Going to university is scary/exciting for everyone, but if you think you might be something other than totally heterosexual, you’ve probably also got some extra worries.

Sure, everyone knows that uni is a great time to explore new experiences. But what if you’re so far in the closet that the mere thought of talking to an actual gay person makes you feel faint? What if you’d no sooner walk into a gay bar than an iron bar?

Gay chicken is not the answer. (Google it. Don’t worry, no nudey pictures). Just follow these 10 tips for a stress-free first year as a gay student:

1. Not studying in Brighton, Manchester, London or Glasgow? Don’t fret. Contrary to what TV says, gay people do live in other towns too. Living in a town with zero gay bars can sometimes be an advantage, as you might find that your uni’s students make more effort to organise their own LGBT events.

2. Not sure how to come out to your new friends? Let posters do the talking. Walking into a room plastered with pictures of Megan Fox may give them a clue.

3. Join a team, any team. Football, rugby and hockey are the stereotypes, but really any sport that involves a large team of women running around is a good bet (even netball).

4. If and when you go to LGBT events, beware Facebook tagging. Maybe all you’re out to all your friends and family, but if you’re not, don’t let pictures of drunken canoodling do the job for you.

5. Not interested in gay bars? If you’re in a city, even if it’s not a very gay one, have a look on Facebook to see what’s happening locally. LGBT book clubs, comedy nights, knitting groups – there’ll be something out there for you.

6. Even if you meet your soulmate in freshers’ week, don’t forget to also make other friends. It might be tempting to hide away and nest together, but it’s not healthy.

7. If you have a girlfriend, don’t do everything together, otherwise people will always get your names confused. Plus, and a little more importantly, you need separate friends and interests to avoid ‘the merge’.

8. Join your uni LGBT group. Join, even if you think you’re too cool not to, even if you already have some gay friends, even if you’re frightened of other gay people. Especially if you’re frightened of other gay people. Most people you will meet at uni will be straight, so the LGBT society is a quick way to make more gay friends.

9. It’s ok to go to an LGBT event with a friend for moral support, but you can’t hide in the corner and ignore everyone else. If you do, and if your friend is of the same gender as you, people will think you’re together. If your friend is of another gender to you, people will still assume you’re together, and worse, that you’re straight tourists.

10. Sometimes LGBT groups can be dominated by super-confident loudmouths. Don’t be intimidated by them. And definitely, definitely don’t snog them on a night out.

Are you a student? Have you got any extra tips, or info on what’s worth doing at your uni?

I love Clare Balding. There. I’ve said it. It’s not an ‘easy tiger’ kind of love (well… maybe a bit), but a deep admiration.

Here is a woman who, all her professional life, has lived in a stereotypical ‘man’s world’ and has come out very much on top.

Not only has she equalled the achievements of the most successful men in her field, but she has arguably bettered them.

First as a jockey, and now as one of television’s most sought-after presenters, Balding has paved the way for a new wave of female talent, chomping at the bit (excuse the pun) to take advantage of the groundwork she has laid.

But, hang on… I just can’t see the hordes of female talent… sorry, maybe it’s because I’ve mislaid my binoculars… no, no… it’s because they’re not there. Well, they are there, but they’re not there. In the spotlight.

 Balding the Trailblazer?

In a recent interview with the Times, Balding bemoaned the lack of females on television and in newspapers. And whilst I agree whole-heartedly with her admission that the Olympics was fantastic for showing off female talent, it is clear that there is still a long way to go.  Further still, perhaps, for gay female talent.

If I asked you to name me 3 well-known, British lesbians in popular, mainstream light entertainment I bet you would get as far as Clare, Sue Perkins… and then grind to a halt. I know I did. Ok so I know there’s a few of you going hoarse as you scream, “HEATHER PEACE!!” at me, but with all due respect to our favourite hot-cop, I can pretty much guarantee that if I asked any non-lesbian who she is, they would be mystified until I identified her as, “that English teacher from Waterloo Road. The one without the stubble.”

