Ruth Pearce
Ruth is a writer, activist, rock DJ and wannabe musician. She gains a somewhat masochistic satisfaction from juggling these interests with several part-time jobs and an ongoing PhD in Sociology. Articles, setlists and ramblings from Ruth can be found at her 'meta-blog', Ruth's Corner.
Writers
Articles
Radfem 2013 cancelled: should we care?
Radfem 2013 – a women-only conference that aims to “rebuild a radical feminist movement” – appears to have been barred from the organisers’ preferred venue. Those who planned to attend the event are quite understandably unimpressed. However, others are celebrating [...]
April 25, 2013
Articles
Who invited “ex-gay” activists to the House of Commons?
A debate on gay conversion therapy will be held in a Parliamentary committee room tomorrow. Entitled “Sexual reorientation therapy: Freedom to change?”, the event has been organised by two right-wing Christian organisations: Christian Concern and Core Issues (“God’s heart in [...]
January 29, 2013
Articles
Transphobia in The Guardian: no excuse for hate speech
Julie Burchill’s bizarrely vitriolic attack on trans people raises a couple of important questions. Firstly, why is it that some lesbian and bisexual women find it so hard to comprehend the oppression of others? And secondly, why is it that [...]
January 13, 2013
Articles
Who needs equality anyway?
The British Government don’t seem particularly keen on equality. And who can blame them? It’s an outdated concept that carries dangerous connotations of socialist conspiracy and time-wasting bureaucracy. You just need to glance at the news to see the latest [...]
November 20, 2012
Articles
Speak out against rape with Slutwalk and Reclaim the Night
The news has been inundated with awful stories about rape recently. So why not take a stand against sexual violence this autumn? One thing after another From the Julian Assange case to the bizarre proclamations of US Republicans, it’s [...]
August 25, 2012
Articles
Who is Manchester Pride really for?
Controversy has erupted following the announcement that “bad boy actor” Danny Dyer – a man not shy of advocating violence against women – will be DJing at Manchester Pride. What were the organisers thinking? And what does this booking say [...]
August 21, 2012
Articles
Pussy Riot trial isn’t just about Putin
Russian girl punks Pussy Riot have gained a great deal of media coverage following their brave stand against the autocratic Putin regime. But the group are also important because of their explicit support for LGBT rights. Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova [...]
August 9, 2012
Articles
Queer zombies in court defeat
Last year, I wrote an article on Lesbilicious about the arrest and alleged sexual assault of individuals intending to participate in a “zombie flashmob” organised in part by anti-cuts group Queer Resistance.
July 19, 2012
Articles
8 lesbilicious fictional characters we wish would come out
Gay comic book superheroes seem to be ten a penny these days. But who else is still lurking in the TV / book character closet? Which characters resonated with you as a child, and in hindsight it’s clear why?
June 3, 2012
Articles
Scottish Conservative Party elects first lesbian leader
MSP Ruth Davidson became the first openly gay leader of a major British political party at the weekend when she was chosen to lead the Scottish Conservatives.
November 7, 2011
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Majority of women may be bisexual
New research from the United States suggests that the majority of women experience same-sex attraction.
October 25, 2011
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£10,000 for Reading LGBT centre
Councillors from all parties in Reading unanimously backed a motion to provide local charity Support U with accommodation and funding.
October 20, 2011
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US Senate narrowly confirms lesbian judge
The US Senate has confirmed out lesbian Alison Nathan as a federal judge in New York’s Southern District. A Republican backlash threatened the appointment just hours before it was due to take place.
October 14, 2011
Articles
Tegan and Sara to release live album and DVD
Fey indie twins Tegan and Sara have announced the release of “Get Along”, a new CD/DVD live album due for release worldwide on 15th November.
October 13, 2011
Articles
Government to cut aid for homophobic countries
Ministers have announced plans to slash aid for African countries with a poor LGBT rights record.
October 12, 2011
Articles
Massive gains for LGBT-friendly party in Polish election
The Palikot Movement has gained 10% of the popular vote in Poland’s parliamentary elections. The new centre-left party, a supporter of LGBT rights, now includes the country’s first gay and trans MPs.
October 11, 2011
Articles
Thousands occupy Westminster Bridge in NHS protest
Up to three thousand people joined a UK Uncut demonstration against the government’s plans for NHS reform yesterday. A spokesperson for the group described the protest as the “biggest act of mass civil disobedience against the cuts so far”.
