menu

Inquiry launched into impact of pandemic on people with protected characteristics

As the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the world, the UK government’s Women & Equalities Committee is seeking information about its impact on people with protected characteristics under the Equality Act.

These include: age, disability, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation and gender reassignment.

The committee also wants to hear about the measures being taken to tackle this impact, following concerns expressed by the Equality & Human Rights Commission, among other organisations.

The committee wants to hear your views. We welcome submissions from anyone with answers to the questions in the call for evidence. You can submit evidence until Thursday 30 April 2020

Chair of the Women & Equalities Committee Caroline Nokes said: “In these extraordinary times, it is as important as ever that the government considers how its actions to tackle the coronavirus impact differently on different communities.

“Passing emergency legislation at great speed has been essential. Now we need to understand the present and future effect on those who may already be marginalised. We are listening, and we need your evidence to help us to help the government consider equalities issues, to ensure that its policies and plans are as effective as possible.”

The committee wants to find out more about the impact government measures, including emergency legislation, are having on people with these protected characteristics, and is asking:

  • Have all the relevant equality issues been considered?
  • Are there any unforeseen consequences?
  • If there are problems, what could be done differently/ better?

Among issues already brought to the committee’s attention are:

Aware there may be many more equality impacts, the committee says it is keen to hear from individuals and from organisations on the following questions:

  • How have people have been affected by the illness or the response to it?
  • Have there been specific impacts on people due to them having a protected characteristic?
  • Are there any unforeseen consequences to measures brought in to ease the burden on frontline staff?

The government has said current measures will be reviewed in three weeks’ time, and measures in the Coronavirus Act be voted on again in six months’ time:

  • What needs to change or improve, which could be acted on in three weeks’ time?
  • What needs to change or improve, which could be acted on in 6 months’ time?

The committee would like to receive responses by 30 April, but has said that evidence submitted after that time will still be useful as it will continue to review the situation and scrutinise the government.

Any evidence directly relevant to the government’s three-week review of the current measures should be provided as soon as possible.

Further information

Brighton & Hove Pride postponed until 2021

The organisers of the UK’s biggest Pride today announced that this year’s 30th anniversary event, due to be held on August 1-2 and starring Mariah Carey and The Pussycat Dolls, has been called off in light of the continuing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The decision was “not taken lightly” and Pride managing director Paul Kemp said it had been “a heartbreaking decision that has been taken following the fast moving Covid-19 pandemic”. He added: “We know that when the time is right people will want to come together to celebrate our community, city and the amazing NHS, emergency services and key workers.”

Tickets already bought for this year’s events will be honoured in 2021 although the organisers have appealed to holders to donate their ticket “to support Pride going forward and its essential community fundraising”. As a thank you, they will have priority purchasing options in next year’s pre-release ticket sale, with further details available on the Pride website.

The Brighton Rainbow Fund, which distributes community-raised funds from Pride and others events – including the also-postponed Brighton Bear Weekend – backed the call, saying: “On behalf of the  projects we support, and the people they support, we are asking ticket holders to consider the option of not claiming a refund, in effect making a donation to allow them to continue their valuable work for another year.

“For those who hadn’t  bought tickets yet, and would like to contribute directly, there is a donate button on the Brighton Rainbow Fund website.”

Brighton & Hove Pride issued the following statement early this morning:

“It is with a heavy heart that Brighton & Hove Pride have taken the difficult decision to postpone our landmark 30thanniversary celebrations that were due to take place on 1st & 2nd August until 2021.

“We are shocked and devastated by the unprecedented turn of events over the past weeks – especially the catastrophic health and economic impacts this pandemic is having on members of our community.

“The decision to postpone has not been taken lightly and with many events still planning to go ahead in July and August we were hoping to wait until closer to the time to avoid disappointing our volunteers, community groups and the public.

“But after carefully monitoring the rapidly evolving Covid-19 pandemic and evaluating the ongoing risks and uncertainty, as well as the additional pressure any large event puts on the emergency services, we have taken the very difficult decision to postpone this year’s Pride FABULOSO Anniversary celebration.

