News

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a groundbreaking new campaign this spring to encourage gay men to talk to each other about what they really think about sex.

THT has been a trusted voice, talking to the UK’s gay community about HIV, STIs and how to protect against them for nearly thirty years. The charity has focused its communications on gay publications, bars, clubs, saunas, and other places where gay men meet in a bid to raise awareness and fight the spread of HIV. As part of a new approach, THT is inviting gay men to join in the conversation online with the launch of the ‘It’s My Turn To Talk’ campaign at the end of March.

Read more: Your Turn To Talk Sex

GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, today announced that the number of visitors to its Positive Gay Guide website has doubled in recent months. Website: www.gmfa.org.uk/positive

The increase is a result of a recent campaign in the gay press to make more HIV-positive men aware of the information available to help and support them in dealing with their infection.

GMFA launched its Positive Gay Guide website in December 2007 in response to the lack of online information specifically targeting gay men with HIV. The site provides frank and comprehensive information for HIV-positive gay men, including up-to-date and accessible advice on topics such as disclosure, how HIV works, and living with HIV.  

Read more: Visitor Number Double to Gay Website

The UK government through its Border Agency has refused to give priority to an application for asylum by the leader of Iraqi LGBT, Ali Hili, in exile in London. The application has been outstanding for nearly three years and while it is outstanding, he cannot travel.

This decision directly impacts on harshly persecuted Iraqi lesbians and gays through the reduced ability of their sole visible leader to raise their profile internationally.

US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin spoke last month of their concerns for LGBT both in Iraq and as refugees, in a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton co-signed by 64 other Congresspeople.

Numerous human rights organisations and journalists have documented the pogrom against lesbians and gays in Iraq. Human Rights Watch has described a "campaign of torture and murder". Iraqi LGBT estimates that over 700 LGBT have been assassinated over the past few years. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has advised 'favourable consideration' for asylum claims because of the situation.

Read more: Government Refuse Action on Gay Iraqi Asylum

David Cameron's has stumbled through an interview over gay rights. At one point he asked for the interview to be stopped.

He repeatedly faltered in a video interview with Gay Times, asking for the camera to be switched off while he gathered his thoughts. The Tory leader was asked, in light of his recent message on gay rights, his MEPs refused to support a motion condemning a homophobic law in Lithuania.

Cameron was asked about an amendment to allow civil partnerships to take place in places of worship, he said, "I think it's an important debate, this, and I don't rule out changes. I think it's right there should be a free vote. It was a backbench amendment."

This prompted the interviewer, "If we vote for you, we want you to vote for us."

The Tory leader replied, "I do, I do. Do you know – Can we stop for a second?"

Cameron was accused of making a "major gaffe" by gay MP Ben Bradshaw, the culture secretary.

Read more: Embarrassing Video of David Cameron interview on Gay Rights

From Tuesday 23 March, a much-needed new criminal offence outlaws threatening behaviour or materials intended to stir up hatred against people on grounds of their sexual orientation. Stonewall successfully lobbied for the new protections and warmly welcomes their introduction.

‘We’re delighted that incitement to hatred on grounds of sexual orientation can now finally be tackled effectively by the criminal law, in a similar way to hatred based on race or religion,’ said Stonewall Chief Executive Ben Summerskill. ‘Throughout our campaign for this legal change, Stonewall uncovered a range of extreme websites and material stirring up anti-gay hatred. This new legislation will send a strong positive signal, encouraging more lesbian, gay and bisexual people to report hate incidents. Gay people are entitled to live without fear just like everyone else.’

Read more: New Homophobic Incitement Offence

This weekend, 27 young people aged 16 – 21 were trained by Stonewall to run their own campaigns in their local communities to tackle homophobia and homophobic bullying in schools.

The V-funded training weekend took place in Buckinghamshire and young people came from all over the country to participate. The weekend consisted of campaign workshops, public speaking coaching and team building games.

Laurie Kay, Stonewall’s Youth Co-ordinator, said: ‘The young people love these special training weekends. It gives them the chance to really get involved with Stonewall’s campaign to tackle homophobic bullying in schools. They also get to meet other people their age who are keen to campaign for an end to homophobia. There were a few tears when people said goodbye at the end of the weekend, though!’

Read more: Stonewall runs training weekend for youth volunteers

A planned new HIV centre at Homerton Hospital has received a generous cash boost with the donation of £150,000 by the City-based charitable organisation, The Schroder Foundation.

The hospital’s Positive Life campaign is seeking to raise £6 million for the new facility which will provide a comprehensive clinical, research and support service for local people affected by HIV and their families.

Numbers of HIV positive patients seen by the hospital has doubled in the past 10 years and the new centre will enable doctors to address patients’ clinical needs whilst also providing on-site support services to help address their emotional, social and practical needs.

The Schroder family has a long history of philanthropy and support for migrant communities in the East End. Baron Sir John Henry Schroder was Treasurer of the German Hospital in Dalston Road, Hackney from its opening in 1843 until his death in 1910.

Read more: Cash boost for new HIV service

A planned new HIV centre at Homerton Hospital has received a generous cash boost with the donation of £150,000 by the City-based charitable organisation, The Schroder Foundation.

The hospital’s Positive Life campaign is seeking to raise £6 million for the new facility which will provide a comprehensive clinical, research and support service for local people affected by HIV and their families.

Numbers of HIV positive patients seen by the hospital has doubled in the past 10 years and the new centre will enable doctors to address patients’ clinical needs whilst also providing on-site support services to help address their emotional, social and practical needs.

The Schroder family has a long history of philanthropy and support for migrant communities in the East End. Baron Sir John Henry Schroder was Treasurer of the German Hospital in Dalston Road, Hackney from its opening in 1843 until his death in 1910.

Read more: Cash boost for new HIV service