25/08/2010
News Sent - 25th August 2010
In this week's e-mail newsletter: Equality Network News: Priorities for LGBT Equality; National LGBT Forum - Everywhere Equal; Pink News on Marriage; Volunteering for Hate Crime Wrapup; Forums News: Glasgow Women's Library Is Flitting!; Men's Health Forun Scotland: Self Management for Men Project; Insurance company proposes "penalizing" unhealthy behaviour: union says NHS restructure "unlawful"; Relative poverty across Scottish Local Authorities; Poll Shows More Work Needed Against Islamophobia; Talk Scotland Events: Edwin Morgan: Scots Makar; SSHH! Saturday 28th August 2010; Edinburgh: T time Extra; Loud & Proud on the Fringe 2010; Scottish Gender Based Violence Research Network; Edinburgh: Amazing Gracies Women's Football Team; Shetland: Stick 'em on an island; Aberdeen: Wear RED for THT; Defend Glasgow Services Campaign; LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre: Pedal for Scotland; Inverness: The Pink Castle Philosophy Club; The Big Event - politics just got more interesting!; ACVO: "Realising the Potential" Conference; UK News: Gandalf at Manchester Pride; Leeds: Effectively Reducing Health Inequalities; International: Register now for Antwerp 2013 World Outgames; US: Student counsellor's application to be anti-gay rejected; Working for All: Stonewall Scotland: Communications, Campaigns and Events Manager; Wise Group: Call Centre Trainer; LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre: Volunteers wanted; Private Rented Housing Panel: Chairpersons and Surveyor Members; Aberdeen: Home IV Nurse; LGBT Families: Last anti-adoption charity in UK denied; Germany: same-sex couples get equal inheritance rights
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Equality Network
Priorities for LGBT Equality
Over the past couple of months the Equality Network has been carrying out a survey at Pride and online on your priorities for LGBT equality over the next few years. This survey has now closed, with well over 600 responses.
Thank you very much for your help: the results are being collated and will be published by us before our conference, "Recognising Relationships", on 23rd October. (Booking leaflets for the conference will be sent out soon: you will be able to book online by next week.)
National LGBT Forum - Everywhere Equal
Inverness, Saturday 4th September, 1-4:30pm,
Contact scott@equality-network.org for more information / to book a place
Pink News on Marriage
The Equality Network was among nine groups invited by
Pink News to provide a statement on the ban on civil marriage for same-sex couples in the UK, and the ban on civil partnership for mixed-sex couples. The seven groups besides ourselves that responded were LGBT Labour, LGBTory, Delga (the Liberal Democrat LGBT group), OutRage!, the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, and another Scottish group, the
LGBT Network. All the groups who responded said they supported changing the law.
"Civil partnership was a huge step forward, which we worked hard for, but since 2006, people have been telling us that it’s not enough. In our 2009 national survey, 85% of LGBT people said that same-sex marriage is needed. Only 6% thought the law is OK as it is, and only 9% thought that allowing religious ceremonies for civil partnerships is the answer. 54% said this is a high priority issue."
Volunteering for Hate Crime Wrapup
If you are in Edinburgh and are free next Monday afternoon (30th August) from 1pm, we are planning an envelope-stuffing and parcel-wrapping volunteer session to get "Halt Hate Crime" orders to local authorities, statutory bodies, and public libraries wrapped up. Please contact jane@equality-network.org if you would like to help. Cookies and tea/coffee will be served.
Forums News
Glasgow Women's Library Is Flitting!
The GWL is packing up and moving to the Mitchell Library over the next couple of weeks. The library office at Parnie Street is now closed to visitors. We will open our doors at the new Glasgow Women's Library, 15 Berkeley Street, Glasgow G3 7BW on Monday 6 September. The
Auction of Pleasures is on 17th September at St Andrew's in the Square.
All GWL events for autumn 2010 listed.
