SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a bi-monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland Issue 21 - April 1998 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 1998. 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: News - reports & investigations Otton On... - the abominable homoseshual Ogg's View - high-horse Inside Out - the total scene guide Venues - what and where Scene - gossip from everywhere Boxes - the ScotsGay Meet Market The Nice Bit - riding a bicycle Letters - your views in print International - news from around the world Reviews - toys & books & theatre & film Listings & Helplines - checked and updated every issue Music - Joy DJ Alan's latest chart ScotsDyke - interviewing a practicing policedyke ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EDITORIAL ========= Pride in London is to be an all ticket affair this year - and you'll have to pay for that ticket too! A far cry from the annual march that used to attract but a few thousand souls who trudged briskly through London insulting police ("2-4-6-8 - is that policeman really straight?") and public alike before heading to the University of London Union for a massive party and outrageous orgy in the swimming pool showers. The organisation was so informal that, one year, I found myself having to pacify the police commander as the organiser, with whom I was staying, hadn't arrived (having not managed to struggle out of bed) and the march was somewhat late in starting. The police physiognomy (shining from soap like a star in astronomy) had to be seen to be believed when Greyum eventually materialised in a full nun's outfit! But such a small turnout was lamentable and a more organised approach made numbers swell over the years so that Pride became the biggest free festival in Europe and a victim of its own success. From being a home brew with a few friends turning up to play a gig, it turned into a monster with a focus of popular loud noise culture which attracted rubber necking straights in large numbers and managed to alienate rather a lot of gay people into the bargain (myself included). Now the whole thing has become a business (albeit not, in the case of last year, a very successful one!). That's why it's so nice to see that Pride Scotland, whilst running things in a very businesslike and professional manner, has managed to retain the informality that makes the whole Pride experience so worthwhile. To be honest, London Pride has become a chore for me - Pride Scotland is a pleasure! And, this year, we can look forward to all these "straight" footie fans in the tent next door - a perfect target for some of our more robust queens who will, I'm sure manage to give them (and us) a day out to remember. As well as probably taking a few of the more bi-curious ones home for a night in that they'll remember even longer! John Hein ------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS ==== PRIDE SCOTLAND MEETS THE TARTAN ARMY Pride Scotland '98 will take place in Glasgow on June 13th. The March will set off from Blythswood Square at Noon and the Festival will take place on Glasgow Green next to the People's Palace. It has recently been announced that Scottish Brewers will be operating "The Tartan Tent" a special marquee with large screen coverage of World Cup Soccer Matches. This event will run from June 11th for the duration of the World Cup. Pride Scotland are in contact with the organisers and feel that because of the opposite orientation of the entrances to the events, the relatively low key matches being played and the difference in start times, there won't be much interaction between the two events. According to Pride: "The Tartan Tent is further East than the Pride Scotland site and so the Pride Scotland March will not go past the site. Additionally, to comply with City of Glasgow Council licensing regulations, all alcohol outlets are required to have perimeter fencing around sites where alcohol is bought and consumed. Both Pride Scotland and the organisers of the Tartan Tent will be erecting a perimeter fence around their site areas." "Pride Scotland; Scottish Brewers, the organisers of The Tartan Tent event; Strathclyde Police and the City of Glasgow Council will continue to be in close contact over all health and safety matters that may arise out of the proximity of the two sites. It is our joint primary concern that all possible measures are taken to ensure the safety of the festival goers." "As in previous years, the police will be kept informed of the arrival time of the March and the time of the end of the Festival. It is felt that on site security will, if anything, as a result of the perimeter fencing, be better than previous years." For the second year running, Glasgow based designer Jon Jardine has come up with an outstanding design for the Pride Scotland logo. Combining a traditional celtic knotwork design with the universal rainbow colours - emblematic of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride - the new logo beautifully represents the unity, diversity and inter-connection that the Pride movement represents worldwide. This is particularly relevant this year as Pride Scotland is joined by Amnesty International in an initiative that highlights a "World Without Prejudice". GOVERNMENT BENDS TO GAY DEMANDS The Government has amended the Scotland Bill to extend the equal opportunities powers of the Scottish Parliament to cover equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. The amendment follows a three month campaign coordinated by the Equality Network, the Edinburgh-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender campaign group. The new amendment allows the Scottish Parliament to encourage equal opportunities much more widely. The definition of equal opportunities written into the Bill is extended to explicitly include "sexual orientation". "Age, language and social origin" have also been added. At the same time, the powers of the new Parliament are extended so that it can work to encourage all kinds of equal opportunities. Without this new amendment, the Parliament was limited to working to discourage discrimination only on grounds of gender, race and, to some extent, disability. Under the new amendment, the Scottish Parliament will still not be able to make anti-gay or other discrimination illegal; that power is reserved to Westminster. The new Parliament's encouragement of equal opportunities is limited to methods that do not involve prohibition or regulation. In February, amendments drawn up by the Equality Network to improve the Parliament's equality powers were tabled by a cross-party group of MPs including Roseanna Cunningham and Alex Salmond of the SNP, Jim Wallace (Scottish Lib Dem leader) and Malcolm Chisholm (former Labour minister). This was a rare example of Scotland Bill amendments supported by members from all three Parliamentary parties. On March 31st, the amendments were debated, and the Government conceded on key points. Keith Cowan of the Equality Network said, "We welcome the Government's movement on this issue. We would rather have seen the Parliament given real legislative muscles to ban discrimination, as our amendments proposed, but we have won a significant part of what we wanted. We also asked for 'gender identity' to be included explicitly in the definition of equal opportunities, but unfortunately the Government rejected that. We now need to work to ensure that the new Parliament uses its powers to the full to start delivering equality for LGBT people across a wide range of laws and institutions." He continued, "The Equality Network applauds and thanks all those people and groups who lobbied the Scottish Office on this issue - this shows what can be done by working together across the LGBT communities, and with other equality constituencies, such as race equality and disability groups, who also supported the amendments." Introducing the changes to the Scotland Bill in the House of Commons, Henry McLeish, Devolution Minister, said, "[The new amendment] makes it clear that the Parliament will be able to discourage discrimination on the grounds of a person's age, sexual orientation, language or social origin ... we recognise that people can suffer discrimination on those grounds, especially sexual orientation." He added, "The Parliament and Executive will be able to create and implement their own equal opportunities policies. They will be able to encourage equal opportunities by exhorting and giving guidance to public authorities and others to adopt equal opportunities policies, running advertising campaigns and setting up an advisory committee. They will be able to seek to influence the development of equal opportunities legislation in Westminster." The Equality Network is continuing its campaign to ensure that a commitment to equality is part of the foundation of the Scottish Parliament by preparing a submission to the constitutional steering group which is drawing up proposals for the Scottish Parliament's standing orders. The submission will propose the establishment of an Equality Committee at the Parliament, and a regular national LGBT Forum to make proposals to the Parliament about legislative changes needed to deliver equality for Scotland's LGBT people. The draft proposals have been widely circulated for comment, both within the LGBT communities, and to other equality groups. Copies are available from: Equality Network, 58a Broughton St, Edinburgh, EH1 3SA. Tel: 07020 933 952. WWW: http://www.diversity.org.uk/equality E-mail: equality@diversity.org.uk Tim Hopkins CENTRE ON HOLD The sale of the Edinburgh Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre, the oldest in the UK, has been delayed following problems discovered by solicitors handling the transaction. The Centre was due to be sold by current owners OUTRIGHT Scotland to a new Charity who will own and run the building for the community. But now, it appears that vital plans have gone missing from Edinburgh Council's offices - it's claimed that they were destroyed by a homophobic former employee. Whilst the plans can be replaced, this will take time and the original April date for the handover has had to be delayed. SOD ScotsGay On Disk: The text from ScotsGay and InsideOUT is available free of charge to visually impaired readers on 3.5" or 5.25" computer disk in IBMPC format. We will be glad to add you to our mailing list if you send your name and address (and disk size required) to us at: SOD, ScotsGay, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. We hope shortly to be able to provide disks in MAC format. OOR JESSIE Jessie Devlin FEIS, a staunch heterosexual supporter of lesbigay rights for many years and Patron of OUTRIGHT Scotland, sadly died on 25th February. HALF-BAKED CLAY Anti-gay posters have been flyposted around Edinburgh recently and ScotsGay can reveal that one of the people behind them is born again Christian and "ex-homosexual" John 'Clay' Garner, the son of NorFrost owner Pat Grant OBE. He was recently arrested and charged in connection with an alleged flyposting incident in Princes Street and claims that an arresting officer called him "a fascist and a bigot". Clay told ScotsGay, "The reason behind the posters is to make people aware and to educate people to what homosexuals practice. As committed Christians, we love and have compassion towards all because Jesus never condemned. He always loved and that is why he went to the Cross for our sins." We put it to him that, in view of his many years' experience as an active homosexual he must be aware that the 'statistics' on the poster just weren't true. Nevertheless, he confirms his belief in the figures, refuses to reveal their source but will give no reason. He is quick to state that his multi-millionaire mother has nothing to do with his current campaign. "I've changed from being a homosexual because I've realised homosexuality is a pointless existence and that God's love is not a quick fix like homosexuality", he says. "Christians are sick and tired of the Devil and all his chums having it their own way. We need a clean up of society and all the perverts, abortionists, drug abusers and paedophiles." "In every day of my life, I'm in great emotional pain. I would love to go to bed with a man. That's what it's cost me just to turn and walk away. We all need that physical and loving relationship. I had a vision a few days ago of Jesus, bleeding from his wounds onto people and crying out for them to turn away from their sins and that caused me great pain." He asks us to print his phone number (0131-554 3986) on which he will, no doubt, dispense his crackpot brand of advice for people with "psychosexual disorders". Ewan from the Evangelical Fellowship of Lesbian and Gay Christians told ScotsGay, "There are many people in the gay community who are also Christians and they would take a somewhat different view to that expressed by Clay. People who are gay and Christian do not subscribe to much of the 'theory' expounded and would suggest that there are other ways of looking at scripture apart from the traditional fundamentalist way. Anyone looking for support and/or information on being gay and Christian can find different sources in the listings in your magazine." A spokesperson for Edinburgh Freethinkers said, "We disapprove of Clay's views and wish it to be known that our God (who now has his own E-mail account: god@antipope.org) supports all forms of deviation (especially those practiced by members of the Ffestiniog Railway)". THE POSTER 5 THINGS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT GAY MEN 1. Gay Men average 110 Sex partners and 68 rectal encounters a year. 2. In a study, 70% of Gay Men admitted to eating their partner's excrement. Half of them regularly. 3. No-one world wide has found a single heritable, genetic, hormonal or physical difference between heterosexuals and homosexuals. 4. The gay rights activists are seeking to bring the age of consent, from 18 to 16 to 12, (as it is in Spain). This would eliminate sexual abuse of children in the eyes of the law. 5. The rectum was not designed for sexual activity, those who participate in this act can find themselves consigned to using sanitary towels for life. NET ScotsGay's Internet Web Site at http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ has just recorded its 100,000th visitor. The text of the magazine is also sent out by e-mail to over 5,000 readers throughout the world each issue. LINDEN One of Edinburgh's oldest gay venues, the Linden Hotel (formerly the Nelson Hotel) has closed, been sold and is likely to be converted into flats. Former manager Tony Carrigan intends to re-open the Thai restaurant in the old Star of Bengal premises at the Haymarket. FLIT As part of the transfer of HIV/AIDS services from Ruchill Hospital to Gartnavel Hospital in Glasgow, Drop In Centre 'The Haven' has moved to 36 Shelley Court beside the Brownlee Centre. SHUT Club Xs, Kirkcaldy's only gay venue, has closed after operating for only a few weeks following the pub's owner going out of business. Promoter Jamie Taylor is actively seeking new premises. MEETING OUTRIGHT Scotland's AGM is to be held on 9th May in the Quaker Meeting House, 38 Elmbank Street, GLASGOW at 2.30.pm. Guest speaker will be Kay Carmichael. MINGIN' To celebrate nearly five years of Joy, resident DJ Alan Joy has organised a massive party. It will be held in Studio 24 (formerly The Calton), Joy's first venue and will take place on Saturday 9th May. Entry is free until 12.30am for Joy members. GPO The old GPO building in Edinburgh was the site for 'Under The Duvet', a fund raiser for Names Project (UK) on Saturday 11th April. It brought together Edinburgh's most popular dance clubs for an evening of loud noise and jollification. OCH AYE! Gay TV (the satellite station for insomniacs and VCR owners) may be filming in Scotland soon. For the Dial-a-dare segment of their Friday night "Gay Nightcalls", their dishy presenter has been dared to go up to Loch Ness, dive in in a kilt, come out and show everyone his Loch Ness Monster Cock! Dial 0990 160160 for details. NOISE DJ Stella has teamed up with DJ Alan Joy to launch a weekly mixed club night called Mars at Tin Pan Alley in Glasgow. Maiden voyage on Friday 1st May is free (usual fare ukp5). MUGGED A Gay Scotland photographer was recently mugged in Edinburgh on his way to pick up the camera to cover a story. According to Editor-in-Chief Paul Ivison, "At least they didn't get the camera". OUVERT Healthy Gay Scotland's Info Unit was officially opened by Jim Whannel, Phace West Chair on Wednesday 15th April in Glasgow. Situated in the GGLC, it is open Noon-2pm Mon-Fri. ------------------------------------------------------------------ OTTON ON... =========== TIBET - SEARCHING FOR THE ABOMINABLE HOMOSEXUAL Garry Otton, the first Western journalist to interview gays in Tibet, continues his search for gay men living under the yoke of Chinese rule. In our last issue, Garry finally managed to arrange a meeting with a "homo-seshual"... Lobsang suggested bringing his "homo-seshual" friend, Tsering, to the hotel where I was staying in Lhasa, but after spotting the cameras in the lobby, I didn't want to take any chances. We arranged to meet the following afternoon outside the gates of the Norbulingka Park. These are the gardens of the Summer Palace from where the Dalai Lama made his impromptu escape into exile at a few minutes before 10pm, 19th March, 1959, when the Chinese began shelling Lhasa. When I arrived, Lobsang was sitting in the shade of a willow tree looking downcast. His friend, Tsering, the "homo-seshual" had not turned up. Lobsang implored me to let him try again the following evening. I was up before sunrise the next day, quietly sitting on Thieves Island with my water-colours, trying to paint the Potala as the sun rose up over the mountains behind me. A Chinese motorcyclist drove by, stopping a little way up the dusty road, watching me through his rear-view mirror. Later that afternoon, lit by hundreds of flickering butter-lamps, I was led round the dark, musty corridors of the Jokhang temple before I jumped on a rickshaw and headed back to the hotel lobby to greet Lobsang. He looked quite flustered. He couldn't find Tsering, the "homo-seshual" anywhere. He had met up with him at his usual watering-hole the previous evening, but one