Q:alliance

This survey could help guide future services nationally, as well in MK & Bucks, so please fill it in and let as many people know about it as possible:

The Lesbian and Gay Foundation (LGF) in Manchester and the University of Central Lancashire are conducting a study about drug and alcohol use and this questionnaire asks about your use of these. The major aim of the study is to use the findings to inform the development of services (including the provision of information) for lesbian, gay and bisexual people who use drugs and alcohol. The findings will be published in the form of a report, in academic journal papers, on the internet, in LGF’s publications and disseminated at conferences.

To take the survey, please visit www.partofthepicture.co.uk, it should take no longer than 15 minutes.

• New map looks at Europe through the lens of LGBT rights – http://tinyurl.com/mznqtf – RT @michaelajones #
• thinks you are gorgeous! #
• How to take control and be safe when you’re online: http://bit.ly/HgyTU #
• Exile in Gayville – a great collection of poetry by @RaganFox (and printed in Milton Keynes): http://bit.ly/19GBUT #
• Great article from Change.org: ‘Homophobia Spreads HIV/AIDS in Africa’ – http://bit.ly/Yl41n #
• A very interesting exhibit of photos of men being affectionate from 1840-1918 – http://bit.ly/X9KBk #
• 0845 231 0505 – The Gender Trust helpline offering info + support to anyone affected by gender identity issues (10am-10pm M-F, 1- 10pm S-S) #
• Gay History revealed – http://stonewallmemorial.org RT @Stonewallone #
• Ensure sex and relationship education becomes part of the National Curriculum (details in right hand column) http://bit.ly/13A5XQ #
• Good list of LGBT bars and services available to those of you who live near Luton – http://www.shoutluton.com/entertainment/gayluton.html #
• Why do we have to fill in all those boxes on monitoring forms?? – http://bit.ly/2tea2l #
• Albert Kennedy Trust launches LGBT standard for housing associations – http://bit.ly/4uarP #

Stonewall have just launched a new leaflet explaining the importance of filling in equality monitering forms.

Stonewall today publishes a 10 point plain English guide to help employers and service providers explain to their staff and service users why monitoring information is being collected. ‘What’s it got to do with you?’ explains why a range of data – such as age, gender, sexual orientation and belief – may now be requested, and what the benefit is. With many organisations anticipating new measures in the Equality Bill ‘What’s it got to do with you?’ makes the case for monitoring across all equality characteristics.

For more information, and to download the guide, visit the Stonewall site.

• Homophobia: UK Stats & Facts (Let’s put an end to this!) – http://bit.ly/WPG9e #
• Useful resources for LGBT Health and Wellbeing from Pace – http://www.pacehealth.org.uk/publications/ #
• The 10th annual Independent on Sunday Pink List – the 101 most influential gay and lesbian people in Britain today – http://is.gd/1ylHb #
• Interesting thoughts about the “str8-acting gay man paradox” – http://ragan.wordpress.com/2009/07/13/str8/ #
• New Leaflet: Am I Bi?: Bisexual Index has come out with a new leaflet titled ‘Am I Bi?’ http://tinyurl.com/lxaaua #
• “Transitioning is not the same as just saying ‘I’m gay or I’m lesbian’” Interesting article on M2F transition at work – http://bit.ly/Jm5Ox #
• Duncan from Blue – “I’ve been in loving relationships with men as well as women – and I’m not ashamed”. http://is.gd/1vY8M #
• A cosy new venue to relax, meet or celebrate in Milton Keynes? Share your ideas – http://is.gd/1uF9o #