AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PRIDE EVENT

DEMAND DAVID E. WATTERS IN YOUR TOWN.

 

PLEASE FORWARD THIS LINK TO YOUR LOCAL PRIDE ORGANISERS.

LINKS TO PRIDE EVENTS WORLDWIDE ARE AT: http://www.nighttours.com/gaypride/

Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said:

“I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

 

DAVID E. WATTERS

IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PRIDE EVENT

David E. Watters is keen to bring something fresh and uplifting to your Events this year.

Below is a brief biography of motivational writer, workshop provider andinspirational speaker David E. Watters.

Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute.  He is a writer on social inequality issues, is a key player in the Equal Love Campaign UK and author of the forthcoming book, NEVER BLEND IN which supports and is supported by the Trevor Project and the Harvey Milk Foundation, features key voices from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community including Stephen Fry, Colton Ford, Mike Ruiz, Calpernia Addams, Alan Cumming, Darren Hayes, Lt. Dan Choi, LGBT Olympic athletes, actors, politicians, military, firefighters, Harvey Milk colleagues (Anne Kronenberg, Tom Ammiano and Dan Nicoletta) and has a foreword by Stuart Milk.

This groundbreaking book aims to inspire and encourage those who may lack self-belief or who question their validity.

David is also currently promoting a youtube campaign, “Give ‘em Hope”, and is asking individuals, couples and groups to make and share videos telling about the benefits of living with personal authenticity.

He has shared a platform with Stuart Milk and Peter Tatchell and is a supporter of 17-24-30, The Trevor Project, Schools Out, The Harvey Milk Foundation and has great admiration for the WHOF initiative and all the brave members of this group who speak out against the prejudice and bigotry in our society.

See below for endorsements, links to David’s public speaking and to his work as a freelance writer.

Please email, call or contact via skype (never.blend.in) with your requirements.

Kind Regards

David E. Watters

To hear David’s powerful Deadliest of Sins speech:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vTCnE8YkTs

David was recently profiled on 10,000 Couples as Someone You Should Know:

http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/april-2011/article/someone-you-should-know-david-e-watters

ENDORSEMENTS

COPYRIGHT NOTICE © TEXT & IMAGES

I think that out of everyone in society LGBT people, especially LGBT youth, are subjected to most negative energy and the most negative portrayals of themselves and so it’s really important for us as a community to give back and to let people see that the sun can shine

ALAN CUMMING

http://www.alancumming.com/

Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

He (Harvey Milk) had great confidence in me; I really felt that the basic message was “you can do it”. He was a cheerleader first and then he would deconstruct content second. I think there was always this attention to helping somebody really feel that they can make their way.

If you look at his speeches that’s there; there’s really this broad stroke that’s about positivity and confidence so you’re on the right path in terms of carrying on his work that way.

For me as a care professional, working in chem-dependency, to have any kind of guidebook that talks about self-esteem or how to keep people from committing suicide…I’m all for it. The few kids that have shown up that had suicide ideation, quite honestly, I didn’t have a template for what to tell them so I had to rely upon my intuition but I have no idea if I’m doing the right thing. I definitely feel that the therapeutic community, the psychological therapeutic community has a role to play in LGBT civil rights and I applaud you for doing this.

I was reading some of your pages on your website and I thought, “This is the antidote to my suicidal friend. If he could just read this, it would help him rephrase what he is defaulting to now.”

This is a very spiritually adept person; he’s practiced many disciplines, meditates, and he’s gone through all kinds of personal growth stuff and, because of his propensity to respond to his own addiction, he really ends up in these suicidal places. It’s really heartbreaking, you know and I don’t know why I got saved, why I didn’t, why I figured it out, how not to do that. When I see this happening to him, it’s just mind-boggling and it really is good to have a map available to find your way out of those negative moods.

DAN NICOLETTA

PETER TATCHELL

http://www.petertatchell.net/

For young people coming to terms with their sexuality it’s really important that they have positive, high achieving role models as a way of boosting their self esteem and confidence. This kind of book shares the experience of a very diverse group of LGBT people. Individual and collective experience offers the inspiration and motivation for LGBT people to do something worthwhile with their lives and live their dream.

There are two ways you can approach not fitting in.  If you get to see it as a blessing, feeling like an Outsider can eventually give you the freedom and license to create your own world, follow your own goals, and make your own reality.  I’ve always thought it must be a lot harder for those who effortlessly belong – how much stronger the temptation to just blend in and be a non-questioning sheep!  Yes, there is pain. Feelings of rejection, confusion, self-doubt.  But think of those negatives in a positive light:  you have the chance to acquire resilience, fortitude, understanding and the realization but you have one life to live, so you absolutely have the right to live it your way!

It’s no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters ‘Never Blend In’, is so timely.

TRISHA GODDARD

…some people growing up LGBT will certainly want affirmation that they are not alone, but they will also (quite rightly IMHO) resist the idea that there is a “type” and that they fall into a categorisation. Such is the human paradox, yearning to assimilated and demanding to be treated as unique and apart. A part of the tribe and apart from the tribe. There are plenty of young LGBT people I know or have known who hate the idea of any sort of ghetto or connection with others. I’m Jewish and I’ll fight against anti-Semitism, but I’ll also raise issues about Israel’s violations of human rights and express my happy atheism and contempt for much of Judaism… It’s not a question of “hurrah, there’s a role model, now I know who I am and who my people are and where I belong in the world.”

STEPHEN FRY

http://www.stephenfry.com/

Role models are described as those individuals who we ‘aspire to’ and who provide strong and achievable targets that we can emulate in pursuit of our career or personal aims. This book breaks down the common stereotypes of gay people and unveils a more realistic perspective, chronicling the success of many gay role models that others aspire to.

Be inspired by the successful members of the gay community; real men and women. Read about the challenges they faced along the way, what helped to keep them going, and what it takes to make a small business, a life, a success.

This book illustrates the breadth and creativity of gays everywhere.  It is a pioneering work and the success stories of inspirational gay role models from a wide variety of backgrounds should be made available in every library, every school.  These are men and women you can aspire to but who have all shown just what it takes to become a role model – determination, courage and an unwavering desire to succeed.

“Never Blend In” brings you some amazing candidates all of whom have succeeded in very different ways. They each have inspiring stories to tell about their achievements and future ambitions, yet I noticed they all had one thing in common they were passionate about what they did.

So in reality gays are still struggling for acceptance and to reach the top of the ladder. However, I think for the gay who enters the celebrity arena or who decides to do his/her own thing - they no longer have to do it at the expense of their happiness- they can do things on their own terms. For many it will provide them with the work/ life balance that wasn’t available for them in the past.  It’s vital we have gays in big business and we need more gays to be there. I think companies need to realize they can’t operate without gays.  But they do need to provide the very thing we all tend to take for granted – the basic right of being given the same opportunities and earning power as str8 men.  We are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers, and friends. We are like you.

Anthony Spiteri, BS, MSc, PhD (Psychology)

I am excited to order several copies of your book and share them with friends and family as gifts. I may try to use it with one of my classes that I teach at my college on the psychology of diversity.

DR JOHN R. SHAFER,Director of the Counseling Center and Professor at Franklin College of Indiana, President, Shafer Consulting Services

Gladeana McMahon, As one of the leading personal development and transformational coaches in the UK, Gladeana was instrumental in founding theAssociation for Coaching for which she now holds the positions of Life Fellow and Vice President.

The Book that David Watters is proposing is long overdue as there is little written on the topic of LGBT issues.

Positive role models are important to individuals whether they be LGBT individuals talking about their experiences or the family and friends of such individuals who can model acceptance and positive affirmation.  Therapists are likely to be interested in such a book in a bid to understand the specific needs of those who identify as LGBT considering the best ways to work with such individuals and/or their families.  Academics are likely to find the book useful in considering issues around diversity and, of course, the general public will also benefit as a book of this sort educates the reader. This book will also help LGBT individuals to understand their situation and consider how to develop a deep and meaningful sense of self-worth.  It will also help such individuals understand how best to help those around them to understand their situation as much as it will educate family and friends.

The LGBT community has often been portrayed in a less than favorable light – NEVER BLEND IN rips that inaccurate veil off, and offers a face and portrait of today’s LGBT community, its leaders, history, accomplishments and potential.

Herb Sosa, Editor|Publisher – Ambiente Magazine

& President – Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida

http://www.ambiente.us/HerbSosa.html

http://www.herbsosa.com/hjs.html

By showcasing people who are out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and living authentic lives, David Watters is sending an important message to those struggling to come out and be out: You CAN be yourself and live a full, satisfying, meaningful, and glorious life.”–

Lesléa Newman

http://www.lesleanewman.com/

We can never become complacent in our fight for equal rights and we need to remember the trailblazers who ignited the spark for the flame of progress that burns today.

