Issue 13 Respect Newsletter

Your Lesbian, Gay, Your lesbian, gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) bisexual and Network Newsletter transgender

network

Spring newsletter2012

Ending the year on a high

Issue 13 Issue 9

Show your support for marriage equality

Stella & Lucy We meet two inspiring women on a mission to make a difference Pages 4-5

See page 4

EXCLUSIVE interview with singer and actress

Stuart Taylor Member interview Page 5

Read all about Lucy’s ‘Winter Adventure’

See page 9

See page 3

Stonewall’s Chris Edwards Supporting inclusive workplaces

Inside this issue:

Page 9

>Simon introduces us to the charity ‘Outline’ >We let you know what PRIDE’S we are supporting > Social: LadyRock Festival – COME AND JOIN US! //Two tickets to Need support? >Connect: Stonewall Special Women’s Where to>Your go for Development Manchester Pride the LadyRock >LGBT news and lots more Networking Events more information. festival In PicturesPlease email Page 8

//£20 worth of Co-operative vouchers

Colleagues, page 14

“Respect” to anyone you think would enjoy reading it! co-operative Page 6-7

See page 10

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and (LGBT) network for The Seetransgender page 5

1

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Intro

From your co-chairs

From your editor

We had a few firsts in November. It started with the The Co-operative’s biggest ever LGBT event that was arranged by the Respect network Steering Group, our ‘Celebration of The Cooperative’s support of the LGBT community’ event as part of Co-operatives United.

The event was attended by a massive 311 people. You can read lots more about the event in a special Respect Extra newsletter coming soon. The event was the first ever LGBT event to be hosted at an International Co-operative Festival event, anywhere in the world! A massive thank you to everyone that came along and showed their support. We had a great time and met lots of Respect members.

You will see in this newsletter the announcement that Respect has been

Wow! We’re at issue 13 already—lucky for some? Thanks to all those who’ve contacted us recently with your stories.

We really do love to hear and share your news. If there’s anything you’d like us to cover, please do let us know!

We’ve a packed issue this month and we hope you enjoy it. We’ll be back in the New Year with a special issue covering Richard Carroll our recent Celebration event and Editor @rcoh inaugural Respect Member Awards.

shortlisted for ‘LGBT Network of the Year’ at the ‘2013 Out In The City & g3 Readers Awards’.

It is the first time we have been shortlisted for these reader voted awards and it is a massive achievement for the network. Read the article to the right for more info. Please show your support and vote!

Other recent highlights have included the Respect network Steering Group agreeing the networks strategy for the next three years (there are lots of exciting things planned), being able to support employees with LGBT related questions and supporting other employers with the founding and development of their own employee LGBT networks.

Keep your eyes peeled for Respect’s 2012 Impact Report too.

We hope you all have an amazing festive season!

Victoria Cowley Co-chair @mackem23

Please vote for us to be LGBT Network of the Year What a way to end an incredible year for the network!

We are delighted to announce that the Respect network has been shortlisted in the ‘LGBT Network of the Year’ category at the annual ‘g3 & Out In The City magazine Readers Awards’.

This is the first time we have been shortlisted for this award and we are proud to be recognised for the work we do.

Thomas Anderson Co-chair @thomasinmanc

Member competition Win a signed copy of Olly Murs’ number one hit Troublemaker All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of the CD is tell us Which rapper features on the song?

Email your answer to respectLGBT@cooperative.coop by 31st January 2013.

The winner will be contacted shortly after this date.

2

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Voting is now open so please vote for us and encourage your friends, colleagues and family to do the same.

You can vote by visiting www.outg3awards.co.uk and clicking on the g3 icon.

Voting closes in March 2013 and the winners will be announced at the end of April 2013.

Find out more about the magazines by visiting www.g3mag.co.uk and www.outmag.co.uk

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton loved The Co-operative Food's 'Waving with Pride' flag at this year's Manchester Pride. Antony enthusiastically commented the Respect network were 'pioneers' in our support of the LGBT community—true to the origins of The Co-operative.

This photo also featured on showbiz and celeb news website Digital Spy—over 12 million people visit the site every month.

More on Manchester Pride on pages 6 & 7 ▶

Also in this issue…

People In Pharmacy Awards Page 8 ▶

Uganda voting to ‘Kill The Gays’ Page 11 ▶

Northern & Brighton Prides Page 12 ▶

Read on for lots more…

Watch for our next newsletter covering our Respect Network Awards and Celebration Event.

