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Sexuality and Gender Diversity Toolkit launched for faith groups

A new Faith, Gender and Sexuality Toolkit has been launched, which aims to build knowledge and provide crucial support for faith communities and leaders working to promote social justice in relation to gender and sexuality.

WEB.600Across the globe, religion plays a critical role in shaping attitudes about people’s gender and sexuality, which in turn have a profound effect on people’s everyday lives.

The new Faith, Gender and Sexuality Toolkit seeks to build knowledge and provide much-needed support for faith communities and leaders working to promote social justice in relation to gender and sexuality.

Developed by the Institute of Development Studies, Sonke Gender Justice and the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies alongside communities and leaders from a range of faiths, the free interactive Toolkit debunks dangerous myths whilst encouraging different ways of thinking about sexuality and gender diversity.

Crucially, the Toolkit highlights how faith leaders and communities can be effective allies in advancing human rights. It demonstrates how some religious and cultural practices enhance human life and how some can be misused to deny rights.

Elizabeth Mills
Elizabeth Mills

Institute of Development Studies research fellow Elizabeth Mills, who led the development of the Toolkit, said: “Increasing knowledge about the links between sexuality, gender and faith is a vital step in tackling the social injustices that affect millions of people globally, and faith leaders have a critical role to play in influencing attitudes, culture and policy. We hope the Toolkit supports faith leaders and communities doing vital work to promote the wellbeing of gender and sexuality minorities and we welcome their feedback on how it can be further developed.”

Comprised of six modules and drawing on faith-based case studies, the Toolkit helps to broaden understanding of key issues such as gender-based violence, sexual diversity, sexual and reproductive health rights and women, gender and power.

Designed for use with all faith-based groups including those of mixed faith, the Toolkit provides useful information and practical exercises that can be used to promote human rights and gender equality from the perspective of faith, and includes a wide range of further resources and information produced by leading research and faith-based organisations.

The Toolkit documents the learning from the Institute of Development Studies’ Sexuality, Poverty and Law Programme.

Follow #faithgendersex for further discussion around the Toolkit.

For more information about Institute of Development Studies, click here:

REVIEW: Laurie Anderson: Music for Dogs

Laurie Anderson sets tails wagging at the Brighton Festival.

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“Wouldn’t it be great if you’re playing a concert and you look out and everyone’s a dog”.
So mused Laurie Anderson, this year’s Brighton Festival guest director. She has gone on to make that dream a reality, with a full musical concert that has been especially tailored for the enjoyment of dogs.

Music for Dogs was first performed at the Sydney Opera House, and then went on to Times Square, New York. Interest in the subsequent Brighton showing proved so great that organisers had to add a second sitting, and on May 10 scores of dogs (and their humans) began assembling at the Brighton Open Air Theatre.

I took my two dogs, who were both entirely dumbfounded by the situation – as we sat along the amphitheatre style seating, dogs excited and slightly confused as to what was happening, it suddenly became clear just how unusual and surreal an experience we were about to have.

It’s hard to say exactly how many dogs were there, but with a venue which states a capacity of 425 people, and the sold-out show tickets stating ‘no unaccompanied humans (or dogs)’ it’s fair to say that there were at least two hundred. I don’t know if you’ve ever sat within such a large crowd of dogs, but even as a dog-lover I was slightly unnerved – there was a definite feeling that if just one dog decided that it wasn’t happy, everything could fast descend into absolute mayhem.

Luckily everyone seemed to get along aside from the occasional growl, and once everyone had settled into their seats Anderson took to the stage. As she began to play, the dogs became silent. It was fascinating to witness; the previously excited and restless dogs were quiet and relaxed, looking towards the stage and listening intently.

The 20-minute long concert mostly consisted of frequencies only audible to dogs, with some that could also be heard by the human ear. A combination of electronic sounds, different voice tones and an electric violin were used to perform the pieces, many of which were met with an enthusiastic reception of squeaking, barks and howls. The reactions grew in number and volume throughout the performance as Anderson brought all of the dogs together, as if conducting them into some kind of chaotic canine choir.

