editor’s letter Greetings, It seems summer is finally here, and with it comes Pride season. There’s an odd contradiction happening around Pride. In increasingly liberal, integrated societies it is in danger of becoming somewhat redundant, but conversely there is a kind of balancing-out happening in conservative or repressive societies, where it is of massively increasing importance.
image courtesy of pinknews
Contents 3-5 news & events 6-12 features: Race & sexuality: same difference
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Withdrawal of equalities teaching in Easton primary schools - The No Outsiders Project 13-14 Listings 15 3 National LGBT Health Summit rd
Hardly a week has gone by in recent months when we haven’t heard about another Eastern-European protest being put down, instances of heavy-handed policing, or the banning of a march. Russia and Poland are notable culprits – their governments have an appalling record on gay rights and show no intention of getting into line with the progressive majority of Europe any time soon. Heart-warmingly, the British embassies in Riga and Warsaw have been flying rainbow flags alongside the usual Union flag in past weeks as a symbol of UK solidarity with rights for LGB people, and I feel proud to live in a country which is prepared to take such a visible and decisive stance on our equality. We should commend our leaders in this case for demonstrating so firmly where their sympathies lie. In an ever-more-global world we must look further than our own doorstep. The problems that beset our fellow human beings are our problems too, particularly, though not exclusively, when bonded by membership of a minority. As the world grows smaller, our responsibilities to other members of our global community become more apparent. In time, the ongoing battle for equality will be fought less at home and will take on more of an international focus. It is now up to those of us fortunate enough to live in more liberal societies to support, and show solidarity with, those who do not.
16 Forum membership
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James
NEWS…
between BME/faith and LGB organisations so that LGB organisations are better at including faith & BME people, and vice versa.
At the end of the project we will produce a report of our findings for use by a wide range of The new financial year started with the fantastic organisations – notably our own – seeking to news that despite stiff competition, the Forum become more inclusive. had obtained funding from the Equalities & Human Rights Council (EHRC) for a priority We also want to use our findings to encourage voluntary and statutory sector organisations to piece of work. collect better information on the LGB people The new equalities commission has given us using their services, including what other funding from its very first grants budget to equalities communities they belong to, e.g. research and consult LGB people from disabled bisexual, African/Muslim lesbian, etc. If BME/faith communities on what their needs are organisations don’t monitor in this way they cannot know whether they are meeting people’s and how they can best be met. needs; indeed, we suspect this is why many of Historically, the needs of LGB people from them aren’t. BME/faith communities have remained largely unmet by LGB organisations and BME/faith The project will run for nine to ten months and, organisations. Addressing multiple oppression is to ensure the best possible outcomes, we are important to us so, when we set the Forum seeking LGB people from these communities to: priorities for our three-year development plan in January 2007, we felt it was essential to focus • participate in one of eight focus groups we will be holding, or on this. • respond to a questionnaire, or one-to-one with our Project An increasingly diverse society also means • meet Development Worker, and increasingly diverse pressures upon its LGB members, in terms of both institutionalised • join the project steering group. racism and homophobia. This ingrained discrimination tends to result in individuals The steering group will provide advice on the feeling they have to ‘choose’ between one development and operation of the project; identity and another – an isolating and stressful support the worker; mobilise external support for situation for anyone to be in. the project; actively encourage/solicit
Bristol Leads the Way
The aim of the project is to identify and develop ways of working that improve the inclusion of LGB people from BME/faith communities in LGB, faith and BME organisations. We will then use them to make sure we are providing the support and services to our own BME/faith members that they want or need.
participation in the work of the project; review progress made and report back to the Forum Management Committee.
So, if you are from a BME and/or faith community and would like to help towards eliminating institutionalised racism and homophobia, get in touch – we want to work with you to ensure meaningful change, in our The funding will enable us to: organisation and others. Additionally, if you • research and collect information and data have any suggestions as to what we should call on LGB people from BME/faith communities the project, we’d love to hear them (as long as they are safely repeatable!) in Bristol •
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seek the views of lesbian, gay and bisexual people of BME/faith heritage on what the barriers are to engaging with/having their needs met by LGB, BME/faith organisations explore what they think needs to be done to break down those barriers develop work to increase understanding
Those wishing to learn more about, participate in, suggest a name for, or promote this project should let us know by telephoning 0117 352 5633 or emailing info@bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk with the subject line “The Project”.
events
hope the programme will continue with yearly exchange visits. What is new or significant about this? This exchange is, as far as we know, the first of its kind to take place between the UK and Japan. Over the last 20 years there have been significant changes in the way LGBT people are viewed in the UK. A combination of greater acceptance and changes in legislation have opened up many doors which were previously closed, for example in employment. This has had a positive impact on the lives of LGBT young people as they grow up in a society which has much greater awareness of equality. Young Japanese LGBT people grow up in quite a different society in terms of equal rights and struggle with the discrimination and oppression they experience.
