Straight paramedics "bribed" to take part in Brighton Pride (From The Argus)

Response crews and volunteers fine but do not waste money paying people to attend.

Many years ago I worked for a company which paid staff more money to work in rough areas of the country.
Some staff would go sick, their cars would break down and give a raft of other excuses in order not to do something they didn't fancy so they started to pay different rates to get staff to do the job.
There must be worse jobs to attend than marching with the Pride carnival which is mainly now a mixed and almost family attended event and probably a laugh.

How is it a bribe if they're being paid to work there?

Of course they're going to want overtime to work when they're not on rota, so would I!!

A 'straight' march would probably be banned. It is time minorities had equal rights - not more rights than the rest of us. I hope these people forgo the 13 pieces of silver and exercise their right not to march.

well done to them i say, all that rubbish about gay straight or whatever, its known as a "gay" march. and if they dont want to be part of it fair play to them.

Oh dear it's not quite the silly season the the Argus come up with yet another non-story!!

The clue is in your fourth paragraph Emily - it's called 'over-time' and is clearly not a 'bribe'!!!

What a load of cr** this paper is turning in to!

what is this, the Daily Mail!?

tut tut tut, this is NOT a bribe in any way shape or form. They will be paid, at overtime rates to work on a day when they dont usually work. Surely this is the norm for ANY situation. Not only does this demonstrate the support the service offers but also gives positive PR for them aswell which is why it is important for them to participate what a total middle england waste of space story.

Erm... Would the Argus like to explain exactely hoe it is just the "Straight" paramedics who are being bribed or paid overtime for this? Do the gay and bi workers not have this privilage? Some feed back on this one please Jo - is the story really about Homophobia in the workplace for our local paramedics or is the homophobia coming from the argus "shock horror! Straights invited to mix with gays!!" My goodness what an awful thought! Maybe you should do some more reaserch - some adult paramedics may have been asked, nay BRIBED into taking part in the Children's parade!

Just pay the crews required to attend as part of their work. Any others go of their own free will without pay. Do not create any false impressions that they are supporting the event by wasting public money in these times of recession.

I don't really get this story. Are they working - or are they parading in their own time?
It seems they are working, so in my opinion should not be part of any parade. That's an off-duty activity. Is this £40 an extra on top of their normal money plus overtime?
More info is needed.

Osama bin there wrote:
I don't really get this story. Are they working - or are they parading in their own time? It seems they are working, so in my opinion should not be part of any parade. That's an off-duty activity. Is this £40 an extra on top of their normal money plus overtime? More info is needed.

I would take it that they will be in their uniforms in the parade but would be called upon to assist in case of any particpants are in need of medical attention? I consider that as paid overtime.

I shall be parading in the parade of my own free will! It is joy to saddle up my horse and parade with old people, young people, gay and straight!

I do pay my horse an extra £40 on the day which he spends on poppers. Spooner rides again!

Stripes, there's no way "99% of residents" avoid Pride... all the straight people I know go along to see the march or to the park, or both. Plus "99% of residents" would have to involve gay people too, and they're even less likely to avoid Pride. Take a few friends along and have a picnic in the park on the day - you might actually enjoy yourself, instead if sitting at home moaning.

hoveboy wrote:
Erm... Would the Argus like to explain exactely hoe it is just the "Straight" paramedics who are being bribed or paid overtime for this? Do the gay and bi workers not have this privilage? Some feed back on this one please Jo - is the story really about Homophobia in the workplace for our local paramedics or is the homophobia coming from the argus "shock horror! Straights invited to mix with gays!!" My goodness what an awful thought! Maybe you should do some more reaserch - some adult paramedics may have been asked, nay BRIBED into taking part in the Children's parade!

The answers to your question, and everyone else's, are in the article.

The word 'bribe' came from the anonymous ambulance worker source: “They’ve had to bribe people with the overtime cash because the overwhelming majority of staff are straight and not totally comfortable about giving up their free time to go on a gay march.” So the source is suggesting the homophobia (although at the weakest end of the scale) is on the part of some straight paramedics. I'm sure you're being deliberately provocative, but just to make it completely clear, The Argus is certainly not shocked at the idea of straights mixing with gays, far from it.

