http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/himalayan-kingdom-throws-open-its-doors-to-gay-tourists-2180300.html 

24.1.11

 WILL DAVID CAMERON’S “BIG SOCIETY” WORK – ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE GAY?

It seems today many people , including members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) community, believe that, with the arrival of Civil Partnerships, the battles for gay equality are over. They think that we now live in a Pink Utopia and have successfully integrated into society.

At Pride in Canterbury, from time to time, over several years, we have received enquiries from elderly gay men in the area, who are looking for gay male company. Usually these men have not been involved in the gay movement, are not very committed to self-help, and do not have access to the internet.  Some do not have transport and some do not want to visit gay bars: But they are lonely and need help. Unfortunately there is no longer an official social group in the area. We have received two of these enquiries recently and there is little we are able to do to help. We recognise that this is a complex problem.

The programme “Glad to Be Grey?” on BBC Radio 4 recently highlighted how difficult it is for LGBT people to belong to straight social groups and residential homes and showed the need for caring organisations to look more closely at, and respond to, their problems.

I belong to an NHS Steering Group which aims to improve the service the NHs provides for the LGBT community.  I reported the problem to the group and said that I would see what I could do.

As I once worked as a volunteer for a local befriending charitable organisation, which was then called “Community Friends”, and is now “Whitstable Friends”, and is under the banner of  the Attend organisation, I first contacted its Chair, Margaret Walker, by telephone and we discussed the problem briefly, including the “Glad to Be Grey?” radio programme, which she had not heard. While stating that “Whitstable Friends” is open to anyone, Margaret did admit that she was not aware of the issues involved for lesbian and gays, when joining predominantly straight groups.

Knowing that the “Friends” have awareness training days, at the next meeting of the NHS Steering Group”, I suggested that the professionals in the group might find someone to give a talk for one of those training days, explaining the special issues and problems for LGBTs seeking a social scene, counseling, caring, nursing, and the like, and also that they be invited to send along a representative, to sit in on, and contribute to, one of our meetings. They agreed to both courses of action.

I wrote to Margaret Walker and her reply, together with an email reply, after I had sought clarification to the situation seemed to show that “Whitstable Friends” are unlikely to become involved in the near future.

Unfortunately, this attitude of “Whitstable Friends”, is symptomatic of  a widespread problem.

This organisation was happy to accept me, an out gay man living in a partnership, as a volunteer.   Although, ironically, they had a rule that volunteers could only visit clients of the same sex, I was, eventually, asked to visit an elderly lady. This led to a memorable friendship. I later learned that she had specifically asked that her volunteer should be a gay man.  Sadly, the lady died some time ago . 

However, now that I have asked for their interest in, and help with, LGBT issues, the Chair’s reply makes it quite clear that they are not interested.  This is in spite of the fact that Margaret Walker admitted to being ignorant of the problems lesbian and gays face when considering contact with caring or social groups. No dates of Steering Group meetings were mentioned, yet I was  informed that no one was “available” to attend!   “Interested”, “Concerned” “Caring” are other matters.  It would be interesting to know how many people within Whitstable Friends” were actually contacted about this.

And this is typical.  Across the country LGBT people play important roles, often caring roles in society, and it’s OK as long as they don’t draw attention to the fact that they are gay, and heaven forbid that they should express their needs or ask for help.

“Whitstable Friends” have made it clear that they will pick and choose who they will befriend and it’s not us gays.

This really isn’t good enough.  David Cameron’s “Big Society” plans paint a rosy picture of the changes that local groups working for their community can bring.  Well, Pride in Canterbury, a volunteer group, have been working for the LGBT community in the area, in very difficult circumstances for seven years now.  The NHS “Steering Group” is an exciting new venture with many important supporters.

Yet, in spite of the passing of the Equality Act”, “Whitstable Volunteers” doesn’t want to help, or even talk to us to see why they should help.  That speaks volumes about how much true equality many LGBT communities throughout the country have.

And now the good news....

1. Lesbian activist Clare Dimyon has been awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace for "services to promoting the rights of LGBT people in central and eastern Europe."

