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my history
Gino's mission statement is to offer service and accurate information to everyone who is willing to take the time and energy in understandingtrue acceptance social inclusion and equality and diversity. Among many achievementsto date Gino is proud in share some of these with you :-
- Exclusive agreement with the National Trust in the UK and Scotland
- Public speaker for conferences, events and training
- The UK 's first Gay Wedding Show (Nov 2004). Raising awareness with the Gay Wedding Show in Belfast, Cardiff, Manchester and back to Brighton the day before the Civil Partnership became legal, The UK's official gay Wedding Show is now in its 4th year
- Toured the UK with the first pre - Civil Partnership road show
- Gay awareness programmes for the registration service
- Bringing commitment ceremonies to Pride across the UK
- Successfully campaigned for equal rights in the retail and goods sector, showing that people's and companies' perceptions of sexual orientation can be changed.
- Launched a charity Gay Surrey, to help the community of Surrey
- Launched stophatenow.org.co to encourage third party reporting to hate crime
- Consult for the Registration Service, Police, County Councils and the NHS
- Train on Equality and Diversity for a new market
- Consulted on the new Human Rights framework for the NHS for Equality and Diversity
- Changed rulings on Approved venue applications that discriminate
- Speaker for numerous events, including Equality Matters, Registration Service, International Day Against Homophobia and Number 10
- Took post as Chairman of the GBA (Gay Business Association) in 2007
- Consulted on the Single Equality Bill and Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill
- Speaker for the Wedding Professionals Conference, Reading and London on Civil Partnerships and Gay Rights
- Speaker at Surrey Schools Anti-bullying Event
- Gino wins "Everybody Matters" award given by Surrey County Council 2008
- Gino Meriano interviewed in ABTA magazine first and ground breaking gay and lesbian supplement
- 2008 Gino launches GMJ Travel in the USA visit website part of the World Ventures Group
- 2008 Leadership Forum - Diversity Yes, Stigma No - NHS
- BBC Radio 5 Live - interview on Civil Partnerships
- Speaker at EVENT UK 2008
- IGLCC Summit - London
- Community Correspondent with yourlocalguardian.co.uk
- Pink Weddings LLC sponsors UnifiedVoice.org
- Sponsors of Gay Rodeo, Road Runner Regional Rodeo
- Surrey County Council policy and performance directorate
- Book Launches 1st March 2009
- 2009 Profile Photoshoot with top photographer Matt Pereira Photography
- Supporters of Phoenix Pride 2009
- Brooklands FM radio interview
- International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia - May 17
2009
Radical Honesty and Big Brother UK
After returning back from the Equality and Human rights event, I enjoyed a lovely BBQ to celebrate my nieces 7th Birthday. When I got home I put the TV on and saw a clip of Big Brother that made we watch more, why ?
Now I know that most of the times the house is filled with Barbie and Ken's of this world with a few radical people but I observed “halfwit” real name Freddie in what I could only call the purest form of Radical Honesty
Freddie was being bullied and harassed and for speaking the truth, he had been victimised by at least 4 or 5 of the housemates to the point that would have made a person leave or lose all self control however on this occasion Freddie decided to speak to the truth in a mild and controlled tine to express how he was being treated and why no one liked him and the perception (created by the “gang” that he was a nasty character).
For this case we have 1) Freddie and 2)Gang
Freddie decided to speak the truth to everyone of the gang and express how he feels. In Radical Honesty when you push back what the world sees as your front person and bring the real person to the forefront and state nothing but the truth in a mild and controlled way you end up feeling a sense of achievement that you do not have to lie for the sake of making others feel better at your expense. But this comes with a price, when you finally learn the art of Radical Honesty and act on it like Freddie did yesterday people react in a very strange way – for example
• Believe your being aggressive, confrontational or just plain rude
• Aim to create a fight with you
• Unwilling to accept your truths and stumble in their replies
• Simply walk away to avoid any further perceived confrontation
Now Freddie proved all the signs of Racial Honesty and acted on them in the correct manner placing the Gang in a frenzy of despair, this eventually led to the gang grouping up and formulating their own conclusion which was based on lies to make each one of them feel better for the way they reacted towards Freddie
Now the ultimate
Freddie was then called into the Diary Room and asked “How are you feeling today” to which Freddie responded “great, it's been a really good day”, he expressed how we acted and that he told the truth to each member of the gang, a moment went by and Freddie realised to his surprise he actually felt “amazing” and expressed his excitement in the fact he has learnt that telling the truth without rasing your voice or being aggressive has an a amazing positive reaction and in his mind, job done
Gino Meriano interviewed on BBC Radio Berkshire about Catholic Adoption agencies
Earlier this morning Gino Meriano was invited into a debate which spoke about Catholic Adoption Agencies discriminating against same sex couples who wish to adopt.
Mr Meriano spoke out against the Catholic Agencies and continued to fight for same rights under the Sexual Orientation and Equality Act for same sex couples protection, he stated “the law was passed preventing discrimination in the retail and goods sectors which included Adoption agencies, in fact the agencies had almost an additional year to plan and prepare. In addition these agencies have a statutory duty to fall in line with the new laws or close down, while the majority have complied to the law there are still a small number that are fighting this through the courts and even the Charity Tribunal to make changes to openly discriminate against same sex couples, however even though these cases were lost, the battle for our rights is still not over”.
At the time Mr Blair said he believed ministers had found a "way through" to prevent discrimination and protect the interests of children, which all "reasonable people" should be able to acceptA Christian registrar was demoted to receptionist because she refuses to preside over gay ‘marriages' – and last night claimed she is facing dismissal.
Theresa Davies, 58, said she is being forced out of the £26,000-a-year job she loves because of her religious objections to same-sex civil partnerships.
Gino Meriano gay rights campaigner for same sex families comments “in 2004/5 I trained a number of registrars across the UK and explained the impact behind the Civil Partnership Act, this is now the second time this matter has been bought up and around 4 years later these claims are unjust and unfounded. The role as a registrar is to perform Civil Partnerships alongside opposite sex ceremonies by law not by religious beliefs, in fact her beliefs should be left at home. If she feels so strong about this then it is clear this role is not suitable for Miss Davies and should seek a position within the church. I can only congratulate the council for upholding the law under the Civil Partnership and Equality Act”.
The case parallels that of 48-year-old Lillian Ladele, the registrar who won a similar battle last year against Miss Davies's employers – Islington Council in North London.
Miss Davies has worked for the council for 18 years and was a friend and colleague of Miss Ladele in the same department.
She will send a strongly worded letter to all members of the House of Lords tomorrow, highlighting her plight and complaining of a ‘militant political-sexual libertarian lobby' at the council.
Miss Davies told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Britain is supposed to be a nation that respects freedom of conscience. But my conscience is not being respected. If Islington Council believes in dignity for all, why can't my beliefs be accommodated and why is my dignity not being respected?
‘I have nothing against homosexuals. My colleagues in the office will tell you that – and the openly gay ones have no problem with me. All I am asking is that the system can be arranged so I do not have to perform civil partnerships.'
At one point Miss Davies, who is not married, rose to deputy superintendent registrar – third in the hierarchy in the 16-strong department – although she then chose to return to the role of deputy registrar.
After the introduction of civil partnerships in December 2005 she told her bosses her beliefs would preclude her from performing same-sex ceremonies.
While her position was being discussed, she felt under so much pressure that in June 2006 she took four months' sick leave with stress.
On her return she says she was told that she would have to be demoted to an entry-level job on reception or face dismissal. Believing that she had no choice, she accepted and worked as a receptionist for the next two years, despite finding it humiliating.
She said: ‘I was shocked because I knew that if they had wanted to they could have accommodated me.
‘I know of other councils that have allowed Christian registrars to carry on by ensuring that colleagues are given civil partnerships – but I was told this was not Islington's policy.
‘I was very disappointed, very saddened and angry. It was humiliating to be back on reception, where I had started.'
When Miss Ladele won her employment tribunal case against Islington in July last year, Miss Davies was moved on to the general rota, though she had few marriages to conduct.
She was even put back on to the full marriage rota – but in December Islington Council won an appeal against Miss Ladele, upholding its right to insist that staff carry out civil partnerships. Miss Ladele is now taking her case to the Court of Appeal.
In January this year Miss Davies failed to conduct a civil partnership ceremony for which she was rostered – it was carried out by colleague instead – and a staff member complained.
In March, John Lynch, the head of her department, told her to perform civil partnerships or she would be removed from the marriage rota.
Last week, she was told she was being demoted to a reception job for a second time as part of a ‘restructuring'.
With the backing of the Christian Legal Centre, Miss Davies is now launching a grievance procedure against the council, arguing that she has been the victim of discrimination on the grounds of her religious beliefs.
She said: ‘Doctors can opt out of performing abortions on conscience grounds so why can't I opt out of civil partnerships?'
When the Government introduced new laws to criminalise the stirring up of hatred against gays and lesbians last year, Lord Waddington forced through an amendment to safeguard people's rights to make reasonable comments about homosexuals. But the Government is now trying to remove this amendment.
In her letter to peers, Miss Davies urges them to block the Government's attempt to do so.
An Islington Council spokesman said: ‘Following detailed discussions with Miss Davies, a year ago she accepted another job in the same team that did not require her to conduct civil partnerships or marriages.
‘Miss Davies made no formal response to a recent consultation on a restructure in the registrars' department, and we have no reason to think she was unhappy with her role.
‘Islington council expects employees to provide services to all sections of the community.
BBC Radio Berkshire interview on marriage
This morning Gino Meriano was interviewed on BBC Berkshire radio to join the debate about Marriages and the impact it holds on today's society which now includes Civil Partnerships.
Crown Prosection Service joins Gay Surrey in fighting discrimination in Surrey
The CPS is working together with Gay Surrey in order to raise awareness of crimes which have a Homophobic or Transphobic element. There will be many stages to this partnership, first is a dedicated page on Gay Surrey, increased awareness surrounding their detailed “Guidance on Prosecuting Cases of Homophobia and Transphobic Crime” booklet which can be found on the page and sponsorship of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2010, however this is only the start and there is more to come.
