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issue 29december 2011 ★ january 2012
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lgbt news... / icon... / health... / sexuality... / culture... / politics.../ travel... / fitness... / law... / reviews & more
the northeast’s premier lgbt news and lifestyle magazine
northeast
freddiemercuryparents of gay children
being muslim and lesbian
extreme trans exclusiongoing back in the closet
aids · 30 years on
gay life in sunderland
staying sexually healthy
lgbt news... / icon... / health... / sexuality... / culture... / politics.../ travel... / fitness... / law... / reviews & more
the northeast’s premier
lgbt news and lifestyle
magazine
14 freddie mercury 4 regional, national + world news
28 a-z community listings30 southern scene queen31 scene listings32 scene out? sunderland34 horoscopes35 back page ads
16 health · aids 30 years on18 work · still more to do19 the fed · looking forward20 gender · trans exclusion22 spirituality · bridge building24 law · civil marriage25 travel · bilbao
Welcome to out! northeast, the region’s favourite lgbt read. Another jam-packed issue free for you to enjoy!
editoraly rhodes
news... ben spence · norma wright heather mcglade · angie scott ryan houston · joan pene · rob woodmatthew hodson · steve greenwood kate hall · julia lyford · ken mortimermichael anderson · peter tatchell laura brodie · edward baranbecky steckhahn-strohmer
life... law · adam slawsonhealth · mark foxwork · patrick pricethe fed · louise evan wongspirituality · ashharagender · natacha kennedytravel · mark caseyicon · aly rhodes
culture...plays out! · ophelia balls listen out! · james barr
takes...scene out? · ben morganhoroscopes · jasmine starrsouthern scene queen · anita detox
proofreadingangela walls
designaly rhodes
to get [email protected]
26 plays out! · ophelia’s choice 27 listen out! with james barr
out! news
out! takes
out! culture
out! team
out! icon
out! life
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©2011 · out! northeast registered in england no. 7383498
All rights reserved. Material is strictly copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from out! northeast is forbidden. Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine but we cannot accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of out! northeast. Images included of people do not indicate their sexuality.
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northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com
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out! northeast
If you enjoy out! northeast and can see value in it for your organisation, consider using it to connect with lgbt people. It’s a great way
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Each issue of out! northeast is produced entirely by volunteers. We welcome and encourage input. Everybody’s valued contribution - from
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Patrick gets feedback that coming out at work isn’t always easy. Louise updates us on The Fed’s plans for the new year. Natacha gives us a glimpse into the sad-ness experienced by marginalised trans children. Ashhara gives us her perspective on being Muslim and lesbian. Adam discusses the small steps the government is taking towards marriage equality, and our other Mark takes us on a trip to Bilbao. James brings us his top tunes. Ophelia takes us on a trip through pantoland, and Ms Detox takes us around Middlesbrough and Darlington scenes in the run up to the year’s annual party time!
Big thanks as always go to all our volunteer contributors and distributors for giving up their precious time so that you dear readers can all enjoy out! northeast. There’s always so much to do. Please get in touch if you’d like to help out! too.
Meanwhile... enjoy the festivities, whatever you get up to and we hope to see you in the new year!
Aly
Hello everyone. Welcome to winter’s edition of out! northeast.
First up, there’s news of new support groups in Sunderland, a recap of the city’s first pride, and a photospread of the big day by resident scene out? pho-tographer Ben. We’ve got advice from Mesmac on keeping sexually healthy and news on the return of GMFA’s Power Talking workshops for men.
We have a few cheeky calendars of Newcastle Panthers baring all to give away. There’s information on where parents of gay sons and daughters can go for support and more new research on the concerning state of play for our older population.
This month out! northeast honours a man familiar to most - Freddie Mercury - chosen because this issue coincides with World AIDS Day on December 1st, and the 10th anniver-sary of his death from AIDS-related pneumonia. AIDS is so much part of our everyday lives now that it may be difficult for a whole generation to imagine that casual sex, without a condom, ever happened. Mark takes a year-by-year look back at the last 30 years since the syndrome first raised its ugly head in the UK.
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welcome
lgbt news... / icon... / health... / sexuality... / culture... / politics.../ travel... / fitness... / law... / reviews & more northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 3
sunderland’s proud premiere
Sunderland’s first pride was the occasion and it was very memorable indeed - when acts including Missing Lynx, Beauty, Miss Lucy, I’m So P!nk and Envy played to the crowd in the city centre. Bears Aloud were hilarious as ever, and the fabulous Scooch were awesome headliners.
It was wonderful to see the commercial venues put away their rivalry for the day and work together to keep the entertainment going ‘til the early hours.
Sunderland Pride’s Ryan Houston said, “The amount of support the event received has been astronomical and the fact that pride has finally arrived in Wearside is truly heartwarming. A lot of people said this wouldn’t happen, and I can’t believe that here we are partying in the centre of town today. It’s just brilliant”.
But from what we’ve heard, it was the march that was the highlight of the day. Some people went ‘all out’ with their costumes and the public’s reactions - clapping, cheering, joining in, beeping horns - were a very welcome,
if somewhat surprising, positive addition to the celebratory and empowering atmosphere.
Prior to the march the mayor of Sunderland Norma Wright, gave an inspiring and heartwarming speech to all who gathered.
She welcomed everybody on what was an historic day and expressed delight that Sunderland was hosting its first gay pride. “We are determined that all people will be treated as equal - residents and visitors alike. This is a great opportunity to unite all the residents of our city. We all have much to gain from living in a city that embraces diversity and inclusivity”.
She went on to say, “This event is a positive first step. I sincerely hope today is a massive success - a really enjoyable day - and a suitable reward for all the effort and hard work given by so many. As mayor of the city of Sunderland it gives me great pleasure to launch Sunderland’s first gay pride. I wish you all well.
Local resident Ben Spence said, “Personally I feel the first event was a massive success. It ended up being shown on the local news and was in the newspapers the next day. Also it was an honour that the mayor came down and supported us and took part in the march. n
See also Sunderland Pride scene out? p32-33.
At the end of September the sun shone on hundreds of people as they paraded a river of colour through Sunderland, from the civic centre to Park Lane in support of lgbt equality.
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You may already be aware of the great Tuesday nights out that Sunderland has to offer lgbt people. But there’s a lot more going on around town that you might like to know about!
We’Ar Out! is a new Sunderland-based project, set up by Trinity Youth Association in conjunction with Mesmac North East, which supports the health and wellbeing of Wearside’s lgbt communities.
The initiative delivers a range of services, including sexual health outreach, information and advice, 1 hour HIV testing (by appointment on Mondays), as well as help to stop smoking and assistance with other health issues. Free condoms and lube are also available. All of these services are free and confidential.
We’Ar Out! also runs a number of support groups which include a social group for the trans com-munity which meets every other Monday, as well as a group specifi-cally for young trans people called ID who get together on the first Tuesday of each month. There’s a ‘wellness through creativity’ group which meets on alternate Mondays, and a lesbian and bisexual women’s group on alternate Tuesdays. GAY (Good as You), a lgbt youth group meet on Wednesdays. And last but not least, an older men’s group hook up on alternate Thursdays.
The We’Ar Out! trans group offers a very warm welcome, and comfortable surroundings, to those of all ages who identify as transvestite (tv), cross-dresser (cd), transgender (tg) or trans-sexual (ts).
Meetings run from 6.30-9pm, on the second and fourth Mondays of each calendar month. It’s a great social event with light refreshments, and an opportunity to socialise with others who share the same interests. Changing facilities are provided for those who prefer to dress when they arrive and/or leave.
All groups are based at 14 Bridge House in Sunderland - directly opposite Wearmouth bridge and St Mary’s cathedral. Free parking is available, in a quiet quadrangle - access from Bedford Street. There’s even a meet-and-greet service for those who’d like to meet for a chat before attending the group.
For information about the transgender group, email Heather, [email protected]
If you’d like more information about any of the other services We’Ar Out! offers get in touch with Debs on 07415 104 559 or call the office on 0191 514 5953.
If you prefer to email then [email protected] or [email protected] are happy to help.
We’Ar Out! are on facebook, www.facebook.com/wearoutsunderland and on Twitter, @wearout_lgbt n
what’s happening on wearside
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panthers bare all!
GFSN national cup winners Newcastle Panthers bare all in an official 2012 calendar to raise funds for the club. Enter our competition and you’ll get the chance to peek at these cheeky chaps every day of the year!
The Panthers decided to go naked for 2012 in an attempt to raise much needed funds for the club. It’s the first time any lgbt team has done something so daring!
Pete the club chairman (Mr June) said, “We were all nervous to start off with, but after a couple of beers it was, clothes? What clothes?”. And John, team captain (Mr November) added, “I’m proud to be part of this great project. It was an excellent team bonding exercise”.
The Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) league consists of lgbt teams from around the country who compete in league and cup matches.
The Panthers was set up three and a half years ago to give lgbt enthusiasts a chance to play and support the sport they love. And this year they did us proud by bringing home their first trophy.
Running a football club is an expen-sive business. Thankfully Sauna 52 have been a great support in sponsoring the kit, but there’s pitch
they’re still our childrenBack in 1995 a voluntary helpline and support group for parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender sons and daughters, called Parents Enquiry North East, was set up by the late Pat Atthey.
When Pat’s son Rob told her he was gay, she went through a very difficult time - as many parents do. There was a whole community to support her son but no-one between Edinburgh and Manches-ter to support her. So once she’d come to terms with how things were, she worked with Mesmac, to set about improving things.
Within a year, she had recruited assistance from Joan, another mother of a gay son, who with the help of husband Laurie, took over as coordinator in ‘99 when Pat and her husband passed away suddenly.
Parents Enquiry North East (PENE) now has a committee of ten, and four parents - Janis and Keith in Newcastle, and Jill and Sue in Cleveland - help staff the lines for the region.
Many parents, mainly mothers, often blame themselves, mourning what they sometimes see as the loss of a beloved child (and grandchildren), and expressing fear for what the future might hold. Joan and her team help them feel less isolated by offering information and support around lgbt health, relationships, hatred their children may encounter, equal opportunities and the law.
PENE hold a support group every other month - with occasional speakers - where parents can meet to discuss their concerns. A quarterly newsletter has also proved popular with parents who have difficulty attending meetings.
PENE see their role as supplement-ing the role of professional advisors and take referrals from a variety of sources. The service is confidential - often they don’t even get to know the names of callers.
The overall feeling they get from parents is one of relief in being able to talk to someone who will not judge them because they’ve been there, and wear the same tshirt.
PENE sometimes receive calls from young people who want advice on how to tell their parents, and they are well positioned to help.
“Although the majority of calls we take now are from parents with children around 16 years, we have had calls from parents with sons and daughters from 8 to 50. They are all still our children” said Joan. “We will continue to give our help and support where and when it is needed. One day of course, we hope that we will be redundant when all our children are accepted without discrimination”.
To get in touch call 0191 455 2868 or email [email protected] For more information visit www.parentsofgays.co.uk n
hire, travel costs, and more. The calendars are a way to help fund the lads to represent our commu-nities - and the region as a whole.
At £5 each (+£2 p+p), the calendars are great value and are perfect as a Christmas stocking filler. Everyone knows someone who’ll appreciate one, right?
Or you could get yours free by entering our competition. Simply send an email to [email protected] - stating how long ago Newcastle Panthers formed. Entries close 20 December. If you’re not in you can’t win!
For further information on the club, and how to get your hands on these limited edition prized prints, please visit their website - www.newcastlepanthers.co.uk
There’s a facebook group too if you want regular updates. They are looking for players, supporters and coaching staff so get in touch with Rob at [email protected] if you’d like to take part. n
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Do you want to improve your communication skills - including negotiating the sex you want? GMFA’s ‘Power Talking’ course returns to Newcastle to give gay men communication skills for life.
‘power talking’ for men
GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, has just announced the return of their popular workshop, ‘Power Talking’. It will be delivered early next year by GMFA’s CHAPS partners in 11 cities across the UK.
This two-day course will give you the skills to communicate with clarity and confidence. It will help you talk to people about all areas of your life, including your sex life. It will give you the power to ask for what you want and say ‘no’ to things you don’t.
The course gives hundreds of gay men the opportunity to become happier, more confident communicators. One participant told GMFA, “I feel more self-confident and my self-esteem has gone a couple of notches higher”.
