News

EDP, Saturday 31st October 2009

Report by MARY HAMILTON

Norwich joined with London and cities around the world last night in a candle-lit vigil for the victims of hate crimes.

About 40 people assembled outside the Forum in the city centre to light candles and join a two-minute silence, along with thousands of people in London, Brighton and other cities internationally.

Ten years after the London nail-bomber terrorised communities, the vigil aimed to remember the victims of those bombings and other, more recent, attacks such as the beating of a gay police officer in Liverpool.

The main vigil, organised by charity 17-24-30 and hosted by Sandi Toksvig, took place in Trafalgar Square, where on September 25, 62-year-old Ian Baynham was the victim of a homophobic attack, suffering injuries from which he later died.

Messages of support for the vigil were received from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Tory leader David Cameron.

Noam Zabari, a spokesman for Norwich Pride Collective, said: "There have been some horrific homophobic attacks across the UK recently that have shocked the nation. This vigil is about showing the world that this criminal behaviour is unacceptable here."

Janet Brandish, of People First of Norfolk, a self-advocacy group for people with learning difficulties, spoke at the event.

She said: "People with learning difficulties are bullied and attacked because they are disabled.

"We want to make sure more people report hate crimes so that something can be done."

EDP, Monday 26th October 2009

Report by TARA GREAVES

A Norfolk grandmother was questioned by police after writing a letter objecting to a Gay Pride Parade in Norwich which she said was a “public display of indecency” and “offensive to God”.

Pauline Howe, 67, wrote to the chief executive of the city council following a peaceful protest of Christians at the Gay Pride Parade in July, during which she says she was on the receiving end of verbal abuse of an explicit sexual nature.

“People came up and whispered it in my ear and were gone. It was only when I thought about what was said afterwards that I realised how bad it was,” Mrs Howe, from Poringland, says in a message posted on the video sharing site Youtube by the religious group The Christian Institute.

The letter sent to the council, in which she also blamed gay sexual practices for spreading sexually transmitted diseases, was deemed as potentially “hate related” by staff who have a duty to “eliminate discrimination” of all kinds.

As a result she was visited at home by two female officers from Norfolk police but after questioning no further action was taken.

“We're not allowed to express our Biblical, evangelical beliefs anymore without being frightened,” she said.

The Christian Institute is investigating whether the council and the police have breached Mrs Howe's rights to free speech and religious liberty under the Human Rights Act.

Although contacted by the EDP, Mrs Howe's husband said they did not wish to comment further.

Katy-Jon Went, a member of the Norwich Pride collective and a steward on the day of the parade, said: “I willingly chatted with the Christians and told them I was a Christian as well as being transgender. I've been a Bible teacher and a missionary and I still see myself as a Christian.

“While her comments are not defamatory they are certainly inflammatory. I think it is quite hypocritical for her to say her freedom of speech has been jeopardised when she was writing to say we should not have been allowed the parade.”

Nick O'Brien, chairman of Norwich Pride, which is organised by a collective of volunteers from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) community, said: “The first Norwich Pride was a wonderful, inclusive celebration and we were so very proud of the thousands of Norwich citizens and their friends and family who came to show their support for the LGBT community. We'd like to thank all the organisations who put on events for Norwich Pride, including St John the Baptist Church on Timberhill who held a very moving Interfaith service.

“We're sorry to hear about Mrs Howe's complaint and feel that her comments show why Pride events are needed - to help fight prejudice and increase understanding.”

A Norfolk Constabulary spokesman said: “We investigate all alleged hate incidents. In this instance the individual concerned was visited by officers, the comments discussed and no further action was taken.”

Thanks to the Pride Collective for such an excellent and successful first ever Norwich Pride! The Forum was heaving with LGBT people and their friends, family and supporters and event the sun shone! A lot of hard work clearly went into making sure the day went with a swing and the Pride Collective should have every reason to feel 'proud'. Well done to all! Plans are already being put into place for next Norwich Pride on Saturday 31st July 2010, for more details check out www.norwichpride.org.uk

News @ TEN is Norfolk and Waveney's Newsletter for all that is going on in LGBT life in the area. If you would like to make sure you dont miss out on the latest news, get a copy emailed to you for free every month. Contact TEN by emailing ten@btconnect.com and we will add you to the E-mailing list.

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Newsletter

RCN Eastern Region was out in force and proud to be part of the first Norwich Gay Pride festival last month. The RCN's message, "championing equality and diversity," was shouted out loud and clear through our very colourful stand, badges worn by festival goers and our lollipop placards which peppered the parade.

It was a great opportunity for RCN Officers, Adrian Ing and Nikki Ward to meet members, health care workers and to promote the RCN message to a wide audience. The atmosphere was vibrant and fun whilst ensuring that the serious business of promoting diversity and celebtrating Norfolk and Norwich's LGBT community was achieved with great success.

