Australia: The Vote Is On!

A few weeks ago we posted about the vote on Same Sex marriage in Australia. At the time that post was published there were challenges in the high court to try to throw out the vote. They failed and today (the 12th of September) is the first day forms will be sent out to those registered to vote.

The first post with 5 things you need to know about the vote can be found here.

The postal survey will have one question 'Do you support a change in the law to allow same-sex couples to marry?'

That's it. A simple yes or no answer.

Now the UK may be a long way from Australia but there are more than a few reasons why this vote means something to us. To start Laura is half Australian, should we ever want to live in Australia or for me to get an Australian passport the law needs to change to recognise our relationship.

It is a civil right.

No-one should be able to vote on the legitimacy of an adult, consenting relationship. It's not fair. Love is love.

Australia is well behind the curve, for a country built on hard work, freedom and a desire to create a society for all the fact that equal marriage isn't already a law is shocking.

This ballot is ultimately a power play by the Prime Minister - this vote holds no binding in parliament meaning the outcome of the vote may not change anything! That's right the vote could show a massive support from those voting and gay people will still be unable to get married.

Okay so moving on, if you are in Australia 'Come Out For LGBT' friends and family. For those you know and those you don't. Be a part of a better future!

'Vote Yes' - your vote counts. Just as other countries have fought this battle we have seen that not voting is a win for the detractors. You have to make yourself heard and the best way to do that is to vote yes and make sure everyone else does. You can't leave this to chance.

Tonight I stood in a tent on the South Bank of the Thames in London watching Briefs an all-male boylesque circus act from Austrlia. We were invited as the show was to be followed by a rally to show support for Australia's equal marriage vote.

The Brief's spun, soared, stripped, danced and partied the evening away. You can see full show details here on the Udderbelly website. The audience was predominantly gay and as the compere shared how important it was to embrace diversity and differences the cheers and applause filled the tent.

The night ended with a photo shoot with the boys and supporters who had joined. The Briefs wanted to send a message of support to Australia and all the gay Australian's in London.

Thomas (2nd from the left in the pic above) shared his story:
Aerialist, contortionist and Briefs performer, Thomas Worrell who, as the law stands, is unable to marry his long-term partner in Australia says“Being in a same sex relationship, engaged and unable to marry while the entire country debates my rights is a complicated and difficult situation. To add to that being on the other side of the world and feeling removed from it all is even more challenging. That's why in true Briefs style we are going to make noise, even if we're on the other side of the globe. There are so many Australians living or travelling around the world who want their voices to be heard in this matter. Many Australian same sex couples have been forced to marry overseas but won't have their marriage recognised when they return home, and some just haven’t gone back. This is a chance for Australians living in London and others who believe marriage is the equal right of all to come together and celebrate life and just take a moment to acknowledge that while we aren't at home, we are still connected, still responsible and still have a voice. A way to come together and celebrate equal love.” 

d supporters who had joined. The Briefs wanted to send a message of support to Australia and all the gay Australian's in London.

Lets also hope that Australia sees sense and that the 'No' campaigners don't get the opportunity to spread their homophobic rhetoric that always appears when equal rights are being discussed.

Australia's Same-Sex Marriage Vote - 5 Things You Need To Know!

It's August 22nd 2017 and as of today equal marriage is not a thing in Australia.

It's kinda shocking that the country that hosts the amazing Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is still so behind the times.

Laura is half Australian, our best friend Kate is Australian and we lived in Australia for a year so we know a fair bit about Oz culture. We know that Sydney is by the far the most progressive city in the country but that all of the main cities are not openly homophobic. We know that many Australian's have views we would deem a little out of touch but we also know that the overwhelming majority of Aussie's are amazing, open-minded individuals who see the country's stand on Same-Sex marriage as an embarrassment.

I mean if we are being honest Australia's political leaders have been a conveyor belt of idiots since we lived there in 2010. I mean they are no Trump but seriously this guy got the Prime Minister vote!

