22/05/2009
News Sent - 22nd May 2009
In this week's e-mail newsletter: Equality Network News: STA Forum; National LGBT Forum; Equality Network Newsletter; Transgender Survey on Equality Bill - Final Days!; No LGBT News next week; Forums News: Gay sports stars avoid the limelight; Overview of mental health services; Gay & Lesbian Humanist May 2009 now out; Faith, Homophobia, Transphobia, & Human Rights; Equalities Minister pledges support for equality; Religious and non-religious unite to combat homophobia and transphobia; EHRC Chair acknowledges LGBT anger at anti-gay appointment; Church of Scotland to decide between inclusion or homophobia; Sex and the schism; MCC call to prayer; Liberal Youth Scotland Protest; Talk Scotland Events: Edinburgh: Increased police activity on Calton Hill; Glasgow: Euro Elections Husting; Glasgow: Conference on the Human Trafficking of Women and Children; Edinburgh: Focus group on NHS24; Edinburgh: Seminar on Quality of Life and Loneliness; Glasgow: Invitation to a celebration of faith and sexuality; Investing in the Future: EHRC funding programme; Edinburgh: Gay coffeehouse theatre; Dumfries: Mixed Baggers; Welcome to Al-Jannah; UK News: European Parliament Elections: Thursday 4th June; Outburst UK Pride Festival: 2009; International: Lithuania: European Parliament's Intergroup urges Parliament to stop anti-democratic law amendments; Latvia: Riga Pride a peaceful event; Russia: Slavic Pride disrupted with violence; US: Resolution introduced to recognise Stonewall Day; President Obama delays repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell; Working for All: Western Isles NHS Board: Non-executive Members; NHS Education for Scotland recruiting Young People to its Young People's Public Partnership Forum; Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS); LGBT Families, Civil Partnership and Cohabitation: US: Marriage equality
If you're interested in using the Equality Network's bulletin boards to share information about local and international news and events in your area, e-mail ENnews@equality-network.org by close of day Friday each week for inclusion in next week's mailing.
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The boards at
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The next LGBT News will go out Wednesday 3rd June 2009.
Equality Network News
Transgender Survey on Equality Bill - Final Days!
There are only a few days left for transgender people to tell the Scottish Transgender Alliance their views about the Equality Bill. Please take 10 minutes to complete the
online survey before it ends on Saturday 23rd May.
Equality Network Newsletter
We are mailing out the new issue of Equality Network News this week. Organisations that received their mail via the Glasgow LGBT Centre should let us know where they would prefer their mail to be directed while the Centre at 80 Bell Street is closed.
STA Forum
The next Scottish Transgender Alliance Forum will be held in Glasgow, on Saturday 4th July 2009. If you are interested in attending please contact James Morton (james@equality-network.org).
www.scottishtrans.org
National LGBT Forum
The next National LGBT Forum will be held in Stirling, on Wednesday 15th July 2009. If you are interested in attending please contact Scott Cuthbertson (scott@equality-network.org).
No LGBT News next week
Next mailing of LGBT News on 3rd June 2009.
Forums News
Gay sports stars avoid the limelight
Hotscots, Scotland’s only gay football team, won the Gay National League Cup at the beginning of May, but because everyone on their roster is not out, the team tamped down any public celebration of the title. HotScots chairman Kevin Rowe said: "It's a real shame that some of our lads have not come out yet, so they cannot bask fully in the limelight. Some of the guys are teachers and policemen and still do not feel comfortable with being publicly outed. You wouldn't think this was the 21st century, would you?" (
OutSports,
Daily Record,
DeadlineScotland)
Overview of mental health services
A report supplement on
service user and carer views of Scottish mental health services, published by Audit Scotland, is now available from their website. One of the focus groups that provided information for this report was run by the Scottish Transgender Alliance.
Gay & Lesbian Humanist May 2009 now out
In this issue, GALHA takes a look at religion and homosexuality and the conflict between religious belief and sexuality. "While gay people are not welcomed by modern-day incarnations of most mainstream religions, that hasn't prevented some gay people with religious beliefs from trying to reconcile their belief with their sexuality."
www.gayandlesbianhumanist.org
Faith, Homophobia, Transphobia, & Human Rights
Equalities Minister pledges support for equality
At the recent UK conference
Faith, Homophobia, Transphobia, & Human Rights - building positive alliances for equality and sexual diversity, the UK Government Equalities Minister, Maria Eagle, pledged that she and other Ministers would stand firm against any attempts by faith groups to get out of the demands of LGBT legislation and the forthcoming Equality Bill: “Values of equality and social justice are held by many within as well as outside faith communities. The circumstances in which religious institutions can practice anything less than full equality are few and far between."
