From: anya@stonewall.org.uk Date: Thu, 11 May 95 19:14:34 PDT Reply-To: anya@stonewall.org.uk STONEWALL NEWSLETTER Volume 3, Number 2 April 1995 "PERVERSE" MOD FACES CHALLENGE The MoD faces a growing number of legal cases challenging the ban on lesbians and gay men serving in the armed forces. Ex RAF nurse Jeanette Smith won leave to apply for judicial review on 8 March. Leave has since been granted to ex RAF sergeant Graeme Grady and Duncan Lustig-Prean, a former naval Lieutenant-Commander. Stonewall is backing all three cases, providing advice and assistance to lawyers and help with press and publicity to ensure a high profile for the issue. With a fourth application by John Beckett, ex Royal Navy, all the cases are listed for hearing on 15 May. Judicial reviews take place in the High Court. They are a means of challenging public policies and procedures which are irrational or unfair. David Pannick QC will argue that the ban is both perverse and irrational, in what may be the first step on the way to the European Court. MPs are also lining up to oppose the ban in Parliament. Members of the Stonewall Parliamentary Network met with Stonewall and Rank Outsiders to map out a new offensive in the House of Commons parallel to the legal challenge. In June the Armed Forces Discipline Acts will be debated. MPs will take this opportunity to expose the continuing use of criminal investigations and to call for a new code of sexual conduct which would apply to everyone in the armed forces regardless of their sexuality. MPs ASKED TO "COME OUT FOR EQUALITY" ------------------------------------ Ask your MP to march with you on Pride Stonewall has written to 280 MPs asking them to "come out for equality" and march with us on Pride. We don~t care what their sexuality is but we feel that Pride offers an ideal opportunity for MPs to come out and demonstrate their support for lesbian and gay equality. We got the idea from Feed them to the Cannibals the film about Mardi Gras, which showed a contingent of Australian politicians marching to show their solidarity. We also heard that a senior politician, held up in traffic in central London during last year's march, was amazed to see how many of us there were! And we thought, why not get a group of MPs to come and join in? It might also persuade the media to stop ignoring the biggest march of the year. Now we would like you to help, especially if your MP is supportive, by writing and extending your personal invitation to your MP to join you - and us - on Pride. Please let us know if you get an acceptance because it would help to know in advance who is coming. A WIDER ISSUE ------------- The Armed Forces legal challenge is about more than just "fighting for the right to fight". Many in the lesbian and gay community are unhappy about appearing to support the use of military force by arguing for the ban to be dropped. The Armed Forces are the only place left in Britain where it is completely illegal to be gay, whatever your age or sex. The law does not just allow discrimination - it actually requires it. If Jeanette and the others win their cases, then the Armed Forces will have to invent anti-discrimination rules for lesbians and gays. It is then easy for the rest of us to say, "Well if they can have the support of the law, why can't we?". This really is part of a larger fight. The lawyers working with Stonewall and Rank Outsiders need more information about men and women who have lost their jobs because of the ban. If you were in the Armed Forces please contact Stonewall for a confidential questionnaire. With everybody's support Jeanette can win - but the law is expensive. If you are able to support this campaign financially, please do. Please make a contribution to the Victory Fund or join as a Friend and become part of this historic campaign for equality. Edmund Hall FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK ------------------------ The right to live with the person of your choice is surely one of the most basic human freedoms. The new pamphlet produced by our Immigration Group is a powerful and reasoned case for the recognition of lesbian and gay partnerships. Although the numbers affected may be small, the issues of principle affect us all. Those who are challenging the ban on homosexuality in the armed forces are also in a minority, but their fight against institutional discrimination is part of the campaign for legislation that would protect us all from discrimination. Please send letters of support to Jeanette, Duncan, Graeme and John and contribute to our victory fund which will help pay for the costs of the cases. The government also need to know the strength of feeling on this issue so please also write to Hon. Nicholas Soames MP, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Whitehall London SW1. The legal cases now taking place, like the campaign for a change in immigration policy, would not have been possible without the work of groups like Rank Outsiders and the Immigration Group. It is when lesbians and gay men come together and organise that profound change is possible. For