It features lots of photos and you can read all about the event held on 1st November that over 300 people attended.

As it was recently 'International Coming Out Day' we thought we would share a photo of Co-operative Group Chair, Len Wardle, jumping out of the glitzy Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s pink closet that was at the event.

Issue 14, out in January

3

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

strength and support without judgement made me who I am today. I fear nothing and love me because of how she loved me. I know how lucky I was.

For anyone that doesn't know anything about 'Stella & Lucy', how would you introduce yourselves?

Lesbian and bi women are often less represented in employee LGBT networks. This is common in most networks. Why do you think that is?

The best way to describe who we are is a creative couple. Our academic backgrounds are writer and fashion designer.

We are still in our prospective careers and feature in many UK and U.S publications including Curve, g3 and Diva.

Now working with many LGBT charities and leading our own Equal Marriage campaign MRs & MRs campaign.

Personally speaking we think that the Lesbian and bi community due to lack of Positive relatable role models have lack of confidence when it comes to these areas. There are multi - talented women in all sections of society. Women need to strive and have the self belief that this CAN be achieved through positive example.

How did you meet each other?

We met through a mutual friend, in the very rainbow seaside town of Brighton!

What is your proudest moment?

What are your views on equal civil marriage?

Our collective proudest moment besides raising two open minded children is being strong enough to live as who we are! Despite very painful objective family members.

How important do you think positive role models are?

The Respect Interview

Our views on Equal Civil marriage are that all loving human beings should be given the right to commit and express their dedication to one another through the union of marriage. We have been waiting for Civil marriage ourselves when we got engaged and discovered that civil partnership although amazing is NOT the same as civil marriage and that's NOT FAIR! We launched the MRs & MRs campaign and started our petition directly to David Cameron asking WHY!? can't we get married. We have moved progressively forward and had meetings with the Home Office in the progression and plans moving on.

Stella and Lucy are a passionate and dynamic duo. With a combination of their extensive backgrounds they have produced a unique way of combining styling and writing to create their ‘Lez is More’ brand.

Stella is an author and published poet and Lucy a fashion lecturer at the renowned London college of fashion, you won’t find a quirkier Did you have a role You are both very busy model growing up? more fun loving and driven pair. ladies with lots of things Stella My role model was Madonna and my auntie. Their None conformists and liberal going on. How do you positive attitude and feminist minded, Stella and Lucy are a real juggle work and family mentality attracted me to look life? and honest representation of up to them.

How do we juggle work and Lucy My Grandmother. family life, didn't we mention independent, influential women.

Growing up her constant we are jugglers too?

Role models in our society today are celebrity driven.

There really isn't any "REAL" role models that we feel are relatable. We strongly feel a drive on positive, strong individuals creating their own wealth is the way forward. Too many role models are given this title in our opinion for fame for fames sake. We aspire to create a safe environment for anyone we associate with.

4

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Realistically we drop a few balls sometimes! But we just prioritise. Sometimes you just need time. We make sure the most important thing is we have time as a couple. Our family runs because we have to look after each other first and foremost. We love to work and see it as our passion.

know this is in the eye of the beholder! Failing that, we'd be happy with a Yule log!

What is next for Stella & Lucy?

Our wedding! Stella's novel that is her life story to date. Watch this space. Stylised fashion shoots and articles all over the place! Continuing our charity work, hopefully taking on a more hands on role in creating a Role model based charity. And most importantly, hopefully expanding on our family!

What is your most cherished possession?

My most cherished possession is my engagement ring!

What is on your Christmas wish list this year?

Find out more about Stella & Lucy online

Wow that's a hard one. Love Christmas as it's all about eating for us! Family and friends but if you had to push us we wouldn't mind a vile of sperm, high IQ, beautiful in appearance—we

www.stellaandlucy.co.uk @LEZ_ISMORE

We meet Respect member Stuart Taylor Stuart joined The Co-operative in August 2011 as a Relief Pharmacy Manager. Stuart is originally from a small village of Pontypool in the south Wales valleys. Stuart did not find it easy growing up gay in such a quiet, rural community… though luckily for him, he was not the only gay in the village! It was here that he developed a love of sport and in particular running and tennis.