Gino Meriano Chair of Gay Surrey comments “This is fantastic news, not only for the charity but for our community and those who fear hatred and Homophobic crimes. Our continued work in building relationships and partnerships is ever ongoing and I personally welcome the CPS to Gay Surrey. For many years now we have stood together fighting discrimination in Surrey alongside key partners and to have the CPS join us can only enhance our work and provide a clearer understanding to our rights and protection under the correct circumstances”.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the Government Department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police in England and Wales
Portia Ragnauth Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS Surrey comments “Prejudice, discrimination or hatred of members of any part of our community based on their sexual orientation or gender identity have no place in a civilised society. We will thoroughly and properly investigate and fairly and vigorously prosecute these hate crimes in our courts. We want to help in providing an environment in which those affected by such incidents have the confidence to report what has occurred and support any prosecution that follows by giving their evidence in court.
We are very pleased to be able to work with the registered charity Gay Surrey so that we can promote a greater confidence in the Criminal Justice System”.
We as a charity welcomes this partnership and look forward to working hard in raising awareness in Surrey through proactive campaigning
BNP wins two seats in European elections
The British National Party won two seats in last week's European elections, with one seat in the north-west going to party leader Nick Griffin.
The other, in Yorkshire and the Humber, was won by Andrew Brons, a former National Front chairman.
This is the first time the party has won seats in a national election and also the first in a parliament or assembley.
Politicians from all three major parties had urged voters not to express their anger over the expenses scandal by voting for minority parties such as the BNP.
Griffin told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: “There's a huge amount of racism in this country, overwhelmingly it is directed towards the indigenous British majority, which is one reason we've done so well in these elections.
There was no direct comment made with regards to the gay community, however the BNP publicises its policy of tolerance to homosexuality in private, but states that it “should not be promoted or encouraged.”
The far right party will receive a £4 million boost to its income following its success in Brussels.
The party's gains success was met with disappointment by mainstream politicians, with equalities minister Harriet Harman saying: "I think it's a terrible thing that we've now got representing Britain in the European parliament a party that is a racist party, a party that doesn't believe black people should even be allowed to join this party.
" What extremist, far right, racist parties like the British National Party do is that they exploit people's fears and if people are worried about their future they turn inwards ."
Tory leader David Cameron said: "It is desperately depressing. It is obviously a depressing day, for all of us.
"The BNP are completely beyond the pale. what the mainstream parties have to do is prove their worth, get on the doorstep, explain to people how we are going to take up their concerns, how we are going to respond to their issues."
Last month, PinkNews.co.uk exclusively reported that the BNP had drawn up a list of politicians from all three main parties describing a number of gay MPs as "buggers" and "criminals", grouping them with convicted paedophiles.
The online list, titled "Liars, buggers and thieves", featured Labour MP Chris Bryant, who had semi-nude photos of himself from Gaydar published by a tabloid newspaper several years ago.
Other MPs featured included Labour MPs Ron Davies and Clive Betts. Neither Bryant, Davies or Betts have ever been convicted of any criminal offence.
Gino Meriano gay rights campaigner comments "I could not agree more with Harriet Harman, what have we resulted to in allowing this party to have any kind of say when they clearly promote seperation with no understanding towards true equality and fairness to all as human beings".
Surrey Police Budget Capping
We need your help, some of you may have heard the news about the cutting back of jobs in Surrey Police, this was sent to me earlier today and a petition has been set up – we need to get as many signatures as possible so please spread the word to all your contact lists, Newsletters, newspapers, friends, face book and so on
From Surrey Police Authority
You may have seen in the news recently that the Government is trying to cut the budget for policing in Surrey this year by £1.6m. This will result in 50 officer & staff jobs being lost, on top of the 144 already being taken out this year. Functions to be hit will include Safer Neighbourhood Teams providing crime prevention advice in local schools, Special Branch, Major Investigations and Roads Policing. We believe that cutting the budget of a top performing police force that is already accepted by the Government as "providing excellent value for money to the taxpayer" makes no sense at all, and is not in the best interests of the people of Surrey.
We have started a petition on the Surrey Police Authority website for local people to register their support for our campaign against these cuts and I was wondering if you would be able to circulate the link to the petition to Gay Surrey subscribers? We've had an amazing response so far - since we launched the petition on Thursday last week, more than 3,100 people have signed up, and more are signing at a rapid rate.
Churches to be banned from turning down gay staff
Religious groups are to be forced to accept gay youth workers, secretaries and other staff under new anti-discrimination laws.
Church leaders had hoped to be able to push for exemptions from the new laws but deputy equalities minister Maria Eagle has said the laws will cover almost all church employees.
Previously, any roles necessary “for the purposes of an organised religion” are exempt for gay protection laws.
But the Equality Bill will define this as applying only to those who lead the liturgy or spend the majority of the time teaching doctrine, such as ministers, bishops and their equivalents.
Speaking at the Faith, Homophobia, Transphobia, & Human Rights conference in London, Eagle said: “The circumstances in which religious institutions can practice anything less than full equality are few and far between.
“While the state would not intervene in narrowly ritual or doctrinal matters within faith groups, these communities cannot claim that everything they run is outside the scope of anti-discrimination law.
“Members of faith groups have a role in making the argument in their own communities for greater LGBT acceptance, but in the meantime the state has a duty to protect people from unfair treatment.”
Mike Judge of the Christian Institute said: “The Government's own explanation of the Bill clearly says churches must accept homosexuals as church youth workers.
“The Bill says nothing about the difference between an active homosexual and someone who has left the lifestyle but still experiences some same-sex attraction. This distinction is crucial for Christians.”
A Government Equalities Office spokesman said: “The Equality Bill will not force a church to accept someone as a priest regardless of their sexual orientation or gender.
“Churches, synagogues, mosques and others will continue to have the freedom to choose who they employ in jobs which promote their religion. But where they provide services to the public they will have to treat everyone fairly.”
Gino Meriano gay rights campaigner comments “this is a great move forward as we have seen many youth groups discriminate against the community purely because they are run by a Church. The Equality Bill clearly lays the law out in a manner that is fair and equal and while we wait for the entire bill to finally unfold we must be proud to see such changes that will allow social acceptance and human rights for all in our society”.
Weybridge awards add to Idaho anti-homophobia day
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (Idaho) was celebrated in Weybridge on Sunday, hosted by charity Gay Surrey.
Representatives from Surrey Fire and Rescue, Surrey Police, Elmbridge and Surrey County Council attended, along with a host of inspirational speakers.
More than 160 people attended the event, which included a barbecue, cocktails, speeches and, new for this year, the Heart of Equality Awards which recognise those that have made a significant contribution to the LGBT community.
Gay Surrey chairman Gino Meriano said: “The speakers were truly touching, sharing their heart filled stories and covering key issues surrounding life in Surrey.
“Some made many realise what an amazing community we are and opened some people's eyes to the good and bad, for that the charity thanks everyone that spoke yesterday.”
Among the speakers was Detective Chief Inspector Scott Salmon, who spoke about a new way of reporting hate crime on the Surrey Police website.
The online tool allows victims of hate crime to report it anonymously for the purpose of intelligence gathering, rather than securing prosecutions.
According to results from Gay Surrey's lifestyle survey, the reporting of hate crime was up 9 per cent from the previous year.
D Insp Salmon said: “We don't get it right all the time but we are improving.”
Both the charity and police agreed this was good news and showed the public's confidence in police competence and confidentiality was on the rise.
Former TV presenter and Gay Surrey patron Bill Buckley also made a speech.
He said: “I really do believe in the work that they do. It is such an important thing to be involved in.
“Even now we can take nothing for granted. There are still people who would turn back the clock [on gay issues] if they could and they will always exist.”
The plans are already being laid for next year's Idaho.
Mr Meriano said: “Thank you to everyone that supported the charity not only yesterday but over the years as well.”
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 and Parental Responsibility
By Karen Holden . Partner of A City Law Firm LLP
Whether you followed its passage through the House of Commons or cringed at the suggested amendments by the House of Lords, The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (“the Act”) received royal ascent and will become law. A little explored part of this Act is already in force however and it has a substantial impact upon the LGBT community for lesbian or gay couples wishing to have children through fertility treatment.
There is little social awareness of parenting by gay couples, however the new Act effectively starts to bring into line their parenting rights to those of a heterosexual couples entering into fertility treatment.
Section 42(1) allows a lesbian couple (A and B) who are in a civil partnership, at the time of placing the embryo, sperm, eggs or the artificial insemination of A, an automatic right to have both A and B on the birth certificate recorded as parents, unless it can be shown that B did not consent at the time of insemination. This is obviously good news as the partner of the mother does not now need to apply to the court for parental responsibility.
Where the same lesbian couple (A and B) are not in a civil partnership, A is not married to the biological father at the time of insemination and B consents to the insemination of the child, then B can be placed on the birth certificate as the “other parent” instead of the father. This is a subtle change from before, as now this can happen even where the father is known to the parents and so he will never receive parental responsibility for the child in the first instance. The on-going financial maintenance of the child is thus a further topic of discussion to explore as the act is applied.
The new law does not extend the same option however for gay male couples as the Act regulates fertility treatment of the mother rather than parental responsibility directly. In tangent to this, there remains an assumption that the woman giving birth to the child is going to be the primary carer not the father (who is not always placed on the birth certificate) and so only the mother gets an automatic right to parental responsibility. Gay couples will have to revert to current law where, now in contrast to a lesbian couple that conceive through fertility treatment, they must apply to a court to get an adoption order by consent from the surrogate mother who has automatic parental responsibility. This should not be considered as daunting as it sounds however if all parties agree to the adoption then it can be relatively quick in comparison to the standard adoption process and will remove any mother from a position of responsibility or obligation.
