Crime and Disorder Unit meeting in Bury 

Oct 28 2004. At the Crime and Disorder meeting Christine was invited to join the Bury Crime and Disorder Strategy Group which is planning a three year project to tackle homophobic bullying and hate crime throughout the Borough. Her links with the Bolton Homophobic Bullying Forum and experience of work already carried out there and across Greater Manchester should be of great value to the work of the group.

Gay and Bisexual Men's Health Launch

Oct 1 2004. Manchester Parents Group was represented at the "Gay and Bisexual Men's Health Launch" at a town centre venue in Bolton. It was an opportunity to network with representatives from a wide variety of agencies including Bolton NHS Primary Care Trust, Greater Manchester Police, Victim Support, Bolton Metro Council, Bully Free Zone and Bolton Homophobic Bullying Forum on which Christine Holt of Manchester Parents Group is represented.

FFLAG and MPG material was on display and attracted considerable attention.

30 years Active !!!

Oct 2 2004. Schools out 30th Birthday Celebration Conference took place at the Mechanics Hall in Manchester. Christine Holt and Inga Rhodes from Manchester Parents Group were there to represent FFLAG, along with representatives from all fields of education, members of various LGBT organisations and Youth Groups.

The aim of the Conference was to celebrate all LGBT achievements in education, to work to explore ways of working together to tackle homophobia and to plan how we will celebrate the first LGBT History Month in February 2005.

After the introduction and welcome, Paul Patrick, an openly gay teacher, activist, and co chair, spoke forcibly about the history of Schools Out.

Paul said, "September 1974 saw the first meeting of the Gay Teachers Group who met to work for equality in education. The climate in those days was very different and teachers who were found to be gay could be fired from their jobs. The battle for the reinstatement of one such teacher took 8 years during which time the group grew and prejudice was challenged. In supporting the right for educators to be "out" in the classroom, the group now became "Schools Out" and has persistently challenged homophobia and sought to instigate an inclusive curriculum for ALL pupils"

All delegates were unanimous in showing appreciation for all the hard work shown by members in the past. It is only through their determination and bravery that we have achieved so much.

Sue Sanders co chair then spoke. She said, "Schools Out has come a long way since the early days. We now meet ministers and senior educators to discuss the development of this work and we have a major effect on policies and practices of Teachers Unions while continuing to support LGBT pupils, teachers and governors to create a positive environment for ALL. However, we still have a long way to go"

There then followed a talk by Suki Sandhu from The Naz project in London and a representative from a support group for Black Gay Youth. They spoke about difficulties faced by black and ethnic minority LGBT young people. Those of you who attended FFLAG training day on BME issues will be only too aware that this area is fraught with difficulties. However, we in FFLAG are trying to address the issue with our information booklets in Urdu and cassettes in Hindi and our telephone contact for Asian parents.

After a well deserved coffee, we split up in to groups to share good practice and discuss the way forward for the future. As FFLAG representatives, we were able to provide lots of input into the workshops about our work on homophobic bullying and our training in working with black and ethnic minority groups. We also publicised our Education for All project with Stonewall and LGBT Youth Scotland. There was lots of lively discussion and it was evident that there is lots of good work being done throughout the UK. However, we thought that perhaps we should work together nationally as there can be duplication of work.

We then continued on the same theme. There were questions and discussion with members of a panel including John Ford chairman of the DFES (Department for Education Skills) David Henry, president of Gay Youth Alliance, Mary Compton president of the NUT (National Union of Teachers) Tim Robertson of Unison and a representative from DTI (Department of trade and Industry).

It was an action packed day! We had a working lunch! Videos were shown on homophobic bullying and the history of gay rights and we listened to recordings of speeches made by brave gay activists in the past. It was also an opportunity to network and browse the stalls to pick up useful resources. The FFLAG display was very popular and we were able to disseminate lots of information and hopefully get lots of people to sign up to our Education for All project.

After tea and an overview of the conference, the Schools Out AGM brought the proceedings to a close.

It was a thought provoking day and quite overwhelming, to think about all the work that is still to be done. However, a comment from one of the speakers will serve to keep me going, and no doubt you too. He said, "Remember that every little piece of work that you do is part of history" I think he’s right. We are all working towards change and we can make a difference.

Radio Interview

Oct 4 2004. Early in the morning, Greater Manchester Radio contacted Christine with a request, that as a member of Manchester Parents Group, she express, on radio her views on the recent news that a Gay couple are applying to foster/possibly adopt three children aged two, four and eight years.

The interview was fair and non confrontational, lasting about five minutes. Amongst other things, the interviewer knows now that there is no such thing as a "Gay Lifestyle"!! and so does every member of the listening audience!!

