In December 2003, the Employment Directive, which outlawed discrimination and harassment in the workplace on the grounds of sexual orientation, came into force. The new law means that it will be unlawful to deny lesbian, gay and bisexual people jobs because of prejudice. It will enable individuals to take prompt and effective action to tackle harassment, and enable people to have an equal chance of training and promotion, whatever their sexual orientation.

Torbay Council supports an LBGT community group which has been running in Torbay for over a year.  It is an opportunity for people to get together, to find out what is going on in their area and find out about new initiatives. The group have also had talks from Devon and Cornwall Fire and Rescue on safety in the home, Recycling, and Healthy Lifestyles with other interesting topics planned for future meetings.  It is from this group that the Torbay Rainbow cafe was established (for more details see below).. Meetings take place on the second Tuesday of every month from 7.00 - 9.00pm.  If you would like to find out more details then please contact Susanne Lang by email equality@torbay.gov.uk.or call 01803 207079.

This idea was established from the above meetings and now runs on the last Saturday of every month from 11.00am - 1.00pm.  This is the chance for people to come along who would like a change from 'the scene', who are on their own or would like to meet new people.  Torbay Rainbow Cafe is somewhere to meet up in a friendly environment, have a tea or coffee, read magazines or newpapers and make new friends.  For more details please email torbayrainbowcafe@hotmail.co.uk.