Brian Kennedy (journalist)

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Brian Kennedy (died 29 December 1990)[1] was a journalist and LGBT rights activist who helped set up the London Lesbian and Gay Centre in 1985.

Career

Kennedy graduated from the University of York with a DPhil in Biochemistry in 1974 and thereafter researched cancer at the Open University.[1] He then moved into journalism, writing for City Limits and other publications about HIV and AIDS before they became prominent in the mainstream press.[2] He also mediated between the gay community and the Metropolitan Police, gaining the respect of the latter for his work.[1]

Brian Kennedy Award

After his death in 1990, the Gay Business Association created the Brian Kennedy Award in his name to recognize people who have made a significant contribution to the gay and lesbian communities.[1] Recipients of the Brian Kennedy Award include Angela Mason, Nick Partridge, Chris Smith MP, Ken Livingstone[3] and Ann Keen MP, who received the award after she proposed an amendment to the {{Crime and Disorder Bill 1998]] which would have equalised the age of consent.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "In memoriam", Grapevine, Summer 1991, page 4. Alumni Office, University of York
  2. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-5843344.html Nicola Rayner "'He Was Very Independent. He Was Seen as a Bit of an Outlaw in the Gay World' ; My Mentor ++ Paul Burston on Brian Kennedy", The Independent, 12 April 2007
  3. http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=1062 "Mayor to be presented with award for London Partnerships Register", Greater London Authority 29 April 2002