It was a magical show, and the eccentricity of taking your dog to a concert, which has been designed just for them, was a unique and bizarre yet wonderful experience for humans and dogs alike.

Brighton Festival continues until the end of May.

For more information, click here:

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NELFA calls for inclusive law for current and future Rainbow Families

The Network of European LGBTIQ Families Associations (NELFA) spoke up for Rainbow Families after the approval on May 11 of new civil unions law by the Italian Parliament, but criticise lack of adoption provisions.

nelfa Q_AISBL_LGBTQI_2016NELFA welcomed the civil unions law approval, which makes a step in the right direction. However they went on to say that the law comes late, and presents significant limitations in regard to the legal recognition and protection of LGBTIQ parents and their children.

NELFA, and its member organisations, have pledged to continue to call for an inclusive law that takes fully into account the protection of all current and future Rainbow Families.

Maria von Känel, President of the Board of NELFA, said: “Italy has stood alone for quite some time among Western European nations on the map of equality. The new law is a step in the right direction and will bring Italy closer to those that have chosen the right side of history. However, this law contains important limitations in relation to LGBTIQ parents and their children. NELFA will continue to call for an inclusive law for our families”.

Italy-based NELFA Board Member Giuseppina La Delfa who is a mother herself, added: “I am happy for all the thousands of activists that fought hard to see the day when our relationships would be formally recognised in Italy. But I feel sad for our families and for our children. This law refuses to acknowledge the dignity of our families and the right of our children to be protected like any other child. In that respect, this law is discriminatory and only contributes to reinforce the legal uncertainty that our families have to deal with on a daily basis.”

NELFA brings together LGBTI parents and parents-to-be from all over Europe and currently represents 27 organisations in 18 European countries, with more than 25,500 members.

NELFA is a member of ILGA Europe, and Transgender Europe.

For more information, click here:

Lithuanian Councillors fight for equality for Vilnius LGBT community

In a bid to help reverse the reputation of Eastern Europe as a region plagued by homophobia, a group of Councillors from Vilnius, Lithuania, have come together to declare their city open to all residents regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Cllr Mark Adam Harold
Cllr Mark Adam Harold

City Councillor Mark Adam Harold leads the group, named City for LGBT Equality. Harold is a British immigrant who last year became the first foreigner to be elected in Lithuania, under EU laws allowing all European citizens to run for office in local government anywhere in the Union.

The crossbench initiative includes Councillors from Lithuania’s social democratic, conservative and liberal parties, and was announced by Mayor Remigijus Šimašius at a recent council meeting on May 12, 2016.

Cllr Mark Adam Harold, said: “As a proud resident of Vilnius and an elected City Councillor, I couldn’t be more happy to initiate the group City for LGBT Equality, and I am very thankful to my colleagues for joining in and proving that Vilnius is moving forward fast. We will help to municipality and the community work together to ensure Vilnius is a friendly place where all are welcome. We will advise our colleagues on policy, and liaise with the various national government institutions, media outlets and NGOs to coordinate the City’s approach and communication. Vilnius is a great city and we want everyone to enjoy it!”

Cllr Harold is also one of the founders, alongside filmmaker and LGBT activist Romas Zabarauskas, of the project Friendly Vilnius. Friendly Vilnius is a pioneering nonprofit initiative to encourage private businesses to declare their friendliness to people of all orientations, nationalities, diets and disabilities.

The annual Baltic Pride event tours all three Baltic States: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. At the first ever Baltic Pride parade in 2010 participants were forced to register their names in advance, the parade was restricted to a minor street away from the main avenue, and a heavy police presence failed to stop openly homophobic Member of Parliament Petras Gražulis jumping the barriers and running towards the marchers.

