A few months ago, I met with Wise Thoughts, a Wood Green based Arts charity aimed at supporting the BAME and LGBT+ communities in Haringey and across the country. They hold a range of projects designed to raise awareness and promote social cohesion through the arts.

Between the 7^th and 9^th November, Wise Thoughts are holding their Gaywise FESTival at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham. Everyone is welcome, and there will be a range of activities including performance art, film screenings, and debates. The full programme can be found at http://gaywisefestival.org.uk/.

This is an excellent initiative, and I fully support Wise Thoughts in their extensive work promoting equality in all walks of life. This is a subject that is very close to my heart – I was very proud to be part of the team that introduced equal marriage in my former role as Equalities Minister. I will continue to promote BAME and LGBT+ rights in my DFID role, and I wish Wisethoughts every success in the future.

Find more details at www.wisethoughts.org or by following the GFEST twitter feed – @GFest