“As the UK’s biggest Pride Festival that attracts visitors from across the UK and globe, and with the potential of travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines to remain in place for an unknown length of time, we cannot in good faith risk the health and safety of our communities, volunteers and participants and proceed with an event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city.

“We are currently in contact with artists who were due to perform this year with regard to rescheduling the dates for next year and will update further as soon as possible.

“Existing tickets holders do not need to do anything – their tickets will be honoured and rolled over to the rescheduled event.

These are exceptional times and many local charities and community organisations rely on Pride for fundraising to get them through the year. We are appealing to ticket holders to donate their ticket to support Pride going forward and it’s essential community fundraising.

“We are devastated to have had to make this decision and as a small team we’d like to thank customers for their patience as we work through the ongoing challenges at this time.

“We know, when the time is right, it will be even more important for people to come back together and celebrate our communities and City.”

#WeStandTogether

Brighton-Pride.org

 

Today is Transgender Day of Visibility 

Today is Transgender Day of Visibility. Many events, gatherings, groups and socialising have had to be suspended or cancelled due to the restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gscene would like to celebrate TDoV2020 by sharing some photos from Trans Pride events over the last few years which we featured in various issues celebrating this astonishingly successful community celebration. A huge community event; for the community, by the community, with the community. Raising awareness of Trans and Non binary issues, and building strong, unique connections and networks which continue throughout the year.

We are lucky in Brighton & Hove to have such a large, dynamic and PROUD Trans community.

We have so many charities, support groups and organisations which can offer support and advice to Trans and non binary people of all ages, we have a Local Authority which is clear in its solidarity with the city’s communities and local politicians who understand and listen to community concerns. Better to represent them and ensure policy and politics reflects the real diversity of the city’s wide communities.

We have Trans Pride, an event rooted in community participation and founded on principles of inclusion, fairness and honest representation in all events they produce. Although postponed for this year, the spirit of community engendered by TransPride Brighton continues to inspire and comfort. We will miss you this year.

We have nationally acclaimed charities who do solid work with younger TNB people, charities completely staffed and run by TNB staff and volunteers and many, many arts and cultural events by and for the Trans Community.

For many people in our community EVERYDAY is trans day of visibility and living their authentic selves leads to harassment and abuse.  There is still much to be done to challenge prejudice and hatred both online and in wider society. We need to look to our own LGB communities and continue to challenge the shrill voices of prejudice & transphobia who attempt to highjack equality causes with misinformation and twisted rhetoric for their own nefarious reasons. We tell you now, you will NOT succeed. We see you. Our community is strong, staunch, filled with experience and enthusiasm. Love will triumph. Together, lesbians, gay men, bisexual people, trans and non binary individuals and folk who define as Queer form a formidable alliance. We are indeed #strongertogether.

We have a city of allies also, from all communities who understand that working together, in a real community, ensures that equality is experienced by all, regardless of who or what they are.

Gscene says to our Trans, non binary and gender Queer communities – we see you, we honour you, we hear you, we support you and we thank you for the unique contributions you give our city and community and we feel your pain.

This TransDayOfVisability we stand in solidarity with everyone in the trans community. We send you unconditional love

 

Gscene is proud of its continuing commitment to platform the voices of the cities LGBTQ+ communities, if you have a story or would like to contribute or write an article of interest please let us know.    Email us here

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

 

 

 

HOMOSEXUALITY TO REMAIN ILLEGAL IN SINGAPORE

The High Court of Singapore has dismissed three challenges to its Penal Code which criminalises same-sex relations between men. In doing so, Singapore continues to violate international human rights. Singapore has squandered the opportunity to join a wave of countries embracing decriminalisation of same-sex relations which includes Botswana, Angola, Trinidad and Tobago, and neighbouring India.

Section 377A of the Penal Code is a relic of British Colonial rule, and prescribes imprisonment of up to 2 years. It was being challenged in terms of its constitutionality and redundancy. This law is rarely and arbitrarily applied, and  three separate cases sought to challenge it’s legality, brought by plaintiffs Johnson Ong Ming, Roy Tan Seng Kee, and Bryan Choong Chee Hoong.