So sorry to share something so disgusting

So anyway here are the 5 key things you need to know about the vote:

1. The postal vote requires you to enrol before August the 24th! Click here to enrol (if you're in Oz). You will need evidence of your identity with a drivers licence or Australian passport number. You must be an Australian citizen, over 18 and have lived at your address for over a month. Forms will be sent out after the 12th of September and MUST be posted back by October 27th to ensure they arrived to be counted. Results will be released on November 15th.
2. The vote has NO binding, meaning that parliament do not have to act on the results. If anything this is a move by the current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnball to save his neck as the coalition government he oversees is divided on the issue.
3. The vote may not take place! Two challenges have been raised to the high court by the 'Australian Marriage Equality senator Janet Rice' and the 'Public Interest Advocacy Centre.' The cases will be heard on the 5th and 6th of September. The main argument is that  the government doesn't have the right to spend AU$122 million on a ballot not approved by parliament.
4. If parliament were to vote on Equal Marriage now, the consensus is that the majority would vote to legalise same-sex marriage. The hope is that enough people will enter the postal vote that the actual feelings of the country will be represented, forcing a parliament vote. Below are screenshots from a video on news.com.au that shows where the country is on their view of Same-Sex marriage.

5. LGBT individuals are not 100% behind the postal vote. That's not as shocking as you might think. For a start this postal vote, at it's very core, is asking Australians to vote on whether certain people can get married. Imagine (if you are married) asking your social group if they approved of you getting married. The idea is awful! Secondly by allowing a public vote you are inviting the homophones and bigots to have their say. Of course they are ready with their banners and hatred to protest the marriage is '1 man and 1 women' rhetoric that is so old. Thirdly LGBT campaigners believe the vote is open to fraud and as it isn't controlled by parliament. 

I was first aware of the feelings of LGBT individuals when I read this post on Gaybymama: here but the longer the process goes on the more posts I see on the subject. This video shares further examples:

As the world watches on I hope the vote does echo the fact that the majority of the country support Same-Sex marriage. I know for a fact that our friends, straight and gay, living in Australia will be voting. Making their voice heard and hoping that Australia becomes the 9th country, on the UN's most developed country list (of 11 countries), to announce Same-Sex marriage is legal. 

We loved our third (illegal) wedding in Australia and we hope everyone is given the chance to celebrate love in the same way. Even if this vote holds no legal status, if an overwhelming percentage is for Same-Sex marriage it can only highlight the need for parliament to vote and make this civil right an equal right for all. Love is love.

Details are here: Our third wedding and video can be seen on YouTube here.

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Travel guide: Sydney, Australia!

Australia. The land down under. Oz.

We loved living in Sydney and our last visit did a great job of reminding us of why we miss it. In fact if Oz was a quick flight away I’m sure we’d visit it annually. Alas as it is almost 22 hours of flying from the UK it takes a fair bit of planning and annual leave to make a trip worth it. We did a 3 hour stop in Doha, Qatar so our flight split was London Heathrow to Doha = 8 hours then Doha to Sydney 14 hours. Qatar Airways are brilliant btw - great seats, entertainment and lovely food. 

We crammed our 2 weeks with friends, family and memories to last a life time. As with our Road Trip around California we thought we would do a high light list instead of realms of posts on each day but if you want more information or are planning a trip Sydney side let us know.

Part 1

Day 1: we arrive at 7pm and as we had kept ourselves awake for the last 8 hours of flights we were already feeling tired. A light dinner, catch up with our bestie Kate and we were ready for bed.

Day 2: A chance to relive the Sydney days. Stop 1 was the view over the city from Manly side. As we lived in Manly we fell in love with our view across the harbour. From Sydney Harbour National Park point you can admire the view while capturing all the Sydney landmarks.

From the city view to the beach we couldn’t let our first day pass with a trip to the beach. Unfortunately the wind was against us and sunbathing turned into more of a sandstorm survival but the sea was lovely and warm and it was good to feel the sand between our toes (less so in our eyes, ears).

