LGBT History Month UK

LGBT History Month website down

2011-06-05T11:05:00.001+01:00

We are currently experiencing technical problems with our website. As a result it is currently unavailable. We are working on sorting this out and hope to back online as soon as possible. Our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Uganda Drops Anti-Gay Bill

2011-05-16T08:41:00.000+01:00

Uganda has dropped - or shelved it's proposed anti-gay bill. Parliament closed yesterday after failing to implement it. Although Parliament has been extended to run on Monday and Tuesday, only administrative business will be carried out. Many, however, believe that public pressure scuppered the Bill's chances, especially the USA's description of the Bill as 'odioud'.

Read more here.

Joan Armatrading marries girlfriend

2011-05-14T19:42:00.000+01:00

Singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading and her partner, artist Maggie Butler, had a civil partnership on 2 May in Shetland.

Armatrading began her music career in the 1970s and quickly gained a strong lesbian following with singles ‘Drop the Pilot’ and ‘Love and Affection’.

She has been nominated for three Grammy Awards and two Brit awards, and she received the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection in 1996.

Read the full story in Lesbilicious, here.

40 years on: where are LGBT rights?

2011-05-13T09:18:00.000+01:00

The 40 year anniversary of the founding of GLF in the UK on the LSE campus gave momentum to look back how LGBT rights have developed and become globalized in this period. The conference is an opportunity to engage in a discussion on the changing context of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) rights in the last 40 years. It is bringing together academics and activists involved in the development of the global LGBT movement. It will look at the historical context of the development of GLF and bring together current, and globalised, debates on sexuality, equality activism and needs.

The conference will consider the ways in which the rights context has impacted upon the lives of LGBT people both in the UK and in the global arena; What are the different ways of understanding strategies and technologies for sexuality rights in different contexts? What are the lessons to be learned from an internationalist perspective?

The conference will include a key note address, panel sessions and more open discussion based sessions. In addition, a 'witness seminar' methodology will include key contributors associated with the genesis of GLF in the UK in early 1970s.

Participants include:

Matt Cook Birkbeck College
Sonia Corrêa the founder of SOS-Corpo- Instituto Feminista para a Democracia (Brazil)
Vikram Doctor The Economic Times-India
Silvia Gallotti LSE Library
Joel Gustave Nana Executive Director African Men for Sexual Health and Rights(AMSHeR)
Sally Hines University of Leeds
Suhraiya Jivraj Oxford Brookes University
Katherine Johnson University of Brighton
Akshay Khanna Institute of Development Studies
Robert Kulpa Birkbeck College
Anthony Manion GALA Wits archives
Frank Mugisha Uganda Executive Director Ugandan Sexual Minorities Group
David Paternotte FNRS/Université libre de Bruxelles
Rahul Rao SOAS
Jeff Redding Saint Louise University Law School
Helen Sauntson University of Birmingham
Tamsila Tauqir Director of the Safra Project

The conference is open to all and free. However due to space restrictions prior registration is required. If you are planning to attend the conference please e-mail: m.h.seckinelgin@lse.ac.uk or Dianne Josephs d.e.josephs@lse.ac.uk to reserve your place.

40 years on: where are LGBT rights? Gay Liberation Front’s 40th anniversary Conference
London School of Economics
19-20 May 2011
Wolfson Theatre
New Academic Building
website

David Cairns MP Dies

2011-05-11T09:14:00.000+01:00

David Cairns MP
1966-2011

David Cairns, the Labour MP for Inverclyde, has died at the age of 44 after a short illness.

Read an obituary in Pink News here.

David Cairns on wikipedia

Pride Sports encourages LGBT Sports participants to help shape sport in England

2011-05-06T09:13:00.000+01:00

Last week, Pride Sports, the UK’s LGBT sports development organisation launches a campaign to ensure that the voices of LGBT people are heard in Sport England’s Satisfaction Survey. The Sports Council’s online survey, which yielded a response from 44,000 people, last year, helps to inform the development of sport across England, and ensures the delivery of a ‘lasting legacy’ from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The survey asks respondents to rate their satisfaction with a number of aspects of their sporting experience; social, physical environment, staff and volunteers, coaching and opportunities to progress. However, although the survey asks respondents about their age, gender and ethnic background, it does not ask the sexual orientation question or provide an opportunity for trans people to identify themselves.

Lou Englefield, one of Pride Sports Founding Directors explains, “The problem is, whilst Sport England fail to ask the sexual orientation question or provide an opportunity for trans people to identify themselves, the Sports Council has no way of identifying any trends which relate specifically to LGBT people and sport. For example, the survey could show that LGBT people are more than happy with their sporting experience. It could equally show that we are not.”

Pride Sports are therefore calling on LGBT people involved in sport to use the additional information box towards the end of the survey to identify as LGB or T and to state if they practice sport as part of an LGBT sports group. Lou continues,

“There are now over 100 LGBT sports and physical activity groups in England alone, new ones establishing themselves every year. But many of these are not affiliated to their sport’s National Governing Bodies and have no contact with County Sports Partnerships, which provide support for grass roots sport in England. It is time Sport England began to ask how satisfied we are with our sporting experience and to invest more in LGBT sport”

Pride Sports will be conducting its own survey of LGBT people and their experience of sport over the summer.

Church Schools in the Netherlands can fire gay and lesbian teachers

2011-05-05T09:06:00.000+01:00

Gay teachers can be dismissed by religious schools if it can be shown that their homosexuality clashes with the ethos of the institution. The Dutch Interior Minister, Guusje Ter Horst, made this statement in a letter to parliament attempting to clear up uncertainty on the highly controversial issue.

Up to now religious school boards faced legal proceedings if they expelled homosexual teachers.

The law was unclear as two constitutional rights clashed: freedom of education and freedom of sexual orientation.

In her letter, Minister Ter Horst says schools are entitled to demand that their staff adhere to the school's principles.

In the case of strict Christian schools, this means they are entitled to reject applicants or sack teachers if their sexual orientation conflicts with the school's Christian values.

Read the full story, here.

Joanna Russ Dies

2011-05-05T08:54:00.000+01:00

Joanna Russ
1937-2011

The lesbian science fiction writer and critic, and author of The Female Man (1975), Joanna Russ, has died peacefully.

Read an obituary by Locus Magazine, here.

Islamic Cleric: "It's okay to be gay"

2011-05-03T09:04:00.000+01:00

Muhsin Hendricks is an Islamic cleric and a gay man.

The South African runs a foundation called The Inner Circle, which helps Muslims, who are struggling to accept their sexuality. He is on tour and has gone the the Netherlands to spread a simple message: “It’s okay to be Muslim and gay!”

It’s a message not everyone agrees with and the reason why Mr Hendricks is no longer officially a cleric.

Read the full story, here:

Olympic Gymnast Comes Out

2011-04-30T14:11:00.000+01:00

Dutch Olympic Gymnast Jeffrey Wammes has come out and asserted that he is gay in a special edition of Linda magazine dedicated to gay sports stars.

Wammes said:“There was already a lot of speculation about whether or not I fell for boys or girls. To me it has nothing to do with sport or how I perform. But when I was asked to do this, I made it clear straight away how things were and that’s that.”

Read the full story, here.

Pride Solidarity Supports Day of Silence in St Petersburg

2011-04-21T13:56:00.000+01:00

Around 50 people - members and friends of the Russian LGBT organization “Coming Out” (Vychod) - joined the international LGBT Youth initiative, the Day of Silence, to protest against the silence created by discrimination, humiliation and violence faced by LGBT people during their education. They were joined by Clare B Dimyon MBE of PRIDE Solidarity, a experienced teacher who is all too familiar with homophobia in British schools.

Russia has participated in the Day of Silence since 2008.

This ground-breaking enterprise in Russia was undertaken in three parts:

1) Day of Silence posters were placed on notice boards where students would see them

2) On 15 April (yesterday) leaflets were sent by fax to the city administration, the courts and prosecutor's office, dean's offices of universities and major media of the city. In total 120 faxes were sent.

3) On Sat 16 April, at 14:00 around 50 people gathered on the world famous Nevsky Prospekt and sealed their mouths with red tape. For over an hour they walked over 2km handing out leaflets explaining the “Day of Silence” as a protest against the harassment and discrimination faced by young LGBT people.

1200 leaflets were produced and none remained at the end of the action creating the most successful outreach action to ordinary people and officials ever seen in Russia.

Igor Kochetkov, director of Vychod (“Coming Out”) said: "We were silent and we were heard. What we, as LGBTactivists, see on the streets of St Petersburg, is more and more understanding of the unacceptability of violence and humiliation of human dignity."

Clare Dimyon MBE said: “It was a great privilege to take part in this action and while it was clear that participants were apprehensive, I certainly was, it was amazing to see that the reaction of the St Petersburg public was interested, even positive and a few even joined the flash mob. I was impressed by the thoughtful and efficient organisation of this action but especially by the young LGBT people who were taking part in an open action for the very first time. I was so very PROUD of them. It was also great that these LGBT History Makers were wearing the LGBT History Month badges that I brought from the UK.”

Photos
Facebook Photos

Videos:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhshgT3saX4
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na1ZMQnbM1Y
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcbxXCu-om4

Amaechi talks about Kobe Bryant case

2011-04-18T09:01:00.000+01:00

Former US basketball star and LGBT History Month patron John Amaechi has made a detailed response to the Kobe Bryant case. Bryant was fined $100,000 dollars after he called a referee a "f**king f*gg*t" in a game. He has apologised, claiming he never meant to cause offence, and his appealing the penalty.

Amaechi is now a psychologist, counsellor and equalities and diversity trainer.

Read the full article in the New York Times, here.

Same-sex kiss-in protest in Soho

2011-04-17T09:52:00.001+01:00

The John Snow pub in Soho was almost the scene of a same sex kiss in protest yesterday. The Sam Smiths hostelry caused outrage among the gay community when two men were allegedly ejected for kissing whilst sitting at a table.

But when the well organised protesters - who numbered about a thousand - turned up to kiss inside the pub, they found the doors were locked. The protesters carried out their kiss-in outside and the pub lost a day's takings.

The Guardian has a report and a video, here. Pictures are available on flickr, here.

Boy George claims queer-bashing is back after brutal attack on Phillip Sallon

2011-04-16T12:44:00.000+01:00

Boy George claims homophobic violence is on the increase after his friend Phillip Sallon was found badly beaten and kicked in central London. Claiming these things come in cycles, George said that attacks of this kind were becoming as common as they were in the 1980s. Sallon, a long time friend of Boy George, wore flamboyant clothes and stood out in a crowd. According to George, his appearance is the most likely reason for the attack. He added that his friend would not cause a fight and that there was no other logical explanation. But more to the point, he added, there is a movement towards 'assimilation' in the gay community, where gay men try to fit in rather than be different or 'individual'. This, in turn, makes people who stand out more vulnerable to attack.

Meanwhile the police say they have no evidence that the attack, which took place in the early hours of Sunday morning on the 3rd of April in Shaftesbury Avenue, was motivated by homophobia and no witnesses have come forward. Read the full story in the Guardian, here.

Meanwhile, Mark Healey, who organises the Trafalgar Square Vigils in memory of Ian Baynham, has called for an assembly at the Eros statue in Piccadilly Circus as a protest and a call for witnesses tonight. Facebook event.

Leeds Comprehensive used Sport to Stamp out Homophobia

2011-04-16T12:39:00.003+01:00

A Leeds Secondary schools claims to have Stamped out Homophobia with the help of Pride Sports. Prince Henry's in Otley ran an anti-homophobia campaign that eradicated homophobic language as a part of 'tackling all forms of discrimination and promoting equality for all'.

According to assistant head Chris Lillington it was the students who wanted to take on homophobia and the PE Department were the first to take up the gudgel. Chris, who spoke of his school with pride at the LGBT History Month Pre-Launch at Twickenham last November, also said that Pride Sport's Lou Englefield and LGBT History Month patron Sir Ian McKellen visited the school to support their work.

Read the full article, which comes from the newsletter of the National Children's Football Alliance, here.

Anger at "plans to 'scrap the Equality Act'"

2011-04-14T12:59:00.000+01:00

Equalities and human rights activists went into red alert yesterday at alleged plans to “scrap the Equality Act”.

The panic was caused by a Cabinet Office consultation site inviting comments on the Equality Act, citing a range of questions from whether it should be “scrapped” to whether it should be kept as it is.

LGBT History Month co-chair Tony Fenwick said:

“Some reactions have been premature. The Government would look very silly indeed it if it tried to scrap an act it introduced late last year and updated only a week ago.

“That said; there are those who would like to water down parts of the Act. The requirement for public sector organisations to publish details of what they are doing to challenge discrimination and promote equality could be in jeopardy. We need to defend this requirement because it moves the equalities agenda forward and gives the Act the power to bring about change.

“I therefore invite everyone to access the site (address above) and say “Keep the Act as it is”.

Government wants to hear from trans community

2011-04-13T08:56:00.000+01:00

The Government Equalities Office (GEO) has set up a monthly Trans bulletin and a survey. The initiative seeks to find out the needs of trans people and what progress they are making in "progressing the agenda".

You can download a pdf version of the bulletin by clicking here

Bulletin No 84

2011-04-12T17:59:00.000+01:00

The latest edition of the LGBT History Month bulletin is now available, as usual packed-full of news, information, notices of upcoming events and quotations.

To access the latest bulletin please click on one of the links below:
word document
pdf file
(you can also right click on the links and "save target as")

You can view all previous bulletins here or register to our mailing list here.

Sir Simon Milton Dies

2011-04-12T09:12:00.001+01:00

Simon Milton
1961-2011

The London's Deputy Mayor for Policy and Planning, Sir Simon Milton, has died after a short illness, aged 49.

Simon Milton on wikipedia

Public Sector Duty Launched

2011-04-06T18:49:00.001+01:00

The Equality Act public Sector Duty came into operation on Tuesday April 5th. This will protect all the strands against discrimination and demand that all areas of the public sector promote equality on the grounds of:

age
disability
gender reassignment
marriage/civil partnership
pregnancy/maternity
race
religion/belief
sex
sexual orientation

The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) will oversee the implementation of the Duty.

For more information on the new laws, click here.

Drill Hall Hosts New Play on Being older and LGBT

2011-03-26T09:24:00.000Z

Staying Out Late is a new piece of theatre written by Clare Summerskill and directed by Philip Osment.

It is the result of workshops and interviews with the older LGBT community in Camden, and reveals the hopes, fears and experiences of what being older and needing professional care may mean.

Is it safe to come out? Do you need to hide yourself away? What impact does this have on older people who have recently become confident about being “out”, and now fear they will be doubly vulnerable?

The show uses verbatim experiences and improvisations from older LGBT people. It is moving and funny, and will be seen by professional policy makers and carers, in the hope of changing attitudes.

It features an original new song from Clare Summerskill, a stand up comedienne, actress and singer whose shows are a must-see for lesbians around the country.

Staying Out Late
31st March 2011, at 2.30 and 7.30
The Drill Hall
16 Chenies Street
London WC1E 7EX
Box Office: 020 7307 5060
www.drillhall.co.uk

Elizabeth Taylor Dies

2011-03-25T18:52:00.001Z

Elizabeth Taylor
1932-2011

Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor has died after a long and fascinating life. LGBT History Month salutes her; particularly for her early and sustained support for those who suffered from HIV and AIDS and her continued commitment to our community.

Elizabeth Taylor on wikipedia

NHS and GIRES Trans Workshop

2011-03-25T18:43:00.002Z

A workshop covering 'Sexual orientation, Trans and the NHS' has been announced. The conference, which will cover the latest legislation on trans rights and involves the Government Equalities Office and GIRES, will be held in London on April 18th.

Time: Monday 18th April
Date: 10:30am-3:30pm
Location: Avonmouth House, London, SE1 6NX
For more information and to reserve a place please contact healthylives@stonewall.org.uk

Click on the image for more details.