As you can see, this piece of legislation ultimately benefits lesbian couples to a much greater extent than it will for gay men mainly due to the fact that the Act is to regulate fertility treatment rather than surrogacy or parental responsibility directly. A further or more significant overhaul in the immediate future to remedy the evident discrepancies would be unexpected; however this legislation should still be hailed as wonderful progression in the area of family law for the LGBT community.
Gino Meriano gay rights campaigner and founder of Pink Weddings comments “this has been a long time coming, some we have all fought for and now heading, finally, in the right direction. I recall back around 2005 when Civil Partnership came into play and couples rejoicing to legal rights, then came the burning question about children, their protection and our rights to even have our names on the birth certificate, some 3 years later we see the act come into play and start to move us as a community forward to a move inclusive society and added legal rights to protect us all. But the work is not over yet and we still have a long way to go but it's always a great sign to see such support in ensuring the community gets what we rightly fully deserve under the eyes of the law”.
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia – May 17th 2009
Yesterday was a day to remember, despite the weather we actually had sun and the children had a great time on the bouncy castle, playing on the Fire Engine, police and Fire car. I say children but there were a few adults that were enjoying that part of the day too
The team at Gay Surrey worked so hard to make this day happen and the support was amazing with over 160 people attending the afternoon and evening, everyone was excited that so many helped the charity prove we are a great community and one that has families too.
The afternoon kicked off with a welcome IDAHO cocktail, the smells of the BBQ on the patio, the cutting of the IDAHO cake all making the launch of IDAHO packed with family fun with an atmosphere that was electric and one we will never forget
The exhibitors were amazing and we have received such positive responses about the work they are doing in helping the LGBT community, their family and friends within Surrey
The speakers were truly touching, sharing their heart filled stories and covering key issues surrounding life in Surrey, some made many realise what an amazing community we are and opened some people's eyes to the good and bad, for that the charity thanks everyone that spoke yesterday
The evening came to a great end with the launch of Gay Surrey's new yearly event -
Heart of Equality Awards
These awards were given to those who have worked hard in raising awareness to Equality and Diversity in Surrey
2009 winners
• Oatlands Park Hotel
• Elmbridge Borough Council
• Ian Cole
• Elmbridge Guardian Newspaper
• Sam King
• TEASE club – Guildford University
• David Gill
• Gino's personal choice award went to - Mick Day of Surrey Police
After such an amazing day it's hard to believe that we are already thinking and planning IDAHO and the “Heart of Equality” Awards 2010, so watch this space
Thank you to everyone that supported the charity not only yesterday but over the years as well
Gino
Chair
Gay Surrey
There 24/7 for equality
Gino Meriano speaks on BBC Southern Counties radio about IDAHO
Earlier this morning Gino appeared on BBC Southern Counties Radio to talk about the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia May 17th.
The interview highlighted all the key issues that affect people across the globe including in Surrey and the charity's event on the 17th.
Gino would like to thank the BBC personally for their ongoing suport of our IDAHO events
Equality Bill passes second reading in House of Commons
The Equality Bill passed its second reading in parliament yesterday despite concerns it may burden businesses at a time of financial pressure.
Leader of the House of Commons and Minister for Equality, Harriet Harman said public bodies must "lead the way" in abolishing discrimination, adding the Bill would make Britain "fairer and more prosperous".
She said: "When times are hard it's even more important that everyone feels that they have an equal chance, that we all pull together because we are in the same boat."
Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May described the Bill as "an enormous missed opportunity", criticising many of the recommendations for being "unworkable and bureaucratic".
She said its good intentions had been "muddled by ill-thought-out and, frankly, unworkable proposals".
She added: "Equality is not something just for the good times. But the government has shown a complete lack of awareness of these changes of conditions. "I do believe there are ways that we can champion fairness without penalising employers.
"People's lives will not be changed by the provisions in this Bill but minsters will no doubt feel that they have fulfilled their obligations."
A Conservative motion rejecting the Bill was defeated by 322 votes to 139. The Bill will now be considered in more detail by a parliamentary committee.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans group LGBT Labour attacked the Conservative Party over the amendment.
Society co-chair Katie Hanson said: "David Cameron and his Tories voting against the Equality Bill shows yet again that actions speak louder than words.
"It is shocking to see them pander to the right on the Equality Bill. They keep saying they've changed - this vote reminds us clearly they have not.
"The Equality Bill was welcomed by business leaders for simplifying current equality legislation while doing more to protect LGBT people from discrimination. Yet David Cameron has opposed it."
The Bill contains a raft of measures aimed at tackling social inequality, such as forcing employers to reveal how much staff are paid.
It will extend protection against discrimination in employment, goods and services in respect of sexual orientation, trans status and age.
It will also place a duty on all public bodies to promote equality.
Many protections which already apply on the basis of sexual orientation will be extended to cover discrimination due to trans status.
Gino Meriano gay rights campaigner comments” this is great news but we are far from guarantee of law. When the conservatives use the LGBT community for self gain and oppose the bill we have to make sure we keep a close eye and monitor the on going process of the Bill in order to secure everything that if fair and right for all including the LGBT community”.
Woking Borough Council launched their Equalities Week this week and opened the event with speeches from Gino and Mike Meriano from the charity Gay Surrey
This will be the fourth time that the council has organised such a week which offers a wide range of events, activities and entertainment all focusing on Equality and Diversity.
Tuesday 12 th May
Gino and Mike represented Gay Surrey, talked about some of the key issues affecting gay people in Surrey, they shared their views on gay rights and civil partnerships and spent the afternoon answering many welcomed questions from a great group of people from Woking Borough Council.
Gino Meriano Chair of Gay Surrey comments “The event that runs from the 12 th to the 15 th May was a great lead up to IDAHO this coming Sunday, which has also been sponsored by Woking Borough Council. It was a true honour to be asked to represent the charity and a great opportunity of speaking to like minded people about the issues that face the community living in Surrey, A great afternoon and inspiration from Woking Borough Council”.
ino Meriano was also featured in the staff newsletter called “Woking” as part of their ongoing programme to raise awareness Read the newsletter
Catholic charity withdraws gay adoption appeal
Father Hudson's Society halts case with the Charity Tribunal
One of two Catholic adoption agencies appealing against a Charity Commission decision not to allow them to take steps to exclude gay people from adopting has withdrawn its case from the Charity Tribunal.
Father Hudson's Society launched a joint appeal before Christmas with Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds) after the commission ruled they could not change their charitable objects to take advantage of a clause in new equality legislation that would permit them to discriminate against people with certain sexual orientations (11 December, page 3). The clause says charities can discriminate if explicitly permitted by their governing documents.
The society withdrew its case after a directions hearing on 17 April. Catholic Care's appeal will proceed to a full hearing on 13 May. Neither charity was willing to comment. The tribunal ruled in March that the charities would have to show the public benefit created by their being permitted to discriminate was sufficient to justify exemption from the new law (Third Sector Online, 16 March).
Several other Catholic agencies have broken formal links with the church to comply with the new law
Gino Meriano gay rights campaigner for same-sex families comments "The Equality Act was put into place to help protect same-sex families including those seeking to adopt. Society is ever changing and a better understanding of this is paramount, no matter what individual's beliefs are, the law is the law and an adoption agency should not be allowed to discriminate. Agencies across the UK were given amble time to accommodate this new law or close if they were unable to comply with the Equality Act. Adoption must always be about the welfare of the child and not furthering religious beliefs. Open discrimination should be stopped without exception and any challenges like this ruled out of court once and for all".
Gino Meriano interviewed by Brooklands FM Radio
Brooklands FM is built around music from the last 40 or so years, with local news, features, sport and advertising for local firms. Behind the station is a small team of professionals with backgrounds in radio and other media, the same people who brought you Brooklands FM in 2007. Listen now
This community radio based in Weybridge invited me in to do an interview about Gay Surrey, our events and the work we do for the community, their family and friends. The interview will become available in a couple of days for you to hear on http://www.brooklandsfm.co.uk
In the interview I managed to promote the charity, the International Day Against Homophobia, ABAYA nights, Saucy Events, Stophatenow and more, I have been invited in again to cover more issues, our events and more news from the charity.
Pink Weddings LLC are always proud to support Phoenix Pride
See our advert in the latest edition of Echo Magazine, page 21 - congratulations on a great Pride yesterday - Download now
Gay Surrey to launch school anti-bullying initiative
A charity which promotes gay issues in Surrey is to launch an initiative next month to help train teachers in ways to approach and tackle homophobic bullying.
Gino Meriano, said Gay Surrey had been working on a campaign called Educate Don't Segregate since last year and hoped Surrey schools would actively show their support.
Experts still try ‘cures' for gays
Doctors still trying to 'cure' gays Nearly a fifth of therapists admit having tried to 'cure' gay patients of their sexual orientation – even though there is no evidence their 'treatments' have any effect and despite the ethical questions posed.
The mental health professionals – most of whom work for the NHS – said they had gone further than simply counselling a young person on how to cope with homosexual feelings.
The findings have outraged medical experts and gay campaign groups, who say such an approach is unethical and may harm patients.
Gino Meriano Chair of Gay Surrey comments “ It's truly sad in our society that trained health care professionals who are treating venerable people still believe that being gay is a medical condition. The medical profession including the NHS needs to act quickly to eradicate this institutionalised homophobia and potential breach of their human rights obligation. I will be seeking an action plan from Surreys NHS Trusts regarding this matter”.
The findings come from a survey of 1,400 therapists questioned by researchers from University College London.
It revealed 17 per cent of mental health workers admitted trying to 'cure' homosexual patients.
Three-quarters of these workers said a medical service should be set up to carry out the 'treatment'.
One therapist told the researchers: 'Although homosexual feelings are usual in people, their physical expression and being a person's only way of having sexual relations is problematic.
'The physical act for male homosexuals is physically damaging and is the main reason in this country for Aids/HIV. It is also perverse.'
