Your Swindon
Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting 'SWINDON NEWS' to 80360 or email »
|
|
|
|
|
|
Got a story? EMAIL US, call us on 01793 501806 or text us at 80360, starting your message
with 'SWINDON NEWS'
An event to be proud of
8:00pm Sunday 17th August 2008
Comments (84)
THE Town Gardens were transformed into a sea of pink feather boas, cowboy hats and rainbow flags as thousands turned out for the first Swindon Gay Pride.
The Sheilas – in pink sequinned dresses and hot pink killer heels – took centre stage at the Bowl to kick-off the event.
Swindon Pride is about our community. It is about saying that no one need live in fear because of who they are
Swindon council leader Rod Bluh
As well singing the Sheila’s Wheels number they’re famed for, the trio treated a captive audience to It’s Raining Men, Hey Big Spender and many more.
Drag queen and mistress of ceremonies Miss Sandra sang Madonna’s Give It To Me and entertained the crowd with her racy repertoire.
Leader of Swindon Council Rod Bluh said he hoped the event could help create an open and accepting community that is built on relationships rather than stereotypical assumptions and fears.
“Swindon Pride is about our community,” he said. “It is about accepting that our families, businesses and schools, neighbourhoods and social networks, involve and include lesbians, gay men, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual people.
“It is about saying that no one need live in fear because of who they are.”
Hair stylist Ray-Martin Lacey showcased his talents for Madame’s Salon in Covingham, cropping, cutting and styling.
Model Cas Fraser had her black and red bob transformed into a spikey brown crop. “I loved getting my hair done,” said the 26-year-old.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking having it done on stage with no mirror and in front of loads of people but it was a great idea for Pride.”
T-shirt stalls, temporary tattoo stands, food and sweet treats were dotted around the site as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender groups and services – including Out Of The Can.
Out Of The Can provides support and a safe and friendly meeting place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender teenagers and young adults.
The group – which meets every week at a private location – is looking to recruit new members.
Youth Leader Neil Reeves said: “We meet new members and take them to our meeting place so they know where they can find us but we keep it private so they can feel safe and secure there.
“Anyone is welcome really, whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, whether you have come out or not. “We will offer support on how to tell your friends and family you’re gay or if you are unsure of your sexuality we are here for you to support you and help you figure it out.”
For Swindon Pride chairman James Waterhouse the event marks the end of months of planning, tears and tantrums.
“When Swindon Pride was first discussed it seemed so far away, and even more than a little daunting but with lots of support we’ve made it,” he said.
Your Say YourSwindon Advertiser
P3 NAS, Swindon says...
10:59pm Sun 17 Aug 08
RF1 wrote:Hilarious :)
I can't help thinking that Queens Park would have been a more apt setting! Seriously though folks - sounds like a spleniforous time was had by all......
SpeakUp, Swindon says...
11:23pm Sun 17 Aug 08
P3 NAS wrote:Hilarious indeed, Bob. But the park is full of duscks preening themselves already. :-)
RF1 wrote:
I can't help thinking that Queens Park would have been a more apt setting! Seriously though folks - sounds like a spleniforous time was had by all......Hilarious :)
On a more serious note and as someone who finds 'positive discrimination' abhorrent, what reaction do you think there would be if we ran a 'Heterosexual Pride' celebration which excluded the gays et al. Not politically correct, I suspect.
yeti, swindon says...
12:06am Mon 18 Aug 08
uals,working people,tax payers,meat eaters,car drivers,etc,etc.
i think you get my point?oh actually no doubt a few wont!
what, me worry?, swindon says...
5:16am Mon 18 Aug 08
However, none of the groups you've mentioned have an agenda or powerful lobby groups, or "a right-on, liberal, lets love everyone" aura about them, so.......
what, me worry?, swindon says...
5:23am Mon 18 Aug 08
I've just read the comment in the article that "No-one need live in fear because of who they are"!
Does that include the elderly, the disabled, the unemployed, those in fear of redundancy, those who worry about the future of this country, or did he just mean the "Special" people?
(I blame myself, you know? If I'd never learned to read, then I wouldn't get annoyed by all this pc malarkey....... all my fault.....)
Bobfm, South Marston says...
7:14am Mon 18 Aug 08
What me, hadn't you heard that is why NL have dumbed down education so the masses are incapable of understanding that they are being discriminated against. It makes them easy to control.
Grimaldi, Swindon says...
8:26am Mon 18 Aug 08
yeti wrote:Im sure if any of these people you have listed decided to organise a new festival, there would be no problem in holding it in Town Gardens.
we should have festivals for white people,non religous people who are proud not to be brainwashed,hetrosex
uals,working people,tax payers,meat eaters,car drivers,etc,etc.i think you get my point?oh actually no doubt a few wont!
Why dont you organise one yourself? You could call it the 'Miserable Festival'
Always Grumpy, Swindon says...
