Date: Thu, 04 Aug 94 18:57:49 GMT From: Pulse Magazine PULSE MAGAZINE ============== Pulse is a monthly magazine for Gay Men. Edited in Scotland Issue 24 - August 1994 ELECTRONIC EDITION To subscribe: Send a mail message to pulse@drink.demon.co.uk The first (not subject) line of the message should be subscribe pulse (If you are subscribing for a different address from the one you are using to send the request, you should use a line of the form subscribe pulse myotheraddress@my.other.system instead) To unsubscribe: Send a mail message to pulse@drink.demon.co.uk The first (not subject) line of the message should be unsubscribe pulse (If you are unsubscribing for a different address from the one you are using to send the request, you should use a line of the form unsubscribe pulse myotheraddress@my.other.system instead) All Material Copyright (c) Claypoke Limited 1994. 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- In this edition: Read Me - the Pulse Editorial Scene News - Out and About Festival '94 - John Hein's look at the Edinburgh Festival The Other Festivals Surviving the Festival Health Matters - The Steve Retson Project Focus - Heavens Above in Newcastle Food for Thought Snipits - News Bits Kriztal Gazes - Pulse Horoscopes Glasgow Bars Aids Welfare Fund Backtalk - God II: The Revenge Contacts - The Pulse Meet Market Venues - Where to go Helplines - Switchboards and Info ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EDITORIAL ========= BETTER BLATANT THAN LATENT A frequently requested and offered attribute in the personals of gay magazines is 'straight acting'. Now, what the hell does this mean? Is it somebody who beats up the wife (if bisexual) or 'wife' (if not), swills lager and pisses in the front gardens of houses near football grounds, and generally exhibits a boorish machismo? The sterotypical Essex Man? Or is it somebody who nobody could possibly mistake for being a ho-mo-sex-u-al? Or both? Now, I'm the sort of person who rarely produces the slightest Ping on anybody's Gaydar. But that doesn't mean that I'm 'straight acting'. In fact, for years I tried - God, I tried - to be a screaming queen - but it just didn't work. I found the simplest way to make sure that nobody could mistake me for a breeder was to wear gay badges - at least one for every day of the week. So many, that going through the bomb detector at airports became a major undertaking - and after several missed planes I gave up wearing them - but that's another story! No, 'straight acting' I am not. On the other hand, when out for a pint with one particular straight friend, he is frequently assumed to be gay and ignored whilst I am chatted up by sadly deluded women - much to his chagrin. For a lot of personal advertisers, 'straight acting' is merely another way of saying 'non-effeminate'. It's stating a sexual preference just as valid as would 'brown eyed, 6 foot tall, beekeeper'. And that's fine by me. Sexual preference is something that we should be able to be honest about - whether we prefer black guys to white ones, tall ones to short ones, old ones to young ones. Where I have problems with 'straight acting' is when it is held up as an ideal for all gay men to aspire to. "There wouldn't be all this trouble if only we were all straight acting and didn't mince around and draw attention to ourselves by acting unconventionally." This attitude is a put down of all our screamers, our dragsters, our leather queens, etc. Those who have always stood in the front line of the liberation struggle. Where the hell were all the 'normal' respectable gays at the Stonewall riots? Nowhere to be seen - Stonewall was down to the screamers and we should never forget that. It's the sort of attitude that keeps the drag acts off the Main stage at Pride even though these self same people gives hours of their own time to raising the money that allows Pride to happen each year. Pretending to be what we're not is always a disaster. Personally, it's a constant strain. Politically, it undermines all our collective efforts for change. There's no way that politically conservative gays can 'straighten' the 'gayer' gays. No way that they can effectively marginalise them and keep them from the view of the hetty world. So they'll just have to learn to live with them and tailor their political programme accordingly. We should rejoice in our diversity and make our community accepting and appreciative of all. John Hein --------------------------------------------------------------------------- SCENE NEWS Blackpool: Basil Newby has gone and done it again - his latest venture Funny Girls is guaranteed to blow your mind, as I soon found out. This purpose built cabaret bar is staffed by some of the most gorgeous girls you are ever likely to see, and throughout the evening the bar top is cleared for the excellent cabaret. Star of the show, Betty Legs Diamond, has to be seen to be believed, her stunning routines will keep you all entertained all night long. Watch for the finale, it has to be seen. Zoe, the DJ, keeps all the customers entertained on her little erection with the best version of Sister Act I have ever seen. Not only is the cabaret the best around, but what about the decor?. Words fail me, magnificent somehow doesn't do it justice, judge for yourself. I could go on for pages about Funny Girls, but instead all I will say is "Well done, Basil!". This is going to take some hell of a beating - Blackpool to the fore again. The August Bank Holiday in Blackpool sees one of Basil's famous all day charity events, which promises to be bigger and better than ever. If you've ever wondered which outrageous queen writes this gossip? - a clue - Monday nights at Pepes, and check the Leatherettes with their Nasty Bingo and cash prizes. Tony xxx Edinburgh: In the Athens of the North, everyone is gearing up for the festival (see our special section printed on the camp blue paper). The two latest additions to the scene, C-C-Blooms and QTs are proving very popular and have helped to turn their area into a bit of a gay village. Along with Chapps, the Edge Cafe, Blue Moon, French Connections, The Laughing Duck, Drondales, Qts, and CCs all seem to be complementing each other. Long may it continue, and maybe the petty backstabbing that has been going on will at last stop. On the subject of backstabbing, PULSE can confirm that French Connections is definitely not closing down despite the gossip being spread about by those with nothing better to do with their time. Manager Glenn tells us that they are as busy as ever and looking forward to serving the gay community in the years to come. For those of you wishing to eat out on the scene a bit of advice, if CCs is your choice, best to give them a ring and book a table to avoid disappointment. Or if it is just a bit of supper you are looking for why not try one of the late night bar snax. Getting very busy. On the subject of getting on together, PULSE can exclusively reveal that the first steps have been taken to set up a gay festival/carnival each year in Auld Reekie. Out go the bloodhounds to find out more for next month. Round at the Laughing Duck, new manager Kevin Crawford tells Pulse that a major refurb is in the pipeline soon. Among changes planned is the creation of the Duck Club down in the disco on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday with DJ Stevie Maher AKA DJ Stella, along with the introduction of a resident Jazz band on a Monday and a Country and Western Night on a Thursday. More details to follow soon. GS ON THE EDGE! In their July Issue, Gay Scotland's "Oot and Aboot" column, commented that Martin Walker of the Edge Cafe had said that the cafe had been quiet after a write up in PULSE. A furious Iain Duthie, Mr Walker's partner at the cafe, contacted Pulse to apologise, saying that Mr Walker had said no such thing. Mr Duthie went on to say. "I would like to point out that my partner Martin Walker did in fact NOT make the comments contained in the article and that the substance of the statement is factually incorrect. We would like to apologise to