BM LGBT History Month, London WC1N 3XX.

[email protected] www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk.

Patrons: Cyril Nri, actor, director, writer; Sarah Weir, Executive Director of the Arts

LGBT History Month bulletin 37 Welcome to the 37th LGBT History month bulletin. There are five sections:  News: LGBTHM, national and international bulletin  Events: a calendar of shows, conferences and meetings before the month  Coming soon: advance notice of events after the month  Community and help: a billboard for groups to make contact for research etc.  What they said: a new section with LGBT quotes from the news NEWS Pride LGBT History Month was at Thanet Pride in Kent, Lincoln Pride and Hull Pride in the month of July. Despite monsoons and floods elsewhere the sun shone at all three events. Look out for us at Brighton on the 4th and Manchester over the Bank Holiday. All prides are listed in the calendar, including UK Black Pride, which will be held in London on the 18th of the month. Below are some pictures from Thanet Pride. 1. Paul and Paul; co-owners of Sundowners, which are on the sea front at Margate 2. Ground level performing live on the stage. 3. Me promoting the Month.

School report reveals true extent of homophobia The results of the first major study into bullying of LGBT students in the UK are shocking politicians and prompting demands from LGBT activists for immediate action. The study, ‘The School Report’ produced for LGBT group Stonewall shows that 41 percent of British gay students have experienced homophobic bullying, that 12 percent had been sexually abused, 17 percent had received death threats because of their sexuality and 75% of LGBT kids in faith schools suffer homophobic bullying. To download go to www.stonewall.org.uk 1967and all that Following its launch by the LSE at Kings College and London Pride, the wonderful eponymous exhibition of our history from Wolfenden onwards is now on tour and can be accessed online. For times and venues, and the blog exhibition, go to http://1967andallthat.blogspot.com/2007/05/lobbying-for-change.html

