LGBT HISTORY MONTH FR CELEBRATION E QB E

Nottinghamshire’s Queer Bulletin

February/March 2014 Number 76

In this edition

Forums Su Pollard Pringle shirts Elbow Booker Prize Ironing boards Mother Clap Egg boiling Memoirs Fairy Towers Camp classics Z Factor Hairspray Swans ’s Rainbow Heritage will hold its 7th Annual Celebra-

tion and Awards evening on Tuesday February 25th. It’s at 7-9pm in the ballroom at Council House. and even more Three awards will be presented by the Chief Constable, Chris Eyre, to organisations and services which have benefited the local , , bisexual and trans community. This year’s awards will go to:

 Tagadere, the HIV support organisation  Recreation, the group  The E.on LGBT Network

The presentation of awards will be followed by a performance from two of the E.on LGBT Network.

If you have any information, news, Two recently opened LGBT friendly Nottingham shops - Five Leaves gossip or libel or wish to comment on anything in QB, please contact Bookshop and Fab Chocolat - will be showcasing themselves and some representatives from will also be present. QB Lesbian and Gay Switchboard There will displays by Nottinghamshire’s Rainbow Heritage, by some of 7 Road the groups receiving awards, Notts Healthcare NHS Trust, Lesbian and Nottingham NG1 3FB Gay Switchboard and others …. as well as the usual free food and drink. It’s free entrance - no tickets needed. or e-mail

[email protected] Thanks should go to Notts NHS Healthcare Trust and Nottingham City Council for their support for Nottinghamshire’s Rainbow Heritage. The deadline for the next edition will be February 26th Please note that the Council House ballroom holds a maximum of 150 people and latecomers may have to be refused admittance. Switchboard is registered Switchboard is registered charity For more LGBT History Month activities, go to page 2. charityno. number 1114273 1114273 MORE FOR LGBT HISTORY MONTH QB’S BITS

Nottinghamshire’s Rainbow Heritage has organised  Same-sex couples will now be able to get LGBT history displays at the following places: married in a registry or approved religious

Libraries premises from 29th March 2014.  Arnold 25th Feb-7th Mar  Derbyshire City Council will be cutting  Clifton 1st Feb-28th Feb funding to Derbyshire Friend by 90%  31st Jan-18th Feb  The Gender and Sexual Orientation Con-  Meadows 1st Feb-28th Feb sortium hoped to get one third of the grant  Radcliffe on Trent 1st Feb-22nd Feb which the City Council was providing to 3  Radford 31st Jan-18th Feb consortia. They have heard that they will be  Sherwood 31st Jan-28th Feb getting the smallest of the three grants,  Sneinton 1st Feb-28th Feb which means that they will not be able to fulfil  West Bridgford 1st Feb-14th Feb things as planned.

Other  After 16 years, Breakout, the Nottingham  West Bridgford Police Station 1st-28th Feb group for gay and bisexual men, is closing.  Gedling Civic Centre 1st-14th Feb  Many thanks go from Lesbian and Gay Switchboard to Eat Out Nottingham for an- Various activities will also be arranged by Nottingham- other generous donation. shire NHS Healthcare Trust, both Universities and Not-  Yes, it’s in Derby, but it’s worth knowing tingham City Council. about. ELBOW (Every lesbian and bisexual older women’s group) meets on the 2nd and You can find out more about Nottinghamshire’s 4th Saturday of the month from 10 am to 3 LGBT history by going on one of Tony Bilton’s Gay pm. E-mail [email protected] for History Tours. more info. For details, contact [email protected]

To see what is going on in other parts of the coun- WOMEN’S FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTIE try, go to the calendar on the National LGBT History Month website http://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk It’s every Tuesday at the Nottingham We need to get more women on board to play so we can keep running. Every- LGBT NETWORKS & FORUMS one welcome to come along and give it a try. We are always happy to take on new players More and more large organisations have set up and require no major commitment just attend when it suits you. their own LGBT support groups, networks and fo- rums for their employees. Here are some of the lo- Day-Tuesday 6-7pm Price-£3.00 cal support groups and their contact details: Venue-Forest Recreation Ground Nottingham (Goose Fair site) City Council LGBT network, e-mail Level-We play for fun and cater for all abilities and @nottinghamcity.gov.uk fitness. Parking -Free The Nottingham City Homes LGBT Forum Tram stop-The Forest recreation ground [email protected] If you need anymore info just email me back or text. Cheers Joolz 07790998205 The County Council's LGBT staff network [email protected] TELLING MY STORY The Staff LGBTQ network [email protected] An LGBTQ MEMOIR for LGBT History Month.