The course takes a look at the different ways that communication skills can affect our lives. In a relaxed and friendly group setting, you’ll learn about building your skills in effective communication in a variety of situations - with friends, at work and with sexual partners.
Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA, said “Not everyone has the confidence to ask for what they want, and many people struggle to say no, for fear of offending people. Often these
difficulties are exacerbated when it comes to sex. Good communica-tion skills can have a huge impact on our lives. Men with the ability and confidence to communicate effectively are more likely to suc-cessfully negotiate the sex they want. Lacking the confidence to say ‘no’ to the sex we don’t want can lead to men putting them-selves or their sexual partners at risk. This course gives men the skills to voice their needs and desires in all areas of their lives.”
In February 2012, the ‘Power Talking’ course will be run by trainers from local gay charities and healthcare services across England. GMFA’s CHAPs partner in Newcastle is Mesmac North East, which is where the regional workshops will be held.
The ‘Power Talking’ course takes place on two consecutive Satur-days - 18 and 25 February 2012 - from 10:30am to 5:30pm. BSL interpreters can be arranged prior to the course, so make sure you ask if you need one.
All of GMFA’s courses and workshops are free of charge, but places are limited and must be booked in advance. To book a place, go to www.gmfa.org.uk/national or call 020 7738 3712. n
newsnortheast...
One of the issues that people talk about most often when accessing Mesmac’s 1 hour HIV testing service is a worry about their risk from other sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).
staying sexually healthy
Although Mesmac only test for HIV, they do offer information about local sexual health clinics that provide a full range of services - including STI testing. In fact, the second most consistently popular page on their website is the sexual health clinics page.
This suggests that either there are a lot of people out there who are at some sort of risk, or a lot of people who are keen to keep in good sexual health and are simply looking into getting tested regularly.
The latter of course would be fan-tastic news as Mesmac recom-mends testing with every change of regular partner - and encour-ages both partners to be tested at the same time.
STI’s can be treated when they are detected but if left, they can seriously damage your health - so regular checkups are important.
The sexual health clinic page on Mesmac’s site has addresses, contact numbers, opening times and photographs of each clinic to make them easier to find.
Many clinics now operate a drop-in service so you don’t always need to make an appointment. But it’s always best to check first as some operate a queue and wait, first come first served system.
Examinations are always done in a dignified manner. Any exami-nations and sample collections are done in much less invasive ways than they were in the past - or than you may have heard rumours about. Some tests can even be done using a urine sample or from your own swabs.
Clinics can also prescribe and advise about treatments, give Hepatitis B vaccinations and offer condoms - all free of charge. And test results can be sent to service users by text message for convenience.
For those worried about privacy, Mesmac offer confidentiality across all their services. Policies at clinics are also extremely strict.
For more information on gay and bisexual men’s sexual health visit www.mesmacnortheast.com
For lesbian and bisexual women’s sexual health information visit www.lesbisexyandhealthy.co.uk
If you don’t have internet access, call Mesmac on 0191 233 1333, or drop in to their offices in central Newcastle where you can pick up leaflets or talk to one of the work-ers. They can also post leaflets if you have transport issues. n
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The exhibition will look at how weddings and attitudes to marriage have changed over the centuries and the traditions that are part of the special day.
The museum is hoping to include stories from local people. Sarah Cotton from Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, who is working on the exhibition said, “We would love to get in touch with a couple from Tyne and Wear who are planning their wedding or civil partnership and would like to share their story. We’re interested in all the details of your plans from the proposal to the honeymoon”.
The museum are especially interested in finding out about different religious or cultural traditions that may be part of your special day. So if you would like to share your story, contact [email protected] or call 0191 232 6789. n
your wedding story
lgbt northumberland
South Shields museum & art gallery is planning an exhibition about weddings called ‘Something Old, Something New’ which opens in April next year, and would like to include your stories.
tea with dorothyThere has been disturbing research recently which highlights the plight of many lgb people over 50.
In particular, the latest Stonewall report suggests that potentially, hundreds of thousands of us are growing older without the support structures that are commonplace for most heterosexuals. Thus leaving us disproportionately reliant upon deteriorating social and health care services.
In light of this, a specific social opportunity for older lgbt people certainly seems welcome. Tea with Dorothy has recently been relaunched in Newcastle for people aged 50 and over who are looking to meet other lgbt people in a relaxed, social and very welcoming environment.
Meetings take place every third Monday of the month between 5-7pm at La Boca art cafe, tucked away at number 6 Upper Princess Square, next to the central library in Newcastle.
In November 2010 La Boca was sold to current owners Kevin Barnard and Steve Antcliff who are very keen to maintain their diverse core clientèle and are proving to be exceptionally supportive hosts.
Contact Kate for further informa-tion on 07917 797 279. n
A new virtual lgbt network and discussion forum has recently been launched at www.lgbtnortheast.com
LGBT North East is essentially an online discussion forum for people working in organisations without their own employee networks.
Beyond that, it allows people to talk about workplace issues and to support each other. It even includes a range of confidential forums for people working in specific areas. For example, the education forum allows teach-ers to network in confidence - whether they’re in Middlesbrough or Berwick.
Even more impressively, the network boasts an employer good practise exchange, community discussion forums, a community notice board and space for service providers to consult lgbt communi-ties on issues which affect them.
LGBT North East needs every-one’s help to promote this really useful regional resource. There are posters, flyers and media adverts on their website for you to download for this purpose.
Employers and service providers are asked to promote the network by telling their lgbt employees and service users all about LGBT North East - either by printing off and displaying some of the posters or publishing adverts in publications they issue to their staff and customers.
For more information check out www.lgbtnortheast.com n
northeast... news
Whether it’s singing along to Glee or a bit of Judy Garland there can be little doubt that many lesbian and gay people just adore show tunes.
So what better way to start your Christmas celebrations than with a special Northern Pride fundraising concert on Friday 16 December, featuring a whole batch of hit songs from West End shows including Phantom, Les Miserables, Cabaret, Calamity Jane, Wizard of Oz, Jekyll and Hyde and many, many more?
‘Keeping it Gay’ features a range of top northern singers includ-ing Jo Boyne, who for the last six years has toured as a backing singer with Jane McDonald.
The show also features Jamie Lambert, who gave a great performance on the main stage at Northern Pride in July and the very talented Andrew Richardson.
The show also features local soul singer Sam Dickinson and our very own Northern Proud Voices. It’ll be a great night out and a chance to raise lots of money for next year’s Northern Pride. So come along!
Tickets are £8 from the Old Town Hall, Gateshead. Call in person or phone 0191 433 6965. Alternatively go to www.gateshead.gov.uk You’ll need to click on ‘What’s on’ and scroll down to ‘Keeping it Gay’. n
keeping it gayThe magic of musicals!
The Northumberland Community Development Network are seeking the views of people who live, work or socialise in Northumberland. They’re interested in finding out how belonging to the ‘lgbt community’ can be made difficult because of access, transport, costs, or attitudes.
Please complete their survey at - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lgbt_northumberland - it takes 5-10 minutes. All responses are confidential, and contact details are only necessary if you’d like to be kept up-to-date. n
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com8
If you’d like to learn more about South Tyneside Homes' approach, or help us to improve services for lesbian, gay or bisexual people, contact Mark Johns on 0191 426 8396 or email [email protected]
If you’d like to learn more about South Tyneside Homes' approach, or help us to improve services for lesbian, gay or bisexual people, contact Mark Johns on 0191 426 8396 or email [email protected]
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halve hiv by 2015‘Halve It’ is a new coali-tion of HIV and health-care experts - patients, clinicians, charities and politicians - determined to prioritise the chal-lenges posed by HIV.
Around 22k people in the UK are currently unaware that they have the virus. More than 50% of people with HIV are diagnosed too late for their lives to be saved. This is the worrying situation that Halve It is determined to change.
The group aims to halve the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV by 2015. It is an achievable target that would cut deaths and help slow the spread of the virus.
A considerable part of the campaign’s effort is focused on pushing HIV back up the public health priority list. People are dying simply because they were tested too late, or not at all.
There needs to be a culture of testing in the NHS, making it a mainstream activity in order to help diagnose those affected in good time. Doing so will save lives and money. Preventing a single HIV infection is estimated to save the NHS at least £280k
It is of course the human cost of infection that is most devastating about HIV. That’s why we should make it our business to help Halve It by 2015. n
northeast...
tickets winner!
Almost two-thirds of people would consider using HIV home testing kits if they were legally available and regulated in the UK, according to new research by HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). In a bid to reduce high levels of undiagnosed HIV, THT is urging the government to legalise and regulate home testing as part of its new HIV policy document.
Home testing kits can be purchased over the internet even though the sale of them is currently illegal in the UK because they are unregulated, often of very poor quality and lack important information on HIV transmission and where to get support.
THT surveyed 657 people. Of the 490 respondents who did not test HIV-positive, 63% said they would consider using the home testing kits if they were legal-ised and 51% thought legalisation would make them test more often. That figure rose to 60% for gay men.
Lisa Power of THT said, “Reducing undiagnosed HIV is a major challenge. A quarter of those with HIV in the UK remain undiagnosed, and so are more likely to pass the virus on. One way to bring this number down is by increasing the opportunities for people to test outside of traditional settings”. n
hiv home testing
New research from the Terrence Higgins Trust suggests widespread demand for HIV home testing.
Congratulations to Kath Egdell of Gateshead on winning a pair of tickets to see Britney at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena, in last issue’s out! northeast. n
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northeast... news
The Human Dignity Trust (HDT) is a new organisation created by lead-ing human rights lawyers Jonathan Cooper OBE and Tim Otty QC. It has a legal panel including some of the leading law firms in the world. Their mission is simple – working in part-nership with local organisations and individuals where homosexuality is criminalised. The trust provides legal expertise and support to assist in constitutional and international litigation aimed at achieving the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Director, Jonathan Cooper said, “More than 80 legal systems across the globe continue to crimi-nalise homosexuality – 42 out of 54 Commonwealth countries do so. This is a blatant violation of interna-tional law and human rights treaties
that many of these countries have signed. Criminalising an individual based on their sexuality is a breach of human rights. Where countries break international laws and their own constitutions, we work to bring a legal challenge. This is not an issue of gay rights but one of universal human rights. We seek compli-ance with the law to protect human dignity for all”.
Chair, Tim Otty added, “There is really no rational counter-argument to the proposition that an individual should not be made a criminal simply because of who they are”.
For more information see www.humandignitytrust.org or contact Nina Kelly on 07825 336 603 or Laura Brodie on 07796 130 854. n
A new international organisation has been set up to decriminalise homosexuality throughout the world.
human dignity trust
Mr Tatchell went on to say... “On the positive side, Kamalesh Sharma became the first secre-tary general to speak out against homophobic persecution”.
Kamalesh Sharma, said, “We recall the 2009 affirmation of commonwealth values and principles, which includes a clear commitment to tolerance, respect and understanding. This means we embrace difference, and that includes sexual identity. Dis-crimination and criminalisation on grounds of sexual orientation is at odds with our values”.
There was however no agreement on the decriminalisation of homo-sexuality by the assembled leaders.
Mr Tatchell pointed out that “More than 40 of the 54 Commonwealth member states still criminalise same-sex relations, with penalties including 25 years jail in Trinidad and Tobago and 20 years plus flogging in Malaysia. Six Com-monwealth countries stipulate life imprisonment - Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Pakistan, Uganda, Bangla-desh and Guyana.
At the meeting there was no condemnation of Uganda’s revived anti-gay bill which carries the death penalty and no condemna-tion of Nigeria’s bill that outlaws same-sex marriage with three
years jail for participants and five years jail for those who witness, aid or abet a same-sex marriage.
These failings contradict the Com-monwealth’s professed fundamen-tal values of human rights, equality and non-discrimination. They reflect a wider failure to tackle human rights abuses in many Commonwealth member states, including gender inequality, ethnic discrimination, detention without trial, torture, media censorship and state-sponsored executions.
There were, however, some limited agreements which could potentially lead to future progress. Commonwealth leaders agreed that a ministerial action group will be empowered to deal with serious or persistent human rights violations by member states, which could include action against countries that perpetrate homophobic persecution.
