Love etc.

The Pet Shop Boys release their new single on 16 March. The group, Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe were criticised by some in the 80s and early 90s for not being "gay enough" in contrast to say Jimmy Somerville or even Boy George. Their latest video (which strikes me as very Gilbert and George inspired) called 'Love etc' features a number of couples kissing at one point and they include same sex couples. It will probably not get any comment in the media and few will even notice it. That is significant, for it reminds us how our society has changed since their first hit, West End Girls hit number one in 1986. The video can be seen below and I love it.

Sexworkers - epetition response

Last year I joined a Number 10 e-petition that said:

“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to reject proposals to drive prostitution further underground by prosecuting clients of prostitutes; to endorse the policy suggested by the Royal College of Nursing, the National Association of Probation Officers and others by decriminalising prostitution; and to observe Council of Europe Resolution 1579 of October 2007.”

The Government has now responded and even by UK Government standards, the response is daft, paying no attention to the core issues raised and seemed to interpret the petition as calling for even tougher measures. I'm sure there is someone in the Home Office with their hands in their ears shouting "la la la, I can't hear you". The response in full read:

The Government has a Coordinated Prostitution Strategy. Offences exist to deal with anyone buying or attempting to buy sex from someone on the street; and in terms of off-street prostitution, our Strategy is clear that the demand for commercial sex from under-18s or individuals trafficked to this country is totally unacceptable. We have specific offences that cover paying for the sexual services of a child, and rape remains the appropriate offence with which to prosecute those who pay for sex with an individual who does not consent.
We will also do all we can to prevent individuals from falling into work in prostitution, and are committed to ensuring that services are in place to allow women already involved to develop routes out.

However, we recognise also that there is significant support for more to be done to tackle the demand for prostitution. Recently, the Home Secretary announced a number of proposals which have arisen from a major review into tackling the demand for prostitution. These include our intention to outlaw paying for sex with someone controlled for another person’s gain. This is aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals, for example those who have been trafficked or exploited in some other way. We also announced a crackdown on kerb-crawlers, as well as new powers to close premises associated with prostitution.

Images of Sex Work

I meant to post this some time. Laura Augustin has begun compiling images of sex work, some past and others present. You don't have to be a member of Facebook and can view them here.

SF Pictures

I've just uploaded another three hundred pictures to the gallery. You can view all the pictures by clicking on the Picasa logo (scroll down and on the right) or by clicking here.

News Round Up

Despite cancelling my papers, I returned to a mountain of newspapers. On the plus side, it's meant I could catch up with all things relating to gender,sexuality and law in the news over the last week. Sunday saw the Oscars over in the US, and although Slumdog Millionaire grabbed the headlines, Sean Penn scooped best actor for his role as Harvey Milk in 'Milk' whilst Dustin Lance Black won best original screenplay for 'Milk'. Andrew Sullivan, who writes a kind of 'letter from America' piece in the Sunday Times has become regular fixture in my Sunday reading, He wrote a particularly personal piece this week which is worth reading in full. He writes this week: 'In America, the bigotry you face is real, unvarnished and in the open. In Britain, it can come masked or euphemised or deflected into humour. It hurts much more to punch a brick wall than to punch a deep velvet cushion. But if you punch hard enough, the wall will one day crumble, while the pillow will constantly absorb the blows.

Just before I flew out the story of Warrington railway station banning kissing was starting to percolate through the media. Leo Benedictus wrote a lovely small piece in The Guardian last Wednesday commenting that the 'initiative' had 'provoked mild outrage among some travellers, who fear a return to the 70s and 80s when "no petting" signs, with helpfully suggestive diagrams, were routinely used in swimming pools to control the sexual urges of bathers'. There is something very British about 'mild outrage'. Not really annoyed, just sort of on the way to annoyed. Surely in the midst of the economic miserablism, a bit more snogging on station platforms would be a good thing?


British film censors got rather hot and steamy (nice work if you can get it) earlier this week when it was reported that staff at the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) are in uproar at plans to reduce the requirement for two people to watch any film, down to just one person. It seems to be a result of the "explosion "(rather an unfortunate term to use don't you think?) in R18 porn. My favourite line in the whole story was: 'some are concerned that viewing pornographic content alone will increase the chances of being sexually aroused by the material'. Fabulous.

