October 2015 • Issue 4
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@CoopRespectLGBT www.cooperative.coop/respectlgbt
Sir Ian McKellen
on role models, pride and the media spotlight
lus 2015 roundup pPride Respect does…Bristol Respect meets…Jacqui Gavin Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2016 The inclusive LGBT Network for And much more…
UPLIFTING
The Beat of Gay UK FM | DAB | ONLINE
Respect Magazine • October 2015
e m o c l e w Editors’ welcome
Welcome to Respect, the magazine for the UK’s most LGBT friendly retailer, The Co-operative.
Amelia
A word from this edition’s editors, Amelia Cargo and Ben Brosnan The last few months have seen huge steps forward in terms of marriage equality, with Ireland and the US both legalising same sex marriage. The decision in Ireland came about as the result of a nationwide referendum, making it the first country in the world to legalise equal marriage by popular vote. Although it was heartening to see the extent of support for the bill - 62% of people voted in favour of it is it fair that the majority get to votes on the rights of the minority? Should our civil rights be left to the whim of the general public? The result in the republic also makes us think about other countries, such as Northern Ireland, where equal marriage is still illegal. It’s so important to recognise that even though a lot has been achieved, there is still a long way to go. We can’t afford to be complacent when there is still so much to do. Elsewhere, Caitlyn Jenner caused a media storm when she came out publically on the cover of Vanity Fair. In this issue, Civil Servant and Trans activist, Jacqui Gavin, gives her view on Caitlyn, and talks about her experiences as an out Trans woman. Our cover star for this issue is the fabulous Ian McKellen, prolific actor and gay rights activist. We sat down with him at Manchester Pride to talk role models, life in the media spotlight and his thoughts on the past, present and future of LGBT activism.
Ben
Pride 2015 roundup Co-op colleague, Jo Crumplin, tells us about her experience at her first ever Manchester Pride
Front cover image: © Carl Sukonik/The Vain Photography
contents
note
Ian McKellen interview We talk Pride, role models and the media spotlight
Respect meets… Jacqui Gavin Jacqui shares her story and talks trans representation in the media Respect does…Bristol Banksy, balloons and the best burger you’ll ever have
Stonewall Workplace Index 2016 Fill in the colleague survey and have your say!
Copyright © 2015 The Co-operative Group Ltd, all rights reserved. Unless otherwise stated, all content in this publication is property of The Co-operative Group Ltd. Unauthorised duplication, copying and redistribution (either in full or in part) is strictly prohibited.
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and more…
Respect Magazine • October 2015
Respect meets… Sir Ian McKellen Ian McKellen’s stint as parade grand marshal was one of the highlights of this year’s Manchester Pride festival. The people who lined the street went mad for him, as did social media and the press. Shortly after completing the procession, the star sat down with Respect to talk Pride, the media spotlight and role models.
©Manchester Evening News
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e: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop • t: @CoopRespectLGBT
Respect Magazine • October 2015
Growing up in the North West, the Co-op must have been a part of your life. Do you have a Co-op memory that you could share with us? I don’t, but I am all for the Co-op! It’s a great idea that comes from a time when there was real need for change in this country, but I have never received my divvy! You position yourself as an actor and activist. Do you think that LGBT people who are in the public eye have a responsibility to use the platform they have for the good of the wider community? If you are in the public eye, you can choose to share as much or as little as yourself as you wish. I do think that prominent gay people would get a lot of pleasure out of being visible if they knew just how much they could help people. I get lots of letters from parents thanking me for being out, and for reassuring them that being LGBT is not the end of the world. In fact, it’s just the beginning. What would you like to see change in the next 10 years? A lot has changed, and a lot continues to change. We say we have some of the best laws in the world for gay people, which is pretty much true, but there is still much to do and we can’t be complacent. There is still a lot of work to do in Northern Ireland, for example, where same sex couples still cannot get married. So even that close to home, there is still inequality. And Moscow is only three hours away on a plane! There they are not allowed to have a gay pride march for 100 years - it’s the law of the land! I would not like to be a gay person growing up in modern Russia. Do you think it is important to have different LGBT role models in the media? Mmmm, I don’t believe there are enough role models for young people. There are no football players who are openly gay, they are scared of coming out! It was the same with teachers a few years ago, they were scared of what the kids would say when they came out.
