Out Bristol Issue 4

OutBristol Community / Listing’s / Lifestyle /Profile’s

Sport and LGB People

LGBT History Month The Full Guide Pride Updates Panthers & Bisons

Issue 4

Welcome – Sport & History

Editorial Team

Editor’s Letter

Leighton de Burca Editor in Chief & Advertising

Welcome to Out Bristol, we have a great bumper New Year’s edition in store for you. The next two months are so busy with events and things to do, to help you plan, so you do not miss out we have merged the months of January and February together; to be honest thanks to all our contributors from the community this month it may take you that long to read it all.

Brad Palmer Emile Parnall Style Editors Contributors Greg Smith Simon Nelson Richard Lowe

This year the LGB community is focusing on sport and homophobia. In this issue we explore what is happening in the sporting world with regards to the LGB community and see what great things are happening in our region for sports minded LGB people.

February is a month jammed packed with exciting things to see and do as its National LGBT History month this is where we as a community focus on our own history.

Have any comments, news or anything else email editor @outbristol.co.uk Unsolicited contributions must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope if they are to be returned. We cannot accept responsibilty for any unsolicited mail or materials damaged in the post. Mail submitted are assumed to be for publication whole or in part. Any person, organisation or likeness there of with in this publication is not to be taken of sexual, political or social orientation of those persons

There are plans afoot to collate the LGBT communities history for our region. If you would like to help with this get in touch and remember what you are doing now is tomorrows history so if you have a story you would like to tell get in touch Kind Regards Leighton de Burca Editor editor@outbristol.co.uk

02

Inside Spring 2011 Issue 4 02

05

14

16 03

03

Cover Image picsbygaz.com Magazine Images Bex Wade Destination Bristol de Burca Media

18

Development Ace an interview

20

Dining: Papaji’s

21

Hair & Beauty EGO Bristol

65

Business in Focus

Editors Letter

Features - Olympics 2012 - Homophobia in Football

Fitness by Greg Smith

Travel to Sydney

Inside

22

Fashion - Gilly Woo - Urban Outfitters

15

Art Section Whats On

25

52

Listings Community listings from social groups/ support to LGB activities /Scene guide/ events.

Pride Review Whats Happening with Pride.....

46

In Profile - Panthers FC - Bisons RFC - Parliout - EACH

54

Politics Don Foster MP on Homophobia in Sport

56

Alan Palmer - Interview Find out who he is and what he does.

40

What On Guide LGBT History month full listing guide to whats on

58

HIV in focus, Funding for support & Research is under threat!

61

Scene Photographs see if you have been snapped.

04

Feature: Olympics 2012 Stephen Frost, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). In just under two years’ time, the UK will host the Games of the 30th Olympiad.

The Olympic Charter states that “any form of discrimination is incompatible with belonging to the Olympic movement”.

“Equality” is one of the Paralympic values. The organisation that is responsible for staging the Games, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), is therefore very much focused on diversity and inclusion.

We want London 2012 to be everyone’s Games and inspiring lasting change through London 2012 was a cornerstone of our bid. Our ambition is simple – to deliver an Olympic Games and Paralympic Games where everyone is invited, welcomed and encouraged to take part.

The London 2012 Games offer a unique opportunity to break down ethnic, cultural, religious, political and economic barriers through sport, an opportunity to provide a wide range of long lasting social, health, sporting, environmental and economic benefits to strengthen the UK’s communities, children, companies and capital city.

We are committed to reaching out to communities across London and the rest of the UK and involving them with London 2012. And there are many different ways in which we are doing this.

Let’s start with our workforce. Over the next two years, our workforce will double every year in size.

By Games-time, we will have around 6,000 paid staff, up to 70,000 volunteers and around 130,000 contractors. The rate at which we will grow presents a particular set of challenges from a diversity and inclusion perspective.

Success doesn’t just mean recruiting 200,000 people – it’s recruiting 200,000 talented people from diverse backgrounds.

05

Feature: Olympics 2012 However, we knew that a lot of talented people would not consider applying to us unless we took recruitment outreach programmes to appeal to them.

We had to demonstrate to the LGBT community that London 2012 is a great place to work, one where people are welcome whoever they are and wherever they’re from. Morally, it is important to include people in this once in a lifetime opportunity - homophobia still exists in sport and we can use 2012 as a moment in time to use the power of the Games to create change.

This is the same approach we have taken with our volunteer programme. We want our 70,000 volunteers, or Games Makers as they will be called, to come from all backgrounds and walks of life. We have been working very closely with LGBT organisations to spread the message make sure that everyone knows this is an opportunity of a lifetime to be involved in.

It’s also important that we demonstrate best practice in all that we do. LOCOG has established Diversity Champions at the highest level who champion each strand of diversity and we have openly gay people at all levels of the organisation, from our Board to reception, from our Head of Security and Head of Procurement to our Senior Legal Manager and Government Relations Manager. Directors are also accountable to the CEO for the diversity of their teams and are benchmarked every quarter on the diversity composition of their teams and their hiring records.

Our Diversity Board meets on a quarterly basis. Chaired by Paul Deighton CEO, the Board has both internal and external members. This gives a platform for the work that the LOCOG D&I team is doing to be analysed and corrected if necessary. Former NBA star John Amaechi sits on this Board and vocally champions LGBT inclusion.

Finally, our Diversity Action Team brings together LOCOG staff members on a monthly basis. This is an opportunity for staff from across the business to input into the work that the Diversity and Inclusion team are doing. All strands and levels are represented. From this Team we have several Working Groups, including an LGBT working group that looks at our project from an LGBT perspective.

LOCOG is the first organisation in the UK to attain the Diversity Gold Standard from the Diversity Works for London programme. We have established focus groups to collect feedback on LOCOG’s attraction strategy. We have held specific recruitment evenings for LGBT people which have resulted in direct hires and we continue to produce blogs from our own LGBT staff and trainees.

06

Feature: Olympics 2012 We have held specific training for hiring managers which is compulsory and focuses on ensuring we are aware of subconscious bias and strive to focus on diversity as a priority in the recruitment process.

People may not realise all the work that is going on behind the scenes but one way in which we’ve engaged the public is with our Pride pin. In June this year, we launched the London 2012 Pride Pin, the first of six pin badges to celebrate our six strands of diversity and inclusion and engage all communities to support London 2012. LGBT (and straight) people across the country have purchased and worn the pin with Pride, making it one of the most popular pins London 2012 has yet produced.

Our diversity and inclusion pin badge range is one way of showing our support for a sporting environment built upon equality and inclusion. This will help us towards our goal of leaving a legacy of greater inclusion and understanding of diversity.

Finally, one of the biggest legacies we can leave is tackling homophobia in sport.

We are the fastest organisation in the UK to achieve the Equality Standard for Sport, which benchmarks governing bodies on their commitment to LGBT inclusion in sport. Pride Sports, LGBT sports clubs and sportspeople at both grass-roots and elite level know how rewarding sport can be in an environment where diversity is celebrated so they can focus on performance and enjoyment. This will be crucial for all our athletes in 2012, and when LOCOG dissolves after the Games we want to leave a legacy of greater inclusion in sport.

Being honest about the challenge is important. Many LGBT people won’t know how inclusive we are until they take a step forward and get involved. That might be through applying for a job or a volunteer position, buying a ticket, attending one of our many community events or simply buying the Pride pin. We don’t need glossy brochures to try and convince people we’re LGBT friendly and we hope many LGBT people will help us in our mission.

07

09

Feature: Homophobia in Football Let’s Kick Homophobia Out of Football To many football fans, the title of this campaign will have a familiar ring to it. Its root, the ‘Lets Kick Racism Out of Football’ campaign, was established back in the early 90s to tackle the menace of racism towards black players in our national game.

Back then, the Premier League was in its infancy, the Champions League a pipe dream and teams regularly played to dwindling crowds in decrepit stadia.

Fast forward to 2010 and to unrecognisable developments. Players from across the globe clamour to be associated with English football’s top flight, clubs are no longer teams but ‘brands’, and our version of the beautiful game is lauded widely and exported around the globe for billions of pounds.

‘Let’s Kick Racism…’ is now known commonly as Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion campaign. It’s a softer message that reflects this change of landscape. The monkey chanting and banana throwing that blighted the game have now largely disappeared. However, imbalance remains. British Asian players are largely unseen in the professional game, as are black people and women at boardroom level.

Amongst all this lies one of the game’s biggest conundrums: the complete absence of any openly gay footballers. There are over 2,000 professional players in this country, alone with thousands more worldwide. It’s a vast figure. Apply the law of averages to it and it would suggest gay professional players are plying their trade across the four divisions.