LGBT Youth Exchange with Japan: outline of programme and background information
Background In April 2006 at an ILGA conference in Geneva Kanako Otsuji (Japanese lesbian politician) discussed LGBT youth work in the UK with Kaz Williams who works for Bristol City Council Youth and Play Services. It became clear that there was no equivalent work in Japan with LGBT young people. The idea for a youth exchange was proposed so that there could be cultural exchange and peer education to support the young LGBT people of Japan to set up This exchange will focus on young people from projects. the different countries sharing experiences, ideas, plans, information and dreams to build Having discussed the proposal via email and greater awareness and find ways forward. The taken the idea to the Head of Service of Bristol programme will have huge significance in terms Youth Services, and the manager of LGBT of the needs of this oppressed minority being youth work in Bristol everyone agreed it would directly met in a creative and positive way be an exciting and very important project to through the informal education a youth develop. The Bristol City Council self organised exchange can provide. This is a group who are group for LGB employees, the Rainbow group often denied access to mainstream has also given full backing to the project opportunities due to their sexual orientation. including a small amount of funding.
What will be the impact and on how many people? The programme will be potentially life changing for all the young people involved. Outcomes would include increased confidence through engagement in new activities and challenges and learning about different cultures through direct experience. All the young people will engage to some extent in a revaluation of their own lives and experiences, especially in relation to the significance of their sexual orientation. This will be a very powerful experience which could lead to the young people making positive changes in their lives due to increased self esteem and widening of horizons. This is of particular significance to LGBT young people who often have low confidence and self esteem due to the homophobia they have experienced. Young people often then have low aspirations and become vulnerable to a range of problematic behaviours, for example, substance misuse, self harm, and eating disorders.
Recent developments In November 2007 a meeting was set-up in Tokyo with the proposed project partner, a gender studies department in a prominent Tokyo University. Attending the meeting were young LGBT people, the Lesbian politician Kanako Otsuji, and lesbian activists interested in supporting the proposed project. It was a very fruitful meeting and solid proposals were made including funding strategies. Reporting back on this meeting to Bristol confirmation was given that YPS was behind the project although funding continues to be an issue.
The date we plan for the exchange to take place is the last two weeks of August 2008.The exact dates are yet to be confirmed subject to flight and accommodation availability. The aim is to make this visit the first of an ongoing exchange between LGBT young people of Bristol and Tokyo; building the programme into one of National significance in both countries. The return visit of the Japanese young people to Japanese LGBT young people can be very Bristol is planned for summer 2009. We then
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isolated and face significant barriers in society which can lead them feeling very negative about themselves and the future. Whilst many UK LGBT young people still experience discrimination, especially homophobic bullying at school, there are extensive support networks, youth groups, and a growing number of prominent role models to look up to. The Bristol group will be able to share their experiences and give support and encouragement to the Japanese young people through peer education and friendship.
whom they are beginning to establish contacts. Our Japanese partners have extensive experience of working on international programmes and strong links with the community, as well as supporting their own LGBT youth group. They are in a strong position to continue this programme and use their networks to extend it.
The core group from Bristol will be 8 young people, but others in the organization will support the programme and benefit from the building of a relationship with the Japanese group, for example in learning more about Japanese culture. This will be especially true when the young people return from Japan as they plan to give many presentations and workshops about the experience to highlight the issues as well as increase their skills. This will also serve to encourage a large number of young people to become involved in the next stage when Bristol hosts the exchange.
Sexual Health in Bristol: on the move… on the up
Kaz Williams Youth and Play Services, Bristol City Council
The most popular word searched across all the major internet search engines is ‘sex’, we can’t get enough of it, or at least, we search for it more than anything else. Yet when it comes to sexual health, there is far less interest. Though we seek it, and even engage in it, overall sexual health in the UK remains poor, especially amongst younger people, with increasing rates year-on-year of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia and In Japan it is estimated the core group of young Gonorrhoea, and increasing rates of HIV. people would be approximately 30, again with potential for many more to benefit from the Indeed, last year over 400 new diagnoses of programme, for example through valuable HIV were recorded in the South West, with over information, workshops, and accessing the 3,000 people in the region living with a virus website. It is hoped that the programme will that, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS. raise the profile of the issues young LGBT Moreover, a third of all people living with HIV people in Japan face, which in turn could help don’t even know they have the virus. them get funding and any support they identify Early detection of an STI is therefore crucial. as a need. Advancements in diagnostic procedures make this easy – few people are aware that an HIV Future developments Bristol City Council Youth and Play Services test can take as little as 15 min with results fully support this exiting project and the LGBT given immediately, requiring just a finger prick youth work team headed by a senior youth and sample of blood taken. Likewise, Chlamydia and community work is committed to its long term Gonorrhoea testing simply requires a small expansion and success. The LGBT youth work sample of urine or a vaginal swab to get an in Bristol is strong and supported by the Council accurate diagnosis. with ever increasing membership. There is great th interest in supporting the development of this So it is pleasing to hear that as of the 8 July, project, the website being an important part of Bristol’s NHS sexual health services will finally the potential development as it will provide a have a new home, leaving behind the woefully vital link appropriate to the age group. We will inadequate Milne Centre for the newlycontinue to look for funding from a wide range of refurbished Central Health Clinic on Tower Hill, sources to develop and extend the programme. close to Castle Park, where the above tests can Looking further into the future the aim is to be performed, free and in strict confidence. include another European country in the exchange and the Japanese partners would like For further information on the opening times of involve young LGBT people in South Korea with the new Central Health Clinic and full list of services available, please call 0117 942 6900.