After completing his postgraduate diploma in clinical pharmacy at Cardiff University, Stuart started working as a Clinical Pharmacist at ward level in the hospital in nearby Newport. Here, he was responsible for checking medicine charts, supplying medicines to wards, and advising doctors on prescribing issues and implementing National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance. Across the hospital, he worked in clinical areas such as paediatrics, cardiology, respiratory, oncology and sterile production, and for a time worked on the intensive care unit providing prescribing advice

5

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

The co-operati ve pharmacy

to consultants and nurses looking after critically ill patients.

After four years, he decided he needed a change of scenery and moved to Swansea to be with his boyfriend of two years.

Here, he joined The Co-operative providing pharmacist manager cover for the Swansea and West Wales region. Stuart has recently been shortlisted for a ‘People In Pharmacy’ award for his work. He had heard from a number of his friends that The Co-operative was a really friendly organisation to work for and, to this day, he has not been disappointed. He finds he is constantly learning new things about the organisation that impresses him. Stuart commented, “The Respect Network is something that you just don't get in other companies, and the ethical policies that underlie the things we do as an organisation… it makes me proud to be a part of the whole thing. It really makes me feel like I'm helping to make a difference.”

For the past few months, Stuart has been managing a pharmacy in Pontyberem, a small Welsh-speaking community between Llanelli and Camarthen. He is not a fluent Welsh speaker, but it gives him the opportunity to try what he has learned over the past few years, “It gives the locals a laugh, even if I'm not making much sense!”

Respect says Diolch yn fawr to Stuart for his time!

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Manchester Pride

The Showbears joined us in our Manchester Pride parade entry this year. Here’s our interview with them.

How would you sum up the Britain’s Got Talent experience?

BGT was amazing! We found we had such an amazing amount of support from not only the staff who worked behind the scenes but our friends, family and new Showbears fans who we have now brought a bit of sparkle into their lives. We also met some fabulous people within the show who we are very honoured to call friends.

How did the Showbears form?

Originally it was for a one off performance for the Great British Bear Bash over 3 years ago. Then it had a few changes over the next couple of years and developed into the 5 piece you see today!

How did it feel being mentioned by Kylie Minogue on Twitter?

That was mind blowing!! To think Ms Minogue was watching and enjoying our performance after the numerous occasions we have seen her was humbling and exciting. We still smile when we read her tweet about us!!

Any plans for launching the Showcubs? (well S Club 7 had their What is your favourite song to S Club Juniors!)

Haha - as much as that would be so perform?

David Walliams joined the line up funny to see (how cute would they be?!) We in the final, does that make him an have no plans as yet! honourary member?

What has been the reaction from David Walliams is our honorary sixth your local LGBT community? member—we will always find him a spot on the stage!

Were you impressed with his performance?

On which performance? Really it was a great honour he would consider performing with us and doing it so well was mind blowing. And he is very good at the routine too!

We obviously love the We're Sailor Men song but we also love our Disco Kylie Medley.

Will (our musical genius) and David (our creative genius) work wonders so we end up Most of the local bear community have performing these amazing tracks. always known us as the Showbears and the What do the Pride events mean to good thing is we haven't changed it's just you? gone more global. The wider LGBT Pride to us means being proud of who community seemed to enjoy it for what we you are and who you love. Being gay isn't a want it to be seen as and therefore accepted choice. So pride is a celebration of that and it as a camp bit of entertainment. The the love we show to each other and those reaction we get from the crowds are electric who don't see that on a day to day basis. and so loving.

Snapped! ◀ Fundraising Co-ordinator Matthew Thatcher pictured with Margarita Pracatan, a Cuban novelty singer, who found success in the 1990s after numerous performances on Clive James’ TV show. She was the Grand Marshall at this year's Manchester Pride where she also performed.

Regional Champion ▶ David Reardon was snapped here with former rugby ace and fellow Welshman Gareth Thomas

6

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride 2012 25 August 2012

The Co-operative proudly sponsored the event for the fourth consecutive year.

150 volunteers joined us in our entry. It was the biggest and most vibrant entry in the parade.

In keeping with the parade’s theme of ‘Queer’d Science’ (chosen in honour of Alan Turing) we had a funky scientist home delivery van with glasses and bubbles. A troupe of Co-operative Scientists—ably assisted by 12 wacky bananas brightened up the streets of Manchester.

