14/11/2012 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Police chief to retire

Posted on 14/11/201214/11/2012 by Besi

WEB.378.grahambartlett_sht2 — Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett

Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett, divisional commander of Brighton and Hove will be retiring from Sussex Police in March next year.

In a statement he said:

“I have taken the decision to retire from the police service on March 31 2013. By that time I will have had the great privilege of holding the office of constable for 30 years.

“To have served in every rank at Brighton and Hove has been a great honour and over the years I have made many great friends here.

“I truly believe that our city is a very special place with vibrant and diverse people and communities served by truly remarkable and capable people in all sectors. I have been humbled to be part of the partnerships which have made Brighton and Hove a safer and healthier place to live, work and visit.

“I leave the service at a time of great change but I know that whatever the future holds our organisation will continue to have public service at its heart.

“I have no immediate plans for the future, these will come. However, of what I am certain is that there will always be much to do in terms of improving safety, reducing inequality and promoting a healthier society.

“I know that those with whom I have had the pleasure of working will continue to strive for those outcomes for the benefit of all.

“I will, of course, be around for sometime yet and it will very much be business as usual until the day I leave. Whilst I know we will have the time to say our farewells, I would like to thank you all for your support, friendship and counsel over the years.”

Commander Bartlett is seen as a moderniser and a champion of equality issues within the police service.

Carousel Christmas fund raiser at Friends Meeting House

Posted on 14/11/2012 by Besi

Carousel, the Brighton-based charity that facilitates people with a learning disability to reach their potential in the arts, will be hosting a Christmas market fundraiser at the Friends Meeting House in Brighton on Saturday, December 8 from noon–4pm.

Carousel’s Christmas Cracker will see local crafters and artisans selling bespoke items, ideal for a spot of last minute Christmas shopping.

Snoopers can expect crafts, novelties, decorations and home wares; home-cooked cakes, biscuits and sweets; chutneys and second-hand books.

There will be badge making and a lucky dip; plus the Carousel artists will be entertaining shoppers with films and music.

Elizabeth Hall, Director of Carousel, said:

“Carousel’s Christmas Cracker is an event put on by staff, Trustees, volunteers and friends of Carousel to help raise the money we need to run our award-winning arts projects in 2013. We want to raise awareness about the fantastic work which is made by local artists with learning disabilities. 

“Enjoy an afternoon of festive delights, handmade goodies and home-baked treats, meet our artists and celebrate their work.”  

For more information, view:
Carousel

Uganda’s Anti-Homosexual Bill to become law

Posted on 14/11/201230/11/2012 by Besi

Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill will become law by the end of 2012.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill was first introduced as a private member’s bill by MP David Bahati in October 2009. Bahati is an evangelical Christian and a member of the Fellowship Foundation, also known as The Family, a US-based Christian and political organisation which arranges the annual prestigious National Prayer Breakfast in Washington.

The law will broaden the criminalisation of same-sex relationships by dividing homosexuality into two categories: aggravated homosexuality and the offense of homosexuality.

Aggravated homosexuality is defined as gay acts committed by parents or authority figures, HIV-positive people, paedophiles and repeat offenders. If convicted, they will face the death penalty.

The offense of homosexuality includes same-sex sexual acts or being in a gay relationship, and will be prosecuted by life imprisonment.

The Bill had been temporarily shelved because of international criticism. Several European countries have threatened to cut aid to Uganda if it passes, with the UK government warning Uganda it would face severe reductions in financial help.

US President Barack Obama has described the Bill as “odious”, and Canadian politician John Baird has said it is “vile, abhorrent, and offends decency”.

The UK gay Humanist charity the Pink Triangle Trust (PTT) is appalled to learn the news.

WEB_220_03_BROADBENT_George — George Broadhead

Their secretary, George Broadhead, said:

“We are appalled that after such a long time this heinous piece of legislation will still become law. Much of the homophobic bigotry which is rife in Uganda and other African countries emanates from religious sources, including US evangelical Christians.

“It certainly emanates from the Anglican Church of Uganda which states on its website: “The Church of Uganda appreciates the spirit of the Bill’s objective of protecting the family, especially in light of a growing propaganda to influence younger people to accept homosexuality as a legitimate way of expressing human sexuality. We particularly appreciate the objectives of the Bill which seek to: provide for marriage in Uganda as contracted only between a man and woman; prohibit and penalize homosexual behaviour and related practices in Uganda as they constitute a threat to the traditional family; prohibit ratification of any international treaties, conventions, protocols, agreements and declarations which are contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of the Act; prohibit the licensing of organizations which promote homosexuality.’ Unfortunately the vast majority of the population are committed Christians and clearly greatly influenced by these malign bible-based policies.”

London Switchboard benefit raises £13,000

Posted on 14/11/2012 by Besi

Actor and writer Mark Gatiss hosted an exclusive fundraiser at the Criterion Theatre in London on November 11 in support of London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard.

The Game Is On: An Afternoon with Mark Gatiss & Friends brought together special guests from BBC1’s hit show Sherlock.

Taking part were Sherlock series creators Gatiss and Steven Moffat, as well as producer Sue Vertue. The Sherlock crew were joined by actors, Martin Freeman, Rupert Graves and Louise Brealey. It was the first time that so many of the cast and crew had taken part in a public event together. The panel answered a range of questions about the series, which has become a global phenomenon since it first aired in 2010.

The event, raised around £13,000 for London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard who provide information and support services to the LGBT community. These include a free and confidential telephone helpline, instant messaging and email support.

Founded in 1974, London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard is one of the oldest LGBT organisations in the UK. It has about 170 volunteers, all of whom identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans, and who speak to about 20,000 people a year.

For further information or to make a donation view:
London Switchboard