| Home - News - Scene - Links - Poll - Film - Pictures - Search - Site Map - Forum - Contact |
 |
 |
GAY BELFAST NEWS FOR MAY 2004
For Latest News: Click Here
Back to Archive News Page: Click Here
'Attacked' man speaks out over police inaction (28 May 2004)
Police in Belfast today faced accusations of homophobia from a gay man beaten up in Belfast. Kristian Markus, 26, claimed he faced a wall of resistance from PSNI officers after being battered outside a nightclub. The advertising executive alleged anti-gay attitudes also stretched to his friend being wrongly arrested for assaulting a policeman. Mr Markus vowed to take legal action and is preparing a detailed complaint for Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's office. He said: "It's no good devising new strategies for homophobic crime if there are undercurrents within the force itself. Their attitude was just piss off and go home."Mr Markus told how he and his friend were jumped on by a 10-strong gang early on Tuesday. Blows reigned down from the thugs who had taunted them with homosexual abuse as they left the club on Tomb Street. His companion, a 27-year-old hairdresser, then chased after two of the attackers who stole his wallet during the beating. Mr Markus, who moved to Belfast from Dublin three years ago, managed to break free and flag down a police car. Although he identified some of the gang by their clothes, the media buyer claimed officers told him it was not strong enough to make arrests. After learning his friend had been arrested, Mr Markus said he went to the station on Musgrave Street where he was being held. As he waited to see him, Mr Markus urged police to take photos of his bruised and bloodied face as a record. "They refused, saying it was not serious enough." he claimed. "I asked one of them if it would take a dead body to be considered serious enough and he said yes it would. A woman officer then started talking aggressively to me, saying I had abused the other one verbally." When he eventually got to see his friend and heard what had happened to him, Mr Markus insisted there were no grounds for arresting him. "Other officers were brought in and they took a complaint from Geoff and a statement from me," he recalled.
Mr Markus added that the alleged treatment was even more outrageous because it came just days after new assistant chief constable Judith Gillespie pledged to crackdown on homophobic attacks. Such assaults are believed to be on the rise across Northern Ireland, with particularly worrying levels in Londonderry. Despite tough new measures aimed at halting hate crime, the latest victim said he was left dismayed by the police. "It's all very well trying to be PC when you are in the top positions and have to be seen to be doing something," Mr Markus said. But how far does it filter down? Are officers on the ground getting the proper training? A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokeswoman refused to comment on the case. She said: "If he has any complaint against the police the proper channel to address that through is the Police Ombudsman's office."
Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum
Group preaches homophobia in schools, gay organisations claim. (28 May 2004)
A group claiming to teach sex education in Northern Ireland's schools is being accused of using its position to preach homophobia to children.The Love for Life group, which has so far worked with more than 100 schools in the region and is based on Christian teachings, advocates abstinence programmes to young people in a bid to reduce the risks of sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancies. However, on its website, it also claims that changing ones sexuality is possible. In a question and answer section, it says that although "psychologists and psychiatrists are often banned by their professional associations from helping those who want to try and change their sexual orientation" such changes "are possible".
"Exclusively homosexual sexual activity however, is extremely uncommon," it also claims. "Only around 0.4% of men and far fewer women reported this way of life in the most recent large-scale UK survey. In the vast majority of cases therefore, homosexual feelings and sexual activity form part of a spectrum of sexual desire rather than a fixed and exclusive orientation."
Gay rights groups have already hit out against the organisation, claiming it shouldn't be allowed into schools. They also claim that it has received support from some political parties in the province.
"We are deeply concerned that political parties in Northern Ireland are calling for support of this organisation when they are misrepresenting the issues around sexual orientation including portraying homosexuality as a disease," said the Rainbow Project's Sean Morrin. "Their misrepresentation and homophobic language will only add to issues already affecting many young vulnerable people in this country," he added.
Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum
Belfast Court told of "robbery and a wee bit of queer bashing" (27 May 2004)
Ian Flanagan who was beaten to death in a "robbery and a wee bit of queer bashing" may have lay dying for hours, a Belfast court heard. Giving evidence to the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast (court 11), state pathologist Professor Jack Crane told the jury that 30-year-old Ian Flanagan "may have survived for a number of hours" after he was attacked at Queen's University playing fields in September 2002. He told the jury that Mr Flanagan died as a result of head injuries caused by blunt force. "It seems likely that it was a combination of kicks and blows to the head that were responsible for the injuries and ultimately his death some hours after the assault," said Prof Crane. Asked by prosecution QC Patrick Lynch what force would have been needed to cause such injuries, the pathologist replied that they were more commonly seen in people who have been involved in car crashes.Raymond Paul Taylor,19, of no fixed address and a 15-year-old who cannot be identified because of his age deny murder. Prof Crane said that during the post mortem examination he found that a number of Mr Flanagan's fingers had been broken, adding that this was possibly an indication of "defensive gestures". The jury have already heard that a blood-stained wheel-brace and a knife were found close to the body. Prof Crane said that it was "possible" they were the weapons used in the attack. He also told the jury that he found some bruises had patterning that would suggest his attackers " stamped" on Mr Flanagan. Under cross examination from Taylor's defence QC Terence Mc-Donald, the pathologist agreed that Mr Flanagan's injuries would have come "from a variety of sources".