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features
inadequate and begin blaming each other for their ‘sin’. Many black gay men and women mirror this guilt and shame and therefore rarely talk about their sexuality to their loved ones or anyone. So the vicious cycle continues. Once colonial ruled countries keep colonial laws on sexuality, songs that call for lynching and killings, church sermons given by women that condemn, and soon everyone gets on the bandwagon of hatred of difference, whilst at the same time wanting their difference accepted as equal.
Race & Sexuality – same difference There is a saying, “he who writes history owns history”. I for one think there is a lot to be said about this saying and how this directly correlates to our current thinking, views and ultimately our behaviour towards homosexuality. Firstly the question of the ‘he’, why not a ‘she who writes history’? Secondly just who is the ‘he’? Is he, black or white, disabled or nondisabled, religious or non-religious? Thirdly, and importantly for me, is the question of what history is, who shapes it, and for whom. Therefore it is easy to see that history is often what others tend to write of us in their own pursuit of their justice. For many black people (though not all) the legacy of slavery is often painful and very current. Racism as the new slavery is very much part of the society we live in, whether in Africa or England and its mechanisms serve to create nothing more than power for the oppressor. Sexuality like race constructed to create a power base of ideologies so called given truths about different sexualities used by the majority as with slavery to keep people in their place and maintain the status quo.
If as black people we are ever to move beyond our racist, sexist society we must accept that the hatred of gay people has no place in any culture, let alone those that have been created for us. The newly formed Commission of Equality and Human Rights should be one means of addressing these issues however it will fail if a hierarchy of oppression is created within.
“Gays are worse than pigs and dogs.” – We should all celebrate the fact that we live in President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe society that champions debate. Debate allows I am often told that there are no gays or lesbians us to be critical of others whilst acknowledging in Africa and or throughout the black Diaspora. the opinions and views of others. After all as Denial is a very powerful tool and just as with LGBT people we haven’t got to where we are by those that deny other truths can be used in not being critical ourselves. powerful ways. Of course there have always been different sexualities throughout our human Personally the whole debate around the ‘Easton existence; homosexuality is as African as Schools’ as though it was some sort Hammer heterosexuality, just not as common. However House Production is a bit of red herring. For me this denial is often the very excuse given to the ‘true debate’ is yet to be had and that must shun others. I am amazed that in 2007 there is start with a wider discussion on the future of not one single black led organisation that offers education in Bristol. open support to black gay young or old people or their parents. Indeed we often mock, judge The Children and Young People’s services at and even insight hatred to this group of people Bristol City Council recently published Catching even with our history of slavery and experience in the Rye, an assessment of children and of racism. But how can we create such support young people’s needs and views and when even to offer such support often leads to information on services designed to support isolation, insult or rejection from within our so them 2007-8. This 161 page document gives called communities. Parents feeling ashamed, little or no mention of the needs of young LGBT
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people – why? "Bristol Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual organisations support and applaud local schools and Bristol City Council in their forward-thinking implementation of government policy regarding homophobic bullying in education and their recognition of the importance of such work. We are very concerned that even the temporary withdrawal of the No Outsiders anti-bullying programme from Easton and Bannerman Schools sets a very dangerous local and national precedent.
At a strategic level the educational needs of all young people must mean all young people - no get out clauses – all young people. This fundamental failure renders LGBT people invisible at their most vulnerable stages. It gives ammunition to the ‘we don’t have any gays in our school’ discourse and this in turn feeds homophobia. This can then give rise to those who do not see the rights of LGBT people as similar but different to their own rights. We all have prejudices and whilst we should always seek to challenge them we must acknowledge that we have them and so do others and demanding someone listens and accepts our arguments is simply a non-starter.
The Equalities Act 2006 gives equal protection to everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, race, sexual orientation and religious belief. Bristol City Council's action undermines the Act and leaves all minority groups at serious risk of being discriminated against. If this specific case is left unchallenged, schools will feel free to pick and choose which minority groups are to go unprotected, thereby making it acceptable for those children deemed to be part of such a minority to be bullied and harassed. Besides the impact on the welfare and safety of all children, this will do nothing for community cohesion.
“An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Simon Nelson Secretary, St. Paul’s Carnival
Withdrawal of Equalities Teaching in Easton Primary Schools The past few weeks have seen passionate debate over the withdrawal of equalities teaching in two Bristol Primary Schools, Bannerman Road and Easton. As this issue goes to press there is still uncertainty as to when the teaching will resume. Many in the LGB communities in Bristol, including all here at the Bristol LGB Forum, are very concerned about the recent events and support the earliest return to the equalities curriculum in both schools. The furore surrounding the events (including protests by parents outside school gates sending unaccompanied children home, parents demanding to see teachers and hold meetings in school time without agreed access and suitable room size) has seen a rise in perceived homophobia in the area, leading some parents and teachers to be worried about their own safety and the possible repercussions on their families.
