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Thursday, May 25, 2017
Manchester Bomber's Sister Tries to Explain Away Murderous Brother's Actions
From: kenneth in the (212)
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Manchester bomber believed Muslims were mistreated and sought revenge:
Salman Abedi’s sister, Jomana Abedi, said her brother was "kind and loving" and that she was surprised by what he did this week. She said she thought he was driven by what he saw as injustices. “I think he saw children -- Muslim children -- dying everywhere, and wanted revenge. He saw the explosives America drops on children in Syria, and he wanted revenge,” she said. “Whether he got that is between him and God.”
Wow.
I have to say, this so-called rationale for her terrorist brother's behavior really gives me pause -- anything less than an unequivocal condemnation is pretty reprehensible. There is NEVER an excuse for blowing up a concert stadium, much less one full of children. And if you're going to try to offer some insight into a murderer's motive, perhaps it should be fueled with some semblance of logic instead of blaming the U.S. for something that Assad and Russia are responsible for. (Using this logic, why didn't he blow up people close to the Assads or Russian children?)
Besides, this terrorism scorecard is getting really tiresome. Yes, we should have never invaded Iraq. But September 11 happened before we did -- and if we're going to let past (and ongoing) misdeeds excuse people acting like savages, does that mean it's OK for me to go kill Brits in Northern Ireland on behalf of my paternal ancestors? Of course NOT.
As a friend noted: "[This kind of talk] does nothing to discourage the thought that most of these terrorists do what they do with the full knowledge of their immediate families. Gay people suffer daily, and it never occurred to me to blow up a concert. Or anything. At all."
Truly disgusting.
(Another one of her brothers was arrested on Tuesday for suspected ties to ISIS, might she be next?)
The 15 Gayest Moments On “The Real O’Neals”
From: NewNowNext
12
Kenny Gets A Pep Talk
Before Kenny goes out to wrestle for the first time he fantasizes meeting out athletes Gus Kenworthy and Robbie Rogers in the locker room beforehand—too bad the two sports superstars start bickering about their Olympic medals instead.
100 Most Eligible Bachelors, 2017
From: OUT
Nik Thakkar
Nik Thakkar is a London-based influencer, who co-founded the award-winning luxury menswear brand Ada + Nik and created the political music project NEO 10Y.
Nik is an multi-platform artist, recording artist and creative. He was scouted for a Jean Paul Gaultier campaign in 2013 which was his gateway into the creative world, he has since partnered creatively with major design houses including LVMH, Jean Paul Gaultier, Tom Ford, Givenchy, Salvatore Ferragamo and more; Nik has led design projects with Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, produced award winning fashion films featured on Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine, Hypebeast, NYLON and Rankin’s The Hunger.
Listed as one of Time Out London’s Culture 100 top creatives, described by VICE as “one of the premier creative minds in London” and STYLE.COM as “push[ing] the boundaries of the industry”, Nik is currently working on a new sonic project as NEO 10Y.
As a style and cultural influencer, Nik has co-curated design-art projects and exhibitions, guest-edited style magazines and has been a judge for both the eponymous Global Fashion Awards and Fashion Journalism Awards. Nik also commentates regularly for Sky News (Oscars), BBC World News and has presented for major fashion brands at London Fashion Week. His work has been featured in publications including Vogue Italia, Metro International, Vogue, GQ, Time Out, Style.com, The Daily Telegraph, Interview Magazine, NYLON, Wonderland magazine and more.
Nik is also has a column on The Huffington Post and is the voice behind globally recognized creative content hub KARLISMYUNKLE.COM.
Nik designed menswear for four years under his award-winning label Ada + Nik with Ada Zanditon - showing at London and New York Fashion Week .
Andy Cohen Talks New “Love Connection,” Reveals Details About Gay Dates On The Show
"Love Connection" debuted tonight on Fox
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Ahead of tonight’s premiere of the revamped version of Love Connection, host Andy Cohen opened up about some of the reboot’s biggest changes, including its inclusion of LGBT contestants.