October 10, 2011
Articles
Four found guilty of murdering lesbian in South Africa
Four men have been found guilty of the murder of a gay woman in Cape Town. The conviction comes after a lengthy five-year court battle.
Articles
Queer campaigners to block Westminster Bridge
LGBTQI activist group Queer Resistance are planning a “pink bloc” at the UK Uncut demonstration “Block the Bridge, Block the Bill” this weekend. Attendees plan to voice their opposition to the government’s proposed NHS reforms during the protest.
October 7, 2011
Articles
Seychelles to decriminalise homosexuality
The government of Seychelles has indicated that it will take action to recognise lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans rights following pressure from the United Nations.
October 6, 2011
Articles
Cameron: ‘I support gay marriage because I am a Conservative’
The Prime Minister urged fellow Tories to back gay marriage during his keynote speech at the Conservative party conference yesterday.
Articles
Popular queer cafe to close
London’s First Out Cafe-Bar is due to close on the 29th of October following an increase in rent and other changes to the lease for the property.
October 5, 2011
Articles
Passports to acknowledge same-sex parents
The Home Office has announced that same-sex parents in the United Kingdom will be recognised as such on their children’s passports from 2012.
October 4, 2011
Articles
Unusual arrests follow LGBT rights clash in Moscow
Around 40 people were detained in the Russian capital at the weekend following a confrontation between LGBT demonstrators and a homophobic counter-protest.
October 3, 2011
Articles
Theresa May would ‘like to see the Human Rights Act go’
The Home Secretary has called for the abolition of the Human Rights Act in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph.
October 2, 2011
Articles
School inspectors to rate LGBT provisions
Inspection body Ofsted will examine how well schools provide for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans pupils following the introduction of new guidelines in January 2012.
September 30, 2011
Articles
Religious groups back equal marriage in Scotland
A coalition of faith groups has emerged to back the Scottish Youth Parliament’s call for marriage equality.
September 29, 2011
Articles
Airline boots ‘L Word’ star after lesbian kiss
Actress and musician Leisha Hailey is calling for a boycott of US company Southwest Air. She was unceremoniously ejected from a flight after sharing a kiss with her girlfriend.
September 27, 2011
Articles
LGF announce Homo Hero Award winners
Sir Ian McKellen and Manchester Pride organiser Jackie Crozier were amongst the winners at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation 2011 Homo Hero Awards.
September 24, 2011
Articles
Queer protesters picket European Diversity Awards
Around 50 people demonstrated outside an extravagant awards ceremony in London last night. The event attracted criticism after controversial gay journalist Julie Bindel and several organisations associated with tax-dodging were nominated for awards.
September 23, 2011
Articles
Gay couples less likely to divorce
Newly released figures from the Office of National Statistics indicate that straight couples in England and Wales are more likely to divorce than same-sex partners. The findings come against a backdrop of growing public support for civil partnerships and gay marriage.
Articles
Turkish minister backs LGBT rights
Turkey’s government looks set to consider protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people from discrimination in a re-haul of the country’s constitution.
September 22, 2011
Articles
Newlyweds to sue after Thompson honeymoon ‘nightmare’
A lesbian couple claim that they were treated in a “homophobic manner” during a Thompson holiday in the Dominican Republic.
September 21, 2011
Articles
Gender-neutral passports a possibility
The Home Office is considering the introduction of passports that do not include a gender marker. The proposed change would benefit individuals who do not identify as female or male.
September 19, 2011
Articles
Intersex advocates slam ‘corrective surgery’ conference
The IV World Congress on Hypospadias and Disorders of Sex Development (ISHID 2011) will be held in London this weekend. Intersex activists say that the event – which is to include a “live surgery” – will promote infant genital mutilation.
September 13, 2011
Articles
Police record more incidents of homophobic hate crime
Police figures for England, Wales and Northern Ireland show a rise in recorded incidents of homophobic, transphobic and disablist hate crime. However, overall levels of recorded hate crime have fallen.
September 10, 2011
Articles
Activists hold first ever International Intersex Forum
Advocates from every continent met for the world’s first International Intersex Organising Forum in Brussels at the weekend. The new Forum vowed to oppose ‘normalising’ surgeries and other forms of discrimination.
