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The Warwick Rowers are back, raising money for gay rights, and they’re more naked than ever

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Not suitable for work: We have got seven shots teasing their 2016 naked calendar

The Warwick Rowers raise money for gay rights by posing naked once again
Screengrab

The Warwick Rowers are back, raising money for gay rights, and they’re more naked than ever

20 August 2015

The Warwick Rowers are back, and these British boys are baring all once again to raise money for gay rights.

The university rowing team have teased their brand new 2016 naked calendar.
Once again, the money raised will go to supporting young people who are challenged by bullying, homophobia or low-self esteem in sport through Sports Allies.
And we have got a few shots to make the wait worthwhile. Some are from their new calendar, some from their new coffee table book, and some are from behind the scenes.
Warwick_Rowers_3
Warwick_Rowers_6
Warwick_Rowers_2Warwick_Rowers_4
Warwick_Rowers_1
Warwick_Rowers_7
Head over to the Warwick Rowers website to see all of their offers and their teaser video.

Men United for Prostate Cancer UK

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GT Hunks

Men are getting naked and wet for charity

Half naked men are getting soaking wet for charity. Yes, you read that correctly, you have the perfect excuse to give to charity and enjoy naked hot guys.
Mark Lister is showcasing 14 half naked men soaked in water to try to raise over £10,000 for the charity Prostate Cancer UK.
He’s calling the fundraising campaign: Project Soaked.

© Mark Lister projectsoaked.co.uk
“I’m looking forward to launching Project Soaked,” says Mark, “and I’m delighted to be raising awareness and much needed money to help beat prostate cancer.”

© Mark Lister projectsoaked.co.uk
The money raised will go to supporting Men United, a movement by prostate cancer UK “for everyone who believes men are worth fighting for.”
“The more I read and the more I spoke to people about it, the more I realised that most men don’t actually know what the prostate is or what it does.” Lister says. Men United has gained more than 230,000 people pledging their support since its launch over 12 months ago.

© Mark Lister projectsoaked.co.uk
Mark Bishop, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK said: “It’s fantastic to see that Mark has decided to take on this challenge to raise funds for Prostate cancer UK. By doing this he and everyone involved are joining Men United and helping to make a real difference in furthering the fight against prostate cancer.”

© Mark Lister projectsoaked.co.uk
By fundraising for Men United, big or small, you’d be helping push for real change, from more effective testing to better treatment. So why not take the step and buy the saucy calendar, we’re sure you can find somewhere to hang it.
Get the calendar via projectsoaked.co.uk from 15th August – January 2016.
Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer can contact prostate cancer UK’s specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or via online live chat, instant messaging service: prostatecanceruk.org .
Words Iona McGregor – Nelson, @i0na95

Top tips on LGBT-inclusive sex education

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Fran Hall
 

LGBT young people too often miss out on vital information and support at school. Inclusive sex and relationships education (SRE) can help to remedy their isolation

All young people should have access to high quality, age-appropriate sex and relationships education (SRE) in school. But all too often this isn’t the case and LGBT young people are missing out on vital information, putting their emotional and physical wellbeing at risk.

More than half of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people say they are not taught anything about lesbian, gay and bisexual issues, suggests research by the University of Cambridge for Stonewall. Research by the National Union of Students earlier this year also found that less than a fifth of all university students were taught about LGBT issues in SRE at school.

Stonewall’s School Champions programme works with primary and secondary schools to tackle homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and to support LGBT young people. Based on the many examples of good practice we’ve seen, here are some top tips on LGBT-inclusive SRE.

Don’t make assumptions

Don’t assume that all students are heterosexual or that there are no trans students in your class. Think carefully about the examples and language used when talking about relationships. Use gender neutral terms such as “partner” and embed examples of LGBT people and relationships. Be explicit in your school’s policy that SRE is there to prepare all students for the future, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Ensure all young people learn about LGBT people and relationships

All students should learn about key concepts such as sexual orientation, gender identity and the difference between biological sex and gender. Embed positive examples of LGBT people and relationships and discuss relevant LGBT rights and equality (for example, that LGBT people can marry and have children). This ensures that all students understand the diversity of people and relationships in 21st century Britain and that young people who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity get the information they need.

Include information that is relevant to LGBT young people

Make sure you include specific information where relevant – for example, on sexual health or coming out. At the same time, avoid promoting the stereotype that all LGBT people have certain types of sex and relationships. The easiest way to do this is to talk about the similarities and differences there might be across different types of relationships.

