IDAHO DAY MAY 17th

May 17th marks world IDAHO day, International Day Against Homophobia, a worldwide day for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people, and heterosexual people supporting them, to come together to campaign for equal rights, equal treatment and reduce hate crime.

Currently only 11 countries recognise same sex marriages and shockinly 76 countries still prosecute people on the grounds of the sexual orientation. Part of the aim of IDAHO day is to make people aware of such inequalities, and promote the social acceptance of being LGBT.

May 17th was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the decision to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders, a turning point for the social acceptance of LGBT people.

An International Day Against Homophobia belongs to no one individual. It’s about all people hoping for a prejudice-free world that can provide a place at the table for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. Inspired by all world theme-days, the day set aside to fight homophobia needs to be appropriated by all of those actively involved in civil society: gay and lesbian community organisations, those organisations focusing on other types of sexual diversity, unions, employers, private businesses, governments, public administration, professional associations, and all individuals seeking equality.

This year Men's Sexual Health will be visiting Tesco Extra, Ocotal Way, Swindon to raise awereness for this day, and encourage the community of Swindon to show their support.

To find out more information on IDAHO and other events around the world, visit the official page http://www.dayagainsthomophobia.org

Published: 8th May 2012 by Matt (updated Thu 21st Jan)

Voluteers wanted!

National Volunteers Week is just around the corner (June 1st-7th), a time spent too highlight the benefits of being a volunteer and recruiting. And with Swindon & Wiltshire Pride 2012 fast approaching, now would be a fantastic time to give a small bit of your time to a local organisation.

There are many reasons why volunteering is such a good thing to do:

• Learn or develop a new skill
• Be part of your community
• Motivation and sense of achievement
• Boost career options
• Discover new interests and hobbies
• New experiences
• Meet a diverse range of new people, form new friendships
• Inspire others

Men's Sexual Health are involved in a variety of different areas of work, and should be able to find something to suite any kind of volunteer, whether it's engaging with the public at an event, or something more introverted in your own space, we hope to match what you are looking to do, the following is an example of some of the tasks that we need volunteers for:

• Condom Packing
• Fresher Fairs
• Swindon & Wiltshire Pride
• Health Fairs
• Writing articles for the website
• General Admin work
• Outreach at Gay Venues
• GUM Buddy Scheme

Anyone can offer to volunteer, but it would be beneficial considering the line of work we do to be open minded, possibly understand some of the issues the LGBT community face, and some knowledge of sexual and general health would be helpful but not essential. The majority of public events we take part in are Swindon based, so please keep this in mind when thinking about volunteering.

If you would like to volunteer, then either give us a call on 01793 250951, or email info@menssexualhealth.org.uk or alternatively please download a form and post it back to us where we will be in touch to offer you an interview.

For more information on national volunteers' week visit the website.

Published: 22nd May 2012 by Matt (updated Thu 21st Jan)