Missing Lesbians - Blog

Same-sex marriage bid - Appeal for couples

2010-02-03T11:50:00.001Z

Are you willing to join legal challenge?

Appeal to European Court of Human Rights planned

London - 1 February 2010

Are you in a same-sex relationship and willing to be part of a test case legal challenge to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage? If not, do you know of other same-sex couples who might be willing? Please let them know.

Interested same-sex couples should contact Peter Tatchell with their names, addresses, phone numbers, length of their relationship, ages and occupations: peter@petertatchell.net

We are looking for same-sex couples who have been together for at least three years and who ideally live in or near London (but this is not essential). The couples also need to feel comfortable talking to the media and have no skeletons in their closet. They must not already have a civil partnership and they need to genuinely want a civil marriage.

They should be willing to commit to the legal case for at least five years, which is the length of time it can take to complete an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

For more information about the legal challenge, read on:

A simultaneous legal challenge to the ban on same-sex marriage and opposite-sex civil partnerships is being prepared by LGBT human rights group OutRage!.

The group has the support of legal expert, Professor Robert Wintemute, Professor of Human Rights Law at Kings College in London, who has agreed to take on the case.

"Our plan is for several gay and straight couples to file a joint application to the European Court of Human Rights, to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage and opposite-sex civil partnerships. The aim is to secure full equality in civil marriage and civil partnership law. We want both systems open to all couples, gay and straight, so that everyone has a free choice, without discrimination," said Peter Tatchell, spokesperson for OutRage!

"Denying couples the right to civil marriage and civil partnership on the basis of their sexual orientation is wrong and has to go.

"OutRage! is seeking three lesbian and gay couples willing to be part of a joint legal case to overturn the same-sex marriage ban. We already have one straight couple, Tom Freeman and Katherine Doyle, who are willing to challenge the ban on opposite-sex civil partnerships. We need two more straight couples.

"Tom and Katherine filed an application for a civil partnership at Islington registry office last November. They were rejected because, under UK law, civil partnerships are open to only same-sex couples. This legal exclusion mirrors the way civil marriage is available solely to heterosexual partners.

"We plan to take these cases to the European Court of Human Rights, in a bid to secure marriage equality and civil partnership equality for all couples, regardless of their sexuality," said Mr Tatchell.

Willing couples who meet the criterion should email Peter Tatchell with their names, addresses, phone numbers, length of their relationship, ages and occupations: peter(at)petertatchell.net

--

You can contact Peter at peter(at)petertatchell.net

www.petertatchell.net

You can also follow Peter on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PeterTatchell or join the Peter Tatchell Human Rights Campaign Facebook group at http://tinyurl.com/cj9y6s

PETER TATCHELL HUMAN RIGHTS FUND (PTHRF)

Donations are requested to help fund Peter Tatchell's campaigns promoting human rights, democracy, LGBT freedom and global justice.

Peter depends entirely on donations from supporters and well-wishers to finance his campaigns. Please donate generously to the PTHRF.

To make a donation via PayPal - or to download a donation form or a standing order mandate - go to Donations at: www.tatchellrightsfund.org/donations.htm

Please make cheques payable to: "Peter Tatchell Human Rights Fund".

Send to: PTHRF, PO Box 35253, London E1 4YF

For information about Peter Tatchell's campaigns: www.petertatchell.net

Big Questions - 10th January

2010-01-09T00:04:00.000Z

The Big Questions this week (10th Jan) is being hosted from Ashton Park School in Bristol and one of the questions is about sexuality.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00pynh6

Local residents (including Stephen Williams MP, Bristol LGB Forum Co-Chair Alan Palmer and Darryl Bullock (freelance writer and, editor of Venue LGBT pages and The Spark) will be in the audience to answer questions.

Antonia’s Line

2009-11-24T14:21:00.001Z

Antonia’s Line: Oscar-winner and trigger for Debate
Sunday 29th November, 7.30pm

Two leading academics introduce an Oscar-winning film about the lives of women. Antonia’s Line won Best Foreign Language Film in 1996 – and forms the centre-piece of an evening of drama and debate on Sunday 29th November. Independence and solidarity are the twin poles of this thought-provoking Film Night at the Pierian Centre.