A lot of the information that LGBT young people need to know will be the same as their heterosexual peers (what a healthy relationship looks like). Using LGBT examples will signal that the information you are giving is relevant to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and will help to tackle assumptions about LGBT people and relationships more generally.

Challenge gender stereotypes

Challenge these both in the content of SRE and in the way the lessons are delivered. Think carefully about whether to separate students by gender for SRE. Trans students or those questioning their gender identity may feel uncomfortable or miss out on vital information if classes and lesson content are divided (for example, a trans man who may need to know about cervical screening). If students are separated, deliver the same content across groups. All students will gain valuable information and skills by considering situations from the point of view of different genders.

Encourage students to understand and celebrate difference and diversity

SRE can be a great opportunity for discussion, for students to learn about difference and to develop respect and understanding towards others. This should include exploring and challenging stereotypes about LGBT people and feed into the school’s wider work on tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying. SRE is also the perfect opportunity to encourage every student to feel positive and confident about themselves.

Staff will need training, alongside an updated SRE policy to deliver effectively across these areas. As well as Stonewall’s resources and training, the Sex Education Forum and Gendered Intelligence and Allsorts Youth Project look specifically at LGBT relationships and sexual health.

Visit stonewall.org.uk/education for more information

Top tips on LGBT-inclusive sex education

LGBT sex education in schools could lead to lower HIV rates and happier students

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pn_new_logo

 
 
1280px-Whitby_railway_station_MMB_08_156452The National AIDS Trust has released statistics that highlight the weak sex and relationships education in schools – and why better resources would lead to lower HIV rates and happier LGBT youth.
Throughout last year, the National AIDS Trust surveyed more than 1,000 young men in the UK, aged 14 to 19.
The study states: “. . .of those [55 percent] who had ever been bullied or treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation, over a third (39 percent) had experienced bullying or discrimination because of their sexual orientation from a teacher or another adult at school or college.”
68 percent were not educated about HIV testing and 64 percent had no instruction in school on what to do when bullied for being gay.
US statistics from PFLAG NYC state: “Gay teens are 8.4 times more likely to report having attempted suicide and 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression compared with peers from families that reported no or low levels of family rejection.”
The National AIDS Trust study divulged that 75 percent of the respondents did not receive any instruction about same-sex relationships or attraction.
However, 73 percent would value more information or support when it came to the topic.
Because LGBT-inclusive education was unavailable in schools, the respondents turned to websites, the “gay community,” pornography, friends and siblings or online forums and chat-rooms.
The results of the largest study of its kind in the UK revealed that bullying can lead to unsatisfactory mental health, which increases HIV risks because of an indifference to sexual health.
52 percent of the respondents would appreciate more education on mental health.
With the HIV rates in the UK rising, different alternatives have to be considered for prevention and the “Boys who like Boys” study reveals just that.
57 percent of those surveyed by the Nationals AIDS Trust expressed that they were unsatisfied or unsure about their satisfaction when it came to their HIV knowledge.
A good portion were unaware that HIV can only be transmitted through semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid, blood or breast milk, not saliva.
Additionally, they had no idea about the post-exposure prophylaxis drug, which halts infection if taken within the following 72 hours.
Recently, debate over LGBT inclusive sex education has been sparked.
General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers Christine Blower said: “We need education policy that develops curriculum for children and young people that supports the democratic values of a diverse Britain – including LGBT equality.
“Future governments must tackle the embedded homophobia, biphobia and transphobia that exist in some schools,” she told The Telegraph.
The National AIDS Trust also suggests that education relevant to LGBT youth should exist in schools, like information on consent, safe sex and pornography.
However, religious proponents object to the recommendations, claiming they will “oversexualise” the youngest members of society.
“This kind of policy is dangerous for our children who are being oversexualised at a very young age,” argued Andrea Williams of Christian Concern.
“They are being introduced to concepts and having normalised sex relationships which robs them of their innocence and is not good for their emotional and moral well being.”

Dear Coleen: It’s a lonely life for a gay carer living in the countryside

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Reprinted from the Daily Record – 20:30, 14 July 201

COLEEN hears from a man in his 60s who hasn’t had a sexual relationship with another man for ten years.

