Whitstable campaigner says Canterbury is "not gay enough"
CANTERBURY is "not gay enough," claims a gay rights group.
Pride in Canterbury has slammed the city council for not helping to promote the pink community.
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Martin Lammas and Andrew Bettell
Chairman Andrew Brettell of Pier Avenue, Tankerton, Whitstable, wrote to the council in November but after claiming he had received no reply lodged a formal complaint with the Local Government Ombudsman.
Mr Brettell, in his 60s, said "The impression I get is that the council just doesn't want to know.
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"I get the feeling it is precious because Canterbury has a cathedral and history.
"I think they think the gay community will turn it into Sodom and Gomorrah."
Mr Brettell organised the first Pride in Canterbury gay festival in 2005 but claims the council failed to support it.
The former actor Mr Brettell, who lives with his 48-year-old accountant partner Martin Lammas, said: "We had a good response but ended up with lots of people from outside the area."
He has also called for a drop-in centre for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community and a dedicated gay bar.
But city council chief executive Colin Carmichael said: "The council strongly refutes any suggestion by Pride in Canterbury that we do not want to engage with the LGBT community. We are very disappointed they referred this to the ombudsman.
"The council has provided Pride in Canterbury with funding of more than £4,000 since 2005 through our grants system to help them identify the needs of the LGBT community and promote their concerns."
Mr Carmichael added: "Last year we held a gay open day at the council offices, which was widely advertised including in the gay press. It was well attended by more than 40 people and received very good feedback from those present.
"We believe that through regular correspondence with Pride in Canterbury over many years we have thoroughly addressed their concerns and shown ourselves to be a council that has taken action to address the needs and priorities of the LGBT community."
A council spokesman added: "It is not the council's job to go round opening bars for gays or heterosexuals. It is not the type of thing council tax-payers expect us to do."
City resident Jim Jones said: "I see no reason why any bar or club in the country has to be called a gay bar. It's a bar. So what if you're gay, you still sit and drink like everyone else.
"I think gay people make too much out of being gay and should just accept it and not want special treatment."
Tourist attraction Canterbury Tales said Pride members can visit the St Margaret's Street venue for half price and lap-dancing club Scribes in King Street is to reopen on Friday June 5 as gay bar CO2.
Comments
by kate, Kent
Thursday, August 13 2009, 6:42PM
“Some people say that Canterbury is too gay as it is, some say why can't gay people be Ok in a 'normal bar'. All I can say is why have such a big issue about this and so much controversy?
I'm lesibian, and yes some gays would ;like to go to gasy bars perhaps aswell as others. Hetrosexuals go to gay bars aswell.
I'm not saying that gays deserve extra special treatment, but if going to a gay bar is what they enjoy doing, why are people being so vain about the issue of gay bars/ gay sexuality”
by Lizzie, Herne Bay previously Canterbury
Sunday, June 07 2009, 6:47PM
“Canterbury doesn't need gay bars because no one really has any problem with homosexuality so gay people are welcomed everywhere. By having their own dedicated bar they would be isolating themselves, making them open to criticism - only they are making their sexuality an issue.”
by Derek Strobes, The Butter Market
Tuesday, June 02 2009, 9:06AM
“I don't know what these blokes are banging on about.
Canterbury is as gay as a window!”
by Jane, Whitstable
Monday, May 25 2009, 6:33AM
“I have gay friends who say the last thing they want is to isolate themselves in gay 'ghettos. They also agree that gay bars etc should be privately funded and run. Most gays are not disabled or disadvantaged so why should other tax payers provide facilities for them - it is a nonsense.”
by Man of Kent, Whitstable
Friday, May 22 2009, 3:16PM
“You want a Gay Bar, then put together a business plan, drop by the bank for a loan, and try to make it happen. What you really want is the taxpayers to fund your special interest facility., and Canterbury city council should tell you where to go, frankly.”
by Betty Swoobrash, Canterbury
Wednesday, May 20 2009, 11:56PM
“I'm thinking of organising a 'Heterosexual Pride March.' Anyone want to join me?”
by mr barry, kent
Wednesday, May 20 2009, 7:17PM
“what does a gay open day involve sounds rude”
by Roy Long, Margate
Wednesday, May 20 2009, 3:13PM
“Why is it these minority groups feel that useless everyone is forced to agree with their views they are being downtrodden.
If you want to be treated equally then dont push the diversity point. You cant have it both ways.
It has reached a point when the man in the street cannot say or do anything without being accussed of victimising someone in the community.
Enough is enough.”
by Beano Bob, Whitstable
Wednesday, May 20 2009, 1:22PM
“Canterbury not gay enough?
Whoever is of that opinion is obviously visiting a different city to the one that I know.
The place is very gay, and I speak as a former lesbian.”