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The Herald Scotland
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's LGBT community feeling demonised shames us
We'd both grown up in Northern Ireland and the conflict was still unfolding. We wanted to have children while in our mid-20s and had no intention of raising them in a divided and bloody country. However, there was a secondary reason we chose Scotland. It seemed a country ready to embrace the future, somewhere equality mattered. Ireland, both north and south, remained a place of bigotry in the 1990s. Today, the Republic has taken huge steps forward, and even the north has progressed, despite its legion of problems. My wife and I were proved right as our newly-adopted country ditched the homophobic Section 28 laws and legislated for equal marriage. Soon, Scotland was being praised as one of the most LGBT-friendly places on Earth. It felt good to live in a nation of such modernity and decency. Three decades later, so many of those positive steps forward have been walked far, far back into an ugly past. Today, our LGBT community is fearful, isolated and feels demonised. This should be a source of great shame for Scotland. Read more from Neil Mackay: In a joint statement issued this week, 23 Scottish Pride organisations said they were 'deeply alarmed by the escalation in the demonisation' of LGBT people 'both at home and abroad'. Their community was being used as 'political pawns', it was said. There were accusations that an anti-LGBT lobby was influencing 'both the UK and Scottish governments'. Glasgow Pride has taken the step of banning political parties from attending its annual event, given the atmosphere that has unfolded in Scotland. It is astonishing how quickly times have changed. Not so long ago, nearly every politician imaginable saw Pride as an easy photo-op. Now politicians are only welcome if they leave their party allegiance at home. Patrick Harvie, of the Scottish Greens, has said that the LGBT community is now 'living in fear'. He told John Swinney during First Minister's Questions that the decision to ban political parties from Pride 'never even happened in the worst days of political homophobia in the 80s'. Swinney, to his credit, said he both recognised and sympathised with Harvie's points, adding that 'the climate of discourse on this issue is absolutely unacceptable'. These are fine words, and it's important that Scotland's leader puts such a statement on the public record. However, like most political parties, the SNP has its share of members who have contributed to this shaming state of affairs. To underscore just how bad matters have gotten, the international human rights index which rates nations according to how LGBT people are treated has seen the UK fall to its lowest ever ranking. The UK came first in 2015. This week we learned that Britain is now ranked second worst in Western Europe and Scandinavia for LGBT protections. After falling every year since 2015, we now only outrank Italy. This year alone, the UK slipped six places. Dr Rebecca Don Kennedy, CEO of the Equality Network, described it as 'shameful', adding: 'Scotland, when analysed separately, has in the past been considered progressive and a beacon of LGBTI+ equality and human rights. That seems to be quickly deteriorating.' Almost nine years ago to the day, this very paper ran a headline proclaiming that Scotland was 'the most gay-friendly country in Europe'. That was based on rankings by the same organisation which now puts the UK almost at the bottom of the table. Back in 2015, Scottish politicians from across the spectrum were being honoured for their contributions to LGBT rights. Pink News awarded both then Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who was the first openly LGBT leader of a major British political party, and former First Minister Alex Salmond who was given a lifetime achievement award as an 'ally'. Salmond spoke of how 'proud' he was at the changes which had been wrought in Scotland. In 2016, the Guardian newspaper was running think-pieces with headlines like 'The tartan-rainbow: why it's great to be gay in Scotland'. Reading the piece now, with long lists of positive steps forward, it seems like a missive from another time. So many successes have been erased in the culture wars which have gripped this country in the last decade. I have American friends who are packing their bags and moving with their children to this country as they no longer wish to live in the USA given the current political climate. I also have LGBT friends who are packing their bags and leaving the UK – including Scotland – because of the political climate. What's happening should make us stop and consider the path we are on. This is not how a nation should treat minorities. We are all the same, no matter the colour of our skin, our religion, or who we love. Usually, in such columns, there is an onus upon the writer to come up with solutions to the problem they put under the microscope. The only onus here is upon mainstream political parties, with the notable exception of the Greens who have stuck by the LGBT community through thick and thin.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fund set up to save working men's club hits target