“Wonderfully earthy, funny and sexy” is how Entertainment Weekly described Marleen Gorris's Oscar-winning film. Antonia’s Line follows the life and loves of a Dutch woman living in a small village in the aftermath of World War II. An instinctive rebel who draws the outcasts of the area to her, Antonia lives her life according to her own moral compass. Disdaining marriage and the conformist codes of the Catholic Church, she and the independent souls who surround her have sex and children when they want them. “A heady, life-affirming mixture of drama, comedy, romance, tragedy, philosophy, and art”, wrote James Berardinelli on reelviews.net.

Presentations from two respected academics set the context for the screening. Jane Arthurs, Professor of Media & Cultural Studies at the University of the West of England (UWE), will speak on “The Politics of Emotion”. Jane has written on director Marleen Gorris, as well as on such films as Thelma & Louise and Crash. Her latest book, Television and Sexuality, examines the ways in which TV channels address their audiences as sexual citizens and consumers. Christien van den Anker, also from UWE, will speak on “Generations of Dutch women after World War Two – Who is Free?” Christien is Reader in Politics and Director of UWE’s Human Rights Unit – and her most recent publication is Trafficking and Women's Rights.

This November Film Night will be a rich mix of pleasure and provocation. Marleen Gorris’ “astonishingly beautiful film”(Boston Review) is a treat in itself – “a vibrant saga… combining feminist rigour with an involving dynastic narrative” according to Time Out. Added to this are the thoughts and personal responses of two leading academics to trigger what should be a lively and passionate discussion! Antonia’s Line is screened on Sunday 29th November, with the Bar opening at 7pm and the film starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £4.50 (with concessions for those on low incomes) – and must be booked in advance on 0117 924 4512 or info@pieriancentre.com. The Pierian Centre is at 27 Portland Square, St Pauls, Bristol BS2 8SA.

Nick Thomas
The Pierian Centre
Tel: 0117 924 4512
www.pieriancentre.com

Vagina Monologues - auditions

2009-11-03T10:18:00.001Z

Open auditions will be held on the 4th and 6th of November at Bristol Old Vic for the 2010 benefit performance of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues".

Auditions will START at 6pm (doors open at 5:45)

You do not need to prepare anything, auditions will be very informal, friendly and hopefully fun!

You do not need to have had any previous performing experience. We are looking to attract as wide a range of performers as possible, so please come along even if you are unsure.

All proceeds from the performances will be going to local grassroots organisations which work specifically with women who have experienced violence.

Bristol LGB Forum - AGM

2009-10-26T16:59:00.002Z

New Management Committee members needed!

At our forthcoming AGM some of our Trustees will be standing down, owing to other demands and commitments.

Will you step up to the wire and take their place?

Being a Trustee is an extremely rewarding and invaluable experience; you will have a chance to put your unique skills, innovative thinking and commitment to good use.

Give our community a voice, stand up for LGB rights, help us educate and help change Bristol's attitudes to LGB people in all walks of life.

You can either join as an 'ordinary' MC member, or stand for office as Treasurer, Co-Chair or Vice-Co-Chair.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about working with an established Charity in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our hardworking and much-loved Treasurer, Helen Webster, who will be stepping down at the next AGM on 28th October 2009 after three years, is keen to help anyone get started in this post and believes you do not need to be an accountant or bookkeeper to do the work.

Anyone who runs a household, has an interest in numbers and has an eye for detail can do what is needed in this role.

Helen will happily train anyone interested in becoming a treasurer and you will have the opportunity of gaining valuable skills.

If you would like to find out more, please email Sarah at sarah(at)bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk for details.

Lynnee Breedlove

2009-10-21T11:42:00.003+01:00

Unfortunately the Lynnee Breedlove performance had to be cancelled this Saturday (24th), as he had to go to Berlin, so the show has been postponed until further notice.

