Young LGBT+ people in care ‘SpeakOut’ New film reveals the experiences of young LGBT+ people coming out while in the care system. The six-minute animation promotes the findings of SpeakOut, a national study led by researchers at the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Centre for Research on Children and Families (CRCF). By Alice Blezard • 3 min read
New handbook for LGBTQ European travel destinations In collaboration with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Foundation (IGLTAF), The European Travel Commission (ETC) publishes its first study on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travel segment. THE Handbook, authored by Peter Jordan of Gen C Traveller, aims to help po By Alice Blezard • 3 min read
Arts New book delves into performance and identity Reader in dance at Edge Hill University authors new book and two high-profile book chapters, exploring various aspects of performance and identity including drag, contemporary dance and queer art-making. The book, Mesearch and the Performing Body, is written by Dr Mark Edward and is an anthology of By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
Arts Women Over 50 Film Festival unveil 2017 programme With just under two weeks to go until the Women Over 50 Film Festival (WOFFF), organisers unveil the full programme of films and events for the third festival plus an announcement of celebrity endorsement from award-winning Sussex-based actress Greta Scacchi. The Women Over 50 Film Festival (WOFFF), By Alice Blezard • 3 min read
Arts Pride in London announce line-up of events during London Pride Festival Showcasing the full spectrum of London and its LGBT+ communities, this year’s London Pride festival will celebrate the true diversity of London’s art, history, theatre, film and music from June 24 – July 9. The theme of the Pride parade on Saturday, July 8 is Love Happens Here. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
Arts PREVIEW: BFI Flare LGBT Film Festival announce 2017 programme BFI Flare: London LGBT Film Festival has unveiled its 31st edition’s full programme. One of the most significant and long-standing film events in the world’s LGBT calendar, BFI Flare will present over 50 features, more than 100 shorts and a wide range of special events, guest appearances, discussion By Alice Blezard • 3 min read
Arts PREVIEW: HOTBED – A Festival of Sex We live in a world saturated with sexual imagery – but how often do we talk about sex as it’s really felt, experienced or imagined? And why is theatre so seldom a part of that conversation? Hotbed is the Camden People’s Theatre’s brand new festival of sex: three weeks of adventurous performance guar By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
General News Charity calls for dating industry to make reporting safety concerns easier Independent research has found that a third of online daters have been concerned for their personal safety when communicating online or meeting potential partners from a dating website or app. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
Arts SHORTFLIX: New filmmaking opportunity for young adults SHORTFLIX is for aspiring filmmakers aged 18-25 who are not in full-time education, employment or training, and have an idea for a short film that tells their own story or that of their community, heritage, identity or area. By Alice Blezard • 3 min read
Arts 100 new artists for The Great Escape Having already signed-up some of the most hotly tipped musicians for 2017 in September, including Rag’ n’ Bone Man, Ray BLK, Cabbage and Nilüfer Yanya, The Great Escape (TGE) have announced a further 100 artists playing the festival for new music this year. By Alice Blezard • 4 min read
Health Health Trust employees wear Rainbow Lanyards When he was younger, David Van De Velde had no one to turn to on Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) matters. That’s why the clinical team leader, and qualified mental health nurse wears the rainbow lanyard with pride. The following is an excerpt of an article that will appear in full in By Alice Blezard • 3 min read
Arts LGBT HISTORY MONTH: Stuart Milk to launch ‘OUTing the Past’ at Manchester event International human rights activist and co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation, Stuart Milk kicks off OUTing the Past, a day of events celebrating LGBT+ activism at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, on February 26. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
Community News PICTURE DIARY: Alice Blezard’s memories of Brighton Pride 2016 Alice Blezard presents her memories of Brighton Pride 2016 from her position opposite the Royal Pavilion. By Alice Blezard • 1 min read
International News Children’s rights matter at Eurochild Conference The Network of European LGBTIQ* Families Associations (NELFA) were represented at the Eurochild Conference 2016 by 16-year-old Darragh Tibbs, from Northern Ireland. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
In The South Czech court annouce same-sex partnership adoption decision The Network of European LGBTIQ Families Associations (NELFA) welcomes recent decision by the Czech Constitutional Court to extend the right to apply for adoption to individuals in same-sex registered partnerships. By Alice Blezard • 1 min read
International News Italian Supreme Court upholds same-sex adoption decision Decision from the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation to allow a mother to adopt her wife’s biological daughter welcomed by Network of European LGBTIQ Families Associations (NELFA). By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
Arts True Trans story at heart of Indian Film Festival The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival will return to cinemas across London from July 14 – 21. The full line-up will be revealed soon, and promises some of the most prestigious and audacious new independent films from South Asia. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
General News Brighton locals co-operate for a better life Cooperative Alternatives for Work, Housing, Energy, Food and More will take place on June 11 at the Synergy Centre, 78 West Street from 10.30am to 7pm. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
In The South ‘Educate & Celebrate’ certify 60 new LGBT+ friendly ‘Best Practice’ schools In a year-long project supported by the Department for Education and the Government Equalities Office, LGBT+ charity Educate & Celebrate have certified 60 primary and secondary schools as centres of best practice. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
In The South EU affirms importance of equal parental leave for same-sex parents NELFA, the Network of European LBGTIQ Families Associations welcomes European Parliament report which evaluates the implementation of the EU law on parental leave. By Alice Blezard • 1 min read
General News Sexuality and Gender Diversity Toolkit launched for faith groups A new Faith, Gender and Sexuality Toolkit has been launched, which aims to build knowledge and provide crucial support for faith communities and leaders working to promote social justice in relation to gender and sexuality. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
Arts REVIEW: Laurie Anderson: Music for Dogs Laurie Anderson sets tails wagging at the Brighton Festival. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
In The South NELFA calls for inclusive law for current and future Rainbow Families The Network of European LGBTIQ Families Associations (NELFA) have spoken up for Rainbow Families after the approval on May 11 of new civil unions law by the Italian Parliament. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
In The South Lithuanian Councillors fight for equality for Vilnius LGBT community In a bid to help reverse the reputation of Eastern Europe as a region plagued by homophobia, a group of Councillors from Vilnius, Lithuania, have come together to declare their city open to all residents regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. By Alice Blezard • 2 min read