As role models following in the legacy of others like Harvey Milk, we need to stand as proud confident people and continue to broaden the path of acceptance for those that follow us.

JACK MACKENROTH

http://www.jackmackenroth.com/

This project authored and edited by David Watters will help certainly reach out and touch a generation of young people who will be the ones to carry on his legacy by helping transform our perceptions of the LGBT community and lay the foundation for a healthy and whole sense of self.

Rabbi Denise L. Eger

Congregation Kol Ami

West Hollywood’s Reform Synagogue

www.kol-ami.org

…we are in the fight for our very lives. NEVER BLEND IN says that we are committed to living out in the open, as we have a right to do. NEVER BLEND IN, means never settle for second best or the notion that we are “second class citizens” I will NEVER blend in.

SIMONE CAMPBELL

http://www.myspace.com/funnyladysimone

I always feel inspired by someone everyday. I think we should learn something new each day from anywhere or anyone. I’m inspired right now, by you, answering your intelligent questions Mr. David Watters. It’s not often I get to answer some great meaningful questions. So Bravo!!!

MARCUS PATRICK

http://www.marcus-patrick.com/

There’s plenty of times in this world where we can feel isolated and alone and anytime we can find a source of community, a feeling of being a part of something bigger than ourselves; that can provide tremendous inspiration and solace, then that’s invaluable.

ANTHONY RAPP

http://www.myspace.com/anthonyrapp

Links to some of his writing:

AMBIENTE.US, NEVER BLEND IN ARTICLES:

http://www.ambiente.us/05509JohnAmaechi.html

http://www.ambiente.us/08009ChrisMason.html

http://www.ambiente.us/04510JackMackenroth.html

http://www.ambiente.us/06010CrossBurning.html

http://www.ambiente.us/101510PeterTatchell.html

http://www.ambiente.us/110010EqualLove.html

http://www.ambiente.us/021511EqualLove.html

POLARI ARTICLES:

http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=794

http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=4818

http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=5404

MANCHESTER MOUTH (INTERVIEW APRIL 2010):

http://www.manchestermouth.co.uk/index.php?action=content&content_id=27

Amaechi opens-up on gay issues

http://www.manchestermouth.co.uk/index.php?action=content&content_id=101

OPEN LETTER TO SANDRA BERNHARD

Dear Miss Bernhard
I am writing a book to support the Trevor Project, NEVER BLEND IN, which is an inspirational collection of interviews with role models; those living authentically – “regular” people and well known contributors including Lt Dan Choi, Stephen Fry, Alan Cumming, Parvez Sharma, Stuart Milk, The Trevor Project, Mike Ruiz, Anthony Rapp (Rent), Calpernia Addams, Darren Hayes, Harvey Milk colleagues (Dan Nicoletta, Anne Kronenberg and Tom Ammiano), Rabbi Denise Eger, Rev David Weekley, amongst many others.

The book is intended to provide a source of inspiration for readers who may question their validity.As someone who lives a life of integrity and authenticity, your voice would be an incredible addition. Can we please arrange an interview whilst you are here in London?  I will be sitting front row, centre, on February 13th at the Leicester Square Theatre so perhaps we could talk beforehand.

Links to verify my validity and to see what the project is all about: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk

Please get back to me as the book will be missing a vital voice without your contribution.

I also write for http://www.ambiente.us so could perhaps use an edit of the interview to promote you current work.

Best wishes, David E. Watters

never_blend_in@rocketmail.com

IF YOU THINK SANDRA BERNHARD SHOULD BE IN MY BOOK THEN WHY NOT EMAIL OR CALL HER AGENT TO TELL HIM WHY:

Live & Personal Appearances:

For All Acting, Live Performances & Personal Appearances Please

Contact:

Kenneth Hartung ManagementKenneth Hartung

Kenneth@KennethHartungManagement.com

Phone: (516) 303-6019

Biography

Since she first stepped on stage at the Comedy Store in the ‘70s, Sandra Bernhard has been challenging fans and critics with her outrageous humor, keen satire and rollicking stage shows. “Give the dame her due,” writes the New York Times, “It’s invigorating to be in the presence of a true original.”

Bernhard, who writes and develops all of her own material, has produced numerous one-woman shows over the years, among them: Without You I’m Nothing—which was released as a feature film—Excuses for Bad Behavior, Giving ‘Til It Hurts, Hero Worship, the Love Machine, and Everything Bad and Beautiful, which ran for two months off-Broadway, before Bernhard toured with it, making numerous stops across the U.S. and in Europe. “A performer of stunning originality. Funny but foxy, super smart and slightly mad!” proclaimed WCBS. “Bernhard is a very funny woman by nature, a rocker by sheer determination and an actress you’ve seen in eclectic offerings,” says the Washington Post.

Bernhard’s last show, “Hero Worship,” featured a five-piece band and was a post-September 11th tribute to Bernhard’s commitment to irony—that it, too, has survived September 11th. The show featured a range of musical numbers (some original and some covers). It was a fearless attempt to show that life must continue and the show must go on. Other notable performances include her participation in the “Stormy Weather Benefit ’98,” organized by Don Henley, which also featured Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, as well as “The Elton John Tribute for Broadway Cares.”

Bernhard’s one-woman Broadway show, “I’m Still Here … Damn It!,” was hailed by the New York Times as “an angst driven, foul-mouthed poison-laced joy ride that banks and careens frenetically through the worlds of fashion, celebrity, rock, and religion. In her own voice, unfiltered, [Bernhard] is a living, breathing bonfire.” The show, which initially ran for five months off Broadway, went on to play sold-out runs in Boston and San Francisco, and was filmed for an HBO special.

Bernhard first earned film accolades in 1983 when she appeared in Martin Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy.” Other film work includes “Inside Monkey Zetterland,” “Track 29,” “Hudson Hawk,” “Dinner Rush,” and “Dare.” And she is about to begin filming on two new projects.

From 1991-1996, Bernhard portrayed Nancy Bartlett on “Roseanne,” and she has had guest starring or recurring roles on numerous other shows, among them; “Ally McBeal,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order: SVU,” “The L Word,” “Will & Grace,” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine.” She has appeared numerous times on “Late Night with David Letterman,” and has been a guest on “The Tonight Show,” “The View,” “The Joy Behar Show,” “The Jimmy Kimmel Show,” “The Rachel Maddow Show,” and Showtime’s “The Green Room,” among others. She has appeared regularly on the Howard Stern show since the ‘80s. And was the host of “Sandra After Dark,” for HBO, and “Reel Wild Cinema.”

In addition to her original songs, Bernhard performs covers from Led Zeppelin to Laura Nyro; Burt Bachrach to Britney Spears. “One moment, her voice is lulling you into a wistful sigh; the next, she’s knocking you back several rows with it,” proclaimed the SF Weekly. Her albums include: “I’m Your Woman,” and most recently she collaborated on the world music album “Whatever it Takes,” featuring African musicians such as Papa Wemba and TK. She has also sung with or opened for various musical acts, including: The Pretenders, Cyndi Lauper, and the Scissor Sisters. She participated in the “Stormy Weather Benefit ’98,” organized by Don Henley, which also featured Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell and “The Elton John Tribute for Broadway Cares.” Bernhard has also lent her talents to benefits for organizations including: The Ali Forney Center for LGBT Homeless Youth, and Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS.

Bernhard has written three books: Confessions of a Pretty Lady (Harper&Row, 1988), Love, Love and Love (HarperCollins, 1994), and May I Kiss You on the Lips, Miss Sandra? (William Morrow, 1998). And she is currently at work on her fourth collection. Her work has also been published in numerous magazines, including, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Conde Nast Traveler, Rolling Stone, Interview, and Spy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra Bernhard – Whatever It Takes

About the Show

Back performing in London for the first time in two years, Sandra Bernhard is returning to Leicester Square Theatre for 5 shows based on her latest album, ‘Whatever It Takes’.

‘Whatever It Takes’ is an inspired  musical cross-cultural road trip which travels musically from New York, to Africa, the middle east, and South America.

But music is just one element of a Sandra Bernhard gig. Described by the New York Times as “a living, breathing bonfire”, Bernhard has been combining comedy and rock ‘n’ roll and courting controversy for 25 years, challenging fans and critics with her knife-edged humour, satire and emotive performances on film, television and stage.

An accomplished comedienne, actress, singer, and writer, Sandra Bernhard defies easy categorisation. Her live performances – part comedy, part social satire, and part cabaret – perfectly showcase her astonishing range of talents.

