M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
Pride Issue № 17 | May 2013
Respect meets the inspiring Paddy Cunningham, star of Pages 40 - 41 ▶
We interview the first out basketball player and social entrepreneur John Amaechi Page 24 ▶
Respect wins two more top LGBT awards for the work we do all over the UK Pages 7, 10 & 11 ▶
We’re proud to be launching the first ever inter-retail LGBT network checkOUT Page 15 ▶
Homophobia still exists. Join us and support IDAHO on 17 May Page 12 ▶
The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network for The co-operative
№ 17 | May 2013
Intro
Everyone is welcome
Welcome to Respect’s Pride Issue Celebrate good times, come on........ Well Summer is here and we are very excited for what it has in store for us. In this issue we celebrate ‘PRIDE’. Pride for who we are, Pride of our successes and Pride in the many Pride events we will be supporting all over the UK this Summer. We hope you enjoy this issue! Find out more throughout this issue ▶
What you’ll find inside…plus lots more Introduction to Kineta Kelsall, Respect’s newest writer Page 14 ▶
Alex talks holiday planning and HIV
Meet Beulah: Our Pride cover star
Page 28 ▶
Will, our new Entertainment Editor, reviews screen & song
Page 5 ▶
Page 25 ▶
A note from Thomas and Richard Thomas Anderson - @thomasinmanc Co-chair (male)
Summer is almost here. Yay! And what a start to the Summer it has been for the Respect network. In this issue we announce all the UK Pride events we will be supporting this Summer and they are a very mixed bunch, all over the UK. We would love for as many Respect members and their friends and family to join us in our ‘Summer of Pride’. Join the celebrations! I am so proud to announce some more Respect network network successes and you can find out more throughout this packed issue, another bumper edition. There are so many Respect members doing amazing things. You never fail to amaze us. Don’t forget that Respect is for YOU so please get in touch if you want to get more involved or you have any feedback. We’d love to hear from you. Enjoy!
2
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Richard Carroll - @rcoh Respect Editor
Thanks for reading our new issue of the Respect magazine. We had some great feedback about our last issue and I'm very grateful for the input from our guest editors and growing team of contributors for their efforts which made it our biggest yet! If you'd like to help, do get in touch. As well as email, we now have fully embraced Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT and should hopefully be on Facebook shortly. We've more great things in this issue and welcome your thoughts and contributions for future issues. The magazine is for you and we would love to continue to make each issue as packed and varied as possible but we need your help to make that possible. If there are any role models, charities or celebs you’d like to see featured, please get in touch!
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
Some new faces on your Respect Steering Group Ben Brosnan Communications Coordinator
Tom Elliot Events Coordinator
Lucy Elliot Communications Officer
Rachel Crabtree Charity Coordinator
We’re really pleased to introduce you to some new faces on your Respect Steering Group. Find out who’s who and what they do here.
I've worked for the Group since 2012 as an Internal Communications Business Partner supporting the Bank. Since I joined I've been impressed with Respect and all the LGBT activities it supports. I really wanted to join and be a part of it - so now I'm one of the Events Coordinators. I'm really looking forward to all the events planned for the year. I moved to Manchester two and a half years ago, and have lived all over the UK, but I'm a Leicester boy born and bred! 2013 will be the twentieth year I've been out although that scares me a little and makes me seem really old!
I’ve worked for The Co-operative for eight years in various HR roles. I joined the Respect Network last year after being involved in several events and promotions as I was so impressed by all the LGBT events and fundraising they do! In my role it is down to my team to plan various fundraising events for LGBT charities—very exciting and we hope to raise lots for some excellent causes this year!
I have worked for The Co-operative Food for three years as a Buying Assistant. During my first couple of months Respect did a postcard drop to advertise the network and I have been involved ever since. I have contributed articles to the newsletter, many of which have been accompanied with the most hideous of photos of me! This year, following my interest, I was asked to join the Steering Group in the role of Communications Officer. My team are working to bring you all the latest news and events via the magazine, Twitter, Facebook, the intranet, posters and press.
I work in the Corporate Affairs, Internal Communications team. I got involved in the Respect Network initially to share my communications expertise and help make the Network accessible to a wider audience and contribute to support the Network in generating wider coverage, both internally and externally. Whilst we have come a long way since the 1960s and the various Acts, changes in law and societal opinion, there is still work to do bridge the gaps in education and attitude of and about the LGBT community, in all aspects of life.
Welcome on board! If you would like to be a part of the Respect team and contribute to the development of the network, all over the UK, please get in touch. Your network needs you!
Respect member Kevin Sargent’s LGBT social group ‘Village Bakers’ raises vital funds for the George House Trust The charity George House Trust made an amazing £453.48 in their mobile village bake sale at the end of March. The Co-operative Food’s very own Kevin Sargent (right) co-ordinated the sale with the huge support of members of his LGBT social group Village Bakers that baked the delicious cakes. Big well done and thank you to all the volunteers that went out and sold them and EVERY bar and EVERY customer in the Manchester gay village that supported them with this fundraiser. Special thanks to Taurus Bar for allowing them to use their bar as a base! Every penny of this money will go directly to supporting people who are living with HIV. Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
The co-operative 3 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
Respect is the most followed UK employee LGBT network on Twitter What a start to our social media launch. In just twelve weeks we have become the most followed UK employee LGBT network on Twitter and one the fastest growing LGBT-related Twitter accounts in the UK. Launched on 15th January 2013 after lots of members were asking “When will Respect be on Twitter?” our account @CoopRespectLGBT now has over 3,850 followers. We have also had over 7,000 retweets (when people share what you post). We are overwhelmed with the interest in the network and we are delighted that we have attracted lots of new employee members who found out about the network through Twitter. if you haven’t already, please give us a follow and spread the word amongst your friends, family and colleagues. If you are on Twitter it would be fantastic if you could signpost people to the account. If you are tweeting about Respect could we ask a massive favour and ask you to use the hashtag #RespectLGBT - that will make finding your tweets a lot easier and will help others find them too. As Twitter is so instant, if you follow us you will probably hear about what we are getting up to and have planned before anyone else. You will also be able to take part in our Twitter exclusive competitions and read the magazine before anyone else as we will post the link the day before it is emailed to members. If you haven’s already set up a Twitter account we would highly recommend it. We are very #Tweethappy
Some of our Twitter followers include Lucy Spraggan : @lspraggan Recording artist and X Factor 2012 Carer’s Trust : @CarersTweets The Co-operative’s Charity of the Year Lynne Featherstone : @lfeatherstone MP and Minister at the Department for International Development Women on Boards UK : @WOBUK Established to improve the numbers of women on boards and in leadership roles across the United Kingdom Stonewall : @stonewalluk The largest British charity for lesbian, gay and bisexual equality The Co-operative : @TheCooperative The UK's largest mutual retailer with Food, Travel, Pharmacy, Funeral, Bank and Legal Services
This month’s Top Tweets
Follow us @CoopRespectLGBT #respectLGBT 4
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
â„– 17 | May 2013
t Mee ver co r u o star ary hM a l Beu East Beulah Mary East is featured on the cover of this issue of Respect and in lots of of our coverage around The Co-operative. We thought it would be nice to get to know Beulah a little more. Firstly I would like to say that I am honoured to have been considered to be the face of The Co-operative Pride and Respect articles and features. I have attended various LGBT events including London and Brighton Pride as well as the great Respect Celebration event last November as part of International Year of Cooperatives.
More about me My background is in Nursing and I was a State Registered Nurse with an Ophthalmic Nursing Diploma, having worked in the National Health Service for 40 years, retiring as a Matron.
Within The Co-operative My role is as an ambassador representing The Cooperative Society. Presently I am a member of the South East Regional Board, Member of the Regional Values & Principles Committee, Regional Representative on the Membership Diversity Working Group, member of the Black and Ethnic Minority Steering Network, past Chair of the North London Area Committee and I am currently the Vice Chair of the Regional Board South East region.
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
Membership support South East Membership is proud to support a variety of events including lots of LGBT events but also many others including the Koestler Trust supporting prisoner's Art by Offenders, Street Games by young volunteers, cycle training, Global Generation - supports young people to generate change and to play their part in creating a sustainable future, The Truth about Youth and The Oval House Theatre, enabling young people to challenge and change negative perceptions about their age group.
Supporting diversity I feel it is important to support LGBT events, they form a part of highlighting Diversity in our community. Sadly within Membership the gender balance has changed and not for the better, this continues to provide challenges in encouraging new members to get involved. Over time, my understanding of all aspects of diversity has increased. As an ambassador, I have encouraged members to participate not just with LGBT events, but also gender, disability, carers and black, asian, minority group & ethnic events.
Quick fire questions My favourite book: Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom My favourite movie: Ghandi
My most cherished possession: A rose given to me by my late husband My Fondest memory: The birth of my grandchild
Find out more about The Co-operative Membership at co-operative.coop/membership
The co-operative 5 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
You’re Invited An introduction to Diversity within The Co-operative and Equality in the workplace and beyond Friday 24th May, 5.30pm - 8.00pm The Co-operative, 1 Angel Square, Manchester (in the auditorium) We have a great panel of speakers lined up, including renowned campaigner and activist Peter Tatchell, Stonewall’s Charlotte WheelerQuinnell, Chair of The Co-operative Bank and Deputy Chair of The Cooperative Group Paul Flowers, Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) Paul Martin and Inclusion and Diversity Manager for The Co-operative Group Sharon Pegg. We will also be officially launching the UK’s first Inter-Retail lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) network, checkOUT, at the event.
Everyone is welcome You will have an opportunity to ask the panel questions, network with other employees of The Co-operative, as well as representatives from other organisations. And hopefully learn something new too. We will be serving up cakes from Village Bakers, Truly Irresistible nibbles from The Co-operative Food and Respect’s event wine sponsor Barefoot Wine will be pouring their delicious wines. Everyone is welcome to the event. Why not bring along a colleague? Please help us raise awareness of this event. Forward the invite to anyone you think will be interested in attending. RSVP by emailing respectLGBT@co-operative.coop The full programme for the event will be issued soon.
