Reading Pride 2015 Magazine

READING

#prideinyou

PRIDE www.readingpride.co.uk

C h e r Dusty-O Ruby Wax Deb O’Dea Sue Green Bob Brown Toni Reis Sam Smith Andy Bell Paul Britt Kirk Frew Nick Clegg Scott Nunn Reyda Linn David Kato Vic Basile Harry Hay Jitu Patel Ash Beckham Linda Riley Ivan Massow Alex Walker Oscar Wilde Beth Wright Stephen Fry Sherry Vine Kelly Wilde Harish Iyer Lena Katina Antony Grey Jacob Appel Scott Long Troy Perry Mark Healey Kate Winslet Selwyn Jones Alex Hopkins Lynden Singh Arsham Parsi Paul Burston Courtney Act Arsham Parsi Georges Azzi Anna Grodzka Liam Hackett Ian McKellen Ryan Cassata Lynn Conway Andy Thayer Harvey Milk Gary C. Ross Tully Satre Paul O’Grady Caroline Reid Luke Sherwood Graham Norton Lorna McArdle Jeremy Joseph Mark Lawrence Lilian Thuram Tonette Lopez Derek Jarman Kylie Minogue Gilbert Baker Matt Foreman Aaron Fricke David M. Hall Urvashi Vaid Evan Wolfson Phyllis Lyon Gavin Newsom Ryan Sallans Stephen Donaldson James McDonald Shaun Sherwood Angelina Jolie Steven Hazlett Anjali Gopalan Shaleen Rakesh Szymon Niemiec Kimball Allen Hardy Haberman Courtney Love Craig Rodwell Josh Seefried Tris Reid-Smith Franco Grillini Jeremy Bentham Ben Summerskill Joseph F. Beam David P. Brill Howard Schwartz George Moscone Laurence O’Meara Kenneth Williams Marc Abercrombie Jhannabi Goswami Paweł Leszkowicz Nikolai Alekseev Christine Burns Phil Opoku-Gyimah Candy Kane Baxtor Magnus Hirschfeld Romas Zabarauskas Konstantin Golava Christiane Taubira Elena Kostyuchenko Roy Perestrelo Romaine Patterson Dustin Lance Black Stefani Germanotta Karl Heinrich Ulrichs Claire-Louise Bannister Virgilio Barco Isakson Madonna Louise Ciccone Jackie Forster Dallas S. Drake Minnesota Marija Aušrinė Pavilionienė John “Longjones” Abdallah Wambere Chad Griffin Jarrod Chlapowski Armando Benedetti Villaneda Joel Gustave Nana Ngongang Andrew Stonehill-Brooks Margarethe Cammermeyer Michelangelo Signorile Jesse Tyler Fergusson Christopher R. Barron Szilvia Peter-Szabo Conchita Perestrelo Christina Dearlove Krystian Legierski Shane Bitney Crone A. Latham Staples Anthony Morgan Desislava Petrova Katherine Zappone Romaniţa Iordache Joshua Lockwood Eric Stonestreet Carlos Tufvesson Sridhar Rangayan Vladimir Luxuria Florin Buhuceanu Kasha Nabagesera Stephen Whittle Michael Russell Gaby Amarantos Taria Polyakova Robert Mellors Peter Tatchell Elizabeth Birch Danielle Egnew Jamie Robertson Justin Gaffney Richard Powell Arthur Rimbaud David Millward Svend Robinson Camille Cabral Ashok Row Kavi Patria Jiménez Robert Biedroń Neil Giuliano Joe Solmonese Meghan McCain Bayard Rustin Anita Roddick Kerry Goodman Kirsten Bayes Rodney Croome Joanna Lumley Sandra London Marc Aldridge Fannyann Eddy Michael Steed Cliff Arnesen Fran Drescher Barney Frank James Gruber John Heilman Phill Wilson Chely Wright David Nelson Sarah Lawson Simon Hallam Ally Jenkins Annie Lennox Julian Clary Kate Mulgrew Irshad Manji Josephine Ho Sue Stallard David Norris Jason Prince Scott Houzet Paris Lees, Wayne Besen Joanne Conte Steve Endean Tim McFeeley Geena Rocero José Sarria Ruth Simpson Delbert Bell Adam Newman Lisa Pinney Waheed Alli Uli Lennart Nathan Lane Nemat Sadat Jean Wyllys Bill Siksay Volker Beck Tonie Walsh Ray Gosling Denis Lemon Patt Gavin Del Martin Dan Savage Andy Adams Jamie Wake Dorjee Sun Preta Gil Boy George Nix Nemeni A.E. Dyson Chaz Bono Sarah Rose Jimmy Carr Ryan Lock Ruth Hunt Luiz Mott Rama Yade Lydia Foy Nick Ede Li Yinhe R u Paul