Men's Health Forun Scotland: Self Management for Men Project
The MHFS have put forward an invitation to tender to external research contractors for a 4 month qualitative research project, with the aim of developing understanding of issues related to masculinity, gender and long term conditions, as well as men's needs in relation to effective self management. Deadline for submission of tenders is 31st August 2010. (For a copy of the full Tender Document please contact Eva Asante (National Director, Men's Health Forum Scotland) by email (eva@mhfs.org.uk) or telephone (0141 550 7515). The findings will feed into the parent Self Management for Men project as well as the broader literature base and, ultimately, inform practice within relevant agencies.
www.mhfs.org.uk
Insurance company proposes "penalizing" unhealthy behaviour: union says NHS restructure "unlawful"
In order to ensure that people on a low-income do not benefit from free NHS treatment for conditions associated with or caused by "unhealthy lifestyles",
a private insurance company suggests that by 2020 the NHS may be "forced" to charge for a range of treatments, including dental care, dementia treatment, IVF and fertility treatment.
Friends Provident:
www.visionsofbritain2020.co.uk
Unison is taking legal action against the UK government over its plans to restructure the NHS, alleging the lack of a proper consultation process is “unlawful”. The public-sector union has applied for a judicial review in a bid to block the reforms from going ahead without a full public consultation on the “most fundamental changes to the way the NHS operates since it was created”. (
People Management)
Relative poverty across Scottish Local Authorities
This publication presents, for the first time, official figures about the distribution of income and relative poverty across Scotland at local authority area level. It is the result of analytical work which has estimated relative poverty at an LA level by combining data from the Scottish Household Survey and Family Resources Survey. The new figures show that across Scotland the percentage of households in relative poverty at LA level ranges from around 14 percent to around 25 percent. Dundee City, Inverclyde, Glasgow City, Eilean Siar and North Ayrshire were among the local authorities with the highest rates in the country. (
Relative poverty across Scottish Local Authorities)
Poll Shows More Work Needed Against Islamophobia
The
Scottish-Islamic Foundation have said that an opinion poll of Scottish society about Muslims shows mixed feelings when it comes to community relations. But respondents to the poll also expressed a feeling that integration was easier in Scotland than in England.
Talk Scotland Events
Edwin Morgan: Scots Makar
1920-2010
WN Herbert pays tribute: "After serving in the Medical Corps during the Second World War, he returned to Glasgow University, eventually teaching English Literature. He came fully into his own voice late, partly through reading the Beats in the 1960s, whereupon he helped to transform Glasgow into the literary capital of Scotland. He retired from teaching in 1980, came out as gay on his 70th birthday, was appointed first Glasgow's then Scotland's Makar or laureate, and, energetic as ever, embarked on a late career as dramatist and librettist."
At the opening of the Glasgow LGBT Centre in Dixon Street, in 1995, Morgan read a poem he had written for the occasion, and presented it to the Centre as a gift. In 2002 he became the patron of Our Story Scotland.
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/features/Poet-WN-Herbert-pays-tribute.6488020.jp
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/edwin-dreamed-lines-of-poetry-until-the-very-end-1.1049719?localLinksEnabled=false
http://www.ourstoryscotland.org.uk/
SSHH! Saturday 28th August 2010
A Day in Hand is designed to promote equality and respect for people who wish to hold hands with someone of the same gender in public. Voted 3rd Best Gay Organisation in UK and 4th Best Gay Event (Sshh Saturdays) in the 2010 Pink Paper Awards.
http://www.scottishlgbt.org/Events/Details.aspx?id=753
http://www.adayinhand.com/
Edinburgh: T time Extra
Saturday 28th August, 6-9pm at the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, 9 Howe Street. A new social evening for the trans community, supporters, friends and family from 6-9pm. Whether you want to come along after swimming at Different Strokes (Glenogles Swim Centre, 2-4pm) or just fancy turning up in the evening, you will be made to feel welcome. You may want to learn some belly dancing moves, chat over a cup of tea or watch a film with some popcorn. Whatever you decide to do, you are sure to have a fun and relaxing time in a safe and supportive environment. For further details, email emma@lgbthealth.org.uk or call 0131 652 3281.
