Guevara pledges new ‘social’ approach to insurance and sponsor the charity’s new choir, RISE up singing.
RISE offers practical help to people affected by domestic abuse in the form of advice, refuge space and education. Each year the charity helps over 1,800 women in Sussex and their families to recover and rebuild their lives.
The new choir will be drawn from RISE’s network of service users, staff, volunteers and the charity’s loyal supporters. The sponsorship is part of Guevara’s ongoing commitment to supporting tight-knit community groups in Brighton.
Guevara co-founder Rich Philip, said;“RISE does such brilliant work in the local community, working tirelessly to provide refuge space for those most in need.
“Collaboration is what we’re all about, our entire business model is based on communities working together to share both risk and reward. So we jumped at the chance to help a charity that does such amazing work in Brighton.”
RISE up singing musical director, Kirsty Martin, added;“Singing raises endorphins, builds and bonds community, is good for physical, mental and emotional health. It’s brilliant to receive this support from Guevara, their sponsorship will really help get RISE up signing off the ground.”
For more information on fundraising for RISE, or to make a donation to the charity, click here:
please visit the website www.riseuk.org.uk. For more information about Guevara’s new disruptive insurance model – which launched in Brighton this summer – visit the Guevara website www.heyguevara.com.
Bear-Patrol hold their annual bring and buy sale at the Queens Arms this Saturday, September 19.
All profits from the sale will go directly to The Sussex Beacon who offer specialist care and support for men, women and families affected by HIV. The Beacon is open 365 days a year, and helps people manage the everyday realities of living with this life-long condition that has no cure.
If you have anything you wish to donate you can take it along on the day.
The bar will also be open from 11 o’clock onwards to enable you to purchase a drink whilst you browse through the items.
£50,000 donated to All Out for their campaigning efforts across the world, rest is available for global LGBT groups to apply for grants of up to £10,000, via Lush.co.uk.
The Love Soap, printed with #GayIsOK, launched in Lush stores on June 25, 2015 and was sold until the end of July.
Lush customers and All Out members took to social media to post ‘selfies’ with their personal messages about why they support equality.
Though around 80 Lush shops around the world were unable to participate due to anti-gay legislation, over 100,000 soaps were sold – raising £275,000 in profits for a Love Fund that will be distributed as grants to grassroots groups across the world fighting for rights, equality and acceptance.
To read a selection of #GayIsOK social media posts, from Japan to Italy to South Korea, click here:
LGBT equality work, especially in the places where it is most needed, is massively underfunded. The Love Fund wants to attract applications from groups working in areas where anti-LGBT laws are harsh and extreme and where funding is in short supply. It aims to reach out to any groups who are trying to bring the focus of society, governments and legislators onto this topic.
£50,000 will be donated outright to All Out for their worldwide campaigning efforts. The rest will go into a fund where LGBT groups can apply for grants of up to £10,000 that will be distributed later this year. A Love Fund Panel is currently being assembled to look at all the applications from LGBT groups and allocate grants.
Andre Banks
Andre Banks, Executive Director and co-founder of Allout, an organisations with over 2 million members, said: “Time and again we’ve seen how, with enough resources, activists do incredible work to change laws and shift hearts and minds towards full equality.”
“Too often, activists are isolated and underfunded, but the #GayIsOK campaign has brought a massive new audience to their work and also crucial funds to help them succeed.”
Alessandro Commisso
Alessandro Commisso from Lush (@alecommy), added;“Thousands of Lush customers, All Out members, VIPs and allies of the LGBT community told the world that #GayIsOK and made this an epic campaign! By purchasing the Love Soap they have given us their trust (and their money) to fund grassroots charities and continue to support LGBT rights as human rights, especially where life is not all glitter.”
The timing of the #GayIsOK campaign from All Out and Lush coincided with the historic 1969 Stonewall riots in NYC which marked the start of the LGBT Rights movement.
In just a few days, as a direct result of the campaign, over 30 million people were reached globally with messages of love and equality, denouncing that in 75 countries it’s still a crime to be gay. An additional 40 million more adopted the hashtag after the US Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality came down 24 hours after the campaign launch.
The deadline to apply for a greant of upto £10,000 is October 31.
For information about how LGBT groups can apply for grants, click here:
MindOut BAME workshops for Black History Month will launch on World Mental Health Day.
October 10 sees the first part of MindOut’s course for LGBTQ people who are BAME (Black, Asian and/or Minority Ethnic).