However if you are interested in Lynnee check out the event below:

Thurs 29th Oct - Queer Cafe - Kebele, 14 Robertson Road, Easton Bristol BS5 6JY Opens 7pm, film starts 8pm
Rise Above, the documentary about legendary queer punk band Tribe 8.
we'll show that in the back room (the events space) so if there's anything else anyone would like to organise in the cafe space, get in touch. The cafe space will of course still be there for people who just wanna come hang out, and we'll be serving tea & cake. BYOB as usual.

Lynnee Breedlove

2009-10-11T18:19:00.000+01:00

presenting the return of Lynnee Breedlove's queer punk rock standup
show, plus a selection of other queer shenanigans...

Saturday 24th October
doors 7.30pm
@ Secret Warehouse Location, Montpelier (email for venue details)

Breedlove's solo show, "Confessions of a Poser" is part of Lynnee
Breedlove's One Freak Show by Lynn Breedlove, the print form of both
his solo shows that have been touring the world the last five years.
The book is out on Manic D Press, September 1, 2009. This is his book
tour.

Lynnee Breedlove's all new solo show, Confessions of a Poser is a
comic look at men's bodies, the mystery of the purple dick, legacies
and how to use them, family, the impossibility of manhood, and the
evil drive to feminize. He's been told it's "Too many props for
standup," and "Too many punchlines for theater." Lynnee pays homage to
feminists, who taught him we can hang together or hang separately, and
how to tie a tie, and to his Dad, who taught him how to be a man by
killing things and eating them, duties Breedlove happily juggles with
those of a budding Buddhist. Buckets, knives, and body parts are still
integral to the show. Weirdly, his biggest fans are straight white
men.

Followed by DJs playing queercore, riot girl and random trash

£5 - 8 (pay what you can afford)
free entry to asylum seekers/migrants

Coffee & Cake Served
BYOB

OPEN TO ALL GENDERS AND SEXUALITIES

LGBT History Month

2009-10-11T12:56:00.001+01:00

Alan Turing studied at Cambridge with EM Forster and John Maynard Keynes.
Why was his life destroyed when theirs weren’t?
Do you celebrate Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans (LGBT) people and their achievements with your pupils?
How will you celebrate Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans History Month in February 2010?

The LGBT History Month team requests the pleasure of your presence at

the pre-launch of
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans History Month 2010
at The British Museum
Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
on Thursday 19 November 2009

Join teachers and education professionals, representatives of Ofsted, the DCSF, the Teaching Development Council and Healthy Schools, Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, Rt. Hon. Ben Bradshaw MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and Michael Cashman MEP in a day of celebration, sharing and reflection.

The day will be divided in three parts. To confirm your attendance at the afternoon and/or the evening sessions of the day please click here, select the part of the event you want to attend and click on register.

- 1.30-3.30pm: Best practice showcase
- 5-6pm: Teachers surgery
- 6.15-9pm: Formal pre-launch

To find out more about the event, including a list of all the contributors and exhibitions, please click here.

Claiming our history, celebrating our past, creating our future

First Friday -new Group in Gloucester

2009-10-11T12:47:00.001+01:00

A new monthly drop in has started in Gloucester

They aim is to provide an opportunity for women to meet and socialise in a non-scene environment. They meet on the first friday of each month at the Friends Meeting House in Gloucester. More info is available on their website

Bristol BLGB Forum Treasurer

2009-10-11T12:35:00.001+01:00

Forum Treasurer

The Forum is still looking for a Treasurer to replace their hardworking much-loved Treasurer, who will be stepping down at the next AGM on 28th October 2009 after 3 years.

The current treasurer is keen to help anyone get started in this post and believes you do not need to be an accountant or bookkeeper to do the work. Anyone who runs a household, has an interest in numbers and has an eye for detail can do what is needed in this post. She will happily train anyone interested in becoming a treasurer and gaining valuable skills.

Please email sarah at sarah(at)bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk for details.

Support one of the last specialist bookstores

2009-07-22T16:16:00.003+01:00

News from Nowhere

Liverpool's Radical & Community Bookshop

not-for-profit · a worker's co-operative · committed to social change

News from Nowhere specialises in areas including women and feminism, sexuality and gender, health, wellbeing, spirituality, activism and politics. Based in Liverpool it's one of our few remaining specialist independent bookshops with a real shop presence at 96 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4HY.