Different Strokes:
http://www.scottishlgbt.org/Events/Details.aspx?id=750
Belly Dancing for Trans Women:
http://www.scottishlgbt.org/Events/Details.aspx?id=829
Loud & Proud on the Fringe 2010
8:30-10pm, Saturday, 28 August 2010. This performance is in support of Scottish HIV and Hepatitis C charity Waverley Care.
http://www.scottishlgbt.org/Events/Details.aspx?id=794
http://www.loudandproudchoir.org/
Scottish Gender Based Violence Research Network
Launch Event Wednesday 1st September 2010 University of Edinburgh 9.30am - 4pm An exciting interactive conference to launch the GBV research network. The network is facilitated by Zero Tolerance, the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Programme at the Health Directorate and the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships at the University of Edinburgh.
Book at:
http://www.crfr.ac.uk/events/sgbvnetwork.html
http://www.scottishlgbt.org/Events/Details.aspx?id=800
Edinburgh: Amazing Gracies Women's Football Team
A great opportunity for women of any age and any ability to play football in a welcoming and friendly environment. This fantastic informal and sociable group kicks off every Wednesday 7-8pm at Gracemount Leisure Centre, EH16 6RN. For anyone wanting to get fit, active and generally kick a ball around, this is the group for you! Contact Kirsten at kirstensinclair@netscape.net to sign up.
Shetland: Stick 'em on an island
Thurs 2nd to Sun 5th September A selection of LGBT-themed short films will be screened in Shetland at this year’s film festival Screenplay. Curated by Mark Kermode and Linda Ruth Williams, the 4th Screenplay festival will also explore song and dance in movies and celebrate the art of documentary films. Shetland Arts has teamed up with London based Peccadillo Pictures to bring six LGBT-themed films under the heading ‘Stick ‘em on an island!”.
http://www.shetlandarts.org/events/screenplay/
Aberdeen: Wear RED for Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland
On Sunday 5th September, 7pm-11pm, wear RED for Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland! £1 entry to Cheerz Bar and Club includes raffle.
http://www.scottishlgbt.org/Events/Details.aspx?id=827
http://www.tht.org.uk/howwecanhelpyou/ourservices/browseallservices/grampian/
Defend Glasgow Services Campaign
Thursday 9th September, 7.30pm, Glasgow City UNISON Branch, 4th Floor, 18 Albion Street, Candleriggs. The DGS campaign unites public sector trade unions, public services workers and community organisations. Glasgow City Council and its Arms Length Organisations intend to make significant cuts to services over the next three years. Our NHS is under attack. Support to the unemployed and disabled is threatened. Grants to community organisations are being slashed. The citizens of Glasgow should not be asked to pay for the bail out of the banks and the mistakes of greedy bankers. Campaign co-ordinated by UNISON Glasgow City Branch, Public Services Trade Union. Tel 0141 552 7069 enquiries@glasgowcityunison.co.uk
http://www.glasgowcityunison.co.uk
LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre: Pedal for Scotland
Sunday 12th September. Scotland’s biggest bike ride just got even bigger! The Edinburgh LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing is taking part in the challenge to raise money for the Centre's services. If you would like to take part in the event and represent the Centre contact jules@lgbthealth.org.uk. Or sponsor the riders directly via
http://www.justgiving.com/lgbthealth
http://www.pedalforscotland.org/
Inverness: The Pink Castle Philosophy Club
Tuesday, September 14th, 7.30 pm Riverside Lounge, Glen Mohr Hotel. This is an opportunity to get together with like minded people to discuss issues that affect everyone in an atmosphere which is both fun and intellectually stimulating. The group meets regularly, on the second Tuesday of every month at the Riverside Lounge (Glen Mhor Hotel), Ness Bank, Inverness. Next meeting is on September 14th from 7.30pm. For more details contact Morgan 07745 930 383 or 01463 751 258 or email: morgan@tramstop.org
http://www.scottishlgbt.org/Events/Details.aspx?id=584
The Big Event - politics just got more interesting!
