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Welcome to our older local lgbt NEWS page. If it was lgbt news during 2018 in Weymouth / Portland / Dorchester / Dorset we should have it here! |
Here you will see local LGBT news stories from mainly 2018. A few towards the end are from 2017. For 2019 Weymouth & Dorset LGBT News check out our new page here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/lgbt-news-weymouth-dorset-2019.html
We get loads of hits on our website here and we love to promote local lgbt events & news. For National & International lgbt news check out our twitter where we highlight news that may interest you. We have over 1,500 followers on twitter! https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp
If you know some local lgbt news that we should share here that's not listed below, please tell us!
Please visit all our other Weymouth Gay Group pages here, for loads of local events (over 35 most months!), information, helplines and more! Oh, and info on our twice weekly Weymouth pub meet ups. A PC is best way to see us, pull down all the menus on top blue banner.
We get loads of hits on our website here and we love to promote local lgbt events & news. For National & International lgbt news check out our twitter where we highlight news that may interest you. We have over 1,500 followers on twitter! https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp
If you know some local lgbt news that we should share here that's not listed below, please tell us!
Please visit all our other Weymouth Gay Group pages here, for loads of local events (over 35 most months!), information, helplines and more! Oh, and info on our twice weekly Weymouth pub meet ups. A PC is best way to see us, pull down all the menus on top blue banner.
Over 100 local LGBT news stories below ....
Many of these are from the last year (2018) in the Weymouth / Dorset area.
Yup it's true! Loads of news worthy things happening in our area. Many of them are reported below, and some of them you can enjoy in 2019!
Watch out in 2019 for ...
Weymouth & Portland Pride news
Weymouth Gay Group news & info
Dorset Mind "MindOut" LGBT mental health group info
Plus so much more ....
Plus anything else LGBT in our area!
Many of these are from the last year (2018) in the Weymouth / Dorset area.
Yup it's true! Loads of news worthy things happening in our area. Many of them are reported below, and some of them you can enjoy in 2019!
Watch out in 2019 for ...
Weymouth & Portland Pride news
Weymouth Gay Group news & info
Dorset Mind "MindOut" LGBT mental health group info
Plus so much more ....
Plus anything else LGBT in our area!
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Wow - a record number of local lgbt events each month - 35 plus most months - check out our events/diary page for info http://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
Wow - a record number of local lgbt events each month - 35 plus most months - check out our events/diary page for info http://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
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Dorchesters Cafe Jago's takes on Old Ship (posted here 16/12/2018)
Extract from Dorset Echo. See the full story here with photos - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17299220.dorchesters-old-ship-inn-is-being-completely-revamped-under-new-landlord-chris-jago/
One of the oldest pubs in Dorchester has been given a new lease of life after a £200,000 refurbishment.
Mr Jago spoke with The Echo about his new business. He said: “I’ve been keeping it quiet for a few months. People won’t recognise it. It’s been completely gutted and has gone up market. There’s a lot of excitement.
“We’ve gone for a glossy feel and soft finish. I think some people will like it because it has a much classier feel. The main thing is to make sure that it’s a safe environment like Café Jagos.”
Mr Jago said he wants to keep the pub open late for special events.
Extract from Dorset Echo. See the full story here with photos - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17299220.dorchesters-old-ship-inn-is-being-completely-revamped-under-new-landlord-chris-jago/
NOTE - Cafe Jago's is the home of The Dorchester Love Parade (Pride) event every August Bank Holiday weekend.
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Extract from Dorset Echo. See the full story here with photos - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17299220.dorchesters-old-ship-inn-is-being-completely-revamped-under-new-landlord-chris-jago/
One of the oldest pubs in Dorchester has been given a new lease of life after a £200,000 refurbishment.
Mr Jago spoke with The Echo about his new business. He said: “I’ve been keeping it quiet for a few months. People won’t recognise it. It’s been completely gutted and has gone up market. There’s a lot of excitement.
“We’ve gone for a glossy feel and soft finish. I think some people will like it because it has a much classier feel. The main thing is to make sure that it’s a safe environment like Café Jagos.”
Mr Jago said he wants to keep the pub open late for special events.
Extract from Dorset Echo. See the full story here with photos - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17299220.dorchesters-old-ship-inn-is-being-completely-revamped-under-new-landlord-chris-jago/
NOTE - Cafe Jago's is the home of The Dorchester Love Parade (Pride) event every August Bank Holiday weekend.
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Weymouth & Portland Pride recently announced ... (posted here 13/12/2018) "We are excited to announce that Weymouth College will be hosting our Grand Opening Ceremony on Saturday 27th July!" The announcement was made on their Facebook page. More info via - https://www.facebook.com/weymouthpride/ |
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Bridport LGBT - one door closes, another opens .... (posted here 11/12/2018 updated 12/12/2018)
It's been sad to hear that the Bridport LGBT Group (previously known as Diversity Bridport) has closed. They have been running during the last year with pub meet ups at The Woodman Inn and Ropemakers pub. Plus monthly cafe meet ups at The Beach & Barnicott (jointly organised with the Dorset LGBT Equality Network). Annabelle, from the group, is still keeping the Bridport LGBT Group Facebook page going, but may close it at some point.
The good news for LGBT people in the Bridport area is that the Bridport Unitarian Chapel has opened it's doors with a weekly LGBT drop in group every Wednesday. Running between 5pm - 7pm at their Unitarian Chapel in the Gardens in the reading room via Rax lane. 49 East St Bridport Dorset DT6 3JX. Public Car Parking is opposite in East St car park. (We highly recommend that you contact organisers before attending to ensure event is happening).
We (Weymouth Gay Group) welcome this and urge anyone in the Bridport area to support it. Over the years we have had many guys asking why are their no lgbt events in Bridport? Well, their has been and are, so please support them or lose out! It's sad that the events run by volunteers at Bridport LGBT Group were not well attended or publicised. We thank Annabelle and her friends for all their efforts during the last year.
For more info about Bridport - Drop in LGBT support group at the Unitarian Chapel, see our WGG events - diary page https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html or see website - http://www.ukunitarians.org.uk/bridport/activities.htm
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It's been sad to hear that the Bridport LGBT Group (previously known as Diversity Bridport) has closed. They have been running during the last year with pub meet ups at The Woodman Inn and Ropemakers pub. Plus monthly cafe meet ups at The Beach & Barnicott (jointly organised with the Dorset LGBT Equality Network). Annabelle, from the group, is still keeping the Bridport LGBT Group Facebook page going, but may close it at some point.
The good news for LGBT people in the Bridport area is that the Bridport Unitarian Chapel has opened it's doors with a weekly LGBT drop in group every Wednesday. Running between 5pm - 7pm at their Unitarian Chapel in the Gardens in the reading room via Rax lane. 49 East St Bridport Dorset DT6 3JX. Public Car Parking is opposite in East St car park. (We highly recommend that you contact organisers before attending to ensure event is happening).
We (Weymouth Gay Group) welcome this and urge anyone in the Bridport area to support it. Over the years we have had many guys asking why are their no lgbt events in Bridport? Well, their has been and are, so please support them or lose out! It's sad that the events run by volunteers at Bridport LGBT Group were not well attended or publicised. We thank Annabelle and her friends for all their efforts during the last year.
For more info about Bridport - Drop in LGBT support group at the Unitarian Chapel, see our WGG events - diary page https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html or see website - http://www.ukunitarians.org.uk/bridport/activities.htm
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New look in New Year for Swan (posted here 8/12/2018)
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Weymouth's Swan pub is due to get it's long awaited make over early in 2019. The Wetherspoons pub is the home for Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) every Thursday. WGG will relocate to another venue while the works are carried out. (more info will be posted on our events diary pages later) It is hoped that the problem of back ground noise will be addressed as this can be a problem for some, especially older people. Several guys have commented about the long term empty office space above The Swan, hoping that Wetherspoons will take it over in the future. However, unlikely that's happening for some time. We also hear that some upgrades will also happen at Weymouth's second Wetherspoons pub, The William Henry. We are looking forward to seeing the new look. |
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AIR Radio to sponsor Weymouth & Portland Pride event next year.
(posted here 6/12/2018 updated 13/12/2018) Air community Radio made this announcement on their twitter today (Dec 6th) - "AIR 107.2 is pleased to be able to sponsor Weymouth & Portland Pride event next year." Air Radio is known locally for it's weekly LGBT radio show which is broadcast every Tuesday between 9 -10pm. Scroll down this page for information about the show. |
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Other recently confirmed Media Partners/Sponsors include...
The Dorset Echo and Wessex FM
The Dorset Echo and Wessex FM
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This Saturday's party at the Closet, Weymouth, has an extra special twist...
posted here 1/12/2018. Extract from Dorset Echo read the full story here - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17267970.this-saturdays-party-at-the-closet-weymouth-has-an-extra-special-twist/?ref=fbshr
Update - Jamie said on Closet Bar twitter - The Closet @ClosetWeymouth Want to thank all who came to support the toy appeal tonight an amazing £1100 raised what a fab night.
Manager (of the Gay Bar) Jamie Crage said: “We have some amazing acts lined up this year. It's going to be a fun night and a party as always.
posted here 1/12/2018. Extract from Dorset Echo read the full story here - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17267970.this-saturdays-party-at-the-closet-weymouth-has-an-extra-special-twist/?ref=fbshr
Update - Jamie said on Closet Bar twitter - The Closet @ClosetWeymouth Want to thank all who came to support the toy appeal tonight an amazing £1100 raised what a fab night.
Manager (of the Gay Bar) Jamie Crage said: “We have some amazing acts lined up this year. It's going to be a fun night and a party as always.
PARTY HARD, have fun and raise money for a good cause - that's the message behind a festive event at Weymouth's Closet Bar tonight. All money taken on the door and raised during the night will be added to the fundraising pot for the Dorset Echo Christmas Toy Appeal. This means that every penny will be spent on making sure babies, children and young teenagers facing hardship will wake up to presents on Christmas morning.
Manager Jamie Crage said: “We have some amazing acts lined up this year. It's going to be a fun night and a party as always.
“Drag queen Wilma will be a fantastic host for the evening - her main performance on stage will be at 10:30pm, with songs from the Eighties and comedy. Then we have the amazing Leanne Jackson with her Lady Gaga tribute act, followed by our resident DJ 'til the early hours playing party pop and cheese. "We will be collecting money on the night and selling raffle tickets for drinks and chocolate hampers - all the proceeds will be going towards buying toys for children less fortunate this Christmas.” The event at the Maiden Street bar starts at 9pm and costs £5 per person.
Photo Dorset Echo. Closet Bar website - https://closetweymouth.co.uk/
Extract from Dorset Echo read the full story here - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17267970.this-saturdays-party-at-the-closet-weymouth-has-an-extra-special-twist/?ref=fbshr
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Manager Jamie Crage said: “We have some amazing acts lined up this year. It's going to be a fun night and a party as always.
“Drag queen Wilma will be a fantastic host for the evening - her main performance on stage will be at 10:30pm, with songs from the Eighties and comedy. Then we have the amazing Leanne Jackson with her Lady Gaga tribute act, followed by our resident DJ 'til the early hours playing party pop and cheese. "We will be collecting money on the night and selling raffle tickets for drinks and chocolate hampers - all the proceeds will be going towards buying toys for children less fortunate this Christmas.” The event at the Maiden Street bar starts at 9pm and costs £5 per person.
Photo Dorset Echo. Closet Bar website - https://closetweymouth.co.uk/
Extract from Dorset Echo read the full story here - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17267970.this-saturdays-party-at-the-closet-weymouth-has-an-extra-special-twist/?ref=fbshr
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Gay Mugs Weymouth Sweet Shop!
(posted here 26/11/2018) Something sweet to get your lips around! Here is a great Christmas (or birthday) gift idea! Gay and Lesbian mugs. Ideal for your home or office. We have featured these before on our website here and on our social media and just love it how we can find LGBT goodies in our town. Both the Gay & Lesbian ones where in stock when we checked on 26th Nov, however if you are after one get it soon as we know that after we feature them here they do sell out! Also, sometimes available are "Only Gay in the Office" mugs. So here is something to get your lips around! Weymouth Sweet Shop 24 St Mary Street Weymouth DT4 8PN Phone 01305 750197 |
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AIR hosts special Transgender Day of Remembrance Programme (posted here 30/11/2018)
As part of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR, 20th November), the local LGBT radio show on AIR Radio in Weymouth hosted a special extended Transgender evening.
The regular LGBT show presented by Charity Gardiner was extended by an hour and included the reading of names, a short play, and a panel discussion. The panel of Dorset LGBT people read out messages of support, comments and questions from listeners.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), is observed annually on November 20 as a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and to draw attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community. You can read more here - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender_Day_of_Remembrance)
The show really engaged the local LGBT community (and others) by having a panel of local LGBT people in the studio and contributions from listeners read out on Air. This along with the presenter’s (Charity Gardiner) key knowledge helped to make not only a powerful tribute for victims, but also a very educational programme for listeners who may have been unaware of the many problems Transgender people face.
The panel consisted of Helen (CEO Space Youth Project), Kennedy (a young trans Weymouth man, who’s record “Lights” is played weekly on the show), Stuart (from Weymouth Gay Group & a SYP volunteer) plus Charity the programmes presenter a Trans woman. The programme had both a local and international input.
True to it’s name, AIR – All Inclusive Radio certainly has been inclusive by embracing an otherwise marginalised and often invisible community even in our Weymouth and Portland area.
*Don't miss! - Your Local LGBT radio show every Tuesday. Air - All Inclusive Radio, Community Radio 107.2 FM in Weymouth & Portland or online via https://air1072.com/ Presented by Charity Gardiner.
Chilling with Charity 8 - 9pm with requests, call the studio 01305 83 60 40 with your favorite songs.
"Lets Get Busy Talking" LGBT hour 9 -10pm with Charity Gardiner, local lgbt events & info. As well as a few of your favorite LGBT related tunes, you can call in with a request too.
Photos from AIR Radio. (Scroll down for more stories about this programme and AIR radio)
As part of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR, 20th November), the local LGBT radio show on AIR Radio in Weymouth hosted a special extended Transgender evening.
The regular LGBT show presented by Charity Gardiner was extended by an hour and included the reading of names, a short play, and a panel discussion. The panel of Dorset LGBT people read out messages of support, comments and questions from listeners.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), is observed annually on November 20 as a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and to draw attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community. You can read more here - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender_Day_of_Remembrance)
The show really engaged the local LGBT community (and others) by having a panel of local LGBT people in the studio and contributions from listeners read out on Air. This along with the presenter’s (Charity Gardiner) key knowledge helped to make not only a powerful tribute for victims, but also a very educational programme for listeners who may have been unaware of the many problems Transgender people face.
The panel consisted of Helen (CEO Space Youth Project), Kennedy (a young trans Weymouth man, who’s record “Lights” is played weekly on the show), Stuart (from Weymouth Gay Group & a SYP volunteer) plus Charity the programmes presenter a Trans woman. The programme had both a local and international input.
True to it’s name, AIR – All Inclusive Radio certainly has been inclusive by embracing an otherwise marginalised and often invisible community even in our Weymouth and Portland area.
*Don't miss! - Your Local LGBT radio show every Tuesday. Air - All Inclusive Radio, Community Radio 107.2 FM in Weymouth & Portland or online via https://air1072.com/ Presented by Charity Gardiner.
Chilling with Charity 8 - 9pm with requests, call the studio 01305 83 60 40 with your favorite songs.
"Lets Get Busy Talking" LGBT hour 9 -10pm with Charity Gardiner, local lgbt events & info. As well as a few of your favorite LGBT related tunes, you can call in with a request too.
Photos from AIR Radio. (Scroll down for more stories about this programme and AIR radio)
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Dorchester's Jamie quits Fantasic Beast's. (posted here 25/11/2018)
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Jamie originally from Dorchester, who is a non-binary model and activist quit Fantastic Beast's saying 'Misogyny, homophobia, transphobia everywhere plus 16 hour days in minus temperatures. Atrocious' Jamie's story has been reported in several media outlets including Gay Times and Gay Star News. They expressed their views recently via twitter, and the tweets can be seen via the links below. Jamie is also Editor in chief of Fruitcake magazine. |
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Links for the full story -
Gay Times - Non-binary model Jamie Windust quit Fantastic Beasts over anti-LGBTQ slurs. https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/115478/non-binary-model-jamie-windust-quit-fantastic-beasts-over-anti-lgbtq-slurs/
Gay Star News - Here's why non-binary model and activist Jamie Windust quit Fantastic Beasts. https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/heres-why-non-binary-model-and-activist-jamie-windust-quit-fantastic-beasts/#gs.lkK0fjQ
Pink News - Fantastic Beasts 2 set was "homophobic" claims non-binary extra -www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/11/24/fantastic-beasts-homophobic-non-binary-extra/
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Gay Times - Non-binary model Jamie Windust quit Fantastic Beasts over anti-LGBTQ slurs. https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/115478/non-binary-model-jamie-windust-quit-fantastic-beasts-over-anti-lgbtq-slurs/
Gay Star News - Here's why non-binary model and activist Jamie Windust quit Fantastic Beasts. https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/heres-why-non-binary-model-and-activist-jamie-windust-quit-fantastic-beasts/#gs.lkK0fjQ
Pink News - Fantastic Beasts 2 set was "homophobic" claims non-binary extra -www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/11/24/fantastic-beasts-homophobic-non-binary-extra/
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Come As You Are Festival - Poole Lighthouse 29th Nov - 1st Dec
(posted here 25/11/2018, scroll down for an older post 22/9/2018)
Come As You Are by Camden People's Theatre. Trans & Non-Binary community supportive arts festival – 29th November to 1st December — at Poole Lighthouse. A number of transgender and Non Binary plays, events and a panel discussion. Info on WGG events page, where we have promoted this festival for several months - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
The plays include -
Scratch Night A night of explosive new work from local trans, non binary and gender queer artists. Our Come As You Are Festival Scratch event will feature three 20 minute performances of new ideas in development. Non Binary Electro hour brings together noise about queer life, and desire for queer/trans bodies, with a brief punk history of drag outside the boxes. Bullish - A new mythical play with songs. I'm Bitter About Glitter - Is a gentle exploration of identity and how this is presented in terms of gender and choice. Deuce - This work explores the 30th anniversary of the introduction of Section 28,
Panel Discussion -
Between 3-5pm on Saturday 1st December, a panel discussion on Trans community issues and NHS services and performance, will take place with key community leads as panellists and special guests (including some you may know!).
Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Link: https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2018/panel-discussion/
Transport by car from The Weymouth / Portland / Dorchester area may also be available.
(email weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com if interested)
Links -
More info see - our events page - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
Come As You Are programme - https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2018/come-as-you-are-festival/ — includes booking and more info on each of the performances & events.
Panel tickets & info - www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2018/panel-discussion/#/ticket-info
Dorset LGB&T Equality Network news page - lgbtdorsetequality.network/come-as-you-are-festival-29th-november-1st-december-at-poole-lighthouse-and-parliamentary-committee-update/
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(posted here 25/11/2018, scroll down for an older post 22/9/2018)
Come As You Are by Camden People's Theatre. Trans & Non-Binary community supportive arts festival – 29th November to 1st December — at Poole Lighthouse. A number of transgender and Non Binary plays, events and a panel discussion. Info on WGG events page, where we have promoted this festival for several months - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
The plays include -
Scratch Night A night of explosive new work from local trans, non binary and gender queer artists. Our Come As You Are Festival Scratch event will feature three 20 minute performances of new ideas in development. Non Binary Electro hour brings together noise about queer life, and desire for queer/trans bodies, with a brief punk history of drag outside the boxes. Bullish - A new mythical play with songs. I'm Bitter About Glitter - Is a gentle exploration of identity and how this is presented in terms of gender and choice. Deuce - This work explores the 30th anniversary of the introduction of Section 28,
Panel Discussion -
Between 3-5pm on Saturday 1st December, a panel discussion on Trans community issues and NHS services and performance, will take place with key community leads as panellists and special guests (including some you may know!).
Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Link: https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2018/panel-discussion/
Transport by car from The Weymouth / Portland / Dorchester area may also be available.
(email weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com if interested)
Links -
More info see - our events page - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
Come As You Are programme - https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2018/come-as-you-are-festival/ — includes booking and more info on each of the performances & events.
Panel tickets & info - www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2018/panel-discussion/#/ticket-info
Dorset LGB&T Equality Network news page - lgbtdorsetequality.network/come-as-you-are-festival-29th-november-1st-december-at-poole-lighthouse-and-parliamentary-committee-update/
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Gay Kissing in a Wetherspoons Pub! (posted here 25/11/2018)
This recent report in some national and LGBT media should hopefully not concern you when you are in the two Weymouth Wetherspoons pubs. The Swan and William Henry (who empoly LGBT staff,) we have always found Wetherspoons to be very welcoming to our group and friends. We meet up in the Swan every Thursday!
Pink News reports - A man and his boyfriend were left “mortified,” after they were reportedly asked to leave a JD Wetherspoon pub for kissing. The couple who did not want to be named, said a Wetherspoons employee asked them to leave The Rodboro Buildings in Guildford, Surrey, for kissing on Saturday night (November 17), reports The Morning Advertiser.
The Weymouth Gay Group group guidelines state - "Some people like to be greeted with a hug, kiss (not snog!) or handshake. Others do not like any physical contact. Please respect the persons choice." See https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/group-guide-lines.html
You can read the Pink News report here-
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/11/21/gay-couple-wetherspoons-kissing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pinknews+%28Pink+News%29
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This recent report in some national and LGBT media should hopefully not concern you when you are in the two Weymouth Wetherspoons pubs. The Swan and William Henry (who empoly LGBT staff,) we have always found Wetherspoons to be very welcoming to our group and friends. We meet up in the Swan every Thursday!
Pink News reports - A man and his boyfriend were left “mortified,” after they were reportedly asked to leave a JD Wetherspoon pub for kissing. The couple who did not want to be named, said a Wetherspoons employee asked them to leave The Rodboro Buildings in Guildford, Surrey, for kissing on Saturday night (November 17), reports The Morning Advertiser.
The Weymouth Gay Group group guidelines state - "Some people like to be greeted with a hug, kiss (not snog!) or handshake. Others do not like any physical contact. Please respect the persons choice." See https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/group-guide-lines.html
You can read the Pink News report here-
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/11/21/gay-couple-wetherspoons-kissing/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pinknews+%28Pink+News%29
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"Give it the finger" says our Billy in HIV Testing Week (copied from WGG twitter 22/11/2018)
Here’s our Health Advisors Billy and Rachael promoting National HIV Testing Week at The Park Centre in Weymouth and @otrbournemouth Book to come and see us for your quick and easy HIV test or visit https://www.startswithme.org.uk/ Weymouth Sexual Health Clinic Contact Telephone Number: 01305 762682 Address: The Park Centre For Sexual Health, Weymouth Community Hospital, Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7TB Telephone the clinic on 01305 762682 prior to attending to confirm the opening times. |
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Logo for Weymouth & Portland Pride released posted here 21/11/2018 Copy from The Love Weymouth website -
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Weymouth & Portland Pride’s Goal is to promote the visibility of Weymouth and Portland’s LGBT+ community, by delivering inclusive safe and enjoyable annual pride celebrations in Weymouth and Portland.
At present a Pride weekend event is planned for July 2019. We’ll be bringing more information as it becomes available. Further information can be found on the Weymouth and Portland Pride Facebook Page … |
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Call for supportive messages for special Transgender Remembrance Programme
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As part of Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), the LGBT radio show on AIR Radio 107.2FM will be hosting a special Transgender evening on
Tuesday 20th between 9-11pm. A panel of Dorset LGBT people will read out messages of support, your comments or any questions you may have. The panel will be Helen (CEO Space Youth Project), Kennedy (a young trans man, who’s record “Lights” is played weekly on the show), Stuart (from Weymouth Gay Group & a SYP volunteer) plus Charity the programmes presenter a Trans woman. The programme will have both a local and international input. Messages should be sent to studio@air1072.com and marked TDOR and sent in ideally before 20th. Tune in from 8pm for local LGBT events and requests,.call the studio 01305 83 60 40 with your favorite songs. **Special Transgender Day of Remembrance programme** 9 -11pm "Lets Get Busy Talking" (LGBT) with Charity Gardiner, and studio panel of local LGBT people. Air - All Inclusive Radio. Community Radio in Weymouth & Portland 107.2 FM in Weymouth & Portland or online via https://air1072.com/ Presented by Charity Gardiner. |
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Weymouth Gay Group. Group statement for TDOR / AIR Radio
Everyone deserves to live a happy, free and safe life. Regardless of race, culture, beliefs, gender, disabilities, sexual orientation and transgender identity.
The fact that in 2018 Transgender people still suffer prejudice, hate crime and violence is totally unacceptable. Even their basic right to exist is often challenged daily.
Weymouth Gay Group stands with our Transgender friends at this time of remembrance for those who have suffered.
The LGBT community needs to HUG EACH OTHER – Together we are stronger.
We admire AIR Radio and this show, for highlighting these issues locally and afar.
Weymouth Gay Group 20th Nov 2018.
What is Transgender Day Of Remembrance?
Wikipedia says ... (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender_Day_of_Remembrance)
The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), also known as the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, is observed annually on November 20 as a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia[1] and to draw attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community.[2]
Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender woman,[3] to memorialize the murder of transgender woman Rita Hester in Allston, Massachusetts.[4] Since its inception, TDoR has been held annually on November 20,[5] and it has slowly evolved from the web-based project started by Smith into an international day of action. In 2010, TDoR was observed in over 185 cities throughout more than 20 countries.[6]
Typically, a TDoR memorial includes a reading of the names of those who lost their lives during the previous year,[7] and may include other actions, such as candlelight vigils, art shows, food drives, film screenings, and marches.[8] GLAAD (formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has extensively covered TDoR.[9] GLAAD has interviewed numerous transgender advocates[10] (including actress Candis Cayne[11]), profiled an event at the New York City LGBT Community Center,[12] and discussed media coverage of TDoR.[13]
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Everyone deserves to live a happy, free and safe life. Regardless of race, culture, beliefs, gender, disabilities, sexual orientation and transgender identity.
The fact that in 2018 Transgender people still suffer prejudice, hate crime and violence is totally unacceptable. Even their basic right to exist is often challenged daily.
Weymouth Gay Group stands with our Transgender friends at this time of remembrance for those who have suffered.
The LGBT community needs to HUG EACH OTHER – Together we are stronger.
We admire AIR Radio and this show, for highlighting these issues locally and afar.
Weymouth Gay Group 20th Nov 2018.
What is Transgender Day Of Remembrance?
Wikipedia says ... (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender_Day_of_Remembrance)
The Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR), also known as the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, is observed annually on November 20 as a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia[1] and to draw attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community.[2]
Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender woman,[3] to memorialize the murder of transgender woman Rita Hester in Allston, Massachusetts.[4] Since its inception, TDoR has been held annually on November 20,[5] and it has slowly evolved from the web-based project started by Smith into an international day of action. In 2010, TDoR was observed in over 185 cities throughout more than 20 countries.[6]
Typically, a TDoR memorial includes a reading of the names of those who lost their lives during the previous year,[7] and may include other actions, such as candlelight vigils, art shows, food drives, film screenings, and marches.[8] GLAAD (formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has extensively covered TDoR.[9] GLAAD has interviewed numerous transgender advocates[10] (including actress Candis Cayne[11]), profiled an event at the New York City LGBT Community Center,[12] and discussed media coverage of TDoR.[13]
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Weymouth receives Purple Flag Award for its evening and night time economy
Posted here 15/11/2018 Extracts from Dorset Echo
Read the full story here - .https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17225754.weymouth-receives-purple-flag-award-for-its-evening-and-night-time-economy/
Weymouth is officially one of the best places to enjoy a night out - and The Jubilee Clock will be turned purple in recognition. As previously reported by the Echo, the town has been given a Purple Flag Award for its evening and night time economy.
The Purple Flag Award was presented during a special ceremony in Chippenham which was held last Thursday.
The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town & City Management. It is an accreditation process similar to Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag status for town centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.
The Jubilee Clock will be turned purple tomorrow in recognition of the achievement, and the flag itself will be raised outside the council offices. Organisations that worked hard to secure the Purple Flag include Weymouth & Portland Borough Council,Dorset Police, the Street Pastors, Weymouth BID, Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce and Pub Watch.
The article goes on to say ...
Claudia Moore. Weymouth BID, Chief Operations Officer, said: “Weymouth BID is very proud to have been part of the Purple Flag accreditation process and congratulations must go to the team that worked so hard on it. We hope that this will bring new visitors to Weymouth and encourage our local residents into the town at night.” Sarah Walker Purple Flag Programme Manager, said: “There are now over 70 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland who are proudly flying the Purple Flag after working hard to gain accreditation. The award is not just about safety, but also the vibrancy and diversity of the evening and night-time offer — this can only be achieved by people working together in a strong partnership to which we are seeing great examples of across the country.”
Read the full story here - www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17225754.weymouth-receives-purple-flag-award-for-its-evening-and-night-time-economy/
Note
*Interesting to read that they can turn the town clock purple. Wonder what they can do for Weymouth & Portland Pride 2019!
*It's great to have The Closet (Gay) Bar as part of Weymouth's "vibrancy and diversity"! - although not named in this article. (More info about Closet Bar see weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/closet-bar-wymth-jagos-doch--other-venues.html)
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Posted here 15/11/2018 Extracts from Dorset Echo
Read the full story here - .https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17225754.weymouth-receives-purple-flag-award-for-its-evening-and-night-time-economy/
Weymouth is officially one of the best places to enjoy a night out - and The Jubilee Clock will be turned purple in recognition. As previously reported by the Echo, the town has been given a Purple Flag Award for its evening and night time economy.
The Purple Flag Award was presented during a special ceremony in Chippenham which was held last Thursday.
The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town & City Management. It is an accreditation process similar to Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag status for town centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.
The Jubilee Clock will be turned purple tomorrow in recognition of the achievement, and the flag itself will be raised outside the council offices. Organisations that worked hard to secure the Purple Flag include Weymouth & Portland Borough Council,Dorset Police, the Street Pastors, Weymouth BID, Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce and Pub Watch.