Manly Beach

Day 3: With the wind still causing chaos Kate had decided that a hike would be a good way to get out and enjoy the sun without getting attacked by the sand. The destination was Barrenjoey Lighthouse. It features in the opening sequence of Home and Away and the view at the top of the grade 3 hike is stunning. With beautiful beaches spanning out below and almost Jurassic Park like jungle sounding you it is out of this world. Even with the wind we could feel the heat but the exhilaration at reaching the top meant it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Our reward was an evening of indulgence at Chica Bonita Manly. Put simply this place does delicious food. The food is Mexican influenced and the place is queued out regularly. It is a whole in the hole and menu is simple so it is easy to make a choice. The flavours were strong but not overwhelming and everything was so fresh - including the cocktails. 

Day 4: Our Sydney city day. You can’t go to Sydney and not spend a day wandering the city itself. The mix of buildings, the history, the shops, the landmarks, Sydney has it all. We arrived on the Manly Ferry, our favourite way, and landed in view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Our first stop, however, was lunch in China Town. A straight march up hill and through the main city area meant we arrived starving for Yum Cha. Otherwise known as Dim Sum this Chinese special allows you to sample all sorts and is delivered to your table for you to review. Think Yo Sushi but authentic and much more delicious.

With full bellies our next activity was the Chinese Garden’s. While most people would be content wandering around, admiring the beautiful environment we weren’t. Well WE were but as Kate and Mel had ever been we felt it necessary to pay the AU$10 per person and walk around in full Chines dress. We posed for other visitors photos and even got offered tips from a lady who thought we were paid to work there (we refused of course).

As evening fell we made it our final mission to visit all 12 zodiac signs made from lanterns and decorating the harbour side in honour of Chinese New Year. Laura made us pose with the signs associated with our birth year and all went well until we reached the last lantern and a thunderstorm made its entrance. In less than 3 minutes we were all completely soaked. We took the fast ferry back which takes 15 minutes instead of 25 and were glad to make it home swiftly. That was until we met our new house guest, a Huntsman spider as big as my hand. Kate as a true Aussie dealt with it like a pro. Laura and I ran…….and screamed…..and hid.

Day 5: Friday and our last day in Sydney. Kate had planned a morning of SUP Yoga for us. Read all about in our next post here.

What We Love Wednesday - Laura & Birthdays!!!

I am a lucky lady, of that I have no doubt, but at this time - my birthday to be precise, I find myself alone more often than I like. Here's the thing - you know we spend EVERY moment we can together so I appreciate that it might be a little hard to plan anything but when L disappears and I am essentially left alone it feels odd! The fact that there are rarely secrets between us also means that the time around my birthday always feels odd.

So rather than trying to sneak-a-peek through the bedroom door I thought I would use the opportunity to reminisce on birthdays past, at the grand old age of soon to be 29, there have been a few :) but since being with Laura birthdays in my world have stepped up and been AMAZING!!!

The first birthday we celebrated together was my 26th and we celebrated with a trip to St. Malo in France. Laura had been given ferry tickets from a gentleman at work, due to some wonderful customer service, and we were able to book a room at a gorgeous hotel, so made a long weekend of it.

On the ferry over we had been allocated reclining seats as it was an overnight journey, we snuggled up under covers and got a few hours sleep. Our arrival into St. Malo was an early one, as we were off the ferry by 8am, but we were able to leave our luggage at the hotel and set about exploring the fortified island. With it's glorious beaches, beautiful castles and streets filled with restaurants it was a perfect place for a mini-break.

The best bit was that it was just us and the presents Laura had bought me were perfect, and just what I wanted.

