As part of LGBT History month, Michael Carchrie Campbell calls on the Irish FA to support the Justin Campaign’s Homophobia v Football event on 19 February what would have been the 50th birthday of Justin Fashanu. Continue reading Come on Irish FA – let’s kick out homophobia too
freedom, fairness and responsibility The three words that we are told by the Liberal Democrat Federal Party website sum up the Coalition Government’s Programme. However, I don’t see how it is promoting any of those when you consider what has just happened to the devolved countries’ finances. HM Treasury changed the rules Formerly, departments were allowed to carry over money from one year to another. In this way, Northern Ireland’s Department for Education had built up a reserve of £87m (2008 figures). Usually, making savings, is considered a good financial practice: building up reserves in case of need in the … Continue reading freedom, fairness, and responsibility: but not to NI!
The proposal that we should have the possibility of bilingual traffic signs in Northern Ireland is seen as divisive. However, I think it could have a much more positive benefit to our country in general.
Until many, mostly political unionists and cultural Protestants, stop seeing any language use other that of English as an attack on being British, we will have a hard job in using any such language. However, as I have said before, and has been said by many, if these self same people would look back in their heritage they would find that they are likely to have ancestors who used Irish, and if not Irish, then Scots Gaelic. Scots Gaelic of course like Welsh is in use on roadsigns in other parts of their so-beloved United Kingdom. In other words, they need to relearn the history of this island and come to the understanding that diversity is often a way of unifying a whole country. Continue reading linguistic diversity should be a positive benefit to all
Last night, my friend Conor and his flatmate invited Michael and me to their New Year’s Eve party, in their flat in the Titanic Quarter. There were probably about ten people there, and we spent the evening playing with the Xbox, listening to music, and generally being social. There was also some alcohol consumption, but as a non-drinker I’m going to draw a veil over that. At midnight, we watched Big Ben* on the BBC, and yes Michael and I kissed. It was a completely normal New Year’s Eve party for all of us. Re-read that last sentence: it was … Continue reading all so wonderfully normal (part 2)
Those who work in Parliament Buildings at the present within the Northern Ireland Assembly, and those who have in the past will know George Woodman*, Parliamentary Librarian, who has been honoured by Her Majesty The Queen by being made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year’s Honours this year.
George has always been there when you want some help in looking something up in the Parliamentary Library (sorry – now the Assembly Library). Continue reading “George Woodman MBE: a small appreciation”
It seems that BBC Northern ireland has been noticing the Northern Irish blogosphere. Well done. We’ve been around for some time… Gareth Gordon writes… I think it only attracts a certain type of people. I don’t necessarily think its a broad representative cross-section of opinion or even punditry and it can at times attract extremist views on the blogosphere. It is a pity, however, that [due to BBC editorial policy] Mr Gordon does not follow the usual courtesy of bloggers – that of linking to the various sites named. Therefore, in a spirit of helpfulness. Here are the links… 1690 … Continue reading BBC NI notices the NI blogosphere – corrected
My name is Andrew, and I am living with HIV. You might think that I am HIV positive – I am not. I am living with HIV because my boyfriend*, Michael, the man I love, is HIV positive. I am living with HIV because HIV has a direct impact on my life. I am also, to some extent, living with PVL-MRSA, because Michael has that too. Today Michael had an appointment at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, and his doctor took the opportunity to screen me for MRSA, because there was a chance that I was an asymptomatic carrier. It … Continue reading my name is Andrew
The latest news from the Coalition Government in Westminster is a scheme whereby customers using bank cards could give money to charity. As a trustee of The HIV Support Centre, a local charity, this sounds like it could be a source of welcome money. But I have quite a number of questions. How would such money be distributed? How would the charity/charities be chosen? Is this to eliminate charity boxes in corner shops/bars etc.? I cannot see how this could be done in a fair way to help those charities that are reasonably small – yet are vital to local … Continue reading the big society: does it apply to Northern Ireland?
I am HIV positive.
Just saying that brief sentence or its alternative
I am living with HIV.
gives people the opportunity to do and say the most remarkable things. Continue reading “each time you tell, you’ve no idea what you risk unleashing”
Not got somewhere to stay after your bust up in the club after you chatted that girl up – the one who’s boyfriend was the DJ? During the fisticuffs the constabulary arrive and take you off the hands of the club owner. Fear not, you will not be without somewhere to stay. You will be able to stay in an hostelry which is open 24 / 7, 365 days a year. disinfected on a regular basis and is subject to regular inspections. Select meals provided Some cells en-suite All major credit cards and belongings confiscated Telephone (one call per guest) … Continue reading Out for a night with mates and it’s all gone a bit wrong?
Gyronny Herald 