Video Interview

Oct 12 The Queer Youth Alliance is currently making a video resource which will be made into a CD Rom and be given to schools, youth clubs and similar settings. They are looking to be as inclusive as possible and include as many people's experiences as they can. Inga took part in a short video interview about her experiences of being the parent to an gay person and about Manchester Parents Group.

Manchester Pride 2004 Movie

Also have a look at all our other Photos and Movies

Man Made: The story of two men and a baby

The screening will take place at 18:30 on Tuesday 19th of October at Taurus bar, 1 Canal Street, Manchester (cover charge: £3).
For further information please visit www.commonwealthfilm.com,
or email eva.nelander@commonwealthfilm.com,
Tel: 0161 232 4946

Manchester Pride 2004

Someone to Turn to

July 13 2004.  Inga Rhodes attended the above conference at UMIST conference centre. It was organised by the NSPCC and Connexions, and it promoted shared learning collaboration between agencies on how to reach young people. There was particular focus on young people who can be difficult to reach and those with disabilities.

The conference featured keynote speakers and workshops by experts and young people themselves who were able to give professionals an insight on how to provide support to 12-18 year olds.

I attended the Connexions workshop " Reaching the Hard to Reach" and the Childline workshop "Child centred practice in providing someone to turn to"
John Amaechi, an elite athlete and children's mentor was the conference chair. He said " Young people need someone to trust, someone who will encourage them to speak out, provide help, and give them control over what happens to them. This conference will provide a valuable forum to share ideas on being that someone" And it certainly did!

I was able to speak up on behalf of young gay people who are so often overlooked at conferences like this.

News from New Zealand

We recently sent the last remaining video of "Parents Talking" to PFLAG South parents group in New Zeland. As there are no more copies, we have now put it on our website to keep it for posterity. Anne and Margaret also sent a copy of Out North West with their story

We we thrilled when we received a parcel from them in return. They sent us newspaper cuttings about their work and photos of their 5th birthday party. Marion, a lovely lady of 92, who is still active in the parents group movement, was cutting the cake along with the youngest member of the group. She is the mother of Euan who is gay (Euan and Malcolm are a couple who started PFLAG South) She has managed to exist in the Presbyterian church while working for justice for gay people at a time when homosexuality was a crime in New Zealand (before 1986) and gay people were not wanted in the church. What an inspiration to us all!

They also sent a book about the life of Georgina Beyer, a famous NZ transsexual who became the first transsexual mayor in the world for Manchester Parents Group to pass around, and a book of inclusive songs and hymns for Margaret and Anne. See letter to Anne and Margaret on our story page

Parents Talking movie now online

Nearly 10 years ago a video, 'Parents Talking' was produced on FFLAG's behalf. It features parents discussing their feelings when they discovered they have a lesbian or gay child. The introduction is by Sir Ian Mckellen (Gandalf, from Lord of the Rings).
Manchester Parents Group now proudly presents an on-line version, helping to get this resource spread as far as possible.

 Go to the Parents Talking movie page

Barclays Spectrum Group News

Last year we received wonderful support over EuroPride from our local Barclays Spectrum Group. They not only helped with our float in the parade, but also with printing leaflets for our stall and providing us with a banner. Without their help we could not have participated in these events. Our preparations are well underway for this year's Manchester Pride and we are pleased to say that once again they are helping us out financially. Working together like this really does help to make a difference. Many thanks to Barclays

This year local Spectrum Groups are also helping FFLAG parents in London, Birmingham, Leicester and Wales with their Pride activities.

Radio interview

July 4. Alan and his son were interviewed about "coming out" for BBC Radio1 programme "Parent Surgery". Their interview was followed by a phone in with questions and answers. Well done to them both.

The Golden Girls

Anne and Margaret were cover girls on the July edition of Out Northwest and their story was told inside. This will be an inspiration to many young people and also to their parents. Many thanks to Anne and Margaret for a wonderful contribution. You couldn't have done better, and what wonderful photos!

Religious News by Christine Holt

The Rt.Rev. Nigel McCullock, Bishop of Manchester was invited recently by Manchester Lesbian and Gay Foundation to speak with members and friends about his views on sexuality, LGBT people and the Church. Christine, Anne and Margaret attended the meeting

Bishop Nigel expressed regret for the deep hurt caused to delegates at the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement Conference in Manchester last year, when a service due to take place at the cathedral, was cancelled. He then outlined initiatives taken since, by the Cathedral Chapter, Senior Staff and himself, in appointing two advisory groups: the theological group to examine matters raised by the Bishops' report "Some Issues on Human Sexuality", and a pastoral group to offer suggestions for discussion by Church Councils and others " shaped by helpful material from Mothers Union" Information about the groups has been circulated already to clergy across the diocese, will be included in Crux the Diocesan Magazine, and forwarded to PCC secretaries.

