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Coronation Street’s Hayley Cropper supports UN Anti-Racism day event

Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh sends message of support to UN Anti-Racism Day event in London.

Julie Hesmondhalgh
Julie Hesmondhalgh

Julie Hesmondhalgh, who starred as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, said:“I’m there in spirit in this celebration of multiculturalism and diversity and our condemnation of racism and racist violence all over the world. It seems to me governments are getting very very canny at making people at the bottom of the pile turn against each other instead of having our anger diverted to the top of the pile where it should be. So let’s all stand together today shoulder to shoulder and stand up to racism.”

To view Julie’s message, CLICK HERE:

The event is part of an international day of action. Demonstrations will be taking place across the globe in: Athens, Barcelona, Cardiff, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Madrid, Melbourne, New York, Paris, Warsaw and Sao Paulo.

A diverse range of communities, including Roma, Romanian and Bulgarian representatives, trade unions and politicians, will gather together for todays Stand up to Racism and Fascism demonstration.

The event will begin with short speeches opposite Parliament, followed by a lively and diverse procession including Congolese drummers, Olympic Opening Ceremony Pandemonium drummers, and Samba bands. Diane Abbott MP and others with be delivering letters to Downing Street during the procession and the event will end with speakers and poetry in Trafalgar Square.

Diane Abbott MP
Diane Abbott MP

Diane Abbott MP, said: “The politics of immigration in Britain has become increasingly ugly as parties like UKIP and the BNP attempt to stoke up fear and hatred. Far from falling into the political trap of pitting community against community it is time that the voices of the majority of people in this country who recognise the huge contribution migrants have made throughout history are heard. That’s why this year’s UN International Anti-Racism day takes on increasing importance – It will provide the opportunity for all those who oppose the politics of hate and division to stand up against the ‘Farageation’ of our country.”

11.00 am: Assemble Old Palace Yard, opposite Parliament

11.15 am: Photo and press opportunity

11.30 am – 12.00pm: Short rally at Old Palace Yard

12.00 pm: Procession to Trafalgar Square

12.15pm: Delivery of letters to Downing Street

12.30pm: Continue procession

1.00 – 4.00pm: Rally at Trafalgar Square

Speakers at Trafalgar Square will include:

Diane Abbott MP, Claude Moraes MEP, Jean Lambert MEP, Mohammad Taj TUC President, Christine Blower NUT General Secretary, Gloria Mills UNISON National Secretary Equalities, Zita Holbourne PCS NEC / Black Activists Rising Against Cuts, George the Poet, Ghetts, Jerry Dammers, Ava Vidal Comedian, Weyman Bennett and Sabby Dhalu Joint National Secretaries, Unite Against Fascism, Maz Saleem Daughter of Mohammed Saleem, Natalie Bennett Green Party Leader, Lutfur Rahman Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Grattan Puxon 8th April Movement, Ladislav Balaz Europe Roma, Farooq Murad Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain, Edie Friedman Executive Director, Jewish Council for Racial Equality, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah UK Black Pride, Bruce Kent VP Pax Christi, Gerry Gable Editor Searchlight, Roger Casale New Europeans, Max Levitas Cable Street Veteran, Tommy Tomescu Alliance Against Romanians and Bulgarians Discrimination, Maurice Wren Chief Executive – Refugee Council, Glyn Ford UAF European Officer, Lindsey German Convenor, Stop the War Coalition, Peoples Assembly Against Austerity Representative

 

Scarlet fever cases on the increase across England

Public Health England (PHE) has reported significant increases in scarlet fever notifications across England, with a total of 3,548 new cases since the season began in September 2013.

Public Health England

This compares to an average of 1,420 cases reported for the same period in the previous 10 years. The last season to have this level of scarlet fever activity was 1989/1990 when 4,042 notifications were received.

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by group A streptococcus bacterium.  Typically there are seasonal rises in scarlet fever between December and April each year, and also a cycle of increases and decreases in incidence that repeats over a period of several years. This most recent increase is likely to be part of that cycle.

Routine monitoring of surveillance data identified widespread increases in scarlet fever notifications in February 2014 compared to recent years. These increases continued into March, with weeks 10 and 11 of 2014 being particularly high with numbers of notifications surpassing levels seen in the last peak year (2008/09).