Facilitated by BAME LGBTQ people with lived experience of mental health issues, this course will provide a safe, supportive place for BAME LGBTQ people to explore what mental health means to them, to offer mutual support and identify ways to improve their wellbeing.
The course will run on October 10 and October 24 and participants are encouraged to go to both sessions.
The ASDA store at Brighton Marina has included the M.E. Society in their green token charity scheme for all of September.
If you shop at this ASDA remember to grab some tokens at the checkout and put them in the collection container near the exit.
Colin Barton
Colin Barton, Chair of the Sussex charity, said; “Many thanks to Asda for supporting M.E. which every year affects more and more people. Please put your green tokens in the relevant container to support the M.E. Society because this can raise many hundred of pounds for the charity.”
For more information about M.E. Society, click here:
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) issues revised guidelines to improve the handling of discrimination complaints, as well as a set of key principles to help police forces improve the accessibility of the complaints system.
The publication of the IPCC’s revised Guidelines for handling allegations of discrimination follows a number of critical reports by the IPCC, which found significant failings in the way that four forces carried out such investigations and engaged with complainants.
The Guidelines will assist police to properly and effectively handle allegations of discrimination, including discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, religious belief, age, or disability. A series of training workshops for police professional standards departments are being held by the IPCC across the country to support the roll-out of the guidelines.
Dame Anne Owers
Dame Anne Owers, Chair of the IPCC, said:“It is crucial for public confidence in the police and the police complaints system that allegations of discrimination are handled properly. Fairness is a core principle underpinning the concept of policing by consent, and unfair or unlawful discrimination fundamentally undermines this principle.
“In drawing up this guidance, we have listened to people who have experienced discrimination firsthand and to groups who have supported people to make complaints about discrimination. We have also consulted the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the College of Policing and police forces. This has given us a valuable insight into how to improve the way complaints involving discrimination are handled.
“This clear, practical guidance sets the standards that complainants, families and communities should expect when allegations of discrimination are made.”
Nik Noon, Chief Executive of Galop, London’s LGBT anti-violence & abuse charity, said:“In the main police forces provide a good service to LGBT communities. But too many LGBT people still face problems of inconsiderate, inappropriate or outright homophobic, biphobic or transphobic treatment, often at exactly the moment when they most need assistance. It is essential that officers get their response right at the critical moments when their actions can help or harm individuals and communities.
“We welcome this excellent guide and see it as a valuable tool in supporting police forces tackle the minority of officers who act in a discriminatory manner and hope it will be used to build momentum in positively responding to diversity among the communities they serve.”
Alongside the discrimination Guidelines, the IPCC has also published a set of key principles to help police forces improve accessibility to the complaints system.
The IPCC reviewed information on force websites and other sources of information to see how well forces made this information available to the public, and how they support complainants with specific needs.
The review found a lack of consistent good practice. Some of the information online and in police stations was inaccurate, difficult to understand or inaccessible, and there was little use of social media. Some forces did not accept complaints from people in police custody.
Dame Owers added;“We have consistently heard from the public that access to the police complaints system needs to improve. The aim of these principles is to ensure that people who are dissatisfied with the service they have received are better able to make a complaint. This in turn will increase levels of confidence in the complaints system and in policing itself.”
The IPCC is working with forces and the College of Policing to ensure that the discrimination guidelines and the accessibility principles are embedded in police complaints processes, guidance and training.
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon named Politician of the Year at first Scottish LGBTI Awards – other winners included Lorraine Kelly, the Gay Police Association, STV and Derek Ogg QC.
Four hundred guests, including the First Minister, leaders of the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Greens, politicians, journalists, community groups and organisations from across the public and private spheres attended the inaugural Scottish LGBTI Awards ceremony at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow last night (September 10).
The awards celebrated people and groups who have made important contributions to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights in Scotland during the past year.
The red carpet event was hosted by comedienne Karen Dunbar and organised by the Equality Network, Scotland’s national LGBTI equality and human rights charity.
Scott Cuthbertson
Scott Cuthbertson, of the Equality Network, said;“It was absolutely wonderful to be celebrating the achievements of Scotland’s LGBTI community at the first Scottish LGBTI Awards. The past year has been an amazing year for LGBTI equality so it was inspiring to celebrate how far we have come since decriminalisation in 1980 with so many supports and allies of equality while looking to the future and talking about the challenges LGBTI people still face.”
