…from the Editor Unlike one or two of the more questionable Downing Street e-petitions which have landed in my inbox recently, this one is well worth signing up to:
As well as dampening our voice and reducing our political power, denying LGB people the right to statistical visibility is just plain old-fashioned discrimination. Every other minority is recorded, but LGB people are still, even in this day and age, excluded – an historical anomaly that needs to be rectified, now.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/census2011/ There is currently no option on the UK census to record one's sexual orientation. As a result, the government has no firm figures on what percentage of the population is LGB – only vague estimates. Yet with the imminent introduction of new goods and services regulations at the end of April, there could not be a better time to start developing some meaningful statistics around LGB people.
Please sign the petition and circulate it as widely as possible. We know from the success of the recent road pricing petition that if we get enough signatures, we'll have the ear of the Prime Minister himself. We can affect policy if we shout loudly enough! All we're asking is to be treated equally it's all we've ever asked. If we make this petition a success, we’ll have taken another vital step towards full equality.
The next census is in 2011, four years from now, which means there's plenty of time to include this question. At present, however, we are told there are no plans to do so.
James ☺
Contents 3 – Announcements
4 – Feature: Simon Nelson on HIV/AIDS awareness and homophobia
6 – Bristol Pride: press release 8 – Listings
11 – membership form 2
Announcements… Hi there, I am a 3rd year psychology student at UWE Bristol looking for gay male participants of any age (over 16) to take part in a small questionnaire on gay men's feelings about their appearance. The questionnaire consists of several open-ended questions, and all participants remain anonymous. The questionnaire should take no longer than 30 minutes to fill out. If anyone is interested in taking part, I’d be very grateful if they would contact me, at megan2.smith@uwe.ac.uk if you’d like me to post or email you a copy, or alternatively, download one from:
The Milne Centre for sexual health is pleased to announce a new service for gay and bisexual men:
Archie’s Clinic On Wednesdays from 4 - 7pm there will be a dedicated clinic where you can come along for a routine sexual health screen. This means you can be tested for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, as well as discuss your concerns about your sexual health in a nonthreatening environment. Telephone the Milne Centre on 0117 928 2580 to make an appointment – just ask for Archie’s clinic!
http://www.geocities.com/megan_cl are_smith/dissertation.html
If you would like more information, contact the health advisers on 0117 928 3011. Please email me the completed questionnaires. Thank you!
Office Space Needed! The Bristol LGB Forum is looking for cheap office space that is central to Bristol and accessible. We are looking for 100 - 150 square feet. Please contact Sarah on 0117 963 3763 (Wed or Fri) or email sarah@bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk Please also pass on any contacts who may know of or have space. Thank you!
FEATURE
issues it raised. The question posed was that a recent report from Queer Youth highlighted the fact that antihomophobic bullying policies in many schools are failing pupils. 79% of respondents believed that the school’s policy hadn’t made any difference to the level of homophobic bullying, whilst 84% believed it was getting worse. So what needs to be done to ensure all our schools are safe places for young LGBT pupils?
th
On 20 February this year, 110 people assembled in the main hall at Bristol City Council to take part in a live debate session organised by Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) & Bristol City Council’s Rainbow Group. Called the “LGBT Speakeasy”, it brought together prominent members of the LGBT community to answer questions submitted by members of the public. The event was one of many scheduled during LGBT History Month in the South West. The figures shouldn’t surprise us, and highlight some of the Life-long activist & human rights shortcomings of current policy. campaigner Peter Tatchell was Such policies can only be effective if alongside Linda Bellos who, whilst those entrusted to deliver on them not perhaps as well known to have the conviction and foresight to Bristolians as Peter, has equally act. We trust teachers to challenge championed human rights issues for any behaviour that puts a child at much of her life. Professor Marianne risk of physical and psychological Hester, internationally renowned for abuse. Yet all too often it is the her research on domestic violence, behaviour of some teachers that is was also on the panel, along with the greatest cause for concern, as I Lindsey Ward who sits on the South recently observed whilst carrying West Transgender network. This is a out my work. network supported by the regional equality agency Equality South In my role as the Senior Health West, whose financial support in Promotion Coordinator at THT I am contributing to the event was much often asked to give talks and appreciated. Chaired by Gerard present findings on local, regional McGuicken of THT, the evening was and national HIV trends. As you can billed as an opportunity to discuss imagine, World AIDS Day can be a various issues impacting on the busy time for the Trust and last lives of the LGBT community in the year was no exception. I was called South West. A summary of the to give a presentation at a local evening’s discussion will be made secondary school on HIV/AIDS. I available in early April. However, I thought long and hard at the pitch thought I’d give my take on one of as the teacher made reference to the questions and some of the the tombstone adverts of the 1980s 4
as a good example. I didn’t go with that old hat – after all, things have moved on. I felt what was far more important was whether the young people thought they were at risk of HIV/AIDS and if not, who was. The 300 pupils from year 9 and 11 gathered in assembly with all their teachers. I began by explaining that the awareness session was going to be different from previous talks on HIV. I explained that in order to talk about HIV/AIDS we hade to be honest about how it is passed on, which ultimately means talking about sex and sexuality. I had two short cartoon video clips I wanted to show them which took a young straight girl and a young gay guy through the ups and downs of life, and the possible sexual scenarios they may or may not encounter.