Make football homophobia-free. Tatchell demands new anti-homophobia in football DVD

2011-03-23T17:41:00.000Z

"The Football Association (FA) needs to give a much stronger lead in tackling homophobia," said Peter Tatchell of the human rights organisation, the Peter Tatchell Foundation.

He was a keynote speaker in London on Monday 21 March at the Leading the Way conference organised by the football anti-racism, equality and diversity campaign, Kick It Out.

Other keynote speakers included former professional footballer Paul Elliott and Simone Pound, Head of Equality at the Professional Footballers' Association.

"The FA's paper policies are now rather good but these formal policies need to be translated into stronger and more visible initiatives to make the beautiful game welcoming to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people," Mr Tatchell told the conference.

"The FA should impose big fines and match suspensions on players, managers and other football staff who use anti-gay insults. Money talks. The threat of financial losses - and the denial of the right to play - would be a strong deterrent to homophobia.

"Severe punishment is justified in cases of serious homophobia but the real solution is public education to change hearts and minds.

"The FA should secure the agreement of all clubs to feature anti-homophobia
messages in their match programmes, on tickets and on billboards inside and outside football grounds.

"I have long urged the FA to make a MTV-style video against homophobia, with big-name stars like David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Wayne Rooney and others. I'd like to see the video have a strong, joyful music track by a leading contemporary singer like Tinie Tempah.

"The aim is to produce a feel-good, happy-vibe video and get it shown on MTV, YouTube, in schools, at junior football clubs and on giant screens at premier league games before matches and during half-time.

"Such a video would have a huge, positive public impact. It would be a world first. No other football governing body has produced such a video. It would bring the FA great prestige and acclaim, get global media coverage and thereby raise awareness and help tackle homophobia internationally," said Mr Tatchell.

Ian Rickson on The Children's Hour

2011-03-19T09:11:00.001Z

The director Ian Rickson talks to Carole Woddis about his hit West End production of Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour (Comedy Theatre), which stars Keira Knightley and Elisabeth Moss in a play that was scandalous on its first outing in 1934, and continues to be relevant. Recorded at Graeae.

You can listen to the interview here.

Find out more about the play on Wikipedia here.

Christopher and His Kind

2011-03-18T19:03:00.003Z

Kevin Elyot's film adaptation of writer Christopher Isherwood's 1976 memoir, will be aired on Saturday 19th March, between 9:30pm and 11:00pm on BBC2.

The drama, which had a premier showing during LGBT History Month, stars Matt Smith as Isherwood

More info on Wikipedia

Invitation to WellFit Reunion Party

2011-03-18T08:24:00.001Z

The WellFit Party is on March 26th at Union, Vauxhall from 10pm and they would be delighted if you would join them for the “Cologne Gay Games Reunion Party”

They have an exciting line-up, with internationally famous DJ Jack Chang and the dance hit of Sky TV – Guyz in Sync and an exhibition area for LGBT sports clubs

Purchase your tickets at www.london2018.info/wellfit

Click on the picture above to download the flyer (pdf).

Peter Tatchell speaks for marriage equality

2011-03-17T20:31:00.000Z

Peter Tatchell is giving a talk entitled "Equal Rights- Are we there yet?", on marriage equality and other issues of on-going homophobic discrimination.

This event is organised by the Gay and Lesbian Humanists Association (GALHA) with the official support of OutRage! and the Peter Tatchell Foundation. Some of the eight couples involved in the Equal Love / Marriage Equality campaign are expected to be present.

Derek Lennard (GALHA Events co-ordinator) commented: "This event will focus on the 'Equal Love' campaign which has taken the legal bid for gay marriage and for heterosexual civil partnerships to the European Court of Human Rights. Peter Tatchell will report on the progress of the campaign."

Peter Tatchell added: "Although I share the feminist critique of marriage, as an equality campaigner I abhor the homophobic discrimination of the ban on same-sex marriage. I defend the right of others to get married if they wish. The legal prohibition on gay marriage is the last major legal discrimination against LGBTI people in the UK. It must be ended.

Friday 18th March
7:30pm
Conway Hall
25 Red Lion Square
London WC1R 4LR
All welcome. Free admission

Isle of Man and Ireland get civil partnerships next month

2011-03-16T08:58:00.002Z

Gay couples on the Isle of Man will get the right to a civil partnership after a new law was signed in Tynwald. It gives them the same rights as married couples regarding inheritance, pensions and tax allowances. The law comes into effect on 6 April. Civil partnerships gained legal recognition in the UK in 2005 [not 2006 as stated in the article].

Read the full story on BBC News here.

The Ireland’s Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 came into effect from 1 January 2011, however couples were required to give a three month notice period before registrations could begin.

This means that the waiting period for many couples will be up in April. Civil partners will be treated in the same way as spouses under the Irish tax and social welfare codes. New rights and obligations will include maintenance obligations, protection of a shared home, pension rights and succession.

It has been reported that two ceremonies had taken place in secret last month already. It is understood that at least one member of both couples involved are suffering from serious illnesses with a risk of that one may die before the three month notice period for a civil partnership would elapse. Read the full story in PinkNews, here.

Clementi Honoured with Scholarship

2011-03-15T08:41:00.000Z

A national scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students has created a scholarship in memory of Tyler Clementi.

The Point Foundation said Wednesday it is honoring Clementi's memory and furthering efforts to end the bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth through the scholarship.

Read the full story on My Central Jersey, here.

Minister launches LGBT Charter in Sport

2011-03-14T15:38:00.001Z

Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone chose an LGBT History Month sponsored event to launch an LGBT charter in Sport, on Sunday afternoon.

The charter, which will invite national governing bodies of sports to commit to tackling homophobia and transphobia and making sport ‘a welcoming environment for LGB and T people’, was announced by the minister as she attended a Sheffield Eagles rugby league game at Bramall Lane.

The Eagles wore shirts with the slogan ‘Homophobia – Tackle It’ as they played against rivals Widnes Vikings. Fans were told that the event was in aid of tackling homophobia and the event drew statements of support from out sportspeople Gareth Thomas, John Amaechi, Clare Balding and Steven Davies.

Elton John also voiced his support in a message from the US where he is currently touring. Waterloo Road’s Scott Haining – who is outspoken about the importance of challenging homophobia – attended the event and proudly wore his LGBT History Month badge.

Education unions joined forces with LGBT History Month and Pride Sport in this ground-breaking event to educate the sports community. The match was sponsored by LGBT History Month and Pride Sport, together with the National Union of Teachers, the NASUWT, the University and College Union and Unison.

Featherstone echoed the prime minister’s commitment to making sport safer and more welcoming to LGBT people. She was optimistic about the new charter:

“Homophobia and transphobia have no place in sport and I’m delighted that so many sporting bodies are backing our campaign to stamp it out at all levels; from local parks to Olympic stadiums.”

The theme of LGBT History Month 2011 and 2012 is sport. Co-chair Tony Fenwick was proud of their achievements in the first year: “After some amazing sporting events in February, History Month went into extra time for this final fixture. All the players and fans I spoke to were completely supportive.

“The charter is just what we need to help sport move forward into the Olympic year.”

See also:
- Football Association accepts gay rights charter - PinkNews
- Sir Elton John offers support to Sheffield Eagles RFC - Pink Paper

Picture: Tony Fenwick, Lynne Featherston, Sue Sanders and the Sheffield Eagles.

National Portrait Gallery talk to celebrate lesbians and gay men in British cinema

2011-03-14T09:36:00.000Z

The National Portrait Gallery in London is to host a talk highlighting key lesbian and gay figures in British cinema.

The talk will be held by south London writer Stephen Bourne, author of Brief Encounters: Lesbians & Gays in British Cinema 1930-1971. Some of the luminaries of the medium are also represented in the Gallery’s Collection, including Anthony Asquith, Dirk Bogarde, Mary Morris, Kenneth Williams and Derek Jarman.

The talk comes just prior to the opening of the 25th London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and will take place on Thursday 24 March at 1.15pm. It is free to all.

Read the full story on PinkNews here.

Nordic Rainbow Humanists Award 2010 goes to Malawi

2011-03-11T15:37:00.000Z

The 2010 Nordic Rainbow Humanists award has gone to secretary general George Thindwa and his colleagues of the Association for Secular Humanism of Malawi. “This has been made for their courageous public stand for LGBT identity and rights in this African nation, taking great risks of retaliation from homophobic politicians, religious leaders, and a hostile mass media”, said Nordic Rainbow Humanists' international secretary Bill Schiller in Stockholm.

“This is the second time our annual award has gone to Africa and we were very pleased to have this recommendation from an earlier winner and staunch supporter of LGBT rights Leo Igwe of the Nigerian Humanist Movement.

“The Malawi Humanists are being honoured for defending LGBT rights in a continent where tolerance towards the LGBT communities is a rare exception and where even former African freedom fighters and anti-colonialist leaders, now in power, openly call for the imprisonment and punishment of LGBT people”, said Schiller.

Earlier winners of the Nordic Rainbow Humanists award include George Broadhead (co-founder and long-serving secretary of the UK Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association), veteran Norwegian lesbian activist Kim Friele, Carl-Johan Kleberg (former chairman of the Swedish Humanists), veteran Dutch gay activist Rob Tielman (former president of the International Humanist & Ethical Union), Leo Igwe and colleagues of the Nigerian Humanist Movement, and Remyus Cernea and colleagues of the Romanian Humanist Association.

In a message to George Thindwa, George Broadhead, now secretary of the UK charity the Pink Triangle Trust, said: “Warm congratulations to Malawian Humanists on winning the 2010 Nordic Rainbow Humanist Award. If the situation for LGBT people is anything like as dire as that in Uganda, you richly deserve this for so courageously taking up the cudgels on their behalf. You also deserve great praise for your staunch opposition to the persecution of people in Malawi accused of witchcraft. As a gay Humanist who won this same award in 2002, I salute you.”

Sports stars praise Eagles' anti-homophobia stance

2011-03-11T09:27:00.000Z

Four sportsmen who broke ground by daring to declare their homosexuality have praised Sheffield Eagles’ decision to take a stand against homophobia in sport.

Dual-code rugby international Gareth Thomas, former Rugby League star turned actor Ian Roberts, England cricketer Steven Davies and former NBA basketball hall-of-famer John Amaechi all hit the headlines by “coming out”.

Now they’re backing Sheffiield Eagles decision to challenge sport’s last great taboo by wearing a kit bearing the slogan “Homophobia: Tackle It!” in their Cooperative Championship clash with Widnes Vikings this Sunday (March 13, Bramall Lane, Sheffield, K.O 3.00pm).

“I think Sheffield’s decision to make this kind of statement is incredible and they deserve a huge amount of credit,” said former Australian Rugby League international Ian Roberts, who was the first rugby player of either code to “come out” in the late 1990s.

Roberts' decision to “out” himself – a brave move at the time – won plaudits across the world, and criticism from some within Australian Rugby League.

“I’ve never heard of any team, in any sport anywhere in the world doing something like this before and I think it’s absolutely fantastic,” Roberts continued.“Sheffield are directly addressing a topic that many people still regard as taboo, it’s something people don’t like to talk about so it’s great to see a team taking the step to address that issue.

“This type of initiative has been a long time coming and it’s great to see a Rugby League club taking the first step and hopefully now this will help any of the young kids out there who look for role models in the sporting world to see that there are people who will support them regardless of their sexuality.”

Former NBA star John Amaechi faced similar headlines to Roberts when he used his autobiography to reveal his homosexuality, in the process becoming the first basketball player – and the NBA’s only Hall of Fame inductee – to “come out”.

Manchester-born Amaechi, now a broadcaster and motivational speaker, was quick to give his support to the Eagles’ initiative.

“I am really proud to see Sheffield Eagles take such a proactive step to break stereotypes and embrace their entire fan base,” said Amaechi. “It says something truly positive that it is Rugby out of all our top sports and a team based in Sheffield in particular – a city I am proud to say I lived in – that are leading the way."

Since revealing his sexuality in a landmark 2009 interview, former Wales and British & Irish Lions rugby union international turned Crusaders RL Rugby League star Gareth Thomas has become a champion for LGBT issues. He won Stonewall’s “Man Of The Year” in 2010 and this year became a patron for LGBT History month – one of the sponsors of Sheffield Eagles’ groundbreaking “Homophobia: Tackle It!” shirts.

"I am really proud to be a part of a sport that is moving forward so pro-actively on the equality agenda,” Thomas said. “I would like to congratulate the Sheffield Eagles for leading the way in promoting work to tackle homophobia and transphobia in Rugby League and in sport.

"I think the world of sport is moving forward, especially after the ‘coming out’ of another two elite sportsmen this last month; Graeme Obree, the cyclist and Steve Davies the England cricketer. I wish them and others who are thinking of talking about their sexuality every support and warmest wishes. It is still not easy but it is liberating.”

Thomas’ groundbreaking move to reveal his sexuality while still in the midst of his career has recently become the inspiration for a Hollywood movie fronted by Mickey Rourke. The Wales and Crusaders RL star believes that sport can continue to help break down the barriers around homosexuality especially in the lead up to the 2012 London Olympics.

"I am proud to be a Patron of LGBT History Month and Schools Out,” he said. “They have organised and spearheaded the sponsorship of the 'Homophobia: Tackle It!" team shirts that Sheffield Eagles will wear on Sunday. They have brought together the Rugby League, Pride Sports, the NUT, UCU and NASUWT to sponsor the shirts.

"There is still much work for them to do in the build up to the Olympics next year but I know they are busy working behind the scenes to ensure that the biggest sporting event that our country has seen for many years will be a success for everyone, of every sexuality; from elite athletes, to local amateur teams and the thousands of volunteers who will be support the event. Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans people will be participating in 2012 in every way!"

Steven Davies became the first cricketer of any nationality to declare his homosexuality when he came out two weeks ago. He too has shown his support for Sheffield Eagles’ historic stance.

“Personally, Gareth Thomas was a real inspiration to me,” Davies said. “He made me believe it would be possible for me to do the same and anything that helps even one person should be applauded.

“There may be added pressures in sports as the number of people that have come out is so small so it's great that Rugby League is taking this step.”

Sheffield Eagles' historic "Homophobia: Tackle It!" shirts have been funded by LGBT History Month and Pride Sports with assistance from the UCU (Universities and Colleges Union), the NUT (National Union of Teachers) and the Rugby Football League.

Tickets for Sheffield Eagles game against Widnes Vikings on Sunday, 13 March are on sale now from the Sheffield Utd FC ticket office at Bramall Lane (0871 19951889)

Fans can order replicas of the Eagles’ historic “Homophobia: Tackle It!” shirts at www.eaglespride.co.uk

LGBT History Month closes with landmark event in Polish Embassy

2011-03-10T18:24:00.002Z

Ric Todd, the British Ambassador to Poland, marked the 28th of February by visiting the Polish National Library to see a very special copy of Radclyffe-Hall's Well of Loneliness.

This very early copy of the novel, printed in 1933 in its Polish translation, inspired a young Jewish woman to survive the concentration camp so she could live "to kiss a woman".

During the meeting with Ms. Katarzyna Ślaska (Deputy Director for Development) Ric reminded everyone that the novel was banned in Hall's native Britain at the time.

Pride Solidarity Campaigner Clare Dimyon OBE said: "This is what lesbian history often looks like... tiny fragments that escaped destruction, the most tenuous of connections. Ours is not a history of kings and queens and genetic lineage but something much more subtle".

Read the full story on the Foreign Office's website here.

Bulletin No 83

2011-03-02T20:03:00.001Z

Rev. Peter Gomes Dies

2011-03-02T19:25:00.001Z

Rev. Peter Gomes
1942-2011

The openly-gay, American preacher, theologian, and a professor at Harvard University's Divinity School, Peter Gomes has died, aged 69.

