Camden LGBT Forum Update
22 July 2008

Current Circulation: in excess of 1700

Hello Forum Members!

CONTENTS

• Local Events and Opportunities
  • Iraqi LGBT presentation
  • UK Black Pride
  • Drill Hall Listings
  • Sexual Health MOTs
• Local and National Community News
  • Islington to appeal against civil partnership ruling
  • Woman's claim on estate of mother's lesbian partner rejected
  • 150 Women to get naked for lesbian mag
  • Education Minister supports LGBT History Month
  • Iris Robinson compares homosexuality to child abuse
  • Gay men at risk from Hep C
  • Christian policeman takes force to court for promoting diversity
• International Community News and Events
  • All we want is a civil marriage - gay couple
  • Reggae CDs under German scrutiny for anti-gay lyrics
  • "40 cross-dressing tourists" arrested in Dubai
  • Gay Iranian granted refugee status by UN
  • Ugandan President claims homosexuality is "foreign culture"
  • Fans mourn as lesbian singer Katie Reider dies aged 30
• Forthcoming Events
  • Drill Hall
  • The London Gay Men’s Chorus
  • UCL Freshers Fayre

Local Events and Opportunities

Iraqi LGBT presentation

Ali Hili from Iraqi LGBT will be giving a presentation on the plight of LGBT people in Iraq to the Camden LGBT Forum on Tuesday 6th August from 6.30pm at the 52 Club, 52 Gower Street.

For more information, please call Camden LGBT Forum on 0207 470 8760.

UK Black Pride

Returning with Pride, Saturday 16th August, Regents Park London, UK Black Pride (UKBP) announces the launch of ticket sales for this year's exciting festival. Tickets are available on www.ukblackpride.org.uk UKBP is proud to offer a student rate for NUS student card holders, offering 50% discount off standard tickets.

Limited Diamond package deals are available offering an exclusive package for the festival including a champagne reception, sumptuous buffet lunch and free entry to Bootylicious and Soul Naturelle.

UKBP festival will host a fun filled day of music and artistic entertainment, live performances by the hottest new acts, music by UK's best DJ's, market place, information stalls and much more. There will be something for everyone to enjoy and more importantly the pride event is an opportunity to proudly support and celebrate the talents and achievements of the UK's Black, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

Why not get involved on the Pride day and become a volunteer?

For more information on volunteering please visit www.ukblackpride.org.uk or e-mail us at info@ukblackpride.org.uk.

Drill Hall Listings

Typt:08 – lysistrata – Make love not war?

TYPT - Talawa Young People's Theatre - presents a 21st Century reworking of Lysistrata, a timeless play about the bravery of women in the face of conflict.

7-9 August 7.30pm Drill Hall 1 Tickets £5 – concessions £3

For more information or to book, please call 020 7307 5060

Sexual Health MOTs

The Royal Free Hospital’s “The Marlborough Clinic”, supported by Age Concern’s “Opening Doors in Central London”, is running an “Older Gay and Bisexual Men’s Sexual Health Clinic” on the last Tuesday of every month for men aged 50 plus from 08:30 am to 11:00 am.

It provides a safe and confidential space for older men to discuss any sexual health concerns and problems and will offer: full sexual health screening, sexual health advice and counselling, hepatitis B screening and vaccination, HIV testing free condoms and lube.

The Marlborough Clinic is situated at The Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, NW3 2PF. Nearest tube - Belsize Park or bus routes 46, 168 and C11 stop outside the hospital.

For further information phone the Health Advisers on 020 7830 2847.

Local and National Community News

Islington to appeal against civil partnership ruling

The London Borough of Islington has decided it will appeal against an employment tribunal ruling involving civil partnerships. "The decision was taken after careful consideration of the legal ruling made by the London Central Employment Tribunal," Islington said in a statement. Lillian Ladele, a marriage registrar, claimed that she was discriminated against because of her religion when she refused to conduct civil partnership ceremonies while employed by Islington council. An employment tribunal agreed. Her victory could set a precedent that will allow people with strong religious convictions to opt out of the provision of services to gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

Ms Ladele, who had worked for the council for more than 16 years, initially swapped with colleagues to avoid performing gay and lesbian ceremonies after civil partnerships became legal in 2005. After formal complaints were made against her, an internal disciplinary investigation began. She was shunned by colleagues, branded homophobic and threatened with dismissal.

Councillor John Gilbert said, "We believe an important question is at stake and the law must be clarified. Islington Council, like all councils and employers, needs to know whether we can expect employees to provide services to all sections of the community, regardless of who they are." The decisions of the employment appeal tribunal set precedents and may be used in support of future employment tribunal claims.

