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Month: November 2017

PREVIEW: ‘Coming Out’ exhibition reimagined for Birmingham showcase

Posted on by Besi

Coming Out, a major new exhibition at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) showcases over 80 modern and contemporary artworks by internationally renowned artists exploring themes of sexuality, gender and identity in art.

Running from Saturday, December 2, 2017 to Sunday, April 15, 2018, Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender & Identity, marks 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of male homosexual acts was passed in England and Wales (1967 Sexual Offences Act).

The exhibition aims to move the conversation on from the linear and binary ideas that have previously defined LGBT+ histories, instead considering sexuality and gender as non-binary concepts that include a spectrum of identities.

The selected works, the majority of which have been borrowed from the Arts Council Collection, aim to act as catalysts for the consideration and discussion of these subjects.

The exhibition was conceived by National Museums Liverpool, where it was on show at the Walker Art Gallery until November 5.

In Birmingham significant new loans will include sculptures by Sarah Lucas, prints by Margaret Harrison and photography by renowned Birmingham-based artist Vanley Burke.

These join paintings by David Hockney and Derek Jarman, photography by Sunil Gupta and Zanale Muholi and films by Steve McQueen, Isaac Julien and Charlotte Prodger.

Grayson Perry, Claire's Coming Out Dress, 2000, © the artist, image by Jerry Hardman-Jones, Nottingham City Museums & Galleries collection
Grayson Perry, Claire’s Coming Out Dress, 2000, © the artist, image by Jerry Hardman-Jones, Nottingham City Museums & Galleries collection
Grayson Perry, Who Am I 1996 © the artist. Image by Birmingham Museums Trust
Grayson Perry, Who Am I 1996 © the artist. Image by Birmingham Museums Trust

Two works by Turner-prize winning artist Grayson Perry will be presented together for the first time –  Claire’s Coming Out Dress (2000), and his ceramic pot Who Am I?(1996).

Both artworks provide an important insight into Grayson’s exploration of his own identity. From the coded symbols and personal dialogue in his ceramic pot of 1996, to the declaration of his transvestite public persona, Claire, in the intricately designed party dress from 2000, which he wore to mark his emergence as a transvestite to the art world. The addition of Grayson’s work ensures that the theme of gender expression in art and visual culture is prominently explored.

Further considerations of this theme include Chila Kumari Burman’s striking and colour saturated print ‘A Moment to Herself’ (2002) which questions society’s meaning of beauty through a vivid collection of images of beautifying objects, such as jewellery, make-up and lingerie found in her flat.

Sarah Lucas, Self-Portrait with Mug of Tea, 1993 © Sarah Lucas, courtesy Sadie Coles HQ, London
Sarah Lucas, Self-Portrait with Mug of Tea, 1993 © Sarah Lucas, courtesy Sadie Coles HQ, London

Coming Out continues with a strong representation of female artists, including seven works from Sarah Lucas’ iconic Self-Portrait Series (1990-98). These will be joined by two of Lucas’ satirical and striking sculptures, for which she is best known – Willy (2000), a sculpture of a plastic garden gnome covered in Marlboro Lights cigarettes and Nud Cycladic 7 (2010), an abstract and ambiguous combination of forms made using tan nylon tights which transcends gender. Lucas’ works explore her identity as a woman and sharply critique gendered stereotypes.

Other stand-out works include the film BRIDGIT (2016) by Charlotte Prodger who held her first solo museum exhibition in America this year. Shot on an iPhone, BRIDGIT, recently acquired by Arts Council Collection, is a narrated film by Prodger. In the film she shares her experiences of growing up, coming out and of her identity today.

Sunil Gupta, India Gate from the series ‘Exiles’, 1986-1987. Text with image Even if you have a lover you should get married and have children. Who would look after you in your old age. © Sunil Gupta courte
Sunil Gupta, India Gate from the series ‘Exiles’, 1986-1987. Text with image Even if you have a lover you should get married and have children. Who would look after you in your old age. © Sunil Gupta courte

The timely nature of this exhibition is powerfully explored in four photographs from Sunil Gupta’s series Exiles which illustrate the men he met at cruising sites in New Delhi in 1987. Gupta’s photographs have added poignancy today when the rights of LGBT+ communities in India have been threatened by 2017 Government legislation.

