Barriers and opportunities faced by LGB&T people in public and political life.

On 20 December 2010, Government commissioned research into the opportunities and barriers faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) people in public and political participation was published. The research was conducted by the Office for Public Management and forms part of the Government’s work programme ‘Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality’, which was launched in June 2010. The research and the wider work programme contribute to one of GEO’s key aims - to promote equal participation in civil society. By using the talents of everyone, we can make sure that our communities and institutions benefit from the whole range of experiences and skills of society. This report and its recommendations will enable us to develop targeted actions to improve the opportunities for, and tackle the barriers faced by, LGB&T people who want to participate in public, political and community life.
Below is the link to a copy of the report - if you wan tto print this you need to know it is 95 pages long.http://www.equalities.gov.uk/pdf/Experiences%20of%20LGBT%20people_for%20publishing%20Dec%202010.pdf

World Aids Day Campaign Petition

Dear friends

Below is an online petition from the National AIDS Trust requesting that the UK government adopt a strategy to tackle HIV/AIDS when the current one runs out this year. The mailing below explains the background and gives the link to the petition. Please sign and forward to relevant networks.

Each year NAT (National AIDS Trust) uses World AIDS Day to highlight pressing issues that are affecting people with HIV in the UK and campaign for change. This year we are petitioning for a national strategy on HIV.

By the end of 2011 there will be more than 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK, but the current national strategy for HIV and sexual health in England expires at the end of 2010 and there are currently no plans to replace it.

The UK has made a UN commitment to have a HIV strategy in place which:

• demonstrates political leadership

• is properly financed

• is genuinely multi-sectoral and cross-departmental

• promotes human rights

• confronts stigma and discrimination

• effectively meets the need for high quality HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care and support
This World AIDS Day, NAT is calling on the Prime Minister to fulfil this commitment and put in place from 2011 a national strategy to combat HIV, in collaboration with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (where strategies are in place).

You can sign our e-petition on the national strategy at: http://campaign.publicaffairsbriefing.co.uk/petition.aspx?cid=6511f630-9f02-4c45-95ed-bdfd97787e2f.

TUC calls for end to discrimination against transgender people

Midlands TUC
Regional Secretary,
Cheryl Pidgeon

The TUC is calling for an end to discrimination against transgender people on Transgender Day of Remembrance tomorrow (Saturday).

Around the world more than 200 transgender people have been murdered since January 2008, simply for being different. Transgender Day of Remembrance – the 12th international global day of tribute – will commemorate trans people who have been the victims of violent crimes, and aims to bring their stories to public attention.

In Britain, trans people face violent physical attacks, alongside prejudice and discrimination in communities and at work, yet the subject is largely ignored and there is an absence of concern about such attacks, the TUC believes.

The TUC has worked with transgender union members and the trans community to campaign for protection from discrimination, and welcomes a new service which allows trans people who are victims of crime to report it in confidence at www.tcrime.net

The service will be valuable in assembling data on attacks on transgender people in the UK and will put more pressure on government to take the issue seriously, says the TUC.

TUC Regional Secretary Cheryl Pidgeon said: “Discrimination and hatred are part of the daily lives of far too many trans people in Britain, and employers need to make sure all their employees are working in environments free from transphobia, violence and prejudice.

“If Britain is to be a truly equal and inclusive society we need to understand the issues facing trans people, and develop practical steps to end discrimination in our workplaces and beyond.”

TUC welcomes Government plans to tackle prejudice against LGBT people

Commenting on Government plans to tackle prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people announced today (Thursday) by the Minister for Women and Equalities Theresa May, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “The TUC warmly welcomes these wide-ranging plans to tackle discrimination against LGBT people in the UK. It is wrong that so many children and adults face harassment, intimidation, ridicule or violence simply because of their sexuality.
“We are pleased to see plans include stamping out homophobic bullying in schools, ending hate crimes against LGBT people and allowing same-sex couples to register their relationships in religious settings high up on the Government’s equality agenda.
“Britain should be a place where people are treated with respect regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, and unions stand ready to work with the Government on these measures in any way we can.”

Birmingham Pride report

Once again TUC in the Midlands had a stall for Birmingham Pride, this year on the Saturday of the two day event.

LGBT Network Chair, Richard Jones was assisted on the stall by members from PCS and GMB. With the recent election still being all too fresh in the mind there was much discussion about the expected assault on public services. Many visitors to the stall were also interested in the voting record of their out going MP on LGBT issues, the Stonewall list of voting records is particularly shaming for the new Equality Minister, Theresa May, who has a worse record than even the likes Rev Ian Paisley. There was also good support for the other unions that had stalls on the day. It was also good to see Bob Deakin, the retired former secretary of the LGBT Network, on the UNISON stall.
The weather on the day was disappointing at times, but as the sun came out during the afternoon, so did the crowds, here’s to better weather for 2011!