Paul Fairweather then presented his personal perspective on sexuality and the Church. He described how internalised homophobia, exacerbated by homophobia in society and large institutions such as the Church, can seriously damage the lives of gay people.

There followed an hour long session of questions, answers and comments.

The atmosphere throughout was informal and friendly. Such meetings should be widely encouraged. When properly conducted, they can lead to a much better Christian understanding of sexuality and human experience.

Anti Bullying Conference

June 14 2004. Five hundred teachers and child care practitioners attended the "Make the Difference" anti bullying conference in Chorley. This was the last of nine regional conferences organised by the DFES (Department for Education and Science).

Approximately sixty delegates attended four workshop sessions, two each of "Challenging Homophobic Bullying in Schools" (Mark Jennett and Jonathan Charlesworth), and "Tackling Homophobic Bullying in Schools" (Andrew Mullholland) The latter workshop provided an opportunity for attendees to see the video and teaching notes "Living It" This is a powerful resource on homophobic bullying funded by Greater Manchester Police Trust in collaboration with Bolton Homophobic Bullying Forum on which Christine Holt from Manchester Parents Group is a representative.

Delegates joined plenary sessions at which panellist Sue Sanders of "Schools Out" spoke effectively and at length on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) teachers and students.

Information on display about Manchester Parents Group and FFLAG disappeared rapidly!

It is extremely encouraging that homophobic bullying is at last being more widely recognised as a serious issue which must be addressed firmly wherever and whenever it happens.

FFLAG Networking and Training Day

May 8 2004. Nicki, Laurie, Jane and Inga represented Manchester Parents Group at the above event at the Directory of Social Change in London. It was an opportunity for FFLAG affiliates, from throughout the UK, to get together to report on their activities and learn about the latest developments at national level.

Jenny Broughton, FFLAG co-ordinator, introduced the proceedings. This was followed by group reports and FFLAG trustees updates on progress with 3 year business plan and funding strategy.

Steve Noake then spoke about Barclays Spectrum Groups future involvement with FFLAG, and Stonewalls parliamentary liaison officer reported on latest campaigning successes.

Throughout the day there was much lively discussion and many interesting ideas were exchanged.

Thanks to FFLAG trustees for organising a very useful and informative event.

 
Great interest shown in MPG

MPG and FFLAG material proved a great success at the two following events in Greater Manchester recently.

March 24 2004. The Bury Children and Young Peoples Strategic Partnership Conference at Bury Town Hall.

April 1 2004. The Launch of "Living It", a video and teaching resource to tackle homophobic bullying, held at Turton High School and attended by teachers from a number of secondary schools within the Bolton area. Each representative received a pack for their school. Thanks to Christine for her input into these two events.

Christine has also forwarded the information to Bury Metro Social Services Health and Housing Department which is responsible for ABISP (Anti Bullying In Schools Project) and to Counselling Direct, a service available to children and young people in Bury. Information about MPG and FFLAG was included along with an offer to talk with the staff in training sessions.

Manchester Housing Sexuality Task Group (STG) meeting

April 1 2004. Inga attended the above meeting in Manchester Town Hall. Representatives of LGBT community groups and various housing departments were present. The STG has been formed to network and collaborate services and to establish a strategic plan to tackle homelessness amongst LGBT communities.

MPG Information leaflets, posters and booklets were distributed and once again it was a good opportunity to publicise the work we do.

International Women’s Day 2004

The History
The concept of International Women’s Day was born when Clara Zetkin, a German delegate put forward a motion at the International Congress of Socialist Women held in Copenhagen in 1910. It has now become a world-wide event, held each year on March 8, offering women the opportunity to raise awareness about women’s issues, exchange ideas, and to celebrate their strengths and achievements.

Manchester Launch
Mar 7 2004.  The launch took place at Manchester Town Hall and Nicki, Jane and Marie had a Manchester Parents Group stall. The many and varied stalls were representative of women’s involvement in the statutory, voluntary and commercial sectors including Manchester Women’s Electronic Village Hall, Mother’s Against Violence and the Ghana Women’s Association. There were also speeches and performances on stage throughout the afternoon, including music and dancing from different cultures.

Manchester City Council hosts the launch and provides funding for a range of participants towards International Women’s Week each year – although the programme of activities in the Greater Manchester area extends throughout the month of March.

Research Interview

Mar 9 2004.  A PhD student at Salford University who is doing research into gay men's health, interviewed Inga, re the day to day issues facing gay people, their families and friends and the work of Manchester Parents Group.
We are pleased to have been involved in valuable research which should serve to improve the quality of life for gay people and their families in the future.

