Simon Adams, Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Suchi Chatterjee, Craig Hanlon-Smith, Samuel Hall, Maria Jastrzębska, Enzo Marra, Mike Mendoza, Carl Oprey, Eric Page, Del Sharp, Gay Socrates, Brian Stacey, Michael Steinhage, Glen Stevens, Duncan Stewart, Craig Storrie, Sugar Swan, Mike Wall, Netty Wendt, Kate Wildblood, Roger Wheeler
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alice Blezard, Tyrone Darling, Jack Lynn, Hugo Michiels, Stella Pix, Graham Hobson
@captaincockroachphotographer,
magazine unless otherwise stated on the page concerned
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or other retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers
The appearance of any person or any
Maria
Eric
Hanlon-Smith
James
Spencer
bska
MARIA BAKER & PAULA BLISSET T-BAKER MARRY AT ASHDOWN
CHRIS & TONY BUTLAND-STEED TIED
BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE 2017
SUMMER OF LOVE
FRIDAY 4 – SUNDAY 6 AUGUST
) Pride Community Parade: From Hove Lawns: Saturday 5, 11am
) Pride Summer of Love Festival: Preston Park: Saturday 5, 12pm–late
) Pride Village Par ty: Saturday 5, 6pm–midnight; Sunday 6, 3–9pm
) Pride Pleasure Gardens: www.brighton-pride.org/pride-pleasure-gardens
) Pride Festival tickets: www.brighton-pride.org/tickets/
PRIDE PARADE & SUMMER OF LOVE FESTIVAL @ PRESTON PARK
) The Pride Community Parade starts from the Peace Statue on Hove Lawns at 11am It will make its way along the seafront, turning left up West Street, right at the Clock Tower down to the Old Steine then left onto London Road to Preston Park The turnstiles at Preston Park open at noon. To avoid queues arrive shortly after the parade or get to the park before the parade arrives.
Following recent terrorist incidences security on the park will be very tight. The less you carry with you, the quicker you’ll get into the park. If it’s sunny bring plenty of suncream with you and keep yourself hydrated all day.
Pet Shop Boys will headline the Summer of Love Festival in Preston Park performing their breathtaking SUPERtour show in its entirety Paul Kemp, Director of Brighton Pride, says: “We’re really proud to welcome Pet Shop Boys to headline our most fantastic Pride Festival ever Having worked with some of the world’s most important artists, their impressive history and amazing contribution to popular culture is undeniable. Add to that their community conscience and campaigning, and they’re the perfect act for the finale of our Festival this year. ”
The main stage lineup also includes Years & Years, declared by the NME to be “the most important pop band of our time”, X Factor winner Louisa Johnson and Becky Hill, M.O, Fickle Friends and KStewart.
Major attractions on the park this year include the legendary Legends Cabaret Tent, boasting a stellar line-up of the best drag queens and singers in the business, the Bear’s and Men’s Dance Tent, Diva Girls World Dance Tent, Urban World Dance Tent and Women’s Performance Stage Add to that the Family Diversity Area, the Trans and Access tents, the Community Village and Funfair, and Brighton Pride 2017 promises to be the most diverse the city has seen
A3 printed copies of the Pride Festival Map, containing stage line-ups, running times and other information, will be available free of charge over the Brighton Pride weekend
PRIDE VILL AGE PARTY
) Once Pet Shop Boys bring the entertainment on the park to a close, it’s on to the Village Street Party in St James’s Street and Marine Parade with live music, DJs and cabaret A fireworks display on the Pier at 9.30pm will bring the street party to a close on Sunday
PRIDE PLEASURE GARDENS @ OLD STEINE & VICTORIA GARDENS
) After last year ’ s stunning debut, the Pride Pleasure Gardens return for a weekend of enchanting and exciting entertainment at the heart of the city Old Steine and Victoria Gardens will be transformed into a unique Pride experience for three days and nights of fierce fun, camp pop, stunning cabaret, Brighton bands, sensational live performances, cool DJs and hot clubbing.
Victoria Gardens will be alive with unmissable celebrations assongsmith Lucy Spraggan, with her unique mix of acoustic, folk and hip-hop, returns to Brighton with support from singersongwriter Amelia Caesar and local heroes Frankie Furlow for Pride Unplugged on Friday night; whilst Saturday will see the brilliance of Brighton’s homegrown BIMM Showcase Stage and the funk soul and club classics of DJ Sean Quinn will provide the perfect Pride soundtrack
The Old Steine will be fizzing with fabulousness as Pride Goes Pop: S Club Party opens proceedings with their Official Pride Warm Up Party on Friday Join the Sultan-Of-Smut and Master-Of-Bates Boogaloo Stu for an evening of festive frivolity and surreal shenanigans
Saturday will see legendary 1980s mega club night It Is Still 1985 and universally acclaimed self-declared chaos of alt drag superstars Sink The Pink’ s Club Tropicana Takeover deliver must-do clubbing and cabaret, whilst Sunday will be sensational with Stetson loving LGBT+ Community Line Dancing, London’s most addictive drag and cabaret night with the bears, blokes, cubs and hunks filled sexy tea dance of London’s infamous Brut Bearsitval.
With plenty of food stalls to tickle your taste buds and bars to quench your Pride thirst, the Pride Pleasure Gardens will be the perfect addition to your weekend.
Most of the entertainment is free of charge to Pride Festival ticket holders (subject to capacity), but there is a cover charge/ tickets required for some of the club events.
BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE 2017 SUMMER OF LOVE
TIGERS PARACHUTE TEAM TO OPEN BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE COMMUNITY PARADE
) The world famous Princess of Wales' Parachute Regiment, known as The Tigers, will perform a free-fall parachute team jump at 10.45am to deliver the Brighton & Hove Pride 2017 rainbow flag to the Head of the Pride Community Parade which starts at 11am on Hove Lawns on Saturday, August 5.
The Tigers free-fall parachute display will be the most spectacular start to a Pride celebrations the city has ever witnessed, as the display team
drops onto Hove Lawns, smoke trailing and flags flying, while performing amazing formations in the air and under the parachute.
The Tigers are the flagship team for the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, whose seniority stems from the Tangier Regiment of 1661, thus having the distinction of being the senior English Infantry Regiment of the line. Soldiers of the Regiment are recruited from Kent, Surrey, Sussex, London, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands Members of The Tigers consist of volunteers from various battalions of the regiment
The Tigers have performed at many events over the years as far afield as Berlin, Kosovo, Cyprus and the opening of the birthday celebrations for HM Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Now they’ll add the Summer of Love Brighton Pride 2017 to their long list of credits, flying high for Pride, with style, grace and rainbows
BRIGHTON PRIDE PARADE TO HIGHLIGHT HATE CRIME IN THE UK AND ABROAD
) As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales on July 27, Brighton & Hove Pride continues its commitment to campaigning for global equality The 2017 Brighton Pride Community Parade will continue to highlight the struggles of those across the UK and beyond, feature placards highlighting hate crimes in the UK and aboard from the past 12 months. It will start from the Peace Statue on Hove Lawns at 11am.
The horror of acid attacks on the streets of East London, the victims of the Finsbury Park attack, those lost in the Manchester Arena bombing and in the terror of the Westminster and London Bridge attacks. The gay men kidnapped and tortured in Chechnya, Indonesian men publicly flogged because of their sexuality, the horrors of corrective rape of lesbians in South Africa, the Turkish LGBT+ activists arrested and beaten for attending Pride in Istanbul, the gay men stoned to death in Iraq by ISIS and the staggering numbers of trans men and women being murdered across the world
As we face an increasingly troubled world, hate crime is increasing The terror attacks at Manchester Arena, London Bridge and Westminster may have brought the nation together in defiant unity but in the aftermath anti-Muslim hate crime incidents increased five-fold. The terrorist attack on Muslims in Finsbury Park highlighted for many how far we have to go to truly address the hatred sparked by repugnant ideologies.
Last year over 20 homophobic attacks were reported every day in England and Wales, and post Brexit the numbers continue to rise.
Paul Kemp, Director of Brighton Pride, says: "We need to unite together to say ‘ no more ’ . Not in the cities and towns we ’ re lucky enough to call home, the country we ’ re proud to be part of or in a world in which we ’ re all citizens. This Brighton Pride let’s all campaign for change. Change we can make together, change we can be proud of, change we need."
Pride will once again hold a one minute silence at 6pm across all Pride sites to remember and honour all victims of hate crimes.
WILD FRUIT TAKES FINAL MAJESTIC BOW AT BRIGHTON PRIDE 2017
) David Morales and Jocelyn Brown will headline the last Wild Fruit ever at Brighton Pride 2017. Although the dance big top will continue at Brighton Pride in years to come, it's time to say a fruity and fabulous farewell to Wild Fruit as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, hosting one last dance on the Summer of Love stage in the Wild Fruit Dance Tent on Preston Park
Expect world class clubbing from one of the UK’s most infamous club nights with a day of sensational partying at the heart of the Brighton Pride Festival site with international superstar DJs including house legend David Morales, worldwide wonder Seamus Haji, festival favourites Prok & Fitch, underground heroines Maze & Masters, and the glorious Fat Tony joining Wild Fruit maestros Mr Haywood and Dulcie Danger.
Add a Summer of Love diva spectacular with Jocelyn Brown, plus Angie Brown and Rozalla uniting their unique voices for a sensational live performance, all hosted by Fruit legends Mama Yvette, Chrissy Darling, Dolly Rocket, and you have the perfect Wild Fruit extravaganza
The tunes will be big, the celebrations emotional, the production spectacular, the dancing boys and girls gorgeous, the hostesses delicious, the PAs fabulous and the smiles guaranteed It’s time to share your fruity love with Wild Fruit at Brighton Pride one final last time.
BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE 2017 SUMMER OF LOVE
QUAKERS CELEBRATE BRIGHTON PRIDE
) Brighton & Hove Quakers invite everyone to the Meeting House garden in Ship Street to celebrate Pride on Saturday, August 5, from 11am–4.30pm
They will be offering a peaceful interlude from the excitement of Pride with free tea, coffee, home-made cakes and other refreshments in the relaxing surroundings of the Meeting House garden
A Brighton Quakers spokesperson said: “The Quakers have always supported LGBT+ marriage and LGBT+ equal rights. We feel that the quality and depth between two people is the most important part of a loving relationship, not their gender or sexual orientation.”
The event is organised by Brighton Quaker LGBT+ fellowship. For more information, view: www.brightonquakers.co.uk
VILL AGE MCC TO WORK WITH ACCESSIBILITY MATTERS AT BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE ON PRESTON PARK
) The Village Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) will be assisting the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF) in the access area at the Summer of Love Pride festival on Preston Park. They will deliver some of the activities taking place within the Access Tent/Area for Accessibility Matters.
Free activities will include art workshops, card readings, temporary tattoos, and trained helpers if anyone needs a listening ear.
Rev Michael Hydes, Pastor of The Village MCC, said: “As a church rooted in the LGBT+ communities, serving the LGBT+ communities, we call for a world where we can all live free of discrimination We believe that if we ’ re to empower all of our community, and not just some of our community, that accessibility really does matter The Village MCC is proud to be working with Accessibility Matters again at Brighton Pride this year ”
Billie Lewis, Volunteer Chair of LGBT CSF, added: “We’re delighted that The Village MCC
are working with us this year at Pride They were instrumental in the delivery of the Soul Sundays during our B Right On Festival at the Phil Starr Pavilion in February Their experience and commitment to positive community development and cohesion is infectious and must be applauded.”
LGBT CSF works in partnership with Brighton Pride to facilitate all aspects of accessibility at Brighton Pride, including the Access tent and general access issues to Preston Park for the deaf, elderly and disabled communities.
On Pride Sunday, August 6, Peter Tatchell, Human Rights Campaigner, will be the keynote speaker at The Village MCC Pride Church Service at the Somerset Day Centre in Kemptown at 6pm. On Sunday, August 13, Rev Jide Macaulay will speak before he flies out to be the Grand Marshall at Uganda Pride AJ Patterson will speak on Sunday 20 and Rabbi Elli Tikvah on Sunday 27, all starting at 6pm
Rev Peta Evans is joining The Village MCC as Associate Pastor to assist Rev Michael Hydes, who said: “I'm looking forward to working with a minister who openly identifies as Trans "
For more information about The Village MCC Church, view: http://thevillagemcc.org
COMEDY CARNIVAL
) This year, Doctor Brighton’s has seven fabulous acts for their Pre-Pride Comedy Carnival, including some rapidly rising LGBT+ comedy stars. The unmissable line-up of comics hosted by MC extraordinaire Ali Macfarlan includes Russell David Arathoon (winner of Hastings Festival Fringe and Comedy Store Gong Show finalist and headliner), Victoria Howden (#Lesboland The Musical), Lisanne Fridsma, Ben Robson, Deborah Lennard, Dom Patmore and Katherine Atkinson
Ali Macfarlan’ s Pre-Pride Comedy Carnival, Doctor Brighton’s, 16-17 King’s Rd, Brighton, Wednesday, August 2, doors 7.30pm, show 8–10pm Entry £5 with all proceeds to the Rainbow Fund who make grants to LGBT+/HIV organisations who deliver effective frontline services to LGBT+people in the city.
PRIDE AT ST JOHN’S
) St John's Church at Preston Park will hold their annual gathering for those who prefer their Pride to be more reflective starting with a picnic at 1pm in the church grounds. Free tea and coffee will be provided and most importantly there are loos on site!
There will be a fully inclusive Celebration Service from 2pm for all LGBT+ people, their families, friends and supporters to celebrate this year ’ s theme for Brighton Pride: Carnival of Diversity: Summer of Love
Pride at St John’s: St John’s Church, Knoyle Road, Brighton BN1 6RB, Saturday, August 5 from 1pm Free admission
THE QUEER TAKEOVER
) After a two year hiatus Calabash returns to Pride on Brighton seafront with The Queer Takeover at the Fortune Of War. A roster of urban, underground dance/disco DJs will create an 'unapologetically inclusive Queer space'. DJs will include Affy GoBang, DJPushyC, Wildblood and Queen Josephine and special guest Grace Sands The event will be open air (weather permitting) and will run to the early hours of Sunday morning)
Money will be raised with a donation entry on the door and throughout the evening for the Rainbow Fund who make grants to LGBT+/HIV organisations who deliver effective front line services to LGBT+ people in the city
Calabash and Bango present The Queer Takeover at The Fortune of War, 156 King’s Rd, Brighton, Saturday, August 5, 6pm–3am. Entry donation on the door for Rainbow Fund.
BRIGHTON RESIDENT HONOURED AT ATTITUDE PRIDE AWARDS 2017
) Brighton resident Keith Biddlecombe, a member of Brighton GEMS, the social networking group for elderly gay men, was honoured at the A ttitude Pride A wards last month Keith was imprisoned in 1956 after being found with another man while he served as an officer in the Royal Navy He was just 20 years old and celebrated his 21st bir thday in prison, at Her Majesty's Pleasure
The A ttitude Pride A wards, which celebrate unsung heroes from LGBT+ communities, took place on July 7 at London’s luxury Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel Celebrity presenters, including Davina McCall, Nick Grimshaw, Kele Okereke, Owen Jones, R ober t 'Judge' Rinder, Stephen K Amos and Coronation Street's Helen Wor th, attended the ceremony which was benefitting Pride in London
Hosted by TV personality, author and fashion consultant Gok Wan, the exclusive, invite-only lunch formally kicked off Pride in London celebrations, celebrating the lives of 10 individuals who had over the years made a significant contribution to LGBT+ communities all over the country
For full list of A ttitude Pride A ward winners 2017, view: http://attitude.co.uk/attitude-pride-awards-2017the-winners/
RAINBOW FUND ANNUAL GRANTS ROUND SECOND CALL
) The closing date for applications for the R ainbow Fund's Annual Grants R ound has been set later this year, on Friday, September 1, so that those involved in Pride have time to recover fully No applications received after September 1 will be considered by the grants panel
For the criteria for this year's grants round, and the online application form, view: www.rainbow-fund.org
The Rainbow Fund is keen to promote cooperation and respect between all LGBT+/HIV groups and organisations providing services to LGBT+ people in Brighton & Hove To this end, they make conditions to the grants they award to ensure that groups and organisations attend and par ticipate in the quar terly meetings of Working to Connect, the LGBT small groups network, and/or the LGBT Community Safety
Forum, to discuss challenges and oppor tunities that arise in these sectors
Chris Gull, Chair of the Rainbow Fund, said: “I have been alarmed recently to hear of personality clashes, squabbles, lobbying and what appear to be attempts at empire building across both sectors All grant applications this year will be subjected to an additional 'respect' clause'
“The Rainbow Fund will expect to see evidence of a 'respect clause', mentioning other Brighton & Hove LGBT+ groups and organisations, being incorporated into a code of conduct for all LGBT+/HIV groups applying to the fund, within the 12 months of the grant period, before we will consider an application for the 2018 grants round We know that some groups already have these in place, and that is good practice ”
MATT ROOD BIDS TO BRING MR GAY EUROPE CROWN TO BRIGHTON & HOVE
) Our front cover model this month is local businessman Matt R ood Matt, the current holder of the Mr Gay England crown, is bidding to become Mr Gay Europe in Stockholm on August 6 and needs your help His campaign for the competition is Pride Families For three years Matt was a foster carer helping 10 children He wants to use his title and his experience as a foster carer, to promote awareness that LGBT+ people make great foster parents, providing children with safe and nur turing homes
To get his campaign going you can vote for Matt online each day till August 4 Vote for Matt to become Mr Gay Europe and bring the crown to Brighton at www.mrgayeurope.com/vote/
POLICE FUND HIGH DEPENDENCY UNIT AT BRIGHTON PRIDE
) Chief Superintendent Lisa Bell, the recently appointed Sussex Police commander for Brighton & Hove, attended the July public meeting of the LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT C SF) to hand over a cheque for £1,500 to the for um Committee member AJ Patterson accepted the cheque on behalf of LGBT C SF to cover the cost of the High Dependency Unit (HDU), which will be located in the Access area, which is organised and delivered by Accessibility Matters, a project of LGBT C SF, at Brighton Pride on August 5 The Commander attended the meeting to introduce herself to the community and take questions from the floor The next public meeting of LGBT C SF is on Wednesday, October 25 star ting at 7pm at the Queen’s Hotel on Brighton seafront
For more infor mation about LGBT C SF, view: www lgbt-help com
COWBOYS & QUEENS RAISE £300 FOR RAINBOW FUND
) DJ Claire Fuller receives a cer tificate from Rainbow Fund Chair, Chris Gull, af ter raising £300 at her Cowboys & Queens cabaret dinner and dance at the Old Ship Hotel at the end of June The money was raised from the raffle during the evening which was hosted by Kara Van Park
Chris Gull said: “T he R ainbow Fund is delighted to receiv e the donation of £300 raised from the raffle held during the Cow boy s & Queens ev ent recently. T his demonstrates, y et again, the v ital role that w e play in ensuring that funds raised by community ev ents are distributed fairly to suppor t the local groups and organisations that suppor t people from our L GBT + and HIV communities Our thanks to ev er y one inv olv ed ”
The Rainbow Fund makes grants to local LGBT+/HIV organisations who provide effective front line ser vices to LGBT people in the city
OSARO ’S NEW SINGLE TO BENEFIT THE RAINBOW FUND
) Osaro’s new release, L atest A f ter Party, a Tony Vibe remix of last year’s club single with a spanking new video produced by Matt Page will be raising money for the Rainbow Fund
Brighton-based vocalist and songwriter Osaro has been making waves for some time, creating tunes and collaborating with hot producers both locally and around the globe Osaro is no stranger to the clubbing world having performed at iconic clubs such as Ministry of Sound, Pacha and Gatecrasher He is also known for his uplifting performances at Brighton Pride and his dance music programme on Latest TV in Brighton
Brighton-based vocalist Cherr y Younger adds another dimension to the mix with her crisp clear voice, lifting the track to new heights while creating a future club classic Cherry, a published songwriter, has been a professional session singer from an early age
Producer/DJ Tony Vibe is the driving force behind breakbeat and bass music production outfit Radiokillaz and his superb take on Latest Af ter Party turns the club anthem into a breakbeat smasher! Mix 2-step garage and nu skool breaks with a fine blend of synth riffs, arpeggios and sub sonic bass, then add some super slick production and you are somewhere near the soundscape of this exciting remix
One to get bodies rocking in the clubs, it is also a single that will hold its own on the radio helped by the fact that Tony Vibe’s own music is continually suppor ted by high profile DJs of all genres including industry legend Annie Nightingale Tony produced a special guest mix for Annie's Radio 1 show showcasing his own top-notch productions
Chris Gull, Chair of the Rainbow Fund, said: "We’re very excited that the money raised by sales of Latest Af ter Party single and video is being donated to the Rainbow Fund for us to distribute as grants to local LGBT+ and HIV groups, to support projects that enrich the lives of so many people An enormous Rainbow thank you to everyone involved "
The single was launched at the Amsterdam Bar & Kitchen on Tuesday, July 4 The track and video’s official release was Friday, July 21 www osaro co uk/2017/06/10/pressrelease-latest-after-par ty-tony-viberemix/ https://open.spotify.com/album/01yQ87pqKeomkA65vSTORj
CABARET AT GROSVENOR RAISES OVER £400 FOR SUSSEX BEACON
) A night of cabaret at the Grosvenor in Brighton on June 30 raised £413 for local HIV charity, the Sussex Beacon The evening was hosted by Krissie Ducann, with per for mances from David Hill, Neil Jackson, Elaine Evans, Kr ystal Ball, Maisie Trollette, Spice, Simon Bell and Steve Shappelle All of the ar tists per for med free of charge, in order to raise money for the Sussex Beacon
Simon Dowe, Chief Executive at the Sussex Beacon, said: “T his w as a fantastic ev ening of enter tainment I w ant to thank K rissie, w ho organised the ev ent, and the acts w ho w aiv ed their fee to raise money for us We’re so grateful for their
) A huge thank you to Gscene, James Ledward, the Golden Handbag Awards and ever yone who sent in a citation to nominate me for a Lifetime Achievement Award for ser vices to the LGBT+ Communities at this year ’s Golden Handbag Show
It was a complete surprise and I’m still over whelmed by all the wonder ful things people have said I’m extremely honoured and humbled to receive this award though I must acknowledge all the suppor t, creativity and teamwork from lots of others in our groups and communities - working together to create strong networks and par tnerships, to improve ser vices and to challenge prejudice and discrimination
help A ll the money raised w ill go directly tow ards our v ital w ork suppor ting people liv ing w ith HIV in Sussex ”
The Sussex Beacon provides specialist suppor t and care to over 500 people living with HIV a year, offering both inpatient and outpatient ser vices to improve health and promote independence Those using the charity’s ser vices may be facing serious HIV related illnesses, dealing with mental health issues or str uggling to cope with the side effects of new dr ug regimes Recently rated ‘outstanding’ by the independent health regulator, the Sussex Beacon provides first-class care and suppor t to those in need
More about the Sussex Beacon at: www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
Finola Brophy, Chair, Rainbow Chor us THANKS FOR MY
round the edges but this Lifetime Achievement Award won’t stop me from continuing to make Brighton and our wider communities even more inclusive and suppor tive of all our communities
Thanks again for my Golden Handbag!
And I may be older and a bit creaky
NEW LEAGUE FOR LGBT+ TEN-PIN BOWLERS
) The Diverse City Bowlers League has been created to introduce a competitive element to a group of social ten-pin bowlers who have been meeting regularly in Brighton since 2008 They have seen their bowling skills improve over the years and now feel ready to take par t in and organise bowling competitions
They aim to affiliate with the British Ten-Pin Bowling Association (BTBA), and have already affiliated with the International Gay Bowling Organisation (IGBO) Through this affiliation they have had several contacts from European LGBT+ bowling groups who are very enthusiastic for a bigger joint event They are the first LGBT+ bowling group in the UK to affiliate with IGBO and through this affiliation they will be able to take par t in global competitions such as the Gay Games
Whilst being an LGBT+run group they’re open to anyone who is accepting and non-homophobic They bowl for tnightly at Hollywood Bowl, Brighton Marina, where the staff and management of the centre have been extremely helpful in setting up their league and provide a very gay-friendly and safe environment Their lanes are currently in the process of getting recognised by BTBA which means the tournaments they organise will be fully sanctioned Organisers send their sincere thanks to Hollywood Bowl for their suppor t and enthusiasm
Their primary aim is to create a friendly, fair and competitive league that will cater for all abilities, and a safe, warm atmosphere where people can enjoy bowling with like-minded people Help will be offered to those who want it and coaching sessions will be arranged for those of us who are interested
The friendly and social side of bowling is impor tant to them, and socialising after bowling and at other times is encouraged but not compulsory They are encouraging new bowlers from clubs, bars and as many of the friendly and suppor tive gay groups in Brighton and Sussex as possible Invitations have already been sent out to several local organisations, and organisers hope to see them joining them for a game of fun and skill Their contacts at BTBA have been very kind and receptive as well
Lee Har t, Head of Equality and Diversity, Terr y Searle, Director of Spor t Development, and Jerr y Moll, Assistant to the Chairman, say: “Their strapline 'People Matter' incorporates BTBA’s attitude to making Ten-Pin Bowling as inclusive as possible BTBA is also interested in sanctioning a National Competition for LGBT+ members, and would work with them to deliver the tournament which could possibly become an annual event "
They currently have no membership fees, nor sponsorship The cost of playing is £9 for three games This may well change as they group grows, so far the small group has financed several setup costs amongst themselves In future, they will eventually need a symbolic membership fee to cover costs, especially for sanctioning their local tournaments through BTBA
It’s easy to get in touch with them through their website, Facebook and Twitter pages and new players are always welcome For more information, view: www.dcbowlers.org f /dcbowlers t /diversebowlers
SEA SERPENTS RFC CELEBRATE CLUB’S PROGRESS AT ANNUAL DINNER
) The Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents R ugby Football Club held their annual dinner at Hove R ugby Club on Saturday, June 24, attended by players, friends and suppor ters
Following a lovely three-course dinner, the President of the club, Cllr Pete West, Mayor of Brighton & Hove in 2016-17, highlighted the Sea Serpents’ achievements in the shor t period since they formed, and looked forward to helping them, through his contacts with the Brighton Fringe and Dutch Ambassador, to help build links as they prepare for their visit to Amsterdam in June 2018 to play in the Bingham Cup
Geraldine Brown, the Chairman of Hove Rugby Club, also spoke highlighting the impor tance of celebrating diversity in all spor ts The Kangaroo Cour t followed For those not acquainted with this ancient tradition, the Kangaroo Cour t represents
an oppor tunity for teams to dispense their own mob-justice on players for perceived misdemeanours committed throughout the season The club chairman, as judge, oversees the proceedings whilst the captain takes on the role of the prosecution
I remember very little after that except all the players who received an award drank a pint of beer very quickly followed by a shot chaser
Club awards were presented to: Special Award: Ian Shepherd for designing the Serpents’ club logo; Coach's Award: Zack Kaye; Suppor ters Award: Colin Blake; Most Improved Player: Richard Denslow; Clubman of the Year: R ussell Kingaby; Captain’s Award: Paul Nellis; and Player's Player: Ryan Butcher
Want to play Rugby? For more information about the Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, view: www pitchero com/clubs/brightonand hoveseaserpents
REECE ROBERTS SAYS GOODBYE TO LEGENDS
) After almost 10 years as the manager of the Legends hotel, bar and nightclub complex, R eece R ober ts has decided to move on to new challenges
Friends gathered to wish him bon voyage at Legends on Monday, June 26, Miss Jason provided the enter tainment and was in a par ticularly unforgiving mood
Reece was born in Anglesey, After working on the Manchester gay scene for a number of years he arrived in Brighton and star ted working at Revenge When Tony Chapman bought Legends, he offered Reece the manager’s job and the rest as they say is history Reece has no new job plans on the horizon and is looking to spend some quality time cooking, socialising and keeping fit with his par tner, Justin
COFFEE AND BREAKFAST IN STYLE!
