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George Broadhead (1933–2021)[1] was a humanist activist and gay rights campaigner.[2] He was co-founder,[3] in 1979, of the Gay Humanist Group (today known as LGBT Humanists)[4][5] and later of the Pink Triangle Trust, two of the longest established gay and lesbian groups in the UK.[6]
George Broadhead | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1933 |
| Died | 2021 (aged 87–88) |
| Education | Keele University |
| Organization(s) | LGBT Humanists UK (co-founder); Pink Triangle Trust |
| Movement | Humanism, LGBT rights |
| Partner | Roy Saich |
Personal life edit
George Alfred Broadhead[6] was born in 1933 in Douglas, Isle of Man, where his parents were proprietors of a bed and breakfast hotel.[1][7] He attended Douglas High School for Boys and went on to study English and French at Keele University.[1][6] He lived for much of his life in Kenilworth, Warwickshire,[1] with his partner of 57 years Roy Saich.[2]
Activism edit
Among the earliest members of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE),[2][6] in 1979 Broadhead was a founding member of the Gay Humanist Group (which later became the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association, and is today known as LGBT Humanists).[4][8] The group was launched at CHE's annual conference that year.[4] Its aims, as Barry Duke has written, were:
to make gay people aware of the gay-friendly Humanist ethical outlook; to further an awareness among heterosexual Humanists of the widespread prejudice and discrimination suffered by gays whilst encouraging their support; and to play a part in the campaign for gay and Humanist rights.[2]
Broadhead served as Secretary of the Gay Humanist Group for 25 years, and was described by fellow activist and writer Jim Herrick as 'a tower of strength'.[2] Terry Sanderson wrote that he provided 'a steady voice against the encroachment and growth of religious homophobia'.[2] Broadhead led on administration, promotion, and communication with members and other LGBT groups,[2] and acted as editor of The Gay Humanist, the magazine of the Gay Humanist Group.[9] In 1984, four years after the formation of the Gay Humanist Group, Broadhead wrote to Canadian magazine The Body Politic to offer his help to any Canadians wishing to start a similar group.[10] He was also active in the Coventry Humanist Group, including as their Press Officer.[11] In 1992, Broadhead co-founded the Pink Triangle Trust,[2] an educational charity formed for:
1. the advancement of the education of the public, and particularly of lesbians and gay men, in the principles and practice of humanism;
2. the advancement of the education of the public, about all aspects of homosexuality;
3. the assistance of particular poor persons to obtain remedies under the law where they have suffered unlawful discrimination or injustice on account of either.[12]
The Pink Triangle Trust also offered humanist affirmation ceremonies for same sex couples.[13][14][15] The Trust was a significant contributor to a secular school in Uganda, which today has a classroom named for Broadhead and Saich.[2][7]
George Broadhead died in Kenilworth in 2021, aged 87.[6]
References edit
- ^ a b c d "George Broadhead Obituary (2021) Isle of Man Today". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Duke, Barry (2021-05-08). "Farewell to a Humanist hero: LGBT activist George Broadhead dies aged 87". The Pink Triangle Trust. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ "George Broadhead Interview". www.pinktriangle.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ a b c "Humanist Heritage: LGBT Humanists". Humanist Heritage. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ "Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA)". Bishopsgate Institute. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ a b c d e "Tributes paid to gay campaigner | iomtoday.co.im". Isle of Man. 2021-06-19. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ a b Hartill, Stuart (2021-06-17). "A Personal Tribute to George Broadhead". Gef - Isle of Man. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ Broadhead, George (2012-04-08). "Born of Mary". The Pink Triangle Trust. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ "Hackles Rise on Humanist". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 2 March 1987. p. 6.
- ^ The Body politic, January/February 1984. Pink Triangle Press. Toronto, Pink Triangle Press. 1984.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - ^ "Facts on AIDS". Coventry Evening Telegraph. 14 January 1987. p. 12.
- ^ "PINK TRIANGLE TRUST - Charity 1015629". register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ "Humanist Heritage: Humanist Ceremonies". Humanist Heritage. Retrieved 2022-07-24.
- ^ Smoker, Barbara (2008). Humanism. Internet Archive. London : South Place Ethical Society. ISBN 978-0-902368-25-5.
- ^ Martyn, Elizabeth (2004). Getting married. Internet Archive. London : Which?. ISBN 978-0-85202-991-6.