Gupta’s images join works by Birmingham-based photographer Vanley Burke, on display for the first time. These three photographic prints illustrate a Pride Demonstration in Wolverhampton in 1988 where protesters were challenging the Government’s now repealed Section 28 Act, which stated that a local authority should not intentionally promote homosexuality in publishing or teaching. Vanley’s documentation of this protest draws attention of LGBT+ histories in the West Midlands.

A gallery trail will accompany the exhibition and take visitors on an insightful journey of 25 artworks presented in nine of Birmingham’s fine art collection galleries. The trail will bring the show’s themes to life in new settings and raise awareness of the visibility of LGBT+ stories in museum collections.

Lisa Beauchamp, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “Coming Out marks a major moment for Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery as we highlight the importance of LGBT+ history on contemporary art, in this significant anniversary year.

“In devising Birmingham’s exhibition we have been fortunate enough to secure exciting new loans, which will make this a must-see exhibition for those who have already enjoyed Liverpool’s show and for those who will be completely new to it.”

Jill Constantine, Head of Arts Council Collection, added: “I’m delighted that this important show will travel to Birmingham and the new additions will further enrich the exhibition and allow us to see and celebrate the huge contribution to the visual arts made by the LGBTQ+ communities.”

Accompanying the exhibition will be an innovative learning and engagement programme facilitated by the Arts Council Collection National Partnership, in a dedicated space called FORUM. The events and activities have been developed by working in partnership with local artists and community groups.

Events include ‘An Intimate Tour with Breasts’, an outdoor walking tour exploring the multicultural mythologies surrounding breasts, Life Drawing with a Drag Queen, a Polari language class with artist Jez Dolan and a Drag King Makeover session.

The events and activities in FORUM aim to engender debate and discussion of topics which have previously been ignored by institutions in the past, and encourage people to have their say today.

The exhibition will launch on Saturday, December 2 with a free public event.

Partnering with SHOUT Festival of Queer Arts and Culture and Birmingham LGBT, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery will host a series of specially commissioned performances and activities to celebrate the opening of the exhibition.

Coming Out is a touring exhibition conceived by National Museums Liverpool, in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust as part of the Arts Council Collection National Partners Programme 2016 –19.

The exhibition follows several years of research by National Museums Liverpool which reveals concealed LGBT+ histories.

Event: Coming Out – Sexuality, Gender & Identity

Where: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH

When: December 2 – April 15, 2018

Opening Times: Exhibition opens on Saturday, December 2 with a public event from 1-4pm including performances, workshops and tours.
Sunday, December 3 – April 15: Monday – Thursday 10am – 5pm, Friday 10.30am – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm

Cost: Entry free

For more details, click here:

New film highlights toilet experiences of trans, disabled and Muslims

Posted on by Besi

A short animated film illustrating the trials and tribulations of accessing and using public toilets has received its premier in Sheffield.

The Toilet, a short animated film which is part of the Around the Toilet project, led by Dr Jen Slater from Sheffield Hallam University, weaves together personal accounts from transgender, disabled and Muslim people, who share their experiences of using public toilets in a society where some are made to feel welcome and others are not.

The official premiere, shown in Sheffield as part of the Festival of Social Science, follows preview events in Reykjavik and Glasgow, at the Scottish Queer International Film Festival.

The next screening will take place at the Manchester Animation Film Festival followed by a public release of the film in 2018.

 

Dr Jen Slater
Dr Jen Slater

Dr Jen Slater, a reader in disability studies and education at Sheffield Hallam, said: “We’re very excited about the film. Although it focuses on toilets, it in fact raises much bigger issues about who is included and excluded from public space, and who is valued in our society.

“Sharing our findings through film is a brilliant opportunity to bring important social and political issues to a wider audience through the stories of people who face this kind of marginalisation on a daily basis.”

All events at the ESRC Festival of Social Science are free.

For more information, click here:

 

PREVIEW: I AM THEY – screening of documentary by Fox and Owl Fisher

Posted on by Besi

I AM THEY – A non binary love story created by Fox and Owl Fisher will be screened at the Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton on Tuesday, November 28.

I AM THEY, one of the first full length documentaries focusing on non binary trans issues, follows the life of Fox and Owl, non binary trans activists and film makers.

Fox first came out as trans on the mainstream documentary, My Transsexual Summer, and has since then been a prominent voice for trans people in the UK.

Fox, a former student of the University of Brighton graduated in 2005 with a master’s degree in sequential design and illustration. The university recently recognised Fox’s significant contributions to raising the profile, both nationally and internationally, of issues affecting trans-people and the promotion of arts and media by awarding they with an Honorary Doctor of Arts in July 2017.

