Below are a selection of snippets from my former blog ‘Out on a dike’. You can read my latest news and commentary at the new blog on this site.
Nottingham is a Festival of Words
Monday, August 25, 2014
Pippa Hennessy has given me a hefty nudge to get on with something. It’s about time too! Could there be any better way to begin afresh all over again at this old blog than in celebration of Nottingham’s second Festival of Words?
I’ve been tagged! And there’s not even a curfew. Just a licence to write. more …
A Night of Lesbian Entertainment
Sunday, February 25, 2007
What might that look like? I can think of a few things. But if I have to start somewhere, then An L of a Night at Nottingham Playhouse paints a satisying image. That’s where I spent an enjoyable evening last night, along with my partner and 708 other lesbians! Can you imagine that many lesbians in one room? more …
Shaved: when the media has it in for you
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The stereotypes about women with shaved heads are alive and well, then. I don’t know if Britney Spears is experiencing a breakdown. Perhaps she is. It’s none of my business, and not for me to judge. But why should the media assume that choosing to shave her head is the ultimate sign that she’s close to the edge and no longer in control of her own actions? Why can’t this be an act of self-care? more …
Hair to Stay
Friday, January 12, 2007
Good for Shazia Mirza, the British Muslim comedian, whose New Year’s resolution was to stop shaving her body hair. Is hair really one of the last taboos when it comes to the female body? Is it true that hairiness will not be tolerated? more …
Keeping On Coming Out
Friday, September 8, 2006
Julie R. Enszer won’t be celebrating National Coming Out Day this year. She says the focus on individual action, encouraging each person to come out and tell their story, has resulted in a whole generation of narcissistic queer people and doesn’t further the human rights cause. Julie believes that equality can only be achieved through an awareness of social responsibility and collective action. more …
Welcome to the World, Baby Dyke
Friday, August 4, 2006
It’s 20 years to the week since I came out for the very first time by uttering the words “I think I’m gay” within earshot of another human being. It was very, very scary, and also exhilarating and liberating. From there, I just wanted to tell more and more people more …
Lesbians on TV: fewer ponytails please!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
The May edition of Diva dropped through my letterbox last week, its front cover advertising a subject close to my heart: Lesbians on TV. Even the obligatory picture is there of (Brookside characters) Beth Jordache and Margaret Clemence kissing. more …
The future’s pink
Monday, January 23, 2006
Does everyone who writes for The Guardian or Observer need to be called Polly? Today, in The Guardian, Polly Curtis turned her attention to the pink pound. more …
Deeply Depilatory
Sunday, January 22, 2006
I came across a hair-related article the other day just crying out for my response. After all, I am the woman who shaves her head and lets the remainder of her body hair fend for itself – apart from one or two stray eyebrows, that is. (We all have our weaknesses.) more …
Out on a Brighton dike
Monday, September 5, 2005
Today I’m sorting out my best clothes ready to venture into that other British gay coastal resort beginning with B. The one that isn’t Blackpool. That would be Brighton, then. The number one (it has to be said) British gay coastal resort beginning with B. more …
You don’t always get what you want
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
A selection (a very small selection) of films from the 19th London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival are playing in Nottingham this week at Broadway. I did at least remember to check what was on this year. Months go by and I forget to view a Broadway programme, even though they’re available in the foyer where I work. more …
Somewhere in the rainbow
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
The Pride season has started. On Sunday I went over to Birmingham for an hour to squeeze myself through the crowded streets. I amused the people selling the ‘end homophobia’ wrist bands by picking over the rainbow ones. A rainbow colour version is now available to complement the pink. more …
On this day …
Saturday, April 30, 2005
On Saturday 30 April 1988, I joined the demonstration in London protesting against Clause 28. Clause 28 was passed into law as Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 on 24 May, with support of then Local Government minister, Michael Howard. How many connections there are for one week, almost half a lifetime on! Don’t forget that’s what the man stands for when it comes to voting this May 5th. more …
Dykeopoly
Sunday, April 24, 2005
I know the sun is shining and I should be out there enjoying the spring weekend, but instead I’m looking back to the depths of winter and my activities in the Christmas break, when a certain activity present kept me busy. more …