Commonwealth heads of govern-ment are committed to set up a task force to advise that member governments should take steps to encourage the repeal of discrimi-natory laws - such as the criminal-isation of same-sex relations - that impede effective responses to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. To make this happen, we need to sustain our lobbying and campaigning efforts”, concluded Mr Tatchell. n
commonwealth summit - a mixed bag
“The Commonwealth heads of government meeting held in Perth, Australia this October was a mixed bag from a lgbti perspective” said human rights activist Peter Tatchell.
The report found that most older people surveyed went through the whole of their adolescence and their early adulthood without disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to anyone - spending much of that time without any contact with other lgbt people.
The research found that 43% of lgbt people over 55 are single, compared with 15% of the general population. Even today, 35% feel that friends will reject them if they disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity. 28% are not ‘out’ to any of their neighbours. 1 in 10 are not out to anyone in their close family, and 26% are not out to their healthcare providers because of fear of negative reaction.
Although great progress has been made in Ireland, which has allowed a younger generation of lgbt people to live their lives more openly; the report demonstrates the resilience of many lgbt people in having over-come the adversity they have faced.
Due perhaps in large part to an inextricable intertwining of church and state in Ireland, there are fears that services for older people will still not recognise or respect lgbt identities or their key relationships.
Professor Agnes Higgins of Trinity College Dublin, who conducted the research said “This is a generation of older people who have had to cam-paign for their rights. As a society, we need to ensure that we don’t dis-enfranchise or discriminate against this group again as they age”. n
ireland’s invisible older population‘Visible Lives’ is the first major study of the lives of older lgbt people in Ireland. It offers unique insights into the level of stigma experienced by lgbt people who live openly in the emerald isle.
newsnortheast...
The report, written by sociology lecturer Dr Andrew King, also highlights a lack of dedicated social spaces for older (50+) lgbt people, and a need for council and NHS staff to be much more aware of lgbt issues. The findings have implications for GPs, health and social services and council workers at a time when Britain’s population is ageing. Charity Age UK estimates that 1 in 15 users of their services are lesbian or gay.
This qualitative research, commis-sioned by Tower Hamlets Borough Council and co-written with Dr Ann Cronin, involved detailed interviews with 22 older lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals across a range of income levels over a period of three months. The project also encompassed focus groups and a thorough review of existing research. It revealed that access-ing services and support can be a difficult and worrying experience.
There was concern among older lgbt people that they would not ‘fit in’ in residential care and did not want other residents to know about their sexuality. Although the research did not suggest that participants wanted gay-specific residential or health care, those questioned said these services should be more inclusive and of a high standard. “A friend of mine is the only gay man in his care home. He is in a huge development of old ladies and he’s a bit of a curiosity to them you know. And that’s looking at it positively.”
Participants also expressed concerns about homophobia or not being treated with respect by day and/or residential carers, and
worries about having to hide any clues to their sexuality - such as gay magazines - in their homes. The report also found that some older lesbian and gay people who joined local community groups felt excluded because of the automatic presumption that everyone was heterosexual. “It’s more subtle than being excluded. It’s just you don’t get included,” 62-year-old Jane said. “I find the other mem-bers very cliquey because they all meet up and have this language of grandchildren - ‘my daughter did this or that’ and there’s just nowhere for me to go with it.”
The key recommendations made in the report include making dedi-cated social spaces available for older LGBT people as an alterna-tive to the commercial gay scene, which is seen as both ageist and expensive. It also suggests devel-oping a more open and inclusive atmosphere, and ongoing aware-ness training for staff.
“Older LGBT people grew up in a much more homophobic and transphobic climate than we have now,” said Dr King. “There have been many legal advances in recent years, but it’s how all this is actually played out in everyday lives that really counts”.
A series of workshops has been taking place with service providers to make them aware of issues facing older lgbt adults and to prompt them to come up with ideas to improve their services.
For further information please contact the Kingston University Press Office on 020 8417 3023 or [email protected] n
going back in the closetGoing into residential care or receiving care at home can be like going back into the closet for older gay people, according to a new Kingston University study that raises significant questions for how society responds to their needs.
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lesbian ‘royalty’
Two California students are one of the 1st lesbian couples crowned home-coming king and queen.
Rebeca Arellano, a senior at Patrick Henry High School, was made the school’s first female homecoming king, and her girlfriend Haileigh Adams, who attends the same school, was made homecoming queen. Arellano said, “I couldn’t feel happier! I am in completely shocked that this happen”.
Adams said they have received negative feedback as well. “We have a lot of support, but there are also a lot of people who are angry about it. Anonymous students at the school are saying they’re embarrassed and that it’s wrong for a girl to take the spot of king. But there’s no other way for us to run as a couple”.
Arellano said one of her teach-ers told her, “Today, school is a bit better because of you girls”.
Arellano posted a statement to her opponents on facebook that read, “For all the girls who think tradition should be continued, go back to the kitchen, stop having sex before you’re married, get out of the school and job system, don’t have an opinion, don’t own any property, don’t vote, and allow your husband to do whatever he pleases. Think about the meaning of tradition when you use it against us”. n
The conference in the Netherlands which values and encourages the contribution of lbi and t women in business, provided an exciting opportunity to network with other women from all over Europe.
The event offered a platform from which to share ideas, be motivated by and learn from suc-cessful women willing to share their experiences; and to gather practical support for professional development.
This was clearly going to be an important event as a palpable buzz was in the air from the moment registration began.
24 short presentations from professionals across the conti-nent were enjoyed by almost 100 women, from 11 countries. They covered many topics such as, work-life balance, leadership, visibility, power, equality, being yourself, expectations, social media and communications.
The keynote presentation was from winner of the 2011 Trailblazer for workplace equality award, Claudia Woody, who is vice presi-dent and managing director for
IBM Global Intellectual Property and Advanced Technology Licensing. Claudia won Out&Equal’s Trailblazer award earlier this year, for having made a significant contribution to advancing workplace equality by helping improve things at IBM and contributing to equality for all.
There were representatives at the conference from many sectors - corporate and ngo. The array of speakers and a sense of intimacy meant that many of the attendees were able to interact with presenters on stage. This in turn encouraged lively debate during lunch and coffee breaks.
Videos of the event by Bounce Media are to be made available online so that this unique event can be shared worldwide.
The day concluded with drinks, where participants were able to ask speakers direct questions and network with each other. The overall impression from women who attended was positively inspirational.
For more information visit www.l-womenatwork.com n
L-Women at Work, the first pan-European event on advancing the careers of lesbians, bisexual and transgender women in business took place in Amsterdam on 11.11.11.
women in business
newsnortheast...
Ms Davidson beat fellow wanna-be party leader Murdo Fraser, in the race to succeed previous head of party, Annabel Goldie; leader since 2005, who stepped down after the SNP’s landslide win in May 2011.
Ms Davidson, previously a BBC journalist, former kickboxer and ex-Territorial Army officer, has only been a member of the Scottish parliament since May, and her rise to the helm has taken many of her longstanding colleagues by surprise.
She is already ruffling the feathers of some Christian conservatives over her stance on same-sex marriage, which is the same as that of her counterparts south of the border. She stated, “On the issue of same-sex marriage I sup-port it but with the important pro-viso that there is no compulsion for religious organisations that do not wish to carry out ceremonies to be compelled to do so”.
Despite much criticism over this and other contentious issues, Ms Davidson is adamant above all to stick to the agenda of reforming the party. n
lesbian new tory leader in scotlandAt the beginning of November 32 year old Ruth Davidson was elected as the new leader of the Scottish Conservatives.
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 13
freddie mercuryicon...
freddieout! icon...
mercury
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com14
successive hits and successful world tours. 72k people witnessed them at Wembley Stadium for Live Aid in 1985. The show was watched on tv by a billion people worldwide (I recall it as one of the most moving days of my life). There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that the stage belonged to Queen - or more specifically, Freddie. Arguably his finest hour - when the capacity crowd ate from the palm of his hand.
Always overtly flamboyant, and with much of his music alluding to his sexual orientation, it seemed for decades, to pass over the heads of his mainly straight white male audiences. It wasn’t until the video for ‘I Want To Break Free’ was aired in 1984 that it was made abundantly clear to those who hadn’t quite ‘got it’.
Freddie recorded a cover of ‘The Great Pretender’ containing the lyrics, ‘Oh yes I’m the great pretender, just laughing and gay like a clown, I seem to be what I’m not you see, I’m wearing my heart like a clown, too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal’. The song bears a surreal resemblance to his off-stage life - right up until the end.
Controversially, he never ‘came out’, although he has been quoted as referring to himself as “bisexual” and “openly gay” just “unwilling to justify my lifestyle”. Nonetheless, at public events he often distanced himself from his male partner. And after his death, left his estate to the woman he always considered “my common-law wife”.
The song ‘Barcelona’ on which he duetted with international opera diva Montserrat Caballé, became a memorable theme for the 1992 Olympics. In fact his last public per-formance was in Barcelona in 1988.
From 1988 there were many rumours that Freddie had AIDS, but these were denied until 23
Freddie Mercury entered this world on 5 September 1946, on the exotic Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. On becoming a student at an English boarding school near Bombay, at the age of 8, Farrokh Bulsara soon picked up the nickname Freddie. A keen sportsman, he took up piano, joined the school choir, took part in theatrical productions, and by the age of 12, formed a school band with four fellow students.
After school Freddie returned home to Zanzibar but political unrest saw the family uprooted and moved to Middlesex, England. He attended Ealing College and completed a graphic art and design diploma in 1969.
A friend at college had introduced him to Roger Taylor and Brian May who were already playing music together. This re-ignited Freddie’s love of music and he went on to have short-lived consecutive experiences as a member of two bands, called Ibex (later re-named Wreckage) and Sour Milk Sea.
After that he took up as lead singer with Roger and Brian’s band Smile and somehow persuaded them to change the name to Queen. At the same time Freddie added the surname of Mercury to his own. In 1971 the final fourth piece of the jigsaw fell into place when John Deacon joined the line-up. And the rest as they say, is history.
Mercury penned Bohemian Rhapsody, the UK’s third best selling single of all time. It was number 1 in the UK for nine weeks in 1975, and reached pole position again in 1991 for five weeks following his death. It also peaked at number 2 in the US in 1992 as a result of featuring in the film Wayne’s World. The song allowed Freddie to show off much of his outstanding 3.5 octave vocal range.
For years Queen had a string of
November 1991, when he released the following statement, “I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private in order to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has now come for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth, and I hope everyone will join me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease”.
The following day the world lost a uniquely talented entertainer as Freddie died peacefully in his London home of AIDS-related bron-chial pneumonia, with close friends including George Michael at his side.
Strangely Freddie never attracted much homophobia from the public,
or the usual media witch hunts of the last century which generally accompanied being gay and in the spotlight - even after he passed away of what is still considered a ‘gay’ disease.
Although Freddie Mercury was an indisputably entertaining stage performer, he kept his private life private. Not many can stake claim to the charismatic power and raw talent that he possessed. It is his contribution as a singer, songwriter, stage performer, that brought a unique blend of joy to the world. Quite rightly, it is this that he wished to be measured by. For this alone he is, 10 years after his death, an out! northeast icon. n
photo: Queen Productions Lim
ited
photo: Queen Productions Lim
ited
icon... freddie mercury
the great pretender
by aly rhodes
15northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 15
healthlife...
aids...1981 The first recorded cases of rare opportunistic infections and cancers that appeared resistant to treatment, began to develop in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York among gay men, and later in the year, in injecting drug users.
1982 AIDS is reported in several Euro-pean countries, including the UK.
The term ‘AIDS’ (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is created.
Terrence Higgins is one of the first people in the UK to die of AIDS. The Terrence Higgins Trust is founded.
Community organisations in the UK begin to promote safer sex among gay men.
1983 AIDS is reported among non-drug using women and children.
Experts become more confident that the cause of AIDS is infectious.
1984 Gay men are asked to stop donating blood.
Scientists identify the virus, which causes AIDS.
The number of people diagnosed with AIDS in the UK exceeds 100.
In 30 years AIDS has become a human tragedy of incredible proportions - which reaches far beyond those immediately infected. Nobody knows for certain how it first came about - through lack of interest or fear of knowing? All we can be relatively confident about is that AIDS first appeared in the last century, probably in west Africa. In this article we’re going to see how Britain and the ‘developed’ world responded as our awareness, and the complexities of the syndrome unfolded onto a world stage.
acquired immune deficiency syndrome
1985 The UK Government commits to the fight against AIDS.
The first AIDS screening tests on all donated blood intended for transfusion is approved.
