LGBT Awareness Week 2015 – Programme (2)
Challenging Prejudice – Promoting Inclusion
The theme of the week is Challenging Prejudice – Promoting Inclusion, and as part of the week of events the Newry Rainbow Community, in partnership with Changing Attitude Ireland and the Dominican Community of St. Catherine’s Newry are delighted to be hosting a night of sacred music, song and reflection, including scripture readings, followed by a social reception in the adjoining Church Hall.
This will take place in St. Catherine’s Church, Dominic Street, Newry this coming Sunday 17th May commencing at 7:30pm.
This will be an up-lifting, positive and affirming event providing a unique and positive opportunity to promote engagement, inclusivity and acceptance.
You are cordially extended an invitation to come along and participate in this event in St. Catherine’s and we look forward to welcoming you there.
LGBT awareness week is organised by The Rainbow Project, Here NI and Cara-Friend and runs from Monday 11th May to Sunday 17th May. A full list of events is detailed in the attached programme. (please circulate)
Regards,
Damian McKevitt
Secretary
Newry Rainbow Conmmunity
Archives for May 2015
R Sector – R Voices
RSector-Rvoicesinvitation – 
Click her for PDF of invitation
Please see attached an invite to the ‘R Sector – R Voices advocacy event being held in Magee on 20th May. Keynote speakers include Sir Tim Smit, KBE, Eden Project, Cornwall, England and Liam Lynch, T13 Skate Park, Belfast both will be share their wisdom of social innovation and sustainability.
Urban to Rural and Youthful to Wise -Hear from those whose stories are not often told. Listen to the stories from people in our local communities who need support and how third sector organisations advocate for them to have their voice heard and how they make a difference in their lives.
The event will also showcase advocacy case studies and best practice stories from a range of participants from the Sustainable Investment programme. The programme is supported by Atlantic Philanthropies, Charity Bank, Big Lottery and the Building Change Trust. Please join us to learn more about the advocacy work that is carried out by our participant organisations on behalf of their stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Gay Conversion Therapy hits the headlines again!
Public meeting to be held on gay ‘conversion therapy’
By Fiachra Ó CionnaithIrish Examiner Reporter
A group which says people can change their sexuality through counselling and “gay conversion therapy” is set to hold a public meeting on the same-sex marriage referendum today, after claiming the national debate is mired in political “bias”.
Covenant Christian Fellowship church member Bill Hamilton said his “Yes or No, a faith perspective on issues concerning same-sex marriage” will be held to give full information to the public on how the “gay lifestyle” can be avoided.
The event was initially planned for the Pillo Hotel in Galway City before the facility cancelled the booking yesterday after being informed of potential protests due to the subject matter involved. However, Mr Hamilton — who describes himself as a Christian evangelist — said he is still planning on holding the question and answer session today once he finds a suitable location to hold the event.
The public meeting is due to hear from Mike Davidson, a director of the UK-based Core Issues Trust which claims counseling can change a person’s sexuality and that being gay is a choice.
Mr Davidson — who said he used to have unwanted feelings towards men but is now married with children — told the Irish Examiner he does not believe same sex marriage is “good for gays or anybody else” and that “politicians are using the position to gain political power”.
He said he wants to put forward a “reasoned” response to the “imposition of social engineering” through the referendum.
However, Equality Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said while all views have a right to be heard “I believe most people will see through the argument”. News of the controversial event came as a raft of yes and no campaign launches and press briefings took place yesterday as the May 22 referendum draws closer.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Children’s Minister Dr James Reilly met with young gay and lesbian people at the Belong youth group in Dublin city centre, during which one member — Alison Kershaw— tearfully called for a yes vote in a comment Mr Kenny described as “powerful” and which was applauded by Dr Reilly.
Tánaiste Joan Burton also called for the country to be “on the right side of history” at a Labour yes equality event in Galway City.
With the no vote, the Iona Institute launching a video setting out its views and Independent senator Jim Walsh speaking in favour of a new group which has concerns over a lack of real debate.
Meanwhile, a presenter of RTÉ Pulse digital station LGBT programme, The Cosmo, has stood down from the role after claiming he has been put under pressure by management to ensure balance ahead of the referendum. Scott de Buitléir, who has presented the show as an unpaid volunteer since 2009, said in his personal blog: “I couldn’t bring myself to allow someone on an LGBT radio show saying why we shouldn’t be equal”.
