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A Day In Hand and International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHO) announces 1st international (Same-sex hand holding) Sshh! Week


Monday 17th May 2010- Sunday 23rd May 2010


Monday to Sunday, make your passion public. Your working week deserves a little affection.


A Day In Hand founder, David Watkins says, "Because IDAHO falls on a Monday this year, and because of the success of our popular Same-Sex Hand Holding Saturdays, we have decided to create a Same-Sex Hand Holding Week starting on the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia, Monday May 17th. We continue to receive more and more positive stories and photos from all over the world, of people who have held hands with someone of the same gender in public. Why limit the hand holding to a Saturday?"


Tony Fenwick, co-chair Schools Out and Gareth Thomas, Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas, Welsh rugby player endorses our campaign and says "Being out and visible is so important for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people because it allows our existence to be acknowledged in communities throughout the world. Holding hands with friends or your loved ones is a simple yet powerful act that sends clear messages that LGBT people are just like anyone else. I hope that A Day In Hand and IDAHO will inspire people to go public during the Same-sex hand holding Week starting May 17th. I find the site of lesbian and gay couples holding hands affirming and inspiring and I hope more couples can hold hands in public and lead the way in this silent revolution. A Day In Hand campaign continues to break down the boundaries of
same-sex love."


Where?

The World


When?

The first international Same-sex hand holding (Sshh) Week will begin on the
International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia, Monday 17th May and end
Sunday 23rd May.


What?

We are asking people to find someone of the same gender, and hold their hand in public. It may be for only 1 min or for the whole week! We would love people to have their photo taken holding hands and upload it to our website by sending to yourstories@adayinhand.com.


Who?

The population (gay or straight, all faiths, genders, races, abilities, single or in a relationship). Supporters include Stephen Fry, Sandi Toksvig, Paul O'Grady, Brian Paddick, Amy Lame, Boy George, 4 Poofs and A Piano, London Mayor Boris Johnson and former London Mayor Ken Livingstone, also activists Peter Tatchell & Cleve Jones (Harvey Milk's aide) have already endorsed the A Day In Hand campaign and many more will be holding hands throughout the week.


Why?

* Watkins adds "Same-sex hand holding (Sshh!) is a silent revolution for LGBT people, because nothing needs to be said: no bold speeches, no reactive arguments, no war of words. Each LGBT person has the power to change the hearts and minds of people in their local community quietly, subtly, by simply holding hands publicly and owning their space. However,
hand holding is a simple powerful gesture that can happen anywhere, at any time."

* Derek Lennard, IDAHO-UK Coordinator said "It is marvellous to be working with 'A Day in Hand' again and sending out a positive message around the world that LGBT people are proud of who we are and who we love"

is...

3rd Best Gay Organisation in the UK 2010

Winner, SMK award for Social Inclusion 2009

http://www.smk.org.uk

A project of Schools Out

http://www.schools-out.org.uk

creators of LGBT History Month


You expect me to hold hands in MY area?

Visit http://www.adayinhand.com for ways you can support the campaign without holding hands.


What is A Day In Hand?

A Day in Hand heralds a revolutionary way of making the world a more liveable place: a revolution in which anybody, on any day, can be a part of. The campaign is designed to promote equality of respect for people who wish to hold hands with someone of the same gender in public. It launched on May 17th 2009 and is now featured in over 20 countries worldwide. How? By holding hands we visibly challenge stereotypes and show we love and commit like everyone else. Anybody can take the day in hand. Events like Sshh! Saturdays remind people that each individual has the power to change the way people think about same-sex love. Holding hands with your partner or your friend, where you can, is about being true to yourself and to those you love.


How can I get involved? - (see contact info below) + useful links:

Website: http://www.adayinhand.com (PLEASE REGISTER WITH OUR WEBSITE)

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Day-In-Hand-Same-sex-hand-holding-Sshh/307827704677?ref=ts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/adayinhand

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1046660@N20/

IDAHO: http://www.idahomophobia.org


Send your public same-sex hand holding photos with a description to yourstories@adayinhand.com


Contact

David Watkins (A Day In Hand founder)
info@adayinhand.com

Available for A Day In Hand interviews & feature writing. +44 (0) 7931 461810