In addition, there’s a worrying trend in the pervasiveness of homophobic chanting, aimed at both players and opposing supporters. Incidents involving Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole, as well as the regular taunting of Brighton and Hove Albion supporters - an area with one of the country’s largest gay communities - put this in sharp focus. Many fans don’t see it as homophobia, but merely as terrace banter.

Lots of behind the scenes work has been done around the subject over the past few years. Apart from regular liaison with groups like Stonewall and Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN), a Tackling Homophobia Group meets and monitors the subject regularly. Ongoing training and consultation takes place with referees and County FA’s on how to deal with incidents of homophobia at a grassroots level. In addition, Kick It Out’s Equality Standard is being adapted to include a section how clubs can engage with local gay communities. The FA is also working with safety officers at clubs to manage incidents more effectively.

All sound work, but none high profile and much behind closed doors. We wanted something to give the subject a boost to get it into the consciousness of the foot-

09

Feature: Homophobia in Football ball watching and non-football watching public.

It was this climate that prompted the production of an awareness-raising film led by Kick It Out and supported by the FA and the PFA, the players’ union. After a collective brief was drafted and approved on what the film set out to achieve, expressions of interest were received from UK and European ad and marketing agencies.

This was whittled down to a shortlist of five and a pitch process ensued. The subject matter was something never previously committed to film, resulting in a myriad of ideas on how to tackle it. The brief was eventually handed to Ogilvy. Account Director Dave Sewell explains: “As an agency, Ogilvy Advertising’s job is to change behaviour. That doesn’t just mean getting people to buy a product, or use one service rather than another; it can also mean instigating social change. When we heard about the Kick It Out initiative we were struck by the importance of the issue and believed we could play a role.

“The brief was simple: Confront homophobia on football terraces, provoke a debate and challenge those who believe it is acceptable.

“We took advice from various gay, lesbian and transgender rights organisations to help build our strategy and develop a script that would have the required impetus to capture the attention of hard-core football fans.

10

Feature: Homophobia in Football “After receiving the backing of the various bodies we set about using industry contacts to make the idea come alive.

“The support was overwhelming. Academy Films and top director Walter Stern agreed to support the campaign and part finance its production. The film crew and actors worked for next to nothing and production company Framestore finished the edit. Without goodwill like this, the idea would have never been realised.”

The film was put into production in tandem with a full PR campaign. A key objective of the video was to bring the ordinarily taboo subject matter into the mainstream sports pages. A key element therefore was to get the buy-in from some of the major broadsheet and tabloid sports writers. Interviews were secured with BBC and commercial radio stations on both news and sports platforms. Flagship titles in the gay press were also targeted and social media played an important role, with the film being posted on Facebook and Twitter and spiralling from there onwards.

The film generated an Advertising Value Equivalency figure of £340,000 over a three week period. To date it’s had almost 28,000 views on YouTube.

Sewell continues: “We are all delighted with the outcome. It’s hard-hitting and places the viewer in an uncomfortable setting. It is in evoking these feelings that we can challenge people’s perceptions. The film won’t change behaviour overnight but it has the power to highlight the issue and lay the foundations for a longer term strategy.”

“Homophobia - in any walk of life - is unacceptable in modern society. The very fact that it is ignored in British football has consequences on our culture as a whole. It was clear from the outset that advertising could act as a catalyst in helping tackle the issue and, ultimately, changing behaviour.”

11

07

Lifestyle: Fitness

www.gregsmithfitness.co.uk

Having trained as an athlete and body builder for over 10 years, I have developed a sound understanding for training people. Over the years I have seen techniques develop, new methods introduced and technology advance. However reverting back to traditional functional compound exercises that you carry out every day is the best way to develop muscle growth and ensure you burn off those calories.

Each edition I will take you through exercises to gain a healthy physic. This month I will focus on the arm exercises for your Chest.

CHEST PRESS 1 Lay down on a flat bench with arms at right angle in line with shoulders.

2 Push weights up till they join together at top then lower.

Repeat 3 Sets of 10 Reps INCLINE CHEST PRESS 1 Lay down on a incline bench with arms at right angle as above.

2 Push weights up till they join at top then lower Repeat 3 Sets of 10 Reps FLYS 1 Lay down on a fLat bench with arms out streched 2 Push weights up till they join at top then lower Repeat 3 Sets of 10 Reps PRESS UP 1 Set up in a press up position hands in line with shoulders 2 Lower yourself and then raise back to start.

Repeat 3 Sets of 10 Reps

14

Greg Smith

Lifestyle: Art Hidden Portraits 13 Jan - 27 Feb www.viewartgallery.co.uk One of the great fascinations of our visual lives is people watching.

Many of us spend time concerned with our own appearance and even more time observing the looks, movements, and perhaps the aura of other people. ‘Hidden Portraits’ considers what lies behind the exterior and investigates the concealed person.

Inbetween Time Festival inbetweentime.co.uk Over 75 events by artists from across the globe make up IBT 10’s breakneck programme of live, digital, sound, sculptural, architectural, dance, theatre and guerrilla works across five days in Bristol.

Come join the adventure... Bristol is now one of the UK’s most vibrant centres for contemporary performance and live art. www.

Inside Out 8 Jan - 8 Feb 2011 www.rwa.org.uk The RWA will be starting the New Year with a bang ,The exhibition showcases a number of emerging & established artists, and ex-studio members, who have gone on to achieve international success.

Matisse : 8 January - 6 February 2011 www.rwa.org.uk The French painter, sculptor and designer, Henri Matisse (18691954) was one of the 20th century’s most influential artists.

His vibrant works are celebrated for their extraordinary richness and luminosity of colour Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, features 35 lithographic prints of the famous cut-outs, produced in the last four years of his life, when the artist was confined to his bed.

David Tress: Landmarks 27 November - 6 February 2011 one of Britain’s foremost landscape painters. The paintings and graphite drawings in this new exhibition, created especially for Bath, are in one sense a southern extension to Tress’s Chasing Sublime Light project, in which he revisited the 18th-century artistic tours made by Girtin and Turner in north Wales and England. launch of Upfest’11 registration process, in June this year Upfest catered for 200 artists from across the globe for a weekend of ‘Live’ Urban painting spanning all types of street art and Illustration, this year on the 4th and 5th of June 2011. Registration is open from NOW until the 28th of February www.upfest.co.uk

15

Lifestyle: Travel

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is one of the most beautiful, vibrant and not to mention welcoming cities of the world.

Sydney is host to one of the world’s most famous Pride events, which it is easy to see why with their stunning city with an amazing climate while we are freezing in February they are baking in the sun.

The city has so much to offer its not all sun tans and beaches, it has a wide variety of attractions from quiet historical walks to art galleries to action packed adrenaline entertainment for those of you who want an action packed break.

The City is very welcoming and so is the Gay scene, with a host of bars & venues for every taste.

Check out the list on the right for all the must sees. Sydney is an all year round destination so have fun exploring...

What not to miss Sydney Mardi Gras 19 Feb - 6 march Bondi Beach Chinese Garden of Friendship Fort Denison Port Jackson Sydney Opera House Watson Bay The breath taking ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Gayscene:- gaycities.com Sightseeing:- www.sydney.com.au

16

Lifestyle: Development Name: Richard Lowe, Position: Managing Director Company: HR & Training Solutions Background: Richard specialises in business, leadership,sales and team transformations; is an NLP master practitioner CIPD qualified.

He has spent the last 16 years working with businesses large and small to tranistion change through leadership and people development to deliver outstanding business performance.

How to stand a better chance at interviews.

Last month we gave you some thoughts on how to identify your dream job. This month we thought we’d share some practical tips to help you stand a better chance at interviews: 1. Knowledge is power. Check the company website and invest time understanding as much as possible about the company.

What’s their vision and values?

What are their products, services and attitude to their customers?

Find out what you can about their financial performance. What’s special about them e.g. awards. Look at who’s in the business and the management team.

Do they have any initiatives they are passionate about?

You’ll gain more credibility if you turn up prepared and you can guarantee that at some point they will ask you what you know.

2. Research the job. Ask for the job description to make sure you fully understand the role that you have applied for, the type of skills and qualities the company are looking for.

What are the practicalities of working in the role and within this company?

What are the key objectives of the role?

What are the key skills and attitude that will be needed to excel?

Try and talk with someone in the business about working at the company and the role you are applying for; use your networks for this. The more you know the more confident you’ll be when answering questions during your interview.

18

Lifestyle: Development 3. Be on time and 10 minutes early is even better. It may seem obvious but it is amazing how many people think it is alright to be late for an interview. Dress to impress.

How will you ensure you look the part?

Think about what you will wear to interview.

Is the company formal or informal?