2. The University of Kent has signed up to gay rights charity Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme, along with 600 other members. The programme promotes a good working environment for employees and ensures the lesbain, gay and bisexual staff are treated equally.

3. Staying with the University, we were delighted to learn that the School of Arts building there has been named after Derek Jarman, the artist, film-director and gay rights activist, who had a home, "Prospect Cottage", on Dungeness Beach.

4. More very good news. MINDOUT, the charity which gives independent, impartial, information and guidance for LGBT people with mental health problems has been named Stonewall's Community Group of the Year and presented with a cheque for £5,000 to help continue and sustain their work.

12.11.10    

FILM TALK POSES QUESTIONS FOR GAYS AND STRAIGHTS. 

UCL (University College London) lecturer James Agar’s talk “Out at the Movies” for Pride in Canterbury, was attended by our largest audience yet. It proved to be a thought-provoking and inspiring meeting.

James clearly knows his subject and you had to concentrate hard to follow his themes. He illustrated his arguments with film clips from "Victim" (UK 1961), "Boys in the Band"(USA 1970), "Three Dancing Slaves" (France 2004), "Time to Leave" (France 2005), "Philadelphia" (USA 1993) and "The Living End" (USA 1992).

 The evening provided everyone straight or gay with much to mull over.  How far do men set the rules in Society?; and what makes a man a Man? How do those in power manipulate us so that we conform to their wishes, especially when we feel we are at our most free? Are we conditioned to believe and behave as though it is better to be male than female?  How are our views moderated and compromised by commercialism?  How often, and how freely, do we express who we really are?

This last question is very important to us at Pride in Canterbury, and James posed  the question, as homosexuals, what is the difference between being “gay” and being ” queer “.  He argued, that “gay” was who you are i.e. a person attracted to their own sex, and “queer”  a gay person who actively rejoices in and demonstrates their sexuality and their differences.

This linked into our fears at Pride in Canterbury, that we are being homogenised.  We are being manipulated not to present ourselves as different from heterosexuals, not to rock the boat,  not to draw attention to, and rejoice in, our differences. That is, to be distinctly “non-queer”. (Queer politics takes back the word used as a pejorative and turns it into something positive.)

A complex subject and we hope to provide information about some helpful literature soon, to help explore the subject further.

2.11.10.

2.12.10. For booklist covering these issues go to Entertainments/Books.

CLARE BALDING WINS HER COMPLAINT!

Lesbian TV presenter Clare Balding has won her complaint against the Sunday Times.

The Press Complaints Committee upheld her complaint, saying that although some gay groups have reclaimed the word "dyke", this use was a "pejorative synonym relating to the claimant's sexuality".

It added that the term was used in a "demeaning and gratuitous way" and that the newspaper should have apologised at the first opportunity.

It is hoped that the Sunday Times has apologised. It is known that some people stopped buying the paper as a result of the article, as we ourselves did, so we do not know whether they have or not.

22.9.10  

KENTISH GAZETTE'S SENSATIONAL COTTAGING REPORT

 Few can have failed to notice, that last week’s Kentish Gazette featured an article on “cottaging”.  It was a very disappointing backward step.

 When the newspaper prints articles on the work we are doing at Pride in Canterbury, they are generally fairly short and always inside the paper.

The cottaging article took up the front page, page seven and the editorial. This was tabloid journalism at its worst. It was based merely on information on a website. It ignored the larger picture of heterosexual “dogging”, it referred only to gay men, when it is a well known fact that many bisexual and married men frequently cottage.

Yet  when the NHS sets up an LGBT Steering Group in the area, and works with the Metro Organisation and many other caring groups and professionals on our behalf, that does not make the front page, or be deemed worthy of photographs.  Neither did the well known, poets, writers, actors and playwrights, one of them international, who came to give talks in the City for Pride in Canterbury  celebrating  our considerable LGBT culture.  There has never been any interest shown in interviewing these people who turn out for very little payment to support our work.

But if the chance to present the LGBT community in a bad light comes along, “Hold the front Page!”.

