Sir Nick Partridge will step down from his role as Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) at the end of October 2013. He joined THT as its first paid member of staff in 1985 when it operated out of a small London office run by a group of volunteers.
THT is now the largest HIV and sexual health charity in Europe, with over 30 centres across England, Scotland and Wales. It has a membership of 14,000 people, 500 volunteers and 270 staff, and an annual turnover of just over £20 million.
Sir Nick Partridge said:
“It’s been an extraordinary three decades, and a privilege to serve such a remarkable charity as Chief Executive. Having led Terrence Higgins Trust through it’s 30th anniversary, the time feels right for me to move on to other challenges. I know that the Trust will continue to go from strength to strength and of course I’ll continue to support that journey as a friend of the charity.”
Professor Christopher Bones, Chair of Trustees of Terrence Higgins Trust said:
“We are hugely grateful to Sir Nick for his enormous contribution to Terrence Higgins Trust over the last three decades. His vision, networks and insight are huge assets, and I am delighted that he will remain an important part of our family in the years to come.
“Our environment is one of continual change and we know that the future holds significant challenges. The Board is now looking for the next Chief Executive to lead Terrence Higgins Trust to 2020 and beyond.”
From November 1, Paul Ward, currently Deputy Chief Executive at THT, will become acting Chief Executive while the Board recruits into the role.
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act has received Royal Assent. The Act enshrines equal marriage in law, and will lead to same-sex couples being able to marry in England and Wales.
Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill, said:
“Royal Assent sets the final seal on this modest and decent law which will bring joy to tens of thousands of gay couples and their friends and families. We’ll be working closely with officials over the coming months to make sure that the law is implemented without delay and that the first weddings can take place next January.”
Stonewall, the LGB equality charity now intends lobbying ministers to make sure implementation happens as soon as possible, in the hope that same-sex couples will be able to marry from January 2014.
Mike Weatherley, MP
Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portslade, said:
“I am delighted the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill has been enshrined in law today, as it received Royal Assent and is now an Act of Parliament. The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act is a historic piece of legislation that was long overdue and I was privileged to support.”
Parts of Kemptown form the heart of Brighton’s ‘gay village’. Simon Kirby is the MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven and a long time supporter of equal marriage.
Simon Kirby, MP
He said:
“I know how important this issue is to people in Brighton, and I have worked very hard to get this Bill through Parliament. I am, therefore, absolutely delighted that the Same Sex Marriage Bill has received Royal Assent this afternoon. I think that it is a fantastic achievement, and one which many MPs and Peers will be able to look back on with pride in years to come.
“I can now look forward to the first same sex marriage ceremonies taking place in Brighton and across the UK next year. They will mark an important step in the advance of equality in the UK and I believe they will make our society happier and leave the institution of marriage stronger.”
LGBT+ Liberal Democrats paid special tribute to Nick Clegg, whose personal support for marriage equality predates the Lib Dems becoming the first major party to adopt the policy.
Chair Adrian Trett, said:
“Thanks to the Lib Dems, there was a Government majority to carry this through the house, with welcome support from most sides.”
“This is an historic step for equal rights for same-sex couples in this country. Despite some of the usual suspects’ attempts to derail the legislation, it has received support from across the political spectrum.
“While the Act still falls short of Liberal Democrat policy in several areas, it nonetheless removes a major barrier and cause of discrimination for lesbian, gay and bisexual people in same-sex relationships in England and Wales.
“I am particularly proud that the tone of the debate from supporters was joyful and positive, particularly the vigils outside Parliament that ournewly-engaged vice-chair Ed Fordham co-ordinated.”
Chair of Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats, Brian Stone, has been a long term political campaigner for sexual equality, and was the first chair of the Liberal Democrat for LGBT rights.
Brian Stone
He said:
“If there was one good reason why the Liberal Democrats should have gone into Coalition with the Tories, the introduction of Equal Marriage is surely that”.