) Brighton is awash with cafés and coffee shops, some good, some not so good Trading Post Coffee R oaster & Café on Ship Street sits firmly at the top of the very good category
This two-floor coffee-house resembles some of the fine establishments I remember from my student days living in Amsterdam and Vienna Beautifully decorated - the perfect place to meet friends for coffee or tea, a luxury breakfast and a good old gossip
An all English Breakfast costs £9, not cheap, but wor th every penny with a choice of organic poached or scrambled egg, smoked back bacon, cumberland sausage ring, roasted vine tomatoes and garlic flat mushroom, served on buttered sourdough with complimentary organic baked beans on request The breakfast is beautifully presented and all the produce is locally sourced and top quality
A selection of exotic Benedicts are available on the breakfast menu and well wor th trying My personal favourite is the Parmesan Avocado with parmesan crusted avocado, spinach, vine tomatoes with homemade vegan smoked paprika hollandaise sauce (£8.50) and the Avocado Smash, smashed with feta, lime, chilli, mint and a poached egg served on a slice of toasted sourdough comes a close second (£8 50)
The real treat about a visit to this establishment is the coffee and even if you're not a regular coffee drinker, I urge you to treat yourself and try a selection of the cups of coffee on offer
They roast their own coffee beans on the premises using ar tisan roasting method refined by their own Master Roasters who come from two generations of coffee roasters They use Arabica beans grown at an altitude of 3,000 feet or above as high-altitude, shade-grown beans make for a more complex and delicious cup of coffee A cup of Cappuccino costs between £2.40 - £2.70 You can buy any of their roasted beans to take away including: Green Monkey (Natural Blend); Mono Loco (Latin Blend); Black Pearl (Deluxe Blend); Grand Espresso MF (Barista Blend); Decaffeinated and a selection of single origins and guest coffee selections
Join them for their Pride Breakfast with bubbles on Saturday, August 5 and watch the Pride Parade You get one of the best views of the parade as it comes down Nor th Street from the Clock Tower
For information about the coffee beans on offer, view: www tradingpostcoffee co uk
Trading Post Coffee R oaster & Cafe, 36 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AB, Tel: 01273 911811 Open 7am–7pm 7 days a week
We can suppor t you in the following way:
) Third Party Reporting
) Assisting you at the Police Station
) Advocating on your behalf to ensure your case is processed appropriately by the Police/Council ) Advice on Personal Safety
) 24/ 7 emotional support (via our helpline)
If you need our support contact us on
or email us at
YOUR SWITCHBOARD NEEDS YOU!
) Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard will be out and about over the Pride season talking to the community about how they see the Switchboard ser vice and their thoughts about the charity’s plans for the future
Switchboard was originally set up by a dedicated group of local volunteers and took its first telephone call in April 1975, when it was called the The Lavender Line Over the years, Switchboard has developed other projects alongside the helpline, including the counselling service, the health improvement project (HIP) and more recently the LGBT Older Person’s Project and LGBTQ Disabilities Group
During July and August, the Switchboard team want to talk to you and ask you your thoughts and will be talking about the charity getting a better understanding of how it is viewed as well as sharing its thoughts on how it might continue to suppor t the community in the future
Daniel Cheesman, LGBT Switchboard’s CEO, said:
“Switchboard has been part of the LGBT+ communities in Brighton & Hove for the last 42 years and listening to people and providing information and support is key to what we do We want to hear from people who have used Switchboard as well as those who haven’t and who might never have heard of us ”
In addition to being at a number of community events, including Trans Pride and Pride, Switchboard will be running an online survey and holding a focus group on Tuesday, August 15, at Bar Broadway from 6-7pm
Daniel continued: “ Your Switchboard really does need you - it is really important that as a charity supporting the LGBTQ community we continue to meet the needs that exist, whether that is directly providing services ourselves or working in partnership with other groups and charities within the city ”
For more information about the Your Switchboard Needs You campaign email: brighton admin@switchboard org uk
TROLLETTES LAUNCH NEW CHARITY SINGLE
) To celebrate his 80th bir thday last month, Jimmy Cour t launched a new charity single Two To One, recorded with David R aven aka Maisie Trollette
The Trollettes reigned supreme as the biggest draw on the London drag cabaret scene during the 1970s and 80s Jimmy and David will be sharing all profits raised by the single between the Sussex Beacon HIV charity in Brighton and the fund for survivors of the Grenfell fire disaster in London
Penned by Sarah Bodalbhai and Jason Prince Nik C joins them on the production credits along with JP Christian on vocals
To download the single costing just 75p, go to Amazon or itunes
UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA IN LGBT+ PEOPLE
) The Older LGBT Project at Switchboard has been running for three years During this time the project has suppor ted many isolated older people in the community and has played an impor tant role influencing those who work with older LGBT+ people
Helen Bashford, Older LGBT Project’s Development Worker, said: “Influencing others and raising awareness of the needs of older LGBT+ people is a really vital part of our role and what we do Just recently we heard from a care home who have totally embraced how they positively support their LGBT+ residents A year ago the home had an issue with staff that refused to put up LGBT flyers for fear of offending nonLGBT+ residents Af ter working with them, training staff and raising awareness of the needs of their LGBT+ residents, they are now holding their
first Pre-Pride Party and BBQ This will make a real difference to the lives of the people who live there ”
An area that the project now wants to address is the lack of suppor t for LGBT+ people affected by dementia Switchboard is working with the Brighton & Hove Dementia Alliance to look at services that exist locally to suppor t those living with dementia and their carers The aim would be to work with local LGBT+ people to explore creating local LGBT+ dementia-friendly spaces as well as working with other services to ensure that the needs of LGBT+ individuals are understood
Older LGBT Project is keen to hear from LGBT+ people who might be affected by dementia to get a better understanding of what the issues are in the city and to work together to improve and develop services locally
To contact the Older LGBT Project: helen bashford@switchboard org uk
GET YOUR GSCENE EMAILED TO YOU EACH MONTH?
) Want to get Gscene emailed to you each month seven days before the printed copy is available in venues, cafes and bars? If you want to keep up to speed on what is going on in the LGBT+ communities in Brighton &
Hove, email info@gscene.com to receive a completely free PDF of the magazine on the day we sent it to the printers, a full week before it is available in print Just write PDF in the subject box on your email
55% of the people who read Gscene each month, read it online and on their phones This is your chance to join the growing list of online readers of the magazine
If you want to receive 24 hour breaking news to your Facebook account ‘like’ the Gscene Magazine page on Facebook
TO FEEL SO UNSURE:
THE INFLUENCE OF GEORGE MICHAEL ON LOCAL ARTIST LEZ INGHAM
If you’re looking to collect a unique and exciting piece of ar twork, created by one of Brighton & Hove’s most innovative ar tists, Lez Ingham, then make sure you have a ticket for Hibernation at the Old Ship Hotel in October By
Craig Hanlon-Smith
) The painting of George Michael will be auctioned at Hibernation, the annual fundraising community dinner organised by Bear-Patrol, to raise money for the new Counselling Project at MindOut, the LGBT Mental Health Service
Lez has been commissioned to create a piece especially for the event, not dissimilar in style from her seminal Icons of the 20th Century series I’ll be catching up with Lez between now and then to share with you regular updates on how the piece is progressing
Lez and I met some weeks ago when she first revealed the subject of the painting would be George Michael As a fan of the ar tist's Icons of the 20th Century series, I ask which George era she will be focusing on “I was going to take the ‘Faith’ image, it’s iconic and he’s so handsome, but I actually think he began to look more interesting much later in his career ‘Faith’ may be too obvious ”
“It’s going to be a completely different style of painting from ones I’ve created before," she goes on to say "I’ll work in different dimensions as always, but also use text, I like text in my work, so some of his song titles and some of the tabloid headlines about him as a background "
As the piece has been commissioned especially to raise money for the new Counselling Project at MindOut, the connections between this and the subject of her painting are central to Lez’s thought process “I want to bring into focus the fact that he was beautiful, so talented and a huge star, but that he battled with a range of addictions, sex, drugs and of course there was his depression "
“I remember an interview with George some years ago,” Lez tells me, “talking about depression How people would say to him, you have everything, the money, the career, the fame, how could you possibly be depressed, and that he was aware people could think these things of him and that made him even more depressed ”
Of course the trappings of success and mental well-being do not necessarily go hand in hand Lez expands, “Unless you have suffered from depression, you cannot know how difficult that is for a person to live with I want to send out a message with this painting The lovely George, who I loved so much as an artist, so handsome, an amazing talent, such a great writer, also carried the sensitivity to collapse in on himself Just because someone looks marvellous on the outside, there can still be self-doubt, uncertainty and an abundance of confidence issues "
We will follow Lez’s progress on her work over the coming months Her painting of George Michael will be auctioned at Hibernation, at the Old Ship Hotel on October 22
Tickets for the event cost £40 and include a four course meal served in the Paganini Ballroom and enter tainment from the fabulous Miss Hope Springs The event will run from noon-6pm and dress code is smar t To book tickets for the luncheon, email: info@bearpatrol org uk
Bear-Patrol will guarantee that £5,000 of the money raised from the luncheon will go towards securing the future of the new Counselling Project at MindOut and any monies remaining will be donated to the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum
NEW INFECTIONS OF HIV IN GAY MEN LOCALLY FALLS BY 50%
) New data published by Public Health England (PHE) repor ting a fall in the rate of new HIV infections among gay men provides cautionary hope that Britain's HIV epidemic could be finally coming under control
At the end of 2016, five HIV clinics in London repor ted they had seen a significant reduction by 40% or more in new diagnoses of HIV in the previous year Clinicians in Brighton have recently analysed their own local data over a longer period of time
While they repor t much variation in local figures from month to month, over the last four years Brighton has in fact seen a decline from an average of six new diagnoses per month just over four years ago to around three per month by May of this year The figures have only just been analysed and clinicians are in the process of performing fur ther analyses in order to understand more
about the reasons for the decline Duncan Churchill, Consultant in HIV Medicine at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We believe that there are several reasons for the reduction in HIV incidence locally (and elsewhere) These include increased HIV testing, particularly in high risk men who have sex with men; rapid initiation of antiretroviral treatment in people who do test HIV positive (meaning that they very soon become incapable of transmitting HIV to anyone else), and possibly a contribution from preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) This latter intervention is of course not available routinely on the NHS, but we do have around 120 individuals who have accessed PrEP locally in the PROUD and DISCOVER studies, and we support/monitor a number of others who purchase their own PrEP " Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men continue to account for half of all people living with HIV in England and remain the group most at risk of acquiring HIV infection
BEAR-PATROL SCREEN ‘ABIGAIL'S PARTY' AT BEDFORD TAVERN
) A bigail's Party, a play for stage and television, was devised and directed in 1977 by Mike Leigh Described as "a suburban situation comedy of manners", and a "satire on the aspirations and tastes of the new middle class" that emerged in Britain in the 1970s, it is perfect for screening in Brighton in 2017!
Bear-Patrol, the social networking and fundraising group, will be screening the film on Friday, October 6, at the Bedford Tavern with added surprises from Spice and a 1970s style finger
buffet, all to benefit MindOut, the LGBT+ mental health service
Money will be raised via bucket collections on the door and a raffle All monies raised will be ring fenced by MindOut towards the running costs of their new Counselling Project
A bigail’s Party - a fundraiser for MindOut organised by Bear-Patrol , will be at Bedford Tavern, 30 Western St, Hove, Brighton BN1 2PG on Friday, October 6 from 7–11pm For up to date information, check out the Facebook group
Let’s face it, most of us go bald and until now the only paths have been: acceptance (tricky) or hair plugs (frightening) or concealers/ hair systems (restrictive)
That is, until now
Scalp micro-pigmentation is essentially when you have your head tattooed in the semblance of stubble, which sounds scary but in fact is really effective with only mild discomfort during the process.
This procedure is available as a permanent or semi-permanent treatment Permanent may require 1 or 2 top ups in a lifetime whereas semi-permanent requires maintenance or it can be left to fade away over a few years
BRIGHTON & LONDON
WHO ’S THE BOSS BEHIND THE BAR?
Morgan Fabulous pops along to the Queen’s Arms to chat with new boss, John Michael Fletcher, who is finally fulfilling his life's ambition to pull pints behind his own bar
) The Queen’s Arms is one of Brighton’s oldest gay bars providing top quality cabaret for over 35 years Over the years it has seen many legendary managers come and go, and now is managed by John, a retired furniture manufacturer and upholsterer who has a lifetime of business and customer service experience
The Queen’s Arms is known for top quality drag enter tainment and its friendly atmosphere - it is also the first bar I visited when I originally moved to Brighton and was welcomed with open arms
John is intending to shake things up a little bit and is presently looking for new unique acts and singers to perform at the bar, so the enter tainment it offers becomes more diverse A few weeks ago saw the successful launch night of Men for Men Monday special, a full strip show, presented and promoted by Davina Sparkle (unfor tunately Davina wasn’t stripping, but it was still one hell of a show) He is also planning to overhaul the front of the pub with eye-catching light installations and displays to adver tise the week’s enter tainment
John was raised in Lancaster and lived in West Yorkshire until he moved his impor t/expor t furniture business to Brighton in 1993 and became the owner of Mar tha’s Barn But, he decided he wanted to travel and take his love of furniture with him, so he moved to Cape Town in South Africa and commuted once a month back to Brighton to over-see his business interests
After seven years of success, it was time to move back to Brighton as the land that the business was located on was being bought by a major company who didn’t want to continue renting the proper ty for retail, so Mar tha’s Barn sadly closed John decided to take his business to Chiang Mi in Nor thern Thailand, where he made furniture for big brands such as Zara Home After six years there, enjoying a successful career, he decided to retire, left Thailand, moved back to Brighton, and did voluntary work at the hospital, with the Salvation Army, and for the homeless at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church
He went back to Thailand for a holiday where he met his par tner It wasn’t until that point that John came out to himself after so many years in the closet (I had to get that in seeing as he is a furniture maker) He decided that he’d do something that he’d often thought about, but never felt the time was right, until then He told me that very few people knew, but I have his full permission to include it in this ar ticle
So when he finally returned to Brighton he felt like taking on a new project and jokingly offered his services to run the bar at the Queen’s Arms, which turned into reality a few weeks later and he is now looking for staff to join his friendly team! John enjoys reading; his favourite book is Katherine by Anya Seton He also loves music and listens to everything from Maria Callas to Lady Gaga
BAR PERSON PROFILE:
DEAMÁN O’FIRGHIL O'CORRAIDHIN @ BAR BROADWAY
The person many LGBT+people meet when they first ar rive in the city is the bar person at their local LGBT+ venue These gatekeepers to the community provide an impor tant role both befriending and signposting new ar rivals. Gscene finds out a bit more about them and what makes them tick
) Deamán O'Firghil O'Corraidhin works at Bar Broadway, cur rent holder of the Golden Handbag for Best Small Bar and popular winner of this year ’s Favourite Bar man award
Where are you from? Der r y, Ireland What brought you to Brighton? I moved to Brighton in September 2014 to pursue my goal of becoming a mental health nurse I watched Connie & Carla and seeing how they lived in West Hollywood sur rounded by a wonder fully accepting LGBT+ community inspired me to make a move to Brighton given its unofficial title of Gay Capital of the UK and the ver y close knit suppor tive LGBT+ community
Oddest request? I've had some pretty unpublishable requests in my time via Grindr but in Bar Broadway the strangest request I've had was a large glass of red wine over ice
Worst kind of punter? People without manners They don't cost anything When I'm met by r udeness I respond by being overly nice
What do you do when it’s quiet in the bar? Nor mally when it's quiet I clean or spend time getting to know any customers that might be in
Difference between ale and beer? Is ale not just a variety of beer? As is lager, stout, pilsner etc?
Can you pull a pint? I prefer to be drinking them, but yes I can
Shaken or stirred? Can't I have both?
Favourite tipple? Nothing better than a Gin and Elder flower Tonic
What makes you roll your eyes? I imagine it's the muscles contracting and relaxing in and around my eye balls
Are those really your photos on Grindr? They may have had a filter or two
What makes a per fect barperson? Someone who works hard but can have fun at the same time I'm really happy to say that the guys I work with at Bar Broadway ar n’t just colleagues but great friends and ever yone pulls their weight
Where do you like to go out? My favourite night out is a Sunday, the cabaret circuit is fun and I always finish it off by going to Legends Club where Claire plays all the best cheesiest tunes
Tell us a secret... Af ter doing podcasts for MenTalkHealthUK and divulging a lot of personal infor mation, I really don't think I’ve anything to say that isn't already in the public domain Is it really that big? Hmmmmmm
Nickname behind the bar? I get called a lot of things in the name of banter
Hotel Duty Manager / Front of House & Housekeeping / Front of House & Bar
A newly refurbished Boutique Hotel in Kemp Town is looking for Experienced, Confident, Charismatic, Responsible and Multi-Talented individuals or a couple to join our small team The Hotel is one of Brighton’s newest high-end properties, with 10 sumptuously decorated bedrooms and a stylish Cocktail Bar and Lounge open to both residents and non-residents
We are open to hiring either a couple or an individual who can manage all of the following, or several individuals who can perform certain elements of the role to a high standard:
Oversee the entire operation of the Hotel to maintain high standards at all times
• Complete Front of House Administration, including Housekeeping
• Serve Breakfast, prepare and serve Cocktails and Room Service as required
You must have proven experience in a similar role and knowledge of hotel booking systems and channels
Tasks will include anything from checking guests in and out, managing the bar, making cocktails, preparing and delivering small room services dishes, to ordering supplies and cleaning guest rooms and communal areas as required – a little bit of everything You’ll ensure the Hotel is running as it should be and that rooms are clean and ready for guest arrivals Additionally if you have suggestions and the drive to improve things even further, we want to hear your ideas Training will be provided
If you re a fast-thinker who s calm under pressure, responsible and have flair in customer service, this is your chance to progress your career We are also looking for integrity, a can-do attitude and a team player(s) This role would suit a couple or individual(s) with a passion for providing the best service in town!
If you feel you can oversee the entire operation, this could be an extremely diverse and rewarding role Alternatively, you may wish to be considered for certain elements of the role Please make contact and we will be pleased to discuss possibilities with you
Please forward all relevant details or your CV if you wish to apply to:
Gaynor Gillam, gaynor gillam@delfinologic.com.
We look forward to hearing from you
Salary based on experience Immediate start required
PEER ACTION FOR EVERYONE
Peer Action is a volunteer led support and social network that offers weekly activities for those living with or affected by HIV in Brighton and the surrounding area Our events are aimed at reducing isolation and improving the overall health and wellbeing of our members Listed below are just some of our regular events, we run many events in addition Please go to our website for more information www.peeraction.net
MON Movie Monday MONTHLY SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
TUE Swim @ Brighton Swim Centre (12 30) EVERY TUESDAY Yoga @ Hampshire Lodge (17 45) EVERY TUESDAY
WED Games Night @ Barley Mow (19 00) LAST WEEK OF MONTH
Planning & Social @ Camelford Arms (18.45) 1STOR 2ND WEEK OF MONTH
FRI Bingo @ Gala Kemptown MONTHLY SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
SAT Wellbeing Therapy Day @ THT (from 13.50) 4TH WEEK OF MONTH
SUN Bent Double @ Komedia (19 00) 1ST WEEK OF MONTH Wellbeing Therapy Day @ THT (from 13 50) 2ND WEEK OF MONTH
Bowling @ Bowlplex Marina (19 00) 3RD WEEK OF MONTH
Peer Action is always looking for new members and volunteers to help keep our activities running If you have an idea for an event or want to get involved, please get in touch You might even make a new friend or two www peeraction net
STAND OUT WITH PRIDE!
Enhance your best assets with lovely white teeth by Christina at the Dental Health Spa. Teeth courtesy of Lola Lasagne!
) Everyone wants brighter whiter teeth, so much so that it has become one of the most popular dental treatments with 48 percent of adults thinking a smile is the most memorable feature after they meet someone for the first time
When Lola Lasagne decided to have her teeth whitened there was no doubt in her mind that she wanted to choose the right professional to do the job, after all her mouth is her fortune! But, is whitening a beauty or a dental treatment? Who are the right professionals to use? What do you need to know and are all bleaches the same?
Over the last 10 years there has been so much confusion as to who can legally provide teeth whitening. It’s hardly surprising that people are confused with so many beauticians, hair salons and gyms offering teeth whitening illegally
It is in fact a dental treatment. At the end of 2012, the position as to who and with what was clarified by a European Directive, which allows only dentists, dental hygienists or dental therapies – who are registered with the General Dental Council – to use gels up to 6% hydrogen peroxide directly on patients Products like whitening toothpastes sold over the counter contain less than 0 1% hydrogen peroxide, will not actually whiten your teeth but will remove some stain and inhibit it forming to keep your pearly whites clean. The only product that will safely and effectively whiten teeth is hydrogen peroxide. It needs to be over 3% to have any long-term lasting effect on the internal colour of the tooth. Hydrogen peroxide can be delivered directly from hydrogen peroxide gel, or by gels that break down into hydrogen peroxide (carbamide peroxide or sodium perborate).
So beauticians continue to flout the law by using either products that do not work or worse than can actually damage the teeth,
because they cannot legally use or purchase hydrogen peroxide releasing products over 0.1%. Other non-hydrogen peroxide gels (such as chlorine dioxide) can cause enormous permanent damage to teeth and gums.
With all this in mind here are six questions you should ask when booking teeth-whitening treatments in non-dental settings, such as hair and beauty salons:
) Who is going to perform the whitening? Ask for their full name
) Ask for their GDC number
) Check that the person who will be treating you is on the GDC register Go to www gdc-uk org and click onto 'check your dental professional is registered' and search by either GDC number or full name
) Ask for the name of the product that is going to be used in your mouth
) Ask what the strength the gel is (this will be a percentage) Dental professionals can use up to 6% HP (or 16% carbamide peroxide, which breaks down to 6% HP)
) Ask about what protocols are used for infection control
DENTAL HEALTH SPA
) Zoom White Speed (EU compliant) is available from the Dental Health Spa, 14-15 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3WA.
The treatment costs just £375 and is delivered under the prescription of the resident dentist.
For more information call 01273 710831 or view: https://dentalhealthspa.co.uk
WHY ARE WE SO GLUM?
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people say they experience a lower quality of life according to Office for National Statistics analysis. Jaq Bayles looks at the report ’s findings.
) It’s that time of year when it seems everyone wants to be gay for a day. Wigs and high heels? We can do that. Leathers and motorbikes? Sounds great fun. Bung a rainbow sticker in the shop window and hike up sales? Job done The Pet Shop Boys you say? Pride, here we all come
But just how ‘ gay ’ , in that other sense of the word, do LGB people really feel? And before any other letters in our lexicon of diversity take offence at not being included here, don’t shoot the messenger It’s because the Office for National Statistics survey I’m about to quote doesn’t cover T, Q and I Go figure
The crux of the survey, released to coincide with the annual round of Pride celebrations, is the revelation that lesbian, gay and bisexual people “tend to rate their quality of life as lower than the UK average ” The survey, entitled Personal Well-being and Sexual Identity in the UK, 2013-2015, uses information from the Annual Population Survey three-year dataset, and concludes that: “Across all positive ONS metrics of quality of life, life satisfaction, happiness, and perception that things they do in life are worthwhile, people who were heterosexual or straight rated each of these aspects of quality of life higher than their LGB counterparts ”
And the hardest-hit sector seems to be bisexuals, who, according to the survey, “had the biggest well-being gap, reporting significantly higher levels of anxiety than any other group, as well as reporting lower levels of life satisfaction and happiness”
The report says three in 10 (30%) of those who identified as bisexual reported high levels of anxiety, compared to two in 10 (19%) heterosexual or straight people
But across LGB as a whole it seems we ’ re not happy with our lot, as table 1 (below) shows.
So, why so glum?
“We don’t actually know why people belonging to the LGB community report lower quality of life,” the ONS says, helpfully. “This analysis is an initial step towards highlighting differences but does not take into account a range of factors known to influence well-being when comparing groups
“Research carried out by Stonewall found that one in five LGB employees experienced verbal bullying, and a quarter of them were not open to colleagues about their sexual orientation ”
Further: “The National Institute of Economic and Social Research published a report which found LGB people were more likely to suffer with mental health problems It outlined potential exposure to discrimination and harassment in relation to all aspects of life, including health service access, education, and employment
“Some 12% of all hate crimes in England and Wales in 2015-16 were related to sexual orientation, according to Home Office figures, with 7,194 sexual orientation hate crimes recorded However, only a quarter of people who are victims of such hate crimes actually report it (Galop’s 2016 Hate Crime Report PDF), so these incidents are vastly underreported. Crime Survey estimates suggest that between 2012 and 2015 there were, on average, 29,000 sexual orientation-related hate crimes each year. ”
All of which begs the question, how inclusive is the UK really when it comes to accepting diversity? These figures suggest that there are still tranches of society that have failed to embrace the perceived wisdom that equality has been reached thanks to David Cameron’s largesse in granting marital rights to LGB people and the Church of England’s
grudging decision to allow such unions in its hallowed spaces
I would not be the first to posit a theory that the alleged equal status of LGB people has actually eroded the long-held sense of community that we were used to having, replacing it with a feeling of disenfranchisement and ‘ordinariness’ For so many years it was our difference that held us together – now that we are supposedly part of the ‘ norm ’ we don’t have that commonality that led to the formation of groups to fight for our rights. Paradoxically, it could be the very fact that we got what we wanted that now leaves so many feeling anxious and isolated.
The ONS figures suggest there are an estimated 920,000 people in the UK who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, making up 1.7% of the population – this figure seems to me disproportionately low According to the same ONS figures, more men say they identify as LGB than women, but more women than men identify as bisexual Another 2 2 million people say they don’t know, or refuse to answer, while an estimated 206,000 identify as “other” (see table 2 below)
So, given its inability to determine what lies behind its findings, what is the purpose of this latest report? The ONS has this to say: “By publishing this analysis as Pride takes place around the world, we mark the celebration of equality and diversity by contributing to the debate around societal inequalities in regards to sexual identity
“Understanding how people feel about their lives and how that links with sexual identity is key to the ongoing issue of how policy makers can address these inequalities ”
It is undoubtedly a laudable mission, and the fact that “there are calls to include questions on sexual identity on the 2021 Census for the first time” shows a commitment to the intention of gathering “ more comprehensive, in-depth data that would help policy makers to have a better understanding of the LGB community in England and Wales”.
But, given the report’s findings, how many people will refuse to reveal this information, seeing it as prying or judgemental? Those who already feel disenfranchised may not want to submit to becoming just another statistic. Again.
) To download a ful copy of the report, view: http://visual.ons.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-andbisexual-people-say-they-experience-alower-quality-of-life/
HELEN KLONARIS
This autumn, Small Wonder, the festival dedicated to short stories, is hosting Bahamian writer and LGBT+ activist Helen Klonaris as its British Council International Writer in Residence. By Maria
) The festival takes place in Charleston, once home to the Bloomsbury Group.
A human rights activist, Helen Klonaris’ early years were spent raising awareness around issues that ranged from capital punishment to violence against women to discrimination against LGBT+ Bahamians. She also co-founded organisations and journals such as Woman Speak: A Journal For Caribbean Women's Literature And Art. Much published in journals and anthologies, with Amir Rabiyah she coedited Writing The Walls Down: A Convergence Of LGBTQ Voices, published by Trans-Genre Press, 2015 Her debut collection of short stories, If I Had the Wings, is just out from Peepal Tree Press It’s dynamite These stories take your breath away, her award-winning story Cowboy has already had me in tears
When she heard about the residency she wrote: "I was quite emotional when I found out I’m an islander, and I like to think of short stories as small places where the possibilities for transformation are potent These times need our stories, I think."
I caught up with her by internet, transatlantically...
HK: “I’m speaking to you from a lesbian land collective in Mendocino it’s pitch black and there’s a full moon out and I can hear a lone bull frog braying down by the pond…”
You’re involved in so many amazing projects, when do you manage to write as well? “I like writing in bed. Maybe that’s because bed is so closely connected to dreaming and for me writing comes from that place, the unconscious. I’m intrigued by the way a story begins with a persistent image, and how I walk around with that image, just watching and listening, until it tells me where it wants to go and how Writing is this dialogue between the conscious mind
Jastr
zębska
and the unconscious… the conscious mind asks questions, the unconscious mind sends pictures, sounds in response and then they are in this very long conversation that becomes a story ”
You live between your native Bahamas and California now, how differently did you experience the LGBT+ communities there?
“Yes, when I first moved out to the Bay Area I felt as if I had missed a pivotal moment in US LGBT+ history, that somehow all the battles had already been fought, whereas, in the Bahamas, our communities are still emerging politically There isn’t a great deal of visibility We don’t have LGBT centres, or Pride parades, or large advocacy groups; we do have specific people who are spokespersons for the community, who are doing an amazing job of keeping LGBT issues in the public eye and ear. I was actually a founding member of one of the first ‘out’ LGBT organisations in the Bahamas – the Rainbow Alliance - which sadly doesn’t exist anymore
Can you say a bit more about why ‘these times need our stories’?