When Baltic Pride next returned to Vilnius in 2013, Gražulis was again arrested, this time for attempting to join the parade and “disinfect” the marchers while wearing what looked like a hazardous chemical protection suit. He resisted arrest and was carried off by four police officers and taken away in a van. He is protected by Parliamentary Immunity.

Cllr Harold, continued: “Every municipality in the European Union must fully respect the human rights of residents and guests, including freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. The newly elected Mayor has always said there will be no barriers thrown in the way of the Baltic Pride parade, the route will be on the main avenue of the city, and we will make it as safe and enjoyable as possible for all participants. The formation of the Councillors’ group City for LGBT Equality will send a strong message to the LGBT community – you have friends on the council who will work to guarantee your freedom, and who thank you for organising such events in the wonderful city of Vilnius.”

City for LGBT Equality will advise on Council policy ahead of the 2016 Baltic Pride parade “For Equality!”, which will take place on June 18, 2016, and is organised by the LGL, the national LGBT rights organisation.

For more information, click here:

For more information about Vilnius, click here:

Portugal extends medically assisted reproduction to all women

Portuguese Parliament vote overwhelmingly in favour of extending medically assisted reproduction to all women.

nelfa Q_AISBL_LGBTQI_2016The Network of European LGBTIQ Families Associations (NELFA) are delighted at Portugal’s extension of medically assisted reproduction to all women.

Until recently, this type of medical assistance was only made available to married heterosexual couples. With this vote, single women and lesbian married couples will also be able to benefit from this assistance to become pregnant.

Isabel Advirta, President of the Board of ILGA Portugal and a mother herself, said: “It was about time that this discrimination against women in the Portuguese legal system was brought to an end. I am very happy for all the women and couples whose pregnancy projects will now have a greater chance of success, without them having to cross any borders to make their dreams come true.”

Maria von Känel, President of the Board of NELFA, added: “The Portuguese parliament voted on the right side of history. This is one more injustice out of the window, placing Portugal in the top ranking of LGBTIQ equality.”

NELFA brings together LGBTI parents and parents-to-be from all over Europe, and currently represents 27 organisations in 18 European countries, with more than 25,500 members.

For more information, click here:

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Rink: A coming-of-age short film seeks Kickstarter funding

Rink, an LGBT coming-of-age short film, is set to begin filming in London this May.

Rink Team Left to Right Zoe Guilford, Gail Hackston and Annabel Bates
Rink Team Left to Right Zoe Guilford, Gail Hackston and Annabel Bates

When Jane – a tomboy on the brink of her teens – inadvertently flirts with another girl at her local ice rink, she is surprised and amazed when the girl flirts back. Rink is a coming-of-age story about emergence, identity and confidence.

The film aims to tell a gentle and positive coming out story – not everyone comes out with a bang, with many young people trying to understand their feelings for years before finally putting a name to it. Coming out can be more of an evolution or emergence than an announcement, and that is Jane’s story.

The project is lead by award winning writer/director Gail Hackston, alongside producers Zoe Guilford and Annabel Bates. Rink is a short film that has been developed by Film London and the Eastern Edge Film Fund, as a part of their London Calling scheme.

Rink’s young, diverse up-and-coming cast will be announced soon. With filming scheduled to begin in May, organisers have launched a Kickstarter campaign to help raise the last of the money needed to fund the production  – and have already raised more than 30% of their target.

There are a range of different rewards available for Kickstarter pledgers, from social media shout-outs to digital previews of the film, and invitations to the official cast and crew screening.

For more information about Rink, click here:

To pledge a donation or find out more about the Kickstarter campaign, click here:

Charleston Festival puts crime writer under the microscope

Charleston Festival returns this May, with a focus on the work of renowned author Patricia Highsmith.

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The festival, now in its 27th year, celebrates the 100th anniversary of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant coming to live at Charleston, on the recommendation of Virginia Woolf. From the start Charleston was a place of dissent and debate as well as creativity, and the festival has always tried to reflect these values.