A "fighting fund" set up to save Bethnal Green Working Men's Club (BGWMC) has surpassed its initial fundraising target. The LGBT-friendly venue in east London was given a two-month eviction notice in June 2024. An online petition was then launched to halt plans to close the venue, where some scenes from Netflix's Baby Reindeer were filmed. Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club (FoBGWMC) said more than £14,000 had been raised so far in donations. It said the fund formed the next stage of the campaign. The building is owned by a group called the Boro of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club. The local council said it was helping "to find the best way forward to protect this important venue". The online petition was launched by actors' union Equity, which described the venue as a "crucial and irreplaceable fixture of London's cultural heritage". Money raised by FoBGWMC would pay for a full chartered survey and valuation of the building, and pay for the planning application costs, the Local Democracy Reporting Service. An extended target of £18,000 would allow the group to develop a robust business plan with financial projections and to cover all consultancy and accountancy costs. The aim is to build an investment case for one of two preferred outcomes: for Tower Hamlets Council to buy the club and then lease it back to FoBGWMC, or for the council to allow FoBGWMC to purchase the club themselves. FoBGWMC said despite the ongoing success of the club, the owners wanted to sell the building, with the proceeds shared between about 50 individuals, potentially ending 130 years of working-class community ownership. More than half of London's LGBTQ+ venues closed between 2006 and 2022, Greater London Authority data shows. FoBGWMC said if it reached its extended target, it would still keep the fundraiser "open and rolling". FoBGWMC member Dan de la Motte said: "It's been there for generations, it's about passing on the baton of queer joy and queer fun at night to the generations that are coming through after us." He added: "This space provides a vital function, a vital service, clubs are closing at a really concerning rate and there are fewer and fewer LGBTQ+ specific night time spaces. "BGWMC has been there for as long as I can remember and has always been there and has always been this safe haven, this pocket of joy and resilience and strength and mischief and that's why it's so, so vital." A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: "We have not received notice of the owner's intention to sell the property and we are not aware of the building being marketed as 'for sale'. "We have contacted the freeholder for further details and about their obligation to inform us of any intention to sell." The spokesperson said the council's corporate director for housing regeneration had met with campaigners and the authority was working with them to find a solution. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Fighting fund set up to save working men's club Rally held to save Bethnal Green Working Men's Club Tower Hamlets Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC News
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Fund to save Bethnal Green Working Men's Club hits target
A "fighting fund" set up to save Bethnal Green Working Men's Club (BGWMC) has surpassed its initial fundraising target. The LGBT-friendly venue in east London was given a two-month eviction notice in June 2024. An online petition was then launched to halt plans to close the venue, where some scenes from Netflix's Baby Reindeer were of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club (FoBGWMC) said more than £14,000 had been raised so far in donations. It said the fund formed the next stage of the campaign. The building is owned by a group called the Boro of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club. The local council said it was helping "to find the best way forward to protect this important venue". The online petition was launched by actors' union Equity, which described the venue as a "crucial and irreplaceable fixture of London's cultural heritage".Money raised by FoBGWMC would pay for a full chartered survey and valuation of the building, and pay for the planning application costs, the Local Democracy Reporting extended target of £18,000 would allow the group to develop a robust business plan with financial projections and to cover all consultancy and accountancy aim is to build an investment case for one of two preferred outcomes: for Tower Hamlets Council to buy the club and then lease it back to FoBGWMC, or for the council to allow FoBGWMC to purchase the club said despite the ongoing success of the club, the owners wanted to sell the building, with the proceeds shared between about 50 individuals, potentially ending 130 years of working-class community ownership. More than half of London's LGBTQ+ venues closed between 2006 and 2022, Greater London Authority data said if it reached its extended target, it would still keep the fundraiser "open and rolling".FoBGWMC member Dan de la Motte said: "It's been there for generations, it's about passing on the baton of queer joy and queer fun at night to the generations that are coming through after us." He added: "This space provides a vital function, a vital service, clubs are closing at a really concerning rate and there are fewer and fewer LGBTQ+ specific night time spaces."BGWMC has been there for as long as I can remember and has always been there and has always been this safe haven, this pocket of joy and resilience and strength and mischief and that's why it's so, so vital." A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: "We have not received notice of the owner's intention to sell the property and we are not aware of the building being marketed as 'for sale'. "We have contacted the freeholder for further details and about their obligation to inform us of any intention to sell."The spokesperson said the council's corporate director for housing regeneration had met with campaigners and the authority was working with them to find a solution.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fighting fund set up to save working men's club
Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club (FoBGWMC) have set up what they are calling a "fighting fund" as part of the next stage of a campaign to save the at-risk LGBT-friendly venue in east London. FoBGWMC said the fund would pay for a planning bid to persuade Tower Hamlets Council to save the club. About £7,000 has been raised, with the aim to raise £12,000 by 8 April. In June 2024, the club was given a two-month eviction notice. Equity, the actor's union, then launched an online petition to halt plans to close the venue. Equity's Nick Keegan said the venue, where some scenes from Netflix's Baby Reindeer were filmed, was a "crucial and irreplaceable fixture of London's cultural heritage". More than half of London's LGBTQ+ venues closed between 2006 and 2022, Greater London Authority data shows. BGWMC has functioned as a community-owned social club since 1973, with a history of shared ownership that goes back to 1888. FoBGWMC said the money from the crowdfunding campaign would pay for a full chartered survey and valuation of the building, as well as cover the planning application costs. It added an extended target of £18,000 would allow the group to develop a robust business plan with financial projections and cover all consultancy and accountancy costs. The aim is to build an investment case for one of two preferred outcomes: for Tower Hamlets Council to buy the club and then lease it back to FoBGWMC or for the council to allow FoBGWMC to purchase the club themselves. The building is owned by a group called the Boro of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club. FoBGWMC said despite the ongoing success of the club, the group wanted to sell the building, with the proceeds shared between about 50 individuals, potentially ending 130 years of working-class community ownership. Equity's Mr Keegan added: "A community purchase on this scale will be no small task. "We believe it is essential to save this unique cultural facility and give it a chance to continue serving the local community of Tower Hamlets, the LGBTQ+ community, and the wider cultural tapestry of London for future generations." A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: "The BGWMC is an important venue for our LGBTQIA+ community, especially at a time where there is a decline in LGBTQIA+ spaces across London. "This is why the council has approved an application for the Bethnal Green Working Men's Club to be an asset of community value. "We have not received notice of the owner's intention to sell the property and we are not aware of the building being marketed as 'for sale'. We have contacted the freeholder for further details, and about their obligation to inform us of any intention to sell." Rally held to save Bethnal Green Working Men's Club Six in 10 London LGBTQ+ venues shut since 2006 Inside one of London's LGBTQ-friendly fitness classes Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to
BBC News
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bethnal Green Working Men's Club: Crowdfunding campaign launched
Friends of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club (FoBGWMC) have set up what they are calling a "fighting fund" as part of the next stage of a campaign to save the at-risk LGBT-friendly venue in east said the fund would pay for a planning bid to persuade Tower Hamlets Council to save the club. About £7,000 has been raised, with the aim to raise £12,000 by 8 June 2024, the club was given a two-month eviction notice. Equity, the actor's union, then launched an online petition to halt plans to close the Nick Keegan said the venue, where some scenes from Netflix's Baby Reindeer were filmed, was a "crucial and irreplaceable fixture of London's cultural heritage". More than half of London's LGBTQ+ venues closed between 2006 and 2022, Greater London Authority data has functioned as a community-owned social club since 1973, with a history of shared ownership that goes back to 1888. FoBGWMC said the money from the crowdfunding campaign would pay for a full chartered survey and valuation of the building, as well as cover the planning application costs. It added an extended target of £18,000 would allow the group to develop a robust business plan with financial projections and cover all consultancy and accountancy aim is to build an investment case for one of two preferred outcomes: for Tower Hamlets Council to buy the club and then lease it back to FoBGWMC or for the council to allow FoBGWMC to purchase the club themselves. The building is owned by a group called the Boro of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club. FoBGWMC said despite the ongoing success of the club, the group wanted to sell the building, with the proceeds shared between about 50 individuals, potentially ending 130 years of working-class community Mr Keegan added: "A community purchase on this scale will be no small task."We believe it is essential to save this unique cultural facility and give it a chance to continue serving the local community of Tower Hamlets, the LGBTQ+ community, and the wider cultural tapestry of London for future generations."