The article goes on to say ...
Claudia Moore. Weymouth BID, Chief Operations Officer, said: “Weymouth BID is very proud to have been part of the Purple Flag accreditation process and congratulations must go to the team that worked so hard on it. We hope that this will bring new visitors to Weymouth and encourage our local residents into the town at night.” Sarah Walker Purple Flag Programme Manager, said: “There are now over 70 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland who are proudly flying the Purple Flag after working hard to gain accreditation. The award is not just about safety, but also the vibrancy and diversity of the evening and night-time offer — this can only be achieved by people working together in a strong partnership to which we are seeing great examples of across the country.”
Read the full story here - www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17225754.weymouth-receives-purple-flag-award-for-its-evening-and-night-time-economy/
Note
*Interesting to read that they can turn the town clock purple. Wonder what they can do for Weymouth & Portland Pride 2019!
*It's great to have The Closet (Gay) Bar as part of Weymouth's "vibrancy and diversity"! - although not named in this article. (More info about Closet Bar see weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/closet-bar-wymth-jagos-doch--other-venues.html)
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Rogers Coffee Shop (updated 13/11/2018)
Sadly this monthly coffee shop meet up in Weymouth has been cancelled as Roger has closed his coffee shop.
Roger recently said “Having just received the ‘Best Community Involvement’ award at the WPCC - Service, Trade & Retail Awards, we are hugely proud that as a small business, reaching out to everyone is being recognised."
We wish him well for his health and future.
We will post any new coffee shop meet ups on here when known.
Sadly this monthly coffee shop meet up in Weymouth has been cancelled as Roger has closed his coffee shop.
Roger recently said “Having just received the ‘Best Community Involvement’ award at the WPCC - Service, Trade & Retail Awards, we are hugely proud that as a small business, reaching out to everyone is being recognised."
We wish him well for his health and future.
We will post any new coffee shop meet ups on here when known.
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UK Rural Crime Day Of Action - Puddletown Forest (posted here 8/11/2018)
If you are out bird watching, or walking your dog, give PCSO Alison Donnison 6500 from Dorchester Police who is patrolling Puddletown Forest a smile! Dorset Police along with the Forestry Commission have recently put up some new Anti Social signs. If you are there for other reasons, watch out! Should you be looking for a "fairy" or "friend" in the woods ... why not try our Weymouth Gay Group in the pub? Safe, friendly, supportive environment, food & drinks, what ever you feel your sexuality is, "out" or not, you are most welcomed to join new similar friends. Plus so much warmer and more comfortable than wondering around in the woods all day/night long! So give PCSO Alison Donnison a smile, but we would rather see your smile at our pub meet ups. You don't have be out in the cold woods alone. Local social groups /events... https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html |
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National Hate Crime Awareness Week 13th - 20th Oct 2018.
Info - https://nationalhcaw.uk/
This next week is all about bringing people together, standing with those affected by hate crime, remembering those we have lost to hate crime and supporting those who are suffering. #NationalHCAW
Not seen or heard anything from Dorset Police supporting this. Disappointing.
Update - 14/10/2018 We had a tweet from Dorset Police saying they are promoting this on their twitter timeline. Good. However, as we know, not everyone is on twitter, or indeed even online!
Info - https://nationalhcaw.uk/
This next week is all about bringing people together, standing with those affected by hate crime, remembering those we have lost to hate crime and supporting those who are suffering. #NationalHCAW
Not seen or heard anything from Dorset Police supporting this. Disappointing.
Update - 14/10/2018 We had a tweet from Dorset Police saying they are promoting this on their twitter timeline. Good. However, as we know, not everyone is on twitter, or indeed even online!
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Hate crimes against LGBT+ community increase year on year (in Dorset)
From Dorset Echo posted here 18/10/1208
See full report by Dorset Echo's Caroline Lewis with photos (of some people you might know!) here -
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16989628.hate-crimes-against-lgbt-community-increase-year-on-year/
During August, Pride celebrations erupted around the world as members of the LGBT+ community celebrated their history, culture and diversity and took a stance against discrimination and violence.
In Dorchester, organisers celebrated a “huge turnout” to this year’s Love Parade – despite unfavourable weather, Weymouth Gay Group celebrated its 10th birthday and Weymouth Pride has been given the go-ahead.
But despite a more prominent profile, have things really improving for gay, trans and non-binary people?
In Dorset hate crimes against the LGBT+ community are increasing year on year. Figures received through a Freedom of Information request show the number of reported hate crimes motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity have almost quadrupled since 2012. In 2012, Dorset Police received 21 reports of hate crime, but this figures has risen year on year to 27 in 2013, 41 in 2014 and 47 in 2015. Figures rose to 70 in 2016 and continued to increase into 2017 with 82 hate crimes reported – almost four times the number in 2012. In the first four months of this year 26 hate crimes were reported. The majority (61 per cent) of the crimes were committed as violence against the victim while 14 per cent of hate crimes involved criminal damage, robbery, theft or burglary.
'I JUST WANT TO LIVE SAFELY'
Lydia*, a transgender woman who lives in Weymouth, said she had seen a change in attitude in the past two years since the vote for Brexit and Donald Trump’s rise to power.
“It’s all harassment and intimidation. It’s been noticeable to me that things have got worse. It’s proved to bigots that it is OK to be a bigot. They’ve been given a free pass. If the president of the USA can be derogatory to trans people so can they,” she said. Lydia says she had also suffered from what she called ‘curiosity attacks’ where individuals would sexually assault her or grab her chest to “see what’s there”.
Since 2012, 11 hate crimes involving sexual offences have been reported to Dorset Police – however no one was charged in any of the cases. In fact, out of the the 288 hate crimes against LGBT+ people reported between January 2012 and April 2018, only 20 reports – just seven per cent – resulted in someone being charged with an offence. However, these figures only represent crimes reported to police or deemed serious enough to report but Lydia says she suffers daily abuse and snubs from people in her community.
She says she was often pointed and laughed at, called ‘tranny’ and asked to show her genitals to people.
“It happens all the time,” she said. “Last week three girls came into a pub I go to regularly. The first sat at the table next to me, her friend looked at me and said ‘I don’t want to sit there, I don’t want to sit next to that.’”
Another day when she declined a homeless person’s request for change he called her a ‘‘***** tranny’.
“When I leave the house, I have got to the point where I plug in my headphones and keep my head down. I have adjusted my way of living in the world to give me a little more safety and block out what people are saying.
“It’s obviously not ideal but if I’m not looking at them or hearing them and have those barriers up I feel safer and able to continue with my life. I’m not trying to blend in – I’m not the most feminine woman but I’m happy this way. I’d just like to be accepted. I don’t want to change your world – I just want to live in it safely,” she said.
Jamie Windust, from Dorchester, identifies as gender non-binary and uses the preferred pronouns they or their.
“I get a lot of staring, a lot of pointing, a lot of laughing – what I would describe as microaggressions. Not out and out violence but detrimental,” they said. Microaggressions are statements, actions or incidents which indirectly or subtly discriminate against members of a marginalised groups.
“Men in vans love shouting at me – and it isn’t fine. I know it’s not. It’s mainly from straight men, who can be violent, and think they are entitled to give their opinion. I think it’s because I’m fairly obvious. It plays on their masculinity.
“Last night I was walking at about 11pm and split up from my friends to walk home. There was a level of aggression from drunk men. They are afraid of anything that’s feminine which they correspond with weakness – I’m visibly queer so I’m an easy target.
“But I’ve had a few incidents that do cross the line. One incident occurred after I moved to Epsom and it was my first time going into town. I was waiting at the bus stop and a group of men saw me and came over with a bucket of water and threw it at me and ran away.
“I take it with a pinch of salt - they don’t know who I am so their opinion isn’t based on anything. If anything, it’s a judgement on them. It’s difficult because it’s something that is hard to call out or challenge in a legal sense. You become numb to it. You get to a point where you build a thick skin and tell yourself it’s fine but it definitely still chips away at you. It makes people afraid to be visible. But you have to realise that people’s opinion of you has no reflection on you as a person.” *Names have been changed to protect the person’s identity.
MICROAGGRESSIONS HAVE 'ACCUMULATIVE AND DEBILITATING IMPACT'
Marianne Storey, CEO of Dorset Mind said most, if not all, LGBT+ people experience microaggressions at some time in their lives which increased the risk of poor mental health.
“Microaggressions have a persistent and accumulative impact upon mood, self-esteem, confidence and life choices and can therefore prevent people from being able to successfully transition throughout life stages that most people take for granted such as education, having relationships or starting a family.”
She added microaggressions reinforced ‘heterosexism’ - discrimination on the assumption that heterosexuality is the normal sexual orientation - and therefore reinforced a “continual rejection of the very essence of a LGBT+ person’s identity.”
“Microaggressions experienced by a LGBT+ person over a long period of time can have a debilitating effect due to their accumulative nature. The biggest factor that increases an LGBT+ person’s vulnerability to developing mental health issues is the chronic and sustained experience of being perceived as an outsider. Alarmingly, this equates to around a third of LGBT+ people that attend our support groups,” she said.
“More explicit aggression, bullying, hate crimes, discrimination and harassment increase the likelihood of any person, but particularly an LGBT+ person, to develop more severe, deeply entrenched mental health issues due to their traumatic nature. Ultimately all aggression and in particular, experience of trauma, can lead to acute stress, PTSD, substance misuse, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, addiction, difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships, fear of or inability to be sexually or emotionally intimate, social isolation and self-neglect.”
WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT
If you identify as LGBT+ and would like to connect with others or access support see below:
See full report by Dorset Echo's Caroline Lewis with photos (of some people you might know!) here -
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16989628.hate-crimes-against-lgbt-community-increase-year-on-year/
Note - it is worth checking out the comments written in by the public at the end of this article.
We would also like to thank Caroline Lewis at Dorset Echo for covering this story so well.
From Dorset Echo posted here 18/10/1208
See full report by Dorset Echo's Caroline Lewis with photos (of some people you might know!) here -
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16989628.hate-crimes-against-lgbt-community-increase-year-on-year/
During August, Pride celebrations erupted around the world as members of the LGBT+ community celebrated their history, culture and diversity and took a stance against discrimination and violence.
In Dorchester, organisers celebrated a “huge turnout” to this year’s Love Parade – despite unfavourable weather, Weymouth Gay Group celebrated its 10th birthday and Weymouth Pride has been given the go-ahead.
But despite a more prominent profile, have things really improving for gay, trans and non-binary people?
In Dorset hate crimes against the LGBT+ community are increasing year on year. Figures received through a Freedom of Information request show the number of reported hate crimes motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity have almost quadrupled since 2012. In 2012, Dorset Police received 21 reports of hate crime, but this figures has risen year on year to 27 in 2013, 41 in 2014 and 47 in 2015. Figures rose to 70 in 2016 and continued to increase into 2017 with 82 hate crimes reported – almost four times the number in 2012. In the first four months of this year 26 hate crimes were reported. The majority (61 per cent) of the crimes were committed as violence against the victim while 14 per cent of hate crimes involved criminal damage, robbery, theft or burglary.
'I JUST WANT TO LIVE SAFELY'
Lydia*, a transgender woman who lives in Weymouth, said she had seen a change in attitude in the past two years since the vote for Brexit and Donald Trump’s rise to power.
“It’s all harassment and intimidation. It’s been noticeable to me that things have got worse. It’s proved to bigots that it is OK to be a bigot. They’ve been given a free pass. If the president of the USA can be derogatory to trans people so can they,” she said. Lydia says she had also suffered from what she called ‘curiosity attacks’ where individuals would sexually assault her or grab her chest to “see what’s there”.
Since 2012, 11 hate crimes involving sexual offences have been reported to Dorset Police – however no one was charged in any of the cases. In fact, out of the the 288 hate crimes against LGBT+ people reported between January 2012 and April 2018, only 20 reports – just seven per cent – resulted in someone being charged with an offence. However, these figures only represent crimes reported to police or deemed serious enough to report but Lydia says she suffers daily abuse and snubs from people in her community.
She says she was often pointed and laughed at, called ‘tranny’ and asked to show her genitals to people.
“It happens all the time,” she said. “Last week three girls came into a pub I go to regularly. The first sat at the table next to me, her friend looked at me and said ‘I don’t want to sit there, I don’t want to sit next to that.’”
Another day when she declined a homeless person’s request for change he called her a ‘‘***** tranny’.
“When I leave the house, I have got to the point where I plug in my headphones and keep my head down. I have adjusted my way of living in the world to give me a little more safety and block out what people are saying.
“It’s obviously not ideal but if I’m not looking at them or hearing them and have those barriers up I feel safer and able to continue with my life. I’m not trying to blend in – I’m not the most feminine woman but I’m happy this way. I’d just like to be accepted. I don’t want to change your world – I just want to live in it safely,” she said.
Jamie Windust, from Dorchester, identifies as gender non-binary and uses the preferred pronouns they or their.
“I get a lot of staring, a lot of pointing, a lot of laughing – what I would describe as microaggressions. Not out and out violence but detrimental,” they said. Microaggressions are statements, actions or incidents which indirectly or subtly discriminate against members of a marginalised groups.
“Men in vans love shouting at me – and it isn’t fine. I know it’s not. It’s mainly from straight men, who can be violent, and think they are entitled to give their opinion. I think it’s because I’m fairly obvious. It plays on their masculinity.
“Last night I was walking at about 11pm and split up from my friends to walk home. There was a level of aggression from drunk men. They are afraid of anything that’s feminine which they correspond with weakness – I’m visibly queer so I’m an easy target.
“But I’ve had a few incidents that do cross the line. One incident occurred after I moved to Epsom and it was my first time going into town. I was waiting at the bus stop and a group of men saw me and came over with a bucket of water and threw it at me and ran away.
“I take it with a pinch of salt - they don’t know who I am so their opinion isn’t based on anything. If anything, it’s a judgement on them. It’s difficult because it’s something that is hard to call out or challenge in a legal sense. You become numb to it. You get to a point where you build a thick skin and tell yourself it’s fine but it definitely still chips away at you. It makes people afraid to be visible. But you have to realise that people’s opinion of you has no reflection on you as a person.” *Names have been changed to protect the person’s identity.
MICROAGGRESSIONS HAVE 'ACCUMULATIVE AND DEBILITATING IMPACT'
Marianne Storey, CEO of Dorset Mind said most, if not all, LGBT+ people experience microaggressions at some time in their lives which increased the risk of poor mental health.
“Microaggressions have a persistent and accumulative impact upon mood, self-esteem, confidence and life choices and can therefore prevent people from being able to successfully transition throughout life stages that most people take for granted such as education, having relationships or starting a family.”
She added microaggressions reinforced ‘heterosexism’ - discrimination on the assumption that heterosexuality is the normal sexual orientation - and therefore reinforced a “continual rejection of the very essence of a LGBT+ person’s identity.”
“Microaggressions experienced by a LGBT+ person over a long period of time can have a debilitating effect due to their accumulative nature. The biggest factor that increases an LGBT+ person’s vulnerability to developing mental health issues is the chronic and sustained experience of being perceived as an outsider. Alarmingly, this equates to around a third of LGBT+ people that attend our support groups,” she said.
“More explicit aggression, bullying, hate crimes, discrimination and harassment increase the likelihood of any person, but particularly an LGBT+ person, to develop more severe, deeply entrenched mental health issues due to their traumatic nature. Ultimately all aggression and in particular, experience of trauma, can lead to acute stress, PTSD, substance misuse, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, addiction, difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships, fear of or inability to be sexually or emotionally intimate, social isolation and self-neglect.”
WHERE TO FIND SUPPORT
If you identify as LGBT+ and would like to connect with others or access support see below:
- Weymouth Gay Group celebrates its 10th birthday this year. The group meet for an informal social event every Thursday evening at the Swan pub in St Thomas Street, Weymouth. The group also regularly run a variety of other LGBT+ events in the Weymouth, Dorchester and Dorset area. For more information visit weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com
- The Dorset LGBT Equality Network works for a homophobia and transphobia free, inclusive Dorset. The network initiates and develops lobbying and educational information campaigns to influence and effect change.Visit www.lgbtdorsetequality.network form more information or contact lgbtdorsetequality@gmail.com or 07811 269 454 for more information.
- Dorset Mind runs support groups for the LGBT+ community called MindOut. MindOut Weymouth meets every other Friday between 2pm and 4pm at the Adult Education Centre in Dorchester Road. For more information please visit www.dorsetmind.uk or contact Debbie on 07766 281434.
- Space Youth Project is a Dorset wide group for young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or are questioning. There are groups running in both Weymouth and Dorchester. For more information contact Helen on 07973 405280 or visit spaceyouthproject.co.uk
See full report by Dorset Echo's Caroline Lewis with photos (of some people you might know!) here -
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16989628.hate-crimes-against-lgbt-community-increase-year-on-year/
Note - it is worth checking out the comments written in by the public at the end of this article.
We would also like to thank Caroline Lewis at Dorset Echo for covering this story so well.
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Sad news ... Good bye Rodney (first posted on our website 14/9/2018. Updated 13/10/2018)
It is with great sadness that we ended Thursday evening (Sept 13th) with the very sad news that one of our much loved guys died a few days before in his sleep. It had been a brilliant evening in the Swan pub with Gay West guys visiting. Just the sort of evening our Rodney would have enjoyed chatting with everyone.
Tribute page - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/rodney-tributes.html
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It is with great sadness that we ended Thursday evening (Sept 13th) with the very sad news that one of our much loved guys died a few days before in his sleep. It had been a brilliant evening in the Swan pub with Gay West guys visiting. Just the sort of evening our Rodney would have enjoyed chatting with everyone.
Tribute page - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/rodney-tributes.html
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Weymouth & Portland Pride 2019 - Public meeting news (posted here 11/9/2018 updated 13/10/2018)
Following the very successful open public meeting (on 10th Oct), we can report the following ....
Over 40 enthusiastic people attended on the night, and a Pride committee was elected (see below).
Special thanks to Stuart (from Weymouth Gay Group) for facilitating the meeting, and to Waverley Community Hub for hosting.
Below a couple of pics from the night ...
Following the very successful open public meeting (on 10th Oct), we can report the following ....
Over 40 enthusiastic people attended on the night, and a Pride committee was elected (see below).
Special thanks to Stuart (from Weymouth Gay Group) for facilitating the meeting, and to Waverley Community Hub for hosting.
Below a couple of pics from the night ...
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|
Key local people elected on the night to run your Pride committee were -
Chairperson - Jamie Crage
Vice Chair - Charity Gardiner
Secretary - Alan Mercel-Sanca
Treasurer - tbc
Health & Safety - Claudia Moore & Ryan Hope
PR / Marketing - Venetia Randle
Business commercial - Julia and Claudia Moore
Parade - Stuart D & Sandra West
Festival - Venetia Randle & Sandra West.
We will post more info here once confirmed / approved. So stay tuned!
If you have comments or ideas for OUR LOCAL PRIDE event in 2019 we are sure all of the above will be keen to hear from you. Plus, please don't forget events like this rely on lots of volunteers, so if you can help out on the day and particularly before, please let the guys above know!
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Chairperson - Jamie Crage
Vice Chair - Charity Gardiner
Secretary - Alan Mercel-Sanca
Treasurer - tbc
Health & Safety - Claudia Moore & Ryan Hope
PR / Marketing - Venetia Randle
Business commercial - Julia and Claudia Moore
Parade - Stuart D & Sandra West
Festival - Venetia Randle & Sandra West.
We will post more info here once confirmed / approved. So stay tuned!
If you have comments or ideas for OUR LOCAL PRIDE event in 2019 we are sure all of the above will be keen to hear from you. Plus, please don't forget events like this rely on lots of volunteers, so if you can help out on the day and particularly before, please let the guys above know!
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************
Weymouth will host a Pride event in 2019 (posted here 14/10/2019)
From Dorset Echo see www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16979875.weymouth-will-host-a-pride-event-in-2019/?ref=mr&lp=2
A public meeting was held at The Waverley Community Hub to discuss organising a Pride event in the town.
At the meeting it was confirmed that it would take place on either Saturday, July 27 or Sunday, July 28, 2019. The proposed area for the event is the Nothe Gardens. Pride events celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) culture and pride.
Jamie Crage, owner of The Closet was elected as the chairman of the Weymouth Pride committee.
He said: “It’s a great honour to be chosen to chair this event and I’m looking forward to working with the elected committee to bring this event to reality. The plans are to hold a parade and festival which will celebrate the diversity and recognise equality in the borough. “I feel it’s very important for Weymouth and Portland to celebrate and recognise equality and diversity and a Pride event is a great way to do this.
“Pride events happen in many towns now and many feel Weymouth and Portland shouldn’t be left out. People in Weymouth and Portland and across the nation still live in fear for just being themselves, the attitudes and behaviour towards the LGBT community from some can cause isolation and lack of support can be detrimental.”
The meeting was attended by a number of enthusiastic groups, local councillors and supportive businesses.
Weymouth Gay Group helped to organise the meeting and a spokesman for the group said: “It was wonderful to see such an enthusiastic group of people at this meeting, including very supportive local business people, councillors, and non-LGBT people. Several of whom have been elected onto the Pride committee which helps to reflect just how an inclusive event our Pride will be.
“Having a Weymouth and Portland Pride event has been a dream for many years.
“Several Weymouth Gay Group members will be taking an active role, and it’s not too late for anyone who missed the meeting to come on board with help and support. There will be more public meetings in the future and more information will be on the Weymouth Gay Group website, and the “Weymouth Pride” page on Facebook in due course.”
See Dorset Echo for photos and full story - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16979875.weymouth-will-host-a-pride-event-in-2019/?ref=mr&lp=2
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From Dorset Echo see www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16979875.weymouth-will-host-a-pride-event-in-2019/?ref=mr&lp=2
A public meeting was held at The Waverley Community Hub to discuss organising a Pride event in the town.
At the meeting it was confirmed that it would take place on either Saturday, July 27 or Sunday, July 28, 2019. The proposed area for the event is the Nothe Gardens. Pride events celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) culture and pride.
Jamie Crage, owner of The Closet was elected as the chairman of the Weymouth Pride committee.
He said: “It’s a great honour to be chosen to chair this event and I’m looking forward to working with the elected committee to bring this event to reality. The plans are to hold a parade and festival which will celebrate the diversity and recognise equality in the borough. “I feel it’s very important for Weymouth and Portland to celebrate and recognise equality and diversity and a Pride event is a great way to do this.
“Pride events happen in many towns now and many feel Weymouth and Portland shouldn’t be left out. People in Weymouth and Portland and across the nation still live in fear for just being themselves, the attitudes and behaviour towards the LGBT community from some can cause isolation and lack of support can be detrimental.”
The meeting was attended by a number of enthusiastic groups, local councillors and supportive businesses.
Weymouth Gay Group helped to organise the meeting and a spokesman for the group said: “It was wonderful to see such an enthusiastic group of people at this meeting, including very supportive local business people, councillors, and non-LGBT people. Several of whom have been elected onto the Pride committee which helps to reflect just how an inclusive event our Pride will be.
“Having a Weymouth and Portland Pride event has been a dream for many years.
“Several Weymouth Gay Group members will be taking an active role, and it’s not too late for anyone who missed the meeting to come on board with help and support. There will be more public meetings in the future and more information will be on the Weymouth Gay Group website, and the “Weymouth Pride” page on Facebook in due course.”
See Dorset Echo for photos and full story - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16979875.weymouth-will-host-a-pride-event-in-2019/?ref=mr&lp=2
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Public meeting organised to discuss Weymouth hosting a Pride event
From Dorset Echo 2/10/2019 with thanks to Sam Beamish at Dorset Echo.
You can see the full report here with photos - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16952952.public-meeting-organised-to-discuss-weymouth-hosting-a-pride-event/
A pride event could be held in Weymouth next year.
A public meeting is planned to take place at The Waverly Community Hub on Abbotsbury Road next week to discuss organising a Pride event in the town.
The meeting will be attended by local councillors, Weymouth BID and community groups. It comes after Weymouth BID organised a meeting with local councillors and representatives of the LGBT community in March.
Claudia Moore, Chief Operations Officer of Weymouth BID, said: “The idea came about from a meeting I had with councillors and representatives of the LGBT+ community and I am very excited to see how it progresses after the consultation meeting. Businesses that I have spoken to seem very positive about the idea and it will benefit not just our community in terms of equality and diversity, but our economy too.
“The BID Board will receive a funding application for the event in due course from the Pride committee members.”
Alan Mercel-Sanca of The Dorset LGBT Network said a Pride event would help raise awareness and support the town.
He explained: “A Pride event also has year-round benefit for the local LGBT community in highlighting community supportive information, such as signposting, raising community visibility, information resources to assist community members when encountering prejudice, and helping the local authority and public services represent our LGBT community’s voice and needs robustly and clearly.”
A Pride committee will be elected at the meeting to drive the project forward.
Councillor Sandra West is encouraging people to come along and have their say. She said: “It’s something I’ve wanted to see happen in the area for a while. It’s good for businesses and the community and helps get the message across that the LGBT community are not some sort of strange breed of people.
“I am 100 per cent behind it and will do everything I can to get the ball rolling. “Come along, have a listen to what we want to do, get behind us and let’s put Weymouth and Portland on the map for a great place to host a Pride event.”
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 10 at The Waverly Community Hub on 121 Abbotsbury Road.
It will begin at 7pm. For more information on Weymouth Gay Group visit their website.
From Dorset Echo 2/10/2019 with thanks to Sam Beamish at Dorset Echo.
You can see the full report here with photos - https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16952952.public-meeting-organised-to-discuss-weymouth-hosting-a-pride-event/
A pride event could be held in Weymouth next year.
A public meeting is planned to take place at The Waverly Community Hub on Abbotsbury Road next week to discuss organising a Pride event in the town.
The meeting will be attended by local councillors, Weymouth BID and community groups. It comes after Weymouth BID organised a meeting with local councillors and representatives of the LGBT community in March.
Claudia Moore, Chief Operations Officer of Weymouth BID, said: “The idea came about from a meeting I had with councillors and representatives of the LGBT+ community and I am very excited to see how it progresses after the consultation meeting. Businesses that I have spoken to seem very positive about the idea and it will benefit not just our community in terms of equality and diversity, but our economy too.
“The BID Board will receive a funding application for the event in due course from the Pride committee members.”
Alan Mercel-Sanca of The Dorset LGBT Network said a Pride event would help raise awareness and support the town.
He explained: “A Pride event also has year-round benefit for the local LGBT community in highlighting community supportive information, such as signposting, raising community visibility, information resources to assist community members when encountering prejudice, and helping the local authority and public services represent our LGBT community’s voice and needs robustly and clearly.”
A Pride committee will be elected at the meeting to drive the project forward.
Councillor Sandra West is encouraging people to come along and have their say. She said: “It’s something I’ve wanted to see happen in the area for a while. It’s good for businesses and the community and helps get the message across that the LGBT community are not some sort of strange breed of people.
“I am 100 per cent behind it and will do everything I can to get the ball rolling. “Come along, have a listen to what we want to do, get behind us and let’s put Weymouth and Portland on the map for a great place to host a Pride event.”
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 10 at The Waverly Community Hub on 121 Abbotsbury Road.
It will begin at 7pm. For more information on Weymouth Gay Group visit their website.
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Dorset Police LGBTQI+ Consultation Group - in Dorchester (posted here 9/10/2018)#
Run by The Intercom Trust, this event will take place on Sat 20th October in Dorchester
This new LGBT+ Police Consultation Group will be an ideal opportunity to help shape the future of Policing for the LGBT+ communities in Dorset. The group will be an informal space in which to discuss issues that effect LGBT+ communities with regarding policing. We will also explore things such as the putting on of an LGBT+ event in 2019 and what this event could consist of, as well as launch the results of the Enough is Enough hate crime survey.
The group will meet from 13:00 to 16:00, and a light lunch will be available for those that attend.
There will be Dorset Police in attendance at the Consultation Group meetings.
Spaces are limited, so book your place as soon as possible. Borough Gardens House Cornwall Road Dorchester DT1 1RG For info & booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorset-police-lgbtqiconsultation-group-tickets-50903319198 …
Dorset Police LGBTQI+ Consultation Group - in Dorchester (posted here 9/10/2018)#
Run by The Intercom Trust, this event will take place on Sat 20th October in Dorchester
This new LGBT+ Police Consultation Group will be an ideal opportunity to help shape the future of Policing for the LGBT+ communities in Dorset. The group will be an informal space in which to discuss issues that effect LGBT+ communities with regarding policing. We will also explore things such as the putting on of an LGBT+ event in 2019 and what this event could consist of, as well as launch the results of the Enough is Enough hate crime survey.
The group will meet from 13:00 to 16:00, and a light lunch will be available for those that attend.
There will be Dorset Police in attendance at the Consultation Group meetings.
Spaces are limited, so book your place as soon as possible. Borough Gardens House Cornwall Road Dorchester DT1 1RG For info & booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dorset-police-lgbtqiconsultation-group-tickets-50903319198 …
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Come As You Are Festival in Poole. A festival of trans, non-binary and gender queer theatre.
(posted here 22/9/2018 See top of this page for an update 25/11/2019)
Poole's Lighthouse hosts this Theatre event in November and December.
Dates and more info on our events page https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
Copy from Lighthouse website :-
When did you come out as male? Or female? Camden People’s Theatre will be taking over our venue with a host of performances and workshops from gender-anarchists with more questions than answers.
In the last few years, progressive thinking about gender has gone mainstream, and understanding has developed of gender as infinite variety. More and more individuals are reclaiming the right to define their genders, their bodies, their selves. Following a hugely successful first edition in 2017, Come As You Are has been transformed into a pop up festival that will tour to venues across the UK. Headlined by the award-winning show Bullish by Milk Presents, the festival will celebrate and interrogate all the world’s issues regarding female, male, between and beyond. It’s not going to be pretty – but it might just be beautiful.
Lighthouse info - https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2018/come-as-you-are-festival/
Come As You Are Festival in Poole. A festival of trans, non-binary and gender queer theatre.
(posted here 22/9/2018 See top of this page for an update 25/11/2019)
Poole's Lighthouse hosts this Theatre event in November and December.
