All are welcome to attendTime: Jun 29, 2021 07:00 PM London

The meeting has been held, you can contact Medway Pride via email in**@me*********.uk or by using our contact form

Medway Pride 2021 Festival
Medway Pride festival #MPFestival2021 on Saturday 21st August is going to be a colourful fun filled event, for all the family to celebrate diversity and support equality, for all communities of Medway. It is in essence a community cohesion event inviting everyone to come together, to breaking down barriers and develop understanding and acceptance of each other.
This year’s festival at Doust Way will be a family friendly event that will include community stalls from the voluntary community sector to advise about the work they provide. We will also have community liaison team from Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Services along with staff from Kent and Medway Community Health Care NHS Trust to support the community and discuss the services they provide.
The entertainment will commence from 12pm with opening speeches from local dignitaries, and supporters, with Medway Pride Radio Roadshow, and ABBA Chique, Chai Latte, Gary Lucas, Elberace (Gay Elvis), River Medway, Amrick Channa, Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, Kelly Wilde & Sami Brooks with the event closing a 8pm.
In addition to the Medway Pride one day festival on 21st we are working with Gravesham Pride CIC and Partners to make sure we have a safe 8 day festival that commences with Gravesham Pride on Saturday 14th August 2021 followed by a week of events involving local partners and ends with Medway Pride on Saturday 21st August 2021.
The event is free to attend but we will be issuing tickets to control the numbers attending which will be capped at 1500. It is a family event so every part of the community is invited to attend. We have been approached by voluntary organisations who support young carers and those that support young people from various support groups. We will of course have people of all ages attending the event you you are also welcome to attend.
You can keep up to date via our website www.medwaypride.co.uk or you can listen to Medway Pride Radio at www.medwayprideradio.co.uk

LICENSING ACT 2003:

Application for Premises Licence

Take notice that Medway Pride CIC has made an application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003 for a new premises licence for Land on Doust Way, Rochester, Kent. ME1

The application is for : Entertainment, Live Music, Recorded Music & Dance

This application has been made to Medway and Gravesham Council Licensing Partnership, Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1AU.  Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01474 337434.  Full details of the application and plans can be viewed at Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1AU during normal hours of business

Any interested party who wishes to make a representation about this application should do so in writing to Medway and Gravesham Council Licensing Partnership Civic Centre, Windmill Street, Gravesend Kent DA12 1AU, or by sending an email to li*******@gr*******.uk. no later than 07 July 2021

It is an offence, under section 158 of the licensing act 2003, to make a false Statement in or in connection with this application. Those who make a false Statement may be liable on summary conviction to a fine of any amount.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia was created in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The date of May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.
The Day represents a major global annual landmark to draw the attention of decision makers, the media, the public, corporations, opinion leaders, local authorities, etc. to the alarming situation faced by people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

May 17 is now celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. Thousands of initiatives, big and small, are reported throughout the planet.

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has received official recognition from several States, international institutions such as the European Parliament, and by countless local authorities. Most United Nations agencies also mark the Day with specific events.

Although LGBTQIA+ human rights have improved in some countries the equality rights and injustice still exist and there is still imprisonment and death sentences in many countries around the world for being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The TRans & Non-binary community are at the forfront of chalenges to their human & equality rights here in the UK and in the USA, with access to medical treatment being removed or restricted, support and equality rights being challenged in court with the aim of rolling back rights held for over a decade.

We stand with the LGBTQIA+ community in their fight for human and equality rights to bring equity to access services and remove the barriers the community face.

Take a few seconds to say that you care

Today more than ever it is important that “Together, we Resist, Support, and Heal”

Medway Pride & Medway Pride Radio are supporting TDOV though our visability and programing today 31st March 2021.

Why you may ask is TDOV important?

The International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV) is celebrated on March 31 every year. It was founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in transgender issues. The purpose of TDoV is to recognize the accomplishments of transgender and gender non-conforming people as well as bring attention to their continued struggles. It is an important day for the LGBTQ+ community as a whole and the transgender community in particular.

Members of marginalized groups often have limited exposure to successful people that look like them, be it real-world examples or visibility in the media The transgender community is no exception to that rule.