 Bring back the girls

A recent Lesbilicious article discussed the issue of a lack of ‘out’ lesbians in the Olympics. Clearly this is a problem, but is one that is so much more wide-spread. And it’s a problem because of a snowball effect: more female talent needs to come through into the spotlight, so any gay women are emerging from a smaller pool to start with.

Factor into that the issue that many women are scared to come out anyway, either because their fame is partly based on their attractiveness to men, or else just because they are scared of prejudice and resulting career damage, and the end product is virtually no gay females on our screens or in our newspapers.

I mean, what would happen to Nigella’s fame if she suddenly came out? For legal reasons, I am in no way suggesting that Nigella Lawson is gay. I’ll leave that assertion for my own fantasies…

In her Times interview, Balding recalled an incident, before she came out to her parents, when she showed them an article about Ellen DeGeneres, stating that she admired her greatly but not explaining exactly why.

In many ways, both Balding and Perkins have the same charm and ‘likeability’ factor on-screen as DeGeneres. People love them. And why? Because they are highly skilled, professional presenters, with whom we as an audience feel comfortable and content.  They are household favourites across the land. And all of this, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

 Time for change

The more I read interviews like Balding’s in the Times, and the more I watch TV programmes like Hilary Devey’s Women at the Top, the more I am torn. Part of me is inspired by the publicity that these successful women are giving to the issue of their lack of successors, but another part of me is appalled that we need these ‘boosts’ at all. There is no push to get more men to do anything. They’re just getting out there and blithely doing whatever they damn well want. And good on them. But, come on, ladies, let’s do the same. Let’s all work, male and female, to create an environment where there is no glass ceiling, no gender prejudice, but lots of opportunity. For everyone.

I’ll end as I began; I love Clare Balding. For who she is and what she does. The Olympics proved that she is indeed a national treasure and was confirmation that it isn’t just me who would much prefer to see her on our screens than Gary Lineker or John Inverdale. Let us celebrate this strong, professional, classy and talented woman, and join her campaign to support and elevate all those like her. Arise, Dame Balding.

Same sex parenting has been in the news again, the very week two of my best friends had their beautiful baby boy Seth. This is a letter I wrote to him.

Photograph: Nisha A

Dear Seth,

As I write this you are days old. You are so small and so fragile and oh so beautiful and already you are very, very loved. Your tiny eyes must be struggling to process all the visual noise around you and trying hard to make sense of it all. It’s pretty overwhelming, I know, but hang in there kid. You’ll get used to it. Being new in town is daunting, hey? All these people that want to meet you and cuddle you must seem terrifying now, but believe me, they mean well.

What do you make of the world so far? I know it’s wet and miserable today but soon you’ll see that it’s a beautiful place full of wonder. It’s a very different place in 2012 to the way it was when I was born. You’ll probably never make a telephone call from a phone box and when you’re a bit older you’ll sit wide eyed and disbelieving when you realise there was a time before the Internet existed. You might never know what a cassette tape was or watch a VHS, and you’ll never taste an Opal Fruit, drink Creamola Foam or push a Push Pop.

Your Mummies are cool, hey? They are two of my best friends in the whole world and we’ve had some great times together. Mamma B and I used to stay up to all hours before you were born drinking and dancing and setting the world to rights. When you’re older and you can come on one of our legendary boy’s night’s out. Would you like that? You’ll soon realise that there’s more to your mummies than just boobs and milk and you’ll see that they are both incredibly special people who love you more than you will ever be able to comprehend, even if you live to the ripe old age of 100. I remember when they told us they were having you, we went out for dinner and when they showed us all the little picture of you in Mamma E’s tummy, I couldn’t stop the big fat tears rolling down my face. You couldn’t have asked for two more wonderfully supportive and caring parents Seth, honestly, and I know the three of you are going to be so, so happy together.