I went to a school recently and I asked the Head if he had any openly gay members of staff and he said, “No”. This young man at the back put his hand up. He said, “I am a teacher here and I am gay.” There was a gasp and then all the kids looked back at him and cheered - that was the reaction he got! Who is your role model? People like Anthony Cotton. Camp, gay men who play camp, gay characters and are unapologetic about it, despite the negative comments they get. And people who are fighters, there are so many of them. Do you think that people need the support of the gay community when they come out in the glare of the media spotlight? That’s a good question! Take Keegan Hirst, he was married with two children and has just come out in the public eye. That level of media scrutiny is something he shouldn’t have to deal with. I know that he got calls from Anthony Cotton and Elton John, and that he is here today. Thank God for this community! It’s different at Pride if you are an old show off like me, it’s bliss!
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Respect Magazine • October 2015
Finding the
Mancunian Way Former police officer, Nick Buckley, talks to us about how being made redundant from his job led him to set up Mancunian Way, a charity that supports disenfranchised young people in the Greater Manchester area. How did Mancunian Way come into being? Mancunian Way was born as I looked out of my office window during the 2011 summer riots. I had spent nearly a decade working the police, helping to reduce crime in some of Manchester’s toughest neighbourhoods. The riots happened at the very same time that I lost my job. I knew I just couldn’t give up on some of the people I was working, so I signed my voluntary redundancy papers and set up a charity to stop the next generation of kids ending up on the streets, rioting.
Nick We also do some work in and around Manchester’s gay village. A few years ago, we uncovered a 14 year old boy selling himself near the canal. Our role was to ensure he was safe, and now he is getting the necessary support to ensure he has a better start in life. We are not exaggerating when we say we change lives! Our latest project, Change4Good, is tackling the rise in begging and rough sleeping in Manchester. A lot of this is about awareness raising - whether that be educating the public on the harm they can do by giving cash to beggers, or raising the profile of key support agencies amongst the people who need them.
Now, four years later, we have three permanent members of staff, eight sessional staff and over fifteen volunteers. What does Mancunian Way do in communities? Most of our work is done out in the community, engaging with disenfranchised young people and showing them the opportunities that are available to them. This work takes time and isn’t always easy, but the successes keep us going.
Find out more about Mancunian Way Mancunian Way is a proactive organisation, tackling diffcult issues that have the greatest impact on our society. For more information on us, please visit our website: www.mancunianway.org.uk or contact me directly at nick.buckley@mancunianway.org.uk .
Through this street work, we stumbled upon incidents of child abuse and exploitation. Now we run a dedicated project that tackles child sexual exploitation by up-skilling young people on personal safety and positive relationships, as well as reporting intelligence and concerns to the police.
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Respect Magazine • October 2015
y h p r u Roisin M the original queen of electropop is back A sonorous house beat kicks off the first full gig Roisin Murphy has done in a while - the stage in the sweaty, subterranean, grizzly Gorilla stacked high with random old-style safes, a cryptic clue to revealing the artist behind the bonkers aesthetics she’s experimented with since rising to semi-fame in the early 1990s with Moloko. As she rises from the depths of the stage, her mellifluous vocals kick into Royal T, a tune she collaborated on with Italian record DJ/producer Crookers - guest vocalist being her raison d’etre these past few years. But if the thirty to fortysomething ex clubbers in the audience were expecting a set of handbag house classics like 1998’s Sing it Back and 2007’s Overpowered, they’re incredibly mistaken. Roisin Murphy is effortlessly cool and strangely spellbinding, but she’s also incredibly unpredictable, and at her happiest when pleasing herself. The fantastically-titled Hairless Toys - her
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first new album in eight years - is an ocean away from her previous material - all breathy vocals, Hawaiian vibraphone and sultry schmoozings. It’s also incredibly sophisticated and intriguing, much like the lady herself. This album forms the backbone of her set with songs such as Gone Fishing, Evil Eyes and House of Glass lauding minimalist beats reminiscent of New York’s underground club scene, but with distinct faint echoes of Studio 64. Exploitation is the biggest nod to her dance roots, but rips through a darker terrain than her previous exploitations. Most loyal followers know that Lady Gaga was wearing diapers when Roisin was parading round looking like a giant pompom or armoured with a silver plate dress. And her three costume changes (at one point she waddles onto the stage in an outfit resembling a pink cabbage) don’t disappoint. But despite her obvious thrill at being in the glare after such a hiatus, it takes the remainder of the gig for her to rediscover the confident, playful persona we’ve come to know through her performances. She still blows every other ‘up and coming’ young artist out of the water though.
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Respect Magazine • October 2015
Respectdoes... Bristol
Did you know?
