ACOMSDave

Community Journalist

Why the LGBTQ+ Community Should Be Cautious of Data Collection

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Why the LGBTQ+ Community Should Be Cautious of Data CollectionThe LGBTQ+ community has a historical reason for being cautious of data collection. Here are some key factors:

  1. Historical Discrimination: Throughout history, data has been used to target and discriminate against marginalized groups. This includes the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in various societies.
  2. Privacy Concerns: Data collection can pose significant privacy risks. Misuse of personal information can lead to discrimination, harassment, or even violence.
  3. Lack of Trust: Given historical and ongoing discrimination, many LGBTQ+ individuals may have difficulty trusting institutions or individuals collecting their data.
  4. Potential for Misuse: Data can be used to reinforce stereotypes, justify discrimination, or even inform harmful policies.
  5. Limited Control: Once data is collected, individuals may have limited control over how it is used or shared.

It’s important to note that not all data collection is harmful. When done ethically and transparently, data can be used to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, improve services, and promote understanding. However, it’s crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and to exercise caution when sharing personal information.

 

“Empower yourself and the LGBTQ+ community by staying informed about data privacy.

Share this article to raise awareness and advocate for safe data practices!”

 

 

 

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LGBTQI+ Library

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Quite a while ago the library for our community was moved from the Carpenter Centre to Cathedral Buildings in Lower Donegall Street.  I was completing some research on the LGBT Film Festival (more to follow on this) when I spotted the following entry:

 

Library…Library

The library at ‘No 8’ has several hundred books ranging from bubble-gum to high art and heavy social science tomes.  One hundred books, mostly quite serious stuff went missing in the move from ‘No 4’ if you know anything of the whereabouts of this material, please let us know.

The Library also contains a full run of the old “Gay News”, “Gay Star” and its predecessors, nearly full runs of the Gay magazines and some unique stuff like dissertations and theses on various groups and individuals in the gay movement locally.

The NIGRA Archives containing information on the Strasbourg case and the McCleave affair, as well as ten years of press clippings, are not held at ‘No 8’ but can be reached by way of the librarian, Terry…

 

 

Of interest now is that to my knowledge the missing material and books never materialised, also the following items are held in the following locations:

  • Gay News in the Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GB – go to the fourth floor and ask to see them
  • Gay Star, upstart, update, NIGRA News are also held in the Linen Hall Library, 17 Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GB – go to the fourth floor and ask to see them
  • Press Clippings (a lot more than 10 years) are held in PRONI, 2 Titanic Boulevard Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9HQ
  • NIGRA Archives etc also held in 
  • PRONI, 2 Titanic Boulevard Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9HQ

Library

 

Links:

 

 

Callings

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CallingsCallings, written by Dominic Montaque is a wonderful, heartwarming play about five queer people who manage to discover a community and through that community support for themselves and their journey of discovery about themselves and being gay.

It is set in an era when the government used many tactics to hide our existence.  It is also set in Northern Ireland, for England had a Switchboard Service for (LGBT as it was then) or as stated in those days ‘Queers’.  The play is set in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the CARA Friend Switchboard Room – (that in itself is a misnomer as we only had 1 or 2 lines and phones) No such things as mobile phones then – chunky big desk phones and outside you had to find a phone box that worked, which was also safe for others listening, and you had to have plenty of change.

In the background, you had the ‘Save Ulster from Sodomy. Campaign, Jeff Dudgeon vs UK Trial etc., and of course ‘theCallings Troubles’.

Callings brings together tales that reflect on the challenge we faced with being ‘queer’ during this period but also celebrate our history and what has now been accomplished.

I urge you to try and get along to see this wonderful play (Callings) but don’t forget

‘…that’s why learning from history is important.  I grew up under Section 26, so I wasn’t taught about LGBTQI+ issues at school…

Owen Jones (Attitude March 2019)

 

 

 

The full Show Schedule is:

Lyric Theatre, Belfast: Wed 2 Oct – Sun 6 Oct;

The MAC Birmingham, 10 – 11 Oct;

Stanley Arts London: 16-17 Oct;

Chats Palace London: 18–19 Oct;

Hawkswell Sligo: 23 Oct;

Market Place Armagh: 24 Oct;

Riverbank Kildare: 25 Oct;

Down Arts Centre: 26 Oct;

Droichead, Drogheda: 2 Nov;

Garage, Monaghan, 3 Nov,

Project Arts Centre, Dublin: 6-9 Nov.