Performances
9th Feb 2011 to 13th Feb 20117.30pm

TICKETS: http://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/lqt/show/S1288368995/Sandra+Bernhard

NEVER BLEND IN NEWS:JANUARY 2011

SCROLL DOWN FOR INFO AND ARTICLES

HELLO ALL…HOPING THAT 2011 HAS STARTED WELL. I’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR NEWS AND, IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING EQUALITY RELATED GOING ON PLEASE POST IT ON THE PAGE.
THE BOOK IS ALMOST DONE ( I KNOW I KEEP SAYING THAT!) AND NBI ASSOCIATES ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS.

I HOPE THAT YOU WILL HELP ME TO HELP OTHERS, ONE MIND AT A TIME, BY REPOSTING LINKS TO MY WEBSITE: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk

HAVE A GREAT FEBRUARY … I PROMISE TO LEAVE YOU IN PEACE FOR ANOTHER MONTH!!!    I APPRECIATE YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

BEST WISHES, DAVID

NEVER BLEND IN

 

JANUARY NEWS:

29 January 2011: NBI Associates are now on Skype. Add us for free consultation call and ongoing one to one support. Skype Username: never.blend.in

28 January 2011: Recent interviews for the book, NEVER BLEND IN, include Parvez Sharma (A Jihad for Love) http://www.ajihadforlove.com/home.html, Assemblyman, Tom Ammiano http://www.tomammiano.com/, Lt. Dan Choi http://www.ltdanchoi.com/, photographer; Mike Ruiz http://www.mikeruiz.com/ and the incredibly inspirational and candid, Liza Friedlander http://www.lizaproductionsnyc.com/.

14 January 2011: David E. Watters has been selected, by Vodaphone, from 11,000 applicants to take part in the World of Difference Program. He has chosen to support The Albert Kennedy Trust.

The application involved writing a detailed proposal, a telephone interview and references from at least two referees; thanks go to Mike Colby & Stuart Milk (The Harvey Milk Foundation) and Charles Robbins (The Trevor Project) for supporting this successful application. WHY? READ HERE: http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/2011/01/29/why-i-support-the-albert-kennedy-trust/

1 January 2011: Recent articles for http://www.ambiente.us; THE TREVOR PROJECT | REPAIRING THE WORLDhttp://www.ambiente.us/010011Trevor.html and EQUAL LOVE CAMPAIGN UK – ECHR LEGAL BID ANNOUNCED http://www.ambiente.us/010011EqualLove.html

31 December 2010: Article in http://www.10thousandcouples.com ;  Expanding Equal Love in 2011 UK Style http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/january-2011/article/expanding-equal-love-in-2011-uk-style

I’M YOUR MAN

 

David E. Watters, a graduate of Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally as a performer, director and educator for more than 20 years, has taught literacy, drama and music within a wide variety of socially and culturally diverse settings and, as a personal and professional development associate with The Pacific Institute (www.pacificinstitute.co.uk), a personal tutor, freelance writer, public speaker and founding member of NBI Associates (www.nbiassociates.co.uk), is an Equality Advocate who brings inspiration and motivation, enhances personal efficacy and encourages excellence.

 

As a performer he has worked for Disney, Warner Brothers, English Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Mayfield Chamber Opera amongst many others.

 

As a teacher, David was most recently a Head of Department in Further Education with a 100% pass rate and a fantastic progression record; students currently studying at Laban, Rose Bruford, RADA,  Trinity College of Music. and working successfully within the industry – most recent success being Rachel Adedeji who reached the televised finals of X Factor 2009.

 

David, who regularly writes for www.ambiente.us, One Nation and Polari, has been championed by Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, who has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

 

He is an inspirational, motivational speaker who most recently shared a platform with Peter Tatchell and Stuart Milk at the 17-24-30 No to Hate Vigil in Trafalgar Square, London.

http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Invite-DAVID-To-Speak-.html

David is currently finalizing his book, Never Blend In: The Legacy of Harvey Milk which supports and is supported by The Trevor Project and the Harvey Milk Foundation.

 

The book sets out to highlight and challenge social perceptions of the LGBT community; to understand the causes of low self-esteem and suicide ideation felt by many LGBT individuals and, through a unique collection of inspirational interviews with well known and everyday people, to inspire and encourage the younger generation, or anyone questioning their validity, to lead a balanced, fulfilling and dignified life.

 

Role models from education, entertainment, law enforcement, medical and emergency services, politics, religion and sports have participated in this accessible and much needed discourse to illuminate the reader’s journey of self-discovery and self- efficacy.

 

Openly LGBT and successful role model figures can play an enormous part in highlighting the wealth of possibilities available to young people. These people, who are successfully modeling admirable qualities and character traits such as determination, diligence, vision and consistent effort, can only serve to inspire and encourage the younger generation, or anyone questioning their validity, to lead a balanced, fulfilling and dignified life.

 

Notable voices in the book are Harvey’s colleagues, Anne Kronenberg, Tom Ammiano and Danny Nicoletta; Equality Advocate, Stuart Milk; actors Stephen Fry, Alan Cumming and Anthony Rapp; Human Rights Campaigner, Peter Tatchell; musician Darren Hayes (Savage Garden); Sordid Lives writer Del Shores; columnist, Michael Musto; filmmaker, Parvez Sharma; actress and businesswoman, Calpernia Addams; NBA star John Amaechi; Rabbi Denise Eger, Rev. David Weekley, Lt. Daniel Choi and authors Lesléa Newman and Tom Rob Smith.

 

We, as a community, are under or misrepresented in the media and this impacts upon how individuals are perceived and treated by society.  Positive, inspirational role models from the LGBT community can have an enormous impact on addressing this and can give hope to individuals who feel less valid and disenfranchised from society.

Most inspiring have been the “regular” people (the Scottish fireman, the Canadian concert pianist, the American professor, the South African artist or the student in Cardiff) who live with authenticity and, perhaps without realizing, are role models and inspirational figures to those whose lives they touch.

The “community” if such a thing exists is diverse but too many live in the shadows. My point, with this book, is that self worth determines our potential and that blending in is a direct result of feeling “less than”, feeling ashamed of how God (whatever that means to you) made you”.

 

Harvey Milk’s legacy, for this author, is the growing number of proud LGBT individuals who refuse to live lives limited by the judgment of others.

 

We can be part of society without blending in. To me it means living with 100% authenticity (as Dr Phil or Oprah might say!). We shouldn’t compromise our identity to be accepted and everyone regardless of sexuality or gender identity has a right to fully live.

 

Life need not be a self-fulfilling prophecy and by recognizing that our “truth” has been shaped through our relationships, our environment and our experiences, we can begin to change our perceptions, heighten our self-esteem and move toward our personal and professional goals with clear vision and purpose….

 

 

David’s background in arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of CBT, and his passion for Equality Advocacy drive every aspect of his work as a motivational speaker, personal development facilitator and a writer.

 

LINKS

WRITING: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Links.html

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Invite-DAVID-To-Speak-.html

COACHING: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/NBI-for-Individuals.html

WORKSHOPS –

SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/NBI-for-Schools—Colleges.html

CREATIVE CHALLENGE DAYS FOR PERFORMERS: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/CREATIVE-CHALLENGE-DAYS.html

NBI FOR BUSINESSES: http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/NBI-for-Businesses.html

EQUAL LOVE: www.equallove.org.uk

 

Please email DAVID WATTERS at DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk

with your requirements and availability.

 

David E. Watters

Enhancing Learning • Improving Performance • Inspiring Learners

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EXPERIENCED WRITER, TEACHER, PERSONAL TUTOR & SPEAKER

…dedicated to guiding students to succeed while inspiring an insatiable passion for learning through performance

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David E. Watters, a graduate of Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally as a director and educator for more than 20 years, has taught literacy, drama and music within a wide variety of socially and culturally diverse settings and, as a personal and professional development associate with The Pacific Institute, a personal tutor, freelance writer, public speaker and founding member of NBI Associates, is an Equality Advocate who brings inspiration and motivation, enhances personal efficacy and encourages excellence.

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

Advanced IT Skills - MS OFFICE – WORD, POWERPOINT, OUTLOOK, INTERNET MARKETING TOOLS, INTRANET.

Literacy, Numeracy, Employability Skills, Performing Arts – embedding key skills within vocational learning.

