Mardi Gras, Saturday 30th August 2003
Okay, it’s time to let yerself go. It’s time to throw all caution to the wind. time to finally put the rumours to bed. Time to get all dressed up and show yourself off. Show off your pride.
Last year was a blast with far too many cocktails passing lips on the PCS PROUD stall. There was much interest and many tales the day after. The least said of the hangovers the better! This year promises the same and much more because…
The Wales TUC Lesbian & Gay Committee has raised loads of money for this year’s Mardi Gras. No more mere stall for you all to play in this year. Oh no! The whole thing has gone quite Vegas…
Mardi Gras 2003 is going to see a Wales TUC MARQUEE! Even though it was hard to miss last year’s stall due to the thronging masses, it will be impossible this year. There are going to be balloons as far as the eye can see and music of the louder variety. The whole day will be filled with games, fun, support, madness, giveaways and importantly, information on the new legislation you’ve been hearing so much about.
Debbie has been very involved with the plans for this year’s extravaganza, so PCS will be well represented. Why not force yourself along to say hello and find out all the latest news, gossip and rumour? You won’t regret it. Debbie’s lovely, as you probably know.
You might even find that it’s not all as political and scary as you think!
Four o’clock will see the cutting of the ceremonial cake. If you’re there, you will be sure to get a piece of the action (so to speak). Cake? Pourquois? Well, it’s Mardi Gras, the Unions are together being ‘out’ and, well, why not?
Thompson’s will be there to answer any questions, so don’t forget to give us a visit and pick up some leaflets on your new rights. All the information you need about where, when and what are later in the edition….
New Lesbian and Gay Employment Rights December 1st 2003
At the last National Union of Teachers (NUT) LGBT Working Party, the union announced on the 21st July 2003 that it would seek a judicial review of the regulations in the union’s own name.
All unions believe that the 7 (3) clause in the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations is unlawful and in breach of European law and the 1998 Human Rights Act. Teachers in faith schools will be most affected by the 7 (3) clause, which allows faith schools to discriminate against teachers on the basis of their sexual orientation. What on earth teaching physics, for example, has to do with faith, God alone knows!
When we were lobbying Parliament on the 14th July for civil partnerships we had conversations about the Genuine Occupational Requirement (G.O.R.) clause and it was very apparent that MP’s thought it would not have a leg to stand if it was taken through the European Court. I think we all know that Tony Blair bowed down to pressure from the religious groups and just added it in. This is another reason why we should send letters to our MP’s and Mr. Blair to out number the ones he’s getting from the well-organised religious groups. If we want change we must be responsible and do our bit for the cause.
However, we must never lose sight of the fact that the new regulations coming into place on December 1st this year is good legislation, overall. For the first time, we will have rights in the work place meaning we cannot be discriminated against because of our sexuality or perceived sexuality. We will be able to take our employer to court and the onus will be on them to prove that they have not discriminated against us, whether it be in promotion, victimization or bulliying
ACAS have produced an excellent document on Sexual Orientation and The Workplace. It’s well worth a read (19 pages) to know your rights. It’s written in layman’s English (which is fab) and you can contact me for a copy or ask your Branch Union Rep for one.
Mardi Gras details
Mardi Gras 2003 promises to be bigger and brighter than the past 4 years. Be sure to be a part of the frivolities. You’ll find it hard to miss the event once you’re in the City centre, but the map opposite shows you where you can find the main features in the field.
The gay venues in the Capital are pushing the boat out to celebrate the event. Details of the parties can be found on the website – www.cardiffmardigras.co.uk
In case you need to know, the event happens on Saturday August 30th. It kicks off at one o’clock and finishes at nine o’clock.
The event happens in Cooper’s Field which is to be found behind the Castle. You can either get into the field opposite City Hall, or opposite the stadium. Once inside, there are loads of things to keep you going all afternoon and evening. Why not bring a picnic, sit on the grass and enjoy the scenery while listening to the acts on the main stage? Why not take some time out to wander through the market stalls and pick yourself up a bargain? Or perhaps be entertained in the cabaret tent which has quickly become a firm favourite at the event. Try not to forget the TUC Wales marquee. All your favourite people will be there (hidden under a pile of bottles, undoubtedly!)
After the field shenanigans are over then the Capital is your oyster. Pick a venue and stick to it. Queues and the like are usually horrendous. Whatever happens, you’re very likely to have fun. Oh, and maybe even make some new, ahem, friends…
Civil Partnerships
Together with recent announcements, the Government’s Consultation Paper on civil partnerships has been both welcomed and celebrated by gay and lesbian couples all over the UK.
The proposed legislation will give same sex partnerships similar equal rights and responsibilities to heterosexual marriages for the first time. Added to this, people will have their dignity when faced with discrimination and barriers in the law, especially when losing loved ones.
This is a major step forward in recognising lesbian & gay partnerships. It will prevent unnecessary suffering especially when people lose their partners, i.e. visiting rights in hospitals, inheritance tax, pensions, registration of death, funeral arrangements. At present, the only way same sex partners people can register the death of their partner (with family consent) is by calling themselves ‘someone present at death’.
The media has portrayed the developments as same sex partners having benefits to which heterosexual couples will be denied. This is ludicrous of course - we would still have to register our partnership at the Registry Office and pay a fee - the same process as any civil marriage. The religious groups that campaign against us are out in force - even the Pope himself! His Holiness has called upon all Catholic politicians to vote against civil partnerships and any other gay rights. There were 700 replies to the last consultation paper on Sexual Orientation Employment Rights. Only 250 were from LGBT organisations and individuals; the rest were from religious campaigners condemning the S.O.E.R. If we want progress to be made we have to join together, get our pens out (and I do mean pens boys!), write to our MP’s and reply to the consultation paper on civil partnerships before 30th September 2003. If people remain silent on the matter it will look as if the majority are against gay rights. I can’t express enough how important it is to take the time to send a letter and the difference it can make. Every letter, quite literately, COUNTS! At the back of the newsletter I have produced a letter that you can send to your local MP.