When you are a bit older, having two mums won’t be a big deal and when you start school there will probably be other boys and girls who have two mums or two dads and no one will bat an eyelid. You won’t believe that there was a time that people didn’t understand that what’s important is love and that the gender of your parents is irrelevant. But there was, not long ago. Before you were born, some people thought having two mums or two dads was weird and even wanted to stop them from having a family. People like your mummies weren’t even allowed to get married or have the same rights as your aunties and uncles. In some countries, your mummies would even go to jail just for loving each other. Crazy, eh? When you get to high school, you might learn about the Stonewall riots, the decriminalisation of homosexuality or Section 28 but it will be so alien to you it’ll seem like fiction. The world wasn’t always so bright, little man, and for a long time people had to hide who they were but we’re trying so hard to make it better for you. So you’ll never know what it’s like to be hated because of who you love.

The very same week you were born, this second rate actor called Rupert Everett even said that he couldn’t think of anything worse than having two gay dads. Rupert’s mum isn’t supportive and loving like yours are, and she doesn’t like her son being gay. She thinks children need a father and a mother, and even said that: “In the past, I have said that I wish Rupert was straight and, I probably still feel that. I’d like him to have a pretty wife. I’d like him to have children.” I’m sure you’ll have a few choice words for them when you learn how to talk.

Everett isn’t the only one, unfortunately. There’s a man called Alan Duncan who is the Minister of State for International Development who says he’s “seriously uneasy” with families like yours. I don’t need to tell you this, but there’s a wealth of evidence that shows growing up with two mummies actually found children like you doing better academically and something big and important called the American Psychological Society concluded in 2004 that: “lesbian and gay parents are as likely as heterosexual parents to provide supportive and healthy environments for their children.”

It’s like Patrick Strudwick says: “Love, in whatever form, nurtures. Fear, in all manifestations, stunts and deforms.”

When you’re at school, you might start noticing girls or you might start noticing boys. Either way, Mamma B and Mamma E will be there for you. They will never want you to be anything other than yourself or tell you that they wish you were anything else but happy. Seth, you are the luckiest little boy in the world. Never stop believing that you can be anything or anyone that you want to be. You’ve got so much opportunity at your feet and two wonderful parents that will have your back whatever may be. The world you’ve just come into is far from perfect, but we’re working on it, and by the time you’re my age, I hope that prejudice will be a thing of the past.

Love you little one,

Carrie x

When Stonewall and Runnymede last week (September, 2012) published their report ‘One minority at a time’ it came at an interesting time in terms of visible diversity in Britain.

The purpose of the report is to highlight the inadequacies of British public services in their treatment of black or minority ethnic groups who identify as Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual – ‘the multi-minority’.

The public services discussed are our health care providers, our judicial system and the police force tasked with our protection. The report recognises that whilst improvements have been made in the handling of race discrimination, work is still needed in dealings with the LGBT community and those who fall within this multi-minority category.

Health Care

An interesting quotation from the report was one respondent that stated the would not be happy to out himself to his GP whilst a member of his family had access to the records.  I can see why that might be a valid concern. I, myself, come from a mixed ethnic background and long ago recognised the two do rarely mix. We all know how quickly news moves across small communities! That homophobia may come from a person from a minority background should not dilute the severity of the issue.

‘I find that I try to avoid black doctors, which is terrible but the homophobia you can see straight away.  I have had comment where, for example, a doctor will say ‘well you know that’s not right, I will pray for you.’ And I just don’t need that.  If I have to go and see my GP I will avoid the black woman because I know that she is going to be much more judgemental about everything than the white doctor, yet, she doesn’t do it to my partner.’ (One minority at a Time; September 2012).