Patricia Highsmith’s work has recently been enjoying a renaissance, with the huge success of the film Carol which is based on her novel The Price of Salt. Many of her books have been adapted into films, including Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr Ripley.

Highsmith’s work will be dissected at this year’s Charleston Festival by novelist Jill Dawson. Dawson will be in conversation with Donna Coonan and Lennie Goodings, editorial director and publisher of Virago, at Charleston on Saturday, May 21 at 5pm.

This is a bumper festival with two extra days, as well as a celebratory dinner with HRH Princess Michael of Kent. Art is celebrated with sessions involving architect Zaha Hadid, Edmund de Waal and Julian Bell. The 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare is marked by events led by James Shapiro, Nicholas Hytner, Jeanette Winterson and Eileen Atkins.

There is biography and autobiography including Joan Bakewell, Ted Hughes and Stephen Spender. Science is represented by the Astronomer Royal Lord Rees and by inventor of the web Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who is this year’s winner of the Charleston-EFG John Maynard Keynes Prize. Among the high profile writers taking part are three Booker and three Orange Prize winners.

“Our aim is to startle and delight,” says artistic director Diana Reich, “to experiment with something new.”

Charleston is halfway between Brighton and Eastbourne, six miles east of Lewes, off the A27. There is a minibus shuttle service from Lewes train station direct to Charleston for all events.

Charleston Festival runs from May 20 to 30.

For information and timetables, click here:

To book tickets for any events online, click here:

Or telephone: 01273 709709

London Frontrunners gear up for women’s 5k

London Frontrunners, the UK’s largest LGBT+ running club, launches new series of women-only 5k running events this week.

London Front Runners

On March 5, Hyde Park will see the very first women-only 5k run held by the London Frontrunners. The first event will begin at 10am, and will continue weekly on every Saturday throughout March.

The International Women’s Day-inspired events will be guided by members of the London Frontrunners and are open to all women who are over the age of 18, irrespective of sexual orientation. The cost for entry is £1 per run, paid upon attendance.

To take part meet between 9.40 – 9.50 am at St Mary’s Hospital Gym which is a short walk from Paddington Station (St Mary’s Gym, Praed Street, W2 1NY.)

London Frontrunners are the largest LGBT+ running club in the UK, welcoming those who identify as LGBTQA* and their friends. They hold regular runs in Regents Park, Hyde Park and along the South Bank in London.

As well as running together, the club is a great place to network and meet new people. Their members range from the inexperienced to marathon runners, and welcome new members of all abilities regardless of previous experience.

A spokesperson for the group, said: “We don’t mind where on (or off) the Kinsey Scale you fall, whether you can or can’t identify with one of the letters of LGBTTQQIIAA, are friends with a member or just like the parks we run around. You’re welcome to come for a run with us.”

If you are interested in running in the women-only 5k event, click here:

To get involved with the London Frontrunners or find out more information, click here:

Chelsea fields new group for LGBT fans

Chelsea FC launch their first ever LGBT supporter fan group.

Chelsea FC
Ed Connell, Chair of the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN), and Gerard Green

Earlier this year members of the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) visited the club to talk about how they could support their LGBT fans. Ed Connell, chair of the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN), and Gerard Green who is one of the GFSN’s founding members, visited Stamford Bridge.

Ed Connell, said: “We are delighted to see Chelsea FC join the growing list of football clubs that recognise the need to make their club a more welcoming environment for their LGBT fans. It is particularly important to me as a Chelsea fan to see the football club embrace the diverse nature of their fan base.” 

GFSN was first established in 1989, as a social network for LGBT football fans across the country. Since then it has grown and expanded into hosting its own national league, aiming to take the lead in tackling homophobia in football.

The GFSN league is the world’s only national league that is aimed at the LGBT community and is open to all regardless of age, race, nationality, religion, gender or sexuality.