September 8, 2011
Articles
Heather Peace to star in Waterloo Road
Lip Service star Heather Peace will return to UK screens in September as a teacher in BBC1 school drama Waterloo Road.
September 7, 2011
Articles
Lecturer criticises gendering of Scottish abuse law
An academic based at the University of Dundee has claimed that the Scottish Government’s definition of domestic violence renders lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people ‘invisible’.
Articles
Primary school teachers report thousands of homophobic incidents
A Freedom of Information request has revealed that 20,400 primary school pupils were labelled as “homophobic” or “racist” by their teachers during the past academic year.
September 5, 2011
Articles
Government tells councils to stop monitoring equality
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced an end to “unnecessary and intrusive” surveys that include questions about sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, race and religion.
September 3, 2011
Articles
Scotland launches gay marriage consultation
The Scottish government has launched a consultation on marriage equality and religious civil partnerships.
September 2, 2011
Articles
Organisers plan Moscow Pride in 2112
LGBT rights activists in Russia have applied to hold a Pride demonstration in Moscow every year for the next century, starting in 2012. The move is intended to highlight the “absurdity” of official bans on Pride.
August 31, 2011
Articles
Amber Heard refuses to ‘label’ her sexuality
American actress Amber Heard has declared that she doesn’t “want to be labeled as one thing or another” following media attention for her relationship with another woman.
August 30, 2011
Articles
Minister disappears after revealing lesbian relationship
A minister in the Church of Scotland has sparked controversy by announcing her same-sex relationship and desire to marry.
August 29, 2011
Articles
Cameroon to equate gay sex with paedophilia
LGBT rights activists in Cameroon say that the government is preparing to toughen laws against homosexuality by blurring the line between gay sex and paedophilia.
August 28, 2011
Articles
US census records dramatic increase in gay couples
The number of US census respondents who describe themselves as being in a same-sex relationship has risen by 52% in the last decade.
August 27, 2011
Articles
Firework mob target Kentucky lesbians
A lesbian couple in the US state of Kentucky say that their family was attacked in a horrific hate crime on 4th July.
August 26, 2011
Articles
Lesbian couple separated by force in Indonesia
Religious police in the Indonesian province of Aceh have released a lesbian couple from detention on the condition that they remain apart.
Articles
Can Lady Gaga turn Marge Simpson bi?
Eccentric pop icon Lady Gaga claims that she is set for a lesbian kiss with Marge in an upcoming episode of The Simpsons.
August 25, 2011
Articles
Gay Israeli soldiers report widespread abuse
A survey conducted by Israel Gay Youth Organisation has indicated that over 40% of gay and lesbian soldiers in the Israel Defence Forces experience homophobic harassment.
August 24, 2011
Articles
Sperm donor removed from birth certificate in Australia
A court in the Australian state of New South Wales has ruled in favour of a lesbian mother who sought to remove the biological father from her daughter’s birth certificate.
August 23, 2011
Articles
Zebra finches form lasting gay relationships
A new study reveals that zebra finches are capable of forming dedicated same-sex partnerships.
August 16, 2011
Articles
Thousands ‘March for Marriage’ in Dublin
An estimated 4000 supporters of same-sex marriage marched to the Department of Justice in the Irish capital on Sunday.
August 15, 2011
Articles
Figures show Scottish support for equal marriage
A major survey has revealed that almost two-thirds of the Scottish population believe that gay marriage should be legal.
August 13, 2011
Articles
Chilean President pushes for same-sex civil unions
Chilean President Sebastián Piñera has formally proposed legislation to legalise same-sex civil unions. The move is set to fulfil a campaign promise from the conservative politician.
August 12, 2011
Articles
LGBT businesses hit in London as Birmingham’s Gay Village mostly escapes second night of rioting
The country’s only LGBT bookshop and a queer-friendly film distributor have both suffered losses during this week’s riots. However, the Gay Village in Birmingham was largely spared a second night of violence.
August 10, 2011
Articles
GO.GO to curate women’s tent at Brighton Pride
GO.GO festival organisers have announced an eclectic line-up of solo artists, bands and DJs for the women’s area at Brighton Pride on Saturday 13th August.
August 9, 2011
Articles
Riots spread to Birmingham’s Gay Village
Violence and looting took place in Birmingham’s Gay Village last night as riots hit the the UK’s second city.