In the last few years, Fox and Owl have focused their efforts on bringing the conversation of non binary issues to the forefront. Owl is originally from Iceland and is one of the main spokespeople for trans people in Iceland and has taken active part in the European activist community through various organisations such as International LGBTQI Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) and Transgender Europe (TGEU).

This documentary tells the story of two people from two totally different backgrounds finding each other and not only finding deep love for one another, but also a passion for making change for non binary trans people.

The documentary is an exploration of what it is to be non binary as well as looking at some of the main issues that non binary people face in society. This includes gender recognition, language, social acceptance and even marriage.

Fox and Owl speak with various non binary people from across Europe, MPs from the British Parliament, prepare a protest wedding and push for legal change.

Originally based on Fox and Owl Can’t Get Married, a documentary made in partnership with Isabelle Dawson / Illuminate Films. The footage from that documentary has been incorporated to create I AM THEY.

Audience members will be invited to give their feedback on the documentary which is currently in its final edit. Following the screening, Fox and Owl will take part in a facilitated Q&A session.

This event is part of the University of Brighton’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

Event: I AM THEY – A non binary love story

Where: Sallis Benney Theatre, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton, BN2 0JY

When: Tuesday, November 28

Time: Doors open at 6.15pm, with the screening starting at 6.30pm. Following the 40 minute documentary, there will be a Q&A session of up to 30 minutes.

Cost: Free

To reserve place online, click here:

Bill pardoning gay men of historic ‘homosexual offences’ becomes law today in Scotland

Posted on by Besi

The Scottish Government’s Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) (Scotland) Bill becomes law today.

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon to apologise today for historic convictions of gay men
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon to apologise today for historic convictions of gay men

The bill provides a pardon for people who were convicted of the historical discriminatory ‘homosexual offences’ between men, which are no longer crimes. It also provides a way for people with these convictions to have them removed from their criminal records (called a ‘disregard’) so that they do not appear on criminal record checks for jobs and volunteer posts.

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, will make a statement of apology for these convictions in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.

Tim Hopkins
Tim Hopkins

Welcoming the bill, Tim Hopkins, Director of the Equality Network, said: “The bill and the First Minister’s apology are a hugely important statement that the Scottish Government acknowledges and regrets the discrimination of the past, and that Scotland is now committed to LGBT+ equality. Of course nothing that is done now can repair the damage caused by past discrimination, but we welcome that the bill spells out that these convictions were wrong and discriminatory, and reinforces that, by granting an automatic pardon to all those convicted.”

Following consultation with LGBT+ organisations in Scotland, the bill avoids two significant flaws with the similar legislation in the rest of the UK.

Firstly, the Scottish bill provides an automatic pardon to all people who were convicted in Scotland under these discriminatory offences, posthumously for those who have died, and to those who are still living. In contrast, the legislation for the rest of the UK does not provide the pardon to living people unless they specifically apply for it, and as a result an estimated 98% of those living with these convictions in the rest of the UK have not received the pardon.

Secondly, the Scottish bill covers all the offences that were in the past used in this discriminatory way, including where men were convicted for “importuning” – simply for chatting up other men. The legislation in the rest of the UK does not currently cover those convictions.

Tim Hopkins, added: “It has taken the Scottish Government a little longer to develop the legislation here, but that means there has been time to consult, and to learn from the debate about the way this operates in the rest of the UK. As a result, we have a significantly better bill.”

The disregard system in the bill enables people who have received the pardon to have their criminal record altered, which is important for those who work or volunteer in posts that require a records check.

James is a 47-year-old man who works in the health and social care sector. In 1990, he was prosecuted for kissing his partner in the street, and fined £150.

He recalls: “In 1990 at the age of 20 after leaving a night club in Glasgow a bit on the merry side, I was kissing my partner in the street. We were both approached by the police and arrested and later charged with intent to commit a homosexual act in a public place. At the time I was not out as being gay to my parents and really just coming to terms with my sexuality, so I thought rather than face the humiliation of going to court the easiest thing to do was to plead guilty by letter, not really understanding the ongoing consequences. Most of my working life I have worked in health and social care and find for every job I apply for, or internal promotion, yet again I have to be interviewed regarding my conviction and relive what happened now 27 years ago. Times have changed, and why should what happened 27 years ago still haunt me, for what was only a public display of affection and love for my partner of the time?”