drink had turned to another, and he had staggered home drunk. Nobody had seen him since. "Where does he drink?" I asked, otherwise preparing to settle for the discovery of a Tibetan gay bar. Lobsang described it as a restaurant. A gay restaurant, then… and pushed Lobsang into a taxi. We turned up at a dark candlelit shack, a mile or so away from the Potala. Half a dozen Tibetans were sitting round tables, drinking by candlelight. My eyes met a craggy-faced yak herdsmen-type in a shabby suit and hair like Jo Brand. I returned his smile. From a dark corner a young man in tight denim trousers sashayed up to our table and spoke to Lobsang in Tibetan. Gays instinctively recognise each other, don't they? Although he looked about 15, Tish was an alcoholic 23-year-old and a close friend of Tsering the "homo-seshual." I clocked the bitten fingernails and nervous giggle and asked him if he ever had a boyfriend. Lobsang blew the plot and told Tish I wanted to know if he was a "homo-seshual." This is an insult in Tibet. He might just as well have asked him if he was a murderer! Tish was horrified. He shook his head and looked down at his drink in embarrassment. I had brought with me some international gay-lifestyle magazines, including Attitude, and - rather carelessly - passed them round for everyone to see. The air was filled with gasps, guffaws and loud exclamations. A couple of females ran around enthusiastically drawing everyone's attention to a boy-babe pin-up. Once Lobsang had established my credentials to the curious, food was rushed to our table whilst someone was dispatched to search for Tsering the "homo-seshual." Following Lobsang's example, I rolled up the tsampa (barley flour) in my left hand and dipped it in the bowl of yak meat momos (ravioli). In between mouthfuls, I sipped hot yak butter tea from a cup which the Tibetans have an annoying habit of repeatedly refilling. I thought, if they didn't stop, they would get my Linda Blair impression, covering them in rancid, half-digested, yak butter puke. Yak butter is not to everyone's taste! At best it is like a broth, but can be very salty, occasionally with the addition of a few yak hairs. Before I finished my meal, Lobsang said Tish was going to take us in the taxi to find Tsering. Expressing much regret at not being able to finish my yak butter tea, we drove to another part of old Lhasa and stopped outside a long staircase leading to a flat above some Chinese shops. Tsering wasn't at home. We stopped further up the road at another bar. He wasn't there, either. Before we had a chance to drive off, a large Tibetan woman called Dolma in shocking pink-rock lipstick and blue eye-shadow stormed out, waving to us to come in. "Tsering is coming!" she yelled in Tibetan. Dolma ushered us into the dark, candlelit interior and sat us at a table amongst another small, mixed group of Tibetans drinking beer. After a few minutes, the door opened, and Tsering walked in with a gay friend. Tsering was a slim 25-year-old in tight-fitting dungarees and a white polo-neck. His shock of black hair fell over his face meeting his dark, neat, plucked eyebrows. Tsering spoke no English, but politely introduced me to his shy, 29-year-old friend, Buchung. Somehow, word had got round that I was "helping Tibetans" and with something approaching haste, Dolma bustled us through a curtain flap into a tiny room at the back. I handed the gay magazines, bulging with the affluence of western gay culture, to Tsering and Buchung. Half a dozen or so other interested Tibetans craned their necks to see. Only Tsering and Buchung turned the pages in total silence. I explained to them how I wanted people in the West to know how Tibetan gays lived. Tsering looked at me with piercing dark eyes and said in Tibetan: "I would love to be free to come and tell you." Tsering knocked back his beer. The strain of gay life in Tibet takes its toll. Alcohol abuse is common. I wanted to know what Tsering thought of the habit of men and boys holding hands in Tibet? He gave me a knowing smile. "They love each other. Of course. That is why they do it." I advised him that the Dalai Lama had spoken out in support of homosexual relationships during a tour of Sweden in the summer of 1996, saying: "There are no acts of love between adults that one can or should condemn." I discretely produced a picture of the Dalai Lama from my pocket. Tourists have been arrested for showing his picture. The penalties to Tibetans found in possession of one are even more severe. "Do you know what is the greatest prize in the world anyone can be awarded?" I asked, making wide gestures to emphasis my point. "It is called the Nobel Peace Prize. And the Dalai Lama has been awarded that prize." In a touching ceremony, Tsering held the picture to his forehead and passed it round for everyone to do the same. Tears filled their eyes. It would have been callous to mention the Dalai Lama's remarks in his book Beyond Dogma where he described some gay sex acts as "sexual misconduct… improper" and "inappropriate." In 1997, my experiences in Tibet appeared for the first time in Attitude. Following its publication, a statement was issued by the Dalai Lama's office: "His Holiness was greatly concerned by reports made available to him regarding violence and discrimination against gay and lesbian people. His Holiness opposes violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation. He urges respect, tolerance, compassion, and the full recognition of human rights for all." He went on to issue a statement that urged further study of human sexuality by Buddhists with a view to arriving at a new interpretation of Buddhist scripture. For Tibetans, Buchung and Tsering were well dressed. Selling your body for sex is easy in Lhasa. The extent of prostitution amongst gay men in Tibet might, in part, be explained by the attitudes to homosexuality here. Although Tsering had been with his boyfriend for eight years, he had frequently operated as a rent-boy, but was keen to express with indignation that he had never slept with Chinese. "Never!" Tsering assured me there were no gays bars, as such, in Lhasa. "That would be too dangerous." He claimed to know 18 other gays, and would be happy for me to meet them all if I had more time. "We meet in each others houses." Like Britain in the fifties. But then I remembered Lobsang telling me how, for Tibet, the clock had stopped at a few minutes before 10pm on 19th March, 1959 when the Dalai Lama fled into exile. As a mark of protest, and much to the annoyance of the Chinese, Tibetans keep stopping the clocks at that time. I wanted to know how Tsering and Buchung met guys. "We go out to bars and discos looking for Smart Guys," said Buchung. Smart Guys? I was left juggling with a mental picture of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. "Guys dressed to impress... Going out to pick up... Looking for sex… Smart Guys." With the Tibetan beer kicking in, I asked Tsering if Smart Guys liked to fuck him. They did. Without condoms? Yes. But usually just ejaculating between his legs. Both he and Buchung had occasional run-ins with the Public Security Bureau. Tsering admitted to having been arrested on a number of occasions. "I am not afraid," he said. "They just let me go. Sometimes I dress up, in clothes of a woman. I do not do that now. It is too dangerous. It is much harder now. I would be punished severely." Everyone agreed that the authorities treat Tibetans roughly. Tsering lifted his head to show me a fading bruise. "Smart Guy," he said, pointing to his eye. The life of a gay Tibetan was indeed very hard. Suddenly, the curtain separating us from the rest of the bar was pulled open and two Chinese men in suits burst in. In clipped English, one said to me sharply: "Can I be of assistance? I speak English." My reporter's notepad slipped between my legs onto the floor. The informers had been busy. I explained a little helplessly how I wanted to find homosexuals. "There are no homosexuals in Tibet…" he said brusquely, whilst his comrade flicked through a copy of Out. "It is a Western disease." I nodded, pretending he was making sense. Only Lobsang understood him, but everyone else knew why he was here. I was a foreigner. Tibetans have only recently been allowed to talk to us. "This does not happen in Tibet," he said again, laughing at the pictures. "You won't see any here." Tsering sat bolt upright in his chair. "I am a homosexual," he said proudly. "And I am Tibetan." It was the perfect delivery. Only a true queen could do it. I was waiting for the cheers, but there was only a timid silence before one of the Chinese shook his head and laughed. "I tell you. There are no homosexuals in Tibet." To everyone's relief, he left through the curtain flap, dismissing Tsering with a wave of his hand. "He is no good. He is mad. That man is crazy." Thankfully, without any experience or history of gay activism in Tibet, these officials had no reason to take us seriously. As far as they were concerned, we were all crazy. They might do these strange things in the West, but only a madmen would attempt them in Tibet. I handed Tsering and Buchung a parcel of clothes, before everyone hurriedly left through the curtain flap back into the main bar. As we escaped into the street, I caught sight of a group of soldiers marching toward us and froze. Like so much of the People's Liberation Army, they were just teenagers. They filed past us as I climbed into a battered taxi. Tsering ran up to me and squeezed my hand through the open window, he had had a chance to inspect the collection of western clothes and tried to say "thank you" in broken English. Early next morning four of us, including a driver and official guide set off by road across the Himalayas on the same route out of Lhasa the Dalai Lama took when he fled Tibet. The crumbling roads became more and more treacherous as we climbed to 18,000 feet above sea level. Somewhere, high on the mountain pass and in the dead of night, we broke down. The electrics had packed up on the Land Rover and we had no lights. I had been trying to sleep under an old yak skin, but now had to hang out of the window shining a torch to light the way. Himalayan nights are eerie. It is the sheer vastness of it all. I have never before seen so many stars in the sky. The Land Rover trundled slowly forward, following a light too dim to expose the sheer drop on the side of the mountain. We finally reached a hostel at the side of the road and were offered a small outhouse to sleep. I was very tired. Although I didn't suffer altitude sickness as bad as some, I fell into an uneasy sleep and my dreams became muddled and strange. The next morning I took a welcome bath in hot springs. I couldn't help noticing how the Tibetans quickly cover themselves when bathing near strangers. I know for a fact they harbour no such prudery amongst themselves. At the side of the road I caught sight of a group of Tibetan men swimming in a lake. Not only were they completely naked, one man lay on top of another in full view of any passing trucks. Along the way, if bridges had collapsed in the monsoon rains, we just plunged the vehicle into raging torrents until the water splashed over the bonnet and poured in through the doors to reach the other side. Eventually, we were stopped by a serious landslide and had to admit defeat. We abandoned the Land Rover at the side of the road and bribed a truck driver to take us as far as he could to the border. It wasn't all such hard going. On the way, I met a group of young, celibate monks who talked to me about life in a monastery. After some initial shyness, they admitted that some monks got sex "between the legs." But not any of them, of course! This peculiar practice conveniently circumvents actual penetration of a hole, which Buddhists see as a clear contravention of their vows. The information cost me a small short-wave radio which I am pleased to say will give them the chance to hear something besides the infernal propaganda delivered by those ubiquitous Chinese Tannoys. Perhaps news that their God-king is returning to a free Tibet and Tsering is hoisting the Freedom flag - that is to say, everyone's freedom - from the highest point in the world. (c) Garry Otton 1996 Certain changes have been made to protect the lives of individuals. ScotsGay also had photographs of the Tibetans featured in this article, but decided that it was too dangerous to publish them, even in a doctored fashion, such is the likelihood of imprisonment, torture, punishment and death in Tibet. Tibet Foundation:- 10 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SH (Tel: 0171-404 2889) getza@gn.apc.org Amnesty International UK Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Network:- 99-119 Rosebury Avenue, London EC1R 4RE (Tel: 0171-814 6200) groups@amnesty.org.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------- OGG'S VIEW ========== HOW CLEAR EVERYTHING IS (FROM THE SADDLE OF YOUR HIGH-HORSE) Derek Ogg is a leading criminal lawyer and gay activist. He founded SAM, Scotland's largest AIDS/HIV agency in the 80's, and is currently a Trustee of Milestone House, Scotland's only AIDS hospice. He helped found the ground-breaking radical AIDS education agency GMFA in London in 1992. Easter weekend 1998 taught me a few things about bigotry and inbred intolerance. Who would have believed that the fear and suspicion of centuries could begin to be healed in Northern Ireland in our lifetimes? On Good Friday 1998, the most dramatic political development of our recent lives took place with the signing of the Stormont agreement in Belfast. Men, who only a few years before would literally have killed each other as soon as look at each other, sat down together and resolved upon working together for peace respecting in their own words "each others diverse cultural traditions". No-one suggests that everything is now a garden of roses over there, but we have all learned that decency can, with a good wind and good luck, prevail over the darker wickedness of Man. So far so good. Now enter The News of The World. That very Easter Sunday, when every other British (and most foreign) newspapers were leading on page one with this wonderful news the NOTW was leading with an altogether different story about bigotry, George Michael In The Park. The whole front page was a single grainy paparazzi style photo of George bare-chested lying on the grass, well, sunbathing (gasp!) in, like, the park (double gasp!!) That was the news that day for them (the story had broken three days earlier with his arrest, but it took the press a couple of day's bidding to get the pics). As if you didn't know, their take on the so-called 'scoop' was that George had been nicked for cottaging, it wasn't his first time cruising that particular loo and, well, wasn't it just terrible that he's: a) gay; b) gay and has been lying about it; c) gay and rich and hanging about in lavvies; d) closeted and sad and perverted like all the rest of these queers ? The gutter press, and a few allegedly serious papers to boot, enjoyed various permutations of the above list of scandals, employing some celebrated gays to put the boot in too, most notably Boy George, showing all the solidarity of a vulture circling a wounded buffalo. Boy George, like a number of other politically correct pundits lamented that the real scandal was that he was gay for years and never came clean, he should have done and he did us all a disservice (including himself) by not coming out ages ago. There was a rather self righteous, holier than thou, serves you right you jaded queen, she got her come-uppance feel about the published gay reaction. And all this , for those who adore irony, on Easter Sunday. T.F.M. So just to introduce a little sanity into the "Lessons to be Learned" debate, let's get a few home truths out in the open. Firstly, show me a gay guy who hasn't ever cruised in a loo and I'll show you a dirty low down economiser with the truth, (come on now, think back). Secondly, each of us came to a decision to come out (or not) at a point in our lives ordained by the unique personal circumstances each of us faced or faces. For some it was hard, even harsh. For others it was easy, even career making (especially when most of your decisions were informed by the effects of consumption of massive quantities of hard drugs). For very few was the presence of money or success the thing which made it easier to be out than in. Most of us are out because we have suffered terribly being in the closet and the process of coming out was ultimately the final chance to make a go of life and the love that's meant to be found in it. For a privileged few coming out was a purely political decision. Yet others were so inherently camp or effeminate they realised they may as well be hung for a sheep as well as a lamb, and came out to nobody's surprise or shock. George Michael is not the first to be effectively 'outed' by being done for cottaging, then thought, "fuck it, I may as well own up now". Thirdly, nobody but nobody has the right to dictate Coming Out Day to another person, the sole exception being the antigay politician who is in fact themself gay, yet acts to harm other gays. Whilst it is right for all of us who are out to encourage others to join us, let's remember the reason for doing so... it really is better to be out, life looks full of hope again, no more lying to those you love, feeling respected for who you really are, no more suicidal thoughts, love affairs with firm foundations, the relief, the freedom to say and be yourself, a manifesto in other words for full participation in your own life on your own terms. We too often forget (due to an apparent obsession with the superficial on the gay scene) that each of us who came out made a courageous, wise, deep and life-affirming choice, the likes of which few people in society are ever faced with. We should perhaps be more upfront about just how bloody marvellous it was that we made that choice as well as how much it says of each of us as people, citizens, potential friends, lovers and colleagues. There are millions of George Michaels out there, trying desperately to square their consciences with what they perceive are the dangers of coming out. Perhaps, like George Michael, some come from ethnic backgrounds where the disapproval of the family can be profoundly deeper and