You can also order from their website www.newsfromnowhere.org.uk

Pink Paper newspaper closes

2009-06-24T22:49:00.001+01:00

The only national gay newspaper is victim of recession

London - 24 June 2009

"The loss of the Pink Paper is a big blow to the lesbian and gay community," said gay human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell.

""We have lost a major source of news and information. It was an invaluable forum for debate and helped us coordinate campaigns against homophobia.

"Although the online version will remain, it is no substitute for the fortnightly paper, which reached many people who are either not online or who enjoyed the portability of the printed version.

"Without the Pink Paper, the lesbian and gay community is likely to become more fragmented and isolated, with people in one part of the country being much less aware about what is happening in other parts of the country," said Mr Tatchell.

News statement by Tris Reid-Smith, Editor of the Pink Paper

Pink Paper is being forced to suspend printing its newspaper after this week's issue, due to the economic downturn.

Instead the Pink Paper will continue online at PinkPaper.com and through its weekly newsletter, Pink Paper Xtra, delivered straight into your email inbox.

The publishers hope to start printing the newspaper again when the economy recovers and the advertising market improves.

As a free newspaper, Pink Paper relies almost entirely on advertising income. This time last year it was a very successful business but since then organisations have slashed their spend on print advertising, meaning the paper has been unable to cover its costs.

Read on:

http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1077

Pianist wanted by "Sing Out Bristol" Choir

2009-06-17T18:08:00.001+01:00

Are you musical?
Can you play the piano?

Sing Out Bristol is looking for a pianist to support their musical director teach and accompany songs with this thriving, lively choir.

Our website is www.singoutbristol.com, and anyone who would like more information can contact ronan.deburca(at)ireland.com or by phone at 07918 701 139.

We meet for rehearsals every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in the Bedminster area, and do a wide range of music (from pop to classical to gospel to African chants).

Hate Crime Strategy

2009-06-06T23:27:00.004+01:00

The new Hate Crime Strategy 2009-14 is out for consultation- It is live via Consultation Finder:

http://www.opinionsuite.com/bristol/departments/safer-bristol-partnership/hate-crime-strategy-2009-14/consultation/consult_view

There is also a spotlight On to the Safer Bristol homepage www.saferbristol.org.uk .

Comments are appreciated to help find ways to make the city safer and to ensure the well-being of communities.

Hate Crime Projects Officer
Safer Bristol Partnership
Princess House
Princess Street, Bedminster
Bristol BS3 4AG

TEL: 0117 914 2218

mobs.timi-biu(at)bristol.gov.uk

STOP HATE CRIME

Don't suffer in silence: you can help us make a difference.

If you have been bullied, harassed or attacked because of your race or ethnicity;your disability; what you believe; your sexuality; what you wear; or your background.

Find out more, and report online using the link below: www.bristol.gov.uk/hatecrime "

BBC looking for same sex couples with children for new series

2009-05-17T20:19:00.002+01:00

The BBC have just begun production on a series for BBC Two all about the British family. It is a four-part social history series in which each episode will look at a different theme, covering Marriage, Sex, Work and Money, and Childhood. Each episode will also move on in time, so the series will start just after the war and end in the present day. The fourth episode will therefore look at children within the family in the last 15 years or so. The series is being presented by Kirsty Young, presenter of Desert Island Discs, who will travel around the country meeting both families with particular stories to tell as well as academics and professionals, with a view to building up a comprehensive picture of the changes the British family has gone through in the last 60 years.

As same sex couples are now part and parcel of everyday family life in Britain, we are keen to find a family to illustrate this, and I wondered whether you might be able to help. As the series is social history rather than current affairs, it's better for us if the parents aren't new parents, so perhaps they were bringing their children up in the late 90s/early 00s. Ideally we would speak to both parents and children (who may now be in their late teens/early 20s) about the experience of being/having gay parents, but we would also want to involve them in the rest of the programme on other issues that we will be speaking to all our families about. It's more about drawing out the common experiences of families which on the face of it might appear different.