As a result of this increase in scarlet fever, PHE is alerting health practitioners so they can be mindful of the current increase when assessing patients.

Dr Theresa Lamagni
Dr Theresa Lamagni

Dr Theresa Lamagni, PHE’s head of streptococcal infection surveillance, said: “The first symptoms of scarlet fever often include a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Between 12 to 48 hours after this, a characteristic rash develops. Cases are more common in children although adults can also develop scarlet fever. Symptoms usually clear up after a week and the majority of cases can be treated with a course of antibiotics to reduce risk of complications.

“PHE recommends that people with symptoms of scarlet fever see their GP.  Once children or adults are diagnosed with scarlet fever we strongly advise them to stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid passing on the infection.

“PHE publishes guidance for schools where infections can spread easily. Where outbreaks occur, local health protection teams are on hand to provide a rapid response, effective outbreak management and authoritative advice.”

Scarlet fever is mainly a childhood disease and is most common between the ages of two and eight years. It was once a very dangerous infection, but has now become much less serious. Antibiotic treatment should be given to minimise the risk of complications. There is currently no vaccine for scarlet fever.

PHE continues to monitor these increases and are working closely with healthcare professionals to try and halt the spread of infection.

 

Bristol Pride needs your help

A petition has been launched to protest about the selection of the Lord Mayor elect of Bristol following homophobic comments he made in 2010.

Bristol Pride

The nominee, Councillor Chris Windows made homophobic comments in 2010 after LGB equalities charity Stonewall visited a Bristol School with actor Sir Ian McKellen.

Cllr Windows
Cllr Windows

Mr Windows said in full chambers: “I am unhappy and a little disturbed at the involvement of Stonewall in local schools and particularly the use of a certain leading actor as a potential role model for our impressionable young people.”

He went on to say that: “I have nothing against people of a different sexual orientation than myself I just don’t think we should make a great big fuss of it. I don’t jump off wardrobes and expect to be represented, I think we should leave well alone, in the bedroom where it is supposed to be”

The Councillor was nominated by the Conservative Party to become Bristol Lord Mayor earlier this year  and whilst both the Green Party and The Liberal Democrats have objected and refused to back the nomination, Labour with a deciding vote, have backed the proposal. Cllr Windows has no interests declared on the Bristol City Council register of interests except that he owns or rents properties in Bristol.

Attempts to contact the Councillor and leader of the local Conservative Party have been met with silence causing Bristol Pride to back a petition to force a debate on the matter which is usually held behind closed doors with no public discussion.

Bristol Pride organiser Daryn Carter said: “We feel that Councillor Windows does not represent the views of Bristol and should not be made Lord Mayor. The Lord Mayor should work towards challenging all hate crime and champion and celebrate all communities in Bristol both at home and in their national and international duties. The previous two Lord Mayors have gone out of their way to celebrate, support and promote equality, one being openly gay and one being a practising Muslim have led the Bristol Pride march in the city and spoken openly of their support.

We feel that Chris Windows is not qualified to continue this work, it is clear from the comments that the councillor does not recognise the need for a Pride event and has shown no effort to reach out to the LGBT community in the wake of allegations and has not even bothered to reply to a formal letter from Bristol Pride raising concerns.”

The petition only went live yesterday afternoon (20/3/14) as it was referred to council lawyers following objections from the Councillor. It has already attracted nearly 600 signatures but needs 3500 to force a debate on the issue. Bristol City Council have also informed Bristol Pride that the petition will be taken down on April 12 for over a month due to local elections as the petition is deemed politically controversial.

The political representation on Bristol City Council is:

Labour: 27 seats
Liberal Democrat: 23 seats
Conservative: 14 seats
Green: 4 seats
Independent: 2 seats

Cllr Holland
Cllr Holland

The Leader of the Labour Group on Bristol City Council is Cllr.Helen Holland.

To make your feelings known to the Labour Group on Bristol City Council, EMAIL:

Or telephone Cllr Holland: (0117) 987 2238

Or write: c/o Labour Group Office, Room 218, City Hall, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR

To listen to the Cllr Chris Windows comments, CLICK HERE:

To sign the petition, CLICK HERE: 

 

 

Birmingham acting school ‘comes out’ to challenge sexuality prejudice

Birmingham School of Acting (BSA), part of Birmingham City University addresses gay preconceptions in a new theatre production where characters are scrutinised for being ‘straight’, in a society where everyone else is gay.