Last Known Gay Holocaust Survivor Speaks Out in New Interview
DECEMBER 23 2008 1:00 AM ET
Rudolf Brazda, a 95-year-old German citizen and the last known gay survivor of the Holocaust, has definitively broken his silence on his experience at the Buchenwald camp.
https://youtu.be/x-1uFsOXWhQ
World first survey uncovers widespread homophobia at UK sports events
The world’s first international study on homophobia in sport, “Out on the Fields,” has found widespread homophobia in UK sport, prompting calls for a zero tolerance approach towards discrimination and better training for coaches, teachers and officials.
The research, on behalf of the Bingham Cup (the world cup of gay rugby) and affiliated sports groups, was conducted by the global sports market research firm Repucom and overseen by a panel of seven academics from six universities, including Brunel University London.
Participants were from the United Kingdom, Ireland, North America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
The results show that despite the prevalence of homophobia, more young gay and lesbian athletes are coming ‘out of the closet’ than ever before.
Gay men in the UK under the age of 22 were nearly twice as likely to be out of the closet to their entire team (30 per cent) than in most other English speaking countries.
In the UK, spectator stands as well as reports of homophobic violence stood out as major areas of concern.
Retired Welsh rugby player, Gareth Thomas, who came out in 2009 said, “This study has cast a very bright and much needed light on the extent of homophobia in sport in the UK and around the world.”
Thomas, who wrote a ‘Foreword’ for “Out on the Fields” added “I’m very encouraged to see that more gays and lesbians are finding the courage to come out of the closet, certainly much younger than I did while playing sport.
“It’s even more impressive that they are choosing to be open about their sexuality despite the widespread homophobia that continues to be reported around sporting fields, especially among fans.”
Robbie Rogers, who came out when he left Leeds United, becoming the first openly gay male professional athlete to join any of the five major American sports leagues when he signed with the LA Galaxy soccer team, said, “It’s very disappointing to see that the overwhelming majority of people who took part in the study, including the many straight people, thought an openly gay, lesbian or bisexual person would not be very safe as a spectator.
“This is not acceptable. Everyone should be able to enjoy sports. It’s time that all sports enforce a zero tolerance of hateful language on and off the fields.
Rogers added that he strongly supported “immediate venue bans for anyone using homophobic, racist or any other form of discriminatory language.” He also said that players should receive penalties for using this language.
Review panel member Professor Ian Rivers from Brunel University London, said, “In the UK we have recently invested significant resources to address discrimination in sport but it’s very clear from this study that much more needs to be done, particularly around homophobia.
“This form of discrimination is not only affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people but the study shows many straight men are also being targeted.
“I strongly hope that sport governing bodies, organisers of major sporting events, coaches, referees and even athletes take this report away and consider what we each can do to ensure lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel safe and welcome.”
Data were collected through an anonymous 10-15 minute online survey promoted through social and traditional media and by sporting organisations, professional athletes, corporations and government.
The survey, the largest of its kind, comprised nearly 9500 participants, including 1796 from the UK. About one-quarter of participants described themselves as heterosexual.
‘Out on the Field’ also found:
- More than half of gay men (60 per cent) and lesbians (54 per cent) and 24 per cent of heterosexual men said they have personally been targeted with homophobia.
- 30 per cent of UK gay youth and 27 per cent of lesbian youth said they were out of the closet to their entire team (under 22).
- 85 per cent of UK participants (including those describing themselves as heterosexual) believe an openly gay, lesbian or bisexual person would not be very safe as a spectator at a sporting event.
- Nearly half (48 per cent) of gay men who didn’t play team sports were discouraged by homophobic experiences in school PE class.
- Gay and lesbian youth in the UK are much more likely to report being personally targeted than previous generations.
- Of those who had personally experienced homophobia: 81 per cent of gay men and 80 per cent of lesbians have received verbal slurs such as “faggot” or “dyke.”
- Violence was also common with 21 per cent of gay men and 14 per cent of lesbians reporting physical assaults and 26 per cent of gay men and 18 per cent of lesbians reporting threats of harm.