There were also, somewhat predictably, some comments on smear tests. Whether it be the intrusive questions or the fact that nurses are still making jokes about the size of the speculum. My experience is that this is not race specific, all nurses ask the same questions prior to a smear test… frankly if I have to hear the half gasp of indignity as I tell them that I do not use protection but that I am sexually active I will strangle someone. Yes, the questions are intrusive. Yes, they are personal but this is your health, either you are willing to be open about your sexual orientation or not. Their lack of tact should not infringe the level of care that you receive. And since yes, we all do need to take smear tests irrespective of sexual orientation or race I will live with it, for the sake of living.

But…

I think it is important to mention that the research conducted was based on ‘over 50 responses’, now I’m no expert but if I went out and spoke to 50 random peooke on the street I’m pretty sure I could find a trend that Elvis is still alive.

Not to take anything away from the report but I think many of the points hold true to anyone that identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual, particularly that you are straight until proven otherwise.

It is also worth noting that medical records are strictly confidential and the majority data is either protected by the Data Protection Act or the various codes of which each sector holds.  If these are in fear of being breached then we have more to worry about than discrimination.

Hierarchy of minorities

Do black and ethnic minority groups have a different take on homophobia? No doubt about it. You are dealing with small communities which thrive on a shared bond, small communities that are already marginalized, where if you act differently it can be perceived as a loss of ‘cultural’ identity.

It is a lose-lose situation – you cannot get the support you need from the state because service providers make assumptions and you cannot get the support from family for fear of homophobia. Recognition that these two aspects, whilst not mutually exclusive, do not necessarily co-exist is critical in understanding that ‘culturally appropriate services’ are not always appropriate.

But hold on, why is this issue of prejudice race specific? Intolerance is everywhere. Instead of trying to separate how we treat people based on race, how about we learn to not make assumptions about sexual orientation? How about we put the training in so that that everyone is treated with the same level of respect? People are complex creatures. That is true for every man and woman alive. That most organisations, including those in public services, strive so hard to standardize and simplify their methods of communicating with people seems to me to be the wrong approach.

So….

I think that the key point in the report is the need for a diverse range of role models. Of course, how you encourage visibility of such role models is another issue. Like every advancement in equality, we need strong leaders and people that are willing to stand up for their beliefs.

The irony is, this comes at a time when the Cabinet is reshuffling itself back into the Old Boys club. For the few LB women in the media there is a distinct lack of diverse representation. If we are not shown to be ethnically diverse how do we expect to encourage awareness and understanding let alone acceptance?

For all the critics that would stand up and say we are an equal nation I would ask them to read this report, read the news and really look at the world that we live in. Much work is still needed in the training of our public servants and whilst the battle for equal marriage is the forefront of our minds let it not distract us from the inequalities we face on a daily basis.

Whilst this report does go some way to recognise a hidden minority that are underrepresented we should not be tempted to segment our community.  We use the rainbow flag for a reason; we use it to show that we come in every shape, colour and creed and yet are united and most certainly proud.

American football fans, it’s time to celebrate.  Not only is the season upon us, but we now have even more reason to support America’s favorite past-time (Or is that baseball?  Can it be both?).  The face of the NFL is changing, with the help of a handful of padded-butt, spandex wearing trailblazers intent upon ridding the NFL of its somewhat homophobic image.

This November, 2012, the issue of marriage equality will be on the ballots in four different states.  One of those states, Maryland, is home to the football team the Baltimore Ravens.  For over a year, Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo has been vocal about his support of the gay marriage initiative on the upcoming Maryland ballot.  High five, Brendon Ayanbadejo!  Unfortunately, Maryland politician Emmet C. Burns Jr., took it upon himself to try and slap a fat tape of silence over the linebacker’s mouth, by way of a letter to the owner of the Baltimore Ravens.  The letter is almost laughable at its utter disregard for freedom of speech and its insinuation that Mr. Burns would have any sort of control over one player’s views.  He orders the owner to “take the necessary action” to “inhibit such expressions from your employee and that he be ordered to cease and desist such injurious actions.”

