Is the Forum just another part of the Council?

FOLLOW UP

No, the SGLGB Forum is independent of everyone, including the Council. We have received grants from them in the past, but we are not tied to any part of their agenda. We get help from them (in providing a free space to hold our meetings), and several Council officers sit on the Forum, but they are here to help us - not to dictate what we do. (JEH)

Do you have to be gay to be a member of the Forum?

We welcome everyone who supports our Aims & Objectives, and work closely with many groups both in side and outside the LGB community. So in brief, you don't have to be gay.(JEH)

What does the Forum do for Trans people?

We have been having a long running debate in the Forum to decide whether or not we should include Trans people in our mission. Certainly - trans people are welcome to attend our meetings, but at the moment, we don't do anything specifically for them. (JEH)

My boss at work thinks I'm gay, and keeps making rude remarks. What can the Forum do for me?

If you work for South Gloucestershire Council, you can write (or phone) our Equalities Officer in complete confidence to talk about your problem. If you're from outside the Council, we can put you in touch with supportive caseworkers. This kind of harassment is illegal - you have the protection of law.(ML)

I've been threatened by queer bashers, but not actually hit. Can I trust the Police to listen to my complaint and take it seriously?

All calls about hate crime are taken very seriously and in complete confidence. You can call 999 in an emergency, or send us an email. If you would prefer to have someone act as an intermediary, email the Forum directly, and they can pass on your details anonymously. (JEH)

My son (who is not gay) keeps getting called 'gay' at school. What's my position here? He has started taking time off school because he's afraid of the bullying.

If you work for South Gloucestershire Council, you can write (or phone) our Equalities Officer in complete confidence to talk about your problem. If you're from outside the Council, we can put you in touch with supportive caseworkers. This kind of harassment is illegal - you have the protection of law. (AE)