Notts Healthcare NHS Trust staff LGBT Forum Do you have a story to tell? Then join us for a fabu- [email protected] lous series of writing workshops that will explore ways of crafting your personal experiences and E.on LGBT Network memories with professional editor and writer [email protected] Victoria Oldham. Over the six weeks you will learn to create and edit your stories, which will then be An addition, there are two further forums open to all. bought together in an anthology. This is a free These are organised by Nottinghamshire Police and event for those aged 50 or over. Nottingham City Council. They take place quarterly- ish and provide an opportunity for members of the Thursdays (6th February to 13th March 5.30pm– LGBT community to discuss issues over which the 7pm) at Nottingham Central Library.

Police and the City Council have influence - for de- Booking Essential: Call 0115 915 2825 For Info tails, contact Lesbian and Gay Switchboard. contact: [email protected].

THE NOTTINGHAM MAP

There’s a link to the map on the homepage of Nottinghamshire’s Rainbow Heritage’s website. Every red spot on the map links to a place with some LGBT connection. Here are some of those places.

The Old Dog and Partridge was probably the most popular gay bar in the 1970s.

Like many gay bars of its time, the bar at the Dog and Partridge was a separate bar (here it was the back bar) in a straight pub.

Sometimes such bars had signs like "Private Party" to attempt to keep the straights out. It was one of the early manifestations of the Bradley family's involve- ment in gay Nottingham.

Su Pollard says:

I met my first gay man when I was fifteen. It was very much under wraps then as you can imagine. They all gathered in the Dog & Par- tridge pub - in the back room with their Pringle shirts.

I loved their sense of humour, I to- tally clicked with it. I guess I just of- fered them empathy and totally ac- cepted them for who they are. I can- not stand bitchy queens though, they piss me off.”

The was built at the end of the 1960s and the multi storey flats above the cen- tre dominate the Nottingham skyline.

The idea that they are heavily populated with Nottingham's LGB community has an element of truth to it, which may explain their nickname of "Fairy Towers". RECREATION

Recreation is a locally run weekly support/social group run for Trans persons by Trans persons.

The group is inclusive of all ages and incorporates all The E.ON LGBT Network started in 2006 with just a people under the spectrum of Transgender/Trans or handful of people multi-tasking many roles, we now Intersex. Including Transgender, Transsexual, Trans- have 14 Committee members and are seen as an vestite, Gender Queer, Gender Neutral, Gender Fluid, enormously important community within E.ON, having A-gendered and others. a place on our Diversity Leadership Group chaired by We aim to provide a safe and sociable environment for our HR Director. I have the privilege of being sponsor. those with gender identity issues to meet with peers My ‘day job’ is Head of Residential Servicing and I and have much-needed private space to express have 2,000 staff working across my 7 centres which themselves: be they living full-time in their chosen gives me the ideal platform to make sure that LGBT roles or not. topics get all the right attention.

Formed from the realisation that many of the gender The LGBT network just seems to get stronger and clinics do not provide certain areas of support, Recrea- stronger and I know that it means that community tion aims to give its members the social environment members are a great support to each other and that all and peer interaction needed to gain happiness and E.ON colleagues are conscious of the great work done confidence in themselves. Half support network and and the need to respect and appreciate diversity. In half social group, the group is here to give advice, re- fact, the LGBT community is well loved by the straight sources and personal coaching to anyone that needs it E.ON community for all it has done and most im- in a happy, positive environment. You can email the portantly the way it goes about things – with a sense team directly at [email protected] of positivity and style!