29th September, Edinburgh. The BIG Event is the CSPP All-Party-No-Party Conference. It's so big there's room enough for all political persuasions in Scotland. "so clever that we're producing a menu of manifesto ideas too tempting for any Party to ignore. Bulging with new ideas and fresh approaches to Scottish policy."
http://www.cspp.org.uk/
ACVO: "Realising the Potential" Conference
Tuesday 9th November, Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen. Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations is holding this conference is to discuss the re-structure of policing services across Aberdeen and explore how we can create stronger links with our partners within the third sector in responding to the challenges facing local communities. Places will be limited, to note your interest please visit the ACVO website at:
http://www.acvo.org.uk/localpolicing.html
UK News
Gandalf at Manchester Pride
Sir Ian McKellen is to be Grand Marshal at this year's Manchester Pride parade, which takes places this Saturday 28th August. Manchester Pride is Manchester’s annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) festival, held over the August bank holiday weekend. Since 2003, the festival has spanned a full ten days with a series of art, culture, heritage, debate, sport, music and film events celebrating the great diversity of the LGBT community, and has traditionally been a fundraiser for the LGBT and HIV communities.
http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/3731/24/08/2010/sir-ian-mckellen-confirmed-for-manchester-pride.aspx
http://www.mckellen.com/activism/index.htm
http://www.manchesterpride.com/press/
Leeds: Effectively Reducing Health Inequalities
13th October, Queen's Hotel, Leeds. Questions to cover include: What is the approach to health inequalities of the new Coalition Government? How will the proposed new Health Premium directly tackle disadvantage and reduce inequalities? What form should incentives to GPs take to impact on inequalities? How do we respond to the WHO's work on persisting and widening inequities? How will the main public sector players move forward - government, local government and the NHS? How do we end discrimination and promote equality for groups with particular needs? Where can we hope to be in ten years time? For further information or to register an interest contact seminars@cppseminars.org.uk or call 01422 845004
To see the full programme, speaker biographies, venue information and booking details:
http://www.cppseminars.org.uk/site/dpb.cfm?do=ref&fldCPPSref=RHI/317&varDetProgBiog=det
International
Register now for Antwerp 2013 World Outgames
3rd-11th August 2013, Very Early Bird Membership: £99. "As the organisers of the next big Global LGBTQI event, we felt honoured to be part of a wonderful atmosphere of Love united. We'd like to keep this spirit alive and look forward to our event in 2013, together with you!" This unique promotion gives you a guaranteed full package including participation in one sport or cultural activity, public transport pass, and opening and closing ceremony. "We are also very proud to tell you that we already registered participants from 3 different continents, but we aim for 6, so are you ready?"
http://www.worldoutgames2013.be/?PageId=92
US: Student counsellor's application to be anti-gay rejected
A counselling student who filed a discrimination lawsuit against the Augusta State University in Georgia, after it told her that to graduate she would have to attend diversity sensitivity training to alter her anti-gay beliefs, has had the lawsuit rejected. The U.S. District Judge ruled that it was reasonable for a public university to enforce academic standards. The judge ruled that the student had "exhibited an inability to counsel in a professionally ethical manner ... to resist imposing her moral viewpoint on counselees – in violation of the ACA Code of Ethics, which is part of the ASU counseling program's curriculum."
http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/3734/24/08/2010/us-student-has-anti-gay-lawsuit-rejected--.aspx?xtra=email&dm_i=3XT,81WF,RYJ55,KJVU,1
http://ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=6277&MediaType=1&Category=26
Working for All
Stonewall Scotland: Communications, Campaigns and Events Manager
Maintain and develop Stonewall Scotland’s media work, pro-actively develop the communications aspects of Stonewall Scotland’s campaign and project work, support project management of Stonewall Scotland publications, and plan the events programme: to find out more and to apply see the application pack on the Stonewall Scotland website. Deadline 5pm, Friday 3 September. Interviews on Monday 13 September.
http://www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/scotland/2549.asp
Wise Group: Call Centre Trainer
Trainer/Coach wanted for Wise Group's Glasgow Call Centre, responsible for training, coaching and guiding trainees through the programme while helping them to secure permanent call centre employment. Candidate should be an experienced call centre professional with a passion for helping people. Previous experience in delivering training programmes in both a group and one-to-one situation together with sound supervisory, interpersonal and motivational skills is essential. Knowledge of the barriers faced by the long term unemployed would also be advantageous. (Pay: £15,700 to £23,600) A job application pack (quote CCT/HR ref) available via humanresources@thewisegroup.co.uk, or via
http://www.thewisegroup.co.uk, or by mail to HR Dept, The Wise Group, 72 Charlotte Street, Glasgow G1 5DW or by calling 0141 314 1470 and leaving your name and address. Deadline 5pm Tuesday 7th September.
http://www.thewisegroup.co.uk/content/default.asp?page=s15
LGBT Health & Wellbeing Centre: Volunteers wanted
Events Assistant - you will join the dynamic Events Team and work on creating, planning and running all kinds of events from sports days to Pride banner making.