8:42am Mon 18 Aug 08
Grimaldi wrote:'Miserable Festival' - sounds great, put me down for a couple of tickets. Mrs Always Grumpy would want to be there as well!
yeti wrote:
we should have festivals for white people,non religous people who are proud not to be brainwashed,hetrosex
uals,working people,tax payers,meat eaters,car drivers,etc,etc.i think you get my point?oh actually no doubt a few wont!Im sure if any of these people you have listed decided to organise a new festival, there would be no problem in holding it in Town Gardens.
Why dont you organise one yourself? You could call it the 'Miserable Festival'
Apart from the working bit I fit into all of Yeti's catagories. I suppose that would make me normal which would mean the council would be unlikely to subsidise an event for 'normal' people.
Bobfm, South Marston says...
8:52am Mon 18 Aug 08
Robh, Swindon says...
9:52am Mon 18 Aug 08
daswilts, Swindon says...
10:12am Mon 18 Aug 08
And to what, me worry?, swindon: fear of reduancy and whats happening to this country isn't the same as fear of going out being yourself, in case you are verbally or physically assulted so get real.
Always Grumpy, Swindon says...
10:20am Mon 18 Aug 08
Bobfm wrote:He seems to be avoiding these columns lately - frightened of stick his neck above the parapet perhaps!
Perhaps Lead Councillor Justin could answer that Grumpy
Of course he might be on a fact finding mission to other countries to find out new ways for the council to waste our money!
rightofreply, swindon says...
10:20am Mon 18 Aug 08
Bobfm, South Marston says...
10:39am Mon 18 Aug 08
yiddo, swindon says...
10:47am Mon 18 Aug 08
RF1, Swindon says...
10:49am Mon 18 Aug 08
rightofreply wrote:In today's age of such casual use of the word celebrity it was probably someone who once bumped into George Michael in the gents
So, who was the surprise superstar guest???
IanBoyd, Swindon says...
11:35am Mon 18 Aug 08
Big Mac, Old Town says...
11:48am Mon 18 Aug 08
yiddo wrote:If you had seen my comments on the article about the re-opening of The Pipers Arms you'll have seen I was actually in support of the new incarnation of The Pipers AND the Pride event.
Big Mac where are you, thought you would of had a pop at it by now
The Bowl is a resource that should be used far more and as it seems the Council will only really allow 'cause' groups to use it, so be it. Better that than nothing.
Also, the Pride event brought a bit of colour and humour to Swindon, if only for a day. God knows we need it in this grey and dreary town.
I did have to laugh at Always Grumpy's post above though - stating that they don't work and then whinging that nobody will 'subsidise normal people'. Oh the irony.
From Swindon And Proud, Swindon says...
12:01pm Mon 18 Aug 08
If Swindon Pride can have this effect on one person, imagine how many more went home feeling the same! Pride was open to anyone, regardless of age, race or sexual orientation. There were children and adults enjoying the day alike. I would love to know what some of you commentors were doing while it was happening...oh i know, you were all here whinging about the price of eggs!
Get a grip and roll on Pride 2009!!!
ourtone, Freshbrook says...
12:08pm Mon 18 Aug 08
On a more serious note and as someone who finds 'positive discrimination' abhorrent, what reaction do you think there would be if we ran a 'Heterosexual Pride' celebration which excluded the gays et al. Not politically correct, I suspect."
Was anyone excluded? Do you feel excluded? Is this some sort of insecurity?
I didn't go, but had I tried to attend, I doubt they would have tried to keep me out just because I happen to be straight.
I do find the whole ‘Gay Pride thing a bit frothy and exuberant, but I don’t feel excluded by it.
I am just glad we live in a society which no longer permits discrimination on the grounds of sexuality. Don’t forget, Gay people were forced to stay in the closet for a lot of years. It was still illegal within living memory.
Fortunately we live in more enlightened times and almost no-one cares anymore. The gay community are just enjoying their freedom. Give it another 50 years and they’ll calm down a bit.
Malkym, Highworth on the hill says...
12:22pm Mon 18 Aug 08
RF1 wrote:Careful RF1 your light hearted remarks might offend on or two sensitive souls with no sense of humour - daswilts on the other thread on this topic accused me of making a cheap jibe about the "so called Celebrity guest" being Julian Clary because of his public persona and Swindon connections - I also received a slapped wrist from the web team for making so called - offensive remarks -they'd had a few complaints allegedly! More like they were terrified of being accused of being discriminatory against a so called minority - strange how it never works in reverse? Anyone else had a naughty boy e-mail from them?
I can't help thinking that Queens Park would have been a more apt setting! Seriously though folks - sounds like a spleniforous time was had by all......
DASWILTS - didn't make it in the end it was a toss up between going to the event and watching paint dry - afraid in the end the paint won! As to your comment on the other thread "Proud of the Pipers" about me being pre-occupied about what certain people do in the privacy of their own homes you can rest assured that the thought of two individuals practicing sodomy would be absolutely the furthest thing on my mind. I hope that finally takes care of your wondering.