The first International AIDS conference is held in Atlanta, USA.
1986 HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), is the name given to the virus which causes AIDS.
1987 The government leaflets every home in the UK - causing moral panics - with its ‘Don’t die of ignorance’ campaign.
The BBC and ITV screen simultaneously a public information broadcast entitled ‘AIDS, the facts’.
AZT is the first drug approved to treat HIV. It reduces the death rate of HIV+ people, but is unpredictable with severe side effects.
The National AIDS Trust (NAT) is founded.
HIV testing is introduced in the UK.
Princess Diana is photographed holding the hand of a patient with AIDS as she opens the first HIV ward in a UK hospital.
Needle exchanges first piloted in the UK.
The number of people diagnosed with AIDS in the UK exceeds 1000.
1988 The first World AIDS Day is established on 1 December.
1989 The first HIV awareness materials targeting gay men are produced by the Health Education Authority.
1991 The red ribbon becomes the international symbol of HIV awareness.
Freddie Mercury, lead singer of rock group Queen, confirms rumours he has AIDS and dies the following day at the age of 45.
1992 The first combination drug therapies for HIV are introduced, which are more effective than AZT alone.
1993 Holly Johnson, lead singer of pop group Frankie Goes to Hollywood, announces he is HIV+.
1994 AZT is shown to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
1995 The Joint United Nations programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) is established.
Comedian Kenny Everett dies of AIDS.
The number of people diagnosed with AIDS in the UK exceeds 10k.
Over 25k people in the UK are living with HIV.
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2002 The Global Fund is established to boost the response to HIV, TB and malaria worldwide.
2003 NAT launches ‘Are You HIV Prejudiced?’, a campaign drawing attention to stigma and discrimination faced by HIV+ people.
As a result of generic production, HIV drugs become more afford-able for developing countries.
2005 After two years of appeals and retrials, a man is given a prison sentence under English law for reckless HIV transmission.
The Disability Discrimination Act, gives legal protection against discrimination of people living with HIV from the point of diagnosis.
2006 Circumcision is shown to reduce HIV infection among heterosexual men.
The number of people living with HIV in the UK is estimated at 73k.
2007 A case is reported in San Francisco of a man being cured of HIV after a bone marrow transplant in Germany.
Around 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV.
1996 New drug combinations are shown to halt the progression of AIDS, heralding the beginning of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) - transforming the lives of many people living with HIV.
Antiretroviral Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PeP) is recom-mended for healthcare workers exposed to possible infection.
1997 Deaths among people living with HIV fall dramatically following widespread use of ART.
Trials for an HIV vaccine begin.
An estimated 22 million people worldwide are living with HIV.
1999 The number of new HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals exceeds those among gay and bisexual men for the first time.
The government offers all pregnant women an HIV test as part of routine screening.
2000 The World Health Organisation estimates between 15-20% of new HIV infections worldwide are the result of HIV-unscreened blood transfusions.
2001 In Scotland, the first man is convicted for reckless transmission of HIV.
Drug companies abandon their opposition to the generic production of anti-retrovirals.
healthlife...
2008 A controversial Swiss study claims people adhering to ART have a ‘negligibly small’ risk of transmitting HIV through unprotected sex - a concept which will later be known as ‘treatment as prevention’.
2009 President Obama announces the removal of the travel ban preventing HIV-positive people from entering the US.
2010 China lifts its travel ban for people living with HIV.
The CAPRISA 004 microbicide trial is hailed a success after results show that ART-based gel reduced the risk of HIV infection by 40%.
Results from the iPrEx trial show a reduction in HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men taking PrEP.
2011 HIV ‘treatment as prevention’ shows a 96% reduction in HIV transmission risk during sex without a condom, when a person is successfully responding to treatment.
Around 90k people are estimated to be living with HIV in the UK.
According to estimates from UNAIDS, 34 million people around the world had HIV in 2010, up from 33.3 million in 2009..
In the UK, the cumulative total number of HIV diagnoses at the end of 2010 was almost 115k. 27k people were diagnosed with AIDS, and almost 20k people diagnosed with HIV have died.
In 30 years we’ve seen rapid life-changing advances in treatment, new laws to protect people living with HIV, and constantly evolving science.
But people living with HIV still face ignorance, fear and even hatred, possibly caused by hard hitting governmental campaigns which caused moral panics and prejudice created (perhaps through ignorance) in the early days of our understanding. Today HIV is all around us. It does not discriminate.
Make sure you look after yourself. To find out more visit www.hivaware.org.uk or talk to someone at your local sexual health project or clinic - see the a-z listings at the back of this magazine. n
30 years on
This article has been compiled by Mark Fox with timeline information gathered from www.hivaware.org.uk
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 17
NHSNorthumbria HealthcareNHS Foundation Trust
If you would like to be involved or receive updates on our work contact Patrick Price
01670 394 431 [email protected]
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustStonewall Working Group
People work better
when they can be
themselves”
“
As part of a commitment to improve the working experiences of LGBT employees, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has set up a staff network group.
The group is for LGBT staff and their supporters within the Trust, and Northumberland County Council.
We meet regularly to develop activities and support for LGBT staff at work. The meetings are informal and focused on delivering tangible outcomes for staff.
life... at work
No, it’s not Christmas dear readers, nor the after-effects of too many bonfires! It’s the outcome of the staff surveys that have been taking place across the Trust and Local Authority - and the suspense in the lead-up to receiving the results of the Stonewall workplace equality index.
This year saw massive organi-sational change for us along with the rest of the public sector - with splits, mergers, acquisitions, trans-fers and cuts. Oops! My apologies, I meant to say ‘efficiencies’.
In harsh times like these it’s too easy to lose focus on equalities work. But I am even more keen than usual to see whether there’s been an impact on our lgbt colleagues as a result of these changes - and in light of the work that has been done to address inequalities for our lgbt staff.
Well, as you might expect, there is good news and there is bad. It seems there is some appreciation of the fact that lgbt staff now have a ‘formal’ voice. And that they are able to access support from the network group which operates across all of our organisations.
It is also comforting and empow-ering to see a lot more out! north-east magazines around the place!
However, it is apparent from the survey results that not everybody is aware of the support that is available - so we need to improve our communications.
Many people have said that they feel confident about being ‘out’ with their colleagues and feel supported by their organisation. A worrying number however, feel they can’t be themselves and come out as a result of having experienced homophobic hostility from colleagues or managers.
So we may have won some battles but it’s obvious that armistice has yet to be declared. Clearly there is a lot more to do to make all things equal. A guide for managers and specific training are high on the agenda!
I’m certain that our survey results reflect the experience of many lgbt people working across the entire statutory sector. Perhaps we’ll find out when Stonewall release the new list of organisations who have made it onto the equality index. We’ll have to wait and see.
In the meantime friends, I hope your experience of working life (if you’re lucky enough to have a job) is a positive one.
Enjoy the festivities. n
by patrick price
Well, it’s that time of year again! The leaves are falling. The mornings are crisper. The evenings are darker. The shops are open later. Carols are being played. And there’s a definite tang of anticipation in the air.
Patrick is Health Improvement and Stonewall lead for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
still more to do
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com18
19
If you're interested in making the world more lgbt-friendly, we'd love you to bring your skills to the table.
The Fed works to unite lgbt individuals, groups, organisations
and communities across the northeast.
We undertake research and develop self-sustaining activities that aim to change
attitudes and behaviours towards lgbt people.
We hold regular meetings for information sharing,
support + socialising, and organise lgbt events.
brin
ging
peo
ple
togeth
er to make the world more lgb
t-friendly
one strong voice
Earlier this year Fed members asked for meetings that went beyond simply discussing the issues that affect our lives, so we worked to engage people who could make things happen. Thankfully, the Big Lottery and other service providers were enthusiastic and helpful.
We had productive meetings with housing and hate crime organisations. But sadly we failed in our efforts to get teachers and school governors to a conference on bullying of young lgbt people. This is an ongoing issue that will remain on the agenda, so we were extremely disappointed at the response from educators. We intend working with members to find new ways of prioritising the issue in the education sector.
Unfortunately, regional bodies Government Office North East and One North East, which were our communication channels to central government have been disbanded, so we are now working with other equality strands to find suit-able replacements.
On 14 November The Fed held their annual general meeting in central Newcastle, where 35 participants represented localities right across the region. There were enthusiastic and productive discussions about the future of
The Fed. Suggestions were made that we do more strategic and campaigning work, especially as the loss of our regional bodies has left a policy and monitoring vacuum. Some people would like to see more interaction-packed sessions that build stronger bonds across communities. Others want more partnership work with service providers that offer opportunities to influence issues that affect us.
The next step for The Fed is to convene an operational group willing to contribute time and energy to developing an action plan. If you can help, please email [email protected] and keep checking www.lgbtfed.com for developments.
After the Personalisation and lgbt people event we co-hosted with the LGBT Consortium on 23 November at The Baltic, Gates-head, we have two other learn-ing opportunities in the pipeline, Signing for lgbt people, date to be announced; and a ‘Develop Me’ session 9pm, 6 December at Stockton Riverside College. See www.lgbtfed.com for more details.
Join one of our working groups and help make 2012 a productive fun year. By volunteering you will immediately improve your health. It’s true! n
the fedlife...
L G B T
thefed
We’ve been looking back at 2011 and forward to 2012 - the year of the dragon - which promises imaginative action and lots of energy for getting things done.
NHSNorthumbria HealthcareNHS Foundation Trust
If you would like to be involved or receive updates on our work contact Patrick Price
01670 394 431 [email protected]
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustStonewall Working Group
People work better
when they can be
themselves”
“
As part of a commitment to improve the working experiences of LGBT employees, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has set up a staff network group.
The group is for LGBT staff and their supporters within the Trust, and Northumberland County Council.
We meet regularly to develop activities and support for LGBT staff at work. The meetings are informal and focused on delivering tangible outcomes for staff.
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 19
life... gender identity
It may come as a surprise to many that transgender children exist at all. Yet my own research1 suggests that children realise they are trans before they are 8 years old - most commonly at 5 years. Certainly, around 80% of trans children know they are trans before they leave primary school. And 90-95% of those do not tell anyone.
Even at such a young age, trans kids keep their gender variance a secret, because to do anything outside what is socially expected is to invite ridicule, derision and social exclusion - especially for transgirls, who know themselves to be female but have been assigned a male gender at birth.
It quickly becomes obvious that to do anything outside what is normally accepted as ‘male’ behaviour is to invite trouble. The slightest hint of ‘feminine’ behaviour, presentation or preference is considered unacceptable, not just by other kids but often by their own parents and staff in schools.
For transboys it’s a different story. They can get away with so much ‘masculine’ behaviour, and still be considered girls. Which often makes convincing people later that they are trans, a problem.
One transman (assigned female at birth) told me how, being brought up on a farm, he was able to do pretty much what he liked, including riding horses, driving
tractors and climbing trees. This behaviour was allowed to continue until his parents realised that he ‘meant it’, then pressure to be girly ensued.
It is not only the social pressure to conform which damages transgender children - and the adults they become. They are extremely isolated, with feelings that they’re the ‘only ones’. They start to believe there is something wrong with them and suppress their true identities. Their school work suffers. Low self-esteem develops. All of which often leads to mental health problems in adulthood.
Often, transgirls force themselves to be more masculine, as they internalize transphobia and become self-haters. One US study2 showed how male-to-female transsexuals were over-represented in the military - choosing dangerous jobs like marines, fighter pilots, paratroop-ers and divers in an attempt to escape from themselves.
In the UK today, trans children generally have two options. They can ‘come out’ and risk being bullied out of school - and in many cases, forced out of their own homes by domestic violence. Or they can cower fearful in their closets, not daring to express how they are to anyone. These two default positions, either out and not in school, or invisible and suffering in silence, are simply not acceptable.
Schools need to realise that trans children make up at least 1% of the school population - but they normally do not identify themselves to anyone. It is time the education system started to support these children, because on top of everything else, they are not being given equal access to education.
A secondary school with 1500 children will have at least 15 trans kids. Making provision for this, involves giving all children access to a vocabulary which includes trans people. And letting trans kids know that they are not alone, nor are they freaks and that they should be proud of who they are.