our fellow Pulse readers for this misunderstanding." It's not the first time GS has had to be brought to book over inaccurate reporting. Eh, Dominic? Bradford and Wakefield: The latest Lesbian and Gay Tea Dance had all the attendees tripping the light fantastic to the Lavender Cafe Orchestra. With a door price of between ukp1 and ukp3, cheap drinks and sandwiches a good old time was had by one and all. The next date for the diary is Sunday the 4th of Sept at 1pm, with the delectable Jason and his free lesson. Round at Caligula's, I hear that the club is to have a float in Manchester's Village Carnival on the 28th of August. Just because the boys are so safe and so sexy they have invited MESMAC on board. On the subject of MESMAC, I hear that their will be an after-show party at the club as part of M-Appeal (Wed 28th Sept, same day as the Ice Skating). Rumour has it that the waiter will be in G-strings. Go for it guys ( No not the G-strings). Round at the Sun, I hear that since the change of management recently, the pub has been a lot busier. PULSE will be sending in the bloodhounds to find out what is going on, and will report back next month. Now, a WARNING! We hear that a well known park in Bradford has been the scene of several attacks on gay men by a gang of local youths. Take care when out for a walk, and watch out for other guys who may be in trouble. Finally, the 1 in 12 club will be doing a fund-raiser for M-Appeal on the 29th September, 9pm - 2am. Billed as three floors of 70s tack, "Fairycake" will include a disco, games floor (with the Twister) and a cafe. Now if it's raunch you want I might suggest you catch a glimpse of male stripper Genesis who'll be swinging his thing over in Wakefield soon. I had the pleasure at the Dolphin recently, and does this guy know how to strut his stuff. None of that baby oil lotion, this was pure raunch. If you don't catch up with Genesis you can always catch another stripper at the Dolphins regular Thursday night spot. The news about M - Appeal from the Dolphin is that Dream Date will be coming your way on Monday the 3rd of October. Your hostess for the festival will be Priscilla Pratt. Details available soon. Glasgow: Round at Bennets, August the 19th sees an invitation to on and all to Suave Gav's birthday party, which promises to be the party of the year. So, get your diary out. Other attractions at Bennets in August are appearances by Sassy Stryker on the 24th, Mary Kiani on the 7th, and Hannah Jones at the 13th anniversary party on Sat the 6th. One to watch out for is an appearance by Sean McGuire (Aiden from Eastenders). While we were attending Austin's 9th birthday party, it was noticed that a few well kent faces were back on the scene. Who says you can't turn the clock back. Talking of turning the clock back, I see Benny from the Trading Post has been attending most of the charity events in the town recently, and not only attending but donating prizes as well, nice one Benny. I promise I won't mention the zimmer again (oops!). One final thing to mention. August the 21st sees the GLC's Community Treasure Hunt (by car) leaving the Kelvin Way at 11am. With prizes for both winners and losers, it should be a fun day out and well worth supporting. Leeds: A sultry Friday evening in June heralded the arrival of the Daybreak Trust Fund-raiser in Primos Disco. Mick, Nigel and the team did a great job in raising ukp505 that was handed over the following Friday to massive applause from the clubgoers. Nice one lads. The cash was raised with the help of host for the evening Kevin Peters who kept things humming along by introducing strippers such as Peugot and Jet in-between some of the best acts the north has to offer such as the divine Lee Star. Fancy a bit of trash? No silly, "Trash at the Astoria". Well I popped along and was made really welcome by one and all at this small friendly venue. The ever present Act Up stall means lots of info, condoms, dams, and lube, plus a cheap cloakroom. Their next night is Saturday 13th Aug at 10pm. Are any of you lovely people budding Lesbian or Gay artists? As yet another part of the Mesmac M-Appeal Festival on during Sept and Oct, the art gallery Dixon Gate (off the Victoria Quarter) will be presenting a show of local work. If interested call 0532 444209. Well take care and I will speak to you all next month, love Alex Newcastle: Over in Newcastle this month the hot summer nights are making the landscaped quayside more than just popular for that evening stroll, or whatever takes your fancy. However, when you guys are out and about beware, and be on the lookout for the boys in blue, who seem to be taking a more than average interest in your goings on in the pubs, clubs, and all your favourite outdoor places. Both clubs, Rockshots and The Powerhouse are frequently visited by the plod and a so called friendly eye is often kept on them from the outside. Despite all of this the pubs are, as ever busy, busy, busy. At Rockshots on a Saturday night, it is wall to wall with happy cruising, boozing gays and dykes. While at the Powerhouse on a Thursday night it's ukp1 entry and reduced drinks. Cruise at Bliss, in Market Street on a Tuesday night, is proving a popular alternative to the regular choice of Newcastle's full time scene. Entry to this slick, trendy club will set you back ukp2.50. Can't be bad. Mark. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FESTIVAL '94 The Edinburgh Festival is upon us once again. An annual fixture in the Athens of the North since 1947, the Festival and its Fringe make up the biggest arts festival in the world drawing multitudes from all over the globe for its inumerable performances. John Hein has been looking through the programmes for his 18th Festival and brings you his peronal selection of the very best. The Official Festival this year has the usual selection of the dross and the essential. Essential for the discerning faggot has to be the Mark Morris Dance Group who return with L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato - a cast of 24 dancers with orchestra, five solo singers and a chorus all in the new Festival Theatre. Music by Handel, words by Milton, bodies by God. The Festival Theatre opens with Scottish Opera's production of Fidelio. The Australian Opera is doing Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Nights Dream and Opera North have a couple of Chabrier productions - L'Etoile and Le Roi Malgre Lui. The Lucinda Childs Dance Company is on at the Playhouse and Dance with music by Philip Glass is on my 'must see' list. As is Carlo Maria Giulini conducting the European Community Youth Orchestra in the Brahms Symphonies 2 & 4. It's been 16 years since he last conducted at the Festival! The Firework Concert is another must - but tickets are long since sold out so you'll have to watch from Princes Street rather than the Gardens. Or even from Calton Hill. There's also rather a lot of Beethoven - you can't move for it - in addition to Fidelio there are performances of all the nine symphonies, the five piano concertos and many of his string quartets and piano sonatas. The Fringe is, as usual, massive. It's impossible to see more than a small fraction of the shows - even if you have the money or the time. The Biggie (although it's only on for two nights) is Viva Variety at the Playhouse. Some of the hottest acts from Channel 4's successful Viva Cabaret conspire to excite and delight even the most jaded of Festival audiences. Lily Savage hosts a sar studded cast including: Bob Downe and the Hollywood Horns, Paul Morocco, Allesandro and Antonio Forcione, Dave Schneider and Leo Bassi. I'm especially looking forward to seeing Bassi - a certifiable lunatic of the first order! The Acropolis on Calton Hill has the Jim Rose Circus Side Show - something for all the SMers amongst you but decidedly not for those of a vanilla disposition. The loudmouthed and offensive Lea de Laria will also be creasing them up at the top of the hill - this far out funny dyke is well worth a visit - five shows only. Aids Positive Underground is on at Theatre Workshop. They're doing In One Take which is part 2 of John Roman Baker's Prostitution Trilogy. Good stuff! Theatre Workshop is also the venue for Clyde Unity with Backgreen Belter - John Binnie's latest piece. It's a new comedy charting the rise and fall of a galus disco diva. The Big Window (not a musical in the ordinary sense) at Theatre Workshop is an exploration of sex, love and heartbreak in the 1990s. Plot: On the eve of a wedding, the bride and groom struggle to reach the altar while their best friends contemplate divorce. The wife's husband is having affairs with men. The wife's ex-girlfriend/lover performs acrobatic love songs. 