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Simon Blake Profile
Simon Blake

@Simonablake

18,270
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4,987
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78,387
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London via Cornwall & Cardiff
Joined March 2010
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
My darling Mum died early this morning. My heart is full of pride, love & gratitude. It also hurts like hell. I am so grateful she was my Mum. I will hold her in my heart forever 💚
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
2 years
This flag rocks. It represents inclusion, solidarity and community #LoveWins
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Hi @LozzaFox - please would you remove this tweet as you know it to be untrue. Thanks.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
I am going to sign off for the night. I don’t need any more ugly tonight. Thank you to folk for the support & love, and solidarity, love & respect to everyone fighting for a better, brighter more equal society.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
What a mess. What a racist twat.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
2 years
I am often asked what I would like to say to my 14 year old self. This. This is what I would like to say 👇🏼👇🏼. That is all I would have needed.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
. @MarcusRashford ’s timeline is full kindness from mostly small businesses. It is a joy. That joy must not blinker us to the fact that small businesses should not have to provide meals for children. They are doing so because government has chosen not to #EndChildFoodPoverty
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
2 years
Trans and non-binary children, like all children, deserve care, compassion and empathy from every single adults including those working in schools. No ifs, buts or exceptions.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
2 years
Matthew Shepard would have been 45 today. He was murdered for being gay aged 22. Hate isn’t abstract. It kills. That is @stonewalluk ’s work is as important now as it was in 1988. It is all our responsibility to challenge hate whenever and wherever we see it.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Fun fact for this Saturday night: we have reached the Euro finals before. The England Women’s team did in 1984 and 2009.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
17 years ago I danced late into the night thrilled that Section 28 was consigned to history. So many of us growing up at that time carry scars from state sanctioned homophobia. We cannot allow another generation of LGBT folk to grow up with the shame so many of us did. Stand up.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I am not a huge fan of Cadbury's Creme Egg but I am a fan of any and all adverts that make LGBT+ visible. And please don't worry about children they won't be confused because to them love is love.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I love my same sex union. Whatever anyone else says. I will not be ashamed. I am not a sin. It is not a sin.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
My niece bought me a cake. The cake maker was worried it may be a bit too girlie or gay for a 47 year old Uncle 💃🏾😎
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
LGBT+ hate crimes are increasing. It feels like the 80s and 90s all over again. We should all be very concerned. Discuss ☹️
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
So it seems some LGB people seem to be suggesting conversion therapy for LGB folk should be banned, but it is ok for trans people. Not in my name. I want a complete ban on all forms of conversion therapy for all #LGBTQ people now. We can’t wait any longer #BanConversionTherapy
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Mum and I talked about her funeral a lot. She was horrified we might wear black. She wanted bright everything. After an internal struggle with funeral tradition and orthodoxy I have ordered these!
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
10 years ago Jonny and I dressed up and said we would. And we have. I am lucky to have him by my side for it all.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Every time you see or hear the word ‘woke’ replace it with ‘someone who is alert to social injustices particularly racism’. It brings the meaning of those words into razor sharp focus.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
As far back as I can remember I grew up hearing gay as bad, an insidious slur and insult. I grew up hearing HIV was our fault, a punishment for our immorality. I have been beaten many times, glassed badly once and spat at. And now we claim our space as #ProudBoys
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Today I sat with Mum as she moved in & out of sleep. I talked about things we did together, things I remember her saying or letters she sent. I kept on saying ‘that is why you are the best Mum’. As I left the bedroom she said loudly ‘I am the best Mum’ #ChristmasMade #StillCrying
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I messed up. I accepted an invitation to be on a panel & didn't check who else was on it. Was all men. I can give all sorts of reasons why I messed up, but they are just excuses. I didn't ask the right questions. I have had a big talk with myself & the organiser & will do better
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Today we celebrated Margaret. I am so proud she was my Mum. I love her with all my heart. I am also ridiculously proud of myself for managing to get to the end of her eulogy before sobbing 💚
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
5 years
How on earth anyone can think this is ok absolutely beats me. All love and respect @gareththomas14 . We are with you. HIV stigma has no place in our society.
@bbc5live
BBC Radio 5 Live
5 years
"I can never have that moment back." A journalist told @gareththomas14 ‘s parents about his HIV status before he had. This is what it means to him. 🎧 Listen via @BBCSounds
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
We are having a little drink or two for Mum. Dad: “Mum had to go today she wouldn’t have wanted to be alive when we aren’t part of the EU”.