So the kids liked them but what about the teachers? Some of the teachers came over and said, “Thanks, I couldn’t have shown those clips”. Clearly some of them would not have accepted me showing the clips if they had prior knowledge of my intention. The conflict in what is deemed acceptable by pupils and teachers (or governors & parents) needs further investigation. Surely the days of sexual health promotion where the school nurse uses a banana to demonstrate condom use are dated. Is it not time our teachers felt safe to talk openly and honestly about other factors that impact on the sexual health of young people? For instance, sexual health issues facing LGBT youth. Homophobia in schools is getting worse and bullying remains a problem. The challenge is for schools to act on behalf of all their pupils, whatever their sexuality, and ensure that young people understand that homophobia is unacceptable. If we are to buck the trend and ensure that young LGBT people value themselves, we must equip teachers with the skills, tools and resources to deal with hatred of people who are different from the majority. Reinforced heterosexist bias in sexual health education, coupled with homophobia, remain a challenge for all of us.
On playing the straight one, the boys giggled. The girls looked on more seriously as a scene depicted her being dumped after sex. The second video raised everyone’s eyebrows and the room fell silent as our young gay man is first laughed at at a young age, gets beaten in a homophobic attack and then falls in love with a doctor – ahhh. The message behind both clips is that condoms stem the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and also contribute to a reduction in teenage pregnancy. Both clips explored relationships and acceptance, and afterwards we had a discussion about the issues raised. In a nutshell, they thought the videos were ‘buff’ – good to you and me.
If you would like to receive a summary of the Speakeasy, please email your request to simon.nelson@tht.org.uk 5
Bristol PRIDE:
The Rainbow Group
official press release
"promoting diversity and equality in the workplace"
BRISTOL PRIDE: A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY AND DIVERSITY SATURDAY 11 - SATURDAY 18 AUGUST
August will see a new Pride in Bristol - a celebration of creativity and diversity. A summer festival with a week of fringe events will bring together lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other communities to inspire creativity, A Self-Organised Group for lesbian, promote great talent and make a stand gay and bisexual members of the against segregation and discrimination. council workforce. Bristol Pride Fringe Week takes place from Saturday to Friday (11-17 August). We offer: Venues in Bristol will play host to + monthly meetings at a central musicians, comedians, poets, DJs and other artists. Two competitions will give location musicians and DJs from the South West + support and networking the chance to perform during the Fringe + lobbying Week and support the headline act at the + information sharing Summer Festival. A third competition will + consultation offer a visual artist/s the chance to + guest speakers devise a piece to represent the day and + raising awareness of LGB the diversity of the community. issues +
links with the LGB Forum and other LGB groups
On Saturday 18 August, Castle Park will come alive for Bristol Pride Summer Festival, providing music, performance, comedy and dancing for all to enjoy. The day will also see the realisation of the arts prize, with the winning piece on creation on display during the day. Festival goers will have the opportunity to add to the work. It is hoped that a permanent home will be found for the work to be a lasting symbol of Bristol’s diverse population.
If you work for Bristol City Council and are lesbian, gay or bisexual, you are entitled to time off to attend our meetings. For further info please contact Tony Pitt. Email: rainbow@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 2094 6
Organising the events is a brand new group, Pride South West, established by volunteers committed to providing Bristol with a truly representative community festival. People can give their opinions and suggestions by attending an open meeting on Wednesday 18 April at the Council House. They can also log on to www.bristolpride.org and have their say on the forum.
relationship. Beyond Valentine’s Day, we want to also remember those who are isolated, alone and depressed throughout the year – and to make people aware of the valuable work that Bristol Mind does to support those experiencing mental or emotional distress. The sub text of our website is “showing you care should be all year round – not just on Valentine’s Day.”