6
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
We have been named The Albert Kennedy Trust’s ‘Corporate Sponsor of the Year’ On 2nd May we were honoured to attend the annual ‘Albert Awards’ which are a celebration of the work of their mentors, volunteers, staff and the young people they support. The mad hatters tea party themed event was a feast on the eyes (and our bellies) and there was a real sense of pride and celebration in the room. We were a little overcome when the Respect network was named the ‘Purple Door Corporate Sponsor of the Year’ for our work supporting the charities new safe house for homeless LGBT young adults. Pride!
Read more about the Purple Door project and our involvement in the next issue of Respect!
‘People perform better when they can be themselves’ Bristolians vote in their droves and crown The Co-ope rative Bank top Ba nk
We are delighted to announce that The Co-operative Bank named Best Bank/B has been uilding Society in the ShoutOut Listen ers Awards 2013 , voted for by listeners of the sta tion.
Bris hom tol is e Co-o to The Lega perative l Ser vices !
ShoutOut is Bristol' s LGBT radio show , airing on commun ity station BCFM (93.2 FM in Br istol, streaming ar ou nd th e glo be on www.bcfm.org.uk) . Other winners includ ed We Are: Proud (B ristol Pride) who wo Community Event n Best , TV presenter Cla re Balding who wa s named LGBT Hero of the Year an d the hit James Bo nd movie Skyfall crowned Best Movie that was . We would like to th ank all the listener s that voted for us . Pride!
You can find out m ore by visiting www. shoutoutradio.org
.uk/awards/2013
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
The co-operative 7 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
'Trans 100' List, Honoring Transgender Pioneers, Unveiled By We Happy Trans And This Is H.O.W
“The value of the work that is represented by the 100 people on this list is immeasurable,” D’orsay is quoted as saying during the inaugural celebration. “These people demonstrate the diversity, the determination, and the incredible triumph of spirit that informs all trans people, no matter where they are. This is just a glimpse of what trans people can accomplish.”
We Happy Trans, a website that celebrates the positive experiences of transgender people, and This is H.O.W., a Phoenix-based trans advocacy organization, have teamed up for the first-ever "Trans 100" list. The list began as an idea by This Is H.O.W. Executive Director Antonia D’orsay, then developed in partnership with Jen Richards of We Happy Trans. Trans 100 recently held its annual celebration of transgender advocates in Chicago where Janet Mock and Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler were keynote speakers. The inaugural Trans 100 list, composed of transgender people from all over the United States was created with the intention of shifting the coverage of transgender issues by focusing on the positive work that is being accomplished, and providing visibility to those typically underrepresented.
Find out more www.wehappytrans.com www.thisishow.org
We Happy Trans
are proud to be sponsors of Europe’s biggest transgender celebration 11-14 July 2013 Manchester Find out more in the June issue of Respect We’ll have lots of news about the event and a few interviews too
8
The co-operative Respect Magazine
More info at sparkle.org.uk
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
Be a part of Respect’s Rainbow Bake-Off Are you up to the challenge?
To raise awareness of International Day Against Homophobia, 17th May, and homophobia as a whole we are doing something a bit different. As well as flying the pride flags from lots of locations all over the UK we want to increase engagement and understanding about the day to as many employees and customers as possible.
What is the Respect Rainbow Bake-Off? What we are
asking is that you bake a rainbow or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inspired cake (could be cup cakes too, we all love a cup cake), take a photograph of it and send it to us so we can be amazed by the creativeness and skills of you all. The photos will be judged by our expert panel and they will be looking for the ‘R’ factor (Respect, get it!).
Is there a prize? Absolutely. The winner will receive £30 of
Co-operative vouchers, a Truly Irresistible Co-operative food hamper as well as a bottle of bubbly. You’ll also receive a very special and limited edition Respect goody bag full of goodies. So what are you waiting for?
How do I take part? All you need to do is once you have taken the
photo of your rainbow bake is either a) Tweet it to us at @CoopRespectLGBT or b) Email it to us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop The closing date for entries is Friday 7th June 2013. The winner will be contacted by 30th June.
Some inspiration
This competition is open to everyone so why not get your friends, family, colleagues and partners to take part.
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
The co-operative 9 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
We are crowned ‘LGBT Network of the Year’ at the We are delighted to announce that following us being shortlisted for the ‘LGBT Network of the Year’ at the 2013 g3 magazine Readers’ Awards, we have only gone and won the award. At an amazing awards ceremony held at the Landmark Hotel in London on 26th April it was announced we had won the public voted award. Thomas Anderson, Co-chair of the Respect network and Lucy Elliott, Respect’s Communications Coordinator took to the stage to accept the award and give the acceptance speech. Lucy commented, ‘Apart from being a great night attended by the communities most prominant and outspoken L,G,B's and T's, it was a moment to be proud. Proud of how outstanding and supported our network really is." In our category were the LGBT networks from American Express, Royal Air Force, Societe Generale, Ernst & Young and Barclays. Some well known attendees at the awards ceremony included Stephen Fry, Clare Balding, Alison Moyet, Michelle Collins and many more. We would like to thank everyone that voted for us and to everyone that has supported the network, no matter how small.
Lucy Elliot, Thomas Anderson & Sophie Ward
rs on e n n i w d r a g3 Aw uded: l c n i t h g i n the
rand of the B r o n o ti a Organis Year orts ls Hilton Hote
& Res
Best Venue don Lon Candy Bar, of 2012 Best Event r Pride
Mancheste
r
r of the Yea Broadcaste g Clare Baldin
f Celebrity o
the Year
ace Heather Pe
The night in full swing
10
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
â„– 17 | May 2013
Stephen Fry - A fellow award winner
Charlie Condou, Heather Peace & Sophie Ward
Peter Tatchell (centre) with his Lifetime Achievement award
It was quite some night........
Photographs by Chris Jepson Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
Award winner Clare Balding & Sophie Ward
Dr Christian Jessen & friend
The co-operative 11 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
To mark IDAHO and to launch the next phase of the Enough Is Enough! ACTION Against Homophobia campaign, the Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) is asking you to Kiss Hate Goodbye! This is your chance to make a big statement on LGB&T hate crime and intolerance and give it some lip! Inspired by The Great Global Kiss-in which took place on IDAHO 2010, they want to unite against hate, intolerance, inequality and injustice by creating an atmosphere in which couples can show their love and affection for one another in a positive and powerful way. So much hatred can come out of people’s mouths directed at our communities that we want to try and redress the balance by showing how people can get together and do something fun and impactful to challenge those who think that lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people should not be allowed to show their love for each other in public.
How can you get involved? FLASHMOB - Manchester Kiss-in
holding, cheek pecking, hugging and any other (legal!) display of same-sex affection.
So get your lips puckered up, your breath minty fresh and put this date in your diary! Follow the Twitter hashtag #KissH8 to find out what’s happening. You can also email enough@lgf.org.uk. Or 'Like' their Facebook page to find out where and when you need to come and puck er up!
Organise your own They’re also asking you to organise your own Flashmob in other locations around the UK, and they’ll send you a goody pack with everything you need to know. You can download a quick fact sheet too! (see link at bottom) For more info and your free goody pack, email enough@lgf.org.uk.
Send them your pics Email or tweet them a picture or video of you, your friends, family or partner pouting, posing, or puckering up to show your support! They will be putting together a gallery of images and the best ones will be part of a display. They can send you a postcard with some fab rainbow lips on to help you pose – so get in touch while stocks last!
The LGF will be hosting a ‘kissing’ Flashmob in Manchester City Centre on Saturday 18th May 1-2pm, so come and take part! You don’t have to go for a full on snog, join them for undation o f g l @ r e hand on Twitt
he LGF
Follow t
17th M ay is Interna tional Day Ag ai Homop nst hobia (IDAHO )
Support the LGF Please support the campaign; why not give depending on whether you decide to have a peck, snog or use tongues! We suggest £3 for a peck, £5 for a snog and £10 for a full-on tongue sandwich! Donate online at www.justgiving.com/ kissh8goodbye or text ‘KISS03’ followed by the amount to 70070 e.g KISS03 £3
Your support is much appreciated and monies raised will go towards supporting their work to tackle homophobia and end discrimination.
To find out more about the Kiss Hate Goodbye campaign and about IDAHO go to lgf.org.uk/kiss
12
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
â„– 17 | May 2013
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
The co-operative 13 Respect Magazine
Member story
№ 17 | May 2013
An introduction to Respect’s newest contributor, club night promoter, budding journalist and the lady behind the tweets @TheCooperative
Kineta Kelsall How important do you think it is to spread the word of Respect and the work The Co-operative does in the LGBT field with our employees and members through social media? I think it's fantastic that The Co-operative has been voted one of the best LGBT employers in the UK. It is so important to accept all walks of life into a business, whatever race, gender, sexuality or background you are from. I hear you guys do some great work across the country and support some great events and I think that is important to know if you work for The Co-operative. And working with top lesbian mag Diva, tell us more! Diva magazine was a fantastic opportunity for me to get some great work experience in the Journalism world. I met with Jane Czyzselska, the editor, to discuss opportunities to write for Diva. Sticking to my Sheffield roots, I put together a 6-page fashion article on 'Lesbians Out in Sheffield.' I wanted to move away from the typical 'lesbian generalisations' and showcase some of the coolest, femme girls of Sheffield. A lot of Lesbian magazines tend to assume that all girls wear boy-like clothes and have this one fashion sense, whereas I wanted to show the people of Sheffield in a different light. What is this we hear of you arranging gay club nights in Sheffield? Whilst at Uni I somehow managed to rub shoulders with the right people! I used to work for Hallam FM and one of the presenters owned a club-night venue in Sheffield. I saw this as a great opportunity to inform him of my own side-line events idea and proposed my club business plan to him. The Sheffield gay scene was very small with very little variety. I saw a niche and gap in the market for a new gay venue and opened up my own club night brand, Gay in the attic. I like to think I spiced things up on the Sheffield scene with better music.