LGBT activists past and present

Together, we make a difference.

HELLO... ...and welcome to Reading Pride.

We are delighted to host our twelfth annual Pride Parade & Festival today – we hope you like our new look and share your experiences with our #prideinyou campaign. Pride sees people of all backgrounds coming together to celebrate diversity, champion equality and ensure that everyone in our society is valued for who they are.

There is still much discrimination and oppression in the world around us, some more visible than others. This year there have been attempts to defend and even strengthen discrimination against LGBT+ people here in the UK, and in many parts of the world we still see people persecuted and even killed because of who they are, and who they love.

We must maintain our efforts to challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia wherever it is found, either internationally or in our own communities and Reading Pride is committed to leading the fight both locally and beyond.

2016 is Reading’s Year of Culture and we look forward to making a significant contribution to what should be an exciting programme of events; we also plan to widen our community reach and are keen to recruit new members and volunteers – look out on the website for more details of how you can get involved.

Wishing you a great Pride, and that you can truly celebrate #prideinyou.

Andy Adams Chair, Reading Pride

With Special Thanks To Our Sponsors and Supporters:

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PRIDE LINE-UP The main stage starts shortly after the site opens at 12pm, and will run through until the event finishes at 7pm. The times are approximate and the line-up listed below is subject to change without notice.

Main Stage Hosts throughout the day include Misty Lee, Wilma Fingadoo and Sandra.

Introducing Our Headline Acts 17:10 Stacey Jackson 17:40 Jai MacDowall

12:00 DJ Tania Twinkle

18:15 N-Trance

12:50 Misty Lee

19:00 Site Closes

13:20 Rachel Redman 13:35 Mark Ellis.

13:50 Wilma Fingadoo 14:15 Rachel Redman 14:30 The Mayor of Reading will welcome everyone to Reading and Reading Pride.

14:45 Beth Wright 15:00 Sandra 15:20 Feryl 15:40 Son Of A Tutu 16:05 Dave Lynn 16:30 Samson and the Lion

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Please text “LGBT00 £5” to 70070 to donate £5 to Reading Pride

N-Trance

WHO’S ON?

N-Trance is a British electronic music group formed by Kevin O’Toole and Dale Longworth, in 1990, the group has sold over 5 million records worldwide! With an awesome set, some of their hit singles include ‘Set You Free’, ‘Forever’, as well as covers of the popular 1970s disco songs ‘Stayin’ Alive’, ‘D.I.S.C.O.’ and ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’. This is the first time we welcome N-Trance to Reading Pride.

Jai MacDowall Jai shot to fame when he won the fifth series of Britain’s Got Talent in June 2011. Followed by his album “Believe” (Sony Music) Jai has been busy working on his second studio album, creating a crossover classic/pop fusion and building on the success of his first album. Jai is collaborating with producers from all over the world to build an album that his fans have been so eager to arrive, he will astound his loyal fans.

Stacey Jackson Born and raised in Montreal, Stacey thought her dreams of becoming a pop star would never come true until she moved to London and a track she recorded for the UK-based charity Music For Youth was remixed into a dance track. Catapulted into the Top 10 between Lady Gaga and the Scissor Sisters. Stacey currently has six Top 10 dance records under her belt, including a collaboration with iconic artist Snoop Dogg on her self-penned record “Live It Up”.

Sandra Sandra has been performing up and down the country and beyond for more years than she can remember. Some of her routines have become synonymous with Sandra, such as Brown Girl in the Ring, sung in the only way Sandra knows how. Sandra often asks for help from the audience and as the many videos on youtube show, she is never short of volunteers. A regular host at Reading Pride, we are proud to welcome her back to bring her unique style to our stage.