You’d probably consider wearing a different outfit for an interview with Apple than with Goldman Sachs. If in doubt stick with the tried and tested formal look. First impressions count and a firm confident handshake speaks volumes. Remember, you are being assessed the minute you enter an interview room.

4. Perfect practice makes perfect. During your interview you will be asked to provide examples of how you can demonstrate your experience and skills to prove you are the best candidate for the job. Make sure you have crystal clear examples of the experience and skills that you have had that meet the requirements of the job. Make sure if anything has happened in your career that may put you on the defensive have prepared a credible explanation that you can deliver with confidence. Whatever you do be honest. Write all your examples down on paper and practice answering questions with someone who can help you or rehearse them in front of a mirror.

Applying for a job is a competition; you need to articulate clearly why you’re the best candidate.

5. Be a team player. Companies are generally looking for team players that go the extra mile for their department and company. Build a positive and professional rapport with your interviewers.

Don’t just save it for the interviewers; always be polite and respectful with the team at reception and anyone who takes you to the interview room. You never know who will be asked for their views on the candidates.

If you can build a good relationship with them it’s likely you’ll ‘fit in’. At the end of an interview you will be asked if you have any questions for them. Think of questions that show you’ve done your homework and that support the objectives of the department or company rather than questions related to your own self interest.

Asking questions about how many holidays you will get is the fastest way to get you in to the ‘no’ pile!

19

Lifestyle:Dining

Papajis Papaji’s House of Teas on Whiteladies Road has just been rebranded and refurbished and will now be known as Papaji’s Bar, Kitchen and Teasmiths. they will also be launching daytime lunch, brunch and evening menus devised by the new head chef, who trained at the world renowned Michelin starred restaurant, El Bulli in Spain.

There is an extensive wine and drinks list,including our unique tea infused cocktails, many classic and modern greats too. Our back bar also holds many fantastic spirits, with aged rums & whiskeys from all around the world, some really great gins and even a couple of nice vodkas. There are lots of things that you won’t find anywhere else in Bristol and something to suit your every mood.

Whether its an early morning break or an evening meal with friends Papajis has it all.......

109 Whiteladies Road Bristol, United Kingdom, BS8 2PB Email bookings@papajis.co.uk Phone 01179 736569 www.papajis.co.uk

What else is at Papajis Breakfast Club: free cup of tea with your breakfast before midday.

Weekend Sparkling Brunch: free glass of bubbles or brunch cocktail when you buy a breakfast and a pot of tea. Saturday until 12pm & Sunday until 1pm.

20

Lifestyle: Ego Salon

www.egosalons.co.uk

Ego Salon prides itself on their reputation of creating outstanding hair. Their team has years of experience of creating some of the most flawless creations, from formal to edgy styles the team is able to handle it, by creating styles which hold their own in both style and lasting hold.

The Ego salon is renowed for its creations for weddings and civil partnerships if you wish to look more than fabulous on your special day they are able to meet your exact requireby Emilie Parnall ments. To find out more pop in or visit their website.

The Team at Ego has created Hair for everything from Civil Partnerships, Editorial Photoshoots for Luke advertising campaign to Fashion Shows. One of these shows was the Sustainable Fashion Show at the Living Room Bristol which was an event where all products used in the show were from sustainable resources.

21

Lifestyle: Fashion

Urban Outfitters Spring/Summer ‘11 Press Day Wednesday was a day of press days, prawns and Pinot for myself and the fabulous Alex of AlexLoves.com. Having been running late (yes, there’s a surprise) and already received a enquiring message from an unsurprisingly icicle like Alex, I finally arrived at our meeting point outside Urban Outfitters Oxford Street store.

Written by Brad Palmer

Hosting the press day in store, Urban Outfitters presented press with the opportunity to envisage exactly how the collection will sit in store; alongside the decor, soundtrack and minor touches that really define the company’s ethos.

As they always do, Urban Outfitters presented a range that is unlike any other available on the high street. Encompassing much loved labels such as Cheap Monday and YMC, an endless list of cool and quirky brands and their own Urban Renewal range, Urban Outfitters really does offer something unique in a market swamped with choice.

A bag from one of my favourite jean brands, Cheap Monday, alongside some of the retro toys available in store.

On the left Some Cheap Monday for the girls.

22

Lifestyle: Fashion Yet again, the Urban Renewal range is really strong for next season, offering cool retro looks that fit perfectly with modern style.

Women’s accessories was another section that proved to be particularly strong, including some AMAZING headdresses from Bitching and Junkfood and THE shoes we all drooled over at Felder Felder last Fashion Week.

Not only were we treated to a feast of visual delights, but we also had the opportunity to sample some culinary delights in the form of delicate and beautifully presented miniature rolls.

The temptation was strong but myself and Alex both resisted as we headed off to our pre-planned lunch at YO! Sushi, happily content that Urban Outfitter will definitely be a top destination for Above right : A glimpse of what’s in store Spring/Summer 11... from YMC next season.

Check out what else Brad has to say and Catch y’all around... what else he has been up to at fashionyouthindulgence.blogspot.com.

23

Lifestyle: Gilly Woo Always stylish and beautifully well made, these are just a few words which have become synonymous with one of Bristol’s best designers. Gilly Woo has been in the business for many years this is testiment to her talant. Her designs for women make them feel femine yet empowered as they are made to enhance the natural beauty that every woman has.

Gilly Woo has created everything from lingerie, corsetry, ball

by Emilie Parnall gowns to clothing for civil partnerships.

Now her most anticipated creation yet has been unveild her ready to wear collection aptly name Scarlet. This collection has all the beauty and sophistication of her made to measure clothing with the added advantage that is it designed to be mixed and matched with the rest of the collection, thus making it versatile and sytlish. To find more out about Gilly Woo’s Work check out her website www.gillywoo.com

24

20

SOME PEOPLE ARE GAY. GET OVER IT!

Listings: Support EACH - Educational Action Challenging Homophobia A national charitable organisation set up to address homophobia through training and education. EACH runs a helpline for teachers, young people and parents, and for third-party reporting of homophobic incidents. Freephone helpline 0808 1000 143 (10am-5pm Mon-Fri and 10am-12noon Sat).

General enquiries 0117 946 7607.

Office 24, 14 Clifton Down Road, Bristol BS8 4BF. info@eachaction.org.uk www.eachaction.org.uk Freedom Youth Weekly drop-in youth group on a Tuesday for LGBT and Q young people aged 13 to 21. Contact the team on 0117 377 3677 or www.freedomyouth.co.uk Gay Glos Help, advice and social networks for LGBT people living in the rural areas of Gloucestershire. PO Box 171, Gloucester.

Mon-Fri 7.30-10pm. Call 01452 306 800. www.gay-glos.org The Harbour Providing free, professional counselling and psychotherapy to people affected by HIV, AIDS & other life-threatening illnesses. 30 Frogmore St, Bristol: 0117 925 9348 www.the-harbour.co.uk Lesbian & Children Network A monthly social group for lesbians & bisexual women & their children. Call Rachel 07813 754 291. rachely@talktalk.net LGBT Education Workers Support and information sharing group for all who are involved in education - teachers, governors, support workers etc. Meets monthly. To join or for further information see lgbt-education.ning.com LGBTQ Emotional Wellness Programme A support group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer adults, who are experiencing emotional distress or mental health challenges. The group is free to attend and runs weekly every Monday from 7:30pm - 9:30pm at Windmill Hill City Farm Phillip Street Bedminster BS3 4EA. lgbthealthforumbristol@yahoo.co.uk

27

Listings: Support Stonewall www.stonewall.org.uk Stonewall is an organisation working for equality and justice for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexuals.From our Diversity Champions programme offering advice to over 600 companies to our information line on 08000 50 20 20 Intercom Trust www.intercomtrust.org Intercom Trust Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender resources for Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset Helpline 0800 6123010 Youth Lynx south west Youth Lynx is a notional network of LGBT young people’s groups, LGBT student officers, and individual LGBT young people Paul@intercomtrust.org.uk, or ring 01392 201012.

Somerset Gay health project www.somersetgayhealth.com Somerset Gay Health is a registered charity dedicated to promoting good sexual and mental health for every LGBT person in Somerset.

Helpline 01823 327078 London Lesbian and Gay Helpline www.turingnetwork.org.uk provides an information, support and referral service for LGBT & anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality.

HELPLINE No. 020 7837 7324 (daily 10am -11pm) LGBT Collective Central point for information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans groups and projects across the South West peninsula. Events diary and group news. www.lgbtcollective.org.uk/ Somerset Lesbian Network Somerset Lesbian Network has been established by local women in order to provide opportunities for women to meet informally for networking information sharing and promoting health and wellbeing. somersetlesbiannetwork.community.officelive.com/default.aspx Missing Lesbians www.missinglesbians.co.uk Missing Lesbians is a free listing guide for lesbian events, social groups and organisations of interest to lesbians and within reach of Bristol UK.

