I had the privilege of giving a keynote address to today’s Civil Service Rainbow Alliance (the national LGB&T staff network) conference at the Ministry of Defence. Also on the programme were Sir Bob Kerslake, Head of the Civil Service; Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions; Liz Bingham, managing Partner at EY; and Peter Tatchell… Continue reading “Bisexuality does exist, it is not a fiction, nor is it a phase”, my key message to Civil Service equality conference
Category: Equality & Inclusion
As the FA say goodbye to Hope, now is the time for investment in women’s sport
As I was watching the England women’s cricket team’s spirited efforts in today’s Ashes match at Lord’s, the FA was announcing the departure of Hope Powell, our country’s most prominent woman sport coach. This followed the England team’s poor performance in the recent UEFA European Championships. The departure of Hope Powell brings mixed emotions for… Continue reading As the FA say goodbye to Hope, now is the time for investment in women’s sport
Stephen Fry’s call to arms – why the IOC must act on Russia
I have always had the greatest admiration for Stephen Fry – his talent, his passion, his humanity, his advocacy for equality and for those, like him, who struggle with their mental health. I had the good fortune once to share a long train journey with him and found him to be not only the hugely… Continue reading Stephen Fry’s call to arms – why the IOC must act on Russia
In memory of Harvey Milk – defending principles, fighting prejudice
Yesterday evening, my partner and I watched the 2008 film Milk, which tells the story of the political career of San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk, America’s first openly gay elected public official. Milk was an inspirational figure who overcame prejudice and even violence during his campaigns to be elected, but was ultimately assassinated in… Continue reading In memory of Harvey Milk – defending principles, fighting prejudice
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
C. E. Lord OBE 