Once you realize that he is, in fact, serious, that Mr. Burns does, in fact, believe that it was “injurious” of Mr. Ayanbadejo to donate game tickets to a “Maryland for Marriage Equality” fundraiser, it becomes less laughable and more incendiary.  Unsurprisingly, I am not the only one incensed by this politician flipping the bird at our country’s longstanding beliefs and laws of “freedom of speech”.

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe took the anger he felt at such an appalling act by a government official and turned it into a thoughtful, thought-provoking letter, responding to the one Emmet C. Burns Jr. wrote to Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti.  Not only did Chris Kluwe take the time to transcribe such an eloquent letter, but he also took it upon himself to publish this letter online, making it available to the public for all to read and share.

Please, do yourself a favor and read the letter he posted on deadspin.com.  If you find yourself offended by Kluwe’s flowery choice of words (my favorite being “If gay marriage becomes legal, are you worried that all of a sudden you’ll start thinking about penis?  “Oh sh*t. Gay marriage just passed. Gotta get me some of that hot d*ng action!”) remind yourself what is actually the most offensive part of this whole story.  Read through the profanity (or laugh through the profanity, depending on your sense of humour) and see the valid points Mr. Kluwe covers in his letter.

Point one is the obvious first choice, the ignorance of the Constitution’s First Amendment and the hypocrisy behind a man who is both a government employee and a minister and therefore executes his right to freedom of speech on a regular basis.  Point Two, complete with my second favorite expletive “holy f*cking sh*tballs”, tears apart Burns’ argument that sports and politics are not relative to one another.  As Kluwe points out, the NFL was riddled with segregation issues in the past that took political action and outspoken sports members to overcome.

Point three and the concluding paragraphs are a funny, yet poignant directive addressing Mr. Burns seeming opposition to freedom and speculating about what fears he must experience regarding marriage equality.  He writes, “I can assure you that gay people getting married will have zero effect on your life.  They won’t come into your house and steal your children.  They won’t magically turn you into a lustful c*ckmonster.”  Again, this made me laugh, but it is frightening how many people actually clutch onto completely unrealistic fears over something that will not change anything in their own lives, but rather better the lives of citizens around them.

Kudos to Brendon Ayanbadejo for refusing to back down, and kudos to Chris Kluwe for slamming the politician with poetry, humour, and a vicious intelligence.  We have come a long way and it appears that a corner really has been turned in the National Football League of America.

Are you a feminist? That is what Caitlin Moran asks us in her new “part fiction, part memoir” bestseller How to Be a Woman.  Well, one of the many questions she asks about the state of the world where women are concerned, whilst giving her personal account of how she’s coped with the unique issues only us women faces whilst growing from a tiny girl to become fully fledged members of the woman society.  Why am I writing about this? The answer is simple, I believe that all women, girls and ladies alike should pick up a copy and learn How to be a Woman.

I’m not here to tell you about the history of the feminist movements and the waves it came in, from the Suffragettes, to the ladies working in the factories during World War I, to getting the vote, burning bra’s, Cosmopolitan saying we CAN have it all and the women fighting against inequalities that women suffer culturally, in the work place and further afield.  We all know about that don’t we? If not, you should hop over to Google and do a search and educate yourself.  I’m here to say how Caitlin Moran and her new book is a testament to progression of women’s fight to gain equal rights and even surpassing our male counterparts in today’s world.

The term ‘feminism’ has always been a loaded one, and many people don’t want to be associated with a word that’s historically meant you’re a woman who’s a plain and simply a radical.  Before reading the book I never called myself a feminist, even though I’m whole heartedly a feminist through and through.  Whilst reading the book, I came to the chapter named ‘Feminism’ (no messin’) where Caitlin takes you through the history and the platform built for the emancipation of women, where Germaine Greer was at the forefront of the movement in the 1960’s, to the modern day feminists, us girls standing up for our rights without even trying.