Beautiful Things From 6 July 2007 anyone visiting BFI Southbank will be able to view an extraordinary diversity of films and TV programmes exploring queer identities across the last century in the new Mediatheque. This is a major new resource and all titles are available to view absolutely free. In the dark old days of British film and television any appearance from a lesbian or gay man was something to celebrate – even if they tended to be predatory bull dykes in sensible shoes or screaming nancy boys with a taste for angora. Join the Mediatheque on its queer odyssey to a time and place before Graham Norton… On 27 July 1967 the Sexual Offences Act became law, finally decriminalising consensual sex between two men in private. To mark the 40th anniversary of this step towards greater equality, Beautiful Things offers 100 films and television programmes that chronicle and explore queer representation and identities over the last century. Single equality act on its way Campaigners who thought they could breathe a sigh of relief and take a holiday over the summer are to be disappointed. The Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) will replace the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Commission for Racial Equality and the Disability Rights Commission and start work in October. It is committed to bringing in a Single Equalities Bill before the end of this Parliament; and stakeholders – including Schools OUT and LGBT History Month – have till September to put forward their views. No pressure there then. DfES allows Faith Exemption Last month we reported that the Department for Education and Skills is telling homophobic teachers on its website that the Equality Act doesn’t really apply to them through its teachernet site. We also reported that the NUT, NASUWT, UCU and the ATL had drafted a letter of protest, and the TUC LGBT Conference in June passed an emergency motion condemning this advice. We are still awaiting a response from the DfES. Pat urges you-tube ban The Professional Association of Teachers called for websites such as YouTube to be closed down to stop bullies targeting children and school staff online at their conference in Harrogate this week. Amber gives green light to the BNP Amber Valley Borough Council in Derbyshire has granted a drinks and entertainments licence to the British National Party for their weekend festival, to be held on land owned by Denby parish Councillor and BNP member Alan Warner. If you wish to protest or campaign against this ‘festival’, please contact Labour MP Judy Mallaber, FBU East Midlands executive member Dave Green or Unite Against Fascism (UAF). 40 years on: is that it? Channel 4 had a gay season to mark the 40th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexual relations. This season amounted to a week of mixed messages; with a potted history suggesting that gay men have been through the worst but everything is all right now and a drama set in Clapham that suggested gay men take their lives in their hands every time they step out of doors (and that gay men don’t know any lesbians). Then there was a programme about men who were men in 1967 when the law was changed, which should have been called old men behaving badly. The sad thing is that we still become excited about a week of gay programming, when LGBT people should be woven into the fabric of drama and current affairs. BBC Coming out Channel 4 did make an effort however, whilst the BBC was still being bashed from all quarters for its poor representation of the LGBT community in general and for Chris Moyles in particular. That said, the World Service has a two part series called ‘Coming Out’, which seeks to explain how and why people who are attracted to their own sex have very different experiences in different parts of the world. Go to http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5063.html if you wish to hear it. Football tackles homophobia The Football Association’s work towards tackling homophobia in sport was highlighted at the More Than Playing Games Conference in Belgium. http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/Equality/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2007/07/Homopho biawork.htm for details. BBC again A camp classic radio show has been pulled off the air by the BBC. Local radio station Three Counties, which covers Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire and has won awards in the past, pulled the Saturday lunchtime show after complaints from listeners. The Ern and Vern show, steered by Ernie Almond and Jonathan Vernon Smith, mixes disco and handbag music with sexual innuendo, irreverent and risqué humour, silly competitions and occasional Polari. In short, it’s the nearest you’ll get to Round the Horn. Normally everyone could listen on the BBC listen again facility, but not now, because the old shows have been pulled off the air too. For full story go to http://www.bedsonsunday.com/bedsonsunday-news/DisplayArticle.asp? ID=128928 Sir Ian supports Singapore Pride Sir Ian McKellen yesterday supported Singapore Pride and condemned the authorities for banning a gay art exhibition. Singapore has a thriving gay scene, although homosexual acts are illegal. The Government has expressed its intention to legalise sex between consenting males in private. Full story http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5076.html International Buju Banton signs the ‘no murder music’ petition Buju Banton, writer and performer of ‘Boom boom bye bye’, is reported to have signed the Reggae Compassion Act. At the same time Beenie Man is back-pedalling over the issue. For details go to http://www.towleroad.com/2007/07/as-buju- banton-.html Violence at Budapest pride Last week Socialist Gábor Szetey became the first elected political official in Hungary to publicly come out as being gay when he opened the 12th Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Film and Cultural Festival in Budapest. Sadly, however, Budapest Pride was marred by violence and skinheads and fascists attacked the parade with missiles, including Molotov cocktails, and attacked revellers on their way home. This is deeply disturbing, since Budapest has a big, open gay scene and a very good record on LGBT rights, setting it apart from many of the former Eastern European nations. The Mayor of Budapest, Gabor Demszky, attacked the violence and the thugs unequivocally. Landmark decision in Italy The Supreme Court in Italy overturned a decision to deport a gay man from Senegal on July 31st, and added that gay people (and LBT?) who sought to escape persecution would not be returned to their native countries. If only we had such a decision in the UK. Thursday saw a big gay ‘kiss in’ organised by national group Arcigay to protest against the arrest of two men for kissing at the Coliseum in Rome. Homophobic attacks in Quebec and Wellington Two new world cities renowned for their tolerance and liberalism are reeling from recent homophobic attacks. A 24 year-old gay man was severely beaten and hospitalised on his way home by four thugs in a homophobic attack in Quebec. Meanwhile Murphy’s bar in New Zealand’s capital Wellington has been attacked by a man who threw furniture through the windows. One woman was knocked out in the attack. Australia Gay Rights Day LGBT campaigners in Australia have declared August 12th gay rights day, following a survey showing that 70% of the population support equal partnership and marriage rights for same sex couples. The right wing Howard administration will not even consider civil partnerships for same sex couples. EVENTS UK Black Pride London Saturday August 18th Events from the 4th August to 3rd September are listed in the calendar below. When Where What 4 Sea front, town centre Brighton Pride http://www.brightonpride.org/ All day and Preston Park, Brighton

Imperial College, London Anti-discrimination training run by Orama, to join hands with others ? who want to make a difference and confront racism. For more information and to register, email [email protected], or telephone 0779 1005678 (best after 5pm). 5

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7 Committee Room 2, Camden LGBT Forum Meeting. Any items that Forum members 6-8pm Town Hall, Judd Street would like raised on the agenda should be sent to [email protected] 8

