|
Welcome to:- The Dorset LGBT+ Community news for 2024 If it's lgbt news in Weymouth / Portland / Bridport / Dorchester / Dorset area during 2024 we should have it here! |
Dorset LGBT+ Community News
Are you looking at us on a tiny phone screen? Forget it! Why? Because we have LOADS of local DORSET news below for YOU!
Check us out on your laptop / PC. Bookmark this page & check back weekly for updates, so that you don't miss anything you might like. We update our website weekly, as there is lots going on to report.
Got some local LGBT+ news to share? Tell us, tell everyone! email us at [email protected]
For over 100 local Dorset LGBT+ Community News stories from 2023, see our news page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/lgbt-news-weymouth-dorset-2023.html
Looking for Dorset LGBT+ Community Events? Check out our Events Diary listings - almost 100 Dorset LGBT+ community events running during September & October 2024! Join in and enjoy!
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
NOTE:- Reports from and links to, other media sources is for your information, and does not necessarily mean approval by WGG.You should contact them directly about their report if you have any comments/info/issues/concerns.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Are you looking at us on a tiny phone screen? Forget it! Why? Because we have LOADS of local DORSET news below for YOU!
Check us out on your laptop / PC. Bookmark this page & check back weekly for updates, so that you don't miss anything you might like. We update our website weekly, as there is lots going on to report.
Got some local LGBT+ news to share? Tell us, tell everyone! email us at [email protected]
For over 100 local Dorset LGBT+ Community News stories from 2023, see our news page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/lgbt-news-weymouth-dorset-2023.html
Looking for Dorset LGBT+ Community Events? Check out our Events Diary listings - almost 100 Dorset LGBT+ community events running during September & October 2024! Join in and enjoy!
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
NOTE:- Reports from and links to, other media sources is for your information, and does not necessarily mean approval by WGG.You should contact them directly about their report if you have any comments/info/issues/concerns.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Scroll down to see ..... The Dorset LGBT+ Community news ..... (on a PC / laptop is best)
|
Here are your headlines -
Over 100 stories this year! Dorset has a thriving LGBT+ community and our website is unique bringing YOU all the Dorset LGBT+ community news here! |
News below from all the Dorset Prides -
Weymouth, Poole, Bournemouth, & Sherborne Prides Plus Dorchester and more! See also our page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html |
|
* Seasonal shopping suggestions
- Weymouth shops with rainbow gifts! * Seasonal support - LGBT+ Helplines & Support Groups * LGBT+ Network For Change on BBC Radio - Portland Prison, Bibbly, homeless LGBT+ people * Weymouth Christmas Tree Festival - with WGG & Open Table trees * DV & abuse in LGBT+ relationships - Echo report / LGBT support & helplines * Shock as Weymouth Gay Group guy witness FIRE - outside our friends shop * Transgender Day of Remembrance - Weymouth 2024 photos & report * Youth Pride organiser wins Dorset Council award * Are you on social media? - We are, but the pub is the best place to find us! * Queer Britain - LGBTQ Museum & WGG * Anger as 'transphobic' leaflets handed out in Dorchester * Transgender Day of Remembrance - Weymouth * Lloyd Hatton MP visits Weymouth Gay Group - and says we are "fantastic"! * Dorchester - Lesbian visibility and acceptance honoured with statue. * Chesil Youth Pride 2025 - call for helpers / support * Weymouth Gay Group friend in Fire Tragedy * Health care for Dorsets LGBT+ Community - Weymouth Gay Group initiative * Dorchester Trans group drops to fortnightly * Lyme Regis in trailer for Netflix's Heartstopper * Dorset Artsreach North Dorset. Knot. Nikki & JD. and Nan, Me and Barbara Pravi. Hannah Maxwell * No cover up here - WGG guys at Dorchester Museum nude night * Weymouth Gay Group helps "x" win asylum! - Former Portland’s Bibby Barge resident gets asylum * TAGS meet WGG! * LGBT Celebrities on Stage this Autumn in Dorset - Graham Norton, Sandi Toksvig, Clare Balding, Alan Hollinghurst plus more! * Gillingham - new LGBTQ+ group! * Wimborne barber creates safe space for trans men * Clare Balding - Dorchester Literary Festival * Open Table Weymouth - A message from Rev Juliet, LGBTQIA+ worship * Dorchesters Atrium takes Pride in its notice board, - every GP surgery should have one! & wins GOLD! * What is it like being LGBTQ+ on Portlands Bibby Barge? * A quick round up of all The Dorset Prides 2024 * New West Dorset MP attends Pride! * Dorset Youth Pride - first pics - including new MP pops in! * Dorset Pride weekend – Bournemouth & Sherborne part one Bournemouth * Dorset Pride weekend – Bournemouth & Sherborne part two Sherborne * Sherborne Pride - reports, photos & video * Janice Robinson plans Sherborne move after Pride event * Portland Drag - Young People wanted! * Bournemouth Pride - BourneFree - photos! * Bourne Free Pride Festival 2024: All you need to know * Heartstopper! Screening in Dorch for Young People * More same-sex marriages taking place in Dorset * Beautiful Pride Guide - Sherborne * “Why have a Youth Pride?" "I don’t think it’s for adults?” * Pride Parade on Weymouth Esplanade! * Sherborne Pride on the radio! * How will each of the GE candidates locally support our LGBT+ community if elected? * Transgender community reacts to Tory Drax "gender ideology" - in Election leaflet. * Dorset Youth Pride - Shire Hall announce line up * Quayside confusion - as Pride postponed * Dorset Mind - a wonderful message for Pride month * Pride on the inside - Prison Pride Portland - with update |
* Bournemouth Pride info
* Two Gay Gnomes went to Pride …… * Dorset welcomes in Pride Month - with updates * "Gay" Taxi in Weymouth! * Pub Pride 2024 - HUGE let down for Dorset * Chesil Rocks - London Gay Mens Chorus* Poole Pride evening concert cancelled. * Three Dorset pubs listed for Pub Pride * Wey Valley Academy named finalist in Queer Awards * New LGBT BBC Local Radio Show * Portlands b-side arts - LGBT+ events * New! in Weymouth - A Christian LGBT+ worship community * Pub Pride - sign up now! * Pride Rainbow Train spotted in Weymouth! * Excuse me... are you missing an "L"? * Queer Film Festival - Poole Pride * Tributes to Drag Queen - Miss Jayson * "This is Me" change venue - again! * Some Hate crimes in Dorset fall but highest rate for Transgender people in six years * Our Simon to perform at Chesil Rocks * A Gay Day Out in Dorch * Sherborne Pride - Janice Robinson headliner * Poole Pride updates - Writing Out Loud, Cabaret & Poetry * Transgender news in Dorset Magazine * "This is Me" Transgender group expands Weymouth & North Dorset * Chesil Youth Pride Sat 29th June - update * London Gay Men's Chorus return to Chesil Rocks! * Portland student organises event on equality * Sherborne Pride - Vicky Vivacious & more Pride info * Weymouth Craft with Pride is OFF! * Neurodiversity & LGBT+ :- New Dorset NHS website * So ..... An Evening with Graham Norton in Poole! * Dorchesters Marvellous Mel:- The Long Shadow of Section 28 * Together always: United in Diversity! * Pub Pride Dorset info 2024 * Dorset Police chief apologises to LGBT community * Bournemouth Pride scraps Eurovision theme * The (Pride) Bus is back! * Dorset MP Supports ban on puberty blockers * Dorset Prides & WGG in West Dorset Magazine * Poole Pride your quick guide ..... with free events! * Poole Pride LGBTQ+ filmmakers wanted! * Dorchesters Mel helps Pop a LGBTQ+ award! * Poole Pride - Sophie Ellis-Bextor pulls out * Dorchester Hospital Pride Network display * NHS Dorset Health Care LGBT Network - relaunch * Sherborne Pride - on BBC Radio Solent * Poole Pride updates - new artists, Bimini and Horse Meat Disco * Pride & Unheard, LGBTQ+ musicians * Dorset Libraries LGBT+ History Month displays * Weymouth Library & Post Office * Gender Questioning Guidance Forum * Sherborne Pride - NEW for 2024! * Brother Do You Love Me:- (our 2023 book of the year) - out in paper back * When is Pride not Pride? * Dorset Libraries online event for LGBT+ History Month * GLUG keeps going under! * Poole Pride - updates .... * Homophobic attack in Bournemouth Wetherspoons * Holocaust Memorial Day - SYP painting * Sophie Ellis-Bextor at NEW Poole Pride! Sat 8th June 2024 * Weymouth LGBTQ+ Womens Group * LGBT History Month 2024 FOUR Dorchester events! * Gambling - recovery for all * Balls Deep - with Sinderella! * A few 2024 events not to miss ..... ! * Our LGBT+ review of 2023 News coming soon: - ? Dorsets LGBT Forum - has it closed? (We are still awaiting a reply from them to our email over six months ago!) |
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Seasonal shopping suggestions
(posted first on last years news page, updated here 14/12/2024)
With the festive season upon us we would like to highlight a few local shopping suggestions
Several Weymouth shops adorn their shelves with rainbow gifts, some like Weymouth Post Office, and The Weymouth Sweet Shop do so during most of the year.
(posted first on last years news page, updated here 14/12/2024)
With the festive season upon us we would like to highlight a few local shopping suggestions
Several Weymouth shops adorn their shelves with rainbow gifts, some like Weymouth Post Office, and The Weymouth Sweet Shop do so during most of the year.
|
We have always loved the mugs (fudge or other sweets extra)– at The Weymouth Sweet Shop in St Marys Street. Ideal for your home or an office friend! The Weymouth Sweet Shop 24 St Mary St, Weymouth DT4 8PN |
|
Our Weymouth Gay Group friends Barry & Dan at “Baan 57” in St Alban Street Weymouth always have a super range of gifts, many with an Asian origin.
|
Some rainbow themed ones too. A great place to shop for that slightly different gift. You can also shop with them online –
Address:-Baan 57 7-8 St Alban Street Weymouth DT4 88Z Website:- www.Baan57.co.uk 
|
|
|
If you are popping into Weymouth’s Post Office, sending your cards and parcels off do say hi to our friend the wonderful Vicky, and check out their rainbow gifts. Although not quite as many as during last Pride month, their selection is well worth keeping an eye on during the year. |
Weymouth Post Office
87 St Thomas Street, Weymouth DT4 8EN |
|
An alternative idea for a gift is an annual membership to a LGBT+ group. The GayOut Door Club (GOC) who run regular walks in Dorset and welcome everyone, is one such suggestion.
See - https://www.goc.org.uk/gay-outdoor-club/ You can see other specialist LGBT+ groups worth joining (from Cars to Saiing!) on our website page here: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/local--regional-lgbt-groups.html |
|
If you know of other Weymouth outlets with LGBT+ related gifts, please do let us know. (email [email protected])
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
Seasonal support (posted here 14/12/2024)
- LGBT+ Helplines & Support Groups If the festive season is not for you and you struggle, or you know someone who does, please remember there are several support groups and helplines you can connect with. |
|
|
Is life difficult for you, or someone you care about? Many of us have been there ..... So, we really do understand, especialy being LGBT+ or questioning Thats why we wish to share our Weymouth Gay Group website helplines page with you. We list a wide variety of local & national organisations who can help. Its OK to reach out. See:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html The Samaritans are there 24/7 even over the holiday season |
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
LGBT+ Network For Change on BBC Radio (posted here 14/12/2024)
The wonderful Kathy Caton LGBTQ+ show, which goes out on Wednesdays (9-10pm) on the BBC local radio network across most of southern England, had our group's friend Alan (from The Network) as a guest recently.
Alan spoke about how The Network came about back in 2012 with the Olympics, and also spoke about the Networks involvement with Portland Prison, the Bibbly, and homeless LGBT+ people.
You can hear the interview at approx 40 mins in. Here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0k59ws8
(27 days to listen from 14/12/2024)
You can find out more about The LGBT+ Network For Change which originated in Bournemouth, here:-
https://lgbtnetwork4change.com/
The wonderful Kathy Caton LGBTQ+ show, which goes out on Wednesdays (9-10pm) on the BBC local radio network across most of southern England, had our group's friend Alan (from The Network) as a guest recently.
Alan spoke about how The Network came about back in 2012 with the Olympics, and also spoke about the Networks involvement with Portland Prison, the Bibbly, and homeless LGBT+ people.
You can hear the interview at approx 40 mins in. Here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0k59ws8
(27 days to listen from 14/12/2024)
You can find out more about The LGBT+ Network For Change which originated in Bournemouth, here:-
https://lgbtnetwork4change.com/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Weymouth Christmas Tree Festival - with a WGG tree!
Saturday 7th to Saturday 14th December (posted here 09/12/2024)
note - now on Sunday 15th as well!
Pop along and see The Weymouth Gay Group Christmas tree! - and lots more!
Many local organisations and groups have a tree here. Which one is your favorite?
Venue:- Holy Trinity Church Trinity Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8TJ
Time:- All Day all week.
Tea, coffee and cake will be served. You might even catch our Tony on the Organ!
More info https://www.holytrinityweymouth.org/church-events/christmas-tree-festival/
Huge thanks to Shaun and Tony in our group for making this possible
Saturday 7th to Saturday 14th December (posted here 09/12/2024)
note - now on Sunday 15th as well!
Pop along and see The Weymouth Gay Group Christmas tree! - and lots more!
Many local organisations and groups have a tree here. Which one is your favorite?
Venue:- Holy Trinity Church Trinity Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8TJ
Time:- All Day all week.
Tea, coffee and cake will be served. You might even catch our Tony on the Organ!
More info https://www.holytrinityweymouth.org/church-events/christmas-tree-festival/
Huge thanks to Shaun and Tony in our group for making this possible
|
|
|
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
DV & abuse in LGBT+ relationships (posted here 05/12/2024)
The Dorset Echo reported (3rd Dec) about an ongoing Court case with a same sex couple, “Weymouth: Man on trial for assault on Lennox Street” (Link below). The couple are unknown to Weymouth Gay Group.
We felt it would be helpful to highlight the issue of Domestic Violence (DV) and abuse in same sex couple relationships. Sadly it does happen, but support and help is out there!
Below is a copy from our Weymouth Gay Group helplines page https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
The Dorset Echo reported (3rd Dec) about an ongoing Court case with a same sex couple, “Weymouth: Man on trial for assault on Lennox Street” (Link below). The couple are unknown to Weymouth Gay Group.
We felt it would be helpful to highlight the issue of Domestic Violence (DV) and abuse in same sex couple relationships. Sadly it does happen, but support and help is out there!
Below is a copy from our Weymouth Gay Group helplines page https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
Galop http://www.galop.org.uk/ National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans Domestic Abuse Helpline
Phone: 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428 Email: [email protected]
Domestic abuse can be psychological, financial, sexual, physical and/or emotional. Need support? We’re here to help.
Welcome to Galop, the leading LGBT anti-violence & abuse charity. We give advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. We also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system. We are a completely independent community-led group. Anything you tell us is confidential, and you can contact us anonymously if you choose.
Domestic Abuse
In Dorset you might like to check out -
Local support and help is available - Contact DAIT 07826 077525 or in Weymouth & Dorchester 07747 705916
This might also be helpful - https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/your-community/community-safety/domestic-abuse/awareness-courses-for-survivors-of-domestic-abuse/the-freedom-programme.aspx
Note:- The couple in the Dorset Echo report are not known to Weymouth Gay Group.
Links:- Dorset Echo report - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24765168.weymouth-man-trial-assault-lennox-street/
and https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24785324.weymouth-jethro-cray-morris-found-guilty-gbh-intent/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Phone: 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428 Email: [email protected]
Domestic abuse can be psychological, financial, sexual, physical and/or emotional. Need support? We’re here to help.
Welcome to Galop, the leading LGBT anti-violence & abuse charity. We give advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. We also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system. We are a completely independent community-led group. Anything you tell us is confidential, and you can contact us anonymously if you choose.
Domestic Abuse
In Dorset you might like to check out -
Local support and help is available - Contact DAIT 07826 077525 or in Weymouth & Dorchester 07747 705916
This might also be helpful - https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/your-community/community-safety/domestic-abuse/awareness-courses-for-survivors-of-domestic-abuse/the-freedom-programme.aspx
Note:- The couple in the Dorset Echo report are not known to Weymouth Gay Group.
Links:- Dorset Echo report - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24765168.weymouth-man-trial-assault-lennox-street/
and https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24785324.weymouth-jethro-cray-morris-found-guilty-gbh-intent/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Exclusive - breaking news!
Shock as Weymouth Gay Group guy witness FIRE outside our friends shop (posted here 28/11/2024)
Shock as Weymouth Gay Group guy witness FIRE outside our friends shop (posted here 28/11/2024)
A walk home from one of our pub meetups should be an uneventful event. However, this was not the case on Monday 25th November.
Having left The Swan at around 10.30pm, one of our guys walked down Weymouth's St Alban Street (known to many with its pretty small shops and flags), and was shocked to see huge flames from a recycling bag, and two youths laughing and running away. The flames at their height were licking the underside of the overhanging upper window bay.
Calling 999 our guy stayed and directed the emergency services to the fire, and the fire brigade soon had the situation under control.
The shop, Baan 57, is owned and run by Weymouth Gay Group friends Barry & Dan (partners). They were asleep upstairs in the flat above their shop. The whole situation / evening could have resulted in such a worse and tragic ending, and we are so grateful that it did not. Barry & Dan are a wonderful couple and Barry has attended a few of our WGG pub nights in the past.
Barry said in an email to our group:-
"They (Dorset Police) have given us a crime reference number should any one wish to add any details. 55240181488 "
Dan added today (Thursday 28/11/2024) "It happened on Monday, we are still waiting for them (Dorset Police) to come round to talk to us!"
Fortunately, it was all captured on CCTV from a neighbouring shop, so it is hoped that Dorset Police can soon take action on this.
While it is thought this arson attack may not be Phobic in nature, it is still very frightening.
Dan added "Always been problems in this street, but a lot less now that the nearby Mc Donald's has closed."
Having left The Swan at around 10.30pm, one of our guys walked down Weymouth's St Alban Street (known to many with its pretty small shops and flags), and was shocked to see huge flames from a recycling bag, and two youths laughing and running away. The flames at their height were licking the underside of the overhanging upper window bay.
Calling 999 our guy stayed and directed the emergency services to the fire, and the fire brigade soon had the situation under control.
The shop, Baan 57, is owned and run by Weymouth Gay Group friends Barry & Dan (partners). They were asleep upstairs in the flat above their shop. The whole situation / evening could have resulted in such a worse and tragic ending, and we are so grateful that it did not. Barry & Dan are a wonderful couple and Barry has attended a few of our WGG pub nights in the past.
Barry said in an email to our group:-
"They (Dorset Police) have given us a crime reference number should any one wish to add any details. 55240181488 "
Dan added today (Thursday 28/11/2024) "It happened on Monday, we are still waiting for them (Dorset Police) to come round to talk to us!"
Fortunately, it was all captured on CCTV from a neighbouring shop, so it is hoped that Dorset Police can soon take action on this.
While it is thought this arson attack may not be Phobic in nature, it is still very frightening.
Dan added "Always been problems in this street, but a lot less now that the nearby Mc Donald's has closed."
Calling 999 our guy stayed and directed the emergency services to the fire
|
Baan 57 Shop in St Alban Street Weymouth
|
Barry & Dan
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Transgender Day of Remembrance - Weymouth 2024 photos & report. (Posted here 21/11/2024)
It was a very cold, but dry evening when 20 plus people gathered at The Jubilee Town Clock on Weymouths Esplanade.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20th that honors the memory of the transgender non-binary, gender-expansive, and gender non-conforming people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence around the world.
Everyone present was invited to say a few words, if they wished. Poems were read out, statements of support made, a Transgender song played, and perhaps the most tearful - a book was passed around with the names and photos of those lost. It was very upsetting seeing how young many of the victims are.
It was good to see not only local transgender people supporting this, but also a number of local LGBT+ groups including Artachat - Portland LGBTQIA+, Open Table Holy Trinity Church, Weymouth Gay Group and others. Solidarity!
Thanks to Naomi for organising TDoR in Weymouth.
For a report about TDoR in Bournemouth see :-
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24740585.trans-day-remembrance-bournemouth-gathers-remember/
More info about TDoR see:- https://glaad.org/tdor/
https://www.transinthecity.co.uk/e-learning
and https://youtu.be/AxSxMZkzZb8
|
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Youth Pride organiser wins Dorset Council award (posted here 21/11/2024)
Extract from Dorset Echo 20/11/2024. You can read the full story here:-
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24729461.lgbtq-advocate-winner-prestigious-dorset-council-award/
A council worker has been honoured with a prestigious award for her work championing the rights of LGBTQ+ young people in Dorset.
Dawn Henderson, who works for Dorset Council's Children's Services, won the silver award in the Social Justice Advocate category at the prestigious Social Worker of the Year Awards. The category award was open to social workers who demonstrate a commitment to challenging injustice, seek to equalize the position of different social groups and challenge discriminatory systems.
She was recognised for her work advocating for LGBTQ+ rights amongst young people. One of her achievements was establishing Chesil’s Youth Pride event which took place earlier this year. The event was a celebration of diversity with more than 130 young people participating in the parade.
You can read the full Dorset Echo story here:-
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24729461.lgbtq-advocate-winner-prestigious-dorset-council-award/
Note:- Chesil Youth Pride takes place at Weymouth College in June and has run for the last two years. A highlight for many is the parade along Weymouth's Esplanade. If you are a young LGBT+ person, a parent or guardian of a young LGBT+ person, don't miss it!
You can see photos from past years, and read more here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
Does anyone know the date in June 2025 for Chesil Youth Pride? We would love to share it!
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Extract from Dorset Echo 20/11/2024. You can read the full story here:-
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24729461.lgbtq-advocate-winner-prestigious-dorset-council-award/
A council worker has been honoured with a prestigious award for her work championing the rights of LGBTQ+ young people in Dorset.
Dawn Henderson, who works for Dorset Council's Children's Services, won the silver award in the Social Justice Advocate category at the prestigious Social Worker of the Year Awards. The category award was open to social workers who demonstrate a commitment to challenging injustice, seek to equalize the position of different social groups and challenge discriminatory systems.
She was recognised for her work advocating for LGBTQ+ rights amongst young people. One of her achievements was establishing Chesil’s Youth Pride event which took place earlier this year. The event was a celebration of diversity with more than 130 young people participating in the parade.
You can read the full Dorset Echo story here:-
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24729461.lgbtq-advocate-winner-prestigious-dorset-council-award/
Note:- Chesil Youth Pride takes place at Weymouth College in June and has run for the last two years. A highlight for many is the parade along Weymouth's Esplanade. If you are a young LGBT+ person, a parent or guardian of a young LGBT+ person, don't miss it!
You can see photos from past years, and read more here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
Does anyone know the date in June 2025 for Chesil Youth Pride? We would love to share it!
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Are you social? - We are, but the pub is the best place to be social ! (posted here 21/11/2024)
We would love to have a younger person in our group who has the time, drive and ambition to enhance our socials online!
If that is you, email us! [email protected]
Please note, if you wish to contact our group, PLEASE use our email rather than social media, as they are not monitored often (may take weeks for a reply). However we get our emails almost instantly, and we try to answer genuine enquiries quickly. Thanks!
(Please be aware of our group Guidelines https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/wgg-group-guide-lines.html and be 18+ to follow us online)
Here are a few online places you can find us .....
We would love to have a younger person in our group who has the time, drive and ambition to enhance our socials online!
If that is you, email us! [email protected]
Please note, if you wish to contact our group, PLEASE use our email rather than social media, as they are not monitored often (may take weeks for a reply). However we get our emails almost instantly, and we try to answer genuine enquiries quickly. Thanks!
(Please be aware of our group Guidelines https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/wgg-group-guide-lines.html and be 18+ to follow us online)
Here are a few online places you can find us .....
Weymouth Gay Group has recently joinned Bluesky!
Bluesky Follow us bsky.app/profile/weymouthgaygroup.bsky.social
We are now on Bluesky! Following many people saying how toxic X (formerly twitter) has become, and extreme right wing, we felt it's best to be in a safe, supportive and understanding online community.
Bluesky Follow us bsky.app/profile/weymouthgaygroup.bsky.social
We are now on Bluesky! Following many people saying how toxic X (formerly twitter) has become, and extreme right wing, we felt it's best to be in a safe, supportive and understanding online community.
On X (aka twitter) Follow us https://x.com/WeymouthGayGrp
Join over 2,800 of our followers to get news and reminders about our meetings plus other local, national & international LGBT events/news/info and comments. However, many LGBT+ groups have been leaving this platform recently due to how toxic it has become.
Join over 2,800 of our followers to get news and reminders about our meetings plus other local, national & international LGBT events/news/info and comments. However, many LGBT+ groups have been leaving this platform recently due to how toxic it has become.
Facebook
We have a facebook page which has slowly been growing with followers.
You can see it here:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/153656431329039/
Messages & posts are not monitored often here, please email our group for prompt reply to any enquiries.
We would welcome someone who regularly attends our group to run our Facebook page for us.
We have a facebook page which has slowly been growing with followers.
You can see it here:- https://www.facebook.com/groups/153656431329039/
Messages & posts are not monitored often here, please email our group for prompt reply to any enquiries.
We would welcome someone who regularly attends our group to run our Facebook page for us.
Instagram
With many thanks to Adam who is one of the younger members of Weymouth Gay Group we have an Instagram account, although it has not been active. You can follow us on Instagram here :-
www.instagram.com/weymouthgaygroup/?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM%3D
With many thanks to Adam who is one of the younger members of Weymouth Gay Group we have an Instagram account, although it has not been active. You can follow us on Instagram here :-
www.instagram.com/weymouthgaygroup/?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM%3D
The Swan 8pm table 26 Thursdays!
Our twice weekly pub and restaurant meetups are THE best places to meet us all rather than online!
A safe and supportive environment which is far better than any online place to meet up!
So please join us here soon..... See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/ for this months meeting info
Our twice weekly pub and restaurant meetups are THE best places to meet us all rather than online!
A safe and supportive environment which is far better than any online place to meet up!
So please join us here soon..... See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/ for this months meeting info
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Queer Britain - LGBTQ Museum & WGG (posted here 18/11/2024)
|
On a recent trip to London one of our Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) guys visited Queer Britain LGBTQ Museum. Located just behind London's Kings Cross station, it is the first dedicated LGBTQ museum in the UK.
Although not a large venue, it made up for this with an amazing assortment of exhibits and displays. It has been open for around two years, and has become a "must go" place for LGBT+ people and allies visiting the capital. Weymouth Gay Group presented the museum with some of our group beer mats, which may well become exhibits in the future! We have also suggested a little project in collaboration with them. More info on this in the future if it happens. We visited during November (it can be very busy during London Pride), and enjoyed a crowd free and leisurely walk around the displays, mini cinema, and VR room. We found the staff very friendly and helpful, and the gift shop was well stocked with a welcomed range of LGBT+ goodies. We liked their website, and found the photo guide from Kings Cross station to their front door (along with directions) very helpful. Located near to Regents Canal, and The Old Coal Yard the area also offers a range of shops and bars, along with the canal walk. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click on photo above to enlarge
|
|
Click on photo above to enlarge
|
Click on photo above to enlarge
|
|
Well worth popping in to if you are up in London.
Queer Britain:-
Location 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
Website:- https://queerbritain.org.uk/
Queer Britain:-
Location 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
Website:- https://queerbritain.org.uk/
Quiz challege - to other LGBT+ groups!
Look what we got from The Queer Britian gift shop!
The Games Room with Pride Queer Trivia Quiz box!
It has 140 multiple choice triva questions celebating all things queer around the world. featuring topics relating to LGBTQIA+ achivements, milestones, and icons in history, sport, science, art, literature, politics, and pop culture. The quiz can be used in several ways, Easy, with two answers, Medium with 4 answers, or Difficult by just asking the question only.
So the challenge is out from Weymouth Gay Group to all the other LGBT+ groups in Dorset, lets have a Quiz night!
Drop us an email if your Dorset LGBT+ group is up for this!
[email protected]
Look what we got from The Queer Britian gift shop!
The Games Room with Pride Queer Trivia Quiz box!
It has 140 multiple choice triva questions celebating all things queer around the world. featuring topics relating to LGBTQIA+ achivements, milestones, and icons in history, sport, science, art, literature, politics, and pop culture. The quiz can be used in several ways, Easy, with two answers, Medium with 4 answers, or Difficult by just asking the question only.
So the challenge is out from Weymouth Gay Group to all the other LGBT+ groups in Dorset, lets have a Quiz night!
Drop us an email if your Dorset LGBT+ group is up for this!
[email protected]
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Anger as 'transphobic' leaflets handed out in Dorchester
(Posted here 16/11/2024)
Extract from Dorset Echo 16/11/2024 You can read the full story here:-
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24718478.anger-transphobic-leaflets-handed-pupils-outside-school/
PARENTS have hit out at 'transphobic' leaflets being handed out near a school. Members of Protect and Teach, a group which originated in the South West, have been out and about in Dorchester. The group were in the town centre handing out leaflets as well as on the Great Field, close to Damers First School off Bridport Road. Leaflets said that the group’s mission aim is to ‘protect children in education, and return to safeguarding first principles.’ As well as this, the group claims it ‘intends to keep children safe from gender identity ideology.’
Cllr Robin Potter, mayor of Dorchester, said that he spoke with the group on when they were in South Street. He said: “I hear what they had to say, but I think they were being extreme in their views. I understand their concerns regarding mixed sex toilets, but as long as they’re sized correctly with another option for girls who don’t feel comfortable sharing a toilet, that should be sufficient for this day and age. “Many people have ideas about their sex which does not fit with their gender assignment at birth, and that must be recognised.”
Extract from Dorset Echo 16/11/2024. You can read the full story here with picures of the leaflet:-
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24718478.anger-transphobic-leaflets-handed-pupils-outside-school/
(Posted here 16/11/2024)
Extract from Dorset Echo 16/11/2024 You can read the full story here:-
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24718478.anger-transphobic-leaflets-handed-pupils-outside-school/
PARENTS have hit out at 'transphobic' leaflets being handed out near a school. Members of Protect and Teach, a group which originated in the South West, have been out and about in Dorchester. The group were in the town centre handing out leaflets as well as on the Great Field, close to Damers First School off Bridport Road. Leaflets said that the group’s mission aim is to ‘protect children in education, and return to safeguarding first principles.’ As well as this, the group claims it ‘intends to keep children safe from gender identity ideology.’
Cllr Robin Potter, mayor of Dorchester, said that he spoke with the group on when they were in South Street. He said: “I hear what they had to say, but I think they were being extreme in their views. I understand their concerns regarding mixed sex toilets, but as long as they’re sized correctly with another option for girls who don’t feel comfortable sharing a toilet, that should be sufficient for this day and age. “Many people have ideas about their sex which does not fit with their gender assignment at birth, and that must be recognised.”
Extract from Dorset Echo 16/11/2024. You can read the full story here with picures of the leaflet:-
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24718478.anger-transphobic-leaflets-handed-pupils-outside-school/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
Transgender Day of Remembrance - Weymouth
(Posted here 13/11/2024) 6 - 7 pm The Clock Tower Esplande Weymouth Please join us if you'd like to. If you'd like to say a few words you're welcome to, but also no pressure at all if you'd just like to be there. Bring candles in jars, signs, photos or just yourself. Please feel free to invite other trusted friends and allies. More about TDoR here - https://www.transinthecity.co.uk/e-learning and https://youtu.be/AxSxMZkzZb8 |
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Lloyd Hatton MP visits Weymouth Gay Group - and says we are "fantastic"!
(posted here 17/10/2024 updated 18/10/2024 updated 28/10/2024 updated again 31/10/2024)
(posted here 17/10/2024 updated 18/10/2024 updated 28/10/2024 updated again 31/10/2024)
It was so wonderful to share our evening recently in The Swan with Lloyd Hatton MP - our South Dorset local MP.
So understanding and supportive of our local LGBT+ Community. (He is one of us!). He contacted us and asked if he could attend. Wow!
It gave those present an oppertunity to share not only personal issues but also concerns about the Dorset LGBT+ Community with both local and national issues.
Extract from The Dorset Echo:-
"Mr Hatton, who identifies as a member of the LGBT+ community, said:"
“It’s fantastic to join a local group in The Swan to listen to issues they wanted to raise locally and nationally.
"It's been great to get to know this fantastic group that does a huge amount of work in the community."
So understanding and supportive of our local LGBT+ Community. (He is one of us!). He contacted us and asked if he could attend. Wow!
It gave those present an oppertunity to share not only personal issues but also concerns about the Dorset LGBT+ Community with both local and national issues.
Extract from The Dorset Echo:-
"Mr Hatton, who identifies as a member of the LGBT+ community, said:"
“It’s fantastic to join a local group in The Swan to listen to issues they wanted to raise locally and nationally.
"It's been great to get to know this fantastic group that does a huge amount of work in the community."
Photo - (WGG copyright) L- R Neil (WGG), Lloyd Hatton MP, Kim Newstead (manager Swan pub), Adam (WGG).
|
Photo - (WGG copyright)
Left- Adam (WGG) Right - Lloyd Hatton MP |
He attened during National Hate Crime week, which showed how he is concerned, supporting and connecting with our local LGBT+ community. Wow! The first time our group of 16 years that a local MP has shown interest in joinning us
and supporting YOU!
We will be sending out this news story to several local and national LGBT+ news outlets ... and social media
So you may see it there. If so, please let us know.
More see:- Dorset Echo (28/10/2024) Weymouth Gay Group visited by South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24677037.weymouth-gay-group-visited-south-dorset-mp-lloyd-hatton/
See also:- Dorset Echo - (11/10/2024) Column: South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24644814.column-south-dorset-mp-lloyd-hatton/
Extract from Dorset Echo:-
"I met with the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs to discuss the important work of Fighting with Pride, a group that advocates for veterans who were wrongfully discharged or forced out of the Armed Forces because they are LGBT+. The ban on LGBT+ individuals serving in the Armed Forces was lifted in 2000, and yet the campaign to deliver redress for those affected by this harmful ban goes on. I will work alongside the Government to put right this historic injustice and ensure that every LGBT+ veteran receives the respect and dignity they deserve."
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Meanwhile ... A former Weymouth & Portland councillor (Tory) has recently blocked us on social media! Perhaps his social media posts shows that he does not understand and embrace diversity? esp Transgeder / human rights? This was following an online chat about Diversity & Equality and safe places for ALL with him. Perhaps an area he struggles to understand and fails to accept ? In Dorset most of us embrace equality and diversity! Very sad if he does not. The majority of us do! Perhaps not some one we want in public office again. - BYE!