Throughout the parade, we gave away over 10,000 Fairtrade chocolate bars and bananas along with over 20,000 ‘Smiling with Pride’ stickers and ‘Waving with Pride’ flags.

A big thank you to Paul Flowers, Chair of The Co-operative Banking Group and Len Wardle, Chair of The Cooperative Group, for sponsoring our volunteer drinks reception after the parade had ended. We needed them!

7

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Get your walking boots on with The Jessies The Jessies are a self-organised group for lesbian and bisexual women who enjoy walking and talking. The group is inclusive and welcomes all lesbians and bisexual women regardless of age, race, class or ability. Women who come on walks include both experienced and inexperienced walkers.

Walks are usually from 4 to 6 miles and range from easy to medium difficulty. The pace is from moderate to slow and they will walk so everyone can keep up. Walks take place twice a month, mostly on a Sunday in Greater Manchester and surrounding counties. Other activities to date have included a weekend away and cycling. We know a few Respect members who have been along and have had a great time!

Find out more online email manchesterjessies@googlemail.com

Fun, food and friends with the 'Dining Ds'

Women’s Networking Events

There is lots going on at Lesbilicious

Keeping you up-to-date Dining Ds (or DiningDykes) is with events across the UK. Lesbilicious.co.uk is an independent weba 'Lesbian Social' and 'Lesbian Dining’ based magazine for lesbian and bisexual group based in London and Brighton that women. Lesbilicious publishes daily has been running for seven years. lesbian/bisexual news and weekly Members are able to go to events in both cities and it exclusive articles and interviews. It also features an up-toprovides the perfect opportunity for women to meet new date calendar of lesbian/bisexual events taking place around friends and discover the other city. the UK. In addition to meals in both cities, they plan weekends The site featured an away, meet ups at Pride events, picnics and BBQs next article about The CoSummer - all over the UK. operative's support of Pride Members are from a wide range of backgrounds and there events this Summer. really is no 'type'.

Find out more online www.diningdykes.co.uk

Find out more online www.lesbilicious.co.uk

The Co-operative Pharmacy celebrates their Respect Steering Group members

We are delighted to announce that Respect’s Co-chair Thomas Anderson, our Fundraising Co-ordinator Anna Hanson and member Stuart Taylor have all been shortlisted for awards at the '2013 People In Pharmacy Awards' (or PIPs).

Both Anna and Thomas have been shortlisted for the 'Co-operator and Fundraiser of the Year' for their contribution to supporting employees, charities and communities all over the UK as part of their roles on the Respect network Steering Group. Stuart Taylor (interviewed on page 5) has been shortlisted for ‘Relief Manager of the Year’.

On being shortlisted Anna commented,"I was very surprised and honoured to hear that I had been shortlisted for a PIP Award. I never expected to be nominated for an award when I applied to join the Steering Group. I am just thrilled to have the role of Fundraising Co-ordinator. I am really pleased to work with charities and groups working with the wider LGBT community, helping to spread the word about what the Respect network is all about."

The winners will be announced at a snazzy awards ceremony on 18th January.

8

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

We hear lots about Stonewall. For those not too familiar, how would you sum Stonewall up?

Stonewall is the largest gay equality charity in the UK and we work with a whole range of agencies to address the needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the wider community— including at home, at school and at work. I’m part of the Workplace Team which, through our Diversity Champions Programme, helps employers to create gay-friendly workplaces.

How did you get involved?

I worked for the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) for six years helping people to design and create better public spaces. I was always interested in aspects of inclusive design, and in particular what that means for gay people. I ended up drawing upon Stonewall’s support in preparing a briefing paper on designing public spaces which are inclusive for gay people. After that, the shift from CABE to join the workplace team at Stonewall seemed like a natural progression.

What are you most proud of?

I’ve recently been involved in helping to establish a professional networking group for gay people working in property and construction. I’m really proud that I’ve managed to create something which will help progress equality for gay people working in an industry that can be very traditional.

What’s a typical day look like?