The money (the trust describes as paid overtime, and the source says it is a £40 sum, although these are roughly the same in any case) will be paid to anyone working outside their normal shift patterns. This could be working in the traditional sense, or in a more educational role. In the latter case, they would be participating in the march, which presumably is where the alleged issue amongst straight paramedic staff is coming from.

stripes you really ought to get out more!

Three cheers for Pride! Three cheers for Web Editor! A silent lack of cheers for homophobia!

Stripes: "I don't like fun! I don't like gays! Everyone else agrees with me too! What a shame!"

This must of course explain why the parade is so sparce, why the park is so empty at pride. Those 99% are staying at home. For shame!

Maybe a ride on my horse would cheer you up.

It's usually the ones who complain the most who have "issues"! lol

Is this really the top story for Brighton and Sussex? Can't we find anything more exciting to write about? How about the great acheivements of the London to Brighton cyclists? Or the Race for Life ladies? There must be positive upliftin stories for us to have on the front page... not some non-story to wind up those who just like to moan... Stop being so British , Argus, stop moaning and lift Brighton's spirits!!

Does Pride want the ambulance service to match? I would have thought there is enough Gay and Lesbians working in this field for them to take part on a voluntary basis. This cr-ap could only happen in Brighton and Hove. They should stop Pride all altogether, I would like to know where all the money that is made from this event goes. I remember some years ago the Pride
committee were being investigated into irregularities, did we hear the outcome, No.

Jo Wadsworth wrote:

hoveboy wrote: Erm... Would the Argus like to explain exactely hoe it is just the "Straight" paramedics who are being bribed or paid overtime for this? Do the gay and bi workers not have this privilage? Some feed back on this one please Jo - is the story really about Homophobia in the workplace for our local paramedics or is the homophobia coming from the argus "shock horror! Straights invited to mix with gays!!" My goodness what an awful thought! Maybe you should do some more reaserch - some adult paramedics may have been asked, nay BRIBED into taking part in the Children's parade!

The answers to your question, and everyone else's, are in the article. The word 'bribe' came from the anonymous ambulance worker source: “They’ve had to bribe people with the overtime cash because the overwhelming majority of staff are straight and not totally comfortable about giving up their free time to go on a gay march.” So the source is suggesting the homophobia (although at the weakest end of the scale) is on the part of some straight paramedics. I'm sure you're being deliberately provocative, but just to make it completely clear, The Argus is certainly not shocked at the idea of straights mixing with gays, far from it. The money (the trust describes as paid overtime, and the source says it is a £40 sum, although these are roughly the same in any case) will be paid to anyone working outside their normal shift patterns. This could be working in the traditional sense, or in a more educational role. In the latter case, they would be participating in the march, which presumably is where the alleged issue amongst straight paramedic staff is coming from.

Jo - I understand what you have written, but I genuinely didn't understand the detail in the article.
Could I suggest that it's not very well written?
I fail to see how not wanting to go on a march on your day off could ever be classed as homophobia. Maybe the paramedics would rather sit in the garden at home on their day off and enjoy the weather..

Every week you see the argus attempting to bring the nhs hospitals/ ambulances/ police/ fire into disrepute. Never any praise for the good work they do. Well done argus.

Osama bin there wrote:

Jo Wadsworth wrote:

hoveboy wrote: Erm... Would the Argus like to explain exactely hoe it is just the "Straight" paramedics who are being bribed or paid overtime for this? Do the gay and bi workers not have this privilage? Some feed back on this one please Jo - is the story really about Homophobia in the workplace for our local paramedics or is the homophobia coming from the argus "shock horror! Straights invited to mix with gays!!" My goodness what an awful thought! Maybe you should do some more reaserch - some adult paramedics may have been asked, nay BRIBED into taking part in the Children's parade!