28

Listings: Support BLAGS - Bristol Lesbian & Gay Switchboard Confidential support and information to gay men, lesbians and all people with concerns about sexuality. Call us on 8-10pm Mon, Tues, Wed and Thurs 0117 922 1328. mail@bristolblags.org.uk www.bristolblags.org.uk Brigstowe Project Housing project for people living with HIV,providing support, advice and advocacy. 176 Easton Rd, Easton, Bristol. Call 0117 9415188 www.brigstowe.org Rainbow Group Bristol City Council employees’ LGBT group Call Equalities on 0117 922 3786 or email rainbow@bristol.gov.uk Bristol Drugs Project Support for users, families and friends. 11 Brunswick Square, Bristol BS2 8PE. Call LGB rep Sarah Wilson on 0117 987 6010 HST@bdp.org.uk www.bdp.org.uk Bristol Families and Friends BFF is a support group for families & friends of LGB people. We meet on the third Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the Terrence Higgins Trust. Call Sue Allen on 01454 852 418. 14 Brockley Close, Little Stoke, Bristol BS34 6EZ sueallenfflag@blueyonder.co.uk Broken Rainbow National helpline for LGBT victims of domestic violence, available Mon-Fri 9am-1pm, 2-5pm. Call 0208 539 9507 www.broken-rainbow.org.uk mail@broken-rainbow.org.uk DeaFab Group for and run by deaf LGBT people in Bristol. Contact Ian Clover, 31 Talavera Close, Old Market, Bristol, BS2 0ED SMS: 07966217 543 deafab2009@yahoo.co.uk www.deafab.co.uk Bi Visible Bristol http://bivisiblebristol.wordpress.com A brand new support group for bisexual people email them on bivisiblebristol@yahoo.co.uk

29

Listings: Social Tallulah Theatre www.tallulahtheatre.com A new community theatre group for women who love women. A drama and performance group meeting weekly in the heart of Bristol. Tallulah Theatre was created as a safe space for lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning women to tell stories and develop our artistic community.

To get involved and find out more please email Lou louise@prettygoodgirl.com Indigo Bristol Run by an all-women team, the sociable Indigo networking group offers lesbian/bi/queer women of the South West the chance to connect in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

For further information please contact: suzannemdoyle@hotmail.co.uk LGBT Reading Group Mixed group which meets the last Tuesday of the month at Bedminster Library 6-7pm. Contact them via the library website Gay Men’s Book Group We meet monthly at a member’s flat in the centre of Bristol to discuss a book written by a gay author or about gay themes. We are currently very mixed in age and background. Anyone is free to choose a book but they don’t necessarily have to introduce it themselves. Discussions are quite lively and new members would be welcome. For information bristolbookclub@hotmail.co.uk LGBT History of Bristol We are a group who are interested in discussing and collating information about LGBT History in Bristol.

Email for further information : lgbt-historyofbristol@gmx.co.uk Her She Life www.hershelife.com A website for Lesbian / Gay women; listing gay bars, gay accommodation, gay restaurants, gay groups, gay pride events. Lesbian and gay travel website.

30

Listings: Social Pride Bristol www.pridebristol.com Pride Bristol 2010 is organised by a diverse group of LGBT volunteers Sing Out Bristol www.singoutbristol.com Sing Out Bristol is a choir run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who enjoy singing. We are a very social group and musical experience is not needed. singoutbristol@googlemail.com Bristol 3Ms Supper group for gay & bisexual men. Regular social evenings in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare. Call Russell 0117 9739855. bristol_3ms@hotmail.com Pink Herrings Social network for lesbians, meets every other Thursday evening at 8:30. Also bowling, cinema, coffee bars, theatre, concerts, discos, cycling, walks, meals out and more.

For further info call Dot on 0117 986 1529 So Out in the South West A social and support group for disabled gay men living and/or working in the South West. robin.corser-langford@virgin.net University of Bristol LGBT Society We organise regular social events for all LGBTstudents at Bristol University. LGBT Society,University of Bristol Union, Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LN. lgbtsoc-ubu@bristol.ac.uk www.bristol.ac.uk/union/lgbt GayWest A social and support group for gay people in the South West. Meets Sat mornings in the Rainbow Cafe in Bath. Call 0800 321 3083 Mon – Fri 8pm – 10pm. GayWest, PO Box 586, Bath, BA1 2YQ. info@gaywest.org.uk www.gaywest.org.uk

33

Listings: Active West Walking Women Walking group for lesbians, meets the 2nd Sunday of the month Call 07804469991 westwomenwalking@hotmail.co.uk South West Walking Women For women interested in hiking in the Bath and Bristol area at weekends. sw_walkingwomen@yahoo.co.uk Bristol Bisons RFC Bristol’s first gay and gay-friendly rugby team is always looking for new members, players and supporters. Everyone welcome regardless of experience or ability. www.bisonsrfc.co.uk CycleOut Bristol CycleOut Bristol is a lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender leisure cycling club for Bristol and surrounding area. Visit our website or email for further information. cycleoutbristol@live.co.uk Bristol Panthers Bristol’s premier gay friendly football team. Orignally set up on 2000 reformed in 2009, will be playing in the GFSN national cup in 2010-2011 to contact check out www.bristolpanthers.co.uk The Gay Outdoor Club For gay men and women and their friends. It has national membership and local groups all around the country. Most members go for the regular walking events, but there are also groups within GOC based around specific activities For information www.goc.org.uk Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Team (Open to all women) A new fast paced sport. for more details, e-mail mellissa_warren@ hotmail.com for more info Badminton group Kingsdown Sports Centre every Saturday from 4pm to 6pm, not a beginners group but you don’t have to be brilliant either! Call Alison on 0117 9714818 or e-mail aliwatt@hotmail.co.uk for more info

34

Listings: Events Halcyon

www.halcyonnetwork.com Our aim is simple - to help you generate strong LGBT business connections at a senior level within a confidential and supportive environment. Exclusively for senior LGBT decision makers, Directors, Business Owners, aspiring business leaders and Entrepreneurs.

Wonky www.clubwonky.com “for homos who hate hard house”....a gay club night.

BUT our music policy is anything goes. mainly we play dancefloor indie, sleazy electro, camp 80s and genius pop Members Bristol www.members-bristol.co.uk A social and networking group for gay/bi professionals in Bristol and the South West.

Liberty www.libertybristol.co.uk Bristol’s only Women Club night. Held @ TOTOs, on the first Saturday of every month. With women DJ’s and guest appearances.

Gear Bristol gearbristol.co.uk Gear Bristol is a club for men Primal Primal is a club for men

www.clubprimal.co.uk

Mutiny www.clubmutiny.com Your Temper Trapped behind the bike sheds, Diana Ross on a rope swing. Our club is your playground. E-N-T-E-R. Come to Daddy www.cometodaddyclub.co.uk We are a club night for bears, cubs, chubs, chasers, chunky guys, skins, blokes, admirers... in fact anybody who wants a men only place to have a drink, a boogie, some fun or simply a good night out with friends.

Sugar Rush www.mandalyns.com Lesbian Night in Bath at Mandalyns pub Opening night is Sunday 3rd OCT 2010, It will be monthly first Sunday.

35

Listings: Venues The Bristol Bear Bar www.bristolbearbar.co.uk Ran by Gareth and his team. The Bristol Bear Bar is the UK’S only bespoke bar for Bears although everyone is welcome at this venue and it is wheelchair friendly. Mon- Thur 7-1130pm Fri & Sat 7-2am Sun 3-11pm The Retreat www.flamingosbristol.com The Retreat is without doubt, Bristol’s busiest gay bar. Opened in Dec 2008, the bar boasts cutting edge technology and style, with something on every night of the week, and some amazing drinks offers to boot. The Retreat is open 7 days a week, check website Flamingos www.flamingosbristol.com Welcome to the long awaited new site for Flamingos, the biggest gay club in Bristol, and the South West of England. Wed 10pm - 3am Thur Closed Fri 10pm - 4am. Saturday 10-5am.

The Old Castle Green www.oldcastlegreen.com This is a standard pub which is gay has a intimate enviroment that welcomes all people from all walks of life and ages opening times see website for details.