Dates and more info on our events page https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
Copy from Lighthouse website :-
When did you come out as male? Or female? Camden People’s Theatre will be taking over our venue with a host of performances and workshops from gender-anarchists with more questions than answers.
In the last few years, progressive thinking about gender has gone mainstream, and understanding has developed of gender as infinite variety. More and more individuals are reclaiming the right to define their genders, their bodies, their selves. Following a hugely successful first edition in 2017, Come As You Are has been transformed into a pop up festival that will tour to venues across the UK. Headlined by the award-winning show Bullish by Milk Presents, the festival will celebrate and interrogate all the world’s issues regarding female, male, between and beyond. It’s not going to be pretty – but it might just be beautiful.
Lighthouse info - https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/2018/come-as-you-are-festival/
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Room to rent in LGBT / EU friendly house Weymouth
(posted here 11/8/2018, updated 10/10/2018) Are you LGBT+ or an EU person, looking for a room to rent? A local Gay Weymouth landlord is inviting applications from people who can embrace diversity, and share a room in his house. People in work and open minded given preference. |
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Central location in Weymouth, near beach, good transport links. Bills included plus free use of a bike too! Interested? Be quick ... see - spareroom.com website for info and contact details - https://www.spareroom.co.uk/flatshare/dorset/weymouth/10937218 Or drop an email to weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com ** Please note ** This room has now been taken, other rooms may be available in the future |
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When a crime against you becomes click bate - Dorchester's Jamie writes in Gay Times. (posted here 6/9/2018)
Many of you will know Jamie (originally from Dorchester), through Jamie's extensive online social media and as editor of Fruitcake magazine. Unfortunately Jamie (non-binary) was at the receiving end of a transphobic attack, but has turned the tables on the media, and also highlighted the issues around hate crime.
Extract from Gay Times (5/9/2018) Read the full article here - https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/community/112756/jamie-windust-responds-to-the-media-coverage-of-their-transphobic-attack-our-stories-are-our-own-to-tell/
Jamie Windust responds to the media coverage of their transphobic attack: "Our stories are our own to tell"
Safety is important. Whether that be on the streets, or online, as LGBTQ people, we are constantly told to ensure that we make ourselves and the others around us safe.
So why is it when the streets become a place of uncertainty and danger, that sometimes our online platforms don’t actually offer us the safety and solace that we’re looking for?
As someone who identifies as non-binary and presents femme, transmisogyny is not something that is uncommon in my daily life. Men feeling like they’re entitled to the world walk past me everyday, and some of these men feel like they’re entitled to my body, which is exactly what happened last weekend. I’m not a huge fan of the word victim however in actual fact that’s what I was. Three drunk men approached me in the afternoon in a crowded area and one proceeded to ‘investigate’ what I ‘was’, putting their hands and head underneath my dress whilst shouting aggressive slurs. I managed to get them off me, retreat back to safety and continue on with my day.
What was surprising to me was the way that I was almost used to this. The fact that I was able to, although shocked by what happened, return to my working life and actually just continue with my day is a sure sign that we are too used to this kind of behaviour when we navigate the world.
As a cathartic release, I shared the incident on my Instagram stories because my initial reaction to what had happened was ‘what do I do now?’, and I knew there would definitely be people who would also not know what to do initially in the aftermath of a hate incident.
Jamie goes on to state ....
Taking someone’s words on an intimate event that happened and sharing them on a global platform is incredibly different than me sharing it with my 13,000 Instagram followers. In that instance I have control, and am able to control the narrative and how much I am willing to share. This news outlet had taken my power away and my autonomy to be able to tell my own story. And this happens a lot, especially when gender non-conforming people come into play. Our stories aren’t believed, and are seen to only be validated and legitimised when news outlets take them on and talk for us. Not by us, but about us.
Above is an extract from Gay Times (5/9/2018) Read the full article here -
www.gaytimes.co.uk/community/112756/jamie-windust-responds-to-the-media-coverage-of-their-transphobic-attack-our-stories-are-our-own-to-tell/
Hate Crime - for information on reporting hate crime, plus helplines and people you can talk to, see our helplines page - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
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Many of you will know Jamie (originally from Dorchester), through Jamie's extensive online social media and as editor of Fruitcake magazine. Unfortunately Jamie (non-binary) was at the receiving end of a transphobic attack, but has turned the tables on the media, and also highlighted the issues around hate crime.
Extract from Gay Times (5/9/2018) Read the full article here - https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/community/112756/jamie-windust-responds-to-the-media-coverage-of-their-transphobic-attack-our-stories-are-our-own-to-tell/
Jamie Windust responds to the media coverage of their transphobic attack: "Our stories are our own to tell"
Safety is important. Whether that be on the streets, or online, as LGBTQ people, we are constantly told to ensure that we make ourselves and the others around us safe.
So why is it when the streets become a place of uncertainty and danger, that sometimes our online platforms don’t actually offer us the safety and solace that we’re looking for?
As someone who identifies as non-binary and presents femme, transmisogyny is not something that is uncommon in my daily life. Men feeling like they’re entitled to the world walk past me everyday, and some of these men feel like they’re entitled to my body, which is exactly what happened last weekend. I’m not a huge fan of the word victim however in actual fact that’s what I was. Three drunk men approached me in the afternoon in a crowded area and one proceeded to ‘investigate’ what I ‘was’, putting their hands and head underneath my dress whilst shouting aggressive slurs. I managed to get them off me, retreat back to safety and continue on with my day.
What was surprising to me was the way that I was almost used to this. The fact that I was able to, although shocked by what happened, return to my working life and actually just continue with my day is a sure sign that we are too used to this kind of behaviour when we navigate the world.
As a cathartic release, I shared the incident on my Instagram stories because my initial reaction to what had happened was ‘what do I do now?’, and I knew there would definitely be people who would also not know what to do initially in the aftermath of a hate incident.
Jamie goes on to state ....
Taking someone’s words on an intimate event that happened and sharing them on a global platform is incredibly different than me sharing it with my 13,000 Instagram followers. In that instance I have control, and am able to control the narrative and how much I am willing to share. This news outlet had taken my power away and my autonomy to be able to tell my own story. And this happens a lot, especially when gender non-conforming people come into play. Our stories aren’t believed, and are seen to only be validated and legitimised when news outlets take them on and talk for us. Not by us, but about us.
Above is an extract from Gay Times (5/9/2018) Read the full article here -
www.gaytimes.co.uk/community/112756/jamie-windust-responds-to-the-media-coverage-of-their-transphobic-attack-our-stories-are-our-own-to-tell/
Hate Crime - for information on reporting hate crime, plus helplines and people you can talk to, see our helplines page - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/helplinessupport-groups.html
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£600 for Space from Closet
(posted here 4/9/2018) The "Summer of Love" fund raising at Weymouth's Closet Bar has raised a brilliant £600 for Space Youth Project. The Closet Bar held a number of special events during the summer providing fun and entertainment while raising funds. Space Youth Project is a Dorset wide project for young LGBT people offering help and support. They also run regular meetings in both Weymouth and Dorchester as well as other Dorset towns. More info:- www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk www.closetweymouth.co.uk |
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Should Weymouth have a Pride event? (posted here 26/7/2018 updated 28/7/2018, updated again 01/9/2018)
As the annual Pride season is drawing to a close, many members of the local LGBT community are focusing on the possibility of a Weymouth Pride in 2019. Discussions about this are ongoing, and a recent facebook page (thanks to Weymouth Gay Group guy Mike) generated over 255 responses in 24 hours! Showing that there is a huge amount of support for this idea. Broken down the numbers were - Like = 177 Love = 44 Angry = 2 Shock = 1 Sad = 1 The photo on right is from Weymouth Carnival a few years ago when The Closet Bar had the HUGE rainbow flag as part of their float. Closet Bar is one of many local business that have expressed an interest in a Weymouth Pride, and a willingness to help make it happen. |
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A meeting (organised by Alan at The Dorset LGBT Equality Network) will be taking place in Weymouth for all those interested very soon. If you have the time and skills to help make a Weymouth Pride happen, and wish to attend, please email Alan with outdelay, at - contact.lgbtdorsetequality@gmail.com or join Weymouth Gay Group at our regular pub meet ups.
Stay tuned for more info on this exciting idea! We need your views and support! If you can not attend our pub meet ups in Weymouth and you wish to be actively involved, or have ideas and comments, please email us weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
Below is our report about this, first posted here 26th June 2018. It has already been posted on Dorset Eye, and discussed on our local LGBT Radio Show (AIR radio 107.2FM Tuesdays 9-10pm), and gained more support at the recent Dorchester Love Parade.
Pride in Weymouth!
Should Weymouth have a Pride type event in 2019? (posted here 26/7/2018)
Your views and support are being requested following a recent meeting with key local LGBT people and the Weymouth BID.
It would require not only the local LGBT community to be active in supporting this idea, but also local businesses, hence the BID’s potential involvement. BID is a Business Improvement District scheme, a business-led initiative improving the local trading environment. As well as the BID and Weymouth Gay Group, the Dorset LGBT Equality Network, Closet Bar, a local councillor and a representative of the local transgender community were present.
Pride events happen in many towns now, and many feel Weymouth must not be left out! As well as showing how inclusive a town and its business are, they also can bring in revenue and publicity for the area. Many LGBT people live in or visit the Weymouth area.
Having a high profile local event helps to highlight the LGBT community and reach out to those who may benefit from the many LGBT support and social groups locally.
Alan from The Dorset LGBT Network said “A Pride event also has year-round benefit for the local LGBT community in highlighting community supportive information, such as signposting, raising community visibility, information resources to assist community members when encountering prejudice, and helping the local authority and public services represent our LGBT community’s voice and needs robustly & clearly”
More news about this exciting idea over the coming months as this suggestion develops. If you are a local business interested in supporting this, please contact Claudia at the BID. Individuals and LGBT community groups can resister their comments and interest through Weymouth Gay Group via email. If you would like to attend a future meeting about this exciting idea, please let us know!
https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
claudiamoore@weymouthbid.co.uk
http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/ contact.lgbtequalitynetwork@gmail.com
www.closetweymouth.co.uk
Stay tuned for more info on this exciting idea! We need your views and support! If you can not attend our pub meet ups in Weymouth and you wish to be actively involved, or have ideas and comments, please email us weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
Below is our report about this, first posted here 26th June 2018. It has already been posted on Dorset Eye, and discussed on our local LGBT Radio Show (AIR radio 107.2FM Tuesdays 9-10pm), and gained more support at the recent Dorchester Love Parade.
Pride in Weymouth!
Should Weymouth have a Pride type event in 2019? (posted here 26/7/2018)
Your views and support are being requested following a recent meeting with key local LGBT people and the Weymouth BID.
It would require not only the local LGBT community to be active in supporting this idea, but also local businesses, hence the BID’s potential involvement. BID is a Business Improvement District scheme, a business-led initiative improving the local trading environment. As well as the BID and Weymouth Gay Group, the Dorset LGBT Equality Network, Closet Bar, a local councillor and a representative of the local transgender community were present.
Pride events happen in many towns now, and many feel Weymouth must not be left out! As well as showing how inclusive a town and its business are, they also can bring in revenue and publicity for the area. Many LGBT people live in or visit the Weymouth area.
Having a high profile local event helps to highlight the LGBT community and reach out to those who may benefit from the many LGBT support and social groups locally.
Alan from The Dorset LGBT Network said “A Pride event also has year-round benefit for the local LGBT community in highlighting community supportive information, such as signposting, raising community visibility, information resources to assist community members when encountering prejudice, and helping the local authority and public services represent our LGBT community’s voice and needs robustly & clearly”
More news about this exciting idea over the coming months as this suggestion develops. If you are a local business interested in supporting this, please contact Claudia at the BID. Individuals and LGBT community groups can resister their comments and interest through Weymouth Gay Group via email. If you would like to attend a future meeting about this exciting idea, please let us know!
https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
claudiamoore@weymouthbid.co.uk
http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/ contact.lgbtequalitynetwork@gmail.com
www.closetweymouth.co.uk
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Rain does little to stop crowds flocking to Dorchester's Pride (posted here 29/8/2018)
Extract From Dorset Echo (29/8/2018) - read the full article here with photos (incl one with a Weymouth Gay Group guy!) - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16603711.rain-does-little-to-stop-crowds-flocking-to-dorchesters-pride/?action=success#comments-feedback-anchor
The Corn Exchange was filled with bright colours and loud music for the return of Dorchester’s Pride event.
This year’s Love Parade though South Street on Sunday had to be cancelled due to the wet weather. However, organisers didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits and moved the afternoon of entertainment planned to take place at Maumbury Rings to the town centre.
There was a huge turnout at the Corn Exchange, where visitors were treated to live performances from local bands, drag queens and more. Chris Jago, who helped organise this year’s event, said: “The party always goes on. “We’ve had an amazing turnout here today, we don’t know the exact capacity, but it’s heaving.” He added: “It’s a celebration of diversity and equality that brings together the whole community.”
Mayor of Dorchester Councillor David Taylor also attended the event and said: “This is a special moment for Dorset and Dorchester, we’re celebrating the liberation of the LGBT movement making sure people understand the fact that we are all equal. “As a married gay man and the Mayor of Dorchester I am pleased to say what a fantastic event this is.”
Read more here - with photos - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16603711.rain-does-little-to-stop-crowds-flocking-to-dorchesters-pride/
See our Weymouth Gay Group photos of the day and our report about this event here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorchester-love-parade-pride-aug-26-2018.html
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Extract From Dorset Echo (29/8/2018) - read the full article here with photos (incl one with a Weymouth Gay Group guy!) - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16603711.rain-does-little-to-stop-crowds-flocking-to-dorchesters-pride/?action=success#comments-feedback-anchor
The Corn Exchange was filled with bright colours and loud music for the return of Dorchester’s Pride event.
This year’s Love Parade though South Street on Sunday had to be cancelled due to the wet weather. However, organisers didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits and moved the afternoon of entertainment planned to take place at Maumbury Rings to the town centre.
There was a huge turnout at the Corn Exchange, where visitors were treated to live performances from local bands, drag queens and more. Chris Jago, who helped organise this year’s event, said: “The party always goes on. “We’ve had an amazing turnout here today, we don’t know the exact capacity, but it’s heaving.” He added: “It’s a celebration of diversity and equality that brings together the whole community.”
Mayor of Dorchester Councillor David Taylor also attended the event and said: “This is a special moment for Dorset and Dorchester, we’re celebrating the liberation of the LGBT movement making sure people understand the fact that we are all equal. “As a married gay man and the Mayor of Dorchester I am pleased to say what a fantastic event this is.”
Read more here - with photos - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16603711.rain-does-little-to-stop-crowds-flocking-to-dorchesters-pride/
See our Weymouth Gay Group photos of the day and our report about this event here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorchester-love-parade-pride-aug-26-2018.html
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Dean Eastmond (posted here 28/8/2018)
Monday 3rd September Dean Eastmond - anniversary of his loss. It was a year ago today that Dean from Weymouth lost his fight with Cancer. He was just 21. "Award winning Dean had achieved so much for the lgbt community in such a short time while suffering, a truly amazing young man taken to soon. Our thoughts are with his partner, family and friends at this time." Colin. Weymouth Gay Group. You can read more here from last years Echo report - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15514184.Tributes_paid_to_inspiring_LGBT_campaigner_from_Weymouth_who_lost_battle_with_rare_cancer_aged_21/ . Plus scroll down towards the end of this page for more about Dean. |
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Gay West at WGG, and 7.5% off in Swan! - 13th Sept (posted here 28/8/2018)
Two reasons to celebrate on Thursday 13th Sept in The Swan as GAY WEST visit Weymouth Gay Group, and it's Wetherspoons "Tax Equality Day" day with 7.5% off everything at the bar! The Wetherspoons bar discount is part of the pub chains campaign on tax equality. More information on their website and in their publications. Gay West is a long established social group in the west of England (Bristol/Bath area) they visit Weymouth each year on a Thursday and join us to eat and drink for a while before getting their train back west. A group of their members will be with us from about 4.30pm. It's always been a very enjoyable evening chatting with them all. Please arrive early if you wish to meet them, and join in the merriment. More info about Gay West here - https://gaywest.org.uk/ |
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Love wins at Parade despite Monsoon outside! (posted here 26/8/2018)
Love wins at Parade despite Monsoon outside! (posted here 26/8/2018)
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The annual Dorchester Love Parade (Pride) was still a huge successes despite horrendous weather outside. The organisers moved the event from Maumbury Rings to the towns Corn Exchange.
Weymouth Gay Group (who had a stall there) said... Did you go? Oh it was so wet, so if you went along a mega thank you for supporting Dorchester Love Parade. We had a FAB time and thank all the organisers for changing the venue! Always great to meet up with so many of our friends in the LGBT community at this event. Despite the bad weather, the main part of The Corn Exchange was heaving with people by mid afternoon. We have requested the song "It's Raining Men" for the local LGBT radio show on Tuesday!" |
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Check out our Dorch Love Parade page for our report of the day plus photos. https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorchester-love-parade-pride-aug-26-2018.html Hear reports about Dorchester Love Parade on AIR 107.2 FM in Weymouth & Portland or online via https://air1072.com/ on TUESDAY 28th at 9pm with presenter Charity. We will post links to local newspaper reports here when we have them. - see report at top of this page. |
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A positive newspaper comment (for a change) about transgerder people
Posted here 25/8/2018
Extracts from Bournemouth Echo, 25th August 2018, read the full article here - http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16598839.weekend-column-got-a-negative-opinion-about-transgender-people-get-over-yourselves/
Faith Eckersall writes in The Bournemouth Echo -
Weekend Column: Got a negative opinion about transgender people? Get over yourselves
THERE are two things you need to know about transgender people. Firstly, that they are transitioning – male to female, woman to man. And secondly, that they are people. Not freaks. Not weirdos. Not a danger to children, or anyone else. Just people. Like other people they want a good job, a bit of a holiday, lunch out every now and again, and nice clothes.
This should be obvious, but it’s not. Because all we ever seem to hear about people who are transitioning is scare stories about toilets. The ‘wisdom’ appearing to be that somehow, all transgender people are lurking in the lavvy, trying to scare the living daylights out of the folks who are using them, or pretending to be female so they can assault women.
The real truth is that most people haven’t met anyone who is transgender, or who has transitioned. Others may have met one but been unaware of what’s happened or happening to them.
The article ends by stating -
It may come as a shock to those living in the 14th century but the world really isn’t going to end because some people didn’t feel right in the sex they were assigned at birth and wanted to change into another. Get over yourselves.
Extracts from Bournemouth Echo, 25th August 2018, read the full article here -
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16598839.weekend-column-got-a-negative-opinion-about-transgender-people-get-over-yourselves/
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Posted here 25/8/2018
Extracts from Bournemouth Echo, 25th August 2018, read the full article here - http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16598839.weekend-column-got-a-negative-opinion-about-transgender-people-get-over-yourselves/
Faith Eckersall writes in The Bournemouth Echo -
Weekend Column: Got a negative opinion about transgender people? Get over yourselves
THERE are two things you need to know about transgender people. Firstly, that they are transitioning – male to female, woman to man. And secondly, that they are people. Not freaks. Not weirdos. Not a danger to children, or anyone else. Just people. Like other people they want a good job, a bit of a holiday, lunch out every now and again, and nice clothes.
This should be obvious, but it’s not. Because all we ever seem to hear about people who are transitioning is scare stories about toilets. The ‘wisdom’ appearing to be that somehow, all transgender people are lurking in the lavvy, trying to scare the living daylights out of the folks who are using them, or pretending to be female so they can assault women.
The real truth is that most people haven’t met anyone who is transgender, or who has transitioned. Others may have met one but been unaware of what’s happened or happening to them.
The article ends by stating -
It may come as a shock to those living in the 14th century but the world really isn’t going to end because some people didn’t feel right in the sex they were assigned at birth and wanted to change into another. Get over yourselves.
Extracts from Bournemouth Echo, 25th August 2018, read the full article here -
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16598839.weekend-column-got-a-negative-opinion-about-transgender-people-get-over-yourselves/
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Weymouth Gay Group gets Dispatch community coverage (posted here 23/8/2018)
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The free paper Dispatch in the Weymouth area have featured Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) on it's community page.
The article in the Community news section, as well as giving information about WGG also gives a plug for Dorset Mind's MindOut group, The Dorset LGBT Network, and The Intercom Trust. It is great publicity for our website which we know informs many people about local LGBT news, events and helplines, plus it would be nice if it results in more guys attending our WGG events. You can pick up your copy at Weymouth Railway station, the Pavilion and other venues around town. It is also available at Dorchester station and on Portland. Or you can ask to see a copy at WGG events and pub meet ups. We thank Matt at Dorset Echo (who own the Dispatch) for his help in achieving this. The Dispatch paper dated 24th August is the edition to check out. |
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***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************Dorchester will come alive with music, love and colour this bank holiday weekend (posted here 22/8/2018)
Extract from Dorset Echo. Read the full story here -
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16589764.dorchester-will-come-alive-with-music-love-and-colour-this-bank-holiday-weekend/
Dorchester will come alive with music, love and colour this bank holiday weekend as three popular events return to the town. Sunday will see the return of the annual Love Parade.
The LGBT march through South Street will begin at 12pm from the town pump and will end at Maumbury Rings, where there will be an afternoon of entertainment. The line-up for this year’s event includes Saski, Black Water County, Neil Coad, DJ Zoe Clegg, Cabaret Acts, Cassidy Connors, Cher Tribute, Dave Lynn, Dixie, Benny Mayhem full band and Sheila Tackya. The event is free to attend and there will be plenty of activities on offer for children, including a bouncy castle, face painting, craft stalls and more.
Helen Walsh, CEO of the Space Youth Project who are attending this year's event said: “We are delighted to be involved in Dorchester Love Parade - it is a wonderful way to raise awareness of LGBT+ groups and the support they can offer. Sadly, prejudice still exists and flying the flag is a perfect way to show that we, and others care.”
Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr David Taylor, added: "Dorchester takes great pride in showing the positivity and diversity of Dorset. We can hold our heads high and say here we are together. I am looking forward to having lots of fun in a peaceful and safe environment.”
Extract from Dorset Echo. Read the full story here -
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16589764.dorchester-will-come-alive-with-music-love-and-colour-this-bank-holiday-weekend/
Note! - don't forget to come and find the Weymouth Gay Group stall at Dorchester Love Parade!
You can read more about this event here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorchester-love-parade-pride-aug-26-2018.html
Extract from Dorset Echo. Read the full story here -
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16589764.dorchester-will-come-alive-with-music-love-and-colour-this-bank-holiday-weekend/
Dorchester will come alive with music, love and colour this bank holiday weekend as three popular events return to the town. Sunday will see the return of the annual Love Parade.
The LGBT march through South Street will begin at 12pm from the town pump and will end at Maumbury Rings, where there will be an afternoon of entertainment. The line-up for this year’s event includes Saski, Black Water County, Neil Coad, DJ Zoe Clegg, Cabaret Acts, Cassidy Connors, Cher Tribute, Dave Lynn, Dixie, Benny Mayhem full band and Sheila Tackya. The event is free to attend and there will be plenty of activities on offer for children, including a bouncy castle, face painting, craft stalls and more.
Helen Walsh, CEO of the Space Youth Project who are attending this year's event said: “We are delighted to be involved in Dorchester Love Parade - it is a wonderful way to raise awareness of LGBT+ groups and the support they can offer. Sadly, prejudice still exists and flying the flag is a perfect way to show that we, and others care.”
Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr David Taylor, added: "Dorchester takes great pride in showing the positivity and diversity of Dorset. We can hold our heads high and say here we are together. I am looking forward to having lots of fun in a peaceful and safe environment.”
Extract from Dorset Echo. Read the full story here -
www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16589764.dorchester-will-come-alive-with-music-love-and-colour-this-bank-holiday-weekend/
Note! - don't forget to come and find the Weymouth Gay Group stall at Dorchester Love Parade!
You can read more about this event here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/dorchester-love-parade-pride-aug-26-2018.html
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b-side is back ! (posted here 21/8/2018)
The popular Portland Art Festival is back this year with some exciting LGBT events. https://b-side.org.uk/
One highlight will be “What does trapped mean to you?”
A performance workshop by Kennedy who is well know for his transgender song “Lights” on Weymouth’s AIR radio LGBT show (Tuesdays 9pm)
Kennedy’s performance workshop has been inspired by the UN Conventions on the Rights of the Child - particularly Article 24 (health and health services) and Article 8 (protection and preservation of identity) in relation to Hormone Replacement Therapy and mental health. Join Kennedy in the Quiet Bell Tent to find out more about his research, his current thoughts on the topic and to hear some of his spoken word pieces that are currently in development.
Saturday 15th b-side Festival Portland Trapped 1 - 2pm Quiet Bell Tent Easton Gardens Isle of Portland DT5 1BY Tickets & more info https://b-side.org.uk/events/trapped
LGBT+ Short Films at b-side Frestival. Join us to celebrate short films about and by members of the LGBT+ community, and hear experiences about love, loss and pride. You'll be transported by 'Into Dust' to the warm sands of a summer in Weymouth to a cosy night in with 'A Lack of Dating in Brooklyn', without forgetting your tub of ice cream from an American supermarket's freezer aisle to snack on through 'The Mess He Made'! These award winning films, all focused around the lives of young people and their experiences of gender and sexuality; individual stories of hope that everyone can relate to, creating a picture of the modern world through their, and our, eyes.
Thursday 13th 7.30pm – 9pm Royal Manor Theatre 138A Fortuneswell Isle of Portland DT5 1LT
Booking recommended Tickets and more info https://b-side.org.uk/events/lgbt-short-films
For people interested in Mental health in Dorset, b-side have this event for you…..
WHY? Mental Health Discussion
Join Megan Beech, Dorset Mind and members of the Dorset Mental Health Alliance in a discussion around Mental Health. A discussion about Dorset’s Mental Health provision, how it can be improved and how to look after your own mental health. (Dorset Mind run MindOut LGBT mental health support group in Weymouth)
Thursday 13th 1.15pm – 2.45pm Community 2000 Centre 12 Straits Isle of Portland DT5 1HG
Tickets and more info https://b-side.org.uk/events/why-mental-health-discussion
b-side is back ! (posted here 21/8/2018)
The popular Portland Art Festival is back this year with some exciting LGBT events. https://b-side.org.uk/
One highlight will be “What does trapped mean to you?”
A performance workshop by Kennedy who is well know for his transgender song “Lights” on Weymouth’s AIR radio LGBT show (Tuesdays 9pm)
Kennedy’s performance workshop has been inspired by the UN Conventions on the Rights of the Child - particularly Article 24 (health and health services) and Article 8 (protection and preservation of identity) in relation to Hormone Replacement Therapy and mental health. Join Kennedy in the Quiet Bell Tent to find out more about his research, his current thoughts on the topic and to hear some of his spoken word pieces that are currently in development.
Saturday 15th b-side Festival Portland Trapped 1 - 2pm Quiet Bell Tent Easton Gardens Isle of Portland DT5 1BY Tickets & more info https://b-side.org.uk/events/trapped
LGBT+ Short Films at b-side Frestival. Join us to celebrate short films about and by members of the LGBT+ community, and hear experiences about love, loss and pride. You'll be transported by 'Into Dust' to the warm sands of a summer in Weymouth to a cosy night in with 'A Lack of Dating in Brooklyn', without forgetting your tub of ice cream from an American supermarket's freezer aisle to snack on through 'The Mess He Made'! These award winning films, all focused around the lives of young people and their experiences of gender and sexuality; individual stories of hope that everyone can relate to, creating a picture of the modern world through their, and our, eyes.
Thursday 13th 7.30pm – 9pm Royal Manor Theatre 138A Fortuneswell Isle of Portland DT5 1LT
Booking recommended Tickets and more info https://b-side.org.uk/events/lgbt-short-films
For people interested in Mental health in Dorset, b-side have this event for you…..
WHY? Mental Health Discussion
Join Megan Beech, Dorset Mind and members of the Dorset Mental Health Alliance in a discussion around Mental Health. A discussion about Dorset’s Mental Health provision, how it can be improved and how to look after your own mental health. (Dorset Mind run MindOut LGBT mental health support group in Weymouth)
Thursday 13th 1.15pm – 2.45pm Community 2000 Centre 12 Straits Isle of Portland DT5 1HG
Tickets and more info https://b-side.org.uk/events/why-mental-health-discussion
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Dorchester's Jamie offers "queer energy and education" for your School or Uni
Dorchester's Jamie offers "queer energy and education" for your School or Uni
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Jamie wrote on twitter ..... (posted here 21/8/2018)
"Babes does your uni/college/school need some queer energy and education? LETS CONNECT! Looking to talk in September and October at Universities all over the UK! If you think your institution could do with a sprinkling of me then get in touch!" jamiewindust900@gmail.com Jamie is Ed of Fruitcake magazine, has been a volunteer with Stonewall, is non-binary as well as a champion of LGBTQIA+ campaigning. Jamie is originally from Dorchester. Jamie is on twitter as leopardprintelephant @fabjamiefab |
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Massive fall in civil partnerships in Dorset since same-sex marriage introduced
Extract from Dorset Echo posted here 21/8/2018
Read the full story here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16587058.massive-fall-in-civil-partnerships-in-dorset-since-same-sex-marriage-introduced/
The number of couples forming civil partnerships has fallen dramatically across Dorset since same-sex marriage was introduced, ONS figures show. In the four years before the Same-Sex Marriage Act came into force in March 2014, there were 178 civil partnerships formed in Bournemouth, 80 in Poole and 110 in Dorset county.
But between 2014 to 2017, that number fell to 27 in Bournemouth, 22 in Poole and 33 in Dorset. Civil partnerships remain more popular with male couples, with 53 male and 29 female couples across the whole county opting for this form of union over the alternative.
The article went on to quote Stonewall -
LGBT charity Stonewall has said that despite its dwindling popularity, the civil partnership is still an important institution and shouldn't be abolished. Stonewall campaigns, policy and research director Paul Twocock said: "The introduction of civil partnerships in 2005 was a huge milestone for LGBT equality.
"For the first time, same-sex couples could have their relationships legally recognised and secure the same benefits as married couples of different sexes. Many thousands of same-sex couples have also decided not to convert their civil partnership into a marriage."