As Respect's newest cont ributor, Kineta tells us we can expect something a little out of the ordinary from her future features —watch this space! in your bag, what is it all about? We spotted a mag called AlterEgo Whilst at Uni, a of mine that I take great pride in. Now, AlterEgo was a little project the world of trans! an alternative magazine exploring group of friends and I put together ly found out a lot in cheek and a bit rude but I definite Now the magazine is a little tongue y from the common knew! Again, I wanted to move awa about the trans scene that I never ured in the ing world. Some of the people feat stereotypes and explore this fascinat en's clothes, there kids who have a fascination for wom magazine were married men with ryday eye. was a lot more than meets the eve erEgo-Final-Print-Book doc/63980728/Alt
Read AlterEgo at www.scribd.com/
14
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
The Co-operative pioneers the establishing of the UK’s first InterRetail LGBT network, checkOUT
Supported by Stonewall, The Co-operative is delighted to be launching the first ever Inter-Retail LGBT network in the UK. The Respect network Steering Group is co-ordinating our involvement and the networks official launch will be at The Co-operative’s HQ on 24th May. We have had the first two meetings and the network has the full support of The Co-operative Group Board, with Paul Flowers, Chair of The Co-operative Bank, Deputy Chair of The Co-operative Group and Senior Sponsor of Respect, supporting the launch. The network will offer employees of the retail sector, of all sexualities, a regular newsletter, development, networking and lots of other fantastic opportunities, all over the UK - as well as supporting other employers on their journey too. We’re very excited. We hope you are too! The networks launch is being resourced by The Co-operative with the Respect network Steering Group arranging the launch event as well as producing the checkOUT magazine that will be published bi-monthly. Thomas Anderson, Co-chair of Respect came up with the name of the network and the branding, we hope you like it.
che
ckO
UT
me mb er
s in
clu d
e:
twork e n e h T d unche a l e b will May h t 4 2 on the ge 6 for see pa info more
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
Th Co-op e erativ the on ly reta e is iler in Stone t Equali wall Workp he lace ty Ind ex T the fo urth c op 100 for ons year. W e’re th ecutive eh placin g ban ighest k too!
We irst are the f ke ever ma o t r e l i a ret index. e h t f o 0 1 f the Top r more o o f e v o l ld join We wou titors to e p m o c our index. us in the We were o only e ne of the mploy public ers to suppo ly promote rt o ou and th f Equal Ma r rr e only one to iage eviden give ce in Parlia ment.
The etwork n t c e p st Res e large h t f o e k is on networ re e e y o l ea emp rope. W nd u E n i groups celebrated a st the mo d network in awarde UK! the No other em in the ployer UK ha suppo s rted a s man Pride y LG and us. We other even BT ts as live an d b r e our et hics a athe values nd .
The co-operative 15 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
Respect at the Stonewall Workplace Conference Friday 26th April, London By Lucy Elliot On Friday 26th April the Respect network’s Co-chair Thomas Anderson and Communications Officer Lucy Elliot attended the Stonewall Workplace Conference in London. With 600 people from a wide range of companies spanning all industries in attendance it was a great opportunity to network. At the opening of the conference Stonewall’s Chief Executive Ben Summerskill gave a rousing speech indicating how far we have come. Don’t forget it’s only 10 years ago that section 28 was repealed. Yvette Cooper MP was in attendance and this provided an opportunity to ask how the equal marriage bill was progressing and what the government is doing for our community.
“It’s fair to say that Lorinda did us proud” The daylong conference also incorporated a choice of sessions to attend featuring guest speakers. The Co-operative Funeralcare’s Head of Marketing and ‘Friend of Respect’ Lorinda Robinson was a guest speaker at one such session about marketing to gay consumers, alongside Ben & Jerry’s (they forgot to bring the ice cream) and ITV. It’s fair to say that Lorinda did us proud, presenting the impressive work that the Respect network and The Co-operative Group as a whole has achieved over the last few years. She received an ovation from the packed room when she mentioned that in 2005 The Co-operative Bank withdrew its banking services from ‘The Christian Voice’ due to their discrimination against the homosexual community. With regard this prophetic ministries extreme homophobic stance Simon Williams for the Bank had said at the time “They are extreme views. They are not mild views… They simply do not fit with our ethical policies… such as… “Homosexual policemen are corrupted by what they do. How can they investigate cases of corruption?”’. The ovation and recognition of everything The Co-operative Group and the Respect Network has done for the community including being the only retailer to present evidence in support equal marriage in Parliament was a moment to be extremely proud of.
“Even more so when one attendee who works within the banking sector revealed that she was not able to be ‘out’ at work!” One of the other sessions I chose to attend at the conference was ‘Role Models’. Listening to the life stories of the two Stonewall role models and how they support the LGBT
16
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Lorinda prese nting at the ev ent. Read Lorinda;s inte rview with us in the next issue of Res pect!
community within their industries was awe inspiring. It highlighted how fortunate we are to work for a diverse and supportive company like The Co-operative. Even more so when one attendee who works within the banking sector revealed that she was not able to be ‘out’ at work! I found this astonishing as I have never felt that I could not be ‘out’ at The Co-operative. One role model had highlighted earlier in the day that it takes so much effort and lies to have to disguise your sexuality and that you don’t just ‘come out’ once you are continually doing so throughout your life. With this in mind I felt even more grateful to work for The Co-operative. At the closing of the conference we were treated to hearing the journey of another role model, Claire Harvey. As women’s paralympic sitting volleyball champion and Head of Corporate Responsibility for the FCA, Claire has had an extraordinary life. She provided us with a humorous and inspiring talk on how she has faced in to the challenges of being a disabled lesbian. Dragons Den and radio presenter Evan Davis also gave a very inspiring keynote speech about how successful economies embrace real diversity in their workplaces The conference made me realise that for the first part of my life I had always seen my sexuality as a disadvantage or hindrance. In recent years that has not been the case and the conference really brought that change of view into my consciousness. I am proud to be who I am and so glad things are changing for the better for our community.
If you would like to contribute your story to our Respect Newsletter and be a visible role model to our members then please email us at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop
e d th n a l y Luc nderfu t at wo Moye g3 on Alis e 2013 s th rd awa
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
HELP US TACKLE HOMOPHOBIA IN BRITAIN’S SCHOOLS
№ 17 | May 2013
Stonewall’s Youth Volunteers are driving real change all around the country. Since 2008, our amazing volunteers have reached over 10,000 people in their local communities challenging homophobic bullying and discrimination. Please support us today and help us continue this vital programme. Become a Friend of Stonewall at www.stonewall.org.uk/donate or visit www.stonewall.org.uk to to find out more about our work.
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us onno. the1101255. Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect Charity
The co-operative 17 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
19 – July 22 Utto 2013 xete Ra ce C r ours e
ekend unique we re and a al art; is t s e F L cultu s and visu n, k n o ia o b b s , a le f m no usic, cine ked with fu celebratio includes m d dancing. It’s pac It . y it teers aim n u n comm and volun ating a d rs ; e rt o is p n s a d y. The org games an involved. d creativit n a g in s ome and li lc e w l socia e fe veryone w o ma n , to make e r? o /bisexual f y a t /g s n e ia F b L your a les Who is urself as r you and o y fo f o is t k s in e LF sure of If you th ls, aren’t r 86, then e o b 6 la 1 e k re li a a friendly ou on’t worry, it’s whether y d if you d n ’t n A . o y d il t, m u o d fa en’t come friends an on, or hav st! ti ta r and n e ri o your ce te ansgende n tr a , tr le n p e o e o xp hn kids. crowd wit es interse men and m o o w lc t e h w ig t a tr The even ay men, s ese 'categories' are people, g r e f th e o u y n rq a e gend on't fit d o women. h w n e af and guests of re a y Straight m e ible for de th s s if e e c c m a o e lc ents and we to b cess to ev also aims c t a n d e v le e b a e dis Th eople with disabled p te re rs. BSL interp
Tick fromets £90p p
Comic Clare Summerskill says “Let’s talk about Sex! Sexual Orientation! Being single, being married, being Gay, Bi, Lesbian, Queer, Straight and those who just see themselves as a little bit on the wonky side…” Everything you’ve ever wanted to know but were too afraid to ask will finally be revealed in a fast-moving, song-singing, side-splitting, costume-changing evening of comedy and music. Comedienne, singer, actress and writer, Clare, is taking her new stage show on a UK tour. Packed full of hilarious and thought-provoking stand-up, totally original songs and finely drawn comedy characters, Clare’s performances are a one-of-a-kind experience and a perennial favourite on the gay and lesbian theatre circuit. We are hearing lots of great things about the show and it is not one to miss. For more info visit www.claresummerskill.co.uk
The remain
ing tour da te
Sun 19th
Find out more www.lfest.co.uk 18
The co-operative Respect Magazine
s
May
The Lowry , Manches ter www.thelo wry.com Box Office : 0843 208 6000 Fri 31st M ay The Acorn , Penzance www.theac ornpenzan ce.com Box Office : 01726 87 9 500
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
Big thanks to the Corporate Communications team for giving Respect two pages in the Spring issue of the US! magazine. Our article is an introduction to the network and is included in every business areas version of the magazine. Every team in The Co-operative get multiple copies so Respect has made it s way into every single Co-operative store and team. We have already had lots of new members as a result which is fantastic. Watch this space for lots more Respect articles throughout the business communications.
Come and join in the fun to be had at the Peel Park Pink Picnic on Sunday 28 July 2013 The Pe
el Park Pink Picnic is an annual community event that is organi sed by the LGBT comm unity and is now in its third year . The event is free an d open to all groups of people wh ich allows’ the local community to gather in the center of Peel Park to enjoy a familyfriendly event.
Last year the event attracted people fro m across the Greater Manchester area, proving to be mo re popular than previously thou ght. Many people en tered into the
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
! ead
pr es g a ep ubl o d Our
spirit of the event by bringing their own pi cnic hampers, picnic bla nkets and even table s and chairs. The game of rounde r’s was a hit with bo th the younger and older me mbers of the commun ity alike. This year the team alr eady have some grea t performances lined up with acts from Fa ther and Son (semi-finalist from Br itain’s Got Talent) and Bears Aloud. Other entertainment on the day includes a bouncy castle for the kids, bo th old and young, fac e painting and a bird of prey fly ing display. Building on last year we have planned so me great competitions and ha ve some awesome pr izes for people to win. Remember, yo u have to be in it to win it. So put the event in your dia ries now. For further informat ion and confirmation of these details, please visit th e Peel Park Pink Pic nic website, nearer the time for full details and runn ing order for the day. www.peelp arkpinkpicnic.co.u k
The co-operative 19 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
The Voice UK is back on our screens with all four judges from Series 1, Jessie J, Will.I.Am, Sir Tom Jones and Danny O’Donoghue sitting in the famous chairs
My Voice UK experience
In Series 1 Ben Kelly, an openly gay man from Northern Ireland, wowed the coaches in his blind audition with a powerful performance of Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’. All four turned their chairs. He picked Jessie. His dream started there. Read what Ben had to say when Respect caught up with him.
