SCOTSGAY MAGAZINE ================= ScotsGay is a monthly magazine for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Edited, printed and published in Scotland ScotsGay 80/- Heavy - Issue 37 - December 2000 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 2000. 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) 12ukp 12 issue sub (Overseas) 24ukp Make Cheques and POs payable to 'Pageprint'or 'ScotsGay'and send them to: Subscriptions ScotsGay Magazine PO Box 666 Edinburgh Scotland EH7 5YW Inside this issue: Editorial News Alan Joy Interview Letters Nun Sense Klinefelter Syndrome Joy Chart ScotsDyke Scottish Media Monitor looks back over five years Glasgow Edinburgh Aberdeen Bi-Vocal Dundee Inverness Switzerland - Zurich dances in the streets Scottish Media Monitor Films Books International ScotsGay Voice Personals Boxes - the ScotsGay Meet Market Helplines Listings Venues -------------------------------------------------------------------- Editorial ========= So, the buggers are equal at last? Not quite, I'm afraid! You see, although the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act has finally cleared Parliament and has obtained the Royal Assent, it still isn't the law of the land. For that, we have to wait until The Demon Headmaster (Jack Straw, the Home Secretary) gets around to bringing the Act into force. At the moment, the Home Office expects that to happen some time next year but can't say when. In the meantime, it looks as if the old law is unlikely to be enforced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, we have the last Conservative government to thank for its actions in giving instructions to Procurators Fiscal that prosecutions weren't to be brought in consensual cases involving guys aged 16 and over - something that not only the Tories but also New Labour refused to extend to the DPP in the rest of the UK. The current delay seems largely to be due to the time it is taking the Home Office to prepare the ancillary bits of paper which define what is meant by "a position of trust". The Act states that it shall be an offence for a person aged 18 or over to have sex with somebody aged 16 or 17 if they are in a "position of trust" and defines a number of such positions but allows the Home Secretary to define the matter further. You'd think that, with the time it has taken to get the Act into place, they'd have had the rest of the paperwork ready - but it obviously isn't important enough. As the principal legislation stands, there are potential problems of which everyone should be aware. For example, take a 16 year old 1st year University student (not unheard of in Scotland) who gets off with a 21 year old postgrad student at the same University. Now, say that the 16 year old is studying music and the 21 year old is studying chemistry. It's not uncommon for science postgrads to do some teaching work with students in their own department. Which means that the older guy is in a "position of trust" in terms of the act - without either of them teaching each other, being educated in the same building or even the same site. Welcome to the Sex Offenders' Register, honey! The "abuse of trust" provisions, badly drafted as they are, apply to both heterosexual and homosexual sex. So, everyone will suffer equally. And that's what makes me fume: is it really beyond the wit and wisdom of our law makers to devise laws that don't hurt people? Nevertheless, as we head into the next millennium (and ScotsGay's 7th year) let me be the first to wish you all (and our law makers) a very Happy New Year - when it comes! John Hein ---------------------------------------------------------------- News ==== Age of consent equality at last On St Andrew's Day, November 30th, the Westminster Parliament finally passed the Bill to set the age of consent for men having sex with men at 16 across Britain (and 17 in Northern Ireland), bringing it into line with the minimum age for heterosexual and lesbian sex. The age of consent for gay sex was previously 18, having been reduced from 21 in 1994. Baroness Young, the Tory peer who successfully blocked repeal of section 28 in England and Wales earlier this year, had spent three years trying to stop the age of consent change, with the support of the Christian Institute and other conservative religious groups. The House of Commons however voted overwhelmingly for age of consent equality three times, in 1998, 1999 and 2000, and eventually was able to invoke the rules in the Parliament Acts, which stop the House of Lords blocking legislation indefinitely. The age of consent is devolved to the Scottish Parliament. Holyrood had debated the issue back in January, and agreed to let Westminster change this law. If the Scottish changes had been removed from the Westminster Bill, the Parliament Acts could not have been used to override the Lords until next year or later. At the Scottish Parliament debate, the vote was 90 to 16 in favour of reducing the age to 16, with five of the six political parties in favour, and only Tories voting against. The new Bill also changes the rules where a person over the age of consent has sex with a person under it. In future, only the older person will commit an offence in such a case. In the past, a person under the age of consent was also a criminal if they had sex with an older person, leading to fears that young people might not report cases of exploitation, for fear of themselves being prosecuted. The Bill also introduces a new criminal offence of "abuse of position of trust", making it illegal for a teacher, health worker or residential care worker to have sex with any person under 18 looked after at their place of work. This new law is gender and sexual orientation neutral. Helen Chambers of the Equality Network said, "2000 has seen two of our biggest priorities acheived: repeal of section 28 and an equal age of consent. Now we must work to end all the other discrimination LGBT people face: in public services, at work and as partners and families." Tim Hopkins tmh@dcs.ed.ac.uk Cybersquatter Outright Scotland are considering legal action against former Gay Scotland publisher, Dominic D'Angelo, after he attempted to charge them for handing over the magazine's old website. Outright claim that they have a right to all derivatives of the Gay Scotland title which was licensed to the Glasgow based civil servant and former arts publicist in 1995 for a period of five years. D'Angelo was granted the licence in exchange for clearing off the magazine's debts of GBP16,000 - much of which was owed to him for his previous period editing the magazine. The licence lapsed last year following the collapse of the magazine after D'Angelo sub-licenced it to bankrupt businessman Paul Bryan-Ivison. The website (http://www.gayscotland. co.uk/), which had been moribund since the departure of "Mrs Tubby Bear" Ivison was recently updated with a teaser indicating that it is likely to spring back into life any moment. But, as D'Angelo's contract with the DFID is believed to prevent him from undertaking any publishing outwith his current employment, it looks as if he is intending to franchise this out to somebody else. D'Angelo told Outright, "I had great fun running 'Gay Scotland' as Editor and Publisher, even if it did take five years out of my life (and possibly off it) and continues to cost me money. I'd be happy to transfer title to Outright Scotland for GBP1,000, which will cover both the set-up costs for the site and the maintenance on it since 1996, and would be about the only profitable trade in relation to the title that I've ever made". Outright's Andrew Wilson told ScotsGay, "I can't feel anything but anger at the moment. As for any rational thought on the subject, every time it comes to mind I am unable to get past the word 'cunt'". SYP Every year World Aids day is an important date on the SYP (Stonewall Youth Project) calendar. This year our objective was to produce a sexual resource for all young people. A group of young people supported by a member of the project's staff (me) got together and decided on a leaflet that mapped out young person friendly sexual health services in Edinburgh & the Lothians. When choosing the services to be included, we looked particularly at their equal opportunities. How accessible they were to young people, LGBT people, people of ethnic & religious minorities and people who were differently able. The young people designed a groovy cover for the leaflet and threw in the services and some information that we had collated about each service. On World Aids Day, I and some young folk trooped round various service providers and cafes to distribute the leaflet. We took some pics of the people we met along the way and joined the other project poppets at Cafe Nexus for post vigil hospitality. The over 18's joined me for the scene/non-scene pub part of the leaflet drop. We chatted to lots of people, and got some good feedback about the leaflet. Jon-Scot Burns Project Worker Don't Take Our Porn Away Most folk find sex is more interesting than politics, as even the most experienced political activist will testify. Another generally agreed point of queer politics is that it is exactly as we have been more successful in winning greater equality, acceptance and liberty for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people that fewer folk feel the need to join, support or take part in any queer-rights group. Well, thankfully some people realise that sex is politics and while there remain many rights to be won, perhaps more importantly, the liberties we have won still need to be defended. So it is that Outright Scotland - Scotland's only democratic LGBT rights organisation has been sticking it to the Home Office over the censorship of sexually-explicit videos and the threat to the future of R18 videos. The liberalisation of regulations by the British Board of Film Censors to allow R18 videos to explicitly show almost all gay and straight sex acts is only recent and has been opposed by Home Secretary Jack Straw at every turn. However, the Demon Headmaster has little direct authority on film censorship (though he still has very wide powers over "Obscene Publications" and to use Customs & Excise to seize any imported material). So, when in May this year Jack's attempt to crack down on R18 videos was thrown out by the High Court Jack decided that he'd just have bring in new legislation to stop people having fun. In the long struggle for LGBT equality we have constantly heard our opponents attempting to justify discrimination on false arguments of "protect our children". This is what Jack has decided to do on the subject of R18 videos. In granting any film video a certificate the BBFC has to have special regard (among other things) to any "harm" that may be caused to potential viewers by the manner in which the videowork deals with criminal behaviour, drugs, violence, sexual activity or horrific behaviour. A 'potential viewer' is defined as "any person (including a child or young person) who is likely to view the video work in question ..". This is one of the reasons the category of R18 - which can only be bought in licensed sex shops - was introduced. Yet still, Jack tries to insist that they must be stopped to "protect" children. In the recent judicial review proceedings, Mr Justice Hooper concluded "... I have no doubt that the conclusion "that the risk of [the videos in question] being viewed by and causing harm to children or young persons is, on present evidence, insignificant" is one that a reasonable decision maker could reach ...". So, as even judges can see R18 videos pose no "harm" to children. The Home Office proposes a number of possible measures to give Jack his own way: 1. amending the Video Recordings Act 1984 to explicitly include children as people likely to view R18 videos; 2. creating new offences of i. showing a video classified as R18 to a child (under 16), or ii. allowing a child to watch an R18 video, and iii. failing to take reasonable care to prevent a child from watching an R18 video; 3. increasing the level of the fine for illegal supply of R18 videos, for example by mail order, to GBP20,000; and 4. "modernising" the existing Video Appeals Committee in such a way that it is appointed directly by the Home Secretary. As Outright Scotland pointed out in its response to the Home Office, option 1, above, is merely censorship by the backdoor which is incompatible with Articles 8 (respect for a private life) and 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). While the proposals under 2, above, at first glance seem to be fair they breach Article 2 of ECHR. Article 2 protects a parent's right to educate their own child and it is conceivable (however uncommon) that in teaching a child about sex, sexuality, or pornography a parent may feel their child should see an R18 video. More importantly, 2i and ii, in addition to being impracticable go too far both in infringing Convention rights and in treating an R18 video as more harmful and thus in greater need of regulation than alcohol, tobacco, prescription medicines or even many toxic household chemicals. As to reform of the existing Video Appeals Committee, Outright Scotland saw further risks to our human rights. We told the Home Office that an effective, independent and accountable appeals system is most welcome - especially if there are any public concerns of how R18 material is regulated. However , an appeals system is neither independent nor accountable if appointed by a Cabinet Minister - whether the Home Secretary or Lord Chancellor. Such a system is far too open to abuse, crony-ism and one persons' discriminatory tastes. The proper process for appointment to such an Appeals Committee must be that of an open and balanced Parliamentary committee. Our rights are precious and were hard won, they must be defended equally strongly. You can do your bit to defend our rights - join Outright Scotland today! Outright Scotland, PO Box 23253, Edinburgh EH1 3XD http://www.outright-scotland.org/ Andrew Wilson It's A Con! Following the success of YouthCon 2000, the first weekend gathering for LGBT people under 25 in Scotland, YouthCon 2001 aims to be bigger, better, and still more fun! YouthCon 2001 will take place from 2nd-4th March at the Pleasance Societies Centre, Edinburgh. It will kick off on Friday with a cabaret night, and carry on through two days of creative sessions, political workshops and parties. All LGBT people under 25 and their friends are invited to join us. Website: http://www.youthcon.org.uk/ E-mail: info@youthcon.org.uk Write to: YouthCon, 58a Broughton St, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA. Freedom? A homophobic political leaflet has been delivered to homes in Stirlingshire by the Larbert based Scottish Freedom Referendum Party. Entitled "Exposed! Your Festival Of Flesh", it contains a heady selection of homophobic, racist and generally populist policies which will, no doubt, appeal to the more unthinking members of Scottish society. Meanwhile, the rest of us can take note of the party's objectionable website at http://www.scottishfreedom.com/ No Degree The Principal's Office at Glasgow University has issued a categorical assurance that Brian Souter is not being considered for an Honorary Degree. Don't Forget This January, for the first time, Holocaust Memorial Day will commemorate the lives and deaths of those persecuted by the Nazis. As part of the LGBT community's marking of the day, there will be an exhibition of images and writing from the Holocaust itself, and art by members of our communities inspired by the persecution of LGBT people then and now. The exhibition will be launched by an evening of poetry, prose and music at Nexus cafe in the LGB centre on Wednesday, January 24th, 2001, beginning at 7.30 pm, with some big names lined up to perform. The exhibition will run until the 3rd February at the LGB centre. Sexy Things Intercourse is planning future events including a discussion group focusing on issues of sex, a multimedia club night, and the production of further leaflets to accompany their infamous introduction to masturbation (http://www.intercourse.org.uk/projects.html). So if you ever fancied being a sex activist, or just want to meet interesting people who are interested in changing the ways we think and talk about sex, come along to the pub, write to them for more information or check out their website: http://www.intercourse.org.uk/ People of all ages, genders, sexualities, ethnicities etc are welcome. E-mail: info@intercourse.org.uk Write: Intercourse, 60 The Pleasance, Edinburgh. EH8 9TJ. Songs Of Praise Edinburgh's Third Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Carol Service, organised by Holy Trinity Metropolitan Community Church, will take place at 6pm on Sunday 17th December in the Quaker Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. All are welcome to the Carol Service irrespective of sexuality or religion (or lack of religion!) and, as in past years, the Service will provide an opportunity for the LGBT communities and their friends to celebrate the Christmas season together. There will be a collection at the service to support the work of Parents Enquiry Scotland - an organisation which supports the parents and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Scots. It is hoped that enough will be raised to allow them to install a dedicated telephone line for their vital support work. Thin Ice Diversitay LGBT Group are planning an Icebreakers meeting for early 2001. This meeting will be open to all LGBTs who have NEVER been out before to a gay venue or who have never been part of a LGBT social group before. Diversitay are keen to point out that this is very much intended to be a social occasion and not really an occasion for counselling. If you live in or near to the Diversitay area contact them on Dundee (01382) 202620 on a Monday night (except 25th Dec and 1st Jan when the phonelines will operate on a Wednesday night) between 7 and 10pm, by writing to PO Box 53, Dundee. DD1 3YG. or E-mail: diversitay@hotmail.com --------------------------------------------------------------- "A COMBINATION OF THINGS..." ============================ Alan JOY! talks exclusively to Martin Walker about the new JOY!, the old Blue Moon and his love of music. Alan JOY!, aka Alan Nichols is not what you might expect from a guy who runs a gay night. In fact, he is unlike any other businessperson on the gay scene. Tall with black hair and old-fashioned black moustache and beard, he is no sharp dressed wheeler-dealer. Rather modest, he says he is shy, but is certainly dynamic. He is extremely charismatic; he generates enthusiasm easily and naturally. Football managers call it self-belief, something that Alan's team Hibernian have displayed in abundance this season. And JOY!, his gay one-nighter has become so successful, many assume that a commercial corporation or limited company is in charge. "No, it's just Maggie and Alan like it was in the beginning." It all started when Alan worked as a volunteer on Gay Scotland magazine in the basement of the Lesbian and Gay Centre on Broughton Street. Finding the cafe space vacant upstairs, he and a group of friends decided to run a wee gay coffee bar so queer folk might drop into the Centre during the day. They called it the Blue Moon and it was Scotland's first gay cafe, and a massive success. He ended up running it for seven years. Alan remembers cafe ownership with mixed feelings. "It was a lot of hard work, but there was a moderately large team of us. We had the time to sit and talk to people. We built up a huge following, our customers quickly became friends, and these friends followed us to JOY!" There was more than a hint of the old-fashioned community feel to the old Blue Moon. "That was quite deliberate. We would get quite busy, so we'd end up sitting a young gay man next to an old dyke and watch them become best friends." The Edinburgh Bisexual Group, Scottish Aids Monitor, and The Lantern group all used to use the Gay Centre, and so frequent the Blue Moon. The Scottish Homosexual Rights Group (now Outright Scotland) which ran the Centre had a huge hit on its hands. "When we opened the Blue Moon we were told that it would never work. We went to Fire Island, The Laughing Duck; the whole gay scene revolved around UV lights and alcohol. At the time the Blue Moon was unlicensed, brightly lit and just open during the day... people had to talk to each other." The successful growth of the Blue Moon meant an eventual move to bigger premises and coincided with the growing confidence of gay people within wider society, but Alan knows that as lesbians, gays and bisexuals, we are not all equal yet. "It worries me that young gays think there is no gay oppression anymore. Think of Clause 28, partnership rights, and the unequal age of consent. People are confident, but can also be complacent." About a year before selling the Blue Moon, Alan, with long-time sidekick Maggie launched JOY!. "We used to have private Blue Moon parties, which started as small affairs in the cafe, just staff and regulars having a laugh. Then we had to start hiring venues because each party was almost twice as big as the last. So we decided to start a club night called JOY!" That was back in July 1993. Now it has become Edinburgh's longest running club night, gay or straight. When asked about to what he attributes the success of JOY!, Alan fidgets and sighs, "Err, I don't really know, a combination of things..." You get the sense that he is reluctant to blow his own trumpet, suddenly silent, as if lost for words, but rallies when I mention JOY!'s music policy. He all but erupts with infectious enthusiasm. "I love music, and I've always been a music collector. I used to keep every record I'd buy, be they good or bad. You should see my flat. When I started DJing I had that mentality. Now I only keep the stuff I play. Plus the thousands of records from my early teens upwards that I just don't have the heart to throw out. I enjoy shopping for new tunes, but I feel guilty if I've been in a record shop for a long time and I leave without getting anything new" You wonder if Alan isn't a little like a character from Nick Hornby's book, 'High Fidelity'. But he is no pretentious music bore. "My records aren't in any order, err, they're in boxes!" Alan has an ear for quality club music. "You play a really good tune for 6 or 7 minutes and the crowd are really up for it, experiencing every subtle sound." He waves his head and arms around in circles, as if moving to this imaginary beat, "Then when you start to mix into the next track the crowd collectively almost audibly groan. Then 30 seconds in, that new tune becomes the best track they have ever heard and they are more up for it than ever!" If he loves good music, he hates crap. "I used to call the music we played Trance. But now it's can't be Trance, because the likes of Alice DeeJay gave Trance a really bad name. 'The Best Trance Album in the World Ever!'" he mocks, "That's just commercial shite." JOY! was launched at the Calton Studios (now Studio 24), "For many JOY!'s spiritual home, although we've been at Wilkie House longer..." It's early success meant that too many straight people would turn up at the door, "...we didn't know any better but to let them in." All of a sudden the venue was filled to capacity, and the club's gay customer base felt threatened, sometimes physically. I suggested that maybe he and Maggie took their eye off the ball. "All we wanted to do was play the music that we wanted to hear. Music that no other gay venue or club night was playing. We didn't know about crowd control or health and safety. We were just victims of our own success. But JOY! was always, and will continue to be, a gay club. And we quickly learned how to deal with dodgy characters." But its current location in the Cowgate still puts many people off. "The area can get quite scary. Sometimes drunken straight men like to fight. And it's miles away from the rest of the gay scene... I think we have got our door policy about right. There hasn't been a major incident at JOY! for years and years, but we can't legislate for those outside..." There are other problems with Wilkie House too; the space occupied by regular DJs Sally and Wendy is far from adequate. "Sally and Trendy Wendy DJ the second room, with a totally different style of music. We all know that they can do better than 50 people in an non-air-conditioned box." The freshness of JOY! also appears to be at the forefront of Alan's mind. "Must keep it fresh!" he needs to keep himself and the punters happy. He feels that four years at Wilkie House is a long time, and so "...lying in bed one night... you know when you can't get to sleep and you have a great idea? ...4am and I had to stay awake until I had told someone!" He had decided to move JOY! on again. And now it's all you can do to stop Alan dancing around the room. The news he's wanted to tell me all evening... "SCOTSGAY! is the first to hear this! JOY! will launch a totally revamped club in April, in a brand new location." He has a twinkle in his eyes. A grin the size of the Central Belt. He wants me to ask... "Where?" I ask. He yells, "THE VENUE" The new JOY! will be launching in Edinburgh's most successful independent club space, secure in a monthly Saturday night spot. "Finding a host for a gay night on a Saturday is difficult. Why should gay nights be on in the week, or when people have to work the next day? Saturday night at the Venue is a real coup... a brilliant space for JOY! The best yet." This seems to have solved all of JOY!'s problems in one go. The Venue is close to the rest of the gay scene, there are no straight wankers hanging around (it would be all right if they just stuck to wanking), and Sally and Wendy have much more space for their own brand of music. "The new-look Venue will be visually stunning. The new owner has some great ideas. I'm very pleased to be in at the start. He is taking his time in delivering the changes. That can only be a good thing." This leaves the niggling little problem of what to do with the club between now and April. Ego (formerly Eden) was the logical choice. "We are hiring our own sound system. Lovely location. Great for the rest of the gay scene - just opposite CC Blooms. And we shall be returning to Studio 24 for a very special JOY! versus MINGIN' night!" I ask Alan if he feels he has answered his critics. "You have to believe in what you are doing." Alan smiles, "You can't follow every whim of the gay scene, but you do have to listen to people. I am first and foremost a clubber." OH JOYS! Christmas Eve 2000 Unofficial Farewell Party at Wilkie House Saturday 30th December 2000 JOY! versus MINGIN' at Studio 24 Saturday 6th January 2001 JOY! of the new Millennium at Ego ------------------------------------------------------------------- LETTERS ======= Dear All As a dyke living in Glasgow, I wanted to write and say how sick I am of the shit service in certain gay pubs and clubs in this city. For me, Delmonicas has got to be the worst of all. My girlfriend and I decided to put Dels to the Shite Service Test the other week. We dropped in at lunchtime, midweek. We were greeted by the butch dyke serving behind the bar. She glared at us as though we had just shat in her best Docs!! It didn't improve when we ordered our drinks. She pulled the pints with the attitude of someone who had been asked for two pints of her own blood!! Seething, but thirsty, we made our way to the booths to drink our pints and recover from such a God awful welcome, only to be stared and sneered at by the male member of staff who came swanning in and out of what seemed like an office. My handsome butch girlfriend was seriously considering laying one or both of 'em out, but instead we left the said Hell hole, and vowed never to return! We are not the only ones. Contrary to the opinion of some, it is not the dogs bollocks and until we stop going to these bloody bars, nothing will change. They will still serve ok beer, with a shit attitude and we will continue to look desperate. Come on you lot!! We don't NEED these bars, there are others. Best bar of all has to be the one on the GGLC. You will always be greeted with a smile and the food is fab. Not to mention the cheeky boy in Clone Zone. Check it out. Lou Colvin Dear John In response to recent correspondence from Kate Dykes regarding ageism, and in particular to her references to students receiving concessionary prices at the Townhouse sauna, may I remind readers that students are of all ages and not restricted to being of a young age as her letter suggests! Yours sincerely Tony Stamp ------------------------------------------------------------- NUN SENSE ========= The Order has had a busy month. So busy, that we've had to bribe the Trypesetter into "accidently" giving us more space. The focus has, of course, been World AIDS Day which was on December 1st. In the run up, we handed out 1100 of our special condom packs. We do hope you made good use of them. Our special blessings go to our minions friends Claudio and Jan who spent many hours helping us stuff the packs so that they were ready on time. They were available in a number of venues. While we were out and about, Novice Brother Bimbo del Doppio Senso was delighted to note that the Newtown Bar now has real ale, although our schedule was too hectic to allow extended enjoyment thereof. On the day itself, we were honoured to lead the procession, although the windy conditions made both controlling the banner and keeping our lanterns lit a challenge. Sister Athletica de la Bain and Novice Cornelia took the ends while Novice Brother Bimbo del Doppio Senso hid in the middle. Alas, Sister Bobby had to remain in Moravia tending to her animals but she did send us a delightful epistle. When we reached the Ross Bandstand, we were most surprised by the first perfomance - a group of acrobats dressed as nuns! Well, except Sister Pronuptia of the Splattered Veil, who could not be said to be dressed as a nun seeing as she is one! After several perfomances, St. Tim lead the reading out of names of