Pictures from the House of Lords Reception 10th July 2018

House of Lords Reception with Lord Scriven of Hunters Bar 10th July 2018 Speech

Thank you all for your support today and particular thanks to The Lord Scriven of Hunters Bar for hosting this event and to my partner for 20 years Richard Hopkins.

In 1987 I arrived in this diverse and multicultural city that is London at the same time that the AIDS Gravestone campaign  "don't die of ignorance " was launched by the Health Secretary at the time, Norman Fowler, now Lord Fowler, Speaker of the House of Lords.

Rising negative sentiments towards homosexuality peaked. 75% of the population said that homosexual activity was "always or mostly wrong", Section 28 arrived the year after.  Last week, the Prime Minister apologised and admitted that she and her party got it wrong on things like the Section 28 and promised new actions to counter present injustices, she embraced, endorsed and thanked the LGBT citizens of this country.

As you have seen, this evening is to celebrate our diversity and inclusion in Civil Society.

I was told that I inspired people as a role model  and I was also told recently that having a reception in the House of Lords for The Gay Professional Network was the opposite of being inclusive. I replied that everyone was welcome, builders and plasterers included, and you will have seen that they are already at work here...

Indeed they are welcome, in those particular trade, homophobia is rife.

Homophobia is a word like transphobia and biphobia that I cannot suffer, just like racism and other "isms", yet I accept that phobia is a disorder with irrational fears.

By understanding this we can help educate at an early age, at home and at school, what it means to be part of a diverse community linked by common interests and collective activities.

Education is key to alleviate all fears and show that we are all human whatever our sexualities. I want my nephews and great nephews to never question again why 2 same sex partners is ok.

Diversity is the range of human differences .

Inclusion is involvement and empowerment.

At the Gay Professional Network, we promote and sustain a sense of belonging; we value and practice respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds and ways of living of our members. This is the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organisation's success. We do not exclude any groups.

Equality is the current term for equal opportunities and is based on the legal obligation to comply with anti-discrimination legislation, we are here today in the seat of legislation. Equality protects us from being discriminated against. Let's not forget our achievements and never be complacent.

Together we tackle discrimination, homophobia and any other phobias related to the LGBT+ community, in the press and the social media, we promote education in schools, families and everywhere to teach love and respect for all mankind.

It is not acceptable that in 2018 according to last week's government survey there is FEAR in our community to hold hands for fear of abuse and not reporting abuse.

Can you believe that in this country "Gay  conversion therapy" is still happening and legal? Although all major counselling and psychotherapy bodies, as well as the NHS, have concluded that it is dangerous and have condemned it .

By Professional I mean being professional at what you do, whatever you are doing. My Father who was a Doctor always told me:  "Whatever you do, do it professionally and to the best of your knowledge and ability".

I believe what comes around, goes around and by being nice to everyone, you shall reap the rewards. Achieve your dreams not by being mean but mean to achieve your dreams.  

Nobody ever gains from negative thoughts: the only people who benefit from negative equities are bankers.

The Gay Professional Network is very active in the World, it builds lasting social & professional relationships.

A few days ago I put in touch two members from Adelaide and Melbourne in Australia.

I am convinced that we are all connected by not 6 but 3 degrees of separation.

I do invite you to visit www.gpn.one for more details about our organisation and if you are not yet a member, please join, it is only £20 a year and gives you and others so much.

Lord Scriven of Hunters Bar is a liberal democrat peer and former leader of Sheffield City Council, he is still a councillor. He was described once as Nick Clegs's closest ally in local government. He is a businessman consulting in the public & private sector, training and development and an amazing advocate of the LGBT rights in UK and abroad. He married his partner Dr David Black last year.  

Thank you again my Lord Scriven for allowing me to say this few words and may I now ask you to say a few.

Were you out on the London scene in the late 1960s / early 1970s? - Did you know Maxwell / Michelle Confait?

Re: BBC documentary series

9 July 2018  17:49  41 KB

From:

 Sandrine Tabalo

To:

 'jf@gpn.one'

Hello,

I hope you’re well and don’t mind me getting in touch.

I am currently working on a new BBC series that will look into the history of crime. The series will look at three significant historical cases that have led to legislative reform and a seismic shift in society’s attitudes towards Justice. We will forensically re-examine the details of the case, to plot through the course of legal and social reform over the past fifty years.

In this series we’ll explore three historic cases in order to highlight important injustices and note the wider impact they had on British society. We hope to create a thought-provoking, honest, and intelligent re-examination of each case, its investigation, and prosecution to explain how we got from then to now.

One of our episodes focuses on catastrophic events of the Maxwell Confait case in 1972 and the subsequent wrongful imprisonment of the three boys accused of his murder. I understand that this is a very raw event so I do want to tread carefully but I was wondering whether you were aware of the case or perhaps might have known Maxwell/Michelle.

I was wondering whether you might be able to send the below to your members:

- Were you out on the London scene in the late 1960s / early 1970s?

- Did you know Maxwell / Michelle Confait?

Wall to Wall Television are making a BBC documentary about the murder of Maxwell Confait in Catford in 1972. The case was an infamous miscarriage of justice that led to significant changes in police powers.

The victim Maxwell Confait - also known as Michelle - was mixed-race, a transvestite who was well-known on the gay scene in South London frequenting The Castle and The Black Bull in Lewisham and also Le Duce bar (sometimes also written La Douce or Le Deuce) on D'Arbly Street in Soho. 

We want to tell the story of the real person at the heart of this case, and to paint a picture of the world in which they lived. If you knew Maxwell / Michelle Confait, or were part of the London LGBT+ community in the late 1960s / early 1970s, we'd love to hear from you.