The answers to your question, and everyone else's, are in the article. The word 'bribe' came from the anonymous ambulance worker source: “They’ve had to bribe people with the overtime cash because the overwhelming majority of staff are straight and not totally comfortable about giving up their free time to go on a gay march.” So the source is suggesting the homophobia (although at the weakest end of the scale) is on the part of some straight paramedics. I'm sure you're being deliberately provocative, but just to make it completely clear, The Argus is certainly not shocked at the idea of straights mixing with gays, far from it. The money (the trust describes as paid overtime, and the source says it is a £40 sum, although these are roughly the same in any case) will be paid to anyone working outside their normal shift patterns. This could be working in the traditional sense, or in a more educational role. In the latter case, they would be participating in the march, which presumably is where the alleged issue amongst straight paramedic staff is coming from.

Jo - I understand what you have written, but I genuinely didn't understand the detail in the article.
Could I suggest that it's not very well written?
I fail to see how not wanting to go on a march on your day off could ever be classed as homophobia. Maybe the paramedics would rather sit in the garden at home on their day off and enjoy the weather..

Again, Osama, I refer you to the quote: "the overwhelming majority of staff are straight and not totally comfortable about giving up their free time to go on a gay march."

apbri - here are some links to some of the many positive stories we write about the emergency services:

http://tinyurl.com/l
vggdp (this was last Friday's front page story)

http://tinyurl.com/n
hv478

http://tinyurl.com/l
jkdnq

Isn't everyone missing the point - why are NHS paramedics being "asked/paid/whatever
" to attend a public event just simply wrong in the first place? usually at thing like this the organisers should be responsible for paying for people like the St Johns Ambulance or similar, to be present??

I do not like the idea of emergcny staff, paid for by us taxpapers, being put onto these duties - and being taken away from 999 emergency calls...

regardless of that, if they are paid overtime or a "bribe" whatever, then they have to be careful- they cannot attend in their uniform out of hours, as otherwise they are not insured, what if someone dies as aresult of theri actions - asre they sued persoanlly or will the NHS be laiable for their actions??

I just hope either I nor my family (who will not be attending this event) don't need an ambulance that day!!

Dufus wrote:
Isn't everyone missing the point - why are NHS paramedics being "asked/paid/whatever " to attend a public event just simply wrong in the first place? usually at thing like this the organisers should be responsible for paying for people like the St Johns Ambulance or similar, to be present?? I do not like the idea of emergcny staff, paid for by us taxpapers, being put onto these duties - and being taken away from 999 emergency calls... regardless of that, if they are paid overtime or a "bribe" whatever, then they have to be careful- they cannot attend in their uniform out of hours, as otherwise they are not insured, what if someone dies as aresult of theri actions - asre they sued persoanlly or will the NHS be laiable for their actions?? I just hope either I nor my family (who will not be attending this event) don't need an ambulance that day!!

Aren't you "missing the point"? On what basis are you claiming that there would be any problem getting an ambulance that day??

This is an abysmally written story (sorry Jo, but it IS!)

As a consequence, everyone is layering on their own bits of interpretation and speculation, all the better to further obfuscate what's actually going on here!

er, becuase if there are dozens of staff and ambulances parked up in roads and parks that are closed/overloaded with paraders, how the hell are they supposed to answer a 999 call in another part of the city with a fast response time??

"obfuscate" - what a wonderful word, AndyR.

It sounds to me that this whole story is being generated from the opinions of one person who decided to try and kick up a little storm in the press.... Unless that person has spoken to every person in the service (unlikely) found out their sexuality (again unlikely) and canvassed their views on Pride..... unlikely.

It could be that this has all kicked off over one anonymous person's opinions on what his or her colleagues may or may not feel like, lol

Not very factual, is it!

Stripes wrote:
"It’s about the whole city celebrating diversity.” WRONG. It's about the city's gay population allowed to grind the city to a halt, flout street drinking bans and enjoy sucking each other off in the city's parks while 99% of the residents stay well away from town and the parks until kylie and steps hits coming from Preston Park appears to have stopped. I reckon that the majority of 'residents' simply do not care about pride and what its stands for, nor how much white wine spritzers will get sold to help fund the local economy. Its another group of people taking over the city for the day at a huge inconvenience to everyone else.

As someone who has attended every Pride since 1995, I can probably be accused of the first two points but as for the third! One part of me wants to ask where such services can be secured but another part just sniggers at the gross exaggerations you make to reinforce an innane and widely inaccurate point. My advice would be to stay in your bunker on the day and let the rest of us enjoy the day (sans oral sex or otherwise!)