Birmingham Pride 29th and 30th May

Look out for the Midlands TUC LGB &T stall at the Birmingham Pride this Saturday! Enjoy the day, and have a great time in this fantastic city!

Malawi gay trial verdict "unjust and cruel"

Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga found guilty of homosexuality - Convicted men hope that an appeal will overturn magistrate's decision
"This is an outrageous verdict. While Steven and Tiwonge freely confirmed their love for each other, there was was no credible evidence that they had committed any illegal homosexual acts," said London-based human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell who has been supporting and advocating for the men since their arrest and detention in December last year.
He was commenting on the trial result today of two men who were prosecuted in Malawi on charges of homosexuality, Steven Monjeza (26) and Tiwonge Chimbalanga (20).
"The law under which they were convicted is a discriminatory law that only applies to same-sex relations. It is unconstitutional. Article 20 of Malawi's constitution guarantees equality and non-discrimination. The law in Malawi is not supposed to discriminate," added Mr Tatchell.

"Malawi's anti-gay laws were not devised by Malawians. They were devised in London in the nineteenth century and imposed on the people of Malawi by the British colonisers and their army of occupation. Before the British came and conquered Malawi, there were no laws against homosexuality. These laws are a foreign imposition. They are not African laws.

"I expect both men will now appeal against the verdict and against any sentence that is handed down. Steven and Tiwonge's best hope is that a higher court will overturn this unjust, cruel verdict.
"With so much hatred and violence in the world, it is bizarre that any court would criminalise two people for loving each other.
"The magistrate was biased from outset. He refused the two men bail, which is very unusual in cases of non-violent offences. In Malawi, bail is normal. It is often granted to robbers and violent criminals. Denying Steven and Tiwonge bail was an act of vindictiveness.
"I appeal to governments worldwide, especially the South African government, to condemn this harsh, bigoted judgement and to urge its reversal," said Mr Tatchell.

Prior to the verdict, Tiwonge and Steven issued a defiant message from their prison cell. It affirmed their love for each other and thanked their supporters in Malawi and worldwide.
Tiwonge said: "I love Steven so much. If people or the world cannot give me the chance and freedom to continue living with him as my lover, then I am better off to die here in prison. Freedom without him is useless and meaningless."
"We have come a long way and even if our family relatives are not happy, I will not and never stop loving Tiwonge," said Steven.
The two men's messages were relayed from inside Chichiri Prison in Blantyre, Malawi, to Peter Tatchell of the LGBT human rights group OutRage! in London, England.

Tiwonge and Steven stressed their gratitude for the support they have received from fellow Malawians and from people around the world:
"We are thankful for the people who have rallied behind us during this difficult time. We are grateful to the people who visit and support us, which really makes us feel to be members of a human family; otherwise we would feel condemned," said Tiwonge. Steven added: "All the support is well appreciated. We are grateful to everybody who is doing this for us. May people please continue the commendable job...Prison life is very difficult."

Peter Tatchell expressed his admiration of the two men: "Steven and Tiwonge are showing immense fortitude and courage. They declared their love in a society where many people - not all - are very intolerant and homophobic. This was a very brave thing to do. Although suffering in prison, they are unbowed. They continue to maintain their love and affirm their human right to be treated with dignity and respect," said Mr Tatchell.
"They have taken a pioneering stand for the right to love. They love each other, have harmed no one and believe that love should not be a crime. It is nobody's business what they do in the privacy of their own home. There is no evidence that they have committed any crime under Malawian law. They should never have been put on trial. Even prior to their conviction, they had already spent nearly five months behind bars.
"OutRage! is supporting Steven and Tiwonge. For the last four months, we have arranged extra food to supplement the men's meagre, poor quality prison rations.
"We pay tribute to the other people and organisations who are giving legal and medical assistance to the detained men. This is a huge help. Steven and Tiwonge have asked me to communicate their appreciation," said Mr Tatchell.
Sixty-seven British MPs have signed a House of Commons Early Day Motion (EDM 564), which condemns the arrest and trial of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga. http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=40143&SESSION=903


Amnesty International has adopted Steven and Tiwonge as Prisoners of Conscience: http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp?ActionID=682


Until quite recently Steven and Tiwonge did not realise that they had been adopted as Prisoners of Conscience by Amnesty International. When this news was relayed to them in prison they were, to quote one source: "Very happy with the effort made by Amnesty International to accord them this status. They offer their thanks to Amnesty."