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Wilma Fingadoo After having a traumatic childhood in care and after burning down many foster homes (she needs to stop smoking in bed!), Wilma eventually ended up on the streets trying to make ends meet to buy herself her very high heeled shoes. This made her tough. Through her power of persuasion she made it into the bright lights of the stage! A word of warning, her shows are not for the faint hearted!

Misty Lee Misty Lee moved to London from Newcastle where she worked in various venues, especially those in the thriving gay scene. Mixing humour with singing in her shows and, thanks to her wide vocal range, she performs a multitude of musical styles from Swing/ Jazz, through the decades, taking in musicals on the way, to contemporary pop music.

Son Of A Tutu Multi-award winning drag-artist brings you a taste of Africa like you never have had before. This act will leave you gasping at the edge of your seat and laughing so hard as the comic genius that is Son of a TuTu leaves you gagging for more. Be prepared for her special brand of comical magic. Winner of: Best Cabaret Newcomer 2012 Boyz awards; and Drag Idol 2011. She is also a graduate from Brixton Market.

Feryl A UK pop artist that has been compared to the likes of Will.i.am and Swedish House Mafia, Feryl has supported major signed artists in the music industry and is set to make an impression of his own! Having recorded lead and backings with Jojo F, Shanks & Bigfoot and producers from mainland Europe, the USA and England, this has secured a fresh and vibrant sound that is globally appealing.

Dave Lynn Dave has appeared in many TV shows, from Eastenders, Coronation Street, Silent Witness, The Weakest Link, Faking It and Doctors and has extensive film and theatre credits as well as appearances in clubs, parties and dinners across the UK. Dave Lynn has been bringing his distinctive cabaret shows to audiences in Brighton and around the UK for more years than he would care to remember. In fact, he’s been 34 years old for more years than we can remember!

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making space for art Jelly is an energetic charity championing the creative arts.

We have played a strategic role in Reading’s cultural life since 1993 – enabling art to appear in unexpected places and creating opportunities for people to look on and join in. We believe in the power of the arts to delight, intrigue, challenge and enrich, and we’re committed to forming creative alliances and partnerships that encourage art and cultural life to flourish. jelly.org.uk twitter.com/thejellyReading

Attending Reading Pride

by Alex Walker

Attending Reading Pride is a great day out as there is so much to see and do and we wouldn’t want you to miss a thing!

Whether this is your 1st or 100th pride experience, here are some top tips to help you get the most out of your day at Reading Pride 2015.

Our main event takes place on Saturday 5th September at Kings Meadow, Reading, RG1 8BN with the action kicking off at 12pm. This year’s festival will see the return of our infamous main stage which is crammed packed with a variety of acts throughout the day.

Whilst waiting for your favourite act to perform, don’t forget to sample the rest of our attractions! Our huge marketplace makes a return for 2015 with a variety of traders selling everything from makeup to sweets, and those all-important pride essentials!

There are numerous other attractions and areas located around the festival including Kids Zone, Community Area and the Trans* & Asexual Picnic which will all be available throughout the duration of the event. For further details around the festival’s attractions, check out www.readingpride.co.uk For those who haven’t attended a pride event before it can seem quite a daunting and overwhelming experience. Reading Pride aims to be different where our event is open to all and we welcome everyone from any background to our event. We are about celebrating diversity and eliminating discrimination so we want everyone to have a happy and safe pride, and to have #prideinyou.

We request that no alcohol is brought on-site, and random bag searches will be conducted upon entry. There is no strict dress code, but as we pride ourselves The fun fair will also be on site, but that’s on being open to all and being a family probably not a wise move straight after event, we ask our attendees to dress lunch! Speaking of lunch… there will be appropriately. We also recommend you plenty of food outlets to choose from this check the weather as our event will be year too. So whatever gourmet you’re in fabulous come rain or shine, so make the mood for, there’ll be something to sure you’re suitably attired! satisfy! Along with the food outlets, there will be plenty of bars and coffee outlets to quench your thirst.

