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First safe house for LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees opens in the UK

In October 2017, asylum seekers Rashid from Bangladesh and Maria from El Salvador, entered the first safe house in the UK created by Micro Rainbow International (MRI), a house exclusively for LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees.


MRI’s safe housing project, was officially launched at the London office of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in November, 2017. The international law firm has provided MRI with over 230 hours of pro-bono legal advice since February 2016.

When they come to the UK many LGBT+ asylum seekers are still not safe.

Maria said: “I suffered physical and sexual harassment on a regular basis in the accommodation I was given as an asylum seeker. Someone threw a pot at me once. I just could not sleep properly, I was always on the lookout for someone to try to hurt me”.

Similarly, Rashid was homeless and slept rough for several months.

Sebastian Rocca
Sebastian Rocca

MRI’s Founder and CEO, Sebastian Rocca, said: “Homosexuality is criminalised in over 70 countries and more than 1000 people from these countries seek asylum in the UK every year. MRI already supports over 150 LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees each year and provides them with vital social inclusion activities, peer support groups, and employability programmes. The housing project was the missing link in MRI’s holistic approach to integration and we are thrilled that the first safe house has finally opened in the UK”.

Maria added: “The first thing I did when I arrived at MRI’s LGBT+ safe house was crying of relief. I then unpacked my dresses and high heel shoes. I had not been able to even look at them for months”.

Moud Goba, MRI’s Housing Project Manager, said: “Maria claimed asylum over a year ago and is still waiting for a decision. Rashid had his asylum interview two weeks ago; he waited more than a year before he was given a date for his asylum application. They still have a tough process to go through, but they don’t have to worry about where to sleep anymore or being hurt at home. In MRI, they have found someone who will go through the asylum journey with them”.

Robert Powell, Head of Pro Bono & CSR at Weil, added: “Providing pro bono legal advice to MRI on this truly pioneering project has been a joyful experience. It’s given our lawyers intellectually stimulating work with a real tangible and positive social outcome in providing a safe place to stay for LGBT+ refugees. We look forward to helping MRI open more safe houses in 2018.”

The first house has space for four people. A second safe house has been secured and is due to open in December 2017 and it is planned to open several more in 2018. MRI plans to provide safe housing to over 150 LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees by 2019.

New book delves into performance and identity

Reader in dance at Edge Hill University authors new book and two high-profile book chapters, exploring various aspects of performance and identity including drag, contemporary dance and queer art-making.

The book, Mesearch and the Performing Body, is written by Dr Mark Edward and is an anthology of Mark’s work that will be published by Palgrave MacMillan on December 29 2017.

It details his creative practice-led projects, transmitting and communicating his research through varied artistic means including contemporary dance, immersive art installation, drag performance and photography. It delves into performance making, ageing and performance, fat and body visibility, queer art making, ‘mesearching’ and shifts in identity.

Mark said: “My research, which I like to call ‘mesearch’, is quite unusual because as the author I am of course the theoriser but in my case I am also the theorised. This study delivers a personal, creative narration, combining reflections and emotions in relation to self and performance. Instead of being an attempt to undervalue or challenge the accepted notions of style within academic research, it promotes freedom of expression which allows greater fluidity between the researcher, the performer, and the writer.”

Mark also has a chapter in The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research Ethics, which will be published in March 2018. As a part of this in-depth review of the ethical considerations which accompany qualitative research, he will explore ethical dilemmas in improvisational site performance making, drawing on his own ‘mesearching’.

He continued: “Collaborative improvisational performance is, by nature. constantly evolving, so the ethics around it don’t always fit into a neat box. I explore such risky ethics within this chapter. People taking part in this sort of performance have a duty of care both to themselves and others.”

Mark also has a recently published chapter in The Oxford Handbook of Dance & Wellbeing (co-edited by Edge Hill’s Professor Vicky Karkou). In the chapter that Mark co-authors with Dr Fiona Bannon (University of Leeds), they discuss the fluidity of identity, performance making and mental health through performance.

Mark’s book Mesearch and the Performing Body can be accessed via the Palgrave Macmillan or Springer websites.

Call for Government to ban ‘gay conversion therapy’

Journalist launches petition calling on Government to ban ‘gay conversion therapy’ after his undercover investigation exposed the dangerous practice happening in the UK.

Josh Parry
Josh Parry

Josh Parry, the journalist behind the investigation mounted by Liverpool’s Echo newspaper, found a church in the city willing to offer him the chance to ‘cure’ himself of his homosexuality through a programme of prayer and fasting.

