Rainbow Citizen

August 2011

Rainbow Citizen
Contents
Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 5 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Over 50 not over the hill!

Proud to be a Rainbow Citizen

Welcome to Augusts edition of Rainbow Citizen.

I have slightly changed the name its not just about East but about us Out and About: East London being everywhere . . . North, South, East and West.
Our History Remembered LoveSpirit House of Rainbow Introduction to Buddhism Out and About: Essex Listings Always Remembered

Continuing with my desire to create a newsletter dedicated to North, South, South East, East London and Essex, whilst at the same time ensuring that our Older Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Trans (LGBT) community are not forgotten and our history remembered, Ive tried to keep this newsletter informative and interesting. I am trying to have something for everyone and keep it to eight pages, however if you feel that Ive missed something out, then please contact me and let me know. If youd like to contribute an article or news, then please email me: buddharob@hotmail.com for inclusion in Septembers edition. Robert

. . . . . is to be headlined by Ms Dynamite
It is with the greatest excitement that UK Black Pride announces the headline act for this years festival as Multi Mobo Award Winner, 2002 Mercury Music Prize winner and Platinum recording artist Ms Dynamite! Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Director of UK Black Pride said: We are so excited to have secured Ms Dynamite as our headline act for 2011. UK Black Pride is firmly established at the leading community led event for all people. It showcases some of the best of Black LGBT people, our lives, experiences and culture, and Ms Dynamite embodies all our values: politically conscious, socially responsible, dynamic, creative and exciting. UK Black Pride Tickets are on sale now on www.ticketline.co.uk/uk-black-pridetickets The 6th annual UK Black Pride festival will take place on Saturday 20th August 2011 at the exclusive and central Torrington Square, Birkbeck College, London WC1E 7JL. Established in 2005, UK Black Pride is Europes biggest and best celebration of African, Asian, Caribbean and Middle Eastern LGBT people attracting visitors from all over Europe. A community event led by a dedicated team of volunteers, UK Black Pride won the coveted Pink Paper Readers Award 2011 for Best Black Minority Ethnic Organisation. For more information go to: www.ukblackpride.org.uk

Rainbow Citizen

August 2011

Over 50 not over the hill!

Did you come out later in life?
Were you previously married or in a long-term relationship with someone of the opposite sex? If so, the BAFTA award-winning team at The Garden Productions is making an exciting new documentary series for Channel 4 about love. We would like to hear from same sex couples where one of you has come to terms with your sexual identity later in life. Perhaps you were previously married and you have grown-up children from that relationship. Whatever your story, we would like to hear from you. Please email love@thegardenproductions.tv or call Becky on 020 3465 9060 to find out more.

GEMS (Gay Elderly Mens Society East Sussex) honoured by The Queen
Announced as one of the 130 winners of The Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for groups of volunteers working within their local community for the benefits of others, GEMS received this award for their community work to support, help and are older gay men in the City of Brighton and Hove area. GEMS will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majestys representative in East Sussex Lord Lieutenant Mr Peter Field at a special ceremony at his office in Hove. GEMS representatives also attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 29 June 2011. Peter Otto of GEMS said: We are deeply touched and overjoyed to have received this prestigious honour for the work we do and have done over the last 14 years. Thank you.

Over 50s LGBT social groups

Activities scheduled include monthly meetings, Dinner Clubs, visits to the National Portrait Gallery and trips to the seaside. For more information on whats on offer please contact: GEMS Brighton info@gems-bh.org.uk Greenwich norman@metrocentreonline.org Newham Sue.mccarthy@ageuknewham.org.uk Suffolk Lois.peachey@ageuksuffolk.org.uk Tower Hamlets Christine.sheppard@ageuktowerhamlets.org.uk
2

From left to right: Peter Otto, Peter Field (Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex), John Barradell (Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council), Peter Amos

Rainbow Citizen

August 2011

Out and About in East London

Rainbow Hamlets
Rainbow Hamlets, the LGBT Forum for those who live, work or have a strong association with Tower Hamlets, meets regularly to discuss, share and update information on funding, interfaith matters, homophobic hate crime within the borough and more. They will be having their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 23 August 2011 from 6.30pm at Oxford House, Derbyshire House, Bethnal Green, LONDON E2 6HG. If you wish to attend meetings and be kept up-to-date with whats happening, then please contact either jack@rainbowhamlets.org or Rebecca@rainbowhamlets.org.