I first auditioned for The Voice UK in October 2011, and it was a roller coaster ride from there on in. I was just so pleased to get to do a ‘Blind Audition’, I didn't think about how great it could actually be. I wasn't even sure 'Rocket Man' would be the right song to show off my voice, but as it happened, it turned out to be the best moment of my life. Having the four coaches turn around and choose me gave me the justification I needed that I'm in the right business, doing the right job. Getting to work with Jessie J was obviously very cool, and I made a lot of friends among the other contestants, producers, and crew. There was a real sense that we were creating something fresh and exciting, and I never regretted getting involved for a second. The Voice showed the UK that there are people in the industry with real talents, just struggling to be heard every day, and it definitely raised the bar for the level of talent on TV.
A bit about me
What is next for me
I'm 23, and was born in Derry, Northern Ireland. I've been singing my whole life, but only began learning piano when I was 11. Growing up, being able to play was a real edge to my act, and it helped me in performing and songwriting. I've always been involved in musical theatre - from school, right up to present day, and have been in various productions including many at the West End Bloomsbury Theatre, UCL, when I came to London in 2008 to study. I've been here ever since, following my music dreams. At uni I started making cover videos and posting them on YouTube. Within two years I'd had over 1 million viewers, which worked wonders for my career. I was being booked for jobs and gigs, and managed to find representation, and even a few celeb fans.
Follow Ben on Twitter @BenKellyMusic
20
The co-operative Respect Magazine
I'm now spending my time working on my music - writing and producing in the studio, with the help of my management. I am performing in various places and the details of which are on my Facebook and Twitter. I'm also very involved with the ‘2013 City of Culture’ year which has been awarded to my home town of Derry. I've written the anthem for the year 'Home' and it's one of the several songs I have produced, it is available to download from iTunes now.
My favourite things Favourite song: Bruce Springsteen - 'Thunder Road' Favourite movie: Singin' In The Rain Pet hate: Weak handshakes Dream dinner date: Madonna Favourite personal belonging: My Sennheiser headphones
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
The World Pride Power List needs your nomin ations The UK saw man y amazin
o you d o h W ost m e h t s think i ial LGBT t influen in the person ? world
g things in 2012 , the Diamond Ju Olympics, the an bilee, the London nouncement of a ro ya l baby but more im of the World Prid po rtantly the launch e Power List. The World Pride Pow lists of LGBT achi er Li st, unlike so man evement, spanne y other d the globe and ce walks of life no m le br ated people from atter where they all were based in th e world. This year they ar e asking you, the LGBT community those people who and beyond, to no you feel have been minate most influential, but also in those not only in your areas of the world own life, where being gay is more difficult. Homosexuality re mains illegal in m ore than 70 coun ranging from im tries, with penalti prisonment to de es at h. That's why it's platform and cele so im po rtant to build a brate those who are out, proud an regardless of the d successful now penalty. ,
The World Pride Power List will be widely publicised from all four corn to ensure particip ers of the globe to ation so th at no -o ne who is a positiv and fighting for eq e role model ual rights is forg otten. After receiving th e nominations th e list will be adju esteemed judges dicated by a pane who will come up l of with the final rank ings. The list will be pu blished in an excl usive Guardian su the London's Prid pplement on the e parade, Saturday day of 29 th Ju ne , with a celebratio London’s exclusiv n breakfast at e Home House. The World Pride Power List will be compiled by Squa diversity publishi re Peg Media, the ng and events co leading mpany in the UK Guardian newsp , in association with aper. The
Find out more an d nominate at ww w.worldpridepo werlist.com
e Her e of om that s e ar ople the pe to the it on Pride e mad World ist 2 201 ower L P
ch - Actor 1 - Jane Lyn ay from her er shied aw
tor has nev ra Embry in The GLEE ac chologist La sy p g in ry ar . sexuality, m r gay rights l advocate fo ca vo a is d 2010 an r
cto cKellen - A ion 7 - Sir Ian M io 3 discuss during a Rad
t t in 1988 – has brough He came ou at moment th m o fr d ity, 28 – an se of equal on Section r on the cau ea b to and er g w in o p speak all his star d regularly an l al ew n o g St co-foundin ay issues. g n o writing nter
se alding - Pre h 10 - Clare B tnership wit to a civil par
the entered in In 2006 she . As she told Alice Arnold er d ch ea u sr m , I'm a radio new : "Personally ar ye st la I am. Not Radio Times hiding who t o n r fo er cast ." ot hiding it better broad ing it, but n et p m u tr ly necessari
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
The co-operative 21 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
International Women’s Day & Aspire’s First Birthday Celebration Event ccc
By Kelly Sands
Respect network People Development Co-ordinator On Friday 8th March Zahina Bibi and I did something I thought I would never do…stand in front of over 80 people and talk, without slides, about a topic close to our hearts – the Aspire Careers Network. We were asked to get involved by Sharon Pegg, Group Inclusion & Diversity Manager, as we are both Steering Group members and are regular contributors to Aspire, including delivering and analysing the recent membership survey. We were part of the morning speakers and followed inspirational talks from the Group Chair Len Wardle, Aspire advocate Moira Lees, and Etta Cohen – MD and founder of the enigmatic Forward Ladies, and someone Zahina and I have both had the pleasure to work with previously. Etta’s story was truly powerful, and at times upsetting, but was certainly the boost we needed to deliver our slot! The idea of using no slides was, although nerve-wracking, aimed to support the idea that our development and confidence had been helped through our association with the network. And as far as we could tell, it seemed to do the trick on the day! Zahina and I received a thunderous applause (even though I can’t really remember talking!), and we were even dubbed the ‘new Ant & Dec’ of the Group!
“We were even dubbed the ‘new Ant & Dec’ of the Group!”
After the adrenaline eventually died down, Zahina and I were finally able to enjoy and absorb the rest of the day. Topics included the (at times) controversial 30% club – a scheme looking to develop the talent pipeline and achieve a minimum of 30% female representation on Executive Boards in FTSE 100 companies, through to the rise of the suffragette movement in Manchester. Women in UK parliament was also a hot topic, and opened up the debate about how we begin to break down historical and perceived boundaries to help achieve a more diverse and representative Government in the future. This discussion was later supported by the Right Honourable Hazel Blears MP, who talked frankly and honestly about her journey, and the challenges she faced not just as a women but as a human being during the aftermath of the 07/07 London bombings. One of my personal highlights was listening to Helen Tse – coowner of Sweet Mandarin restaurant in Manchester and all round entrepreneur. Hearing Helen’s story of real determination to succeed in the face of adversity and racism certainly made me think that anything I truly want can be achieved. The day in my eyes was a real success, as well as an opportunity to meet new people and share in their personal stories. I know Zahina and I were really honoured to have been involved in the day, and it’s actually given me the prompt to try professional speaking again…so watch this space!
Find out more about the Aspire network by emailing aspire@co-operative.coop
22
The co-operative Respect Magazine
But don’t just take Kelly’s word for it! Here’s what some of our HR People Service colleagues thought of the day: “I thought the event was fantastic, well organised with inspirational guest speakers. I felt privileged to be part of the event and it was great to meet other colleagues from across the business.” – Helen Muldowney, Resourcing Advisor “The day was really well organised and really worthwhile, despite me having initial reservations beforehand. I was particularly impressed that I was able to hear the inspirational speakers, who I wouldn’t usually have the opportunity to hear from. It helped me to think differently about my career and the opportunities available.” - Teresa Gundry, Resourcing Advisor
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
r e h t e g o t k c o r wC P d n a t c e p s e R
ent was k GLEE, the ev e LGBT networ iv us cl in C) w ch all is a arity opers (P x (WEI). Stonew Waterhouse Co e de ic In Pr y lit ith w ua g Eq EI orkplace Collaboratin mmunity. Its W Stonewall’s W sexual (LGB) co e results from bi th d by an d y ire ga sp n, in for the lesbia r equal rights workplaces. that lobbies fo eate inclusive cr to s rt ake their fo ef s’ oyer king steps to m ta e ar ey measures empl th w ork, ussed ho e Respect Netw Chairman disc , Co-chair of th Cs North West on rs Pw s, de ith An r iff ei as Gr th Iwan shared ork. Thom ive place to w -operative, also us Co cl e in e Th r d or fo m a er as business ity Manag ent Thom an ion and Divers llowing the ev us Fo . cl EI In , W gg to 13 Pe 20 an and Sharon third in the sses who w t r large busine perative came he -o ot Co o e tw Th r as fo ents . experiences k at similar ev ive workplace invited to spea en be ve te a more inclus ha ea cr on to Shar ne do y nies such as ad ey have alre of great compa r th k be or m w nu e a th build on tives from ing representa . e event, includ th d Virgin Media ed nd te at dafone, HSBC an Vo , ys Over 80 people la rc Ba t, Je ty Council, easy Manchester Ci
g to the 80 plus rson presentin de An as om Th -chair ns Top: Respect Co of organisatio a diverse mix om event. e th attendees fr g guests to PwC welcomin om fr n Da ft: Le
nces can w these differe fferent and ho di g we in be of e wider pool so the valu t talent from a understanding ac t tr ou at ab n is ca e ty w si will mean said: “Diver open minded Iwan Griffiths s. Being more nt ie cl r ou d an t vate. benefit the firm the North Wes ntinue to inno people and co ent shows how st ev be e e th th of s ith es w succ great to can work ber said: “The kplace. It was ring Group mem lity in the wor ee ua St C eq in Pw of @ EE m GL proble Daniel Ricard, to tackling the nversation.” ity is committed un m m leading the co co be ss d an s busine ea e event. We id e -op, to shar d present at th Co an e nd Th te ith at w to te d k they are collabora to be aske ere delighted e excellent wor w th r as fo k om or Th d tw attendance e GLEE ne ded: “Myself an s of Respect’ in we applaud th d nd an rie t ‘F Sharon Pegg ad en y ev an e m at th e so g was great to se k GLEE are doin joyed speaking thoroughly en n from the wor ents like this. It tio ev e ira or sp m in e to m d ly took so look forwar o. We definite doing and we were made to ns tio ec nn co and many new t need to be Else. You don' learning.” s ne ay yo w er al e Ev ar d e too. W ys, Lesbians an
on LinkedIn twork for Ga K and find them ive business ne CU us cl Pw in EE an GL is @ C r itte GLEE@Pw w them on Tw C to join. Follo Pw r fo k or w gay or
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
The co-operative 23 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
John Amaechi
John Amaechi was the first NBA basketball player to come out of the closet. He is also a psychologist, New York Times best selling author and social entrepreneur. John was also awarded an OBE in the 2011 Birthday Honours for services to sport and the voluntary sector.