Peter Gomes on wikipedia

England cricketer Steven Davies comes out

2011-02-28T08:20:00.001Z

England cricketer Steve Davies came out to his teammates at the start of The Ashes tour, according to The Sun (28-02-11). Speaking to a reporter from the paper, Steve explained that he couldn't face a three and a half month tour without explaining to his team that he was gay. He praised Gareth Thomas for setting an example for gay sports professionals and advised young people who know they are gay to go out and talk to someone.

Steve has been out to his close friends and family since he was nineteen, but kept his sexual orientation a secret in public and in his profession.In the interview, he described how hard this was, saying that the moments on the field were great, but the social side of it was very difficult. He praised the team, and particularly captain Andrew Strauss, for their support.

Read the full article in the Sun here. There is also an article in the Telegraph here.

Prison hosts gay players' football match

2011-02-26T09:22:00.000Z

Players from the Justin Campaign Allstars team competed against inmates and staff from Winchester Prison last week, in a bid to highlight this year’s Football v Homophobia campaign.

The indoor football tournament took place on 9 February after inmates watched a short documentary about gay football team, the Brighton Bandits and took part in a workshop on the issue of homophobia in both sport and wider society.

Read the full story on Pink Paper here.

Eleventh hour rescue of Turing collection

2011-02-25T12:44:00.001Z

Almost nothing tangible remains of genius Bletchley Park codebreaker, Alan Turing; so when an extremely rare collection of offprints relating to his life and work was set to go to auction last year, a campaign was launched to raise funds to purchase them for the Bletchley Park Trust and its Museum.

The Trust is today delighted to announce that the collection has been saved for the nation as the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) has stepped in quickly to provide £213,437, the final piece of funding required.

Read the full press release from Bletchley Park here.

Picture courtesy of Dr Sue Black showing some of the papers at Bletchley Park this morning.

Secret’s out on the hidden life of gay Victorians

2011-02-24T08:26:00.000Z

The secret history of Manchester’s gay Victorians is being unearthed in a major study.

Historian Jeff Evans, a member of the Schools Out/LGBT History Month team, is looking at attitudes to homosexuality during the last 150 years.

He has now charted Manchester’s origin as Britain’s gay capital after a painstaking trawl through thousands of records.

Read the full article in the Manchester Evening News here.

Gay Republican Launches White House Bid

2011-02-19T18:56:00.000Z

Fred Karger, the first openly gay candidate for the US presidency, has begun his campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire, according to The Observer.

Read the full article on the Observer's website, here.

LGBT Campaigners attack Repentance App

2011-02-19T08:54:00.000Z

The much-talked about Roman Catholic online confession App has come under attack from an LGBT rights group for asking "Have I been guilty of any homosexual activity?" among its questions. Truth Wins out accuses the app of helping to encourage neurosis and shame.

To see full article on the Guardian's website, click here.

LGBT History Month Issues Cyrillic Logo as Tribute to Belarussian LGBT Activists

2011-02-18T19:44:00.000Z

Clare Dimyon (MBE) writes: I chuckled at the very early photo of David Cameron and his name rendered into the Cyrillic alphabet before I realised the significance of what I was seeing on the Facebook site of Labrys Belarus. As I decoded the headline with my 30 year old schoolgirl Russian, I understood: British Prime Minister supports LGBT History Month 2011 (and I could understand the whole headline!)

That statement of a Conservative politician who is now (for better or worse) the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has enormous symbolic power to the LGBT in C&E Europe and represents the shape of things to come. This statement is the more powerful for the fact that it has been made by the leader of the party that introduced the hated and damaging Section 28, ally in the European Parliament with the Kaczyński inspired PiS (Law & Justice) party. Such allies can no longer claim homophobia as a universal "value". For LGBT people in C&E Europe it holds out the hope and gives the confidence that with persistence homophobia can and will and is being overcome.

Sue Sanders asked me to complement her presentation at the Lesbian Lives Conference in Brighton last weekend and told delegates of the importance of collecting and celebrating our his- and her- story. I explained how valuable my connections with LGBT HM are as I go round the PRIDEs of C&E Europe watching LGBT and democratic history unfold. I remind LGBT people to have an eye on the future to back up those photos, hang onto those rainbow artefacts, that what they are doing is history in the making, in the emergence of our people. This emergence that is not unlike the emergence of their nations from Soviet occupation and subjugation, a comparison, which may be the key in helping us explain our identity to the populations of central and eastern Europe.

As well as all the benefits of LGBT History Month to LGBT in Britain, ably outlined in Sue's presentation is the amazing fact of the encouragement this represents to even the most beleaguered LGBT in Europe. Belarussian LGBT continue the struggle in what is fundamentally a totalitarian state, the only country in Europe not even signed up to the Council of Europe unlike Russia, Ukraine and Moldova and a number of the other countries of the former Soviet Union. It is a fantastic and unexpected outcome of all the efforts to create LGBT History Month and a great tribute to all involved in making it happen.

And yet even in these oppressive circumstances Belarussian LGBT activists have achieved an astonishing piece of history... on Valentine's Day 2011 when they held their first legally sanctioned demo against homophobia in Minsk. It is the result of the work and persistence of a handful of activists who organised and took part, having the least legal protections in Europe.

LGBT History Month is proud to issue a Cyrillic version of the LGBT History Month 2011 logo as a small gesture of our great admiration of these Belarussian LGBT activists and to LGBT activists across the Russian speaking world (or anywhere the Cyrillic alphabet is used) who are LGBT history in the making. LGBT History Month values and recognises your courage in upholding the dignity of LGBT people and your role in weaving the fabric of our fabulous rainbow nation.

Clare adds: This is also an opportunity for me to mention the dedication of LGBT throughout C&E Europe who as well as everything-else have the often laborious work of translating films and materials from English (source of many LGBT resources) into their own languages so that LGBT who cannot speak English or understand it well can access their LGBT history and culture. As a result of this work by one Belarussian activist, news of the British Prime Minister's support for LGBT people can be proliferated around the whole Russian speaking (Cyrillic reading) territory, that 250 Million+ people!

As a 13 year old Quaker (and yet to emerge lesbian), I learnt Russian for "world peace" in 1978 at the height of the Cold War, as I delight in telling people in my best Russian! (It's one of the only things I can tell them in Russian!) "They" told me I would never use it, "they" laughed at my "perverse" decision, but now I use it most days and use it to connect with other LGBT people .so who's laughing now!

Message of Support for LGBT History Month from Leader of the Opposition

2011-02-18T18:57:00.001Z

The Labour Party leader Ed Milliband had sent this message of support to LGBT History Month:

I am delighted to be supporting LGBT History Month.

Despite the progress made towards LGBT equality over the last decade, there is still more work to do.

It is hugely important that we recognise and celebrate the role that LGBT people have played throughout our history, and in every aspect of our society and culture. The principles behind LGBT History Month reflect the kind of society we would all like to see: one built on fairness and liberty, equal respect, and a willingness to speak out against injustice where it still pervades.

We can be hugely proud of the progress we have made in the last decade, and six years since LGBT History Month was first held. But there are significant challenges ahead. We still have not eradicated homophobia, as our school playgrounds can too often show and as the horrific murder of Ian Baynham tells us only too painfully. It is right that we are restless to take the next step towards equality.

I am pleased too that the theme of LGBT History Month this year and next is sport. The bravery of Gareth Thomas in coming out proves that attitudes are changing. With London hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, as well as World Pride, I look forward to working alongside you to raise these important issues and to continue on the journey towards justice.

Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party, February 2011

CPs can be carried out in religious premises

2011-02-18T18:52:00.002Z

The Government introduced Section 202 of the Equality Act today, lifting the ban on civil partnerships being carried out in religious places. The Prime Minister announced his intention to implement this change in June last year. Home Office Minister Theresa Clark announced the change as a landmark in equality for LGB and T people, but asserted that there would be no obligation on religious authorities or clerics to carry out civil partnerships.

The Quakers, who have already announced a wish to carry out same sex marriages, welcomed the change. Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone said that moves towards allowing same sex marriage and heterosexual civil partnerships would be considered and that consultation with interested parties would be part of that process.

There has been much speculation in the press during the week over the exact content of the announcement, with The Sunday Times running a headline story announcing that same sex marriages were to be legalised, which led to an article by Melanie Philips in the Daily Mail suggesting they would allow people to marry their animals next.

Scotland: Gay & Lesbian History Trail Planned for Edinburgh Area

2011-02-14T08:59:00.000Z

A lesbian and gay 'history trail' is being developed in the county by East Lothian Museums Service.The exact format of the trail has still to be decided but a spokeswoman for the local authority said: " In general terms, the museum service will be looking to identify individuals, events or places that have had a positive impact on the development of gay rights and equality within East Lothian."

Suggestions for points of historical and social interest related to LGBT history in East Lothian can be sent to equalities@eastlothian.gov.uk.

Meanwhile, East Lothian Diversity Network has arranged an event in Musselburgh next week to mark this year's LGBT History Month.

You can read the full story in the East Lothian Courier, here., or visit the East Lothian Council website here.

Bishop Derek Rawcliffe Dies

2011-02-13T09:09:00.000Z

Bishop Derek Rawcliffe
1921-2011

The openly-gay, retired bishop, Derek Rawcliffe has died in Leeds, aged 89. .

The LGCM has published a tribute to Derek, which is available on its website, here. An appreciation by Peter Tatchell and Keith Rogers can viewed on Peter's website here. The Yorkshire Post obituary can be found here.

Prime Minister Letter of Support to LGBT History Month

2011-02-12T10:00:00.000Z

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has issued a letter of support to LGBT History Month. the text of which can be found below (you can view a pdf version by clicking on the image):

I am pleased to be supporting this year’s LGBT History Month. Since it began in 2005 it has helped to celebrate the LGB and T community and focus on areas where there needs to be more work done on equality.

I am pleased that the theme of History Month, both this year and next, is sport. With London hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012 it is essential that more is done to help people participate equally and without fear.

In June 2010 I launched the Government’s plans for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. One of the commitments was to work with the governing bodies of different sports to tackle discrimination. Work on this is currently being taken forward by the Home Office and Department of Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, with that aim that people participating in or watching sports feel safe and unacceptable behaviour is challenged.

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all those who give up their time to bring LGBT History Month together. Events like this enrich our society and challenge us to think more about the world around us.

The Prime Minister David Cameron 10th February, 2011

Wiltshire Group Launch Campaign Against Homophobia in Sport

2011-02-10T09:30:00.000Z

Wiltshire and Swindon Men’s Sexual Health has dedicated their own poster campaign to LGBT History Month and the issue of homophobia in Sport, with “Show Homophobia the Red Card.”

This poster will be sent to all gyms, sports centres, and football clubs across Wiltshire and Swindon, to be seen by a wide audience, promoting discussion and hopefully opening a few people’s minds. The group will visit the football clubs during matches and hand out flyers, and have stands and displays where the public can engage with us. They aim to challenge pre-conceptions and help sports fans and participants see, there’s no place for prejudice in sport.

Men's Sexual Health has been working closely with the Trowbridge Tigers, Wiltshire's Gay Friendly football team, who recently took part in the Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, a personal highlight for the team.

When asked why they think there haven't been many public football players to have come out player Nick Pitcher says, "well when you look at what happened to Justin Fashanu, when he was disowned by members of his own family and being dropped into the reserves and all the adverse publicity, he went and committed suicide, so it doesn't set the stall up for other players to come out. And it's obvious that every football team, and every league, there are going to be gay players, but they can't come out because of the repercussions, which is a great shame."

And its for reasons like that, Men's Sexual Health believe this to be a very important campaign so that things start to change, so more players feel safe in the sport they enjoy.

Men's Sexual Health has also made links with The Justin Campaign, which was founded to demonstrate that ten years after Justin Fashanu's tragic suicide in 1998, homophobia is still hugely prevalent in the world of professional football. In 2010 they launched the first International Day Opposing Homophobia in Football and with the second date coming up very soon, Februrary 19th, we ask you to get in touch with your local team and see how you can work together to mark this day, or get in touch with the company to find out more about the work they do.

David Kato, Murdered

2011-02-09T22:04:00.001Z

David Kato
1969 - 2011

The Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato has been murdered aged 42.

The BBC News obituary can be found here.

Past2Present Magazine: LGBT History Month 2011 edition

2011-02-09T21:43:00.003Z

Past2Present, the research magazine by Archus (The National Archives LGBT Group) & The Rainbow Network is out. This special edition tells you everything you need to know about the History Month 2011, why it is important and why it is to be celebrated.

You can download a free copy of this invaluable resource here (pdf - 1.5Mb).

Football fans would accept gay players, new research shows

2011-02-04T09:00:00.000Z

Staffordshire University will celebrate LGBT History Month by presenting the controversial findings of a survey into gay footballers, this month.

The event will see the authors of the TopFan survey, Professor Ellis Cashmore and Dr Jamie Cleland, speaking about and taking questions on their research.

And former Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Mike Wolfe, will be hosting a Q&A session for attendees also.

The TopFan survey, entitled Gay Footballers – Welcome or Unwanted, found that the vast majority of football fans would be supportive of gay players who reveal their sexuality.

Of the 3,500 participants, including fans, players, referees and other officials, most felt that players were unfairly pressured by their clubs and agents into keeping their sexuality secret.

Professor Cashmore said: “It is inconceivable that, out of an estimated 500,000 professional players around the world, not one is gay. The truth is that football culture is prohibitive: gay players have neither the confidence nor the inclination to come out.

“Our conclusion is that this is not a healthy condition for football and our concern is that football is, in this sense, out of tune with the rest of the sporting world.

“The survey reveals a new and surprising image of football culture, which has been characterised as stuck in the dark ages and ‘steeped in homophobia.’”

It is hoped the event will bring more attention to the findings of the survey and encourage football’s governing bodies to take action.

Clare Ridgley, Equality and Diversity Manager at Staffordshire University, said: “This event is part of the University’s Celebrating Diversity Programme and we hope that by providing a platform to discuss this fascinating research we will raise awareness and understanding of some of the issues that members of our LGBT community face.”

The Staffordshire University LGBT History Month event takes place on Wednesday, February 23, between 5:45pm and 7:30pm, at the University’s Stoke Campus.

To book a free place or for further information contact Clare Harp, Equality and Diversity Team, via email c.l.harp@staffs.ac.uk or phone 01782 292775.

Sheffield Eagles Wear the Message!

2011-02-03T09:48:00.002Z

Keep March 13 free in your diary and to help us support the mighty Sheffield Eagles Rugby League FC to challenge homophobia in sport!

What’s it all about?
On March 13 at 3.00 pm, Sheffield Eagles’ first home game of the season, the team will be walking onto the pitch wearing a kit carrying the message‘HOMOPHOBIA – TACKLE IT’ sponsored by LGBT History Month and Pride Sports. The team will also be presented with the Pride Sports Challenge Cup, a trophy that will recognise, annually, Rugby League teams which support LGBT History Month.

We are asking the LGBT community to support this great initiative and come along and watch the match.

For those of you who fancy a more ‘hands on’ experience, there will also be a fun touch rugby event before the game run by Sheffield Eagles coaches, which is free to anyone attending the match in the afternoon. So there’s a chance to give it a go before you watch the professionals at work.

Why should you support the event?
Sheffield Eagles RLFC are the first professional sports club in the UK to make a public stand against homophobia in sport. The team are not just wearing the kit, however, they have supported a number of LGBT History Month events, travelling across the country to show their commitment to dealing with this issue.

The game has already attracted significant media interest and invited guests will include Ministers, representatives of the sports councils and representatives of other national governing bodies of sport.

We want to reward the amazing work of Sheffield Eagles (players, board and staff) and show sport in the UK that it is time they dealt with LGBT discrimination, homophobia and transphobia head-on.