consequential than in many traditional Anglo-Saxon homes. This is particularly so for many Asian and Afro-Caribbean gays where close knit families have strong religious as well as cultural taboos about homosexuality, allowing no room for liberal exceptions for a particular case. More work by gay lobbyists is needed among all of the strands of our society if 'gay liberation' is not in Britain to be reserved for the few. I have argued in the past in these columns for more political and propaganda attention to be addressed to our working class estates (for want of a better term) and if proof was needed for the proposition the confidence and implicit approval with which the gutter press vilified George Michael proves my point exactly. If even he, with all the admitted advantages of wealth and success, feel he is still vulnerable to mass public hatred or disdain if he came out, it is up to us to learn the real political lessons from that, rather than sit on our high horses tut-tutting that he ought to have 'owned up' sooner. In Northern Ireland some pretty dreadful people have learned that tolerance, mutual respect and human dignity are worth taking risks for. It took them thousands of murders and ruined lives to learn that, dare I say, Biblical truth. If we who are out could remember back to the painful, fearful and lonely days in the closet we might connect better with the pain George Michael feels now and the pain our fellow gays feel daily in their millions. There remains a huge job for gay liberation to do in a devolved Scotland. The News of the World story teaches us that bigotry lies just below the surface, ever menacing, a silent gaoler and tormentor to those still in the closet. As someone once said "Well there ain't no point in moving on Until you've got somewhere to go And the road that I have walked upon Well, it filled my pockets And emptied my soul All those insecurities That have held me down for so long I can't say I've found a cure for these But at least I know them So they're not so strong." Written and sung by some guy called George Michael as it happens, on an album called "Listen without Prejudice". Derek Ogg ------------------------------------------------------------------- INSIDEOUT ========= Scotland's most bendy guide to the whole lesbian, gay and bisexual scene. All the bits and some of the pieces from up there and down here, plus the list of everywhere to go, and the list of everyone that's available in the infamous Meet Market. In this issue: Venues Edinburgh Glasgow Dundee Aberdeen Inverness ScotsGay Voice Personals Boxes - The ScotsGay Meet Market Venues ------------------------------------------------------------- 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 3pm-2am. Aberdeen's longest established gay venue. CLUB 2000 62 Shiprow. Tel: (01224) 596999. 9pm-2am. Aberdeen's newest gay pub/club. Small and intimate. Cabaret (drag) every Friday. DJ on Saturday. Dundee DEVA'S 75 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 226840. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight. 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-Sun 11pm-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. XS St Andrew's Lane (behind Liberty Nightclub). Tel: (01382) 200660. Mon-Sat 7pm-Midnight. Sun 7-11pm. Cafe/bar for lgb clientele under the same successful management as Liberty to which it has its own entrance. Edinburgh BENT 100% The Shooting Gallery, Broughton Street. Infoline: 0131-467 2551. Every 4th Saturday. 10pm-3am. ukp5 B4 11pm, ukp7 after. Gay club with strict "Nae Breeder" door policy. BLACK BO'S 57/61 Blackfriars Street. Tel: 0131-557 6136. Daily Noon-2pm (in the bar) 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. Mon-Thu 9am-1am, Fri-Sat 9am-1.30am, Sun 9am-Midnight. 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. 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. 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! CATWALK CAFE 2 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7770. FAX: 0131-478 7771. Not going for a gay clientele, but still decidedly gay friendly. C.C. BLOOM'S 23 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331. Mon-Fri 7pm-3am, Sat-Sun 2pm-3am. Karaoke on Thursday and Sunday. Male strippers Sun at 4.30pm. 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-Sat 11am-1am, Sun 12.30pm-1am. 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. WWW: http://members.aol.com/scifipub E-mail: scifipub@aol.com CLOUDS 16 Forth Street. Tel: 0131-550 3808 FAX: 0131-550 3807. A gay-owned Letting Agency helping people find flatmates/tenants and tenants find flatshares/flats. WWW: http://www.wtm.co.uk/Clouds/clouds.html E-mail: cloudsacc@aol.com CYBERIA 88 Hanover Street. Tel: 0131-220 4403. Daily 10am-10pm (12pm-7pm Sun) Friendly mixed cybercafe with friendly mixed staff. Where the wired queers hang out. WWW: http://www.cybersurf.co.uk/ E-mail: edinburgh@cybersurf.co.uk DIVINE DIVA'S The Venue (Top Floor), 15 Calton Road. Tel: 0131-556 8997. Every fourth Friday - 9.30pm-3am. Women only one nighter with all proceeds going to Edinburgh Switchboard. EDINBURGH LESBIAN GAY AND BISEXUAL CENTRE 58a and 60 Broughton Street. Houses PJ's , Nexus 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. 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. Next dates: 2nd and 30th May, 27th June. 10pm-3am. Joy, Scotland's most upfront gay club! ukp7 members/ukp8 non-members (reduced entry of ukp5/ukp6 before 11pm). E-mail: clubjoy@hotmail.com WWW: http://freespace.virgin.net/alanjoy.dj/joyhome.htm LOVEATE BISTRO Within the Stag & Turret, 1-7 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131-478 7231. Mon-Sat Noon-3.30pm and 5-9pm. Cosy upstairs bistro. Good value food with special discounts for bus drivers and OAPs! MASSAGE FOR HEALTH 58a/60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-669 8039 or 0131-478 1090. By appointment only. Therapeutic massage from ITEC qualified practitioners Anne and John. Concessions available. NEW TOWN BAR 26B Dublin Street. Tel: 0131-538 7775. Mon-Thu Noon-1am. Fri-Sat Noon-2am. Sun 12.30pm-1am. Especially popular with Bears, but has wide clientele. Intense, the sub-basement leather and fetish bar is open Wed-Thu 10pm-1am, Fri-Sat 10pm-2am and Sun 10pm-1am - men only, dress code. NEXUS CAFE-BAR 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-478 7069. 11am-11pm. The cafe at the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre. Now under new management with a new name and increasingly busy. E-mail: nexus1cb@aol.com 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 aprs 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. OUT OF THE BLUE 36 Broughton Street. (Downstairs at the Blue Moon Cafe). Tel: 0131-478 7048. Noon-9pm. New gay and lesbian store selling books, mags, videos, wearing apparel, etc. Providing some welcome competition for Mrs Tubby Bear at PJ's! 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: 0131-524 0061. 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 1-7 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131-478 7231. Mon-Sat 7am-1am. Sun 12.30pm-1am. Friendly 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. TACKNO Club Mercado, 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. 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. WEB 13 13 Bread Street. Tel: 0131-229 8883. Mon-Fri 9am-10pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun Noon-6pm. Informal mixed cybercafe with homely and approachable staff. WWW: http://www.web13.co.uk/ E-mail: queries@web13.co.uk 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. 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 AUSTINS 183a Hope Street. Tel: 0141-332 2707. Mon-Fri 4pm-Midnight, Sat-Sun 2pm-Midnight. Friendly and busy basement pub. Entertainment every evening. Happy hours: Mon-Fri 4-9pm, Sat 7-10pm. 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 0522. Centre open Mon-Wed 9am-11pm Thur-Sat 9am-Midnight Sun Noon-5pm. 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. E-mail: gen@cca-glasgow.com CAFFE LATTE 58 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-553 2553. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 11.30am-Midnight. European style diner. Relaxed atmosphere. Wide selection of pastas, pizzas and sandwiches. CENTURION 19 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-248 4485. Fax: 0141-400 1080. Sauna and Shop: Sun-Fri Noon-10pm, Sat Noon-Late (Allnighter). Shop sells toys, videos, mags and everything in between. Very busy on Sundays! CLONE ZONE 35 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-552 3103. Mon-Wed 10.30am-7pm, Thu-Sat 10.30am-9pm, Sun 1.30-7pm. The largest gay shop in Scotland. Clothes, videos, magazines, toys. WWW: http//www.czone.demon.co.uk/ 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 BAR 68 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-552 4803. Daily Noon-Midnight. 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. Other businesses in the centre include Asset Mortgages. Two large meeting rooms available for hire. Not as busy as it should be - it needs your support! Fully wheelchair accessible venue. WWW: http://www.gglc.org.uk/gglc/ E-mail: gglc@gglc.org.uk 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. WWW: http://www.linkcafe.co.uk/ E-mail: tim@linkcafe.co.uk THE LANE 60 Robertson Street Lane (off Argyle Street). Tel: 0141-221 1802. 1-10pm. "Exotic Gay Men's Club" with sauna and private cabins. Promotional offers. Look for the green light. 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. Booking advised in the evening. PENELOPE'S 18 Jamaica Street. Tel: 0141-400 1423. Tue 11pm-3am. Weekly club night. DJ Boff. Regular PAs and drinks promos. Entry ukp2/ukp3. THE POLO LOUNGE 84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553 1221. Mon-Thu Noon-1am, Fri-Sun Noon-3am. Upmarket bar. Piano Bar on Tuesdays, Jazz on Sundays. Trophy Room now open. Voted No.1 club in UK by Boyz. QC's CAFE-BAR GGLC, 11 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-204 5418. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am-6pm. The tastefully decorated eaterie for the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre. 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. TIN PAN ALLEY 39 Mitchell Street. Tel: 0141-248 8832. Mon-Tue. 11pm-3am. DJ Stella. Entry ukp2/3. Drinks ukp1.50. Tacky and cruisy as ever (in the nicest possible way). New mixed club night (Mars) with DJs Stella and Alan Joy starts Fri 1st May (free) thereafter ukp5. 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. Semper idem! Popular, crowded, down to earth gay drinking shop. Scotland's oldest gay bar - what more can we say? Busy, busy, busy! 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. Stirling BARNTON BISTRO 312 Barnton Street. Tel: (01786) 461698. Mon-Thur 10.30am-11.45pm, Fri-Sat 10.30am-12.45am, Sun Noon-11.45pm. (Food: Day and early evening). Near to railway station, Mixed, busy, bohemian and friendly bar/bistro. Popular with students and Sons/Daughters of the Rock alike. Good food. Real Ale. InsideOut: a monthly magazine for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. ISSN: 1360-9327. Edited, printed and published in Scotland. (c) Pageprint Publishing Limited, April 1998. 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EDINBURGH ========= When scribbling notes about our gay scene, the reviewer can get a little anxious about where to start. Are you, dear reader, a new punter who needs to know what's there, and where, and how much? If the answer's "no" then you may want to skip this bit... Juice for the already enlightened will flow in later instalments. This month I'll give a quick run down for the scene-challenged. All addresses, opening times and phone numbers are elsewhere in this organ. Route 66 is Edinburgh's premier gay bar. Comfortable with clean air - the beer's not too pricey and the staff are friendly. The toilet walls can be amusing, so do take a stick of chalk... The New Town Bar is well priced, well decorated, and well friendly. Discos happen downstairs Thursday through Sunday and are men only on Friday and Saturday. Occasionally they even have a stripper on Sundays... The Stag and Turret feels like any local pub. Cheap drinks in a small space - it's neglected by many - but well worth a visit. It's about time they sorted the toilets out though... CC Blooms has a dance floor! It's free entry! The decor's crap and the bar's expensive! With a late licence it's the place to go when everywhere else is shut... French Connection is the capital's forgotten gay venue - time you remembered it! The drink prices are reasonable and the bar staff are lovely... The Blue Moon is an excellent place to meet and eat - especially if you're one of the younger clubbing set. Also home to Ian, the cutest, most efficient guy in any cafe, any where... Cafe Kudos is far too expensive. This is a shame because the food is excellent and the bar staff are great. Many have also complained about the seats being uncomfortable - dirtying and even tearing punters' clothes. This is ironic since it's owned by sharp suited councillor Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh's recreation convenor, who partly submitted, and then withdrew a claim for ukp150 from the council as he tore his trousers on the side of his desk! I'm sure Steve is accepting compensation claims for all your damaged stuff. On a more positive note those excellent folks at Lothian Lesbian and Gay Switchboard are holding twice monthly Icebreakers at Cafe Kudos for all those coming out. They meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month and you can phone Switchboard for more info. Nexus is the cafe in the oldest lesbian, gay and bisexual community centre in Britain. If you're out and about during the day begin here. The centre is a great place to discover what's going on, For drinks, food and friendship it offers excellent value. Also in the centre you'll find PJ's gift shop, Pride Scotland office (put June 13th in your diary), Massage for Health, and the phenomenally successful Edinburgh Bisexual Group, which meets every Thursday from 8pm. Phone the Bisexual Line for more details. Don't drink? Nothing to do? Need to spend some money? You could get a Sauna at Number 18, Edinburgh's only gay male venue of its kind. It's actually a very good source of safer sex material... Need a haircut? Go see George the Barber, based just up the road from LGB Centre. He cuts, styles and gossips like the best of 'em... for all stuff porn go to Fantasies Sex Shop which has such a large range of sex toys, magazines and videos it's quite incredible. Waterstones at the west end of Princess Street has a great lesbian and gay book section, with enough erotica to compete with Fantasies, as well as some more general gay stuff. Things haven't been the same since the lovely Alistair left mind you. Also Virgin Megastore a few doors along stocks a massive range of gay movies and videos. If you fancy a flick, then Edinburgh's independent cinemas are excellent. The Cameo Cinema at 38 Home Street often shows queer material, call 0131-228 2800. Also showing good stuff is the Filmhouse, which has an excellent gay friendly and reasonably priced cafe/bar. Call the box office on 0131-228 2688 to find out what's on. I seem to have got back to alcohol again so it's probably worth mentioning clubnight Bent 100%. No straight folks here, so leave 'em at 'ome and practice homo-apartheid. Joy, on the other hand, is distinctly mixed with ever present DJ's Maggie and Alan doing their funky, bleepy stuff. Tackno at Club Mercado is well worth a vada. Go say hi to DJ Trendy Wendy and fab ginger barman Tom, who is drop dead gorgeous. I'll see you out and about, any comments, suggestions, or info should be sent to me at ScotsGay or e-mail the address below. Cheers! Martin Walker martin@drink.demon.