Equality Network > Forums > Religion and Belief
Religious and non-religious unite to combat homophobia and transphobia
Participants at the conference pointed out that children are often cruelly bullied because of homophobia and transphobia and schools must do more to protect them. The need to educate young people in a way that promotes respect for diversity and human rights was underlined. (
Ekklesia)
EHRC Chair acknowledges LGBT anger at anti-gay appointment
Trevor Phillips, chairman of the
Equality and Human Rights Commission, has acknowledged at this conference the anger felt by LGBT groups at the appointment of Evangelical leader and gay rights critic Joel Edwards to the organisation. (
PinkNews)
Church of Scotland to decide between inclusion or homophobia
The cause of the conflict is whether or not Scott Rennie will be allowed to take up his post at the Queen's Cross Church in Aberdeen after its congregation voted overwhelmingly to offer him the post.
Sex and the schism
"The issue is the latest round of a battle between liberals and traditionalists in the church, but the stakes have been raised dramatically by a motion to the Assembly from the Presbytery of Skye-Lochcarron which is to be debated on Saturday. It is short and pointed: that "this Church shall not accept for training, ordain, admit, re-admit, induct or introduce to any ministry of the Church anyone involved in a sexual relationship outside of faithful marriage between a man and a woman". This isn't just about gay ministers. It's about the Kirk, marriage and sexual morality." (
Scotland on Sunday)
The names of 15 Borders ministers, assorted church elders and youth leaders, as well asordinary congregation members, have been added to an online petition protesting against the new appointment for the Church of Scotland's first openly gay minister. (
Southern Reporter)
Meanwhile, to stem what is described a nationwide shortage of full-time clergy, the Church of Scotland is considering the use of "virtual ministers" who would preach over a live video link to congregations that do not have a permanent minister. (
Ekklesia)
MCC call to prayer
The Edinburgh Metropolitan Community Church invites "all MCCers, members of any church and none, supporters of Scott Rennie, friends and family" to pray together at 6pm, outside New College, at the top of the Mound. Rev Jake Tatton says: "We will NOT be protesting. Rather, we will be praying together for the duration of the debate. It is not just those LGBT ministers and candidate in the Kirk who need our support. It is all those involved, no matter their position on the debate. The Church of Scotland needs our prayer!"
www.mccedinburgh.com
Also:
- Protest on 23rd May at the Mound, 5:30-7pm, organised by Liberal Youth Scotland (Facebook)
- Petition for people who believe that sexuality plays no part in morality, and that the appointment of an openly gay minister sends a message of inclusion to all people.
- Statement by evangelicals calling on the Church of Scotland to affirm the membership and ministry of gay people in the church on biblical and traditional grounds. (Ekklesia)
- Ian Bell: "Intolerance isn’t bliss. It’s a sin" (Sunday Herald)
Talk Scotland Events
Edinburgh: Increased police activity on Calton Hill
Message from Hazel Leslie, Safer Communities Department, Lothian and Borders Police, 22nd May 2009: "This is to inform you about increased police activity in the area of Calton Hill, Edinburgh in the evenings starting today, May 22nd, and lasting for about 1 week. This is not a police operation aimed at those who frequent Calton Hill, but a search for a missing person:
Samantha Wright, who has been missing since June 2008.”
Equality Network > Talk Scotland > Edinburgh and the Lothians
Glasgow: Euro Elections Husting
Thursday 28 May, 7pm-8.30pm, Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8AP.
Candidates from the main parties contesting the European Parliament elections will be quizzed by members of the public, with the show broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland the next day. Chaired by Lesley Riddoch.
Book your place.
Glasgow: Conference on the Human Trafficking of Women and Children
Friday 29th May, 9.30am - 2pm, The Teacher Building, St Enoch Square, Glasgow, G1 4DB. If you require further details or would like to register call 0141 248 8186 or email mary@scottishwomensconvention.org
www.scottishwomensconvention.org
Edinburgh: Focus group on NHS24
6.30pm on Tuesday 16th June at the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6TE.
FMR Research has been contracted by the NHS24 to conduct research into users’ perception, knowledge and experience of NHS 24’s online and telephone service. If you are LGBT, interested in health issues, and willing to take part in a focus group to discuss NHS24, contact FMR Research Ltd either by email: eilidh@researching.co.uk or by telephone: 0141 332 2647. You will receive a participation fee of £25.
