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Equality Network leads Scottish protest against Nigeria and Uganda anti-gay Laws

Over 100 supporters of the Equality Network, Scotland’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality charity protested outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Friday, March 7.

Equality Network

They were protesting against anti-gay laws recently passed in Nigeria and Uganda. The protest was part of an international day of action called by Nigerian LGBT activists.

Scottish protesters joined similar protests in Johannesburg, New York, Stockholm, Washington DC, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Cape Town and Amsterdam.

Speakers called on the UK Government to use diplomatic channels to ensure LGBT human rights are upheld in Nigeria, Uganda and around the world.

They also urged the government to urgently review the aid the UK provides to countries including Nigeria and Uganda to ensure funds provide maximum support for equality, while maintaining overall funding levels.

Speakers at the protest included Alison Johnstone MSP and James Dornan MSP, who spoke of the importance of taking action based on the advice of activists on the ground in Uganda and Nigeria, Dr Matthew Waites, author of “Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the Commonwealth”, and Dee, who gave a heartfelt and impassioned speech about how she feels as a bisexual Ugandan.

Scott Cuthbertson, Community Development Coordinator for the Equality Network, said; “As the eyes of the world fall on Scotland in the run up to the Commonwealth Games we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with LGBT people in Nigeria and Uganda who face violence, discrimination and imprisonment because of who they are and who they love. Today we are sending a strong message to the international community that laws which criminalise LGBT people and violate their human rights cannot go unchallenged.”

For more information about the Equality Network, CLICK HERE:

 

Russia post Sochi covered in latest edition of The Pink Humanist

Pink HumanistThe latest edition of Pink Humanist is now available for download.

The Pink Humanist is an online magazine published by the UK gay Humanist charity, the Pink Triangle Trust (PTT)

The vicious anti-gay rhetoric pouring out of Russia last year as the country introduced legislation to stop the “promotion” of homosexuality more or less halted when all eyes focused on the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Now that the games are over, will the Russian authorities resume their hate speech and stifle protest, and will violent attacks on gay communities by neo-fascists and members of the Orthodox Church continue once again?

In an in-depth, post-Sochi feature human rights activists warn that Russia could slip back into bad habits, and vigilance is called for.

The latest issue also examines developments in Africa, and focuses on Uganda where President Museveni signed harsh new anti-gay legislation into law – after earlier describing the Bill laid before Parliament as “fascist”. PTT secretary George Broadhead exposes the role of US Christian Evangelicals and the Anglican Church of Uganda in forcing Museveni’s hand.

In a related piece, Yemisi Ilesanmi, Nigerian human rights campaigner now living in the UK, counters propaganda generated by religionists that homosexuality is “un-African”.

The anger following India’s recriminalisation of homosexuality is also examined in depth.

On a lighter note, The Pink Humanist editor Barry Duke tells the cautionary (and hilarious) tale of a how a Kent-based Baptist Evangelist – Bob Hutton, an ardent believer in “praying away the gay” – got duped into publishing spoof comments from a supporter, “Doreen Potts (Mrs)”, from Ireland.

To read the The Pink Humanist, CLICK HERE: 

 

Queen extends best wishes for Switchboard’s 40th Birthday

Her Majesty The Queen, Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson were among politicians who congratulated the charity for providing confidential advice to the LGBT community.

LLGS is 40

Beverley Knight, Dan Gillespie-Sells and X Factor star Lucy Spraggan played a set of exclusive live performances celebrating the 40th birthday celebrations of the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard on Thursday March 6 inside the Palm Court at The Waldorf Hilton, London.

Beverley Knight said the occasion was a reminder that many gay people still need support, especially in countries where homophobia remains.

Beverley Knight
Beverley Knight

The Bodyguard Musical star who spoke before performing to guests: “You have a section of society particularly in Russia but let’s not forget all over the UK and world that are persecuted simply for being born a particular way. I mean are you kidding me?”

“If they could access the Switchboard, it’s those kind of people that we are trying to reach.”