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Fox’s version of Love Connection borrows a lot from its predecessor, which ran from the early 1980s through the early ’90s under the charming lead of host Chuck Woolery. The premise was simple: singles would go on dates with potential suitors after watching their video-taped bios and then come on the show to discuss the dates with Woolery.
Though the new Love Connection will keep this basic structure, it’s modernizing the format with cash prizes, the option to have a romantic overnight and the casting of gay suitors.
It was Cohen’s idea to bring LGBT contestants onto the game show in order to increase queer visibility on network television.
“It’s 2017, and they should just be treated the exact same way as I’m treating everyone else,” Cohen told The Advocate of the gay and lesbian contestants. “I think it’s just kind of this post-gay world that we live in, where it’s just another part of this dating show.”
“The more visibility, the better,” he continued. “A network show where you have gay people dating? I think it’s great.”
One of these gay contestants is Liz Baxter. While the 32-year-old said she didn’t sign up for the show to be a representative of the LGBT community, she’s since come around to the idea.
“I never thought that I would be in this position, but I’m super proud of being gay, so I’m happy to be an advocate in any way,” Baxter said.
“It’s a perfect time to say, ’We’re here. We’re a part of the mainstream community. We’re on TV. And we’re not going away,'” Baxter added. “It’s an important statement that we keep stepping up as gay individuals and saying, ’This is us. We’re normal. I feel more empowered now than ever.'”
Love Connection airs Thursdays on Fox at 9/8c. Watch the trailer below.
The Secret, Real-Life Lessons Of Each Season Of RuPaul’s “Drag Race”
From: Queerty
Season 6
The Battle of the Polished vs. the Polish Remover
Towards the end of this season, there would be a category of queens who were considered to be seasoned and dusted (Bianca Del Rio, Courtney Act,) and a category of queens who the judges considered to have much room for improvement, (Joslyn Fox, Trinity K Bonet and Adore Delano.) While Bianca and Courtney were visually appealing and polished, receiving gold stars for almost every challenge and never falling into the bottom two the entire season, the girls who were considered underdogs were the heart of the season, and the reason why Season 6 of Drag Race would be so beloved.
Adore Delano fell into the bottom several times in the competition, lip-synced for her life twice and was read for filth on the runway half the episodes, and yet she impacted the competition so strongly that a believable alternate ending of the show was shot where Bianca and Adore would both be crowned the winners. It taught the audience that while seasoned perfectionist Bianca did win in the end, that a contestant’s impact on the competition can take a contender far, despite a low report card.
15 Ways You Can Stay Safe On Grindr And Other Dating Apps
From: Pink News
8
Prepare To Say No
When sex is concerned no always means no. With someone you’ve met on an app this should include lots more things too: things like going back to theirs from the bar, staying out drinking, going to a sex venue or simply going to an area you don’t know. You’re under no obligation to do what they want just because you fancied them in an app – if you’re not sure, choose the safest option.
“Brokeback Mountain” Opera Making Its U.S. Debut In 2018
Charles Wuorinen's adaptation comes to Lincoln Center
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
After a successful run in Madrid in 2014, an opera adaptation of Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain will make its U.S. premiere at Lincoln Center in 2018.
New York City Opera will mount the production, created by composer Charles Wuorinen and author Annie Proulx, who penned the original “Brokeback” short story and contributed the new show’s libretto.
“It’s a story of doomed love, in this case a complex homosexual relationship taking place in a very homophobic society,” says Wuorinen, who is openly gay.
The stage version is grittier than the film, with tighter characterizations and the addition of a ghost and a chorus. “Wuorinen’s score evokes the mountains with its swells and strains, bringing to life the harshly imposing Wyoming landscape from which the story was born,” wrote Broadway World.
NYCO originally commissioned the work, but when the company declared bankruptcy in 2013, the company’s director, Gerard Mortier, took it to Madrid’s Teatro Real. Other productions announced for the revived company include Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West, Italo Montemezzi’s L’Amore dei Tre Re and a new production, Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, by Jose “Pepe” Martinez.
The Lincoln Center’s Brokeback will be conducted by Kazem Abdulla, though principal performers have yet to be announced.