Many of the therapists told researchers they had treated clients who felt they would 'lose God' or had been ostracised by their communities.
The trend had not diminished with time, concluded the researchers, whose study was published in the journal BioMed Central Psychiatry.
Prof Michael King, who led the study, said: 'There is very little evidence to show that attempting to treat a person's homosexual feelings is effective and, in fact, it can actually be harmful. So it is surprising that a significant minority of practitioners still offer this help to their clients.'
The Department of Health added: 'Homosexuality is not a mental disorder and does not need treatment.
News clip from Metro Newspaper http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Experts_still_try_%91cures%92_for_gays&in_article_id=597433&in_page_id=34
Gino interviewed by BBC Southern Counties Radio
The breakfast show, Gino spoke about the launch of his new book Civil Partnership - A guide to the perfect day
Gino Speaks out in the Guardian Newspaper
In an interview with the Guardian Newspaper, Gino speaks out about gay rights, civil partnerships, his book and ongoing campaign to stop discrimination.
Feature
Gino Meriano, the author of a new book on civil partnerships, never intended to become a campaigner for gay rights. But, he tells Mary O'Hara, marriage was not the motivation for his fight against discrimination and hate crime
Full feature online - http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/mar/18/equality-gino-meriano-gay-rights
Also seen on Gay News Headlines
Guardian Interview for the Society Section
Man what a morning, met a fantastic journalist called Mary who interviewed me about the book, Pink Weddings and the Gay Wedding Show – but the best bit was the chat about my campaigning work, She was so amazing and the thing I loved about her was Mary was so passionate about such a wide range of key issues from equal pay, race, religion, the gay community to name just a few. Mary made the interview one of the best I have ever done.
Can't wait to see the final piece which is coming out in a week or so in their “society” section
Civil Partnership - A guide to the perfect day launches 1st March
Gay rights campaigners Gino Meriano and Mike Meriano were one of the first couples to have a Civil Partnership ceremony in the United Kingdom after the law changed in 2005. The Civil Partnership Act enables gay couples to hold a Civil Partnership and have their relationship legally recognised and, since its introduction, well over 27,000 couples have made this commitment.
However, many people are still confused about what a Civil Partnership really means under the law: for example, Do Civil Partners have the same legal rights as opposite-sex married couples? or Does undergoing a Civil Partnership automatically make you your partner's legal heir? When planning their own wedding, Gino and Mike found that there was a distinct lack of information out there for gay couples wanting to make a legal commitment to each other. In this book, Gino and Mike use their own experiences – as both Civil Partners and also as the directors of one of the leading companies arranging Civil Partnerships in Europe – to demystify Civil Partnerships and offer practical advice and insider tips for same-sex couples on how to arrange their perfect day.
As well as information on the legal implications of a Civil Partnership, the book contains key advice to help you plan your big day. From sourcing a venue and choosing a supplier to tips on choosing your ‘best team', making speeches and what to wear, this book is an essential read. Written in a clear and easy-to-understand style – without the classic ‘fluffy' and stereotypical representations of gay people, Civil Partnership will help you create a truly perfect and memorable day.
Gino Meriano and Mike Meriano are leading gay rights campaigners, who were key in helping bring the Civil Partnership Act into being in the United Kingdom. They are directors of Pink Weddings ( www.pinkweddings.biz ), a company set up to help same-sex couples arrange their perfect Civil Partnership ceremony and give advice on key legal aspects related to this. They also organised the United Kingdom's first and official Gay Wedding Show. They have recently set up a sister company ( www.pinkweddings.us ) in Arizona to help change the laws regarding Civil Partnerships in different U.S. states.
More about the book http://www.pinkweddings.biz/thebook
Newsquest South London and the Elmbridge Guardian feature - read more
Employment Tribunal Hearing: Islington Council vs Miss Lillian Ladele (Registrar)
Gino Meriano comments “You may remember awhile back about the above court case surrounding a registrar refusing to perform Civil Partnership Ceremonies, I would like to send out a message of thanks to everyone that supported this case and signed our petition.
Liberal Democrat John Gilbert wrote this earlier this week “ Thank you for your support over the legal proceedings brought against Islington Council by Miss Ladele in relation to her refusal to conduct C ivil P artnership ceremonies.
As you know, the council successfully appealed against the employment tribunal's initial ruling in favour of Miss Ladele whereupon she and her advisers announced that they would seek leave from the Employment Appeals Tribunal to appeal further to the Court of Appeal. The EAT has now refused leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal and Miss Ladele's application for costs has also been refused.
I should like to thank you once again for your support and encouragement.
John GilbertLiberal Democrat Member for Highbury East
The Designer Civil Partnership Show - London Show 1st March, a great success
Our sponsor hotel ANdAZ Liverpool Street is a smart, comfortable and distinctly ‘London' residence. The building dates back to 1884, but once inside - this is the 21st century. Five restaurants, four bars, fourteen event rooms and 267 guest rooms and suites have all been designed to create the ultimate modern hotel experience which made the perfect backdrop to this unique show for London 2009.
Couples were greeted with cookies and champagne, around 25 of the very best exhibitors all handpicked for their creativity and diversity. The Designer Civil Partnership Show proudly introduced a step change for boutique wedding shows for same sex couples. Matt Pereira Photography, a long time supporter of the show's said” This was a great show for me - the buzz was warm, genuine and positive. The networking opportunities were just fantastic and I have some great new friends to show for it”
Gino Meriano, founder of the Gay Wedding Show says “This show benchmarked the future for wedding shows not only for same sex couples but for all couples regardless of their sexuality. The day bought both couples and exhibitors together in a relaxed and intimate environment, gave everyone a chance to share ideas, be creative and plan the finer details needed for their special day.
“Jo Paige” and “Occasion Occasion” both supplied some amazing live music that filled the air from blues to soul with a hint of jazz and razzmatazz, Peter West from occasionoccasion.com said “ Star-turn at the Show was the stunning and sexy vocal trio - The Hummingbirds. These extremely talented girls in their fabulous frocks were just one of the amazing acts who performed on the day adding to the overall feel of the show ”.
Russell Jones and Walker met with couples in the Mezzanine to talk about their legal rights surrounding Civil Partnerships.
Some surprise guests added to the excitement from Christian Gibson who has played many leading roles in the West End from The Producers, Singing in the Rain and Saturday Night fever to name but a few. Heart throb Anthony Kavanagh with his string of top 20 hits and most recently seen on ITV's “Grease is the Word” and finally our dear friend George from Wedding TV who all will be dropping into other shows later this year with some surprises.
Our book became a reality on Sunday, with copies going fast and was a welcomed addition to the show, offering fun, facts and some ideas for all to enjoy.
One couple said “We had a lovely day. And I got more inspiration from Sunday than I ever could have imagined, thank you for making us so welcome” – see what else was said about our shows http://www.gayweddingshow.co.uk/comments.htm
So what next? Well we still have more shows to come, “Cardiff, Manchester and Brighton” and we will be announcing our 2010 London date real soon.
Feature in Pride Life Magazine - read more
Gino Meriano speaks at Guides for Brides Networking Event
Gino Meriano spoke in front a large group of suppliers and venues in the wedding industry about Civil Partnerships, market trends, stats and figures.
It was an amazing night and we pre launched our book which was a great success, what a lovely group of people and the night was a lot of fun and always amazing to meet such lovely people, one of the best nights we have done in a long time and look forward to the next one.
The Bicester Country Club was stunning and made the the perfect backdrop for a networking night like this - check out there website http://www.bicestercountryclub.com
thanks for Guides for Brides putting on this event, a night to remember http://www.thepinkguide.co.uk
Gino Meriano interviewed by OutNorthWest Magazine
“We love Civil Partnerships feature”
Snippet : The couple have written a new book to help couples through all the things they need to consider before planning their Civil Partnership
Visit their website http://www.lgf.org.uk
Surrey County Council policy and performance directorate
Gino Meriano Chair of Gay Surrey will be working with Surrey County Council on their draft service level equality action plans for 2009/10, helping the council identify gaps and flag up areas of work, equality impact assessments which might be particular interest to the LGBT community.
The remit of the Equality Advisory Group is to - provide advice to the County Council and contribute to Council initiatives to promote equality, tackle inequality and discrimination and promote positive relations between people of different backgrounds in Surrey. The group will also influence and monitor activity and progress.
WHICH IS THE MOST GAY FRIENDLY CORPORATION IN THE WORLD?
The IGLCC invites corporations to be part of the first edition of the International Business Equality Index.
The new index was welcomed by the Gay Business Association, who are IGLCC's UK partners
Gino Meriano, Chair of the Gay Business Association says "There has been a lot of progress in the UK to ensure that companies treat their customers and staff without discrimination,". "This new international index will help companies compare how well they are doing, and share best practice to parts of the world where discrimination is still commonplace. Corporations realise that it pays not to discriminate when it comes to business and marketing."
Arizona, Channel 3 News Interview January 29, 2009 - support the campaign
Pink Weddings LLC proud to support Phoenix Pride 2009
We are always proud to support PHX Pride, see our advert in the latest edition of Echo Magazine - page 21 - Download here
Gino Meriano wants 'civil partnerships' on ballot
Tuesday, 27 January 2009 13:29 Paul Giblin
Gay rights advocates are seeking to change the state Constitution to allow "civil partnerships" among same-sex couples.
The newly formed group, Yes For Arizona Civil Partnerships, filed an application Monday with the Arizona Secretary of State's Office to place the measure on the ballot in November 2010. Members of the group must first collect more than 250,000 valid signatures.
The proposed legal unions would give gay couples all the legal benefits of marriage, but none of the religious attachments. In fact, a provision in the measure stipulates that people cannot register as civil partners on a religious premise or even on a site owned by a religious group.
Those details would make "civil partnerships" distinctly different than gay marriage or "civil union" measures, said the group's chairman, Gino Meriano, a gay rights campaigner from London who currently lives in Scottsdale.