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorchester - Lesbian visibility and acceptance honoured with statue.
(posted here 29/10/2024) Extract from BBC Dorset
A writer and poet who was a trailblazer for lesbian visibility and acceptance is to be honoured with a statue.
Sylvia Townsend Warner lived in Dorset with her partner, poet Valentine Ackland, at a time when same-sex relationships defied societal expectations. The sculpture, planned for Dorchester's main shopping street, will be the first of a non-royal woman in the county town. It is the result of a campaign led by charity Visible Women UK, which is calling for more representation of women in public art.
You can read the full BBC story here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9ql773rrz1o
And in Dorset Echo here:- https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24682475.sylvia-townsend-warner-honoured-dorchester-statue/
(posted here 29/10/2024) Extract from BBC Dorset
A writer and poet who was a trailblazer for lesbian visibility and acceptance is to be honoured with a statue.
Sylvia Townsend Warner lived in Dorset with her partner, poet Valentine Ackland, at a time when same-sex relationships defied societal expectations. The sculpture, planned for Dorchester's main shopping street, will be the first of a non-royal woman in the county town. It is the result of a campaign led by charity Visible Women UK, which is calling for more representation of women in public art.
You can read the full BBC story here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9ql773rrz1o
And in Dorset Echo here:- https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24682475.sylvia-townsend-warner-honoured-dorchester-statue/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Chesil Youth Pride 2025 - call for helpers / support
(posted here 25/10/2024) From Dorset Council newsletter
Dorset Council are looking for support from the local community to help deliver Chesil Youth Pride 2025.
Now in its third year, Chesil Youth Pride is a youth-led, family event that celebrates Dorset’s LGBTQ+ young people in Weymouth and Portland and beyond.
Dorset Council is looking for support from the local community and from voluntary organisations who would like to proactively help in the planning and running of Chesil Youth Pride 2025. Volunteers will join a working group, made up of Dorset Council employees and partners. We are also looking for support from local businesses who might be interested in sponsoring the event.
Chesil Youth Pride was created after the council received feedback from young people, saying that they felt unsafe in their communities and that they wanted a ‘safe space’ to be themselves. Last year’s event saw over 200 young people and their family, friends, and allies attend a stall event at Weymouth College, with many going on to join a celebrative group parade along Weymouth’s Esplanade. Feedback from young people over the last two years has been unanimously positive with one young person saying the event was “a perfect day” and a “wonderful and inclusive place,” while another said the event allowed them to “have fun and support their friends.”
Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills said:
“Chesil Youth Pride is about ensuring all young people in Dorset feel a sense of belonging, safety and inclusion, and have fun at the same time. We are looking for community organisations to join the project group and to help deliver something really special for Dorset’s LGBTQ+ young people. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.”
To find out more and offer your support, please contact [email protected]
Read more about Chesil Youth Pride 2024 here
See also our Weymouth Gay Group website Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here 25/10/2024) From Dorset Council newsletter
Dorset Council are looking for support from the local community to help deliver Chesil Youth Pride 2025.
Now in its third year, Chesil Youth Pride is a youth-led, family event that celebrates Dorset’s LGBTQ+ young people in Weymouth and Portland and beyond.
Dorset Council is looking for support from the local community and from voluntary organisations who would like to proactively help in the planning and running of Chesil Youth Pride 2025. Volunteers will join a working group, made up of Dorset Council employees and partners. We are also looking for support from local businesses who might be interested in sponsoring the event.
Chesil Youth Pride was created after the council received feedback from young people, saying that they felt unsafe in their communities and that they wanted a ‘safe space’ to be themselves. Last year’s event saw over 200 young people and their family, friends, and allies attend a stall event at Weymouth College, with many going on to join a celebrative group parade along Weymouth’s Esplanade. Feedback from young people over the last two years has been unanimously positive with one young person saying the event was “a perfect day” and a “wonderful and inclusive place,” while another said the event allowed them to “have fun and support their friends.”
Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills said:
“Chesil Youth Pride is about ensuring all young people in Dorset feel a sense of belonging, safety and inclusion, and have fun at the same time. We are looking for community organisations to join the project group and to help deliver something really special for Dorset’s LGBTQ+ young people. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.”
To find out more and offer your support, please contact [email protected]
Read more about Chesil Youth Pride 2024 here
See also our Weymouth Gay Group website Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Weymouth Gay Group friend in Fire Tragedy (posted here 07/10/2024)
A friend known by several WGG guys has been in a fire tragedy.
This is a breaking news story, and we hope to have more information when available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240152830. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
Links:-
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24632632.fatal-house-fire-southdown-road-weymouth-suspicious/
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3vk1q507z0o
**NOTE** If you have been affected by this, and need someone to talk to, contact our group via email or ask at our pub meetups. email [email protected]
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
A friend known by several WGG guys has been in a fire tragedy.
This is a breaking news story, and we hope to have more information when available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240152830. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
Links:-
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24632632.fatal-house-fire-southdown-road-weymouth-suspicious/
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3vk1q507z0o
**NOTE** If you have been affected by this, and need someone to talk to, contact our group via email or ask at our pub meetups. email [email protected]
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Health care for Dorsets LGBT+ Community
- Weymouth Gay Group initiative
(posted here 05/10/2024)
We are very pleased to say that following a recent meeting between Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) and the NHS that we are pursuing a number of avenues to benefit our LGBT+ community locally.
Often someone's first contact while questioning their sexuality or gender, may be their local GP surgery. Perhaps their mental health or sexual health may have prompted them to make an appointment at their local surgery?
Thus, it's very important we feel that local surgerys (and all staff there) know about all the support that is available both in Dorset and beyond for our LGBTQIA+ community.
Weymouth Gay Group has had a helplines page on its website for many years, and one aspect of this collaboration is sharing this info.
This is an ongoing project and if you wish to comment or be involved please let us know. We welcome this.
Weymouth Gay Group email [email protected]
Note:-
Scroll down for our news story about:-
"Dorchesters Atrium takes Pride in its notice board! - and wins Gold!"
- Weymouth Gay Group initiative
(posted here 05/10/2024)
We are very pleased to say that following a recent meeting between Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) and the NHS that we are pursuing a number of avenues to benefit our LGBT+ community locally.
Often someone's first contact while questioning their sexuality or gender, may be their local GP surgery. Perhaps their mental health or sexual health may have prompted them to make an appointment at their local surgery?
Thus, it's very important we feel that local surgerys (and all staff there) know about all the support that is available both in Dorset and beyond for our LGBTQIA+ community.
Weymouth Gay Group has had a helplines page on its website for many years, and one aspect of this collaboration is sharing this info.
This is an ongoing project and if you wish to comment or be involved please let us know. We welcome this.
Weymouth Gay Group email [email protected]
Note:-
Scroll down for our news story about:-
"Dorchesters Atrium takes Pride in its notice board! - and wins Gold!"
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorchester Trans group drops to fortnightly (posted here 03/10/2024)
The Dorchester based "This Is Me" Transgender group has recently announced it is dropping its weekly pub meetups. Based at "Goldies" in the county town, in a message on their website they said they would be meeting up fortnightly, highlighting the lack of members attending.
Anabelle, who has run LGBT+ groups in Dorset for many years said:-
"Here we are again sadly i am having to notify all who are interested as from 29th October the group will be moving to Fortnightly meets this is due to the lack of members showing up to meets. We dont live local to meet so travelling for no reason is starting to effect the finances. Our last meet of the year will be on 17th December and the meeting after that will be 4th February 2025 and once again they will be fortnightly until further notice."
More info from Anabelle:- Anabelle 074114 65007
email [email protected] Website:- https://www.thisismedorset.co.uk/
"This is me Dorset" - An informal evening for all transgender, tv's, cd's, tg's and gender diverse people, their friends & allies, every other Tuesday 7pm. Goldies, 36 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HN
The Dorchester based "This Is Me" Transgender group has recently announced it is dropping its weekly pub meetups. Based at "Goldies" in the county town, in a message on their website they said they would be meeting up fortnightly, highlighting the lack of members attending.
Anabelle, who has run LGBT+ groups in Dorset for many years said:-
"Here we are again sadly i am having to notify all who are interested as from 29th October the group will be moving to Fortnightly meets this is due to the lack of members showing up to meets. We dont live local to meet so travelling for no reason is starting to effect the finances. Our last meet of the year will be on 17th December and the meeting after that will be 4th February 2025 and once again they will be fortnightly until further notice."
More info from Anabelle:- Anabelle 074114 65007
email [email protected] Website:- https://www.thisismedorset.co.uk/
"This is me Dorset" - An informal evening for all transgender, tv's, cd's, tg's and gender diverse people, their friends & allies, every other Tuesday 7pm. Goldies, 36 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HN
Note: -
On The Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary page you can see the dates for "This is Me" for this Autumn. Look for the logo (on left) which is clearer than the one they use (at top)
See: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
On The Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary page you can see the dates for "This is Me" for this Autumn. Look for the logo (on left) which is clearer than the one they use (at top)
See: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Lyme Regis beach in trailer for Netflix's Heartstopper (posted here 29/09/2024)
Extract from Dorset Echo. You can read the full story here - www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24615830.lyme-beach-trailer-netflixs-heartstopper-series-3/
A WEST Dorset beach resort can be seen in a trailer released for the new series of a hit Netflix show. Beaches in Lyme Regis are visible in the background of the newly-released trailer for the much anticipated third series of Heartstopper.
Film crews took to Lyme in October of last year to shoot the coming-of-age drama.
Heartstopper stars Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Stephen Fry and Olivia Colman. It follows the story of Charlie Spring (Locke), a gay schoolboy who falls in love with classmate Nick Nelson (Connor), whom he sits next to in his new form. It is based on Alice Oseman's successful LGBTQ+ webcomics for young adults.
Extract from Dorset Echo. You can read the full story here - www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24615830.lyme-beach-trailer-netflixs-heartstopper-series-3/
"Behind the scenes of Heartstopper series three"
You can read more about heartstopper in this BBC report here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxd0121q1do
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Extract from Dorset Echo. You can read the full story here - www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24615830.lyme-beach-trailer-netflixs-heartstopper-series-3/
A WEST Dorset beach resort can be seen in a trailer released for the new series of a hit Netflix show. Beaches in Lyme Regis are visible in the background of the newly-released trailer for the much anticipated third series of Heartstopper.
Film crews took to Lyme in October of last year to shoot the coming-of-age drama.
Heartstopper stars Kit Connor, Joe Locke, Stephen Fry and Olivia Colman. It follows the story of Charlie Spring (Locke), a gay schoolboy who falls in love with classmate Nick Nelson (Connor), whom he sits next to in his new form. It is based on Alice Oseman's successful LGBTQ+ webcomics for young adults.
Extract from Dorset Echo. You can read the full story here - www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24615830.lyme-beach-trailer-netflixs-heartstopper-series-3/
"Behind the scenes of Heartstopper series three"
You can read more about heartstopper in this BBC report here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxd0121q1do
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorset Artsreach - North Dorset (posted here 28/09/2024)
Dorsets Artsreach has a couple of shows this Novemeber that may interest LGBT+ people.
Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th November
Artsreach. Knot. Nikki & JD
Saturday:- Child Okeford Village Hall Blandford Forum
Sunday:- Halstock Village Hall Yeovil
Physically exhilarating and touchingly poignant, Knot is an internationally acclaimed circus and dance show by performers Nikki & JD. Knot is an internationally acclaimed circus and dance show by Nikki & JD.
It is a very modern affair, told with delicate sensitivity through breath-taking acrobatics and heart-wrenching dance.
Knot uses circus, dance and storytelling to examine love and conflict between two people seemingly in a relationship. However, there is a twist in the tale, as the audience discover that the two acrobatic performers are actually a single 30-something woman and a gay man. This is a finely crafted theatrical journey through the struggles of commitment and asks the question: how can we be honest with ourselves without hurting those we love?
More info - Artsreach. https://artsreach.co.uk/event/knot-nikki-jd#instances
Wednesday 20th – Friday 22nd
Artsreach Nan, Me and Barbara Pravi Hannah Maxwell
Gillingham, Beaminster, & Sixpenny Handley
Wed 20th Nov 2024 7:00pm Gillingham School Theatre Gillingham
Thu 21st Nov 2024 7:30pm Drimpton Village Hall Beaminster
Fri 22nd Nov 2024 7:30pm Sixpenny Handley Village Hall
A critically acclaimed memoir of care, crisis and Eurovision by the creator of I, AmDram, Hannah Maxwell.“I wish I could say here our story starts. But this story starts later, and ended earlier. Is entirely fictional, and completely true. Voila.”
In 2021, Hannah Maxwell moved back to the Home Counties to care for her terminally ill grandfather. But this show isn’t about that. It’s about France’s Eurovision star Barbara Pravi, who’s just lovely. In between cooking, cleaning and Countdown, Maxwell escapes into an intensifying fantasy of ballroom dances, heartfelt ballads, Parisian cafés, and 'definitely-not-creepy' plots to engineer a meetcute with a random foreign celebrity. It’s La La Land meets Mission Impossible meets Hannah’s nan.
Hannah describes her autobiographical work as follows:Her autobiographical work offers a unique blend of influences from theatre, performance art, stand up, spoken word and musicals. It crosses into solo shows, performed essays, podcasts, television and radio. It is hyperspecific, playful and idiosyncratic. Accessibly radical, it remarks on the unremarkable. It is nonchalantly queer, because she is. There’s a bit of song and dance. Your mother would love it.
More info Artsreach - artsreach.co.uk/event/hannah-maxwell-barbara-pravi
(Click on posters below to enlarge)
Dorsets Artsreach has a couple of shows this Novemeber that may interest LGBT+ people.
Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th November
Artsreach. Knot. Nikki & JD
Saturday:- Child Okeford Village Hall Blandford Forum
Sunday:- Halstock Village Hall Yeovil
Physically exhilarating and touchingly poignant, Knot is an internationally acclaimed circus and dance show by performers Nikki & JD. Knot is an internationally acclaimed circus and dance show by Nikki & JD.
It is a very modern affair, told with delicate sensitivity through breath-taking acrobatics and heart-wrenching dance.
Knot uses circus, dance and storytelling to examine love and conflict between two people seemingly in a relationship. However, there is a twist in the tale, as the audience discover that the two acrobatic performers are actually a single 30-something woman and a gay man. This is a finely crafted theatrical journey through the struggles of commitment and asks the question: how can we be honest with ourselves without hurting those we love?
More info - Artsreach. https://artsreach.co.uk/event/knot-nikki-jd#instances
Wednesday 20th – Friday 22nd
Artsreach Nan, Me and Barbara Pravi Hannah Maxwell
Gillingham, Beaminster, & Sixpenny Handley
Wed 20th Nov 2024 7:00pm Gillingham School Theatre Gillingham
Thu 21st Nov 2024 7:30pm Drimpton Village Hall Beaminster
Fri 22nd Nov 2024 7:30pm Sixpenny Handley Village Hall
A critically acclaimed memoir of care, crisis and Eurovision by the creator of I, AmDram, Hannah Maxwell.“I wish I could say here our story starts. But this story starts later, and ended earlier. Is entirely fictional, and completely true. Voila.”
In 2021, Hannah Maxwell moved back to the Home Counties to care for her terminally ill grandfather. But this show isn’t about that. It’s about France’s Eurovision star Barbara Pravi, who’s just lovely. In between cooking, cleaning and Countdown, Maxwell escapes into an intensifying fantasy of ballroom dances, heartfelt ballads, Parisian cafés, and 'definitely-not-creepy' plots to engineer a meetcute with a random foreign celebrity. It’s La La Land meets Mission Impossible meets Hannah’s nan.
Hannah describes her autobiographical work as follows:Her autobiographical work offers a unique blend of influences from theatre, performance art, stand up, spoken word and musicals. It crosses into solo shows, performed essays, podcasts, television and radio. It is hyperspecific, playful and idiosyncratic. Accessibly radical, it remarks on the unremarkable. It is nonchalantly queer, because she is. There’s a bit of song and dance. Your mother would love it.
More info Artsreach - artsreach.co.uk/event/hannah-maxwell-barbara-pravi
(Click on posters below to enlarge)
|
|
|
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
No cover up here! (posted here 26/09/2024)
Many of you may be aware of the recent news coverage about Naturists taking over Dorchester Museum recently.
The event was organised by British Naturism (BN) and attended by over 60 people who enjoyed seeing all the exhibits (err – including each other!) at the County Museum. It was well “covered” by the BBC both on local radio, tv and even Breakfast time!
The Dorset Echo had a front-page photo (suitably adjusted - see above) while the Daily Mail (fail!) attended aswell according to some. What you may not know is that a few WGG guys went “undercover” (or not!) and enjoyed the Exhibition, as they are BN members too.
One of them said about naturism: -
"Firstly, the sense of freedom it brings and secondly there is so much pressure and expectations and conformity, a lot of which is very unhealthy, and naturism is a great leveller in that sense - we are all in the same boat. There is a feel good element to it and you very quickly get over the first time."
Dorset is blessed with several ideal places to enjoy the naturist lifestyle (not just in a museum), and you might be surprised just how many of our WGG guys also like to do so!
Links:-
Dorset Echo - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24591994.british-naturism-host-tour-dorset-museum-art-gallery/
BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dyl25125zo
British Naturism - https://www.bn.org.uk/regions/news/sw/naked-visit-to-the-dorset-museum-art-gallery-in-dorchester-on-17th-september-2024-r221/
Many of you may be aware of the recent news coverage about Naturists taking over Dorchester Museum recently.
The event was organised by British Naturism (BN) and attended by over 60 people who enjoyed seeing all the exhibits (err – including each other!) at the County Museum. It was well “covered” by the BBC both on local radio, tv and even Breakfast time!
The Dorset Echo had a front-page photo (suitably adjusted - see above) while the Daily Mail (fail!) attended aswell according to some. What you may not know is that a few WGG guys went “undercover” (or not!) and enjoyed the Exhibition, as they are BN members too.
One of them said about naturism: -
"Firstly, the sense of freedom it brings and secondly there is so much pressure and expectations and conformity, a lot of which is very unhealthy, and naturism is a great leveller in that sense - we are all in the same boat. There is a feel good element to it and you very quickly get over the first time."
Dorset is blessed with several ideal places to enjoy the naturist lifestyle (not just in a museum), and you might be surprised just how many of our WGG guys also like to do so!
Links:-
Dorset Echo - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24591994.british-naturism-host-tour-dorset-museum-art-gallery/
BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dyl25125zo
British Naturism - https://www.bn.org.uk/regions/news/sw/naked-visit-to-the-dorset-museum-art-gallery-in-dorchester-on-17th-september-2024-r221/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Weymouth Gay Group helps "x" win asylum! - Former Portland’s Bibby Barge resident gets asylum (posted here 26/09/2024)
We are very pleased to report that one of our members received his long-awaited asylum application result – and it was a positive result!
We will call him x here to protect his privacy. He attended a number of our WGG events during the summer of 2024 while he was located on Portland’s Bibby Barge. We provided him with a reference stating to the Home Office that he had found our Weymouth Gay Group through his own efforts, attended several times, and also joined our group at one of Dorset’s Pride events. He is now settled in northern England and we all wish him well for his future.
Scroll down for more news relating to The Bibby Barge.
We are very pleased to report that one of our members received his long-awaited asylum application result – and it was a positive result!
We will call him x here to protect his privacy. He attended a number of our WGG events during the summer of 2024 while he was located on Portland’s Bibby Barge. We provided him with a reference stating to the Home Office that he had found our Weymouth Gay Group through his own efforts, attended several times, and also joined our group at one of Dorset’s Pride events. He is now settled in northern England and we all wish him well for his future.
Scroll down for more news relating to The Bibby Barge.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
TAGS meet WGG! (posted here 21/09/2024)
|
A couple of times each year Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) have the pleasure of hosting visiting LGBT+ groups to our wonderful seaside town. The latest group to join us all recently on a Thursday in The Swan was TAGS, aka The Arun Gay Society from Sussex. They were staying in a sea front hotel and had arranged to join us some weeks before arriving in town. Everyone enjoyed the evening chatting about LGBT history, news, issues, and comparing notes about running a social group! We are very grateful for all their kind comments about our website and meet ups. |
Photo above - Two WGG members in forground with TAGS
|
Other groups that have joined us in the past include Gay West (on several occasions), and a group of guys from Yeovil.
If you are part of a LGBT+ group visiting Weymouth (or on your own) we would love to see you. We have guys who work in local hospitality so we can also make suggestions for places to stay and visit.
Special thanks to The Swan management for reserving tables for all of us, (we filled up 3 large tables!) which was essential for the start of the evening at a very busy venue, but their was plenty of room by the end of the evening.
For info about TAGS see - tagsonline.org.uk
If you are part of a LGBT+ group visiting Weymouth (or on your own) we would love to see you. We have guys who work in local hospitality so we can also make suggestions for places to stay and visit.
Special thanks to The Swan management for reserving tables for all of us, (we filled up 3 large tables!) which was essential for the start of the evening at a very busy venue, but their was plenty of room by the end of the evening.
For info about TAGS see - tagsonline.org.uk
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
LGBT Celebrities on Stage this Autumn in Dorset
- Graham Norton, Sandi Toksvig, Clare Balding, Alan Hollinghurst plus more! (posted here 16/09/2024)
Dorset is blessed this Autumn with a number of high profile celebrities appearing at the numerous Arts venues and local festivals. Plus other artists that may interest you and your friends for a night out!
- Graham Norton, Sandi Toksvig, Clare Balding, Alan Hollinghurst plus more! (posted here 16/09/2024)
Dorset is blessed this Autumn with a number of high profile celebrities appearing at the numerous Arts venues and local festivals. Plus other artists that may interest you and your friends for a night out!
|
|
|
|
Graham Norton is at Poole Lighthouse on Tuesday 24th September, talking about his latest book, Frankie.
"Join Graham as he discusses the new book, shares hilarious tales from his star-studded sofa and answers your questions live". Also appearing at Poole Lighthouse is Sandi Toksvig - with her "Friends of Dorothy" on Saturday 5th October. Mariposa : A queer tragedy inspired by Puccini’s Madama Butterfly DeNada Dance Theatre, is also at The Lighthouse Poole on Tuesday 15th October.
Meanwhile over in Dorchester, The Dorchester Literary Festival at The Dorford Centre hosts Booker Prize winning author Alan James Hollinghurst on Wednesday 16th October "who is a leading writer of gay themed literature". Followed by Clare Balding on Friday 18th October with her "Isle of Dogs".
Weymouth Pavilion and The Bridport Arts Centre both have events on Saturday September 28th. Queenz – Drag Me To The Disco "where Dancing Queenz and Disco Dreams collide for the party of a lifetime", is on in Weymouth. While Bridport Arts Center hosts The Big Bingo Show. "Hosted by glamorous bearded drag lady Timberlina and diminutive theatrical DJ Auntie Maureen".
NOTE:- We try to list everything of LGBT+ interest at the various Dorset based Arts centers on The Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary page of our website. You can see it here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html This page also has links to all the above events for more info and tickets.
If we have missed any other Celebrities on stage in Dorset, and other LGBT+ Arts events, please do let us, and everyone else know! email [email protected]
"Join Graham as he discusses the new book, shares hilarious tales from his star-studded sofa and answers your questions live". Also appearing at Poole Lighthouse is Sandi Toksvig - with her "Friends of Dorothy" on Saturday 5th October. Mariposa : A queer tragedy inspired by Puccini’s Madama Butterfly DeNada Dance Theatre, is also at The Lighthouse Poole on Tuesday 15th October.
Meanwhile over in Dorchester, The Dorchester Literary Festival at The Dorford Centre hosts Booker Prize winning author Alan James Hollinghurst on Wednesday 16th October "who is a leading writer of gay themed literature". Followed by Clare Balding on Friday 18th October with her "Isle of Dogs".
Weymouth Pavilion and The Bridport Arts Centre both have events on Saturday September 28th. Queenz – Drag Me To The Disco "where Dancing Queenz and Disco Dreams collide for the party of a lifetime", is on in Weymouth. While Bridport Arts Center hosts The Big Bingo Show. "Hosted by glamorous bearded drag lady Timberlina and diminutive theatrical DJ Auntie Maureen".
NOTE:- We try to list everything of LGBT+ interest at the various Dorset based Arts centers on The Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary page of our website. You can see it here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html This page also has links to all the above events for more info and tickets.
If we have missed any other Celebrities on stage in Dorset, and other LGBT+ Arts events, please do let us, and everyone else know! email [email protected]
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Gillingham - new LGBTQ+ group
(posted here 07/09/2024)
A facebook user has recently suggested starting a LGBTQ+ group in the North Dorset town of Gillingham.
This idea is very much welcomed, as North Dorset lacks regular LGBT+ meetups apart from the brilliant Geranium Trust in Stoford (nr Yeovil) with their LGBT events. Info see - https://www.geraniumtrust.org/you-are-not-alone plus the Dorset LGBT+ Community Events page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
The wonderful Sherborne Pride (earlier this year) illustrated how North Dorset has a thriving LGBT+ community.
It can be very rewarding helping to bring the LGBT+ community together socially. The Gillingham organisers will need lots of support and ideas to help start their group. So if you are in North Dorset and feel you can support them, please drop us an email ([email protected]) and we will put you in touch with them.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here 07/09/2024)
A facebook user has recently suggested starting a LGBTQ+ group in the North Dorset town of Gillingham.
This idea is very much welcomed, as North Dorset lacks regular LGBT+ meetups apart from the brilliant Geranium Trust in Stoford (nr Yeovil) with their LGBT events. Info see - https://www.geraniumtrust.org/you-are-not-alone plus the Dorset LGBT+ Community Events page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
The wonderful Sherborne Pride (earlier this year) illustrated how North Dorset has a thriving LGBT+ community.
It can be very rewarding helping to bring the LGBT+ community together socially. The Gillingham organisers will need lots of support and ideas to help start their group. So if you are in North Dorset and feel you can support them, please drop us an email ([email protected]) and we will put you in touch with them.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Wimborne barber creates safe space for trans men (Posted here 19/08/2024 updated 29/08/2024)
Extract from BBC Dorset, read the full story here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqe6e79prdno
A barber dedicated to helping trans men in Dorset is providing a more comfortable experience for people transitioning.
Kai Strevens, from Winstons Blighty Barbershop in Wimborne, took the step after his own experiences when trying to get a masculine haircut. Refusal of service, misgendering and being given feminine hairstyles are all issues he said he had faced.
Kieran Eljay Eaton said he felt awkward when a barber refused to cut his hair. For many transgender males, having a masculine haircut is part of leaving their female identity behind. Kieran Eljay Eaton told the BBC that previously being refused a haircut in a barber shop for his assumed gender had made him feel awkward, so he was glad of the new service. He said: “You have to explain that you are a trans male and it also means they saw you as a female when you walked in, which isn’t what you want."
“Your haircut completes like the look that you’re going for so that people actually think you’re a man," he said, adding: "The more masculine you can look, the better.” Kai said he understood the struggles of trying to get a haircut because when he first started transitioning from female to male, he was scared to go into a barber shop.
The barber said: "I used to go to my friend every time and, if they weren’t there, I’d wait for them because I just didn’t want to walk into a new barber shop and have the worry of them misgendering me or turning me away."
He said his customers "in the LGBT community know that I am quite easy-going with it". "They don't feel ashamed to talk about anything to do with transgender, being a lesbian, being gay, because I am open to it all and being transgender myself, I understand," said Kai.
Extract from BBC Dorset, read the full story here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqe6e79prdno
See also BBC South News: - https://www.facebook.com/sophie.cridland.58/videos/475796585085111
Extract from BBC Dorset, read the full story here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqe6e79prdno
A barber dedicated to helping trans men in Dorset is providing a more comfortable experience for people transitioning.
Kai Strevens, from Winstons Blighty Barbershop in Wimborne, took the step after his own experiences when trying to get a masculine haircut. Refusal of service, misgendering and being given feminine hairstyles are all issues he said he had faced.
Kieran Eljay Eaton said he felt awkward when a barber refused to cut his hair. For many transgender males, having a masculine haircut is part of leaving their female identity behind. Kieran Eljay Eaton told the BBC that previously being refused a haircut in a barber shop for his assumed gender had made him feel awkward, so he was glad of the new service. He said: “You have to explain that you are a trans male and it also means they saw you as a female when you walked in, which isn’t what you want."
“Your haircut completes like the look that you’re going for so that people actually think you’re a man," he said, adding: "The more masculine you can look, the better.” Kai said he understood the struggles of trying to get a haircut because when he first started transitioning from female to male, he was scared to go into a barber shop.
The barber said: "I used to go to my friend every time and, if they weren’t there, I’d wait for them because I just didn’t want to walk into a new barber shop and have the worry of them misgendering me or turning me away."
He said his customers "in the LGBT community know that I am quite easy-going with it". "They don't feel ashamed to talk about anything to do with transgender, being a lesbian, being gay, because I am open to it all and being transgender myself, I understand," said Kai.
Extract from BBC Dorset, read the full story here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqe6e79prdno
See also BBC South News: - https://www.facebook.com/sophie.cridland.58/videos/475796585085111
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Clare Balding - Dorchester Literary Festival (Posted here 19/08/2024)
Extract from Dorset Echo
TICKETS will soon go on sale for a festival which is due to welcome an Olympics TV anchorwoman. Clare Balding is part of the line-up of authors at this year's Dorchester Literary Festival, to be held from October 12 to 19.
The festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year 'with a stellar line-up befitting this momentous occasion', organisers say. The aim is to produce a diverse programme that will 'entertain, inspire and enlighten the audience'.
Clare Balding, who has recently fronted the BBC's Olympics coverage, will be talking about the many roles dogs fulfil and the history of how they became such an intrinsic part of our lives
Tickets will be on sale to Friends of the Festival from Friday, August 16 to Friday, August 30 and on general release from Saturday, August 31. These and many other events are now viewable on the website Dorchester Literary Festival here
Above is an extract from Dorset Echo, read the full story here, with details of other well known people taking part:-
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24513335.clare-balding-set-dorchester-literary-festival/
Extract from Dorset Echo
TICKETS will soon go on sale for a festival which is due to welcome an Olympics TV anchorwoman. Clare Balding is part of the line-up of authors at this year's Dorchester Literary Festival, to be held from October 12 to 19.
The festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year 'with a stellar line-up befitting this momentous occasion', organisers say. The aim is to produce a diverse programme that will 'entertain, inspire and enlighten the audience'.
Clare Balding, who has recently fronted the BBC's Olympics coverage, will be talking about the many roles dogs fulfil and the history of how they became such an intrinsic part of our lives
Tickets will be on sale to Friends of the Festival from Friday, August 16 to Friday, August 30 and on general release from Saturday, August 31. These and many other events are now viewable on the website Dorchester Literary Festival here
Above is an extract from Dorset Echo, read the full story here, with details of other well known people taking part:-
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24513335.clare-balding-set-dorchester-literary-festival/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Open Table Weymouth (Posted here 08/08/2024)
A message from Rev Juliet, LGBTQIA+ worship.
Weymouth is a vibrant seaside town; it seems to smile all the time! That’s one of the reasons behind us wanting to make sure that the smiles continue for everyone, in a welcoming, hospitable way at church.
Open Table Weymouth is an expression of a loving, inclusive community of faith. We recognise that churches can sometimes be a tricky place to settle into, for anyone, and for LGTBQIA+ especially - seeking a genuine, inclusive place to explore faith, and connect with Christianity in a way that only and always speaks of LOVE.
Here at Open Table Weymouth, we are learning from our network of churches around the UK, how to offer a safe, inclusive place for members of the LGTBQIA+ community, their friends, families and allies. Our home is within Holy Trinity Church – the Harbourside Church beside the town bridge. They are our ‘host church’. Holy Trinity is an Anglican church, and part of the Diocese of Salisbury. The church is part of Inclusive Church, and there are services held each Sunday morning at 8am and 10am. The vicar is Rev Juliet Stephenson, and she will be part of the team leading Open Table services along with others from local churches in Wyke, Weymouth, Radipole and Portland.
What happens at Open Table Weymouth?
We gather from 6pm on the first Sunday of the month. This gives us chance to catch up with one another, get parked up, and ready for worship which begins at 6.30pm. The services will vary each month. Sometimes a Holy Communion will happen, where we receive bread and wine that has been blessed and made special by one of the ministers. Other times, we will share stories, read scripture and sing songs, as we share an ‘agape’ meal.
There will always be nice refreshments to follow, and often a simple home cooked meal will be available.
Open Table Weymouth is a place where you can be yourself. We will always respect names and pronouns – Open Table Weymouth is a place to find friends and fellowship, whilst growing in faith and exploring Christian values along the way.
We believe that Jesus is God’s chosen one. Jesus came to bring ‘life in all its fullness’, and to share God’s love with all people – NO exceptions. The Open Table network of churches are really special places to be, and we are sure that as we grow, Weymouth will flourish and bring encouragement to everyone who seeks to find out how much God loves them.
We do hope that you find a place with us, we can’t wait to welcome you, your friends, families and allies.
God bless you Rev Juliet (Vicar of Holy Trinity)
email [email protected] call 07729 505924 Holly Trinity Church Trinity Road, Weymouth DT4 8TJ
You can read more about the Open Table Network here: - https://opentable.lgbt/
Dorset Echo covered this story on 24/08/2024.You can see their report here:- https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24529344.holy-trinity-church-launches-open-table-service-weymouth/
A message from Rev Juliet, LGBTQIA+ worship.
Weymouth is a vibrant seaside town; it seems to smile all the time! That’s one of the reasons behind us wanting to make sure that the smiles continue for everyone, in a welcoming, hospitable way at church.
Open Table Weymouth is an expression of a loving, inclusive community of faith. We recognise that churches can sometimes be a tricky place to settle into, for anyone, and for LGTBQIA+ especially - seeking a genuine, inclusive place to explore faith, and connect with Christianity in a way that only and always speaks of LOVE.
Here at Open Table Weymouth, we are learning from our network of churches around the UK, how to offer a safe, inclusive place for members of the LGTBQIA+ community, their friends, families and allies. Our home is within Holy Trinity Church – the Harbourside Church beside the town bridge. They are our ‘host church’. Holy Trinity is an Anglican church, and part of the Diocese of Salisbury. The church is part of Inclusive Church, and there are services held each Sunday morning at 8am and 10am. The vicar is Rev Juliet Stephenson, and she will be part of the team leading Open Table services along with others from local churches in Wyke, Weymouth, Radipole and Portland.
What happens at Open Table Weymouth?