How would you sum yourself up in a sentence, if you had to? I wouldn’t do that. I would be deeply disappointed if I could be defined in a sentence. I have lots of separate differences. What do you get up to now since you left basketball? Lots. I am involved in around five core charities and I do lots of charity work. I have also set up my own charity, The Amaechi Basketball Centres Foundation that encourages kids to become involved in sports and their communities by building youth sports centres around the UK. I am also a psychologist and I work with lots of multi national companies doing lots of different things including executive coaching, working with HR and Learning & Development teams and doing motivational and leadership work. Have you experienced negativity since coming out in 2007? Lots of people tolerated me coming out but don’t like that I speak up for equality, including sexuality. Most of the negativity I have experienced has been Do you have any favourite bars and in Eastern Europe, Africa and USA. I may have come restaurants? I love Trof in the Northern Quarter in out as gay to the world in 2007 but I have been out to Manchester. I also like Mark Addy that is a my fiends and family for decades. quirky and weird (a bit like me) restaurant on the How important do you think role models are? They are vitally important. There is no substitute for well river near Spinningfield’s in Manchester. It serves traditional known and influential role models giving powerful messages. northern food and you get a pie the size of a plate to yourself. They are no more important than teachers and parents being I go to Canal Street regularly and Via (or Via Fossa as it was role models but every once in a while a well known person known) was the first gay bar I ever went to so I have a soft reaches places other people don’t. spot for it. I also like Taurus. Club wise I like Cruz although I Who is your role model? need to store up three months of early nights before a night My mother, a superstar. I also had a role model in sport out these days. when I was growing up, Daley Thompson who won the Have you ever taken part in a pride parade? decathlon gold medal at the Olympics in 1980 and 1984. I I have taken part in many of them. I have been the Grand always thought he would have made the perfect dad. Marshall at around ten Pride events around the world What are your thoughts on the Olympic Games? including LA, Chicago, Toronto and Utah – you name it. I have I was an ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic bid. I am never walked in a UK pride parade though. I am also a patron also a Director for the London Organising Committee for the for Manchester Pride. Olympics Games (LOCOG) Diversity Board that sets strategy for Do you have a message for our members taking part in the procurement, recruitment and standards for every employee, pride events The Co-operative is supporting this year? Have fun, enjoy yourself, laugh and love the craziness. As supplier and volunteer for the games effort. The organising team did an amazing job. There was diverse you walk, run and march through the parade, remember that there will be a kid hiding in the crowds and this will be a rare representation and amazing facilities. time for them when they will feel normal, special and not I’m not so sure we will get the legacy from the games alone. The significance of the pride events is beyond the party. people have talked about though. For some kids it will be a rare experience away from It is a great chance for young people to see role models, maybe not the obvious ones such as Tom Daley, to aspire to be homophobia in their households and school. like and look up to. That alone is a good thing. So when you are not working, what do you like to get up to? Follow John on Twitter @JohnAmaechi and see more Well I don’t have much spare time. I do enjoy listening to on his website at www.amaechiperformance.com music. Everything from cheesy pop to soul and blue’s music like Ella Fitzgerald.
John revealed he used to be a pride cynic!
24
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
Our Reviews page is back by popular demand! Hi Respect readers! My name is Will O’Regan and I’m originally from County Cork in Ireland. I work for The Co-operative’s as a Data Co-ordinator in Food Commercial. I’ve lived in Manchester for just over two years and have been with my partner, Tom, for two years also. Having studied radio production at post graduate level, I love all things media, showbiz and entertainment and I am delighted to write for Respect. Watch out for next month’s music issue with a special ‘Theatre’ feature. We want to break with stereotypes!
Follow Will on Twitter @willovision
Film Les Misérables Director: Tom Hooper Out on DVD now Down the years I remember hearing of the stage show but the appeal went completely over my head until I read that a movie starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway was being made, that made me sit up and take note. Other musicals-turned-movies I have seen include Dream Girls and Mamma Mia but this is in a very different league to those. What truly sets this apart is the film is completely sung throughout, spoken word is minimal. While I went to the cinema knowing this beforehand I still wasn’t prepared for the epic behemoth that is Les Misérables. Set in a rebellious time in French history the main story focuses on Jean Valjean (Jackman), a convict who manages to turn his life around. Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen all give stellar performances and Jackman and Hathaway are really on their finest form. Special mention goes to Samantha Barks who makes a brilliant film debut. The film has been winning awards left right and centre this year. With so many emotional scenes, expect to be wiping away the tears. A must see – ★★★★★
New! Respect’s Entertainme nt Editor Will O’Rega n
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
Music Love Songs Destiny’s Child Sony Music, out now How can you go wrong with Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle? Prior to this I would have said you can’t. Sadly this repackaged version of some of their previous songs wasn’t the comeback I had in mind when they announced a reunion. Maybe I am in the minority on this but I wanted more. My favourite song on this album is their cover of the Bee Gee’s Emotions and is for me a high point (as is the artwork on the front cover). However new song Nuclear really doesn’t compliment Destiny’s Child’s back catalogue at all and while I hope this isn’t the last we hear of them as a trio I really have my fingers crossed that future new releases will be of a much higher standard than this. ★★
TV The Carrie Diaries Although this show hasn’t yet aired in the UK I wanted to give early mention to the Sex and the City prequel The Carrie Diaries. Those of us who felt Sarah Jessica Parker is the one and only Carrie Bradshaw need to take note as relative newcomer Anna Sophia Robb has given new life to what us fans felt was a dead franchise. While this reboot doesn’t include Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte the on-going trials and tribulations of Bradshaw and her teenage friends including sexually confused Walt are more than enough to keep us interested. This show should prove a hit. Watch this space.
The co-operative 25 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
LGBT news that may interest you The Stonewall Equality Dinner raises a staggering £394,000 Over 500 guests, including celebrities and politicians, attended Stonewall's annual Equality Dinner at London's Dorchester Hotel on 11 April. The Dinner, hosted by Stella Duffy, raised a record-breaking £394,000 to support Stonewall's campaigns against homophobia in Britain and worldwide. The Co-operative was also represented at the event. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe attended the Dinner - the first time a leader of Britain's largest police force has attended such a major gay equality event. Dinner guests included Clare Balding, Gok Wan, Val McDermid, Alice Arnold and MPs John Bercow, Nick Herbert, Diane Abbott, Angela Eagle and Chris Bryant. Christopher Biggins led a live auction, with lots including tea with Tony Blair, champagne with Jennifer Saunders and VIP tickets to Elton John's show in Las Vegas. Boy George DJed at the after-dinner party. Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies host Dr Christian Jessen gave an emotional speech during dinner, in which he spoke about a school friend who had taken his own life after being homophobically bullied. 'It's a shocking fact that over half of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils experience homophobic bullying,' he said, 'and I think it's embarrassing and shameful that in 2013 there are still young people, like my friend Paul, who struggle to understand why what they are seems to matter so much more than who they are.' Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive Laura Doughty said: 'Homophobia remains a huge problem in Britain's schools, and in 80 countries worldwide it's illegal to be gay. These are just two of the challenges we're dealing with every single day. We know we face a huge challenge in making homophobia thing of the past, and we're enormously grateful to everyone who made this evening such a huge success.'
The Life Partner - Things just got complicated! Leighton Meester (pictured) and Gillian Jacobs have begun filming The Life Partner. The comedy also stars Adam Brody, Gabourey Sidibe and Kate McKinnon.
Brighton’s first LGBT radio station is launched Sauce FM is a brand new gay radio station that launched out of Brighton in February on the internet, featuring the very best in local, national and international DJs. Sauce FM has just released the App for Android - now available in the Google Play App Store. To get it open the App Store on your Android Device and search for Sauce FM, or you can scan the code below.
You can listen online at saucefm.com Follow the station on Twitter @SauceFMRadio
Gay novelist tops bestseller list with haunted debut As reported on Pink News, the debut novel by gay author Neil Spring, based on the true story of Borey Rectory, “the most haunted house in England,” has rocketed to the top of Amazon’s bestselling new releases list, six months before publication. The Ghost Hunters was released at the end of April on preorder by publishers Quercus, and within days topped the Amazon Hot New Releases Bestseller List of Horror Thrillers.
until gay marriage is legal. But when her boyfriend (Brody) proposes, things become more complicated. The film has been largely unpublicised, but according to the Facebook page of actress Simone Bailly, filming is now underway in LA. Originally a play, the script was co-written by director Susanna Fogel and Joni Lefkowitz.