Hollywood legend Cary Grant (Archibald Leach) was born in Horfield, Bristol?
of adorable pastel painted houses lining the street.
Support local businesses Gloucester Road is home to the longest row of independent shops in Europe, and the residents are fiercely passionate about keeping it that way. There are plenty of gift shops, wholefood cafes, charity shops, and the amazing Sci-fi themed ‘Atomic Burger’ - where you can choose from around 30 varieties of burger, surrounded by every childhood toy from the 90s.
Family-friendly festivals
Lara
No big name music festivals, but lovely, quirky little ones that are both family friendly and edgy. In July there’s the Harbour festival, and in August the International Balloon Festival; both of which attract thousands of tourists and are well worth a visit. If you fancy a treat, the best viewing spot for the Balloon Festival is the Avon Gorge Hotel. Book yourself in for breakfast and watch hundreds of weird and wonderful hot air balloons go up in style.
City trails Bristol’s had giant cows, Gromits, and ‘Sean in the City’ trails, with statues placed in iconic locations around the city. As well as being fun and quirky, these trails have raised millions for children’s charities. They’re over for this year, but no doubt there will be more to come in 2016! For a city whose most famous residents are Banksy and Vicky Pollard, you won’t be surprised to hear that Bristol is a lively, edgy and whimsical place. Not far from London and a gateway city to the popular holiday destinations of Devon and Cornwall, it’s a haven for residents and visitors alike. Sold on the idea? Here are some top tips to make your trip worthwhile.
Take a stroll along the harbour The harbourside is host to the usual bars, cafés and restaurants, as well as Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner. Take a walk along the harbour and you’ll also see a row
Bristol’s beloved Banksy There are quite a few genuine Banksy pieces within a stroll of the city (and some great imitations too!). Best to download the official Banksy walking tour app, so you’ll learn the real from the fake. And if you’re visiting in the next month, the real show stopper is ‘Dismaland’ - Banksy’s antiestablishment theme park/art exhibit in Weston Super Mare, about a 20-minute drive from Bristol. Apparently it’s well worth a trip but be prepared to queue!
get involved? Do you want to see your city or town showcased in the Respect magazine? Or is there a city (at home or abroad) that you would like to hear more about? Let us know and we’ll make it happen: Email: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop Twitter: @CoopRespectLGBT, #Respectmag
e: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop • t: @CoopRespectLGBT
“Stonewall’s #NoBystanders campaign is simple, hard-hitting and inclusive of all and any group who may suffer bullying and prejudice... Don’t be a bystander. If you hear it, or see it, then stop it. I know I will.” Jackie Crozier, Ex-director of Manchester Pride
the d e n g i s e v a h 15,000 people u? o y l l i w e g d e pl NoBystanders
Respect Magazine • October 2015
Respect meets… Jacqui Gavin Caitlyn Jenner’s coming out has put the spotlight on Trans equality like never before. Elsewhere, a Trans-only modelling agency has been set up in New York and actresses Jamie Clayton and Laverne Cox star in two of Netflix’s biggest successes, Orange Is The New Black and Sense8. Despite these small wins for equality, the situation for many ordinary Trans people still remains very difficult.
We chatted to civil servant, model and Trans activist, Jacqui Gavin, about the fight for trans equality, Caitlyn Jenner and her journey so far. There has been more and more focus on the Trans community of late, do you feel now is a tipping point for Trans equality? We are at a huge tipping point and we need to advantage of this opportunity whilst we can. Although you’ve mentioned some wonderful names there, it isn’t just about them, it’s about every single Trans person out there. They all deserve the opportunity to be themselves regardless of their circumstances, age or position in society. Do you feel Caitlyn’s journey, which has so far been very public, has been influenced at all by the commercial value of carrying out her transformation in the public eye? I recognise Caitlyn’s journey as the way in the press behaved towards me and towards my best friend. It’s all about who ‘he’ was and all about the male pronoun instead of who we actually are in the present. Caitlyn’s transformation has created a huge interest because of the fact that she was a very successful Olympian and part of one of the most successful families in the world. She is very lucky to have a huge support team behind her and she’s getting recognition from the media for how beautiful she is, not a lot of Trans people get that level of validation. Not everyone will have the same opportunities as Caitlyn, but everyone should be able to be accepted for who they are. This includes sharing their own unique stories.
e: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop • t: @CoopRespectLGBT
Respect Magazine • October 2015
given the Trans community added confidence. Now Trans people have a right to be married in their affirmed gender. They can also have their unions converted to a same sex marriage if one partner transitions.