Those details also should make the measure appeasable to two important constituencies - the gay community at large and Christian leaders, Meriano told the Guardian on Tuesday.
"The gay community seems to consider that civil unions were always classed as second rate and that they didn't come with full civil rights and they had a bit of a taint to them," he said. "And marriage is pretty much off the table, especially when it comes to Arizona."
The concept is disingenuous and headed for defeat, said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, a family advocacy organization.
"Whatever they're calling it, it's a marriage counterfeit and we believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman," she said.
She noted that Arizona voters passed Proposition 102 with 56 percent support in November. That measure, which her organization supported, defined marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman.
Mariano said the civil partnership measure specifically does not try to redefine marraige.
"What we're fighting for is equal rights. This has nothing to do with marriage or religion," Mariano said. "We're not bringing religion to the table. We're not bringing the terms ‘marriage' or ‘divorce' to the table."
The proposal uses the term "dissolution" rather than "divorce."
It also stipulates that Arizona must recognize gay civil partnerships, civil unions and domestic partnerships and same-sex marriages formed in other states and countries.
"The voters of Arizona spoke clearly," Herrod said. "They believe marriage is between one man and one woman -- and when they find out it's a marriage counterfeit, I don't think they'll stand for it."
Sen. Ken Cheuvront, D-Phoenix, who met with the Arizona Civil Partnership leaders a few days ago, said civil partnerships would ensure gay couples hospital-visitation rights, inheritance rights and other rights without addressing the issue of marriage.
"What they're trying to do is put an initiative on board that would give people who are not married and who are in a committed relationships some of the same rights and responsibilities," said Cheuvront, who is gay.
Gino Meriano speaks to BBC Southern Counties Radio
An interview with BBC Southern Counties covered the latest stats from the recently published lifestyle survey. Read the survey
Praise for force over hate crime prosecutions
Gino Meriano, chairman of charity Gay Surrey, said the data collated in the report might mislead people to think homophobic crime does not happen in Surrey. Read the full story
This will be the first time a same sex wedding company of its kind will have sponsored such an event and Pink weddings are looking forward to a great jam packed weekend
The Road Runner Regional Rodeo 2009 will be held at Rawhide on the beautiful Gila River Indian Community
Road Runner Regional Rodeo
January 16-18th, 2009
Gino Meriano gay rights campaigner and founder of Pink Weddings says “this is the first of many events we will be sponsoring across the state of Arizona. It kick starts our campaign for the introduction of Civil Partnerships into Arizona which we aim to get in by 2010. I am personally proud to have my company sponsor the Road Runner Regional Rodeo, it shows our commitment to the community and AGRA's support to fighting for equal rights”
Find you more http://www.pinkweddings.us/agra.htm
Pink Weddings LLC would like to thank AGRA for giving us the opportunity of being part of such a great event
2008
Tuscon Citzen -
Effort to get same-sex civil unions on Az ballot planned
December 10, 2008, 9:34 p.m. ANDREW J. SHAINKER
PHOENIX - Weeks after voters approved amending Arizona's Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman, gay-rights activists are looking toward 2010.
A man who champions equality for gays in the United Kingdom has traveled to Arizona to begin a drive for a ballot initiative that would establish civil partnerships, which since 2005 have allowed same-sex couples to legally register their relationships.
"We're not fighting for marriage; we're fighting for equal rights," said Gino Meriano, whose UK business, Pink Weddings, arranges commitment ceremonies and provides free legal advice for gay couples wishing to establish civil partnerships.
Steen Lawson, co-founder of Marriage Equality USA's new Arizona chapter, said civil unions don't go far enough. His group wants same-sex couples to have the same rights as heterosexual couples who wish to marry.
"Since government uses the word marriage, we must fight for marriage," Lawson said.
Meriano, Lawson and others are looking for a next step in response to Proposition 102, which Arizona voters approved Nov. 4. Given that the initiative amended Arizona's Constitution, making a legal challenge difficult, opponents of 102 say any next step likely would be a ballot proposition.
John Garcia, a professor of political science at the University of Arizona, said it would be tough in the current political climate for gay-rights leaders to make the gains Lawson wants. Still, he said civil unions are a realistic goal.
"If new propositions focus in on civil unions, they will gain the necessary votes to pass," Garcia said.
While the United Kingdom offers civil partnerships, Vermont, New Jersey and New Hampshire offer civil unions, which provide the same benefits for same-sex couples. Massachusetts and Connecticut are the only states allowing same-sex marriage since California voters approved Proposition 8 in November.
Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Phoenix, said it's easy to come up with ideas for initiatives that would establish civil unions or give same-sex couples the right to marry; she said he hears those regularly.
"The problem is they don't have the money or time to fund it," she said, estimating that would take $3 million to run a successful campaign.
That kind of money wasn't available this year for opponents of 102. While supporters raised $7.7 million, most of it from individuals, opposition groups raised $820,000, according to reports filed with the Secretary of State's Office.
Cynthia Leigh Lewis, campaign treasurer for Arizona Together, an anti-102 group that raised $746,000, said this isn't a good time to push for gay marriage or civil unions.
She said the economy would make it difficult to raise enough money, and she said the passage of Proposition 102 and GOP gains in the Legislature illustrate a difficult political climate for such as move.
"As our country moved center-left, Arizona moved center-right," she said.
Meriano, who has yet to submit the paperwork necessary to begin gathering signatures, said he thinks an initiative seeking civil partnerships for gay couples can win because it takes marriage out of the debate.
"The campaign is simple: Vote no for gay marriage, vote yes for civil partnerships," Meriano said.
Lawson said he and other leaders of Marriage Equality USA think civil unions wouldn't have equal standing with marriage.
"If someone could show me that a civil partnership was 100 percent equal I would be for it," he said. "But no one has ever shown me a civil partnership that is 100 percent equal."
Equality Arizona, a statewide group seeking gay and civil rights, campaigned against 102 and is still evaluating its options for 2010, said Sam Holdren, the group's public affairs director. But he said it isn't a good time to push for same-sex marriage.
"We have to take a look at what's going on," Holdren said. "Realistically, marriage is off the table in Arizona."
A Civil Action - Gino Meriano drafts civil partnership amendment for possible 2010 vote
Though Proposition 102 passed with 56.2 percent of voters favoring a constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between “one man and one woman,” a British man has taken the initiative to change history by offering a new proposition.
Gino Meriano, a gay rights activist for same-sex families in the U.K., flew from overseas with husband Mike Meriano to submit a one-page document to the Arizona State Capitol Dec. 1 to introduce the idea of legal civil partnerships to the state.
Read full story in Echo Magazine
Obama speaks and the campaign for Civil Partnerships launches in Arizona
On the day when President Elect Obama announces New York Senator Hilary Clinton as his Secretary of State and Arizona's Governor Janet Napolitano as his Homeland Security Secretary
Gino Meriano gay rights campaigner for same-sex families says "I offer my congratulations to Hilary Clinton for her new position as Secretary of State. Her appointment and commitment to equality will be a great move forward for our community. Hilary has always been a supporter of our rights and in anticipation of her new role I will be writing to Hilary Clinton to seek support for our proposition to introduce Civil Partnerships supporting Equality and Human R ights for same-sex couples across America."
Arizona : Civil Partnerships campaign website launches http://civilpartnershipsaz.com
Meriano Continues “I would also like to extend our congratulations to Janet Napolitano for her new position which I feel is a great move forward for the people of America”
This is the perfect time for us as a company and with our partner UnifiedVoice (philip Cotton) to launch our new campaign for the introduction of Civil Partnerships in the USA starting with the State of Arizona
Gino Meriano speaks on BBC Southern Counties radio
Today Gino spoke about World Aids Day and the impact on society and perceptions, including the launch of the new USA campaign of the introduction of Civil Partnerships in the State of Arizona.
Gino Meriano launches his campaign for Civil Partnerships in the State of Arizona
The campaign "Vote NO to gay marriage and YES to Civil Partnerships" launches this month (5th Dec 2008).
Gino Meriano says It's time for change, this new prop will give same-sex couples the legal rights they have wanted for years and the chance to finally be accepted and treated as equal in the eyes of the law.
Read the full story
Story covered by Pride Life magazine Read more
Pink Banana
Echo Magazine
Pink Weddings poised to offer same-sex ceremonies in Arizona despite passage of Prop. 102
By Andrew J. Shainker
As history has begun to change, and a civil rights movement is occurring before our very eyes, one can only find hope and inspiration from Arizona’s first ever gay wedding service of its kind, Read the full story now in Echo magazine
Gino Meriano speaks out about hate crime in Surrey
Reports of hate crimes against homosexuals are increasing in the wake of a high-profile murder case, says Gino Meriano of Gay Surrey. Read the full story
Gino Meriano appears on BBC Southern Counties radio
Gino was involved in a discussion about same sex familes, Adoption, IVF, the Fertilisation Bill and how same sex familes do exist and society should accept us as equal.
Gino Meriano becomes a community correspondent with yourlocalguardian.co.uk
Part of the Newsquest Media Group. Newsquest publishes approximately 300 weekly newspapers, magazines and trade publications including 17 paid-for dailies. In addition to its newspapers and online sites, Newsquest also produces an excellent portfolio of niche magazines and supplements.
The GBA (Gay Business Association) played host to the International Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Second Global Summit in London on 19-20 September 2008
Hundreds of delegates heard from international speakers that are leaders in their specific fields sharing their expertise with the members of the LGBT international business community in the UK and across the globe.