2 Federal Expressmen ride scooters delivering messages. 4 party guests gossip and croon lush melodies with passionate words. Hilarity abounds. The Assembly Rooms are the venue for 7:84 Theatre Company Scotland's production of Twilight Shift by award winning Scots poet and playwright Jackie Kay which explores in dramatic verse form our changing attitudes to sexuality, community and politics. In a small Scottish mining town two men are in love. One cuts coal, the other cuts hair. Two men in love with each other. The Assembly Rooms are also the venue for Arches Theatre Company who are doing Joe Orton's The Erpingham Camp. A very funny play and well worth seeing. Which is, no doubt, why the same company is also performing it at the Gilded Balloon. Bob Downe and the Hollywood Horns have their own show at the Playhouse and at the Pleasance. Australia's king of camp kitsch has binned his backing tapes (thank goodness) and returns to Edinburgh with his own big band for an all-singing, all-dancing, all-polyester hysterical homage to the worst showbusiness excesses. The Brian Collective present Dudes with Dicks at Overseas House. Billed as 'Physical Theatre', it's described as 'a multi-perspective study of masculinity in the 90's. By men, about men, for everyone.' It's likely to be worth the long tramp out to Morningside for the comedy Diary of a New York Queen at the Church Hill Theatre. The play leads the audience tantalisingly through the intrigues of Fashion, Friendship, Love, Divorce, Murder, A Moose and Self Discovery - all seen through the eyes of one outrageously acerbic and camp 27 year old, played by the critically acclaimed Harold Finney. Julian Clary has a one nighter with guests at the Playhouse. A stone's throw from where he had his first success as The Joan Collins Fan Club with Fanny the Wonder Dog (Can you remember where? - answer later). Fanny may have retired, but young Clary keeps on hoofing! The gay composer Sir Arthur Sullivan is sent up something rotten at The Festival Club. Sin with Sullivan is a cabaret of topical parodies of G&S's best loved songs whilst Trial by Jury at Christmas is a delightful re-telling of their outrageous courtroom operetta as a magical Victorian charade. Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart is performed by Festival Theatre USC-USA at Old St Paul's Church and Hall. According to the New York Daily News, this is 'an angry unremitting and gripping piece of political theatre'. Appearing at the Traverse is The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me. In his off-Broadway lightning-rod drama, David Drake undresses the sex-driven late-night scene, exposes the hilarious side of locker room narcissism and explodes with a kiss of hope for the future. Also at the Traverse are the Topp Twins who will be Camping Out. Both of these productions appeared at the Tron in Glasgow earlier this year and were reviewed in our last issue. The Annual Crusaid Benefit is at the Traverse on August 29th - a gala comedy fundraising bash. The Green Carnation Theatre Company present Wilde about Oscar at the Acoustic Music Centre. It's a new play drawing shaply into focus the private lives of both Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas. A moving piece of biographical theatre! Insinuendos Cabaret Club is hoaching with talent which even includes their resident hostess Maggie Raye. Highlights of the season include: The Totally Naff Tarts - the award winning female comedy duo, There are worse things I could do - a unique revue illustrating lighter and darker sides of gay life without hiding behind make-up and drag - Paul Hull sings with Jonathon Still at the piano, Life's a Drag - a one nighter with Kevin Peters, Betty 'Legs' Diamond and friends and Whoops Cinderella - a show saucier than a coach load of ketchup. Maggie Raye fans will enjoy Mime's a Ladysham wherein Ms Raye, back in her late-night gin-joint, opens her trunk entrancing you with dames and names, past and present. All in all, a venue worth checking out - after all, it is where Julian Clary started out! No Festival would be the same without Kit and the Widow who will be exhibiting A Splendidly Hung Retrospective at the Cafe Royal. This is their tenth year at the Fringe and one of them is still as cute as ever. 'Suck on the curate's egg of their oeufre - a veritable omelette of their favourite songs. Torch Song Trilogy by Harvey Fierstein is performed by Lost Theatre at the Acoustic Music Centre. 'Shows the lives and loves of Arnold Bekoff, drag queen extraordinaire, as he falls in and out of love, adopts a son and confronts his mother. These witty, moving plays strike a chord with everyone, straight, in the closet, or out and proud.' Jack by David Greonspan was winner of the National Student Drama Festival this year and is performed at Abbotsford Lodge. This powerful and poetic look at AIDS combines video technology and performance. Noel Coward's Blythe Spirit is also on at the same venue. If you're a child, a student, unemployed, disabled or a Young Scot card holder take note that the National Association of Youth Orchestra's season at the Central Hall is absolutely free. There are some really top quality performances on offer - some of them just as good as the professional bands on at the Usher Hall in the Official Festival! NoFit State Circus have their own Big Top at The Meadows. This Cardiff based circus-theatre company are performing their new production Totally Wicked. No animals, no clowns and definitely no cliches, NoFit State Circus still use the tools of the trade - trapeze, aerial displays, juggling, magic tricks and tumbling - but combine them with theatre. Totally Wicked is a modern comic version of the morality play 'Doctor Faustus' by Christopher Marlowe. This thought provoking theme, coupled with a healthy does of slapstick comedy and brilliant circus skills makes wonderful entertainment. The Playful Theatre Company present Men: The Musical at the Randolph Centre. 'Puberty, masturbation, fatherhood, cross dressing, and hair loss in 22 musical slices'. The campest man on the Fringe is undoubtedly Earl Okin even if he is of an heterosexual disposition! He's doing two shows this year: The Kiss of the Horny Man at The Music Box and Mango and other Delights at the Acoustic Music Centre. A vastly under-rated performer. The Lesbigay Centre is holding its own Festival Welcome Party on Friday 19th of August 9pm-1am. Entry is ukp1, but the ticket can be exchanged in The Edge for a free glass of wine or soft drink. The event will give people an opportunity to meet festival performers and to view an exhibition of work by lesbian and gay artists. Nice and convenient for the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Centre in Broughton Street is the Rifle Lodge. Teddi Tosses it Off is stand-up comedienne Teddi Munro's first visit to the Fringe and her show 'addresses womens issues in a world full of Tossers'. Teddi is best know for her former double act with Polly Perkins around the gay clubs in London. Like the last bus, not to be missed! Venue 82, Southside 94, in Nicolson St, sees Ex-Gladiator Clare, Raqual-Sex on legs and their glamourous assistant Diamond Danny unleashed on the festival for the first time. With the aid of Horny Harmonies, Kitsch Comedy, Dangerous Dance Routines and Cheap props, the Iced Jems reveal the true story behind their fame, fortune, friendship and tax-evasion. Finally, the SOLAS Centre has a photo documentary exhibition Positive Lives - responses to HIV. Alongside will be a display of artwork from SOLAS and Milestone House, Edinburgh's support centre and hospice for people with HIV/AIDS. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE OTHER FESTIVALS As well as the Official Festival and the Fringe, Edinburgh is host to several other festivals throughout the year. The is in April - so you've missed it for this year. The runs from the 6th of August through until the beginning of the Official Festival - the last week featuring mainly blues. Nothing of particular lesbigay interest - but some damn fine musicians around town. The runs over the August Bank Holiday and brings a sorry collection of TV hopefuls and junior managerial staff from the broadcasting companies who rub shoulders and generally clutter up the George Hotel in their attempt to bring Involvement and Democracy to the programme making process. The is altogether more interesting - it runs this year from 13 - 28 August. The Gala Opening is [The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert]. 'Hugo Weaving, Terence Stamp, Guy Pearce. Two transvestites and a transexual travel in a clapped out bus from Sydney through the macho outback of Oz to Alice Springs to put on a drag show. The glamour! The costumes! The camp disco set pieces! An upbeat musical for the 90s, Priscilla also raises some complex questions about sexuality. Drag is the drug, but it's not simply a laughing matter.' A far cry from or !. There are lots of other films of lesbigay interest in this year's programme: [Strawberries And Chocolate]: A film from Cuba (Spanish with subtitles). 'A straight, typical "child of the revolution" becomes the object of affections for an older gay man, whose sexuality is the object of further prejudice given the political state of his country. The film develops into a warm tale of unrequited love and growing friendship, where art and literature play an important role in breaking down culturtal - and sexual - barriers.' [A Hundred Days Before The Command]: 'When five young Red Army recruits fail to complete their military training, they are mercilessly attacked and humiliated by all around them. A stylised homo-erotic German-Russian film, vividly performed by real soldiers.' One of the programmes of US Shorts includes [Death in Venice, CA] which won writer/director P David Ebersole the Best of the Fest award at the New York Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. [Twilight Zone Lecture 2] is a discussion session on 'sexuality in the Twilight Zone' - why have lesbian and gay film-makers so often fused drama and documentary techniques in order to express their personality in their work? [Priest - a work in progress]: 'When a handsome yuppie priest moves to a new diocese in Liverpool, he locks horns with a left-wing curate, hears the confession of a sexually abused girl and falls in love with a rough Scot in a gay bar. Combining realism and melodrama, Preist, by Antonia Bird, director of last year's Safe, is both a great gay film and a compelling state-of-the-nation-work by writer Jimmy McGovern, This screening is a world exclusive. [Totally F***ed Up]: Confrontational gay film-maker Araki (The Living End) describes his latest as a kind of twisted cross between avant-garde experimental cinema and a queer John Hughes flick. Six gay teenagers, living in LA and best friends, discuss their lives, longings and fears, with results that are humourous and deeply touching. The film is without doubt one of the most passionate, eloquent statements any director has yet made about what it's like to be young, American and gay in the 90s. With [Camile And Glenda Do Downtown]: Camile Paglia's attack on Women Against Pornography. [Over Our Dead Bodies]: 'Ground-breaking documentary analysis of the fate of gay men in Nazi death camps. [We Love You Derek] is an evening of celebration of Derek Jarman. It starts with [The Making Of Sebastiane] - the home movie footage shot while on Sebastiane's location in Sardinia. Later, actors will perform, dancers will dance, singers will sing and musicians will play. Finally, people will go onto a club or dance on Arthur's Seat. I won't be going - I shall remember Jarman as a very nice man who made crap films and a tolerable radio play called . [Fast Trip, Long Drop]: Gregg Bordowitz has made an autobiographical documentary while he's living with AIDS. In it, he muses about the relevance of his own singular history and scrutinises the new cultural identity he got when he was diagnosed. The film runs with the metaphor of a car crash both as slapstick humour and as tragedy. The gag is always about dying. That's the with the exception of a quick mention of [The Ashes of Pasolini] - effectively a self portrait of the director. A pretty good collection this year! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- SURVIVING THE FESTIVAL: There are people who try to fill every waking hour of the Festival by attending as many shows as possible. These people are mad. OK, it's excuseable if it's the first week of your very first festival, but more seasoned festival goers have learned to slow down and be selective. Our festival guide will, hopefully, help you to work out what's worth going to, but even so, you're sure sooner or later to finish up at a suboptimal production. And the worst ones are usually put on by the earnest little student groups, invariably with an incredibly cute director who personally sold you the ticket outside the Fringe Office. Steel yourself - either snooze and just hope you don't snore or walk out quietly. You can always turn up on the last night and apologise if you really think you're still in with a chance! Positioning is all. Don't sit in the front row (especially with acts who are likely to pick you as a victim). About half way down the house in an aisle seat is preferable. You can sink down into your seat and snooze without being seen or walk out quietly without disturbing the show. Sometimes, of course, you do get stuck in the duff seats. And sometimes not being able to see or hear can be a blessing. But it's the old comedy front row that really takes its toll. Just what do you do when you see that you're the intended 'victim', 'assistant', 'helper from the audience', call it what you will? A 'Pick someone else or I'll tell everyone that I saw you in the Duck last night' just doesn't work on the likes of Julian Clary. Physical threats? Again I don't see Julian doing anything other than giggle if I threatened to stuff his teeth down his throat - butch is just not me! Perhaps I could threaten to bite Fanny the Wonder Dog? Seriously, most professional entertainers will take the hint - it's the enthusiastic amateurs who are really dangerous. You just have to be firm - very. And if all else fails, copious tears should embarrass the most insensitive and maybe even get you your money back. Cultural overload can be a real problem. For the juxtaposition of so many different kinds of culture has its own drawbacks - sometimes a brilliant musical performance is just ruined by a noisy or aggressive piece of drama following with only a five minute break. Pick and choose carefully - and make up a proper timetable. A map is a definite must. Unless you plan to spend a fortune on taxis between venues, build in a reasonable amount of walking time. Bear in mind too that with the large number of people cluttering up the city, buses take longer during the Festival season. As well as guides like this and the invaluable reviews in the , you'll find out a lot just by asking fellow festival goers what they think of what they've seen. The at Teviot Row is a bustling magnet for the enthusiast and puts on a nightly cabaret featuring acts appearing elsewhere on the Fringe whilst the in Chambers Street is a quieter place where you can hear yourself think and even tarry for a pleasant pint of Greenmantle. Pace yourself - four shows a day is about right - and make sure that you eat, drink and get to bed at a reasonable hour. Places like are a godsend for a decent lunch and cup of coffee (especially if they're very quiet after their recent mention in another organ!). The symptoms of Festival Overdose? You'll know them when you see them - once experienced, never forgotton. The cure? Take a long walk on Calton Hill (AYOR) until you meet somebody nice and just forget about the Festival with them for a couple of hours. But why am I bothering? Nobody ever listens - not on their first visit. If you survive, you'll be back next year - a slower and a wiser perve. If you don't - well, you probably weren't cut out to be a culture vulture anyway. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- HEALTH MATTERS ============== THE STEVE RETSON PROJECT. Eighteen months ago we talked about the possibility of a Gay Men's Health Clinic in Glasgow. Well this is no longer a possibility but a reality. The Steve Retson project will be launched on the 6th of September 1994 at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The clinic will be held every Tuesday evening from 5.30 until 8.30. The project is designed by gay men for the benefit of gay men, so come along and see what's on offer-: *Free condoms and lubricants. *Sexual Health checkups, treatments, information and prevention. *Hepatitis B information/vaccination. *Counselling - sexuality, relationships, social networking. *HIV issues - prevention, information, counselling and testing. *Tea and Coffee, gay magazines and newspapers. *Workshops and events. You can use any or all of the services provided or just call in for a coffee and a chat. If you require sexual health services then make an appointment. For any of the other services just drop in. Help us make your project a success. For more information please contact the GU Medicine Dept at Glasgow Royal Infirmary on 041-304 4900. Remember to play safe as well as sexy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOCUS ===== This month we sent our Pub Spy down to clone city - Newcastle and to have a look at one of the latest additions to the scene - Heavens Above. Situated as the name might suggest on the upper floor above one of Newcastle's oldest Gay bars - the Courtyard, Heavens Above is in a different world in comparison to its older brethren (no we are not referring to the manager, who is but a broth of a boy - eh Ernie?) While the Courtyard is a bit laid back, the Heaven is a little more brisk. One of the interesting thing about the bar's decoration is the ceiling; when you are in next have a wee look and see what we mean. Managed by Robert and assisted by Tracy Julie and Kath, Heavens Above has, since it opened in October last year become very much part of the main Newcastle gay scene. The whole atmosphere is camp, fun, and friendly with a good mix of both music and clientele of both sexes, with a age range to match. One disappointing point is the lack of food, very much the done thing nowadays, so how about it guys? However what you miss on the food side you can make up for in the drinks department. Along with all the usual beers and spirits, you can purchase from the tap, a good pint of both Newcastle Exhibition and Coors Beer, and spirits being served at 2 shots for ukp1.50 can't be bad. All in all a friendly and well run bar that is well worth a visit when in town. A word of warning, it can get very busy at times. So if you fancy a contact of the other kind, you know where to go. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOOD FOR THOUGHT ================ Glasgow's Centre for Contemporary Arts might, at first, seem an odd place to be writing about in this column. However, since the early days when it was known as the Third Eye Centre, it has gone through several changes and has been kicked into the nineties, it is now better know as an arty establishment giving space as a venue to many and varied artists who wish to display their work. As in many of these places, a bar/bistro is part and parcel of the centre's makeup. All this seems to mix well with a well stocked book shop in the form of John Smith and Sons. So, looking for somewhere different to eat one night, the Moll and I decided to give the place the once over. The first thing that struck us about the menu was that there was a large selection of vegetarian and vegan food among the dead animal. After much deliberation, we were ready to order. Our choice of menu was as follows: 1 Tuscan Spinach and Mixed Bean Soup, 1 Wild Mushroom Loaf, 1 Galette of Wild Mushrooms, 1 Beef Creole with Rice, 1 Bowl of Salad containing Crisp Snap Peas, Garlic Potatoes tossed in Pine Kernals and Creme Fraiche. No sweet was required. 2 Pints of Lager and 1 Bottle of Snapples (Kiwi and Strawbery Cocktail!) The total bill came to ukp22.70 The first thing to say about the food in general is that the presentation was of a fairly high quality and the portions on the large side. My starter, the Wild Mushroom Loaf, was first class, served hot with salad and ginger chutney a really tasty plate. The Moll's soup was once again a fairly large portion served with plenty of bread and butter. Although well enough cooked it was a touch on the bland side. The presentation of the main courses could not be faulted in any way, with the Galette of Wild Mushrooms being a picture to see. However the look was let down by the lack of real flavour, a big disappointment. Never the less the Beef Creole was quite tasty if a bit on the tough side. It could have also have done with a little more meat. In a dish of this type I would have expected the meat to have been in the majority, not the reverse. The salad was plentiful, well presented and quite tasty, and the rice and well cooked and free flowing. All in all, with a bit more attention to details, a potentially good meal was reduced to the level of mediocre. However I am sure we will be back in a few months to try again. Gordon Gosnell --------------------------------------------------------------------------- SNIPITS Manchester's Equinox club is to keep its alcohol licence after magistrates threw out Greater Manchester Police's demands to have it withdrawn. The police had accused the clubs owners of obscenity following a raid at the club, where an 18 Cert Jean Genet film was showing. They also accused strippers of performing with erections. The clubs' owners still face charges of running a disorderly house. Scottish AIDS Monitor are taking the safer sex message al-fresco this summer in an ambitious venture dubbed the 'Highland Fling'. In a local park in Edinburgh(the Meadows) they are to play host to a festival of safer sex awareness, cabaret, dance and fun aimed at getting the prevention message accross to as many gay men as possible in a light-hearted, non-threatening way. For information on the event call the SAM press officer on 031-555 4850. Labour's Shadow Education Secretary Anne Taylor, at the Labour Women's conference in Southport, reiterated the Labour Party's committment to reppealing Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988. This would be done in the first term of a Labour Government. The latest figures from the World Health Organisation seem to indicate a dramatic rise in AIDS cases in Africa, Thailand, and India. The WHO's figures claim that world-wide, new cases of AIDS have risen by 60%. The International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) has expelled one of its own members - The North American Man Boy Love Association (NAMBLA) amidst a row of vote rigging. NAMBLA claim that ILGA had paid the travelling expenses of some of the delegates from groups that would vote against NAMBLA. The vote was 214-30 against NAMBLA with 10 abstentions. Danny Ward, convicted in 1992 of the killing of Edinburgh gay man Andrew Kerr, was found hanged in his cell at Perth prison. Ward had tried to commit suicide at least twice before. Lesbians, gay men and supporters in Leeds have recently raised in excess of ukp4,000 to go to 'E Floor' of Leeds General Infirmary, the unit that cared for AIDS victim Neil Greatorex. A local insurance firm caused an uproar when it refused to pay for Mr Greatorex's funeral. The ukp4,000 was raised by a sponsored walk with many of the participants in fancy dress. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- KRIZTAL GAZES ============= Leo July 21-Aug 21 With Mercury cursing this month, you should be feeling frisky and in a party mood. To brighten up things you may be tempted to wander, but beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Virgo Aug 22-Sept 22 Your luck is in this month with lots of surprises coming your way. Be on the lookout for a very important opportunity. Don't let people get in the way of a good idea. Libra Sept 23-Oct 22 Except for money, things are going to pick up. On the love front someone is looking like a refugee from a pop group, but not take that dear. Could be an interesting month for you in many ways. Scorpio Oct 23-Nov 22 Jupiter is in your chart this month, and although thing will be a bit turbulent, don't worry; they will settle down quickly. This volatile time will work well in your love life. Sagittarius Nov 23-Dec 20 Fear of the unknown is a very natural approach to something or someone different, in this case go for it. Work is changing for the better, and a visit from a queen could prove very interesting. Capricorn Dec 21-Jan 19 A dramatic change in your career could come as a shock, but a pleasant one for all that. An interesting invitation to the disco from a new face. So get the dust off your best pair of torn jeans, and don the leather waistcoat. Aquarius Jan 20-Feb 18 The sudden change in your popularity will turn a few heads and keeping the lover could become a bit of a pain. With Venus looking at Uranus things could get a little sticky in the love department. Pisces Feb 19-Mar 20 A piranah like quality comes over you this month making you a little viscous to say the least. The second half of this month will be better all round for you. Aries Mar 21-Apr 20 A new experience this month could be very pleasant. A new lover could arrive in rather camp packaging. No change elsewhere in your life. Try to watch that temper if someone at work is winding you up. Taurus Apr 21-May 20 If your old hormones are playing up this month, don't be afraid to be swept off your feet by a workmate. A sudden increase in money will be more trouble than it's worth. Gemini May 21-June 20 Energy seems to be the key word here, it brings changes in many forms. Avoid heart to hearts with friends and concentrate on your own financial problems. Cancer June 21-July 20 Mother and the rest of the family could be a problem this month, one last ditch effort to turn you straight me thinks. In all other respect your life looks great. A creative breakthrough could be your greatest achievement this month. For a private consultation, Kriztal can be contacted on 041-339 2305. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- GLASGOW BARS AIDS WELFARE FUND Every few months or so, we shall be bringing you an update on the ongoing work of the Glasgow Bars Aids Welfare Fund Committee (phew), what they have been up to, and a note of the cash you have so generously given to help those in need. The main event to report on is the mid-summer's shindig on the Renfrew Ferry. A less formal event than its predecessor - the Grand Ball, this wee shindig was just as well attended by many of the local community, some of whom we had not seen out and about since the Ball. Judging by the number of hangovers the next day, everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Everyone's enjoyment was in no small part down to the hard work by the committee and friends, and a big thanks must go to them. However a huge big thankyou must go to Colin McKee, who put together a fab cabaret spot while the band were having a well earned break. To the band, Betty-B, Our Georgia, and all who gave their time and effort - thanks a million, folks. In total the wee shindig raised in excess of ukp2,000. Earlier in the month, a charity night was held in Ivory Blacks, just down the road from the Waterloo. Organised by our Georgia, a mixed night of fund raising brought Georgia's total raised in an 8 week period to a staggering ukp1,112. Keep it up lass (sorry Brian). Many of Georgia's straight friends turned out to help in the fundraising, by singing and giving of their time. A special thanks to Hugh Kinneburgh, George Cormack, Pat Stewart, Grace Lamont and to John Doyl for providing the music. Last but not least on the list, what about the Waterloo's Martin as Cher? A star in the making eh? The committee would like to thank the following for their kind donations to the raffle-: Vicky from the Waterloo, Martin at Club X, David from Forge Gold, Deane for the hairdressing voucher, Tam from Briggait Gold, Nancy Bliss for the cake, and last but not least Georgia for the Champagne. At Austins 9th birthday party, Tina-T, Betty-B, Robert and May Miller and all provided another chance to fundraise, this time through a raffle. Over ukp70 was raised by the hard working Colin, Vicky and Georgia. As ever our thanks to Robert, John, Colin and the staff for letting us crash and use your very busy birthday party and for, as usual, supplying raffle prizes. Cheers guys. One point I can't miss out on, takes us back to the fundraiser in Ivory Blacks. Mid-way through the proceedings a young man called Chris took to the platform and did something I doubt if I could have the guts to do. Chris told the audience that he was HIV positive, then went on to tell everyone what AIDS really is and why it was so important to keep helping those who are working to make life a bit easier for those unfortunate enough to develop AIDS. Even if it is only by giving cash at nights like this. Nice one Chris. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- BACKTALK ======== GOD II: The Revenge... Since the departure of Manchester's Chief Constable James 'The Hand of God' Anderton, relationships between the forces of law and order and the Lesbian and Gay community in Manchester have improved. Labour city councillor Pat Cairney claimed that 'Anderton spent most of his time raiding newsagents and toilets whilst the citys crime figures soared'. Anderton resigned in 1991. When the new Chief Constable David Wilmot took over it was hoped that a less heavy handed policing policy would be implemented. The Manchester Lesbian and Gay Police Consultative group was set up, Manchester's Gay society looked forward to better times ahead. However, recent events would seem to have dashed any hopes of a better understanding of lesbians and gay men by the boys in blue. First of all, there was the raid on the Mineshaft with all its claims of abuse of civil rights by the arresting officers upon those detained. This was followed by a similar operation on Equinox. The way the police handled both these raids gave no indication that the boys in blue had indeed mended their ways. Paul Martin from Healthy Gay Manchester said, 'We got the impression that there would be changes in Manchester, we were told by the police that liaison was going to improve, and whatever happened under Anderton was going to change. What we really got was a kick in the teeth - to remind us of our position.' Wilmot himself said on a recent radio interview that the Mineshaft and other raids were carried out for public safety. 