@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
My darling Mum died early this morning. My heart is full of pride, love & gratitude. It also hurts like hell. I am so grateful she was my Mum. I will hold her in my heart forever 💚
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Thank you to every single person who works in our NHS. Your passion, commitment, skill and determination knows no borders. I appreciate you.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
My gorgeous mum is unwell. Last week we learned she has a short time to live. The end stage of life is precious & rarely talked about. There is comfort & joy to be found in talking about the end of life & dying if we learn to do it well. A short blog
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Right fellas, who fancies joining me next Thursday 18th March at 6pm for a conversation about how we can lead, model & create the culture change urgently needed? Talking on twitter won't keep women safe. We need action. DM me if you are up for a conversation #YesAllMen
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
If you are still working from home and lucky enough to have the BH weekend off help give yourself a complete rest: pack all work things away completely & place them gently/ram them into a cupboard out of sight. Make home feel like home Hope the sun shines for you ☀️
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
5 things I learned talking with Mum about dying this week 1. It gets easier & is never easy 2. Tears & laughter go hand in hand 3. So much knowledge, wisdom & experience to captured 4. Dying folk want permission to talk 5. Without convos we don’t learn their wishes & hopes.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
2 years
14 year old me would have loved to see John and Johannes dancing in the Strictly final. In tough times it is important we take hope and joy when we can. Gay men dancing on mainstream TV is previously uncharted territory. This is progress. This is a moment for joy.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Dinner outside with Dad. It rained. We got wet. We reminisced. We laughed a lot. We cried a little. We had hot water bottles. And then the sun came out just in time for a cheesy photo. Quite cold, a bit wet, very grateful for - & a bit in awe of - my old man.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I am not going to link to the article, but I am going to say pulling the ladder up behind you is not a good look. I am proud that @stonewalluk now works for the L+G+B+T++. And today as always I stand in solidarity with trans folk #GWithTheT
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
The harm is more than peer bullying, it is the complete silence at school, nothing about LGBT folk in sex ed, the teachers who subtly mock or put down without quite calling you gay. It happened to me. I watched it happen to others. It still happens. It has to stop #LGBTatSchool
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
2 years
2 years I woke up to 30+ missed calls from Dad. Mum had been taken to hospital & soon she had a terminal diagnosis. For 4 months we had the joy & privilege of making her final chapter as wonderful as it could possibly be. Mum was an absolute legend 💚
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Today I asked my folks for help. It had taken me at least 6 weeks and a few sleepless nights agonising over whether I should or could ask them. Without batting an eyelid they said yes. We need many many Marg & Johns in the world. Lets all be like M and J!
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
It breaks my heart that trans children growing up now experiencing same prejudice I heard as a gay kid growing up in the 80s. When media & adults call you a danger & you are invisible at school it tears you up, confuses you, scares you. Our job is to protect all children
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Activism & solidarity comes in all sorts of colours. This group of Polish MPs visible support for LGBT+ folk whilst their homophobic President was signed in was genius.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
. @ARMilani_ was an absolute joy to work with @nusuk - a big brain and a kind heart. If I was in Uxbridge he would have my vote.
@CorbynistaTeen
Hasan Patel 🌹
4 years
This is Ali Milani. He has 3 days to replace Boris Johnson as the MP for Uxbridge. Just 5,000 voters could oust the PM. Ali can win this. Amplify him, share this.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
2 years
I am 48 today. V grateful to get here. Growing older is a privilege not afforded to everyone. At 18 & 28 I went out clubbing all night. At 38 behaved disgracefully but home by 4. This year’s birthday will be celebrated with a supersized ice cream & early night! 💃🏾
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Today’s vote in Parliament is not a vote on whether to provide food vouchers in the holiday, it is a vote on whether in 21st Century Britain we are willing to allow a substantial proportion of children to go hungry #NotInMyName #WhateverItTakes
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
We had the first shift of overnight support from @mariecurieuk . I went to bed without the need to be on alert for the first time over a week. I am feeling ridiculously grateful to have had a night of *that* sort of sleep. Happy Wednesday folks.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Going out. Real clothes. Aftershave. Wedding ring. Hair products. The full monty.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Sending love and solidarity to trans folk. As I say often the world is a better place with you in it. I stand with you today and every day.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I have been called a Beta male today. If being a beta male means I want men to stop hurting, being violent to and killing women, then yup, I will 💯 own it #YesAllMen
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
It is heartbreaking seeing and hearing Mum in so much pain and distress for so many days now. Particularly so as this stage was her greatest fear. If assisted dying was an option she would have chosen it. Our laws need to change.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
@LozzaFox just checking whether you are mixing me up with someone else or if this is just a standard retort.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Tomorrow is my brother’s 50th birthday. I have just spoken to my wonderful mum. We tried to express how we were feeling. There were no words we could find. And so we cried. If you see or speak to me tomorrow tread lightly please. I am fragile 🐣
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Mum said use her as fuel when I needed to be brave. So I did. This afternoon Dad & I went to the coastal path where we used to go as a family. We celebrated both Mum & Andrew & acknowledged that ‘it is just the two of us now’. It was an important re-balancing moment.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Mum can’t remember my name the last couple of days which is making me sad, but she is calling me Father Christmas and smiling mischievously each time she says it which is making me happy!
