Lesbian and Gay Parents Coffee Group

Are you a lesbian or gay parent or parent-to-be?
Want to meet other lesbian and gay parents for a coffee and a chat about all things parent related? Are you considering becoming a parent and want some advice from those with kids already? Then contact me today to find out about the next coffee meeting in middlesbrough at missingubrokemylife@hotmail.com

LesBiFriends

LesBiFriends North East is a new service based in Newcastle offering face to face help and support to women who identify as lesbian or bisexual, or those questioning their sexuality.

LesBiFriends hopes to help women who are newly out or thinking about coming out, women who might not know anyone gay and feel they need a little support in their coming out journey. The service, which it is hoped will appeal to women who maybe want more than just someone to talk to at the end of a phone but don't yet have the confidence to go to a gay bar or support group on their own.

For more information go to: www.lesbifriendsne.btik.com or email lesbifriendsne@live.co.uk

Lesbians who lunch

Social and support group for women in and around Durham who meet for lunch once a month. Telephone Pj on 07768 072850 or email lwldurham@hotmail.com

Northern Pride

THE NORTHEAST’S BIGGEST EVER GAY PRIDE IS HERE

July sees the return of a gay extravaganza in Newcastle

A colourful festival of over 5,000 people will bring a Mardi Gras atmosphere to Newcastle in July as the annual celebration of all things gay returns to the Northeast. With everything from picnics and parades to art showings and comedy, it promises to be a fun and diverse celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Ther's a fantastic line‐up on the main stage on 18th July in Leazes Park, Newcastle with Eurovision entrants Scooch, pop legend Nicki French and local divas the Camp Vamps, alongside local LGBT performers.

The festival includes a Pride Parade snaking through the centre of Newcastle at noon on 18th July, all are encouraged to come along meeting at the Civic Centre beforehand.

The Parade will culminate in a Pink Picnic at 1pm in Leazes Park, Newcastle. This promises to be a fun‐packed afternoon with music, stalls, children’ activities, fairground, entertainers, cabaret tent as well as local rugby boys, The Ravens, and footballers, The Panthers, showing off their ball and tackle skills.

Keep checking www.northernpride.org.uk as we reveal the full programme of events.

Reporting Hate Crime

Hate crime
Hatred is a strong term that goes beyond simply causing offence or hostility. Hate crime is any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by an offender's hatred of someone because of their:

race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality or national origins
religion
gender or gender identity
sexual orientation
disability

Hate crime can take many forms including:

physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson
threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive or obscene telephone calls, groups hanging around to intimidate and unfounded, malicious complaints
verbal abuse or insults - offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures, dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes, and bullying at school or in the workplace

Hate crime is defined as:
Any incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate.

If you have experienced hate crime and would like to discuss this and talk about your options to report it, anonymously if you wish to, there are three specific LGBT reporting centres in Middlesbrough:

Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency: Lesley Duggan LGBT Inclusion Officer 01642 803607
Mesmac North East: 01642 804400
Citizens Advice Bureau: 0844 499 4110

Or you can go on line and report www.reporthatecrime.co.uk

SuperGay

Thanks to everyone who came along to the SuperGay Quiz night at The Oak on the 8th June. It was another great night with a atmosphere throughout the evening, and lovely food thanks to The Oak. We raised £240 thanks to the generousity of everyone.

That was the last quiz for now as we need to concentrate on organising Middlesbrough SuperGay 19th September 2009 A Celebration in Middlesbrough for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community more details will follow soon!
For more info contact Lesley on 01642 803607 or email: lesley.duggan@mvdauk.org.uk

Peer support group

For people who identify as, Transgender, Cross-Dresser, Intersex.

We are a new group who will meet on the 2nd Monday of each month to offer a safe space for you to meet others, share advice, information, meet new friends and combat the isolation many of us face.

We want to develop a group for your needs, together we can make this group what we want. All gender identities are welcome. There is a private space for you to change clothes if you need to. Refreshments will be provided.

Meetings will be held from 7-9pm at St Mary’s Centre, 82-90 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough TS1 2RW.

For further information please contact: elvira@hotmail.co.uk or ring Lesley on 01642 803607 or look at their blog at: http://teestrans.blogsite.org/