That said, it’s wonderful that she’s come out and hopefully she will use her influence for good in terms of moving our community forward In your 20’s, you did some modelling. Tell us more about that? I modelled both in the UK and internationally and am proud of what I achieved. But sadly back in those days there was no protection for the Trans community, and when they found out that I was Trans, my opportunity to continue modelling was discontinued. All my contracts were cancelled and I found myself with no work. Today there are a growing number of Trans models out there, the most famous being Andrea Prejic. I feel that I still have it in me to go back to it, albeit in a more ‘mature’ sense. You got married 20 years ago when the legal situation for Trans people was obviously very different, how have things changed since then? I married my husband in Barbados back in April 1995 when there were no rights for Trans people. The big change came in 2004 when the Gender Recognition Act became law, allowing people to register in their affirmed gender. The Equality Act of 2010 further strengthened those rights and it’s
When you were younger, you ran away to London from your hometown of Dundee, only to return when you joined the Royal Air Force. What would you say to your younger self? Oh god, this is making me emotional now. I would tell myself to always remember, even when the memories pinch your heart. Because the pain of all your experience is what makes you the person you are now. What makes you brave is your willingness to live through the terrible times and hold your head up high the next day. You are stronger now, after all the crap has happened, than you ever were back before it started.
A few of Jacqui’s favourite things: Cocktail? That has to be a Piña Colada, I got used to them when I got married in Barbados Film? There are so many, but if I had to pick it would be The Pursuit of Happyness! TV programme? Stargate-SG-1 Meal? Anything with king prawns Holiday destination? Up until about a year ago, I would have said the Caribbean, but I think it has to be America What couldn’t you live without? My iPhone and my bed
e: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop • t: @CoopRespectLGBT
Respect Magazine • October 2015
2015 Pride
p u d n u o r This year Respect, with help from our friends at The Co-operative Food, supported Prides up and down the country. Here, Jo Crumplin, one of the winners of our Manchester Pride competition, shares her experience.
What do you do at the Co-op? I’m a Team Leader at our Newbiggin store near Newcastle.
Why did you enter the competition? I never thought for a minute I’d win, so to get an email saying I had was a very pleasant surprise. I just wanted to have a chance to be there and take part.
What was your favourite part of the weekend? The parade was the best part, I absolutely loved it. The atmosphere was fantastic, as were the people. It was great to meet colleagues from different areas of the business. The whole parade was amazing. We had a lot of fun and were almost sad when we finished. We would have definitely gone round again.
You brought your son with you, did he enjoy the weekend? Yes, he loved it. He is a little bit shy, but was up for helping out. All in all, we had some great mother and son time. We both really enjoyed diversity of the event. No matter who you are or where you come from, we’re all human beings, and are entitled to respect.
Why do you think it’s important that the Co-op is involved in Pride events? Because as a company we need to show commitment, care and respect to all.
What did you take away from the weekend? New friends and being able to give my son a wider perspective on life and diversity. Knowing I’m raising a son who can appreciate and respects all, and who doesn’t judge, that’s everything I could wish for.
e: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop • t: @CoopRespectLGBT
p a out
Respect Magazine • October 2015
validium
Validium is the Employee Assistance Programme provider for all employees of the Co-operative Group. This is a confidential support service, available 24/7, designed to assist employees with personal or work-related difficulties. So what does that mean? Well, you can contact us to discuss issues and get information, signposting and/or support for concerns as diverse as:
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You are worried about coming out to family and friends. You recently had a baby and are returning to work soon. You want to discuss childcare options. You are not coping with changes at work and are feeling overwhelmed. You are not happy with your GP - how do you complain? You have concerns in coming to terms with your own sexuality. Your relationship has broken down and you need to talk to someone who can be objective about the circumstances. Your mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer - how can you best support her?
As well as such diverse support through our specialist counsellors, lawyers, money and debt specialists and nurses, there is also a managerial helpline available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. This is designed to assist managers experiencing everyday concerns about a member of their team or difficulties with managerial issues. This can help to: G Clarify a work problem. G Explore personal feelings and reactions to a work situation. G Consider alternative solutions and likely outcomes to issues at work. G Offer support when preparing for difficult conversations at work, for example: G One to one meetings G Change G Redundancy G Absence G Trauma
Details about how to get in touch with Validium can be found on the intranet. ®
INCREASING WORKFORCE VALUE
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Respect Magazine • October 2015
10 questions with…
t n e g r a S Kevin
Co-op colleague and founder of Village Bakers Tell us a bit about the Village Bakers? Village Bakers was founded in 2012 on the simple belief that there is no better way to make friends then sharing a big slice of cake. We are a fully inclusive social group that supports good causes like George House Trust, The LGBT Foundation, Manchester Pride and Sparkle. What gave you the idea to set up the group? When looking for LGBT-focused social activities in Manchester, it was clear I didn’t fit in. I didn’t like rugby, football or running, and there no way I was going swimming. I decided that there must be other people who shared my passion for baking and all things foodie. Inspired by The Great British Bake Off, and the goddess that is Mary Berry, I decided to establish Village Bakers, a social group that would provide a safe and inclusive space for people with a shared passion for baking.