This is the very first award we’ve won and we’re very TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE proud and grateful to Nottinghamshire’s Rainbow Her- itage. Whoop Whoop!!! We have been doing so much Holiday and emergency Foster Carers needed ur- over the last few years and winning the award feels gently Our Foster Carers are great. They look after our like great recognition of that. Just a few examples Children in Care and welcome these children into their would be our sponsorship of Nottingham Pride for the homes. Sometimes, over weekends or school holidays, last 3 years, numerous charity nights raising money Foster Carers will arrange for the children in their care to for great causes such as Terrance Higgins. Many of stay with a Holiday Foster Carer for a short break. the network have worked to promote safety in local

Most placements are planned - ideal for families, cou- Gay bars (we even got a name-check in the Notting- ples or single people who have a job but still want to ham Evening Post)! We are part of the Stonewall In- make a difference to a child's life. We sometimes have dex, each year rising higher through the ranks (fingers placements which can’t be planned for, and in these crossed for the next results!). cases we need carers who can be flexible by providing a My favourite event of the year is IDAHO, where we place for a child in an emergency. raise flags at all our E.ON sites and help put the rain- We’re looking for people who: bow flag loud and proud above .  Can offer a safe, stable, loving and happy environ- Just brilliant. On a more serious note, the LGBT net- ment to a child or young person work worked with HR and we now have our first ever  Can give our children an active, fun and positive ex- Transgender policy ensuring that managers and col- perience leagues understand how to manage transgender sce- narios.  Can help maintain a child’s normal routine  Are flexible to respond to the needs of the child be- And it’s not all serious stuff. We have numerous ing looked after, if circumstances change events through the year where the network and  Are willing to undertake training and work with us to straight allies get together for a drink or two and a ensure our children thrive and succeed catch up on all things LGBT. Next year’s legalisation  Have a spare bedroom of Gay Marriage will be another great step forward and the network will go into overdrive for that! What we offer We do lots of communicating, inside E.ON and out- - Rates of pay up to £350/week (pro rata) side. We have our own very well-visited intranet portal - We pay for your Disclosure and Barring checks with a vibrant chat boards where every angle of LGBT - Ongoing support & training/Travel expenses paid is debated and discussed. My highlight as sponsor? It Contact us on 0115 915 1234 for an informal discussion has to be standing at the front of the Nottingham Pride or visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/love for more infor- March holding the E.ON banner and soaking up the mation. atmosphere. Just brilliant!

Thank you again Rainbow Heritage. We truly appreci- ate it! Darren

END RACISM THIS GENERATION

On Saturday 1 March in Nottingham, Runnymede Trust will launch a new short film featuring individu- als who share their stories about being LGBTI and Tagadere is an Old English word which means minority ethnic. This new film short will be screened ‘together’. We are unique as the only user-led self alongside other short films exploring how racism help support group for people living with HIV in the and homophobia can collide, followed by a panel Nottinghamshire region. We provide valuable peer discussion. support, friendship and information to people regard- less of sexual orientation, race or religion and were WHAT: An evening of short films and discussion awarded status as a Registered Charity on 6th May about how issues of race and sexuality intersect 2009. Three extremely active years later in May WHEN: The evening of Saturday 1 March 2012, being a local group, we were very proud to be made one of only two charities supported by the Lord WHERE: address to be confirmed nearer the time Mayor of Nottingham for 2012-13. Being awarded this status recognises and validates the support which we You can get further info from continue to provide. Email [email protected] or follow @EndRacismUK on Twitter Amongst our many strengths is that we are a local community group operated by people living with HIV for people living with HIV which includes their part- HAPPY NEW YEAR? ners, spouses, families and friends. This means that we have the advantage of our personal experience Healthy Gay Nottingham was launched in 1994 by and insight into the various complex aspects of living Sir Ian McKellen. As far as we can ascertain, it will with HIV. cease to exist on December 31st, but we would be