Heterophobia

Devised and performed by Outspoken, a company of graduates and students from BSA’s Applied Performance course, ‘Heterophobia’ tells the story of Ryan, a 15 year-old heterosexual male who is trying to ‘come out’.

Tom Craig, plays the role of Ryan graduated from BSA in 2013. He said: “’Heterophobia’ is a really powerful piece as it makes you realise just how unfair sexuality prejudices are and the troubles that young people can feel are placed on them when expressing their sexuality.”

The theatrical performance, developed in collaboration with Birmingham Hippodrome, sees Ryan develop feelings for classmate Alice and is later exposed to cyber bullying when peers learn that Ryan is heterosexual and attracted to someone of the opposite sex.

The production follows on from the recent outrage and anti-gay climate at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and a report released earlier this year by Youth Chances warning that a generation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people face a mental health crisis, with the neglect of LGBT issues by schools contributing to an environment of hostility of fear.

Hannah Phillips is Course Director of Applied Performance at BSA and Director of ‘Heterophobia’. She said: “The findings from the Youth Chances survey were very concerning, revealing that more than half of young gay people have suffered mental health issues and 40% have considered suicide. The School Report by the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall, revealed that homophobic bullying is still widespread in schools, with three in five young people who experience homophobic bullying saying that teachers who witness the bullying never intervene. The development of social media means that this bullying then continues online out of school hours.

“’Heterophobia’ is an urban musical which has been made to engage young people with these complex and sensitive issues and challenge normative stereotypes through spoken word, MC, dance and live video projection. ‘Heterophobia’ explores the ‘coming out’ of a heterosexual young male in a gay world, switching the roles of the oppressed and the oppressor!

“Getting audience members to view this situation from another angle may help them to understand the impact that this type of bullying can have on young people.”

‘Heterophobia’ incorporates interactive digital technology and a fusion of art forms – dance, drama, original songs, film and animation, performance poetry and spoken word, as well as providing a new model of audience participation by welcoming spectators to explore and engage with the stage and set before each performance begins.

Also featured in ‘Heterophobia’ are two members of Antics Dance Crew, who appeared in Sky 1’s ‘Got to Dance’ and radio and television presenter Joanne Malin, who has recorded a mock news broadcast to be included in the production.

Performances take place at Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 April, with tickets priced at £5.

Schools performances (aimed at Key Stages 3, 4 & 5): Thursday, April 3 at 1.30pm and Friday, April 4 at 10.30am.

Public performances: Thursday 3 and Friday 4 April at 7.15pm.

What: ‘Heterophobia

Where: Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst St, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB

When: April 3 and 4

Time: April 3 at 1.30pm and 7.15pm and April 4 at 10.30am and 7.15pm

Cost: £5

For more information and to book tickets, CLICK HERE:

 

The Golden Handbag Awards 2014 – Tables go on sale

This years Golden Handbag Awards hosted by Lola Lasagne, take place on Sunday, June 22 in the Oxford Suite at the Brighton Metropole Hilton Hotel.

Golden Handbag Awards

Tables are now on sale. There are a limited number of pre booked VIP tables available seating 12 people and costing £240. These are released on a first come first served basis.

To book one of these tables call 01273 722 457 or email: info@gscene.com

Lola Lasagne
Lola Lasagne

If you are not on a VIP table, unreserved single tickets can be purchased from Prowler, 112 St James Street, Brighton from April 1. These cost £20 each. Prowler do not charge a handling fee for this service and all payments must be settled in cash. These seats are not reserved and are allocated on a first come, first served basis on the night.

Online voting this year starts on May 7 at the Legendary Golden Quiz Night at Charles Street. Voting will close on May 29.

 

If you want to enter a team into the Golden Quiz email: info@gscene.com

 

Brighton & Hove aims for ‘access all areas’

Bighton & Hove is one of four destinations to have been chosen to work with national tourist board VisitEngland, on its Access for All campaign aimed at championing and improving accessible tourism in England.

