Comments on: Boris Johnson meets with police chief to discuss the rise in homophobic crime http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/ PinkNews.co.uk Gay News (UK and world) from Pink News - all the gay news for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community in the UK and beyond- gay news from Pink News Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:34:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Squidgy http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-100292 Squidgy Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:23:03 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-100292 Go Boris!! Go Boris!!

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]]> By: JohnK http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80515 JohnK Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:53:05 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80515 @Matt Sephton How does being “Openly Gay” qualify you to tackle homophobia, do these openly gay men have expertise in this area apart from their sexual orientation. You say that Boris is doing practical jobs like meeting the Police Commissioner to ensure hate crime is taken and dealt with seriously. . . When did Boris become an expert on “homophobia” and “Heterosexism”? Since Boris is taking these issues so seriously, why has he decided to distance himself from expertise in this area, i.e. stonewall. As I said earlier this is just and opportunity for photos, sound bites and ultimately ineptitude.. . . a little bit like your post @Matt Sephton

How does being “Openly Gay” qualify you to tackle homophobia, do these openly gay men have expertise in this area apart from their sexual orientation.

You say that Boris is doing practical jobs like meeting the Police Commissioner to ensure hate crime is taken and dealt with seriously. . . When did Boris become an expert on “homophobia” and “Heterosexism”?

Since Boris is taking these issues so seriously, why has he decided to distance himself from expertise in this area, i.e. stonewall.

As I said earlier this is just and opportunity for photos, sound bites and ultimately ineptitude.. . . a little bit like your post

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]]> By: Matt Sephton http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80476 Matt Sephton Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:47:23 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80476 Well, done Boris! (And thank you Pink News for coming up with a far more suitable picture for the article!) We need high profile people like the Mayor of London meeting the Police to ensure that this sort of crime is stamped out once and for all in our society. To answer those critics of Boris above, Boris's campaign for Mayor of London was run by an openly gay man (Dan Ritterband) who is now Director of Marketing for London. Also, TWO OUT OF THREE of Boris's Deputy Mayors (Richard Barnes, who addressed the vigil on Friday, and Sir Simon Milton, ex-Leader of Westminster City Council) are also openly gay. Those facts, combined with the news that Boris is doing practical jobs like meeting the Police Commissioner to ensure hate crime is taken and dealt with seriously, should give us confidence that the Mayor of London is well and truly on the side of LGBT people and it is NOT just soundbites and cuddly talk for a one-off occasion. Well, done Boris! (And thank you Pink News for coming up with a far more suitable picture for the article!)

We need high profile people like the Mayor of London meeting the Police to ensure that this sort of crime is stamped out once and for all in our society.

To answer those critics of Boris above, Boris's campaign for Mayor of London was run by an openly gay man (Dan Ritterband) who is now Director of Marketing for London. Also, TWO OUT OF THREE of Boris's Deputy Mayors (Richard Barnes, who addressed the vigil on Friday, and Sir Simon Milton, ex-Leader of Westminster City Council) are also openly gay. Those facts, combined with the news that Boris is doing practical jobs like meeting the Police Commissioner to ensure hate crime is taken and dealt with seriously, should give us confidence that the Mayor of London is well and truly on the side of LGBT people and it is NOT just soundbites and cuddly talk for a one-off occasion.

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]]> By: Rose http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80314 Rose Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:08:59 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80314 Wow, it must be a full moon. I agree with RobN. Wow, it must be a full moon. I agree with RobN.

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]]> By: RobN http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80302 RobN Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:34:13 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80302 Marc: For once, a voice of reason. The trouble is that so many on here just immediately jump and accuse people of homophobia whenever they hear the slightest defamatory remark about LGBT people. I think there is a lot of homophobia about, however, the majority of it, I believe is not malicious, but out of simple ignorance. I was once 'caught' snogging my BF at the time in Finsbury Park station at about 1am whilst waiting for a train, by two black youngsters. One asked if we were kissing, I think expecting us to suddenly react, go red in the face and run away. Instead, I replied "Yes. And...?" And we ended up in a discussion as to the fact we were gay, and what all that entailed. I pointed out that he was born black. Nothing he could do about it. If he wanted to moan about it, and carry a chip on his shoulder all his life, he could. Alternatively, he could just take life, and it's critics, on the chin and get on with it. He and his mate saw the parallels and hopefully walked away slightly more enlightened. It NEEDS people to talk, instead of knee-jerk react. We shouldn't force people to accept us, they should see it as a natural part of everyday life, and not feel threatened. Marc: For once, a voice of reason. The trouble is that so many on here just immediately jump and accuse people of homophobia whenever they hear the slightest defamatory remark about LGBT people.