Read the full Dorset Echo story here -
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16587058.massive-fall-in-civil-partnerships-in-dorset-since-same-sex-marriage-introduced/
You can read the ONS report here -
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/marriagecohabitationandcivilpartnerships/bulletins/civilpartnershipsinenglandandwales/2017
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Massive fall in civil partnerships in Dorset since same-sex marriage introduced
Extract from Dorset Echo posted here 21/8/2018
Read the full story here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16587058.massive-fall-in-civil-partnerships-in-dorset-since-same-sex-marriage-introduced/
The number of couples forming civil partnerships has fallen dramatically across Dorset since same-sex marriage was introduced, ONS figures show. In the four years before the Same-Sex Marriage Act came into force in March 2014, there were 178 civil partnerships formed in Bournemouth, 80 in Poole and 110 in Dorset county.
But between 2014 to 2017, that number fell to 27 in Bournemouth, 22 in Poole and 33 in Dorset. Civil partnerships remain more popular with male couples, with 53 male and 29 female couples across the whole county opting for this form of union over the alternative.
The article went on to quote Stonewall -
LGBT charity Stonewall has said that despite its dwindling popularity, the civil partnership is still an important institution and shouldn't be abolished. Stonewall campaigns, policy and research director Paul Twocock said: "The introduction of civil partnerships in 2005 was a huge milestone for LGBT equality.
"For the first time, same-sex couples could have their relationships legally recognised and secure the same benefits as married couples of different sexes. Many thousands of same-sex couples have also decided not to convert their civil partnership into a marriage."
Read the full Dorset Echo story here -
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16587058.massive-fall-in-civil-partnerships-in-dorset-since-same-sex-marriage-introduced/
You can read the ONS report here -
https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/marriagecohabitationandcivilpartnerships/bulletins/civilpartnershipsinenglandandwales/2017
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Gay Table Roast Dinner plus Coffee mornings near Yeovil (posted here 16/8/2018)
Although slightly outside our area, these two excellent social events run by Paul in Stoford (just south of Yeovil off the A37) are ideal for guys in North Dorset who may feel socially isolated.
Gay Table Roast Dinners
Every month on the Sunday that follows the last Friday. Aimed at guys who are a bit lonely or who don’t eat properly
Paul writes - “We ask for a £5 donation towards the cost of food for the Roast Dinner. This is always a full Roast with homemade soup to start, roast dinner with plenty of vegetables followed by a pudding all washed down with fruit juice. There is tea and coffee with cake later in the afternoon. The dinner is served at 1pm guests are welcome to arrive anytime after 11am and can stay as long as they want.”
Coffee mornings
Second Saturday in the month from 11am – 3pm Stoford near Yeovil.
Venue for both regular events is Paul’s private home in Stoford. You can contact him, for full details, via this email geraniumtrust@gmail.com
Paul also runs the Geranium Trust, which may interest many of you. www.geraniumtrust.org
Check out our WGG events listings for dates https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
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Although slightly outside our area, these two excellent social events run by Paul in Stoford (just south of Yeovil off the A37) are ideal for guys in North Dorset who may feel socially isolated.
Gay Table Roast Dinners
Every month on the Sunday that follows the last Friday. Aimed at guys who are a bit lonely or who don’t eat properly
Paul writes - “We ask for a £5 donation towards the cost of food for the Roast Dinner. This is always a full Roast with homemade soup to start, roast dinner with plenty of vegetables followed by a pudding all washed down with fruit juice. There is tea and coffee with cake later in the afternoon. The dinner is served at 1pm guests are welcome to arrive anytime after 11am and can stay as long as they want.”
Coffee mornings
Second Saturday in the month from 11am – 3pm Stoford near Yeovil.
Venue for both regular events is Paul’s private home in Stoford. You can contact him, for full details, via this email geraniumtrust@gmail.com
Paul also runs the Geranium Trust, which may interest many of you. www.geraniumtrust.org
Check out our WGG events listings for dates https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
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Less Triangle than before .... (posted here 11/8/2018)
The Triangle in Bournemouth has long been the center for the LGBT community in Bournemouth and beyond. Not only for nights out but also community events and sexual health.
It was the must go LGBT part of Bournemouth (& Dorset) for many years, it now only offers two gay / lgbt bars and the annual Bournemouth Pride (BourneFree) party in July.
While many of us miss The Bakers Arms & The Branksome, perhaps this is a sign of inclusive progress? What do you think? Do we still need our own venues? It's a subject our Weymouth Gay Group guys have chanted about at our pub meet ups many times.
While these favorite venues have changed over the years, DYMK (on Poole Hill) and XChange Bar still remain. The XChange Bar has just had make over, so why drop by and check it out! (see our WGG twitter for more info)
However, very sad to hear that OTR - Over The Rainbow has closed. It was the center of excellence for LGBT+ people. Brilliant very friendly staff, and always a must visit place to catch up on local lgbt events and info. Oh, and yes sexual health too! OTR - much missed.
Former gay club in the Triangle will be converted into shops (extract from Dorset Echo 10/8/2018)
A FORMER nightclub which was once Bournemouth’s biggest gay venue is to be converted back into two shops. The bar was last known as 2930 The Triangle after its address, and still bears this branding, although in the past the site has been known as Rubyz and Dreams.
It has been closed for several years, leaving two LGBT bar venues in the area – DYMK in Poole Hill and Xchange in the Triangle, which is currently undergoing a major internal refurbishment.
More - http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16408701.bournemouths-former-gay-club-2930-the-triangle-will-be-converted-into-shops/
This might also be of interest - : http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/support-partners/
The Triangle in Bournemouth has long been the center for the LGBT community in Bournemouth and beyond. Not only for nights out but also community events and sexual health.
It was the must go LGBT part of Bournemouth (& Dorset) for many years, it now only offers two gay / lgbt bars and the annual Bournemouth Pride (BourneFree) party in July.
While many of us miss The Bakers Arms & The Branksome, perhaps this is a sign of inclusive progress? What do you think? Do we still need our own venues? It's a subject our Weymouth Gay Group guys have chanted about at our pub meet ups many times.
While these favorite venues have changed over the years, DYMK (on Poole Hill) and XChange Bar still remain. The XChange Bar has just had make over, so why drop by and check it out! (see our WGG twitter for more info)
However, very sad to hear that OTR - Over The Rainbow has closed. It was the center of excellence for LGBT+ people. Brilliant very friendly staff, and always a must visit place to catch up on local lgbt events and info. Oh, and yes sexual health too! OTR - much missed.
Former gay club in the Triangle will be converted into shops (extract from Dorset Echo 10/8/2018)
A FORMER nightclub which was once Bournemouth’s biggest gay venue is to be converted back into two shops. The bar was last known as 2930 The Triangle after its address, and still bears this branding, although in the past the site has been known as Rubyz and Dreams.
It has been closed for several years, leaving two LGBT bar venues in the area – DYMK in Poole Hill and Xchange in the Triangle, which is currently undergoing a major internal refurbishment.
More - http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16408701.bournemouths-former-gay-club-2930-the-triangle-will-be-converted-into-shops/
This might also be of interest - : http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/support-partners/
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Tom Robinson (Glad To Be Gay) comes our way! (posted here 1/8/2018)
The well know musician and LGBT activist, Tom Robinson will be at the Lyme Regis Marine Theatre on Friday 5th October.
Tom Robinson first became known in the late 1970s as a musician and LGBT activist with the Tom Robinson Band who were early supporters of Rock Against Racism and Amnesty International. In 1977 their Top 5 debut release 2-4-6-8 Motorway became one of the landmark singles of the UK punk era. Other hits included Glad To Be Gay, Up Against The Wall and the band’s debut album Power In The Darkness which went gold in the UK and Japan.
As a radio broadcaster Tom hosts three shows a week on BBC Radio 6 Music, is a member of the Ivor Novello Awards committee and in 2016 was awarded a fellowship of LIPA to recognition his support for new music artists through BBC Introducing.
More info - www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/tom-robinson-p2497363
Tom Robinson (Glad To Be Gay) comes our way! (posted here 1/8/2018)
The well know musician and LGBT activist, Tom Robinson will be at the Lyme Regis Marine Theatre on Friday 5th October.
Tom Robinson first became known in the late 1970s as a musician and LGBT activist with the Tom Robinson Band who were early supporters of Rock Against Racism and Amnesty International. In 1977 their Top 5 debut release 2-4-6-8 Motorway became one of the landmark singles of the UK punk era. Other hits included Glad To Be Gay, Up Against The Wall and the band’s debut album Power In The Darkness which went gold in the UK and Japan.
As a radio broadcaster Tom hosts three shows a week on BBC Radio 6 Music, is a member of the Ivor Novello Awards committee and in 2016 was awarded a fellowship of LIPA to recognition his support for new music artists through BBC Introducing.
More info - www.visit-dorset.com/whats-on/tom-robinson-p2497363
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Should Weymouth have a Pride event? (posted here 26/7/2018 updated 28/7/2018)
Stay tuned for more info on this idea! - and chat about it at our weekly pub meet ups. We need your views and support!
If you can not attend our pub meet ups in Weymouth and you have some comments / ideas about this please email us weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
Pride in Weymouth!
Should Weymouth have a Pride type event in 2019?
Your views and support are being requested following a recent meeting with key local LGBT people and the Weymouth BID.
It would require not only the local LGBT community to be active in supporting this idea, but also local businesses, hence the BID’s potential involvement. BID is a Business Improvement District scheme, a business-led initiative improving the local trading environment. As well as the BID and Weymouth Gay Group, the Dorset LGBT Equality Network, Closet Bar, a local councillor and a representative of the local transgender community were present.
Pride events happen in many towns now, and many feel Weymouth must not be left out! As well as showing how inclusive a town and its business are, they also can bring in revenue and publicity for the area. Many LGBT people live in or visit the Weymouth area.
Having a high profile local event helps to highlight the LGBT community and reach out to those who may benefit from the many LGBT support and social groups locally.
Alan from The Dorset LGBT Network said “A Pride event also has year-round benefit for the local LGBT community in highlighting community supportive information, such as signposting, raising community visibility, information resources to assist community members when encountering prejudice, and helping the local authority and public services represent our LGBT community’s voice and needs robustly & clearly”
More news about this exciting idea over the coming months as this suggestion develops. If you are a local business interested in support this, please contact Claudia at the BID. Individuals and LGBT community groups can resister their comments and interest through Weymouth Gay Group via email. If you would like to attend a future meeting about this exciting idea, please let us know!
weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
claudiamoore@weymouthbid.co.uk
http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/
www.closetweymouth.co.uk
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Stay tuned for more info on this idea! - and chat about it at our weekly pub meet ups. We need your views and support!
If you can not attend our pub meet ups in Weymouth and you have some comments / ideas about this please email us weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
Pride in Weymouth!
Should Weymouth have a Pride type event in 2019?
Your views and support are being requested following a recent meeting with key local LGBT people and the Weymouth BID.
It would require not only the local LGBT community to be active in supporting this idea, but also local businesses, hence the BID’s potential involvement. BID is a Business Improvement District scheme, a business-led initiative improving the local trading environment. As well as the BID and Weymouth Gay Group, the Dorset LGBT Equality Network, Closet Bar, a local councillor and a representative of the local transgender community were present.
Pride events happen in many towns now, and many feel Weymouth must not be left out! As well as showing how inclusive a town and its business are, they also can bring in revenue and publicity for the area. Many LGBT people live in or visit the Weymouth area.
Having a high profile local event helps to highlight the LGBT community and reach out to those who may benefit from the many LGBT support and social groups locally.
Alan from The Dorset LGBT Network said “A Pride event also has year-round benefit for the local LGBT community in highlighting community supportive information, such as signposting, raising community visibility, information resources to assist community members when encountering prejudice, and helping the local authority and public services represent our LGBT community’s voice and needs robustly & clearly”
More news about this exciting idea over the coming months as this suggestion develops. If you are a local business interested in support this, please contact Claudia at the BID. Individuals and LGBT community groups can resister their comments and interest through Weymouth Gay Group via email. If you would like to attend a future meeting about this exciting idea, please let us know!
weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
claudiamoore@weymouthbid.co.uk
http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/
www.closetweymouth.co.uk
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Space in Closet - fundraiser (posted here 21/7/2018)
Weymouth's first and only Gay Bar - The Closet will be fund raising for Dorset's Space Youth Project and you can join in! Special events are being put on at the Maiden Street bar during August. Space is a well established LGBT+ youth support group in Dorset for under 25's. They run groups in both Weymouth, Dorchester and many other Dorset towns, and can help individual young people with a range of life issues, as well as providing a safe and supportive place for young LGBT+ people to meet up. More info, see posters on our events page, plus :- www.closetweymouth.co.uk www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk |
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LOGO gift for Weymouth Gay Group's tenth birthday! (posted here 19/7/2018)
LOGO gift for Weymouth Gay Group's tenth birthday! (posted here 19/7/2018)
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2018 is Weymouth Gay Group's 10th year, and the group is celebrating its birthday with its first ever logo! Chosen from several designs by those who attend WGG events, it shows the towns clock in rainbow colours with rainbow waves along side.
The design produced by Aaron via The Dorset LGBT Equality Network, will be used across all the groups social media, and possibly t-shirts in the future. Weymouth Gay Group (WGG) are very grateful to Aaron for all his efforts with this project. |
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Bournemouth Pride - Bourne Free photos & reports
See our NEW page with over 200 photos, videos and reports about this years Bournemouth Pride. Click on this - weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/bournemouth-pride-photo-2018.html
Bournemouth Pride - Bourne Free photos & reports
See our NEW page with over 200 photos, videos and reports about this years Bournemouth Pride. Click on this - weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/bournemouth-pride-photo-2018.html
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LV= flies flag and decorates its giant heart for Pride (14/7/2018)
From Daily Echo Bournemouth. See photos here http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16354483.lv-flies-flag-and-decorates-its-giant-heart-for-pride/
MAJOR Dorset employer LV= is flying the rainbow flag in support of Pride 2018 and Bournemouth’s Bourne Free Festival. It is the third year in a row that the insurer has flown the flag over its head office at County Gates.
It is also dressing its giant green heart on the Westbourne roundabout with a Pride slash in support of the LGBTQ community. Both were put in place for four days.
Sam Preece, head of brand marketing at LV=, said: “Within LV=, our people are encouraged to be themselves and celebrate their individuality.
“We believe diversity brings different perspectives to our workplace and helps us to understand and better represent our customers. We’re extremely proud of our welcoming, inclusive culture, and are delighted to show support for our LGBTQ community by flying the Pride flag this week.”
LV= flies flag and decorates its giant heart for Pride (14/7/2018)
From Daily Echo Bournemouth. See photos here http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16354483.lv-flies-flag-and-decorates-its-giant-heart-for-pride/
MAJOR Dorset employer LV= is flying the rainbow flag in support of Pride 2018 and Bournemouth’s Bourne Free Festival. It is the third year in a row that the insurer has flown the flag over its head office at County Gates.
It is also dressing its giant green heart on the Westbourne roundabout with a Pride slash in support of the LGBTQ community. Both were put in place for four days.
Sam Preece, head of brand marketing at LV=, said: “Within LV=, our people are encouraged to be themselves and celebrate their individuality.
“We believe diversity brings different perspectives to our workplace and helps us to understand and better represent our customers. We’re extremely proud of our welcoming, inclusive culture, and are delighted to show support for our LGBTQ community by flying the Pride flag this week.”
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Pedestrian crossing signals to be changed as Bournemouth welcomes thousands to Bourne Free Pride festival
Extract from Bournemouth Daily Echo 13/7/2018 read the full story with photos here - http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16352635.pedestrian-crossing-signals-to-be-changed-as-bournemouth-welcomes-thousands-to-bourne-free-pride-festival/
PEDESTRIAN crossing signals in Bournemouth town centre will be transformed as the town welcomes thousands of people to Bourne Free.
Bournemouth's Pride festival takes place across the town from Friday July 13 until Sunday July 15 and Poole-based Siemens Intelligent Traffic Systems has found a novel way of making everyone feel welcome.
Some of the pedestrian signals will be replaced with a range of diversity images. Four special designs have been created to represent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT+) relationships, using the widely recognised gender symbols.
Designers were inspired by similar signals used in London in 2016 and a total of 20 "green man" symbols will be changed for the duration of the three- day event. The signals being changed are on the junctions of Poole Hill and Avenue Road, Gervis Place and Westover Road and Exeter Road and Terrace Road.
Neal Errington, Trustee at Bourne Free, said: "We are thrilled to have partnered with Siemens on this clever and exciting venture, which will be so visible during our colourful event and along our parade route, amongst other areas in Bournemouth. We hope this sign of support continues and enlightens other companies and communities to engage in such a proud way."
Extract from Bournemouth Daily Echo 13/7/2018 read the full story with photos here -http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16352635.pedestrian-crossing-signals-to-be-changed-as-bournemouth-welcomes-thousands-to-bourne-free-pride-festival/
Pedestrian crossing signals to be changed as Bournemouth welcomes thousands to Bourne Free Pride festival
Extract from Bournemouth Daily Echo 13/7/2018 read the full story with photos here - http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16352635.pedestrian-crossing-signals-to-be-changed-as-bournemouth-welcomes-thousands-to-bourne-free-pride-festival/
PEDESTRIAN crossing signals in Bournemouth town centre will be transformed as the town welcomes thousands of people to Bourne Free.
Bournemouth's Pride festival takes place across the town from Friday July 13 until Sunday July 15 and Poole-based Siemens Intelligent Traffic Systems has found a novel way of making everyone feel welcome.
Some of the pedestrian signals will be replaced with a range of diversity images. Four special designs have been created to represent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT+) relationships, using the widely recognised gender symbols.
Designers were inspired by similar signals used in London in 2016 and a total of 20 "green man" symbols will be changed for the duration of the three- day event. The signals being changed are on the junctions of Poole Hill and Avenue Road, Gervis Place and Westover Road and Exeter Road and Terrace Road.
Neal Errington, Trustee at Bourne Free, said: "We are thrilled to have partnered with Siemens on this clever and exciting venture, which will be so visible during our colourful event and along our parade route, amongst other areas in Bournemouth. We hope this sign of support continues and enlightens other companies and communities to engage in such a proud way."
Extract from Bournemouth Daily Echo 13/7/2018 read the full story with photos here -http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16352635.pedestrian-crossing-signals-to-be-changed-as-bournemouth-welcomes-thousands-to-bourne-free-pride-festival/
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Dorchester's Jamie in Pink Non - Binary video (posted here 12/7/2018)
Watch: The first time I realised I was non-binary
Extract from PINK NEWS. Full story and video here - https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/07/12/watch-the-first-time-i-realised-i-was-non-binary/
From the first time holding hands in public, to the first time realising you were LGBTQ+, we all have a first time story.
First Times is a new PinkNews series, with each episode dedicated to a different identity under the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
In the first episode, bisexual women shared their first times.
Now the series returns with episode three, with six non-binary people sharing their first time experiences.
From the moment they experienced transphobia or anti-non-binary attitudes, to the first time they felt gender euphoria, these six people share their stories on camera.
In this episode, Krish, Lizzie, Jake, Jamie, Nneka and Roly open up about the first time they realised they were non-binary. Krish explained: “It’s a bit of a complicated thing to realise because often you have feelings of realisation before you have the language to express.
Jamie (from Dorchester), who runs FRUITCAKE magazine, said they discovered the term non-binary via social media.
They said: “[I had] that moment of ‘Oh, okay, that feels good, let’s rock with that’.”
Watch: The first time I realised I was non-binary here - https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/07/12/watch-the-first-time-i-realised-i-was-non-binary/
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Dorchester's Jamie in Pink Non - Binary video (posted here 12/7/2018)
Watch: The first time I realised I was non-binary
Extract from PINK NEWS. Full story and video here - https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/07/12/watch-the-first-time-i-realised-i-was-non-binary/
From the first time holding hands in public, to the first time realising you were LGBTQ+, we all have a first time story.
First Times is a new PinkNews series, with each episode dedicated to a different identity under the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
In the first episode, bisexual women shared their first times.
Now the series returns with episode three, with six non-binary people sharing their first time experiences.
From the moment they experienced transphobia or anti-non-binary attitudes, to the first time they felt gender euphoria, these six people share their stories on camera.
In this episode, Krish, Lizzie, Jake, Jamie, Nneka and Roly open up about the first time they realised they were non-binary. Krish explained: “It’s a bit of a complicated thing to realise because often you have feelings of realisation before you have the language to express.
Jamie (from Dorchester), who runs FRUITCAKE magazine, said they discovered the term non-binary via social media.
They said: “[I had] that moment of ‘Oh, okay, that feels good, let’s rock with that’.”
Watch: The first time I realised I was non-binary here - https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/07/12/watch-the-first-time-i-realised-i-was-non-binary/
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New LGBT team for Bridport (posted here 11.7.2018 updated 18/7/2018)
Established earlier this year, Diversity Bridport now has a new team of LGBT people running it, and they have changed the groups name to BRIDPORT LGBT GROUP.
Started by Anabelle Payne and Debra-anne Clark, the group has been meeting up in Bridport Pubs and Cafes. Due to personal reasons Anabelle has stepped down, but says she may return in the future.
Max Paul Nathan James has taken over and writes....
"Right guys myself and my missus Debra-anne Clark have taken the group over from the lovely Anabelle Bayne due to personal reasons. We shall miss you at group but would still like any input if you have any. We are still on @7pm 18th July @TheWoodman. All are welcome for a good laugh, chat and getting to know us all. If anyone needs to chat or advice. Just drop us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Max Admin."
You can contact Max by searching on Facebook for "Bridport LGBT Group" (Note, the old Diversity Bridport website may now be unavailable).
Weymouth Gay Group guys have visited the Bridport social pub meet ups and enjoyed them. We urge anyone in (or visiting) the Bridport area to go along and support your local LGBT social group. In the past we have had many guys from Bridport asking for something local. So here it is, support it, and enjoy it please!
The Dorset LGBT Equality Network help Bridport LGBT Group with the running of the monthly cafe meet up at Beach & Barnicott. See WGG events diary page https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
Established earlier this year, Diversity Bridport now has a new team of LGBT people running it, and they have changed the groups name to BRIDPORT LGBT GROUP.
Started by Anabelle Payne and Debra-anne Clark, the group has been meeting up in Bridport Pubs and Cafes. Due to personal reasons Anabelle has stepped down, but says she may return in the future.
Max Paul Nathan James has taken over and writes....
"Right guys myself and my missus Debra-anne Clark have taken the group over from the lovely Anabelle Bayne due to personal reasons. We shall miss you at group but would still like any input if you have any. We are still on @7pm 18th July @TheWoodman. All are welcome for a good laugh, chat and getting to know us all. If anyone needs to chat or advice. Just drop us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Max Admin."
You can contact Max by searching on Facebook for "Bridport LGBT Group" (Note, the old Diversity Bridport website may now be unavailable).
Weymouth Gay Group guys have visited the Bridport social pub meet ups and enjoyed them. We urge anyone in (or visiting) the Bridport area to go along and support your local LGBT social group. In the past we have had many guys from Bridport asking for something local. So here it is, support it, and enjoy it please!
The Dorset LGBT Equality Network help Bridport LGBT Group with the running of the monthly cafe meet up at Beach & Barnicott. See WGG events diary page https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
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Copied from Dorset LGBT Network news page (posted here 11/7/2018) lgbtdorsetequality.network/news/
Lush support for the Network – Charity Pot Party at Lush Bournemouth store 14th July!
Through a Charity Pot Party initiative taking place this Saturday, 14th July, to coincide with Bourne Free Pride Festival, the Network and Lush are delighted to share their mutual support and perspectives on LGB&T equality & inclusion.
The Charity Pot Party is being held between 11am and 4pm at Bournemouth Lush (25 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1DR – close to Bournemouth Square).
The Network is deeply appreciative to Lush for identifying our charity as this year’s focus for support through the Charity Pot Party. Both Lush and the Network have similar values and perspectives on inclusion, diversity, and the need to sometimes challenge proactively to deliver the type of support victims of prejudice and other forms of abuse, that is effective.
If able, and you are attending Pride, please do visit the store this Saturday (14th July).
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Copied from Dorset LGBT Network news page (posted here 11/7/2018) lgbtdorsetequality.network/news/
Lush support for the Network – Charity Pot Party at Lush Bournemouth store 14th July!
Through a Charity Pot Party initiative taking place this Saturday, 14th July, to coincide with Bourne Free Pride Festival, the Network and Lush are delighted to share their mutual support and perspectives on LGB&T equality & inclusion.
The Charity Pot Party is being held between 11am and 4pm at Bournemouth Lush (25 Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1DR – close to Bournemouth Square).
The Network is deeply appreciative to Lush for identifying our charity as this year’s focus for support through the Charity Pot Party. Both Lush and the Network have similar values and perspectives on inclusion, diversity, and the need to sometimes challenge proactively to deliver the type of support victims of prejudice and other forms of abuse, that is effective.
If able, and you are attending Pride, please do visit the store this Saturday (14th July).
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National LGBT Survey - Helen & Jamie speak out posted here 3/7/2018
Two local champions of LGBT & LGBTQIA issues spoke about the Governments National LGBT Survey on Dorset Radio today (3rd July).
Interviewed by Steve Harris for his BBC programme "Breakfast in Dorset on Radio Solent, they both explained some of the issues highlighted in the survey results, plus local concerns being LGBT in Dorset. Jamie, nonbinary and from Dorchester, has recently had success with Fruitcake magazine, and Helen is CEO of Dorset's Space Youth project.
From BBC Radio Solent website -
Dorset 'a little bit behind' on gender issues
A support group in Dorset has told BBC Radio Solent it's harder for LGBT people in the county to be themselves.
The CEO of the Space Youth Project says people in the county aren't as "inclusive and kind" as other areas and "a little bit behind" on its acceptance of gender issues.
Ending so called gay conversion therapy; better sex education in schools; and more police training to help identify hate crime - are just three of 75 things the Government has pledged to to improve the lives of LGBT people. It follows the largest ever national survey of their feelings.
The government survey showed more than two-thirds of LGBT people in the UK avoid holding hands in public due to fears about negative reactions and that LGBT people are more likely to be "less satisfied" with life than the rest of the population.
Helen Walsh - the CEO of the Space Youth Project - spoke to Steve Harris.
You can hear a clip from the programme here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06cqrxm
Also longer here - at 38.14 mins in. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0695262 … plus at 1.37.00 Helen from @SpaceDorset " .... #mentalhealth impact fernominal" #LGBT With thanks to @SteveHarrisDJ at @BBCRadioSolent
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Two local champions of LGBT & LGBTQIA issues spoke about the Governments National LGBT Survey on Dorset Radio today (3rd July).
Interviewed by Steve Harris for his BBC programme "Breakfast in Dorset on Radio Solent, they both explained some of the issues highlighted in the survey results, plus local concerns being LGBT in Dorset. Jamie, nonbinary and from Dorchester, has recently had success with Fruitcake magazine, and Helen is CEO of Dorset's Space Youth project.
From BBC Radio Solent website -
Dorset 'a little bit behind' on gender issues
A support group in Dorset has told BBC Radio Solent it's harder for LGBT people in the county to be themselves.
The CEO of the Space Youth Project says people in the county aren't as "inclusive and kind" as other areas and "a little bit behind" on its acceptance of gender issues.
Ending so called gay conversion therapy; better sex education in schools; and more police training to help identify hate crime - are just three of 75 things the Government has pledged to to improve the lives of LGBT people. It follows the largest ever national survey of their feelings.
The government survey showed more than two-thirds of LGBT people in the UK avoid holding hands in public due to fears about negative reactions and that LGBT people are more likely to be "less satisfied" with life than the rest of the population.
Helen Walsh - the CEO of the Space Youth Project - spoke to Steve Harris.
You can hear a clip from the programme here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06cqrxm
Also longer here - at 38.14 mins in. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0695262 … plus at 1.37.00 Helen from @SpaceDorset " .... #mentalhealth impact fernominal" #LGBT With thanks to @SteveHarrisDJ at @BBCRadioSolent
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BENT in WEYMOUTH! posted here 3/7/2018
From Dorset Echo 3/7/2018 Full story here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/leisure/stage/16328844.story-of-love-and-survival-that-resonates-today/
Story of love and survival that resonates today
A STORY of love and survival of the human spirit will be performed by Weymouth Drama Club next month.
The group will stage Bent at the Warehouse Theatre in Hope Street from July 12 to 14.
This play, by Martin Sherman in association with Samuel French, tackles the subject of the changes to laws on homosexuality in 1930s Germany by the Nazis and how, along with the intelligentsia, Jews, criminals and gypsies they were ostracised by society and rounded up to be dealt with. It is a story of love and survival of the human spirit in the face of inhumanity by a regime that has outlawed your very existence.
The play still resonates today and it is a subject people should be made aware of and for us all to remember how easy a society can be made to hate a particular group because they are swayed and persuaded to by people in power.
Bent was first performed at the Royal Court Theatre in 1979 and starred Ian McKellen and Tom Bell.
There are light-hearted and funny moments in the play, but this is not a comedy and contains intense adult themes.
Bent is co-directed by Andrew Neve and Gemma Higgins and stars both new actors to Weymouth Drama and some older stalwarts of the Club including Senan Jehu, Adam Cawton, Andy Neve, Aiden Watson, Paul Gorsuch, Derrick Leyton Smith, John Bower, John Cropper and Pete Hutton with costumes made by Jacqui Martin.
Bent, Weymouth Drama Club, Warehouse Theatre, Hope Street, Weymouth, July 12, 13 and 14. All performances are at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and are available at weymouthdramaclub.com or on 0333 6663366.
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From Dorset Echo 3/7/2018 Full story here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/leisure/stage/16328844.story-of-love-and-survival-that-resonates-today/
Story of love and survival that resonates today
A STORY of love and survival of the human spirit will be performed by Weymouth Drama Club next month.
The group will stage Bent at the Warehouse Theatre in Hope Street from July 12 to 14.
This play, by Martin Sherman in association with Samuel French, tackles the subject of the changes to laws on homosexuality in 1930s Germany by the Nazis and how, along with the intelligentsia, Jews, criminals and gypsies they were ostracised by society and rounded up to be dealt with. It is a story of love and survival of the human spirit in the face of inhumanity by a regime that has outlawed your very existence.