Brighton Pavilion
Brighton Pavilion

The city was invited to take part in the initiative because of its commitment to improving accessibility for visitors. Accessible tourism is estimated to be worth over £2billion a year to the domestic tourism industry, and has strong growth potential.

As part of the campaign, which is funded by £100,000 from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund plus contributions from partners, the city council’s tourism arm, VisitBrighton, coordinated work to identify top class accommodation and attractions, ensure they are delivering the highest possible standard of access for visitors and to identify areas for improvement.

A range of tourism experiences, including visiting the Royal Pavilion, Preston Manor and the city’s museums as well as three hotels, Thistle Brighton, Jurys Inn and Hilton Brighton Metropole, were assessed.

Primary audits looked at access to each of the hotels and attractions, including public areas and bedrooms, signage, literature and websites, to assess accessibility for wheelchair users, and hearing and visually impaired visitors.

As part of the process front-line staff received training and the businesses had to work through an improvement plan to ensure all areas were as accessible as possible for disabled visitors.

The participating businesses now feature in a new local access friendly guide available in either PDF, large print Word or audio format from www.visitengland.com/access-brighton

For those who cannot access the guides online a limited number of printed copies are available from official Visitor Information Points across the city, including the Brighton Centre box office, Brighton Pier, Churchill Square shopping centre and the Jubilee library.

Offers, downloadable factsheets about accessible places to stay, visit and eat, and maps showing step-free access to the main hotels and attractions, the locations of dropped kerbs and disabled parking bays are also detailed on the VisitBrighton website. www.visitbrighton.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility

For the RV Lifestyle Guide of the 100 Best things to do in England, click here:

Cllr Geoffrey Bowden

Geoffrey “Pride is not a sacred cow” Bowden, chair of BHCC’s Economic Development & Culture committee, said: “This campaign is a cost-effective way for us to showcase our accessible tourism businesses and attract more visits from disabled travellers and those with access needs.

“We know there’s plenty more work to be done to ensure access isn’t a barrier wherever possible but this is a step in the right direction and it’s good to know that Brighton & Hove is among the destinations leading the way.

“The aim of the work done at the hotels and attractions is to ensure that accessible rooms as well as public spaces are accessible to the highest level they can achieve. The venues that took part have invested their time and money into this important work and I hope they will now reap the rewards in terms of extra enquiries and bookings.”

Scottish charity gives voice to Commonwealth LGBT people during the Glasgow Games

Later this year Glasgow will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Equality Network

The Equality Network will be working with the Scottish Government and LGBT groups across the Commonwealth to highlight the challenges many LGBT people continue to face all over the world.

An exhibition called LGBT people of the Commonwealth will be held in Pride House during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in late July.

The Equality Network, the Scottish lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality charity, has secured funding of £9,992 from the National Lottery Celebrate Fund to prepare and hold an Exhibition on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people of the Commonwealth, to be held during the games.

LGBT people of the Commonwealth is a project which will celebrate and recognize the contribution of LGBT groups and organisations from the 53 countries that make up the Commonwealth, and ensure the visibility of LGBT people and their lives during the Games.

The charity has also announced a partnership with Pride Glasgow, Glasgow’s annual LGBT pride festival and the Glasgow Human Rights Network to hold an international LGBT Human Rights Conference at Glasgow University on July 18, five days before the opening ceremony and a day before the Glasgow’s annual pride celebration.

Scott Cuthbertson
Scott Cuthbertson

Scott Cuthbertson, Community Development Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “The Commonwealth Games offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on and support LGBT human rights around the Commonwealth and the world. As the eyes of the world fall on Scotland for the games we have the chance to give a voice to the successes and challenges faced by LGBT people in every part of our world. We are delighted to receive this grant which will help us to celebrate the contribution of LGBT people to culture and human rights, while also standing up against criminalisation and violence against LGBT people around the globe.”

Alastair Smith, Chief Executive of Pride Glasgow, added: “Pride Glasgow welcomes the Commonwealth Games to our city. The games have provided a platform to celebrate and showcase the achievements of the LGBT community here in Scotland while also highlighting the successes and struggles faced by LGBT people throughout the Commonwealth. Pride Glasgow will send a strong message of support to our LGBT brothers and sisters throughout the Commonwealth Games, held in our city, during the Pride Glasgow festival.”