For more information, contact Dan Corbin on 0117 923 2151 or In order to make this website a dan@bristolpride.org success, we are trying to get information about it out to as many people as possible, which is where you may be able to help. At your Wipe Out Loneliness in discretion we would very much Bristol hope you could share this information and tell people Dear Friend, about the site. On 14th February 2007, Bristol Mind launched a year-long fundraising campaign based around a website www.wipeoutlonelinessinbristol.org. uk
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you will take the chance to have a look at the site, and if you feel inclined, put a message on, for as little as £5.
This isn't an ordinary fundraising website – people are given the opportunity to buy space on the home page for personal messages or adverts (based on ethical principles). The work to develop this site has been carried out free of charge by two web designers who support Bristol Mind.
Best wishes, Jeff Walker Director 0117 914 2541 director@bristolmind.org.uk www.bristolmind.org.uk
Our reason for starting the site on www.wipeoutlonelinessinbristol.org. Valentine’s Day was firstly to uk celebrate the happiness that a relationship can bring and secondly, to remember those who feel sadness on Valentine’s Day, because they are not in a 7
Listings…
sessions once a year. Call 0117 971 6770. 107 Wells Road, Totterdown, BS4 2BS. Email: amy.greenslade@ywca.org.uk
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 & Thursday. 0117 922 1328. Email: mail@bristolblags.org.uk Web: www.bristolblags.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 helpline 0808 1000 143 (10am-5pm Mon-Fri and 10am-12noon Sat). General enquiries 0117 946 7606/7. Office 24, 14 Clifton Down Rd, Bristol BS8 4BF. Email: info@eachaction.org.uk 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
Brigstowe Project Housing project for people living with HIV, providing support, advice and advocacy. 176 Easton Rd, Easton, Bristol. Call 0117 941 5188. Freedom Youth Web: www.brigstowe.org Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth group. Friendly social and support group for age Bristol Bisons RFC Bristol's first gay and gay-friendly rugby team is 13-21 years. Meets Tuesday evenings 7pm always looking for new members, players and 21.30pm. Call Babs on 0117 377 3677. supporters. Everyone welcome regardless of experience or ability. Call 0783 145 4991. Web: Gay Glos Help, advice and social networks for LGBT www.bisonsrfc.co.uk people living in the rural areas of Gloucestershire. PO Box 171, Gloucester. MonBristol Drugs Project Support for users, families and friends. Call LGB Fri 7.30-10pm. Call 01452 306 800. rep Sarah Wilson on 0117 987 6010. 11 Web: www.gay-glos.org Brunswick Square, BS2 8PE. The Harbour Email: HST@bdp.org.uk Providing free, professional counselling and psychotherapy to people affected by HIV, AIDS Bristol Families and Friends BFF is a support group for families and friends and other life-threatening illnesses. 30 of LGB people. We meet on the third Frogmore St, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 925 9348 or Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the www.the-harbour.co.uk Terrence Higgins Trust. Friends on the Hill Call Sue Allen on 01454 852 418. 14 Brockley Close, Little Stoke Bristol BS34 Group for people in Redfield, Lawrence Hill, Barton Hill and the Dings for people who are 6EZ. Email: sueallenfflag@blueyonder.co.uk LGBT or unsure. Socials, activities, info and support. Call Rowan on 0117 955 6971. Bristol 3Ms Supper group for gay and bisexual men. We hold regular social evenings in Bristol and Gay and Lesbian Alcohol Free Friends Weston-super-Mare. Call Russell on 0117 973 Social and support group for lesbian, gay and bisexual people with an alcohol issue. Call Paul 9855. Email: bristol_3ms@hotmail.com Green on 0117 378 9439 GLAFF, PO Box 2012, Bristol, BS99 5WN. Email: TMM@glaff.org.uk Bristol Young Women’s Centre YWCA We provide one-to-one counselling with a lesbian counsellor, and a lesbian and bisexual women’s support group which runs for 12
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GayWest A social and support group for gay people in the South West. Meets Sat mornings in the Rainbow Cafe in Bath. For details and events call 0870 811 1990, Mon – Fri 8pm – 10pm. GayWest, PO Box 586, Bath, BA1 2YQ. Email: info@gaywest.org.uk Web: www.gaywest.org.uk
South West Walking Women For women interested in hiking in the Bath and Bristol area at weekends. Email: sw_walkingwomen@yahoo.co.uk
Pink Parents UK Information, advice and support on all aspects of lesbian, gay and bisexual parenting. Write to Pink Parents UK, The D'Arcy Lainey Foundation, PO BOX 417, Oldham. OL2 7WT. Email: enquiries@pinkparents.org.uk
Wild Walking Women A friendly walking group for lesbians, meets the second Sunday of the month with walks at various venues around Bristol, Bath and the south west. Call 07980 418 676.