Finally Rod Bluh said - >
Swindon Pride is about our community,” he said. “It is about accepting that our families, businesses and schools, neighbourhoods and social networks, involve and include lesbians, gay men, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual people.
Can anybody tell me why, when he went to great pains to use the properly descriptive words lesbian,bisexual,tra
nsgender and hetrosexual,he then chose to use the word gay(my dictionary definition and always my understanding - "joyous and merry,lively.") as a euphemism in place of the word homosexual? Well we already know the answer don't we -He didn't want to possibly cause offence by doing so, thereby taking the already insane boundaries of so called political correctness to another higher level.
yiddo, swindon says...
1:36pm Mon 18 Aug 08
daswilts, Swindon says...
2:34pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Big Mac, Old Town says...
2:44pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Swindon will only ever have any hope of leaving behind the boring, average nature of the place if it embraces and supports different types of people. That's why the Mela and Pride events are so important.
As far as I'm aware, there were thousands of people at both events and yet there was no trouble at all (which proves that *decent* people can drink alcohol and not become disgraceful thugs and criminals) - can we say the same for Swindon's numerous chav pubs on a Saturday evening? I don't think so somehow.
It's great to have The Pipers open and back on the map again. It's also great to see the Bowl/Town Gardens being used for something worthwhile that brings different music and entertainment to Swindon.
People seem to forget that at least 90% of the people at the Mela are actually white and that a significant percentage of those at Pride are straight. In other words, they do not exclude people. Having a 'white only' or 'straight only' or any of the other daft suggestions that Yeti made would be deliberately exclusive.
I would like to see more mainstream uses of the Bowl arena, for live bands and dance music events and I do have concerns about how the Council often dismiss legitimate requests for such events (seemingly because there's no political angle for them to milk) but that in no way reflects badly on those who do manage to get agreement to use the place.
Malkym, Highworth on the hill says...
3:40pm Mon 18 Aug 08
daswilts wrote:Dear DAS
Malkym, So why have you shown such an interest in Gay Pride if you thought paint drying was more interesting. I can't imagine how many comments you've posted on the paint drying event website in that case.
At the risk of labouring a point - and boy do you have to labour it where you're concerned! My interest stems from the paranoia generated when anybody dares to hold and express a diffent viewpoint - and if you read my previous post you should get my drift! My turn to ask the questions now - why haven't you reacted to some of the other posters who have made jokey coments -such as RF1 and always Grumpy? Why haven't you answered my question re Coun Bluh's comments? My gripe if you like is one of fairness and equality to all, as Big Mac says and I quote "and I do have concerns about how the Council often dismiss legitimate requests for such events (seemingly because there's no political angle for them to milk)",i.e.would the council allow and financially support other types of events that were not orchestrated by defined groups, Mela,pride etc. The answer is of course no but they do these groups purely because as I said in this ridiculously politically correct world they do not wish to be seen to cause offence. I trust that answers your question -AMEN!
yiddo, swindon says...
4:21pm Mon 18 Aug 08
From Swindon And Proud, Swindon says...
4:38pm Mon 18 Aug 08
From Swindon And Proud, Swindon says...
5:03pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Only 13 people protested against it..but guess what THOUSANDS turned up to support it! That is the message that you need to take on board. We are all for hearing other peoples views, but i totally object to being referred to as sick and seedy! There was nothing sick or seedy about it! It was a fun day, and everyone all had a great time.
Go and protest about the amount of bars located in the bottom of town and how much taxpayers money is wasted on scraping people out of the gutter, and leave people who want to enjoy a day celebrating who they really are alone!
OldTownTerry, Old Town, Swind says...
5:25pm Mon 18 Aug 08
My expectations were surpassed - the day was a huge success even though some of the promised stalls and tents were not open for business. The main thing about this event was the PEOPLE. The event had a feel good vibe about it. It was brilliantly held together by the afternoon compere and the eclectic mix of acts made it a great afternoon of free entertainment.
On a couple of occassions the compere asked 'who's gay?', 'who' straight?' and 'who's not sure?!'. The reaction was a large cheer from different parts of the crowd.
It was good to see some guys returning from the Swindon Town match in Cheltenham and making an effort to catch the end of the event to cheer them up after the result there.
I cannot wait for Swindon Pride next year. Saturday 15th August 2009 is in my diary - put it in yours.
SOME PEOPLE ARE GAY - GET OVER IT!
swindonNF, Swindon says...
5:29pm Mon 18 Aug 08
From Swindon And Proud wrote:So, i take it from this comment that you think the sexual indoctrination of young children is perfectly acceptable and there is nothing sick or seedy about it?