Josh says: “Earlier this year, the Department of Health acknowledged that conversion therapy is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. They also claimed they are already doing enough to make sure it doesn’t happen – however our investigation proved it still goes on today. So why haven’t they banned it yet? 

“Studies show that those who undergo ‘conversion’ are 8.9 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, and 5.9 times more likely to suffer depression.

“They are dangerous and do not work so we’re calling upon the government to make offering these ‘therapies’ a criminal offence and call an end to these harmful practices once and for all.”

Gay conversion therapy is already banned in Australia, Malta, Switzerland, Taiwan, and in several US states.

If the petition gets 100,000 signatures before April 27, 2018, the Government will be forced to debate the matter in parliament.

To sign the petition, click here:

To see Josh’s original report, click here: 

TRAVEL FEATURE: From Manchester to ‘La Dolce Vita’

It’s 1990 in a gay bar in Canal Street Manchester, two young single guys met, with the potential of just a fleeting experience. Who ever knew what was to follow.

Bob and Ian
Bob and Ian

This is how many relationships start; Bob and Ian liked each other – quite a lot.  They got together and within a short space of time they decided to give up their very comfortable lives in UK and ‘live the dream.’  They both have very strong eco principles, firmly believing in everything being as ‘green’ as it’s possible to be.

They both loved Italy and decided to open an eco-friendly self catering hotel, but where? Tuscany was too expensive and too popular with wealthy Brits and over priced Michelin starred restaurants. They looked further east to a little known region The Marches – or Marche in Italian, a region of rolling hills, stunning coastlines and medieval hilltop villages as yet unspoilt by mass tourism. They call it Tuscany for grownups.

Casal dei Fichi
Casal dei Fichi

After a long search, in 2003 they found two derelict houses near a pretty village called Francavilla d’Ete which they turned into Casal dei Fichi (House of Figs, because of the number of fig trees in the grounds).  This was a ‘Grand Design’ Italian style, the result is simply beautiful.

The Marche region is in many ways similar to Tuscany but without the hordes of tourists.  The countryside is quite beautiful in a very gentle way; there are gentle hills, mountains, valleys and many wonderful medieval fortified villages.

The accommodation Bob and Ian provide brings a new meaning to comfort, they have six self catering apartments with every possible convenience.

We have had poor experiences with self catering cottages, not here, they have thought of everything. They cater mainly for couples but obviously children occasionally appear.  Although being gay owned and run do not assume that the guests will be gay, over the year Bob tells us that they have an average of six same-sex couples staying. We spent seven idyllic days there and although they were full we saw almost no one.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped and very cleverly designed so that each apartment has its own semi private garden.  The pool is quite lovely, heated by solar panels, of course, surrounded by banks of lavender and once again we were alone we had almost exclusive use as most of the other guests never seemed to be around.

The grounds are beautifully kept and there is even a vegetable patch that guests are welcome to help themselves to plus fresh eggs from their own chickens.

There are many self catering establishments, which are today becoming more and more popular, throughout Tuscany, Umbria and Marche, all in beautiful countryside and sunning scenery.

Casal dei Fichi is different and the boys have set a new, very high, standard. They do not ask for any ‘security’ deposit, there is no inventory or any of the normal T’s & C’s or rules that you have to follow.  They do, however, ask for full payment at time of booking. It certainly isn’t particularly expensive, you can pay from 650€ to 950€ per week, considering the facilities and the location this is almost a bargain  The nearest airport is Ancona just an hour’s drive away, reached from Stanstead via Ryanair. BA fly from Gatwick to Bologna which is about a two-hour drive.

We flew to Rome with easyJet but that did entail a three-hour drive admittedly through some very beautiful country.  A car is essential.

Bob and Ian are exceptionally friendly hosts and try to make all their guests feel like personal friends, that’s a tall order but they succeed in many ways. Some guests are even taken out to lunch or dinner but we were happy not to be included in these treats.

There are lots of very good restaurants in the lovely local villages, the boys have full details having checked them all out personally, and they have excellent local knowledge and are very well-known in the local community.  They have even negotiated deals with some of the restaurants who will offer a discount to Casal dei Fichi’s guests.

Casal dei Fichi does exactly what it says on the tin:  extremely comfortable catering apartments set in beautiful grounds. Bob and Ian’s story is quite inspiring; they are two very shrewd and clever businessmen in a highly competitive market, keeping one step ahead of the competition.