My 27th was also spent out of the country but that was because we were living in Australia. I actually screwed up L's birthday surprise without even knowing it. July in the UK is summertime, my birthday has, hopefully including this year, always been in the sun - its synonymous for me. L's grandparents had thrown me a mini-birthday celebration and I spoke to my parents over Skype but it didn't feel like my birthday. Being in Australia where July is winter it was weird for me, the TV programmes are all winter related and people are wrapped up warmly and it all seems a bit too much like Christmas. We were watching Australia's Funniest Home Videos - Yuletide Edition at L's grandparents when I may have stated 'There's nothing worse than Christmas in July.'- what I didn't realise was Laura left the room in floods of tears!

The reason was, my birthday surprise was a weekend away to the Blue Mountains- about 2 hours outside of Sydney, for Christmas in July. Villages in the Blue Mountains literally decorate themselves as if it's Christmas. Hotels put up Christmas trees and in our hotel Santa came to visit. Not many people with birthdays in July can say they got Happy Birthday sung to them by Santa!!

As with every surprise organised by Laura it was AMAZING! From the long walks to see spectacular waterfalls to the four course Christmas dinner, it was an amazing getaway. The hotel was so cute and cosy, the people we met were brilliant and even though I spent my birthday singing carols, I couldn't have been happier!





On arrival back in Manly we went to a pub quiz with our Aussie friends and I was gifted diet coke and a coat that has saved me from more than a few soaking this summer thanks to Kate, what I wasn't aware was that my darling girlfriend had set me up:

This happened in our local pub quiz! Check it out, you'll learn a few things about me you may not know!!!

My 28th birthday was the first we celebrated back on UK soil and once again L surpassed herself. If I was to list things I love (and where better to do that than on a WWLW post) it would include: massages, cookie dough, theatre, Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, David Tennant and Catherine Tate - and she managed to get them ALL into one birthday! It helped that David & Catherine were starring in Much Ado About Nothing in the West End, but I had heard that it had been SOLD OUT ages before I had even seen it was on!

The day started with a cooked breakfast and then a massage - what better way to start ANY day, but especially my birthday!

The cookie dough featured because my wonderful girlfriend had made me a bag - yep a re-sealable sandwich bag- of COOKIE DOUGH!!!!! Instead of a cake I was able to spoon out cookie dough!!! AMAZING!!! My main memory of that evening was crying with happiness after an amazing meal at Prix Fix (a really lovely restaurant in Soho) and being given the cookie dough and tickets. There were other beautiful gifts from my lovely lady too but it's hard to top tickets to a sold out play - EXCEPT she topped it by getting us 12 rows back!!!! I tell you I am with the most AMAZING, WONDERFUL, INCREDIBLE girl who knows me better than I know myself.

So as I sit watching programmes I recorded that I know she'll be glad she doesn't have to sit through (who doesn't want to know about the history of London streets?!) I know whatever is being organised /created/ planned in the other room will put a smile on my face that only she know how to put there! See i'm one of those awkward people who says things like 'I just want time with you', for me birthdays are never about the presents (although they're great too) they are about the feeling you get knowing that someone has taken time out their day to think of you. And L does that oh so well!

Therefore what do I love this Wednesday? Simple my lovely Laura organising something for my birthday! In fact, if all I got this birthday was an hour of hugging L it would be the best birthday yet!

Love always, 

Sarah xo

Our Trip to Beautiful Byron Bay 2010!!

Those of you that have read other blog posts we have written know that we were lucky enough to live in Australia for a year in 2010. While living in Sydney, we worked to fund mini-breaks around this AMAZING country, and one of our favourite trips was to Byron Bay, an hour flight from Sydney.

Paradise!

Byron Bay is one of the most beautiful, hippie, alternative places to go in Australia and one of the most Eastern towns. From the moment you arrive, to when you have to leave, you can't help but feel the laid-back attitude of this surfer's paradise. We spent four days in Byron in June and a further three in October because one trip wasn't quite enough! Laura has family who live an hour from Byron - in Ballina - so we also took the time to go visit them.