New way for hate crime victims to come forward launched to coincide with LGBT history month

2011-02-02T23:06:00.000Z

The police service has launched a new way for victims of hate crime to come forward which includes an online reporting form to enable victims to report hate crime online. The website, called True Vision, is supported by all police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and can be accessed at www.report-it.org.uk

True Vision provides information for victims and the public about what hate crime is, why it is important to report it when it happens, and sets out the range of ways hate crimes can be reported, including via a new online reporting form. The site also provides links to organisations that can offer support and advice on hate crime related issues.

ACPO lead on hate crime, Assistant Chief Constable Drew Harris, said: “It is timely to launch this site at the start of LGBT History Month. It is right that we celebrate the many and varied achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, but it is also important to recognise that LGBT history is tainted by targeted abuse and hostility which has often been violent. These hate crimes are abhorrent and I hope this facility will encourage those who suffer such hostility to come forward and enable us to combat this unacceptable behaviour.”

Vote for All Male dance Group on Sky 1

2011-01-31T10:28:00.000Z

Guyz in Sync, the UK’s only all-male gay Latin and Ballroom formation dance team, have made it into the live-semi-finals of TV talent contest Got to Dance on Sky1. Getting to this stage means they have beaten thousands of other dance acts to be in the final 28.Two acts from each semi-final will qualify for the grand final later in February.

The TV audience will be in control of choosing the finalists by telephone voting. And just imagine how fantastic it would be if a gay dance team made it through to the finals. That would shake things up a bit! Guyz in Sync are up for challenging what most people think couple dancing is about and we’d love you to help us in our quest to conquer Got to Dance.

How can you help?
1. Forward this email to your members and friends.
2. Become a fan of Guyz in Sync on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter and encourage your friends to do so.
3. Watch the live semi-final on 6th February 2011, 6pm on Sky1 and vote for Guyz in Sync
4. Download the Got to Dance voting app for iphone here.

If you don’t have Sky1, don’t panic! You are not alone! Guyz in Sync are currently setting up a number of screening venues across the country so that as many people as possible can watch them strut their stuff. If you know of any LGBT venues that may be willing to become a screening venue, please let us know. The more venues, the better! We will be advertising all screening venues to our fans on Facebook.

Contacts:
Website: www.guyzinsync.co.uk
Facebook
Twitter: @guyzinsync
YouTube

Bulletin No 82

2011-01-29T10:44:00.000Z

LGBT Group Seeks Coming Out Stories

2011-01-29T10:21:00.000Z

Sandwell LGBT Community Group in conjunction with Sandwell LGBT Working Group and other voluntary and statutory organisations are organising several events for LGBT History Month 2011.

The theme will be 'coming out' and as such, we are asking for people's personal stories and experiences.

Responses can be as long as long or short as you like, the following are for guidance only;

When did you realise you were lgbt?
What did you do?
If out/open about your sexuality/gender identity, how did you tell people (ie; family, friends, work, colleagues etc)
What would have helped you going through this process?
What advice would you give to someone coming out now?

Please use only your first name or a false name... all work will be kept anonymous.

Stories are needed before February 1st please.

Please send your responses to SandwellLGBT@hotmail.co.uk

Bulletin No 81

2011-01-21T19:48:00.000Z

Launch of LGBT History Month 2011: Queer Question Time hosted by Evan Davis

2011-01-17T08:52:00.002Z

The BBC's Evan Davis, presenter of the Today Programme on Radio 4, helps to launch LGBT History Month 2011 in Southwark with Queer Question Time at Southwark Council's Tooley Street headquarters on Tuesday 1 February 2011.

MC Stewart Who? will open the evening at 7pm with a performance from the Pink Singers.

This will be followed by Queer Question Time at 7.30pm. Evan will chair an hour-long public debate with a panel of 5 local, national, and international LGBT icons and commentators, including Matthew Parris (writer, broadcaster and Times columnist), Sue Sanders (LGBT activist and co-chair of Schools Out), John Amaechi (psychologist, New York Times best-selling author and former NBA basketball player), and Angela Eagle MP (Westminster's first out lesbian). A fifth panelist will be announced closer to the time.

This is the seventh year that LGBT History Month has been marked across the UK. It is an annual celebration of the lives and achievements of the LGBT community, with a special theme this year of "tackling homophobia and transphobia in the world of sport". Queer Question Time will cover this topic as well as broader issues facing the LGBT community.

Queer Question Time
1 February 2011 - 6pm
Southwark Council, Atrium
160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2TZ
Refreshments will be served. Admission is free but advance booking is strongly advised as places are limited.
To book your place contact Helen Laker on 020 7525 0848 or Helen.Laker@southwark.gov.uk

After 17 years, DADT is set to become history

2011-01-08T11:46:00.001Z

US campaigners have been celebrating as the Senate voted to get rid of its military's discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' (DADT) policy.

After 17 years of this discriminatory legislation, which came into being as a compromise under the Bill Clinton administration, the policy which ended the military careers of an estimated 13,000 women and men is finally on its way out. The policy specified that lesbians and gays could serve in the forces as long as they kept quiet about it and no-one had the right to ask anyone about her/his sexuality. Opponents said it wrote discrimination into military law.

Defence Secretary Robert Gates supported the repeal but warned serving members of the US forces not to come out until the new legislation was in place, which may take up to a year. President Obama welcomed the decision.

Bulletin No 80

2011-01-08T11:25:00.000Z

Vote for A Day in Hand to win

2011-01-06T08:34:00.001Z

A Day In Hand is excited to announce that thanks to you, we have made it to the final round in the Pink Paper Awards 2011.

We're in fine company up against great organisations such as THT, The Gay and Lesbian Foundation, Stonewall and GMFA. We came 3rd place last year. We need some improvement on that, so we're aiming for 1st.

Please consider Voting for us to show how a grassroots, totally volunteer run, internet-active LGBT organisation can make it to number 1, and more importantly how sometimes the underdog can come out on top.

Note: This is not the nomination round, which you helped us with a few weeks ago. This is the final.
You can vote for as many or as few categories as you like.

But please vote for A Day In Hand in Category 6: Best LGBT Organisation or Charity.

Vote now here (Voting will close 10am on 7 February)

Thank you. You are the revolution!

Making bi history

2010-12-22T09:27:00.000Z

To celebrate 30 years of UK bi activism, two bisexual history events are planned for this February, as part of LGBT History Month.

The first, ‘20th Century Bi’, will take place in London’s Conway Hall. Writer and blogger Sue George (Women and Bisexuality, Bisexuality and Beyond) will lead a panel of speakers discussing bisexuals and bisexuality in the twentieth century.

In the North, ‘Getting Bi In Manchester’ will include speakers and discussion on the history of the UK bisexual movement, with a focus on the Manchester BiPhoria group, now the longest-running bi group in the UK. Speakers (to be confirmed) include Jen Yockney (Bi Community News editor), Surya Monro (University of Huddersfield) and Meg Barker (Open University, BiUK research group).

The UK bi community has much to be proud of. Since the first meeting of the London Bi Group on 1 September 1981, the community has grown enormously in size, diversity and activist experience. Last year’s record-breaking International BiCon, in London, showed just how far the worldwide bisexual community has come since its origins in the radical sexual politics of the 60s and 70s.

20th Century Bi
Saturday 12 February 2011, 2.30–4.30 pm,
Conway Hall (Bertrand Russell Room),
25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
Tickets £5 (£3 unwaged)
website
Facebook Event
Supported by the Bisexual Index (www.bisexualindex.org.uk) and LBGT History Month

Getting Bi In Manchester
Tuesday 15 February 2011, 7–9 pm,
Inspire Centre, 747 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Greater Manchester M19 3AR.
More information at www.biphoria.org.uk

Official Northern Pre-Launch of History Month: 27 January 2011

2010-12-21T21:22:00.000Z

The University of Salford is proud to be hosting the official Northern launch of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month (LGBT) 2011. The launch day features an exciting programme of events aimed at kicking homophobia out of Britain’s schools. Local schools will take part in equality focused sports master classes with world class coaching from John Amaechi, former NBA star and Scottish Rugby league player Mitch Stringer.

Teachers are invited to an afternoon showcase of practical resources designed to tackle homophobia in the classroom, including the Northern premier of the much talked-about film ‘Homophobia’, which depicts a London school where the tables are turned and gay students are the majority.

Find out more about this session and register to attend here.

The day will conclude with a formal evening reception to celebrate the launch of LGBT History Month hosted by our Vice-Chancellor, and LGBT Academic Patron, Professor Martin Hall.

Get further information about the formal reception and all the activities taking place throughout the launch day here.

Sports stars take part in LGBT History Month official northern launch

2010-12-20T11:00:00.000Z

Sports stars from the world of rugby, cricket and basketball will headline the official northern launch of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month on 27 January at the University of Salford – with a focus on reducing the levels of homophobia in schools.

Fitting with LGBT History Month’s sports theme, psychologist, New York Times best-selling author and former NBA basketball player John Amaechi will be leading a basketball masterclass at the event for a group of school children from around the north, while simultaneous sessions will be run by Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Club and Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Stockport-raised John Amaechi became one of the few US-based sportsmen to come out as gay in 2007 and now runs Amaechi Performance Systems, a professional consultancy which works with various businesses and organisations to promote a high-performance workplace through inclusion, improved communication and leadership.

As well as passing on his skills and knowledge to the school pupils at the masterclass, he will also be part of a panel discussion at the evening reception to discuss diversity issues in sport with invited guests.

He said: “Having the opportunity to educate and normalise human differences to young people through everyday activities like sport is a key way to promote a more inclusive and productive society for everyone. I am really pleased that the University of Salford has seen fit to so actively promote discussion and raise awareness on LGBT issues and LGBT history month.”

There will also be a series of events held to help teachers to tackle homophobic bullying in schools, which earlier this year the National Union of Teachers found had been witnessed by nearly all school staff.

The launch event will also kick off the University’s own LGBT history month events to run throughout February.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Martin Hall is the LGBT History Month Academic Patron. “The University is honoured to be chosen to host the northern launch of this important national event and I welcome all of the participants to the day,” he said

“Human rights and social justice are a major part of the University’s mission and by working to promote LGBT issues Salford can play a significant role in addressing homophobia in society.”

The launch event is being supported by the National Union of Teachers and the University and College Union.

US Senate lifts 'don't ask, don't tell' gay soldier ban

2010-12-19T09:54:00.001Z

The US Senate has approved landmark legislation allowing openly gay people to serve in the military.

Senators voted 65-31 to overturn the 1993 "don't ask, don't tell" law, which bars gay people in the military from revealing their sexual orientation.

The House of Representatives had already approved the repeal bill. President Barack Obama says he is looking forward to signing it into law.

Read the full article on BBC News here.

See aslo:
- Gay troops unleash emotions at end of long fight, Washington Post
- Video: US Senate votes to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ban on gays serving in the military, Pink News

LGBT related Radio and TV Programmes

2010-12-18T15:27:00.001Z

Unfortunately we won't be able to bring you our weekly round up of upcoming LGBT programmes on the radio and television, this week. Our apologies for the inconvenience this may cause.

Baynham Killers Found Guilty

2010-12-18T10:58:00.000Z

The killers of Ian Baynham have been found guilty of manslaughter.

Ruby Thomas, 18, of Lichfield, Staffs, and Joel Alexander, 20, of Thornton Heath, southeast London, beat and kicked Ian Baynham, 62, and stamped on his head in a homophobic assault, causing such injury that he died 18 days later. The attack took place in late September 2009, and shocked the nation as it took place in Trafalgar Square and was carried out by teenagers.

Thomas was heard to have shouted "F**king f*gg*ts at Baynham and his partner before the attack. The two will be sentences in the new year. Rachael Burke, 18, of Upper Norwood, southeast London, was found guilty of affray at an earlier trial.

For more details, see:
- The Trafalgar Square killers: two found guilty of attack that left gay man dead, The Guardian
- Public schoolgirl who turned killer: Drunk teen's homophobic attack on stranger in Trafalgar Square, The Daily Mail
- Gay hate 'alive and, sometimes, kicking' , BBC News

FIFA condemned for lack of gay-friendliness

2010-12-15T08:43:00.001Z

The Gay Football Supporters' Network has condemned FIFA for its decision to allow Qatar to host the World Cup in 2022. The middle eastern nation was awarded the honour despite its poor human rights record and the fact that homosexuality is criminalised in the country and carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.

Read the full story in the Pink Paper here

John Amaechi, one of our patrons, has also attacked the head of FIFA for his comments made earlier this week that gay football fans should not have sex when attending the World Cup in Qatar. John said he was "enraged" at the supposed joke and had made a complain to FIFA.

Read the full story in PinkNews here.

Trans women golfers can compete

2010-12-06T09:45:00.000Z

The US Ladies Professional Golf Association L.P.G.A. players have voted to eliminate the tour’s requirement that players be “female at birth” and to allow transgender athletes to compete, less than two months after a transgender woman sued the tour in federal court, arguing that the rule violated California civil rights law.

The L.P.G.A. was sued in October by Lana Lawless, a retired police officer who had sex reassignment surgery in 2005 and who won the 2008 women’s world championship in long-drive golf. Lawless sought to play in L.P.G.A. qualifying tournaments after Long Drivers of America changed its rules to match the L.P.G.A.’s.

Read the full article in the New York Times here.

Bulletin No 79

2010-12-05T17:27:00.000Z

LGBT related Radio and TV Programmes

2010-12-04T13:38:00.001Z

Unfortunately we won't be able to bring you our weekly round up of upcoming LGBT programmes on the radio and television, this week. Our apologies for the inconvenience this may cause.

Gay Birmingham Remembered is Back, to Back!

2010-12-04T10:43:00.001Z

Birmingham LGBT Community Trust has received £50,000 in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a new LGBT social history project. Building on the success of Gay Birmingham Remembered, the ‘Gay Birmingham Back to Back’ project will research the lives of four LGBT people from Birmingham’s past. Researching as far back as the 1850s up until the 1970s the project will look at the social, political and personal circumstances of LGBT people in these time periods.

SHOUT Festival Producer, David Viney comments, “We are pleased to have been awarded this funding, which will help us extend the Gay Birmingham Remembered project and research what life would have been like for lesbian, gay and bisexual people even further back into history. It is vitally important that LGBT people take their place in Birmingham’s history.”

Working in partnership with Women and Theatre and the National Trust, the research will be developed as on site performances, presented in the Back to Back houses on Hurst Street in Birmingham’s Gay Village. The performances will form part of the SHOUT Festival in 2011. The project will also produce an exhibition and a book looking at the four characters’ lives.

Janice Connolly, Artistic Director of Women & Theatre states, ‘We are delighted the HLF are supporting this project, and are excited about working for the first time with Birmingham LGBT and The National Trust and their volunteers. The project is bound to be a flagship project for the company in 2011.’

Press Release: World Cup Decision a ‘Particular Disappointment for Our Community’

2010-12-03T08:10:00.001Z

LGBT campaigners were expressing disappointment at the choices of venue for the World Cup over the next decade.

FIFA, Football's governing body, announced yesterday that the World Cup competition would take place in Russia in 2018 and in Qatar in 2022. Both countries have dubious track records in respect of Human Rights in general and LGBT Rights in particular.

Tony Fenwick, co-chair of LGBT History Month said: “It seems a great shame that, at a time when there is real work beginning to happen to combat homophobia and transphobia in sport in general and football in particular, FIFA should award these prized honours to countries that leave a lot to be desired as regards their record on equal opportunities and human rights.”

Russia decriminalised homosexuality in 1993, but continues to deny same sex couples marriages, civil partnerships or any other legal recognition of their relationships. It has no legislation to protect LGBT citizens against discrimination, although it does allow homosexuals to serve in the armed forces. Moreover, Moscow Pride has consistently been banned and violence against marchers, including Peter Tatchell, has been ignored or condoned by the authorities.