9 10 Blackheath Common, Astronomy Picnic. Come along on the Friday 10th of August for an 10.30 pm- Meet at the Blackheath evening (and early morning) of learning about astronomy. A chance 3.30 am Tea Hut to look through a telescope into time and space. On offer this time of year is Saturn, Jupiter, The Moon and possibly Mars. Not to mention distant galaxies and nebulas. [email protected] 11 Glasgow LGBT Centre, 1-6pm Strathclyde Police Recruitment Day 84 Bell Street Tallin, Tallin Pride ? Estonia

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13 St Johns Church, Knitting Circle features Rabbi Lionel Blue ‘Hitch-hiking to Heaven’ 6-7 pm Princes Street , £5 (£3) Full programme at: www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk Edinburgh For further information, phone 0131 221 2273 or e-mail [email protected]

Theatre Workshop Bind Productions presents ‘A (Gay Disabled Transexual) Love Story 34 Hamilton Place Told To A Ticket Inspector At AltonTowers’ A comedy by Stephen 22.10 pm Edinburgh Keyworth (till the Tickets £6 / £4 18th Box Office 0131 226 5425 Fringe Box Office 0131 226 0000 or book at www.edfringe.com 14

15 St Johns Church, Godly and Gay. Rabbi Lionel Blue discusses homosexuality and 12.30-1.30 Princes Street , religion from a personal perspective with Tim Hopkins of the pm Edinburgh Equality Network £5 (£3) www.festivalofspirituality.org.uk For further information, phone 0131 221 2273 or e-mail [email protected] Manchester Lesbian Group: Freedom to be lesbian; do we take it for granted? 0161 273 7128 for details. 7-8.30 pm The City Bar, King St, LGBT Reading Group. It's free and open to all, regardless of Wolverhampton orientation. For further details, people are encouraged to contact 7.30 [email protected] or to see our website www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/lgbt

16 University of Glamorgan BiCon 2007 A weekend of workshops, discussions and talks, as well All day as evening entertainments, DJs and bars. (until the For further information either visit our website 20th) www.bicon2007.org.uk, or email us [email protected]

17 th Canal Street and Official start of Manchester Pride www.manchesterpride.com (till 27 ) surrounding area

The City Bar, King St, LGBT Reading Group. It's free and open to all, regardless of 7.30 Wolverhampton orientation. For further details, people are encouraged to contact [email protected] or to see our website www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/lgbt

18 Victoria Park, Hackney London Pride Run. Supported by the Mayor, ken Livingstone. 11am www.londonpriderun.org

Regents Park (Baker Black Pride £10 or £30 with Silver Dinner Service 11am-8pm Street or Regents park www.ukblackpride.org.uk Tube 19 National Portrait Gallery National Portrait Gallery tour and walk: Coming out of the pIcture; 11.30-4 pm LGBT Soho Tickets £15 or £10 conc. (lunch not inc.) In association with Kairos in Soho To book, please call 020 7306 0055 20

21 Lesbian & Gay All day Foundation, 105/107 (and 22) Princess Street, Manchester M1 6DD 2nd National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health Summit To register for the summit please go to www.lgbthealth.co.uk and download the registration form

22 23 24 Canal Street and Manchester Pride. Four day festival. Tickets £15 online £18 box 6pm surrounding area office. One day tickets £10 £5 children. All tickets subject to extra hidden charges called ‘booking fees’ and ‘handling charges’ www.manchesterpride.com 25 Manchester Pride 26 Canal Street Area 11-1 am Women’s Space. Lisa on 0161 273 7128 for details 27 Manchester Pride 28

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COMING SOON What's feminism got to do with it? Debate on the role of feminism in the women's sector. This event is being held on Tuesday 11th September in central London where we will be discussing questions such as: Do you have to be a feminist to work in the women's sector? Is feminism the key to women's activism or an exclusive, outdated or unhelpful concept? Chaired by Natasha Walter, Guardian columnist, author of The New Feminism, and co-ordinator of Women for Refugee Women, this event will bring together speakers from within the sector and beyond to debate the importance of feminism in the modern women's voluntary sector. See www.wrc.org.uk/debate for speakers and to book your place.