Devising, Developing and Coordination – utilizing differentiated teaching strategies and resources to accommodate specific learning requirements and liaising with Heads of Department, teaching staff and external partners.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills – development of Creative Partnerships, interdepartmental liaison and extensive public performance. I have been a school manager, Head of Department, teacher and personal tutor. Also a public speaker and writer on social equality, I work with a broad range of charities (17-24-30, the Albert Kennedy Trust, the Harvey Milk Foundation and the Trevor Project) and, as part of the Equal Love UK Campaign, I coordinate publicity with local and national media.

Collaboration – I have had a broad range of teaching and management experience which has enhanced my capacity for working supportively within a team environment and adapt well to both following and delivering instruction. As an education coordinator, I have been instrumental in coordinating educational and charity events which have involved the liaison with public figures (including Kylie Minogue, Stephen Fry, Darren Hayes and Joan Baez), educational establishments and charitable organizations (notably, The Terrence Higgins Trust).

 

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

• The Institute of Education, University of London – PGCE. 2006
• SMART TRAINING – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Award in Management. 2010
• SMART TRAINING – Edexcel Level 3 NVQ in Management. 2010
• The Pacific Institute – Facilitator for PX2 PROGRAM. 2010
• The Pacific Institute – Facilitator for the Investment in Excellence. 2009
• American Express Europe Limited – ICP (Instructors Certificate). 2001
• Trinity College of Music, London – DipTCL (Merit). 1996
• Napier University, Edinburgh – Diploma in Music, ALCM (Performance) and LLCM (Peripatetic Teaching Qualification). 1991 and 1992
• Dundee College of Further Education – NVQ Theatre Arts 1989

 

HIGHLIGHTED TEACHING EXPERIENCE

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July 2010: NBI Associates – Program Director: Music & Drama Based education programs utilizing Cognitive Behavioural strategies to encourage personal efficacy, goal setting and to eradicate limiting labels. Responsible for writing courses, training staff, creating resources which cater for different learning requirement of individuals and environments.

July 2009 – Present: The Pacific Institute – Personal and Professional Development Facilitator: Management consultancy and market research to create courses specific to individual business or community requirements. Following key concepts and Learning Objectives, I devise and deliver customer focused courses.

July 2006 – July 2010: Greenwich Community College – Musical Theatre Coordinator: Responsibility for WRITING UNITS BASED ON GIVEN CRITERIA (BTEC FIRST, BTEC ND, LOCN) and the coordination and delivery of BTEC FIRST & ND Performing Arts (Musical Theatre). Creation of relevant learning resources, writing Schemes of Work, Assignment Briefs, Internal Verification, Coordination of External Verification. Additionally, staff recruitment and support; providing guidance and training where necessary, Portfolio Development, Strategy Planning, interdepartmental liaison and coordination with particular regard to performance events, student guidance towards entry into Higher Education providing them with the correct balance of knowledge, skills and experience to confidently audition for Drama School, University or to enter the profession directly.

April 2004 – August 2006: Plumstead Manor School – Musical Theatre Tutor: Responsible for devising, delivering and assessing the work for BTEC First and BTEC ND Performing Arts Courses. Classroom teacher for Years 7 to 11 including GCSE. Singing teacher and choirmaster. Direction and/or Musical Direction for Unit related performances.

Jan 2004 – Dec 2005: Theatretrain – Franchisee and School Manager for Greenwich Theatretrain: This role involved program planning, Staff and Student Recruitment and Retention, Budget Planning, Accounting, Publicity and Promotion, Project Coordination, Event Management (both large and small scale); Script Writing/Adapting, Musical Arranging, Costume/Prop/Set Designing and Building/Making and Scheduling, the building of Creative Partnerships, Student Welfare and staff/student/parent liaison.

May 2003 – August 2006: Bexley Business Academy, Kent – Peripatetic singing Tutor and Choirmaster: Responsible for teaching technique, repertoire and musicianship to students preparing for Rockschool, Associated Board and GCSE Examinations. Choirmaster role was to build a varied choral repertoire suitable for performance at internal and external events (Assemblies, Award Ceremonies and Local Festivals)

2000 – 2002: American Express Europe – Line Instructor and Training Co-ordinator: Responsible for coordinating training with recruitment needs. Devising and delivering training on Products, Processes and Systems for New Accounts EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Asia ). Creation of learning tools and resources. Staff training and support.

1998 – 1999: Reynolds Theatre Academy, Dartford – Head of Vocal Studies.

 

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REFEREES

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Available upon request

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ENDORSEMENTS

COPYRIGHT NOTICE © TEXT & IMAGES

Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

I think that out of everyone in society LGBT people, especially LGBT youth, are subjected to most negative energy and the most negative portrayals of themselves and so it’s really important for us as a community to give back and to let people see that the sun can shine

ALAN CUMMING

http://www.alancumming.com/

He (Harvey Milk) had great confidence in me; I really felt that the basic message was “you can do it”. He was a cheerleader first and then he would deconstruct content second. I think there was always this attention to helping somebody really feel that they can make their way.

If you look at his speeches that’s there; there’s really this broad stroke that’s about positivity and confidence so you’re on the right path in terms of carrying on his work that way.

For me as a care professional, working in chem-dependency, to have any kind of guidebook that talks about self-esteem or how to keep people from committing suicide…I’m all for it. The few kids that have shown up that had suicide ideation, quite honestly, I didn’t have a template for what to tell them so I had to rely upon my intuition but I have no idea if I’m doing the right thing. I definitely feel that the therapeutic community, the psychological therapeutic community has a role to play in LGBT civil rights and I applaud you for doing this.

I was reading some of your pages on your website and I thought, “This is the antidote to my suicidal friend. If he could just read this, it would help him rephrase what he is defaulting to now.”

This is a very spiritually adept person; he’s practiced many disciplines, meditates, and he’s gone through all kinds of personal growth stuff and, because of his propensity to respond to his own addiction, he really ends up in these suicidal places. It’s really heartbreaking, you know and I don’t know why I got saved, why I didn’t, why I figured it out, how not to do that. When I see this happening to him, it’s just mind-boggling and it really is good to have a map available to find your way out of those negative moods.

DAN NICOLETTA

For young people coming to terms with their sexuality it’s really important that they have positive, high achieving role models as a way of boosting their self esteem and confidence. This kind of book shares the experience of a very diverse group of LGBT people. Individual and collective experience offers the inspiration and motivation for LGBT people to do something worthwhile with their lives and live their dream.

PETER TATCHELL

http://www.petertatchell.net/

There are two ways you can approach not fitting in.  If you get to see it as a blessing, feeling like an Outsider can eventually give you the freedom and license to create your own world, follow your own goals, and make your own reality.  I’ve always thought it must be a lot harder for those who effortlessly belong – how much stronger the temptation to just blend in and be a non-questioning sheep!  Yes, there is pain. Feelings of rejection, confusion, self-doubt.  But think of those negatives in a positive light:  you have the chance to acquire resilience, fortitude, understanding and the realization but you have one life to live, so you absolutely have the right to live it your way!

It’s no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters ‘Never Blend In’, is so timely.

TRISHA GODDARD

At all times, but especially as an adolescent you need to be told “You are not alone” – there is no more positive and euphoric feeling than the discovery that others, including people of courage, genius, insight, passion, talent and charm felt the kind of feelings you feel. Especially when society, religion and the world tell you that those feelings are wrong.

I have to modify that with this point though: some people growing up LGBT will certainly want affirmation that they are not alone, but they will also (quite rightly IMHO) resist the idea that there is a “type” and that they fall into a categorisation. Such is the human paradox, yearning to assimilated and demanding to be treated as unique and apart. A part of the tribe and apart from the tribe. There are plenty of young LGBT people I know or have known who hate the idea of any sort of ghetto or connection with others. I’m Jewish and I’ll fight against anti-Semitism, but I’ll also raise issues about Israel’s violations of human rights and express my happy atheism and contempt for much of Judaism… It’s not a question of “hurrah, there’s a role model, now I know who I am and who my people are and where I belong in

the world.”

STEPHEN FRY

http://www.stephenfry.com/

Role models are described as those individuals who we ‘aspire to’ and who provide strong and achievable targets that we can emulate in pursuit of our career or personal aims. This book breaks down the common stereotypes of gay people and unveils a more realistic perspective, chronicling the success of many gay role models that others aspire to.

In “Never Blend In” David Watters has brought together a number of role models in one publication featuring successful gay artists, scientists and entrepreneurs, who share their experiences and take you on their journey.  These are men and women with whom you can relate, whose stories will inspire and motivate you and leave you ready to move forward, both personally and professionally.

Be inspired by the successful members of the gay community; real men and women. Read about the challenges they faced along the way, what helped to keep them going, and what it takes to make a small business, a life, a success.