Her Majesty The Queen made a rare pronouncement about an LGBT organisation, saying: “Best wishes and congratulations to all concerned on this most special anniversary.”

Prime Minister, David Cameron MP

While the Prime Minister said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard on reaching its 40th anniversary.

“Since 1974 there has been real progress towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) equality. Voluntary organisations, such as the Switchboard, have made a vital contribution to that progress. The Government continues to work to create a fairer and more equal society by removing the barriers to equality that LGB&T people face.

“Over the forty years since it was established, the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard has made a real difference day in and day out to the lives of LGB&T people. I would like to pay tribute to the volunteers and staff of the Switchboard for their dedication to providing help and support to the LGB&T community and I wish you every success in the future.”

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson added: “I would like heartily to congratulate the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard on reaching its 40th anniversary.

Four decades on from its launch, the Switchboard continues to be the first port of call for many thousands of people – a testament to the dedication of a small army of unpaid, unseen, passionate volunteers that have worked selflessly over many years.

 I hope that the gala evening is a fantastic success. I would like to also take this opportunity to extend my warmest good wishes to all connected with the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard and wish you continued success in the future.”

Nick Clegg MP
Nick Clegg MP

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “I want to congratulate everyone involved in the London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard on their 40th Anniversary.

Since the Switchboard’s very first calls in 1974, we’ve come a long way in this country towards achieving the genuine equality that LGBT people have always wanted and deserved. This includes last year’s landmark equal marriage reform.

Yet there’s still a huge amount of work to be done. Every year, the Switchboard answers thousands of calls from people who still feel isolated by their sexuality. They can be struggling to come out to their family and friends, suffering from homophobic bullying at school or discrimination at work, or simply looking for someone neutral to talk to about their life. Whatever the issue, big or small, they know Switchboard is there for them.

“So, as you celebrate this landmark anniversary, I want to thank all of the volunteers and staff who have dedicated so much time and support to ensuring there’s someone there to help when the phone rings.”

Ed Miliband, MP
Ed Miliband, MP

Labour leader Ed Miliband concluded: “I would like to congratulate the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard on reaching their 40th anniversary. Whether it be listening to someone’s difficulties in coming to terms with their sexuality, or letting people know what help is available in difficult situations, being there at the end of a phone is important. LLGS is a remarkable organisation of volunteers, and I would like to pass on my thanks and best wishes to the team for the work they do supporting the LGBT community and their families.”

Guests present included: Mark Gatiss, Myleene Klass, Pixie Lott, Jaymi Hensley, Kingsland Road, Nicholas MacDonald, Duncan James, Brian Paddick, Evan Davis, Darius Danesh and Henry Conway.

For more information about LLGS, CLICK HERE:  

For free & confidential support & information to lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgendered communities throughout the UK telephone: 0300 330 0630 (DAILY 10AM – 11PM)

EU-wide agreement on how to crackdown on TB in cities

The majority of TB in Western European countries is concentrated in big cities, according to a study published today in Eurosurveillance.

Public Health England

The research also found that while the number of TB cases continues to reduce in some countries in Europe the rate of TB within some of Europe’s big cities continues to increase.

The study took cities with populations greater than 500,000 from across the European Union (EU) and considered both their national TB rates compared to their big city rates. The research concluded that on average the rate of TB in big cities was twice the rate of the countries’ national TB incidence. This provides what the study refers to as a ’TB epidemiology transition’, a situation whereby TB disease concentrates in big cities as the national incidence falls.

TB mainly affects certain high risk urban groups such as those who originate from high TB burden countries, homeless people and those with previous drugs and alcohol misuse.

Ibrahim Abubakar
Ibrahim Abubakar

Ibrahim Abubakar, Public Health England’s head of TB and Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at UCL said: “Although we have long understood that TB affects specific groups and is often concentrated in urban areas, what we are now witnessing is a marked change where rates of TB are showing an overall reduction nationally, while still increasing within big cities.