The Village Sauna Bristols only Gay/Bi mens Sauna. Check website for details cottagesauna.com The Palace

www.bristolbearbar.co.uk/palace.htm The Palace is recognised as the gateway to the Village, with an interior fit for a queen, come and join the camp fun. The Palace is an amazing venue with a hugely welcoming atmosphere Opening Hours: Mon to Wed 7:pm-11:30pm Thu 7pm-11:30pm Fri 7:pm02:00am Sat 7pm- 2am Sun 3pm - 11:30pm The Lounge loungebristol.com The Lounge is a gay venue with a new, modern feel and décor to it. Opening Times : Mon 2pm - 11pm Tue 12pm - 11pm Wed 12pm - 11pm Thurs 2pm - 1am Fri 12pm -1am Sat 12pm - 1am Sun 2pm - 9pm

37

Listings: Venues Old Market Tavern www.omtbristol.co.uk The Old Market Tavern is a traditional pub in the centre of Bristol. We open at 11.30am every day and stay open all day long. Just come along! We’ll close at 11pm on school nights but stay open until 2am on Friday and Saturday. 29-30 Old Market Street.

The Pineapple 0117 3169938 Tends to be one of the more popular gay pubs, where scene goers often try to go before heading to the Shilling. The venue provides a good gay grounding for a night out in Bristol. With occasional live DJ’s. 37 St Georges Road, Bristol. BS1 5U The Queen Shilling Lounge See the opposite page for message from the owner.

Exposure 1 Frogmore Street, Bristol Bristol’s biggest cabaret bar, open Tues- Sunday 7pm-1am Bringing to you the best top acts from around the UK. A warm welcome awaits you Mandalyn’s. www.mandalyns.com Baths Only LGBT Pub 13, Fountain Buildings Bath Avon BA1 5DX.

The Bath House www.thesuitebath.com

The Baths only Gay/Bi mens Sauna Bath House 38

Dear Bristol Gay community QSL is now officially closed!

After months of negotiation and planning Gay owned company Bendy Bars LTD have purchased the QSL and intend to re open as The Queen Shilling as soon as effectively possible.

My intention for the Queenshilling is to bring the venue back up to a reasonable standard creating a fresh vibrant early doors venue where again “atmosphere will always come as standard”. I intend to work in harmony with other gay businesses where possible and hope that we can network and build a stronger gay community in and around the city.

With fifteen years experience working in the background at The Queen Shilling and other venues such as Vibes, Pineapple, Encore, Griffin and Flamingos providing services such as Sound and Lighting equipment, AV equipment , Themes, Foam and snow parties it seemed a natural progression to buy the venue after its recent troubled times.

More recently I am flattered to have assisted the Flamingos team providing assistance with lighting and sound to both arenas of their amazing superclub.

I look forward to building partnerships and working closely with other venues in and around the South West especially wishing OMG every success following there recent launch.

I appeal to customers old and new to please get in touch.

Join this new Facebook group and tell your freinds, add us on twitter text “queen” to 88802 to be a part of our family. We really need your support here to get information out so we can open up on time.

With your support and input I will do everything possible to ensure that this venue will once again become a place for our community to enjoy be welcome and be proud to be a part of.

Thanks for your time

Paul Stoodley Bendy Bars Ltd

39

What’s On: Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember that the effects of oppression and discrimination are always with us. In 2011, HMD takes place on Thursday 27 January, and throughout the week across South Gloucestershire, people will be holding vigils and taking moments of silence to reflect on the theme.

For the first time, we shall be working with Bradley Stoke Leisure Centre in a ‘Human Library’ programme. This works by asking for volunteers from our diverse communities to act as ‘books’ that people may ‘borrow’ for a 20 minute conversation about their particular community. The idea for the Human Library came from Copenhagen and was used there for the first time in 2000 as part of a cultural festival. It is a very simple way for communities of interest to share their personal stories directly with other community members.

The basic idea is very simple and we are planning what groups we may invite to participate: would any members of the LGBT community with links to South Glos care to volunteer as books?

This weblink http://humanlibrary.org/activities.html will give you more information about the scheme. If you think this would be of interest to you, could you contact me as soon as possible? We would like to be able to confirm the exact number of ‘books’ available by early January.

At the moment, we plan to offer our ‘books’ Friday 28 January (from 6pm to 8pm) and on Saturday & Sunday (29 & 30 January) from 11am to 3pm.

We do not need you to be available all this time. But we would like to be able to make appointments for people to meet you during this time. And we can reimburse your travel costs and provide childcare if needed.

Please contact me, John Hesketh, on 01454-864620 or via equalities@southglos.gov.uk

40

What’s On Alexandra Burke 25/ JAN /2011 www.colstonhall.org X Factor winner Alexandra Burke’s debut All Night Long UK tour takes in Colston Hall this January. Featuring show stopping routines and sensational performances of all her much loved songs and hit singles, including All Night Long, Broken Heels and two number one singles Hallelujah and Bad Boys.

Events for Gay Bath 19/02/2011 The Grapes Westgate Bath Right everyone the Venue and date are booked its going to be held at The Grapes Pub in Bath run by Jade & her girlfriend. Tickets on sale at the Grapes behind the bar. £5 non student £4 Student and remember £1 from every ticket goes to THT and the rest goes towards the cost of the event and making the next one even bigger see you there Tear Up 5 www.tearup.co.uk A night of Full contact MMA and K1 Including some of the South West’s best fighters. Doors open 6pm for a 7pm start tickets start at £25 for further information please visit website.

Outset Festival www.outsetfestival.blogspot.com/ is Somerset’s weekend of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender creativity and community arts to celebrate the LGBT history month happening across the UK. Bath Literature Festival www.bathlitfest.org.uk Takes place between 25 Feb- 6 March 2011 and has established itself as one of the UK’s most respected literary events, presenting the best 39 local, national and international writers in venues throughout Bath’s vibrant city centre.

Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory - Richard II 10/02/2011- 19/03/2011 www.tobaccofactory.com Shakespearse’s loosely historical but theatrically wonderful account of Richard II’s last days concentrates on his most fateful error.

Tickets start from £20.00 per ticket see website for details.

41

What’s On: OutSet Festival Outset, Somerset’s first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender theatre festival, kicks off loud and proud at The Brewhouse between Friday 11 and Saturday 12 February, with a fantastic programme of theatre, comedy, creativity and community arts.

The second LGBT performance festival in the UK, the jam-packed weekend showcases emerging and established gay talent from across the country and also platforms LGBT community arts taking place within the South West.

The festival opens with a lesbian double bill (Fri 11 Feb 7.15pm) from Tallulah Theatre and Pretty Good Girl Dance. Tallulah, Bristol’s lesbian community theatre group, performing their new play Reading Ruby Fruit which takes eight strong women on a wiggly, not so straight, journey through fiction, fact and fantasy and is a quirky wonder-world of love stories, coming-out tales and the ups and downs of lesbian life. Lexy Long, one of Tallulah’s artists says: “I love how we’ve started with the impossible goal of creating something that comes truthfully from different women and all of our different lives. We’ve thrown ‘impossible’ out of the window and are actually doing it.”

The second act within the double bill, I’d Give You My Pulse by Pretty Good Girl Dance is a series of Sapphic dance duets to get the festival in full swing. With a backdrop of stunning music from the Indigo girls, Ani Di Franco and added fresh, female choreography, it promises to evoke thought about everything that Outset stands for. Louise Bartlett, Director of Pretty Good Girl says “I am excited to be making new work for Outset. It is vitally important and essential that we present new opportunities for people across the country who are making diverse work. Outset demonstrates that Somerset has diversity, acceptance, tolerance and celebrates the creative individuals who live here” Outset aims to create new opportunities for visibility and affirmation in relation to existing and emerging gay artists and theatrical works. It aspires to be an annual event produced by The Brewhouse, so that Somerset can celebrate the contribution of gay people to theatre, past, present, locally, regionally and nationally.

Also on Friday night, lesbian stand-up, writer, actress and singer-songwriter Clare Summerskill (Fri 11 Feb 9pm) performs an original cocktail of stand-up and comedy songs, bringing lesbian humour and alternative comedy to the stage.

Clare is supported by Rosie Wilby who will also perform at the Late Lounge in The Brewhouse Café Bar afterwards.

42

The second day of the festival sees The Brewhouse open its doors for a number of free events including musical theatre and dance workshops plus open mic for any budding poets, supported by professional lesbian performance poet Sophia

What’s On: OutSet Festival Blackwell. Throughout the day, The Brewhouse Café Bar will become awash with stalls from different regional community support groups. Bethan Fisher from MIND charity in Taunton says: “OUTSET is a great opportunity for community groups and individuals to get together to show support for LGBT people, and recognise their valuable contribution in all aspects of society including the arts. It is a groundbreaking event for Taunton, and will have a huge impact on the lives of local LGBT people and also the wider community.”