“Equality is won in inches and not in miles, so it was great to recognise and celebrate all the people working so hard in communities, workplaces, schools, services and in our Parliament, each contributing to huge progress and change for LGBTI people in recent years”
Winners across the fifteen categories and two special awards were:
♦ Politician of the Year: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon – The politician who has contributed most to LGBTI equality and human rights in Scotland during the past year – sponsored by Scotland on Sunday
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said; “To receive the Politician of the Year Award is a massive honour.
“The last year has been momentous for Scotland and for the history of LGBTI equality with the introduction of one of the most progressive pieces of legislation in the world on same sex marriage. Since the legislation came into force, more than 1,200 same sex marriages have taken place in Scotland. This reaffirms that our nation is absolutely committed to the same rights for all our citizens. The introduction of same sex marriage in Scotland is proof of that commitment.
“The Scottish Government is working for a more equal society which values Scotland’s diverse communities and the important role they play in enriching Scotland socially, culturally and economically.”
Lorraine Kelly: Journalist of the Year
♦ Journalist of the Year: Lorraine Kelly, journalist, ITV – Recognising the journalist that has made a significant contribution to LGBTI equality in Scotland – sponsored by Pink News.
Lorraine said; “I am so delighted to win this award would like to thank my fellow nominees who have done so much to help break down barriers.
“It was a fabulous evening. Karen Dunbar was a hilarious and passionate host and it is always a joy to watch Horse performing. She’s just one of the best singer songwriters Scotland has ever produced. It’s really simple as far as I’m concerned. Everyone who comes on my show is treated exactly the same. I believe everyone is equal, everyone is of value and should have the chance to be themselves and to be happy. I don’t understand why anyone would object to two people wanting to get married, declare their love for each other and have a right good party. There’s still a one way to go but we are getting there.”
♦ Media Outlet of the Year: STV (News & The Riverside Show) – Recognising the media outlet that has made a significant contribution to LGBTI equality in Scotland.
♦ Event of the Year: The legalisation of same-sex marriage in Scotland – Recognising the best event which has increased equality, or raised awareness of LGBTI issues.
♦ Outstanding Campaigner Award: Mridul Wadhwa – The best individual campaigner who has worked for change or inclusion.
♦ Community Group of the Year: Ayrshire LGBTQ from Ayrshire – Recognising the LGBTI Community Group which has excelled in the past year – sponsored by Pride Glasgow.
♦ Culture Award: The Glasgay! Festival – Recognising outstanding LGBTI achievement and inclusion in the arts.
LGBT Unity Scotland
♦ Diversity Award: LGBT Unity Scotland – Recognising diversity in the LGBTI community and initiatives which have sought to involve diverse identities – sponsored by LGBT Youth Scotland.
♦ Equality Initiative of the Year:LGBT Health & Wellbeing Age Capacity Building Project – The award for the innovative Scottish campaign, initiative or action which has raised awareness or affected change.
♦ Public Body Initiative of the Year: Judicial Institute for Scotland – Our public services have huge influence on change here in Scotland. This award recognises their work – sponsored by UNISON Scotland.
Pride House Glasgow
♦ Sports Award: Pride House Glasgow – The individual, group or initiative which has sought to improve LGBTI inclusion in Scottish sport.
♦ Staff Network of the Year: Gay Police Association Scotland.
♦ Student Group of the Year: Glasgow University LGBTQ+ – Recognising Scotland’s outstanding LGBTI student group – sponsored by Humanist Society Scotland.
♦ Venue of the Year: The Waterloo Bar – The venue in Scotland which should be recognised for its services to LGBTI people and communities – sponsored by the Atholl Palace Hotel.
♦ Youth Group of the Year: Beyond Gender – This award recognises an outstanding youth group for their work.
♦ Lifetime Achievement Award: Derek Ogg
♦ Friend for Life: Anne and Joe Patrizio – Parents Enquiry Scotland
For a full list of winners and photographs, click here:
New research reveals children with learning disabilities are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation than other children, facing additional barriers to their protection and to receiving support.
This issue is particularly hidden because few children with learning disabilities meet high thresholds for support from services. There is also limited awareness that young people with learning disabilities are sexually exploited.
Unprotected, Overprotected reveals that significant numbers of children with learning disabilities are not being adequately protected from sexual exploitation because of the false perception that they do not need sex and relationships education or accessible information about how to keep safe online and in the community.
The research also reveals that significant numbers of children with learning disabilities are not being adequately protected due to a worrying lack of specialist services and a failure to implement existing national and local policies.