Their visibility in the media is not only minimal but often used to ridicule and missrepresent the community. Over the past 3 years mainstream media has used Trans people, and Trans Women in particular to drive a push back on Trans peoples equality rights and healthcare for young trans people. Taking out court actions against organisations that are supporting the equality rights of trans people or those providing support to them.

From the stories published in mainstream media you would think that Trans people were all powerful, able to quash the voices of the majority of people and demand health care provision to help reduce gender dysphoria and have treatment provided imediately the next day, Forcing children though a conveyor where they are plied with drugs to change their gender without chance to consider their futures.

The reality is very different!

The reality for Trans people of any age today is living in a society where the media is seen as a toxic force with a government that is not taking action to support trans people and where small but organised groups are using the Trans community as a wedge issue to push back on LGBTQIA+ and womens equality rights.

The reality is if you are a young person in need of support to discuss their gender identity with parents, wider family, friends and peers, you are made to feel ashamed and guilty for being you.

If you are lucky and have a supportive family and you find a supportive GP you will be refered to Child & Adolecent Mental Health Services and then onto the Gender Identity Development Service. This pathway to have your first assesment with a gender specialist take up to 3 years, and that is for the first appointment not to receive medical treatment, this is only available after many assesments by child & adolecent pyscologists and gender specialist. It certainly dose not fit the image of a conveyor belt pushing young people though a process to quickly.

If you are an adult and find the courage to discuss your gender identity with family and friends and found the support to ask your GP for help you will come across barriers to access treatment, your GP may not feel able to treat you, if they do refer you to the adult NHS gender service you will find yourself on a 3 to 4 year waiting list for a first apointment. and once you manage to navigate to the appointment you will need to progress through a process that can take another 3 to 5 years to complete your journey. A decade of you life on waiting lists while dealing with life in what can appear to be an hostile environmentn.

The majority are supportive!

When you find the courage and support to be yourself, you will be supprised to find out the the majority of people are supportive of the community. The majority are busy living their own lives and are not bothered about the concerns about which toilet people use, or what services they can access. They may not totally understand why trans people are trans but they are not transphobic.

This is why TDOV is important today. It gives members of the Trans community and others a chance to see that you can live, be happy and successful and a Trans person. It gives Allies a chance to show their support for the community and all this helps those who may need support to not be scared, to find organisation that can support them, and take that first step to live as their true selves.

To the Trans community I say, I see you, I stand with you, I will support you.

To our Allies I say be visable, be vocal in your support, help educate your friends and work mates.

To everyone, take the time to find out more about communities from the communities, talk to them and avoid those who spread hate and conspiracies theories

Hilary Cooke

CEO Medway Gender & Sexual DIversity Centre

Chair Medway Pride

International Women’s Day! We’re calling for equal rights for ALL women – no matter who they are or whom they love! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 #IWD2021 #StandUp4HumanRights #TransWomenAreWomen #IntersexWomenAreWomen #lesbian #bi #trans #intersex pic.twitter.com/SD29DIhqwT

— UN Free & Equal (@free_equal) March 7, 2021

For #internationalwomensday2021 our team would like to recognise the achievements of some of the key women they have worked with in Medway who continue to #ChooseToChallenge inequalities and improve life for others in their community.#betterconnected @rizwanashelley pic.twitter.com/zHP5vwS2GB

— Amie Kemp (@AmieKemp15) March 8, 2021

Next up, for #internationalwomensday2021 our spotlight is on @hilarycooke14#betterconnected #ChooseToChallenge pic.twitter.com/om8VgD76U0

— Amie Kemp (@AmieKemp15) March 8, 2021

Next up, for #internationalwomensday2021 our spotlight is on Emma @THBMedway #betterconnected #ChooseToChallenge pic.twitter.com/p2nhL4tDvI

— Amie Kemp (@AmieKemp15) March 8, 2021

Next up, for #internationalwomensday2021 our spotlight is on Rupa.#betterconnected #internationalwomensday2021 #ChooseToChallenge pic.twitter.com/uHBBeGmfK9

— Amie Kemp (@AmieKemp15) March 8, 2021

Last but certainly not least, for #internationalwomensday2021 our spotlight is on Kate @seatedwarrior #betterconnected #ChooseToChallenge pic.twitter.com/exNM1vbWZP