Edinburgh: Seminar on Quality of Life and Loneliness
Tuesday 23rd June, Centre for Research on Families & Relationships, 23 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh 11am - 12noon. QoL and Loneliness: An exploration of Meaning from the Perspective of the Person with Dementia, Family Caregivers and Staff Professor Wendy Moyle, Deputy Director, Research Centre for Clinical and Community Practice Innovation, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. Attendance at this seminar is free however places are limited. Email L.marshall@ed.ac.uk to register.
www.crfr.ac.uk
Glasgow: Invitation to a celebration of faith and sexuality
St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, 2 Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0RH, Saturday 30th May, 3-5pm. "A safe, celebratory and communal event which would show that, through our different perspectives & traditions, we are all struggling with similar issues; we are all interconnected. We would come together to share a meal and hear a talk and some music: a fun, sociable but valuable event." To RSVP or if you have any questions, please email Anthony at anthony.schrag@gmail.com
Investing in the Future: EHRC funding programme
GLASGOW : Thursday 28th May, City Halls, Glasgow 10:30 am - 2:30pm
Equality Network > Talk Scotland > Glasgow
DUNDEE : Monday 1st June, Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee 10.30am – 2.30pm
Equality Network > Talk Scotland > Fife
The
Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) today announced a new GB-wide £10.2 million Strategic Funding Programme, providing three-year project-based funding for community and voluntary sector organisations of up to £450,000. For this year’s grants programme, two application-focused funding surgeries, providing information, advice and guidance to those voluntary and community organizations who wish to apply or funding will be held, in Glasgow and Dundee. To book a place on one of the surgeries, please contact : Douglas Guest or Fiona McLeod on 0141 228 5910 or email : scotland@equalityhumanrights.com.
Edinburgh: Gay coffeehouse theatre
Emerald Blue Productions presents a two act play "Cock and Bull Story", by Richard Crowe and Richard Zajdlic, in Kitsch-In, Bernard Street, Leith. "Travis is an up-and-coming amateur boxer on the verge of the big time. Jacko is his coach, mentor and best friend."
www.emeraldblue.net
Dumfries: Mixed Baggers
Friday 29th May, 8pm-2am, QOS Lounge (upstairs), Palmerston, Dumfries DG2 9BN.
£4 / £3 members. "Mixed Bag is THE Queer Party in South West Scotland, held on the last Friday of every month – our regular club night in Dumfries for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender folk and their mates since October 2005!" (
Facebook,
Bebo,
Myspace)
Welcome to Al-Jannah
Al-Jannah is a social group for Muslims who are Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian or Transgendered. "We provide an online social community to meet other LGBT Muslims. More importantly we bring people together to give support and help each other."
www.al-jannah.co.uk
UK News
European Parliament Elections: Thursday 4th June
Britain’s two current Green MEPs, Caroline Lucas (South-East England) and Jean Lambert (London), are backing calls for an end to the ban on same-sex marriage in the UK and in other EU member states. (
UK Gay News)
Outburst UK Pride Festival: 2009
Saturday, 27 June at The Tereza Joanne Floating Palace and Grounds on the banks of the Thames Riverin east London close to London city airport. 12 Noon till 12 Midnight, with a fireworks display at 9pm. An inclusive event regardless of race, nationality, age, gender or orientation, the festival will be a part of the Pride London festivities this year and will be the first BME Pride event that will be included within the two week celebrations. The Outburst UK Pride Festival is a celebration of the achievements of the Black, Minority & Ethnic community in the United Kingdom. Tickets cost £8 which includes admission and film screenings, from
http://www.outburstfestival.org or 07981 899 225. (VIP tickets are also available for £30.00 and include drinks, meal, the 2009 Outburst Pride Poster, and entry to the VIP hospitality lounge which will be situated next to the stage.) Concessions: NUS. £5 and available on the day. The grounds and venue are disabled accessible and there are disabled toilets, plus free parking. For more information, contact info@outburstfestival.org.
www.outburstfestival.org
International
Lithuania: European Parliament's Intergroup urges Parliament to stop anti-democratic law amendments
European Parliament's Intergroup on gay and lesbian rights urges the Parliament of Lithuania (Seimas) to stop the anti-democratic law amendments which would severely impair the freedom of speech of LGBT citizens. Lithuanian government has proposed to amend the law on protection of children and if passed, it will criminalise public information of any kind on homosexuality or bisexuality.