The play still resonates today and it is a subject people should be made aware of and for us all to remember how easy a society can be made to hate a particular group because they are swayed and persuaded to by people in power.
Bent was first performed at the Royal Court Theatre in 1979 and starred Ian McKellen and Tom Bell.
There are light-hearted and funny moments in the play, but this is not a comedy and contains intense adult themes.
Bent is co-directed by Andrew Neve and Gemma Higgins and stars both new actors to Weymouth Drama and some older stalwarts of the Club including Senan Jehu, Adam Cawton, Andy Neve, Aiden Watson, Paul Gorsuch, Derrick Leyton Smith, John Bower, John Cropper and Pete Hutton with costumes made by Jacqui Martin.
Bent, Weymouth Drama Club, Warehouse Theatre, Hope Street, Weymouth, July 12, 13 and 14. All performances are at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and are available at weymouthdramaclub.com or on 0333 6663366.
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Weymouth's Closet gets make over... (posted here 30/6/2018, updated 7/8/2018)
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The Closet Bar in Weymouth's Maiden Street has recently had a make over.
The venue, well known as Weymouth's first (and only) gay bar is owned and run by Jamie, a friend of Weymouth Gay Group He writes... "We are open from 5pm serving ice cold cocktails at 2-4-1 come check out the brand new look and enjoy some amazing new cocktails :)" Have you been? What do you think? 
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A first for NHS LGBT Initiative - an invite for you to join in for Bournemouth Pride
(posted here 30/6/2018)
Jonai who attends some of our Weymouth Gay Group events has invited you to join in the parade at BourneFree. He writes...
I would like to invite you and WGG to take part in the parade with Dorset NHS LGBT on 14th July 2018. This will be the first time that NHS is on the parade as one group from Dorset. We welcome all LGBT+ to join us if they wish to. Please email me jonai.dasilva@nhs.net
This year’s theme is Hawaii. We are celebrating Equality & Diversity and the 70th NHS Anniversary. We are meeting on East Cliff about half away between Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Pier at 10:30am. The parade starts at 11am.
Cheers, Jonai da Silva (Chair NHS LGBT Initiative)
(Jonai da Silva works for Dorset NHS Mental Health for twelve and half years as a support worker in Weymouth Community Mental Health Team. He is passionate both about his job, and LGBT issues.)
More info about BourneFree, Bournemouth Pride here - www.bournefree.co.uk and on our website here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/bournemouth-bournefree-july-14th.html
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(posted here 30/6/2018)
Jonai who attends some of our Weymouth Gay Group events has invited you to join in the parade at BourneFree. He writes...
I would like to invite you and WGG to take part in the parade with Dorset NHS LGBT on 14th July 2018. This will be the first time that NHS is on the parade as one group from Dorset. We welcome all LGBT+ to join us if they wish to. Please email me jonai.dasilva@nhs.net
This year’s theme is Hawaii. We are celebrating Equality & Diversity and the 70th NHS Anniversary. We are meeting on East Cliff about half away between Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Pier at 10:30am. The parade starts at 11am.
Cheers, Jonai da Silva (Chair NHS LGBT Initiative)
(Jonai da Silva works for Dorset NHS Mental Health for twelve and half years as a support worker in Weymouth Community Mental Health Team. He is passionate both about his job, and LGBT issues.)
More info about BourneFree, Bournemouth Pride here - www.bournefree.co.uk and on our website here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/bournemouth-bournefree-july-14th.html
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Jamie Windust (from Dorchester) wins prestigious award at Graduate Fashion Week Extract from Dorset Echo posted here 29/06/2018
Read the full story, with photos, here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16318042.jamie-windust-wins-prestigious-award-at-graduate-fashion-week/?action=success
A fashion student has been handed a prestigious accolade after self-publishing an innovative magazine.
Jamie Windust, from Dorchester, was handed the ASOS ‘Future Talent Communications Award’ at Graduate Fashion Week in London earlier this month.
Jamie received the award for their publication, FRUITCAKE, a magazine which aims to give ‘LGBTQIA+ people the representation and authenticity that they deserve.’
Jamie, who now lives in east London, identifies as gender non-binary and uses the preferred pronouns they or their.
“There is currently a lot written about LGBTQIA+ people in the media, but there’s a huge amount of bias and a huge wave of information that isn’t necessarily true. They tell our stories for us – there is a lot written about us but not by us,” Jamie said.
The award criteria stipulates the winning submission must show a ‘well-executed and professionally presented portfolio that demonstrates individual creative identity.’
Read the full story, with photos, here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16318042.jamie-windust-wins-prestigious-award-at-graduate-fashion-week/?action=success
Scroll down for more about FRUITCAKE magazine and Jamie.
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Read the full story, with photos, here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16318042.jamie-windust-wins-prestigious-award-at-graduate-fashion-week/?action=success
A fashion student has been handed a prestigious accolade after self-publishing an innovative magazine.
Jamie Windust, from Dorchester, was handed the ASOS ‘Future Talent Communications Award’ at Graduate Fashion Week in London earlier this month.
Jamie received the award for their publication, FRUITCAKE, a magazine which aims to give ‘LGBTQIA+ people the representation and authenticity that they deserve.’
Jamie, who now lives in east London, identifies as gender non-binary and uses the preferred pronouns they or their.
“There is currently a lot written about LGBTQIA+ people in the media, but there’s a huge amount of bias and a huge wave of information that isn’t necessarily true. They tell our stories for us – there is a lot written about us but not by us,” Jamie said.
The award criteria stipulates the winning submission must show a ‘well-executed and professionally presented portfolio that demonstrates individual creative identity.’
Read the full story, with photos, here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16318042.jamie-windust-wins-prestigious-award-at-graduate-fashion-week/?action=success
Scroll down for more about FRUITCAKE magazine and Jamie.
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Dorchester's Jamie in Non Binary row with Guilford Sainsburys (posted here 25/6/2018)
Extract from PINK News. Read the full story here with photos ...
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/25/non-binary-person-slams-sainsburys-for-misgendering-them/
Jamie Windust, who is editor-in-chief of FRUITCAKE Magazine, spoke to PinkNews after writing on Twitter that the cashier didn’t believe the ID was theirs. “This has never happened before, I’ve been allowed into bars etc with my ID where it is scanned and verified digitally so there’s never been an issue,” Windust told PinkNews.
Windust added: “But as a non-binary person I worry that this could be an issue just because ID and official documentation doesn’t recognise my gender identity.” The 21-year-old reportedly showed the Sainsbury’s cashier ID which has a picture of them on from four years ago. “I do look different, however not unrecognisably different,” Windust wrote on Twitter.
While on their Twitter thread Windust hit out further: “This wouldn’t happen to a cis woman or a cis man who needed to show ID, and it was a) embarrassing and b) victimising as I’m just stood there literally pleading with a woman to allow her to validate my literal existence,”
Extract from PINK News. Read the full story here with photos ...
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/25/non-binary-person-slams-sainsburys-for-misgendering-them/
You might like to check out the WGG twitter about this story too! @weymouthgaygrp
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Extract from PINK News. Read the full story here with photos ...
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/25/non-binary-person-slams-sainsburys-for-misgendering-them/
Jamie Windust, who is editor-in-chief of FRUITCAKE Magazine, spoke to PinkNews after writing on Twitter that the cashier didn’t believe the ID was theirs. “This has never happened before, I’ve been allowed into bars etc with my ID where it is scanned and verified digitally so there’s never been an issue,” Windust told PinkNews.
Windust added: “But as a non-binary person I worry that this could be an issue just because ID and official documentation doesn’t recognise my gender identity.” The 21-year-old reportedly showed the Sainsbury’s cashier ID which has a picture of them on from four years ago. “I do look different, however not unrecognisably different,” Windust wrote on Twitter.
While on their Twitter thread Windust hit out further: “This wouldn’t happen to a cis woman or a cis man who needed to show ID, and it was a) embarrassing and b) victimising as I’m just stood there literally pleading with a woman to allow her to validate my literal existence,”
Extract from PINK News. Read the full story here with photos ...
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/25/non-binary-person-slams-sainsburys-for-misgendering-them/
You might like to check out the WGG twitter about this story too! @weymouthgaygrp
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Transgender record is big hit on Radio in Weymouth (posted here 23/6/2018)
A young transgender mans song about his life has become a huge hit on local radio in Weymouth.
The song "Lights" by 23 year old Kennedy (from Weymouth) has been played on the local AIR community Radio show every Tuesday at 9pm (107.2FM) by presenter Charity Gardiner on her LGBT show.
DnE aka Kennedy, raps about his life problems and society's attitudes in this powerful song about his transition. DnE has faced many life problems and he expresses them in this song.
Colin from Weymouth Gay group said "I shed a tear every time I hear this powerful song, we all wish to be happy being who we are... It is so sad that some people can not accept others for just being who they are. They are the one with a problem!"
Charity on AIR - Local LGBT radio show. Air - All Inclusive Radio. Community Radio in Weymouth & Portland 107.2 FM in Weymouth & Portland or online via https://air1072.com/
Chilling with Charity 8pm- 9pm, "Lets Get Busy Talking" LGBT with Charity 9pm-10pm with local lgbt events & news. DnE's brilliant (transgender) song "Lights" starts the LGBT hour at 9pm.
A young transgender mans song about his life has become a huge hit on local radio in Weymouth.
The song "Lights" by 23 year old Kennedy (from Weymouth) has been played on the local AIR community Radio show every Tuesday at 9pm (107.2FM) by presenter Charity Gardiner on her LGBT show.
DnE aka Kennedy, raps about his life problems and society's attitudes in this powerful song about his transition. DnE has faced many life problems and he expresses them in this song.
Colin from Weymouth Gay group said "I shed a tear every time I hear this powerful song, we all wish to be happy being who we are... It is so sad that some people can not accept others for just being who they are. They are the one with a problem!"
Charity on AIR - Local LGBT radio show. Air - All Inclusive Radio. Community Radio in Weymouth & Portland 107.2 FM in Weymouth & Portland or online via https://air1072.com/
Chilling with Charity 8pm- 9pm, "Lets Get Busy Talking" LGBT with Charity 9pm-10pm with local lgbt events & news. DnE's brilliant (transgender) song "Lights" starts the LGBT hour at 9pm.
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Man jailed for homophobic attack on student outside Boombox in Weymouth town centre
Extract from Dorset Echo posted here 6/6/2018
Read the full story here -
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16270488.Thug_who_launched_violent_homophobic_attack_on_student_is_sent_to_prison/
A violent criminal who subjected a young woman to a violent homophobic attack has received a four-month prison sentence.
The sentence entails three months for the assault, plus an extra month for its homophobic nature.
Martin Keith Stephens, of no fixed abode and currently imprisoned at HMP Winchester for a previous crime, pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman, aged 19, on Bond Street in Weymouth in the early hours of Friday, May 11, this year.
Crown prosecutor Charles Nightingale told Weymouth Magistrates Court that 39-year-old Stephens, who had been drinking heavily, had been attempting to engage in conversation a friend of the victim, an A-Level student.
Chairman of the bench Sue Acland handed down a four-month sentence, noting that one of the months was for the the homophobic nature of the attack.
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Man who attacked woman in violent homophobic attack gets four-month prison sentence. Martin Stephens threw his victim against a wall and punched her in the mouth
From Attitude Magazine https://attitude.co.uk/article/man-who-attacked-woman-in-violent-homophobic-attack-gets-four-month-prison-sentence-1/18141/
Martin Stephens pleaded guilty to assaulting the 19-year-old woman during a night out in Weymouth this May, the Dorset Echo reported. Stephens, 39, had been drinking heavily and attempted to make conversation with a friend of the victim, Crown prosecutor Charles Nightingale said during the trial at Weymouth Magistrates Court. Nightingale said: “An altercation arose between the defendant and this group of young people outside the Boombox nightclub.” After the victim tried pulling her friend away, Stephens lost his temper and grabbed her by her hair and threw her against the wall of a building. He proceeded to punch her in the mouth leaving her with blood streaming from her mouth and a major swelling on the back of her head. Stephens also launched a tirade of homophobic abuse against the victim. She called the police despite threats from Stephens who said he would kill her if he spent a day in jail. The attacker – who is also serving an ongoing 18-month sentence for a previous crime – was handed the four-month sentence.
NOTE - if you or some one you know has suffered a homophobic or transphobic crime report it to the police on 101. Emergency 999. You can also report phobic crime in Dorset via LGBT Dorset Equality Network www.lgbtdorsetequality.network email:- contact.lgbtdorsetequality@gmail.com tel 07811 269 454
Alan from the Network says ... "The Network is Independent in challenging homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and doesn't compromise on supporting our Dorset community members facing hate and prejudice, and is free of supporting 'tick box' approaches to anti-LGBT hate and discrimination"
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Man jailed for homophobic attack on student outside Boombox in Weymouth town centre
Extract from Dorset Echo posted here 6/6/2018
Read the full story here -
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16270488.Thug_who_launched_violent_homophobic_attack_on_student_is_sent_to_prison/
A violent criminal who subjected a young woman to a violent homophobic attack has received a four-month prison sentence.
The sentence entails three months for the assault, plus an extra month for its homophobic nature.
Martin Keith Stephens, of no fixed abode and currently imprisoned at HMP Winchester for a previous crime, pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman, aged 19, on Bond Street in Weymouth in the early hours of Friday, May 11, this year.
Crown prosecutor Charles Nightingale told Weymouth Magistrates Court that 39-year-old Stephens, who had been drinking heavily, had been attempting to engage in conversation a friend of the victim, an A-Level student.
Chairman of the bench Sue Acland handed down a four-month sentence, noting that one of the months was for the the homophobic nature of the attack.
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Man who attacked woman in violent homophobic attack gets four-month prison sentence. Martin Stephens threw his victim against a wall and punched her in the mouth
From Attitude Magazine https://attitude.co.uk/article/man-who-attacked-woman-in-violent-homophobic-attack-gets-four-month-prison-sentence-1/18141/
Martin Stephens pleaded guilty to assaulting the 19-year-old woman during a night out in Weymouth this May, the Dorset Echo reported. Stephens, 39, had been drinking heavily and attempted to make conversation with a friend of the victim, Crown prosecutor Charles Nightingale said during the trial at Weymouth Magistrates Court. Nightingale said: “An altercation arose between the defendant and this group of young people outside the Boombox nightclub.” After the victim tried pulling her friend away, Stephens lost his temper and grabbed her by her hair and threw her against the wall of a building. He proceeded to punch her in the mouth leaving her with blood streaming from her mouth and a major swelling on the back of her head. Stephens also launched a tirade of homophobic abuse against the victim. She called the police despite threats from Stephens who said he would kill her if he spent a day in jail. The attacker – who is also serving an ongoing 18-month sentence for a previous crime – was handed the four-month sentence.
NOTE - if you or some one you know has suffered a homophobic or transphobic crime report it to the police on 101. Emergency 999. You can also report phobic crime in Dorset via LGBT Dorset Equality Network www.lgbtdorsetequality.network email:- contact.lgbtdorsetequality@gmail.com tel 07811 269 454
Alan from the Network says ... "The Network is Independent in challenging homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and doesn't compromise on supporting our Dorset community members facing hate and prejudice, and is free of supporting 'tick box' approaches to anti-LGBT hate and discrimination"
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UK wants to separate these (Dorset) husbands and send one to his death
Extract from Gay Star News (posted here 6/6/2018, updated 7/8/2018)
Read the full story here - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/uk-wants-to-separate-these-husbands-and-send-one-to-his-death/#gs.OH8QiIA
UK wants to separate these husbands and send one to his deathRainbow Rush: UK immigration officer told he could not stay with his partner while he was being interrogated about his asylum case.
The UK is trying to separate a married gay couple and deport one to his death. A 30-year-old, who we’ll call Indra, is fighting a deportation order to return to Nepal. After being outed by a UK immigration tribunal, he faces death threats from people he once called family and friends. This is just one story of the Rainbow Rush, showing the ineptitude and ignorance of the UK Home Office when dealing with LGBTI asylum seekers.
Scared for his partner’s life, Indra’s husband says he will not allow the two of them to be separated. William, 50, met Indra while in Kathmandu in the summer of 2013. The two became very close, and chatted frequently over Skype. ‘It was love at first sight,’ he said, saying he took every chance he could get to go back to Nepal. And then, a year and a half later, they married at a registry office in south-west England. ‘It’s been wonderful,’ William tells Gay Star News. ‘I couldn’t be happier except for this ongoing nightmare.’
Read the full story here - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/uk-wants-to-separate-these-husbands-and-send-one-to-his-death/#gs.OH8QiIA
This might also be of interest - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/read-this-open-letter-demanding-uk-to-stop-sending-lgbti-asylum-seekers-to-their-deaths/#gs.un=VAZI
Gay Star News & Dorset LGBT Network action on illegal deportation thwarted by Jet Airways (posted here 7/8/2018)
You can read this related story here - http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/gay-star-news-network-action-on-illegal-deportation-thwarted-by-jet-airways/
Extract from Gay Star News (posted here 6/6/2018, updated 7/8/2018)
Read the full story here - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/uk-wants-to-separate-these-husbands-and-send-one-to-his-death/#gs.OH8QiIA
UK wants to separate these husbands and send one to his deathRainbow Rush: UK immigration officer told he could not stay with his partner while he was being interrogated about his asylum case.
The UK is trying to separate a married gay couple and deport one to his death. A 30-year-old, who we’ll call Indra, is fighting a deportation order to return to Nepal. After being outed by a UK immigration tribunal, he faces death threats from people he once called family and friends. This is just one story of the Rainbow Rush, showing the ineptitude and ignorance of the UK Home Office when dealing with LGBTI asylum seekers.
Scared for his partner’s life, Indra’s husband says he will not allow the two of them to be separated. William, 50, met Indra while in Kathmandu in the summer of 2013. The two became very close, and chatted frequently over Skype. ‘It was love at first sight,’ he said, saying he took every chance he could get to go back to Nepal. And then, a year and a half later, they married at a registry office in south-west England. ‘It’s been wonderful,’ William tells Gay Star News. ‘I couldn’t be happier except for this ongoing nightmare.’
Read the full story here - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/uk-wants-to-separate-these-husbands-and-send-one-to-his-death/#gs.OH8QiIA
This might also be of interest - https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/read-this-open-letter-demanding-uk-to-stop-sending-lgbti-asylum-seekers-to-their-deaths/#gs.un=VAZI
Gay Star News & Dorset LGBT Network action on illegal deportation thwarted by Jet Airways (posted here 7/8/2018)
You can read this related story here - http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/gay-star-news-network-action-on-illegal-deportation-thwarted-by-jet-airways/
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Dorchester's Jamie enjoys making new enriching and empowering "Fruit Cake"!
- a magazine (posted here 26/5/208)
Jamie Windust originally from Dorchester and non-binary, has launched a new magazine aimed at the LGBTQIA community. Some of you may have seen Jamie's very thought provoking blogs online in the past. Jamie has close links with many LGBTQIA people and organisations including Stonewall. We hope to review a copy of "Fruit Cake" for our website here soon. If you can't wait that long... you can order a postal copy here:- https://fruitcakemagazine.co.uk/
- a magazine (posted here 26/5/208)
Jamie Windust originally from Dorchester and non-binary, has launched a new magazine aimed at the LGBTQIA community. Some of you may have seen Jamie's very thought provoking blogs online in the past. Jamie has close links with many LGBTQIA people and organisations including Stonewall. We hope to review a copy of "Fruit Cake" for our website here soon. If you can't wait that long... you can order a postal copy here:- https://fruitcakemagazine.co.uk/
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(Copy from Fruitcake website)
FRUITCAKE ETHOS Our Editor in Chief, Jamie Windust, wanted to create a publication that was honest, real and authentic for the LGBTQIA+ community. We have seen so much written about us that's not BY us. So instead of waiting for the right content to appear, Jamie created it themselves. As someone who identifies as a queer non-binary femme, it's important to be able to see yourself represented in society by the right people. The magazine features pieces written by Jamie, including an interview with Jamie Campbell, the inspiration and muse for 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie', and interviews with Travis Alabanza, a queer non-binary POC artist and performer, acclaimed for their powerful performances and unapologetic stance on queer non-binary rights. This first issue is all about representation, and we hope that you are able to read the publication and get a real sense of pride for our community, as creating it was something that was truly enriching and empowering. Jamie Windust - Editor In Chief of FRUITCAKE Magazine |
Weymouth Gay Group wishes Jamie well on this adventure, and hope we and others can find "Fruit Cake" at both Bournemouth & Dorchester Pride events. - Jamie, you need a stall at these events to reach other LGBTQIA people!
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Bournemouth's Kevin is TV "Sex Tester" again (posted here 26/5/2018)
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Kevin is known by many of us as one of the friendly faces at Over The Rainbow sexual health (& LGBT) center in Bournemouth. He returns to tv in Channel 4's Sex Tester series soon, this time on E4. The award-winning production company Firecracker Films are currently looking for young people to take part in the programmes too! (see poster on right) Pink News reports - "All 4’s original sexual health series The Sex Testers returns as a bigger and broader series on E4. Entertaining and informative, the series will shine a light on young people’s sexual health by lifting the lid on their sex lives." More info see Pink News - www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/05/22/are-you-brave-enough-to-lift-the-lid-on-your-sex-life-for-e4s-the-sex-testers/ |
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Celebrate the life of Sir Ian McKellen at this special event in Dorchester & Poole (posted here 6/5/2018, updated 24/5/2018)
Extract from Dorset Echo :- On Sunday (27) there's a chance to see an affectionate documentary at a local cinema delving into the life and work of the actor. McKellen talks candidly about his upbringing during the Second World War, the early years in repertory theatre, the repercussions of coming out and his dizzying success in later years in the Lord Of The Rings and X-Men franchises.
He is also well known for his support of LGBT issues.
Dorchester (Plaza) info here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/leisure/stage/16246719.Cinema_screening_to_celebrate_one_of_stage_and_screen__39_s_biggest_stars/
Poole (Lighthouse) info here - http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16202607.Celebrate_the_life_of_Sir_Ian_McKellen_at_this_special_event_in_Poole/?ref=twtrec
Celebrate the life of Sir Ian McKellen at this special event in Dorchester & Poole (posted here 6/5/2018, updated 24/5/2018)
Extract from Dorset Echo :- On Sunday (27) there's a chance to see an affectionate documentary at a local cinema delving into the life and work of the actor. McKellen talks candidly about his upbringing during the Second World War, the early years in repertory theatre, the repercussions of coming out and his dizzying success in later years in the Lord Of The Rings and X-Men franchises.
He is also well known for his support of LGBT issues.
Dorchester (Plaza) info here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/leisure/stage/16246719.Cinema_screening_to_celebrate_one_of_stage_and_screen__39_s_biggest_stars/
Poole (Lighthouse) info here - http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/16202607.Celebrate_the_life_of_Sir_Ian_McKellen_at_this_special_event_in_Poole/?ref=twtrec
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************David and his husband are known to many in the local LGBT community, and it was great to see both of them at The Dorchester Love Parade 26/Aug 2018.
David Taylor is new Mayor of Dorchester
Extract from Dorset Echo 22/5/2018 read the full article here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16241442.david-taylor-is-new-mayor-of-dorchester/
DORCHESTER’S new Mayor David Taylor has promised to focus on community needs during his year.
“We need to remember our fellow citizens…we may need to step in and help one another,” he said at the mayor making ceremony in the Corn Exchange. Cllr Taylor, 55, said that while the town remained one of the most visited areas in the country and had a rich and vibrant community there were many of its citizens who needed assistance either because of poor mental or physical health, dependency, poverty, debt, or other issues.
He will support four charities during his year – Dorchester Youth Club, HomeStart which works with young families; Mind, the mental health charity and KeeP 106, the community radio station which will start broadcasting in the summer. A summer event in June will help raise funds for the groups.
Born in Sherborne, Cllr Taylor was first elected to the town council in 2011 and to West Dorset District Council in 2015.
He is a member of the town’s Management and Planning and Environment Committees and serves on the Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee and the Dorchester Markets Informal Joint Panel.
Cllr Taylor’s husband, Martin Shepherd, a pharmacist, will be the mayor’s consort, and outgoing mayor Susie Hosford, steps into the role of deputy mayor.
Extract from Dorset Echo 22/5/2018 read the full article here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16241442.david-taylor-is-new-mayor-of-dorchester/
David Taylor is new Mayor of Dorchester
Extract from Dorset Echo 22/5/2018 read the full article here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16241442.david-taylor-is-new-mayor-of-dorchester/
DORCHESTER’S new Mayor David Taylor has promised to focus on community needs during his year.
“We need to remember our fellow citizens…we may need to step in and help one another,” he said at the mayor making ceremony in the Corn Exchange. Cllr Taylor, 55, said that while the town remained one of the most visited areas in the country and had a rich and vibrant community there were many of its citizens who needed assistance either because of poor mental or physical health, dependency, poverty, debt, or other issues.
He will support four charities during his year – Dorchester Youth Club, HomeStart which works with young families; Mind, the mental health charity and KeeP 106, the community radio station which will start broadcasting in the summer. A summer event in June will help raise funds for the groups.
Born in Sherborne, Cllr Taylor was first elected to the town council in 2011 and to West Dorset District Council in 2015.
He is a member of the town’s Management and Planning and Environment Committees and serves on the Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee and the Dorchester Markets Informal Joint Panel.
Cllr Taylor’s husband, Martin Shepherd, a pharmacist, will be the mayor’s consort, and outgoing mayor Susie Hosford, steps into the role of deputy mayor.
Extract from Dorset Echo 22/5/2018 read the full article here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16241442.david-taylor-is-new-mayor-of-dorchester/
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LGBT Job Vacancy - could you facilitate a mental health group? (posted here 17/5/2018)
The long established Bournemouth MindOut LGBT mental health support group are looking for a new facilitator. Run by Dorset Mind, the peer and professional group offers support for local LGBT people experiencing mental health needs. "The winning candidate will have an understanding and ability to deliver recovery-based skills, tools and coping skills. They should understand the importance of recovery-based psycho-education. All applicants must also have awareness and understanding of how identifying as an LGBT+ person can impact on mental health as a result of societal stigma and discrimination."
Full details via - /dorsetmind.uk/get-involved/job-vacancies/mindout-bournemouth-support-group-facilitator/
LGBT Job Vacancy - could you facilitate a mental health group? (posted here 17/5/2018)
The long established Bournemouth MindOut LGBT mental health support group are looking for a new facilitator. Run by Dorset Mind, the peer and professional group offers support for local LGBT people experiencing mental health needs. "The winning candidate will have an understanding and ability to deliver recovery-based skills, tools and coping skills. They should understand the importance of recovery-based psycho-education. All applicants must also have awareness and understanding of how identifying as an LGBT+ person can impact on mental health as a result of societal stigma and discrimination."
Full details via - /dorsetmind.uk/get-involved/job-vacancies/mindout-bournemouth-support-group-facilitator/
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Intercom Trust Dorset Police survey (posted here 17/5/2018)
Intercom Trust ask - "LGBT+ and live or work in the Dorset area? We are working with Dorset Police to find more effective ways to consult, support & work with the LGBT+ communities in Dorset. Got 5 mins to complete a survey? Tell us what you feel would help". https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/53HLLFH
Intercom Trust Dorset Police survey (posted here 17/5/2018)
Intercom Trust ask - "LGBT+ and live or work in the Dorset area? We are working with Dorset Police to find more effective ways to consult, support & work with the LGBT+ communities in Dorset. Got 5 mins to complete a survey? Tell us what you feel would help". https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/53HLLFH
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Breaking news... (4/5/2018 updated 13/5/2018)
Is Dorset Race Equality Council (DREC) homophobic ??
More news here soon. We are waiting for local media to cover this story, and any comment from DREC, then we can post their reports on here. If you need information about this before then, please see the Dorset LGBT Equality Network website news page here - http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/news/
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Breaking news... (4/5/2018 updated 13/5/2018)
Is Dorset Race Equality Council (DREC) homophobic ??
More news here soon. We are waiting for local media to cover this story, and any comment from DREC, then we can post their reports on here. If you need information about this before then, please see the Dorset LGBT Equality Network website news page here - http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/news/
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Debbie from MindOut Weymouth gets on AIR for Mental Health Week(posted here 12/5/2018)
The Weymouth based MindOut group facilitator, Debbie, was recently interviewed for Weymouth's AIR community Radio station. Charity Gardiner has been presenting the very successful new lgbt radio show on Weymouth's community station "All Inclusive Radio" Air 107.2 FM and she interviewed Debbie recently.
Debbie spoke about the Dorset Mind run MindOut lgbt mental health support group, which runs weekly in Weymouth and offers a safe and supportive place for local lgbt people experiencing mental health needs. Charity's show goes out on Tuesdays between 8pm - 10pm, with the lgbt hour starting at 9pm. She has already interviewed several people from local lgbt organisations. It is hoped Debbie's interview will be broadcast on Tuesday 15th May, which would be during Mental Health week which runs from Monday 14th March.
Charity on AIR - Local LGBT radio show every Tuesday 8pm. Air - All Inclusive Radio. Community Radio in Weymouth & Portland 107.2 FM in Weymouth & Portland or online via https://air1072.com/
Chilling with Charity Tuesdays 8pm- 9pm, "Lets Get Busy Talking" LGBT with Charity 9pm-10pm with local lgbt events & news. DnE's brilliant (transgender) song "Lights" starts the LGBT hour at 9pm.
More info about MindOut Weymouth here - http://dorsetmind.uk/services-courses/west-dorset-support-groups/mindout-weymouth/
The Weymouth based MindOut group facilitator, Debbie, was recently interviewed for Weymouth's AIR community Radio station. Charity Gardiner has been presenting the very successful new lgbt radio show on Weymouth's community station "All Inclusive Radio" Air 107.2 FM and she interviewed Debbie recently.
Debbie spoke about the Dorset Mind run MindOut lgbt mental health support group, which runs weekly in Weymouth and offers a safe and supportive place for local lgbt people experiencing mental health needs. Charity's show goes out on Tuesdays between 8pm - 10pm, with the lgbt hour starting at 9pm. She has already interviewed several people from local lgbt organisations. It is hoped Debbie's interview will be broadcast on Tuesday 15th May, which would be during Mental Health week which runs from Monday 14th March.
