Gscene September 2012 by Scene Magazine

GSCENE

PUBLISHED BY Peter Storrow

TEL 01273 722457

EDITORIAL info@gscene.com

ADS+ARTWORK design@gscene.com

EDITORIAL TEAM

James Ledward, Graham Robson

ARTS EDITOR Michael Hootman

SUB -EDITOR Graham Robson

DESIGN Michèle Allardyce

FRONT COVER

MODEL Model & Artist David White

www.endlesstheartist.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Dean Stockings www.deanstockings.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

AJ, Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Suchi Chatterjee, Nick Douglas, Craig Hanlon Smith, Adam Highway, Neil Masey, Enzo Marra, Andrew Modd, Rick Moore, Netty, Charles Nyereyegona, Carl Oprey, Kate O’Riordan, Eric Page, Marcus Patrick, Steph Scott, Del Sharp, Keith Sharpe, Gay Socrates, Brian Stacey, Glen Stevens, Craig Storrie, Mick Sykes, Jordan Thomas, Vron, Roger Wheeler, Mike Wall, Morham White, Kate Wildblood

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Phil Bailey, Sarah Haddow, Michael Hootman, James Ledward, Jack Lynn, Sam Milford, Ian Mager-Playford, www.realbrighton.com

All work appearing in Gscene Ltd is copyright It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated on the page concerned.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or other retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers.

The appearance of any person or any organisation in Gscene is not to be construed as an implication of the sexual orientation or political persuasion of such persons or organisations

GAY MEN’S CHORUS CONCERT AT ST GEORGES CHURCH

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

SEND LETTERS TO: GSCENE, 111 WESTERN ROAD, HOVE, BN3 1DD OR EMAIL TO: INFO@GSCENE.COM

THE GREAT OLYMPICS OMISSION

On the surface the Olympic Games have been very successful, and we hope that this will prove very beneficial to our country and that there will be true legacy Afterwards, Lord Coe stated that the Games had been announced as being “for everyone ” and had become the games “by everyone ” In the run up to, and throughout the games, we heard much reference to ‘Inclusivity’ and ‘Equality’. The implication was that they were now truly in place, but there has been one glaring omission. Where was the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community?

At Danny Boyle’s much applauded Opening Ceremony, we saw the Suffragette movement depicted, the arrival of the Empire Windrush, bringing passengers from Jamaica to start new lives in the United Kingdom and heralding the start of the significant contribution of the black and other ethnic communities to Great Britain, but where was any mention of the LGBT community’s long and still ongoing battle for true recognition, acceptance and equality, or portrayal of their everyday contribution in thousands of ways to British society?

Where was our Heritage and Culture Championed? As the spotlight was on London, why was London’s Gay Pride celebration not depicted? Why

TOUGHER ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN BY POLICE ON IRRESPONSIBLE LICENSEES

If this government is serious about making savings in the police, we should be looking to practical solutions like crime prevention, as opposed to cutting frontline police officers. Across Sussex, and especially in our town and city centres, we all too often see displays of drunkenness at night and in the early hours of the morning We know that the vast majority of public place violence is fuelled by alcohol, frequently this excessive alcohol intake results in harassment, assaults and ABH as well as being a significant contributor to domestic violence and hate crime. Anyone who has had to visit A&E at night will also witness the effect on our nurses

did we see no drag queens, so significant in the fight for gay rights, many of whom work tirelessly, not just to entertain the community, but also to raise money for AIDS charities and many other deserving causes?

At a time when homophobia in sport is a major problem and there was only one out Team GB athlete competing in the games, why were the Games not used to highlight this?

Why were organisations such as Stonewall, Outrage, School’s Out, MindOut, Allsorts and the many other organisations that work to fight homophobic hate crime and promote good self-esteem and mental health for LGBT people throughout the country, ignored?

Probably because daily throughout this country and in spite of the Equality Act, we are the one minority group that can be sidelined and ignored often with impunity.

Similarly, at the closing ceremony, the party for “ everyone ” , why were there no signs of our community; a community which knows how to give a party and frequently brings colour, excitement, glamour and fun into the lives of gay and straight people alike Where was Elton John, Julian Clary, Sandi Toksvig and others? Surely, as she has come out of retirement for Pantomime this year, the legendary Lily Savage could have been persuaded to attend. The few gays, who were there, were not obviously representing our community.