East London Garden Society

We promote and enhance the physical and / or mental health and well being of the people of London, providing opportunities to participate in the practical and theoretical skills of horticulture and gardening. Our aim is to: Promote the skills of horticulture and gardening Educate people about the health and environmental benefits of gardening Introduce children and young people to gardening Celebrate excellent gardens and green spaces Encourage community cohesion through shared gardening, shared gardens and community projects Protecting, promoting and enhancing green spaces of all sizes For more information, go to: eastlondongardens@gmail.com

East London Pride

Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender (LGBT) activists, trade unions, community members and others across East London and further afield are getting together to organise an event to celebrate our diversity and to oppose homophobia, transphobia and racism (including Islamophobia). Scheduled for later this year, regular meetings take place in East London and are open for anyone to attend. For more information, go to: www.eastlondonpride.org.uk

Are you interested in rugby: either training or as a spectator? There is no better time than now to get involved and support the worlds first gay friendly team as we look towards a new season and the start of the Rugby Football Union World Cup. Training for the Kings Cross Steelers starts on Tuesday 2 August 2011.

www.kxsrfc.com
3

Rainbow Citizen

August 2011

Our History Remembered

During August there are still many Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Trans (LGBT) Pride Events across the UK. As part of a series to share our history, below are more facts, figures and dates to show that we have been around for centuries. 13th Century Homosexual activity radically passes from being completely legal in most of Europe to incurring the death penalty in may countries. In France, if you were found to have engaged in same sexual activity on the first offence you lost your testicles, the second your member and on the third you were burnt. Women who were caught engaging in same sexual activity were often mutilated and executed. 14th Century Jan van Aersdone and Willem Case were executed in Antwerp for engaging in gay sex. One other couple whose names have stood the sands of time to this day are Giovanni Braganza and Nicoleto Marmagna of Venice. John Ryheker was one of the first known transvestites who worked in London and Oxford as a prostitute. He was arrested in 1395 for cross-dressing. 15th Century Leonardo da Vinci and others were charged with sodomy . . . and acquitted! In Spain during 1483 the inquisition began and sodomites (those who engaged in same sexual activity) were stoned, castrated and burned . . . over 1,500 people were prosecuted between 1540 and 1700. 16th Century King Henry VIII passes the Buggery Act 1533 making all male same sexual activity punishable by death. Mary Tudor removes all laws passed by Henry VIII when she ascended the throne in 1553. Elizabeth I reinstates the sodomy laws when she ascended the throne in 1558. 17th Century In 1649 Sarah White Norman was the first known conviction for lesbian activity in Plymouth, North America. She was charged with Lewd behavior each with other upon a bed . . . her partner Mary Vincent Hammon was not charged as she was under 16 years of age. 18th Century In Germany Catherina Margaretha Linck is executed for sodomy in 1721. In 1726 three men are executed after Mother Claps molly house in London is raided by police. 18th century In 1785 Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) is one of the first people to argue for the decriminalisation of sodomy in England. In 1791 France and Andorra become the first countries in Europe to decriminalise same sex acts between consenting adults. 19th Century during the 19th Century many other counties decriminalised homosexual / same sex acts across the world including: Netherlands (1811), Indonesia (1811), Brazil (1830), Portugal (1852), San Marino (1865), Empire of Japan (1880), The last known execution for homosexuality in Great Britain was in 1836.
4

More next time . . .