Last year we awarded the Gazette “Publication of the Year” in our annual awards.  Don’t bet on them getting it this year.

2.9.10

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE NHS  

We have sent the Observer article (see below) to several organisations and were pleased to receive the following communication from Kent and Medway NHS.

"Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT), the biggest provider of statutory mental health services in Kent, recognises the issues that the LGBT community face and in response has set up the ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Mental Health & Wellbeing Steering Group’. The group is focussing on developing better services for LGBT people in the Canterbury District and if the model works well, will progress to a wider geographical remit. The group is a cross sector union of service users, community members, voluntary sector representatives and professionals who are all working together to improve mental health & wellbeing for the LGBT community. KMPT is committed to improving services to ensure equal outcomes for all sections of the community.

If you would like to discuss these matters more, please contact:

Sheree Bell

Community Engagement Officer

Kent & Medway NHS & Social Care Partnership Trust

West Malling

Kent ME19 4AX

07949 037 401"

It is very encouraging to know that this work is being done on our behalf.

For further NHS Information, go to our Links Page.

25.8.10

ATTITUDE MAGAZINE ADDRESSES IMPORTANT ISSUE.

Yesterday's Observer newspaper - you note we are no longer taking the homophobic "Sunday Times" - reported that the gay magazine "Attitude" reveals, in it's September issue, that many homosexuals suffer isolation and depression. In its long article it quotes a gay blogger:

"The gay community is truly a wounded lot. In essence, young gay men have no role models in the home, no one to guide them through feelings of insecurity. They know deep down that they are different, but as young people tend to do, they don't view 'difference' in a positive healthy light. They come to believe that they are inherently flawed, unloveable, second-class citizens."

This is why at Pride in Canterbury we are fighting to build a thriving  "Out and Proud" LGBT Community in the area.

To read the article, go to: http://gu.com/p/2j6ph .  Then go out and get a copy of Attitude.  It is great this magazine is reporting issues that are so significant to us. 

23.8.10

WHERE ARE THE TV SHOWS FOR US?

Jane Czyzselska, editor of DIVA magazine, has spoken out about the lack of queer representation on television.

For her full article click  on  http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/3518/27/07/2010/diva-editor-speaks-out-on-lack-of-queer-representation-on-tv.aspx?xtra=email&dm_i=3XT,7GBN,1MB0X0,IP7Z,1

6.8.10

1.8.10 LETTER IN TODAY'S SUNDAY TIMES

(6.8.10 Having received an unsatisfactory response from the Editor, Clare has complained to the Press Complaints Commission. Good luck Clare. It is obvious that the Editor of the Sunday Times is unsympathetic to LGBT issues and we should all bear that in mind when purchasing our Sunday Paper in future.)

"GILL'S JIBE FOSTERS HOMOPHOBIA"

I was deeply disappointed that in a widely respected broadsheet such as The Sunday Times, you would condone AA Gill's use of the phrase "dyke on a bike" in relation to my series Britain by Bike. It is well known that I am gay and I am happy to be openly so, but my sexuality is irrelevant to this programme. You must surely be aware that the word "dyke" is rarely used by straight people in anything other than an insulting and pejorative way. I would be very surprised if you used a comparable word that related to race or religion.

Allowing this sort of anti-gay language contributes to rising levels of homophobic bullying. By printing it, you suggest that the sneering use of the term "dyke" is accpetable. It is not.

Clare Balding, London.

Well done Clare. And why did the paper not print an apology to her?

25.7.10  Thanet Pride (Sorry Diversity Day) was held yesterday. The straights enjoyed  the tribute acts.

(The history of the Pride movement in this area in the programme managed not to name Pride in Canterbury, or acknowledge its considerable work over seven years. Some people have very short memories.) 

3.6.10 DAVID LAWS' RESIGNATION

We were grateful when Nick Clegg sent a message of support for our campaign to bring more LGBT culture to Canterbury and we were pleased, when the Liberal Democrats, together with Labour, seemed to be adopting positive attitudes to LGBT issues.