And no word of a lie - the security word is 'test-bone' - funny old world!

Cherry Pie wrote:
"obfuscate" - what a wonderful word, AndyR. It sounds to me that this whole story is being generated from the opinions of one person who decided to try and kick up a little storm in the press.... Unless that person has spoken to every person in the service (unlikely) found out their sexuality (again unlikely) and canvassed their views on Pride..... unlikely. It could be that this has all kicked off over one anonymous person's opinions on what his or her colleagues may or may not feel like, lol Not very factual, is it!

I actually have reached the point where I consider the responses to these dreadful articles more interesting and entertaining than the actual paper.

Jo - should your 'chief reporter' really be opening what is a sensitive subject with a statement with such an underlying provocative tone, which is sure to encourage the reactionary readership to debate on sexuality, rather than the real issue of the waste of NHS money? (an unfounded claim made by an anonymous member of staff, whom, for all we know, could just be a manifestation of Emily Walker's subconsciousness after having watched one too many Jim Davidson DVD's)

RickH wrote:

Stripes wrote: "It’s about the whole city celebrating diversity.” WRONG. It's about the city's gay population allowed to grind the city to a halt, flout street drinking bans and enjoy sucking each other off in the city's parks while 99% of the residents stay well away from town and the parks until kylie and steps hits coming from Preston Park appears to have stopped. I reckon that the majority of 'residents' simply do not care about pride and what its stands for, nor how much white wine spritzers will get sold to help fund the local economy. Its another group of people taking over the city for the day at a huge inconvenience to everyone else.

As someone who has attended every Pride since 1995, I can probably be accused of the first two points but as for the third! One part of me wants to ask where such services can be secured but another part just sniggers at the gross exaggerations you make to reinforce an innane and widely inaccurate point. My advice would be to stay in your bunker on the day and let the rest of us enjoy the day (sans oral sex or otherwise!) And no word of a lie - the security word is 'test-bone' - funny old world!

typical opinion of (some of)the "Indiginous" straight Brighton population, whom consider the event to be a burden (masking their underlying homophobia through the argument that the "city grinds to a halt") rather than the joyous occasion it is (in terms of how many people descend upon here and enjoy themsleves)

As a Brighton resident since birth I see both sides of the story, but I think The Argus should be doing more to encourage the two sides together rather than create the divide through pointless articles designed to stir up tensions.

Dufus wrote:
er, becuase if there are dozens of staff and ambulances parked up in roads and parks that are closed/overloaded with paraders, how the hell are they supposed to answer a 999 call in another part of the city with a fast response time??

er...er...er... I ask you again...on what basis are you claiming that anyone who needs an ambulance on a 999 basis on that day would be denied one? Has this ever happened in the 30-odd year history of this event?

Thought not.....

Andy R wrote:

Dufus wrote: er, becuase if there are dozens of staff and ambulances parked up in roads and parks that are closed/overloaded with paraders, how the hell are they supposed to answer a 999 call in another part of the city with a fast response time??

er...er...er... I ask you again...on what basis are you claiming that anyone who needs an ambulance on a 999 basis on that day would be denied one? Has this ever happened in the 30-odd year history of this event? Thought not.....

Dufus should read the original articles in the Telegraph and The Daily Mail (eurgh) that this information was ripped from, and he'd see that the guys who are normally on duty won't be doing this, hence offering overtime to get extra people to work.....

Paramedics offered overtime to take part in gay pride march
Paramedics are being offered £40 overtime each to take part in a gay pride march, even if they are not homosexual, according to reports.

Published: 8:00AM BST 20 Jun 2009

The ambulance staff are being encouraged to walk along Brighton's seafront in their uniform at this year's Pride festival.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedic said the local NHS Trust had said it would pay £40 each, the equivalent of two hours' overtime, for workers to take part in their own free time.


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Busiest year in a decade for the ambulance serviceDespite the offer, paramedics say the trust has recently stopped paying overtime while they are actually on duty.