The Equality Network estimates that the total number of these historical discriminatory convictions in Scotland runs into thousands, and that there are hundreds of men alive today with such convictions on their records.

Until 1981, all sexual activity between men was a criminal offence in Scotland.  Legislation in 1980 (which came into effect in 1981) decriminalised sex between men over the age of 21 (the age of consent for sex between men and women, or between two women, was then 16). In 1994 the age of consent for sex between men was reduced from 21 to 18, but it was not until 2001 that the discrimination was removed, by equalising the age of consent at 16.

Prior to these changes, men were prosecuted for activity with another man that would have been legal then between a man and a woman, and that is legal today between two men. This included consensual sexual activity in private, and acts such as kissing or chatting up another man in a public place.

Sex between women was never criminalised in this way in Scotland, and the same rules applied to it as applied for sex between a man and a woman.

In ConveRSAtion with Andrea Cornwall and Persia West

Posted on by Besi

Navigating the Masculine World. Andrea Cornwall and Persia West aim to initiate a true balance of power between women and men.

Andrea and Persia will bring together insights from their many years of work around gender and power, from international development to transgender insight, diversity and equality to meditation and expanded awareness.

Persia says: “The masculine and the feminine, has shifted but not been equalised in our shared world.

“Inequality in gendered power is still the norm. Changing external structures – laws, conditions, policies, and so on – has made a great difference, but clearly more needs to be done.”

This conversation is the coming together of two radical minds, a meeting of years of experience from different yet complementary angles. It’s about a recognition of elemental feminine power, clarity in perception, and how the fulcrum of change lies within us all. It’s about women, men, and others better navigating the masculine structures and forces that many feel disempowered within.

There will be a panel discussion and an opportunity to ask questions and explore these important issues.

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments, please let the team know: networks@rsa.org.uk

Let them know if you have any dietary requirements or severe allergies.

Andrea Cornwall FRSA is an activist bureaucrat, and Head of the School of Global Studies and Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Equalities and Diversity at the University of Sussex. Trained as a social anthropologist, she has worked for many years as a researcher and facilitator on questions of gender and sexuality, and on the use of participatory approaches to transform relations of knowledge and power.

Persia West FRSA is an international transgender and LGBT+ activist, speaker on human rights and diversity, a meditation teacher, writer and speaker on gender, identity, and power. Her background lies in many years of meditation, which brought a profound sense of her own self, and her shift in gender, which deepened her insights into the limitations of created female and male identity.

By registering for this event you agree to the sharing of your name, organisation and title and email address with the Fellow(s) and/or partner organisation(s) hosting this event.

Attendees also agree to the sharing of their name, organisation and email address with other delegates at the event so that they might contact you through MyRSA or by email.

If you do not wish this information to be shared, please let them know by emailing: networks@rsa.org.uk

Event: Navigating the Masculine World In ConveRSAtion, Andrea Cornwall and Persia West

Where: Conference Room, Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG

When: Monday, November 20

Time: 6-8pm

Cost: Free

To book place online, click here:

REVIEW: Roots, Shoots and Celestial Flowers: BREMF

Posted on by Eric Page

Roots, Shoots and Celestial Flowers

Musica Secreta and Celestial Sirens

Musica Secreta
Hannah Ely soprano
Katharine Hawnt and Nancy Cole mezzo sopranos
Caroline Trevor alto
Alison Kinder bass viol
Claire Williams organ

Celestial Sirens
Deborah Roberts and Laurie Stras directors

Although opening with a nod at Lynn Truss famous example of incorrect punctuation this was a pretty serious production of works rarely heard. The rise of the great convent choirs of Ferrara was shared in music from the 15th and 16th centuries with Musica Secreta celebrating the Virgin Mary in a range of sublime motets & choral works. The motet was one of the pre-eminent polyphonic forms of Renaissance music & here we explored music that has rarely been heard outside the convent.

The singers along with their choir, attired as nuns and silently drifting around the church from front of stage to the rear in the choirstalls presented works by Josquin, Gombert, de Rore and Willaert and we were treated to some carefully explored and extraordinary music probably composed by Lucrezia Borgia’s daughter, Leonora d’Este.

The Soprano and two mezzos gave some sublime and subtle performances across the evening and I found myself floating off into the ethereal vaults more than once as their voices combined and entwined in perfect harmony and sored into blissfulness.