“Elimination of TB in European big cities requires control measures focused on addressing the diversity of individuals in urban populations and efforts to target TB must drive right down to local and regional level where unique experience of how to reduce the infection can be shared and built upon.”

“Public Health England is committed to reducing the incidence of TB and will publish a national strategy later this year which will consider how to specifically target those most in need of screening and treatment – this study published today is a significant step towards realising this mission to globally reduce the burden of TB.”

To combat this EU-wide problem a working group, chaired by Prof Abubakar and Dr Gerard de Vries of KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, was established which has drawn up a study describing the particular complexities of major EU metropolises creating specific opportunities for transmission of TB. A further paper, also published in Eurosurveillance today, advises TB experts across the UK on best practice targeted TB control interventions.

Dr Rob van Hest, who led the accompanying paper said: “Lessons can be learnt from across the EU and this consensus statement on TB control in big cities was brought together on the initiative of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The statement describes general and specific social, educational, operational, organisational, legal and monitoring TB control interventions in EU big cities, as well as providing recommendations for big city TB control, based upon a conceptual TB transmission and control model.”

Latest PHE figures show that there were 8,751 tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in the UK in 2012, slightly lower than the 8,963 cases reported in 2011.

TB is the leading cause of death among curable infectious diseases worldwide and was declared a global emergency in 1993 by the World Health Organization.

Symptoms include fever and night sweats, persistent cough, losing weight, blood in the sputum (phlegm or spit) at any time and can only be spread through close contact with an infectious case.

 

RadioReverb celebrates seven years on Brighton & Hove’s airwaves

RadioReverb are celebrating their seventh birthday party this weekend with a 24 hour fundraising Reverbathon.

Radio Reverb

They will be broadcasting live from 8am on Saturday, March 8 till midnight on Sunday, March 9.

They will also be celebrating International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8 from 8am-midnight with just female presenters for a Women’s Takeover Day.

The non-profit organisation is run entirely by volunteers and will be celebrating seven years of broadcasting full-time on 97.2FM, reflecting Brighton & Hove’s diverse population. The station does not broadcast any adverts, relying on public donations and show sponsorship to run the station.

Kathy Caton
Kathy Caton

Kathy Caton producer and presenter of Out in Brighton, was listed as one of the 101 most influential LGBT people in the Independent on Sunday’s annual Pink List in 2013.

The station broadcasts 24 hours a day on 97.2FM, with shows also available online.

To see the schedule of shows for the day and make a donation to support the station, CLICK HERE: 

 

HIV activist calls for full consultation on changes to HIV/GUM services in Norwich and Norfolk

Poet, artist and HIV campaigner Vince Laws along with concerned local service users are concerned about the sell off and changes to GUM/HIV services in Norwich and Norfolk.

Norwich/Norfolk sell off of GUM services

They have organised a petition calling on Dr Sujeevani Munasinghe at the Norfolk Public Health Department to halt any changes to services without full consultation with service users.

To sign the petition and register your concern, CLICK HERE:

Vince Laws
Vince Laws

Vince said:  “The service will be split across two locations in Norwich, risking public health and patient confidentiality. In Birmingham, HIV+ people are now seen in the Infectious Diseases Dept, further stigmatising them. We should not allow this to happen to some of the most stigmatised and vulnerable people in Norwich and Norfolk without proper consultation. It is really important that people sign the petition.”

For more information about Vince Laws, Click Here:

Facebook Group:

 

Hove MP Weatherley Backs WWF Earth Hour

On Saturday, March 29 at 8.30pm, millions of people will turn off their lights for one hour, on the same night, all across the world, in a huge symbolic show of support.

Mike Weatherley, MP
Mike Weatherley, MP

Earth Hour is a memorable and spectacular event, with places from New York to New Delhi going dark for the hour.

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Hove and Portslade, will once again this year be supporting the WWF’s Earth Hour in Parliament to help raise awareness of the worldwide event.

Mike said: “Earth Hour is a simple idea that brings together millions of people across the globe who all care about the planet. I recognise that our energy system needs to change and I want wind, wave and solar power to play a big part in our future production. Earth Hour reminds us that there are simple things we can all do for the planet, not for just one hour, but every day.”