This book illustrates the breadth and creativity of gays everywhere.  It is a pioneering work and the success stories of inspirational gay role models from a wide variety of backgrounds should be made available in every library, every school.  These are men and women you can aspire to but who have all shown just what it takes to become a role model – determination, courage and an unwavering desire to succeed.

“Never Blend In” brings you some amazing candidates all of whom have succeeded in very different ways. They each have inspiring stories to tell about their achievements and future ambitions, yet I noticed they all had one thing in common they were passionate about what they did.

So in reality gays are still struggling for acceptance and to reach the top of the ladder. However, I think for the gay who enters the celebrity arena or who decides to do his/her own thing - they no longer have to do it at the expense of their happiness- they can do things on their own terms. For many it will provide them with the work/ life balance that wasn’t available for them in the past.  It’s vital we have gays in big business and we need more gays to be there. I think companies need to realize they can’t operate without gays.  But they do need to provide the very thing we all tend to take for granted – the basic right of being given the same opportunities and earning power as str8 men.  We are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, lovers, and friends. We are like you.

Anthony Spiteri, BS, MSc, PhD (Psychology)

The book NEVER BLEND IN is a provocative look into the lives of successful people who live in a world where the odds are stacked against us. It is important to give hope to the younger generation with diverse sexual orientations to see that we can be happy, healthy, and successful players in this game we call life.  I hope by telling my story in this book, I can, in some small way, make life easier for those who march to the beat of a different drum.  I am a rebel with a cause…you can either march with me, or step out of my way.

I am excited to order several copies of your book and share them with friends and family as gifts. I may try to use it with one of my classes that I teach at my college on the psychology of diversity.

DR JOHN R. SHAFER, Director of the Counseling Center and Professor at Franklin College of Indiana, President, Shafer Consulting Services

Gladeana McMahon, As one of the leading personal development and transformational coaches in the UK, Gladeana was instrumental in founding the Association for Coaching for which she now holds the positions of Life Fellow and Vice President.

The Book that David Watters is proposing is long overdue as there is little written on the topic of LGBT issues.

Positive role models are important to individuals whether they be LGBT individuals talking about their experiences or the family and friends of such individuals who can model acceptance and positive affirmation.  Therapists are likely to be interested in such a book in a bid to understand the specific needs of those who identify as LGBT considering the best ways to work with such individuals and/or their families.  Academics are likely to find the book useful in considering issues around diversity and, of course, the general public will also benefit as a book of this sort educates the reader. This book will also help LGBT individuals to understand their situation and consider how to develop a deep and meaningful sense of self-worth.  It will also help such individuals understand how best to help those around them to understand their situation as much as it will educate family and friends.

NEVER BLEND IN, and the efforts of writer David Watters, is a brilliant collection and resource of openly LGBT and successful role models across the globe.  The value to all, especially for the younger generation, is paramount.  The presentation of individuals who are successful, determined, active and visible in our communities will undoubtedly inspire all who read this collection, to do better, become a better person, and strive for greatness in their lives and that of others.

The LGBT community has often been portrayed in a less than favorable light – NEVER BLEND IN rips that inaccurate veil off, and offers a face and portrait of today’s LGBT community, its leaders, history, accomplishments and potential.

Herb Sosa, Editor|Publisher – Ambiente Magazine

& President – Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida

http://www.ambiente.us/HerbSosa.html

http://www.herbsosa.com/hjs.html

“NEVER BLEND IN is a vital project that is sure to make a difference in many young (and not so young!) lives. As the author of HEATHER HAS TWO MOMMIES, I have seen firsthand how important it is for children to see a family like theirs portrayed in the media. It is just as important for teenagers and adults to see themselves represented in books, in film, and on TV.

By showcasing people who are out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and living authentic lives, David Watters is sending an important message to those struggling to come out and be out: You CAN be yourself and live a full, satisfying, meaningful, and glorious life.”–

Lesléa Newman

http://www.lesleanewman.com/

This book is crucially important because we need to continually shed light on the struggles and adversity facing the LGBT community.

We can never become complacent in our fight for equal rights and we need to remember the trailblazers who ignited the spark for the flame of progress that burns today.

As role models following in the legacy of others like Harvey Milk, we need to stand as proud confident people and continue to broaden the path of acceptance for those that follow us.

JACK MACKENROTH

http://www.jackmackenroth.com/

“Never Blend In: The Legacy of Harvey Milk” is an important work that will inspire and lead at the same time.  Harvey’s legacy to us is one of activism, “can do” spirit and honesty.

This project authored and edited by David Watters will help certainly reach out and touch a generation of young people who will be the ones to carry on his legacy by helping transform our perceptions of the LGBT community and lay the foundation for a healthy and whole sense of self.

Rabbi Denise L. Eger

Congregation Kol Ami

West Hollywood’s Reform Synagogue

1200 N. La Brea Ave

West Hollywood, CA 90038

www.kol-ami.org

…we are in the fight for our very lives. NEVER BLEND IN says that we are committed to living out in the open, as we have a right to do. NEVER BLEND IN, means never settle for second best or the notion that we are “second class citizens” I will NEVER blend in.

SIMONE CAMPBELL

http://www.myspace.com/funnyladysimone

I always feel inspired by someone everyday. I think we should learn something new each day from anywhere or anyone. I’m inspired right now, by you, answering your intelligent questions Mr. David Watters. It’s not often I get to answer some great meaningful questions. So Bravo!!!

MARCUS PATRICK

http://www.marcus-patrick.com/

There’s plenty of times in this world where we can feel isolated and alone and anytime we can find a source of community, a feeling of being a part of something bigger than ourselves; that can provide tremendous inspiration and solace, then that’s invaluable.

ANTHONY RAPP

http://www.myspace.com/anthonyrapp

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0710829/

 

 

VIGIL – Saturday 23rd October 2010: ORDER OF EVENTS

 

 

 

I will be speaking at VIGIL 2010, Trafalgar Square, London 23rd October, 7pm – 9pm, 2 minute Silence: 8pm.

 

OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE: PAUL BURSTON, PETER TATCHELL AND STUART MILK. PLEASE BE THERE AND JOIN OUR commUNITY

   

 

    

 

 

 

“This is not a time for silence but a time to take personal responsibility, to speak out and to share our humanity; because the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of the spirit and YOU, as much as anyone, can influence real social change.”

 

  

       

RUNNING ORDER

19h Monteverde Vespers – Choir & LGSW

19h04 Introduction

19h10        Mark Healey, Jenny Baynham, Lynne Featherstone, Peter Tatchell, Rose Simkins

19h22        Londonderry Air – LGSW

19h28 Rikki Beadle-Blair, Anthony Townsend, Fiona Harvey, Lou Hart, Debbie Gold

19h40 Paul Harfleet, David Watters,

19h45        Outline silence / Roll call / Music Nimrod – LGSW

20h00        2 Minutes silence

20h03        Roll call of victims: Jonathan Simpson

20h07        Deep River – Choir

20h15        Stuart Milk

20h25        Richard Barnes, Tessa Havers-Strong, Sue Sanders, Paul Burston

20h35        Here’s where I Stand – Choir & LGSW       

20h40        Anne Novis, Claire Dimyon, Emma Peat, David Watkins, Caroline Lucas

20h50 Final announcements & Poem

20h55        Make your own kind of Music – Choir & LGSW

21h00 End

  

LAST YEAR’S VIGIL WAS ATTENDED BY APPROXIMATELY 10,000 PEOPLE:

  

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE TOMORROW.

In light of all the recent suicides, this is an event which is hugely important and also relevant to ALL COMMUNITIES. Your support for our event is vital and will go a long way towards helping the public to show solidarity and a commitment to embracing diversity, tackle  all forms of bigotry and create real social change.

Could you please post this press release wherever you can; on your website, myspace etc and help make this year’s No to Hate Campaign even more successful than last year?

ORGANISERS:

Website: www.17-24-30.com

Mailbox: Facebook group 17-24-30, Studio 151, 77 Beak Street, Soho, W1F 9DB

17-24-30 was founded by Mark Healey in the 2009 in the lead up to the 10th Anniversary of the London Nail Bomb attacks.

Mark wanted to provide a space on-line where as many people as possible could come together to mark the anniversaries of the three London nail bomb attacks in 1999.

“17-24-30″ represents the three dates that the nail bombs were left in Brixton (17th), Brick Lane (24th) and Soho (30th) targeting the black, Asian and gay communities of London.

The campaign has four objectives – to bring people together, to build relationships between communities, to support those who have been attacked and to challenge all forms of hate crime.

