Veteran Gay Activist Resigns

KENILWORTH, 28 MARCH 2007 — The veteran gay activist George Broadhead has resigned as secretary of the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) after 25 years’ service.

George Broadhead

Mr Broadhead co-founded GALHA in 1979 and took on the role of its administrative secretary and principal spokesperson two years later. He had previously been involved with the Campaign for Homosexual Equality and helped found and run one of its local groups.

Commenting on Mr Broadhead’s resignation, GALHA chairperson Jim Herrick said: “George Broadhead has been a tower of strength to GALHA. He has undertaken the role of secretary in a voluntary capacity for a magnificent stint of 25 years. Not only has he covered the administration but also the promotion of the association and keeping in touch with members and other gay groups. He also edited GALHA’s magazine for some years. His enthusiasm and friendliness have been invaluable to GALHA. It is fair to say that in difficult times it has been his determination and tenacity which have kept GALHA going.”

GALHA committee member Terry Sanderson said: “George’s achievement is quite magnificent. He has steered GALHA through its highs and lows and been a personal favourite with the members, who have always enjoyed his bon vivant personality. But as well as that, he has provided a steady voice against the encroachment and growth of religious homophobia. GALHA and the gay community at large have much to thank George for.”

In recognition of his long service to the group, GALHA’s committee decided to offer Mr Broadhead the role of a vice-president. He retains his role as consultant for the GALHA magazine Gay Humanist Quarterly and remains a trustee and secretary of the group’s associated charity, the Pink Triangle Trust.

Mr Broadhead said: “At 73 I am well past retirement age and for various reasons I have been finding my position more of a strain of late. However, I am proud to have helped form GALHA into one of the longest-standing and active LGBT campaigning groups in the UK with a nationwide and international membership. I will of course continue to give it my full support both as a member and as a vice-president.”