All three challenges were dismissed today by Justice See Kee Oon who highlighted that section 377A does not violate the constitution and  “continues to serve its purpose of safeguarding public morality by showing societal moral disapproval of male homosexual acts”. Justice Oon noted, in particular, that is there is inconclusive evidence that homosexuality is biological and immutable, that scientific discussions are not a matter for the court to rule on, adding “identity or status is not an element of the offence” therefore applying equally to homosexual, bisexual or heterosexual men”.

Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International, said:

It is incredibly disappointing to see the High Court of Singapore uphold this colonial-era law. Even while lying dormant, such laws send a strong message – that gay and bisexual men are not only second class citizens, but also criminals, purely for who they love. Today that message was amplified, legitimizing societal hate, discrimination, and exclusion of LGBTIQ people in Singapore.

Lawyer Remy Choo, a former participant of OutRight Action International’s annual Advocacy Week, who represented plaintiff Bryan Choong, said:

Victory isn’t ours today, but I’m confident that one day it will be. One of my favorite quotes, from a book from my childhood – Winnie the Pooh -, is ‘Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday’. For now, we press on.

68 countries around the world, including Singapore, continue to criminalise same-sex relations. The plaintiffs and their lawyers will be exploring options for appeal.

Surviving inside a hostile environment

Coronavirus is changing everyones lives. Isolation for those without a significant other, be that romantic partner, friend, or family member, are finding out the hard way that no man or woman is an island. No matter how shy and retiring, we humans are all social beings, but sadly, some LGBT people are battling more in this pandemic than fear of disease and loneliness. 

There are many in our community right who are being  forced to quarantine in an environment which may be at best ignorant and at worst downright hostile. Transgender teens could find themselves continually locking horns in lockdown with people who intentionally or otherwise misgender, or refuse to accept them. LGBT people across the globe may find their homes have become veritable pressure cookers, where old differences and misunderstandings could threaten to bubble over and overwhelm already precarious living situations.

Here is a short guide for those who may find themselves enduring life within a non-affirming environment:

Tell Them About It

The slogan’s true, it’s good to talk. A lot of hurtful behaviour is born of ignorance and you should not be made to feel uncomfortable in your own home.  Dr Alexis Chavez, Medical director of The Trevor Project says “Patience and empathy go along way, information about names or pronouns opens up dialogue.” Obviously gage the situation beforehand. Some people are beyond help and may be best dealt with by avoidance. However, others may just need a little education. Send them an article or video (there are many online) which may throw light on various terminologies. Your situation is not theirs, they may be blissfully unaware they are being disrespectful and even grateful for the nudge. It may feel exhausting and demoralising to constantly spell things out to the uninitiated, but the alternative may be more painful all round.

2.  Make Use Of Technology

It can be easy to fall back into a world were you are no longer surrounded by people who actively affirm your life. If you have access to social media, utilise Facebook, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp to hook up with like-minded souls. Even a simple text may bring reassurance at this difficult time. There are also a host of online forums which are free and bring connection to LGBTQ people and their allies. Although the internet is certainly  fraught with alarmist material and negative news, if utilised responsibly it can provide  invaluable support.

3.  Find Your Safe Space

Being locked in with people who don’t recognise or appreciate you for being you can be incredibly hard on an individual’s sense of self and well-being. In such environments mental health can take a nose dive, it’s worth recognising this and taking time out to heal the soul. If space allows, find a room, or even little corner of the house or flat to hide away. Meditate, give yourself time to process and reboot your mojo. Be kind to yourself.

4.  Utilise Physical Reminders 

Keep talismans that remind you of your authentic self close by. A friendship bracelet that signifies your bond to someone now physically out of reach may spark off endless memories of happy times and better times to come. Dust off that rainbow flag and remind yourself the pride we have in our shared LGBT history. If you are separated from a partner, keep their photo handy, if you cannot display it, keep it in your pocket. Never lose touch with your hard-won sense of self.