It was very disappointing therefore, when David Laws, the coalition Chief Secretary to the Treasury, gave his reason for not revealing his relationship with another man as his fear and reluctance to come out to his family, friends and colleagues.

If a self made millionaire, tipped for the top in a party that is seen as wholeheartedly supporting  gay rights, sends out such a negative message, how damaging is that to campaigns such as the fight against homophobia in sport?  How much more does it discourage those many people still “in the closet” in areas such as ours from plucking up the courage to come out and be the people they truly are.

We hope that Mr Laws will use his present unfortunate position to find self-esteem and happiness and that he will then work to encourage other LGBTs to emulate him

2.6.10 NATIONWIDE GAYRADIO

GAYDIO, the country's first FM radio station for lesbian, gay and bisexual people launches nationwide this month.

For more details: PinkPaper.com

25.5.10 ACTING OUT

Last night Philip Osment gave us a fascinating and entertaining talk on the Gay Sweatshop theatrical company. He explained how Sweatshop came into being in the 70s and described its not always smooth history.  Portraying characters from the company's dramas, he demonstrated how they showed the importance of accepting one's sexuality, coming out, and being "glad to be gay". 

The appreciative audience took part in a discussion after the talk and one of the questions asked was whether there would be a place for the work of Gay Sweatshop today. At Pride in Canterbury we believe there are many LGBTs, young and old, in this area, who could still benefit from its message.   

POSITIVE MESSAGE FROM THANET PRIDE 

We are very pleased to print below the very positive message that has been sent out by Thanet Pride.

"Margate seafront is set to become a huge rainbow of colourful flags, dazzling costumes and a myriad of music and laughter, when it plays host to Thanet Pride 2010 on July 24th. With visitors from across Britain, joining a 15,000 strong crowd, last years Thanet Pride made its mark as one of he largest lesbian, gay bisexual and trans (LGBT) festivals in the South East, outside of Brighton and London, and organisers aim to paint the town pink again with this year's event.   

As well as stalls and a funfair, Thanet Pride 2010 will include superb stage entertainment with “The Pride Icons Show” featuring first class tributes to Lady Ga Ga, Freddie Mercury, ABBA, Karen Carpenter and George Michael, alongside top drag performer Kitty Monroe and London band Moon Shot.

Promoting diversity in all its vibrant colours, Thanet Pride aims to bring the entire community together in a fantastic day out for all the family, backed by Thanet District Council, Margate Charter Trustees, Thanet LeisureForce and Sundowners Club, and in conjunction with the KM Group.  Underlying the fun and party atmosphere is a serious message.  Within the gay community, there are still high suicide rates.  For some, homophobic, bi-phobic and trans phobic abuse is still a part of life.  To be black and gay can result in rejection due to cultural differences, and L.G.B.T. people can sometimes feel excluded from their chosen religion.  It is also easy to feel marginalized if you live away from bigger towns and cities that have a large, visible gay community.  Thanet Pride aims to bring together literally everyone, irrespective of age, nationality or sexuality in a celebration of who they are in a fabulous, fun-filled, family-friendly day out.

For further details of the day, forthcoming fund-raising events, or to book a stall, please see the Thanet Pride website – www.thanetpride.co.uk

29.3.10

NEW BAR TAKES US BACK IN TIME

So “CO2”, the bar that seemed to be the answer to the LGBT community’s prayer, but which fizzled out pathetically, like the proverbial damp squib, is to re-open, after weeks of rumours ,as “Cromwells”.

I met the new manager in King Street a few days ago, and he invited me to call in. Well, Cromwell is a figure from the past, who had a King beheaded.  Having read the launch article for the new bar in this week’s “Gazette”, it seems obvious that Cromwell’s will be no friend of Queens either.

Sadly, we are back, even before the bad old days of Bar 11. We will not be giving any of our money to this new venue.

20.3.10

I bought the April edition of “Attitude” magazine recently, my first copy in a long time.  It wasn’t because of the cover photo, (honest!), but I did want to read the interview with “Eastenders” Johnny  Partridge.