'I'am not prepared to see Manchester become the sin bin of Europe, and therefore I have to maintain a small nucleus of officers who are engaged in making sure that the licensing laws and the conduct expected are adhered to in the city centre and throughout the force area.' The officer responsible for liaison with the gay community, Tom Cross, refused to rule out similar incidents as the Mineshaft and Equinox raids. At a time when many of the city licence holders still remember others being prosecuted under an ancient English common law concerning lewd dancing, campaigners are wondering whether there is really much point in rebuilding trust at a time when the Chief Constable can give the nod to raids similar to Equinox and the Mineshaft whenever he feels like it. Chief Constable Wilmot has talked about re-building the lost trust with the gay community. We at PULSE feel he has a long way to go. Gordon Gosnell --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTACTS ======== To reply to a Contact Ad: 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: Pulse Magazine PO Box 1248 PAISLEY Renfrewshire Scotland PA3 3YE To place a Contact Ad: Write to the above address enclosing your advertisement copy. Ads are FREE of charge to the advertiser but can only be accepted by snail mail. Edinburgh /Fife/Central Scotland Young Scots student, 21, new to area, hot and cute, seeks friends for mutual fun and interesting times. Enjoy clubbing and nights in/out. Shopping partners even. ALA Box P2401 Edinburgh Anywhere. Straight acting guy, 35, good looking and well built all ways. Hairy and dominant. Seeks guy 21-40 for fun and possible 1-1. Write with details and photo if you can. Discretion assured. Box P2402 Glasgow/Anywhere Friendly Bi-guy, 40, will pull your briefs down, into w/s, massage, oil, videos. Welcomes replies 22-50 years.Photo please, will return. Write soon to meet up. Box 2403. Glasgow/Anywhere Nephew Required Guy 34 friendly, caring, GSOH and stable, seeks young smooth skinned lad as friend/lover/pen pal or whatever. Shy or inexperienced welcome. Photo prefered but not essential. No phone numbers please. Box P2404 Nationwide/Edinburgh/Anywhere Lesbian 26, into sport, music, pubs, cinema, travelling, walking holidays. Seeks other women for friendship/relationship.Photo appreciated. ALA Box P2405 Manchester Mature male couple, pierced, hairy and randy.Seek houseboy/slave. You - 25/50 not overweight, into t/t, b/d, w/s, hairy but not essential, and hung. Send photo with frank detailed reply. Box P2406 Glasgow Area Non scene professional guy, 6ft, medium build and 24 yrs old. Seeks other w/e guys for no strings hot fun. Asian or oriental guys welcome. Discrection assured and expected. Can travel. ALA. Box P2407 New arrival to Glasgow Good/young looking 33, into briefs and hairy legs, seeks fun loving guys for serious fun. Dont be shy and send photo and interesting photo if possible. Box P2408 Friends and penfriends wanted. Central Scotland guy, 27, seeks younger interesting friends and penfriends. Into briefs, jocks, shorts and videos. I live a quiet life and want to exchange explicit letters and ideas. Please write soon. Box P2409. West Yorkshire/Dom,Tall and Slim Not bad looking, tached 45 with firm style. Seeks skinny subs to treat as doormat.No timids for fun or serious. Your phone number helps. Looks do not matter. Box P2410 Kilmarnock/Ayr and South Ayrshire. Former lad, 34, brought up in area, now living in Bradford, seeks younger to correspond with and maybe more. Interests are cooking, reading, sport and socialising. Photo and phone number gets reply. Can accommodate. Box P2411. Genuine Male Male 40s seeks younger male for friendship and maybe more. I live near London and can accommodate. Must be honest, genuine and non scene. Box P2412 Costa Del Blackpool Tall 29, ok looks, GSOH, seeks chubby guys any age for uncomplicated no strings attached fun at my place in the evenings. Must be chubby or stocky. Poss 1-1. Box P2413 Edinburgh alone but willing. Thirty something is horny and wants to try anything you may suggest. Into smart men and leather/vinyl/ws etc. I am vwe with dark hair, blue eyes. Photo and number ensure a reply. Box P2414 South Yorkshire Straight acting guy, 26, dark hair with tache. Medium build and muscular is into most things. Seeks similar guy 21-30 for 1-1 relationship. Box P2415 Ayshire/Glasgow Red haired 40 year old female seeks a genuine female for friendship/relationship. Fed up with time wasters, only sincere people need apply. Photo if possible. ALA. Box P2416. Northwest skin Hard horny skin needs other skins, punks, or bootboys for wet and wild times after a few pints with the lager louts. Box P2417 Buxton RemoteGuy 40 living a simple life in Peak Park, seeks similar healthy, unmonied, easy going ordinary chap for friendship/relationship. Get away from it all, road and phone 1 mile. ALAWAP Box P2418 Wanted sexy Non-baldist guy under 36, must be straight acting with GSOH and smokeless if possible. Reward, a young 36, hairy built for comfort not speed, into TLC and massage. Edinburgh anywhere. Box P2419 Edinburgh/Scotland Genuine guy is looking for guyswho like to wear leather to have fun in. No S/Mor C/P. Non smoker nothing to heavy. Im 34with own home. ALA. Box P2420 Manchester and the N/West 35, 5ft 8in with cropped hair and medium build, seeks young guy under 29 for possible 121 Im sincere and honest with lots of love to give. No time wasters. ALA Box P2421 Northwest Yorkshire/Anywhere Somewhere there must be an honest,sincere, loyal, active guy looking for someone like me. Im kind, loving, caring, youngish mid-fifties and looking for a long lasting relationship. Age, looks unimportant. ALA Box P2422 Yorkshire Active male 38 seeks others for fun and games. Can travel and accommodate. 5ft 7in, 11st bald, hairy and very horny will be in Benidorm the first September fortnight. Lets meet. Box P2423 Across the pond in 501s Good looking American with dark hair, moustache, biker jacket, and faded 501s seeks correspondence, eventual meeting with smooth U.K. guy in jeans, anywhere. Jeans, T-shirt, and a winning smile. All races welcome. ALAWAP Box P2424 Glasgow/West of Scotland area Fun loving 24 year old guy with caring nature seeks correspondence with guys 21-30 for friendship and understanding of those lonely nights. Discretion assured and expected. ALAWAP Box 2425 East Lothian/Anywhere Caring, camp, passive and chubby mid-forties man seeks fun, frends and mutual massage time with a man who would like to be in a long term relationship. Please write soon. Box P2426 Edinburgh Lad 32, 5ft 9in, 10.5st with blue eyes, dark short hair. Into DMs, army gear, pants, jocks and Ys. Seeks guys for w.s and toilet fun. Skins welcome with used gear. Tel number appreciated. ALA. Box P2427 Scotland/Anywhere Slim, fit, active and passive 30 year old hairy man seeks 25-35 hair or muscular man who wants loving sexy 121. Casual meeting at first, I have my own place and lots to offer. ALAWAP Box P2428 Edinburgh Edinburgh guy,5ft 11in and 36 years old, not bad looking, very horny, caring and honest. Im looking for a policeman or fireman to spend some fun times with must be butch and very W/E. Box P2429 Cheshire/Anywhere 31, slim, non camp, straight acting guy with good soh to enjoy life with. Genuine, can travel for safe fun. Maybe 121 or just good friends. Box P2430 ** Commercial ** Turned on by feet, balls, nipples, exhibitionists, chests, hairy men, buns? Join new contact club, S.A.E. to P-Chest Box 97, Southwest D.O. Manchester. M16 8JH. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- VENUES ====== Aberdeen: PINK FLAMINGO Nether Kirkgate. Reports as they come in... (ie. watch this space!) CLUB CADERFEIDH 9 Hadden Street, Tel: (0224) 212181. Thu-Sun 9pm-2am. Popular Disco. Blackpool: Basil's On The Strand 9 The Strand, Tel: 0253-293 877. Mon-Sat 12.30pm-12.30am. Sun pub hours. Pub with dance floor, bistro, Clone Zone Shop. Pepe's 92-94, Talbot Road, Tel: 0253-26691. Mon-Sat 12-5pm & 8pm-2am, Sun 12-3pm & 8-10pm. Cabaret on Weds and Sat lunchtimes Flamingo 2001 176 Talbot Road, Tel: 0253-24901. Mon-Sat 10-2am. Sun 7-11.30 pm. Disco Club, Drag & Bistro. Sun Piano Bar lunchtimes. Galaxy Health Club 25 Springfield Road, Tel: 0253 294610 Lucy's Bar below Rumours, Talbot Square, Tel: 0253-293 204. Mon-Sat till 1am, Sun til 10.30pm. DJ and Cabaret. Matcham's Bar Behind Grand Theatre, Corporation Street, Tel: 0253-28309. Mon-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 12pm-3pm. Mixed Bar. 20's Tea Rooms, 5 Queens Street, Tel: 0253-25713. 