PHOTOGRAPHY Dean Stockings www.deanstockings.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS
AJ, Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Suchi Chatterjee, Nick Douglas, Craig Hanlon Smith, Adam Highway, Enzo Marra, Andrew Modd, Rick Moore, Netty, Charles Nyereyegona, Carl Oprey, Rachel Wood, Eric Page, Marcus Patrick, Steph Scott, Del Sharp, Keith Sharpe, Gay Socrates, Brian Stacey, Glen Stevens, Craig Storrie, Duncan Stewart, Mick Sykes, Jordan Thomas, Vron, Roger Wheeler, Mike Wall, Morham White, Kate Wildblood
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Michael Hootman, Chris Jepson www.chrisjepson.com, Sarah Haddow, James Ledward, Jack Lynn, Sam Milford www.realbrighton.com Momentcatcher mrmomentcatcher.com
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Eric
CAMELFORD ARMS
THE B.RIGHT.ON FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 2013
CELEBRATING QUEER HISTORY MONTH
Campaigner Vince Laws visited Brighton last summer looking for somewhere to exhibit artwork and ended up creating The B.Right.On Festival – a celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans History Month through poetry, music, art exhibitions, installations, club nights, city tours, community gatherings, cake and a whole lot more For the first time ever this year an extensive series of daily LGBT arts events are being staged in Brighton & Hove to celebrate LGBT History Month, highlighting the range of artistic LGBT talent in the city Vince Laws, poet, artist extraordinaire and a former editor of Gscene, has received Arts Council funding to bring his controversial event I am a Poem to Brighton & Hove this year. Last year, the event received critical acclaim when it ran from Feb 3-14 during LGBT History Month 2012 in Folkestone. Folkestone continues to recover from the experience! Vince has branded this year ’ s wider programme of events the B.Right.On Festival to bring together our LGBT choirs, poets, musicians and entertainers in as diverse a series of LGBT concerts, performances and happenings the city has ever seen Venues being utilised range from the Town Hall to the Jubilee and Saltdean Libraries, Envy Nightclub to St Andrew’s Church, Hove and the Church of St Mary the Virgin in St James’s Street, Kemptown
Through their grant from the Rainbow Fund, RadioReverb will be bringing you extensive coverage of many events during the month Please give the festival your support JL
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1
■ VINCE LAWS hangs BANNED in the main Jubilee Library window Library staff set up the BANNED book and film display including many with LGBT themes from 8am
■ Vince then hangs the OUT140 coming out stories in the library foyer
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am-5pm
OFFICIAL L AUNCH OF LGBT HISTORY MONTH 3PM
■ A FILMED HAPPENING: Launch of LGBT History Month at Brighton Town Hall for dignitaries, press and community, with POETRY FOR ONE VOICE & MANY; the HANKIE QUILT; Bear Patrol with ADOPT-A-PANSY (fundraiser for the Sussex Beacon, £5 for each an orphaned pansy); MAKE THEM EAT CAKE (fundraiser for Lunch Positive: Fairy, cakes for cash!); Barefoot Wine; and the HULLABALOO Community Quire. Photos by Sam Collins, filming by Shelly Telly, recorded by Radio Reverb The Mayor of Brighton & Hove will speak, cut ribbon and bless the Pink Triangle
• Brighton Town Hall, Bartholomew Square, Brighton, BN1 1JA
HANKIE QUILT
■ VINCE LAWS and MANDY WEBB and the HANKIE QUILT PROJECT are working together to display the HANKIE QUILT in the Atrium at Brighton Town Hall throughout February
■ A FILMED HAPPENING: Poetry for one voice and many; Bear Patrol with ADOPT-A-PANSY (fundraiser for the Sussex Beacon, £5 for each an orphaned pansy); MAKE THEM EAT CAKE (fundraiser for Lunch Positive: Fairy cakes for cash!); Barefoot Wine; the HULLABALOO Community Quire; Caspar James aka THE MIGHTY TERROR with Will Ferguson on piano singing three Queer Calypsos including Who Put Pepper in the Vaseline - it's a new one and is a real cracker!
■ Followed by the unveiling of the BANNED artwork Poet Trudy Howson will perform a BANNED poem, and 76 volunteers will be facepainted with the names of the 76 countries throughout the world where homosexuality is BANNED.
■ AL START and her band, will play a couple of tasters from their forthcoming gig.
■ Photos by Sam Collins, filming by Shelly Telly, recorded by Radio Reverb, carriages at 9pm
• Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, BN1 1GE
S ATURDAY 2
■ Hankie Quilt team in Jubilee foyer will engage the public plus the BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am–5pm
SUNDAY 3
■ The BANNED display, 11am–5pm
• Jubilee Library, open: 11am–5pm
■ QUEER BRIGHTON TOUR, with Rose Collis, starting at 11am from Jubilee Library; £7/£5 concs, £1 from every ticket to the Rainbow Fund.
“A fascinating hour-long tour, featuring some of the venues, events and personalities from Brighton’s long-standing queer history, including Oscar Wilde, Sussex GLF, Joe Orton, Radclyffe Hall, Anne Lister and the Bloomsbury Set.”
■ Free film on BANNED theme at 1pm
• Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, BN1 1GE
■ Rose Collis one-woman show TROUSER WEARING CHARACTERS at 5pm; entry £7/£5 concs, £1 from every ticket to the Rainbow Fund.
• Envy Nightclub (above Charles Street): 8-9 Marine Parade, Brighton
MONDAY 4
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
■ The BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am–7pm
TUESDAY 5
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
■ The BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am-7pm
■ ALLSORTS LGBT CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES DAY Young People’s Voice, the LGBT youth campaigning and engagement project at Allsorts Youth Project, will be hosting an LGBT Children, Young People and Families Day. The event aims to celebrate LGBT youth identity and community, with the theme of togetherness.
A tea party in the Hotel Du Vin ballroom for community voluntary sector, statutory practitioners and commissioners will showcase the project, then there will be a prom for young people and a Champions Dinner by invitation only for business people, head teachers, councillors and others to promote the project and encourage people to commit to making the changes they can in their environments to improve the experience of LGBT young people
• Hotel Du Vin, 2 Ship Street, BN1 1AD
WEDNESDAY 6
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8.30am–5pm
■ The BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am–5pm
THURSDAY 7
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8.30am–5pm
■ The BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am-7pm
■ A launch of a new LGBT collection; MARIA JASTRZEBSKA reads from her latest work The Library of Memories, and EVLYNN SHARP of New Writing South. 7pm for 7.30pm start. Free event, with a free glass of Barefoot Wine. For more information: 01273 296921.
• Saltdean Library, Saltdean Lido, Saltdean
FRIDAY 8
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
■ The BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am-5pm
S ATURDAY 9
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
■ Random Acts Theatre Company presents TO COME OUT OR NOT COME OUT When was the moment you plucked up the courage to tell the world about your sexuality? Or have you not been able to tell the people in your life yet? Or are you trying to find the right way to tell someone? Whatever they are, come and celebrate your ‘coming out’ stories or even your ‘not yet coming out’ tales, through an evening of spontaneous theatre, where you, the audience, provide the
material for the actors to play back instantly. No props, no lines, just your stories. Prepare to witness moments of laughter, real connection, being moved and truly entertained! £7/£6, 7:30pm, running time 1hr 30 minutes
www.randomacts.freeuk.com/
• Marlborough Theatre, 4 Princes St, BN2 1RD
SUNDAY 10
■ The BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 11am-5pm
■ HUMAN LIBRARY at 1-4pm; borrow a human book, challenge stereotypes and discrimination. www.humanlibraryuk.org
• Jubilee Library, open: 11am–5pm
■ MOSAIC: LOVE & MARRIAGE & SYMPOSIUM
Free film screening at 1pm Michael Urwin/James Tucker discuss their documentaries on long term lesbian and gay partnerships Lesbian and Gay men in conversation discuss topics including lesbians on Butch/Femme and gay men on Classism and Comedy Divas.
• Jubilee Library, open: 11am–5pm
■ Lesbian Link present the 1996 film LATE BLOOMERS on Screen 2 at 11 30am Tickets
£8 on the door and in advance from the box office Tickets: 0871 704 2068 (10p a minute from a BT landline, but calls via other providers or mobile phones may cost more). For more info call Val: 0778 898 0287.
• Dukes At Komedia, 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN
MONDAY 11
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8.30am–5pm
■ The BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am–7pm
TUESDAY 12
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
■ The BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am–7pm
WEDNESDAY 13
■ TREAT THE ARTIST Vince Laws will be sitting in Jubilee Library from 1-4pm, anyone who wants to give him a treat is welcome to pop in and deliver it Each treat will be photographed, logged in a book, or recorded in some way. Treats could be a shoulder massage, or a cake, mmm, or a poem, or an idea, a homemade card, a surprise! The artist will use, keep, or pass on the treat as he sees fit. TREAT THE ARTIST'S DOG, BADGER, will run con-currently.
• Jubilee Library foyer, 2-5pm
■ The BANNED display
• Jubilee Library, open: 10am-5pm
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
THURSDAY 14
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
■ RADIO REVERB will be broadcasting queer love poems throughout the month of Love on 97.2FM
■ V DAY – Women Against Violence One in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime Strike, dance, rise in your community and demand an end to violence One billion women violated is an atrocity One billion women dancing is a revolution. www.onebillionrising.org
■ LOVE LATE co-presented by Brighton Museum & Brighton Dome. Are you looking for something unusual to do this Valentine’s? Love, lust and desire are in the air. Live music, DJs, objects of desire, DIY valentines, cocktails, performances, including poet Vince Laws, and a hunt for hidden love stories –how can you resist? £5 members, £4 book in advance
• Brighton Museum and Dome foyer
FRIDAY 15
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
■ The 20th Annual LESBIAN LIVES CONFERENCE, The Modern Lesbian, hosted by University of Brighton LGBT & Queer Life Research Hub in conjunction with Women’s Studies Centre, University College Dublin. http://arts.brighton.ac.uk/projects/lgbt/eve nts/events/lesbian-lives-conference-2012
• Sallis Benney Theatre, Grand Parade
■ QUEER TOUR OF BRIGHTON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY with Davis & Page from noon. Can a still life of flowers draw us into the tempestuous domestic life of a butch firebrand painter and her girlfriend - showing us not only their fierily sensual experimentation but also their social situation and acceptance? Can a small neglected bronze allow insight into a seriously deranged male ménage a trois - with an obsessive sister thrown in for good measure? Can carved crystal provide a window into the sexual experimentation of the Paris underground? Can a dusty portrait provide insight into what one of the pioneers of seaside life was really up to? Not if we rely on the museum, no. Only by looking at the
creators of these objects, artists who were LGBT, can we see the real meaning of them, and wonder why this, Our Story, is missing from the museum
Brighton Museum is rightly praised for its important local historical and design artefacts, for its immersive multimedia design, and for its unique collection and flavour. This tour will add another layer, at the moment missing from the museum ’ s representation of Brighthelmstone life: the cultural history of LGBT people in the city, revealed through analysis of the secret queer history of the collection
Join Davis & Page on Friday 15 (& Thursday 21) at noon, for a delightful lunchtime hour or so of insights into some of the wonderful objects on show in the Brighton Museum collections Meet just outside the foyer of Brighton Museum, where Davis & Page will collect any donations towards the B.Righ.On Festival. Entry to the Museum is free and completely accessible. Not to be missed!
• Brighton Museum, Royal Pavilion Gardens
■ LORRAINE BOWEN MEETS BARBARA MOORE, 8pm. A second chance to see this inspirational show! Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, The Saint all featured Barbara Moore as vocalist and arranger Lorraine meets Barbara, now 80, and asks her about the Swinging Sixties, composing music and being a woman in EMI Studio 1 It's a chatty evening with vintage film clips and performances by Barbara and Lorraine £9/£7, 1hr 30min
"The evening was an absolute gift as Lorraine generously offered the stage and keyboards to this wonderful, spirited octogenarian lady... Everyone was glued and we gave Moore the ovation she deserved.” The Argus
■ Holy smoke! It’s FROCKABILLY! from 10pm-3am Pow! Frockabilly (the world’s premier queer-run, straight-friendly vintage club night) is back with a COMIC BOOK SUPER-HERO[INE] SPECIAL, with live music, vintage visuals, super-hero[ine] snacks, queer shenanigans, and some of the best rockin’ DJs in the UK!
Lonesome M (Frockabilly/Honey Hush/ Traumfrau) and guest DJs including Vicki Lester (Transfabulous/Melbourne Festival/Club Wotever) and Citizen Lane (The Devil’s Music/Hot Tamales) will bring you a night of kick-ass super-hero[ine] sounds that will make you want to fly around the room!
Your usual Frockabilly hostesses will be joined by the crew from TRAUMFRAU (Brighton’s newest queer night for girls and their friends), and will be around all evening to help you find your inner super-hero[ine]
Doors open at 10pm [but join them from 9pm for a pre-club party downstairs in Charles Street Bar] There’ll be drinks deals, badges, sticks of Frockabilly rock, dressing up, and all the usual Frockabilly stuff and nonsense!
Top of the bill will be DERRIERE, who play a mix of rockin’ blues, sleazy r&b and vintage soul. This band, whose second single, Give It Up was released earlier this year, have appeared on Mark Lamarr’s radio show, and are regulars at major British and European festivals
Whether you have super-strength, super-speed, the power of flight, or you just simply wear your knickers outside of your tights, your superpowers will be celebrated at this one-off Frockabilly special! This event is the official end-of-show party for the 20th Annual Lesbian Lives Conference but you don’t have to be a conference delegate to attend and it’s open to all, regardless of gender or sexuality Wear what you like, dance how you like, kiss who you like www.frockabilly.co.uk
■ RESOUND MALE VOICES, present an evening of music and comedy celebrating L-O-V-E from 7 30pm, with Glyndebourne Opera soprano Yvonne Patrick, and actress Adele Bates performing comedy monologues. Tickets from Brighton Dome Box Office and the Iron Duke Hotel in Hove at £10/£8.50 concs. www.resoundmalevoices.org
• St Andrew’s Church, Waterloo Street, Hove
Resound Male Voices started in April 2011 as ‘The Vocal Workshop’ with seven members getting together casually to sing and improve their voices led by opera singer and vocal coach Stefan Holmström Since then the group has grown to 14 members with a repertoire spanning from opera to jazz and pop. They have produced two shows of their own so far, Seasons Of Love and Jazz, Lovers And Others, as well as appearing at World AIDS Day and Brighton Fringe Festival in collaborations with Glyndebourne singers Yvonne Patrick and Thomasin Tresize and also performing with world class Wagner soprano Miranda Keys
Their performance style is relaxed and informal, putting the focus on the music Upcoming projects include L-O-V-E, a celebration of love in music and comedy for Valentine’s Day, concerts with West End singer Kimberley Akester and a charity gala for Christmas called Hove For The Holiday.
L-O-V-E will be an evening of music and comedy celebrating that old theme of LOVE, a mix of retro classics and lesser known songs with newly written comedy monologues for a perfect night out in Valentine’s week. Joining Resound will be the soprano Yvonne Patrick, a regular guest on BBC’s Friday Night Is Music Night and actress Adele Bates who is performing a series of specially commissioned comedy monologues about the ups and downs of dating
The evening will be centred around Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E with pop classics like Bacharach’s Close To You, The Beatles’ For No One and Pat Ballard’s Mr Sandman Soprano Yvonne Patrick will perform Benjamin Britten’s Tell Me The Truth About Love and a wonderful jazz setting of Shakespeare’s Shall I Compare Thee To A Summers Day by Swedish composer Nils Lindberg.
Jazz musicians Paul and Anne Whiteside will add another dimension by performing songs arranged for flute and double bass including Divine Comedy’s Songs Of Love.
Resound’s Musical Director, the Swedish opera singer Stefan Holmström, says: “This year we have worked hard to find our personality as a vocal group, and have really come to love these timeless ‘retro classics’ We’re performing without amplification in the intimate setting of St Andrew’s Church. I think it will be a very special evening because of the wonderful emotional impact these songs have”
SUNDAY 17
■ SUSSEX BEACON HALF MARATHON starts from Madeira Drive at 11am
■ Free film on BANNED theme at 1pm
• Jubilee Library
■ I MUST HAVE WANTON POETS! Poetry event at 4pm with Vince Laws, Maria Jastrzebska, Adam Lowe, John McCullough, Max Wallis & open mic, entry £7/£5 concs, £1 from every ticket to the Rainbow Fund.
■ The Brighton debut of TORRENTS OF RAPTURE by Dugald Ferguson at 8pm. A multi-media theatrical experience, a one-manshow with two men in it, drama and film combine in this witty, fun, moving, nostalgic yet thoroughly modern piece! £7/£5 concs, £1 from every ticket to the Rainbow Fund www.dugaldferguson.co.uk
The Actually Gay Men's Chorus will be performing some favourite numbers including originally arrangements of Albinoni's Adagio with guest soprano Samantha Howard and Rodriguez's Concerto De Aranjuez There will also be a selection of songs from the hit musical Moulin Rouge featuring One day I'll Fly
Away, Come What May and Roxanne The first part of the performance will culminate in a teaser for their forthcoming April show The Music Of The Night - A Celebration of the West End which will be performed at St Andrew's Church, Waterloo Street in Hove on April 26 and 27
In part two the boys will be launching their new album Actually which includes songs by David Bowie, Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails to name a few. The album was recorded last year for Universal Records and will be available at a discounted price on the night.
Chairman, John Hamilton said: “The chorus are delighted to be taking part in this new LGBT Arts Festival It's a great opportunity to showcase favourite repertoire old and new in the wonderful setting of St Mary's Church, Kemptown, as well as a great opportunity to launch the long awaited album ”
Brighton & Hove's Actually Gay Men's Chorus was set up in 2005 with the specific aim of providing a place where gay men could socialise, have fun and develop their vocal and musical skills in a unique environment and perform to the public while raising money for local LGBT charities. Members benefit from the wide ranging experience of the music team led by musical director Jason Pimblett Their 'home' is the beautiful grade one listed St Andrews Church in Waterloo Street, Hove, where they rehearse and present many of their performances
The chorus are proud to be members of the Actually Community Interest Company, a not for profit organisation that manages them and other community projects including the recently established and hugely successful Actually Gay Women's Chorus. For more information about the chorus view: www.actuallygmc.org
Brighton & Hove's Actually Gay Men's Chorus presents 'Somewhere for me' Friday, February 22 at 7 30pm, tickets £8
• St Mary's Church, St James Street, Kemptown
S ATURDAY 23
■ MINDOUT FOR EACH OTHER Well-being event with the Norwich Dandies, Dress like a Dandy, pose like a Dandy and paint like a Dandy. Community groups, taster sessions, Hot Soup, rolls and cake! 11am–3pm
• Community Base, South Wing, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG
SUNDAY 24
■ Free film at 1pm, Jan’s Coming Out featuring comedienne Zoe Lyons as well as lesbian writers Stelly Duffy and Val McDermidFree
• Jubilee Library
■ The ‘L’ WORD with poets Trudy Howson, Jay Walker, Dolly Sen, and Vince Laws plus open mic at 4pm, entry £7/£5 concs, £1 from every ticket to the Rainbow Fund.
■ MAKING HISTORY NOW, A night of non-stop live music from the best of the queer music scene featuring: Kenelis (unplugged punk rock), Ari Scott & Band (quirky indie rock), Al Start Band (queer folk roots), We R Bob (acoustic duo), Nicky Mitchell (jazz songstress), at 7 45pm £6/5, proceeds to Women's Performance Tent @ Pride www.thebrunswick.net/2012/08/lgbthistory-month-making-history-now-sunday24th-feb-2013/
• The Brunswick, 1 Holland Road, Hove
RADIOREVERB 97.2FM, Brighton & Hove’s local FM community radio station, will be broadcasting extensive coverage of the first ever B.Right.On LGBT History Month Festival, taking place in February 2013 Thanks to the support of The Rainbow Fund, RadioReverb will be bringing on-the-spot reports, in-depth coverage of performances and debates, and live broadcasts from across the month-long festival.
RadioReverb aims to bring the Festival to a wider audience in Brighton & Hove and further afield, and encourage listeners to participate and contribute through previews and behind-the scenes insights. RadioReverb will give a real flavour of the spectrum of exciting and groundbreaking events taking place over the Festival, including the
MONDAY 25
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
TUESDAY 26
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
■ BLAGSS' Annual Bowling Extravaganza, 7pm, for 7 30pm sharp, start 26 teams from across the LGBT community compete for the highest team score from two games There will also be a team spirit award for the team with the most consistent costumes/apparel relevant to their group sport or activity. £56 team fee, for up to 8 players. The first event in the BLAGSS-MindOut Championship, which is a series of six sports and 'mental' events. Spaces are limited to 26 teams in 26 lanes. Email chair@blagss.org to reserve a place.
WEDNESDAY 27
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8.30am–5pm
THURSDAY 28
■ HANKIE QUILT display
• Brighton Town Hall, open: 8 30am–5pm
■ JUBILEE LIBRARY OPENING HOURS: Mon, Tues, Thur 10am-7pm; Wed, Fri & Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm
■ BRIGHTON TOWN HALL OPENING HOURS Mon–Fri 8.30am–5pm
Lesbian Lives Conference, HIV awarenessraising project The Hankie Quilt, Queer poetry, film and performance art.
RadioReverb 97.2FM brings you real local radio for Brighton & Hove, created entirely by local people with a passion for the city and a love of home-grown radio Kathy Caton, presenter of RadioReverb’s dedicated LGBT programme Out in Brighton, said “We’re proud to be supporting this groundbreaking Festival and excited about making radio which really takes it to a wider audience And of course we couldn’t have done it without the generous support of the Rainbow Fund so we’d like to thank them and everyone who has contributed to it.”
RadioReverb will also be previewing the Festival in the period leading up to its opening on February 1, on 97.2FM and online at www.radioreverb.com. https://www.facebook.com/events/155902 317891774/?ref=ts&fref=ts
LANDLORD’S CONSENT GRANTED TO NEW PRIDE ORGANISERS
▼ Landlord’s consent was granted last month by Brighton & Hove Council to a new community grouping (CIC) headed up by Paul Kemp from Aeon Events, DJ Dulcie Danger and David Hill from E3 Enter tainment Group to be the ‘Guardians’ and organisers of Pride 2013
This year ’s main event takes place at Preston Park on Saturday, August 3 and Pride includes a two week LGBT Ar ts & Film Festival and the traditional Village Par ty on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4
Norman Cook, Inter national superstar DJ and recording ar tist, has pledged his suppor t to the new Pride organisers David Hill from E3 Enter tainments Group has also agreed to sit on a financial scr utiny board along side Tony Chapman owner of Legends and David Calderhead owner of the Amsterdam Hotel to oversee ticket sales and make sure that local organisations receive £1 a head from ever y ticket sold which will be given to good causes
Trevor Edwards has brought his skills to the new organisation af ter working with the owners of Stagfleet on last year ’s successful event
Paul Kemp, Dulcie Danger and David Hill have said they are delighted to be the ‘Guardians’ of this impor tant event that is so essential to the LGBT community, businesses, LGBT organisations and the city Taking over the reins of such an iconic festival can be tricky but the ‘Guardians’ have made a point of listening to the public, businesses and the feedback from Pride 2012 to bring about positive solutions to flagged up concer ns such as ticket purchasing, numbers of toilets and queues on Preston Park
Pride is fully committed to engaging with the wider community for 2013 and the upcoming festival will cover a broader spectrum of events than ever before New features will include an LGBT Film Festival, Ar ts Festival, improved winter pride and cultural events, rather than being focused on just the park festival and club nights alone
The ‘Guardians’ of Pride recognise that the festival must play an all year round role in promoting the LGBT community and businesses, suppor t local good causes and generally promote the city
They will be regularly consulting with businesses and the community to ensure that Pride is reflective of the multi-faceted and diverse community that is Brighton & Hove
GREEN PLANS TO CUT PRIDE GRANT IN 2014 PUTS FUTURE PRIDE PARADES AT RISK
▼ Brighton & Hove City Council have ear-marked the annual grant of £25,000 to Brighton Pride to be cut after the 2013 event The Green administration, who are having to make cuts of 20 million pounds to balance the books, say their planned cuts will see no children's centre's close, all branch libraries remain open and they claim those needing help with council tax payments will continue to receive it
Under plans for 2013, the new Pride organisers had ear-marked the council's £25,000 annual grant exclusively to develop the Pride Parade creating a new Community Pride organisation within the main Community Interest Company (CIC) This Community Pride would be administered exclusively by local LGBT/HIV voluntary sector organisations
The withdrawal of the council grant will put future Pride parades at risk
Cllr Jason Kitcat, leader of the council, said: “In its current form, we’re not sure Pride needs it ”
Cllr Geoffrey Bowden, Chair of the Economic Development & Culture Committee and a former Trustee of Pride in Brighton & Hove, which ceased trading with debts of over £250,000 said: “ We are making provision to help Pride as in previous years Not all the money set aside last year was required, but we still have the same amount set aside in a reserve in case it is needed, particularly to support the organisers of the street party As ever the council will be continuing to work with Pride and will be devoting many hours of dedicated officer time during the planning and delivery stage of the event, as well as waiving parking bay suspension fees along the parade route The city council looks forward to working with the organisers to help deliver a safe and enjoyable Pride that builds on the success of 2012 ”
Cllr Geoffrey Theobald, Leader of the Conser vative Group, disagreed with the administration, saying: “ We would not support a removal of the council grant for Pride It is an example of where a relatively small amount of council funding brings huge benefits to the city in terms of tourists that visit for the parade weekend We would rather see the council look at making savings by increasing efficiencies within the council or by scrapping some of the more bizarre and costly green policies ”
James Ledward, editor of Gscene, said: “Any talk of removing the grant to Pride illustrates a lack of understanding as to how Pride supports LGBT community development 365 days a year and in the context of what the council pays to external community development consultants, £25,000 is in real terms peanuts and amazing value for money
“Under Pride's new plans, the removal of this grant could put future Pride Parades in jeopardy This annual £25,000 grant should be ring fenced and used exclusively to help the voluntary sector develop the parade into a major tourist attraction, rather than allowing the funding to be diverted by stealth each year into the street party which has become a 'Drink Fest' rather than a 'Community Fest'
“It’s so disappointing that this funding stream survived savage budget cuts under both a Labour and Conservative administration yet is being considered for axing by the Greens
“Only in Brighton & Hove could the city's largest public event and tourist attraction, which generates a fortune to businesses from all communities over the Pride weekend including hotels and guest houses, be punished in this thoughtless way by the political elite ”
Labour declined to be drawn on the issue
NEW LIGHTS BRIGHTEN ST JAMES’S STREET
▼ Following the hugely successful public meeting at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church at the end of November 2012, the committee of the new St James’s Street Local Action Team (LAT) have not been letting the grass grow under their feet
New and improved lighting was top of the group’s shopping list As a direct result of lobbying by community activist and interim chair of the LAT, Chris Cooke, the council have installed five new lamp columns in St James’s Street, eight new wall mounted lanterns and have changed the bulbs of 13 existing columns
Seven new column lights have been installed in St James’s Avenue, while in Dorset Gardens all the lanterns on existing columns are being changed to a white light source In Devonshire Place one additional column has been added and all of the other four lanterns are being changed to a white light source
Inspector Gareth Davies from Sussex Police said: “I am really pleased that improvements are being made in the St James's Street area My team, and many others, have been working hard in the area and as the local police we take the community's feedback on how safe they feel seriously I am anxious to continue the work we have been doing with partners and the new community groups to continue to improve this and to develop communication with all member of the local community who live and work in the area
"The change in the street lighting in the area is a great start to this and credit goes to the new L AT group in driving this forward and getting results I am hopeful this will assist and enhance any CCTV images obtained "Myself and my neighbourhood team look forward to working with the new community group and with partners, to make sure the area is safe and vibrant for people to enjoy "
Nick Head, local hotelier, said: “Police have been very cooperative dealing with residents’ concerns and have increased their numbers and visibility on the streets especially between 9pm and 3am on Friday and Saturday nights "
Chris Cook, interim Chair of the LAT until their first AGM, said: "New Steine Gardens look much better and tidy since the clean up It is amazing how these little bits of community intervention can make such a difference "
Geoffrey Bowden, Queen’s Park Councillor, and Simon Kirby, local MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, have been helping move the debate about pedestrian priority and 'shared space' in the area forward At present six-hundred buses a day use St James’s Street and many want that number reduced to improve the local environment for residents and visitors which it is claimed will ultimately boost the local economy
Behind the scenes there has been a row involving ward councillor Stephanie Powell, who has been complaining there are not enough women on the new LAT On Facebook she said the activities of the new LAT were political, saying it was “Labour against the Greens”, and “the Gay men's mafia of St James's Street were out to get their local Green councillors”
A complaint has been made about the councillor’s comments which some consider homophobic in nature to the Standards Board One third of the new LAT is female and 2 of the five members of the management committee are also women
The message coming from people at the public meeting in November was that residents did not want politicians on the LAT committee as it created a conflict of interest Rather, politicians would be called to account at regular public meetings to answer residents’ concerns and repor t to them what they have been doing to improve the safety of area
The next public meeting of the new LAT is on Wednesday, March 13 at the Dorset Garden Methodist Church, at 6 30pm
NEW LGBT PUBLIC SERVICES GROUP SETS OUT PL ANS FOR FUTURE
▼ LGBT Sussex Public Ser vices, a group formed in April 2012 to ensure that the public sector can continue to proactively consider the needs of their LGBT staff and service users by working closer together, has set out its plans for the future
Although still relatively new, their work provides public authorities with a repository of shared policies, advice and guidance and networking oppor tunities with other public bodies to share learning and good practice around making a difference for LGBT staff and service users Impor tantly, against the present economic back drop, it will mean that essential proactive work suppor ting LGBT staff and service users are at the least maintained, and at best improved by all public bodies
The group is growing in membership and meets quar terly A forward work plan is being worked on Early wins include:
• Sharing of policies and key documents,
• Providing suppor t for the development of meaningful and evidenced equality outcomes
• Raising awareness through social media (join them on Facebook – LGBT Sussex),
• Joining up to suppor t Brighton Pride, and
• Planning is underway for an event targeting ‘straight allies’ (Spring 2013)
Work is underway to develop an action plan to ensure that all work is focused and delivered, and to ultimately help public services across Brighton & Hove and Sussex to continue leading the way in regard to championing and suppor ting its employees and those who use the services
The public authorities currently engaged with the group include:
• East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
• Sussex Police
• Brighton & Hove City Council
• Sussex Community NHS Trust
• South East Coast Ambulance Service
• Brighton General Hospital
• West Sussex County Council
• Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals
• East Sussex County Council
• Horsham District Council
If anyone would like more information contact Gar y Ferrand, the Group Chair on Gar y Ferrand@esfrs org Or through Facebook
TEN PIN BOWLING EXTRAVAGANZA
▼ It's that time of the year again for the BLAGSS' Annual Bowling Extravaganza on Tuesday, Februar y 26
To reserve a place for your team email: chair@blagss org
There will be the usual raffle, to raise funds for MindOut, the LGBT mental health project who are BLAGSS' designated charity Teams should arrive for 7pm, for a sharp star t at 7.30pm
This is the first event in the inaugural BLAGSS - MindOut Championship, a series of six spor ts and 'mental' activities, including bowling, quiz night, treasure hunt, table tennis, fun community spor ts day, and beach volleyball Teams will vie against each other throughout the year Championship points are awarded for event placement:
1st: 5pts, 2nd: 4pts, 3rd: 3pts, other top half 2pts, bottom half 1pt - and special awards (2pts each), plus the MindOut fundraising award (5pts) Teams are encouraged to par ticipate in the whole series, but that is not a requirement Registration for each event is separate
Payment is £56, which can be paid by BACS or cheque via mail Payment must be in advance and instructions for payment will be emailed to you when you email your booking
BLAGSS' Annual Bowling Extravaganza, Tuesday, Februar y 26, 7 30pm, Bowlplex, Brighton Marina
NEW 24 HOUR RADIO STATION FOR BRIGHTON & HOVE
HANGLETON & KNOLL LGBT COMMUNITY GROUP GETS TOGETHER
▼ Community group, Hangleton & Knoll LGBT, have organised an open meeting to celebrate being LGBT and to meet like-minded people at The Downsman Pub in Hove on Friday, Februar y 22 at 7pm Ever yone is welcome, food will be provided, and attendees will have the oppor tunity to make their views heard and find out more about Hangleton & Knoll LGBT's plans for 2013 The Downsman Pub, 189 Hangleton Way, Hove, BN3 8ES
For more infor mation call Claire Sillence on 01273 383805 or email claire.sillence@hkproject.org.uk
To be added to Hangleton & Knoll LGBT's mailing list email: lgbthangleton@gmail.com
SPEED DATING FOR FRIENDS OF DOROTHY
ZOE LYONS TO RUN BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON FOR MINDOUT
▼ Local comedian Zoe Lyons will be running the Brighton Half Marathon on Februar y 17 for MindOut, the LGBT Mental Health Project
Zoe said: “I’m running the Brighton Half Marathon this February and it seems only fitting that I am trying to raise money for MindOut, a local Brighton charity working to help members of the LGBT community with mental health concerns Especially as I have used running over the last year to improve my own mental well-being For some of us improving our state of mind can be achieved with something as simple as exercise but it is so important to remember that this is not the case for everyone and having the support there when they need it the most is essential "
To find out more about MindOut view: www mindout org uk or info@mindout org uk or call: 01273 621347
To sponsor Zoe view: http://localgiving com/charity/mindout
BEAR-PATROL TO RUN IN BEACON HALF MARATHON
▼ Twenty-three friends and suppor ters will be running with Team Bear-Patrol in the Brighton Half Marathon on Februar y 17 Bear-Patrol are also hosting the Water Station at Mile 8 9 (King Alfred Spor ts Centre) where 20 of their members will be handing out water to the thirsty runners
▼ DJ Dulcie Danger launches a new internet radio station Sauce FM on Februar y 8 Sauce FM will be broadcasting 24/7 on the Internet and via iPhone and Android The station will feature the best local, national and international club DJs and February's line up includes the Freemasons, Fierce Angel, Bimbo Jones, Phil Marriot, Hifi Sean, Go Bang, Steve Pitron, Oliver M, Jonesy, Lil Alex, Peter Castle, Claire Fuller, Deejay Philly, Maze & Masters, Lee Harris, Dulcie Danger and Wild Fruit Sauce FM will also feature LGBT talk-music shows as well as pure music shows For more information and great sponsorship oppor tunities contact Dulcie Danger at saucefmradio@gmail com Or view: http://www facebook com/SauceFMR adio
▼ Magnet Speed Dating will ensure you're not lef t out in the cold this Valentine's by hosting a same-sex speed dating event at at the Komedia on Wednesday 13 at 8pm The evening is recommended for men and women aged between 25–45 years old and bookings are advisable
Organiser Melanie Brooker, said: “T he success rate in terms of matches is alw ay s exciting w ith mostly ev er y body getting at least one if not more! If y ou are a little older and prefer y ounger people or a little y ounger and prefer older then it's fine to book - the age bracket is a guide not a limit ” Tickets: £20 in advance/£25 on the door
To book, view: www.magnetspeeddating.co.uk or call 07876453210.