On to an interesting story about a Soho brothel, closed by the Police by using anti-social behaviour laws (what could be more sociable than a brothel?). Justice Riddle (you can't make it up) sitting at Horseferry Road Magistrates Court refused to shut the brothel down, enabling it to re-open for business. Given our laws that explicitly ban brothels, it is an interesting decision, although in my view a welcome and sensible one. The judge commented "I am not satisfied that any person has engaged in antisocial behaviour on the premises'. He has a point.


On Sunday, The Sunday Times Magazine talked to Jean Johnson, who, as a member of the Women's Institute, ahs become an unlikely champion for sex workers, calling for prostitution to be legalsied in the UK. The piece can be read here.

In a good example of research that states the bleeding obvious, The Guardian reported on Tuesday of last week that 'sexy pictures turn men's heads'. According to research conducted by psychologists at Princeton University, men are more likely to think of women as objects if they have looked at sexy pictures of females beforehand. According to the piece: 'researchers used brains cans to show that when heterosexual men looked at pictures of women in bikinis, areas of the brain that normally light up in anticipation of using tools, like spanners and screwdrivers, were activated'. You're not telling me that the author of the piece, Ian Sample, wasn't giggling when he wrote that, or is it just me with a school boy sense of humour?


On Wednesday of last week, the new pay 'This Isn't Romance' was reviewed. Interestingly, the play, currently at Soho, London explores incest but explores issues of mixed race and life in Korea.


Finally, the Guardian reports today on growing pressure inside China for gay marriage. It also explores the difficult issues facing gay men and women inside China. The full story can be read here.

San Francisco Reflections (1)

I was lucky enought to be joined on the SF field trip by my colleague, Nicola Wake. This is her reflection on the trip:

Preparing to go!

When Chris asked me whether I would like to go to San Francisco five days before it was time to fly I was beside myself with excitement. I had so much to do and so little time to do it but I thought to myself (as did Chris) as long as I have my tickets, money and passport I will get there. Although I was not so sure, given that I would be travelling there alone and meeting Chris and the rest of the gang at the Marriot hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf. No doubt people had a good laugh at me as I walked around giggling to myself about Chris’ texts; students turning up one minute before the check in desk closed and Rob forgetting his passport. Well there is always one or two! The problem was I could have made three when I fell asleep in Seattle airport only to hear that I was at the wrong gate. Fortunately I had a couple of hours to spare so it was not an issue, but note to oneself: when you are travelling alone sleeping in the airport is not the best idea!

The journey

My journey commenced with my taxi trip to the airport. Gordon was my taxi driver and he was undoubtedly the nicest taxi driver I have ever met. He had been working since 3am, picking students up from the glass spider no less. (Well it is reading week so they are entitled to a night out-LOLl!). Gordon told me how well behaved the students from Sunderland are and it made me smile when he said that Sunderland is recognised as the best in the country for law; it shows that our reputation is spreading and the students are doing a lot to help that. He was also quite passionate about what the University is doing for the City in relation to encouraging people to visit the North East.

All in all the travelling to San Francisco was not as problematic as I thought it would be especially given that I had connecting flights in both Amsterdam and Seattle. I will admit that I had to run through Amsterdam airport to catch the flight as there was less than an hour between flights and Amsterdam is quite a big airport. Not surprisingly, I got the usual questions when I reached the gate “business or pleasure?” Well my trip fit into both categories really, so the customs official asked “What are you going for?” I then specified that I was a lecturer, travelling to meet a colleague and students to show them around San Francisco. No prizes for guessing the next statement “...but you’re not old enough to be a lecturer!” Uh oh was this me stuck in Amsterdam-thankfully not, he gave me the benefit of the doubt although I am still not sure if he believes me!

Anyway I was pleased when I managed to make it onto the plane to Seattle because I knew at that point that I was going to make it to America. (Hopefully they wouldn’t turn me away at the border). So about an hour into the flight and a meal later out of the corner of my eye I can see a bag (Surprise surprise!) but this was not any bag, this bag was moving by itself. I mean there was something wriggling in it-oh God what was I sitting next to? Then my head began to have an internal battle. My conscience said, ‘stop staring at that woman’s bag...it’s rude!’ but my curiosity got the better of me “what is in the bag?” I think I stared at the bag for about an hour before a puppy started yapping-how bizarre?