— Amie Kemp (@AmieKemp15) March 8, 2021

Every year, transphobia kills hundreds of trans women worldwide. On International Women’s Day, a reminder from the UN that ALL women have a right to be safe and live free from violence and discrimination – #trans women included! #IWD2021 #StandUp4HumanRights #TransWomenAreWomen pic.twitter.com/0Ri4ZqLrzE

— UN Free & Equal (@free_equal) March 8, 2021

In 2019, METRO Zest’s young people participated in English Heritage’s Shout Out Loud project, in collaboration with National Youth Theatre. The project culminated in a site-specific performance at Eltham Palace. Inspired by the fascinating hidden stories and queer heritage at Eltham Palace, this new piece of theatre was devised by the young company themselves. This project was enabled by the National Lottery players via a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

OUR HOUSE

‘Our House’ is a play created and performed by 30 young people from the National Youth Theatre and METRO Charity in September 2019. More than 500 people attended the performances and it won the 2019 UK Heritage Award for Best Event, Festival or Exhibition.

In summer 2019, young people from both the National Youth Theatre (NYT) and METRO Charity had the unique opportunity to develop a new play at Eltham Palace ‘Our House’.

‘Our House’ explores LGBTQ+ stories and the history of the Eltham Palace. Taking inspiration from the lives of Eltham’s famous occupants – King Edward II, King Henry VIII, and Courtauld family, as well as the stories of the countless people including servants, musicians, soldiers, and administrators, whose lives are linked with Eltham and its more famous residents, but whose stories have gone untold or have even been lost entirely.

Over two months, we worked with historians, musicians, directors, writers and theatre professionals to create a new immersive promenade performance*. Following an introduction to Eltham Palace’s history, they researched LGBTQ+ narratives relating to the palace and its inhabitants and, during creative workshops, forged their ideas into a script.

The play is divided into eight short scenes exploring the supposed romance between King Edward II and his favourite, Piers Gaveston, Henry VIII’s upbringing at the Palace with his sisters, and working-class queer stories from the 1930s when Eltham Palace was known for high-society parties.

On the 21st and 22nd September, performances took place at Eltham Palace to both invited guests and members of the public. More than 500 people attended the performances, moving through various Palace rooms and into the gardens to encounter each new scene.

Not only did everyone involved gain writing, performing, and dancing skills, they also gained confidence, made friends, and had a lot of fun. Everyone started to feel a sense of ownership over the site, that it was a welcoming and safe space.

YOUTH

METRO Zest

Youth group for LGBTQ people aged under 16 in Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley or Bromley

About this service

METRO Zest is a group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, queer and questioning young people in Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley. We meet in Bexley every Friday from 4:30pm to 6.30pm.

It’s a safe space to meet other LGBTQ young people, get support and have fun. We usually have snacks and hang out together. Sometimes we talk about identity, relationships and wellbeing. Every Christmas we have a party with dancing, pizza and cake. We also go to the cinema, Pride in London and UK Black Pride.

COVID-19 UPDATE: This group is now meeting virtually via Zoom.

We look forward to resuming services fully once it is appropriate to do so.

Who can use this service

You need to be aged under 16 and live in Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley or Bromley. You also need to identify as LGBTQ or be questioning your sexuality or gender identity. All our youth groups are free and confidential.

Join this group

Email yo***@me**********.uk or call 020 8305 5004. You can refer yourself or be referred by someone who works with you (like a teacher or youth worker).

We’ll get back to you in 2-3 days. We’ll arrange a quick chat to find out more about you and how we can help. After you’re signed up, you can drop into any session. You don’t have to come every week if you don’t want to.

CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

Intra Arts – Chatham Memorial Synagogue – The Ship Inn
337 – 347 – 366 High Street, Rochester
Rochester
ME1 1DA
United Kingdom

The ‘Closer Than You Think’ project provides a unique opportunity by telling a seldom known story connecting two important events: –

Holocaust Memorial Day and LGBT History Month

Locally, two very different establishments, one a social and recreational venue, the other a place of worship have come together united in a shared experience of one of history’s darkest moments.