Risk and Resilience A day conference on issues and practice related to Mental Health and LGBT Young People. Risk and Resilience will provide a unique opportunity to gain an overview of the mental health experience of LGBT young people through practitioners and young people. Sharing examples of positive practice will form a major part of the conference. The aims of the conferences are: a) to raise awareness of the mental health needs of LGBT young people b) to develop the skills of relevant professionals in promoting the emotional well-being of LGBT young people c) to add to the knowledge base regarding the mental health experiences of LGBT young people. Wednesday 31 October 2007 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Chancellors’ Conference Ctr, Manchester M14 6NN

Homotopia: Queer Core Homotopia invites producers, community artists, promoters and professional artists to submit work for consideration for its autumn festival to be held at carious venues across Liverpool between 1st -18th November. Homotopia seeks work in various art forms such as live performances from theatermakers, musicians dance artists, performance artists, writers, artists and comedians/cabaret/vaudeville acts. COMMUNITY

Hello gay media people!!! Huge thanks to all those magazines that helped spawn mass queer exposure for the Peter Tatchel l Human Rights Fund (PTHRF, www.tatchellrightsfund.org) in recent months. Media supporters included Bent (who kindly instigated, designed and promoted the advert), Fyne Times, QX, Scotsgay, Pink Paper, free!, G3, SHOUT, Gay Times, GScene, Circa, 3SIXTY and Midland Zone. Apologies if anyone’s omitted from this list – please let us know! The PTHRF’s chair, internet entrepreneur and screenwriter Ross Jackson, was “completely overwhelmed” with responses - which doubled the Fund’s standing order income, but still fell short of the money needed to adequately support a small team to assist Peter. The PTHRF supports Peter Tatchel l’s promotion of human rights, both in the UK and globally. Apart from financial support from the PTHRF, Peter has no organised funding for his campaigns. All donations received go direct to funding his human rights work. He receives no income from the Fund, but rather remains an unpaid, volunteer human rights activist. Once again, we thank you, and ask that - if you have any spare advertising space to fill - please consider running either of the attached ads. With immense gratitude PTHRF Trustees: Gill Butler , Richard Kirker, Adrian Gillan , Ross Jackson, Alan Wilkinson, Simon Woods Liverpool 08 “The Transgender Community should lead in promoting events for Pride 08. WE are often tagged on the end of LBG and after the success of the “Dysphoria Transgender Conference” we want to raise our profile even higher. A Transgender Conference/Events would be unique to the 08 celebrations and show Liverpool as a diverse city. I propose a meeting of interested parties in the next couple of weeks at a convenient time, preferably after work hours, where we can discuss the format of the event and how we would fund it.” Please contact me by email: [email protected] Many thanks, Penelope Bassi Counselling in London Ashiana individual counselling and support group. For further information, please contact 0208 539 0427 or [email protected] Volunteers Wanted To Advise Police On Gay Issues The Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA), the governing body for Greater Manchester Police (GMP), is looking to recruit six new volunteers to become members of an independent advisory group (IAG) on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered issues which has been operating for just over a year. Established to give advice and guidance on policing issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered (LGBT) communities, the group meets at least six times a year on a voluntary basis and members must either live or work in Greater Manchester. In the last year, the group has been consulted on everything from day to day policing to major operations, and has assisted in the police control room during the Pride Festival, attended the scene of serious gay hate crimes, been involved in police training and advised on the policing of the canal side areas in and around Manchester city centre. IAG members will be given training and paid expenses. Further details about the work of the LGBT Independent Advisory Group and how to contact the group, visit www.gmpa.gov.uk or call 0161 793 3137. Deadline for applications is 7 September 2007. WHO SAID THAT!? During its second year in office, the Lula regime initiated a program, "Brazil Without Homophobia" which teaches that homosexual orientation is unchangeable, and seeks to construct "a culture of peace and values for promoting human diversity". According to the program's charter document, this would include "the production of cultural goods and support for events with massive visibility for affirming sexual orientation and the culture of peace", "artistic productions that promote a culture of non- discrimination for sexual orientation", and preserving "the cultural, social, and economic values congruent with the participation of the Brazilian homosexual population in the process of development, based on its history and culture". Part of a second report on ‘Brazil’s aggressive pro-homosexual movement’ (LifeSite 31-07-07). Lula da Silva is Brazil’s president.