R unners from left to right include: Danny Dwyer, Adam Betteridge, Jonathan Terry, Ian Chaplin, Mark Flood, Shaun Roe, Paul Brown, Rober t Taylor, Jason Bramwell, Nicolas Collins, Susan Luxford, Colin Bentley, Gavin Owen, Mar tin Still, Margot Uden, Rober t Sz, Antonio DaVinci, Lawrence Simpson, PJ Hopper, Ant Pay, Deborah Wolf, David Wilkes and Fiona Coad-Window
To donate, view: justgiving.com/teams/teambearpatrol
For more information about the Sussex Beacon Half Marathon, view: www.brightonhalfmarathon.com
REGISTRATION OPENS FOR STONEWALL EQUALITY WALK
▼ Registration is open for the tenth annual Stonewall Equality Walk, which takes place in Brighton on May 5 The 10k Walk, suppor ted by American Express, raises funds for Stonewall’s Education for All programme, which helps schools tackle homophobia and suppor t lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) young people Over 600 suppor ters took par t in last year’s walk, raising a recordbreaking £70,000 Homophobic bullying remains commonplace in Britain’s schools
Last year Stonewall’s School Report 2012, based on research by the University of Cambridge, showed over half of gay young people are homophobically bullied in Britain’s schools, while nearly all hear homophobic language
Tragically nearly a quar ter of gay young people have attempted to take their own lives The Equality Walk is one of the charity’s main fundraising events to suppor t its anti-bullying work
Catherine Boswor th, Stonewall’s Director of Fundraising said: “Once again we’re hoping to see hundreds of people turn out for the Equality Walk to take a stand against homophobic bullying Every penny raised will help us support gay young people who face a daily nightmare of assault, abuse or isolation at school, simply because of the way they were born ”
The Equality Walk is a family-friendly event, which opens with a gathering in the Royal Pavilion Gardens and ends with an all-ages par ty in the sea-front bar, The Honey To find out more or to register a team, view: http://equalitywalk org uk
A Stonewall tweet confirmed Simon Burgess, the former Labour leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and present Chair of the Sussex Beacon, was the first person to register for this year’s Brighton Walk
Simon said: “The recent awful transphobic article by Julie Burchill is yet another reminder of the bullying that can be directed against anyone who is LGBT I hope Stonewall will be overrun with registrations for the 10th Equality Walk to show that Brighton & Hove is united in condemning bullying I have taken part in many of the Equality Walks and they are always fun as well as a powerful statement that people are prepared to stand up and be counted in the fight for equality " You can sponsor Simon via: www.justgiving.com/Simon-Burgess6
COUNCIL ANNOUNCES
ITS ANNUAL GRANTS PROGRAMME, 2013-14
▼ Following the announcement of the allocation of their Three-Year Strategic Grants 2013-16, Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) has now launched its accompanying Annual Grants Programme 2013-14 The programme comprises five core schemes open to application in February, April, July & October 2013:
• Grants to Smaller Organisations • Ar ts Par tnership Awards • Environmental Sustainability • Community Festivals • Hedgcock Bequest For more info, view: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1212095
ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT TO HOST CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES DAY
▼ Young People’s Voices, the LGBT youth campaigning and engagement project at Allsor ts Youth Project, will be hosting an LGBT Children, Young People and Families Day on Februar y 5, during the B.Right.On Festival during LGBT Histor y Month
LGBT Children, Young People and Families Day will be the first major event of its kind to celebrate LGBT youth identity and community Togetherness will be the theme of the day, uniting LGBT children, young people and their families
The day will involve a Tea Par ty for invited practitioners, followed by a LGBT Youth Prom
The focus of the day will be to promote positive images of LGBT young people as par t of a two-years digital and social media campaign Allsor ts have been running Entry is by invitation only
Stephen Mur tagh, Co-President of Allsor ts said: “Families are important for everyone, and at Allsorts we wanted to have a spectacular day to celebrate the importance of LGBT children, young people and their families By raising awareness, we hope to inspire positive change and representation ”
Lucas Abedecain, Co-President of Allsor ts, added: “Having such a supportive family, the value of being comfortable in your gender identity or sexual orientation is such a positive step I hope others will be motivated to see how supporting relationships and families can make everyone’s lives better and celebrate their own families ”
For updates and to get involved please ‘like’ the Allsor ts Facebook page at: www facebook com/LGBTCYPFDay
To make a pledge of suppor t, view: www allsor tsyouth org uk
NEW MOBILE TELEPHONE APP HELPS PEOPLE WITH HIV ACCESS HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE GO
▼ The app, Life plus, has been launched by HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) to ensure the 5,000 members of myHIV are able to access information about their condition wherever they are It is free to download, and contains tools for monitoring CD4 and viral load levels, storing health and treatment information, and setting medication and appointment reminders All tools are fully linked to myHIV, so that changes made on the app will also appear on the website, and vice versa Life plus also includes links to a library of information about living well with HIV, including specialised advice on employment, housing, travel, and disclosure
Lisa Power, Policy Director for THT, said: “Since we launched myHIV, we’ve found a significant proportion of people have been accessing their personal information via an iPhone There are a number of situations in which people with HIV need a quick reminder of dates, times and information about medication, especially when they’re newly diagnosed They might use the app to log their blood counts during clinic visits, or to keep track of questions to ask their HIV specialist at their next appointment Life plus transforms the tools from myHIV into a trusted resource people can carry in their pockets ”
myHIV is funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and since its launch in January 2011 over 5,000 members have signed up, making it the largest community of people with HIV in the UK It also brings THT’s total membership to more than 10,000 people for the first time in the charity’s history
The Life plus app can be downloaded from the Apple store For more information, or to register for myHIV, view: www myhiv org uk
LGBT SAFETY FORUM PRESENT FINDINGS FROM 'TRUST & CONFIDENCE' SURVEY
▼ The LGBT Community Safety Forum holds four public meeting each year, to give the Forum an oppor tunity to feed back to the community and listen to their concerns The next quar terly public meeting is at 6pm on Tuesday, Februar y 12 at the Queens Hotel, 1-3 King's R oad, Brighton, BN1 1NS
The main purpose of the meeting is to feed back the findings of the recent 'trust and confidence' survey under taken for the Forum by the Trust for Developing Communities and jointly funded by Brighton & Hove Council and Sussex Police
The Forum's plans to employ an independent Advocate to help victims of Hate Crime who are not satisfied with the service they have received from the police or council will also be explained
If you require any information about accessibility, entrances and special arrangements please email:
info@lgbt-safety-forumbrighton com
The meeting should run no longer than one hour A British Sign Language Communicator funded by Brighton & Hove Council will be present If you would like an agenda in advance please email: info@lgbtsafety-forum-brighton.com
For more information on meetings and the Forum's work plan view: www lgbt-safetyforumbrighton com/meetings
For up to date news on the LGBT Community Safety Forum sign up for their newsletter at: www.lgbt-safety-forumbrighton.com/news-letter/
LUNCH POSITIVE TO HOST WELFARE SUPPORT WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WITH HIV
▼ Lunch Positive, the HIV charity who provide a healthy meal every Friday for people with HIV, are hosting a series of suppor t workshops, run by the Welfare Suppor t Coordinator from THT South during Februar y, March and April
2013 introduces key changes to the main benefits for sick and disabled claimants with the replacement of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with Personal Independence Payments(PIP) Some people will benefit from claiming DLA before it changes over All DLA claimants will be required to undergo a new assessment under PIP during the next few years Universal Credit replaces most other key benefits this year, although the changes to the assessment process for sick or disabled claimants made with the introduction of Employment & Suppor t Allowance will be transferred to Universal Credit These workshops offer the oppor tunity to keep up to date with these changes and help to complete the key claim forms for each benefit
To find out more, and book a place visit the ‘What's Happening’ information on the Lunch Positive website: www lunchpositive org
PEER ACTION EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
▼ Peer Action, a group for all those living with or affected by HIV, are once again offering a wide range of social events throughout February, including: Sunday, Februar y 3: Bent Double with Zoe Lyons on hosting duties and Tom Allen (very funny, Google him) as the headline act Discounted priced tickets available from Peer Action; show star ts at 7 30pm Monday, Februar y 18: meet new friends with Peer Action at the Gala Bingo Hall, Eastern Road; eyes down for the early bird session at 6 15pm and later session at 7pm
Saturday, Februar y 23: complimentary therapies include: No Hands Massage, Energy Healing, Shiatsu, Bowen Therapy and Ear Acupuncture
All therapies cost £5 and take place at THT building, 61 Ship Street, Brighton For more details on times and how to book, view: www peeraction co uk
MAJORITY OF MPS TO VOTE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
▼ For the first time, a majority of MPs have committed to vote for a change in the law to lift the ban on samesex marriage in England and Wales
According to a survey by the Coalition for Equal Marriage, a grass roots organisation for the introduction of same-sex marriage, 330 MPs have confirmed they will vote in favour of same-sex marriage legislation when it is introduced at Westminster later this year In contrast, just 126 MPs have publicly stated that they remain opposed to a change in the law, making a clear parliamentary majority for equal marriage The survey is based on public declarations of suppor t or opposition from MPs, including letters to constituents
James Lattimore and Conor Marron, cofounders of the Coalition for Equal Marriage, said: “ We welcome the news that MPs favour the introduction of same-sex marriage by a margin of 3-1 and hope that even more will announce support in time LGBT people are entitled to full equality, including equal marriage rights for same-sex couples The UK Government has the green light to push ahead with this fair and progressive change which has the support of an overwhelming majority of the public and now Parliament too ”
Key figures from across the political spectrum have said they will personally be voting for the proposals, including the three main par ty leaders The news comes as polling shows increasing suppor t for same-sex marriage amongst the public A recent poll carried out by ICM for The Guardian in December showed 62% of people in favour, with just 31% opposed Similar polls for YouGov, Populus, ComR es, and Ipsos MORI have shown consistent public suppor t for a change in the law to allow same-sex marriage
In December, the government released its response to the public consultation on same-sex marriage in England and Wales With over 228,000 responses, it represented the largest consultation ever carried out by the UK Government Despite a well-funded campaign by opponents of LGBT equality to encourage negative responses to the consultation 53% of respondents voiced suppor t for same-sex marriage while 46% opposed 72% of respondents who stated they were Christian suppor ted the proposals, alongside 99% of those who identified as lesbian or gay
The news that a majority of MPs suppor t same-sex marriage was welcomed by politicians, secular groups and religious representatives
Nick Herber t MP, founder of the Freedom To Marr y campaign, said: “ W ith the polls showing that a clear majority of the public support equal marriage and now evidence that a majority of MPs will back it, this is a
reform whose time has come Its opponents should recognise the democratic will and focus on ensuring legitimate protections for religious freedom rather than trying to frustrate a change that is so widely supported ”
Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, said: “The Labour Party strongly supports same-sex marriage When couples love each other and want to make a commitment, it should be a cause for celebration, not discrimination Those couples should be able to marry, regardless of their gender or sexuality My shadow cabinet colleagues and I will continue to be loud and proud supporters of samesex marriage, and I’m pleased there is a clear parliamentary majority in support of the forthcoming legislation Labour votes will ensure that this measure is passed in the House of Commons and we hope the government brings forward legislation as soon as possible ”
Stephen Gilber t MP, Liberal Democrat MP for St Austell & Newquay, said: “Liberal Democrats have long fought for equal marriage and now we’re in government we’re committed to making it happen That a majority of MPs have come out in favour of is a very significant step forward The right to love and commit to who you choose is a fundamental one and whether you’re straight or gay, the civil institution recognising that love and commitment should be the same ”
The British Humanist Association (BHA) said: “Equality before the law is a vital civil right and the rights of one class of person to equal treatment should never be compromised because of the unshared religious beliefs of anyone There is no suggestion that religious organisations should perform marriage against their will; all that is asked is that we all demonstrate some basic humanity and toleration, and do not obstruct same sex couples who wish to have legal equality for their relationship We hope the majority of parliamentarians will think the same and vote accordingly ”
The UK Government is expected to launch same-sex marriage legislation for England and Wales by summer 2013 Separate legislation for Scotland has already been launched in December 2012 by the Scottish Government, and already has the suppor t of over two-thirds of MSPs
It has emerged that R ob Flello, the Labour Shadow Justice Minister and MP for Stoke-on-Trent South will be voting against the legislation The Labour Leader Ed Milliband last year changed Labour's plans to have the commons vote whipped after disagreements emerged with some shadow ministers Mr Piello is a front bencher who does not sit in the shadow cabinet but is one of a few senior figures within the Labour Par ty to come out against the proposed legislation
FRANCE DIVIDED ON GAY MARRIAGE AND ADOPTION
▼ Despite a majority of people in several European countries believing that same-sex couples should be allowed to get married and adopt children, the public in France is divided on the issue with a slim majority (51%) against allowing gay couples to adopt
The findings were published ahead of a rally last month by a coalition of religious groups, muslim organisations and some gay groups in Paris against the government’s plans to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption
Suppor t for same-sex marriage is highest in Denmark and Sweden, at 79%, and lowest in France where 47% are in favour of allowing gay couples to wed, while 41% are opposed and 12% say they don’t know In Britain, 55% suppor t same-sex marriage, 32% are opposed and 13% don’t know
The findings come from the latest YouGov EuroTrack survey, a multicountry study tracking public opinion in the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway
The poll also revealed that a majority of people in every country surveyed believe same-sex couples should be allowed to adopt children, but in France a slim majority are opposed Suppor t for gay adoption is strongest in Sweden, at 65%, in contrast to only 38% of people in France who are in favour 51% of the French public think same-sex couples should not be allowed to adopt children, and 12% say they don’t know In Britain, 53% of people believe gay couples should be permitted to adopt children, 31% are opposed and 16% don’t know
Commenting on the results, Suzanne TerMinassian, Head of Political Research for YouGov France said:
“French public opinion is increasingly divided over the issue of gay marriage and adoption, as this issue has become a stepping stone for the opposition since François Hollande’s election Public opinion tends to follow party lines, with 65% of Socialist Party supporters being in favour of same-sex adoption, versus 29% of UMP voters and only 11% for those who support the far- right Front National No doubt the enduring influence of the Catholic Church in France is also shaping the debate, but the results of our poll indicate that in the main this is a political issue ”
ARCHBISHOP CONTI CLAIMS GAY
RELATIONSHIPS ARE “MORALLY DEFECTIVE”
▼ A senior representative of the Catholic Church in Scotland has claimed samesex relationships are “morally defective” in a letter attacking the Scottish Government for the “profoundly unwise” decision to “equate homosexual unions with heterosexual marriage” by legalising same-sex marriage
In the letter published in the Catholic journal The Tablet, Archbishop Mario Conti also suggests that same-sex relationships should be made illegal arguing that “while it is true that governments are not required to make all immoral actions illegal, to many it is unhelpful and unnecessary to render moral what is in itself morally defective”
Equality Network, the LGBT equality charity, has called on the Scottish Government to “stand firm” on plans to introduce same-sex marriage, and not give in to the “anti-gay agenda” being pursued by the Catholic Church
Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: "In a free society Archbishop Conti is entitled to express his views, however offensive they may be Thankfully most people in Scotland support same-sex marriage and disagree with the assertion that their gay friends and family members are 'morally defective' The Catholic Church has long campaigned against equal rights for LGBT people and for Archbishop Conti to imply that same-sex relationships should now be made illegal is evidence of a worrying anti-gay agenda ”
The Equality Network points out that the Catholic Church has campaigned against every major step towards LGBT equality in the UK, including the introduction of an equal age of consent, the repeal of Section 28, Civil Par tnerships, same-sex adoption, and now same-sex marriage In December 2011, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Britain’s most senior Catholic said that there should be no laws that "facilitate" same-sex relationships: He said: “The empirical evidence is clear, same-sex relationships are demonstrably harmful to the medical, emotional and spiritual well-being of those involved No compassionate society should ever enact legislation to facilitate or promote such relationships, we have failed those who struggle with same-sex attraction and wider society by our actions ”
The Scottish Government announced in July 2012 that it would bring forward legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry The draft Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill was launched for consultation in December and a final version is expected to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament by summer 2013 Under the plans no religious body will be required to conduct same-sex marriages, but those that do want to will be able to Religious and belief bodies that actively want the right to conduct same-sex marriages include the United R eformed Church, the Quakers, the Unitarians, Liberal Judaism, R eform Judaism, Buddhists, the Metropolitan Community Church, the Iona Community, the Open Episcopal Church, the Pagan Federation, and the Humanist Society Scotland
A majority of MSPs and a majority of the public have said that they suppor t same-sex marriage Two-thirds of MSPs have now signed the Equality Network’s Equal Marriage Pledge committing themselves to voting in favour of same-sex marriage Signatories include First Minister Alex Salmond, all Cabinet Ministers, and the leaders of all four opposition par ties Whilst 88 MSPs have now said they will vote in favour, just 10 remain publicly opposed Opinion polls have shown consistent public suppor t for same-sex marriage across Scotland The most recent poll in Scotland was conducted in June 2012 by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Equality Network It showed record suppor t with 64% of Scots in favour of a change in the law, and just 26% opposed Separate polls conducted over the past two years by Populus, YouGov, Angus R eid, ComR es, and the Scottish Social Attitudes Sur vey, have all shown similar levels of suppor t
Other countries to have legalised same-sex marriage include Iceland, Nor way, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Spain and Por tugal The French Government have pledged to bring forward legislation soon
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BRIGHTON & HOVE COUNCIL
MAINTAIN 15TH POSITION IN STONEWALL TOP 100 EMPLOYERS LIST
▼ Last month Stonewall, the national equality charity published its Top 100 Employers Index 2013, showcasing Britain's best employers for LGB staff Accenture, the global management consulting, technology and outsourcing company came first Gentoo came second with the Co-operative coming in third This is the first year that a mutual retailer has entered the Stonewall top 10 and Gentoo has reached the highest ever position for a housing employer There was also strong performances from MI5, who climbed into the Top 30 having debuted on the list at 62 in 2012 and the London Ambulance NHS Trust who climbed over 70 positions to 22 Goldman Sachs won the award for Employee Network Group of the Year and Nationwide is named the Most Improved Employer Chief Constable Alex Marshall from Hampshire Constabular y has been named Individual Champion of the Year
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive said “Every employer in the Top 100 has performed impressively These results are significant as it’s just ten years since we won vital legal protections for gay people in the workplace Britain's 1 7 million gay staff and 150,000 gay university students can now confidently use the index to select a welcoming employer, or look further, safe in the knowledge that they are protected from discrimination " The Index is based on a range of key indicators which include a confidential survey of LGB employees, with nearly 9,000 par ticipants This consistently revealed that the satisfaction levels of gay staff were highest at the top-ranking organisations in the Index To see the complete top 100 list, view: www stonewall org Brighton & Hove Council maintained the 15th place they achieved last year beating all other local authorities to maintain their position as the country's top gayfriendly local authority A spokesperson for the council’s LGBT Workers Forum said: “Over the past year, we’ve continued to support our staff through mentoring and reviewing the bullying process We used our annual budget to have our biggest ever presence at Brighton Pride While we are delighted with our success in the Stonewall index, it doesn’t recognise the excellent work the council has also done to increase the equality of trans people in the city ”
Cllr Jason Kitcat, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “I’m extremely proud of the work we’re doing to raise awareness of LGBT issues in the workplace, and we’ll continue to create a culture in which diversity is valued – it definitely remains a priority ” Brighton & Hove were placed 3rd in 2009, 4th in 2010, 8th in 2011 and 15 in 2012
The R ugby Football League (RFL) has become the first spor ts organisation ever to complete a hat-trick of appearances on the Index coming in at number 82 The listing comes just two months after the RFL won the Stonewall Spor ts Award of the Year in recognition of the game’s progressive work to embrace LGB inclusion and tackle homophobia within spor t It also follows a 12 month period in which Super League champions Leeds Rhinos dedicated a regular season game to celebrating LGBT inclusion, London Broncos hosted an LGBT game as par t of the Olympic Pride House events and the RFL became the first UK spor ting governing body to produce a resource that tackles all six key equality strands: race, sexuality, gender, disability, age and religion
Sarah Williams, RFL Equality and Diversity Manager said: “The RFL is committed to becoming one of the most LGB-inclusive organisations in the country and the challenge for us now is not to rest on our laurels, but to keep developing our entire equality and diversity programme and continue the impressive progress we have made in recent years ”
Hampshire Constabulary maintained its position as the UK’s top performing police service for the sixth year running coming in at joint number 15
Inspector Julie Fr y, who hairs the force’s LGBT Resource Group, said: “This work to build the trust and confidence of LGBT communities is work we would be doing even if we didn’t enter the Index To achieve the ongoing recognition from Stonewall is the icing on the cake ” Hampshire entered the Index in 2006 at number 15 rising to number 2 in 2010 and 2011
Sussex Police re-entered the Index at joint 93rd alongside the Nationwide Building Society, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and the Ar ts Council of England They did not enter the Index in 2012
SAME SEX MARRIAGE BILL INTRODUCED TO PARLIAMENT
▼ The Culture Secretar y, Maria Miller MP officially introduced the coalition government's Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill into the House of Commons last month It will be debated on Februar y 5 Despite opposition among back bench conservative MPs it is thought likely the Prime Minister with the suppor t of the Liberal Democrats and Labour will secure a majority in the Commons for the legislation
Following a public consultation the government outlined their plans late last year for the legislation which included:
• All religious organisations, including the Churches of England and Wales would be legally barred from marrying same-sex couples
• The 2010 Equality A ct would be amended to ensure that no discrimination claim could be brought against any religious organisation or individual minister refusing to marry a gay couple or allowing their premise to be used for the purpose
• Canon law, which bans the marriage of same-sex couples, will continue to apply and have precedent; meaning it would require a change in both primary and Canon law before the Church of England and the Church in Wales would be able to provide marriages for gay couples
The Bill would then be subjected to the scrutiny of an MPs’ committee before making its way back to the Commons for a third reading – at which point it would be sent to the House of Lords The Culture Secretary is refusing to rule out using the Parliament Act to override any opposition to the BIll in the House of Lords Stonewall the LGB equality charity is urging all its suppor ters in England and Wales to write to their MPs calling on them to suppor t the bill when it is debated on February 5
In December a MORI poll found 73% of people in Britain suppor t equal marriage, but Stonewall is warning suppor ters against complacency and is urging straight friends to suppor t the campaign too
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: “Sadly the minority of people who oppose equal marriage consistently use mistruths and smears to argue against it Supporters of this modest measure mustn’t let a vocal minority block equality People must write to, tweet, email or call their MPs to ask them for their support before the Bill’s Second Reading debate on 5 February We need straight people with lesbian or gay friends or relatives to stand up for their rights too Equality benefits everyone, which is why we need every supporter to press MPs to vote for it Our message is simple Speak now, or forever hold your peace "
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, said: "I am proud of the Government for introducing this Bill which will advance equality and strengthen the institution of marriage at the same time as protecting the rights of religious institutions I have always argued that the state should have a very good reason for preventing a couple from entering into a marriage, and being gay certainly isn’t one
"I will be doing everything in my power to ensure the Bill is passed at Second Reading There is a lot of support for it amongst my Conservative colleagues, although there will be MPs of all parties that are not supportive of the Government's proposals However I am confident that this important change in the law will be made "
Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Por tslade, said: "I am pleased that the Government is pressing ahead with this excellent piece of legislation As a representative of a constituency with one of the highest numbers of same-sex couples, I am thrilled that equal civil marriage should soon be law "
UK GAY HATE PREACHER WARNED HE MIGHT BE REFUSED ENTRY TO USA
LOCAL WOMEN HOST FREE EVENT AGAINST CUTBACKS
SIMON FANSHAWE RECEIVES THE OBE
▼ R ev Paul Shinners has been warned he might face being banned from entering the USA because of his hateful rhetoric towards homosexuals following the Freethinker magazine exposing that the owner of Cornerstones cafe in St Neots near Cambridge and head of an organisation called Passion for Souls had attended a Christian rally in Uganda on December 31, 2012, where he joined other Christian fundamentalists in calling on the Ugandan Government to speed up the process for passing the controversial K ill The Gays Bill
After reading the Freethinker repor t, Melanie Nathan, who serves on the Marin Human Rights Commission in California, wrote the following letter to Shinners:
“I note your purposeful quest in suppor ting the Ugandan Kill the Gays’ Bill It just strikes me as horrific that someone who purpor ts to be a man of God would openly incite such violence on foreign soil You ought to know better
“Mr Shinners, with all due respect, your suppor t and call for passage of legislation that would kill people marks you as an accessory to the potential genocide that is likely to follow, not to mention the inciting of the current persecution that is already occurring Gay people in Uganda are being persecuted, assaulted and tor tured as we speak because of this rhetoric that you so freely hurl in your discourse and unfor tunately in the name of Christianity I do not believe that most Christians think in this fundamentalist way and most would be shocked at how you tout the name of Jesus with such vitriol and violent intent
“Mr Shinners, you are free to practice your religion and to preach to your hear t's content No one will ever dispute that nor take that away from you However, you are not free to preach harm and violence against others and that is what you have done and are continuing to do You have no right to preach about legislation that is against basic human rights standards and decency as expected of a British citizen either in his own country or around the globe
“I plan to explore with UK Justice Depar tment whether or not there is legislation similar to the US Alien Tor t Act, under which we are currently suing Pastor Scott Lively in the US for his purposeful persecution of Ugandans on African soil, when he preached calling for their demise In essence you have done the same Your name will also be submitted to the list of unwelcome gay haters in the USA, to join the likes of David Bahati, Mar tin Ssempa and others and I believe you may find that you will not be allowed travel privileges into the USA in the future “To go to another country to tell them to kill people based on their sexuality is not what God wants by anyone's religious standards and you have taken it too far I hope that you will find it in your hear t to look at what you have done and to issue an apology to the LGBTI community of Uganda as well as to provide a written retraction of your suppor t for the Bill If you do I would be glad to publish it in a prominent publication In the meantime this letter to you sir, will be made public ”
George Broadhead, of the UK gay humanist charity, the Pink Triangle Trust, said: “I’m appalled that a Christian charity in the UK, which claims to have been established ‘to love the Father, love one another, love our neighbour, and even to love our enemy’ should be a hub of hatred towards gay people Cornerstone even published a poster ahead of the Uganda event, which pictured Shinners among the event's leading hate-mongers It’s even more appalling that a UK-based organisation should attempt, through the direct efforts of its owner, to interfere with the democratic processes of a foreign country ” For more information view: www.freethinker.co.uk
▼ Voices A gainst The Cuts: Women & A usterity is a free event on Saturday, Februar y 2, from 1-4pm (doors 12 30pm) at the Brighthelm Centre, Nor th R oad, Brighton Campaigning group Brighton & Hove Women Against The Cuts (BHWAC) aim to bring together those affected by and who care about effects of the sustained gover nment attack on the poorest in society, par ticularly women
Their booklet, Voices A gainst The Cuts, an over view of the impact of Coalition policies and cutbacks on women and the many alter natives to austerity, will be launched and available free at the event
Chaired by Brighton Women’s Centre Director Lisa Dando, the panel of speakers includes: Caroline Lucas MP; Olufemi Hughes of Community Dialogue for Change; Gail Grey, Chief Executive of RISE (local refuge, infor mation, suppor t and education project); R ehana Azam, GMB national officer for public ser vices; tr ustee Shana Pezzaro & advice officer Katie Love, from Brighton’s Fed centre for Independent Living, and Mar y Ann Stephenson, Coventr y Women’s Voices coordinator and author of T UC Women and the Cuts toolkit
Workshops will focus on using the media; benefits – suppor t & campaigning; ar t & activism; setting up a women’s network; women & safety; women & the public sector ; NHS – building the local campaign; and nonviolent direct action
The event will provide a for um for people to express their views and challenge the Coalition’s austerity measures Ever yone is welcome
The event will be sign language interpreted and a crèche will be provided by Threshold Women’s Counselling Ser vice More info, view: tinyurl com/BHWACfree
▼ Simon Hew Dair ymple Fanshawe, broadcaster, writer and presently chair of the University of Sussex's governing council has been awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in the Queens New Year's Honours list for his services to higher education
Simon studied law at Sussex University in the 1970s and rose to public attention initially as a stand up comedian winning the Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Festival in 1989 He also appeared on Ester R antzen's consumer TV programme, Thats L ife!
