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Jules, Lee and their pampered pooch Guy introduce themselves

Gays in the valleys

Julie Rimmer

Monday, 2 June 2008

I’m Jules and I have a pampered pooch called Guy, an elderly Daschund with the temperament of a teenager. I rescued him from the Dog’s Trust about five years ago and it has proved to be a life-changing meeting. Guy is the inspiration for my website www.gaypeoplewithpets.co.uk a community where people with pets can make friends, that incorporates the interests of people who feel passionate about their pets.

Gay Pride is almost as important to me as Guy and I’m looking forward to being involved with Cardiff Pride this year. I have lots of plans and ambitions for the future – one of them being working with the Dogs Trust to bring awareness to the gay community of ‘Who will take care of your pet when you are not here’. This campaign is running in the mainstream media but I want to integrate it into the gay community, bringing security to their pets. Something (and more) I hope to do with this column.

I'll hand you over to my brother Lee...

Living in an all gay house (except for the dog – mind you he’s such a Diva I have my suspicions) presents a whole new perspective. Back to the homestead where I was born and bred... An escape to Cardiff at 17, a move to London at 19, a rollercoaster ride of hedonism, HIV, love and missed opportunities then followed me.

Fast-forward to 2008 and I choose to return home to Wales to lick my wounds and try and have a second go at this thing we call LIFE! So what does the future hold for this former wildchild socialite? Who knows but I can only hope that the old adage ‘life begins at 40’ still rings true. It’s been two months since my return to the Valleys but I have already made a splash in the gay press and have managed to get myself involved with the brand-spanking-newly-improved Cardiff Pride.

With loads of living on the horizon you’d better watch this space!