Finally, look after yourself. Nourish body and mind. Exercise a little daily to keep those endorphins pumping. Reach out to friends and support networks, and always remember you are a child of the universe who deserves to be here as much as any other. You are a cherished member of a wider community, you may be in isolation, but you are not alone.

 

Don’t hook up during the COVID-19 lockdown

Dr Michael Brady Medical Director at the Terrance Higgins Trust explains why finding pleasure in different ways is key to fight the spread of coronavirus.

The country is now on lockdown to slow the spread of coronavirus and that has to include not hooking up for sex.

I’ve never been an advocate of promoting abstinence, but this message is not about protecting your sexual health: it’s about protecting your general health and those around you from a virus that can be deadly. This is extraordinary and unprecedented advice for us to be giving out, but these are extraordinary and unprecedented times.

This follows the new measures which have been announced by the Government telling everyone to stay at home, to stop face-to-face socialising, to stop all non-essential journeys and to limit our movement to activities like going out to the nearest shop for food and one form of exercise a day. In addition, as announced by the Prime Minister, you must also stay away from anyone outside your immediate household to stop the virus being spread from one household to another.

This advice means that, unless you have sex with someone within your household, it’s important to find sexual pleasure in other ways. Despite the situation with COVID-19, we need to remember that sex is an important part of life, but right now we have to find other ways to achieve sexual pleasure and satisfaction.

It’s only natural that we look to sex for pleasure, to relieve stress and anxiety or simply to pass the time – whether that’s with a regular partner or using hook-up apps. But our ‘new normal’ is that we have to find ways to do this while sticking to the advice to stay at home. This isn’t just to protect ourselves against the coronavirus but also to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

I never thought I’d say this but the reality is that, for the time being, you are your safest sexual partner. It’s time to stay at home, stop close contact with people outside our household and to be creative about how we manage our sex lives. Hopefully the FAQs below will answer any sex-related questions you have during the lockdown.

Frequently asked questions

Can the coronavirus be passed on through sex?

There’s currently no evidence that the coronavirus can be passed on through sexual contact but it certainly is spread through close physical contact (e.g. being within two metres of someone puts you at increased risk). The virus can be passed on through direct contact with saliva or mucus, so this would include kissing. The COVID-19 virus has also been found in the faeces of people who are infected so rimming may also be a risk for infection.

It is safe to have sex?

Unfortunately washing your hands and not kissing someone during sex isn’t enough to stop the virus. Even if someone doesn’t have symptoms, they may still have the virus. It’s estimated perhaps as many as 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms – but can still pass the virus on to others. That could be you or a potential partner.

If you still want to have sex with someone else, then the safest partner is someone you live with. Having close contact – including sex – with only one person or a small circle of people helps to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. It’s strongly advised that you don’t hook up with strangers or multiple partners for sex.

Reducing body contact and having less sex really will make a big impact on reducing the onward transmission of the coronavirus.

What other ways can I have sex?

You are your safest sexual partner right now. There is no risk of passing on coronavirus through masturbation and there’s plenty of evidence that shows masturbation can relieve stress and anxiety. If you use sex toys, make sure you wash them and your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after.

Technology also now means there are different ways to connect with partners, e.g. phone sex or video dates using WhatsApp or other platforms. Just make sure you aren’t pressured into anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Should I be using hook-up apps?

Hook-up apps are playing a great role in signposting people to support services such as mental health advice and mean people can stay connected. If you do choose to hook up with someone, then it’s really important to reduce any potential harm of spreading the coronavirus.

Avoid kissing, wash your hands and use condoms to reduce contact with saliva during oral sex. But the best advice is to avoid hook-ups altogether. Even if you meet someone you like on an app, it would be far better to enjoy each other online via video chat or messaging or even good old-fashioned phone sex! Just be careful of the images you share – be aware that images might identify you and a chat session might be viewed by others or recorded.

Should I still be taking PrEP?

We’re advising that during the lockdown you don’t hook up or travel to meet someone. Therefore, many people will choose to stop taking PrEP, unless there is a specific need – for example if you live with a partner with a detectable HIV viral load.