He regularly contributes to newspapers, BBC TV and radio programmes on subjects as varied as politics and the ar ts
He led Brighton's campaign to become a city in 2000, was a former chair of the Brighton Festival Fringe and chaired the city's Economic Par tnership till last year
Most significantly he was one of the founder members of Stonewall the LGB equality charity
He is presently chairman of the University of Sussex's governing council and is on the board of the Edinburgh Fringe
Simon said: "The award is such a great recognition for everything everyone has achieved at Sussex, which is great Sussex has really rediscovered its fizz in the last six years
Our scores are up in student satisfaction, we're consistently in the top 20 of the overall League Tables and we're winning great research grants It's been a privilege to work with the VC and all the staff to achieve that On a personal note, it's also lovely that one of my fellow Stonewall founders, Michael Cashman, is also in the list getting a CBE for services to gay rights"
We are an independent LGBT Forum working with the Community to address and improve safety issues throughout Brighton & Hove We hold quarterly public meetings.
The next public meeting is on TUES 12th FEB
6PM at THE QUEENS HOTEL 1-3 King's Road, Brighton, BN1 1NS
The meeting room is fully accessible. If you would like an agenda in advance please go to http://www.lgbt-safety-forumbrighton.com/meetings/
For more information visit: lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com
21 hours a week
£22,000 pro rata (£13,200)
Enthusiastic, experienced worker to set up and run a new LGB&T mental health Peer Mentoring initiative which will also provide a daily on-line service in partnership with Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard Applicants need experience of managing a volunteer team
All posts are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced CRB check
For more details and an application pack please see www.mindout.org.uk or email info@mindout.org.uk or send a large SAE to: MindOut, Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
Closing date: Monday 18th February
Interviews will be held on: Thursday 28th February
Registered Charity No 1140098
TRANS EQUALITY SCRUTINY PANEL REPORTS
▼ The findings of the Trans Equality Scrutiny panel were published last month A cross par ty panel was set up to highlight the challenges and inequalities facing transgender people in Brighton & Hove and to make recommendations for change The repor t was made public at the Over view & Scrutiny Committee meeting on January 28 The decision on whether to adopt the recommendations will be taken by the Policy & R esources Committee later in the year
The question that was asked was: “ What needs to be done to make things fairer for trans people to live, work, socialise and study in the city?”
The cross-par ty panel, Chaired by Councillor Phelim MacCaffer ty, comprised of Councillors Denise Cobb, and Warren Morgan joined by two co-optees
The panel found that Brighton & Hove is a diverse and vibrant city, which includes an active local trans community This panel actively engaged as many members of the trans community as possible through suppor t groups and service providers to find out more about the issues The panel found that there are many challenges and barriers to equality still being faced There is also a lack of information on the numbers of trans people accessing services in Brighton & Hove, with the result that service providers are not necessarily aware of the needs of trans people
The repor t recommends that, as a matter of urgency, an assessment should be under taken to identif y the size of the trans community and its needs Following this, a city-wide trans equalities strategy should be developed by the council and its par tners, including an action plan with clear leads and responsibilities led by a council ‘Trans Champion’
A number of the recommendations in the repor t are aimed at increasing awareness of the lives and needs of trans people Basic principles such as the impor tance of using appropriate pronouns to refer to someone need to be explained: mistakes in gender-related speech can be very upsetting and can be easily avoided
The need for trans awareness training runs through the findings of the inquiry Through the work of the panel, Brighton & Hove City Council is taking the first step in making things fairer for trans people who live, work, study or socialise in the city and looks forward to working with par tner agencies across the city on all of the issues raised in the repor t
Councillor Phelim MacCaffer ty, Chair of the Panel said: “I’m incredibly proud to be part of this pioneering piece of work It really is testament to the council’s dedication to providing services that deliver for the needs of all the city’s residents Through the recommendations of this report, I believe we will be setting out a blue print for organisations to follow and develop best practice for training and awareness on trans issues ”
Nick Douglas, Coordinator of the LGBT Health & Inclusion Project (HIP) said: “ We’re delighted to see the publication of the panel’s findings The way in which the panel, the Council Communities and Equalities Team and the trans community came together to work on this is a model of good practice in progressing the equality agenda for local trans people A t LGBT HIP, we look forward to continuing our work with the council to ensure that this first step commitment to trans equality now comes to full fruition ”
To read the repor t view: http://present brightonhove gov uk/ieListDocuments aspx?CId=726&MId=4374
GAYDAR RADIO CLOSES DOWN
▼ Gaydar R adio has shut down its LGBT community radio ser vice and the DAB licenses the station has used in the London and Brighton area have been given to Gaydio, a Manchester-based
community radio ser vice who claim they are now the largest gay radio station in the world with their new enlarged broadcasting area and inherited Gaydar audience
Gaydar Radio began as a online radio station in 2001, however owners QSoft Consulting say that making an online/digital only radio station pay is "incredibly challenging", and operating the radio ser vice is preventing them from fully investing in their core online dating business
Toby Whitehouse, Programme Director of Gaydio, said: “Taking ov er these licenses is a terrific oppor tunity for us Gay dar had a large and loy al audience and w e’re w orking hard to deliv er a ser v ice that people w ill lov e ”
Gaydio took over operation of the two digital radio licenses (on London and Sussex Coast multiplexes), with Chris Holliday and Emma Goswell (Chris and Emma at Breakfast) the first voices on the newly expanded ser vice, which now identifies as ‘Gay dio, the Beat of Gay UK ’
BRIGHTON: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL –QUEENSPARK BOOKS
▼ QueenSpark Books is a small Brighton-based community publisher, which over the years has given a voice to Brighton’s lost past, including stories drawn from the winding back streets of Whitehawk and the forgotten cinemas and theatre joints, that once dominated the town centre
QueenSpark Books’ latest project is to highlight some of the lesser known histories of Brighton & Hove and the characters that helped put the city on the map
However, rather than approach the project in the traditional way, QueenSpark Books decided to create a graphic novel At the beginning of 2012, the publisher put a call out for writers to submit fictional stories based on Brighton & Hove’s history, past and present Thir teen writers were then each paired with an ar tist, whose job it was to interpret their story graphically
Brighton: The Graphic Novel spans 300 years in the history of the city
Stories include the tale of a magical moment combining first love, Twelfth Night and the Palace Pier; the demon barber, Mr Cooper, renowned for his ill temper and his hatred of hippies And then there’s Brighton’s Angels starring Dave Lynn, Lola Lasagne and Maisie Trollette (as the forenamed Brighton Angels), alongside a host of other famous and in some cases infamous faces The Angels’ sweeping story includes Mark Bruce and the creation of the Aids Memorial; The Golden Handbag Awards meeting the Moulin Rouge, and the Hankie Quilt Project, swinging into action via a helicopter! The story concludes in Preston Park on Brighton's LGBT Pride Day QueenSpark is fundraising to produce this wonderful book and are inviting people to
pledge money in return for some great offers People who pledge £20 will receive the book (which will retail at £15.99) plus an invite to the book launch And that’s just for star ters! QueenSpark Books only have 28 days to raise £600, can you help? For more information about the project and how you can get involved, view: http://tinyurl com/queensparkbook
QUEER IN BRIGHTON CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
▼ Queer in Brighton a heritage project celebrating the city’s unspoken LGBT histories and how these have shaped, and continue to shape the place where we live and play are producing a new collection of stories, oral histories and photographs about the unspoken and outspoken stories of LGBT Brighton, from the 1950s to the present
Editors Maria Jastr zębska and Shaun Levin are looking for stories about the places, the music, the fashion, the slang, the clubs, the bars, the living rooms, the squats, basements, and cruising grounds where you fell in love, danced till the early hours, looked after friends and lovers, had sex, plotted the revolution, brought up your family (or escaped from them), set up home and the streets and parks where you marched, held hands, argued or made up They want your true stories about Brighton and welcome contributions from all who identif y as LGBTQ with experience of living in or visiting Brighton
The book is scheduled to launch for Pride in August 2013 Submit your stories about arriving in Brighton, your reasons for coming to Brighton, and about meeting other queer people in Brighton, the places, the people, the time of year Who was your first guide to Brighton or were you a guide to someone else? Which places in Brighton have romantic memories for you Or traumatic ones? What political meetings or rallies did you attend in Brighton? Tell your story about a memorable Pride What were you wearing? Who were you with? These are just some possible themes – tell your stories about being queer in Brighton
The editors want the Queer in Brighton book to reflect the changes in our lives and in the city over the past fifty years, to demonstrate how the HIV epidemic, decriminalisation, civil par tnerships, feminism, gender awareness, the economy and other challenges and triumphs of queer life have impacted on where we live and the ways we live our lives
Queer in Brighton is a heritage project celebrating the city’s unspoken and outspoken LGBT histories and how these have shaped, and continue to shape, the place where we live and play, our days and nights The project is led by New Writing South with Pink Fringe and Photoworks, and is suppor ted by the Heritage Lotter y Fund
The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2013 All contributors will receive a copy of the Queer in Brighton book Submit your stories via e-mail to: info@queerinbrighton.co.uk, or send a hard copy to: Queer in Brighton, c/o New Writing South, 9 Jew Street, Brighton, BN1 1UT
Word count is 500 words (no more than 2 pieces at the first instance)
Submissions will be read as they come in, so early submissions are encouraged Stories must be formatted in a file type compatible with MS Word Double-spaced, 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman) and set up with a 1inch margin Include a cover letter and a shor t bio with each submission Stories are accepted on the understanding that they have not been published elsewhere and may be edited (with the author's consent)
For more info, view: www.queerinbrighton.co.uk
HAMPSHIRE CHIEF CONSTABLE ALEX
MARSHALL NAMED
STONEWALL'S INDIVIDUAL
LGB CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
▼ The Chief Constable of Hampshire, Alex Marshall, has been named as the UK’s Individual Champion of the Year for lesbian, gay and bisexual people (LGB) in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index The Stonewall Equality Index showcases the country's top gay-friendly employers
Mr Marshall was recognised for his commitment to LGBT staff and communities In par ticular, he has demonstrated ongoing suppor t for the force’s LGBT R esource Group and Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers He has ensured the constabulary is represented by a senior officer at Brighton & Hove Pride each year He is the force’s Fairness & Equality Champion and has been previously recognised as a ‘Straight Ally’ by Stonewall, the LGB Equality Charity
Mr Marshall said: “ When I started 33 years ago there was a small but significantly vocal minority of people in policing who were dismissive or even derogatory about members of the public or colleagues who were lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender I don’t believe we gave the service people deserved or did as much to understand individual needs as should have done
“I have no doubt that coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual in the workplace was extremely difficult and problematic and brought with it risks in terms of personal reputation and career progression
“I remember a very courageous colleague when I started who was the only openly gay officer I knew I’ve always felt I owe it to her and the people we serve who are picked on because of their sexual orientation to improve our service and bring policing to where it needs to be for everyone ”
This is the eighth year Hampshire Constabulary has submitted an entry to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, coming joint 15th alongside Brighton & Hove City Council
Mr Marshall added: “I believe we have a workplace in Hampshire Constabulary where people are employed on merit, where neither sexual orientation nor any other personal characteristic is a bar to promotion and where LGB people are represented at all levels including senior management
“I’m proud of the work we do with our LGBT communities The force has around 100 Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers and recently has done some great work with football clubs to eradicate homophobia both on and off the pitch ”
Mr Marshall who has been Chief Constable since 2008 is to leave the force at the end of February to become the Chief Executive of the new National College of Policing He previously served with the Metropolitan Police, Cambridge Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, where he was deputy Chief Constable His successor will be appointed by Simon Hayes, the new police and crime commissioner In his new role Mr Marshall will retain the rank of Chief Constable and he will be responsible for overseeing training standards for all police in the UK
TAGS PINK PARTY IN LITTLEHAMPTON
▼ The Arun Gay Society (TAGS) are holding a celebration “Pink” par ty at the 03 club in Littlehampton on Saturday, Februar y 23 The "Pink" theme is optional but people are encouraged to dress up There will be a disco, buffet, charity raffle, and fully licensed bar The doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8 For more infor mation telephone 07539 513171 or email info@tagsonline.org.uk
POLICE ANNOUNCE TEMPORARY DIVISION COMMANDER
▼ Chief Superintendent Graham Bar tlett, the present Divisional Commander in Brighton & Hove will be stepping down in March While Chief Police Officers plan the assessment procedure to decide his successor, Superintendent Steve Whitton will act up as Chief Superintendent for the city Superintendent Whitton is the city's cur rent Crime & Operations Superintendent Over the past four years he has led many high profile operations, working alongside par tners to ensure the safety of the events which make Brighton & Hove such a fantastic 'place to be' Until the new Divisional Commander is appointed DCI Jez Graves will continue to act up as the Crime & Operations Superintendent and DI Clare Shiel will remain the Detective Chief Inspector
LGBT HISTORY MONTH EVENTS AT WORTHING LIBRARY
▼ Wor thing Librar y celebrates LGBT Histor y Month with two events in February This is the four th year the library service has worked with the West Sussex County Council staff group Glo-West to suppor t the month
On Thursday, Februar y 7 at 7pm, Paul Burston and VG Lee read from the anthology, Men & Women, edited by Burston and featuring male and female contributions Journalist and writer, Paul Burston has been described by Julie Burchill as “one of the most surprising, clever and entertaining commentators around” His work includes the acclaimed The Gay Divorcee and Lovers & Losers VG Lee is a popular writer and stand-up comedian and she has appeared twice at the Edinburgh Festival Her work includes Always You, Edina and Diary of a Provincial Lesbian Sarah Waters has said she “writes with unfailing warmth and wisdom” Tickets are £3
On Saturday, Februar y 23, at noon, The R ainbow Chorus will give a special concer t in the library Based in Brighton & Hove, the Rainbow Chorus is the South’s only LGBT-mixed choir and is now well into its second decade Inspired by its talented music director, Aneesa Chaudhr y, the choir enjoys performing a wide range of music and aims to celebrate diversity through music
The event is free but spaces are limited and you will need to book
Tickets for both events are available from Wor thing Library or contact any West Sussex Library at: www.westsussex.gov.uk/libraries
For fur ther details ask at Wor thing Library Help Desk, or call 01903 704809
Also look out for R ainbow R eads, the new WSCC list of LGBT books and DVDs, available in WSCC libraries from February
CALLS FOR NIGERIA TO RECONSIDER OPPOSITION TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL
▼ Despite international calls for Nigeria to reconsider the proposed bill prohibiting same-sex marriage, Nigerian Senate President David Mark has maintained that the bill will be passed into law The Senate President told the Catholic faithful and guests at a recent civic reception in honour of John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan in Abuja that despite the pressure from some quar ters, the law banning same-sex marriage will be enacted Senate President Mark was quoted as saying: “ We will not compromise on this I want to invite you all to join the crusade of decency in our society There are many good values we can copy from other societies but certainly not this one (same-sex marriage) We have to prove to the rest of the world, who are advocates of this unnatural way, that we Nigerians promote and respect sanity, morality and humanity Every individual is a product of the union of a man and woman ”
An overwhelming number of religious and socio-cultural groups across Nigeria has been unequivocal in their opposition to same-sex marriage which some foreign countries are openly urging Nigeria to accept Opponents include Christian denominations as well as Muslim groups all of which have voiced their rejection of the pressure from some sections of the international community for Nigeria to change its stance Among them is the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) the Most Rev Nicholas Okoh who has repeatedly opposed the move, saying same-sex marriage is not biblical and therefore unacceptable
However, Nigerian humanist human rights activist Leo Igwe, a suppor ter of the UK gay humanist charity the Pink Triangle Trust, said: “The statements made by David Mark that the ban on same-sex marriage was irrevocable are reprehensible They are a clear demonstration of homophobia and show a lack of appreciation of the humane moral values of the contemporary world He has used the civic reception of John Cardinal Olorunfemi Onaiyekan to fan the flames of hatred and persecution of a sexual minority and to promote his skewed sense of decency They are inconsistent with the constitutional role of a Senate President They are also another clear indication of how the Senate and the Church in Nigeria are working together in prosecuting a crusade against gay people Instead of supporting the ban on same sex marriage, the Senate and the Government of Nigeria as a whole should make a commitment to promoting and protecting the universal human rights of everyone, whatever their race, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, even when such commitment conflicts with the teachings of religion ”
KEMPTOWN MP URGES CAUTION WHEN BOOKING OVERSEAS TRIPS
▼ Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, is urging his constituents to make sure they use an ATOL protected agent when booking their trips abroad The ATOL scheme is there to protect people against the risk of their travel company going bust, ensuring they can continue their holiday and return home safely if the company collapses whilst they are away; or providing refunds if they’re yet to travel, meaning the scheme will give holidaymakers in Brighton Kemptown and across the country peace of mind that their hard earned holiday will not be lost
During 2012, Parliament agreed two key changes to the scheme to widen protection and help people understand when they are protected Holidays known by the industry as Flight-Plus are now included in the scheme, as well as traditional package holidays A Flight-Plus booking is one that includes a flight plus accommodation and/or car hire, so long as these separate par ts of the holiday are booked with the same company and within a day of each other
The second change agreed by Parliament in 2012 saw the introduction of the ATOL cer tificate; offering consumers greater clarity on how their holiday is protected
Anyone who books an ATOL protected trip will now receive an ATOL cer tificate from their travel company as soon as they make any payment The cer tificate tells them what is protected, who is protecting it and what to do if something goes wrong
Mr Kirby said: “ When travel companies run into financial difficulties it can cause severe disruption to families who are either looking forward to going away, or are in another country when a company collapses W ith ATOL cover families have peace of mind that their plans need not be disrupted, and they are protected from a financial hit This is an important scheme, and I want residents in my constituency to be aware of these recent changes if they are looking to book a holiday in the coming months ”
Anyone wishing to book an ATOL-protected air holiday can check if a company provides protection by looking for the ATOL logo on their promotional material, or searching the company’s name: www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=27
More information about what’s covered by the scheme and how the ATOL cer tificate works is also available from this site
Mr Kirby is also advising people booking trips not covered by the ATOL scheme such as those without flights or holidays booked directly with airlines, to seek alternative methods of protection such as insurance or paying with their credit card
KREEPY KEMPTOWN!
▼ Kreepy Kemptown Ghost Walks return on Saturday, Februar y 2 and every Saturday afterwards at 7.30pm They will be operating from The Queens Arms, 7-8 George Street, Brighton, BN2 1RH which boast a resident ghost of a hear t-broken former Land Lady
To book your place on the Kreepy Kemptown Ghost Walk, view: www brownpapertickets com/event/313627
The cost of the Tour remains the same as last year! Adults: £8, children: £4 and students and seniors: £5
There are family tickets available at just £20 which admit two adults and two children, and if you wanted to book a tour for a private par ty on a non-ghost walk night, up to 20 people can be given a guided thrill-packed evening for just £120 It’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion or to simply spend your evening doing something unusual before going on to a club or restaurant
To follow Kreepy Kemptown Ghost Walks and keep up to date with all the news, view:http://kreepykemptownghostwalks.webs.com Or find them on Facebook For fur ther information call 07432 116 247.
GAY & LESBIAN FAMILIES ON HOLIDAY
▼ Are you a gay or lesbian parent who has ever been on holiday with your children? If so, you may be interested in taking par t in a University of Brighton study.
R odrigo Lucena is a PhD researcher who is conducting a study of what motivates gay and lesbian families when they choose where to spend their holidays and how their decision-making processes take place If you fall into this categor y, Rodrigo would love to hear from you email Rodrigo at: rldm10@brighton ac uk so he can meet you for a shor t and infor mal conversation
Time and place will be set according to your convenience and all infor mation will be treated confidentially
CHORUS RELEASE NEW ALBUM
▼ The Actually Gay Men's Chorus will be launching their new album Actually on Friday, Februar y 22 at St Mar y's Church, Kemptown during their concer t entitled Something for me" which is being staged as par t of the B.Right.On Festival
The album includes songs by David Bowie, Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails to name a few and was recorded last year for Universal Records It will be available at a discounted price on the night The Actually GMC was set up in 2005 with the specific aim of providing a place where gay men could socialise, have fun and develop their vocal and musical skills in a unique environment and per for m to the public while raising money for local LGBT charities
Members benefit from the experience of the music team led by musical director Jason Pimblett Their 'home' is the grade one listed St Andrews Church in Waterloo Street, Hove, where they rehearse and present many per for mances "Somewhere for me" is at St Mar y's Church, Kemptown on Friday, Februar y 22 at 7 30pm Tickets are £8
DIVA DESTINATIONS: HOLIDAY FOR GAY WOMEN ORGANISED BY GAY WOMEN
▼ If you're tired of trawling the Internet looking to organise that perfect holiday, then Diva Destinations, a holiday planning company run by gay women for gay women, will do the work for you, whatever your budget
By only working with gay or gay friendly suppliers, Diva Destinations are confident that whether you’re looking for the perfect beach or ski holiday, a weekend break, that gay Pride experience, a once in a lifetime Honeymoon or by selecting one of their activity or special interest packages they will give you an unforgettable holiday experience
If you can't find what you're after, they will even create a bespoke holiday to suit your exact requirements
Founder of Diva Destinations, Jennifer Grant, said: “For the last fif teen years I have worked in the travel industry, gathering knowledge and experience Living in Brighton, I am very lucky to have some wonderful friends who, over the years have given me some valuable feedback on their experiences of looking for a holiday suitable for them
“I believe I know what’s important to gay women when looking for a holiday Being independent means Diva Destinations can offer you expert advice on a diverse and exciting range of destinations, tours and accommodations to find you the perfect holiday Our holidays can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements and budget We offer fantastic opportunities for families, couples, groups or individual travellers, whatever your budget ”
Diva Destinations are fully ATOL bonded, giving you 100% financial protection for all of your travel arrangements and all accommodations are either lesbian run or gay-friendly
For more information, view: www divadestinationholidays co uk or follow them on Twitter: @DivaHolidays.
STEAMIN’ IN KENT
▼ ME1 Sauna is discreetly located just off R ochester High Street, close to the Ship Inn This new, modern and friendly sauna complex on three floors in the hear t of the Medway Towns offers large sauna and steam rooms, relaxation cabins, free internet cafe, free tea and coffee, 93 personal lockers, power showers, three lounge areas and a themed construction zone room There is a designated smoking area and light meals are available on the second floor
A loyalty card is available; visit just six times and get your 7th visit free of charge Just remember to get your card stamped each time you visit
The sauna opened its doors with a soft launch on November 24 last year and they will be celebrating their arrival on the Kent gay scene in style with a Grand Opening Par ty on Saturday, Februar y 9 A free buffet will be provided; plus you will be able to meet the owners Mark, Tony and Tim, one of the former founders of the Brighton Sauna
The sauna is open from Monday–Sunday, 11am–9pm Entry is £8 from 11am–1pm, £10 from 1–9pm, and students with ID cards are charged £8 all day A same day re-entry pass is free of charge; a weekend pass covering Friday and Saturday costs £15
Special nights in February include:
• Fetish Nights every Monday
• Club Pandora, an Underground123 organised night for straight men & women, same-sex, bi and transgender people to mix in a safe and secure environment on Thursday 7 from 6pm–midnight
• ‘Par ty Night R ochester ’ on Thursday 14 and 28 from 6pm–midnight (no entry after 9pm), organised by Underground123
• ‘Naturist Night R ochester ’ on Thursday 21 from 6pm–midnight (no entry after 9pm), organised by Underground123
You will find the ME1 Sauna at Foundr y Whar f, just off Rochester High Street, R ochester, ME1 1TH For more info, call 01634 401226; view www me1sauna com
WE’RE STILL BANNED IN 76 COUNTRIES
▼ Seventy-six people are needed to complete a piece of public ar t in LGBT History Month During the B.Right.On Festival in Februar y, 76 faces will be painted to highlight that homosexuality remains BANNED in 76 countries throughout the world Each face will be painted with the name of a country as listed on the 76 Crimes website of countries where it is illegal to be LGBT
The event will be filmed during the ar tistic launch of Vince Laws’s show, I A m A Poem, at Brighton’s Jubilee Librar y on Friday, Februar y 1 from 7-9pm which is the cur tain raiser for this year’s LGBT Histor y Month events
To take par t, turn up for 7pm at the Jubilee Library There will be community tables, Bear Patrol selling Adopt-A-Pansy for the Sussex Beacon, Lunch Positive selling Make Them Eat Cake as a fundraiser, BANNED ar tworks, and refreshments provided by Barefoot Wine who have kindly sponsored the event You can help face paint each other with the name of one of the 76 countries where homosexuality is still illegal using MAC eyeliner pencils in bright red, which will be supplied Everyone’s face will be painted in the first hour, which will be followed by a photo-call at 8pm with all 76 faces being photographed under a huge sign that says BA NNED followed by a 30 minute performance with poetry, a choir, queer calypsos, and much, much more Face wipes will be provided so you can wipe off the face paint, ready for carriages at 9pm If there's a par ticular country you want to highlight; for example, Gary wants to be ‘St Vincent and the Grenadines’ because he's half Vincentian and knows how bad homophobia is there, then let the organiser Vince know, otherwise names will be picked out of a hat Bring along your friends to take par t Everyone will get a numbered cer tificate signed by the ar tist!
To contact Vince Laws, email: vincelaws@gmail.com
▼ Guy Lewis, who died suddenly on Januar y 9, was an avid suppor ter of the Brighton gay scene
The father of twin boys, he was awaiting the bir th of his daughter, due a week later Guy was taken unexpectedly ill with chest pains and died in the early hours of January 9 at Wor thing Hospital A blood vessel in his hear t had burst
An accomplished actor, in 2001 he appeared at Brighton's Theatre Royal in L adies Night, the male strip show comedy play and his love affair with Brighton star ted He met his wife Hanna while touring with Ladies Night and the couple moved to Brighton in 2003
Guy was a firm suppor ter of the gay scene, always attending Brighton Pride He suppor ted the gay venues and became great friends with many cabaret ar tists
Indeed, Davina Sparkle appeared as special guest at the couple’s wedding reception in 2007
Guy was owner of the Gymboree play and music centre for children in Churchill Square and was looking forward to opening a new parent-friendly café in April
In 2007 he was due to return to his acting roots to play the Prince in the adult pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, at the Pavilion Theatre in Brighton but at the last moment was prevented by work commitments
Friend and fellow actor David R umelle, said: “Guy was a wonderfully kind and generous man, a pleasure to work with as an actor, a true friend and the best shoulder to cry on in times of need He loved the Brighton scene, and was always there to support Maisie, Phil and the rest of the cabaret greats His friendship, kindness and unfailing thought for others were a shining example to us all ” Guy’s funeral takes place at Wor thing Crematorium on Wednesday, Februar y 6 at 1 40pm
PAY FOR YOUR PARKING BY TELEPHONE
▼ Brighton & Hove Council is exploring ways to make paying for parking in the city quicker and easier, and this could include payment by phone calls or text Schemes allowing drivers to pay for parking with their phones are already used by other councils including London boroughs, Manchester and Birmingham, and at many hospital car parks and stations, including Brighton Station The system works by drivers registering their vehicle and card payment details with the service provider Once registered, these can be managed securely online with a password and login When parking, the driver sends the location code displayed on signage, and the length of time they wish to stay This can be done by text, through an automated phone call or smar t phone application The service provider then sets up the parking session
On top of the parking charge, the customer who chooses to use this system will pay between 15p and 20p to cover the cost of providing the service Other services such as reminder texts sent ten minutes before their parking session expires will also be available for a small fee Drivers using the scheme will also be able to extend their parking time remotely if for example they are in a meeting or shopping without having to return to their car Civil Enforcement officers will be able to check if motorists have paid for parking by logging into the service provider’s system on their hand-held device and entering the location code They will receive a list of the vehicle registrations that have paid to park there
Evidence from the council’s Citywide parking review show that motorists are clearly in favour of introducing parking payments by phone with 45% saying they would probably use this system Overall 78% said they wanted to used credit and debit cards for parking
Cllr Ian Davey, Chair of the Transpor t Committee, said: “Paying by phone can be simple and quick and the system is already established in many parts of the country Following requests from residents, visitors and local traders we hope to be able to roll this out in the city by early summer ”
At a meeting on Januar y 15, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee decided whether to take steps to join the four-year scheme being set up by the London Borough of Lambeth and also including the City of Westminster, Transpor t for London and City of London Corporation
He concluded: “Joining the scheme and working with other local authorities will bring added benefits and help keep costs down ”
COUNCIL LEAD ON 'COMMUNITY SAFETY' STEPS DOWN
▼ Cllr Ben Duncan, the Green ward councillor for Queen’s Park and the council's Community Safety spokesperson, has stepped down from the role which includes Chairing the city's Community Safety Forum, a forum helping set the city's neighbourhood policing priorities He cited work commitments in London as the reason A former member of the Police Authority, he will also step down from his position on the Police and Crime Panel, which holds the newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne to account In recent weeks Cllr Duncan has come under criticism for his handling of community safety issues in the St James’s Street area of Brighton & Hove
ELM GROVE RESIDENTS TO BE CONSULTED ON PAVEMENT PARKING
▼ Brighton & Hove City Council are asking residents and businesses in Elm Grove their views on environmental improvements as a way of solving problems caused by pavement parking and to improve access and safety in the area
Cars have been driving along the pavements and have been parking on pavements near junctions, reducing visibility across dropped kerbs, making it difficult for people with disabilities to cross the road, and in bus stops, causing problems for those getting on and off buses
Proposals include creating designated free parking areas and a more people-friendly environment with benches or
reinstatement of grass verges
Cllr Matt Follett, Deputy Chair of the Transpor t Committee, said: “We’v e already been w orking w ith local residents and w e hope that as many people as possible take par t in the consultation so that w e can w ork together to resolv e the issues
“Pav ement parking in the area has been common practice for many y ears but the number of v ehicles has gradually increased Some v ehicles hav e been driv ing along the pav ement w hich is v er y dangerous, especially for children ”
Proper ties in the area will receive leaflets and questionnaires, and residents can also complete the questionnaire online at: http://consult.brightonhove.gov.uk/por tal
The closing date for the consultation is Februar y 11
GREENS U TURN ON PARKING CHARGES
▼ Following a campaign by the A rgus to have more sensible and fair parking charges in the city, parking charges are frozen in 2013-14 while charges in tourist areas such as the New Steine and Brighton seafront will be reduced Hopes for the reintroduction of 30-minute tariffs which were removed in 2012 were dashed due to "budgetary pressures"
Returning tariffs to the same levels as 2011 was also considered and rejected The reason given was this option would not suppor t the council's Transpor t Strategy objectives
Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, welcomed the news that the campaign to force the council to reduce parking charges in the city has been successful
Simon, who set up the Brighton Parking Madness website has been at the forefront of the campaign calling for Brighton & Hove City Council to rethink the disastrous policy of massively increasing parking charges across the city Mr Kirby said: “It was always clear to everyone but the council that the decision to hike up parking prices was awful It is vital that we have fair and appropriate parking charges for visitors and residents alike, and while I would have liked the council to reduce parking charges even further, this is welcome progress
“Nowhere was the folly of the council’s decision more visible than the seafront, with many businesses in my constituency contacting me to say what a devastating effect the increases were having on their businesses I raised this matter countless times with council officials and I am therefore delighted that the council has listened
“Credit must also go to the Argus for its Park The Charges campaign and to all those local business people and residents who campaigned long and hard against these charges Today is a victory for everyone who wants to see Brighton & Hove thrive ”
NATIONAL STUDENT PRIDE 2013
Brighton will host over 1,500 students for two days of socialising, debating and par tying on March 1 with major celebrities, spor ts and business figures lending their suppor t to LGBT students.
After months of negotiations, when at times it seemed Brighton was going to lose Student Pride, National Student Pride have confirmed they will return to the Brighton Dome between March 1-2. Last year, over 1,500 students attended the event, and organisers expect a significant increase this year Elton John and David Furnish have agreed to be ambassadors for National Student Pride
The event starts with registration drinks at Charles Street Bar before the opening party at Revenge Club on Friday, March 1 On Saturday 2, there is a free daytime festival at the Brighton Dome (aged 16+) featuring community stalls, live music, a job fair with companies such as Ernst & Young, Accenture,
IBM and Asda present THE STUDENT DEBATE
The major event on Saturday, Student Question Time, will be hosted by Dragons’ Den and BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Evan Davis and gives an opportunity for students and panelists to discuss important issues from an LGBT perspective. Confirmed names on the panel include John Amaechi OBE (first NBA gay basketball player and commentator at the London 2012 Olympics), Matthew Todd (editor of Attitude magazine) and Liz Bingham (managing partner for People UK & Ireland, Ernst and Young), who said: “At Ernst & Young we are passionate about enabling people to come together in an environment where they feel included and respected National Student Pride enables LGBT students to do just that” Ben Cohen MBE (England Rugby World Cup
Champion) and Alex Davis, who is chair of the committee bidding to stage the 2018 Gay Games in London, are both panelists in the Homophobia in Sport debate in assocation with the London Titans Gay Football team which follows
STUDENT PRIDE AWARDS
A new feature this year are the Student Pride Awards Gongs are up for grabs in various categories, including Journalist of the Year (for a student who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in reporting on LGBT issues), Activist of the Year (for a student who has made significant contributions to LGBT campaigns at their campus and local community), and Tweeter of the Year. The awards will take place during the daytime
festival on Saturday, March 2 and will be hosted by The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie Sells
As the sun sets on Saturday evening, students will embark on a tour of Brighton’s gay village with exclusive drinks deals on offer at a range of bars before returning to the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange for a club night, which was headlined by Stooshe last year. Watch this space over the next two weeks for this year ’ s headline acts! Students will continue to party the night away at the official after-party at Revenge from 2am. For anyone not keen on sleeping, Legends hosts the final entertainment of the weekend with a Sunday afternoon of cabaret
Despite the harsh economic climate, an investment in equality and diversity more than pays for itself. This has been recognised by Ernst & Young, who are platinum sponsors of National Student Pride for the third year running, and Accenture who will be silver sponsors for the second year running, joined by Asda and The Co-operative Group as additional silver sponsors
Everyone is welcome Student ID not required For up to the minute updates on Student Pride view: www.studentpride.co.uk
Ben Cohen, MBE, was an England Rugby World Cup champion, and second in all-time scoring for his country. He is first among straight athletes to focus his philanthropic efforts for the benefit of LGBT people. In May 2011, Ben retired at the top of his game to found the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation. As Chairman, he travels the world speaking to students and corporations about the importance of character, respect and equality in creating a kinder world The cause is close to his heart, as his own father was beaten to death when he stood up for an employee who was being attacked With his leadership, cities across the United States have passed Stand-Up declarations, calling for an end to bullying Working with the UK Home Office, he has led the charge for the StandUp Charter to end homophobia across sports in his country, including broad adoption to date in soccer, rugby and tennis. Ben said: "I am very grateful to Student Pride for inviting me to be part of a panel discussion on the issue of homophobia in sport. It is a topic that I am passionate about as I believe the sports field should be a fair place for all. We need true champions in sport to StandUp to make this mission a reality." www.standupfoundation.com
Matt and Jon Price on what inspired the Proud2Be Project, and how you can get involved.
In June 2011, we sat in front of our webcam and recorded a short video. In the video we explained how we were both proud to be gay.
About three years prior to making the video, a mutual friend asked us both if we were proud to be gay Our answer came simultaneously and without hesitation: No When she asked why, we said that we felt our sexual orientation wasn't something we could be proud of and asked her if she was proud to be straight She said yes
In truth we were ashamed. After years of both subtle and not so subtle messages from our church and school, the media and most importantly our father, that being gay was wrong, we had somehow internalised that belief and hated ourselves for being gay.
That conversation with our friend was the catalyst for our change and three years later we felt ready to tell the world that we were proud to be who we are Recording the video was very confronting Feedback from other Proud2Be video makers has mirrored our experience and it seems that for them it has also been a way of finally healing from past shame and moving on with pride
Public figures who have contributed to the video campaign include Peter Tatchell, Christine Burns MBE, Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans MP, Fox from Channel 4's My Transsexual Summer, the London Gay Men's Chorus and the Brighton Gay Men's Chorus.
More recently Stephen Fry made a video and also became an official supporter of the project In his video, which he shared with his 4 1 million Twitter followers, he sums it
all up when he says “it seems funny to me to have to say that I'm proud to be gay but goodness I am and I won't ever apologise for being born the way I was and feeling the way I do”
We are so pleased with the support from public figures who we have both grown up admiring but want to make it clear that this
is not solely a celebrity campaign We believe anyone can be a role model and anyone has the ability to inspire another Everyone has a story and if you consider yourself proud and identify as LGBT, or are a supportive friend, family member, educator or co-worker then show your pride by making a Proud2Be video
With help from the Prince’s Trust, who have already kindly nominated us for an award, we will be running workshops and social groups, creating documentaries and exhibitions as well as continuing to invite people to join our video campaign. We will also be hosting our own LGBT radio show on Soundart FM which you can listen to every Monday at 6pm at http://www.soundartradio.org.uk/
The other day someone asked us how we can be proud of something we didn't choose Although we believe that we were born gay and that it wasn't a choice, we make a choice everyday to either hide that part of ourselves or reveal it and even celebrate it. To stand in the face of possible prejudice and discrimination and choose the latter is to us the epitome of pride and everything that the Proud2Be Project is about.
To find out more about the project and for details on how to make your own Proud2Be video, head to proud2beproject.org
Originally published by Pride Life Magazine www.pridelife.co.uk
Photographs Jooiz Perry Photography
“Ever yone has a stor y and if you consider yourself proud and identif y as LGBT or are a suppor tive friend, family member, educator or co -worker then show your pride by making a Proud2Be video”
REALBRIGHTON TAKES A WELL EARNED REST
Founder, Sam Milford, explains the changes at REALBrighton
As we announced late last year, we are winding up Real City Network Limited, the company behind REALBrighton com and the other REAL branded city guides It has been a difficult decision taken for a number of reasons
Real City Network has been feeling the pinch of tighter budgets as businesses increasingly turn to Facebook and other free social media tools to promote themselves. Whilst most people who have seen REALBrighton agree that it is a useful, entertaining website, dwindling business membership of the site has made it difficult for us to continue running the site in its current form
As well as diminishing cash flow, ten years of late night photography has taken its toll on me, and James's square eyes need a break from the tens of thousands of event listings that he has been pouring over month after month.
Our intention is to keep the website ticking over on a voluntary basis. Whilst we won't have as much time to devote to photos and listings, we will be updating the directory and trying to keep things looking lively. We will still monitor comments made through the contact form on the site - which is the best way to alert us of inaccuracies or other issues
Over the last ten years I've shot well over a million photographs of the Brighton scene Edited down, and added to thousands of pictures from other REALBrighton contributors, there are almost 500,000 carefully indexed photos of the scene spanning the last decade. We have moved this archive to a new lower cost server with the aim of ensuring that they remain online for the foreseeable future. Click ‘photos’ from the REALBrighton homepage to take a look. REALBrighton's business members and community groups can request to have their accounts reactivated for 2013 at no cost.
Through their free account they can continue to publish details of events and to post event photos - which they can shoot and then upload themselves Huw Edwards's fabulous REALBrighton iPhone app will also continue to be available (thank you Huw!)
I will now be concentrating on my web design business, www gardenshed net, along with REALBrighton's senior technician Tim Faulkner. We will be taking responsibility for keeping REALBrighton on its feet, as well as fully supporting those business with Real City Network powered websites.
James Brooks is focussing his energy on his PR and design business, jamesbrookspr.com, and is also working on a food-related project! From a simple photo gallery, REALBrighton became a place where LGBT businesses and community organisations could promote their venues, organisations and events We have always tried to show the best of the Brighton LGBT scene wherever possible and with luck we have contributed to bringing in some pink pounds to the city over the last ten years
I'd really like to say thank you to everyone who helped make REALBrighton sparkle. James - it's been a bumpy ride but thanks for lending your brain and braun to the project for so many years… far too many things to list here obviously! Huw - thanks for all your enthusiasm and support (everything from carrying camera bags to tech support for our internet café venture!), Tim - thanks for bringing social media to REALBrighton three or four years before Facebook had been invented! Thanks to all our photographers over the years Thanks to friends who have helped paint banners, build floats and run around in red hot pants! Thanks to everyone who smiled for a REALBrighton camera and thanks to supportive landlords, business owners and advertisers for helping make it all possible!
Expect an exhibition, a photo book and a gettogether sometime in 2013!
FEBUARY LISTINGS
A-BAR
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Fri (22) is CABARET with Tammy Twinkle at 9.30pm
■ REGULARS: Tue is QUIZ NIGHT at 8pm ■ Wed is now OPEN MIC PIANO BAR with Mark Hodge at 8 30pm ■ Fri & Sat is Pre- Club with drink promos
■ FOOD: Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat noon–7pm; Tue noon–9pm with a curry & a pint
£7 90; Sunday roasts served noon–5pm, call 01273 696691 to book
■ DRINK DEALS: house red, white & rose wine £10; and double-up on selected spirits for an extra £1 50 all day every day ■ Wed & Thur are cocktail nights from 9pm; buy one get the other half price
■ OPEN: Sun–Thur 11–1am; Fri & Sat 11–2am ■ Unrivalled sea view, large heated smoking terrace and all big spor t events ■ Sauna closed ■ www amsterdam co uk
FRIDAY 1
■ A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Lust 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE Shameless Warm-Up 9pm; pizza promo 5-9pm; open noon-6am
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor par ty with Lady La Rue, then DJ Peter Castle in the club 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Karaoke 8.30pm; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJs Simon Blanch/Grant Knowles 10pm; karaoke bar cabaret: Kandi
Kane midnight; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7.45pm
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late; open noon
■ DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne 9 30pm; open 1pm
BAR 7 CRAWLEY
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
BEDFORD TAVRN
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Sat (2) is The 3 Years' Celebration at The Bedford with a PYJAMA/SLUMBER PARTY at 8pm ■ Look out for The Bedford's Drag Ball in aid of The Sussex Beacon on Sat (2) March
■ REGULARS: Fri is KRAZY KAMIKAZE KARAOKE at 8 30pm ■ Sat (16) is a live performance from Cellar Doors ■ Enjoy a Sunday lunch from 12 30pm then the PIANO BINGO kicks off at 5pm
■ FOOD: Sunday lunch for £9.95 inc wine served from 12.30pm
■ OPEN: daily from noon
■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Thank Funk It’s Fri: DJ Anthony 10.30pm
■ LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor par ty, promo boys, free champers for early birds, free bottle of champers for bir thdays 9pm; DJ Peter Castle in the club 11pm; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY camp disco, video bar & Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am
■ REVENGE Shameless: DJs Alex Baker, Smithy & Missy B 10.30pm
■ SUBLINE Steam 9pm
■ VAVAVOOM open 7pm
■ ZONE cabaret: Back Beat 9 30pm; open 10am
SATURDAY 2
■ A-BAR food noon-7pm; Pre-Club Music; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Waynesierudeboy 6pm
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Fri (1) March is CABARET with Sandra
■ REGULARS: Tue is AIRPORT NIGHT with DJ, entry £3 after 9pm or free for yourself and a guest with airpor t ID ■ Thur is THURSGAY with 80s/90s/00s tunes ■ Fri is LUST with DJ & drink offers ■ Sat is PARTY NIGHT with DJs & drink offers: Waynesierudeboy's Dir ty Pop (2) and Anti-Valentine's TRAFFIC LIGHT Par ty (16)
■ BAR REVENGE F@#k Me! It’s Free WarmUp: DJ Fifilicious 9pm; open noon-6am
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Lee Harris 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN 3 Years’ Celebration at The Bedford: Pyjama/Slumber-themed Par ty 8pm; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; karaoke 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-7pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: all-male DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy on rotation 9pm; food noon-7 45pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late; open noon
■ DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9 30pm; open 1pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Old Skool Sat: DJ Sean Quinn 10pm
■ LEGENDS BAR Pre-Club DJs 7pm; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY afternoon karaoke & Betty Swollocks’ karaoke till midnight; open 11am
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Look out for TBS2'S 3RD BIRTHDAY, with free entry for VIP members on Tue (12) March
■ REGULARS: Wed (6) is BEARS NIGHT for bears, cubs and their admirers; drink offers, club music at 7pm ■ Wed (13) is NAKED ALL DAY, no towels to be worn
■ Wed (20) is mandatory UNDERWEAR NIGHT, thongs, briefs, speedos, at 7pm
■ Wed (27) is NAKED NIGHT, no towels to be worn, at 7pm
■ LICENSED BAR: 7 days a week; Sun–Thur 11–1am and Fri & Sat 11–2am
■ OPEN: For listings visit: www.thebrightonsauna.com
BULLDOG
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Wed is DIVA RUSH Cabaret with host Joe McJoe, DJ Marcia and performers at 10pm: Davina Sparkle (6), Cassidy Connors (13), Sally Vate (20) and Lola Lasagne (20); all £1 50 drinks when selected ar tist is played and the traffic light turns to green
■ REGULARS: Mon is DJ Marcia’s GLIT TER BALL with 70s/80s tunes at 10pm
■ Tue is with DJ Lee at 10pm ■ Wed is DIVA RUSH with host Joe McJoe, DJ Marcia and cabaret at 10pm: ■ Thur is RELEASE with DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm
■ Fri CABARET is in the karaoke bar at midnight: Kandi Kane (1), Tammy Twinkle (8), Wilma Fingadoo (15) and Dave Lynn (22); DJs Simon Blanch/Grant Knowles are downstairs at 10pm ■ Sat is with DJ V John at 10pm, DJ Lil Alex at 3am, and KARAOKE upstairs at 10pm ■ Sun is with DJ Grant Knowles at 8pm, KARAOKE is upstairs at 8pm
■ DRINK DEALS: Mon–Thur from 2–8pm & 10pm–midnight; Fri from 2–8pm; Sat 8pm–midnight; Sun all day Drinks include: pints from £1 95, double spirit & mixer from £2 30, bottles from £1 85 (Terms & conditions apply)
■ OPEN: daily from 11am–very late www bulldogbrighton com
■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Peter Davies
4 30pm; guest host karaoke 6pm; Sissy & Kamp Kevin’s Sat Night Sin Bin: karaoke, tunes & games 9pm; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN food noon-6pm; open 11am
■ REVENGE F@#k Me! It’s a Guest DJ: DJ DMS & Alex Baker, Trick, King K 10.30pm
■ SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
■ VAVAVOOM open 6pm
■ ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm; open 10am
SUNDAY 3
■ A-BAR Sun lunch: bookings 01273 696691 noon-5pm; open 11am
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Sun roasts 12 305pm; Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 8pm; karaoke 8pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS Sun roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; Bear Bash
5pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST cabaret: Titti La Camp
7 30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate & roll over jackpot 8 30pm; Sun lunch noon7pm
■ 112 CHURCH ST Richard’s Sun Roast noon-late; open noon
■ DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open 1pm
■ ENVY Rose Collis’s Trouser Wearing
Characters: fundraiser for Rainbow Fund, par t of B Right On Festival 5pm
■ FUN FAIR CLUB BodyShakers: tea dance with DJs Steven Geller, Steve B & guests 6pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Topping & Butch
3 15pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open 1pm
■ POISON IVY 12 Hour Non-Stop Karaoke; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Sandra 6pm; Lucky 21: win up to £321; Candi Rell’s karaoke; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN Sun roast noon-5pm; Piano Bar 1 30pm; open noon
■ SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N U D E, underwear par ty 9pm
■ ZONE live music: Collusion 4pm; Adam’s karaoke; open 10am
FEBUARY LISTINGS
CAMELFORD ARMS
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: VALENTINE'S DAY on Thur (14) is the Lovers' Big Cash Quiz at 9pm; romantic meals and general menu served noon–3pm & 6–9pm
■ REGULARS: Sun (3 & 17) is the BEAR BASH at 5pm ■ Thur is the BIG CASH QUIZ at 9pm ■ The FRIDAY CLUB is at 6pm
■ FOOD: home-cooked food menu plus the Managers’ Special Februar y offer of two Camelford classic meals for £11 homemade burgers, handmade pies, local bangers, curry & trimmings (see adver t on page 3 for terms & conditions) served Mon–Fri noon–3pm & 6–9pm; Sat noon–7pm; Sunday roasts & selected menu served from noon–till gone!
■ OPEN: daily from noon The Camelford is the most dog-friendly pub in town and has open fires, perfect for those cold winter nights
MONDAY 4
■ A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm; DJ Alex Baker till midnight; pizza promo 5-9pm; open noon
■ BEDFORD TAVERN open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm &
6-9pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12
■ DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm
■ ENVY Studio 150: NUS night 10 30pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR Laquisha Jonz’s Double Penetration Game Show 9 30pm; food noon7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY Wicked Mon Karaoke: win 2 tickets to see Wicked 7pm; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s U Choose Youtube & karaoke 9pm; open noon
■ ZONE Sofa So Good: board games, Wii & more 7.30pm; open 10am
THURSDAY 7
■ A-BAR food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Thursgay: 80s-00s tunes 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE Girls On Top Warm-Up: DJ Kelly L 9pm; pizza promo 5-9pm; open noon
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Thur Social; open noon
■ BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS Big Cash Quiz Night 9pm; food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST Mad Cow: 2 floors, hostess
Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex & LeeRoy in bar, DJ Ruby Roo in club 8pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late; open noon
■ DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm
FEBUARY LISTINGS
CHARLES STREET BAR
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Thur (14) is the MAD COW Valentine's Traffic Light Par ty with hostess Joan Bond, DJs Leeroy & Lil Alex, colour-coordinated stickers (green: available; amber: open to suggestions; red: unavailable) and a shag tag board at 8pm
■ NATIONAL STUDENT PRIDE: Fri (1) March is FRUITY FRIDAY FIX with DJ Leeroy & the National Student Pride Registration at 9pm with £2 drinks for absolutely everyone till close ■ Sat (2) March is the BOYS IN THE BAR National Student Pride Par ty with regular Boys in the Bar DJs and discounted drink & shot deals for Student Pride wristbandwearers ■ Sun (3) March is Lola Lasagne's STUDENT PRIDE SPECIAL at 7 30pm
■ REGULARS: Sat is THE BOYS IN THE BAR with an all-male DJ line-up including Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles & Leeroy on rotation at 9pm, free entry! Sat (16) is the Pre-Frockabilly Par ty at 9pm ■ Sun CABARET at 7.30pm: Titti La Camp (3), Lady Imelda's Bir thday Show (10), Drag With No Name (17), Lizzy Drip (24); Tranny R ock & R oll Bingo with Sally Vate and a rolling jackpot follows at 8 30pm ■ Thur is MAD COW over two-floors with hostess Miss Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex & Leeroy in the bar playing commercial dance at 8pm, drinks from £1, entry £1 b4 10pm, £2 after
■ FRUITY FRIDAY FIX is with DJ Leeroy spinning the best in dance & funky house at 9pm; plus discounted cocktails from 9pm–close, free entry
■ FOOD: Two for £7 95 on selected mains and 2-4-1 on all desser ts, all day every day; Sunday Lunch: home roast beef, chicken or veggie served noon–7pm, £6.95
■ DRINK DEALS: Kronenbourg £1 95, double Smirnoff & gun mixer £2 75, bottle of house wine £7 95, classic burger & chips £2 99 all day every day All drinks half price Mon–Sat from 5–9pm, till 8pm on Thurs, on Sun after the show till close All deals excl champers, cocktails & not in conjunction with other offers
■ OPEN: daily from noon ■ www charles-street com
■ ENVY Mad Cow: 2 floors, hostess Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex & LeeRoy in bar, DJ Ruby Roo in club 8pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR Mark Hodge’s Comedy Night 9 30pm; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY cabaret: Tina Sparkle 9pm; Misty Lee’s karaoke; open 11am
■ REVENGE Girls On Top: DJs Smithy, Fifi, Missy B, Alpha, Cheeks Du Rhythm 10 30pm
■ SUBLINE Leathered 9pm
■ VAVAVOOM open 7pm
■ ZONE Rachel’s Thrifty Thur: karaoke, videos & Wii 8pm; open 10am
FRIDAY 8
■ A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Lust 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE Shameless Warm-Up 9pm; pizza promo 5-9pm; open 12-6am
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor par ty, then
DJ Peter Castle in the club 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Karaoke 8 30pm; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJs Simon Blanch/Grant Knowles 10pm; karaoke bar cabaret: Tammy Twinkle midnight; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7 45pm
■ 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12
■ DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne 9.30pm; open 1pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Thank Funk It’s Fri: DJ
Anthony 10.30pm
■ LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor par ty, promo boys, free
ENVY @ CHARLES ST
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Sat (16) is the FROCKABILLY Superhero(ine) Special, the official after par ty for the 20th International Lesbian Lives Conference, featuring a live PA from r&b/blues singer Derriere, Frockabilly DJs Lonesome M, Vicki Lester & Citizen Lane joining Traumfrau DJs; plus dressing up, drink deals and much more at 10pm, entry £10/£8 concs (students/unwaged) from www wegottickets com
■ B RIGHT ON FESTIVAL: Throughout February, Envy plays host to live events as par t of the Festival, entry £5/£7 with £1 of the entry donated to the R ainbow Fund
■ Wed (20) is TORRENTS OF RAPTURE by Dugald Ferguson at 7 30pm
■ Sun (3) R ose Collis's TROUSER WEARING CHARACTERS at 5pm; ■ Sun (17) MUST HAVE WANTON POETS, poetry event with Vince Laws, Maria Jastr zebska, John McCullough, Max Wallis & open mic at 4pm; ■ Sun (24) THE L WORD with poets Trudy Howson, Jay Walker, Dolly Sen, Vince Laws & open mic at 4pm
■ REGULARS: Mon is the STUDIO 150 student night with singles or bottles for £1 50 all night, entry £1 50 ■ Thur is MAD COW over two-floors with hostess Miss Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex & Leeroy in the bar at 8pm, drinks from £1, entry £1 b4 10pm, £2 after
■ OPEN: www charles-street com
champers for early birds, free bottle of champers for bir thdays 9pm; DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY camp disco, video bar & Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am
■ REVENGE Shameless: DJs Alex Baker, Smithy & Missy B 10 30pm
■ SUBLINE Steam 9pm
■ VAVAVOOM open 7pm
■ ZONE cabaret: Dave Lynn 9 30pm; open 10am
SATURDAY 9
■ A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night: DJ 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE F@#k Me! It’s Free Warm-Up: DJ Fifilicious 9pm; open 12-6am
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; karaoke 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-7pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST Boys In The Bar: all-male
DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy on rotation 9pm; food noon-7 45pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12
■ DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9 30pm; open 1pm ■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon ■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Old Skool Sat: DJ Sean Quinn 10pm
FEBUARY LISTINGS
CHURCH STREET
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Friday CABARET at 9pm with Tammy Twinkle (15) and Jason Lee (22)
■ FOOD: winter warmer food specials served Mon–Sat noon–late, buy two lunches for £10; Richard's Golden Handbag-winning Sunday lunches served noon–late
■ OPEN: Check out the secret beer garden, it s the perfect place for a drink and a smoke!
■ LEGENDS BAR Pre-Club DJs 7pm; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY afternoon karaoke & Betty Swollocks’ karaoke till midnight; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Trudi Styles & Piano Man 4 30pm; guest host karaoke 6pm; Sissy & Kamp Kevin’s Sat Night Sin Bin: karaoke, tunes & games 9pm; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN food noon-6pm; open 11am
■ REVENGE F@#k Me! It’s a Guest DJ: DJ Jonesy & Alex Baker, Trick, King K 10 30pm
■ SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
■ VAVAVOOM open 6pm
■ ZONE cabaret: Tammy Twinkle 9 30pm; open 10am
SUNDAY 10
■ A-BAR Sun lunch: bookings 01273 696691 noon-5pm; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Quiz 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: retro games; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; food 1-9pm; open noon
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Sun roasts 12.305pm; Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 8pm; karaoke 8pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS Sun roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; open noon
■ CHARLES ST cabaret: Lady Imelda’s
Bir thday Show 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate & roll over jackpot 8 30pm; Sun lunch noon-7pm
■ 112 CHURCH ST Richard’s Sunday Roast noon-late; open noon
■ DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open 1pm
■ LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Lizzy Drip
3 15pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open 1pm
■ POISON IVY 12 Hour Non-Stop Karaoke; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Kitty Litter 6pm; Lucky 21: win up to £321; Candi Rell’s karaoke; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN Sun roast noon-5pm; Piano Bar 1 30pm; open noon
■ SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N U D E, underwear par ty 9pm
■ ZONE live music: Back Beat 4pm; Adam’s karaoke; open 10am
FUNKY FISH
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Fri (22) sees live band The R ed Jacks perform 60s–recent char t hits at 10pm; THANK FUNK IT'S FRIDAY is then from midnight, free entry!