As a peer support group we aim to meet a crucial and delighted to be proved wrong. fundamental need for friendship, guidance and en- couragement in a welcoming, safe and confidential Many people who contact Lesbian and Gay Switch- atmosphere at a time when, following a person’s HIV board do so because they are having problems positive diagnosis, feelings of isolation and confusion coming to terms with their sexuality. Until now, are prevalent. Switchboard has been able to point out that such people could get support and counselling from We believe that as we are local, user-led and by Healthy Gay Nottingham. That support and coun- maintaining a grassroots, independent attitude we selling was given by gay men whose sexuality pro- are able to offer a more personal and practical hands vided personal experience leading to a natural em- -on approach which means that our involvement re- pathy with those using their services. mains more direct and organic than if we were a large corporate institution, resulting in us being able Switchboard is asking the what, where, when ques- to offer a genuinely bespoke service. tions. What services will be available, where will Due to the continuing social stigma, ignorance and they be provided, when will they be in operation? At prejudice surrounding HIV, frequently there is a the moment, there is no information about what to sense of distrust of other people and a genuine fear say from January 1st onwards. of being unwillingly ‘outed’ as a person who is HIV positive. As many people living with HIV feel unable to rely on the traditional support networks such as JUSTTEXTGIVING family and friends, we are able to provide support for those who feel isolated, secluded and marginalized Soon smart phones will be able to boil an egg and by their HIV status. At our weekly drop-in we provide take the dog for a walk, but in the meantime they an environment which is confidential, supportive, se- can be used to make an instant donation to a fa- cure and non-judgmental where the diverse cross- vourite charity. section of the local population living with HIV are wel- comed. This creates a valid community atmosphere To donate, say, £3 to Lesbian and Gay Switch- in a safe space which many people living with HIV board or simply text have described as the only place where they feel re- NLGS10£3 for Switchboard and/or laxed and are able be open. LGBT14£3 for Pride to 70070 Many people tell us that they feel wanted, comforta- ble and validated by gaining their support from Taga- dere; this they attribute to the fact that we are a local A reminder. Stop Hate Crime UK began work in group run by volunteers with shared, valuable, per- Nottinghamshire a while back in cooperation with sonal experiences of living with HIV. Notts Police and Nottingham City Council. Get in touch with them if you have experienced any ho- www.tagadere.org.uk [email protected] mophobic incidents. Contact details are on the 07766 800 514 back page. Simon Smalley WRITE UP YOUR STREET

A Creative Writing Weekend for Gay Men, at Un- stone Grange, Nr. Chesterfield, 7-9th February, 2014.

Join Leigh & Natasher every Friday at the NEW You don't need to have already won the Booker EARLIER and LONGER TIME SLOT of 7pm until Prize or had articles published in The Lady. This 10pm and catch up with their cheeky chat about gay weekend is for those guys who want to have a go at goings-on in Nottingham . writing. Ideas for writing come from a thousand dif-

Make sure you listen in and celebrate our brand new ferent places - your own individual contributions are earlier prime time slot with us! Why don't you decide going to be what really matters. the next camp classic! Text or email us your choice and we will count up the votes! We'll make sure Over the weekend we will also take a look at differ- some of your favourite camp classics make the Gay ent styles of writing in order to bring inspiration to all List, but we keep the show fresh and exciting by giv- of us, but your own ideas are going to be the most ing you a generous helping of some tasty rainbow important thing you can bring along - so why not go flavours. for it. There will be plenty of support on hand. A chance to write what you have always wanted - We've got fabulous features such as the Gorgeous light or comic or urgently serious its up to you. Jo- Date at 8 and the Half hour of POWER to keep you seph, Tony and Richie are just looking forward to in the know about what's going on in the area and meeting up with a group of guys who fancy writing. what's sizzling hot right now in the rainbowfamily community. If you want to know more about what we There is also time to explore a bit of the Peak Dis- have in store for the new 3 hour show...you're just trict as well if you fancy and toast your toes by the going to have to listen! log fire and enjoy tasty food.