You can obtain a copy of the civil partnership consultation paper from:
info-womenandequalityunit@dti.gsi.gov.uk
or write to Women and Equality Unit, 35 Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BQ.

Section 28
Yippee!!! It’s on its way out, going through the process of repeal. The House of Lords voted by a majority of 50 for its repeal. Soon it’s to be heard in the House of Commons which will bring an end to 15 years of this repugnant and insulting Maggie Thatcher law that has caused huge psychological damage to our schools and society. We’ll keep you up to date on developments…

Civil Partnership Lobby of Parliament

The Wales TUC Lesbian & Gay Committee lobbied the Welsh MP’s in Parliament on the 14th July.
With the help of Chris Bryant MP’s office, we supplied evidence of couples suffering discrimination in Wales because their committed relationships were not recognised in law. We also tried to give a sense of urgency to the House of Commons in implementing this legislation sooner rather than later.
Dave Hanson, MP (Personal Private Secretary to Tony Blair) attended our presentation and pledged his support for our lobby. He was very pleased that the Wales TUC (together with PCS) are being pro-active on campaigning for gay rights. Mr. Hanson suggested that we request a meeting with Peter Hain and address the Welsh Labour Group to express the importance of this new legislation and it’s urgency.
Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrats) was also very helpful and said the Democrats wished to work with all interested parties, including unions. They want to ensure the proposed legislation is contained in the Queen’s speech which would mean the civil partnership bill would get heard next year.
Mr. Opik expressed how vital it is that we all campaign together and write letters to our local MP’s calling for their support for civil partnerships. This type of campaigning will help bring the legislation to be heard sooner and not left on the back burner. Same sex couples are suffering now, especially when they lose their loved ones. For the first time, we can do something about it to enable them to live free of fear and injustice. This can be achieved by taking just 10 minutes of your time and lodging your support with your MP.
All in all it was a very successful day and Debbie has sent letters out to Peter Hain MP and Jackie Lawrence MP (Chair of Welsh Labour Group) requesting a slot to address the Welsh MP’s in the House of Commons.

Now We Are Two
or A Layperson’s Guide to Taking Control of Your Fate.