We gather from 6pm on the first Sunday of the month. This gives us chance to catch up with one another, get parked up, and ready for worship which begins at 6.30pm. The services will vary each month. Sometimes a Holy Communion will happen, where we receive bread and wine that has been blessed and made special by one of the ministers. Other times, we will share stories, read scripture and sing songs, as we share an ‘agape’ meal.
There will always be nice refreshments to follow, and often a simple home cooked meal will be available.
Open Table Weymouth is a place where you can be yourself. We will always respect names and pronouns – Open Table Weymouth is a place to find friends and fellowship, whilst growing in faith and exploring Christian values along the way.
We believe that Jesus is God’s chosen one. Jesus came to bring ‘life in all its fullness’, and to share God’s love with all people – NO exceptions. The Open Table network of churches are really special places to be, and we are sure that as we grow, Weymouth will flourish and bring encouragement to everyone who seeks to find out how much God loves them.
We do hope that you find a place with us, we can’t wait to welcome you, your friends, families and allies.
God bless you Rev Juliet (Vicar of Holy Trinity)
email [email protected] call 07729 505924 Holly Trinity Church Trinity Road, Weymouth DT4 8TJ
You can read more about the Open Table Network here: - https://opentable.lgbt/
Dorset Echo covered this story on 24/08/2024.You can see their report here:- https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24529344.holy-trinity-church-launches-open-table-service-weymouth/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorchesters Atrium takes Pride in its notice board! - and wins Gold!
(posted here 29/07/2024 updated 31/07/2024)
Dorchesters Atrium takes Pride in its notice board! - and wins Gold!
(posted here 29/07/2024 updated 31/07/2024)
LGBT+ visitors to Dorchesters Atrium GP surgery in Weymouth Avenue are delighted to see their Pride notice board display. Highlighting several local LGBT+ Community groups - including us - Weymouth Gay Group with our helplines poster. Space Youth Project also has a poster too. Note also they are starting a LGBTQ+ Patient Participation Group! Wow!
We dropped by this award winning surgery recently to see the display, deliver our new leaflets, and congratulate them on winning GOLD Pride in Practice award! It would be lovely if more (or all!) GP surgeries could follow this excellent example.
More about Atrium GP surgery / LGBT+here - https://www.atriumhealth.nhs.uk/lgbtq-information
You can read more about Pride In Practice here - https://lgbt.foundation/help/pride-in-practice/
Photos below from Weymouth Gay Group, picture above with thanks form our Jonai (NHS).
We dropped by this award winning surgery recently to see the display, deliver our new leaflets, and congratulate them on winning GOLD Pride in Practice award! It would be lovely if more (or all!) GP surgeries could follow this excellent example.
More about Atrium GP surgery / LGBT+here - https://www.atriumhealth.nhs.uk/lgbtq-information
You can read more about Pride In Practice here - https://lgbt.foundation/help/pride-in-practice/
Photos below from Weymouth Gay Group, picture above with thanks form our Jonai (NHS).
|
|
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
What is it like being LGBTQ+ on Portlands Bibby Barge? (posted here 29/07/2024)
Extract from www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/stories/faisal-aka-etlalas-story/
Have you wondered what it is like living on a barge while waiting for your asylum claim to be processed?
Rainbow Migration, who help many in our LGBT+ family in such situations, have recently published Faisals story.
He says:- "My name is Faisal AKA Etlala. I am non-binary and gay. I was born in Saudi Arabia, which is hell for LGBTQ+ people. I first came to the UK in 2019 and wanted to apply for asylum, but I didn’t know how. I was totally ignorant of the LGBTQI+ asylum process. I was in London and asked lots of people for help, but I was given bad advice. Sadly, I ended up in the hands of traffickers. I managed to get away and decided to go back to Saudi Arabia.
I found out about Rainbow Migration and got in touch. I got referred to Ayesha, who told me how the asylum process works, and what I had to do. I finally felt like I was getting the right support. I was so relieved, especially when she put me in touch with a lawyer – she even came with me to visit them for the first time. I really appreciated it, I felt so much more comfortable with her there with me.
Eventually the Home Office sent me to the Bibby Stockholm barge. It was hell; I felt so unsafe it was like being back in Saudi Arabia. At times like this, my experience in the UK has been just as difficult as my country of origin. Unfortunately, I have faced a lot of homophobia from other people seeking asylum. I was treated very badly on the Bibby Stockholm. At first, I had to share a room. Then after a few days I got to have my own room, which was better. I had some privacy, and good facilities. But everything else was awful. The staff were also so cruel, they treated all of us staying there very badly. They are always watching you, searching you, making you feel anxious. Once I went outside for some fresh air, and the staff made me take my jacket off. It was so cold, and I had nothing on underneath, and they laughed at me. The staff would say that people seeking asylum are only here on vacation. We were always being told to “go home”, they were always trying to get rid of us. It was horrible.
Someone took their own life while I was there. There were police and ambulances everywhere. It was chaotic, and very scary. No-one would tell us what was going on and the staff ignored me when I asked them. I spoke to Ayesha at Rainbow Migration, and she confirmed what was going on. It was awful, it was terrifying. I was so anxious all the time.
I was held on the Bibby Stockholm for two months. Afterwards I was sent to Manchester. Then I had two Home Office interviews. When I first came to the UK, they asked me lots of very invasive questions. It didn’t feel professional, but you must try to answer as best you can. I was very nervous to have another interview with them, but Ayesha and Rainbow Migration helped me through it.
I was granted refugee status in March 2024. I cried when I found out. I was so shocked. I knew that lots of the people I’d met on the Bibby Stockholm had been refused and removed from the country, and I was expecting the same to happen to me. I was so relieved.
I am so happy to be able to stay in the UK. Yet life is still very challenging. It’s so hard to seek asylum – then it’s so hard to start your new life once you get granted refugee status. I can’t explain how difficult it is, especially when you are LGBTQI+.
LGBTQI+ migrants need to be made to feel safer in Home Office accommodation! It is very difficult to go through asylum and live in these places as a non-binary person.
But I am happier and feel better in Manchester. I have a few friends who are supporting me, and it’s a good city to be queer. It’s an exciting place to be, and I am starting to build a life here. I am meeting people and making new friends. I am slowly beginning to feel more positive. I have started dreaming again. I would love to be a singer. Singing and performing is an escape, it makes me so happy, and being on stage really liberates me.
Above is an extract from www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/stories/faisal-aka-etlalas-story/
It's well worth reading his full story there.
NOTE: - Regular Weymouth Gay Group guys will remember how we welcomed Koil who also stayed on The Bibby Barge, and attended some of our pub and Pride events.
To its credit, one of the first things the new Government did was to announce that The Home Office would not renew its contract for the Bibby Barge. So it will close in early 2025. More info see - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg640n3372qo
Extract from www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/stories/faisal-aka-etlalas-story/
Have you wondered what it is like living on a barge while waiting for your asylum claim to be processed?
Rainbow Migration, who help many in our LGBT+ family in such situations, have recently published Faisals story.
He says:- "My name is Faisal AKA Etlala. I am non-binary and gay. I was born in Saudi Arabia, which is hell for LGBTQ+ people. I first came to the UK in 2019 and wanted to apply for asylum, but I didn’t know how. I was totally ignorant of the LGBTQI+ asylum process. I was in London and asked lots of people for help, but I was given bad advice. Sadly, I ended up in the hands of traffickers. I managed to get away and decided to go back to Saudi Arabia.
I found out about Rainbow Migration and got in touch. I got referred to Ayesha, who told me how the asylum process works, and what I had to do. I finally felt like I was getting the right support. I was so relieved, especially when she put me in touch with a lawyer – she even came with me to visit them for the first time. I really appreciated it, I felt so much more comfortable with her there with me.
Eventually the Home Office sent me to the Bibby Stockholm barge. It was hell; I felt so unsafe it was like being back in Saudi Arabia. At times like this, my experience in the UK has been just as difficult as my country of origin. Unfortunately, I have faced a lot of homophobia from other people seeking asylum. I was treated very badly on the Bibby Stockholm. At first, I had to share a room. Then after a few days I got to have my own room, which was better. I had some privacy, and good facilities. But everything else was awful. The staff were also so cruel, they treated all of us staying there very badly. They are always watching you, searching you, making you feel anxious. Once I went outside for some fresh air, and the staff made me take my jacket off. It was so cold, and I had nothing on underneath, and they laughed at me. The staff would say that people seeking asylum are only here on vacation. We were always being told to “go home”, they were always trying to get rid of us. It was horrible.
Someone took their own life while I was there. There were police and ambulances everywhere. It was chaotic, and very scary. No-one would tell us what was going on and the staff ignored me when I asked them. I spoke to Ayesha at Rainbow Migration, and she confirmed what was going on. It was awful, it was terrifying. I was so anxious all the time.
I was held on the Bibby Stockholm for two months. Afterwards I was sent to Manchester. Then I had two Home Office interviews. When I first came to the UK, they asked me lots of very invasive questions. It didn’t feel professional, but you must try to answer as best you can. I was very nervous to have another interview with them, but Ayesha and Rainbow Migration helped me through it.
I was granted refugee status in March 2024. I cried when I found out. I was so shocked. I knew that lots of the people I’d met on the Bibby Stockholm had been refused and removed from the country, and I was expecting the same to happen to me. I was so relieved.
I am so happy to be able to stay in the UK. Yet life is still very challenging. It’s so hard to seek asylum – then it’s so hard to start your new life once you get granted refugee status. I can’t explain how difficult it is, especially when you are LGBTQI+.
LGBTQI+ migrants need to be made to feel safer in Home Office accommodation! It is very difficult to go through asylum and live in these places as a non-binary person.
But I am happier and feel better in Manchester. I have a few friends who are supporting me, and it’s a good city to be queer. It’s an exciting place to be, and I am starting to build a life here. I am meeting people and making new friends. I am slowly beginning to feel more positive. I have started dreaming again. I would love to be a singer. Singing and performing is an escape, it makes me so happy, and being on stage really liberates me.
Above is an extract from www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/stories/faisal-aka-etlalas-story/
It's well worth reading his full story there.
NOTE: - Regular Weymouth Gay Group guys will remember how we welcomed Koil who also stayed on The Bibby Barge, and attended some of our pub and Pride events.
To its credit, one of the first things the new Government did was to announce that The Home Office would not renew its contract for the Bibby Barge. So it will close in early 2025. More info see - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg640n3372qo
Rainbow Migration supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people through the asylum and immigration system. Our vision is a world where there is equality, dignity, respect and safety for all people in the expression of their sexual or gender identity. We have three goals:
More see - https://www.rainbowmigration.org.uk/ email [email protected] Phone 020 7922 7812 Twitter: @rainbowmigrants twitter.com/rainbowmigrants Facebook: www.facebook.com/RainbowMigration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowmigration LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/rainbow-migration |
We, Weymouth Gay Group expressed our concerns about LGBT+ people on The Bibby Barge back in October 2023 as this Dorset Echo story reports: -
(Click on photo below to enlarge) 
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
A quick round up of all The Dorset Prides 2024
(posted here and on our Pride page 27/07/2024)
Now that the Pride season is over in Dorset …..
So, err ….
How many Prides did we have in Dorset this year? Which ones did you go to?
We think it started off back in the spring with six, or was it seven? Early in the new year saw one cancelled, as the venue had not been paid deposit! (Weymouth Craft with Pride) While in May the annual Pub Pride with 200 venues nationally and three advertised in Dorset failed to deliver any locally! Oh dear.
Despite these setbacks news quickly came through about two new Prides, Sherborne and Poole.
With all the regular Dorset Prides happening we produced a Dorset Pride Poster advertising them all. Seems like a very logical and valuable idea to promote them all together. We distributed this around the Dorset LGBT+ Community and it was very well received.
However, it soon became outdated with yet more Dorset Prides! Yippy!
Along came news of Charmouth Pride (did it happen, some confusion?), Bournemouth Community Pride, even a Dorset Cricket Pride!
Brill to see the return of the two Youth Prides (Dorset Youth Pride & Chesil Youth Pride), and the Parade along Weymouth’s esplanade. Wow! Over double the size from 2023!
A Jurassic Pride has been proposed for several years (Bridport area), and like all Pride events can only happen if enough volunteers and sponsors come forward.
Portland Prison Pride - Pride on the inside. Whilst it is not an environment that any of us would like to celebrate Pride in, we must remember that it was not that long ago that just being who we are would have found us in such a place. Sadly this is also the case in far to many countries around the world.
Let’s rejoice how Dorset Prides embrace a diversity of styles and opportunities for our community to come together to both celebrate and protest.
So ..is that a record number of 10 or 12 or more to choose from in 2025? However many you can be sure that we Weymouth Gay Group will have a Dorset Prides 2025 poster promoting them all, and all the info will be on our website pages here for you too.
Dorset has a Pride for you in 2025, just please don’t miss it - or all of them!
MORE info see our Pride page here (which also has a pull down menu on your laptop/pc of ALL the Dorset Prides)
- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html
Note Yeovil Does Pride 7th September 2024
Although slightly outside our area, this is an ideal event for LGBT+ people and friends in North Dorset.
This is a beautiful community focused event. More info via - https://yeovildiversityproject.co.uk/lets-get-beverages-together/
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here and on our Pride page 27/07/2024)
Now that the Pride season is over in Dorset …..
So, err ….
How many Prides did we have in Dorset this year? Which ones did you go to?
We think it started off back in the spring with six, or was it seven? Early in the new year saw one cancelled, as the venue had not been paid deposit! (Weymouth Craft with Pride) While in May the annual Pub Pride with 200 venues nationally and three advertised in Dorset failed to deliver any locally! Oh dear.
Despite these setbacks news quickly came through about two new Prides, Sherborne and Poole.
With all the regular Dorset Prides happening we produced a Dorset Pride Poster advertising them all. Seems like a very logical and valuable idea to promote them all together. We distributed this around the Dorset LGBT+ Community and it was very well received.
However, it soon became outdated with yet more Dorset Prides! Yippy!
Along came news of Charmouth Pride (did it happen, some confusion?), Bournemouth Community Pride, even a Dorset Cricket Pride!
Brill to see the return of the two Youth Prides (Dorset Youth Pride & Chesil Youth Pride), and the Parade along Weymouth’s esplanade. Wow! Over double the size from 2023!
A Jurassic Pride has been proposed for several years (Bridport area), and like all Pride events can only happen if enough volunteers and sponsors come forward.
Portland Prison Pride - Pride on the inside. Whilst it is not an environment that any of us would like to celebrate Pride in, we must remember that it was not that long ago that just being who we are would have found us in such a place. Sadly this is also the case in far to many countries around the world.
Let’s rejoice how Dorset Prides embrace a diversity of styles and opportunities for our community to come together to both celebrate and protest.
So ..is that a record number of 10 or 12 or more to choose from in 2025? However many you can be sure that we Weymouth Gay Group will have a Dorset Prides 2025 poster promoting them all, and all the info will be on our website pages here for you too.
Dorset has a Pride for you in 2025, just please don’t miss it - or all of them!
MORE info see our Pride page here (which also has a pull down menu on your laptop/pc of ALL the Dorset Prides)
- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html
Note Yeovil Does Pride 7th September 2024
Although slightly outside our area, this is an ideal event for LGBT+ people and friends in North Dorset.
This is a beautiful community focused event. More info via - https://yeovildiversityproject.co.uk/lets-get-beverages-together/
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
New West Dorset MP attends Pride!
(posted here 13/07/2024)
For many of us in Dorsets LGBT+ community the lack of interest / concern for our community from our elected MPs has been of concern in recent years. The openly negative comments particularly from Mr Drax, now ex MP, (reported in several news reports below) being just one example.
Within a few weeks of being elected, it was brilliant to see the new MP for West Dorset, Edward Morello at Shire Hall Museum for the annual Dorset Youth Pride recently. (middle of photo)
He is seen here with several stall holders and we thank our Jonai for the photo.
It is hoped he will represent the interests of our LGBT+ community in Dorset, and perhaps drop by our group to hear about the many LGBT+ events and groups in Dorset and our concerns towards equality and diversity.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here 13/07/2024)
For many of us in Dorsets LGBT+ community the lack of interest / concern for our community from our elected MPs has been of concern in recent years. The openly negative comments particularly from Mr Drax, now ex MP, (reported in several news reports below) being just one example.
Within a few weeks of being elected, it was brilliant to see the new MP for West Dorset, Edward Morello at Shire Hall Museum for the annual Dorset Youth Pride recently. (middle of photo)
He is seen here with several stall holders and we thank our Jonai for the photo.
It is hoped he will represent the interests of our LGBT+ community in Dorset, and perhaps drop by our group to hear about the many LGBT+ events and groups in Dorset and our concerns towards equality and diversity.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorset Youth Pride - first pics - including new MP pops in! (posted here 13/07/2024)
The well established Dorset Youth Pride returned to Shire Hall Dorchester today - 13th July. Here are some of the first photos showing our Jonai (NHS) and other stall holders. Thanks to Jonai for photos, and permissions from all those shown to be in them.
The well established Dorset Youth Pride returned to Shire Hall Dorchester today - 13th July. Here are some of the first photos showing our Jonai (NHS) and other stall holders. Thanks to Jonai for photos, and permissions from all those shown to be in them.
|
|
Above:- Our Weymouth Gay Group (unmanned) dispaly with lots of information and our new banner and leaflets
|
Above:- West Dorset MP Edward Morello at Shire Hall Museum
|
|
|
Dorset Youth Pride had stalls from (some shown above & below) :- Weymouth Gay Group (unmanned display), Dorset NHS, Dorset County Hospital, Dorset Council, Space Youth Project, Dorchester Youth Council, Section 28 and it's afterlives, Dorchester Sheros, This is Me. Pop'nOlly.
|
|
|
We hope to add more from Dorset Youth Pride in the next few days here.
|
|
|
Note:- Someone said "looks like no youth attended!" We can assure you that many did! We dont publish photos that may identify young people (Without their and their Parents / Guardians consent) as they may not be out with their sexuality or transitioning status. The day also offers a lot of support for Parents and Guardians too.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorset Pride weekend – Bournemouth & Sherborne (posted here 11/07/2024)
A review of:-
Bournemouth Pride – 6th July. Has the community vibe gone?
Sherborne Pride - 7th July. Thunderstorms and rainbows!
Part one, Bournemouth. Has the community vibe gone?
The 6th & 7th of July was a busy weekend of Prides in Dorset.
The Saturday saw the annual Bournemouth Pride, Dorset’s biggest annual LGBT+ event, BourneFree (BF). Normally a group of a dozen or more of us from Weymouth would go on the train for the day, however only two of our guys ventured out to Bournemouth’s Meyrick Park this year.
The Parade – the longest in Dorset looked fab as always. While in the main area at Meyrick Park the stage buzzed with a variety of artists performing. Catering, commercial and community stalls helped to fill the site along with the usual fun fair.
Whilst not wishing to be overly critical of BourneFree, we are hearing more guys saying is it worth it? It can be an expensive day out (especially for our guys on a low, or no income), with £20 train (Weymouth / Bournemouth), another £20 to get in, and drinks at £5 pint the cost of the day soon mounts up. For some of us older folk, the names of most of the on-stage artists mean nothing or very little, and many say the event has lost its “community vibe” following its move up from the Lower Gardens a few years ago.
On top of this we found the BourneFree website (both on our laptop & phones) lacking updates of posters and site maps for the day. We only got to see them as the BourneFree stall was next to ours at Poole Pride a few months earlier, and a kind BF trustee emailed us copies.
We were hoping to promote our Weymouth Gay Group like last year with our leaflets, beer mats (at the bar) and an on-screen group “advert”. However, we were told this was not possible this year, littering being suggested, and the fee for the on-screen advert was way beyond our zero resources (Having been free of charge the year before)!
For the future, we would love to have our WGG info stall at BF. We may well look into Public Liability insurance for our group, which has been one of several hurdles holding us back from this.
Below - two screen shots (center and right) taken 11/07/2024 from BourneFree website showing "coming soon" for both posters and site map! Both of which did not appear! it would be good if BF could look into this and respond to us - please!
A review of:-
Bournemouth Pride – 6th July. Has the community vibe gone?
Sherborne Pride - 7th July. Thunderstorms and rainbows!
Part one, Bournemouth. Has the community vibe gone?
The 6th & 7th of July was a busy weekend of Prides in Dorset.
The Saturday saw the annual Bournemouth Pride, Dorset’s biggest annual LGBT+ event, BourneFree (BF). Normally a group of a dozen or more of us from Weymouth would go on the train for the day, however only two of our guys ventured out to Bournemouth’s Meyrick Park this year.
The Parade – the longest in Dorset looked fab as always. While in the main area at Meyrick Park the stage buzzed with a variety of artists performing. Catering, commercial and community stalls helped to fill the site along with the usual fun fair.
Whilst not wishing to be overly critical of BourneFree, we are hearing more guys saying is it worth it? It can be an expensive day out (especially for our guys on a low, or no income), with £20 train (Weymouth / Bournemouth), another £20 to get in, and drinks at £5 pint the cost of the day soon mounts up. For some of us older folk, the names of most of the on-stage artists mean nothing or very little, and many say the event has lost its “community vibe” following its move up from the Lower Gardens a few years ago.
On top of this we found the BourneFree website (both on our laptop & phones) lacking updates of posters and site maps for the day. We only got to see them as the BourneFree stall was next to ours at Poole Pride a few months earlier, and a kind BF trustee emailed us copies.
We were hoping to promote our Weymouth Gay Group like last year with our leaflets, beer mats (at the bar) and an on-screen group “advert”. However, we were told this was not possible this year, littering being suggested, and the fee for the on-screen advert was way beyond our zero resources (Having been free of charge the year before)!
For the future, we would love to have our WGG info stall at BF. We may well look into Public Liability insurance for our group, which has been one of several hurdles holding us back from this.
Below - two screen shots (center and right) taken 11/07/2024 from BourneFree website showing "coming soon" for both posters and site map! Both of which did not appear! it would be good if BF could look into this and respond to us - please!
|
|
|
Scroll down for more about Bournemoth Pride - with links to over 160 photos of the day.
Plus read about Dorset Minds brilliant bench!
Plus read about Dorset Minds brilliant bench!
Dorset Pride weekend – Bournemouth & Sherborne
Part two Sherborne (posted here 11/07/2024)
Sherborne Pride - 7th July. Thunderstorms and rainbows!
Early Sunday morning three of us left Weymouth’s sunshine behind as we ventured inland heading for Sherborne as the skies darkened!
It was Sherborne’s first ever Pride event in this North Dorset town, and very much community led and supported. Free for both visitors, and for our WGG info stall.
We had been in touch with the organisers many months in advance, offering support and ideas which were warmly received. Their media coverage in advance was great – especially the BBC Radio interview with Sadie (key organiser).
Their website, very colourful and updated as their Pride day approached, looked very sleek and informative. We loved “The Guide'' – an online Pride magazine giving plenty of information with clear maps for the day, local businesses adverts (brilliant local support from the business community), and an outstanding section “Your neuroqueer pride”. Lovely to see our WGG group acknowledged on the thank you page.
The Rainbow Flag flying so magnificently on Sherborne Abbey was so beautiful to see as it welcomed us into the centre of the town, with the main street lined with a variety of both commercial and community stalls. Soon after setting up our stall the heavens opened! Hail and thunder! Our stall, in Digby Road with Tonys gazebo just about surviving as the road became a torrent of water.
Meanwhile in the nearby Pageant gardens the stage came alive with a number of local musical artists and groups. The parade though Sherborne was amazing - ! In two particular ways, it’s almost never-ending length of LGBT+ groups, and the HUGE numbers of the public who followed, in the HEAVY RAIN! It felt like that the whole town had turned out to welcome Pride! Despite the Thunderstorms, the Rainbows came out, as thousands gathered to celebrate Equality & Diversity.
For the first Pride in a small northern Dorset town, Sherborne Pride was really impressive. The HUGE success was down to the team that Sadie and her partner had established whom we would really like to thank.
“Love lives here” – was their slogan, we, along with so many others, felt the vibes! Thank you.
|
|
|
Thanks to WGG guys, Tony, Phil & Antony for running the stall (pic right above) in storm conditions!
For a slide show of photos see our Sherborne Pride page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html
For a slide show of photos see our Sherborne Pride page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Sherborne Pride - reports, photos & video (posted here 07/07/2024 updated 10/07/2024)
Sherborne Pride (Sunday 7th July) was a HUGE succes!
We will have pics and reports from the day on our website soon.
Photo right, our Weymouth Gay Group stall
Meanwhile check out this wonderful BBC report of the day:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3gev130vwzo
Sherborne Pride (Sunday 7th July) was a HUGE succes!
We will have pics and reports from the day on our website soon.
Photo right, our Weymouth Gay Group stall
Meanwhile check out this wonderful BBC report of the day:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3gev130vwzo
Pride Parade - You can see a video of the Parade here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNXs3qz7cM0
Just look at the HUGE number of people who turned out - in the RAIN to support this new Dorset Pride. AMAZING!
Janice Robinson plans move to Sherborne after Pride event
Extract from Dorset Echo 10/07/2024 see https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24436786.janice-robinson-plans-move-sherborne-pride-event/
An interesting story about how Sherbrnes Prides headline act would like to meove there!
"A nineties dance singer has shared the exciting news that she is looking to relocate to Sherborne following her performance at a pride event. Janice Robinson, best known for her platinum-selling number 1 global dance hit Dreamer, headlined the first ever Sherborne Pride."
“Sherborne Pride, it was truly an honour to be here and create a memory for everyone who is living their life authentically and proud. The LGBTQ+ community has been my biggest supporters throughout my entire career and I will forever be an ally.”
You can read the full Dorset Echo report here -
see https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24436786.janice-robinson-plans-move-sherborne-pride-event/
Just look at the HUGE number of people who turned out - in the RAIN to support this new Dorset Pride. AMAZING!
Janice Robinson plans move to Sherborne after Pride event
Extract from Dorset Echo 10/07/2024 see https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24436786.janice-robinson-plans-move-sherborne-pride-event/
An interesting story about how Sherbrnes Prides headline act would like to meove there!
"A nineties dance singer has shared the exciting news that she is looking to relocate to Sherborne following her performance at a pride event. Janice Robinson, best known for her platinum-selling number 1 global dance hit Dreamer, headlined the first ever Sherborne Pride."
“Sherborne Pride, it was truly an honour to be here and create a memory for everyone who is living their life authentically and proud. The LGBTQ+ community has been my biggest supporters throughout my entire career and I will forever be an ally.”
You can read the full Dorset Echo report here -
see https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24436786.janice-robinson-plans-move-sherborne-pride-event/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Portland Drag - Young People wanted! (posted here 06/07/2024)
With thanks to Claire Devine for poster below and info.
With thanks to Claire Devine for poster below and info.
Sophie Fretwell is the conceptualiser of this event, Sophie is a Portland based artist (https://www.instagram.com/sophiefretwell/) who has been asked to conceptualise and plan the 'Islands of Imagination - Portland - Japan' community Parade that ends the b-side festival and to upscale events to draw more local interest and give further ownership to the residents of Portland.
The theme this year, for the entire b-side festival is Who Do We Think We Are? which is about identity etc. but the Parade theme is broader and based on the myths, legends and intersections between two cultures - Japan and Portland. In the lead up to the parade, a series of identity/folklore themed events will be popping up around the island, one of which is the "Keep Portland Wild and Weird" drag show, exploring themes of local identity, costume and myth.
Sophie has commissioned local actor Ethan Skillman, who is currently studying his degree in theatre and performance at Southampton University, to work with a group of local young people who identify as LGBTQ to devise and create drag characters/a show. We currently have three young designers from Weymouth College and one designer from Brunei to create and showcase their costumes and one young person who hopes to 'perform' on that day.
Therefore, if there are any LGBT+ youths out there who would like to get involved, we would love to hear from them.
At the moment we've provisionally pencilled the date for this show as the 24th August 2024.
More info and offers of help email Claire at [email protected] (click on above poster to enlarge)
The theme this year, for the entire b-side festival is Who Do We Think We Are? which is about identity etc. but the Parade theme is broader and based on the myths, legends and intersections between two cultures - Japan and Portland. In the lead up to the parade, a series of identity/folklore themed events will be popping up around the island, one of which is the "Keep Portland Wild and Weird" drag show, exploring themes of local identity, costume and myth.
Sophie has commissioned local actor Ethan Skillman, who is currently studying his degree in theatre and performance at Southampton University, to work with a group of local young people who identify as LGBTQ to devise and create drag characters/a show. We currently have three young designers from Weymouth College and one designer from Brunei to create and showcase their costumes and one young person who hopes to 'perform' on that day.
Therefore, if there are any LGBT+ youths out there who would like to get involved, we would love to hear from them.
At the moment we've provisionally pencilled the date for this show as the 24th August 2024.
More info and offers of help email Claire at [email protected] (click on above poster to enlarge)
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
Bournemouth Pride - BourneFree - photos! (posted here 06/07/2024)
The first photos from this year's biggest Dorset LGBT+ event - Bournefree - have arrived! Photo on right shows our Jonai and his husband Brian from Dorchester. (thanks to Jonai for photo) Jonai originally from Brazil, knows how to party! We nickname him Rio's one man walking carnival! Bournemouth Echo was quick to publish 75 photos of the parade, with some really good comments from those taking part. You can see them here:- https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24435211.bourne-free-parades-bournemouth-sea-colour/ Gay Bournemouth have 85 photos here:- https://www.gaybournemouth.net/item/277-85-photos-from-the-bourne-free-pride-parade-2024 We will publish links to more photos and reports of the day on our Bournemouth Pride page over the coming days. See:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/bournemouth-pride-bournefree.html We will also have pics and reports from Sherborne Pride (Sunday 7th July) here soon as well. |
|
|
Dorset Mind had this briliant bench at Pride! (posted here 06/07/2024)
On X (aka twitter) they said:- Dorset Mind @DorsetMind We're celebrating 2 #Prides this weekend, in Bournemouth & Sherborne. At @BourneFreePride, we're inviting you to sit on our NEW 'Buddy Bench,' an inclusive space for people to talk & not feel alone! Created & sponsored by @CastlepointShop Dorset Mind run two mental health support groups for LGBT+ people in Dorset info:- https://dorsetmind.uk/what-we-offer/adult-services/adult-groups/mind-out-lgbtq/ |
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Bourne Free Pride Festival 2024:
All you need to know (05/07/2024)
The festival begins with a free Family Fun Night on Friday in Meyrick Park (4.30pm to 9.30pm), open to all, offering inclusive activities for the whole family.
Then, on Saturday, the festival continues with a parade beginning at 11am which will travel up to Meyrick Park.
From then the Pride in the Park with live music performances from local and national artists, drag shows and a range of food and craft stalls will take place (from 12pm to 10pm).
Above from Bournemouth Echo
More see https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24430543.bourne-free-pride-festival-2024-need-know/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Heartstopper! Screening in Dorchester for Young People
(posted here 04/07/2024)
Part of Dorset Youth Pride at Shire Hall
Love Heartstopper? Aged 12 – 18? Why not come and watch the two whole series of the award-winning television program on the big screen at Shire Hall Museum for FREE, brought to you by Dorchester Youth Council!
Heartstopper follows teens Charlie and Nick who discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love in this coming-of-age series. Screenings will take place every Wednesday throughout July, from 5pm – 7:30pm. Starting on Wednesday 10th July, food and drink will be provided, including nachos, hotdogs and popcorn, all completely FREE! Booking is essential. To book your space for these exciting screenings, please click here For more information, contact Emma Scott at [email protected] or call/text her on 07956 896114
Every Wednesday throughout July, 5pm – 7:30pm. Shire Hall Cafe High West Street Dorchester Dorset DT1 1UY
For more information about Dorset Youth Pride see:- https://shirehalldorset.org/events/dorset-youth-pride
and https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-youth-pride.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here 04/07/2024)
Part of Dorset Youth Pride at Shire Hall
Love Heartstopper? Aged 12 – 18? Why not come and watch the two whole series of the award-winning television program on the big screen at Shire Hall Museum for FREE, brought to you by Dorchester Youth Council!
Heartstopper follows teens Charlie and Nick who discover their unlikely friendship might be something more as they navigate school and young love in this coming-of-age series. Screenings will take place every Wednesday throughout July, from 5pm – 7:30pm. Starting on Wednesday 10th July, food and drink will be provided, including nachos, hotdogs and popcorn, all completely FREE! Booking is essential. To book your space for these exciting screenings, please click here For more information, contact Emma Scott at [email protected] or call/text her on 07956 896114
Every Wednesday throughout July, 5pm – 7:30pm. Shire Hall Cafe High West Street Dorchester Dorset DT1 1UY
For more information about Dorset Youth Pride see:- https://shirehalldorset.org/events/dorset-youth-pride
and https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-youth-pride.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
More same-sex marriages taking place in Dorset (posted here 04/07/2024)
More same-sex couples got married in Dorset in 2022 than before the coronavirus pandemic, new figures show.
See Dorset Echo - (04/07/2024) - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24422448.same-sex-marriages-taking-place-dorset/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
More same-sex couples got married in Dorset in 2022 than before the coronavirus pandemic, new figures show.
See Dorset Echo - (04/07/2024) - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24422448.same-sex-marriages-taking-place-dorset/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Beautiful Pride Guide - Sherborne (posted here 03/07/2024)
Sherborne Pride have just released their Pride Guide magazine ahead of their Pride weekend.
The very colourful guide is packed with everything you need to know about Sherborne Pride for the day, Sunday 7th July. It also covers the background to the Pride movement and why Pride is still so important today.
The clear useful maps show where everything is happening, the Parade, the stalls, and the main stage in The Pageant gardens.
Come and say "Hi" on our Weymouth Gay Group stall!
Check it out here - oh, and we particually like page 26!
sherbornepride.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SHERBORNE-PRIDE-A5_Guide_FINAL.pdf
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Sherborne Pride have just released their Pride Guide magazine ahead of their Pride weekend.
The very colourful guide is packed with everything you need to know about Sherborne Pride for the day, Sunday 7th July. It also covers the background to the Pride movement and why Pride is still so important today.
The clear useful maps show where everything is happening, the Parade, the stalls, and the main stage in The Pageant gardens.
Come and say "Hi" on our Weymouth Gay Group stall!
Check it out here - oh, and we particually like page 26!
sherbornepride.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SHERBORNE-PRIDE-A5_Guide_FINAL.pdf
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
“Why have a Youth Pride? I don’t think it’s for adults?” (posted here 29/06/2024 updated 01/07/2024)
“Why have a Youth Pride? I don’t think it’s for adults?”
We heard someone say.
Saturday 29th June was a lovely summers day, blue skies and plenty of sunshine as we walked upto Weymouth College, the host for the second Chesil Youth Pride. (Click on pic right to enlarge)
A beautiful rainbow crossing greeted us, along with the Rainbow flag flying high outside the college entrance.