Drop-In Assistant - you will be part of a small team that assists the staff with our weekly Monday evening drop-in service.
Promotion Team - you will play a key role in promoting the Centre and all the events it runs, anything from creating and distribute publicity materials to helping with our website and other promotion tools.
LGBT Age Volunteer - you will provide befriending and social support for LGBT people over 50.
All these roles offer a fantastic opportunity for you to gain new experiences and skills, meet new people and help the local LGBT community.
Next Volunteer Induction Day: Thursday 9th September, 6-9pm. Further information and application forms available from:
http://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/content/getting-involved
Private Rented Housing Panel: Chairpersons and Surveyor Members
Scottish Ministers are seeking to appoint a number of legally qualified chairpersons and surveyor members for the prhp, a Tribunal NDPB responsible for upholding the Repairing Standard introduced in 2006 to improve property standards and providing rent assessments in certain types of tenancies and some other tenancy matters in the private rented sector. Chairpersons must be qualified lawyers or advocates whose names appear on the Roll of Solicitors or the Roll of Advocates for the current practising year. Daily sitting fee £316. Surveyor Members must be chartered surveyors and hold a valid licence to drive in the UK. Daily sitting fee £253. Deadline: Tuesday 14 September 2010.
http://www.prhpscotland.gov.uk
Aberdeen: Home IV Nurse
Equal Approach Clinical division are looking to recruit a Oncology Home IV Nurse into a large team of skilled and experienced nurses in and around the Aberdeen area. Within this team you will contribute to the continued delivery of a high quality home care service to all patients. Salary: £26,650 - £28,500. Contact: Pippa Gardiner: 01283 743921 or pippa.gardiner@equalapproach.com. Please mention LGBT News/the Equality Network if you apply.
http://www.equalapproach.com/remjob.php?id=1057
LGBT Families
Last anti-adoption charity in UK denied
On Thursday 19 August the Charity Commission announced its decision to not give consent to the charity Catholic Care to amend its charitable objects to restrict its adoption services to heterosexual prospective parents only. The independent regulator of charities in England and Wales has considered the evidence and the relevant law and concluded that it would not be justified in the circumstances for the charity to discriminate in this way.
Martin Prendergast in the Guardian: "What emerges from this costly and unnecessary saga is neither a victory for lesbian and gay rights, nor the closure of an agency's service provision, but a recognition that the interests of vulnerable children and their right to be placed with parents who truly meet their needs are paramount."
Virginia Ironside in the Independent: "What is so stupid is that by refusing to let homosexual couples adopt children, the charity has, as so often happens, simply drawn attention to the pettiness of the Roman Catholic Church – and, to be honest, most other churches. Instead of concentrating on what surely should be their priority – finding, for children, loving homes consisting of two stable adults – it's let a mad and offensive doctrine take precedence. "
(
National LGBT Forum News)
Germany: same-sex couples get equal inheritance rights
After Germany's Life Partnership Act of 2001, German states began giving some legal recognition to gay couples, who have seen their rights slowly grow over the past decade. Now same-sex couples in registered partnerships have the same inheritance rights as married couples, Germany's Federal Constitutional Court ruled last week. The decision reduces the maximum inheritance tax rate for a surviving gay partner from 50 percent to 30 percent, and lowers the minimum inheritance tax rate for a surviving gay partner from 17 percent to 7 percent. It also equalises the portion of an estate that is free from inheritance tax. Because the setup was unconstitutional, the government must go back and recalculate inheritance taxes in registered gay partnerships from the point that Germany established same-sex partnerships in February 2001. “This is a good day for all homosexuals in Germany,” the Green party’s parliamentary group leader Volker Beck said after the ruling. (
DW-World,
TheLocal.de,
Pink Paper)
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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