Here we are ladies and gentlemen! Exactly the person who needs to attend gay pride and find out for themselves what being gay is all about, and how in fact it is nothing how its been discribed in the post above!Only 13 people protested against it..but guess what THOUSANDS turned up to support it! That is the message that you need to take on board. We are all for hearing other peoples views, but i totally object to being referred to as sick and seedy! There was nothing sick or seedy about it! It was a fun day, and everyone all had a great time.Go and protest about the amount of bars located in the bottom of town and how much taxpayers money is wasted on scraping people out of the gutter, and leave people who want to enjoy a day celebrating who they really are alone!
As i said before, i dont have a problem with people who are gay in the privacy of their own homes, but when homosexuality starts being publicly demonstrated or even worse, promoted around children, then thats when i start to have a few issues.
Should Swindon Council fund such an event next year i will be holding TWO protests The first will be a picket at the councillors offices, the second will be at the entry of th gay pride event.
I will not be protesting about the number of bars in Swindon Town Centre. One reason is that i dont think there is that many bars in town (less than ten i think) and another reason is that drinking is part of my culture and i am proud of my culture. There is nothing preventing you from holding such an event if you feel so strongly against it though.
swindonNF, Swindon says...
5:37pm Mon 18 Aug 08
I did no say anything offensive and it was gone within minutes.
Is the editor acting like a fascist dictator and blocking my comments?
Obviously, freedom of speech only applies on this message board if you have something left-wing to say
Always Grumpy, Swindon says...
5:42pm Mon 18 Aug 08
I'm assuming it was a manly dark blue paint you were watching. Daswilts and co. would probably prefer a nice pink vinyl silk!
Mum's The Word, Walcot, Swindon says...
5:52pm Mon 18 Aug 08
AstaBGay, says...
6:38pm Mon 18 Aug 08
My home for so many years, it is great to know all our diversities are at last being celebrated in Swindon - and so well.
I have noticed you do have a couple of particularly diverse people there to celebrate! Ha, ha!
Thankfully they are only a very small minority, and it seems they don't like being in a minority, doesn't it?
Hmm . . . Aren't they lucky they weren't born gay, then? How would they have coped?
BEST WISHES FROM BLACKPOOL!
Always Grumpy, Swindon says...
6:47pm Mon 18 Aug 08
AstaBGay wrote:I think I'll cross Blackpool off my places to visit.
From the Gay Capital of the North: CONGRATULATIONS SWINDON!
My home for so many years, it is great to know all our diversities are at last being celebrated in Swindon - and so well.
I have noticed you do have a couple of particularly diverse people there to celebrate! Ha, ha!
Thankfully they are only a very small minority, and it seems they don't like being in a minority, doesn't it?
Hmm . . . Aren't they lucky they weren't born gay, then? How would they have coped?
BEST WISHES FROM BLACKPOOL!
I didn't fancy it before this post but now.............
Big Mac, Old Town says...
6:55pm Mon 18 Aug 08
So, i take it from this comment that you think the sexual indoctrination of young children is perfectly acceptable and there is nothing sick or seedy about it?
As i said before, i dont have a problem with people who are gay in the privacy of their own homes, but when homosexuality starts being publicly demonstrated or even worse, promoted around children, then thats when i start to have a few issues.
Why on earth do you think gay people might wish to 'indoctrinate' children?
In my experience, I have never once known a gay person try and 'turn' a straight person - yet I have known plenty of straight people who *think* they can 'turn' a gay person. Who's trying to indoctrinate who?
We live in a society where 13 year old girls have children - there is a prime example on X Factor this year. Do you think that's 'sick and seedy' because it's most definitely against the law yet nothing is said about it.
Look at the town centre on any Friday and Saturday night - drunk 15 year old girls wearing next to nothing and happy to have sex in public/the streets.
Before trying to tell gay people how they should or shouldn't live their lives, many heterosexual people would do well to acknowledge that we don't exactly show a shining example.
Look at all the terminally unemployed losers that have three, four, five or more kids and think nothing of scrounging off the rest of us - are they gay? No.
Look at all the criminal thugs that vandalise, rob, mug, burgle and attack other people - are they gay? No.
Trust me, there are many very, very sick and seedy people in this country. People we very much need to deal with... the vast majority of them are not gay.
airforcebear, swindon says...
7:18pm Mon 18 Aug 08
airforcebear, swindon says...
7:27pm Mon 18 Aug 08
swindonNF, Swindon says...
7:29pm Mon 18 Aug 08
The festival itself was a clear indoctrination attempt.
You have to understand,its the PROMOTION of this lifestyle that i am against. If someone is privately gay then i dont mind that and its none of my busiess. When they are PROMOTING this in front of small and impressionable children however and using taxpayers money to do so, then thats where i start to have a problem as i see this as nothing short of "Grooming".