If you are interested, contact Jennifer on Jennifer.Forde(at)bbc.co.uk
(replace (at) with @)

Midsummer solstice celebration - Dorset

2009-03-12T10:16:00.001Z

Sat June 20th - Sun 21st June - Swalk 09 - The Electric Palace, Bridport, Dorset
Out of our area, but within reach. Midsummer solstice celebration of music, art, poetry and literature. A moderately priced weekend of delights - for women only! An indulgence - a tiptoe through the arts - a celebration of the richdiversity of womanhood to be experienced through workshops - art, vocal,poetry and performances - comedy, poetry, music, dance, drumming, film and talks. More info

Exhibition of Photography - March - Bedminster

2009-02-16T15:44:00.000Z

Details on the Bristol page

Reclaim the Night - Singers and Percussionists wanted

2009-02-09T23:43:00.002Z

SINGERS AND PERCUSSIONISTS NEEDED FOR THE RECLAIM THE NIGHT MARCH
COME AND PRACTICE SOME SIMPLE SONGS FOR THE MARCH

Wed 11th Feb at the Central Fire Station Temple Back 7-9pm

Reclaim the Night Friday 20th Feb. Join us to reclaim Bristol's streets in an evening of actions led by women.
6pm - Candle lit vigil at College Green.
7pm - March begins from College Green.
8pm - March reaches Trinity for stalls & speeches
9.30 - Drinks, music and dancing until midnight at Trinity.

More info at http://www.bristolfeministnetwork.com/reclaim-the-night.html

Queer Spaces Meeting - Queer Cafe

2009-02-09T23:13:00.001Z

Queer Spaces Meeting
Thurs 12th Feb
7pm @ Art Warehouse Space
9 Bath Buildings,
Montpelier

The end of 2008 saw the launch of the Bristol Queer Cafe, a space aiming to be a self organised, DIY, radical alternative to the commercial gay meat market. We've seen three successful cafe nights at the Kebele Social Centre, watched some great films and met some awesome people.

Rather than just having people running the cafe and everyone comes being consumers, everyone can get involved in running th space, whether that is choosing a film, designing flyers, setting up or serving on the night. we plan to have a different "event" at each cafe, the first three have been films, the next one will be crafts, but we don't have anything planned for future cafes. so there will be discussion about future themes, as well as the nuts & bolts of it, the organisation & stuff. There has also been a proposal to move the cafe to another venue, so we need to have a chat about that too.

We will also be talking about the other aspect of the cafe, a wider project to create radical queer spaces in bristol. We already have a few events in the pipeline including A National Gathering on Race, Privilege and Identity in Radical Queer/Feminist Communities (April), sex toys workshops, a weekend of queer gigs & workshops in the autumn, and a queer reading/book group. We'll also have time to discuss any new ideas.

Vagina Monologues

2009-02-09T23:07:00.001Z

13th Febuary Circomedia, Portland Square, Bristol - 7.30 - £8/£6
14th and 15th Febuary Bristol Old Vic -7.30 - £10

Tickets for both venues can be booked via
Bristol Old Vic Box Office.

V-Day Bristol is Proud to Present,
A benefit production of Eve Ensler's 'The Vagina Monologues'

Hailed by The Independent as 'Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply poignant' and by the Evening Standard as 'A wittily honest investigation about how women feel about their sexuality'. The Vagina Monologues dives into the mystery, humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement buried in women’s experiences.
Ticket are selling out fast

Having played to sold out venues across Bristol last year, V-Day returns in 2009 to bring the Vagina Monologues back to Circomedia, and to make its debut at Bristol Old Vic. Performed by a group of women from across Bristol these performances will be raising money for
Survive and One25. 100% of ticket sales go to charity.

What is V Day?
V-Day is a global movement to stop violence against women and children. V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stopviolence against women, including rape, domestic abuse, female genital mutilation and sexual slavery. Last year over 1150 communities in 119 countries hosted V-Day benefits raising funds and awareness towards ending violence against women. Bristol joined this global movement last year and the group is going from strength to strength. All proceeds from performances will go towards the vital work that Survive
and One25 does across the Bristol area.