Jacobs plays a young woman who drunkenly promises her lesbian best friend (Meester) that she won't get married
26
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
A word from NACO General Secretary, Neil Buist As a strong supporter of the RESPECT network, I was delighted to be asked to contribute to this issue of the Respect Magazine . As NACO has just completed a survey of all members, including a section on diversity and LGBT issues, the timing couldn’t be better. We know that over 5% of our members identify themselves as LGBT (much higher than the UK average) and of those, most are members of an LGBT network. As NACO represents members throughout the co-operative movement I was encouraged to learn that our membership supports our role in helping to build wider networks that will support colleagues in societies across the country. RESPECT has clearly contributed to the Cooperative Group being listed at number 3 in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers; I would like to see other co-operatives in this list, and the Respect model available in every Co-operative Society. Working with The Co-operative Group and other large UK retailers, NACO is a founding member of the working group established to create an Inter-Retail LGBT Network open to anyone working in the sector. By the end of 2013 I want all our members to have access to a network as strong as RESPECT. The last question on our survey asked about discrimination based on sexuality. 2% of our members have experienced this, and that’s 2% too many. NACO takes a very firm line on discrimination and will support any member who is concerned that they are being discriminated against. For advice and guidance from NACO on a workplace issue, and to join the union, contact us via www.naco.coop
Find out about your legal rights
d you about spect Magazine we tol In Issue 13 of the Re ian & Gay produced by the Lesb the We Exist booklet we would let you this issue we thought Foundation (LGF). In they have really useful booklet know about another produced. n to a whole rves as an introductio The I Exist booklet se lesbian, gay and t particularly affect host of legal rights tha bisexual people. iliar with rt to become more fam It is a good place to sta personal hts and to read some your legal and civil rig in our community. accounts from people does not areas in which the law There are still some re we feel LGB people but the mo allow full equality for ere we are enging areas in life wh confident about chall can fight unfairly, the more we treated differently or . nation in all it's forms prejudice and discrimi curate as of 72 page booklet is ac The information in the ging, it is always law is constantly chan August 2011. As the rsonal pert advice on your pe a good idea to seek ex situation. gf.org.uk/ guide by visiting www.l You can download the t/ Take-Action/we-exis
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
Gitibus sa volup tas sa sedipis asp erepedit, et, od fugianto im et volor simi, acca igendam bo. Di doluptat Rumquam eumq ur sit abo. uo torro earum reicae. Itate nih perum fugia do it faciatae lupta sperovit alis dolorit estia exceste sus au m t quia veligen imintus eatet qu cust, od ecepernam fac as modions cus versperspit , omnimeturep et volore dit, qu e eum rest, istis et asit que exerrovidel ex corum, sendit erorerum laborendi corum e rem que dolen voluptam dolor di doloreces em quas si duci consedi tiumq voluptas vitatq uossi corepud uos qui adis qu i atibu sandel mi et dolupis adign ntium essecum ienduci totate stiam excepratu omnissit es cu r aut venimi, s pro beritatur ma invent perum volorion repeli liquam, g nistem il ium qui od maionse ellupta spercid rum ent es ilis molup quid ita idusdae esto od e laccata que offi i custis veleceru cil ptae doloris re, inciment, offica siminim e catint quatem suntist adis sam que dolupta nis , sitatibuscid cipiet offictu sam endebitis dem Omniandi de de quiat. lissinus. Uscil inci offici ut entur, solor ent hicimolut di ipiendae. Sa autem ut qui m et magnihil mos atateturi vend it as aborporersp ut dolorias abor aceatec e porehendam experat. ipsum ipide od Olore, as de sim incto volorpo rehende bistot reped quiam qu a aut ventiam e dem eicius ali qu volorias plis ac ipsam abo. Tatat e aditiorerum, necus et ium qu o ipist volecum Lo maios delit, ex eos Kindly sup ported by: am cus adita cor rer rovid quas desto re stius. Reg. Charity No.
1070904
like ng d l i u wo r ‘Com , u o s If y re you ith u ail. ha tory w an em s o t ’s d us Out drop y coul rt ase r stor suppo e l p You e and s. ir er insp oth 2011/12 EDITIO N
The co-operative 27 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
Respect member Alex Sparrowhawk brings us his second feature for the Respect magazine. Read about the added things people living with HIV have to think about when planning their holiday Organising a holiday can be stressful at the best of times but organising one whilst knowing you live with a long term illness can add extra worries. When I was diagnosed one of the first times I remember feeling actually excluded from something due to my condition was realising that certain countries ban people with HIV from entering their territory. Whilst some are willing to take the risk and have travelled to destinations hiding their status it’s not something I was financially willing to risk. I was more than happy to hear the news during the time of my diagnosis that the USA was to end its 22 year immigration ban. I’ve been to the USA twice before when I was a lot younger with my family and I’ve been eager to return again, me and my boyfriend had talked about going to San Francisco for some time but we (well me) hadn’t really got enough money together to make it possible until this year. Not only are we visiting San Fran but we’re starting our trip in Vegas and ending in it New York City. Travel bans aside there’s still a lot to think about when travelling abroad. We take it for granted in this country that we’re entitled to free healthcare, we get sick, we have an accident and we visit the hospital, get better and go home happy with no bills or fees. Unfortunately the risks involved in living with a condition such as HIV, however small, mean that everyday travel insurance won’t provide cover in the most part if I was to become ill abroad. Even if a travel insurance policy doesn’t specifically exclude the
28
The co-operative Respect Magazine
condition (and many these days don’t, having realised HIV does not need to be explicitly cited on its own) they will exclude pre-existing medical conditions. So if you’re on treatment, you see a consultant regularly you’re likely to fall out of the cover. The good news is that many specialist insurers these days provide the cover required, I just bought my policy for this trip for £60, a shame it’s not as cheap as some of the online single trip ones were before my diagnosis but considering the cost of healthcare in the USA I’m seeing it as a bargain should anything (God forbid) happen to me out there. As someone with a professional background in the insurance industry I would recommend that everyone buys travel insurance, especially if you are visiting North America where healthcare costs are ridiculously high! Don’t take a chance on a normal policy, it really is worth paying a little extra for a policy tailored to your needs than running the risk of paying a hospital ‘x’ amount each month for the rest of your life…
Countries and their entry restrictions Australia
No restrictions for entry, but HIV tests required for foreign nationals over the age of 15 who wish to settle in Australia. People with HIV wanting to immigrate permanently to Australia will have their case decided based on criterion used for all preexisting conditions.
China
HIV tests required for a work permit.
Trinidad and Tobago
All foreign nationals applying for residence or to stay more than one year must undergo a medical examination. Those found to be HIV–positive will be refused permission to stay.
Yemen
Entry will not be granted if the authorities are aware an individual is HIV-positive. A negative test result has to be presented for stays of more than one month or applying for residence.
Continued on page 29 Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013 The other item that I won’t be without as I head off to the airport is a letter from my consultant explaining the medication I have with me is mine and it is necessary, it doesn’t say which condition my tablets are for and I have never had to show anyone in customs. I was so worried the first time I went abroad, more so because I was with family who back then didn’t know I was HIV positive, but if you think about it people carry all-sorts of medication for a variety of conditions and how often at an airport do you see customs or security staff going through it all or asking any questions? I do still have a bit of a ‘I hope I don’t need to get the letter out’ moment whenever I’m in an airport but I think that’s down to wanting to get through to the airport bar quicker haha! I also travel with a letter detailing my condition, treatment and latest results in the eventuality I end up in hospital abroad so the doctors there can treat me efficiently and are fully aware of the facts, this letter is purely for these circumstances only and shouldn’t be (or ever need to be) shown to anyone in airport security. So with all of that sorted I am starting to relax about the thought of being in Las Vegas this time in two weeks, tell a lie: I am starting to panic and worry as everybody else does, I need to buy holiday clothes, sort my dollars and then pack!
There are some useful links here if you want some information on anything I’ve written about:
What do you think? Veteran British actors Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Derek Jacobi have received mixed reviews for their new ITV sitcom Vicious.
aidsmap.com/Countries-and-their-entry-restrictions/ page/1255072/ tht.org.uk/myhiv/Your-rights/Travel/Travel-insurance/ Insurance-companies/
Created by Will and Grace writer Gary Janetti and award-winning playwright Mark Ravenhill, it sees the actor knights play a bickering gay couple.
Keep up to date with the latest HIV news with the aidsmap news iPhone app
We asked our Twitter followers what they thought of the first episode. Here is what some of you had to say....
The app links to the Aids Map daily reports on new research, findings and controversies in HIV treatment and prevention from around the world. They also cover key developments in hepatitis, TB and other health conditions linked to HIV. As well as articles by their own editors, the app includes a daily hand-picked selection of HIV-related stories from other websites around the world. You can download it free from iTunes.
Find out more about Alex
www.alexsparrowhawk.com @birdy_tweet
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
The co-operative 29 Respect Magazine
â„– 17 | May 2013
The Coope sup rati port ve h ed o eve as nts ver sinc 5 e 20 5 pride 10
Can you believe it is that time of the year again? What time of the year you may ask. Well Pride of course! Pride and The Co-operative have a great history and we have been supporting the annual celebrations of LGBT inclusivity and rights for the last ten years. In fact, since 2010 we have supported a massive 55 Pride events all over the UK, 18 in 2012 alone. We love Pride. We have a store in every post code in the UK and it’s really important we support events and initiatives that engage with the many diverse communities in which we serve. 2013 is shaping up to be another big year for The Co-operative and our support of Pride events and on the next page we let you know the events we are officially supporting and sponsoring. As ever, we need your support. If you would like to volunteer your support at any of these events, no matter how small, we would love to hear from you. Please email respectLGBT@co-operative.coop
30
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
Our 2013 Pride Summary Student Pride 1-3 March Sheffield Pride 6 July Bristol Pride 13 July Sparkle : Europe’s Biggest Transgender Celebration 11-14 July - Manchester Newcastle Pride 19-20 July Hull Pride 20 -21 July Nottinghamshire Pride 27 July Brighton Pride 3 August Stoke Pride 10 August Manchester Pride 24 August (day of the parade) Reading Pride 31 August Cardiff Mardis Gras 31 August Grimsby Pride 31 August Carlisle Pride 5 October
More announcements to come! Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
Stars of the 2012 series of Britain’s Got Talent ‘The Showbears’ joined us in our 2012 parade entry at Manchester Pride.
The co-operative 31 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
What is Pride?
Watch out for Respect’s first ever PRIDE webinar with the Chief Executives of some of the UK’s biggest Pride events. Come and find out more about what we have Pride events and the impact they have on communities all over the UK. More details will follow soon!
Gay pride or LGBT pride is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance. Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, is the predominant outlook that bolsters most LGBT rights movements throughout the world. Pride has lent its name to LGBT-themed organisations, institutes, foundations, book titles, periodicals and even a cable TV station and even the Pride Library. In the UK lots of LGBT pride events take place every year, from Glasgow to Reading and Cardiff to Manchester, each year more and more communities come together to celebrate. They are also a great opportunity for businesses, charities and community groups to come together and support spreading the messages of equality.
