Homophobia and its effects

I haven't as yet said anything about the homophobic attack against a PC in Liverpool, because there is nothing much to say which others haven't already said much more lucidly than I could.

What has been somewhat disappointing is the in-fighting which has erupted within the gay organisations in the city. I am on the steering group of one of these although I feel rather a 'fringe' member.

I wonder why groups always feel they have to compete against each other? Its notable that just to confuse matters even more we now have a Manchester group trying to be representative of the whole north-West even though there is really no evidence of any consultation in areas such as Sefton.

Why can't groups focus on what they do well? There is a need to do the in-depth policy influence stuff. For some, high-profile public events are important. Why not allow different groups to get on with their work without the need to try and obliterate the other?

Drugs and advisers

Irrespective of who is right or wrong, what's the point of taking on expert advisers if the intention is to ignore their advice?