History's 125 Hottest Gay-Porn Stars
From: Boy Culture
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| You're the bottom—you're the inspiration... |
60
Danny Sommers
This all-American twink spent the 1990s bottoming for every top in the biz, and with a smile. I'm not sure I could pick a single role of his that sticks out for me (though I think he bed-battled with Jon Vincent, with both coming out the victor), but I recall him being in every dirty magazine I looked at or worked on in the 1990s and never losing his cuteness. Rumor has it that he went back to school (for what?) after leaving the biz.
14 Young Artists Who Are Changing The Way We Think Of Gender
From: Queerty
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Jaden Smith
“In five years when a kid goes to school wearing a skirt, he won’t get beat up and kids won’t get mad at him.”
That’s Jaden Smith’s goal, anyway. Tabloids have already written reams about the 17-year-old actor’s gender-fluid sense of style, but Smith claims he doesn’t even see what the big deal is, anyway.
“I feel like people are kind of confused about gender norms,” he told filmmaker Baz Luhrmann during an interview for Nylon. “I feel like people don’t really get it.”
“I’m not saying that I get it, I’m just saying that I’ve never seen any distinction.”
365 Groovy Books Worth Reading
From: Deep Dish
67
Grease: The Fotonovel
1978
As a young teenager in 1978, I loved Olivia Newton-John and her hit movie musical, so - of course - I had to buy this book for $2.50 (as well as the film's original soundtrack).
#BIGBRIGHTSTAR
Gay adult film star Chris Harder bares all in a behind-the-scenes and between the sheets solo directed by David Drake.
May 27 - June 15 at Laurie Beechman Theatre
Buy tickets HERE.From: Spin Cycle
May 27 - June 15 at Laurie Beechman Theatre
Buy tickets HERE.From: Spin Cycle
Chris Harder will present the World Premiere of his behind-the-scenes tell-all #BigBrightStar at The Laurie Beechman Theater inside West Bank Cafe (at 407 West 42nd Street -- at Ninth Avenue, accessible from the A,C,E,N,R,V,F,1,2,3 trains at 42nd Street). Directed by Obie Award winner David Drake, performances are Saturday, May 27 at 7pm and Thursdays, June 1- 15 at 7pm. Tickets are $22 plus a $20 food/drink minimum. A $35 VIP ticket that includes reserved seating, a gift bag and a meet-and-greet are also available. To purchase tickets, call 212-352-3101 or visit www.SpinCycleNYC.com.
In #BigBrightStar "professionaly naked" Chris Harder is so #grateful you're coming to his one man show, because after all, he is a really famous gay adult film star... right? Using theater, burlesque, and like, so many #instagood emojis, Harder relives the defining moments and illustrates the real-life people that have shaped his career. But as he delves further between the sheets, Harder may just discover that a life on camera is ironically, "harder" than he thought. Trust, you'll never tweet #OMFG the same way again.
Chris Harder is a NYC burlesque performer, writer, and yes, an "adult film star." Harder has traveled the US and the world with his beefcake burlesque shows, including headlining the 2017 Helsinki Burlesque Festival as well as performances in New Zealand, Vienna, London and... Fargo, North Dakota. Harder is also the writer and creator of the "Nasty Drew and That Harder Boy Series," a burlesque/drag parody of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys novels running at The Laurie Beechman Theater. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @HarderBurlesque and Google him at your own risk! www.HarderBurlesque.com.
David Drake is an actor-writer-director best known as the Obie Award-winning playwright/performer of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, one of the longest-running solo shows in Off-Broadway history. David also starred in Vampire Lesbians of Sodom (succeeding Charles Busch for 856 performances), originated the role of “Miss Deep South” in the hit Pageant, as well as co-starring with Jim J. Bullock in End of the World Party at the 47th St. Theater, and with B.D. Wong in A Language of Their Own at The Public. His TV credits: The Good Wife, Law & Order, The Beat, NY Undercover. Feature films: Jonathan Demme’s Philadelphia, as well as It’s Pat, Naked in New York, David Searching, Bear City, Longtime Companion, and his own adaptation of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me. As a stage director, David has twice been a Directing Fellow at the Sundance Theater Lab, and has directed new works at The Public’s Under the Radar Festival, Joe’s Pub, and Rattlestick, among others. Most notably, Drake director of the 2009 world premiere of Taylor Mac’s The Lily’s Revenge, which made the “10 Best Lists” in The New Yorker, NY Post, The Advocate, Paper Magazine, and won a 2010 Village Voice Obie Award.