Dear Coleen

I am a gay man in my early 60s and I live in a rural part of the country. During my life I’ve had a couple of relationships, which never got as far as the living together stage and I got hurt each time. The last one was 10 years ago.
I have spent the past few years living with and caring for my elderly and ill parents (I am still looking after my dad) and it has proved almost impossible to meet anyone because of this.
I have gradually had to give up many interests and my social circle is now incredibly small. My income is quite limited but I do manage a couple of holidays with a friend each year.
I would just love to have some company to go out for a meal or a coffee sometimes. I do still have a couple of good straight friends and some family members nearby. But it does feel like “this is it” for my future, with there being no likelihood of ever having someone special in my life.
Unfortunately, gay social life where I live is virtually nonexistent (particularly when you reach a certain age and become invisible). I have tried online dating and generally the only contacts have been weirdos and people simply looking for casual sex.
My main passion during my life has been theatre and through membership of amateur dramatics groups I have made good friends. I have also been involved in volunteering activities for most of my life, as well as being employed full-time until a couple of years ago.
I still feel young and healthy but I seem to have hit a brick wall. Do I just have to accept that when I am no longer a carer, my future will be a lonely one?

Coleen says

I don’t think you have to accept anything – especially while you still
feel young and healthy.
No, you haven’t met a life partner but you’ve done a lot more than many folk. And there’s never any guarantees you’re going to meet “the one”.
But I think that what can help is breaking out of old routines – and I get the impression your life is run by routine, partly because of the situation with your parents.
Keep going on holiday but instead of going with your mate every time, try a gay singles holiday. If you’re always with someone you know very well, you won’t feel inclined to talk to anyone else, plus other people might assume you’re a couple.
I understand it must be limiting to live in a rural community but why not look into respite care for your dad or ask other family members to help out so you can get out of that environment now and again?
Visit friends, take a trip to the city – break out of your comfort zone.
Your attitude to life is what will keep you young and open to opportunities.
Good luck.
 

Editorial:  Obviously this is based in England, but it does apply to whatever region you live in in the UK, and as N Ireland is extremely rural, probably more often than we realise over here.  What advice would you give to someone who lives in a rural area, or even a town or city in N Ireland, who is a carer and is gay?

Best Advice
 

Press Release: CHE votes to support the LGBT History Project

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6 July 2015
At its 43rd Annual Conference in June 2015, The Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) voted to support the LGBT History Project.
The LGBT History Project, founded by Jonathan Harbourne in June 2011, is an online archive of information about LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) life in the United Kingdom from Julius Caesar to the present day. The archive, at http://www.lgbthistoryuk.org/wiki/, takes the form of a Wikipedia-style encyclopaedia with over 3,000 articles, covering every region, county, and local government district in the UK, and many famous and not so famous LGBT-related people, places, organisations  and events. The articles in the encyclopaedia have been viewed over four million times. The Project has recently become a Key Partner of LGBT History Month.
The Conference motion (full wording at http://c-h-e.org.uk/motions2015.shtml) urges CHE’s Executive Committee to work with other interested organisations to secure the long-term survival and enhancement of the Project, and the recruitment of additional volunteers.
CHE, founded in 1964, is the oldest LGBT member organisation in the country. With a wealth of history in its own archives, it is fully committed to preserving and documenting LGBT History, for instance by becoming a sponsor of LGBT History Month, and by commissioning the author Peter Scott-Presland to research and document its own history in the book Amiable Warriors (Volume One now available to buy: see http://www.amiable-warriors.uk/).

 
For further information, contact Ross Burgess at ross@foxearth.net , telephone 020 8645 0943 or 07899 985 064

Digital Campaign Launches To Remind Gay Men To Test For HIV Regularly

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By The Gay UK, Jun 30 2015 09:58AM
A new digital campaign was launched yesterday by the Terrence Higgins Trust to remind gay men and MSM (men who have sex with men) to get tested for HIV regularly.
(C) Terrence Higgins Trust

(C) Terrence Higgins Trust
A feel-good video has been launched by THT as part of the charity’s mission to get more gay men and MSMs to test for HIV more regularly.
The launch is part of its continuing efforts with the It Starts With Me campaign. Figures show that gay and bisexual men are still the most affected by HIV in England.
There is an estimated 43,500 gay and bisexual men living with HIV in the UK, one in six of whom don’t know they are positive, so could pass it on without knowing.
The summery video features a male couple who get together at a BBQ.
Cary James, Head of Programmes at Terrence Higgins Trust said:
“The fight against HIV will not only be won by large organisations or governments, but by the actions of individuals in the most personal and intimate moments of their lives.
“At this time of the year when the LGBT community comes together to celebrate Pride, we hope this video will inspire all of us to play a part in stopping HIV by regular testing and protecting each other by using condoms.“
The #TogetherSummer video and social media activity will direct people to the It Starts With Me website which offers a tool to find the nearest testing clinic, a the perfect condom, and a tool to tell you whether or not you need a HIV test.
HIV Prevention England’s It Starts with Me campaign launched in April 2013, and is co-ordinated by Terrence Higgins Trust, funded by Public Health England.
The campaign speaks directly to gay and bisexual men, chiefly about the importance of HIV testing and using condoms.