Celestial Sirens are a South Coast-based semi-professional women’s voice choir, formed in 2002 by Musica Secreta director Deborah Roberts they performs plainchant and polyphony from six centuries of choral repertoire.

Musica Secreta have released a CD of this music that you can buy or find out more about here:

Friday, November 3, 8pm, St Paul’s Church, Brighton

See full details of the event here:

 

Win £500 cash prize at Queens Arms Got Talent

Posted on by Graham Robson

The Queens Arms Got Talent search for a star, hosted by Davina Sparkle kicks off on Tuesday, November 14 and every Tuesday thereafter.

Like its TV name sake, Britain’s Got Talent, Queens Arms Got Talent gives a platform to everyone, no matter what their talent, be they jugglers, magicians, dancers, comics or singer. If you can do the trick with ping-pong balls they definitely want to hear from you!

Davina Sparkle
Davina Sparkle

Contestants will be judged each week by two resident and one guest judge.

Elimination heats will take place every Tuesday until week 10, January 23, which will be the grand final, when the overall winner of the competition will take home the £500 cash prize.

Entry to the competition is £5 per person. For more information call John (07549 730886) or pop in and speak to the bar staff.

If you are entering as a singer prepare backing tracks for two songs.

 

Event: Queens Arms Got Talent hosted by Davina Sparkle

Where: Queens Arms, 7-8 George Street, Brighton, BN2 1RH

When: Each Tuesday evening starting November 14

Time: 8pm

Cost: £5 entry fee per performer

Prince Harry to attend opening of THT pop-up shop

Posted on by Besi

Prince Harry will attend the opening of the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), HIV pop-up shop in Hackney on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.

The shop marks the launch of National HIV Testing Week (NHTW), which the charity coordinates on behalf of HIV Prevention England (HPE).

It will be open from November 15 – 24, for people to take a free self-test home with them, which requires a simple finger-prick and gives the results within fifteen minutes. THT staff and volunteers will also be in the shop to provide information on HIV, prevention and support services available for those newly diagnosed as positive.

Ian Green
Ian Green

Ian Green, CEO, Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “It’s vital that we dispel the stigma that surrounds HIV-testing, and for people to recognise it as empowering.

“Self-testing is a new innovation and a quick, easy and private option for people to find out their HIV status. It’s an effective way to improve diagnosis and reduce new transmissions.

“This National HIV Testing Week, we’re asking people to give HIV the finger by getting tested and knowing their status. Because if you’re living with HIV, you need to know about it so you can protect your health through treatment and stop onward transmission of HIV. People who are diagnosed with HIV can live long healthy lives .

“We’re delighted that Prince Harry is attending the launch of our pop-up shop in Hackney, and we welcome his continued support of organisations that are fighting to end new HIV transmissions and the damaging stigma which continues to surround the virus.”

THT will reveal the exact location of the shop, which will be open seven days of the week, nearer its launch date via social media.

For more information about National HIV Testing Week, which runs from November 18 – 25, click here:

Shoreham panto support charity Christmas single for cancer charity

Posted on by Besi

LP Creatives, the team behind the sell-out pantomime at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham support the charity Cancer is a Drag with its new charity song release Christmas Time With You.

Cancer is a Drag is a registered charity (Reg. No. 1160129) who’s main aim is to provide financial and wellbeing support to people and their families living with cancer.

Set up by its Founder, Alan Bugg, whilst going through treatment on his own cancer journey, the charity was born out of first-hand experience of the difficulties people living with the disease face that are often overlooked.

Tom Beard, Producer of the show Dick Whittington and his Cat in Shoreham along with the shows Director Quintin Young and David Pollikett aka Davina Sparkle (pictures included) who will be playing Dame Sarah the Cook, decided that the song would make a great addition to the pantomime.

Tom says: “We will be making the song a part of the show at the Ropetackle and also holding a collection at the end of each performance – hopefully the audience will appreciate what we are trying to do and we can raise some much-needed funds for this worthy cause. Christmas is a time for thinking of others and giving something back – and what better time to spread some Christmas cheer than during a pantomime?”

“David and I are great supporters of the charity” Quintin adds “it’s ideal to combine this association and bring this great song in to this year’s Panto and we’re thrilled that Tony has given permission for us to include the song in this years pantomime and share this great song with the folks at Shoreham this season!”