Pictures by Chris Brooks - Gay Pride Pics.

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Please text “LGBT00 £5” to 70070 to donate £5 to Reading Pride

The fabulous 4 Star Merit Holiday Inn Reading M4 Jct10 Spoil yourself after the Festival with a relaxing overnight stay from only £71.20 Stunning 2 AA Rosette Hotel adjacent to Winnersh Triangle Train Station on the Reading to Waterloo Service (2 Stops from Reading Town centre). Exquisite cuisine offered in the Caprice Restaurant & Outdoor Terrace. Comfortable Monty’s Lounge Bar with resident pianist. Free secure underground parking for hotel guests.

Access to Esprit Spa & Wellness with 19m indoor Pool, Life Fitness Gym, Steam Room and Sauna included in the rate. Full range of Spa Treatments available. Stylish & inspiring LGBT+ licenced Wedding Venue.

T: 0118 944 4209 | E: reservations@hireadinghotel.com W: www.hireadinghotel.com Holiday Inn Reading M4 Jct10, Wharfedale Road, Winnersh Triangle, Reading, RG41 5TS

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Why We Need an LGBT Support Service

by Lorna McArdle

“We have the freedom to be who we want, I don’t need any help.”

“We have equality, why do we need an LGBT Support Service?”

“Schools shouldn’t need our help, they should have it in place already.”

These are just a few reasons we hear as to why the LGBT Community doesn’t need an LGBT Service, especially in Reading.

Unfortunately that isn’t true and the fact is this: ‘Metro’s Youth Chances Survey 2014’ found that more than half of young gay people had experienced either discrimination or harassment. In last year’s Stonewall reported 86 per cent of secondary school teachers and 45 per cent of primary school teachers said pupils at their school had experienced homophobic bullying. Most (89 per cent for secondary schools and 70 per cent for primary) had heard homophobic language used. Yet many teachers say they lack the knowledge and confidence to effectively tackle HBT* bullying.

So Support U, took action and became a Stonewall Training Partner to help schools tackle HBT Bullying, within the Thames Valley and South East. Support U became 1 of 60 organisations around England to deliver this ground-breaking / long overdue programme. The training available will help to build confidence by providing the training and resources for the school staff.’

If homophobic bullying goes unchallenged, it can have life-changing severe negative consequences for young people. Three out of five gay young people say homophobic bullying affects their school work and many more have skipped school because of it.

Homophobic bullying can also impact on young people’s self-esteem and ambitions.

Stonewall’s Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health Guide and Prescription for Change shows that gay young people are more likely to self-harm and contemplate suicide.

For too many young people, HBT abuse has been part of everyday life for far too long - more than half surveyed have self-harmed in some way. One child being bullied is one child too many – but at long last the tide is starting to turn as we can see a future where homophobic and transphobic bullying is no more. Through education.

To help us get teachers and schools tackling HBT bullying in schools tell them about Support U and how to get more information about our training days. Support U will do the rest by providing participants from local schools with the knowledge, tool and skills to empower them to train their colleagues l on how to tackle HBT bullying. http://www.supportu.org.uk/stonewall-teacher-training.php or come and speak to us at our stall today. *Homophobic, Biphobic, Transphobic.

This article was brought to you by Lorna McArdle and Support U and is copyright of Support U 2015.

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Reading, come and join us: Nando’s The Oracle Centre 4 The Riverside RG1 2AG 01189 502 199 Nando’s Friar Street 30-31 Friar Street RG1 1DX 01189 511 460

Or order online: www.nandos.co.uk/takeaway

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OFFICIAL PRIDE AFTER PARTY 8PM - 5AM @ Club 20

The Story of Selwyn’s Curtains Reading Pride is a community organisation that relies on donations of all kinds, and on the ingenuity of our volunteers.

Many years ago, one of our founding members, Selwyn, donated some pairs of curtains in rather dubious styles, which have been used around the site for various tasks over the years – always making one more outing when something (or someone!) required covering.

They have entered into Pride legend but are seldom seen, going unnoticed and unloved – until now when they are getting the recognition they deserve.

We look for all kinds of donations, not just money, so if you think you have something that we could use, please contact us via our website.

