaps you should be! John Hein NEW LABOUR STALLS PAYMENT A giant 8' by 4' invoice, demanding payment by the Labour government was carried on London's gay Pride Parade by members of the gay rights group Outrage! The invoice demanded that Labour "Pay Up Now" for gay rights legislation promised by the party during the recent election campaign: an equal age of consent, the repeal of Section 28, and an end to the ban on gays in the military. "Labour won a big slice of the gay vote by making these promises. Now it's time the government delivered", Alastair Williams of Outrage! told ScotsGay. "Since the election, Labour has refused to offer any timetable for gay law reform, and there are signs that the government is back-tracking on its pre-election commitments. In May, a Labour spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph that the party had no commitment to equalise the age of consent. Last month, the government confirmed that it would seek to uphold the exclusion of homosexuals from the armed forces when the ban is challenged in the European Court of Justice", said Mr Williams. "Much of the gay community complacently assumes that there is no need to campaign for gay human rights anymore. They seem to think Mr Blair will take care of everything. But Labour looks like treating gay rights as a very low priority. There's a danger that homosexual law reform will get squeezed off Labour's legislative agenda", said Mr Williams. SUNSHINE ON A RAINY DAY ... Verily, The Lord urinated with great profligacy. But, so what? Everybody mucked in and made the most of what turned out to be a magic day. True, the Women's Tent had to be cancelled as the Main Stage gave up under the steady downpour. But most women accepted the inevitable and there was only one really serious moan. The march, led by LibDem MP Donald Gorrie and Labour Councillor Margaret McGregor attracted over 6,000 folk whilst the muddy Meadows attracted quite a few more soggy souls as the day progressed. Next year back to Glasgow? We shall see! London Pride, by contrast, was a much larger affair ending up at Clapham Common. Although the sun shone, many people spent hours slowly exploring the tunnels of the Northern Line and missed a good deal of the fun. The pix above and to the right show a few of the folk who made it down frae the Land O' The Leal - including some of the experienced Stewards provided by Pride Scotland who got a free ride (of the omnibus variety) for their efforts! -------------------------------------------------------------- THE HIDDEN HIGHLANDS II ======================= When the nearest gay bar is 250 miles away.... In a town full of gossip, where everyone knows everyone.... What is it like to be gay in the Highlands? Peer pressure and secret liaisons form central themes in Stuart Brown & Paula Thornton's thoughtful documentary about the lives of gay men surviving - sometimes thriving - even in the remotest corners of the Scottish Highlands. Drawn from nearly 20 hours of interviews with gay men of all ages, 12 different voices tell us of double lives, religious oppression, feelings of isolation, and the struggle to simply be yourself. But despite the hostile environment, a surprisingly positive image emerges. While many flee to the cosmopolitan anonymity of the cities, others are adamant they'll stay. After all, why should gay Scots feel forced into exile from the communities they grew up in and love ? They're highlanders too. Highlander's Too is one film in a "zone" of programming (as C4 like to call it these days) on gay themes. It is due to air on C4 at 0120 on Sunday 20th July. Meanwhile, the author of The Hidden Sexuality of the Highlands which appeared in ScotsGay last year, returns to his theme. It is with a feeling of disillu-sionment that I write this. Having written "Hidden Sexuality In The Highlands" for and about the gay people in the Highlands, I was attacked in the street (verbally and physically), I received abusive and threatening letters, and excrement was put through my letterbox. A threat was even made to ‘torch' my dog. Although I knew where half of it came from, I had no help from the police. As the phone calls and remarks continued, not only from local people, but some of whom had left the Highlands, I began to wonder why I had bothered. I had to stop and think - to realise, as was pointed out to me, that for those people to know anything about the article or myself, they must have read it. Then, why threaten me? Why were they so angry or upset? Had I hit a raw nerve that they didn't want to know about themselves? Was I a spy? In the house of love!! I left my home and moved to Edinburgh, only to meet a group of women from Skye - I discussed with them the possibility of writing an article about being gay on Skye and how it affected them. Meanwhile, the effect on myself from so many threats, not only emotionally and financially, but physically, became too much. Needless to say, I did not write the article, I just went into some kind of decline, feeling that I had to hide. I moved to England, thinking that it would be a new start in my life. Not a good move - all I wanted to do was get back North, my home, to go on with my life. I thought of all the positive aspects. I had received a number of letters from people who had left and people who were still there, living double lives, hiding. These letters were to thank me and support me in the venture to do something for ‘our' community. I didn't get a chance to write to them, to thank them for that support. Their letters were lost with ALL of my personal belongings before I left for England. I mean ALL of my possessions, all the things you can't replace, right down to my underwear. I was angry, and totally grey-depressed, and anyway my dog hated being in a town in the South. The largest piece of help I had, was the knowledge that those friends I had written about in my article were still there and giving me a great deal of moral support. They wrote, telephoned and visited. I started the long hunt for a home in the Highlands that was dog friendly, a home to put my life back on track. Well, I have found that - yet I still feel a sense of frustration at the general atmosphere, in a homophobic sense, from people in the area. A few of my friends have been to visit me, and I hope the rest will follow, it's a great feeling. But where, oh where, is that positive feeling that I had hoped to foster, or at least begin establishing, by writing the article last year? Where is a feeling of self-worth and common help or support between us guys? I've spoken to all the people I can think of, or find, including so called ‘local groups'. Yet after a month, I have not received one positive, or any other kind of response. It all seems so closeted, behind the net curtains with broken pinkies and cups of pink gin. Did I write my article and lose so much, for nothing? Well, I don't have an answer - I wish I did. All I can feel is that people didn't want help and support and prefer to hide away. I, for myself, will go ahead, rebuilding my life, looking for a partner. Still offering a space and time to those who need to talk, and be themselves, to relax or perhaps meet others. Some kind of haven from bigotry. Most of all, I want to thank my friends and those who wrote to me with their support after the article was published. To say that I hope people who are having trouble with double lives up here must know they can contact me anytime and discuss anything. I will give whatever help and support I can. Somewhere inside myself, I still feel it is possible to find or create a common feeling for ‘gay' people, both men and women, but essentially PEOPLE, in the Highlands. There is no need for the sniping and gossip that seems to swing from group to group - or some kind of rivalry, which only serves to alienate people. I, for one, want to be part of that common situation, where we all pull together. To have someone in my life, a home and income, here in the Highlands. I hope I am not banging my head against a brick wall. Come on guys - make positive moves. It is only ourselves who can do this, and if we don't believe in it, how can we expect others to take us seriously? I know for a fact that there are farmers, office workers, bank staff, shop staff, landowners, sportsmen in Shinty and Rugby, athletes, unemployed, skinheads, etc. Isn't it time we pulled together? I hope so - or do I just back out and go away? A Friend --------------------------------------------------------- THE THINGS THEY DO ON THE COMMON ================================ "The things they do on the Common." Peter remembered his mother saying it all that time ago. "They do things down on the Common! Things I wouldn't dream of mentioning!" And she didn't. They were unspeakable things. And at night too. His mother couldn't have ever been aware he was listening, his soft pale cheeks, pressed against the bannister at the top of the stairs: listening in horror about the unspeakable things they do on the Common at night. Why did they live so near the Common, Peter thought? Why did they have to live so near to our home? He was afraid for everyone. He was afraid for himself. "I've had just about enough of it! They should do something about it. I mean ..... It's disgusting!" That was mum's friend, Lilian. Every Saturday morning Peter would call round with his mother to see Aunty Lilian. She always had fresh cakes on Saturday, a big Lego set that had belonged to Cousin Jack and a big black Tom that sat by the fire and purred loudly if it was stroked. It slept all day and went out at night, because Aunty Lilian didn't like cats in the house at night. He had heard her say so. "Didn't Mrs. Monger write a letter to the Police or something?" mother had asked, pushing Lilian on the matter of the Common. "She might have done, Evelyn. I can't remember rightly, but they're not likely to do much, are they? It's not right, anyway," Lilian had added finally. "It's not right for us who have to live by the Common," "Especially for those who've got little ‘uns!" added Evelyn. "Especially ..... !" agreed Lilian. "I don't know what I'd do if my little Peter was messed about with like that." Peter heard his name. Whatever they do on the Common, he thought. They did it to little boys and it was naughty, "You know 'im from the Offy?" began Lilian with a cautious laugh. "He's one of Them!" "Is he?" remarked Evelyn, with interest. "You don't mean that little ol' fella with the funny laugh? Ooh, I say!" "Mind you ...... ", continued Lilian, matter-of-factly, "he's very nice! Always very nice to me when I go in there... 'cos I always go in there for me fags," she added in an attempt to conceal the fact it was only sometimes cigarettes but mostly gin. "Bleach," she quickly pointed out to anyone who caught sight of the unlabelled bottle she kept under the sink. "It helps me sleep," she would explain to anyone who caught sight of her pouring a drop from the bottle. "Well.....! You'd never have thought, would you, that he was one of Them? Not in a month of Sundays, you wouldn't. He seemed so nice.... such a gentleman." "He is, Evelyn. He really is a gentleman. Always well turned out. But then," she added, "They always are, aren't They?" "He's never been married - well, not to my knowledge, anyway - never," Evelyn reflected. "Always keeps his hands clean." "...Very clean." "I mean ..... they're more like ladies hands, really. Sort of.... looked after. Do you know what I mean?" "I know what you mean." So many things went through Peter's mind. He knew the Off Licence on the corner. He knew the man behind the counter who served him sweets. He was one of Them. He would have to tell his friends that he was one of Them. Peter was fifteen when he heard more about the things that went on down on the Common. It was during another Saturday at Aunty Lilians. "It was such a shock when she told me," Lilian was saying to Peter's mother. "I went in for me fags - ‘cos I always go in the Offy for me fags - and Mrs. Hurry, who usually helps out Saturdays was in there! Can you believe it? Said she was working there full-time now! Told me they'd come for him unexpectedly in a black maria and put him in the nick!" "Just like that?" "Just like that!" "It don't make sense, does it?" "The Police had found ‘im down on the Common one night," continued Lilian, her eyes narrowing, her voice becoming breathless. "There were four of 'em!" "Four?" Peter was stroking Lilian's black Tom. This was another black Tom because the other one had died. He became aware of an uncomfortable silence. Lilian lowered her voice, returned her cup to its saucer and leant forward in her chair to add: "He couldn't have been more than Peter's age." "Peter.... go and let Sooty out for a ‘wees,' love," added Peter's mother with a sense of urgency, giving Aunty Lilian the opportunity to speak more freely, "Why? Sooty doesn't want to go!" "He might want to go," added his mother sharply. Peter knew they both wanted him out of the way but wasn't planning on making it easy for them. "Sooty's asleep," he said defiantly, "He's been in all night, he should go." Aunty Lilian suggested. "Be a good boy, Peter, go and let Sooty out for Aunty," said mother softly. "Just see if he goes, he usually does it near the back on the rockery, he's been a bit poorly lately, I'd like to know if he's been, there's a love." Peter knew when he was beaten. He would have to let Sooty out. He lifted him up in his arms. Sooty closed his eyes and knitted his paws into Peter's jersey. He was still warm from the fire and didn't want to go out, he'd been out all night; everyone knew that because Aunty Lilian didn't like cats in the house at night in case they jumped up on the bed. "It wasn't clean," she would often say. Peter waited at the top of the stairs so he could hear something about what They were doing on the Common. "I don't want him to hear those things," began his mother quietly after Peter had left the room. "I know, Evelyn. He's still only a boy. "Apparently it was a young 'un. Did you see the Post? Four of them there was. Indecently exposing themselves. Meddling with him, they were.... Lives on the estate.... still at school, the mother works behind the bar at the Bull.... she's in a terrible state. Apparently. The doctor was called in to have a look at the boy. They did something to the boy. It's disgusting, If I 'ad a gun, I'd shoot ‘em between the legs, wouldn't