Kevin How did you get into baking? I remember helping Mum bake, but I suppose that’s the same with a lot of people. I think I’ve always been aware of the importance of food as a way to get to know people - even our first dates involve dinner! Sharing food with others forms the basis of most societies in the world, and links us closely with those we care most about. Your day job is developing desserts for The Co-operative Food. Does that help when you’re baking at home? Absolutely! As a product developer I spend a lot time researching ideas and travelling to discover the latest foods. I was recently in London and noticed the huge Middle Eastern trend currently happening there. That inspired me to start baking with flavours like cardamom, rose and cumin. A pear and cardamom sponge pudding tastes absolutely amazing.
e: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop • t: @CoopRespectLGBT
Respect Magazine • October 2015
How do you think the group has made a positive contribution to the LGBT community in Manchester? Village Bakers has helped to bring the community together. We welcome everybody, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, income or baking ability. If you have a desire to meet new people, then Village Bakers will welcome you with a big slice of cake. The group has worked hard to support key events including World Aids Day, Sparkle, IDAHO and Manchester Pride. The community spirit of the group was recognised when we were named ‘Best Community Group’ The LGBT Foundation’s Homo Hero Awards in 2014. What’s been the best / most innovative bake that anyone’s ever made? One baker made ox cheek doughnuts which were inspired by a restaurant called Duck and Waffle, they were delicious. I also remember one baker making a Thai green curry cake, which involved Thai green curry paste in a buttercream frosting, that didn’t work as well. The TV programme, The Great British Bake Off, is famous for its cheeky puns. What’s the best one that you’ve seen? The baking puns and innuendos is the best thing about the Great British Bake Off and Mel and Sue deliver them so well. I remember during a bread making task Sue telling the contestants they have run out of time by saying, “stop touching your dough balls” and Mel asking them one week to, “stand away from your hot baps!”
Tell us about your Great Village Bake Off fundraising event? As one of the highlights of Superbia 2015 (previously Manchester Pride Fringe) the Great Village Bake Off was a fabulous afternoon of sweet and savoury delights. This year’s competition was judged by Bethany Black, comedian and star of Channel 4’s Cucumber, and previous Great British Bake Off contestant, Howard Middleton. What’s next for the group? We’ve got a lot of plans for the future including potentially publishing our own cook book featuring recipes from our bakers. So watch this space who knows what the bakers will be up to next.
Anything else you’d like to tell us? You can find out more about Village Bakers via one of the links below: Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ villagebakers Twitter: @villagebakers E-mail: villagebakersmanchester@gmail.com
e: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop • t: @CoopRespectLGBT
Respect Magazine • October 2015
l l a w Stone
Workplace Equality Index have your say Every year the Co-op takes part in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, a process which grades private and public sector organisations on how well they are doing in their support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
One of the things that contributes to our ranking in the index is a survey, which asks colleagues for their views of LGBT equality in the workplace. The survey is open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, so please fill it in and let Stonewall know your thoughts. The information you provide is entirely anonymous and will go to Stonewall's Workplace team, not to The Co-operative Group.
transgender (LGBT) matters. G
Colleagues can find out how to take part by visiting the Group’s intranet homepage
Every year, competition for a place in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index gets fiercer. The benchmark for a placing gets tougher each year with more employers vying for a place.As in previous years, we are competing not only against private businesses across the UK but public sector bodies as well. G
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To find out more about the Workplace Equality Index, visit the Stonewall website To find out more about Respect, the Group’s LGBT network, visit the intranet pages
Respect is the Group’s LGBT network. We’re looking for colleagues from across the country to join our steering group and help plan an exciting calendar of activity for 2016 and beyond. Everyone is welcome to join, so if you’re e: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop • t: @CoopRespectLGBT interested, contact a member of the team at respectLGBT@co-operative.coop
needs you!
e: RespectLGBT@co-operative.coop • t: @CoopRespectLGBT
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