www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk

Rainbow Citizen

August 2011

Religion & Spirituality

House Of Rainbow Fellowship
We are an inclusive and Christian affirming religious community open and welcome to all people including Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Trans and Intersex people. We are a monthly gathering of People of Faith for Prayer and Praise, which focuses on the persons journey towards reconciliation of their individual sexuality and spirituality. We aim to provide an inclusive Christian theological focus and interpretation of Scriptures. All are welcome: Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people (LGBTI) Parents and Friends of LGBTI people Email: church@houseofrainbow.org Web Page: www.houseofrainbow.org Phone: +44(0)2085583485; +44 (0)7507510 357 We have small groups in Lagos and Ibadan in Nigeria, London and Manchester in the UK, Accra in Ghana and Maseru in Lesotho.
! !"#$"%&'()*%+'"#%'#,+*-+&."# /)((-+01#2"(#34$567# !"#$%&'$(')*+,-.$/,0.$1+2)'34,5$,-6$ 7#,-)8'-6'#$9"::4-+%+')$,-6$%&")'$ %&,%$&,;'$,$<"--'<%+"-$=+%&$%&':$ 3)"(28#99%-#3.:%.1;.&#<=99# !"#$%$&"#$ 3')%-#>'"('"#,2%+'"2?#@."%&.# '$()*+,-.$/*01)2$345$678# >?$8#',%$+--'#$#';"54%+"-$+-$@4)%$,$ )+-85'$+-6+;+64,5$=+55$&'5A$,<&+';'$,$ <&,-8'$+-$%&'$6')%+-0$"B$,$-,%+"-$,-6.$ B4#%&'#.$=+55$<,4)'$,$<&,-8'$+-$%&'$ 6')%+-0$"B$&4:,-C+-6DE$$ F,+),C4$GC'6,$
!#''$Q-%#0$R$S'B#')&:'-%)$2$1#+-8$,$B#+'-6$ !"#$:"#'$+-B"#:,%+"-$===D)8+24CD"#8!"!#,+-*"=T)8+24CD"#8!
4.%%+"A#%-.&.B# 6"(.&A&')"(#C#D&2+"B## 1#+3%"-$ /)0.0B## <E#FE#FGE#FHE#IGE#GJE#9=JE#99KE#9FFE#9GJE#9JLE### <G=E#F<<E#FFFE#FIGE#FGGE#IF<# H&''5<&,+#$,<<'))$,;,+5,*5'D$I5',)'$<,55$+-$,6;,-<'$ JKJ2LMLN2NOOP

LoveSpirit
Saturday 24 September 2011 A day of spirituality for up to 400 people of different faiths, religion and none. Held at the University of London Union: www.ulu.co.uk. Workshops, speakers and discussions with a chance to share your personal stories of achievements and realizations. 9.00am 10.00am 11.00am 17.15am Doors open, registration and coffee Opening Ceremony Workshops (see list below) Closing ceremony

Workshops include: Embodiment Discussions, Talks & Sharing Meditation & Visualisation www.lovespirit.org

Rainbow Citizen

August 2011

Out and About in Essex

GEMS Essex
GEMS (Gay Essex Men's Social Group) has been providing a social and support network across south Essex since 1997 meeting alternate Fridays in the homes of members to provide a warm and comfortable environment for the purpose of forming friendships and mutual support. The group is open to gay and bisexual men, men who have sex with men and / or those unsure with no discrimination against age, ethnic origin or religion. Current venues include Basildon, Benfleet, Grays, Hullbridge, Leigh-on-Sea and Shoeburyness. There is no membership fee, just bring along 2.00 for the funds and a bottle of what you drink to share (which can be a soft drink). A buffet is provided on the social evenings commencing from 8.00pm along with a bi-monthly newsletter. Regular social events are organised including theatre trips, picnics, days out, meals and parties. For more information go to: www.gemsgroup.co.uk

Southend on Sea LGBT Reading Group

Saturday 20 August 2011 first meeting of this new group. Come along and enjoy the books we all love with like-minded people, and find out about our big launch event in September. Southend on Sea Central Library,

Essex Pride 2011

Dont forget to purchase your wristbands for Essex Pride 2011. At 5.00 each they gain you entry into the Cabaret Stage and Bar area however entry is FREE to the Community Area and Stage. Members of the Southend on Sea LGBT community are trying to see if the local council will contribute towards the cost of transport to the event. So whilst you can purchase wristbands from hush, The Cliff and Zinc (on a Friday night).

DELGA
Liberal Democrats for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender action! www.delga.org.uk

Rainbow Citizen

August 2011

galop and reporting Hate Crime

Galop is an anti-violence charity that works in London with everyone who has experienced homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity. We work with people who have safety issues, experienced any violence or possibly problems with the police yet would prefer to talk to someone from within the LGBT/queer community. Our specialist workers give free information, advice and support on these issues and more including hate crime, sexual and / or domestic abuse as well as advice and support to organisations around trans inclusion. For more information go to: www.galop.org.uk on 020 7704 2040

ARE YOU TRANSITIONING? Twenty Twenty, in conjunction with Channel 4, are making a new
exciting documentary about transsexual people in transition. Transitioning can be tough and sometimes lonely and wed like our programme to help in a refreshing, celebratory, non-clichd way. Call Elaine, Rosie or Chris on 020 7424 7731/7763/7744 or email elainestoneham@twentytwenty.tv for information.