The trust, which covers parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey, has displayed posters around its headquarters advertising the march with an ambulance covered in rainbow-coloured balloons, offering staff free transport and refreshments.

One paramedic told The Daily Mail: "They've had to bribe people with the overtime cash because the overwhelming majority of staff are straight and not totally comfortable about giving up their free time to go on a gay march."

Ann Widdecombe, the Tory MP, said: "It is unacceptable to use taxpayers' money in this way, especially as it's a political movement.

"The fact that the ambulance service is having to bribe paramedics to go is even worse. It would be much better to let them take a day off so they can get refreshed before they have to start their vital work saving lives."

Mark Wallace, from the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "If ambulance staff want to go to the march on their own behalf in their own time then that's fine, but there's no way we should pay-for-them to go on this march. The ambulance service is there to answer 999 calls and not for attending political events."

A spokesman for the trust, which has around 3,000 at its 63 ambulance stations across the three counties, said community events such as Pride were "an excellent opportunity to engage with the public".

"Due to operational demands it is not always possible to allow staff to carry out such engagement roles while on normal operational duty, which is why overtime is offered,"

whoops.... bit over-zealous on the copy and paste there... the last paragraph is the relevant one!

Stripes wrote:
"It’s about the whole city celebrating diversity.” WRONG. It's about the city's gay population allowed to grind the city to a halt, flout street drinking bans and enjoy sucking each other off in the city's parks while 99% of the residents stay well away from town and the parks until kylie and steps hits coming from Preston Park appears to have stopped. I reckon that the majority of 'residents' simply do not care about pride and what its stands for, nor how much white wine spritzers will get sold to help fund the local economy. Its another group of people taking over the city for the day at a huge inconvenience to everyone else.

WELL SAID STRIPES.

Isnt it about time the this event was ended? Im not homo-phobic whatsoever but its a bit old hat now. I understand it taking place in the 70's but who gives a **** about being gay nowadays. I thought being gay was about being "normal" in society and not the exception.

Why isn't it called gay pride anymore? If they are that proud surely they would call it gay pride?

Dont give me rubbish about it including any sexuality, its gay pride so call it that, unless they arent proud to be gay at all.

Randy Lahey wrote:

RickH wrote:

Stripes wrote: "It’s about the whole city celebrating diversity.” WRONG. It's about the city's gay population allowed to grind the city to a halt, flout street drinking bans and enjoy sucking each other off in the city's parks while 99% of the residents stay well away from town and the parks until kylie and steps hits coming from Preston Park appears to have stopped. I reckon that the majority of 'residents' simply do not care about pride and what its stands for, nor how much white wine spritzers will get sold to help fund the local economy. Its another group of people taking over the city for the day at a huge inconvenience to everyone else.

As someone who has attended every Pride since 1995, I can probably be accused of the first two points but as for the third! One part of me wants to ask where such services can be secured but another part just sniggers at the gross exaggerations you make to reinforce an innane and widely inaccurate point. My advice would be to stay in your bunker on the day and let the rest of us enjoy the day (sans oral sex or otherwise!) And no word of a lie - the security word is 'test-bone' - funny old world!

typical opinion of (some of)the "Indiginous" straight Brighton population, whom consider the event to be a burden (masking their underlying homophobia through the argument that the "city grinds to a halt") rather than the joyous occasion it is (in terms of how many people descend upon here and enjoy themsleves) As a Brighton resident since birth I see both sides of the story, but I think The Argus should be doing more to encourage the two sides together rather than create the divide through pointless articles designed to stir up tensions.

So is MWR going?

Jo Wadsworth wrote:

hoveboy wrote: Erm... Would the Argus like to explain exactely hoe it is just the "Straight" paramedics who are being bribed or paid overtime for this? Do the gay and bi workers not have this privilage? Some feed back on this one please Jo - is the story really about Homophobia in the workplace for our local paramedics or is the homophobia coming from the argus "shock horror! Straights invited to mix with gays!!" My goodness what an awful thought! Maybe you should do some more reaserch - some adult paramedics may have been asked, nay BRIBED into taking part in the Children's parade!