■ REGULARS: THANK FUNK IT’S FRIDAY is with DJ Antony, funk/soul/Motown/disco, at 10 30pm, free entry ■ OLD SKOOL SATURDAY is with DJ Sean Quinn at 10pm, entry £4/£5
■ OPEN: The Funky Fish Bar is open from noon every day www.funkyfishclub.co.uk
DR BRIGHTONS
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Look out for Dr Brighton's 4TH BIRTHDAY PARTY with DJ Tony
B, free shots and entry on Sat (9) March at 9pm
■ REGULARS: FUNKY FRIDAY with DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne is at 9.30pm, free entry
■ SEXY SATURDAY with DJ Tony B is at 9.30pm, free entry
■ DRINK DEALS: from Sun–Thur all day and Fri & Sat from 1–7pm: small Smirnoff & mixer £2 85, large £3 85, pints of Fosters £3 and large wine £4 Cocktails are two for £11 from Sun–Thur ■ Free game of pool every day with every round of drinks purchased during happy hour
■ OPEN: Mon–Thur from 3pm–midnight; Fri & Sat from 1pm–2am; Sun from 1pm–midnight ■ www doctorbrightons co uk
MONDAY 11
■ A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm; DJ Alex Baker till midnight; pizza promo 5-9pm; open noon
■ BEDFORD TAVERN open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late
■ DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm
■ ENVY Studio 150: Student night 10 30pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR Laquisha Jonz’s Double Penetration Game Show 9.30pm; food noon7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY Wicked Mon Karaoke: win 2 tickets to see Wicked 7pm; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s U Choose Youtube & karaoke 9pm; open noon
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Sunday CABARET at 3 15pm: Topping & Butch (3), Lizzy Drip (10), Sandra (17), Kandi Kane (24)
■ REGULARS: Mon is Laquisha Jonz's DOUBLE PENETRATION Game Show at 9 30pm ■ Thur is Mark Hodge's COMEDY Night at 9 30pm; (14) is a Valentine's special ■ FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE over 2 floors with Lady La R ue, DJ Peter Castle, promo boys, £1 50 shots all night and a free bottle of champers if it’s your bir thday from 9pm ■ Pre- Club DJ sounds every Sat at 7pm
■ FOOD: Grab a big homemade pie this winter, served noon–7pm Mon–Sat
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Wed is MASH-UP with DJ Lee Harris spinning a mix of latest char t tracks and anthems, £2 drinks all night, £1 50 shots
■ REGULARS: FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE with Lady LaR ue over 2 floors with DJ Peter Castle, promo boys, £1 50 shots all night and a free bottle of champers if it’s your bir thday from 9pm ■ Sat is FUSION with DJ Peter Castle’s house & char t sounds Sat (2) is with DJ Lee Harris ■ Sun is POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller’s recent & classic pop tracks
■ REVENGE Revenge Loves Brighton Girls On Top: DJs Smithy, Fifi, Missy B, Alpha, Cheeks Du Rhythm 10.30pm
■ SUBLINE Leathered 9pm
■ VAVAVOOM open 7pm
■ ZONE Rachel’s Thrifty Thur: karaoke, videos & Wii 8pm; open 10am
FRIDAY 15
■ A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Lust 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE Shameless Warm-Up 9pm; pizza promo 5-9pm; open noon-6am
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor par ty with DJ Peter Castle in the club 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Karaoke 8 30pm; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJs Simon Blanch/Grant Knowles 10pm; karaoke bar cabaret: Wilma Fingadoo midnight; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm &
6-9pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy
9pm; food noon-7 45pm
■ 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Tammy Twinkle
9pm; food noon-late; open noon
■ DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne 9 30pm; open 1pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Thank Funk It’s Fri: DJ Anthony 10 30pm
■ LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue, promo boys, free champers for early birds, free bottle of champers for bir thdays 9pm; DJ Peter Castle in the club 11pm; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY camp disco, video bar & Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am
■ REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2 30pm & 6-8.30pm; open 11am
■ REVENGE Revenge Loves Brighton presents Shameless: DJs Alex Baker, Smithy & Missy B 10 30pm
■ SUBLINE closed for private Underground123 par ty
■ VAVAVOOM open 7pm
■ ZONE cabaret: JP Christian 9.30pm; open 10am
SATURDAY 16
■ A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Anti-Valentine’s Traffic
Light Par ty: DJ 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE F@#k Me! It’s Free Warm-Up: DJ Fifilicious 9pm; open 12-6am
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN live music: Cellar Doors; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; karaoke 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-7pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST Pre-Frockabilly Par ty 9pm; food noon-7 45pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late
■ DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B
9 30pm; open 1pm
■ ENVY Frockabilly Superheroine Special & official end of event par ty for 20th International
Lesbian Lives Conference in association with Traumfrau: live band Derriere, Frockabilly DJs Lonesome M, Vicki Lester, Citizen Lane with Traumfrau DJs a& vintage visuals 10pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Old Skool Sat: DJ Sean Quinn 10pm
■ LEGENDS BAR Pre-Club DJs 7pm; food
noon-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY afternoon karaoke & Betty Swollocks’ karaoke till midnight; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Misty Lee
4 30pm; guest host karaoke 6pm; Sissy &
Kamp Kevin’s Sat Night Sin Bin: karaoke, tunes & games 9pm; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN food noon-6pm; open 11am
■ REVENGE Revenge Loves Brighton presents F@#k Me! It’s a Guest DJ: DJ Zach
■
■ VAVAVOOM open 6pm
■ ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm; open 10am
SUNDAYS
Gorgeous ROASTS served from 12.30pm only £9.95 including wine The infamous PIANO BINGO at 5pm
SATURDAY 2nd FEB
Celebrating 3 years at The Bedford THE PYJAMA PARTY from 8pm
Wear your best PJs (or nightie)
SATURDAY 16th FEB
Live music returns with the fantastic CELLAR DOORS
SATURDAY 2nd MARCH
A date for your diary! THE BEDFORD TAVERN DRAG BALL in aid of The Sussex Beacon
Burns & Alex Baker, Trick, King K 10 30pm
SUBLINE Big Staff Auction: hostess Wilma Fingadoo & bar boys Carl, Baby David, Matt, Tom, Polly, Jordy, Bar ty Boo & Steven raising money for THT & Sussex Beacon 9pm
FEBUARY LISTINGS
MARINE TAVERN
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Tue is NAT’S QUIZ at 9pm
■ DRINK DEALS: Wed & Thur 7–11pm: pints of Carlsberg & Stowford Press £3, plus buy a single spirit and get the mixer free
■ OPEN: Mon–Sat noon, Sun 1pm
SUNDAY 17
■ A-BAR Sun lunch: bookings 01273 696691
noon-5pm; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Karaoke 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: retro games; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; food 1-9pm; open noon
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Sun roasts 12 305pm; Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 8pm; karaoke 8pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS Sun roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; Bear Bash 5pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST cabaret: Drag With No Name
7 30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate roll over jackpot 8 30pm; Sun lunch 12-7pm
■ 112 CHURCH ST Richard’s Sun Roast
noon-late; open noon
■ DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open 1pm
■ ENVY Must Have Wanton Poets: event for
B Right On Festival & fundraiser for Rainbow
ME1 SAUNA ROCHESTER
Fund with Vince Laws, Maria Jastrzebska, John McCullough, Max Wallis & open mic 4pm
■ FUN FAIR CLUB BodyShakers: tea dance with DJs Steven Geller, Steve B & guests 6pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ GROSVENOR lounge singer Ronnie Rialto 3pm
■ LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Sandra 3 15pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open 1pm
■ POISON IVY 12 Hour Non-Stop Karaoke; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Dave Lynn 6pm; Lucky 21: win up to £321; Candi Rell’s karaoke; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN Sun roast noon-5pm; Piano Bar 1 30pm; open noon
■ SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N U D E, underwear par ty 9pm
■ ZONE live music: Stone & Street 4pm; Adam’s karaoke; open 10am
MONDAY 18
■ A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm; DJ
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Sat (9) is the GRAND OPENING of the ME1 Sauna in Rochester, with free buffet
■ REGULARS: Mon is FETISH NIGHT, wear what you like! ■ Thur (14 & 28) is PARTY NIGHT, bring your own booze ■ Thur (21) is mandatory NATURIST NIGHT from 6pm
■ ENTRY: £8 from 11am–1pm; £10 from 1–9pm; £8 all day for NUS/students with ID Cards Daily re-entr y pass given free of charge Come and go from Fri 11am–Sun 9pm for £15
■ OPEN: 11am–9pm daily For more info see: www.me1sauna.com; or call 01634 401226; or type add to mailing list' to me1sauna@hotmail.co.uk
POISON IVY
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Thur CABARET at 9pm: Tina Sparkle (7), Laurie La R e (14), Fonda Cox (21) and Misty Lee's Bir thday Show with guest cabaret (28)
■ REGULARS: KARAOKE & enter tainment 7 nights a week: ■ 12 Hour Non-Stop on Sun; ■ WICKED MONDAY with two sets of tickets to be won every week to see Wicked in the West End; ■ BAR 150 KARAOKE a free shot for all singers on Tue; ■ KARAOKE & IN IT TO WIN IT with £100 bar tab on Wed; ■ Misty Lee on Thur; ■ Spice & CAMP DISCO on Fri; ■ afternoon KARAOKE then Betty Swollocks till midnight on Sat
■ HAPPY HOURS: extended through the week: all night day & night on Sun & Mon; £1 shots every day, including the new chocolate vodka shots (vodka Mars Bar, Crunchie, Galaxy & skittles)
■ OPEN: daily from 11am
Alex Baker till midnight; pizza promo 5-9pm; open noon
■ BEDFORD TAVERN open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late
■ DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm
■ ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR Laquisha Jonz’s Double Penetration Game Show 9 30pm; food noon7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY Wicked Mon Karaoke: win 2 tickets to see Wicked 7pm; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s U Choose Youtube & karaoke 9pm; open noon
■ BAR REVENGE Harry-oke on VIP Tues: win drinks/VIP cards/bar tabs 8pm; pizza promo 59pm; open noon
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Games Galore; open 12
■ BULLDOG DJ Lee 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late
■ DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Wed is the Q FACTOR 2013 auditions with a £1,500 prize package at 9pm
■ REGULARS: Thur is DE-LICIOUS KARAOKE with guest hosts, drink deals and giveaways at 9pm; (14) is a VALENTINE'S Special ■ Fri is CAMP AT TACK with DJs playing 60s/70s/80s/90s/00s tunes & karaoke at 9pm ■ Sat is non-stop enter tainment from 4.30pm, see listings for line-up ■ Sun is CABARET at 6pm, see listings for line-up; karaoke follows; plus take par t in Lucky 21 to win up to £321
■ Tue is SKINT with DJ, karaoke & up to six drinks for £10
■ OPEN: daily from noon
■ MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open 12
■ POISON IVY Bar 150 karaoke: free shots for singers 7pm; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS Skint: DJ & karaoke; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2 30pm &
6-8 30pm; open noon
■ REVENGE VIP Tues: DJ Trick 11pm
■ ZONE U Say We Play 7pm; open 10am
WEDNESDAY 20
■ A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8 30pm; bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Airpor t Night: DJ 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE pizza promo 5-9pm; open noon
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Mash-Up: DJ Lee Harris 10pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN open noon
■ BRIGHTON SAUNA Underwear Night: licensed bar 7pm
■ BULLDOG Diva Rush Cabaret: host Joe McJoe, Sally Vate & DJ Marcia 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late
FEBUARY LISTINGS
BAR REVENGE
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Sat is F@#ck Me! It’s Free Warm-Up with DJ Fifi at 9pm
■ REGULARS: SUNDAY FUNDAY with retro games at the bar, and KARAOKE QUEENS with LouBag & Smithy at 8pm ■ Mon is QUIZ WITH LIZ with cash prizes at 8 30pm followed by DJ Alex Baker till midnight ■ VIP TUESDAYS with Harr y-oke, win drinks, VIP cards & bar tabs, at 8pm ■ Thur is the Girls on Top Official Warm-Up with DJ Kelly L at 9pm ■ Fri is the Shameless Warm-Up with DJ Alpha at 9pm ■ Free Revenge discount passes on Thur; buy a drink and get free entry into the club on Fri before midnight & Sat before 1am
■ FOOD: served Sun 1-9pm; buy a pizza & 4 drinks or bottle of wine for £9 99 Mon–Fri 5-9pm
■ DRINK DEALS: 2-4-1 cocktails Sun–Fri 5–9pm; drinks from £1 99 Wed; from £1 50 Thur after 7pm; from £2 49 Fri & Sat; Jagerbombs £1 99 on Sat
■ OPEN: daily from noon–2am & till 6am on Fri & Sat ■ www.revenge.co.uk
■ DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm
■ ENVY Torrents of Rapture with Dugald Ferguson: fundraiser for Rainbow Fund & par t of B Right On Festival 7 30pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR food 12-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY Karaoke & In It To Win It: win £100 bar tab 7pm; open 11am
■ BAR REVENGE Shameless Warm-Up 9pm; pizza promo 5-9pm; open noon-6am
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday
Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor par ty with Lady La Rue, then DJ Peter Castle in the club 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze
Karaoke 8 30pm; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJs Simon Blanch/Grant
Knowles 10pm; karaoke bar cabaret: Dave Lynn midnight; open 11am
REVENGE
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Tue (5) is BLOWOUT! MASKED BALL with LGBrighTon & Sussex LGBTQ over two floors: live music on one level, DJs on the other, entry £3/£4
■ Valentine's: Thur (14) to Sat (16) is R evenge Loves Brighton presents: GIRLS ON TOP on Thur, SHAMELESS on Fri, F@#K ME! IT'S A GUEST DJ with Zach Burns on Sat Regular opening, DJs and drink specials apply
■ REGULARS: VIP TUESDAYS with DJ Trick spinning pop/dance/pop, drinks from £1 50, double up for £1, buy a drink and receive free entry to the club, otherwise £2/£3
■ Thur is GIRLS ON TOP lesbian night with all-girl line-up of DJs Smithy, Fifilicious, Missy B, Alpha & Cheeks Du Rhythm playing char t/urban/old school/house, drinks from £1 50, entry free with pass or £3/£4 ■ Fri is Shameless with DJs Alex Baker, Smithy & Missy B playing attitude-free fresh pop v guilty pleasures, drinks £2 50 b4 midnight, Jagerbombs £2 50 all night, entry free/£5 ■ Sat is F@#K ME! IT’S A GUEST DJ with guests: DMS (2), Jonesy (9) and Lee Harris (23) joining regulars Alex Baker, Trick, King K on rotation playing pop/urban/par ty/vocal house anthems, all drinks £2 50 b4 midnight, Jagerbombs £2 50 all night, double up for £1 all night, free entry b4 1am with a pass, £5 after
■ FREE ENTRY PASSES: available through the week from Bar R evenge or from www revenge co uk; sign up for VIP card on Tue from 8pm to get free entry b4 midnight vir tually every night
■ OPEN: from 10 30pm on Thur/Fri/Sat; 11pm on Tue
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7 45pm
■ 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Jason Lee 9pm; food noon-late; open noon
■ DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne 9 30pm; open 1pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ FUNKYFISH CLUB live music: The Red Jacks 10pm; Thank Funk It’s Friday midnight
■ LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor par ty, promo boys, free champers for early birds & bir thdays 9pm; DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY camp disco, video bar & Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am
■ REVENGE Shameless: DJs Alex Baker, Smithy & Missy B 10 30pm
■ SUBLINE The Big Scrum Brighton: spor tskit night 9pm
■ VAVAVOOM open 7pm
■ ZONE Rachel & Adam’s Music Thru The Decades U Say We Play 7.30pm; open 10am
SATURDAY 23
■ A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night: DJ 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE F@#k Me! It’s Free Warm-Up: DJ Fifilicious 9pm; open 12-6am
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; karaoke 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-7pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST Boys In The Bar: all-male DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy on rotation 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late
■ DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9 30pm; open 1pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Old Skool Sat: DJ Sean Quinn 10pm
■ LEGENDS BAR Pre-Club DJs 7pm; food
noon-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY afternoon karaoke & Betty Swollocks’ karaoke till midnight; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Auntie Robbie
4 30pm; guest host karaoke 6pm; Sissy & Kamp Kevin’s Sat Night Sin Bin: karaoke, tunes & games 9pm; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN food 12-6pm; open 11am
■ REVENGE F@#k Me! It’s a Guest DJ: DJ Lee Harris & Alex Baker, Trick, King K 10 30pm
■ SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
■ VAVAVOOM open 6pm
■ ZONE open 10am
SUNDAY 24
■ A-BAR Sun lunch: bookings 01273 696691 noon-5pm; open 11am
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY Quiz 6pm
■ BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: retro games; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; food 1-9pm; open noon
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Sun roasts 12 305pm; Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 8pm; karaoke 8pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; open noon
■ CHARLES ST cabaret: Lizzy Drip 7 30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate & roll over
jackpot 8 30pm; Sun lunch noon-7pm
■ 112 CHURCH ST Richard’s Sun Roast noon-late; open noon
■ DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open 1pm
■ ENVY The L Word: poetry night & fundraiser for Rainbow Fund with poets Trudy Howson, Jay Walker, Dolly Sen, Vince Laws & open mic, par t of B Right On Festival 4pm
■ FUN FAIR CLUB BodyShakers: tea dance with DJs Steven Geller, Steve B & guests 6pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Kandi Kane 3 15pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open 1pm
■ POISON IVY 12 Hour Non-Stop Karaoke; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Cassidy Connors 6pm; Lucky 21: win up to £321; Candi Rell’s karaoke; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN Sun roast noon-5pm; Piano Bar 1 30pm; open noon
■ SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N U D E, underwear par ty 9pm
■ ZONE live music: Collusion 4pm; Adam’s karaoke; open 10am
MONDAY 25
■ A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open 11am
■ BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm; DJ Alex Baker till midnight; pizza promo 5-9pm; open noon
■ BEDFORD TAVERN open noon
■ BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late
■ DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm
■ ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR Laquisha Jonz’s Double Penetration Game Show 9 30pm; food noon7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN open noon
■ POISON IVY Wicked Mon Karaoke: win 2 tickets to see Wicked 7pm; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s U Choose Youtube & karaoke 9pm; open noon
■ BAR REVENGE Harry-oke on VIP Tues: win drinks/VIP cards/bar tabs 8pm; pizza promo 59pm; open noon
■ BEDFORD TAVERN Games Galore; open noon
FEBUARY LISTINGS
SUBLINE
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Sat (16) is the BIG STAFF AUCTION fundraiser for THT & Sussex Beacon with hostess/auctioneer Wilma Fingadoo & bar boys Tom, Jordy, Matt, David, Bar t, Polly, Steve and Carl going under the gavel to be whisked away for one of eight generously donated meals for two at exciting venues around Brighton Doors 9pm, auction 11pm; entry £3 for mems, £5 for guests Check website for pre-auction catalogue
■ Look out for BGS, Skins invade Brighton, on Fri (1) March
■ REGULARS: Fri is Steam with cheap drinks and free entr y for members till 11pm
■ Fri (22) is THE BIG SCRUM Brighton spor ts kit night, entry £5 in kit, £7 in casual wear ■ Sat is THE MEN'S ROOM with DJ Screwpulous, members get cheap drinks and free entry till 11pm ■ Sun is COME IN YOUR PANTS underwear par ty with DJ N U D E
■ Wed is BACKLASH retro tunes and prices, including selected drinks £3 all night for members ■ Thur is LEATHERED with free lockers
■ DRINK DEALS: Fri & Sat cheap drinks for members till 11pm, Wed selected drinks £3 all night for members
■ OPEN: Fri & Sat from 9pm–4am, Sun from 8pm–2am, Wed & Thur from 9pm–1 30am ■ Closed Mon, Tue and Fri (15) for private Underground123 mixed-sex par ty, see www underground123 co uk for details ■ www subline-brighton com
■ BULLDOG DJ Lee 10pm; open 11am
■ CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon
■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon
■ 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late
■ DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm
■ FUNKYFISH BAR open noon
■ LEGENDS BAR food 12-7pm; open 11am
■ MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open 12
■ POISON IVY Bar 150 karaoke: free shots for singers 7pm; open 11am
■ QUEEN’S ARMS Skint: DJ & karaoke; open noon
■ REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2 30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon
■ REVENGE VIP Tues: DJ Trick 11pm
■ ZONE U Say We Play 7pm; open 10am
WEDNESDAY 27
■ A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8 30pm;
bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open 11am
■ BAR REVENGE pizza promo 5-9pm; open
noon
■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Mash-Up: DJ Lee Harris 10pm
■ BEDFORD TAVERN open noon
■ BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Night: no towels 7pm
■ BULLDOG Diva Rush Cabaret: host Joe McJoe, Lola Lasagne & DJ Marcia 10pm; open 11am
■ REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8 30pm; open noon
■ REVENGE Girls On Top: DJs Smithy, Fifi,
Missy B, Alpha, Cheeks Du Rhythm 10 30pm
■ SUBLINE Leathered 9pm
■ VAVAVOOM open 7pm
■ ZONE Rachel’s Thrifty Thur: karaoke, videos & Wii 8pm; open 10am
FRIDAY 1 MAR
■ BAR 7@CRAWLEY cabaret: Sandra 6pm
■ CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix & Student Pride Registration: DJ Leeroy 9pm; open noon
SAT 2 MAR
■ CHARLES ST Boys In The Bar Student Pride Par ty: all-male DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy on rotation 9pm; food noon7 45pm; open noon
SUNDAY 3 MAR
■ CHARLES ST Lola Lasagne’s Student Pride Special 7 30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate roll over jackpot 8 30pm; Sun lunch noon-7pm
ZONE
■ ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Fri (22) is R achel & Adam's Most Excellent Adventure Through The Decades with classic tunes at 7 30pm
■ REGULARS: Tue (5) is SCRATCH NIGHT, a chance for comics, singers, musicians, drag ar tists and writers to try their material in front of an audience at 7 30pm ■ Tue (12) is TRANSACTION for trans people and their friends at 6pm ■ Fri enter tainment at 9 30pm: live band Back Beat (1), Dave Lynn (8) & JP Christian (15) ■ Sat CABARET at 9.30pm: Sally Vate (2, 16) and Tammy Twinkle (9) ■ Sun live music at 4pm, followed by Adam's Karaoke: Collusion (3 & 24), Back Beat (10), Stone & Street (17)
Open: Tue-Fri & Sun: 9pm-3am, Sat: 9pm5am Stylish club on 2 floors with 3 bars Par ty till 5am on a Saturday night - last entry at 3am
■ PINK BROADWAY SAUNA 797/80 East St
Tel: 02380 238804
www pink-broadway com/sauna html
Open: Sun-Thur: noon-10pm, Fri-Sat: noon2am
MONDAY 4
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON
■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm
TUESDAY 5
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH
■ OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm
WEDNESDAY 6
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am
■ OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s karaoke 9pm
■ LONDON HOTEL Quiz 8 30pm; food noon3pm; open noon
THURSDAY 7
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
■ OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-5pm
SOLENT & BOURNEMOUTH
EDGE SOUTHAMPTON
■ VALENTINE’S: Wed (13) is the BAR 150 SEXY V SLUT TY Par ty with DJ Lady Bex, Cheeky Pete's karaoke, all drinks £1 50 ■ Fri (15) is GET SOME Valentine's Sucks with DJs Lohands, Lady Bex, R ob Davies, Brad Dykes & Becky Perr y, entry £1 b4 10 30pm, £4/£6 after ■ Sat (16) is GRINDR ACTION Par ty, discounts for Grindr users
■ REGULARS: Fri is GET SOME with DJs Lohands, Lady Bex, R ob Davies, Brad Dykes & Becky Perr y, entry £1 b4 10 30pm, £4/£6 after ■ Sat is THE BIG ONE with resident DJs, Phil Marriott (23), 3 bars & 2 dancefloors, entry free/£6 ■ Sun is WE ARE 1 with £1 drinks, entry free b4 10 30pm, £2/£4 after ■ Tue is BOMB IT! with 3-42 Jagerbombs, free video jukebox & free entr y ■ Wed is BAR 150 with DJ Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s Karaoke, £1 50 drinks, entry free/£6 ■ Thur is PURE POP! with DJ Neil Sackley playing pop tunes & free sweets, entry £1
■ OPEN: Sun, Tue & Thur 10pm, Wed, Fri & Sat 9pm Closed Mon ■ www theedgesouthampton com
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Pure Pop!: DJ Neil Sackley 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Pat Cruise 9.30pm; food noon-3pm; open noon
FRIDAY 8
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; par ty till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Get Some: DJs Lady Bex, Lohands, Rob Davies, Brad Dykes & Becky Perry 9pm
■ LONDON HOTEL cabaret: Karen Dalton 9pm; food noon-3pm
SATURDAY 9
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; DJs all night
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE The Big One: DJs, 2 dancefloors, 3 bars 9pm
■ LONDON HOTEL cabaret: DJ Ruby Roo & Eva la Diva 10pm; food noon-3pm; open noon
SUNDAY 10
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: Sun Lunch 12 30-2 30pm & 7-9pm; open 9am
■ DYMK open noon
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
■ OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE We Are 1: DJs 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL Dolly Par tem’s Sunday Service 8pm; Wilma Fingadoo 9 30pm; Sun lunch noon-3 30pm; open noon
MONDAY 11
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
LONDON HOTEL SOUTHAMPTON
■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Thur (14) is a VALENTINE'S DAY 3 course meal with loved and unplugged set featuring musician Andrew Stark; £21 50, bookings only, call 023 80 710652
■ REGULARS: Wed (6) is monthly QUIZ NIGHT with cash prizes at 8.30pm ■ Thur (7, 21 & 28) is Pat Cruise’s KARAOKE CRUISING at 9.30pm ■ Fri CABARET at 9pm: Connie Conway (1), Karen Dalton (8), Ricky Zalez (15) and Titti La Camp (22) ■ Sat is PARTY TIME at 8 30pm with DJs & singers: Neil Sackley (2), R uby R oo & Eva La Diva (9), Dazza & James Bedford (16) and Lucinda Lashes (23) ■ Dolly Par tem’s SUNDAY SERVICE from
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon
SOUTHAMPTON
■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm
TUESDAY 12
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm
WEDNESDAY 13
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am
■ OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Bar 150: Sexy v Slutty dresscode, DJ
Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s karaoke 9pm
■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm
THURSDAY 14
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
■ OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Pure Pop!: DJ Neil Sackley 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL Valentine’s Day: 3 course meal £21 50, bookings only, 02380 710652 + loved & unplugged with musician Andrew Stark; open noon
FRIDAY 15
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; par ty till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Get Some Valentine’s Sucks: DJs Lady Bex, Lohands, Rob Davies, Brad Dykes & Becky Perry 9pm
■ LONDON HOTEL cabaret: Ricky Zalez 9pm; food noon-3pm
SATURDAY 16
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; DJs all night
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE The Big One Grindr Action Par ty: DJs, 2 dancefloors, 3 bars 9pm
■ LONDON HOTEL DJ Dazza & James Bedford 10pm; food noon-3pm; open noon
SUNDAY 17
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: Sun Lunch 12 30-2 30pm & 7-9pm; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
■ OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE We Are 1: DJs 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL Dolly Par tem’s Sunday Service 8pm; Son of a Tutu 9 30pm; Sun lunch
noon-3 30pm; open noon
MONDAY 18
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon
SOUTHAMPTON
■ LONDON HOTEL food noon-3pm
TUESDAY 19
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm
WEDNESDAY 20
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar &
Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am
■ OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s karaoke 9pm
■ LONDON HOTEL food noon-3pm
THURSDAY 21
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar &
Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
■ OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Pure Pop!: DJ Neil Sackley 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Pat Cruise 9 30pm; food noon-3pm; open noon
FRIDAY 22
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; par ty till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Get Some: DJs Lady Bex, Lohands, Rob Davies, Brad Dykes & Becky Perry 9pm
■ LONDON HOTEL cabaret: Titti La Camp 9pm; food noon-3pm
SATURDAY 23
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; DJs all night
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE The Big One: DJ Phil Marriott & regulars, 2 dancefloors, 3 bars 9pm
■ LONDON HOTEL DJ Lucinda Lashes 10pm; food noon-3pm; open noon
SUNDAY 24
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Sun Lunch 12.30-
2 30pm & 7-9pm; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
■ OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE We Are 1: DJs 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL Dolly Par tem’s Sunday Service 8pm; Topping & Butch 9 30pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon
MONDAY 25
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am
■ OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon
SOUTHAMPTON
■ LONDON HOTEL food noon-3pm
TUESDAY 26
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm
WEDNESDAY 27
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am
■ OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s karaoke 9pm ■ LONDON HOTEL food noon-3pm
THURSDAY 28
BOURNEMOUTH
■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am
■ DYMK open 2pm
PORTSMOUTH
■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
■ OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-5pm
SOUTHAMPTON
■ EDGE Pure Pop!: DJ Neil Sackley 10pm
■ LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Pat Cruise 9 30pm; food noon-3pm; open noon
DANCE MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE
REVIEWS
Hello my dancing friends, Queen Josephine here I’m flying solo for the next few months as the missus concentrates on getting a fabulous Degree result at university, so please get your ears wrapped around my February favourites.
■ First up is a real beauty as Various Artists parade their talents on Future Disco Volume 6 Night Moves on Needwant From the sexy, Daft
Punkish opener Miguel Campbell’ s
Not That Kind Of Girl through to epic Crazy P anthem Heartbreaker, via remixes by men of the moment
Mario Basinov and Maceo Plex, this entire album is not only an aural addiction, it’ll have you dancing your socks off till March.
■ Trus’me Treat Me Right on Prime Numbers. With its slightly dark sensuous overtones this album does everything right and will certainly keep you bumping and grinding whilst giving you the odd moonlight kiss Enormous!
■ And for a spot of Ibizan magic –well, it’s not too long until the parties start is it? Channel Zoo Compilation 001 by Michael James on Channel Zoo Recordings
FEBRUARY 12 INCHES
features such gorgeousness from the likes of Kerri Chandler and Fresh & Low that it’ll have you swishing round your boudoir in a sun-drenched frenzy, desperately searching for your flip flops
■ Next in line is a taster from the soon to be released second album Extensions Of Yesterday by the ever youthful Franck Roger on Citrus Company. If the stomping percussive qualities and memorable melodies are anything to go by, this one ’ s going to be a real stayer. Smoked out boogie for the 21st century indeed!
■ Finally the trumpet fanfares start here After knocking this old glam rock dolly sideways with his first single in a decade, the Stardust one will return with his album The Next Day (March 8). Am slipping into a one legged leotard and dying my hair orange in anticipation…
Catch Queenie and Wildblood at DSD, on Mixcloud, Radio Reverb and studying in the library. www.katewildblood.wordpress.com
■ LUDOWICK GROOVE Stalker (Remixed) 22 Digit Records
Deep & tech remixes of last summer ’ s wonder will leave you swooning.
■ NICKEL Zygzm Police Records
Oh my! The bass bins have just exploded. Dark, dirty and delicious.
■ DJ VIVONA ft MISS D To Another Day Super Soul Music
Lush hypnotic grooves complement fab vocal, Jon Cutler’s mix stands out
■ CHAKA KHAN Move Me House of Disco
Looping guitar slips over funk-filled bassline and Ms Khan Woo hoo!
■ MAXXI SOUNDSYSTEM & THOMAS GANDEY I Don’t Care Moda Black Deep, sexy and beautiful Just like Maxxi and Thomas
■ STANNY ABRAM Happy Face MUM
Smiles across the board with this slamming peak-time tech ep
■ LAURA JONES Let Me In Visionquest
Ghostly melodic, whispery vocalled loveliness from Lady Laura.
■ SKYROOM Let It Flow Jeepersmusic
Lazy Boys & Nick Hook make lovely piano/synth meals of house pounder.
■ RICHARD EARNSHAW ft NATASHA WATTS Won’t Let Go Duffnote Absolute corker of soulful vocal beauty. Totally hypnotic groove & strings.
■ BENOIT & SERGIO BRIDGE So Far Hot Creations
Chugging house with a poppy tinge from the dance friendly duo.
DJ PROFILE
Well, February is upon us and it’s time to put your Saturday night dancing shoes on. So here’s a lady who’s certain to get those rumps a jumpin’. Queen Josephine has a royal chat with the gorgeous King K and finds out her Australian dream, when to avoid Stevie Wonder and what you need to do to hear one of her secrets
Where can we hear you playing?
Currently every Saturday at Revenge Club, Level 2, in the LED Box Bar!
DJing style?
I play house music to get your booty shaking, with fierce vocals or cheeky samples If it’s funky, bouncy and sometimes dirty ;) I'll play it!
All time favourite song?
Just the one, are you sure? Hmm... Fusion by Hoxton Whores. Which tune always fills up (or rescues) your dancefloor?
Avicii v Martin Solveig v Axwell Hello I Found Levels Gauffie mash-up:
“Everybody wanna know why I'm walking round with a big smile on my face. Hey I'm happy and it shows. Hey I'm back and I'm part of a human race. Cos you know I've been down so long. Never thought I'd ever feel this way again And everything was going wrong, till you found me and you made me believe again” Love it when everyone sings along!
Ultimate dream gig?
Sydney Mardi-Gras, on the beach, to thousands!
Tune you wish you’d never played?
Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday in the middle of a house-set in a bar I was ‘requested’ to play it five times and got fed up with being asked – it was the biggest crowd killer! Everyone looked shocked!
Guilty pleasure?
One Direction. I love those boys (although you’ll never get me to play them out!).
Best ever gig?
I was lucky enough to achieve my dream last summer playing back to back with Dulcie Danger in the main dance tent at Pride. It was the most unbelievable experience and DJ achievement... totally blew me away! Tell us a secret!
Ha ha ha it wouldn't be a secret then would it!? Get me drunk on a Saturday night (vodka diet coke with a Tequila Gold shooter if you please) and I may divulge
CURRENT TOP FIVE
In no particular order, choons that make me bounce and smile are...
■ INDEEP Last Night a DJ Saved My Life (Coqui Selection Remix 2012) White
■ RAW ft AMANDA WILSON Intoxicated (Dan Grooved Intoxicated Dizco mix) Hed Kandi
■ ERICK MORILLO, Shawnee Taylor & Tradelove Stronger (DJ Micah Petrov & DJ Andrew Struzhkin Mashup) White
■ SEAN FINN Such A Good Feeling (Crazibiza remix) Scream & Shout
■ ETIENNE OZBORNE ft PAULA B Been A Long Time 2012 (Zoltan Kontes Iberostar mix) Ibiza World Records
BY CHARLIE NYEREYEGONA
FOOD BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
Richard and Frances Beasley at Pinch Seasonings, Hove Tel: 01273 900299 www.pinchseasonings.co.uk, info@pinchseasonings.co.uk
I came across the Pinch Seasonings stall at the Christmas market in Churchill Square while looking for a present. The display of different herbs, spice blends and other food products caught my eye as decidedly different. I found the spice blend I wanted (berbere, which includes paprika, cumin seeds, cinnamon quills, fenugreek seeds, sea salt and cloves, excellent on salmon) and was back days later to stock up with more different blends! How did it all start?
Frances: We love Paris and the south of France and in Nice was the most fabulous spice market. We took a year out to explore the markets, particularly in Paris, discovering spices and ourselves, and here we are!
CHARLIE'S KITCHEN RECIPES
I used the Pinch Seasonings berbere spice Blend on a delicious salmon fillet!
INGREDIENTS (Serves 2)
• 2 decent size salmon fillets
• Tsp runny honey
• Sunflower oil
• Pinch of berbere spice
Method: Preheat the oven to 200˚C. Place the salmon skin side down in a baking dish. Sprinkle over the berbere spice, drizzle over the runny honey and a splash of sunflower oil Rub in gently and bake for ten minutes
What’s different about your spice blends?
Richard: We created a library of books and gained an in-depth understanding of spice blends and the foods that match them best We’re dedicated to spices - specific, specialist and organic wherever possible. We’re Soil Association accredited so there’s traceability right back to growth.