you? That one from the Offy was in it as well.... never liked him..... he had funny eyes." "It's not safe to go out round here now..." "It's not safe." "They should do something." "They should." Peter suddenly walked in the room. Lilian put her cup to her lips. His mother looked at Peter. "Did he go, love?" "No," said Peter. He was angry that his mother should consider him too young to understand what they were talking about. It was old news. Bruce Markham was queer. Everyone in the lower fourth knew that. Bruce Markham went down on the Common at night because he was one of Them. He was beaten up outside of school one day by Jason Winslow. Peter saw it happen. He didn't like Jason and his friends and made a point of keeping out of their way. Peter was lucky living in a large town, He didn't have to move away from home like most people when he was accepted for University. It was near enough to walk to from his home, too. Right across the Common. Peter was twenty-two. He had some important news for his mother and had decided to tell her. Today was going to be the day. Being shy: he wasn't quite sure how to handle the situation. He took the long way home so he could think: it was better that way. Soon he would have to say goodbye to that familiar walk across the Common. He would have to move. They would both have to have a place of their own. He made his way up the path of his house. It would be a terrible shock to his mother. She wasn't expecting him back so early, but this was important, it wasn't going to wait. He felt guilty. Clumsy, even. He let himself in quietly through the front door. He had always been so secretive, and now he would have to tell her, and she would just have to accept it. His mother's clothes lay across the chair. Had she said she was feeling unwell this morning? He couldn't remember. She must have gone upstairs to bed. He would offer to make her some tea if she was not feeling well: then he would tell her. He crept quietly up the stairs to her room, the door was ajar. He walked into her room. His mother gasped in surprise. Pulling the blanket up around her, she covered herself. Aunty Lilian let her hands drop from the crumpled edges of the sheets. His mother buried her head in her hands, ashamed. Both women were naked. Aunty Lilian got up and put a dressing-robe round her. She was not ashamed to stand before him, briefly showing him her breasts hanging before her, the hair between her legs curly and black. "Don't look so shocked, Evelyn. Don't you think he's old enough to know better?" she said with a slight tremble in her voice. Peter felt hot. The blood pounding in his head. He wanted to say something, but he'd lost his voice. He felt slightly sick. Why doesn't someone say something? He asked himself. "I..... I'm sorry," he said, and turned to go, closing the door behind him. He knew now. His mother. That woman. They were both like that. One of Them. The news he had for his mother would have to wait. It would have to wait until he'd pulled himself together. Until he'd learned to accept. To understand. Only then would he be ready to tell her. Tell his mother that he wanted to get married. Garry Otton ------------------------------------------------------------- NOT JUST PRIDE, BUT HOPE AND GLORY TOO ====================================== Given that it's the Pride season, I thought I'd write a column with only good, upbeat and positive thoughts. Given how bitter and twisted I can be you'd better believe this month's article was a lot of hard work, and yet there are rainbows to be glimpsed even in this rainy summer of ours. Firstly all my HIV positive friends I had last Pride are still alive this Pride. Now that's a first. What's more, with one dramatic exception, they're all as well or better than they were. Two are even thinking of taking up full-time work again. No, they're not all on combination therapy, half are, half not, and the ones that are were really needing something to give them a boost: these protease inhibitors were just the ticket. Next, positive people are becoming re-energised, not just by the prospects of better health and a longer life, but by the apathy and compassion fatigue of the community generally. That loss of interest by mainstream gay life is to be expected and not necessarily criticised. A lot of people who survived the first wave of AIDS were nonetheless crushed, exhausted or emotionally wiped out by the experience. Many of the old scene ‘stalwarts' are either dead, ill or shell-shocked. New troops to replace the energy and enthusiasm to keep services and AIDS politics relevant, cost effective and genuinely caring are not so obvious to recruit. Why? Fewer deaths or our numbness to the fact of routine death has left fewer people personally affected. A little bereavement is a great recruiting sergeant. This has meant that positive people, more out of their closets than ever and with good quality representation in papers like ‘Positive Times' and ‘Poz' are doing it for themselves. An HIV positive person can spot a phony carer, or a phony caring ‘policy' or campaign a mile off. So, seeing many services as either patronising or self interested they're finding that their own strength is up to providing networks of support and informal information exchanges. That I think will be the way forward, albeit it is a sad reflection on some of us that the reasons for it are as they are. (Oops, promised to be good, didn't I?) So, what's next? Yes, it's New Labour. At last there is a realistic prospect of equality in the age of consent at 16 within a couple of years (there's now a massive All-Party consensus in favour of it at Westminster, with even William Hague, the Tory Leader, an equality voter). Not just that but also some sort of deal for gays in the armed forces, gay partnerships with legal standing, gay wills whereby a partner can succeed to the tenancy of a deceased lover's house, more prominent out gays in public appointments as government ministers, judges, senior police officers etc. All, I'd expect, realistic prospects within the dying years of the century. The Roaring Nineties we'll be calling them in 20 or 30 years. The knock-on effect of this is that the gay agenda can at last start to re-formulate itself and move on. We can have long-term policies and funding of HIV prevention and sex education as part of a mainstream political agenda which is inclusive of gays, rather than us having always to have the crumbs off the table, or steal a piece of bread from it whilst impersonating a waiter. Lastly, the mass of straight people, to whom we gay liberationists have hardly addressed a single word in the last ten years, have received a TV and radio gay education in the last year second to none. Think of the number of programmes from Saturday morning kids stuff to late-night GayTime TV, to major gay storylines in all of the major soaps, to Ellen's coming out, the list goes on. The effect is like water dripping on a stone. One drop, nothing; ten drops, nothing; five thousand drops, the stone starts to wear away. Providing we all exploit the favourable imagery now being promoted, by coming out, standing up for ourselves, looking after each other and having some ambition for a full life for ourselves, then nothing can stop us. Pride is, as proud does. -------------------- INSIDE OUT ========== Scotland's biggest and best guide to all that's going on in the pubs, clubs and places. Not to mention what's available in our Meet Market which has more trade than you can shake a stick at!!! And now, Voice Personals Too! How much more can a queer take? VENUES ====== Aberdeen ABERDEEN WOMEN'S CENTRE Shoe Lane, off Queen Street. Tel: (01224) 625010. Fax: 01224 625777. Mon-Fri 9.30-4pm. Where the women hang out. Lesbian group meets Wed 8-10pm. CASTRO BAR AND CLUB 47 Netherkirkgate. Tel: (01224) 624472. Mon-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat-Sun 1pm-2am. Cosy atmosphere. Totally refurbished since its last incarnation as the Pink Flamingo. 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. Mixed but increasingly queer friendly. Dundee DEVA'S 75 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 226840. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 6.30-11pm. Dundee's long established gay bar. Dance floor with DJ Thu-Sat. Pool table. Something for everyone! LIBERTY NIGHTCLUB 124 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 200660. Wed 9pm-2.30am, 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. Edinburgh BENT 100% The Gallery, Cowgate. Info Line: 01410 750732. Every 4th Saturday from 10th May. 10pm-3am. ukp5 B4 11pm, ukp7 after. New gay club with strict "Nae Breeder" door policy. BLACK BO'S 57/61 Blackfriars Street. Tel: 0131-557 6136. Daily Noon-2pm and 6pm-10.30pm Superb little vegetarian restaurant. Friendly staff. Mixed clientele. Excellent value lunch menu. BLUE MOON 1 Barony Street/36 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788. Expresso Bar: Mon-Thu 7am-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 7am-12.30am, Sun 9am-12.30am. Cafe: Sun-Thu 9am-Midnight, Fri-Sat 9am-12.30am. Popular lesbigay cafe/bar complex. BOBBIE'S BOOKSHOP 220 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-538 7069. Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm. Mixed bookshop selling a selection of UK and imported gay magazines. BODYTECH HEALTHCLUB 29a Haddington Place, Leith Walk. Tel: 0131-478 7235. 1-10pm. Cheerful sauna owned by the irrepressible Raymond Inverarity. 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. Mon-Fri 5pm-3am, Sat-Sun Noon-3am. 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. 11am-11pm. Not as outrageously mixed as it used to be, but still seriously conventional. CLAREMONT BAR & RESTAURANT 133/135 East Claremont Street. Tel: 0131-556 5662. FAX: 0131-558 3539. Bar: Mon-Wed 11am-Midnight, Thu-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 11am-Midnight. Restaurant: Mon-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm, Sat 11.30am-10pm, Sun 12.30pm-10pm. Gay owned. Gay friendly and renowned for courtesy, comfort and good food. E-mail: scifipub@aol.com CYBERIA 88 Hanover Street. Tel: 0131-220 4403. Daily 11am-10pm (7pm Sun) Friendly mixed cybercafe with friendly mixed gorgeous staff. Where the wired queers hang out. WWW: http://www.cybersurf.co.uk/ EDINBURGH LESBIAN GAY AND BISEXUAL CENTRE 58a and 60 Broughton Street. Houses PJ's , Stonewall Cafe-Bar, OUTRIGHT Scotland, Pride Scotland and Massage for Health. Also provides meeting and noticeboard space for many lesbigay organisations. Private mailboxes available. FANTASIES 8b Drummond Street. Tel/FAX: 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. FLAMES 192 Morrison Street. Tel: 0131-221 0499. Mon-Sat 11am-11.30pm, Sun 12.30-11pm. Mixed (but very gay friendly with oodles of gay staff) up-market city centre restaurant with bars. International cuisine with good vegetarian range. Real Ale. 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. Intimate bar just off Rose Street Crawl. Never a dull moment. Karaoke Tue/Fri. JOY Wilkie House, Cowgate. JOY Info Line: 0131-467 2551. Saturdays - every 4 weeks. 10pm-3am. Joy, Scotland's most upfront gay club! ukp7 members/ukp8 non-members (reduced entry of ukp5 before 11pm). E-mail: clubjoy@hotmail.com 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. MASSAGE FOR HEALTH 58a/60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-220 5154. By appointment only. Therapeutic massage from ITEC qualified practitioners Sara and Anne. Concessions 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 Wed-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! Open on Sundays - great for that aprŹs Kirk Session! THE OUTHOUSE Broughton Street Lane. Tel: 0131-557 6668. Mon-Sat Noon-1am. Sun 12.30pm-1am. Gay friendly cafe bar in a small lane in the gay triangle. OVER THE RAINBOW 32c Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-478 7130. Noon-Midnight. Good food. with a mixed crowd. PJ'S 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-558 8174. Mon-Sat Noon-7pm, Sun Noon-5pm. Gifts and toys for gay boyz and girlz. ROUTE 66 6 Baxter's Place. Tel: 0131-557 3379. Mon-Sat 12.30pm-1am, Sun 3pm-1am. Misnamed - it's the best Route to a 69 that we've ever found - ask for details of where the bus stops are! The only gay bar in Scotland which serves Real Ale. THE STAG & TURRET 1 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131-478 7231. Mon-Sat 11am-1am. Sun 12.30pm-1am. Food: Noon-8pm. Newly opened gay boozer just round the corner from the Solas Centre. Entertainment most evenings. SOLAS CAFE 2/4 Abbeymount. Tel: 0131-661 0982. Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 11am-4pm, Wed 5-9pm. Attached to Solas National HIV Information Centre. Good home cooking (everything cooked on the premises). Both dead animal and veggie. STONEWALL CAFE-BAR 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-478 7069. 11am-11pm. The cafe at the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre. Scottish/continental food. Good value all day breakfast. Unusual decor. TACKNO 36-39 Market Street. Tel: 0131-226 4224. Last Sun of each month 11pm-4am. DJ Trendy Wendy. Mixed and crowded club night. 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. Basically straight, this Real Ale bar (formerly a Gas Board Showroom) 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-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun Noon-5pm. 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. Near to Grahamston station. PIERRE'S RESTAURANT FRANÇAISE 140 Grahams Road. Tel: (01324) 635843. Lunch: Tue-Fri Noon-2pm. Dinner: Tue-Sat 6.45-9.30pm. Mixed discreet clientele. Real French food and wine at a reasonable price. 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 ASTRO GIFT SHOP GGLC, 11 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-226 9977. Mon-Wed Noon-7pm. Thu Noon-8pm. Fri-Sat Noon-7pm. Sun Noon-6pm. Nicely appointed and stocked gift shop on the ground floor of the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre. AUSTINS 183a Hope Street. Tel: 0141-332 2707. Mon-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 2pm-1am. Friendly and busy basement pub. Entertainment every evening. Happy hours: 4-10pm daily. BENNETS DISCO 80-90, Glassford Street. Tel: 0141-552 5761. Tue-Sun 11pm-3am. Beautifully appointed busy club. Frequent PAs. Tuesdays are straight. 