Woman's claim on estate of mother's lesbian partner rejected

The ex-wife of director Ken Russell has lost her High Court battle over the £2.3m estate of her mother's lesbian lover. Hetty Baynes had been seeking £800,000 from the estate of sculptor Mary Spencer Watson, who died in 2006. Ms Baynes had claimed that Ms Spencer Watson had treated her as a daughter and supported her financially. The court heard Ms Baynes and her family had lived at Dunshay Manor in Purbeck, Dorset, owned by Miss Spencer Watson. Ms Baynes' mother, Margot, had had an intimate relationship with Miss Spencer Watson for more than 50 years.

Miss Spencer Watson’s will bequeathed the £2m Dunshay Manor to the building preservation charity, the Landmark Trust, leaving only £2,500 to Ms Baynes. Ms Baynes had sought financial provision as a dependent of the estate. However, Mr Justice Lewison dismissed her claim, saying Ms Baynes had taken advantage of Miss Spencer Watson’s generosity and was not entitled to any more. He also dismissed a £1.6m claim on the estate by Margot Baynes, now 90 and suffering from Alzheimer’s.

150 women to get naked for lesbian mag

To celebrate its 150th edition, lesbian magazine wants 150 of its readers to get naked. Around 150 gay and bisexual women will grace the cover of the special souvenir issue, wearing nothing but their birthday suits. The photo shoot is inspired by artist Spencer Tunick, who has created several large scale photographic stunts using groups of naked people. The photo shoot will take place at an indoor location in central London in mid August.

All participants in the naked shoot will be invited to celebrate the 150th DIVA issue at an exclusive VIP invite only party in a venue in central London in early October. Each person will also receive a complimentary photograph of the cover shot, signed by Editor Jane Czyzselska. Those interested in taking part should email: 150@divamag.co.uk with 'cover 150' in the subject heading, stating age, name, phone and email contact details.

Education Minister supports LGBT History Month

Education minister Kevin Brennan has shown his support for LGBT History Month by agreeing to be the keynote speaker at the pre-launch of next year's event. The pre-launch is held every November, to encourage organisations to start planning community events for LGBT History Month itself, the following February. The focus this year will be on education and youth. Following the successful pre-launch last year, which was attended by the Attorney General at the Royal Courts of Justice, the event will be held at Stoke Newington School in Hackney. The school was one of the first to embrace LGBT History Month into its calendar and has shared its pioneering ideas in a report on the LGBT History Month website.

"To have the pre-launch in a school which has consistently promoted LGBT History Month, and to have a minister from the Department of Children, Schools and Families speak, sends out a message to all students, teachers, parents, staff, heads, governors and Local Education Authorities that we are here to stay and we need to be seen and heard," said Tony Fenwick, co-chair of Schools Out and LGBT History Month.

Speaking at the School's Out annual conference in February, Brennan, who is MP for Cardiff West, said, "I want homophobia to become taboo…from the flippant use of homophobic language to the deliberate bullying of people because they’re gay or ‘different'. Both are wrong, both need to stop. And when we say that ‘every child matters’, we mean that every young person – straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, black, white, disabled – boy or girl matters."

Iris Robinson compares homosexuality to child abuse

A controversial Unionist politician has said she stands by her comparison of the sexual abuse of children to homosexual relationships. Iris Robinson is the MP for Strangford, a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly and chair of the Assembly's health committee. She sparked outrage earlier this year when, during a radio interview, she offered to put gay men in touch with a psychiatrist who can make them straight. Now it has emerged that during committee proceedings in the Commons last month, she told MPs, "There can be no viler act, apart from homosexuality and sodomy, than sexually abusing innocent children. There must be sufficient confidence that the community has the best possible protection against such perverts."

When contacted by the Belfast Telegraph, Mrs Robinson reiterated her views and said she was following Scriptures. "Can you think of anything more vile than man and man or woman and woman and sexually abusing children?" she told the Telegraph. "What I say I base on biblical pronouncements, based on God’s word. I am amazed that people are surprised when I quote from scriptures. It shows the churches either aren’t preaching God’s word or are watering it down. I cannot think of anything more sickening than a child being abused. It is comparable to the act of homosexuality. I think they are all comparable. I feel totally repulsed by both."

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating whether Mrs Robinson has committed any offence, such as incitement to hatred, after a string of complaints about her comments during the radio interview.

Gay men at risk from Hep C

The "Hep C" virus, which is transmitted through bodily fluids and displays few symptoms, is an "increasing problem" for gay men. The Hepatitis C Trust estimates that nine out of ten people infected with Hepatitis C don't even know that they are infected with the disease. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C. The disease is transmitted via blood to blood contact including sex, tattooing, sharing cocaine straws or notes and even sharing an infected person's razor or toothbrush.

