Latest news with #inclusivity
The Independent
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Pantomime dame hits out at council's ‘attack' after library storytime events cancelled
A pantomime dame has hit out at a council 's 'attack' on her library storytime events for families after they were cancelled over protest concerns. Mama G, who is an LGBTQ+ campaigner and a former Britain's Got Talent contestant, said she was devastated when she received the news her performances in Suffolk libraries this summer have been postponed after seven years of storytelling there. 'Personally, I find it really sad because it's an attack on what I love,' she told The Independent. 'All you're doing is cancelling a pantomime. The reason they're worried is the message is one of positivity and inclusivity.' Suffolk Community Libraries, which is run by Suffolk County Council, said the move had been made in light of 'extreme negative reactions' to similar events in other areas, including protests. They described the decision as 'operational', not political, and said the events have been postponed to allow for an additional risk assessment to be carried out. Mama G – who describes herself as a 'storytelling pantomime dame who goes all over the country telling children and families about being who you want and loving who you are' – said she organised the three days of events in Suffolk back in April. But last week, she said she was told her sessions had been postponed after council members had raised concerns in light of other previous protests elsewhere. 'They advised me I should assume they're cancelled and should look for further work,' she said, adding that she believed this was a decision made by the council, not the libraries. The council said the events have been postponed, not cancelled, and that the decision would have been made regardless of whether the library service was managed by the council. 'The council has every right to do this,' Mama G said. 'It's just really hard not to think about it as why has this particular council decided to take action against a performer who promotes positivity for everyone but has an affinity to the LGBTQ+ community. I wouldn't necessarily saying they were censoring [me]... but that is something that plays on your mind.' Mama G said she was especially 'upset' because she had worked for Suffolk libraries during periods of protest elsewhere, such as those that have broken out around Drag Queen Story Hour, and 'never had a problem'. She added that, as a self-employed worker, she had lost out on days' worth of income. 'My initial feeling, I was quite numb when they told me, [because] I love pantomime and sharing such a positive message,' said Mama G, who is now set to perform in Haverhill, Ipswich and Stowmarket instead. She described her work as focused on educating children about inclusivity and understanding others with a view to creating a more respectful and empathetic world. Speaking of the current inflammatory and divisive nature of society, she said: 'What we're seeing now is a reaction [from] people who didn't have an education about LGBTQ+ things and inclusivity.' Referencing the council's decision, she said: 'It just seems a shame that rather than saying 'these events must happen and we must do everything to mitigate any negativity', is they decided to postpone them... If they're concerned about sections of the library community being upset, it's doubly important for these events to go ahead.' Krystal Vittles, Head of Library Service for Suffolk Community Libraries, said: 'Due to extreme negative reactions to similar events in other areas, including protests and disruption, we have postponed these events and are currently carrying out an additional risk assessment. This is an operational decision as a precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, residents, and local communities.'
CTV News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Accessible upgrades to Cambridge baseball diamond hit funding challenge
City of Cambridge councillors are considering stepping up to the plate after the city did not receive funding they were hoping to use for accessibility upgrades at a baseball diamond. Last fall, council approved a plan for a series of improvements to the Kin 1 diamond at Riverside Park, which is used by a growing adaptive baseball program that's been advocating for change. Rory Small is one of the athletes that plays in Buddy League. 'I get to go in the outfield and play with my friends,' he tells CTV News. Rory is one of more than 115 participants in Buddy League this year. However, some of those athletes find even just getting to the diamond a challenge. 'A lot of athletes do come here in their wheelchairs,' says Monica Small, Rory's mother. 'There is not a clear path, it's actually gravel. And so a lot of the wheelchairs will get stuck.' Buddy League Cambridge Kin 1 diamond Mother Monica Small and her son, and Buddy League athlete, Rory Small, posed for a photo on July 22, 2025. (Krista Simpson/CTV News) The space also lacks accessible washrooms, the infield can be difficult to navigate and the dugouts are narrow. Last fall, Cambridge council voted to move ahead with a list of upgrades including pathways, better bleachers, an artificial turf infield, accessible dugouts and accessible washrooms. 'Making sure that it is fully accessible and fully inclusive is really, really valuable and really most important for ensuring that everybody can get off the sidelines and into the game,' Cam Linwood, league co-ordinator for Buddy League, said. The promised upgrades come at an estimated cost of $3,025,000. The city had hoped about half of that cost would be covered through grants and donations. However, the city's application to the Jays Care Foundation was unsuccessful. City staff are now recommending the entire amount be funded through debt, in hopes of keeping the timeline on track, even as they continue to explore other sources of donations. 'It is an investment within the community and within the people that live here,' Small said. Linwood added that the changes will benefit the community as a whole. 'This is really that chance to be that welcoming space. Not only is it a facility that we can use as Buddy League, but the entire community can use.' Kin 1 diamond at Riverside Park Kin 1 diamond at Riverside Park was photographed on July 22, 2025. (Krista Simpson/CTV News) Linwood noted that the project is largely inspired by an accessible diamond in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, that is used by all players, and not just those with disabilities. The city of Cambridge has also launched a fundraising campaign encouraging private donations from residents, groups and businesses. Small urged anyone interested in donating to come and see what Buddy League is all about. 'Hang out with us. Just spend some time with us. I'm telling you, you'll fall in love with the sport. You're going to fall in love with the athletes, and you're going to fall in love with this community. 'Work to make the washrooms accessible is expected to start soon. Field improvements could begin after the end of this baseball season and be finished by summer 2026.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Another Florida city will power-wash its rainbow crosswalks away under pressure from Sean Duffy, Ron DeSantis
