Season's Greetings

 

As this year ends, we commemorate all that happened and did not due to the Pandemic, today fortified with spirit or Champagne, we look forward to 2022 and invite you to join me, wherever we are, in drinking to the prosperity of The Gay Professional Network and The Gay Business Association. I very much look forward to seeing you at the Civil Service Club on Tuesday 25th January to hear Ima von Wenden aka Amanda Dee. Happy New Year! Whatever your creed, everyone is welcome. #togetherwearestronger!

"Are social justice and identity politics splitting LGBT?"   Tuesday 25th January 2022 @ 6:30pm     Ima von Wenden aka Amanda Dee former LGBT activist, past Board member of Oxford Pride founder of TransOxford, Transsexual Voices Matter (TSVM) Chairperson of the Eccentric Club.   Since the Stonewall Riots, the gay and lesbian liberation movement had an eventful history, with many legal and social victories, culminating in the recognition of the same sex marriages in many countries.   The need for the equal treatment of all human beings, irrespective of anyone's sexuality or sex, appealed to all people with common sense and was the reason of the gradual but steady success of the gay and lesbian campaigners.   Their struggle and support helped the transsexual community to find its voice, to come out and fight for the trans rights, with varying degree of success in many countries.   In the recent decade, however, the new wave of the trans activists, supported by Stonewall, went on to develop further their elaborate terminology and agenda, which sometimes antagonises their former LGBT allies and the general public, leading to the factionalism in LGBT and feminism and the formation of trans-exclusive feminist and lesbian groups as well as the wider LGB Alliance.   Is it time to reflect on that, the achievements of the past and the conflicts of the present, the importance of the unity within the LGBT and the social integration of the trans people within the larger, non-trans, community? Is it time to progress from just raising the awareness to strengthening and celebrating the cohesion of the LGBT and the humankind?   And is it time to review Stonewall's and other modern trans activists' agenda to facilitate the restoration of the LGBT unity?   The presentation will be followed by a Q & A session. I am sure that many of us will want to contribute to this.     #Networking #Community #Talk #OnlineEvent #diversityandinclusion #togetherwearestronger #culture #fashion #business #inspiration #success #startups #Education    More info &  register

Please invite your friends and colleagues, tweet about this event and post in on Facebook. All you need to do is to click on these links: Facebook Twitter   You can also share it on WhatsApp with the people you would love to attend (this link may only work if you are reading this on a mobile phone).

I very much look forward to seeing you then,   With all best wishes,   Yours,   Jean-François.   PS: f you have already booked or sent your apologies, there is no need to reply to this email.                                 Jean-François Dor   Founder                                                           Chairman Gay Professional Network, since               Gay Business Association since                                                                   2010                                                                    1983                                             07831 78 22 00 jf@gpn.one                                             hello@the-gba.co.uk

JFDE   The Network operates Le Cercle Francophone, , The Anglo-Belgian Organisation, The Chinese Connection, The Middle East Circle, The Eastern Society & Ladies who lunch. The Gay Professional Network operates The Gay Business Association. JFDE operates both GPN & The Network (Oh and we do events, PR & marketing) Check the websites above for each of those organisations.   If you wish to join each mailing list, please update your preference at the bottom of this email. Members of The Network can attend ALL events FREE of charge, except when food and drinks are provided, for only £40 a year   Join The Network

GPN and The Network are both not for profit, fully inclusive, membership organisation since 2010 and 2012 and your platforms to promote your cause, business, venue and yourself.   GPN and The Network help your further your business or career and make meaningful business and social contacts.   You get connected, proactive and productive.    They are both  get together of like minded, and very nice, people who enjoy meeting others in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.     Connect, learn, enjoy and build lasting social & professional relationships.   GPN meets every  4th Tuesday of the Month   The Network meets  every 2nd Tuesday of the Month and has more events for all its sub groups for networking, dinners and social events, usually with a speaker.     #TogetherWeAreStronger!

Diversity Role Models

 

Our new project has 50 places for England schools   We're proud to announce Diversity Role Models has been funded to deliver a programme which empowers schools to take a stand against all forms of bullying.   The project will supply free training and resources to schools in England which ensure staff have the knowledge and skills to tackle and prevent bullying to create inclusive school cultures, anchored in training about diversity and the protected characteristics.   With staff training, the project also offers optional free primary pupil workshops and access to new resources through our LGBT+ storytelling service, Role Model Stories.   Find out more about the content of the free staff training and how to register here.   Delivery of the project is due to commence in January, with dates available through February and March 2022. Numbers are limited so register your interest now.    Thanks, Jac Bastian

Diversity Role Models St Anne's Church 55 Dean Street London W1D 6AF

Diversity Role Models is a registered charity number 1142548 and a company limited by guarantee number 07640644

Westminster LGBT+ Forum

 

Westminster LGBT+ Forum October 2021 Issue #2

Dear Jean-Francois Welcome to the latest e-news from Westminster LGBT+ Forum

Mayor of London urged to reform Pride

Fourteen leading members of the LGBTIQ community have written an Open Letter to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, with nine demands for the reform of Pride in London. Pride is funded by the Mayor and has a contract with his office. Forum Co-chair Chris Barlow, a member of the now disbanded Pride in London Community Advisory Board has added his signature to this letter in the hope that a much needed overhaul of Pride 2022 takes place to create a truly inclusive event reflecting the values of our fabulous community. For more information see the letter to the Mayor and its nine demands.

29th Raindance Film Festival

27 October to 6 November 2011 Raindance have partnered with Outings in Art and Westminster LGBT+ Forum to offer free tickets to the Queer Strand films shown below. Please support this fabulous inclusive and community friendly Film Festival. To book please email cbarlow5000@gmail.com Tickets will be allocated on a ‘first come first serve’ basis but a waiting list will be operating if you wish to try for a ticket for a fully allocated screening.

Films:

The Man with the Answers

29 October 2021 at 3.20 p.m. Ex-championship diver Viktoras lives on the Greek coast. When an unexpected phone call summons him to Germany, he sets out on a road trip and crosses paths with Mathias - a free-spirited handsome hitchhiker. Stelios Kammitsis’ The Man With The Answers is a picture-postcard travelogue through Europe. At Genesis, 93-95 Mile End Road, Bethnal Green, E1 4UJ  13 tickets available

Miguel's War

30 October 2021 at 3 p.m. Miguel has been living as an exiled gay man in Spain for 37 years and has become a successful interpreter. Now that he is willing to return to his native country of Lebanon to confront his traumatic past, maybe he can find some emotional balance and love at long last. At the Bertha Doc House Curzon Bloomsbury, The Brunswick Centre, WC1N 1AW Only 3 tickets available.

Hating Peter Tatchell

1 November at 9 p.m. A special screening of the Netflix documentary which shows how Peter Tatchell's 54 years of activism began and highlights the vital role of the Peter Tatchell Foundation. At the Curzon Soho, 99 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5DY Fully booked but a waiting list is now open.

Against the Current

1 November 2021 at 6.20 p.m. The the saga of Veiga, a trans woman born in the Westfjords of Iceland.  The film explores a lifetime spent battling against the currents of social expectations, as Veiga attempts to become the first person to kayak around the 2,000 km Icelandic coastline, against the current. At Genesis, 93-95 Mile End Road, Bethnal Green, E1 4UJ 10 tickets available.

Girl Like You

2 November 2021 at 6.20 p.m. In this touching and insightful documentary, filmmakers Samantha Marlowe and Frances Elliot follow a couple battling to stay together as one of them transitions genders. The film captures the ripple effect as the couple confront the effects of new body parts and navigate their own evolving sexual identities. At Curzon Soho, 99 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5DY 8 tickets available.

The Pop Song

3 November 2021 at 7 p.m. Simón travels from London to Barcelona to attend the funeral of one of his friends. He finds a city that he doesn’t recognise and some friends who feel like strangers.  Their reunion will determine his future and make him decide whether to stay or go back to London. At Genesis, 93-95 Mile End Road, Bethnal Green, E1 4UJ 8 tickets available.

Please Support Us

If you wish to see the Forum continue, we desperately need your support and invite you to become a regular donor. Even a one-off donation will help. The collection of donations uses a secure system that offers payment via PayPal, Credit or Debit card. Please Support Us Now

Other News and Events can be found on our website.

Outings in Art is Westminster LGBT+ Forum’s principal events partner and offers a monthly range of activities.

Westminster LGBT+ Forum www.westminsterlgbtforum.org

Arcola presents: Broken Lad

Arcola presents: Broken Lad A new comedy written by Robin Hooper Directed by Richard Speir WORLD PREMIERE 13 October - 6 November 2021 “What lies on the bottom of the ocean and twitches?” “A nervous wreck.” Above a pub in North London, Phil is fighting off panic about his comeback gig. Dropped by his manager, he finds only his old friend Ned at his side. A friendship which has rescued Ned from loneliness in his old age has turned into an unrequited obsession. As Phil laments his dwindling career, his son arrives believing that his dad harbours a damaging secret. With the gig hour nearing, old flames and past misdemeanours catch up with the family. Tonight, Phil’s comedy career might not be the only thing in tatters. A new comedy by Robin Hooper, Broken Lad is an honest examination of masculinity and virility in distress. Robin Hooper returns to Arcola following Not the Love I Cry For (2006). His previous plays include Queer Fish (Battersea Arts Centre – Critics Choice, Time Out, Whats On), The Move (one of the first NT Platforms to tour), Astonish Me (RSC and Almeida Theatre then Home Theatre off-Broadway). https://arco.la/brokenlad More info &  Book

Stonewall

 

Hi Jean-Francois, This Black History Month’s theme is #ProudToBe, coordinated by the Black History Month Organisation. We are proud to share our Stonewall x Black History Month hub, which is filled with essential articles and resources to learn about Black LGBTQ+ lives and histories, how to be a better ally, and the legacy of Black queer activism.  Black people have always been at the centre of the LGBTQ+ liberation movement, from Marsha P. Johnson and Stormé DeLarverie, who were major figures in the Stonewall uprisings of 1969, to modern day leaders like Munroe Bergdorf and Lady Phyll.

What does it mean to be Black and Queer? Read about the personal intersectional experiences of being Black and LGBTQ+. Black LGBTQ+ organisations Check out our list of Black-led LGBTQ+ organisations you should know about. African sexuality and the legacy of imported homophobia Deep dive into the history of colonial homophobia and its impact in Africa today. 10 ways to be an ally to Black LGBT people Our staff share the most effective ways to be an active ally to Black LGBTQ+ people. Support Black LGBT Fundraisers Browse our list of ways you can support the Black LGBTQ+ community through fundraising. Black History Month Heroes The Stonewall People of Colour Network has shared their Black LGBTQ+ heroes and how they continue to inspire us.

Visit our hub for more resources It is important we celebrate Black History Month, remembering the contributions to society and the LGBTQ+ community that are so often forgotten or dismissed. Follow us on our socials and use #BlackHistoryMonth and #ProudToBe to share what you are proud of this month, and help us celebrate the incredible impact of Black LGBTQ+ people everywhere.