Will Nutland, Head of Health Promotion at Terrence Higgins Trust, said, "Hepatitis C is an increasing problem for gay men. It can be the most damaging type of Hepatitis and even though it can have no symptoms for many years, in the longer term it can also cause cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and death. Until recently Hepatitis C was thought only to be transmitted through blood, and rarely through sex. However, many more gay men have been diagnosed with the disease recently and it is now thought that unprotected anal sex and fisting also transmit the virus."

For more information visit the Hepatits C Trust website: http://www.hepctrust.org.uk

Christian policeman takes Force to court for promoting diversity

A policeman is taking his bosses to an employment tribunal, claiming he was being harassed because of his Christian beliefs. In his tribunal, Constable Graham Cogman from Norfolk will argue that the police force has become "obsessed with inclusiveness to the detriment of those who adhere to Christian beliefs." He said he was ‘bombarded’ with gay posters and information about gay events, including an email from the senior officers encouraging staff to wear pink ribbons to mark Gay History Month. In response to this promotion of diversity within the force, Constable Cogman emailed a reply, quoting biblical texts suggesting that homosexuality was sinful. The following year an email encouraging staff to wear rainbow ribbons provoked him to claim that the gesture was "inappropriate, thoughtless and insensitive" because the rainbow flag "symbolised God’s faithfulness." He sent a liaison officer a five-page document about the symbolism, which included paragraphs criticising homosexuality.

At a disciplinary hearing, Cogman pleaded guilty - on advice from lawyers - to a breach of the police code of conduct and received the maximum fine, around £1,200 or 13 days’ pay. Further complaints were made when the policeman wrote on his computer screen: "Jesus is the light of the world, only the enemy kills, steals and destroys," and circulated a link to an American Christian helpline. PC Cogman said he was trying to help by offering a counselling service for people struggling with their sexuality. Complaints were made by other members of staff and PC Cogman was barred from using the internal message system.

Police media director Anne Campbell said: "The force will not tolerate any form of homophobic behaviour. While the force fully respects the officer has strong beliefs, it is only correct that he respects the beliefs and wishes of others. His behaviour fell well below the standard which we expect and his actions did not represent the professionalism of the 3,000-plus police officers and police staff who work for this organisation."

International Community News and Events

All we want is a civil marriage - gay couple

(Ireland) A gay Dublin couple has pleaded with the Government to give them the right to get married. Richard Lucey (40) and Paul Higgins (43) want to be able to tie the knot with a full civil wedding and they insist new legislation does not go far enough. The couple have spoken out in criticism of the Civil Partnership Bill, which gives limited recognition to same-sex couples. They said it does not go far enough and that Irish politicians still refused to accept this as "an issue of right and wrong".

Richard, a supply chain manager, and Paul (43), a music student, have the full support of family and friends and are not looking for the right to be married in a church. "We don't want that, the church is entitled to set its own rules," Richard said. "All we want is a civil marriage and over sixty percent of people in Ireland are happy with that. Marriage is how people show that they love each other and Paul and I do love each other very much. What we want is to have the same rights as everyone else.'' The couple have been together for 12 years and have lived at their Clontarf home for nine years. Richard said not being married had practical implications. "This becomes important when something goes wrong," he said. "If I got knocked down in the morning, Paul would have no legal right to visit me in the hospital. If either of us died, the other would have to pay inheritance tax on the house.

A campaign group, Marriage Equality, is encouraging all gay and lesbian couples to lobby politicians.

Reggae CDs under German Scrutiny for anti-gay lyrics

(Germany) The homophobic lyrics of several Jamaican reggae musicians have moved the German government to consider blacklisting them and restrict their sales and distribution. The CDs by Elephant Man and T.O.K. could be put on the "Index of Harmful Materials," which, while it would not censor the materials in Germany, would severely limit their advertising and marketing. The Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons will decide over the next several months if the music will be included on the index, the government said on 17 July in its response to a parliamentary inquiry. The index includes items such as media which glorify war and violence and are intended to induce hate.

Volker Beck, the leader of the Green Party parliamentary group, called on large Internet music sellers to already begin removing the CDs in question from their sales inventory. "Those in Jamaica who invoke hatred should not earn money with their music in Germany," he said on Thursday in Berlin.

Homosexual acts are punishable by law in Jamaica and many musicians from the Caribbean island are accused of promoting violence against gays and lesbians. In its travel advisory on Jamaica, the German foreign ministry reports that homosexuals are often the targets of assault.