San Francisco-Day 1

The majority of us visited Alcatraz on the first day. The sun was shining and we had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative time. When we reached Alcatraz we received individual headphones for our audio tours and followed each other around the building to narrators undertaking the roles of convicts or prison wardens. Half way through the tour a man working on the Island told us what a typical day in the penitentiary would have been like for prisoners before proceeding to show us how the cell doors worked. The doors can be locked simultaneously using one lever. When we left the penitentiary we visited the gift shop and spent a while deciding what to bring back to the law department. Chris and I finally chose a sign which stated that no talking or other noises would be permitted (Well we thought it was funny! ;-P).

When we returned to Pier 39 we were informed that sea lions were nocturnal and that when the boats left the Pier the sea lions took root there on a night. Chris and I were obviously dubious about this and so we decided to embark on a sea lion hunt. When we eventually found them one of the students said ‘I wonder how many there are?’ To which a little boy replied, in the cutest American accent, ‘there are 156 sea lions!’ Again, we were cynical (LOL).

San Francisco day 2

I think that one of the things that excited me most about the trip was visiting San Francisco University. I knew that it was a once in a lifetime experience for most and to have that opportunity was unbelievable. The University visit was as good as I expected. We were warmly welcomed by Peter Novak and Brian Budds and it was great to hear their take on the Harvey Milk case. It was Peter Novak who introduced us to sister Boom Boom and the sisters of perpetual indulgence. Peter Novak read from a book that Sister Boom Boom had read in response to the acquittal of Dan White, in which Sister Boom Boom highlighted that just as the ‘Twinkie Defense’ had been used to acquit Dan White, someone who becomes depressed because of his acquittal will harm him. Sister Boom Boom said, ‘when that time comes I hope that people are just as forgiving as they were to Dan White.’ It was at that point that I decided I had to see the sisters of perpetual indulgence and poor Chris had to put up with me talking about Sister Boom Boom for the rest of the field trip. Indeed, when we wandered around the Haight neighbourhood I pointed out every image I saw that remotely resembled the sisters.

San Francisco-Day 3

On the Friday we visited the Castro. The streets were alive with colour and there was a general feeling of calm and tranquillity. We visited the GLBT Historical Society exhibition and this reinforced a lot of what Peter Novak and Brian Budds had told us the day before. To me the visit to the centre was fundamentally important as it provided an insight into the suffering that bigotry has caused over the years and still does. The articles themselves were very moving but perhaps more moving was the volunteer who came over to talk to us about the exhibition and Harvey Milk. As his voice faltered when he spoke it was clear that the pain and suffering was still raw. Our group huddled around him as he spoke and he really provided a true insight to the tragedy that occurs through prejudice. After he spoke everyone thanked him and the silence that followed was only broken by a student’s comment, ‘how great was he?’

San Francisco-day four

On our final day Chris and I decided to visit the Golden Gate Bridge. Chris and I wandered for three hours and it was a great opportunity to reflect on the trip and talk about both of our courses. The trip had given me a real insight to what Chris does on his course and it gave me some great ideas for my modules. When we reached golden gate bridge we paused for a while to look over at Alcatraz and the boats surrounding the Island. We took lots of photographs but I fear that none of them will do justice to the Bay, the bridge or the trip for that matter. Upon returning to the hotel Chris, the students and I started our airport check-in online. I desperately wanted to stay and it was evident that the feeling was mutual amongst the group. I had the best time but I couldn’t help but feel a little cheated-alas I had not seen the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence! Thankfully Chris has given me a taste on here but it is true I am still weeping inside ;-)

Blog Update

Due to the size limtis on the Flickr gallery I've switched the blog over to Picasa Web Album. I'd uploaded the first San Fran trip photos there and I've now added photographs from the 2007 and 2008 Manchester field trips (previously on Flickr). I'm promised more from the 2008 trip so once I have them, I'll add them. I've removed the field trip count down and added a Picssa logo which will take yout hrough to the public album if you click on it. You'll also find short videos in the San Fran album.