Davina Sparkle plays Sarah the Cook
Davina Sparkle plays Sarah the Cook

The charity single was composed by Tony Power who has for many years written songs and singles for well-known artists around the world, including The Three Degrees, Eurovision Song Contest winning artists, Anne Marie David, Linda Martin and Niamh Kavanagh, also for pop stars Sonia, Nicki French, house legend Angie Brown, Hi-nrg star Evelyn Thomas and many more.

Last year Tony wrote a track for Brighton based Miss Jason, which raised substancial funds for them

Tony says: “This year, I am delighted to be involved with another charity, Cancer Is A Drag (CIAD) and we are looking to raise some more money for this charity who work so hard to raise funds for people who are going through difficult times, and are offered support with assistance,

“Maybe to help pay for travel expense to hospital for treatment, just little things that are so important when you don’t feel like doing anything except concentrating on getting better.

“So I was so happy to join forces with Alan Bugg and his wonderful team of workers, to get this Christmas project off the ground in time for Christmas this year. The song is called, Christmas Time With You it written and composed by myself, and we are hoping that it will be a great success for the charity.”

Christmas Time With You will be released on November 6, 2017.

The charity is run voluntarily by the goodwill of the founder and its Trustees – there are no salary costs. The only costs involved are expenses incurred in organising, setting up and carrying out fundraising events and the purchase of items needed for these events or to raise more funds and promote the charity such as t-shirts, pin-badges, flyers, banners and the like.

Grants up to £500 are available, depending on the circumstance and need of the beneficiary or their family. Money can go towards paying bills, mortgage, rent, for food, special clothing, travel to and from treatment, household items needed, a treat away or even towards a funeral.

Cancer is a Drag stay with their beneficiaries on their cancer journey and offer more than just a one-off grant by providing top-ups along the way. The whole process is very ‘hands-on’ and is completed in quite a relatively short period of time so as to cause the person involved the least stress possible.

To make a donation to Cancer is a drag or for information on how to apply for a grant, click here:

If you would like to volunteer in any way or can help with sponsorship email the Founder and Trustees at info@cancerisadrag.org

 

Event: Dick Whittington a traditional Christmas Pantomime

Where: Ropetackle Centre, Little High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5EG

When: December 13-31, 2017

Cost: Tickets from £10 – Family ticket £50 – any seat, any show

To book tickets online, click here:

Or telephone the Box Office: 01273 464440

 

Birmingham conference to tackle school bullying

Posted on by Besi

Academics, researchers and teachers will gather at Birmingham City University this month to explore new tactics and share evidence of what works when tackling bullying in schools.

The day-long Contemporary Research and Practice in Anti-bullying event will take place during Anti-Bullying Week on Wednesday, November 15 and will feature a series of high-profile speakers, including world-leading expert on school bullying Professor Peter Smith and Baroness Sal Brinton, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Bullying and Liberal Democrat Party President.

Debates and workshops will focus on different types of anti-bullying interventions, sexting, pupil-led anti-bullying strategies, bullying cultures in schools and the impact that bullying can have on young people, as well as ways of ensuring that schools are inclusive of LGBT+ communities.

Researcher Dr Elizabeth Nassem, from Birmingham City University’s Centre for the Study of Practice and Culture in Education, said: “The day will provide a great opportunity to share good practice and ensure practitioners feel confident and equipped with effective strategies to deal successfully with bullying.” 

Ben Cohen MBE
Ben Cohen MBE

Former England rugby player Ben Cohen MBE, founder of the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation has shown his support for the University event.

He said: “The anti-bullying conference at Birmingham City University brings communities of researchers and practitioners together to learn about the most effective ways to help eradicate bullying and homophobia” said Ben, who campaigns against bullying and homophobia through the work of his StandUp Foundation.

“Through standing up to bullying together we can make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Other speakers at the event include PC Simon Bolwell from West Midlands Police, Anna Gregory from Birmingham-based charity Peacemakers and Andrew Moffat MBE.

Andrew has worked on challenging homophobia in primary schools and was recently named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to equality and diversity in education.

The event takes place during Anti-Bullying Week which runs from 13 – 17 November, with the theme of All Different, All Equal.  The conference is in partnership with the Bullying Reduction Action Group and is supported by Birmingham City Council.

Colin Diamond, Corporate Director of Children and Young People at Birmingham City Council, said: “I am delighted that Birmingham City University is hosting this important conference in Anti-Bullying Week. We are proud of the excellent work that goes on in the city to help to prevent bullying in all its forms.”

To register and book your place, click here:

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