those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, and a huge red ribbon made of fire was lit as the lone piper piped. We laid our candles down in the shape of an awareness ribbon, then watched as it promptly blew away, reminding us instantly of Pride Scotland a couple of years back! Several venues offered hosptality after the vigil, and we visited as many as we could fit in. Delicious soup was consumed at Corner-stone Cafe and St. George's Church West, while all sorts of goodies were enjoyed at Hot Stuff. The New-town Bar held a Hawaiian Night, and we also visited Cafe Habana and Planet Out, where we finally ran out of condoms. We also ran into Sister Oral Climax that night. She's been hiding on the other side of the convent wall for far too long. The following evening we graced the ScotsGay staff party with our presence. As you can see from the picture, Sister Athletica duly blessed the real ale specially provided for the occasion. Our website is beginning to take shape. You can find our virtual convent at http://www.thesisters. org.uk/, where you will find a small amount of information about the Order and our work, plus details of how to obtain one of Sister Bobby's Safety Packs for the Gathered Faithful in the North East of Scotland. We also want to hear from you if you got one of our condom packs-especially if you have anything constructive to say! Details of where to find the feedback form are in the ad to the left. (Did you get one of our World AIDS Day Sister Condom Packs? If so, please take a few moments to tell us what you thought of it, at http://www.thesisters.org.uk/feedback.html. Bless You * Play Safe) While we're talking about the net, that bastion of equal rights Baroness Young has set up a web site giving you the opportunity to express your opinion on the recent equalisation of the age of consent. The site, at http://www.ageofconsent.org.uk/, allows you to vote "yes" or "no" on a vague question which has something to do with buggery. After much examination, we've concluded that the "No" option is the one for people who support an equal age of consent at 16. The nosy parkers do want rather a lot of information about you though, enough to identify you individually, where you live and even your sexuality (although the options for this aren't very imaginative), and there's no Data Protection statement about what they plan to do with this personal information. Novice Brother Bimbo del Doppio Senso has contacted mail@dataprotection.gov.uk for clarification of the law on this important matter. We'd like to wish Beti Hutton drop dead get well soon. It seems she has a heart after all. And "au revoir" to Rabbi Bent, who is leaving the Holyrood Tavern and plans to indulge herself for a while. The Amanuensis ----------------------------------------------------------------------- What is Klinefelter Syndrome? ============================ Klinefelter Syndrome like any other syndrome, is a collective of disabilities arising from being born with the Karyotype 47,xxy. Ordinary males have the karyotype46, xy and ordinary females, 46, xx. Those born with this condition have an extra set of chromosomes and so have the chromosomal signature 47,xxy. I was diagnosed with Klinefelter Syndrome in 1988 and was informed at that time of the symptoms: _ Small Testes _ Obesity _ Infertility The treatment is Tesosterone Replacement Therapy, either in the form of sub-cutanaeous implants, Intra muscular injection or, more recently, Androderm patches. All through my childhood, I never "fitted in", I was excrutiatingly shy, introverted, always suffered from fatigue, was picked on mercilessly, had no real friends. It was just a nightmare which led to an attempted suicide at age 12. I also had a violent temper, and raging outbursts were not uncommon. These petered out by the age of 17. I have suffered losses of consciousness from the age of 12 'til I was about 27, and since then have suffered from a mild form of epileptic type seizures. It must have been about 5 or 6 years after diagnosis that I began to find the courage to ask questions about this condition, because there were many features about me that I thought might be related to this condition. I was told at the time of diagnosis that it affected 1 in 10,000 male births. I have the genitalia of a 14 year old, suffer from semi-impotence, I have an extremely bad memory, I have mild mental dyslexia and a degree of physical dyslexia. I have small features, Hands, fingers etc. I asked my GP and subsequently my endocrinologist if it was possible that my small penis and impotency could be related to Klinefelter syndrome, an astounding NO from both parties was the answer. I asked if my memory loss could be connected, NO was the answer to that question too. And all the times I asked a question I believed the answers. In mid 1996, I asked my endo if he could put me in touch with anyone, anywhere who had the same condition. Several days later he wrote to me, telling me that he had searched and searched, including the World Wide Web, and all he could come up with was a PO Box address in England. I wrote off to this organisation, but never received a reply. In the early part of this year, I had the opportunity, of not only using a computer for the first time in my life, but also access to the Internet. At a routine appointment in April of this year, I asked my endo if there was any way possible of me being affected by Down's Syndrome, as I have an elder sibling with Down's. My endo somehow thought this to be quite humourous, and while giving me his favourite answer to any of my questions, ie., NO, he was chuckling. I stormed out of his office and later the same day, I surfed the web for information on xxy. I found lots of information, and discovered that many of the "professionals" providing my health care had been telling lies or didn't know. In my search I found the organisation to which I had written, but discovered they had had problems with that address and had moved. I found another UK based organisation and a host of organisations worldwide, including an e-mail community of which I am a member now. In that community, which is Canadian based, but has members in USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and me in the UK, there is a member called Tom, who asked me way back in June, if I was going to the forthcoming conference of the Klinefelter Syndrome and Associates in Baltimore. I replied that I would love to be there, but finances just wouldn't allow me to even consider it. Well it seems I made some kind of impression on Tom, because he financed the whole trip, KS&A waived the fee of $200, and another guy called Guy, allowed me to share his room at the Omni Inner Harbour Hotel in Baltimore. At first I turned Tom down, but one of my friends said it would be a good opportunity to get some real answers. And so from the 1st - 5th July, I was in Baltimore. An experience that will stay with me forever. Klinefelter Syndrome seen through the eyes of an xxy'r! The temper tantrums that had blighted my childhood and early teens are common among those with the xxy karyotype. Lack of, or sparse body hair is common among adult males with xxy. (1) Attention Deficit Disorder is common. (2) Dyslexia is common. (3) Lack of upper body strength is common. (4) Small penis is common. (5) 50% of those with the karyotype will be gay, bisexual or transexual. (6) Currently on a global scale only 25% will be diagnosed through lack of research. The actual percentage of those born with the karyotype is between 1 in 500 and 1 in 700 male births. Downs is 1 in 1,000. (7) Many xxy'rs have difficulty in sustaining long-term friendships and relationships. (8) Many xxy'rs are of above average intelligence. (9) We are androgynous in many respects. (10) Gynacomastia (breast development) is common. (11) Many have a restless sleep pattern. (12) Depressive like illness is common. (13) Sexual confusion is common. (14) Taurodontism (literally "bull teeth") is common. This leads to an increased risk of tooth decay (15) Diabetes is common Other disabilities not so common include: (16) Osteoporosis (17) Enochoidal stature (18) Cardio-vascular problems (19) Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Some xxy'rs may have all or some of these, but which the majority of doctors world-wide treat individually and not collectively. Personally I am or have been affected by: 1-5, 7-12, 14, 15 and 17. Further information can be had via the web from the Klinefelter Organisation (formerly the KSCUK) at http://members.aol.com/kscuk/ or http://tmoon.com/ks/, or e-mail stephen.tonner@getreal.co.uk. Off the net, you can contact the Klinefelter Organisation, PO Box 60, Orpington BR6 8ZQ. Even with treatment, life has been far from been a bed of roses and many of the problems associated with the syndrome will be a part of my life, (and the lives of other xxy'rs) forever, but the shyness has waned a lot and I am much tougher than say 10 years ago. We, those of us who have been diagnosed and know more than most doctors, are determined to bring this out into the public arena. By doing so, we may reach others who are still in the wilderness, and by raising the profile of xxy or its mosaic patterns - 48,xxy, 48,xxxy etc. etc. etc. (The more x's the more severity of disability). Thankyou for your time and patience. Steph 47xxy stephen.tonner@getreal.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------------- JOY Dance Chart =============== 1 Aquilla Earthbound (Pappa & Gilbey Remix) Inversus 2 Santos Camels (Saints & Sinners Full Length Remix) Incentive 3 Junkie XL Bon Voyage Manifesto 4 Halo Varga Future (Original Mix/Three 'N One presnts 16C+ Remix) Hooj Choons 5 Unknown Celebrate Or Love (Solid Sessions Remix / Pronti & Kalmani Remix) Positiva 6 Billy Hendrix presents Crazy Fish California Roll Highball 7 Drax Blue Sun INCtraxx 8 DJ Nukem vs Chab Shaãva (Original Mix / Heavy Duty Mix) Cyber 9 The Party Freakz Uprising EP TPF 10 The Orb Once More... (Bedrock Dub)/ Little Fluffy Clouds (Danny Tenaglia's Detour Mix) Island 11 Natious Digital Hymn (Jarrod & Gilbey Remix) Triple XXX 12 Sourmash Pilgrimage to Paradise (Timo Maas Remix)/ Mescalisto (Pablo Gargano Beatbox Remix) Hooj Choons 13 Dumonde Tomorrow (DJ Jamx & De Leon Mix) :VC: 14 Darren Christian Uni-fiktion (Corvin Dalek Mix/Original Mix) Duty Free 15 A Man Posessed Show Me (Blue Harvest Mix) Prognosis 16 Andy Moor Violent City (Capitol City Mix/ Vicious Tabla Dub) Baroque 17 David Morales presents The Face featuring Juliet Roberts Needin' U II (Stero Dub) Manifesto 18 Groovezone Eisbaer (Jark Prongo Remix) Additive 19 Meeker Mountains (Darren Emerson Underwater Vocal Mix) Underwater 20 Safri Duo Played-A-Live (The Bongo Song) (Nick Sentience Remix) AM:PM ------------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTSDYKE: A DAY FOR THE FAMILY OR A FAMILY DAY? ================================================ Christmas is supposed to be the time for families getting together, having fun, eating lots, drinking lots and being sick together and most people get to do this. Every year it's either my mother's or your mother's or even alternate years to do the family thing, but more and more in this accepting world I am hearing people tell of their dread of the up and coming festivities, not because they are skint and the kids all want the latest in computer gear or designer clothes but because they are not out to their parents, friends and collegues. It's the simplest things that get blown way out of proportion, like the office Xmas night out. You really want to be with your partner, but the boss wants you all to be there so there's headache No1. Who do you upset-your boss or your burd? Unless, like my partner, you have a very understanding girlfriend, this could be like going for a walk on eggshells. No matter who you pick, you will be wrong. You could take your partner along as a "friend" but personally I don't fancy going out for an evening where I have to be conscious of every word I say. I don't want to give the game away by simply saying "pass the salt darling", or spend the whole night at arms' length unable to kiss, touch or hold her. So, I just stay at home and look after the pussies and she has to take me for a night out to compensate. Headache No2 comes when you have to decide what you are doing on Christmas Day. Is your girl going to spend it with you or her family? This is a particuarly hard one and you have to be reasonable. It's only natural that she wants to see her family on Christmas Day but she really wants to be with you. Her family will be pressurising her to spend the day with them as they wouldn't want her sitting alone (as far as they know she's single). She can try to say she's going to friends but we all know what mothers are like-"its Christmas Day it's for families. You're coming over. Your dad will pick you up". End of argument. She starts to panic and wonders what you'll say when you find out she's going to her parents after all. And when she gets back, she doesn't want to tell you that she had a fab time, because you doesn't want to rub the salt in! I always tell her I want to wake up with her in my arms on Christmas Morning and go to bed with her on Christmas Night. If that means she has to drive the 80 miles round trip to see her parents for dinner then so be it. For us it actually works out well because, by the time it would have been time to eat, our son's already had five boxes of sweets and doesn't want to be moved from the TV or his new computer game. I get to spend the whole day relaxing then, when my partner comes back, a few drinks finish the day off. I can look forward to having my Boxing Day dinner made for me as I spend the morning shopping in the sales. So, although Christmas can be really stressful and comes with a few headaches, if you can sort out some sort of compromise everyone's happy in the end. Love to all and a very Merry Christmas. To our georgeous Betty get well soon-I'll have a wee sherry for you. To my partner and son,thank you for another great year and all of you be good have fun and I'll see you in the new millennium. xxx Snippets If you read the rest of the mag, you'll know that the Stag & Turret has been taken over by Mo and Anne. They have decorated both upstairs and down and I'm told it took 6 coats of industrial paint to cover the cartoons on the walls upstairs. It's now looking very cosy so, if you haven't been up for a while, why not pop in and see the changes? I wish them both good luck for the future. I also took myself down to Glasgow for a look at the Candle Bar that our Goldilocks keeps raving about. I found myself in a cool wee pub with big sofas and a coal fire. It's a very relaxed bar and the music isn't blasted in your ears so you don't have to scream your order to the bar staff (who are all very nice and courteous. There's also an excellent promo on drinks, so if you're over in the West, check it out Have you noticed the bottled beer going round at the moment called Pseudo Bavarian Poof Juice? Well, I'm not impressed-why should it just be the boys that get one? Us girlies should have our own, called "Lip Smacker" or "Tongue Teaser". I'll hassle the distributors. In the meantime, if you can come up with a better name, let me know it at the usual address. And on a final note, ScotsGay had its Christmas night out last weekend and I'd like to thank Fiona at Nexus for feeding us some scrummy grub. I hope all who came enjoyed themselves. Love to all Heather heather@drink.demon.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FIVE YEARS OF THE SCOTTISH MEDIA MONITOR ======================================== Garry Otton is no stranger to the media. Fifteen years ago, in a former incarnation, his London agents were distributing his sensitive illustrations of teen romance to magazines in nine countries. Dundee's DC Thomson, publishers of Jackie magazine, was a regular buyer. Despite such success, his first love has been his work for gay magazines, which began as a young student freelancing for Gay News before its demise after the famous blasphemy trial led by Mary Whitehouse. Entitled the Scottish Media Monitor, over a period of five years, starting in January 1996, this monthly gay magazine column by Garry Otton has examined the treatment of sexuality in the Scottish media. It was sparked by what was widely seen as inadequate reporting of the violent murder of 35-year-old Michael Doran in Queens Park in Glasgow in the summer of 1995. Here, a gang of three lads and a 14-year-old girl went on a queerbashing rampage putting a hammer through one guy's head, beating another so badly, he was unable to walk and finally murdering Michael Doran. Michael received 83 blows to his body. They stabbed him several times in the groin, stamped on his face until they had broken every bone in his head and left him in the bushes, choking to death in his own blood. With their clothes still bloodstained, they joined their friends at a nearby party bragging about what they had just done. Within weeks of Michael's tragic murder - a copycat of the Queen's Park murder that led to the last hanging at Barlinnie Prison in the sixties - Thomas Hamilton gunned down a classroom of kiddies and their teacher in a school in Dunblane. Despite no evidence Hamilton sexually molested children in his care, or was himself gay, the Dunblane tragedy became sexualised. Gays were soon swept up in a tidal wave of moral panic. Scoutmasters and gym teachers, boys' club managers and priests were dragged across the pages of the Scottish press in frenzy. One 'sex beast' after another was 'caged.' A 24-year-old was gaoled for three months after being found on school grounds in Paisley. A 77-year-old man was sentenced to four years for taking pictures of kids at the seaside in Ayrshire, a drunken 37-year-old priest faced shame and retribution after allegedly groping a 16-year-old and Iain Macdonald was gaoled for 18 years for the rape of Charles Kumar. Charles denied he was gay, but later went on to win a heat in the Mr Gay UK contest and work in a gay sauna. Iain still languishes in prison. Public toilets, saunas, parks and swimming-pool changing areas throughout Scotland became flash points of moral warfare. A 29-year-old man was sentenced for peeking at two 14-year-old boys in one swimming-pool changing area, and at another, a 34-year-old scoutmaster faced indecency charges after filming boys with a video camera. A swimming-pool attendant warned parents 'all their children are at risk', and was reported in a tabloid begging more staff to patrol open changing-rooms. 'The only way to clampdown on this kind of thing is by fitting screens to the top and bottom of cubicles and security guards watching at all times', he said. Five years at the end of the 20th Century was a period of unusual sexual repression particularly felt by gay men. The failure to equalise the Age of Consent, the obstruction of the repeal of Section 28 by militant religionists, the rounding-up of gay men in police operations across Scotland and a string of subsequent suicides. It was a time when Scots actor Robert Carlisle joined a band of unemployed men to strip for The Full Monty and radio stations banned the Bloodhound Gang from doing it like they do on the Discovery Channel. Much of the Scottish media both protects and excludes readers in a process of restraint, contraction and limitation on sexual issues. A perceived threat to children from 'perverts' was trumpeted by tabloid campaigns such as the Record's 'PervertWatch' and the News of the World's 'Name and Shame'. The press attach a sense of shame and fuel moral outrage to any legitimate means of sexual expression. Most prominent amongst these campaigns has been the attack on 'Channel Filth' on Channel 5's late night depiction of erotica and the Daily Record's 'SmutWatch' campaign. An increasingly politicised Church, fearful of moral decay and advances in liberty and expression, succoured these campaigns. A major victory for the Church and their media crony's was the banning of an exhibition of erotica in Glasgow. Such a campaign, however, paled into insignificance to what the fledgling Scottish Parliament faced when they were caught unawares by the longest political debate in its history, the bankrolling of a campaign to prevent the repeal of Section 2a, (Clause 28), which forbade the so-called 'promotion' of homosexuality in schools, by Scottish business tycoon, Brian Souter. When any issue of sexuality has appeared in the Scottish media - as it does on an almost daily basis - it is rarely academics the journalists turn to, but a string of religious and conservative 'spokespeople'. In Scotland it has been Mrs Ann Allen or the Rev Bill Wallace of the Kirk's ridiculously named Board of Social Responsibility, the notorious 'Sexfinder General', the late Monsignor Tom Connelly for the Catholic Church, Phil Gallie, a deposed Tory MP and any number of partisan organisations like the Christian Institute and Family and Youth Concern. This laziness on the part of journalists to latch onto sound bites or PR machines attached to religious organisations has both distorted and misrepresented Scotland's sexuality. In colluding with moral conservatives; serving a regular diet of propaganda and misinformation on sexual issues, the Scottish press have failed the public they are supposed to serve; contributing to Scotland's appalling record of sexual repression. Scotland has Europe's highest rate of teenage pregnancy (some seven times higher than Holland) whilst sexual pathology, crime, ignorance and disease are rife. In Holland, sex education begins at Primary level and the age of consent is 12. Nonetheless, children start having sex later than their Scottish counterparts and don't wait for years before crying foul when the sex is wrong! In support of the morally conservative sexual propaganda issued by Churches, there is an abundance of equally conservative columnists operating within almost every major newspaper in Scotland. The most well known of these was Jack Irvine, a former editor of Scottish editions of the Sun whose column in the Scottish Mirror regularly carried his rabid homophobia, inspiring Brian Souter to enlist his support for a GBP2million campaign to have the Church influence sex education in schools. One of Irvine's most controversial remarks was his reference to "slobbering queers". There are plenty more of his ilk. Jim Sillars, a former SNP MP writes weekly in the Scottish Sun and has advised readers that homosexuals need to get the homosexual age of consent "as low as possible to ensure a continuous supply of sexual partners". In the Daily Record, they have Tom Brown whose comments on gay's "sad, seedy perversions" border frequently on obsession. The 'Brigadier' has since been promoted to the First Minister's speechwriter. It is his expressed opinion that "only sexually inadequate adults buy dirty magazines", an opinion apparently shared by the Daily Record's matronly agony aunt Joan Burnie - or 'Old Mother Burnie' as she is now widely known - who has evoked the ire of many of her readers by describing erotic videos as "filthy". She once advised a woman whose husband enjoyed erotica to "burn anything you find". She has written: "If my sons grew up to think porn was harmless, then I'd know I'd failed as a mum..." The Sunday Mail used to have Gary Keown. Never mind the "pansies", his opinion of women was equally suspect. "The drunker they are, the better... Give me two slappers pulling at each other's cheap perms... Mini skirts riding up flabby thighs..." The Scottish Daily Mail is the most favoured tabloid of the morally conservative. It once ran anatomical drawings showing how to distinguish gay people from straight and reported what was a benign group of a dozen protesters from the Scottish Socialist Party handing out leaflets to the congregation outside multi-millionaire Brian Souter's church in Perth as a "50 strong... gay law mob" with their "leaders". No such gay 'leaders' attended. Katie Grant is also paid by the Scottish Daily Mail to support the role of its Scottish Political Editor, Hamish MacDonnell to spout a morally conservative agenda behind the benign persona of a 'concerned parent'. Before Section 28 was repealed she was busy sending siren calls to readers, warning them how the government was about to remove legislation that would ensure schools would be awash with gay propaganda. The Scotsman, once a liberal broadsheet, boasts Linda Watson-Brown who believes all men are potential rapists and is a virulent anti-porn campaigner. The Daily Telegraph has Alan Cochrane who led this paper's campaign against the repeal of Section 28 in Scotland. Even The Herald, despite its support for repeal of this Tory-backed legislation, rode with one foot on the brake and a string of religionists in the back seat. Stewart Lamont wrote of his disgust of gay men's apparent love of public conveniences, Michael Fry thought the repeal of Section 28 would give children AIDS and 'wee free' John Macleod who - before he was 'outed' himself - used to think gays "simply not equipped to live". Scotland on Sunday, gives the Mail's Katie Grant and Gerald Warner a Sunday voice. Warner, a speechwriter to the former Tory Scottish Secretary, Michael Forsyth once wrote that condoms offer little protection against AIDS and continually propagates the myth there is a powerful gay clique undermining Government. (With such powerful friends in Government, it's surprising how it has not managed to pass laws guaranteeing gay equality). Warner - or 'Geraldine' as he has become known in the Monitor - believes teenage mothers create a "social blight" and giving council houses to them is simply a "reward for promiscuity". He once begged in his column: "We cannot sit idly by and watch minority pressure groups and their allies secure an absurdly disproportionate profile in the media..." Without one 'out' gay columnist batting against this surfeit of sexually regulating writers, what Scottish newspapers does he read? Even the Big Issue in Scotland, which accepts free pictures from the Daily Record is not exactly generous with features on gay human rights. The feature on Daily Record columnist, Tom Brown's promotion in the Scottish Executive was rejected by the editor. BBC Scotland has consistently refused a programme for gays while catering for religionists on a daily basis. With just one per cent attending Church, many now agree Scotland's sexual liberals deserve a better voice. But whatever you think of sexual politics in the new Scotland: Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and people of transgender are on their own. Each day, individuals work to regulate and control the definition of sexuality within a narrow boundary defined by a personal morality fed by the Church. This forest of deadwood has taken many years to grow. But not until a former editor, a right-wing Cardinal and a multi-millionaire Christian fundamentalist set the forest ablaze were the people of Scotland so exposed and so divided in a moral debate that almost spilled out into the 21st century. A new book cataloguing five years of the Scottish Media Monitor is almost completed and a major Glasgow-based website design company, Alienation Design http://www.alienationdesign.co.uk/ is about to launch a new website for the Scottish Media Monitor at http://www.scottishmediamonitor.