Many thanks in anticipation

Best wishes, David Equality Watters

 www.nbiassociates.co.uk

 

 INVITE DAVID TO SPEAK:

http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Invite-DAVID-To-Speak-.html

 

 

 

 

David has worked internationally as both a singer and director for more than 20 years and has taught drama and music within socially and culturally diverse settings.

 

Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute. 

 

As a teacher, David has worked in both the public and private sectors. His focus has been on inclusion with regard to Special Educational Needs and the development of Creative Partnerships.

 

David, who regularly writes for www.ambiente.us, One Nation and Polari, has been championed by Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, who has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

 

His background in the arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of CBT and his passion for Equality Advocacy make him a creative and innovative program planner, facilitator and public speaker.

 

 

FEES ARE NEGOTIABLE

 

EQUALITY ADVOCACY EVENTS ARE FREE

 

AVAILABLE NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

FOR MORE ON DAVID’S BACKGROUND CLICK HERE

 

PRESS RELEASE – 2 DAYS TO GO

I will be speaking at VIGIL 2010, Trafalgar Square, London 23rd October, 7pm – 9pm, 2 minute Silence : 8pm.

OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE: PAUL BURSTON, PETER TATCHELL AND STUART MILK. PLEASE BE THERE AND JOIN OUR commUNITY.

THIS EVENT IS FOR VICTIMS/ SURVIVORS OF ALL FORMS OF HATE CRIME AND FOR ALL WHO BELIEVE IN TRUE SOCIAL EQUALITY.

Website: www.17-24-30.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Candle-lit Vigil against Hate-Crime

Last year, on 30 October 2009, 10,000 people descended on Trafalgar Square to commemorate the first International Day against Hate Crime.

The event was organised by the visionary 17-24-30 founder Mark Healey in the lead up to the 10th Anniversary of the 1999 London Nail Bomb attacks where nail bombs were left in Brixton (17th), Brick Lane (24th) and Soho (30th) targeting the black, Asian and gay communities of London.

This year’s vigil will be held on Saturday 23rd October from 7pm – 9pm in Trafalgar Square, with a 2 minute silence at 8pm, and will include notable speakers including Peter Tatchell, Sandi Toksvig and Harvey Milk’s eloquent and inspirational nephew, Stuart Milk.

The Candle-lit Vigil aims to unify and galvanise ALL individuals and communities who share a vision to eradicate bigoted behaviour and, through showing support for ALL victims of Hate Crime, publicly assert that together they will no longer be ineffective minorities but instead a powerful and united voice to affect change in London and the wider world.

In order for us to effectively tackle prejudice-based crimes we all must engage in actions which address discriminatory attitudes in every area of our society; our schools and universities, our workplaces, our communities and our shopping malls.

Each and every one of us has an obligation to take responsibility for making our society safer, fairer and more inclusive and we should not rely on the good will and hard work of others to secure that just and equal society, whilst complaining that we ourselves are powerless. Whatever your strengths, whatever your core character traits, there is something that you can do to influence change in the world and by attending this vigil, the public can show solidarity and a commitment to embracing diversity, tackling bigotry and creating real social change.

Mark Healey, organiser of the vigil, is acutely aware that there are common causes which connect us all said: “We are remembering all victims of hate-crime. Harvey Milk said, ‘you have got to give them hope’ and I think that ‘hope’ is what this event is about. Hope that we can work together and put an end to all forms of hate-crime.”

Similar events will be taking place in Norwich and Brighton and in Vancouver on Oct 23rd there will also be a No to Hate Crime Vigil of “Hope and Remembrance” – borrowing from London’s terminology and deliberately recognising that they are a solidarity event with London.

“For those unable to attend, in the UK and throughout the world, we are asking that they light their own candles of hope, and observe the two minute silence at 8pm on Saturday 23rd October. People are invited to take part on-line, by posting photos of their candles on Facebook tagged with the names of those who gather with them. We want to make this a worldwide day of remembrance, hope and action.”

For more details go to: http://www.17-24-30.com 

Follow us on Facebook ’17-24-30’ and Twitter ’HateCrimeVigil’

NOTES FOR THE EDITOR

Contacts:

Ryan Parkins, Vigil Co-ordinator

Email: ryan@17-24-30.org

Website: www.17-24-30.com

Mailbox: Facebook group 17-24-30, Studio 151, 77 Beak Street, Soho, W1F 9DB

17-24-30 was founded by Mark Healey in the 2009 in the lead up to the 10th Anniversary of the London Nail Bomb attacks.

Mark wanted to provide a space on-line where as many people as possible could come together to mark the anniversaries of the three London nail bomb attacks in 1999.

“17-24-30″ represents the three dates that the nail bombs were left in Brixton (17th), Brick Lane (24th) and Soho (30th) targeting the black, Asian and gay communities of London.

The campaign has four objectives – to bring people together, to build relationships between communities, to support those who have been attacked and to challenge all forms of hate crime.

GET EMPOWERED…BE THERE

 

 

David will be speaking at VIGIL 2010

 

Trafalgar Square, London 23rd October

 

7pm – 9pm 

 

 

2 minute Silence : 8pm

 

 

OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

 

SANDI TOKSVIG,

 

PETER TATCHELL AND STUART MILK

 

17-24-30 is a non-profit organisation run completely by volunteers. Our primary focus is to remember and mark the anniversaries of the London Nail Bomb Attacks on Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho and to support the communities that were attacked to unite people against all forms of Hate Crime.

 

 

DAVID SAYS:

“This is not a time for silence but a time to take personal responsibility, to speak out and to share our humanity; because the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of the spirit and YOU, as much as anyone, can influence real social change.”

Invite DAVID To Speak!

David has worked internationally as both a singer and director for more than 20 years and has taught drama and music within socially and culturally diverse settings.

 

Since graduating from The Institute of Education, University of London, David has gone on to train with LEAP, as a mediator, and is a qualified facilitator for The Pacific Institute. 

 

As a teacher, David has worked in both the public and private sectors. His focus has been on inclusion with regard to Special Educational Needs and the development of Creative Partnerships.

 

David, who regularly writes for www.ambiente.us, One Nation and Polari, has been championed by Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, who has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

 

His background in the arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of CBT and his passion for Equality Advocacy make him a creative and innovative program planner, facilitator and public speaker.

 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

  

EMAIL: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk 

TELEPHONE: 07800813189 

VIGIL, TRAFALGAR SQUARE – 23 OCTOBER 2010

I WILL BE SPEAKING AT THE EVENT AS WILL MANY OTHERS (NOT SURE IF I CAN SAY WHO YET…)

A PRESS RELEASE WILL FOLLOW SOON SO THIS IS JUST A GENTLE NUDGE AHEAD OF TIME.

17-24-30 is a non-profit organisation run completely by volunteers.Our primary focus is to remember and mark the anniversaries of the London Nail Bomb Attacks on Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho and to support the communities that were attacked to unite people against all forms of Hate Crime.

April 17th, 1999. BRIXTON. 39 men, women and children injured.April 24th, 1999. BRICK LANE. 6 men and women injured.April 30th, 1999. The Admiral Duncan, SOHO. 65 men and women injured. 3 killed.

17-24-30 represents the three dates three different communities were separately attacked, but which have brought us closer together.The London Nail Bombers agenda was simple yet terrifying; he intended to light a spark that would ignite a violent reaction from minority communities and lead to an all-out race war, culminating in the coming to power of the right-wing British National Party.17-24-30 is attempting to create a space on FACEBOOK and the web where people can respectfully express their thoughts, share their experiences and reflect upon the good work that is being done within our communities.We are attempting to signpost services and information. It is hoped that this will inspire and encourage more people to get involved and be positively creative within the world we share.

We will not forget 17-24-30.

VIGIL 2010 – Trafalgar Square, London23rd October

7pm – 9pm [2 minute Silence : 8pm]

We are raising funds to help us cover the costs of the Vigil in Trafalgar Square and help us to reach out to more people affected by Hate Crime in the communities we live in.To make a donation simply click on the CHARITIES TRUST LOGO ON THIS PAGE: http://www.17-24-30.com/index.htm

NBI for Schools & Colleges

 http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/NBI-for-Schools—Colleges.html

NBI for Businesses

http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/NBI-for-Businesses.html

CREATIVE CHALLENGE DAYS FOR PERFORMERS

http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/CREATIVE-CHALLENGE-DAYS.html

Invite DAVID To Speak!

http://www.nbiassociates.co.uk/Invite-DAVID-To-Speak-.html

EMAIL: DavidWatters@nbiassociates.co.uk

TELEPHONE: 07800813189

DAVID WATTERS – BIOGRAPHY 2010

 

David Watters, a graduate of Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally as a singer, director and teacher for more than 20 years and has taught drama and music within socially and culturally diverse settings.  