Other events include The Big Gay Debate where local arts organisations, councillors, community members and artists panel a discussion that enables LGBT opinions to be shared and to change the shape of LGBT arts and future Outset festivals.

Outset ends late Saturday night with gay activist David McAlmont (Sat 12 Feb 8pm) who, in response to requests from his fans to appear live, presents his first national tour in years.

Participation and attendance is open to all who wish to witness and acknowledge the immense contribution of gay people to the arts in all its forms.

WWW.OUTSETFESTIVAL.BLOGSPOT.COM

43

What’s On: LGBT History Month

2ND FEB

5TH FEB

17TH FEB

Personal Safety day for LGBT Young People Babs McPhail and Kaz Williams. All day event at the Council House.

Free to all LGBT young people who register in advance. Book by ringing 0117 377 3677 Women Writing Workshop 7.00-8.30pm Paper Village, Southville Workshop for any LGBT woman who is interested in writing to come along and have a go in a fun environment. Cost: £1 on the door.

Booking: lgbtwomenwriting@gmail.com Food: Not supplied Access: Venue is fully accessible Restriction: Over 16

19TH FEB

Sing Out Bristol - LGBT Choir “An Evening of Song and Glamour” 7.30pm - Redgrave Theatre BS8 3LE. Tickets £10/£5. Online only www.singoutbristol .org.uk

22ND FEB

(Internal BCC) “Creepy library tour” for Freedom Youth.

23RD FEB

“Four Decades of Bristol Activism” - LGBT History of Bristol group.

6.30 for 7.00 Council House Free. Sandwiches. Following this “Move Over Darling”, 8.15-8.45. Tom Marshman presents a performance piece based on interviews & reminiscences collected from LGBT people during LGBT history month 2010. The full piece premiered at the Arnolfini during Pride week in August 2010. If they wish people will be able to attend the “History of Activism” event first.

Booking through equalities.team@bristol.gov.uk , 0117 922 2329.

25TH FEB 44

Hello Sailor Jay P McWinen - Torrid Star Productions 6.30-7.30pm. Free.

Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery The performance is about gay life in the merchant navy. It is aimed at a family audience.

After the performance there will be a question and answer session with the performer. This will focus on the details of the performance, how it was developed, how audiences in this country and Sweden have reacted to it, etc Suitable for all ages

Beacons Icons and Dykons.: 7.30pm Doors open, 8.30pm start; at The Cube More details to follow from Tom Marshman check www.outbristol.co.uk

What’s On: LGBT History Month

25TH FEB

27TH FEB 23RD FEB

“Becoming Drusilla” Author Richard Beard and his friend Dru Marland, discuss the book ‘Becoming Drusilla’ and share their experiences. For years Richard Beard took impromptu holidays with his biker mate Drew, before returning to their everyday lives: jobs, wives, and children. Richard was writing novels when Drew phoned him to announce that he was planning to have a sex change. To book a place for this free event, visit or contact the Central Library or your local Bristol library “Mystery LGBT History Tour. 2pm, meet outside the Register Office (Old Council House) in Corn Street. Limited to 30 places, £3 to group funds. Email andyfoyle@blueyonder.co.uk to book.

(Phone number TBC) Lesbian History in Bristol Date/time/venue: Exhibition opens Friday 29th January 2010 in the Holden Entrance of Bristol Central Library, then moves to the Council House week commencing 21st February. Description: A display of memorabilia loaned from lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer women in Bristol, celebrating their history. Cost: Free, Booking: N/A Messages To & From The LGBT Community

THROUGH Date/time: Launches week commencing 24th January 2011 OUT Venue: Online @ http://lgbtmessagesbristol.wordpress.com/ Description: For LGBT History Month, Bristol Domestic Abuse Forum FEB

is hosting a blog where you can leave messages of support, hope & encouragement for anyone who’s LGBT and living with domestic violence and abuse.

1. Go to: www.lgbtmessagesbristol.com 2.Login with (username) lgbtmesssagesguest (password) password 3.Leave your message - all messages will be invisible until approved by a moderator.

4.Or email your message directly to lgbtmessages@gmail.com to be posted on the blog (please specify if you are happy to have your name included) Cost: None, Booking/access/food: N/A LGBT Book Display Date/time: Throughout month of February (to be confirmed) Venue: Central library Description: For LGBT history month the library service will be featuring stock that is either by or about the LGBT community. There is a LGBT book club that meets monthly at Clifton Library, contact them for more details. Cost: None, Booking: N/A

45

In Profile Panthers FC

bristolpanthers.co.uk 2010 saw a double birthday celebration for the panthers, being both it’s tenth and first birthday. 2000 saw the first incarnation of the Panthers formed in Bristol and 2009 saw the reformation of the club under new management following a parting of the ways for the previous team in 05/06.

The Bristol Panthers have a strong and proud history within what is now known as the GFSN National League, being its inaugural winners in 02/03 and winning the league yet again in 04/05.

The panthers are appearing in the GFSN cup in the coming season and are hoping to return to the league in time for 2011/12 so fingers crossed a third league title will follow soon after.

Although the club are acutely aware that it may take a lot longer to gain the third title than the first season back. The GFSN currently sports 12 teams in it’s league with plenty more teams looking at joining. Gay football has grown massively since 2005 but we’re up for the challenge.

A new year and a revamped website has arrived for the panthers. The site which acts as the main info point for panthers followers and players will be further developed over the next few weeks but we wanted to get our new look up and with you now, so watch out for more interaction with pics and vids of the players in action as well as more in depth blogs from players, match reports as well as finding out how we get on in the south west league.

The Panthers are a great team to support wheather its by playing in the team or supporting the Team and Club in other ways its great that our community has an inclusive team like this.

We cannot wait to see all the new developments take shape in 2011.

46

In Profile Bristol Bisons

www.bisonsrfc.co.uk Bristol Bisons Rugby Football Club was established in 2005. A group of friends attended the Bingham Cup that took place in London in the summer of 2004. The Bingham cup brings together gay teams from across Europe and America.

This group was impressed by how the gay rugby fraternity brought together people from different countries and from different walks of life. They felt it was important to share the spirit of gay rugby in Bristol. Once the sponsor was secured, posters promoting the team went out to the gay clubs and venues in Bristol. The team started training in early 2005,and one of its first matches was against a Barbarians teams consisting of players from Manchester and Bristol.

Bristol Bisons have hosted three tournaments- two spring tournaments in 2006 and 2007 and a 7s tournament as part of Bristol Mardi Gras in 2006.

They have entered the gay European tournament (Union Cup) three times. In the inaugural Union Cup that took place in Montpellier (2005), the team came 7th. Next Union Cup took place in Copenhagen (2007). The Bisons were a part of a joint team with Cardiff and Newcastle that reached the final and lost to Emerald Warriors. Two years later, London was the host city and the team won the 7s tournament after a closely-fought final against the Paris team. The team has not entered a Bingham competition yet. Some team members were part of the Cardiff team that entered the Dublin Bingham Cup in 2008.

Following a rather quiet spell, the team was successfully relaunched in December 2009. The relaunch was marked by being part of Bristol Pride, where the new promotional material and jersey were introduced. Bristol Bisons have secured funding through Sports Relief . Bristol Bisons are a full member of the International Gay Rugby Association (IGRAB) and working towards becoming full members of the Rugby Football Union.

Bristol Bisons had a match in 2010 against Avon and Somerste Police the match was great entertainment and the day was thoroughly enjoyable for the crowd of supporters who attended. We look forward to all the Bisons have ahead of them in 2011.

47

In Profile: Parliout

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender group set up in Parliament A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Network for Members of both House and staff will be launched on 20 December.

“ParliOut” is the first workplace equality network to be created within Parliament.

With advice from Stonewall and support from the Speaker, who will be President of the LGBT network, staff have created the group in line with the best practice of other leading employers. The network will provide a forum for providing mutual support and discussing issues. A mentoring programme will also be developed in the New Year.

The network will be advised by a cross-party board, including Chris Bryant MP, Stephen Gilbert MP and Margot James MP. Welcoming the new group, the Speaker, the Rt. Hon. John Bercow MP said: “Parliament as a workplace should set an example in good practice when it comes to equality and diversity. Therefore I am delighted to be able to welcome the creation of the first LGBT network group - the first of the equality network groups to be set up on the Parliamentary Estate. This is another positive step towards breaking down barriers in the workplace” Commenting on the new network, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP said: “When I launched Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality at 10 Downing Street soon after the election, I made clear the Government’s commitments to tackling LGB and T discrimination in the workplace, and improving participation in civil society.