“I suppose I’ve always lived with a sense of urgency – a feeling that the everyday I was living in the Bahamas was so impacted by the legacies of colonialism and slavery, for example, that I couldn’t pretend otherwise I think I became a writer to talk back to ‘these times’ I was also a daughter of Greek immigrants, a queer Greek Bahamian girl growing up in a deeply religious community and country, one where you couldn’t question the status quo without being told “God said so, end of story”. Well I didn’t think it was the end of the story, in fact, I thought, we need a new story. Lots of new stories to upset, upend, break out of these old stories and live something we haven’t imagined yet.
“And now, here I am years later living in the US at a time when the leadership of this country is unabashedly calling us to build walls, keep immigrants and Muslims out, institute ‘law and order’ as a response to the continued police aggressions (and killings) of men of African descent, and ignore Indigenous rights, women ’ s rights, and on and on. What I’ve noticed in these first months of this leadership is the overwhelming feeling that people like myself are powerless. The machinery of the government is huge and rolling out and there’s nothing we can do about it Except there is A story may be a small thing, but it’s like the tale about the Emperor’s new clothes It’s the child, small, young, closest to the unconscious who can see what is actually happening and says exactly what is needed to wake everybody up That’s how I see short stories And that’s why they’re so important right now, because we cannot afford to be asleep to the lies of power.
What gives you the strength to keep going?
“I come from an incredible community of writers in the Bahamas – poets like Marion Bethel and Lelawatee Manoo Rahming and Lynn Sweeting and Patricia Glinton Meicholas whose folk tale The Gaulin Wife so inspired my own story, The Dreamers, about a boy who grows wings and flies… so many others… they are my roots, they have been a tremendous part of the shaping of my identity as a Bahamian writer; their work remembers me to myself over and over again when I’ve despaired that as an island woman my life was somehow too small to matter I know that isn’t true Islands are the engines of evolution, I heard a scientist once say And like islands, yes, stories are sites of extraordinary possibility
What are you looking forward to at Small Wonder and what’s next?
“I’m looking forward to meeting other writers and to reading from my new book, meeting folks who are short story lovers I’m looking forward to being on the land where Virginia Woolf walked and wrote, where her sister Vanessa Bell lived and loved and painted I’d love to run into their ghosts in the garden. Now that If I Had the Wings is out in the world, I’m working on finishing a collection of essays – personal essays on imagination and whiteness and what it might take to transform a white supremacist consciousness. And creeping upwards through my unconscious is a novel, or what feels longer than a short story We’ll see This festival is giving me ideas and already there’s a new short story that wants to be told Maybe it will show itself when I get to Charleston I hope so
MORE INFO
) Small Wonder, Charleston, Firle, East Sussex BN8 6LL, Wed, Sept 27 - Sun, Oct 1. www.charleston.org.uk/whatson/festivals/small-wonder/
) If I Had The Wings: Helen Klonaris; Peepal Tree 2017. ISBN 9781845233464, £9.99. More info: www.peepaltreepress.com
) Maria Jastrzębska co-edited Queer In Brighton’s anthology and was co-founder of Queer Writing South.
“Hannah Brackenbury has been described as Victoria Wood and Tim Minchin’s lesbian love child. She’s more than that. She’s Hannah, and her songs are both bloody funny and beautifully touching”
Vicky Nangle (Latest 7)
ONE FUNNY L ADYHANNAH BRACKENBURY
Eric Page catches up with local funny lass, Hannah Brackenbur y, in a rare moment of quiet in her busy showbiz life.
When did you come out?
At 14 I knew, I didn’t feeling anxious about it I went to Derby University at 18 and went to the LGB society meeting and there were people from my course and that was that I shaved my head, pierced my nose, bought some combat trousers and away I went! I told my parents in the summer holidays, it was no great shock to anyone; I’d always been such a tomboy!
In 2009 after living in the Midlands, I took the plunge, handed in my notice, sold everything and moved here It was the best decision I ever made. I was born by the seaside so being back by the sea just felt right and the LGBT+ scene added to that.
What makes you laugh?
Sketch comedy, I adore Saturday Night Live, and I’m obsessed with Kristen Wiig! Her performance in Bridesmaids makes me cry with laughter. I regret never seeing Victoria Wood perform live. She is my biggest inspiration and I always assumed that one day I’d get the chance to see her. My favourite comedy sketch is the Two Ronnies’ ‘Swedish Made Simple’,
they are in a restaurant pretending to speak Swedish using English letters to sound out the words It’s a simple idea, so clever and funny Cracks me up every time! I love word play
When was the last time you cried?
A few days ago, listening to a Scottish folksong called Caledonia by female country duo Ward Thomas It’s the most beautiful simple song, piano, acoustic guitar and twopart vocal harmonies really tugs at the heart-strings. The lyrics talk about moving around and friends coming and going which really struck a chord.
What was the highlight of your recent tour?
Oh I had so much fun! This was my first solo show on tour, a huge undertaking as I did everything myself. In Norwich - the closest date to my home town of Great Yarmouth –was a room full of my family and friends! My mum hired minibuses to bring as many family members from Great Yarmouth as possible! That was a riotous night and my highlight
What makes you angry?
I don’t have much of a temper, I take after my dad who is the most laid-back man you could meet, I have a few pet hates, people eating with their mouth open, noisy eaters! Makes my blood boil!! KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!
What do you sing when no-one’s around and what gets you dancing?
Songs from old musicals, classics like Oliver, My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music films I grew up watching I am besotted with Julie Andrews Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen never fails to get me moving, and it’s always my first choice karaoke song!
Where’s your favourite place in the city?
Nothing beats a spot of people-watching from a window on St James’ Street! The sights you see! I’m a keen cyclist along the Undercliff Walk, especially early mornings in the summer months. It’s beautiful and so peaceful there at sunrise. Bran or Brandy? Do you lead a healthy life?
I try very hard to be healthy but my sweet tooth beats me! Vodka for me, not brandy. I wrote a song that ended up as the title track of my last album - Jumbled (The Vodka Song).
What makes you proud to be LGBT+?
I’m very proud to live in a city with such a liberal outlook; it’s easy to forget how difficult so many LGBT+ folks still have it. I’ve loved being involved with the Rainbow Chorus and I’ve found the gay community in Brighton to be welcoming and inclusive, and gay women naturally make up the majority of my audiences. It’s nice to give something back; I now run a monthly women ’ s social night called Indigo Club which offers quality entertainment for gay women
What’s an overrated pleasure?
Having a massage I always come away aching more than I did before or feeling that it just didn’t quite hit the spot!!
Can you whistle?
Yep But I firmly believe it’s NOT something that should be done in public! Another pet hate is when older men whistle a really ‘showy’ tune and add a little vibrato-like wobble on the notes! I always end up behind one in the supermarket, you can hear them all the way around, there’s no escape!
What’s your favourite rhyme?
There once was a man from Bengal
Who went to a fancy dress ball
He thought “Yeah I’ll risk it”
“I’ll go as a biscuit”
But a dog ate him up in the hall
Up and coming gigs?
I host a women ’ s social night at Latest Music
Bar called Indigo Club; a mix of live music, comedy and cabaret then a dance party till 2am with a different music theme each month! The 1980s themes have been very popular!
MORE INFO
) Next Indigo Club nights: Fri, July 28; Fri, Aug 4 – Pride Special; Fri, Aug 25. ) www.brackers.co.uk ) www.indigoclub.xyz
The 1930’s building, the view and of course the food makes The Hummingbird one of the most unique wedding reception venues in Sussex
Hosting the infamous Pashley Suite, decorated in an authentic art deco style with glass top tables, candelabras and touches of velvet It is a truly glamourous yet intimate reception room seating up to 50 people.
If you’re looking for something larger we can offer full restaurant hire from 7pm This will host a sit down meal for 60 people or a buffet for up to 140 people
With an experienced team of chefs, we can offer various menu options from a five-course dinner to a cold fork buffet Using local ingredients and a good honest approach to food we can make your party an unforgettable experience.
Check out our Trip Advisor reviews for confirmation of our excellent customer service and attention to detail
open evening
On the 20th October we will be hosting an open evening from 7pm-9pm - come and enjoy a free glass of prosecco and canapes and take a look at our reception venue.
RSVP to hummingbird@trufflesbakery.co.uk
DYKES ON BIKES...
...Love women, riding and the open road! By James Ledward
) Dykes On Bikes UK (DOB UK) is an official Women’s Motorcycle Club and social group Apart from their regular fortnightly ride-outs and breakfast meets, the group has achieved many great things this year As well as camping and going to music festivals, DOB UK have attended rallies, gone 10-pin bowling and iceskating, and socialised more formally by going out to dine.
Whilst on their travels, which included some international trips, they’ve had heaps of fun, but their main objective remains to meet new people, make friends and connect with others who have a mutual love of bikes, friendships and the open road.
The UK chapter of DOB UK was founded six years ago and has gone from strength to strength. Today DOB UK is under completely new management. Since its inception the organisation has matured and evolved, giving a new flavour to the pack that is dependent on its members and evolves around its members’ needs
DOB UK’s current President, Raisy Stary, is passionate about motorbikes. She enjoys welcoming new members of all shapes and sizes, while putting them at ease in an environment of fun, friendship and freedom Paramount to her Presidency, Raisy puts safety and sobriety
first and enjoys organising regular spontaneous rides in the great British countryside. She is skilled at putting people at ease, her warm, charming personality means she is able to nurture new riders along, giving them a confidence boost and making sure their safety needs are at the forefront.
With the help of Jo Bangles, the Melbourne President, DOB UK uniquely brought together four Presidents at Mardi Gras in Sydney this year, a feat never accomplished before in the history of Dykes on bikes internationally With the approach of Sydney’s Dykes on bikes 30th Anniversary, they are hoping to bring even more lesbian riders together in March 2018 and would love all UK dykes on bikes to be there supporting them too
This year, DOB UK rode in the parade at Sydney Mardi Gras and at the 40th anniversary of San Fransisco Pride, which is their Mother Club At the beginning of August they will be heading to Germany to ride at Hamburg Pride They will be also supporting Hastings Pride on Sunday, August 27. Do go along and ride with them. Alternatively if you just want to have a chat then join them at the afterparty where they will have a stall and lots of informative conversation.
Recent events in their social and biking calendar included an attempt to break the world record for the most female riders in one place bringing the title back from the Australian Bikers. This event took place on July 16 at Lynn's Raven Cafe, Whitchurch, Shropshire; details are on Facebook under ‘World’s Largest all Female Biker Meet 2017’
Dykes On Bikes Sussex are a not-for-profit club who raise money for charity while riding their motorcycles. They donate every year to different causes like the British Heart Foundation, Ride4Rhinos and Stonewall. They raise money by attending walks and rides such as their annual Egg & Toy run for kids in hospital. They aim to do more charitable work each year as they build and develop the group further
This year is the 50th anniversary of riding for Jay Brady, who DOB UK believe is the oldest Dyke on a Bike within their international chapters Jay turned 70 this year and will be leading the Pride Parade at Hastings, so watch out for a red trike when watching the thunder roll by
DOB UK have members of all ages from many nationalities and are always looking for new members Find them on social media or just go along and say hello at one of their events! This year they will be welcoming two visitors from their Australian club as well as some German Sisters too
One of the great perks of being in an international organisation is the travel. Dykes On Bikes takes members all over the world and can still do that for you too One of the exciting trips planned for the future is an international invitation to all members of Dykes On Bikes to travel up Route 66, driving through 10 states in America on hired motorcycles in 2018 Their American Sisters have been going for 40 years and there are 22 International Chapters worldwide
Dykes On Bikes all have one thing in common that unites them - their love for motorcycles and women But, they are more than that, collectively they’ve become a family, and an international sisterhood. With such a diverse group of women, the freedom of travel teamed with the smell of burning fuel and a passion for the open road, why wouldn't you sign up?
DYKES ON BIKES UK
For further details about their adventures or indeed becoming a member of DOB UK:
) Call Raisy Stary on 07908103945
) Or email: raisystary@gmail.com
) For more info about Dykes on Bike UK, view: dykesonbikessussex.wixsite.com/home
CARRY ON UP THE CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
Or: Why, the next time it happens, I ’m not sure I will bother the police, by Craig Hanlon-Smith
) On the evening of May 13, 2016, my husband and I boarded a First Class train carriage to Manchester from London Euston. We heard the ladies before we saw them, as the group of three, aged between 35 and 55, rolled up the aisle laughing hysterically and demonstrating every gulp of wine they had clearly spent the afternoon mistaking for water and solids As they settled at the table in front of us we were thankfully invisible to them, but they were giving the train crew a particularly hard time
The train manager let it be known that he could have refused to allow them to travel based on their behaviour on the platform, whatever that was, but that they would not be served any alcohol on board As the refreshment trolley arrived, and they were politely refused service of anything stronger than tea, pandemonium ensued.
You can but imagine the self-righteous indignation of Wilmslow’s drunken finest, as the carriage was repeatedly informed by the ringleader of the ladies (I shall refer to her as woman one), just how much money had been spent on First Class tickets which ‘entitled’ them to drink more wine. The train crew were politely and rightly having none of it, and as our leading lady began wafting her chiffon scarf in their faces and screeching as if to impersonate a steam train whistle, the Virgin West Coast staff asked for our help “Please would you be witnesses to what is occurring here?“ the manager apologised, and from the moment we kindly agreed, so it began
As we wrote our names and contact details down for the train manager, woman one, invited herself to come and sit at our table and so ensued an onslaught of abuse which began with her suggesting that my husband’s wife was a slut This was one of only two times I intervened to inform our intruder that
the gentlemen did not to my knowledge have a wife as he was married to me. In the interest of moving the plot forward I shall spare you the grislies, but we had barely moved on to: “You’re both going to die soon because men your age kill themselves“ before woman one took advantage of the information I had graciously given her, and asked: “Were your parents proud of you when you told them you were gay?“ In short this took the lid off one of the accompanying flock, whom I shall refer to as woman two, informed us that, “Your problem is you ’ re too fucking gay, ” and in case we were hard of hearing repeated the latter part of this three times.
The train crew and manager were wonderful throughout, contacting the Virgin Communication Centre and then the police who, we were promised, would soon be boarding and the ladies off-loaded. The hostilities continued throughout the journey, phoning their friends and laughing hysterically, repeating: “We’re going to be arrested because some gay guys think we ’ re homophobic – we ’ re not homophobic” and the manager came and sat at our table, now called “ a queer lover” and “ gay wannabe” for his trouble I’ve spared you the detail but their abuse and humiliation continued unabated for an hour and a half
The police did eventually board in Crewe, 90 minutes into our experience, at which point whilst her companions became mute (woman three had remained pretty silent throughout
to be fair), woman one threw herself to the floor, began kicking the doors and punching the floor (I’m not kidding) and began to wail at the injustice of it all, as she was “just trying to get home to her husband” and “I’m not letting happen to me what happened to those poor people in Hillsborough”.
Were I myself not so upset by the abuse we had just tolerated for an hour and half, I might actually have offered her a cuddle at this point and asked: “You ok, hun?” but to be clear, as we had not engaged with these women at all during this abuse, we were not about to start now
The police took us to another carriage, and we were pursued by two men we had not seen until now who offered their services to the police as witnesses “What these men have been though for the whole journey has been terrible,” they informed the senior officer and he took their details promising they would be contacted in due course We asked if the women would now be removed from the train Alas, no We were assured that now we were in the company of the officers we were safe, and although the Senior Officer apologised, he stated clearly that he did not have the resources to take these women to the station and to remove two officers from active duty to interview them. We were assured that the women, and we, would be interviewed the very next day
The police escorted our aggressors off at their stop in Wilmslow and we were immediately heartened by the switch in atmosphere on the carriage. The witnesses shook our hands and strangers came forward to express some sympathy at our experience One hotelier offered us a complimentary meal and drinks the following evening in central Manchester and the Virgin staff, who had been excellent throughout, took our details and later that week sent gifts to our home The kindness of strangers quite possibly saved us, certainly me, from losing my marbles that evening.
We were indeed interviewed the next day Two officers arrived at my brother’s house in Manchester, much to the excitement of the children, and the interviews lasted for almost three hours, separate officers, in different parts of the house, and we read and signed our statements all within 24 hours of the incident. What I remember about the interview now is being asked: “Do you consider this to have been a hate crime?“
I said, “No ” No, on account that we were dragged into an incident that was originally something completely else Although our sexual orientation was used and abused as a point of fun, insult, intimidation and hostility, I felt their insults were lazy and opportunistic, not
The hostilities continued throughout the journey, phoning their friends and laughing hysterically, repeating “ We’re going to be arrested because some gay guys think we’re homophobic – we’re not homophobic”
DC Henderson informed me that this case had moved from desk to desk and that the women had as yet never been interviewed. In short, the only people to have been interviewed within 24 hours of the incident were myself and my husband, no other interviews had at this time taken place
from a point of hate. It was their overall behaviour that was upsetting. Self-righteous, indignant, drunk, aggressive, abusive, intimidating, hostile, unrelenting and sustained. Utterly anti-social. For at least 90 minutes, despite our calm and unresponsive exterior, we were humiliated, and in that moment I, for one, felt 13, friendless and embarrassed to be myself in the school canteen, in a small town Lancashire in 1985
Aside from a wobble on the return journey two days later, when I felt overwhelmingly anxious, we didn’t give the experience much thought, until almost two months later, I was contacted by a CID officer who informed me the case had been passed to him and he would be visiting the alleged offenders within the week I asked after the investigation and how had the women responded when first interviewed. DC Henderson informed me that this case had moved from desk to desk and that the women had as yet never been interviewed. In short, the only people to have been interviewed within 24 hours of the incident were myself my husband and myself, no other interviews had at this time taken place The officer assured me that now the case was his, it would now progress and gather some speed
To his credit, I received a number of calls from DC Henderson over the coming days to keep me up to date with how the interviews were progressing The most interesting of which was an offer to us both from woman one “The lady in question,” the officer began, “would like me to put to you, that in order to make amends, she is happy to meet you both in London, money is no object and she will take you to a restaurant of your choosing ” At this point, we had thought that any investigation into these women would be on account of all their behaviour, including their hostility towards the train crew and so after consulting my husband, I politely informed DC Henderson that we would not be taking up the offer, as we did not want to make such a decision on behalf of the others involved, nor did we wish to step naked into the viper’s nest.
And then it came: “She’s not your average homophobe, sir ” “Oh?”
“Not at all, she lives in a £1 4million property in a gated complex in Cheshire ” Goodbye, officer
Another three months passed and the police arrived at our house in Brighton, some 250 miles from the incident and original
investigation. The officers undertook additional interviews they now referred to as Victim Impact Statements, and informed us the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) were proceeding with a prosecution of woman one and woman two. An initial Magistrates court date was set for late December and the police stated that as there were four witness statements, the evidence all matched up, they were likely to plead guilty and that would be the end of that
In January we receive a court summons The defendants had pleaded not guilty at their earlier hearing and the Magistrates court trial date is set for mid-March, in Staffordshire, some 10 months after the incident We agree to attend, but do not want to go We become irritable with one another in the run up to the date, there is even one full-blown ‘ proper ’ argument I think borne out of frustration, embarrassment, and all those feelings of being the stupid skinny 13-year-old gay boy shouted at in the playground. The whole episode feels grubby, upsetting and unnecessary, after all, all we did was get on a train and agree to help the beleaguered crew in the face of these drunken women
As we sit in the witness waiting room, it feels uneasy but strangely comforting to be reunited with people who helped us on that night. The train manager, John, arrives with his manager who has attended to support him, small acts of kindness that remind me of the good in the world. We begin discussing the events of 10 months ago and John informs us, “When the police contacted me to make a statement, I had forgotten all about it, it was
more than three months after the fact ” We are stunned Three months? How can a witness be expected to recount accurately events that took place three months prior?
The prosecutor enters and informs us that our statements cannot be located He asks if we have seen and read them recently, and we inform him not since the day we signed them ten months earlier, no. He bumbles off appearing confused, harassed and his dishevelled appearance leaves me with little confidence that he is the man for any job, let alone this one. We hear the names of the defendants called out over the tannoy system, it’s game on. I pull my socks up, breathe deeply, and smile weakly at my husband in the vain hope he will not appreciate how sick I am now feeling
The prosecutor returns, now sweating, and states: “You’ve heard what’s happened?” I have no idea where he thinks we ’ re accessing our court information when we have spent the past 90 minutes in a waiting room with witnesses to cases of domestic violence, pub brawls and bicycle theft
We are informed in somewhat rushed and hurried tones that, in short, the administrators working for the CPS, had completed the paperwork for woman one, the main culprit, in the shenanigans on the train, incorrectly This paperwork had been sent back and forth between the courts, the CPS and the defendant’s solicitor in what can only be described as thinly veiled delaying tactics, and by the time we all arrive at trial the case against her has ‘timed out’. It is now withdrawn by the magistrates and she’s off. All for a simple administrative bungle and a delay in the time it took, woman one will never have to account for her behaviour that night ever again The prosecutor goes on to say that case against woman two, an also ran, who sporadically ‘joined in’ with the tirade of the main accused has been adjourned and will be heard at a later date, we will need to return in a few months time
The lid of decorum I have unnaturally maintained at the instruction and advice of everyone around me, except myself, now blows off: “But she’s the case! Without her, there is no case for anyone to answer!” I shout at the prosecutor who feebly puts his hands up like a saloon barman in an all but forgotten shoddy western and says, “I’m just the messenger ” . I feel my husband’s touch upon my elbow, which after 17 years, I have come to understand means pull it back love, and we leave.
...By the time we all arrive at trial the case against her has ‘timed out’. It is now withdrawn by the magistrates and she’s off. All for a simple administrative bungle and a delay in the time it took, woman one will never have to account for her behaviour that night
I don’t hold back. “ You tell me,” I say, “ whether a statement taken within 24 hours of the incident is more or less accurate than one taken two months later ”
I spend the next few days trying to make sense of what has happened and our witness liaison administrator, Loretta Ray, tries to be as helpful as possible She explains that, although the charge against woman one was clear in the detail of the court papers, the technicality of law states that court documentation must be completed accurately, and it has to be written into a specific box on the form. It was not, and as a result, the form was sent back to be corrected.
However, Loretta was off sick with a bad leg for four weeks and no one opened her post –are you keeping up? Upon returning to work, it was already too late. The CPS did not believe the technicality of law would matter to any great extent and so pursued the case anyway until it was thrown out of court And as I reread this, I am reminded of the plot of many a Carry On film, the later ones, that were not funny
I explain to a not nearly bewildered enough Loretta, that the delays by the police in interviewing the accused, then in interviewing other witnesses, then the lack of attention to detail in the administration of this case leads me to feel that it simply did not matter enough A couple of queens take some verbal stick on the train, nobody died, no one was physically hurt and it is just not a priority. I am transferred to Loretta’s supervisor and repeat my feelings and am told: “It’s not like that,” and “Of course this was taken seriously.”
Some months later, and to our total surprise, the case against woman two comes back to court. Whilst I appreciate that the lady in question did play her part, and did hurl some unpleasantries in our direction, and despite my complete lack of legal credentials, I cannot see it sticking, but the CPS insist and she is charged with a range of verbal related ‘assaults’ with the ‘intent to cause distress’ And so back to the Premier Inn at Cannock for a second court appearance for an event which now took place some 13 months prior
Let us not dwell too much on the continuing incompetence of those employed by the CPS In brief, I received an email confirming train tickets booked for a Sunday, when they were in fact booked for the Monday We did not receive any court notifications or paperwork, when previously we had received reams of it. This was then hastily emailed less than a week before, and clearly identified a 2pm afternoon court session. At 9.35am on the day of the appearance, I receive a phone call from the prosecutor asking where I am as I was expected at court no later than 9.15am. There is, of course, an error on the paperwork and the court session is set to begin at 10am As
all witnesses were invited to attend a court appearance at 2pm, none of the others are able to be there in time for the hearing and arrive much later in the day, once the magistrates have already decided not to waste any more time, and simply read through their statements, not question their authors in person
I give evidence for close to 90 minutes The prosecutor (a different one) is quite impressive this time around and asks me to describe several times how the incident had made me feel. The defence lawyer is sympathetic to the experience we had endured, but I can see how this is going to go. His focus is regarding the actions of woman one, who is not present, and suggests that my story is exaggerated to suit my purpose and it is my word against his client’s. He points out to me and to the court, who can in truth decide whether my version of events or his client’s is the correct memory of the incident?
I don’t hold back. “You tell me, ” I say, “whether a statement taken within 24 hours of the incident is more or less accurate than one taken two months later,” and although the clerk to the court suggests I may wish to sit in the session for the rest of the day, I politely decline and go home I am done with it
A week later, I receive a phone call from Loretta at the CPS witness care division, to inform me that woman two was found ‘not guilty’, and I am, alarmingly to myself, incredibly upset Not at the verdict, I expected it, I did not believe there was a case against woman two, not on her own, but upset at the whole sorry process
The incident itself made me feel like a stupid and unattractive gay teenager who would never amount to much, and it was alarming to me how despite when 30 years later you have a great husband, terrific friends, you are
secure, content, loved, liked, busy, wanted, and yet all of that teenage horror springs into action in a moment, the anxiety returns and hovers like a threatening thundercloud for months.
More so, the disregard for all of that human sensitivity in how this process was poorly managed by the police and the CPS For the women not to be dealt with in the moment because the resource is not available, for the accused then not to be interviewed for two months as the case is passed “from desk to desk”. For the witnesses not to be interviewed for three months the reasons for which are unknown; for the total incompetence in completing legal paperwork incorrectly which enables the main horrid culprit to walk away unscathed, and leave woman two crying in the spotlight she should quite possibly never have been in the first place And for all this to have happened, because we boarded a train, as so many of us do every day, and were asked to help a fellow human being who was taking stick whilst trying to do their job.
The most recent court appearance was, at the time of writing, less than two weeks ago and the verdict delivered to my doormat only a few days ago. The events of the past 13 months may therefore be too close to call, but I have to ask myself the following questions. Faced with the same set of circumstances again, would I put my trust in authority and the ‘right way of doing things’?
When asked to help a staff member in trouble, should my response now be: “Nah mate –you ’ re on your own, I’m not getting involved”? Who would blame me? Should I have accepted the invitation for a slap up meal swilled down to certain gout with litres of champagne? After all, our friend escaped justice anyway, why not at least see her openly buying her way out of it and get drunk on the proceeds?
We should all fear the cuts to public services, when as a result the aggressive anti-socialites will just be sent home to snuggle up with a hot water bottle Any suggestion in this part of the world that LGBT+ liaison officers are not needed nor part of future budget plans should be openly and publicly resisted, these officers are there to help us, and without them? Well, see above. And should there be a next time, would I sit quietly with polite decorum in the face of a sustained, horrible and public tirade of abuse and let the justice system run its course? Well that remains to be seen.
I used to be angry with those who were victims of such incidents, and did not report it to the police. “You have a duty, to all of us, ” I would say. Now, I understand them more.
And should there be a next time, would I sit quietly with polite decorum in the face of a sustained, horrible and public tirade of abuse and let the justice system run its course? Well that remains to be seen...
“As gay men we must negotiate who we are in a cultural context where heterosexual versions of masculinity are more valued”
Masculinity should look heterosexual; heterosexual masculinity is opposed to effeminacy; anti-effeminacy is therefore normative, and even desirable for some gay men
“I DON’T WANT TO BE SEEN AS A
SCREAMING QUEEN”
Gay men’s experiences
James Ravenhill
) When people ask why I chose to study 'gay masculinities' for my PhD, I think back to the time my car broke down on the A23, and the rescue service sent along this good looking, 30-something man to help: a knight in fluorescent armour The car was fixed promptly, but as I headed home, I couldn’t stop thinking about my interaction with this guy Why had my voice dropped by an octave as I described to him what had happened? Why had I talked about the names of car parts that I knew nothing about? And what was with that feeling of blind panic when he’d asked me to “try and turn her over”?
As I drove home, I realised that I had unconsciously activated a well-rehearsed mode for managing a particular social interaction: a conversation with an unknown (straight) man. In fact, I don't know if the man from the AA was straight, but that doesn’t really matter. What interested me was my reaction to my stereotyped assumption about him. I guessed he was straight and, without thinking, I started performing a certain masculinity that I thought he might find acceptable, right there on the hard shoulder
This was not necessarily about hiding my sexual orientation; rather it was motivated by a wish to avoid that familiar feeling of 'difference', or perhaps even inferiority In Western society, heterosexuality is normative and things that are normative are more socially desirable Therefore, as gay men we must negotiate who we are in a cultural
of masculinity
by
context where heterosexual versions of masculinity are more valued
So how do we respond? What strategies do gay men use to construct an identity that they experience as valued in a heteronormative society? How do gay men ’ s beliefs about masculinity influence their experiences of being men, and being gay?