Competition Simply take a photo in front of Selwyn’s curtains (the more imaginative the better) and using our hashtags #prideinyou and #selwynscurtains upload to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and send directly to us (by @ tagging us). The best pictures will win a prize!

GLAM Official After Party Reading Pride and CLUB 20 present GLAM - THE OFFICIAL PRIDE AFTER PARTY! Enjoyed the festival? Need to party on? Then come and PARTY WITH PRIDE late into the night at the newly refurbished CLUB 20.

Boogie the night away with top local DJs or just chillax in ths stylish new venue. Entry is £5 or if you are quick and one of the first 50 to book your space, it’s just £3.50!

You can get your tickets online in advance, or on the door on the day, but even though it is a big place, when the tickets are gone they are gone! So get ya “GLAM rags” on and lets show Reading how to PARTY! Club20 Nightclub, is located on 20 Hosier Street, Reading 13

The Morning After the Night Before You may well be reading this with double-vision already, but with a bit of planning you can still enjoy yourself, with less of the after effects.

Before you drink, fill your stomach with a healthy meal of starches and essential vitamins and minerals. The food will absorb the alcohol and lessen its effects on you.

Drink a lot of fruit juice and water. For every glass of non-alcoholic beverage you drink now, you will save yourself from having to drink two glasses in the morning to rehydrate.

While drinking, grab a bite to eat at one of our food outlets. Even a snack will keep your stomach full and add extra material to absorb the alcohol. A burger or chips is fine in this situation.

Choose your booze carefully. Dark spirits contain more congeners, light spirits fewer. More impurities equal more headaches. Stick with quality light colour drinks most of the time to reduce your hangover.

Alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks. This trick will slow your alcohol consumption down while giving you something to drink. Choose water, fruit juices or light carbonated drinks and drink one for every alcoholic drink you consume.

Finally, consume less than one drink per hour, your liver breaks down alcohol at the rate of one beer per hour, so spreading out your drinking over many hours will give your body a chance to keep up with you.

A Tour of Coffee

by Richard Powell

When I buy a coffee I usually stick to just one style, I think most people also would.

As I stand in a coffee shop queue I look at the list, I run through all the choices and when asked what I’d like… I stick to my default option. Somebody recently asked me what my top ten coffees are. Ten coffees. That’s a lot of variety. I thought about my favourite coffees but I could pretty much only count three. I then thought maybe favourite different styles of coffee? I don’t even think my local café offers ten different styles of coffee! Around the world, the list of different coffee styles can go on and on. Most people know of the common coffees – Cappuccino, Café Latte and Espresso. I decided to stray from my ‘comfort zone’ and try something different.

Here are a few different styles that you may want to try.

The first one isn’t actually that different though I like the name. To me the Cuban Espresso sounds like a drink to enjoy with a friend for a relaxed catch-up. I was introduced to the Cuban Latte through Tamp Culture, a coffee cart positioned at one of the entrances to the Oracle (behind John Lewis). Based on the Cuban Espresso idea of including demerara sugar to the brewing process this gives a sweeter, smoother result plus it doesn’t ruin any latte art had you added sugar later. The Cuban style has actually become pretty popular and I’ve noticed it in other cafés.

If your tastes demand something stronger in a smaller size the espresso & wine bar, Artigiano, offers a really nice Piccolo coffee. One of the few places that sell this style, the Piccolo is a dinky drink that looks like a Flat White and is perfect as a pick-me-up or quick beverage. Artigiano, located on Broad Street, also offers artisan foods, fine wines, craft beers and cocktails. They also have a nice range of summer iced teas you simply have to try. Opening early for morning coffee, the premises close at 11.30pm from Wednesday to Saturday allowing you to change to something a bit stronger.

Workhouse Coffee, by the George Hotel near to the Broad Street Oracle entrance, has a large range of roasted coffees. They make all their food fresh each day that include some very moreish cakes and my favourite granola bars. As a café their specialty is in drip coffee, a slow brew process that brings out subtle notes and enhances flavours. The Kenyan roast was a simply delicious, fruity coffee that I decided to enjoy in the Forbury Gardens one sunny afternoon.