Miley Cyrus, Joan Jett and Laura Jane Grace sing to support homeless LGBT youth and it’s glorious
https://youtu.be/dJnBFO_F1CU
Miley Cyrus has teamed up with Joan Jett and Laura Jane Grace to sing a cover of Androgynous in support homeless LGBT youth.
The pop star, rock legend Jett and Against Me! frontwoman Grace collaborated on the the Replacements’ song as part of Cyrus’ Backyard Sessions.
The series, which is exclusive Facebook videos, has been made to raise money for the singer’s recently-launched Happy Hippie Foundation, which supports homeless and LGBT youth.
Miley Cyrus, Joan Jett and Laura Jane Grace sung a cover of Androgynous (Picture: Miley Cyrus/Facebook)
Cyrus told Out: ‘I’m fighting for people I don’t know but it’s also a fight for people I do know, and people I’m close to and love.’
Grace came out as a transgender woman in 2012 and her most recent album, Gender Dysphoria Blues charts her struggle with gender identity.
The videos created for Backyard Sessions offer a handy ‘donate’ button so get donating!
Win The LGBT-Themed Something Must Break On DVD, Plus Signed Posters!
The Big Gay Picture2how logo
After impressing at the BFI Flare London LGBT Film Festival and at select UK cinemas, Something Must Break arrives on DVD on May 11th 2015 in the UK. We’ve got three copies of the movie to give away, plus posters signed by its director, Martin Bergsmark.The movie is a love story between two young men where one is the androgynous Sebastian and one is Andreas, who is adamant that he is not gay. It’s them against the polished Swedish IKEA society. They dream about escaping boredom and the risk of becoming what everyone else is. And then there is Ellie – the superwoman growing inside of Sebastian who Andreas loves and fears. This is the summer when everything happens and both of them will choose paths that will determinate their lives forever. It’s a battle for love where Sebastian finally has to realise that he has to let Ellie loose, find the strength within himself and not let his happiness depend on someone else.
To be in with a chance of winning one of the three copies of Something Must Break on DVD plus a signed poster that we’ve got to give away, answer the question below and fill in your details, then press submit! The competition closes on May 24th, 2015, so get answering and good luck!
HOW TO ENTER:Click the button and go and compete the form and send it in
Halo: Nightfall Competition Entry Form
All fields need to be completed correctly for an entry to be valid. This includes your address, which will only be used if you win a prize. None of your details will be passed to any third party and will only be used for this competition (if you opt to receive a daily e-mail from Big Gay Picture Show, we will use your e-mail address to set that up, but you will be able to unsubscribe at any time), Multiple entries from the same ip address/computer risk being disqualified if we believe they break our rules on multiple/automated entries – we reserve the right to block ip addresses we believe may be engaged in trying to break the rules. This competition closes at 11.59pm on May 24th, 2015. Competition open to UK residents aged 18 or over. (For general competition terms and conditions, privacy policy and site T&Cs, CLICK HERE)
The Prize Finder – UK Competitions
LGBT groups to stage rally for International Day
LGBT groups to stage rally for International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia at Huddersfield Town Hall
Event will be one of thousands expected to take place in 120 countries to show solidarity to those homophobia
Huddersfield Gay Group logo
LGBTI groups will band together to show solidarity to those facing homophobia.
Local organisations from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual and intersexed communities, including Huddersfield Gay Group, Sisters SHOUT and Yorkshire Mixtures, will unite on the steps of Huddersfield Town Hall at 12.30pm on May 18 to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Colourful flags and banners will be waved in the air at the rally in support of upholding of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
The awareness day was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally.
This includes in the 81 countries where same sex relationships are still illegal and the 70 per cent of the world population who must live under laws and regulations that limit freedom of expression around sexual orientation and gender identity.
The day will formally be celebrated on May 17, marking the date in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.
Local organisations from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual and intersexed communities, including Huddersfield Gay Group, Sisters SHOUT and Yorkshire Mixtures, will unite on the steps of Huddersfield Town Hall at 12.30pm on May 18 to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Colourful flags and banners will be waved in the air at the rally in support of upholding of human rights for all, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
The awareness day was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBTI people internationally.
This includes in the 81 countries where same sex relationships are still illegal and the 70 per cent of the world population who must live under laws and regulations that limit freedom of expression around sexual orientation and gender identity.
The day will formally be celebrated on May 17, marking the date in 1990 when the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders.