Part of the problem is that diversity training for schools around lgbt issues tends to focus on the lgb and neglect the t. And because being transgender is often mistakenly considered as relating to sexuality - and thus not relevant to primary school children - it doesn’t take place until secondary school.
Diversity training should begin in primary schools and include training for teachers around trans issues as a matter of urgency. Because as things stand at present, some of our children are being severely harmed. n
1. Kennedy & Hellen (2010) Transgender Children: More than a Theoretical Challenge. Graduate Journal of Social Science. Vol 7.2 pp 25-43
2. Brown, G (1988) Transsexuals in the Military: Flight into Hypermasculinity. Archives of Sexual Behaviour 17.6 pp 527-537
Transgender children represent one of the most marginalised groups in the UK. Yet there are as many
trans children in our schools as there are children of
Jamaican heritage.
Most spend their childhoods fearfully hiding their feelings
of gender variance from their parents, teachers
and their peers. The brutal consequences of this include
low self-esteem, self-harm, social exclusion, under-achievement at school
and wasted lives - where around half of all trans
children actively consider suicide.
by natacha kennedyHaving previously worked as a primary
school teacher, Natacha now lecturers at Goldsmiths College, London. She has just
returned from Tokyo where she presented her research on transgender children.
Natacha has been transgender for as long as she can remember.
transexclusion
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com20
the bridge
spiritualitylife...
being
by ashharaAshhara is an independent minister and spiritual counsellor, singer/songwriter, voice and bodywork practitioner, trainer and consultant, partner and mother.
The question ‘What does ‘God’ want of me?’ may not exercise most people. However, for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people seeking a religious or spiritual home, it is a question that penetrates deep into the heart.
For those born into any of the three Abrahamic faiths - Judaism, Christianity, Islam - questions of right or wrong, and of heaven or hell, are particularly keenly felt. And the question of how God views our sexual, sex, or gender non-conformity can be answered with devastating consequences. From the death penalty, to excommunica-tion, to forced marriage, to having to ‘act’ straight, or refrain from practising, in order to belong - the spectrum of oppression is vast.
A young gay Muslim man desperate for guidance was told by an imam that there was no point in praying to God, as God would not listen simply because he was gay. Some might ask, ‘In the midst of negativity and hatred what point is there in seeking anything positive through religion?’
I was born a Muslim. My father spoke the azaan (the call to prayer) into my newborn ears. It is said in Muslim folklore that s/he whose heart responds to the azaan is a true Muslim. If this is
the case, then half the world must be Muslim, because so many non-Muslims I know feel their hearts open when they hear the muezzin call ‘God is greatest of all. God is greatest of all. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but the one God!’
I am quite certain that at a soul level, I ‘chose’ to be born Muslim - every bit as much as I believe I ‘chose’ a life characterised by sexual and gender non-conformity. Whilst myself in possession of a woman’s body, this choice has left me romantically and sexually oriented towards women; and inextricably tangled with a religion whose political and social identity has undergone a profound global transformation in my lifetime.
These are two important dimen-sions of my identity in this life. I can no more escape them than I can choose to levitate out of my chair and teleport myself to Mars. I have to live them, and pursue my quest for spiritual meaning and realisation through them - not in spite of them.
It is an amazing journey that is not always easy, as many Muslims see a gay / lesbian identity as a post-Christian western sickness. And many non-Muslims in lgbti communities see Islam as irre-deemably homo- and trans-phobic.
The ground on which I stand knows no country
The patriot in me seeks world nationality
The ground on which I stand has no colour
It is the rainbow land where none is superior,
or inferior
The ground on which I stand is without religion
It is spirit-in-matter, a child of the union
The ground on which I stand ignites with desire
When gay or straight
there burns a true fire.
Spirituality is a deeply personal thing, but religion is irreducibly social - a collective thing. Herein lies the great challenge for lgbti people of faith and for me personally as a Muslim lesbian.
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the bridge
spiritualitylife...
means a state free of ego. What could be more beautiful in a world marred by an endless desire for commodities, fame, money, power and the illusion of control?
The trouble with claiming this birthright arises in my relationship with others, and not in the space of my inner sanctuary - where I can love, listen to, laugh or fight with God, without interference. Away from that sanctuary, I am pulled here and there by the cur-rents of others’ opinions, and my fear of the consequences.
I hear Muslims - and people of other faiths - denounce homosex-uality as a sin, an abomination and an aberration. And I learn of the persecution of so many brothers and sisters because of this. On the other hand, I hear people in lgbti communities speak in sweeping negatives about people of faith, and of faith itself, closing their hearts and minds instead of build-ing bridges; sometimes colluding with (anti) religious hatred.
I ‘came out’ to my mother when I was 17. I was a passionate lesbian feminist at that time, driven by anger and indignation at injustice. That time still lives in me, but age has mellowed me. Recognition of my own ignorance and prejudices - the legacy of my own upbringing - has mellowed me.
Back then, I never gave the time of day to the idea of a trans identity until I was seriously challenged by a trans woman generous enough
Listening to people’s fears and prejudices on all sides leaves me wondering, ‘In which territory is it possible to be me, in all my complexity?’ I do however feel that being forced to ask this question is actually a great privilege. It means that I take very little for granted, and it gives me a distinct vantage point from which to see and under-stand so much about the world.
I am quite sure that it is each indi-vidual’s birthright to seek their own intimate relationship with the divine, spirit, source, creator, universal truth - or whatever name you prefer, for what cannot be named.
As a lesbian who has never rejected Islam, I claim my birthright to seek, pursue, coax, entreaty, love, fight, converse, and ultimately reunite with my creator. And this is why I believe the imam who spoke so unkindly to the young gay man was wrong.
I have never lost my heart-connection with some of the fundamentals of Islam: belief in one God beyond name and form; belief in the essential truths in the teachings of the prophets of all nations through the ages (including Mohammed the prophet of Islam); belief in unseen worlds; belief that all souls are equal in God’s eyes; belief in compassion and mercy as the core qualities that express godliness in humans.
Islam (which means ‘peace through submission’) is a state of surrender to the creator’s will. This to me,
to take the time to refute my feminist transphobia. She made me ask myself, ‘If I am not willing to be the bridge of understanding and forgiveness between seem-ingly irreconcilable positions, then who will be?’ This is not a job that I can or should thrust upon others if I don’t accept it myself.
Nowadays I see no point in complaining about others’ lack of understanding of my experience or perspective. In fact my faith, heritage and sexuality make me a very appropriate, if rather shaky, potential bridge.
Why shaky? Well, one conse-quence of being a lesbian who refuses to be closeted, is that I have progressively distanced myself from the mainstream Muslim community. My family is religiously liberal and strongly political in its outlook. My social circle consists of people - a few of them Muslims - who accept my sexuality
Islam, like Judaism, is very much a community religion. The idea of a solitary Muslim or Jew makes very little sense. Yet my spiritual quest has led me away from main-stream Islam onto an individual spiritual path which is in contrast to the distinctive quality of Islam as expressed through the umma, or global Muslim community.
So, while there is no inner conflict for me in holding all my identities as true, there is certainly a potential
outer conflict, which I have so far rather skilfully avoided by taking myself out of the context of the umma. That way I don’t have to answer awkward questions about my personal life posed by people I expect to judge and reject me.
I am very fortunate to have been born into a family that has come to accept my sexuality, and my son, who my partner and I parent together.
I say publicly that I am a Muslim, because there are so many aspects of Islam that express truth and beauty. And it is so important for a peace-seeking and reflective perspective on Islam to be heard in the public sphere. However, I will rarely state publicly in the same breath that I am a lesbian. The fact is that although I make peace with God every day, I am yet to make peace with the community of my heritage.
I was recently ordained as an independent minister. This experience has reignited my quest to integrate the Muslim community in me. And so I work on bridge building, for it is always the bridges in ourselves that we seek to manifest in the world. I do so as a lover of God who reserves the right to live Islam in her own way, and to become congruent with truth as she understands it. That work is as yet incomplete. n
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 23
restricted because of their sexual orientation. It would therefore be very difficult to argue that religious organisations are not bound to uphold these rights when making decisions about the use of their premises. In light of this, it seems that until the government takes further action, or a successful challenge can be brought against the validity of the law itself, same-sex couples will be subject to the whim of the church when selecting the venue for their big day. Fortunately, there already appears to be action on both fronts!
Equalities Minister, Lynne Feather-stone recently confirmed a consulta-tion in March 2012, into proposals to change the law to recognise civil mar-riages for same-sex couples, with a view to legislation being passed by 2015! A positive step, but it is impor-tant not to overlook the word ‘civil’, as there is no suggestion that religious services would be permitted. If this is an issue close to your heart then out!law would encourage you to let the government know what you think of their continued failure to recognise the rights of same-sex couples to a religious marriage!
Finally, to end on a brighter note, there are a number of legal test cases pending with the European Court of Human Rights seeking to challenge the UK’s approach to same-sex marriage as fundamentally incompatible with the right to marry and the right to family life, so watch this space.
Meanwhile, the slow and steady march towards equality continues. n
In recent times UK government has made slow and steady progress toward recognising and correcting the discriminatory impact of the ‘traditional’ definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman contained in the Matrimonial Clauses Act 1973.
As out! northeast readers will be well aware, fortunately things have come a long way since then! 2004 saw the enactment of the Civil Partnership Act, enshrining in law the right of same-sex couples to have their relationships formally recognised by the state. And entitling them to many of the legal rights and privileges previously reserved for married heterosexual couples.
Whilst a quantum leap forward from ye old days - when even making your relationship ‘public’ could put you at risk of jail time - the Act sorely disappointed those who had always dreamed of walking down the aisle in the presence of God; as unfortunately, the Act expressly prohibits use of any religious service and bans registrations from taking place on religious premises.
Fortunately, as a result of persis-tent efforts from campaigners on behalf of lgbt communities, to some extent, these defects are soon to be remedied. On 5 December 2011 amendments to equality legislation come into force which lift the abso-lute ban on civil partnerships being registered on religious premises! Whilst positive, this is more of a
baby step in the right direction than a giant leap for man or womankind!
There doesn’t appear to have been any relaxation of the ban on using religious services. This gives rise to the confusing situation where churches can hold civil partnership ceremonies, but will have to hold off on the hymns and bible readings - even if the happy couple would like a Christian service and the church is willing and able!
Also, whilst the veto on using reli-gious premises has been lifted, the changes still leave it up to those in charge of the churches, synagogues and mosques to choose whether to accommodate civil partnership registrations. Some of the more lib-eral institutions have welcomed the changes with open arms. Others, including the Church of England, have indicated that they have no intentions of opening their doors.
As the law stands, it seems unlikely that it will be possible to directly challenge religious organisations for refusing to let same-sex couples use their premises. The standard position under equality legislation is that it is unlawful discrimination to treat a person less favourably because of their sexual orientation, because there are currently exceptions in place shielding organisations with relation to religion or belief.
Also, whilst under human rights legislation everyone has the right to marry, and the right to family life, in general terms their enjoyment of those rights can’t be arbitrarily
Civil partnerships can now be registered on religious premises. But is it far enough?
life... law
a step in the right direction
by adam slawsonAdam is a barrister (non-practicing) who specialises in public law, health and social care law, and human rights with Ben Hoare Bell.
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com24
25
life... travel
none, with culture on its doorstep and its close proximity to the city's lesbian and gay commercial scene.
Top of their 'to see' list was the city's Guggenheim museum, credited by some as central to Bilbao’s regeneration. And they are not wrong. Frank Gehry’s amazing architecture and the unnerving presence of Jeff Koons' 'Puppy, a giant topiary dog' nearby were firm favourites.
As with any city trip, an abundance of shops offer the customary retail therapy. Bespoke tailors and independent stores offer unique gifts, and for the less adventurous there are the traditional high street brands.
The ‘El Fogon de Beni’ restaurant provided a memorable evening with fine food. Located just 10 minutes from the Guggenheim, it offers beautifully presented traditional cuisine with a contem-porary twist, at prices not inflated for tourists. Although not a ‘gay’ eatery, both our travellers felt wel-come and included in its vibrant
Swapping the usual two weeks relaxation in the
sun on a Spanish beach for Bilbao, was a tough decision
for my friend Claire and her best mate Sam.