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-7pm. 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. CENTURION 19 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-248 4485 Fax: 0141-400 1080.. Sauna and Shop: Noon-10pm. Shop sells toys, videos, mags and everything in between. Exclusive stockists for RoB. The much awaited sauna is now open for trade of the roaring variety! E-mail: info@centurion.prestel.co.uk CLONE ZONE 35 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-552 3103. Mon-Wed 10.30am-6pm, Thu-Sat 10.30am-10pm, Sun 1-7pm. Newly opened shop selling lots of interesting bits to take home and play with. CLUB X-CHANGE 25 Royal Exchange Square. Tel: 0141-204 4599. Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 11pm-3am. Large basement club, popular with young crowd. Wednesday nights are straight/student (though still quite mixed). COURT BAR 69 Hutcheson Street. Tel: 0141-552 2463. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 8.30pm-Midnight. Small bar beside former Sheriff Court. Straight until mid-evening. 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!). 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. Other businesses in the centre include Asset Mortgages and Calosa Publishing. Two large meeting rooms available for hire. Not as busy as it should be - it needs your support! Fully wheelchair accessible venue. 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-10pm, Sun Noon-6pm. The tastefully decorated eaterie for the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre. INTERNET CAFE 569 Sauchiehall Street. Tel: 0141-564 1052. Mon-Fri 9am-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 11am-11pm. Friendly staff, mixed clientele, full Internet access from ukp2 per half hour. Food served all day. Http://www.linkcafe.co.uk/ LOVE BOUTIQUE The Arches, Midland Street. Tel: 0141-221 9736. 10.30pm-3am. 1st Saturday of the month. Busy mixed club popular with the younger crowd. OVER THE RAINBOW BISTRO 6 Kersland Street. Tel/FAX: 0141-357 3739. Cafe: Thur-Tue 9am-5pm. Bistro: Mon-Sat 7-11pm. Friendly cafe/bistro in the heart of the West End run by two beautiful, recently married, drama queens. Mixed clientele. Full vegetarian menu available. BYOW. THE POLO LOUNGE AND CLUB 84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553 1221. Lounge: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am, Sun 3pm-3am. Club: Fri-Sun 10.30pm-3am. Upmarket bar and club. Free entry to club before 11pm. Something new and definitely different. SADIE FROST'S 8-10 West George Street. Tel: 0141-332 8005. Noon-Midnight. Bar meals Noon-7pm. Friendly staff who compliment the upmarket decor. Nice and convenient for rail travellers to the North and East of Scotland. SAPPHO'S 8-10 West George Street. Tel: 0141-332 8005 (ask for Nathalie). Tue-Sun 7pm-Midnight. Glasgow's only all woman bar. Very popular. Inside Sadie Frost's. Pool table. 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 Fri & Sat. Packed at the weekend. Happy hours Mon-Thu 9-10.30pm. TIN PAN ALLEY 39 Mitchell Street. Tel: 0141-248 8832. Info Line: 0141-770 5904. Mon-Tue 11pm-3am. DJ Stella presides over both Jojo's (the gay Tuesday nighter) and Bounce (the mixed Monday nighter). Popular. TRON THEATRE CAFE BAR 63 Trongate. Tel: 0141-552 8587. Noon-Midnight. Friendly theatre bar. Mixed. VICTORIA BAR 157-159 Bridgegait. Tel: 0141-552 6040. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 12.30pm-Midnight. Basically straight, but justly popular with Glasgow's many 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? If you're an American visitor, tell Cal we sent you! 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 3 1/2 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. © Pageprint Publishing Limited, June 1997. 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. DUN-DEAGH ========= Dundonians had an away day gay day at Pride in Edinburgh. The largest ever turnout from the City of Discovery was boosted by almost fifty on the bus organised by the Dundee Outreach Team. The shitty weather failed to dampen our spirits or our whistles. Copious amounts of refreshment in the Bar Tent from Blue Moon Cafe and lads in mini kilts helped us through the day. The Virgin Dance Tent rocked to the sounds of Scotland's best DJs, from Joy, JoJos and, yes, Dundee's Liberty Nightclub was represented. DJ "B.P." got a fabulous response to his set and claimed it was the pinnacle of his career. I understand they had to turn down the volume cause a certain Editor of ScotsGay had been woken from his slumbers at the other side of the Meadows. No sleeping either for Paul Ivison as his DIY stall failed to withstand the elements and kept falling - much like the sales of Gay Scotland. The busiest stall in the Health Tent appeared to be that of Dundee Outreach Team. Their "Passion Pouches" proved a great hit and with all the condoms, lube etc. given out I would say a lot of shagging was on the cards. Well known Dundonians were also spotted on the "Rank Outsiders" stall for military service folk and some ex-Dundonians were 'outed' by me - don't forget your roots girls, now that you live in the Capital! Away from Pride (well I actually had to be dragged away) Dundee prepares for its holiday fortnight, probably meaning a certain Beach will be 'twice' as interesting. It's such a bastard to get to and rarely worthwhile but the anticipation is fab! Down by the Riverside it's still busy despite Police activity. The sports pavilion toilet is rarely unlocked now and a man dressed in Parks Dept. clothing was seen with binoculars and a radio supposedly collecting litter. Perhaps he needed binoculars cause the litter was very small, or was it the car registration numbers that were difficult to read? The Women's Disco restarts in Sinatras on Friday 8th August after the summer break although I hear that Sandy had a few girls at her Graduation Party. Can't report on Deva's because I haven't been in and don't know many who have - including the proprieter! Hats off to Karen for keeping the place open - must be a very profitable pool table! Pre-club drinking for gays and lesbians is spread amongst so many bars, I can't list them all. Spages in Union Street deserves a mention, don't go in if you have a weak bladder as the trickling wall of water on the gantry is guaranteed to keep you heading to the loo. If outdoor camping is your style a group called "Hill Billies" has been set up - contact Jack McKay on Saturday afternoons, on 01382 201919. The DOT coffee shop is sometimes quite busy at the Harm Reduction Centre, a friendly atmosphere with very little scene bitching can be found. Try it out opn Saturday afternoons: 01382 201919. Major changes at Dundee Gay & Lesbian Switchboard with an almost-new management team promising new vitality, seeking new members and perhaps operating two nights per week instead of one. The previous committee are "resting between pictures" which I recall from my days as a movie queen mean's you've been dumped! See Ya! Liquid Silk DUN EIDEANN =========== Well, I hope you've all recovered from Pride Scotland. It took me a few days, but the overhang soon went away and the shoes eventually dried out. So much for the Fundies praying for rain, it was really the fault of the Gay Atheists who upset the homophobic rain god by taking his name in vain. ScotsGay was the only gay publication represented with a stall at Pride and it was nice to meet many of our more distant readers for the first time. I was out at the recent Mr Bear UK heat at the New Town. Lots and lots of hairy bears (and somebody took my picture for British Bear Mag too). There were eight entrants, any of whom could have won, but first prize went to the bashful Roy who looked really quite surprised (unlike Craig last year who positively looked as if he expected to win). What was surprising to me was the 23 year old guy who got into the final and looked more hairy and mature than some folk twice his age! Joy, the popular loud noise event, is four years old this month and is holding a Birthday Party on 26th July at Wilkie House. The club apparently began as a bit of a laugh with Maggie and Alan playing their favourite tunes to a crowd of their pals. Little by little, Joy gained a reputation for providing a night out where people could relax and completely let their hair down. Four years down the line and Joy is still at the forefront of gay club culture. Maggie and Alan Joy have also grown in stature as DJs and now have residencies and guest spots all over the UK. They released their first track on Red Ant Records at the end of 1996 and are planning more releases later this year. Now, I'll probably get my balls in my hand from the Editor for mentioning this, but I had to snigger at the smug piece in Gay Scotland criticising an English gay paper for its lack of knowledge of Scottish geography and its out of date and badly spelled listings. To be fair, ScotsGay gets things wrong too. But not as wrong as the listing which has been in Gay Scotland for several years for the Drookit Duck in Graham's Road, Alloa. The Drookit Duck is, in fact, quite a few miles away in Falkirk as any Bairn will tell you. And the lesbian group listed under Alloa hasn't existed for many years either. Perhaps if GS actually checked their listings regularly, they'd begin to get them right. But then, that takes time and money. Something ScotsGay is willing to put in as a service to our community. Talking of getting things wrong, we had a call from a Police Liaison person complaining about our report in the last InsideOUT about arrests at the Commonwealth Pool Sauna. Untrue, apparently. However, police are stepping up patrols around the top of Broughton Street after two recent muggings of gay men in Blenheim Place, just round the corner from Route 66. Police wonder if more people have been attacked and haven't reported it. If you've been done over, you can talk in confidence to Lothian Switchboard or to DCI Stuart Taylor, Lothian and Borders Police's lesbian and gay liaison officer, on 0131-311 3131. It seems that bisexuals don't require any police liaison! Iain iain@drink.demon.co.uk GLASCHU ======= THE M-FILES... THE TRUTH IS NOT HERE!. 10pm on Sunday night. The phone rings, its herself asking for this month's column. "When?" sez I, "Couple of hours!" sez the short fat bald one! I'll bet Joan Burnie gets more than a sodding 3 hour copy deadline! So much for me getting out on the piss tonight. Anyway, nuff whining, let's get on with all the scene stuff! It's now been officially decided that Glasgow is the UK's Gay Capital, which must be really pissing off all those fur coat and nae knickers London queens who fink that everyfink is bigger and better "dahn Sahrf". Sorry girlz, but if you wanna be at the centre of the gay universe, it's time to hit the road north!! Could this latest declaration be the reason why Boyz magazine has recently done two "Probes" of Glasgow bar staff? Normally, they tend to ignore everything north of Manchester. I suppose the Mancunians will also be blubbering into their Boddingtons, now that Harvey Nicks have decided to open up a Janet Emporium in Glasgow. Shouldn't be long before the clubs are echoing to shrieks of wannabe Patsys and Edinas with frocks to suit!. The end of June saw Club X close its doors for the last time, which was a shame, despite so many people who thought it was a tired, tacky dump with naff 1980s decor. So, what is to become of the place? Well, as you can guess, the usual sad gossip merchants, who invariably all claim to be close personal friends of S. King will tell you the predictable load of crap that they got from the horse's mouth (allegedly). It's being sold, it's turning straight, it's staying gay Blah, Blah, etc,etc. I'm actually a bit disappointed in the standard of the rumours circulating, has nobody heard any really wild silly ones?. Hopefully, the closure will not have too much effect on the feeder bars west of Buchanan Street and the fairies will continue to frequent Austins, Squires and the Waterloo rather than move their pubbing closer to the remaining clubs. Anybody else listening to Scot FM at 3am on the morning of Scottish Pride? The early morning debate was about whether thousands of Lesbigays should be allowed to march the streets of Edinburgh in celebration of our Janetry. The whole thing would have been quite funny if some of those who phoned in hadn't been so obnoxiously bigotted, or just plain stupid. Another worrying point was the number of drunken parents who called expressing concern that their offspring might become "corrupted" by us. Yeah, Right!! Personally, I think that we make far better role models than pished, slobbering idiots who can hardly string a sentence together, never mind make a rational, structured argument. No doubt these Breeders will deal with any potential gay offspring by going down the pub, getting rat-arsed, then kicking fuck out of their kid. Not before trashing the house and giving the wife a black eye first, just so the whole family knows what a REAL MAN they are! And as for the religious bigots, what were they doing up at 3am, apart from getting pished. Should have been getting the flute polished, instead of ranting on about us lot! At the time of writing this, Cafe Latte has not yet opened, but hopefully the wheelbarrows will shortly disappear from the doorway, and the venue will be ready for business. Situated on the corner next to Dels, and run by the same people, this should be a welcome addition to the city's expanding gay community. Gonna be open early to late, and serving food from breakfast onwards, with drinkies to wash down the cornflakes during licensing hours. His Editorialness has now decide to increase the print run of ScotsGay, so you should all be able to get a copy now. Was getting a bit ridiculous recently, with some places, especially the Waterloo and the GLC running out of copies within days. Just shows you how popular Scotlands biggest circulation lesbigay mag now is! We're now starting to get our very own Gay Village developing around the Virginia Street area, with the arrival of Cafe Latte and Clone Zone. Established venues such as the Court Bar, Dels, Benetts and the Poo Club will hopefully enjoy an increase in trade with more businesses operating in the area. It's also useful having Markies at the end of the road, where else are the quality conscious foodie queens supposed to buy their groceries?. Would