In the area known as Chatham Intra, are two historic local buildings some twenty yards apart, where two communities have faced each other for decades.

The Ship Inn thought to be one of the oldest LGBT venues in the country and the Chatham Memorial Synagogue over the years have probably had little or nothing to do with each other, perhaps even viewing the other with a degree of suspicion and disapproval.

However, recent history has revealed they do share something of great significance. Both communities over the years have suffered prejudice and discrimination and during the Nazi regime many paid the ultimate price.

It is well known that over 6 million Jews were murdered during the second world war in Nazi concentration camps.

Perhaps lesser known is that tens of thousands of homosexuals were arrested, around 50,000 given severe prison sentences and forced to carry out hard labour. 10-15,000 were incarcerated within the camps, 60% of whom died. For those that did survive, legislation known as ‘Paragraph 175’ introduced by the Nazi’s made homosexuality illegal and regarded them as criminals, as a result they were then transported to German prisons.

WHY NAZI ATROCITIES AGAINST GAY MEN MUST NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

Homosexual men were identified by a large ‘pink triangle’ worn on their uniform and the Jewish prisoners by a ‘yellow star’.

These images will be used to symbolise the bringing together of our two local communities in a shared remembrance of the atrocities they both endured during the holocaust.

This will form part of a visual window display at Intra Arts and the two buildings representing our communities, the Chatham Memorial Synagogue and the Ship Inn will be decorated with fabric replicas of these two iconic symbols.

The installation will be in place on Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January 2021 at
337 – 347 – 366 High Street, Rochester
and will run throughout LGBT History Month in February

Information will also be made available to schools via links with Chatham Library
Project organisers are local historian and Intra Arts director Peter Moorcraft, musician and gay rights equality and human rights campaigner Martin Adams, and archivist and author Irina Fridman, in association with The Ship Inn & Chatham Memorial Synagogue, where Irina is Education and Outreach Manager.

Organiser Name

Irina Fridman

Other organisation(s) involved

Chatham Library, Intra Arts, Chatham Memorial Synagogue, The Ship Inn

**********************************************************************

“Be the light in the darkness”

An invitation from

Karen Connolly                                                                 Jon Weiner

Co chairs, Holocaust Memorial Day Organising Committee

(on behalf of Chatham Memorial Synagogue, Medway Council, Rochester Cathedral, Medway Inter-faith Action, Medway Youth Council)

National Holocaust Memorial Day was inaugurated by the government to ensure that this nation among others never forgets the most awful act of inhumanity committed in modern history. In remembering the Holocaust, we also call to mind the capacity that humans have to inflict horrendous crimes against one another and on whole groups of people and we remember the terrible atrocities which have occurred both before the time of the Holocaust and up to the present day.

We are commemorating the Holocaust online this year on with the help of students from local schools, Medway Youth Council and Kent Police. As part of Medway’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations, a powerful art installation, using pink triangles and yellow stars that gay men and Jewish prisoners were forced to wear during the Holocaust, will be on display at Intra Arts, Chatham Memorial Synagogue and the Ship Inn, in Chatham. The installation will be able to view from 27 January and will be on display throughout LGBT History Month in February.

The theme for 2021 is “Be the light in the darkness”. The aftermath of the Holocaust, and of subsequent genocides, continues to raise challenging questions for individuals, communities, and nations. HMD 2021 asks audiences to think about what happens after genocide and of our own responsibilities in the wake of such a crime.

For the last few years, school and college students have played a central role in our commemorative events to ensure that future generations keep the memory alive of how so many people suffered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in the subsequent genocides.  By keeping the memory alive, we will not let these events fade away into history, to be out of sight and out of mind and we will play our part in educating those who follow us so that they may learn the lessons of these terrible events.

We would like to invite you to join us online at

https://youtu.be/a8f6fgcUo5A

The video will go live early on Wednesday 27 January 2021 and consists of a selection of readings, poetry, drama, music and prayers based on the 2021 theme.

Yours sincerely,

Karen Connolly                                                                 Jon Weiner

Co chairs, Holocaust Memorial Day Organising Committee

(on behalf of Chatham Memorial Synagogue, Medway Council, Rochester Cathedral, Medway Inter-faith Action, Medway Youth Council)