PACE is pleased to offer a new counselling service for LGBT people who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse can and does occur in same sex and trans relationships. Counselling can help those who have experienced domestic abuse overcome trauma, recover and rebuild their lives. It can provide a safe, non-judgemental environment to work through the impact of both past and continuing abuse.
Kath Blake Counselling Service Manager at PACE says,
“it can be difficult to recognise when a relationship becomes abusive and many people hide their experiences. Discussing situations with a trained professional can enable people to make changes and deal with the multiple challenges that people in abusive intimate partner relationships face”.
This service is free, and part of DAP, a new domestic abuse partnership offering practical help with, for example, housing and legal issues, as well as providing emotional support and counselling.
The DAP is made up of 5 LGBT agencies who each provide different services for LGBT victims/survivors of domestic abuse. With one phone call, you will be linked in with Stonewall Housing, Galop, Pace, London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard, and Broken Rainbow.
If you’re currently experiencing abuse in your relationship, have recently come out of an abusive relationship or have experienced abuse from a family member, do get in touch with PACE.
We offer up to 12 sessions of individual counselling to those living in all London boroughs.
Info and enquiries: 020 7700 1323 or email dacounselling@pacehealth.org.uk
The gayest street in Soho could look very different soon if a petition to Westminster Council is successful in lobbying for pedestrianisation of the iconic Old Compton Street.
Health Protection Agency has given two years of funding to the Terrence Higgins Trust to deliver the ‘It Starts With Me’ HIV Campaign. This campaign focuses on three aspects: Test, Treat and Protect.
Did you know that 8 out of 10 gay men get HIV from a man that doesn’t know that he’s got it? Or that 100,000 people in the UK have HIV but don’t know it? If these aren’t good enough reasons to encourage you to get a HIV test here are some more: regular testing gives you piece of mind, it’s free, confidential and convenient.
You can arrange an appointment at your local sexual health clinic or even do a test through a postal kit. Jake, our Editor, recently reviewed the home testing kit. ‘It Starts With Me’ campaign even has a ‘Do I need an HIV test?’ Questionnaire, answer five quick and easy questions to establish if you need a HIV test. Earlier testing helps get quicker access to treatment for those that are HIV positive.
A better understanding of HIV has led to treatment that gives a HIV positive person a feeling of better health and a longer life. According to ‘It Starts With Me,’ earlier treatment can extend your life expectancy by about 10 years; equally delaying testing and starting treatment can cost you 10 years of your life.
The Campaign video (below) says that treatment stop the spread of HIV by reducing amount of HIV in a HIV positive person’s blood stream to an ‘undectable level’ meaning that they are unlikely to pass on HIV. Watch the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqMxrLqHAVo
The Department for Health, Terrence Higgins Trust and all other sexual health organisations recommend the use of condoms when having sex. Condoms are the best way to Protect against HIV, especially when 8 out of 10 gay men get HIV from a man who doesn’t know that he’s got it.
Gay men 25-29 years old are most likely to test HIV positive, but HIV doesn’t discriminate on age, gender, race, sexuality or for any other reason. If you’re worried about HIV you can speak to your GP, local sexual health clinic, or call Terrence Higgins Trust on 0808 802 1221. If you’ve got a sexual health question, visit TheGayUK sexual health section:http://www.mysexhealth.thegayuk.com
If you’ve recently been diagnosed HIV positive, the forums on: http://www.myhiv.org.uk are said to be helpful along with Terrence Higgins Trust Website.
There are also several bloggers who share their experience living with HIV; here are just a few of them:
Remember to get tested regularly, if you’re HIV positive to get treatment and always protect yourself using condoms when having sex. Together we can and will stop the spread of HIV.
I have to confess that I attended The Old Vic with a sense of dread. As much as I love Kim Cattrall, as good a reputation as the theatre has, I couldn’t help but think that this was going to disappoint me.
