NHS and GIRES Trans Workshop

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.

Invitation to WellFit Reunion Party

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

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

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

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

Making bi history

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

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.

Darren Hayes Star Attraction at Gay Humanists’ Annual Lunch

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.

Outburst Cultural Day, November 27th

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

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

12th International Transgender Day of Remembrance

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

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

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!

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

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.

CHE Reunion Night

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).

Charity night in aid of the Iraqi LGBT

The first ever charity night in aid of the Iraqi LGBT is to take place this month. This celebrates the fifth anniversary of the London-based initiative to raise awareness of the persecution of LGBT people in Iraq.

Over 720 Gay, Lesbian, Trans and Bisexual people have been recently killed by the militia and members of the Ministry of Interior forces and death squads targeting all sexual minorities inside Iraq.

The event will take place at Apres London – one of London’s leading clubs and will see performances by some of London’s leading Drag Queens. A raffle and auction prizes will also be offered.

Julian Bennett will be hosting the night : "I am very proud to have been asked to host this event. I think it is so important that we do as much as we can to support this charity and what it stands for. I can’t believe the Iraqi government are trying to implement this law when we live in the 21st century where most people’s views are so liberal and open!! Please come and support us all at the event."

For further information or to book tickets, please contact IRAQI LGBT.
Iraqilgbt@googlemail.com or call 07981959453
http://iraqilgbt.org.uk/

Iraqi LGBT Charity Night
26 October, 19:00
CHLOE
3 CROMWELL ROAD,
London, SW7 2AR
Entry fees - Donations at the door.
Dress code: Smart Casual.

Training: Supporting Young Gay & Bisexual Men

A training course for promoting awareness of and equality for young gay and bisexual men is being run in Manchester by ‘LGBT Youth North West’, on the 25th October 2010. LGBT History Month HE Officer Jeff Evans said, "Such training events clearly offer a wonderful opportunity to better appreciate, protect and help challenge the endemic bigotry faced by young males in our schools, colleges and wider community".

Click here for detailed information and registration advice (pdf - 350kb).

If you have any queries or would like more information please contact
Myrtle Finley (
Training, Accreditation & Volunteer Support Coordinator
LGBT Youth NW
Mobile: 07531061775
Answer phone: 01612737838
Email: myrtle@lgbtynw.org.uk

Diversity Training for Teachers

It is only ignorance that causes homophobia - once educated, attitudes do change – a whole school approach

* Enusure Policy is implemented in your school: ECM, INCLUSION, OFSTED, CP
* Be inspired y professional diversity trainers with 30 years of experience
* Learn how to change attitudes of students, staff and in the community
* Collect tried and tested schemes of work, resources and ideas
* See LGBT lessons in action

‘By working together we changed attitudes at Stoke Newington School and in our community – you can do it at your school too’
Annie Gammon – Headteacher, Stoke Newington School

Diversity Training for Teachers
Stoke Newington School Diversity Training Centre for Teachers
Educate and Celebrate
1 day Course £100

For more details and to register contact:
Course Leader Elly Barnes
0207 241 9653
elly.barnes@sns.hackney.sch.uk
Registration Form (Word doc - 312kb)

SShh! it's our first anniversary

LGBT History Month's sister initiative A Day in hand is celebrating its first year of same-sex hand holding Saturday today.

The event, which takes place globally every last Saturday of the month, began twelve months ago today.

Here is a message from its founder, David Watkins:

Happy Sshh! Saturday everyone.

Go to www.adayinhand.com to see two very special messages for A Day In Hand followers.

1) Hold hands
2) Step outside
3) Enjoy

Rugby Union Star Supports Gay Sports day

England rugby union star and gay icon Ben Cohen has given his support to this year's Gay Sports Day.

The day, organised by GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, will be held in London on August 30th.

For the full story go to http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/08/06/gay-icon-and-rugby-star-ben-cohen-supports-gay-sports-day/

Sparkle Manchester this weekend

Sparkle! The biggest trans event in the world is held this weekend in Sackville Gardens, Manchester.
For full details go to www.sparkle.org.uk.

Chief sponsors of this year's Sparkle are Pink Punters of Milton Keynes, owners of the Rainbow Bus. Pink Punters' Joe McMahon said: " – The main event – Sparkle in the Park will be held in Sackville Gdns near Canal Street where there is a fantastic statue of Alan Turing. I am hoping to address the attendees at some point to highlight the Enigma Ball in November and to make reference to the Statue (just 50m from the stage) and the fantastic work carried out at Bletchley Park during WWII.

The Enigma Ball is another huge trans event; this one to be held in Pink Punters at Milton Keynes.

'Come Together' - Celebrating 40th Anniversary of the Creation of the Gay Liberation Front

‘Come Together’ is an afternoon of celebration, challenge, cinema and chin-wagging looking back over the last 40 years since the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) made its demands; looking at where we are today and looking ahead to where we could be.

The afternoon will start with some amazing archive footage including ‘Come Together’, a 1971 Panorama documentary, excerpts from A Lesbian and Gay History and an exclusive screening of films Mair Davies made in the GLF communes. This will be followed by a panel debate with lots of audience participation.

In 1970 the GLF made 8 demands:
1) That all discrimination against gay people, male and female, by the law, by employers, and by society at large, should end.
2) That all people who feel attracted to a member of their own sex be taught that such feelings are perfectly normal.
3) That sex education in schools stop being exclusively heterosexual
4) That psychiatrists stop treating homosexuality as though it were a problem or sickness, thereby giving gay people senseless guilt complexes.
5) That gay people be as legally free to contact other gay people through newspaper ads, on the streets, and by any other means they may want, as are heterosexuals, and that police harassment should cease right now.
6) That employers should no longer be allowed to discriminate against anyone on account of their sexual preferences.
7) That the age of consent for gay males be reduced to the same as for straights.
8) That gay people be free to hold hands and kiss in public as are heterosexuals.

40 years since the demands were first state we are still waiting for all of them to be met. Why? Join our panel for a frank discussion about LGBT rights, what can we learn from our queer history and what can we as a community do to achieve what GLF demanded 40 years ago? Given we now have some of the rights we have fought for, what could we be doing as a community to support LGBT people around the world?

The event is hosted by STEWART WHO? with some special guests involved in LGBT activism including:
Roz Kaveney - Trans poet and activist
Shami Chakrabarti - Director of Liberty
Peter Tatchell - Human rights campaigner
Stuart Feather - Artist
Andrew Lumsden - Artist and journalist

Come Together
Electric Cinema
191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2ED
26 June 2010
1pm - 3.00pm
Entry £7.5 (£4 NUS & unwaged)
Tickets from www.ticketweb.co.uk
All door proceeds to go to Pride London.