Sad Day

Having finally worked my way through a week of UK newspapers, I had intended to post a news round up. All that changed when I flicked the TV on to find that David Cameron's son had passed away and that a Turkish Airlines plane had crashed at Amsterdam airport, killing 9 and injuring 84, 6 critically. Judging by the texts and calls I've had in the last few hours it seems there is a collective "near miss" feeling that inevitably affects those who recently flew and travelled through Schiphol. I'll post the round up tomorrow.

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

We're all back from San Fran and the one minus (apart from having to come home) is that we missed seeing the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. There was a brief period on Thursday afternoon when I thought we could go to their charity bingo event (following Peter's fine recommendation to go and see their bingo) but unfortunately I'd got muddled with my days of the week and thought it was Wednesday (the day of the bingo) so we missed it by a day. Nicola has not recovered from the trauma and clearly continues to weep inside. Below, for everyone, but Nicola in particular, is the Sisters doing their bingo a couple of years ago. She really wanted to see a spanking (see the video). I'm saying nothing. You can see a bit of background to the Sisters here. Hopefully see you next year Sisters! The UK has a number of order's, and the Manchester, can be viewed here.

San Francisco: Day Four

Day four was the last full day in SF and a day for everyone to do what they want. For me and my colleague, Nicola Wake, it was an opportunity to walk over to the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a scorcher of a day (at least to this European used to the cold February weather of Northern England) and it took around three hours to stroll over, following the path of the bay. It was all rather spectacular. That brings us to today - day five and time to back up and head back. It's been a great few days and my sadness at leaving is only matched by my excitement at returning in August.

In the coming days I'll be adding the reflections of the students and hundreds more pictures to the online gallery. Wish us a safe journey home.

San Francisco: Days Two and Three

Well I'm more or less packed ready for the return journey home but I've not been blogging about our last few days. Thursday saw us visit San Francisco University for a talk on the events surrounding the death of Harvey Milk and George Moscone by the wonderful Peter Novak and Brian Budds. It was a warm sunny day and everyone seemed to really enjoy the day. I'll let the students speak for themselves in their own posts! We then wondered over to the Haight neighbourhood which is kind f a throw back to the hippie sixties. Needless to say, on an increasingly hot day, it made for a great afternoon.

A similarly gorgeous day followed on the Friday when we headed over to the Castro for a general wonder around. We popped into the Human rights Action Center were people were given free Harvey Milk buttons (thanks guys) and purchased items that contributed to the work of the organisation. We then strolled back down to the GLBT Historical Society exhibition 'Passionate Struggle'. It's a small but moving exhibition which ahs taken over a small shop. Everyone was taken aback at the presence of Harvey Milk's suit and shoes at the back of the exhibition. It's the suit he was shot in and the blood and bullet wounds are still clearly visible. We were joined by a new volunteer at the center (I think it was his first day) who chatted to us about Milk and the exhibition. As he did so 9and I hope he doesn't mind me saying this) he was on the edge of tears. He gave some great advice about where to call in for a drink and a bit more background to the area. His final comment was 'take a bit of Harvey back with you'. It seems so cliched as I write it but at the time it nearly finished me off emotionally. Hope and understanding are as important today as ever and if twelve 20 somethings go back to the UK with re-shaped ideas and hopes its worked. For this twenty something, it means I'll be back to the UK looking for what more I can do to affect change.

In the New Century I think We Will All Be Insane

As I'm sure I've previously mentioned on this blog over the years, I adore Tony Kushner's Angels in America. 'Brilliant' just doesn't do it justice but I was inspired to think of it once more earlier this evening during when I decided t carry on down market Street for a wander whilst others shopped. As I headed towards the city hall and went through a slightly seedier and for more engaging part of the city, I encountered not one or two but several men and women who were more than likely homeless and in all cases talking to themselves, shouting what might be called obscenities and generally being like someone society might call a 'crazy'. As I continued along, I passed a woman who stank of weed and who was singing and waving her arms to a portable CD player she was carrying. She caused those in front to pick up pace including a camp young man who joined the young woman all ready in front of me. They exchanged pleasantries and joked they were both fleeing from the "crazy" woman behind them . The guy remarked that he had just had a "blow job" from down the road (BlowBuddies and a few other similar sex club style joints were close by) and the girl said "oh I've just been shopping" as a perfectly normal exchange between strangers. Fabulous, and not something you often overhear in Sunderland or Newcastle.