Qatar operates Sharia law and same sex relationships are illegal and punishable by up to five years hard labour. An American citizen was convicted of homosexuality and sentenced to 6 months hard labour and 90 lashes in 1995. Later, there were mass arrests and deportations of Phillipinos for their alleged homosexual activity.

“I had no particular preference for the England bid,” continued Tony. “The English FA attended the LGBT History Month Pre-Launch and has announced its commitment to tackling homophobia on the terraces and on the pitch. But Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal all have same-sex marriage and an excellent record on LGBT equality. To be honest, it feels like a kick in the teeth that this honour should be bestowed on two states that have a very dubious record on LGBT rights.”

There is hope, however, that the decision may encourage Russia and Qatar to improve their record on LGBT rights so that they might gain international kudos. FIFA’s decision, however, is final and it is not open to public scrutiny.

More on Wikipedia:
- LGBT Rights in Russia
- LGBT Rights in Qatar

Rugby League launches anti-homophobia guidance

2010-12-02T18:30:00.000Z

The Rugby Football league has published a guide to combat homophobia in the sport. The guide, entitled Guidance for Rugby League Clubs – Challenging anti gay (homophobic) abuse and behaviour (pdf - 3.1Mb), was recently launched in Parliament to widespread critical acclaim.

It was produced with the support and contributions of Stonewall and Pride Sports as well as the Rugby League Ground Safety Officers Association and a numbers of club representatives from both the professional and community game. The guidance has been produced with the intention of providing practical information and recommendations that are relevant to Rugby League.

The guidance provides useful strategies to challenging homophobia, from the`causal’ use of the term`gay’ to refer to anything negative to homophobic abuse directed at individuals in both the club setting as well as match days. There are a number of useful stand alone pages which can be used and disseminated as summaries of good practice and flowcharts of possible actions.

Although this guidance has been produced specifically for Rugby League it could easily be adapted to suit other sports (please acknowledge the RFL if you do so). As a first of its kind in any sport this guidance is intended to evolve over time and, as such, the RFL would welcome any examples of good practice or case studies where a club has successfully challenged homophobia or has experienced particular challenges.

It can be downloaded from the LGBTHM website (see link above) or from the RFL website here.

Darren Hayes Star Attraction at Gay Humanists’ Annual Lunch

2010-11-26T18:34:00.001Z

International musician Darren Hayes was this year's guest speaker at the annual lunch of the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) in London. Darren treated a packed Café des Amis to a deeply personal account of his struggle growing up gay, and his passion for civil rights.

GALHA Secretary Mike Rickwood commented: "We are thrilled to have the chance to hear from someone of Darren's calibre and standing. This is a speech that will inspire anyone who values gay rights and human rights, Humanists and non Humanists alike."

Previous guest speakers have included Stephen Fry, Angela Eagle MP, Polly Toynbee, Dr Evan Harris and Nikolai Alekseev.

GALHA Campaigns Manager Derek Lennard drew attention to the brave struggle of gay people for basic rights in countries like Jamaica, and stressed that GALHA would focus increasingly on the many countries of the world where Gay people do not enjoy even fundamental freedoms, let alone equality.

He also committed GALHA to fighting to reverse the scandalous vote by the United Nations General Assembly remove the mention of killings based on sexual orientation from a resolution condemning arbitrary and extrajudicial executions.

Closer to home, the lunch also welcomed the presence of the organisers of the Schools Out campaign, committed to fighting for equality in education for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people.

Turing Papers Latest: They Can Still Be Saved

2010-11-24T08:19:00.000Z

As we mentioned last week, Alan Turing's paper were going under the hammer yesterday afternoon at Christie's in central London. The rare collection of documents however fail to sell, the bidding coming £60,000 short of the reserve price of £300,000.

Meanwhile, the campaign to keep the papers in the UK has received the boost of £100,000 donation from Google. This means that there is still a chance for the documents to be bought by Bletchley Park.

You can donate here to help Bletchley Park, where Turing worked as a code-breaker during WWII, buy the parpers.

Outburst Cultural Day, November 27th

2010-11-23T08:54:00.000Z

Outburst, serving the black LGBT community in London, have announced a cultural day event at Camberwell on November the 27th.

Click here for more details.

1st UK Disability History Month

2010-11-22T08:58:00.000Z

LGBT History Month is proud to support the 1st UK Disability History Month.

The Month is about celebrating the lives of disabled people, challenging disablism and promoting equality. It will run from 22 November until 22 December and feature a series of events and exhibitions throughout the UK.

The idea came out of some research carried out for the last Government about bringing disability into the national curriculum.

We’ll be celebrating the lives of disabled people including Stephen Hawking, Jane Campbell and Alan Holdsworth. But we’ll also be highlighting the fact that many other disabled people have been prevented from leading fulfilling lives because of discrimination underpinned by negative and disablist attitudes.

The launch event of the Month will take place on Wednesday 24th November between 5 and 8pm at the Nunn Hall, Institute of Education, Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AL (off Russell Square).

See also:
- www.ukdisabilityhistorymonth.com
- Richard Rieser launches Disability History Month - Disability Now
- Can the first Disability History Month match the impact that Black History teaching has made? - The Independent
- First UK Disability History Month - Ekklesia

UN vote against sexual orientation protection "shameful"

2010-11-21T12:10:00.000Z

Comfort to homophobes, green light to homophobic murder

London, UK - 19 November 2010

The United Nations voted this week to remove sexual orientation from a resolution calling on countries to protect the life of all people and to investigate extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions that are motivated by prejudice and discrimination.

The UN:
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2010/gashc3997.doc.htm

IGLHRC & ARC:
http://www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/article/pressroom/pressrelease/1257.html

Commenting on the UN vote, gay rights and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said:

"This is a shameful day in United Nations history. It gives a de facto green light to the on-going murder of LGBT people by homophobic regimes, death squads and vigilantes. They will take comfort from the fact that the UN does not endorse the protection of LGBT people against hate-motivated murder.

"The UN vote is in direct defiance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees equal treatment, non-discrimination and the right to life. What is the point of the UN if it refuses to uphold its own humanitarian values and declarations?
"This vote is partly the result of a disturbing homophobic alliance between mostly African and Arab states, often inspired by religious fundamentalism. LGBT people in these countries frequently suffer severe persecution.

"Many of the nations that voted for this amendment want to ensure that their anti-gay policies are not scrutinised or condemned by the UN. Even if they don't directly sanction the killing of LGBT people, they have lined up alongside nations that do.

"South Africa and Cuba claim to support LGBT human rights, yet they voted to remove sexual orientation. They can no longer be considered gay-friendly states. Both countries have allied themselves with tyrannical, violent, homophobic regimes, like Saudi Arabia and Iran. Presidents Raul Castro and Jacob Zuma should hang their heads in shame. They've betrayed the liberation ideals that they profess to uphold," said Mr Tatchell.

12th International Transgender Day of Remembrance

2010-11-19T18:52:00.001Z

November the 20th will mark the 12th International Transgender Day of Remembrance and many cities and towns in the UK are participating by holding events. The London ceremony will be at the Cruciform building, University Street, WC1 at 3.

179 trans women were murdered worldwide last year.

To find out more go to www.transgenderdor.org

Turing's manuscripts up for Auction

2010-11-18T10:10:00.003Z

A collection of Alan Turing papers put together by Turing's friend and fellow Bletchley Park codebreaker, Professor Max Newman, to whom Turing presented the offprints, is being auctioned by Christie's. The papers, which include 15 of his 18 published papers and rare examples of Turing's signature, are estimated £300,000 to £500,000. It is thought to be the largest collection in the world.

Gareth Halfacree, an independent supporter of the Bletchley Park Trust, has launched a campaign to raise the money needed to purchase the collection for permanent public display at Bletchley Park.

Click here to find out more on Christie's website.

The BBC has a nice report on "Bid launched to buy Alan Turing papers for the nation" here.

You can donate here to help Bletchley Park, where Turing worked as a code-breaker during WWII, buy the parpers.

LGBT History Month and Pride Sports sponsor Sheffield Eagle’s new shirts

2010-11-17T22:36:00.002Z

Last night at the House of Commons the Minister for Equality modelled the wonderful new shirts that LGBT History Month and Pride Sports have sponsored for the Marvellous Sheffield Eagles action during February.

Sheffield Eagles currently play in Rugby League’s Championship, the division below the Super League and are based.

It was an important night. Sheffield Eagles are the first club prepared to nail their colours to the slogan ‘Tackle Homophobia’ and thanks to Sarah Williams, RFL Equality and Diversity Manager, Rugby League clubs also have comprehensive guidance on exactly how to tackle homophobia.

Lou Englefield of Pride Sports, the LGBT sports development and equity organisation said: “The very fact that a professional sports team is prepared to walk onto a pitch and make a stand against homophobia is ground breaking. Team sports can be an arena where young people are most bullied at school. This is a clear message that homophobic bullying is unacceptable and that LGBT people are welcome in Rugby League”

Sue Sanders, who spoke last night in the absence of LGBT History Month’s patron Gareth Thomas, said how proud LGBT History Month is to be sponsoring the shirts.

“We heard from members of Stoke Newington School’s girls rugby team during the Pre-Launch of LGBT History Month at Twickenham Rugby Stadium last week. They told us how crucial playing rugby had been to their self esteem and confidence and how the school had supported them to challenge the homophobia and sexism that often targeted at women playing sports.”

The Minister for Equality spoke with some passion about the need to challenge homophobia in all sports. She also posed in one of the shirts.

When we know the date of the game in February where the shirts will be worn as part of a comprehensive LGBT History Month campaign by Sheffield Eagles, you will be the first to know! When we do know the date of the game, it would be great to see you all there!

Rev. Elder Jean White Dies

2010-11-16T19:30:00.002Z

Rev. Elder Jean White

The pastor of MCC South London, Rev. Elder Jean White has died.

In Memory: Rev. Elder Jean White

Griffith Vaughan Williams Dies

2010-11-16T16:47:00.002Z

Griffith Vaughan Williams
1940 - 2010

The gay rights activist and secretary of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE), Griffith Vaughan Williams has died aged 70.

You can read the communiqué from CHE on its website here. The Guardian's obituary can be found here.

Griffith Vaughan Williams: Champion of gay rights who fought institutional homophobia, The Independent

LGBT Related Radio and TV Programmes, 13th - 19th November - 5th December

2010-11-13T17:28:00.000Z

We seek them out so you don't have to. This is our weekly non-exhaustive round up of upcoming LGBT programmes on the radio and television. Inclusion of a programme is not a recommendation.

Some of the programmes listed below will be available online on the respective network's websites.

Enjoy!

LGBT TV and radio

The Twyborn Affair Radio 3 Sunday. Lip Service comes to an end.

Listings (times given are pm unless otherwise stated)

Saturday 13th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 6: Strictly Come Dancing
BBC2 - 10.15-12.45am: A Night with Neil Diamond
BBC2 - 12.45am: The Stephen K. Amos Show, Rpt.
ITV1 - 8: The X Factor
ITV1 - 9.30: Take That: Look Back, Don’t Stare. The re-unification of Gary and Robbie
C4 - 9.45am: Ugly Betty
C4 - 3.55: Come Dine with Me. Rpt.
C4 - 11.20: Comedy Roast. Horrible concept in which celebrities appear and are trounced by fellow celebtrities; like This is Your Life in reverse. Sharon Osbourne is roasted and Alan Carr is one of the roasters

Freeview
BBC3 - 11.50: Family Guy
BBC3 - 12.35am: American Dad
Dave - 8.20: QI
ITV2 - 6am and 10.55am: Corrie Omnibus
ITV2 - 8am: Emmerdale
E4 - 6.30: Ugly Betty

Satellite and cable
Comedy Central Extra - 9am: Frasier
FX - 9 and 11.30: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 4.30: Come Dine with Me

Film
TCM - 5.15: A Passage to India. David lean take on the Forster novel (1984)

Sunday 14th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 10am: Sunday Morning Live. Topical debate
BBC1 - 7.30: Strictly Come Dancing Reesults
BBC2 - 7: The Great British Bake Off. Baking competition with Sue Perkins. Rpt. 5/6
ITV1 - 10am: X Factor. Rpt.
ITV1 - 12.30: Corrie Omnibus
ITV1 - 4.20: Downton Abbey. Rpt.
ITV1 - 7.45: X Factor
ITV1 - 10.45: Take That: Look Back, Don’t Stare. Rpt.
C4 - 9.25am: Hollyoaks Omnibus
C4 - 12noon: Ugly Betty
C4 - 10: Desperate Housewives. New series

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.15: American Dad
BBC3 - 11: Family Guy
Dave - 7: Stephen Fry in America
ITV2 - 10 and 11.35: The Only Way is Essex. 9/10. So good it’s on twice
E4 - 7.50am: How to Look Good Naked
E4 - 8.55am: Gok’s Fashion Fix
E4 - 6: Glee
More4 - 4.40: Come Dine with Me

Satellite and Cable
Sky1 - 8.30: Modern Family
Discovery Real Time - 12noon: Come Dine with Me

Film
Drama/Romance - 4: Milk (2008)
Indie - 8: Taking Woodstock (2009) Comedy about a gay Jewish man who staged Woodstock in 1969. Stars Demetri Martin
TCM - 9.25: A Passage to India (1984)

Monday 15th
BBC1 - 11.15: The Graham Norton Show. Rpt.
BBC2 - 9: Giles and Sue Live The Good Life. 35 years after the sit-com first came to the screen, Giles Coren and Sue Perkins do self-sufficiency for real. 2/3
C4 - 8.40am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
Five - 9.15am: The Wright Stuff. Stephen K. Amos on the panel
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11: Family Guy
Dave - 9 and 11: QI
More4 - 10: High Society’s Favourite Gigolo. Profile of Leslie Hutchinson, Britain’s first black superstar, whose lovers included Edwina Mountbatten and Cole Porter
Fiver - 10.30: Sex and the City

Satellite and Cable
FX - 9: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me

Film
Classics - 6pm and 12midnight: The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Tuesday 16th

Terrestrial
ITV1 - 10.30: This Morning. John Barrowman guests
ITV1 - 11.20: Swingtown. 11/13
C4 - 8.40am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
Five - 9.15am: The Wright Stuff. Stephen K. Amos on the panel
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.30: Lip Service. 6/6. Frankie finds out the truth
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBC3 - 1.15: Lip Service. 6/6
BBC HD - 10.30: Lip Service. 6/6
Dave - 6.40, 9 and 11.20: QI
ITV2 - 7: The Only Way is Essex 10/10
More4 - 2.20: Come Dine with Me
More4 - 9: Come Dine with Me
Fiver - 11: Sex in the City

Satellite and Cable
Sky2 - 8.30: Modern Family
Watch - 10: Torchwood
FX - 10: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me

Wednesday 17th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 8.30: Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers
C4 - 8.20am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
Five - 9.15am: The Wright Stuff. Stephen K. Amos on the panel
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.55: Family Guy
BBC3 - 1.40: Lip Service. Rpt. 6/6
Dave - 9 and 11: QI
ITV2 - 8: Gossip Girl
E4 - 9: Ugly Betty
E4 - 10: Desperate Housewives
E4 - 12midnight: Ru Paul’s Drag Race

Satellite and Cable
FX - 9: American Dad
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me
Bio - 10: George Michael

Film
Modern Greats - 10.05am: Thelma and Louise (1991)
Classics - 10: Spartacus (1960)
TCM - 9: Nell. Jodie Foster as an adolescent who grew up in the woods (1994)