24 Obscure Kinks and Fetishes of Gay Men
From: The Advocate
10
Fetish For Mechanical Objects
Cars are the most common objects associated with mechanophilia, which is sexual attraction to machines, although other mechanized objects shouldn't be left out. Just don't experiment with a blender or food processor.
13 Times Katharine Hepburn Was Queer Perfection
From: NewNowNext
11
“The Millionairess”
Hepburn starred in the 1952 West End production of George Bernard Shaw’s play as Epifania, yet another single woman who can’t find the right man. (Go figure.)
The lesbian Hollwyood tell-all The Sewing Circle described Hepburn in The Millionairess as “butch”: “In slacks, turtlenecks, and casual jackets, [she] told chat-show audiences in clipped humorous and disdainful pronouncements what she thought of women’s lib, marriage, her need for privacy and increasing fear of everything.”
How Controversial: Penises
From: OMG
If there’s one consistent discussion topic that’s appeared in our comments over the years, it’s the Great Circumcision Debate. The passionate arguments presented on both sides will undoubtedly have great ramifications in the years to come, so let’s dive a little deeper.
Some celebrities who are an “uncut” above the rest, like Marc Rodriguez.
Marc Rodriguez
Diet of Sex
2014
James Corden Holds Back Tears During Emotional Statement About the Manchester Bombing
From: Towleroad
Late Late Show host James Corden was in the middle of his show’s taping when news broke of the terrorist bombing at MEN Arena in Manchester and delivered an emotional message about a city that he loves.
Said Corden:
“When I think of Manchester, the place that I know, I think of the spirit of the people there and I’m telling you a more tight-knit group of people you’ll be hard pressed to find. Strong, proud, caring people with community at it’s core. And if it’s even possible, the spirit of the people of Manchester will grow even stronger this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Manchester tonight: all of the staff at the arena, all of the security teams, all of the emergency services, Ariana and her team, and all of those families affected by tonight. We’ll all go to bed holding our little ones even tight this evening.”
Watch:
Ryan Calls On Gianforte to Apologize for Assault, Says Election up to Montana Voters
From: NBC News
House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday called on Republican Greg Gianforte to apologize after he was charged with assaulting a reporter, but said he will leave it up to Montana voters to decide whether they want him to serve in Congress.
"I do not think this is acceptable behavior, but the choice will be made by the people of Montana," Ryan said during a press conference. "I think he should apologize."
A Montana sheriff charged Gianforte with misdemeanor assault Wednesday night after Guardian journalist Ben Jacobs said the politician "body slammed" him at a campaign event in Bozeman while the reporter tried to ask a question.
The incident occurred hours before polls opened Thursday in the high-profile race between Gianforte and Democrat Rob Quist for the state's open House seat.
Democrats immediately demanded Gianforte withdraw from the race, while three of the state's largest newspapers rescinded their endorsements of the GOP candidate.
But a defiant Gianforte portrayed himself as the victim, with a spokesperson blaming the "aggressive behavior from a liberal journalist."
Republicans for the most part stood by Gianforte, with several telling reporters he would be welcome on Capitol Hill.
"We all make mistakes," said Ohio GOP Rep. Steve Stivers, the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. "From what I know of Greg Gianforte, this was totally out of character."
Montana Sen. Steve Daines, one of Gianforte's biggest supporters, called on the candidate to apologize and said he would leave it up to law enforcement. "I do not condone violence in any way," he said.
A source close to the Gianforte campaign told NBC News they raised over $100,000 online in the 24 hours, with most of the donations coming after the incident.
Jacobs told MSNBC's Chris Hayes that he was trying to ask Gianforte about the Congressional Budget Office's financial analysis of the Republican health care plan when "the next thing I know, I'm being body-slammed."