be good if another feeder bar were to open up in the area to complement the two clubs. It's nice to see the pink pound flexing its muscles in this area, and hopfully other businesses will move in as time goes on. Still various rumours going the rounds about what is happening to the old Gillespies building, with different names being mentioned by those claiming to be "in the know". Personally, I can't see it operating successfully as a gay venue, and history would appear to bear this out. The scene just weren't prepared to make the effort to walk that little bit further out of the city centre. Pity really, as I always liked the place. There seems to have been a bit of a tiff between Bennets and JoJos recently. Bennets took exception to DJ Stella running a one off gay night on Saturday at Tin Pans, and have now banned him from putting out flyers in Bennets and Sadies. I'm surprised that Bennets considered a one-off club night to be such a threat to them that they considered it neccessary to take this action. Kind of reminds me of the attitude that Club X displayed recently, and look at what happened to them! There have been a few other developments at JoJos recently, with others in the pipeline. Bar staff from the gay pubs can now get a JoJos Gold Card allowing them free entry on Mondays and Tuesdays, and these are also available to stars and celebrities if they're famous enough! Just speak to Stella, and convince him why YOU should get one! Also planned are women only discos, which will be held on the first Tuesday of the month on the first floor. The usual JoJos club night will continue as normal on the second and third floors, with strippers and PAs appearing for the boys. There will also shortly be a regular Fetish Night, watch the posters and flyers for further details. If there are to be any further Saturday nights held at Tin Pans these will have to be better supported by the scene. DJ Stella isnae happy about the turnout at the last one, and won't be doing any more unless more of the scene come on down. Use it or lose it girlz! You have been warned!! Gotta say hello to the guys from Centurion. Not been down recently, but will be speaking to them soon, and filling you in on all the new developments at the Health Club in the next issue. Snippets: Austins opening times changed yet again, now open from 4pm. -+- Did I touch a sore spot with Mr Editor in the last issue about fat people, sorry baldy. I keep telling him to switch to lo-fat, semiskimmed diet vegetarian lager, but you know what these real ale freaks are like! -+- Bumped into an incredible number of people down from Aberdeen over the past month. Seems like more and more of you are coming down here for a weekend of drunken debauchery!. -+- The second unit in the GLC is currently being used as an information centre by various gay groups until a full time tenant is found. If you've got a gay business, and are looking for premises, give the centre management a call. Well, I suppose I'd better wrap things up now, but if anybody has any news, gossip or any grievances about what is happening on the scene, feel free to drop me a line at ScotsGay, or e-mail me direct. See you all next month, Luv, Minerva minerva@drink.demon.co.uk INBHIR NIS ========== Evening all. Aye, Aye, whit's all this then? Oh, sorry. Hi there readers, Calmac here, sorry I've not been in evidence in the last issue - did you all miss me? Course you did. I was not on form because of a very frightening and nerve wracking run in with PC Homophobia of the Northern Constabulary who (whilst I will not go into details here) carried on the traditional homophobia inbred into many of our "People" in blue. However, bitter as I am, I cannot ignore the few of this area's police force who have actually in the past been very supportive of me and my sexuality, so I will not tar them all with the same brush and whilst here I seriously hope that Chief Constable Robertson gets well soon as he is seriously ill in Raigmore Hospital. Anyway, gossip time: Nico's has had some brilliantly attended nights recently the best being one Wednesday where no less than 35 gay men were counted by myself and "girlfriends"!!! Recent happenings have included Pride!!! The Youth Group and Out and About Lesbian Group were both represented and some of the YGG are still hoarse from blowing (whistles) and shouting whilst some (this being their first Pride) still are a little fazed at the whole thing. Reach Out Highland had a very professionally staffed stall in the Health Tent as did our friends from the Moray Switchboard. Whilst Sisters Bobbie and Gus from the Convent of Moravia did the things that nuns can do (without being arrested), other members of the Moray gang staffed the stall. Pride was a busy time for me, having to fulfil my Rank Outsiders duties and other tasks kept me busy, so thank goodness to our own wee Gussie who got me into the VIP tent for free booze! Cheers, mate!! The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence made quite an impression on some of our Highland Raiding Party, it would seem. Didn't they, Miss P?! You know who you are!!! I also kept meeting our beloved editor as he did his rounds of Pride and might I add looking more soggy and bedraggled each time. Must have been these light summer showers we had that day!! Also many Princess Points for Callum - cutest and friendliest barman in CC Blooms - and also for the cute (straight) and very friendly and helpful doorman at Cafe Kudos. He is by far the best doorman I've met anywhere or in any type of club or pub, and I should know - I've been a doorman and head doorman in my time. Well done, Kudos, for having employed such a star, he is a credit to you. Well, not much else to say at present, himself is lying here asleep cuddled up to one of the feline food demolishers and noise makers that own us, so I think I'll join them. Do any of your cats require feeding 24 hours a day or is it just us??? (Does the Pope shit in the woods or are bears Catholic? - Ed). Oh, by the way, Oor Gus received an e-mail recently. Why, may I ask, have I not received any?? Just to wind John (and Gus) up, please send me an e-mail at calmac@drink.demon.co.uk for him to forward to me!! Cheerie. Luv, Be good (at it), be safe (during it), be all you can be (always). Calmac OBAIR DHEADHAIN =============== Phew! What a week! I have finally returned to the frozen north, being severely fiscally challenged, and suffering from Post Pride Depression. How many of you made the journey down to Edinburgh last week, getting covered in mud in the process?? According to my sources, you people in Aberdeen will have the chance to get together and air your views about matters concerning the scene in general. This is perhaps the first time that Jo Public will be able to have a say in what goes on, and I would suggest you all stand up and be counted. Both gay venues in Aberdeen seem to be suffering from a lack of patronage recently. One Sunday visit to Castro made me feel quite shocked. I actually doubled the numbers when I went in. On a Sunday afternoon, other pubs seem to be bustling with people, so where are you all? Caberfeidh is also suffering too, with midweek numbers being pathetic. Even on a Friday the place doesn't show many signs of life until after midnight. Okay, perhaps a lot of people are on holiday at the moment, including the students, but surely there should still be enough people to support the two venues? The gay scene is not just a weekend thing, as my recent visit to Edinburgh proved. Route 66 and CC Blooms, two of the more popular venues, were busy almost every night of the week. It seems to me that after 2am on a Sunday morning, all the Aberdeen folk retreat back into their closets until the following weekend! Caberfeidh is free to get in Tuesdays to Thursdays, and the only reason they charge at the weekends is to make it pay. Even then, three quid is nothing compared to some other venues. This is bound to have to rise if the numbers don't. Caberfeidh have some entertainment laid on for the forthcoming weeks. Sunday 13th July sees the return of the Bucking Bronco and Surf Machine. There's a PA by the recent chart success (?) Newton on Thursday 31st July, and some time in August Lizzie Drip, a drag act, will be appearing too, dates to be confirmed. Sweet! at Exodus bounces more and more as the weeks go on, with the recent visit by Mrs Woods (Heaven) bringing in almost 400 people. On my most recent visit, I heard DJ Alan "Julie Covington" Joy saying that it was the best night they've done in Aberdeen so far. At least somebody seems to be getting it right!! Some might say that perhaps Sweet! is responsible for the depletion in numbers elsewhere, but I never seem to see many of the regular crowd in there, so I don't think that has anything to do with it. So have a wee think, as to what you people really want. More PA's and special events? A more strict music policy? NOW is your chance to air your views. Come on Aberdeen, get out of that bloody closet and state your case. Your opinions are wanted, and at the end of the day, if you don't use it, you'll lose it. Have fun, and be good!! Gus gus@drink.demon.co.uk --------------------------------------------- New from ScotsGay ... SCOTSGAY VOICE PERSONALS It's completely free to place your ad on 0800 138 4121 We''l print your ad in our next few issues and you can pick up replies on 0891 555612. That's also the number for our Browse Hotline - 0891 555612. Calls to 0891 cost 50p per minute which is half the price charged by some other gay magazines! See magazine for full conditions of service. 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 Gay Lonely Female - Fife Looking for same to spend lonely days and nights for friendship maybe leading to more. GSOH. Smoker, likes driving, slim build, age 52, young looking for age. Needs friends 35-45. No ties. Box SG16035. MEN Eat Me! Good looking 18 year old guy, short dark hair, dark eyes, slim, straight acting. Loves - hard house clubs and socialising with friends, but also likes romantic walks, eating out or stayingin. WLTM Mr Right who's young (25 or under), good looking, loving with a fun personality, straight acting and dominant for a long term serious 1-2-1. Blonds prefered but dark haired guys welcome. Letter with photo appreciated. Central Scotland. Life's for lliving so let's live it. I promise you, you won't look back! Box SG16001. Paisley - Glasgow Young 41, OK looks, slightly wacky, into ‘alternative' music, films, idead, sci-fi, seeks slimskinny preferably off-beat younger guy for conversation, cuddles and adventure. Come on! Don't be shy! Box SG16002. Edinburgh - Anywhere Young, smooth chested guy sought by 40 year old bloke. I'm 5'6", red hair, beard, brown eyes, fat, bald and very hairy. If you like bears, here's your chance to play with one. Your cave or mine. Inexperienced: no problem. Students welcome. Box SG16003. Glasgow - Anywhere Are you slim, under 26, looking for an oolder man in his 40's who is stocky build, easy going without complications? If so, reply with recent photo. Can accommodate and travel. Box SG16004. Line Dancer Gay male, 33, GSOH, genuine, line dancing fanatic. Seeks other gay line dancers for friendship/more. ALA. Ayrshire/anywhere. Box SG16005. Central Scotland Guy, 32, inexperienced, non-smoker, seeks similar gay/bi/married novice guy (28-38) for no strings "behind closed doors"discreet friendship. Absolute discretion assured. Like minded penpals also required. Box SG16006. Discipline Required Slim sub TV, great legs and nice smooth arse, seeks dom male, any age, with firm hand to give me what I sorely need. Travel or accommodate. Edinburgh area. Box SG16007. In The Swim Successful company director seeks swimming partner for early morning swimming session in top private club in Glasgow. If interested, please reply. Box SG16008. Glasgow - Wrestling Fan I am 50, fit, 5'8" and 68Kg. I would love to fun wrestle a younger man. Nothing serious - just erotic. We could share dinner afterwards. ALA. Box SG16009. Falkirk District Gay Guy Good looking 31 year old, very genuine and straight acting, looking for good looking guy 18-30 for lots of fun in and out. Photo a must. Box SG16010. Edinburgh 29, overwieght, blue eyes, brown hair, GSOH, intereststed in cooking, baking, cinema, dancing, television, walking and aninmals. Seeks guy 18-40, slim to medium build, for friendship, possible 1-2-1. GSOH. ALAWP. Box SG16011. Skinhead Edinburgh - Glasgow 34 year old skin wants to meet other guys into bootlicking, gobbing, pissing, army gear, leather, rubber, etc. Phone number gets quick reply or meeting. ALAWP. Box SG16012. Submissive Weightlifter 30's, masculine. Seeks strict, demanding master, any age. Please write fully with photo. Glasgow/anywhere. Box SG16013. Glasgow Lad Wanted By Glasgow Lad Me, 26, fair hair, athletic, GSOH. You, 26-35, dark hair, athletic/stocky, GSOH. Looking for occasional adventures and friendship. ALA. Phone number and photo if possible (returned). Box SG16014. Robert Of Falkirk You replied to my ad "Big, Bald, Bearded Businessman"but gave the wrong phone number! Please write again. Regards, Nick. Box SG16015. Goliath With David English Scotophile, 6'3", 220lbs, 52 years old, suit wearing Gentle Giant seeks teenage ‘son' to spoil, pamper and adore. We're both n/s sa&l, non smokers. You're slim, smooth and shy. I'm big, bald and bearded. Falkirk or anywhere central. Photo and phone ensures reply. Box SG16016. Fitness In The Highlands Interested in badminton (perhaps tennis in the summer), swimming, sports, etc? Why not contact me on Inverness (01463) 237138 and arrange some games? Available at various times/venues and keen to establish social games group in the Highlands with like minded guys, couples, etc. Anyone with coaching abilities welcome. Open to local as well as visiting parties. Also interested in forming group to visit/attend theatres around Scotland (further?) perhaps combine with above. All genuine enquiries, ideas welcome and replied. Also interested in any gay vegetarians. Don't be alone, get in touch. Brian. Dundee - Anywhere Dundee male, 50, young at heart, slim build, s/a, n/s, sincere, WLTM active guy, similar age group, locally/anywhere for fun, friendship, perhaps relationship and share social activities. ALA. Box SG 16017. Clyde Coast - Anywhere Slim youthful postman, good body, nice firm butt, 5'7" tall, 32" waist, easy going