And could you please show me some evidence on how you know the sexualities of benefit scroungers, vandals, thieves, thugs and other criminals. Some official government stats, or a broadsheet survey perhaps? Because, i have always been under the impression that these people (criminas) came from all types of backgrounds.
From Swindon And Proud, Swindon says...
7:48pm Mon 18 Aug 08
swindonNF wrote:Your last quote was removed because i asked it to be. i found it deeply offensive that you find MY culture sick and seedy! YOUR culture of lager louts and drinking is whats causing all the teenage pregnacies and underage drinkers. If you decide to picket Pride 2009 i will stop at nothing to have you removed.
and why was my last comment removed?I did no say anything offensive and it was gone within minutes.Is the editor acting like a fascist dictator and blocking my comments?Obviously, freedom of speech only applies on this message board if you have something left-wing to say
Our lifestyle is no different from anyone elses, in fact ours seems to be just a tad more fun than yours. I'm so glad i dont have to moan all the time now that Swindon has finally rocketed into current times by providing the best event i have ever attended in my life!
I Too, Swindon says...
8:51pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Being a straight person, the atmosphere felt a bit strange initially, but that was purely down to my own (unwarranted)apprehe
nsion of being in a different crowd ( I usually attend Rock 'n' Roll events).
I can honestly say that the event was well organised, the entertainment was of a good quality, no-one tried to convert me or "come on to me"
I enjoyed what I saw of the event (as did my wife)
I rarely attend the lairy chav pubs, at the bottom of the town, because I'm able to drink beer, without feeling the need to have aggro afterwards and I'm not into sample track "music"
I will however, make a point of attending the event again next year, hopefully not double booked with another event.
I totally agree with Big Mac's comments, on this topic (that's twice this year).
I can only suppose that the bigotted opinions come from people that aren't used to seeing live entertainment, or prefer a "Reallity TV" lifestyle.
By all means comment after attending the event and then give us your "informed opinion"
I'm off now to get rat faced, count flats, spoil landscapes, and find historic buildings to destroy (NOT).
Vision Vision Vision
mysonsgay, swindon says...
8:55pm Mon 18 Aug 08
Big Mac, Old Town says...
9:19pm Mon 18 Aug 08
And could you please show me some evidence on how you know the sexualities of benefit scroungers
Duh! Think about it... there aren't too many gay parents of any type, are there?
You seem to have a problem with a Pride event that is self-contained, well run and caused no trouble, yet every weekened evening in town there will be drunken alcoholic behaviour, criminality, under-age sex etc. from predominently heterosexual people who see nothing wrong in flaunting their moronic behaviour for ALL to see EVERY weekend.
And you have a problem with one day at the Town Gardens?!?
As for the sexuality of criminals, the vast majority of criminals are male and only 1 in 10 males are gay... so it follows that, clearly, most crime is committed by straight men. It can't possible be otherwise!
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
10:08pm Mon 18 Aug 08
I'll go get me a sign!
swindonNF, Swindon says...
5:00am Tue 19 Aug 08
Big Mac wrote:There are a lot of members of the gay and bisexual community that have children. I know 4.
And could you please show me some evidence on how you know the sexualities of benefit scroungersDuh! Think about it... there aren't too many gay parents of any type, are there?You seem to have a problem with a Pride event that is self-contained, well run and caused no trouble, yet every weekened evening in town there will be drunken alcoholic behaviour, criminality, under-age sex etc. from predominently heterosexual people who see nothing wrong in flaunting their moronic behaviour for ALL to see EVERY weekend.And you have a problem with one day at the Town Gardens?!?As for the sexuality of criminals, the vast majority of criminals are male and only 1 in 10 males are gay... so it follows that, clearly, most crime is committed by straight men. It can't possible be otherwise!
I am aware that there is drunken moronic behaviour at the bottom of town every Friday and Saturday night, but these people are from all backgrounds, and the day that the council and police use taxpayers money to sponsor a "Drunken Violent Chav Pride" event with children invited is the day that i begin to have a problem with this.
Where 1 in 10 males may be gay, this doesnt mean that 1 in 10 CRIMINALS are gay and you still havent shown me any official proof of the sexuality of criminals to back up the claim you made earlier, so i will assume that you pulled that claim out of thin air.
Bobfm, South Marston says...
8:09am Tue 19 Aug 08
Bobfm, South Marston says...
8:31am Tue 19 Aug 08
'Ten percent of the male population is homosexual:
The scientific background for this statement is a book published in 1948 by the sex researcher Alfred Kinsey (Kinsey, Pomeroy and Martin): "Sexual Behaviour in the Human Male". They examined the sexual preferences and experiences of 5,300 American men. His results shocked the Americans: 37 percent of the participants admitted at least one homosexual experience since their adolescence1 and one out of every 10 males considered himself a homosexual, i.e. claimed to have been gay for at least three years.