The problem is that I’m a massive fan of Tennesse Williams and love the 1962 film version of “Sweet Bird of Youth” and who could match the powerful performances of Paul Newman and Geraldine Page? I was wrong to doubt them. This was an awe inspiring piece of theatre which left me breathless and wanting more.
The play opens with ageing actress Princess Kosmonopolis (Kim Cattrall) passed out drunk in a hotel bedroom whilst her companion, gigolo Chance Wayne (Seth Numrich) paces nervously, swigging vodka. Chance is a drifter and opportunist with a string of misdemeanours and failures and has hooked up with the Princess (a pseudonym) who is in hiding after a disastrous film premiere, to enable him to return to his hometown in search of the girl he left behind there.
Both characters are self proclaimed monsters with insecure vanities and fears and regrets. They’re incredibly likeable and attractive monsters though and they manage to reflect the foibles we all have to greater or lesser extents. Numrich is delectable and as he swaggers and lurches about the stage he exudes a fragile masculinity, tinged with vulnerability. He’s also incredibly attractive and has a body which made me shuffle in my seat. Cattrall preens, lurches, has tantrums and breakdowns and is utterly convincing in her role as she wanders round in disarray, popping little pink pills and swigging liquor. The two leads are both exceptional and are well supported by a large cast.
The staging is also worth commenting on with a versatile and stylish set which transforms from hotel bedroom, to bar room to Southern mansion exterior.
I’d definitely recommend this play. It’s an absolute tour de force and a stunning take on a rarely seen classic play.
‘Sweet Bird of Youth’ runs at The Old Vic until: 31st of August 2013
High Society, the timeless musical once again graces the stage in this spirited revival of the classic play based on the MGM Musical.
It is 1938 and in Long Island, the socialite wedding of the year is about to take place. Tracy Lord is in the midst of preparing to marry in a lavish society wedding when her ex-husband, Dexter Haven, arrives to try to rekindle their romance. Understandably, this throws the plans into chaos, which is further confused by the arrival of an undercover reporter, Mike Conner, who is there to cover the society wedding of the year. Tracy and Mike instantly fall for one another, but with everyone vying for the bride’s attention, and a bride torn between three men, who will she end up walking down the aisle with?
This musical was a pleasure to watch, being very traditional in terms of its “will they, won’t they” storyline, its simple plot and its rapid succession of songs and the play overall provides a great piece of old fashioned, top notch entertainment.
The catchy songs were written by Cole Porter and provide a real feeling of the Thirties without ever feeling too dated. The popular score includes “Let’s Misbehave”, “High Society”, “True Love”, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and “Well Did You Evah!” and strikes a good balance between spectacular upbeat numbers and romantic ballads. The up-tempo songs were catchy and the cast took on the musical numbers incredibly well, especially the opening scene of each act and the thoroughly enjoyable tap dancing set piece for “Well Did You Evah!”
Sophie Bould provided the best of the performances as Tracy Lord, with both her acting and singing being spot on. Daniel Boys did a good job as Mike Connor and displayed his incredible singing voice in spectacular fashion whereas Michael Praed proved he is more of an actor than a singer, as his performance was good, but his limited singing range was notable when surrounded by those around him who were much better vocal performers. Light comic relief was agreeably provided by Teddy Kempner as Uncle Willie and the entire ensemble were in fine voice and in perfect time.
The set design was intelligent and well thought out, whilst not being overcomplicated. It had some nice art deco overtones and the transformation of one set to another was incredibly slick and undertaken as part of the play itself. The costumes were in keeping with the thirties style and looked lovely and the lighting design was incredibly well done.
Having seen four different productions of this play over the years, I have to say that this was the best version I have seen. The pace was snappy and the cast were polished and professional. The natural performances never felt rushed and the cast were not shy of holding a long pause or taking their time with the slower songs.
If you are looking for a pleasant evening of entertainment, you appreciate a traditional, old fashioned musical and if you enjoy the slightly twee nature of the MGM classic musicals, then you will enjoy this very well rounded production.