While we respect the holding of religious beliefs, we deplore bigotry in any form, and we find utterly unacceptable the message this action sends to the Bristol Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Community, and to society in general. Lesbian Gay and Bisexual people have an equal right to dignity, freedom and safety." Following much misreporting in the media and subsequent misunderstanding of the purpose of the teaching, the Forum asked Dr Elizabeth Atkinson, Director of the No Outsiders Project, to write an article for Outburst to explain their national project, the aims (scope) of the teaching and their involvement with the schools. The article follows this one, and we thank Elizabeth and her staff.
The staff and management of the Forum, in attending various meetings and listening to the A few days after the initial protests, Heather various viewpoints raised, are extremely Malcolm, co-chair of the Forum, read out the concerned about the increasing evidence of the following statement at a full meeting of the deep-seated homophobia inherent in much of society today. While the issues of faith and Council on 1st April 2008.
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6 The Council intranet will be used to supply information and guidance regarding diversity of families, and for dealing with homophobic bullying and harassment.
curriculum obviously need to be addressed and consulted upon - especially with those parents whose first language is not English or who do not speak English - the law upon addressing equalities in schools is clear and the government and its agencies must to all it can to support them in working towards an inclusive society.
7 The Governor Support Unit is to create a programme for encouraging , equipping and supporting LGB people to become school There is overwhelming evidence that the best governors. way to implement change in attitudes is to teach difference at primary level - secondary 8 At least one INSET day is be to set aside to level being too late - and the Forum urges that deal with LGB issues. the teaching is resumed as soon as possible and rolled out to cover all the schools in Bristol. 9 The issue of embedding LGB life into the Despite the teaching being withdrawn by the materials and lessons of the curriculum will be Council, it has been left to the schools urgently addressed. governing bodies to decide when and if the 10 Engage with teachers who want to work with teaching is brought back. these issues. COUNCIL CONSULTATION WITH LGB 11 Provide a support network for LGB teachers COMMUNITIES and school governors. All at the Forum were encouraged by the recent consultation by the Council with the LGB 12 Address how to encourage other schools not communities at a meeting on 19th May at to be intimidated by these incidents by sending Council House. There was an excellent turn out a strong message, and to take a strong stand by the LGB communities and supporters at this on these issues. meeting - in excess of 70 people. All were given the opportunity to ask questions and voice 13 There will be specific targeted work in Easton to promote community cohesion between LGB opinions. and Faith and BME communities. At the end of the meeting, having listened carefully to community needs, Heather Malcolm, 14 There will be report-back meetings with this asked the Council to agree to the 14 action group to include Peter Hammond and a senior points below for future work to resolve this officer from Children and Young People's Services. issue. 1 The schools will be continually supported to The Forum will monitor to see that these are re-introduce the equalities teaching programme. actioned and will report to the membership via the website and Outburst, on future 2 The schools will continue to work with parents developments. It needs to be noted that many to do this. schools in Bristol have signed up to the Council Inclusion Standard but very few schools have 3 There will be meetings with ALL interested implemented curriculum change to support vital parties, including the Bristol LGB Forum, to map equalities teaching. The two schools mentioned out ways forward. above were involved in a pilot study. 4 An action plan to address these action points Readers can also find an executive summary of will be in place by September. this meeting on our new and improved website, along with a statement from the Bristol Multi5 Systems will be developed to ensure that this Faith Forum. www.bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk can not happen again.
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community, both locally and nationally, about the status of LGBT equality work in education, and LGBT equality more broadly. Anxiety and anger expressed by some parents about the schools’ use of a range of children’s books featuring LGBT characters and lesbian and gay headed families led first to protests at the schools, then to the withdrawal of the books from the two schools at the Council’s behest, to allow for a cooling-off period while consultations took place. Consultations are still continuing with the schools, the Council and local community groups as to how to proceed, but feelings on all sides continue to run high and we have not yet reached a resolution.
The meeting on 19th May saw members of LGB communities coming forward with offers of help and the Forum is working behind the scenes to put people in touch with each other to action support and projects. OPEN MEETING The Forum is holding an Open Meeting on 8th July 6:30 - 9pm at Council House entitled "Challenging Homophobia: Supporting Equalities in Schools". What can the LGB communities in Bristol do to support each other and to ensure this vital education is introduced in all schools? The aim of the meeting is to develop an action plan for future work in Bristol to bring about the beginning of vital changes needed in society through primary education.