Thursday 18th

C4 - 8.40am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 6.30: Hollyoaks
C4 - 10.30: True Blood
C4 - 11.05: Eight out of Ten Cats. Dr Christian Jessen joins the blokey panel show
Five - 9.15am: The Wright Stuff. Stephen K. Amos on the panel
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11: Family Guy
BBC3 - 3.45: Lip Service. Rpt.
BBC HD - 11.30: Lip Service. Rpt.
Dave - 9: QI
Fiver - 11: Sex in the City

Satellite and Cable
Sky1 - 8: Modern Family
Sky Arts1 - 10.20: Film: Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars (1973)
FX - 9: Family Guy
FX - 10: American Dad
Discovery Real Time - 3 and 8: Come Dine with Me
Bio - 5: George Michael

Film
Showcase - 11.45: The Silence of the Lambs. Jodie Foster (1991)

Friday 19th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 7: Children in Need. Whole evening dedicated to raising money for the charity. John Barrowman and the cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert are among the evening’s treats, as well as gay-friendly Kylie Minogue and McFly
ITV1 - 7: Emmerdale
ITV1 - 7.30: Coronation Street. Jonathan Harvey wrote this one
C4 - 8.25am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 8: Come Dine with Me
Five - 9.15am: The Wright Stuff. Stephen K. Amos on the panel
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBCHD - 8: Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers
Dave - 7.20, 9.40 and 1am: QI
E4 - 7: Hollyoaks. Ste outs Brendan
E4 - 9: How to Look Good Naked
E4 - 11.05: Desperate Housewives
More4 - 2.20: Come Dine with Me
Fiver - 10.45: Sex and the City

Satellite and Cable
Sky2 - 8.30: Modern Family
Discovery Real Time - 3 and 8: Come Dine with Me

Film
Classics - 6.50am: Pillow Talk. Hudson/Day comedy (1959)

Radio

Saturday 13th
BBC Radio 2 - 10am: The Graham Norton Show
BBC Radio 2 - 6: Going Out with Alan Carr
BBC Radio 4 - 12.30: News Quiz. Sandi Toksvig. Last in series
BBC Radio 4 - 4: Weekend Woman’s Hour
BBC Radio 4 - 5.30: The Bottom Line. Evan Davis

Sunday 14th
BBC Radio 2 - 5: Paul O’Grady
BBC Radio 3 - 8: Drama on 3: The Twyborn Affair. Adaptation of Patrick White’s 1979 novel of sexual identity in the Second World War
BBC Radio 4 - 7.10am: Sunday. Religious topical programme that often takes on LGBT issues
BBC Radio 4 - 8.30: Last Word
BBC Radio 7 - 4.30: The News Quiz

Monday 15th
BBC Radio 2 - 5am: Clare Balding
BBC Radio 4 - 6.30: Just a Minute Julian Clary guests
BBC Radio 7 - 7: Round the Horne

Tuesday 16th
BBC Radio 2 - 5am: Clare Balding
BBC Radio 3 - 12noon: Composer of the Week: Britten
BBC Radio 4 - 2.15: Afternoon Play: Chatterton: The Allington Solution. Exploring the mysterious life and death of the poet and Romantics’ hero Thomas Chatterton
BBC Radio 4 - 6.30: The Odd half Hour. Sketch show featuring Stephen K. Amos
BBC Radio 7 - 7.30: Counterpoint. Ned Sherrin

Wednesday 17th
BBC Radio 2 - 5am: Clare Balding
BBC Radio 4 - 8: The Moral Maze. 5/9

Thursday 18th
BBC Radio 2 - 5am: Clare Balding
BBC Radio 4 - 8.30: The Bottom Line. Evan Davis

Friday 19th
BBC Radio 2 - 5am: Clare Balding
BBC Radio 2 - 8: Friday Night is Music Night. Focusing on musicals such as Cabaret and Kiss of the Spiderwoman
BBC Radio 4 - 4: Last Word
BBC Radio 4 - 9: A History of the World in 100 Objects. Omnibus
6 Music - 7: Tom Robinson

Local and web

If you want us to tell everyone about your radio broadcasts, email fenwicktony[at]hotmail.com

For a global classification of queer radio on line:
http://radiotime.com/Search.aspx?query=gay&so=26,52,78 and
http://radiotime.com/Search.aspx?query=Lesbian
Gay Internet Radio Live (G.I.R.L.) is on the air 24 hours a day with dance music from the US at www.gayinternetradiolive.com.

Wythenshaw 97.2 FM, a community radio station, airs a lesbian and gay radio magazine programme once weekly, according to Out North West Magazine published by the Lesbian and Gay Foundation in Manchester. Podcast http://www.tuesdaynightout.co.uk/

GayRadio-UK is a new online radio station in Blackpool and promises a variety of LGBT programming. The audio stream is at www.gayradiouk.com. Guests iunclude lesbian actress Amanda Barrie, gay icon Su Pollard and radical actor Richie Tomlinson. Daily programmes are uploaded at the most popular gay podcast site on the net, Feast of Fun www.feastoffools.net, with a speech based programme of LGBT guests, news digest and light-hearted discussion.

Galaxy North East
Monday-Friday 4-7pm: James Barr

BBC Radio Manchester - 95.1 and online
Every Monday 9pm: LGBT Citizen

BBC London - 94.9 and online
Monday – Friday 3-5pm: Danny Baker. With Amy Lamé or Baylen Leonard

Gaydar Radio - Brighton, London DAB and online 24/7

Manchester’s gaydio www.gaydio.co.uk

Radio North Manchester 106.6 FM
Sundays - 11am: Passport. Also look out for their women's programmes

FYI Radio (gay youth radio) - online (currently only podcast but soon to grow to a fully fledged station) www.fyiradio.net

www.pinkeradio.com

Last Tuesday of the month - 6pm
Out in South London - local LGBT radio show with Rosie Wilby and guests
Listen online at www.southcityradio.org

Bulletin No 78

2010-11-11T18:29:00.001Z

LGBT Related Radio and TV Programmes, 6th - 12th November - 5th December

2010-11-06T10:06:00.000Z

We seek them out so you don't have to. This is our weekly non-exhaustive round up of upcoming LGBT programmes on the radio and television. Inclusion of a programme is not a recommendation.

Some of the programmes listed below will be available online on the respective network's websites.

Enjoy!

LGBT TV and radio

Goodbye to Jack Duckworth and Downton Abbey

Hello to Sue Perkins and Giles Coren doing The Good Life for real

Listings (times given are pm unless otherwise stated)

Saturday 6th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 6.15: Strictly Come Dancing
BBC2 - 12.45am: The Stephen K. Amos Show, Rpt.
ITV1 - 7.45: The X Factor
C4 - 3.55: Come Dine with Me. Rpt.

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.15: Family Guy
BBC3 - 11: American Dad
BBC HD - 9.30: The Road to Coronation Street. Rpt.
BBC4 - 10.30: Mad Men
Dave - 8.20: QI
ITV2 - 6am and 10.55am: Corrie Omnibus
ITV2 - 8am: Emmerdale
E4 - 6.30: Ugly Betty
E4 - 10: Comedy Gala. Alan Carr is in the line up

Satellite and cable
Comedy Central Extra - 9am: Frasier
FX - 9 and 11.30: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 4.30: Come Dine with Me

Film
Crime Thriller - 1.15am: Silence of the Lambs. Jodie Foster
Classics - 8am: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Classics - 7: Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Sunday 7th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 10am: Sunday Morning Live. Topical debate
BBC1 - 7.30: Strictly Come Dancing
BBC2 - 6: The Great British Bake Off. Baking competition with Sue Perkins. Rpt.
BBC2 - 8: Stephen Fry and The Great Oil Spill. Fry revisits Louisiana to examine the impact of the BP disaster with zoologist Mark Carwardine
ITV1 - 9.25am: X Factor. Rpt.
ITV1 - 2.35: Corrie Omnibus
ITV1 - 4.55: Downton Abbey. Rpt.
ITV1 - 8: X Factor
ITV1 - 9: Downton Abbey 7/7
C4 - 9.20am: Hollyoaks Omnibus
C4 - 12.05: Ugly Betty
C4 - 10: Desperate Housewives. New series
Five - 3.15: The Canterville Ghost. Film adaptation of Wilde’s comic story set in the States (1996)

Freeview
BBC3 - 10: American Dad
BBC3 - 10.45: Family Guy
BBCHD - 8: Stephen Fry and The Great Oil Spill. Fry revisits Louisiana to examine the impact of the BP disaster with zoologist Mark Carwardine
Dave - 7: Stephen Fry in America
ITV2 - 10 and 11.35: The Only Way is Essex. 9/10. So good it’s on twice
E4 - 7.50am: How to Look Good Naked
E4 - 8.50am: Gok’s Fashion Fix
E4 - 6: Glee
More4 - 5.05: Come Dine with Me

Satellite and Cable
Sky1 - 8.30: Modern Family
Sky Arts1 - 11: Curtis and Don: A Love Story Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy’s life-long relationship is examined
Gold - 11.05: The Thin Blue Line
Discovery Real Time - 12noon: Come Dine with Me
Bio - 6am: Sinead O’Connor

Monday 8th
BBC1 - 11.15: The Graham Norton Show. Rpt.
BBC2 - 9: Giles and Sue Live The Good Life. 35 years after the sit-com first came to the screen, Giles Coren and Sue Perkins do self-sufficiency for real. 1/3
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBC HD - 11.30: The Road to Coronation Street. Rpt.
Dave - 9 and 11: QI

Satellite and Cable
FX - 9: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me

Tuesday 9th

Terrestrial
BBC2 - 11.20: Stephen Fry and the Great Oil Spill. Rpt.
ITV1 - 11.35: Swingtown. 9/13
C4 - 8.25: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.30: Lip Service. 5/6. Cat receives some shocking information
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBC3 - 1.15: Lip Service. 5/6
BBC HD - 10.30: Lip Service. 4/6
Dave - 6.40, 9 and 12.20: QI
ITV2 - 7: The Only Way is Essex
More4 - 2.20: Come Dine with Me
More4 - 9: Come Dine with Me
More4 - 10: True Stories: Joan Rivers – A Piece of Work
More4 - 11.55: Joan Rivers Comedy Roast
Film4 - 4.30: An Affair to Remember. Cary Grant
Fiver - 11: Sex in the City

Satellite and Cable
Sky2 - 8.30: Modern Family
Watch - 10: Torchwood
FX - 10: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me

Film
Drama/Romance - 12.25am: Milk
Modern Greats - 9.40: Thelma and Louise

Wednesday 10th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 8.30: Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers
C4 - 8.20am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.30: Family Guy
BBC3 - 11.10 and 2.10am: Lip Service. Rpt. 5/6
BBC4 and HD - 10: Mad Men
Dave - 11: QI
ITV2 - 8: Gossip Girl
ITV2 - 10: The Only Way is Essex. Last one
E4 - 9: Ugly Betty
E4 - 10: Desperate Housewives
E4 - 1.50am: Ru Paul’s Drag Race

Satellite and Cable
FX - 9: American Dad
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me

Film
Modern Greats - 9.50: A Beautiful Mind

Thursday 11th
ITV1 - 9: Monte Carlo or Bust. Julian Clary is amongst the professional contestants
C4 - 8.20am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 10.30: True Blood
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11: Family Guy
BBC HD - 11: Lip Service. Rpt.
Dave - 9: QI

Satellite and Cable
Sky1 - 8: Modern Family
FX - 9: Family Guy
FX - 10: American Dad
Discovery Real Time - 3 and 8: Come Dine with Me

Film
Classics - 3: Spartacus

Friday 12th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 8.30: QI
BBC1 - 10.35: The Graham Norton Show
BBC2 - 10: The Stephen K. Amos Show
ITV1 - 7: Emmerdale. Jackson tells Aaron he never wants to see him again
ITV1 - 9: Paul O’Grady Live. Julie Walters and Katy Perry. Last in series
C4 - 8.25am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 8: Come Dine with Me
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBCHD - 8.30: QI
BBCHD - 10: The Stephen K. Amos Show
Dave - 7.20, 9.40 and 1am QI
ITV2 - 9: The Only Way is Essex. 9/10
E4 - 11.05: Desperate Housewives
More4 - 2.20: Come Dine with Me
Film4 - 5: Carry On Up The Khyber
Fiver - 11: Sex and the City

Satellite and Cable
Discovery Real Time - 3 and 8: Come Dine with Me

Film
Comedy - 10: Bruno
Classics - 9.45: Rebel without a Cause

Radio

Saturday 6th
BBC Radio 2 - 10am: The Graham Norton Show
BBC Radio 2 - 1: Pick of the Pops. Dale Winton
BBC Radio 2 - 6: Going Out with Alan Carr
BBC Radio 2 - 8: Paul Gambaccini US Hits
BBC Radio 4 - 12.30: News Quiz. Sandi Toksvig
BBC Radio 4 - 4: Weekend Woman’s Hour
BBC Radio 4 - 5.30: The Bottom Line. Evan Davis
BBC Radio 7 - 8.05: The Comedy Controller. Ned Sherrin

Sunday 7th
BBC Radio 2 - 1: Elaine Page. Stage musicals
BBC Radio 2 - 5: Paul O’Grady
BBC Radio 3 - 8: Free Thinking. Debate from The Sage Gateshead includes Fiona Shaw
BBC Radio 4 - 7.10am: Sunday. Religious topical programme that often takes on LGBT issues
BBC Radio 4 - 8.30: Last Word
BBC Radio 7 - 4.30: The News Quiz

Monday 8th
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 9.45am and 12.30am: Autobiography of Mark Twain
BBC Radio 4 - 6.30: Just a Minute

Tuesday 9th
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 9.45am and 12.30am: Autobiography of Mark Twain
BBC Radio 7 - 7.30: Counterpoint. Ned Sherrin

Wednesday 10th
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 8: The Moral Maze. 4/9

Thursday 11th
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 8.30: The Bottom Line. Evan Davis

Friday 12th
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 2 - 10: Dale’s Best of the CMAs. That’s Dale Winton and country music awards
BBC Radio 4 - 4: Last Word
BBC Radio 4 - 6.30: The News Quiz. Sandi Toksvig hosts the last in the series
BBC Radio 4 - 9: A History of the World in 100 Objects. Omnibus
6 Music - 7: Tom Robinson

Local and web

If you want us to tell everyone about your radio broadcasts, email fenwicktony[at]hotmail.com

For a global classification of queer radio on line:
http://radiotime.com/Search.aspx?query=gay&so=26,52,78 and
http://radiotime.com/Search.aspx?query=Lesbian
Gay Internet Radio Live (G.I.R.L.) is on the air 24 hours a day with dance music from the US at www.gayinternetradiolive.com.

Wythenshaw 97.2 FM, a community radio station, airs a lesbian and gay radio magazine programme once weekly, according to Out North West Magazine published by the Lesbian and Gay Foundation in Manchester. Podcast http://www.tuesdaynightout.co.uk/

GayRadio-UK is a new online radio station in Blackpool and promises a variety of LGBT programming. The audio stream is at www.gayradiouk.com. Guests iunclude lesbian actress Amanda Barrie, gay icon Su Pollard and radical actor Richie Tomlinson. Daily programmes are uploaded at the most popular gay podcast site on the net, Feast of Fun www.feastoffools.net, with a speech based programme of LGBT guests, news digest and light-hearted discussion.

Galaxy North East
Monday-Friday 4-7pm: James Barr

BBC Radio Manchester - 95.1 and online
Every Monday 9pm: LGBT Citizen

BBC London - 94.9 and online
Monday – Friday 3-5pm: Danny Baker. With Amy Lamé or Baylen Leonard

Gaydar Radio - Brighton, London DAB and online 24/7

Manchester’s gaydio www.gaydio.co.uk

Radio North Manchester 106.6 FM
Sundays - 11am: Passport. Also look out for their women's programmes

FYI Radio (gay youth radio) - online (currently only podcast but soon to grow to a fully fledged station) www.fyiradio.net

www.pinkeradio.com

Last Tuesday of the month - 6pm
Out in South London - local LGBT radio show with Rosie Wilby and guests
Listen online at www.southcityradio.org

Lesbian Teacher Receives First Honour for Pride

2010-11-05T08:31:00.000Z

Quaker lesbian Clare Dimyon was presented with an MBE by Prince Charles at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Friday 29 October.