Urban planner, architecture buff, science enthusiast, martini lover, gay equality advocate, Nintendo fan and Stonewall Client Manager for The Co-operative, Respect catches up with…

It’s great being able to travel around the country meeting various organisations and employers to help and support them create inclusive workplaces. Going to Manchester to meet The Co-operative to help them crack into the top 10 of Stonewall’s Top Employers list is always a highlight too. It’s hard to believe that ten years ago it was still legal to sack someone because they were gay – we’ve made a lot of progress since then, but in my role I also get to hear about the challenges gay workers are facing, and there’s still a lot to do. www.stonewall.org.uk twitter.com/stonewalluk facebook.com/stonewalluk

9

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Who is your role model?

It’s hard to narrow down, I find aspects I admire from all sorts of people – including historical figures, colleagues, friends and family. From James Hutton who in the 1800s challenged religious institutions and orthodox thinking by using science to prove that the Earth was more than 2,000 years old (yes, I’m a science geek), to senior gay people breaking the mould in challenging industries who’ve been brave enough to come out and be themselves.

Chris Edwards

What do you most enjoy about the role?

See more of Stonewall’s work online

It’s such a varied role that no two days ever look the same. One day I might be in Bury hosting a seminar for housing associations and others I’ll be in our London office helping colleagues prepare for our fundraising events, such as the Equality Dinner or Stonewall Awards.

What do enjoy doing when you're not working?

Pursuing my endless quest to find the best martini in London.

How was your coming out experience?

Growing up in rural west Wales, it was always going to be difficult. I didn’t meet an openly gay person until I was 21 so there was definitely a lack of visible role models. I’m lucky to have a supportive family, but sadly not everyone has been as accepting.

How important do you think campaigns like It gets better are?

Coming from such an isolated part of the country, I would’ve found it massively inspirational to watch videos of a broad spectrum of people, from Chris’ quick fire faves celebrities to professionals, Film Disney’s Emperor’s Ne w Groove with telling gay people that it the inspirational Eartha Kitt the first Latina gets better today. I’m really gay equality advocate. glad that young people LGBT hero Bruce Goff (19 04-1982) – the growing up now across the first openly gay architect, who despite country are able to watch marginalisation by the industry because of these clips and realise that his sexual orientation, still ma naged to being gay isn’t something create some extraordinary buildin gs. to be ashamed of and that Book Edith Wharton’s The Custom of the there’s an exciting world Country which features the magnificently ruthless social climber Undine out there for them.

Spragg.

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Free online LGBT magazines

There are lots of great LGBT magazines out there to buy including Attitude, DIVA, GT, Out In The City and g3. What you may not know is there are many free magazines online available to view and download. These magazines often cover more local issues and events and are a great source for finding out about local LGBT events, support groups and networking opportunities. Here we let you know about some of them…

Midlands Zone ISSUE 187 NOVEMBER 2012

Midlands Zone THE ESSENTIAL NIGHTLIFE + CLUBBING GUIDE

East & West Midlands Midlands Zone is the UK’s biggest regional gay lifestyle magazine serving the Midlands communities. Includes detailed ‘what’s on’ and scene guides.

www.MidlandsZone.co.uk

www.midlandszone.co.uk

the northeast’s premier lgbt news and lifestyle magazine

FREE Ŕ 1-&"4& 5",& 0/& Ŕ FREE

northeast issue 32

autumn 2012

newcastle + sunderland prides outdoor lads come north get your skates on britain’s 1st pride olympics ‘team gay’ world pride power list obama + gay marriage men ‘cured’ of hiv

luke anderson

Out North East North East England You can pick up a copy of the magazines in gay bars all over the region. It is a great local scene focused mag. We love it! www.outnortheast.com

NEWS • COMMENT • HEALTH • SPORT • LISTINGS

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

OUTNORTHWEST

Registered Charity No.1070904

Out North West North West England Out North West is published every two months by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF). The magazine is fantastic. We would pay for it! www.lgf.org.uk/outnorthwest

(BZOJ . " ( " ; * / &

MEOWW!

IT’S PRIDE! GEMMA HUTTON GEARS UP FOR BELFAST PRIDE

We catch up with X-factor’s Kitty Brucknell! £2.00

BEAR WEEKEND More bears than Belfast Zoo.

Style | Scene | Travel | Culture | Homes | Health | Celebrity | Music | Local

GayNI Northern Ireland GayNI Magazine was launched in March 2012. It is a glossy lifestyle magazine for the LGBT community, packed with local features as well as celebrity interviews, reviews, fashion and a ‘What’s On’ guide in the back. www.gayni.net

We are on the look out for features writers for the Respect Newsletter.