On arrival in Byron Bay we found our accommodation, a backpackers, for a reasonable price. We were lucky enough to get a two-floor suite complete with jacuzzi! Byron isn't very big and walking is the best way to get around, it's also jam packed with shops and cafes...most selling unique and organic products. Every wall is decorated colourfully and market stalls are set up in every spare space. When you head towards the gorgeous beaches you see people dancing, chilling out, playing music and the most breath taking views of the sea, and surrounding cliffs and mountains. If you are lucky, you may even spot a few whales (like we did)! If you turn up at the right time there is also a tea-tree oil filled lake at the beach - perfect for a refreshing face wash :)

Come on, they gave us a jacuzzi, they were asking for pics like these!!

One of the best things we found in Byron Bay was the range of activities (Australia really makes the most of its amazing weather) and because it was so nice outside, we decided to take the opportunity to go kayaking with dolphins, whales, seals and turtles in the ocean. At first the trip went very well - the Red Bull car turned up & gave us a free can (we were EXTREMEly ready for this trip haha), the kayak was carried to the beach for us and our tour guide was lovely. It was only once we actually got in the kayak that the challenge started....kayaking on a lake is one thing, but kayaking in the sea is quite another! You have to deal with waves - though the sea might look calm from the beach, when you are balancing on a kayak trying to get out to sea, it won't be. After numerous falls out of the boat and realising that we were not natural kayakers, we got help (well more like saved!). We had originally been in a kayak together, however because we were incapable, the guide put Laura in his kayak and Sarah got put with a manly random (all in the middle of the sea), so we would hurry up! As amazing as the trip was, it was hard to see anything when we were focused more on staying afloat! Though Laura, who ended up with the instructor, got to sit pretty the whole time and take photos. We're pretty sure the dolphins were mocking us, because whenever we saw one, it would stick around long enough for us to glimpse it before disappearing as we tried to get closer. It definitely was an experience!

The artwork that lines the streets and promenades of Byron is incredible. From recycled cans or glass turned into sculptures, to graffiti and paintings, Bryon Bay has it all. Activity-wise you can SCUBA, learn to surf, skydive, get artsy, go zen or ride horses - in fact, it's a beautiful setting to do just about every outdoor activity!

The walk up to the Cape Byron Light House is well worth it. It doesn't take too long and the view is spectacular - it is also a really good place to spot whales as they pass by on their migration.

Not far from Byron is Nimbin, famous for its Mardi Grass (a cannabis appreciation festival) in May where a giant joint is paraded through the streets and people dress up as pot leaves. The town famously celebrates a love of marijuana and even has a museum dedicated to the plant! They even sell 'special' cookies and lining the streets are stores selling SO many 'herbs' you get a little high just walking in! People living in Nimbin focus on living sustainable, eco-friendly lives, and you won't find any Maccy D's or restaurant chains here! We spent an afternoon looking in every shop with Laura's cousin & his fiancee, and strangely, looking around a candle factory was quite a highlight!

Nimbin's rules to live by!!

The really nice thing about this part of the world is that sustainable living is SO important and really does create a different way of life. Both times that we visited, we spent hours looking around markets selling everything from crystals to natural cures and recycled clothes. The people are so friendly, open and embracing that you will find yourself walking barefoot, appreciating the slower pace and simpler things in life. Laura even bought an awesome hippie-ish skirt!

The family Laura has in the area embody a lot of the great qualities just described. Laura's cousin is a great example of a modern-day hippie and her three beautiful daughters are individual characters with a zest for life. Her aunt & uncle (who is a retired surfer) are some of the kindest people you'll ever meet. They took great pride in taking us on a tour of the area - including the road-side fruit stalls that sell normal fruit, as well as custard apple (yep such a thing grows) and star fruit! We also got to see the vast fields of sugarcane, and thanks to Laura's uncle driving up to and then obtaining a cane for us, we got to try it!

You will also find some of the most beautiful sunsets EVER in Byron Bay- sitting on a beach watching the sunset here was our favourite thing to do! And after the sun goes down, the nightlife in this town is also good. There are plenty of young travelers around, and people party in beach-side bars until the wee hours!