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ GLASGOW/GLASCHU =============== Arse Bandit with Attitude! BC: 1 Hiya Scumbagz!! Well here goes with the second attempt at getting this month's pile of shite into print!! I think Ms Hutton, my Small Bald Ginger Editor and myself all must be unlucky with computers this month, or maybe Windoze is just a load of crap! So, the festive season is fast approaching, which means it's that time of year when certain establishments will reward your patronage for the past year by fucking you over for as much as they can in the shape of exorbitant entry prices, suspended drinks promos and cancelled guest lists. You'll hear the predictable bullshit about staffing costs, but anyone who actually works in the licensed trade will tell you it's nonsense, and Christmas and New Year are always seen as a good excuse to jack up the prices. As you may be aware, the Polo couldn't shift all their tickets for last year's Hogmanay bash, and were forced to drop the prices on the night, or face the prospect of an empty club. If you want to save some money this year, don't buy a ticket in advance - wait until Hogmanay, go down to the club and if it's dead enough ask to get in cheap. If The Poo refuse to drop their prices, remind them of last year and tell them you're off to Bennets! That should get you a few quid off! The tickets for the festive bashes at the GLGBTC are now on sale. There is a party on Christmas Eve from 8pm onwards for GBP5, and you can celebrate Hogmanay for only a tenner from 8pm til 3am. Ticket prices include a buffet, and are likely to sell out fast, so get yours now. Everyone who attended the Hogmany party last year had a great time, so hopefully it will be as packed this year, and remember that most of the ticket money goes towards the Centre's fundraising, so it's all in a good cause. Remember also, that there are various free street parties going on, and the pubs and clubs will be open later than normal. Most of the pubs will be laying on extra entertainment etc, and no doubt the Waterloo will be doing their usual Hogmanay Party with all the usual entertainment laid on for free. I said a few months ago that although both Bennets and The Poo had now revamped their webshites, it would only be a matter of time before they couldn't be arsed in keeping them up to date. I was right of course. Bennets is still advertising their Halloween Party, and we are still waiting for the new additions to the Poo website. Don't hold your breath waiting for updates - the Goldilocks website gets way more traffic than either of these wannabes ever will. And while we're on the subject, the other gay and lesbian website which was supposed to be opening in a blaze of glory seems to have fizzled out. Face it guys, you simply can't be bothered working on your websites because nobody bothers to visit them, and it would be far better if you got rid of them all together, instead of leaving your few visitors with a poor impression of Glasgow. There have been some major changes over at Centurion recently. Many of the staff have now been replaced, and acting manager Paul tells me that he has some new plans for the business. The rest room will be getting redecorated, and they also intend to completely upgrade and refurbish the shower area. Watch out for another party weekend, when the entry price will be greatly reduced, with free food and wine like last time. For all you arty types, there's a good exhibition by Greer Ralston on at the GLGBTC down in Dixon Street. The exhibit which seems to be attracting most attention is the mega huge painting of a naked mannie in the main stairwell, and predictably the girlies are complaining that they don't want to see a picture of a naked guy every time they go to the bog, and the guys are moaning that his knob isn't big enough. There were a few exhibits nicked off the wall recently, but I can't imagine anything going missing from this display, as they are all fairly large exhibits this time! You no doubt noticed a letter of complaint about me in the last issue. Utter nonsense of course! Everyone who's read it seems to have the same opinion as myself. Other e-mail from Kate Dykes makes it quite clear that her problem is really that she is unhappy about competition from the Townhouse Sauna, and rather than make childish, personal and abusive statements about myself, Ms Dykes would be better off taking a long critical look at her own business and taking decisive action to stem the exodus of her clientele to the Townhouse. I've had quite a few of you telling me that the new 24 hour Internet Cafe easyEverything in St Vincent Street is becoming a favourite haunt for the cybersluts. It seems that a lot of you go along after Bennets closes, and cruise the online chatrooms during cheap rate. I've not actually been on Gay.com in the early hours, but I hear that the Scottish chatrooms have quite a few easyEverything customers sitting at separate terminals in the same room trying to pick each other up. I have to laugh at the idea of somebody spending a fortune out clubbing, then going to an Internet chat room for some cybersex with an ugly bastard claiming to be a blond haired blue eyed boy next door! I had hoped to get down to the Candle Bar to see how the Sunday afternoon entertainment with Jason and Angie O is getting along, but was otherwise engaged this weekend. I hear that things have been going really well, which hardly comes as a surprise as Jason is well known on the entertainment circuit. DJ Stu has also now been given the Wednesday slot in addition to his Saturday night, so you now have a variety of entertainment throughout the week with Stu on Wed and Sat, Wendy on Friday, and Karaoke with Craig on Thursday. (Good DJ Stu, but can't tell the difference between the sexes) Remember also that The Candle Bar has got some seriously good drinks promos on , so you can have a cheap night out during the week. The Glasgow Poets and Writers Group will be holding their festive "Poets Grotto" on Wednesday the 20th of December from 8pm onwards. There will be various readings, and you are all free to go along, either just to hear the poetry, or do a reading of your own. SNIPPETS AND WAFFLE I've found this hilarious website for all you sad twats who kid yourself about how "str8 acting" you think you are. Check out http://www.straightacting.com/ and take their quiz to see whether you're a fairy or not. Apparently I'm "somewhat feminine", scoring a rating of 5! I've spent all these years thinking I was SOOO butch, and now it seems I'm as big a screamer as you lot :-( >>> Nice to see that Brian Souter is having financial problems. This is the man who said of the Repeal Section 28 campaign "We didnae vote fer it, and we're nae havin it!" Crap of course - it's gone, you got well and truly fucked, so deal with it and stick to running buses in the future. >>> I see the BOYZ awards are coming up shortly. Now which of our scene venues will be tearing out the entry forms and getting the staff to send them in this year? That's about it for this month. As usual, you can send yer smutty e-mails, death threats, complaints etc to the address at the back of the magazine, or direct to the Wonderful World of Goldilocks by E-mail. And you can get the full unedited, unsanitised version on my own website. I'd better get this sent off to my Ed as he's probably tearing what's left of his hair out as it's so long overdue, but he's been making allowances cos I've been a bit distracted this weekend by the new man in my life! Happy shagging, Merry Christmas and all the other usual festive bollocks, Goldilocks E-mail:- goldilocks@gay-glasgow.co.uk Webshite:- http://www.gay-glasgow.co.uk/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EDINBURGH/DUN EIDEANN ===================== Hiya peeps, Ali here again with my monthly gossip and info bits. First a warning to us all - The Late Licence starts on the 18th December and doesn't finish until 3rd January - that's an extra 2 hours drinking time - woohoo!! Just get your liver and kidneys sorted now! First stop the Stag and Turret. Sorry to Mo for the Duck thing last month - I had very bad info passed to me, they have been reprimanded in my own way. A big hello to Anne as well (sorry) who is there helping to get the Stag back on it's feet, and from what I've seen it's bound to get even better next year! Planet Out still have the wonderful Trendy Wendy playing her tunes on Mondays and the bar Boys and Girls are planning to have more fun over Xmas, see the pub for more details! The Newtown Bar has, I am realiably informed by my Editor, 'Real Beer'. What that means I don't know but I will investigate. But Colin and his boys are planning some wacky things over Xmas and we know what that means... Hot Stuff is having a Xmas Party on Friday 22nd December from 8pm till late. Rory, JP and Martin will be supplying us with a Disco, a Buffet and fabulous Prizes. Karaoke is still running on Wednesdays with Titty Galore - another fab night! Remember that Hot Stuff will be having a few changes made next year so check it out before it changes! Cafe Habana is having a busy time as a pre-club bar I notice. Ronnie and the gang seem to have got the crowds in at the weekends are from what I gather it's going to get a lot busier over the Xmas period! The Claremont gang have got Liam's Crazy Xmas and Hogmanay Quiz on 20th December and 27th. Both start at 9pm and will run very late and are bound to be very very silly. On the 24th Liam hosts the Xmas Eve party, starting at 9pm and running till 3am, this is by invite only though, so you will have to find an invite, same goes for the Hogmanay Party on the 31st. DJ Yvonne returns to play all your fave party tunes and keep you dancing till the early hours of the morning! And then they re-open on New Year's Day at 12 noon so that we can recover with a pint of whatever we fancy!! CC Blooms are having fun over the festive period by bringing us Sassy Stryker on Boxing Day to help us beat the Xmas Blues and on Hogmanay Georgey Boy and Helen 'Bagpipes' will be bringing fun and games to the upstairs bar and DJ Blondie will be spinning your fave tunes - new and old downstairs. And with Lily Savage rumoured to appear over the Festive fortnight the pub should be fun. Dianne and Brian would like to thank all the customers who paid to get into CC's on Worlds Aids Day and helped raise over GBP350. A fond farewell to David the Barman who is leaving next year. A delicious and very scrummy bloke if I ever saw one! Edinburgh's Townhouse sauna and gym is celebrating its 1st Anniversary since Martin and Brett took over the business twelve months ago. During that time the Townhouse has seen a steady increase in custom, becoming Edinburgh's popular choice with locals and tourists alike. Among its many attractions are the plush surroundings with period furniture and its fully licensed bar, offering something out of the ordinary to many of the other gay saunas in Britain. As a thank you to its many members, the Townhouse is offering an exciting calendar of events and give-aways during December, including: Sat 16th: meet Joshua in the flesh - Joshua is the model featured on all Townhouse advertising - get a photo with him Sun 17th: Josh's underwear party - prizes galore - prizes for most unusual undies presented by Joshua Sat 23rd: Santa stripper performing live from 8pm Sun 24th: free Xmas eve buffet and punch at 6.30pm Nexus celebrates its 3rd birthday this month - Happy Birthday Feeh, Sam and Joe! Pop in and help them celebrate but remember they are closed Xmas Day, Boxing Day and the 27th! Lush will be back on the 7th January at Whynot (part of the Dome). Dale and Craig will be spinning our fave songs as usual - I will try and pop in this time, I promise!!! From what I hear this night is beginning to get busier all the time, go and support them! Tackno is back on 23rd at Club Java in Leith, with the choice of an Xmas dinner (GBP15) or just the club (GBP5) and then appears at Club Mercado on 31st - Tackno 2001 A Space Odyssey. GBP15 in advance or GBP20 on the door! Maggie and Alan Joy return on the 9th December with Queen Maxine at Wilkie House playing all your favourite banging tunes - usual prices for this! Grant @ Queer Sunday will be having his usual fun and games over the festive period at Ego. Although not on nights Tackno is on because, I have been informed, he is not getting the people in the door! Not much in the rumour mill apart from (remember it's all rumours) the new gay club/bar opening in the space across the road from P'out! Hmmm, I'll take bets on that one I think... A Happy Xmas and New Year to everyone and I'll be back with you next year! Remember to send me all your gossip and listing at my usual address cos my website will be up by the end of January, so if you're not sending your listings and info now - you don't get a mention!! Lots of love Ali niniev@yahoo.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ABERDEEN/OBAR DHEADHAINN ======================== Hi sweet things, I'm back!! Have you missed me? really? you didn't like that Plug person? No... Well never mind, I'm here now so just relax and enjoy. Where have I been? I've been out exploring, different people, different places, straight places even. Actually, It's been a lot of fun, I won't bore you with the details except to say that if there's a club in Aberdeen with no homosexuals in it then I've not found it yet! Have you ever heard of the Granite Sisters? Neither had I until the rather nice (and not at all granite like) Julie gave me a phone. The Granite Sisters are a organisation for lesbians over the age of 35. With a membership of 25, the group has been established for eight months and is aimed at lesbians who prefer having fun and enjoying life to politics and campaigning. Regular activities include walks, swimming and going to the cinema. The group meets on the last Monday of each month in Cafe Continental at 8pm and is also involved in arranging monthly women's discos with the Aberdeen Lesbian and Bisexual group. If you are over 35 and would like to know more, you can get information from Switchboard or the Women's Centre. Not old enough to join the Granite Sisters? The Aberdeen Lesbian and Bisexual Group would like to hear from you. Meeting every Wednesday, 8pm at the Women's Centre, the group is non political and intended for women who want to make new friends, support each other and have fun. With a program of events arranged each month by it's members, the group is open to all women. You can find out more by phoning Aberdeen (01224) 625010 on a Wednesday evening. Also in the Women's Centre, the Aberdeen Lesbian Mothers Group meets on the first Saturday of each month. Providing support and social events for mothers and children, the group is a member of the Lesbian Mothers Network Scotland. I'll have to move on now because I can tell that the boys are feeling left out and I don't want to be made an honorary lesbian. What was all that in the "Plug" article about the City Bar and Madisons staff. "not the most fun loving" and "looking more like they're in for a spot of DIY" were some of the quotes. Having been out partying with most of the above mentioned over the course of the year, I can confirm that the first quote is untrue! As for the second, I can think of certain members of staff who can come round and perform their "DIY" on me anytime they like! Castros nightclub, Aberdeen's only gay club at one time, went on to become the notoriously homophobic Monkey Bar which thankfully died a death after only a few months. Now after a GBP15,000 re-fit, the place re-opened on Wednesday 6th December under new management as Castros. I am advised by Dave the manager that it will be a mixed venue opening Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm till 2am with free admission before midnight. Castros will definitely be worth a visit this weekend with a happy hour between 5 and 8, lots of drinks promotions, giveaways and live DJs from 10pm. I spoke to Tracy, owner of the original Castros who wishes the new management all the very best and would like to congratulate them on their good taste and inventiveness in choosing such a good name! Martin from the City Bar will be leaving us soon, he has asked me to mention this so you have time to buy him presents. There is still no information on what the owners are planning for the bar's future. RGU LGB society has just started up again. If you are a student, why not contact them by e-mail lgb@theunionbar.net Some events for your diary this month - Wednesday 13th December, Aberdeen Lesbian and Bisexual group are having a Solstice party in the Women's centre at 8pm, bring a bottle, all women welcome. Friday 15th December, Women's disco at the East Neuk from 8.30 till late. Admission is GBP5.00 and proceeds go to CLAN and Switchboard. Why is it that lesbians seem to be so much better behaved than gay men? Can you imagine what kinds of filth and perversion would be going on if the guys were having a solstice party? Mmm... sounds good! I seem to have to have run out of space now so I'll sign off here. If I was supposed to mention something and forgot, I'm sorry - I'll do it next month. If you would like anything included about your event or group the please send me an e-mail. See you next time! Martin martin.thain@virgin.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BI VOCAL ======== Bi - The Plug Got a lovely email from Sarah in Glasgow. She writes the 'Bi the Way' column for CentrePoint magazine and is one of the coordinators for 'Bi Glasgow'. She states, "It's so cool there are *two* bi columns in the Scottish gay press now! I mean, one is tokenism, two's a movement (Sorry, I'm known for my Kiwi optimism!). I really enjoyed your piece on polyamorous relationships last month. Keep pushing those boundaries out m'dear, that's what we're here for, I sometimes think!" Quite write, er, right too. She asked if ScotsGay could announce Bi Glasgow's change of venue and time. We're absolutely happy to do so of course. From Dec. 6th they'll be meeting on the first Wednesday of every month in the Ian Dunn Room at the Glasgow LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, 7.30-9.30pm. A cool Yule to all West Coast bisexuals! EuroBiCon Website At http://www.intbiconf.org/ you can read all about the upcoming First European Bisexual Conference that will be held in Rotterdam from June 22 to June 24 of 2001. The event will coincide with Rotterdam Cultural Capital of Europe and will be on the weekend before the famous Dutch Pink Saturday (their variant of Pride Day / Christopher Street Day / Stonewall). The mission of those hosting the Rotterdam 2001 EuroBiCon1 is to organize the best possible European Bisexual Conference where people from all backgrounds and interests who are interested in the various aspects of bisexuality, will find workshops and/or lectures meeting their needs. The organizing committee works with the support of the Dutch Bisexual Network (LNBi) and consists of several individuals, both from within the Dutch Bisexual Network as well as from other local and regional groups. Telephone: 0031 6-28438124 FAX: 0031 10-2449059 Postal Address: P.O. Box 28210, 3003 KE Rotterdam, The Netherlands Email: ebc1-info@intbiconf.org bi.org Finally a plug for http://bi.org/, the UK's award winning Bisexual Website. A whole wealth on information is available including a Usenet newsgroup "...used for the discussion of any issues related to bisexuality or of interest to bisexual people." Contents include: - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about bisexuality, a hotlist of other web resources and, er, chocolate recipes. Just go to http://www.bi.org/ See you in the next Millennium! Martin Walker mgwuk@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------- DUNDEE/DUN-DEAGH ================ With the time rapidly ticking away till Christmas Dundee is preparing itself for the festive 'garde de vive'. Charlie's Bar has a few special events planned, which if the tales still circulating from last years event are true then we're all in for a treat (and its usually all free to boot!) So keep your eyes peeled for the info etc. Charlie hopes to have all the details finalised soon, however rumour has it that he's managed to secure Dundee's most flamboyant and avant-garde DJ to host the show! Oooh I wonder who that is? Liberty continues to be Dundee's flagship gay venue and it's never looked so good (oh and remember it opens at 11pm these days). The building work in there seems to be going well and this has led to a nice new bench right next to the main dance floor. Already it's paid for itself in my opinion, by providing a handy place to sit when you've danced yourself to exhaustion to the latest Steps mega-mix! Resident DJ 'BP' continues to provide a varied and interesting programme of tracks, keeping even the more demanding of regulars happy. Although I'm told he does feel in fear of his life sometimes when he declines to play the current 'Steps' track for the 5th time in a night! Come on people! We all know Ricky Martain is the man! Liberty's programme for the festive period is taking shape I'm told and if I know Gavin it'll be well worth a look whatever he's planned, so get those piggy banks open! Manchester had a treat recently when a group of Dundee's own visited its bright lights. Dundee University's LGBT society organised a trip there and by all accounts (and some police reports) everyone had a ball. Episode Two: 'Live and let lie' Well I wish I could have better news, unfortunately 'Billy' has declined to see sense and even now is adding to his mis-deeds. While I'm conscious that to every story there are two sides and opinions can vary, Billy himself is lending considerable credibility to my last story with regard to his license with the truth. Even now he's off making up ridiculous tales regarding my so called exploits which I must say pleases me no end. Indeed if anyone doubted the truth of my story you need only listen to 'Billy's' tales to see what a gifted and imaginative liar he really is. This does fill me with a tinge of sadness. I'm not a vindictive person, so to that end I've decided not to reveal Billy's true identity to those would don't already know. I would like to note that in the last 'episode' I referred to Billy receiving a letter from the STD clinic this was indeed true but I neglected to reveal which condition it referred to. For various reasons I think it fair to say it wasn't a life threatening condition. Regardless of opinion I reveal this sad story for one reason only, that being to place sufficient gravity on 'Billy' in the hope that he would see sense and end his practice of lying and deceit. Well as I noted earlier this has sadly failed and nothing I can do, it seems, will dislodge Billy from his stance that he's done no wrong. Indeed he believes that I'm the villain for not supporting his position. I've know Billy for a short period and I think it fair to say he's not all bad, although no matter what other redeeming features he might have, these in no way detract from the harm and upset he's caused to various others. I'll end this sad story by saying directly that I won't consider 'Billy' to others as a evil and nasty person, but rather a sad and little school boy who seeks to involve others in conflict, to what end other than his own amusement I'm yet to fathom. He knows in his heart of hearts this isn't the way to treat people and if the day dawns that he sees sense by mending his ways, I will be the first person to bring it to everyone's attention in the most fair and favourable light possible. "Without forgiveness we are nothing". Fortunately it's not all doom and gloom in Dundee, some nice things happened this month, Colin B has finally found himself a nice man and this seems to agree with him well. Although I'm glad he's not given up his 'passion for fashion' and those pants he had on the other night were well worth the 5 quid entry fee to Liberty.."you go Colin". Oh and if you're into body art, why not have a word with Liam, he's very good at those temporary tattoo thingys. Birthday Celebrations this month for the Lovely Lynn S, the not so lovely Alan B (only joking according to Benny you're a Darling!), 'Ewan impersonator' Wayne G (or is it the other way round?), oh and some daft person named Perry! (who will be accepting free birthday drinks on behalf of all of the above..hee hee). Kate, who some might remember from times past as the owner of the most marvellous pair of 'Moo' shoes, made me laugh with abandon the other night so I'll include one of her witty comment for you all "sometimes being a bitch... is all a woman's got!" Last line goes to everyone this month "have a nice Xmas" perry x perryj@drink.demon.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVERNESS/INBHIR NIS ==================== Hello readers, Kuddels here, with latest news and gossip from the Inverness area. Well, December has now arrived and all around, there's lots of hustle and bustle as people rush around the town making hectic preparations for Christmas and Hogmanay. The town is very busy as people hit the shops, buying gifts, wrapping paper, cards, tinsel and all the other things associated with the festive season, not forgetting, especially, booze. I know, I've been a regular visitor to my local branch of Safeway where I've been stocking up with ample supplies of wines and spirits just to make sure that I have a "very Merry Christmas" and a "more than happy Hogmanay". With the friends that I expect will "drop in" over the holiday period , I expect I will need to have ample supplies, as they'll "do almost anything" for a free drink... Now, there's food for thought... I wonder??? The run up to Christmas started in Inverness with the switching on of the lights on the evening of Saturday, 25th November. A crowd gathered outside the Townhouse for the event. The switch was pulled and the lights flickered and lit up, illuminating the shopping centre and the town streets, as well as the town's two Christmas trees, one outside the Townhouse and the other on the Castle Esplanade. It all looked very nice, but, it's a great pity that the display has been the same for years and doesn't seem to have changed very much... Time for change, I think... Seriously though, let us not forget that Friday, 1st December was World Aids Day. Reachout Highland held a religious service in the Chapel of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. Collection boxes towards World Aids Day Charity are still in pubs and clubs throughout Inverness and the Highlands , so, please give generously. Reachout Highland are also busily engaged in promoting an HIV awareness and Aids Prevention Programme, visiting Colleges in Inverness and throughout the Highlands. A Christmas party is scheduled to be held at Reachout Highland on 23rd December, starting at 8pm and will be open to members of the Highland Gay Men's Group, Highland Gay Youth Group, Transgender Group and "friends". I offered to act as "Santa" (I've certainly got the right build for the part) or to be the "Fairy" on top of their Christmas tree (but, I fear that the tree and all its baubles would collapse under my weight). I hope it will be well atended and wish them all the best for the night, when it comes around. Hogmanay events in Inverness look as though they could be full of "festive fun". There are plans for a funfair in Bught Park, street entertainers, firework displays (things could go with a bang, after all, I expect) and "Riverlights" (illuminated trees along the riverbanks). This should encourage lots of latenight revellers and partygoers and everyone could (given the opportunity) have a "gay old time". Hotels are almost fully booked for the Christmas and Hogmanay period, here in Inverness. We can therefore expect to see a huge influx of "festive visitors" to the town, some of whom will be gay (they can't all be straight, can they?) and eager to explore the local sites and cruising areas, to see what they can pick up for a bit of "festive fun and frolics". I'm sure that myself and other "locals" will be very pleased to offer hospitality, make them welcome , and help to "grant their wishes". It all looks as though it's going to be a hectic and very interesting time for all. Well, I guess that's about all for this month. Have lots of safe sex over the holidays. I hope you all "get what you want" over the festive season. Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hogmanay. Kuddlels kuddels@drink.demon.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ZURICH DANCES IN THE STREETS ============================ As the street parade season heads towards the end of another year, Gordon Gosnell headed of to Switzerland to see what makes the Swiss tick apart from watches, good chocolate and beautiful scenery. Zurich provided the base for STREET 2000, a Techno and House carnival for everyone, gay, straight, bisexual or just pure party animal. He sends us this report. "Right Gordon, you're off to Zurich", barked the fat balding ginger one, and who am I to argue. "I know it will be hard but someone has to go", he added with a wry smile. As it turned out, I and other scribes were to be the guests of the Swiss Tourist Board, who were the perfect hosts. Their professional outlook in promoting their annual carnival should be used as a benchmark for other organisations to follow. Although STREET 2000 is in many ways similar to other carnivals, such as Nottinghill, London Pride and of course our very own Pride Scotland. There were three main differences in what the Swiss had to offer compared to our more laid back UK versions: 1) NOISE - STREET 2000 started at about 10 in the morning when most of the bars prepared for the day ahead by pumping out an amazing selection of Techno sounds at a very high level, filling the streets of the city to ensure everyone was well and truly awake. At this point it was earplugs in, and, as the music got louder and louder it was almost impossible to describe the noise. With the last of the party poppers getting home about 10 the next morning from one of the 20 different venues around the city, not a lot of sleep was had by anyone. 