He is a personal and professional development associate with The Pacific Institute (www.pacificinstitute.co.uk), personal tutor, freelance writer and founding member of NBI Associates and Tech Queens. 

David, who regularly writes for www.ambiente.us, One Nation and Polari, has been championed by Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, who has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!” 

His background in arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of CBT, and his passion for Equality Advocacy drive every aspect of his work as a personal development facilitator and a writer. 

  

David is currently finalizing his book, Never Blend In: The Legacy of Harvey Milk which supports and is supported by The Trevor Project.  

The book sets out to highlight and challenge social perceptions of the LGBT community; to understand the causes of low self-esteem and suicide ideation felt by many LGBT individuals and, through a unique collection of inspirational interviews with well known and everyday people, to inspire and encourage the younger generation, or anyone questioning their validity, to lead a balanced, fulfilling and dignified life. 

Role models from education, entertainment, law enforcement, medical and emergency services, politics, religion and sports have participated in this accessible and much needed discourse to illuminate the reader’s journey of self-discovery and self- efficacy. 

Openly LGBT and successful role model figures can play an enormous part in highlighting the wealth of possibilities available to young people. These people, who are successfully modelling admirable qualities and character traits such as determination, diligence, vision and consistent effort, can only serve to inspire and encourage the younger generation, or anyone questioning their validity, to lead a balanced, fulfilling and dignified life. 

   

Notable voices in the book are Harvey’s colleagues, Anne Kronenberg and Danny Nicoletta; actors Stephen Fry and Alan Cumming; musician Darren Hayes (Savage Garden); Sordid Lives writer Del Shores; Michael Musto; filmmaker, Parvez Sharma; Calpernia Addams; NBA star John Amaechi and authors Lesléa Newman and Tom Rob Smith.  

We, as a community, are under or misrepresented in the media and this impacts upon how individuals are perceived and treated by society.  Positive, inspirational role models from the LGBT community can have an enormous impact on addressing this and can give hope to individuals who feel less valid and disenfranchised from society. 

  

Most inspiring have been the “regular” people (the Scottish fireman, the Canadian concert pianist, the American professor, the South African artist or the student in Cardiff) who live with authenticity and, perhaps without realizing, are role models and inspirational figures to those whose lives they touch.   

  

The “community” if such a thing exists is diverse but too many live in the shadows. My point, with this book, is that self worth determines our potential and that blending in is a direct result of feeling “less than”, feeling ashamed of how God (whatever that means to you) made you”. 

Harvey Milk’s legacy, for this author, is the growing number of proud LGBT individuals who refuse to live lives limited by the judgment of others. 

We can be part of society without blending in. To me it means living with 100% authenticity (as Dr Phil or Oprah might say!). We shouldn’t compromise our identity to be accepted and everyone regardless of sexuality or gender identity has a right to fully live. 

Life need not be a self-fulfilling prophecy and by recognizing that our “truth” has been shaped through our relationships, our environment and our experiences, we can begin to change our perceptions, heighten our self-esteem and move toward our personal and professional goals with clear vision and purpose….  

  

For young people coming to terms with their sexuality it’s really important that they have positive, high achieving role models as a way of boosting their self esteem and confidence. This kind of book shares the experience of a very diverse group of LGBT people. Individual and collective experience offers the inspiration and motivation for LGBT people to do something worthwhile with their lives and live their dream.  

Peter Tatchell  

  

It’s no shame to get help and inspiration from others, which is why David Watters ‘Never Blend In’, is so timely. 

Trisha Goddard   

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DAVID WATTERS AND NEVER BLEND IN: 

  

PRE- PUBLICITY 

      AMBIENTE.US, NEVER BLEND IN ARTICLES: http://www.ambiente.us/05509JohnAmaechi.html
http://www.ambiente.us/08009ChrisMason.html AND http://www.ambiente.us/04510JackMackenroth.html   

      POLARI ON SPRINGS ARTICLE: http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=794  

      PIRATE CAT RADIO (INTERVIEW  WITH CONTRIBUTOR SIMONE CAMPBELL, MARCH 2010): http://www.piratecatradio.com/    

      MANCHESTER MOUTH (INTERVIEW APRIL 2010): http://www.manchestermouth.co.uk/index.php?action=content&content_id=27   

      10thousand Couples LLC (ARTICLE MAY 2010):  http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/may-2010/article/never-blend-in  

      INTERVIEW WITH KIERAN PROUT,  ’Reporting to you from outside of the closet’:  http://www.mediafire.com/?lghmymnbgan   

      NEVER BLEND IN IS CITED, BY ANTOINE SPITERI PhD, AS BEING LITERATURE THAT GAVE BIRTH TO GAY EXILES: http://www.antoinespiteri.com/exile.htm  

BLOGS:  

      WORDPRESS: http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/  

      MILK.COM: http://harvey.milk.com/forum/topics/prop-8-equality-and-other  

      BLOG.HOLLYWOODPORTRAITARTIST.COM (James Michael McCracken): http://blog.hollywoodportraitartist.com/2009/04/11/interview-with-mr-david-watters-londonengland.aspx  

SOCIAL NETWORKS:  

      FACEBOOK PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1351055150278#!/profile.php?ref=profile&id=524934327   

      FACEBOOK GROUP: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1351055150278#!/group.php?gid=106980051654&ref=mf  

      MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/n_b_i  

      TWITTER: http://twitter.com/NEVER_BLEND_IN 

READY FOR PUBLICATION NOW

STALKING ALAN CUMMING

In what would have been Harvey Milk’s 80^th year, a book celebrating his life and legacy is born.

Never Blend In: The Legacy of Harvey Milk by British writer David Watters, and with a foreword by Harvey’s nephew, Stuart Milk, is a timely and unique collection of inspirational interviews with well known and everyday people who represent the great diversity within the LGBT Community. 

The research, supported by PFLAG, The Trevor Project, FFLAG (UK), The Gay Police Association (GPA) and Schools OUT (UK), investigates the disenfranchisement often felt by marginalized members of the community and offers inspiration, through interviews with positive role models, and practical guidance toward developing self-esteem.

A second book, The NBI Workbook, based on the NBI Program will also soon be completed.

Notable Voices in the book are:

      Harvey Milk’s colleagues, Anne Kronenberg and Danny Nicoletta;

      actors Stephen Fry, Alan Cumming and Marcus Patrick;

      musician Darren Hayes (Savage Garden);

      Sordid Lives writer Del Shores;

      Michael Musto (Village Voice);

      filmmaker, Parvez Sharma;

      Calpernia Addams;

      NBA star John Amaechi;

      Olympic Medalists, Ji Wallace, Mark Tewksbury and Bruce Hayes

      designer Jack MacKenroth,

      political activist, Peter Tatchell

      authors Lesléa Newman, (57 books including A Letter to Harvey Milk), Linda Goldman (Coming Out, Coming In) and Tom Rob Smith (Child 44, The Secret Speech).

 

A FULL ALBUM OF CONTRIBUTORS CAN BE FOUND @ http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/  

Global interest already exists and I am confident that there is a large and diverse market for the book.

      AMBIENTE.US, NEVER BLEND IN ARTICLES: http://www.ambiente.us/05509JohnAmaechi.html
http://www.ambiente.us/08009ChrisMason.html AND http://www.ambiente.us/04510JackMackenroth.html

      POLARI ON SPRINGS ARTICLE: http://www.polarimagazine.com/?p=794

      PIRATE CAT RADIO (INTERVIEW  WITH CONTRIBUTOR SIMONE CAMPBELL, MARCH 2010): http://www.piratecatradio.com/ 

      MANCHESTER MOUTH (INTERVIEW APRIL 2010): http://www.manchestermouth.co.uk/index.php?action=content&content_id=27

      10thousand Couples LLC (ARTICLE MAY 2010):  http://10thousandcouples.com/issue/may-2010/article/never-blend-in

      INTERVIEW WITH KIERAN PROUT,  ’Reporting to you from outside of the closet’:  http://www.mediafire.com/?lghmymnbgan 

      NEVER BLEND IN IS CITED, BY ANTOINE SPITERI PhD, AS BEING LITERATURE THAT GAVE BIRTH TO GAY EXILES: http://www.antoinespiteri.com/exile.htm

Each celebrity interviewed has their own following and the name of Harvey Milk is now internationally recognized and respected through the multi award winning movie, MILK.

 

David Watters, a graduate of Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally as a singer, director and teacher for more than 20 years and has taught drama and music within socially and culturally diverse settings.