It was these questions that I addressed in my PhD research, supervised by Dr Richard de Visser at the University of Sussex The research findings suggest that masculinity in its traditional and normative sense is central to many gay men ’ s identities Such men value their hairy faces and bodies, their sporting prowess, their muscularity, and their 'top' selflabels (or at least, others’ assumptions that they are tops).
Masculine behaviours can have compensatory value – for example, men who want to avoid the stereotype of femininity associated with being a 'bottom' may find themselves spending a lot of time in the gym, to make up for their perceived 'transgression'.
A core part of a commitment to normative standards of masculinity is anti-effeminacy: being gay might be acceptable, so long as 'gayness' is not too visible. Some might argue that masculine men are simply more sexually appealing, but we need to ask ourselves why? Perhaps gay men have internalised the messages that they have been exposed to throughout their lives that set out what 'being a man' should look (and sound) like
However, some of the men I spoke to as part of my research contested the importance of masculinity, claiming that it is too unpredictable and inconsistent to be meaningful Whether a man is perceived as masculine depends on what he is doing, where he is doing it and who is watching – perhaps it’s just easier to be unconcerned.
Other participants in my studies suggested that because straight men seem to be increasingly feminised (hence the rise of the 'metrosexual' man, and of the 'bromances' often depicted in Hollywood movies), gay men may face less pressure to conform to heteronormative standards of masculinity. Perhaps the gap between heterosexual and gay masculinities is narrowing.
Even men who have a strong sense of masculine identity and traditional beliefs about masculinity may value opportunities to display non-masculine or effeminate behaviours. Some of the men I interviewed described feeling “relieved” when they were out on the gay scene, because certain gay spaces provide the opportunity to “let go ” from the masculine gender performance they feel obliged to enact in everyday interactions
Masculinity may be valued in many social contexts, but being camp can have value too –perhaps because it’s experienced as frivolous, irreverent and fun, or perhaps because it’s a way for some gay men to 'own' their gayness
The findings from my PhD research offer some insights to how gay men ’ s behavioural practices may be guided by their responses to messages about what it takes to be 'a real man' in contemporary UK society As gay men, we may feel that we cannot truly achieve a valued masculine identity, and this could have implications for our well-being. Perhaps instead we need to critique normative expectations of what it means to be 'a man' and what it means to be 'gay', and simply embrace who we are.
) James Ravenhill, University of Sussex, www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/134643
t #JamesElZorro
) This project was supervised by Dr Richard de Visser at University of Sussex.
) FOOD Mon–Fri 11am–8pm; Sat & Sun 10.30am–8pm; Sunday roasts from 12pm–sold out SPECIALS: Mon–Wed, 5–8pm: main course from specials menu and a pint or medium glass of house wine £10
) DRINK PROMOS House wine £10 90 a bottle Double-up on a premium gin and tonic for £2
) PRIDE WEEKEND Fri (4) PRIDE OPENING PARTY
star ts with Sally Vate at 8pm, then Dolly Diamond, direct from Melbourne, Australia, at 9 30pm Dolly has had great success hosting and performing cabaret and at major live events internationally Combining superb comic skills at vocal talent, Dolly keeps her audiences on the edge of their seats
She says: “I've been in Melbourne for the last eight years and my trips back to Brighton are a highlight If you don't keep coming back to show everyone what you can do they'll forget you - just look at Drag W ith No Name! I spend so much of my time helping the less fortunate, so it'll be good to see Lola again You've never met anyone nicer, mind you I’ve got a bit of a tongue and I'm not afraid to use it I'll be singing up a storm, bringing Que Sera Sera and Love is in Air back to the seafront along with some new songs I'm there to have a good time just as much as the audience; it's why God made vodka! I'm more than ready to start making new memories over the Pride weekend, it'll feel like Mardi Gras when I get there!”
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Sun (27) is AN EVENING WITH JASON THORPE plus Karaoke at 7pm
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri is LIVE ENTERTAINMENT alternating between Jason Thorpe’s Karaoke and Sally Vate’s FUN FRIDAY FROLIC S, both at 9pm sharp
Information is correct at the time of going to press Gscene cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings
TUESDAY 1
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY The Regency Singers pres Piano Singalong 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke: Marilyn Manswoon 7pm
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 2
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3 30pm
l CHARLES ST Mrs Moore’s Bona
Bingo Bonanza: fundraiser for THT South 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Pre-Pride Comedy
Carnival: Ali McFarlan & guests raising money for Rainbow Fund 7.30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Geoff Simkins 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke Competition: Linda Bacardi, £50 prize 7pm
) OPEN Mon–Thu 6pm–1am, Fri 5pm–3am, Sat 4pm–3am, Sun 4pm–1am
(till 3am Bank Holiday Sun 27)
) DRINK PROMOS ‘Appy hour every Fri & Sat for those with the Bar Broadway app!
) PRIDE WEEKEND BROADWAY PRIDE JUKEBOX Fri (4), Sat (5) and Sun (6), 12pm–3am Download the Broadway app, make your request, and get special Pride drink deals only available via the Broadway app! No wristband needed all weekend and the Broadway Lounge is open every day
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Sun (27) is SHOWTUNE
KARAOKE with Sally Vate and R oss Cameron at 8 30pm
Bar Broadway say: “Pick your favourite song, find a tenuous link to a movie and show us your talent!” ) Mon (28) is The FIREPLACE SESSIONS presented by Miss Treated, winner of the Drag Idol Brighton heat, at 8 30pm
) ONE FOR THE DIARY The search for THE VOICE OF BROADWAY 2017 star ts on Wed (16) with OPEN MIC NIGHT hosted by Jason Thorpe at 9pm Instrument or backing track, Bar Broadway want to see your talent!
) REGUL ARS Tue the R egency Singers present PIANO SING-ALONG at 9pm ) The BIG THURSDAY NIGHT QUIZ with R oss Cameron and prizes at 8pm, entry fee £1 to charity Men Talk Health ) Fri & Sat is BROADWAY
JUKEBOX Download the Bar Broadway app and request your favourite songs! ) Sun at 8 30pm the FIREPLACE
SESSIONS present: Paul Diello (13) and R oxanne Abbott (20) R oxanne, originally from Johannesburg, makes music to make you smile It’s her Bar Broadway debut and her energetic mix of showtunes with upbeat par ty numbers will surely get you on your feet!
THURSDAY 3
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request
Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Thursday Quiz:
Ross Cameron, prizes 8pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO pre-par ty 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now
That’s What I Call Pride: Pre-Pride Par ty:
DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash
Pre-Pride Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST Throwback Thursday
Pride Special: DJ Ruper t Ellick & hostess
Ms Joan Bond 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Pride Pub Quiz in aid of Rainbow Fund 7.30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Able Mabel’s Balmy Bingo 8.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Pride Cabaret: Drag With No Name 9.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday: 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE live world music: Fleur de Paris 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Pete Bennett’s Big Bender 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Local Ladies Cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm
l REVENGE FOMO Pride Opening Par ty: DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE Club Silencio’s Babadook’s First Pride: all welcome 8 30pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Quiz: £50 top prize 7.30pm
BAR 7 CRAWLEY
) 7 Pegler Way, Crawley, RH11 7AG, Tel: 01293 511177, www 7crawley co uk
) OPEN 6pm daily ) DRINK PROMOS Tue, Fri & Sat drink deals all night
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Sat (26) is the UV PARTY with DJs playing tunes to make you glow on the dancefloor from 8pm ) Sun (27) is BANK HOLIDAY KARAOKE with After Par ty from 6pm
) REGUL ARS Tue is CREWSDAY with DJ Lewis Osborne spinning the tunes ) Fri is 7-UPSTAIRS with all-star DJs playing pop/dance /guilty pleasures at 8pm, free entry till 11pm ) Sat is 7-SINS with DJ Jazzy Jane spinning tunes at 8pm, free entry till 11pm ) Sun is KARAOKE with DJ Bullard at 8 30pm
FRIDAY 4
l AMSTERDAM Pride Opening Par ty: Sally Vate 8pm; Cabaret Show: Dolly Diamond 9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Pride Jukebox 12pm
l BAR REVENGE Pop-Tar tz & Pride warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pride Glitter 2-Floor Par ty: DJs David Noakes, Mak & guests 8pm
l BOUTIQUE Pride Warm Up: DJ Oli, shot drops & guest Britney 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club & Pre-Pride Party 6pm-very late
l CHARLES ST Fabulous Pride Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Pre-Pride House Rules: DJ Nick Hirst 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Pre-Pride Par ty:
Open Mic with Krissie Du Cann 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Pride Glitter
Terrace Par ty: Stephanie Von Clitz 6pm
l MARINE TAVERN Friday Night
Project Pride Special: Stephanie Von Clitz & Candi Rell 9pm
l OHSO SOCIAL Pre Pride Classic: DJs Russell Small (Freemasons) & Mikee Hollywood 6pm-3am
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S All-Day Karaoke: Betty Swollocks & Linda Bacardi 2pm
l SUBLINE Pre-Pride Par ty: Mounting Pressure 9pm-4am
l ZONA ROSA Down the Rabbit Hole: comedy night incl 6 comedians & compere Charmaine Davies 8pm
l ZONE Sally Vate’s Pre-Pride Party 10pm
SATURDAY 5
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Pride Jukebox 12pm
l BAR REVENGE Outside Pride Par ty: street performers, outside ‘bug bar’, firebreathers, drag acts, LED robots,
A U G U S T
BRIGHTON SAUNA
) 75 Grand Parade, BN2 9JA, Tel: 01273 689966 www.thebrightonsauna.com
) OPEN Mon–Thur 10–1am, Fri 10am through till 1am on Mon If it’s your first visit and you’re nervous, then the Brighton Sauna boys are on hand to show you around, and there’s also the Brighton Sauna Chat Room where you can chat to guys before visiting! See: www.thebrightonsauna.com/sauna-chat-room/Brighton TBS is modern, clean and well presented, with a brand new steam room, 12-man jacuzzi, cinema, free hot drinks, smoking area, private cabins, filtered water, towels, lockers, computers, super-fast Wi-Fi, large lounge, 70” TV, masseurs and a café & licensed bar You’ll be safe at all times, and not pushed into anything you don't want to do Some people just come for the facilities and nothing more
) PRIDE WEEKEND For all Pride info, visit: www thebrightonsauna com
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Get your kink on at the FETISH NIGHT on Mon (21) from 6pm Brighton Sauna say: “ Whatever your kink, be it sportswear, rubber, leather, underwear, be sure to come down and meet like-minded kinky fellas at the awardwinning Brighton Sauna!”
) REGUL ARS Monday theme nights from 6pm: YOU TAKING THE P*SS waterspor ts night (7), BEARS NIGHT (14) and TRANSGENDER NIGHT (28) )
NAKED DAYS every Wed from 11–1am and Sun 12pm–close You'll get a small towel for drips and a regular towel to shower with before you leave, but NO towels can be worn on these days The Brighton Sauna boys say: “It's about letting it all hang out and feeling free! What better way to chill out at the end of the weekend than having everything on show Give it a try - it's a fantastic day ”
pyrotechnics & 60s decor 6pm; DJs 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pride Fusion 2 floor par ty: DJs Claire Fuller, Peter Castle, David Noakes, guests 8pm
l BOUTIQUE Pride Roof Terrace Par ty 11am; DJs Lady Lola, Gem Precious, Pedro Sedso & more 4pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Pride Party 12pm
l CHARLES ST Pride Summer of Love
2 floor par ty: DJs Grant Knowles, Morgan Fabulous, David Noakes & Lee Jeffers
6pm
l CROWN & ANCHOR INN Pride
Breakfasts 9am
l DR BRIGHTONS Pre-Pride Parade
drinks: free shots 10am; Pride Summer of Love Par ty: DJs Tony B & Lizzie Curious 6pm
l ENVY Pride Summer of Love 2 floor par ty: DJs Grant Knowles, Morgan Fabulous, David Noakes & Lee Jeffers
11pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Pride Day 10am; Pride cabaret: Davina Sparkle 9 30pm
l HORSE MEAT DISCO@PAT TERNS
Brighton Pride Official Par ty: DJs Severino DJ, Luke Howard, Fat Tony, Paul Heron, Jeffery Hinton & Freddie Dimanche 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pride Terrace Par ty:
DJs Claire Fuller, Peter Castle, David Noakes, guests 6pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pride: cabaret stage, live PAs, outside bar & DJs 3pm
l OHSO SOCIAL Pride Beach Par ty:
DJs Seamus Haji, Chris Pullin & Lady Lola on the terrace 10pm
l PARIS HOUSE Pride Jazz 4pm; TC’s
Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S All-Day Karaoke: Kayne & Gloria Hole 2pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS QA Pride Street
Par ty Stage: host Spice + Mar tha D'Ar thur, Cherry Liquor, Danielle Arbisi, Nicole Moattarian, Karma & Epicene, Stephanie Von Clitz, Allan Jay, Talia Dean, JP Christian, Hear t & Soul, Gabriella Parish, Wain Douglas (Kara Van Park) & many more 6pm
BOUTIQUE
) 2 Boyces St, West St, BN11AN, 01273 327607
www.boutiqueclubbrighton.com
) OPEN 4pm–late Sun–Fri, 1pm–late Sat Closed Mon (28) August Bank Holiday
) FOOD All day till 10pm
) DRINK PROMOS Mon–Fri: bottles of Moet £50 & Veuve £60 Five J -Bombs for £5 and 2-4-1 selected cocktails For all industry workers, Mon–Fri For all discounts, ask at the bar
) PRIDE WEEKEND Free entr y for Gscene readers all weekend Quote Gscene on the door! ) Fri (4) is the PREPRIDE PARTY with Boutique’s favourite Britney and shot drops from 9pm ) Sat (5) is the PRIDE WEEKEND ROOF TERRACE PARTY with great views of the parade from 11am; DJs Lady Lola, Gem Precious, Pedro Sedso and more then spin tracks till the wee hours ) Sun (6) sees the PRIDE PARTY continue with an ALL-DAY SUNDAY SESSION from 4pm
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND BANK HOLIDAY SUNDAY SESSIONS (27) with DJ Pr ynesh from 10pm
) REGUL ARS Star t the weekend with a bang every Fri with DJ Oli, shot drops and giveaways from 10pm Giveaways/ themes: Summer Shake Up with VIP booth giveaways for the best dressed (11) and Karaoke Madness with Private Hire Giveaway for the best singing group (18)
) Sat: Learn how to make your favourite cocktail at the Open Cocktail Master Class in Bar 2 from 8pm Join renowned DJ Pr ynesh, DJ Thierre (19), for tunes/ themes/specials/giveaways from 10pm Roof terrace par ties all evening!
l REVENGE Pride 2 floor par ty: DJs, fire-breathers, angle grinders, LED robots, drag hosts & shot boys 8pm
l SUBLINE Pride: The Ma(i)n Event 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Pre-Pride Breakfasts & BBQ 9am
l VELVET JACKS Pride Breakfasts 9 30am
l ZONA ROSA Pride Breakfasts 8 30am
l ZONE Pride Day 10am; Pride Par ty
@ Zone: outside bars/ enter tainment 6pm
SUNDAY 6
l AMSTERDAM Sunday roasts 12pmtill gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Pride Jukebox 12pm
l BAR REVENGE Outside Pride Par ty: street performers, outside ‘bug bar’, firebreathers, drag acts, LED robots, pyrotechnics & 60s decor 3pm; DJs 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pride
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l BOUTIQUE Pride Sunday Par ty 4pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Pride Party 12pm
l CHARLES ST Apres Pride: resident DJs 8pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Pride Hangover Therapy: Reflex 80s Night with DJ Adam Rice 8pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pride non-stop cabaret fundraiser for Rainbow Fund: Lola Lasagne, Mary Mac, Mrs Moore, Mar tha D'Ar thur, Rose Garden, Miss Jason, Sally Vate, Stephanie Von Clitz, Cassidy Connors, Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, Lucinda Lashes, Jason Lee, Maisie Trollette, Spice,
) OPEN daily from 12pm Pride: Open till extra late on Fri (4), Sat (5) & Sun
(6) The most dog-friendly pub in town
) FOOD Mon–Sat 12–9pm; Sunday roasts and select menu 12pm–till gone; seniors’ lunch Wed 2–3.30pm, two courses £9.50
) PRIDE WEEKEND Thur (3) PRE PRIDE QUIZ night at 9pm ) Fri (4) is FRIDAY CLUB and PREPRIDE PARTY at 6pm, open till extra late! ) Sat (5) is the PRIDE PARTY from 12pm till extra late ) Sun (6) PRIDE PARTY continues from 12pm till extra late ) Mon (7) is the POST-PRIDE COME DOWN from 12pm
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Sun (27) is the BANK HOLIDAY BEAR BASH & RAFFLE with free food at 5pm
) REGUL ARS Sun is BEAR BASH, free food and raffle at 5pm ) Thur BIG CASH QUIZ at 9pm with a £300 cash prize, free sarnies and great atmosphere
Dave Lynn, Jennie Castell, Davina Sparkle, Kara Van Park 3pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pride: cabaret stage, live PAs, outside bar & DJs 3pm; Drag Open Mic Pride Special 9pm
l OHSO SOCIAL Once Upon A
Dancefloor official Pride par ty: DJs Dulce Danger and Maze & Masters 5pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Simon
Studd 6.30pm
l PRISCILL A’S All Day Karaoke: Betty Swollocks & Princess C*nty 2pm
l REVENGE Pride Sunday: The Powder Room pres Alyssa Edwards & suppor t from host Natalia Kalashnikov & Crystal Lubrikunt, Lydia L'Scabies, Rococo
Chanel & House of Decay 6pm; Neon
Par ty: Pride closing par ty: FOMO DJs on level 1; Anthem on level 2 with DJ Toby Lawrence 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS QA Pride Street
Par ty Stage: host Davina Sparkle & Patti
O'Dors w/ Miss Jason, Sally Vate, Lucinda Lashes, Rose Garden, Mrs Moore, Trudi Styles & the Pianoman, Stephanie Von
) Club 11:11 takes place in the Rialto Theatre, a beautiful gothic Grade 2 listed building on Dyke Road The club, which has already been hugely successful in London, offers “a Queer clubbing experience for every gender in one space” and the organisers encourage expression and welcome all kinds of genders, preferences and kinks Club 11:11 say: “11:11 is a spiritual number which represents awakening We believe that through dance music and sexual expression we can find enlightenment, friendship and freedom 11:11 was the first club to be invited to host a tent at the queer spirit festival in 2017 and Brighton’s Gay Pride 2017 We are currently the only club offering this kind of space, crowd and music for those who are a little different and enjoy being part of something unique See you on the dancefloor!” Join the Club 11:11 mailing list to keep up to date with news, events and promotions
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Sat (26) BANK HOLIDAY
PARTY with host Cassandra and DJs Chicken (East Bloc, Kaos London, Transister London) and Jezebel (White Par ty Miami, 11:11 London, Transister London) play noncommercial / forward-thinking, deep rhythms 10pm–5am, early bird tickets available from the Club 11:11 website Dress code: Kinky, quirky, cabaret, burlesque, creative!
Clitz, Mar tha D'Ar thur, Lola Lasagne, Destiny Michelle, Topsie Redfern, Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, Jason Lee, Spice, Dave Lynn & Maisie Trollete 3pm
l SUBLINE Pride: Staying Power 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Pride Calm Down Jazz Roast 2pm; Sunday roasts 12-5pm
l ZONA ROSA Pride Breakfasts 8.30am
l ZONE Pride Day 2 11am; Pride Par tye: outside bars/ enter tainment 3pm
MONDAY 7
l BRIGHTON SAUNA You Taking the P*ss: waterspor ts night 6pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Post-Pride Come Down 12pm
l CHARLES STREET Pride Monday Cabaret: Mary Mac 7pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8 30pm; Bang Bang: DJ Rupert Ellick 10 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pride Cabaret
3.30pm; Miss Jason’s Mad Monday
9.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Staff Pride After Par ty 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Andy Woon & guests 2pm; Nigel Price 8pm
TUESDAY 8
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY The Regency Singers pres Piano Singalong 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke: Marilyn Manswoon 7pm
WEDNESDAY 9
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm
l CHARLES ST Mrs Moore’s Bona
Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Sam Carlese 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke Competition: Linda Bacardi, £50 prize 7pm
) FOOD served Mon–Sat 12–8pm Tue Dog Tails: deals incl 2-4 £7.99 on select mains Bottomless Pizza & Prosecco every Sat & Sun 1–5pm with two 90-minute sittings, 1pm and 2.30pm, £20 per person Pre-booking required call 01273 624091 or email: charlesstreet brighton@stonegatepubs com
) DRINK PROMOS Half price 5–9pm Mon–Sat & all night Sun from 8.30pm, right after the cabaret Some exceptions apply ) Pride: Happy hours apply Fri (4), no happy hours on Sat (5) & Sun (6) ) PRIDE WEEKEND Free entr y: Fri (4), Sat (5) & Sun (6) ) Thur (3) THROWBACK THURSDAY Pride Special hosted by Miss Joan Bond with DJ R uper t Ellick, guilty pleasures/ retro anthems at 9pm, £2 entry with £1 going to Pride ) Fri (4) is FABULOUS PRIDE FRIDAY with DJ Morgan Fabulous, house anthems 9pm ) Sat (5) FIERCE PRIDE, resident DJs inc Claire Fuller and Lee(roy) The fun star ts on
PRIDE SATURDAY at 12pm! Charles Street say: “It’s free entry all day and night, but subject to capacity It’s going to be one hell of a party!” ) Sun (6) is APRES PRIDE from 8pm, char t/dance/house tunes to see out the Pride Weekend in true Charles Street style, bar opens at 12pm ) Mon (7) SHOWTIME with tar tan wrapped Mar y Mac, hit songs, banter and fabulous style from 7pm; then Sally Vate’s ROCK & ROLL BINGO; then BANG BANG with DJ R uper t Ellick at 10 30pm
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Mon (28) award-winning Mar y Mac at 7 30pm; Sally Vate’s ROCK & ROLL BINGO follows; BANG BANG with DJ R uper t Ellick at 10.30pm
) REGUL ARS Wed is Mrs Moore’s BONA BINGO BONANZA raising money for THT South at 9pm ) SUNDAY CABARET at 7.30pm: Nan (13), Sandra (20) & Lizzy Drip (27) ) Sunday (exl Pride & 27) after the cabaret Sally Vate’s ROCK & ROLL BINGO with big cash prizes ) Mon BANG BANG with DJ R uper t Ellick at 10pm, free entry
) PRIDE WEEKEND Sat (5) PRIDE SUMMER OF LOVE PARTY with superstar DJs on 2 floors: Grant Knowles, Morgan Fabulous, David Noakes and Lee Jeffers from 11pm–5am, dance/house upstairs, commercial/pop downstairs Free entry but £5 VIP Q-jump tickets are available now! Envy say: “ We’ll help continue the party from the park with outstanding DJs and atmosphere This is where the party really gets going!”
THURSDAY 10
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Thursday Quiz: Ross Cameron, prizes 8pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO pre-par ty 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now
That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST Throwback Thursday: DJ Ruby Roo & hostess Ms Joan Bond 9pm
) OPEN Mon–Thur 3pm–midnight; Fri & Sat 1pm–2am; Sun 1pm–midnight Pride: Fri (4) 1pm–3am, Sat (5) 10–3am, Sun (6) 4pm–2am, closed Mon (7)
) DRINK PROMOS all day Sun–Thur; 1pm–close on Fri; 1–7pm on Sat 2-4-1
Cocktails all day Sun–Fri and till 7pm on Sat Free pool with every round daily
G R O S V E N O R
) 16 Western Street, Hove, BN1 2PG, www.thegrosvenorbar.com
) OPEN daily from 12 noon–late
) PRIDE WEEKEND Fri (4) is the Pre-PRIDE PARTY with OPEN MIC hosted by Krissie Du Cann from 9pm ) Sat (5) is PRIDE From 10am; Davina Sparkle performs in the evening from 9 30pm Davina says: “Davina will be sparkling at the Grosvenor Bar so come and join her for a gay old time af ter all no one should dull your sparkle!”
) REGUL ARS Thur is Abel Mabel’s BALMY BINGO at 8 30pm ) Fri (11 & 18) is OPEN MIC with Krissie DuCann at 9pm ) Sat is top CABARET at 9.30pm: Miss Jason (12), Maisie Trollette (19) and Jason Lee (26)
) PRIDE WEEKEND Wed (2) Ali MacFarlan’s COMEDY CARNIVAL at 7 30pm, £5 per person to the Rainbow Fund ) Thur (3) PRIDE PUB QUIZ in aid of the Rainbow Fund at 7 30pm, £2 per person, max of five per team Doctor Brighton’s say: “Join us in the run up to Pride weekend We're raising funds for the Rainbow Fund with prizes galore and a raffle!” ) Fri (4) Pre-Pride HOUSE RULES with DJ Nick Hirst at 9pm ) Sat (5) PRE-PARADE DRINKS from 10am; free shots; PRIDE SUMMER OF LOVE PARTY with DJs Tony B and Lizzie Curious from 6pm ) Sun (6) PRIDE HANGOVER THERAPY from 4pm; then DJ Adam Rice’s REFLEX 80s night at 8pm Adam says: “Reflex is a night of total 'guilty pleasures', it's not cool, it's fun, it's tongue in cheek, it s what the 80s were! Expect classics from Donna Summer, Footloose, Kylie, Queen, ABBA , Grease, Dirty Dancing and plenty of one-hit wonders! The night is all about fun, laughter and having a good time ”
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND VINYL FRIDAY (25) with DJs playing vinyl-only at 9.30pm ) The SATURDAY SESSION (26) with DJ Tony B at 9pm ) Sun (27) is DJ Adam Rice’s REFLEX 80s Night at 8 30pm
) REGUL ARS Fri (11) DOCTOR’S PARTY with 70s–90s tunes at 9 30pm ) Fri (18) is SOUL SOLUTION with soul classics/r&b at 9 30pm
) SATURDAY SESSIONS with DJ Tony B at 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Able Mabel’s Balmy Bingo 8 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday: 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE live world music: Tudo Bem 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Pete Bennett’s Big Bender 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Local Ladies
Cabaret: Kara Van Park 9 30pm
l REVENGE FOMO DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Quiz: £50 top prize 7 30pm
FRIDAY 11
l AMSTERDAM Jason Thorpe’s Karaoke or Sally Vate’s Fun Friday Frolics 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BAR REVENGE Pop-Tar tz warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ Oli & shot drops 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST Fabulous Fridays: DJ
Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Doctor’s Par ty: DJ 9.30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Open Mic with host Krissie Du Cann 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter: Stephanie
Von Clitz 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pre-Big Scrum 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Miss Meryl 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S All-Day Karaoke: Betty
Swollocks & Linda Bacardi 2pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Thank QA It’s Friday
Cabaret: Rose Garden 9 30pm
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs 10.30pm
l SUBLINE The Big Scrum spor tskit night 10pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS DJ Havoxx 6 45pm
l ZONE cabaret: Spice 10pm
SATURDAY 12
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BAR REVENGE WTF warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Open Cocktail Masterclass 8pm; Roof Terrace Par ty: DJs incl Prynesh 10pm
l CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Saturday Session: DJ Tony B 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Miss Jason 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Club 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S All-Day Karaoke: Kayne & Gloria Hole 2pm
) DRINK PROMOS £2 50 drinks all night Wed, Thur & Sun, various promos on Fri
) PRIDE WEEKEND Thur (3) NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL PRIDE with DJ Claire taking you on a journey through the 1970s–90s at 11pm! ) Fri (4) GLIT TER Pre-Pride Par ty with 2 floors, 3 spaces and DJs David Noakes, DJ Mak & guests from 8pm, free till 8pm, £5 after ) Sat (5) PRIDE PARTY on 2 floors with all-star DJs Claire Fuller, Peter Castle, David Noakes & guests from 6pm, free till 8pm, £5 after ) Sun (6)
is PRIDE POP!CANDY with DJ Claire recent/classic pop anthems at 9pm, free entry
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Thur is NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL LEGENDS with DJ Claire Fuller taking you on a musical journey through the 1970s–90s from 11pm Legends say: “Kick-start your weekend with a bang at our new night!”