What do you like to cook with your spices?
F: We’re into a North African and Middle Eastern phase at the moment. I use the ras el hanout (Schinus pink peppercorns, cinnamon, fennel seeds and cayenne pepper) to make delicious tagines I'll also pot roast anything with the Chinese five spice (star anise, fennel seeds, cassia bark, Sichuan pink peppercorns)
A lot of spice blends come from very simple cooking It’s about the enjoyment of experimentation, making and sharing, becoming master of your own kitchen! What are your favourite spices?
R: Cumin, coriander.
To serve: Place the salmon fillet on each dish with a generous side serving of greens or a simple salad. I had mine with watercress and roasted tomato salad with a blue cheese dressing.
Next I tried the Sri Lankan spice mix (fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cassia bark and birds eye chilli peppers) and turned some left over roast duck into a delicious curry You could easily substitute with fish, chicken or vegetables
INGREDIENTS (Serves 2)
• Chunks of roast duck
• Good pinch of Sri Lankan spice mix
• 2 birds eye chillies (finely chopped)
• ½ a red onion (roughly chopped)
• 4 cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 courgette (cut into small chunks)
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp raspberry vinegar
• Good pinch of salt
• Good handful of dessicated coconut
• Juice of ½ a lime
• ¼ cup of warm water
• Tbsp peanut oil (or rapeseed/sunflower oil)
F: Paprika: Spanish, Hungarian, smoked
What's happening in the business now?
R: We’re pushing forward and meeting new suppliers at the moment We’re currently looking at sourcing English saffron and lavender. We’re also building new relationships with delicatessens to display our products. We’re all about building proper business relationships with our suppliers. For example our Fleur de Sel de Guérande is supplied by Lionel Charteau, who has worked in the salt marshes for 15 years, supplying three star Michelin chefs, like Michel Troisgros and Alain Passard A rare and prized product!
What's in the future?
F: In three to four years we want our own shop We want to provide a unique place, where people can come and have their own unique spice blends hand ground for them We’ve found that with our spice blends people who didn't cook are starting to.
Who would you invite to a dinner party and what would you cook?
F: Family and friends; sharing our food with the people that we love. The food would be comforting, hearty and surprising! Ladlefuls of gumbo, rich tagines with ras el hanout, berbere spice lentils
R: and lots of dips!
Anything to do with food has to be about passion and this couple have buckets of that I’ve tried out quite a few of the spice blends and loved them. In addition, Frances and Dudley the Tibetan Terrier deliver right to your door, free to these postcodes: BN1, BN2, BN3, BN41, BN42, BN43, BN45, BN50, BN51, BN52 & BN88! 15% DISCOUNT OFFER!
Pinch Seasonings are offering Gscene readers 15% off total order value, valid on all orders placed online until the end of March 2013 Just enter discount code GSCENE during checkout
Method: Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion and spice mix. Add the courgettes and the chillies. As the courgettes start to soften add the duck and stir in together. Add the tomatoes and salt. Add the ketchup, raspberry vinegar and mix in Reduce the heat and stir in the dessicated coconut and lime juice Pour in the water and cook for a few minutes more
To serve: I put a twist on this by serving it with couscous but it’s just as yummy with rice with chopped coriander stirred through it Enjoy!
Why had no-one told me that Dr Who had passed by and left his Tardis? It was a gloomy Sunday and I needed cheering; I wanted a quick meal where I could eat alone without feeling exposed or hemmed in by extended family or groups, nor could I cope with being told that “ no tables were available till gone 3”. So off I toddled down the hill, anticipating a cheerful steak at the Rock ‘N’ Roller opposite Waitrose, but they were gone!
Now for a couple of years I’ve noticed tables and chairs on the Western Road pavement next to Waitrose, but assumed they provided solace for those using what I had wrongly thought to be just another wine bar. But the A board referred to cocktails and a Sunday roast, so I thought why not? Well blow me, beyond the bar with coffee and cakes foremost, there’s a bistro with two enormous spaces on raised and lowered mezzanine and tucked round the corner, a little private space (just for me!), with bench and cushion and two tall stools, with light enough to study my paper.
Koba is stylishly comfortable, with a modern décor, wood dark tile with industrial chic, hanging pendants, globes and down-lights galore On the walls, a large autumnal wood scene for me and nearby, a simple array of photos from around the world Even the mood music was just my style; quiet and low-key, non-pop and sufficiently melodic to not offend those requiring an opportunity to chat
The Brunch menu did indeed have a page of cocktails, half a page of breakfasts: full English (£9.25), eggs Florentine (£6.95), eggs Benedict (£6.95), eggs Royal (£7.50) et al, half a page of lunches with roasts taking centre spot, and two pages of wine with small and large glass options
I kicked off with a large glass of Muscadet (£4) whilst a litre of bottled tap water arrived unannounced My loin of pork roast (£12.50) arrived in a deep soup bowl with roast veggies piled high with the pork sitting on top The roast parsnip, carrot, a whole quarter of red onion, a Yorkshire pudding along with the duck fat
roasted potatoes accompanied by curly kale, and perhaps the best cooked French beans ever, soft but crisp, quite exceptional; all surrounded a rich gravy A large chunk of crackling sat atop the loin of pork which just fell apart
Alternatives are supreme of chicken, mushroom, spinach and stilton stack (both £12.50), lamb shank (£14.50), Serrano wrapped leg of rabbit (£14.50) and 10-oz Sussex-bred sirloin steak (£16.50), which I found on the web-site.
For the cheap alternative, and I was nearing stuffed, to the not unreasonable desserts of warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, apple and blackberry crumble served with ice cream, and a selection of ice creams, all at (£5.50), I had an enormous Americano (£2.15) and lemon drizzle cake (£3) in a cloud of icing sugar Oh dear, the hill home would be a challenge!
Service was swift and attentive, the staff were young, trendy and smartly turned out and the whole experience so much more uplifting, modern and chic than my earlier thoughts as to how to assuage the gloom of the day.
CAFÉ TIERE
117 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH, Tel: 01273 965985
Colourful Cafe Society in St James’s Steet
Stuart Buckland (left in opposite picture) grew up in Greenwich Two years ago he moved to Brightlingsea, a small seaside town in Essex where he met Ian Wright and they became life partners
Stuart was working in the catering business and Ian was an estimator for a national plumbing merchant. They had often talked about opening a business together and last spring during a week’s break in Brighton they noticed an empty premise in St James's Street. The rest is history. They pursued the premises and finally opened on October 9, 2012, later than they hoped as they missed both the August Bank Holiday and Pride
The inside of the cafe is bright yellow with a mix of comfy seats and a relaxed selection of dining tables and chairs. They play music from the 1960s to the present day C
with an emphasis on music from the 1980s Ian says: "It allows us both to relive our youth "
All their food is made fresh to order and they serve fresh ground Italian bristot coffee and delicious luxury flavoured teas Stuart says: “Our ethic has been that we only serve what we would expect when dining out ourselves We hopefully have brought a little of the 'Lanes' to St James's Street/Kemptown. We also look forward to improvements that will hopefully occur to the area in the future, especially if the road becomes pedestrianised.”
Café Tiere serves an extensive range of sandwiches ranging in price from paté & coleslaw at £2.30 to top of the range smoked salmon & cream cheese at £4.50. You can choose baguettes, panini and toasted options Baked potatoes are available with a variety of fillings including cheese, egg mayonnaise, ham, tuna mayonnaise and baked beans Prices start at £3.40 If you fancy something more substantial try a chicken curry at £4.90, chilli at £4.80 or a chicken salad at £4.40 A classic breakfast including bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, beans and toast costs just £4.50 while a bacon sandwich is £2.80 A huge range of coffees are served including espresso, macchiato, Americano and cappuccino and teas available include Darjeeling, Assam, Earl Grey, peppermint or summer fruits. Soup of the day with fresh bread is £2.90 and a slice of fresh cake is £2.50. Cafés work on many different levels. Café Tiere combines bright and colourful surroundings with very reasonably priced snacks, coffees teas and service with a smile. A take out service is also available. Customers can follow Café Tiere on Facebook and Tripadvisor, both of which include many favourable comments.
The cafe is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, fast food, sandwiches to dine in or take out: Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 9am–5pm; Wed: 9am–3pm; Sat: 10am–5pm; Sun: 10am–4pm
BRIGHTON CENTRE
Kings Road, Brighton, Box office: 0844 847 1515
www.brightoncentre.co.uk
■ PALOMA FAITH (Mon 4) The singer/songwriter performs hits such as Stone Cold Sober, New York, and material from her hit album Fall From Grace.
■ PLAN B (Mon 11). Singer of "post-Amy Winehouse retro soul" is supported by Labrinth and Rudimental.
■ LITTLE MIX (Fri 15). The 'hottest new girl band in the country', Perrie, Jesy, Leigh-Anne and Jade first found fame on the X-Factor.
B.RIGHT.ON FESTIVAL
Celebration of LGBT History Month (full listings pages 6-11)
■ AL START (Fri 1) Folk roots songwriter and her band play songs from her album I Heart History, true stories from Brighton's hidden past as part of the launch of the B Right On Festival at the Jubilee Library, from 7pm www.alstart.co.uk
■ TROUSER-WEARING
CHARACTERS (Sun 3) Rose Collis' one-woman show is a unique mixture of music, history and comedy. It combines stories, vignettes and songs (evergreens and originals) about some of her favourite, eclectic ‘trouser-wearing
■ BOOGIE NIGHTS (Sun 17). The Osmonds, Gareth Gates, Chico and Louisa Lytton sing hits such as Boogie Wonderland, I Will Survive, Le Freak, Don't Go Breaking My Heart, Love Train, Play That Funky Music, Disco Inferno, We Are Family, Y M C A and Street Life
■ EXAMPLE (Tue 26). Following the release of his third studio album The Evolution of Man, Example plays his hits: Watch the Sun Come Up, We'll Be Coming Back and Say Nothing.
characters’, from Nancy Spain to Colonel Barker, Dougie Byng to the ‘f**king lady’ herself, Coral Browne, with cameo ‘ appearances ’ by the likes of Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich and Vincent Price. Envy, 5pm, £7/£5 concs, £1 from every ticket to the Rainbow Fund.
■ TO COME OUT OR NOT COME OUT (Sat 9). When was the moment you plucked up the courage to tell the world about your sexuality? Or have you not been able to tell the people in your life yet? Or are you trying to find the right way to tell someone? Whatever they are, come and celebrate your 'coming out' stories or even your 'not yet coming out' tales, through an evening of spontaneous theatre. Where you, the audience, provide the material for the actors to play back instantly. No props, no lines, just your stories. Prepare to witness moments of laughter, real connection, being moved and truly entertained! Marlborough Theatre, 7.30pm; tickets: 0800 411 8881
■ LATE BLOOMERS (Sun 10)
Julia Dyer's film is about a basketball coach who falls for the
school secretary and upsets the entire school in the process Komedia, 11.30am, £8 on door
■ LOVE LATE (Thu 14) Are you looking for something unusual to do this Valentine’s? Love, lust and desire are in the air as well as live music, DJs, objects of desire, DIY valentines, cocktails, performances and a hunt for hidden love stories – how can you resist? Brighton Museum foyer, 7pm, £5 mems/£4 in advance
■ I MUST HAVE WANTON POETS (Sun 17) with poets Vince Laws, Maria Jastrzebska, John McCullough, Max Wallis & open mic Envy, 4pm, £7/£5 concs, £1 from every ticket to the Rainbow Fund.
■ TORRENTS OF RAPTURE (Wed 20). Reggie has just found his boyfriend Charlie in bed with somebody else. Crying, miserable, and betrayed Reggie stumbles home and with the help of his friends, the hairdryer and the drill he recounts for them in a wildly romantic, idealised, and inaccurate manner what happened Told through bad puppetry and ballet, Brief Encounter meets Saving Private Ryan via Monty Python, film music, animation and live song. Envy, 8pm, £7/£5 concs, £1 from every ticket to the Rainbow Fund.
■ THE 'L' WORD (Sun 24).
Interactive poetry and open mic with host Trudy Howson, poet and activist, whose poem Going for Gold was filmed by the BBC in the run up to the Olympics; Dolly Sen
who has published eight books, does stuff like saying ‘blowjob’ on BBC Women’s Hour, and designs flyers; Jay Walker who launches this season's bold and colourful cache of poems and Vince Laws who campaigns against the stigma of mental health, disability, and HIV, and for queer rights, equality and badgers. Envy, 4pm, £7/£5 concs, £1 from every ticket to the Rainbow Fund
■ MAKING HISTORY NOW (Sun 24), is a night of non-stop live music from the best of the queer music scene with Kenelis (unplugged punk rock), Ari Scott & Band (quirky indie rock), Al Start Band (queer folk roots), We R Bob (acoustic duo), Nicky Mitchell (jazz songstress), at The Brunswick, Hove, 7.45pm, £6/5, proceeds to Women's Performance Tent @ Pride, www.thebrunswick.net/2012/08/lg bt-history-month-making-historynow-sunday-24th-feb-2013/
CINDERELL
A
& THE UGLIES
■ CINDERELLA & THE UGLIES IN THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE (7.30pm plus Sat matinee 2.25pm; Fri & Sat 1-2, 8-9 & 15-16).
Micronian Theatre Productions presents a new original pantomime production at Steyning Town Football Club, Shooting Field, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RP, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation The show is written and directed by Mike Black with Nat Robinson (manager at the Marine Tavern) as Assistant Director and features Auntie Robbie (Robbie C Wells) as Sir Dandini camp-a-lot. The production contains some adult themes and innuendo! Oh no it doesn't! Of yes it does!
Tickets £5: www.wegottickets.com
DOME
Church Street, Brighton Box office: 01273 709709
www.brightondome.org
■ LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO (Fri 15–Sat 16). The Trocks return to the UK following their last sell-out visit. With one foot in farce and the other in classical ballet, their
dedicated tootsies shoe-horned into size 10 pink satin pointeshoes return with a fabulous new programme, a lorry load of costume changes and lashings of diva attitude The all-male troupe's combination of pure comedy, extraordinary technical prowess and genuine love of ballet has made them a global phenomenon since they formed in New York in 1974.
DOME STUDIO THEATRE
New Road, Brighton Box office: 01273 709709 www.brightondome.org
■ JACK AND HIS BIG-STALK (matinee 5pm; evening 8pm, Wed 20 Feb–Sun 3 Mar). Brian Ralfe's 11th Alternative Pantomime, aims to rekindle some Christmas spirit. Written by Andrew Stark and directed by Robert James, the show is a high camp re-telling of the fairytale Jack & The Beanstalk starring the strapping Scott Virgo in the hapless lead-role alongside Phil Harlequeen, Lee Tracey, Robert James, Simon Grant, Andrew Stark and Davina Sparkle. Tickets: £19 (concs on 10 tickets+) or £23 inc 2-course meal (26/27/28 matinees only).
DUKEBOX THEATRE
Iron Duke, 3 Waterloo St, Hove, www.irondukebrighton.co.uk
■ WELLINGTON (Fri 1–Sat 2) Cowritten by Martin Wimbush and director Ellis Jones with music by Benedict Cruft, the play is set at Walmer Castle, Kent, where the Duke of Wellington was Warden of the Cinque Ports Here in the confines of his small room, we
come face to face with the old Duke, looking back over his extraordinary life
'Martin Wimbush was born to play Wellington' Time Out
■ A COMEDY OF CAREERS (8pm, Sat 9) Comedy, sketches and songs from Exeter-based duo O'Shea & O'Gaukroger, £5
■ ID GOES ACOUSTIC (8pm, Thur 14), local acoustic musicians.
■ STANZA AND DELIVER (8pm, Fri 15). Poetry/open mic featuring guest poets, £4.50, £3 participants.
■ CHINESE WHISPERS presents LOKI (8pm, Wed 20). Performance storytelling for adults; 10 min stories from the audience welcome in the first half, £5
■ LEXX STORIES (1pm, Thur 21) Performance storytelling for young children, £5
■ IRONCLAD IMPROV (7-9pm, every Sun), Drop-in workshop, £5.
■ BENT DOUBLE (Sun 3). An irreverent night of fun and frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons (Mock The Week and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow). Tonight's headliner is Tom Allen
■ SAME-SEX SPEED DATING
(8 30pm, Wed 13) For all 'Friends of Dorothy' hopeful for a strike from Cupid's arrow Early booking advisable Tickets £20 in advance/ £25 on the door Ages 18+
THEATRE ROYAL
New Road, Brighton Box office: 08448 717 650
■ TOSCA (Tue 5) Directed by Ellen Kent, and starring the celebrated international soprano Elena Dee, this traditional production is a heady mixture of true love, torture and treachery, with two of the best roles for tenor and soprano, plus a truly blood-curdling villain. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Rome, with spectacular costumes, and featuring a boys choir, it features the moving arias Vissi d’arte and E Lucevan le Stelle.
■ CARMEN (Wed 6). Directed by Ellen Kent, this traditionally staged new production set in Seville and reflecting a Goya painting, with fountains, flowers, orange trees and even a rescue donkey Starring international
mezzo-soprano Nadia Stoianova, whose portrayal of Carmen has won rapturous reviews, this is the story of a bewitching gypsy girl whose beauty lures a soldier to desertion and ultimately leads to her own murder.
■ PAM ANN: AROUND THE WORLD (Sun 17). Glamorous, hilarious and outrageous, Pucci-clad Pam has toured with Cher, crewed private jets for Elton John and even Madonna is a huge fan. Pam takes passengers on a raucous journey from security check-in, to boarding, to hopefully, landing Fasten your seatbelts, stow your designer hand-luggage and prepare to be flown like you've never been flown before 'Camp and breathtakingly rude' The Guardian; 'A delicious comic creation' The Independent.
I’ve sourced two contrasting yet equally exciting opportunities for you to immerse yourself within the creative experience this month...
■ Beginning with 32 PAINTINGS, in the north and south galleries of the Phoenix (Feb 9–Mar 24, Wed–Sun, 11am–5pm), a show celebrating painting by presenting a diverse mix of artists with a plurality of themes and approaches Via the selected artists and the methods they utilise, it will attempt to provoke questions surrounding contemporary painting practice What and why are the current trends in painting? How do contemporary painters challenge or question traditional notions of beauty and expression? What continues to compel so many people to pick up a brush and attempt to discover their own interpretation of a ‘painting’? The works in the show will span genres ranging from figurative to abstract, photorealist to gestural, and from staged compositions to ephemeral performances. Some combining several approaches within a single canvas, all displaying a virtuosity within their paintings on show.
Curated by painters Patrick O'Donnell and Nicholas Pace, the exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to view an ambitious painting show in Brighton and a chance to decide for themselves on the relevance of painting within contemporary art practice The selected artists include Louise Bristow, Matthew Burrows, Shaun Caton, Chris Gilvan Cartwright, Keith Esdale, Stig Evans, June Frickleton, Andrew Gifford, David Harkins, Tom Hammick, Emily Jolley, Christopher Kettle, Sam Lock, Anne Magill, Enzo Marra, Karin Mori, Tamsin Morse, Patrick O’Donnell, Nicholas Pace, Alan Rankle, Tania Rutland, Sarah Shaw, Sonia Stanyard, Christopher Stevens, Christine Tongue, Joshua Uvieghara, Julian Vilarubbi, Richard Whadcock, Alice Wisden and Dawei Xiang. Associated activities include:
■ WIDDERSHINS 2, a painting performance by Shaun Caton, who will create a live artwork within the exhibition, drawing inspiration from earliest forms of mark-making such as prehistoric cave painting
■ A symposium entitled What is the Future for Painting? with a panel of experts including painters, art historians, curators, and gallery owners discussing issues around contemporary painting
■ A workshop on acrylic painting techniques, where you can discover the amazing range and flexibility of the painting medium in this hands-on workshop with Chris Gilvan-Cartwright.
■ A workshop entitled Painting, Science & Restoration by artist/conservator Stig Evans, who will reveal the hidden secrets of a painting with hands on experiments and demonstrations.
■ Studio tours where you can get a glimpse behind the scenes, when some of the exhibiting painters based at Phoenix Brighton open their studios to visitors. More specific details (days/times/costs) on these activities can be found on their site.
JUBILEE LIBRARY
Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE
■ VINCE LAWS is exhibiting visual poetry at his show Banned in the Jubilee Library, as part of the B.Right.On Festival celebrating LGBT History Month. For information on all the festival events see pages 28–33 in this issue of Gscene and: www.vincelaws.com/index.htm.
AT THE LIBRARY OF MEMORIES
Local poet Maria Jastrzębska will be reading from her new collection At the Library of Memories as part of LGBT History Month at: ■ Saltdean Library, Saltdean Lido, Saltdean, BN2 8SP (7.30pm, Thur Feb 7) with Evlynn Sharp of New Writing South. The event is free, includes a glass of wine and there will also be opportunity for people to perform their own work For more info please call: 01273 296921
■ Envy above Charles Street Bar, Brighton, BN2 1TA (4pm, Sun Feb 17) I Must Have Wanton Poets as part of B Right On Festival with John McCullough, Vince Laws, Max Wallis, Maria Jastrzębska, entry £7/5 (£1 from each ticket goes to Rainbow Fund ) For more info contact Vince on vincelaws@googlemail.com
At the Library of Memories published by Waterloo Press; www.waterloopresshove.co.uk. More info: www.south-pole.org.uk or www.mariajastrzebska@wordpress.com
QUEER IN BRIGHTON
■ QUEER IN BRIGHTON are looking for contributions from LGBTQ people for a new collection of stories, oral histories, and photographs about the unspoken and outspoken stories of LGBT Brighton, from the 1950s to the present Editors, Maria Jastrzębska and Shaun Levin, are looking for stories about the places, the music, the fashion, the slang, the clubs, the bars, the living rooms, the squats, basements, and cruising grounds where you fell in love, danced till the early hours, looked after friends and lovers, had sex, plotted the revolution, brought up your family (or escaped from them), set up home... and the streets and parks where you marched, held hands, argued or made up. Queer in Brighton want the book to reflect the changes in our lives and the city over the past fifty years, to demonstrate how decriminalisation, the HIV epidemic, civil partnerships, feminism, gender awareness, the economy and other challenges and triumphs of queer life have impacted on where we live and the ways we live our lives.
The project is led by New Writing South with Pink Fringe and Photoworks and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund The book is scheduled to launch for Pride in August 2013 The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2013 Submit your stories via email to: editors@queerinbrighton.co.uk, or send a hard copy to: Queer in Brighton, c/o New Writing South, 9 Jew Street, Brighton, BN1 1UT
For details of how to format your submission see www.queerinbrighton.co.uk
OUT NOW!
■ The dazzlingly colourful OUT WRITE poetry anthology is now available with 32 pages of poetry, prose and images from the Norwich Pride writing group for a very accessible £5!*
The OUT WRITE anthology has been edited by England’s only UNESCO City of Literature Pride Poet Laureate, Vince Laws, designed by Alexandra Blythe, with contributions from over a dozen new and experienced voices The anthology features visual poetry, collage poetry, painted text and carefully considered text on the page.
Order your copy direct from Vince Laws on Facebook; email vincelaws@gmail.com; or via post: Vince Laws, Ships Cottage, Oulton, Norfolk, NR11 6NU. *Please add +£1 for P+P. Cheques payable to V Laws.
JOHN McCULLOUGH
John McCullough’s The Frost Fairs had already been picked as The Independent’s book of the year and The Observer’s holiday read before winning the Polari Prize. Eric Page caught up with the poet.
When did you first discover poetry?
In Watford, in 1995, I found a Ted Hughes collection He uses very physical, textured language and it instantly spoke to me It was a spookily intimate experience
Are there any poets that you admire?
Early influences were Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson and Simon Armitage My early work touched on themes of suicide and brutality in nature. It was the kind of poetry a lot of teenagers need to write before they can explore other areas. You have to write bad poems before you can write good ones. Elizabeth Bishop and Frank O’Hara are my biggest influences. I feel especially drawn to queer American poets from the mid-20th century I love Bishop’s use of observations and shifts in perspective, and O’Hara for his tremendous energy and warmth
What started you writing poetry?
What I love about poetry is how intense it is as an experience; it’s a very concentrated form of language, very emotionally charged. I reached for it partly out of feeling lonely and wanting to connect with other minds.
Who are you currently reading?
I’ve been re-reading John Ashbery and I’ve just read Robert Louis Stevenson’s South Sea Tales for a unit I’m teaching It’s brilliant
Where would you take Elizabeth Bishop for tea?
Elizabeth Bishop was very fond of typos and her famous poem The Man-Moth arose from a misprint of ‘mammoth’. I’d take her to The Mock Turtle where the menu used to promise to ‘ sever all sandwiches with freshly made bread’. Reading it always conjured a fabulous image of someone violently striking everything with a baguette.
How did you respond to winning the Polari Prize?
With great surprise; I just assumed a novel would always win against poetry! The last two months have been completely surreal It isn’t the reason I write poetry, which comes from quite a solitary place, but I’ve encountered lots of people who I never thought I’d meet, and they’ve been really sweet.
What does LGBT history month mean to you?
I’ve always been interested in LGBT history. I worked as a voluntary archivist at Brighton Ourstory For centuries there have been generations of men and women similar to ourselves who could never be open and they helped to lay the groundwork for the queer lives we live now Trying to recover their voices, or conjuring up voices like theirs from the dark, seems the least we can do Writing about history gives us so many clues about how we live now, and the other paths we might take. The Frost Fairs is essentially a book of love poems, both sad and happy and shifts between gay, lesbian and transgender lives in the 19th century, WW2 and the present for those reasons.
Who should be recognised for their contribution to LGBT History?
Edward Carpenter, who was a socialist lecturer
who did a lot of work in changing people’s perceptions about homosexuality at the end of the 19th century.
Do you have a muse?
My civil partner has inspired more poems than anyone else We’ve been together ten years this April
Name four poets that every young LGBT person should read.
Bishop and O’Hara, Anne Carson, whose Autobiography of Red is a verse novel which follows a relationship between two men using volcanic imagery. I find much of Auden’s work astonishing (In Praise of Limestone is my favourite)
What brought you to Brighton?
I studied on the Sexual Dissidence MA at Sussex University, which looks at lesbian and gay themes in English literature Then I did a PhD with Alan Sinfield on male friendship in Renaissance England.
Your poems are remarkable for their detail. Do you do a lot of prep work?
Yes, I take research to the extreme. I believe in making observations close to the source. So if I’m writing about an eel, I’ll go to the Sealife Centre I’ve set a lot of poems in Brighton’s gay bars, and when I worked at The Bulldog I kept a notebook underneath the bar I scribbled down little observations about not only characters but the rattle of ice cubes in a bucket etc Precision is a great tool - the more accurate you can be, the more vivid the impression you’ll leave in the mind and the heart. I mainly write poems to try and move people or make them laugh.
How do you begin a poem?
Poetry is largely about sound, so an interesting phrase will float into my head whilst I’m out for a walk and it naturally starts to pull other phrases towards it I almost need to work out myself why it’s emotionally significant and so I investigate that on the page Poetry is basically about working with patterns of sound, and channelling them in order to move people
What superhero power would you possess?
I’d like Storm’s (Marvel Comics) ability to control the weather – sunshine for Pride and permanent rain over Republican conferences and the Vatican, until they mend their ways...
What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished the manuscript for my second book
You can buy The Frost Fairs from www.saltpublishing.com/shop or Amazon and read more about John’s writing on his website www.johnmccullough.co.uk.
REVIEWS
■ The DORIC STRING QUARTET have recorded two of the most well-known Schubert quartets, the Rosamunde (No. 13 in A minor) and Death and the Maiden (No. 14 in D minor). Both works were composed towards the end of Schubert’s life, when the syphilis that would kill him had taken hold. The names of these quartets come from their slow movements –the main melody of the Rosamunde comes from Schubert’s incidental music for a play, and the theme for the variations in Death and the Maiden comes from his song of the same name Both quartets combine dark, almost painful music with
moments of lyrical beauty and grace – the intensity of the outer movements of No 14 verges at times on violence The Dorics perhaps emphasis the darkness more than the light, with their sparse use of vibrato and accurate use of the full range of dynamics. Yet they are still able to produce moments of lightness and beauty when required – it’s just that the sense of tragedy and foreboding is never far away, which surely is the intrinsic power of this music Even the light melody of the Rosamunde tune in No 13, almost trite in its simplicity, acquires a mystery as it rises to a brief climax before subsiding once more into calm Yet the dark heart of No 14, the slow movement, is where The Dorics show their mastery. The relentless rhythm, taken here at a more pressing tempo, builds the tension, before the music returns with painful inevitability to the simple theme in the coda. Chandos CHAN10737
Catch The Doric String Quartet at the Nicholas Yonge Society (7 45pm, Fri 22) at the Sussex Downs College in Lewes, (www nyslewes org uk) when they
will be playing Haydn, Bartók and Schubert’ s Death and the Maiden Quartet – not to be missed!
Pianist
BENJAMIN
GROSVENOR was just 11 when he won the keyboard final of Young Musician of the Year in 2004 (losing in the final to violinist Nicola Benedetti) He became the youngest pianist to play at the First Night of the Proms in 2011, making his debut there with Liszt’s Second Piano Concerto, and recently he won two Gramophone awards (Best Instrumentalist and Best Young Artist). His 2011 CD of Chopin, Liszt and Ravel, demonstrates that this is one performer who deserves the hyperbolic reviews he has often received The disc includes Chopin’s Scherzos, alternated with three Nocturnes, and ends with Ravel’s enormously challenging Gaspard de la nuit In the middle are three short works from Liszt –two transcriptions of Polish songs by Chopin, and Liszt’s own Nocturne, En Rêve. Grosvenor’s virtuosity is without question, but what impresses more is the maturity of interpretation. From the wild first Scherzo, through Liszt’s surprisingly introspective En Rêve, the technical nightmare of Scarbo, to the notoriously difficult final movement of Gaspard de la Nuit’ s, Grosvenor’s playing is captivating and inspiring Decca 4783206
JEAN-EFFLAM
BAVOUZET’ s 4th volume of Haydn’ s (17321809) Piano Sonatas brings us three Sonatas (Nos. 30, 38 & 40) and a set of Variations in F minor The well-known Variations were composed in 1793, towards the end of the composer ’ s life, and he perhaps jokingly subtitled the work Un Piccolo Divertimento – this is in fact a substantial piece, certainly not a lightweight novelty As with previous discs in the series, Bavouzet demonstrates his authoritative immersion in this music, through his informative performance notes, but also in his
sensitive and appropriate use of ornamentation He brings out the humour, particularly in Sonata No 30’ s opening movement, as well as the joy and spirit of the more wellknown No. 38’ s closing Finale. No. 40 is somewhat shorter, with just two movements, but no less interesting, with particularly clever use of canon in the second Menuet movement. Once again, Bavouzet is a joy to listen to – roll on Volume 5! Chandos CHAN10736
The fact perhaps most remembered about Czech composer and violinist JOSEF SUK (1874-1935) is that he married the daughter of Dvořák
Yet his music is well worth exploration – his Serenade For Strings is a great place to start Czech conductor, Jirí Bêlohlávek, with the BBC Symphony
CONCERTS
DOME
Orchestra, has recorded two orchestral works - the first, A Summer’s Tale, is a beautiful evocation of summer and nature The orchestration is striking, and the use of hazy, shimmering strings, and bright wind-writing creates a fascinating soundworld. The Intermezzo, with its representation of blind musicians playing a mournful tune, oblivious of the sunshine around them, is particularly evocative Prague, was composed shortly after the tragic loss of first his father-in-law Dvořák, and then just two months later, his beloved wife, Dvořák’s daughter Otilka The work draws on a love theme from an earlier work composed just before his marriage, and a Hussite chorale tune, and the work climaxes with the two themes combining triumphantly. Both works receive performances full of life and the BBC Symphony Orchestra rise to the challenge of the many solo opportunities that the works also present Chandos CHSA5109
For more reviews, comments and events: nicks-classicalnotes.blogspot.co.uk Email: nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
Church Rd, Brighton, 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org
■ LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, conducted by Jukka-Pekka Saraste, perform works by Sibelius, with violinist Henning Kraggerud (7 30pm, Sat 2) Then, conducted by Marin Alsop, they perform Copland’ s Piano Concerto, Dvořák, Gershwin’ s Rhapsody in Blue, and Joan Tower, with pianist Garrick Ohlsson (7 30pm, Sat 23)
■ BRIGHTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA under conductor Barry Wordsworth perform Wagner, Bruch and Prokofiev. (2.45pm, Sun 10)
■ Classical ballet meets drag and slapstick with the all-male company LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO. (7.30pm, Fri 15 & Sat 16).