seeks discreet w/e active gay 45-60. Friendship, safe sexy fun times. Will travel most areas weekends. Box SG16018. Edinburgh - Anywhere 30 year old muscular fit lad seeks hunky mates to work up a sweat with. Box SG16019. Aberdeen Guy, 25, 6'1", medium build, seeks guys same height for 1-2-1. GSOH. Fun times. Photo appreciated. Get writing soon. All letters will be answered. First timer. I am very shy. Box SG16020. Anywhere I find personality to be far more important than looks. Lonely guy, 44, from the central belt, awaits your company. Why not drop me a line? ALA. Box SG16021. Skinhead Sub Edinburgh guy, 30, looking for dominant skins, any age|! To serve, needs plenty verbal, w/s, c/p, gob, etc. Photo appreciated but not essential. No time waster please. Box SG16022. Glasgow Area Young, mid 30's, passive, short cropped, 5'11", slim, easy going WLTM active guys for no strings fun. Any gay rugby players or firemen out there get writing. Box SG16023. We're Seeking Friends For great conversationm, good food and varied interests. Professional, non scene, gay couple, mid 30's, new to Edinburgh, who enjoy walks, food, antiques, sport and much more, seek similar. AL:AWP. Box SG16024. Edinburgh Sexy TV TV, aged 28, very sub and sexy, looking for hunky, tall, muscle guy. Must be very dom. Take the slipper or strap to my silk clad bum - man enough. Box SG16025. Glasgow - Edinburgh Very male, slim, handsome, 25 year old, 5'10", dark crop, VSA, VSL, WE, goos natured, hygenic, GSOH, bloody perfect and modest, seeking lad 18-25, slim, cute, with personality and SOH. ALAWP. Box SG16026. Cute Oriental Wanted 26 year old GWM, 5'8" tall, medium build, blue eyes, brown hair, hairy chest, good looking, s/a, non-scene, WLTM 18-25 cute oriental for fun and friendship. Can accommodate. Box SG16027. North East - Scotland 34, 5'10", sporty, professional, tractable, deep need to belong to tall, beefy, exclusively active, genuinely VWE, dominant, protective, horny, masculine 30-45 year old stud to build non-scene romantic, everlasting, sexy 1-2-1. Box SG16028. Wanted - One Man For A Long Relationship Or maybe friends - but men in my life, contacts. I'm straight acting, tall, slim, handsome. Near Inverness. I like big (not fat) men - or perhaps a person. Box SG16030. Glasgow - Anywhere Hairy passive guy, 48, WLTM a very hairy VWE but definitely active guy, 35+, who is hunky, stocky or slim for friendship or 1-2-1 relationship. ALAWP. Box SG16031. Summer Holiday - Paisley - Glasgow Seeking guy(s) 24-32, straight acting, for chatting up boys and girls on holiday. Hurry, only the outgoing carefree type need apply. Must like music, eating out, etc, etc. Any ideas? Box SG16032. Older Men Wanted! 23 year old Edinburgh lad wants masculine, straight acting guys over 30 to get in touch! Facial hair and a photo required!!! Thanks! Box SG16033. Edinburgh Slim, smooth, 40, WLTM imaginative friend/master. CP and bondage interests, games, etc. Your place only, possibly daytime meetings. Box SG16036. The Cane Or Belt For Bad Lads Bend over a real school desk in central Edinburgh and take your medicine. The teacher is slim, cleanshaven, OK looks, 40's, experienced; the pupils will be 18-35, first-timers or hardened to it. ALA. Box SG16037. Glasgow Gay guy 31, dark haired, straight acting, likes music, some sports, pubs and travel. I am seeking a guy under 25 for a bit of horny fun, a good friendship, and possibly a relationship. I can accomodate and promise total discretion at all times. I can be contacted by e-mail scotzboy@aol.com or Box SG16038. To The Point Let's stop beating about the bush, two guys near Glasgow want to hear from guys interested in action weekends. So reply and let's meet and have fun and action, single or couples welcome.Accommodation provided for right people. Box SG16039. Fife - Edinburgh Area Tall slim guy, 30, smoker, straight acting, into eating out, music, cinema and generally having a good time, Seeks similar younger guy for fun, friendship and possibly more. Box SG16040. Seeking Hairy Chests In Fife Looking for men with lots of body hair for fun afternoons. Looks unimportant just be hairy. I am 40, stocky build, hairy, non smoker, clean and healthy. Willing to experiment. Sorry I cannot accommodate but can travel. E-mail me on Rfife@hotmail.com or write to Box SG16041. Aberdeen Good looking gay guy looking for fun in Aberdeen. 5'10", well hung, likes sucking dick,will try anything. Short hair, brown eyes, well built . Fed up with Aberdeen scene. Prefers young/young-ish guys, (pref. non-scene). All replies answered. Box SG16042. Motherwell 28, good looking gay guy looking for same for a steady relationship. Hobbies include cycling, swimming, computers, cinema, etc. Get in touch now.?? Box SG16043. Gay Couple Seek Friendship Happy couple both 29, 6', healthy, non-smokers living in West Yorkshire. Looking to meet other gay guys (single/couples/ older/younger) for genuine and sincere friendship. Sorry strictly NO wife swapping or group gang bangs... Can travel or accommodate. Box SG16044. My First Time! 30 Hetero (so far) living in Dundee. 6'3'', 13 stones, dark hair, blue eyes. Would like to meet right person for first experience. The curiosity has got the better of me. Are you the right person? Box SG16045. Glasgow Guy Good looking, smooth bodied guy, 25, would like to meet other guys 18-25 for some fun and friendship. I am honest, genuine, horny, non-scene, straight acting/looking. ALA. Box SG16046. Ex-Rugby Player Seeks Soulmate Hi this is Andy, I'm an ex-rugby player with the build to match, and I'm looking for a soulmate to share the rest of my life with, I like travel, cooking, water-based sports, and generally enjoying myself, but would love to spend more of my time with someone special, someone to love and respect. You should be aged from 29 and up to 50, of a medium to large build, and not just looking for fun. I'm only interested in meeting someone for life committment. Box SG16047. Think 40 year old guy is looking for a young guy (18-21) with enough imagination to guess the purpose for which he is being sought! Box SG16048. PASSING GLANCES Edinburgh I saw you sexy guy mud larking at Pride Scotland. I wanted to join you. Me: 26, tall, good looking guy. Fancy a rematch? Box SG16029. New Town Bar - Afternoon Of Pride Scotland You wee handsome bear, moustache, striped casual. Me: cropped hair, goatee. We talked but drink and friends lead me back to Glasgow. I should have stayed. Any second chance? Box SG16034. ACCOMMODATION OFFERED Near Inverness - Cottage Share I have space for one guy near Inverness. Plenty of walks, my dog and privacy. Phone Farr (01808) 521236. Available soon. FRIENDS ABROAD USA I am interested in corresponding with nice sincere guys for good friendships. I am firming up plans for a trip to Europe in October. I would be possibly interested in meeting you to form a good friendship. A little bit about myself: 58 year old GWM living in Redondo Beach, California; 5'8", 220#, brown hair, brown eyes, hairy chested but no beard; straight appearing and acting; warm and affectionate. Well educated. My interests include camping, travelling, Chess, Bridge, computers, the internet, movies, theatre as well as reading in many subjects. Let me know if you are interested in good friendships and whatever else. You can also write to me at John Coyle, 2121 Vanderbilt Lane, #3, Redondo Beach, CA 90278. E-mail: johnc2000@earthlink.net USA Heavy Top Seeking hardbodied young Pain Pigs for some heavy action. No games or elaborate scenes, just pure, extreme pain (no mutilation). Me: a stout, hairy bear, 45, silverhaired, brown eyed, bearded w/ pierced ears, truly sadistic. You: a tough, painloving masochist, NO LIMITS, muscular and masculine essential. Pref. under 30 but will consider older. Skinheads, redheads, military or athletes especially welcome but others not excluded. Multiple tortures, incl. tits, balls, butt, but with an intense concentration on your ankles, feet and toes, which must be sexy. (But let me be the judge of that.) I'll be in Britain in early August, but not for long, so don't waste my time. To apply, write to: Sir, Bella Casa Ohya #201, Ohya 2378-3, Shizuoka-shi 422 Japan with your city, stats and a detailed description of your feet, plus pic if available, and we'll take it from there. (The right e-mail to jikatabi@shizuokanet.or.jp will get you my webpage address with a lot more about me, incl. picture.) I know what I want. Are you man enough to give it to me? Looking for Friendship If you are visiting Geneva please take contact with me. Place to stay available. Also I'm looking forward to find friends all over the world, ... and one SPECIAL for love & staying. Check also my homepage for further informations at: http://homer.span.ch/~spaw1349/index.html and write me back by e-mail: hardydan@span.ch Snail mail: Hartmeier Daniel, 9, Rue Amat, CH-1202 Geneve, Switzerland. USA Hey, I'm looking to meet people from around the world to write to and become friends. My name is Moises Rodriguez, I'm 19 years old and a student at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. I would sure like to become friends with people from different countries. Thanks - hope to hear from ya'll soon. E-mail: highmoises@hotmail.com or write:Moises Mosley, 6714 South 6th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85706. France Greetings from France! We are 2 French guys 34 and 33 years old, good looking, non-scene, straight looking/acting. We are travelling for the second time in August to your beautiful country. We would like to meet similar guy(s) for conversation, pubs, eating out, etc... E-mail: hphil@mail.dotcom.fr or write: Hubert Philippon, 91 rue Quincampoix, 75003 Paris, France. Bulgaria Two friends who are about to visit your country are looking for a guide who could show them the most interesting places. Please send a photo and telephone number to the following address: PO Box 63, 1680 Sofia, Bulgaria. US GWM - 30's - Visits In August Handsome 30's gwm visiting Scotland, Ireland and England in Late July and August. Looking to meet other similar men from 25 to 40 for fun, friendship and help touring the country. E-mail: aforman@uoft02.utoledo.edu or write: Steve Forman, PO Box 352341, Toledo, Ohio 43635-2341, USA. Germany White guy (26;195;83) is searching a serious black man (20-30) for a good friend and maybe partnership. Mt interests are: sport, music, travelling, films, art. I would like to receive a letter from a special guy with a photo - I hope so - why not? Robert Zincke, Ottilie-Hoffmannstr. 46, 28213 Bremen, Germany. JOBS OFFERED Cash For Your Body Photogenic guys can earn ukp75 cash - or ukp100 with chest and arm definition - posing for Mike Arlen who has had 13 glossy magazines published called Mike Arlen's Guys. Send snapshots of your magnificent body to him: Mike Arlen, Wetherby Studios, 23 Wetherby Mansions, Earls Court Square, London. SW5 9BH or call him on 0171-373 1107. BACK RUBS Aberdeen Area Attractive 18 year old escort/masseur. Your place or mine! Call Michael: 0468 706789. Best Massage At Best Price Too! Sensual all over body massage by passive and stout and cuddly gay man. To visit: call 0131-665 8219 or leave number and name on Ansa-Phone. See you soon! Edinburgh Massage Let your body relax under my skillful hands. Attractive TV offers that personal touch. Treat yourself to that unforgettable thrill. Call Stacy on 0131-478 0400. Edinburgh Masseur A caring skilled personal touch at excellent poundstretcher value. ukp15. Jim. 0131-556 7199. Escort Good looking 26 year old escort and qualified masseur. Competetive rates - in/out calls. Glasgow/anywhere. Call Gordon: 0468 706789. Massage - Paisley Let me rub you up the right way - using essential oils. Reasonable rates. Give yourself a treat!!! Ask for Tony. 01505 324561. Masseur - Aberdeen - Dundee Young guy, 29, gives great massage. Phone Steve on 0589 565418. Anytime. Men Only! Escorts and Masseurs. Good looking young guys available throughout the country from Scotland's premier escort service. Our place or yours! Affordable and discreet. Call Ross on 0421 035644. Escorts, masseurs and models required in all areas now! Rex and Jason Tied up, whipped and caned. Love role play. 24 hours. I/o calls. New to all this. 0131-467 5880. Tim From The TA Thrown out of the TA for being gay. The discipline is here to stay. So why not contact me night or day? 0131-467 5880. SERVICES Books Good quality books for gay men available by mail order. Fast confidential service and good discounts. Titles include Spartacus '97, New Joy of Gay Sex and Safer Sexy. Call 0171-635 0332 for leaflet or write: Frontier Books, 149 Chadwick Road, London. SE15 4PY. 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. Golden Wheel Seeking discreet gay or bisexual new friends, male or female? Long standing service, all areas and worldwide. Send stamp for details to: (Sadie), The Golden Wheel, Liverpool. L15 3HT. Pen Friends Lesbian Gay and Bi Pen Friends, non profit service, Box numbers, Monthly listings, no out dated ad's, free voice mail, SAE PO Box 2000, Horwich, Bolton, Lancashire, England, BL6 7PG. Tel/Fax 01204 667747 or e-mail lgb@clara.net Penpal Mag Penpal Mag for adults: over 500 photos. Approval copy from: Matchmaker (K38), Chorley, PR7 4BS. Or ring: 01257 480155. The Cellar Contact group for hot, horny, raunchy guys into leather, rubber, uniform, denim and bikers. Plus "Studs", our new additional listing for all skins, boots and shorts enthusiasts. Information: 2 stamps. PO Box 17, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. IP32 7AT. 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 Ginger Snaps 35mm film developing and printing service. Mail orders processed in 24 hours. Videotape conversions to and from all worldwide systems using broadcast spec equipment. Scanning: images scanned onto disk or via e-mail. Callin or phone. 21 High Street, Acton, London. W3 6NG. Tel: 0181-993 6772. Fax: 0181-993 9982. E-mail: bginger@dircon.co.uk. Visa, Mastercard, Amex welcome. 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. VIDEOS Free Video Lists The premier "one-stop" mail order service for all the best videos/books/photosets from Prowler, Pride, SAP, Load, etc., etc. Plus exclusive 'BoyBabe' videos unavailable anywhere else! Trading Post, Freepost BR1307, Eastbourne. BN21 1BR. Telephone: 01323 737481. 