Very best wishes and I look forward to hearing from you,

Sandy

Please consider the environment before printing this email.
If this e-mail is received in error, please delete it, notify the sender and don't make any use of its contents. Confidentiality and privilege are not waived. Wall to Wall (Holdings) Limited. Reg. Office: Warner House, 98 Theobald’s Road, London WC1X 8WB. Reg. in England. Company No: 02580387. See http://www.walltowall.co.uk/emaildisclaimer.aspx for our full and binding e-mail notice.

GPN Social Event Thurday 26 July at 6:30pm

Just a social networking drink, I asked members to choose the venue this time and they have replied, thank you. 

We shall go up the rainbow staircase at The Apple Tree in Clerkewell, there is a private room there and is now fully airconditioned. It is a new venture of Phil Hunt who is a film producer and a friend of our member John Greager. They may say a few words and as it is a private room, everyone will have the opportunity to say a few words, if they choose to do so. 

Not a member yet? join us on www.gpn.one

It is a free event, cash bar for all, badges will be prepared.

Please note that non-members will be asked to pay £20 towards the organisation of the evening either in cash or card on arrival. 

Networking with Italy Gay Travel 20-09-2018 @6:30pm

All LGBT Welcome! You do not have to be single to attend this networking event. We will be on the first floor. Not a member of GPN yet? It is only £20 a year, join us on www.gpn.one

Here is the trip all the singles have been waiting for! Don't you just hate going on a trip where half the people are loved up and you are left looking on?

We say no more, we here at Italy Gay Travels have created and amazing Luxury Gay Foodies Tour in Puglia only for singles.

Yes sorry couples, you will have to join another tour.

This will be the perfect opportunity to discover Puglia with other like-minded single gay people from around the globe.

The Food and wine tour is packed with activities including:

Learning to cook like a local;

Gastronomy meals from the best parts of the region;

Visits to local markets;

Wine and Olive oil tasting sessions;

Visits to key sights including Alberobello, Lecce, Ostuni and Polignano a Mare

Make new friends from all over the world (and maybe the love of your life) and stay in luxury accommodation in a private villa.

For more information please check the details of the tour: Foodies Tour in Puglia - Singles Week

Come learn more at our Networking Event in London, September 20, from 6.30 pm at the Duke of Wellington.

We will be on the first floor.

Italy Gay Travels also provide tailor-made tours for couples and small to medium sized groups so drop us an email at info@italygaytravels.com to start planning your perfect holiday!

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free introduction to Parliament 4th July @ 6pm

Hi Jean-Francois,

I work at UK Parliament, and have been a member of the GPN email list for a few years now. I noticed that you have  an event at the House of Lords on the 10th July. 

We are hosting a free introduction to Parliament session a week before which might be helpful for your members if they wanted to expand their knowledge.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-parliament-pride-in-london-open-event-tickets-47469994030 

There’s a bit more information on the Eventbrite page. But it would be massively apprecaied if you could circulate this to anyone who might be interested. (unfortunately there are no canapes – but it will be great!)

All the best

Sky

Celebrate our diversity and inclusion on Tuesday 10th July at the House of Lords with Lord Scriven

The Gay Professional Network is privileged to have been granted the opportunity of meeting at the House of Lords 

with grateful thanks to The Rt Hon The Lord Scriven of Hunters Bar who will speak on this occasion. 

Lord Scriven is an openly gay man married to his partner and he advocates and helps the LGBT community in more ways than more. 

Check his twitter feed on https://twitter.com/Paulscriven.

RSVP: http://gpn.eventbrite.com 

The Palace of Westminster, The Houses of Parliament, will close for a thorough refurbishment for about 10 years following this Summer. It is an unique opportunity to attend and be dazzled by the architecture and luxury 
of the interiors.

We are a group of Gay Professionals who like their comfort, good wine and food, comfortable surrounding and great people. 

House of Lords fine wines and canapés will be served for our gathering.

Here is the list of canapes ordered, we should not be hungry after this...

COLD CANAPES

Wye Valley asparagus panna cotta, puff pastry 

London cured smoked salmon blini 

Cotswold chicken & ham hock ballotine 

Cornish crab coronation 

Cambridgeshire courgettes & lemon hummous 

HOT CANAPES 

Cornish lamb pressed sandwich 

Herefordshire beef skewer, truffle Hollandaise 

Wye Valley asparagus risotto, parmesan taco 

Fish n' chips, tartare sauce 

Cave aged Wookey Hole cheese soufflé 

DESSERTS 

Vanilla & praline madelines 

Raspberry Pate de fruit 

White chocolate &coconut truffles

With grateful thanks to our member Mark Weeks of Mark Weeks Photography for sponsoring the photography of the event.

Become a member now on www.gpn.one (it is only £20 a year and gives you many advantages) and please spread the word about the Gay Professional Network. Sharing it with friends, colleagues and the wider world helps us to grow and expand.

Please share this event on Facebook and Twitter with your friends
GPN is a non for profit membership organisation operating since 2010.

Please keep checking this blog as this is where special offers and other events from affiliated organisations are posted on a regular basis.

The Gay Professional Network is a really good way to meet like minded people for business or social reason. All very nice people in a relaxed atmosphere. I incite you to keep in touch and nurture the contacts you make as you never know when they might come useful. 

The Gay Professional Network is your platform to promote your cause, your business, venue and yourself. It helps your further your business or career and makes meaningful business and social contacts. You get connected, proactive and productive. 

Get connected, productive & proactive with GPN, The LGBT platform to promote your causes, companies, venues & businesses.

As always, I'd like to hear your thoughts and feedback about the events and your online experience too through our Facebook Group and our LinkedIn Group.

I very much look forward to seeing you again soon.

Yours ever,



J-F.

Jean-François Dor

Founder

Gay Professional Network

jf@gpn.one

www.gpn.one