Hertfordshire Police have arrested Ian John McLoughlin, today, July 17 in connection with the murder of Graham Buck in Little Gaddesden on Saturday, July 13.
The 55 year old who has a history of violence against gay men was arrested at an address in London at around 1am this morning.
He is in custody at a police station in Hertfordshire and is being questioned on suspicion of murder and robbery.
McLoughlin who also uses the name Ian John Roberts was out of prison on day release.
He was serving a life sentence for murdering Peter Hall a gay barman in Brighton in 1992. Peter died in his flat after being stabbed three times in the neck by McLoughlin.
Organisers of Tran* Pride have announced that this years Trans* Pride March on Saturday, July 27 will not go ahead and celebrations for Trans*Pride will commence in New Steine Gardens from noon.
The Statement issued on the Trans* Pride website, reads:
To all Trans* Pride attendees
“It is with a tinge of sadness we have to announce that due to time constraints and the level of detail and planning required to hold a safe Trans*Pride March, we realise this cannot be done this year.
“The Trans* Pride committee assembled and began planning at late notice just a few months ago and there seems to be a ridiculous amount of red tape and money involved with just walking together up St James Street as a large group. We thank you for you understanding on this matter and for your continuing support. We fully intend to hold a march next year.
“Brighton & Hove Police support us fully in making this decision as being the right one for this year. This way we can concentrate on delivering a great first event at New Steine Gardens.
“We are, however still holding a fantastic event in New Steine gardens (at the top end of St James Street), where we encourage everyone to attend Trans* Pride in the Park from noon to 6pm, and , it’s absolutely FREE.
“Bring your banners and flyers and enjoy the community stalls, including Gendered Intelligence, Mermaids, Stonewall Housing, FTM Brighton, Clare Project, My Genderation & Translations (TPOC) will be on-hand to chat about filming and documenting the event.
“Our stage manager promises us some fantastic entertainment and has booked a wide range of performers. Comedian Claire Parker will be the compare, introducing some fantastic tran* musicians, including CN Lester and Wilde, while Bethany Black headlines with some comedy. We will also have community speakers and spoken word.
“There will be a cluster of small businesses offering refreshments in the park.
“The events ends at 6pm, so please begin to leave the park, to allow the stall-holders to pack up.
“That leaves just enough time to grab a bite to eat and throw on your dancing shoes for Trans*Frau at the Blind Tiger. The event has live entertainment from 8pm until 10pm, and then DJ’s from 10pm till late.”
Rules:
• Please treat others with dignity and respect.
• Sorry pet owners, guide dogs only.
• No glass bottles, plastic containers only please.
• No drugs
If you break any of these rules, the organisers will have to ask you to leave and/or report you to the police.
Friends of Dorothy, The Annual Summer Show in aid of The Sussex Beacon is on Wednesday, July 31 at 7.30pm
This years show features Miss Jason, Tammy Twinkle, Krissie Du Cann, Jennie Castell, Mysterry, Dave Hill and is hosted by David Raven aka Maisie Trollette and Collin Day aka Pooh La May.
There are great raffle prizes to be won on the evening including a family holiday for two adults and two children to any Hi Hotel in Spain.
Event:Friends of Dorothy
Where: Sallis Benny Theatre, Grand Parade, Brighton
When: Wednesday, July 31
Time: Doors 6.45pm show starts 7.30pm
Tickets: are £12 and £10 concessions, available from 112 Church Street and the Sussex Beacon Shop in St James Street or on the door on the night
Brighton & Hove will be hosting the European Beach Tennis Championships from August 9-11.
The tournament is one of the highest grade Beach Tennis tournaments on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Beach Tennis Tour with competitors competing in three categories; Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
There will be over 20 countries competing, and approximately 70 teams involved. Great Britain will be submitting teams into all events with play between 10am-7pm daily.
The Chammpionships take place at Yellowave Beach Sports on Brighton seafront near the Peter Pan playground site, a 10 minute walk east from Palace Pier.