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. Edinburgh Mansfield House - Small elegant guest house within minutes of bars and clubs. All rooms have colour TV, tea and coffee making facilities. Basic room or En Suite. Continental breakfast available until midday. 57 Dublin Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6NL. Tel/FAX: 0131-556 7980. 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. 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. Provincetown USA Provincetown - America's most popular gay/lesbian resort. It's like being at Gay Pride every day of the week. Live the legend. For free brochure telephone Pride Travel-USA on 01273 606656. Relax in the Scottish Highlands Edwardian country hotel. Interesting food. Good wines and malts. Spectacular views. DBB ukp35-69. Although not exclusively gay you will be warmly welcomed. Call Ian or Eric: 01479 851347. Auchendean Lodge Hotel, Dulnain Bridge, Inverness-shire. PH26 3LU. Rothes Glen Hotel Moray's premier country house hotel, in acres of grounds and glorious views towards the Grampian Mountains, is noted for warmth and friendly service. Six miles south of Elgin, midway between Inverness and Aberdeen. Contact Michael or Freddie, Rothes Glen Hotel, Rothes, Morayshire. AB38 7AQ. Telephone: 01340 831254. E-mail: 101516.1660@compuserve.com 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! 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL ============= EU APPROVES GAY-RIGHTS MEASURE The European Council, composed of the heads of state of the 15-nation European Union, approved a treaty June 18 that endorses banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. The treaty does not have the force of law — but it does determine what laws can and cannot be passed by the European Union's Council of Ministers, which is composed mostly of EU-member-nation foreign ministers. The relevant clause reads: "Without prejudice to the other provisions of this Treaty and within the limits of the powers conferred by it upon the [European] Community, the Council [of Ministers], acting unanimously on a proposal from the [European] Commission and after consulting the European Parliament, may take appropriate action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation." GAYS & FUNDAMENTALISTS CLASH IN VANCOUVER Eight hundred gays and lesbians and 200 "family values" protesters clashed in downtown Vancouver's Robson Square lst month. The occasion was a rally by the anti-gay Citizens' Research Institute (CRI) to protest against gay-positive curriculum in public schools. For two hours, the two groups chanted slogans at each other, blocked each other's picket signs, and pushed and shoved for control of CRI's podium. CRI speakers never did get to speak from the dais. Later, as CRI head Kari Simpson spoke to reporters, gays pelted her with dirt clods. The confrontation was part of an ongoing battle between pro- and anti-gay forces over school curriculum. On one side, members of the BC Teachers Federation are funding development of workshops, policies and curriculum recommendations that battle anti-gay bias. On the other side, the school board in Surrey, a Vancouver municipality, has banned three gay children's books — "Asha's Moms," "Belinda's Bouquet," and "One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dads" — and the British Columbia Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, in a non-binding resolution, voted 165-158 to ban from schools all material related to homosexuality. Provincial Premier Glen Clark has weighed in on the side of gays, saying: "Burning books is no solution. What we have to do surely in the '90s is preach tolerance. ... School boards are democratically elected; we try to respect that even when they make stupid decisions." A recent McIntyre and Mustel Research poll found that 68 percent of British Columbians think students should be taught to accept homosexuals. Only 20 percent of 500 respondents polled across the province said students should be told that homosexuality is unnatural. Among parents, 73 percent favor gay-friendly curriculum. AUSTRALIA State police in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, have paid out $4 million dollars (ukp2 million) to 250 of the 463 people they strip-searched in a 1994 raid on the gay nightclub Tasty. The payouts have forced significant budget cuts in many areas of the force, according to a report in Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper. At least 70 more victims of the raid have yet to settle their claims against the police department. BELGIUM The majority coalition of Belgium's Flemish regional government have agreed to amend tax laws so that a surviving gay partner will pay lower inheritance taxes — but not as low as heterosexual spouses. At present, opposite-sex spouses pay a two-percent tax while unrelated heirs pay up to 45 percent. Under the proposed changes, a gay partner would pay 10 percent. The changes are expected to take effect Jan. 1, 1998. To qualify, a gay partner would have to have lived with his or her lover for at least 3years. CANADA Horny Toronto businessmen seeking noontime nookie in toilets of financial-district skyscrapers are under seige. Seventy men have been arrested for "trespassing" in the food-court bathroom beneath Scotia Plaza, and similar operations are underway at the First Canadian Place and Commerce Court bank towers. "This happens a lot in the downtown buildings," said the Plaza property manager. "Some of these are high-profile people ... like lawyers and accountants. It just makes it embarrassing and difficult." Gay Toronto City Councillor Kyle Rae had a slightly different take on the matter. "As work gets more frustrating near the end of the week people need a release," he said. CYPRUS Amnesty International has called on Cyprus' House of Representatives to legalize gay-male sex. Cyprus was ordered to do so by the European Court of Human Rights in 1993 but legislators have procrastinated on the matter. The court said the nation's sodomy ban violates privacy rights. Meanwhile, the European Commission on Human Rights has declared admissible an application from another Cypriot homosexual, Stavros Marongos, charging that his human rights are being violated by the ban. SINGAPORE The Singapore gay group People Like Us has been denied registration with the government's Registrar of Societies and thus cannot operate legally. "About 5 months after submitting our application ... the Registrar of Societies wrote to us rejecting our application," the group reported. "No reason was given. We telephoned them to ask for the reason, but they said they did not entertain such requests over the phone." Under Singapore law, any unregistered organization "shall be deemed to be an unlawful society." U.A.E. "Homosexuality is taboo in the United Arab Emirates, however, it is considered normal for men to have sex with other men both before and during marriage," according to a recent report. It also noted that "it is very cruisy at night between the Sheraton Hotel and the library." ----------------------------------------------------------------- REVIEWS ======= video Advanced Country Line Dancing & Country Hip Hop Dancing by Diane Horner Paradox Films This is basically two dance instruction segments on one video release. Country Hip Hop is a recent amalgam of the two rather different styles, and it only succeeds in part. Of the three dances presented, only the Cowboy Hip Hop I feel has any chance of making it into the UK's huge number of Dance Clubs' repertoire. The other two dances, Hip Hop and Jammin', are simply too alien. The second segment is somewhat more useful though, but only for those who have done some other Line Dancing in the past - no beginners dances these. Only four are covered, the technical Applejack, complex Pigeon, long (96 step) Le Doux Shuffle and the somewhat bizarre Partner Tush Push. They are presented in an accessible, if very American way (some of the dance terms are different), but if you can prop your TV in front of a big space on the floor, you can have a good stab at them (just make sure no-one else is at home). I'd like to see the others in the series (missing out the Hot Country Workout - I'd rather do that with some hairy cowboy in private thank you). Seumas books Throwaway Angels by Nancy Richler Press Gang Publishers, ukp6.99 This is not a book for the light reader: it is an intense story of disappearance, murder and lack of love. Tova runs the laundromat. She has just been dumped by her girl and spends her nights brooding about it, until suddenly her mind has something else to work on when her friend Gina disappears. Gina is a stripper in a downtown bar and her mysterious disappearance is brushed under the carpet by cops who are too busy looking for the killer of first a lawyer, then a social worker. Are these linked to Gina going missing? Tova decides to take up the investigation to find Gina herself and comes across a few things she hadn't quite bargained on. See if you can work it out before Tova does. Or does she? Crave by Laura Adele Marsh Wet & Wanton Press, ukp4.99 Well, what can I say? Hot! Hot! HOT! This is definitely not a coffee table book! It is 12 short stories full of lesbian erotica and it's good, oh so gooood (sorry, caught up with one of the stories in my mind). So if you have a good imagination or even if you don't, this book is a must! It's sensual and erotic without being too crude, and it's good to read with a lover, or on your own - just don't forget the hankies! Hen's Teeth by Manda Scott Women's Press, ukp6.99 As a crime story, this book has it all: death, bodies disappearing, ‘females' as well as making the Orange Prize for Fiction 1997 Short-list. Kellen is a doctor who receives a midnight call from her ex-lover's partner telling her of the death of the ex, Bridget. Dr. Kellen offers support but soon becomes mystified by the mysterious surroundings of Bridget's death. She uncovers a world of obnoxious and deceitful people, including the doctors and police. This is a hard book to put down - it is fast and racy, so if you are into crime, it's the one for you. Heather film It is a very curious decision by the executives of Warner Bros. in Hollywood to call their new thriller "Murder At 1600", (15) for this, in fact, is the Washington street number of the White House where the president lives and rules while in office. But even if Americans know that I wouldn't imagine that number means anything to millions of moviegoers in other countries. The black and beautiful Wesley Snipes is a homicide detective called in to investigate the murder of a woman at the White House and is fast to realize that national security advisers there are not helpful wanting a janitor charged quickly as a prolonged investigation could damage the president's prestige across the country. Head of security is the menacing Daniel Benzali, best known to TV audiences from the "Murder One" series. He insists his secret service agent Diane Ladd gets rid of Wesley double quick time. But she realizes a major cover up is happening. As Mr. Benzali is recording every phone conversation that happens both of them are quickly on the run from heavily armed suited officials aiming to kill. It is nail biting stuff when even helicopters are chasing them at night and Detective Snipes blacks out their spotlights by shooting straight into them. This Is one very slick movie that points out White House officials can get away with almost anything. After their success together in "Speed", that was one of the biggest hits of '94, it seems a pity the magnificent Keanu Reeves could not be reunited-with the enchanting Sandra Bullock in "Speed 2", (PG). But Mr Reeves was busy elsewhere so Sandra has a tall, tanned and tantalizing leading man in Jason Patric who would not be kicked out of bed on a rainy night. He plays a Los Angeles cop and when their love affair begins he assures her his duties are routine and nothing for her to worry about. But, by chance, she is not pleased to find out his job places him at great risk chasing the most dangerous crooks around. As Mr Patric is a habit difficult to break she lets herself be pacified by accepting his offer cruising on a luxury liner with him. But, as this is a movie, great danger is at hand in the shape of Willem Dafoe, a computer mastermind, who is displeased with the shipping company for having dismissed him - unfairly he insists. His revenge is sabotaging the ship's controls and terrorising the passengers. Director Jan De Bont is so clever at making action pictures that it is 125 minutes of great entertainment that cost a fortune to make - and looks it. Those of us who love being terrified in the stalls must consider "Thinner", (18) adapted from a Stephen King novel (under his pseudonym Richard Bachman). A successful lawyer who is grossly overweight injures an old gypsy woman in his car and her husband puts a curse on him. Suddenly he rapidly begins losing weight - no matter how much he eats. And he isn't the only one in that town whose life turns into a nightmare. This story can't do much good for the reputation of gypsy people. Life in an Italian village can be far from dull as "Roseanna's Grave", (12) proves with cafe owner Jean Reno solving the troubles of the neighbourhood. A problem harder to cope with is his wife of many years, Mercedes Ruehl, being diagnosed as having only a year or two to live. She treats it philosophically saying she has been given a very good life and tells him when she is gone he must soon get married again. Polly Walker is her good looking sister playing a waitress who stops customers concentrating on their food. The stunning Mark Frankel is the one she is happy to give second helpings to. A delightful film with great humour - but tissues are essential for the poignant moments. The New Zealand government subsidizes their film industry knowing it can bring many tourists to them and greater income for residents - all something the new government here could learn a lesson from. Their government finance brought about a 1994 hit called "Once We Were Warriors". The makers have come up with another gutsy story in "Broken English". (18) I didn't know that refugees from the Bosnian conflicts have been emigrating down under for years now. A beautiful Croatian girl embarks on a passionate affair with a Maori guy. But her father disapproves of mixed marriages and starts forbidding her to see him. The drama that ensues should