Terrence Higgins Trust West Information, care and support, and health promotion for all people affected by HIV and AIDS. Counselling, buddying, complementary therapies, advocacy and advice. Call us on Lesbian & Children Network We are a support network for lesbian and 0117 955 1000. 8 West Street, Old Market, BS2 bisexual women and their children. Call Rachel 0BH. Email: info.bristol@tht.org.uk Yarrow on 0117 942 6884. Email: rachely@talktalk.net University of Bristol LGBT Society We organise regular social events for all LGBT students at Bristol University. LGBT Society, LGBT Society UWE Weekly meetings, consisting of alternate on University of Bristol Union, Queens Road, scene and off scene events, plus trips. Call Cari Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LN. on 07812 670 648 or Sean on 07904 382 719. Email: lgbtsoc-ubu@bristol.ac.uk UWE Student Union Frenchay Campus, Web: www.bristol.ac.uk/union/lgbt Coldharbour Lane, Bristol. BS16 1QY. USPCG A UK-based organisation that finds pen pals for Missing Lesbians Website listing events for women in Bristol and gay US prisoners. PO Box 1714, Yate. BS37 4NS. Web: www.uspcg.com the surrounding areas. Email: listings@missinglesbians.co.uk Web: www.missinglesbians.co.uk Victim Support Avonvale We provide emotional and practical support to all people affected by crime, including Pink Herrings Social network for lesbians, meets every other homophobic hate crime. Call 0117 963 1114, Thursday evening at 8:30. Also bowling, national helpline 0845 30 30 900. 36 Dean cinema, coffee bars, theatre, concerts, discos, Lane, Bedminster, BS3 1BS. cycling, walks, meals out and more. For further Email: bristol@victimsupportavonvale.org.uk info call Dot on 0117 986 1529. Web: www.victimsupportavonvale.org.uk
Yfront - LGBT Young People's forum Rainbow Group Youth group for age 13-21 researching LGBT Bristol City Council employees group for issues. Meets Weekly and always looking for campaigning, support and socialising. Call new members. If interested call 0117 377 3677. Equalities on 0117 922 3786 or email rainbow@bristol.gov.uk So Out in the South West A new social and support group for disabled gay men living and/or working in the South West. Call Robin on 0117 942 9336 (office) Email: robin.corser-langford@virgin.net
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Full Circle Co-housing
Do you want the best of both worlds?
No Agenda
Do you believe in community but need privacy?
Thursday 17th May 2007
Are you over 50 and thinking about a positive future?
5:30 – 8:30pm Venue tbc
Co-housing may be for you. Full Circle Co-housing Group is looking for older people who want to be part of an eco-friendly intentional community, enjoying personal space and shared resources within the next few years.
Bristol City Council’s Rainbow Group
We are focusing our plan on the Mendip area of Somerset.
www.idaho.org.uk
is hosting an open social and networking event on IDAHO Day – International Day Against Homophobia.
For LGB&T organisations and individuals, plus friends and
Our core group comprises women and men, disabled and non-disabled people, parents and non-parents, lesbian and heterosexual people.
supporters. An informal get together with no agenda.
Because we want a diverse and balanced community we are currently interested in applications from Lesbian and Gay people.
Anyone can apply but we will be particularly delighted to hear from people who live in or near the Mendip area. For an information pack please email: fullcirclech@aol.com or text your name, postal address and email address to: FC 07941 027 646 For more details go to the UK Cohousing website: www.cohousing.org.uk and follow links to Full Circle Co-housing page.
•
put names to faces
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find out what events and projects are in the pipeline
•
link up with other groups
•
explore common interests and aspirations Further info: Tony Pitt rainbow@bristol.gov.uk T: 0117 922 2094 F: 0117 922 2929
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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. Membership of the Forum is free and confidential – just fill in this form and post it back to us.
Individual and organisation membership is available to lesbian, gay and bisexual people and organisations. 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.
Name
Are you a Forum member?
Address
Yes
No
Would you like to become a member? Yes
No
Em@il Where did you get this mag? Telephone Gender: Female
Were you interested in volunteering?
Male
Sexual Orientation: Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual Preferred mailing method:
Do you identify as disabled? Yes
Post
No
Funded by Neighbourhood and Housing Services, and the Equalities and Social Inclusion Team at Bristol City Council
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82 Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5BB. Tel. 0117 922 0741 info@bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk12 / www.bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk Registered Charity 1098085