Day: October 31, 2012

Police arrested human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell when he unfurled a West Papuan flag as the President of Indonesia’s limousine departed Westminster Abbey this afternoon.

Tatchell was wrestled to the ground by the President’s bodyguards and then arrested by Metropolitan Police officers. Peter had been planning to attempt a citizen’s arrest of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who stands accused of human rights violations.

Peter, director of the Peter Tatchell Human Rights Foundation, said:

“The President stands accused of war crimes in East Timor and West Papua.”

“It is appalling that the Royal Family and the Prime Minister are hosting a man who is implicated in mass murder.

“I was arrested for a peaceful, lawful protest, which involved nothing more sinister than holding a flag. I was also threatened with further charges for “shouting loudly” the words “Free West Papua” and for what one police officer described as “pointing your finger at me in a way that I find intimidating.”

“I am saddened that some police officers apparently have no respect for freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.

“I was detained unlawfully and deprived of my liberty for two hours. After being taken to Charring Cross police station, I was eventually released without charge. Clearly, the police knew they had over-stepped the mark and that the charges against me were baseless.”

The Diversity Role Models (DRM’s) charity has raised over £76,000 at its first ever major fundraising event. High profile personalities and stars gathered at Paramount on Thursday, October 25 to support the inaugural fund-raising carnival and auction held by the leading anti-bullying charity, Diversity Role Models.

The star-studded event included performers such as Boy George, Sue Perkins, Philip Salon, Jodie Harsh and Harry Derbridge; actors such as Charlie Condou, Sophie Ward and Sarah Parish; and authors, Stella Duffy and Shelley Silas.

The highlight of the evening was when Alison Moyet took to the stage to perform a live set of some of her best-loved songs.

Hosted by DRM’s new chair, Simon Blake OBE, and chief executive, Suran Dickson, the evening featured celebrity hosted carnival stalls, including a Spin ‘n’ Win and the Diversity Role Models’ Glambola, and a stunning auction of over 10 prizes conducted by Christoper Biggins.

The auction lots included:
• A unique ceramic dog created and donated by Grayson Perry
• A day at the races with Clare Balding
• Afternoon tea at Claridges with Downton Abbey’s Lady Mary
• A swimming or dancing lesson with Olympian, Mark Foster
• A night at Bafta with Sophie Ward
• Night wave crashing 2012, an oil painting by Maggi Hambling
• Dinner or a personal training session with Ben Cohen
• A visit to Howard Hodgkin’s studio, hosted by Mr Hodgkin himself
• The chance for the winning bidder to be a named character in a new Patrick Gale novel.

By the end of the evening, the guests had raised a grand total of over £76,000 to support the growth of Diversity Role Model’s work in schools across the UK.

Suran Dickson, the Chief Executive of Diversity Role Models, said:

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown to Diversity Role Models at our Carnival, which will enable us to expand our full-time staff and accelerate our ambitious plans to offer our life-changing pro-diversity, anti-homophobic workshops to pupils in schools across the UK. My final spur to creating the charity was the suicide of fifteen-year old Dominic Crouch who had been subjected to homophobic bullying by his schoolmates; it is only when tragic cases like this no longer occur that we will rest.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in organising our Carnival for their time freely given in support of our cause.”

Alison Moyet commented:

“To support Diversity Role Models is to support our children. Every family is diverse and every child has the right to grow into their own shape without intimidation or humiliation. At the Carnival we all felt the joy of acceptance. Not a big ask for any young person. I am very proud to be associated with Diversity Role Models.”

In previous years, Oxford Pride has supported a local charity with a donation given at their AGM.

This year, they have decided to expand their support of LGBT causes, focusing not only locally, but also nationally, and internationally.

Oxford Pride’s theme this year is ‘Not There Yet’ and the charities they have chosen to support all fit with this theme. Whilst the LGBT community may enjoy a lot of freedom and rights in the UK, there are a large number of countries around the world where this is not the case. By expanding support to charities who work internationally to support LGBT people in countries where they face criminal conviction, and harsh punishment, Oxford Pride hopes to raise awareness of the issues still faced by the wider LGBT community.

Dave Legg, chair of Oxford Pride, said:

“I am very pleased that Pride is supporting three very valuable and worthwhile causes this year, all of which fit well with our theme and aims.”

Locally, Oxford Pride will be supporting Oxford Friend, a free and completely confidential information, support and counselling service for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people. Oxford Friend has been running continuously since 1980 and help individuals with things that may be worrying them or that they just want to talk through. People  for many different reasons. They may be unsure of, or worried about, their sexuality. They may be having problems at work, or they may be having difficulties in their relationships with friends, family or partners.

Nationally, the Committee have selected a charity which does very valuable work supporting young LGBT people who are made homeless, or live in a hostile environment. Whether they are experiencing domestic violence, or have been kicked out of their home for coming out to their family, the Albert Kennedy Trust works to support them. The Trust’s mission is to ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes, by providing a range of services to meet the individual needs of those who would otherwise be homeless or living in a hostile environment.

Internationally, Oxford Pride have chosen an organisation founded by one of their Patrons, Peter Tatchell. His Foundation seeks to promote and protect the human rights of individuals, communities and nations, in the UK and internationally, in accordance with established national and international human rights law. Oxford Pride were lucky enough to host Peter Tatchell on their stage at Oxford Pride 2012, and are pleased to be able to support his foundation over this coming year.

Oxford Pride is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life in Oxfordshire. Events supporting or arranged by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBT issues and lifestyle through providing information, education and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment.

Oxford Pride is a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life in Oxfordshire. Events supporting or arranged by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBT issues and lifestyle through providing information, education and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment.

Oxford Pride 2013 will be taking place from May 31 to June 9, with the field event on Saturday, June 8.

For more information view:
www.oxford-pride.org.uk