Get in touch!

10

We need to keep reminding people that ‘We Exist’

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) have recently published a very useful resource booklet titled We Exist.

As lesbian, gay and bisexual people it is important that we are visible in public life to show that we are part of society, just like everyone else. The guide aims to encourage more lesbian, gay and bisexual people to represent themselves and the things that matter to them. This will remind people that ‘We Exist’ and we can and should get involved in public life.

Often the issues that directly affect the lesbian, gay and bisexual community may go unheard or un-addressed, unless there is an active voice around the table that is championing the needs of our community.

The Co-operative was delighted to be asked to contribute to the booklet and you can read what Respect’s Co-Chair Thomas Anderson had to say in the ‘Out At Work’ section.

Reg. Charity No.

Kindly supporte

1070904

d by:

Find out more and download the We Exist booklet at www.lgf.org.uk/exist

plus lots more lgbt news and... out! a-z + scene listings

lgbt news... / icon... / health... / sexuality... / culture... / politics.../ travel... / fitness... / law... / reviews & more

SCENE OUT Launch Party & Other pics

Community News

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

'Respect' all over the UK!

The Respect network is featured in The Co-operative's new advert in 'The Diversity Group's 2013 Directory'.

Thousands of copies of the new directory produced by The Diversity Group are being distributed to Universities, council offices, schools, workplaces, charities and other locations all over the UK. The guide brings together lots of useful information and includes current information about equal rights, current legislation and helpful links for people who need advice on specific problems.

It is fantastic to see how proud The Co-operative is of the Respect network and our successes in contributing to the Group being a great place to work for all employees.

You can order a copy of the guide at www.thediversitygroup.co.uk

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Stonewall Awards 2012

Celebrating those that ensure positive LGB representation in the media today The Stonewall Awards were held on Thursday 1st November at the Victoria & Albert Museum with over 450 guests in attendance. The Awards exemplify the individuals and organisations which are critical in ensuring a positive representation of gay people in the media today.

Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said, ‘As ever, I’m humbled by the dedication with which this year’s Award winners have been advancing equality for millions of people.

Their efforts have never been more valuable and we will never be deterred from Winners includ celebrating their ed H ero of the Year contribution.’

Reverend Gile The winners were s Fraser selected by a panel of judges Broadcast of the Ye ar Britain’s Got Talent that included rugby star Entertainer of Ben Cohen and author Val the Year Sue Perkins McDermid, both of whom Pub we interviewed for our last G lication of the Year ayStarNews. com Respect newsletter.

Co-Chair of the Respect network wins a 'Pride of The Co-operative Pharmacy Award'

It has been quite a year for Thomas Anderson, CoChair of the Respect network. It started with him being shortlisted for the 'Leader of the Year' award at the '2012 PIP Awards' and was followed this summer with him being shortlisted for the 'Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Role Model of the Year' at the annual Lesbian & Gay Foundation 'Homo Hero Awards'.

It was announced in September that Thomas was one of the five winners of this year's special 'Pride of The Cooperative Pharmacy' awards. As part of 'International Year of Co-operative's' the awards were set up to recognise individuals that had contributed to building a better society and had supported their local communities, however big or small. Thomas was recognised for his voluntary work as part of Respect - playing a big role in driving the Group's support of lots of LGBT events, charities, community groups and for Community Gro up of the Year giving up lots of time to support the growth and development See the full list of winners East London Out Project www.stonewall.org.uk/awards of the Respect network throughout the business.

Thomas commented,'This came as a massive surprise and to be recognised with other very deserving and inspiring colleagues was a real honour and a highlight of my year. The Ugandan speaker says Anti-Homosexuality night was fantastic and both me and my partner Matthew really enjoyed the whole experience.'

Bill could become law by the end of 2012 Thomas and his partner Matthew were both invited to a Uganda could officially pass the grand event at Banqueting Hall in Whitehall, London where ‘Kill The Gays’ bill this December they enjoyed a night in a suite at a luxury hotel and delicious despite international criticism, three course meal, with the company of the other winners and speaker Rebecca Kadaga said since other employees and senior leader's from throughout the most Ugandans ‘are demanding it’. business. Entertainment came from Strictly Come Dancing's Referring to the law as a ‘Christmas gift’ to the population, 'Anton Du Beke', Britain's Got Talent dance troupe 'Four she spoke of ‘the serious threat’ posed by homosexuals.