As I continued further along another guy came towards me wildly waving his arms about and walking about in n erratic manner He was screaming "I'm gonna pop that nigger" and a range of other things. Another "crazy", no as I soon realised a guy talking into his hands free mobile.

In Angels in America, towards the end of a conversation between Thompson (playing a "crazy" homeless woman) and Streep (playing the Mormon mom of another character coming to terms with his sexuality) Thompson's character remarks: "In the new century, I think we will all be insane". As I walked down Market Street tonight, I found myself in a postmodern thought process- are we already insane and what is 'sanity' in our society. Why is one form of public shouting and someone we can not see or hear acceptable and it unacceptable, even fear inspiring, in others.

Tomorrow we are all visiting the University of San Francisco and I'll let you all know how that goes.

San Francisco: Day One

Well day one down and most of us popped over to Alcatraz for an insight and historical perspective into the American penal system. The weather has really been kind to us today and it made for a really nice day. Later on, we went to see the sea lions at Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf and do some junk shopping (I swear half of China's souvenier output was here). I've uploaded my pics from the first day and we'll upload lots more from students in due course. Alex came into her own by displaying amazing toy picking skills from the drop and snatch machine at the Pier. You can see them and their newly acquired Spongebob Squarepants doll in the pics. Spongebob was the controversial choice of tourism icon for the Cayman Islands a few years back but local groups protested because he was a gay icon and they feared the island would be swamped by gay men enticed by the advert. Just thought I'd throw that in. It was during this display of drop and snatch prowess that we were joined by a lovely lady who did get rather excited in the spirit of Japanese game shows. Sadly I didn't film her initial jumping up and down but we did get her encounter with Greg which is in the album along with some other videos. You can view the Snatch video here and the full album here. Later on we went on the Cable car through Chinatown and on to Union Square where everyone (apart from miserable git me) got terribly excited by Abercrombie and Fitch and went on a purchasing binge By now, it was getting late and I pottered down Market Street to the United Nations Plaza and stunning City Hall (scene of the historic Milk shooting) which can be seen in the pics. More about this little journey in the next post.

Reflections on the Journey

Already I'm running a little behind but first off, let me bring you all upto date with the journey which took us from Newcastle to san francisco via Amsterdam and Minneapolis. Most of us were really struck by the enhanced security at Amsterdam and I was somewhat surprised when a security man thrust his hands into my boxers during a search. I'm really not sure which one us was the more surprised. Anyway, onto the flights and the Northwestern Airways crew that took us from Amsterdam seemed rather 'anti-steward'. First off we had Patty, the rather fabulous all American who adorned her uniform with American flag inspired badges and a rather prominant anti-Osama Bin Laden badge. Not the type of thing you see on BA. Then we had another interesting lady who hobbled about the plane struggling and bobbing her head around like one of those old football (should I say soccer?) rattles. Why am I telling you all this? Well, usually we have the young and glamerous who still largely domiante our airlines. Far from being 'mumsy' (and we're not talking MILF's here) most stewardesses seem highly gendered and sexualised. The camp male steward is a sterotype, but one rooted in the experiences of many. The Northwestern sewards reallly challenged those traditional conceptions. No stewards strutting like peacocks with them. Lovely folks though they be.

Tickets, Money, Passport!!

Well it's a cool but sunny morning in San Francisco. We all arrived last night for the Law and Sexuality field trip and I'll be blogging some first thoughts later today. Before I went I was going to post this video but didn't get round to it. Thanks to a scene in Absolutely Fabulous I always have a mantra going round my head when I'm about to fly somewhere - "tickets, money, passport". See the clip below (try it from 6.40mins). We might not have had a baggage conveyor moment (thanks to the herculean bag lifting efforts of Greg) but Rob may wish want to remember the "tickets, money, passport" mantra in future - especially the passport bit! It wouldn't be a law trip without Rob sprinting to the last...