The court also heard that the alleged teenage murderer called to his friend's (Ms Sandra McNiece) house and asked if he could dump his bloodstained jumper in their bin, a court heard yesterday. Ms McNiece also told Belfast Crown Court that when she refused 19-year-old Raymond Taylor's request he allegedly told her "he was going to take it away and burn it". She claimed that at the time Taylor said he had "got himself into a lot of shit" after getting into a fight with a man". Ms McNiece also claimed that Taylor came to her house the next day, and that while he was in the house, television pictures showed the forensic tent around Mr Flanagan's body. "The news showed... where his body was lying and Raymie [Taylor] said he didn't know how it got there because that's not where he left him," she said. She also told the jury that Taylor claimed that when he left, the teenager "was beating your man's head off a metal pole". Under cross-examination from the teenager's defence QC Paul Ramsey, Ms McNiece agreed that when Taylor originally came to her house and allegedly revealed what had happened, "he made no mention of another person".
The juvenile told police he and a friend had gone there to do "a wee bit of queer bashing" He told officers they had a kitchen knife and a wheelbrace. They also told the police they watched Ian Flannigan go in and out of the park three times and they were "putting it on like we were a bit bent" and we got into the back of his car and drove into the park. The boy told Mr Flannigan "the plan was to rob his car and hold him" "He panicked and started running. Everytime he ran we caught him, knocked him down and hit him again" He told officers he hit Mr Flannigan on the head with the wheelbrace,the court heard saying "I didnt mean to kill him"
Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum
Report urges for more support for Northern Ireland Mums (25 May 2004)
Northern Ireland urgently needs structured support services for mothers who are trying to cope with the sudden knowledge that a son is gay. That's the finding of a landmark survey by a University of Ulster researcher who says a mother whose son has come out as gay has virtually nowhere to turn for advice.Tailor-made advice services would dispel old myths and give mothers confidence to deal positively with what is a painful, confusing and tense time for the whole family, says Cathy Falconer, a postgraduate student at UU's Magee campus in Derry. She decided to survey a group of mothers as a result of her own experience in coming to terms with her son's gay disclosure and encountering a lack of advice facilities for parents.
She found they had the same emotions and difficulties - pent-up worry, concern, weighed down with stereotypes of homosexuality and an almost complete absence of support and advice in coming to terms with the news. My son, Barry, was 17 when he told me he was gay. That was four years ago. I was totally devastated. I was literally falling apart, said Cathy, who has devised a ‘coping strategy’ model as a result of her research. I didn't know any other mothers whose son was gay. I had nowhere to go to for advice. I was basically just left on my own to get on with it. That was the reason I started doing the research.
The mothers I talked to were all brilliant, and they were very very glad to talk to me. When I interviewed them, I found that everyone of them had gone through something similar to what I had. Dr Mary Jenkins, Cathy's supervisor at the University's Magee campus, applauds her initiative in choosing the project and the quality of her research, conducted against rigorous academic benchmarks despite a dearth of available research sources. There is almost nothing in print on this subject in Northern Ireland. Cathy had no local research resources to call on when she went out to conduct her interviews. Most of the background texts for the topic derives from outside, often from America. This piece of work is breaking new ground, said Dr Jenkins, who lectures in counselling psychology. Cathy conducted the research as part of her studies for a Master of Science in Guidance and Counselling.
She spoke feelingly about the range of emotions which she and the other mothers had felt. I was just devastated for him - what he was going to have to face? All the mothers I interviewed as part of my research felt like that. She described their common problems, such as having to confront their own often erroneous impressions about gay people, wondering how family and friends would react, worrying about their sons' health and future happiness and how society would perceive them. I went to a counsellor, which was grand. But I would have loved to have been able to go to an organisation that had staff or counsellors that I could immediately relate to, advisors with a deep understanding and appreciation of the specific issues we face.
Education and support must play a vital role in alleviating concern, instilling confidence in families and ending ignorance that haunts the question of people with a gay lifestyle, she said. Lack of information is the big thing that has to be tackled. Proper support services would help do away with the stigma and misconceptions about gay people. Access to that kind of information by mothers - who do so much to hold the family together - is vital," said Cathy. Dr Jenkins hopes that Cathy's work will be published, initially in Northern Ireland, and that it may spark fresh scrutiny of the need for support structures for women in Cathy's position.
This research has highlighted the need for backup services which would have an impact on all the family because, with advice available in a network or group setting, people would be able to say 'I'm not alone'," said Dr Jenkins. Cathy explained: From the research, I have come up with a model, a coping strategy. I've called it STAR, which stands for search, tolerance, acceptance and readjustment. That is the journey that people have to travel, and at all the stages they need a listening ear and insightful advice. I thought my son's life was over because he was gay. It’s not something you necessarily want to celebrate but at the same time it’s something I have managed to come to terms with. We're on track again and our relationship is probably deeper than ever. Life now is so much better. Because this has happened it makes you stop and wonder what's going on in other peoples’ lives and not be quick to judge. I don't judge people.
Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum
Award for Union Street Bar (21 May 2004)
Congratulations to Union Street Bar, Belfast's most stylish gay bar and the home of some fantastic grub, on picking up the award for Best New Bar in Ireland at the prestigious AM:PM Theme Bar and Restaurant Awards in Dublin recently. If you haven't checked the Union Street Bar out yet, do so - it really is something special and more than worth a visit. Housed in a converted 19th century shoe factory laid out over three floors, Union Street opened its doors as a bar in December 2003 and the restaurant was launched in January 2004. The downstairs bar area is always bustling, while upstairs is a more ambient area perfect for dining, although you can still enjoy the bar atmosphere as it's fairly open plan. The ambience is enhanced by the spectacular sash windows and interior design that surround all levels. The Union Street Bar will now go forward to the National Awards which takes place in London on June 8 and will hopefully bring home another award. Best of luck!Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum
Belfast models sought by The Rainbow Project
The Rainbow Project is looking to identify a range of individuals who would be willing to have their photographs taken for Rainbow's new publicity materials, including the website, which is currently in development.Ryan O'Neill, Project Officer with the Rainbow Project explained "We're not necessarily looking for catwalk models, rather men of all shapes and sizes - fat men, thin men, men from minority groups, disabled men, tall men, older men, younger men, country men, urban men, older men, younger men, couples, singles etc. We're not looking for some buff super model off the front of Gay Times. Photographer, Lesley Doyle will be taking the pictures. We hope these pictures will represent a diverse range of situations and themes covering, for example, mental health, sexual health, clubbing etc. We also want men in a range of settings, for example: in class, at an art gallery, at home, shaving at the sink, watching TV, eating out, walking along the street, playing a musical instrument, studying, at a gay bar etc. We'd rather use real people in real settings, rather than having to pose people in forced, unreal situations."
If you're interested in modelling contact Ryan or Gary at The Rainbow Project 028 90319030 or projectofficer.belfast@rainbow-project.com All are welcome to submit themselves, and tell your friends.
Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum
Hate crime 'growing' problem in Northern Ireland (21 May 2004)
There is a significant and rapidly growing problem of 'hate crime' in Northern Ireland according to a new report. The parliamentary report said that present police figures for race-related and homophobic incidents underestimate the scale of the problem. It also calls for the government to change the proposed legislation on 'hate crime' to give better protection to disabled people.The Northern Ireland Affairs committee which produced the report also said strong laws and effective police enforcement measures against "hate crime" were required to send the strongest possible signal "that such activity is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated." The report added: "We expect to see the problem tackled more vigorously in the future by the Police Service of Northern Ireland than appears to have been the case in the past."
Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum
Rainbow Project urges calm after rise in homophobic attacks (13 May 2004)
The PSNI have released figures on homophobic attacks throughout Northern Ireland for the year 2003/4. A total of 71 homophobic attacks has happened throughout Northern Ireland 56 on males, 12 on females and 3 unknown. Sean Morrin, spokesperson for the Rainbow Project said "We don't want people to panic but do urge you to be vigilant especially if in cruising areas or going home at night from a club. Please remember if you are the victim of homophobia, The Rainbow Project will help support you through this trauma. If you wish to know anymore about this please do not hesitate to contact us in Derry Tel: 71283030 or Belfast Tel: 90319030.Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum
Row breaks out over another "homophobic" DUP councillor (10 May 2004)
A row has broken out City Hall, after Councillor Sammy Wilson was accused of making homophobic comments. Sammy Wilson, a member of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), is accused of making the comments during a council meeting to discuss whether to hold a reception for the city's gay community.The plans had received stiff opposition from the DUP and the Alliance Party, who were both against holding such an event. After receiving criticism from members of other parties, Wilson will now also be the focus of an investigation from the council's Chief Executive.
The Lord Mayor Martin Morgan, called for the investigation saying he wanted to make it "abundantly clear" that he did no tolerate any prejudice from within the council. "Councillors as public representatives should be leading the way by providing an example of zero tolerance on racism, sectarianism, sexism, homophobia and all forms of discrimination," he added.
The row follows a similar chain of events last month, when fellow DUP and District Policing Partnership member Arthur Templeton was fined by a court for harassing a gay colleague. He was suspended from both groups while the investigation was launched into his actions. Speaking at the time, Mr Wilson spoke out against Templeton's treatment, claiming it was "duplicitous". "I have no problem if someone is convicted of an offence deeming them unfit. But they are treating one group of members different from another and it's all because they are pussy-footing around the issue of Sinn Fein," he said at the time. "How can you say a man like this is unfit to carry out his duties while someone who may have been guilty of murder or bombings can serve?"
The investigation into Wilson's latest comments is set to begin this week.
Discuss this article on the Gay Belfast Forum
Political Links: SDLP - Ulster Unionists - DUP - Alliance Party - Sinn Fein - Green Party