Being the largest city in the Basque country of
northern Spain, you’re not guaranteed the sunshine
of the southern costas that we all know and love.
Nonetheless, this beautifully regenerated city has
a lot to offer.
atmosphere. In fact they thought it was the best meal of their trip - so take note!
'Lamiak' in the Calle de la Pelota is two venues in one. During the day there’s a quiet cafe atmosphere for lesbian and gay customers to sip coffee and watch the world go by. At night it turns into a busy mixed gay, lesbian and straight bar that’s popular with the pre-clubbing crowd on Fridays and Saturdays. Now both Claire and Sam are 'past their clubbing days' (their words, not mine), but both had this little venue as a firm favourite.
Overall, the girls felt that Bilbao has a vibrancy that other post-industrial cities like Newcastle or Liverpool are trying to capture. The architecture, food, art, culture and ‘scene’, gave them a unique and enjoyable insight into life beyond the Spanish beaches, and has left them with an impetus to explore more of the Spanish way of life. n
Unlike their previous holidays where a travel company has tended to Claire and Sam’s transport needs, the pair decided to take the car to the ferry in Portsmouth. Since they wanted to avoid the challenge of driving on the other side of the road, they left it with a friend in Portsmouth and boarded the ferry as foot passengers.
The long car journey down south (and back home again) was for them the only real downside to the trip, not least because they needed to arrive in plenty time for the ferry crossing. They made the overnight journey which allowed them to get a good night's sleep before arriving in Bilbao. In the morning as they entered the port, a beautiful industrial city was revealed.
Claire and Sam decided to stay in the traditional 19th century, 'Petit Palace Arana Bilbao' hotel after finding its details on a lesbian and gay website. Although located in the old town, the hotel is of contemporary design with excellent customer service. Both felt the location was second to
bilbao
by mark casey
photo of Mam
an by Louise Bourgeois taken by D
idier Descouens · creative com
mons
Civil partnerships can now be registered on religious premises. But is it far enough?
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 25
culture... theatre
dick whittington If Dick’s more your thing, you’re spoilt for choice. Join Mr Whittington and his trusty cat as they journey to the big smoke to make their fortune in a brand new show full of live music, mayhem, and colourful characters, including the evil Queen Rat, at...
newcastle journal tyne theatre9 dec 2011 - 2 jan 2012
whitley bay playhouse10 - 15 jan 2012
consett empire theatre7 dec 2011 - 2 jan 2012
My lovely friend Leah Bell and Scooch’s David Ducasse play Consett.
jack & the beanstalkThis fabulous family pantomime tells the story of Jack, his magic beans, a huge growing stalk, and a cow called Milkshake! Follow Jack as he endures a scary run-in with the fee-fi-fo-fum giant.
gala theatre durham1 dec 2011 - 7 jan 2012
cinderellaDid someone mention balls? And fancy frocks? I think I’m in heaven.
In Darlington, this magical tale sees X Factor star Ray Quinn, Emmerdale’s Deena Payne and legendary comic Jimmy Cricket dancing. The show features an abundance of comedy, magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes and real Shetland ponies to transport Cinders to the Ball!
darlington civic theatre 3 dec 2011 - 15 jan 2012
billingham forum theatre10 dec 2011 - 6 jan 2012
If Crissy Rock makes it out of the celebrity jungle in time ;) you get to see her in Billingham.
snow whiteClaire King (ex Emmerdale) leads in this simple story of a charming little ‘princess’ saved from the evil deeds of her wicked step-mother, the queen; by a group of no less than, you’ve got it, seven adorable ‘live-in’ dwarfs. A panto classic at...
linthorpe middlesbrough theatre9 dec 2011 - 8 jan 2012
sleeping beautyHailed as the best panto in Britain with some fabulous costumes. There’s nothing sleepy about this jaw-dropping extravaganza!
newcastle theatre royal30 nov 2011 - 21 jan 2012
Well folks, that’s it. If you don’t like a panto you can go and jump! Have a lovely Christmas everyone wont ya, and remember double cream was made for mince pies!
Mwah x
opheliaBballs mansions n
ophelia’s
aladdin In a far off land, in a far off time, lived two brothers and their devoted mother, Dotty Twanky.
Slaving away in the laundry, widow Twanky dreams of one day winning the lottery - or at least, getting some help with the washing from the two useless lumacks she calls sons; Tommy who is wishy washy and Aladdin who is forever getting into bother in his search for true love.
Their world is turned upside down when the evil Abanazar appears on the scene... Oooh I just love A Lad In! Watch out for him at...
customs house south shields30 nov 2011 - 7 jan 2012
whitley bay playhouse 13 dec 2011 - 2 jan 2012
Jassa Ahluwalia and Kirsty Swain play Whitley Bay.
Hi all... As it’s the festive season and I know a lot of you love a good panto, let’s have a little out! northeast tour of Pantoland and see how many fairies we can find!
by ophelia ballschoiceDick Whittington Jack & The Beanstalk
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com26
27
culture... music
listenlisten
listen
jason derulo
fight for you
Jason Derulo has actually reworked ToTo’s 1980s hit ‘Africa’ and I’m ashamed to say that I am LOVIN’ it! Lady GaGa’s BFF RedOne produced it. And despite initial reservations I think that Jason is actually rockin’ the 80s! I hope he’s sporting a perm in the video!
His track ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’ sampled the 90s hit ‘Show Me Love’. This one’s an 80s rework. I think he’s bound to sample the 70s next and my money is on ‘YMCA’! Fabulous! n
Another 80s rework, ‘Alone Again’ is a 2012 version of Heart’s ‘Alone’ and it’s #TotesEmosh!
Alyssa ad-libs ‘...and I’m hoping that you know that...’ before the original hook we all know and love. Not sure she makes the song her own but whatevs its still amazing.
Alyssa is 18, born in Canada and discovered on reality tv. Her voice is incredible, not quite caps lock INCREDIBLE like Adele or Beyonce tho. You must hear the Westfunk remix of this track, it’s gonna be as huge as Cascada’s ‘Every time We Touch’! ‘Alone Again’ is gonna get so many plays in PowerHouse. Guaranteed! n
You have to see the video to this, Katy Perry is a GILF! LOL. I’m not saying I would, but she does look pretty fit. Her BF leaves her and she ends up reflecting on the past as a granny, and as a gay man.
The song itself might make you want to text your ex or start poking them on facebook so just make sure you’ve been on Grindr before listening so that the battery life on your device is at 2% and dies midway through your moment of weakness!
Hopefully this is the last single from ‘Teenage Dream’ (We want new material now please). n
Hahahahahahaa is all I can say to describe this completely amazing song! I promise you will LOL!
Lloyd’s ex girlfriend has cheated on him #sadface! He didn’t find out because he hired a private investigator, or because he went through her phone, walked in on it happening, or caught an STI. He knows because another bee’s been in the honey and he’s seriously pissed. There’s an actual singing pussy in the video. I hope I get to play this on the radio soon but I guess I’ll be playing the clean ‘your loving done changed’ version. Boo! n
lloyd
dedication to my ex
alyssa reid
alone again
katy perry
the one that got away
More jumpin’ sounds guys!
by james barr 105-106 capital fmsat 7-11 pm, sun-thurs 11pm-3am
listen
heart skips a beat
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 27
takes... a-z community listings
Iraqi LGBT Raise public awareness and support refugees leaving Iran because of persecution based on sexual orientation + gender identity. http://iraqilgbt.org.uk
L Birds For women in Hartlepool aged 21+. Self esteem, confidence building + sexual health advice. Get involved in arts + crafts, or just socialise + meet new friends. Thurs 7-9pm [email protected] www.hartgables.org.uk fb ‘Hart Gables LGBT’ 01429 236 790LBi Teesside All LBi women welcome. [email protected]
Lesbian & Gay Parents Coffee Group For lesbian and gay parents, parents-to-be, or those considering parenthood. Meet for coffee and chats about all things parent related in Middlesbrough. [email protected]
Lesbifriends North East Face to face support and friendship. [email protected] www.lesbifriendsne.btik.com fb ‘Lesbifriends North East’ 07773 558 776 LesBi-Sexy & Healthy Website for LBi women covering health, wellbeing + sex.
[email protected] www.lesbisexyandhealthy.co.uk
0191 277 2048LGBT Middlesbrough Development and activities-support for lgbt community in [email protected] www.lbwn.co.uk 01642 803 607 (Lesley)
LGBT North East Virtual employment, community + engage-ment network for lgbt people in NE region. www.lgbtnortheast.com
M-Tags (M/brough Trans And Gay Soc.) LGBT 18+ social group in Middlesbrough. Meets Annie’s Bar for quiz nights, day trips, fund-raisers + more. 7-9pm, 1st + 3rd Thurs every month. [email protected] fb ‘M-TAGS’ (in groups) 07840 318 146Married Men’s Support 1-2-1 support + advice on topics such as the law, safer sex, and relationship difficulties. www.gaydads.co.uk (National) 0191 233 1333 (Mesmac)
Maze Independent ecumenical group in Durham. Meets monthly to celebrate + develop lgbtq Christian fellowship through worship, music, art, discussion, meditation + [email protected] or [email protected]
MESMAC North East Promotes sexual and mental health. Offers 1-1 counselling, general support and support groups for gay / bi men.
0191 233 1333 (Newcastle)
Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Newcastle An inclusive church founded in lgbt commu-nity. Be yourself. Know God. Sunday Service 6.30pm St James’ URC, Northumberland [email protected] www.mccnewcastle.org.uk FB ‘MCC Newcastle UK’07770 543 407
a-z Gay Advice Sunderland Advice, support, counselling + training in central Sunderland. Safe + friendly space with personal advisers available for welfare + educational needs. Open Mon-Thurs 10-4. [email protected]
0191 510 1006GAP For all gay / bi young men 16 -19. Meets weekly. Safe space to discuss coming out, gay men and the law, HIV, safer sex, relationships. Also social activities.0191 233 1333 (Mesmac)
Gay & Bi Men’s Service Support, info & advice in Durham. 07825 401 987 (Colin)
Gay & Lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous01670 354 576 (Tony - from 10pm)
Gay Men Tyneside Social alternatives to the gay scene for gay / bi men 20+. Wednesday evenings in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. info@ gay-men-tyneside.org.uk www.gay-men-tyneside.org.uk 07857 837 319 Gay Outdoor Club National organisation with regional and specialist groups - caving, cycling, swimming. Walks organised for many weekends in the UK and abroad. www.goc.org.uk
Gay Police Association Northumbria branch offers lgb police officers, special constables and staff oppor-tunities to network, mentor + support. [email protected] www.gay.police.uk
Gender Trust Information and counselling service for Transsexual, Gender Dysphoric, Transgen-der or affected by gender identity issues. www.gendertrust.org.uk0845 231 0505Get Real Weekly lgbt social group in South [email protected]
0191 483 5606 (Tony) 0191 416 2324 (Dave)
Good As You Group for lgb young people 16-24 yrs. Meets weekly in Sunderland city centre. 07866 728 531Hart Gables Advice, support, social groups, trips out and events for lgbt people in and around Hartlepool. Teesside hate crime service.