be seen by any parent who feels they have a right to rule their children's romantic interests. If cops and robbers get you going you could consider "City Of Industry" (18) that has Timothy Hutton as a smalltime crook planning a jewellery robbery pleading with his elder brother, Harvey Keitel, for help. They team up with others considered experts in their spheres which is fine until tempers flare. Any of us considering illegal, activities should see this first. An independent team of Californian film makers in their twenties have produced an offbeat idea called "Bang" (18) written and directed by a 29 year old British guy who calls himself ASH. Without any street permits they had a guerrilla style 5 week shooting schedule all over the streets of Los Angeles. With a handheld camera and a laughable budget their story is an Asian-American woman who, after being abused, manages to steal a police uniform. The camera follows her day as a Los Angeles police department motorcycle cop with the power she suddenly holds. A lady called Darling Narita (I am assured that is her real name) is in the lead and when they shot the film she had a suspended driving licence. Although female motorcycle officers are extremely rare, she was constantly perceived as one of their own by the LAPD. Ideal for anyone who relishes being dominated by a uniformed police woman. Farce works better onstage than in films as it can be irrational dialogue in irrational situations and film audiences expect much greater reality. Michael Frayn, who wrote the most hilarious farce ever produced on the London stage, "Noises Off", has done his efficient best writing "Remember Me?" (PG). It will be available as a Film Four video release from the end of July. Robert Lindsay makes a very unexpected visit to a romantic interest of over 20 years ago, Imelda Staunton, who lives in genteel poverty with her unemployed husband, Rik Mayall, and their latter teen son and daughter. She chooses not to tell her family he has looked her up to borrow petrol money for his Rolls Royce parked opposite. And for hours he conveniently forgets about the blonde girl he has left sitting in it. They are finally persuaded to stay for dinner but, it seems, a finance company has been following Mr Lindsay and quietly removes the vehicle as they dine. If your sense of humour is developed enough to accept the ridiculous you could find "Remember Me?" very funny indeed. Because there are quite a few Helena Bonham-Carter lovers out there I feel duty bound to tell them she took her lovely shape to France recently to make "Portraits Chinois" (15) in which she shows great mastery of their language. For British cinemagoers it takes awhile to appreciate that in many French films the word action isn't that important. They can be a series of dialogues followed by the word "Fin" at the end. This story is of middle class Parisians which follow that pattern with script writers planning their next film, or a designer planning a fashion show, when they are not talking about who is having an affair with whom. Attractive faces of both sexes make it easier to be patient with. Best Of The Current Releases Tom Conti plays an illegal Montenegro immigrant running a café in New York in "Someone Elses America". He is saving to bring his relations to the States and has many tribulations fancying a girl promised elsewhere. Three attractive but unemployed young men turning to crime with humorous results is the plot of "Palookaville" (15). You will be very hard to please if you don't fancy one of these testosterone packed young men. A passion for Spanish guys could be a reason to be patient with "Tierra" (18) which is as weird as they come. The leading man is convinced he is half man and half angel. While fumigating the Spanish countryside against lice that are ruining the flavour of the local wine, his split personality makes him pursue two very contrasting women. Jacques Tati was a superb French mimic comedian who made his first movie in 1947 "Jour De Fete" (U) about a village postman who decides to streamline his service. Shot in colour, it was only released at the time in black and white. He died in 1982 and his two children have now organised the full colour version. Malcolm Epstein It's In The Water Dir: Kelli Herd Small town America on the (fairly) large, silver screen: a frequent, well-nigh clichéd cinematic theme, perhaps, but, in this particular case, taking on a new bent (pun fully intended)! This highly original, contemporary Stateside release recently showed at the Filmhouse (in their small but intimate Cinema Three), during the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival tour. Capable of switching, virtually seamlessly, between humour and pathos, the movie also managed, commendably, to highlight the bigotry and hypocrisy rife within apparently run-of-the-mill suburbia. In fact, beneath the idyllic, orderly facade of the Texan town setting a veritable cradle of homosexuality simmers. A rumour that drinking the tap water can deflect its inhabitants from the ‘straight' and narrow sends some into panic, while others awaken to their true identities. The protagonist, and instigator of all this flippancy, out and proud Spencer, ends up, as voyeur to the resulting bedlam, with the biggest smile of all. The director's ironic, almost tongue-in-cheek handling of the various reactions to the intrusion of an AIDS hospice within this conservative utopia helps to avoid the film descending into stereotypical insipidity. A gem of a feelgood movie; the overriding message by the end of 100 enlightening minutes is that people are people: regardless of their sexual leanings. Scott J. Reid ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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: 0131-539 2999 or e-mail them to listings@scotsgay.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 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. Phone: 0131-556 8822 Mon-Sat 2-5pm, Tue 7-8pm. Or write: c/o 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1SA. E-mail: pridescotland@drink.demon.co.uk. WWW: http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/pride/. All kinds of help are urgently required all year round! SPEAK OUT SCOTLAND: is a new pressure group which aims to protest against cases of homophobia, in and around Scotland, using non-aggressive direct action. Write: 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA or e-mail: speak.out.scotland@drink.demon.co.uk LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ABERDEEN: North East 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: NESGG, 104 Inchbrae Drive, Garthdee, Aberdeen. AB10 7AL. Icebreakers is a social group which meets on 2nd Friday and last Monday of each month. 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. BORDERS: Borders Gay Switchboard operates every Thursday evening 7.30-10pm for confidential information, advice and counselling. Phone Galashiels (01896) 756611 or write to Borders Gay Switchboard, PO Box 13305, Hawick, Borders. TD9 9YG. 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 second Wednesday. 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: 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. 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 7.45pm and 9pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each calendar month in Cafe Kudos. Phone Lothian Switchboard for details. ELGIN: Moray Lesbian and Gay Network meets second and fourth Wednesdays 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 Mathieson's Pastisserie (lower ground floor of St Giles shopping mall). Sunday afternoon outing takes place every 4th Sunday. Phone Bobby on Elgin (01343) 542928 for details. Or write: MLGN, 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: 7.30-10.30pm. 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: Logan on Duntocher (01389) 875078. Icebreakers Cafe, for lesbians gays and bisexuals new to the scene:12.30-3pm on First Sunday in each month. GGLC, 11 Dixon St. 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 Gay & Lesbian Group meets every other Wednesday at the Greenock Arts Guild. Cręche facilities are available. Contact Greenock (01475) 745903, daytime, for further info. P.O. Box 9700, Port Glasgow, PA14 5YD. E-mail: inverclydeglg@drink.demon.co.uk INVERNESS: Highland Gay Men's 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. 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. 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 self help group which meets fortnightly at 40 Shandwick Place (EAMH Meeting Room). Offers help and support and provides 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 Discussion Group: Meets every second Monday at 6-8pm. Support group, social events, informal chat. Cręche and fares help available. Phone Vicky on 0141-333 1450. 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. 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 BI MEN'S NETWORK: In formation. Contact: Tim Sallis, c/o Edinburgh Bi Group, 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1SA. DUNDEE BI GROUP: Write: Fiona or James, c/o Dundee LG Switchboard, 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 NETWORK: Social support and health advice to Bis and supporters. Meets GGLC. Contact Dominic Aveyard on 0141-248 6864 (day) or E-mail greenaction@gn.apc.org 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 GBWG) quine@quine.org.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) 858450. BEARS BEARS' CLUB UK: For hairy men and admirers. Edinburgh: Meets in the New Town Bar on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8.30pm. Glasgow: Meets at the back of the bar in Squires Bar on the second Friday of the 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. THRESHOLDS: Individual and group support for gay men, bisexual men and men who have sex with men, within Edinburgh and the Lothians. 10a Union Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. Telephone: 0131-558 9444. BIKERS GAY BIKERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: A UK-wide club for women and men. Active Scottish section. Details: GBMCC, PO Box 33, Nottingham. NG10 2BF. CHRISTIANS CHANGING CHURCH ATTITUDES: Write c/o 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. E-mail: cca2000@btinternet.com EVANGELICAL: Lesbian or gay? From an Evangelical tradition? So are we. Phone: Ewan on Polmont (01324) 715542 or write: EF/LGC, 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, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. Phone John on 0131-556 1309. Write: Holy Trinity MCC, PO Box 12433, Edinburgh. EH1 3FU. WWW: http://www.geocities.com/westhollywood/8362 or E-mail: mcc.edinburgh@cheerful.com L&GCM: Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement. 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. For information, call Linkline Glasgow on 0141-948 0397. Sunday 7-10pm. Or you can write to: Quest, PO Box 280, Glasgow. G12 0AW. COMMUNICATIONS BORDERS BULLETIN BOARD: Computer based information, programs and gay message exchanges. On-line 24 hours a day. To gain access to these areas, register as a new user and leave a messsage for the Sysop who will upgrade your access accordingly. Connect speeds 2400-28,800 baud. Hawick (01450) 377877. 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: The UK's oldest lesbigay 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 CLANN AN UABHAIR (A FAMILY OF PRIDE): New York City's own Gay & Lesbian Scottish Association. Membership open to anyone. Dances, ceilidhs, cultural events throughout the year. A particular warm welcome to anyone visiting our town from Scotland! E-mail: Gay_Piper@NYCnet.com for any and all information, or snail mail to Clann An Uabhair, G.L.S.A., P.O. Box 630, Murray Hill Station, New York, NY 10016, USA. Phone: 00 1 (212) 726-1418. GLASGAY!: Lesbian and gay arts festival. Postponed until 1998. Write: c/o CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. G2 3JD. Phone: 0141-332 7521. GLASGOW GAY MEN'S CHORUS: Meets Mon, 7.30pm, GGLC. No auditions: new members always welcome. Phone: 0141-337 3806. 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. E-mail: raymond@probus.demon.co.uk WESTERN STARS: Western style line and partner dancing for gays, lesbians and friends of goodwill. Thu evenings. Phone: 0131-453 3284 for venue details. DRINK PROBLEMS If you are a lesbian or gay man with a drink problem and want help and advice, you can 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. National Helpline: 0171-566 0044 Wed 7-9pm. Scottish Co-ordinator: Calum McLean. Phone: Inverness (01463) 236878. 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 and bisexual men with HIV/AIDS. Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 404408. Or write to: PO Box 83, Aberdeen. AB9 1AA. 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). CRUSAID SCOTLAND: 25 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh. EH2 4QS. Telephone: 0131-225 8918. Fax: 0131-220 4033. AIDS/HIV Fundraisers who organise the annual Walk for Life. WWW: http://www.crusaid.org.uk/ DOT (DUNDEE OUTREACH TEAM): Harm Reduction Centre, 55 Constitution Road, Dundee. DD1 1LB. Telephone: Dundee (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 individual support and counselling, Thresholds (a bereavement project), scene work, educating and training. 10a Union Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. Telephone: 0131-558 9444. GLASGOW BARS AIDS WELFARE FUND: Raises funds for various HIV/AIDS projects in the Glasgow area. PO Box 3954, Johnstone. PA5 0WS. E-mail: 106756.701@compuserve.com GLASGOW FOOD LINE LIMITED: Voluntary organisation which provides a cooked lunch to people who are HIV+ living in the Glasgow area. Unit A, Maryhill Workspaces Ltd, 45 Garrioch Road, Glasgow. G20 8RG. Phone/Fax: 0141-946 0003. GLASGOW HIV CARERS SUPPORT GROUP: Phone: 0141-221 8100. Or write to: Suite 226, Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow. G2 6HJ. GRAMPIAN AIDS LINE: Aberdeen (01224) 574000 or write to GAL, PO Box 250, Aberdeen. HAVEN: Drop-in space for those affected by HIV and AIDS in the west of Scotland. Mon-Fri 11am-5pm. Ruchill Hospital, 520 Bilsland Drive, Glasgow. G20 5NB. Tel: 0141-946 7120 ext 1550. LANARKSHIRE HIV COUNSELLING: Phone Airdrie (01236) 747960 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.15pm) MILESTONE HOUSE: Residential care (primarily respite and paliative care) for people with HIV/AIDS. 223 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh. EH14 1EB. Phone: 0131-441 6989. OASIS: Drop-in and information service for gay and bisexual men. Mon-Wed, Fri 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-10pm. 10a Union Street, Edinburgh. Tel: 0131-558 9444. PAISLEY SUPPORT GROUP: For people with HIV, partners, friends and family. First Wednesday of the month 7.30pm at The Wynd, School Wynd (off Moss Street). Phone: Margaret McAllister on Brediland (01505) 814284. 