It currently hosts teams from across the UK including:

♦      Birmingham

♦      Bournemouth

♦      Bristol

♦      Cardiff

♦      Edinburgh

♦      Glasgow

♦      Leicester

♦      Liverpool

♦      London

♦      Manchester

♦      Newcastle

♦      Nottingham

♦      Trowbridge

♦      Wolverhampton

♦      Yorkshire

More teams join the league every season, and GFSN also has affiliated teams from the Republic of Ireland.

GFSN works closely with partner organisations including the FA and Kick it Out, to encourage a safe and positive environment in which LGBT people are able to watch and play football. Their mission is to promote the support and participation of LGBT people in football, establishing a social network for LGBT football supporters and encouraging the formation of LGBT teams for players of all abilities.

The new Chelsea fan group is a big step forward for GFSN who campaign against homophobia and transphobia in football, with a view to creating a safe environment for all, whilst gaining respect and recognition for LGBT involvement in football.

Working alongside Chelsea FC, Ed Connell will help in forming the group by offering his support and assistance to ensure its growth.

Ed Connell, said: “I am immensely proud to see this happen. I have been campaigning against homophobia in football for the best part of 12 years and spent the first seven or eight feeling very frustrated trying to get people to realise there was an issue so for me to see these things happening is fantastic.”

To find out more or to join the group email: chelsea@gfsn.org.uk or contact the GFSN on Twitter @ChelseaGFSN

Hove Grown festival steps into the spotlight

Hove Grown, a new performing arts festival for writers and performers within the City of Brighton & Hove, is set to reshape the live performance landscape of the city when it launches on Friday, March 18, 2016.

Hove Grown LogoA new addition to the Brighton and Hove calendar, Hove Grown aims to be an affordable precursor for local talent, in the lead up to the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe in May. The festival is a joint venture between ZLS Theatre, Brighton’s only social enterprise theatre company, and Sweet Venues who manage the award winning Dukebox Theatre.

Hove Grown will feature around 30 shows in its first year, with some truly unique writing and performances being showcased. The festival will cover theatre, comedy, improv, spoken word and a variety of workshops, with a tailored section catering for fun and educational family-friendly shows. Every show in the programme will be £10 or under, with some shows just £3.

Guy Wah
Guy Wah

Guy Wah, the founder of ZLS Theatre and Hove Grown, explains: “We wanted an affordable festival that draws attention to the huge variety of fantastic new writing and performance in Brighton & Hove and more importantly we wanted to give these new works an opportunity to be performed. We’re thrilled to have so much support in our first year, particularly from Brighton Fringe, as we always set out to be a forerunner for local writing and performance leading up to the fantastic line-ups at The Fringe and other festivals.”

Behind the Lines
Behind the Lines

The Hove Grown festival has a huge selection of shows this year, including local LGBT theatrical duo Behind the Lines performing an acclaimed cabaret show, the award-winning Sussex performance group Bard & Troubadour previewing new material before their anticipated run at this year’s Brighton Fringe, Hove comedian Aidan Goatley debuting his new show with a special evening in his hometown and many, many more.

One of the key aims of the festival is to showcase the numerous venues in Hove situated outside the city centre of Brighton, ranging from large spaces like The Brunswick to smaller, more intimate spaces such as The Dukebox Theatre or Artista Studios.

Sarah Johnson, Assistant Venue Manager for Sweet Venues, said: “Sweet Venues is very keen to shine a spotlight on some of the brilliant venues across Hove ahead of their participation in Brighton Fringe in May. We hope by being loud and proud about our love for Hove, we will raise awareness of the hub of creative activity that has developed in the Western Road area and in time we believe this will drive new footfall and spending to the venues and surrounding local businesses.”

The Hove Grown festival will be hosting a launch party at The Dukebox in Hove on March 17 to celebrate its first year and also establish their plans for the future.

For more information on all the events and to buy tickets, click here:

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