Three gay activists jailed after Moscow rally

02/06/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

By AFP | AFP

Gay and LGBT rights activist Nikolai Alexeyev (R) holds a flare as he rides a quad-bike during an unauthorized gay rights activists rally in central Moscow on May 30, 2015. Moscow city authorities turned down demands for a gay rights rally. (Dmitry Serebryakov/AFP/Getty Images)

The organiser of an unauthorised gay pride rally in Moscow was jailed for 10 days on Monday along with two other activists for disobeying police.

The event’s main organiser, Nikolai Alexeyev, was jailed after being detained by police at Saturday’s brief protest outside the Moscow mayor’s office.
“The court hearing was a farce!” he wrote on Twitter.
Two other activists, Yevgeny Gerasimov and Vadim Gruzdev were also sentenced to 10 days in police cells, reported OVD-Info website, which monitors detentions of activists.
On Saturday Alexeyev rode past the mayor’s office on the main Tverskaya Street on a quad bike decked with a rainbow flag and waving an orange smoke flare. The mayor’s office had refused permission for a rally and a court rejected activists’ appeal.
Police detained around a dozen people at the rally after some 30 nationalist counter-demonstrators in camouflage clothing and football fans hurled eggs at the activists and attacked them.
Gays in Russia face regular harassment and requests to hold pride parades have been consistently rejected by authorities in the capital.
In 2013, President Vladimir Putin approved legislation banning the dissemination of “gay propaganda” among minors.
The law has been widely condemned in the West as stoking intolerance.
Human Rights Watch last December sounded the alarm over a rising number of homophobic attacks in Russia, saying that the ban on “gay propaganda” effectively legalised discrimination.

Police officers detain gay rights activists as they gathered near the State Duma, Russia’s lower parliament chamber, in Moscow, Russia, on June 11, 2013. AP PHOTO/IVAN SEKRETAREV

Russia decriminalised homosexuality in 1993, and only stopped classifying it as a mental illness in 1999.

Westminster MPs call for action on same-sex marriage

02/06/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

PinkNews – 1^st June 2015, 5:09 PM – Nick Duffy

The rally outside Queen’s University

MPs table cross-party motion calling for action on same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland

MPs from a number of parties in Westminster have signed an early-day motion calling on the government to take action to support same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
Same-sex couples are allowed to marry in England, Wales and Scotland and the Republic of Ireland this week passed the measure by a landslide public vote, but it continues to be blocked in Northern Ireland by the DUP.
The Democratic Unionist Party has blocked same-sex marriage a number of times by filing a ‘petition of concern’ in the Stormont assembly.
Today, a cross-party group of MPs have filed an EDM congratulating Ireland for its move – and calling for Northern Ireland to follow suit.
The bill’s sponsors include Conservative MP Sir Peter Bottomley, Labour’s Emily Thornberry, Paul Farrelly and Conor McGinn, , and Northern Irish SDLP’s Alasdair McDonnell.
Signatories include the Scottish National Party’s Mhairi Black – who at 20 is the youngest LGB MP to ever sit in Parliament.
The motion states: “That this House congratulates the Republic of Ireland on becoming the first country in the world to endorse the call for marriage equality in a popular vote.
“[This house] believes that Ireland has fulfilled the aspirations of equality campaigners by winning majority support in virtually every parliamentary constituency and concluding the referendum process with a decisive 62 per cent result.
“[This house] notes the remarks of Taoiseach Enda Kenny that those who voted in the privacy of the ballot box made a very public statement in the spirit of generosity, compassion, inclusion, love and equal marriage; recognises the support given by LGBT Irish in Britain, many of whom got the boat or flew back to participate on the day
“[This house] further believes that the Irish vote can serve as a beacon of hope for those still facing oppression; and urges the Government to support LGBT equality around the world, most immediately in Northern Ireland, the only part of the UK and the island of Ireland where same-sex couples will still be barred from availing of their civil liberties.”
Islington South and Finsbury MP Emily Thornberry said: “I’m delighted to have tabled one of the first Early Day Motions of the new Parliament, celebrating this historic victory for equality.
“It’s a sign of remarkable progress that, just 14 years after the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize marriage for same sex couples in 2001, Ireland has now increased to 22 the number of countries where full marriage equality is the law of the land.
“But while we celebrate this result, it’s important also to remember that equality cannot be taken for granted across the world, or even within the UK.
“Northern Ireland is now the only part of the British Isles where LGBT couples lack the legal protections and the social recognition that marriage affords, so as advocates of LGBT equality we should all now redouble our efforts to make marriage a right, not a privilege that depends on where you live.”