this reason I welcome the new groups starting up reported in the newsletter. Their work will continue to help shift public opinion and build a coalition of support for full civil rights. But the advances we are making should not blind us to the hostility and bigotry that still exist. That is why initiatives like the UN Year for Tolerance are important and why all those involved need to understand that the intolerance, abuse and threats against lesbians and gay men must be resisted and challenged. For this reason I hope there will be a united protest against the decision of NHS psychotherapists to invite Professor Charles Socarides, the notorious anti-gay psychiatrist, to speak at their annual conference. They would not have invited a racist because, at least formally, racism is no longer respectable in our society. Homophobia should be equally unacceptable in public life. And a last word on outing. It does cause divisions, but what unites us all is much greater. I sincerely believe that we can all work together in the larger battle for civil rights. It will involve confrontation and education, campaigning & lobbying. But above all it will require the involvement of all lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Angela Mason FEEDBACK ---------- Your views Discrimination at Viva! I recently made inquiries to join a health club, Viva! in Bristol. When I asked if my partner and I could join as a couple, I was told they did not accept same-sex couples. Such an option is available to unmarried heterosexual couples and represents financial benefits within membership fees. I wrote to the manager expressing my disappointment at such a discriminatory policy. He responded; "This is not discriminatory, it is quite simply a control issue." If joint membership was given to same-sex couples, they felt, their membership enrolment would be "complex in the extreme." He says that it would be difficult for same-sex couples to prove the legitimacy of their relationship. It seems, however, unmarried heterosexual couples are entitled to joint membership simply if they live at the same address. I have cancelled my membership. We as individuals may not be able to change discriminatory practices but by boycotting companies like Viva! we can at least not allow ourselves to become supporters of discrimination. Jane in Bristol Oops! Sorry SheBoom Received my January newsletter and was delighted to see a picture of SheBoom, but horrified to see us billed as coming from Edinburgh. This insult is akin to calling us "Baby-eating SheBoom" or that we kick old ladies we pass in the street. Can the editor of the newsletter ensure that our Glaswegian heritage is properly represented? People up here are very conscious that Londoners think it's all the same once you get north of the border - please don't prove them right! Dill Ditton, SheBoom Thanks for your help I called to tell you about a problem I had at work. I won a prize for being the best saleswoman, the prize being a holiday for two in Mexico but they refused to send me and my girl-friend. You gave me lots of advice on how to take the matter up with my employers, including writing to them and getting my straight colleagues to complain as well. Result - my employers now have a new policy on same sex couples - and me and my girlfriend are off to Mexico! Many thanks - we'll send a postcard! Vivian, London LOBBYING UPDATE --------------- Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SOD) Bill We plan to get the Sexual Orientation Bill tabled in May and will be meeting supportive members of the House of Lords as we go to press to discuss a timetable for the Bill. Meanwhile your letters to the Dept of Employment are having an effect. Civil servants are hurriedly trying to get to grips with the issue of sexuality discrimination, and we are now seeking a meeting with Department officials. More and more MPs are pledging their support. The standard reply being sent out by the Department of Employment is completely inadequate. Write back pointing out that the Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act l978 only protects those with two years service whereas claims under sex and race discrimination legislation are not dependent on length of service. Employers too are taking notice. Angela Mason was invited to speak at two high level seminars organised by the Equal Opportunities Group of Organisation Resources Counsellors with human resource managers from a number of leading private sector employers. Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill This is a private members Bill introduced by Lord Hylton which will make it an offence in the UK to commit a sexual offence under British law in another country where it also constitutes an offence. It is designed to prevent child prostitution but we are worried that it will be used to target gay men going abroad. The government have not so far supported the Bill, but be prepared to lobby if it does get government time in the Commons. Domestic Violence Bill We have made a submission to the special House of Lords Committee which has been looking at the Bill. Along with the Law Society and the Metropolitan Police, we called for clarification of the scope of the Bill in relation to lesbian and gay couples. The Bill makes it possible for those who "live or have lived in the same household, otherwise than merely by reason of one of them being the other's employee, tenant, lodger or boarder" to apply for a non-molestation order, but for the avoidance of doubt we would like explicit confirmation that this should apply to same-sex partners. At the time of going to press the Bill was entering its final stages in the House of Lords before moving on to the House of Commons. Law Reform (Succession) Bill This Bill would amend the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act l975 which allows a person to apply for financial provision from the estate of their deceased spouse. The Bill would allow unmarried heterosexual partners to apply. Our amendment would extend this to allow any person who has been living with the deceased for the previous two years to make an application. THT have providing some powerful case histories and we hope this amendment will receive wide support. As we went to press the Bill was being considered by a committee of the whole House of Lords. NEWS IN BRIEF ------------- Immigration booklet launch The Stonewall Immigration Group have produced a booklet, Compelling Circumstances. The booklet argues the case for equal treatment of same-sex couples in applying immigration laws and rules. 15,000 copies of the booklet have been printed and will be circulated over the next few months. It was recently launched at the House of Commons by an all-party group of MPs. Remember them The World Congress of Jewish Gay & Lesbian Organisations and Stonewall are mounting a seminar programme (Sept 9-10) examining the impact of this period of Nazi history on lesbians and gays. The programme has the backing of the Weiner Library and promises to offer a much needed opportunity to educate ourselves and the wider community about this often overlooked aspect of Nazi ideology. Liverpool launch In April Liverpool City Council launched their new Equal Opportunities Policy which includes a strong commitment to lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. Angela Mason, together with representatives from black, women's, and disabled organisations and the Leader of the Council, spoke to a packed meeting of over 300 people. The event marked a new commitment by a Council that has been strongly criticised in the past for its opposition to equal opportunities. Telford Youth Group Thank you to all our supporters who wrote to Shropshire County Council. The Council have now decided to reinstate funding to the Telford Lesbian & Gay Youth Group. Congratulations. WORK IT OUT: CAMPAIGNS & CONFERENCES ------------------------------------ More prejudice Letter writing target: National Health Service psychotherapists have invited Charles Socarides, the notorious anti-gay American psychiatrist who led the opposition to the American Psychiatrists Association removing homosexuality as a mental disease from their books to speak at their annual general meeting on Friday, April 28. Please write to Dr Rob Hale, APPP Chair, c/o The Portman Clinic, 8 Fitzjohns Avenue NW3 5NA asking them to disassociate themselves from Socarides and deploring their decision to give him a platform. [Note: the invitation was withdrawn at the last minute.] Pensions campaign group Many supporters responded to our call to set up a Stonewall Pensions Group. The Group will be launched at a meeting on 3 May at 7pm at our office. Its first task will be lobbying for an amendment to the Pensions Bill which now in the House of Commons. The group has prepared a briefing which has gone out to sympathetic MPs and an amendment to the Bill has been drafted. As with all campaigns, personal stories help. If your pension scheme discriminates against you let your MP know and please send a copy of any correspondence to the pension group. For information contact Brian Hagan or Louis Letourneau c/o Stonewall. Banking group There are thousands of lesbians and gay men in banking, but not more than double numbers who are out. As the banks start thinking about their equal opportunities policies now is a good time to meet and organise. If you work in banking come to the first meeting will take place on 1 May, 7pm at Stonewall. Contact David Charles via Stonewall for details. [Note: for reasons beyond our control, this meeting had to be postponed. Please let us know if you are interested, and we will inform you of future meetings.] PREJUDICE AND PRIDE ------------------- It was only in 1973 that homosexuality was removed from psychiatric definitions of mental illness and some psychiatrists, psychoanalysts and counsellors still regard homosexuality as pathological to this day. The idea that people who defy the sexual norm are "in need of help" runs deep in public consciousness: we still hear of lesbians and gay men who come out to their family or friends only to be told that "you should see a psychiatrist". This has left a legacy of problems for lesbians