Of course, there's the usual juicy details of what your For event information: [email protected] hosts Leigh and Natasher have been up to - it's al- or phone Joseph 01943 602551. ways worth listening just for that! This Friday we'll be bringing the party to you. All you need to do is log For venue information: www.unstonegrange.co.uk on, listen and enjoy.

RAISING MONEY FOR PRIDE

The City Council LGBT group has de- vised a novel way to raise money for Pride by assembling a CD of your songs.

It needs to be origi- nal and submitted in an appropriate for- mat. So, if you have that X Factor or even a Y or Z Factor don’t hide your talent away, reveal all to the Nottingham pop- ulace.

The organisers of the CD hope to have it ready for sale by February.

As the flyer says:

Send your music via wetransfer.com to [email protected] and if you need more information, contact [email protected]

Lesbian & Gay Switchboard SOME LOCAL LISTINGS

0115 934 8485 or 01623 621515 Outburst! Group for LGB young people up to the age of 25. or text 07624809360 Meets Wednesdays at NGY (29-33 Castle gate) Phone Base 51 (at NGY) on 9525040 for details Monday-Friday 7 pm to 9.15 pm Lookout The quarterly free lesbian newsletter. For details e-mail 7 Mansfield Road, [email protected] Nottingham, NG1 3FB. WOW LGBT Youth Group. Wed. 6.30 - 8.30pm Centre Place, Worksop. [email protected] Tel: 01909 479191 email: [email protected]

www.nottslgs.org.uk Details of the following local groups can be obtained from Switchboard: Follow us on Facebook at Notts Hyking Dykes; Bi-Delight: Lesbian Book Club; Women’s Badminton; www.facebook.com/NLGSUK Badminton Social; Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement; Chameleons & Twitter at https://twitter.com/nottslgs (trans); Re-Creation (trans); Nottingham Invasion (trans); Free to Be (Christian group) Nottingham & Trent Uni LGBT Societies; Peak Rufties ******************************************** women’s walking group: Resonate (Nottm. LGBT youth group); Rainbow Nottinghamshire’s Rainbow Heritage Writers Group; Sapphist Writers; Man Up (bears, leather group); Lesbian c/o NVAC, 7 Mansfield Road, Café evening; SYNT (Women’s social group): Gay History Tours; Bi Wom- Nottingham NG1 3FB. en’s Group; LiNk-Notts (lesbian e-mail info); Mansfield Rainbow Divas (women’s group); Eat Out Social; Ball Bois football team; Nottingham 0115 9349529 Craftspeople; Lirain ( into real ale) Sherwood Ladies 5-a-side foot- [email protected] ball; Tagadere (HIV+ support): Lesbians in Nottingham (social group);

www.nottsrainbowheritage.org.uk Emerge (Police, fire, ambulance social group); Gay Outdoor Club; Panthers Rugby Club; Dinner Ladies (women’s eat out group): LGBT Alcohol Sup-

port Download a directory of groups & services from the Local Facilities ******************************************** page of Switchboard’s website Stop Hate Crime UK (now operating in Nottinghamshire) Switchboard has an accommodation file: if you are seeking flat/house share 0800 138 1625 (24 hour helpline) or have accommodation to offer, contact us; the service is free.

DIARY

THE LURE OF LEICESTER SWAN LAKE

Join Tracy Turnblad, a teenager with high hopes, big ambitions and even bigger hair in the new pro- duction of the Olivier Award-winning musical, Hair- spray.

It’s on from 28th February to 5th April at the Curve, Rutland Street, Leicester,LE1 1SB. Go to

[email protected]

And then there’s ………..

MOTHER MOLLY’S CLAPHOUSE Matthew Bourne's powerful, provocative and origi- nal interpretation of Swan Lake is tutu-free and blends dance, humour and spectacle with more than a soupçon of the homoerotic.

Mother Clap’s Molly House is a comic and touch- It has collected over 30 international theatre awards, ing exploration of the diversity of human sexuality including three Tonys. contrasting a secret sub-culture from 1726 and lib- erated London of the present day. Once more, at It makes a return to the Theatre Royal Tuesday 11th the Curve. 12th to 15th March. March - Saturday 15th March