For more information on the production and to get tickets go to www.kabosh.net

To find out more about the services offered by Cara-Friend visit www.cara-friend.org.uk

 

Links:

Postal Workers Suspended for Refusing to Deliver Anti-Trans Flyers

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Postal Workers Suspended for Refusing to Deliver Anti-Trans FlyersPostal Workers Suspended in New Brunswick, Canada.   Two postal workers from Canada Post have been suspended for refusing to deliver controversial flyers from Campaign Life Coalition that call for a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The incident has raised significant concerns about the implications of such materials being distributed in the lead-up to the province’s upcoming October 21 election.

The flyers describe gender-affirming medical procedures in derogatory terms, referring to them as “chemical and surgical mutilation.” Additionally, the flyers state that “God doesn’t make mistakes.” Shannon Aitchison, a Canada Post carrier and union representative who has a transgender child, explained her objection to delivering the materials: “The third flyer was straight-up nonsense,” she told the *Brantford Expositor*. “’ God doesn’t make mistakes,’ so you’re telling me my child is a mistake?”

Five postal workers in the Saint John area chose to refuse delivery of the flyers. While two workers were suspended, others opted to take personal days to avoid handling the controversial materials.

Canada Post has defended its decision, asserting that the flyers did not meet the legal definition of a “non-mailable matter,” and therefore, must be delivered. “Our important and longstanding role in delivering the country’s mail should not be seen as tolerance or support for the contents of any mailing,” stated Canada Post spokesperson Valérie Chartrand. “We are a neutral third party regardless of our views.”

Moreover, *CBC* reported on August 26 that Campaign Life Coalition has distributed similar flyers across New Brunswick to support Premier Blaine Higgs’ “parental rights” policies. These policies, which echo far-right measures seen in parts of the United States, mandate that teachers obtain parental consent before using a student’s chosen name or pronouns for students under 16.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the debate over gender-affirming care and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly minors, during a politically charged election season.

In the UK it would appear that the British public’s stand on transgender rights; a new YouGov study, the third, and most expansive in a series from 2018, shows evidence of an overall gradual erosion in support towards transgender rights.  But even LGBT Rights did not have an easy ride during its travel toward acceptance:

e.g.

During the Pre-20th Century:

Homosexuality was criminalized in the UK during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Buggery Act of 1533 made sodomy a capital offense, and subsequent laws further criminalized homosexual acts.

Decriminalisation:

The Sexual Offences Act 1967 partially decriminalised homosexuality for men over 21 in private. However, discrimination and prejudice persisted.

The 1980s – Rise of Activism:

The 1980s saw the emergence of LGBT+ activism, notably with the founding of organizations like Stonewall, (check out their website for more information about Stonewall). The HIV/AIDS epidemic brought attention to LGBT+ issues and led to increased activism and solidarity.

Section 28:

In 1988, Section 28 was introduced, prohibiting the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools. It was a highly controversial and damaging policy.

(The History of LGBT+ Rights in the UK (Union of Students) by Holly Lloyd)

 

 

Links:

 

“Family Escapes Birmingham Gay Village Attack, Seeks Refuge in Ireland”

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"Family Escapes Birmingham Gay Village Attack, Seeks Refuge in Ireland"

Stop Homophobia

A family has fled to Ireland following a distressing attack that occurred in Birmingham’s gay village. The incident involved a violent assault on the father, who was targeted for his sexual orientation. The family shared their experience, describing the trauma and fear they endured as a result of the attack, which has led them to seek safety in a new country. Their story highlights the ongoing issues of homophobia and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as the challenges faced by those seeking refuge. The family hopes to rebuild their lives in Ireland, where they can find a more accepting environment.