High Society is currently playing at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield until 15th June 2013 before continuing on its national tour.
The mother and father of a gay teenager who was murdered in 2008 have vowed to open a £1m gay hostel in his name.
CREDIT: Michael Causer Foundation
Marie and Mike Causer have begun a campaign to raise £1 million to open a hostel for LGBT Youth at risk. Their aim is to provide temporary emergency care for gay and lesbians who are at risk of living on the streets.
Marie and Mike Causer set up the Michael Causer Foundation to provide housing and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people at risk in northwest England.
Marie Causer said,
“I want money people have donated in Michael’s memory to be used to help young people.”
“These youngsters need somewhere to go where they feel safe and are surrounded by people who have gone through a similar experience.”
Mrs Causer hopes to help young people aged 16-25.
“I did not want a stone or a plaque to be put up in his memory. I wanted to do something worth doing and I am very lucky to have the support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community behind me.
In August, it will be five years since Michael died
Marie added,
“I miss him so much. I think it’s his personality. He was a strong person and his personality outshone everything. I’ve met people just like Michael and I think if I give up who is going to be there for them?
“We need this house, we need accommodation for them. People say to me ‘if Michael wasn’t gay, would you be doing this?’ I say ‘yes’. Michael used to call the bingo and do events for charity. So, on some level, I’m helping because he would.”
The Michael Causer Foundation’s Development Worker, Kieran Bohan, was appointed in April to help achieve its vision: to create a society where LGBT young people feel safe, happy and understood; at home in their communities; and supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Kieran said,
‘I was on a stall at a youth centre when I overheard a child explain to her friend how Michael died, “He was killed because he loved another boy.”
‘If a ten-year-old can understand that no-one deserves to die because of who they are or who they love, then everybody can.’
The Foundation aims to raise £1m by 2015 to create a safe haven and provide round-the-clock support.
The first openly gay Lord Mayor in the country, Cllr Gary Millar, a trustee of the Foundation, took on the role of first citizen of Liverpool in May.
To boost their efforts, he has nominated the Michael Causer Foundation as one of four charities he will support during his year in office.
On the anniversary of Michael’s death each year, the Foundation leads a vigil in Temple Square, in Liverpool’s Stanley Street Quarter.
Marie’s son, Michael Causer was brutally murdered five years ago, was 18-years-old at the time of his attack.
Michael’s family believe was assaulted because of his sexuality, at a house party in Merseyside, he died 10 days later in the Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery after undergoing extensive emergency surgery to his brain. However Michael’s killer was sentenced on the basis it was not a hate crime.
Two men were charged with murder, James O’Connor and Gavin Alker. Alker was acquitted of murder and manslaughter; O’Connor was convicted and sentenced to service life, with a minimum of 11 and half years before he could be considered for parole.
Father of pre-school boy worried that ‘same-sex’ marriage is being discussed with children as young as three.
In a letter published by the Belfast Telegraph a father writes that ‘a homosexual’ told his son, 3, that ‘when they grew up, they could get married to a girl, or a boy.’
The letter begins:
‘MANY of your commentators have speculated as to what the wider implications of allowing same-sex marriages will be on society. I was given a stark illustration of this at the weekend.’
The man’s son, (names have been withheld), asked what marriage was, the father’s response was, ‘when a man and woman loved each other very much and wanted to spend their lives together.’
His son then told him that boys could get married too.
‘Apparently, his carer at nursery, a homosexual, told the entire class that he had great news: when they grew up, they could get married to a girl, or a boy.
Surely, my son is too young to have this discussion? If I were to complain, however, I would be labelled a bigot.’
The same-sex marriage bill has been debated and voted upon by the UK’s MPs and Lords and successfully passed the bill, which will now go to committee and the UK could be celebrating its first same-sex marriage in the summer of 2014.
Gay Pride events, what wonderful things they are. These days I like to get fully involved in the true meaning of pride and have an active role in community aspects of it.