"He's on top of me. My glasses are broken," Jacobs said. "It's the strangest moment that's happened in my entire life reporting."
Jacobs' claims were supported by an audio recording of the event and an eyewitness account by a Fox News crew that happened to be in the same room.
Greg Gianforte just body slammed me and broke my glasses— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) May 24, 2017
Sheriff Brian Gootkin held a press conference Thursday afternoon to say the matter had now been turned over the country prosecutor ahead of Gianforte's June 7 court date and that the incident did not merit a felony assault charge because Jacobs "was not seriously injured."
Gootkin also said Gianforte refused to give a statement to authorities and was never arrested.
"He left the scene and deputies were busy talking to witnesses and the victim," added Gootkin, who also dismissed questions about potential conflicts of interest after it was revealed he had donated $250 to Gianforte's campaign.
In a statement, Shane Scanlon, a spokesman for Gianforte's campaign, alleged that Jacobs started the kerfuffle when he crashed an interview the Republican candidate was preparing to give to another media outlet.
"It's unfortunate that this aggressive behavior from a liberal journalist created this scene at our campaign volunteer BBQ," he said.
Jacobs dismissed that version of events. "The only thing in the Gianforte statement that is factually correct is my name and my place of employment," Jacobs said on ABC's "Good Morning America" Thursday.
In a statement, Lee Glendinning, The Guardian's U.S. editor, said that the newspaper was "deeply appalled" and that "we stand by Ben."
Gianforte sitting in a Jeep. Sheriff's deputies were talking to him earlier. Now a medic is at the window talking with him. #bdcnews #mtal pic.twitter.com/JsT4tTYt82— Whitney Bermes (@wabermes) May 24, 2017
Polls in the race have consistently shown Gianforte favored to retain the statewide congressional seat vacated by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. Quist, a folk singer, has come within striking distance thanks to an outpouring of money and energy from Democrats desperate to score a victory against Trump.
But the incident likely came too late to have any major impact on Thursday's election, since up to two-thirds of voters are estimated to have already cast a ballot in the race.
The front pages voters in Montana are waking up to on Election Day. pic.twitter.com/gaR7gGbOMM— Alex Seitz-Wald (@aseitzwald) May 25, 2017
Quist has so far said little about his opponent's physical altercation. "I'm just focused on the issues that are facing the people of Montana," he told reporters during a final campaign stop Wednesday night.
But other Democrats tried to capitalize on the moment. Several party-aligned groups have been running Facebook advertisements on the incident aimed at Montanans who may not yet have voted.
Democratic National Committee Deputy Chair Keith Ellison told NBC News Gianforte should withdraw from the race so he can "focus on his legal problems."
In audio of the confrontation posted to YouTube by The Guardian, a voice said to be Gianforte's asks Jacobs to speak with an aide. Then loud crashing sounds can be heard.
"I'm sick and tired of you guys! The last time you came in here you did the same thing. Get the hell out of here! Get the hell out of here!" the man yells.
So I was there for this - still am https://t.co/tgjOCYErFi— Alexis Levinson (@alexis_levinson) May 24, 2017
Gianforte and Jacobs have a history: Last month, Jacobs reported that Gianforte owns about $250,000 in shares in two index funds that have investments in Russian companies that are under U.S. sanctions.
CORRECTION (May 25, 2017, 8:10 a.m.): An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that President Donald Trump visited Montana to support Greg Gianforte's campaign. The president has not done so, but his son, Donald Trump Jr., has.
UK Pays Respects to Young Writer/PR that was Lost in Manchester Bombing
From: Cocktails and Cocktalk
After an extensive search on social media for 29 year-old Martyn Hett, reports have confirmed that he was lost in the horrific bombing in Manchester on Monday night. Hett, who wrote frequently for Attitude Magazine, was a PR Manager and celebrating his leaving do that night at the Ariana Grande concert. He was set to travel to the US for 2 months in the days following the incident…
LEAVING DO 🇺🇸✈️ pic.twitter.com/cS3DXVKxzz— Martyn (@martynhett) May 20, 2017
Martyn’s brother Dan tweeted that he was “heartbroken”, while friend Russell Hayward wrote this emotional tweet:
— 🥝Russell (@RussellHayward) May 24, 2017
Many of the London and Manchester scene have been hit hard by the news, paying their respects to him on social media.