Corners' and a video message from TV star Cat Deeley. An The law will broaden the criminalization of same-sex auction on the night raised over £100,000 for charity UNICEF. relationships by dividing homosexuality into two categories; aggravated homosexuality and the offense of homosexuality.

Uganda lawmaker Atim Ogwal Cecilia Barbara has even ‘Aggravated homosexuality’ is defined as gay acts committed suggested there should be a continent-wide ban on by parents or authority figures, HIV-positive people, homosexuality, saying all African gay people should be jailed pedophiles and repeat offenders. If convicted, they will face for life. Gay rights activist David Kato was murdered in Uganda the death penalty. The ‘offense of homosexuality’ includes in January 2011 shortly after a local newspaper published same-sex sexual acts or being in a gay relationship, and will images of him and other gay people under a headline urging be prosecuted by life imprisonment. Originally put to readers to ‘hang them.’ Despite this, Uganda’s LGBT government in 2009, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill had been community held a weekend of gay pride events this summer. temporarily shelved because of international criticism.

According to a 2010 survey by The Pew Research Center, Several European countries have threatened to cut aid to homosexuality is morally unacceptable to 89% of Ugandans.

Uganda if it passes, with the UK government warning Amnesty International urge you to email the Uganda authorities Uganda it would face severe reductions in financial help. www.amnesty.org.uk/uganda

‘Kill The Gays’ bill to pass

11

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Northern Pride

Brighton Pride

Below is some photo's of Respect members, including Co-operative Food Trainer Mark Ford, at this year's Northern Pride. Our stall was very popular and the crowds couldn't get enough of our free '99' tea bags.

Featured above are photo's of Respect members having a ball at this year's Brighton Pride. It was the 9th year The Co-operative has supported the event. Our parade entry went down a storm.

21 July

The Pink List 2012

1 September

On 4th November, the Independent on Sunday announced their Pink List of the 101 most influential LGBT people in the UK. More than 1,500 people voted for those they felt make the UK safer, fairer, better and more entertaining. Over 250 nominees' names were deliberated before deciding on the final list.

At number one is Olympian Nicola Adams who punched her way into the history books, becoming the first woman to win an Olympic medal in boxing. It's an all female top two with queen of the Olympics, best-selling memoirist and champion of women's sport Clare Balding at two. Number three on the list is legend Peter Tatchell who has tackled neo-Nazis, President Mugabe and the British parliament. Indefatigable, brave and unforgettable.

See the full top 101 online www.independent.co.uk/pinklist

12

Network News

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Also on the list is an impressive six people that we have interviewed for features in the Respect newsletter (some still to be published).

7 Heather Peace

38 Val McDermid

88 Sir Nick Partridge

15 Charlie Condou

45 John Amaechi

99 Jackie Crozier

Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter

December 2012 Issue 13

Reviews and gift ideas Online find New Love Cards & Gifts Contemporary gifts for all occasions… including an exclusive LGBT range too!

There always seems to be an occasion to buy a gift for—we can't keep up. We recently stumbled across this online gift shop that stock a massive range of funky and unique gifts for all occasions, at a reasonable price too.

Their LGBT range, launched at the recent 'Big Gay Lifestyle Show' in London, includes a collection of contemporary perspex blocks with colourful messages such as 'Closets are for clothes' and '2 Mums are better than one'. They stock all sorts of gifts ranging from gorgeous candles, snazzy coasters to retro chocolate bars—and lots more. www.newlovecardsandgifts.co.uk

Music Lana Del Rey, Born To Die: The Paradise Edition Not quite a new album, this version is the newly released 'Paradise Edition' of the number one UK album, and one of the fastest and biggest selling of 2012 - with over two million copies sold around the world. It features an impressive eight extra tracks, so one of the better value re-release's. You can tell it's gift buying season can't you!

Current single 'Ride', with its galloping verses and sweeping melody, are delivered in Lana's now infamous and seemingly effortless 50's style. We love it. The video is rather epic too.

The multiple infectious hooks in 'Cola' feel as polished as one of your grandparents brass ornaments where Lana asks us all to 'come out'. How could we not succumb to that request?