Charity on AIR - Local LGBT radio show every Tuesday 8pm. Air - All Inclusive Radio. Community Radio in Weymouth & Portland 107.2 FM in Weymouth & Portland or online via https://air1072.com/
Chilling with Charity Tuesdays 8pm- 9pm, "Lets Get Busy Talking" LGBT with Charity 9pm-10pm with local lgbt events & news. DnE's brilliant (transgender) song "Lights" starts the LGBT hour at 9pm.
More info about MindOut Weymouth here - http://dorsetmind.uk/services-courses/west-dorset-support-groups/mindout-weymouth/
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Pioneering work on transgender healthcare sees Weymouth woman in line for national award (posted here 11/5/2018)
Extract from Dorset Echo :- An inspirational Weymouth woman who came through a traumatic assault to academic and professional success is in the running for an award for her groundbreaking work in the field of diversity. Samantha Greatrex has been nominated for the National Diversity Awards, in the LGBT section, for her work in ensuring equality and fair treatment for transgender patients in the NHS.
In her work as diversity lead at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Samantha - who often returns to Weymouth to visit family - has introduced transgender postoperative training for staff at the island's healthcare services - the first training of its kind in the country - to ensure that transgender patients don't suffer any of the specific negative repercussions that operations can cause them. "I'm proud that we were the first hospital in the country [to do this]," she told the Echo. "It's about changing people's mindsets."
Samantha, 43, grew up in Wyke Regis and attended All Saints school, and later Wey Valley school, where, she says, she was 'very happy'.
Read the full story here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16218341.Pioneering_work_on_transgender_healthcare_sees_Weymouth_woman_in_line_for_national_award/?ref=twtrec
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Pioneering work on transgender healthcare sees Weymouth woman in line for national award (posted here 11/5/2018)
Extract from Dorset Echo :- An inspirational Weymouth woman who came through a traumatic assault to academic and professional success is in the running for an award for her groundbreaking work in the field of diversity. Samantha Greatrex has been nominated for the National Diversity Awards, in the LGBT section, for her work in ensuring equality and fair treatment for transgender patients in the NHS.
In her work as diversity lead at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Samantha - who often returns to Weymouth to visit family - has introduced transgender postoperative training for staff at the island's healthcare services - the first training of its kind in the country - to ensure that transgender patients don't suffer any of the specific negative repercussions that operations can cause them. "I'm proud that we were the first hospital in the country [to do this]," she told the Echo. "It's about changing people's mindsets."
Samantha, 43, grew up in Wyke Regis and attended All Saints school, and later Wey Valley school, where, she says, she was 'very happy'.
Read the full story here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16218341.Pioneering_work_on_transgender_healthcare_sees_Weymouth_woman_in_line_for_national_award/?ref=twtrec
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Weymouth Gay Group gets listed on IDAHOT 17th May 2018
**Wow** - special note people! IDAHOT May 17th, 2018 is on a THURSDAY, same day as WEYMOUTH GAY GROUP meet up! We are 10 years old, so lets celebrate together with IDAHOT !
**Wow** - special note people! IDAHOT May 17th, 2018 is on a THURSDAY, same day as WEYMOUTH GAY GROUP meet up! We are 10 years old, so lets celebrate together with IDAHOT !
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IDAHOT is an annual worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities. On May 17th every year and for 2018 it is on a Thursday, same day as Weymouth Gay Group meet up in The Swan Pub. The IDAHOT website lists loads of wordwide events, including our Weymouth Gay Group! So why don't you come along, celebrate IDAHOT and WGG being Ten years old this year too! |
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British Parliament to hold special IDAHOT session
Nick Herbert, who chairs the LGBT Rights group in the British Parliament, informs us that the group’s members have successfully campaigned for Parliament to hold a special 3-hour debate on 17 May (from around 2pm GMT) to mark IDAHOT, and that MPs from all parties have been invited to speak.
There is a viewing gallery from which members of the public can watch the debate – details on how they can visit Parliament can be found here. We encourage everyone to watch. Discussions will surely touch upon Britain’s external policy, including ODA and influence within the Commonwealth.
IDAHOT UK events page (with our Weymouth Gay Group!) https://dayagainsthomophobia.org/united-kingdom-idahotb-2018-country-page/ More info here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/idahot-may-17th.html
Nick Herbert, who chairs the LGBT Rights group in the British Parliament, informs us that the group’s members have successfully campaigned for Parliament to hold a special 3-hour debate on 17 May (from around 2pm GMT) to mark IDAHOT, and that MPs from all parties have been invited to speak.
There is a viewing gallery from which members of the public can watch the debate – details on how they can visit Parliament can be found here. We encourage everyone to watch. Discussions will surely touch upon Britain’s external policy, including ODA and influence within the Commonwealth.
IDAHOT UK events page (with our Weymouth Gay Group!) https://dayagainsthomophobia.org/united-kingdom-idahotb-2018-country-page/ More info here - https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/idahot-may-17th.html
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WGG website gets a much needed "Spring Clean"! Posted here 4/5/2018
If you are a regular visitor to our site here, you will have noticed how we have been giving our website a spring clean over recent weeks. Taking on board comments from our members and especially advice from our own IT guys Neil, Ash & Mike J. The website will continue to evolve, and your comments are welcomed. While we can not taylor it to one persons needs, we hope the majority of our members/site users will welcome the changes. Ideally we would like someone locally (with the time and expertise with websites) to volunteer to maintain ours.
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If you are a regular visitor to our site here, you will have noticed how we have been giving our website a spring clean over recent weeks. Taking on board comments from our members and especially advice from our own IT guys Neil, Ash & Mike J. The website will continue to evolve, and your comments are welcomed. While we can not taylor it to one persons needs, we hope the majority of our members/site users will welcome the changes. Ideally we would like someone locally (with the time and expertise with websites) to volunteer to maintain ours.
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Some social media news about us! Posted here 5/5/2018
We now have over 1,270 followers on Twitter! Thanks to all who follow us there. Twitter is a great way to keep connected with our group events and news. Plus all the local, national and international lgbt community, views, news, events and more. You can follow Weymouth Gay Group on twitter at ... @weymouthgaygrp
Facebook:- We would welcome someone local to volunteer to run our facebook page to achieve a similar success.
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We now have over 1,270 followers on Twitter! Thanks to all who follow us there. Twitter is a great way to keep connected with our group events and news. Plus all the local, national and international lgbt community, views, news, events and more. You can follow Weymouth Gay Group on twitter at ... @weymouthgaygrp
Facebook:- We would welcome someone local to volunteer to run our facebook page to achieve a similar success.
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Our Stuart becomes a "Space Man" ! (posted here 25/4/2018)
A member of Weymouth Gay Group has recently started his journey into Space, Space Youth Project that is. Space is a Dorset wide youth project for young LGBT+ people under 25, with groups in many Dorset towns including Weymouth & Dorchester. Run by professional youth workers, it also needs volunteers to ensure it's groups can run and provide a safe & supportive space for young lgbt+ people to meet up.
Stuart has started his training for this voluntary role, and has been encouraged by our friend Charity who as well as presenting the LGBT radio show on Air Radio in Weymouth, is also a volunteer with Space Youth Project (SYP).
It is very rewarding helping today's youth with lgbt issues, something that many of us older people struggled with alone when we were younger. In an interview with Charity on her Air Radio show, Helen, CEO at SYP said "We have even saved young peoples lives, as well as providing a safe space for young people to meet up. Space have been running for 17 years in Dorset."
If you would also like to volunteer, or know some one who may be interested, check out the details on the poster below. Space website www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk
Stuart has started his training for this voluntary role, and has been encouraged by our friend Charity who as well as presenting the LGBT radio show on Air Radio in Weymouth, is also a volunteer with Space Youth Project (SYP).
It is very rewarding helping today's youth with lgbt issues, something that many of us older people struggled with alone when we were younger. In an interview with Charity on her Air Radio show, Helen, CEO at SYP said "We have even saved young peoples lives, as well as providing a safe space for young people to meet up. Space have been running for 17 years in Dorset."
If you would also like to volunteer, or know some one who may be interested, check out the details on the poster below. Space website www.spaceyouthproject.co.uk
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New Dorset Ladies Rainbow Group
(posted here 18/4/2018) The Dorset LGBT Equality Network have just announced the formation of "Dorset Ladies Rainbow Group" in Bournemouth. It will offer a safe place for LGBT Ladies to meet up and socialise. It is a cafe style meet up once a month on the 1st Wednesday of each month. Starting 2nd May. Running from 3pm - 5pm at Cafe Erte, 19 Queen Road Bournemouth. The Dorset LGBT Network already run a successful monthly cafe meet up in Weymouth (at Revolutions cafe) for all, and are starting a similar event in Bridport at The Beach & Barnicott Cafe (Wed 25th April) run jointly with the Diversity Bridport Group, which is also open to everyone. More info Dorset LGBT Network 07742 957676 www.lgbtdorsetequality.network |
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Harry from Dorchester on BBC Three - "Things Not To Say To Gay People"
(posted here 18/4/2018)
Some of you may remember the very good play "Crossing The Line" (about Stonewall) performed by students at Weymouth College some time back. (Reviews on WGG website here https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/reviews-of-events-you-may-have-missed.html).
One of the young very talented stars of the play, Harry (from Dorchester) can now be seen in a BBC Three video. He is the one with pink shirt & red ribbon.
You can see "Things Not To Say To Gay People" here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujxl5WZJHL4&list=PLYtD-v3kzpjVnaafNpBFsY2CzV6gxUL28&index=6&t=0s
We hope that Harry will join us one day at WGG when his studies, media commitments and voluntary work with Stonewall permit! (He is presently away at University)
Enjoy watching, it's worth doing so when you have a min or two.
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(posted here 18/4/2018)
Some of you may remember the very good play "Crossing The Line" (about Stonewall) performed by students at Weymouth College some time back. (Reviews on WGG website here https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/reviews-of-events-you-may-have-missed.html).
One of the young very talented stars of the play, Harry (from Dorchester) can now be seen in a BBC Three video. He is the one with pink shirt & red ribbon.
You can see "Things Not To Say To Gay People" here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujxl5WZJHL4&list=PLYtD-v3kzpjVnaafNpBFsY2CzV6gxUL28&index=6&t=0s
We hope that Harry will join us one day at WGG when his studies, media commitments and voluntary work with Stonewall permit! (He is presently away at University)
Enjoy watching, it's worth doing so when you have a min or two.
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Dorset Anti - Bullying Service
(posted here 17/4/2018)
Anti - bullying was the theme of a talk given by Alison to The Weymouth MindOut Group recently.
She spoke about the effects in peoples private lives, at work and online. DABS offers information, support & training for anyone who is a bully, or is being bullied. Phone 07754 296658 website www.dabsonline.org
Weymouth MindOut is a lgbt mental health support group run by Dorset Mind for lgbt people meeting up every Friday 2-4pm at Adult Education Center Weymouth. Info 01202 315329 email mindoutwey@dorsetmind.uk
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Boy George & Culture Club visit Bournemouth (posted here 11/4/2018) The mega gay icon Boy George and Culture Club are to perform later this year in Bournemouth. Supporting acts are Belinda Carlisle, Thompson Twins, and Tom Bailey. The event takes place at The BIC. Sunday November 11th 2018 is the date and tickets / info are available via eventbright.co.uk and cultureclub.co.uk |
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New Gay Group in Taunton copy Weymouth Gay Group! (posted here 11/4/2018)
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Taunton Gay Group. Although outside of our area, you may be interested in this new gay social group. From their website -
"Are you LGBT+ (or unsure) living in the Taunton area? Would you like to join a group of friendly gay guys up the pub to make new connections, meet new friends and socialise more? Do you want to find out what's going on in Somerset and the region for LGBT+ people? If so you've come to the right place. There are two key aims of the Taunton Gay Group:
We are very honored that Taunton Gay Group are modeling themselves on Weymouth Gay Group, and even with a Weebly website too! We wish them well for the future, and hope they will visit us sometime. If you are near Taunton, or passing by, why not check out this new social group. |
You can see their website here ... https://tauntongaygroup.weebly.com/ they also have a facebook page and are on twitter https://twitter.com/TauntonGayGroup
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Transgender News ... (posted here 31/3/2018, updated 2/4/2018)
Transgender song/record & Interview with DnE from Weymouth. Tuesday 3rd April on AIR Radio 8pm.
Saturday 31st March was Transgender Day Of Visibility. Although there where no Dorset events (that we know of) their has been some very exiting local Transgender news! Many of you will know Charity Gardiner (a Transgender woman) who presents the LGBT radio programme on our local community radio station AIR, All Inclusive Radio. (scroll down this page for more info). She has been promoting a record called "Lights" by a local young transgender person known as DnE. It is their life story sung in a modern pop/rap style. What ever your sexuality or gender, you really must hear it. It's a powerful record, you will need your box of tissues ready. Charity has confirmed with us that the interview will be broadcast on Tuesday 3rd April at 9pm. Her programme starts at 8pm. 107.2FM and online via https://air1072.com/ Please don't miss it! (no catch up service available)
Transgender song/record & Interview with DnE from Weymouth. Tuesday 3rd April on AIR Radio 8pm.
Saturday 31st March was Transgender Day Of Visibility. Although there where no Dorset events (that we know of) their has been some very exiting local Transgender news! Many of you will know Charity Gardiner (a Transgender woman) who presents the LGBT radio programme on our local community radio station AIR, All Inclusive Radio. (scroll down this page for more info). She has been promoting a record called "Lights" by a local young transgender person known as DnE. It is their life story sung in a modern pop/rap style. What ever your sexuality or gender, you really must hear it. It's a powerful record, you will need your box of tissues ready. Charity has confirmed with us that the interview will be broadcast on Tuesday 3rd April at 9pm. Her programme starts at 8pm. 107.2FM and online via https://air1072.com/ Please don't miss it! (no catch up service available)
Weymouth Gay Group produced the above poster/info graphic to promote this news on our social media. It's had LOTS of retweets & comments on twitter. Check our WGG twitter feed for more... which has loads of info about Transgender Day of Visibility. See @weymouthgaygrp on twitter
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Mind Out, no more Rainbows? (posted here 31/3/2018)
The long running Bournemouth based MindOut LGBT mental health group (run by Dorset Mind) is to change venues following concern about the future of Over The Rainbow (OTR). The change was recently announced on the Dorset Mind website. We copy it here:-
"Please note that from 5th April, our Bournemouth LGBT mental health support group has a new venue.The group will be held at Body Positive Dorset – please check our social media and website for information. We are trying to avoid being disruptive, we know it can be unsettling when things change.
The new venue The address for Body Positive Dorset is at Diana, Princess of Wales House
24 Lorne Park Road, Bournemouth, Dorset. BH1 1JL.
Sarah-Jane will be taking the group as normal – she can be reached on 07950-741698 or email: mindout@dorsetmind.uk
Thanks for your understanding."
If you have any concerns about his, please contact Dorset Mind.
Below is from Over the Rainbow's website dated Jan 2017. More at http://www.rainbowbournemouth.co.uk/
For 15 years, Over the Rainbow has been a local and national beacon, recognised for its outstanding support, advocacy, and service provision to the LGBT community, and is widely known to be at the very heart of that community.
The Over The Rainbow premises in St Michaels Road, Bournemouth, hosts a wide range of LGBT friendly services, which include transgender and sexuality support, weekly sexual health clinic, and support groups.
Support groups include Mind Out, who address discrimination and prejudice often experienced by LGBT with underlying mental health needs, and Break Free, a trans community group who meet every week to empower local individuals who are exploring their gender identity.
Working alongside local agencies, the centre provides support in the reporting of local hate crime, and support for those who have been sexually assaulted and those in commercial sex work. Many of our service users suffer from vulnerabilities and complex needs; without OTR, they would experience isolation, increased vulnerability, and the loss of crucial healthcare support.
Over The Rainbow's award winning staff have developed training and education packages to help raise LGBT awareness in local schools, colleges, universities and professional organisations. They also deliver creative and unique health promotion events across local gay venues, such as the "pop-up sexual health screening at the annual Gay Pride events. These packages have been recognised nationally as models of excellence.
Sadly, cuts to NHS and public health funding have challenged the continuation of this service from its current premises. The staff are passionate about maintaining and developing the service, to meet the ever-growing specialist needs of our community.
We have joined with the LGBT Dorset Equality Network to apply for funding to sustain and develop Over The Rainbow as an LGBT community hub. This partnership will improve our advocacy for the LGBT community and will expand and improve links with other community groups. Our NHS service providers and commissioners recognise the importance of the service and are committed to preserving and developing it.
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The long running Bournemouth based MindOut LGBT mental health group (run by Dorset Mind) is to change venues following concern about the future of Over The Rainbow (OTR). The change was recently announced on the Dorset Mind website. We copy it here:-
"Please note that from 5th April, our Bournemouth LGBT mental health support group has a new venue.The group will be held at Body Positive Dorset – please check our social media and website for information. We are trying to avoid being disruptive, we know it can be unsettling when things change.
The new venue The address for Body Positive Dorset is at Diana, Princess of Wales House
24 Lorne Park Road, Bournemouth, Dorset. BH1 1JL.
Sarah-Jane will be taking the group as normal – she can be reached on 07950-741698 or email: mindout@dorsetmind.uk
Thanks for your understanding."
If you have any concerns about his, please contact Dorset Mind.
Below is from Over the Rainbow's website dated Jan 2017. More at http://www.rainbowbournemouth.co.uk/
For 15 years, Over the Rainbow has been a local and national beacon, recognised for its outstanding support, advocacy, and service provision to the LGBT community, and is widely known to be at the very heart of that community.
The Over The Rainbow premises in St Michaels Road, Bournemouth, hosts a wide range of LGBT friendly services, which include transgender and sexuality support, weekly sexual health clinic, and support groups.
Support groups include Mind Out, who address discrimination and prejudice often experienced by LGBT with underlying mental health needs, and Break Free, a trans community group who meet every week to empower local individuals who are exploring their gender identity.
Working alongside local agencies, the centre provides support in the reporting of local hate crime, and support for those who have been sexually assaulted and those in commercial sex work. Many of our service users suffer from vulnerabilities and complex needs; without OTR, they would experience isolation, increased vulnerability, and the loss of crucial healthcare support.
Over The Rainbow's award winning staff have developed training and education packages to help raise LGBT awareness in local schools, colleges, universities and professional organisations. They also deliver creative and unique health promotion events across local gay venues, such as the "pop-up sexual health screening at the annual Gay Pride events. These packages have been recognised nationally as models of excellence.
Sadly, cuts to NHS and public health funding have challenged the continuation of this service from its current premises. The staff are passionate about maintaining and developing the service, to meet the ever-growing specialist needs of our community.
We have joined with the LGBT Dorset Equality Network to apply for funding to sustain and develop Over The Rainbow as an LGBT community hub. This partnership will improve our advocacy for the LGBT community and will expand and improve links with other community groups. Our NHS service providers and commissioners recognise the importance of the service and are committed to preserving and developing it.
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Bourne free - Bournemouth Pride 2018 date & info! Posted here 13/1/2018 updated 29/3/2018
Bourne Free have just (29/3/2018) added loads of 2018 info onto their website, so take a look! www.bournefree.co.uk
It will be Sat 14th July for the parade, stalls in lower gardens, and party in the triangle. Don't forget that a group of us go on the train from Weymouth - picking up more of you along the way, every year. It's great to enjoy prides with a group, so no need to go alone! Info on other 2018 prides can be found on our pride page. Dorchester Love Parade (Pride) is always on the Sunday August Bank Holiday. Sunday 26th August 2018, and well worth attending too!
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Bourne Free have just (29/3/2018) added loads of 2018 info onto their website, so take a look! www.bournefree.co.uk
It will be Sat 14th July for the parade, stalls in lower gardens, and party in the triangle. Don't forget that a group of us go on the train from Weymouth - picking up more of you along the way, every year. It's great to enjoy prides with a group, so no need to go alone! Info on other 2018 prides can be found on our pride page. Dorchester Love Parade (Pride) is always on the Sunday August Bank Holiday. Sunday 26th August 2018, and well worth attending too!
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Can you help Dr Kip at Bournemouth University with this ? posted here 3/3/2018
Kip Jones <kipworld@gmail.com>1 March 2018 at 09:35
To: weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
Hello,
I write to tell you about an exciting programme for youth ages 16-18 that we are proposing for funding at Bournemouth University.
The project will engage ‘Generation Z’ youth (born from 1995) in telling us about their take on gender and sexuality and how it fits in within the wider society as well as their peer group.
We plan to meet with a select group of teens over about nine months to show them films and TV programmes, collect their thoughts and then set them free to make their own video diaries and stories on phones and ipads. We then hope to bring this material together in the TV studio at the University, along with the students, to begin to create a series on youth and issues of sexuality and gender for broadcast on YouTube.
We are about to make an application for funding for the first year of this project. It would be really helpful for us to have a letter of support from you. Nothing too major, just stating that you support the idea and would be happy to act in an advisory role and recommend students to participate, should we be funded.
I attach a blog piece that I wrote recently, that gives a bit more of the background for the project.
Any support you can offer will be greatly appreciated!
Best wishes,
Kip Jones
Dr Kip Jones
Reader in Performative Social Science
Director, BU Centre for Qualitative Research
Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
Faculty of Media & Communication
Bournemouth University
CONTACT:
Royal London House, Christchurch Road
Bournemouth BH1 3LT UK
*****************************************
Office phone: 44+ (0)120 296 2800
Mobile phone: 44+ 07432 700924
*****************************************
Blog: http://kipworldblog.blogspot.com/
*****************************************
Singled out as one of Jisc's 50 most influential UK higher education professionals on social media
Executive Producer and Author of the multi-award winning, short film "RUFUS STONE"
RUFUS STONE shortlisted for the AHRC Research in Film Anniversary Award 2015
RUFUS STONE is now LIVE and FREE on the Internet
and has been seen by more than 14,000+ viewers
in more than 150 countries on line!
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Kip Jones <kipworld@gmail.com>1 March 2018 at 09:35
To: weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com
Hello,
I write to tell you about an exciting programme for youth ages 16-18 that we are proposing for funding at Bournemouth University.
The project will engage ‘Generation Z’ youth (born from 1995) in telling us about their take on gender and sexuality and how it fits in within the wider society as well as their peer group.
We plan to meet with a select group of teens over about nine months to show them films and TV programmes, collect their thoughts and then set them free to make their own video diaries and stories on phones and ipads. We then hope to bring this material together in the TV studio at the University, along with the students, to begin to create a series on youth and issues of sexuality and gender for broadcast on YouTube.
We are about to make an application for funding for the first year of this project. It would be really helpful for us to have a letter of support from you. Nothing too major, just stating that you support the idea and would be happy to act in an advisory role and recommend students to participate, should we be funded.
I attach a blog piece that I wrote recently, that gives a bit more of the background for the project.
Any support you can offer will be greatly appreciated!
Best wishes,
Kip Jones
Dr Kip Jones
Reader in Performative Social Science
Director, BU Centre for Qualitative Research
Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
Faculty of Media & Communication
Bournemouth University
CONTACT:
Royal London House, Christchurch Road
Bournemouth BH1 3LT UK
*****************************************
Office phone: 44+ (0)120 296 2800
Mobile phone: 44+ 07432 700924
*****************************************
Blog: http://kipworldblog.blogspot.com/
*****************************************
Singled out as one of Jisc's 50 most influential UK higher education professionals on social media
Executive Producer and Author of the multi-award winning, short film "RUFUS STONE"
RUFUS STONE shortlisted for the AHRC Research in Film Anniversary Award 2015
RUFUS STONE is now LIVE and FREE on the Internet
and has been seen by more than 14,000+ viewers
in more than 150 countries on line!
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MindOut meal out - for farewell
(posted here 24/2/2018) The Weymouth based MindOut (LGBT) mental health peer support group said good bye to two key people this week. A special meal was held at a local venue in appreciation. Dyllan has been a volunteer for Dorset Mind (who run the group) since it started about 3 years ago. Dyllan loves Batman, and received a Batman certificate of appreciation as well as Batman themed gifts and cards. He (a transgendered person) has also helped with welcoming new people to the group, helping those with special needs, making refreshments and supporting group members during difficult times. Dyllan has shared his transition in the group and this has helped others starting their journey. Dyllan also received acknowledgement from Dorset Mind for his long standing voluntary work with Dorset Mind which took place at The Stable in Bournemouth a few months ago. Dyllan will continue supporting the Bournemouth MindOut group, and we hope to see him again on the Dorset Mind / MindOut display stall at Bournefree in July. |
Dyllan (left) & Michelle at MindOut Weymouth
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The weekly groups in both Weymouth and Bournemouth are professionally facilitated by Dorset Mind staff. Michelle has been the Weymouth Mind Out facilitator during the last year, helping local LGBT people with mental health issues / illness / concerns. She always had a very welcoming and caring approach to group members, and a sense of humor too! She is moving away from Dorset and being replaced by a new person, welcome to Debbie!
We wish both of them well for their future projects.
MindOut Weymouth (lgbt mental health peer support group) meet up 2pm-4pm at Adult Learning Centre, Dorchester Road, Weymouth. (Almost opposite Rembrandt Hotel). Run by Dorset Mind.
More info http://dorsetmind.uk/services-courses/mindout/
Click here for the MindOut leaflet (it is an older version which will be updated soon)
http://dorsetmind.uk/services-courses/mindout/programme-weymouth/
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We wish both of them well for their future projects.
MindOut Weymouth (lgbt mental health peer support group) meet up 2pm-4pm at Adult Learning Centre, Dorchester Road, Weymouth. (Almost opposite Rembrandt Hotel). Run by Dorset Mind.
More info http://dorsetmind.uk/services-courses/mindout/
Click here for the MindOut leaflet (it is an older version which will be updated soon)
http://dorsetmind.uk/services-courses/mindout/programme-weymouth/
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This February, AFC Bournemouth are once again supporting Football v Homophobia.
Posted here 24/2/2018 more info & Photo - www.afcb.co.uk/news/club-news/supporting-football-v-homophobia-afc-bournemouth-v-newcastle?utm_campaign=324998_newcastle%20prematch&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email&utm_content=pride%20image&dm_i=47ot,6yrq,gh9j9,r494,1
This weekend’s home Premier League fixture against Newcastle United will be dedicated to the campaign, recognising LGBT History Month in cooperation with Proud Cherries, the club’s official LGBT supporter group.
On Saturday at Vitality Stadium, members of Proud Cherries will form a guard of honour with rainbow flags bearing the group’s badge as the teams take to the pitch ahead of kick-off. The flags have been funded by the Football Supporters’ Federation as part of the Fans for Diversity campaign.
“AFC Bournemouth is an inclusive club and one where anyone, regardless of gender, identity, race or sexual orientation, should feel comfortable watching football,” explained captain Simon Francis.
“Therefore, we are proud to support the Football v Homophobia campaign and do whatever we can to ensure that barriers continue to be broken down and that there is no discrimination in the game.”
The Football v Homophobia campaign aims to unite fans, players, communities, grassroots teams, professional clubs and the Football Authorities in opposing homophobia and prejudice against LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) people in football. It encourages people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game.
Anwar Uddin, lead on the Fans for Diversity campaign, said: “It’s great AFC Bournemouth have a recognised LGBT supporters group. Hopefully this will encourage more of the community to get involved and ultimately improve the match day experience for everyone at the club.”
Di Cunningham, chair of Pride in Football, added: “The LGBT+ fan movement has grown so fast there are over 40 groups now, but few are as active and visible as Proud Cherries and few have been as well received by their club and fellow fans.
“It’s good to see AFC Bournemouth working closely with Proud Cherries and taking part in this year’s Football v Homophobia campaign making football better for everyone.”
AFC Bournemouth and Proud Cherries will also be making an appearance at Bournemouth University’s Student Pride festival on Tuesday (27th February).
If you experience or witness any form of discrimination, including racist, homophobic or sexist chanting, help to eliminate it from football by reporting it to the nearest stewards. If you don’t feel able to do this, you can confidentially text 07968 980580. This will allow the club to monitor the situation and take action if appropriate.
Away from matchday, supporters can contact the club on 0344 576 1910 or email Liz Finney at liz.finney@afcb.co.uk.
To find out more about Proud Cherries and how you can get involved, email proudcherries@gmail.com.
To find out more about the Football v Homophobia campaign, visit www.footballvhomophobia.com.
Posted here 24/2/2018 more info & Photo - www.afcb.co.uk/news/club-news/supporting-football-v-homophobia-afc-bournemouth-v-newcastle?utm_campaign=324998_newcastle%20prematch&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email&utm_content=pride%20image&dm_i=47ot,6yrq,gh9j9,r494,1
This weekend’s home Premier League fixture against Newcastle United will be dedicated to the campaign, recognising LGBT History Month in cooperation with Proud Cherries, the club’s official LGBT supporter group.
On Saturday at Vitality Stadium, members of Proud Cherries will form a guard of honour with rainbow flags bearing the group’s badge as the teams take to the pitch ahead of kick-off. The flags have been funded by the Football Supporters’ Federation as part of the Fans for Diversity campaign.
“AFC Bournemouth is an inclusive club and one where anyone, regardless of gender, identity, race or sexual orientation, should feel comfortable watching football,” explained captain Simon Francis.
“Therefore, we are proud to support the Football v Homophobia campaign and do whatever we can to ensure that barriers continue to be broken down and that there is no discrimination in the game.”
The Football v Homophobia campaign aims to unite fans, players, communities, grassroots teams, professional clubs and the Football Authorities in opposing homophobia and prejudice against LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) people in football. It encourages people to take action against prejudice and discrimination based on sexuality or gender identity in football, and to celebrate and welcome diversity in the game.
Anwar Uddin, lead on the Fans for Diversity campaign, said: “It’s great AFC Bournemouth have a recognised LGBT supporters group. Hopefully this will encourage more of the community to get involved and ultimately improve the match day experience for everyone at the club.”