LGBT friendly Venues, Religious, Sport and Support Organisations and Groups in and across East London, South East London and Essex
George and Dragon 2 Hackney Road, E2 7NS 0871 951 1000 (mixed) Hush Bar 19/21 Clarence Road, Southend on Sea, SS1 1AN 01702 337111 (mixed) Stunners Studio 11-16, Cable Street Studios, 566 Cable Street 020 7790 9188 (mainly trans) The Joiners Arms 116 Hackney Road, E2 7QL 020 7739 9854 (mixed) The Oak Bar 790 Green Lanes, N16 9BU 020 7354 2791 www.oak-bar.co.uk (mainly women) The Old Ship 17 Barnes Street, E14 7NW 020 7790 4082 www.oldship.net (mixed) The Outhouse 19 East Hill, Colchester, CO1 2QX 01206 871394 www.theouthouse.org.uk (mixed) The Rose and Crown 1 Crooms Hill, SE10 8ER 020 8293 1898 (mixed) Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin Soka Gakkai International UK: www.sgi-uk.org DELGA LGBT Liberal Democrats: www.delga.org.uk galop: www.galop.org.uk GEMS: www.gemsgroup.co.uk Kings Cross Steelers Rugby Football Club: www.kxsrfc.com / secretary@kxsrfc.com LGBT Catholics: www.questgaycatholic.org.uk LGBT Christians: www.lgcm.org.uk LGBT Greens: www.lgbtgreens.org.uk LGBT Jews: www.jglg.org.uk LGBT Labour: www.lgbtlabour.org.uk LGBT Muslims: www.imaan.org.uk LGBT Sikhs: www.sarbat.net LGBTory: www.lgbtory.co.uk LGBT Wiccans and Pagans: www.wicca-spirituality.com Metropolitan Community Church East London: www.mcceastlondon.org.uk Positive East: www.positiveeast.org.uk Safra Project for lesbian and bi Muslim women: www.safraproject.org Somali Gay Community: www.somaligaycommunity.org UK Black Pride: www.ukblackpride.org

If you would like to be listed, then please email buddharob@hotmail.com

Rainbow Citizen

August 2011

always remembered
Rudolf Brazda, the last surviving victim of Nazi Persecution during the Second World War, died at the age of 98 years. He was sent to Buchenwald concentration camp due to his sexuality that was his crime loving someone of the same sex. Let us always remember him and others like him . . .

Nazi Germany declared homosexuality an aberration . . .

Rudolf Brazda is believed to be the last surviving person sent to a Nazi concentration camp because of his homosexuality. He died recently at the age of 98 years old, explain the Berlin branch of the Lesbian and Gay Association (LSVD). Brazda was sent to the Nazis' Buchenwald concentration camp in August 1942 and held there until its liberation by US forces in 1945. Nazi Germany declared homosexuality an aberration that threatened the German race, and convicted approximately 50,000 homosexuals as criminals. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 gay men were deported to concentration camps, where few survived. When a memorial to the Nazis' gay victims was unveiled in Berlin in 2008, the LSVD said that the last ex-prisoner it knew of had died three years earlier. However, the group was then contacted by Brazda who visited the memorial at its invitation and became an honorary member.
Gay men in concentration camps were forced to wear pink triangles.

Brazda was born in 1913 and grew up in the eastern German town of Meuselwitz. He then repeatedly ran into trouble with Nazi German authorities over his sexuality before being sent to Buchenwald. Brazda lived in the Alsace region of eastern France after World War II. Earlier this year, he was named a knight in the country's Legion of Honor. Berlin's openly gay mayor, Klaus Wowereit, who met Brazda in 2008, said he learned with regret of his death. "He is an example of how important the work of remembrance is for our future," Wowereit said. "Fewer and fewer people can give information about repression under the Nazi dictatorship authentically and from their own experience."

Story and photo courtesy of Huffington Post UK www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/04/rudolf-brazda-last-surviv_n_918050.html