Around 30 stalls arranged around the grounds gave visitors plenty to look at, and for young people lots of activities too. While inside Key Speaker Helen Gould, a Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive trainer gave a supportive talk about understanding your feelings to the young audience.
|
Click on above pic to enlarge
|
|
Back outside we were able to catch up with many of our LGBT+ friends running the stalls there. Our Dorset LGBT+ Family!
These included Mel with Pop n Olly, Charity with Space Youth Project, Anabelle & Debs with This is Me, Brian & Rich with NHS Sexual Health. So wonderful to see our Jonai back in action at Pride! With his NHS Mental Health stall.
Brill also to meet all the b-side arts team from Portland too!
Also present where stalls from The National Trust, Weymouth Town Council and various Youth focused groups.
These included Mel with Pop n Olly, Charity with Space Youth Project, Anabelle & Debs with This is Me, Brian & Rich with NHS Sexual Health. So wonderful to see our Jonai back in action at Pride! With his NHS Mental Health stall.
Brill also to meet all the b-side arts team from Portland too!
Also present where stalls from The National Trust, Weymouth Town Council and various Youth focused groups.
|
|
|
As we came away and walked down to Weymouth’s Jubilee Clock to see the Pride Parade along Weymouths esplanade, we kept thinking about how lucky we all are to have such a supportive Family - Dorset LGBT+ Family!
While we waited for the Parade on the Esplanade, a guy came and joined us, clearly also waiting for the procession to pass, dressed in rainbow colours. We got chatting – "I’m here to support my daughter who has transgender friends at school – they are in the parade. I am here to support her, and them. I am so happy to do so".
Thats beautiful we said to him!
….. and that is one answer as to why we have Youth Prides and supportive adults are invited too!
While we waited for the Parade on the Esplanade, a guy came and joined us, clearly also waiting for the procession to pass, dressed in rainbow colours. We got chatting – "I’m here to support my daughter who has transgender friends at school – they are in the parade. I am here to support her, and them. I am so happy to do so".
Thats beautiful we said to him!
….. and that is one answer as to why we have Youth Prides and supportive adults are invited too!
|
|
|
We wish to share this great feed back about our report above ... from a couple of our LGBT+ family who went to Chesil Youth Pride.
"I just read your article about Chesil Youth Pride. Well done."
Jonai Dorset NHS Mental Health support worker
"What a lovely write-up - and I love that cheery pic of me! It's such a great parade along the front."
Mel Lane
(she/her)
Head of Education - Pop'n'Olly
Education and Training Lead - Space Youth Project
Professional Development Lead/ Teacher Trainer
Rights Respecting Schools Assessor - Unicef
Diversity_Mel on instagram
Website: DiversityMel.com
You can read more about Chesil Youth Pride 2024 here:-
Dorset Council: -
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/news/celebrating-dorset-s-lgbtq-youth-community
Dorset Echo:-
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24444607.celebrating-dorsets-lgbtq-youth-chesil-youth-pride/
"I just read your article about Chesil Youth Pride. Well done."
Jonai Dorset NHS Mental Health support worker
"What a lovely write-up - and I love that cheery pic of me! It's such a great parade along the front."
Mel Lane
(she/her)
Head of Education - Pop'n'Olly
Education and Training Lead - Space Youth Project
Professional Development Lead/ Teacher Trainer
Rights Respecting Schools Assessor - Unicef
Diversity_Mel on instagram
Website: DiversityMel.com
You can read more about Chesil Youth Pride 2024 here:-
Dorset Council: -
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/news/celebrating-dorset-s-lgbtq-youth-community
Dorset Echo:-
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24444607.celebrating-dorsets-lgbtq-youth-chesil-youth-pride/
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Pride Parade on Weymouth Esplanade! (posted here 27/06/2024)
Hundreds of people are expected to join in, or watch a Pride Parade on Weymouth Esplanade this weekend (Saturday 29th June)
The Parade, part of Chesil Youth Pride ran for the first time last year.
It departs Weymouth college at 4.30pm (approx) and runs along Weymouth's seafront arriving at the Pavilion. We know a number of local Churches are taking part this year.
Hundreds of people are expected to join in, or watch a Pride Parade on Weymouth Esplanade this weekend (Saturday 29th June)
The Parade, part of Chesil Youth Pride ran for the first time last year.
It departs Weymouth college at 4.30pm (approx) and runs along Weymouth's seafront arriving at the Pavilion. We know a number of local Churches are taking part this year.
This Pride is very much a young persons focused event, and provides information stalls supporting young LGBTQ+ people. The theme for Chesil Youth Pride 2024 is Intersectionality and the tagline is See Me!
Weymouth College is hosting, from 12pm, a number of Pride stalls, and fun activities for young people to enjoy.
More info on our Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Sherborne Pride on the radio! (posted here 27/06/2024)
Sunday 7th July Sherborne. Free Pride,
parade, stalls and lots more! See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html |
Hear a beautiful interview with Sadie from Sherborne Pride on BBC Local radio here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hzjtcm at 7.40 in. On The Kathy Caton BBC LGBT+ local radio show. Info - Info https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0hzjtcm |
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
How will each of the GE candidates locally support our LGBT+ community if elected? (posted here 26/06/2024)
Well, we did wonder. So we asked them! We sent our email to all eight of them, and so far only two have replied.
If we get any more we will add them.
Also of interest to LGBT+ voters, will be the story about Mr Drax. Transgender community reacts to Tory Drax "gender ideology" - in Election leaflet. (scroll down)
A letter to all General Election candidates for next MP for South Dorset
Re Dorset LGBT+ Community
20/06/2024
Dear Candidates
May we please ask you two questions?
1. Weymouth Gay Group would be interested to know how you intend to support the South Dorset LGBT+ Community, if elected.
2. We would also like to know how you have supported or engaged with our LGBT+ Community since the last election.
While Weymouth Gay Group is non-political, and our members have a range of views, your answers will be of interest to us, and the wider Dorset LGBT+ Community. With that in mind, we may wish to publish in whole or part your response on our website and social media.
Please email your reply to us at [email protected]
Thank you
Weymouth Gay Group (WGG)
email [email protected]
website https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp
Well, we did wonder. So we asked them! We sent our email to all eight of them, and so far only two have replied.
If we get any more we will add them.
Also of interest to LGBT+ voters, will be the story about Mr Drax. Transgender community reacts to Tory Drax "gender ideology" - in Election leaflet. (scroll down)
A letter to all General Election candidates for next MP for South Dorset
Re Dorset LGBT+ Community
20/06/2024
Dear Candidates
May we please ask you two questions?
1. Weymouth Gay Group would be interested to know how you intend to support the South Dorset LGBT+ Community, if elected.
2. We would also like to know how you have supported or engaged with our LGBT+ Community since the last election.
While Weymouth Gay Group is non-political, and our members have a range of views, your answers will be of interest to us, and the wider Dorset LGBT+ Community. With that in mind, we may wish to publish in whole or part your response on our website and social media.
Please email your reply to us at [email protected]
Thank you
Weymouth Gay Group (WGG)
email [email protected]
website https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp
|
20 Jun 2024
Dear Weymouth Gay Group, Thanks very much for your email. 1 If elected I think the first thing I'd do is contact you and come along and meet you and go from there. 2 Secondly, whilst I haven't engaged with your group directly, I have many beloved gay friends and currently I am an ally to the Bibby Stockholm LGBTQ+ group. Only this morning I was having coffee with a friend who is gay and we were discussing the rise of the right in our world and its restrictive and archaic attitude towards people's sexuality in our society. Worrying and must be fought against wherever we can. Thanks - Giovanna Lewis Independent Candidate for South Dorset Hustings dates to question all candidates: Sunday 23 June 6.30 pm, St Johns Church, Weymouth Wednesday 26 June 8pm, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Swanage Friday 28 June 6.30pm, Easton Methodist Church Hall, Easton Square, Portland |
24 Jun 2024
Good evening Thank you for contacting me. I am very happy to answer your questions. 1. Weymouth Gay Group would be interested to know how you intend to support the South Dorset LGBT+ Community, if elected. YES, ABSOLUTELY! 2. We would also like to know how you have supported or engaged with our LGBT+ Community since the last election. I am a local secondary school teacher and have been a head of year for a substantial part of my career. I have supported many LGBT+ young people and their families. I am also one of the staff who are displayed on posters around the school site as LGBT+ Champions and supporters. The posters have been designed so that our students understand who they can talk to and find support with. I am very proud to support the LGBT+ community within my workplace and beyond. Kind regards Matt Bell Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South Dorset Find me on X/Twitter @MattBellSDorset. Facebook 'Cllr Matt Bell for South Dorset' Promoted by David Northam, on behalf of Matt Bell, at 352 Dorchester Road, Weymouth, DT3 5AW |
NOTE:- You can see a full list of all the candidates, with places to vote, on the Dorset Council website here -
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/d/guest/statement-of-persons-nominated-notice-of-poll-and-situation-of-polling-stations-ukpge-south-dorset-4-july-2024-1
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/documents/d/guest/statement-of-persons-nominated-notice-of-poll-and-situation-of-polling-stations-ukpge-south-dorset-4-july-2024-1
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
General Election is on Thursday 4th July. Don’t forget to vote!
These websites may be of interest
LGBT Foundation
https://lgbt.foundation/vote-with-pride/
Stonewall
www.stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/take-pride-general-election-2024
These websites may be of interest
LGBT Foundation
https://lgbt.foundation/vote-with-pride/
Stonewall
www.stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/take-pride-general-election-2024
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Transgender community reacts to Tory Drax "gender ideology" - in Election leaflet. (posted here 26/06/2024 updated with Council of Europe 27/06/2024)
|
Houses across South Dorset have received the Conservatives election leaflet featuring incombent Mr Richard Drax. Their leaflet is the only one (as far as we know) that has any negative reference to LGBT+ people. While other candidates' leaflets highlight a range of genuine concerns, Drax leads with "No to gender ideology"! Commenting on X (formerly twitter) the TransLucent organisation said "The Conservative candidate is publishing election propaganda that is simply untrue." Life Cycle Media posted: - "Never ever vote for Richard Drax. An ignorant bigoted scare monster". while a Dorset transgender person said : - "SAY NO TO RICHARD DRAX" with another local Transgender person adding:- "His manifesto sheet went straight in recycling". While we all have our own political views, most LGBT+ people agree that the way the UK Gov have treated particularly Transgender people over recent years has been appalling. |
|
|
It is unclear if Mr Drax has met and listened to the life struggles of Dorset Transgender people, particularly young people. If only he (and his kind) had, he would develop more understanding, empathy and hopefully kindness towards the people he is demonising and using as some would say as "a distraction" during the lead up to 4th July.
For reference:- Scroll down to near end of this page to see: - Some Hate crimes in Dorset fall but highest rate for Transgender people in six years (posted on our news page here 25/04/2024) See also:- Dorset MP talks "Claptrap" about young Trans people (posted on our 2023 news page 01/07/2023, updated 03/07/2023) weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/lgbt-news-weymouth-dorset-2023.html For reference:- (from Google) An ideology is a set of opinions or beliefs of a group or an individual. Very often ideology refers to a set of political beliefs or a set of ideas that characterize a particular culture. Capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism are ideologies. |
“Gender ideology"
In a post on X (aka twitter) Dr Natacha Kennedy said:- "This is what the Council of Europe says about the deployment, by politicians, of the term “gender ideology… It was a term of abuse originally formulated by Pope Benedict and originally deployed by European fascists. If you are using this term that says a great deal about you." 
|
For reference:-
Transgender Facts
1/ Introduction
(from https://translucent.org.uk/)
The history of gender-diverse people goes back over 2000 years. Being transgender is not a choice – it’s a matter of survival and transition is one of the most difficult journeys in humanity. In England and Wales one in every one hundred and sixty people identifies as trans, non-binary or gender diverse. In total there are 48,000 trans men and 48,000 trans women.
Transgender Facts
2/ Culture War
The far-right "culture war" waged by some Conservatives in the UK targets trans women.
Predominantly based in the US but with offices in the UK, global trans-hostile 'gender critical' hate groups along with the well-funded evangelical far-right aim to eliminate trans people from participating in everyday society.
Transgender Facts
3/ Hate
In the UK, trans-hostile articles from the right-wing press have risen 12,700% in the last decade - Currently, this equates to around 18 articles per day.
In England and Wales, trans hate crime has risen by over 1513% in the last decade.
On average, 364 hate crimes are reported every month, invariably by trans women.
More Transgender Facts see https://translucent.org.uk/
Transgender Facts
1/ Introduction
(from https://translucent.org.uk/)
The history of gender-diverse people goes back over 2000 years. Being transgender is not a choice – it’s a matter of survival and transition is one of the most difficult journeys in humanity. In England and Wales one in every one hundred and sixty people identifies as trans, non-binary or gender diverse. In total there are 48,000 trans men and 48,000 trans women.
Transgender Facts
2/ Culture War
The far-right "culture war" waged by some Conservatives in the UK targets trans women.
Predominantly based in the US but with offices in the UK, global trans-hostile 'gender critical' hate groups along with the well-funded evangelical far-right aim to eliminate trans people from participating in everyday society.
Transgender Facts
3/ Hate
In the UK, trans-hostile articles from the right-wing press have risen 12,700% in the last decade - Currently, this equates to around 18 articles per day.
In England and Wales, trans hate crime has risen by over 1513% in the last decade.
On average, 364 hate crimes are reported every month, invariably by trans women.
More Transgender Facts see https://translucent.org.uk/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorset Youth Pride - Shire Hall announce line up
(posted here 24/06/2024)
Dorchesters Shire Hall has recently announced its Youth Pride line up, which includes a film show, comedy and a writing workshop. The hit film Heartstoppers will be shown every Wednesday in July with free admission and food for young people, while the main Pride day with a range of stalls is on Saturday 13th July.
Dorset Youth Pride is an inclusive event welcoming all members of the LGBT+ community, families, young people and allies.
(posted here 24/06/2024)
Dorchesters Shire Hall has recently announced its Youth Pride line up, which includes a film show, comedy and a writing workshop. The hit film Heartstoppers will be shown every Wednesday in July with free admission and food for young people, while the main Pride day with a range of stalls is on Saturday 13th July.
Dorset Youth Pride is an inclusive event welcoming all members of the LGBT+ community, families, young people and allies.
Heartstopper!
Every Wednesday in July, 5pm - 7:30pm In partnership with Dorchester Youth Council, come and watch the whole two series of the award winning show Heartstopper at Shire Hall Museum. |
Dorset Youth Pride at Shire Hall Museum!
Saturday 13th July, 10am - 5pm Dorset Youth Pride is an inclusive event welcoming all members of the LGBT+ community, families, young people and allies. |
Hardy Ha: Young, Gay and a Third Thing Saturday 13th July, 4pm
As part of Dorset Youth Pride and the Hardy Ha, Dorchester's Comedy Festival, Shire Hall Museum is thrilled welcome comedian Andrew White! |
LGBTQ+ Stories – Writing Workshop Saturday 31st July, 2pm - 5pm
Join local author and director Rohan Gotobed for workshop centred around writing LGBTQ+ stories in Dorset. |
More info / Links:-
You can read about past Dorset Youth Prides, with photos and reports on our Weymouth Gay Group website Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-youth-pride.html
Website:- Shire Hall Pride - shirehalldorset.org/categories/pride/
Address:- Shire Hall Museum, High West Street
Dorchester, Dorset. DT1 1UY Tel: 01305 261849
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Quayside confusion - as Pride postponed (posted here 12/06/2024 updated 15/06/2024)
Previously we reported: -
Weymouth is set to have two days of music and drag acts! Taking place at The Rendezvous ("Vous") by the town's harbour bridge. From 12noon- 10pm both days. They have recently published a full line up of acts. It is unclear if there will be any LGBT+ stalls there.
Venue: The Rendezvous Weymouth Quay 49 St Thomas St, Weymouth DT4 8AW
Update. Following our phone call to Vous, we can share that this Pride event has been postponed (something to do with football whatever that is!) to hopefully a date at the end of July this year. Plus organisers are keen to run a Pride event in 2025 too! Keep your eye on our pages here for more info when available.
Info: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/weymouth-quayside-pride.html
Previously we reported: -
Weymouth is set to have two days of music and drag acts! Taking place at The Rendezvous ("Vous") by the town's harbour bridge. From 12noon- 10pm both days. They have recently published a full line up of acts. It is unclear if there will be any LGBT+ stalls there.
Venue: The Rendezvous Weymouth Quay 49 St Thomas St, Weymouth DT4 8AW
Update. Following our phone call to Vous, we can share that this Pride event has been postponed (something to do with football whatever that is!) to hopefully a date at the end of July this year. Plus organisers are keen to run a Pride event in 2025 too! Keep your eye on our pages here for more info when available.
Info: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/weymouth-quayside-pride.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorset Mind - a wonderful message for Pride month (posted here 10/06/2024 updated 17/06/2024)
|
Pride isn't just about rainbows & glitter (though those are awesome too!). It's about celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices & demanding equal rights. Let's keep the conversation going! Read more about #PrideMonth from Linda O'Sullivan and John Nevin https://bit.ly/DM_PrideMonth
https://dorsetmind.uk/a-conversation-about-pride-month-with-linda-osullivan-and-john-nevin/ |
|
Dorset Mind supports the LGBTQIA+ Community:-
Dorset Mind are committed to working in partnership to enhance the support available across Dorset for all members of Dorset’s LGBTQIA+ community. Currently we do this through our MindOut service, which offers a safe and accepting space for those in the LGBTQIA+ community experiencing mental illness.
More see - https://dorsetmind.uk/what-we-offer/adult-services/adult-groups/mind-out-lgbtq/
Dorset Mind are committed to working in partnership to enhance the support available across Dorset for all members of Dorset’s LGBTQIA+ community. Currently we do this through our MindOut service, which offers a safe and accepting space for those in the LGBTQIA+ community experiencing mental illness.
More see - https://dorsetmind.uk/what-we-offer/adult-services/adult-groups/mind-out-lgbtq/
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Pride on the inside - Prison Pride Portland (posted here 10/06/2024 updated 21/06/2024)
It is great how Pride events reach out and embrace our LGBT+ community wherever we are in 2024
We were so pleased to see that Portland Prison is embracing Pride with the help of our Jonai (pic left) Jonai is a NHS mental health support worker covering our area and sometimes pops into our WGG pub nights. He will be joining those celebrating Pride in Portland Prison on 20th June.
Jonai will be giving a talk there about LGBT+ and mental health, and they also have a kind of parade - around the site giving out ice creams!
Whilst it is not an environment that any of us would like to celebrate Pride in, we must remember that it was not that long ago that just being who we are would have found us in such a place.
Update 21/06/2024 from Prison Pride:-
Jonai said "I loved to listen to the first speaker Kerri about her journey being a Transgender woman and her work on supporting Trans people in prison.
My talk was about: Listening to people, empower them, LGBT Allies and the importance of it, Treat each other with respect, dignity and kindness, Compassion, Be yourself and ask for help. And it was quite interactive, where the people felt comfortable and engaged during my presentation.
After my presentation, I had people talking about how much they enjoyed listening to my talk on LGBT+ issues. And later on they talked to me about their Mental Health, drugs, alcohol, cancer and how they ended up in prison. I felt safe all the time and thanks to all your staff. The prisoners were polite on approach. Good eye contact. Engaged in the event. Showed me respect and made me feel welcomed.
And I hope this Event boosted their confident and self-esteem. I am really happy to be part of this wonderful Event."
Hayley an organiser of the event from Portland Prision responded: -
Jonai:- Thank you so much from coming – honestly, I loved listening to your story but more importantly so did everyone else attending. And most importantly I know your conversation, listening and empathy was valued. As we discussed, being LGBT, particularly openly LGBT in the prison environment can be really difficult, so for today for prisoners with lived experience and the allies to be welcomed and spoken to with kindness and compassion really is so incredibly important – as well as a mutual love of bright colours and cake!
I’m glad you felt today was a positive experience. I really hope we can continue to work together and looking forward to inviting you back in November!
Numbers from today – Over 150 cups of tea/coffee, over 160 pieces of cake, over 100 prisoners, over 50 staff, many stories and experiences shared – all on one particularly sunny morning at HMP Portland, in the rainbow covered trees in our Industries function!
It is great how Pride events reach out and embrace our LGBT+ community wherever we are in 2024
We were so pleased to see that Portland Prison is embracing Pride with the help of our Jonai (pic left) Jonai is a NHS mental health support worker covering our area and sometimes pops into our WGG pub nights. He will be joining those celebrating Pride in Portland Prison on 20th June.
Jonai will be giving a talk there about LGBT+ and mental health, and they also have a kind of parade - around the site giving out ice creams!
Whilst it is not an environment that any of us would like to celebrate Pride in, we must remember that it was not that long ago that just being who we are would have found us in such a place.
Update 21/06/2024 from Prison Pride:-
Jonai said "I loved to listen to the first speaker Kerri about her journey being a Transgender woman and her work on supporting Trans people in prison.
My talk was about: Listening to people, empower them, LGBT Allies and the importance of it, Treat each other with respect, dignity and kindness, Compassion, Be yourself and ask for help. And it was quite interactive, where the people felt comfortable and engaged during my presentation.
After my presentation, I had people talking about how much they enjoyed listening to my talk on LGBT+ issues. And later on they talked to me about their Mental Health, drugs, alcohol, cancer and how they ended up in prison. I felt safe all the time and thanks to all your staff. The prisoners were polite on approach. Good eye contact. Engaged in the event. Showed me respect and made me feel welcomed.
And I hope this Event boosted their confident and self-esteem. I am really happy to be part of this wonderful Event."
Hayley an organiser of the event from Portland Prision responded: -
Jonai:- Thank you so much from coming – honestly, I loved listening to your story but more importantly so did everyone else attending. And most importantly I know your conversation, listening and empathy was valued. As we discussed, being LGBT, particularly openly LGBT in the prison environment can be really difficult, so for today for prisoners with lived experience and the allies to be welcomed and spoken to with kindness and compassion really is so incredibly important – as well as a mutual love of bright colours and cake!
I’m glad you felt today was a positive experience. I really hope we can continue to work together and looking forward to inviting you back in November!
Numbers from today – Over 150 cups of tea/coffee, over 160 pieces of cake, over 100 prisoners, over 50 staff, many stories and experiences shared – all on one particularly sunny morning at HMP Portland, in the rainbow covered trees in our Industries function!
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Bournemouth Pride (posted here 08/06/2024) More info soon! (click on posters to enlarge)
|
For more about Bournemouth Pride, you might like our Pride page here:-
https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/bournemouth-pride-bournefree.html |
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Two Gay Gnomes went to Pride …… Poole Pride 2024.
(posted here 09/06/2024)
Some how they smuggled themselves into an assortment of our boxes as three of us from Weymouth journeyed to Poole’s first Pride.
This is a very much welcomed new Pride in Dorset, and although they – the Lighthouse - had some setbacks (mainly for the evening entertainment) the day was brilliant!
It was very well supported with a steady stream of people pasting our stall, admiring Bill & Ben – our Gnomes!
We had our laptop on our table which was brilliant (Thanks Poole Pride / Lighthouse for power & internet) as this helped us to sign post many people to check out our website.
(posted here 09/06/2024)
Some how they smuggled themselves into an assortment of our boxes as three of us from Weymouth journeyed to Poole’s first Pride.
This is a very much welcomed new Pride in Dorset, and although they – the Lighthouse - had some setbacks (mainly for the evening entertainment) the day was brilliant!
It was very well supported with a steady stream of people pasting our stall, admiring Bill & Ben – our Gnomes!
We had our laptop on our table which was brilliant (Thanks Poole Pride / Lighthouse for power & internet) as this helped us to sign post many people to check out our website.
|
|
|
|
Our question to many visiting our stall “How many LGBT+ Community events do you think are on in Dorset this Pride month?”
Everyone was extremely surprised that the answer is OVER 60!! We then showed them our website LGBT+ Community Events Diary page – much to their delight! – which lists them all.
(See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html)
We so hope that this will help them to find Dorset LGBT+ groups and events that they wish to attend, and may help them on their personal LGBT+ life journey.
Everyone was extremely surprised that the answer is OVER 60!! We then showed them our website LGBT+ Community Events Diary page – much to their delight! – which lists them all.
(See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html)
We so hope that this will help them to find Dorset LGBT+ groups and events that they wish to attend, and may help them on their personal LGBT+ life journey.
|
|
|
|
Also it was beautiful how all the stalls promoted Dorset’s LGBT+ Community and services for, and provided a huge amount of information and interest for them and all the visitors. This without the commercial side of stalls and rainbow washing like at some events, someone even said “So good it’s not a rainbow jumble sale just after your ££”!
Another couple said – “loved all the community stalls – it’s what we miss from Bournemouth Pride in the lower gardens”.
The Lighthouse had put on a range of other events for Pride, both on the day and weeks leading up to Pride day. These included Queer Film shows, Art Exhibition, a Dog show and lots more.
Always great to meet so many of our LGBT+ friends who run groups and /or support our community. Networking at these Pride events is so valuable!
Another couple said – “loved all the community stalls – it’s what we miss from Bournemouth Pride in the lower gardens”.
The Lighthouse had put on a range of other events for Pride, both on the day and weeks leading up to Pride day. These included Queer Film shows, Art Exhibition, a Dog show and lots more.
Always great to meet so many of our LGBT+ friends who run groups and /or support our community. Networking at these Pride events is so valuable!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Many thanks to Weymouth Gay Group guys Tony, Anthony and Phil, without whom it would have been impossible to run our stall. HUGE thanks to all at Poole Pride for putting on so many events. All too soon it was time to go Gnome, but you Gnome we will be back next year! |
|
Bournemouth Echo have a report about Poole Pride here -
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24375509.poole-pride-kicks-off-first-time-great-atmosphere/
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24375509.poole-pride-kicks-off-first-time-great-atmosphere/
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorset welcomes in Pride Month
(posted here 02/06/2024 updated 06/06/20224)
Despite the let down following Pub Pride (31st May), Dorsets LGBT+ Community are getting ready for a summer of fun and festivals with FIVE Prides!
This month (June) is the first ever POOLE PRIDE, with a range of events leading upto Pride day Saturday 8th June. The team at Pooles Lighthouse are to be congratulated for putting on a huge variety of activities and events (despite some setbacks). A Gay Pride exhibition, Queer films, a Live and Unheard event with musicians identifying as LGBTQ+. The OutSpoken: A Poole Pride Poetry Slam, will be part of the free daytime programme on Saturday 8th, along with outdoor theatre, with performances, talks, educational sessions by Pop 'n' Olly, and signposting to LGBTQ+ support charities and groups.
Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) are very pleased to say that we will be one of the LGBTQ+ groups there at Poole Pride!
Recently we have had delivery of our new leaflets, and new banner.
(posted here 02/06/2024 updated 06/06/20224)
Despite the let down following Pub Pride (31st May), Dorsets LGBT+ Community are getting ready for a summer of fun and festivals with FIVE Prides!
This month (June) is the first ever POOLE PRIDE, with a range of events leading upto Pride day Saturday 8th June. The team at Pooles Lighthouse are to be congratulated for putting on a huge variety of activities and events (despite some setbacks). A Gay Pride exhibition, Queer films, a Live and Unheard event with musicians identifying as LGBTQ+. The OutSpoken: A Poole Pride Poetry Slam, will be part of the free daytime programme on Saturday 8th, along with outdoor theatre, with performances, talks, educational sessions by Pop 'n' Olly, and signposting to LGBTQ+ support charities and groups.
Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) are very pleased to say that we will be one of the LGBTQ+ groups there at Poole Pride!
Recently we have had delivery of our new leaflets, and new banner.
|
Come and say "hello" and get your free Beer Mat on our information stall 1pm - 5pm and see our new banner
|
|
Later in June, Saturday 29th, for young people is Chesil Youth Pride.
In its second year there will be various stalls and activities at Weymouth College, and we hope for the return of the Pride Parade along our Esplanade! Which was a first for Weymouth last year.
In its second year there will be various stalls and activities at Weymouth College, and we hope for the return of the Pride Parade along our Esplanade! Which was a first for Weymouth last year.
Next month (July) is the big one - BourneFree - Bournemouth Pride.
Dorsets biggest annual LGBT+ event. On over two days, Friday 5th (family events), and Saturday 6th it attracts huge crowds. The parade is amazing (Dorsets biggest) with loads of different groups & organisations taking part. Loads of LGBT+ LOVE and a JOY to watch! Lots of artists on the TWO stages to enjoy, as well as a LGBT community village. A group of us WGG guys go on the train every year and you are welcomed to join us! |
|
The following day, Sunday 7th July is another new Pride event in Dorset - Sherborne Pride. A first for this Dorset town, they have a parade and lots of other events - and it's all FREE ! Great website too.
Finally it's Dorset Youth Pride again at Shire Hall Dorchester on Saturday 13th July. Free entry to the museum and Pride.
Ps! Just added - New! Dorset Cricket's Pride Festival Friday 28th June Ferndown
More info on all the Dorset Prides see our page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html
For 60 Dorset LGBT+ events in Pride month, check out our LGBT+ Community Events Diary listings page here: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html May well be something YOU dont want to miss!
Finally it's Dorset Youth Pride again at Shire Hall Dorchester on Saturday 13th July. Free entry to the museum and Pride.
Ps! Just added - New! Dorset Cricket's Pride Festival Friday 28th June Ferndown
More info on all the Dorset Prides see our page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html
For 60 Dorset LGBT+ events in Pride month, check out our LGBT+ Community Events Diary listings page here: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html May well be something YOU dont want to miss!
Weymouth Shops embracing Pride
Great to see some of our local shops promoting Pride
Great to see some of our local shops promoting Pride
M&S on the door!
|
The Card Factory in front window!
|
Weymouth Post Office. Vicky is wonderful there. As well as rainbow gifts all year round, she puts on a fab Pride window display! Oh, and has our leaflets!
|
Tesco Weymouth
|
Have you seen other shops locally embracing Pride month?
Please send us photos to use here! email [email protected]
Is it just "pink washing" or do you think they really care?
A subject to chat about around our pub tables at Weymouth Gay Group.
Please send us photos to use here! email [email protected]
Is it just "pink washing" or do you think they really care?
A subject to chat about around our pub tables at Weymouth Gay Group.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
"Gay" Taxi in Weymouth! (posted here 30/05/2024 updated 03/06/2024)
We had a little giggle when we saw this taxi! Would have liked to say "Hello" to the driver, but he was not in the taxi. We spoke with Weyline, and they said it was very unlikely that the driver would wish to join our guys in the pub! But suggested we could book the car! |
|
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Pub Pride 2024 - HUGE let down for Dorset (posted here 27/05/2024)
It's been a HUGE let down for LGBT+ people wishing to enjoy Pub Pride 2024 in Dorset.
None of the three Dorset venues advertised on their website are taking part.
We phoned the two Weymouth Pubs (on 27/05/2024), Wyke Smugglers and The Old Ship Inn who both said nothing was happening. So why are they listed? The Globe Inn Swanage - sadly their phone number is not connecting, and further research suggests that the pub is closed for a refit having been taken over by a community group.
We, Weymouth Gay Group had contacted all three by post weeks ago, with details about our group and an invitation to help support their Pub Pride. With no response.
Someone said: - Don't ask for Clive, he won't be here!
On a slightly brighter note, Dorchesters Transgender group have said they will run a "Pub Pride" type of event later this year.
But dont worry - Weymouth Gay Group embraces Pub Pride twice a week in Weymouth! Swan Thursdays, other venues Mondays . See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/
It's been a HUGE let down for LGBT+ people wishing to enjoy Pub Pride 2024 in Dorset.
None of the three Dorset venues advertised on their website are taking part.
We phoned the two Weymouth Pubs (on 27/05/2024), Wyke Smugglers and The Old Ship Inn who both said nothing was happening. So why are they listed? The Globe Inn Swanage - sadly their phone number is not connecting, and further research suggests that the pub is closed for a refit having been taken over by a community group.
We, Weymouth Gay Group had contacted all three by post weeks ago, with details about our group and an invitation to help support their Pub Pride. With no response.
Someone said: - Don't ask for Clive, he won't be here!
On a slightly brighter note, Dorchesters Transgender group have said they will run a "Pub Pride" type of event later this year.
But dont worry - Weymouth Gay Group embraces Pub Pride twice a week in Weymouth! Swan Thursdays, other venues Mondays . See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Chesil Rocks - London Gay Mens Chorus
(posted here 27/05/2024)
Just announced lineups times and artists:-
Although not an LGBT event, it is very LGBT friendly. This annual music event (think mini Glastonbury!) takes place in beautiful surroundings near Weymouth at Higher Farmhouse, Shop Lane, Langton Herring DT3 4HX, with a range of events June 20 - 22, and is in aid of The Samaritans.
(posted here 27/05/2024)
Just announced lineups times and artists:-
Although not an LGBT event, it is very LGBT friendly. This annual music event (think mini Glastonbury!) takes place in beautiful surroundings near Weymouth at Higher Farmhouse, Shop Lane, Langton Herring DT3 4HX, with a range of events June 20 - 22, and is in aid of The Samaritans.
They have recently announced their timetable of performers on their two stages. Of interest to our community London Gay Mens Chorus (LGMC) are on stage at 3.45pm and preceded by our Weymouth Gay Group member Simon in "Steve Wilson and The Innocent Bystanders" at 3pm. The Gay Chorus (LGMC) is back on stage at 8.30pm for their final set.
If you have never been, we highly recommend Chesil Rocks and LGMC are fantastic! (as is our Simon!)
Tickets are available now on the Chesil Rocks website, and selling fast!
If you have never been, we highly recommend Chesil Rocks and LGMC are fantastic! (as is our Simon!)
Tickets are available now on the Chesil Rocks website, and selling fast!
|
Links:-
Chesil Rocks Website / tickets https://www.chesilrocks.com/ X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/ChesilRocks Chesil Rocks You Tube 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXLIx4_AYQg&t=27s Samaritans Weymouth 13 King St, Weymouth DT4 7BJ Website https://www.samaritans.org/ |
Steve Wilson and the Innocent bystanders Website https://www.theinnocentbystanders.co.uk/ London Gay Men's Chorus Website https://www.lgmc.org.uk/ X (aka twitter) twitter.com/LdnGMC |
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Poole Pride evening concert cancelled. (posted here 19/05/2024)
The BBC reported (16/05/2024) -see - www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-69019876
Poole Pride: Concert axed over lack of headline act
Organisers of Poole Pride say they have been forced to cancel the evening concert as they have been unable to find a replacement headline act.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor pulled out of the town's first Pride event in February. Arts centre Lighthouse said it had made the "difficult decision" as it had not been possible to secure a suitable replacement for the singer.