2) SIZE - by the time the day got into full swing there were an estimated 700,000 boys and girls aged from 8-80 in full party mode, about 10% of the country's population. Hmmmmmm, I always did like a big one. 3) SETTING - Lake Zurich, what a place to base a carnival. Clear blue waters, boats of all shapes and sizes, cafe bars camped up to tempt you to rest a while, and perfect weather somewhere in the eighties. Our jaunt commenced the day before, with a vist to CRANBERRY'S, one of the city's newer gay cafe bars for pre-dinner drinks where mine host JVAN, the one with the Liberace smile, told us a little of the history of his cafe, treated us to Swiss doughnuts, and some samples from his very popular in-house cocktail list, with such favourites as an Absolutely Fabulous, Goldfinger, Sea Breeze or even Sex on the Beach, each packing a fair punch as we can all testify. So good were they, that I went back for more later, but that's another story, not for your ears I'm afraid. Suffice to say to my aunty Beti Hutton she was wrong about the oriental quota, I'm afraid it's not all hard work my dears. Next it was off to dinner and a very leisurely meal over 3 hours at the restaurant "Daniel H" in what looked the red light district, where some of the party seemed to get lost after dinner, still they were all adults. The main day itself didn't start officially for us 'til 2pm, leaving us time to look around the city and to explore its many beautiful building and cafes, whichever was to your taste. For those of you into cities, buildings, history and so on it is well worth getting Zurich into the diary for a future visit. In general, it is a very clean city, friendly and welcoming, Maybe the next time I am there I will donate more time to the gay scene in general. On to the parade itself. As you can imagine it was long (took about two hours to pass), very noisy and full of youthful exhibitionisim and so colourful. Lots of dancing, noise, bare flesh and then some. It was difficult to separate the queens out from the rest, such was the mix of the flesh in hand, no-one seemed to care a hoot, it was just as it should be, a great mix of enjoyment, self-expression, freedom and a cool way to enjoy the largest techno party in Europe. To let you understand the size of the whole thing, in the evening after the parade, there were events ranging from "Unity at the Kongresshous" where 12 dancefloors catered for all types of music from Trance, House, Techno, Hardcore, Drum'n'base, Progressive House, and UK Garage/2step, to an openair screening of Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window". Chill out time was well served by a Rivercruise with Cocktails and a "Roll and Stroll" - a guided in-line skate tour. One thing I missed out on, but noticed the info on their float - Love Machine in the parade, was "Zoom" a Psychedelic Gathering of the IntergalacticTribes being held in the wood next to the zoo. The imagination boggles as to what the animals thought of it all. This one was supposed to be a sight not to be missed, however with so much to cover, it has to wait 'til next year. I for one intend to be there, why not let's make a party of it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTTISH MEDIA MONITOR ====================== Media Minx Garry Otton is Loose Under the Covers In yet more anti-porn propaganda in The Scotsman, their very own Mary Whitehouse, Linda Watson-Brown came over all tea-and-biscuits at British Board of Film Classification's president, Andreas Whittam Smith wanting more sex shops selling "pornography" for "grown-ups who just happen to get aroused by images of exploitation and degradation". There are only two licensed sex shops - or 'pervert's paradises' as Watson-Brown calls them - in Scotland, and they are both in Edinburgh. She demands to know: "...Do we ignore the problem, or wait until the likes of Andreas Whittam Smith puts a sex shop on every High Street in Scotland?" Watson-Brown's Net Nanny must've crashed as she surfed the Net without the aid of a full box of man-sized, finding downloads "which only take a few seconds to view, but a lifetime to wipe out". Watson-Brown was soon back, boring the pants off readers, fronting The Scotsman's virulent anti-porn campaign. Watson-Brown begged readers to anonymously send their letters of disgust to her. The insufferable bag was "happy" to pass them on to W H Smith. It was to be the newsagent's punishment for re-introducing erotica after only a five-year break. Magazines like GQ and Loaded showing: "Gynaecological illustrations of dehumanised women" enjoyed in what she acerbically labelled the "heterosexual haven of consensual, post-modern relationships". Anyone who disagreed was labelled a "stultifying... intellectually-challenged... pro-pornographer...". (Pity. From all the trot she churns out, week in, week out; I've yet to see an intellectually-based argument worth challenging)! I know The Scotsman is strapped for cash, but for Christ's sake...! Linda took her store-card down the Gyle and found: "Marks and Spencer sell bras for girls who should still be wearing vests". Bemoaning the demise of navy-blue knickers and calico breeches, she stood alone in the High Street, stemming a new tidal wave of filth. Asda flogging Loaded next to Twinkle and bondage tape stacked next to Po! I can't imagine why The Scotsman chose to front-page such a bunch of losers! "Pro-life lobby demonises health chief in sex row", ran the headline. This was just anti-abortion group Precious Life Scotland igniting its Parent Truth Campaign in search of a bit of cheap publicity. "A national campaign calculated to reignite the passions left smouldering after the repeal of Section 28 in Scotland is to be launched on Monday with a vitriolic attack on Susan Deacon. The Parent Truth Campaign, which aims to become the UK-wide successor to the Keep the Clause movement, will distribute 20,000 graphic leaflets to homes..." Oh, wow! Cancel the milk! In furtherance of their religious and political objectives, they tore out pages from booklets by the Family Planning Association, the Brook Advisory Centre and PHACE West and made a collage of their fantasies. Instead of being undermined by Parent Truth, thankfully, this time, Scotland appeared better prepared for the forces of sexual repression. The failure of inadequate, just-say-no campaigns has left its mark on Scotland in a catalogue of misery, disease, unwanted pregnancies and crime. Health Minister Susan Deacon must be congratulated in trying to exorcise Scotland of its ghosts of the past, as she swiftly moves to adopt proven, working policies already operating in Europe. Mrs Bernadette Smyth - whom I can picture smiling and pointing at her new Hoover Hotpoint - lives in Northern Ireland where she runs the 4,000-strong organisation, Parent Truth. She wants women to: "Just say no", adding: "If you go back to the 1950s and 1960s, we didn't have a problem..." Those were the days, eh, Mrs Smyth? When all it took was a touch of nail polish to stop a ladder. Nexxxxt! A rather anxious Hugh J Lynch, chairman of the Family Action Movement, 69 Burnhead Road, Larbert, posted his letter into The Herald and implored that Scotland's poor record in sex education was proof explicit sex education hasn't worked. Despite a 75% increase in cases of chlamydia in five years, three-quarters of 16 to 25-year-olds have never even heard of it! So, what prolific sex education was he talking about? Without the oxygen of publicity offered by ex-editor, Martin Clarke on the Daily Record, Mr Lynch, KTC, FAM, PLS, Parent Truth, et al, were all, well... Fucked, basically! Hamish Macdonell, the Scottish Political Editor for the Scottish Daily Mail has been responsible for some nasty, homophobic reports in his time. "About GBP11,000 of taxpayers' money" being spent on the Scottish Executive's Equality Strategy report is standard fair for this reporter. He claimed it had been "derided as 'politically correct nonsense'." Macdonell didn't explain exactly by whom, but we could guess. Gerald Warner was wheeled in from the ward for an "analysis". "This can only be an attempt to classify homosexuality as a disability, similar to physical disadvantages, rather than as a sexual preference", he said before he could be changed. The Mail regurgitated the whole story again the very next day. The Scottish Daily Mail's Ian Smith dabbed his eye with a lace hanky over "claims that the Executive was pursuing a politically correct agenda aimed at undermining the institution of marriage", adding, "the Executive also plans to legalise gay group sex". The Mail just had to include a mention of the fact that the Executive was planning to comply with European rulings and lift the ban on gay men having orgies just like 'straights'! The Mail said the Church of Scotland was calling it "a dilution of Scotland's moral values". Mrs Ann Allen, on behalf of her ridiculously named, Board of Social Responsibility was first to expose her ankles. "We would oppose group sex of any nature", she sniffed rather generously. "It a cheapening of the whole sexual act and to make such activity legal is giving out the signal that it is acceptable to society. I am sure the vast majority of people would not see such activity as moral". Foolish woman! It's the 'immorality' we like! The Mail went on to report how "Christian and family values groups are to demand that Mr McLeish explain his moral views..." Demand? Who do they think they are? A clue appeared the next day in the same paper: "The Christian Institute is contacting 2,000 churches to garner support..." No wonder the public is deserting the Church in their droves! In Scotland, gay church groups have seen membership fall or have closed altogether. Before you could say: 'Blood!' Gerald Warner was sitting up in his coffin, flapping the pages of the Scottish Daily Mail. "With marriage under attack from plans for faster divorce and same sex weddings, is the Scottish Executive out to ruin the traditional family?" What plans for same sex weddings? And what kind of 'family' does this poisonous stick insect speak of? Not the inclusive "traditional family", I'm sure. His is a nasty Christian reconstruction. A sort of neo-family invented by militants to further a political agenda and attack gays. For the umpteenth time readers were awash with 'Geraldine's' propaganda, defending inequality, presenting gays as 'outsiders' and labelling our needs as less important to everyone else's. "A parliament which was supposed to busy itself with improving health, education and other vital services, in close partnership with the Scottish people, has become totally obsessed with a politically correct crusade to alter the moral map of Scotland beyond recognition". Obsession? With gay sex? You'd know all about that, 'Geraldine'. Patricia Kane's story of lesbian couple Sheena Kessack (18) and Andrea Davies (26) was just the sort of homophobia we come to expect in the Scottish Daily Mail. They had a "passionate, lesbian affair which would eventually blight not only their lives but also those of their families and an innocent child". Baby Reece - by all accounts extremely lucky to have two women who cared so deeply for him - was central to Ms Kane's theme in allowing prejudice to overcome reason. "For Andrea, a short-haired, sharp-featured lesbian who dressed in a manly way and preferred to be called Andy, it was a dream come true. She knew she would never have children of her own and this was the ideal chance to play the 'father figure' and share with her girlfriend the experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood". In fact, "manly" Andy stayed at home and looked after baby Reece while Sheena worked. Of course, it slowly dawned on Sheena that she had made a "dreadful mistake" about her sexuality while Ms Kane gratefully scored down her words of regret and repentance. (Bisexuality never entered the equation). Sheena told the Mail: "I kept thinking of the life I was leading and the effect it was going to have on him as he was growing up. I wasn't really happy. I knew it was wrong and I didn't want him to be hurt because of that. Children can be very cruel and I never wanted him to be laughed at because his mother was living with another woman". In other words, preferring baby Reece to side with those who thought it was OK to make fun of kids who had lesbian mums. Andy grew much attached to baby Reece, caring enough about him to fight for the right to see him when the couple finally split. "...And to everyone's astonishment", including Andy's, but particularly the Daily Mail's, she was granted legal aid to fight for the right to see Reece. "It's perhaps astonishing to some that the situation was ever allowed to go so far..." the Mail opined, "...after running up a legal bill of hundreds of thousands of pounds (of which Andrea will only have to apply GBP300 and Sheena GBP1,200)". The Church of Scotland warned how "it could open the floodgates" for similar claims. Andy fought on, but the Scottish Daily Mail scorned: "While Andrea lapped up the attention in the following months, a horrified Sheena became a shrinking violet..." Andy eventually gave up the fight. Not just, because she wanted to move on, but because after two years, she felt Reece, quite simply, might not remember her anymore. Far from being what the Mail described as "the real victim", Reece was a lucky baby to have someone prepared to fight so hard to see him, and what on earth is wrong with that? It was a "Porn king... Porn merchant... Porn magnate... Peddler of Porn...", even a "Porn magnet" in one case, who had just bought Express Newspapers! "...And added the prestigious titles from a golden age of newspapers to the same stable as Asian Babes, Nude Wives, Big Ones and Women On Top" gasped Jim McBeth in The Scotsman. Oh, how we all laughed! Too mean-spirited for a toast or a word of congratulations, the Scottish media went into shock. Apart from owning gay magazine Attitude, Northern & Shell is also a company "that peddles female nudity..." Richard Desmond had just bought the paper that brought the public stories of the Profumo scandal and became Scotland's top-selling newspaper in the 60s, the Scottish Daily Express. The Scottish Daily Star was also included in the bundle. Over the future of the Express, speculation is rife. It would be nice to see the Scottish Daily Express as Scotland's first truly liberal paper, particularly in the area of sexual politics. There was a general gnawing of teeth over the idea that in seeking out new talent, the showbiz sections were ransacked. I couldn't think of a better editor of the Scottish Daily Express than deputy showbiz editor, Simon Edge who made Boyz such a national hit when he was editor! Let's do what the present incumbent, Kerry Gill, with a legacy of lost opportunities behind him, couldn't do: GET REALLY LIBERAL AND START SELLING PAPERS! Such speculation over a new editor had Jim McBeth picking the editors responsible for Scotland's most sexually conservative newspapers as likely contenders: "Names on offer are Rebecca Hardy, the current editor of The Scotsman, and the former Scottish Daily Mail double act of Martin Clarke and Ramsay Smith as editor and deputy". Hold on! They want editors not church caretakers! The Daily Record has been saturated with sex scandals involving men. On just one day, there were allegations against Jonathan King, responsible for such plastic 45s as 'Everyone's Gone to the Moon' and 'I Don't Want to be Gay'. There was a court case involving another alleged 'pëdophile ring' in a small Ayrshire village. And, in a front-page exclusive, there was the: "SCANDAL OF GAY PORN PRIEST". This was nothing less than torching the Catholic Church in Scotland. But the Record ought to have given some thought to its own hypocrisy before capitalising on a "depraved and sickening story that will shock Scotland". Father Jim Nicol downloaded gay erotica and posted one of himself having sex. The Record attacked the Church for reacting with "blind complacency" and failing "to take obvious measures to protect their flock", although quite what measures and what exactly anyone needed to be protected from, I'm a trifle unsure. This tabloid condemns a man for pursuing unconventional methods of meeting guys, yet, at the same time, discriminates against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and people of transgender from legitimately advertising for partners in its own list of personal ads. "WHY IS PERVERT STILL A PRIEST?" The tabloid begged before trumpeting: "THANK GOD HE'S GONE!" the next day, after Nicol resigned. Cardinal Winning, who had vowed he would set up a 'shop-a-priest' hotline, had apparently failed to contact police when he learned of Nicol's activities. A religious clinic in the States and a special unit in Glasgow both had their hands outstretched to 'help' 46-year-old Jim Nicol in his hour of need. One of the Church's appointed 'counsellors', Alan Draper, was the first to contact the police, believing Nicol was "sexually out of control" and "got police in on the case, fearing some of the men in the pictures might be under age". The material was probably no more shocking than what most gay men or Linda Watson-Brown would download off the Internet, but a pic uploaded of Jim Nicol having sex and wearing a kilt had the Record fidgeting nervously: "...Other material found on the machine was too sordid to be described here". The Record was back in finger-wagging mode: "...Father Nicol's behaviour is beyond contempt... Sordid and sickening... Shamelessly... Habitually carrying out lewd and indecent sex acts with young men". But as hard as the tabloid tried to imply otherwise, the sex was both consensual and performed with young men of a legal age, so what is the problem? The fact he was a Catholic priest? If that's the case, it is hypocrisy and double standards we should be condemning, not sex. The Scottish Daily Express did a lengthy story on multi-millionaire impresario, Cameron Mackintosh's return to see the charred ruin of Torran Albannach, his beloved Scottish home where "Sir Cameron wept openly". The Express made an overly discreet mention of an arson attack, speculated to have been "fuelled by a poster campaign". This was explained more readily in the Scottish Mail on Sunday who was not so faint-hearted about the homophobic posters that appeared shortly before the fire. Five years ago, I noted Cameron Mackintosh's words in the Scottish Media Monitor. He told the Scottish Daily Mail: "Why does one owe it to the gay population to come out? It's nobody's business but mine. And I certainly resent the suggestion that I am any kind of gay rights campaigner. I am the exact opposite. I just want to be as integrated as any human being". If any good comes of this terrible incident I hope it is that Cameron Macintosh learns some humility and finds it within himself to be a wee bit more generous of those who do! Cameron Mackintosh can afford to be smug. He is a multi-millionaire with a long-standing boyfriend and enough money to rebuild his home several times over. garryotton@bigfoot.com A new book by Garry Otton is under preparation. http://www.scottishmediamonitor.com/ (c) Garry Otton 2000 CUT IT OUT! * Linda Watson-Brown on the Daily Record's report on under-age girls working the streets. It "doesn't justify pages of manipulative soft-porn masquerading as social commentary". * Ex-Record editor, Martin Clarke's infertile imagination in the Scottish Daily Mail sees "bossy barmaid, Wacky Wendy (Alexander)" and "Sloppy Susan, (Deacon) the local sexual health outreach worker..." hopelessly begging: "Can I interest you in some free condoms and a guide to gay Edinburgh...? Homophobe. Take a couple home for the weans then..." Oh, dear! Was that supposed to be funny? * Martin Clarke, in The Scotsman: "Some women are apparently discouraged from breast-feeding by their partner's jealousy at baby hogging the teat. I don't see why, most women have two, don't they?" Eeeuw! Does the idea of Catholic wife, Veronica, breast-feeding Martin Clarke have the 'access denied' message popping up in your brain? * Iain Hector Ross in the Scottish Daily Express on the police's "balanced approach" at the North Kessock gay cruising area also popular for watching dolphins in the Moray Firth. "The police have apparently taken to plain-clothes, undercover observation of the site, disguising themselves on alternate shifts as either Black Isle farmers or dolphins-loving environmentalists, just to be fair to both sides". * Ephraim Hardcastle in the Scottish Daily Mail on Elton John's boyf, David Furnish: The "Boy David", his "personable consort". * 'Geraldine' Warner in Scotland on Sunday on the Democrat's election campaign: "...The protagonists of sodomy and infanticides now posture as crusaders". * The Scotsman's Craig McLean on London club, GAY. "...This sticky, few hundred-capacity sweatpit in the rubbish middle of London. All Saints turned out for GAY's braying mixed crowd". * "Let's cover up, girls", invites Tom 'Brigadier' Brown in the Daily Record. "...Burning... semmits and Liberty bodices is going to far... I, for one, don't embrace this new trend". * Jimmy Reid in The Herald: "Trying to escape from this surfeit of sex..." Surfeit? Where? "My gripe is that sex has been blown out of all proportion by today's media". Oh, I'll say! --------------------------------------------------------------------- FILMS ===== Malcom Epstein For several years American audiences have filled cinemas to see girls being slashed with razors and screens full of blood. It cost film companies very little to make Scream with unknown casts grateful to work plus the two sequels which made hundreds of millions profit and there were many imitations. Now American youth seems obsessed to watch someone being humiliated on screen. This year ,Loser had a high school student treated like dirt by bullies at his college. As it is not my idea of entertainment I walked out in the middle of it. Now we have Meet the Parents (12) which has been the top box office movie of the month in the States. Ben Stiller is told by his fiancee, Teri Polo, it will please her father, Robert de Niro, if he formally asks for her hand in marriage before they announce their engagement. Spending a few days at the country family house is called for. Every form of disaster you can imagine happens to Ben. Mr de Niro is a retired FBI employee who insists on giving him a lie detector test. His job as a male nurse is compared with the lifestyle of Teri's previous boyfriend who is a doctor and lives nearby on his luxury estate. When I manage to develop my sadistic tendencies I will get great enjoyment watching someone put through many embarrassing experiences that I don't choose to relate here. American audiences loved it. You might too! Bounce is my type of movie and if you like Gwyneth Paltrow and the delicious Ben Affleck it is quite a treat. Ben is an arrogant, sexually irresistible to many, advertising executive delayed in terrible weather at an airport. Yet another lady traveller finds it essential to spend the night with him at a local hotel so he offers his seat on the last plane leaving to a guy desperate to return to his wife and children. The plane crashes killing all aboard. Ben changes personality realizing if he had died he wouldn't be missed by many, but that he had shattered the lives of a family be giving up that ticket. Without telling her the story he finds a way of coming into the life of the wife - Miss Paltrow - and doing her and her children a lot of good. I cried through much of this. Mr Affleck doesn't have the sensitivity needed to do this kind of part justice. But his considerable sex appeal gets him by. All contact with reality as we know it has to be suspended to appreciate The Sixth Day. We are in a universe free of incurable diseases, world hunger has been eradicated and when your pet dies it can be immediately cloned to avoid family distress. Charter pilot Arnold Schwarzenegger is unfortunate enough to be booked by billionaire businessman Tony Goldwyn who secretly runs a laboratory making human clones. In plot twists too involved to detail Arnold comes home to his wife and daughter to find a clone of himself on the premises. How he copes makes one of the most incredible action movies of our time. And the villain of the piece, Mr Goldwyn, is an extremely pleasing sight. In "Bounce" he has a much smaller part as the husband who dies in the plane crash. He deserves nothing but leads in future. Family Man has a plotline even harder to swallow. To pursue his career as an investment banker his company sends Nicholas Cage to London for a year leaving his fiancee, Tea Leoni, sobbing at the airport. How they lose contact is never explained. Thirteen years later he is single, an executive of his company and living in a luxury skyscraper apartment. One snowy Christmas Eve when he is in a grocery store he finds himself in the middle of a hold-up and disarms the gunman. The script writer ran out of ideas in explaining how the gunman manages to change time. Instead of waking up in his penthouse Nicholas is in a suburban house, married to the lady of the past with two kids. Rushing back to his home and office block he finds that his previous life no longer exists. Cast Away is an interesting curiosity that it pays to have patience with, although it was not a good idea to have Tom Hanks unattractively overweight for two thirds of the film. His plane crashes in the Pacific and a twenty minute cut about his suffering on a tropical island would have helped. However, director Robert Zemeckis made the film in two sections a year apart and did another movie in the interim. Mr Hanks took off a few stone in weight and in the last section of the film he is at his slimmed down magnificent best. Because of enormous film budgets and tight shooting schedules, directors never do that. The Zemeckis style is memorable. State and Main (15) is a comedy written and directed by revered American playwright David Mamet about a film production company trying to shoot a movie in a small town and the troubles involved. It is worth tracking down to see a character actor who plays the nervous script writer, Philip Seymour Hoffman, who is far more impressive as a transvestite in Flawless - covered in out Current Releases section. If there is not enough high drama in your life your must consider Bless the Child (15) in which Kim Basinger is really made to suffer. Her drug addicted sister, Jenna, turns up with her newly born daughter, Cody, and disappears leaving the child with her. Six years later Jenna re-enters her life with a mysterious new husband, Rufus Sewell, and they abduct Cody. FBI agent Jimmy Smits is investigating ritual homicide and occult related crime. He tells Kim that Cody shares the same birth date of several other recently missing children. The little girl is in such demand because it is known she manifests extraordinary powers that forces of evil know they must control. It is for those of us who remember with reverence that classic of the past Rosemary's Baby. Current Releases Gay audiences will find Flawless (15) fascinating viewing even though writer and director Joel Schumacher chooses to bring unnecessary violence into the ploy. Homophobe former security guard Robert de Niro lives in a humble rooming house where a transvestite on the floor above, Philip Seymour Hoffman, annoys him with giving parties full of screaming queens. Robert rushes to the aid of an upstairs hooker in a money dispute with her pimp leading to gunfire. He suffers a stroke and can scarcely articulate a word. His physiotherapist tells him a singing teacher is the best solution to help him talk again and there happens to be the best teacher in town living above him - the transvestite. It is fire and water when they meet, but they eventually get on as the TV needs cash to save for a sex change and de Niro realizes he will be cut off from life forever unless he regains speech. Goodness knows why he agreed to play the part as you can't understand him most of the time. Mr Hoffman walks away with the movie and deserves an Oscar for his performance. State and Main doesn't open till February. See both to realize while watching him play a nervous straight writer in it he is one of the most brilliant actors in the world today. Writer/director Sally Potter completed a mammoth task with The Man who Cried (12) that begins in a Russian village in 1927 where a child, Christina Ricci, escapes Jewish persecution by getting to England. Brought up in Christian foster home she studies dance and ten years later is a chorus girl in Paris befriended by an older Russian dancer, Cate Blanchett, and desired by a gypsy, Johnny Depp. Christina's obsession is getting to America before the German army marches into Paris as her father crossed the Atlantic from Russia when she was a child. Incredible attention to detail marks Sally Potter as a director to watch. The enchanting Sophie Marceau is a photographer in the French Fidelity (15) employed by a nude magazine publisher to raise the profile of his publications. Written for Sophie and directed by Andrzej Zulawski (they have been a couple for 15 years) it is simply a story to show her understandably desired by many and her spectacular shape undressing. If stunning women are your scene Miss Marceau is essential to your life. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Books ===== by Andy Martin Circa 2000 Gay Fiction At The Millennium Edited by Robert Drake and Terry Wolverton Alyson Books GBP9.99 Great writing for the new millennium. Some of these stories are short and sweet, some short and bitter and some just short, some are science fiction and some are novel excerpts. I like them anyway and think that you should give shelf space to this book. Best Of Miami Heatwave Ron Williams Post Card Book Bruno Gmunder GBP5.95 Bel Ami Best Of Johan Paulik Post Card Book Bruno Gmunder GBP5.95 Miami heatwave pics are okay but the guys look to me like they spent lots of time improving bodies and forgot about the brains. Most probably there will be guys who will love this and I must admit they do look ok, but not for me. Photography is excellent and quite stunning. Johan Paulik's Bel Ami contains some beautiful models. One of my fantasies is to snort a line of cocaine off an erect penis. And I would love to try that with the model on the cover of this collection of postcards. Yes I know I'm weird. Hope you have a white Christmas HO! HO! HO!. Clone The Life and Legacy of Al Parker, Gay Superstar. Roger Edmonson Alyson Books GBP9.99 The world has lost an amazing amount of wonderfully wacky weird and incredibly talented people to AIDS. Some of them we will miss like they were our own because they entered your life and changed it somehow, people like Freddie Mercury who blasted into your head when you were young with the music and that look that you thought was Freddie's, but now I find out that the Clone look comes from Al Parker. It is said that Drew (Al Parker) thought that he himself had a weak chin so grew the beard and the look went from there. There is a brilliant spooky bit in the book. It is a great read. Hung like a horse and with a moustache and his weak chin disguise beard he went on to be at the top of the gay elite, here was a person that started the whole clone scene. Where he led people followed. I myself when still a lad was shown one or two of Al Parker's films and was strangely moved (normally in the direction of a bathroom). He was a legend in his own lunchbox. He was movie star, director, porn supremo and all round Gay Superstar. The original has gone. Only the clones are left. Gay Times Book of Short Stories Edited by P P Hartnett Gay Times Books GBP9.95 Great collection of short stories. Powerful searing searching. Nice cover sorry but I really do like the cover). As I approach my 39th year I find that I am asking strange questions of myself and wondering why can't I stay up all night playing computer games anymore and why do I always feel like shit for two or three days after a party when at one time I could go from party to party with no sleep and still feel good. Erm!! All right, maybe not that good but I recovered quicker. Some of these tales are like that, a searching for lost things, a wanting to belong, for things we might never had or wanted but now wished we had good memories of, a changing of values of facing realities and through it all a sense of fun and a wry smile. Tainted Life The Autobiography Marc Almond Pan GBP8.99 Sorry Marc and sorry Pan but I am still reading its mammoth 448 pages. Had to mention this one though as I find it quite a rollercoaster ride. Well written. by Dirk Kriete It's Not Mean If It's True Michael Thomas Ford Alyson Books GBP8.99 This being the follow up to the brilliant book "That's Mr Faggot to You" I was spellbound from the first to the last page. I can't praise this book like it's predecessor too highly, it's got wit, it's got charm, it's hilarious and it's got dark corners only lit by the power of your imagination. When I was a young lad I was always a little at a loss as what word to use to describe myself and my sexuality. By now I don't give a shit any longer but there is an excellent excerpt from this book I'd like to share with you. It follows a letter the author had received from a reader telling him that he should give up his continual use of the word "Queer". "I understand his feelings, but I like queer. I like it precisely because it means "strange and unusual", and also because it implies that the person being referred to in some way causes others to be just the tiniest bit nervous. Things that are queer make people question their perceptions and reevaluate what their definitions of things are. Come across something queer and your worldview is altered, if only for a moment." So lets rejoice in being just that, that little bit strange and that little bit unusual, lets have the guts not to comply with the norm and to be the (although silent) envy of our hetero cousins. Note to MTF: I shall expect a Xmas Card this year... :-) Surfer Sex & WADS Short Stories by Assorted Writers Leyland Publications GBP8.99 & GBP10.99 respectively I'm not a great proponent of the one handed read and these books did not change my mind one bit. True enough you can't help being stimulated, but really I can't see the point. I'd rather be stimulated with an activity where I can use both my hands if you know what I mean... To be perfectly honest these two books gave me the feeling that they were written purely to exploit the pink Pound (or Dollar, or Euro...). Good luck to the authors and 5 out of 10 for enterprise but definitely only 1 out of 10 for literary expertise. Damron Road Atlas 8th Edition/Damron Accomodations Edited by Damron Damron GBP12.99 & 13.99 respectively Do you plan a holiday in Europe or North America? Do you plan to take in all the gay scene over there? Do you plan to spent your hard earned Pink Pounds at Hotels and Guesthouses run by fellow queers? Go out and get these two excellent books. Don't leave home without them. And if you don't, well you can dream... Brilliant roadmaps so you won't get lost, easy to follow coding throughout the books, resources in any town that might come handy, a smidgin of adverts and some gorgious colour photography of the places you might like to stay at. Money well spent. by Feorag NicBhride Journal of Bisexuality Edited by Fritz Klein Harrington Park Press $36.00 (US) I admit it, I expected a meaningful, serious tome full of worthy pronouncements which made sexuality seem, well, boring. I mean, you can find words like "identities", "visibility" and "therapy" in here. But dipping into the articles, I quickly realised that the appearance of a dry, academic journal full of sociowank was deceptive. For example,Lawrence and Queen's "Bisexuals help set the standards for safer sex" actually turned out to be an interesting history of sadomasochism in late 70s and early 80s San Francisco. There are low points. Did we really need a whole paper to tell us that "bisexual identity reflects feelings of attraction...toward women and men, or toward other people regardless of their gender"? Decide for yourself. We have a number of copies to give away - just write to the usual address - PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. by Justin Milne Summer Time Bel Ami Bruno Gmunder Work Ed Freeman Bruno Gmunder GBP24.95 Men of Kristen Bjorn Bruno Gmunder GBP24.95 Of the three of these books, it's the first which has consumed most of my toilet roll. A well printed full colour selection of cute young men looking at the camera and showing off their smooth bodies. A few stiffish willies, and quite a lot of captivating smiles. Ed Freeman is an artist. And it shows. So, lots of tasteful shots, many in equally tasteful sepia, of muscled and sculpted guys. Too tasteful for my taste. Men of Kristen Bjorn isn't really my thing either. But I can see why it will definitely go a bundle with other people. The guys are that little bit older than the first book, some of them even rather hairy. But, with no arty-farty lighting, you can see everything! Which is how it really should be. ------------------------------------------------------------------ INTERNATIONAL NEWS FROM REX WOCKNER =================================== FINLAND TO REGISTER GAY UNIONS Following in the footsteps of Denmark, France, Greenland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the U.S. state of Vermont, Finland will give gay couples access to marriage-like registered partnerships. Recently, the government accepted a proposal from the Justice Ministry, discussions will begin in Parliament this month, and an affirmative vote is expected in 2001. Most marriage rights and obligations are expected to be included except for access to adoption. In the Netherlands, meanwhile, gays will gain access to full marriage next January under the same laws that apply to opposite- sex couples. Couples who previously registered under the partnership law will be allowed to convert their unions to ordinary marriage. NORWEGIAN KING HONOURS GAY ACTIVIST Longtime Norwegian lesbian activist Karen-Christine Friele, 65, has been awarded The Order of St. Olav by His Majesty King Harald VII for her nearly 40 years of gay-rights work. Receiving the order is the equivalent of being knighted. Friele is credited with getting Norway's ban on gay sex repealed in 1972 while working within the national gay organization, DNF- 48, and she was instrumental in the process that led Norway to become the first nation to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, in 1981. In 1979, it was revealed that Friele's lover was Wenche Lowzow, an outspoken anti-communist in the Conservative Party. Lowzow became Norway's first openly gay member of Parliament. DNF-48 (Det Norske Forbundet av 1948, or The Norwegian Association of 1948) is now known as the National Organization for Lesbian and Gay Liberation. CANADIANS JOIN BAREBACKING TREND Canadian gay men apparently are having more unsafe sex. The number of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men jumped by over 30 percent from 1996 to 1999, Health Canada says. Before 1996, there had been a steady drop in new HIV infections among gay men. "Part of it is the optimism about the new treatments and people just thinking it's not such a worry anymore. And part is I think some fatigue about always practicing safe sex," Chris Archibald, Health Canada's chief of HIV/AIDS epidemiology and surveillance, told the Canadian Press wire service. "Lastly, I think, perhaps the younger groups of gay men haven't seen the death rates and high infection rates that the older gay men have seen and just don't think it's such a problem," he said. GAY PRIDE BRINGS BUCKS The 186,000 gay tourists among the 600,000 attendees at Montreal's gay-pride parade injected C$40 million into the local economy, a new Crop survey has found. "We always knew Montreal would become an important gay destination because of its spirit of openness, progressive laws and one of the biggest gay villages in North America," said Tourism Montreal manager Jean-Francois Perrier. "We knew we had something good and that people just had to see it." The Montreal pride parade is the best-attended event in the province of Quebec. TOKYO GAYS WIN RECOGNITION After a hard fight, Tokyo gays got one tepid sentence in the city government's new human rights guidelines. "A variety of issues for homosexuals have arisen recently," the 69-page document states. The inclusion of the sentence, however, guarantees that homosexuals will be considered by the government as it formulates measures to tackle human-rights issues. The reference was inserted following an outcry from gay activists who had participated in hearings to hammer out the guidelines. VIRGIN ISLANDS STRESSED OVER GAY SEX All 17 Christian denominations in the British Virgin Islands have passed resolutions denouncing Britain's plan to force legalisation of gay sex in its Overseas Territories before the end of the year. Nearly two years ago, the Foreign Office told Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands to repeal their sodomy laws so the United Kingdom will not be in violation of European human-rights laws. None of the islands did so and the repeals now will be imposed from London. "Homosexuality has been the cause of the downfall of many nations in the past and it will be the downfall of the territory," said the Rev. Vincent David of the BVI Seventh Day Adventist Church. GAY CANADIAN MPs RE-ELECTED Canada's two openly gay members of Parliament were recently re-elected. British Columbia's Svend Robinson and Quebec's Real Menard are both returning to Ottawa. Robinson, 48, was first elected in 1979. His district is centred in the Vancouver suburb of Burnaby. Menard, 38, represents eastern Montreal. He was first elected in 1993. EURO COURT SUPPORTS YOUTH BAN The European Court of Human Rights has let stand a Hungarian Constitutional Court decision that bans gay organisations which do not restrict membership to persons over 18. The court said the ban could reasonably be regarded as necessary in a democratic society for protection of morals. Helmut Graupner of Vienna's Lambda Rechtskomitee said, "The decision is not only deplorable at its core -- LGB youth groups can now be banned by law -- but also is bad news for the four age-of-consent cases currently pending before the Court, one from the UK and three from Austria." The European Court of Human Rights is the court of final appeal for citizens of the 41 nations that make up the Council of Europe, which was founded following World War II to strengthen democracy, human rights and the rule of law. NSW TO PUBLICISE GAY LAW CHANGES The government of the Australian state of New South Wales, where Sydney is located, is launching a community education campaign to update gays on their rights. Parliament changed 25 laws last year to give gay couples equal spousal rights in property division, inheritance, medical decisions, injury compensation and other areas. The new policies will be advertised via posters, a booklet and a Website. ANOTHER SALVADORAN TRANSVESTITE MURDERED Another El Salvadoran transvestite was shot to death by occupants of a passing car last month in San Salvador. It was the 22nd such killing since 1998. "Walquiria" was hit five times and died at the scene. A friend, Orlando Sanchez, was hit three times and is recovering in the hospital. According to the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission, the police are not interested in anti-gay murders. "The record of the Salvadoran police and criminal justice system indicates a disturbing reluctance to fulfil its responsibilities when gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender persons are involved or at risk," the group said. "None of those [22] cases has been solved, or even seriously investigated, by the police." For information on where to send protest letters, e-mail iglhrc@iglhrc.org VATICAN FINDS GAYS 'DEPLORABLE' The Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family has issued a paper calling gay relationships "a deplorable distortion of what should be a communion of love and life between a man and a woman in a reciprocal gift open to life." Roman Catholic doctrine maintains that every human sexual act must be open to the possibility of procreation. For this reason, the church denounces as sinful oral sex, masturbation, birth control and gay sex. The 76-page document, "Family, Marriage and 'De Facto' Unions," also claims that laws which recognise gay relationships are a "much more grave" error than laws that allow registered domestic partnerships for unmarried straight people. "This is a mean and cruel stand because it is aimed at excluding homosexuals and homosexual couples from their juridical rights," said longtime Italian gay leader Franco Grillini. "It is in this way that homosexuals are not guaranteed the right to welfare for their partner, access to public housing or rights of inheritance." ROMANIANS REJECT GAYS AS NEIGHBOuRS Ninety percent of Romanians do not want gays as neighbours, according to a recent CURS polling institute report. The same percentage rejects alcoholics and convicted criminals. About 75 percent don't want to live next door to Gypsies (who, in general, prefer to be called "Roma") or people who carry HIV. A third don't want to be around Jews or Hungarians. INDIAN LESBIANS CELEBRATE Pune, India's Organised Lesbian Alliance for Visibility and Acceptance (OLAVA) celebrated its first birthday on November 21st with a "Come out, wherever you are" party. More than 100 women attended. "Olava" translates as "moist" in the local Marathi language. "Olava suggests the warmth and tenderness two women are capable of sharing in a relationship," spokeswoman Chatura told expressindia.com. "We opted for Marathi since we want our group to reach out to every section of society and not just the urban elite middle class." LITHUANIA BANS DISCRIMINATION Lithuania's Parliament banned anti-gay discrimination last month but it will be over a year before the measure takes effect, reported the Web site gay.lt. New Penal Code Article 169 states: "A person who undertook acts which were aimed to prevent a population group or its member from participating equally in political, economic, social, cultural, work or other activities or to restrict such rights or freedoms of a population group or its member because of their sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, language, origin, social status, religion, beliefs or opinions shall be punished by public works or fine or freedom restriction or arrest or imprisonment up to three years." New Penal Code Article 170 will imprison for up to three years persons who "jeer, disdain, instigate to hatred or initiate discrimination towards a population group or its member because of their sex, sexual orientation, race, nationality, language, origin, social status, religion, beliefs or opinions." The new laws mark the first time "sexual orientation" has been mentioned in Lithuanian law. The protections were added to a later draft of the new penal code following lobbying by the Lithuanian Gay League and pressure from the media. NEW ZEALAND GIVES GAY COUPLES SPOUSAL PROPERTY RIGHTS New Zealand's Parliament has voted to give gay couples the same spousal property rights as married and common-law straight couples. According to the New Zealand Press Association wire service, the legislation significantly rewrites the Matrimonial Property Act,extending its provisions to include same-sex and de-facto couples and giving the courts greater discretion in how they divide property between partners in a relationship split. Opposition MPs denounced the legislation, saying it will force people into a legal relationship against their will. The law will apply to any two people who live together as a couple for at least three years. AUSSIE STATE MOVES ON GAY EQUALITY The government of the Australian state of Victoria, where Melbourne is, has introduced laws to Parliament that will give gay partners the same rights as common-law heterosexual couples in areas such as medical treatment, superannuation, property transfers and wills. The definition of "spouse" will be rewritten in at least 45 laws. "Human rights necessarily involve a respect for the equal dignity of all persons without discrimination," said state Attorney General Rob Hulls. "Lesbians, gay men, intersex and transgender people have historically been denied their human rights. This bill is an important step in addressing that historical injustice." "Superannuation" is a system of compulsory salary contributions made by employers and employees to long-term investment schemes run by finance companies. The funds are accessible at retirement and can be transferred to an heir upon death. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SCOTSGAY VOICE FOR PERSONALS ============================ (We regret that this service is only available within the UK) To reply to ScotsGay Voice Ads, phone 09068 556613 (calls charged at 60p per minute) and use the number at the end of the ad. You can leave your own ad FREE on FREEphone 0800 138 4121. Blue-eyed Boy Matthew is a care assistant from Glasgow. He likes singing, drama, cooking and walking. He has blue eyes, likes fun and has a GSOH. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3841. Leather Or Rubber Master Sub guy needs leather or rubber master for training in bondage and CP for safe, horny fun. Also skinheads and bikers welcome. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3842. Versatile And Romantic David from Auchterarder, 35 years old, 5'9", well-built and muscular with a 42" chest, 32" waist. Looking for someone of a similar age who is versatile and into horny good fun, nights in and out and the occasional romantic meal. Can accommodate and travel. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3846. Belly Flop? Pleasant, affectionate, 6'2" tall professional guy who likes cycling, swimming and reading. Looking for fat-bellied man with a genuine interest interest in tummies. Has access to Aberdeen, Inverness or anywhere. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3848. Are You Experienced And Passionate? 48 year old Paul from Glasgow, 5'9" tall with brown hair and eyes. Seeking a mature gentleman to show him the ropes. Wants someone who is quite experienced and passionate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3780. Sociable Brian Brian is 41 years old and is seeking someone of a similar age who likes wining and dining, pubs and clubs, meals in and out. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3781. Even More Sociable Brian Brian is a really good-looking Edinburgh guy who wants to escape from a 20 year old relationship to find another one. He enjoys most things in life. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3783. Passive And Shaved 50 year old passive guy - slim, with a shaved body - is seeking an active guy 50+ years. He cannot accommodate but can travel in Grampian, Highland, Tayside or maybe even further. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3784. Genuine From Glasgow Glasgow guy, 40 years, seeking other genuine males for friendship and fun. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3785. RU NVW/E 4A TV 1-2-1? 28 year old TV wants to meet small, not well-endowed guy, 20-60 years, for fun and friendship and a possible 1-2-1. Is slim and convincing with dark hair and green eyes. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3786. Coastal Clubber Wants Something Extra John is 30 years old and from a coastal town in SW Scotland. He likes going out, having a laugh, drinking, going to clubs etc. and needs that something extra in his life. No ties, just fun... Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3793. Different Manners Of Discipline George is 5'10" tall, big build and 50 years old. He is looking for bisexuals, gays or cross-dressers who require to be restrained, restricted and disciplined in different manners. Can accommodate sometimes and travel in Fife, Lothian, Central and Dundee areas if required. Discretion is guaranteed. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3800. Accommodate In Aberdeen Aberdeen guy, 32 years, 5'11", 32" waist, 38" chest, seeks guys from 18-30 years for pubs, clubs and nights in - maybe a long-term relationship for the right person. Cannot travel but can accommodate in central Aberdeen. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3802. Cross-dressing Slave 56 year old gay bottom seeking an active top, any age. He likes to cross-dress and be a slave. Please call him. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3803. Smooth and Submissive Alan from Glasgow is a mature yet young 47 years - 6 foot tall, clean-shaven, smooth and submissive. He is seeking someone 20-39 years for evenings in or out. Can travel or accommodate. All calls answered. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3819. Cane For Able Jim is 60 years old, 5'11", medium built active master. He is looking for naughty 32+ year olds who are in need of strap or cane in the Glasgow or Edinburgh areas. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3820. Nice Nurse Genuine Livingston gay male nurse, 50 years old, non-smoker is 5'8" tall with a medium build. He likes pubs, clubs and nights at home. Wants to meet an honest, good-looking, dark-haired gay guy 20-35 years old for fun and friendship. Possible relationship with the right person. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3823. Glasgow Blond Andrew is 36 years old, 5'10" tall with blond hair and eyes and a medium build. He lives in Glasgow and is looking to meet men between 40 and 60 years for fun. Please leave your name and number and he'll call you back. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3827. Good Sexy Times Aberdeen Bisexual, medium build, mid-40's with blue eyes and a GSOH. Seeking other bi's, couples or cross-dressers for relationships and good sexy times. Discretion expected and assured. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3712. OUTrageous In Glasgow? Martin 28 years, 5'10", has blue eyes, short brown hair and lives just outside Glasgow. Likes reading, sci-fi, outrageous comedy and nipping to the pub. He is seeking a 25-35 year old guy for one to one friendship. Looks are not a priority. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3713. Jamie Jamie, 29 years, 5' 10", medium build, lives West End of Glasgow. Is non-scene, straight acting and is looking for that similar special person. He likes music, films, walking and socialising. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3717. Glasgow Couple Straight acting and looking gay couple from Glasgow 25 and 37 years with goatee beards and shaven upper bodies. Looking for 20-40 years with a decent body - preferably non-smoking and non-scene. All replies will be answered. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3743. Satin And Silk Peter from East Scotland is interested in silks and satins and likes to be controlled and punished if necessary. Please come back to him as soon as possible - he's very, very, very discreet. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3747. Honest, Caring And Loving Ian, 33 years, from Clydebank, Is 5'7" tall with a medium build, average looks and figure. He is interested in drama, music, badminton and running. He considers himself honest, caring and loving, Seeking someone, preferably non-scene, 30-40 years and non-scene for a loving relationship. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3750. Ayrshire Couple Gay Ayrshire couple in their 40's are seeking other gay singles or couples 21-50 years for good fun times. Must be honest and genuine. They have their own house and car and can accommodate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3768. CP Novice Mark is a 33 year old guy from the centre of Edinburgh, 5'9" with short hair and medium build. Looking to meet guys who are into CP. He hasn't much experience but he is eager to learn. He can't accommodate but can travel anywhere in the area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3771. Motherwell Muscle Mike is 40 years old, muscular, dark-haired and has been told good-looking. He likes eating out and in, sport, music, drinking and keeping fit. He has his own house and car and lives in Motherwell. Please give him a call. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3661. Genuine In Glasgow Male, living in Glasgow, is tall, fit with green eyes. Seeking similar, fit, straight-acting guys who are looking for a genuine relationship. So, if this is you, please leave your contact number, he will give you a call and take it from there. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3662. A Firm Hand Gives Bottom Marks Glasgow area teacher/dad, gives naughty boys - under 26 - bottom marks. So if you are in need of a firm hand - then give him a ring. He can accommodate if required. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3676. Perthshire Non-smoker George, 32 years old, 5'10" with brown eyes is seeking non-smoking friends 28-45 years old. He likes swimming, cycling, running, reading, nights out and LOVES dancing. Lives in the Perthshire area. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3681. Tayside Fun-loving 37 year old Tayside guy seeks similar for friendship and perhaps a relationship. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3686. Nice Boy Wants Sox Mike from Dundee is 31 years old, 5'11", weighs 11st and is hairy with blond hair and blue eyes. He says that he's "a nice boy with a sock fetish" and he likes CP. Is interested in guys in their 30s or 40s. Can travel but not accommodate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3698. Schoolmaster Wanted Edinburgh Area. Very passive - looking for Schoolmaster type. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3702. Edinburgh Fun Scott is a 29 year old passive guy from Central Edinburgh. 5'11" tall with 32" waist, dark hair and eyes. Looking to meet other guys for "really, really good fun times". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3709. Glasgow Gent Retired Glasgow gentleman in his 70's. Is 5'4" and plump with many interests. Seeking young, slim guy for friendship or more. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3578. Corrective Discipline Mature Edinburgh schoolmaster type asks naughty boys, of any age, to report to him for corrective discipline. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3583. Stocky Stewart Stewart from Central Scotland . 36 years old, 5'8" with a stocky build, dark hair and green eyes. Is genuine and honest with a GSOH and fun to be with. Seeking 30-50 year old, looks and size unimportant. Can accommodate. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3609. Bordering On The Painful Geoff is late 40's, dark, good-looking and lives in the Borders. Seeing handsome, obedient young men 18-35 years old who need discipline from a traditional English schoolmaster. "We'll see how hard you are when I'm behind you with a triple dragon cane". Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3621. Safe Coupling Straight acting and looking Glasgow gay couple, 25 and 36 years old, seeking safe, no-strings threesome. Like videos, DIY, sportsgear and underwear. Seeking 20-40 year old with a good body. Discretion assured - all replies answered. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3630. Returning Refugee? David is 6' tall, average build, in his 40's but has been told he looks younger. Lives in London at the moment but is thinking of moving back to Scotland in the near future. He is looking for a big, beefy, heavy-built 40-55 year old man. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3499. Passive Seeks Dominant Slim, mature, 43 year old guy who is passive/submissive would like to meet mature, strict and dominant men. Central Scotland - cannot accommodate but can travel . Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3502. Willing Kenny Kenny is a heavily-built, easy-going, non-smoking bisexual who is 49 years young. Seeking bisexual or gay guys for fun and is willing to try anything. Can travel in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fife and Dundee areas. All genuine calls answered. Thank you. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3518. A Good Tanning? Stephen, 40yrs old, tall and tanned from Glasgow. Seeking obedience and corrective training from experienced administrators. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3545. Report To My Study NOW! Mature Edinburgh Headmaster-type guy will deal firmly with naughty boys of any age. So call now for a visit to his Study. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3365. Humiliated Traditionalist Scott, 32 years old, 5'10", medium build with a smooth body lives in Glasgow - but can travel. He is seeking an older gentleman for traditional punishment. Also enjoys humiliation and football kits. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3446. Give And Take Steve is a 42 year old professional Glasgow guy who is 5'11", slim and fairly muscular. Wants to meet other guys who are interested in traditional spanking - giving or taking. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3450. No Smoke Without Fire? Mark is a 45 year old, fair-haired non-smoker from the Tayside area. Seeking non-smoking friends 18-45 years old. Likes fun, clubbing, eating out etc. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3453. Deadly Serious Punishment Special. Guy in his 50's offers hard discipline to well-built guys 18-40 years. Serious interest only. Will travel to Glagow, Edinburgh etc. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3386. Very Naughty In Edinburgh Very naughty 32 years, 5'11" tall, medium built Edinburgh lad needs to have his bottom well strapped by a mature, over 50 year old man, for his indiscretions. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3412 Passive Seeks Active 40 year old passive gay guy looking for an active guy for fun times. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3421. Bra And Spankies "Samantha" is a Dom-Sub, Bi-guy who likes sex, bondage, S/M and lingerie. Seeking males and females from the Edinburgh area for fun and games. Is 40 years old and a non-smoker. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3282. Voluptuous Kenny wants TLC Chubby, voluptuous gay male, 47 years old from East Lothian area - ideal for chubby chasers. Is into music, videos and nice times together - seeking friendship and TLC with a stockily-built man, 25-40 years old. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3265. Lingerie & Discipline - But No Strings... Kevin from Fife. 5'10" Bi-guy in his early 50s. Is into female lingerie and is seeking gay or Bi-guys who are into no strings fun with optional discipline. He's new to the scene so discretion is expected and assured. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 3062. Father / Teacher Required 32 year old, 5'11" offshore worker, lives Central Edinburgh. Seeking 50+ medium to well-built guy to play the strict father/schoolteacher role. Number 09068 556613 - Number 2896. Glasgow Sub Glasgow Sub seeking Dominant for a spanking good time. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 2858. Come Again? Repetitive submissive TV from Glasgow requires a firm hand. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 2642. All Present For Correction Edinburgh. "All present for correction". You: 50+ well-built with a very strict outlook. Me: 33 years old, bad boy in need of spanking and caning. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 2337. Falkirk Bi Seeks Similar 45 year old married bisexual professional male from Falkirk area. Seeking another, in a similar situation, for friendship and problem-sharing. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 1862. Very Naughty - But Nice.... Edinburgh 32 year old, 5'11" seeking 50+ assertive disciplinarian to take the lead when he's been naughty - which happens quite a lot! Phone 09068 556613 - Number 1811. Bad Boy Needs Discipline 32 year old Edinburgh bad boy wants 50+ gentlemen who are strict disciplinarians with interest in CP. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 1602. Fraserburgh Versatile and fair-haired. Classical music, books and video-lover looking for similar. Phone 09068 556613 - Number 9628. -------------------------------------------------------------- BOXES - THE SCOTSGAY MEET MARKET ================================ To reply to a Contact Ad: By e-mail: We can now accept replies by e-mail for Box Numbers. They should be sent to boxreplies@drink.demon.co.uk and will be printed out and posted on by snail mail to the box number holders. There will be no charge for this service. As box number holders are unlikely to have access to e-mail, please include your name and address so that they can get back to you! And remember to include the box number that you're replying to clearly on each reply. By snail mail: Just pop your reply in an envelope with the box number written in the TOP RIGHT corner and place the envelope with your reply inside another envelope with two loose first class stamps. If you are writing from outside the UK, an International Reply Coupon (IRC) should be enclosed for each reply instead of postage stamps. International Reply Coupons are available from most Post Offices throughout the world. We are unable to send on replies without postage stamps or IRCs. Send all replies to: ScotsGay Magazine, PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. To place a Contact Ad: Write to the above address enclosing your advertisement copy. Ads are FREE of charge to the advertiser. Or you can send them by e-mail to scotsgay@drink.demon.co.uk ***Women How Good A Snog R U? If you think you measure up and would like to get your teeth into some tasty Asian flesh: give me a try. But, seriously, any woman up for a generous, independent, witty woman in her early 20's, likes hill climbing, drinking Guiness, all sorts of music other than heavy metal, all sorts of films, travel very welcome. (Sexgod, sexgod I'm a sexgod, sexmad, sexmad, r u sexmad?) Box SG37008. Edinburgh Lesbian couple, late 20's, seek gay/lesbian friends in Edinburgh area. Must have GSOH and enjoy having a laugh, going to clubs, cinema, etc. Box SG37027. Edinburgh Soul Mate Needed Now Sensitive, sincere easily hurt weepy gay professional female seeks selfish emotionally dead immature gay female bastard for a long unhealthy and dysfunctional relationship. Photo please. Box SG37036. Invernessian Lesbian I am 35, 5'7", blue eyes, pretty butch hippy. My name's Lorraine. I like music, various TV, etc, disco's, dinners, eating in/out, going places. Excite me, please. Box SG37037. ***Men Edinburgh - Anywhere Friendly 40's guy, seeks 16 year old guy to celebrate the passing into law of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act. Box SG37001. Men Spanking Men A fully illustrated magazine containing CP stories of Men Spanking Men. Canes, Tawses, Hands, Straps and much more. For full details and an order form, ring Jason Junior on 0800 9805469. E-mail: jason@jason-junior.co.uk WWW: http://www.jason-junior.co.uk [42a] Badminton Glasgow based gay badminton club meets twice weekly for competitive games. International tournaments and matches against clubs in London and Europe are held annually. To join, contact John: 01355 220041, David: 0141-429 7445 or E-mail: TeamScotland@hotmail.com. Sorry - no beginners. [39] Bootboy Edinburgh - Glasgow, 34, '0' crop skin, into WS, rubber, gas masks, gob, wants to meet other skins for fun in rubber pit. Phone number, quick reply. ALAWP. Box SG37040. [38] CP Club Wanted You interested in setting up a new Scottish CP club in the New Year? If so contact me and I will get in touch by return. You must be at least 18 years old. Discretion assured. Box SG 37006. Obedience Training Given This 45 year old lives Glasgow, now seeking submissives for ongoing training. Genuine, honest, discreet and understanding. Into most scenes ie CP SM and Tv's. Dressed then bared. "A" and "O" levels taught and expected. Strict but fair. Seeking genuine lasting friendship. Novice to experienced. Most afternoons free, some evenings. Discretion at all times. ALA. "Dont waste my time lad". Box SG37007. Sexy Black Guy In need of action! Good looking, straight acting, 24 year old guy seeks interesting, sexy Scottish guy for hot times. Box SG37009. The Belt Scots guy mid 40's wish to relive school memories. Seeks genuine school-teacher preferably over 50 who still believes in the belt. Warm hands wanted. Box SG37010. Strict Glasgow Area Dad Is looking for naughty boys under 25 to correct. All limits respected, can accommodate or travel. Box SG37011. Looking for Submissive Guys I am a dominant 36 year old guy who visits Edinburgh on a regular basis. I have a large collection of restraints and toys. I am into BDSM, TT, CBT, CP, TENS and MEDICAL. I am looking for submissives who are interested in some good, safe, clean fun. Box SG37012. Young And Outgoing 25 Year Old 25 year old, Glasgow lad, 6ft, toned, black hair/hazel. Outgoing and joyful, enjoys scene, nights in/out,outdoors, socialising. Seeks other guys 18+ to share friendship and fun times. 1-2-1 or friends. ALA. Box SG37013. Inverness - Scottish Highlands 36 year old dominant Master, looking for submissive guys for some fun times. I have a substantial collection of toys and equipment which I put to good use, so I've been told. If you are looking to try something different, then drop me a line. Box SG37014. Your Bear Hunt Could Be Over Traditional Scottish Bear, 43, 5'6", 15st, very hairy with beard and long red (balding) hair. I'm looking for no strings fun and friendship with a smooth chested and faced young guy. Can accommodate (Edinburgh) or will travel. Mainly active but can be versatile with the right guy. I'm into guys who aren't too skinny - 'plain' or even 'ugly duckling' rather than 'pretty boys full of themselves'. But no piercings, please. Non smoker preferred. See my pix at http://i.am/ weebear/ and, if you like what you see, drop me a line (ALAWP) to: Box SG37015. Paisley Guy Seeks student type under 26 who prefers the older more mature father figure. Box SG37016. Fat Old Wanker Needs suitable friends. (Pre)Come and enjoy yourself. Edinburgh. Box SG37017. Dutch Guy Looking For Friends Dutch (living in Aberdeen) guy 32 is looking for friend in the Aberdeen area. Box SG37018. Clydeside Chubby Bear Seeks slim chasers under 30, interested in mid-forties dad/bear type, with lots of love to give. Box SG37019. Smooth Slim Bear Hunter 30 year old athletic built guy looking for the opposite. Older heavy, hairy guy needed for fun. Photo if possible. Box SG37020. Donnie 38 From Barrhead Looking for uncomplicated fun with guys 30-50. Medium height and build, clean shaven, w/e, likes to try most things. No marrieds or bi's please. Get in touch you won't be disappointed. Box SG37021. Aussie Guy Will be in Edinburgh from around Jan 7 2001. Would like to meet young and young looking men who are discreet, non smokers and not into drugs or any other stuff! I am over 6'3" tall, green eyes and very keen to meet up! Love Rugby. Any takers? Box SG37022. Glasgow Area Are you bored, have day time hours to pass, interested in fun times with older guy, then get in touch, nothing ventured nothing gained. Box SG37023. Looking For Fun And Friendship My name is Stuart. I'm from Dunfermline and looking for friends in the area. A good sense of humour is essential. I'm into dance music not so much clubbing but do enjoy a good night out but mostly nights in. I am straight acting and out but enjoy a private life. 28 years old and looking for fun and friendship with someone between 21 and 30ish. If you think you can give me what I'm looking for then contact me at the box number. CHEERS! Box SG37024. Renfrewshire Chubby bottom, 48, is seeking under 26 yo tops who are slim and want to come over and cum. Box SG37025. Glasgow - Leatherclad Dog/Slave Slim very horny leatherclad dog/slave needs training to your requirements. Have head to toe leather, just need a collar and lead. Cage a bonus. I also know my duties if pillion, on and off your bike, Sir. Box SG37026. Edinburgh Guy, 28, seeks professional, intelligent, straight-acting guy, 28-45. Box SG37028. Friends Required Urgently I am 34 years old looking for guys of similar age for friendship in the Edinburgh area. I enjoy travelling, drinking, shopping and a little bit of culture. Non-smokers preferred. Box SG37030. No Strings Casual fun wanted with an active guy over 25. Must be able to accommodate. I am slim and athletic. Age not important but photo preferred. Box SG37031. Come And Go Quick daytime/evening fun offered to smooth young guys (16+) in Edinburgh City Centre by versatile hairy 40 year old guy. Box SG37032. Aberdeen Lad - 21 I'm from Aberdeen, and gagging for it! Cute, slim, 21 year old looking for guys 21-31 for 'the usual' - fun (you know what I mean) and we'll see what happens. Get back to me - you know you want to. Box SG37033. Down-to-earth Bloke Seeks Mates Andrew - English, 27, friendly, intelligent, fun, down-to-earth, wide range of interests - seeks Scottish mates (20-35) for moderately intelligent correspondence, lots of laughs and occasional get-togethers. Box SG37034. Genuine - Active Very straight acting/looking 33 year old guy in Glasgow. I'm 5'10" with 32" waist 40" chest, good solid body and attractive. I'm a very masculine guy who likes to be both active/assertive - am seeking straight acting/looking guy who is passive and who is genuinely submissive. Box SG37035. Edinburgh '0' Crop Guy Looking for fun and dancing partner for good times in and outdoors. Can accommodate and travel. 29 year old slim guy, I prefer older guys, not too old. Box SG37039. Young Offenders Anywhere Any lads in any prison, all over the world, who would like a friend/penpal, an older guy, 49. I am gay, Scottish, with time to give. Freedom is everything. Box SG37041. Aberdeen Gay Guy I am 49, professional in work, looking for friendly fun. Love theatre and cosy nights or days. Let my fingers do some talking. I can give and want loving. Box SG37042. Glasgow - Edinburgh - Central Guy, 30, seeking sorted gay guy, 25-35, must be SA and NS, enjoy pubs, outdoors, etc. Sense of humour a must. ALA. Let's find happiness together. Box SG37043. Fife - Edinburgh - Dundee - Glasgow Slim guys wanted for no-strings fun by 39 year old Fife guy, SA, SL, NS, no age limit (16+), will accommodate or travel. Me: versatile and up for it. ALA. Box SG37044. Buy One Get One Free! - Glasgow Couple, both 36, friendly, not bad looking guys, seek guy(s) 18-32 for safe fun times. Younger guys wanting uncomplicated fun and learning from older couple particularly welcome. Box SG37045. Fun and Games Youthful 40s man, blue eyes, slim, WLTM singles or couples for group fun and games. Videos, DIY, forfeits. Also experienced bottom with BDSM interests. Cannot accommodate. Edinburgh area. Box SG37046. Hot Horny Dirty Fun Not bad looking cheeky wee guy, 36, into versatile liberating dirty fun with swimming/footie gear, trackies, uniforms, suits, shirt/tie, or anything that turns you on. Contact me. ALAWP. Box SG37047. Aberdeen Guy 32 Seeks other guys 18-30 for pubs and clubs. I am 32, medium build, 5'11", 32"waist, 38" chest, seeks a nice guy for 1-2-1 and possible long term relationship. ALA. Box SG37048. Falkirk - Anywhere Gay guy, 47 years old, young in outlook, is looking for friendship with anyone out there. I await your letters. Box SG37049. New Boy In Town: Edinburgh Tall, slim, GL Spanish guy, 25, likes indie/pop music, clubbing, occasional scene, theatre, cinema, nights in and more. WLTM honest, GL, intelligent guys, 20-30, for friendship and maybe more, Edinburgh area. Write, you won't regret! Box SG37050. Attention Men - Fife Not reached the "on the shelf by date" yet, attractive, bearded, romantic natured, retired man, looking for that special person for 1-2-1 relationship in Fife or area around. ALAWP. Thanks. Box SG37051. T-T Galore Know what I mean? Photo, please. Glasgow - anywhere. Box SG37052. Rugby Player - Weightlifter, 30's Seeks strict master for re-training programme. Photo essential. Scotland - anywhere. Box SG37053. Mates With Verve SL, SA gay mates sought around Edinburgh for varied activities requiring mindful and physical enthusiasm, sense and reliability essential, phone much appreciated, photographs nice, but of little importance. Box SG37054. Glasgow TS Seeks guys between 30 and 50 for fun. Likes nights in and out. Box SG37055. Overweight Guy Wanted Lonely caring 50 year old from Glasgow needs big hugs and cuddles from big bodied guy for cosy nights by the fire, maybe more? Age and looks unimportant. Box SG37056. No Strings CP Spanking given to guys who are looking for discreet, no strings CP. This 46 year old guy, 5'11", 11st, can accommodate afternoon or evening, Glasgow area. Box SG37057. Mystery Package Versatile guy, 40, medium build, Edinburgh, seeks similar or younger, SL, SA, for as needs dictate fun, phone number helps. Artistic? Sporty? Relationships? Other interests? Photos? Thinking? Answer me. Box SG37058. Fun In Edinburgh Slim, smooth, youthful 40's man WLTM gay men or couples for no strings, uncomplicated fun in Edinburgh or environs. All interests considered. Daytime meetings possible. ALAWP. Box SG37059. Wanking - Oral Fan 50 year old cosmopolitan, recently moved to Cumbernauld, slim, smooth, with big knob, seeks hairy, wide-shouldered beast, same age or younger, with similar jest for life, for long sessions. Box SG37060. Edinburgh Guy, friendly, experienced, flexible, mostly sorted, seeks active mates for friendship and some commitment, ideally late 30's-40's. ALA. Box SG37061. Horny Penpals Wanted Into DIY 23 year old, good-looking, always horny, very into DIY, wants penpals 18-30 for hot correspondence. Love watching straight guys DIY (seen lots), early memories, maybe shorts. Write soon. Anywhere. Box SG37062. Glasgow Guy Decent Glasgow guy, 36, looking for some decent blokes to have a laugh and joke with, and hopefully some fun. Must be fit looking, WE, and preferably hairy and under 45. Box SG37063. Glasgow Scorpio Seeks A Taurus This typical fit Scorpio of 55, 5'8" and 70kg, into walking, cycling, wrestling and railways, seeks a fit, smooth, muscular, younger bull to find out if the astrologists are correct. Box SG37064. Wrestling Fun - Glasgow Area Only Fit, 55, 5'8", 70kg, seeks younger guys to grab, grapple and grope on your mat or mine. You are smooth, muscular, around my height and enjoy a fun wrestle. ALA. Box SG37065. Paisley - Renfrewshire 45 year old, 5'11", in OK nick, seeks slim, younger boy-next-door type for mutual adventures in music, sci-fi, dog walking and a hundred other hedonistic delights. Get writing! Box SG37066. 30 Year Old Skin Looking for guys into rev blue aromas, no strings just fun, can accommodate. All guys that reply must be passive. Send frank letter and photo for prompt reply. Box SG37067. Lanarkshire - Anywhere Gay TV, 51, attractive, slim, tall, likes music, clothes, seeks gay TV or other guy for fun, friendship - possibly more. Box SG37068. Inexperienced Leather Bottom 26 years old, looking for older dad types. Fag and cigar smokers very welcome. Love to be dominated. Will try anything. Box SG37070. A Meaningful Life In Edinburgh Pleasant Oriental professional, 30's, seeks friendship and loving company of older men. I have a smooth sexy body and a very caring personality. Hope to hear from you, my friends. Box SG37071. A Dog Isn't Just For Xmas But also for sandwiches on Boxing Day! So, why not try a bear instead? If you are young, smooth and have a GSOH, why not come round for Xmas lunch and a snuggle at my Edinburgh cave? Box SG37072. Seeking Friends Sweet, smooth, honey coloured Oriental male, 42 year old professional, attractive and gentle, seeks friends in North East Scotland. Discretion assured. Write with phone number. Box SG37073. Xmas Alone As per usual, my bf is pissing off to his Mum for Xmas, so I'll be at a loose end (so to speak). Care to join me? I'm 45, bearish, mature. You should be 16-25, preferably with negligible body hair and non smoker. I'll cook if you'll put the dishes in the machine! Box SG37074. Edinburgh Asian 40something, friendly, versatile, hairy, Asian guy seeks discreet meets with guys. Race not important. Cannot accommodate and can only travel a few miles from Edinburgh City Centre. Box SG37075. ***Bisexual Bi Curious? There has to be a first time for everything! If you're under 21 or so, why not get in touch? Considerate experienced older guy will talk you through things at your own pace before getting down to some safe fun. Your limits respected. Total discretion assured. I have a large double bed and collection of gay videos in Edinburgh but will travel if required. Box SG37005. Glasgow Friends Wanted 28 year old bi male seeks male friends 18-28 to go to pubs and clubs etc in the Glasgow area. Box SG37069. ***Straight Edinburgh Re-advertised due to lack of interest: Failed Irish thug, ex-boxer but still fit as fuck, now with University degree, job in the caring profession and pretentions at being an artist, seeks fun female friend for possible 1-2-1. GSOH required. Box SG37003. Perth Friendly 40something seeks regular no strings fun and frolics with similar aged or younger woman. Box SG37004. ***Friends Abroad All Love To Gay Men Looking for a mate who is 5'7", 5'8" or 5'9" and looking for a fun time together. Write: James Patrick Wilburn, 3003 Twisting Lane, Bowie, Maryland, USA 20715. E-mail: Smoothjay1@webtv.net French 26 year old Guy I am a 26 year old French guy living in Denmark and I would like to correspond with guys 16-26 to make friends in Scotland, if possible. I like travel, badminton, tennis, friendship, French art, Finland, Spain, Denmark, Norway, Russia, films (but not American which I particularly don't like), masculine art, cooking, languages, nature, different cultures, postcards, reading etc. If you are interested write me in Danish, Swedish, Norwegan, Spanish, Italian, German, French of course: Fabrice Bertrand, Maglegardsvej 6A v.24, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Like A Free Stay In Spain? I am a gay guy now retired at fifty five and living alone in Spain. If you are a young gay guy under thirty five and would like to learn more about a stay in Spain drop me a line. Write: Geoffrey Shean, Maravilla Fase Two, Clle Pintor Zurbaran 27, Moraira 03724, Teulada, Alicante, Spain. E-mail: geoffrey.shean@wanadoo.es Pen Friends - Edinburgh Area Friendly, good looking 24 year old student seeks friends, any nationality, any age. Likes classical music, English literature, cinema. Will be in Edinburgh from July. Jason. E-mail: gardela@wp.pl Sicilian-American In NY I'm a 50 year old man, HIV+ but in great shape and healthy. Looking for younger HIV+ Scots who are travelling to NY and would like to meet. You must be in good shape and, of course, uncut. Photo available. Write: Biagio Strongi, 53 Montgomery Place, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. E-mail: Biagio1@aol.com Looking for Kay Gill Lorraine here. Will you get back in touch with me. Sorry, did not meet you as had my nose operation that morning in Glasgow. Look forward to hearing from you. Box SG37038. ***Accommodation To Let Glasgow Room to rent on the South side of Glasgow in large comfortable house. Rent likely to be in the region of 300 pounds per cm but if a student can negotiate. Box SG37029. ***Jobs Offered Cash For Your Body Photogenic guys can earn GBP75 cash - or GBP100 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 Phone: 020-7373 1107. E-mail: mike.arlen@talk21.com [99] Models Wanted Previously published photographer needs good looking guys (18-25) who want to earn GBP20 per hour for publication work. For details please phone Stuart on 0141-636 6556 (No withheld numbers please) or E-mail: xpozure4u@shaws2000.fsnet.co.uk [99] ***Services CAFFMOS Contacts and friendships for men over sixty. The organisation for the more mature gentleman and his admirers. Write to: CAFFMOS, PO Box 2273, Hove. BN3 2GF. Or phone Hove (01273) 220995 for information. [99] Contact Mag Contact Mag for adults: over 900 photos. Approval copy from: Matchmaker (K38), Chorley, PR7 4BS. Or ring 01257 483335 (24 hours). [99] CP Contact Paper CP contact paper for spanking, skins, discipline, etc. SAE to TD Monthly, PO Box 352, Manchester. M60 2PG. [99] CP Equipment Canes, Birches, Straps, Strops, Tawses, Paddles - all Hand Made. From as little as GBP3. For a catalogue and order form, ring Jason Junior on Freephone 0800 9805469. E-mail: jason@jason-junior.co.uk WWW: http://www.jason-junior.co.uk [42a] Edinburgh Laser Clinic Laser hair removal/reshaping - any area from face to feet! Tattoos removed. Birthmarks, freckles, age/liver spots, warts and verrucas. 32 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh. EH3 9EZ. Phone: 0131-229 0234. Treatments confidential. [39] Free TV/TS News A Tranny not for profit newsletter. Views, news, venues and free personal adverts. A5 sae: BM Box 2534, London. WC1N 3XX. [99] Gay Videos 20 hot gay videos for sale. Box SG37002. 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. [99] Limited Companies - Why Pay More? Only GBP90 for your own Limited or PLC. Freephone 0800 526421 for our free 'Guide To Limited Companies'. [99] Worldwide Penfriends Regular lists. Make friends, exchange holidays, improve your languages. For general and music lovers' lists send GBP3: "The Penpal List", c/o 221B Merton Road, Southfields, London. SW18 5EE. [99] ***Back Rubs Active Body Rub Good times much further North of Edinburgh. 12 stones 6 feet muscular smooth 28. In/out calls. Discreet and friendly. Call Chris 07977 171829. [37] Aromatherapy In Glasgow Micht Call Bob for real massage from a real man, 6'2", 15st, muscular, hairy and well endowed. 7 day p/w. Holistic therapies also available. Call anytime. 07855 089290. [37] Back Rubs - Glasgow Steph, 5'6", slim, smooth, versatile. Friendly, relaxed and discreet service. Call 07932 420001. In/out calls. [37] Dundee - Aberdeen Gym toned all over, 27, young black guy, active, VWE, smooth, friendly 12.5 stones, good looking, 6ft. In/out calls, overnight is a possibility. Chris 0705 0082461. [38a] Edinburgh Chubby gay man, 45 years of age and heavily built (ideal for Chubby Chasers) gives a personal massage service to all genuine callers. GBP20 to newcomers, then GBP15 to all regulars (no hidden costs!!). Tel: Kenny on 0131-653 0436. [99] Glasgow City Centre Paul, 24, smooth, toned, tanned and much more offers friendly relaxed versatile service. 100%. In/out calls, 7 days. 24hrs. Call 078811 566423. You won't be disappointed. VWE. [37a] Glasgow Joe Shaved head, pierced, tattooed, friendly relaxed service. For details call 0403 480601. [37] Massage For Men - Edinburgh Great relaxing, holistic, sensual, tantric, full body pampering relief in nurturing masculine environment. Shower, warm towels, refreshments. GBP15 per session. Exceptionally good value. Jim. Qualified, experienced, caring. 0131-556 7199. [40] ***Where To Stay All New, All Gay Guesthouses - Edinburgh Two great locations. Exclusively gay. Easy walk to nightlife. Stylish rooms, all with TV and video (tapes available). Shared and private bathrooms. Breakfast available till noon. Non-smoking houses. Easy parking. Room rates: GBP29-GBP49 per night. Call 0131-558 1382 or Fax 0131-556 8279. WWW: http://www.gayscotland.com/alvahouse/ [39a] Camp and Cruise Wonderful holiday opportunity on Lossiemouth sea front. Residential four berth fully-equipped mobile home near cruisy beach. WC and all facilities. GBP150 a week all in. Available April-October. Phone: Elgin (01343) 542928. [99] North East Scotland Farmhouse Retreat - Bed & Breakfast Gay, non-scene, rustic, remote, private, warm relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy that extra special break you really need. Treat yourself. Discretion assured service. Details and other information: phone 01261 851154. [38] Sutherland On A9 to Wick, B&B. Roadside. 60 miles from Inverness. Double or single. Phone: Helmsdale (01431) 821570. [38] The Maltings - Bed & Breakfast Small guest flat double room. Friendly Service. Homely atmosphere. Midway between Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. Phone: Peter on 01674 674148 or mobile 07909 567683. [41] --------------------------------------------------------------------- HELPLINES ========= BISEXUAL HELPLINE: Tue, Wed 7.30-9.30pm, Sat 10.30am-12.30pm. Phone: 020-8569 7500 BORDERS GAY SWITCHBOARD: Thu 7.30-10pm, Phone: Galashiels (01896) 756611 CROSSLYNX NATIONAL TV/TS HELPLINE: Mon 7.30-9.30pm, Phone: 0141-332 3333. WWW: http://SGLS.tripod.com/transgen.htm DIVERSITAY LGBT SWITCHBOARD: Mon 7-10pm, Phone: Dundee (01382) 202620. WWW: http://www.dundeelgb.freeserve.co.uk/ DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY L&G PHONELINE: Thu 7.30-9.30pm, Phone: Dumfries (01387) 261818 FIFE FRIEND: Fri 7.30-10pm, Phone: Kirkcaldy (01592) 266688. E-mail: info@fifefriend.co.uk. WWW: http://www.fifefriend.co.uk/ GRAMPIAN LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL SWITCHBOARD: Wed, Fri 7-10pm. Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 212600 (Minicom available), Fax: Aberdeen (01224) 212442 LOTHIAN GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD: Nightly 7.30-10pm, Phone: 0131-556 4049. E-mail: lgls@itek-uk.com. WWW: http://www.lgls.org/ LOTHIAN LESBIAN LINE : Mon, Thu 7.30-10pm, Phone: 0131-557 0751 MORAY LGB SWITCHBOARD: Men: Fri 7-10pm; Women: Thu 7-10pm, Phone: Elgin (01343) 541188 NIGHT OWL CRISIS LINE: Nightly Midnight-5am, Phone: 0141-332 2992 STRATHCLYDE GAY AND LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD Nightly 7-10pm, Phone: 0141-332 8372. E-mail: info@sgls.co.uk. WWW: http://www.sgls.co.uk/ SWITCHBOARD LESBIAN LINE Wed 7.30-10pm, Phone: 0141-354 0400. WWW: http://SGLS.tripod.com/services1.htm LONDON LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD 24 hours, Phone/Minicom: 020-7837 7324. FAX: 020-7837 7300. WWW: http://www.llgs.org.uk/ -------------------------------------------------------------------- LISTINGS ======== ScotsGay Listings are FREE! 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. Our most up to date listings can always be found on our web site at http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/current/list.html NATIONAL ORGANISATIONS OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND: 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. Phone: 0131-558 9216. Write: The Secretary, OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND, PO Box 23253, Edinburgh. EH1 3XD. WWW: http://www.outright-scotland.org/ E-mail: convenor@outright-scotland.org Why not join OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND? Membership is GBP15 waged, GBP9 low-waged (under GBP10,000 pa) and GBP5 unwaged. Life membership is GBP150. Please make out your cheque/Postal Order to OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND and send to The Membership Secretary, OUTRIGHT SCOTLAND, PO Box 23253, Edinburgh. EH1 3XD. EQUALITY NETWORK: Working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in Scotland. Write: c/o 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1SA. Phone: 07020 933 952. Fax: 07020 933 954. E-mail: equality@diversity.org.uk WWW: http://www.diversity.org.uk/equality/ We hold weekly meetings, regular forums and an annual conference; contact us for more details. 