For more information on Survive visit www.survivedv.org.uk
For more information on One25 visit www.one25ltd.co.uk/links/index.html
To learn more about V Day and its campaigns visit www.vday.org.

Tickets can be booked through the Box Office on 0117 987 7877, or, if
you have any enquiries, please email tickets(at)bristol-old-vic.co.uk.

'Politics of Exclusion' - A film workshop in support of LGBT History Month

2009-02-04T18:04:00.000Z

There are still places on the following free event on Mon Feb 9th :

The following is an LGBT History month event being put on by Bristol City Council.
Numbers are limited, so if you would like to attend please contact Asif Khan as soon as you can:

'Politics of Exclusion' - A film workshop in support of LGBT History Month
Date: Monday, February 9 2009
Time: 17.30 to 19.00

Venue: Bedminster Library Conference Room. Free parking available for up to three hours at ASDA car park nearby.

Elspeth Kydd, senior lecturer in film studies at University of the West of England, will present a workshop on the video 'Lick Bush in '92' (1993).The documentary follows the LGBT-rights activist Joan Jett Blakk's "camp-pain" for the presidency of the USA.

The workshop will cover:
- The role of video in supporting LGBT-civil rights activism
- A comparison between UK and US cultural and legal LGBT-rights campaigns
- Moving towards the politics of inclusion

Attendees: The capacity of the event is 15 people. For people aged 16 years and over.

Cost: Free for attendees

To register please email Asif Khan at Bristol Libraries with your contact phone number: asif.khan(at)bristol.gov.uk
or phone 0117 9037218

LGB Mythbusting Booklet

2009-01-16T19:48:00.001Z

Wednesday 25 February 2008 Council House, College Green
6.30pm - 8.30pm

In celebration of LGBT History Month Bristol City Council
Invites you to the launch of its LGB Mythbusting Booklet

As a part of its celebration of LGBT history month and of its commitment
to the promotion of equality, the Council is pleased to announce
the addition of the above title to its mythbusting series

Ali Jarvis - Equality Consultant - will be speaking on:

"LGB equality - building in not bolting on"

To be followed by a discussion chaired by Cllr Peter Hammond, deputy leader of the Council and the Executive Lead on Equality. Gillian Douglas, Equalities and Community Cohesion Manager and other members of her team will also be present.

The Council House is fully accessible. If you need help with childcare or have access needs please let us know as soon as possible. We will provide refreshments and a light buffet.

For further information and to let us know you are planning to attend:

Email : jo.mcdonald(at)bristol.gov.uk
Post : Jo McDonald, Bristol City Council, Room U16, The Council House,
College Green, Bristol BS1 5TR
Phone : 0117 922 2662

You will be able to just turn up on the night but it would be helpful to us if you let us know if you are planning to attend.

The booklet was written by Ali Jarvis in consultation with community stakeholders and council officers.
Funded by Bristol City Council

13th December - Wonky Xmas Party

2008-12-10T18:54:00.000Z

Liberty - New Years Eve

2008-12-09T18:16:00.004Z

Weds 31st December - Liberty presents - women only night @ Toto's Bar, 125 Redcliffe Street, Bristol BS1 6HU. 9pm - 2am
Strictly Ticket Only Event. Pre - Purchased tickets only £10.00, £9.50 Concessions. A belesque performance by Venus Noir will be taking place after the New Year count down.
Available from www.bristolticketshop.co.uk tel 0117-9299008
Or contact liberty.bristol(at)live.co.uk. 10 % to Freedom Youth
Website

Wonky - Tonight! - Fri 28th November

2008-11-28T16:17:00.000Z

Tonight is Wonky's 5th Birthday.............!!
@ the warehouse, prince street
£5/6

With Bernie and James plus Monkey!knife!fight! Team Moustache, Lipstick on Your Collar and Tight Fit.....

www.clubwonky.com

xxx

And on Saturday 13th December is the Wonky & Push Christmas Party @ Motion!
Tickets availbale now for £6adv :: www.bristolticketshop.co.uk
Or £8/9 on the door