Attitude wrote: Martyn was a brilliant, witty friend of Attitude who had previously shared his infectious humor by writing several pieces for us. We share everybody’s shock and sorrow at news of his passing and would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his loved ones at this time.
Though we never knew him personally, it always heartbreaking to hear the news that a member of community was taken before their time. Innocent people, that have their whole lives ahead of them; that are about to go chasing their dreams before having that opportunity and all the others unruly taken. Our hearts go out to his family and friends – stay strong.
Trump Condemns ‘Evil Losers’ Who Carried Out Manchester Bombing
From: Towleroad
Donald Trump condemned “evil losers” who carried out the bombing in Manchester while speaking at an event with Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority.
Said Trump of the terrorists:
"I won’t call them monsters because they would like that term. They would think that’s a great name. I will call them, from now on, losers, because that’s what they are. They’re losers. And we’ll have more of them. But they’re losers. Just remember that."
Watch:
141 Men Arrested For GAY SEX PARTY In Indonesia; OutRight Action International Responds
From: Boy Culture
You may have read of the 141 men arrested in a gay sauna in Indonesia. The country does not criminalize homosexuality, but you'd never know it because police have been using other codes — such as anti-porn statues — to crack down on gay men.
The men detained are accused of participating in a gay sex party at a sauna in the capital city of Jakarta.
Jessica Stern, Exec. Dir. of OutRight Action International issued the following comment:
OutRight’s research, Creeping Criminalization, shows that regional regulations are departing from national laws and are heavily influenced by fundamentalist interpretations of Islam. These laws are targeting women’s dress codes, any women having relationships outside of marriage, and LGBTIQ people, criminalizing them on grounds of breaching public morality.What is happening in Indonesia is dangerous and scary. Officials are using their own personal biases on morality to oppress different groups and especially LGBTIQ people. In the past, the LGBTIQ community has experienced more tolerance in Indonesian society, but particularly over the past 18 months crackdowns have increased and the situation has become much worse for LGBTIQ people. LGBTIQ Indonesians are equal citizens and must not be singled out and oppressed simply for who they love or who they are.
The world is not post-gay ... not be a longshot.
Gay Journalist and PR Manager Martyn Hett Confirmed as 10th Victim of Manchester Bombing
The Telegraph has profiles of the victims of all the victimsFrom: Towleroad
Martyn Hett, a gay journalist and PR manager, was confirmed as the 10th named victim of the Manchester bombing. Hett had been missing since Monday night’s attack following the Ariana Grande concert which killed 22 and injured more than 50 others.
Hett’s death was announced by his boyfriend Russell Hayward, who wrote on Twitter:
“We got the news last night that our wonderful iconic and beautiful Martyn didn’t survive. He left this world exactly how he lived, centre of attention. I’m in a really bad way so please forgive if I don’t reply. Thankfully I have his wonderful family and amazing friends to keep each other strong. I love you, I always will. x”
— 🥝Russell (@RussellHayward) May 24, 2017
Soulmate doesn't even come close. Come back to us Martyn so we can watch last nights Corrie together 💔 pic.twitter.com/cXbehUgoxc— 🥝Russell (@RussellHayward) May 23, 2017
Hett was a contributor to the UK’s Attitude magazine, which reported on Hett’s attendance at the concert:
Martyn, a former Attitude contributor who had appeared on television shows including Come Dine With Me and Tattoo Fixers, had attended Monday’s concert with a friend, Stuart Aspinall, but became became separated from him towards the end of the show.Stuart wrote in a Facebook post shortly after the attack: “The more news that is coming out, the scarier this is getting. There was an explosion at the Ariana Grande concert tonight in Manchester and I haven’t seen my friend Martyn since.“He went to the bar about 20 minutes before the end of the concert and got chatting to some girls. As I was leaving, the explosion happened and everyone started running.”Less than an hour before Monday night’s fatal attack, which left 22 dead and almost 60 injured, Martyn had tweeted: “When you sneak out for a toilet break on the Macy Gray song and the entire arena had the same idea.”Martyn, who was a long-time Coronation Street fan and sported a large tattoo iconic soap character Dierdre Barlow on his left leg, had been due to embark on the trip of a lifetime just two days after the cowardly bombing which claimed his life.He had been due to fly to the United States on Wednesday for two-months, and had bade farewell to many of his friends in a leaving party just two days before his death.