10-5pm. Open 7 days a week. Elegant tea rooms, serving tea, coffee, snacks and meals. Bradford: Caligulas Nightclub and Fun Bar 7 Barry Street. Bradford. Tel (0274) 731606. Dundee: THE EDGE 85 Commercial Street. FRI10pm-2.30am. Dundee's one-nighter disco. GAUGER BAR 75 Seagate. Tel: (0382) 26840. Mon-Sat 11am-12pm, Sun 6pm-11pm. Large bar with pool table and its very own disco! Edinburgh: CHAPPS CLUB BAR 22 Greenside Place. Tel: 031-558 1270. Mon-Sun 9.30pm-4am. Cruisy bar all types of clientele. Busy late on at night. THE EDGE Vegetarian Cafe in the LesBiGay Centre on Broughton Street. FRENCH CONNECTION Rose Street Lane North. Mon-Sat Noon-2am, Sun 1pm-2am. Cosy bar just off Princes Street. INSINUENDOS 2 Picardy Place. Basment Cabaret Club in QT's Bar. Acts, Strippers, etc. Tel 031-556 0499. Joy at the Calton, Calton Road. 10pm till late. Edinburgh's Saturday one nighter. THE LAUGHING DUCK 24 Howe Street. Tel: 031-225 6711. Mon-Wed Noon-1am, Thu-Sat Noon-1.30am,Sun 6pm-1.00am. Busy pub especially at weekend.Disco downstairs, karaoke on Tuesdays and Sundays, Bingo on a Wednesday. Newtown Bar Dublin Street. Popular Basement Bar. QT's Bar 2 Picardy Place. Bright City Centre bar. Mixed crowd of all ages. Tel: 031-556 0499. Star Tavern Northumberland Terrace. Best Real Ale in Town. Open 12-12.30. With Beer Garden. Tel: 031-539 8070 WEST & WILDE BOOKSHOP 25a Dundas Street. Tel: 031-556 0079. Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun Noon-6pm. Scotland's only lesbian and gay bookshop. Large selection of gay titles. THE EDINBURGH LESBIAN AND GAY COMMUNITY CENTRE 58a Broughton Street. Entry through 60 as well. DRONDALE LIMITED 60 Broughton Street. Tel: 031-556 1471. Open 11am-8pm. Probably the largest gay shop north of Manchester. Shop also in Club Exchange(Glasgow). Worldwide mail order service. Glasgow: AUSTINS 183a Hope Street. Tel: 041-332 2707. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight. Friendly and basement pub. Food lunchtimes. Karaoke on Tues, Fri & Sun nights. BENNETS DISCO 80-90 Glassford Street. Tel: 041-552 5761. Tue-Sun 11pm-2am. Very popular busy disco.,Straight night Tuesday, Packed at the weekend. Chisholms Coffee Shop 145 Kenmure Street, Glasgow. Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm. Sun 11am-5pm. Cosy wee shop. (Ideal for quiet cuppa with a friend) CLUB EXCHANGE 25 Royal Exchange Square. Tel: 041-204 4599. Tue-Sun 11pm-3am. Large basement disco, busy club. Wednesday alternative night. Drondale shop. Club Sechaba New One nighter, currently seeking new venue. Details on Tel: 041-221 1276. COURT BAR 69 Hucheson Street. Tel:041-552 2463. Mon-Sat 11am-Midnight, Sun 8.30-11pm. Small bar with basement area. The ideal place to go if you like your music below the pain barrier. DELMONICA'S 68 Virginia Street. Tel:041-552 4803. Mon-Sun 11am-Midnight. Large pub with backroom area, Nightly Happy Hours, Women only backroom Tues, Karaoke Thurs, Sunday Cabaroke[ish]. Guy's Bar 105 Albert Drive (50 Yds from the Tramway Theatre) 5.30- Late 7 Nights aweek. Glasgow's New Basement Bar. Tel: 041-423 6439. SQUIRES LOUNGE 106 West Campbell Street, Tel:041-221 9184. Mon-Fri Noon-Midnight, Sat 12.30-Midnight, Sun 8pm-12pm. Thu, Fri, Sat DJ. Nightly Happy Hours. THE WATERLOO 306 Argyle Street, Tel:041-221 7359. Mon-Sun 12-12. As crowded and popular as ever. Cabaret every Thurs, Karaoke with Ms Hutton on Sundays. Harrogate: The Dungeon 2 Parliament Terrace. Tel 0423 524629. Very Busy Sunday Nights, Open 7-11pm. Hales Bar 1 Crescent Road. Mixed bar with old style gas lighting. Bedrock at the Zoo 11 Station Parade. Tel 0423 503294. New Thursday night club from 10pm-2am with Drag DJ. Leeds: The New Penny Pub, Call Lane. The Bridge Inn, Bridge Edn/Call Lane. The Old Red Lion Meadow Lane Primos II Nightclub, 41-43 New York Street. Tel 0532 446300 Liverpool: The Curzon Club Temple Lane. Tel 051-236 5160. Garlands Club. 8-10 Eberle St. Tel 051-236 3307. Reflections Club. 24 Dale St. Tel 051-236 3946. Paco's Stanly St. Basement Bar. Tel 051-236 9737. The Lisbon Stanly St. Nice friendly large pub. Tel 051-236 1248. Manchester Blues Fun Bar/Disco, 211 Slamford Street, Ashton-upon-Lyme(061-330 3212). Long Established popular Gay venue, Open Mon-Sat till 2am cruz 101 101 Princes Street. Tel 061-237 1554. Large Club open10pm-2am. Closed Tues & Sun. Members only. Grand Central 80 Oxford Street.(100 yds from Oxford St Railway Station). Also contains basement bar ('The Subway') Napoleon's Sackville Street/Bloom Street. Tel 061-236 8800. Gay disco/club. Sun-Sat 9.30-2am. New York, New York 98 Bloom Street. Tel 061-236 6556. Mixed gay bar. All day opening Oscars 5 Copper Street. Tel 061-236 6007. Gay nightclub. Wed-Sat 10-2am. Q-Bar 28 Richmond Street. Tel 061-237 9329. Members only bar (Free Membership avail.). Tues-Sat 9-1am, Sun 9-11.30pm. The Rembrandt Hotel. 33 Sackville Street. Tel 061-236 1311. Newcastle Courtyard 2 Scotswood Rd Tel 091-232 2037 Mixed pub. Heavens Above Above the Court Bar. Young and lively crowd. Busy at weekends. Tek 091-261 0488. Powerhouse Waterloo St Tel 091-261 4507 Thur-Sat 10-1am Gay club Ist Wed of month. Men only. Rockies 78 Scotswood Rd Mixed bar with disco, pub hours. Rockshots. Waterloo St. Tel 091-232 9648. Large and popular disco. Very busy. Strings 29 Blenheim Street, Tel 091-232 3530. Mixed Gay bar with accent on the Disco. The Village Sunderland St.Next to Powerhouse. Mon,Thur,Fri,Sat 12-11pm,Tue,Wed 12-12pm,Sun 7-10.30pm. Wakefield: The Dolphin Pub 6 Lower WarrenGate. Tel 0924 201705. York: White Horse Bootham. York's only full time gay haunt. Open 11am till 11pm --------------------------------------------------------------------------- HELPLINES ========= Aberdeen Tel 0224 586869 Wed. 7-10pm Ayr Lesbian and Gay Group. Tel 0292 610599 . 7-10pm. PO Box 1043, Ayr. KA6 5JQ. Ayrshire AIDS Awareness Support Group. Meetings Wed from 7pm-10pm/ Tel: 0292 619000. PO Box 1043. Ayr. Borders Gay Switchboard. Confidential Information, Advice & Counselling. Mon & Wed 7.30-10.00pm. Tel 0450 370700 or PO Box 3, Hawick, Roxburgh. TD9 9RU Central Forth Friend Tel 0786 7125 Mon 7-10pm Edinburgh Body Positive(Edinburgh) Tel 031-652 0754 (Mon-Fri) 031-661 9100 (Fax). HIV Positive Gay Men's Group, Sunday's 2-6pm Edinburgh Gay Switchboard Tel 031-556 4049. Nightly 7.30-10pm. Lesbian Line Tel 031-557 0751 Mon/Thu 7.30-10pm. Bisexual Line Tel 031-557 3620 Thurs 7.30-9.30pm Scottish Aids Monitor PO Box 248, Edinburgh EH6 5NS. Tel 031-555 4850 Fife Fife Friend. Tel 0592 266688 Monday (Women) 7.30-10.30pm, Friday (Men) 7.30-10.30pm. Glasgow Strathclyde Lesbian and Gay Switchboard. Tel 041-221 8371. Nightly 7-10pm. Lesbian Line 041-552 5768 Wed 7-10pm. The Outreach Nursing Team. Tel 0831 179902.(9.30am-4.30pm). Scottish Aids Monitor. PO Box 11,G2 2UT. Tel 041-353 3133 Harrogate Gay and Lesbian Switchboard, 5pm-10pm, M-F, 3pm-7pm S&S. Tel: 0423 524101. Body Positive 0423 524100 London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard. 24hrs. Tel 071-837 7324 Newcastle upon Tyne Friend Tel 0632 737951 Mon-Fri 7-10pm Lesbian Line Tel 0632 612277 Thu 7-10pm Perth Women 0738 828840 Mon 7-10pm. Men 0738 23917 Mon 7-10pm. York York Action Plus, HIV/AIDS support group. Helpline 0904-671631. 24Hr Crisis Line 0374 229133. MESMAC, 0904 612236. Leeds MESMAC, 0532 444209. National. TV/TS Helpline. Operated daily 7.30-10pm to listen counsel and give comfort. Ring Edinburgh Lesbian and Gay Switchboard 031-556 4049 and ask for the Scottsh TV/TS helpline. Lesbian & Gay Bereavement Project. Vaughan M.Williams Centre. Colindale Hospital. London. NW9 5HG. Tel: 081-200 0511.(Weekdays 3-6pm) National AIDS Helpline. 0800-567123. 24hr Helpline. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PULSE MAGAZINE Issue 24 - August 1994 Editorial team: Adam Donlin John Hein Gordon Gosnell Published by Claypoke Limited Contributors: Kriztal Tony Laverett (Scene News - Blackpool) Gordon (Scene News - Edinburgh) Wayne (Scene News - York) Alex (Scene News - Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield) Electronic Edition: John Hein (johndunedin@drink.demon.co.uk) General Enquiries: Pulse Magazine PO Box 1248 PAISLEY Renfrewshire Scotland PA3 3YA Advertising Enquiries: Telephone: +44 (0) 374 966402 TeleFax: +44 (0) 1505 335021 END OF FILE -- pulse@drink.demon.co.uk Pulse Magazine PO Box 1248 PAISLEY Renfrewshire Scotland PA3 3YA Telephone: +44 (0) 1505 335021