A first for Leeds University students

Mar 12 2004.  Anne and Martin gave a short presentation to a small gathering of students at the Lesbian Gay Bisexual (LGB) group at the Leeds University students union. Parents reactions and emotions on first learning their child is gay were discussed and also "coming out" to parents. Lots of interactive discussion ensued. The meeting, which was a first for the Leeds students, was very successful, and they have been invited back for a further meeting next year.

Presentation to Social Studies Group

March 23 2004.  Inga gave a talk entitled "The Day my Life Changed" to about 40 members of a Social Studies Group in Rainhill Merseyside. The audience was extremely attentive, and very interested to learn how issues of homosexuality affect young people and families and about the work of Manchester Parents Group The evening ended with a question and answer session which generated some very lively discussion
Many thanks to the group for a donation of £20 for our funds.

Manchester Pride 2004 Stakeholder Meeting

Feb 10 2004.  Inga attended the above meeting at Churchgate House Manchester. The purpose of the meeting was for community groups to get together to discuss plans for Manchester Pride 2004 ( note new name) with Claire Turner the festival organiser.

Young Lives Today

Feb 17 2004. Manchester Parents Group and FFLAG were well represented at the day long "Young Lives Today" exhibition at Manchester International Convention Centre. This national event brought together professionals from across the full spectrum of care agencies and charities for young people. Our display focussed mainly on our collaboration with Greater Manchester police and the Bolton Homophobic Bullying Forum in the preparatory work in secondary schools across Greater Manchester, which culminated in the production of "Living It" a powerful video and teaching resource about homophobic bullying and how it can affect young lives. Being quite unique amongst other exhibitors Manchester Parents Group attracted a great deal of attention, perhaps some curiosity and certainly an opportunity to share many interesting and varied conversations. Thanks to Nicki, Laurie, Christine, Anne and Inga for their hard work beforehand and throughout day.

Death and Sexuality

Feb 22 2003. Anne and Margaret attended a one day conference on Bereavement and Diversity Awareness at Unity House in central Manchester. Many of the delegates were counsellors from Cruse and other organisations which deal with bereavement issues.

The conference opened with an introductory address from the organisers, Molly Dunne from The Lesbian and Gay Foundation and Dr John Casson PhD, BA Hons, MA, PGCE who is a supervisor trainer from Cruse.

This was followed by small groups getting together to discuss the programme, and then there were 4 Speakers talking about:

• Diversity in the LGBT Communities
• Grief
• The Law and Death
• Transgendered People

All the talks included audience participation and they were both interesting and informative.

Laurie arrived after lunch to join Anne and Margaret to facilitate a workshop entitled Loss and Grief in the extended family. Six people attended MPG workshop which was chaired by Margaret. Anne shared her story of her daughter coming out to her, and the grief this caused her. Laurie spoke about his daughter's coming out and the feelings he and his wife had gone through. The group were asked to join in at any time they wished to ask questions or make comments. There was much discussion from them and much positive feedback.

After the workshops the delegates returned to the small groups to discuss what they had learned from the day.

The closing included all the participants who were asked to give their comments and evaluate the day.

The conference gave us the opportunity, to once again, make people aware of the existence of Manchester Parents Group and the work that is done to educate and inform the general public and voluntary and statutory organisations.

Many thanks to Margaret, Anne and Laurie for a very successful day.

Halfway to Lambeth

Oct 24-26 2003. Midway between the 1998 Lambeth Conference and that due in 2008, Halfway to Lambeth organised in Manchester by the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement provided a unique opportunity for bishops and others to listen to the experiences of homosexual people. (Resolution 1.10 Lambeth 1998) Christine Holt from Manchester Parents Group attended.

Bringing together leading Anglicans from several countries including, for the first time, lesbian and gay people from South America, Africa, and Asia, speakers and delegates were able to articulate and explore their experiences within a safe environment.

Measures were discussed which will ensure that the experiences of lesbian and gay Anglicans be fully and accurately reflected at Lambeth 2008.

Information on display about our work attracted interest and comment from many of the two hundred and fifty delegates present.

Manchester University Gay Awareness Week Nov 10th-14th

Nov 10 2003. Manchester Parents Group members Christine, Anne and Inga had an information stall about MPG and the work we do at the launch of the above event. We distributed information leaflets and booklets, and spoke to students mainly about coming out issues. Members of the the various groups taking part were interviewed for a video to be shown during the week. Inga did a short interview about our group.

Christmas Get together

Dec 6 2003. Members of Manchester Parents Group, their families and friends, had a Christmas party in Taurus bar in Manchester's gay village.There was a bar, refreshments and a raffle and a good time was had by all. Thanks to Polly and Iain, the owners of the bar for providing us with a room for the party and for our meetings throughout the year. We are very grateful for this.