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I have been sorting some of Mum’s clothes and I can smell her and all I can think about is her hugs. She was a competition good hugger. Happy memories, massive smiles and a shed load of tears!
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Spent an hour with doctors this morning. A very clear message, stop calling them heroes. It may make us feel good, but they are humans & they are exhausted. They need more attention paid to the systemic issues that are affecting their mental health & wellbeing.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
I am 46 today. It isn’t a traditional biggie but my brother died when he was 45 & I had some lumps in the road that I didn’t see coming this year. We don’t talk much about the death of a sibling so I wrote a short blog about it
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
It is my birthday. #ItASin & #COVID19 has reminded us all that we have no guaranteed time on earth. I am looking at photos from 35, 40, 45, smiling at happy times with colleagues, family & friends, holding memories of Mum & Andrew close & grateful to be one year more wrinkled.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Whoop whoop. The old man is home. This is hands down my highlight of 2020.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Mum had her 1st visit from the palliative care nurse yesterday. Her empathy, honesty & ability to ask q's we didn't know how to hear, all the time focusing on Mum while sitting with our shared upset & fears was really q remarkable. We all slept better last night. Massive props.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Woke up to find it wasn’t a v bad dream. 322 of our *elected representatives* in Westminster did vote for children to go hungry this winter. We signed up to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child c30 years ago. There is no more important right than having basic needs met.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Love this from @charliemackesy . When Mum was dying we talked a lot about her life lessons. Letting what other people think her worry her was top of her list of things causing unnecessary anguish & being a complete waste of time.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Like many other LGBT+ folk my husband and I go to bed properly counted tonight in the #Census2021 . And it feels good. #ProudToBeCounted
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Over 26k people have signed a petition complaining about this ad. I mean of all the things to worry about, how people eat their chocolate is surely up to them! (P.s I wonder which creative team will be getting a bonus this Easter 🐣; p.p.s visibility matters).
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
8 weeks ago I packed a big bag & headed west b/c Mum was in hospital. In my view we need more openness about dying and as the experiences of living through the end stage of life. I am sharing mine in the hope it opens conversations that need to be had
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
5 years
This from @charliemackesy sums it all up really. We need to usualise, celebrate and reward asking for help right from the get to. A culture where asking and getting the help you need is what I am striving for. Who’s in?
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
It is breathtakingly awful seeing people wearing a yellow star as part of their protest at Covid restrictions. Utterly utterly shameful.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
1 year
Really hoping that Scotland is going to lead the rest of the UK with their Gender Recognition Reform Bill today. Those who are against the legislation are saying the same things that have been said about other legislation to support LGBT+ folk through the years #GWithTheT
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
I am 46. I first came out at about 20. I last came out on Friday. It definitely gets easier but can still be tiring, unnecessary and awkward. Coming out is a process that never ends. And never will until prejudice does, so prejudice must. #NationalComingOutDay
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
My lovely Mum is unwell. I am home with folks who have been together 58 years. Time this week is heartbreaking & heartwarming. Reminiscing is an absolute treat. Reminded again life is short & our time with people we love precious. My best advice is hold your lovely folk tight.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I went for a lunchtime run. Someone actually bothered to slow down their van & shout abuse at me because of my socks. Too bright & too gay apparently. Yup. That just happened! (they are designed to be odd for those whose toes are curling at odd-socks!).
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
My husband thought I was talking to 2 or 3 people on a conference call - one of whom he knew - so he popped in & said hello. Just told him that he introduced himself to over 1000 people on the #MyWholeSelf webinar. I think the word is mortified, but there may be a better one!
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Trans folk, please know I - and millions of others - do not accept the harmful narrative, we are sorry for the constant vilification and will always stand side by side with you #GWithTheT .