Britain has seen rapid progress towards LGB and T equality over recent years. We now have widespread acceptance of civil partnerships, and many high profile ‘out’ sportsmen and women, and media personalities. We have taken important steps to build a fairer society for LGB and T people.

48

It is important that this progress is also reflected in Parliament, where we now have more openly out’ gay and lesbian MPs than ever before. This is only right. If Parliament is to remain relevant to the wider public, it is vital that any barriers preventing LGB & T people from becoming MPs, or Parliamentary staff, are dismantled. ParliOut is a fantastic and welcome opportunity to help achieve this.

I want Britain to remain a world leader in LGB and T equality, and it is right that the Mother of Parliaments should support its LGB and T staff. I congratulate ParliOut on its launch, and wish it every success

In Profile: Parliout The Equalities Minister, Lynne Featherstone MP said: “I welcome the formation of the Network. It will be an invaluable source for LGB and T parliamentarians and members of staff. I would encourage other employers to follow this example and let staff set up similar networks. Employers who allow staff to be themselves know that there is a clear benefit to both their employees and their business.

It is important that Parliament has out LGB and T members. It sends a clear message that being LGB or T is not a bar to participating in civil society. The Government is publishing research which shows what barriers LGB and T people face when participating in civil society. We are considering what more we can do to ensure that they can play a full role in this great democracy of ours and we will set out the actions we plan to take shortly”.

Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall said: “We are delighted that Parliament is joining so many other leading employers in creating a forum where LGBT staff can meet one another, identify otherwise invisible role models and discuss areas of common interest and concern. We have a great deal of evidence which demonstrates the benefits of such groups not just to the members, but also to the employers themselves.”

49

In Profile: EACH Educational Action Challenging Homophobia Actionline: Website:

0808 1000 143 www.eachaction.org.uk

EACH Action Makes a Difference If you find yourself the target of a homophobic or transphobic incident professional help is at hand. Reporting your incident to EACH will secure the support you need to go towards resolving the problem. It may also stop it happening to you again or to someone else. Sometimes the situation can get much worse if left unchallenged but since too many incidents go unreported it’s difficult to evidence the scale of the problem. This means it won’t just disappear. Neither will those causing it. It’s important you report incidents even if you consider them minor or one-offs so as to give agencies like the council and police as full a picture as possible of the extent of homophobic and transphobic crimes and incidents.

We liaise with agencies and services within our local councils, the neighbourhood police teams, hate crime units, housing associations, Home Choice, Victim Support and Citizens Advice. We also participate in partnership against hate crime and case review panels to share and improve best practice. Whatever the reason for coming to us, we’ll do our best to support you to achieve your desired outcome in the most effective way. If you don’t wish to have the council or the police involved that’s fine.

We’re a registered charity that works completely independently. No-one has access to information you give us without your consent. You may want simply to log an incident with us.

You can report by our telephone Actionline or via our website. Calls are free from landlines and most mobiles (if you’re going to be charged your service provider will alert you before your call’s put through).

EACH regularly delivers outreach sessions in gay venues in Weston super Mare, Bath and Bristol in liaison with hate crime officers from each relevant police station.

This regular contact between EACH, the police, venue owners, managers, staff and customers is invaluable. Confidence to report demonstrably improves as a result.

Outreach can often be the first time someone reports a homophobic or transphobic incident.

We don’t restrict our outreach efforts to the gay scene either i.e. bars, pubs and clubs. There are many areas with no identifiable scene and many gay, bisexual and transgender people who aren’t part of it. It’s with this very much in mind that we do a great deal of work ensuring our resources are in council offices, libraries, surgeries

50

In Profile: EACH and health centres, railway stations, gyms and leisure centres.

Our freephone Actionline 0808 1000 143 operational since 2003, also provides nationwide support for any young person affected by homophobic or transphobic bullying. EACH works in formal and informal young people’s settings throughout Greater Bristol (and nationally) and this reflects a core aspect of our work.

Our resources and awareness-raising are delivered regularly to and requested by schools, colleges and agencies, like Connexions, which support young people.

Throughout Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset we focus our attention specifically and deploy a variety of strategies to assist teachers and tutors tackle homophobic bullying.

We’re working constantly with schools, colleges and universities explaining to headteachers, PSHE coordinators, tutors and lecturers the current legal situation and their responsibilities, in an ever changing arena of legislation.

EACH’s five year Lottery funded project is Reach. This exciting initiative includes the development of resources for teachers in schools and those working in agencies supporting young people, enabling them to challenge homophobic bullying effectively.

These practical and relevant resource materials will be informed by contributions from young people throughout the Greater Bristol area and complement EACH’s own ongoing schools’ support.

If you’d like any of our resources for your place of work or young people’s setting, or more information about our support and training services, you can reach us on 0117 9467607, by emailing info@eachaction.org.uk or take a look at our website.

51

Community : Pride

News from our local Prides Gloucestershire Pride

www.gloucestershirepride.org.uk

The committee for Gloucestershire Pride has now been formed and are starting to organise this year’s event, As always they are looking for volunteers so contact them via the website. One of Pride’s first tasks was the great new website and the first fundraiser which was a fantastic ball which raised £1000.

Pride Bristol

www.pridebristol.org

Following on from the sucess of last year’s event Pride Bristol have now set the date for this years event it will be held on Saturday 16th July 2011 check out the website.

News from Pride Events further a field.

Manchester Pride

www.manchesterpride.com

Many exciting things are happening at Manchester Pride they have launched a competition for designers to enter to create the offical branding concept for Manchester Pride 21st year. Manchester Pride has appointed a new chair for the committee, Vicken Couligian who has volunteered for Manchester Pride since 2005 and joined the board in 2008. he is also on the board of Gaydio and is a mentor for the Albert Kennedy Trust.

Euro Pride

europrideroma.com

On the 1 -12 June Rome will play host to this years Euro Pride event if you want to know more about the city and what is going on check out issue 3 of Out Bristol as the travel section covered this wonderful city.

Pride London

www.pridelondon.org

Pride London is gearing up for another fantastic year. The festival fortnight is set for the 17 June - 3rd July, with the parade and main event happening on Saturday 2nd July 2011. Check website for more details.

Sydney

www.mardigras.org.au

From 19th Feb - 6th March 2011 Sydney will play host to their world famous Mardi Gras. This event is one of those things that you should have on your list to do in life as it is a fantastic experience check out website for the fantastic list of events.

52

33 Community : Pride

Photographs copyright of Gloucestershire Pride 53 33

Politics: Don Foster

Sport has the ability to change attitudes.

Just recently I went to watch a football match and a fan nearby started yelling racist abuse. Within seconds people around him pulled him back to his seat and that was the end of it. This type of reaction is a far cry from a decade or two ago when racism was still common place at football matches.

It highlights the true extent to which attitudes within football and sport as a whole have changed dramatically towards racism. It is accepted now, that racism has no place in modern sport, and that a sportsperson should be judged upon their sporting performance not by the colour of their skin.

54

We now have a generation of sport fans growing up with their idols proudly standing up against racism, against bullying and even against world hunger Yet, sadly homophobia remains prevalent within many professional sports.

There are currently no openly gay professional footballers in the UK and only a handful of openly gay professional sportsman. We have seen a recent history of professional footballer’s lives being made hell through “accusations” around their sexuality. I think it’s time we all stood up to such prejudices and blow the final whistle on homophobia just like we did with racism.

Politics: Don Foster

With this in mind, I was delighted to attend the launch of the Rugby Football League (RFL) campaign to rid their sport of homophobia. This campaign will see the Sheffield Eagles playing in kits with the slogan “Homophobia Tackle It” on the front and set a fantastic example to other professional sports to follow.

It is a vitally important step forward to have individual sports stars such as Gareth Thomas “coming out”. It is a sign that, especially within Rugby (League and Union) attitudes are slowly changing. Hopefully other sports can follow suit.

It is essential we use sport to bring people together. If done correctly, I believe sporting events can bring communities together and break down prejudices. Over the next decade the UK will be host to many great sporting events; the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012, the 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow, the Rugby League World cup in 2013, the Rugby Union World cup in 2015 and the Cricket World Cup in 2019 to name just a few. The eyes of the world will be watching Britain, giving us a great chance to show that we are leading in tackling homophobia in professional sport.

What we need now, more than ever before, is for fans to stand up alongside the government and show that homophobia has no place in sport.

Right through, from youth to professional sports, we have to stand together and harness sport for the unifying power that it can be.

To find out more about Don Foster and his work check out www.bathlibdems.org.uk

55

Community : Alan Palmer Name: Position: Organisation: Website:

Alan Palmer Chairman of the Management Comittee Bristol LGB Forum www.bristol-lgb-forum.org.uk

What is the remit of your role?