GLIT TER TERRACE PARTY with fun in the sun and DJs David Noakes, DJ Mak & guests from 6pm, free till 8pm, £5 after ) Sat (5) PRIDE TERRACE PARTY with all-star DJs Claire Fuller, Peter Castle, David Noakes & guests from 6pm, free till 8pm, £5 after ) Sun (6) is PRIDE NON-STOP CABARET Fundraiser for Rainbow Fund with the legendary Lola Lasagne from 3pm, then Mar y Mac, Mrs Moore, Mar tha D'Ar thur, R ose Garden, Miss Jason, Sally Vate, Stephanie Von Clitz, Cassidy Connors, Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, Lucinda Lashes, Jason Lee, Maisie Trollette, Spice, Dave Lynn, Jennie Castell, Davina Sparkle, Kara Van Park Entry: donation required Lola Lasagne says: "It's Brighton Pride, so once again Tony Chapman, Legends and the best cabaret acts in the UK stand together to raise money for the Rainbow Fund We ask for a small donation in return for a large helping of talent Let's show the UK how we do Pride with the very best queens strutting their stuff to help raise awareness and funds for Brighton's excellent LGBT+/HIV organisations!"
) Mon (7) is PRIDE CABARET at 3 30pm, then Miss Jason’s MAD MONDAY from 9 30pm Terrace/Bar are open all day!
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Mon (28) is CABARET with Dave Lynn & Maisie Trollette at 3 30pm, then Miss Jason’s MAD MONDAY at 9 30pm
) REGUL ARS Sunday is CABARET at 3 30pm with top acts: Lucinda Lashes (13), Miss Jason (20) and Drag With No Name (27) ) Miss Jason’s MAD MONDAYS at 9 30pm ) Fri is Pre- GLIT TER at 9pm with Stephanie Von Clitz
Legends say: “Join Stephanie, our hostess with the mostess, for our Pre- Glitter Party upstairs in the bar with some songs and banter! She’ll be singing her heart out and heating up the night with sing-alongs before you dance the night away in the club ”
SUNDAY 13
l AMSTERDAM Sunday roasts 12pm–till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions
pres Paul Diello 8.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Club DJs 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, free food & raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu
12pm-till gone
l CHARLES ST cabaret: Nan 7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Lucinda Lashes 3 30pm; roasts 12-3pm
l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 125pm; Drag Open Mic with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Area Code 6pm
l PRISCILL A’S All Day Karaoke: Betty Swollocks & Princess C*nty 2pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Double Feature: Mar tha D’Ar thur 6pm & 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
) REGUL ARS Fri is GLIT TER with DJ David Noakes char t/dance tracks ) Sat is FUSION at 11pm with DJ Peter Castle char t/club remixes ) Sun is POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller’s new/retro pop mix ) Wed is ICE with DJ Claire Fuller melting the dancefloor with char t/house/r&b
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Jazz Roast 2pm; Sunday roasts 12-5pm
MONDAY 14
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Bears Night 6pm
l CHARLES STREET Bang Bang: DJ
Rupert Ellick 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Mad Mondays 9 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Andy Woon & guests 2pm; Kourosh Kanani 8pm
TUESDAY 15
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ
Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY The Regency
Singers pres Piano Singalong 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke: Marilyn Manswoon 7pm
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 16
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Open Mic Night & Voice of Broadway search: Jason Thorpe
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm
l CHARLES ST Mrs Moore’s Bona Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Darren Becket & guests 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke Competition: Linda Bacardi, £50 prize 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate 9.30pm
l SUBLINE Happy Hump Day 9pm
l VELVET JACKS Quiz: cash prize 8pm
THURSDAY 17
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Thursday Quiz: Ross Cameron, prizes 8pm
) FOOD daily from 12–9pm; Curr y & Quiz on Tue for £1 at 9pm, Sunday roasts served 12–5pm
) PRIDE WEEKEND Fri (4) is FRIDAY NIGHT PROJECT
Pride Special with Stephanie Von Clitz & Candi R ell at 9pm CABARET STAGE both days, Sat (5) & Sun (6), with over 25 acts hosted by Candy R ell, Stephanie Von Clitz and Gabriella Parrish Don’t miss a second of the Pride street par ty with the Marine Tavern’s outside bar, gourmet burger & snack kitchen and elevated DJ booth with live PAs Marine Tavern say: “It’s the place to be seen this Pride ” ) Stick around on Sun (6) for the DRAG OPEN MIC Pride Special at 9pm ) Mon (7) is the PRIDE AF TER PARTY for staff with karaoke at 8pm, £2 drinks
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Mon (28) is MONDAY MADNESS Par ty at 8pm ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (11) is Pre-BIG SCRUM with drinks at 9pm ) REGUL ARS Sunday is DRAG OPEN MIC with Stephanie Von Clitz at 9pm
l CHARLES ST Throwback Thursday: DJ Ruby Roo & hostess Ms Joan Bond 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Able Mabel’s Balmy Bingo 8.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thursday: 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE live world music: Nigel with Babou 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Pete Bennett’s Big Bender 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Local Ladies Cabaret: Spice 9 30pm
l REVENGE FOMO DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Quiz: £50 first prize 7.30pm
FRIDAY 18
l AMSTERDAM Jason Thorpe’s Karaoke or Sally Vate’s Fun Friday Frolics 9pm
129 ST JAMES STREET • OPEN TUE-THUR 6PM-MIDNIGHT FRI-SUN 2PM-MIDNIGHT 1/2 PRICE BAR TUE-THUR from 6-8PM
TUESDAY: KARAOKE with MARILYN MANSWOON • 7PM
WEDNESDAY: KARAOKE COMPETITION with LINDA BACARDI • £50 prize • 7PM
THURSDAY: PETE BENNETT’S BIG BENDER • 8PM
ALL DAY KARAOKE FROM 2PM
FRIDAY with BETTY SWOLLOCKS & LINDA BACARDI
SATURDAY with KAYN & GLORIA HOLE
SUNDAY with BETTY SWOLLOCKS & PRINCESS C*NTY
P R I S C I L L A S
) 129 St James’ Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH
) OPEN Tue–Thur 6pm–midnight, Fri, Sat & Sun 2pm–midnight, closed Mon
) DRINK PROMOS daily promos; ask at the venue for more info
) PRIDE WEEKEND KARAOKE with hosts and bags of tunes all weekend!
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat is ALL DAY KARAOKE with Kayne & Gloria Hole at 2pm
) REGUL ARS Fri is ALL DAY KARAOKE with Betty Swollocks & Linda Bacardi at 2pm ) Sun is ALL DAY KARAOKE with Betty Swollocks & Princess C*nty at 2pm
) Tue is KARAOKE with Marilyn Manswoon at 7pm
) Wed is Linda Barcardi’s KARAOKE COMPETITION with £50 cash prize
) Thur is Pete Bennett’s BIG BENDER from 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BAR REVENGE Pop-Tar tz warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ Oli & shot drops 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST Fabulous Fridays: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Soul Solution: DJ 9 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Open Mic with host Krissie du Cann 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter: Stephanie
H O R S E M E A T
Von Clitz 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S All-Day Karaoke: Betty Swollocks & Linda Bacardi 2pm
) 10 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL www brighton-pride org/horse-meat-disco-at-patterns/ ) OPEN 10pm–4am 6pm–midnight, Fri, Sat & Sun 2pm–midnight, closed Mon
) PRIDE WEEKEND Sat (5) is HORSE MEAT DISCO, an Official Pride Par ty with DJs Severino, Luke Howard, Fat Tony, Paul Heron, Jeffer y Hinton and Freddie Dimanche spinning disco classics/ Italo disco/house/oddities/punk funk inside and out on the terrace, from 10pm Expect hot clubbers, sexy dancers and glorious club kids coming together for a night of disco and house hedonism! Pride organisers say: “Nobody parties like Horse Meat Disco party and no party at Pride will be as sensational or as glitter- filled as Horse Meat Disco ” Earlybird tickets £12.50 and £15 advance tickets available from www brighton-pride org All Pride official par ties have to contribute a minimum of £1 towards Pride community fundraising
PRICILLAS RAISED £533 16 FOR CANCER IS A DRAG AT THEIR DRAGFEST FUNDRAISER
P A R I S H O U S E
) 21 Western Rd, BN3 1AF, T: 01273 724195, www.parishousebrighton.com
) OPEN daily from 12pm ) FOOD daily from 12pm–close
) PRIDE WEEKEND Sat (5) is free Pride Jazz at 4pm; then TC’S JOYFUL NOISE with DJ Kenny at 9pm
Q U E E N S A R M S
) REGUL ARS Sun is LIVE MUSIC at 6pm: Simon Studd (6), Area Code (13 & 27) and Dave Williams (20) ) Mon is free LIVE JAZZ: Andy Woon & guests at 2pm; then at 8pm: Nigel Price (7), Kourosh Kanani (14), Simon Spillett (21) and the Oli Howe Trio (28) ) Wed is free LIVE MUSIC at 8pm: Geoff Simkins (2), Sam Carlese (9), Darren Becket & guests (16), Chris Coul (23) and Sara Oschlag (30) ) Thur is free WORLD MUSIC night at 8pm: Fleur de Paris (3), Tudo Bem (10), Babou (17), Havana Quar tet (24) and Pollito Boogaloo (31) ) Fri is PARTY TIME with guest DJs at 9pm: Havoxx (4 & 18) and Miss Mer yl (11 & 25) ) Sat is AND ALL THAT JAZZ with live jazz at 4pm; TC'S JOYFUL NOISE with DJ Kenny at 9pm, free entry
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Open Cocktail Masterclass 8pm; DJ Thierre & giveaways 10pm;
l CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Saturday Session: DJ Tony B 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Maisie Trollette 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Club 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s
Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S All-Day Karaoke: Kayne & Gloria Hole 2pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Gabriella Parrish 9 30pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs on 2 floors 11pm
l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ
Screwpulous 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SUNDAY 20
l AMSTERDAM Sunday roasts 12pmtill gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres Roxanne Abbott 8.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Club: DJs 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, free food & raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST cabaret: Sandra
7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo
8.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Miss Jason
3 30pm; roasts 12–3pm
l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 125pm; Drag Open Mic with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Dave Williams 6pm
l PRISCILL A’S All Day Karaoke: Betty Swollocks & Princess C*nty 2pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Double Feature: Kara Van Park 6pm & 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Cum in Your Pants: underwear par ty 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Jazz Roast 2pm; Sunday roasts 12-5pm
l VELVET JACKS Live music: Mike Newsham 4pm
MONDAY 21
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Fetish Night 6pm
l CHARLES STREET Bang Bang: DJ
Rupert Ellick 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Mad Mondays 9.30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Andy Woon & guests 2pm; Simon Spillett 8pm
) 7 George St, BN2 1RH, T: 01273 696873, thequeensarms.wix.com/thequeensarms ) OPEN 4pm Wed-Thur, 12pm Fri, Sat & Sun ) PRIDE WEEKEND Get into the Pride spirit on Wed (2) with Sally Vate’s PRE-PRIDE SHOW at 9.30pm ) Sat (5) QA STREET PARTY from 6pm with Spice hosting top acts, including: Mar tha D'Ar thur, Cherr y Liquor, West End singer Danielle Arbisi, Nicole Moattarian, singing duo Karma & Epicene, Stephanie Von Clitz, local TV star and top vocalist Allan Jay, Talia Dean, JP Christian, Hear t & Soul, Gabriella Parish and Wain Douglas (Kara Van Park) plus many more! ) The fun continues on Sun (6) with QA STREET PARTY PART TWO from 3pm with host Davina Sparkle and top local and national cabaret acts, including: Patti O'Dors with Miss Jason, Sally Vate, Lucinda Lashes, R ose Garden, Mrs Moore, Trudi Styles and the Pianoman, Stephanie Von Clitz, Mar tha D'Ar thur, Lola Lasagne, soul singer Destiny Michelle, Topsie R edfern, Dr Beverley Ballcrusher, Mr Showbiz Jason Lee, Spice, Dave Lynn and Maisie Trollete performing a fitting finale! The QA say: “ W ishing you all a happy and safe Pride
See you at our QA Street Parties!”
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Fri (25) it’s Drag With No Name’s PARTY NIGHT
) Sat (26) SHOWTIME CABARET with Fanny Burns ) Sunday (27) DOUBLE FEATURE with Elsie Crumpet & the lady behind ‘Elsie’, Karen Dalton
) REGUL ARS Banish the midweek blues every Wednesday with Sally Vate from 9 30pm The QA say: “ Well where else would you find Sally Vate at her Wednesday home of the QA? Laugh, drink and be treated to a song or two, three or more!” ) Thur is LOCAL LADIES CABARET at 9 30pm: Miss Jason (3), Kara Van Park (10), Spice (17), Cherr y Liquor (24) and Davina Sparkle (31) ) Thank QA It’s FRIDAY CABARET at 9 30pm: Davina Sparkle (4), R ose Garden (11), Thunderpussy (18) and Drag With No Name’s PARTY NIGHT (25) ) Sat Night SHOWTIME CABARET at 9 30pm: Lucinda Lashes (12), Gabriella Parrish (19) and Fanny Burns (26) ) SUNDAY DOUBLE FEATURE with two helpings of top cabaret at 6pm and 9 30pm: Mar tha D’Ar thur (13), Kara Van Park (20) and Elsie Crumpet & Karen Dalton, (27)
TUESDAY 22
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ
Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY The Regency
Singers pres Piano Singalong 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke: Marilyn Manswoon 7pm
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby
Lawrence & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 23
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Open Mic Night & Voice of Broadway search: Jason Thorpe 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
) OPEN Sun-Wed 12pm-1am, Thur 12pm-2am, Fri & Sat 12pm-6am Buy a drink on Thur, Fri & Sat to pick up discounted entry passes for Club Revenge
) FOOD Burger Shack Tue–Sun 5–9pm with quality, home-cooked burgers made in-house with fresh and local premium ingredients
) DRINK PROMOS 50% off all drinks Sun–Fri 5–9pm, from £2 50 every Sat
) PRIDE WEEKEND Fri (4) is POP TARTZ and PRIDE WARM UP with DJs from 9pm ) On Sat (5) & Sun (6), celebrate Pride outside Bar Revenge with out of this world décor, an outside bar, live performers and special effects to get the par ty star ted with a bang! Revenge’s all-star DJs with a heady mix of pop/r&b/ house/cheese till midnight Bar open till 6am on Sat and 2am on Sun Bar Revenge say:
“Outside Bar Revenge is the place to be during the Pride Village Street Party with our incredible street performers, fire-breathers, drag performers, LED robots and the best special effects and pyrotechnics We’re serving ice-cold margaritas from our unique ‘bug-bar’ and celebrating the Summer of Love with our area covered in 1960s decor ”
) REGUL ARS Thur is the FOMO Pre-Par ty with all-star DJs from 9pm Fri is the POP TARTZ warm-up with DJs at 9pm Sat is the WTF warm-up with DJs from 9pm SUNDAY CLUB with DJs spinning top-notch tunes from 9pm
l CHARLES ST Mrs Moore’s Bona Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Chris Coul 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke Competition: Linda Bacardi, £50 prize 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Happy Hump Day 9pm
l VELVET JACKS Quiz: cash prize 8pm
THURSDAY 24
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request
Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Thursday Quiz: Ross Cameron, prizes 9pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO pre-par ty 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now
That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST Throwback Thursday: DJ Ruby Roo & hostess Ms Joan Bond 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Able Mabel’s
Balmy Bingo 8.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thursday: 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE live world music: Havana Quar tet 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Pete Bennett’s Big Bender 8pm
R E V E N G E
) 32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL, Tel: 01273 606064, www.revenge.co.uk
) OPEN Tue from 11pm, Thur, Fri & Sat from 10 30pm
) DRINK PROMOS all drinks £2 50 and double up for £1 50 on Tue; £1 drinks before midnight on Wed & Thur
) PRIDE WEEKEND Pride tickets, incl Q-jump, available from www revenge co uk
) Thur (3) is the FOMO Pride Opening Par ty with top DJs playing pop music to get you in the Pride spirit ) Fri (4) POP TARTZ v LOVE SHACK Pride Special with DJs modern pop bangers on level 1 and legendary DJ Stewar t T 70s/80s anthems on level 2 Revenge say: “Kick off your Pride weekend with a 2- floor camptastic special with free inflatables and wigs to get you in the retro spirit!” ) Sat (5) 2-Floor PRIDE PARTY with top Brighton and international DJs, fire-breathers, angle grinders, LED robots, drag hosts and sexy shot boys! Doors 8pm, dancing till 6am! Revenge say: “ We’re throwing the biggest party of the year to celebrate Brighton Pride with the hottest DJs, incredible production and pyrotechnics and much more!” ) Sun (6) POWDER ROOM present Alyssa Edwards, RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favourite, with sickening suppor t from Cr ystal Lubrikunt, Lydia L’Scabies, R ococo Chanel, House of Decay and host Natalia Kalashnikov! Doors 6pm, show at 7pm, tickets on sale now After the show is NEON PARTY: Pride Sunday closing par ty at 9pm, free UV face-painting, glowsticks, UV lights and décor FOMO DJs spin pop /r&b /d&b /house on level 1; ANTHEM with DJ Toby Lawrence rave-era 90s/00s dance /house/trance! Club open till 5am
) REGUL ARS Sat is WTF with DJs & special guests on 2 floors ) Tue BANGERS & TRASH with DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick big char t bangers/trashiest pop ) Thur is FOMO with Revenge’s all-star DJs eclectic mix of pop/ char t /house /poppunk/bass/hip-hop ) Fri POP TARTZ with resident DJs pop anthems on level 1
l QUEEN’S ARMS Local Ladies Cabaret: Cherry Liquor 9 30pm
l REVENGE FOMO DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Quiz: £50 first prize 7.30pm
FRIDAY 25
l AMSTERDAM Jason Thorpe’s Karaoke or Sally Vate’s Fun Friday Frolics 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BAR REVENGE Pop-Tar tz warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ Oli & shot drops 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST Fabulous Fridays: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Vinyl Friday: DJ Kai 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter: Stephanie Von Clitz 9.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Miss Meryl 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S All-Day Karaoke: Betty Swollocks & Linda Bacardi 2pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Drag With No Name’s Par ty Time 9.30pm
) OPEN Wed–Sun from 9pm ) DRINK PROMOS draught pints £1 off all night Wed
) PRIDE WEEKEND Thur (3) CLUB SILENCIO present: Babadook’s First Pride all-new stage show featuring the Silencio Squad and familiar faces at 8 30pm, entry £5, all welcome Club Silencio say: “Kick off Brighton Pride in Silencio style at our Nightmare Before Pride II! You might think you know the Pride story You don't, the real one's much more gory Whether in word, or in a book, you can't get rid of THE BABADOOK! It wouldn't be Pride without him, af ter all, we all know the B in LGBT stands for Babadook ” ) Fri (4) MOUNTING PRESSURE Pre-Pride Eve Par ty at 9pm, £3 members or £5 ) Crank up the heat on Sat (5) at THE MA(i)N EVENT from 9pm, £6 members or £9 Queue-jump tickets may still be available ) Keep going Sun (6) at STAYING POWER at 9pm, £6 members or £9 Queue-jump tickets may still be available
) OPEN from 12pm on Mon–Sun Private function room available Pride: open 9am Sat (5) ) FOOD Thur & Fri 12–8pm, Sat 12–7 30pm, Sunday roasts 12–5pm Meal Deal: one meal £9.90 or two for £15 Mon–Wed, 12–7.30pm
) PRIDE WEEKEND Sat (5) is PRIDE DAY with Breakfasts and BBQ served from 9am ) Sun (6) is PRIDE CALM-DOWN with Sunday lunch served from 12pm and free Live Pride Jazz from 2pm
) REGUL ARS Thur QUIZ Night at 7 30pm with £50 cash prize ) Fri (11 & 25) is DJ Havoxx at 6.45pm ) Sun JAZZ ROAST with chilled jazz at 2pm, free entry
l BAR REVENGE Bank Holiday Sunday Club DJs 9pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Trans Night 6pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Bank Holiday Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Sun (27) is the SUNDOWNER Beach Par ty at 9pm, entry £3 for mems or £5 ) Mon (28) is the BARCODE SALE at 3pm; have a beer and browse some bargains!
) REGUL ARS Fri (11) is THE BIG SCRUM spor tskit night with DJ Screwpulous, entry £5 in kit or £7 Big Scrum say: “The Big Scrum is back in Brighton! Expect cheeky shots and sweaty jocks ” ) Fri (18) is FILTH, the ticketed full-fetish par ty from 9pm, tickets online or £25 on door (subject to capacity) ) Sat is MEN’S ROOM with DJ Screwpulous from 9pm, entry free b4 11pm, £3 after, guests £5 ) Sun (20) is CUM IN YOUR PANTS at 9pm, entry free for members or £5
SATURDAY 26
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Bank Holiday UV Par ty: DJ 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm
l BAR REVENGE WTF warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Open Cocktail Masterclass
8pm; Roof Terrace Par ty: DJs incl Prynesh 10pm
l CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs 9pm
l CLUB 11:11@RIALTO THEATRE
Bank Holiday Par ty: host Cassandra + DJs Chicken & Jezebel 10pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Bank Holiday
Saturday Session: DJ Tony B 9 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Jason Lee
9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Club
8pm
l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s
Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S All-Day Karaoke: Kayne & Gloria Hole 2pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Fanny
Burns 9.30pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs on 2 floors 11pm
l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Davina Sparkle 10pm
SUNDAY 27
l AMSTERDAM Bank Holiday: An Evening With Jason Thorpe & karaoke 7pm; Sunday roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Bank Holiday
Karaoke & After Par ty 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Bank Holiday
Showtune Karaoke: Sally Vate & Ross
Cameron 8.30pm
l BOUTIQUE Bank Holiday Roof Terrace Par ty: DJs incl Prynesh 9pm
) OPEN Tue–Thur 4–11 30pm, Fri & Sat 12–11 30pm, Sun 1–11pm
) FOOD Meat & cheese boards and wood-fired pizzas served all day
) DRINK PROMOS Gin bowls served ever y day
) PRIDE WEEKEND Sat (5) is PRIDE with buffet-style breakfasts, including eggs cooked to order, from 9 30am Late night licence to keep you going!