Di Cunningham, chair of Pride in Football, added: “The LGBT+ fan movement has grown so fast there are over 40 groups now, but few are as active and visible as Proud Cherries and few have been as well received by their club and fellow fans.
“It’s good to see AFC Bournemouth working closely with Proud Cherries and taking part in this year’s Football v Homophobia campaign making football better for everyone.”
AFC Bournemouth and Proud Cherries will also be making an appearance at Bournemouth University’s Student Pride festival on Tuesday (27th February).
If you experience or witness any form of discrimination, including racist, homophobic or sexist chanting, help to eliminate it from football by reporting it to the nearest stewards. If you don’t feel able to do this, you can confidentially text 07968 980580. This will allow the club to monitor the situation and take action if appropriate.
Away from matchday, supporters can contact the club on 0344 576 1910 or email Liz Finney at liz.finney@afcb.co.uk.
To find out more about Proud Cherries and how you can get involved, email proudcherries@gmail.com.
To find out more about the Football v Homophobia campaign, visit www.footballvhomophobia.com.
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Charity on AIR ! - Tuesdays 8pm - 10pm 107.2 FM online via https://air1072.com/ (posted here 21/2/2018)
LGBT History has been made this week (20th Feb 2018) in Weymouth when Charity Gardiner presented an LGBT hour on community Radio station AIR, - and during the national LGBT History Month! The programme, an idea from Weymouth Gay Group, and supported by Space Youth Project and The Dorset LGBT Equality Network, has become Live! The LGBT part of Charity's show runs during the last hour and mixes music and LGBT events and information. AIR - All Inclusive Radio is a community radio station for Weymouth and Portland and can be heard on 107.2 FM locally or online. Charity (a Transgender woman) is well known in Weymouth and runs events in town. She has also been active with many Dorset LGBT groups including Space Youth Project, Kiss & Make Up, and The Dorchester Chill Outs from a few years back. So check out her show next / every Tuesday! 8pm - 10pm Air Radio 107.2 FM and online. |
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"Weymouth and Portland community radio station AIR 107.2 gets new five-year licence" extract from Dorset Echo 22nd Feb 2018
VOLUNTEERS at a community radio station in Weymouth are riding on the crest of the airwaves after being given a new five-year licence. The new licence, authorised this week by regulator Ofcom, means that AIR 107.2 will be on the airwaves until May 10, 2023. The radio station, based at Westfield Arts College, plays a range of music, including live performances from local artists, and is aimed at those 25 and under in Weymouth and Portland.
You can read more about AIR Community Radio and their new 5 year Licence here -
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16040043.weymouth-and-portland-community-radio-station-air-1072-gets-new-five-year-licence/
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VOLUNTEERS at a community radio station in Weymouth are riding on the crest of the airwaves after being given a new five-year licence. The new licence, authorised this week by regulator Ofcom, means that AIR 107.2 will be on the airwaves until May 10, 2023. The radio station, based at Westfield Arts College, plays a range of music, including live performances from local artists, and is aimed at those 25 and under in Weymouth and Portland.
You can read more about AIR Community Radio and their new 5 year Licence here -
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/16040043.weymouth-and-portland-community-radio-station-air-1072-gets-new-five-year-licence/
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LGBT displays in both Weymouth & Dorchester Libraries were on during LGBT History Month. (posted here 17/2/2018, updated 24/2/2018) We were so please to see these, and thank Dorset Library's for making this possible.
At Weymouth Library the book display was near the entrance as you walk in. Upstairs in the corner room was the "LGBT inclusion & Anti- Discrimination Olympics Legacy Exhibition". Pics below show some of the displays.
At Weymouth Library the book display was near the entrance as you walk in. Upstairs in the corner room was the "LGBT inclusion & Anti- Discrimination Olympics Legacy Exhibition". Pics below show some of the displays.
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At Dorchester Library.
This was displayed upstairs and had a good range of LGBT books on display. Great to see the Dorset LGBT History Month poster too, with info about Weymouth Gay Group, other local groups and events. We thank Graham, one of our WGG who lives in Dorchester for checking out the display and taking these pictures. 
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Weymouth & Portland Council make history ! (posted here 12/2/2018)
Monday 12th February was an historic day for LGBT and Weymouth. The first time the Rainbow Flag has been raised on the council offices. Part of LGBT History Month with over 44 local events!
Monday 12th February was an historic day for LGBT and Weymouth. The first time the Rainbow Flag has been raised on the council offices. Part of LGBT History Month with over 44 local events!
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The speech read out by Cllr Gill Taylor (Photo on left)
From Dorset For You website - posted here 12/2/2018
"Councils fly the rainbow flag with pride for LGBT History Month"
You can read about other local Dorset Council's flag raising events here -
news.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/2018/02/12/rainbow-flag/
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Mega Wow!
OVER 44 LGBT events in DORSET in February - LGBT History Month. Must be something their for you!
This must be a record number of events in one month in Dorset for LGBT people. "We need to celebrate this, I feel it reflects just how far the LGBT community has come." Said Colin one of the founders of Weymouth Gay Group, which has its tenth birthday celebrations this year!
About LGBT History Month - February 2018 From The lgbt History Month website lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/
Last year we looked at Citizenship, PSHE and Law as we marked the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in England and Wales. This year we will be commemorating two rather more sombre events; the 30th anniversary of the passing of Section 28, which prohibited local authorities from disseminating materials that ‘promoted homosexuality’ in schools; and the fortieth anniversary of the murder by shooting of Harvey Milk, the USA’s first out-gay elected councillor. On a happier note, the rainbow flag was launched upon an unsuspecting public in 1978, although sadly its creator Gilbert Baker passed away last year.
We look forward to this year when we will focus on ‘Geography: Mapping the World’, especially now that our friends in Australia and up to 16 more central and south American nations will be able to enjoy same sex weddings.
Look at our calendar to see what’s happening where you are. If you have an event, put it up on our calendar. Check out the OUTing the Past National LGBT History Festival hubs during February to find out which one you can attend.
To catch up on all our and the LGB and T happenings across the UK, follow us on our Facebook page here and follow Schools OUT UK here.
Our friends at the Proud Trust have a fantastic LGBT History Month 2018 Resource Pack, with a foreword by Stuart Milk and an introduction by Sue Sanders that you can access free here
A Happy New Year and a Happy LGBT History Month
Posted here 20/1/2018. From The lgbt History Month website lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/
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LGBT History Month events in Dorset - February 2018
There are over 40 events in our area during LGBT History month! February 2018. Join in and enjoy! See poster below and our events diary listing page, which has more! https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
email from Susan Ward-Rice 2/2/2018
Rainbow flag raising ceremonies on Monday 12 February in Weymouth & Dorchester! Info below... (see above for update!)
email from Susan Ward-Rice 2/2/2018
Dear all,
It's the beginning LGBT History Month, which celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, it is also an opportunity to promote tolerance and awareness of the prejudices faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Please find attached a list of activities and group meetings taking place during February, along with contact details of some local organisations.
In addition, the following is also taking place:
LGBT Dorset Equality Network
Ropemakers and a general meeting on the 21 February from 7pm at the Woodman Inn (both in Bridport) – for more information contact Annabelle 07411 465007
Both ceremonies will consist of a statement being read, followed by the flag being raised.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Please can you share this information with colleagues and appropriate networks.
--
Susan Ward-Rice
Community Development Team Leader
Dorset Councils Partnership serving:
North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council
01305 252423
sward-rice@dorset.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com/contactus
email from Susan Ward-Rice 19/1/2018
Dear all
February is LGBT History Month and it is an opportunity to celebrate and increase the visibility of the LGBT community, their history and achievements. A working group consisting Weymouth Gay Group, Space, LGBT Dorset Equality Network, Dorset County Council and Dorset Councils Partnership have compiled a list of activities taking place in February– please see attached, please could you share with relevant contacts and networks.
In addition, the LGBT Dorset Equality Network
Also, Diversity Bridport will be hosting two events in February
Regards Susan
Susan Ward-Rice
Community Development Team Leader
Dorset Councils Partnership serving:
North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council
01305 252423
sward-rice@dorset.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com/contactus
"Councils fly the rainbow flag with pride for LGBT History Month"
You can read about other local Dorset Council's flag raising events here -
news.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/2018/02/12/rainbow-flag/
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Mega Wow!
OVER 44 LGBT events in DORSET in February - LGBT History Month. Must be something their for you!
This must be a record number of events in one month in Dorset for LGBT people. "We need to celebrate this, I feel it reflects just how far the LGBT community has come." Said Colin one of the founders of Weymouth Gay Group, which has its tenth birthday celebrations this year!
About LGBT History Month - February 2018 From The lgbt History Month website lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/
Last year we looked at Citizenship, PSHE and Law as we marked the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in England and Wales. This year we will be commemorating two rather more sombre events; the 30th anniversary of the passing of Section 28, which prohibited local authorities from disseminating materials that ‘promoted homosexuality’ in schools; and the fortieth anniversary of the murder by shooting of Harvey Milk, the USA’s first out-gay elected councillor. On a happier note, the rainbow flag was launched upon an unsuspecting public in 1978, although sadly its creator Gilbert Baker passed away last year.
We look forward to this year when we will focus on ‘Geography: Mapping the World’, especially now that our friends in Australia and up to 16 more central and south American nations will be able to enjoy same sex weddings.
Look at our calendar to see what’s happening where you are. If you have an event, put it up on our calendar. Check out the OUTing the Past National LGBT History Festival hubs during February to find out which one you can attend.
To catch up on all our and the LGB and T happenings across the UK, follow us on our Facebook page here and follow Schools OUT UK here.
Our friends at the Proud Trust have a fantastic LGBT History Month 2018 Resource Pack, with a foreword by Stuart Milk and an introduction by Sue Sanders that you can access free here
A Happy New Year and a Happy LGBT History Month
Posted here 20/1/2018. From The lgbt History Month website lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/
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LGBT History Month events in Dorset - February 2018
There are over 40 events in our area during LGBT History month! February 2018. Join in and enjoy! See poster below and our events diary listing page, which has more! https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/events-diary.html
email from Susan Ward-Rice 2/2/2018
Rainbow flag raising ceremonies on Monday 12 February in Weymouth & Dorchester! Info below... (see above for update!)
email from Susan Ward-Rice 2/2/2018
Dear all,
It's the beginning LGBT History Month, which celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, it is also an opportunity to promote tolerance and awareness of the prejudices faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Please find attached a list of activities and group meetings taking place during February, along with contact details of some local organisations.
In addition, the following is also taking place:
LGBT Dorset Equality Network
- will be hosting the LGBT Pop Up Café on Wednesday 14 February and Wednesday 21 February from 2pm at Revolution Café, Weymouth.
- in partnership with Weymouth College will display the LGBT Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Olympics Legacy Exhibition at the college, week commencing 12 February. For more information on both events contact Alan 07811 269454 or John on 07791 861 384
Ropemakers and a general meeting on the 21 February from 7pm at the Woodman Inn (both in Bridport) – for more information contact Annabelle 07411 465007
- Dorset History Centre present LGBT Britain on Tour! on Thursday 22 February - 6.30pm – (Film night- see WGG events diary page)
- In addition, Dorset Councils Partnership will be holding two flag raising ceremonies Monday 12 February to mark LGBT History Month, these will take place:
- Dorchester – 11am at the Flag Pole outside the front of South Walks House, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ – this will be a joint flag raising ceremony for North Dorset and West Dorset District Councils.
- Weymouth – 11am at the Flag Pole outside the front of Commercial Road offices, Weymouth
Both ceremonies will consist of a statement being read, followed by the flag being raised.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Please can you share this information with colleagues and appropriate networks.
--
Susan Ward-Rice
Community Development Team Leader
Dorset Councils Partnership serving:
North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council
01305 252423
sward-rice@dorset.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com/contactus
email from Susan Ward-Rice 19/1/2018
Dear all
February is LGBT History Month and it is an opportunity to celebrate and increase the visibility of the LGBT community, their history and achievements. A working group consisting Weymouth Gay Group, Space, LGBT Dorset Equality Network, Dorset County Council and Dorset Councils Partnership have compiled a list of activities taking place in February– please see attached, please could you share with relevant contacts and networks.
In addition, the LGBT Dorset Equality Network
- will be hosting the LGBT Pop Up Café on Wednesday 14 February and Wednesday 21 February from 2pm at Revolution Café, Weymouth.
- in partnership with Weymouth College will display the LGBT Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Olympics Legacy Exhibition at the college, week commencing 12 February. For more information on both events contact Alan 07811 269454 or John on 07791 861 384
Also, Diversity Bridport will be hosting two events in February
- a social event on the 7 February from 7pm at the Ropemakers and a general meeting on the 21 February from 7pm at the Woodman Inn (both in Bridport) – for more information contact Annabelle 07411 465007
Regards Susan
Susan Ward-Rice
Community Development Team Leader
Dorset Councils Partnership serving:
North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council
01305 252423
sward-rice@dorset.gov.uk
www.dorsetforyou.com/contactus
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College fees can you help?
Hi my name is Debra-Anne Clark I am 51yrs old and I am trying to raise money to go to college to study beauty therapy, a course I was supposed to start last September but do to a change in government funding I couldn't afford to. My reason for doing the course was so that I can help other transgender women to get treatments that they might feel too embarrassed to have done at a salon until they've had surgery. As a trans woman myself I was nervous the first time I had my legs waxed and some salons may not do bikini waxes on trans women if they are pre op because of the aforementioned embarrassment not only for the client but for the girl doing it.
Please share this with anyone interested if you can not donate yourself.
More info https://www.gofundme.com/8pu5y-collegefees
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Hi my name is Debra-Anne Clark I am 51yrs old and I am trying to raise money to go to college to study beauty therapy, a course I was supposed to start last September but do to a change in government funding I couldn't afford to. My reason for doing the course was so that I can help other transgender women to get treatments that they might feel too embarrassed to have done at a salon until they've had surgery. As a trans woman myself I was nervous the first time I had my legs waxed and some salons may not do bikini waxes on trans women if they are pre op because of the aforementioned embarrassment not only for the client but for the girl doing it.
Please share this with anyone interested if you can not donate yourself.
More info https://www.gofundme.com/8pu5y-collegefees
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Bourne free - Bournmouth Pride 2018 date ! Posted here 13/1/2018
We have heard that it will be Sat 14th July for the parade, stalls in lower gardens, and party in the triangle. More info when we get it. Don't forget that a group of us go on the train from Weymouth every year - picking up more of you along the way. It's great to enjoy prides with a group, so no need to go alone! Info on other 2018 prides will be on our pride page when we update it .... soon.
Dorchester Love Parade (Pride) is always on the Sunday August Bank Holiday. Which is Sunday 27th August 2018.
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We have heard that it will be Sat 14th July for the parade, stalls in lower gardens, and party in the triangle. More info when we get it. Don't forget that a group of us go on the train from Weymouth every year - picking up more of you along the way. It's great to enjoy prides with a group, so no need to go alone! Info on other 2018 prides will be on our pride page when we update it .... soon.
Dorchester Love Parade (Pride) is always on the Sunday August Bank Holiday. Which is Sunday 27th August 2018.
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Hate Crime & New NHS lgbt group
Two news items of interest in the Friday 12th Jan edition of The Dorset Echo. (posted here 13/1/2018)
Two news items of interest in the Friday 12th Jan edition of The Dorset Echo. (posted here 13/1/2018)
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"Winning the war on Hate Crime" made the front page headline. (extract below)
92.5 per cent of hate crime prosecutions in Dorset led to a successful conviction Figures from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) show in 2016/17 there were 106 prosecutions for hate crime in Dorset with 98 cases successfully resulting in a conviction – a rate of 92.5 per cent. In 2016/17 in Dorset there were 77 convictions for racial and religious crimes, 14 convictions for homophobic and transphobic crimes, 7 convictions for disability hate crimes and 32 convictions for crimes against an older person. Read the full article here :- http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15823202.Dorset_winning_war_on_hate_crime_with_92_5_per_cent_conviction_rate___one_of_the_highest_in_the_country/?ref=mrb&lp=40 |
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Dorset MP recalls political prejudice he experienced for being gay as he supports new LGBT network From Dorset Echo 12/1/2018 posted here 13/1/2018
A Dorset MP is helping to combat the stigma against NHS staff and patients who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
MP Conor Burns has announced he is backing the new pan-Dorset NHS LGBT network, led by Dorset HealthCare, which will provide support for staff and patients experiencing struggles with their sexuality. Several local NHS organisations, including Dorset County Hospital, have joined forces to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ of information and support.
Speaking at the network’s launch, Mr Burns, who is MP for Bournemouth West, Alderney and Branksome East, said he believes it is a ‘step in the right direction’ in tackling the stigma around being gay or transgender in Dorset.
He said: “I really want to show my support and solidarity for this great initiative. This is a topic I feel extremely passionate about as I have encountered prejudice in my own personal life and in politics for being gay. “I’ve been able to overcome this, but it wasn’t easy, and I think it is vital that others feel confident enough to ‘come out and speak out’ around their sexuality, and not feel discriminated against. “It is great to see the diversity of the public and private sector organisations pledging their support, and I hope this will entice smaller ones to follow suit so we can build strength in numbers.”
Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Dorset Mental Health Forum, and LiveWell Dorset have also signed up to the network.
The group will initially meet every other month, and will be promoted at events throughout 2018.
Dave Corbin, equality and diversity Manager for Dorset HealthCare, said: “We’ve had a long-standing ambition to have an LGBT network across local NHS organisations, so it is great to finally get one in place. “We want people to feel like they can access help at the earliest possible stage, and not be afraid to be open and honest about their sexuality.”
Anyone wanting to get involved can contact chairman Jonai da Silva, on Jonai.Dasilva@nhs.net
From Dorset Echo 12/1/2018. See the full story with photo here :- www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15822947.Dorset_MP_recalls_political_prejudice_he_experienced_for_being_gay_as_he_supports_new_LGBT_network/?ref=mrb&lp=49
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A Dorset MP is helping to combat the stigma against NHS staff and patients who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
MP Conor Burns has announced he is backing the new pan-Dorset NHS LGBT network, led by Dorset HealthCare, which will provide support for staff and patients experiencing struggles with their sexuality. Several local NHS organisations, including Dorset County Hospital, have joined forces to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ of information and support.
Speaking at the network’s launch, Mr Burns, who is MP for Bournemouth West, Alderney and Branksome East, said he believes it is a ‘step in the right direction’ in tackling the stigma around being gay or transgender in Dorset.
He said: “I really want to show my support and solidarity for this great initiative. This is a topic I feel extremely passionate about as I have encountered prejudice in my own personal life and in politics for being gay. “I’ve been able to overcome this, but it wasn’t easy, and I think it is vital that others feel confident enough to ‘come out and speak out’ around their sexuality, and not feel discriminated against. “It is great to see the diversity of the public and private sector organisations pledging their support, and I hope this will entice smaller ones to follow suit so we can build strength in numbers.”
Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Dorset Mental Health Forum, and LiveWell Dorset have also signed up to the network.
The group will initially meet every other month, and will be promoted at events throughout 2018.
Dave Corbin, equality and diversity Manager for Dorset HealthCare, said: “We’ve had a long-standing ambition to have an LGBT network across local NHS organisations, so it is great to finally get one in place. “We want people to feel like they can access help at the earliest possible stage, and not be afraid to be open and honest about their sexuality.”
Anyone wanting to get involved can contact chairman Jonai da Silva, on Jonai.Dasilva@nhs.net
From Dorset Echo 12/1/2018. See the full story with photo here :- www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15822947.Dorset_MP_recalls_political_prejudice_he_experienced_for_being_gay_as_he_supports_new_LGBT_network/?ref=mrb&lp=49
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"Pop up" lgbt cafe in Weymouth! Update - this is now happening on January 17th (was going to be before Christmas) in the afternoon 2pm - 4pm. Revolution Vinyl Cafe is on the habourside just a short walk down from Town Bridge in Trinity Road. Poster on the right has more info The "Pop up lgbt cafes" is a Dorset lgbt equality Network project and they already run them in other parts of Dorset. Some of you who already attend our Weymouth Gay Group twice a week meet ups will already be aware that one of our guys has a close connection with this venue! Some of us may then go onto the Bridport event listed below. Let us know if you wish to join us, perhaps we can share transport. More info about The Dorset lgbt network here .... http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/ |
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Update - (20 Jan 2018) The Dorset LGBT Equality Network event (above) in January was supported by a variety of lgbt people and friends. Did you miss it? Don't worry, it returns on 14th & 21st February 2-4pm, as part of LGBT History Month. Revolution Vinyl Cafe is an amazing "alternative" type of venue, and will be of special interest if you are a music fan from years gone by .... (see our diary events listings page for more info)
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New Bridport LGBT Group !
From their website posted here 20/12/17 updated 18/1/2018. - About Diversity Bridport website - https://anabelle1payne.wixsite.com/diversitybridport
The first meeting for this new group took place at The Woodman Inn Bridport on 17th Jan. Sadly, due to transport problems, non of our WGG guys could attend. However, we hope to join in with future events. (Car share from Weymouth possible, ask at our WGG meetings). If you live near, why drop by. We wish this new group every success and hope it will become a regular, and much needed monthly meet up for lgbt+ people in the Bridport area.
Anabelle writes :- "Hello all our next meeting is being held at the Ropemakers Bridport on the 7th February 2018 we are meeting there between 7pm and 9pm it is also the night the Open mic is on so if any of you want to entertain then you are welcome to take part I will confirm the time that it runs from but think it is 9pm to 11pm. We will also be back in the Woodman Inn, Bridport on the 21st February also keep a eye out for future news about a possible daytime meet."
"We have been looking to start a local group to cover Bridport Area, West Dorset, East Devon and South Somerset For sometime and after a recent meeting with some of the neighboring organizations a few suggestions where made which where extremely helpful and one of those was this website which has now launched. The idea is to create a safe environment for all aspects of the LGBTQ to meet and discuss the things that affect you. We would also like to have guest speakers and time to time visits from Steps to Wellbeing, Drink Wise Age Well, Makeup consultant and I would always be available for advice on Clothes and shoes etc."
"So please leave your email address below for info as we get near to launch. If You require further Information Then Contact BridportDiversity@mail.co.uk
NOTE - we are aware of an error in the email address, and will try and get the correct one asap. You can contact them via their website.
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From their website posted here 20/12/17 updated 18/1/2018. - About Diversity Bridport website - https://anabelle1payne.wixsite.com/diversitybridport
The first meeting for this new group took place at The Woodman Inn Bridport on 17th Jan. Sadly, due to transport problems, non of our WGG guys could attend. However, we hope to join in with future events. (Car share from Weymouth possible, ask at our WGG meetings). If you live near, why drop by. We wish this new group every success and hope it will become a regular, and much needed monthly meet up for lgbt+ people in the Bridport area.
Anabelle writes :- "Hello all our next meeting is being held at the Ropemakers Bridport on the 7th February 2018 we are meeting there between 7pm and 9pm it is also the night the Open mic is on so if any of you want to entertain then you are welcome to take part I will confirm the time that it runs from but think it is 9pm to 11pm. We will also be back in the Woodman Inn, Bridport on the 21st February also keep a eye out for future news about a possible daytime meet."
"We have been looking to start a local group to cover Bridport Area, West Dorset, East Devon and South Somerset For sometime and after a recent meeting with some of the neighboring organizations a few suggestions where made which where extremely helpful and one of those was this website which has now launched. The idea is to create a safe environment for all aspects of the LGBTQ to meet and discuss the things that affect you. We would also like to have guest speakers and time to time visits from Steps to Wellbeing, Drink Wise Age Well, Makeup consultant and I would always be available for advice on Clothes and shoes etc."
"So please leave your email address below for info as we get near to launch. If You require further Information Then Contact BridportDiversity@mail.co.uk
NOTE - we are aware of an error in the email address, and will try and get the correct one asap. You can contact them via their website.
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Vigil held to remember 335 members of transgender community murdered in last year
Extract from Dorset Echo 28 Nov 2017. Read the full story here with photo http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15687138.Vigil_held_in_Dorchester_to_highlight_violence_against_trans_community/?ref=fbshr A candlelit vigil was held in Dorchester to remember people murdered through transphobic and anti-transgender violence across the globe. Members of the community came together to mark 'Transgender Day of Remembrance' which is observed annually on November 20 to memorialise those murdered as a result of transphobia and to raise awareness of violence endured by the transgender community. Facilitated by the LGB&T Dorset Equality Network, the vigil commemorated the lives of approximately 335 trans-community members from around the world who have been murdered, often horrifically, in the past year. Read the full story here with photo http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15687138.Vigil_held_in_Dorchester_to_highlight_violence_against_trans_community/?ref=fbsh |
The Weymouth & Dorchester Advertiser (free paper) also covered the event.
See below.... (2nd Dec 2017 edition) 
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"Into Dust" a b-side art festival & Space Youth Project film. posted here 3rd Oct 2017
Filmed on Weymouth Beach ! Watch it here:-
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgxnCmOZMfc&t=19s&mc_cid=c0003f34ea&mc_eid=c2706c8006
"Into Dust is an original song and music video commissioned by b-side. Into Dust aims to tackle the stigma, social isolation and phobic behaviour around and towards our LGBT community (both locally and internationally). By working alongside our local young LGBT community (Space Youth Project) we have created a music video that highlights current LGBT issues. The objective of this music video is to both stimulate discussions around current LGBT issues as well as tackling some of them head on. We want to raise awareness to ongoing and unchallenged phobic behaviours and the mental health issues that arise when individuals are socially isolated."
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"Into Dust" a b-side art festival & Space Youth Project film. posted here 3rd Oct 2017
Filmed on Weymouth Beach ! Watch it here:-
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgxnCmOZMfc&t=19s&mc_cid=c0003f34ea&mc_eid=c2706c8006
"Into Dust is an original song and music video commissioned by b-side. Into Dust aims to tackle the stigma, social isolation and phobic behaviour around and towards our LGBT community (both locally and internationally). By working alongside our local young LGBT community (Space Youth Project) we have created a music video that highlights current LGBT issues. The objective of this music video is to both stimulate discussions around current LGBT issues as well as tackling some of them head on. We want to raise awareness to ongoing and unchallenged phobic behaviours and the mental health issues that arise when individuals are socially isolated."
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Mayor of Weymouth to attend LGBT Library event
The Dorset LGBT Equality Network's event at Weymouth Library will be attend by Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Kevin & Mrs Anne Brooks. The anti - LGBT prejudice Initiative Awareness event on Monday October 9th will be an opportunity to network with local lgbt community members too, and is open to all. More info 07811 269 454 email contact.lgbtdorsetequality@gmail.com Following this event Alan from the Dorset LGBT Equality Network will be joining the Weymouth Gay Group Monday meet up in Gloucester Inn. Info on our home page. A very good article about this event is in Dorset Echo (Sat 7th Oct) see - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15579570.Ground_breaking_event_to_tackle_hate_crime_and_prejudice/ |
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Below a few pics with the Mayor of Weymouth and key local LGBT people, and a report by The Dorset LGBT Equality Network.
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Weymouth Library event news article: by Alan from the Dorset Lgbt Equality Network
Weymouth Library was host to a special landmark event on Monday, to highlight the LGB&T Dorset Equality Networks initiatives to counteract anti-LGBT prejudice and promote broader inclusion values.
Attending the event were the Mayor & Mayoress of Weymouth, Cllr Christine James (Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Equality Portfolio holder) local authority and statutory sector officers, and an equal number of local LGB&T community members including from Weymouth Gay Group.
The event comprised announcements on learning/educational initiatives of the LGB&T Dorset Equality Network with a range of partners, including the libraries service, Weymouth College, and also a ground-breaking mental-health related initiative with the NHS. The event witnessed valuable suggestions on further initiatives to counteract anti-LGBT Anti-Social-Behaviour, and encourage broader inclusion + a valuable intervention from a community member on blocks to reporting of incidents.
Alan adds ....
"You can read our news piece on the event -- including comment on the Echo article -- at this link: http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/?page_id=182. Includes other recent Network events and activities, including our recent Weymouth College Black History Month event on BME LGBTs, and our article in Dorset Eye on support for and defence of National Trust, Kingston Lacy."
Their is a very good report of the event in The Dorset Echo here with photos -
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15608169.Groundbreaking_event_to_tackle_hate_crime_and_homophobia_in_Dorset__great_success_/
Weymouth Library was host to a special landmark event on Monday, to highlight the LGB&T Dorset Equality Networks initiatives to counteract anti-LGBT prejudice and promote broader inclusion values.
Attending the event were the Mayor & Mayoress of Weymouth, Cllr Christine James (Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Equality Portfolio holder) local authority and statutory sector officers, and an equal number of local LGB&T community members including from Weymouth Gay Group.
The event comprised announcements on learning/educational initiatives of the LGB&T Dorset Equality Network with a range of partners, including the libraries service, Weymouth College, and also a ground-breaking mental-health related initiative with the NHS. The event witnessed valuable suggestions on further initiatives to counteract anti-LGBT Anti-Social-Behaviour, and encourage broader inclusion + a valuable intervention from a community member on blocks to reporting of incidents.
Alan adds ....
"You can read our news piece on the event -- including comment on the Echo article -- at this link: http://lgbtdorsetequality.network/?page_id=182. Includes other recent Network events and activities, including our recent Weymouth College Black History Month event on BME LGBTs, and our article in Dorset Eye on support for and defence of National Trust, Kingston Lacy."
Their is a very good report of the event in The Dorset Echo here with photos -
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15608169.Groundbreaking_event_to_tackle_hate_crime_and_homophobia_in_Dorset__great_success_/
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Dive in with a GLUG Weymouth weekend! posted here 23/9/2017
GLUG - Gay & Lesbian Underwater Group
GLUG is a non-profit SCUBA diving club for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered divers and their friends. They have about 50 members and organise a number of dive trips in the UK and overseas each year. They meet monthly in London and also plan other social events. You will need to join them to take part in their dives.