Articles
Groundbreaking lesbian drama airs in South Korea
South Korea’s first ever mainstream lesbian drama was aired by terrestrial channel KBS 2TV on Sunday. The show immediately generated controversy for its depiction of gay lives.
August 8, 2011
Articles
SNP politicians attack gay marriage
A Member of the Scottish Parliament has drawn both support and criticism from his Nationalist colleagues after he tabled a motion stating that: “No person or organisation should be forced to be involved in or to approve of same-sex marriages.”
August 7, 2011
Articles
Thieves target LGBTI groups in Uganda
Computers containing a member list were stolen from the office of LGBTI women’s group Freedom and Roam Uganda last weekend. The raid happened just four days after a failed break-in targeting Sexual Minorities Uganda.
August 5, 2011
Articles
LBT women students at greater risk of sexual violence
New figures released by the National Union of Students indicate that over one third of women students who identify as lesbian, bisexual and/or trans (LBT) are the victims of a sexual assault.
August 4, 2011
Articles
Dolly Parton apologises to lesbian couple following homophobia at theme park
Country music legend Dolly Parton has issued an apology to a woman who was ordered to turn her “marriage is so gay” t-shirt inside-out at the “Dollywood” theme park.
August 3, 2011
Articles
Media silence on heroic couple who saved 40 lives
A lesbian couple saved the lives of 40 young people during the mass shooting committed by Anders Behring Breivik in Norway on 22 July. However, their bravery has been largely ignored by the English-language media.
August 2, 2011
Articles
Australian school bans lesbian couples
Current students and alumni are seeking to overturn a ban on same-sex partners at an all-girls school in Perth.
August 1, 2011
Articles
Italy rejects LGBT discrimination bill
The lower house of Italy’s parliament has rejected legislation designed to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people from discrimination and hate crime.
July 28, 2011
Articles
Uganda recognises LGBTI lobby
In a surprise move, the Ugandan government has appointed lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex lobby group Uhspa-Uganda to a high-profile Ministry of Health committee. However, LGBTI people still face legislative threats in the country.
July 27, 2011
Articles
LGBTI body wins UN recognition
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association has achieved United Nations accreditation. The group, which works to combat homophobia and transphobia throughout the world, spent many years campaigning for UN recognition.
July 26, 2011
Articles
Campaign sees greatly increased uptake in cervical screenings
An awareness-raising campaign has greatly increased the number of lesbian and bisexual women accessing cervical screening services in the North West, with surveys suggesting a 49% rise in attendance.
July 25, 2011
Articles
Minister orders arrest of all gay people in Ghana’s Western Region
A Ghanaian minister has told security services to arrest all people suspected of engaging in same-sex acts. Paul Evans Aidoo also asked ordinary people to inform upon those suspected of being lesbian or gay.
July 22, 2011
Articles
Students slam ‘inaccurate’ Stonewall guide
LGBT student leaders and university societies from across the country have criticised Stonewall’s second annual guide to gay-friendly universities.
July 21, 2011
Articles
Non-gendered titles see increased recognition
A number of banks, public bodies and other major organisations have begun to accept the titles “Mx” and “Misc”, which may be used as a non-gendered alternative to honorifics such as “Miss”, “Ms” and “Mr”.
Articles
725,000 tune in to Candy Bar Girls
It has been revealed that almost three-quarters of a million people watched the second episode of Channel 5′s Candy Bar Girls last week.
July 18, 2011
Articles
LGBT rights ‘will always be condemned’ in South Sudan
The Republic of South Sudan became the world’s newest country this week after 99% of voters backed independence in a referendum. However, the new country’s government looks set to actively oppose LGBT liberation.
July 15, 2011
Articles
Commonwealth chief condemns homophobia
The chief executive of the Commonwealth of Nations condemned homophobia in a historic statement this week.
Articles
Equality body’s U-turn on LGBT rights
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has announced a change in its approach to discrimination claims on the grounds of religion and belief, a shift that looks set to come at the expense of LGBT people.
July 14, 2011
Articles
Lady Gaga mistakes Australian PM for lesbian
Lady Gaga branded Julia Gillard a “hypocrite” during a TV interview on Monday after assuming that the Australian Prime Minister was in a gay relationship.
