On being bisexual – my appearance on Radio 4

On Monday this week, I accepted an invitation to be interviewed by Eddie Mair on Radio 4’s PM programme (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0367mxn – minutes 46-52) to give a response to the decision of Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski to come out as bisexual. (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tory-mp-daniel-kawczynski-comes-out-as-bisexual-8680343.html)  I guess I was asked to appear because I, like Mr Kawczynski, am also an elected… Continue reading On being bisexual – my appearance on Radio 4

Equal marriage: why we need equal civil partnerships too

Tim Loughton MP, the sponsor of yesterday evening’s amendment to the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill which would have introduced Civil Partnerships for opposite sex couples, does not have a record of supporting LGBT equality. Indeed, his motives in putting forward the amendment may not have been entirely straightforward, but that doesn’t take away from… Continue reading Equal marriage: why we need equal civil partnerships too

A big weekend in the FA Cup – the women’s cup that is

I am sure many football fans will have a view on who they would like to see as the victors in tomorrow’s FA Cup ‘clash of the titans’ at Stamford Bridge. In many cases it will be which of Chelsea or Manchester United do you dislike less in determining whom you hope will emerge victors.… Continue reading A big weekend in the FA Cup – the women’s cup that is

Polly Toynbee and the polarisation of the benefits debate

This morning I found myself almost without thinking ‘liking’ a friend’s post on Facebook which shared Polly Toynbee’s piece from Thursday’s Guardian “Benefit cuts: Monday will be the day that defines this government” (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/mar/28/benefit-cuts-monday-defines-government). That in and of itself is an interesting departure as I have never been Ms Toynbee’s greatest fan, having felt for… Continue reading Polly Toynbee and the polarisation of the benefits debate

Sexism in the City (Elections)

Simon Clark’s Bloomberg article “Sexism in the City of London as men rule in elections” (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-25/sexism-in-the-city-of-london-as-men-rule-in-elections.html) draws out a number of crucial issues for the Corporation to tackle as the Council starts a new four year term. Clark’s core point about the gender imbalance of the City’s corporate nominee electors is absolutely valid. As he… Continue reading Sexism in the City (Elections)

Why the Public Sector Equality Duty matters to all of us

A very dear friend of mine posted on my Facebook wall a few weeks ago this quote, as he was concerned that we spend too much time focusing on the needs of particular groups in society: “I am not for gay rights, I am not for women’s rights, I am not for handicapped rights, I… Continue reading Why the Public Sector Equality Duty matters to all of us

Football v Homophobia

Last night I had the privilege of hosting the launch of the 2013 Football v Homophobia (FvH) campaign at Guildhall with Lou Englefield from Pride Sports, Megan Worthing-Davies from FvH, and Kelly Simmons MBE, the FA’s Director of the National Game and Women’s Football. We all know that the ‘laddish’ culture in all sports can… Continue reading Football v Homophobia