Clare Dimyon, 45, a teacher and Quaker, is being honoured for “services to promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Central and Eastern Europe”.

Clare was first inspired to take part in gay PRIDE marches in Central and Eastern C&E Europe in Riga in 2007 and has since participated in PRIDE marches throughout the former Soviet bloc. Her first parade was 25 years ago, in London in 1985.

Clare’s engagement has prompted the flying of rainbow flags from British embassies overseas and the translation of the FCO Guide to LGBT People into local languages so that it is available to young people and their parents. In her work, Clare often highlights higher levels of suicide among young LGBT people and is acutely aware of the isolation of young LGBT people in C&E Europe who have less advice and support available to them.

She has been instrumental in increasing the number of countries whose embassies routinely support PRIDE parades and the human rights of LGBT people from seven in 2007 to twenty two in 2010...and counting!. This year alone saw the first ever PRIDE marches in Vilnius and Bratislava, both with significant support from the diplomatic community... including and especially the Brits!

Clare Dimyon says: "Slovak LGBT are kind enough to call me the “mother of Slovak PRIDE” but really I am more like the delinquent aunt of PRIDE in C&E Europe. They do all the work and take all the risks and I show up in support. "

Successful pre-launch for LGBT History Month

2010-11-04T12:47:00.004Z

The sports community today joined LGBT activists at a ground breaking event to make plans for the biggest ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans History Month, throughout February 2011.

The month aims to raise the profile of LGBT sportspeople past and present, as well as tackling homophobia and transphobia in sport.

Participants in today’s pre-launch event heard from LGBT sports specialists and organisers of successful LGBT History Month events shared their experience.

BBC TV’s Jane Hill compered a panel discussion with John Amaechi, psychologist and former NBA basketball star, Clare Harvey, GB sitting volleyball player, and rugby legend Gareth Thomas.

Gareth spoke of his personal torment in the closet and the liberation of coming out. He cited the power that sponsoring brands such as Nike have to set the agenda and make positive changes.

Clare thought it would be easier to come out before reaching peak performance as there would be less pressure.

John also shared his unique professional insight as both a psychologist and professional sportsman, when he spoke of ‘the authenticity of living openly’. The tiny amount of energy a closeted sportsperson reserves to protect themselves really is significant at the level of elite sport.

Dikeledi Sabanda spoke movingly about the Chosen Few black lesbian soccer team in Johannesburg and their tireless and often dangerous campaign work. She said the South African constitution looks great on paper, but in reality it just didn’t protect her.

Sue Sanders, Co-chair of LGBT History Month, commented: 'It’s been an amazing, productive day for everyone involved. We heard so many positive stories and great ideas for events. We’ll try and share everything on our website.

‘There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Dikeledi told us of the brutal murder of her friend and teammate.

‘Taking on homophobia and transphobia in sport is a huge challenge for us, but I’m bowled over by the expertise and passion in the community to make this happen.

I’m already looking forward to some fabulous events in February!’

Gareth Thomas backs campaign against prejudice - Wales Online

Picture by Karen Kodish showing Gareth Thomas, John Amaechi and Clare Harvey.

More pictures of the event can be found on our Flickr photopool. Please feel free to add your own.

Sonia Burgess Dies

2010-11-04T09:02:00.002Z

Sonia Burgess
1947 - 2010

The civil rights campaigner and immigration lawyer, Sonia Burgess has died aged 63 after falling under Tube train. The death is being investigated by the police. Sonia was known as David professionally.

Read the Guardian's obituary here and an obituary by Prof Stephen Whittle here.

Same sex parenting film released in the UK

2010-10-30T11:37:00.002+01:00

The Kids Are All Right, a film about lesbian parenting , was released in the UK this week.

Directed by Lisa Cholodenko and starring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore, the affirmative film deals with parenting from the IVF stage and beyond. Cholodenko and Moore are both in the country to promote the film. Julianne Moore was interviewed by Evan Davies on the Today programme and an extended edition can be heard on the Radio 4 Today website.

Lisa Cholodenko featured on Radio 2's Art Show with Claudia Winkleman on Friday as well as on Radio 4's The Film Show.

Check out the LGBT TV and radio listings on this blog for timings.

For The Daily Mirror review click here

LGBT related Radio and TV Programmes, 30th October - 5th November

2010-10-30T11:05:00.001+01:00

We seek them out so you don't have to. This is our weekly non-exhaustive round up of upcoming LGBT programmes on the radio and television. Inclusion of a programme is not a recommendation.

Some of the programmes listed below will be available online on the respective network's websites.

Enjoy!

LGBT TV and radio

Stephen Fry’s memoirs on Radio 4 and Stephen K. Amos on BBC2 Friday night

Listings (times given are pm unless otherwise stated)

Saturday 30th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 6.25: Strictly Come Dancing
BBC2 - 3.40: The Great British Bake off. Cooking challenge presented by Mel and Sue. 1/6 Rpt.
BBC2 - 9.45: The Making of Elton John: Madman across the Water
BBC2 - 10.45: Elton John: Electric Prom
BBC2 - 11.45: Elton John at the BBC
BBC2 - 12.45am: The Stephen K. Amos Show, Rpt.
ITV1 - 8: The X Factor
C4 - 9.50am: Ugly Betty
C4 - 3.55: Come Dine with Me. Rpt.

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.30: Family Guy
BBC3 - 11.15: American Dad
BBC HD - 6: Strictly Come Dancing
BBC HD - 10.45: Elton John: Electric Prom
BBC HD - 11.45: QI XL
BBC HD - 12.45am: The Stephen K. Amos Show. Rpt.
Dave - 9: QI
ITV2 - 6am and 10.55am: Corrie Omnibus
ITV2 - 8am: Emmerdale

Satellite and cable
Comedy Central Extra - 9am: Frasier
FX - 8am: American Dad
FX - 10.15 and 11.30: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 4.30: Come Dine with Me

Film
Sci-Fi Horror - 11.10: The Silence of the Lambs. Jodie Foster

Sunday 31st

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 10am: Sunday Morning Live. Topical debate
BBC1 - 7.30: Strictly Come Dancing
BBC2 - 10: Psychoville: Halloween Special
ITV1 - 9.25am: X Factor. Rpt.
ITV1 - 1: Corrie Omnibus
ITV1 - 4.55: Downton Abbey. Rpt.
ITV1 - 8: X Factor
ITV1 - 9: Downton Abbey
ITV1 - 11.15: Whitechapel. Rpt.
C4 - 9.30am: Hollyoaks Omnibus
C4 - 12.05: Ugly Betty
C4 - 7 ;The Genius of British Art 5/6 Modern Times. Includes Francis Bacon and an interview with Grayson Perry
C4 - 10: Desperate Housewives. New series
Five - 3.15: The Canterville Ghost. Film adaptation of Wilde’s comic story set in the States (1996)

Freeview
BBC3 - 10: American Dad
BBC3 - 10.45: Family Guy
BBCHD - 7.30: Strictly Come Dancing
BBCHD - 10: Psychoville: Halloween Special
BBC4 - 7.30: How to Get a Head in Sculpture. With Maggi Hambling. Rpt
Dave - 7: Stephen Fry in America
ITV2 - 10: The Only Way is Essex
E4 - 6: Glee
More4 - 5.05: Come Dine with Me
Film4 - 6.40: Ever After: A Cinderella Story. Drew Barrymore (1998)
Film4 - 12.50am: The Innocents. Deborah Kerr (1961)

Satellite and Cable
Sky1 - 8.30: Modern Family
Discovery Real Time - 12noon: Come Dine with Me
History UK - 9pm: The People Speak - includes Ian McKellen, Tom Robinson and Rupert Everett

Film
Drama/Romance - 6am: West Side Story

Monday 1st

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 11.15: The Graham Norton Show. Rpt.
BBC2 - 11.20: A History of Horror with Mark Gatiss 2/3
ITV1 - 9: Whitechapel
C4 - 8.25am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 6.30: Hollyoaks. Amy struggles to understand Ste is gay
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBC HD - 10.30: QI XL
BBC HD - 11.15: The Graham Norton Show. Rpt.

Satellite and Cable
FX - 9: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me

Film
Drama/Romance - 11.45am and 11.30: Milk. Sean Penn’s award-winning portrayal of the USA’s first out gay councillor (2008)
Modern Greats - 10.30: Thelma and Louise (1991)
Classics - 7am: Pillow Talk. Day/Hudson (1959)

Tuesday 2nd

Terrestrial
BBC2 - 11.20: A History of Horror with Mark Gatiss 3/3 Rpt.
ITV1 - 11.35: Swingtown. 9/13
C4 - 8.25: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 6.30: Hollyoaks. Amy catches Ste and Brendan embracing
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.30: Lip Service. 4/6. Law breaking, internet dating and introducing the new woman to the folks
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBC3 - 1.20: Lip Service. 4/6
BBC HD - 10.30: Lip Service. 4/6
Dave - 9: QI XL
Dave - 12midnight: QI XL
ITV2 - 7: The Only Way is Essex. Double helping. Whoopie-doo!
E4 - 7: Hollyoaks
More4 - 2.20: Come Dine with Me
More4 - 9 and 11.40: Come Dine with Me
Fiver - 11: Sex in the City

Satellite and Cable
Sky2 - 8.30: Modern Family
FX - 10: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me

Film
Classics - 7: Spartacus
Classics - 2am: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Wednesday 3rd

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 8.30: Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers. New series
ITV1 - 10.30am: This Morning. Graham Norton plugs his new book
C4 - 8.20am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 6.30: Hollyoaks. Ste hides Brendan’s violent nature from Amy
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.50: Family Guy
BBC3 - 11.40 and 2.40am: Lip Service. Rpt. 3/6
Dave - 10.15: QI
ITV2 - 8: Gossip Girl
ITV2 - 10: The Only Way is Essex
E4 - 9: Ugly Betty
E4 - 10: Desperate Housewives
E4 - 1.10am: Ru Paul’s Drag Race

Satellite and Cable
Sky Arts2 - 12noon: Simon Callow’s Classical Destinations
Gold - 10.40: Gimme Gimme Gimme
FX - 9: American Dad
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me

Film
Classics - 7: A Place in the Sun. Montgomery Clift (1951)

Thursday 4th

Terrestrial
C4 - 8.20am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 6.30: Hollyoaks
C4 - 11.05: True Blood
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11: Family Guy
BBC HD - 11: Lip Service. Rpt.
Dave - 8.50: QI
E4 - 6.55: Hollyoaks
Film4 - 12.05am: Dance with a Stranger. Stars Rupert Everett (1984)

Satellite and Cable
Sky1 - 8: Modern Family
Gold - 10.40: Gimme Gimme Gimme
FX - 9: Family Guy
FX - 10: American Dad
Discovery Real Time - 3 and 8: Come Dine with Me
Bio - 3: Take That

Film
Comedy - 10.05: Brüno (2009)

Friday 5th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 8.30: QI
BBC1 - 10.35: The Graham Norton Show. Joan Rivers and The Pet Shop Boys
BBC2 - 10: The Stephen K. Amos Show
ITV1 - 8.30: Coronation Street. Scripted by Jonathan Harvey
ITV1 - 9: Paul O’Grady Live. David Walliams guests and McFly perform
C4 - 8.25am: Frasier
C4 - 1.15: Carry on Dick. Corn and vulgarity (1974)
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 8: Come Dine with Me
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBCHD - 8.30: QI
BBCHD - 10: The Stephen K. Amos Show
Dave - 7.20, 9.40 and 1am: QI
ITV2 - 9: The Only Way is Essex
E4 - 11.05: Desperate Housewives
More4 - 2.20: Come Dine with Me
Film4 - 2.55: An Affair to Remember. Cary Grant (1957)
Film4 - 7: Big Business. Lily Tomlin (1988)
Fiver - 11: Sex and the City

Satellite and Cable
Gold - 10.40: Gimme Gimme Gimme
Discovery Real Time - 3 and 8: Come Dine with Me

Film
Showcase - 5.45: Milk (2008)
Classics - 11.55: Spartacus (1960)
Classics - 1.10am: Pillow Talk (1959)

Radio

Saturday 30th
BBC Radio 2 - 10am: The Graham Norton Show
BBC Radio 2 - 1: Pick of the Pops. Dale Winton
BBC Radio 2 - 6: Going Out with Alan Carr
BBC Radio 2 - 8: Radio 2’s Electric Proms. Neil Diamond live
BBC Radio 2 - 10: Electric Proms Aftershow. With Elton John
BBC Radio 4 - 12.30: News Quiz. Sandi Toksvig
BBC Radio 4 - 4: Weekend Woman’s Hour
BBC Radio 4 - 5.30: The Bottom Line. Evan Davis
BBC Radio 7 - 11: Lady Chatterley’s Lover
BBC Radio 7 - 2.30am: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Sunday 31st
BBC Radio 2 - 1: Elaine Page. Stage musicals
BBC Radio 2 - 5: Paul O’Grady
BBC Radio 4 - 7.10am: Sunday. Religious topical programme that often takes on LGBT issues
BBC Radio 4 - 8.30: Last Word
BBC Radio 4 - 11: The Film Programme. Lisa Cholodenko talks about The Kids Are All Right
6 Music - 12noon: The First Time. Interview with Neil Tennant
BBC Radio 7 - 4.30: The News Quiz

Monday 1st
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 11am: Grayson on His Bike. Grayson Perry crosses Bavaria on a pink bike. Wearing Pink. With his Teddy bear Alan Measles.
BBC Radio 4 - 11: Words, Words, Words. Su Perkins on Samuel Johnson
BBC Radio 7 - 9.45: Time for Verse. Benjamin Zephaniah and Carol Ann Duffy

Tuesday 2nd
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 2 - 10: Bay City Babylon. Profile of 70’s Scots sensation The Bay City Rollers
BBC Radio 7 - 7.30: Counterpoint

Wednesday 3rd
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 8: The Moral Maze. 2/9

Thursday 4th
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 8.30: The Bottom Line. Evan Davis

Friday 5th
BBC Radio 1 - 4: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 4: Last Word
BBC Radio 4 - 6.30: The News Quiz. Sandi Toksvig
BBC Radio 4 - 9: A History of the World in 100 Objects. Omnibus

Local and web

If you want us to tell everyone about your radio broadcasts, email fenwicktony[at]hotmail.com

For a global classification of queer radio on line:
http://radiotime.com/Search.aspx?query=gay&so=26,52,78 and
http://radiotime.com/Search.aspx?query=Lesbian
Gay Internet Radio Live (G.I.R.L.) is on the air 24 hours a day with dance music from the US at www.gayinternetradiolive.com.

Wythenshaw 97.2 FM, a community radio station, airs a lesbian and gay radio magazine programme once weekly, according to Out North West Magazine published by the Lesbian and Gay Foundation in Manchester. Podcast http://www.tuesdaynightout.co.uk/

GayRadio-UK is a new online radio station in Blackpool and promises a variety of LGBT programming. The audio stream is at www.gayradiouk.com. Guests iunclude lesbian actress Amanda Barrie, gay icon Su Pollard and radical actor Richie Tomlinson. Daily programmes are uploaded at the most popular gay podcast site on the net, Feast of Fun www.feastoffools.net, with a speech based programme of LGBT guests, news digest and light-hearted discussion.