So you’ve done IT - you’ve fought, met each other’s friends, moved in together and merged the CD collection. You’ve argued over curtains, survived breakfast, and lived together for a fortnight. In the eyes of the lesbian and gay world you’re officially a couple. And if you survive the year you’re a long-standing couple. But as far as the rest of the world is concerned you’re just a pair of flat mates, or “sharing a house”. In brief you have neither legal rights nor responsibilities for each other. And that, children, until the Government manages to push its partnership proposals through the Commons and (with more difficulty) through the Lords, is the way it remains.
Even when, or if, it does make it to the statute book, you may, for whatever reason, decide you don’t want to sign a partnership register. So what, practically can you do to ensure that your wishes are respected by the law, the state, and your family? OK, you’re both young fit and healthy, and never going to die – WAKE UP – anything can happen, and you’re old before you know it (got the tee-shirt and zimmer..) While everything is OK there’s nothing to worry about, you are able to tell people what you want to happen. But what happens if you’re incapacitated or dead to your lover, and indeed how you are dealt with? Here are some – only some - things to think about.
Firstly, as civil servants, you have an opportunity to nominate anyone you like for your “death in service” payment – DO IT. Secondly, you have the option of choosing a pension scheme that makes your partner your beneficiary. If you don’t, in the case of the former it goes automatically to your estate, in the second it dies with you, and all the money you’ve paid in gets copped by the Treasury. Admittedly PCSPS2000 is not ideal and far from equal (you pay more) but it is the best we’ve got so far.
But there are other things you can do to tie up legal loose ends:
Wills
Really important this. You will be living together, thus your finances will merge a bit, and you’ll buy things together. Where do you want everything to go when you’re dead? It may seem impossible that you will die, but we all do eventually. So make a will. Talk it over, decide who gets what. It isn’t morbid it’s a fact of life. (Make a will even if you do go for civil partnership – the rules concerning divvying the money in case of intestacy ain’t straightforward). And name each other as either sole or joint executor – this gives you rights.
Tenancy Rights
If you are buying a home together, make sure you choose the right option. “Tenants in Common” each own half the property – this could leave a surviving partner on the streets after the “in-laws” swoop down for their share. Consider instead “Joint Tenancy” – where you each own ALL the property and it reverts totally to the survivor. This more or less cuts the relatives out of the picture. If it is being bought in one name MAKE SURE THERE IS A WILL. Otherwise you’re nearest and dearest may be in the gutter before you’re cold.
If the property you’ve got is considerable (and it will mount up) get professional advice as to how to diminish death duties.
Partnership Rights
OK, you’ve been bungy-jumping and one of you is badly injured. Depending on your relationship with his or her family everything may be ok. But you may find yourself banned from the hospital and even (if the worst happens) the funeral. THIS HAS HAPPENED. So again take legal advice. There is no legal definition of "next of kin", so if you need to name one to a hospital or other organisation, you can give that of your partner.
Living Will –
Health Care Proxy
Draw up a “living will” naming the person or people you want to decide your fate. Would you prefer your lover to decide whether to switch you off, or the second cousin who you hate and who hates you and all gays and who hasn’t seen you for ten years and who stands to inherit if you die? And don’t rely on promises by your kin, when you’re out of it their true feelings to your lover will come out. So a living will can assign to the person you want the rights of next of kin. The Terrence Higgins Trust1 will provide one (for a small donation) drawn up so that you can assign a “health care” proxy to someone you trust with your life.
Enduring Power Of Attorney
This is largely a practical thing, but important nevertheless. It allows your nominee to continue to pay your bills etc from your bank account, and to deal with all your property on your behalf. Note, the decisions made have to be in your best interest, so there’s no hint of legally being able to use your money for his or her personal gain. It also means that if, in the worst case, you die, all expenses and dispositions can be made before probate. It isn’t quite this straightforward, but that’s the gist of it.
It is best that these documents are drawn up by a solicitor and executed before a notary public to avoid later challenge. Any “off the shelf ” may have loopholes.
So a couple of ideas there. Please seek legal advice about what your options are – I can’t give it but only point out some things you have to consider. But do something even if you decide to do nothing – at least people know where they stand. You’ve decided to try and make your life with this person, so you have a duty to do the best by them. The only guarantee in this world is death and taxes, so think about the unpleasant things now rather than regret it later.
For further information, contact:
Terrence Higgins Trust
52-54 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8JU
Tel: 020 7831 0330 Fax : 020 7242 0121
Email : info@tht.org.uk Internet : http://www.tht.org.uk/

