|
| |
|
gay and lesbian britain |
| |
|
|
| |
Homosexual acts between consenting males were legalized in Britain
in 1967, but it wasn't until as recently as 1994 that the age of consent
was finally reduced from 21 to 18 (still two years older than that for
heterosexuals). Lesbianism has never specifically been outlawed,
apocryphally owing to the fact that Queen Victoria refused to believe
that such a thing existed.
As with so many other aspects of British life, attitudes on
homosexuality are riven with contradictions. Despite its draconian laws
and the sensationalist trash in the tabloid press, England, at least,
offers one of the most diverse and accessible lesbian and gay scenes to
be found anywhere in Europe. Nearly every town of any size has some kind
of organized gay life - pubs, clubs, community groups, campaigning
organizations, shops and phone lines - with the major scenes being found
in London, Manchester and Brighton. The Scottish scene is lively in
Edinburgh and in Glasgow, but pretty much non-existent in the more rural
areas. In Wales things are a lot more muted, with few venues outside the
main centres of Cardiff, Newport and Swansea. We've listed many venues
throughout this guide, and you'll be able to pick up a free gay listings
sheet in almost any one of them.
Of the nationwide publications , the weekly Pink Paper is informative
and contains limited listings; also worth checking are the frothy weekly
Boyz , and its monthly women's sibling, Diva . The best bet for a
comprehensive national directory of pubs, clubs, groups, gay
accommodation and local lesbian and gay switchboards is the glossy
monthly Gay Times , available from many newsagents and alternative
bookshops. Gay Men's Press produce guides aimed primarily at gay men,
although with some lesbian information included too; there's currently
London Scene , which includes Brighton. Much of the information in such
publications applies both to men and women, as the British scene is far
more mixed than in most other European nations.
Useful contacts for gay and lesbian travellers in the UK
Information on events, restaurants and travel, with good links.
Lists gay venues by location.
Online gay and lesbian travel agent, offering good deals on all types of
holidays. Also lists gay- and lesbian-friendly hotels.
|
| |
|