Affogato - now this is a lovely after-meal treat. In Italian it means “drowned” and is literally a scoop of vanilla ice cream with hot espresso poured over it. Ice cream and coffee – what more could you want! I enjoyed this in a nice little establishment in Woodley precinct, east of Reading, called Cozze Ristorante. Every time I visit this restaurant the service is quick and friendly, the food is so appetising and the night usually ends with a tasty lemon liqueur.

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De-touring from the coffee track but a recent discovery of mine is the Milk Hot Chocolate from Lincoln Coffee House on the King’s Road. Nothing beats this drink after a long day doing absolutely anything. This is incredibly indulgent and I felt like I could of melted straight into my cup, even the barista said it was her favourite.

A recent addition to Reading’s coffee shops is Nibsy’s, in Cross Street connecting Friar Street to Broad Street. The difference with this café is they offer totally gluten-free products, as well as coffee. I took a moment Sunday afternoon to indulge in a scrumptious, and delightfully messy, scone with a very smooth café latte. All of Nibsey’s sandwiches and cakes are gluten free, hand-made each day, and they also offer vegan options for those of us who don’t consume dairy.

And then there’s possibly my favourite alcoholic coffee beverage: the Espresso Martini – a contemporary classic cocktail. I could quite happily sip this anywhere till I fall off my seat. It was a good friend who introduced me to this lovely tipple. A very simple drink it consists of 1 part Kahlúa, 2 parts Vodka, 1 part Espresso. Shake ingredients together with ice, strain into a cocktail glass and drink. I believe the only thing that beats this is getting somebody else to make it for you ;-)

IN NUMBERS Last year we surveyed our attendees to find out what the typical Reading Pride attendee is like, so here are some facts and figures based on 2014. If a member of Reading Pride asks you to participate in our survey this year, you now know what happens to the results!

4,380

We have supported equality and diversity for over 12 years, that’s 4380 days of promoting freedom to be who you want to be.

35%

34% 66%

7%

50% 8%

Although the majority of attendees 34% of the event were gay males, a sample sized survey showed that we also had attendees that were lesbian, bisexual and transgendered, as well as straight people, some of whom attended with their children.

Attendees interviewed ranged in age from 16 to 54 years and had travelled up to 200 miles in groups of up to 20 people. The average number of people in a group was 4.

150,000

Over 150,000 returning visits to our festival since it first began.

71%

71% of people attended for the full day.

The majority (52%) of attendees were single. The rest were in a relationship (21%), married (13%), in a civil partnership (3%), engaged (8%) or in an open relationship (3%).

144 Over 144 performers have graced our stage including Agnes, Amanda Wilson, Sam Callahan, Scooch, Wilma Fingadoo, Sandra, Lisa Scott-Lee, Booty Luv and many more.

ÂŁ230,000 Reading Pride has raised over ÂŁ230,000 in fund raising and sponsorship since it began in 2002, to run its first festival in 2003 to promote equality and diversity.

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Novotel Reading Centre is a contemporary 4 star hotel, located in the heart of Reading town centre and just a 2 minute walk from Reading Train Station. Reading Station has fantastic train links to London and Oxford along with great connections throughout England.

Reservations 01189 522 3652 - H5432-RE@accor.com Conference & Events 01189 522 3720 - H5432-SB@accor.com

The hotel is ideally situated, within easy reach to a variety of nightlife and has 178 bedrooms, comprising of 154 Superior Rooms of which 10 are accessible, and 24 Executive Rooms.

At Novotel Reading Centre, you’re assured of a warm welcome and flawless service.

You’ll find areas for relaxing and places to work, along with numerous other first-rate amenities including steam room, sauna, fitness centre and a gorgeous pool.

Stay @ Novotel Reading or book a conference or event and receive 15% OFF! Please quote ‘RPRIDE’ when booking to receive this discount.

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Pride has changed, say Trans ahead of Reading Pride 2015 UK Prides have had an uneasy relationship with the trans community. In 2008, trans participants were denied access to toilets by security staff in London. Some trans groups that marched last year in London turned their backs at the Stonewall delegation in protest at the group’s then refusal to advocate for trans rights.