Out From The History Books – Celebrating Our Past

01/06/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

The Second National Festival of LGBT History – February 2016

Following the success of the First National Festival of LGBT History in Manchester earlier this year, plans are under-way to make the next festival in February 2016 even bigger and even better. And this time it will be truly nationwide.
As well as the academic conference being held again in Manchester, an additional four ‘hubs’ are being developed to celebrate the contribution of British LGB and T people throughout history. These will be in Shrewsbury,York, London and Bristol. Each hub will be liaising with a member of the Schools OUT UK steering committee to enable their popular event to remain in keeping with the ethos of LGBT History Month. The theme for History Month 2016 will be Religion, Belief and Philosophy.
Schools OUT’s Academic Director Jeff Evans is inviting individuals and groups to put forward their ideas for popular events showcasing the histories of LGBT groups, events and individuals in their local area. The formal announcement of the full programmes of events will be this autumn.
This year’s festival included talks and exhibitions relating to queer histories in the north of England and Manchester, including: “We were born in the 1980’s: History of the Joyce Layland Centre (Manchester)”, “Anne Lister: A Life”, “Press for Change & Trans History”, and “21 years and more: BiPhoria and Bisexuality in Manchester”.
The first National Festival of LGBT History this year attracted speakers of calibre: Stuart Milk, LGBT activist and nephew of assassinated pioneer Harvey Milk, veteran campaigner Peter Tatchell, Linda Bellos and history Professor Charles Upchurch, who flew in from Florida especially for the event. The highlight of the weekend was the three-part immersive theatre production A Very Victorian Scandal, which dramatised the events of Britain’s own Stonewall event, which happened in Hulme in 1880.
The closing date for festival submissions is 30^th June 2015.
We are also delighted to announce the call for papers for the ‘What is & How to Do LGBT History: Methods, Subjects and Approaches’ academic conference and we are expecting submissions as last year from round the world.
For more information contact Jeff Evans: academics@schools-out.org.uk
To submit presentations, the online form is here:http://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/call-for-presentations/

LGBT History Month 2016 Badge

01/06/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

Here it is at last – The Official LGBT History Month 2016 Badge!
Gareth Marshall (left), 1st year Design student at The University of Bedfordshire in Luton, wins our £250 prize for this simple yet dynamic piece.
All the students found the Religion, Belief and Philosophy brief quite a challenge, made even harder by our decision not to favour by inclusion, any specific religious iconography.
Gareth was inspired, he says, by the idea of ‘the leap of faith’ common in many religious beliefs, which he also felt was analogous with the idea of Coming Out.
The badges will be on sale at our stall in Trafalgar Square on 27th June.

LGBT Musical Facing East Gets Charity Staging

31/05/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

by Doug Mayo on 29 May 2015 in Events, LGBT, News, West End 0

Harriet Thorpe narrates Facing East in Concert at London's Lyric Theatre

New musical Facing East will be presented in concert at the Lyric Shaftesbury Avenue in a concert version in aid of Pride In London and Stonewall.
The event will be hosted by the Wicked and Ab Fab regular Harriet Thorpe, and will feature Rebecca Lock, Alasdair Harvey, Peter DiCesare and Michael Vinsen
Based on Carol Lynn Pearson’s stirring play, Facing East is a new and intimate musical by David Rigano and Mark-Eugene Garcia.
The musical follows an upstanding American Mormon couple who unexpectedly meet their gay son’s partner whilst dealing with his death. When they’re forced to face a reality long ignored, they must balance their beliefs with their emotions and make peace with this stranger in order to make peace with their loss.
Now making its UK premiere for one night only at the Lyric Theatre, this is one of the first opportunities to hear the soaring new score of this emerging musical following workshops in Dallas and Chicago and ahead of its first fully staged production in 2016. The concert will star Alasdair Harvey (We Will Rock You), Rebecca Lock (The Phantom Of The Opera), Peter DiCesare (Facing East Dallas), Michael Vinsen (The Book Of Mormon) and narrated by Harriet Thorpe (Wicked).
Announcing the concert, producer Nathan Gardner said “We’re delighted to be able to present our show in London, and with such an incredible cast and team. We believe that theatre can make a difference, and it’s an honour to be presenting Facing East in support of Pride in London, and Stonewall. We’ve always wanted it to be the show that gives back, and it’s a privilege to be able to support these two organisations that do so much for the LGBT community.”
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR FACING EAST THROUGH BRITISHTHEATRE.COM

Strictly to have same sex couple

31/05/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

Craig Revel Horwoord reveals all

In an interview with OK!, Craig Revel Horwood has revealed that Strictly Come Dancing will feature a same sex couple this year or the next.