The event - featuring a film festival, performances and music - is still taking place on 8 June at the venue.
The arts theatre said concert ticket holders had been contacted.
"The day was due to culminate in a late-night party in our concert hall, but since the contracted headliner pulled out, it has not been possible to secure a suitable replacement," the event's organisers said. "Despite the guarantee of a stellar support bill, it's clear that advance sales are not sufficient to be sure of creating the fantastic experience audiences rightly expect. "Therefore, the difficult decision has been taken that the evening concert at Lighthouse cannot go ahead as planned."
Lighthouse added most of the other artists booked for the evening concert will now appear at Bournemouth's Bourne Free's event in Meyrick Park on Saturday 6 July. Bimini, Horse Meat Disco, Woody Cook, DJ Charlotte Devaney and Ellie Sax had been set to perform.
Join us at POOLE PRIDE! Saturday 8th June
at The Lighthouse Poole 1pm - 5pm
Come and say hello on our Weymouth Gay Group info stall!
Get your free Beer mat! Info - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
The BBC reported (16/05/2024) -see - www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-69019876
Poole Pride: Concert axed over lack of headline act
Organisers of Poole Pride say they have been forced to cancel the evening concert as they have been unable to find a replacement headline act.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor pulled out of the town's first Pride event in February. Arts centre Lighthouse said it had made the "difficult decision" as it had not been possible to secure a suitable replacement for the singer.
The event - featuring a film festival, performances and music - is still taking place on 8 June at the venue.
The arts theatre said concert ticket holders had been contacted.
"The day was due to culminate in a late-night party in our concert hall, but since the contracted headliner pulled out, it has not been possible to secure a suitable replacement," the event's organisers said. "Despite the guarantee of a stellar support bill, it's clear that advance sales are not sufficient to be sure of creating the fantastic experience audiences rightly expect. "Therefore, the difficult decision has been taken that the evening concert at Lighthouse cannot go ahead as planned."
Lighthouse added most of the other artists booked for the evening concert will now appear at Bournemouth's Bourne Free's event in Meyrick Park on Saturday 6 July. Bimini, Horse Meat Disco, Woody Cook, DJ Charlotte Devaney and Ellie Sax had been set to perform.
Join us at POOLE PRIDE! Saturday 8th June
at The Lighthouse Poole 1pm - 5pm
Come and say hello on our Weymouth Gay Group info stall!
Get your free Beer mat! Info - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Three Dorset pubs listed for Pub Pride (posted here 18/05/2024)
We are thrilled to see that THREE Dorset pubs have signed up for Pub Pride 2024. Friday 31st May.
It is run nationally by "Ask for Clive" and welcomes in Pride month at your local pub.
We have contacted all three venues with our offer of helping to promote their Pub Pride events, and await to hear back from them with details how they are celebrating Pub Pride. We will share their details here when we get them.
They are:-
Wyke Smugglers 76 Portland Road, Weymouth DT4 9AB
The Old Ship Inn 7 The Ridgeway, Upwey, Weymouth DT3 5QQ
Globe Inn 3 Bell Street, Swanage BH19 2RY
Links:-
Websites - Pub Pride pubprideshop.co.uk/ Ask For Clive https://askforclive.com/
Pub Pride 2024 https://askforclive.com/pub-pride-2024 (with zoom in map of UK showing all pubs taking part)
Update:- (27/05/2024)
The Globe Inn Swanage - sadly their phone number is not connecting, and further research suggests that the pub is closed for a refit having been taken over by a community group.
We are thrilled to see that THREE Dorset pubs have signed up for Pub Pride 2024. Friday 31st May.
It is run nationally by "Ask for Clive" and welcomes in Pride month at your local pub.
We have contacted all three venues with our offer of helping to promote their Pub Pride events, and await to hear back from them with details how they are celebrating Pub Pride. We will share their details here when we get them.
They are:-
Wyke Smugglers 76 Portland Road, Weymouth DT4 9AB
The Old Ship Inn 7 The Ridgeway, Upwey, Weymouth DT3 5QQ
Globe Inn 3 Bell Street, Swanage BH19 2RY
Links:-
Websites - Pub Pride pubprideshop.co.uk/ Ask For Clive https://askforclive.com/
Pub Pride 2024 https://askforclive.com/pub-pride-2024 (with zoom in map of UK showing all pubs taking part)
Update:- (27/05/2024)
The Globe Inn Swanage - sadly their phone number is not connecting, and further research suggests that the pub is closed for a refit having been taken over by a community group.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Wey Valley Academy named as finalist in Queer Awards (posted here 16/05/2024)
From Dorset Echo www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24311655.wey-valley-academy-named-finalist-queer-awards/
A WEYMOUTH school has been shortlisted as a finalist in the national Queer School/College Awards 2024 for its commitment to LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusivity. The Queer Awards are a new annual celebration recognising talented students, and allies, who are succeeding in their lives and the communities around them.
Wey Valley Academy runs a Diversity group every week which is led by Mark Chutter, Head of Performing Arts and Teaching and Learning Challenge Lead. Mr Chutter said, "We have been working closely with Mel Lane of 'Space' and with Naomi Wilcox-Lee.
"Furthermore, we have also created staff champions and allies for our pupils alongside inviting guest speakers to talk to our students about the LGBTQ+ community . "An example of this is Tamsin Little of Shire Hall who explored possible case studies from history of people who were sadly convicted under the justice system for expressing their sexual identity. "Another example includes Dawn Henderson who came to school to discuss the Chesil Youth Pride event in June. "Wey Valley will be participating in both the Chesil Youth Pride event and also in the Shire Hall event in July."
Headteacher, Tom Neill said: "I am delighted with this news regarding the final of the awards to be held in Birmingham at the end of June. "I would like to congratulate all of our staff and students for making Wey Valley such an inclusive place to learn at the heart of the Weymouth community."
You can see the Dorset Echo report, with a photo here - www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24311655.wey-valley-academy-named-finalist-queer-awards/
NOTE from Weymouth Gay Group. At a time of often negative news relating to Education and LGBT+, it's very refreshing and rewarding to read this. Best of luck to Mark, the students, and all involved.
From Dorset Echo www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24311655.wey-valley-academy-named-finalist-queer-awards/
A WEYMOUTH school has been shortlisted as a finalist in the national Queer School/College Awards 2024 for its commitment to LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusivity. The Queer Awards are a new annual celebration recognising talented students, and allies, who are succeeding in their lives and the communities around them.
Wey Valley Academy runs a Diversity group every week which is led by Mark Chutter, Head of Performing Arts and Teaching and Learning Challenge Lead. Mr Chutter said, "We have been working closely with Mel Lane of 'Space' and with Naomi Wilcox-Lee.
"Furthermore, we have also created staff champions and allies for our pupils alongside inviting guest speakers to talk to our students about the LGBTQ+ community . "An example of this is Tamsin Little of Shire Hall who explored possible case studies from history of people who were sadly convicted under the justice system for expressing their sexual identity. "Another example includes Dawn Henderson who came to school to discuss the Chesil Youth Pride event in June. "Wey Valley will be participating in both the Chesil Youth Pride event and also in the Shire Hall event in July."
Headteacher, Tom Neill said: "I am delighted with this news regarding the final of the awards to be held in Birmingham at the end of June. "I would like to congratulate all of our staff and students for making Wey Valley such an inclusive place to learn at the heart of the Weymouth community."
You can see the Dorset Echo report, with a photo here - www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24311655.wey-valley-academy-named-finalist-queer-awards/
NOTE from Weymouth Gay Group. At a time of often negative news relating to Education and LGBT+, it's very refreshing and rewarding to read this. Best of luck to Mark, the students, and all involved.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
New LGBT BBC Local Radio Show (posted here 16/05/2024 update 06/06/2024)
Note - update this show has now moved to Wednesday evenings
Its great to hear LGBT+ news and interviews, plus a few favorite tunes on BBC Local Radio again. Presented by Kathy Caton "Out with Kathy" can be heard on a number of BBC local Radio stations across southern England, including Dorset on BBC Radio Solent frequencies.
"Out with Kathy" - "A weekly show focussed on the LGBTQ+ community in the south, where everyone's welcome" is broadcast every Tuesday for a hour from 9pm and available on BBC sounds if you wish to catch up.
One edition well worth catching up on is 8th May 2024 in which Helen the CEO of Dorsets Space Youth Project (SYP) is interviewed. She talks about the work of SYP both with young people and the wider community. You can almost hear her smile, care, and love in the interview for the work SYP does.
You can catch up here at 20.44 mins in (available for 28 days from 08/05/2024) :- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hqxz5v
Links:-
Programme website - www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0hqxz5v
X (aka twitter) twitter.com/kathycaton #OutWithKathyCaton
Note - update this show has now moved to Wednesday evenings
Its great to hear LGBT+ news and interviews, plus a few favorite tunes on BBC Local Radio again. Presented by Kathy Caton "Out with Kathy" can be heard on a number of BBC local Radio stations across southern England, including Dorset on BBC Radio Solent frequencies.
"Out with Kathy" - "A weekly show focussed on the LGBTQ+ community in the south, where everyone's welcome" is broadcast every Tuesday for a hour from 9pm and available on BBC sounds if you wish to catch up.
One edition well worth catching up on is 8th May 2024 in which Helen the CEO of Dorsets Space Youth Project (SYP) is interviewed. She talks about the work of SYP both with young people and the wider community. You can almost hear her smile, care, and love in the interview for the work SYP does.
You can catch up here at 20.44 mins in (available for 28 days from 08/05/2024) :- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hqxz5v
Links:-
Programme website - www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0hqxz5v
X (aka twitter) twitter.com/kathycaton #OutWithKathyCaton
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Stop Press! Just announced! Breaking news! (15/05/2024)
Pub Pride 2024 venues in Dorset Nationally and locally it runs again May 31.
Last year 3 Dorset venues, 300+ nationally.
The Dorset 2024 Pub Pride venues are: -
Pub Pride 2024 venues in Dorset Nationally and locally it runs again May 31.
Last year 3 Dorset venues, 300+ nationally.
The Dorset 2024 Pub Pride venues are: -
|
Wyke Smugglers 76 Portland Road, Weymouth DT4 9AB
The Old Ship Inn 7 The Ridgeway, Upwey, Weymouth DT3 5QQ Globe Inn 3 Bell Street, Swanage BH19 2RY |
We will have more details about all these Pub Pride events here soon on our Dorset LGBT+ Community Events, News, and Pride pages!
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Portlands b-side arts - LGBT+ events (posted here 13/05/2024)
The Portland based b-side Arts are running two events soon for the islands LGBT+ community. A Artachat Transtasic evening in May, followed by - to celebrate Pride month - the screaning of the film Rafiki
The Portland based b-side Arts are running two events soon for the islands LGBT+ community. A Artachat Transtasic evening in May, followed by - to celebrate Pride month - the screaning of the film Rafiki
Artachat Evenings - Transtastic. Run by b-side arts
An evening of art, chat and food! BnBside 77A Fortuneswell, Portland DT5 1LY
Come along and enjoy an informal evening of art and chat led by and for Portland LGBTQ+ communities and their allies.
Wednesday 22nd May 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
Mel from Space Youth Project will be joining us with a whole library of LGBT+ inclusive children’s books celebrating LGBT+ diversity. With a focus on trans awareness and celebrating LGBT+ rainbow families, Mel will be joined by Connor and Marcia who will share their experiences on being LGBT+ in Dorset. Mel will also bring along badge-making bits and pieces for some arty fun with queer badge-making! FREE and hot dinner included. Booking is essential as places are limited. More info and book online here https://b-side.org.uk/events/artachat-evenings-transtastic/ or text Rocca on (+44)7931183804 to reserve a spot.
An evening of art, chat and food! BnBside 77A Fortuneswell, Portland DT5 1LY
Come along and enjoy an informal evening of art and chat led by and for Portland LGBTQ+ communities and their allies.
Wednesday 22nd May 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
Mel from Space Youth Project will be joining us with a whole library of LGBT+ inclusive children’s books celebrating LGBT+ diversity. With a focus on trans awareness and celebrating LGBT+ rainbow families, Mel will be joined by Connor and Marcia who will share their experiences on being LGBT+ in Dorset. Mel will also bring along badge-making bits and pieces for some arty fun with queer badge-making! FREE and hot dinner included. Booking is essential as places are limited. More info and book online here https://b-side.org.uk/events/artachat-evenings-transtastic/ or text Rocca on (+44)7931183804 to reserve a spot.
Rafiki film 12A rating Run by b-side arts.
In celebration of PRIDE month - a bittersweet, hopeful, and groundbreaking love story.
Royal Manor Theatre, 138A Fortuneswell, Portland DT5 1LT, UK
Tuesday 18th June 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Rafiki tells the story of two young Kenyan women falling in love in a country where homosexual love, both on and off screen, is illegal. Armed with candy-like colors and passionate optimism, Rafiki stands out above the many other stories on the struggles of same-sex relationships as an unusually confident and sincere story of hope and love.
After getting showered with international praise in France, the Kenyan government publicly denounced the film because of its LGBT theme possessing a positive agenda despite homosexuality being illegal there with a potential sentence of fourteen years if caught. So officials would of course what to censor its message of free love and understanding to keep their population under foot. The courts eventually allowed Rafiki to be screened to sold-out audiences in multiple Kenyan cities (for seven days only), but it unsurprisingly wasn’t chosen to represent the country at the Oscars. The impact, however, has probably been as great as if it had won.
After the film we will have a questions and answers about the context the film is set in and with Aida Holly-Nambi – podcast producer, board member of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission of Kenya
More info / tickets b-side.org.uk/events/rifiki/
NOTE:- For OVER 100 Dorset LGBT+ events in MAY & JUNE check out our Weymouth Gay Group Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
In celebration of PRIDE month - a bittersweet, hopeful, and groundbreaking love story.
Royal Manor Theatre, 138A Fortuneswell, Portland DT5 1LT, UK
Tuesday 18th June 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Rafiki tells the story of two young Kenyan women falling in love in a country where homosexual love, both on and off screen, is illegal. Armed with candy-like colors and passionate optimism, Rafiki stands out above the many other stories on the struggles of same-sex relationships as an unusually confident and sincere story of hope and love.
After getting showered with international praise in France, the Kenyan government publicly denounced the film because of its LGBT theme possessing a positive agenda despite homosexuality being illegal there with a potential sentence of fourteen years if caught. So officials would of course what to censor its message of free love and understanding to keep their population under foot. The courts eventually allowed Rafiki to be screened to sold-out audiences in multiple Kenyan cities (for seven days only), but it unsurprisingly wasn’t chosen to represent the country at the Oscars. The impact, however, has probably been as great as if it had won.
After the film we will have a questions and answers about the context the film is set in and with Aida Holly-Nambi – podcast producer, board member of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission of Kenya
More info / tickets b-side.org.uk/events/rifiki/
NOTE:- For OVER 100 Dorset LGBT+ events in MAY & JUNE check out our Weymouth Gay Group Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
New! in Weymouth -
A Christian worship community (posted here 09/05/2024)
We are very pleased to report that Weymouth has a new Christian worship community with a "Come As You Are" day on Saturday 11th May.
"A Christian worship community that genuinely welcomes and affirms people who are LGBTQIA+ & allies, as part of Open Table Network."
"Come along to this open consultation to discuss the beginning of this exciting new vwnture for Weymouth".
Info -
email the vicar - [email protected]
Text 07729 505924
Website:- https://opentable.lgbt/
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
A Christian worship community (posted here 09/05/2024)
We are very pleased to report that Weymouth has a new Christian worship community with a "Come As You Are" day on Saturday 11th May.
"A Christian worship community that genuinely welcomes and affirms people who are LGBTQIA+ & allies, as part of Open Table Network."
"Come along to this open consultation to discuss the beginning of this exciting new vwnture for Weymouth".
Info -
email the vicar - [email protected]
Text 07729 505924
Website:- https://opentable.lgbt/
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Pub Pride - sign up now! (posted here 09/05/2024)
Pub Pride is seeking Dorset Pubs to sign up for this year's Pub Pride over the weekend of Friday 31st May - 3rd June.
Venue registration has been extended until 20th May. Pubs can purchase a range of rainbow bunting, t-shirts and other goodies to help with their Pride celebrations.
Now in its third year Pub Pride attracted over 300 pubs last year, with three in Dorset taking part. Pubs are encouraged to arrange their own entertainment and events with the local LGBT+ community. Pub Pride is run by Ask For Clive.
Weymouth had a very successful Pub Pride a couple of years ago, more info about Dorset Pub Prides on our WGG Pride page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html
Links:-
Websites - Pub Pride pubprideshop.co.uk/ Ask For Clive https://askforclive.com/
Note - if your Dorset local is taking part in Pub Pride 2024, please do let us WGG know, so that we can help promote your events! email [email protected]
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Pub Pride is seeking Dorset Pubs to sign up for this year's Pub Pride over the weekend of Friday 31st May - 3rd June.
Venue registration has been extended until 20th May. Pubs can purchase a range of rainbow bunting, t-shirts and other goodies to help with their Pride celebrations.
Now in its third year Pub Pride attracted over 300 pubs last year, with three in Dorset taking part. Pubs are encouraged to arrange their own entertainment and events with the local LGBT+ community. Pub Pride is run by Ask For Clive.
Weymouth had a very successful Pub Pride a couple of years ago, more info about Dorset Pub Prides on our WGG Pride page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html
Links:-
Websites - Pub Pride pubprideshop.co.uk/ Ask For Clive https://askforclive.com/
Note - if your Dorset local is taking part in Pub Pride 2024, please do let us WGG know, so that we can help promote your events! email [email protected]
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Pride Rainbow Train spotted in Weymouth!
(posted here 09/05/2024)
The South West Railways Pride train was recently seen at Weymouth Station, bringing a reminder that Pride month is coming soon!
Wonderful to see this every year, and to know that all passengers (including LGBT+) are welcomed and safe traveling by train from Weymouth.
Note - Weymouth Gay Group guys go on the train to Bournemouth Pride every year, and you are welcomed to join us on Sat 6th July
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here 09/05/2024)
The South West Railways Pride train was recently seen at Weymouth Station, bringing a reminder that Pride month is coming soon!
Wonderful to see this every year, and to know that all passengers (including LGBT+) are welcomed and safe traveling by train from Weymouth.
Note - Weymouth Gay Group guys go on the train to Bournemouth Pride every year, and you are welcomed to join us on Sat 6th July
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Excuse me ... are you missing an "L"?
(posted here 09/05/2024)
Only in Weymouth!
We always have a quiet chuckle when walking past the pleasure craft on Weymouth's beach. They are back now for the summer season.
We see one still has a letter missing!
(posted here 09/05/2024)
Only in Weymouth!
We always have a quiet chuckle when walking past the pleasure craft on Weymouth's beach. They are back now for the summer season.
We see one still has a letter missing!
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Queer Film Festival - Poole Pride (posted here 06/05/2024)
Lovers of Queer Films are in for a big treat with Poole Pride at The Lighthouse!
Run with Bournemouth Arts University Queer Cinema Society over a dozen LGBT+ films are being shown in the lead up to their Pride Day, 4th - 7th June.
They include:-
Lovers of Queer Films are in for a big treat with Poole Pride at The Lighthouse!
Run with Bournemouth Arts University Queer Cinema Society over a dozen LGBT+ films are being shown in the lead up to their Pride Day, 4th - 7th June.
They include:-
|
Bottoms – Cert 15
Tue 4 June Silver Screen: All Of Us Strangers – Cert 15 Tue 4 June Orlando, My Political Biography – Cert 12A + Post show talk with AUB Queer Cinema Society Tue 4 June Challengers – Cert 15 Wed 5 June Love Lies Bleeding – Cert 15 Wed 5 June The Garden – Cert 15 + Post film discussion with AUB Queer Cinema Society Wed 5 June |
Solo
Thu 6 Jun 2024 Sweetheart – Cert 15 + Post film talk with AUB Queer Cinema Society Thu 6 June TOPS – Cert TBC Fri 7 June The Lost Boys – Cert 12A With pre-recorded Q&A Fri 7 June Legendary Children (All of Them Queer) – Cert 15 With post show Q&A (more info below) Fri 7 June |
Fridy 7th June
A double-bill from local Queer film-maker Rob Falconer, supported by entries to the Lighthouse Short Film Open Call.
With a Q&A after the screening with director Rob Falconer.
Sleeping Dragon – 12mins Director: Rob Falconer Starring: from the writing of George Hodson (with Adam Zmith)
Direct from a smash-hit debut at Barbican Cinema, this surreal HIV/AIDS film is written by the late George Hodson. Not a documentary, Sleeping Dragon brings to screen life George’s unique gifts as a storyteller and visual artist with an unforgettable, emotional perspective of surviving with HIV and through the AIDS pandemic for some 45 years until his death in 2023. He was one of the longest survivors living with HIV in UK history.
A double-bill from local Queer film-maker Rob Falconer, supported by entries to the Lighthouse Short Film Open Call.
With a Q&A after the screening with director Rob Falconer.
Sleeping Dragon – 12mins Director: Rob Falconer Starring: from the writing of George Hodson (with Adam Zmith)
Direct from a smash-hit debut at Barbican Cinema, this surreal HIV/AIDS film is written by the late George Hodson. Not a documentary, Sleeping Dragon brings to screen life George’s unique gifts as a storyteller and visual artist with an unforgettable, emotional perspective of surviving with HIV and through the AIDS pandemic for some 45 years until his death in 2023. He was one of the longest survivors living with HIV in UK history.
Legendary Children (All of them Queer) – 46 mins
Director: Rob Falconer
Starring: Peter Tatchell, Angela Mason, Tom Robinson
This documentary follows many of the original Gay Liberation Front pioneers of the 1972 and first European Pride March during events over the summer of Pride 50 when the UK marked its 50th anniversary in spectacular style. The headline cast encompasses some genuinely influential figures in LGBTQIA+ rights activism and its history, there at the very start when Pride took its first steps in Europe. We won’t quite see their like again. Titled after Holly Johnson’s iconic song (and with his personal and full support) the film is not a history lesson, but a lively, first-hand recollection of many stages along the way of 50 years of activism, from the mouths of those who were there.
Rob said in an email to Weymouth Gay Group -
"Legendary's a riot of a movie (all due to the cast, their energy is outrageous!) and George's writing in Sleeping Dragon just blew everyone away when we debuted it juts last week. Dorset my local patch originally so this gig's a bit special for me. Hope some of you can get along. Come say hi after if you do. I'll be doing the Q&A"
Director: Rob Falconer
Starring: Peter Tatchell, Angela Mason, Tom Robinson
This documentary follows many of the original Gay Liberation Front pioneers of the 1972 and first European Pride March during events over the summer of Pride 50 when the UK marked its 50th anniversary in spectacular style. The headline cast encompasses some genuinely influential figures in LGBTQIA+ rights activism and its history, there at the very start when Pride took its first steps in Europe. We won’t quite see their like again. Titled after Holly Johnson’s iconic song (and with his personal and full support) the film is not a history lesson, but a lively, first-hand recollection of many stages along the way of 50 years of activism, from the mouths of those who were there.
Rob said in an email to Weymouth Gay Group -
"Legendary's a riot of a movie (all due to the cast, their energy is outrageous!) and George's writing in Sleeping Dragon just blew everyone away when we debuted it juts last week. Dorset my local patch originally so this gig's a bit special for me. Hope some of you can get along. Come say hi after if you do. I'll be doing the Q&A"
Links / more info:-
Our Poole Pride page - weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
and https://youtu.be/6-dMOJx4PcY?feature=shared
Our Poole Pride page - weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
and https://youtu.be/6-dMOJx4PcY?feature=shared
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Tributes to Drag Queen - Miss Jayson (posted here 04/05/2024)
The LGBT+ Community are in shock and paying tributes to Miss Jayson who died recently. As well as a number of TV appearances,, Miss Jayson could be seen at a range of venues from London to Brighton and even Bournemouth. In Bournemouth Miss Jayson entertained the crowds at Bourne Free in recent years. GScene magazine have a special tribute edition (link below)
Links / further reading:-
GScene https://www.gscene.com/news/community-news/a-giant-of-our-community-jason-sutton-aka-miss-jason-has-died/
GScene https://www.gscene.com/news/community-news/scene-to-publish-your-memories-of-miss-jason-in-may-issue/
ITV - https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2024-04-24/tributes-paid-to-unsung-hero-following-death-of-brighton-drag-queen-miss-jason
BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c03d4drxpnko
Brighton and Hove News https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2024/04/23/popular-brighton-drag-queen-dies/
The LGBT+ Community are in shock and paying tributes to Miss Jayson who died recently. As well as a number of TV appearances,, Miss Jayson could be seen at a range of venues from London to Brighton and even Bournemouth. In Bournemouth Miss Jayson entertained the crowds at Bourne Free in recent years. GScene magazine have a special tribute edition (link below)
Links / further reading:-
GScene https://www.gscene.com/news/community-news/a-giant-of-our-community-jason-sutton-aka-miss-jason-has-died/
GScene https://www.gscene.com/news/community-news/scene-to-publish-your-memories-of-miss-jason-in-may-issue/
ITV - https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2024-04-24/tributes-paid-to-unsung-hero-following-death-of-brighton-drag-queen-miss-jason
BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c03d4drxpnko
Brighton and Hove News https://www.brightonandhovenews.org/2024/04/23/popular-brighton-drag-queen-dies/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"This is Me" change venue - again! (posted here 0/05/2024)
The Dorchester based transgender group "This is Me" have announced another venue change for their weekly group. From 7th May they will be meeting up at: - Goldies, 36 High East Street, Dorchester DT1 1HN
On their website they said:- "Yes we are on the move again as Martin And Del who ran the Ship inn are moving so we are following them down the road to Goldies, High Street East, Dorchester. This for those who love there real ale this is a real ale Pub." (Their spelling & grammar!)
It is hoped that the group can settle at Goldies as changing the groups name and venue frequently over recent years does not help with promotion and marketing.
Also of note is that Goldies will be running Pub Pride on Friday May 31st all day! (12 noon - close), more about Pub Pride in Dorset soon (See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html )
Links:-
Anabelle
phone 074114 65007
email [email protected]
"This is Me"
Website https://www.thisismedorset.co.uk/
X (aka twitter) - ?
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/839319600405184
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
The Dorchester based transgender group "This is Me" have announced another venue change for their weekly group. From 7th May they will be meeting up at: - Goldies, 36 High East Street, Dorchester DT1 1HN
On their website they said:- "Yes we are on the move again as Martin And Del who ran the Ship inn are moving so we are following them down the road to Goldies, High Street East, Dorchester. This for those who love there real ale this is a real ale Pub." (Their spelling & grammar!)
It is hoped that the group can settle at Goldies as changing the groups name and venue frequently over recent years does not help with promotion and marketing.
Also of note is that Goldies will be running Pub Pride on Friday May 31st all day! (12 noon - close), more about Pub Pride in Dorset soon (See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html )
Links:-
Anabelle
phone 074114 65007
email [email protected]
"This is Me"
Website https://www.thisismedorset.co.uk/
X (aka twitter) - ?
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/839319600405184
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Some Hate crimes in Dorset fall but highest rate for Transgender people in six years
(posted here 25/04/2024)
Extract from Dorset Echo (25/04/2024)."Hate crimes in Dorset fall but arrest rates remain low". You can read the full report here - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24272590.hate-crimes-dorset-fall-arrest-rates-remain-low/
Hate crime figures in Dorset are at their lowest levels in six years. Data from a freedom of information request has revealed that in 2023 there were 709 hate crimes recorded by Dorset Police in the county.
In 2020, there were 958 reported incidents and in 2021 there were 1,040 hate crimes recorded. The numbers have also fallen by more than 100 on the previous year when 821 cases were recorded by Dorset Police in 2022.
However, whilst the figures are relatively low, the arrest and charge rates for hate crimes remains low. Of the 709 hate crimes reported in 2023, only 63 led to an arrest and 55 led to a charge being made against the accused.
The data in the FOI also reveals how many of these hate crimes were based on sexual orientation and how many were directly targeted towards members of the transgender community. Combined, in 2023, just over a quarter of hate crimes were based on sexually orientation or directed towards transgender people. This is the highest percentage in the last six years.
Last year there were no charges or arrests made from 35 recorded hate crimes involving a transgender person, with just 13 arrests and 14 people charged with an offence from 154 reported incidents that related to sexual orientation.
Dorset Police has said that they remain ‘committed’ in their pursuit of bringing people to justice and that hate crimes ‘are not tolerated’.
Above is an extract from Dorset Echo (25/04/2024)."Hate crimes in Dorset fall but arrest rates remain low". You can read the full report here - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24272590.hate-crimes-dorset-fall-arrest-rates-remain-low/
(posted here 25/04/2024)
Extract from Dorset Echo (25/04/2024)."Hate crimes in Dorset fall but arrest rates remain low". You can read the full report here - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24272590.hate-crimes-dorset-fall-arrest-rates-remain-low/
Hate crime figures in Dorset are at their lowest levels in six years. Data from a freedom of information request has revealed that in 2023 there were 709 hate crimes recorded by Dorset Police in the county.
In 2020, there were 958 reported incidents and in 2021 there were 1,040 hate crimes recorded. The numbers have also fallen by more than 100 on the previous year when 821 cases were recorded by Dorset Police in 2022.
However, whilst the figures are relatively low, the arrest and charge rates for hate crimes remains low. Of the 709 hate crimes reported in 2023, only 63 led to an arrest and 55 led to a charge being made against the accused.
The data in the FOI also reveals how many of these hate crimes were based on sexual orientation and how many were directly targeted towards members of the transgender community. Combined, in 2023, just over a quarter of hate crimes were based on sexually orientation or directed towards transgender people. This is the highest percentage in the last six years.
Last year there were no charges or arrests made from 35 recorded hate crimes involving a transgender person, with just 13 arrests and 14 people charged with an offence from 154 reported incidents that related to sexual orientation.
Dorset Police has said that they remain ‘committed’ in their pursuit of bringing people to justice and that hate crimes ‘are not tolerated’.
Above is an extract from Dorset Echo (25/04/2024)."Hate crimes in Dorset fall but arrest rates remain low". You can read the full report here - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24272590.hate-crimes-dorset-fall-arrest-rates-remain-low/
NOTE: - To report Hate Crime "If you are a victim or witness of a hate crime or incident, please report it to Dorset Police online at dorset.police.uk/do-it-online and click on the ‘report a hate crime’ button. Alternatively if you wish to speak to someone call 101. In an emergency always dial 999."
Third party reporting is available via:-
The Intercom Trust www.intercomtrust.org.uk 01392 201015
Galop http://www.galop.org.uk/ National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans Helpline
Phone: 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428 Email: [email protected]
Our Helplines page has more info - see - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Third party reporting is available via:-
The Intercom Trust www.intercomtrust.org.uk 01392 201015
Galop http://www.galop.org.uk/ National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans Helpline
Phone: 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428 Email: [email protected]
Our Helplines page has more info - see - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Our Simon to perform at Chesil Rocks (posted here 25/04/2025)
Great to hear that our Weymouth Gay Group friend Simon will be performing with Steve Wilson and the Innocent Bystanders at this years Chesil Rocks.
Although not an LGBT event, it is very LGBT friendly. This annual music event (think mini Glastonbury!) takes place in beautiful surroundings near Weymouth at Higher Farmhouse, Shop Lane, Langton Herring DT3 4HX, with events June 20 - 22, and is in aid of The Samaritans.
The London Gay Men's Chorus are one of many groups who have performed there most years, and are returning for 2024 on Saturday 22nd June, the main music day. Tickets are available now on the Chesil Rocks website.
Weymouth Gay Group attended for the first time in 2022 with a "Alan Turing's Treasure Hunt", a great event to attend and support.
Great to hear that our Weymouth Gay Group friend Simon will be performing with Steve Wilson and the Innocent Bystanders at this years Chesil Rocks.
Although not an LGBT event, it is very LGBT friendly. This annual music event (think mini Glastonbury!) takes place in beautiful surroundings near Weymouth at Higher Farmhouse, Shop Lane, Langton Herring DT3 4HX, with events June 20 - 22, and is in aid of The Samaritans.
The London Gay Men's Chorus are one of many groups who have performed there most years, and are returning for 2024 on Saturday 22nd June, the main music day. Tickets are available now on the Chesil Rocks website.
Weymouth Gay Group attended for the first time in 2022 with a "Alan Turing's Treasure Hunt", a great event to attend and support.
|
Links:-
Chesil Rocks Website https://www.chesilrocks.com/ X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/ChesilRocks Chesil Rocks You Tube 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXLIx4_AYQg&t=27s |
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
A Gay Day Out in Dorch (posted here 18/04/2024)
Have you ever wondered what our county town has to offer our Dorset LGBT+ Community?
The answer is lots!
We checked out a few venues recently:–
Have you ever wondered what our county town has to offer our Dorset LGBT+ Community?
The answer is lots!
We checked out a few venues recently:–
|
Having heard nice things about The Old Ship Inn in High West Street, we made this our first stop of the afternoon. Run by a lovely gay couple Del & Martin it is a very traditional pub with a safe and supportive atmosphere although lacking any real good Ales. The poster on the front door was a welcomed sight. The Old Ship Inn is the venue for the weekly “This is Me” Transgender social group the rainbow poster proclaimed. |
|
The shop next door but one had a “LGBTQIA safe space” poster in its window, so a good reason to go in! Steve Bane fabrics and curtains, had some wonderful curtains and the kind lady there agreed to add one of our “Six Prides of Dorset” posters to the window.
A quick drop by into the “Spoons” pub – The Royal Oak – and great to see more LGBT+ posters displayed on their notice board. One of which had details about Space Youth Project who meet up twice a month in the town. They kindly added one of our small Weymouth Gay Group posters to their collection. Nice also to bump into three of our gay friends in there too!
|
Across the road we ventured into Shire Hall, the old court house. Love the rainbow flag outside above the entrance! |
|
The gift shop is amazing! A huge rainbow flag instantly drew our attention to a range of LGBT+ goodies from postcards to badges, keyrings, mugs and lots more. We grabbed a few postcards before being ushered upstairs.
|
We were there to attend a Pride planning meeting with a range of LGBT+ Community members present.
Lovely to see faces old and new, as the Shire Hall staff outlined their plans for later this year. |
|
If we had been in Dorchester for the evening, it would have been nice to pop into Café Jagos – which historically was the home to some of the first Pride events in Dorchester (Dorchester Love Parade) several years ago now.
It was great to visit our county town, and we decided that we should do so more often.
When was the last time you had a Gay Day Out in Dorch?