Before describing the work of our particular project, which involves primary schools around the country, we want to emphasise a key point in relation to concerns about LGBT equalities work in general. In the particular context which has caused such a stir in Bristol, the protests came from a group of Muslim parents, led by a number of Muslim community leaders. However, this controversy is not about Islam: as many LGBT community members know, opposition can come from any quarter, and there are LGBT people, and heterosexual supporters of LGBT people, of all faiths and none, just as there are opponents to LGBT equality of all faiths and none. The project is taking place in a wide spectrum of primary schools, from large innercity multi-faith schools to a tiny village Church school. Whatever the environment, the need for education for equality is the same, and each context has provided its own challenges and rewards (sometimes from surprising quarters!). Wherever we have met opposition, whether from individuals or, as in Bristol, from a particular group, the objections have been largely based on a misunderstanding, both of the legal and moral right of LGBT people to live and grow up experiencing affirmation and respect, and of the way in which work which addresses equality, whether it is on the basis of race, disability, sexuality or anything else, must always be proactive and positive, and must not simply wait to respond to prejudice.
The agenda will be distributed on the evening but confirmed speakers include representatives from No Outsiders and Parentline Plus. There will be time for speakers, discussion including question and answers, plus time to network and make new friends. Sarah and Toni will be there from 6pm. We invite all members to this meeting but we do need to know numbers. Please contact Sarah or Toni to book a place on 0117 352 5633 or sarah@bristol-lgbforum.org.uk Please note that the Council House is fullyaccessible. If you need help with childcare or have access needs, please let us know. We will provide refreshments and a light buffet to cater for all diets.
The No Outsiders Project: Working for sexualities equality through primary education and sparking a storm in Bristol schools
Recent events in two Bristol primary schools The controversy has surrounded the work of the have sent a wave of concern across the LGBT1 No Outsiders project, of which we are the 1
Although this article is specifically for the LGB Forum, we refer throughout to LGBT equality, as the project also addresses transgender equality, and we have been working closely with Gendered Intelligence www.genderedintelligence.co.uk to understand the early
experiences and needs of transgender people and to unpack the gender boundaries and constraints which affect all of us, whatever our sexual orientation and gender expression.
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project leaders, but there has been a great deal of confusion and misinformation circulating about just what the No Outsiders project is, and what it does, so the main purpose of this article is to clarify some misconceptions about the project’s work. The project centres around work in primary schools in three areas of the country: North East England, South West England and London and the Midlands. It is supported by researchers at the University of Sunderland, the University of Exeter and the Institute of Education, University of London, and is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council: one of the UK’s biggest funding councils for research on equality and social justice. Currently we have over 20 teacher-researchers working on the project at 16 sites (14 primary schools, one nursery and one Local Authority where our researcher has responsibility for inclusion) and we are also providing professional development days for primary teachers in local authorities around the country. While the perception conveyed both by protestors and in the media (which has covered the project widely both nationally and internationally – see the press section of our website for details) is that the project is all about using a particular set of children’s books, this is just one dimension of the project’s work: it is about a great deal more than that. Teachers in the project are working both within and beyond the curriculum to explore sexualities equality, using work in literature, drama, art, music, history and other subject areas as a springboard for classroom work, as well as working with staff, parents and teachers on school policies and ethos to create more inclusive environments. As with any work which breaks new ground, it is sometimes met with misunderstanding and even hostility, but working with these reactions is the work of the project: what we are aiming to do is to make a real difference to the inclusion of LGBT equality in the broader spectrum of equality work within schools. We are addressing LGBT equality at primary school level because, as we know only too well, children form their perceptions and judgements about other people – and about themselves – from the earliest age. By the time they reach secondary school, prejudices and false assumptions have already become embedded. And of course it is also essential to address LGBT equality at primary school because of the
growing number of young children of LGBT parents who currently see no reflection of their everyday lives in the school environment or curriculum. There is no other area of equalities which is made invisible in this way in the primary classroom, and the project is aiming to establish and demonstrate the parity of sexualities equality with all other equality strands. The project came out of earlier research which we conducted with primary teachers and students about attitudes and approaches to sexualities equality in the primary school. Finding that fear, lack of information and lack of support were the key factors preventing primary teachers from addressing this issue, we set out to create a collaborative network of educators committed to equalities who would develop approaches to sexualities equality suited to their own schools and classrooms. This is what we have done, and we are amazed on a daily basis at the bold steps our teacher-researchers are taking, and on the differences they are making to the lives of children, parents and teachers in our project schools. This is not a set programme or predetermined curriculum: it is different in every school. And it is not sex education: it is equalities education. The work of the project has sparked off positive responses from educators, parents and others both within and beyond the UK; and we are now planning a second phase, working with trainee primary teachers. The books which have been at the centre of the dispute in Bristol have actually been the subject of considerable debate within the project team. While some people love them and others hate them, we have a wide enough variety to stimulate debate among both teachers and pupils, and to use for explorations of diversity, stereotyping, individuality and fluidity of identity. A full list of the books we are using appears at the end of this article, but we offer a summary here of responses to some of them. There are a couple of books that almost everyone seems to like. One is And Tango Makes Three, the true story of two male penguins in a New York zoo who raise a chick together. Another one is Totally Joe, which is about a young gay boy coming to terms with his sexuality. This sounds a bit heavy but actually it’s a fun read because the main character is really funny and engaging. Then there are books that some people love and others hate. Space Girl Pukes is a good example. Some kids
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like that it’s brightly coloured and there’s vomit on every page, but then of course some people are turned off by so much technicolour vomit. Many people love The Sissy Duckling because the duckling does his own thing, skipping through the forest with his apron and feather duster without a care in the world that he’s not conforming to someone’s ideal of what a boy duckling should be. But some people are really uncomfortable with the use of the word ‘sissy’ and some think this book reinforces, rather than challenges, stereotypes. For us, it’s not so much a matter of finding ‘the perfect gay book’ as finding books that make kids think and talk about sexuality and gender in new ways. So actually, any book that we can’t agree about should give children a great opportunity to consider these different interpretations and form their own opinions. That’s what education is all about. We expect that some day reading a story about a child who happens to have two mums will not be any big deal. We expect that parents and other family members who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender will feel just as welcome in the school as everyone else. We hope that children will be able to talk honestly about their assumptions and prejudices and question them. We are already seeing these results in some project schools, and we know that the work of our project teachers is making these changes more and more likely across the country. Below is a list of the children’s books and video resources we have supplied to all the schools in the project. They are not all being used in all schools, and the ways in which they are being used differ, but simply having them available as a resource has been a stimulus for discussion and development. For a longer annotated booklist of a wide range of titles (including these) and for details of the DVDs see the Teaching Resources section of the project website - www.nooutsiders.sunderland.ac.uk. All the books we are using can be obtained from our London-based suppliers, Gays the Word (gays.theword@virgin.net - 0207 278 7654) who have the full list and have seen an enormous upsurge of interest since the project started.
