Q:alliance

Peter Leeson (our Treasurer) has appeared on the U.S.-based ‘Queer and Queerer’ podcast, openly discussing coming out to his wife as gay.

The podcast is available here: http://zackfordblogs.com/2011/09/queer-and-queerer-ep-57-coming-out-to-your-wife-at-53-ft-peter-leeson/

The first two minutes of the podcast can be skipped, as Peter doesn’t appear until after the first two minutes.

Also on the webpage are links to some more of Peter Leeson’s appearances in the media. Well done, Peter!

This is to let members know that HQMK Youth Group should be back at the usual location this week.

Following advice from different agencies, the trustees of Q:alliance have made the decision to postpone the HQMK Youth Group this week (Wednesday 10th August 2011). This is due to the recent reports of unrest in cities across the country.

The safety of the group members, staff and volunteers is paramount to us.

We have the best interests of our members at heart and encourage them to stay safe and report any incidents to the local police on 0845 8 505 505 or by dialling 999 in an emergency.

We should be back to normal next week and will keep you updated.

After the success and support we had in 2010 and 2011, I am pleased to announce that we are in the process or organizing the 2012 LGBTQ General Assembly and hope to encourage your participation.

The assembly seeks to bring together all the organizations that are interested in the Lesbian, Gay, Bi- and Transgender and Questioning communities in South-East England. We aim to offer:

• · Presentations from charities and support groups, explaining what they offer and what they are seeking in terms of support, volunteers and funding;
• · An exhibition hall in which organizations can display information about what they are doing (or sell their goods);
• · An opportunity to meet and network with likeminded people;
• · An open debate / question and answer session during which you will have the opportunity to question a variety of leaders;
• · A fun and interesting day out.

It will be held again in Milton Keynes on the last Saturday in January, admission remains free to all.

This year, we are going to try to organize our speakers around a common theme:

Body, Mind and Spirit

We are seeking to identify for the moment potential speakers and exhibitors. Please register your interest as soon as possible, so that we can start planning the details of the event. All you need at this point is to contact me by e-mail (lgbtga {at} live.co(.)uk or ga {at} qalliance.org(.)uk), letter (see address hereunder) and tell me your level of interest. You will find further details on our General Assembly page for attendees, exhibitors, speakers and sponsors, and you’ll also find there a preliminary schedule for information. We are also interested in identifying anyone who may be able to provide original entertainment on the day. Please feel free to forward this to anyone you believe may be interested.

Kindest regards,

Peter Leeson

General Assembly
care of Q:alliance,
Acorn House,
381 Midsummer Boulevard
Milton Keynes MK9 3HP