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. IV3 5PR. Phone: Inverness (01463) 711585. E-mail: support@reachout.demon.co.uk 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. E-mail: information@solas.demon.co.uk 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. Phone: 0141-211 4753. WAVERLEY CARE TRUST BUDDY SERVICE: Buddying Service for people with HIV/AIDS. Buddy Service Co-ordinator, 4a Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. EH7 5AB. Phone: 0131-556 3959. Fax: 0131-556 5045. NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE: 0800 567123. A Freephone, 24 hour service for confidential advice and information. Minicom: 0800 521361 (10am-10pm). LEATHER MSC SCOTLAND: MSC Scotland, PO Box 28, 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-Thu 7-9pm). State clearly that you seek Scottish legal advice as our law is very different from that of England and Wales. NON-MONOGAMY ABUNDANCE: New supportive UK/European network for non-monogamous people. For more info on polyamory/polyfidelity, write enclosing sae to: Abundance, PO Box 5190, Birmingham. B13 9DJ. E-mail: polyenq@sugito.demon.co.uk 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 DUNDEE HILLBILLIES: New hillwalking group mets 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month. Contact: Derek on Aberlemno (01307) 830428. GAY OUTDOOR CLUB: Holds regular events including walking, cycling, hillwalking, windsurfing, cross-country skiing, camping and youth hostelling etc. For more details send a large (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 0131-657 3707 (Cycling). West: Douglas on 0141-636 5894 (E-mail: dougoc@aol.com). North: Michael on Inverness (01463) 230651. South-West: Philip and Mark on Southwick (01387) 780653. GAY RAMBLING GROUP: Walks on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Phone Ross on 0141-427 1511. OVER FORTIES PHOENIX: The only national group for the over forties and friends of any age. Write (enclose sae) to: Phoenix, PO Box 103, Wallington, Surrey. SM6 9SJ. PARENTS PARENTS' FRIEND: Phone: 0113-267 4627. 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 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 THE PASSION BRIGADE: Mixed sex/sexuality - all ages and races. Anarchism. Details (2 postage stamps please) from BM Box 207, LONDON. WC1N 3XX. SCOTTISH LABOUR CAMPAIGN FOR LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS: Works within the Labour and Trades Union movement to secure equality for lesbians and gay men. Meets quarterly. Contact c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. 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. Write: PO Box 10, Dingwall. IV15 9LH. REAL ALE GAY REAL ALE CLUB: Meets regularly for sampling of Real Ale in Glasgow pubs. Contact: Douglas 0141-883 9055 or E-mail: dwalker994@aol.com SCIENCE FICTION DELANEY'S EDINBURGH CHILDREN: Meets every 1st Sunday of the month in Edinburgh from 3-4.30pm. Contact Jane on 0131-556 6109. DELANEY'S GLASGOW CHILDREN: 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 Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. SM GAYS: Write to SM Gays, BM SM Gays, London. WC1N 3XX. E-mail: bandanas@dircon.co.uk SPORTS ABERDEEN GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Swim every Wednesday: Phone David on Aberdeen (01224) 317552. BRITISH GAY AND LESBIAN SPORTS FEDERATION: Encourages participation in sport. Write (with sae) to BGLSF, Central Station, 37 Wharfdale Road, London. N1 9SE. EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S RUNNING CLUB: Meets for 3-4 mile casual local run. Alistair: 0131-661 0008. EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Meets informally, Commonwealth Pool on 1st and 3rd Mondays - details from Tom on 0131-229 5755. GAY BODYBUILDERS/WEIGHTRAINERS CLUB: contact Winston Duncan on 0171-379 3480 for contact with Scottish members and nationally. GAY FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS NETWORK: Glasgow group holds monthly meetings in Squires Bar. Contact Ewan on 0141-779 2321 or write enclosing sae c/o Phace West, 49 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 2DL. GLASGOW & EDINBURGH ALTERNATIVE WRESTLERS: Edinburgh club meets every Sunday 6.15-9.30pm. Glasgow club meets every Friday 10am-4.15pm. Pinfall & Submission plus Pro-Style Wrestling. We now produce a monthly wrestling publication. ukp2 from address below. Phone: Derek on 0131-467 1465 or Iain on 0141-423 4175. Write: Alternative Wrestlers, PO Box 437, Glasgow. G42 8HU. E-mail: altspor@dial.pipex.com GLASGOW GAY BADMINTON & SWIMMING: Every week during term time at Woodside Secondary School, Berkeley St. Badminton: Mondays at 8.30pm and Thursdays at 6.30pm. Swimming: Thursdays at 8.30pm. Details: Andrew 0141-576 6875 (Badminton) or Douglas 0141-636 5894 (E-mail: dougoc@msn.com) (Swimming). 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 LGB Officer, East of Scotland Area NUS, 11 Broughton Market, Edinburgh. EH3 6NU or phone on 0131-556 6598. North of Scotland: Write to LGB Officer, North of Scotland Area NUS, University of Aberdeen, 50/52 College Bounds, Aberdeen, AB2 3DS. West of Scotland: Write to LGB Officer, West of Scotland Area NUS, Cathcart House, Langside College, 50 Prospecthill Road, Glasgow. G42 9LB. NUS Scottish LGB Officer on 0131-556 6598 or write to NUS Scotland, 11 Broughton Market, Edinburgh. EH3 6NU. E-mail: nus-scot@dircon.co.uk. OPEN UNIVERSITY L&G SOC: Phone David: 0141-554 7159. TV/TS ABERDEEN: Crossdressing Group. Contact Aberdeen Switchboard for details. EDINBURGH: Scottish TV/TS Group meets in private rooms last Saturday of each month. Ring Lothian Switchboard for further information. GLASGOW: Crosslynx meets second Wednesday of each month (except December) from 7pm-10pm. Phone Strathclyde Switchboard for more details. HIGHLAND T-GROUP: Monthly TV/TS support group. Contact Inverness (01463) 711585 (9am-5pm) or write to: PO Box 67, Inverness. IV1 2XX. VISUAL IMPAIRMENT VISUAL IMPAIRED GAY GROUP SCOTLAND (VIGG): Offers a listening ear and support to women and men. Phone Colin and Jim: Dumfries (01387) 261679 or write to: VIGG, 112 Annan Road, Dumfries. DG1 3EZ. WORKPLACE EIS GAY AND LESBIAN NETWORK: Write c/o 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6EH. Or contact Veronica Rankin, Equality Officer, on 0131-225 6244. GMB: Contact Mary Harrison, Regional Equal Rights Officer, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Phone: 0141-332 8641. GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL G&L EMPLOYEES FORUM: Phone: John Dawson on 0141-959 7457 or Charles Thomson on 0141-287 3744. UNISON NATIONAL L&G CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE: Phone: Steve Weddell on 0131-469 3880. Or write: c/o 18 St Giles Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1PT. YOUTH GROUPS ABERDEEN LGB YOUTH GROUP: For 21s and under. Meets Noon-4pm on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 272975 or E-mail src038@abdn.ac.uk HIGHLAND YOUTH GAY & BISEXUAL GROUP: Meets 7.30pm 1st Wednesday at 28 Huntly Street, Inverness. Contact Inverness (01463) 711585 (9am-5pm). IRVINE: O.L.A. is a group for young gay/bisexual men under 26. Meets Mon 7-9pm. Details: Kevin Wright, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine (01294) 323473. LESBIAN YOUTH SUPPORT INFORMATION SERVICE: PO Box 8, Todmorden, Lancashire. OL14 5TZ. Enclose sae. Phone/Fax: Todmorden (01706) 817235. STIRLING YOUTH GROUP: Details from Forth Friend on Stirling (01786) 471285 Mon 7.30-10pm. STONEWALL FRIENDS: Friendly, fun, informal social group for gays, lesbians and bisexuals under 26 in the Lothian Region. Meets every Wednesday with regular social events at other times. Phone: 0131-556 4040 Tue 7.30-9pm or E-mail: edyouth@cableinet.co.uk STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN AND GAY YOUTH GROUP: Friendship and support for under 26s. Meets Tuesday 7.30pm at the GGLC. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard or Glasgow Lesbian Line. Write c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. -------------------------------------------------------------- SWITCHBOARDS AND HELPLINES ========================== BISEXUAL PHONELINE: Thurs 7.30-9.30pm Phone: 0131-557 3620 BORDERS GAY SWITCHBOARD Thurs 7.30-10pm Phone: Galashiels (01896) 756611 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, Tues 2-5 Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 633500 (Minicom available) Fax: Aberdeen (01224) 634055 LOTHIAN GAY & LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD: Nightly 7.30-10pm Phone: 0131-556 4049 MORAY LGB SWITCHBOARD: Men: Tue & Fri 7-11pm Women: Thu 7-11pm Phone: Elgin (01343) 541188 STRATHCLYDE GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD: Nightly 7-10pm Phone: 0141-332 8372 LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD: 24 hours Phone/Minicom: 0171-837 7324 ------------------------------------------------------- ALAN'S CHART ============ 1. Joshua - Soul Fly (Evolution Mix) (Red Parrot) 2. Incisions - Beyond Motion (Choci Remix) / Techno Gong (DJ UFO Remix) (Satellite City) 3. Snakebite - The Bit Goes On (Second Phattest On The Dance Floor Mix / Ispirazione (XVX) Remix) (Multiply) 4. Mankey - Double Trouble (Magic Alec Touched Mix / Rated PG'S Honeymoon Xpress Mix) (Slamm) 5. Beserker - Take Me Away (Choci's Diesel Fuel Dub) (Aura) 6. Honey Club - Daydreaming (Dave Randall Amsterdam Bus Mix / Dave Randall Zap Mix) (Opaque) 7. Mrs Wood - Feels So Good (Hard Mix) (React) 8. Mr S Oliver - Funkin' Down The Track: The Best DJ (Remixes) (?) 9. Naka - That's It (99 Allstars Master Dub / Industrial Piano Mix) (Higher State) I 0. Next Generation - Drop The Bass (Mankey's Jumping & Pumping Mix) (Sound Corporation) 11. Bounce - Off The Floor (Heads Down Mix) (Redlight) 12. Interzone - Let's Get It On (Dark Mix) (Redlight) 13. Dum Dum - One Earth Beat (Qattara Mix / Outdare Mix) (Whoop!) 14. DAF - Battered (Original Mix) (Lips) I 5. DM - All I Wanna Do (Dizzy's Mix) (Warners) 16. Arkarna - So Little Time (Grinstretcher Mix / Andy Ling Mix) (Fume) 17. Diddy - Give Me Love (Perpetual Motion Mix / Amos & Koglin Mix) (Feverpitch) 18. Kitty Lips - Shake-A-Boom (Choci's) 19. Blackout - Gotta Have Hope (Spacebase Millenium Mix) (99 North) 20. DJ Randy - Overmodulate (Prolekult) ------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTSDYKE ========= SMALL TOWN GIRL Was it something in their voice that made me angry or was it the fact that I was being slagged for being gay, I wonder? Coming out in a small town was never going to be easy, but I wasn't prepared for the verbal abuse I got, the vicious looks, or the fact that so called friends didn't visit anymore. What did they think I was going to do? Jump them? Well, I hadn't up till then so I won't start now! Firstly, I told my sister who actually said she knew. I knew she would be cool about it and we discussed telling "the parents". "MUM I'M A DYKE!", wasn't going to work especially as I have a four year old son. She just wouldn't believe it. So, I invited the family down for Sunday lunch, you know, tell them half way through the mince and tatties, but my bottle went and so did the parents - without being told. I don't know why I was so scared as when I did tell her, she was alright and said, "As long as you're happy". I was. But that was before the whole town knew. I never told my dad. I left that up to my mum. He never let on that he knew. I think he was waiting for me to say something but he wasn't getting anything out of me until, one day, we were walking down the street and both our heads turned to a cute babe walking by. We just looked at each other and laughed - then I knew it was going to be OK. Anyway, after mum and dad knew, I told friends and some were fine about it while others put it on the grapevine. Gossip in a small town always spreads fast and the stories grow longer. I wasn't really bothered until the slaggings came and the friends dwindled. "They couldn't have been real friends", I told myself, but it still hurt. My best friend stuck by me as well as some others. Some would jokingly slag you but you knew underneath it was preying on their minds. I was splitting up from my then girlfriend which I suppose in one way was a weight off my shoulders as all we did in the end was argue but it hurt as well, so I thought it was time to sort this mess out. I started looking at where my life was going and decided a move would be the best thing to do and as I have real friends in Edinburgh I decided this was the place for me. So I have started the process of moving now although I am still in my small Ayrshire town and the hassle has died down not completely but a little and that's better than nothing. I have met a wonderful woman whom I love very much and she doesn't stay that far away from Edinburgh. Things are looking a bit brighter so I suppose my dream is halfway there. All I need to do now is leave this small town and the people with their small town mentality. Yes I will miss my family. Yes I will miss my friends. My god, I suppose I will even miss this town. Thirteen years is a long time to live somewhere but I will build my new life with the peace of mind that I am not going to be a victim. I will be a winner. Heather White ------------------------------------------------------------------- CREDITS ======= ScotsGay: a bi-monthly magazine for lesbians, gays and bisexuals edited, printed and published in Scotland. ISSN: 1357-0595. (c) Pageprint Publishing Limited, June 1997. 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: Garry Otton & Derek Ogg (Features), Liquid Silk, Iain, Minerva, Calmac & Gus (Scene), Rex Wockner (International), Seumas, Malcolm Epstein & Scott J. Reid (Reviews), Alan Nicholls (Music), Heather (Reviews & 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/ Subscribing by Internet: 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.