) REGUL ARS Wed is QUIZ NIGHT with a cash prize at 7 45pm for 8pm star t ) Sun (20) is an intimate afternoon of live chilled out tunes with Mike Newsham and his guests at 4pm If you’re interested in performing then message Mike on Facebook
l BAR BROADWAY The Regency Singers pres Piano Singalong 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke: Marilyn Manswoon 7pm
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 30
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Open Mic Night & Voice of Broadway search: Jason Thorpe 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm
Z O N A R O
S A
l CHARLES ST Mrs Moore’s Bona Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Sara Oschlag 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Karaoke Competition: Linda Bacardi, £50 prize 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate 9.30pm
l SUBLINE Happy Hump Day 9pm
l VELVET JACKS Quiz: cash prize 8pm
THURSDAY 31
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Thursday Quiz: Ross Cameron, prizes 9pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO pre-par ty 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
) FOOD Mon–Thur 8am–9pm, Fri & Sat 8am–9.30pm, Sun 8.30am–3.30pm
) Zona Rosa offers a friendly, casual and colourful atmosphere in which to enjoy traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist Zona Rosa says: “Our menu has a broad range of Mexican fare with international influences and an emphasis on fresh ingredients and flavour combinations Our name is from a district in Mexico’s capital, known for multicultural communities, bohemian atmosphere and LGBT+ community ”
) PRIDE Fri (4) is DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Comedy Night with six top comedians and compere Charmaine Davies at 8pm, entry £5, bookings advisable: 01273 818819 ) Sat (5) & Sun (6), PRIDE BREAKFASTS served at 8.30am
Choose from: Full English, Vegetarian or Huevos Rancheros with a glass of Prosecco, Hibiscus Margarita or Lime Margarita, £12
) OPEN 11am Sun–Fri; 10am Sat Pride: Fri (4) 11am–extra late, Sat (5) 10am–extra late, Sun (6) 11am–late
) DRINK PROMOS all day Sun-Thur, till 7pm Fri & Sat; 2-4-£10 selected cocktails 5–8pm ever y day
) PRIDE WEEKEND Fri (4) is Sally Vate’s Pre-Pride Par ty with CABARET from 10pm Sally says: “Pride weekend kicks of in style with me, so get your disco pants on and get your Pride Weekend off to the best start!” ) Sat (5) is the star t of the Big Pride Weekend with the PRIDE VILLAGE PARTY with outside bars and enter tainment on the Zone’s doorstep from 6pm ) Sun (6) the PRIDE VILLAGE PARTY continues with outside bars and enter tainment from 3pm
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND SUNDAY SESSION CABARET (27) with JP Christian from 6 30pm The Zone say: “The soulful voice of JP Christian takes you on a journey of pop, swing and classics to continue that Bank Holiday feeling ”
) REGUL ARS Fri CABARET at 10pm: Spice (11), Topsie R edfern (18) and Kara Van Park (25) ) Sat CABARET at 10pm: Tabitha (12), Sally Vate (19) and Davina Sparkle (26)
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST Throwback Thursday: DJ Ruby Roo & hostess Ms Joan Bond 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Able Mabel’s Balmy Bingo 8.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thursday: 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE live world music: Pollito Boogaloo 8pm
l PRISCILL A’S Pete Bennett’s Big Bender 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Local Ladies Cabaret: Davina Sparkle 9 30pm
l REVENGE FOMO DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Quiz: £50 first prize 7 30pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD
1 Hampshire Terrace, Southsea
TEL: 02392 297509
OPEN: Sun & Mon 9pm-2 30am, Wed & Thurs 7pm-2 30am, Fri & Sat 7pm-3am
HAPPY HOURS: Sun all night, Wed & Thur 7pm-12am, Fri & Sat 7-10pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Compton Walk, SO14 0BH
TEL: 023 8036 6163
www theedgesouthampton com
OPEN: daily at 4pm
HAPPY HOURS: 4–6pm & 6-10pm daily
TUESDAY 1
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Open Mic 8pm
l EDGE S M U T: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 2
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Alfie Ordinary’s karaoke & mid-week par ty 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Liam Searle & Audio K9 + Mikey G’s Karaoke 11pm
THURSDAY 3
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Aura-J’s karaoke, games & show 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Quiz On Your Face 8pm
l EDGE Pop!: video DJ Neil Sackley 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Mellow Mar tha’s Music Box: karaoke 9pm
FRIDAY 4
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD That Friday Feeling: host Cherry Liquor & DJs on rotation till 3am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR open 4pm; Get Some: DJs 10pm
l EDGE Get Some: DJs Darcy Buckland, Audio K9 & Lady Bex 10 30pm
l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea Friday: DJ Ruper t Ellick 9pm; cabaret: Miss Tiara Thunderpussy 10pm
SATURDAY 5
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Saturday Sessions: host Danii Dior & DJ Ruper t Ellick till 3am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR open 4pm; The Big One: DJs Liam Searle & Neil Sackley 10pm
) OPEN daily from 12pm ) FOOD Mon–Sat 12–3pm; Sunday lunch 12–3.30pm
) SOUTHAMPTON PRIDE Fri (25) is the PRE PRIDE PARTY with DJ R uper t Ellick and guest Lucinda Lashes at 9pm Sat (26) is PRIDE DAY with DJ Claire Fuller and guest Eva Iglesias from 9pm Sun (27) is the PRIDE WIND DOWN with DJ Fanny Love and guests Sum Ting Wong & R ose Garden at 8pm
) REGUL ARS Thur is Mellow Mar tha’s MUSIC BOX KARAOKE with Mar tha D’Ar thur at 9pm ) Fri is FAIRYLEA with DJ R uper t Ellick at 9pm, CABARET at 10pm: Miss Tiara Thunderpussy (4), Miss Penny (11) and Sally Vate (18) ) Sat is GUILTY PLEASURES at 9pm with DJs: Tiny (5), Neil Sackley (12) and Lucinda Lashes (19) ) SUNDAY NIGHT ON THE LONDON PODIUM at 8pm with a double-dose of many of the UK’s top live performers: Tanya Hyde & Wilma Fingadoo (6), Mrs Moore & Stephanie Von Clitz (13) and two lots of Miss Penny (20)
l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea Friday: DJ Ruper t Ellick 9pm; cabaret: Miss Penny 10pm
SATURDAY 12
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Saturday Sessions: host Danii Dior & DJ Ruper t Ellick till 3am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR open 4pm; The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Lee Harris, Darcy Buckland & Audio K9 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Neil Sackley 9pm
SUNDAY 13
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sunday Funday: DJ Luke Ennor till 2.30am SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm
l EDGE Shout Out Sunday: DJ Darcy Buckland 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL London Podium: Mrs Moore & Stephanie Von Clitz 8pm; roasts 12-3.30pm
MONDAY 14
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs
Lee Harris & Luke Ennor till 2 30am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm
TUESDAY 15
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Open Mic 8pm
l EDGE S M U T: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 16
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Alfie Ordinary’s karaoke & mid-week par ty 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Liam Searle & Audio K9 + Mikey G’s Karaoke 11pm
THURSDAY 17
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Aura-J’s karaoke & mid-week par ty 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Quiz On Your Face 8pm
l EDGE Pop!: video DJ Neil Sackley 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Mellow Mar tha’s Music Box: karaoke 9pm
FRIDAY 18
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD That Friday Feeling: host Cherry Liquor & DJs till 3am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR open 4pm; Get Some: DJs 10pm
l EDGE Get Some: DJs Darcy Buckland, Audio K9 & Lady Bex 10 30pm
l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea Friday: DJ Ruper t Ellick 9pm; cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SATURDAY 19
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Saturday Sessions: host Danii Dior & DJ Ruper t Ellick till 3am
) OPEN The Box Bar: 4pm daily ) Edge: 11pm Tue–Sun
) FOOD Box Bar: 4–10pm daily
) HAPPY HOURS Box Bar: £3 offers 4–6pm daily, Pimms O’Clock 4–10pm daily, 2-4-1 cocktails 6–10pm daily (till 8pm on Sat); The Edge: £2 50 bombs on Tue & Sun, £1 50 drinks on Wed, £1 shots on Sun
) SOUTHAMPTON PRIDE Sat (26) is THE BIG ONE GOES XXL PRIDE PARTY with 5 bars, 2 dancefloors and DJs Phil Marriott, Claire Fuller, Neil Sackley, Darcy Buckland & Liam Searle spinning epic tunes to get the par ty jumping from 10pm, entry free b4 10pm, £1–6 after
) REGUL ARS Wed is BAR 150 at 10pm in The Edge with DJs Lee Harris Audio K9 & Liam Searle plus Mikey G’s KARAOKE, free b4 10pm, £3/£5 after ) Thur QUIZ ON YOUR FACE at 8pm in Box Bar with big prizes; POP in The Edge at 11pm with VJ Neil Sackley, pop videos, £2 entry ) Fri is GET SOME at 10pm with DJs Darcy Buckland, Audio K9 & Lady Bex, entry £3–£5 ) Sat is THE BIG ONE at 10pm, 4 bars & 2 dancefloors, DJs: Liam Searle & Neil Sackley (5), Lee Harris, Darcy Buckland & Audio K9 (12) and Zach Burns & Claire Fuller (19) Free b4 10pm, £1–£6 after ) SHOUT OUT SUNDAY (S O S) with DJ Darcy Buckland at 11pm ) Tue is OPEN MIC SESSIONS at 8pm in Box Bar; then S.M.U.T at 11pm in The Edge with DJ Audio K9 spinning mash-ups; £1 b4 12am, £2 after
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR open 4pm; The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Zach Burns & Claire Fuller 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Lucinda Lashes 9pm
SUNDAY 20
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sunday Funday: DJ Luke Ennor till 2 30am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm
l EDGE Shout Out Sunday: DJ Darcy Buckland 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL London Podium: Miss Penny 8pm; roasts 12-3.30pm
MONDAY 21
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor till 2 30am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm
TUESDAY 22
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Open Mic 8pm
l EDGE S M U T: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 23
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Alfie Ordinary’s karaoke & mid-week par ty 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Liam Searle & Audio K9 + Mikey G’s Karaoke 11pm
THURSDAY 24
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Aura-J’s karaoke & mid-week par ty 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Quiz On Your Face 8pm
l EDGE Pop!: video DJ Neil Sackley 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Mellow Mar tha’s Music Box: karaoke 9pm
) OPEN Sun & Mon 9pm–2.30am, Wed & Thurs 7pm–2.30am, Fri & Sat 7pm–3am
) HAPPY HOURS Sun all night, Mon select drinks £1 50, Wed & Thu 7pm–midnight, Fri & Sat 7–10pm
) HB GAY CARD Sign up for a HB Gay Card for £10, valid for one year Perks include: points to spend at the bar, free VIP booth on your bir thday, priority entrance, Q jump and you can use it as ID for club entry! Ask staff for more details
) BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND Sat (26) is the GARDEN PARTY with outdoor fun in the sun from 7pm; open till 6am! ) Lather up on Sun (27) at the OUTDOOR FOAM PARTY with bubbles galore and tunes from 9pm; open till 6am
) REGUL ARS SATURDAY SESSIONS are with host Danii Dior & DJ R uper t Ellick playing char t/par ty anthems, free till 11pm/£3 till midnight/£5 after ) SUNDAY FUNDAY is with DJ Luke Ennor, free entry ) Mon is 20SOMETHING with DJ Lee Harris & Luke Ennor bringing the tunes, free till 10pm/£3 till midnight/£5 after ) Wed is Alfie Ordinar y’s KARAOKE & MIDWEEK PARTY ) Thur is Aura- J’s KARAOKE with games and a show
l EDGE Get Some: DJs Darcy Buckland, Audio K9 & Lady Bex 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Pre-Southampton Pride Par ty: DJ Ruper t Ellick + Lucinda Lashes 9pm
SATURDAY 26
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Bank Holiday Garden Party till 6am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR open 4pm; The Big One Goes XXL: Southampton Pride Par ty 10pm
l EDGE The Big One Goes XXL: Southampton Pride Par ty: DJs Phil Marriott, Claire Fuller, Neil Sackley, Darcy Buckland & Liam Searle 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Southampton Pride Par ty: DJ Claire Fuller & Eva Iglesias 9pm
SUNDAY 27
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Bank Holiday Outdoor Foam Party till 6am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Sunday Social: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
l EDGE Shout Out Sunday: DJ Darcy Buckland 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Southampton Pride
Wind Down: DJ Fanny Love + Sum Ting Wong & Rose Garden 8pm; roasts 123 30pm
MONDAY 28
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor till 2.30am
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm
TUESDAY 29
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Open Mic 8pm
l EDGE S M U T: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 30
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Alfie Ordinary’s karaoke & mid-week par ty 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Liam Searle & Audio K9 + Mikey G’s Karaoke 11pm
THURSDAY 31
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Aura-J’s karaoke & mid-week par ty 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR opens 4pm; Quiz On Your Face 8pm
l EDGE Pop!: video DJ Neil Sackley 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Mellow Mar tha’s Music Box: karaoke 9pm
DANCE MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD
ALBUMS
) Tis the season to party with rainbows so let’s get our groove on with these sparkling wonders If you like your synths hypnotic and heavenly it has to be Blondes’ Warmth on R&S Records, if your beats need to be experimental, ambient and psychedelic then it has to be Species of Fishes’ Trip Trap on Nina Kraviz’s label GALAXIID, and if all your ever desire is eclectic it has to be Get Physical presents: Words Don't Come Easy pt.5
If you need a proud wiggle, nowt will feel finer than with the Balearic techno of Cocoon Ibiza mixed by Nastia and Einzelkinf, the effervescent excellence of Satoshi Tomiie’ s Abstract Nature (Remixes) on Abstract Architecture with Ron Trent, Pablo Mateo, DJ Sneak and more, or the soulful afro house of Good Voodoo Music
presents Nu Voodoo Sound by Domineeky
Moments of the month: Replicant’ s Retrophone on Icon Series has us grinning with performances from Marc Almond, Boy George (as ‘The Twin’), Glenn Gregory, and Princess Julia, whilst Late Night Tales, compiled and mixed by BadBadNotGood, had us late night loving, and Running Back Mastermix by Tony Humphries has us grateful for this thing we call house This thing we love This thing that makes us feel Pride. Enjoy.
DJ PROFILE: SUMMER GHEMATI
Catch WB & QJ at Brighton Pride Festival Girls’ Dance Tent, Pride Terrace Party at Patterns, Pride Village Party, Queer Takeover at Fortune of War and Sunday Sundae at Patterns, The Tempest every Saturday and on 1BrightonFM and RadioReverb’ s Home Service perfectdistractions.com
WILDBLOOD & QUEENIE’S AWESOME AUG 12”
) HORSE MEAT DISCO ft Roy Inc Waiting For You to Call HMD Utter disco perfection from the dons about to dazzle at Brighton Pride.
) DAVID MORALES The Face Don't You Want My Love Def Music Mix
The perfect remake from the perfect Wild Fruit Dance Tent headliner
) PURPLE DISCO MACHINE Body Funk Club Sweat
Where the Black Madonna wiggles we follow
) JOSH BUTLER ft Kerri Chandler Can't Deny Origin Rcrds
Soulful piano and deep grooves equal house perfection
) DETROIT SWINDLE Can’t Hold It Heist Recordings Warm subs, galloping hi-hats and an exotic synth loop anyone?
) DOC DANEEKA Save Me Ten Thousand Yen
Summer soul sensation from Doc’s Walk.Man Vol 1 EP.
) CHEWY RUBS Summer Radio (Seamus Haji Re-Loved edit) Re-Loved Disco feels good in the summer as Haji delivers the love again.
) SMASHING SEBASTIEN Remember Me (Melodymann remix) 1980
You can never have enough diva come Pride season.
) AS I AM Swim Inside My Soul (George Smeddles remix) Jump Digital Low-slung house sauciness that is making our summer sizzle
) RON CARROLL Lucky Star (Rene Amesz remix) Great Stuff
Huge collection of remixes keeping our dancefloor sound
Just in case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a little event happening in Brighton & Hove this month As the sun no doubt shines beautiful rays down on our fabulous city, the UK’s finest Pride weekend is only moments away! This month, Queenie catches up with the gorgeous DJ Summer Ghemati to hear about her plans for the joyous celebrations
Hello, how are you? Hey, I’m really good thank you Excited for Pride! Where do you DJ? Well… at Pride you can catch me playing the Girls’ Dance Tent in the Park, which is gonna be super fun! I’m playing twice, firstly 12-1pm and then again from 7-8pm which are wicked slots Also, I’m at Lovebeat Pride special at Coalition with Maze and Masters, Sami Kubu and Ellie Cocks Apart from Pride you can see me in Sankey’s in Ibiza, for Care3, New London plus at the legendary Beyond and A:M
What music rocks your world these days? All sorts, but I’m a groover at heart so I love anything with a good bassline and a fair bit of percussion I love me a good bongo roll, haha! I’m liking the sounds of artists like Marco Corola, Joey Daniel, George Smeddles and Jader Ag
What’s so good about Brighton Pride? Pride is special because of course it’s about equality for the LGBT+ community – but also it’s such fun! I get to party with all my favourite people in one place and I get to take my auntie to Pride as well, so it really is a day for all to celebrate!
Standout tune you’ll be playing at Pride? YES – Homeless by Ralo, Strada & Jay De Lys I’ve been banging this out for a month or so It always gets an amazing reaction and bridges the gap between classic and tech house
Any amazing Pride memories? Every Pride has been special to me, but my first one was the best! Seeing Verity Maze play the Wild Fruit Tent before she became part of a duo was unreal
Fave tune ever? Impossible! Okay, it’s got to be Just Sing by Distant People featuring Patrick Chappell, Muthafunkers remix Soulful vibes
Guilty pleasure? Joss Stone and 2am trips to McDonalds!
Describe yourself in three words! Passionate, energetic and sarcastic (in a nice way!).
SUMMER GHEMATI’S CURRENT TOP FIVE
) MIRCO CARUSO Moover Nervous Inc
) JADER AG Ooga Booga Habla Records
) BASSEL DARWISH My Groove Habla Music
) JOEY DANIEL Crossing Borders Noexcuse Records
) ROBERTO SURACE Sunrise In Ibz Proper Musique
BRIGHTON CENTRE
Kings Road, Brighton, Box office: 0844 847 1515
) WOTEVER KINGDOM WITH BOI
) MAMMA MIA! (Aug 15–Sep 3) Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of Abba Sophie’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings her mother face to face with three men from her distant romantic past on the eve of a wedding they’ll never forget. Includes hits such as Honey, Honey, Voulez-vous, SOS and Thank You for the Music. ‘The sunniest of all musicals’ Sunday Express.
EYES WIDE OPEN
eyeswideopencinema.co.uk
Duke’s at the Komedia
The queer cinema collective presents:
) QUEERAMA (Tue 1) Fifty years after the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the England and Wales, director Daisy Asquith
mines the jewels of the BFI archive to journey into a queer history of British cinema The opening film of this year ’ s Sheffield Doc Fest, this vibrant and lyrical documentary takes us into the relationships, desires, fears and expressions of sexual minorities in British cinema, starting in 1919 and weaved with the music of John Grant and Hercules & Love Affair. The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with director Daisy Asquith
) MINDOUT FOR THE LAUGHS (Wed 2) A comedy cabaret fundraiser for Pride. Compere for the night, Spice, lends vocal prowess to the glittering line up of talent featuring award winning
comedian Zoe Lyons, king of cabaret noir Joe Black, razorsharp comedian Debra Jane Appelby, Brighton icon Dolly Rocket, the choral delights of Actually Gay Men’s Chorus and flawless vocals of Laura Nixon as Marilyn Monroe With signing by BSL Interpreters All proceeds will go towards funding MindOut’s work helping local LGBTQ people who are experiencing mental health issues and suicidal distress ) PRIDE IN POUT (Sun 6) This is a late-night closing party for Brighton & Hove Pride. Featuring performances by Pecs, an evergrowing collective of female
actors, comedians, singers and dancers, who love nothing more than to put on handsome drag shows for the queer and curious ) ROYAL VAUXHALL (Tue 29). It’s 1988 and London is partying hard under the spectre of AIDS, the scrutiny of the press and the promise of a summer of love. When Princess Diana dreams of a wild night out away from relentless paparazzi and ruthless royals, her unlikely best friends Freddie Mercury and Kenny Everett know there’s only one place to take her The only trouble is: how the hell are they going to get one of the most famous faces in the world into the RVT without blowing her cover? 'A masterwork’ Broadway Baby.
BOX (Fri 4) Creating a space for all LGBTQ+ people, on stage, and off stage No matter what identity, or multiple identities any person may have or choose, Wotever welcomes them Events include: Queer Fayre, Happenings and DJs: DJ Jo Bunny, Vickety Lester & Tesla Girls and A Variety of Drag Kings & Friends. Show upstairs in the Theatre from 9pm with: Coco DeVille, Ebony Rose Dark, Crystal Lubrikunt, Adam All & Apple Derrieres, Sammy Silver, Benjamin Butch all hosted by Stella Pint and Naylor Swift
) DUSTY & 60s POP DIVAS SHOW (Sun 27) Tina Oberman is one of the UK’s most popular tribute artistes Her show captures the swinging sixties glory years when ‘The White Queen of Soul’ shone as Britain’s brightest star Tina’s carefully crafted stage image and soulful voice evoke the inimitable presence of Dusty Springfield. ‘As a tribute you can’t do much more than look the part and sound the part and this act does both with some aplomb. Thoroughly professional act nicely presented’. The Stage.
THEATRE ROYAL
New Road, Brighton, Box office: 08448 717650 ) LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Tue 15–Sat 26). Georges and the dazzling drag artiste Albin, otherwise known as Za Za and the star of la Cage aux Folles, live an idyllic existence in the heart of St
Tropez But behind the curtains of this sparkling extravaganza, all may be about to change. Georges’ son Jean-Michel announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician determined to close down the local colourful night-life. Will Albin be able to play the role of his life to ensure that Jean-Michel can marry his love? This musical adaptation of the films stars John Partridge (A Chorus Line, Starlight Express and Chicago), Adrian Zmed (Blood Brothers, Grease) and West End icon Marti Webb ‘A triumph A feelgood musical with heart, brains and sequins’ Daily Telegraph.
COMING SOON...
) SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE THEATRE ROYAL (Sept 24). Celebrating all that’s great about traditional variety show entertainment, stars of TV, stage and music hall come together for a magical evening to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rockinghorse children’s charity. Performers include one of the UK’s leading female impersonators Ceri Dupree, West End stars Jon Moses and Jodie Jacobs, X Factor’ s Sam Callahan, Britain’s Got Talent semifinalist singing sensation Eva Iglesias, Crackerjack girl and music hall performer, Jan Hunt, singer/ songwriter Allan Jay, up and coming young ventriloquist Max Fulham, magician and mind reader, Mark Williams. Hosted by Hilary O’Neil and starring dancers from the Gay Men’s Dance Company with choreography by Dean Brown
LOVE ACTUALLY
St Andrews Church, Waterloo St, Hove Box office: www.actuallygmc.org
) LOVE ACTUALLY WITH ACTUALLY GAY MEN’S CHORUS (Fri 4). Join the chorus as they usher in Brighton & Hove Pride’s Summer of Love
Embracing the universal language of love, Actually will explore love's many aspects through music: from bliss to heartache and everything in between Musical Director Samuel Cousins has again worked with the men of the chorus to develop an eclectic, powerful and thought-provoking repertoire; from Sondheim and Schwartz to Puccini and Queen! Singers include soprano and Actually patroness Samantha Howard and glamorous and talented cabaret star Kara Van Park. The evening will raise funds for the chorus’s chosen charities: Inclusion for All and The Rainbow Fund.
‘QUEER’ THEATRE
Tarik Elmoutawakil, creative producer at the Marlborough Pub & Theatre, explains to Spencer Charles Smith why we need a ‘ Queer ’ Theatre now, more than ever.
) Still buzzing from a jam-packed Brighton Fringe programme and clad in his retro lavender style, a look I’ve come to associate with the man behind the Marly (Marlborough Pub & Theatre), I sat down with Tarik Elmoutawakil, to discuss the challenges and rewards that come with programming queer performance Since relocating to the UK three years ago, I’ve been hungry for a queer theatre reminiscent of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre: the bold and unapologetically ‘ queer ’ theatre that continues to carve its place in the landscape of Canadian art
Tarik joined the Marlborough Pub & Theatre as a bartender 15 years ago, but in 2008 he ambitiously took charge of the theatre space because it was at risk of shutting indefinitely David Sheppeard joined Tarik shortly after that, then Abby Butcher in 2012, and these three impassioned individuals share the Creative Producer title Simon Booth (Technical Manager) and Ema Boswood (Programme Coordinator) joined more recently and complete the entirely queer team behind one of the only specifically LGBTQ+ performance venues in the UK. Like queer theory itself, the Marly’s artistic mandate is amorphous and constantly shifting with time Fundamentally, Tarik and his team aim to programme work that explores “intersectional perspectives”. As demonstrated through the LGBTQ+ community, identity is a diverse spectrum and the Marly hopes to reflect that diversity onstage through theatre,
music, cabaret, live art, comedy, dance and digital media, ultimately “challenging singular representation” To Tarik, queer performance “dismantles structures and speaks truths from unheard voices”
Every voice within the LGBTQ+ community is unique and exhibited at some point at the Marly, but Tarik explains that the venue especially fosters work from trans and nonbinary artists because they’re often excluded in the mainstream arts scene The Marly strives for inclusive programming where “minorities and the oppressed can feel safe and represented onstage ” However, that isn’t to say that anyone and everyone is welcome to perform at the Marly. Is there a limit to inclusivity? Do we want racists, homophobes and sexists onstage? Obviously not. Tarik’s philosophy is to “discriminate against discrimination.” But this can’t be an easy feat.
When asked what challenges come from programming for a festival like Brighton Fringe, Tarik explains that the Fringe is open-access (unlike the rest of the year ’ s programming) and much of the work is ‘in progress ’ when the artist applies. This means that the Marly team may only see the completed show during the final dress/tech rehearsal According to Tarik, there have been instances in the past where he discovered problematic details within a show (ie a line or image that could alienate a certain group of people in the audience) and had to discuss it with the artist Never overt bigotry, but rather “micro-aggressions that needed to be addressed.” Luckily, most artists have been grateful for the feedback and gladly made the necessary changes to include every kind of audience member that frequents the Marly.
The fact is that some artists need to check their privilege. Even though someone belongs to the LGBTQ+ community and has experienced prejudice in some form, they don’t then have
“Mistakes might be made and language might alienate, but venues like the Marly open up a dialogue around reductive rhetoric and representation within the LGBTQ+ community”
permission to oppress another marginalised group If we step out of the theatre for a second: the assumption is that everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is open and accepting, but you just have to switch on Grindr to find ‘NO FATS NO FEMMES NO ASIANS’ plastered across ‘MASC 4 MASC’ profiles Just like our seemingly inclusive community, white, male privilege remains rampant in queer art today, and venues like the Marly have a responsibility to hold artists accountable for the messages they spread with their work. Who else is going to do it?
At its core, queer art is about taking risks. Identities and ideologies are being challenged and subverted and people are bound to be offended. But that’s the point – art is supposed to affect its audience. Mistakes might be made and language might alienate, but venues like the Marly open up a dialogue around reductive rhetoric and representation within the LGBTQ+ community As seen in their meticulously curated Trans Pride programme, workshops and Q&As were scheduled alongside specific performances in hopes of unpacking ideas at play and facilitating much needed conversations about the work
But running a queer theatre isn’t all about challenge and intensity – it’s also incredibly rewarding Tarik revealed that he has met so many of his queer heroes through the Marly, including: Mykki Blanco, DarkMatter, Kate Bornstein and Split Britches. And more importantly, Tarik finds genuine joy in creating a community hub “where you can live closer to the ideals you want to see in the world”. When asked to describe the Marly’s future, Tarik envisioned “ an environment where queerness is normalised and where people are emboldened by seeing fragments of their identity reflected onstage”
A ‘ queer ’ theatre is so much more than just a theatre; it’s a laboratory, it’s a sanctuary, it’s a protest. And in our current political climate, as our government is infiltrated by homophobic, sexist DUP extremists, I can’t think of anything more important than a space that hands a microphone to the voiceless and shines a spotlight on the marginalised The only way change will come is if we speak up, stand out and listen; and that’s why we need performance venues like The Marlborough Pub & Theatre
) THELONIOUS MONK Complete 1954–62 Studio Solo Recordings (Essential Jazz Classics). American pianist Thelonious Monk should need no introduction, for he is one of the founding fathers of modern jazz. Renowned as the composer of Round Midnight and other classics, his style is a mix of stride and bebop played with a bruised romanticism Monk was nicknamed Melodious Thunk for his offbeat, idiosyncratic approach to melody and rhythm Like walking down a flight of steps and missing the bottom step, said one musician Monk usually played in trios or quartets, but in fact he recorded three solo albums, often finished a live set unaccompanied, and regularly added the odd solo number to better balance his group recordings. This splendid double CD collects all his solo outings from 1954 to 1962; an already released set from Columbia takes the story up to 1968. Most of the compositions are his, although he throws in a few standards, including an affecting Solitude and a surprisingly poignant Just A Gigolo. Among the highlights here are two tracks recorded in the New York apartment of Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, a British Rothschild heir and Monk’s patron and protector, in whose New Jersey house he eventually died An outstanding set that should be part of any core jazz collection
) BILLIE HOLIDAY The Complete Decca Recordings (Essential Jazz Classics). From a modern piano master to a timeless singer, Billie Holiday’ s life was chaotic and often painful, but her singing was superb Not in a technically pure sense, she was no songbird, but in a meaningful, heartfelt way that sung volumes about the songs In contrast to her personal life, her recording career was surprisingly well organised: she was with various Columbia labels in the 1930s, with Commodore in 1939 and 1944, and then with Verve in the 1950s. In the 1940s came six years with Decca, 53 tracks in all, collected here on this double CD. It is here that you can marvel at the debuts of some of her most famous songs: Lover Man, her biggest selling record, Don’t Explain and God Bless The Child. Most of the tracks are orchestrated, the strings providing a comfort cushion for a voice that could be raw and exposed. This is Holiday at her most relaxed and most confident. Another outstanding set for your core collection.
) AHMAD JAMAL Marseille (Jazz Village). Finally, the latest from an 87year old piano master, Ahmad Jamal, Miles Davis’s favourite pianist, although the two never actually played together. Jamal is the master of understated groove, his light-fingered touch rolling out across the keys. Here he plays a poignant tribute to the ancient Mediterranean port city, provides a surprisingly upbeat treatment of the gospel classic Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child, and rolls out a perfect Autumn Leaves Support comes the bubbling percussion of Manolo Badrena, once of Weather Report, and drummer Herlin Riley, best know for his work with Wynton Marsalis Apart from two misguided vocal treatments of the title track, this is one classy set
ART MATTERS
For August I’ve sourced creative experiences for you to partake in during this hopefully balmy month.
SIX FOOT GALLERY
The Pentagon Centre, Washington Street, The Broomielaw, Glasgow, G3 8AZ, https://sixfootgallery.wordpress.com
) Firstly, news on a solo show of figurative and palette based paintings that I’m having in Glasgow (Aug 1–Sept 1). Six Foot Gallery is an alternative art and design space, providing a platform for exhibitions and events within a nontraditional gallery setting The space is situated throughout the ground floor of Glasgow’s Pentagon Centre Run by a team of volunteers from a range of specialist backgrounds with a collective concern for the promotion of emerging creative practitioners The gallery invites artists and designers to respond to the space, its physicality and populace through open calls, residencies and opportunities for solo and group shows
BRIGHTON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
http://brightonmuseums.org.uk
) Royal Pavilion & Museums’ diverse collections include an extremely strong group of paintings and sculpture by English artist Glyn Philpot (1884-1937). This display (until Jan 2018) explores the artist’s life, including his relationships with Henry Thomas and his patrons, his hope to reconcile the religious image with the contemporary and the modernising impact he had on portraiture Free admission to residents and Brighton Museum members
TOWNER ART GALLERY
Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ www.townereastbourne.org.uk
) An Arts Council Collection National Partner Exhibition, NOW, TODAY, TOMORROW & ALWAYS (until Oct 8), brings together a range of artworks that explores how popular culture, and its vast compendium of imagery, words and materials has influenced recent contemporary art With a focus on the provocative, liberating and seductive power of music and film, the exhibition considers how popular culture has continued to be a source of inspiration for artists, while also reflecting on a diverse range of themes from subculture, fandom and marginal communities, to individual, collective and national identities. Including painting, film, photography, sculpture and installation, it features artworks created by 12 leading artists including Fiona Banner, Phil Collins, Jeremy Deller, Graham Gussin, Anthea Hamilton, Jim Lambie, Mark Leckey, Mario Rossi, Kelly Richardson, Ross Sinclair, John Stezaker and Matt Stokes
) Also at the Towner, the SUSSEX OPEN 2017 (Jul 22–Oct 1) brings together the best artists from across Sussex featuring painting, photography, drawing, film, ceramics and sculpture, Sussex Open 2017 offers a unique opportunity to view works by artists at every level of their career, from new talent to established figures Artists who have previously exhibited work in the Open exhibition have gone on to be selected for the John Moores Painting Prize, the Jerwood Drawing Prize, the BFI Film Festival and have been shortlisted for the Mark Tanner Sculpture Prize.
CL ASSICAL NOTES
REVIEWS
) COLLEGIUM MUSICUM 90
Maestro Corelli’s Violins (Chaconne CHAN0818). Early music ensemble Collegium Musicum 90, directed from the violin by
Simon Standage present Maestro Corelli’s Violins, with music by three violinist-composers who worked with Corelli. So no music by Corelli here in fact, but instead some fabulously vibrant and energetic music from these lesser-known composers following in his footsteps Regular readers might recognise Antonio Montanari (1676-1737) from a recording I reviewed of his Concertos performed by Johannes Pramsohler and the Ensemble Diderot (more from them next month). The two recordings share two of the Op. 1 Concertos –numbers 6 and 7, and Collegium Musicum 90 also performs No. 2. Standage’s approach is a little more full-blooded, emphasising the energy of these works, whereas Pramsohler brings out more of the subtlety in the solo writing, but both relish the mystery in No 6’ s striking slow movement Standage’s disc opens with a fabulously energetic and lively Concerto (Op. 7 No. 11) by Giuseppe Valentini (1681-1753). Its six movements include a stately Largo, a driven Allegro with typical Corelli-esque rapid violin figuration, and a lively jig to finish. Standage drives this with great spirit and fun, although the central Grave sections feel a tad aggressive The two Concertos by Giovanni Mossi (c 1680-1742), from his Op 4 set of 12, are real gems, full of inventive use of interplay between the solo instruments – no fewer than four violins and a cello in No 12, with four further violins and no viola in the accompanying ‘ripieno’, creating an unusual and complex
texture. Here, the bright sound and infectious energy from the Collegium players is a delight. Highly recommended.