I think there is a lot of homophobia about, however, the majority of it, I believe is not malicious, but out of simple ignorance. I was once 'caught' snogging my BF at the time in Finsbury Park station at about 1am whilst waiting for a train, by two black youngsters. One asked if we were kissing, I think expecting us to suddenly react, go red in the face and run away. Instead, I replied "Yes. And…?" And we ended up in a discussion as to the fact we were gay, and what all that entailed. I pointed out that he was born black. Nothing he could do about it. If he wanted to moan about it, and carry a chip on his shoulder all his life, he could. Alternatively, he could just take life, and it's critics, on the chin and get on with it. He and his mate saw the parallels and hopefully walked away slightly more enlightened.

It NEEDS people to talk, instead of knee-jerk react. We shouldn't force people to accept us, they should see it as a natural part of everyday life, and not feel threatened.

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]]> By: Marc Weide http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80296 Marc Weide Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:55:42 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80296 After attending the vigil last night and reading this, what I am left to wonder is what people will actually do to stop hate crime. There was much talk of "not accepting what had happened". There was some talk of the importance of educating teenagers, as hate crime derives from frustration about one's lot and ignorance of that of others. But there seemed to be no mention of what is actually going to be done in schools to educate teenagers (and their parents) better. I believe this should involve more than just people talking at teenagers. "Homophobia is bad, you shouldn't say homophobic things" is not a lesson that is going to stop hate crime. It only starts when pupils feel safe enough to say, in a well-led discussion: "I'm not comfortable with homosexuality", or even "It's disgusting". Only then can the ignorance that leads to such views be addressed in a constructive way. After attending the vigil last night and reading this, what I am left to wonder is what people will actually do to stop hate crime. There was much talk of "not accepting what had happened". There was some talk of the importance of educating teenagers, as hate crime derives from frustration about one's lot and ignorance of that of others. But there seemed to be no mention of what is actually going to be done in schools to educate teenagers (and their parents) better. I believe this should involve more than just people talking at teenagers.

"Homophobia is bad, you shouldn't say homophobic things" is not a lesson that is going to stop hate crime. It only starts when pupils feel safe enough to say, in a well-led discussion: "I'm not comfortable with homosexuality", or even "It's disgusting". Only then can the ignorance that leads to such views be addressed in a constructive way.

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]]> By: Bob http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80266 Bob Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:53:16 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80266 Boris criticised Ken Livingstone because of the level of knife crime in London... Has it changed anything since he was made mayor? Now that Boris has inherited this and other nightmares, I hope the next candidate uses the same ridiculous political arguments to dethrone this buffoon. Boris criticised Ken Livingstone because of the level of knife crime in London… Has it changed anything since he was made mayor? Now that Boris has inherited this and other nightmares, I hope the next candidate uses the same ridiculous political arguments to dethrone this buffoon.

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]]> By: Simon Murphy http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80262 Simon Murphy Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:51:27 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80262 No 10: Abi1975: you say: "While we get slaughtered on the streets." A bit of perspective may be called for. There has certainly been a rise in anti-queer violence but I don't think it is at worrying levels yet. Queers are a minority, therefore we are automatic targets. It's still just random attacks though. That is horrible I know, but it is the reality. I like this vigil tonight as it's a sign that the rise in violence is being noticed. And that is a good sign. We must stay alert and not allow it to be ignored. No 10: Abi1975: you say: "While we get slaughtered on the streets."

A bit of perspective may be called for.
There has certainly been a rise in anti-queer violence but I don't think it is at worrying levels yet. Queers are a minority, therefore we are automatic targets. It's still just random attacks though. That is horrible I know, but it is the reality.

I like this vigil tonight as it's a sign that the rise in violence is being noticed. And that is a good sign. We must stay alert and not allow it to be ignored.

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]]> By: JohnK http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80251 JohnK Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:13:15 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80251 Photo opportunity Nothing more, nothing less He cut the equality and diversity section once he was elected He withdrew from Stonewall champions once elected He has dismantled any LGBT machinary which would allow him to think stragegically about homophobic hate crimes Photo, sound bites ineptitude. Photo opportunity

Nothing more, nothing less

He cut the equality and diversity section once he was elected
He withdrew from Stonewall champions once elected
He has dismantled any LGBT machinary which would allow him to think stragegically about homophobic hate crimes

Photo, sound bites ineptitude.

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]]> By: Abi1975 http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80237 Abi1975 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:30:51 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80237 A bit of nice PR for Boris while the Met LGBT dedicated officers. Nice sound bite but the reality is the opposite to what's said. While we get slaughtered on the streets. A bit of nice PR for Boris while the Met LGBT dedicated officers.

Nice sound bite but the reality is the opposite to what's said. While we get slaughtered on the streets.

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]]> By: Rose http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80219 Rose Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:41:34 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80219 For the record, I think the issue of homophobic crime is VERY important. I am only sceptical of Boris Johnson's support for it. Lizzie said it was appropriate that he meets today, when the vigil is in Trafalgar Square. But the cynical view is that it's convenient. He's jumping on the bandwagon of something that is in the public eye right now to make political hay. Anyway, it's a five minute walk from where I am right this minute to the vigil. I'll be heading off there in a bit. I know some other people who are coming later. For the record, I think the issue of homophobic crime is VERY important. I am only sceptical of Boris Johnson's support for it. Lizzie said it was appropriate that he meets today, when the vigil is in Trafalgar Square. But the cynical view is that it's convenient. He's jumping on the bandwagon of something that is in the public eye right now to make political hay.

Anyway, it's a five minute walk from where I am right this minute to the vigil. I'll be heading off there in a bit. I know some other people who are coming later.

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]]> By: Rose http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80211 Rose Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:05:03 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80211 Boris obviously likes photo opportunities. Boris obviously likes photo opportunities.

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]]> By: lizzie http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80202 lizzie Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:46:57 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80202 Ah! thank you pinknews thats a much better photo!! Lets hope it was a useful meeting. Ah! thank you pinknews thats a much better photo!!
Lets hope it was a useful meeting.

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]]> By: lizzie http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80181 lizzie Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:34:36 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80181 Perhaps Pink News could find a more appropraite photo to support the seriousness of the article!! Perhaps Pink News could find a more appropraite photo to support the seriousness of the article!!

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]]> By: Gaz http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80173 Gaz Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:09:35 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80173 Some people should really check their facts before opening their mouths, that photo is actually from the Sikh New Year Festival celebrations which Boris attended. Try not to make assumptions before you actually do some research, it's not hard.. Some people should really check their facts before opening their mouths, that photo is actually from the Sikh New Year Festival celebrations which Boris attended.
Try not to make assumptions before you actually do some research, it's not hard..

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]]> By: lizzie http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80171 lizzie Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:04:35 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80171 Yes Rose, may be just an opportunity fot a pic!! but actually it rather suits him, doon't you think? At least he's meeeting with the police to keep the topic of homophobia on the streets of London in the news. Its appropriate that its today, when there is the vigil at Trafalgar Square. Yes Rose, may be just an opportunity fot a pic!! but actually it rather suits him, doon't you think? At least he's meeeting with the police to keep the topic of homophobia on the streets of London in the news. Its appropriate that its today, when there is the vigil at Trafalgar Square.

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]]> By: Jwalsh http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80170 Jwalsh Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:03:53 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80170 Too late. Too late.

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]]> By: Rose http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80166 Rose Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:50:35 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80166 Boris met with the police chief so he could get a pic of himself in a policeman's hat. It's a photo opportunity, a sound bite. that's all. Boris met with the police chief so he could get a pic of himself in a policeman's hat. It's a photo opportunity, a sound bite. that's all.

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]]> By: JohnG http://news.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/30/boris-johnson-meets-with-police-chief-to-discuss-the-rise-in-homophobic-crime/comment-page-1/#comment-80156 JohnG Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:59:30 +0000 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/?p=14756#comment-80156 "The Commissioner assured the Mayor that the Met is taking the issue of homophobic crime seriously and he outlined measures that include third party reporting and increased sanctioned detection rates, as well as raising staff and community awareness and efforts to encourage the community to report attacks." He forgot getting rid of LGBT liaision officers, surely that's an effective measure to tackly homophobic crime, right? "The Commissioner assured the Mayor that the Met is taking the issue of homophobic crime seriously and he outlined measures that include third party reporting and increased sanctioned detection rates, as well as raising staff and community awareness and efforts to encourage the community to report attacks."

He forgot getting rid of LGBT liaision officers, surely that's an effective measure to tackly homophobic crime, right?

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