 

“World Press Freedom Index 2024”

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"World Press Freedom Index 2024"

In a summary of a report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), “World Press Freedom Index 2024”,  has stated that more than 50% of the global population resides in countries classified as having a “very serious” press freedom situation, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF)’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index. This alarming statistic highlights the dire circumstances faced by journalists, with individuals in these regions often risking their lives and freedoms to report the news. Presently, 36 countries—up from 31 in 2023—are marked in red on RSF’s press freedom map, indicating severe restrictions, including five of the world’s ten most populous nations: India (159th), China (172nd), Pakistan (152nd), Bangladesh (165th), and Russia (162nd).

Recent elections in these countries have underscored the extent of press freedom violations, with governments exerting control over information and resorting to violence against journalists. For instance, China remains the world’s largest jailer of journalists, while Russia has introduced laws to suppress dissent ahead of its own elections. In Bangladesh, journalist safety deteriorated amidst political turmoil, and Pakistan’s media censorship intensified during election campaigns. In India, disinformation campaigns and harassment of journalists have escalated as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term.

RSF emphasizes that the coming year poses risks for information freedom, as 76 countries with a combined population of 4.1 billion are set to hold elections, creating fertile ground for government manipulation of news. The situation is already tense in other populous nations like Mexico and Indonesia, highlighting a worrying trend for media freedom worldwide.

The report calls on the 36 countries categorized as having severe press freedom issues to address and rectify these obstructive practices.

 

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Jack Daniels has bowed under pressure!

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Jack Daniels, the US beverage brand (whiskey-maker has bowed under pressure and announced (supposedly to Robby Starbuck) that they have decided to drop diversity, equity and inclusion programmes.  This affects the 5700 employees of the Brown-Forman Corporation which has the Jack Daniels brand, and has an impact on the wider population of the USA and the world.

This is yet another example of how the (far) right of American politics is seeking to isolate the LGBTQI+ community.  Also, look at the link I have provided about Florida quietly pulling LGBTQ+ travel info from the state website.

 

See the article in the Pink News:

Jack Daniel’s scraps diversity initiatives in face of anti-LGBTQ+ pressure

Jack Daniels Photo by <a target=

Business owners who cater to Florida’s LGBTQ+ tourists said Wednesday that it marked the latest attempt by officials in the state to erase the LGBTQ+ community.

Ed Reynolds – Artist – About Belfast

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I was animated to see Ed Reynolds, the artist, painting live in the venue of 2 Royal Avenue this week.

Ed Reynolds’ work depicts the city of Belfast in a dynamic essence through a fusion of traditional and impressionistic views.  

Because he is painting live at 2 Royal Avenue, his exhibition is dynamic, it is bright, cheerful and full of surprises.  I wonder if you will recognize all the buildings and locations he has used, and in some cases merged.

The exhibition is on until July 22nd 2024, come along, see Ed Reynolds at work, enjoy the paintings, have a coffee and relax and if you are fortunate you will have a pianist playing some wonderful music.

 

Links:

 

Ed Reynolds - 1

10 Year Strategic Plan [2024-2034] – The Arts In Northern Ireland

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Good evening everyone

The Arts Council for N Ireland launched its ’10-Year Strategic Plan [2023-2034] – TheArts In Northern Ireland’ in January this year, with it closing its doors for comments in early April for comments.

Unfortunately, I only got to hear of it after the comments closure, so I have decided to put my thoughts on it here:

I’ve now read with interest the 10-Year Strategic Plan [2024-2034] – The Arts In Northern Ireland, but I believe that a fundamental area is missing, that is education in schools. Yes, various organisations have put in place band-aids to try and help the flow of art education, i.e.