Gino Meriano, Chair of the GBA said “We would like to thank all the supporters who sponsored the workshops and activities for this Summit and everyone for attending, The Summit was a huge success and it was an amazing feeling to see people from around the globe networking and sharing business knowledge that can only help, support and increase business for our members based in the UK” - Read the press release
Find out more about the Summit
EVENT UK 2008 - Birmingham NEC 16th and 17th Sept
Event UK is the ideal place to find destinations, venues, event service suppliers and all the trimmings for those involved in meetings, conferences, exhibitions, experiential marketing, product launches, awards & charity events or any other type of event. Events for all – delivering on equal opportunities, Gino Meriano speaks about the retail and goods sector, discrimination in the wedding industry and presents an overview to the market place surrounding the LGB Community. Find out more
Duo giving helping hand to come out
WHETHER you are struggling with your sexuality or openly out of the closet, a Weybridge charity is at hand to help welcome you into the county's gay community.
Gay Surrey was founded in 2005 by Gino Meriano and partner Mike Meriano as a network to provide advice, offer information, arrange social events and fight for equality. Read more
Pink Weddings to launch in the USA
Pink Weddings Ltd is set to take its successful same-sex wedding expertise into the US market. It is currently finalizing negotiations with key suppliers and will be launching into the massive market later this year with its head office in the state of Arizona. Read the full story
Local Guardian Newspaper
BBC Southern Counties Radio on being Prime Minister for a day
22nd Aug, The morning show talked about "what would you do if you were Prime Minister for the day" Gino Meriano was invited to be PM for the interview.
Wedding lists firm Wrapit goes into administration
KPMG called in to oversee gifts firm founded by Pepita Diamand
Reported in the Sunday Times today Wrapit goes into administration, Wrapit offered couples gift lists for their wedding day and has left hundreds hanging dry.
More recently Director Pepita Diamand verbally attacked Pink Weddings Ltd and founder Gino Meriano at a conference for weddings planners when Pink Weddings started its claims against the company for discriminating under the retail and goods sector earlier this year. Pink weddings had been preparing to take court action against the company until the news announced today.
Release :-
IT is probably not the happy ending that Wrapit founder Pepita Diamand dreamt of, but her online wedding-gift company is to be put into administration tomorrow.
KPMG will be appointed as administrator after the collapse of talks to save the firm, which employs 100 people and has 15 showrooms nationwide dealing with 3,000 wedding lists a year.
Sources close to Wrapit said that “most people” who bought gifts on the site that have not yet been delivered should be refunded by their credit-card providers.
Founded in 2000 by Canadian-born former fashion journalist Diamand, the firm blamed the credit crunch and retail-market problems for its woes. It sent a letter to customers recently claiming HSBC had “withheld £1m of our money”, leaving it in a cash crisis. However, accounts show the company has made a loss for the past six years.
Diamand, who recently returned from a holiday in Sardinia, could not be reached. HSBC and KPMG declined to comment. Read the story and comments on the THE TIMES ONLINE
(Source Sunday Times Sunday 3rd August 2008)
BBC Southern Counties Radio on Civil Partnerships
Thursday July 30, The morning show talked about Civil Partnerships in Surrey and the new top ten, homophobia in the retail and goods sector and how Surrey fairs with other counties around the UK.
BBC Radio 5 interview on Civil Partnerships
Friday July 25, Stephen Nolan Programme (presented tomorrow by Nick Wallis)
BBC Radio 5 Live debate on Civil Partnerships
3 years down the road, 18,000 civil partnerships later - are they working for you?
Dead or Alive's Pete Burns recently said - think they're destined not to work.
Gino Meriano says " it's important we are not looked upon as second class and paramount we are seen as equal in a modern society when it comes to building stable relationships and families" Read the full story
Black Meringue magazine features the rise of Pink Weddings Ltd
BLACK MERINGUE is to wedding titles what Scarlet magazine is to Good Housekeeping. It’s a wedding guide for modern, independent thinking brides of either sex. We cover gay, green and interfaith weddings and themes, plus pagan; gothic; and the downright weird. Off-the-wall, off-beat and up front about all aspects of marital bliss, the content includes subjects like extreme honeymoons; erotic bridalwear; alternative jewellery; body piercing and modification; vows; tattoos; and a wealth of unusual gifts. No holds barred, this editorial gift-wrapped box of ideas is for sassy modern brides who want something other than a white dress and a finger-ring.
Gino Meriano says "Its great to see a mainstream magazine like Black Meringue cover our group and have no hesitations in adding Civil Partnerships into their features. It's hard to belive that in 2008 and the introduction of the Equality Act we are still faced with bridal magazines saying no to us, in fear of upsetting their existing readers. Black Meringue shows total inclusion, holds no barriers to the wedding industry, its refreshing and a first in the 6 years of Pink Weddings".
Gino Meriano annouces the launch of its new head office in Arizona and their forth coming book on Civil Partnerships
GAY wedding planners Gino and Mike Meriano have written a book on civil partnerships and are launching their
wedding planning company in Arizona. Story launched in Wedding Professionals Magazine Read the full story
Call for better police response over gay hate crime
CHARITY for the gay community in the county has applauded a government promise to tackle gay hate crime, following “disturbing” new findings.
But the chairman of Weybridge-based Gay Surrey, Gino Meriano has also called for increased support from authorities after a survey revealed that half of those reporting homophobic crime in the county found Surrey Police's response “poor”.
His comments follow a statement by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith vowing to address homophobic hate crime, after a national survey showed the extent of abuse facing many of Britain's 3.6 million lesbian and gay people on a daily basis.
Also covered in the Woking, Esher and Weybridge News and Mail. Surrey Comet and Surrey Advertiser group
NHS bosses' new name for homosexuals
In the daily Express today, a new initiative orders staff NOT to use the word “gay” and instead refer to homosexuals as “men who have sex with men”. Doctors and nurses have been told to use the new terminology for fear of stigmatising men who have had same sex relationships but do not consider themselves homosexual.
Gino Meriano comments "have we gone insane, why on Earth would the NHS do something as ridiculous as this, it only proves that to believe your doing something right without approaching the correct organisations first ends up causing more harm than good". John Midgley co-founder of the Campaign Against Political Correctness, Professor David Goldberg who advises health boards on the terminology issue and Phillip Davies, Tory MP were among the few that spoke out about the announcementmade by the NHS.
One in five gay people victim of hate crime in last three years
BBC Southern Counties Radio, Surrey Comet and Newsquest intervews Gino on Hate Crime in Surrey
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today tasked the Ministerial Action Group on Violence to address homophobic hate crime in the light of disturbing new findings from major new research. The first statistically significant national survey of its kind reveals the extent of abuse facing many of Britain's 3.6 million lesbian and gay people on a daily basis. One in five have been a victim of one or more homophobic hate crimes in the last three years. However three in four don't report such incidents to the police, many believing that no action will follow. The incidents ranged from harassment to serious physical and sexual assaults.
Gino Meriano Chair of the charity Gay Surrey speaks out “Over the last year we have created a survey to help those in the public sector to understand the needs and priorities of the LGB community in Surrey, with this national survey together with our local survey I hope that the police and schools authority will at last throw their support behind our “Stop Hate Now” and “Learn, Teach, Grow” campaigns, specifically aimed at key issues highlighted by this survey.
Surrey
57% of people in Surrey said they would report a hate incident/crime if it happened to them, however of the 39% that have been a victim in Surrey 62% did not report it.
When asked:
If you did report the incident/crime how did Surrey Police react to your request 49% said it was poor.
46% say they feel the need to hide their sexuality in public to remain safe
Only 18% felt Surrey Police treat everyone fairly regardless of their sexuality
30% feel Surrey Police do not understand the issues that affect the LGB community
Stats from the Gay Surrey Lifestyle survey as of the 26th June 2008
London
Respondents in London were more likely to alter their behaviour so as not to be identified as gay, in order to escape attack and abuse, than in any other area of Britain. They were also more likely to say they fell victim to homophobic hate crime because of where they were, such as near a gay venue, – with 40 per cent saying so – than anywhere else in Britain
Jacqui Smith continued ‘In the 21 st century no one in Britain should ever feel under threat of verbal or physical violence just because of their sexual orientation. We're determined that lesbian and gay people should have the confidence to report crimes to the police knowing that they will be taken seriously, the crime investigated and their privacy respected. Our key priorities are to increase reporting; increase offences brought to justice and to tackle repeat victimisation and hotspots.'
Mike Cunningham, an ACPO lead on gay equality and Deputy Chief Constable of Lancashire, said: ‘The statistics speak for themselves. It cannot be acceptable that a third of victims do not report incidents to the police because they do not think the police would, or could, do anything about it. Neither is it right that two thirds of those who reported incidents to the police were not offered or referred to advice or support services. ‘The findings offer the service a real opportunity to make real improvements both in terms of how homophobic incidents are dealt with but also in terms of raising people's confidence in reporting these incidents in the first place.'
The report's ten key recommendations include encouraging police to improve the recording of homophobic hate incidents and help lesbian and gay people to report them. The report also recommends tackling homophobic bullying in schools and the workplace in order to help reduce the likelihood of homophobic incidents on the streets.
ABTA Magazine - gay and lesbian supplement
Gino Meriano spoke to ABTA magazine for their ground breaking gay and lesbian supplement in the travel industry.
ABTA Magazine: The official monthly trade publication of the travel association ABTA, has a membership of just under 1,500 companies, with 6,000 offices, accounting for around 90% of sales of package holidays in the UK. Read more
Surrey County Council's Awards for Volunteering is now in its fourth year.
Surrey County Council continues to recognise the fantastic work that volunteers do to help make Surrey a better place and improve residents' quality of life in Surrey.
This year the prestigious Awards Ceremony will be held at County Hall on the 16th June.
Gino Meriano has won the “Everybody Matters” Award for 2008. The award is given for outstanding volunteers who help to give others a voice e.g. representing vulnerable and disadvantaged people and communities; tackling inequalities; promoting partnerships.
Princeton Premier honors
Gino Meriano has been nominated for their professionals of the year award, his biograohy has now been listed among the most prominent professionals and business executives in the world today. Gino has been included in the 2008/9 Princeton Premier Honors Edition of Professional Leaders. Visit Website
Guides 4 Brides
Gino Meriano talks to the wedding industry at the Manor Hotel Guildford about the Civil Partnerships Act, the effects of the Equality Act and how best to ensure companies work closer with the LGB community through terms, language and presenting stats aurrounding the trends for the current and new wedding market. The night was a huge success.