 

He is a personal and professional development associate with The Pacific Institute (www.pacificinstitute.co.uk), personal tutor, freelance writer and founding member of NBI Associates and Tech Queens.

David, who regularly writes for www.ambiente.us, One Nation and Polari, has been championed by Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, who has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”

His background in arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of CBT, and his passion for Equality Advocacy drive every aspect of his work as a personal development facilitator and a writer.

SELECTED ARTICLES:

      AMBIENTE.US, NEVER BLEND IN ARTICLES: http://www.ambiente.us/05509JohnAmaechi.html
http://www.ambiente.us/08009ChrisMason.html AND http://www.ambiente.us/04510JackMackenroth.html

More information on the book and the author’s NBI Program can be found here:

http://neverblendin.wordpress.com/

Email David at: never_blend_in@rocketmail.com 

TELEPHONE: 07800813189

SYNOPSIS: OVERVIEW OF CHAPTERS

NEVER BLEND IN: THE LEGACY OF HARVEY MILK

About the author

About the book

Author’s acknowledgements

FOREWORD: Written by Stuart Milk

CHAPTER ONE: GIVE THEM HOPE

The importance of role models for LGBT youth, the LGBT community and the wider society

THE IMPORTANCE OF ROLE MODELS       TRISHA GODDARD       ME, SUICIDAL? (Abridged) by DAVID CHAYIM       STEPHANIE SILBERSTEIN INTERVIEW       CHARLES ROBBINS (THE TREVOR PROJECT)       JENA LEWIS       ANTOINE SPITERI BS, MSc, PhD (Psychology)       DR JOHN R. SHAFER       GLADEANA McMAHON

 

CHAPTER TWO: HARVEY MILK (PART ONE)

 

• BIRTH IS THE BEGINNING

 

CHAPTER THREE: WHO AM I?

The Authenticity Audit – “Truth” v Perception

ALAN CUMMING       JACK MACKENROTH       JOHN AMAECHI       JUSTIN REED EARLY       SARA DAVIS BUECHNER       SIMONE CAMPBELL       STEPHEN FRY

CHAPTER FOUR: WHY AM I?

Self-Esteem and the Environment

Labels

4.1 INTERVIEWS WITH PARENTS, FAMILY & EDUCATORS

LINDA GOLDMAN (Coming Out, Coming In)       RAYMOND & IRENE MILLER       GEOFF PINE       HELEN CLEWS

4.2 INTERVIEWS WITH FAITH CONTRIBUTORS

Reconciling faith with sexuality and gender identity

REV. DAVID WEEKLEY       RABBI DENISE EGAR       REV. JO HUDSON       PARVEZ SHARMA       TONY SWEET       LEVI KREIS

CHRIS BUTLER (GCN)       RICK BROWN (GCN)       HANNAH GEORGE       PAUL       MISTY GRANDISON       R.J. BROWN (SGI-UK Nichiren Daishonin Buddhist)

4.3 INTERVIEWS WITH MEDIA CONTRIBUTORS

ADELE ANDERSON       ARIEL APARICIO       BEN PATRICK JOHNSON       CALPERNIA ADDAMS       CASPER ANDREAS       COLTON FORD       DARREN HAYES       DEL SHORES       ERIC HIMAN

JILL BENNETT       JOI CARDWELL       SCOTCH ELLIS LORING       MARCUS PATRICK       MARK BARNES       MICHAEL MUSTO       REED MCGOWAN       RICH OVERTON

 

CHAPTER FIVE: THE DEADLIEST OF SINS

 

A Cross Burning in Willacoochee

      ROY KIRKLAND & DOUG SEBASTIAN

CHAPTER SIX: HARVEY MILK (PART TWO)

• MY NAME IS HARVEY MILK#

 

 

CHAPTER SEVEN: WHAT DO I WANT?

 

Personal or Professional Goals

ARMANDO DIAZ       CHRIS AITCHISON       CHRISTOPHER HULL       DANIEL EWAN       IMOGEN MANN       JOEL FRAZIER, M.D.       JOSHUA FENNELL        JULIE NORTON       KEN O’NEILL

KEVIN FREEL       KIERAN JAMES PROUT       LIZ CLARK       MISAE RICHWOODS       NEIL PEARSON       REX CAMERON       SCOTT ELLIS       TERI BARKER       VALDELICIO SILVA

 

CHAPTER EIGHT: WHAT’S STOPPING ME?

 

Our BELIEFS, THOUGHTS and CHOICES

Self-Talk, Self-Image and Goals

Labels and Limitations

8.1 “GOOD SPORTS” INTERVIEWS       ARDEN JOHNSON       BRUCE HAYES       JI WALLACE       MARK TEWKSBURY

8.2 INTERVIEWS WITH POLICE, SOLDIERS       DIANE DOYLE       J.R. CRAWFORD       MICHAEL P CARNEY       JIMMY ANDRUSZKEWICZ       MITCHELL GROBESON       KELLY REED       JEFF OLSON       STUART THOMAS

 

CHAPTER NINE: HOW DO I GET IT?

 

Reprogramming, visualising and taking affirmative action 

• Mind Control
  • Thinking Traps & Comfort Zones
    • Affirmative Action

 

CHAPTER TEN: MORE GLITTER – LESS BITTER

 

ABEL CRUZ       AL PILLAY       ANDREW JAMES HASLAM       ARIAN LEVANAEL       BRENT MARR       FABRIZIO PAGAN       GEORGE TOWNE       GUY GUIDO

JAMES MICHAEL MCCRACKEN       JESSE ARCHER       KEVIN STEA       MOXY HART       SCOTT CAPURRO       SY BOCCARI       TOM BIANCHI       TOM BROOKS

 

CHAPTER ELEVEN: HARVEY MILK (PART THREE)

 

• HOPE WILL NEVER BE SILENT

The enduring legacy of Harvey Milk in the words of those he knew and those whose lives he influenced.

STUART MILK       DANNY NICOLETTA       ANNE KRONENBERG       TOM AMMIANO       CLEVE JONES       DUSTIN LANCE BLACK       GUS VAN SANT       SEAN PENN       LESLEA NEWMAN

 

CHAPTER TWELVE: COME OUT, COME OUT…WHEREVER YOU ARE

 

Some inspiring people who walk the path that was laid by Harvey Milk and his generation.

ALEX RANDOLPH       CHRIS MASON       CLIVE HARVEY FOX       EVAN WOLFSON       HERB SOSA       JEFF SHENG

JOHN R. SELIG       KYLE QUANDEL       MARK MACKENZIE       MELISSA SUE ROBINSON       PETER TATCHELL       SARAV CHITHAMBARAM

 

APPPENDIX ONE: BIOGRAPHIES OF CONTRIBUTORS APPENDIX TWO: RESOURCES, SUPPORT & USEFUL LINKS APPENDIX THREE: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX FOUR: INTRODUCING THE NBI WORKBOOK

INTRODUCING THE NBI WORKBOOK

Did anyone ever tell you that you have unending potential?   Even if they did, did you believe them?

Do you always miss out on that promotion at work? Is dating disastrous and do your romantic relationships derail? Does this sound familiar?!

So often, and this is not uncommon, people start with the premise that something is impossible to achieve, that things won’t go their way and that these negative outcomes are predetermined.

Well, of course they are predetermined! Not because these people are undeserving losers but because their inner dialogue is telling them that they will fail and this is outwardly reflected in their words and actions.

Wasn‘t it Henry Ford who famously said, “”Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.”?

Many of us feel trapped in circumstances which make us unhappy or unfulfilled but resign ourselves to thinking that we are unworthy of more.

If the decisions that you are making – accepting an abusive relationship for example – are not bringing you happiness then you need to take a look at your self-concept. The belief that an abusive alliance is what you deserve, whether this be a bullying parent, partner, peer, spouse or a domineering work colleague, needs to be addressed.

Our BELIEFS inform our THOUGHTS, which in turn inform our CHOICES

 

Understanding the origin of your BELIEFS, challenging their accuracy and redefining those which are creating limiting THOUGHTS will empower and enable you to make CHOICES to say and do only those things which bring you closer to emotional, intellectual and spiritual fulfilment.  

Since childhood, we have been conditioned to see the world and ourselves in terms of the attitudes and beliefs of those around us. The influence of parents and family in the early years has an immense and so often underestimated impact on the developing identity. We learn from their example and, as the first models of attitude and behaviour that we encounter, they have a moral obligation to offer a balanced view of the world and our place in it.

What this program does is to give you the tools to understand how self esteem determines the path you will take but that life need not be a self fulfilling prophecy when you improve your self-concept, drive out fear and embrace new challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, eliminate self imposed limitations and cease dependence on others to provide validity

INDEX