Recorded hate crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland fell by seven per cent last year – but crimes based on sexual orientation, transgender status and disability rose.
According to figures released by the Association of Chief Police Officers, recorded crimes based on faith and race decreased between 2009 and 2010.
There were 51,920 recorded crimes based on race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender status and disability in 2009. Last year, this figure fell to 48,127.

Recorded hate crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland fell by seven per cent last year – but crimes based on sexual orientation, transgender status and disability rose.
According to figures released by the Association of Chief Police Officers, recorded crimes based on faith and race decreased between 2009 and 2010.
There were 51,920 recorded crimes based on race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender status and disability in 2009. Last year, this figure fell to 48,127.

Singer-songwriter Tom Robinson became a darling of the 1970s gay liberation movement with his song ‘Glad To Be Gay’ (see video and lyrics below).
But just a few years later, he fell in love with a woman and was booed at the 1987 London Pride event.
In a new programme for Radio 4 he examines how he came to terms with his sexuality and finds out how bisexual people in different parts of the UK cope with attitudes towards their relationships.
In the documentary, he meets bisexual people struggling to be understood by their straight and gay friends.

Singer-songwriter Tom Robinson became a darling of the 1970s gay liberation movement with his song ‘Glad To Be Gay’ (see video and lyrics below).
But just a few years later, he fell in love with a woman and was booed at the 1987 London Pride event.
In a new programme for Radio 4 he examines how he came to terms with his sexuality and finds out how bisexual people in different parts of the UK cope with attitudes towards their relationships.
In the documentary, he meets bisexual people struggling to be understood by their straight and gay friends.

Lesbian MSP Ruth Davidson has launched her bid to lead the Scottish Conservative Party.
The 32-year-old was only elected in May but is tipped to win the leadership contest.
A former BBC journalist, she is said to be Tory leader David Cameron’s preferred choice for the job and has been praised for her “charisma”.
She is the first openly gay candidate to stand for the party leadership.

Lesbian MSP Ruth Davidson has launched her bid to lead the Scottish Conservative Party.
The 32-year-old was only elected in May but is tipped to win the leadership contest.
A former BBC journalist, she is said to be Tory leader David Cameron’s preferred choice for the job and has been praised for her “charisma”.
She is the first openly gay candidate to stand for the party leadership.

Opening Doors London, the charity for older LGBT people, is seeking donations and volunteers.
The service, run by Age UK, offers information, help, ‘befrienders’ and social activities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people over the age of 50.
It is estimated that there are 100,000 older LGBT people in the capital and Opening Doors London says many are isolated from family and friends.

Opening Doors London, the charity for older LGBT people, is seeking donations and volunteers.
The service, run by Age UK, offers information, help, ‘befrienders’ and social activities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people over the age of 50.
It is estimated that there are 100,000 older LGBT people in the capital and Opening Doors London says many are isolated from family and friends.

Gay rights charity Stonewall has announced the nominees for its annual Hero and Bigot of the Year awards.
Those in the running for Bigot of the Year include Daily Mail columnist Melanie Phillips who claimed gay charities were “brainwashing children” and MSP Bill Walker, who said gay relationships should not be “in any way equal” to straight ones.

Gay rights charity Stonewall has announced the nominees for its annual Hero and Bigot of the Year awards.
Those in the running for Bigot of the Year include Daily Mail columnist Melanie Phillips who claimed gay charities were “brainwashing children” and MSP Bill Walker, who said gay relationships should not be “in any way equal” to straight ones.