News items
IDAHO-UK NEWS RELEASE. 16th MARCH 2009. FOR IMMEDIATE AND WIDESPREAD DISTRIBUTION.www.idaho.org.uk www.idahomophobia.orgCampaigners in over 50 countries are gearing up to mark the 5th International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17th. Amongst events and initiatives already announced in the UK are the launch of a major international campaign against transphobia, and “the largest, organised same sex hand-holding event in the world”. The IDAHO committee in conjunction with “Transgender Europe” and “Gender Dynamix” have launched an international appeal “to reject transphobia and respect gender identity” and there is an on-line petition to sign. Derek Lennard, IDAHO-UK Campaigner explained “In the UK, we will focus on human rights and violations against trans people around the world, and work with other campaigners to publicise and celebrate the services which do exist , and identify the many gaps in service provision”. Professor Stephen Whittle commented “Press for Change welcomes the IDAHO campaign and we will be working closely with them”. (Details of the campaign can be seen on www.idahomophobia.org. If you support the aims of this campaign, please indicate your support on www.idaho.org.uk.) In conjunction with IDAHO-UK, campaigner David Watkins has formed a community-interest group called “A Day in Hand” which has already arranged events in London and aims to increase public consciousness of same sex couples in everyday life. A series of events have been arranged which are “designed to support same sex hand holding in the UK ”. Watkins added “ LGBT people in the UK have won many important victories with our human rights. But out there, in everyday life, on Britain ’s streets, where do we see the realities of our lives and loves?” A highly successful Facebook group has been in existence for some time and a new website will be launched next week. (Please see http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1103599743815#/group.php?gid=44558452324&ref=ts or www.adayinhand.com). On May 17TH organisers have promised “the largest organised same sex hand holding event in the world”. While campaigners at home refuse to take their rights for granted, IDAHO campaigners remain focused on LGB T Rights abroad and this is reflected in activities arranged for IDAHO day. Campaigners from the CWU (Communications Workers Union) will be handing a letter of protest to the Indian Embassy about recent legislation affecting the rights of LGBT people in that country. While on May 16th (at the Faith, Human Rights, Homophobia and Transphobia Conference), an award will be given by the International Lesbian and Gay Cultural Network to recognise the achievements of LABRYS, a LGBT organisation in Kyrgyzstan. On May 15th the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) hosts a “European Elections Question Time”, where Labour MEP, Mary Honeyball, Lib Dem Candidate, Jonathan Fryer, and Green MEP, Jean Lambert will debate human rights and LGBT Rights in Europe. There will be a presentation from therapists and gay activists working in Serbia , Colombia and Latvia on Friday 15th May at a conference organised by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and “Pink Therapy”. On Monday 18th May the Lord Mayor of Bradford is hosting the first civic reception of the LGB Community in Civic Hall; in Sheffield there will be a high profile public event to mark IDAHO which will include “a minute’s noise against prejudice” and a gay choir, “Out Aloud”. (though probably not at the same time). Gay Surrey will host a major event for IDAHO including speeches and an “Equality Matters” Ceremony. On the eve of IDAHO day, Norwich will preview their first ever Pride, at an event consisting of live music and comedy. Derek Lennard commented “There are 8 weeks to go and we know that many more events are being planned for IDAHO . Last December an important declaration against world homophobia and gender identity discrimination was made at the General Assembly of the United Nations. IDAHO campaigners played an important part in that historic development. The message is clear. “Organise or contribute to an IDAHO event and take your place in LGBT History”. Details of IDAHO-UK events can be found on www.idaho.org.uk Please support EDM 360 by contacting your MP and asking for their support. Further details can be found on http://tinyurl.com/p6plv Derek Lennard, IDAHO-UK Coordinator can be contacted on derek.lennard@idaho.org.uk David Watkins, organiser of “A Day in Hand” can be contacted on dwatkins@london.com