Peter Parneel and Henry Cole Asha's Mums Rosamund Elwin and Michele Paulse The Daddy Machine Johnny Valentine, Lynette Schmidt (Illustrator) Daddy's Roommate Michael Willhoite The Harvey Milk Story Kari Krakow, David Gardner (Illustrator) Heather Has Two Mommies Lesléa Newman, Diana Souza (Illustrator) If I Had a Hundred Mummies Vanda Carter King & King Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland (US) King & King & Family Linda De Haan, Stern Nijland Living in Secret Cristina Salat (US) Molly's Family Nancy Garden, Sharon Wooding (Illustrator) (US) Mummy Never Told Me Babette Cole One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dad Johnny Valentine, Melody Sarecky (Illustrator) Spacegirl Pukes Katy Watson, Vanda Carter (Illustrator) Totally Joe James Howe While You Were Sleeping Stephanie Burks, Kelli Bienvenu (Illustrator) We Do: A Celebration of Gay and Lesbian Marriage Gavin Newsom Inventing Elliot Graham Gardner Jump Michelle Magorian, Jan Ormerod (Illustrator) Oliver Button Is a Sissy Tomie de Paola Something Else Kathryn Cave, Chris Riddell (Illustrator) The Family Book Todd Parr The Paper Bag Princess Robert Munsch The Princesses Have a Ball Teresa Bateman Two Weeks with the Queen Morris Glietzman Priscilla and the Pink Planet Nathaniel Hobbie The Sissy Duckling Harvey Fierstein, Henry Cole (Illustrator) William's Doll Charlotte Zolotow (US) DVD: Tomboy Karleen Pendleton-Jimenez DVD and teaching booklet: That’s a Family! Produced by New Day Films, California Elizabeth Atkinson and Renée DePalma, Leaders of the No Outsiders Project
Calling all Secondary school PSHE/Citizenship teachers...
Children’s books used in the project:
ABC: A Family Alphabet Book Bobbie Combs, I have a series of lesson plans (both single and Desiree Keane and Brian Rappa And Tango Makes Three Justin Richardson, double) that examine the sexed body, gender
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students and gauging how far their thinking may have changed this lesson focuses on the purposes, setting up of and running of a Gay Straight Alliance. Students are encouraged to think whether they would attend and why, as well as what measures might be needed to make such a group safe within their school.
identity and sexual orientation in an exciting and innovative way. Each is fully integrated to the national curriculum, contains suggestions on how to deliver the session, general guidance, related activities and homework tasks and learning outcomes as well as step by step details of each activity. The following is a brief overview of the programme:
I am looking for a teacher or teachers to pilot these sessions and allow me to observe. I have a complete CRB check and can undertake one specifically for your school if needed. I need to do this as part of my PhD which is looking into ways of making feminism and queer theory relevant and useable to young people. If you would like more information about these lesson plans or to speak to my supervisor please e-mail me (emily@schools-out.org.uk or ring 0117 963 Markers of Sex Students are asked to think about the 2622) or speak to Dr. Blu Tirohl prevalence of gendered pronouns before (blu.tirohl@uwe.ac.uk) trying to untangle how biological sex is defined. They are then encouraged to think of ways in which each of these categories may be unstable and/or unreliable with the suggestion that gender may be a more appropriate term. Sing Out Bristol Bristol's LGBT Choir Gendered Behaviour This lesson examines what is meant by stereotyping, and encourages students to imagine a number of life choices for a fictional person. Students analyse what prompted their decisions and what this may say about ideas of masculinity and femininity.
tidbits!