We’re seeing a rise in women in what’s considered a male dominion, such as in sports, as CEO’s of global companies, in management rolls, in the garages and under the sinks, in politics and a whole host of other places.  Another thing I’ve personally noticed is that we’re doing that job just as well, or even better!  It’s taken a while for us to get to this point, and there’s still a long way to go, but my goodness, we’ve got a load of ridiculously brilliant female role models to look up to and inspire us.

Part way through the chapter, Caitlin Moran challenges us to get onto a chair and shout at the top of our lungs “I’M A FEMINIST”, and feel that ripple of power surge through our veins and right into our soul.  The personal stories she unfolds through the whole book is inspiring, as she comically explains the awkward and embarrassing trials she’s had to endure as learning curves throughout her life that helped develop her to become the fabulous woman that she is now.  I feel she’s speaking directly to me when she explains about the time she had Lady Gaga’s head on her lap in a seedy nightclub, or when she reveals her personal discovery of what the best methods are to control pubic hair way back when she first hit puberty.  We’ve all been there, and the fact that Caitlin publicly showcases her trying times tackling such relevant issues is so empowering.

So, this leads me to ask you, are you a feminist? Do you realise that you are one? If you’re pro equality, pro women kicking ass, pro women officials in sports overseeing men’s games, pro not letting a man telling you how to act or what to wear, pro making your own decisions and then dealing with the consequences yourself, then you’re a feminist.  I can’t fathom women who wouldn’t want to be a feminist.  I understand there’s no concept of maleist, but we’ve had centuries of men looking out for men, so it’s now our go to look out for each other. Not bitching about each other and being jealous, but being on the same side and high fiving and celebrating girls who are overcoming and excelling.  Not that I’m anti-male, not at all, I’m proud to say I’m lucky to have some of the most special men in the world in my life.  It’s just girls need to recognise our ambitions, realise our abilities and stop putting ourselves and each other down.

Are you a feminist?  I hope you are, and if you want a superb read that comments on modern feminism, make you laugh out loud and give you a sense of pride, then you either run down to the shops and whip that book off the shelf and dive head first into it.  You won’t regret it!

Stonewall's report offers guidance on caring for older LGB people. Photograph: Titoy

Even from a relatively young age, I’ve been painfully aware of getting older. On my 18^th birthday, I drank too much vodka and ended up crying at a bus stop about being over the hill. Laugh if you want, but it was a painful experience for me. Each new wrinkle is catalogued and recorded and my hair is examined daily for potential greys appearing.

I know it’s ridiculous, but I can’t help comparing my achievements to those of my peers and wondering if I’m living up to expectation. When my Mum was my age, she had three children, and what do I have to show for my years on this earth? There’s an image in my head of a 26-year-old, and it’s not me. Surely by now I should have a career, a mortgage, a pension plan and a washing machine? I should own an estate car, a dog and have a couple of kids. I should be ticking things off my five-year plan and reading the Financial Times. In short, I should be a grown up.

But I’m not. At least, I don’t feel like one. I like chocolate milk and I like timing how long I can hold my breath for in the bath. I like playing video games in my pants and sleeping until the afternoon. I can’t envisage having a proper job or owning my own home, and when I do it brings on a panic attack. I’m a 17-year-old trapped in the body of a person in their late twenties, and if anything, my Peter Pan complex is growing. It’s not just me though. While we might not talk about it, I think we’re all a little worried about getting older. My hair won’t be this luscious forever. How will I recreate the Bieber fringe when I’m 64? Joking aside though, it might not be a nice thought, but who will take care of us when we can no longer look after ourselves?

Thank goodness for Stonewall, who today (Thursday 6^th September) published a fantastic, thought-provoking guide called Working with older lesbian, gay and bisexual people. While organisations like Stonewall have worked tirelessly over the years to make life a little better for us young ‘uns, care homes for the elderly are still predominately heterosexual spaces and getting older when your sexuality falls out of the realms of heteronormative can be a real concern.