  • Creativity and the arts in the curriculum
  • Creative Schools Programme

but fundamentally the problem is that the Government (both in Westminster and at Stormont) does not value the Arts (unless they are paying for expensive seats in theatres etc) and the Art in Education in particular.  In the past the ordinary person had access to arts both in terms of going to watch and listen, but also in terms of participating in locally run courses in schools and colleges. (both for academic qualifications and also for personal development).  Organisations such as the Workers Education Association (now defunct in Northern Ireland,  due to government funding being withdrawn for all of its huge range of courses (including e.g. Fiances for running WEA Groups, Finances for Homesheds (both of which I have written courses for)); or the Crescent Arts Centre, which like so many other organisations have had successive cuts to its finances, and has had to reduce its offering accordingly, but manfully keeps on trying.

Art education is fundamental to all of us and the desired outcomes such as personal development or entrepreneurship cannot develop without that continuance from Primary to High School.

If you check the current University of Ulster’s  School of Art, its courses range from BA, BDes, MA, MFA; I believe that before it became a university it offered courses of a shorter period which enabled people from other walks of life to dip into art and develop abilities – university degrees are not for everyone, and indeed generally cannot be afforded by most!

I have discovered several avenues for my art, Dermot Cavanagh, a local artist who runs courses locally and online,  and also Art Class Belfast, but it took time and no little effort.  I know that there are amateur art groups such as:

and they do a wonderful job, but some would like the regime of a classroom environment with a teacher.  I did check an online GCSE in Art costs £999 over two years – more thought needs to occur within the Arts Council, and the government needs to do some proper joined-up thinking = something which it has lacked for the last 10+ years.

 

 

 

10 Year Strategic Plan [2024-2034] - The Arts In Northern Ireland

Art Class Belfast

  Learn To Paint Dermot Cavanagh

 

 

 

 

 

 

Airbrushing out of history

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Airbrushing out of historyEarlier this year [2023] I was fortunate to come across an article by Lois Beckett on how the streets of Los Angeles, which played host to many events in LGBTQ+ history, are being gentrified, and these are my words, the LGBTQ+ community is being airbrushed out of the areas.

So why should this matter?  Well, there is an adage often repeated, “if we have no history, we don’t exist”.  Lewis was accompanied on this journey by Roland Palencia, a gay activist who has lived and organised in the area for decades.  Palencia suddenly shouted “Where is the plaque?  The plaque was right here!”  The plaque did commemorate the Mattachine Society (one of the first ‘US’ homophile groups to openly advocate acceptance.)Airbrushing out of history

“It’s erasure.  Erasure of our history,” Palencia says, “This is where it all began, at least in modern times.”

The journey carried on, and more and more items of importance in relation to the LGBTQ+ society had been removed or hidden due to the gentrification of the area.

Airbrushing out of history

When Hitler came to power, he sought to eradicate any group(s) who did not conform to his ideal of purity and history.  Today in the USA (and other countries) they first try to eradicate our history by the removal of LGBTQ+ books from schools, libraries etc.  It also shows often in local towns and villages but the fact that local LGBTQ+ people are not recognised for their contribution to society.

This practice is being adopted piecemeal in certain schools and is expanding to plays with gay characters not being allowed to be produced in schools and colleges.

The Conservative government has to be continuously dragged to court(s) or harangued in the media (if they publish) to get LGBTQ+ legislation on the statute books (we are still waiting for the promised transgender updates) including the promised law changes for conversion therapy.  History shows that Conversion Therapy (CT) was used from the late 19th century because psychiatrists and doctors had begun to label same-sex desire in medical terms—and then started looking for ways to reverse it.

Airbrushing out of historyThe damage that Conversion Therapy causes is well documented so what I wonder is this government’s problem?  Indeed, we continuously get paid lip service with notes of apologies because it happened – just look at the apology regarding Alan Turing.

[Please note that in this editor’s opinion, ‘apologies are only a mark in history, they don’t remove the stain or embarrassment or pain that occurred, or indeed prevent the same mistake(s) from being done again’].

The LGBTQ+ community, I believe, is not looking for special treatment; what it is looking for is parity with all elements of society.

Don’t let us become another airbrushing out of history statistic!

Airbrushed out of history

 

Research and Links

Have you got a history to tell us about?

If you have a history to tell us about for our community, then please contact us (ACOMSDave) by comment or using our contact form or by getting in touch with https://lgbthistoryni.com/