www.lgbt-ep.eu
Equality Network > International > Europe
Latvia: Riga Pride a peaceful event
On 16th May the Baltic Pride Parade went ahead amid angry protests and heavy police presence, despite a last minute attempt by council to ban the march. Over 600 people attended this year's Pride in Riga. (
Baltic Times) The parade was led by a noted anti-gay activist dressed as a nun who, with the consent of the Pride organisers, walked backward in silence for almost the whole duration of the march. (
UK Gay News) Riga City Council’s picket and parade commission revoked permission for the pride parade on 14th May claiming a threat to public security, but the ban was overturned by the court of administration on 15th May. Some of the protests against the march may be illegal, Riga police say. (
UK Gay News)
Russia: Slavic Pride disrupted with violence
While the Eurovision finalists were preparing for their night in Moscow, the Slavic Pride organisers were spending 24 hours in police custody
(Scotland on Sunday).
Amnesty International reports that police violently dispersed demonstrators at the march, which had been banned by the authorities, and between 25 and 80 activists were arrested as they protested against discrimination of LGBT people. Peter Tatchell attended the protest (
The Guardian) and interviewed the organiser, Nikolai Alekseev, after the police released him (
The Guardian)
UK Gay News as-it-happens record of Moscow Pride / Eurovision
IDAHO 2009
US: Resolution introduced to recognise Stonewall Day
US Congress Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Barney Frank (D-MA) and Jared Polis (D-CO) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York at the end of June in 1969. "Stonewall is an essential piece of American history that catalyzed the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement for equal rights." (
From Tammy Baldwin's webpage)
Also; 21st May 2009 - 30th anniversary of the
White Night Riots after Dan White's trial for killing Harvey Milk.
President Obama delays repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
Sergeant Brian Hughes, US Army Rangers, responds (
Wall Street Journal)
Working for All
Western Isles NHS Board: Non-executive Members
Non-executive members of the Board, you will be expected to play a central role in guiding the strategies which address the health priorities and health care needs of the resident population. £7,228 per annum (non-pensionable). Time commitment: around 8 hours per week. Appointment will be for up to 4 years. Meetings for the Board will normally take place in Stornoway. Completed applications must be received on or before Friday 12 June 2009.
Application forms available here.
Equality Network > General > Working for all
NHS Education for Scotland recruiting Young People to its Young People's Public Partnership Forum
NES wants to appoint 6 young people aged 14-21 to work with them in the Young People’s Public Partnership Forum (PPF). No formal qualifications are necessary but experience of the health services as a patient or carer would be useful. Apply by 5pm on Friday 19th June 2009. Interviews will be held in Edinburgh (Sat 11th July), Glasgow (Sat 8th Aug), Aberdeen (Sat 15th Aug). Time commitment: around eight days a year. Training, full expenses, a daily participation fee.
Application forms available here.
Equality Network > General > Working for all
Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS)
MACS is an advisory public body that advises Scottish Ministers about the needs of disabled people in connection with transport. Appointments will be made for a period of 3 years, starting on 01 October 2009 and ending at the latest, on 30 September 2012. Members receive an allowance of £100 per day plus travel expense/childcare/other carer costs: disabled people receive reasonable additional expenses. Apply by Friday 26th June 2009.
Application forms available here.
Equality Network > General > Working for all
LGBT Families, Civil Partnership and Cohabitation
US: Marriage equality
The California Supreme Court will announce its decision on Proposition 8 either on Thursday 28th May or Tuesday 2nd June. There are three possible decisions: Proposition 8 will be upheld completely, and California will cease to recognise any same-sex marriages. (At present, the thousands of couples who married legally last year before Prop 8 passed are recognised as married by the state, though the federal government will not recognise same-sex marriage.) Alternatively, the court may uphold the ban on same-sex couples marrying in the future, but continue to recognise marriages that were legally registered in 2008. Finally, the court may overturn Proposition 8 entirely, restoring marriage equality to California. Same-sex couples in the US can marry legally in Connecticut, Iowa, and Massachusetts, and will be able to do so in Maine and in Vermont from September 2009. Legislation for same-sex marriage in New Hampshire is stalled in the state's House of Representatives. (
EDGEBoston,
PinkNews)
The Equality Network’s website for information on all aspects of LGBT family law – including civil partnership, cohabitation, having children, breaking up – is
www.lgbtfamilies.org
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