Any @itvcorrie superfans out there who can match Martyn’s Deirdre Barlow tattoo? 😂
— BBC Radio 5 live (@bbc5live) May 22, 2017
The 22 Victims From The Manchester Bombing Have Been Identified
22 people were killed and 59 injured in the suicide bombing
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
On May 22, an explosive device at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, left 22 people confirmed dead, including Grande super fan Georgina Callander, openly gay 29-year-old Martyn Hett and Saffie-Rose Roussos, who was just 8.
The bomber died in the explosion, and police are investigating other possible suspects.
Grande has suspended her Dangerous Woman world tour and has reportedly been reaching out to families of the victims, offering to cover funeral costs.
“We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence,” said the singer’s manager, Scooter Braun, in a statement. “Our way of life has once again been threatened but we will overcome this together.”
Below are the names of the victims, please have them, their families and friends in your thoughts and prayers:
Saffie Rose Roussos, 8, is the youngest victim to have been confirmed dead from the attack. She was killed after becoming separated from her mum and sister at the venue – both are still in hospital being treated for severe shrapnel wounds.
Martyn Hett, 29, the Coronation Street super fan has been confirmed dead, he was due to go on a two month “trip of a lifetime” to America days after he was killed.
Georgina Callander, 18, who met Ariana Grande backstage at a previous gig was the first young person to be confirmed dead – she died with her mum by her side and was described as a girl who “lit up the room”.
Olivia Campbell, 15 brought Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid to tears when her mum Charlotte appealed for information on her whereabouts. Later confirming everyone’s worst fears on Facebook by saying: “Go sing with the angels and keep smiling. Mummy loves you so much.”
Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer whose identity was not initially revealed, lost her life in the terror attack – her husband and children sustained injuries from the blast.
John Atkinson, 26 from Radcliffe was the third person to be formally confirmed as dead. He has been described as an “amazing young man” with a “beautiful soul”.
Kelly Brewster, 32 died trying to shield her 11 year-old niece. A pal said: “She ran to shield Hollie from the blast as best she could. She threw herself in front of her.”
Alison Lowe, 44 and Lisa Lees, 43 were killed when they arrived to pick up their teenage daughters – who were later found safe.
Marcin Kils, 42 and Angelika Kils, 39 were killed as they waited for their daughters Patricia and Alex who were not hurt in the attack.
Nell Jones, 14 has been confirmed dead at the scene, ending her family’s 36-hour search of the cities hospitals.
Jane Tweedle-Taylor, 50 from Blackpool was killed when she arrived to collect a friend’s daughter from the concert.
Michelle Kiss, from Blackburn has been confirmed as one of the dead – she attended the concert with her daughter.
Sorrell Leczkowski, 14 died with her mum and grandmother at her side, both remain in hospital.
Chloe Rutherford, 17 and Liam Curry, 19, a couple from South Shields, were remembered in a heartbreaking joint tribute from their families after being named: “They were perfect in every way for each other and were meant to be.”
Eilidh MacLeod, 14 was confirmed dead by her parents after days of frantic searching – her pal Laura MacIntyre, 15, was found alive, but was treated for serious burns.
Wendy Fawell, 50, a mum from Leeds, was picking up her children with a friend when the blast hit – she was announced dead after a desperate appeal to find her.
Courtney Boyle, 19, and her stepdad Philip Tron, 32 were also the subject of a Facebook appeal for information lasting several days, before it was were confirmed they had lost their lives.
Megan Hurley, 15 was the final victim to be named – the Liverpool schoolgirl’s brother sustained serious injuries in the blast.