and gay men who do experience mental distress. Many users of psychiatric services - and indeed staff in the services - dare not come out. If they do, they may find their sexuality is seen as an integral part of their problem; or that conforming to heterosexual norms (wearing make-up or not wearing make-up, depending on your gender!) is seen as a sign of successful rehabilitation. Despite all these problems, change has begun. In some areas mental health service users have developed ways of supporting each other without accepting a pathological model of their sexuality; and mental health workers are developing both specific lesbian and gay approaches to counselling and models of good practice within mainstream psychiatric services. On June 21 MIND, in collaboration with Stonewall and UNISON, is holding a conference to debate these issues; to explore ways of spreading good practice; and to identify campaigning strategies to make the mental health services more appropriate to lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Details of the conference - Prejudice and Pride - from the MIND Conference Unit, Granta House, 15 Stratford Broadway, London E15 4BQ, tel 0181 519 2122. Liz Sayce, Policy Director, MIND CALLING CHARITY AND CAMPAIGN WORKERS ------------------------------------- Is life really a bed of roses in the voluntary sector? After 9 years of working in a variety of voluntary organisations, I remain committed to being a part of a sector which has creativity, diversity and social justice at the heart of its ethos. With this backdrop, we would expect a fairly easy time for lesbians and gay men working for voluntary organisations - not to mention those on the receiving end of our services. But how "out and proud" are we really able to be? Do we have confidence that we are more than two words in an equal opportunities statement gathering dust on a shelf? Do we feel safe to be open about our relationships and the issues that concern us in the workplace? Are voluntary organisations speaking to and reaching lesbian and gay people in their publicity, membership, activities and services? Is it possible to create a cross-voluntary organisation for lesbian, gay and bisexual workers in the sector? If you are interested in talking about these issues and are working for a voluntary organisation, please write to me c/o Stonewall, and/or come along to an informal meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday 14 June at London Voluntary Service Council, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7. Sally Knocker SHORT WORK ---------- Campaign for free travel As we went to press it was still not clear whether British Rail or European Passenger Services will extend travel benefits to same-sex partners. Both have agreed to consider the issue and BR are due to announce their decision by early May. If the response is negative, Stonewall will be holding a meeting after receiving a number of complaints from people working for BR and EPS, which runs the Eurostar service to Paris and Brussels. The meeting will take place on Sunday 14 May at the Stonewall office at 1pm. Free advice at LAGER Lesbian and Gay Employment Rights (LAGER) has appointed a worker specifically to advise and represent lesbians and gay men before industrial tribunals. Legal Aid for representation, as opposed to advice, is not available for industrial tribunals, so the new service will be very helpful to those who can't afford to pay for a solicitor. The new worker is Dai Harris who previously worked at the Terrence Higgins Trust. LAGER can be contacted on 0171 704 6066 or 8066. Dismissal case upheld A gay caretaker who was bullied because of his sexuality has won his case for unfair dismissal. Martyn Farr resigned from the 300 year old Perse School in Cambridge because of bullying by other staff, in particular his boss. The case is significant because it is the first time that harassment on the grounds of sexuality has been held to be unfair dismissal. The case does not establish a precedent but could be influential. THE PROBLEM WITH OUTING ----------------------- Our main concerns about outing were put in an article in The Guardian (15.3.95). We set out below some of the key points although, as you would expect, there is a range of opinion in Stonewall on all these issues. Outing has often divided the gay community. In Germany at the turn of the century homosexual activists called it "the path over dead bodies". It led to court cases, libel suits, splits in the movement and mass media coverage! But outing is likely to be with us as long as lesbians and gay men in high places feel compelled to hide their sexuality to avoid discrimination. Nobody likes hypocrites. Lesbians and gay men who are out feel a particular anger towards those who stay safe in the closet and condone discrimination. But who is to decide who is "guilty" of hypocrisy and on what basis? Is everyone who is not for us against us? Is everyone either "straight" or "gay"? What is the point of punishing lesbians and gays in Parliament and the Church while the heterosexual homophobes go unchallenged? How effective is outing as a political strategy? Outing does get massive publicity, but does it change people's minds? It has made homosexuality a high profile issue in the Church of England, but there are real dangers of a backlash. Homosexuality could be politicised in a way that will make it harder, not easier, to have open and informed discussion and to win support for gay clergy. Whatever one's views on outing it is clearly vital that there is space for this discussion to proceed in the Church of England. We believe that our case will be best made by those lesbian and gay clergy who have themselves decided to come out. Coming out when we decide it is right for us is still the most potent force for change. Lesbians and gay men are only a small percentage of the population. Outing does show that we are everywhere in all walks of life, but to win real changes we have to convince the heterosexual majority and we can't use outing against them. But we do have powerful and compelling arguments. How can the Church of England recognise that homosexuality is part of human nature yet deny the expression of that nature? That, as Derek Rawcliffe has said, implies a cruel God. Convincing people, winning hearts and minds takes longer, but is will achieve lasting change. There are no short cuts to liberty. SOUTH AFRICAN SOLIDARITY ------------------------ Ian McKellen recently returned from South Africa where he toured his one man show raising money for the National Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Equality. A highlight of the tour was meeting President Mandela with Phumzile Mtetwa and Simon Nkoli of the National Coalition. President Mandela confirmed his commitment to equal rights for all South Africans. Ian spoke of his experiences at a meeting organised by Stonewall in March. The meeting was also addressed by Peter Tatchell who worked with Simon Nkoli and others to raise the issue of gay rights in the ANC. Digital Diversity Digital Diversity is a new group for lesbians, gays and bisexuals who are interested in computer technology. They meet on the second Sunday of every month at The Empire pub, New Turnstile, London WC1 between noon and 3pm. Talks are organised between 1pm and 2pm. Entry is 1 for guests and free for members. Newcomers and people wanting advice on what computer equipment to buy are welcome. Voluntary organisations needing help with their computers may find the group is a good place to look for suitably skilled volunteers! The group also publishes a quarterly newsletter and is developing a series of on-line mailing lists. For further details and an application form please write to Digital Diversity, Room 33, PO Box 1155, London SW2 1EE. Surveys update The corporate survey is now in its final stage. We decided to do a follow-up survey of those companies who do provide partners' benefits to find out which benefits they provide - and which they don't. This has delayed the report by a couple of months but it will be ready soon. We have just recruited a team of volunteers to help with follow-up interviews for the violence survey which we hope to publish this July. Placement opportunity Are you a student looking for a placement for your year out? If you can commit yourself for a full academic year for at least 3 days a week, we would like to hear from you. It would be an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to gain some experience in campaigning or practical research skills. For more information please contact Emma Peskin or Anya Palmer at Stonewall. WILD WOMEN UP WEST ------------------ On Friday 12th May at the Duke of York's Theatre Stonewall will be celebrating the talents of Britain's women performers in a specially devised show "Women Up West". Following the success of last year's "For Women" at the Bloomsbury Theatre, Stonewall is proud to announce an evening which promises once again to be full of music, mirth, merriment and magic. The line-up includes, from the world of comedy and BBC2's Sunday Show Donna McPhail, and Britain's popular out lesbian comic Maria Esposito. Also performing will be, the "likeable and brassy" Maria Falzone from Boston. Providing music with sharp lyrics and a powerful voice, Julia Tipton. The show will also include those sisters who get everyone's feet tapping, the Well Oiled Sisters. The evening will be hosted by Sandi Toksvig, star of last year's Stonewall Equality Show, and Hufty from "The Word". Some surprise guests are planned to complete the evening. Tickets are 12.50 and 10.50 and are on sale at the Duke of Yorks Theatre, St. Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4BG. Telephone 0171 836 5122. STONEWALL LAUNCHES PARENTING GROUP ---------------------------------- Shopping in Mothercare may not be the "queer" edge of sexual politics, but lesbian and gay parenting is still a highly contested issue. Yet there are very few groups where general issues about parenting can be discussed. From the many letters we receive from parents and would-be parents, we felt there was a case for bringing together parents and supportive professionals to begin a process of liaison, education and campaigning. Our first meeting enthusiastically welcomed the idea. Lesbian mothers have not traditionally worked with gay fathers, and parents have often been opposed by lawyers, doctors and psychiatrists, but lots of ideas emerged including training sessions for High Court judges, more child-centred community activities, a newsletter and possibly a conference in the autumn. The next meeting is on 3 May at the Stonewall office at 7.30pm. If you would like to be involved, please contact Gill Butler c/o Stonewall. COMINGS AND GOINGS ------------------ Six new people have been appointed to the Stonewall Group, Stonewall's ruling council which meets quarterly. They are: * Louise Ansari, Head of Campaigns at the Commission for Racial Equality; * Edmund Hall, author of We Can't Even March Straight and member of Rank Outsiders; * Anne Lawrence, from Birmingham, lesbian grandmother and co-chair of the lesbian and gay support organisation National Friend; * Equal opportunities consultant Gerard Lemos; * John Miskelly, Businessman and recruitment consultant; * Lucy Scher, from Manchester, co-founder of mixed club night Flesh. Meanwhile the staff team said goodbye to Jim Kilkenny, office volunteer extraordinaire and stalwart of Stonewall's campaigning for the past 4 years. Jim intends to take a couple of months off but after that he is thinking of setting up an organisation for older lesbians and gay men. If you are interested, you can contact him through the office. SUPPORTER UPDATE ---------------- 3,000 join as Friends In April our Friends Scheme reached 3,000 members. Thank you to all those who have joined. We are especially grateful to those (nearly half) who contribute by standing order. This gives us the security to plan our future campaigns. This year we are aiming for a membership of 5,000. We rely financially on our supporters, but more than that, only with these kinds of numbers can we have the political influence to reach MPs and opinion formers in every constituency. We hope you will play a role in helping us to achieve this: * If you are already a supporter make a commitment today to encourage a friend to join. * Pass this newsletter on to a friend and ask them if they would like to be a supporter. If you need more copies, let us know. * Don't forget to renew your subscription! You should have a reminder letter with this newsletter if it's due. * If you want to know more about our campaigns and would like a Stonewall speaker to address a meeting, please let us know. Together we can push forward the battle for legal equality and social justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexuals. STONEWALL --------- Working for lesbian and gay equality 2 Greycoat Place London SW1P 1SB Tel 0171 222 9007 Fax 0171 222 0525 Email info@stonewall.org.uk STONEWALL STAFF Angela Mason Executive Director Anya Palmer Deputy Director Emma Peskin Research Assistant Terry Harding Fundraising and Development Mig Kimpton Events Producer Suad El-Amin Office Manager Mark Roche Administrator Mark Watson Immigration Volunteer STONEWALL BOARD Gill Butler Michael Cashman, Chair Andy Elvers Lee Marshall, Treasurer Rebecca Rendle Dr Peter Rivas Elaine Willis, Vice Chair STONEWALL GROUP Board members, plus: Louise Ansari Marc Burke Cordelia Ditton Andy Elvers Simon Fanshawe Edmund Hall Ceri Hutton Anne Lawrence Sir Ian McKellen John Miskelly Lucy Scher WHY I SUPPORT STONEWALL ----------------------- I have received piles of letters since my interview on Newsnight - some of them very hurtful, but at least 90% supportive of what I have done. Of course, a lot of these came from gay men and women and especially from gay clergy, but I have also received many letters from straight people, including clergy, applauding my action. I have also been sent letters by the parents of gay sons and daughters. One, which encapsulates the despair which many young gay men and lesbians feel and also the tone of many of the letters which I have received, I will quote: "Just a line to say thank you for what you have done for my son, and many others like him. Admitting one's sexuality openly and honestly seems to be the only way to convince society that people like him are not freaks, and you have championed the cause of many frightened and vulnerable members of our society." I wept over that one, for sorrow and anger at what her son and so many of us have had to bear, and for joy that I might have helped a little to change things. If only to get a letter like that, it has been worth it. But we have a long way to go before we gain equality for gay people in society and acceptance of gay clergy by the Church. The struggle must continue, and must grow. Stonewall is the foremost organisation campaigning in this field and it merits our support, so that the goal of acceptance for everyone, whatever their race, colour, sex or sexual orientation may be achieved. I hope you too will support Stonewall's work by becoming a Friend. Rt Revd Derek Rawcliffe The Rt Revd Derek Rawcliffe is an Anglican Bishop in the diocese of Ripon who recently came out on BBC Newsnight.