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I think we would be better off without an Equalities Minister than one who doesn’t understand structural inequalities.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Tonight 50+ men met to discuss what we can do to challenge ourselves, each other & societal norms about masculinity which hurt, abuse & kill women. A brilliant 1st discussion - determination, commitment & ideas in bucket loads & a commitment to take action 1/2 #YesAllMen
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
We have taken Mum’s flowers to my brother Andrew’s grave. The sun shone bright for us.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I couldn't sleep so I wrote a blog about the last couple of weeks with my darling Mum. Thank you for the messages of love & support. They mean a lot #DyingMatters
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I would swap a crack down on behaviour for loads of praise for how well children & YP have adapted during the pandemic & a determined focus on belonging, creativity, fun and wellbeing in the coming months every single day of the week.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
6 years
The idea that the Trump Protests were an embarrassment to the UK is utterly fanciful. I for one am proud our country stood up against his racism, mysogny, homophobia and transphobia.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
London: my adopted & much loved city where so many us from all sorts of backgrounds with different experiences live, love & stand together. Where so much kindness happens. When we get knocked down we feel sadness & grief, but we will not live in fear. Hate is not welcome.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
I stand in solidarity with @Mermaids_Gender . If anyone - particularly those who are currently MHFA Instructors - wants to speak to me about this as I have said before do contact me. Here: a blog I wrote a while ago. Still v relevant
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
5 years
Meet peanut. He isn’t mine, but he is too cute and I want him.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
I honestly feel a bit teary for at least three reasons: relief at the absolute clarity and straightforwardness, scared at the enormity of the situation we face & determined that we all do all we can. Come on people.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
We are watching DIY SOS. They keep on using the term passing instead of dying. Mum 'when I die don't you dare say I have passed away, say I am dead'. Using correct language is one step towards dealing with the stigma of dying and death.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Andrew would have been 51 today. I miss goofing around and being his annoying younger brother. Solidarity with folk missing someone today. (P.s Those creaks and wrinkles may not always feel like a privilege but they really really are).
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
22 years ago Matthew Shepard was brutally left for dead simply because he was gay. We continue the long march for equality remembering Matthew - and all those hurt or killed - just because of who they are, who they are attracted to and who they love.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Life is full of conflicts but I have never felt anything like this excruciating experience of desperately wanting Mum to live on & on at the same time as desperately wanting her pain to end. I am grateful to friends who have said how usual this feeling is. Usual and unique.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Read some of the anti-trans stuff on here tonight & it sadly reminds me of the time me being gay meant I wanted sex with my dog, or me wanting to marry my same-sex partner would make my dead Grandpa's wife a goat. None of that was true & none of the anti-trans stuff is either.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
17 years ago we met on the dance floor @thervt . We both thought it might be fun to hang out for a week or two. 884 weeks later, still hanging out, still having fun and very grateful to be on the same team as him.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
9 years ago my father in law sent this picture and said how about her? Jonny was doing clinical so I took a deep breath & said yes, lets get her. We had talked about it for too long. She has made me smile every day since. Best decision.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Trans folk, I say again the world is a better place because of you. I stand with you #GWithTheT
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Seems that Mr Fox may have mixed me up with someone else so for the avoidance of doubt I am 46 from Cornwall and I have lived in Cornwall, Cardiff and London.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
6 years
I am very excited to be joining @MHFAEngland as their CEO in the autumn. I will be sad to leave NUS, and at th same time absolutely cannot wait to get started!
@MHFAEngland
MHFA England®
6 years
We’re delighted to announce today that Simon Blake OBE ( @Simonablake ) will be joining MHFA England as our new Chief Executive Officer. Read the full announcement here:
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I wish we humans could be as good at listening & being comfortable with crying as Doll is. Walking the cliffs soaking in the beauty & felt a bit overwhelmed. We sat down, had a chat & I sobbed. Her tools: 1. listen, no interrupting 2. look interested 3. Cuddle in tight 😊
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
The funeral director dropped off Mum's ashes an hour or so. I was holding it together until he gave me the cask and said 'I have put Mum in there'. My face is a bit puffy right now. Thankfully I don't have any video calls for a while!
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I have spent most of today trying to organise Mum's funeral. It is more complicated on so many levels as a result of COVID. Dollops of love and solidarity to the thousands of families doing the same.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
Another Sunday. Another tweet to say trans and non-binary folk I stand with you. Shine bright✊🏼
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
2 years
Two weeks today, the days will be getting lighter again. Now that is worth a Wednesday morning dance. Have a good one.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
This is not the time to even think #NotAllMen . This is not the time for #NotAllMen to be trending. There are too too many men doing harm. Too many women being hurt. Too much violence. Too much pain. Too many lives lost. Please stop.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
4 years
Last night was the 1st night in London & 1st night alone since Mum’s diagnosis 3 weeks ago. Also the 1st time I could sit with my feelings uninterrupted. I confirm with beautifully puffy eyes & a dehydration that comes after sobbing that boys do cry. And it felt good 😊
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
2 years
So everyone who truly represents the overwhelming majority of #LGBTQIA folk has withdrawn support for the Global ‘Safe to Me’ conference. Surely now our PM realises this ‘divided community’ is fiction & it really is time for a rethink on conversion therapy.
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@Simonablake
Simon Blake
3 years
I finished #ItsASin . Jill on shame was chilling. Shame - whether about sexuality, gender identity, HIV status, mental health, abortion, abuse, alcohol, drug use & the choices we make - is never helpful. It silences, it hurts & it kills. We must stand against stigma & shame
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