We look forward to taking part again next year!

If you went to Norwich Pride and have some pictures you'd like to share with us, please send then to eastern.region@rcn.org.uk and we'll post them on the website! To find out more about Norwich Pride visit their website (www.norwichpride.org.uk).

LGBT History Month Bulletin 63

Proud to Be at Pride

The Rainbow flag flew over Norwich Castle and the sun shone on us all at Norwich's first ever Pride on Saturday, July 25th. Kieran and Wendy's Norwich Our Story had a stall and very kindly gave us some space to promote our work. Loads of people were there and the parade was far bigger than anticipated. Among the speakers were Linda Bellos, Norwich's latest resident, who said she was suing a barber under goods and services for refusing her a haircut for being a woman. Keep up the Good Work!

Inner City (Norwich City Council Staff News) August 2009

ORGANISERS of the first ever Norwich Pride are enjoying their success following a fantastic event that filled the city with colour. Nearly 3,000 people took to the streets on the last weekend of July to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans life, with Lord Mayor, Councillor Eve Collishaw opening the rally at Chapelfield Gardens. One of many positive comments received on the group's message board said: “Watching hundreds of people walking through Norwich all with one thing in common with me was amazing. I've always said that Norwich is a safe and open city and I hope the Pride march has given others the same opinion.” Staff at Norwich City Council have been supporting organisers throughout and our events team, who provided their advice and expertise to make it all run smoothly, is already in discussions for next year. Nadia Aman, policy officer, says: “We are delighted to support the event, which embraced the diversity of our community. The Lord Mayor at Chapelfield Gardens “Congratulations go to the organisers for an inclusive, creative and informative celebration of LGBT people.” If you want to join the council's new LGBT group, which meets informally outside of work hours, please get in touch with either Nadia Aman on 212368 or David Langston on 212443. For more information on Norwich Pride, visit www.norwichpride.org.uk

Norwich Advertiser

NATIONAL treasure and Norfolk local Stephen Fry showed pride in his home city with a video message of support for the first ever Norwich Pride.

The star e-mailed a short video to the Norwich Pride Collective, who organised the event celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans life.

On the video, Mr Fry said: “I wish I was with you. My life has taken me far from the cradle of my birth and love and my first consideration is my dear, dear fine city, my proud city of Norwich.”

The video was recorded and sent by Mr Fry in Bayreuth, Germany, where he is attending a famous and popular music festival devoted to Wagner's operas.

Michelle Savage, secretary of Norwich Pride Collective, said: “It is fantastic to have a message of support. We've been speaking to his PA and we have told him next year's date. I think it is just the beginning of the dialogue.”

This year's Pride parade on July 25 was attended by between 2,000 and 3,000 people who marched around the centre of Norwich. Other events including dog walks, tea parties, pub nights and cabaret took place over the weekend.

Next year's parade will take place on July 31, 2010 as part of a weekend of events.

For more information visit www.norwichpride.org.uk

Norwich Evening News and EDP

Report by MARY HAMILTON

Organisers say they are delighted with the success of Norwich's first ever Pride parade.

Dancers, drummers and thousands of supporters came together to turn Norwich into a rainbow for Saturday's event, which saw between 2,000 and 3,000 people marched from Chapelfield Gardens down Theatre Street and around the market to finish on Millennium Plain.

Lord Mayor of Norwich Evelyn Collishaw kicked off the rally and Norwich Samba band led the march with rhythmic drumming and dancing.

Organiser Michelle Savage said the event had surpassed all expectations, with gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people turning out along with supporters, friends, and families.

“We were absolutely overwhelmed by it,” she said. “It was such a successful, happy, safe day. It's been fantastic for awareness raising and it's a big confidence boost for the community and for individuals.”

“The Lord Mayor was lovely - at one point when I was standing with her a middle-aged woman came up to us and told us she had a daughter who is a lesbian, and it was so important to her that the Lord Mayor showed her support.”

Ms Collishaw said: “As Lord Mayor I was pleased to be asked to play a role in this opportunity to celebrate Norwich's large and diverse LGBT community, as well as their families, friends and supporters.

“I hope this will become an annual event in the city's calendar, continuing for many years to come.”

The Castle museum contributed by flying the rainbow flag during the parade, and passers-by wore rainbow sarongs and waved flags as they lined the parade route.

Local businesses also showed their support - Digby's chocolate shop in the Royal Arcade featured same-sex couples in their wedding display, and staff came out on to the balcony of the Theatre Royal to wave the parade by.

Organisers are already planning next year's event - and the last weekend in July looks set to become the regular date for Norwich Pride.

We are constantly updating this site, please watch for regular developments!