Olivia Hall-Smith

Rugby stars claim many gay players live a lie

Posted on 11/11/201312/11/2013 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Gareth Thomas, the first openly gay international rugby player has spoken out about his up-coming Hollywood biopic, stigma against homosexuals in sport and the 2014 Russian Winter Olympics.

The rugby legend announced that he was gay in 2009, becoming one of the first openly homosexual male athletes in any major sports team in the world. That year Gareth was also voted the most influential gay person in the UK by topping the Independent on Sunday Pink List.

Pre-production has recently begun on his Hollywood movie and speaking on Sportlobster TV, Gareth, who won 100 caps for his country, confirmed that Oscar-nominated Mickey Rourke will definitely play his part.

Gareth said: “Mickey has had a lot of stick for his image in the past, but he’s been training really hard to play this role. He is the right person for the part because he cares about who I am, he is not someone who just wants to win an award.”

The majority of filming is set to take place in Wales, South Africa and France. However the rugby scenes will be filmed separately to ensure they look convincing.

Gareth continued: “Unlike other films, we’re going to be careful to get the rugby looking right.”

However to Gareth, it is the message of the film that is the highest priority: “This movie isn’t about the money – it is about acceptance in sport for everyone. People take courage from my story in all walks of life and this is what matters.”

Gareths’ story is not dissimilar to Martina Navratilova, the lesbian tennis star who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 major women’s doubles titles and 10 major mixed doubles titles along with a myriad of other achievements.

“I met Martina Navratilova once, she told me that when she played at Wimbledon early in her career, just after she had publicly come out, many in the crowd actually sat on their hands when she came on court. However, she overcame these perceptions and became one of the most popular and successful players of all time.” Gareth said.

England and Wasps flanker, James Haskell says that to avoid similar negative reactions, some rugby players are hiding their sexuality:

“Statistically there must be gay rugby players out there but I don’t know of a single one. I feel bad for anyone who struggles to be true to who they are, as no one should have to live a lie. The fact a rugby player may say they prefer men to women does not have any relevance to the sport.”

Regarding questions raised about upcoming sporting events planned in countries where there are laws in place against homosexuality such as Russia where the 2014 Winter Olympics are being staged in Sochi and Qatar who are due to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup, Gareth has strong views:

“If I was part of a squad going to these countries – I would go there as a gay man and be the best at what I was doing and prove that their laws can not stop me at being the best I can be in my sport. These athletes only have one chance to be the best and nothing, not even laws against homosexuality, should hold them back.”

To view the interview on Sportlobster TV, CLICK HERE:

Brighton Old Town public enquiry reports

Posted on 09/11/2013 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Plans to improve the Old Town of Brighton, including The Lanes area, have taken a step forward following a government inspector’s recommendations.

The aim is to reduce unnecessary traffic to develop the area for pedestrians and businesses and to create a more engaging environment.

A consultation exercise carried out in June 2012 found that 66% were in favour of such traffic reduction plans, while a further 55% of residents in the Old Town also wanted a new scheme.

A Public Inquiry was called by the council to seek independent advice on the benefits of the council’s ‘Old Town Transport Scheme’ proposals versus the interests of those who objected to the changes.

The inspector took into account evidence from council officers, residents, businesses, and pedestrian charities and supported the proposals for the new scheme.

Ship Street and Boyce’s Street are just some of the roads that will be affected by the changes as attempts are made to reduce the amount of through traffic in the area. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) will also be banned after 11am as local businesses have complained that they are currently ruining the character of the area.

The proposals will go to the Environment, Transport & Sustainability committee for final approval in January 2014 and implementation could begin shortly after.

For more details and to view the inspector’s report: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/oldtown

Gay men urged to support ‘National HIV Testing Week’

Posted on 08/11/201309/11/2013 by Olivia Hall-Smith

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity, and its partners HIV Prevention England are asking gay and bisexual men to pledge support for this year’s National HIV Testing Week, to help halt the spread of infection within the community.

Gay and bisexual men remain one of the groups most at risk of HIV in UK. At present, one in four gay men with HIV is undiagnosed and therefore more likely to pass the virus on than someone who has tested and is on treatment.

Paul Ward, Acting Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said:

“We need the whole community to get behind National HIV Testing Week and spread the word. To halve the amount of undiagnosed HIV among gay and bi men, we need two men to come forward for every single man who tested last year. We must therefore raise the roof on testing.”

The It Starts With Me campaign is focused on curbing new infections by raising awareness and reducing the level of undiagnosed HIV within communities. The National HIV Testing Week web service, It Starts With Me is now inviting men to add a short pledge of support to a new page on its website.

It is possible to pledge in various forms including written statements, personal stories and videos. The pledges will ultimately come together to form an online wall of community voices.

Paul Ward added:

“This is one thing you can do, right now.”

Once they have pledged to take a test during National HIV Testing Week, the website can assist gay and bisexual men by referring them to an online directory with details of their nearest testing service. If someone has tested recently, they are instead directed to a page where they can book an appointment in the near future.

National HIV Testing Week runs from Friday 22 – Friday November 29, and will coincide with the first ever European HIV Testing Week which is supported by major public health bodies, including Public Health England, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH).

To pledge your support, CLICK HERE:

There is an option to remain anonymous, while another allows people to share pledges with their friends on Facebook.

Hove MP Weatherley Supports ‘Off The Fence’ Winter Appeal

Posted on 06/11/201310/11/2013 by Olivia Hall-Smith

As Winter approaches, Mike Weatherly, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade is supporting the local homeless charity Off the Fence.

The charity is run by a dedicated team of 80 volunteers. It provides vital services to those in need by focusing on three key areas: street homelessness, women facing times of crisis and youth and schools.

In the coming months, Off The Fence is organising numerous fundraising activities including a Big Sleepout on November 16, a Nightwalk on February 15 and a Celebration on March 15.

Mike said:

“Off The Fence does a tremendous job working with some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

He added:

“The charity massively relies on the generosity of the public. People often ask how they can help those who are homeless and supporting an initiative like Off The Fence is a positive way to do this.”

For more information and to donate, CLICK HERE: