Agenda item

1.    COMMUNITY INFORMATION EXCHANGE

Lindsey Ambrose: On behalf of the Forum, Barry Hansford would like to formally record thanks to Lindsey Ambrose for her excellent work in supporting the LGBTQ Forum.

Northampton Pride event: Steven outlined his vision for a Northampton Pride event. He is keen to hold a major event, and would like to set up a committee to take this forward.

Q: Would the deaf community be involved in the planning and implementation of Northampton Pride?

A: Yes, the event needs to be inclusive.

Comment: Would it be possible to extend an existing event, rather than start a new event from scratch? Experience from other Pride events show that they started reasonably modestly, and grew into significant events over time.

Comment: Perhaps the Umbrella Fair can be extended to create a Pride event?

Comment: The FAN strategy involved a slow build-up; this recognised the challenges in engaging with the LGBTQ community. Support needs to be built up over time, it takes many years to develop a well-supported and successful Pride event, and it may be more appropriate to build this on an existing event such as the Umbrella Fair.

Comment: if the Pride event does go ahead, FAN will support it.

Comment: An Umbrella Fair Pride committee is needed. Based on existing activities and existing events, this would mean lower initial costs. Links could be made with other LGBTQ groups.

Steven: Would like to establish a committee to move this forward.

Matthew: Northampton Volunteering Centre works with voluntary and community organisations to help develop their governance. NVC can offer advice to a Pride committee.

Northampton Outlaws RFC: Promoted as “Northampton’s Gay Friendly Rugby Club”, the club has twenty regular attendees. The club needs to develop, with a permanent venue and issues such as insurance need to be organised. At the moment, the club trains at Abington Park on Sunday afternoons. It is currently in the process of affiliating with the Rugby Football Union.

The club is inclusive – open to all. Currently 70% of its members are from the LGBT communities.

Comment: The club could apply for a range of local funding, including Northampton County Council’s Councillor Empowerment Fund, the Borough Council’s Councillor Community Fund, and the Borough Council’s Partnership Fund.

Q: If girls / women want to play rugby, who can they contact?

A: The can contact Richard at Outlaws on outlawsrfc@hotmail.co.uk. Further information can be found on the club’s website: www.outlawsrfc.co.uk. Participants should be 18 years or older.

Booqfest Northampton: The Booqfest book festival took place in Northampton on 14 – 16 September. Overall, the event was a success. Whilst some events were under-supported, the support for others exceeding expectations. 65 people were present at the event launch. It is planned to run a similar event next year.

Tickled Pink Comedy Night: Organised by FAN, this event will take place at the Charles Bradlaugh on 19 October. If over 100 people attend, FAN will not be charged for venue hire. Access is by ticket only, priced at £5 on-line or £7 at the door.

LGBT Group for Deaf People: Lee from Deafconnect would like to set up a new group to work with deaf LGBT people; there is currently nothing in Northampton for LGBT people who are deaf.

Comment: The group could have a Facebook presence. Matthew said that he could help the group develop their Facebook presence.

Comment: Links could be made with similar groups elsewhere, for example with a similar group in Manchester.

Lesbian Line: The group is now based at the Women’s Aid offices on Hazelwood Road. They are planning a disco fundraiser on 24th November 2012 at Lings Forum, Weston Favell. Tickets are now on sale.

Q: How do the lesbian deaf community contact Lesbian Line?

A: Through Northampton Lesbian Line’s website: http://www.lesbianline.co.uk/

Quashing convictions for consensual gay sex with someone over 16: Convictions for consensual gay sex with someone over 16 (when it was illegal) will be quashed from 1st October. The Home Office will, from 1 October, begin the process of correcting an anomaly in the criminal records system. The move will benefit thousands of men who were prosecuted for gay sex with someone over 16 during decades when the practice was against the law. Currently, they must disclose the information as part of the programme of Criminal Records Bureau checks if they apply to work or volunteer for charities and other organisations. Getting such a conviction expunged currently requires a lengthy process involving a personal application to a local chief constable