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Do you want your NHS records sold to private companies?

Starting soon, private companies will be able to buy information on everyone from the NHS’s new universal patient database.

Jeremy Hunt MP,
Jeremy Hunt MP,

This will include everything from mental health conditions, sexually transmitted infections and diseases like cancer all linked to your postcode, gender and ethnicity.

Everyone has been opted into the scheme by the government and the data is due to be uploaded in the next few weeks.

Most people consider their relationship with their doctor precious. Docotors know the most personal things about us, like whether we’ve ever been depressed, had an embarrassing infection or struggled with drug and alcohol problems.

The government claims that individuals won’t be able to be identified. However, some experts have warned that under the current plans, we could easily be identified through simple cross-referencing of other databases, especially if you have a rare or unusual condition. 

Imagine your employer finding that you might have had an abortion when you were a teenager or your insurance company finding out you are HIV positive. The consequences for everyone could potentially be serious.

If you want the health minister, Jeremy Hunt MP to stop the sale of your personal medical data to big corporations, CLICK HERE:

Parody website highlights the failure of major Olympic advertisers to speak out against Russia’s anti-LGBT laws

New York activist hijacks Olympic sponsors social media promotions.

Soch website

As opposition to Russia’s anti LGBT laws continues to grow and major Olympic advertisers including Coca-Cola, McDonalds and VISA fail to speak out against those laws, Scott Wooledge an LGBT activist and member of Queer Nation NY has created a new parody website, CheersToSochi.org to allow people to continue conversations with Sochi Olympic sponsors about their concerns with LGBT rights in Russia.

The website was launched after LGBT activists last week successfully hijacked advertising promotions by Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s two global Olympic sponsors – including McDonald’s social media hashtag #CheerstoSochi.

While originally created by McDonald’s to connect twitter users to athletes, #CheersToSochi became a grassroots uprising of human rights supporters expressing their frustration and objections to Sochi 2014 sponsors over their silence on LGBT and human rights abuses in Russia.

While McDonald’s currently own and operate CheersToSochi.com — CheersToSochi.org, a parody website, has become a one stop website to hold advertisers accountable.

Scott Wooledge, creator of CheersToSochi.org, said: “#CheersToSochi speaks to frustrated people around the world who are disgusted with the sponsors’ silence. Their silence, and tacit consent with Russia’s war on gays has damaged their brand images worldwide.”

Wooledge created the CheerstoSochi.org parody website, where users can browse a library of existing social media content and share them with their network, create their own social media content with the #CheersToSochi meme-maker, and find links to social media accounts for all the top ten Sochi sponsors to take action themselves.

Scott concluded: “Many LGBT rights organisations have already written sternly worded letters calling for words and action. Hundreds of thousands quietly signed internet petitions. Activists around the globe have demonstrated loudly in the streets of New York City, London, Berlin and elsewhere.”

To view website, CLICK HERE: 

 

To Russia with love from Brighton

To mark the opening day of competition at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, protesters in Brighton highlight the plight of LGBT people in Russia.

To Russia with love

More than two hundred people turned out in deadful weather conditions this afternoon to support the To Russian with love demonstration at the Clock Tower on Queens Road.

The demonstration was organised by the Brighton and Hove Socialist Party to raise awareness of the increasing violence and oppression faced by gay, lesbian, bi, trans, queer and other people in Russia.

To Russia with love
Members of Russian LGBT groups have been attempting to draw international attention to the violation of human rights and repression of freedom of speech in Russia, which has increased during the pre-Olympics period.
Every person who tried to wave a rainbow flag during the Olympic Torch Relay was immediately detained. Every person who tried to speak out about LGBTQ rights violation in Russia was stopped, while LGBTQ activists are being attacked, Russian police refuse to investigate cases of violence motivated by homophobia.
After reading a speech from Russian LGBT activist, Ksenia Zhivago, Beth Granter from the Brighton & Hove Socialist Party, said: “The Sochi Olympics puts the world spotlight on Russia and international protests are showing mass opposition to Putin’s homophobic government. The ‘Russian Section 28’ is fuelling a rising tide of violence. The laws must be challenged! Here in the UK we ask Olympic sponsors (Visa, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, ATOS and more) to break their silence and speak out about LGBT oppression in Russia.”
WEB.600.3
Following the speeches the protestors moved along Western Road to McDonald’s. McDonald’s, one of the main sponsors of the Winter Olympics in Sochi have refused to speak out about the persecution of LGBT people in Russia.
Cllr Phelim MacCafferty, deputy leader of Brighton & Hove City Council made an impromptu speech to the crowd and called for solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Russia. Cllr McCafferty’s Green party are responsible for removing the annual £25,000 grant to Brighton Pride putting at risk this years Pride Parade whose overall international theme is Freedom to live.
John Smith a local resident on finding the reason for the protest, said: “Never again will a Big Mac pass my lips.”

Local licensees remove Coca-Cola products from their bars

Licensees Adam Brooks and his partner Tony make a personal stand against the refusal of Coca-Cola to speak out about the basic human rights being denied to LGBT people in Russia.

Bedford Tavern

They have removed all Coca-Cola products from their shelves following the deafening silence from one of the headline sponsors of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.

Adam runs the Bedford Tavern on the border of Hove and Tony the Brighton Tavern in Gloucester Road, Brighton.

Adam BrooksIn an email to other licensees of gay venues in Brighton Adam wrote: “Over the past few months we have been appalled to witness what is happening to the LGBT people of Russia. Last night’s Channel 4 documentary ‘Hunted’ was the final straw for us and judging by the anger on many peoples facebook statuses this morning we are not alone.

“We (like many others) have signed the numerous petitions, have written letters to Downing Street, the IOC, the Russian Embassy, and the Olympic sponsors urging them to speak out against basic human rights that are being denied to the LGBT people of Russia – with very little success. Our venues, like many others last Pride stopped stocking Russian vodka in protest but we feel more needs to be done.

“Tony and I had decided if Coca-Cola (a major Olympic sponsor who prides itself on speaking out on LGBT issues) continued to stay silent on the heart breaking issues facing the LGBT people of Russia then we would no longer support the Coca-Cola brand from the start of the Winter Olympics.

“Coca-Cola has stayed silent so both of our venues will no longer be selling Coca-Cola products. Pepsi will replace Coca-Cola and Britvic and Ben Shawes will replace our Schweppes products – it’s easily done!

“This small gesture from two back-street Brighton pubs is certainly not going to have the giant that is Coca-Cola worried. However, this small act can snowball. What if every gay/gay friendly venue in Brighton followed suit? That would start a ripple. Perhaps London gay venues would jump on board – this could easily spread and that is when Coca-Cola would take notice.

“We are not activists; we are just trying to do the right thing. If you feel your venue can do something similar to help make a difference NOW is the time to do it. 

“Hate can spread very quickly, the hate currently in Russia could be on Brighton’s doorstep soon – let’s not let that happen. Act now!”

Adam and Tony will be joining the To Russian with love peacefull demonstration in support of LGBT people in Russia at the Clock Tower in Brighton, starting at noon today.

The Telscombe Tavern at Telscombe Cliffs and Crown and Anchor in Preston Park are the first local venues to announce this evening (Saturday 8) they will be joining Adam and Tony and removing all Coco Cola products from their bars.

Licensee of both venues is Andy Dunton. He said: “Its not just gay bars that should support this, last year we removed all Russian vodka from the shelves in both pubs and we will now remove all Coca Cola products.”

 

Local MP visits MindOut ‘Time to Talk’ event in Brighton

Caroline Lucas MP for Brighton Pavilion popped into the MindOut Time to Talk event at Lovefit Cafe yesterday (Thursday, February 6) for coffee, cake and a chat.

Time to talk MindOut

Time to Talk in Brighton was organised by MindOut the Brighton based LGBT mental health project as part of a wider national event organised by Time to Change a charity created to help end mental health discrimination.

Free cake and coffee were offered to people to go along and discuss face to face with other people issues surrounding mental health stigma.

Caroline, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:

“Most people have either experienced a mental health problem, or know someone who has.

Yet despite how common mental illness is, those living with it still often have to deal with prejudice, ignorance and fear.

Just talking about mental health problems – as we would with physical illness – is one of the most important things we can do to tackle stigma. That’s why Time to Talk day is such a brilliant idea, and I was very happy to be part of it.”

For more information about Time to Change, CLICK HERE:

For more information about MindOut, CLICK HERE:

 

‘To Russia with love’, solidarity demo in central Brighton on first day of Sochi Olympics

A family friendly demonstration on the first day of the Sochi Olymics to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ people in Russia will take place, tomorrow Saturday, February 8.

To Russia with love

“To Russia with Love, Brighton” starts at Noon at the clock tower at the bottom of Queens Road.

Following the success of the first “To Russia with Love, Brighton” demo in November 2013, also organised by members of Brighton and Hove Socialist Party and other individuals, the organisers aim to raise awareness of the increasing violence and oppression faced by gay, lesbian, bi, trans, queer and other people in Russia.

Members of Russian LGBT groups have been trying hard to draw international attention to the human rights violation and freedom of speech repression in Russia, which has particularly increased during the pre-Olympics period.

Every person who tried to wave a rainbow flag during the Olympic Torch Relay was immediately detained, every person who tried to speak out about LGBTQ rights violation in Russia was stopped. LGBTQ activists are being attacked but the Russian police refuse to investigate cases of violence motivated by homophobia.

Beth Granter, Brighton & Hove Socialist Party, said: “The Sochi Olympics puts the world spotlight on Russia and international protests are showing mass opposition to Putin’s homophobic government. The ‘Russian Section 28’ is fuelling a rising tide of violence. The laws must be challenged! Here in the UK we ask Olympic sponsors (Visa, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, ATOS and more) to break their silence and speak out about LGBT oppression in Russia.

“As a city which values its own diversity, it’s important for the people of Brighton to show our solidarity with LGBTQ people around the world.”

A large turnout is expected, a speech by Russian LGBT activist Ksenia Zhivago will be read by Beth Granter and there will be a reading from Brighton poet, Alice Denny.

For more information on Facebook, CLICK HERE:  

What: To Russia with love, Brighton

Where: The Clock Tower, Western Road, Brighton

When: Saturday, February 8

Time: Noon

To Russia with love

 

Final month of ‘Turner in Brighton’ exhibition

The Turner in Brighton exhibition which runs at the Royal Pavilion until March 2 has just under a month to run.

Turner in Brighton

The exhibition shows Brighton’s development as a seaside resort through the artist’s eyes, and brings together a range of his works, including watercolours, oil paintings, drawings, sketchbooks, and prints. It also features works by Turner’s contemporaries, John Constable, William Daniell and John Nash.

The focus of the exhibition is a Turner watercolour, Brighthelmston, Sussex, bought in 2012 by the Royal Pavilion & Museums service – part of Brighton & Hove City Council – after being in private ownership for more than a century.

Brighton & Hove residents can enjoy half price admission to the Pavilion, which includes admission to the Turner exhibition, with up to four accompanying children free (take proof of residency, one item required per adult eg council tax or other utility bill).

Turner in Brighton is open daily from 10am to 5.15pm (last admission 4.30pm).

It runs at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, BN1 1EE, until March 2.

For more information: CLICK HERE: 

Or telephone: 03000 290902

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gay travel foundation appoints new board members

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) Foundation appoint gay travel leaders Richard Gray and Ed Salvato to its board of directors.

IGLTA FoundationThe IGLTA Foundation is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) tourism globally.
Richard Gray
Richard Gray

Richard Gray is the managing director of the LGBT market for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and an advocate for gay travel for more than 20 years.He previously owned The Royal Palms Resort & Spa, which set new standards for LGBT accommodations in Fort Lauderdale and beyond and was the destination’s first gay guesthouse to achieve a five-star rating.

Ed Salvato
Ed SalvatoEd Salvato, editor in chief of the iPad-based gay travel magazine ManAboutWorld, has spent the past 14 years contributing to the world of LGBT tourism through editorial, marketing, communications, product development, sponsorships, and events.

Ed Salvato, editor in chief of the iPad-based gay travel magazine ManAboutWorld, has spent the past 14 years contributing to the world of LGBT tourism through editorial, marketing, communications, product development, sponsorships, and events.Prior to ManAboutWorld, he served as editor in chief for other top LGBT travel content providers, such as OUT&ABOUT, Out Traveler, and PlanetOut Travel.

Board Chair Charlie Rounds, said: “We are thrilled to have Ed Salvato and Richard Gray join the IGLTA Foundation Board of Directors.”

“They each bring unique skills that will allow us to better educate both travel professionals and the traveling public about the value of LGBT global travel.”The IGLTA Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. Our mission is to use the power of LGBT travel to build bridges worldwide. Those bridges, in turn, enable understanding, awareness and commerce to flourish in diverse communities around the globe.

For more information: www.igltafoundation.org

‘To Russia with love’

A protest on the eve of Putin’s Olympic opening, Thursday, February 6.

Putin Human Rights

Vince Laws will be face painting 83 volunteers with the names of the 83 countries where homosexuality is illegal at Ku-Bar, London on February 6 at 7pm on the eve of the opening of the Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. There will be a group photo opportunity at 8pm sharp.

To Russia With Love

To have your face painted and be part of this unique protest, email Vince on: vincelaws@googlemail.com or Facebook: Putin Human Rights First

Vince Laws and Trudy Howson will be performing poetry, song and art. Performers are welcome. If you want to perform contact Trudy at: www.facebook.com/trudy.howson?fref=ts

Love is a human right – Amnesty International

What: To Russia with love

Where: Ku Bar, 30, Lisle St, London WC2H 7BA

When: Thursday, February 6

Time: 7pm

 

Fostering and adoption in Brighton & Hove is open to everyone

An event is being held to raise awareness among the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community of the life enhancing possibilities becoming a foster carer or adopting a child can offer.

Juliee Library

The event is at the Jubilee Library in central Brighton on Tuesday, February 11, from 5-7pm.

It has been organised by Brighton & Hove City Council’s fostering and adoption teams, and timed to tie in with a series of cultural events at the library during February to mark national LGBT Month.

Cllr Sue Shanks
Cllr Sue Shanks

The chair of the council’s children and young people committee, Councillor Sue Shanks sits on the city’s adoption panel.

She said: “We welcome interest in fostering and adoption from all sections of the community.

“Our focus is on the needs of the children we look after who have had a very difficult start in life.

“From our point of view it’s really simple – if you think you could offer a child a loving and supportive home then we’d really like to talk to you.”

If you cannot make the event but would like to know more about fostering or adoption opportunities in Brighton & Hove:

Telephone:  01273 295444 for a friendly chat

EMAIL:

For more information, CLICK HERE: 

 

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