Identity Formation Students are encouraged to think about the way in which identity labels function – both positively and negatively, look at how they may label themselves and how this may be different to the ways in which they are perceived by others before going on to examine what is meant by terms such as gender attribution, gender role and sexual orientation. Students are encouraged to make links between naming/labelling, gender roles, sexual orientation and discrimination. Gender Based Discrimination This lesson will alert students to the idea of multiple oppressions, the invisibility and lack of power of some sectors of society and encourage them to question why. The lesson centres on ideas of heterocentricism.
New members always welcome - sing for fun and performance. Ability to read music is not necessary - enthusiasm is all you need! We are also looking for a musical director. We meet on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 - 9.00pm for singing, socialising and laughter. For more information contact either Hannah on 0117 300 3614 (e-mail hannahlatham@hotmail.com) or Richard on 01454 270 713 (e-mail: rhawkins67@hotmail.com) New private clinic for sexual health screening and treatment A new private clinic opened on Monday 3rd March: Clinic Express, 26 Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8DJ. Contact Chris Fenlon on 0117 92 999 00 or visit www.clinic-express.co.uk
Gay Straight Alliances As a simultaneous way of empowering
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Listings BLAGS - Bristol Lesbian & Gay Switchboard Confidential support and information to gay men, lesbians and to all people with concerns about sexuality. Call us on 8-10pm Monday & Wednesday. 0117 922 1328. Email: mail@bristolblags.org.uk Web: www.bristolblags.org.uk
lesbian counsellor, and a lesbian and bisexual women’s support group which runs for 12 sessions once a year. Call 0117 971 6770. 107 Wells Road, Totterdown, BS4 2BS. Email: amy.greenslade@ywca.org.uk Broken Rainbow National helpline for LGBT victims of domestic violence, available Mon-Fri 9am-1pm, 2-5pm. Call 0208 539 9507.
EACH - Educational Action Challenging Homophobia A national charitable organisation set up to address homophobia through training and education. EACH runs a helpline for teachers, young people and parents, and for third-party reporting of homophobic incidents. Freephone Brigstowe Project helpline 0808 1000 143 (10am-5pm Mon-Fri Housing project for people living with HIV, and 10am-12noon Sat). General enquiries 0117 providing support, advice and advocacy. 176 946 7606/7. Office 24, 14 Clifton Down Rd, Easton Rd, Easton, Bristol. Call 0117 941 Bristol BS8 4BF. Email: info@eachaction.org.uk 5188. Web: www.brigstowe.org Web: www.eachaction.org.uk
BLiS - Bath Lesbians into Socialising We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 8:30 in Mandalyns, 1 Fountain Buildings, Lansdown Rd, Bath. Call 07891 563 127 for event details. Email: blisinfo@aol.com
Bristol Bisons RFC Bristol's first gay and gay-friendly rugby team is always looking for new members, players and supporters. Everyone welcome regardless of experience or ability. Call 0783 145 4991. Web: www.bisonsrfc.co.uk Bristol Drugs Project Support for users, families and friends. Call LGB rep Sarah Wilson on 0117 987 6010. 11 Brunswick Square, BS2 8PE. Email: HST@bdp.org.uk Bristol Families and Friends BFF is a support group for families and friends of LGB people. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the Terrence Higgins Trust. Call Sue Allen on 01454 852 418. 14 Brockley Close, Little Stoke Bristol BS34 6EZ. Email: sueallenfflag@blueyonder.co.uk
Freedom Youth Weekly drop-in youth group on a Tuesday for LGBT and Q young people aged 13 to 21. For more information please contact the team on 0117 377 3677 or www.freedomyouth.co.uk Friends on the Hill Group for people in Redfield, Lawrence Hill, Barton Hill and the Dings for people who are LGBT or unsure. Socials, activities, info and support. Call Rowan on 0117 955 6971. Gay Glos Help, advice and social networks for LGBT people living in the rural areas of Gloucestershire. PO Box 171, Gloucester. MonFri 7.30-10pm. Call 01452 306 800. Web: www.gay-glos.org
Gay and Lesbian Alcohol Free Friends Social and support group for lesbian, gay and bisexual people with an alcohol issue. Call Paul Bristol 3Ms Green on 0117 378 9439 GLAFF, PO Box 2012, Supper group for gay and bisexual men. We Bristol, BS99 5WN. Email: TMM@glaff.org.uk hold regular social evenings in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare. Call Russell on 0117 973 GayWest 9855. Email: bristol_3ms@hotmail.com A social and support group for gay people in the South West. Meets Sat mornings in the Bristol Young Women’s Centre YWCA Rainbow Cafe in Bath. For details and events We provide one-to-one counselling with a call 0870 811 1990, Mon – Fri 8pm – 10pm.
