In response to the comments in the North Star (23 November) by Rev. Allan of Aultbea calling for a boycott of Tesco because they are funding World Pride in London in 2012, Joanne Mackenzie-Winters, Secretary of the Highland LGBT Forum said:
'Personally, I welcome a company such as Tesco offering to sponsor WorldPride 2012 in London. The importance of LGBT charities and events cannot be underestimated as work still needs to be done to counter homophobia and transphobia in our society. When left unchallenged, this can aggravate problems of social and geographical isolation which have a real impact on people's lives. We have heard of several recent homophobic incidents in the Highlands which have had a significant impact on the wellbeing of those involved. The Forum works together with other charities and statutory bodies to challenge stigma and discrimination wherever it occurs. Next year we will be working with members of churches in Inverness and CourageSCOTLAND (an LGBT-inclusive Christian network) to host a seminar on faith and homosexuality.'

25 November
In response to the Inverness Courier quotes from Donald Boyd's press conference for the Scottish Christian Party, Joanne Mackenzie-Winters, Secretary of the Highland LGBT Forum said:
'Over 20 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people attended the Equal Marriage campaign event in Inverness last week with some travelling from Tain and Forres. It was good to hear the views of couples who are already in a civil partnership. Some of them would like to have a marriage ceremony and be able to choose whether it is civil or religious. It's a question of choice and equal recognition of the commitment between two people. There were interesting discussions about the religious questions on the consultation paper, but the Scottish government has already stated it will not force religious bodies or celebrants. Several of those in the audience spoke about the current requirement for transgender people to get a divorce before obtaining their full gender recognition certificate and it would be good to get the legislation changed for them too.
As a society we need to challenge homophobia and transphobia, as negative attitudes have a real impact on people's lives and wellbeing. The Forum works together with other charities and statutory bodies to challenge stigma and discrimination wherever it occurs.'

4 November
In reponse to the Inverness Courier's information that an Inverness churchman is organising a 'United Christian Protest against same-sex marriage' outside the Scottish Parliament in December - Joanne Mackenzie-Winters, Secretary of the Highland LGBT Forum said:
'I'm disappointed at the negative campaigns seen in Scotland by opponents of same-sex marriage. The Highland LGBT Forum campaigns for the fair treatment of all LGBT people and aims to challenge homophobia, transphobia and discrimination wherever it occurs. We will be submitting a positive response to the Scottish Government's consultation. Several of our members will be attending the Equality Network's consultation evening in Inverness on 15 November at the Spectrum Centre. All lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their friends, family and supporters are welcome to attend. The Highland LGBT Forum has a good working relationship with members of the Church of Scotland in Inverness and a Scottish LGBT Inclusive Christian network.'
'The Forum is working towards achieving a better quality of life for all LGBT people here in the Highlands and Islands and we look forward to the day when our LGBT community is fully integrated within our society.'

For more information about the equal marriage consultation and to lobby your MSP, visit www.equalmarriage.org.uk