Originally written for the Liberal Democrats in Northern Ireland blog, Michael takes a look at fighting homophobia at home in Northern Ireland where it appears to be rising by 20.6% and in Uganda. Continue reading challenging homophobia at home and abroad – a Lib Dem view
Yesterday, as it became clear that the Referendum on the Voting System had not been a YES, Andrew and I said YES in May once more to each other in a very special way: I solemnly promise that I will protect you, N., my brother, with my utmost care, that I will honour and cherish you in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, and that in all things I will be to you a faithful and loving husband. our vow to each other Andrew McFarland and I entered into a civil partnership with each other in Belfast City … Continue reading saying #yesinmay together when the UK said NO #mccamf11
From Twitter I learn that most people have already opened their presents, their stockings, and parcels – before lunch!
Before we set off for the service on Christmas Eve night, we set up the Christmas tree unlike many of our friends who had had theirs up since December 1. The most we got during Advent was usually an Advent Calendar or in latter years an Advent Candle.
Since my brothers and I were in the choir at the local Anglican parish church – we were allowed to open one present upon our return from Midnight Mass, then bed quickly. Then Santa came round on his second trip* round the UK. Then in the morning we were allowed to see what Santa had left in the stocking.
After a lot of hard work, Antrim has been declared Northern Ireland’s first Fairtrade Borough. I know that David Ford MLA who was Councillor for Antrim Town worked very hard as chair of the Antrim Council’s Fairtrade committee, before he stepped down from the Council on becoming the Minister of Justice for Northern Ireland earlier this year. Speaking before an event earlier in the year, David Ford MLA said: It’s easy to take part – just swap your usual brands for Fairtrade brands. Gone are the days when you had to search all over the town to try and track … Continue reading Antrim – a Fairtrade Borough
Stonewall has made a major error in letting its Chief Executive Ben Summerskill loose at the recent Liberal Democrat conference in Liverpool. His statements are now well known, but it has opened up a can of worms that Stonewall will want to shut. However, I hope that others will join me in looking at what they have said they will do Stonewall’s key priorities for 2010-2011 EDUCATION Challenging homophobia in schools and colleges and underachievement by lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils through development of the Education for All programme. Raising standards through local government, the teaching profession and young volunteers. … Continue reading Stonewall’s key priorities – has Ben Summerskill read them?
If Stonewall spin any faster, they could double as a centrifuge! Benji, comment no. 11 on Pink News article £5 billion marriage equality figure was calculated by Stonewall Continue reading quote of the week – #moreBS
This week, Stephen, Andrew and I have been finding lots of fun now that there are two incarnations of Bagpuss, one Panda, two incarnations of Paddington and one Matthew le Cygne in the flat as well as the three humans. Some our particular favourites during our late night, just before bed, youtube surfing include: to say nothing of the fun of watching Stephen’s Bagpuss and my Panda dancing to and who thought that Aled Jones would be singing of “Celestial Crabs Decscending” for those who want something a little bit more upbeat… and just in honour of His Holiness Pope … Continue reading bagpuss, hymns, dancing, and songs in honour of Benny
Whilst out in Belfast city centre with Stephen, after an appointment at my GP’s surgery, I was on my way to sort out some personal finances when disaster struck. I put the one card that survived the original bank card problem, into an ATM near CastleCourt this afternoon, and after putting in my PIN asking for balance, it was retained. So now I have to contact the provider of the account to see what went wrong. Back to resolving bank card saga number 1: went into a Santander branch and asked why I hadn’t received a new bank card – … Continue reading the curse of the bank cards is still upon me
So it seems that we are not going to see the leader of the Ulster Unionists in next year’s Belfast Pride march. As reported by Pink News, Tom Elliott MLA recently said that I have indicated at party meetings that whilst some members of our party would go to gay pride marches or GAA matches, I wouldn’t go. Personally, I am not surprised at the UUP’s decision to vote in Mr Elliott as party leader. Basil McCrea his opponent has been very good at attending Belfast Pride in recent years, particularly with his colleague John McCallister. It is clear that … Continue reading Tom Elliott and the UUP need to grow up
Having been falling asleep on the number 4a bus on the way home from the appointments of the day, I was very much awake when the bus driver let one person off at our stop, but then proceeded to drive on without letting myself, and my two escorts off as well – indeed we were still on the stairs at the time. I shouted No. STOP Everyone looked a bit surprised on the bus. Stephen says that those on the top deck (where he still was) were asking Did the driver just drive off there? And with the answer in … Continue reading Translink needs to work on access for disabled on buses
Gyronny Herald 