Article by Mike Pierce

DVD Release… DVD Release… DVD Release…

At last, one of my favourite movies has been released on DVD. No more crackly video film that jumps just when you don’t want it to. Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo camp it up in the “American version of ‘Priscilla’ ”. To call it that is unfair, actually. This film has similarities – drag queens, road trip, lessons in acceptance. But it ends there. ‘TWFTFEJN’ (catchy, innit?) is more glamorous, bigger and dare I say, funnier.
The premise? Vida Boheme (Swayze) and Noxema Jackson (Snipes) win a NYC Drag Queen contest in it’s first ever draw. Their prize is a flight to Hollywood to take part in the final of a national USA contest. Miss Boheme persuades Miss Jackson to bring along Chi Chi (Leguizamo). They take an outrageously glamorous Cadillac and brake down. While waiting for repairs, they transform a sleepy little town into gay central.
You’re probably asking how such butch men carry off the whole men-in-frocks thing…? Surprisingly well. Wesley Snipes is probably funniest ([introducing herself] “Noxema Jackson….. Jesse’s daughter”). Patrick does the whole matriarchal drag act quite well. Made back in 1995, this film has not aged and would hold its own if re-released today. It cannot be denied that the cheese factor is on high, but when Drag Queens are involved, who cares? My favourite moment is when they transform their dingy guestroom in minutes to the tune of ‘Wonder Woman’. Do yourself a favour, get this movie and have a laugh.
Out now on DVD.

You are cordially invited…
Employment Rights Party! November 30th 2003
Yes, Debbie’s found another excuse for a Party! But at least it’s a valid reason this time….
The Wales TUC L&G committee and Stonewall Cymru have organised a Big, Big, Big party at the Exit Club in the Capital. On November 30th, the doors will be flung open at 8 p.m. Upstairs at Exit will be a V.I.P. lounge (sorry, invitation only) between 8 and 10.30 p.m. It will be stuffed to the rafters with MP’s, AM’s, celebrities and the like. At 11 p.m. the upstairs will open for all and the cabaret will commence including famous names (to be revealed in next newsletter).
Downstairs we plan to get a local Cardiff Radio Station in to host the evening and hopefully go live on air at 12. It will be like a new years eve party with balloons, confetti and all sorts falling from the ceilings at midnight! (sorry, I can’t help writing innuendoes). We’re even hoping to get the sky lit up with special equipment saying “Gay Rights in the workplace 2003”. The whole affair will see in December 1st with style and class to celebrate our new rights.
A lot of the money has been donated by Roy, the owner of Exit and the artists are performing for free so our sincere thanks go out to them all! The entrance fee to the club will be £2 as usual but we will be collecting for World AIDS Day on the evening so it would be great if you could bring an extra quid or two for the charity box. We’re also in the process of trying to set another party up in North Wales.
As soon as the programmes are complete for South and North Wales I will send out the info.
Postscript… some volunteers blasted their way into Exit on 17th August asking for names and addresses to send to MP’s. Over 100 successful sign up’s – well done! Thanks to all, especially Mike Harley who stayed on late despite having to be up at the crack of dawn the next day for work.
Contact us…
When you calm down after reading this magnificent beast, let us know what you liked and never want to see again. We want to know. We’ve had some good feedback recently, so keep it coming!
Here are the usual contact details. Now get to it… (Sorry, the Ed is feeling butch, for a change).

You can send your comments, suggestions, articles, questions or anything else you can think of to: PCS Proud, Ty Cwm Tawe, Land Registry, Phoenix Way, Llansamlet, Swansea, SA7 9FQ

Or you can e-mail the omnipotent Ed: RPaul_Cotton@hotmail.com