The answers to your question, and everyone else's, are in the article. The word 'bribe' came from the anonymous ambulance worker source: “They’ve had to bribe people with the overtime cash because the overwhelming majority of staff are straight and not totally comfortable about giving up their free time to go on a gay march.” So the source is suggesting the homophobia (although at the weakest end of the scale) is on the part of some straight paramedics. I'm sure you're being deliberately provocative, but just to make it completely clear, The Argus is certainly not shocked at the idea of straights mixing with gays, far from it. The money (the trust describes as paid overtime, and the source says it is a £40 sum, although these are roughly the same in any case) will be paid to anyone working outside their normal shift patterns. This could be working in the traditional sense, or in a more educational role. In the latter case, they would be participating in the march, which presumably is where the alleged issue amongst straight paramedic staff is coming from.

Thanks for clearing that up Jo - and so politely! One thing, your answer "The money will be paid to anyone working outside their normal shift paterns" negates your head line surely? Why have you chosen to run the story under the headline "Straight paramedics bribed" when you have pointed out that it will be all staff who are "bribed" regardless of sexual orienatation? I'd suggest it's The Argus who is being deliberatly provocative. if the issue is that the staff are paid overtime at all then the need to label sexuality is mearly for The Argus' attention grabbing and therefore, an arguable a case of homophobia.

As a paramedic, incidentally not participating in the march, this is an appalling piece of journalism that has given a voice to a bigoted member of the ambulance service. Having worked in the service for many years I am proud of the diverse culture in which we work and as far as I am aware participation in this march is as much about education and recruitment. By all means question the use of public funds (if you feel it appropriate)but don't cloak it in homophobic sentiment. If this is the standard of reporting from your chief reporter I hate to think what is in the rest of the paper.

'Cheezburger' - Oh please. Spare us your pathetic "unless they arent proud to be gay" rhetoric. As it happens, most gay people would prefer this event to be called Gay Pride but over the years Brighton Pride has come to represent more than just the 'gay' people, hence the catchy LGBT addition.

Anyway, you don't matter. The tone of your post is unpleasant and I now remember why I have avoided The Argus forums for many years. It's always generally been a haven for people intolerant and bigoted people who don't have the balls to stand up and be counted. Don't like something? Why not stand for council?

jadwaga wrote:
As a paramedic, incidentally not participating in the march, this is an appalling piece of journalism that has given a voice to a bigoted member of the ambulance service. Having worked in the service for many years I am proud of the diverse culture in which we work and as far as I am aware participation in this march is as much about education and recruitment. By all means question the use of public funds (if you feel it appropriate)but don't cloak it in homophobic sentiment. If this is the standard of reporting from your chief reporter I hate to think what is in the rest of the paper.

Yes, Jo. This is almost exactly what I was saying, and you dismissed it as though I hadn't read the story properly.
Not joining the march on your day off DOES NOT mean you are homophobic ( no matter what an unnamed 'source' says).

'Unnamed source'. Very fishy. The reporter is blatantly trying to stir things up. What a banal article.

JImjaminy wrote:
'Cheezburger' - Oh please. Spare us your pathetic "unless they arent proud to be gay" rhetoric. As it happens, most gay people would prefer this event to be called Gay Pride but over the years Brighton Pride has come to represent more than just the 'gay' people, hence the catchy LGBT addition. Anyway, you don't matter. The tone of your post is unpleasant and I now remember why I have avoided The Argus forums for many years. It's always generally been a haven for people intolerant and bigoted people who don't have the balls to stand up and be counted. Don't like something? Why not stand for council?

i haven't said anything bigoted so get the chip off your shoulder. The pride is actually about making money more than anything else.

I don't matter? Surely that sentence alone shows you to be a bigot?I think lesbian gay bisexual transgender is perfectly encaptured in the description of gay pride. I notice you dont mention straight people, so presumably they arent welcome in your little view.You dont know fukk all about me so dont play the homophobe card. it is gay pride as it represents gay people in brighton. it should not be brighton pride because it does not represent the majority of the residents of brighton. Its a scam. simples.