CONGRESS THEATRE, EA STBOURNE
01323 412000, www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
■ OPERA & BALLET INTERNATIONAL: Puccini’ s Tosca (7 30pm, Fri 8); Bizet’ s Carmen (7 30pm, Sat 9)
CORN EXCHANGE
Church Rd, Brighton, 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org
■ The BRITTEN SINFONIA play Britten, Copland, Shostakovich, and a new work by Jay Greenberg (1pm, Sat 9).
■ The Strings Attached season continues (11am, Sun 17) with the BENNEWITZ QUARTET playing Mozart, Dvořák and Smetana. www.stringsattachedmusic.org.uk
LINCOLN
Dir: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, David Strathairn
Plot: As the Civil War continues to rage, America's president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield and as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves Word on net: “Battles between presenting the legend and presenting screenwriter Tony Kushner's intricate script which is more of a gritty documentary.” ■ “A historical drama on an epic scale that's also a tightly focused study of character, principle and politics.” ■ “A talky, 150-minute affair but not without interesting modern-day ironies and parallels.” ■ “Day-Lewis is astoundingly good in the title role but the movie around him is drab and lifeless.”
THE LIABILITY
Dir: Craig Viveiros
Stars: Tim Roth, Talulah Riley, Peter Mullan
Plot: 19-year-old Adam agrees to do a day's driving for his mum's gangster boyfriend Peter, taking him on a 24-hour journey into a nightmarish world of murder, sex trafficking and revenge, in the company of ageing hit man Roy Word on net: “Made with a pinch of Sexy Beast, a dash of In Bruges and the obligatory dollop of Quentin Tarantino isn’t as funny or original as any of its key ingredients ” ■ “Effortless fun while it lasts, but never achieves lift-off from over-familiar formula.”
ZERO DARK THIRTY
Dir: Kathryn Bigelow
Stars: Joel Edgerton, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler
Plot: For a decade, an elite team of intelligence and military operatives, working in secret across the globe, devoted themselves to a single goal: to find and eliminate Osama bin Laden. True story about history's greatest manhunt.
Word on net: “There's an emotional detachment to the film that undercuts its potency... more technically proficient than emotionally involving.” ■ “Director proves herself once again to be a master of heightened realism and narrative drive.” ■ “Nary a wasted scene and very little in the way of respite from the intensity and power of its story and execution ”
■ “Movies must move, but this just lies there like paper in a classified government filing cabinet ”
CHAINED
Dir: Jennifer Lynch
Stars: Vincent D'Onofrio, Eamon Farren, Evan Bird
Plot: Bob, a cab-driving serial killer who stalks his prey on the city streets alongside his reluctant protégé Tim, who must make a life or death choice between following in Bob's footsteps or breaking free Word on net: “Brutal 'buddy pic' takes some very dark turns, culminating in a walloping twist.”
■ “Deserves credit for trying to mine some relatively intelligent chills out of something different, topical, and primally disturbing.” ■ “Movie is confronting cinema like we rarely see, even though it has its share of hiccups ”
HITCHCOCK
Dir: Sacha Gervasi
Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson
Plot: A love story between Alfred Hitchcock and wife Alma Reville during filming of Psycho in 1959 Word on net: "Can't figure out why movie was made other than to gratify our apparently universal appetite to believe that creative geniuses are hateful freaks ” ■ “Most engaging when concentrating on Psycho's development, as opposed to pot boiler subplot involving his wife.”
NO
Dir: Pablo Larraín
Stars: Gael García Bernal, Antonia Zegers, Marcial Tagle
Plot: An ad executive comes up with a campaign to defeat Augusto Pinochet in Chile's 1988 referendum. Word on net: “Exquisitely assembled film turns a potentially dry subject into something uproariously funny and massively involving ” ■ “Standout entry of Directors' Fortnight sidebar and the closest thing to a masterpiece that I've seen in Cannes ” ■ “A decisive transitional chapter in Chilean history yields absorbing account of one country's unlikely route from oppression to democracy.”
FLIGHT
Dir: Robert Zemeckis
Stars: Denzel Washington, Nadine Velazquez, Carter Cabassa
Plot: An airline pilot saves a flight from crashing, but an investigation into the malfunctions reveals something troubling
Word on net: “Washington is a ball of fire, and his detailed, depthcharged, bruisingly true performance will be talked about for years ” ■ “Not often does a film character
make such a harrowing personal journey that keeps us in deep sympathy all of the way ” ■ “Despite strong lead performance, uneven redemption tale stumbles and ultimately fails to soar ”
ALSO OUT
■ Documentary FIRE IN THE BLOOD tells how Western pharmaceutical companies and governments blocked access to low-cost AIDS drugs for the developing world, causing 10 million or more unnecessary deaths, and the improbable people who decided to fight back ■ Set in 1939, when the King and Queen of England visited upstate New York, HYDE PARK ON THE HUDSON looks at the love affair between Franklin Roosevelt and his distant cousin Margaret Stuckley Directed by Roger Michell; starring Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Williams.
ANTIVIRAL Syd March is an employee at a clinic that sells injections of live viruses harvested from sick celebrities to obsessed fans. When he becomes infected with the disease that kills super sensation Hannah Geist, he must unravel the mystery surrounding her death before he suffers the same fate
■ MOVIE 43 is a compendium of "shockingly offensive" comedy skits made by 12 directors which takes its influence from The Kentucky Fried Movie Stars taking part include Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Richard Gere, Uma Thurman, Halle Berry and Naomi Watts To win two tickets to the Odeon Brighton send answer to the following question to: Gscene Film Competition, 111 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1DD: Who directed The Kentucky Fried Movie?
JANUARY COMPETITION: Victor Hugo.
COMICS
I thought I would take the time to show some Green Lantern love and explain what’s been happening in the comics before I do a review of the latest crossover next month, Rise of the Third Army.
Since his debut in Showcase #22 back in 1959, Hal Jordan has had a rollercoaster of a career. Being the Earth’s first member of the Green Lantern Corps (an interstellar police force) and obtaining his power ring from one of its most respected members, Hal has had a lot to live up to When his home of Coast City was destroyed and all of its 7 million inhabitants murdered by the Cyborg Superman and the villainous Mongul, Hal snapped and attempted to recreate the city with his power ring.
After being accused of abusing his power, Hal is brought to the Green Lantern Corps’ home world of Oa to stand trial, where he murders all but one of the Guardians (creators of the Corps) and proceeds to absorb all the power from the central battery (the item that gives the Green Lantern rings their power) He slowly goes insane, renames himself Parallax and attempts to recreate the universe in his own image After being defeated by the heroes of Earth, Hal realises his error and ultimately gives his life to reignite our Sun which was dying at the time
Realising that Hal Jordan needed to be brought back from the dead, now-superstar writer Geoff Johns pitched an idea to get Hal back and also a way to re-establish the Green Lantern Corps as a major power in the DC Universe again. Bringing on board the very talented artist Ethan Van Sciver, the story was told in the Green Lantern Rebirth miniseries back in 2004 and was met with critical and fan-based acclaim Using the basis that Parallax was in fact the cosmic entity of fear, Johns described how Parallax possessed Hal when he was at his lowest; after the destruction of Coast City It was actually Parallax who had murdered the Guardians and the Corps as revenge for keeping it imprisoned within the central battery. This retcon paved the way for Hal to battle his inner demons and banish both Parallax and his newest incarnation as the Spectre (God’s own spirit of vengeance) from his body which had been preserved at the heart of the Sun since his heroic death. With Hal and the three other human Green Lanterns now rocking their rings again, Johns also set about restoring the Corps and establishing new concepts such as the Emotional Spectrum and the Blackest Night prophecy, which was based around a throwaway line back in Alan Moore’s short story Tygers which predicted the final destruction of the Corps
If you fancy catching up before my Rise of the Third Army review next month then here are some stories that defiantly need a read: Blackest Night, Sinestro Corps War, Brightest Day, War of the Green Lanterns and Emerald Twilight. Enjoy!
GAMES
Being the first new console released in the last six years, the Wii U, Nintendo’s 7th console, may have a lot to live up to It’s the first console of the new gaming generation to be released, a good year before Sony and Microsoft The Wii U could be another phenomenon like the Wii or it could be another Virtual Boy Let’s looks at the facts: it’s as powerful as the Xbox 360 and the PS3 which makes the Wii U the first true HD Nintendo console with 1080p output and has 2GB of memory dedicated to its operating system.
The Wii U was released in two versions: the basic white version with 8GB of internal flash storage and the deluxe black version, which is £50 more and has 32GB of flash storage as well as a pointless stand. What causes the Wii U to stand out from the crowd is its radical new controller which looks and acts like a touch screen tablet; think an iPad with analogue sticks and buttons It’s a genius idea that might seem to be the work of a mad man but having a second screen that you can transfer your game to if someone wants to use the TV means the gaming never stops
The tablet screen can also be used for other nifty things, such as in Zombi U (the Wii U’s stand-out launch game) where you can use the second screen to input numbers into a keypad on a locked door whilst being chased down by zombies. It’s a fantastic feature that proves the tablet is brilliant if used well, though sadly not all launch games use the second screen as inventively as Zombi U does. However, it can be forgiven as the console is only three months old and developers sometimes need time to get used to a systems features.
On the subject of games, most of the launch games were a bit of a let down Where Zombi U, New Super Mario Bros U and Monster Hunter 3 are all stellar first party launch titles, the rest of the launch line-up are sadly third party games that you can find on other titles like Assassins Creed 3, Arkham City and Mass Effect 3. Whilst they all play and look fantastic, they annoyingly don’t use the main draw of the Wii U (its tablet) to its fullest potential, making it a map or inventory screen. What makes the Wii U more of a gaming system than the Wii is the fact that it has got rid of the motion control and gone back to the classic sit down and play model that works so well.
After all that information you ’ re probably wondering if you should buy one The answer is, not yet Give it time to settle in and find its place in the world The Wii U has amazing potential and will no doubt prove itself to be a fantastic home console eventually
More reviews on Craig’s blog: www.redbarrels.net
EPISODE 5 BY CARL OPREY
Michael had been waiting on the line at Bracewell Mortgage Solutions for two minutes and fifty seconds. At three minutes exactly, it autodialled another stored number and a different client appeared on his screen.
Bracewell had halved its workforce as it tried to claw back repayments on the 100% mortgages touted only a year before. Now, only Michael and Andy Maddow, a skunksmoking technician, remained from the old gang
As sole survivors of the cull, they’d become friendlier and Andy was the only other person who knew about Tracy’s plan to bribe Sean Over the past few weeks, Michael had shown him Tracy’s internet findings and had a discussion about them on the lunch-wall in the car park. Michael said Tracy now wanted to doorstep Sean Matthews at the hospital when he got back from his honeymoon. Andy thought they were both nuts.
“You’ll end up as someone ’ s bitch in prison,’ Andy said, ‘cleaning showers and doing special favours in women ’ s underwear.”
An old client, Mr Gunner, picked up on the other end of the phone “Mr Gunner? Michael at Bracewell How are you today?”
“I haven’t got it,” the voice said “I’ve lost my job ”
“Mr Gunner, we have to come to some sort of arrangement ” Michael heard a baby crying as he scanned the Gunner file on his screen. The child, Charlie, their fourth, would be nearly one, Michael remembered authorising a drawdown in time for his birth. A drawdown, which later became a debt; a debt that now had to be repaid. A door slammed somewhere in the background and the baby stopped crying. “If it’s anything like the arrangements you ’ ve already made, you can just fuck off,” Mr Gunner said “Listen, I’m trying to save your home here ” The line went dead Michael leant back in his chair, folded his arms behind his head and glanced across the sea of half-full workstations At the far end of the hangar a huge clock told the time in AM and PM for different shifts. There were no windows to give any other clues as to the time of day.
An instant message from Andy popped up onto Michael’s screen. He looked over at Andy’s workstation and saw his head was below the monitor. Andy shielded his screen like this whenever he watched porn or did a foreigner, all things he could firewall away from the IT department and the roaming supervisors Andy lifted his head and pointed down at Michael’s terminal, drawing a square in mid-air with his fingers Michael opened the email from Andy
and clicked on a link. There was a single red ‘enter’ button and above it, in capitals, the words SEAN MATTHEWS Michael looked over his partition towards Andy, who stood giving him the thumbs-up Michael shrugged and held out his arms “What the fuck is this?”, he mouthed Andy drew another square in the space between them and pressed an imaginary button in its centre
Michael hesitated, he’d been sent things by Andy before. Flashing anal sex pictures he’d attached loud fanfare soundtracks which Michael couldn’t turn off. Andy watched as the supervisors tried to kill the link and everyone else fell about laughing. When they’d finally traced the link, Andy was merely ether. Andy drew another square and then prayed, moving his steepled hands down in front of his face Michael clicked the link and leaned his head away from the monitor An image of Sean Matthews appeared next to three separate folders Michael clicked the first and an image of Sean’s hospital ID card sprung open, next to some photographs of him as a teenager He clicked the second folder: Matthews, SD/1 and another window headed DONORS expanded across the screen. Michael selected a name at random from the first ten. He clicked on a movie file Andy had named ‘I wonder if this is your brother’. A video popped up of a teenage, pierced goth, performing in a thrash rock band in what appeared to be a deconsecrated church. When Michael looked up again he saw Andy at the other end of the work pool punching the air with his fist
In the lunch hour, Michael and Andy argued as they straddled the wall of the Bracewell car park Eventually, Andy called a truce
“Well, what’s your game plan? You’ve got to have a game plan, Michael What do want from this guy?”
“Tracy thinks she can make him give us money. ”
“Okay. That sounds good. We like money. ”
“She said in that letter that I’m the tip of the iceberg.”
“Which you are, yes?”
“But I don’t want to be the tip of the iceberg, Andy ”
“You mean you ’ re not even curious?”
Michael thought for a moment and pulled his sandwich from his jacket pocket The plastic film had made it sweat
“Look,” Andy said, “ even terrorism’s online now If this Sean Matthew guy lays eyes on you he’ll have you arrested ”
Michael kicked the side of the wall with his heels. He felt he was at a point in his life where his needs and wants fought hourly for headspace. There was too much other stuff in the mix to process anything new. At first he
thought it was about being a 21-year-old A responsibility thing Then he thought it might be about fatherhood and rolled that word around in his head over and over again, until he became more frightened by its sound. Until last year the word hadn’t existed for him. Now, here is was, as the face of Sean Matthews, it was in the distance behind him and stretched way out in front as a prison sentence. Michael tossed away the sandwich Tracy had made for him the previous evening; its contents stained the white bread “It’s just scary you can get hold of that stuff so easily,” he said to Andy “Freedom of information, matey ” Andy pulled the meat from his own sandwich and threw the bread away “‘These days we ’ re all fuckin’ roadkill on the edge of the superhighway ” Andy laughed until it turned into a smoker’s cough It took Andy less than a week to make up the secret dossier on Sean Matthews using Tracy’s public search information. Somewhere, in the late 1970s, research called for a trial and the trial needed a donor. The scanned case file named the lab rat as the medical student, Sean Matthews. In only one week, Andy went a step further and liberated an entire database of donor siblings and adoptive names from the UCH mainframe “I just think that it’s wrong, ” Michael said, whispering without knowing why “You even sent me his birth certificate for fucksake ”
Andy shook his head “Some of us are actually excited about this stuff, Michael ” Andy leaned closer, lowering his voice “It’s all about online blackmail and embezzlement these days, they’re the new growth industries. Recession proof ” Andy took a half-smoked joint from his shirt pocket and stretched it out in front of Michael’s face. He sparked it up and took a hit. “Believe me Michael, this is a better way than just landing yourself on him.”
“You tell Tracy that.”
“Look, I’ll give you mates-rates You won’t have to pay me till it’s finished How about that?”
“How about what?”
“A site Something real to slap in his face Nice and anonymous ”
Andy inhaled the joint until his face grew crimson, then tossed the roach away “Give me a week and I’ll change your life And you don’t even have to make it live, you can just send the fucker the link.”
Andy’s enthusiasm began to worry Michael.
“You’ve given this a lot of thought, haven’t you?’
Michael said. He thought to himself a moment longer. “Nah.” he said, “‘It won’t work.”
“Oh, it’ll work,” Andy said, “Believe me, he’ll be throwing money at you after this ”
“After what?”
Andy slid off the wall and started to walk across the Bracewell car park
“You contact millions of people at the same time I’ve even bought a domain name for you ”
Michael followed him
“You did what?”
“Don’t worry it was only a tenner ”
“What domain name?” Andy climbed the steps and turned around at the doorway to Bracewell. He held out his arms victoriously, as addressing a rally. “Donor. Families. Reunited,” he said.
“I am bored with this road’ he said, “shall we sell the house and move?”
I had lived in the house for 23 years, he only eight, but I gave the suggestion a moment’s thought and said “Okay, let’s, why not!” It quickly became apparent that it was a great idea, choosing a home together, somewhere that we both liked. It’s not a decision that you really should make on impulse, but in fact on reflection it wasn’t that impulsive, as I too had become tired of the neighbourhood. Despite the fact that it is, roughly, 40% gay and several well meaning people are trying to engender a community spirit, it was time to seek pastures new – easy, or so we thought
It had been at least two decades since I put my toe in Brighton’s rather murky property pool Many things have changed, although estate agents are still the same charming, sharp suited, good looking, personable rogues that they always were Today we have the internet, all properties that are for sale are on one of the two major sites, so do we really need estate agents? Well not really but they are so ingrained into our psyche that we automatically rush into their open arms when we think about moving house.
You can almost see the pound signs in their eyes when they queue to value your home “This is one of the most sought after addresses in Brighton” they pronounce, (where isn’t I wondered), “this road is positively Islington-on-Sea, we’ll sell this house in a matter of days, no problem ” It’s all too exciting, I had to have a cup of
tea, (well okay a large gin), when he told me the very minimum sum that we should expect “This is the perfect time to sell, the markets are very active, this house will present no problems,” we were told We will obviously be moving to a large detached house set in rolling parkland. Or maybe not.
And so we ’ re on the market, let the fun begin. Putting your home up for inspection by strangers is a very strange experience, but believing in presentation we spent hours tidying up and cleaning those little nooks and crannies that hadn’t seen a duster for ages
Viewings were slow to start with but soon picked up and it quickly became apparent that the vast majority of prospective buyers are women, not a man in sight Without exception they all wanted to install a new kitchen and bathroom, although there is nothing much wrong with either that a fresh coat of paint would not put right.
Then we had several with two or more children and needed at least three bedrooms; we have a two bedroom house, why are they wasting everyone ’ s time? But still they come; none have enough money or hadn’t sold their existing home Everyone wants to live in “the most popular road in Brighton” but want to pay the price of an out of town bungalow There are plenty of great properties at very reasonable prices in the outer suburbs of Saltdean, Woodingdean and Patcham, but none in Islington-on-Sea
“I had to have a cup of tea, (well okay a large gin), when he told me the ver y minimum sum that we should expect”
All this was quite a revelation, the ‘expert’s’ opinion seems to have been just a little exaggerated or perhaps it wasn’t. A quick search proved that we were not asking above the average, so what is the problem? The agents were on the case Reduce the price was the answer as far as they were concerned Obviously, if you want to sell something quickly have a special offer They, the estate agents, needless to say, want a sale to get their hands on their 1.5% commission, which could result in a very tasty £5,000. We did feel somewhat bullied by constantly being told that we must reduce the price when the same people had told us what the price should be. We resisted these regular comments being quite determined to accept the original advice and stick to our guns
All this is fine but are there any houses that we would like to buy? The answer in short is a resounding no The few houses we actually liked were way out of our, quite respectable, budget The few we did see were perfectly presentable but all needed, in our opinion, improvements. So we were in a way hoist with our own petard. In other words we wanted to change other people’s properties as much as others wanted to change ours, this is the way of the world. We decided not to waste people’s time by looking at houses when we hadn’t sold ours; that doesn’t appear to deter prospective purchasers though
The next phase in the dog eat dog world of estate agents is that soon after we had started the process we had several contacts from rival agents wanting to sell the house The big mistake we had appeared to make was to give the original charming young man exclusive or sole agency which meant that we were tied to them for many weeks... too many weeks. When signing the contract I had failed to spot this clause, so I hurriedly called and amended this excessive period but still felt just a little conned. But where was the problem, they were going to sell the house in a matter of minutes
Four months later and still no one wants to buy our bijou town house As we don’t actually have to sell we ’ ve decided to stop, take it off the market, paint all the rooms dazzling white or at least a tasteful shade thereof and try again next year. Although several ‘experts’ had told us that we need not redecorate as the new owners would invariably want to decorate it in their own taste. All this has been a salutatory experience, the moral being don’t believe what the experts tell you, stick to your guns and have patience, lots of it
Watch this space, the year is young and we are told that the market is really picking up, which it is if you believe what you ’ re told
Check out Cardome‘ s large selection of Valentine’s cards at shop (47a St James’ St, Brighton, 01273 692916) or online at www.cardome.co.uk
COSY UP WITH PROWLER
By now, you will have hopefully recovered from the partying and goings-on that the festive season has to throw at you If you ’ re still not ready to hit the town again with a vengeance, the gang at Prowler Brighton have a great offer to help keep you company indoors
There’s a bumper batch of special price BelAmi DVD titles, including plenty which show the boys being less than pure and wholesome! For starters, you may want to check out Skin on Skin (1-5), Dirty Secrets, More Than You Can Handle, Cocky Friends and Anytime Anywhere (we like the sound of that!). Take your pick from films including Dolph Lambert, Kris Evans, Luke Hamill, Kevin Warhol, Todd Rosset and many others from the BelAmi camp
Polar Bear Eraser, £7.50 (This Is Not a Butcher's, 28 Bond St, Brighton, 01273 327796)
AussieBum Underwear, £20; Bluebuck Underwear from £18; Valentine's Cards, £2.50 (Prowler, 112 St James' St, Brighton, 01273 683680)
Prowler is selling these special titles for an incredible £12.99 each, or three for just £30 Don’t forget there are other special offers on a massive number of DVDs from other porn studios as well, so get your feet up and enjoy!
BEL AMI DVD COMPETITION
One lucky Gscene reader has the chance to win three of the BelAmi special offer DVDs, simply by answering the following question: On which street is Prowler Brighton located?
Send your answer on a postcard (including your contact details) to BelAmi DVDs Competition, Gscene Magazine, 111 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1DD.
(Please note a prize-winner letter will be sent for the prize to be collected in person, as due to legal restrictions R18 films cannot be posted within the UK)
Titles included in offer: Anytime Anywhere, Back in Africa, Cocky Friends, Dirty Secrets, Huge, Irresistible, Jim, Kinky Angels, Kris & Dolph, Kris Evans Up & Close, More Than You Can Handle, Sex Appeal, Skin On Skin (1-5), Todd & Dolph, Too Big To Fail, Virgin No More 3
CRAIG’S THOUGHTS HISTORY
NO MORE ACE TO PLAY? OR: TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
BY CRAIG HANLON-SMITH
Our love is history, I’m gonna [sic] burn the letters you ’ ve been sending me (burn ‘ em up, burn ‘ em up, burn ‘ em, burn ‘ em, burn ‘ em up) sang an all but forgotten Dutch pop trio, Mai-Tai, on their 1985 hit History. The ex-lover is toast, but more illuminating and arresting is the future promise to build a love poetry bonfire in his/her honour. How we respond to the end of a relationship in the present, can often say much more about our character than the many chapters from the partnership’s history
New York graffiti artist Keith Haring said; “I'd like to pretend that I've never seen anything, never read anything, never heard anything and then make something ”
Recognising the impossibility of this, Haring goes on to clarify that; “Every time I make something I think about the people who are going to see it and every time I see something, I think about the person who made it.” Everything today is touched by the art, literature, architecture, fashion, politics, economics and social developments of yesteryear Making [something] now is touched by that which has gone before, experiencing now similarly so Haring’s statement however describes a historical context that is absolutely set in the present and in our future choices
Haring himself, whether he would want to be or not, is part of our gay cultural heritage, perhaps unfairly so because he lost his battle with HIV/AIDS in February 1990 I am therefore thrilled to discover, via my 12-year-old nephew, that Keith Haring is part of the current art teaching curriculum in our UK schools in 2013. Although touched, influenced and informed by the past – very much the present and future. The excitement is even greater considering the introduction of Section 28 in 1988 at the height of Haring’s creative output, personal health battles and simultaneous international HIV/AIDS hysteria, which would have precluded the teaching of artists such as Haring in our schools in the late 1980s and well into the 1990s Section 28 more specifically outlined that local authorities should not ‘promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship’ The vague nature of the clause ensured that many groups and organisations closed or limited activities through selfcensorship and often fear of government recrimination The work of Keith Haring (for example) would have been left well alone The work too closely connected to his homosexuality and unfortunate death at the hands of the then dubbed gay-plague.
LGBT History Month (UK) in its present form is inextricably linked to Section 28 in that the reason we celebrate our past, present and future in February, is to mark the abolition of Section 28 in that same month in 2005. It is also worth noting that David Cameron voted against the abolition of Section 28 accusing the government at the time of being sidetracked by a minorities agenda. In his present championing of gay marriage he freely admits that in the past he had been wrong and we should be allowed an opportunity to change our minds in the future
The actor and writer, Rupert Everett, recently described in a BBC interview Oscar Wilde’s story as the beginning of the gay movement in
public It’s not unreasonable to argue that the reason Wilde continues to feature so significantly in our national history, but perhaps more particularly our gay history, is his presence in our present Wilde’s plays continue in production around the world, particularly in the UK, and in the past twenty years have been filmed starring currently ‘in vogue ’ performers reaching young and old audiences alike. The aspects of his life story which led to his social and career downfall in the mid1890s were committed to film and are currently in discussion through the West End hit The Judas Kiss with Everett in the central role.
I am often humbled by the stories from our national history, and whilst I do not suggest for one moment that our present lives are smooth and without struggle, I often struggle with the relevance of our contemporary fights The futility of war was echoed through the warpoets of the early twentieth century and yet in the almost one-hundred years since we have, as an international community, continued to evade diplomacy, invade foreign lands and slaughter hundreds, thousands and in total, millions of people in the process Political pundits often look back and marvel at the ability of former Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who kept us out of the Vietnam War. And yet, in the present we continue to fight a war that is stateless, often against an almost virtual but certainly faceless enemy and is often compared to the struggles of Vietnam some forty years ago. What have we really learned in the present from the past?
“How many gay men and women in for ty years’ time will look back upon our lives and at the sacrifices and changes we fought for and thank us for our effor ts?”
I’m equally humbled by our LGBT history and the achievements of both communities and individuals that have paved the way for our current journeys But what of now? As the debates leading towards another Pride season begin to rear their heads, how many of us are thinking of the future past and the potential legacy we will leave in our trail? For be sure that we will leave one How many gay men and women in forty years ’ time will look back upon our lives and at the sacrifices and changes we fought for and thank us for our efforts? Indeed, what are our contemporary efforts? Our internal struggles as a gay community (if there still is one) seem to centre around scene personalities, irrelevant community names and ‘hotties’ in the place of community leaders. Indeed we even reward examples of the former with colour copied certificates in photo frames; but for what end? And whether or not we should pay for a party in a park or roll over for corporate sponsorship is the least of our worries. We are a major European country that is now falling behind on the issue of same-sex marriage and therefore equality. Great swathes of the United States are now leaping ahead on this issue and we allow our politicians to still debate the possibility Politicians that you, I, we elected Or are you ‘not guilty’ as did you not even bother to open your front door on Election Day? But you did complete the online form to elect ‘Best Gay Sauna & Cock of the Year’ How will we explain that to the future historians?
Oscar Wilde said of the past: “Most modern calendars mar the sweet simplicity of our lives by reminding us that each day that passes is the anniversary of some perfectly uninteresting event.” It is up to us to make the present and therefore future past an interesting event worthy of remembrance. Get up off your disco ass and do something, or at the very least say to yourself, every time I make something I think about the people who are going to see it and every time I see something, I think about the person who made it
100 YEARS OF GAY ACHIEVEMENTS
In the last 100 years a lot has happened in the gay world Here are some moments I want share:
1913: The British Society for the Study of Sex Psychology was founded by a group of theorists and activists, with Edward Carpenter as president. Carpenter believed that homosexuality was the third sex and also lived openly with his lover George Merrill. The group included such prominent individuals as George Cecil Ives, Montague Summers, Stella Browne, Laurence Housman, Havelock Ellis, George Bernard Shaw, and Ernest Jones This group wanted to fight the legal discrimination of homosexuality 1921: The Criminal Law Amendment Act was amended in the House of Commons to include a section to make sexual ‘acts of gross indecency’ between women illegal The House of Commons passed the law, but was defeated in the House of Lords and never became law 1932: Sir Noel Coward wrote Mad About The Boy which was about homosexual love. However the song was deemed to be so risqué that it was sung by a woman at the 1932 revue.
1939–1945: From the five million men who served during WW2, it’s estimated that 250,000 were gay or bisexual. These projections are based on the 1990-91 National Survey of Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles. 1954: Alan Turing, the mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst and computer scientist committed suicide. Turing was prosecuted in 1952 for being homosexual and accepted chemical castration rather than going to prison Also by the end of this year in England and Wales, there were 1,069 men in prison for homosexuality
1957: The Report of the Committee on Homosexual Offences & Prostitution (Wolfenden Report) was published which advised the British Government that homosexuality should not be illegal 1967: Ten years on from the Wolfenden Report, MP Leo Abse introduced the Sexual Offences Bill 1967 Once passed the Act decriminalised homosexual acts between two men over the age of 21.
1972: The first UK Gay Pride Rally was held in London and the first gay newspaper, Gay News, was founded.
1989: Stonewall UK was set up to oppose Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988.
Section 28 had stated that a local authority ‘shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality’ or ‘promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship’
2000: The Labour Government scraps the policy of barring homosexuals from the armed forces
2001: The age of consent for homosexuals is lowered to 16 Consensual group sex for gay men is also decriminalised.
2004: The Civil Partnership Act is passed by the Labour Government. The Gender Recognition Act is also passed.