Here's the video we made of our trip together to Byron Bay!!

We hope you've enjoyed travelling to beautiful Byron Bay with us :) Some of our fondest memories together are here, and it is a place definitely not-to-be missed when you go to Australia!

Visit our For Life's Journeys page to see where else we've traveled together!

Love always, Sarah & Laura xo

Happy New Year!! Bring on 2012!!

We're BAAAAACK!! 


We loved Moscow so much, and we'll post about all our adventures tomorrow!!


But in the meantime, what did you do for New Years Eve??
Here's a video we made last night at the Red Square fireworks over St. Basil's Cathedral!

We have been lucky enough to have mentions and photos in a few posts over this week from our lovely fellow bloggers! Check them out below:

• We're so happy to be a part of the Real Life Lesbians campaign on one of our favourite blogs, What Wegan Did Next. See our photo and check out all the other lovely ladies HERE!!

• And also, another one of our favs, Lacey in the City, did an awesome 'Christmas Around the World' post, which our Paris and London Christmas photos feature in!! See it HERE!!

2011 was an eventful year for us - here are some of the highlights!


We came back from Australia for good via Idaho (boo to back working full time!)

Pride London and Brighton!

We got jobs, made new friends - and then Sarah quit her job to come work at the same place as Laura, and all was good in the world again!!


We spent a week in one of the most beautiful places we've ever been - Naples!!





Laura's parents came over for her Dad's 60th!!

We started our first annual Thanksmas!

Romantic Paris in November!!

Our first Christmas together...

And Moscow to ring in 2012!!

2012 should be our best year yet, and we hope you'll stay with us through our adventures!!


And please remember to become members of our blog, follow us on Twitter and Tumblr!!


Lots of love and happy 2012,


Laura & Sarah xoxo

What's Happening, Hot Stuff?? 14/12/2011

Welcome to this week's (exceedingly gay) 'WHHS'!

Following on from last week's Scottish election, more than 50,000 responses have been submitted to the Scottish government’s consultation on the introduction of gay marriage (including ours!). SNP (Scottish National Party) ministers support the move but some in the party oppose allowing gay couples to marry. A ‘rainbow coalition’ of groups including The Equality Network, Amnesty International, Unison and the Humanist Society of Scotland all filed submissions supporting changing the law. Like the rest of the United Kingdom, gay couples in Scotland may enter into civil partnerships that offer most of the benefits of marriage but there are subtle differences. But a change in the law is opposed by most major religious organisations in the country including both the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church. The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland Cardinal O’Brien said: “As an institution, marriage long predates the existence of any state or government. It was not created by government and should not be changed by them. “Instead, recognising the innumerable benefits which marriage brings to society they should act to protect and uphold it not attack or dismantle it." - Love is attacking marriage?! News to us! 

The Cardinal's comments get worse: “At the heart of this debate however there is one perspective which seems to be completely lost or ignored, it is the point of view of the child. All children deserve to begin life with a mother and father, the evidence in favour of the stability and well being which this provides is overwhelming and unequivocal.” - that may be one point of view, but has he seen the research into children of same-sex marriage? (You can HERE!)

The good news is that the deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said while the government would consider all views, she and her colleagues “tended towards the initial view” that gay marriages should be introduced! - Lets hope Scotland makes the right decision.

One kilt or two?

Speaking of surveys, nearly a quarter of a million people have signed a petition calling on world leaders to hold Russia to account for a draft law in St Petersburg which threatens to silence its gay community. The US and UK Governments have already issued statements expressing concern that the new fines would severely limit the freedom of expression and assembly by LGBT people. It could make for an interesting trip to Moscow for us after Christmas! 