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GayWest, PO Box 586, Bath, BA1 2YQ. Email: info@gaywest.org.uk Web: www.gaywest.org.uk The Harbour Providing free, professional counselling and psychotherapy to people affected by HIV, AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. 30 Frogmore St, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 925 9348 or www.the-harbour.co.uk
Rainbow Group Bristol City Council employees group for campaigning, support and socialising. Call Equalities on 0117 922 3786 or email rainbow@bristol.gov.uk
So Out in the South West A social and support group for disabled gay men living and/or working in the South West. Call Robin on 0117 942 9336 or write c/o BSGPF, 19 Easton Business Centre, Felix Road, Lesbian & Children Network Easton, Bristol. BS5 0HE. A bi-monthly social group for lesbians and Email: robin.corser-langford@virgin.net bisexual women and their children. Call Rachel South West Walking Women on 0117 942 6884 or 07813 754 291. For women interested in hiking in the Bath and Email: rachely@talktalk.net Bristol area at weekends. Email: sw_walkingwomen@yahoo.co.uk LGB Young People's Forum LGBT Youth Forum for young people aged 13 21, exploring issues related to LGBT youth. For Terrence Higgins Trust West more information contact Babs or Winston on Information, care and support, and health promotion for all people affected by HIV and 0117 377 3677. AIDS. Counselling, buddying, complementary therapies, advocacy and advice. Call us on LGBT Society UWE Weekly meetings, consisting of alternate on 0117 955 1000. 8 West Street, Old Market, scene and off scene events, plus trips. Call Cari BS2 0BH. Email: info.bristol@tht.org.uk on 07812 670 648 or Sean on 07904 382 719. UWE Student Union Frenchay Campus, University of Bristol LGBT Society We organise regular social events for all LGBT Coldharbour Lane, Bristol. BS16 1QY. students at Bristol University. LGBT Society, University of Bristol Union, Queens Road, LGBT Young People's Team Citywide support for LGBT young people in Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LN. Bristol. Sefton Park Youth Centre, Ashley Down Email: lgbtsoc-ubu@bristol.ac.uk Road, Bristol. BS7 9BG. 0117 377 3673. Web: www.bristol.ac.uk/union/lgbt Missing Lesbians USPCG Website listing events for women in Bristol and A UK-based organisation that finds pen pals for the surrounding areas. gay US prisoners. PO Box 1714, Yate. BS37 4NS. Email: listings@missinglesbians.co.uk Web: www.uspcg.com Web: www.missinglesbians.co.uk Victim Support Avonvale We provide emotional and practical support to Pink Herrings Social network for lesbians, meets every other all people affected by crime, including Thursday evening at 8:30. Also bowling, homophobic hate crime. Call 0117 963 1114, cinema, coffee bars, theatre, concerts, discos, national helpline 0845 30 30 900. 36 Dean cycling, walks, meals out and more. For further Lane, Bedminster, BS3 1BS. Email: bristol@victimsupportavonvale.org.uk info call Dot on 0117 986 1529. Web: www.victimsupportavonvale.org.uk Pink Parents UK Information, advice and support on all aspects Wild Walking Women of lesbian, gay and bisexual parenting. Write to A friendly walking group for lesbians, meets Pink Parents UK, The D'Arcy Lainey Foundation, the second Sunday of the month with walks at PO BOX 417, Oldham. OL2 7WT. various venues around Bristol, Bath and the Email: enquiries@pinkparents.org.uk south west. Call 07980 418 676.
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3rd National LGBT Health Summit Thursday 4th and Friday 5th September BAWA Conference Centre, Filton, Bristol Dear Colleagues, I am writing to tell you about an exciting opportunity to share your work with other professionals at the 2008 LGBT Health Summit in Bristol. The Health Summit aims to raise the profile of LGBT people in the UK, and also to raise awareness of the health inequalities present within LGBT communities. The key objectives for this year’s Summit are: •
To raise awareness of differences in health outcomes affecting LGBT people
•
To share ideas and good practice regarding the removal of barriers to service access for LGBT people
•
To focus on the specific and differing needs of a broad range of LGBT people, including older people, BME communities, disabled people and those living in rural settings, and
•
To foster partnership working and to make recommendations about improving health outcomes for LGBT people
There are several ways you can get involved in the 2008 LGBT Health Summit. You could speak at a conference session, deliver a workshop, display your work on a poster, provide a demonstration or run a stall. Full details are available from the official website www.lgbthealth.co.uk Booking forms for delegates will be circulated in early June.
Summit Steering Group
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Membership of the Forum The Bristol LGB Forum works by getting lesbian, gay and bisexual people together. The more we all shout at the same time, the more we are heard! Joining the Forum is a way of getting your voice heard locally and keeping up to date with what is going on in the community.
Non-LGB organisations who work with or have an interest in lesbian, gay and bisexual people and communities are very welcome to join as associates.
Membership of the Forum is free and confidential – just fill in this form and post it back to us at the address at the bottom Individual and organisation membership is of this page, or email available to lesbian, gay and bisexual info@bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk people and organisations.
Name
Are you a Forum member?
Address
Yes
No
Would you like to become a member? Yes
No
Email Where did you get this mag? Telephone Gender: Female
Male
Are you interested in volunteering?
Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
Gay Bisexual Preferred mailing method:
Do you identify as disabled? Post Yes
No
Bristol Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Forum The Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN 16 / www.bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk info@bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk Registered Charity 1098085