They’ve come a long way from Canal Street, Manchester to offering an excellent product in one of the loveliest places we have ever seen. Their commitment to the environment is fantastic; there should be more like them.

This is truly the place to stay, completely unwind and forget everything. Peace and tranquillity is their byword.

 

Not just a flash in the pan! City takes top awards

Residents and tourists who use the city’s toilets will find they are the cleanest ever.

Brighton toilets lead the way
Brighton toilets lead the way

An annual audit by the national, independent Loo of the Year Awards (LOYA) organisation has graded the toilets the highest ever, with four sites receiving an improved grading on last year.

The LOYA, which aims to ‘encourage the highest possible standards in all away from home washrooms’, inspected all 37 of the council’s loos without warning, with 19 being awarded the highest Platinum status and 18 awarded Gold.

Cllr Gill Mitchell
Cllr Gill Mitchell

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the city’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “We strive to maintain good standards in our loos and are delighted to see we are even better than last year.

“There is sometimes a fear when people need to use a public toilet, but both our residents and tourists can use our loos knowing they are clean, looked after and hygienic enough to win national awards.”

She added: “We’ll receive detailed reports for each toilet in December and will use these as a basis to try to achieve even higher standards next year.”

The council’s loos will now compete against hundreds of other organisations in the prestigious Loo of the Year awards national event on Friday, December 8 to find the best public toilets in the UK – dubbed the Oscars of the toilet world.

Last year the council scooped first prize in the Best Local Authority Toilets in England category, and also picked up the number one spots for Best Beach Toilets in the UK (West Pier Arches) and Best Crematorium Toilets in the UK (Hove Cemetery South).

Then the 37 loos received 17 platinum (more than any other local authority in the UK), 16 golds and 4 silvers.

Judges look at more than 100 different criteria before choosing the finest loos in the land, giving them a ‘platinum’, ‘gold’ or ‘silver’ grade following an unannounced visit by a fully trained and authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector.

The Loo of the Year Awards are independently run, sponsored by leading toilet and hygiene equipment companies and supported by the four UK national tourism bodies – Visit England, Visit Scotland, Visit Wales and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

PREVIEW: ‘Coming Out’ exhibition reimagined for Birmingham showcase

Coming Out, a major new exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) showcases over 80 modern and contemporary artworks by internationally renowned artists exploring themes of sexuality, gender and identity in art.

Running from Saturday, December 2, 2017 to Sunday, April 15, 2018, Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender & Identity, marks 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of male homosexual acts was passed in England and Wales (1967 Sexual Offences Act).

The exhibition aims to move the conversation on from the linear and binary ideas that have previously defined LGBT+ histories, instead considering sexuality and gender as non-binary concepts that include a spectrum of identities.

The selected works, the majority of which have been borrowed from the Arts Council Collection, aim to act as catalysts for the consideration and discussion of these subjects.

The exhibition was conceived by National Museums Liverpool, where it was on show at the Walker Art Gallery until November 5.

In Birmingham significant new loans will include sculptures by Sarah Lucas, prints by Margaret Harrison and photography by renowned Birmingham-based artist Vanley Burke.

These join paintings by David Hockney and Derek Jarman, photography by Sunil Gupta and Zanale Muholi and films by Steve McQueen, Isaac Julien and Charlotte Prodger.

Two works by Turner-prize winning artist Grayson Perry will be presented together for the first time –  Claire’s Coming Out Dress (2000), and his ceramic pot Who Am I?(1996).

Both artworks provide an important insight into Grayson’s exploration of his own identity. From the coded symbols and personal dialogue in his ceramic pot of 1996, to the declaration of his transvestite public persona, Claire, in the intricately designed party dress from 2000, which he wore to mark his emergence as a transvestite to the art world. The addition of Grayson’s work ensures that the theme of gender expression in art and visual culture is prominently explored.

Further considerations of this theme include Chila Kumari Burman’s striking and colour saturated print ‘A Moment to Herself’ (2002) which questions society’s meaning of beauty through a vivid collection of images of beautifying objects, such as jewellery, make-up and lingerie found in her flat.

Sarah Lucas, Self-Portrait with Mug of Tea, 1993 © Sarah Lucas, courtesy Sadie Coles HQ, London
Sarah Lucas, Self-Portrait with Mug of Tea, 1993 © Sarah Lucas, courtesy Sadie Coles HQ, London

Coming Out continues with a strong representation of female artists, including seven works from Sarah Lucas’ iconic Self-Portrait Series (1990-98). These will be joined by two of Lucas’ satirical and striking sculptures, for which she is best known – Willy (2000), a sculpture of a plastic garden gnome covered in Marlboro Lights cigarettes and Nud Cycladic 7 (2010), an abstract and ambiguous combination of forms made using tan nylon tights which transcends gender. Lucas’ works explore her identity as a woman and sharply critique gendered stereotypes.

Other stand-out works include the film BRIDGIT (2016) by Charlotte Prodger who held her first solo museum exhibition in America this year. Shot on an iPhone, BRIDGIT, recently acquired by Arts Council Collection, is a narrated film by Prodger. In the film she shares her experiences of growing up, coming out and of her identity today.

Sunil Gupta, India Gate from the series ‘Exiles’, 1986-1987. Text with image Even if you have a lover you should get married and have children. Who would look after you in your old age. © Sunil Gupta courte
Sunil Gupta, India Gate from the series ‘Exiles’, 1986-1987. Text with image Even if you have a lover you should get married and have children. Who would look after you in your old age. © Sunil Gupta courte

The timely nature of this exhibition is powerfully explored in four photographs from Sunil Gupta’s series Exiles which illustrate the men he met at cruising sites in New Delhi in 1987. Gupta’s photographs have added poignancy today when the rights of LGBT+ communities in India have been threatened by 2017 Government legislation.

Gupta’s images join works by Birmingham-based photographer Vanley Burke, on display for the first time. These three photographic prints illustrate a Pride Demonstration in Wolverhampton in 1988 where protesters were challenging the Government’s now repealed Section 28 Act, which stated that a local authority should not intentionally promote homosexuality in publishing or teaching. Vanley’s documentation of this protest draws attention of LGBT+ histories in the West Midlands.

A gallery trail will accompany the exhibition and take visitors on an insightful journey of 25 artworks presented in nine of Birmingham’s fine art collection galleries. The trail will bring the show’s themes to life in new settings and raise awareness of the visibility of LGBT+ stories in museum collections.

Lisa Beauchamp, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “Coming Out marks a major moment for Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery as we highlight the importance of LGBT+ history on contemporary art, in this significant anniversary year.

“In devising Birmingham’s exhibition we have been fortunate enough to secure exciting new loans, which will make this a must-see exhibition for those who have already enjoyed Liverpool’s show and for those who will be completely new to it.”

Jill Constantine, Head of Arts Council Collection, added: “I’m delighted that this important show will travel to Birmingham and the new additions will further enrich the exhibition and allow us to see and celebrate the huge contribution to the visual arts made by the LGBTQ+ communities.”

Accompanying the exhibition will be an innovative learning and engagement programme facilitated by the Arts Council Collection National Partnership, in a dedicated space called FORUM. The events and activities have been developed by working in partnership with local artists and community groups.

Events include ‘An Intimate Tour with Breasts’, an outdoor walking tour exploring the multicultural mythologies surrounding breasts, Life Drawing with a Drag Queen, a Polari language class with artist Jez Dolan and a Drag King Makeover session.

The events and activities in FORUM aim to engender debate and discussion of topics which have previously been ignored by institutions in the past, and encourage people to have their say today.

The exhibition will launch on Saturday, December 2 with a free public event.

Partnering with SHOUT Festival of Queer Arts and Culture and Birmingham LGBT, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery will host a series of specially commissioned performances and activities to celebrate the opening of the exhibition.

Coming Out is a touring exhibition conceived by National Museums Liverpool, in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust as part of the Arts Council Collection National Partners Programme 2016 –19.

The exhibition follows several years of research by National Museums Liverpool which reveals concealed LGBT+ histories.


Event: Coming Out – Sexuality, Gender & Identity

Where: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH

When: December 2 – April 15, 2018

Opening Times: Exhibition opens on Saturday, December 2 with a public event from 1-4pm including performances, workshops and tours.
Sunday, December 3 – April 15: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm, Friday 10.30am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm

Cost: Entry free

For more details, click here:

New film highlights toilet experiences of trans, disabled and Muslims

A short animated film illustrating the trials and tribulations of accessing and using public toilets has received its premier in Sheffield.

The Toilet, a short animated film which is part of the Around the Toilet project, led by Dr Jen Slater from Sheffield Hallam University, weaves together personal accounts from transgender, disabled and Muslim people, who share their experiences of using public toilets in a society where some are made to feel welcome and others are not.