Entry is free to spectators, seating and refreshments are available and there will be fun activities during the competition including the opportunity to try Beach Tennis.
George Donnelly, competition Delivery Manager at the Lawn Tennis Association says:
“We are delighted to bring this tournament to Brighton to demonstrate our support for tennis in the city as well as to help raise the profile of beach tennis here in the UK.”
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, and PPS to Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport, is encouraging local residents to visit the Yellowave centre on the Seafront in his constituency during the championships.
He said:
“This is an excellent opportunity for residents to come along and introduce themselves to beach tennis as well as enjoy the fantastic seafront facilities that Brighton has to offer.”
“This is the first time that Britain is hosting the event and I’m sure the tournament will be a fantastic success and a great day out for the family.”
For more information on the Championships, CLICK HERE:
Following the House of Lords’ historic decision to pass the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, an array of celebrities have joined a Stonewall campaign to celebrate equal marriage.
The campaign – in partnership with g3 and Out in the City publishers Square Peg Media – sees stars including Gok Wan, Stella Duffy and Dr Christian Jessen pose in Stonewall’s new Some Guys Marry Guys/Some Girls Marry Girls. Get Over It! t-shirts. The celebrities have also given their views on why equal marriage is important to them.
Coronation Street star Charlie Condou was the first to have his photo taken.
He said:
“Equal marriage means everything to me – finally gay people will be recognised as people.”
Comedian Jen Brister added:
“Equal marriage isn’t just about the opportunity to get married to my partner. It’s about my relationship being acknowledged by law and society as equal to any heterosexual relationship. It might be different, but it’s not second-best.”
Stella Duffy
Other stars involved in the campaign include comedian Julian Clary, writer Sarah Waters and A Chorus Line’s John Partridge. X Factor star Rylan Clark and supermodel Eden Clark have also posed in the shirts. The images will all feature in special editions of g3 and Out in the City magazines in August, and will be released over the coming days on Stonewall’s FACEBOOKand TWITTER@StonewallUK.
Stonewall Director of Fundraising Catherine Bosworth, said:
“Equal marriage is a truly amazing achievement, and we’re delighted to be working with Square Peg and our celebrity friends to celebrate it.”
Stonewall’s new t-shirts are available at www.stonewall.org.uk/shop, along with a range of other Stonewall merchandise.
Millivres Prowler Group (MPG), one of the largest gay businesses in Europe, has launched a strategic partnership with charities linked to the gay community.
In a new partnership which demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the community, the retail and media divisions of MPG are devoting special focus months to raise awareness of and fundraising for AVERT, The Food Chain, GMFA, National AIDS Trust, PACE and Positive East.
Simon Topping
Simon Topham, Managing Director of MPG, said:
“Millivres Prowler Group was born out of the gay liberation movement in the 70s and played a major role in raising awareness of HIV in the 80s and 90s. Our company has strong community bonds and we are keen to strengthen these even further. In the past we have been a principal donor to and sponsor of Stonewall, in addition to being a regular media sponsor and supporter of arts-based and Pride events”.
Focus months will comprise special fund-raising activities within the Prowler and Expectations stores, editorial and advertising features within GT (and in some cases DIVA), in addition to a range of other projects designed to raise the profile of all partners concerned.
The schedule of the focus months is as follows:
August – Positive East
September – GMFA
October – The Food Chain
November – AVERT
December – National AIDS Trust
February – PACE
Matthew Hodson
Matthew Hodson, Chief Executive of GMFA said:
“Each year thousands of UK gay men of all ages hear the devastating news that they have contracted HIV. Despite welcome improvements in the treatment of HIV there is no cure and living with the virus presents ongoing emotional and physical challenges. We’re thrilled to be working with MPG on this new initiative. Together we will raise awareness of the particular challenges of HIV in the 21st century and involve gay men in the delivery of new, frank and innovative campaigns to prevent new infections, improve gay men’s health and reduce the harms associated with HIV.”
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