For cis gay and bisexual men (i.e. anyone who was assigned male sex at birth, still identifies as a man and has sex with other men), it’s safe to stop taking PrEP as long as you stop after two full days after you last had sex. For everyone else, including cis women, trans people and non-binary people, it’s advised you wait until seven full days before stopping.

When you’re ready to re-start PrEP, cis gay and bisexual men can re-start with a double dose taken two to 24 hours before sex. For everyone else, you need re-start with a daily dose for seven days before having sex again.

What if I need to get tested for an STI?

Sexual health services are reducing their face-to-face appointments and will only be able to see emergency or urgent cases. This is to reduce the risk of infection and to free up capacity so staff can work elsewhere in the NHS. It may not be possible to get tested in a clinic, but you can still request a home sampling kit to test at home if that service is available near you. Check out your local sexual health clinic website for more information.

If you need treatment, rest assured you will still be able to access this. For any urgent or emergency support, contact your local clinic.

We’re living in extraordinary times and we all need to take extraordinary measures. Remember that this is not forever and, by playing your part, you’re helping to reduce the strain on the NHS and to protect yourself and others.

We’ll continue to follow developments and adjust our guidance accordingly. If you have any questions please contact THT Direct on 0808 802 1221.

Call for submissions or stories from the front line of the Corvid-19 pandemic.

Many people in the LGBTQ+ communities are working in the frontline of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and in the next issue of Gscene we would like to pay tribute to the vital roles they play. We want to hear from you. 
If you are working within the NHS or other emergency services or support bodies and would like to share your experiences of recent weeks – how your role has been affected, how patients have been affected, how you are all supporting each other and how you are staying upbeat for yourself and those around you – please get in touch with us via news@gscene.com.
We would like to share your stories of resilience, hard work and amazing dedication with our readers to ensure that everyone can learn about the essential work that’s happening across the city and the LGBTQ+ folk who are working under enormous pressures to keep us all as safe and cared for as possible.
These are difficult times, we understand that everyone is experiencing  different pressures and in challenging situations, we would like to capture the wide range and diversity of experience and people who are all working together during these extraordinarily difficult times.
They can be written submissions, photo essays, short direct-to-camera videos or drop us a line if you can, if we can find a way to profile your experience then we will. If you would like to submit something on behalf of a partner who is working in the NHS then please consider doing so, we would like to recognise people from across the spectrum of workers, from all sides the story, and pay tribute to the vital work that ALL people are doing.
Let us know, share and help people understand. Please get in touch with us via news@gscene.com     or via Twitter @Gscene

Can you become an NHS volunteer?

Our amazing NHS is all that is standing between us and a catastrophe. Up and down the country, brave doctors and nurses, already working round the clock, are bracing themselves for the peak of the coronavirus outbreak that could kill thousands.

And they’re asking for our help.

They’re looking for volunteers to help the 1.5 million highly vulnerable people now confined to their homes. Already, Avaazers have set up over 600 community support groups to get help to those who need it, and to share inspiration and hope in this difficult time. Now we can step up again.

If you can, will you become an NHS volunteer? There are all sorts of roles required — just click and register and let’s stand with our brave NHS workers, and the most vulnerable in society, at this time of national crisis!

I’ll sign up to volunteer!

Once you have registered, you’ll get access to an app. Switch the app to On Duty, and you’ll see real time volunteer tasks to pick from nearby. You could be matched with a vulnerable person to support through this crisis — all the support required will be provided, and you can stop at any time if it’s not right for you.

This could be our finest hour — the moment the country pulls together in a time of profound crisis. Let’s show the most vulnerable in our communities that physical distance does not need to mean social isolation. No-one can be forgotten. No-one can be left behind.

Click below to sign up as an NHS volunteer, and encourage anyone who can to do the same. Together, we will come through this crisis. Let’s make sure that we all play our part at this time:

Volunteers must be 18 or over, and fit and well with no symptoms. Those in higher-risk groups (including those over 70, those who are pregnant or with underlying medical conditions) will be able to offer support by telephone.

