Category: LGBT rights

Human Rights Day: A history of LGBT rights at the UN

10th December is Human Rights Day, marking the 65th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The Declaration states that ‘all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights.’ Yet the UN has only recognised LGBT rights around the world in …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/12/10/human-rights-day-a-history-of-lgbt-rights-at-the-un/

A matter of integrity: The Church, sexuality, inclusion and an open conversation

AS THE GOVERNMENT has announced the date when the first marriages for same sex couples in England and Wales can take place, churches which remain challenged by this social change would do well to follow the lead of Steve Chalke, a high-profile evangelical church leader, who earlier this year called for a radical rethink of Christian …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/12/10/a-matter-of-integrity/

Stephen Fry: Out There – Meeting the gay TV presenter tackling global homophobia

LAST WEEK the BBC screened Stephen Fry: Out There, a ground-breaking two part documentary about homophobia around the world. As the title suggests, it was presented by the multi-talented Stephen Fry, who describes himself on Twitter as: ‘British Actor, Writer, Lord of Dance, Prince of Swimwear & Blogger.’ During the making of the documentary, the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/10/23/stephen-fry-out-there/

Did You Go Purple For #SpiritDay?

TODAY, the third Thursday in October, is Spirit Day, when millions of people wear purple and change their social media profile pictures to help create a world in which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people are celebrated and accepted for who they are. What is Spirit Day? Spirit Day is an annual day held on the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/10/17/did-you-go-purple-for-spiritday/

WATCH: Defriended over a wedding – A straight man gains perspective

WHAT MAKES the debate over same-sex marriage around the world really interesting is the power of empathy, when ordinary people who are not LGBT begin to see it from our point of view. Spare six minutes to hear this man say why he began to get what it’s like to be judged second-rate for who …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/09/27/watch-defriended-over-a-wedding/

Not on our bus, Or, We don’t need no segregation

WHEN I FIRST went to an LGBT social group in Bath in my late 20s, I met an older generation of gay men who would speak in code to each other to avoid ‘outing’ themselves to others who might overhear them. For example, when discussing another man and wondering if he were gay, they would say …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/09/08/not-on-our-bus/

The power of love: An LGBT history of Liverpool

Gaydio, the UK’s only radio station for the LGBT community, aired a documentary this week about the LGBT history of Liverpool. It’s a powerful and moving oral history told by members of Liverpool’s LGBT communities past and present. I was interviewed about my work with LGBT young people over the last eight years, and the impact of the …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/09/06/power-of-love-lgbt-history-liverpool/

UPDATE: The ultimate question – Have I found the answer?

I BEGAN this blog a year ago after attending a seminar called ‘The Book You Were Born To Write’ by Nick Williams. Completing my 42nd year felt like an apt moment to do so, since 42 is the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe and Everything! It’s been an interesting and eventful …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/09/03/the-ultimate-question-have-i-found-the-answer/

‘I am what I am’ – A reflection on identity

The following text is a reflection I presented today during Morning Prayer at the church I attend with my partner. The church chooses a monthly theme for its services – this month’s theme was Musicals! When my partner and I were asked to lead a service on the theme of musicals, at first I thought: …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/08/11/i-am-what-i-am/

Waiting for the lovers – Why we can’t rewrite this love song yet

THIS HAUNTING AND POIGNANT SONG is dedicated to those who don’t feel free to love for fear of judgement, or even physical assault, by others who assume their love is wrong: They met across the dance floor just like many other lovers Each of them were caught within a trance And with the nervousness of …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2013/05/27/waiting-for-the-lovers/

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