I am even organising my county’s first ever Pride (www.warwickshirepride.co.uk). But there was a time in the not too distant past when going to Pride was all about pulling.
One year when I was particularly ‘mad fer it’, I went to Birmingham Pride with the intention of getting extremely drunk and copping off with as many guys as I could. How disappointed I was when it didn’t work out quite like that. What was even more disappointing was seeing each person I was at Pride with getting off with someone or at least having somebody show an interest. Even my heterosexual step-mother got hit on by a lesbian, but I had absolutely no interest in me at all. I know, how can that be possible?
I spent the afternoon at the famous Nightingale Club in Birmingham with my friends and step-mother. It was a typically rain drenched Pride day so we had decided to take shelter and get drunk. I went to the toilet with my step-mother to get dried off. At this point a guy armed with a bag full of hairdressing equipment said he would style my step-mothers hair (as you do in a unisex toilet at Gay Pride – anything goes, I guess). Upon leaving the toilet my step-mother had been transformed from a drowned rat into a glamourpuss courtesy of the dude carrying a hairdressing kit around Pride all day. As she strutted towards the bar, heads were turning and one particular woman walked up to her and said “alright darling”. My step-mother thought it was hilarious. I was horrified. Why was she getting hit on and I wasn’t?
I eventually saw the funny side of it and continued with my plan to pull. Once my step-mother had gone home and I was more able to misbehave, I began picking out the guys that I wanted to get jiggy with. Alas, more disappointment awaited. Nobody reciprocated the not so innocent feelings I had. Worse still, a girl I was with pulled a woman and my male mate pulled a man dressed as Queen Elizabeth 1st, which was quite bizarre actually.
Eventually, I resigned myself to the fact I wasn’t even going to get a Pride snog. So I got very drunk and shook what my mama gave me in the club that night. But the next morning something unexpected happened.
I was sharing a hotel room with my friend who had previously decided he was into guys that dress as Queen Elizabeth 1st, and somehow found myself in a tryst with him. It was nice. It was familiar. It wasn’t what I had intended, but sometimes these things just happen.
So although I did pull, I don’t really count it as it wasn’t with somebody I didn’t know. I went home feeling incredibly disappointed that I had failed in my task. My strike rate had been very high, but perhaps I just tried too hard that weekend.
Looking back, I am not too impressed with the way I conducted myself and now realise there is so much more to life than getting off with guys, and indeed more to Pride than pulling. However, on the other hand, I am glad I was like that because it has provided me with plenty of entertaining stories to tell my mates down the pub, and also some that I can share here.
However you view Pride and whatever you get up to while you are there, the only thing I must insist on is that you have pride in yourself and enjoy it. If you see it as an opportunity to pull, then go for it and be safe. If you see it as a time to protest and focus on the issues that LGBT people face, then I salute you and again say go for it. Pride can be whatever you want it to be.
Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you’d like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.
The Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships (TCCR) is delighted to announce that it has recently been awarded an eQuality chartermark by PACE (a leading Charity promoting LGBT mental health and wellbeing). TCCR received this award for demonstrating its commitment to inclusive practice in its work with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) couples.
The eQuality Award is a quality mark for mainstream relationship services that show they have high standards of service for LGBT clients.
On 25th April, TCCR was presented with a special Silver Award at a celebration event held at the House of Commons.
TCCR’s CEO, Susanna Abse speaking at the event said, “We are delighted to have received this award and have been working closely with PACE to ensure that we offer quality therapy services tailored to the needs of all people, including LGBT people. PACE has provided us with a great deal of support and we are grateful for their suggestions and the thoughtful way in which they have worked with us. ”
Through the process of consultation offered by PACE, TCCR was able to develop robust policies that reflect its commitment to the eQuality agenda at all levels of the organisation. This is reflected in the dramatic increase in referrals from same-sex couples to the organisation over the past year.
To find out more about the eQuality chartermark visit: www.e-qualitymark.net
To find out more about TCCR services visit: www.tccr.org.uk or www.tccr.ac.uk