Picture Biiz Photography

This year, animosity is healing and trans groups say for the first time they are starting to feel welcome at Prides across the UK, and we at Reading Pride have worked hard to include the LGBT+ community.

Reading Pride takes place on 5th September 2015, which celebrates diversity and community throughout the Thames Valley region and beyond, have a dedicated Trans and Asexual chill-out zone where you can relax with like-minded friends.

Reading Pride believe that people regardless of sexuality/gender should live without fear of who they are and that together we want to make a positive and resounding impact on tackling hate crime around the world, their vision is to build on the roots, and not only drive projects locally but work together in taking these projects and campaigns onto an international platform.

Christina Dearlove, a representative at Reading Pride stated: ‘Freedom is a right not a privilege and this is something which we need to ensure that we can send out as a message to everyone’ Reading Pride’s vision is to bring that voice to those who don’t have the ability or confidence to shout out within the LGBT+ Community.

Christina Dearlove

BEST WISHES TO ALL AT READING PRIDE FROM CIVIL NUCLEAR CONSTABULARY Everyone from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and especially from Griffins Pride, our LGBT network, is proud to support Reading Pride.

At the CNC we are proud of all of our diverse police officers and staff and proud to serve and protect all people. www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-nuclearconstabulary

The NHS at Reading Pride

by Jade O’Connor

We welcome the NHS back to Reading Pride, here’s what they had to say about their attendance last yet.

Our specialist health care professionals were on hand at to speak to people about all aspects of their health. Caroline Comer-Stone and Cathy Haynes even got some stage time and spoke to the audience about looking after their health and well-being and encouraging them to visit our stand.

It worked as over than 200 people had their lung age tested with our Respiratory Team, more than 135 people were seen by our community matrons who checked blood pressure and gave advice on general good health, 85 people took our Chlamydia testing kit and our Talking Therapies team talked to more than 300 people about their mental health.

The Mayor of Reading, officers from Thames Valley Police and Reading East MP Rob Wilson all stopped by for a mini health checks and to meet the team at the event. A small proportion of people we saw were identified as potentially needing further treatment and have been referred to the relevant service for them, a great opportunity to nip potential problems in the bud.

Katy Beckford, Respiratory Team Leader, said: “It was a very successful day.

We identified a significant number of people who could possibly have airways obstruction and also were able to discuss stopping smoking with a number of younger people with the hope of preventing this in their future.”

Cathy Haynes, Community Matron said: “Reading Pride gives us a great opportunity to understand the people we serve as well as helping them access our services for mental and physical health, not just for themselves but their partner, friends and family and carers.”

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Around The World

by Paul Britt

It was almost 5 years ago, back in 2010, when Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, in the early days of the coalition government continued to voice his support for gay marriage, while his coalition partner and Prime Minister David Cameron continued to urge caution over any immediate change to the law.

Civil partnerships, which came into force in 2005, gave same sex couples the right to the same legal treatment across a range of matters as married couples, but it never felt equal. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage in England and Wales was later passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in July 2013, some three years later, and came into force on 13 March 2014. The first same-sex marriages took place on 29 March 2014. Equality at last, but the story is different in other parts of world.

Homosexuality remains illegal in over 75 countries - of which five are prepared to sentence gay people to death; just for their sexual orientation.

In Mauritania, men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has not reportedly executed anyone for this ‘crime’ since 1987.

In Sudan, both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth, while in Saudi Arabia homosexuality and transgender is illegal and punishable by the death penalty, imprisonment, corporal punishment, whipping and chemical castration.

Yemen is in denial, with the official position that there are no gays. LGBT individuals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty.

Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states of Nigeria, punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97 per cent of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison.

Russia’s antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT “propaganda” allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists.

While the situation is much better close to home, some people may tell you that there are no problems in our country, or even in Reading. The truth is that hate crimes still exist, and homophobia is still prevalent, but in many cases it is just not as obvious.

The volunteers that work tirelessly throughout the year to create this wonderful event for you, can tell you that it is not that easy but things are getting better.

We should also thank the people on our front cover who are just some of the individuals who have contributed to the LGBT movement over the years so that you can have #prideinyou.

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