Your safety is our priority. The majority of tasks can be undertaken while social distancing and volunteers will receive guidance through our ‘getting started pack’. If you do become ill you can pause your volunteering.

Patient transport drivers will require an enhanced DBS check and will receive guidance to do this role safely, also included within the ‘getting started pack’.

Learn more or sign up here: 

Here are the ways you can support:

Community Response volunteer: This role involves collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating, and delivering these supplies to their home.

Patient Transport volunteer: This role supports the NHS by providing transport to patients who are medically fit for discharge, and ensuring that they are settled safely back in to their home.

NHS Transport volunteer: This role involves transporting equipment, supplies and/or medication between NHS services and sites, it may also involve assisting pharmacies with medication delivery.

Check-in and Chat volunteer: This role provides short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation.

 

Gscene announcement about our April 2020 Print issue

Gscene’s April 2020 Print issue

Gscene has been monitoring the events of the past few days with concern. Following the government’s continuing action to limit social gatherings to protect the vulnerable and in the light of the news that all venues must close, the decision has been made not to print April’s magazine. BUT the magazine will be published online, with the usual mix of local and national LGBTQ+ news, features, scene photographs, and our regular columnists. The website will also be constantly updated to bring news and information from our LGBTQ+ communities, and shared through our Facebook page and Twitter feed. Over the past two days we have talked to all our advertisers and venues in the city to let them know our plans. This is the first time that Gscene has not been physically printed since its first print issue and this is a temporary situation.

We will continue to produce Gscene in a magazine format but it will only be available online for now (on the Gscene website: www.gscene.com )

On the tails of the government announcement it is clear there will be no distribution points for the magazine. With bars, clubs, pubs, transport hubs, libraries, shops and  other spaces under restrictions there will be no opportunity  for people to collect a physical issue of the magazine and we want to encourage everyone to follow clear medical advice to keep themselves and others safe by limiting social contact.  We will be letting you know the  date the pdf version will be published, which will remain the same as usual at the end of the month, in PDF or online reader.

 

These are extraordinary times and we must act swiftly in the interests of everyone. Gscene is a community magazine, from the heart of LGBTQ+ Brighton & Hove and in these difficult times we will be focusing on bringing up-to-date news and information to everyone in the city and wider LGBTQ+ communities. You can help us –

If you have news of interest, information about a community initiative, news about a venue or performer with an online event, fun or novel ways for people to stay connected while self-isolating or general stories of interest to the wider LGBTQ+ community, let us know.

Get in touch with us via news@gscene.com or DM us on Facebook or via twitter. 

Our community has faced crises before and we have always overcome them by sharing, supporting, listening and acting in the common good.  Our breadth is our strength. Things are tough and are going to get worse for a while. We need to look out for each other, especially the vulnerable or those less able to take care of themselves. Together we will get through this and that word is key – together.

Take care everybody and stay safe

Gscene Editorial team 

Update National Express: Only Travel if Essential

The National Express timetable will be reduced as of Tuesday 24 March after which it will run a limited network of coach services.

Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach said

“Latest Government advice is that people should avoid travelling unless it is essential. We are still operating to be able to help those individuals with essential travel needs and ask all others to follow guidance and not travel unnecessarily.

Customers should check www.nationalexpress.com for full details of changes.

We have taken additional steps to keep anyone travelling with us safe. These include enhanced cleaning of vehicles, ticket vending machines and other customer touch points; and limiting capacity on all vehicles to a maximum of 50% to help customers to socially distance.

We are continually monitoring and will respond to ongoing updates and guidance from the Government and UK public health authorities.

Our drivers, customer service teams, customer contact centre and the wider National Express team are working incredibly hard to keep these services running safely. We are doing all we can to support everyone who works in our business at this challenging time , especially our front-line staff who can’t work from home; including paying company sick pay from day one.

And we’re trying to help our customers as best we can in this uncertain time by offering a free amend to re-book their travel with us again in the next 12 months or a full refund for anyone whose travel has been cancelled.

Finally, we’re already speaking to organisations about how we might be able to support where we can during these testing times.

We will continue to update customers through our website, social media channels and email.

X