Other new tracks include 'Bel Air', 'Yayo', a cover of the classic track 'Blue Velvet' (as featured on the H&M adverts) and 'Body Electric', each sounding epic, haunting and classic in their own way. These all sit nicely to the tracks from the original album release including 'Born To Die', 'National Anthem' and 'Blue Jeans'. 25 tracks for less than a tenner. Value for money we think.

13

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

The Respect network would like to thank you for your continued support with spreading inclusivity and equality around The Co-operative.

We wish you all a wonderful festive season!

Fragrance Lady Gaga, Fame The first ever black to clear eau de parfum Never one to accept the status quo, Lady Gaga’s first signature fragrance challenges every existing industry standard.

Where there was light, she brings darkness. Where there was transparency, she brings mystery. Where there was fruit, she demanded poison. The result is Lady Gaga Fame, an opulent, crushed-floral fragrance that’s black in colour like the soul of fame but The co-operati transparent once ve Pharmacy Buy the Lady GaGa produc airborne. Other products ts and lots of other gr eat gifts from in the range include black our website soap, shower gel and body www.co-oper ativepharmac y.co.uk lotion.

If you're an em ployee membe The fragrance has had a r you'll also ge t 10% off ever massive advertising ything you order. Wat ch out for onlin campaign with a e offers too! controversial TV advert we didn't expect anything else from GaGa! Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop

Respect Newsletter DEC

Events diary Cervical Cancer Prevention Week January 20th – 26th Cervical Cancer Awareness Week is dedicated to women and their families who have been affected by Cervical Cancer. Did you know lesbian and bisexual women need screening too?

December 2012 Issue 13

In the next issue Our next issue will be devoted to our recent event held as part of the International Year of Co-operatives. It included our first Respect Network Member Awards and a Celebration of The Co-operative’s Support for the LGBT Community. It is packed full of photos and inspirational stories. Look out for it in January!

www.lgf.org.uk/screening

What The Frock! Women's Comedy Night 24 January 2013, The Square Club, Bristol The line-up will be compere Elf Lyons, rising comedy star Blod Jones, the super talented Rose France, who's a regular on Bristol's LGBT radio station ShoutOut and the headline spot is Jayde Adams. The event is open to all women and men.

The Square Club, 15 Berkeley Square, Bristol, BS8 1HE. Doors 7.30pm, Comedy 8pm, Close 10pm (approx) £8 advance/£10 door. Pre book tickets at: http://whatthefrock.bigcartel.com/product/25january-2013-comedy-tickets

Colleague Support AXA ICAS

tance s Employee Assis d e’ iv at er op oC e an Th , open 24 hours, Programme is free is reported back to the ng confidential. Nothi n help on many issues ca ey th d licts, to business an me, to work conf ho at s m le ob pr from advice. m. legal and money w.icasxtra.co w w or 2 7 0 7 2 0800 07 oup username: coopgr . password EAP07

The Diversity Team

LGBT History Month February 2013, Across the UK Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans History Month takes place every February. It celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community. 2013 will be dedicated to Maths, science and engineering. lgbthistorymonth.org.uk

The Gay Wedding Show 10 March 2013, Holiday Inn, Camden Lock, London The UK's annual and official gay and lesbian wedding show, now in it's 10th year. There will also be events in Cardiff, Manchester and Brighton in 2013.

Respe

You can als ct o the Respec contact t network for confiden ti and guidan al support ce.

In your workplace

The Diversity & Engagement Team can offe r advice about specific matters relating to issues in the workplace and point you in the righ t direction. You can contact them on email at inclusive.teams@co-operative.co op or call 0161 246 2646.

If you are able to speak to your line manager, that would be the preferred route (unless of course your line manager is the issue).

Alternatively, you can speak to your HR manager if this would be preferable.

Externa

l contacts Transgender www.beau montsocie ty.org.uk Bisexual ww w.biphoria .org.uk Lesbian, gay a nd bisexual www.lgf.org .uk

www.gayweddingshow.co.uk

Do you have an event planned?

We’d love to hear about it! Send us the details to the usual email address and we’ll spread the word through our newsletter.

14

The co-operative Respect LGBT Network

Speak up

tline called We have a whistleblowing ho e on 0800 “Speak Up.” You can call fre by an 374199. Calls are handled n remain external provider. Callers ca le. ab anonymous and untrace Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop