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BOOK SHELVED BY PRESS Manchester University Press has recently blocked the publication of a book commissioned by the same Press. "Promoting Homosexuality" by Mick Wallis and Simon Shepherd, a collection of essays about gay politics and culture in the 1980's was originally cleared by the editors but the Press's board got cold feet about "opinion in the Tory party" and concern over the book's possible treatment by the British tabloids. The editors are currently seeking new publishing outlets.

GAY MARRIED MEN A survey carried out during 1987 by Australia's GAMMAline (a telephone counselling service for gay married men) found that 79% of married gay callers were sexually active with other men, often without their wives' knowledge. The results of the survey were published in the National AIDS Bulletin (a publication of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisers) and provided some startling information: Of the 235 counselling calls during the year-long period 89% showed callers living with their wives; 79% of wives were not aware of their husbands' "sexuality crisis”; 86% of male callers were sexually active with their wives; 52% were aware of safe sex practices and 90% were concerned about AIDS. When asked where they went for sex 33% of callers nominated a relationship, 17% said they went cruising and 16% said they used saunas. Massage parlours were used by 5% and a further 12% used casual pick ups for sex. A GAMMA (Gay Married Men's Association) spokesperson was later quoted as saying the results had "terrifying" implications for the spread of AIDS among heterosexuals. The GAMMA group also caters for separated or divorced gay men.

QUEER REPUBLICANS Fifteen protesters from the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) were punched and kicked by an angry mob during the Republican National Convention in New Orleans, USA, mid-August. The fracas broke out while President Ronald Reagan was addressing thousands of Convention delegates and supporters. The fight was carried live by the major TV networks and cable television. The ACT UP activists were surrounded by Republicans who began shouting "Let's get the faggots" and calling the gay protesters "Commies, faggots and queers". Five of the ACT UP protesters were later arrested and charged with disturbing the peace. They were held afterwards for four hours by New Orleans police.

THE DEAF AND THE RIGHT TO SEXUALITY A group for gay and bisexual deaf people was set up in the central Finnish city of Tampere in the autumn of 1987. It works as part of Tampere's gay association Vagabondi. Members are in contact with each other weekly and Vagabondi has obtained a text telephone in order to facilitate communication. Unexpected problems have arisen, however. Although the national association for the deaf has taken a fairly positive attitude towards the group, local associations have not been so forthcoming. Local deaf associations have attempted to ban announcements by the group in a national magazine for the deaf and have announced publicly that they do not wish to be associated with the group.

TORONTO EDUCATION VICTORY Curriculum guidelines for sex education in schools which include a section on education against "homophobia" have been adopted by the Toronto Education Board. The guidelines were included in a Human Rights Curriculum which aims to increase tolerance towards racial minorities and people with 'disabilities' and is due to be implemented in September 1989.

UK AIDS FIGURES The latest figures released by the UK's Department of Health show a total of 1,730 cases of AIDS of whom 949 have died (August 1988). This represents an increase of 61 and 3 3 respectively on the figures for the end of July. Gay and bi-sexual men represent the largest "risk group" of reported cases with a total of 1,426 diagosed. In Northern Ireland there have been 8 reported cases of full­ blown AIDS of whom 3 have died.

ZIRCON PROGRAMME After much heated debate, and following a two year ban, gay journalist Duncan Campbell's film on the Zircon spy satellite was finally broadcast on Friday, September 30th. In the midst of the concluding arguments occurred the tragic suicide of Clifford Smith, the programme's Assistant Producer. The issue at stake was whether or not Campbell would be allowed partake in the accompanying television debate - hosted by Ludovic Kennedy.In the end, Campbell's own comment was pre-recorded (at the mercy of editing). The programme was covered by the British national press. Campbell, confident in his own work, has offered his Zircon Challenge Award to any Tory MP who can prove his film is a threat to British State security.