In 2017 the BBC is marking 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality.
The BBC is crowdsourcing photos, memories, film footage, historic documents, club flyers, outfits, protest banners, posters, music, diary entries and much more to help tell the story of LGBT+ life in Britain from 1967 – 2016.
They will be making an interactive crowd sourced archive of LGBT+ life and a BBC television series based around some of the stories, objects and memories contributed.
Is there something that has defined your life as an LGBT+ person over the last 50 years?
International Day of Hope and Remembrance for those affected by Hate Crime #IDOHAR
The 8th International Day of Hope and Remembrance will take place on Saturday October 15, 2016.
The first International Day of Hope and Remembrance was launched at the London Vigil against Hate Crime which took place on October 30, 2009 after the death of Ian Baynham who had been beaten and homophobically abused.
Over the past seven years the third Saturday of October has been established as a day when people around the globe organise solidarity vigils and events to show support to those who have been affected by Hate Crime.
The Brighton & Hove Solidarity Vigil, organised by the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF), will be held on Saturday October 15, 2016 near the Old Steine Fountain opposite Revenge, starting at 6.30pm sharp.
There will be guest speakers, live performances and warm drinks.
Billie Lewis
Billie Lewis, Chair of the LGBT CSF, said: “These events are important as they raise awareness and shine a spotlight on these terrible crimes that continue to be committed against LGBT people all over the world. We must all stand together and say no more.”
National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2016 will take place from October 8-15, 2016– #NHCAW
Michael Edwards will be stepping down as Chairman of the Martlets at the September AGM, upon completing his three year term of office.
Imelda Glackin Martlets CEO and Michael Edwards
In a farewell, note to the staff and volunteers at the hospice, Michael said:“I have derived such satisfaction from working with the staff, volunteers and fellow Trustees at the Martlets in supporting the essential work that takes place at the Hospice and in the Community, and have gained a tremendous appreciation of the work of hospices generally – it has been a wholly positive and valuable experience.
“Over the last two years we have been fortunate to appoint an excellent CEO, experienced individuals to the positions of Finance Director and Head of Income Generation, as well as five very enthusiastic Trustees who, along with the rest of the Leadership Team and Board, are committed to ensuring the Martlets continues to deliver its unique blend of high quality services and life changing hospice care to the people of Brighton and Hove.
The high regard in which the work of the Martlets is held by the local community, and the willingness of individuals to volunteer, and raise much needed funding, has been a constant source of inspiration during my time in post. I would like to wish Martlets, its staff and many supporters every success in the future.”
Imelda Glackin, CEO of the Martlets, said:“Michael has brought a wealth of skills and expertise to the role of Chairman of The Martlets. He has offered support and guidance to me in my role as CEO and provided structure and an enhanced focus on Governance to the Board of Trustees, which has been widely appreciated. I am extremely grateful for his energy and commitment during his term as Chair and on behalf of the LeadershipTeam, I would like to wish Michael every success in the future”.
The Martlets Board has established a Committee led by Christine d’Cruz to recruit the new Chairman. In the meantime, Kevin Smyth, Honorary Secretary to the Board, has assumed the role of Interim Chairman.
For more information about The Martlets, click here:
Groundbreaking HIV prevention campaign uses bold language to tackle the fear and stigma that stops people getting tested.
It Starts With Me – relaunches this week, using real voices to tackle fear head on to show how people can test and protect themselves against HIV.
Cary James
“Nowadays, the HIV situation is different than it was 20 years ago”,said Cary James, Head of Health Improvement Programmes at Terrence Higgins Trust.“Thanks to medical advances it doesn’t have to stop you living a full and active life. And we now know that if you’re on effective treatment, you cannot pass it on to others. This is huge news.
“That means our language around HIV must evolve and become more empowering and positive. We want to inspire people to test and protect themselves from HIV because it is the best thing they can do for their health and their community. We don’t want people to be afraid, we want them to be in control.”
Ads across press, social media, high profile billboards and public transport will include the words ‘I’m not afraid of HIV’, featuring real people such as Adam from Essex telling their personal stories.
Adam said:“It’s really annoying that people still have that stigma against HIV. People shouldn’t be scared to get tested because knowing you’ve got HIV is better than not knowing.”
The campaign is relaunching this month and aims to reach the most affected groups including gay men (and other men who have sex with men) and black African people.
Black Africans make up 2% of the UK population, but last year accounted for 1 in 5 of all HIV diagnoses.
Meanwhile, gay (and other men who have sex with men) account for an estimated 43% of those living with HIV in the UK, and more than half (55%) of all new diagnoses.
One in six people living with HIV do not know they have it – and are therefore likely to pass on the virus. On the other hand, those who get a positive result and get onto effective treatment cannot pass on HIV to others.
That means HIV is more likely to be transmitted from someone whose last test was negative, than someone living with HIV who is on effective treatment. The challenge is now to bust the stigma that stops people getting tested, according to experts.
Cary James added:“Everyone has the power to stop HIV, simply by getting tested, taking medication if they need it, and by protecting themselves. It starts with each one of us.”
The Sussex ME Society who care for those affected by ME or Chronic fatigue syndrome are holding a conference focusing on the treatment of the illness and current research at the Brighthelm Centre on October 6.
Local ME specialist Dr Alan Stewart will be introducing consultant neurologist Professor Leslie Findley who contributed to the World Health Organisation’s classification of ME as a neurological disorder and Dr Neil Harrison a clinical scientist from Sussex University who is carrying out a study funded by the Medical Research Council.
Jenny Seagrove
Actress, Jenny Seagrove, says:“The Sussex ME Society provide absolutely vital support to those people in society who suffer this debilitating and much misunderstood condition. At last research is being done into ME and also into the plasticity of the brain and nervous system, so perhaps hope will be allowed to shine its light into the darkness of some people’s lives”
ME can sometimes follow a viral infection or trauma and affects around 5,000 people across Sussex including members of the LGBT community.
Simon Kirby MP
ME Patron, Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, says: “As Patron of the Sussex ME Society, I welcome the upcoming conference focusing on the research and treatment of ME. This is something that I have supported for many years and I wish the organisers, medical professionals and patients all the very best for a successful event.”
The Sussex ME Society who care for those affected by ME or Chronic fatigue syndrome are holding a conference focusing on the treatment of the illness and current research at the Brighthelm Centre on October 6.
You must be logged in to post a comment.