) AUSTRALIAN BRANDENBURG ORCHESTRA The Romantics (ABC Classics 4814952). Another period instrument ensemble, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, has ventured into later territory for their CD, The Romantics For these live recordings they are joined as Guest Director by violinist Shunske Sato, who is also the soloist in Niccolò Paganini’ s Violin Concerto No. 4 which ends the disc But they open with a warm and energetic performance of Edvard Grieg’ s (1843-1907) Holberg Suite – subtitled a Suite in the Olden Style. It is suite of dance movements, in the Baroque style, yet Grieg’s Romantic sensibility
shines through in the rich writing for strings. As is often the way when period instrument groups move into later repertoire, they bring a welcome incision and attention to detail. Sato also introduces more Romantic stylistic approaches into the mix, such as extensive portamento (slides), particularly in the Air, where it is a little overdone However, it is full of life, as is the String Symphony No 3 by Felix Mendelssohn (18091847) that follows. Remarkably, Mendelssohn wrote twelve string symphonies between the age of 12 and 14. Produced when he was having composition lessons, they nevertheless only precede works of genius such as the String Octet by a couple of years, so Mendelssohn clearly learned fast and honed his skills of melodic invention, harmony and counterpoint in these delightful pieces A bit like the Grieg, these look backwards to Baroque style, and again, a performance from a period instrument outfit brings out these roots in the music, the ABO playing
with great precision and poise The finale is the Paganini Concerto, with the ABO Artistic Director, Paul Dyer conducting Paganini’s Concertos are of course showpieces for his phenomenal technique, and the orchestra is there pretty much as backing accompaniment. Sato is highly impressive, and seems to breeze through the technical demands that Paganini throws at him, particularly in the crazy final Rondo Galante The melodramatic funereal slow movement is wonderfully over the top, and Sato milks the sobbing solo part for all it’s worth This is all about the soloist, and Sato certainly does not disappoint A fun conclusion to a highly entertaining programme.
) JEAN-EFFLAM BAVOUZET Haydn
Piano Sonatas (Chandos CHAN10942) Jean-Efflam Bavouzet is on his sixth volume of Piano Sonatas by Franz Joseph Haydn (1731-1809) – given that he wrote roughly 60, there’s still some way to go! Here we have another five, none of which are particularly well known or regularly performed Yet as ever, Bavouzet brings his dedication and insight, making this another enjoyable collection He begins with No 11, with its bright, crisp opening movement, and touching slow movement He combines energy and clarity in the former with delicacy and a beautifully singing tone in the latter. No. 43 that follows has the same brightness and energy, but with greater virtuosity, which Bavouzet makes sound effortless, particularly the
hand-crossing show of the final Presto. As with other volumes in the series, Bavouzet exploits ornamentation and decoration in the repeats with exquisite taste, managing to add interest without it ever feeling intrusive. Nos 34, 35 and 36 make up the rest of this volume, although the numbering is deceptive here, as the chronological order is far from clear There is even some uncertainty that No 35 is actually by Haydn, although the argument in his favour is strong Regardless of such doubts, it is a joyful and playful sonata, and Bavouzet exploits the humour here to great effect. No. 34 has a beautiful central slow movement, followed by a clever Minuet with variations, and No 36 that finishes the disc has a poised classical Adagio, ending with a lively Presto Bavouzet is a delight throughout, and despite being one volume in an extended project, he raises this way above a catalogue exercise
Reviews, comments and events: v nicks-classical-notes.blogspot.co.uk t @nickb86uk ) nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
CINEMA
) Claus Guth’ s new production of Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito, broadcast live from Glyndebourne, with Steve Daislim, Alice Coote and Kate Lindsey, conducted by Robin Ticciati (Thursday 3). In local cinemas, including: Duke’s @ Komedia Brighton, Cineworld Eastbourne and Connaught Cinema, Worthing.
CONCERTS
ST LUKE'S CHURCH Queens Park Rd, Brighton www.stlukesconcerts.webeden.co.uk
) Soprano Sharon Elizabeth, aka ‘Forget-Me-Not’, with Paul Lewis (piano), (7.30pm, Fri 11) performs music evoking the Art Deco period, including Noel Coward, Sigmund Romberg and Cole Porter.
) Then pianist Elena Kiseleva (7 30pm, Fri 25) performs Scarlatti, Haydn, Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov
PAGE’S PAGES
) NO FEAR NO SHAME by Alice Denny
This new collection of poems from Alice Denny, like herself, is slim but packs a punch. There is an essential contradiction in all Denny’s poems; like all poets she’s both startlingly intimate and ruthlessly private, exposing and hiding, showing and telling, letting us feel the throb of blood in her veins, the skipped heartbeats, see the flash of metaphor as it crosses her mind, feel the tear as it slides down her cheek and the shock of uncompromising unconditional love where there should be bitterness, anger or despair
Denny speaks of hope, she sings the body electric! She shows us the quiet, firm steps of the daily struggle and, although sophisticated in the untangling and unknotting of the gender binary restrictions of the English language, she slyly brings her authentic British voice out into the silence - bold, fearless, challenging. Her humour, humility and honestly is almost as startling as her rhyming and also as simple. These poems are orphans, clarions, warnings, guidebooks and tattoos of experience.
Denny, who is from Hastings, brings with her that combination of soft marking chalk and unyielding sparking flint that marks out the ancient Sussex landscape and ports. From her safe harbour of words we set sail across a sea of possibility, in full flood, with our nets cast wide for experience and our sails full of love With Captain Denny navigating we have no fear, our journey is not to be dull
our power structures and the harm it is doing, knowingly, to our lives, bodies and world, and Penny is clear on what needs to be done to right these apparently endless wrongs. Each of these articles is framed and filled with insight and empathy, Penny gets it. Her urgent convincing arguments should be on every school syllabus and younger LGBTQ people should be bought this book to arm them for the arguments that attempt to batter and dismiss their existence Penny gives not only hope, but ideas Filled with power and truth, this book was a blast of trumpets against the walls of privilege and in all of this she’s funny, engaging and takes a hard poke at us and our world views with a wonderfully sly smile on her face. Seriously good reading.
) BITCH DOCTRINE, ESSAYS FOR DISSENTING ADULTS by
Laurie Penny (Bloomsbury Publishing)
Noted British feminist writer tackles gender, sexism, identity, and power issues in a world being laid waste by “kamikaze capitalism” From her opening premise that ‘toxic masculinity is killing the world’ you ’ ve got a really clear idea of where this elegant, refined and ruthlessly researched, argued and targeted seriously funny set of rants are going, and they’re aiming to the heart of the matter. Penny keeps the beat of clear-headed, truthful argument and keeps it strong, undermining and exposing the lies and complex deceptions meant to pit us queers, women, trans folk,
black, older and others against each other She is convincing on the demands and degradations of
crepuscular depths of addiction and despair A book with huge startling grace and a stunning examination of our need to find meaning in a world gone mad and going for good.
) TIMBER by Dale Lazarov & Player (Bruno Gmuender). In Timber, a hunky third-wheel bachelor goes on a lonely hike after his paired up friends disturb his sleep by having endless early morning sex in the campgrounds. After completely losing his way in a slightly magical forest, he meets an uncannily-masculine threesome of lumberjacks who are very friendly and very touchy smiley They take him to their cabin for rescue of a different kind and reveal their true, devastatingly hot natures in bed! Timber is published by Sticky Graphic Novels, founded by Dale Lazarov for wordless, gay character-based, sex-positive graphic novels (think
to quell her addiction to drugs, disastrous romance, and 90s San Francisco, Michelle heads south for LA But soon it’s officially announced that the world will end in one year, and life in the sprawling metropolis becomes increasingly weird This new book from poet Michelle Tea explores the opportunity of dancing with the apocalypse; it’s odd and funny, dark and engaging, dangerous, dirty and seriously enlightening and packs a clear sparkling punch, time and time again. I started this book as soon as I’d finished it, needed to read it again to enjoy Tea’s ambitious and delicious prose as it slowly wrapped itself around the end is this how it ends? I hope so, bumping and grinding from genre to genre, through time and ideas and never quite settling anywhere, while all the time staring you down from the
hyper colour filthy cartoons) to which you can add your own imagination and story as you ’ re led along into this seriously erotic wonderland of beautifully illustrated and coloured manf**k pagan fantasy Hot, fun and affirmative this is a sensual and stimulating treat with a knowing sense of humour
) BLACK WAVE by Michelle Tea (Amethyst Editions). Desperate
GEEK SCENE
COMICS
) This month instead of focusing on a western comic, let’s take a look at my favourite manga series of all time - the amazing Fate/Stay Night Originally released in 2004, Fate/Stay Night began life as a visual novel video game, which is basically an interactive ‘choose your own path’ story. After the huge success of the visual novel, the series then spread to various media including many manga and anime adaptations
The story takes place in Fuyuki City, where a secret war has been going on for the past two centuries between seven competing magi This skirmish reoccurs every 50 years, with each magus aka Master gambling their lives to obtain the Holy Grail, a holy relic capable a granting said champion their deepest wish To compete, each Master must summon a Servant who will fight for them in the upcoming war These servants are reincarnations of legendary heroes from across time and each Master can only summon one from seven different classes: Archer, Assassin, Berserker, Caster, Lancer, Rider and Sabre. Whilst servants have their own free will, they agree to help their masters as they too will gain a life changing wish should their masters be victorious.
The protagonist of the story is one Shirou Emiya, a serious yet hard working young man whose parents died in a fire 10 years ago at the conclusion of the Fourth Holy Grail War. He was found near death and saved by Kiritsugu Emiya, who then adopted the boy as his own. Before Kiritsugu dies, he tells Shirou that he failed at his life’s ambition to become a Hero of Justice Shirou, believing his father’s ideal is something worthy of dedicating his life to, tells Kiritsugu that he will achieve his dream To do this, Shirou begs Kiritsugu to teach him sorcery but, as he wasn’t born a magus, Shirou proves mostly talentless Five years after Kiritsugu’s death, Shirou stumbles upon a battle between two servants, Archer and Lancer, battling in his school’s yard. After accidently revealing himself, Lancer chases down Shirou and stabs him through the heart. After somehow regaining consciousness, he runs home only to be followed by Lancer. Before he can deliver the fatal blow, a young woman appears in a flash of light and blocks Lancer’s attack
Unbeknownst to Shirou, this woman is his own servant: Saber, who vows to fight for him in the latest Grail War From here the story splits into the three routes: Fate, Unlimited Blade Works and Heaven’s Feel
If you want to read this fantastic series, start with the Fate/Zero light novel which is the series prequel Then dive straight into the Tokyopop adaptation of the Fate route which also covers the Unlimited Blade Works scenario too Oh, and if you have Netflix, give the Unlimited Blade Works anime a go too It is the series that got me into this franchise and I absolutely love it!
GAMES
) To say Sonic The Hedgehog has had a few duff games would be an understatement Apart from one game every so often like Sonic Generations and Sonic Colours, the series has been in decline since the Sega Mega Drive days So, instead of trying to make Sonic work in 3D (something that very rarely does), it would make sense for Sega to create a new Sonic game that is just like the days of the Mega Drive, right? Well thank the hedgehog Gods, Sega have only gone and done exactly that with Sonic Mania, a game that is all about celebrating the blue blur and his 16 bit roots.
First announced last year at Sonic’s 25th anniversary event, Sonic Mania's development team consists of quite a few fans of the series
Two of them being the excellent Christian ‘Taxman’ Whitehead, who previously worked on the 2011 Sonic CD port and Simon ‘Stealth’ Thomley, who assisted Whitehead on the brilliant mobile versions of Sonic The Hedgehog and Sonic The Hedgehog 2. As stated by Sonic series producer Takashi Iizuka, Sonic Mania is a ‘passion project’ created out of the fans’ love for the 16-bit era of Sonic games. Something that was sorely needed after Sonic The Hedgehog 4, a game that tried to combine the art style of 3D Sonic games with the side scrolling gameplay of the 2D series, was released to a lukewarm reception back in 2010
Just like the earliest games in the series, Sonic Mania is a sidescrolling platformer emulating the look of the sprites used during the Sega Mega Drive days Players can choose between three playable characters from the get go: Sonic The Hedgehog, Miles ‘Tails’ Prower (I love that name!) and Knuckles the Echidna (looking like he does in the original games Long before his jacked Sonic Boom look was ever even a pipe dream) Each of the playable characters has their own unique ability which can be useful depending on the level: Sonic can perform a ‘drop dash’, which sends him flying into a spin dash after a jump, Tails can fly and swim, and Knuckles can glide and punch climb walls.
Sonic Mania features brand new original levels (split into ‘acts’), as well as bringing back ‘remixed’ classics such as Green Hill Zone from the very first Sonic The Hedgehog alongside other retro levels. There are also special stages based on the ones first seen in Sonic 3 and special arenas where players have to complete a challenge to gain a Chaos Emerald. Choas Emeralds are useful as once all seven have been collected the player can then become Super Sonic They are also needed so that the player can gain the true final ending to the game
Sonic Mania will be released this month on all major home consoles and Microsoft Windows for around £15 If you love Sonic or the 16-bit era of gaming, you owe it to yourself to get this game ASAP!
) HARMONIUM (Eureka blu-ray) Kôji Fukada’ s highl regarded movie, and Cannes prize-winner, is an intens domestic drama in which a former prisoner, played by Tadanobu Asano, turns up at the workshop of Toshio (Kanji Furutachi) where he’s immediately offered a job. The relationship between the two men is unclear but it seems they both share a dark secret. The plot then unfurls with a heady mix of infidelity, betrayal and death. Harmonium is one of those films it’s easie to admire than perhaps enjoy Dense with allusions to the fraught relationships between children and their parents, and seasoned with a dash of Christianity, it seems the director has an almost schematic idea about what he’s communicating, particularly in his use of an unlikely plot development, though I’m not sure I quite got it Mariko Tsutsui gives an excellent performance as a woman whose life slowly collapses around her, perhaps as a divine judgement on the behaviour of both her and her husband
) MOONLIGHT (iTunes, blu-ray & DVD). Barry Jenkins‘ award-winning film is divided into three different timelines, each focusing on Chiron at different stages in his life. As a child, Chiron is nicknamed 'Little' because of his diminutive size and shy demeanour He’s bullied at school and becomes involved with a drug dealer As he begins to explore his sexuality in his teenage years, and becomes a more resilient adult, the travails of his upbringing and the experiences of his younger years may never truly leave him It’s a superb study of an alternative narrative of black male gayness and also of the tenderness of hope and love in a life gone wrong. Eric Page
) Incense Cones, £16 (a tin Workshop 13a Prince Albert Street Brighton 01273 731340)
) Bee Bling necklace, £14 Budgie Smuggler’s designer £28.99; Barbary Lane velve bag, £24 (Barbary Lane, 95 St George’s Road, Brighton, www barbarylane co uk and Facebook)
) Mr S Leather Puppy hood available in different colours, £129.99; Titus Puppy Tail in small, medium and large £34.99-£44.99; Fetish Gear Pup T-Shirt available in red, blue, yellow and white, £29.99 (CloneZone, www clonezone co uk)
) New Season Swimwear from £34.95 (Prowler, 112-113 St James's Street, Brighton, 01273 683680)
ABSOLUT SUPPORTS EQUAL LOVE WITH NEW LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE
) Absolut have produced a new limited edition bottle of vodka to continue its celebration and support of LGBT+ communities The new rainbow design is the third and consecutive bottle to support the LGBT+ communities with this year's interpretation of the LGBT+ flag at the centre of a high impact media campaign.
The bottle, which includes a Taking Pride In Diversity statement on the back, contains Absolut Original vodka and features a rainbow flag depicted in brush strokes to create a hand-made look, in-keeping with the brand's artistic heritage. To celebrate the six colours of the LGBT+ flag, paint strokes circle the bottle while leaving the label clear, symbolising Absolut seeing through labels. RRP £19.45
CRAIG’S THOUGHTS
Shopping for Pride. Or which vodka will make me gay?
By Craig Hanlon-Smith
campaigns, but I do think they have not been adequately researched or thought through And it’s the lack of thought that I find a little disappointing
It’s important to remember that the original Pride marches were demonstrations, an emerging fight for equality and a direct reaction to police brutality against the LGBT community in the late 1960s and beyond. I would welcome a historical reflection to this essential aspect of our past in our Pride parades, but Pride is also now much bigger than that. Pride in both London and Brighton now host a range of events in the two weeks up to the weekend festivals referred to as ‘Pride’. How many weekend revellers were aware that the Royal National Theatre were hosting a range of seminal play readings in the first week of July, including Martin Sherman’s Bent, which examines the treatment of gay men in Nazi concentration camps? The thinking man ’ s Pride is out there if you can be bothered to look for it
) “Isn’t it great that Pride feels like a national celebration now?”, my husband exclaims as we wander around London for some last minute holiday shopping And as I look around at every other shop, wall, skyward banner and lamppost, adorned with some manifestation of the rainbow, I cannot help but agree. In the 22 years that I’ve been attending Pride events, the integration of these into our national psyche is nothing short of terrific and the importance of this not to be underestimated. The first Pride marches I attended in London during the mid-late 1990s, although massive, were routed away from the main shopping areas and with the park/party/rally events in the green open spaces of Finsbury, Brockwell and Victoria Parks, not to forget Clapham Common, visitors to London could happily wander around the city’s main tourist centres and not experience so much of a hint of it Pride happened, but around the edges.
Not so now The London march and parade closes both Oxford and Regent Street to traffic, the ‘party’ element has now been a mainstay of Trafalgar Square for several years, and Pride in London adorns the shops, buses, underground stations and even high-street fashion choices. Our own event in Brighton is a massive boost for the annual local economy with guest houses booked out months in advance, and with the parade marching through the centre of town and street party closing a significant part of the seafront for two days, you cannot visit and miss it
But all is not well in Pride land. Peter Tatchell writing in The Guardian this week, pulled no punches in highlighting what he described as draconian rules and regulations which in effect inhibit London’s Pride celebrations at the behest of commercial profit Pride in London has to limit the number of participants in the parade at the behest of the mayor ’ s office, and whilst there is a smattering of human rights groups marching, the parade is overrun with representatives ranging from supermarket
chains to international airlines The Royal Parks will not permit Pride celebrations on their land, and there is a tight limit on the numbers allowed in the Trafalgar Square event. Tatchell directly challenges the mayor ’ s claims of over a million attendees and puts the figure at a more conservative 250k. When these figures are compared with those in Madrid and Sao Paolo to name but two, it would appear that Pride in London is less party and more poop There are now similar limits on those attending Brighton Pride, and for both London and Brighton, applications months in advance and fees payable for a spot in the parade
Peter Tatchell speaks highly of the Pride organisations themselves describing their positions as almost being held to ransom by city councils But Pride groups have also this year come under some scrutiny Pride in London had to withdraw a seemingly expensive poster marketing campaign following accusations of straight bias and the marginalisation of the very community it was trying to support. Pride in London apologised unreservedly and issued a statement confirming the campaign to have been a misjudgement.
I am less than over the moon with the current Pride-friendly Hate Sucks campaign. Sucks being a derivative of c**k-sucker seen most notably in the late 1970s Disco Sucks campaign, when there were mass burnings of disco records at football stadiums across America with homophobic overtones When raising this online, I’ve been accused of oversensitivity, political correctness and ‘attacking Pride’ To be straight with you (rolls eyes), I’m not angry or offended by these
There is also, I believe, much to celebrate in the commercialisation of Pride If international businesses or high street stores want to sponsor LGBT Pride events, of course it’s for commercial gain, but is that not progressive? I’m only 45 and I remember all too well when gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender branding was considered toxic, and no commercial organisation with any business sense would come anywhere near us. I love to hear stories of people refusing to buy rainbow covered vodka bottles or McDonald’s fries served in a Pride carton, those organisations are saying to those individuals it is you who needs to change your mind Supermarkets marching through Pride are promoting themselves of course, but they’re also showing off and celebrating their LGBT staff networks and encouraging members of our community to consider working for an organisation that allows us to be ourselves
Pride is not what it was, and I am in many ways pleased it doesn’t need to be Don’t get me wrong, I love a good march and can often be heard ranting political manifestos in my sleep, but I cannot to any reasonable extent put into words the Pride I feel when every day I can hold my husband’s hand and kiss in the street, hug my friends tightly and possibly for slightly longer than is comfortable for some, in public, be visibly homosexual across a range of online platforms, and stand on an escalator which will take me to one of the busiest commercial centres in the world and see that it is in every direction adorned with rainbows that celebrate me
Every petition, every demonstration, every step towards acceptance over the past 50 years has brought us here It is now our duty to make sure that we don’t f**k it up
“Supermarkets marching through Pride, are promoting themselves of course, but they’re also showing off and celebrating their LGBT staff networks”
HYDES’ HOPES
BY R E V
WHY PRIDE?
) When I first came out in the 1980s I couldn't understand why we needed a Pride march. I couldn't understand why anyone would want to be openly gay. After all, it meant discrimination at work, discrimination in religious circles, and families who, for shame, exclude you from family life. And after all they were right. It was shameful to be gay, to be different. To be gay meant that I wasn't 'normal', a pervert, and surviving life was the most I could hope for
Then my partner found out he was HIV positive. His condition was made worse by the internalised homophobia that we lived with. Somehow he felt that he deserved this terrible disease. He felt that others deserved it too I watched him descend into hell and it split us apart For the first time I really started to think
Why should I be ashamed of who I am just to justify a world view I increasingly felt was unfair? Why should I let others tell me that I'm less than them, suck it up, when it's their insecurity I'm covering? Why should I be less of a Christian just because the majority of the Church is homophobic, propped up by some very strong internalised homophobia amongst some of its clergy? When Peter Tatchell outed some prominent clergy in 1994 at first I was shocked Didn't he know how unfair it was to out these people? Surely their private lives were private? And then I realised that if these clergy had the nerve to support an organisation that condemned gay men, that helped to sustain the homophobia in our world, then they needed to be outed. It was actually Jesus who said: “What you hear in whispers – proclaim from the rooftops!”
“When Peter Tatchell outed some prominent clergy in 1994 at first I was shocked... then I realised that if these clergy had the nerve to support an organisation that condemned gay men... then they needed to be outed”
I marched in London, and had my face punched in the street – blood flowing onto a jacket I would never wear again. At first I felt ashamed and humiliated that someone had spotted I was gay. But then I felt an anger rise and on the next march I took a can of mace. I marched in London. Then when I moved to the USA, I marched in New York and Washington DC I lobbied senators and congressmen for the right to marry, and when we won the right I married my husband in a quiet little ceremony at home – one of the proudest days of my life
It's difficult now My health means I can't walk far, and travelling is a challenge But I feel great pride in those LGBTQ+ siblings who marched in Istanbul braving tear gas and rubber bullets Here in Brighton it's a much more casual affair, and although homophobia can still raise its head it'll be a minority of troublemakers and the police are on our side.
I'm proud now of all of who I am A gay man A bear A Christian A husband A minister A disabled man My pride springs from within in defiance of those whose world view is served by my shame. Because seriously, it's time the world changed – I'm fine just the way I am. I'm proud of who I am.
BY G AY S O C R AT E S
GIVE & TAKE
) I’ve got a bit of an obsession with Bindweed at the moment! Over the past 17 years it has mutated, from being a rather pretty climbing vine with lovely white trumpet-like flowers in the corner of our little back garden, into a rapidly growing, infiltrating triffid, strangling all my lovely plants and shrubs and suffocating them out of light and life.
This summer I’ve spent hours at a time in that garden unravelling the binding growth from fragile stems and branches. Each time the compost heap ends up with five or six armfuls of the stuff yet within a few weeks it’s grown back again with a vengeance
I’ve had a series of friends recently who were just like that Bindweed in my garden People who at first seemed exotic and alluring from afar People who claimed themselves unjustly judged People for whom my intuition was screaming ‘Beware-they’re dangerous’ (and I disregarded the warnings because I wanted to prove my programming wrong) People who hinted that they were weak and fragile and in need of some support To these people, metaphorically speaking, I invited them to grow up into the trellis-work of my life
As the years have gone by, the weight of their vegetation and the suffocation of their foliage have taken their toll on me, draining me of my creative energy and vitality
I’m sure I’m not the only one this has happened to Until fairly recently I was a prize people pleaser; a total sucker for validation from wherever I could find it I got pleasure from sensing gratitude from others for the gifts of attention, touch, love, money, food, and rounds of drinks I would bestow on them I was happy to offer myself as a resource and allowed myself to be used by others as and when they pleased.
Unfortunately this approach attracted individuals who were happy to accept my gifts and took the resources I allowed them to access But rather than this resulting in a natural Yin-Yang balance of giving and receiving, I eventually began to feel drained, depleted and used.
“Until recently I was a prize people pleaser; a total sucker for validation from wherever I could find it... I allowed myself to be used by others as and when they pleased”
I came to recognise that the fertile soil of my generosity was simply cultivating fields and fields of Bindweed-like users and takers
I felt a bit sad when I abandoned my approach of unconditional beneficence but, with the help of the Faeries, as I grew to love myself and came to honour the queerness of my own true nature, I no longer felt the need of approval from others, at any cost, to shore up my confidence I began to recognise that there was nothing ‘enlightened’ about what I was doing I was simply taking my own natural power to continue becoming my truest authentic self and just pissing it up the wall!
I could easily spray a weedkiller on the Bindweed in my garden but, for now, I’m enjoying the hours and hours I’m spending meditating on the delicate balance of give and take in human relationships!
CHARLIE SAYS
Pride and the danger of success
by Charlie Bauer Phd
http://charliebauerphd blogspot co uk
) New York Pride 2017 drew one million people. Like all Prides, not all gay people either. Families, trapeze artists, communists, grannies, military folk, factory workers, scrubbers - you name it they were all represented Because Pride is more and more about life, isn’t it? And acceptance And fun
The police presence was apparently huge because of the constant, no longer latent, threat we all live under today Yet 2017 was the biggest success ever as Senators, Mayors and Congress people fearlessly marched down 5th Avenue. Fearlessly.
The cost is astounding for such an event: closing roads, hiring security, shipping in police as, post-Florida, that eternal threat of an attack is always there for the community. For the idiots with nail bombs, going queer is a double whammy.
This is apparently what happened in Istanbul this year. The authority’s answer to these ‘fearless’ folk, who decided that they weren’t scared and that they would march on the banned Pride Parade anyway, was rubber bullets. The fact that this is a Muslim country doesn’t make any difference. We don’t disrespect people’s religions, why should we, we know what hate feels like first hand We always stand back up
Now, after London Bridge and Manchester, the people – all people – defy the terrorists and keep on with the business as usual This didn’t happen in Istanbul The fact that Pride was to fall on Eid, which is the festival marking the end of the abstinence of Ramadan, was seen as a potential target hotspot Or was it? Well the Presidenté over there is leaning more to radicalisation, so you go figure I don’t know, all these so called ‘fearless’ people against authoritarianism? Sound like anywhere else? Closer to home?
Germany has recently passed the Gay Marriage Bill yet Angela Merkel voted against it Unlike some other countries in the West, this doesn’t make her an despot or an avid member of the Christian/right party she represents It makes her a brilliant politician
Merkel has to keep the right wing of her party happy Otherwise, well, she’s no longer in power, a Le Pen equivalent will be sure to step in Does Germany in the 1930s ring a bell? Both she and Macron can’t allow that to happen - before you know it there will be a Fourth Reich shoveling all the newly married gay couples through a death camp door. You think I’m exaggerating? Remember how things were last year before the Brexit vote. Remember how you felt? Probably a bit pissed off, but generally fine. And how do you feel now? Bet you didn’t realise they were to be the good times happening…
What keeps the world going through terrible times of ultra rightism - Berlin of the 1930s, New York of the 1920s, the UK in the 1980sis Queers. From Sally Bowles and the Chat Noir, to the Bloomsburies and Mr Bowie himself, you can rely on a queer pack to smooth over the edges of oppressionism PoMo queers have done the same as every Pride event generates millions in revenue for local communities - globally Yes, Istanbul included A million people marching through New York generated a lot more than a million pounds for the non-queer community, multiply that by at least ten.
People rub their hands together at the thought of Pride coming over the hill and under the rainbow
People move into dodgy streets because queers live there, pushing the prices up so that poor queers can no longer live there by token It’s a fact People, especially women, are more likely to trust a gay salesperson Let’s face it, we are the cash cows of the modern world, like it or not.
So, let’s not forget that Brighton Pride last year generated £100,000 for the local economy. Which is great. Unless the councils of the world start using that revenue to prop up cut services, including those of the LGBTI community who generate this funding bung. It’s a bit of a problem. You can’t have your macaroons and eat them, honey. Do we stop Pride? Who gains from that? Of course, Brexit means Brexit and you wont need a visa to get a towel along the English Riviera, so the councils will still make money But sacrifice that tainted pink sterling in the queer capital of the universe of Britain I thinks not me heartys On saying that, let’s see if the new British wave of tourists even want a Queer Brighton Brighton Pride is for Brighton London Pride is for the world, but not for long when London moves away.