[email protected] [email protected] www.hartgables.org.uk fb ‘Hart Gables LGBT’01429 236 790HIV+ Men’s Group Discreet service for HIV+ gay and bi men, meets weekly in central Newcastle. Offer-ing support and social activities. [email protected] 0191 233 1333 (Mesmac)
ID Young TransMeet others with similar issues in safe spaces. Confidence building activities for young trans people 16-24 yrs. Opportunities to exchange info + seek support. [email protected] 07826 872 756 (Billijean) 01325 313 888 (Deb)
DISC Working across Durham + Darlington with 15-25yr olds, offering a range of health + wellbeing support around lgbt issues, including access to other services. [email protected] www.disc-vol.org.uk
01325 731 160 (office) 07826 872 756 (Billijean)
Durham University Students LGBT Association Meets weekly during term-time plus ad-ditional functions and trips out. Drop-in and support. Open to students from other local unis and colleges, and [email protected] http://durhamlgbta.org.uk
0191 374 1772Dykehikes Walks for lesbians 18+ in + around north-east. Meet Sundays once or twice a month. [email protected] www.dykehikes.org.uk
EngAge (at Age Concern) For lgbt 50yrs+ in Durham. Monthly social meetings for consultation, to ensure voices of older people are heard, and inform, policy and [email protected]
0191 383 9750 (Clare)
Eslwick Women and Girls Group for girls and women. Young lesbian one-to-one support available.0191 273 4942The Fed Bringing together lgbt organisations to act as one regionwide lgbt voice. Regular meetings across region + volunteer opportunities. [email protected] www.lgbtfed.com
Friday Men’s Group Gay and bi men meet Friday evenings in Darlington, 7-9.30pm. [email protected]
01325 355 551The Fryers Weekly social sessions in Bedlington for lgbt young people and their friends aged 13 to 25. Individual support. Varied activities programme set by [email protected]
01670 531 843 (office) 07790 823 040 (lgbt worker)
GADD (Gay Advice Darlington/Durham) Info, support + advice. ‘Open-house’ drop-in Tues+Thurs 2-4pm. Free access internet café. ‘Mainly men’ drop-in 7-9.30pm Friday. 9 Duke St, Darlington, Co Durham DL3 [email protected] www.gayadvicedarlington.co.uk
01325 355 551 (helpline · Mon-Fri 11am-4pm + Fri 6.30pm-9pm + Sun 7-9:30pm)
01325 252 522 (admin)
GADD Youth Group for 16-25 yrs.www.gayadvicedarlington.co.uk01325 355 551
ARCH - Hate Crime Tyne + Wear Report hate crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of homophobic harassment in Tyne + Wear. 24/7 service.
0800 032 32 88 (Newcastle + North Tyneside - freephone)
0800 077 83 78 (Sunderland - freephone)
0191 433 2648 (Gateshead-local rate)
bangshees Women’s drumming band. Meet Thurs 7-9pm in Newcastle. All women welcome. [email protected]
Berwick Community Support Monthly social group.
07799 598 843
Big Up North North east social group for gay men + chasers. Meets weekly in Ncl & N Tyneside. Coffee meets, trips away, cinema + [email protected]
Blue Sky Trust (North-East Aids Care) Confidential help for people with HIV/AIDS. Provides transport, help with DIY/decorat-ing, shopping, laundry, sitting + befriending. [email protected]
Body Positive NE Confidential info, advice + support for people infected/affected by HIV/AIDS. Advocacy, holistic therapies, benefits advice, housing referrals + respite care. Computer/Internet access daily, tuition [email protected] www.bpne.org0191 232 2855Club T @ GADD TS + TV info, socialising + advice. 1-2-1 counselling, help-line, promoting accept-ance. Regional and national contacts. Sundays (fortnightly), 7:30pm-10pm. Call for next date. www.gayadvicedarlington.co.uk
01325 355 551Deaflink LGBT Regular meetings for confidence building, awareness raising + discussion. Open to all deaf, deafblind, hard-of-hearing + supporters. [email protected] Text 07897 329 359 (Katie) Fax 0191 232 3917Derwentside LGB User-led informal group for LGB people. Wednesday evenings 7-9pm in Consett. Support, one-to-one health info & [email protected]
0191 374 4144 (Sue)
Derwentside LGB Youth Young lgb people can develop + understand issues of sexuality. 1-2-1 work to encourage personal, social + educational [email protected]
0191 374 4144 (Sue)
To get your community, public or voluntary sector service listed here free, email [email protected]
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com28
takes... a-z community listings
Monday Night Mix @ Hart Gables, Hartlepool. Participants determine evening’s activities. All welcome. [email protected] www.hartgables.org.uk 01429 236 790 (Alan)
Morpeth LGBT Support Fortnightly meetings. 07799 598 843NAZ HIV & AIDS National sexual health + HIV prevention, and support services for South Asian gay and bi-sexual men. Bengali, Gujerati, Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil and Urdu spoken. 0208 741 1879 (m-f 9.30-5.30pm)
NEOLN Social group for lesbians aged 40+ across the northeast. Meets 3rd Sundays + more. [email protected] www.neoln.btck.co.uk07539 489 214Newcastle College LGBT Soc Student-only LGBT group meets Mondays 4.30-5.30pm. Contact lgbt officer c/o S/Union, Parsons Building.0191 200 4525Newcastle LGBT Council Tenants Informal group for lgbt council tenants and leaseholders in Newcastle. Give your views on how we can improve services. [email protected] 0191 278 4391Newcastle Panthers Newcastle’s first proud all-gay football team wants new players. [email protected]
07528 038 981 (Russell)
Newcastle Ravens For players + supporters of gay-friendly rugby. Meets Mondays 7-9pm at the Novos pitch, Benton, [email protected] www.newcastleravens.co.uk
Newcastle University LGBT Society Meets during term time only. Contact lgbt officers via Students’ Union. [email protected] www.newcastlelgbt.co.uk
0191 239 3936North East Gay Asylum Group Helps support and open up social opportuni-ties to North East asylum seekers. [email protected] 401 616North East LGBT Parenting Group Informal group for people with children, or thinking of becoming [email protected]
07837 608 564 (Anna) NE Young Lesbian + Bi Women’s Group Aged 16-25, lesbian, bi, or questioning. Talk in confidence. Meet weekly in central Ncl. Issue-based group work + social activities. 07540 896 121
Northern Proud Voices North east lgbt + friends choir. Meets Thursdays 7-9.15pm at St James URC, Ncl [email protected] fb ‘Northern Proud Voices’
0191 296 3445 (anytime + voicemail)
Northern Region Gender Dysphoria Service Outpatient service for transgender people experiencing gender discomfort in the NE + N Cumbria. Provides assessment, psycho-sexual therapy, voice therapy + referrals for surgical treatment. GP referral req’d. [email protected] 569 9401 (9am-1pm Mon + Fri: 9am-5pm Tuesday. Answerphone at other times)
Northumbria University LGBT Forum Meets during term in the ‘Annexe’. Open to non-students. Social events, speakers, support, trips out. Confidential.
0191 227 3737 (Students’ Union)
Northumberland College LGBT Meets Wednesday afternoons for socialising and support - in conjunction with Trinity + Changemakers.07790 885 171Northumberland Young People Support + social activities across [email protected] www.tyarainbow.org.uk
01670 531 843 (office)
out! northeast Free news, information + lifestyle maga-zine for the north east lgbt communities. [email protected] www.outnortheast.com
Outlook (Lifeline) For adults in Ncl who have / had, problems with drug use. Safe attitude-free environ-ment to take part in various activities.
0191 281 1828Outpost Support, advice, information + accommo-dation for young lgbt people aged 16-25.
[email protected] www.outpostproject.org
0191 281 0099Parents Enquiry NE Advice and support group (meets every 2 months) for parents of lgbt people. [email protected] www.parentsofgays.co.uk
0191 455 2868 (Joan) 01642 370 230 (Jill) after 6pm
PLUS+ Group for young lgbt people under 25 yrs. Tuesdays 6-8pm in central Gateshead. [email protected]
0800 422 0200 (Press Option 5)
Positive Living Support services for HIV+ people, partners, family and carers in Darlington / Durham. [email protected] 252 522Pride Radio Gay radio for the north east. Listen 24/7 via www.prideradio.co.uk, iTunes Radio (in the Electronica section) + on smartphones through Tune In Radio. [email protected] www.prideradio.co.uk
a-z R2B Facilitated user-led lgbt youth group in Hartlepool on Wednesday evenings. Confi-dential non judgemental 1-2-1 available. [email protected]
REACH Offers help to men + women who’ve been raped or sexually assaulted, and were aged 16 or over when the assault occurred. [email protected] www.reachcentres.co.uk
0191 221 9222 (Newcastle) 0191 565 3725 (Sunderland)
True Vision Hate Crime Teesside Confidential incident reporting in Teesside. [email protected] www.reporthatecrime.co.uk
0800 138 1625 (24/7) 01642 803 607 (Lesley)
Room4Durham Meets every Tuesday 7-8pm for coffee + a chat. Then on to the Black Horse (top of Front St, Chester-le-Street). Family + friends welcome. [email protected]
07502 388 841 (lesbian) 07984 097 876 (gay man)
South Tyneside College LGBT Group [email protected]
STaG Confidential sexuality + safer sex advice + info for gay & bisexual men in Gateshead + S Tyneside. Scene alternatives, access to safer sex resources. Mondays from 7.30pm in central Gateshead. [email protected]
0800 422 0200Street Level Support group for HIV/AIDS affected people; partners, family + carers. Women-only sessions available.0191 455 3027Sunderland University LGBT Society Meets Wednesday evenings 7.30pm at the Bonded Warehouse. [email protected] 514 5512Tea with Dorothy For people 50+ looking to meet other lgbt people in a relaxed, social environment. Newcastle - 3rd Monday of month, 5-7pm07917 797 279Sunderland - 2nd+3rd Wed of month, 5-7pm goodneighbour@ ageuksunderland.org.uk www.ageuksunderland.org.uk0191 514 8321Teesside Positive Action Support group for HIV+/AIDS affected people, partners, family & carers. Also complementary therapies + education. 01642 254 598Teesside Trans @ Hart Gables. Social support, activities + more. Meets Tuesdays 7-9pm01429 236 790Teesside Uni LGBT Society [email protected]
01642 342 234 (lgbt officer)
TeesTrans Listening ear, emotional + practical sup-port for transgender, cross dresser + intersex people. [email protected] http://teestrans.blogsite.org
TG North Info, advice + support for transgender people in T+W, N/land + Durham areas. The group also aims to combat prejudice amongst the general population. Meets 1st Friday of month in Tyneside. [email protected]
07716 775 102
Tipping The Pages LBi book/film group meets regularly in eateries in Newcastle area.fb ‘tipping the pages’
TUC LGBT Network Confidential help + support for lgbt people at work. Non-union members welcome. Meets Newcastle, 1st Friday each [email protected] www.tuc.org.uk/equality
Tyneside Rape Crisis Centre Info, support + counselling for women + girls who have experienced sexual vio-lence. Also training, education + outreach. www.tynesidercc.org.uk
0191 222 0272 (enquiries) 0191 232 9858 (helpline tues+thurs 6-8.30pm)
Tyneside Young Lesbians For 16-25yrs to meet in safe environment in central Newcastle, Mondays 6-8pm.
07507 702 878
UNISON LGBT Regional lgbt Unison members meet in Newcastle. www.unison.org.uk/out0191 245 0806WeAr Out! Various groups in Sunderland for socialising, help + support.
Wellness through creativity group - meets atlernating Mondays 4.30-6pm
Older men’s group - meets alternating Thursdays 6.30-9.30pm
Lesbian and bisexual women’s group - meets alternative Tuesdays 7 - 9Pm
0191 514 5953 (office) 07415 104 559 (Deb Walker)[email protected] www.trinityyouth.org.uk
Transgender group - meets Bridge St, 6-9.30pm, 2nd + 4th Mon of each month. 07711 091 219 (10am-10pm all days)
Women4Women Social group for LBi women in north east. Meets regularly in [email protected] FB ‘womenforwomen northeast’07722 718 232 WOW (Women On Women) Based in Darlington, covering County Durham & North Yorkshire. Support, friendship, discos + social activities for LBi women.
07939 946 645 01325 462 418 (Sandy)
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 2929
takes... scene
southern
Festively tottering around the corner to Annie’s Bar - who this month, will be celebrating a year since being re-opened. Sunday 18 December sees Miss Jackie Daniels take to the stage along with some special guests, to bring you a birthday party you’ll be proud to be part of.
Annie’s Bar also plays host to ‘M-Tags’, a gay men’s group who will be hosting their xmas quiz fundraiser from 8pm on Sunday 4 December, followed by a camptastic xmas disco!
Last but certainly not least in Middlesbrough we land at my home venue, The-Oak.
I’ll be live from 8pm every Sunday through December & January, bringing you a rather special dose of seasonal ‘mince’ at my Sunday Detox. And Olivia Del Rio will be playing all your xmas crackers at ‘Carry on Campin’ every Tuesday.
Wednesdays at The-Oak welcomes back my other half, dj Aaron Proudler with Qone with all your favourite chart, dance and pop tracks from 8pm.
Djs James and Chris Hayton will be keeping your weekends topped right up with ‘Big Squirt’ every Friday and ‘Digital’ every Saturday.
Before we commence with what’s going on in your tinsel coated venues, I would like to give a huge congratulations to Miss Tess Tickle for bagging the title of ‘Best Drag Queen’ in this year’s Tees Valley Pink Awards. The celebratory event was held in November to raise the profile of people who work to support lgbt communities in Teesside.