He said at the TruTV Drag Race party last night, that it wasn’t clear what gender the couple would be but assured fans that it would definitely be happening.
“It’ll be either this year or next, but most certainly it will happen. They did it already in Hungary or somewhere,” Craig said.
In 2014 the British Dance Council considered changing the rules for ballroom dancing, meaning same sex couples would not be allowed to participate in events. This however would not have affected a TV show such as Strictly Come Dancing.
Craig went on to say: “We should encourage that sort of thing absolutely, there are competitions throughout the world that have same sex couples, you just have to decide who goes backwards darling.”
GT recently reported on Mr Gay World, Stuart Hatton Jr, and strictly dancer Callum MacDonald coming together with Freed of London to support the future of same-sex dancing.
This is definitely a move in the right direction and we can’t wait!
Words Paul Greenough, @paulsgreenough

Councils Call For Marriage Equality

31/05/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

Published on

29/05/2015

Belfast, Newtownards and North Down Councils are calling for all couples in Northern Ireland, regardless of sexual orientation, to have the right to civil marriage.
Councillors are set to lead key debates on the equality issue in June.
The move follows the yes vote for equal marriage during the referendum in Ireland last week and is the latest action by Alliance in moving the debate forward in Northern Ireland.
Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown said: “Ireland’s result last week has left Northern Ireland out of step on equality issues. As it stands a same sex couple can now legally marry in all other parts of the UK and Ireland and the LGBT community should also have the same rights here.
“The Alliance Party is committed to delivering a shared society for everyone, based on civil and religious liberty and equality for all – regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation – and has continually led the way on LGBT issues, including adoption and tackling homophobic bullying in schools.
“Alliance supports the extension of state provided civil marriage to same sex couples, while recognising protections are needed for those faith groups that wish to continue to observe and practise marriage within their beliefs.”
(CD/MH)

All male Romeo and Juliet comes to London

31/05/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

Editorial: If you are on holiday in London during July or August then this production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet looks like it will be worthwhile going to see. If you do then please let us know what you thought of the production.

Chapel Lane Theatre Company brings it five-star adaptation to the capital

This summer, Chapel Lane Theatre Company is bringing its five-star, all male adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet to London.

Shakespeare’s R&J is a modern script by American playwright Joe Calarco which centres on four schoolboys and their lives in a strict religious boarding school. One evening after classes, the students come across an old copy of Romeo and Juliet and begin to read the play to each other. As the evening progresses the boys become more and more immersed in the text and the characters, and the play becomes about the boys and their voyage of self discovery through the Bard’s famous words.
The boys explore their relationships with each other and, particularly for Student 1 (Romeo), his love for Student 2 (Juliet). These two young men, fully absorbed, begin to realise how their feelings parallel the relationship between the “star crossed lovers” in Shakespeare’s text. It is revelatory for them having been in such an oppressive environment all of their lives to see that their love is not as abnormal as they thought.
Bearing witness to this blossoming relationship is Student 3 (Mercutio) who also has feelings for Student 1. The play not only explores the relationship between Romeo and Juliet (and its relevance to the boys) but also the emotional conflict of Student 3 at seeing his schoolmates together. This is extenuated by the other role taken by Student 3 – the friar. In Shakespeare’s text the friar is supportive of Romeo and his relationship and actively helps his friend. Thus we see the internal turmoil of Student 3 exposed perfectly; on the one hand he wants Student 1 for himself, but on the other he wants to help his friend to be happy with who he is.
Student 4 (the Nurse), uneasy with the relationship but counselling Student 2’s Juliet, adopts a homophobic stance towards Student 1 and also takes on the role of Tybalt, Romeo’s sworn enemy. The violence of the conflict between Student 1 and Student 4 is an all too familiar sight in today’s world where homosexuality is still not full accepted.
Shakespeare’s R&J runs at the Tabard Theatre, London W4 from June 30th to August 8th 2015. Easy access via Turnham Green Station (District Line). Tickets £17/£15 .
Tickets are available from the Tabard Theatre Box Office.
Telephone: 0208 995 6035
Or online at: Tabard Theatre
This production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited.

Twitter: @ChapelLaneTC #RandJ2015
Facebook: Chapel Lane Theatre Company

Hundreds turn out in support of gay marriage in Northern Ireland just days after the Republic's historic referendum

31/05/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

Belfast Live – 20:02, 30 MAY 2015 BY LISA SMYTH

The rally outside Belfast City Hall is just the latest event calling for equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Northern Ireland
Up to 400 people have taken part in a rally calling for same sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
It comes after last week’s overwhelming yes vote to allow gay people to get married in the Republic of Ireland and just days before Belfast City Council debates the subject.
Speakers at the event outside Belfast City Hall included People Before Profit Alliance councillor Gerry Carroll, Green Party councillor Ross Brown, Malachi O’Hara from the Rainbow Project and the outspoken Rev Chris Hudson from All Souls Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church on Elmwood Avenue in south Belfast.
He hit out angrily at the position of churches across Ireland in relation to same sex marriage.
“They advised the Irish people to vote no as it went against their teachings and the Irish people said, ‘If you don’t mind reverend gentlemen and reverend ladies, we won’t take your advice on this one”, and they went out and showed absolute solidarity with the LGBT community by voting yes.
“This is not an issue between people of faith and the LBGT community and don’t let any fundamentalist Christians tell you that’s true.”
The event was organised by 17-year-old Padraigin Mervyn.
She explained: “I decided to organise this event because I had seen that our Irish brothers and sisters had won their referendum.

