Dear Supporter, A message from Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive We’re absolutely delighted with this week’s landmark High Court ruling. Eunice and Owen Johns from Derbyshire told the court that they believed they should ‘turn’ a foster child who might be gay and that a child in their care who fell victim to homophobic bullying should ignore it. We believe, however, that in any fostering case the interests of vulnerable children in care should override the bias of a prospective parent. Happily, we know that Mr and Mrs Johns’s views aren’t just out of step with the majority of people in Britain today but those of the many Christian parents who have contacted us too.

We’re equally delighted that England wicketkeeper Steven Davies has felt able to come out. Steve’s decision, as a high profile international player, sends an inspirational message to young lesbian, gay and bisexual people. But the lack of openly-gay role models in professional sport, just a year before Britain hosts the Olympics, remains striking. We’re mindful that there’s still not a single openly gay football player in the Premier League – for now.

p.s. We hear via the lovely Amy Lamé on Twitter that lots of people are planning to give their religion as ‘lesbian’ in this month’s Census, protesting at the absence of a question on sexual orientation. The Census is designed to ‘help allocate public spending fairly’ and gay people contribute more than £40 billion a year to the cost public services. Our deliberate exclusion by the civil servants responsible is gratuitously offensive.

News


Stonewall Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health Survey 



Stonewall is conducting the largest ever survey of gay and bisexual men’s health.


If you live in Britain and are gay, bisexual, or a man who has sex with men please click here for more information.








Stonewall Brighton Equality Walk 2011 - Win a trip to Paris!

Stonewall's Equality Walk returns to Brighton for the eighth time on Bank Holiday Sunday 1 May. The fun-packed fundraiser, which is supported by American Express and media partners Square Peg Media - publishers of g3 and Out in the City - pulls in hundreds walkers from across Britain.

As well as soaking up the Bank Holiday sunshine, the Top Fundraiser will win a trip for two to Paris, courtesy of American Express, including travel by Eurostar and two nights stay in a luxury hotel. For more information and to register for the Walk click here. 

Place your bids!
Stonewall’s annual Silent Auction is now open. This year the fantastic auction lots include a luxury trip to Zurich, rare photography, exclusive dining and sporting prizes. Click here to find out how you could win one of these lots while supporting Stonewall’s work.




Conference Call
Join the Home Secretary Theresa May and other key note speakers at Stonewall's Workplace Conference on 18 March. The conference is packed with masterclasses and is a fantastic opportunity to hear about the latest good practice. For more information and booking details click here.



Who rocks your world?
During the last decade, which pop music video and/or song has had the most empowering message for, or best depiction of lesbian, gay and bisexual people? Take part in Stonewall's latest poll – it takes two secs!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lgbpoppoll



Scotland

Scottish Elections
The Scottish Parliament dissolves at the end of March in advance of the May elections. We’ve produced posters and postcards telling Scots to Use Your Vote; email us to request a supply.

Bars and Clubs Partnership
Would you like your local to host fundraising events for Stonewall Scotland? Drop us a line with their details and we’ll let them know about our new programme, launching soon.

Keep in touch
To keep up to date with all the latest news and events in Scotland befriend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Education news
If you would like to receive our new monthly e-newsletter dedicated to developments in Scottish Education, email your details to education@stonewallscotland.org.uk.


Wales

North Wales Mardi Gras
Stonewall Cymru will be having a stall at North Wales Mardi Gras, April 15-17 on Anglesey. Please come and say hello if you’re around. For more information go to Facebook page Mardi Gras Gogledd Cymru 2011/North Wales Mardi Gras 2011 and to buy your tickets go to www.northwalesmardigras.com