The official premiere, shown in Sheffield as part of the Festival of Social Science, follows preview events in Reykjavik and Glasgow, at the Scottish Queer International Film Festival.

The next screening will take place at the Manchester Animation Film Festival followed by a public release of the film in 2018.

 

Dr Jen Slater
Dr Jen Slater

Dr Jen Slater, a reader in disability studies and education at Sheffield Hallam, said: “We’re very excited about the film. Although it focuses on toilets, it in fact raises much bigger issues about who is included and excluded from public space, and who is valued in our society.

“Sharing our findings through film is a brilliant opportunity to bring important social and political issues to a wider audience through the stories of people who face this kind of marginalisation on a daily basis.”

All events at the ESRC Festival of Social Science are free.

For more information, click here:

 

PREVIEW: I AM THEY – screening of documentary by Fox and Owl Fisher

I AM THEY – A non binary love story created by Fox and Owl Fisher will be screened at the Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton on Tuesday, November 28.

I AM THEY, one of the first full length documentaries focusing on non binary trans issues, follows the life of Fox and Owl, non binary trans activists and film makers.

Fox first came out as trans on the mainstream documentary, My Transsexual Summer, and has since then been a prominent voice for trans people in the UK.

Fox, a former student of the University of Brighton graduated in 2005 with a master’s degree in sequential design and illustration. The university recently recognised Fox’s significant contributions to raising the profile, both nationally and internationally, of issues affecting trans-people and the promotion of arts and media by awarding they with an Honorary Doctor of Arts in July 2017.

In the last few years, Fox and Owl have focused their efforts on bringing the conversation of non binary issues to the forefront. Owl is originally from Iceland and is one of the main spokespeople for trans people in Iceland and has taken active part in the European activist community through various organisations such as International LGBTQI Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) and Transgender Europe (TGEU).

This documentary tells the story of two people from two totally different backgrounds finding each other and not only finding deep love for one another, but also a passion for making change for non binary trans people.

The documentary is an exploration of what it is to be non binary as well as looking at some of the main issues that non binary people face in society. This includes gender recognition, language, social acceptance and even marriage.

Fox and Owl speak with various non binary people from across Europe, MPs from the British Parliament, prepare a protest wedding and push for legal change.

Originally based on Fox and Owl Can’t Get Married, a documentary made in partnership with Isabelle Dawson / Illuminate Films. The footage from that documentary has been incorporated to create I AM THEY.

Audience members will be invited to give their feedback on the documentary which is currently in its final edit. Following the screening, Fox and Owl will take part in a facilitated Q&A session.

This event is part of the University of Brighton’s 25th anniversary celebrations.


Event: I AM THEYA non binary love story

Where: Sallis Benney Theatre, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton, BN2 0JY

When: Tuesday, November 28

Time: Doors open at 6.15pm, with the screening starting at 6.30pm. Following the 40 minute documentary, there will be a Q&A session of up to 30 minutes.

Cost: Free

To reserve place online, click here:

Bill pardoning gay men of historic ‘homosexual offences’ becomes law today in Scotland

The Scottish Government’s Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) (Scotland) Bill becomes law today.

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon to apologise today for historic convictions of gay men
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon to apologise today for historic convictions of gay men

The bill provides a pardon for people who were convicted of the historical discriminatory ‘homosexual offences’ between men, which are no longer crimes. It also provides a way for people with these convictions to have them removed from their criminal records (called a ‘disregard’) so that they do not appear on criminal record checks for jobs and volunteer posts.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, will make a statement of apology for these convictions in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.

Tim Hopkins
Tim Hopkins

Welcoming the bill, Tim Hopkins, Director of the Equality Network, said: “The bill and the First Minister’s apology are a hugely important statement that the Scottish Government acknowledges and regrets the discrimination of the past, and that Scotland is now committed to LGBT+ equality. Of course nothing that is done now can repair the damage caused by past discrimination, but we welcome that the bill spells out that these convictions were wrong and discriminatory, and reinforces that, by granting an automatic pardon to all those convicted.”

Following consultation with LGBT+ organisations in Scotland, the bill avoids two significant flaws with the similar legislation in the rest of the UK.

Firstly, the Scottish bill provides an automatic pardon to all people who were convicted in Scotland under these discriminatory offences, posthumously for those who have died, and to those who are still living. In contrast, the legislation for the rest of the UK does not provide the pardon to living people unless they specifically apply for it, and as a result an estimated 98% of those living with these convictions in the rest of the UK have not received the pardon.