“The gay and lesbian community does not seem to want to accept Washington's apology. Now, I'll admit - his suggestion that racism played a role in his demise on Grey's Anatomy felt like a ridiculous stretch. But what do the gays want? He has done more penance than countless others and yet he is being held to a different standard? Will people not be happy unless he shrivels up only to show up on Celebrity Fit Club a decade from now.” Joan Garry on rumours that there is a campaign to boycott The Bionic Woman because Isaiah Washington is to star in it. (Huffington Post 31-07-07) "Let's just see how ready our country will be to host a gay parade. "But if the government gave them permission to do so, nothing can prevent them. Moreover, our police will defend the security of the pederast men decorated with jingling jewellery." Georgian newspaper Alia on reporting (erroneously) that there was to be a pride parade in Tbilisi (Pink News 30-07-07)

Journalists are perhaps overly fond of the word "farcical", but there are moments when there is no apter adjective. The ruling that guest-house owners who don't want gay couples sleeping together must extend the rule to all couples, married or otherwise, is evocative of a stage farce, full of slamming doors and people hiding in wardrobes and little deceits leading to bigger and bigger ones. But behind the comic image of furious Fawlties keeping tabs on their guests is a serious point, viz that the state has no place in the bedroom. This newspaper supported the dismantling of laws that discriminated against gay people, whether on the age of consent, adoption or civil partnership. We did so because we believe in freedom and privacy. The same principles lead us to defend the right of all proprietors to apply what rules they please in their own establishments. Editorial from a famous English newspaper. Guess which one (Telegraph 30-07-07)

Mike Reid: I want to see the great man with the black hair and the black beard

Angel: Pat Butcher isn’t here

Cartoon depicting the late Mike Reid at the Pearly Gates (Daily Mirror 31-07-07)

When I see us quoted in the Daily Mail, when I see our stories picked up by outraged Christian websites, I know we - both PinkNews.co.uk and the gay community - are being taken seriously. Benjamin Cohen, Founder of Pink News, on its second birthday. (PinkNews 30-07- 07)

"The purpose of editing and burning Abrahamic Holy Books is to eliminate homophobic hate. Both ancient books are terrorist manuals."

Artist Charles Merrill, 73, said in a statement from his gallery, the Broadway Gallery in New York City, after burning a rare $60,000 edition of the Koran that he inherited from his late wife (Gay.Com 27-07-07)

A Texas man charged in the slaying of Southwest Airlines flight attendant Kenneth Cummings Jr. said from jail that he was doing God's work when he went looking in Houston gay bars for a gay man to kill.

A news story that shows Merrill may have a point (Gay.Com 27-07-07)

“Repeal the ban on same sex marriage”, “Give Us Civil Unions” and “Hands Off Same Sex Adoption”.

Slogans from Australia’s National Day of Action on homophobia on Auguat 12th (Gay NZ 27-07-07)

Yet if the quality of life for homosexual adults in Britain has moved on, one tricky demographic remains. We still have a muddled, irrational and inadequate response to gay adolescents. While a generation of gay men and women has grown to enjoy confidence and widespread acceptance, there remain members of a younger slice of society that see themselves as "the only gays in the village" - and they sometimes are.

Paul Flynn (Guardian Comment is free 27-07—07)

“When I made my decision to be open about my sexuality, the overwhelmingly positive response astounded me. But sadly you still read headlines in papers that say so and so “Admits to being gay” or “Confesses to being homosexual”, as if saying you prefer to sleep with men is an admission of some guilty, sordid shame. Coming out should just be a statement of fact – I have red hair, I drink tea, I sleep with the same sex.”

Will Young (Yes, that one) (Timesonline 27-07-07)

"As long as these teachers do not try to influence students with their beliefs or lifestyles, their sexuality is a private matter. We have to ensure that the employment of these teachers is safeguarded."

John Bencini, speaking for the Malta Teachers’ Union, to Malta Today. This is in response to their threat to expose a Roman Catholic plan to oust gay and lesbian teachers from their posts (PinkNews 25-07-07)

"I would like to think that my whole political life has been a fight for equality and a fairer society." Gordon Brown (Life Site 18-07-07) "The agenda here is to make being 'gay' just as socially acceptable as being black or Jewish" An anonymous pro-life supporter on Gordon Brown (same)

“Even small things like a defaced poster for a queer event can create an atmosphere of isolation and fear.

“We believe that having rainbow door signs to indicate an Ally staff member and associated posters around the place does made (sic) a difference, that people feel more comfortable.”