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------- GLASGOW ======= Minerva: Out on the town with the Lippy Hippy! Hi, folks. And a big warm wet welcome to all you girls and boys all over the world dying for your latest dose of Minerva's galactically famous pile of shite! Well, the scene's back to its usual busy self after the last few months, when some of the clubs were looking quieter than the last LibDem Conference. Who cares if your plastic dosh is still recovering from Xmas? Get your arse out into Clubland even if it means blagging your way onto the guest list and having to drink water all night! Penelope's has started a gay night again on Tuesdays, and the opening night was certainly well attended, with a good few faces who seem to have been hibernating for the past few months. DJ Boff was back on form with his usual mix of Handbag, 80's and other poofy old stuff which some of those younger than I consider so trendy despite having been released when they were still in school uniform. Nice change from the clubby dancey stuff that the clubs usually churn out night in night out. Quite a few Sharons and Trevs seem to have found their way in without realising that it was a Janet night, and it was amusing to watch their expressions as they slowly realised what was going on. However, I had to feel sorry for the poor girlie who was giving ME the eye, ‘cos it takes more than a pelmet frock and a sunbed tan to get ME on the turn. (What does it take? I think we should be told! - Ed) Hopefully, acts and stuff will be a regular thing, but the opening night was kicked off by Chris doing his Elaine Paige bit, followed by May Miller doing a few of her own tunes. But what about THOSE comments about Dorothy Squires snuffing it - obviously the Twinks had never heard of her, and the rest of the audience weren't admitting to be old enough! Anyway, hopefully the Tuesday sesh will run smoothly this time round and seeing as how Stella over at Tin Pan's has moved his camp night over to Monday, the two should co-exist quite nicely. It's only ukp2 to get in with flyer and the grog's cheap. So, it should be a good club night this time around if the first night is anything to go by. Just a pity that the prettiest bit of trade was one of the bar staff. On the subject of Tin Pan's, they were a bit pissed off with me for daring to criticise what they consider to be perfectly acceptable treatment of the gay scene. I've always tried to give this place a good right up in the past but it's getting a bit difficult when I keep on hearing the same complaints every week with no sign of improvement. Numbers have been steadily falling, and it's a great shame that the club is only attracting about half the punters it was getting a year ago. Boss Manny Paul moaned about my comments that soft drinks were almost as expensive as the hard stuff. A bit academic really, as, last time I was in, they'd run out of soft drinks by half past one - AGAIN! (Or should I say, as usual). Unless Tin Pan's intend to just sit back and watch their Tuesday customers desert in droves to Penelope's, they'd better get their shit together PRONTO! And I don't take too kindly to being fobbed off with crap excuses about the difficulties of running a club. I've had fourteen bloody years of pub management, and learned a long time ago that pissed off customers vote with their feet and go elsewhere. Now then, what's all this about me being barred from some of the pubs according to my fellow scribbler Liquid Silk? I think some sad little malicious queen has been telling porkies. I've never been thrown out of anywhere (except Canada, but that's another story). It's amazing some of the shite that gets said about me, stuff I'm supposed to have said and done and people I'm supposed to have slept with (fat chance). But I suppose fame has its price. No doubt there are some venue owners who are a bit pissed off about stuff I've written, but nobody has ever turfed me out (Yet - Ed). At least I've got the balls and the ego to have my piccy at the top of this column so you all know who actually writes this crap, rather than staying anonymous like some I could mention. Or only writing nice safe sanitised crap that won't offend ANYONE! Not that I'm suggesting that Liquid Silk is frightened of offending anyone - far from it. DJ Wendy has asked me to give a plug for his Saturday night stint down at the Waterloo, when he's pandering to all you Handbag and other poofy music fans. It's nice to see that some of the Twinks from the Merchant City are making the short trip along Argyle Street to find out what a Real pub is, with decent music, Real customers and efficient service (But sadly, no Real Ale! - Ed). Who knows, some of you might actually ditch all your fashion/image/attitude ego trips and learn to let your hair down! (Well as much as you lot with your No 1 crops can). But please, could some of you LabelJanets stop poncing around with your "look at me aren't I so cool" bollocks. The Waterloo is well loved for it's down to earth attitude and some of the crusties don't take too kindly to a bunch of pansies from the Pink Ghetto mincing around the place. The pub's entertainment's changed a bit recently, but Sundays are still a scream with Granny Spice shrieking her tits off and taking the piss out of anybody brave (or daft) enough to take part in the Hutton Karaoke Cavalcade. I couldn't help but overhear a bunch of PooJanets discussing the list of the Top Fifty Gay Albums in Boyz. The girlies seemed to be having a bit of a competition to decide who was the biggest sissy according to the number of albums on the list the actually owned. You poor sad bastards! It goes without saying, that your's truly doesn't actually own a single one of those CDs that the Boyz readership have declared to be classic poof music - in fact, I don't even have a pornograph! Right then, I wrote last month that the shrub cutting exercise over at Queens Park which has played havoc with my sex life seems to have stopped. But, NO, the foliage up around the flagpole, scene of many a furtive frolic, has also disappeared under the Parkies' chain saw. As if this wasn't bad enough, the same thing has been happening over at Kelvingrope, with the bushes between the Duck Pond and the river being replaced by a flower bed! Yeah, very nice and pretty, but not very good for hiding a couple of dozen fairies when PC Plod comes round on patrol. And don't bother running for cover up the side of the Stewart Fountain, cause all the shrubbery up there has gone too! Fucking marvellous, ain't it? I suppose all those married guys are going to have to go home and shag the wife, or go out clubbing for a change. See ya next month - if it doesn't fall off first. Minerva minerva@drink.demon.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------- DUNDEE ====== Dundee Outreach Team's 3rd Birthday Party was held at Liberty Nightclub one Sunday recently. Their spectacular cabaret was watched by almost a hundred of us. These numbers for a Sunday night in Dundee must be something of a record! The various acts culminated in the show-stopping "Not So Full Monty" with team members Steve and Doug stripping and hilarious Jim as compere demonstrating it takes a big bit of cloth to keep his packet in check. Ask to see the video - I believe it may be available "under the counter" in some notorious establishments. Show producer Donna Taylor of D.O.T. was honoured with a bottle of plonk for her efforts. The nightclub staff also got into the mood with all in drag except Angus the doorman - maybe next time... The City planners seem hell-bent on destroying our cruising fun at Riverside by building a bloody hotel on the very site of our infamous cottage - the gates of which are closed more often than open. I hear the new location is causing our well known nightclub owner some consternation as his castle overlooks the proposed building site. Feathers look set to fly from his boa as he attempts to "save the view not the cottage" - oh really! Plod and Co. say they are not concentrating on cruising areas just now but will act upon complaints from the public. Their recent attention caused two gentlemen to change to a different set of bushes which unknown to them were less than 50 yards in front of a Police Inspector's house - oh dear! The scene has been a bit quieter this April and everybody seems skint. The poll tax bills have perhaps not helped. Saturday seems to be the only big night out causing both venue owners to lament that their bills come in seven days a week. Horizontal sleet showers have kept me indoors despite the temptations of a band at Devas, karaoke in both venues on Wednesday, etc., etc. The next couple of months sees Liberty open to 3:30 (an extra hour) on some Saturdays so hopefully that may attract you from Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgay! The music is really good on Saturdays but I have heard one or two dissenting voices about Fridays. Still the music must have been good for Devas owner and staff to dance on the tables much to the displeasure of Liberty staff. Thank god Shirley wasn't there that night! Following Bitchboard's latest newsletter, I treble-checked the details of my last month's column. The ambulance service was at Blundertek and took a female to hospital with a suspected broken ankle. Dance promoters Worm have confirmed to Liberty's owner that their techno nights are definitely straight. Pride Scotland would like the main event to be held in Dundee sometime next century. So if you want the facts, read ScotsGay, otherwise see the newsletter of the Ministry of Misinformation. As we go to press there are rumours of a prominent member of the scene being caught with a thousand E's on his way back from London. When I get the facts I'll let you know - if I'm still in Dundee. Liquid Silk -------------------------------------------------------------------- ABERDEEN ======== Hello, I'm back, after my short break last month. Did you miss me then? No, I suppose you didn't really! Well, I'm pleased to see the improvements in the weather that we've seen over the last few days. (By the time you read this it'll probably be pissing with rain again, but it is Aberdeen!) I've already seen a few brave guys walking down Union Street in shorts, and long may it continue! I'm going to have to sort out some kind of tan before I dare to show mine in public. Ooh, roll on summer, that's all I can say. No doubt those of you who frequent the greener areas of our city will be welcoming the change in the weather too. I have been out and about rather a lot in recent weeks, including a well needed visit to Joy last Friday. Alan Sadler is still banging out a good mix of happy/hard housey techno-ish stuff (oh, I dunno what to call it, but it's bloody good anyway), and fairly has the crowd bouncing every Friday. As I've said before, it's a predominantly straight crowd, but it has a small gay following too. So, if you like it hard and fast on a Friday, that's yer venue! Keep an eye out for posters advertising other club nights too. This evening I'm hoping to go along to Lovechild at the Palace on Bridge Place, where Tony de Vit and Malcolm Duffy will be thumping out the harder side of the music spectrum. TdV has become quite a regular in Aberdeen, and since I heard him play at Joy (Edinburgh) last year, I've been hooked. Well worth a visit the next time he comes up to Aberdeen. I realise that this is also a straight club too, but as the gay scene doesn't really cater for those musical tastes, and combined with the fact that people do seem to be a little more open minded, I thought it was worth a mention. Venue of the week for me this week was Castro, where Jacqui Morrison played an excellent set last Saturday night. I'd forgotten the last time that I really enjoyed myself there, and hopefully I'll be having a few more good nights like that. I was actually sober(ish) too! I sometimes feel guilty because I don't spend as much time in Castro as I used to, but hopefully things will change. Actually, sometimes I like going there on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, as it's usually fairly quiet, and poor Faye is usually on her own for most of the afternoon! Club 2000 is still seeing its attendance increasing, which is a good sign as always. A lot of new faces seem to be appearing too, so either there has been a mass exodus of queerfolk to our part of the world, or they're all crawling out of the woodwork (and don't you wish some would return?!). Jet Black saw the return of the cabaret to our weekends, although apparently she was downright insulting to a few people. Luke Wilde, a local stripper has put in a couple of appearances too. All I keep hearing is "ooh, I don't like him", but it doesn't keep you away, does it, so he must be doing something right! Well, before I go, can I send a message to all of you who aspire to running a new gay venue in Aberdeen? Don't. 'Cos if we have any more advertisers from Aberdeen, I'll be wiped off the page completely, and we wouldn't want that, would we? Don't answer that!! Right, I suppose I'd better go and get ready to go out now. Be good and all that, and I'll talk to you next month. Cheerio! Gus gus@drink.demon.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------- INVERNESS Hi there readers, unless I can think up some stuff quick to write about then this is gonna be a pretty short column this month. Nico's has been steady recently and the crowd generally getting on, Inverness Pub of the year, Johnny Fotes, is becoming a popular haunt with local queens both out and in the closet, especially after Nico's shuts on a Wednesday. So far there has been no hassle or homophobia (unlike Mr G's Nightclub), staff are friendly, doorstaff friendly too, the bogs are an experience with the whole of the wall in front of the urinals covered in cartoons (so all the straight ladz are too busy looking at them to worry about us beside them!). I suppose it could be described as slightly cruisy as I've heard a few folk have picked up some previously unknown trade there (including one young queen who picked up one of the band who happened to be playing that night!) Other news: two local well-known and loved (used?) queens were recently asked to leave Bo Bangles - a high quality ladies fashion store in the town - after the staff had had enough of them literally mincing round the small store screaming their tits off and trying out handbags, and multi-coloured scarves and stoles, I personally thought this was AbFab, and full marks to this pair who would not let Inverness inhibit them. Well Done Girlz! Reach Out Highland are hopefully going to be holding a fashion show later this year, from what I can see so far this promises to be a professionally done and high profile show - more news when I have it. There seems to be an increase in sexual health services in the Highlands, it seems every time I look in a paper up here they are looking for various staff for various groups; still, can't be a bad thing I suppose. Anyway, that's about it for this issue, fill up the rest of the space up with pictures please Mr Typesetter! Take care folks, Calmac calmac@drink.demon.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTSGAY VOICE PERSONALS ======================== It's completely free to place your ad on 0800 138 4121 We'll print your ad in our next few issues and you can pick up replies on 0891 556613. That's also the number for our Browse Hotline - 0891 556613. 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. ScotsGay Voice For 1-2-1 To reply to ScotsGay Voice Ads, phone 0891 556613 (calls charged at 50p per minute) and use the number at the end of the ad. You can leave your own ad FREE on FREEphone 0800 138 4121. Central Scotland David, mid 40's, well built and non smoking will give and receive massage, restraint, discipline. Travels extensively throughout Central Scotland, can visit only. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 8439. Dundee Ronnie, 35, straight acting and looking, looking for a similar guy, 28-35 for discreet fun. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 8413. Edinburgh Accommodation ukp35 per week, no bills. Comfy, handy, all areas affordable living. Just share all outgoings with one 52 year old night working guy. Substantial sole occupancy so only responsible guys need apply. Day worker preferred but all considered. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 8398. Paisley 5'9", slim guy, 40's, seeks straight acting honest and reliable guy for fun and friendship. No strings. Must have GSOH and preferably non-smoker. Into underwear. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 8356. Central Scotland Late 30's, fair hair, green eyes, fit, straight looking and acting, looking for similar age group or younger who are open minded and like living life to the full. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 8296. Perth James, would like Ian - Edinburgh - 36 who left a message for him to call back. But is also interested in meeting other guys around 30 or younger to make friends or become more than friends. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 8287. Central Scotland James, 30's, 5'10", fair hair, medium build, fit, good looking, seeks similar for safe clean fun. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 8273. Edinburgh - Room Wanted 2 Australians (24 & 26) require to rent a furnished room in Edinburgh for the next 4 or 5 months at a rent around ukp60 per week. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 8257. Glasgow David, 49 years old, told looks younger, fit, clean, medium build, hairy chest, No 1 crop, moustache, varied interests, especially music and swimming, seeks well endowed horny tops. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 8122. 23 Year Old Edinburgh 5'11", short brown hair, slim build, likes pubs, sport, football and music. Looking for similar 18-27 year old. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 7991. Paul 29, 5'7", slim build, cropped hair is looking for 30+ guy for good time and possible 1-2-1. Into underwear, socks. I want someone to share and have a good time. Non smoker. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 7941. Perth 29 year old, 5'8", medium build, GSOH, reliable and honest, new to scene, inexperienced. Looking for 20-30 year old who enjoys nights in and out and fun and friendship possibly a 1-2-1. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 7888. Edinburgh 23 year old, 5'11", into music, pubs, clubs, badminton. Looking for similar 18-26 year old in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 7280. Leather Trevor, 28. Bi-curious but into leather. Ready to go the full hog with dominant leather man. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 7112. Daddy's Boy? Uncle Andy, 48, is looking for Daddy's Boys 18-35 for no strings fun. Light discipline if required. Anywhere - can travel or accommodate. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 7040. Glasgow Dave, 33, 5'10", grey/green eyes, no bad looking, slightly hairy, straight acting/looking. Looking for much older possibly bald (or balding) grey or white hair. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 6982. Central Scotland David, 6', 32, blond hair, blue eyes, passive, smooth skinned. Into rubber, leather, waders, etc. Seeks genuine older guy(s) - not overweight - for fun. You won't be disappointed. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 6691. Glasgow Guy in 40's seeks the company of young slim guy(s) under 26 who prefer the company of older men. Phone: 0891 556613 - Number 6411. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Fun Loving - Scotland/Anywhere Hello there. Me: 36, handsome, feminine woman, 5'8" with a LTLC is looking for fem 25+ for fun, love, passionate and some exciting times. Open minded to bi curious married women. Box SG21042. Bi-woman Looking for a bi or lesbian lady for no strings attached fun. I'm 33, and married, but am not into threesomes. Box SG21063. MEN Young Lad Looking For Muscle 18, short blond hair, blue eyes, good body looking for big muscled Father types - any age, any type but the bigger the better. Glasgow/Dundee/Fife. Box SG21001. Bear Necessities Small hairy bear, 41, seeks smooth young cub for mutual pawing sessions. Your cave or mine! Box SG21002. Central 19 Year Old Lad 19 year old lad, seeks experienced 18-25 your old to show me the way and more... Must have VGSOH and enjoy a toke! Send explicit letter. Box SG21005. Falling Asleep Together This 45 year old guy would like to hear from romantic sort of guys who like nothing better than curling up together, affectionately falling asleep in each others arms after a night of kissing and cuddling. Any age considered. Box SG21007. Young Guy Seeks Experience Bi-curious male seeks experience. Anything goes, want to try everything. Box SG21008. Scottish Discipline 29 year old tall very slim guy living in Central Scotland wants to hear about and experience traditional Scottish discipline. Muscular, fit men, 25-25 wanted, biker, DM, engineer or any heavy, black, boots, biking, or rugby kit a plus, or well-filled wet and sticky Levis. Let me feel the slap and sting of your heavy tawse on my hands and arse. Are you the man to give me the sound thrashing I deserve? Double-figure punishment on both palms and then bent over for a merciless assault on my bruised and wealed buttocks. Box SG21009. Glasgow 35 professional male. Interests: food, wine, singing, reading, badminton. Appearance: 5'10" slim build, light brown hair. Looking for: 1-2-1 relationship with similar. Box SG21010. Looking For Love I`m a straight looking/acting guy living in the Leith area of Edinburgh. I`ve got light brown hair, blue/green eyes, 44" chest, 32" waist. I`m looking for a Bi-guy non scene. Box SG21011. Edinburgh - 23 I'm 23 years old, medium build, brown hair, blue eyes, looking for 18-30 for fun nights in and out. Reply quickly!! Box SG21012. First Timer 30 year old, young, smooth, straight acting, would like to meet young guy to fool around with. I'm a total virgin so don't expect too much! Box SG21013. Edinburgh Oriental Late starter, professional oriental guy, sincere. Box SG21014. Rainbow Gardeners? Are there any keen amateur gay gardeners in Scotland who would like to get together to swop ideas, seeds, plants or just get together for a chinwag! Box SG21015. Fife/Edinburgh 26 year old guy, n/s, looking for young guys (18-30) for fun times and possible love. Box SG21016. Glasgow City - Greek Guy 28 year old, gay male, in Glasgow, Greek, slim, virgin, looks for men 30-45 to play, muscle+hairy if possible. Can't accommodate. Box SG21017. Scots Over In Dublin Calling all Scots who are planning to come and live in Dublin. Dublin lad, 30, good looks/build, hairy, tall, GSOH, seeks similar guy for friendship/relationship, non scene, ALA. Discretion. Box SG21018. Big Men - 18-35 Big lads wanted. Experienced master has news vacancies for beefy slaves to be trained by whip, cane and belt. Central Scotland/anywhere. Box SG21019. Sub Male Wanted Strict dom TV mistress seeks sub male in need of B&D. You will accept spankings and may need a dose of my strap. Box SG21020. Giant Grapplers Sought! Heavy gay guy with interest in wrestling seeks similar for friendship/tuition with a view to light grappling sessions though friendship more important than combat. ALA with shirtless photo or gear. Box SG21021. Big Boy Seeks Big Man!! I am 24, sexy, 5'9", brown hair, big, intelligent. GSOH. Like to push the barriers of life. You: 30/55, mature, professional, big, intelligent, dominant, but very loving. Love to kiss and cuddle. Box SG21022. Mature Naughty Boys 40's guy seeks other guys 25+ who require well deserved spanking, traditional discipline, etc. Discretion assured. Limits respected. Can travel or accommodate. ALA. Novices welcome. Glasgow/Ayrshire. Box SG21023. Glasgow - Anywhere Attractive guy, 30, 5'10", brown hair, green eyes, WLTM honest, attractive BND for friendship/1-2-1. Personality and GSOH more important than looks. Genuine replies only please (photo appreciated). Write soon. Box SG21024. Dundee Area Quiet, 20 year old, 5'4" TV seeks other males, TV or otherwise. Box SG21025. Aberdeen 36, 5'10", zero crop, passive, pierced, tattooed, medium build into DMs, combats, FPs and Bens. Seeks active/dominant skin type for WS, bootlicking, willing to experiment. Can accommodate weekends. ALAWP. Box SG21026. Edinburgh 26 year old sceptic wonders if there is anyone like me out there? Intelligent, into music, film, travel and more, seeks a soul mate. Nothing more, nothing less. Box SG21027. West Lothian Guy Attractive, straight acting guy, 30 years old, slim build, brown hair, blue eyes, looking for other straight acting and looking guys, possibly into sports gear and Adidas Sambas. ALAWP. Box SG21028. Workwear 24 year old would like to make contact with other guys who are turned on by workwear, combats or boots. Tayside/Scotland. Box SG21029. Aberdeen - Elgin - Inverness Good looking 21 year old, 5'11", dark brown hair, green eyes, seeks good looking, straight acting male, 21+, for good times and possible 1-2-1. Can travel. Send photo optional. Box SG21030. Aberdeen Area Slim, 31, 5'8", 28" waist, 36" chest, blue eyes, dark hair, clean shaven, pierced, passive, off scene, straight acting, WE. You: 40+, muscular but slim, clean shaven, active, WE, off scene, kind caring nature, capable of loving relationship. No drama queens, fatties, baldies or time wasters. Can accommodate. ALAWP and explicit letter. Box SG21031. Sun, Sea, Sand.. Whatever Aberdeen based guy (41) seeks new friends interested in planning two weeks in the sun this summer. Box SG21032. Lochgelly Strap Party Did it happen? Is it to be repeated? Read advert too late to respond. Also, anyone got an original two tailed JJ Dick for sale? Good price paid. Box SG21033. Married Bisexual For 1-2-1 Seeks bisexual for fun and nights out, works in area, must be under 40, non scene, Aberdeen area only. Photo a must. Looks not important. I am tall, dark, sexy, willing. Box SG21034. Lanarkshire - Glasgow 27 year old down to earth genuine guy, 5'11" tall, blond hair, blue eyes, clean shaven, slim, smooth body, looking to meet similar guys for fun and friendship. Box SG21036. Paisley - Glasgow Man next door (42), into music, sci-fi, animals (platonically!), gay videos, oral delight, seeks boy next door with similar interests for mutual stimulation and fun. You're out there somewhere! Write! Box SG21037. Edinburgh Wrestling partners wanted by 37 year old male, 5'8", fit and muscular. Any age, anywhere. Also body builders required for hot training sessions in the gym. Box SG21038. Lonely Leo Slim, 25 year old lion, short dark mane, no claws, blunt teeth, big kitten really, seeks willing prey to pounce on for feline frolics. No pussies or hellcats please. ALAWP. Box SG21039. Country Guy Mature active country living man sought by passive town guy based in Dundee, aged 50's, looking for friendship and relationship in a rural setting. Box SG21040. Dundee - Tayside Straight acting, discreet, healthy, passive, early 50's seeks long term friendship/relationship with caring, intelligent, active man. Personality more important than age or looks. Can travel or accommodate. Box SG21041. Glasgow Calling Strathclyde Healthy butch WE guy sought by special tall sweet n/s gym trained Glasgow guy (40) who needs someone to care for. Joiner preferred. Working class and enlightened? Box SG21043. Huggable Guy Needed! Glasgow - Edinburgh Cuddle junkie! 26 year old, blond crop, blue eyes, told VSA/GL/VGSOH, seeks similar NS 23-35 year old for friendship/1-2-1. Enjoy outdoors, fitness, NS stuff. You should be similar and sincere. ALAWP. Box SG21046. Naughty Boy Guy, 30, needs spanked over knee, chair, s/desk, hand, slipper, belt, cane, trousers, shorts, pants, bare. Your place. Glasgow. Edinburgh. ALA. Box SG21047. Edinburgh Area Chubby, late 50's, seeks nice smooth gay/bi/"straight" pussy cat to stroke. Box SG21048. Edinburgh Affectionate guy, early 40's, younger looking, slim, GSOH, likes sexy underwear, music, cinema, pubs, seeks guy 25-40 for fun, friendship, possible 1-2-1. ALA. Box SG21049. Skinhead - Edinburgh Wants to meet others into w/s, gob, boots, rubber, etc. Write now. Photo and phone number gets quick reply. Box SG21050. Spanking Fun Professional guy, 40, seeks others into bare spanking, giving, taking or both. All limits respected. Photo and detailed photo please. Glasgow/Central. Box SG21051. Wanted 29 year old Edinburgh guy, easy going, not bad looking, seeks attractive guy age 30 to 50 for lasting relationship. Can't accommodate. Box SG21052. Toys R Us 39, moustache, suitcase full of toys, seeks similar. Very stretchy. Experienced enthusiasts please. Bald is best. Let's show each other what we can get up to. ALA. Photoswap. Box SG21053. Lochgelly Guy Scott needs regular applications of Lochgelly Leather in the traditional manner. Scott lives in East Fife and is overweight. Help him slim! Box SG21054. Thin/Slim? Under? Lusty? And liking company of humorous 52 year old guy? In hotel luxury weekend expenses paid but companion missing. Like to deputise? Your dates, Glasgow, looks unimportant. Photo helps but ALA. No E-mails. Box SG21055. Skinheads Wanted! Hard active skins wanted by this sub guy into w/s, gob, boot licking, etc. Inside or out. Letters with photo get prompt reply. Box SG21056. Edinburgh Amusements Unlimited RU skinny/thin, humorous, 35- years old? D U like masculine fun, porn, mature company? I am 52 Y.O. I? O.K., so it's U and I at my place, own tissues TA. Looks M.E.T.R.E.L. but lust a must. ALA but no E-mails. Box SG21057. Leather Novice Are you interested in leather and 18-23, horny and passive? Then experienced leather master would like to meet you for safe hot scenes. Glasgow. Edinburgh. ALA. Box SG21058. Aberdeen - Anywhere 31, GL, dark hair, blue eyes, clean shaven, 5'8", SA, SL, WE, non scene, can accommodate. Looking to be cared and loved for. Can you give this? Then write. ALAWP. Box SG21059. Falkirk - Central Gay, passive, non drinker, GSOH, seeks active 30-40 for friendship perhaps more. ALAWP. Phone number. Box SG21060. Sexy TV Seeks Black Guy! Really nice TV WLTM a black male 35-50 W/E? for friendship, passion, fun times. Photo sae essential. Can accommodate. I'm located Tayside. You: Scotland/anywhere. Hurry! Box SG21061. Edinburgh Late 30's guy, 100% genuine, 5'8", slim, WE, SA, NS, not ugly, seeks friendship, horny fun, maybe more with right guy a little younger (28-35), NS, discretion assured. ALA. Box SG21062. Dishy Oriental In Edinburgh Very cute boy next door oriental student in Edinburgh looking for friends. 23, 5'6", 9 stones, slim to medium build, smooth, dark hair and dark eyes. VGSHO. A hopeless romantic. ALA. Box SG21065. Central - Anywhere Into just about anything 30 year old guy seeks new younger (18-25) friends for anything goes fun. Can accommodate but travel limited. ALA. Box SG21067. Edinburgh Master Seeks Slave Young slave (18-28) wanted. Must be slim and totally submissive. You will be trained to my wishes. Photo and phone number essential with full details. Box SG21068. Edinburgh - Glasgow 40 year old guy, 5'6", hairy, seeks non scene younger guy (18-22), possibly student type. I'm not into all this "gay as a lifestyle with clothes and piercings to match" shit. Fun and friendship offered rather than a 1-2-1. Might suit a first timer or bi-curious guy - or maybe somebody who's sick of the pubs and clubs and fancies a change. Discretion available, if required. Can travel or accommodate. Non smoker preferred. Box SG21069. Glasgow Manual Workman Required by tall, slim, 24 year old guy, VWE, who wants manual work on your site. I can accommodate. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Box SG21070. Falkirk Guy 45 years old, WLTM Edinburgh based guys for a good sensual experience. Also WLTM German or Austrian guys. ALA. Box SG21071. Aberdeen Area Slim hairy 36 year old gay guy, 'tache, seeks WE guys any age for fun. ALA. Box SG21072. Glasgow - Anywhere Hi guys! I'm 25, brown hair, blue eyes, clean shaven, 32" waist, seeking fun but genuine guys for fun, friendship, 1-2-1. ALA. Photos please. Box SG21074. I Need A Man For Spring Ayrshire, youthful 52, slim, good body, passive, WLTM discreet, active male, 45-60, for mutual pleasure and to share new experiences. Likes briefs, gay videos. Will travel most areas of Scotland at weekends. Box SG21075. Punk Seeks Guys, Leather Bikers Scottish leatherlad punk, 28, slim, good looking, straight acting, seeks similar guys, bikers, 21-40, into leather, rubber, SM, WS. Me top. Plenty gear. Seeking no strings fun. Cum on guys. ALAWP. Box SG21076. VWE Edinburgh 30 Year Old Lad Looking for guys into red, blue, TT, aromas, active, passive. Let's just have some fun. Can travel or accommodate. Photo and frank letter a must in return for mine. Box SG21077. Edinburgh First Timer Cute Oriental, 24, slim build, honest, mature, 5'9", non smoking, straight acting, likes swimming, theatre, seeks masculine, intelligent, discreet, 20-35s for friendship and possible 1-2-1. ALAWP. Box SG21078. West Lothian 30 year old straight acting attractive guy looking for other straight acting guys possibly into sports gear and Adidas Sambas, 21-40 years old. Box SG21079. Dominant Guys Wanted By this very submissive lad into WS, gob, verbal, rimming, boot licking, etc. Inside or outdoor action. ALAWP. Box SG21080. Glasgow Chubby Seeks Chaser Heavy, hairy guy, 39, seeks stocky chaser for friendship and fun. Skinheads also welcome as long as they are stockily built. I like hugs, kisses and romance. ALA with photo. Box SG21081. Big Lads Wanted - 18-35 For strict training by experienced master who uses whip, cane and belt techniques. Also bondage. Get writing. Central Scotland, anywhere. Box SG21082. Gay Dad Seeks other gay dads for social outings with kids. Me: 34, daughter 15. Box SG21083. Glasgow - Anywhere West Coast based businessman, stout, late 40's, seeks slim young guy for fun and friendship. Likes eating out, evenings in. Generous to right guy. Box SG21085. Aberdeen Seeking guys 22-30. Gay guy, 31, WLTM guy for close friendship or 1-2-1 relationship. Me: 5'", slim build, short black hair, brown eyes, SA. Box SG21088. BISEXUAL Seeking Friends Hello, I am a transvestite, 45 years old and wishing to meet a nice man or understanding woman to meet and have sexy times with. Will travel and can stay. I am very submissive and willing to co-operate with your wishes. Love Jan. Box SG21004. She-male Wanted I am a bisexual male who is inexperienced but wishes to discover new pleasure horizons specially with she-males with great boobs and ALL the right tools. Will consider very feminine transsexuals who have acquired the boobs but NOT had full operations. Not looking for long term relationships but horny times bisexuals into kinky underwear very welcum! Box SG21006. Bi - Transsexual M/F post op, late 30's, OK looks, seeks F/M for friendship, maybe more. Any area. I enjoy music, gigs, theatre, films, sport and hostelling. Just enjoying life as it comes. Box SG21035. Edinburgh Submissive Bi guy seeks men/women for a good time. Your photo gets mine. Box SG21044. Attractive Male Does Massage Very attractive male 6 foot tall tanned athletic build looking for ladies who need affection. Box SG21064. Central Scotland Bi TV Please let me be your maid! Dom man or couple needed for sub pretty TV. Please send photo (returnable) + sae. Can accommodate. Let's have mutual fun soon. Box SG21066. Glasgow Area 33, bisexual male WLTM bi female same age for honest friendship leading to 1-2-1 (hopefully!). I'm slim, tall and WE. You won't be disappointed. Box SG21073. Edinburgh Tall, slim, horny bi male with useful lips. Seeks like minded boy or girl, 18-35, for fun and games. Box SG21084. STRAIGHT Edinburgh Late 20's guy seeks gay/lesbian/bi mates for visits to pubs, clubs etc. Box SG21086. FRIENDS ABROAD Poland 30, 174cm, 66kg, blue eyes, short brown hair. Interested to correspond with guys from Scotland. I love Scotland, Scottish men, Scottish culture and history. Hobbies: music, cinema, art, sport, history. Write: Slawomir Klosowski, Box 330, 87-100 Torun 1, Poland. Ukraine 32 year old gay guy would like to correspond. Write: Alexander, PO Box 7701, 330050, Zaporozhye-50, Ukraine. Man For Top Man Italian Brazilian, 32 years old, 1,80m, 78kg, white, wishes contact with a top man for a good friendship or more... E-mail: parsp@yahoo.com or write: Paulo Afonso, Caixa Postal 16.303, Sao Paulo, SP02599-970, Brazil. Couple Seeking Handyman/Mate We are looking for a sincere guy, to share in our long term relationship. We are both masculine straight acting, disease free. We want a person who is responsible and who wants to live in our stable home, a guy who we can grow to love and spend time with. We are attractive and in good athletic shape. We like to exercise, ride ninja motorcycles and the great outdoors. The 34 years old is a GWM 5'11" and 160lbs with brown hair, moustache. The 37 years old is a GHM with black hair, moustache and a goatee. Please no overweight or fem. E-mail: keanu@as.net or write: PO Box 802832, Santa Clarita, CA 91380-2832, USA. Friends in Aberdeen Nice Spanish 36 year old visiting Scotland next May/June, would like to contact Scottish boys. You will not be disappointed. E-mail: gorkana@hotmail.com or write: Gorka Iruqa, Gran Vma de Hortaleza, 61, 28043 Madrid, Spain. ACCOMMODATION WANTED Aberdeen Male, early 20's, smoker, requires accommodation in Aberdeen. City centre location preferred, although other areas will be considered. Box SG21087. JOBS WANTED Licenced Trade Experienced Club/Bar Manager seeks position in gay or straight establishment. References available. 14 years experience. Box SG21003. 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. Models Wanted Previously published photographer is looking for hot and horny (18-25) guys to model in the style of Vulcan, Euroguy, etc. Cash waiting. Please telephone Stuart on 0141-636 6556 (withheld numbers not accepted) or E-mail me on Sborg16184@aol.com SERVICES Contact Mag Contact Mag for adults: contains over 600 photos. Approval copy from: Matchmaker (K38), Chorley, PR7 4BS. Or ring: 01257 480155 (24 hours). 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. Painter And Decorator Female painter and decorator. Glasgow based. Call Zoe Smith on 0141-402 2112. 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 WWW: http://www.angelfire.com/ga/lgb/index.html 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. BACK RUBS BackRub - Paisley Let me relieve your stress with a sensual and erotic back rub. Reasonable Rates. Student/Unemployed discounts available. Call Chic or Mike 0141-889 1764 - Anytime. Best Massage At Best Price Too! Sensual all over body massage by passive, stout and cuddly gay man. To visit: call 0131-271 0481 or leave number and name on Ansa-Phone. See you soon! Central Scotland Black muscular guy. In or out calls. VWE. Strong arms. For a full body rub, Chris: 07050 082461. Edinburgh Masseur A caring skilled personal touch at excellent poundstretcher value. ukp15. Jim. 0131-556 7199. Escort - Kissogram - Massage The very best for entertainment. The ultimate in sexual fantasy. Private shows or parties: the choice is yours. Telephone: 0411 284558. Glasgow Callum Handsome hunk in a kilt, 25, hairy, hung, Scotland's longest running and finest masseur is available for in/out calls 7 days. Satisfaction guaranteed. Ex clients welcome. ukp30 per hour. 0421 753 677. VIDEOS Gay Bi TV SVS for all the best gay - Falcon, Catalina, Forum, Hothouse and more. TV and Bi selection includes "Las Vegas She-Males", "Transi-spektakel", "Cocks In Frocks", "Ember-Bi", "T/S Trouble", "To Bi For". Phone 0973 980553 for immediate delivery Central Scotland. We also offer mail order service. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Southern Spain B+B. Private luxury villa, pool secluded. Stunning views to Mediterranean. Close to gay beaches, busy scene. For brochure: Tel/Fax Chris, Peter, 0034 524 73252, mobile 0034 509 556654. ------------------------------------------------------------- THE NICE BIT ============ YOU GET A BETTER RIDE ON A BICYCLE I distrust labels. I don't look at them. My flatmate fusses round supermarket cereal packets and bread wrappers in an attempt to eliminate some high fat this, genetically modified that or battery farmed other. All very worthy, but as a result I can afford three times as much food as he can. Food labels are misleading anyway. Companies package their food in order to sell their product, not to let on about what's really going inside. Gay men are also adept at hiding the contents. Dark lights and loud music in clubs ensure that half the time you can't even see the packaging, let alone talk to the product (be it chicken or mutton dressed as lamb or what ever). We are all awash with misleading labels. When I was 15, I fell in love with a girl called Andrea. I was a shy white kid who was bullied a lot on account of being tall (only short people are bullies apparently), and she... a black slightly taller goddess. She fancied me rotten and we went out for a while. Short white racists would gang up on us and chant - well, not very nice labels. Another label kept me away from Andrea. I fancied men and desperately wanted to be gay. We split up and I ended up going out with a Born Again Christian girl so I didn't have to sleep with her. Ten years later and I have a boyfriend. Yes - he's very well thank you, no - we don't plan on getting married. I also have a girlfriend. What do you mean you don't want to know? I suppose I have something to tell you. I am, like many others, a catflap, a fence sitter, and a bicycle. Not content on just packing fudge, I have diversified. Recently I tried to explain the life-style to my mum. She can't figure out why I can't make up my mind. "It's like crisps." I explained, not sure what I was going to say next, "I like cheese and onion, and salt n' vinegar... so I eat both." I had her there I thought. "Yes," she said after a moments deliberation, "one sure way of getting indigestion," she exclaimed triumphantly! We laughed for ages. I love my mum dearly, and I know she thinks the world of me, and is just trying to understand. I wasn't surprised by her reaction as it's the same one bisexuals get from lesbians and gay men all the time. Gay men, who can be so misogynistic, tend to frown and ask, "how could you?", while some lesbians just run away, whilst others thump you. 'Bisexual' of-course, is another label, and I hate it. What, I always muse, is the point of challenging notions of sexual identity just to slap another restricting label on it? Years ago at a Bi-conference at an Oprah style debate on identity, the assembled had a giggle trying to come up with an alternative word. Kate Fearnley (Oprah) sprinted from end to end of the room as people suggested some now forgotten word or another. An indicator of the problems bi-people have is that the best suggestion coming from this entertaining exercise was the term 'nice' Martin Walker ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL ============= by Rex Wockner NO PROOF IN CLARKE PAEDOPHILIA CASE There is no evidence that science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke is a pAEdophile, Sri Lankan Deputy Inspector General of Police M.S.M. Nizam has said. In January, The Sunday Mirror newspaper quoted Clarke as saying: "Once they have reached the age of puberty it is O.K. ... It doesn't do any harm. ... I think most of the damage comes from the fuss made by hysterical parents afterwards. If the kids don't mind, it is fair enough. ... I am trying to think of the youngest boy I have ever had because, of course, you can't tell it here [in Sri Lanka where I live]." "We are satisfied that he has not violated any Sri Lankan laws or committed any crime," Nizam said, noting that police interviewed three of the sources quoted in the Mirror story. "Two of them told us that they were given money to say what they allegedly said," Nizam said. But, investigators are still waiting for "Interpol to help us get a copy of the taped interview one of [the Mirror's] journalists is supposed to have had with Clarke," Nizam added. Clarke, 80, who has lived in Sri Lanka since 1956, denied the newspaper's report and said he will file a defamation lawsuit. "I have done no wrong and I know I am going to win the case," he said. Clarke wrote "2001: A Space Odyssey" and 80 other books. Sri Lanka, located off the southern tip of India, is well-known for easy access to commercial sex with young men and boys. MARIANA CETINER THANKS SUPPORTERS Mariana Cetiner, the Romanian woman who spent two years in jail for "luring another woman into sexual intercourse," has issued a public thank you to those who fought for her release. Cetiner was freed by presidential decree on March 18 after being adopted by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience. The letter, dated April 1, reads: "I would like to thank all of you for being by my side. Thank you for your letters and I am sorry that I wasn't able to reply from prison. Now, being free, I will try to keep in touch with you. "As for me, I can tell you that, with the help of Amnesty International, The Romanian Helsinki Committee and the lawyer Monica Macovei, I intend to take my case back to court, so that the truth comes out. ... "At present, I do not have a house or a job. Due to the detention, it is very difficult to find, in general, any sort of support here. It seems that being a lesbian in Romania is worse than being a criminal. The detention affected me a lot. The beatings, the treatment in prison affected me. The reality is tough, but that's it. "At present I am living in Sibiu, Romania, with a girlfriend -the only person who offered to help and shelter me for a while. I need a lot of help for the moment and the ones who in the past expressed their intention to help me can do it now. If you want to send me letters or parcels please use the address below. "I can receive funds in a bank account in Austria. I can withdraw money in Romania with a bank card. It is impossible to open my own bank account in Romania because I do not have an address here. Please send my gratitude and this letter to others who stood beside me and whose addresses I do not know." Cetiner's address is Post restant 1, Sibiu 2400, Romania. Her telephone number is 00-40-69-445-408. Her bank-account information is: "Cont bancar pe numele Peter Opris, Raiffeisenbank Bischofshofen Austria, Cont nr. 00003036324, Card nr. 100254N." COLOMBIA Colombia's Constitutional Court has ruled that private religious schools cannot ban gay students. Two effeminate teenage boys, Gustavo and Andres, had been prohibited from re-enrolling in a school in Ginebra after they had dropped out for financial reasons. The court declared: "Homosexuality is a condition of the human person that implies the choice of a life option equally as respectable and valid as any other. "It is clear to the court ... that the rector of the school that was sued was operating from a discriminatory and intolerant attitude that is unacceptable in a person who has as his charge the direction of the educative process, whose principal objective is precisely the integral formation of children and youths." NETHERLANDS A member of the Dutch parliament will be prosecuted for suggesting homosexuals are no better than thieves. In a 1996 magazine interview, Calvinist MP Leen van Dijke, leader of the minority party Reformatorische Politieke Federatie, said: "One cannot divide sins into serious and less serious. Why is cheating the state out of money less serious than breaking the seventh commandment [against adultery]? Why should a practicing homosexual be better than a thief?" If found guilty, van Dijke likely will be fined. CYPRUS Seventy-four percent of Cypriots say homosexuality is wrong, according to a Cyprus College poll. However younger people are much less homophobic than older folks. Seventy-five percent of 18- to 24-year-olds believe gay sex should be legalized while only eight percent of people over 60 agreed with that statement. Cyprus has been told it must decriminalize homosexuality before it can join the European Union. The nation also faces expulsion from the Council of Europe for ignoring a European Court of Human Rights ruling against its anti-gay laws. The survey also found that 45 percent of Cypriots believe women should be virgins when they marry but only 20 percent said men should avoid pre-marital sex. ESTONIA Tallinn, capital of Estonia, finally has a gay disco. Run by members of the Estonian Lesbian Organization (ELO), "Night Man" is open Wednesday through Saturday and features both drag and sex shows. "All are welcome, and we have excellent guards," said ELO founder Lilian Kotter. For further information, fax 00-372-2-21-62-05 or e-mail eluell@saturn.zzz.ee. ISRAEL The Israeli Knesset passed a law last month that bans anti-gay sexual harassment and other anti-gay actions in the workplace and all other facets of life. Violators face civil and criminal penalties as high as two years in prison. "Sexual harassment" is defined, in part, as "a despising or humiliating attitude that is shown toward a person regarding his sex or sexuality, including his sexual orientation." UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Officials in the United Arab Emirates nave said that they have deported 5,759 foreigners since 1985 for being HIV-positive. The bulk of the nation's foreign residents come from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom. ---------------------------------------------------------------- REVIEWS ======= toys Billy Doll Prowler Press, ukp39.95 The Press Release: "You can now co-ordinate both yours and Billy's on an evening out! Totem International Inc knew one look for Billy would never be enough for you .. so they've created a choice of either blond or brunette. Both choices of hair colour will be available in four clothing styles: Master Billy, Sailor Billy, Cowboy Billy and San Francisco Billy. That's eight different Billy Doll styles to choose from. Billy is a deluxe adult doll: 13 inches tall, weighing 11.03 ounces. He is made from five precision moulded body parts, so he can be moved in many positions". Heather, our ScotsDyke editor's opinion: "Forty pounds for a doll ye cannae even shag? Are youz poofs daft or something?" Iain Milne books The Male Nude by David Leddick Taschen Regular readers will probably have realised that I'm no great fan of Art Criticism which seems to be an excuse for social inadequates to make careers for themselves in the Groves of Academe by writing at greater length than their subject deserves on pretty pictures. Currently exercising the minds of those in the ArtCrit industry is the case of the English University which is being threatened with prosecution for having a book of mucky pictures by the late Robert Mapplethorpe in their library. I wish them luck, but I wonder if they'd defend porno pure and simple? After all, the only difference between porn and Art seems to be the price! That said, this new 'Standard Work on the history of male nude photography' from an internationally reputable publisher is a bit of a disappointment - certainly if you're looking for stiffies. There are pictures a plenty, but the reproduction quality is poor and not up to the standard of Taschen's other titles. A shame really. Iain Milne Free Form by Jack Dickson GMP, ukp8.95 I'm not familiar with the so called twilight world of Glasgow's East End and so this book lacked the perk which might have made it an enjoyable read to me. As it stands it just reminded me too much of every boring hero-cop-becomes-the-hunted- for-no- good-reason movie I've ever had the misfortune to watch. Don't let me put you off too much though, this kind of book is just not my cup of tea at the best of time. I gave it a friend to read and he couldn't understand why I took such a dislike to it and even said to me that he had never come across a book with such a likeable gay hero as Detective- Sergeant Jas Anderson. So, if you do like Cops and Robbers you'll probably like this book, but if you don't you'll more then likely agree with me. The Mammoth Book of Tasteless Lists by Karl Shaw Robinson, ukp6.99 From Kings and Queens (royal and otherwise) to Presidents and Psychopaths and even the Top Ten tunes in British crematoria, you'll find all the information you really didn't want to know about in this book. Let me give you a few examples: Ten Worst Ever Published Poets in the English Language; The Great Unwashed, 10 Historical Stinks; 10 Creative Applications for Formaldehyde (Yes you guessed right Damien Hirst is mentioned); The Ten Best Quotes attributed to former US Vice President Dan Quayle; 10 Alarming Dental Practices; etc. etc. I was in stitches while this book resided on the toilet book shelf and so were many of our friends. If you're in need a bit of light entertainment with a certain yuk factor go out and get this book, it's hilarious. Dirk Kriete Gay and After by Alan Sinfield Serpents Tail, ukp12.99 A well thought out and researched book on Gay identity past present and future. All the questions you could have possibly asked yourself about your own gay identity are answered in this book, however I personally feel that associating myself with gay identity, fashion, style etc. is denying oneself one's own unique personal identity, as I feel that the Gay Community spends so much time trying to seek a new and more modern identity, they spend less time on what really matters, which is living your own life the way you want, with of course there being the backup for fighting inequality and injustice. Sometimes I look at the way the Gay Community and members thereof strive and long for an identity and it brings to mind the scene from Monty Python's film The Life of Brian when he says "You're all individuals" and yes you've guessed it, their reply is "Yes we're all individuals"!!!!!! Need I say more, except I AM WHAT I AM. Some Men Are Lookers by Ethan Mordden Quartet Books Ltd, ukp9.00 A well written series of interlocking stories in this book make for compelling reading and it is hoped there will be many more to come. I found however that I could not interact with the characters and was therefore always reminded that this was fiction which was so unlike Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series, in which I found myself believing that these people were real and in whose lives one was an important aspect. I laughed, cried and rejoiced for the people in the stories in some men are lookers, but somehow never felt drawn into their world. Maybe not written with the genius of Armistead Maupin but never the less still a joy and a pleasure to read. Andy Martin Guide by Dennis Cooper Serpents Tail, ukp8.99 Well here is the fourth volume in an apparently five novel series, and as with the rest of his books it deals with the darker side of human nature. An LSD trip through child porn, violent sex, death and generally having an amazing time with lots of weirdos. While reading this book I was reminded of some really cool parties in the early seventies when I was a child and it was quite strange, it was almost like Dennis Cooper had been there with me. Some great times were had at these places, but then again maybe I'm just weird. Dennis Cooper's other books include Frisk, Closer and Try, and a collection of short stories, Wrong, all of which are published by Serpents Tail. I live in the hope that somebody will take pity on me at the publishers and send me Frisk and Closer as these are the ones I do not yet have. Adrian Finkelstein theatre Two plays attract interest in the coming month. First is The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer in a production by Fife based Majick Men Theatre Company. The play itself is the story of Larry Kramer's life during the rise of the AIDS epidemic. Searing and passionate, it follows the attempts of one man, while his friends are dying around him, to break through a conspiracy of silence, indifference and hostility and gain recognition for the seriousness of the disease. Often daring and always dictating innovation, Majick Men Theatre Company have taken this already classic piece of gay literature, punctured its silence with one of the funkiest soundtracks around, injected their very own brand of physicality and designed a few surprises for your viewing pleasure. The Normal Heart plays The Pathhead Arts Centre, Commercial Street, Kirkcaldy, on 6th, 8th and 9th May at 7.30pm. As a result of funding from Fife HIV/AIDS Awareness, the play will also be touring Fife schools. Second is Shopping and Fucking which appears at the Glasgow Citizens Theatre 4th-9th May. Hailed as "the most important play of the decade" by The Stage and winner of the Glasgow Herald Herald Angel Award at the Edinburgh Festival last year, the play returns to Scotland for one week as part of a major UK tour. This blackly moral fable pitches a group of twenty-somethings into a world of cheap sex, fast food and designer drugs. It asks if love and morality are possible in a society which defines itself by the values of the market. First seen as a studio play at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in 1996, Shopping and Fucking has become an international success with sold-out performances in places as diverse as Berlin, Sydney and Tel Aviv. It has just completed its second West End run, is currently playing New York and comes to Glasgow as part of