Ok let’s get down to proper scene business... Starting with Blu & Basement, Pop Boudoir is bringing you a very merry selection of cabarets in the run up to Christmas. The festivities begin on Sunday 11 December with Daisy and her new Diamonds. And on 26 December there’s a Boxing Day Special - so get yourself over if you can still move after all the mince pies.
As always Satur-Gay will be taking over your Christmas eve down in Basement, and helping you welcome in the new year with what promises to be another fab new year’s eve party.
Don’t forget Penni Presses Play every Thursday at Blu with a fabulous xmas swap shop & quiz coming at ya on Thursday 29 December.
Happy holidays all you party animals
and welcome to your fabulously
festive edition of Scene Queen.
by anita detox
Just a short sleigh ride from Middlesbrough we have the home of Gay Mondays, Darlington!
Due to venues being extremely busy over the festive period both Pick & Mix at Harveys, and Seen & Inside Out will not be launching their gay spectaculars the Monday before Christmas. Instead they’re throwing a very special big gay xmas bash on Wednesday 28 December!
However, Gaylicious at Joe’s bar, Avalon and Retro will be open as usual with their pride covered xmas trees and festive frivolities!
Well m’dears as a lot of venues are still planning their Christmas specials, they’ve asked me to keep some things a surprise, so keep your eyes on my facebook page for invites to some rather unusual gay holiday spectaculars!
Happy Holidays!
Detox n
scene queen
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darlington(mondays only)gaylicious @ joe’s bar imperial ctre, grange rd · 01325 464 642 monday 7pm – midnight · cabaret
the golden cock 12 tubwell row · 07818 507 460 mon · 11am - 2am
inside out beaumont street west mon · midnight - 3.30am
pick & mix @ harvey’s mon · 9pm - 2am · 2 rooms djs matt nevin paige turner + guests
the quays 5 tubwell row · 01325 461 448 lgbt friendly all week with food served sun · 12 noon - 3pm + mon-sat · 11am - 4pm
release @ avalon 8 blackwellgate · 01325 469 977 mon · 8pm – midnight · guest djs lindsey stephenson + gina tonic
seen beaumont street mon · 10pm - 2am · dj chris
st mary’s raby terrace mon · 8pm - 1am · karaoke with dj mike
scene alternativescasa bellini burlesqueBurlesque at The People’s Theatre, Heaton. www.casabelliniburlesque.co.uk
lesbilicious comedy Semi-regular comedy night for lesbian/bisexual women + their friends in Newcastle. Tkts £13 + booking fee (£10 before 13 October). For more info see www.lesbilicious.co.uk
milk Funky house night for lesbians and their friends. Relaxed + friendly atmosphere. Sexy beats 9pm - 3am. Venue varies Facebook ‘milk-newcastle’ or email [email protected]
poke Alternative lgbt music night in Newcastle. 8.30pm - 2am (£2 entry after 9pm) Facebook ‘poke newcastle’
rock ‘n’ doris Regular music and disco nights for lesbians, gay men and friends. Facebook ‘rockndoris’.
newcastle contd switch 4 - 10 scotswood road · 0191 261 534 wed + thurs · 4pm - 2am fri + sun · 9am - 2am sat · 9am - 2.30am
twist times sq (centre for life) · 0191 233 0414 mon + thurs · 11am - 1.30am tues + wed · 11am - 11pm fri · 9am - 1.30am sat · 9am - 2.30am sun · 9am - 11pm
the yard 2 scotswood road · 0191 232 2037 sun - thurs · 3pm – 2am fri + sat · 2pm - 2am
sunderland(tuesdays only)arizona @the point the point · holmeside · 0191 510 8680 tues · from 8pm ‘til late mwah · ophelia balls + the lush crew
the black bull 309 high street west · 0191 567 5702 tues · 7pm - late karaoke · jackie daniels + guests
chase 1-3 park lane · 0191 567 0753 tues · 7pm - 1am · miss kitty + guests
glass spider vine place tues · 12 midnight - 5am
lola’s 17 vine place · 0191 564 1536 tues · 10pm - 3am · werq · dj gerard
luma 15 – 17 derwent street · 0191 514 5111 tues · 9pm ‘til late luma-licious · vicky paris
project homo @passion holmside tues · 11.30pm - 4.30am
room 24 24 vine place · 0191 514 3800 tues · from 8pm ‘til late · dj skippy
ttonic 12 vine place · 0191 565 5755 tues · 8pm – 2am crisco disco · miss trixie + dj teapot
takes...
newcastle@one 1 marlborough cres · 0191 260 3841 4pm – ‘til late
the bank 12 scotswood rd · 0191 230 3863 every day · 11 – 2am mon · games + karaoke · dj drama tues · topkatz karaoke · miss kitty wed · ophelia balls thurs, fri, sat, sun · from 9pm dj + cabaret · ruby reynolds sun · 4pm - 8pm · greta
boulevard 3-9 churchill street · 0191 250 7068 cabaret, dance + comedy
the dog 15 westmoreland road · 0191 221 0775 sun - thurs · 1pm - 1.30am fri - sat · 1pm - 3am
the eagle 42 scotswood road · 0191 230 4416 sun - thurs · 5pm - 1am fri · 5pm - 2am sat · 5pm - 3am
eazy street 8-10 westmoreland rd · 0191 222 0606 mon · 9pm - 3am · students’ nite tues · 9pm - 3am · miss lucy cabaret all other days · 12 noon - 3am
eclipse 48 clayton street west · 0191 222 0183 11am – midnight
gossip 7-9 westmoreland rd · 0191 261 6824 mon + thurs · 5pm - 1am tues + wed · 5 - 10.30pm fri · 2pm - 2am sat · 2pm - 3am sun · 2pm - 1am
heaven’s above @ the yard 2 scotswood road · 0191 232 2037 thurs - mon · 8.30pm – 2am
the loft 4 - 10 scotswood road · 0191 261 5348 friday & saturday · loftland · free entry
powerhouse 15-19 westmoreland rd · 0191 261 5348 mon, thurs, fri + sun · 11pm - 4am sat · 11pm - 4am (6am, 1st + last saturday of month)
rusty’s times sq (centre for life) · 0191 233 0414 mon · 8pm - 3am tues+wed · closed
secrets 78 scotswood road · 07725 329 381 mon - thurs · 11am - 12.30am fri · 11am - 3am sat · 12 noon - 3am sun · 2pm - 12.30 am
scene listings
the scenemiddlesbroughannie’s bar 97 linthorpe road · 07867 564 735 mon · 4pm - 11pm · free pool tues · 8pm - late · karaoke · chubbs wed + thurs · 4 - midnight fri · 4pm - midnight · karaoke · peter sat · 8pm - midnight · jackie daniels sun · 8pm - midnight · sheila blige monthly appearances from kevin t
bijou @ harveys linthorpe road thurs (monthly) · 9pm - 2am · £1 entry avant garde night · drag dj ava divine
blu albert road · 01642 220 040 tues · free entry · 8pm - 2am blu tuesdays · karaoke with kris king wed · 8pm - late · wii wednesdays thurs · 8pm - late · penni presses play · pub quiz last thurs each month cash prizes! fri · free entry · 8pm - 3am pout! with dj matt nevin sat · 8pm - midnight · q-jumpers £4 satur-gay pre-party with dj matt nevin sun · free entry · 8pm - 3am pop boudoir with duchess davinya, daisy diamond + guests
basement albert road · 01642 220 040 sat · 11pm – 3.30am £6 / £4 q-jump before 11pm satur-gay · tees valley’s biggest gay nite
the crown 143 linthorpe road · 01642 255 311 tues · 10pm - 2am · free entry · basecamp
the oak 23 newport road · 01642 219 748 tues · 9pm - late · free entry carry on campin’ · olivia del rio wed · 9 - late · free entry · q one · dj aaron fri · 9pm - 2am · rouge · dj james sat · 9pm - 2.30am · free entry gay weekender · dj chris sun · 8pm - 2am · free entry drag dj anita detox · drinks roulette.
If your life depends on it, contact the venues direct as information changes frequently.
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com 31
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outsunderland pride
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outsunderland pride
takes... horoscopes
horoscopesaries21 march-april 19
You can take the lead in matters of friendship and romance, but you’ll find that others will start to approach you with designs on your affections. If it’s your partner then you might be asking yourself what you’ve done to deserve such attention. Don’t analyse it too much - go with the flow! Your relationship will strengthen as a result and life will feel mighty good! If you’re single and you’ve got your eye on someone, just let them come to you, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
taurus20 april-may 20 Your love life is in sharp focus, with plenty to keep you and others interested in sparking a romantic flame. If you’re on the lookout for love then you might well find it within your social circle. Things are soon set to take off, so strap yourself in! You may be finding it hard to find the time for romance with everything else going on at the moment, but don’t let work or domestic pressures keep you from the pleasure of finding a new lover!
gemini21 may-june 20You might have been a touch extrava-gant lately, and it might be about to catch up with you, so time to be a little more level-headed with business matters. Your standards may have slipped, so it is time to raise the bar and focus on resolving some pressing financial or personal issues. Take full responsibility for your own actions, start thinking with your head rather than your heart and make your decisions with confidence.
cancer21 june-july 22
Are you finding it difficult to communicate with your partner? You’re always busy at work and they just want to play! Struggling to find any common ground? If so, the problem is certain to escalate. If you can fix it quickly, so much the better. Take a moment to think about how much the relationship means to you. You may need to swallow your pride, but for the sake of the relationship it might be the better part of valour.leo
23 july-august 22
You are generally on good form, and socially you’re feeling good about relationships with friends and relatives - all except for one. A certain person is making your life hard work, without good reason. You’d do well to steer clear of them for the time being! And if you should bump into them - whatever you do - kerb your tongue! If you’re out living it up, you’re likely to be doing it big style, so have your excuses ready when you’re late for work!
virgo23 august-september 22
You have been bottling up some of your feelings lately but a frank conversation with someone close will allow you to express them with more confidence, without the usual associations with guilt or remorse. Friends and family will help with your new found emotional aware-ness, and it will help in other areas of your life too - particularly on your creative side. Maybe consider an evening class or a new social activity to broaden your talents and friendships.
libra23 september-october 22Sometimes you can be quite altruistic, but other times your ambition can rise up at the expense of others. Right now it’s the latter, and you could do with showing some consideration to a loved one and worrying less about yourself. You might have some real opportunities at work, but if you take them then you stand to cause real problems at home. Consider carefully whether putting your career first really is the right move.
scorpio23 october-november 21Career goals are at the heart of your decision making, but if you think you’re heading up a blind alley then you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Your achieve-ments have been noted at a high level and you are sure to reap the rewards very soon. You may even find yourself offering to help a colleague who is down on their luck. Be careful not to rub in your eminent success, but if you play it right then it will just further enhance your prospects.
sagittarius22 november-december 21
Something unexpected is set to fire your inspiration. Your social activities are going to take up a lot of time and effort, but you are up for the challenge. Your partner might think that you won’t have enough left in the tank for them, but you’ll be fine in that department as well! In fact, in the mood you’re in, you will probably find yourself making all the romantic plans!
capricorn22 december-january 19 You get itchy feet when you see others behaving in a certain way. You want more than life has to offer at the moment and so does a close friend - or maybe even your partner. Some big changes are around the corner. Emotionally you could do with a change of scene, so you might be packing your bags very soon. And if you do jet off somewhere, make sure that you leave all those worries behind!
aquarius20 january-february 18 Someone with similar aspirations to you is proving to be your inspiration, and someone else less likely is also providing encouragement. All this should be motivation for you. If it’s a work issue, then having a quiet word with someone senior might prove useful. If it’s romance then listen to the advice from all sides and go with your heart. Friends will offer lots of support and you’ll feel a huge weight has been lifted from your shoulders.
pisces19 february-march 20
You’re in a period of flux. Everything appears to be changing around you and you appear to be the one standing still. You may be waiting for someone to make a big decision, but your impatience gets the better of you and you make it yourself. This will spark the interest of those around you, and win you some unexpected respect. This in turn will boost your confidence and you’ll find that you regain control of a lot of things you had let slip.
by jasmine starr
northeast / issue 29 / outnortheast.com34
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