Minutes: November 2004

Present: Helen, Jane, Matthew, Sue, Jean, Paula, Robin, Christine, Gary, Tony, Councillor Darker, Councillor Wren
Apologies: Nick, Rita

Minutes of the Last Meeting and Matters Arising

Statistics of hate crimes increasing by 300% may give the impression of regular wild attacks on the LGBT community in Swindon. In the first two quarters of 2003 there were no hate crimes recorded, but in this year’s first two quarters 14 crimes had been reported. Race related crime had increased from 73 reportings in 2003 to 111 in 2004.

Feedback on the Education equalities submission in September had still not appeared. A question lingered over the point of taking part in Council consultation if no action on our recommendations are taken.

Pride Youth

Paula presented the report commissioned by LGBT Swindon on “Youth service provision for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people within the Swindon Community”. Copies were distributed to all those present.

The aim of the report will be to make a case to Swindon Borough Council, that they should mainstream a service for young LGBT people via the Youth Service.

In other parts of the country LGBT young people do have a service provision through local government ie. Gloucester Pride Start.

Gary asked who are Pride Youth’s other partnerships? Paula listed SBC Youth Service, Primary Care Trust. They are also working with Connexions, and Wiltshire and Swindon Community Fund and Gay Men’s Health.

Cllr Wren mentioned that Pride Youth should contact the Education and Young People Commission, chaired by Kevin Small.

Doug asked why SBC should oversee the managerial side of Pride Youth? Paula replied that they would oversee recruitment, building and the insurance. A management committee would still be in place.

Gary felt that Pride Youth should obtain a copy of the Mind charity’s Drug and Alcohol Research paper.

Jane congratulated Pride Youth on their comprehensive report.

Helen asked if everyone was happy for the report to be distributed to relevant SBC officers and organisations. All were in agreement.

Public Toilet – Outside the Mailcoach pub

Members of the LGBT community were alarmed to see a public toilet cubical being built next to the Mailcoach pub. Although the pub landlords were consulted, the Council should have held consultation with this LGBT Coalition.

It was felt that there was a lack of knowledge and sensitivity towards the gay community, due to a perceived connection between gay men loitering near public toilets looking for sex. Local research had suggested that majority of people seeking sex in public toilets were prostitutes. Needle injecting drug takers were the second most likely community using toilets.

Robin felt the toilet has been placed in a dangerously un-lit location. It is tucked away and difficult to find which is not on the ordinary route for pedestrians to access town centre shops and bars.

Counsellor Darker informed the group that majority of Councillors had no idea that the Mailcoach was a gay venue and that there was not many sites in the town centre to place the toilet. Planning permission was not required for this public convenience.

It was agreed that the Chair of the colation would seek to discuss this issue with the Chairman of the Night Time Economy Task Group, Cllr Barry Thompson.

The discussion moved on to binge drinking and the violence that can occur towards people in gay venues and how the local press report homophobia. Copies of recent articles from the Evening Advertiser were distributed. The group felt that the Evening Advertiser Editor was very supportive.

Gary felt we should begin looking at how we work with journalists.

Harassment Officers Presentation

Due to illness of both harassment officers, it was agreed that their report be submitted to the 8th December meeting.

Hate Crime Forum

Wiltshire Police have commissioned The Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Portsmouth to carry out a survey called “Swindon Gay Community Speaks Out” to assess LGBT people’s experiences on homophobic crime. Jane and Sue volunteered to help Dean Blackbourn this Friday evening, to ask people in the gay venues to fill in the short questionnaire. Matthew had produced a press release in time for Friday’s survey.

The results of the survey may indicate the level of homophobic crime in Swindon and strengthen the Police argument for more resources to combat it. The questionnaire will also be available on the Web until 31st December.

A report on the findings will be published early in 2005 for observation

Finance Report

At the end of October 2004, £1,625.18 of the £3,000 coalition budget had been spent.

World Aids Day – Pilgrim Centre, 1 December 2004

Matthew, Sue, Tony and Jane have attended 2 meetings with Christian Aid and Rev’d Phil Hoar. We are aiming for a good turnout including the Mayor of Swindon.

People will gather at 6:15 pm in the pilgrim Centre for a service which will finish at 7:30 pm.

After the service there will be a procession to St Luke’s Church, Broad Street for the Terrance Higgins Trust Coffee Evening.

Leaflet / Newsletter to promote the LGBT coalition

The leaflet has not been produced as only a couple of articles had been submitted and there is no one to produce it as it is not in the Link Worker’s remit to do so.

Meanwhile the £700 credit at the printers for publishing the “Gay Issue” was still laying unspent. Christine, Helen and Gary agreed to gather on 23rd November to discuss articles for a publication.

Matthew would issue a press release promoting the event.

Planning the AGM

It was agreed that the AGM would be held in February.

Any Other Business

Matthew announced he would be standing down as Link Worker after the AGM in February due to work commitments at the Council.

It was noted that Mrs Harmit Gustard, the SBC coalition administrator, had tendered her resignation. It was agreed that a vote of thanks be recorded for the exceptional assistance and hard work she had provided to this coalition over the past year. She would be missed.

It was agreed that the Chair would communicate to the Equalities Officers that if Swindon was fully signed up to promoting equalities within the Borough, then the Council should fund a full time administrative officer to serve all coalitions.

Discussion followed on a party / event to promote the coalition in one of the Gay bars in town, but no agreement was made – so this suggestion was shelved.

Next event:
Wednesday 1st December at The Pilgrim Centre as the World Aids Day service – 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Next meeting:
Wednesday 8th December 7pm in CR3