Kinsey never started this "rumour", he spoke about 10 percent of those he surveyed and not 10 percent of the male population of the United States. In their book "Kinsey, Sex and Fraud"2, Reisman and Eichel point out that Kinsey's data base was not representative of the American male population, i.e. his participants included about 25% prison inmates and known sex offenders. (But we have to be careful, this shows that the survey was not representative and NOT, that gays are more likely than other people to be criminals.) Newer surveys in the United States, West Germany, and Canada estimate the percentage of gays between 0.3 percent to 6.2. Numbers which are for some conservatives more comforting.'
So we can see from later studies that the percentage is so wide as to be in effect meaningless, other than perhaps to show 10% is probably an invention for social policy purposes.
Big Mac, Old Town says...
8:57am Tue 19 Aug 08
What do the researchers say?
Gary Gates is a Senior Research Fellow at The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy, a think tank dedicated to the field of sexual orientation law and public policy. I asked Gary if the "one in ten" convention was a myth or reality. Here's what he had to say:
"That's the single question that I'm asked the most. The answer is unfortunately not simple. I'll respond with a question. What do you mean when you use the word 'gay'? If you mean people who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual in a survey, then the answer is that it's likely not one in ten, but closer to one in twenty.
A recent government survey found that 4 percent of adults aged 18-45 identified as 'homosexual' or 'bisexual.' A similar proportion of voters identify as GLB. If you define gay as having same-sex attractions or behaviors, you do get higher proportions that are a bit closer to the one in ten figure."
I'm sorry Bobfm, but I can also quote you expert research that show the 10% figure to be roughly correct (possibly even an underestimate).
daswilts, Swindon says...
9:42am Tue 19 Aug 08
From Swindon And Proud, Swindon says...
9:43am Tue 19 Aug 08
Ah well, lets all be happy and look forward to Pride 2009 :-)
Malkym, Highworth on the hill says...
10:17am Tue 19 Aug 08
Always Grumpy - on the subject of colour schemes how does the saying go? "Blue for a boy, pink for a girl isn't it so yes you'd be right in your assumption.
Finally I'm always fascinated how fringe groups be it, animal lovers, gays(perfect example from Swindon and Proud)etc always seek to make a comparison with the rest of society as a defence to being criticised. The dog loving/owning fraternity for example can always be relied upon to cite humans dropping litter and fly tipping the very moment someone mentions the local parks or pavements being over-run with dog mess. Similarly Swindon and Proud seeks to defend his lifestyle by making comparisons with the behaviour of the drunken Saturday night chavs at the bottom of town which is all rather spurious and irrevelant.
daswilts, Swindon says...
11:27am Tue 19 Aug 08
daswilts, Swindon says...
11:49am Tue 19 Aug 08
Malkym, Highworth on the hill says...
12:11pm Tue 19 Aug 08
My whole point has always been this - I've no problem with SBC making a contribution to any group event that is held anywhere within the borough as long as that ideology is extended to all sections of the community, but as I and other posters have tried to emphasise -it wouldn't be would it. For example if I wanted to stage an event to raise money for a personal charity - like a sick relative I doubt I'd be granted permission to stage it at the TG. It it the principle that irks, it has nothing to do whether the participants are black white yellow or from Mars or whether they are straight, bi, gay or whatever.I certainly don't consider either of the groups to be second class citizens, I have and had many ethnic friends and some gay acquaintances in whose presence I have never felt threatened or uncomfortable. I hope that now answers your questions.
From Swindon And Proud, Town Centre says...
12:45pm Tue 19 Aug 08
Malkym wrote:Malkym i'm confused? I wasnt comparing myself to drunken louts to defend my lifestyle. My lifestyle doesnt in fact need defending! The event itself needed defending so i was simply comparing it to an average night out in the town centre. Similarly Swindon NF wasnt personally criticising my sexuality, he (or she) was merely objecting to the event that was held, which (as i was involved heavily with it) i defended to the hilt!
Hey we still haven't had the answer to the 64k question -who was the mystery celeb?...and I notice DAS has still not answered my questions raised in my previous posts. Also we have a worrying trend where the "hurt and offended" aww bless! can immediately demand that someone who holds a differing view and expresses it a forthright manner, albeit a rather graphic one (and no I don't agree with their politics)has their post removed because "mummy's little chocolate soldier" does not like it! Have these people been wrapped in cotton wool since they were born? Are they not familiar with the expression" If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen" Nothing will change of course on here because the web team will pander to PC dictats (I know I've received a personal e mail from the digital media editor saying they are obliged to remove a post if someone phones up and whinges that it offends!)In my humble opinion this is more likely a reaction to them not accepting that they might just have lost an argument?Always Grumpy - on the subject of colour schemes how does the saying go? "Blue for a boy, pink for a girl isn't it so yes you'd be right in your assumption.Finally I'm always fascinated how fringe groups be it, animal lovers, gays(perfect example from Swindon and Proud)etc always seek to make a comparison with the rest of society as a defence to being criticised. The dog loving/owning fraternity for example can always be relied upon to cite humans dropping litter and fly tipping the very moment someone mentions the local parks or pavements being over-run with dog mess. Similarly Swindon and Proud seeks to defend his lifestyle by making comparisons with the behaviour of the drunken Saturday night chavs at the bottom of town which is all rather spurious and irrevelant.