This seems to confirm a worrying suspicion that there is a policy in this country of attempting to homogenise and assimilate us into society, so that we become invisible, diminished. It seems however that they were not afraid to borrow from us or use us.

The impressive entry of the motorbikes echoed the start of Gay Prides in Los Angeles and San Francisco David Bowie, who employed a trans image very effectively in the early days of his career, was used merely to introduce British fashion The event had a male sexist feel to it There were plenty of women in skimpy clothing, but very little similarly scantily dressed male “ eye candy” for us gay men and straight women

When we need to be planning to nurture young athletes to compete in Rio de Janeiro and beyond, this was a missed opportunity. Research clearly indicates that young LGBT people avoid physical activities during their early days due to homophobia and fear of bullying. This is, no doubt, why Team GB had only one ‘out’ athlete. The Olympics was an opportunity to send a message to our young people, and to all LGBT people in Great Britain and throughout the world that 'Gay is OK.' The opportunity was sadly missed A concerted effort is vitally necessary starting NOW, to work to correct this

Andrew Brettell, Kent

and doctors.

Despite it being a criminal offence, licensees are not being prosecuted for ‘knowingly serving’ those who are drunk We all know that there are licensees out there who must be doing this - they give the wider licensing trade a bad name, put their staff at risk and, I believe they are effectively accessories to the street crime that often results from intoxication.

I want to focus on this aspect of the night economy by giving the police the resources they need to prevent sales of alcohol to those already intoxicated and to remove licenses from irresponsible licensees, but this cannot be done in a vacuum Police, licensing authorities and Trading Standards need to regularly meet with licensees to work together to

resolve this and other problems. We all have a vested interest in improving public safety and providing a night time economy safe for all We need a clearer understanding of everyone's concerns if we are going to reduce violent crimes in our public places The message must be clear. As the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, I would not be willing to tolerate irresponsible licensed premises. I will allocate to Sussex Police the financial backing they need to confront this issue.

If you would like to get in touch to discuss this or other policing and crime issues, please contact me via www.godfreydaniel.org.uk

Godfrey Daniel, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, Candidate for Labour

THE LEAD GOLDEN HAND BAG AWARD GOES TO...

Can I propose a new award at the Golden Handbags please?

The Lead Golden Handbag Award for the rudest bar staff and poorest welcome of any gay establishment in Brighton?

For some months, at a mutual friend’s request, we have been meeting regularly for afternoon drinks in a central Brighton pub. We are often the only people there. My own partner is a wheelchair user so we are fairly recognisable as a couple.

We have never been greeted with a smile or even a cursory welcome Despite a step we have never been offered assistance, we have never been thanked upon leaving although our party would have had a minimum of two bottles of wine and snacks

Today, again after no welcome, I went to the bar and said "good afternoon" and asked for a bottle of white Zinfandel The barman, seemingly annoyed at being interrupted, responded with “Don’t do white Zinfandel” - this was not even softened by the word “We” at the front of the statement. There is a laminated wine list citing white Zinfandel as one of their summer offers When I raised my eyebrows and said "oh" I got "Haven’t got any in stock"; no apology, no offer of an alternative

I said that we would think about it And what we thought about it was to leave this pub straight away and forever and go into an adjacent venue where we spent a delightful couple of hours and because of the ambience and friendliness and professionalism of the staff spent far more than we should have!

In a recession, shouldn’t establishments welcome and celebrate regulars, especially those who float them during the day and through the long winter months? The Lead Handbag Award goes to !

Name and address supplied

THANK YOU

I would like to send a big thank you to my son Steve Chillingworth, Nat and friends for all they did for me on my 80th birthday at the Marine Tavern For the flowers sent, for the presents received, to Miss Jason for doing the quiz for us and to Kitty Litter for the beautiful bouquet she sent me. Hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I did Rose Chillingworth

THANK YOU FROM THT

THT Brighton would like to say a massive thank you to all The Brighton Sauna staff, Davina Sparkle, acts and customers for raising £1,400 from the sauna stripper event It was a fantastic night of entertainment and the money raised will continue to support HIV prevention and testing services for gay and bisexual men in Brighton. THT Brighton would also like to thank Steve, Tim, all the contestants and customers of Subline that made Mr Subline 2012 a success £454 was raised and will help support our local HIV prevention projects Ross Boseley, THT

TIME FOR A SPRING CLEAN

On a recent visit to Brighton I was appalled to see how dirty the city was especially in the area where the gay bars and clubs were. Brighton is a tourist city and it is time that everyone took that point seriously. I drove from London and stayed at a small local boutique hotel, which although expensive was spotlessly clean and provided excellent service However, I cannot tell you the shock I had at the cost of parking Tourists are not going to continue to support a

city where it costs so much to park Come on Brighton, pull your socks up and remember that all us tourists have a choice where we spend our money. I will not be returning until the cost of parking is more reasonable.