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) 109 Trongate, Glasgow. G1 5HD. Phone/Fax: 0141-552 8345. Open Tue-Fri 1-6pm and Sat 2-5pm. E-mail: gwl@globalnet.co.uk WWW: http://www.womens-library.org.uk/ laic.htm PRIDE SCOTLAND: Pride Scotland organises the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pride march and festival in Scotland. Phone: 0131-556 8822 or 0141-400 2640. Write: c/o 58a Broughton Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3SA or 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. E-mail: info@pridescotland.org WWW: http://www.pridescotland.org/ All kinds of help are urgently required all year round! STONEWALL SCOTLAND: Glasgow office of the London based campaigning group. Write: 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL. Phone: 0141-204 0746. Fax: 0141-204 5110. E-mail: scotland@stonewall.org.uk WWW: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/ LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ABERDEEN: North East Scotland Gay Group caters for all ages and meets at 7.30pm on the 3rd Sunday of every month. Phone: Ron on Aberdeen (01224) 312547 (7-11pm). E-mail: northeastscotlandgaygroup@breathemail.net Icebreakers is a social group which meets on last Mon of each month. Contact Grampian Switchboard for details. AYRSHIRE: Ayrshire Social & Sexuality Support Group. Meets 3rd Wed of each month at 7pm in Irvine. Details of venue from David Bingham on 0141-332 3838 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), Irvine (01294) 323473 or Strathclyde Switchboard. E-mail: davidb@phacewest.org BORDERS: Borders Gay Switchboard operates every Thursday evening 7.30-10pm for confidential information and support. Phone: Galashiels (01896) 756611. Write: Borders Gay Switchboard, PO Box 13237, GALASHIELS. TD1 1WG. E-mail: BORDERS@switchboard. fsbusiness.co.uk CAITHNESS GAY AND LESBIAN CONNECTION: A friendly informal group which meets regularly. Write: Box 689, Journal Office, 42 Union Street, Wick, Caithness. KW1 5ED. E-mail: cglc@bigskies.screaming.net DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY: Regular social meetings - usually every second Wed. Phone: Dumfries (01387) 261818 Thursday 7.30-9.30pm Write: Dumfries and Galloway Lesbian and Gay Group, PO Box 1299, Dumfries. DG1 2PD. DUNDEE: ELIGIBILITY the new newsletter from Diversitay tells you what's going on in the area. Available from: Diversitay (LGBT Group), PO Box 53, Dundee, DD1 3YG. EDINBURGH: Icebreakers is an alternative to the scene and takes place 8-9.15pm on the 2nd and 4th Wed of each month in CC Blooms. First-timers are invited to arrive at 7.30pm. Phone Lothian Switchboard for details. ELGIN: Pride of Moray Firth LGB Social Group meets 2nd and 4th Sun of each month from 8pm in the Lounge Bar of the Royal Hotel (near the railway station). All welcome. Contact for full details of this and other social events in the area. Write: PoMFSG, PO Box 5866, Forres. IV36 1WG. Phone: Moray LGB Switchboard. E-mail: PofMF@aol.com FIFE FRIEND: Small voluntary phoneline offering support, advice and information to lesbians and gay men within Fife. Fri: 7.30-10pm. Phone: Kirkcaldy (01592) 266688. Write: PO Box 19, Kirkcaldy, Fife. KY1 3JF. E-mail: info@fifefriend.co.uk WWW: http://www.fifefriend.co.uk/ Also runs monthly disco, and pub nights with karaoke. GLASGOW: Glasgow LGBT Centre Board - manages GLC Limited (Charitable Company). Centre Administrator is on duty (10am-1pm Mon-Fri). Membership criteria for GLC, is available to all interested people agreeing to the code of conduct. See press for notice of the Annual General meeting of Members - childcare, and BSL interpreter can be organised, but please give advance notice. Membership is closed in the last month. Write: Glasgow LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL. Phone/Fax: 0141-221 7203. E-mail: gglc1@dircon.co.uk WWW: http://www.gglc.org.uk/ Icebreakers Group for lesbians, gays and bisexuals new to the scene. 8-9.30pm on 3rd Tue in each month at Sadie Frost's, 8-10 West George Street. 12.30-3pm on 1st Sun in each month at GGLC, 11 Dixon Street. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard. Out on Sunday is a social group for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people. 7.30-9.30pm on last Sun of month in the GGLC. Self determined programme, which is organised by the group. A warm welcome for new members. Contact Stuart on 0141-221 7203 or E-mail: gglc1@dircon.co.uk INVERNESS: Highland Gay Men's Group meets on the 4th Wed of each month at 34 Waterloo Place. Phone: Inverness (01463) 711585 (Mon-Wed, Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Thu 9.30am-7pm). LANARKSHIRE: Lanarkshire Gay Men's Group is a group which meets every Wed from 8pm at Beckford Business Centre, Beckford Street, Hamilton. Social and educational events. Write: LGMC, c/o 22 Dunlin, East Kilbride, Glasgow. G74 4RU. Phone: 07967 140629. E-mail: lgmg@bigfoot.com WWW: http://www.bigfoot.com/~lgmg/ STIRLING: Stirling Gay Men's Group meets monthly (generally 3rd Fri) in private houses. Write: PO Box 28, Stirling. FK9 5YW. WEST LOTHIAN: Gay Men's Health West Lothian Project is a gay men's group which meets every Thu evening in Bathgate. Phone: Bathgate (01506) 631010. Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm. E-mail: gmh@Go-West.freeserve.co.uk WOMEN'S GROUPS SCOTTISH NETWORK FOR LESBIAN STRENGTH: To further lesbian issues, follow a lesbian agenda and foster lesbian visibility. Further information from Highland Lesbian Group at PO Box 91, Inverness. IV2 7GJ. E-mail: High_Les@bigfoot.com ABERDEEN: Aberdeen Lesbian and Bisexual Group. Meets every Wed 8-10pm in the Women's Centre, Shoe Lane. Phone: Babs Greenwood on Aberdeen (01224) 625010. E-mail: ab.womenscentre@dial.pipex.com Granite Sisters. For Lesbians over the age of 35 who prefer having fun and enjoying life to politics and campaigning. Regular activities include walks, swimming and going to the cinema. Meets on the last Mon of each month in Cafe Continental at 8pm and is also involved in arranging monthly women's discos with the Aberdeen Lesbian and Bisexual Group. Phone Aberdeen Switchboard or the Women's Centre for details. DUNDEE: We Bissums - a regular newletter for women in and around Dundee. Write: We Bissums, PO Box 6819, Dundee. DD1 2YG. E-mail: we_bissums@hotmail.com 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 Edinburgh Gay Women's Group: Weekly social group to chat, laugh, do crazy things or more relaxed ones. Mountaineering, cycling, painting, poetry, Shiatsu or Swedish massage, pottery, Ceroc dance, fancy dress parties, travel photos/stories whatever!! As well as go to the movies, pub, theatre, have themed discussions. Meets every Thu 7pm at Nexus or Dolls. Phone: Sonia on 0131-447 7300. E-mail: sonia_bressey@altavista.com Menstril Cycles: Lesbian women's cycling group - monthly cycles in Central Scotland and Borders. Approx 40-60 miles, average pace, coffee shop en route. For dates and routes call Morna on 0131-454 9766. Women's Basketball Group: Wed eve 6.30-7.30pm at Drummond High School, For details, phone Kim 0131-556 9868. E-mail: wbg@drink.demon.co.uk Lothian Lesbian Line 0131-557 0751, Mon and Thu 7.30-10pm. For information, advice and counselling in confidence. Write: PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3UU. GLASGOW: Badminton Club - looking for women who used to play to quite a high level (class b and +) or are still playing. E-mail: Dunja.Burke@NTLWORLD.com Glasgow Women's Library, 4th/5th Floors, 109 Trongate, G1 5HD. Phone: 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. E-mail: gwl@globalnet.co.uk WWW: http://www.womens-library.org.uk/ Lesbian Writing Group: Held in Glasgow Womens' Library, 2nd and 4th Tue of each month 6.30-8.30pm. All welcome, especially novice writers. More info from Glasgow Womens' Library on 0141-552 8345. L.I.C. - Lesbian Inclusion Co-ordination: Social group co-ordinating a range of activities and involvement for lesbians at the Glasgow Gay and Lesbian Centre. Meets at 7pm on last Tue of every month at 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. Details 0141-221 7203, WWW: http://www.gglc.org.uk/ or E-mail: AliJarvis@unify.freeserve.co.uk OLGA - Older Women's Group: Meets monthly. Phone: Jenny on 0141-810 1468 or Alex on Dalmellington (01294) 558171. Out And About: A social group for gay women living in Glasgow who enjoy movies, food, drinking, talking, laughing and making new friends. Couples/singles welcome. Phone Hazel on 07990 582921. Self Defence and Personal Safety: Personal safety and self defence courses for women are offered by Wise Women, 120 Sydney Street, Glasgow. G31 1JF. Phone: 0141-550 7557. INVERNESS: Highland Lesbian Group is a friendly lesbian social group that gets together on the first Sat of each month at the Royal Highland Hotel (formerly the Station Hotel) in Inverness from Noon onwards. Also offers support and information. Write: PO Box 91, Inverness. IV2 7GJ. E-mail: High_Les@bigfoot.com LESBIAN INFORMATION SERVICE: PO Box 8, Todmorden, Lancashire. OL14 5TZ. Please enclose an sae. Phone/Fax: Todmorden (01706) 817235. LILLIDOTS: Lesbian Feminist Walking Group. Contact via Dundee Switchboard, Lothian Lesbian Line, Grampian Switchboard or Strathclyde Switchboard. BISEXUALS BI GLASGOW: Glasgow's own bisexual group, for information, support and socializing. Meets first Wed of month, from 7.30-9.30pm in the Ian Dunn Room at Glasgow LGBT Centre. Also organises training and activist activities in support of bisexual visibility and pride. Write: Bi Glasgow, c/o Glasgow LGBT Centre, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow, G1 4AL. Phone: Sarah on 07980 855801 or Alan on 07974 249002. E-mail: glasgow@bi.org WWW: http://biglasgow.bi.org ARTISTIC AND LITERARY DIVERSE ARTISTS @ THE GLC: An opportunity for Artists to meet discuss their Art and develop workshop opportunities. Membership is open to all diverse Artists whether visual or performance. Art Gallery space available on a booking basis. Phone: Stuart on 0141-221 7203. E-mail: gglc1@dircon.co.uk POET AND WRITER EVENINGS: Every third Wed evening from 7.30pm in GGLC Cafe/Bar, Glasgow. Both established and new writers welcome (and people wanting to be part of the audience). The programme will include an open mike session set within the scheduled evening. Phone: 0141-221 7203. E-mail: gglc1@dircon.co.uk ATHEISTS/HUMANISTS EDINBURGH FREETHINKERS: An informal network of militant atheists (with one militant humanist agnostic atheist). Write: PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail god@antipope.org WWW: http://www.antipope.org/freethinkers/ GAY AND LESBIAN HUMANIST ASSOCIATION: GALHA is a national membership group promoting the gay-friendly Humanist outlook and gay and lesbian rights as human rights. Details from: The Secretary, 34 Spring Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2HB. Phone/Fax: Kenilworth (01926) 858450. E-mail: secretary@galha.org WWW: http://www.galha.org/ BEARS BEARSCOTS: For hairy, moustached and bearded men and their admirers. Edinburgh: Meets 1st Sat of each month from 2pm in the Townhouse Health Club and then from 8pm in the Claremont Bar. Write: BearScots, PO Box 12785, Edinburgh, EH7 5YD. E-mail: bearscots@bearlovers.demon.co.uk Glasgow: Meets cancelled until further notice but will possibly start up again in Jan/Feb. Phone 0141-883 9055. E-mail: glasgowbears@drink.demon. co.uk WWW: http://www.bearlovers. demon.co.uk/bearscots/ BEREAVEMENT LESBIAN & GAY BEREAVEMENT PROJECT: Provides support and information to bereaved lesbians and gay men or anyone bereaved by the death of a lesbian or gay man. Phone: 020-8455 8894 Mon-Fri 7-10.30pm. Write to: Lesbian & Gay Bereavement Project, Vaughan M Williams Centre, Colindale Hospital, London. NW9 5HG. E-mail: lgpb@aol.com WWW: http://members.aol.com/lgbp/ BIKERS GAY BIKERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: A UK-wide club for women and men. Active Scottish section. Details: GBMCC, PO Box 33, Long Eaton, Nottingham. NG10 2BF. E-mail: info@gaybikers.demon.co.uk WWW: http://www.gaybikers.demon.co.uk/ CHRISTIANS A COMMON BOND: An international support group for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people whose lives have been affected by the teachings of the Watchtower Organisation, commonly known as Jehovah's Witnesses. Open to all - whether active / inactive, disfellowshipped or disassociated Witnesses, or friends and family of such. E-mail: ACBUK@excite.com WWW: http://hello.to/ACBUK EVANGELICAL: Lesbian, gay or bisexual? From an Evangelical tradition? So are we. Phone: Ewan on Polmont (01324) 715542. Write: Evangelical Fellowship, 123 Byron Road, Chelmsford, Essex. CM2 6HJ. HOLY TRINITY METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH: An inclusive church of the lesbigay and trangendered community open to all irrespective of sexuality. Services: Every Sun at 6pm in the Quaker Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. Relationship blessings conducted by arrangement. Phone: Kincardine (01259) 739055. Write: Holy Trinity MCC, PO Box 12433, Edinburgh. EH1 3FU. E-mail: mcc.edinburgh@cheerful. com WWW: http://www.mccedinburgh. org.uk/ 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: Ruth, 3 Hallsfield, Cricklade, Swindon, Wilts. SN6 6LR. QUEST: Organisation for lesbian and gay Catholics. Monthly meetings are held in different regional groups throughout Britain. Scottish meetings held in Glasgow. Phone: Quest Linkline (Freephone) 0808 808 0234 Fri 7-10 pm (answerphone all other times). Write: Quest, BM Box 2585, LONDON WC1N 3XX. (For Quest Glasgow write to: Quest Glasgow, PO Box 280, Glasgow G11 7JP.) E-mail: quest@dircon.co.uk CULTURAL CELEBRATE: Celebrate is a community organisation that puts on residential community events for people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Our events are a chance for people to get away from it all for a while, meet other people and explore community, creativity, diversity. Write: BM CELEBRATE!, London. EC1N 3XX. Phone: 08703 211921. E-mail: Celebrate!@cwcom.net WWW: http://www.celebrate.cwc.net/ CELTIC MUSIC GAY GROUP: Mixed LGB group. Scottish/Irish music/culture fans (Wolfstone, Runrig, Wolfe Tones, Athenry, Aire Og, Christy Moore, etc). Watch and swap videos/cassettes. Write to: CMGG, BM Box 7970, LONDON. WC1N 3XX. 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! Write: Clann An Uabhair, GLSA, PO Box 630, Murray Hill Station, New York, NY 10016, USA. Phone: 00 1 (212) 726-1418. E-mail: clann_an_uabhair@hotmail.com WWW: http:// gaylesbianscotsnyc.homepage.com/ 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. Must be devout fans! Write: William Wilson, 2 New Kirk Road, Bearsden, Glasgow. G61 3SL. Phone: 0141-943 1428. GLASGAY!: Lesbian and gay arts festival which last took place in Autumn 2000. Contact for more information or to be added to mailing list for the next Glasgay! Write: Glasgay!, Room 320A, 74 Victoria Crescent Road, Glasgow. G12 9JL. Phone: 0141-334 7126. E-mail: glasgay@drink.demon.co.uk WWW: http://www.glasgay.co.uk/ 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. CYBERSPACE DIGITAL DIVERSITY: Cyberqueerdom Central. E-mail: info@diversity.org.uk WWW: http://www.diversity.org.uk/ GAY-INVERCLYDE: An E-mail community for meeting new LGB friends within the Inverclyde area. To join up, just visit WWW: http://www. boyscotland.org.uk/community_centre/inverclyde.html. For for more info contact John direct by E-mail: john@ boyscotland.org.uk or phone 07970 342 862. 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). DEAF LADDIES & LASSIES CLUB: Scottish Deaf Gay & Lesbian Club. Write: The Laddies & Lassies Club, PO Box 7005, Glasgow. G44 4XH. E-mail: LLSDGALC@aol.com DRINK PROBLEMS If you are a lesbian or gay man with a drink problem and want help and advice, ring Tom on 0141-770 6599, 7 days a week anytime. Tom refers to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but does preparatory work. GLASGOW GAY ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Meets every Fri 8-9.45pm in the GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. Phone: Robert on 0141-433 9437. LIBRA: Help for women concerned about their drinking. Free 1-2-1 counselling. 0131-661 0111. HEALTH MATTERS ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY HELPLINE: Helpline for gay carers. Phone: 0845 3000336. 8.30am-6.30pm Mon-Fri. E-mail: info@alzheimers.org.uk BODY POSITIVE (FIFE): Providing support for those HIV+ and with AIDS in the Kingdom. 5 South Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy, Fife. KY1 1YA. (Behind Sheriff Court). Phone: Kirkcaldy (01592) 597756. 9am-5pm Mon-Fri. BODY POSITIVE (GRAMPIAN): A self help group offering support and assistance for individuals with HIV/AIDS in the Grampian area. Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 404408 (Telephone Answering Machine). Write: PO Box 83, Aberdeen. AB9 1AA. BODY POSITIVE (STRATHCLYDE): Providing support for those living with HIV and AIDS in the West of Scotland. 3 Park Quadrant, Glasgow. G3 6BS. Mon-Thu 11am-8pm and Fri 11am-5pm (Administration 9am-5pm Mon-Fri). Phone: 0141-332 5010. Fax: 0141-332 4285. E-mail: bpstrathclyde@enterprise.net WWW: http://homepages.enterprise.net/bpstrathclyde/ BODY POSITIVE (TAYSIDE): self help support for those who are HIV positive and affected by HIV. 11-15 Princes Street, Dundee. DD4 6BY. Phone: Dundee (01382) 461555. Fax: Dundee (01382) 461424. Mon (Women's Group) 11am-2pm, Tue-Thu (Drop In) Noon-3.30pm, Fri (Activity) 11am-2pm, Sun (Meal) 2-6pm. E-mail: admin@bptayside.sol.co.uk BROWNLEE CENTRE (GLASGOW): Confidential information, advice, counselling and testing for HIV and hepatitis. Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow. G12 0YN. Phone: 0141-211 1089. Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm. CENTRE FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH: Along with Family Planning and Genitourinary Medicine, is now housed in the Sandyford Initiative (old Eye Infirmary), 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. G3 7NB. Disabled access. Drop in: Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri 10am-3.30pm. Sandyford Library: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm (closed for lunch 12.30-1.30pm). Creche: Mon-Fri 10am-4.15pm. Phone: 0141-211 6700. Fax: 0141-211 6702. Minicom: 0141-211 6701. E-mail: cfwh@dial.pipex.com DOT (DUNDEE OUTREACH TEAM): Sexual health and relevant issues for gay and bisexual men. Free and confidential service. Drop in coffee shop: Sat 1.30-4.30pm. Friendly and informal. Harm Reduction Centre, 55 Constitution Road, Dundee. DD1 1LB. Phone: Dundee (01382) 424531. Fax: Dundee (01382) 424532. FIFE MEN: Information, advice and support on gay and health issues, free condoms, and much more! 5 South Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy. KY1 1YA (Behind Sheriff Court). Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Sat 11am-2pm. Phone: Kirkcaldy (01592) 265666. Fax: Kirkcaldy (01592) 643866. E-mail: enquiries@fifemen.co.uk WWW: http://www.fifemen.co.uk/ GAY MEN'S HEALTH: A voluntary sector project for gay men. Services include individual or group support and counselling, scene work, peer education and training, volunteer projects, provision of condoms, lube and Safer Sex information. 10a Union Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LU. Phone: 0131-558 9444. Fax: 0131-558 9060. E-mail: gaymen@globalnet.co.uk WWW: http://www.users.globalnet.co. uk/~gaymen/ GLASGOW BARS AIDS WELFARE FUND: Raises funds for people with HIV/AIDS in the Greater 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. Phone/Fax: 0141-946 0003. Write: Unit A, Maryhill Workspace Limited, 45 Garrioch Road, Glasgow. G20 8RG. GRAMPIAN AIDS LINE: Phone: Aberdeen (01224) 574000 (Telephone Answering Machine). HEALTHY GAY SCOTLAND: Free condoms and lube available by post (Scotland only) through their website. WWW: http://www.hgscotland .org.uk/ HIV-AIDS CARERS AND FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP: Suite 226, Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow. G2 6HJ. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Phone/Fax: 0141-221 8100. LANARKSHIRE HIV, AIDS AND HEPATITIS CENTRE: One stop shop for HIV and Hepatitis health services. Counselling Service, Monklands Hospital, Monks Court Avenue, Airdrie. ML6 0JS. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Phone: Airdrie (01236) 747960 or 746142. Fax: Airdrie (01236) 746195. MILESTONE HOUSE: Residential care (primarily respite and paliative care) for people with HIV/AIDS. 113 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh. EH14 1EB. Phone/Fax: 0131-441 6989. NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE: Freephone 0800 567123. 24 hour service for confidential advice and information. Minicom: 0800 521361 (24 hours). Other languages: 0800 9172227 6-10pm Mon Bengali, Tue Urdu, Wed Arabic, Thu Gujerati, Fri Hindi, Sat Punjabi, Sun Cantonese. Welsh 11am-11pm on 0800 567123. (All calls to 0800 numbers are free except from some mobile networks). E-mail: info@healthwise.org.uk PHACE WEST: A locally based and managed agency for people affected by HIV/AIDS serving Glasgow and the West of Scotland. 49 Bath Street, Glasgow. G2 2DL. Phone: 0141-332 3838. Fax: 0141-332 3755. E-mail: contact@phacewest.org WWW: http://homepages.enterprise.net/phacewest/ PHAN: Pagan HIV & AIDS Network offers peer support and a forum, through correspondence, for Pagans living with or affected by HIV/AIDS to discuss issues and topics with other Pagans. Write: PHAN, c/o 22 Rosebank House, 217 Belle Vue Road, Leeds. LS3 1HG. Phone: 07831 464319. E-mail: dragondale@amserve.net POSITIVE ACCOMMODATION TEAM: Social work service for people with HIV/AIDS providing supported living arrangements, intensive community based support and supported accommodation. General advice and information on community care and housing needs also provided. 1st Floor, Granite House, 31 Stockwell Street, Glasgow. G1 4RZ. Mon-Thu 8.45am-4.45pm. Fri 8.45am-3.55pm. Phone: 0141-552 4488. Fax: 0141-552 2760. POSITIVE HELP: Practical help for people who are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS in Edinburgh, their families and carers. 13a Great King Street, Edinburgh. EH3 6QW. Phone: 0131-558 1122. Fax: 0131-558 3636. E-mail: posihelp@globalnet.co.uk POSITIVE VOICE: Community self-help organisation for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. 37-39 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh. EH7 5DJ. Phone: 0131-652 0754. Fax: 0131-661 9100. Peer support: Mon, Tue, Thu, 10.30am-2.30pm. Not closed at other times though. Anyone affected or infected by the virus can come along if they have an appointment with a volunteer. People can phone for an appointment or make one while they are in for peer support. E-mail: pozvoice@yahoo.com RAINBOW FUND: Raising funds for the future care of HIV/AIDS patients in Glasgow. PO Box 9525, Johnstone. PA5 OYB. Phone/Fax: Johnstone (01505) 347301. REACH OUT HIGHLAND: 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. 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. IV1 1NB. Phone: Inverness (01463) 711585 (Mon-Wed, Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Thu 9.30am-7pm). Fax: Inverness (01463) 711793. E-mail: support@reachout.demon.co.uk WWW: http://www.reachout.demon.co.uk/ ROAM OUTREACH PROJECT: Outreach sexual health service for male sex workers and men using cruising areas. Spittal Street Centre, 22-24 Spittal Street, Edinburgh. EH3 9DU. Phone: 0131-537 8300 and ask for Andrew, Mark or Martin. E-mail: roamoutreach@hotmail.com SOLAS HIV/AIDS INFORMATION CENTRE: 2/4 Abbeymount, Edinburgh. EH8 8EJ. Information, support, advice, physical therapies, counselling and a cafe. Opening times: Tue & Thu 11am-8pm, Wed & Fri 11am-4pm. Phone: 0131-661 0982. E-mail: solas@waverleycare.com WWW: http://www.waverleycare.com/solas/solas.htm/ STEVE RETSON PROJECT: Weekly sexual health service for gay men. Tue 5.30-9pm. 2-6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow. Phone: 0141-211 8601. Also at GGLC, 11 Dixon Street Thu 5.30-8.30pm. WWW: http://www.steveretsonproject.org.uk/ WAVERLEY CARE TRUST BUDDY SERVICE: Buddy Service offers 1:1 emotional support to individuals living with HIV & AIDS in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Write: Buddy Service Co-ordinator, Solas, 2/4 Abbeymount, Edinburgh. EH8 8EJ. Phone: 0131-478 7927. Fax: 0131-652 1780. E-mail: buddy@waverleycare.com XXY GAYS: Part of the Klinefelter Organisation for men aged 18+ with Klinefelter Syndrome (47,XXY). Men with the syndrome usually have an extra X sex chromosome. Write: Steph, KO, PO Box 60, Orpingron, Kent. BR6 8ZQ. E-mail: xxy.gays@klinefelter.org.uk WWW: http://www.klinefelter.org.uk/ LEATHER MSC SCOTLAND: A club for men interested in Leather, Rubber, Uniform. Meets at the Claremont Bar, Edinburgh, on the last Saturday of each month from 9pm. Write: MSC Scotland, PO Box 28, Edinburgh. EH3 5JL. LEGAL GAY & LESBIAN LEGAL ADVICE: GLAD is a London based advice line run by lesbian and gay lawyers. Phone: 020-7837 5212 (Mon, Thu 7-9.30pm). State clearly that you seek Scottish legal advice as our law is very different from that of England and Wales. MILITARY RANK OUTSIDERS: The Armed Forces Lesbian & Gay Association. Support group for all serving and LGB ex members. Write: BCM Box 8431, London. WC1N 3XX. National Helpline: 0870 740 7755. Wed 7-9pm. E-mail: info@Rank-Outsiders.org.uk WWW: http://www.rank-outsiders.org.uk OLDER GAYS CAFFMOS: Contacts And Friendship For Men Over Sixty - for the older gentleman and his admirers! Write: "CAFFMOS", PO Box 2273, Hove. BN3 2GF. Phone: Hove (01273) 220995. E-mail: Caffmos2@aol.com WWW: http://www.Caffmos.co.uk/ PHOENIX: National group for the over forties and friends of any age. Write (enclose sae: Phoenix, PO Box 103, Wallington, Surrey. SM6 9SJ. 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. WWW: http://www.thesisters.org.uk/ OPI CONVENT OF DUNN EIDEANN: Write: Sister Athletica de la Bain OPI, c/o PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. E-mail: sister.athletica@dunneideann.thesisters.org.uk OPI CONVENT OF MORAVIA: A more Northern manifestation of the Sisterate. Write: Sister Bobby OPI, Convent of Moravia, 2-4 Lamb Street, Bishopmill, Elgin. IV30 2DG. Phone: Sister Bobby on Elgin (01343) 542928. E-mail: sister.bobby@moravia.thesisters.org.uk OUTDOOR CLUBS GAY BIRDERS CLUB: A club for gay and lesbian bird-watchers. UK-based with a world-wide membership, and particularly active in Scotland. Write: Deneside, Foulden, Berwickshire. TD15 1UL. E-mail: gay.birders@dial.pipex.com WWW: http://ds.dial.pipex.com/gay.birders/ GAY FISHING CLUB: New group. Contact Steven on Larkhall (01698) 881046 or 07880 895789. GAY OUTDOOR CLUB: Holds regular events including walking, skiing, cycling, mountaineering, camping, youth-hostelling, badminton and swimming. Monthly social evening in Edinburgh on 2nd Thu of month. 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: g.obrien@btclick.com), West: Robert on 0141-950 1081 (E-mail: r-watt@dircon.co.uk), Dumfries & Galloway: Ian on Dumfries (01387) 381004, North: Michael on Lairg (01549) 421344 (E-mail: Keates@eggconnect.net). WWW: http://bi.org/~goc/ Forthcoming events: Sun Dec 17: Edinburgh Christmas meal. Co-ordinators are Noel on 0131-667 7853, and Douglas on 0131-554 3357. Fri/Wed Dec 29/Jan 3: GOC Highland Hogmanay. Co-ordinator is Robert on 0141-950 1081 (E-mail: r-watt@dircon.co.uk). Thu Jan 11: EDINBURGH. Social evening. Contact Grant on 0131-556 8705 (E-mail: g.obrien@btclick.com). Sun Jan 14: CYCLING. ARGYLL. Roseneath peninsula circular run - approximately 32 miles, but may be curtailed if weather dictates. Proposed start time 10.45am at Helensburgh Central Station - but confirm with Jonathan on 0141-334 0812 (E-mail: jridge@bigfoot.com) in case of last minute changes. Sun Jan 14: EDINBURGH. Day walk along the Innocent Railway. Meet at 41 Montague Street, EH8 9QS, at 11am. Bring your lunch. Tea at Noel's afterwards. Then a pot luck supper at James_ (7 Leven Terrace EH3, Tel: 0131-229 3142) starting at 6.30pm and followed by a super slide evening. Bring along your favourite slides and show the group. Co-ordinator is Noel on 0131-667 7853. GLASGOW GAY RAMBLERS GROUP: Leisurely walks on the 2nd Sat and last Sun of each month. Sensible footwear/clothing and packed lunch required. Phone Ross on 0141-950 1081. WWW: http://www.bigfoot.com/ ~drb61/ Forthcoming events: Sat Jan 13: Meet 11am in Berkeley Street (by the Mitchell Library). Venue decided on day. Sun Jan 28: Walk along the Forth and Clyde Canal from Bowling to Glasgow. PARENTS ABERDEEN LESBIAN MOTHERS GROUP: Meets on first Sat afternoon of each month at Aberdeen Women's Centre. EDINBURGH LESBIAN MOTHERS GROUP (ELMG): Normally meets on second Sat afternoon of each month at St Columba's by the Castle, High Street. Phone in advance to check venue and/or book creche. See listing for Lesbian Mothers Network (Scotland) for contact details. GAY DADS SCOTLAND: Meets on last Thu of each month at 8pm in Edinburgh LGB Centre, 58a Broughton Street. Phone: 07947 835246. E-mail: gaydads@drink.demon.co.uk GLASGOW LESBIAN MOTHERS DISCUSSION GROUP: Meets every second Mon from 6-8pm. Support group, social events, informal chat. Creche and fares help available. Phone Vicky on 0141-333 1450. LESBIAN MOTHERS NETWORK (SCOTLAND): Phone: Sue Robertson on 0131-556 3899/4563. Fax: 0131-557 9650. Write: One Parent Families Scotland, 13 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh. EH1 3NX. E-mail: opfs@gn.apc.org WWW: http://www.gn.apc.org/opfs/ MORAY PARENTLINE: Information and advice for parents, relatives and friends of lesbians, gays and bisexuals in the North of Scotland. Phone: Elgin (01343) 541188 every 2nd Mon 7-9pm. Write: Moray Parentline, PO Box 5763, Elgin. IV30 4ZE. PARENTS' ENQUIRY SCOTLAND: Support for parents of LGBT children. Phone: 0131-556 6047 before 10pm. E-mail: parentsenquiry@hotmail.com. Contact Lothian Switchboard or write c/o PO Box 169, Edinburgh. EH1 3UU. PARENTS' FRIEND: Support for parents of LGB children. Phone: Wolverhampton (01902) 820497. Hours change weekly, but telephone answering machine will always give current details. Fax: 0113-294 9677. Write: c/o Voluntary Services Council, 2/3 Bell Street, Wolverhampton. WV1 3PR. WWW: http://www.parentsfriend.demon.co.uk/ POLITICAL AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER NETWORK: Campaigns for lgbt prisoners of conscience overseas and works within Amnesty UK to change attitudes. Write: AIGLBTN, 11 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh. EH1 1DR. Phone: Dave on 0141-575 2277. E-mail: dgilmour@innocent.com DELGA-SCOTLAND: Liberal Democrats for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Equality. Write: DELGA-Scotland, 4 Clifton Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5DR. E-mail: delga.scotland@delga.libdems. org WWW: http://www.scotlibdems org.uk/ao/delgscot/delgscot.htm INTERCOURSE: Group focused on discussion of issues surrounding sex and sexuality. Mix of ages, genders, sexualities, ethnicities etc. Write: Intercourse, 60 The Pleasance, Edinburgh. EH8 9TJ. E-mail: info@intercourse.org.uk WWW: http://www.intercourse.org.uk/ LESBIANS & 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: Phone: 0151-259 5935 (Telephone Answering Machine). Write: Liberal Party Lesbian & Gay Campaign, 41 Sutton Street, Liverpool. L13 7EG. E-mail: libgay@libparty.demon.co.uk WWW: http://www.libparty.demon.co. uk/ OUT FOR INDEPENDENCE: The SNP's LGBT Group, has been established to bring together lesbians, bisexuals, gay men and transgender