Belfast Pride, christian, Independent, LGBT, Media, Newspapers4 Comments

Strudwick’s Gay ‘cure’ therapy exposé: was it entrapment?

Michael McFarland Campbell

  Last night, Amnesty International in Northern Ireland hosted their annual Belfast Pride Lecture in Belfast’s Europa Hotel. The exhibition hall was nearly packed to the gunnels; everyone crowding in to hear Patrick Strudwick’s thoughts on “The dangerous world of gay ‘cures’”. In 2010 journalist Patrick Strudwick published “The Ex-Gay Files: The Bizarre World of Gay-to-Straight Conversion” in The Independent, chronicling a year of undercover investigation of therapists claiming to be able to ‘convert’ gays and lesbians to heterosexuality. In some countries, ‘gay conversion therapy’ is used as a form of punishment amounting to torture against gay people. Strudwick’s exposé shone a spotlight … Continue reading Strudwick’s Gay ‘cure’ therapy exposé: was it entrapment?

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The “Scout” Hymn by Ralph Reader

Michael McFarland Campbell

Now as I start upon my chosen way, In all I do, my thoughts, my work, my play, Grant as I promise, Courage new for me To be the best, the best that I can be. Help me to keep my Honour shining bright, May I be Loyal in the hardest fight Let me be able for my Task, and then, To earn a place among my fellow men. Open mine eyes to see things as I should, That I may do my daily turn of good, Let me be ready, waiting for each need To keep me clean in … Continue reading The “Scout” Hymn by Ralph Reader

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Another hall in the community is targeted – this really must stop.

Michael McFarland Campbell

  Another week has passed and news has reached me of another community hall in Northern Ireland being targeted and burnt. Fortunately, in this case, it seems that it has not been gutted. But a lot of damage has been done. The hall in question is a Masonic hall in Lisburn. A fuller report can be found courtesy of the Ulster Star. As the Ulster Star article suggests, the hall may have been mistaken for an Orange Hall—but that is no excuse. Burning each other’s halls is not going to help solve our community’s difficulties. Sitting down and talking about them does. The … Continue reading Another hall in the community is targeted – this really must stop.

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Making Scouting visible… World Scout Scarf Day 2012

Michael McFarland Campbell

When you see me out and about on Wednesday, I’ll be wearing at least one of my Scout neckers. It’ll probably be my FLAGS unit necker in the rainbow colours in honour of Belfast Pride Festival which is currently in full swing. But why will I be doing this? Well, it’s because of “World Scout Scarf Day” on which it is asked that all active and former scouts are requested to wear their scout scarfs in public to make the “spirit of scouting” visible: once a scout – always a scout! In 2011 the day coincided with the World Jamboree … Continue reading Making Scouting visible… World Scout Scarf Day 2012

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Hawes & Curtis – a reply today.

Michael McFarland Campbell

  In response to my email complaint of yesterday – Hawes & Curtis have replied… Thank you for your email and apologise for the incorrect information being on our website. This was a mistake by our supplier and unfortunately was not checked internally. We will have the website changed as soon as possible and also the store will be informed. I would like to offer a small token to say thank for taking the time to informing Hawes & Curtis. If you would like I could get a union jack tie made at our factory and sent to you. It … Continue reading Hawes & Curtis – a reply today.

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External link to What would David Cairns make of Archbishop Tartaglia? from @scottishliberal

What would David Cairns make of Archbishop Tartaglia? from @scottishliberal

Michael McFarland Campbell

Andrew Page writes: I’m sure I’m not the only person in Scotland today angry at comments made by archbishop-elect Philip Tartaglia. I’m pretty certain he is not the only person angry at Philip Tartaglia – this Irishman is pretty annoyed … Continue reading What would David Cairns make of Archbishop Tartaglia? from @scottishliberal

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Congratulations to Scotland… well not quite yet!

Michael McFarland Campbell

All over the internet this morning I have been seeing friends sharing the news that Scotland will get gay marriage first in the UK. From what many people are writing, you would think that it had already become law. However, this is quite simply not how it works. For all that has happened today is that the Scottish Executive (currently known as the Scottish Government) has announced its intention to bring forward a Bill in the Scottish Parliament to introduce gay marriage. There will be further consultation on that Bill in due course. It does seem, however, that there is … Continue reading Congratulations to Scotland… well not quite yet!

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6 months and finally unpacking…

Michael McFarland Campbell

It’s about ten days before our friend Peter will be over to stay for the weekend of the Belfast Pride Parade. I’ve stayed with him many times on my jaunts to Bedford in the past year so it will be good to return the hospitality. However, anyone who has been in our flat will know that we have had an sitting room jam packed with boxes—until today. This lunchtime, our cleaner Tracey and I have spent three hours clearing and putting rubbish out. No one who knows me will be surprised that we have uncovered many more books, so the Health & Safety Officers will be … Continue reading 6 months and finally unpacking…

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