3 years in prison just for being gay

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Imagine: 3 years in prison just for being gay. That’s what could happen to Lahcen and Mohsine, two Moroccan gay men. They were arrested while taking a photo next to a monument in Rabat. The police said they were violating “public modesty” by standing too close together.
Their trial is in 3 days, where it’s likely they’ll get a 3-year jail term: last month some other Moroccans were given 3-year sentences, just for being gay. All Out’s Moroccan partner, the Aswat Collective, is fighting for Lahcen and Mohsine’s freedom and have urgently asked us to help.
A huge global outcry, just before their trial on Tuesday could be a game-changer for Lahcen and Mohsine. The Moroccan authorities are investing in the tourist industry to attract visitors from across the world – they can’t risk the damage to their reputation of a massive global petition.
Just 3 days left to speak out that being gay is not a crime. Sign and share the petition now, to build a giant call for Lahcen and Mohsine to be freed:
go.allout.org/en/a/lahcen-mohsine/
Lahcen and Mohsine were sightseeing around Rabat on 4 June when they were arrested. Mohsine doesn’t live in the city, so Lahcen had showed him several tourist spots. They were taking photos at the Hassan Tower when they were arrested.
Since their arrest, Lahcen and Mohsine’s full names and pictures were leaked to national media in Morocco. Hate rallies have been organised outside their families’ homes and the police haven’t tried to protect their families from harassment.
Call for Lahcen and Mohsine to be freed: go.allout.org/en/a/lahcen-mohsine/
Being gay is still illegal in Morocco, even though the 2011 constitution bars discrimination on any grounds. The Aswat Collective is campaigning for the Moroccan government to abolish the article of the penal code – Article 489 – which outlaws homosexuality.
In April, 120,000 All Out members got behind five Chinese women who were arrested for campaigning for LGBT rights and women’s equality. We joined a global outcry of journalists and world leaders and all five women were released! Then in May, more than 2,000 of us chipped in donations to safely rehouse three gay and trans refugees fleeing ISIS. Now let’s help free Lahcen and Mohsine.
Add your name now: go.allout.org/en/a/lahcen-mohsine/
Thanks for going All Out,
Andre, Guillaume, Jessica, Oscar, Rose and the rest of the All Out team.
P.S. All Out depends on small donations from members. Every individual donation goes to powering groundbreaking global campaigns. It also means governments and corporations can’t tell us what to do because we won’t take their money. Will you help keep us strong? Click here now to chip in: go.allout.org/en/a/ps-donate

In 3 days, two Moroccan men could get 3-year jail terms – just for being gay.

Join a global outcry to free Lahcen and Mohsine.

SIGN

Do the LGBT Youth in Northern Ireland feel safe?

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Editorial:  So LGBT young people in Scotland ‘feel unsafe’!  I wonder if the same is true in Northern Ireland – only you the readers can tell us.  What not leave us share stories in our comments  box.

 
 
 

Many LGBT young people ‘feel unsafe’

gay couple holding hands

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) young people still encounter harassment in public spaces, according to a Scottish charity.

LGBT Youth Scotland said its research suggested more needed to be done to ensure LGBT young people felt safe.
It urged those affected to understand their rights and report discrimination.
The charity said not every young person was aware of what constituted a criminal act under hate crime legislation .
In an online survey of LGBT people aged 13 to 25 conducted by the charity, 49% of the 273 respondents said they felt safe and supported by the legal system. The figure fell to 40% among those who identified as transgender.
Half of those surveyed said they were aware of their rights, while a similar proportion (53%) said they would feel confident in reporting a crime they experienced to the police.
Among transgender young people the figure dropped to 48%, while bisexual women were the least likely to feel confident reporting a hate crime at 46%.

Hate crimes

Just over half (51%) of transgender young people said they felt safe using public transport.
While the charity has welcomed an increase in the reporting of hate crimes, YGBT Youth Scotland has recommended that campaigns, activities and lesson plans be developed for use in schools, with specific reference to hate crime.
Chief executive Fergus McMillan said: “In Scotland, we are fortunate to have strong hate crime legislation that is inclusive of transgender identities yet the safety report shows a gap in knowledge and confidence for transgender young people in particular.
“When young people know about their rights, and have confidence in the process, they are more likely to be willing to report.
“An increase in reported crimes since the introduction of the legislation is certainly positive, yet more must be done to ensure that LGBT young people feel safe in their communities, understand their rights and how to report discrimination and harassment, and have the confidence to report.”