Advice is on offer at new website

It has information on a broad spectrum of issues affecting the LGBT community and is the first of its kind in the borough.

Coalition leader Helen Thompson said: "To help us respond to the needs of the LGBT community in the town we have launched this website to communicate our ideas and ambitions.

"Last year the group contributed to the Government proposals about a same-sex partnership register.

"We also played a part in urging the council to establish the principle of having same-sex civil partnership ceremonies in the borough.

"In future months we plan to address issues touching on a wide range of services, including housing for same-sex couples, adoption by members of the LGBT community and the needs of gay senior citizens.

"Our promise is to champion the rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people in Swindon, in order to establish equality in schools, work, housing and all aspects of life."

Although the coalition is passionately committed to eradicating all forms of prejudice against the people it serves, it stresses that its purpose is not merely to tackle problems. It is also a source of information and advice about all aspects of the LGBT experience.

The website includes:

Updates on the latest legal news, such as laws forbidding discrimination against LGBT people in the workplace which have now come into force

Special reports of interest to the LGBT community. One currently available deals with the school or college bullying often suffered by young people unsure of their sexuality

Information about forthcoming LGBT meetings at the Civic Offices and the subjects likely to come under particular scrutiny

Reports and minutes of LGBT meetings

A links page which is a gateway to sites as diverse as those of the Swindon Gay Men's Health Project and the Lesbian and Gay Christians group

Details of popular gay venues in Swindon, such as the Cricketers, the Mail Coach and the London Street Club.

The site can be found at www.lgbtswindon.org.uk.