Secondly, the Scottish bill covers all the offences that were in the past used in this discriminatory way, including where men were convicted for “importuning” – simply for chatting up other men. The legislation in the rest of the UK does not currently cover those convictions.

Tim Hopkins, added: “It has taken the Scottish Government a little longer to develop the legislation here, but that means there has been time to consult, and to learn from the debate about the way this operates in the rest of the UK. As a result, we have a significantly better bill.”

The disregard system in the bill enables people who have received the pardon to have their criminal record altered, which is important for those who work or volunteer in posts that require a records check.

James is a 47-year-old man who works in the health and social care sector. In 1990, he was prosecuted for kissing his partner in the street, and fined £150.

He recalls: “In 1990 at the age of 20 after leaving a night club in Glasgow a bit on the merry side, I was kissing my partner in the street. We were both approached by the police and arrested and later charged with intent to commit a homosexual act in a public place. At the time I was not out as being gay to my parents and really just coming to terms with my sexuality, so I thought rather than face the humiliation of going to court the easiest thing to do was to plead guilty by letter, not really understanding the ongoing consequences. Most of my working life I have worked in health and social care and find for every job I apply for, or internal promotion, yet again I have to be interviewed regarding my conviction and relive what happened now 27 years ago. Times have changed, and why should what happened 27 years ago still haunt me, for what was only a public display of affection and love for my partner of the time?”

The Equality Network estimates that the total number of these historical discriminatory convictions in Scotland runs into thousands, and that there are hundreds of men alive today with such convictions on their records.

Until 1981, all sexual activity between men was a criminal offence in Scotland.  Legislation in 1980 (which came into effect in 1981) decriminalised sex between men over the age of 21 (the age of consent for sex between men and women, or between two women, was then 16). In 1994 the age of consent for sex between men was reduced from 21 to 18, but it was not until 2001 that the discrimination was removed, by equalising the age of consent at 16.

Prior to these changes, men were prosecuted for activity with another man that would have been legal then between a man and a woman, and that is legal today between two men. This included consensual sexual activity in private, and acts such as kissing or chatting up another man in a public place.

Sex between women was never criminalised in this way in Scotland, and the same rules applied to it as applied for sex between a man and a woman.

In ConveRSAtion with Andrea Cornwall and Persia West

Navigating the Masculine World. Andrea Cornwall and Persia West aim to initiate a true balance of power between women and men.

Andrea and Persia will bring together insights from their many years of work around gender and power, from international development to transgender insight, diversity and equality to meditation and expanded awareness.

Persia says: “The masculine and the feminine, has shifted but not been equalised in our shared world.

“Inequality in gendered power is still the norm. Changing external structures – laws, conditions, policies, and so on – has made a great difference, but clearly more needs to be done.”

This conversation is the coming together of two radical minds, a meeting of years of experience from different yet complementary angles. It’s about a recognition of elemental feminine power, clarity in perception, and how the fulcrum of change lies within us all. It’s about women, men, and others better navigating the masculine structures and forces that many feel disempowered within.

There will be a panel discussion and an opportunity to ask questions and explore these important issues.

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments, please let the team know: networks@rsa.org.uk

Let them know if you have any dietary requirements or severe allergies.

Andrea Cornwall FRSA is an activist bureaucrat, and Head of the School of Global Studies and Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Equalities and Diversity at the University of Sussex. Trained as a social anthropologist, she has worked for many years as a researcher and facilitator on questions of gender and sexuality, and on the use of participatory approaches to transform relations of knowledge and power.

Persia West FRSA is an international transgender and LGBT+ activist, speaker on human rights and diversity, a meditation teacher, writer and speaker on gender, identity, and power. Her background lies in many years of meditation, which brought a profound sense of her own self, and her shift in gender, which deepened her insights into the limitations of created female and male identity.

By registering for this event you agree to the sharing of your name, organisation and title and email address with the Fellow(s) and/or partner organisation(s) hosting this event.

Attendees also agree to the sharing of their name, organisation and email address with other delegates at the event so that they might contact you through MyRSA or by email.

If you do not wish this information to be shared, please let them know by emailing: networks@rsa.org.uk


Event: Navigating the Masculine World In ConveRSAtion, Andrea Cornwall and Persia West

Where: Conference Room, Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG

When: Monday, November 20

Time: 6-8pm

Cost: Free

To book place online, click here:

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