And i have by no means been wrapped up in cotton wool all my life, but if i'm going to have dictated to me what event i can and cannot attend or hold i certainly will dictate what i would like to read!
Malkym, Highworth on the hill says...
1:03pm Tue 19 Aug 08
From Swindon And Proud, Town Centre says...
1:57pm Tue 19 Aug 08
OldTownTerry, Old Town, Swind says...
3:06pm Tue 19 Aug 08
Malkym - maybe if you organised an event for a group of people e.g. terminally ill, rather than for one individual then you may have some success in gaining backing.
Swindon Pride had the backing of the Council and if you had attended you could have visited each of the land based emergency services stands to discuss with them why they were attending.
swindonNF, Swindon says...
3:06pm Tue 19 Aug 08
From Swindon And Proud wrote:I did no such thing.
Swindon NF had my comment removed :-( And it was such a good ending statement! Ah well, lets all be happy and look forward to Pride 2009 :-)
ourtone, Freshbrook says...
3:14pm Tue 19 Aug 08
5:29pm Mon 18 Aug 08
So, I take it from this comment that you think the sexual indoctrination of young children is perfectly acceptable and there is nothing sick or seedy about it?
As i said before, i dont have a problem with people who are gay in the privacy of their own homes, but when homosexuality starts being publicly demonstrated or even worse, promoted around children, then that’s when iI start to have a few issues.
Should Swindon Council fund such an event next year i will be holding TWO protests The first will be a picket at the councillors offices, the second will be at the entry of the gay pride event.
swindonNF, Swindon says...
7:29pm Mon 18 Aug 08
The festival itself was a clear indoctrination attempt.
You have to understand,its the PROMOTION of this lifestyle that i am against. If someone is privately gay then i dont mind that and its none of my busiess.
Oh great, another Bigot for whom Gay = Paedophile.
Guess what! Here is something I know for a fact, even though I’m straight.
Being gay is a fact of life, and no, there is nothing sick, or seedy about it. Kids should learn that for two reasons.
One, that gay people don’t have to put up with mindless abuse, learned from people like you.
Second, when kids start exploring their sexuality if they identify themselves as being gay, they can be happy with that and not be angst ridden because ignorant bigots have filled their mind with a bunch of c**p! If you had your way they would think that it was something to be ashamed of. How is someone supposed to be ‘Privately gay?’ Do they lie about it as soon as they get out of their front door? Why should someone only be allowed to be themselves inside their own homes.
If you are going to Pride next year, make sure you go inside and look around, or are you scared someone might chat you up?
OldTownTerry, Old Town, Swind says...
3:26pm Tue 19 Aug 08
Adver WebTeam - sounds like this might be a good discussion for a public debate - will you sponsor it?
You up for it NF?
swindonNF, Swindon says...
3:34pm Tue 19 Aug 08
So you are another one who thinks children should be brainwashed?
I dont think that they should even know what a homosexual/bisexual or hetrosexual is. They should be left alone to enjoy their childhood instead of having to tolerate forced sexual indoctrnation by people like yourself who are obviously sick in the head.
OldTownTerry, Old Town, Swind says...
3:41pm Tue 19 Aug 08
What does the 'NF' mean?
swindonNF, Swindon says...
3:53pm Tue 19 Aug 08
OldTownTerry wrote:As i said in the post that Swindon And Proud ever so bravely got deleted from this messageboard, i am a member of the National Front and was present at the protest, hence the initials NF
swindon NF - maybe the NF is your initials? I don't think so. Maybe you support Nottingham Forest? I don't think so.What does the 'NF' mean?
mysonsgay, swindon says...
3:56pm Tue 19 Aug 08
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
5:13pm Tue 19 Aug 08
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have our answer, and an explanation for everything.
Now I really do look forward to picketing that picket!
Malkym, Highworth on the hill says...
5:19pm Tue 19 Aug 08
OldTownTerry wrote:OT Tel -Now methinks you are being a tad mischievious you naughty boy! Could it perhaps stand for Numptus Feral!
swindon NF - maybe the NF is your initials? I don't think so. Maybe you support Nottingham Forest? I don't think so.What does the 'NF' mean?
Bobfm, South Marston says...
5:48pm Tue 19 Aug 08
I Too, Swindon says...
7:06pm Tue 19 Aug 08
Just people singing, and some very attractive women that weren't even gay.
I hope they're there at next years event.
Can't beat a nice helping of "eye candy" x-x-x
goaty, Swindon says...