Galaxy North East
Monday-Friday 4-7pm: James Barr

BBC Radio Manchester - 95.1 and online
Every Monday 9pm: LGBT Citizen

BBC London - 94.9 and online
Monday – Friday 3-5pm: Danny Baker. With Amy Lamé or Baylen Leonard

Gaydar Radio - Brighton, London DAB and online 24/7

Manchester’s gaydio www.gaydio.co.uk

Radio North Manchester 106.6 FM
Sundays - 11am: Passport. Also look out for their women's programmes

FYI Radio (gay youth radio) - online (currently only podcast but soon to grow to a fully fledged station) www.fyiradio.net

www.pinkeradio.com

Last Tuesday of the month - 6pm
Out in South London - local LGBT radio show with Rosie Wilby and guests
Listen online at www.southcityradio.org

Reunion for members of the pioneering gay groups - change of venue

2010-10-28T09:55:00.001+01:00

On November 27th, to mark the launch of the book Out of the Shadows which traces the early days of the gay rights movement in London, the Campaign for Homosexual Equality is organising a reunion of its members past and present and of other people involved in the movement.

The venue for the event will now be Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ (just opposite Euston Station). Start time is 2pm as before.

The organisers have published a list of people they haven’t yet been able to contact and are invited anyone who may know these people to pass the invitation on.

An updated flyer and reservation form for the event is here (pdf). More information about the book Out of the Shadows can be found at www.slago.org.uk/oots.htm.

Peter Tatchell and Sharon Ferguson Challenge Marriage Discimination

2010-10-27T18:54:00.000+01:00

In a direct challenge to discrimination in marriage and civil partnerships, Peter Tatchell today announced that 4 same sex couples will apply to marry and 4 straight couples will apply for a civil partnership. When their applications are rejected they will take legal action for discrimination.

"We believe these bans violate the Human Rights Act and are open to challenge in the high court," said Tatchell. The Rev. Sharon Ferguson, of the Lesbian and Gay Christina Movement, who will be the first to lodge an application to marry her partner Franka Strietzel, said, "We have a double system and we shouldn't have. That isn't equality."

The first round of applications will be made on November 4th and will continue till the 14th of December.

After the recent controversy following its apparent indecision on the matter, Stonewall also announced today that it would now be campaigning for marriage equality.

Special Bulletin: LGBTHM 2011 pre-launch

2010-10-27T08:07:00.001+01:00

A special edition of the LGBT History Month bulletin is now available, as usual packed-full of news, information, notices of upcoming events and quotations.

To access the latest bulletin please click on one of the links below:
word document
pdf file
(you can also right click on the links and "save target as")

You can view all previous bulletins here or register to our mailing list here.

LGBT related Radio and TV Programmes, 23rd - 29th October

2010-10-23T00:18:00.001+01:00

We seek them out so you don't have to. This is our weekly non-exhaustive round up of upcoming LGBT programmes on the radio and television. Inclusion of a programme is not a recommendation.

Some of the programmes listed below will be available online on the respective network's websites.

Enjoy!

LGBT TV and radio

Stephen Fry’s memoirs on Radio 4 and Stephen K. Amos on BBC2 Friday night

Listings (times given are pm unless otherwise stated)

Saturday 23rd

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 6: Strictly Come Dancing
BBC2 - 9.15: QI XL
ITV1 - 7.45: The X Factor
C4 - 9.45am: Ugly Betty
C4 - 3.55: Come Dine with Me. Rpt.

Freeview
BBC3 - 11.15: Family Guy
BBC3 - 12midnight: American Dad
BBC HD - 6: Strictly Come Dancing
ITV2 - 6am&10,55am: Corrie Omnibus
ITV2 - 8am: Emmerdale
E4 - 6.30: Ugly Betty
Film4 - 1: Anna and the King. Jodie Foster

Satellite and cable
Sky Arts1 - 12midnight: What the Dickens? Double bill
Gold - 8: Heroes of Comedy: Kenny Everett
Comedy Central Extra - 9am: Frasier
FX - 8am: American Dad
FX - 10.15 and 11.30: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 4.30: Come Dine with Me

Sunday 24th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 10am: Sunday Morning Live. Topical debate
BBC1 - 7.30: Strictly Come Dancing
ITV1 - 9.25am: X Factor. Rpt.
ITV1 - 1: Corrie Omnibus
ITV1 - 4.55: Downton Abbey. Rpt.
ITV1 - 8: X Factor
ITV1 - 9: Downton Abbey
ITV1 - 10.15: Whitechapel. Rpt.
C4 - 9.30am: Hollyoaks Omnibus
C4 - 12.05: Ugly Betty
C4 - 10: Desperate Housewives. New series

Freeview
BBC3 - 10: American Dad
BBC3 - 10.45: Family Guy
BBCHD - 7.30: Strictly Come Dancing
BBC4 - 10: Witchfinder General. Horror with Vincent Price (1968)
Dave - 7: Stephen Fry in America
ITV2 - 10: The Only Way is Essex.
E4 - 6: Glee
More4 - 5.05: Come Dine with Me

Satellite and Cable
Sky1 - 8.30: Modern Family
Sky Arts1 - 12midnight: What the Dickens?
Bio - 8: Cary Grant
Bio - 10: Montgomery Clift

Film
Modern Greats - 8: Thelma and Louise
Classics - 3.25: Spartacus
Classics - 10.45: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Indie - 2: Milk

Monday 25th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 11.20: The Graham Norton Show. Rpt.
ITV1 - 9: Whitechapel
C4 - 8.25am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.30: My Schoool Prom
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBC4 - 9: A History of Horror with Mark Gatiss.3/3. The American Scream
Film4 - 3: The Spanish Gardener. Stars Dirk Bogarde (1958)
Film4 - 6.40: Ever After: A Cinderella Story. Drew Barrymore (1998)

Satellite and Cable
Sky Arts1 - 12midnight: What the Dickens?
FX - 9: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me
Bio - 11: Montgomery Clift
Bio - 3: Cary Grant

Tuesday 26th

Terrestrial
BBC2 - 10: Later with...Jools Holland. Stars Neil Diamond
C4 - 8.25: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 6.30: Hollyoaks
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.30: Lip Service. Lesbian drama 3/6
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBC HD - 10.30: Lip Service
Dave - 9: QIXL
Dave - 12midnight: QI XL
More4 - 2.20: Come Dine with Me
Film4 - 4.55: Never Been Kissed. Starring Drew Barrymore (1999)
Fiver - 11: Sex in the City

Satellite and Cable
Sky Arts1 - 12midnight: What the Dickens?
Sky2 - 8.30: Modern Family
Sky Arts2 - 6: Brian Sewell’s Grand Tour
FX - 10: Family Guy
Discovery Real Time - 3 Come Dine with Me

Wednesday 27th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 8: Waterloo Road
C4 - 8.20am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 10.50: Family Guy
BBC3 - 11.40 and 2.35am: Lip Service. Rpt. 3/6
ITV2 - 8: Gossip Girl
ITV2 - 10: The Only Way is Essex
E4 - 1.10am: Ru Paul’s Drag Race

Satellite and Cable
Sky Arts1 - 12.05am: What the Dickens?
Sky Arts2 - 6: Brian Sewell’s Grand Tour
FX - 9: American Dad
Discovery Real Time - 3: Come Dine with Me

Film
Classics - 10.45: West Side Story (1961)

Thursday 28th
C4 - 8.20am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 11.05: True Blood
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11: Family Guy
BBC4 - 9: How to Get a Head in Sculpture. With Maggi Hambling
BBC4 - 11: A History of Horror with Mark Gatiss. Rpt.
Dave - 9.40: QI
Film4 - 12.05am: Dance with a Stranger. Stars Rupert Everett (1984)

Satellite and Cable
Sky1 - 8: Modern Family
Sky Arts1 - 12midnight: What the Dickens
Sky Arts2 - 6: Brian Sewell’s Grand Tour
FX - 9: Family Guy
FX - 10: American Dad
Discovery Real Time - 3 and 8: Come Dine with Me

Film
Classics - 8.50am: Pillow Talk. Hudson/Day (1959)

Friday 29th

Terrestrial
BBC1 - 8.30: QI
BBC1 - 10.35: The Graham Norton Show
BBC2 - 10: The Stephen K. Amos Show
ITV1 - 9: Paul O’Grady Live
C4 - 8.25am: Frasier
C4 - 5: Come Dine with Me
C4 - 8: Come Dine with Me
Five - 1.45 and 5.30: Neighbours

Freeview
BBC3 - 11.30: Family Guy
BBCHD - 8.30: QI
BBCHD - 10: The Stephen K. Amos Show
BBCHD - 10.35: The Graham Norton Show
Dave - 7.20, 9.40 and 1am: QI
ITV2 - 9: The Only Way is Essex
E4 - 11.05: Desperate Housewives
Film4 - 11am: The Spanish Gardener. Dirk Bogarde (1956)
Fiver - 11: Sex and the City

Satellite and Cable
Sky Arts2 - 5.45: Brian Sewell’s Grand Tour
Discovery Real Time - 3 and 8: Come Dine with Me

Film
Comedy - 10: Brüno (2009)
Indie - 12noon: Milk (2008)

Radio

Saturday 23rd
BBC Radio 2 - 10am: The Graham Norton Show
BBC Radio 2 - 1: Pick of the Pops. Dale Winton
BBC Radio 2 - 6: Going Out with Alan Carr
BBC Radio 2 - 8: Paul Gambaccini
BBC Radio 4 - 6.07am: Ramblings. Clare Balding with the Glasgow women’s library
BBC Radio 4 - 12.30: News Quiz. Sandi Toksvig
BBC Radio 4 - 4: Weekend Woman’s Hour
BBC Radio 4 - 5.30: The Bottom Line. Evan Davis

Sunday 24th
BBC Radio 2 - 1: Elaine Page. Stage musicals
BBC Radio 2 - 5: Paul O’Grady
BBC Radio 4 - 7.10am: Sunday. Religious topical programme that often takes on LGBT issues
BBC Radio 4 - 8.30: Last Word
BBC Radio 5 Live - 9pm: 5 live Investigates - Forced marriages of LGBT people
BBC Radio 7 - 4.30: The News Quiz
BBC Radio 7 - 6: The Devil in Amber. Mark Gatiss reads from his own novel
BBC Radio 7 - 9.15: Short Stories by D.H. Lawrence. The Christening

Monday 25th
BBC Radio 1 - 6.30am: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 2 - 8: Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie. Includes The Scissor Sisters
BBC Radio 2 - 10: The Musical. 8/8
BBC Radio 4 - 9: Start The Week. Includes David Starkey on the history of the monarchy
BBC Radio 4 - 9.45am and 12.30am: Book of the Week: The Fry Chronicles. Read by the man himself
BBC Radio 4 - 11: The Seven Car Parks of Croydon. Su Perkins asks why everybody laughs at her hometown
BBC Radio 7 - 9.45: Time for Verse. Benjamin Zephaniah and Carol Ann Duffy

Tuesday 26th
BBC Radio 1 - 6.30am: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 9.45am and 12.30am: Book of the Week: The Fry Chronicles. Read by the man himself
BBC Radio 4 - 11.30: Leading Ladies. Takes us back to December 8th 1660 when Desdemona was played by a woman for the first time.
BBC Radio 4 - 6.30: The Write Stuff. The works of William S Boroughs and Jack Kerouac are discussed
BBC Radio 4 - 7.30: Counterpoint

Wednesday 27th
BBC Radio 1 - 6.30am: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 9.45am and 12.30am: Book of the Week: The Fry Chronicles. Read by the man himself
BBC Radio 4 - 8: The Moral Maze. 2/9

Thursday 28th
BBC Radio 1 - 6.30am: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 4 - 9.45am and 12.30am: Book of the Week: The Fry Chronicles. Read by the man himself
BBC Radio 4 - 11.30: The League of Gentlemen’s Ghost Chase
BBC Radio 4 - 3: Ramblings. Repeated from Saturday
BBC Radio 4 - 8.30: The Bottom Line. Evan Davis

Friday 29th
BBC Radio 1 - 6.30am: Scott Mills
BBC Radio 2 - 10: The Arts Show with Claudia Winkleman. Matthew Bourne and a look at lesbian mums’ film The Kids are All Right
BBC Radio 4 - 9.45am and 12.30am: Book of the Week: The Fry Chronicles. Read by the man himself
BBC Radio 4 - 4: Last Word
BBC Radio 4 - 4.30: The Film Programme Director Lisa Cholodenko on her latest film The Kids are All Right
BBC Radio 4 - 6.30: The News Quiz. Sandi Toksvig
BBC Radio 4 - 9: A History of the World in 100 Objects. Omnibus
BBC Radio 4 - 11: A Good Read. Rpt.

Local and web

If you want us to tell everyone about your radio broadcasts, email fenwicktony[at]hotmail.com

For a global classification of queer radio on line:
http://radiotime.com/Search.aspx?query=gay&so=26,52,78 and
http://radiotime.com/Search.aspx?query=Lesbian
Gay Internet Radio Live (G.I.R.L.) is on the air 24 hours a day with dance music from the US at www.gayinternetradiolive.com.

Wythenshaw 97.2 FM, a community radio station, airs a lesbian and gay radio magazine programme once weekly, according to Out North West Magazine published by the Lesbian and Gay Foundation in Manchester. Podcast http://www.tuesdaynightout.co.uk/

GayRadio-UK is a new online radio station in Blackpool and promises a variety of LGBT programming. The audio stream is at www.gayradiouk.com. Guests iunclude lesbian actress Amanda Barrie, gay icon Su Pollard and radical actor Richie Tomlinson. Daily programmes are uploaded at the most popular gay podcast site on the net, Feast of Fun www.feastoffools.net, with a speech based programme of LGBT guests, news digest and light-hearted discussion.

Galaxy North East
Monday-Friday 4-7pm: James Barr

BBC Radio Manchester - 95.1 and online
Every Monday 9pm: LGBT Citizen

BBC London - 94.9 and online
Monday – Friday 3-5pm: Danny Baker. With Amy Lamé or Baylen Leonard

Gaydar Radio - Brighton, London DAB and online 24/7

Manchester’s gaydio www.gaydio.co.uk

Radio North Manchester 106.6 FM
Sundays - 11am: Passport. Also look out for their women's programmes

FYI Radio (gay youth radio) - online (currently only podcast but soon to grow to a fully fledged station) www.fyiradio.net

www.pinkeradio.com

Last Tuesday of the month - 6pm
Out in South London - local LGBT radio show with Rosie Wilby and guests
Listen online at www.southcityradio.org

Moscow Pride Bans Ruled Illegal

2010-10-21T18:59:00.000+01:00

LGBT Rights campaigners are celebrating throughout Europe today after the European Court of Human Rights ruled the persistent ban on Moscow Pride since 2006 to be illegal.

The Strasbourg ruling is a particular victory for Nikolai Alekseev, who has faced years of false arrests, imprisonment and violence for his steadfast determination to hold a pride celebration in the capital. The disgraced former mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov is primarily responsible for the annual ban, but successive Russian presidents Putin and Medvedev also share responsibility as they did not over-rule him.

Peter Tatchell, who attends Moscow Pride and was severely beaten by homophobic thugs two and a half years ago, said, “This is an astonishing victory. Nikolai and his small band of daring LGBT activists have taken on the might of the Russian state - and won.
“It is a triumph for LGBT Russians and for all Russians who love liberty. This ruling expands the democratic space and gives comfort to human rights defenders everywhere. It’s a positive result for gay rights and liberty, and a setback for autocracy and homophobia.”

CHE Reunion Night

2010-10-20T08:33:00.000+01:00

The Campaign for Homosexual Equality is planning a reunion for active LGBT campaigners from the last century.

The event, which will be held in London on the 27th November, will also be an opportunity to purchase a copy of Out of the Shadows, a historical new book that follows the work of LGBT activists from 1967 onwards, and includes a chapter by Tony Fenwick on Schools OUT.

You can download a flyer and booking form here (pdf).