The report, which was commissioned by Comic Relief, and undertaken by Barnardo’s, The Children’s Society, British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD), Paradigm Research and Coventry University, calls on governments in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to ensure that accessible and relevant sex and relationship education is made available to children and young people with learning disabilities.
The research highlights the need for more training for professionals and for services to work together to better prevent, identify and provide effective support for these children. Support for parents and awareness raising in the community is also crucial to making sure that children with learning disabilities are kept safe from sexual exploitation.
Javed Khan
Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan, said; “No-one wants to believe a child with learning disabilities could ever be exploited in this way, but it is happening all over the UK.
“A lack of awareness of the needs of these vulnerable children is playing into the hands of perpetrators of sexual exploitation.
“Professionals working with children must get training to recognise the risks faced by children with learning disabilities and help them to stay safe.”
To read the report Unprotected, Overprotected, click here:
The latest issue of The Pink Humanist, the quarterly magazine published by the UK charity the Pink Triangle Trust is now available to read on-line.
The issue coincides with a root-and-branch makeover of the website.
Readers can now access articles in three ways:
♦ by reading the magazine itself online
♦ by downloading it as a pdf document, or
♦ by accessing individual articles on the home page.
To download as a pdf document, go to Archived Issues then Back Issues and put the cursor on any cover. In the top left corner you will see click here to download pdf.
The latest issue introduces a new influential patron to the Pink Triangle Trust, Sophie in ’t Veld, MEP, a vocal champion of LGBT rights and an outspoken European secularist.
Other items include Stuart Hartill’s report of Peter Tatchell’s recent visit to the Isle of Man where he urged politicians to stop dragging their feet over an equality bill; news of a new documentary exposing the hateful activities of Western evangelicals in Uganda and a profile of ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, now a leading Swedish humanist.
In Allen Ginsberg, my hero The Pink Humanist editor Barry Duke tells how the American beat poet set him on a lifelong mission to combat censorship, and Brett Humphreys’ review of Amiable Warriors details how Peter Scott-Presland set about writing a history of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE).
Diesel Balaam’s review of The Holy Mark makes for compelling reading, as does the late Geoffrey Palmer’s piece “You don’t have to be sad to be gay”, written when he was 92.
To read the latest and past issues of The Pink Humanist, click here:
It will be anchors away for Actually Gay Men’s Chorus (AGMC) tenor and international sailing official, Alan Baser at the end of October.
Alan Baser in Rio
Alan is embarking on his most prestigious role to date, taking the helm as Chief Umpire at the ISAF Sailing World Cup final in Abu Dhabi, October 27 to November 1.
The final is the culmination of major sailing events that have taken place around the world over the past year, from Melbourne to Miami and will bring together the top 20 boats in each of the chosen categories for the 2016 Olympic competition, as well as an Open Kiteboarding event where the World Cup Champions will be crowned.
Alan 36 is no stranger to officiating at international events. As an ISAF International Umpire for 6 years and International Judge for 5 years he has been actively involved in all the major sailing events, World Match Racing Tour, London 2012, numerous World Championships and has recently returned from Rio where he has been a member of the International Jury for Rio International Sailing Regatta, a test event in preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Hailing originally from Plymouth, Alan who has sung with Actually Gay Mens Chorus for 4 years and worked at the University of Brighton since 2003 is understandably very excited and proud about his role as international mainstay.
He said;“The Sailing World Cup and the Olympics are the pinnacle events for this discipline of sailing and to be asked to be chief umpire at the Sailing World Cup is a great honour and something that I’ve been working towards for a very long time. With the top 20 sailors for each Olympic discipline taking part there will be very tough competition, which for me, leading a group of 8 international umpires and having to deliver instant decisions on the water to the worlds best sailors, will be challenging but very exciting.”
Following the World Cup and with his feet back on dry land, although his sights will be firmly set on Rio 2016, Alan is also looking forward to changing tack to rehearse and perform with friends from AGMC for a very exciting tenth anniversary year.
You can follow Alan’s progress on Twitter @Alanbaser
To see some of Alan’s photographs from his time umpiring and upcoming events for the Chorus, click here:
The Love Soap, printed with #GayIsOK, launched in Lush stores on June 25, 2015 and was sold until the end of July.
The latest issue of The Pink Humanist, the quarterly magazine published by the UK charity the Pink Triangle Trust is now available to read on-line.
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