Dr Matthew Waites, of the Glasgow Human Rights Network, concluded saying: “The GHRN are pleased to be working with the Equality Network and Pride Glasgow on holding an International LGBT Human Rights Conference here at Glasgow University. The Conference gives us the opportunity to highlight human rights abuses across the Commonwealth and give a voice to LGBT people around the world.

The Equality Network says that while Scotland has made significant progress towards achieving LGBT equality in the law and society, the situation for LGBT people is deteriorating in some Commonwealth countries, with anti-gay laws being passed recently in Uganda and Nigeria, and recriminalisation of homosexuality in India after a recent Supreme Court appeal.

The charity points out that 41 of the 53 members of the Commonwealth criminalise homosexuality, and that more than half of the 78 countries worldwide that criminalise homosexuality belong to the Commonwealth.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

 

Kemptown MP Kirby calls for trial pedestrianisation of St James’s Street

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown, has called on Brighton and Hove City Council to trial the pedestrianisation of St James’s Street known to many as ‘The Gay Villlage’ in the Kemp Town area of the city.

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemp Town & Peacehaven
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemp Town & Peacehaven

He recently ran a survey among local residents and businesses to hear their views. He received many hundreds of responses with the clear majority of businesses and residents (70%) indicating they favoured some form of pedestrianisation of St James’s Street.

Simon said:“The area is such an important part of our city that it is important we make the best possible use of the unique and diverse character. Whilst issues such as access for residents and the routing of bus services would need to be considered, I believe pedestrianisation could offer many benefits to residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Mr Kirby is suggesting the Council trials the scheme between Easter and the bank holiday weekend at the end of May.

He added: “I believe an initial trial period would allow a more informed decision about the long term future of St James’s Street.”

 

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus take part in “Abbaversary” at Brighton Dome

On Sunday April 6, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) will be joining life-long ABBA fanatic Christopher Green (Tina C, Ida Barr), to relive ABBA’s historic Eurovision Song Contest win on the very spot it happened, 40 years ago to the day.

BGMC sing Waterloo at Dome Christmas Concert 2012
BGMC sing Waterloo at their Dome Christmas Concert in 2012

In this party performance lecture celebrating ABBA and their momentous triumph, you’ll discover more about the history of the group and their cultural significance, experience their finest moments on film and witness some extraordinary cover versions of the songs that didn’t scoop the coveted Eurovision prize that year.

Marc YarrowMarc Yarrow, musical director for BGMC, said: “It’s truly wonderful for our members to be treading in the footsteps of such an iconic group as the really rather fabulous ABBA.

“It’s an even greater honour to have been chosen to do so on the anniversary of their historic win at the Eurovision from which they shot to fame and fortune. We really are so very grateful!”

To get more information about Abbaversary, CLICK HERE: 

For your diary:

The choirs next show Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus: Nautical But Nice will take place as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival on May 2 & 3 at St George’s Church in Kemptown, Brighton. They will be helping raise funds for the local Brighton branch of the RNLI, and Worthing based charity Wolfram Syndrome UK.

The Chorus will be holding its annual Jamboree – offering fun, games and home-baked cakes – at the Brighton Tavern on Saturday April 19 between 11am and 3pm. Everyone is welcome!

If you are considering joining Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, they are always interested in hearing from prospective new members. Email Tom: membership@brightongmc.org

 

Mayor holds reception for Brighton GEMS

The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Denise Cobb invited members of the Gay Elderley Men’s Society (GEMS), to the Mayors Parlour yesterday, March 19.

Brighton GEMS

Brighton GEMS is a social group for mature gay men. Their aims and objectives are to reduce isolation and provide a safe environment for members to meet and socialise. Brighton GEMS was formed to enrich the lives of all gay elderly men who reside in Brighton and Hove and always welcome new members.

The Mayor chatted with the members and joined them for a cup of tea, sandwiches and cakes before drawing the winners of a raffle for them.

Brighton GEMS has no religious affiliation and meet every last Friday of the month from 7pm-10pm at…1st Floor, Dorset Methodist Church Hall (off St James St), Dorset Gardens, Brighton BN3 1RL

For more information about GEMS, CLICK HERE:

 

 

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