They have 3 dive weekends based in Dorset during 2017. April Weymouth. July Swanage. September Weymouth. More info on thier website and our events listings page. http://www.glug.co.uk/dive-tripssocials.html
Sat 23- Sun 24th. GLUG - Gay and Lesbian Underwater Group in Weymouth "2 days diving on our favorite hard boat; Tango of Weymouth. We will go with the flow on this trip as there is a plethora of options available to dive in Weymouth. You must have training giving a minimum dive depth of 30m and to have at least 30 UK dives under your belt. We are staying at the Breakwater Hotel with free overnight parking opposite and a filling station to boot, where we have secured air fills at the very reasonable price of £3.50. N.B. You must be a GLUG member to join this GLUG dive trip, or have a special dispensation from the organiser!" More info http://www.glug.co.uk/2017weymouthsept.html
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GLUG - Gay & Lesbian Underwater Group
GLUG is a non-profit SCUBA diving club for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered divers and their friends. They have about 50 members and organise a number of dive trips in the UK and overseas each year. They meet monthly in London and also plan other social events. You will need to join them to take part in their dives.
They have 3 dive weekends based in Dorset during 2017. April Weymouth. July Swanage. September Weymouth. More info on thier website and our events listings page. http://www.glug.co.uk/dive-tripssocials.html
Sat 23- Sun 24th. GLUG - Gay and Lesbian Underwater Group in Weymouth "2 days diving on our favorite hard boat; Tango of Weymouth. We will go with the flow on this trip as there is a plethora of options available to dive in Weymouth. You must have training giving a minimum dive depth of 30m and to have at least 30 UK dives under your belt. We are staying at the Breakwater Hotel with free overnight parking opposite and a filling station to boot, where we have secured air fills at the very reasonable price of £3.50. N.B. You must be a GLUG member to join this GLUG dive trip, or have a special dispensation from the organiser!" More info http://www.glug.co.uk/2017weymouthsept.html
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LGBT Radio show for Weymouth & Portland! (posted here 16/Sept/2017)
Wow! Yes it is true! Their are plans for this.
Several people have been bought together this summer to explore this idea, an idea form Weymouth Gay Group guy Colin. Now that this is a step nearer happening we can release the info below. We could not say much for a while - but here it is! If you feel you can help in any way, please do get in touch. What would you like to hear on it? LGBT news, events, issues.... etc - please let us know. It will be a community programme for you and your input is most welcomed (what ever your age, gender, situation etc) Space Youth Project are likely to be leading this exciting idea (AIR is aimed at under 25's) and they have a suggested presenter who some of you may know! It is hoped that the weekly programme can be on air early 2018. As they say - stay tuned for info! Oh, and please don't forget that this, our website page, is THE local website page for local breaking lgbt news and events in our area. Until radio takes over! So keep up to date by checking back here on our Weymouth Gay Group website weekly! - and at our weekly pub meet ups in SWAN pub (wetherspoons) Thursdays in Weymouth for more info about this exciting project.
AIR Community Radio / LGBT programme
Some exciting news for the lgbt community in Weymouth & Portland area and we want YOU to get involved too!
At a recent meeting (organised by Weymouth Gay Group) with Air Community Radio, interest has been established for a regular weekly radio programme for the local lgbt+ community. Wow!
Air (All Inclusive Radio) is aimed at under 25’s and is based in Weymouth broadcasting on FM 107.2 and online at https://air1072.com/
This project is an exciting way to not only keep the local lgbt+ community informed about local events, news, issues and groups, but also to reach out to those who are questioning their sexuality /gender, particularly younger people. Further, it can also help shape the wider local community’s attitudes towards lgbt+ issues.
We would like to see the programme covering all aspects of lgbt+ life locally and thus input from all sectors of the local lgbt+ community would be essential, especially Transgender, non-binary, Lesbian, Bisexual, BME/people of colour, and faiths.
We need at least 2 people to be trained up as programme presenters, and others to help with ideas and content.
If you can contribute, wish to be a presenter, or just have ideas to share, please attend one of the Weymouth Gay Group twice weekly pub meet ups for a chat with Colin. Or contact one of the lgbt persons listed below.
Present at the recent meeting were Derek Greenacre Station Manager Air Radio, Alan form The Dorset LGBT Equality Network, Helen from Space Youth Project and Colin from Weymouth Gay Group. Not present, but have shown great interest, Dorset Mind who run MindOut lgbt mental health support group in Weymouth.
Please help us to help others and make this work! Exciting times!
Thanks Colin
Weymouth Gay Group
Contact Colin at Weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com for more info.
Website http://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com
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Wow! Yes it is true! Their are plans for this.
Several people have been bought together this summer to explore this idea, an idea form Weymouth Gay Group guy Colin. Now that this is a step nearer happening we can release the info below. We could not say much for a while - but here it is! If you feel you can help in any way, please do get in touch. What would you like to hear on it? LGBT news, events, issues.... etc - please let us know. It will be a community programme for you and your input is most welcomed (what ever your age, gender, situation etc) Space Youth Project are likely to be leading this exciting idea (AIR is aimed at under 25's) and they have a suggested presenter who some of you may know! It is hoped that the weekly programme can be on air early 2018. As they say - stay tuned for info! Oh, and please don't forget that this, our website page, is THE local website page for local breaking lgbt news and events in our area. Until radio takes over! So keep up to date by checking back here on our Weymouth Gay Group website weekly! - and at our weekly pub meet ups in SWAN pub (wetherspoons) Thursdays in Weymouth for more info about this exciting project.
AIR Community Radio / LGBT programme
Some exciting news for the lgbt community in Weymouth & Portland area and we want YOU to get involved too!
At a recent meeting (organised by Weymouth Gay Group) with Air Community Radio, interest has been established for a regular weekly radio programme for the local lgbt+ community. Wow!
Air (All Inclusive Radio) is aimed at under 25’s and is based in Weymouth broadcasting on FM 107.2 and online at https://air1072.com/
This project is an exciting way to not only keep the local lgbt+ community informed about local events, news, issues and groups, but also to reach out to those who are questioning their sexuality /gender, particularly younger people. Further, it can also help shape the wider local community’s attitudes towards lgbt+ issues.
We would like to see the programme covering all aspects of lgbt+ life locally and thus input from all sectors of the local lgbt+ community would be essential, especially Transgender, non-binary, Lesbian, Bisexual, BME/people of colour, and faiths.
We need at least 2 people to be trained up as programme presenters, and others to help with ideas and content.
If you can contribute, wish to be a presenter, or just have ideas to share, please attend one of the Weymouth Gay Group twice weekly pub meet ups for a chat with Colin. Or contact one of the lgbt persons listed below.
Present at the recent meeting were Derek Greenacre Station Manager Air Radio, Alan form The Dorset LGBT Equality Network, Helen from Space Youth Project and Colin from Weymouth Gay Group. Not present, but have shown great interest, Dorset Mind who run MindOut lgbt mental health support group in Weymouth.
Please help us to help others and make this work! Exciting times!
Thanks Colin
Weymouth Gay Group
Contact Colin at Weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com for more info.
Website http://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com
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Rainbow Flags Fly for Dean.
Posted here 23/9/2017 Friday 22nd September was the funeral for the amazing young Weymouth man Dean Eastmond (21). Family and friends gathered at The Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy in celebration of his life, and all he had (and still is) achieving. It was an occasion of "Glitter" which is exactly what he would have wanted said his partner Adam. Scroll down below for more about Dean's amazing life and tributes to him. Also links to the many media stories about his life. He co-founded HisKind Magazine, and it is their picture of the Rainbow flags that we show here. Oh, and to top it all off a natural Rainbow appeared to help send Dean on his way. Perfect. |
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Dean Eastmond Posted here 3/9/2017
Sad news to report that Dean passed away on Sunday 3rd September at just 21. He has made an amazing contribution to the lgbt community and achieved so much during his fight with cancer. Dean lived part of his life in Weymouth. You can read tributes to him on our Weymouth Gay Group twitter feed, and below.
"Award winning Dean had achieved so much for the lgbt community in such a short time while suffering, a truly amazing young man taken to soon. Our thoughts are with his partner, family and friends at this time. "
Colin Weymouth Gay group.
** Tribute concert for Dean - with Years & Years and many other groups** - info https://hiskind.com/hiskind-presents-dean/
BBC Radio Solent Dorset. Steve Harris Breakfast in Dorset 4th September 2017
LISTEN: @AttitudeMag ed @CliffJoannou on Weymouth LGBT campaigner Dean Eastmond who's lost his battle with cancer. "A prominent LGBT campaigner from Weymouth has lost his battle with cancer Dean Eastmond was 21 years old. He was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma last June." http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05f3661
Also from BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/41146966/tributes-paid-to-lgbt-activist-dean-who-died-from-cancer
From Attitude Magazine:- 4th Sept 2017
Dean Eastmond, queer journalist and healthcare campaigner, dies aged 21. Dean's family paid tribute to "The most caring, loving, beautiful person"
http://attitude.co.uk/dean-eastmond-queer-journalist-and-healthcare-campaigner-dies-aged-21/
You can read more about his achievements here
http://attitude.co.uk/dean-eastmond-is-battling-cancer-and-fighting-inequalities-in-the-health-care-system-at-the-same-time/
And hear Dean in a BBC Radio interview here http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p059t0y5
The BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme (BBC 2 & News channel) Tuesday 5th September 2017
This had a beautiful and very moving tribute to Dean given by his partner, his brother, and a college from His Kind Magazine. You will find clips on the Weymouth Gay Group twitter timeline @weymouthgaygrp
See this link for the programme - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05f6xcx
Dorset Echo report 5/9/2017 with tributes from Cafe Jagos and Weymouth Gay Group :-
"Tributes are paid to inspiring LGBT campaigner Dean Eastmond from Weymouth who lost battle with rare cancer aged 21"
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15514184.Tributes_paid_to_inspiring_LGBT_campaigner_from_Weymouth_who_lost_battle_with_rare_cancer_aged_21/
Sad news to report that Dean passed away on Sunday 3rd September at just 21. He has made an amazing contribution to the lgbt community and achieved so much during his fight with cancer. Dean lived part of his life in Weymouth. You can read tributes to him on our Weymouth Gay Group twitter feed, and below.
"Award winning Dean had achieved so much for the lgbt community in such a short time while suffering, a truly amazing young man taken to soon. Our thoughts are with his partner, family and friends at this time. "
Colin Weymouth Gay group.
** Tribute concert for Dean - with Years & Years and many other groups** - info https://hiskind.com/hiskind-presents-dean/
BBC Radio Solent Dorset. Steve Harris Breakfast in Dorset 4th September 2017
LISTEN: @AttitudeMag ed @CliffJoannou on Weymouth LGBT campaigner Dean Eastmond who's lost his battle with cancer. "A prominent LGBT campaigner from Weymouth has lost his battle with cancer Dean Eastmond was 21 years old. He was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma last June." http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05f3661
Also from BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/41146966/tributes-paid-to-lgbt-activist-dean-who-died-from-cancer
From Attitude Magazine:- 4th Sept 2017
Dean Eastmond, queer journalist and healthcare campaigner, dies aged 21. Dean's family paid tribute to "The most caring, loving, beautiful person"
http://attitude.co.uk/dean-eastmond-queer-journalist-and-healthcare-campaigner-dies-aged-21/
You can read more about his achievements here
http://attitude.co.uk/dean-eastmond-is-battling-cancer-and-fighting-inequalities-in-the-health-care-system-at-the-same-time/
And hear Dean in a BBC Radio interview here http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p059t0y5
The BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme (BBC 2 & News channel) Tuesday 5th September 2017
This had a beautiful and very moving tribute to Dean given by his partner, his brother, and a college from His Kind Magazine. You will find clips on the Weymouth Gay Group twitter timeline @weymouthgaygrp
See this link for the programme - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05f6xcx
Dorset Echo report 5/9/2017 with tributes from Cafe Jagos and Weymouth Gay Group :-
"Tributes are paid to inspiring LGBT campaigner Dean Eastmond from Weymouth who lost battle with rare cancer aged 21"
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15514184.Tributes_paid_to_inspiring_LGBT_campaigner_from_Weymouth_who_lost_battle_with_rare_cancer_aged_21/
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BBC Radio Solent - Breakfast in Dorset (posted here wed Sept 20th 2017)
The life of an LGBT journalist and campaigner from Weymouth is celebrated at a special event in London
Dean Eastmond died from a rare form of cancer aged 21. He set up HISKIND magazine with Josh Fletcher.
Hear the interview here with BBC presenter Steve Harris and Josh Fletcher -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05gp7qm
More here - from BBC Newsbeat (posted here wed Sept 20th)
Dean Eastmond's London gig will be 'a testament to the LGBTQ+ community
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/41333257/dean-eastmonds-london-gig-will-be-a-testament-to-the-lgbtq-community
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The life of an LGBT journalist and campaigner from Weymouth is celebrated at a special event in London
Dean Eastmond died from a rare form of cancer aged 21. He set up HISKIND magazine with Josh Fletcher.
Hear the interview here with BBC presenter Steve Harris and Josh Fletcher -
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05gp7qm
More here - from BBC Newsbeat (posted here wed Sept 20th)
Dean Eastmond's London gig will be 'a testament to the LGBTQ+ community
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/41333257/dean-eastmonds-london-gig-will-be-a-testament-to-the-lgbtq-community
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Landlady hits back at 'ridiculous and inaccurate' claims that her (Weymouth) pub is homophobic
Extract from Dorset Echo 3/6/2017. Read full report (with photos) here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15325856.Landlady_hits_back_at__ridiculous_and_inaccurate__claims_that_her_pub_is_homophobic/?ref=mrb&lp=1
A landlady has hit back at 'ridiculous and inaccurate' claims that her pub is homophobic.
Michelle Tempest is the new owner of The Duke of Cornwall on St Edmund Street in Weymouth, along with her partner Jason Osborne, who is also a borough councillor.
A post on Facebook which has atracted many comments and has been shared more than 100 times has accused the landlady of kicking out a gay couple for kissing and urging people to boycott the pub. But Miss Tempest says the claim she asked people to leave because they were gay is "completely untrue". She is concerned the claim could affect her business. A neighbouring bar owner and Pubwatch committee member says he backs her version of events.
The Facebook post was also raised at a Weymouth and Portland Borough Council meeting on Thursday evening where Cllr Andy Blackwood called on councillors to investigate the rumours. He said Weymouth 'cannot be labelled as a homophobic town'. The alleged incident happened on Bank Holiday Monday.
Miss Tempest explained a group of people, who appeared intoxicated, came into the pub. She said: "We had a lot of people trying to enjoy our folk musician and this group were acting completely inappropriately. "I walked over and asked the group to behave or leave and they left without incident. "A different man, who was not part of the group, then came over from T-Bar and asked the staff if we were 'a gay friendly pub'. "We explained we welcome everyone who is a friend of The Duke. We absolutely don't discriminate against anyone – whether they are black, white, gay, straight."
She added: "The man then tried to bring the group back in and I refused them entrance. "He shouted and tried to intimidate us outside the front door so we called the police. "They told the police that I had thrown them out because they were kissing as gay people. This is ridiculous and inaccurate. "I had asked them to behave or they would be asked to leave and they left. It's nothing to do with their sexual preference or colour."
The person who wrote the post on Facebook, who did not want to be named, said: “I had come out from a bar across the road and outside there was a couple who said they had been kicked out of the Duke of Cornwall for kissing because they were gay. “I went in to the pub and ordered a drink and asked the bartender to clarify if there was a problem with gay couples kissing in there. She said no, so I ordered a few more drinks and went back outside. “When I tried to come back in the landlady refused to let me enter, claiming I was ‘going to be trouble’. “We got in to a debate and I got a bit hot-headed. I asked her if she had a problem because I was black and if she had a problem with gay couples. “When the police came there were other witnesses who said that there was nothing the gay couple were doing wrong and nothing untoward. I’m not one to post everything on social media, but I felt that something needed to be said here.
Jamie Crage, who is the owner of the Closet and T-Bar opposite the Duke of Cornwall and is a committee member of Pubwatch, has been in discussions with Miss Tempest about the incident.
He said: "After seeing these posts online I was very concerned so wanted to follow up what had happened. "After seeing CCTV and speaking to parties involved I would 100 per cent back up the staff at The Duke. "Being a gay man myself I know how easy these things can get out of hand having witnessed similar situations. "I have experienced similar incidents in the past at my venues where you have reused entry or warned people about their behaviour and they try to blame you for being discriminative when in fact they're behaving inappropriately.
Extract from Dorset Echo 3/6/2017. Read full report (with photos) here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15325856.Landlady_hits_back_at__ridiculous_and_inaccurate__claims_that_her_pub_is_homophobic/?ref=mrb&lp=1
A non story or something to worry about?
Check our Weymouth Gay Group tweets below about this story. You can express your views on our twitter account
about this story, @weymouthgaygrp
WGG tweet :- "Not being in Duke Of Cornwall or knowing those involved, we can't comment (in detail) on this. It is great to see many lgbt bar staff in #weymouth pubs."
WGG comment- Jamie's (Manager Closet Bar) comments in the above article should be noted.
WGG tweet :- "We, WGG find 99% of #weymouth pubs welcome our group twice a week. #homophobia where ever it is needs to be stamped out"
WGG comment- Weymouth Gay Group has been meeting up in town pubs for over 9 years!
WGG tweet:- "Good to read Cllr Blackwoods comment #weymouth "cannot be labeled as a #homophobic town". Many #lgbt grps visit @OutdoorLads @GayOutdoorClub1"
WGG tweet:- " #homophobic #weymouth? Discuss.. Look back at some of the comments in Echo when Closet Bar first opened! @ClosetWeymouth #lgbt "
WGG comment - Oh, and at last years Dorchester Love Parade! (see our WGG pride page http://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/gay-pride-events-news.html )
WGG tweet:- "Anti-social behavior or "acting inappropriately" in any pub (straight or #gay) is unwelcomed by all"
WGG comment:- Weymouth Gay Group has a set of "Group Guidelines" for those attending our events.
You can express your views on our twitter account about this story, @weymouthgaygrp , or at our events.
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Extract from Dorset Echo 3/6/2017. Read full report (with photos) here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15325856.Landlady_hits_back_at__ridiculous_and_inaccurate__claims_that_her_pub_is_homophobic/?ref=mrb&lp=1
A landlady has hit back at 'ridiculous and inaccurate' claims that her pub is homophobic.
Michelle Tempest is the new owner of The Duke of Cornwall on St Edmund Street in Weymouth, along with her partner Jason Osborne, who is also a borough councillor.
A post on Facebook which has atracted many comments and has been shared more than 100 times has accused the landlady of kicking out a gay couple for kissing and urging people to boycott the pub. But Miss Tempest says the claim she asked people to leave because they were gay is "completely untrue". She is concerned the claim could affect her business. A neighbouring bar owner and Pubwatch committee member says he backs her version of events.
The Facebook post was also raised at a Weymouth and Portland Borough Council meeting on Thursday evening where Cllr Andy Blackwood called on councillors to investigate the rumours. He said Weymouth 'cannot be labelled as a homophobic town'. The alleged incident happened on Bank Holiday Monday.
Miss Tempest explained a group of people, who appeared intoxicated, came into the pub. She said: "We had a lot of people trying to enjoy our folk musician and this group were acting completely inappropriately. "I walked over and asked the group to behave or leave and they left without incident. "A different man, who was not part of the group, then came over from T-Bar and asked the staff if we were 'a gay friendly pub'. "We explained we welcome everyone who is a friend of The Duke. We absolutely don't discriminate against anyone – whether they are black, white, gay, straight."
She added: "The man then tried to bring the group back in and I refused them entrance. "He shouted and tried to intimidate us outside the front door so we called the police. "They told the police that I had thrown them out because they were kissing as gay people. This is ridiculous and inaccurate. "I had asked them to behave or they would be asked to leave and they left. It's nothing to do with their sexual preference or colour."
The person who wrote the post on Facebook, who did not want to be named, said: “I had come out from a bar across the road and outside there was a couple who said they had been kicked out of the Duke of Cornwall for kissing because they were gay. “I went in to the pub and ordered a drink and asked the bartender to clarify if there was a problem with gay couples kissing in there. She said no, so I ordered a few more drinks and went back outside. “When I tried to come back in the landlady refused to let me enter, claiming I was ‘going to be trouble’. “We got in to a debate and I got a bit hot-headed. I asked her if she had a problem because I was black and if she had a problem with gay couples. “When the police came there were other witnesses who said that there was nothing the gay couple were doing wrong and nothing untoward. I’m not one to post everything on social media, but I felt that something needed to be said here.
Jamie Crage, who is the owner of the Closet and T-Bar opposite the Duke of Cornwall and is a committee member of Pubwatch, has been in discussions with Miss Tempest about the incident.
He said: "After seeing these posts online I was very concerned so wanted to follow up what had happened. "After seeing CCTV and speaking to parties involved I would 100 per cent back up the staff at The Duke. "Being a gay man myself I know how easy these things can get out of hand having witnessed similar situations. "I have experienced similar incidents in the past at my venues where you have reused entry or warned people about their behaviour and they try to blame you for being discriminative when in fact they're behaving inappropriately.
Extract from Dorset Echo 3/6/2017. Read full report (with photos) here - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15325856.Landlady_hits_back_at__ridiculous_and_inaccurate__claims_that_her_pub_is_homophobic/?ref=mrb&lp=1
A non story or something to worry about?
Check our Weymouth Gay Group tweets below about this story. You can express your views on our twitter account
about this story, @weymouthgaygrp
WGG tweet :- "Not being in Duke Of Cornwall or knowing those involved, we can't comment (in detail) on this. It is great to see many lgbt bar staff in #weymouth pubs."
WGG comment- Jamie's (Manager Closet Bar) comments in the above article should be noted.
WGG tweet :- "We, WGG find 99% of #weymouth pubs welcome our group twice a week. #homophobia where ever it is needs to be stamped out"
WGG comment- Weymouth Gay Group has been meeting up in town pubs for over 9 years!
WGG tweet:- "Good to read Cllr Blackwoods comment #weymouth "cannot be labeled as a #homophobic town". Many #lgbt grps visit @OutdoorLads @GayOutdoorClub1"
WGG tweet:- " #homophobic #weymouth? Discuss.. Look back at some of the comments in Echo when Closet Bar first opened! @ClosetWeymouth #lgbt "
WGG comment - Oh, and at last years Dorchester Love Parade! (see our WGG pride page http://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/gay-pride-events-news.html )
WGG tweet:- "Anti-social behavior or "acting inappropriately" in any pub (straight or #gay) is unwelcomed by all"
WGG comment:- Weymouth Gay Group has a set of "Group Guidelines" for those attending our events.
You can express your views on our twitter account about this story, @weymouthgaygrp , or at our events.
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Dorchester Youth Theatre to perform Pronoun by Evan Placey.
A transgender play - March 30/31
From Dorset Echo 23/3/2017 see Echo report here for photos and full story http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15177175.Play_tackles_impact_of_gender_transition/#
A LOVE story about transition, testosterone, and James Dean will be performed by Dorchester Youth Theatre (DYT).
Pronoun by Evan Placey will be staged by the seniors of DYT at the Corn Exchange on March 30 and 31.
Josh and Isabella are childhood sweethearts. They were meant to spend their gap year together, they were meant to be together forever. But Isabella has now become a boy. This play about a transgender teenager, explores the impact on friends and family of an individual's decision to undergo gender transition. While his friends are generally supportive, his mum and dad are struggling as they try to understand Dean's experience for themselves. Dean's sister, Dani, is struggling with the loss of a sister. And Dean's boyfriend, Josh, is struggling to make sense of a confused welter of feelings.
The play was commissioned as part of the 2014 National Theatre Connections Festival and premiered by youth theatres across the UK, including a performance at the National Theatre. An award winning playwright, Placey is known for his urgent and explosive plays, tackling issues facing young people today. Last July DYT Performance Company staged Placey's 'Girls Like That'.
On first reading the play, artistic director Jo Simons said: "I was struck with how powerful the play was, in terms of the struggles many young people face, and working out how they 'fit'.
Dean's sister, Dani, is struggling with the loss of a sister. And Dean's boyfriend, Josh, is struggling to make sense of a confused welter of feelings. "Adding 'The Senior Company were very keen to tell this story and it always amazes me how they always rise to the challenge with maturity and integrity'."
Pronoun is at Dorchester Corn Exchange at 7.30pm on March 30 and 31. Doors open at 7pm. It is suitable for those aged 14+
For more details and to book tickets, contact Dorchester Arts Box Office. http://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/how-to-book/
For more information about Dorchester Youth Theatre, visit www.dorchyouththeatre.co.uk
Their is a good review (from The Echo) of this play on our review page.
http://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/reviews-of-events-you-may-have-missed.html
Entitled "Youngsters turn a challenging piece of work into thought-provoking theater", It is well worth a read whether you attended or missed this play.
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A transgender play - March 30/31
From Dorset Echo 23/3/2017 see Echo report here for photos and full story http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15177175.Play_tackles_impact_of_gender_transition/#
A LOVE story about transition, testosterone, and James Dean will be performed by Dorchester Youth Theatre (DYT).
Pronoun by Evan Placey will be staged by the seniors of DYT at the Corn Exchange on March 30 and 31.
Josh and Isabella are childhood sweethearts. They were meant to spend their gap year together, they were meant to be together forever. But Isabella has now become a boy. This play about a transgender teenager, explores the impact on friends and family of an individual's decision to undergo gender transition. While his friends are generally supportive, his mum and dad are struggling as they try to understand Dean's experience for themselves. Dean's sister, Dani, is struggling with the loss of a sister. And Dean's boyfriend, Josh, is struggling to make sense of a confused welter of feelings.
The play was commissioned as part of the 2014 National Theatre Connections Festival and premiered by youth theatres across the UK, including a performance at the National Theatre. An award winning playwright, Placey is known for his urgent and explosive plays, tackling issues facing young people today. Last July DYT Performance Company staged Placey's 'Girls Like That'.
On first reading the play, artistic director Jo Simons said: "I was struck with how powerful the play was, in terms of the struggles many young people face, and working out how they 'fit'.
Dean's sister, Dani, is struggling with the loss of a sister. And Dean's boyfriend, Josh, is struggling to make sense of a confused welter of feelings. "Adding 'The Senior Company were very keen to tell this story and it always amazes me how they always rise to the challenge with maturity and integrity'."
Pronoun is at Dorchester Corn Exchange at 7.30pm on March 30 and 31. Doors open at 7pm. It is suitable for those aged 14+
For more details and to book tickets, contact Dorchester Arts Box Office. http://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/how-to-book/
For more information about Dorchester Youth Theatre, visit www.dorchyouththeatre.co.uk
Their is a good review (from The Echo) of this play on our review page.
http://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/reviews-of-events-you-may-have-missed.html
Entitled "Youngsters turn a challenging piece of work into thought-provoking theater", It is well worth a read whether you attended or missed this play.
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The Weymouth Sweet Shop! updated 16/3/2017
Did you see this on our Twitter (and facebook) Oct 22nd 2015? We really REALLY love it! After posting it on twitter our "likes" & "retweets" it went wild! We had a record number of retweets/likes. Who would have thought that a sleeply old back town like ours would have such a positive gift on sale! Have you got yours yet? What a great Christmas or birthday gift. Suggestions about what sweets to enclose with it have been gobstoppers for Colin. To stop him talking about Philippines! New - August 2016 - "Only Gay in the office" and "No one knows I'm Gay" mugs available.
Mug update :- The photos below show you what is in stock on 16th march 2017- hurry, as I guess they will be gone soon, as again our twitter (and fb) have gone viral with retweets! The Weymouth Sweet Shop is in St Mary's Street.
Did you see this on our Twitter (and facebook) Oct 22nd 2015? We really REALLY love it! After posting it on twitter our "likes" & "retweets" it went wild! We had a record number of retweets/likes. Who would have thought that a sleeply old back town like ours would have such a positive gift on sale! Have you got yours yet? What a great Christmas or birthday gift. Suggestions about what sweets to enclose with it have been gobstoppers for Colin. To stop him talking about Philippines! New - August 2016 - "Only Gay in the office" and "No one knows I'm Gay" mugs available.
Mug update :- The photos below show you what is in stock on 16th march 2017- hurry, as I guess they will be gone soon, as again our twitter (and fb) have gone viral with retweets! The Weymouth Sweet Shop is in St Mary's Street.
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Do you use Grindr or other dating apps?
Following the tragic murder of young gay guys in 2016, it is well worth checking out the advice on how to be safe online with dating apps.
See http://www.galop.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Crime-Safety-and-Hook-Up-Apps.pdf
You can see advice from Dorset Police here :-
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15056599.Dorset_Police_issue_advice_over_use_of_dating_apps/ (posted 30/1/17)
It is of course far better to meet guys at a social group like ours in a safe and supportive environment. Swan pub every Thursday!
From Pink News 19th Sept 2017.
Texas man admits using Grindr to 'lure' victims for violent homophobic attacks
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/09/19/texas-man-admits-using-grindr-to-lure-victims-for-violent-homophobic-attacks/
Following the tragic murder of young gay guys in 2016, it is well worth checking out the advice on how to be safe online with dating apps.
See http://www.galop.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Crime-Safety-and-Hook-Up-Apps.pdf
You can see advice from Dorset Police here :-
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15056599.Dorset_Police_issue_advice_over_use_of_dating_apps/ (posted 30/1/17)
It is of course far better to meet guys at a social group like ours in a safe and supportive environment. Swan pub every Thursday!
From Pink News 19th Sept 2017.
Texas man admits using Grindr to 'lure' victims for violent homophobic attacks
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/09/19/texas-man-admits-using-grindr-to-lure-victims-for-violent-homophobic-attacks/
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Please make sure you check out all our other pages, lots of local lgbt events, local lgbt news, helplines and Prides in Dorset info!
This page was last updated 03/01/2019 Weymouth Gay Group 2023
email :- weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com Twitter https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp and some where on facebook too!
LGBT helpline 0800 612 3010 *Confidential non-judgemental support* Run by The Intercom Trust (free from UK mobiles & landlines)
Please make sure you check out all our other pages, lots of local lgbt events, local lgbt news, helplines and Prides in Dorset info!
This page was last updated 03/01/2019 Weymouth Gay Group 2023
email :- weymouthgaygroup@gmail.com Twitter https://twitter.com/WeymouthGayGrp and some where on facebook too!
LGBT helpline 0800 612 3010 *Confidential non-judgemental support* Run by The Intercom Trust (free from UK mobiles & landlines)
