wearing purple today – needed in NI as much as elsewhere

October 20, 2010 Michael McFarland Campbell

As I said previously, I am wearing purple today to remember those who have died as a result of homophobic bullying, and also to raise awareness of this issue. Last night, when I attended the LGBT sectoral consultation on the OFMDFM’s draft Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration, we learnt some horrendous statistics from The Rainbow Project: 98% of LGBT young people suffered homophobic bullying at school. 30% of this school bullying was by adults This is unacceptable, and must be condemned by all. As a start, let’s all wear something purple today. Continue reading wearing purple today – needed in NI as much as elsewhere

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Labour, LGBT, Manchester, news, StonewallLeave a comment

Quote of the Day – #moreBS

September 27, 2010September 27, 2010 Michael McFarland Campbell

It is not a member-run organisation. It does not give the opportunity to LGBT people to come together. Guess who? Got it yet? Yup. Once again Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall – this time at meeting of LGBT Labour at Labour Party Conference in Manchesteras reported in Pink News. So, quite what is the point of becoming a member? LGBT Labour have managed to have a meeting and vote in favour of gay marriage – so why can’t Stonewall manage to sort this out? It is good to see that some members of HM Loyal Opposition seem to be … Continue reading Quote of the Day – #moreBS

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Belfast, gay, LGBT, news, politics, UUP1 Comment

Tom Elliott and the UUP need to grow up

September 23, 2010 Michael McFarland Campbell

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

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Benedict XVI, catholic, christian, gay, Health, HIV, London, news, sufferingLeave a comment

‘six hundred of the men who got sick and died were young and fellow Catholics’

September 18, 2010December 29, 2011 Michael McFarland Campbell

I didn’t think that I would be posting quite as quickly after the last post – but reading what I have just read really makes me want to make sure others get to read what Fr Bernard Lynch said at a rally in London today. As someone living with HIV, Fr Lynch’s words somewhat grabbed hold of me. Fortunately, we can now live with HIV – it is no longer the death sentence it once was. Here is a wordle followed by the full text… Dear Holy Father, Welcome to the United Kingdom. I am one of your fellow priests … Continue reading ‘six hundred of the men who got sick and died were young and fellow Catholics’