Info / Links
The Old Ship Inn https://theoldshipdorchester.co.uk/
"This is Me" https://www.thisismedorset.co.uk/
Space Youth Project www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk
Shire Hall shirehalldorset.org/
"This is Me" https://www.thisismedorset.co.uk/
Space Youth Project www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk
Shire Hall shirehalldorset.org/
Dorset Youth Pride Saturday July 13th https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-youth-pride.html
Café Jagos https://www.facebook.com/p/Cafe-jagos-100063495975584/?locale=en_GB
Dorchester Love Parade https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorchester-love-parade.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Café Jagos https://www.facebook.com/p/Cafe-jagos-100063495975584/?locale=en_GB
Dorchester Love Parade https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorchester-love-parade.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Sherborne Pride - Janice Robinson headliner
(posted here 13/04/2024)
Sherbourne Pride have just announced their headliner
The BBC reported:-
Janice Robinson, best known for her hit song I'm A Dreamer, will be kicking off Sherborne Pride in Dorset on Sunday 7 July. The former lead singer of Livin' Joy will be joined by British ska band, The Beat. Organisers of the event said they hoped it would be a "celebration like no other" and a "vibrant, inclusive event to bring the community together".
See - BBC Dorset here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68795994
Date Sunday 7th July
Venue Pagent Gardens, Sherborne DT9 3LP
Phone ?
email [email protected]
website https://sherbornepride.org/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/SherbornePride @SherbornePride
For lots more about Sherborne Pride see our Pride page here: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here 13/04/2024)
Sherbourne Pride have just announced their headliner
The BBC reported:-
Janice Robinson, best known for her hit song I'm A Dreamer, will be kicking off Sherborne Pride in Dorset on Sunday 7 July. The former lead singer of Livin' Joy will be joined by British ska band, The Beat. Organisers of the event said they hoped it would be a "celebration like no other" and a "vibrant, inclusive event to bring the community together".
See - BBC Dorset here:- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68795994
Date Sunday 7th July
Venue Pagent Gardens, Sherborne DT9 3LP
Phone ?
email [email protected]
website https://sherbornepride.org/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/SherbornePride @SherbornePride
For lots more about Sherborne Pride see our Pride page here: - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Poole Pride updates - Writing Out Loud, Cabaret & Poetry
(Posted here 10/04/2024 updated with pic 15/04/2024)
Poole Pride have added more information about events taking place at Poole's Lighthouse on June 8th.
(Posted here 10/04/2024 updated with pic 15/04/2024)
Poole Pride have added more information about events taking place at Poole's Lighthouse on June 8th.
The OutSpoken: A Poole Pride Poetry Slam, will be part of the free daytime programme
Join Word Makers and Silence breakers creator and Bournemouth Poet Laureate, Myriam San Marco for an hour of thought provoking poetry and spoken word. This event will follow a slam format in two halves, with community submissions going head-to-head to be crowned the most OutSpoken voice of Poole Pride 2024. This event is free entry, but booking your seat in advance is advised
Writing Out Loud is also part of the daytime programme.
Join Dorsetborn for an hour of heartfelt LGBTQ+ stories filled with drama and humour, written and performed by local artists. This event is free entry, but booking your seat in advance is advised.
Come on Out Cabaret Part of the daytime programme. Any Pride festivities would not be complete with out some good old Cabaret in our Sherling Studio. Join Thorn Again for a whirlwind ride through an exciting selection of local queer performers. From comedy to music, theatre to dance, all with a heavy helping of drag chaos! This event is free entry, but booking your seat in advance is essential
Links/info:-
Date Friday 7th / Saturday 8th June. Plus exhibition events from May 24th
Venue The Lighthouse. Arts and Entertainment 21 Kingland Road. Poole. Dorset BH15 1UG
Phone 01202 280000
email [email protected]
website www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/festival/poole-pride-2024/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/LighthousePoole
See also our Weymouth Gay Group Poole Pride page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Transgender news in Dorset Magazine (posted here 10/04/2024 updated 13/04/2024)
The West Dorset Magazines April edition has a full page spread relating to the recent national story about puberty blockers and young people.
Most of the story covers a "Mum speaks out over gender and puberty blocking drugs", with a section at the bottom of the page from Space Youth Project entitled "Project commited to wellbeing and health of LGBT+ young people".
You can read it online, or collect a free copy at many major supermarkets.
|
Links West Dorset Magazine. You can read it online here - https://westdorsetmag.co.uk/ FREE Copies of West Dorset Magazine are availble from many major supermarkets and other outlets. See:- https://westdorsetmag.co.uk/stockists/ Space Youth Project Space Youth Project office - Tel 01202 205279 email [email protected] website www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk |
|
Note:- The Cass report has received much national press coverage recently. You can read a very good evidenced based response to it by Transgender experts here - https://www.gendergp.com/response-to-the-cass-review/
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"This is Me" Transgender group expands - Weymouth & North Dorset
(posted here 08/04/2024)
(posted here 08/04/2024)
On their website they recently posted:- Starting Thursday 11th April 2024 new group in Weymouth. There is no name for them yet so just ask for Steve the group is for Crossdressers and Transgender only from 6pm - 8pm at Dry Dock 6 - 7 Dry Dock St Thomas st, Weymouth DT4 8EW This group will be meeting up weekly, every Thursday. More info contact Steve 07394 415719 They also said:- Another group coming soon to Gillingham / Warminster area |
|
This is Me started during the summer of 2021 and was the idea of Steve Mears who wanted to create a safe haven for Crossdressers, Transgender and T Girls to meet, have a drink, and chat at the newly refurbished Waterloo Pub in Weymouth. Following change of ownership & management at The Waterloo, the group moved up to The Royal Oak on Dorchester Road Weymouth, and now meets up in Dorchester at The Old Ship Inn High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UW every Tuesday.
Anabelle (who runs it all along with Debbs and Steve) said:-
If you live in Dorset and fancy starting your own group under our banner please contact me at "This is Me"
Links:-
Anabelle
phone 074114 65007
email [email protected]
"This is Me"
Website https://www.thisismedorset.co.uk/
X (aka twitter) - ?
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/839319600405184
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Anabelle (who runs it all along with Debbs and Steve) said:-
If you live in Dorset and fancy starting your own group under our banner please contact me at "This is Me"
Links:-
Anabelle
phone 074114 65007
email [email protected]
"This is Me"
Website https://www.thisismedorset.co.uk/
X (aka twitter) - ?
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/839319600405184
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Chesil Youth Pride Sat 29th June - update (posted here 08/04/2024)
Chesil Youth Pride have recently announced that their theme this year is Intersectionality and the tagline is See Me!
Taking place at Weymouth College, this is a wonderful Pride very much focused on providing a safe and supportive event for young people to be who they are. Numerous groups and organisations in the public sector, youth charities, and more have information stalls to highlight this support. It's the sort of Pride we all wished we had when youthful!
A highlight is their Pride Parade along Weymouth Esplanade! Let's all cheer them on!
Taking place at Weymouth College, this is a wonderful Pride very much focused on providing a safe and supportive event for young people to be who they are. Numerous groups and organisations in the public sector, youth charities, and more have information stalls to highlight this support. It's the sort of Pride we all wished we had when youthful!
A highlight is their Pride Parade along Weymouth Esplanade! Let's all cheer them on!
|
|
|
More info on our Weymouth Gay Group website page here with pics and reports from last year -
https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
Links:-
Date Saturday 29th June
Venue:- Weymouth College Cranford Ave, Weymouth DT4 7LQ
Phone 01305 761100 (Weymouth College)
email [email protected]
website ?
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/YouthInDorset #ChesilYouthPride #DorsetPride #YouthVoice
You can read a report about last years Chesil Youth Pride here -
news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/2023/06/22/chesil-youth-pride-2023-celebrating-dorsets-lgbtqi-young-people/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
Links:-
Date Saturday 29th June
Venue:- Weymouth College Cranford Ave, Weymouth DT4 7LQ
Phone 01305 761100 (Weymouth College)
email [email protected]
website ?
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/YouthInDorset #ChesilYouthPride #DorsetPride #YouthVoice
You can read a report about last years Chesil Youth Pride here -
news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/2023/06/22/chesil-youth-pride-2023-celebrating-dorsets-lgbtqi-young-people/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
STOP PRESS - just announced - London Gay Men's Chorus return to Chesil Rocks
In aid of Samaritans 22nd June 2024 (posted here 04/04/2024)
Venue - Higher Farm House, Langton Herring, Weymouth DT3 4HX
We were thrilled to hear that the brilliant London Gay Men's Chorus are set to return to Chesil Rocks this year. They have performed at this music event over several years in the past and have been a highlight!
London Gay Men's Chorus is a gay choir that was founded in 1991 by a group of nine gay men. The group now has around 150 singing members at any one time and almost 300 members in total.
While Chesil Rocks is not an LGBT event, it is very LGBT friendly. This annual music event (think mini Glastonbury!) takes place in beautiful surroundings near Weymouth and is in aid of The Samaritans. Three days of events including a comedy night, classical music night and the main event on 22nd June.
Weymouth Gay Group had a "Alan Turing's Treasure Hunt" stall at Chesil Rocks a few years ago - with a new (then) £50 note as the treasure! A large map of Dorset for punters to put a pin in where the treasure was hidden. Nearest pin wins. Which turned out to be one of our guys !! - who kindly donated it back to the cause.
In aid of Samaritans 22nd June 2024 (posted here 04/04/2024)
Venue - Higher Farm House, Langton Herring, Weymouth DT3 4HX
We were thrilled to hear that the brilliant London Gay Men's Chorus are set to return to Chesil Rocks this year. They have performed at this music event over several years in the past and have been a highlight!
London Gay Men's Chorus is a gay choir that was founded in 1991 by a group of nine gay men. The group now has around 150 singing members at any one time and almost 300 members in total.
While Chesil Rocks is not an LGBT event, it is very LGBT friendly. This annual music event (think mini Glastonbury!) takes place in beautiful surroundings near Weymouth and is in aid of The Samaritans. Three days of events including a comedy night, classical music night and the main event on 22nd June.
Weymouth Gay Group had a "Alan Turing's Treasure Hunt" stall at Chesil Rocks a few years ago - with a new (then) £50 note as the treasure! A large map of Dorset for punters to put a pin in where the treasure was hidden. Nearest pin wins. Which turned out to be one of our guys !! - who kindly donated it back to the cause.
Links:-
Chesil Rocks
Website https://www.chesilrocks.com/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/ChesilRocks
London Gay Men's Chorus
Website https://www.lgmc.org.uk/
X (aka twitter) twitter.com/LdnGMC
Samaritans Weymouth 13 King St, Weymouth DT4 7BJ
Website https://www.samaritans.org/
Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Chesil Rocks
Website https://www.chesilrocks.com/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/ChesilRocks
London Gay Men's Chorus
Website https://www.lgmc.org.uk/
X (aka twitter) twitter.com/LdnGMC
Samaritans Weymouth 13 King St, Weymouth DT4 7BJ
Website https://www.samaritans.org/
Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Portland student organises event on equality (posted here 03/04/2024)
Extract from Dorset Echo 01/04/2024. You can read the full article here -
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24213085.atlantic-academy-portland-student-organises-event-equality/
Joseph Pascoe, a student at Atlantic Academy on Portland, arranged for a host of local speakers to give talks on their experiences of living with one of the protected characteristics of the Equalities Act. The student is the equalities lead for the student’s leadership team at the school and is a member of Portland Youth Council, which is facilitated by the Island Community Action (ICA), a local charity that support the local community through activities and services.
Alongside individuals from the island’s community, the charity was able to secure the support of local specialist organisations, including Volunteer Centre Dorset and Dorset Council’s Refugee Resettlement Team. They spoke about their experiences regarding age, disability, gender, race and religion.
Joseph said, "I found all the speakers really interesting. It made me think about how the things I take for granted can be incredibly challenging for others. “I hope that the day has helped others to consider their own preconceptions and prejudices. I'd like to thank all the speakers for giving up their time to take part."
Mairead Smith, PSRE Lead at Atlantic Academy said, "We're really grateful to all of the people who came to be speakers today."We teach the importance of the Equalities Act, but it’s much more powerful to hear the personal stories of people with lived experience. "We've had some great feedback already, with teachers and pupils reporting that the speakers delivered some really thought provoking presentations."
ICA’s CEO, Kim Wilcocks, said, "ICA is committed to delivering training and engagement opportunities for young people in Portland. We also value the chance to celebrate Portland’s diverse communities, particularly as a route to increased community cohesion and reduced isolation and loneliness. So, we were delighted to help Joseph by identifying and coordinating 14 speakers willing to share their knowledge and experience across five of the nine protected characteristics: age, disability, race or religion, gender reassignment, and sexual orientation."
Extract from Dorset Echo 01/04/2024. You can read the full article here -
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24213085.atlantic-academy-portland-student-organises-event-equality/
WGG Note:- Well done Joseph! Great to see our friends at Space Youth Project involed with this event.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Extract from Dorset Echo 01/04/2024. You can read the full article here -
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24213085.atlantic-academy-portland-student-organises-event-equality/
Joseph Pascoe, a student at Atlantic Academy on Portland, arranged for a host of local speakers to give talks on their experiences of living with one of the protected characteristics of the Equalities Act. The student is the equalities lead for the student’s leadership team at the school and is a member of Portland Youth Council, which is facilitated by the Island Community Action (ICA), a local charity that support the local community through activities and services.
Alongside individuals from the island’s community, the charity was able to secure the support of local specialist organisations, including Volunteer Centre Dorset and Dorset Council’s Refugee Resettlement Team. They spoke about their experiences regarding age, disability, gender, race and religion.
Joseph said, "I found all the speakers really interesting. It made me think about how the things I take for granted can be incredibly challenging for others. “I hope that the day has helped others to consider their own preconceptions and prejudices. I'd like to thank all the speakers for giving up their time to take part."
Mairead Smith, PSRE Lead at Atlantic Academy said, "We're really grateful to all of the people who came to be speakers today."We teach the importance of the Equalities Act, but it’s much more powerful to hear the personal stories of people with lived experience. "We've had some great feedback already, with teachers and pupils reporting that the speakers delivered some really thought provoking presentations."
ICA’s CEO, Kim Wilcocks, said, "ICA is committed to delivering training and engagement opportunities for young people in Portland. We also value the chance to celebrate Portland’s diverse communities, particularly as a route to increased community cohesion and reduced isolation and loneliness. So, we were delighted to help Joseph by identifying and coordinating 14 speakers willing to share their knowledge and experience across five of the nine protected characteristics: age, disability, race or religion, gender reassignment, and sexual orientation."
Extract from Dorset Echo 01/04/2024. You can read the full article here -
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24213085.atlantic-academy-portland-student-organises-event-equality/
WGG Note:- Well done Joseph! Great to see our friends at Space Youth Project involed with this event.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Sherborne Pride - Vicky Vivacious & more Pride info (posted here 28/03/2024)
Sherborne Pride, taking place for the first time on the 7th July, has released more info recently. Including the fact that it will be a FREE event!
On X (aka twitter) they said:- Sherborne Pride @SherbornePride BIG announcement We’ve been keeping a naughty secret! Introducing @Vicki_Vivacious as Sherborne Pride’s Headline Drag Act for our first ever Pride in July!
They added:- Sherborne Pride @SherbornePride The cabaret queen of Cornwall, who sashayed and slayed on @dragraceukbbc S5 will be performing, meeting, greeting, being outrageously fabulous and showing us her pasty on Sunday 7th July in Pageant Gardens in Sherborne, Dorset. Shantay you stay! See you there…
They also introduced us to the team behind Sherbornes first ever Pride event. Illustrating each of their key team members on X (twitter) with a pic and brief bio, which you can see on their X thread. (Quite impressive skills line up behind the scenes!)
Plus adding:- Sherborne Pride @SherbornePride Sherborne’s first Pride is a FREE event brought to you by @vineyards_wine @lollyagency @thesherbornemarket Sponsored by @battenssolicitors If you would like to sponsor, donate, or get involved please contact us.
Date Sunday 7th July
Venue Pagent Gardens, Sherborne DT9 3LP
email [email protected]
website https://sherbornepride.org/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/SherbornePride @SherbornePride
You can sign up to their mailing list via their website.
NOTE - We LOVE how they have used X so well. Wish more Pride events would do so!
We hope to have more info about Sherborne Pride here soon, you can see our Sherborne Pride page with more info here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Weymouth Craft with Pride is OFF! (posted here 28/03/2024 update 01/04/2024)
The Weymouth Craft with Pride is CANCELLED!
Following several attempts to contact the organisers, with no reply for several months, we phoned the venue for further information. Weymouth Rugby Club confirmed that the Craft with Pride event is NOT going ahead, and also expressed their disappointment.
This is extremely disappointing as we have produced posters helping to promote it, as one of seven Dorset Prides this year. It was due to run on June 15th.
Update (01/04/2024) While we are grateful for an email (at last!) from Lynn (organiser) to us WGG, we are also aware of numerous comments on social media about possibly why Weymouth Craft with Pride was cancelled.
Note:- If you have any comments/info/issues/concerns about this event please contact the organisers and / or the venue.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
The Weymouth Craft with Pride is CANCELLED!
Following several attempts to contact the organisers, with no reply for several months, we phoned the venue for further information. Weymouth Rugby Club confirmed that the Craft with Pride event is NOT going ahead, and also expressed their disappointment.
This is extremely disappointing as we have produced posters helping to promote it, as one of seven Dorset Prides this year. It was due to run on June 15th.
Update (01/04/2024) While we are grateful for an email (at last!) from Lynn (organiser) to us WGG, we are also aware of numerous comments on social media about possibly why Weymouth Craft with Pride was cancelled.
Note:- If you have any comments/info/issues/concerns about this event please contact the organisers and / or the venue.
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Neurodiversity & LGBT+ New Dorset NHS website (Posted here 23/03/2024)
Dorset NHS have recently produced a new website supporting neurodivergent people.
Called NHS Dorset Neurodiversity Hub.
So what is neurodiversity? Someone who is neurodivergent behaves, thinks and learns differently to those who are neurotypical. Neurodivergent people may have one of the following neurodevelopmental conditions: Autism. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). A “neurodivergent” person refers to a person on the autism spectrum or, more generally, to someone whose brain processes information in a way that is not typical of most individuals.
Dorset NHS have recently produced a new website supporting neurodivergent people.
Called NHS Dorset Neurodiversity Hub.
So what is neurodiversity? Someone who is neurodivergent behaves, thinks and learns differently to those who are neurotypical. Neurodivergent people may have one of the following neurodevelopmental conditions: Autism. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). A “neurodivergent” person refers to a person on the autism spectrum or, more generally, to someone whose brain processes information in a way that is not typical of most individuals.
We were very pleased to see a LGBT+ page! They say:-
"Research indicates that neurodivergent people are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than their neurotypical peers. A recent paper by the University of Cambridge found that autistic people are eight times more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ and The Brain Charity reports that in the wider neurodivergent community, significantly more people are likely to identify as LGBTQ+."
Kit who is autistic and identifies as panromantic and demisexual, explains: “It’s important that we bring attention and care to people who are neurodivergent so they understand that they deserve to be loved, regardless of their traits and characteristics.”
Dating culture can be hard to navigate for neurodivergent people, with social rules and constructs that make them cautious. The website has a great video explaining more:- Ambitious About Autism video: Finding safe spaces for autistic LGBTQ+ people. You can see the video and the NHS Dorset Neurodiversity Hub website here - https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity/living/lgbtq/
Good also to see links for further reading, including to Dorsets Space Youth Project.
WGG Comment:- Over our 16 years of offering a safe and supportive social meet up, we have had a number of guys attending our pub meet ups who are on the neurodivergent spectrum. While we are not a support group (we can sign post support to them), neurodivergent guys who feel comfortable in an often very noisy and crowded pub (which may not be everyone's prefered environment) are welcomed to join us.
It is also brilliant to see a Dorset NHS website supporting our community in style with upto date relivent info. Unlike this very old one that is still out there! - https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/about-us/lgbt which is desperatly in need of an update! - and yes we have told them several times!
Links:-
NHS Dorset Neurodiversity Hub https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity/living/lgbtq/
Dorset Mind
see - https://dorsetmind.uk/what-we-offer/adult-services/adult-groups/mind-out-lgbtq/
The Geranium Trust may be able to offer social support -
Website https://www.geraniumtrust.org/
This website page will interest LGBT+ people - www.geraniumtrust.org/you-are-not-alone
email [email protected]
seperate service for members of the LGBT+ community. email: [email protected]
"Research indicates that neurodivergent people are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than their neurotypical peers. A recent paper by the University of Cambridge found that autistic people are eight times more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ and The Brain Charity reports that in the wider neurodivergent community, significantly more people are likely to identify as LGBTQ+."
Kit who is autistic and identifies as panromantic and demisexual, explains: “It’s important that we bring attention and care to people who are neurodivergent so they understand that they deserve to be loved, regardless of their traits and characteristics.”
Dating culture can be hard to navigate for neurodivergent people, with social rules and constructs that make them cautious. The website has a great video explaining more:- Ambitious About Autism video: Finding safe spaces for autistic LGBTQ+ people. You can see the video and the NHS Dorset Neurodiversity Hub website here - https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity/living/lgbtq/
Good also to see links for further reading, including to Dorsets Space Youth Project.
WGG Comment:- Over our 16 years of offering a safe and supportive social meet up, we have had a number of guys attending our pub meet ups who are on the neurodivergent spectrum. While we are not a support group (we can sign post support to them), neurodivergent guys who feel comfortable in an often very noisy and crowded pub (which may not be everyone's prefered environment) are welcomed to join us.
It is also brilliant to see a Dorset NHS website supporting our community in style with upto date relivent info. Unlike this very old one that is still out there! - https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/about-us/lgbt which is desperatly in need of an update! - and yes we have told them several times!
Links:-
NHS Dorset Neurodiversity Hub https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity/living/lgbtq/
Dorset Mind
see - https://dorsetmind.uk/what-we-offer/adult-services/adult-groups/mind-out-lgbtq/
The Geranium Trust may be able to offer social support -
Website https://www.geraniumtrust.org/
This website page will interest LGBT+ people - www.geraniumtrust.org/you-are-not-alone
email [email protected]
seperate service for members of the LGBT+ community. email: [email protected]
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
So ..... An Evening with Graham Norton in Poole! (Posted here 21/03/2024)
Its just been confirmed that TV host and a favorite of many Graham Norton will be at Poole Lighthight house later this year.
Tuesday 24th Sep 2024
On X (aka twitter) The Lighthouse said:-
Lighthouse are delighted to go on sale today with the nation’s favourite talk show host and author, Graham Norton 24 Sep Tickets : https://rb.gy/uhkyxm
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the UK's most beloved stars
Graham Norton, the nation’s favourite talk show host and author, is taking to the road with a brand-new tour this autumn to celebrate the publication of his latest book, Frankie.
Join Graham as he discusses the new book, shares hilarious tales from his star-studded sofa and answers your questions live.
Across his illustrious career Graham has won every major television award including nine BAFTAs, ten British Comedy Awards, the NTA Special Recognition Award and an International Emmy. Alongside presenting the iconic The Graham Norton Show on BBC One, Graham also hosts Wheel Of Fortune for ITV, Last One Laughing Ireland for Amazon Prime, and is a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK for the BBC. Graham is also the award-winning author of four previous novels.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the nation’s most beloved stars live!
Various ticket options available, each including a copy of Graham’s latest novel.
More info - www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/an-evening-with-graham-norton/
WGG Comment - So ...oh .... wouldn't it have been good if Lighthouse had him for Poole Pride!
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Tuesday 24th Sep 2024
On X (aka twitter) The Lighthouse said:-
Lighthouse are delighted to go on sale today with the nation’s favourite talk show host and author, Graham Norton 24 Sep Tickets : https://rb.gy/uhkyxm
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the UK's most beloved stars
Graham Norton, the nation’s favourite talk show host and author, is taking to the road with a brand-new tour this autumn to celebrate the publication of his latest book, Frankie.
Join Graham as he discusses the new book, shares hilarious tales from his star-studded sofa and answers your questions live.
Across his illustrious career Graham has won every major television award including nine BAFTAs, ten British Comedy Awards, the NTA Special Recognition Award and an International Emmy. Alongside presenting the iconic The Graham Norton Show on BBC One, Graham also hosts Wheel Of Fortune for ITV, Last One Laughing Ireland for Amazon Prime, and is a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK for the BBC. Graham is also the award-winning author of four previous novels.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the nation’s most beloved stars live!
Various ticket options available, each including a copy of Graham’s latest novel.
More info - www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/an-evening-with-graham-norton/
WGG Comment - So ...oh .... wouldn't it have been good if Lighthouse had him for Poole Pride!
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorchesters Marvellous Mel:- The Long Shadow of Section 28 (Posted here 21/03/2024)
Extracts from "Headteacher update".
Read the excellent full article here- https://www.headteacher-update.com/content/best-practice/the-long-shadow-of-section-28/
Extracts from "Headteacher update".
Read the excellent full article here- https://www.headteacher-update.com/content/best-practice/the-long-shadow-of-section-28/
Today's young people may think Section 28 was some sort of WWII secret organisation! However, it was a policy introduced in 1988 by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government and made into UK law. It made it very difficult if not impossible for teachers to support young people questioning their sexuality or gender.
Now it is more than 21 years since Section 28 ceased to be law, but its legacy of shame still hangs over us today. Mel Lane, who taught under the shadow of Section 28, explains in an excellent article in "Headteacher update". See - https://www.headteacher-update.com/content/best-practice/the-long-shadow-of-section-28/
Mel says - "Being LGBT+ is legal in the UK. The Gender Recognition Act 2004 legally recognised trans people and same-sex marriage was introduced in 2013. So surely the discrimination of the Section 28 era is over.
I wish it was…
The legacy of Section 28 is still with us today – both for the damaged generation of people who went to school under its shadow and for young people, teachers, and parents now."
This also coincided with the peak of the AIDS crisis, meaning that a generation of young people missed out on potentially life-saving information.
|
But it isn’t just people born before 1995 who are affected. My son, (born in the late 1990s) didn’t come out as gay until he was 18, years after he realised this about himself. One of his biggest reasons was that he just didn’t see or hear anything positive about being gay at school. With no positive representation and only hearing the word “gay” as a slur, he absorbed the shame and believed that he would never be happy being gay. He chose to tell no-one for years.
Today I run LGBT+ inclusive staff training and student sessions across Dorset and also help to produce LGBT+ inclusive resources for teachers. |
Mel Lane was a primary school teacher and teacher trainer for more than 20 years. She is now head of education at Pop’n’Olly, a provider of LGBT+ inclusive education resources for primary-age children. Mel also works with Dorset-based LGBT+ charity, Space Youth Project, leading staff training and student sessions alongside a team of LGBT+ young volunteers.
Visit www.popnolly.com and www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk |
I am constantly astounded by the impact of this work on all children.
When we talk about LGBT+ lives as just another way to be a human, we open up the world for young people and help all children see that it’s okay to be who they are".
She ends saying ....
"When we don’t know about people, it is easy to demonise them. When we actively talk about LGBT+ diversity as “just another way to be a human” we create understanding, inclusion, community, and better mental health for all our young people".
Extracts from "Headteacher update".
Read the excellent full article here- https://www.headteacher-update.com/content/best-practice/the-long-shadow-of-section-28/
When we talk about LGBT+ lives as just another way to be a human, we open up the world for young people and help all children see that it’s okay to be who they are".
She ends saying ....
"When we don’t know about people, it is easy to demonise them. When we actively talk about LGBT+ diversity as “just another way to be a human” we create understanding, inclusion, community, and better mental health for all our young people".
Extracts from "Headteacher update".
Read the excellent full article here- https://www.headteacher-update.com/content/best-practice/the-long-shadow-of-section-28/
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Together always: United in Diversity! (posted here 16/03/2024)
|
A new poster produced by Weymouth Gay Group has been receiving much praise in the Dorset LGBT+ Community and beyond. Produced to help promote our very popular Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary website page, (which lists LOADS of local LGBT+ events) it illustrates many of the LGBT+ groups and organisations whose events are taking place in Dorset. With often over 35 or even 45 Dorset LGBT+ events each month the website page has become a much needed and unique resource for the Dorset LGBT+ Community. On X (aka twitter) Dorset Mind said:- Dorset Mind @DorsetMind "LOVE This!" With a long list of colourful hearts! Thank you. If you know a good place for our poster, please copy and display it. Share with your online friends / networks too! You can see YOUR Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html or scan the QR code on the poster |
|
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Pub Pride Dorset info 2024 (posted here 16/03/2024)
Although not until 31st May, excitement has been brewing for this year's Pub Pride!
Pub Pride, which has been taking place nationally (300+ venues!) and in Dorset during the last few years, is basically a Pride celebration at your local pub to welcome in Pride month (June).
Although not until 31st May, excitement has been brewing for this year's Pub Pride!
Pub Pride, which has been taking place nationally (300+ venues!) and in Dorset during the last few years, is basically a Pride celebration at your local pub to welcome in Pride month (June).
|
Dorset Pubs in Weymouth, Dorchester and Swanage have all hosted their own Pub Prides in the past. Perhaps the most successful Dorset Pub Pride was in 2022 at Weymouth's Waterloo Pub. You can see pics & reports on our WGG Pub Pride page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html Photo right - our Jonai on our stall Pub Pride 2022 Waterloo Pub You can encourage your local Pub to sign up (before April 21st) and as well as receiving a Pride pack of flags, stickers & t-shirts (some say a bit expensive, but not when you share with friends) they can receive training packs for pub staff, upskilling them to support LGBT+ people at the venue (some say priceless!). We have heard that a Dorchester Pub may host a Pub Pride, if so we hope to bring you more details here later. If you are a Dorset Pub wishing to run an event for Pub Pride, please do let us know so that we can help you promote it! email [email protected] |
|
What is "Ask For Clive" ?
Everyone is welcome here
Ask for Clive is a charity that partners with venues to promote inclusion and to create welcoming environments for the LGBTQ+ community.
They work directly with local communities and venues, and collaborate with law enforcement on training and reporting initiatives.
How does it work? Ask For Clive said ....
- Venues register
- We send out stickers and a briefing pack for venues to train staff in the event of any form of discrimination or hate crime is observed or reported at the venue
- Venues put the Ask for Clive sticker on their door to let people know that ‘Everyone is Welcome Here’ and that discrimination will not be tolerated
- We ask venues to provide a charitable donation to cover our costs – we suggest £25 per venue (but more is always welcome!)
- Venues follow us on socials (using the buttons below) and are kept updated on Ask for Clive news and events including the annual Pub Pride celebration
More info see - https://askforclive.com/
Pub Pride info - (copy from their website)
Ask For Clive held the first Pub Pride nationally in July 2021.
We have worked with Pride Organisations, Pub Companies, BID teams and local councils to bring the event to life. Returning for our fourth year, Pub Pride 2024 will take place in venues across the UK on Friday May 31st to Sunday June 2nd.
It’s a night for venues to celebrate their local LGBTQ+ community, and welcome Pride month in their home town. What you do over the weekend is up to you - live music, cabaret, karaoke, drag brunch, film screening, or just dressing up your Pub or Venue to show your support.
Each year will now see a theme colour, coming from the progress Pride flag. For 2024 this will be Yellow, which on the original Pride Flag symbolises sunshine and new ideas, we hoping for lots of each!
Venues are encouraged to hold their own fund raising events, one of our key policies being that funds should only come from people having a great time or experience, or from enjoying some of our partner products. We’ll also have our annual cocktail competition! Venues have sold special beers, cocktails, pizzas and cakes to raise funds for Ask For Clive. We can’t wait to see what you do!
We’d love to have you on board, please reach out to us at [email protected] if you want to discuss further.
Links:-
Pub Pride https://pubprideshop.co.uk/
Ask For Clive https://askforclive.com/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/clive_ask
#AskForClive
Weymouth Gay Group website Dorset Pub Pride page - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Ask For Clive held the first Pub Pride nationally in July 2021.
We have worked with Pride Organisations, Pub Companies, BID teams and local councils to bring the event to life. Returning for our fourth year, Pub Pride 2024 will take place in venues across the UK on Friday May 31st to Sunday June 2nd.
It’s a night for venues to celebrate their local LGBTQ+ community, and welcome Pride month in their home town. What you do over the weekend is up to you - live music, cabaret, karaoke, drag brunch, film screening, or just dressing up your Pub or Venue to show your support.
Each year will now see a theme colour, coming from the progress Pride flag. For 2024 this will be Yellow, which on the original Pride Flag symbolises sunshine and new ideas, we hoping for lots of each!
Venues are encouraged to hold their own fund raising events, one of our key policies being that funds should only come from people having a great time or experience, or from enjoying some of our partner products. We’ll also have our annual cocktail competition! Venues have sold special beers, cocktails, pizzas and cakes to raise funds for Ask For Clive. We can’t wait to see what you do!
We’d love to have you on board, please reach out to us at [email protected] if you want to discuss further.
Links:-
Pub Pride https://pubprideshop.co.uk/
Ask For Clive https://askforclive.com/
X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/clive_ask
#AskForClive
Weymouth Gay Group website Dorset Pub Pride page - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorset Police chief apologises to LGBT community
(posted here 14/03/2024)
Extract from BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c89vj4j1qg2o
Dorset Police has become the 13th force in the country to apologise for its past treatment of the LGBT community.
In a letter, Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said sorry "for any physical and mental harm and trauma" caused by the way "previous laws were enforced".
It was sent to the Peter Tatchell Foundation in response to the charity's #ApologiseNow campaign. Director Peter Tatchell said Ms Pearson's words would "go a long way towards securing a more constructive, collaborative relationship" between the force and LGBT people. In the letter, Ms Pearson said "policing has a duty to uphold and enforce the laws of the day".
"However, it is clear that the way in which previous laws were enforced and the associated police activities caused significant harm, trauma, anger and injustice to LGBT+ communities,". She said there was a "brighter future" ahead, pointing to a number of initiatives such as the Inclusive Leadership Programme, LGBT staff network, and Call It Out campaign.
You can read the full BBC report here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c89vj4j1qg2o
The Bournemouth Echo also covers this story very well, printing the full letter.
An extract:- Peter Tatchell said:- “Some people in power find it hard to say sorry for past wrongs. Amanda Pearson didn’t hesitate or evade the need for a clear apology. That marks her out as a commendable police chief. She’s backed up her apology with eight policy initiatives to better serve LGBT+ staff and the wider LGBT+ community. We thank her and her officers".
