First notices of news and events that affects our community in South Gloucestershire. If you need more information or wish to respond, email us.

2008 LGBT HEALTH SUMMIT

An evaluation of the successful health summit that was held at the BAWA last Autumn has now been published. The SGLGBF had a presence at the summit, staffing an exhibition stand for promoting the Forum's work, and facilitating an invitation to the Council's Chief Executive, Amanda Deeks, who made a keynote speech on the final day. Download a pdf document of the report here. (9/4/9)

INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE AT JUNCTION 18

The SGLGBF hears that some people visiting the cruising area at Junction 18 have seen marked police cars patrolling the area, and are concerned that plain cars and plain clothed police officers have been targeting gay men using the site.

We have been told by the Inspector responsible for organising patrols in this area that there has been no specific direction to officers in relation to patrols at this location, to target gay men. What has  happened recently is an increase in the number of rural burglaries reported in the area, and it is thought that the car park and picnic area at Tormarton is being used as a rendezvous point for the perpetrators. 

The Inspector also assures us that they have no knowledge of any police officers targeting the area and looking for gay men who may be cruising for outdoor sex. However, they also make the point that the Police continue to receive regular calls from members of the public who use the facilities there and are upset and outraged by the overt sexual activities of gay men there. Guys - please be discreet. If you have concerns about any police activity or if you have been the victim of a hate crime or incident, contact THT or EACH (25/02/09)