NEWS ASSOCIATES
Gino Meriano talks to News Associates regarding Ken Livingstone's decision in refusing to contribute to the funding of the 2008 International Gay and Lesbian Football Association World Championship, held in London this August. Visit website
A major poll of lesbian and gay people has found that despite recent legislative protections, a majority still believe they will be discriminated against when accessing public services.
Here's is a snippet of the overall thoughts
• Nine in ten expect barriers to becoming foster parent
• One in four expect to be treated worse by police if victim of hate crime
• Nearly one in five still bullied at work for being gay
• One in five expect worse treatment when applying for social housing.
• 60 per cent expect to face barriers to becoming a magistrate.
• A fifth expect to be treated worse than a heterosexual when reporting any crime to the police. A third think they would be treated worse by police if suspected of committing a crime, a figure which rises to 41 per cent in London.
• Nearly a quarter think they would be treated worse if they appeared before a judge for committing a criminal offence.
• Almost a third expect to be treated worse than a heterosexual when enrolling their child in primary or secondary school.
• Three in five still think they'd face barriers if they wanted to be a parliamentary candidate for the Labour Party, a figure that rises to 90 per cent for the Conservatives.
AMICA MAGAZINE
Gino Meriano and his company Pink Weddings featured in AMICA, Italy's well known fashion magazine. AMICA speaks to a range of leading UK planners in the industry. Read more
BBC Southern Counties Radio Interview on bullying in Surrey Schools
Gino speaks to BBC SouthernCounties radio about the Stonewall billboard campaign and defends the need to raising awareness in Surrey, with Hate Crime on theincrease and bullyingin Schools under reported there is always a need for any typeof campaign that helps raise light to this issue. Dated 25th Feb
SURREY Police has begun a murder investigation after a man was assaulted in Walton Lane just off Walton Bridge on Tuesday 19 February at around 3pm.
Gino Meriano speaks to
BBC Southern Counties
EAGLE FM
Surrey Herald
Esher News and Mail
Elmbridge Guardian
about third part reporting, prevertion and caution behind meeting people in a public place. Updates available on our StopHateNow website
THE STORY
SURREY Police has begun a murder investigation after a man was assaulted in Walton Lane just off Walton Bridge on Tuesday 19 February at around 3pm.
The man, who was in his 50s, was taken by air ambulance to St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey where he died at 5.30pm.The area has been cordoned off and Walton Bridge and Walton Lane have been closed while investigations continue.A police dog unit and the Surrey Police helicopter have also been assisting officers with the investigation.
The man was stabbed and early indications lead police to believe that he might have known his attacker, though we do not know in what context or for how long.
He was attacked in the public toilets off Walton Bridge, a popular meeting place for men. The victim was gay and detectives are appealing for information not only from the general public, but also specifically from members of the gay community and other people who use these toilets. Anyone who was in the toilets or in the vicinity around 3 pm on Tuesday February 19th is asked to ring 0845 125 2222. You might not think you hold important information but please do call so that detectives can decide what is relevant to the investigation and build up a picture of what happened.
Gino Meriano speaks at Marwell Hotel
An introduction to the the Civil Partnership market, The Equality Act and the future of the wedding industry. An insight into Equality in the UK and legislation across the world.
Perfect Wedding Planning by Cherry Chappell
Published on the 15th February 2008 by Random House Books. The book covers every aspect of wedding planning including Civil Partnerships, Gino Meriano consulted with Cherry on the Civil Partnership section and are featured within the book.
The Gay Business Association launches new brand look for 2008
For over 6 months Gino Meriano, his partner and commitee of the GBA have worked on creating a new fresh look, logo and website for LGBT businesses in the UK. From the creation of the overall brand to the launch party at the Glasshouse at Camden Lock the GBA at set to become the voice for gay business in the UK. Celebrating 25 years of the association Gino worked on creating a new identity that complimented our modern society.
Launched 16th January - Visit Website
BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours programme
Consumer news and issues with Peter White and John Waite. Today's interview highlights the current market 2 years on after the Civil Partnership came into effect, the UK's Official Gay Wedding show, acceptance within mainstream markets and overall perceptions.
Interview aired 10th January 2008
BBC Southern Counties Radio
Stonewall today publishes its 2008 Workplace Equality Index, showcasing Britain 's top 100 employers for gay people. Top employer for 2008 is Nacro, the national crime reduction charity. The Greater London Authority comes second. Hampshire and Staffordshire police forces are joint third in the Index, which is based on a range of key indicators.
This morning Gino Meriano from the charity Gay Surrey was asked on the show with Hampshire Police to talk about their work within the community, LAGLO officers and the fact that Hampshire Constabulary came 3rd in Stonewalls top 100 employers for gay and lesbian staff
I would like to pass on my support and congratulations to Hampshire Police for their excellence in the field and achieving this great result
Info : 17 police forces feature on the top 100 with an average score of 81%
Interview aired 9th January 2008
Gay Charity Action threat after shopping centre ban
You may recall the story in Februarys edition of the Woking News and Mail which talked about how Gay Surrey where not allowed a stand in the Peacocks centre, Mr Keeping, Centre Manager indicated that there was no room for compromise on the issue and felt the charities presence was deemed inappropriate in a family shopping centre.
Some 8 months later we find ourselves back in the hot seat and declined space to promote "World Aids Day" as it was deemed inappropriate to have a presence in a shopping centre that is for families and children. Mr Keeping stated "I don't think the promotion of lesbian or gay activity is appropriate in this centre but I'm not saying it isn't appropriate elsewhere"
As a charity we are taking the relevant steps to ensure this kind of discrimination is made known to the relevant people. We have reported this to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Surrey asking them to investigate this further under the Equality Act 2006 which legislates against discrimination in the retail and goods sector
We will keep you posted as the story unfolds, but in the meantime we need your help
The next step is to start a petition to raise awareness to this and to see how far we as a charity can go to prevent this kind of discrimination from happening again, remember we should now be protected under the Equality Act 2006.
2007
Guardian interview on the gay wedding market
The icing on the cake: selling gay couples the right kind of wedding
Society Partnership days backed by John Lewis and Moss Bros, but prejudice still remains
By : Maev Kennedy on Monday November 5 2007
Read the full story
Lithuanians business and politics news magazine and newspaper
Gino Meriano was interviewed by 'Verslo klase' and 'Verslo zinios', Lithuanians business and politics news magazine and newspaper. The interview covers Civil Partnerships in the UK and how other countries around Europe are looking to adopt similar options for same sex couples. The impact on equal rights when dealing with other European countries. Visit the website for further details and story
Surrey Schools Anti Bullying Event
National Anti-Bullying Week 19th - 23rd November 2007 - Hilton Hotel, Cobham, Surrey
Surrey County Council is holding an event to promote anti-bullying. The event is to support schools with solution-focused approaches, to launch Surrey's revised anti-bullying strategy; start work on a Charter Mark for Surrey schools using pupils to evaluate school's performance; and to promote partnership working between school staff and young people.
This will be a fantastic opportunity to see how other schools, and the whole of Surrey are trying to put a stop to bullying.
Gino Meriano gay rights campaigner and chair of the charity Gay Surrey will be speaking about homophobic bullying in schools and launching their new "Learn, Teach, Grow" campaign and Surrey's first detailed report about young people from young people.
Government approves incitement to gay hate law
The Justice Secretary has announced that a new offence of incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation will be introduced in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill.
Jack Straw added that he would consider similar protections for trans and disabled people.
The House of Commons met today for the first time since July to hear a statement from the Prime Minister on Iraq and to give the bill its second reading.
"It is a measure of how far we have come as a society in the last ten years that we are now appalled by hatred and invective directed at people on the basis of their sexuality," Mr Straw told MPs.
"It is time for the law to recognise this."
Gay rights advocates had been lobbying for a homophobic incitement law for more than six months.
Fundamentalist religious groups are claiming their members could face seven years in jail for expressing their views about homosexuality under the proposed new legislation.
Gino Meriano comments : It's fantastic news and a great step forward for increased protection and understanding of our community. This will and can only help prevent any uncalled hatred towards gay and lesbian people.
The Christian Institute claim that the proposed incitement law restricts free speech, targets Christians and will stifle debate about homosexuality.
Earlier this year the institute failed to stop the introduction of the Sexual Orientation Regulations which protect LGB people from discrimination in goods and services.
It objects to the extension of incitement to racial hatred laws to sexual orientation as "homosexuality is a chosen lifestyle. Many 'gay rights' activists would say that their sexual orientation is a choice, not a genetic characteristic."
Christians are already protected from incitement to religious hatred by law.
Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill - BBC southern counties interview
In parliament
Jack Straw spoke about the Criminal Justice and Imigration Bill, he commented "The Government have a strong record of promoting equality and of tackling discrimination and bigotry in all its guises. We have strengthened the sentencing framework, so that sentences can be increased where race, religion, disability or sexual orientation are aggravating factors. We have also introduced legislation to outlaw the stirring up of religious hatred"
Gino Meriano spoke to BBC Southern Counties radio about the Bill Interview part one and part two
Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill
Monday MPs are debating the amendments to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill to potentially create something similar for the LGBT community when it comes to homophobic public outbursts.
It should mean we will be afforded similar protection under law as those preventing racial outbursts as incitement to racial violence.
Religious groups are bombarding Government with objections telling them that this would be an infringement of their ‘right to free speech'.
This of course is nonsense.
They will continue to have the freedom to practice their religion, however if someone holding a public office or indeed anyone who speaks in ‘public' should not be allowed to incite hatred just because of another's sexuality.