As Chair of the Bristol LGB Forum I am one of the members of the management committee members responsible for the Forum. Since the Forum is a charity, we are also all trustees which means particular responsibilities to ensure the effective management of the organisation. Being chair, I’m a bit more involved in day to day activities, but much of that is dealt with by our two part time members of staff.

All of us on the management committee are involved in setting the strategy and direction of the Forum, deciding on campaigning work and other activities each year, to ensure we meet the conditions of our grant funding from Bristol City Council. Recently, I have been working with the chairs of the other equalities forums in Bristol to lobby the Council to maintain funding levels to support equality and rights for minority groups living in Bristol.

What does your role mean for LGB Bristol?

The Forum is a membership organisation so we campaign for what they want. This has included a lot of work over the last 2 years to campaign against homophobia and transphobia in Bristol’s schools. This led to the Council signing up to the Stonewall Education Champions Programme this year, and the recent visit from Sir Ian McKellen. I’m proud that, from an initial enquiry by one of our members, we were part of such a successful campaign to improve the lives of Bristol’s school students.

This year we also put on the first IDAHO picnic - to support International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. These sorts of events are important to show Bristol that LGBT people living in the city are committed to taking a stand against discrimination and prejudice. I’m pleased that I can be a small part of trying to make the world a fairer place.

What do you find most rewarding in your life?

Lots of things are rewarding, and at different times various things make a big impact. I am a keen volunteer, working with Terrence Higgins Trust and as a school governor as well as my work with the Forum. Helping these organisations to achieve their goals is enormously rewarding; there is something about volunteering that makes me feel that I am making an impact and a difference in other people’s lives.

What is your proudest moment in your career to date?

I couldn’t point to one particular moment that I am most proud of. I think it all adds up and contributes to a feeling that I am doing what I can to make the world less unequal and without prejudice. I doubt that all the things I disagree with will disappear entirely in my lifetime, but I’m not going to get disheartened by that. I suppose I’m most proud that I am able to do something, and be part of changing society for the better.

56

Community : HIV Focus Organisation: Website: Contact:

Amicus For Aids www.amicus.net Carol Anne Bundy

carolannebundy@humanfutures.org

HIV Immunotherapy Trials under Threat of Closure In 2009 in the UK, 65,319 HIV-infected individuals were seen for HIV treatment representing a 7% since 2008 and a substantial 250% since 2001. The reasons for the increases being clear; HIV transmission continues to expand; anti-retroviral treatments continue to improve increasing the lifespan of the HIV patient, and testing has made more individuals, once aware of infection, seek treatment.

Currently the cost of treating someone with HIV in the UK is estimated at ÂŁ16,000 per year, a figure thought to be cost effective when compared to what it would cost to treat an AIDS-related illness.

Yet there are two worrying trends.

First - new, improved drugs are driving up the cost of combination therapies known as HAART as more and more HIV patients become drug resistant.

Second, some major pharmaceutical companies, such as Swiss-based Roche, as early as July, 2008, have begun halting research into new formulations due to reduced profit margins worldwide. These profit decreases are attributed to generics coming to market and political pressure to reduce pricing to under-developed countries.

A UK report in 2007 found that 13 percent of HIV clinicians decided not to prescribe specific HIV medications due to financial constraints and offered instead drugs based on cost rather than suitability. It could become increasingly difficult for people who have become resistant to certain antiretroviral drugs to change their regimens.

If the States are indication of things to come, sharp increases in enrollment in assistance programs is 2009 are now forcing denial of treatment coverage altogether.

Seventeen states have already begun limiting program costs and waiting lists have been established in nine states already totalling over 4,500 patients.

Clearly other means of HIV treatment are needed. Phase 1 studies at Hadassah University in Jerusalem, looking into T-cell vaccination, an immunotherapy, are now in Phase 2 enrollment, with a sub-study applying the technique in advance of ARVs in hope of proving that antiretrovirals may be delayed, perhaps indefinitely, in some individuals.

But being therapy-based and lacking sufficient profit potentials, this research is of no interest to large pharmaceutical companies and to date has been funded solely through philanthropic grants and private donations. The Human Futures Foundation’s public outreach campaign, AMICUS for AIDS, has been at the forefront of these efforts, yet challenged by the economic downturn. These studies are now under threat of closure unless additional funding can be secured.

Carol Anne Bundy carolannebundy@humanfutures.org

58

Community : HIV Focus Organisation: Website:

Bridgestowe Project www.brigstowe.org

Council cuts could close Bristol HIV charity Bristol City Council announced on World Aids Day that it will stop funding support for people with HIV provided by the Brigstowe Project.

The decision is part of the council’s attempt to save £30million in the next three years, but was taken without any consultation with the Brigstowe Project or the people it supports.

Being HIV-positive means these people have a recognised disability, one which continues to be stigmatised all over the world. Many are also discriminated against due to being from minority ethnic groups or for being gay. Having often suffered prejudice and lack of understanding from non-specialist doctors and hospitals, it means that, if Brigstowe closes, many HIV-positive people won’t go to other public health services – at least until faced with an emergency. By contrast, Brigstowe gives proactive support to help people stay healthy, live independently, and avoid just such crises.

Despite promoting equality and diversity, the Council did not take into account these factors when making the decision. So people with HIV will be pushed further into the margins of society – shunned due to their disability, ethnicity and sexuality. Brigstowe also provides advice, advocacy and social activities funded by independent donors. These services may also be forced to close if the Council goes ahead with its plan.

As the government attempts to reduce the country’s deficit, many councils and charities are under pressure to save money and withdraw services. But few will hit such a vulnerable group of people as hard as this.

The Council has given Brigstowe until January 7th to appeal against the decision. So there’s still time to change their minds. What can you do to help?

• Write to your councillor or MP: 1.

Find your MP: findyourmp.parliament.uk 2.

Find your councillor: www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Council-Democracy/ Elected-Representatives/councillor-finder.en?Task=name&CouncillorId= 3.

Go to www.brigstowe.org and download a letter to sign and send • 60

Sign this petition: epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/epetition_core/view/HIV

33 Community : Review

Fonda Cox at the Palace at Christmas

December 2010 Bear Bar

Halcyon at Clarke Wilmott

Push NYE

Mandalyns, Bath CTD at Southern Hibernation

Harry ,Tom and Co and Miss QSL QSL White Ball

Matt playing at the Live lounge QSL

61

33 Community : Review

Flamingos Arena 1 Launch

33 62 33 60

33 Community : Review

OMG Launch Night

63 33

www.halcyonnetwork.com

What is the Halcyon Network?

We are a not-for-profit organisation set up by a committee of business professionals within the South West. Our aim is simple - to help you generate strong LGBT business connections at a senior level within a confidential and supportive environment. We are, therefore, exclusively for senior LGBT decision makers, Directors, Business Owners, Aspiring business leaders and Entrepreneurs.

Is this truly an LGBT Network?

Yes. It is unequivocally our intention to be a fully inclusive network for all LGBT Professionals so if you area a Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual or Transgender business professional please enter our site to find out more.

What can I expect from joining a Halcyon event?

You can expect to meet senior LGBT professionals and aspiring business leaders at our events all of which all held in high-quality venues. You can also expect to hear inspirational speakers on a wide range of subjects and you can expect to generate connections and business referrals within a supportive and safe environment to benefit your businesses.

You don’t need to pay a joining fee or become a member of Halcyon to attend one of our events although there are added benefits for people who register with us through this site. You can simply pay to attend the events that interest you

Future Halcyon Networking events

17th February 2011, 14th April 2011, 16th June 2011, 8th September 2011, 1st December 2011

64

About Bud UK Ltd Bud UK Ltd is an independent agency specialising in all aspects of communications, public relations, contract publishing and business development. Bud have a strong ethos of working to bring business and the community closer together and they believe that the community should be the concern of us all in business.

When you engage with Bud UK Ltd, you get Christina and Nigel’s experience and expertise, drawn from over 40 collective years in media and business in Bristol. Everything we do is bespoke and geared towards you, our client and we personally manage all aspects of your account.

Their rates are very competitive and there are no hidden charges because we keep our own costs down. We are lean and proud of it.

Our PR clients include The Living Room, Bristol Mind, The Southmead Project, Dr Chris Johnson, Dr Nicola Hembry, RGCC UK Ltd and Abreast (Cancer charity).

They manage design, print and publishing for The Colston Hall, Nilaari Agency, The Southmead Project, RGCC UK Ltd, Bath Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service and the Bristol Law Society.

For more information about Bud UK Ltd check out their website

www.bud.uk.com 65

Out Bristol Community / Social Life / News / Scene Guide

The Source for all LGB information in the West of England

www.outbristol.co.uk