But councils have always been on the back of who will actually pay for Prides and it’s not just getting boring, it’s becoming bloody dangerous. You crush more than monetary gain when you crush an event like Pride. Look out into the world, baby cakes. Every time it comes down to money. But next, watch this space, it will be down to safety. And since terrorism keeps paying, whether it’s Missus May’s mass surveillance, body searches by horny immigration officers or screening your family for heart disease and Jihadists, getting a bill though the house is a ladle of consommé when it comes to public safety Because keeping you frightened pays dividends to those at the top of the pile
Stopping Pride now, for our own safety, is only what happened in Istanbul Pricing it out of existence not only screws the local economy, it plays down visibility Those of us over the age of 26 and ¾ will remember this as being in the closet. Believe me, that is a step back none of us can take because that step leads to very, very dark places.
Just be aware, stay sharp and remember –always trust your paranoia. And buy that shite larger locally please, let’s make £200,000 to keep them off our back for another year.
“A million people marching through New York generated a lot more than a million pounds for the non queer community, multiply that by at least ten”
COMPA SSION COUNTS
) Ah, so here we are again, it goes by so fast - a whole year of bitching, infighting, moaning, grousing, nit-picking, slagging off, back stabbing, snarling, grumbling and then we all come together for one glorious day of celebration, superbly and with panache; we PRIDE - and then off we go undermining and not supporting each other throughout the rest of the year. It’s always the same and the reason we do this is always the same – MONEY. Never enough of it, never enough to go round and when governments use fiscal pressure as social weapons as the discredited ‘austerity programme ’ has been seen to be, then we can only turn to ourselves for help
The Rainbow Fund is the lifeblood of the city’s LGBT communities, money raised by Pride and a host of dedicated campaigners and devoted individuals who get how important it is to ensure that small groups, services and specialised spaces are kept running and open for us, the Queers, to access There’s a lot of rich old queens out there, some gilded Dykes, bi’s rolling in it and the odd minted trans person, but there’s also a lot more struggling, poor, LGBT/Queer people, deprived not because of their poor choices, as those spiteful sub-Ann Rand arguments would have it, but poor because our society doesn’t care enough, and I mean our British political classes and the middle classes who chatter too much but do so little. When did we become so selfish, cold, and so indifferent? So used to stepping over or around poverty.
The Rainbow Fund distributes money to projects that bring hope to people who have been battered, broken or who struggle to find dignity and courage in their everyday lives. It gives money to enable groups to meet, people to work, ideas to expand, lives to flourish, people to stand on their own two feet, or to reach out and support each other. The Rainbow Fund teaches that we, as a community, can be a force for good, can provide change and spaces to protect our vulnerable ones in times of hardship and need In times like these, cruel horrible spiteful times when our leaders don’t care and their ideologies and desperate grasping for power are more important than our dignity (that’s you DUP), intolerance outweighs love Shame on them Look and see them for what they are
But let’s not chat about despair, let’s chat about HOPE, like St Harvey of the Milky Skin said, “Hope will never be silent” There are many groups in the city who fill the gaps and chasms left by a retreating local council forced into making heart-breaking funding choices by prolonged and vicious government cuts. Blessed are the fundraisers, because they finance the people who care for those of us who need to be held gently and softly against the dark oncoming tide of brutish life. My Grandmother Ivy, who knew a lot about struggle having manned the barricades in the Spanish Civil War armed with a well ironed pinny and a fish skillet, told me that “ every raindrop raises the ocean ” , which means every tiny bit you do, we do, matters, every single drop of compassion counts
‘There is no such thing as society’ a certain shrill grocer ’ s daughter once said, in the last dark times WE proved her wrong then, Pride is OUR community event We will prove them wrong again, WE are community, our breadth is our strength, but in these darkened times it’s up to us, the lucky ones, and that’s you poppet - to make sure we do our bit, to allow the Rainbow Fund to do their bit, sometimes you need to put your shoulder to the wheel and not just sit back, be exquisite and never explain
S C E N E AND DONE IT
BY M I C H A
PROUD DAD
) "I'm colouring this dinosaur in all the colours of the rainbow, Daddy!" my son informs me, "Except pink and purple 'cause I don't like pink and purple. You know Sam Parker said pink and purple are girl colours!"
Three perturbed frowns appear on three parents' faces Once more, the lesbians and I wonder how, by Julie Andrews, we managed to produce someone so heterosexual!
son is nearly five and very much a y My argument that some boys, like addy, like pink too does not convince m in the slightest. Sam Parker, an thority on all things dinosaur, viously knows better than I do. And son loves dinosaurs, and vehicles Transformers. At age five, so I'm arning, pretty much any toy can ansform into a Transformer, except he green garbage truck I choose when I am commanded to join in the play “That one is only a garbage truck, silly Daddy!”
As you'll understand, I have my difficulties getting involved in all this boy stuff My favourite toy was always Barbie, hands down He on the other hand did not take to the Imitation Cindy we bought him one bit I had to discover her, not a stitch of clothing on her and legs spread wide apart, on the floor behind the big box of Lego!
“That, my son, is not how we treat women!” I sternly point out, and proceed to dress her in a cute striped halter neck with matching clutch purse, as he bashes two racing cars together, making crash noises Five months later, she still hasn't changed outfits
When he grows up, so he knows already, he will be a fireman A territory at last where we find common ground, albeit for different reasons Whilst I can't quite see how this career will put three people in a good nursing home, I do look forward to popping down to the station with a packed lunch a few times a week when the day comes!
“I am proud that we are raising a child who already understands that each person, each family, is unique, different and special”
So this year, what am I proud of? I am proud of my son, who more than anything is a kind, caring and well-mannered little boy who is free to love any colour he chooses He might be blue whilst I am pink, but he is my child and I will always love him, whatever hues his rainbow shimmers in
I am proud and priviledged to be allowed to share him with his two mummies, and proud that we are raising a child who already understands that each person, each family, is unique, different and special We make a point of celebrating this diversity through him and with him, and I consider myself fortunate to live in a time and place where this is not only possible, but even encouraged. Never more so than when it's Pride!
Just like the poster says, different families, but same love I am proud that we exist, our little family and all you others like ours, and that is what I'll celebrate this year.
TRANSITIONING WITH SUGAR
Sugar Swan reflects back on her Pride experiences over the last 20 years
) My first experience of a Pride event was back in 1997, some 20 years ago A fresh faced 16-year-old kid, who knew she was trans but only in her wildest dreams did she think she could transition, made her way to Clapham Common for Pride London. I was absolutely terrified as I made my way there with my cis girlfriend. She was the first person who I confided in who understood my gender feels. Following a string of disasterous teenage relationships with men, she was my first real partner. Being bisexual herself, we had a beautiful open relationship where we really did have it all We didn't know the word Poly at the time but we knew that we were different from other people and we embraced that
As we got closer and closer to the event we were surrounded by more and more queer people all making their way to the park in high spirits I couldn't help but notice amongst the crowds that we didn't really fit in The crowd was mostly white, gay and male There were very few women and even less trans and BME representation I was happy though, I was surrounded by queer people, covered in glitter, intoxicated on love, and I felt the love, from my girlfriend and from the friends and sexual partners we met along the way. I hark from the London home counties, in a small village between Ascot Racecourse and Windsor Castle. Schooled in the very depressing satellite town of Bracknell, consisting of council estates and office blocks, I was beaten to the ground and kicked in the stomach for being different We were lucky to have found each other We were very much the minority Unfortunately that was
our first and only Pride together, as she died some months later in a car accident that would shape my future
After her death and my subsequent recovery period following the car accident I was terribly bereft and consequently pushed my gender identity deep down inside I presented for the next 15 years as a cis gay man to most of the outside world, as that is what they read me as, and at the time I thought it was easier to live that lie than to find the strength to transition. During the two years following her death I attended Prides in London but they were never the same. I felt like no one understood me, no one got me That was until I was fortunate enough to find myself, at 19 years old, working in a call centre and meeting an established group of queer alternative and goth friends that included my life long friend and short time show biz partner, Spice, and my beloved companion for the rest of his life, Mouse They both knew that I was a girl from the very beginning, I didn't have to explain myself, they just knew, I didn't have to hide my breasts from my first puberty.
My Pride experiences were very different in the 20 years since that first one back in 1997. Back then I stood out. I was notably different
from everyone else, but as the years went by I blended in more By 2001 I was establishing myself on the drag circuit with Spice and we were atop open buses in the parade and performing in the cabaret tent in Preston Park and at the village street parties. Drag afforded me a certain invisibility around my gender and sexuality, or so I thought. I clearly wasn't fooling anybody as it came as no surprise when I came out last year.
During those 20 years of moving down here and religiously being part of Pride, be that as an entertainer, a barmaid, or a spectator, I still felt out of place just as I did back in 1997 on Clapham Common. I always felt that I didn't see many other people I could really relate to, people I could see myself in The trans community was almost invisible at many of the Pride events I attended These included events both here in Brighton, London, and across Europe I struggled with how whitewashed and corporate everything was and how Prides the world over seemed more about brand names and white muscled guys in speedos as the main line of advertisement. Where was the fat representation? The black people? The trans people? Lesbians? Bisexuals? The Disabled? I guess we weren't deemed beautiful enough to represent Pride, which has lead me to ask the question of late, Where is my Pride? I still recognise that Pride events across the globe are a right of passage for many a young queer that have never been in a large group of likeminded people It’s important for them to have that experience of love and acceptance on a mass scale Therefore I support Pride events but believe that greater representation of the umbrella is paramount
This is something that’s just as apparent today as it always has been Following the worldwide debates over the inclusion of black and brown stripes to the Pride flag of the city of Philadelphia back in June, the banning of the Jewish Pride flag in the Chicago Dyke March, and most recently Pride London's horrific cis hetero lead advertising that was dutifully pulled following uproar within days of launch. These three separate Pride events this year opened up frank and honest discussions around minority representation at Pride events and whether ‘Pride’ across the globe has lost its way and has forgotten that it is supposed to be about the marginalised people, not just those who conform to the gay masses There is an increasingly diverse LGBTQIA umbrella and we ’ ve been under represented for too long It’s this new found awareness by the masses, fuelled by the advent of social media, that brings me hope. Hope for a brighter tomorrow, where trans women, especially those of colour, are back in the forefront of the Pride movement, for that is its roots.
“The crowd was mostly white, gay and male. There were ver y few women and even less trans and BME representation”
SAM TRANS MAN
Dr Samuel Hall on how you can harness a revolution, because we all deserve it
) Pride season is upon us with a vengeance. London Pride has been and gone as I write, and cities all over the world are gearing up for their celebrations. This is a powerful movement that has great potential to change the world for the better
It’s interesting to see that other marginalised groups are using the Pride movement to express their own collective sense of self respect To me this is what it’s all about If you belong to an oppressed minority group that’s subject to discrimination of any kind, from the subtle and insidious to the overt and hateful, it’s likely that you will benefit enormously from the opportunity to stand together with others like you, people who know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of inequality. People who have trodden a path similar to your own, and who’ve experienced the same rejection, love, shame, freedom, and hurt.
These marches aren’t just celebrations of equal rights, they’re moments of self-actualisation, private victories etched into the smiling faces and warm embraces of those who walk alongside one another.
Pride is also a time to remember and act; to remember the battles, the fights for freedom, the shoulders of the giants upon whom we stand. And act to change the world for better in places where LGBT freedoms are not secure, in countries where you can be killed for your very personhood, and in cities around the world where equality is neither a goal, nor even a concept
In those places we can be sure too that other people are suffering Not just those who’ve struggled and been persecuted for their gender identity or sexuality, but people who are disabled, uneducated, born in poverty, mentally ill, black or minority ethnic, deaf,
WEEKLY DROP-IN is based in central Brighton in a safe and confidential space to explore issues around gender identity Facilitated peer support is an important element, as well as providing access to low-cost psychotherapy and speech therapy
partially-sighted, elderly, women and children, including the unborn.
As we look back at our fight for LGBT equality, let’s recognise that we don’t have a monopoly over injustice and prejudice; let’s look for those who’re still fighting, those whose voices aren’t being heard, those who need our encouragement, support, understanding and patronage, whether they be on our doorstep, or miles away and unseen
If “Love happens here” is to reach its full potential, then Pride is for everyone, regardless of race, sexuality, creed, sex, gender or ability, because we all deserve it Hate is nothing but a manifestation of fear, and we conquer fear with love, love is “philia” to fear’s “phobia” In the face of great love, all fear melts away and leaves only kindness and empathy. Now that is something to aspire to, to want to be proud of; a human race that understands fully the meaning of love. Every year, because of Pride, and especially because of TransPride, I’m aware of a subtle change in myself, a recognition of that which defines me, a sense of identity that is unique and irreplaceable, and an appreciation of my very existence. I’m so glad to be alive right now. In this time, with my life, my history, my troubles and my successes. I’m grateful for the trials, the pain and the emotional upheavals that have led me to where I am today, and at this time of year, however bad things are or have been, I feel a renewed sense of hope in the capacity of humanity to really change To become what we are capable of becoming
Corporate humanity is a thing The reality that we ’ re all connected to one another and to the planet we inhabit We’re mutually responsible for the wellbeing of every other living creature, as well as the complex and beautiful ecosystems that sustain us and all life I’m
PROJECT meets every TUES 2.30– 5.30PM at DORSET GARDENS METHODIST CHURCH
Dorset Gardens (off St James Street) Brighton BN2 1RL Except 1st Tues when there’s an optional meal out preceded by the drop-in 5–7 30PM
www.clareproject.org.uk f Clare Project clareprojectinfo@gmail.com
struck by the desperate state we find ourselves in; a generation of humans starting (rightly) to panic about the mess we are making of our home I feel in turn despair and guilt for the children we ’ re raising, whose legacy will be one that brings them to their senses in a way we cannot begin to imagine. I truly believe that my children as older citizens will have had to make some very difficult choices about their lifestyles, choices that are necessary because the mounting evidence of actual harm to the planet is overwhelming
I’ve gone through periods in my life when I’ve been as careful as possible about the environment, forgoing a car, eating vegan food, refusing to fly abroad, shopping locally and restricting myself to organic produce with minimal packaging I have, on the other hand, spent years with more than one car, flown miles in one go, fallen prey to plastic in all its toxic forms, and eaten rubbish food from rubbish sources wrapped in rubbish I know won’t degrade for decades I’m as guilty as the next person for generating waste that well exceeds my body weight every year that I’m alive and I can’t bear it. But I also feel helpless.
Our world is beholden to, controlled and manipulated by global business. It invades our personal space to the point that we no longer recognise the intrusion. Our every move, decision, action is likely to be driven to some degree by some kind of subconscious influence to use, buy, support or patronise some kind of product. In the course of a day I know I’m guilty of supporting so many companies I disapprove of because of their record on workers’ rights, civil rights, LGBT rights, consumer manipulation, or promotion of blatantly unhealthy goods, all profiteering from my laziness and lack of willpower to do better
It might sound dramatic, but the issue of corporate sponsorship during Pride by companies who don’t necessarily stand up for LGBT rights when they could have a massive influence, has reminded me of the sheer number of other examples where multinational multimillion dollar organisations fail abysmally to stand up for the oppressed.
Look carefully at who you give your money to, and you could harness the revolution Love conquers hate. Every time.
PLEASE SEE CLARE PROJECT WEBSITE FOR DETAILS
MINDOUT
Proud of Pride…
www mindout org uk
) MindOut is so proud to be part of the fantastic LGBTQ communities of Brighton and Hove and so proud of Pride Pride raises funds which now, via the Rainbow Fund, go directly to support local need and directly to providing much needed services. We have a community that is raising money for itself, looking after itself, improving its own health and wellbeing.
Pride is not just for a day, it’s for the whole year round.
This year, the money raised by Pride has gone to running our suicide prevention peer support group, Out of the Blue Over the last 12 months, Out of the Blue has run for 44 weeks with a membership of 19 people who have attended 232 times, averaging 12 attendances per person.
As one member said: “I’ve struggled to stay alive all of my adult life, my suicidal thoughts are constant. I’ve been continually misunderstood by mental health professionals… pathologised, judged, and abused because of my non-conforming gender identity. MindOut services are the only support I’ve ever had. I’d be dead today without MindOut”
Far too many people in our communities are struggling with suicidal thoughts and suicidal distress. MindOut aims to enable people to talk about suicide, to seek support and help, to stay safe and above all not to feel alone Pride is helping us to do that all day every day
Peer support works very well for members Finding somewhere that it is safe to talk and where you can offer support others in a similar situation can be life saving.
This year, 80% of group members reported significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of suicidal thoughts and 60% reported significant improvements to selfinjury.
This year group members reported consistent improvements in their wellbeing, the most significant have been:
• Reduced suicidal distress
• Improved sleep routines
• Improved anger management
• Reduced self-injury
• Reduced feelings of isolation
• Feeling more informed and empowered
When asked to describe Out of the Blue, members told us:
• Top marks, the group keeps me safe
• It’s useful to share and learn from experience
• Listened to, understood
• A place to develop confidence
• Supported, held, looked after
At this time of Pride celebrations it’s important to look at the impact of Pride beyond the Pride weekend, beyond the partying Behind the glitter, Pride provides real and lasting change, social change, changes to people’s health and wellbeing, priceless change
Pride and the Rainbow Fund make it possible for us all to contribute directly to the health of each other... to address the inequalities in our communities, they give us a way to give something back
This is an extended and heartfelt thank you letter to Pride, to everyone who makes it so special, to everyone who buys a ticket and contributes £1 to the Rainbow Fund, to everyone on the parade and watching the parade, to everyone who comes to Brighton specially, to everyone who takes part. You are all contributing.
Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we all support community work through our charities, community groups, social enterprises and notfor-profits. Pride and the Rainbow Fund show us the way, they make it possible for us all to contribute directly to the health of each other, they make it possible for us to address the inequalities in our communities, they give us a way to give something back
So this year at Pride please do dig deep. £1 per ticket is guaranteed, but there are lots of other opportunities to give more through the Rainbow Fund itself or directly to any one of many charities and community groups in Brighton & Hove
Any money you donate to MindOut will go directly to providing our much needed services
• If you give us £15 we can give someone in suicidal distress an hour of life saving crisis support
• If you give us £25 we can provide out of hours online support to five people
• If you give us £60 we can give someone four hours of advocacy support enabling them to maximise their income through accessing welfare benefits.
If you ’ re a UK tax payer we can claim Gift Aid on your donation, an extra 25%.
Have you made a will? Everyone should make a will, regardless of whether you have millions or just a few quid, it makes it much, much easier for those who manage your affairs after death. When you do, please consider a donation to charity, a great way to leave a truly lasting legacy.
Some of our supporters give a monthly amount by direct debit. Please do consider this as regular donations are particularly appreciated. www.mindout.org.uk/donate/
MINDOUT
With the contracts, grants, sales, fundraising and donations we receive, MindOut runs a range of mental health services run by and for LGBTQ people with lived experience of mental health issues
We provide advice and information, advocacy, peer support groups and peer mentoring, an out of hours online chat service, courses and workshops All our services are free, independent, confidential and non-judgemental.
To find out more, please:
) See our website: www.mindout.org.uk
) Email: info@mindout.org.uk
) Or call: 01273 234839
SERVICES DIRECTORY
LGBT SERVICES
) ACCESS 4 ALL
LGBT disabled people’s forum Safe, welcoming, suppor t, activities, awareness 07981 170071 or email stevenwithn@talktalk net
) ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT
Drop-in for LGBT or unsure young people under 26, Tues 5 30-8 30pm 01273 721211 or email info@allsor tsyouth org uk, www allsor tsyouth org uk
) BRIGHTON & HOVE POLICE
Repor t all homophobic, biphobic or transphobic incidents to: 24/7 assistance call Police on 101 (for emergencies 999) Repor t online at: www.sussex.police.uk
LGBT team (not 24/7) email: LGBT@sussex pnn police uk
• LGBT Officer PC Sarah Laker on 07912 893557 f Brighton LGBT Police t @policeLGBT t @PCLaker
) BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SAFETY FORUM
Independent LGBT forum working with the community to address and improve safety issues in Brighton & Hove info@lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com www lgbt-safety-forum-brighton com
) BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SWITCHBOARD
Help-line with email & webchat facility from 5pm daily on 01273 204 050
• LGBT specialist face to face low cost counselling service,
Info, counselling, drop-in space, suppor t groups 01273 698036 or visit www.womenscentre.org.uk
) BRIGHTON GEMS
Social group for gay men over 50 with several events every month inc meeting at Dorset Gardens last Fri of month 7-9pm For info email info@brightongems.com www.brightongems.com
) LESBIAN LINK BRIGHTON
Local social group offers friendship, social events, meet 1st Thur at Regency Tavern, 7 30pm 07594 578 035 www lesbianlinkbrighton co uk
) LESBIAN & GAY A A
12-step self-help programme for alcohol addictions Sun 7 30pm, Chapel Royal, Nor th St, Btn (side entrance) 01273 203 343 (general AA line)
) LGBT NA GROUP
Brighton-based LGBT (welcomes others) Narcotics Anonymous group every Tue 6 30–8pm, Millwood Centre, Nelson Row, Kingswood St 0300 999 1212
) LGBT MEDITATION GROUP
Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5 30–7pm, Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Brighton 07789 861 367 or www.bodhitreebrighton.org.uk
) LUNCH POSITIVE
Lunch club for people with HIV Meet/make friends, find peer suppor t in safe space Every Fri, noon–2 30pm, Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset Gdns, Brighton Lunch £1 50 07846 464 384 or www.lunchpositive.org
) MCC BRIGHTON
Inclusive, affirming space where all are invited to come as they are to explore their spirituality without judgement 01273 515572 or info@mccbrighton org uk www mccbrighton org uk
) MINDOUT
Independent, impar tial info, guidance for LGBT people with mental health problems 24 hr confidential answerphone: 01273 234839 or info@mindout.org.uk www mindout org uk
) NAVIGATE
Social/peer suppor t group for FTM, transmasculine & gender queer people Every 1st Wed 7-9pm & 3rd Sat of month 1-3pm at Space for Change, Windlesham Venue, BN1 3AH For info see https://navigatebrighton wordpress com/
) PEER ACTION
Regular low cost yoga, therapies, swimming, meditation & social groups for people with HIV contact@peeraction.net or www.peeraction.net
) RAINBOW FAMILIES
Suppor t group for lesbian and/or gay parents 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies org uk www rainbowfamilies org uk
) SOME PEOPLE
Social/suppor t group for LGB or questioning aged 14-19, Tue, 6-8pm, Hastings Call/text Nicola 07974 579865 or email Neil or Nicola: somepeople@eastsussex gov uk
) VICTIM SUPPORT
Practical, emotional suppor t for victims of crime 08453 899 528
) THE VILLAGE MCC
Christian church serving the LGBTQ community Sundays 6pm, Somerset Day Centre, Kemptown 07476 667353, www thevillagemcc org
HIV PREVENTION, CARE & TREATMENT SERVICES
) AVERT
Sussex HIV & AIDS info service 01403 210202 or email confidential@aver t org
) BRIGHTON & HOVE CAB HIV PROJECT
Money, benefits, employment, housing, info, advocacy Appointments: Tue-Thur 9am-4pm, Wed 9am-12 30pm Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, Brighton Town Hall 01273 733390 ext 520 or www brightonhovecab org uk
) CLINIC M
Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV, plus Hep A & B vaccinations Claude Nicol Centre, Sussex County Hospital, on Weds from 5-8pm 01273 664 721 or www brightonsexualhealth com
) LAWSON UNIT
Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials 01273 664 722
Drop-in: Richmond House, Richmond Rd, Brighton, MonWed & Fri 10am-4pm, Thur 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-1pm; 9 The Drive, Hove 01273 680714 Mon & Wed 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm, Tue & Thu 10am-4pm, info & advice only (no assessments), Fri 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
• Gary Smith (LGBT* Suppor t) 07884 476634 or email gsmith@pavilions org uk For more info visit weblink: pavilions org uk/services/treatment-recovery-options/
) SUSSEX BEACON
24 hour nursing & medical care, day care 01273 694222 or www sussexbeacon org uk
) TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SERVICES
For more info about these free services go to the THT office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm 01273 764200 or info.brighton@tht.org.uk
• Venue Outreach: info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety, safer drug/alcohol use, free condoms/lubricant for men who have sex with men
• The Bushes Outreach Ser vice @ Dukes Mound: advice, suppor t, info on HIV and sexual health, and free condoms and lube
• Netreach (online/Mobile App Outreach in Brighton & Hove): info/advice on HIV/sexual health/local services THT Brighton Outreach workers online on Grindr, Scruff, & Squir t
• Condom Male: discreet, confidential service posts free condoms/lube/sexual health info to men who have sex with men without access to East Sussex commercial gay scene
• Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV
• Fastest (HIV Testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men Results in 20 minutes
• Sauna Fastest at The Brighton Sauna (HIV Testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men Results in 20 minutes Wed: 6–8pm (STI Testing available)
• Face2Face: confidential info & advice on sexual health & HIV for men who have sex with men Up to 6 one hour appointments
• Specialist Training: wide range of courses for groups/ individuals Specific courses to suit needs
• Counselling: from qualified counsellors for up to 12 sessions for people living with/affected by HIV
• Informed Passions: Exper t Volunteers project to identif y & suppor t sexual health needs of local men who have sex with men and carry out field research in B&H on issues affecting men’s sexual health Extensive training provided
• What Next? Thurs eve, 6 week peer suppor t group work programme for newly diagnosed HIV+ gay men
• HIV Suppor t Ser vices: info, suppor t & practical advice for people living with/affected by HIV
• Volunteer Suppor t Ser vices: 1-2-1 community suppor t for people living with or affected by HIV
• HIV Welfare Rights Advice: Find out about benefits or benefit changes Advice line: Mon–Thur 1:30-2:30pm 1-2-1 appts for advice & workshops on key benefits
) TERRENCE HIGGINS EA STBOURNE
Dyke House, 110 South St, Eastbourne, BN21 4LZ, 01323 649927 or info eastbourne@tht org uk
• HIV Ser vices suppor t for HIV diagnosis, managing side effects, sex and relationships, understanding medication, talking to your doctor, finding healthier lifestyle Assessment of suppor t needs and signposting on to relevant services Suppor t in person, by phone or email
• Suppor t for people at risk of HIV confidential info and advice on sexual health and HIV for men who have sex with men Up to 3 one hour appointments depending on need Sessions in person or on phone
• Web suppor t & info on HIV, sexual health & local services via netreach and myhiv.org.uk
• Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV
) SEXUAL HEALTH WORTHING
Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIV Hep A & B vaccinations Wor thing based 0845 111345645
NATIONAL HELPLINES
) NATIONAL LGBT DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE AT GALOP ORG UK 0800 999 5428
) LONDON LESBIAN & GAY SWITCHBOARD 02078 377324
) POSITIVELINE (EDDIE SURMAN TRUST) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 4-10pm 0800 1696806
) MAINLINERS 02075 825226
) NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE 08005 67123
) NATIONAL DRUGS HELPLINE 08007 76600
) THT AIDS Treatment phoneline 08459 470047
) THT direct 0845 1221200
ADVERTISERS’ MAP
) BARS & PUBS
1 AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN
11-12 Marine Parade, 01273 688 826
www amsterdambrighton com
2 BAR BROADWAY
10 Steine Street, 01273 609777
www barbroadway co uk
3 BAR REVENGE
7 Marine Parade, 01273 606064
www revenge co uk
4 BEDFORD TAVERN
30 Western Street, 01273 739495
5 BOUTIQUE BAR
2 Boyces St @ West St, 01273 327607
www boutiqueclubbrighton com
6 CAMELFORD ARMS
30-31 Camelford St, 01273 622386
www camelford-arms co uk
7 CHARLES STREET BAR
8-9 Marine Parade, 01273 624091
www charles-street com
8 DOCTOR BRIGHTON’S
16 Kings Rd, 01273 208113
www doctorbrightons co uk
9 GROSVENOR BAR
16 Western Street, 01273 438587
10 LEGENDS BAR
31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462
www legendsbrighton com
11 MARINE TAVERN
13 Broad St, 01273 681284
www marinetavern co uk
12 OHSO SOCIAL
259a Kings Rd Arches, 818527
www ohsobrighton co uk
13 PARIS HOUSE 21 Western Rod, 01273 724195 www parishouse com