Surely the whole point of offering good overtime rates is to get enough additional staff to cover a big event.
My staff get the offer of higher overtime rates (bribes) to work Christmas and New Year's Day otherwise no-one volunteers, particularly if it falls midweek and they miss out on a long stretch of days off.
As for Pride causing disruption what about the disruption the London to Brighton bike ride causes. You should have seen the terrible queue to get out of Brighton on the A23 on Sunday night. Fumes spewing out for hours in stationary traffic. Now that can't be doing much for people's hearts.
Then there's those old cars and vans traipsing down to Brighton at 5mph causing disruption, or the part conferences in the city, or the children's parade.
In fact why no ban all fun except shopping in chain stores in the city.

Woefully poor article, worsened by the fact that it was apparently written by the "Chief Reporter"!

According to the trust's spokesperson "They will be working and if they are outside their normal shifts they will get paid overtime" Unless the Argus have evidence to disprove this then this sensationalist nonsense is just plain embarrassment to the writers job description as "Chief Reporter".

Agreed! When people say "it causes disruption" they mean they can't get to Churchill Square as quickly as usual. The Pride is a part of Brighton's identity, and don't forget that hundreds of thousands of people come every year, spending money in the pubs, clubs and shops, staying in the city's hotels... It's events like these that put Brighton on the map of buzzing cities. What would Brighton be without the Pride, the Big Beach Boutiques, the Naked Bike Race, Paddle Round The Pier, the street festivals... another s**t hole like Eastbourne or Hastings. I don't understand the people that don't like Brighton for what it is. Stop complaining about every single fun event that goes on and just move if you're not happy.

cheezburger wrote:
Why isn't it called gay pride anymore? If they are that proud surely they would call it gay pride?

Dont give me rubbish about it including any sexuality, its gay pride so call it that, unless they arent proud to be gay at all.

cheezburger go back to your cave where you may get an audience. Idiot.

gay pride is political im not botherd if people are gay or not if there was a straight pride there would be hell to pay y should one part of society shut down an hole town for the day one rule for one part of sosiaty and another for the rest of us and no im not homaphobic i dislike every one equally

Why waste public money asking ambulance staff to walk at gay pride? If they don't want to go, they don't want to go. It would take a lot more than 40 quid to get me there.
I want to know, can all us Hetrosexuals have a day when we show the gay people how proud we are to be straight.Pride should be banned along with gay clubs, gay bars etc. If gays want to be treated equally, then their should be no clubs, bars etc especially for them.That's not equal!

Bennn wrote:
Agreed! When people say "it causes disruption" they mean they can't get to Churchill Square as quickly as usual. The Pride is a part of Brighton's identity, and don't forget that hundreds of thousands of people come every year, spending money in the pubs, clubs and shops, staying in the city's hotels... It's events like these that put Brighton on the map of buzzing cities. What would Brighton be without the Pride, the Big Beach Boutiques, the Naked Bike Race, Paddle Round The Pier, the street festivals... another s**t hole like Eastbourne or Hastings. I don't understand the people that don't like Brighton for what it is. Stop complaining about every single fun event that goes on and just move if you're not happy.

Not quite... When I say it causes disruption I mean that I can't get home without fighting my way through hundreds of people who don't give a **** about gay, lesbian, transgendered, bisexual, straight, sadists, masochists, liberals, tories, reds, greens or blues, just as long as they can get as p!$$3d as they like in St James's St.

Why do they need to walk with pride, surely they should be parked up some where, maybe the ambulance station in Elm Grove and wait to be called out. Or are they going to drag their equipment along with them on the parade?

thay are not going there to work thay are going so the NHS can look like thay suport gays and its not only prid that causes disruption we have the london to bton rent a wreck rally the cycal rally and the joke of a festival hold them out of town so the rest of us can get on with our lives without disruption freedom of speech works both ways

Yes! Ban the festivals! Ban the Bike Rides! Ban the parades! Ban the discriminatory gay clubs! And whilst you're at it, ban the minorities! We have our rights too! I demand my ability to get around town without finding myself in some so called 'event' - and believe me, I am in the majority.

What is the world coming to when you can't go anywhere without tripping over a 'circus'. For shame!

Pebbles wrote:
Isnt it about time the this event was ended? Im not homo-phobic whatsoever but its a bit old hat now. I understand it taking place in the 70's but who gives a **** about being gay nowadays. I thought being gay was about being "normal" in society and not the exception.