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak has said he is in favour of St Petersburg’s pending “gay propaganda” law, and wants it considered at a national level, Interfax reports. Kozak said the bill would punish “disgusting activity”. The law, which has been introduced by the ruling United Russia Party and roundly condemned by the international community, including UK and US governments, would see people and organisations fined for the “promotion” of homosexuality. It has already passed one initial reading and equates “lesbianism, bisexualism and transgenderism” with “paedophilia”. Fines range from 1,000 roubles (£20) for an individual to 50,000 (£1,000) for a business. Erm OMG! In this day and age it is so concerning how a few people's small-mindedness can dictate a countries attitude - fining people for expressing themselves is just awful. 

Even some Australians are seeing red - the sister of Australia’s former Prime Minister and current Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has officially left the party over what she termed the “utter nonsense” of gay marriage. Loree Rudd said“I couldn’t work for a party that had endorsed homosexuals marrying. It is a horrible thing for them to be discriminated against and that’s why my brother introduced laws so they are not discriminated against. But to make that huge leap from their rights to breaking a commandment of Moses, to say homosexuals’ relationships is marriage, is utter nonsense.” Someone needs to tell her that the view that marriage can only be between a man and a woman is utter nonsense!

Excuse the foul language, but it's aimed at a foul woman.

In good news this month, the Australian Labor Party conference passed a motion to alter their platform and endorse the introduction of equal marriage rights for gay couples! One of the party publically came out in support of same-sex marriage “It’s just one of those really sad things when people are actively working to deny people their rights and dignity. Ms Rudd’s decision was what he would call “religious, not Christian”. Amen to that!

There is also good news from the States - there was an announcement last week that US presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich (who?)’s sister will support Barack Obama in the White House race, after describing her brother as being “on the wrong side of history” regarding gay rights. 'Atta girl!

In London, the Olympics is gaining more publicity tonight sees the unveiling of Pride House London, a festival run to coincide with the London 2012 Olympic Games. At an event tonight, held at London’s City Hall, details for the festival which will include live music, entertainment, LGBT art, sports and tournaments will be revealed. Next summer Pride House will welcome athletes, dignitaries, media, Londoners and visitors from around the world with a dynamic and entertaining programme in support of the LGBT community.  Partners include the It Gets Better Project, UK Pride Sports, LGBT History Month and Diversity Role Models.

Stephen Fry!

Actor and author Stephen Fry has been named an ambassador of Pride House. He commented: “I’m very proud and pleased to be an ambassador for Pride House London. All eyes will be on London for the 2012 Games and Pride House is an idea that brings together so many of the elements that makes London one of the greatest cities in the world and a beacon of tolerance, diversity and pride. Pride House is a symbol of how London remains one of the most truly cosmopolitan and accepting cities in the world.” Other patrons include former NBA basketball player John Amaechi, Team GB volleyball training squad member Claire Harvey, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, the chief executive of Diversity Role Models Suran Dickson, film producer David Furnish, author and journalist Dan Savage and New Zealand Olympic short-track speed skater Blake Skjellerup.

Last year, the organising committee of the London 2012 Olympic Games began to sell special pin badges aimed at LGBT people. The £5 badges were be the first in a series highlighting the six ‘strands of diversity’ and feature the 2012 Games’ logo against a rainbow flag.

And YAY! for the return of Girl Power! OK so Little Mix aren't quite the Spice Girls yet but in every interview we've read so far they have used the term - and who are we to argue! Not only that they have come out and said they are tee-total (alcohol free, for those like Laura who had no idea what that means) and drug free, we are all for clean living and at least if you start with that attitude you'll be far safer - cough cough Frankie who?! Another X-Factor over! Christmas really must be upon us! WELL DONE LITTLE MIX!

Our Christmas party pre-Paris went off without a hitch, although I managed to crack out a few of my chair dances (well it wouldn't be Christmas without them, would it?) and Laura's team came joint 1st in the pub quiz! Oh and we got to wander to the nearest tube via Old Bond Street and ooh and ahh at the beautiful Christmas window decorations and create our 'fantasy' shopping list! Christmas really is the best time of the year!

Got something on the mind, Laura?

Lots of love, Sarah & Laura xo