Gay athletes ‘not safe’ in Australian sport
Gay athletes ‘not safe’ in Australian sport according to world-first study that also revealed almost all young gay players hide their sexuality out of fear
- Gay athletes and spectators unwelcome in Australian sport, survey finds
- Almost 9500 people surveyed for the ‘Out on the Fields’ world-first report
- Report finds 87 per cent of homosexual young athletes afraid to come out
- 75 per cent say gay or lesbian fans would not be safe at a sporting event
Gay athletes are unwelcome in Australian sport, and 87 per cent young homosexual male athletes hide their sexuality from teammates because they fear retaliation Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3075730/Gay-athletes-not-safe-Australian-sport-according-world-study-revealed-young-gay-players-hide-sexuality-fear.
Of those surveyed, 70 per cent feel youth sport in Australia is not safe and supportive for gay people. More than half also said they feared being openly gay would lead to bullying, in addition to 37 per cent who were worried about discrimination from coaches or officials.
A further 75 per cent of respondents said gay or lesbian fans would not be safe at a sporting event.
More than one third of gay men and 19 per cent of lesbians said they have been bullied. Almost 85 per cent said they have heard verbal slurs, such as ‘faggot’ or ‘dyke’, at sporting events.
Andrew Purchas, an openly gay rugby player and founder of the Sydney Convicts, Australia’s first gay rugby union team, said the numbers were shocking.
The ‘Out on the Fields’ report surveyed 9,494 people of mixed sexual orientation about their experiences of homophobia, with a strong focus on team sports Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3075730/Gay-athletes-not-safe-Australian-sport-according-world-study-revealed-young-gay-players-hide-sexuality-fear.
‘We were all alarmed and surprised by the extent and depth of the homophobia that the study found in Australian sports,’ Mr Purchas said.
‘The findings were much worse than we expected, particularly in youth sport and the result that 80% of Australian participants believe that LGB athletes are either not accepted, accepted a little or only moderately accepted in sport is very alarming.
‘Compared to other countries, gay men in Australia were the least likely to feel welcome in sporting culture.’
Victoria University’s Dr. Grant O’Sullivan, one of the report’s seven international experts, said ‘casual homophobic language’ plays a big role in creating an unwelcoming environment.
The report discovered a number of alarming statistics
The findings suggest homophobia is rampant in Australian sport, both on the field and in the stands
‘Often this language is not meant to be hurtful but can be very damaging when heard by those struggling with their sexuality,’ Mr O’Sullivan said.
In response to the report, Australia’s four major football codes and cricket have reaffirmed their commitment to tackle homophobia in sport.
The Australian Football League, Australian Rugby Union, Cricket Australia, Football Federation Australia, and National Rugby League have supported the the idea of joining an advisory board with the Australian Sports Commission and Australian Human Rights Commission to support the development of the ‘Pride in Sport’ index.
In response to the report, Australia’s four major football codes and cricket have reaffirmed their commitment to tackle homophobia in sport
The Australian Government also helped with funding for the investigation
The index will be used to monitor inclusiveness within sporting codes in Australia and will provide Australian sport with a blueprint for good practice and allow an assessment to be made on year on year progress.
The Bingham Cup, an international gay rugby tournament that was first held in 2002, initiated the Out on the Fields survey.
The Australian Government also helped with funding for the investigation.
Police investigating ‘gay cure’ charity leaflets distributed on election day
Editorial: Just a few weeks after the pyschology fraternity have asked for a consistent approach to the ‘gay cure’ in that they say it is not valid or safe to use, we have another group deciding what is in the best interests of us!
New leaflets supporting a charity that claims homosexuality can be ‘cured’ are being investigated by police, after they were distributed on election day.
The leaflets were left on seats on the Metropolitan Line, which goes to Uxbridge, where Boris Johnson was elected as MP.
They carried support for Christian charity the Core Issues Trust, which clashed with Mayor of London Mr Johnson over adverts booked to appear on London buses.
The group wanted to put signs on buses stating: ‘Not gay! Ex-gay, Post-gay and Proud. Get over it.’
But Mr Johnson had the adverts banned.
These fresh leaflets accuse Mr Johnson of saddling the charity with a £100,000 legal bill.
It is being investigated by British Transport Police.
Distribution of election day could be a breach of election laws, and could also be against Transport for London rules.
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