32
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
manchester pride the highlight of our summer
S T E K TIC
E L A S ON
THE BIG WEEKEND 23-26 AUGUST £16 (WEEKEND)* £13.50 (DAY) NO BOOKING FEE A celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life
manchesterpride.com
Company no: 4671318. Registered charity no: 1117848 Raising money for LGBT & HIV charities and organisations in Greater Manchester
*Limited availability
manchesterpride Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
The co-operative 33 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
More photographs from our 2012 pride gallery
World Pride, London
Leeds Pride
Liverpool Pride Glasgow Pride
Come and join our ‘Summer of Pride’ 34
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
â„– 17 | May 2013
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
The co-operative 35 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
Homophobia: It hasn’t gone away! Gay couple say London hotel denied them a double room because they are in a same sex relationship Nick Hurley A man has said he and his boyfriend were refused a double room at a London hotel by a receptionist who repeatedly asked "are you sure you don't want single beds?". Nick Hurley, 22, and Gavin Maclean, 28, from Manchester, had booked the double room at the Thistle City Barbican hotel in central London for a Saturday night. Mr Hurley, pictured, said: "I believe I've been treated in a homophobic way." Thistle Hotels "unreservedly apologised to Mr Hurley and his partner". The hotel's chief executive Mike DeNoma said: "The entire team and I take this matter very seriously. No form of discrimination is acceptable in our hotels and we regret what happened to Mr Hurley and his partner." Stonewall's Chief Executive Ben Summerskill said, "Subject to the facts being as reported, it's sad to see that this sort of thing is still happening as it's been unlawful for five years. A major hotel company must be well aware they can no more turn away a gay couple than a mixed race couple, even though they might not approve of them either."
Lesbian teenager attacked with stones in homophobic assault
A lesbian teenager was attacked by a group of ultraOrthodox students in central Israel. The Times of Israel reported that the incident occurred on Sunday 30 December 2012 in the small town of Ganei Tikva, which is close to Tel Aviv. The 17-year-old alleged that she was assaulted because of her sexual orientation and appearance. She told police that she encountered a group of students outside a school while she was walking in a religious neighborhood, after taking her bicycle to be repaired. The victim said she was called “a lesbian” and taunted because of her short hair. Stones were then thrown which injured her face. Police in Ganei Tikva say they are investigating the incident. In September of 2012, research showed 20% of gay youngsters surveyed in Israel had undertaken suicide attempts – 112 times the rate of the general population. The figure was even higher for religious LGBT youngsters.
36
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Homophobic 'vigilante' video appears online
A video has appeared online showing men shouting homophobic abuse at another man in east London, telling him to "get out of here" as "it is a Muslim area". In mid January 2013, the East London Mosque condemned men shown in another video posted on the internet claiming to be "patrolling" Whitechapel. Police started an inquiry and two men were later arrested. In the latest video a man is told: "Get out of here you fag... Don't stay around here any more." Stonewall said, "This incident is yet another reminder of the homophobic abuse that gay people face all too often."
Have you or someone you know been a victim of a hate crime or hate incident? Hate crimes and incidents come in many different forms. It can be because of hatred on the grounds of your race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or disability. Hate crime in any form is wrong. That is why it is important that if hate crime happens to you, or someone you know, that you report it to the police. Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
Snap
r e s s e p y dr
London based Alexis Knox works as a freelance fashion stylist on runway shows, music videos, commercial projects and fashion editorials. She has appeared in front of and behind the camera for shows such as T4’s New Look Style the Nation, Britain’s Next Top Model and on shows for MTV and the BBC. Notion Magazine is where Alexis holds the position of Fashion Director and she has enjoyed working with personalities such as Daisy Lowe, Nicola Roberts, Jessie J & MIA. Alexis has styled shows in London, New York, Milan, as well as events such as The Clothes Show Live held at the Birmingham NEC and she has produced and styled shows for international clients like Vauxhall Motors & The Sunday Times Style magazine. By night she hosts the renowned club night ‘Circus’ produced by the infamous Jodie Harsh that is held at London’s majestic Cafe de Paris. She also enjoys DJing at various club nights and events. t lexis a on bout A a ow her e ll r o o f m d t n u a Find o ox.com lexiskn a x . w w w xiskno at @ale r e t it Tw the newest ic is one of sa o M , 3 1 0 r January 2 ere. With ove Launched in azines out th ag m le , ty th es n and lif first mo LGBT news rld in their o w e th r ve from all o o from 3,000 views is sure to g e magazine lin n o ly th n the mo strength. strength to ut avigate layo d easy to n an le p m si e has a ible, as the cred The magazin slick, and h d an nt h is yl st o with it. Do that is both content to g g in at in sc and fa men on this interesting, half naked r o s rt ve u e dating ad will have yo expect to se ing site that ew vi rk o w fe for site. It s a sa s. Well it did u engrossed. y ennie on wh Rev. Scott R ed d u cl in cles have the iraq war Recent arti e and Was ag ri ar m al s equ ave seen so he support d what we h ye jo en ly al e have re justified . W far. t from a might expec u yo g in h s, a find everyt lture review You will also usic and cu m , k o o b g cludin ing you an magazine in section, giv es ic o V a page and e your say. Community mag and hav e th r fo te to wri opportunity ng munity getti h LGBT com is tt co S e e th W see BT news. It s great to national LG d an l ca lo rce for another sou comes next. seeing what to d ar rw fo look
Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
for See t elf a s r u .com yo tland
co aics s o .m
www
csc osai
d otlan
@m
The co-operative 37 Respect Magazine
â„– 17 | May 2013
LGBT people experience domestic violence too... Domestic abuse occurs in approximately 30 to 40% of LGBT relationships, which is the same percentage of violence that occurs in straight relationships. Domestic abuse is always about power and control. One partner intentionally gains more and more power over his or her partner. Tactics can include physical, emotional or verbal abuse, isolation, threats, intimidation, minimising, denying, blaming, coercion, financial abuse, or using children or pets to control your behaviour. Domestic violence runs in a cycle. Typically, things are wonderful at the beginning of the relationship. Gradually, tension starts to build. Finally, an act of violence occurs. This may be verbal or physical. The victim is shocked. The relationship then moves into the "honeymoon" phase. The abuser is remorseful and attentive, and the victim wants to believe the abuse was an isolated incident. Again, the tension gradually builds until another violent act occurs. The longer the cycle goes on, the closer together the acts of violence happen.
40% of gay and bisex
ual men experience ab use in intimate partner relatio nshipscomparable to the amount of domestic vi olence experienced b y heterosexual w omen.
w that on Statistics sho son is average a per
35 times
assaulted port it before they re to the police.
50% of lesbian wom
en
perience have, or will, ex er intimate partn in their violence (IPV) lifetimes.
38% of survivors
reporting IPV are under 30. IPV is the third most seve re health problem facin g gay men today behind HIV/AIDS and substance ab use.
Steve, 26, domestic violence survivor comments, “Looking back I can see that it was a slow process that I wasn't even aware of, it started with a dig about something I was wearing or something I had said. Then it progressed to belittling me in front of his friends and work colleagues. Eventually when I didn't have any confidence the beatings started along with the threats and being told that it was my fault for looking at people on the bus or in a pub. I got to the stage where I couldn't go out at night alone or use the internet. My mobile phone and email were checked everyday. As he is in IT he made me believe he could find out where I was and if I deleted things.�
38
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
â„– 17 | May 2013
poster A4 ic violence co-op domest
The Co-operative is committed to supporting any of our employees experiencing domestic violence. For more information please read the Domestic Violence Policy. We were one of the first employers in the UK to launch such a policy! Read the Domestic Violence Policy and all the other people related policies on the Intranet at >HR and People >People Policies A to Z >Policies and Procedures A to Z
5/9/08
9:23 am
Page 1
e c n e l o i v c i t s e Dom can happen to anyone.