Another Florida city will power-wash support for the LGBTQ+ community off its roadways, but under duress. Keep up with the latest in + news and politics. West Palm Beach officials said rainbow colors on crosswalks at Spruce Avenue and Northwood Road will be removed to comply with a new Florida law. But the city plans to relocate the rainbow-colored bricks concept to nearby Serenity Park in Northwood Village. 'The rainbow crosswalk has served as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and pride in our community,' Mayor Keith A. James said in a statement. 'While we comply with state regulations, we remain fully committed to preserving that spirit through a monument that will continue to honor and celebrate our LGBTQ+ residents and their contributions to the fabric of West Palm Beach.' West Palm Beach announced its decision Friday, a day after nearby Boynton Beach erased its own crosswalks to comply with a directive from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has deemed rainbow colors as a dangerous 'distraction.' Also, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this year signed a transportation law prohibiting 'nonstandard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not directly contribute to traffic safety or control can lead to distractions or misunderstandings, jeopardizing both driver and pedestrian safety,' as reported by a Fox affiliate in Tampa. Since Duffy issued his guidance, the state has used that law to crack down on rainbow roadways. West Palm Beach hasn't outlined a timeline for the establishment of a new monument at Serenity Park to honor the queer community. Local LGBTQ+ leaders praised the plan to relocate instead of complete erase the demonstration of support for the community. "When confronted with directives to erase memorials recognizing the LGBTQ+ community, public officials across Florida struggled to find appropriate solutions," said Rand Hoch, president and founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. "In contrast, West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James swiftly came up with a creative solution to dedicate a public park to our community. That is true leadership.' But other Florida cities have not removed sidewalks, with some actively resisting directives. Key West Commissioner Sam Kaufman said his city should explore legal responses to the state instructions, according to TV station WPLG. 'Key West's rainbow crosswalk isn't just a splash of color — it's a reflection of our identity, our history, and our values,' Kaufman wrote in an email to city administration. 'This city has long been a champion of inclusion and creativity, and that crosswalk is one of the many ways we honor those traditions.' Other rainbow sidewalks exist in communities like Wilton Manors, Miami, and Orlando; in the latter, one such pedestrian path adorns the intersection near the site of the Pulse nightclub shooting. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Another Florida city will power-wash its rainbow crosswalks away under pressure from Sean Duffy, Ron DeSantis Solve the daily Crossword
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Aquasplash awarded dementia friendly certification
AquaSplash Jersey have been awarded Dementia Friendly Business status, after a "significant programme" of is a waterpark and leisure centre, located at the Waterfront Centre in St scheme asks organisations to provide training for staff, as well as to make an ongoing pledge to maintain inclusivity and gain certification, the company has trained staff at all levels, reinstalled a Hearing Loop, identified quiet times for the public, and begun improving its signs. Claudine Snape, chief executive of Dementia Jersey, said: "A huge well done to AquaSplash for achieving their Dementia Friendly Business certification! "Their dedication truly highlights the power of this initiative. "When businesses step up and embrace these practices, they're not just improving their service - they're actively shaping an island that's compassionate and inclusive for all those living with dementia."
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Anthony Albanese accused of 'disgraceful' act while visiting China
Prominent Indigenous leader Warren Mundine has echoed growing calls for Anthony Albanese to stop dividing Australia on the international stage. The Prime Minister raised eyebrows earlier this week during his visit to China, where he held several press conferences in front of three flags - the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island ones. The gesture sparked outrage back home, where outspoken commentators and radio shock jocks reignited debate to make Australia's national flag more inclusive. Mr Mundine has accused Albanese of dividing the country with the display of the three flags overseas. 'I thought that it was a disgrace,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'He's on the international stage. 'I'm a proud Aboriginal and I love my Aboriginal flag. But it's our flag, nobody else's!' 'He's the Prime Minister and he should be standing next to one flag, the Australian one. 'Aboriginal soldiers fought for our country under the Australian flag.' Albanese has displayed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the Australian one at every press conference since he won power in 2022, including his election night victory speech when he was re-elected in May. Prime ministers before him only ever displayed the Australian flag. 'What has it done for the Aboriginal people?' Mundine said. 'Money would be better spent on youth, crime and actually fixing issues. 'It's about time that he started bringing Australia together, instead of dividing everyone.' Mundine admitted that the Australian flag has grown on him over the years and doesn't think any changes to make it more inclusive will happen in his lifetime. He used New Zealand as an example, where 56.6 per cent of Kiwis voted in favour of keeping the same flag in a 2016 referendum. The 18-month process, driven by then-Prime Minister John Key, cost $NZ26 million. 'We have a national flag, whether people like it or not,' Mundine said. 'Every time the debate comes up, they can't get the model right.' 'We live in one of the best countries in the world. Let's start coming together and celebrating it.' Sky News hosts Chris Kenny and Danica De Giorgio also slammed Mr Albanese over displaying the three flags on the international stage. 'Why? He's representing one nation, our nation overseas,' Kenny said. 'This is identity politics on steroids - a gesture that can only confuse anyone watching on from China. It's a step too far.' De Giorgio added: 'Why have we got the Prime Minister of our country going over to a different country, standing in front of three different flags? 'It should be the Australian flag only; you're representing one country. 'You're overseas representing Australia.' The backlash from Aussies online was just as brutal. 'I'm sure that Australia's got to be the only bloody country in the world to have three flags,' one wrote.
