Fridae

Gay men, fed up with women "hijacking" their clubs, are demanding a ban on entrance for females, reports the (UK) Independent.

The group, dubbed Our Space, formed by "radical" gay men has been set up to "reclaim" venues in Brighton from an invasion of "let's-take-a-peek straights," the paper reported.

The group claims that gay bars in Brighton, which is the self-proclaimed gay capital of Britain, are under siege from straight women intent on "converting" them and therefore wants gay bars to ban women, including lesbians.

The founder of the group, Johnny Lord, told the paper: "These people just want to come and have a look at the 'freaks'. The Manchester gay scene has effectively been destroyed by let's-take-a-peek straights, and that's going to happen here unless we do something."

"Heterosexual women have a fantasy of converting gay men. A woman I was talking to in a bar once said to me: 'All you need is the right woman'. But nothing will make me change." Lord said.

The 38-year-old argues that the presence of women, including lesbians, sterilises the atmosphere in venues used by gay men. In contrast, he said he had no problem with straight bars or clubs banning gay men.

The campaign has split the city and angered gay rights activists.

Angela Mason, executive director of Stonewall, the gay rights pressure group, said: "The sort of gender discrimination Mr Lord is suggesting would probably be unlawful. It sends out all the wrong messages, and I don't think it's in accord with the mood in the gay and lesbian community. Gay rights is all about us moving into the mainstream of society and becoming equal citizens. This seems like a retrograde step."

Peter Tatchell, the gay rights campaigner, whose support has been canvassed by Our Space, said a ban on women in gay bars "smacked of discrimination", but added: "Most of us accept that it's okay to have clubs specially for women or black people. Likewise, there should be spaces for gay men or gay women."