people who support Independence, and to act as a forum within the SNP to discuss LGBT issues. Write: Out for Independence, 6 North Charlotte Street, Edinburgh. EH2 4JH. E-mail: mail@snplgb.freeserve.co.uk WWW: http://www.snplgb.freeserve.co.uk/ 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. Write: c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. TORCHE: Tory Campaign for Homosexual Equality. Write: BM TORCHE, London WC1N 3XX. E-mail: Torche@cableinet.co.uk WWW: http://www.torche.gb.org/ PRISONERS FREE MAGAZINES FOR PRISONERS: Copies of ScotsGay are sent free of charge to prisoners in UK prisons and institutions. Please contact us if you wish to be added to the mailing list. GAYS INSIDE: Support group for gay and bisexual prisoners. Requires volunteers to join and write to inmates. Information pack available - please enclose SAE. Write: GI, 1 Dixon Close, Steeton, West Yorkshire. BD20 6QG. E-mail: gaysinside@hotmail.com PRISONERS' LGBT GROUP: For lesbian, gay, bisexual, TV, TS or just curious people who are in prison (or any institution) in need of advice, help or a friendly ear. Run by gay guy in HMP Shotts. Write: Joseph N Campbell, (LGBL Angel Fire), 142/29 Delta, HMP Shotts, Lanarkshire. ML7 4LE. RAPE/SEXUAL ABUSE MEN AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE: Phone: 0141-550 2048. Tue 7-9pm. RAPE AND ABUSE LINE: For male and female survivors. Women answer the phone: Freephone 0808 8000123 (or Dingwall (01349) 865316) 7-10pm nightly. Men answer the phone: Freephone 0808 8000122 (or Dingwall (01349) 862686) Mon and Wed 7-10pm. Callers are welcome to phone either line. Write: PO Box 10, Dingwall. IV15 9HE. REAL ALE DIVERSE DRINKERS: Edinburgh group for lgbt real ale and cider fans. Meets in The Holyrood Tavern every 1st Mon of each month (except Jan 15th 2001) from 8pm to sample the brewers' art. Phone: Karen on 0131-557 8790. E-mail: karen@ fisherrow.co.uk WWW: http://www. antipope.org/feorag/drinkers/ GLASGOW GAY REAL ALE GROUP: Meets first Wed of each month plus regular visits to real ale pubs in the Glasgow area and to real ale festivals. Why not come along and have a beer and a laugh? Phone: Ken on 0141-427 4764. E-mail: ggrag@dodrums.dircon. co.uk WWW: http://www.dodrums. dircon.co.uk/ggrag/ UK pub listings can be found at WWW: http://www. goldings.demon.co.uk/queerale/ SKINHEADS OI SCOTLAND!: A new group, based in Edinburgh, for gay Skins living in, or from, Scotland. Dedicated to the promotion of Boot-worship, discipline, loyalty and camaraderie. Non-racist; Non-sectarian; Non-political. Write an appropriate letter for further details: PO Box 13487, Edinburgh. EH5 1QN. S/M SM GAYS: Write: SM Gays, BM SM Gays, London. WC1N 3XX. E-mail: info@smgays.org WWW: http://www.smgays.org/ SPORTS ABERDEEN GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Swim every Wed from 8pm onwards. Phone: David on Aberdeen (01224) 317552. E-mail: agmsg@drink.demon.co.uk DUNDEE GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Swim every Thu at 8.30pm at the Olympia training pool. Tickets for the training pool must be purchased by 7.30pm. Phone: Dirk on 0797 7606448. E-mail: dirk@geelen45.freeserve.co.uk EDINBURGH GAY MEN'S SWIMMING GROUP: Meets informally Mon at 8pm in the Commonwealth Pool. Phone: Colin on 0131-226 4476. EDINBURGH GOC CYCLING GROUP: Regular Sat, Sun and evening runs. Contact Calum on 0131-557 5802. GAY GOLF CLUB: Call Frank for details on 0141-576 2373. GLASGOW BADMINTON CLUB: Glasgow based gay badminton club meets twice weekly for competitive games. International tournaments and matches against clubs in London and Europe are held annually. To join, contact John: East Kilbride (01355) 220041 or David: 0141-429 7445 or E-mail: TeamScotland@hotmail.com Sorry - no beginners. GLASGOW BADMINTON GROUP: Meets Knightswood Secondary School on Thu from 7-9.30pm during term time. Phone: Robert on 0141-954 2404. WWW: http://www.bigfoot.com/~drb61 GLASGOW GOC CYCLING GROUP: Regular Sat, Sun and evening runs. Contact Douglas on 0141-649 5896. GLASGOW SWIMMING GROUP: Meets informally 7.30-9pm Mon at Govanhill Baths and Thu at North Woodside Pool. Phone: Douglas on 0141-649 5896. E-mail: drb61@bigfoot. com WWW: http://www.bigfoot.com/~drb61 LESBIAN & GAY FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS NETWORK: Write: GFSN Membership Secretary, c/o Central Station, 37 Wharfdale Road, London. N1 9SE. E-mail: csma@supanet.com WWW: http://www.gfsn.co.uk STUDENTS Many Universities and Colleges have Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Societies. Contact these via your Student Union or Student Association. ScotsGay also links to a number of LGBT Soc websites from our own web page at http://www.scotsgay.co.uk/ Many LGBT Socs are open to non-students living in the area. Phone: NUS Scotland LGB Officer on 0131-556 6598. Fax: 0131-557 5679. Write: LGB Officer, NUS Scotland, 29 Forth Street, Edinburgh. EH1 3LE. E-mail: nus-scot@dircon.co.uk TV/TS ABERDEEN: 3G (Grampian Gender Group). Meets 3rd Sat of each month Noon-5pm. Phone: Gillian on Aberdeen (01224) 633108 6.30-9.30pm Mon. EDINBURGH: Scottish TV/TS Group meets last Sat of each month (except Dec & Jan) 1-5pm in LGB Centre. Phone: Agnes on 0131-229 7177 (evenings). GLASGOW: Crosslynx TV/TS Group meets second Wed of each month (except December) from 7-10pm. Phone: Crosslynx Helpline on 0141-332 3333 Mon 7.30-9.30pm. Write: Crosslynx, c/o SLGS, PO Box 38, Glasgow. G2 2QF. WWW: http://SGLS.tripod.com/transgen.htm HIGHLAND T-GROUP: Transgender support group meets first Fri of each month from 7pm at Reach Out Highland, 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness IV1 1NB. Contact Group Co-ordinator Vikki Melrose by E-mail: vmelrose@hotmail.com or Julia Gordon at Reach Out Highland. Phone: Inverness (01463) 711585 or E-mail: juliagordon@expand.org.uk WEST LOTHIAN: Transgender Support Group meets in Livingston on 2nd and last Sat of each month from 5pm (phone for details). Other meetings held weekly Tue and Fri 6.30-9.30pm at Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, Livingston. Phone: John on 0780 8564626 (Mon-Thu 6-9pm). E-mail: kira@westlothiantsg.co.uk WWW: http://www.westlothiantsg.co.uk/ VISUAL IMPAIRMENT SCOTSGAY ON DISC: The text from ScotsGay 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. E-mail: SOD@scotsgay.co.uk WORKPLACE CAS: Support group for all LGB people involved in Scottish Citizens Advice Bureaux. Phone: Ian on Nairn (01667) 454760. EIS GAY AND LESBIAN NETWORK: Write: c/o 46 Moray Place, Edinburgh. EH3 6BH. Phone: Veronica Rankin (Equality Officer) on 0131-225 6244. E-mail: vrankin@eis.org.uk FIRE BRIGADES UNION GAY AND LESBIAN SUPPORT GROUP : Write: National Gay And Lesbian Committee, PO Box 10555, LONDON. N1 8XT. Phone: 0800 783 4778. E-mail: flag.ship@lineone.net WWW: http://website.lineone.net/~flag.ship/ GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL G&L EMPLOYEES FORUM: Phone: John Dawson on 0141-959 7457 or Charles Thomson on 0141-287 3744. GMB SCOTLAND EQUAL RIGHTS GROUP: Write: Regional Equal Rights Officer, GMB Scotland, Fountain House, 1/3 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow. G3 7UJ. Phone: 0141-332 8641. UNISON GLASGOW CITY LESBIAN & GAY GROUP: Meets monthly on Payday Tuesday in the GGLC at 6pm. Phone: Neil MacInnes on 0778 7506287. E-mail: neil.macinnes@unison-glasgow.demon.co.uk UNISON SCOTLAND L&G COMMITTEE: Write: Neil MacInnes, Secretary, UNISON House, 14 West Campbell Street, Glasgow. G2 6RX. Phone: 0141-332 0006 or 0778 7506287. E-mail: neil.macinnes@unison-glasgow.demon.co.uk UNISON WEST NETWORK: For Unison members in the West of Scotland. Meet quarterly. Phone: Neil MacInnes on 0778 7506287. E-mail: neil.macinnes@unison-glasgow.demon.co.uk YOUTH GROUPS Bi-G-LES Youth: Strathclyde's Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Youth Group: Friendship and support for under 26s. Meets Tue 8pm and Fri 4pm at the GGLC. Details from Strathclyde Switchboard or PHACE West (0141-332 3838). Write: c/o GGLC, 11 Dixon Street, Glasgow. G1 4AL. E-mail: info@bi-g-les.freeserve. co.uk WWW: http://www.bi-g-les. freeserve.co.uk/ DUNBARTONSHIRE SEXUALITY AND SUPPORT GROUP: A local group that helps young gay men come to terms with their sexuality. Open to men aged 26 and under. Meets 4th Tue of each month. Phone: Julian Heng on 0141-332 3838 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or Strathclyde Switchboard for details of venue. E-mail: julianh@phacewest.org HIGHLAND GAY LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL YOUTH GROUP: Meets 7.30pm 1st Wed of each month at 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness. Phone: Inverness (01463) 711585 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm) and ask for Ronald. Social meeting 3rd Friday of each month, same time and place. E-mail: project@reachout.demon.co.uk LANARKSHIRE GAY, LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL YOUTH GROUP: If you are under 26, live in Lanarkshire and are looking for support and friendship, whether you're coming out, thinking about it, or just want to know more, then contact Paul on 0845 6071936. E-mail: bigllany@hotmail.com LESBIAN YOUTH SUPPORT INFORMATION SERVICE: PO Box 18, Ashton-under-Lyne, Cheshire. SK15 2FE. Enclose sae. LIPS - LESBIANS IN PEER SUPPORT: A peer support project supporting young lesbians and bisexual women under 25 in the West of Scotland. Offers a safe space for young lesbian and bisexual women to meet, providing information, support and activities. Meets fortnightly on Thu eve 7-9pm at Glasgow Women's Library, 109 Trongate, Glasgow. Phone: Shona or Sue on 0141-552 8345/7539. E-mail: ylpsp@freenetname.co.uk STONEWALL YOUTH PROJECT: Provides services for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered young people living in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Project Phoneline: 0131-556 4040 (Tue 7.30-9pm) is staffed by trained young people and staff members ready to give information or just chat. Stonewall Youth Group is for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people aged 13-18 in the Lothians. Meets every Fri eve in Central Edinburgh. Stonewall Friends is for young people aged 18-25 and meets every Wed eve in Edinburgh with regular social events at other times. Stonewall Girlz carries out events and projects for lesbian, bisexual and transgendered women aged 13-25. Office Phone/Fax: 0131-622 2266 (Tue-Fri 3-5pm). Write: Stonewall Youth Project, PO Box 4040, Edinburgh. EH3 9YF. E-mail: syp@dircon.co.uk WWW: http://www.syp.dircon.co.uk/ THIS WAY OUT: Group for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders or those who are unsure. For people aged 25 or under. Informal meetings/gatherings held on Sun eve every T.W.O. weeks. Phone Diversitay LGBT Switchboard on Dundee (01382) 202620 Mon 7-10pm. Write: Diversitay LGBT Group, PO Box 53, Dundee, DD1 3YG. WWW: http://www.dundeelgb.freeserve.co.uk/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- VENUES ====== * ScotsGay stockists ABERDEEN ABERDEEN WOMEN'S CENTRE* Shoe Lane, off Queen Street. Tel: (01224) 625010. Fax: 01224 625777. Tue-Thu 10am-2pm. Where the women hang out. Lesbian group meets Wed 8-10pm. CASTRO'S* 47 Netherkirkgate. Wed-Sun 5pm-2am. After a period as straightsville, has re-opened as a mixed venue. Free admission before midnight. MADISON* 62 Shiprow. Tel: (01224) 596999. 10pm-2am. Friendly, small and intimate pub/club. Entry charge Fri/Sat/Sun with no re-entry fee. Previously Club 2000. Much improved since its recent acquisition by the owner of Liberty in Dundee. COATBRIDGE PULLMANS BAR AND PUNJAB EXPRESS RESTAURANT* 22 West Canal Street. Tel: (01236) 440643. Comfortable bar with restaurant upstairs. Run by Kally. Food served 11am-Midnight, children's certificate and carry out food. Popular with local LGBTs who gather through in the back room round the fire. Gay friendly, warm welcome, and no bad attitudes from the local troggies allowed. Veggie nosh and bits of dead animals for the carnivores. Live music Wed to Sun eves, Karaoke on Thu and Quiz on Sun. Nice place! DUNDEE CHARLIE'S BAR* 75 Seagate. Tel: (01382) 226840. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight. Sun 12.30-11pm. Gay friendly bar convenient for Liberty and the bus station. 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. E-mail: club@liberty-nightclub.co.uk WWW: http://www.liberty-nightclub.co.uk/ EDINBURGH ATOMIX* 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-558 8174. 11am-7pm. A different world of gay shopping - gifts and toys for gay boyz and girlz. New look interior with exclusive new fashion ranges and developed fetish section. E-mail: atomix@tinyonline.co.uk BLUE MOON* 1 Barony Street/36 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-556 2788 (Bar) or 0131-557 0911 (Office). Mon-Fri 11am-11.30pm, Sat-Sun 9-12.30am. Food served until 10pm. 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. BO'S VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT 57/61 Blackfriars Street. Tel: 0131-557 6136. Fri-Sat Noon-2pm. Daily 6-10pm. Superb little vegetarian restaurant. Friendly staff. Mixed clientele. Excellent value lunch menu. C32 CAFE 32c Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-557 2012. 10am-11pm. Stylish gay friendly licensed cafe with extensive menu including vegetarian selection. THE CAULDRON* 77 Clerk Street. Tel: 0131-622 7236. Noon-12.45am. Friendly real ale boozer frequented by omnisexual persons mainly of a Gothic persuasion. C.C. BLOOM'S 23 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-556 9331. Mon-Sat 6pm-3am, Sun 8pm-3am. Two floors. Karaoke on Thu and Sun. Disco every night from 10.30pm. 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-Wed 11.30am-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm, Thu-Sat 11.30am-10pm, Sun 12.30pm-10pm. Gay owned, gay friendly and renowned for courtesy, comfort and good food. First Sat of month from 8pm: a male only night aimed at leather, denim, rubber, skinhead, uniform and bears run in conjunction with the MSC Scotland Monthly Meeting and BearScots. E-mail: robin@scifipub99.freeserve.co.uk WWW: http://www.scifipub99.freeserve.co.uk/ CLOUDS 16 Forth Street. Tel: 0131-550 3808. FAX: 0131-550 3807. A gay friendly, Edinburgh based Letting Agency offering a comprehensive & competitive service for Landlords/Owners for long-term & short term property management. E-mail: cloudsacc@aol.com CYBERIA* 88 Hanover Street. Tel: 0131-220 4403. 10am-10pm. Friendly mixed cybercafe with friendly mixed staff. Where the wired queers hang out. E-mail: edinburgh@cybersurf.co.uk WWW: http://www.cybersurf.co.uk/ DIVINE DIVA'S The Venue (Top Floor), 15 Calton Road. Tel: 0131-556 8997. Every fourth Fri. 10pm-3am. Next dates: Fri 22nd Dec (Xmas Party - male guests must be invited and accompanied by a woman), 19th Jan, 16th Feb, 16th Mar. Women only one nighter with all proceeds going to Edinburgh Switchboard. E-mail: jean@lgls.org DOLLS At the Blue Moon Cafe, 36 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-476 2699. Tue-Sun 3pm-late. Women only bar/lounge. Memberships free to all women. Small, but perfectly formed! E-mail: dollsy2k@hotmail.com DUST Studio 24, 24 Calton Road. Thu 11pm-3am. A mix of Goth, Rock, Industrial, Metal and Punk DJ's. GBP2. Drinks promos. All sexualities. EASYEVERYTHING 58 Rose Street. 24 hours. Large Internet Cafe from which many young gay men seem to troll the net instead of just picking up each other! EDINBURGH GAY ESCORTS 19a Albany Street. Tel: 0131-558 1011. Fax: 0870 055 3890. Provides gay and lesbian escorts throughout Scotland. Tours of Edinburgh and surroundings. Member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. E-mail: enquiries@edinburghgayescorts.co.uk WWW: http://www.edinburghgayescorts.co.uk EDINBURGH LESBIAN GAY AND BISEXUAL CENTRE* 58a and 60 Broughton Street. Houses Atomix, 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: 0131-557 9413. FAX: 0131-557 8336. Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun Noon-9pm. Scotland's ORIGINAL licenced SEX shop where you'll be made welcome by the very nice assortment of folk who work there! Toys galore, video rental too! Glamour shop upstairs stocks larger sizes. HABANA* 22 Greenside Place. Tel: 0131-558 1270. 11am-1am. Centrally located pre club bar. Increasingly busy. HOLYROOD TAVERN* 9a Holyrood Road. Tel: 0131-556 5044. Noon-12.45am. Edinburgh's best kept secret. Real ale in a gay friendly atmosphere. "If you must go on the scene, why not have some beer first?" Diverse Drinkers meet there on the first Mon of the month from 8pm - WWW: http://www.antipope.org/feorag/drinkers/ HOT STUFF* 89 Rose Street Lane North. Tel: 0131-225 7651. Mon-Sat 1pm-1am. Sun 2pm-Midnight. Previously Frenchies, this vibrant gay 70's disco theme bar is in the heart of Rose Street. Karaoke Wed from 9pm. JP's Trivia Quiz (in aid of GMH) Sun 4.30pm. JOY Ego, 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7435. JOY Info Line: 0131-467 2551. 10.30pm-3am. Every 4th Sat. Next date: 6th Jan. Joy, Scotland's most upfront gay club is moving to The Venue from April and is meanwhile in a temporary home. GBP7 members/GBP10 non-members (reduced entry of GBP6/GBP9 before 11pm. E-mail: joy.scotland@virgin.net LEATHER AND LACE* 25 Easter Road. Tel: 0131-623 6969. Noon-6pm. Run by the folk from Fantasies, this shop stocks an entirely different selection of naughty clothes of the type that do not actually require a sex shop licence but would if the Good Christians at the church round the corner had their Neanderthal way! LUSH! Why Not, 14 George Street. Tel: 0131-624 8633. 10.30pm-3am. Monthly. New club night with DJ's Dale Wilkinson and Craig Dempster. Pre-club party at Nexus - 8pm. WWW: http://www.whynotclub.co.uk/ MASSAGE FOR HEALTH 58a/60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-669 8039, 0131-478 1090 or 07970 921209. By appointment only. Therapeutic massage from qualified practitioners Anne and John, range of complementary therapies. Concessions available. E-mail: info@massageforhealth.co.uk WWW: http://www.massageforhealth.co.uk/ MINGIN' Studio 24, 24 Calton Road. Info Line: 0131-467 2551. 10.30pm-3am. Every 2nd Sat. Next dates: Sat 16th Dec, 30th Dec (in conjunction with Joy), 13th Jan. Alan Joy's dark, sexy, dirty trance night features Alan Joy himself on the decks plus Brian Dempster. GBP5 entry. E-mail: its.mingin@virgin.net THE MISSION Studio 24, 24 Calton Road. 11pm-3am. Info Line: 07980 337363. Every second Sat. Next dates: Sun 31st Dec (Hogmanay Party - open until 5am), Sat 6th Jan, 20th Jan. Alternative music nightclub - Rock, Metal, Industrial with separate Goth Floor. All sexualities. E-mail: mission_edinburgh@hotmail.com. WWW: http://www.trans-mission.org/ 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 and varied clientele. Intense, the downstairs Disco is open Fri-Sat 10pm-2am. Real ale. NEXUS CAFE-BAR* 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 0131-478 7069. 11am-11pm. Great food and drink at reasonable prices. Internet access available. Recently refurbished in the best possible taste. E-mail: nexus1cb@aol.com No EIGHTEEN* 18 Albert Place. Tel: 0131-553 3222. Sun-Fri Noon-10pm, Sat Noon-11pm. Long established sauna club for gay gentlemen! Facilities include large sauna cabin, 14 man steam room, 10 (very popular) private rooms, 8 man filtered jacuzzi, TV lounge with hot and cold refreshments available and friendly staff. GBP8 (GBP5 concessions). WWW: http://www.number18sauna.co.uk/ OOT: OUT ON TUESDAY Stand Comedy Club, York Place. Tel: 0131-558 7272. Second Tue of each month. 9-11pm. Monthly gay comedy club in established comedy venue. Hot food. E-mail: tommy@thestand.freeserve.co.uk OUT OF THE BLUE* 1 Barony Street. (Downstairs at the Blue Moon Cafe). Tel: 0131-478 7048. Sat-Wed Noon-7pm, Thu-Fri Noon-8pm. Gay and lesbian store selling books, mags, videos, toys, wearing apparel, etc. PLANET OUT* 6 Baxter's Place. Tel: 0131-524 0061. Mon-Fri 4pm-1am, Sat-Sun 2pm-1am. Popular and busy gay bar with friendly staff. Real ale. QUEER SUNDAY @ EGO 14 Picardy Place. Tel: 0131-478 7435. Sun 10pm-3am. Weekly Gay Club in the centre of the Broughton Street Triangle. Two drinks for the price of one before Midnight. SHEBANG Wilkie House, 207 Cowgate. Tel: 0131-225 2935. Info Line: 0131-557 4656. Next dates: Sat 16th and 30th Dec. 11pm-3am. Now in its second year, Gail Sellars and guests form an all-women line-up on the main floor playing Garage, deep funky house and hard house to a relaxed and friendly mixed/gay crowd. Simmone Black (Ruby Fruit) takes on the Back Room with garage and deep house. Entry GBP8 members/GBP10 guests. WWW: http://www.webflyers.co.uk/shebang/ THE STAG & TURRET* 1-7 Montrose Terrace. Tel: 0131-661 6443. Noon-1am. Friendly gay local just round the corner from the Solas Centre. Under new energetic management. Karaoke Wed and Thu 8.30pm-1am, Sun 4-9pm. SOLAS CAFE* 2/4 Abbeymount. Tel: 0131-661 0982. Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 11am-4pm, Wed 5-9pm. Attached to Solas National HIV Information Centre. Good home cooking (everything cooked on the premises). Vegetarians and carnivores catered for. TACKNO Club Mercado, 36-39 Market Street. Tel: 0131-226 4224. Last Sun of each month. 10pm-3am. DJ Trendy Wendy. Mixed and crowded club night. WWW: http://hello.to/trendywendy/ TASTE Wilkie House, 207 Cowgate. Tel: 0131-225 2935. Info Line: 0131-557 4656. Sun 11pm-3am. DJs Fisher & Price play garage and uplifting to hard house in the Main Room with guests and Martin Valentine and Marco Smith play garage and US house in the Back Room, to an up-for-it mixed/gay crowd. Preclub bar at Union, Cowgate with Marco Smith and Martin Valentine. Mon 25th Dec: Escape Christmas Party. Mon 1st Jan: Best of Taste. (Instead of Xmas Eve & Hogmanay). GBP6 Members/GBP8 Guests. WWW: http://www.taste-clubs.com/ 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. TOWNHOUSE SAUNA AND GYM* 53 East Claremont Street. Tel: 0131-556 6116. Sun-Thu Noon-11pm, Sat-Sun Noon-Midnight. Scotland's largest, featuring steam room, 20 person sauna, large Jacuzzi, new Kruze Video Zone, licensed bar and cafe, free weights gym, massage by appointment. Admission GBP9 (Concessions GBP6), Mon 18-22 years old FREE entry, Tue GBP2 before 2pm, Wed GBP12 per couple, Thu GBP6 entry before 4pm, Fri half price beers/spirits all day, Sun GBP5 for students. Annual Membership GBP2. Proudly gay owned and operated. WWW: http://www.townhouse-sauna.co.uk/ TWISTED Studio 24, 24 Calton Road. First Sun of each month. 10.30pm-3am. New Gay Club in established venue. E-mail: info@twistedclub.co.uk WWW: http://www.twistedclub.co.uk/ UP Studio 24, 24 Calton Road. Every 4th Fri. Next dates: Fri 5th Jan, 2nd Feb, 2nd Mar. 10.30pm-3am. LGBT House/Trance Club for all sexualities. WWW: http://www.upclub.co.uk/ WEB 13* 13 Bread Street. Tel: 0131-229 8883. 9am-10pm. Informal mixed cybercafe with homely and approachable staff. 27 terminals, 2 iMacs and a text scanner. New rates: 20 mins GBP1, 40 mins GBP2, 60 mins GBP3. Happy hours: 9am-11am and 8pm-10pm GBP1.50 per hour! E-mail: queries@web13.co.uk WWW: http://www.web13.co.uk/ FALKIRK DROOKIT DUCK 16 Grahams Road. Tel: (01324) 613644. Mon-Wed 11am-3pm and 6-11.30pm. Thu 11am-3pm and 5pm-Midnight. Fri-Sat 11am-12.30am. Sun Noon-Midnight. Straight bar used by a few discrete local gays. Near to Grahamston station. GLASGOW BENNETS DISCO 80-90, Glassford Street. Tel: 0141-552 5761. Tue-Sun 11pm-3am. Beautifully appointed busy club on two floors. Frequent PAs. Tuesdays are straight. WWW: http://www.bennets.co.uk/ CCA* Centre for Contemporary Arts @ McLellan Galleries, 270 Sauchiehall Street. Tel: 0141-332 0522. Lgbt-friendly arts complex temporarily located in the McLellan Galleries whilst their old building is being completely rebuilt to their requirements. CANDLE BAR* 20 Candleriggs. Tel: 0141-564 1285. Noon-Midnight. Food served Noon-5pm. Glasgow's newest upmarket bar in the heart of the Merchant City. Beautiful place with comfortable seating. Nice staff get the Goldilocks seal of approval. Easy parking. Regular cabaret, karaoke and disco. CENTURION SPA* 19 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-248 4485. Fax: 0141-400 1080. Sun-Fri Noon-10pm, Sat 11am-7am (All Nighter). Facilities now include 2 saunas, steamroom, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, fully equipped cafe, large rest area, luxury private rest rooms, television lounge, smoking and non-smoking lounges, Loyalty Scheme for regular clients. Free Internet access with webcam. Call-n-cruz internal telephone system. E-mail: centurionspa@gay.com WWW: http://www.centurionspa.fsnet.co.uk/ CLONE ZONE* 11 Dixon Street. Tel/FAX: 0141-248 2593. Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun Noon-7pm. Clothes, videos, magazines, toys. E-mail: admin@clonezone.co.uk WWW: http://www.clonezone.co.uk/ COURT BAR* 69 Hutcheson Street. Tel: 0141-552 2463. Mon-Sat 8am-Midnight, Sun 12.30pm-Midnight. Intimate bar beside former Sheriff Court. Straight until mid-evening. DELMONICA'S BAR 68 Virginia Street. Tel: 0141-552 4803. Daily Noon-Midnight. Large pub - popular with the younger crowd. Nice if your face fits. EASYEVERYTHING 57/61 St. Vincent Street. 24 hours. Large Internet Cafe from which many young gay men seem to troll the net instead of just picking up each other! FRUITFLY The Arches, Midland Street. Tel: 0141-221 4001. Info Line: 0131-557 4656. Next date: Sat 16th Dec. 11pm-4am. DJs Fisher & Price play uplifting to hard house in the Main Room. A hassle-free night in like-minded company - guaranteed. Preclub bar at Eat, Drink, Man, Woman, King Street with Marco Smith. Entry GBP8 members/GBP10 guests. WWW: www.webflyers.co.uk/fruitfly/ GLC CAFE/BAR* GLGBTC, 11 Dixon Street. Tel: 0141-400 1008. Daily 11am-Midnight. Full breakfast always available. Home cooking. Friendly and busy! Film Night Mon 7pm. Karaoke on Fri and Sun. GLASGOW LGBT CENTRE (GGLC)* 11 Dixon Street, St Enoch. Tel/FAX: 0141-221 7203. Reception: 0141-400 7203. Daily 10am-Midnight. Welcomes lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered. Services include: Cafe Bar, Clone Zone shop, Info Box, Health Info, Interest Groups, Free Newspapers, Diary of Events, Reading Room, Garden of Reflection, Function space for hire and innovative Art Gallery. Increasingly busy and popular! Fully wheelchair accessible venue. E-mail: gglc1@dircon.co.uk WWW: http://www.gglc.org.uk/ also see their Art Gallery: http://www.gglc.org.uk/index2.html THE LANE 60 Robertson Street Lane (off Argyle Street). Tel: 0141-221 1802. Mon-Fri 1-10pm, Sat-Sun Noon-10pm. "Exotic Gay Men's Club" with sauna and private cabins. Not as busy as it used to be. MacSORLEYS BAR 42 Jamaica Street. Tel: 0141-248 8581. Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight, Sun 12.30pm-Midnight. Glasgow's second oldest pub which is now actively seeking lgbt trade! Live music Fri, Sat and Sun eves. OOT IN GLASGOW Stand Comedy Club, 333 Woodlands Road. Tel: 0870 600 6055. Second Sun of month. 8.30-10.30pm. Monthly gay comedy club in new comedy venue. E-mail: tommy@thestand.freeserve.co.uk PLANET PEACH Queen Street. Tel: 0141-226 8990. Mon, Tue 11pm-3am. Two nighter with DJ Shawn. Various drinks promos. Entry GBP3. THE POLO LOUNGE 84 Wilson Street. Tel: 0141-553 1221. Mon-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat-Sun Noon-3am. Upmarket bar with low seating. WWW: http://www.pololounge.co.uk/ SADIE FROST'S 8-10 West George Street. Tel: 0141-332 8005. Noon-Midnight. Bar meals Noon-7pm. A mere shadow of its former self. SILKS AND SECRETS* 308 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-572 1017. Mon-Sat 10am-5.45pm. Sun Noon-5pm. Clothes and toys catering for gay, transvestite and fetish tastes. Friendly understanding staff. Larger sizes stocked. TRON THEATRE CAFE BAR* Chisholm Street. Tel: 0141-552 8587. 10am-Midnight. Friendly theatre bar. Mixed. E-mail: boxoffice@tron.co.uk WWW: http://www.tron.co.uk/ VICTORIA BAR* 157-159 Bridgegait. Tel: 0141-552 6040. Daily 11am-Midnight. Basically straight, but justly popular with Glasgow's many Real Ale queens and dykes. VIOLATE PO Box 808, Glasgow. G71 7YN. Violate Club Line: 09099 108174 (60p per min at all times). BDSM and general pervery. Operates in Glasgow and Edinburgh. E-mail: info@violate.co.uk WWW: http://www.violate.co.uk/ THE WATERLOO* 306 Argyle Street. Tel: 0141-229 5891. Mon-Sat Noon-Midnight. Sun 12.30pm-Midnight. Semper idem! Popular, crowded, down to earth gay drinking shop. Scotland's oldest gay bar - what more can we say? Busy, busy, busy! Awarded the Beti Hutton seal of approval. INVERNESS NICO'S BAR/BISTRO Glen Mhor Hotel, Ness Bank. Tel: (01463) 234308. Wed and Fri 9-11pm. Smart relaxed bar popular with some local gays especially on Wednesday and Friday nights (9.15pm onwards). Mixed clientele. ROYAL HIGHLAND HOTEL Station Square, Academy Street. Tel: (01463) 231926. Wed and Fri 9-11pm. Formerly the Station Hotel. Inverness's main gay-friendly establishment. Smart hotel bar. Increasingly popular with Inverness gays who are tired of putting up with the antics of a certain homophobic establishment owner. STIRLING BARNTON BISTRO* 3 1/2 Barnton Street. Tel: (01786) 461698. Mon-Thu 10.30am-Midnight, Fri-Sat 10.30am-1am, Sun Noon-Midnight. (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. ---------------------------------------------------------------- ScotsGay: a monthly magazine for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. ScotsGay 60/- Light appears in odd numbered months, whilst ScotsGay 80/- Heavy appears in even numbered months. ISSN: 1357-0595. Edited, printed and published in Scotland (c) Pageprint Limited, December 2000. PO Box 666, Edinburgh. EH7 5YW. 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. WWW: 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. To Unsubscribe: send an 'unsubscribe scotsgay-list" message to listserver@drink.demon.co.uk In either case, please ensure that your message is in the body (NOT header of the message) and that MIME and HTML options are switched OFF. Our listserver can only accept ASCII text. If you do not understand this, please consult your ISP or Sysadmin. Thanks to Jan, who will type for beer.