Dates for 2007/08

The meeting dates are as follows so put them in your diary now and this time, the only excuse we will accept is "He/she was absolutely gorgeous" - delete as applicable.

AGM & Closing Event - Wednesday 26th March - 7.30pm, Jarman Centre, Blackburn

Hate Crime - Contact Numbers - LGBT Liaison Officers

Please see our infomation page and listings for the phone numbers for your local LGBT Liaison Officers. Hate Crime is very serious no matter whether verbal, emotional or physical. Please help to stamp out all hate crime by reporting it either directly or through a 3rd party.

LGBT Youth Support Group in Pendle
A new group is available for LGBT Youth in Pendle Please contact 07825 931312 or 01282 862850 / pendlelgbt@hotmail.co.uk (contact Michelle Airey)

New LGBT Alcohol Dependency & Support Foundation set up in BLACKPOOL

A Blackpool man has set up a new LGBT alcohol dependency and support foundation after nearly dying from alcohol abuse in 2005. Brian Morrison, who was given six months to live if he continued to drink, says that there is literally no support for alcohol abuse in the LGBT community. He currently runs the Blackpool Alcohol Team with a small management committee and has now set up GASP UK, an Alcohol Dependency Support Service available nationally.

"I have seen many gay friends and straight friends die from alcohol addiction and that's made me feel that something needs to be done" said Brian. The service is currently running without funding and Brian is asking for support through sponsorship or donations. "I am working voluntarily to set this project up to help others after me coming through it, with hope that others may also come through it."GASP UK are available online through http://www.b4me.com/gaspuk.

Les-Bi-Con on Saturday 1st March 2008 11-6pm

This is a free event and is sponsored by v and the consortium for LGBT community and voluntary organisations. We can help towards travel expenses. Food will be provided!

The purpose of the day is to bring L and B women from across the North West (and beyond!) together to learn from each other about how to be active in running groups; volunteering in groups; and undertsanding the needs of LB young women and how to best address these needs.

The event is open to young people between ages 13 and 25. They do not have to have had any volunteering experience but do need to be keen to learn and to take back what they have learned to their own communities/ groups etc.

The volunteers from LIKT will be running some sessions, as are some people from the Stockport group 'The Base'. But we welcome anyone else that has any skills they would like to share e.g. by running a workshop.

Stonewall celebrates tribunal victory against Bishop of Hereford

'Triumph for 21st century decency over 19th century prejudice'

Stonewall is celebrating today's employment tribunal decision in favour of John Reaney, the gay man who has won his discrimination claim against the Bishop of Hereford. The case was supported and funded by Stonewall. John Reaney was interviewed by a panel of eight people for the post of Youth Officer in the Diocese of Hereford last summer. However, a unanimous decision to appoint him was blocked by the Bishop of Hereford after a meeting in which Mr Reaney was humiliatingly cross-examined by the Bishop
about his private life.

Mr Reaney is set to secure substantial compensation. In its judgement, the Tribunal said: 'The Respondents discriminated against the Claimant on the grounds of sexual orientation. The case will now be listed for a remedy hearing.' John Reaney said: 'I'm delighted that the Bishop of Hereford has lost this
case. It demonstrates to many lesbian and gay Christians working for God within the Church of England that they are entitled to fair and respectful treatment. I'm very grateful indeed to Stonewall for their support
throughout this case.' Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: 'This outcome is a triumph for 21st century decency over 19th century prejudice. We're very happy for John. The tribunal has rightly made clear that the Church of England cannot discriminate against gay people with impunity. No one, not even a Bishop, is exempt from the law.'

Radio GA GA!

1st and 3rd Saturday of every month sees the launch of Touch of Class, a women only disco at 139 High Street, Little Lever, Bolton. Open 8pm to midnight, call Doreen on 07834483646 for further details.

Check this out if you want to learn about t'internet.

Libraries love LGBT!

The other thing I would like to flag up is that the Library Service in Lancashire are very positive about LGBT issues and now have a dedicated LGBT section at the Harris, the main library in Preston, which has been put together by Steve Beswick. Steve is contactable at Stephen.Beswick@lcl.lancscc.gov.uk. If you do go into the Harris to have a look don't forget to give some positive feedback at the counter. It always helps

Civil Partnerships

Stonewall has produced a handy guide to the new bill which is available through Lancashire Friend. If you would like a copy, please contact us on the switchboard and leave a name and full postal address. If you need more information, contact: The Village CAB - a specialist advice service for lesbian, gay and bisexual clients - on 0161 834 2005 or e-mail advice@thevillage.org.uk The Citizens Advice Bureau also has an extremely useful website which can reached by clicking here.

3rd party reporting

Lancashire Friend and the Jarman Centre in Blackburn are authorised centres for third party reporting for all hate crimes - homophobia, racist etc. Anonymous reporting can be made by contacting Lancashire Friend or calling/visiting the Jarman Centre during office hours. The address is James Street, Blackburn BB1. The helpline number is 0800 052 0151.