San Francisco

This time next week, a group of undergraduate law and sexuality students and myself will (hopefully) be in San Francisco on the first Law and Sexuality international field trip. Throughout the week we will be blogging our reflections on events together with posting pictures of the experience so keep a look out! During the trip we'll be visiting the University of San Francisco for a talk on 'the twinkie defense', taking a queer space walkabout, spending some time in the Castro and visiting the GLBT Historical Society in the city, not to mention the usual tourist haunts.

Gay Marriage Delay in New York

Pink News reports: 'The New York state Senate Majority leader has said he does not have enough support to win a vote on same-sex marriage'. It's interesting to see this state level development of law in relation to gay rights within the USA. It's also interesting to note that whilst there continues to be a nuanced debate about marriage/partnerships in the US (in contrast to say the pre Civil Partnership period in the UK) the 'mainstream' political debate continues to work along polarised yes/no lines.

Police in Porn Couple Escort

After a really horrid day (which did include me beating a kitchen foil roll to oblivien) it was ncie to see once cheary story in the news. The US based 365 site has a story about a Boston cop who is now under investigation for delivering a couple of strippers and porn stars from the airport to a club - with lights flashing. Of course, it is an abuse of police resources etc etc but I'd much rather it was on getting Arden and Jordan Jaric whose film credits apparently include 'Endless Crush' (pictured right) to a club rather than spending time raiding porn cinemas or hunting around cruising spots at 3am for men to arrest. You can read more here. The original Boston Globe story can be read here.

Mr Gay World 2009

The Irish Independent brings news today that it's Irishman Max Krzyzanowski (doesn't he sound so Irish? Apparently he's of Polish descent) has won the title Mr Gay World 2009 in the global competition, hosted this year in Canada. At the risk of throwing stones whilst living in a glasshouse, having taken a look at the other entrants, I can't help but thinking that the criteria is not merely about looks? The MGW site can be viewed here.

LGBT History Month

I've mentioned it earlier this year but haven't given it the focus it deserves. This month is LGBT History Month - the very reason that Police forces in London and Wales seem to be getting into a spot of bother with flags. LGBT History Month have their own website that has details of events, forums and lots of resoruces. T-shirts and badges can be purchased to support their wodnerful efforts here. There are some 'North East' events which can be viewed here but rather depressingly nothing much further than Leeds.

Making Babies and Deconstructing the Family

The Guardian family section carried an interesting piece yesterday written by Catherine Hall. Catherine is trying to start something of an unconventional family, having moved to London from Milan last September with her friend who is a gay man. She is a lesbian. Together, they are seeking to conceive a child. It might sound faintly like the dreadful Madonna film, 'The Next Best Thing' but it gets a little more complex and the article is a fascinating exploration of deconstructing the family model. It can be read here.

New York Porn Shop Arrests

There's some interesting news coming out of New York where there has been a large rise in the number of gay men arrested for prostitution at Manhattan adult video stores. It appears that far from being prostitutes, the Police are simply using this as an excuse to arrest the men and in turn to close down these sort of porn shops. Read the full story here.

Police Raise the Flag (but they won't be so naughyt again!)

Thanks to Sean for 'flagging up' this story with me. February marks LGBT History Month and the Sun reported earlier in the week when it was revealed that London's Limeshouse Police Station had removed the Union Jack and was flying the Rainbow flag instead. The full story can be viewed here.

Milk

I went to see Milk last week and found it amazing. There were so many layers to the film. The candle lit parade had echoes of the AIDS vigils that I've seen and attended. It brought back memories of standing outside Sheffield Civic Centre on a cold day during what must have been 2000 or maybe 2001 desperately trying to stop my candle from going out. Throughout the film there are many scenes like that which have an immediate meaning within the context of the film but I suspect trigger memories, sadness, laughs and a whole assortment of emotions in many gay and lesbian viewers. The film is equally of importance to straight audiences to understand who this guy Harvey Milk was and why he's so damn important. The film also explains with passion the importance of being 'out' and explores the controversial idea of forcibly 'outing' people. I found the argument persuasive for the first time in a scene in which Sean Penn as Milk delivers a passionate advocacy of forcibly outing folks.

There is this amazing video based on a speech (which is also in the film) delivered by the real Harvey Milk. I've also re-posted the Milk trailer below it.