Chief constable Pearson said: “As chief constable of Dorset Police, I want to apologise for the way in which those laws were enforced and for any physical and mental harm and trauma that this caused to LGBT+ individuals and communities in Dorset as a result. “I know that there were local examples of this in Dorset and the feelings of how this happened continue to affect and influence the trust and confidence of the LGBT+ community in policing.” She continued in saying the force is working to ensure it has positive relationships and engagement with communities, especially those ‘who have reduced trust and confidence’.
You can read the Bournemouth Echo report, and Amandas full letter here: -
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24181698.dorset-police-issues-formal-apology-peter-tatchell-foundation/
WGG Comment:- While this is most welcomed, it would be good to see Dorset Police reaching out to our Dorset LGBT+ Community. Perhaps with an information stall at some or all of the SEVEN Dorset Pride events this year! (Don't recall seeing them at last years Bournemouth Pride)
Links:- The Peter Tatchell Foundation
https://www.petertatchellfoundation.org/two-more-police-forces-apologise-to-lgbt-community-for-past-witch-hunts/
The Peter Tatchell Foundation continues to urge every Chief Constable in the UK to apologise for their force’s historic homophobic persecution in decades past. Thirteen apologies so far, and thirty-two police forces still to go.
The #ApologiseNow petition can be read and signed at ApologiseNow.com
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here 14/03/2024)
Extract from BBC website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c89vj4j1qg2o
Dorset Police has become the 13th force in the country to apologise for its past treatment of the LGBT community.
In a letter, Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said sorry "for any physical and mental harm and trauma" caused by the way "previous laws were enforced".
It was sent to the Peter Tatchell Foundation in response to the charity's #ApologiseNow campaign. Director Peter Tatchell said Ms Pearson's words would "go a long way towards securing a more constructive, collaborative relationship" between the force and LGBT people. In the letter, Ms Pearson said "policing has a duty to uphold and enforce the laws of the day".
"However, it is clear that the way in which previous laws were enforced and the associated police activities caused significant harm, trauma, anger and injustice to LGBT+ communities,". She said there was a "brighter future" ahead, pointing to a number of initiatives such as the Inclusive Leadership Programme, LGBT staff network, and Call It Out campaign.
You can read the full BBC report here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c89vj4j1qg2o
The Bournemouth Echo also covers this story very well, printing the full letter.
An extract:- Peter Tatchell said:- “Some people in power find it hard to say sorry for past wrongs. Amanda Pearson didn’t hesitate or evade the need for a clear apology. That marks her out as a commendable police chief. She’s backed up her apology with eight policy initiatives to better serve LGBT+ staff and the wider LGBT+ community. We thank her and her officers".
Chief constable Pearson said: “As chief constable of Dorset Police, I want to apologise for the way in which those laws were enforced and for any physical and mental harm and trauma that this caused to LGBT+ individuals and communities in Dorset as a result. “I know that there were local examples of this in Dorset and the feelings of how this happened continue to affect and influence the trust and confidence of the LGBT+ community in policing.” She continued in saying the force is working to ensure it has positive relationships and engagement with communities, especially those ‘who have reduced trust and confidence’.
You can read the Bournemouth Echo report, and Amandas full letter here: -
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24181698.dorset-police-issues-formal-apology-peter-tatchell-foundation/
WGG Comment:- While this is most welcomed, it would be good to see Dorset Police reaching out to our Dorset LGBT+ Community. Perhaps with an information stall at some or all of the SEVEN Dorset Pride events this year! (Don't recall seeing them at last years Bournemouth Pride)
Links:- The Peter Tatchell Foundation
https://www.petertatchellfoundation.org/two-more-police-forces-apologise-to-lgbt-community-for-past-witch-hunts/
The Peter Tatchell Foundation continues to urge every Chief Constable in the UK to apologise for their force’s historic homophobic persecution in decades past. Thirteen apologies so far, and thirty-two police forces still to go.
The #ApologiseNow petition can be read and signed at ApologiseNow.com
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Bournemouth Pride scraps Eurovision theme
(posted here 1403/2024)
Extract from BBC website: - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68563217
A Pride event has pulled its Eurovision theme amid controversy over Israel's involvement with the 2024 song contest.
Bourne Free's Pride Festival is due to take place on 5 and 6 July in Bournemouth, Dorset.
But organisers said they had scrapped the theme in light of the Israel-Gaza war - and the Eurovision Song Contest's decision not to remove Israel from the competition. Organisers Dawn Lewis and Jack Cannon said the Eurovision-inspired theme was intended to celebrate diversity and inclusion at the LGBTQ+ event.
"In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the Eurovision Song Contest's decision not to remove Israel from the competition despite calls to do so, we have made the difficult decision to remove Eurovision as our theme for Pride this year," they said.
"As a charity committed to promoting equality and human rights, we cannot in good conscience align ourselves with an event that has sparked controversy and division within our community." The pair said their decision was "not a statement against the people of Israel", nor any act participating in Eurovision. They went on: "It is a reflection of our commitment to standing in solidarity with marginalised communities and promoting peace and understanding."
You can read the full BBC report here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68563217
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here 1403/2024)
Extract from BBC website: - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68563217
A Pride event has pulled its Eurovision theme amid controversy over Israel's involvement with the 2024 song contest.
Bourne Free's Pride Festival is due to take place on 5 and 6 July in Bournemouth, Dorset.
But organisers said they had scrapped the theme in light of the Israel-Gaza war - and the Eurovision Song Contest's decision not to remove Israel from the competition. Organisers Dawn Lewis and Jack Cannon said the Eurovision-inspired theme was intended to celebrate diversity and inclusion at the LGBTQ+ event.
"In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the Eurovision Song Contest's decision not to remove Israel from the competition despite calls to do so, we have made the difficult decision to remove Eurovision as our theme for Pride this year," they said.
"As a charity committed to promoting equality and human rights, we cannot in good conscience align ourselves with an event that has sparked controversy and division within our community." The pair said their decision was "not a statement against the people of Israel", nor any act participating in Eurovision. They went on: "It is a reflection of our commitment to standing in solidarity with marginalised communities and promoting peace and understanding."
You can read the full BBC report here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68563217
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
The (Pride) Bus is back! (posted here 14/03/2024)
The Pride Bus has been seen back in Weymouth recently. The First Wessex double decker Pride bus is based at Weymouth's bus depot in Commercial Road. You can read a report about the bus from a 2022 story in the Dorset Echo here:- www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/20263792.weymouth-home-new-lbgtq-double-decker-bus/ |
From July (2022) onwards, the First Wessex Pride bus will become a permanent fixture in the company’s fleet and will now be travelling along the scenic Jurassic Coaster routes. It has been seen recently running as a number 10 up to Dorchester.
It is hoped it will make an appearance again at some of the SEVEN Dorset Pride events during 2024. Last year it attended The Chesil Youth Pride at Weymouth College.
Nice back side too!
It is hoped it will make an appearance again at some of the SEVEN Dorset Pride events during 2024. Last year it attended The Chesil Youth Pride at Weymouth College.
Nice back side too!
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorset MP Supports ban on puberty blockers (posted here 14/03/2024 updated 15/03/2024)
From Conservatives website: - https://www.chrisloder.co.uk/news/west-dorset-mp-supports-ban-puberty-blockers-gender-identity-clinics-and-calls-investigation
West Dorset MP supports ban on puberty blockers in Gender Identity Clinics and calls for investigation
Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has today expressed his support for the ban on the prescription of puberty blockers in Gender Identity Clinics. The decision taken by NHS England is long overdue, and Mr Loder is calling for an investigation into the use of puberty blockers – a hormone analogue which pauses the physical changes of puberty such as breast development or facial hair.
Mr Loder said: “There’s been a sharp rise in the number of referrals of children and teenagers to gender identity services in Dorset, something which I have been deeply concerned about. There is a lack of long-term robust evidence of the effects of puberty blockers on young people, with potential long-term, irreversible implications.”
He added: “We need to see an investigation into how this form of highly damaging, pseudoscientific treatment was prescribed in the first place for children and young adults under the age of 18.”
He was also talking about this on BBCs Dorset Breakfast Radio Solent Dorset, on Thursday 14th March. During the bulletin he said "Dorset has a very high listing for NHS referrals being 17th out of 195 NHS areas". You can hear the interview with Steve Harris here - (at approx 7 mins in) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hct8k8 (Available for 29 days from 14 Mar 2024)
We hope to bring you local reaction to this breaking story here soon.
Essensial reading! Pink News (12/03/2024) What is Hormone Replacement Therapy and how safe is it?
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, can be an important part of gender-affirming treatment for many trans and non-binary people. But what exactly is the medication and how safe is it?
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/03/12/what-is-hormone-replacement-therapy-and-how-safe-is-it/
Essensial reading! Pink News (12/03/2024) Just 1 per cent of trans teens detransition after starting medical treatment such as puberty blockers or hormones replacement therapy, according to a new study. More than 99 per cent of those who followed through with puberty blocker treatment did not detransition or regret their choice.
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/03/12/trans-teen-detransition-medical-care/
Essensial reading! Gender GP Message from Dr Webberley – We stand with WPATH
Dear Mums and Dads, guardians and children, teenagers and families, GPs and hospital doctors, This is a terrifying time for trans people right now, we are facing an awful time in history where trans rights are being denied, people’s identities are being debated, attacks are being launched, medical care is being withdrawn, harmful policies are being introduced. I understand what impact that has – this means that trans youth (and adults) do not have access to essential puberty blockers and sex hormones on the NHS. GPs and local hospitals feel scared to help you and the specialist clinic is not operating. The future feels bleak.
Read Dr Webberley full message of support here:- https://www.gendergp.com/message-dr-webberley-wpath/
Further reading / support:-
Attitude magazine:- (14/03/2024) LGBTQ charities respond after NHS England pauses puberty blockers for children. "Everyone deserves access to healthcare and to live happy and healthy lives. Trans youth are no exception"
www.attitude.co.uk/news/lgbtq-charities-nhs-england-puberty-blockers-461696/
Space Youth Project www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk 01202 205279
c/o Bournemouth & Poole College, North Road, Poole Dorset BH14 0LS email [email protected]
Space Youth Project is a Dorset wide group for young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or are Questioning and are living in Bournemouth, Poole or Dorset.
Mermaids (Transgender Young People) https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/helpline-support-services/ helpline is available on 0808 801 0400 Monday – Friday; 9am – 9pm
MindLine Trans+ Website :- https://mindlinetrans.org.uk/
Helpline 0300 330 5468 8pm to midnight Monday and Friday.
Bridport News - (12/03/2024) Children will not be prescribed puberty blockers, NHS says.
https://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/national/24180274.children-will-not-prescribed-puberty-blockers-nhs-says/
Bridport News - (09/03/2024) Truss calls on Sunak to back transgender law change
https://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/national/24174561.truss-calls-sunak-back-transgender-law-change/
From Conservatives website: - https://www.chrisloder.co.uk/news/west-dorset-mp-supports-ban-puberty-blockers-gender-identity-clinics-and-calls-investigation
West Dorset MP supports ban on puberty blockers in Gender Identity Clinics and calls for investigation
Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has today expressed his support for the ban on the prescription of puberty blockers in Gender Identity Clinics. The decision taken by NHS England is long overdue, and Mr Loder is calling for an investigation into the use of puberty blockers – a hormone analogue which pauses the physical changes of puberty such as breast development or facial hair.
Mr Loder said: “There’s been a sharp rise in the number of referrals of children and teenagers to gender identity services in Dorset, something which I have been deeply concerned about. There is a lack of long-term robust evidence of the effects of puberty blockers on young people, with potential long-term, irreversible implications.”
He added: “We need to see an investigation into how this form of highly damaging, pseudoscientific treatment was prescribed in the first place for children and young adults under the age of 18.”
He was also talking about this on BBCs Dorset Breakfast Radio Solent Dorset, on Thursday 14th March. During the bulletin he said "Dorset has a very high listing for NHS referrals being 17th out of 195 NHS areas". You can hear the interview with Steve Harris here - (at approx 7 mins in) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0hct8k8 (Available for 29 days from 14 Mar 2024)
We hope to bring you local reaction to this breaking story here soon.
Essensial reading! Pink News (12/03/2024) What is Hormone Replacement Therapy and how safe is it?
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, can be an important part of gender-affirming treatment for many trans and non-binary people. But what exactly is the medication and how safe is it?
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/03/12/what-is-hormone-replacement-therapy-and-how-safe-is-it/
Essensial reading! Pink News (12/03/2024) Just 1 per cent of trans teens detransition after starting medical treatment such as puberty blockers or hormones replacement therapy, according to a new study. More than 99 per cent of those who followed through with puberty blocker treatment did not detransition or regret their choice.
https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/03/12/trans-teen-detransition-medical-care/
Essensial reading! Gender GP Message from Dr Webberley – We stand with WPATH
Dear Mums and Dads, guardians and children, teenagers and families, GPs and hospital doctors, This is a terrifying time for trans people right now, we are facing an awful time in history where trans rights are being denied, people’s identities are being debated, attacks are being launched, medical care is being withdrawn, harmful policies are being introduced. I understand what impact that has – this means that trans youth (and adults) do not have access to essential puberty blockers and sex hormones on the NHS. GPs and local hospitals feel scared to help you and the specialist clinic is not operating. The future feels bleak.
Read Dr Webberley full message of support here:- https://www.gendergp.com/message-dr-webberley-wpath/
Further reading / support:-
Attitude magazine:- (14/03/2024) LGBTQ charities respond after NHS England pauses puberty blockers for children. "Everyone deserves access to healthcare and to live happy and healthy lives. Trans youth are no exception"
www.attitude.co.uk/news/lgbtq-charities-nhs-england-puberty-blockers-461696/
Space Youth Project www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk 01202 205279
c/o Bournemouth & Poole College, North Road, Poole Dorset BH14 0LS email [email protected]
Space Youth Project is a Dorset wide group for young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans or are Questioning and are living in Bournemouth, Poole or Dorset.
Mermaids (Transgender Young People) https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/helpline-support-services/ helpline is available on 0808 801 0400 Monday – Friday; 9am – 9pm
MindLine Trans+ Website :- https://mindlinetrans.org.uk/
Helpline 0300 330 5468 8pm to midnight Monday and Friday.
Bridport News - (12/03/2024) Children will not be prescribed puberty blockers, NHS says.
https://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/national/24180274.children-will-not-prescribed-puberty-blockers-nhs-says/
Bridport News - (09/03/2024) Truss calls on Sunak to back transgender law change
https://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/national/24174561.truss-calls-sunak-back-transgender-law-change/
|
NOTE:- Firday 15th March House of Commons On Friday morning the House of Commons will debate the 'The Health & Equality Acts (Amendment) Bill'. which if enacted would amend two acts: the Health and Care Act 2022 and the Equality Act 2010. Read the proposed changes here: http://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3560 Click on picture right to enlarge |
|
Update via X (aka twitter 15/03/24)
Katy Montgomerie @KatyMontgomerie
"Gender Critical" activist, failed Prime Minister and authoritarian Liz Truss is in a rage that her science denial bill didn't get through
Liz Truss @trussliz
I’m furious Labour MPs have filibustered in Parliament today to prevent debate of my Bill. My Bill will stop children accessing damaging puberty blockers and makes it clear in law that sex means biological sex. I will not give up on getting this Bill onto the Statute Book
Katy Montgomerie @KatyMontgomerie
"Gender Critical" activist, failed Prime Minister and authoritarian Liz Truss is in a rage that her science denial bill didn't get through
Liz Truss @trussliz
I’m furious Labour MPs have filibustered in Parliament today to prevent debate of my Bill. My Bill will stop children accessing damaging puberty blockers and makes it clear in law that sex means biological sex. I will not give up on getting this Bill onto the Statute Book
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
Dorset Prides & WGG in West Dorset Magazine (posted here 07/03/2024)
HUGE thanks to West Dorset Magazine March edition page 27 for featuring the record number of SEVEN Pride events running this summer in Dorset. They also very kindly gave the link to our website, where we have info about all of them. They are taking place in Dorchester, Poole, Bournemouth and Weymouth - with two Pride events. Sherborne is a NEW Pride for 2024, while Pub Pride which had three Dorset events last year, and is expected to be celebrated in several Dorset towns too. More info see - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html Check out these places to pick up your FREE copy! westdorsetmag.co.uk/stockists/ Or read it online here - https://westdorsetmag.co.uk/ |
|
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Poole Pride your quick guide ..... with free events! (posted here 07/03/2024)
Venue:- The Lighthouse. Arts and Entertainment
21 Kingland Road. Poole. Dorset BH15 1UG
Phone 01202 280000
email [email protected]
website Poole Pride - www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/festival/poole-pride-2024/
The Lighthouse Poole on X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/LighthousePoole
Fri 24 May - Sun 16 June. Pride Exhibition:
‘We Didn’t Know Whether It Was A Revolution or a Party’ Exhibition. John Chesterman and Gay Pride. This exhibition is FREE for everyone to enjoy and is part of Poole Pride.
A Queer film festival will also run in the week leading up to Poole Pride.
Friday 7th A Live and Unheard event with musicians identifying as LGBTQ+. JBAX & Emma Peri, Honey Kick Duo, Dixie Dix.
Saturday 8th June Day time - FREE - Planned in consultation with a community steering group that includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, by day Poole Pride will include free performances and activities throughout Lighthouse, including the outdoor theatre, with performances, talks, educational sessions and signposting to LGBTQ+ support charities and groups.
Saturday 8th June Poole Pride Evening Concert: Bimini, Horse Meat Disco, Woody Cook, Ellie Sax and Charlotte Devaney. Tickets from The Lighthouse.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Poole Pride LGBTQ+ filmmakers wanted! (posted here 07/03/2024)
Copy from Poole Pride:-
Lighthouse & Arts University Bournemouth Queer Cinema Society announce the Short Film Open Call for Poole Pride 2024.
We’re looking for LGBTQ+ filmmakers to showcase their work during our first ever Pride takeover at our Cinema this June. Whether you’re an established filmmaker or dreaming of becoming the next big thing in the industry, we’re taking submissions from anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community in Dorset who wants to make a film based on the stimulus word: PRIDE.
Some of the most astounding pieces of cinema have been created on the smallest budgets, so we’re looking for innovative entries to showcase the ingenuity of proud local creatives. We can accept films as MP4s, via WeTransfer and Google/Dropbox links or other accessible formats. The film running time should not exceed 8 mins, and the submission deadline is Friday 10 May 2024. Successful applicants selected for our shortlist will have their work screened in our cinema as part of an anthology on the evening of Friday 7 June. Good luck!
Links -
More info - www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/short-film-open-call/
The Lighthouse Poole on X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/LighthousePoole
More about Poole Pride on our Pride page here with updated new acts! - weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
Lighthouse & Arts University Bournemouth Queer Cinema Society announce the Short Film Open Call for Poole Pride 2024.
We’re looking for LGBTQ+ filmmakers to showcase their work during our first ever Pride takeover at our Cinema this June. Whether you’re an established filmmaker or dreaming of becoming the next big thing in the industry, we’re taking submissions from anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community in Dorset who wants to make a film based on the stimulus word: PRIDE.
Some of the most astounding pieces of cinema have been created on the smallest budgets, so we’re looking for innovative entries to showcase the ingenuity of proud local creatives. We can accept films as MP4s, via WeTransfer and Google/Dropbox links or other accessible formats. The film running time should not exceed 8 mins, and the submission deadline is Friday 10 May 2024. Successful applicants selected for our shortlist will have their work screened in our cinema as part of an anthology on the evening of Friday 7 June. Good luck!
Links -
More info - www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/short-film-open-call/
The Lighthouse Poole on X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/LighthousePoole
More about Poole Pride on our Pride page here with updated new acts! - weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorchesters Mel helps Pop a LGBTQ+ award! (posted here 02/03/2024)
A recent award ceremony at Manchester's Hilton, hosted by Gaydio saw the Educational efforts of Pop'n'Olly celebrated.
Gaydio is a UK LGBTQ+ radio station, and the award was for winners of the LGBT+ Enterprise of the Year supported by NissanUK.
Run by Director Olly Pike, Pop'n'Olly is a LGBT+ Education Charity providing books, school visits, curriculum material and more to schools, parents, carers and teachers.
Mel Lane from Dorchester is an amazing person, Head of Education - Pop'n'Olly, Education and Training Lead - at Dorsets Space Youth Project, Professional Development Lead / Teacher Trainer, Rights Respecting Schools Assessor - Unicef. Oh and a friend and supporter of Weymouth Gay Group!
Pop'n'Olly posted on X (aka twitter) a clip from the awards ceremony showing Mel, Olly and the team.
You can also see more on the Gaydio website here -
https://www.gaydio.co.uk/events/gaydio-pride-awards-2024-gallery/
Above from our friends at Space Youth Project March newsletter
Gaydio is a UK LGBTQ+ radio station, and the award was for winners of the LGBT+ Enterprise of the Year supported by NissanUK.
Run by Director Olly Pike, Pop'n'Olly is a LGBT+ Education Charity providing books, school visits, curriculum material and more to schools, parents, carers and teachers.
Mel Lane from Dorchester is an amazing person, Head of Education - Pop'n'Olly, Education and Training Lead - at Dorsets Space Youth Project, Professional Development Lead / Teacher Trainer, Rights Respecting Schools Assessor - Unicef. Oh and a friend and supporter of Weymouth Gay Group!
Pop'n'Olly posted on X (aka twitter) a clip from the awards ceremony showing Mel, Olly and the team.
You can also see more on the Gaydio website here -
https://www.gaydio.co.uk/events/gaydio-pride-awards-2024-gallery/
Above from our friends at Space Youth Project March newsletter
HUGE congratulations to Mel and all of Olly's team.
Note:- You can meet Mel at the Dorset Youth Pride, Shire Hall Dorchester (July 13th) where she has a Pop'n'Olly stall.
Weymouth Gay Group has a set of the books from Pop'n'Olly and we can bring them along to our Weymouth pub meet ups if you wish to see them. (Let us know in advance please). It has sparked a lot of interesting debate when we have done so before!
Note:- You can meet Mel at the Dorset Youth Pride, Shire Hall Dorchester (July 13th) where she has a Pop'n'Olly stall.
Weymouth Gay Group has a set of the books from Pop'n'Olly and we can bring them along to our Weymouth pub meet ups if you wish to see them. (Let us know in advance please). It has sparked a lot of interesting debate when we have done so before!
|
Links
Mel Lane (she/her) Head of Education - Pop'n'Olly Education and Training Lead - Space Youth Project Professional Development Lead / Teacher Trainer Rights Respecting Schools Assessor - Unicef Diversity_Mel on instagram Website: DiversityMel.com |
Pop'n'Olly
Website - https://www.popnolly.com/ On X - https://twitter.com/PopnOlly @PopnOlly Space Youth Project Website - https://www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk/ On X - https://twitter.com/SpaceDorset @SpaceDorset Gaydio. The UK’s LGBTQ+ station Website - https://www.gaydio.co.uk/events/gaydio-pride-awards-2024-gallery/ On X - https://twitter.com/Gaydio @Gaydio |
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Poole Pride - Sophie Ellis-Bextor pulls out
(posted here 29/02/2024 updated 02/03/2024)
The BBC are reporting that Sophie Ellis - Bextor has pulled out of Pooles first ever Pride event.
It was a huge shock on Thursday 29th Feb to hear that Poole Prides headline act had pulled out from the event.
In the BBC report it said "She did not give a reason why she was unable to attend the LGBTQ+ event - but said she hoped to be back in the future."
The news report went on to say - "Organisers said they were working hard to find a replacement headliner.
"[We] will have some exciting news to share very soon," said Tim Colegate, Lighthouse's head of programming.
"Although it's a shame that Sophie cannot be with us, Poole Pride is still going ahead and we're more determined than ever to host a brilliant, inclusive event that everyone in Poole can be proud of," he added.
You can see the BBC report here - www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68434137
More about Poole Pride on our Pride page here with updated new acts! - weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
(posted here 29/02/2024 updated 02/03/2024)
The BBC are reporting that Sophie Ellis - Bextor has pulled out of Pooles first ever Pride event.
It was a huge shock on Thursday 29th Feb to hear that Poole Prides headline act had pulled out from the event.
In the BBC report it said "She did not give a reason why she was unable to attend the LGBTQ+ event - but said she hoped to be back in the future."
The news report went on to say - "Organisers said they were working hard to find a replacement headliner.
"[We] will have some exciting news to share very soon," said Tim Colegate, Lighthouse's head of programming.
"Although it's a shame that Sophie cannot be with us, Poole Pride is still going ahead and we're more determined than ever to host a brilliant, inclusive event that everyone in Poole can be proud of," he added.
You can see the BBC report here - www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68434137
More about Poole Pride on our Pride page here with updated new acts! - weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorchester Hospital Pride Network display (posted here 02/03/2024)
On X (aka twitter) they posted:-
Members of our Pride Staff Network have organised a celebration day in Damers Restaurant as part of LGBT+ History Month and staff are handing out free rainbow cupcakes today. Do pop along and say hello! #LGBTplusHM With the photo left.
WGG Comment:-
While it is brilliant to have a workplace LGBT+ group supporting LGBT+ history month, we are amazed that our guys who work at DCH knew nothing about it! How well was it promoted within DCH?
Links:-
X (aka twitter) Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust @DCHFT
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Members of our Pride Staff Network have organised a celebration day in Damers Restaurant as part of LGBT+ History Month and staff are handing out free rainbow cupcakes today. Do pop along and say hello! #LGBTplusHM With the photo left.
WGG Comment:-
While it is brilliant to have a workplace LGBT+ group supporting LGBT+ history month, we are amazed that our guys who work at DCH knew nothing about it! How well was it promoted within DCH?
Links:-
X (aka twitter) Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust @DCHFT
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
The NHS Dorset Health Care LGBT Network - relaunch (posted here 21/02/2024)
Recently The Dorset Healthcare NHS LGBTQ+ staff network was relaunched with an online Teams meeting. During the event, they shared their plans for the year ahead, including Bournefree (Bournemouth Pride), opportunities to get involved in the network, as well as hearing from members of the community who shared their personal experiences and journeys. They also heard from the Chief Executive, Matthew Bryant, on the Trust’s continued commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the importance of celebrating Pride in the NHS. They said "... if you cannot attend, please do not worry – the event will be recorded and shared on our Doris page as well as with all those invited." We, Weymouth Gay Group have contacted them by email for comment and other info, but not (to date) had a reply. NHS Dorset LGBT page - website https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/about-us/lgbt (Note - some of this NHS site is extremely out of date!) Photo right - our Jonai Chair of the Dorset NHS LGBT Network at Dorset Youth Pride Shire Hall NHS stall. |
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Sherborne Pride - on BBC Radio Solent
Sadie from Sherborne Pride was interviewed by Steve Harris for the BBCs Dorset Breakfast show on Monday 19th February.
She explained how their Pride came about, and highlighted some of the many exciting events on the day (7th July)), and leading up to it. Including The Parade through the town, a cinema week, Literary society events, Arts, Comedy, pop up street performances, LGBT stalls in Pageant Gardens and lots more!
If you missed the broadcast, you can catch up on BBC Sounds here - at 35.50 in. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0h7xqbl available for 29 days (from 19/02/2024).
More about Sherborne Pride on our Pride page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html and at - https://sherbornepride.org/
More on the Dorset BBC News page here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68336746
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Poole Pride updates - including new artists, and a Live and Unheard event
(posted here 17/02/2024)
The New Poole Pride have this week published more updates for their Pride celebrations - "Come as you are".
They recently added more artists to their evening concert on Saturday 8th June. On their website they said: -
"We’re delighted to announce new-drag superstar Bimini and queer club culture DJ collective Horse Meat Disco have been added to the bill, joining red hot chart act and pop princess Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who is set to headline the first ever Poole Pride."
(posted here 17/02/2024)
The New Poole Pride have this week published more updates for their Pride celebrations - "Come as you are".
They recently added more artists to their evening concert on Saturday 8th June. On their website they said: -
"We’re delighted to announce new-drag superstar Bimini and queer club culture DJ collective Horse Meat Disco have been added to the bill, joining red hot chart act and pop princess Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who is set to headline the first ever Poole Pride."
|
Pride and Unheard Friday 7th June
A new evening event for Poole Pride is Pride and Unheard at The Lighthouse Poole. A Live and Unheard event with musicians identifying as LGBTQ+ is part of their Poole Pride celebration. musicians include- JBAX & Emma Peri JBAX (Julia Barea) is a Gibraltar based singer/songwriter/producer and inspiring LGBTQ artist. February sees her in the UK to perform on the prestigious BBC Live Lounge and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us at this very special ‘Pride And Unheard’ event. Honey Kick Duo Honey Kick Duo are two members of four piece indie-pop/blues-rock band. Effortlessly entwining high-energy foot-stomping tunes with laid-back soulful tracks, |
Dixie Dix
Dixie is a singer songwriter from Bournemouth. They draw on their life experiences to write emotive music that comes from the heart and expresses a range of emotion from sadness to joy, heartbreak to newfound love. |
More info and links to above, check out our Poole Pride page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
Dorset Libraries LGBT+ History Month displays (posted here 15/02/2024 updated 19/02/204)
It's great to see LGBT+ books on display at many of Dorsets Libraries. Here is Blandford Library left, and Wimborne Library (right). Send us your pics if you have seen a display in your local library. With thanks to Dorset Library Service for photos. |
|
|
Weymouth Library
& Post Office In Weymouth Check Out ...... Here is the book display at Weymouth Library (left) with some of our Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) leaflets on display! Meanwhile at Weymouth Post Office near by .... ... Vicky and her wonderful staff have put on a nice rainbow display of goodies - including our WGG beer mats and leaflets! (pic right). |
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
Gender Questioning Guidance Forum (posted here 15/02/2024)
Dorsets Space Youth Project (SYP) are looking for Young People and Parents/Carers to take part in a Gender Questioning Guidance Forum. They will be holding an Online Forum to discuss and gather opinions from Young People and Parents/Carers on the current draft Guidance for Schools and Colleges on "Gender Questioning Children", hosted by SYP Supernovas. More info - Please email SYP at:[email protected] 
|
|
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
Sherborne Pride - NEW for 2024!
(posted here 13/02/2024 updated 15/02/2024) Sherborne Pride - Sunday 7th July 2024 We are delighted to report that Sherborne is to have a Pride event during the summer of 2024. This will bring the total number of Pride events in Dorset to a record number of SEVEN ! (perhaps more with Pub Pride) More details here https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html and at - https://sherbornepride.org/ |
|
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Brother do you love me - (our 2023 book of the year) - out in paper back (posted here 19/02/2024)
The Highly Commended British Book Awards "Brother.Do.You.Love.Me. " - which was Weymouth Gay Groups Book of the year 2023, is set for its paperback launch at the end of this month.
Manni and his (same sex) partner Jack, both living in Spain had a message from Ruben, Mannis brother (in Dorset) :- "Brother Do You Love Me." Manni knew it was a cry for help and returned to the UK to "rescue" Ruben, who has Downs, although Ruben calls it UP syndrome! Yippy!
What follows is a battle with "the system" trying to get Ruben the best support possible. Much of the true story takes place at Burton Bradstock (between Bridport & Weymouth), where the brothers spend quality time together as Ruben slowly heals with the love and support from Manni.
It's a MUST read book of struggles and delights. Dark days and letdowns, hope and happiness, Support and love.
During 2023 both brothers appeared on many TV and Radio programmes and in many national newspapers and magazines.
The paperback due out on February 29th, has a lot more of Rubens illustrations in it than the hardback. Which we look forward to seeing.
You can pre order from Waterstones, and it will be in all good book shops including Little Toller Bookshop Beaminster (publisher of the hardback) soon.
Links:-
Waterstones - https://www.waterstones.com/book/brother-do-you-love-me/manni-coe/reuben-coe/9781805303060
Little Toller Bookshop 2 Church St., Beaminster DT8 3AZ
Website: - https://www.littletoller.co.uk/shop/books/little-toller/brother-do-you-love-me-by-manni-coe-and-reuben-coe/
On X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/LittleToller/status/1755890425993286083
Manni Coe
Website https://mannicoe.com/
On X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/ManniCoeWrites
Manni and his (same sex) partner Jack, both living in Spain had a message from Ruben, Mannis brother (in Dorset) :- "Brother Do You Love Me." Manni knew it was a cry for help and returned to the UK to "rescue" Ruben, who has Downs, although Ruben calls it UP syndrome! Yippy!
What follows is a battle with "the system" trying to get Ruben the best support possible. Much of the true story takes place at Burton Bradstock (between Bridport & Weymouth), where the brothers spend quality time together as Ruben slowly heals with the love and support from Manni.
It's a MUST read book of struggles and delights. Dark days and letdowns, hope and happiness, Support and love.
During 2023 both brothers appeared on many TV and Radio programmes and in many national newspapers and magazines.
The paperback due out on February 29th, has a lot more of Rubens illustrations in it than the hardback. Which we look forward to seeing.
You can pre order from Waterstones, and it will be in all good book shops including Little Toller Bookshop Beaminster (publisher of the hardback) soon.
Links:-
Waterstones - https://www.waterstones.com/book/brother-do-you-love-me/manni-coe/reuben-coe/9781805303060
Little Toller Bookshop 2 Church St., Beaminster DT8 3AZ
Website: - https://www.littletoller.co.uk/shop/books/little-toller/brother-do-you-love-me-by-manni-coe-and-reuben-coe/
On X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/LittleToller/status/1755890425993286083
Manni Coe
Website https://mannicoe.com/
On X (aka twitter) https://twitter.com/ManniCoeWrites
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
When is Pride not Pride? (posted here 03/02/204)
One advantage of attending regular pub meetups with fellow LGBT+ friends is chatting with a pint over LGBT+ news, issues, and exchanging views. With the news that Dorset is set to have SEVEN (or more!) Pride events this year 2024, the topic came up around our Weymouth pub tables as to what really is a Pride event, and why have one? Can anyone run one? Does it have to be “Gay”? Is a Parade or protest essential? Why have a party when there is still so much hate towards our community still out there? |
|
“Pride – oh I remember that - granny used to buy that bread!”.
The new Poole Pride hopefully will help answer some of these questions with a Pride Exhibition at The Lighthouse in Poole.
Its part of Poole Prides ‘We Didn’t Know Whether It Was A Revolution or a Party’ Exhibition. John Chesterman and Gay Pride Fri 24 May - Sun 16 June. This exhibition is free for everyone to enjoy and is part of Poole Pride.
Communication breakdown and miss understandings can of course lead to confusion. This is the case with the new Weymouth “Craft with Pride”. Is it a Pride event?
The organisers clearly said to us it IS a Pride event, calling it Weymouth Pride taking place on 15th June adding -"Craft with Pride is an event bringing crafters together with the Pride community", however one craft stall holder (also LGBT) still says differently!