Tiwonge and Steven have also expressed appreciation for the protest on their behalf in London on 22 March.
See photos of the protest here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/outrage/sets/72157623672689772/
See videos of the protest here: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Malawi+protest+london&aq=f

The two men thanked London-based African and British activists who have lobbied the Malawian Ambassador and the Commonwealth Secretary-General and Human Rights Unit to seek their release and to secure medical treatment for Steven. Steven's condition has stabilised but he remains very ill. He is thin and weak and has jaundiced eyes, according to an eye-witness who saw him last weekend.
Tiwonge and Steven are urging continued protests to "get our release and the dropping of charges by the Malawi government."
Write a letter to Steven and Tiwonge. Help boost their spirits. Show them you care. Send a letter or postcard of support to Steven and Tiwonge:
Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza, Prisoners, Chichiri Prison, P.O.Box 30117, Blantyre 3, Malawi

Further information: Peter Tatchell + 44 (0)207 403 1790

IDAHO Day commemoration

The Midlands TUC LGB & T Network will be commemorating IDAHO Day on Saturday 15th May.

This event will take place in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, oppsite the main library.

Speakers on the day will include Richard Jones, Chair of the Midlands TUC Network and Yvonne Wasbourne, one of the founding members of the Network. Music for the day will be provided by RoosterSpake Entertainment.

Cutting Edge Consortium on the Equality Bill

EQUALITY BILL PASSED IN PARLIAMENT – BEWARE THE EXEMPTIONS!


The Cutting Edge Consortium welcomes the passage of the Equality Bill through Parliament this week but regrets the exemptions for religious organisations that remain. We believe that the continuing exemptions in employment give a green light for further reactionary opposition to anti discrimination provisions on goods and services, and against progressive change on sex education for young people.

Against the Exemptions to the Employment Regulations
CEC has campaigned during the course of the Equality Bill against the prioritising of freedom of thought, conscience and religion over the human rights of LGBT people. We have issued regular briefing papers, held a public meeting in Parliament and lobbied MPs, Lords and Civil servants. We were very disappointed that the Government’s intending narrowing of the law on religious exemptions in employment was watered down and then defeated in the House of Lords.

It is clear that many LGBT people, including LGBT people of faith, who work for religious organisations, in faith schools, for charities with a ‘religious ethos’, and delivering public services in other parts of the third sector, will continue to live in fear of discrimination and prejudice at their workplace. CEC is dismayed that the Schools Standards and Framework Act has not been brought under the new law so as to give proper protection to teachers of all subjects in faith schools. It is also clear that many third sector organisations are openly flouting the law on equality as it currently exists.
For the Public Duty
The CEC welcomes the positive aspects of the Equality Bill, most notably the extension of the duty on public bodies to promote equality in sexual orientation. We will be campaigning to ensure that the regulations on this duty, which are due to be issued in coming months meet the aspirations of the many LGBT people who rely on public services.

Civil Partnerships in Religious Buildings
The CEC welcomes the passing of Lord Alli’s amendment to the Equality Bill that permits Civil Partnerships to take place in religious buildings. We congratulate the religious organisations who already support such ceremonies, namely the Unitarian Church, the Society of Friends and the Metropolitan Community Church and support the extension of this right in other religious denominations. We look forward to the promised consultation on the appropriate Regulations and future reform of the Marriage Law in the interests of equality.

For Compulsory Sex Education
The CEC regrets that the Governments provisions in the recent Children, Schools & Families Bill to bring in sex education as a compulsory part of the curriculum was removed in the negotiations with the Conservative Party at the final stages of the Parliamentary process. LGBT young people as well as their parents and families need accurate information on sex and sexuality if they are to begin to counter the homophobia and transphobia still prevalent in our society, and lead happy and healthy lives.

Future Battles
As the General Election draws nearer we must ensure that no concessions may be made to homophobia and transphobia in the guise of religious popularism. We regret the remarks of Chris Grayling, the Conservative Shadow Home Secretary that there is a case for religious exemptions to the provision of goods and services to LGBT people. We will be watching closely the Charity Commissions review of the case of Catholic Care Leeds that may allow religious fostering and adoption agencies to opt out of equality.

To contact the Cutting Edge Consortium you can email us on cuttingedgeconsortium1@googlemail.com

Welcome!

Welcome to the new blog for the Midlands TUC LGB & T Network. This blog will be regularly updated to keep you informed of Network activities. We have an ambitious programme of attending all the Midlands Pride events in 2010 and to stage an IDAHO commemoration in Birmingham. If you would like to help at any of these events leave a comment on this blog  - we will get back to you. Alternatively, email midlands@tuc.org.uk.