7:14pm Tue 19 Aug 08
SwindonNF, in my personal opinion you appear to be the most self opinionated, homophobic, biggoted idioit I have ever had the displeasure to read.
If you even ragely represent the political party you claim to support, then I firmly believe the government should ban them for what is all intents and purposes inciting hatred.
Relax, and myabe go pay the Mail Coach or Pink Rooms a visit. You might actually enjoy your night out.
goaty, Swindon says...
7:25pm Tue 19 Aug 08
Ooops possible apology, but I just assumed NF meant National Front with your opinions.
daswilts, Swindon says...
7:41pm Tue 19 Aug 08
Bobfm wrote:Which is an offense non-fact. Why post this when it is well known that the majority of abusers are male and the abused are female. Anyone can check the true stats on the net. It sounds like you are just trying to incite hatred which leads me onto...NF
Just another Fact that may cause offence. 82% of child sex abuse is male on male. Adult on child.
I think getting into any argument with anyone who supports the disgraced NF is a waste of time as they aren't particularly intelligent and are trained to spout similar lies and hatred as the better known BNP except with less eloquence.
SpeakUp, Swindon says...
9:30pm Tue 19 Aug 08
I absolutely accept the right of gay people to feel as they do and they should be allowed to live in peace with their feelings and conscience. But I do object to the council paying to promote homosexuality.
I shall probably be called a bigot. I'm not. I may be accused of being 'old fashioned' - I'm not. But I see no wrong in believing traditional values are valuable. And truth can not be re-manufactured to match your feelings.
I Too, Swindon says...
9:47pm Tue 19 Aug 08
Nothing bad happened at this event.
The only people tat think it was somehow evil are those that didn't attend it.
I'd better tell my old mum not to speak to the budgie, and beware the men with the "water seesaw"
From Swindon And Proud, Town Centre says...
11:10am Wed 20 Aug 08
mysonsgay wrote:Mum? Is that you? I'm sooo busted!! :-(
swindon and proud ! are you suposed to be on line while you are working tut tut
mysonsgay, swindon says...
2:47pm Wed 20 Aug 08
OldTownTerry, Old Town, Swind says...
4:03pm Wed 20 Aug 08
I thought they got crushed over 25 years ago. The NF protest wasn't as well advertised as Swindon Pride otherwise I would have come along and taken some photos myself. How many people were at the NF counter event? Where was it?
From Swindon And Proud, Town Centre says...
4:29pm Wed 20 Aug 08
mysonsgay wrote:Hee hee! Cheers mum, nice to know i have someone on my side! And i am working, honest! Its dead here and we've all been intrigued by these comments!
swindon and proud,it is me ! the ice skating comment was really funny. you are so cool.
Malkym, Highworth on the hill says...
5:02pm Wed 20 Aug 08
SpeakUp, Swindon says...
6:07pm Wed 20 Aug 08
Malkym wrote:Tsk Tsk, Malkym! You mustn't suggest gays can't have kids, the PC Police will come after you.
Good job your mum wasn't gay! otherwise you might not be writing on here lol!!
There's IVF, adoption, surrogacy and probably other ways the gay community can father children when the normal biological systems are b@ggered :-)
Oh well, probably get deleted anyway, in case a little humour offends someone. Yer tis.
swindonNF, Swindon says...
6:51pm Wed 20 Aug 08
So you are another fascist dictator that thinks anyone with a different outlook on life to yourself should be silenced are you Goaty?
And are you speaking on behalf of the WHOLE Gay community or is this your personal thoughts?
Shall i tell you what happens when you stifle a persons political voice? What history has taught us happens whenever you suppress the political representation of a segment of the community?
They have no other means to express themselves but through violence.
If you wihdraw people's right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression and freedom of a political representation, then you can sit back and watch these folk rise up and batter you.
History has taught us that over and over again. South Africa is a good example of what happens when you suppress a bunch of people and deny them democracy, and so was the Romanian revolution back in 1989.
Is this what you want for Britain, or would you rather just live in a peaceful and democratic society where we can all have a voice?
SpeakUp, Swindon says...
8:49pm Wed 20 Aug 08
Love it.
OldTownTerry, Old Town, Swind says...
12:19pm Thu 21 Aug 08
Here's to Swindon Pride 2009!
Buy this photo »
Jason Wright, Mike Oliver and Mark Oliver
Buy this photo »
Carol Walker and Janet McGaw
Buy this photo »
Jess Bennett and David Sims
In this section
- Athletes on mission to fire up youngsters
- Residents delighted with drives and bays
- Factory friendship led to lasting love
- Musical mowing helps out leaves
- School sends out flu text bombshell
- Jenny Pitman pledges support to the Samaritans
- Pupils make film about leaving primary school
- Red Devils raise cash for heroes
- Open day for college
- Shoplifter pleads guilty
Sponsored Links
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
RF1, Swindon says...
9:02pm Sun 17 Aug 08