a 17-date UK tour, after arousing extreme reactions in every town and city en route. WWW: http://www.shoppingandfucking.co.uk/ John Hein film "Different For Girls" (15) has just opened and has great appeal to anyone who has grown up with problems about their sexuality. Rupert Graves and Steven Mackintosh befriended each other at boarding school and lost track after leaving school. When they run into each other many years later Steven has had a sex change calling herself Kim and writes clever words for a greeting card company. Rupert is a motor bike messenger living in what Bette Davis would call "a dump". Romance blossoms but he lacks commonsense and is often in trouble. Kim's sensitivity makes her shy away from him. Watching them work it out makes one of the most unusual love stories you will over see onscreen. Anyone who contrasts Rupert's loutish character here with his shell shocked soldier in the recent "Mrs Dalloway" will know be is one of the finest actors in Britain today. "Wild Things" (18) is in the top ten box office movies in America right now which I can understand as it has enough plot twists to keep you wide eyed with wonder. Matt Dillon is a guidance counsellor in a Florida high school. Many of his latter teen students are desperate for carnal knowledge of him. One of the most beautiful, Denise Richards, suddenly tells her multi-millionaire mother, Theresa Russell, that Matt has raped her. Another teenage girl, Neve Campbell, who has had a drug taking past, comes forward saying he has also raped her in the past. In the courtcase she breaks down under questioning saying her friend Denise was furious with Matt when she found out be was baving an affair with her mother and had decided to make big trouble for him. All this in the first half hour of a one hour 51 minute movie. The rest is even more rivetting. "The Hanging Garden" (15) tells how a gay young Canadian returns to his Nova Scotian home after a ten year absence for his sister's wedding. He has to cope with the sexual advances of her bridegroom and the hostility of his drunken father. Ideal for anyone gay who dreads going to see the family. Alan Rudolph is a film director who doesn't believe in action, but personal dramas that rely on your attention by how much you happen to like his leading players. "Afterglow" has Julie Christie, still looking marvellous at 58, as a former star of horror movies who views them on video to pass the time. The story reveals she stopped having sex years ago with the handyman she lives with, Nick Nolte, so he stimulates the housewives he meets as a repair man. Stockbroker in his early twenties, Jonny Lee Miller, won't agree to his young wife having a baby so Mr Nolte comes in handy when working at their apartment. As much as I love Miss Christie I would have been happier with a fraction more action. One of the big hits of last year was "Scream" that filled the screen with knives and blood splashing. I loathed it. "Something To Believe In" (PG) is a sentimental love story witb no knife slashings so I loved It. Maria Pitillo is a Las Vegas blackjack dealer who discovers she may only have weeks to live. Near Naples a weeping Madonna statue is making headlines. People are talking of miracle cures. Maria decides to gamble all to look for this Madonna. William McNamara is a struggling pianist living in Paris who is driving to Naples to compete in a musicians competition. He meets Maria on the road. Mr McNamara is a stunning young man even Italian statues might find it impossible to resist. Music is provided by Lalo Schifrin which is wonderful. A really good movie you could enjoy crying through. Oliver Stone directs some amazingly contrasting films. Many have great style and taste like "J.F.K.", but "Natural Born Killers" nauseated me. Presumably he knew a young couple driving across America shooting anyone they chose to could make money onscreen. An far as the financiers are concerned that is what films are all about. His latest, "U-Turn" (18) is on the violence trail again. Sean Penn in a smalltime gambler whose car breaks down near a dusty Arizona town where the sun blazes down and most things happen very slowly. Jennifer Lopez takes one look at Mr Penn to decide a romantic excursion with him will relieve the monotony. But her husband, Nick Nolte, turns up to humiliate him. She suggests, if he wishes to take full advantage of her far from hidden assets, Sean murder her husband so they can run away together. Too much violence for me, but if that is what the public wants! Keenen Ivory Wayans is a black comedian who built a reputation on American TV and has made a few comedy films. Now be has written and stars in "Most Wanted" (15) that should be on your must see list. He is playing a soldier who refuses an order to shoot a terrorist child in battle. In the dramatic scene that follows his officer dies and Keenen is sentenced to die in a military prison. Jon Voight, a lieutenant colonel in charge of an ultra-covert assassination squad, offers him a chance to escape from prison if he will assassinate an industrialist, Robert Culp, who is selling deadly biotechnology on the black market. But on the hit day it goes terribly wrong. The president's wife, who is attending the dedication of a medical building, is killed, and Keenen finds he has been set up as the triggerman. Mr Wayans has made a very exciting action movie with a menacing role for Jon Voight as the villain. Windswept Cornwall in Victorian times could appeal to you? A Joseph Conrad short story, "Swept From The Sea", bas been filmed as "Amy Poster" (12). Vincent Perez is the sole survivor from a ship of Ukranian immigrants bound for America that is shipwrecked. Speaking no English he is treated with disdain and horror by the locals. A servant girl, Rachel Weisz, befriends him and the town's doctor, Sir Ian McKellen, teaches him English. Chiefly of interest for Vincent and Rachel whose appeal is considerable. Asians living in Britain have been concerned in the past about their teenage children losing their religious values. "My Son The Fanatic" (15) has Om Puri as a taxi driver in a northern town whose son, Akbar Kurtha, goes another way completely persuading his father to welcome a religious Maulvi from Pakistan as a house guest. Om's taxi is often booked by local girls whose income is offering horizontal refreshment. Suddenly he finds his son and friends are harrassing a house of the girls on the game with demands they leave the neighbourhood plus bricks thrown through windows. Om has befriended one of the girls and his continual kindnesses have made her fall in love with him. Finding his son as part of a screaming mob outside the house he drags Akbar away and back to their house before his son packs a bag to leave home. As nobody in history has been able to eradicate prostitution the moral of all this might be that anyone who tries to is incredibly optimistic. A Ruth Rendell suspense novel "Live Flesh" (18) has been adapted by Spanish director Pedro Almodovar who has moved the setting from Britain to Madrid. You don't have the time to listen to the plotline that includes sex in the loo of a nightclub, flashing guns plus a very attractive cast. The sex scenes could raise a few temperatures and Pedro's Spanish treatment certainly enhances the Rendell story. "The James Gang" (15) follows the lack of fortune of a poverty stricken family when the father leaves the wife and kids in the north to come south and they chase after him. Smash and grab raids on jewellers, supermarkets and bookies happen with the children in tow and the father purloining an assortment of getaway vehicles. Dear me! BEST OF THE CURRENT RELEASES People either love or hate Woody Allen movies. I love them which is why "Deconstructing Harry" (18) was a delight to me. Playing an author whose ex-wives and lovers are furious with him for putting very thinly disguised versions of them in his books he lurches from disaster to disaster pointing out "I wasn't even understood at school and was expelled when I wanted to give the dean's wife an enema." No wonder the background music for his films is so memorable. Woody's hobby for years has been playing the clarinet with a New Orleans style jazz band every Friday night in New York city. "Wild Man Blues" (12) is the most entertaining documentary I have ever seen which is about Woody's 18 day tour of Europe with his band. As the Allen films are far more popular on the continent than in his home country he has no problem selling out the concerts. Accompanied by his sister and the Asian girl who followed Mia Farrow in his affections, Soon Yi Previn, who is refreshingly frank with him in her views on his films and his band, she is almost as amusing as his scripts. Whatever nature took away from him facially and physically she replaced by giving him an incisive wit. You even see his parents giving their views on him in "Wild Man Blues". "Telling Lies In America" (15) has Kevin Bacon as a slick 1961 DJ who happily accepts bribes from agents and managers to play records of singers handled by them. Brad Renfro is an eager to please teenager working for him who accepts the cash in plain envelopes. There is a great rock and roll soundtrack with 18 songs you may well love. You are practising French for your next holiday in that direction? Then the curiously titled "Western" (15) might help your studies watching two guys wandering around the French countryside chatting up girls to pass the time. It's the next best thing to a coach trip there. Malcolm Epstein ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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, 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 alecd@dircon.co.uk Why not join OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND? Membership is ukp15 waged, ukp9 low-waged (under ukp10,000 pa) and ukp5 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. EQUALITY NETWORK: Working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in Scotland. Write: c/o 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1SA. Tel: 07020 933 952. Fax: 07020 933 954. WWW: http://www.diversity.org.uk/equality E-mail: equality@diversity.org.uk Write, phone e-mail for more details of our campaigning work, and please join the campaign network! 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) 4th/5th Floors, 109 Trongate, Glasgow. G1 5HD. Tel: 0141-552 8345. Open Tue-Fri 1-6pm and Sat 2-5pm. WWW: http://www.womens-library.org.uk/laic.htm/ E-mail: gwl@globalnet.co.uk PRIDE SCOTLAND: Pride Scotland organises the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Pride event in Scotland. Tel: 0131-556 8822 or 0141-400 2640 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! Next Pride Scotland: Glasgow June 13th 1998. 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. E-mail: nesgg@drink.demon.co.uk Icebreakers is a social group which meets on last Monday of each month. Contact Grampian Switchboard for details. 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 Wednesday. For details of all events: phone Dumfries (01387) 261818 Thursday 7.30-9.30pm or write to Dumfries and Galloway Lesbian and Gay Group, PO Box 1299, Dumfries. DG1 2PD. DUNDEE: Tay Friend, holds regular social meetings for gay men. Write to: Tay Friend, PO Box 182, Dundee. DD1 9UP. Or phone Dundee Switchboard. EDINBURGH: Icebreakers is an alternative to the scene and takes place between 8pm and 9.15pm 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 informally every second Wednesday from 7.30pm in the Cat's Whiskers pub in New Elgin. Phone Moray Switchboard for details. Or write: MLGN, PO Box 5763, Elgin. IV30 2ZE. E-mail: jollity@jollity.demon.co.uk The Moray Gayzette is an lgb newsletter for folk living in the Moray area. Published every four weeks, it is available from GG Productions, PO Box 5773, Elgin, Moray. IV30 1XP. 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 and has weekly pub nights. 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/ Icebreakers Cafe, for lesbians, gays and bisexuals new to the scene: 12.30-3pm on First Sunday in each month. GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard. HAMILTON: Lanarkshire Gay Men's Group is a group which meets every Wednesday. Social and educational events. Details from Phace West: 0141-332 3838. E-mail: phacewest@enterprise.net INVERCLYDE: Inverclyde Gay & Lesbian Group meets every other Wednesday at the Greenock Arts Guild. Crêche 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. Tel: 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. Tel: Babs Greenwood on Aberdeen (01224) 625010. E-mail: ab.womenscentre@dial.pipex.com 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: Dundee (01382) 810230. EDINBURGH: AD Group: For lesbians 40+. Monthly meeting and frequent social events. For details, phone Edinburgh Lesbian Line or E-mail 40plus@drink.demon.co.uk Dykes Nytes Out: Social events for couples and singles. Meets 1st and 3rd Friday of each month in Cafe Kudos. Phone Edinburgh Lesbian Line for details. Edinburgh Bisexual Group meets every Thursday 8pm-9.30pm in the Edinburgh Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre, 58a Broughton Street. All welcome. Edinburgh 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: Tel: Sue Robertson on 0131-556 3899/4563. Or write: One Parent Scotland, 13 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh. EH1 3NX. GLASGOW: Glasgow Lesbian Line: 0141-552 3355 Wednesdays 7-10pm. Write to: PO Box 686, Glasgow. G3 7TL enclosing an sae for monthly 'Lavender Listing'. 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.womens-library.org.uk/ E-mail: gwl@globalnet.co.uk Jive Classes: Wednesday nights from 7.30-10.30pm. Beginners through to advanced, no need to bring a partner. Phone Glasgow Lesbian Line for venue details. Lesbian Mothers Discussion Group: Meets every second Monday from 6-8pm. Support group, social events, informal chat. Crêche and fares help available. Phone Vicky on 0141-333 1450. Listening Ear: Counselling for lesbians available at the GGLC every Monday 1.30-2.30pm. Tel: 0141-221 7203 for details. Massage and Aromatherapy: Qualified practitioners offer a sliding scale of fees for women on low incomes. Phone Glasgow Lesbian Line for details. OLGA - Older Women's Group: Phone Glasgow Lesbian Line for details. Self Defence and Personal Safety: Personal safety and self defence courses for lesbians are offered by the Women's Safety Centre, Wellpark Women's Business Centre, 120 Sydney Street, Glasgow. Tel: 0141-554 7676. Women's Badminton Group: Meets weekly. Phone Glasgow Lesbian Line for details. Women's Five-a-side Football: Indoor football on Sunday evenings 5-7pm. Mixed ability, new members/visitors welcome. Phone Glasgow Lesbian Line for venue 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. Tel/Fax: Todmorden (01706) 817235. LILLIDOTS: Lesbian Feminist Walking Group. Contact via Dundee Switchboard, Edinburgh Lesbian Line, Glasgow Lesbian Line or Grampian Switchboard. BISEXUALS 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. Tel: Edinburgh Bi Helpline on 0131-557 3620. GLASGOW BI GROUP: Contact: David Craig, c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. Meets 2nd last Wednesday of month in GGLC at 7.30pm. 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@antipope.org 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. Tel/Fax: Kenilworth (01926) 858450. WWW: http://visitweb.com/galha?/ E-mail: GALHA@bigfoot.com BEARS BEARS' CLUB UK: For hairy, moustached and bearded men and their admirers. Aberdeen: Meets 1st Fri of month in Castro's from 10.30pm. Aberdeen contact: Bruce on Aberdeen (01224) 317552. E-mail: aberdeenbears@drink.demon.co.uk. Edinburgh: Meets in the New Town Bar on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8.30pm. Glasgow: Meets every 2nd Friday of each month in the Court Bar from 8.30pm. Glasgow contact: 0141-883 9055. E-mail: glasgowbears@drink.demon.co.uk. Write: BCUK, PO Box 89, Hoylake DO, Wirral. L48 4LD. 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, gay or bisexual? From an Evangelical tradition? So are we. Tel: Ewan on Polmont (01324) 715542. Or write: Evangelical Fellowship, 45 Hillary Close, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 5RP. HOLY TRINITY METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH: An inclusive church of the lesbigay and trangendered community open to all irrespective of sexuality. Services: Every Sunday at 6pm in the Quaker Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh and 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at 2pm in the GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. Phone (Edinburgh) Stephen on 0131-332 7088 or (Glasgow) Susan on Duntocher (01389) 876862. Write: Holy Trinity MCC, PO Box 12433, Edinburgh. EH1 3FU. or MCC, GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. 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. WWW: http://www.users.dircon.co.uk/~quest/ E-mail: quest@dircon.co.uk 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. 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: ibetts@erols.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. Tel: 00 1 (212) 726-1418. GAY ABBA FAN CLUB: For anyone wanting to meet with other guys with a Scandinavian fixation, watch/swap videos, memorabilia or just jam with other Svenskas. Tel: 0141-943 1428. GLASGAY!: Lesbian and gay arts festival. Postponed until 30th Oct - 7th Nov 1998. Write: c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. GLASGOW GAY MEN'S CHORUS: Meets Mon, 7.30pm, GGLC. No auditions: new members always welcome. Tel: 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. WESTERN STARS: Western style line and partner dancing for gays, lesbians and friends of goodwill. Mon evenings, Wee Red Bar, Art College. Tel: 0131-453 3284 for details. DRINK PROBLEMS If you have 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. Tel: Inverness (01463) 236878. HEALTH MATTERS BODY POSITIVE (GRAMPIAN): Support and assistance for gay and bisexual men with HIV/AIDS. Tel: 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 (STRATHCLYDE): Providing support for HIV+ people and those directly affected by the virus in the West of Scotland. Tel: 0141-332 5010. Fax: 0141-332 4285. Centre open at 3 Park Quadrant, Glasgow. G3 6BS. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. WWW: http://homepages.enterprise.net/bpstrathclyde/ E-mail: bpstrathclyde@enterprise.net 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/ E-mail: office@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. TeleFAX: 0131-558 9060. GAY MEN'S TASK FORCE: Freephone 0800 525253 (Mon-Tue 7pm-10pm). Also at GGLC Thur 5.30-9pm, Fri-Sat 9pm-Mindnight. GLASGOW BARS AIDS WELFARE FUND: Raises funds for various HIV/AIDS projects in the Glasgow area. PO Box 3954, Glasgow. G31 2YF. E-mail: gbawf@hotmail.com GLASGOW FOOD LINE: Confidential service which provides nutritionally balanced meals and information to HIV+ people and carers in Glasgow. Tel/FAX: 0141-946 0003. Write: Unit A, Maryhill Workspace Limited, 45 Garrioch Road, Glasgow. G20 8RG. GLASGOW HIV CARERS SUPPORT GROUP: Tel: 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. 36 Shelley Court beside the Brownlee Centre, Gartnavel General Hospital. Tel: 0141-211 2363. HEALTHY GAY SCOTLAND: Freephone 0800 731 8101 (7-10pm). Advice and info on AIDS/HIV. Free condoms and lube available by post from their website: http://www.hgscotland.org.uk/ I CARE CAMPAIGN: Run by Lanarkshire Health Board. Tel: Motherwell (01698) 258786. LANARKSHIRE HIV AND AIDS COUNSELLING: Phone Airdrie (01236) 747960 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) MILESTONE HOUSE: Residential care (primarily respite and paliative care) for people with HIV/AIDS. 223 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh. EH14 1EB. Tel: 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. Tel: 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. Tel: 0141-332 3838 (Fax: 0141-332 3755). E-mail: phacewest@enterprise.net POSITIVE ACCOMMODATION TEAM: Tel: 0141-552 4488. Fax: 0141-552 2760. Write: 2nd Floor, Granite House, 31 Stockwell Street, Glasgow. G1 4RZ. POSITIVE HELP: Practical help for people who are HIV+ or who have AIDS and their families, children, friends and carers. 13 Great King Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6QW. Tel: 0131-558 1122. THE RAINBOW FUND: raising funds for the future care of HIV/AIDS patients in Glasgow. PO Box 9525, Johnstone. PA5 OYB. Tel/FAX: 01505 347301. E-Mail: 106756.701@compuserve.com 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. Tel: Inverness (01463) 711585. E-mail: support@reachout.demon.co.uk SOLAS NATIONAL HIV/AIDS INFORMATION CENTRE: 2/4 Abbeymount, Edinburgh. EH8 8EJ. Information, advice and cafe. Information centre: Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 11-4pm, Wed 5-9pm. Tel: 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. Tel: 0141-211 4753/4. WAVERLEY CARE TRUST BUDDY SERVICE: Buddying Service for people with HIV/AIDS. Buddy Service Co-ordinator, 4a Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. EH7 5AB. Tel: 0131-556 3959. Fax: 0131-556 5045. NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE: Freephone 0800 567123. 24 hour service for confidential advice and information. Minicom: 0800 521361 (10am-10pm). Other languages: Arabic 0800 282447 (Thurs 6-10pm), Bengali 0800 371132 (Tues 6-10pm), Cantonese 0800 282446 (Mon 6-10pm), Gujerati 0800 371134 (Wed 6-10pm), Hindi 0800 371136 (Wed 6-10pm), Punjabi 0800 371133 (Wed 6-10pm), Urdu 0800 371135 (Wed 6-10pm) and Welsh 0800 371131 (Daily 10am-2am). (All calls to 0800 numbers are free except from some mobile networks). E-mail: network@netscot.co.uk 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. Tel: 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: 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. WWW: http://www.polyamory.org/SF/Groups/abundance.txt 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 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. E-mail: alecd@dircon.co.uk ORDER OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE (CONVENT OF MORAVIA): Sister Bobby, 2-4 Lamb Street, Bishopmill, Elgin. IV30 2DG. Informal get together every Monday. Contact Moray Switchboard for details. OUTDOOR CLUBS DUNDEE HILLBILLIES: Hillwalking group mets 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month. Contact: Kevin on Dundee (01382) 455099. GAY BIRDERS CLUB: A club for gay and lesbian bird-watchers. UK-based with a world-wide membership, and particularly active in Scotland. Contact: Deneside, Foulden, Berwickshire. TD15 1UL. E-mail: gay.birders@dial.pipex.com WWW: http://ds.dial.pipex.com/gay.birders/ GAY OUTDOOR CLUB: Holds regular events including skiing, walking, cycling, mountaineering, camping, youth-hostelling, badminton and swimming. Also holds regular socials in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Please send an A5 sae to GOC, PO Box 16124, Glasgow, G12 9YT, or ring one of the Scottish contacts: East: Grant on 0131-556 8705 (E-mail: grant@music.ed.ac.uk), West: Jonathan on 0141-334 0812; North: Michael on Invershin (01549) 421344. (E-mail: keates/IC@fc.uhi.ac.uk). WWW: http://bi.org/~goc/ GAY RAMBLING GROUP: Walks on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Phone Ross on 0141-427 1511. OVER FORTIES PHŒNIX: The only national group for the over forties and friends of any age. Write (enclose sae) to: Phœnix, PO Box 103, Wallington, Surrey. SM6 9SJ. PARENTS PARENTS' FRIEND: Tel: 0113-267 4627. Or write to: Voluntary Action Leeds, Stringer House, 34 Lupton Street, Hunslett, Leeds. LS10 2QW. PARENTS' SUPPORT: Support for parents of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. Tel: Alice on Lanark (01555) 895306. SCOTTISH PARENTS ENQUIRY SERVICE: Support for parents of lesbians gays and bisexuals. Contact via Lothian Switchboard or write to SPE, PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3UU. POLITICAL DELGA: Liberal Democrats for Lesbian and Gay Action - write to 4 Cowley Street, London. SW1P 3NB or E-mail archdruid@cix.compulink.co.uk WWW: http://www.libdems.org.uk/people/aos/delga/ LESBIANS AND GAY MEN SUPPORTING IRISH POLITICAL PRISONERS/IRISH SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGNS IN SCOTLAND/LONDON: For details of monthly pickets, socials, functions, commemorations, etc, write to: Paul, BM Box 7970, London. WC1N 3XX. LIBERAL PARTY LESBIAN AND GAY CAMPAIGN: Tel: Southport (01704) 500115 (day), 0151-259 5935 (ansaphone), write to: Liberal Party Lesbian & Gay Campaign, 41 Sutton Street, Liverpool. L13 7EG. WWW: http://www.libparty.demon.co.uk/ 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. UK Pub listings can be found at: http://www.goldings.demon.co.uk/queerale/ SCIENCE FICTION DELANEY'S EDINBURGH CHILDREN: Meets every 1st Sunday of the month in Nexus Cafe from 3-4.30pm. Contact Jane on 0131-553 5569. DELANEY'S GLASGOW CHILDREN: Meets every 3rd Sunday of the month. Contact Paul on 0141-339 9176. S/M SM GAYS: Write to SM Gays, BM SM Gays, London. WC1N 3XX. E-mail: smgays@aol.com SPORTS ABERDEEN GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Swim every Wednesday from 8.30pm onwards. Tel: David on Aberdeen (01224) 317552. E-mail: agmsg@drink.demon.co.uk EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S RUNNING CLUB: Meets for 3-4 mile casual local run. Alistair on 0131-556 9995. EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Meets informally Mondays at 8pm in the Commonwealth Pool. Tel: Tom on 0131-229 5755. GAY BODYBUILDERS/WEIGHTRAINERS CLUB: Contact Winston Duncan on 0171-379 3480 for contact with Scottish members and nationally. GLASGOW BADMINTON GROUP: Meets Wednesdays 6.30-9.30pm, during term-time, in the games hall at Knightswood Secondary School, Knightswood Road. Contact: Andrew on 0141-576 6875. GLASGOW SWIMMING GROUP: Meets Thursdays at 8pm, during term-time, in the pool at Woodside Secondary School, Berkeley Street. Contact: Derek on Stirling (01786) 475897. LESBIAN & GAY FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS NETWORK: Tel: Ewan on 0141-779 2321. 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: Tel: David: on 0141-554 7159. TV/TS ABERDEEN: 3G (Grampian Gender Group). Meets third Saturday of month Noon-5pm. Tel: Gillian on Aberdeen (01224) 633108 6.30-9.30pm Mon-Tue. WWW: http://www.netcomuk.co.uk/~adele/grampian.htm/ E-mail: adele@netcomuk.co.uk 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. Tel: Crosslynx Helpline on 0141-332 3333 Mon 7.30-9.30pm. HIGHLAND T-GROUP: Monthly TV/TS support group. Contact Inverness (01463) 711585 (9am-5pm) or write: Julia, c/o Reach Out Highland, 28 Huntly Street, Inverness. IV3 5PR. E-mail: support@reachout.demon.co.uk VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SCOTSGAY ON DISK: The text from ScotsGay and InsideOUT is available free of charge to visually impaired readers on 3.5" or 5.25" computer disk in IBMPC format. We will be glad to add you to our mailing list if you send your name and address (and disk size required) to us at: SOD, ScotsGay, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. We hope shortly to be able to provide disks in MAC format. VISUAL IMPAIRED GAY GROUP SCOTLAND (VIGG): Offers a listening ear and support to women and men. Tel 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 or 0141-353 3595. GMB: Contact Mary Harrison, Regional Equal Rights Officer, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Tel: 0141-332 8641. GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL G&L EMPLOYEES FORUM: Tel: John Dawson on 0141-959 7457 or Charles Thomson on 0141-287 3744. UNISON GLASGOW CITY LESBIAN & GAY GROUP: Meets monthly on Payday Tuesday in the GGLC 6pm. Tel: Neil MacInnes 0958 754315. UNISON NATIONAL L&G CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE: Tel: Steve Weddell on 0131-469 3880. Or write: c/o 18 St Giles Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1PT. UNISON WEST NETWORK: For UNISON members in the West of Scotland. Meets Quarterly. Tel: Neil MacInnes 0958 754315. YOUTH GROUPS ABERDEEN LGB YOUTH GROUP: For 21s and under. Meets 2-5pm on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, Tel: Aberdeen (01224) 272975, E-mail src038@abdn.ac.uk or check webpage at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~src038/ DUNDEE LGB YOUTH GROUP: Weekly group for young lesbians, gays and bisexuals or anyone who is unsure. Informal meetings held on Sunday evenings. Phone Dundee LGB Switchboard for details (Mon 7-10pm Dundee (01382) 202620) or write to PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1 3YG. GLASGOW LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL YOUTH GROUP: Youth group for women aged 21 and under. Meets fortnightly on Monday evenings. Contact Jai or Lyndsay at Glasgow Lesbian Line for details of venue. HIGHLAND YOUTH GAY & BISEXUAL GROUP: Meets 7.30pm 1st Wednesday at 28 Huntly Street, Inverness. Contact Inverness (01463) 711585 (9am-5pm). E-mail: support@reachout.demon.co.uk 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. Tel/Fax: Todmorden (01706) 817235. SONS AND DAUGHTERS CLUB: Group for the sons and daughters of lgb parents enables these children to mix with each other in a social environment. Phone Strathclyde Switchboard for details. STIRLING YOUTH GROUP: Details from Forth Friend on Stirling (01786) 471285 Mon 7.30-10pm. STONEWALL YOUTH GROUP: Group for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people aged 14-18 in the Lothians. Meets every Friday 7-9.30pm. Tel: 0131-556 4040 (Tue 7.30-9pm) or E-mail: edyouth@cableinet.co.uk STONEWALL FRIENDS: Friendly, fun, informal social group for gays, lesbians and bisexuals (18-26) in the Lothians. Meets every Wednesday with regular social events at other times. Tel: 0131-556 4040 (Tue 7.30-9pm) or E-mail: edyouth@cableinet.co.uk STRATHCLYDE LESBIAN GAY AND BISEXUAL 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. WWW: http://bigles.ml.org/ E-mail: info@bigles.ml.org SWITCHBOARDS AND HELPLINES BORDERS GAY SWITCHBOARD: Thurs 7.30-10pm Phone: Galashiels (01896) 756611 CROSSLYNX NATIONAL TV/TS HELPLINE: Mon 7.30-9.30pm Phone: 0141-332 3333 DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY L&G PHONELINE: Thurs 7.30-9.30pm Phone: Dumfries (01387) 261818 DUNDEE LGB SWITCHBOARD: Mon 7-10pm Phone: Dundee (01382) 202620 EDINBURGH BI HELPLINE: Thurs 7.30-9.30pm Phone: 0131-557 3620 EDINBURGH LESBIAN LINE: Mon, Thurs 7.30-10pm Phone: 0131-557 0751 FIFE FRIEND: Fri 7.30-10pm 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 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 7-10pm Women: Thu 7-10pm 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 WWW: http://www.llgs.org.uk/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ALAN'S CHART ============ 1. Westbam vs. Red Jerry - Wizards Of The Sonic (Matt Darey Remix) (Wonderboy) 2. The Knuckleheadz - Raise Your Hand (Tripoli Trax) 3. Hyperlogic - Only Me (Hyperlogic '98 Dub) (Tidy Trax) 4. L.S.G. - The Black Series EP: Train Of Thought (Hooj Choons) 5. BBE - Deeper Love (Symphonic Paradise) (Nalin & Kane Remix) (Positiva) 6. Bang! - Drumbeats (Large Club) 7. Mark Williams - Back 2 The Future (Tortured) 8. Jack King - Go With You (Head Down Mix / Head Up Mix) (7th Temple) 9. Barabas & Odi - Doin'Drugs (Class A) (Phoenix Uprising) 10. Sadie Glutz - Cozmic Fhunk (Silver Planet) 11. Tripoli Trax Album Sampler Vol 1: Steve Thomas / DJ Eclipse (Tripoli Trox) 12. Tour De Force - Catalan (H.H.C. Remix) (Eastwestdance) 13. Junior Camp - Clap Your Hands (Kulak Mix) (Tripoli Trax) 14. Mystica - African Horizon (X-Cabs Remix 2) (Perfecto Fluoro) 15. Kinane - Heaven (Paul Gotel'S Hellfire Dub) (Coalition) 16. M.S.P.R - Inner City (Powder Rangers Dub) (White Label) 17. Jack Mackrel - Anchor EP: Drum Tumbler (Template) 18. Express - Station 1 (Clockwork) 19. Mindset - Touch The Sky (Zoom) 20. Wildchild - Badboy (Canny Mix) (Polydor) ------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTSDYKE ========= COP-OUT? It is not illegal to be gay or lesbian in the Police Force, but recently I spoke to a woman who is gay and who is a cop. This is the story of her life at work and the problems she foresees should she decide to come out to her colleagues. Hi. My name is Fiona, I'm 35 years old and I've been a police officer for 12 years, which to date has been a very successful career. I have often wondered if my career would have progressed in this manner or indeed even have gotten off the ground if I had openly declared to senior officers the fact that I was gay. It has become clear to me over the years that the canteen culture that every female officer is either a bike or a dyke is the standard narrow-minded approach taken by male colleagues. So if by the time your probationary period is over and you have not been the conquest of at least half a dozen guys in your shift you can expect your next Xmas pressie to be two copies of Playboy and a dildo. If I did decide to come out I know for a fact that I would be treated differently by the others, both male and female. After all, it wouldn't do for any of them to be seen to break away from "the norm" and be seen to be sympathetic to a homosexual. Although Scottish Police Forces operate an Equal Opportunities Charter, there is the unwritten discrimination which continues to operate within the ranks. To continue successfully in a career that I love and enjoy it is therefore necessary to lead a double life. Most of you may think, if you will pardon the pun, that this is a cop-out but believe me it is like the choice between climbing a steep cliff or taking the chairlift with the others to get to the top. After hearing Fiona's story I asked her a few questions which had arisen in my mind as she was speaking: Heather: Did you make a conscious decision to stay in the closet when you joined the Police? Fiona: Yes, because I felt as I said earlier that if I had decided to come out, the current narrow-minded attitude within the Police would have undoubtedly forced me to resign. I sensed this narrow-mindedness as early on as during my initial interviews when I was faced with three senior officers with enough scrambled egg on their hats to feed an army. They asked me if I intended to marry and have a family or if I had a serious boyfriend. This was merely, I feel, a police interview technique to establish my sexual preference. Heather: How do you feel when the "canteen banter" steps on the subject of gays and lesbians? Fiona: Inwardly I feel embarrassed but outwardly I display a "one of the boys" Oscar-winning act of disassociation. Heather: How did you overcome the "bike or dyke" issue? Fiona: Well, I didn't ask for a puncture repair outfit and made it quite clear that I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than wake up to their ugly mugs bragging about their latest arrest. This seems to have been accepted as part of the "one of the boys" act. Heather: Do they not then tend to make insinuations that you are gay? Fiona: It hasn't happened to me personally but I have witnessed that very attitude towards other female officers who are perhaps more backwards at coming forwards with clever replies than I am. This is a talent that a closet cop has to develop in the early days. Heather: Do you think there are many cops in the same situation as you? Fiona: Obviously it's difficult to put a figure on it but I wouldn't be surprised if it was less than 10% of the total membership of Scottish Police Forces. Heather: There is a Gay and Lesbian Police Association. Have you ever thought of approaching them? Fiona: To my knowledge only about 5% of gay and lesbian officers throughout the UK join LAGPA. There is a thought in the Police that officers joining this society could be liable to a discipline charge of bringing the force into disrepute. Heather: Thank you for being frank with us today. Fiona: Thank you for listening. I found this discussion with Fiona very enlightening although perhaps somewhat gloomy. Maybe it's time that the hierarchy took a look at the welfare issues within the Police Force and realised that a good police officer cannot be determined by his or her sexual orientation. 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, April 1998. 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. Production: Seumas Macmhicean. Contributors in this issue: Tim Hopkins (News), Garry Otton & Derek Ogg (Features), Liquid Silk, Martin, Minerva, Calmac & Gus (Scene), Martin Walker (The Nice Bit), Rex Wockner (International), Iain Milne, Dirk Kreite, Andy Martin, Adrian Finkelstein, John Hein, Malcolm Epstien (Reviews), Alan Nicholls (Music), Heather White (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.