"40 cross-dressing tourists" arrested in Dubai

(Dubai) Police in the Gulf state of Dubai have arrested 40 men in a crackdown on transvestites. It is unclear if any British men were arrested, though Dubai is a popular destination for UK tourists. Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, said in a statement on the Dubai Police website. "The 40 transvestites were referred to the Public Prosecution, which issued an administrative deportation order against them. All of those arrested were visitors and tourists and not residents. This is against the UAE's traditions and social values," he said.

Homosexual relations are still considered a crime and punishments range from jail to deportation and death penalty. Last year two men aged 35 and 18 were sentenced by a Dubai court to fifteen years in prison for raping a 15-year-old Western boy.

Gay Iranian granted refugee status by UN

A gay Iranian asylum seeker has been granted refugee status by the UN after eighteen months of campaigning. Kamal and Reza fled Iran for Turkey so they could start a life together without the fear of being punished for their sexuality. Kamal has been told he will be recognised as a refugee while Reza is hopeful he will receive notification soon. Kamal and Reza fled Iran and arrived in Turkey in December 2006.

Human rights groups claim up to 4,000 gay men and lesbians have been executed since the 1979 revolution in Iran. These are usually under the guise of honour killings, says a 2006 report released by LGBT activists OutRage! The Iranian Refugee Queer Organisation, which has backed Kamal and Reza's campaign, called the news of Kamal's refugee status "a testament to what the international community can achieve." After details of Reza and Kamal's case were reported by the international news media, the UNCHR received a plethora of emails urging them to act on behalf of the two asylum seekers.

Ugandan President claims homosexuality is "foreign culture"

(Uganda) The Ugandan President has spoken of his country's "rejection" of homosexuality during a speech he gave at the wedding of a former MP's daughter. Yoweri Museveni said the purpose of life was to create children and that homosexuality was a "negative foreign culture." The plight of Uganda's gay men and lesbians has been highlighted recently, with high profile asylum cases such as Prossy Kakooza championed by Peter Tatchell and LGBT equality groups.

In 2006 a Uganadan newspaper published a list of citizens they believed to be gay. The Red Paper printed 45 first names and professions of people believed to be homosexual men. During President Museveni's time in office LGBT Ugandans have been repeatedly threatened, harassed or attacked. Many have fled the country.

Fans mourn as lesbian singer Katie Reider dies aged 30

(USA) Cincinnati-born singer-songwriter Katie Reider, an out lesbian active in the LGBT community, has died from complications resulting from a two year battle with a rare facial tumour. Reider was just 30 years-old. She was diagnosed with a myofibroblastic inflammation tumour two years ago, which eventually left her unable to perform. Although recent chemotherapy treatments seemed hopeful, Reider died from a sudden brain haemorrhage early on the morning of July 14. At first doctors were able to stop the bleeding and Reider was scheduled for surgery in early August to remove the remainder of the tumour. Bleeding in Reider’s brain began again on Sunday, however, and she died while in transport to Beth Israel Hospital in New York City.

A member of OutMusic.com, Reider was a frequent performer at gay Pride celebrations and performed during her career with luminary musicians as Ferrick, Malone, Curtis, Antigone Rising, Ember Swift and Shawn Mullins. By 2006, Reider had already garnered thousands of fans nationwide and had done national spots on ABC television, Dawson’s Creek on WB and on Lifetime Television’s Strong Medicine.

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS

Drill Hall Theatre

The Drill Hall in association with Team Angelica presents –
Manoeuvres by Rikki Beadle-Blair

22 September 7.30pm Drill Hall 1 Tickets £5

For more information or to book, please call 020 7307 5060

The London Gay Men’s Chorus

There's No Place Like Homo!

Far From Kansas - A gorgeous group from the internationally acclaimed chorus perform an eclectic mix of stunning vocal arrangements. Enjoy beautiful singing, a free glass of bubbly and a liberal sprinkling of camp with the boys.

Edinburgh, Roxy Art House

Tickets: £8 Box Office: 0131 226 0000 Mon 18 - Sat 23 August, 11:30 pm

UCL Freshers Fayre

Thursday 25th and Friday 26th of September

The next Forum meeting will be on Tuesday, 6 August 2008 from 6.30pm at the 52 Club, 52 Gower Street WC1E 6EB.

Any items that Forum members would like raised on the agenda should be sent to forum.admin@camdenlgbtforum.org.uk. If you have any information you would like adding to the next newsletter - do let us know. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon,

Lou, Tessa and Liz
Camden LGBT Forum

Visit our website for more information, news and updates:
http://www.camdenlgbtforum.org.uk

Camden Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum is a registered charity no. 1107855
Company reg. no. 05132434. Registered in England. A company limited by guarantee.