University New England’s diversity officer Lyn Tucket on the Ally programme in NSW universities to promote a welcoming environment for LGBT students (Sydney Star Observer 19-07-07)

"Flush Naugle"

Unite Fort Lauderdale’s campaign slogan against the mayor (Naugle) who is buying $250,000 superloos to prevent “homosexual activity” (Local10.com 18-07-07)

(families should be able to go to the park) "without having to worry about a couple of men in there engaged in a sex act."

"I didn't use the word 'gay.' I use the word 'homosexual.' Most of them aren't gay; they are unhappy. "I have nothing against homosexuals living in our community if they're responsible, but if they're engaged in inappropriate behavior then they're going to hear from me," Jim Naugle in an interview about the superloo (Local10.com 10-07-07) “I think that we need to really focus on transgender issues because…they are the first and most visibly recognizable part of the community, but they’re the last thought of, and probably the most discriminated against in employment, in terms of housing opportunities, educational opportunities” Twin Cities-area African American gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (GLBT or LGBT) activist Andrea Jenkins (how quickly can you say that?) (Minnesota Spokesman (yes; ironic isn’t it?) and Recorder 18-07-07)

“Homophobia is killing us. The larger Black community, I mean. I think it is one of the biggest health/human issues facing our community. If homophobia wasn’t such an issue, maybe our HIV/AIDS numbers wouldn’t be, either.” TCAAGLBT activist Roxanne Anderson’s message to the black straight community of Minnesota (same)

"the biggest attack on Christian values in the history of San Diego...to force gay pride month on Christians." Email statement by James Hartline; an “ex-gay” born-again Christian on the mayor’s proclamation of Gay Pride (Local 10 17-07-07)

"I was pretty nervous about the Gay UK thing initially but all the feedback and the voting has been really positive and I'd like to thank everyone for that. "My feeling now is this: you have to be seen out there, you can't hide in a corner or we'll never get anywhere". Eamon Johnston, when he was Mr. ‘Gay Derry’ in 2003. A trained hairdresser who counseled young gay people, he committed suicide earlier this month. (Belfast Telegraph 12-07-07)

There should be fewer special seasons and more gay presence generally. I volunteer for the fantastic London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, which was founded in 1974 (the first charity with “gay” in its title to be licensed by the Charity Commission), and I wonder if TV showed the full panoply of gay life – as it does heterosexuality – we would still be getting calls about coming out, and feeling isolated, ashamed, confused, guilty. This isn’t an argument for “positive images” but images of all kinds. Tim Teeman on Channel 4’s Gay season (Timesonline 21-07-07)

…"to assist parents and teachers so that they can recognise any warning signs of potential 'gay behaviour'."

Poland’s Deputy Health Minister, Marek Grafowski, on the purpose of a newly published guide (Afrique online 20-07-07)

"I really hope that his actions are genuine and it is not just because international pressure is hurting his pocket. We hope it is a sincere commitment that will end homophobic violence.”

Carl Edmonson, from Jamaican gay rights group J-Flag, on Buju Banton’s signing of the murder music declaration. (Guardian 23-07-07)

Anyone who hasn't experienced life in the UK’s gay community for themselves would be led to believe that we all spend our days cruising in lavatories, exposing ourselves to strangers in parks and masturbating out of open windows in full view of our neighbours. Alex Bryce on C4’s Clapham Junction (PinkNews 23-07-07)

“The military is placing homophobia well ahead of national security.” Military defence lawyer Steve Ralls. The US Military recently fired 60 Arabic translators for being gay. Unable to replace them with human beings, they are reported to have introduced translating machines that are not fully tested (Queerty 24-07-07)

Young homeless gay men are selling themselves for sex on the internet to get a bed for the night because of homophobia in hostel accommodation. Emily Twinch (Inside Housing 23-07-07)

"I want to go all the way, get the top and bottom surgery to make me a man, once I can afford it. "I'm lucky in a sense I'm going the opposite way, from female to male, so I don't get rocks thrown at me, spit at, as much. "I found it easier to be a lesbian than being a man in a woman's body. "When you tell someone you're a lesbian, they can understand that. There's a lot of people that don't understand what transgendered means." F-M transperson Vince Bolt (Sudbury Star 25-07-07)

"There are days I feel so useless and I want to end it all. It seems like there are no other avenues, you feel stuck." M-F transperson Starr Danyals (same)

See you next month.