To find out more about Earth Hour, CLICK HERE: www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour.

Older and Out!

Older and Out provides an informal, warm and friendly gathering space for older LGBT people at the Somerset Day Centre in Kemptown.

Older and Out

The event is on Friday, March 28 from 1-3pm and a light lunch and selection of cakes will be provided.

For the following month’s Older and Out event on Friday, April 25 the guest speaker for the afternoon will be local author and historian Rose Collis who will be talking about the history of LGBT Brighton.

The Somerset Day is located at 62 St James’s Street next to St Mary’s Church in Kemp Town and has a rear car park situated off Lavender Street.

The venue offers comfortable safe surroundings and a warm and friendly environment.

What: Older and Out

Where: Somerset Day Centre, 62 St James’s Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1PR

When: Friday March 28

Time: 1pm

For more information tel: 01273 699000

For more information about the Somerset Day Centre, CLICK HERE:  

 

Davina Sparkles for Sport Relief

Local Brighton drag queens proved sparkling sequins and sport are perfect partners when they took to the seafront for their own Sainbsbury’s Sport Relief Mile.

Sport relief Brighton Cabaret Queens running a mile

It was hand bags at dawn as six drag queens from Adonis Cabaret donned headbands, hitched up their frocks and put their best heels forward in a fight to the finish line.

The performers came from far and wide. Coco Verdose flew in from Columbia and donned a leather corset to keep her running upright, but in the end the victor was Ivy Hilton who was full of grace as she crossed the finish line at Dukes Mound.

Ivy said: “I came dressed for the occasion; it was all down to the exceptional killer heeled running boots. I’m not normally much of an athlete, but I’m always up for getting involved with a good cause and it seems I will do anything to win!”

The purpose of the run was to encourgage more people in Brighton to sign up for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile.

Local favourite Davina Sparkle, said: “If we queens can get involved and run for Sport Relief anyone can. It’s been a great laugh and I hope it encourages lots of people to sign up for the very worthy cause. Sport Relief is all about everyone getting active and having fun, whilst helping others. There are charities right here in Brighton that have benefitted from money raised through the events and I hope this year is even bigger and better!”

As well as getting involved in the Mile the bejewelled beauties and Adonis Cabaret have also donated £1,000 to Sport Relief from a weekly raffle held by Adonis Cabaret.

Davina said: “Sport Relief was an obvious choice!”

Sport Relief takes place from March 21 – 23 and for the first time ever the public can run, swim or cycle in the brand new Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games.

To find what events are happening across Sussex CLICK HERE:  

Money raised through Sport Relief helps people living incredibly tough lives in the UK and across the world.

 

Scotland stands with LGBT Nigerians and Ugandans

Tomorrow, Friday, March 7 at 12.15pm, the Equality Network, Scotland’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality charity, will hold a national protest in Edinburgh against anti-gay laws recently passed in Nigeria and Uganda.

Equality Network

The new laws punish LGBT people with up to life imprisonment for acts of “aggravated homosexuality” in Uganda and fourteen years in Nigeria. The laws also criminalise the “promotion” and “recognition” of same-sex relationships.

The Equality Network say the impact of the law is likely to make it almost impossible for people to be openly LGBT in those countries, and will severely restrict the work of human rights organisations and LGBT support groups in the country.

The Equality Network intends to send a message to LGBT people in Uganda and Nigeria that Scotland stands with them. We will also be calling for action from the UK Government to stand up for human rights internationally.

They will be joined by human rights supporters, trade unions and students groups; as well as an African drummer and Scottish piper to symbolize the strong Scottish African ties. The protest will coincide with other coordinated protests across the globe called for by Nigerian and Ugandan LGBT activists.

As Scotland hosts both Uganda and Nigeria during the commonwealth games and the eyes of the commonwealth are on Scotland, the Equality Network say it’s important to send a strong message supporting human rights.

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