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Day: June 13, 2018

24 hours left to vote in Golden Handbag Awards 2018

Posted on by Besi

Voting in the Golden Handbag Awards 2018 closes at midnight tonight, Thursday, June 14.

VOTING in sixteen of the twenty-three categories, including favourite club, favourite LGBT+ business, favourite entertainer, favourite small bar favourite music group is incredibly close with less than an average of twenty votes separating the top four places.

To register your vote, click here: and click on the Golden Banner at the top of the Gscene website.

Winner will be announced at the Golden Handbag Show in the magnificent surroundings of the Oxford Suite at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on Sunday, July 1 at 7.30pm.

Artists appearing include Drag With No Name, West End lead Lascel Wood, star of Transformation Street Mzz Kimberley and stars of BBC TV’s All Together Now, and biggest girl group in the land, The Sundaes.

Hosted by Lola Lasagne, the Golden Handbag Awards, now in their 22nd year, celebrate everything fabulous and supportive about Brighton’s LGBT+ communities while recognising the magnificent work done by volunteers during the year in LGBT+ Brighton & Hove.

All VIP tables are sold out, but Prowler in St James Street have a handful of tickets at £20 each on the public tables. Tickets must be collected in person and paid for in cash as Prowler do not charge a booking fee. To check availability telephone 01273  603813.

Higher mental health risk for rural LGBT+ teachers

Posted on by Besi

New research shows those working in isolated areas are much more likely to suffer.

LGBT+ TEACHERS working in rural areas are far more likely to suffer mental health problems than those based in urban schools, according to new research conducted by Anglia Ruskin University.

An anonymous online survey reveals that more than half of LGBT+ teachers in village schools have accessed help for depression and anxiety linked to their sexual identity and role as a teacher, compared to 11% in cities and 14% in towns. 46% of LGBT+ teachers in rural areas have been absent from work as a result, compared with only 5% of teachers in towns and cities.

More than 40% of teachers identifying as LGBT+ in village schools think that their sexual or gender identity has been a barrier to promotion, compared to 15% in urban or suburban schools.

Almost a third of teachers in rural schools cited homophobia or heteronormativity as the reason for leaving a role, compared to 17% of urban teachers. A similar percentage of teachers in rural schools (31%) reported hearing homophobic language used every day.

The survey, consisting of responses from more than 100 teachers, also revealed concerns about how headteachers support their LGBT+ teachers, either through not challenging abuse, advising teachers against revealing their sexuality, or through not promoting LGBT+ teachers to positions of leadership.

Dr Catherine Lee, Head of the Department for Education and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin, carried out the research.

Dr Catherine Lee
Dr Catherine Lee

She said: “It is clear that teachers identifying as LGBT+ in rural areas find their professional lives much tougher than those based in cities. The number who have been absent from work or sought help for anxiety or depression is extremely worrying.

“What causes these stark differences is unclear but I would urge policy makers to take heed of this research and take action to protect teachers in village schools where perhaps attitudes to LGBT+ people are more conservative, and where they may lack adequate support through services and peer networks.”

The research was presented at the inaugural LGBT Ed conference in London earlier this month.

Tatchell In Russia for LGBT+ rights

Posted on by Besi

Peter Tatchell stands in solidarity with LGBTs and human rights defenders in Russia.

LGBT+ and Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell is in Moscow to protest at the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking from the Russian capital Mr Tatchell, who was badly beaten by neo-Nazis in Moscow in 2007 while the police stood by and watched, said: “I am here in Moscow to call out FIFA over giving the 2018 World Cup to a human rights-abusing country like Russia and FIFA’s failure to tackle homophobia and racism by football leagues, clubs, players and fans.

“It is appalling that this tournament is being held in a country where gay football fans are openly threatened that they will be hunted down, beaten and stabbed.

“FIFA has recklessly given the World Cup 2022 to Qatar where the human rights abuses are even worse.

“There can be no normal sporting relations with an abnormal regime like that of Vladimir Putin. LGBT+ people suffer state-sanctioned persecution and vigilante violence.

“LGBT+ Pride parades have been banned for 100 years in Moscow. Publicly advocating LGBT+ equality or giving affirmative advice to LGBT+ young people is a crime.

“I am fearful of arrest and violent attack but undeterred. Inspired by the campaigning and heroism of Russian LGBTs, I’m acting in solidarity with their battle for equal human rights.  

He added: “Most LGBT+ people in Russia are too afraid to openly protest against their persecution. They fear arrest and being beaten by extremists. I am here in solidarity with their freedom struggle. I salute and support them.

“I am not telling Russians what to do. I’m supporting Russian LGBT+ advocates and human rights defenders. They want President Putin to uphold Russia’s constitution and its international human rights obligations, such as the European Convention on Human Rights, which Russia signed and pledged to uphold.”

Mr Tatchell has been to Russia five times over recent years to support LGBT+ campaigners who were attempting to hold a LGBT+ Pride parade and festival: 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Each time, these events were suppressed by the authorities, sometimes violently. He was arrested twice and beaten almost unconscious once in 2007.

Proud2Be twin comes out as trans woman

Posted on by Besi

Co-founder of Devon-based social enterprise Proud2Be, comes out as a trans woman, in website blog post.

Jae
Jae

THE news comes 7 years after Jae and her identical twin Max founded the organisation by recording a short video, explaining how they are both proud to be part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans+ (LGBT+) communities. Since then several high-profile figures have contributed to the campaign including Stephen Fry.

As well as running the campaign, Proud2Be facilitates various groups and events throughout the year, including Totnes Pride. They also deliver awareness training and provide a variety of volunteer opportunities and are currently campaigning to install Europe’s first permanent rainbow crossing in Totnes.

Co-founder Jae said: “I want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved with Proud2Be for the support I have received since coming out as trans. I recognise that I am in a very privileged position to be in a job that I know is secure and to be surrounded by people who care for me and are excited as I continue to live authentically. I am fully aware that not all trans people experience this level of support and as Proud2Be moves into its 8th year, I am reminded how important it is to continue creating safe spaces where all LGBT+ people are embraced.”

To celebrate, Proud2Be are hosting a disco fundraiser. The disco will be held on Saturday, June 23 2018, 8pm-midnight at The Barrel House in Totnes, with DJ sets from Madame Souza and Rhi Rhythm. Tickets available on the door are £7. The event is open to everyone (16 and over).

Co-founder Max said: “I am so proud of Jae and am extremely thankful to all the people who continue to support both of us. Proud2Be wouldn’t be where it is today, without the passion and energy of its volunteers, members and supporters. The disco is a great way for the whole community to come together to celebrate. It has been a privilege to share the last 7 years with you – here is to the next 7!”

For more information about Proud@Be, click here:

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