Sorry but that's a rather outdated view these days. Why on Earth would I want to be 'normal' - indeed we are all individuals and thats what this event is about - recognising and celebrating the differences that make us individuals but also seeking that we are treated equally; your argument is centred upon normalisation and loss of individuality. Indeed, your response highlights the difference between equality of oppurtunity and diversity - both important and interlinked strands of social development but with some important differences.

jadwaga wrote:
As a paramedic, incidentally not participating in the march, this is an appalling piece of journalism that has given a voice to a bigoted member of the ambulance service. Having worked in the service for many years I am proud of the diverse culture in which we work and as far as I am aware participation in this march is as much about education and recruitment. By all means question the use of public funds (if you feel it appropriate)but don't cloak it in homophobic sentiment. If this is the standard of reporting from your chief reporter I hate to think what is in the rest of the paper.

Straight (no pun intedned) from the horse's mouth, so to speak - maybe the 'nameless' NHS source should have the courage of their convictions and stand by their views next time

I'm not an individual at all and I can honestly say life is better for it.

I am gay and don't particularly want heterosexual people being paid to attend a march that they do not want to attend. Why? Because it defeats the object and it's a waste of our money, whatever sexuality you may be. The fact that Pride is no longer political is a problem, in my opinion. The commercialisation of Pride with it's 'boystown' sponsorship and crap music has got nothing to do with my life at all. I don't see myself represented. Yes, it's great that families are attending and that it's so inclusive now etc etc but the meaning of Pride has been long-forgotten. Brighton is a pretty safe space for queers but the rest of the country is very different. The march, for me, is about visibility fighting for equality rights. The dykes in Tyneside are abused every time they 'dare' to have a Pride march, for example. Homophobes go along now just for a ****-up. I won't be there this year. Up the queer punks! ; )

jackpot65 wrote:
Why waste public money asking ambulance staff to walk at gay pride? If they don't want to go, they don't want to go. It would take a lot more than 40 quid to get me there. I want to know, can all us Hetrosexuals have a day when we show the gay people how proud we are to be straight.Pride should be banned along with gay clubs, gay bars etc. If gays want to be treated equally, then their should be no clubs, bars etc especially for them.That's not equal!

Money is paid to such staff during ANY event such as Pride.I am sure you can professionally organise a march jackpot65. What's stopping you.
Incidentally, anyone can enter any club/bar without being excluded, unless of course they "kick off." It's still good to advertise somewhere as gay friendly/women friendly/children friendly as it helps suggest to those looking for a place to relax and enjoy themselves that this might be a better place to go with less fear of bigots ruining their night.

SHOCK HORROR - I work for the ambulance service and I will be participating in the parade on August 1st, with the Ambulance Service.

And guess what - I happen to be gay, not straight. Isn't it, therefore, a tad presumptive to presume that all, or indeed ANY of us participating on the day are straight? I am taking part, just as I did with the Ambulance Service last year, and will be proud to be there on the day.

I will be attending on a day off, in my own time, voluntarily - and as I can be rostered to work ANY hours of the day, ANY day of the week or year, surely, if I choose to take part in my own time, what's the problem if a little bit of overtime is offer? Last year I participated for free, and I would be happy to do so again, but if there is overtime on offer anyway, am I going to say no? Has anyone noticed there is a credit crunch on?

There are enough ambulance staff who will be rostered to work on Pride weekend, just as on any other weekend, so anyone needing an ambulance will find themselves no less likely to receive our normal standard of care - both over the phone when calling for an ambulance, as well as once the ambulance turns up.

Yes, I'll be proud to be there on the day, representing the Ambulance Service, just as I was when I was there representing The Argus when I worked for them too (yes, this is true, not just a convenient lie made up for the purpose of this posting).

And guess what, at least half the staff who took part for The Argus happened to be of the straight persuasion! Now where does that leave ur argument Jo?

Quite simply, Pride, like many other events the city hosts, brings huge sums of money to the city. If you don't want to go then don't. But if you do, have a great time - and give us a cheer as we go past you in the parade!