a the Corporate Alli of r be em m a is The Co-operative lence and is committed to Vio Against Domestic cted. affe supporting those numbers: Useful support ur Employee Freephone 24 ho mme Assistance Progra 0800 072 7072 om www.icasxtra.c
Broken Rainbow is the only National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline providing confidential support to all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans communities, their family and friends, and agencies supporting them. Web www.brokenrainbow.org.uk Tel 0300 999 5428 Email help@brokenrainbow.org.uk Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
ur National Freephone 24 ho e Helpline Domestic Violenc run in 7 0808 2000 24 n ee partnership betw fuge. Re d Women’s Aid an ation is available More informplaces More versity pages.to go on The Intranet Di for support are featured on page 43 This poster is made
from recycled stock
d inks. using vegetable base
The co-operative 39 Respect Magazine
Interview
Respect meets up with weight-loss supremo turned personal trainer
Paddy Cunningham What would you say to our members who are looking to get fitter? I would say firstly know exactly why you want to get fit. Make a plan and stick to it. If you don't commit to your goals you are less likely to achieve them. Also, never give up… ever! What made you enter the hit TV show 'The Biggest Loser'? Very simply: a longing to want to feel ‘normal.’ To know I could buy whatever clothes I wanted, do whatever activities I wanted—be able to do them—and to just be able to do the dayto-day things that so many people take for granted; so simple but yet so important. How was the who experience and looking back, would you do it all again? 100% if I had to do it again I would—totally. It is hell on earth but sprinkled with love and care. Plus the whole TV side of things was so interesting. It changes people, it really does, from spending 30 hours a week in a gym, to eating healthy to being forced to have 7 weeks to focus entirely on you. Of course you get to meet Davina McCall too! Above all else, it changes you mentally and I always say that my weight loss was a side-effect of my changed mentally. Do you keep in touch with any of the other contestants? Yes I do. Mostly with Will. However, he had been my housemate in the UK for about 4 years before we went on the show. We also worked together and were very good friends so it was brilliant to get to experience something as unique as The Biggest Loser with him. I was in regularly contact with Angie Dowds, the trainer from the show, who herself was an icon for many gay women everywhere. When Angie committed suicide at the end of 2011 it was such a huge blow as myself and my boyfriend had only flown over to London to visit her the week before. Amazingly Davina actually keeps in touch too. She genuinely is such an amazing person. When you go on
40
The co-operative Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
a show like that you think “Ah it’s just a job for her” but I can honestly say she is brilliant, especially following Angie’s death. She was extremely supportive. There was another lovely couple Mark & Karen. Sadly Karen passed away last year from cancer too. However, I would have been in touch with them from time-to-time and more recently just to see how Mark and their kids are. We've joined the gym many a time and quickly chucked in the towel. Any tips for keeping motivated? This is so common and indeed something I did myself so often. In fact at one time I had two gym memberships neither of which were being used! The key things is to only join the gym when are ready to commit to making a change. Don't just join in the hope of doing something. You are a lot more likely to stick to something if it is part of a structured plan. Before you step in a gym focus on your food and nutrition and get it on track then introduce your exercise plan. Do you still allow yourself the occasional 'treat day'? If so, what's your favourite treat? Oh totally, you have to! Even during my time on The Biggest Loser every Wednesday was treat day for me. I think any plan that tells you not to have treats is not realistic. I’m a sucker for sweet things. One of my favourites is black forest gateau. If you’re going to treat, you may as well do it in style! I would suggest not to have your treat at the weekend. It’s more likely that you will eat rubbish for the full weekend. Whereas, if it’s a midweek night then its just a one-night event and easier to stay on track. Did you have a role model growing up? It might sound soppy, but, my parents. They really were. They both reared a family. We weren't rich or anything but we had a great childhood and never wanted for anything. We were taught right from wrong, the value of things and to appreciate people and the things they do for you. So what's next for you? Who knows!? When I think things cannot get any better somehow they do. I did The Biggest Loser in 2011 and came runner up. That year was just so so out of the world and I've be fortunate that great things have continued to happen since. I regularly contribute to national Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
Interview
papers here in Ireland. I do fitness segments for Irish TV. I’m now working as a personal trainer helping people every day which is fantastic. One of the best things from the past few years was meeting my current partner. I met him less than two months after moving home to Ireland. He is perfect and although he shys away from any mentions when I do public things, he is 100% behind me supporting me. If I was to put together the perfect partner from scratch, it would be him. Ireland, like the UK, has adopted Civil Partnerships. There is debate in both countries about equal civil marriage. What are your thoughts? It is an ongoing debate but when you are with someone, what is important? A piece of metal on your finger and some paper from an office or the feeling of love you have everyday and the sense of fulfillment you have in your life by being with them? Yes, politically we should have 100% equality, of course we should, but personally what matters is being with the person I love day-in day-out, having them by my side and not what it says on a piece of paper. I know there can be financial implications but most of these have been addressed with Civil Partnerships. I just think there are bigger problems in the world. In Ireland suicide and homophobic bullying are still major issues especially in young people. If i had to choose between allowing gay people full marriage or trying to eradicate both of these, I know which I would choose. For me, I am happy to grow old spending my life with the person I love. - would a wedding ring enhance your feeling of love? I doubt a wedding ring would enhance my feeling of love. It is materialistic and, although it is symbolic, there’s plenty of other ways to show and share your love.
Paddy’s coming out story
I grew up in rural Ireland in a Catholic family so I wasn't sure what gay was when younger. I wouldn’t have been exposed to it. I just knew I was ‘different’ from my early teens. However, as I didn’t really understand it, and the norm was to have girlfriends, that’s what I did up until about the age of 19. I remember kissing a girl but at the same time eyeing up a fella who was walking behind her. That for me was one of the deciding factors that girls were a no go.
The first time The first person I told was a girl from college. I had moved to Dublin and had my eyes opened. I studied media so there was no shortage of gay people! I said to her that I wanted to chat to her later in the day. All day she was worrying. She had confided in me before so I knew I could trust her. After college we went into town and sat for 45 minutes with me constantly trying to spit it out. Eventually, I just said “I think I might be gay.” She gave me a hug and we started chatting. It was such a positive experience.
The family New Year’s Eve 2001. I was 19. My sister text me saying she didn’t want the New Year to start without asking something that was on her mind. I didn’t see the text until after midnight. I panicked as it was out of the blue and I didn’t reply. I made sure to pretend to be asleep when she got in. I had always said if people asked me if I was gay I would be honest. The next day passed and we were hanging out—still no word of the text—the amount of tension was unreal. I then went to leave to get my bus home and as I walked out the door I said “f**k it. I cant just leave it” so I walked back in and said “By the way, the answer to your text is yes, I am.” She just kept saying “Oh my god! Oh my god.” I asked her Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
Keep updated with all things Paddy Twitter: @PaddyCunningham Website: ptpaddy.com
what was wrong and she replied “Nothing, I’m just jealous that your boyfriends will be better looking than mine!”
The parents My dad found out I was gay by reading a text message on my phone. He wasn’t prying but I had a spare phone I used as a contact number for a social group for gay men in Sligo. I had said to him I had a spare phone if he wanted to try it— silly Paddy! I got home and he said he had been looking through my phone and seen texts from guys who seemed to be gay… and was I gay? Staying to to my promise of honesty, I replied I was. Dad was very shocked. He was upset and didn't fully understand at first. He thought it might be a phase but I nipped that in the butt straight away so as to set his expectations. He was fantastic though. We had very honest conversations over the weekend. He hugged me and told me he loved me no matter what. I do think it made us closer. He’s never made me—or my boyfriend—feel any different to anyone else. I know how tough it must have been for him especially as his family would have been stereotypically Irish Catholic. Mum had been away that weekend so Dad asked did I want him to tell her but I would. When she was home I went upstairs and said “Mum, me and dad had a chat the other day. About me being gay” to which she replied, “Oh, and are you? Well that’s OK. I always knew that anyway and is that friend of yours your boyfriend? Myself and your aunt thought he was? Oh and is your sister a lesbian?” It was hilarious! So, all in all, my coming out was amazingly supportive. Coming out at 19/20 was a very young age for an Irish lad back then but I would not have changed a thing about how any of it happened. My family and friends are amazing and really couldn't have been any more fantastic.
The co-operative 41 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
Respect introduces the I Am SOHO CARD: The ultimate lifestyle card I Am SOHO CARD provides benefits such as extended happy hours, bar discounts and huge savings on lifestyle services. Partners include Fordham Soho, Urban Wellbeing, Imli, MADD, Circa Bar, Friendly Society, The Shadow Lounge and Soho Theatre, plus more! A lifetime membership can be purchased at iamsoho.com for £20, and there are no recurring charges once the initial membership fee has been paid. Members can access an online ‘VIP room’ in order to download exclusive promotional codes/vouchers.
• VIP discount card offers big savings at bars, stores and salons • Offers a whole range of lifestyle benefits • Has already been labeled ‘the ultimate city item’ • £20 lifetime membership; no recurring fees The London-based lifestyle guide, has re-launched I Am SOHO CARD, an exclusive VIP discount and benefits card for use in and around the Soho district. The re-launch comes at a time when many Londoners are looking for more cheaper, yet fun ways to experience the exciting Soho lifestyle and when local businesses are looking for a more costeffective way to engage with their target audience.
Like running? Try this great social group Manchester Frontrunners (or MFR for short) is a part of International Frontrunners, a network of Gay and Lesbian running clubs all over the world. The Manchester club was formed in 2005 and has been growing ever since. They now have around 100 members, and whilst the majority of their members are from the LGBT community, they are open to everyone. MFR actively encourage and welcome new members, no matter what level you are at, be it walking, jogging, running, sprinting or even training for your umpteenth marathon, we genuinely have people at all abilities, so you'll easily find someone to help you move to that next goal! Manchester Frontrunners have three regular training sessions a week. A Thursday evening road run in the centre of Manchester which is the most popular and well-attended session by runners and plodders of all abilities! It is always followed by a bite to eat in a local bar/restaurant. Saturday mornings off-road run at Chorlton Meadows allows for a longer run, unhampered by a tiring day at work, through the pleasant Chorlton Meadows. This is usually followed by brunch in The Lead Station and is also suitable for all abilities. Tuesday evenings track sessions at Sport City are for those wanting to improve their speed and who are chasing that next personal best. MFR keeps track of upcoming local races and usually has a few
members taking part in the most popular races, the more established runners always providing great motivation for those just starting out! (or great competition for those already a dab hand). Not only are they a great running club, but also a great social club! After both weekly training sessions they reward themselves (amply) with a combination of food and drink. Venues can change, but the format remains the same. Run a lot, eat and drink a lot! Manchester Frontrunners like to run hard and we like to socialise hard afterwards. After every Club run, there is usually a social get together in Manchester.
Throughout the year Manchester Frontrunners have many special social events. Highlights include:
www.manchesterfrontrunners.org
42
The co-operative Respect Magazine
August Bank holiday weekend: Pride Weekend October: MFR Annual Holiday December: MFR Christmas Do
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!
№ 17 | May 2013
Second to last page
Respect at the theatre.....is the theme to our next issue of Respect. We will be drawing the big red curtains to bring you our ‘Theatre Special Feature’ and a touch of pride and lots more. Expect some celeb interviews too - who will they be?
Do you need some support? Here’s where to go…
Colleague Support
More from our pride archives
In your workplace
If you are able to speak to your line manager, that would be the preferred route (unless of course your line manager is the issue). Alternatively, you can speak to your HR manager if this is preferable.
Respect
You can also contact the Respect network for confidential support and guidance.
The Employee Engagement & Diversity Team
The team can offer advice about specific matters relating to issues in the workplace and point you in the right direction. You can contact them by email at inclusive.teams@cooperative.coop or call 0161 246 2646.
London Pride 2011
Employee Assistance Programme Validium
You can contact and talk in confidence with one of Validium’s professional counsellors or specialists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on: UK Landline: 0800 970 1030 - Mobile: 0330 332 9996 For online support join vClub at validium.com Username: Coop Password: Group1844
Speak Up
We have a whistle-blowing hotline called ‘Speak Up’. You can call free on 0800 374199. Calls are handled by an external provider. Callers can remain anonymous and untraceable. Email your stories and get in touch at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop Find us on the Intranet Home > HR & People > Diversity > Respect
Manchester Pride 2012
The co-operative 43 Respect Magazine
№ 17 | May 2013
SATURDAY 29TH JUNE
“LOVE (AND MARRIAGE)” T h e Pa r a d e Tr a f a l g a r S q u a r e Soho Summer Rites For full details of the events, how to get involved and purchase tickets:
www.londoncommunitypride.org
44
The co-operative Respect Magazine
Join the conversation on Twitter @CoopRespectLGBT Like us on Facebook coming soon!