Whether I like it or not, there will come a day when I might need to access health and care services, and I want to be treated with the same respect regardless of my sexuality. I don’t want to have to hide who I am. The law might say that same-sex couples must be treated the same way as a mixed-sex couple, but in practice the situation is often very different.

Stonewall’s research shows that older gay people lack confidence in vital social and health support services with three in five believing that services will not understand or meet their specific needs, and 50% are uncomfortable being out to care home staff. As well as statistics, there are moving testimonies from real people. Sheila, 62, says: “I am a gay woman in a very loving and long relationship. We have signed our Civil Partnership but I still worry for the future. My biggest fear is that if we both become ill and need care that we might be separated or be looked after by people who are anti-gay and would treat us badly.”

The guide features advice to organisations that might be struggling to meet the needs of LGB people and guidance on how policy, staff training and awareness can improve services to make sure older people are treated with dignity and respect, whoever they might be attracted to. It covers the current legal situation and engaging with older people as well as tailored recommendations for care and support workers, homecare providers, care homes, housing providers, health services and local authorities. But why is it so important? The report says: “We know from a YouGov polling…commissioned by Stonewall, a significant proportion of older gay people are likely to live alone, have limited family support and rely on formal services for help in the future. This ground breaking research Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People in Later Life demonstrates that many older gay people have experienced, or fear, discrimination because of their sexual orientation and they say this creates a barrier to receiving appropriate care and treatment.”

Getting older and no longer being in control of your own life must be scary enough without the added pressure of hiding your sexuality. Andrew Howarth from Leeds Partnership Trust, says: “The people in the nursing homes are still feeling guilty and ashamed and isolated and dare not come out for fear that they will be judged because they have lived like that all their lives.” I find that incredibly sad.

We’ve been telling the kids in the playground for a while now that it gets better, and it does. For a while at least. But do we really want to tell them that after this, there’s a good chance it will get worse again? There are lessons to be learned in this report for us all, not just for health and support services. We have to take care of those that paved the way for us because it won’t be that long until we’re in the same boat. Then we’ll need someone looking out for us.

First spending cuts, and now female jobs cuts, all in a day’s work for a Tory Government.

Maria Miller

David Cameron’s new, reshuffled cabinet emerged earlier today, 4th September 2012, and the changes that occurred caused a stir amongst anti-conservatives and the general public alike. In particular these changes will see an adverse effect on women and the LGBT community.

In one day three women lost their job and only two new women were appointed into roles in the cabinet.

Jeremy Hunt, unwanted by many, replaced Andrew Lansley, as Health Secretary. Prime minister, David Cameron has given the role of Health Secretary to the man who tried to cut out the ‘NHS section’ in the Olympic opening ceremony, as well as trying to abolish the NHS in 2009. Ladies and Gentlemen, I suggest you take good care of your health.

Maria Miller, former disabilities minister – a woman – was given both Jeremy Hunt’s old role as culture secretary, as well as the minister for women and equalities role. Miller, whose previous work seems more in line with media than it does creativity, doesn’t seem the ideal candidate to advocate equality when some of her views include being:

• Against gay adoption rights
• Against human fertilisation and embryology bill which would give lesbian couples the ability to receive fertility treatment
• In favour of defining homophobia simply as “freedom of speech”

Whilst Maria Miller was reshuffled into a new role, it seems a majority of the public would probably prefer if she was one of the three women to have been let go.

Other women who were seen to have lost their jobs were: Cheryl Gillan, Welsh secretary, and Baroness Warsi, party co-chairman. However there was positive news for Theresa Villers, formerly a minister for transport, who was promoted to Northern Ireland secretary.

Nadine Dorries, who once said she’d “never met a gay couple” that wanted to marry, is happy regarding the way the reshuffle has occurred, if you’re unsure or have any uncertainty about the reshuffle, this alone should be the reason for you to understand that it has been terrible.