As a community, we are simply asking the Government to tackle words and behaviours which ‘stir up hate against gay people' in our society similar to those that prevent such action within other minority groups.
Gino Meriano, Gay Rights Campaigner says: “It is sad that some religious groups seem so intent on blocking true equality and inclusion in a modern society. Government have stated their commitment to simplifying and aligning equal protections for the 7 strands of diversity. Why can it be deemed unacceptable and illegal to racially offend where as to offend simply based on someone's sexuality should be viewed as OK? This simply reinforces the fact that minority groups are and will be on the attack for many years to come.”
The Equality Act is passed in Parliament - 30th April 2007
Gino Meriano, gay rights campaigner and founder of Pink Weddings says "A fantastic result and a new era is born, from the 30th April we finally have equal rights. When this legislation comes into effect organisations of all sizes supplying goods and services maybe caught off guard. Its just as important for gay businesses to understand the true impact this law will have on society today".
I'm delighted to be able to let you know that the House of Lords has just voted by 168 votes to 122 in support of our new goods and services protections for Great Britain. This was the very final vote we'll face on this issue and the new regulations will now come into effect from 30th April 2007.
This is the end of a hugely tough campaign which has lasted more than two years These new laws are long overdue and will make an enormous difference to the everyday lives of millions of people in Britain .
I would personally like to thank everyone who has supported our work, campaigns and who helped us submit over 10,000 signatures to parliament over the last year alone.
New ruling over Approved Venues for a licence in marriage and civil partnerships
Five years ago Gino started the campaign to eliminate discrimination towards same sex couples by venues and wedding suppliers. (Equality Act 2006)
August saw a monumental leap towards true equality for lesbian and gay couples who wish to hold their Civil Partnership at an Approved Venue with new guidance issued by LACORS.
Gino Meriano, Founder of Pink Weddings and gay rights campaigner exposed a loophole in the Civil partnership Act 2005. Venue owners and managers could apply for and be granted a license to hold Marriages or Civil Partnerships or both. By permitting venue management to choose not to hold Civil Partnerships meant many could openly discriminate and legally and publically practise their prejudice and homophobia while hiding behind their approved licence.
The new guidance adopts Gino's recommendation that an approved venue must not discriminate simply based on sexual orientation. If a venue is granted a licence and is found to discriminate against gay and lesbian couples they will have their license revoked.
This now should close the loophole that any homophobic owners and managers were using to wriggle out of the legislation's.
Mr Meriano continues “ as with all anti discrimination legislation, equality will not be instant. Society and people's opinions and attitudes take time to change. However, we now have the full weight of the law behind us to prosecute those who offer their venue to the public and choose to continue to practice homophobia”.
Guidance on Civil Partnership Ceremonies and Approved Premises
LACORS is aware of the debate regarding the impact of the Equality Act on premises that openly refuse to allow civil partnership ceremonies within their venue. The existing legislation enables the holder of an approval to book both marriages and civil partnerships. It does not make it a requirement for the grant of approval to be “regularly available” for both. LACORS considers that this is in breach of Councils equal opportunity policies and would be keen to revoke an approval if it could be proved that premises were openly discriminating. GRO have looked at this issue and have indicated that a local authority could make compliance with the Equality Act a local condition to the granting of an approval. Whilst it is for a local authority to be satisfied that it has the vires to attach a condition relating to the Equality Act to an approval, and to answer any challenge on their power to do so, GRO's view is that a court might favourably regard the inclusion of such a condition were they to be considering such a challenge.
LACORS recognise the problems revocation of a licence for discrimination could bring to innocent couples who had booked their ceremony some time in advance and would recommend that Local Authorities should explore every avenue to achieve compliance but they do retain the right by use of a local condition to revoke a licence. However, Section 8(2) of the Approved Premises regulations provide that before revoking an approval on the grounds of failing to comply with one of the conditions attached to the approval (and this scenario would be under that provision) the Local Authority shall give the approval holder at least 14 days to respond to the proposal to revoke.
LACORS have issued the following standard condition that Local Authorities may consider using in their Approved Premises Licence under "Local Conditions"
"The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 require providers of goods, facilities and services to ensure that they are not treating their customers unfairly on the grounds of sexual orientation. If the holder of an approval is deemed by the Local Authority to discriminate on the grounds of the sexuality of the couple the Council reserves the right to revoke this approval."
In offering this advice LACORS wishes to make it clear that:
- Legislation may change over time and the advice given is based on the information available at the time the guidance was produced. It is not necessarily comprehensive and is subject to revision in the light of further information. LACORS accepts no legal liability for the information contained.
- Only the courts can interpret statutory legislation with any authority.
- This advice is not intended to be a definitive guide to, nor substitute for, the relevant law. Independent legal advice should be sought where appropriate.
Ruth Kelly changes role
After numerous petitions, visits to number 10 and an article about the hopes/fears of Gordon brown – it is announced that British politics has changed when Gordon Brown announced his Cabinet appointees, shifting former Communities secretary Ruth Kelly to Transport secretary.
Gino Meriano, Gay rights campaigner and founder of Pink weddings says” for whatever reasons Gordon Brown moved Ruth Kelly, our overall thoughts should be to the fact that we no longer have a Roman Catholic and a devout member of Opus Dei, as position of Minister of Women and Equality.
We now look to the Single Equality Bill for Great Britain and a hope this will be passed fairly and without personal opinions, all eyes are now focussed on Hazel Blears, Labour MP of Salford. I would also like to thank everyone that has helped support our campaigns and signed the petitions against Ruth Kelly”
IDAHO 2007 (International Day Against Homophobia)
Gay Surrey's IDAHO was an amazing night with over 120 people attending the evening at the Oatlands Park Hotel.
The evening kicked off with the release of 77 balloons highlighting the 77 countries around the world where it is still illegal to be gay.
The night unveiled the need to raise awareness to hidden homophobia in Surrey and how we as a community should be more visible and speak out in putting an end to hate crime.
Gino Meriano Chair of Gay Surrey, followed Bill Buckley's opening speech by talking about the meaning behind IDAHO and hate crime across the world and the importance of speaking out, forming new partnerships and their new stophate now campaign , QBOY's powerful speech about the young and his live performance of his latest single closed the evening on a high and created a new buzz for action".
Gino says" the night was electrifying there was so much support, not only from our community but from everyone, including organisations that believed more needed to be done, IDAHO Surrey was not about promoting the work our charity have done so far but the importance surrounding the "International Day Against Homophobia" as awhole. There is enough hatred in the world we need to come together as never before and reinforce the need for social acceptance and understanding, we are people to".
The committee were proud to have the following sponsors who also kindly donated to the night from Surrey Police, the Met police, Falcons Football Club, Blackfords Solicitors, THT, Connexions. and GYSE.
From creating IDAHO Surrey 2007 to the actual night itself the charity raised over £870 towards their campaign and wish to thank everyone that contributed towards making this happen.
Gino Meriano, Chair of Gay Surrey continues "this event proved there is so much more to do and as a result of this we will be launching the StopHate Now conference later this year. This will be part two of IDAHO Surrey 2007 offering everyone the opportunity to find out what has happened in Surrey since the 17th May and where we and our partners are heading for the future, more details will follow".
IDAHO is about awareness and your support is always needed, believe it or not we are already planning IDAHO Surrey 2008
Pink Weddings USA
May sees www.pinkweddings.uk.com launch in New York to support gay couples in America against President Bush and his Administrations' discrimination. The initiative was supported by VisitBritain UK and New York.
Number 10 - 5th December 2006
Gino and Mike Meriano takes on Ruth Kelly MP, seeks her resignation and submits a petition of over 10,000 signatures to Number 10, Downing Street .
Awards for Pink Weddings
Pink Weddings wins awards with leading gay publication
G3 Magazine
1.Wedding Planner of the year award with G3 Magazine
2.Best Civil Partnership Website award with G3 Magazine
Gino and his team were recognised for their commitment, passion and dedication
Campaigning overseas
In his ongoing campaign to raise awareness for gay rights, families and weddings Gino and his team launch in Europe and into the long haul market. Destinations include Northern Ireland, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland,
Prague, Toronto, Rockie Mountains and Thailand
Bromley March (changing Bromley Councils' Attitude)
2005 saw Gino organise and lead a campaign with over 100 people in the streets of Bromley to protest at the council's decision to ban Civil Partnership ceremonies in all their municipal buildings, including the register office. The peaceful march started at the Crown and Anchor Public House and made its way through Bromley to the Civil Hall, where Gino Meriano, campaigner and founder of Pink Weddings, handed in a petition from thousands of outraged residents. “The march brought Bromley to a stand still,” and we won.
The Civil Partnership - 21st December 2005
Gino Meriano and his partner Mike Ullett became history makers as the first couple in the England to hold their Civil Partnership in Brighton at 8am on the 21 st December 2005, a great way of expressing his campaign for equal rights and his very own commitment.
Ongoing work
Gino starts with increased zeal, a campaign to educate companies that do not accept a Civil Partnership Certificates, Equality and Diversitytraining and the launch of new gay awareness programmes across the UK helping companies understand the requirements from the LGBT community.
Co-op Funeralcare
Gino and his team forge a partnership with Co-op Funeralcare to launch Pink Partings. This concept was created to offer couples who are seeking help and advice when arranging funerals arrangements and their legal rights. www.pinkpartings.co.uk
Gino and the Team
Gino and his team continually face acceptance issues with some suppliers, businesses and venues.
It's surprising that even in today's world stereotyped perceptions still make it difficult to get a hotel to say yes or even a local florist to offer flowers, with a staggering 23% still saying no.
Gino has given his support and time to raising awareness for same sex ceremonies and celebrations, the Civil Partnership, Register Office conferences and supports charitable projects across the UK to help educate and further acceptance in today's society.
To date Gino and his team have arranged over 2000 weddings across the UK and overseas, Gino is a firm believer that the future brings exciting changes for gay and lesbian families, but is tireless in his pursuit for full recognition in law and society.