Back on our pub table some of the guys asked why have a Weymouth Craft with Pride? (Will they do Craft Ales? ha ha!) Or, any other variation on the “normal” Pride events?
The organisers clearly said to us it IS a Pride event, calling it Weymouth Pride taking place on 15th June adding -"Craft with Pride is an event bringing crafters together with the Pride community", however one craft stall holder (also LGBT) still says differently!
Back on our pub table some of the guys asked why have a Weymouth Craft with Pride? (Will they do Craft Ales? ha ha!) Or, any other variation on the “normal” Pride events?
If you wish to embrace diversity and be inclusive, – why have these Prides aimed at minority groups?
Black Pride is well established in London, while Travellers Pride and Student Pride also take place every year. So why not a Pride with Classic Cars – now that would interest a few of our guys! (Check out Weymouth Craft Pride!)
Young people may well feel more comfortable with the Prides specially aimed for them, Dorset is blessed with TWO Youth Prides, the well-established Dorset Youth Pride at Shire Hall Dorchester, and the newer Chesil Youth Pride at Weymouth College.
If a Pub environment is more to your liking, check out Pub Pride which runs nationally again on May 31st and welcomes in Pride month (June). In 2023 they had over 300 venues taking part nationally with three in Dorset!
Swanage, Dorchester & Weymouth.
Swanage, Dorchester & Weymouth.
|
Bournemouth Pride - Bourne Free.
Dorset's biggest annual LGBT event Saturday July 6th If Pride is your thing ... just DONT miss the BIGGEST LGBT+ event in Dorset! |
|
A group of us go from Weymouth / Dorchester on the train every year, and you are most welcomed to join us
While accepting that not everyone is keen on Pride, it has become an important part of the LGBT+ year and our community. So, brill to see SEVEN (or more) Dorset Prides this year!
Granny may still prefer her Pride bread, but you might like this real ale if on at the bar ... London Pride!
Sometimes just a pint can spark an important conversation ……
....... take Pride in those moments!
Weymouth Gay Group The Swan Wetherspons, Weymouth every Thursday. Table 26. Right hand corner by fire exit. 8pm. So, when is Pride not Pride? – lets continue our chat about that around our pub table. Ok? See you soon ....
Dorset Prides 2024
Pub Pride Friday May 31st 300+ venues UK wide, 3 last year in Dorset
Poole Pride New! Saturday June 8th Lighthouse Poole
Weymouth Pride "Craft with Pride" New! Saturday June 15th Weymouth Rugby Club
Chesil Youth Pride Saturday June 29th Weymouth College
Bournemouth Pride Saturday July 6th Meyrick Park Bournemouth
Sherborne Pride New! Sunday July 7th
Dorset Youth Pride Saturday July 13th Shire Hall Dorchester
For more info about all the above Pride events, and links to their websites, check out our Weymouth Gay Group website Pride pages here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Pub Pride Friday May 31st 300+ venues UK wide, 3 last year in Dorset
Poole Pride New! Saturday June 8th Lighthouse Poole
Weymouth Pride "Craft with Pride" New! Saturday June 15th Weymouth Rugby Club
Chesil Youth Pride Saturday June 29th Weymouth College
Bournemouth Pride Saturday July 6th Meyrick Park Bournemouth
Sherborne Pride New! Sunday July 7th
Dorset Youth Pride Saturday July 13th Shire Hall Dorchester
For more info about all the above Pride events, and links to their websites, check out our Weymouth Gay Group website Pride pages here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Dorset Libraries online event for LGBT+ History Month (posted here 03/02/2024)
Meet the author online event with Award Winning William Hussey
Wednesday, February 28 online 9 - 9:45am GMT
William Hussey is the author of Hideous Beauty, The Outrage and Broken Hearts and Zombie Parts – all of them YA books with a LGBTQ+ theme, and all of them highly critically acclaimed.
In his online sessions, William will introduce his books, talk a bit about his background and will enthuse everyone about the fun to be found in books and how they can help us explore other situations, and experiences increasing our own empathy and understanding. He’ll be sure to leave plenty of time to ask questions.
This event is suitable for school students in year 10 upwards, home educators, adults.
The event will be recorded, but a place must be booked to receive access to the recording.
Book your place https://orlo.uk/QgeBa
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
GLUG keeps going under! (Posted here 01/02/2024)
The wonderfully named GLUG - Gay and Lesbian Underwater Group, have recently announced their dive calendar for this year.
The scuba diving group have said: - "We now have a fairly comprehensive dive calendar online on our website including a couple of trips to Pembrokeshire, a destination we've not frequented for a number of years. Additionally, we have new dive sites on the Weymouth/Portland trips which should refresh those and keep things interesting." They have two, possibly three dive weekends locally off Weymouth and Portland during April & May.
They also have social meet ups in London:- "We meet at the Rupert Street Bar in Soho London W1D 6DR (on the corner of Rupert Street!). Come along for a drink, meet friends and make new ones and discuss all things diving!"
Note:- We Weymouth Gay Group have welcomed GLUG members to our pub meet ups in the past, and we list their local dives on our website Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary page. If you are interested in joinning a dive, you will need to be a GLUG member and suitably qualified to take part.
Links - GLUG website https://www.glug.co.uk
Ps, we have had all the diving on wrecks jokes (and more) with our own wrecked guys in the pub!
Weymouth Gay Group LOVES specialist LGBT+ groups! Do you help run one that meets in our area of Dorset? We would love to help you promote your events to Dorset LGBT+ people on our website which gets LOADS of hits, and is the ONLY website to list (almost all) Dorset LGBT+ Community Events monthly! email [email protected]
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Poole Pride - updates .... (posted here 01/02/2024 updated 02/02/2024)
The Lighthouse in Poole, venue for Poole Pride have released the following updates about thier Pride on Sat 8th June:-
Everyone is welcome at the first ever Poole Pride: a joyful celebration of the beautiful identities of our LGBTQ+ community. Come as you are and embrace a full day and night of inclusive entertainment.
By day:
Our building will be alive with vibrant family friendly events – free for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in LGBTQ+ creativity, with performances and workshops, live music, theatre, spoken word, a film festival and an exhibition. Explore an array of stands and meet with local organisations supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. And be sure to visit our education hub. In partnership with our friends at Bourne Free, this area will find talks and discussions focussed on topical issues for the LGBTQ+ community.
By night:
It’s time to get your glittery outfits on and revel in the company of our headline star, the one and only kitchen disco pop siren, Sophie Ellis-Bextor! It’ll be murder on the dancefloor – in the best way possible – as Sophie headlines Poole Pride topping the bill as we party into the early hours, with full line-up to be announced. Don’t wait up as it’s going to be a BIG night out!
More info see - https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/festival/poole-pride-2024/
The Lighthouse in Poole, venue for Poole Pride have released the following updates about thier Pride on Sat 8th June:-
Everyone is welcome at the first ever Poole Pride: a joyful celebration of the beautiful identities of our LGBTQ+ community. Come as you are and embrace a full day and night of inclusive entertainment.
By day:
Our building will be alive with vibrant family friendly events – free for everyone to enjoy. Immerse yourself in LGBTQ+ creativity, with performances and workshops, live music, theatre, spoken word, a film festival and an exhibition. Explore an array of stands and meet with local organisations supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. And be sure to visit our education hub. In partnership with our friends at Bourne Free, this area will find talks and discussions focussed on topical issues for the LGBTQ+ community.
By night:
It’s time to get your glittery outfits on and revel in the company of our headline star, the one and only kitchen disco pop siren, Sophie Ellis-Bextor! It’ll be murder on the dancefloor – in the best way possible – as Sophie headlines Poole Pride topping the bill as we party into the early hours, with full line-up to be announced. Don’t wait up as it’s going to be a BIG night out!
More info see - https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/festival/poole-pride-2024/
|
Pride Exhibition:
Lighthouse is proud to present Poole Pride ‘We Didn’t Know Whether It Was A Revolution or a Party’ Exhibition. John Chesterman and Gay Pride Fri 24 May - Sun 16 June. This exhibition is free for everyone to enjoy and is part of Poole Pride Arts University of Bournemouth in association with Bournemouth University and Lush Cosmetics present a collaborative exhibition of words and images concerning the important and sometimes overlooked history of LGBT+ activism in the UK. At the centre of this exhibition is a research project aimed at recognising the life and work of one of the more elusive figures involved in this story, campaigner, and activist John Chesterman. |
|
More info see - https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/we-didnt-know-whether-it-was-a-revolution-or-a-party/
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Homophobic attack in Bournemouth Wetherspoons (posted here 31/01/2024 updated 08/02/2024)
Extracts from BBC News - you can read the full report here - www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68144562
"Man beaten in Bournemouth homophobic attack in pub toilet"
The BBC have reported:- "A gay man has described being kicked and beaten by three men in a homophobic attack in a pub toilet." "Paul Scates, 44, was with friends in the Moon in the Square pub, in Bournemouth, on 6 January when he said he was followed into the men's toilets. He said one man hurled homophobic and threatening insults and violently pushed him into a wall, before two other men kicked and hit him."
The report goes on to say:-
"JD Wetherspoon, which owns the Moon in the Square, said it was aware of the incident. It said in a statement: "Wetherspoon does not tolerate violence in its pubs and we will support the police in their investigation."
"Dorset Police said that enquiries were under way, including gathering relevant CCTV footage and supporting the victim throughout the investigation."
You can read the full BBC report here - www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68144562
For help in reporting Hate Crime see our Helplines pages here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
Our thoughts are with the victim, and hope the Police find those who did this horrible attack.
Extracts from BBC News - you can read the full report here - www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68144562
"Man beaten in Bournemouth homophobic attack in pub toilet"
The BBC have reported:- "A gay man has described being kicked and beaten by three men in a homophobic attack in a pub toilet." "Paul Scates, 44, was with friends in the Moon in the Square pub, in Bournemouth, on 6 January when he said he was followed into the men's toilets. He said one man hurled homophobic and threatening insults and violently pushed him into a wall, before two other men kicked and hit him."
The report goes on to say:-
"JD Wetherspoon, which owns the Moon in the Square, said it was aware of the incident. It said in a statement: "Wetherspoon does not tolerate violence in its pubs and we will support the police in their investigation."
"Dorset Police said that enquiries were under way, including gathering relevant CCTV footage and supporting the victim throughout the investigation."
You can read the full BBC report here - www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68144562
For help in reporting Hate Crime see our Helplines pages here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
Our thoughts are with the victim, and hope the Police find those who did this horrible attack.
Note - update 08/02/2024. Its Nice To Be Nice
We have been hearing conflicting information about this news story.
As our group meets up in Wetherspoons pubs, we would just like to say that we really appreciate the "Zero tolerance to abuse" policy that The Swan in Weymouth has. It is clearly displayed with posters throughout the Swan, and helps to make our guys feel comfortable and welcomed.
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Holocaust Memorial Day - SYP painting (posted here 27/01/2024)
Dorset's Space Youth Project (SYP) has marked Holocaust Memorial Day with a special painting.
Dorset's Space Youth Project (SYP) has marked Holocaust Memorial Day with a special painting.
|
In a post on X (aka twitter) they said: -
Space Youth Project @SpaceDorset "Bournemouth & Poole Holocaust Memorial Day Committee’s annual commemoration takes place on Sunday 28th Jan at the Lighthouse Poole, 2:00- 4:30pm. Entry is by ticket only. Tickets are free and available from Eventbrite and the box office at the Lighthouse: 01202 280000." The organisation for LGBT travelers highlighted concern for their community during this time saying on X @TravellerLGBT :- "Tomorrow is #HolocaustMemorialDay. If you find yourself at an event, take a moment and note whether there's any mention of the 1/4 million Romany people killed because the nazis deemed them "Zigeuner", unworthy of living. The absence from narrative is further indignity." |
|
Also on X, Amnesty International @amnesty
"Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. The genocide of the Jewish people, Roma and other minorities during World War II is a brutal reminder of what hatred and prejudice can lead to."
We would suggest a key message there for modern day society too!
"Today is Holocaust Memorial Day. The genocide of the Jewish people, Roma and other minorities during World War II is a brutal reminder of what hatred and prejudice can lead to."
We would suggest a key message there for modern day society too!
|
Matthew Hodson @Matthew_Hodson (Executive Director @aidsmap) also on X with photo (on left) posted :- "On this day in 1945, the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp was liberated. Between 5,000-15,000 homosexual men were sent to concentration camps. About 60% of them died there. After the camps were liberated, many were reimprisoned under buggery laws." #HolocaustMemorialDay Gay Times has a very good article here: - International Holocaust Remembrance Day: why it’s important to commemorate https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/what-is-international-holocaust-remembrance-day/ Holocaust Memorial Trust https://www.hmd.org.uk/ |
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
Sophie Ellis-Bextor at Poole Pride! 8th June 2024 (posted here 26/01/2024 updated 29/01/2024) Steve Harris - BBC Radio Solent's Dorset Breakfast reposted this on X (aka twitter) today 26th Jan. " Timothy Colegate @tpcolegate Very proud that @LighthousePoole is organising Poole’s FIRST EVER Pride festival this year #PoolePride " The Lighthouse said on X :- "The one and only disco-pop princess herself Sophie Ellis-Bextor is our headliner for Poole Pride 2024 Tickets go on pre-sale to Friends today at 12pm & general sale from 10am on Thu 1 Feb." |
|
|
Tickets / info https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/poole-pride-sophie-ellis-bextor/ See also our Pride page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html Dorset Echo have a good report about Poole Pride - "Pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor to headline Dorset Pride event" (28/01/2024) see - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24079104.saltburn-famed-sophie-ellis-bextor-headline-poole-pride/ Poole Pride on BBC Radio Solent (29/01/2024) It was great to hear Poole Pride, The Lighthouse, and Bournemouth Uni Students on BBC Radio Solent's Dorset Breakfast programme with Steve Harris on Monday 29th Jan. |
The BBC also covered the news here (29/01/2024) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-68119545
"Pride will take place at Lighthouse arts centre on 8 June and will be preceded by a week-long film festival. A month-long exhibition is also planned to honour gay activist John Chesterman, who was involved in the formation of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970. As well as the concert and DJs, there will be a family-friendly daytime programme with performances and talks".
We will bring you more info when known! Exciting!
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
"Pride will take place at Lighthouse arts centre on 8 June and will be preceded by a week-long film festival. A month-long exhibition is also planned to honour gay activist John Chesterman, who was involved in the formation of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970. As well as the concert and DJs, there will be a family-friendly daytime programme with performances and talks".
We will bring you more info when known! Exciting!
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Weymouth LGBTQ+ Womens Group (posted here 25/01/2024)
The new group in Weymouth for Women (*Trans inclusive) have recently set up a new Facebook page to help promote their new group.
They have met up twice before Christmas, once in Dry Dock, and then in Nautico Lounge. It is hoped they will meet up regularly in town.
Women can join here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1280567109276343 Janet and Karen are admins. Chloe is a moderator.
Come and join us they say!
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
The new group in Weymouth for Women (*Trans inclusive) have recently set up a new Facebook page to help promote their new group.
They have met up twice before Christmas, once in Dry Dock, and then in Nautico Lounge. It is hoped they will meet up regularly in town.
Women can join here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1280567109276343 Janet and Karen are admins. Chloe is a moderator.
Come and join us they say!
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
|
LGBT History Month 2024 FOUR Dorchester events! (posted here 20/01/2024) |
|
It is brilliant to see both Dorchester Arts and Shire Hall in Dorchester coming together to run events for our and the wider community during LGBT History Month – February. Info below.
Here is some background info if you are new to LGBT History month from their website ....
LGBT+ History Month is for everyone; whether you work in education, a museum, a library or an art gallery, a business, a service, or are a member of a network/social group or an individual. It is celebrated every February across the UK and was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT UK. It was first celebrated in February 2005.
For so long LGBT+ people’s history was hidden, following the repeal of Section 28, UK LGBT+ History Month was created to:
- claim our past
- celebrate our present
- create our future
The 2024 theme celebrates LGBT+ peoples’ contribution to the field of Medicine and Healthcare both historically and today. We want to showcase the amazing work of LGBT+ staff across the NHS and in other healthcare settings, in providing healthcare, especially during the pandemic. Whilst still shining a light on the history of the LGBT+ community’s experience of receiving healthcare which has been extremely complicated leaving LGBT+ people still facing health inequalities even today.
At a time when the LGBT+ community is experiencing a rise in hate crime and hate instances we also encourage you to look ‘Under the Scope’ and listen to LGBT+ peoples’ lived experiences from LGBT+ people.
History Month Links
Follow us on social media, we’re on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Our hashtags are: #LGBTplusHM, #Usualise, #educateOUTprejudice
Website https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/lgbt-history-month-2024/
Dorset LGBT+ History Month events & info:-
‘I am the Love that dare not speak its name’ (Talk) Monday 12th Feb
Pride (Film) Tuesday 13th Feb
Caravaggio (Film) Sunday 18th Feb
Jarman (Play) Wednesday 28th Feb
We have more details about all these local events on our Dorset LGBT+ Community Events Diary page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
Shire Hall whats on - https://shirehalldorset.org/whats-on/
Dorchester Arts whats on - https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/whats-on/
Dorset Echo - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/24075669.shire-hall-museum-celebrate-lgbtq-history-month/
Comment from WGG - We really do hope Dorset NHS will be running events and supporting our community and LGBT+ History month 2024! We have several guys attending our WGG pub meet ups with NHS / Healthcare connections, and we all use NHS services!
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Gambling - recovery for all (posted here 18/01/2024)
It's always really nice to meet someone new who offers support for our, and the wider community in Dorset.
Kai attended our Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) recently and offers support and guidance for those (and their loved ones) affected by gambling.
It's always really nice to meet someone new who offers support for our, and the wider community in Dorset.
Kai attended our Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) recently and offers support and guidance for those (and their loved ones) affected by gambling.
|
Working with ARA, a registered charity, he says - "We help people to recover from mental health, drug and alcohol and gambling problems. Our services are free, confidential and proven to help".
They offer - Free, confidential advice & addiction support for anyone affected by a gambling problem in Wales and the South West, including Dorset. They have free resources to help you assess yours or a loved one’s gambling and decide what to do next. We are very please to say that Kai sometimes pops along to our WGG Pub meet ups (Swan Thursdays) and if you feel comfortable, he is happy to talk over any issues you or a loved one are having with gambling. We have added ARA to our Weymouth Gay Group website helplines page. https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html |
Click on pic above to enlarge
|
|
Dorset ARA Links:-
Kai Phone 07950 911452 Kai email KaiMcConkey@recovery4all |
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Balls Deep - with Sinderella! (posted here 08/01/2024)
Oh yes it is ! Bournemouths Adult Panto returns.... for another year of fun and frolics. The story of ‘Cinderella’ as you have never seen it before, expect lots of laughs and adult naughtiness. This pantomime is full of swearing, innuendo and all things tongue and cheek. Due to this, it will be a 16+ event only, thank you for understanding.
Presented by BourneFree, is taking place at The Barrington Theatre Ferndown Dorset from Friday 12th - Saturday 20th January.
Raising funds for the LGBT+ community.
BourneFree run Bournemouths Pride event every year July 6th 2024
A brief history of Cinderella
Let me tell you about Sinderella, a tale that’s been around for hundreds of years, that started way back in ancient Greece and Egypt with a girl named Rhodopis. This story spanned the ages and saw its more modern version come back to life in 17th century France thanks to Charles Perrault, and later, took a darker turn thanks to the Brothers Grimm.
She was living her worst life, doing all the chores for her evil stepmother and stepsisters. But one day, a ball was announced, and Sinderella's inner diva was unleashed. With the help of her fairy godmother, she went from rags to riches, looking like a million dollars and ready to strut her stuff. The Prince was drooling all over her, but she had to bail before her Fenty turned back into fruit.
But don't worry, this isn't your average one-night stand. The Prince was so obsessed with Sinderella, he searched the entire kingdom for her. And when he found her, he didn't care that she wore rags or scrubbed floors; he was in love. They lived happily ever after, and her stepsisters were left with nothing but jealousy and aching feet from trying on those glass slippers. Lesson learned: if you want to find true love, sometimes you have to leave a trail of sparkles and wear a great pair of shoes.
Info - https://www.bournefree.co.uk/copy-of-the-festival-1
and https://www.barringtoncentre.co.uk/
tickets - https://barringtoncentre.ticketline.co.uk/sinderella-balls-deep
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Oh yes it is ! Bournemouths Adult Panto returns.... for another year of fun and frolics. The story of ‘Cinderella’ as you have never seen it before, expect lots of laughs and adult naughtiness. This pantomime is full of swearing, innuendo and all things tongue and cheek. Due to this, it will be a 16+ event only, thank you for understanding.
Presented by BourneFree, is taking place at The Barrington Theatre Ferndown Dorset from Friday 12th - Saturday 20th January.
Raising funds for the LGBT+ community.
BourneFree run Bournemouths Pride event every year July 6th 2024
A brief history of Cinderella
Let me tell you about Sinderella, a tale that’s been around for hundreds of years, that started way back in ancient Greece and Egypt with a girl named Rhodopis. This story spanned the ages and saw its more modern version come back to life in 17th century France thanks to Charles Perrault, and later, took a darker turn thanks to the Brothers Grimm.
She was living her worst life, doing all the chores for her evil stepmother and stepsisters. But one day, a ball was announced, and Sinderella's inner diva was unleashed. With the help of her fairy godmother, she went from rags to riches, looking like a million dollars and ready to strut her stuff. The Prince was drooling all over her, but she had to bail before her Fenty turned back into fruit.
But don't worry, this isn't your average one-night stand. The Prince was so obsessed with Sinderella, he searched the entire kingdom for her. And when he found her, he didn't care that she wore rags or scrubbed floors; he was in love. They lived happily ever after, and her stepsisters were left with nothing but jealousy and aching feet from trying on those glass slippers. Lesson learned: if you want to find true love, sometimes you have to leave a trail of sparkles and wear a great pair of shoes.
Info - https://www.bournefree.co.uk/copy-of-the-festival-1
and https://www.barringtoncentre.co.uk/
tickets - https://barringtoncentre.ticketline.co.uk/sinderella-balls-deep
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
A few 2024 events not to miss ..... !
With the start of the New Year, here are a few Key LGBT+ Events in Dorset to add to your diary!
LGBT+ History Month - February 2024
Local & national events. Including Dorchester Arts & Shire Hall. (more events tbc)
Claiming our past – Celebrating our present – Creating our future.
The theme for LGBT+ History Month 2024 is 'medicine', to highlight the work and lives of historical LGBT+ people who worked in medicine, including healthcare. More info - https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/
Pub Pride - Friday May 31st 2024
Nationally and locally it runs again at the end of May 2024 (local details tbc) at over 300 pubs nationally!
This annual celebration welcomes in Pride month, and is run nationally by "Ask for Clive".
2023 had a record of THREE Pub Prides in Dorset!
See our Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html
New! Poole Pride! Saturday June 8th 2024 (Posted here 27/01/2024)
"The one and only disco-pop princess herself Sophie Ellis-Bextor is our headliner for the FIRST Poole Pride 2024"
Venue The Lighthouse Poole. See our Pride page here :- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
New! Weymouth Pride! "Craft with Pride" Saturday June 15th 2024 (Posted here 08/08/2023)
Weymouth Rugby Club. Craft stalls, and lots more! "Craft with Pride is an event bringing crafters together with the Pride community". See our Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/weymouth-craft-pride.html
Chesil Youth Pride Saturday June 29th 2024. Weymouth college. See our Pride page for report about last years Chesil Pride - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
Bournemouth Pride Saturday July 6th 2024 (Posted here 08/07/2023)
Dorset's biggest annual LGBT+ event Bournemouth Pride - BourneFree. Every year we hear of guys who say they wanted to go but missed it. So, SAVE the DATE for 2024 NOW! JULY 6th. Meyrick Park Bournemouth. You can see loads of pics from previous years, and read about the day on our Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/bournemouth-pride-bournefree.html A group of us (from Weymouth / Dorchester) go on the train every year, and you are welcomed to join us. So much fun!
New! Sherborne Pride - Sunday July 7th 2024, (Posted here 13/02/2024) more info - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html
Dorset Youth Pride Saturday July 13th 2024
This will again be at Shire Hall Dorchester and ran in June 2022 for the first time. Organisers are keen to repeat this Pride event in July 2024. It is a really beautiful event, and you dont need to be "lgbt youth" to attend and enjoy it.
You can see pics from last year, and read about the day on our Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-youth-pride.html
Dorset Pride events in 2024! Check out our Pride pages for LOADS of Dorset info about, past, present and future Pride events in Dorset. Incl the SIX Pride events during 2023. See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html
See our LGBT Dorset Community Events page for more info & links with often over 30 local Dorset events every month. See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
With the start of the New Year, here are a few Key LGBT+ Events in Dorset to add to your diary!
LGBT+ History Month - February 2024
Local & national events. Including Dorchester Arts & Shire Hall. (more events tbc)
Claiming our past – Celebrating our present – Creating our future.
The theme for LGBT+ History Month 2024 is 'medicine', to highlight the work and lives of historical LGBT+ people who worked in medicine, including healthcare. More info - https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/
Pub Pride - Friday May 31st 2024
Nationally and locally it runs again at the end of May 2024 (local details tbc) at over 300 pubs nationally!
This annual celebration welcomes in Pride month, and is run nationally by "Ask for Clive".
2023 had a record of THREE Pub Prides in Dorset!
See our Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-pub-prides.html
New! Poole Pride! Saturday June 8th 2024 (Posted here 27/01/2024)
"The one and only disco-pop princess herself Sophie Ellis-Bextor is our headliner for the FIRST Poole Pride 2024"
Venue The Lighthouse Poole. See our Pride page here :- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/poole-pride.html
New! Weymouth Pride! "Craft with Pride" Saturday June 15th 2024 (Posted here 08/08/2023)
Weymouth Rugby Club. Craft stalls, and lots more! "Craft with Pride is an event bringing crafters together with the Pride community". See our Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/weymouth-craft-pride.html
Chesil Youth Pride Saturday June 29th 2024. Weymouth college. See our Pride page for report about last years Chesil Pride - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/chesil-youth-pride.html
Bournemouth Pride Saturday July 6th 2024 (Posted here 08/07/2023)
Dorset's biggest annual LGBT+ event Bournemouth Pride - BourneFree. Every year we hear of guys who say they wanted to go but missed it. So, SAVE the DATE for 2024 NOW! JULY 6th. Meyrick Park Bournemouth. You can see loads of pics from previous years, and read about the day on our Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/bournemouth-pride-bournefree.html A group of us (from Weymouth / Dorchester) go on the train every year, and you are welcomed to join us. So much fun!
New! Sherborne Pride - Sunday July 7th 2024, (Posted here 13/02/2024) more info - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/sherborne-pride.html
Dorset Youth Pride Saturday July 13th 2024
This will again be at Shire Hall Dorchester and ran in June 2022 for the first time. Organisers are keen to repeat this Pride event in July 2024. It is a really beautiful event, and you dont need to be "lgbt youth" to attend and enjoy it.
You can see pics from last year, and read about the day on our Pride page here:- https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorset-youth-pride.html
Dorset Pride events in 2024! Check out our Pride pages for LOADS of Dorset info about, past, present and future Pride events in Dorset. Incl the SIX Pride events during 2023. See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/pride-events.html
See our LGBT Dorset Community Events page for more info & links with often over 30 local Dorset events every month. See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary-monthly-listings.html
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Our review of 2023
Our LGBT Dorset review of 2023 - was the year that we turned 15!
Our LGBT Dorset review of 2023 - was the year that we turned 15!
A very busy year that saw Covid behind us and started with the results of the 2021 Census, published in early 2023 that confirmed there are a lot of you out there! Where are you? Why are you not attending all the Dorset events? Perhaps that was not a census question!
The year both started and ended with the tragic national news about Brianna with her loss. That brought our community together with a vigil on Weymouth’s esplanade supporting each other, and ended with news reports from the Court case. (This will continue into early 2024.)
The year both started and ended with the tragic national news about Brianna with her loss. That brought our community together with a vigil on Weymouth’s esplanade supporting each other, and ended with news reports from the Court case. (This will continue into early 2024.)
Our 15th birthday year attracted press coverage in a variety of publications Including: - The West Dorset Magazine, Forever with Pride Magazine, The Dorset Echo, and later in the year the Wetherspoons Magazine. This had a really nice supportive quote from Kim the manager of The Swan (our Thursday home) about our group.
Meanwhile online The LGBT Consortium (of which we are a member) published a very good article about our group which can be seen here - https://www.consortium.lgbt/2023/03/02/weymouth-gay-group-celebrates-15-years/
Despite all the news coverage about our group the numbers attending our Meals Out On Mondays and pub nights did not increase, but we have made some great new contacts and friends in the wider Dorset (and beyond) community.
A very nice birthday gift for our group was our updated logo with a boat flying the progress rainbow flag (Thanks Mike!). Branding updates also appeared on our new beer matts! They are ideal group promotion for our pub-based group.
Despite all the news coverage about our group the numbers attending our Meals Out On Mondays and pub nights did not increase, but we have made some great new contacts and friends in the wider Dorset (and beyond) community.
A very nice birthday gift for our group was our updated logo with a boat flying the progress rainbow flag (Thanks Mike!). Branding updates also appeared on our new beer matts! They are ideal group promotion for our pub-based group.
Dorset celebrated a record number of Pride events during the summer – SIX! With three of them being Pub Prides kicking off Pride month at the end of May. Shire Hall Dorchester hosted again the very popular Dorset Youth Pride, and new for Weymouth was Chesil Youth Pride the highlight being the FIRST ever official Pride parade along our Esplanade! This was such a brilliant and beautiful event along our sea front.
It has always been a dream of our local LGBT+ community to do this. It was suggested for our first Weymouth and Portland Pride in 2019, but did not happen then. So huge respect to Chesil Youth Pride in 2023 who made this happen! They also hosted lots of interesting stalls / groups at Weymouth College. Would be good if repeated if they felt comfortable embracing more of the local LGBT+ community, although we respect this is a young peoples focused event.
It has always been a dream of our local LGBT+ community to do this. It was suggested for our first Weymouth and Portland Pride in 2019, but did not happen then. So huge respect to Chesil Youth Pride in 2023 who made this happen! They also hosted lots of interesting stalls / groups at Weymouth College. Would be good if repeated if they felt comfortable embracing more of the local LGBT+ community, although we respect this is a young peoples focused event.
Dorset’s biggest LGBT+ event - Bournemouth Pride – BourneFree again proved to be an enjoyable day out for our guys going out on the train, but a bit wet at times! New for us was having a free advert on the HUGE tv screen next to the stage. Our updated logo with the progress flag looked so colourful as it dominated the Pride field while we sheltered under our rainbow umbrellas!
Two aspects to our group. We have often said there are two aspects to our group, our social pub meets, and our outreach to Dorset’s LGBT+ Community and beyond. Our website, very kindly described by Dorset NHS as “the LGBT Bible locally”, continues to attract a HUGE number of hits and continued evolving during the year. Over 100 Dorset LGBT+ Community News stories were published, from the fun and casual, to the serious issues affecting our community. Our Dorset LGBT+ Community Events page had over 30 local LGBT+ events listed most months, peaking in the summer with around 45. A unique place to see all the events from a wide variety of local and visiting LGBT+ groups & organisations. This is a special service, along with our news page, that we know is much appreciated and we are very proud to provide for our Dorset LGBT+ community.
Arts organisations - Also, of note – and promoted on our website, are the LGBT+ events of interest put on by a number of different local Arts organisations and Theatres across our area. Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport and Poole all hosted events of interest to our community. Brill to see them doing so. We helped to promote them on our website.
Our book of the year, with lots of Dorset connections is a must read! The award winning “Brother. Do. You. Love. Me.” A wonderful true-life story of brotherly love. Tears and love. Due out in 2024 in paperback, it has been featured on many national media outlets and BBC Radio 4s Ramblings (Claire Balding) did a beautiful programme with the brothers with a walk near Bridport.
In Weymouth - if we had to choose a shop of the year- it would go to – Weymouth Post Office. Vicky puts on a wonderful colourful window display every Pride month. She also welcomed our WGG beer mats and posters adding to the many rainbow gifts there. A first-class post office!
The Bibby Barge based in our patch (Portland), attracted a lot of national media attention and controversy during the year. Our concern has always been for any gay/bi guys based there and this resulted in a good news story in the Dorset Echo reporting our support for them (we made page two!). Good to know that one of our guys (with a different “hat on”) is supporting all the community there. We added Rainbow Migrants (and similar groups) to our website helplines page.
Other LGBT+ groups It’s been good to see other LGBT+ groups in Dorset developing during 2023, The Gay OutDoor Club continued to run walks around Dorset.
While both Space Youth Project and Dorset Mind (MindOut) have added online groups to their portfolio of physical meet ups. The new Ladies social group in Weymouth is most welcomed and fills a very valuable role. The Geranium Trust in North Dorset added a phone friendship line to their LGBT+ coffee mornings and Gay Roast Dinners for gay guys.
Nationally for our community 2023 has been a disappointing year politically, with the UK Government slow or not advancing equality & diversity. The Lack of Gov action eg- conversion therapy being just one of many issues. Hostility towards parts of our community (esp Trans/NB), along with the negativity in the press left many in our community feeling alienated and depressed after so many Government promises (reported in Pink News, & by Stonewall etc). Looking towards 2024, which may well be an election year we hope it will be a time to embrace positive change.
Huge thanks to all of you who have joined us in the pub during 2023. See you again soon. Lots to mull over for 2024!
Thursdays The Swan (Wetherspoons) St Thomas Street. Weymouth, table 26 near fire exit, 8pm – late. All welcome!
C
WGG
Jan 2024
Huge thanks to all of you who have joined us in the pub during 2023. See you again soon. Lots to mull over for 2024!
Thursdays The Swan (Wetherspoons) St Thomas Street. Weymouth, table 26 near fire exit, 8pm – late. All welcome!
C
WGG
Jan 2024
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Please make sure you check out all our other pages, lots of Dorset lgbt events, Dorset lgbt news, helplines and Prides in Dorset info!
This page was last updated 19/12/2024 © Weymouth Gay Group 2025 email :- [email protected]
Looking for a helpline or support?
Check out our Helplines page we have lots of helpful links, both local and national for you or someone you may know.
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Please make sure you check out all our other pages, lots of Dorset lgbt events, Dorset lgbt news, helplines and Prides in Dorset info!
This page was last updated 19/12/2024 © Weymouth Gay Group 2025 email :- [email protected]
Looking for a helpline or support?
Check out our Helplines page we have lots of helpful links, both local and national for you or someone you may know.
See - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
