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Same-sex hand holding (Sshh!) Saturday - November 28th
28 Nov 2009
Same-sex hand holding (Sshh) Saturday
November 28th 2009
This November, A Day In Hand recognised the ongoing struggles faced by people affected by HIV/AIDS. In an article in Out In The City I reffered to a 'terror of touching' which I percieved many Lesbians and Gay men have to wrestle with in public. The metaphor of course found its reality over 25 years ago, when in the early 80's mass panic spread around misinformation about HIV, and face masks and gloves were de rigueur for anyone coming into contact with HIV+ and gay people.
Nowadays we know better: it is not possible to become infected with HIV from everyday casual contact such as sharing food, shaking hands or touching the same objects. So we attempted to connect people once more, by encouraging same-sex hand holding across the world and to remember our HIV+ brothers and sisters who are now and who have gone before. Remember the fight on Dec 1st - World AIDS Day.
Yes, the posties are with us!
"...this photo was taken on the 29th of November 2009 and this is
my fiancee Avinash. I am from London but live in Beijing at the moment
for a year of studies. Holding hands in China is not very common, even
for straight couples as public affection is traditionally a taboo. When
you see a young straight couple hug and kiss it's already a novice.
Boys holding hands is mostly seen as a sign of friendship like in the
Middle East. Most people in China are unaware of gay relationships and
wouldn't interpret us holding hands us us being together necessarily.
The younger generation is changing tho and gays are more and more
willing to come out. Since the Chinese, even if they might be
homophobic, are a mostly a non-violent, non-judgemental folk,
holding-hands is a safe-practice and a great way of pushing forward
visibility."
Vince & Avinash
Great Wall of China, China
Friends Steven and Trevor collect for NAT (National AIDS Trust) in Brighton and support SSHH! Saturday 28/11/09. Multi-tasking at it's best!
Paul and Shaun Bowker-White in Churchill Square, Brighton, after four long, cold but very fruitful hours collecting for NAT (National AIDS Trust). Follow the link to find out how you can support the NAT. Newly married Paul and Shaun showed off what a happy couple they are to the frenzied shoppers of Brighton on SSHH! Saturday III, following four hours freezing their butts off collecting for NAT (National AIDS Trust) on the eve of World AIDS Day. A pair of real heroes!
 
Remembering, on World Aids day, those who have gone before us.
The London House of Common Sluts, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence started a ceremony of remembrance at St Anne's Church Soho, London. Blessings, performance, silent contemplation, hugs, music, kisses and acts of kindness.
The Equality South West (ESW) team.
"We are dedicated to promoting equality and diversity throughout the
region. We are working with partners to tackle discrimination on the
grounds of age, disability, faith, gender, race and sexual orientation."
Julie Newman & Ju Gosling hold hands in Melbourne, Australia
"This is us in Melbourne on the bridge over the river Yarra, near to where we are staying while we are working in Australia. We are loving the city, and the opportunity to be here together. Regards to all Ju and Julie."
Photo credit: Miranda Yang
 
"We all love what you are doing and support the idea whole heartedly. Here's some photos of us out in London! A group of friends & I went to London to see La
Cage Aux Folles on the 28th November, to support John Barrowman. And
because it was my birthday..."
Carrie R
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