2005: The first Civil Partnership took place on December 5 between Matthew Roche and Christopher Cramp in Worthing, West Sussex.
2012: The Coalition Government commits to legislate for gay marriage by 2015.
2013: The Anglican Church lifts the ban on gay men in civil partnerships becoming bishops Unfortunately these men would have to repent having gay sex and promise to remain celibate
I hope that in another 100 years people will look back and still acknowledge all the people that helped to shape the world of equality that we seem to have achieved
A SOUTH COA ST FAERIE [HI]STORY
Children! Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin Once upon a time many years ago in America, a little Faerie called Walter was born into a hostile world It was a time of fools in old style hats and coats who half the time were soppystern, and half at one another’s throats! Walter was a nature-loving Faerie and his nature was to love. His world disapproved of his kind of love, but to him it was quite natural. He wrote poems about nature and was brave enough to write about the nature of his kind of love. No-one had done this before. He published his poems and his countrymen thought them crude and disgusting.
However, here in England, one little Faerie, called Edward, [who had been born in Brighton then moved to Leeds], read the poems and they sang to his soul He loved the poems so much that he set sail to meet Walter to see and touch him in the flesh! He thought, “If one Faerie can dare to put into words what it is like to love like a Faerie then so can I!” Edward was very knowledgeable having studied at a very important university. He wrote a book about Faerie-love. He wanted to help people understand that to love like a Faerie was not something evil or corrupt but a very natural thing indeed. Faerie-lovers needed help to heal their broken wings and their woundedness from years of bullying and fear of imprisonment. At that time a very theatrical, flamboyant, Faerie called Oscar (who had also visited Walter) was discovered to have been indiscreetly loving like a Faerie and was sent to hard labour imprisonment which broke his soul
By some miracle of Faerie-magic Edward was able to publish his book, living [openlyish] with a number of Faerie-lovers in Leeds, and managed to narrowly escape prosecution by the authorities for what was seen by many at the time as an obscene publication A copy of his book found its way to a library back in America where a little Faerie called Harry [who had been born in Worthing] discovered it peeping out at him from a locked glass cabinet. As only a little Faerie could, he persuaded the lady librarian that she could lose her stern look by popping down the hair salon for a Marcel Wave perm whilst he looked after the library As soon as she left he grabbed the secret key to the locked bookcase of forbidden books She returned hours later to find little Harry engrossed in the book of Faerie-love From this day forward Harry knew he was not the only Faerie and he determined to fight against the persecution of Faerie-lovers He gathered a group of like-minded men Some thought the best way to fight persecution would be to convince the law-makers that we were just like them only a bit different Harry said “No! Faeries have a purpose! We are special! We need to cultivate our specialness and heal our woundedness in Sanctuary by exposing our vulnerabilities to each other in Heart Circle. In this way our kind of love can transform the world!”
Three years ago a little Faerie called Mushroom (who lives in Brighton) discovered and healed bruised and battered Faerie-wings through Heart Circle at Faerie Sanctuary feeling much gratitude to Harry, Edward, Oscar and Walter Mushroom really does wish that there had been Faerie Hi[Stories] like this at nursery school Who knows? Perhaps, some day, there will be!
Walt Whitman (1819-1892), Edward Carpenter (1844-1929), Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), Harry Hay (1912-2002), Faerie Mushroom (1960-)
SPOUTING OFF!
THREATS TO HUMANITY BY DR
KEITH
SHARPE, CHANGING ATTITUDE SUSSEX
Joseph Ratzinger, aka Pope Benedict, has been at it again. The man who has spent decades attacking LGBT people as ‘intrinsically disordered’ and having an ‘inherent tendency to evil’ has now denounced gay marriage as a step which will ‘destroy the very essence of the human creature‘
A couple of years back the Pope used his annual Christmas message to declare that LGBT people were more of a threat to the future of humanity than the disappearance of the rain forests. It does strike one as bit surprising, not to say sinister or sick, that this individual who claims to be Christ’s vicar on Earth chooses the occasion of his Christmas message to lash out at a vulnerable minority group time and time again. Is this really what the message of Christmas is about? Shouldn’t he be saying something more about joy, peace and goodwill to all men (and women)? If he has to focus on something more troubling, are there not more serious problems facing humanity than a few gay people who love each other getting married? Is he not concerned about malnutrition, poverty and hunger, environmental pollution, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, pandemics, fiscal cliffs and the like? No, apparently not Joseph Ratzinger has such a pronounced lifelong obsession with gayness that it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the lady doth protest too much The unfortunate fact is that unlike other ladies who protesteth too much, this protesting lady is in a position to do incalculable damage to the lives of LGBT people around the world. Every time he indulges in an ill-tempered outburst of this kind he gives succour to homophobes, haters and gay bashers all around the world.
“The Pope went on to say that gay marriage, like abor tion and euthanasia, is a threat to world peace”
In defiance of all the evidence, the Pope believes that a person ’ s gender identity is God-given and unchangeable. As a result, he claims gay marriage as a ‘manipulation of nature’. He observes: “People dispute the idea that they have a nature, given to them by their bodily identity, that serves as a defining element of the human being... They deny their nature and decide that it is not something previously given to them, but that they make it for themselves The manipulation of nature, which we deplore today where our environment is concerned, now becomes man ’ s fundamental choice where he himself is concerned ”
It’s not the clearest statement that a world figure has ever made but you get the gist Gay marriage is a very bad thing and gay people are very bad people because they deliberately flout God’s will for them to be normal according to the genitals He equipped them with Just in case you have not fully grasped just how terrible he thinks same-sex unions are he went on to say that gay marriage, like abortion and euthanasia, is a threat to world peace. A threat to world peace? How on earth can this absurd assertion be justified? Has His Holiness taken leave of his senses? This time he seems to have gone beyond the bounds of normal discourse and have been carried away by his own rhetoric. It is frankly impossible to engage in any kind of dialogue with such ridiculous hyperbole
It is perhaps significant that the Pope makes no reference to the experience of those countries which have had gay marriage for some time Has the peace of Canada for example be threatened? His main concern seemed to be to mobilise Catholic opposition in countries about to legalise it such as Britain and France. Thus we have had copycat speeches from senior Roman Catholic figures in this country. The Archbishop of Westminster, whose own instincts are actually liberalish, nevertheless felt obliged to play monkey to the Roman Catholic organ grinder and repeat the attack during his own Christmas message. And then the RC Bishop of Shrewsbury launched a ferocious attack on the Coalition Government for its plans to introduce marriage equality. He likened these plans to the way the Nazis and the Communists tried to undermine religion
The outrageousness of the Pope’s ludicrous statement was subsequently lampooned by The Spoof (www thespoof com), which I have reproduced below for your enjoyment:
‘Leading Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender leaders have caused outrage amongst the world's 'Roman Catholics' by claiming that Catholics "aren't fully developed as human beings".
In a continuation of a verbal campaign which has seen the LGBT community single out 'Catholic' teaching as uniquely dangerous, including claims that 'Catholics' "threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself," a spokesperson added, "Catholics deny their nature and decide that it is not something previously given to them, but that they make it for themselves. Using the pernicious teachings of the Catholic church "
The immensely wealthy but secretive 'Catholic community' is led by an elderly figure known as 'The Pope' Known for wearing gender ambiguous clothing, jewellery, and for once being a member of the Hitler Youth, the 'Pope' and his followers eschew heterosexual relations, and won't admit women to their reclusive order
Most recently, one of the Pope's key lieutenants, the 'Bishop of Shrewsbury' likened attempts by the British Government to offer LGBT people the same marriage rights as heterosexual or transgender people, with the policies of the Nazis. The 'Bishop', explained aides, "could have been off school with a note the day that they did The Holocaust" (a period in which tens of thousands of LGBT people were tortured to death or summarily executed). Later the Bishop's superior in the local cell or 'Diocese', the 'Archbishop of Birmingham', claimed that LGBT couples attempting to bring up children could damage those children. Observers have found these comments curious given the worldwide scandal around the Catholic Church's historical involvement in child abuse Victims of that abuse still claim to have received scant apology, and suspicions continue to circulate about the role of senior Catholic leaders in covering it up
Significantly, these latest remarks from senior 'Catholics' come at an important point in the year for the community - 'Christmas' Christmas is understood to be a celebration of the birth of a legendary figure whose principal teachings focused on the intrinsic value of all human beings and the preeminence of love, tolerance and understanding. When we contacted the Pope's office, at his $15 billion hideout, 'The Vatican', we were told that no-one was available for comment. Later however, there were unconfirmed sightings of an elderly man in a dress on a balcony speaking in a language no-one understands.’
OPEN AND WELCOMING CHURCHES
At the next meeting of Changing Attitude Sussex on Thursday, March 7 at 8pm at St George’s Church, Kemptown The Rev Sharon Ferguson, CEO of the Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement, will talk about the place of LGBT People in the churches and present a film about Troy Perry who founded the Metropolitan Community Church
Changing Attitude Sussex is committed to telling the truth about Christian teaching on homosexuality, and works for the full inclusion of LGBT people in every province of the Anglican Communion and more widely in all Christian Churches. For more info please visit www.changingattitudesussex.com and www.thegaygospels.com
0.02gms OF NaCl
My grandmother, who once crossed Africa on a Penny Farthing, told me that all history was bunk, apart from the bits she’d made up herself and even that was to be taken with a pinch of salt Stories or books that contained no lies were simply tedious to her After a brief affair with a Masai warrior named Miterienanka she spent a few months hunting hippos from a coracle on Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley and pondered that until the creatures themselves learned to write, their history would always be written by hunters. She came back from her journey with a huge scar from a hippo attack; “ you should have seen him”, she would say laughing, wheezing, then spitting with an unnerving accuracy onto the slightly singed picture of Franco that she kept on the mantel while the pilot light of memory flickered in her eyes
One of my earliest memories is that Sunday morning wash down of the hearth and blacking of the grate, each precious object taken down and dusted, the ashes swept clean as she sighed and exposed the carving under the grate ‘take from the stories of the past the fire - not the ashes’ it said. The huge iron work combined hearth, mantel and oven daubed with black-lead and polished till it gleamed like a miner’s lust.
My grandmother would combine this ritual with one of her many stories, each one full of ponderous detail and unlikely passion and drilled through with a rapier like moral which she would thrust at you, along with a toasting fork and a shamelessly buttered muffin, failing to grasp either would have you banished to the coal bunker to gather the grit with a thimble She was a Legend, which in her own definition was a lie that has attained the dignity of age
I would often take down one of her knickknacks and ask her about it. She would smile, settle down into her chair, smoothing down her housecoat and adjusting her amber inlaid wooden leg carved, so she told, from the ruins of a palace in Prussia by the poet son of Rommel whom she’d spent many a happy hour discussing Elizabeth Bishop with who she had also met whilst soothing Louise Crane’s broken heart in France, and then start her story, muttering soft asides about history just being an accomplished gossip, or historians being too busy in their books to see the passion of a life well lived, busy that it whitewashing boils and polishing halos “Facts” she would spit, “they are like salt, too much of them and you ruin the flavour of the tale ”
She blamed Franco for a lot of things, having lost the first man who loved her to the Battle for Madrid. Llewellyn had joined the Brigadas Internacionales and gone to fight the fascists, and my grandmother had gone with him as she took a rather dim view of Fascists herself and took the news of his death with all the fortitude of a woman born in the Valleys. She often told me that love was like history, and every time it repeated itself the price went up.
The day before she disappeared, after releasing her prize show budgerigar collection out into the wild and smashing every window in Pastor Jones Chapel she sent me a post card She’d written: “Wyr of mine, the best memories are of moments that ended when they should have I’m off to Fray Bentos to call in a loan Twll dîn pob Sais!” Which (very roughly) translates as: be exquisite and never explain
MAKING A CONTRIBUTION?
Do you ever wonder how the history books will remember us in centuries to come? As we enter LGBT History Month, I think about my own contributions to society and without having too many ‘delusions of grandeur’ I wonder if I will contribute to gay history in some small way What have I done for gay history so far and what am I yet to do?
At 34 years old, you could say that I’ve had plenty of time already. I couldn’t believe it when I found out that I’m almost the exact same age as an institute that has already made quite an impact on both gay history and my own life: the gay chorus! Yes, the world’s first group of this kind, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, was formed in the same month and year as my birth, October 1978
But will gay choruses stand the test of time, or will they become a minor footnote in gay history? Arguably, gay and/or lesbian choirs have already made a huge impact on the world There is the positive influence on the lives of their members but also through contributions to the performing arts, the wider community and to charity; many gay choruses (including our own Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus) are even registered charities themselves In short, gay choruses give gay people a voice, and that is surely what LGBT history is all about.
But how else can I personally fit into gay history? As a writer? As one of the scriptwriters for our chorus, I (along with my writing colleagues) always aim for positive portrayals of gay characters and relationships: having something to say to the world whilst depicting gay people with honesty, humour and warmth. When writing articles such as this, I aim to engage whoever the reader may be, LGBT or straight, with honest observations of the world around me
Which brings me to potentially my biggest contribution to LGBT history: I am a high school English teacher This may seem a strange point, as teaching is arguably not a ‘ gay ’ contribution to society Like many teachers, I don’t even particularly broadcast my private life to my students, but many know I am a member of the chorus and it’s certainly not a secret. Yet, as a gay man, I am being a positive role model and making a difference to younger members of our society by educating them in a core subject.
Surely, this is the point. LGBT History Month is vital as it recognises our contributions, but we are in every walk of life and every occupation: teachers, writers, musicians, athletes, office workers, chief executives, parents, carers and so on. Therefore, all LGBT people contribute to our society in some way and that certainly seems worth celebrating
If you'd like more information about the BRIGHTON GAY MEN'S CHORUS, please visit www.brightongmc.org.
CHARLIE SAYS RIGHT TO KILL
THE RIGHT TO ARM
BEARS BY CHARLIE BAUER PhD
It’s been impossible not to feel the global hubris around the recent slaughter of innocents in Connecticut How easy it’s been to say in the aftermath of the horrors, that America have got it so very wrong about gun control and the freedom to bear arms How easy it’s been for us to judge and relate the madness of a single psychotic gunman against the National Rifle Association and come up with a flawed image of a nation and its constitution. And whenever we think of the NRA merely upholding their constitutional right, we have the audacity to then question what America thinks ‘freedom’ actually is.
I think perhaps it’s time we took an honest side step and think to how America became an armed nation in the first place For that we need to go beyond the romance culture that dictates that guns and money look somehow sexy together We need to have a brain amnesty within our own language with firearms, and what we all believe America to represent when it comes to them Maybe next time you pass Abercrombie & Fitch you’ll look beyond that enormous image of a naked male torso and replace it with the hunched, bloated figure of Ernest Hemingway with a rifle in his mouth It was, after all, at Abercrombie & Fitch that he purchased the gun he used to kill himself.
“It’s difficult not to draw parallels between urban gang and gun culture of the late 20th century, without also thinking of the real colonial roots of inter-racial gun crime”
This romanticism is where current British piety falls flat within our dangerous island mentality, particularly when we proudly state that our laws are set up so that the only gun on British soil would be an illegal one. In the distant past gentlemen dueled against each other and I say ‘gentlemen’ here because the lower classes used their fists. It was colonialism, again very much a class thing, that took this same firearm culture further afield, usually to places where unruly ‘natives’ refused to play ‘fair’ when it came to handing over their sovereignty and land That is, places like South Africa, New Zealand and the USA If ever the missionaries were taking their time utilising the calming methods of religion and spirituality then the seat of colonial power would then use firepower force to hasten things up Let’s face it time is, after all, money
I still find it hard to look at the paintings and etchings of partially clothed natives being handed government documents they can’t even read, in return for a share in what is their own sovereignty. These romantic gatherings always seem to obscure a very different landscape as they shield the body mounds in the burnt villages that lay far behind them. It’s no surprise that these so-called savage natives look so relieved. Probably because they’d never witnessed the new technology of a musket before It was in these exchanges that the first handover of firearms was instigated as an unwritten right to defend oneself from such atrocities like the one that had just taken place from ever happening again Don’t forget that selling someone their own freedom is the oldest trick in the book
At this point weaponry became a colonial tactic, which we have since renamed ‘ethnic cleansing’ It’s always been an inter-tribal catalyst with the knowledge that with one side fully armed it could only lead to a hasty defeat of the other The colonialists would just leave them to it and when they returned years later as a voice of reason within the mayhem, they could separate the warring tribes ‘peacefully’ thus taking control. Because of this tactic, it’s difficult not to draw parallels between urban gang and gun culture of the late 20th century, without also thinking of the real colonial roots of inter-racial gun crime.
Throughout these crazy colonial times it was important that Britain remained whiter than white as well as gun free The seat of colonial power would not tolerate the internal threat of the same ‘freedoms’ (dressed up as insurgent actions) coming from it’s own people as did the French, Spanish or some other neighbouring ‘liberated’ countries
Gun control in Britain was about keeping the monarchy safe Remember, the only guns on the streets were used exclusively by the upper classes and around issues of honor. It would much later that the working classes would be entrusted with firearm technology so that they could fight in the trenches to enable their own feelings of honour. When the war was over, the weapons went back into the toy box and the country was clean.
WW1, was not just the first modernist war, it was also the first postcolonial war The British weren’t gunning down unarmed natives with the latest technology in a jungle or desert anymore this was like-forlike with the old feuding tribes of the Northern European mainland When it came to matters of honour, the majority of the WW1 cannon fodder did not come from Sandhurst and they certainly weren’t ‘gentlemen ’
But whichever way we analyse what’s lead up to the latest atrocity let’s just remember that guns and firearms always emanate from some form of oppression. The same guns used in Connecticut also hail from a time of colonial force, which became translated into constitutional text as a ‘freedom’. And by stating it as a ‘freedom’ (second amendment) it meant that the individual citizen became culpable because they ultimately have the choice to bear arms. What this effectively does is pose the murdering of children, or anyone else, as a birthright by placing the onus back onto the citizen’s shoulders.
charliebauerphd blogspot co uk
BY MEG LEWIS (ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT)
HISTORY IN THE MAKINGINCREA SING LESBIAN VISIBILITY IN CAMBODIA
LGBT History Month is a time to reflect on the past, but it is also a time to remember that we are witnessing queer history in the making across the world. I lived and worked in Cambodia for three years and was fortunate enough to see an incredible shift in lesbian visibility during this time. Men in same-sex relationships are more visible, and to some degree more accepted in Cambodian communities This is partially due to HIV targeted responses aimed at men who have sex with men (MSM), and partially due to traditional gender roles
During my time in Cambodia, I worked with local and international LGBT volunteers to co-found Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK), a grassroots organisation that focusses on strengthening LGBT networks, community education and advocating for LGBT rights. I was privileged to work with inspiring activists, including Pheang Sanh, 57. Sanh identifies as a lesbian, but like many Cambodian lesbians believes she is both male and female. She says, “In my previous life, I was a girl and I died at age seven My previous parents did not love me as a daughter, so when I died, they wrapped me with a red mat and left me on the base of Rang (name of tree), located in a stream My spirit cried silently and wished that if I could be born again, I would be a boy whom my parents love ”
The main religion in Cambodia is Theravada Buddhism, and the teachings influence a wide range of beliefs in Cambodia It’s not unusual for queer sexual identities to be explained through past lives lived as the opposite gender, as illustrated in Sanh’s beliefs. Sanh has lived her whole life experiencing discrimination from her family and her community. Speaking about one relationship with a woman she said, “We were so afraid, we contemplated committing suicide.” Now she is trying to promote acceptance of lesbians in Cambodia so that the next generation does not have to suffer as she did.
With so many socio-economic problems present in Cambodia, some may say that focussing on the rights of women in same-sex relationships is of low importance But one could argue that the empowerment of a group that faces double discrimination due to their gender and their sexual orientation could be ground-breaking by challenging societal structures that favour both heterosexuality and patriarchy
Last year's report from the Institute of Development Studies and Pathways of Women's Empowerment found that “focusing on the positive aspects of female sexuality is a key strategy in challenging limiting social norms that restrict women's wellbeing and opportunities at work, in politics and in the public domain.”
It will take a long time for Sanh to reach her goal of a society that does not discriminate against LGBT people, but small changes are already visible and she remains hopeful that more changes are on the way
BRIGHTON & SUSSEX SEXUALITIES NETWORK (BSSN)
The BSSN is an inter-university research network aimed at supporting research and researchers who work on issues of human sexuality within the Universities of Brighton and Sussex and the wider Sussex area. We consist of community members and academics who have an interest in knowing about current sexualities research Email us at: bssn@brighton.ac.uk for more information
This month is LGBT History Month, with a mini festival, B Right On, curated by the wonderfully dynamic Vince Laws Vince is out and proud of his personal mental health history and is putting on loads of activities to involve as many of us as possible in creative ways to explore our, and others’, histories.
MindOut is involved in one or two, including the Human Library and our own Wellbeing Event on Saturday, February 23 (see below for details)
Reclaiming our histories can be important in how we understand our mental health, how
we recover from traumatic experiences and in how we relate to ourselves and to others Marj had suffered with depression for years, on and off she had found it a debilitating, limiting illness of which she was very ashamed. She told close friends about it, and her family knew, but it was not something she talked about much. She got by, she got support when she needed it.
Through her involvement with MindOut, she volunteered to be a ‘book’ in the Human Library As a ‘book’ she offered to talk to members of the public about her experience of depression, to answer questions, to help
MindOut goes West... & East
We at MindOut are very excited to have secured a further five years of funding from the Big Lottery Fund. This means MindOut can continue to provide quality advice and information, advocacy and offer peer support groups to LGBT people who experience mental health issues in Brighton & Hove. We are also extremely fortunate to have also secured funding for a brand new Wellbeing Project which will see MindOut moving outside of Brighton & Hove, bringing 13 years of experience, knowledge and skills in supporting LGBT people with mental health issues to LGBT communities in East and West Sussex
Our aims are:
• Better wellbeing and resilience within LGBT communities
• To lessen the social isolation experienced by many LGBT people who experience mental health issues
• Better support for LGBT people who experience suicidal distress
• Less stigma and better awareness of LGBT mental health issues
Simon Campbell, who has worked for MindOut for three years as a group worker, was appointed as our new Wellbeing Practitioner Over the next few months Simon will be engaging and consulting with LGBT communities to learn about the wellbeing needs of each of the respective communities. his role will cover in Brighton and Hove, East
and West Sussex. This will enable MindOut and Simon to deliver the type of support most needed in these areas. Some of the activities we are considering are peer support groups, peer education groups/workshops, campaigning events and wellbeing events
Simon said; “I am beyond excited about my new role with MindOut LGBT Mental Health Project I've already experienced a super three years with this dynamically great organisation that provides much needed services to the LGBT community. I am so privileged to working with and alongside emotionally intelligent, skilled and experienced colleagues. I am genuinely stoked at the prospect of my own continued involvement for many more years to come and at been given the opportunity to shape a brand new service as well as my own continued learning and development as a practitioner ”
the ‘reader’ gain more understanding and to discuss and dispel any prejudices they may have
Though at first she thought it was an odd concept, she went to a training session and joined a team of other ‘books’, some of whom she found fascinating, and it was good fun to work together
On the day, she was nervous, but once she had been ‘borrowed’ a couple of times she started to really enjoy it. People were so interested, keen to know how she managed, what she went through, grateful that she was being open. For some ‘readers’ she could almost see the changes in their thinking, how her story brought a human angle to a mental health diagnosis Most of the people she talked to had talked about mental health properly ever before
But the best thing for Marj, the best thing of all, was how it made her feel She felt that her problems with depression, of which she had been so ashamed, were of value, of interest, important, a learning tool, a part of her that could be useful. She felt proud of herself, proud that she had challenged her own sense of shame, proud that she had contributed to change in the lives of others. Her history could change the present.
MindOut SERVICES
MindOut provides free, independent mental health advice, information and advocacy. We also run a peer support group work service and activity groups for LGBT people with mental health issues
If you, or anyone you know, has mental health issues and you would like to talk in confidence to an ‘out’ LGBT mental health worker or would like to offer us your support, please contact us.
• 24hr confidential answerphone: 01273 234839
• Email: info@mindout.org.uk
• Website: www.mindout.org.uk
All MindOut services are free, confidential and non-judgemental
WELLBEING EVENT: MIND OUT FOR EACH OTHER
MindOut are thrilled to launch our brand new project in Brighton & Hove on Saturday, February 23. Drop in, tell us what you think, what you want and to try taster wellbeing sessions, from 11am–3pm at Community Base South Wing, Queens Road, Brighton The art collective The Norwich Dandies will also be there as part of the B.Right.On Festival
info@mindout.org.uk for more details.
SERVICES DIRECTORY
LGBT SERVICES
▼ ACCESS 4 ALL
LGBT disabled people’s forum Safe, welcoming, suppor t, activities, awareness Tel: 07981 170071 or access4all@fsmail net
▼ ANYTHING BUT
Youth social suppor t group for LGB or unsure under 26, every other Wed Tel: 01424 724150 or 01424 447033
▼ ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT
Drop in for LGBT or unsure young people under 26, Tues 5 30-8 30pm Tel: 01273 721211 or info@allsor tsyouth org uk, www allsor tsyouth org uk
▼ BRIGHTON & HOVE POLICE
Repor t all homophobic and transphobic incidents to:
• The Police 0845 6070999 (for emergencies 999) email: LGBT@sussex pnn police uk tweet: @policeLGBT
• Civilian LGBT caseworker Clare Brisco on 101 ext 50427 or 07769 162594
• or use True Vision self repor ting pack
▼ BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT S AFETY FORUM
Independent LGBT forum working with the Community to address and improve safety issues throughout Brighton & Hove info@lgbt-safety-forum-brighton com www.lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com
▼ BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SWITCHBOARD
Tel Helpline, Hate Crime repor ting, Counselling service, Proud2connect (relationship counselling in par tnership with Brighton Relate) www switchboard org uk/brighton
• Helpline from 5pm daily: Tel: 01273 204050
• Services info 01273 234009
• email brighton manager@switchboard org uk
• or brighton.admin@switchboard.org.uk
▼ BRIGHTON OURSTORY PROJECT
Oral history projects including shows, exhibitions, books, suppor t to researchers Tel: 01273 207757 or 01273 328592 or www brightonourstor y co uk
▼ BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE
Info, counselling, drop-in space, suppor t groups Tel: 01273 698036 or www.womenscentre.org.uk
▼ FTM BRIGHTON
Social/suppor t group for all female-to-male trans people Every 3rd Sat of month, 6–8pm, THT Office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, BN1 1AE Tel: 07504 652129 or F TMBrighton@hotmail co uk
▼ GEMS (GAY ELDERLY MEN’S SOCIETY)
Twice monthly meeting for over 50s Tel: 01273 884285 or peterotto337@btinternet.com www.gems-bh.org.uk
▼ LESBIAN LINK BRIGHTON
Local social group offers friendship, social events, meets 1st Thursday at The Regency Tavern 7 30pm Tel: 07594 578035 (eve) 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) Tel: 01273 203343 (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 Tel: NA Helpline 604604
▼ LGBT MEDITATION GROUP
Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5 30–7pm, Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Tel: 07789 861367 www bodhitreebrighton org uk
▼ LUNCH POSITIVE
Lunch club for people with HIV to meet, make friends, find peer suppor t in safe environment Every Fri, noon–2 30pm, Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, Brighton Lunch £1 50 Tel: 07846 464384 or www lunchpositive org
▼ MINDOUT
Independent, impar tial info, guidance for LGBT people with mental health problems 24 hr confidential answerphone: Tel: o1273 234839 or info@mindout org uk www.mindout.org.uk
▼ RAINBOW FAMILIES
Suppor t group for lesbian and/or gay parents Tel: 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies org uk www rainbowfamilies org uk
▼ VICTIM SUPPORT
Practical, emotional suppor t for victims of crime Tel: Brighton 01273 234009 or Hove 01273 439942
HIV PREVENTION TREATMENT & CARE SERVICES
▼ AVERT
Sussex HIV & AIDS info service, available by phone Tel: 01403 210202 or email confidential@aver t org
Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV
Hep A & B vaccinations Out Patients Dept of Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Rd Tel: 01273 664721
www brightonsexualhealth com
▼ L AWSON UNIT
Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials Tel: 01273 664722
▼ SUBSTANCE MISUSE SERVICE
CRI / Sussex Par tnership Foundation Trust Open access drop in, assessment, suppor t, advice, info on drug & alcohol issues Tel 01273 607575 LGB&T worker provides confidential, non judgemental outreach service Suppor t for people over 18 wishing to address substance misuse Tel 07717 774 658
▼ SUSSEX BEACON
24 hour nursing & medical care, day care Tel: 01273 694222 or www sussexbeacon org uk
▼ TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SERVICES
• 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, sexual health, personal safety Free condoms, lube, tea/coffee from Outreach van parked next to ‘The Patio’ at the Bushes
• Netreach (online Outreach in Brighton & Hove): info/advice on HIV/sexual health/local services THT Brighton Outreach workers online @ Gaydar: Thur 7–10pm, Sat 1–4pm, chatroom HEALTH INFO THT
• Condom Male: discreet, confidential service posts free condoms/lube/sexual health info to men who have sex with men without access to commercial gay scene in East & West Sussex
• 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 Pre & post test discussion with clinical staff Results in an hour 10 men max tested per session Mon: 6 30–8 30pm (waiting room open: 6pm)
• Face2Face: confidential info & advice on sexual health & HIV for men who have sex with men Face-2-face or
phone Up to 3 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
• HIV Health Trainer: Face-2-face/phone/email suppor t to help understand diagnosis & meds, manage side effects, sex & relationships, talk to doctor, diet & nutrition
• 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 wide-ranging field research in B&H on issues affecting men’s sexual health Extensive training provided
• Lounge (Group for Gay Men Living with HIV): for tnightly peer suppor t group for gay men diagnosed with HIV for at least 1 year, on HIV medication or not
• What Next? Thurs eve, 6 week peer suppor t group work programme for newly diagnosed HIV+ gay men
• Co Infection group: 6 week peer suppor t group work programme for gay men with HIV & HEP C
• Telling it Straight: monthly Tues eve suppor t group for straight HIV+ men/women Guest speakers
• 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: help & advice line Wed: 10am–1pm 01273 764205 1-2-1/group suppor t to claim DLA Guidance on return to work & in-work benefits For more info about these FREE services go to the THT office, 61 Ship St, Btn, Mon–Fri, 9 30am–5 30pm Tel: 01273 764200 or info.brighton@tht.org.uk
▼ TERRENCE HIGGINS EA STBOURNE
Covering East Sussex, Services: Health Promotion Outreach, free condoms, lube, sexual health info & advice; HIV Health Coach, shor t term suppor t for people living with HIV; counselling; Positive Grants; Face-2-Face 1-2-1 suppor t & advice on sexual health, HIV; Condom Male: free condoms by post; Fastest: 1 hour HIV tests; Positively Social: group for people living with HIV; Volunteering Dyke House, 110 South St, Eastbourne, BN21 4LZ, Tel: 01323 649927 or info eastbourne@tht org uk
▼ WARREN BROWNE UNIT
Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIV Hep A & B vaccinations Shoreham based Tel: 01273 461453
▼ WILDE CLINIC
Gay men’s sexual health clinic Wed 5-6 30pm Opposite Royal Sussex County Hospital entrance Abbey Rd Tel: 01273 664721