July 12, 2011
Articles
Microsoft withdraws from Christian Values Network
Computing giant Microsoft has withdrawn its online store from the Christian Values Network after a petition highlighted the latter organisation’s link to “anti-gay hate groups”.
July 11, 2011
Articles
Lesbian couples more likely to marry
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics show that women in gay relationships are more likely to enter into a civil partnership than men.
July 10, 2011
Articles
Significant HIV risk for lesbian and bisexual women in southern Africa
Ongoing research has suggested that lesbian and bisexual women in southern Africa are increasingly likely to be at risk of HIV infection.
July 7, 2011
Articles
Birmingham Pride ‘should remain free’
A representative of Birmingham Pride has declared that the festival is likely to remain “free” in coming years. The revelation comes just weeks after organisers suggested that they may charge for future events.
July 6, 2011
Articles
Chinese actress under fire for homophobic comments
An award-winning Chinese actress has been criticised by state broadcaster CCTV and banned from a high-profile awards show after she shared a homophobic message on Twitter.
July 5, 2011
Articles
US Embassy hosts Pride celebrations in Pakistan
The US Embassy in Islamabad has attracted criticism from Pakistani religious leaders after holding an LGBT Pride celebration.
July 4, 2011
Articles
Advocates call for equal marriage in India
LGBT activists in India are calling for the legalisation of gay marriage on the anniversary of a Delhi High Court ruling that decriminalised gay sex.
July 1, 2011
Articles
Candy Bar Girls come under criticism
Ofcom has launched an investigation into a series of promos for the upcoming Channel 5 show “Candy Bar Girls” after the media regulator received ten complaints about the shorts.
June 30, 2011
Articles
UNISON elects first black woman president and first lesbian vice-president
One of the UK’s largest unions has elected Maureen Le Marinel as its first ever lesbian vice-president. She replaces Eleanor Smith, who has become UNISON’s first black woman president.
June 28, 2011
Articles
Poll reveals Muslim support for gay rights
A poll conducted by think-tank Demos has indicated that Muslims are particularly likely to be “proud” of gay rights in Britain.
Articles
Mass wedding draws Catholic ire in the Philippines
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has condemned gay marriage following a mass wedding in Baguio City.
June 27, 2011
Articles
David Cameron hosts second LGBT reception
The Prime Minister has hosted his second annual reception for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community at Number 10.
June 23, 2011
Articles
Lesbians wed in Nepal as government considers gay marriage ban
An American couple tied the knot during Nepal’s first public gay wedding on Monday. However, the status of same-sex marriage is currently contested in the Himalayan country.
June 22, 2011
Articles
Google goes gay
A rainbow has been added to one side of the Google search bar, appearing as users type in terms such as “lesbian”, “gay”, “bisexual”, “transgender” and “queer”.
June 20, 2011
Articles
UN resolution condemns LGBT discrimination
The United Nations Human Rights Council has passed a historic resolution condemning discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
June 17, 2011
Articles
Presidential candidate scapegoats gays in Ghana
A presidential candidate in Ghana has called for a national referendum on the legalisation of homosexuality.
June 16, 2011
Articles
French parliament rejects gay marriage
The lower house of the French parliament has voted against a bill to legalise same-sex marriage.
June 15, 2011
Articles
Thousands oppose Brian Souter’s knighthood
Over 4500 people have signed a petition opposing the knighthood of multi-millionaire Brian Souter. The co-founder of Stagecoach achieved notoriety in 2000 after donating £1 million to a Scottish campaign to keep Section 28.
June 14, 2011
Articles
Prominent ‘lesbian’ netizens are actually straight men
The supposedly lesbian Syrian blogger responsible for “A Gay Girl in Damascus” was unveiled as a man over the weekend. Last night it emerged that the founder and editor of lesbian news site “Lez Get Real” is also a man.
Articles
US state recognises gay divorce (but not gay marriage)
The Supreme Court of Wyoming has ruled that a lesbian couple may file for divorce in spite of the state’s continuing ban on same-sex marriage.
June 8, 2011
Articles
Lesbian blogger abducted in Syria
A prominent gay activist was allegedly kidnapped by three unknown men in Damascus yesterday. Amina Abdallah Araf al Omari is known for her blog “A Gay Girl in Damascus”, which addresses sexuality and the Syrian revolution.
June 7, 2011