PAUL FAITH/AFP/Getty ImagesA couple watch the count at a count centre in Dublin
“I knew that there was hype up North so I discussed with my political party, People Before Profit, and decided while momentum was high I would get an event page set up on Facebook.
“The aim of this event is to begin a wave of protests in attempt to challenge our government, and raise awareness that the LGBT community will no longer sit back and be oppressed.
“No longer do we want to be regarded as second class citizens, it’s time for the people of Northern Ireland to fight back.”
Meanwhile, Amnesty International, the Rainbow Project and Irish Congress of Trade Unions are organising a march calling for same sex marriage to be implemented in Northern Ireland at Writer’s Square in Belfast at 2.30 pm on June 13.

Book Review: Hold Still by Nina LaCour

29/05/2015 By Dave McFarlane Leave a Comment

Review: Hold Still by Nina LaCour

by Vee

reviewed by Marie Hagen of MarietheLibrarian

Hold Still by Nina Lacour

Hold Still | Nina LaCour | 231 pages | Paperback | With illustrations
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic fiction
Themes: Death, friendship, loss, suicide
Goodreads rating: 3.99
Synopsis: Hold Still tells the story of Caitlin who recently lost her best friend Ingrid, to suicide. Ingrid and Caitlin shared everything together, and Caitlin is facing an unknown life without her best friend to laugh, cry and share her secrets with. One day Caitlin finds Ingrids journal under her bed, and through her journal, Caitlin gets to see another different, darker side of Ingrid. The journal becomes sort a guide to Caitlin as she deals with returning to school, forging new friendships and falling in love for the very first time, without her best friend to share it with.
My thoughts:
You may wonder why I chose to review this book for the GAY YA, and that’s because the author is not only gay, but Hold Still features a queer girl character. But I’ll talk a bit more about this later.
The reason I read this book was because I had heard so much raving about Nina LaCour’s newest book, Everything Leads to You. I was buying books for my library and the only book they had available for purchase was Hold Still. I bought it, received it, read it and here I am, an emotional mess because of this beautiful book.
First off, I want to talk about LaCour’s beautiful writing style. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND MY HEART JUST MELTED! She writes so poetically and full of emotions and it just hits me right in the heart. Her tone is funny, sarcastic and very realistic. Her metaphors are easy to understand and relate to, and it makes me feel as though I am the one grieving the loss of my best friend to a suicide. It takes talent to write that well.
Second, the characters. Oh my god, the characters. The characters are so well-written and well-rounded. All of them come to life in my head and I really feel like I am a part of this book. Caitlin’s grief, her struggle to find new friends, her relationship with her parents, teachers and her old classmates. Caitlin’s new friends are written beautifully and they all have depth and emotion to them. Every character in this book has a purpose and they all bring something new to the story about Caitlin and Ingrid. My favorite character is, of course, the queer girl and Caitlin’s friend, Dylan. She has gone through some of the same stuff that Caitlin has been through and their friendship turns out to be one of the realest ones I have read.
Thirdly, I absolute loved, adored, and devoured this book. It left me speechless and I cried many times. I love how this book is about grief, but it is not one of those immensely sad books that you get depressed after reading. No, this book has humor, love and carrying on as important subjects. It also shows how art or doing what YOU love can help you get through even the hardest of times. Like I said earlier, the main reason I wanted to review this book for the GAY YA is because it features a very realistic f/f relationship and it also shows how completely normal a friendship between a straight and queer girl can be. I love Dylan and Caitlin’s honesty with each other, and I love how Caitlin can ask Dylan about relationship advice without it being cheesy. I also loved that Caitlin has male friends that she’s not attracted to and that she still manages to be their friend. This book just displays some simply amazing and wonderful relationships of all kinds.
Final thoughts: Read this book if you want to laugh and cry. Read this book if you want to read a book with good and strong friendships. Read this book if you want a queer girl character. Read this book if you want to read a beautifully. Just read this book. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL.

Click me to buy me

Favorite quote:

“Instead, every muscle in her whole body seems to lose all tension, her step forward resembles a skip, and she lets out a hey that might as well say; I love you, you are so beautiful, no one in the world is as amazing as you are.”

This is how Caitlin describes Dylan when she sees her girlfriend, and I just died from the beauty of it.
My rating: 5 stars
Thank you for reading and thank you to Vee at @thegayya for allowing me to write this weird review. It is not a review per ce, but my thoughts and feelings and rambles about this stunning book.