Perhaps it was because this was “The Older Issue”, but I thought it was excellent.  The interview with Mr Partridge was fascinating – what a lad!- but there were also articles on, that other lad John Barrowman (threatening to grow old gracefully!), the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen,  playright Jonathan Harvey, writer Edmund White, and many others, plus information about interesting films, plays and books. (See Entertainments).

Highly recommended and several local shops stock it. www.attitude.co.uk 

18.3.10.  

TWO SUCCESSFUL LGBT HISTORY MONTH EVENTS

1. Pride in Canterbury's contribution to LGBT History Month took place on a day of heavy snowfall, Wednesday 10th Feb., but a brave group of 12 turned out for the event.

Our speaker, Dr Kath Brown journeyed valiantly from Brighton to be with us and had to return via London immediately after her talk. We are most grateful to her for her effort.

The theme of her excellent, stimulating and informative talk was "Pride is Political". The question and answer session afterwards was lively!  It was encouraging to have a member of Canterbury City Council present and we hope that this talk will have led to a clearer understanding of the reason for, and importance of, our work and that a more positive relationship with the Council can be forged. 

2. Margate Library's contribution to the month's celebrations, on Saturday 13th Feb., was a talk by author Paul Burston on his latest novel "The Gay Divorcee".  Paul is a very entertaining speaker, who does not avoid addressing the problems that the LGBT community faces, such as violent homophobia.

The talk was part of Diversity Week in Thanet and it was heartening that large signs and various displays and notices all around the library left no one in any doubt as to the week and it's importance.  A varied display of LGBT literature could be easily seen and visitors were invited to suggest additions to the library's LGBT collection. 

As ever, the only disappointment was the poor support given to the event.  The weather could not be used as an excuse on Saturday.  Talented and busy people give generously of their time for these events, often for only expenses, and our community should be ashamed at its indifference.

To paraphrase Dame Shirley Bassey's version of KT Tunstall's song "Nice Men", on her latest wonderful CD "Performance",

"Where have all the gay guys, where have all the gay girl's, where have all the gay folk gone?" 

15.2.10.     

ATTACKS ON GAYS AND THEIR RIGHTS

We must not  think that these attacks are confined to other countries. Prior to his visit to this country the Pope has launched an attack on our gay community and our equality laws. To date, more than 7,000 people have signed a petition organised by the National Secular Society against this state visit to the UK.

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said "Most British people will not welcome a meddlesome pontiff, who opposes our equality laws."

To read more about this issue, go to www.pinknews.co.uk

To register your protest, go to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/list

4.2.10

GAY BAR - A FURTHER LOCAL ATTACK

In this week’s ‘Your Canterbury’, James Durst, from Canterbury, suggests that the City is “gay enough”, queries that it is “awash with homophobes” and attacks the work of Pride in Canterbury.  

He is apparently replying to a letter in which I mainly criticised the owners of CO2 for the failure of the bar and for their attack on the LGBT community. This letter is printed on (News Page 2)

Interestingly, he describes those who worked to build the thriving LGBT community in Manchester as passionate, but describes our voice as “petulant”.  Homophobes it seems, find us more acceptable the further away from home their own back yard that we are.

Mr Durst’s letter does, however, raise an important issue.  At Pride in Canterbury we passionately believe that Canterbury needs a visible, lively LGBT community.  Until it has one, no-one can say that there is true diversity in the City. We also believe, as we have stated many times, that it would be good for the prosperity of the City.

You need only go to our Supporters Page to see that there are many famous people who agree with us, but for our aims to be achieved we need those local LGBT people, who agree with us, to make clear that support.  We have many straight members of the community, who support us in what we do, but the community cannot expect them to fight our battles.

Where are the letters from those who drank in CO2, saying that the City must have a gay bar. If you do not believe that Canterbury is gay enough, if you think that homophobia is preventing the development of a dynamic LGBT community, harming your self-esteem, then you must let people know, through letters to the papers, emails to the City Council or by any other way that you choose. We do not expect you to march but we do need you to support us. Otherwise, our lone voice can be dismissed as petulant.  Unlike Daffyd, we know we are not the only gays in the village, we do not ignore other gays, we just need their help.

January 2010