Finally I am no prude but was somewhat surprised at the activities going on down at the nudist beach To the man who kept waving his John Thomas at me, please remember the beach is for everyone and not just gay people Peter Scott, London

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN?

▼ Detectives are appealing for help in tracing a man who is wanted in connection with the murder of Michael Polding in Brighton Officers from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team would like to speak to Ricardo Pisano, known as Brandon Victor Pillay, 'Ree' or 'Ricky' Mr Pisano and Mr Polding were friends and spent time together in the period before Mr Polding died

A murder investigation was launched following the discovery of Mr Polding's body at his flat in St George's Road, Brighton, on Monday, July 16 It is thought that Mr Polding may have been dead since May At first Mr Polding's death was treated as unexplained but following a post-mor tem on Saturday, July 21, a murder investigation was launched The post-mor tem showed that Mr Polding suffered a number of injuries which led to his death

Detective Chief Inspector Nick May, who is leading the investigation, known as Operation Journal said: “ We are still unclear as to when exactly Mr Polding died and our enquiries have shown that Mr Polding was friends with Mr Pisano We think he may have information about Mr Polding's last movements, however we have been unable to find him so far Mr Polding lived in Croydon for around 30 years and we think they met in Croydon and he moved to Brighton in October 2011 They remained friends and saw each other regularly in Sussex Mr Pisano has links to Brighton, Croydon, Crouch End in north London, and Southampton where he was last seen on July 28 at Marlands shopping centre, however he could have since moved to other areas of the country

“He is originally from South Africa and speaks with a South African accent, although he may change his accent He is about 35 years old and has also lived in New Zealand He could be introducing himself under a number of different names and I would urge people to look at his photograph and contact police if they’ve seen him recently ”

Any information, no matter how small, could be significant to the enquiry If you have any information call Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Journal, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 DC Inspector May continued: “I would also like to appeal for Mr Pisano to get in contact with Sussex Police directly "

Mr Pisano is approximately 5'6'' and of slim build He may have grown a beard or is disguising himself in other ways since this photograph was taken in early 2012

Mr Polding was an openly gay man, however the investigation has led police to believe that his death is not linked to any hate crime as a result of his sexuality and that any assault he may have suffered was not as a result of a random attack

A 28-year-old man from nor th London was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday, July 22 and was bailed until 23 August, pending fur ther enquiries

RESEARCH REVEALS DIFFICULTIES FACED BY BLACK & MINORITY ETHNIC GAY PEOPLE

▼ A new repor t from Stonewall and the R unnymede Trust reveals serious failings in public ser vices to meet the needs of Britain’s 400,000 black and minority ethnic lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people. One Minority At A Time, based on detailed inter views with black and minority ethnic gay people, exposes widespread assumptions that black people are heterosexual, with little effor t being made to cor rect this view Many par ticipants said this perception of ten leads to inappropriate and poor-quality responses from public ser vices

Respondents also expressed fr ustration with the near invisibility of black gay people in public life. One par ticipant in the research said: "I think that I can either be gay or I can be South A sian, or I can be a Hindu T he fact that I can be all three becomes v er y difficult for people to comprehend " Stonew all also published a detailed briefing on the health of black and minority ethnic gay people in Britain, building on the charity ’s research into L GB people’s health

The briefing reveals serious concer ns about mental health and attempted suicide among black gay people, and low uptake of health ser vices such as cer vical screening Both repor ts are available online at: www.stonewall.org.uk/ethnicity

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: “T hese repor ts show the concern and isolation felt by many black and minority ethnic L GB people, par ticularly w hen public ser vices haven’t been tailored for them

Gay black people contribute more than £4 5 billion in taxes to fund public ser vices, but are sy stematically failed by ser vice providers It’s clear that celebrations such as this w eek’s UK Black Pride, w hich Stonew all is proud to suppor t as principal sponsor, remain vital to celebrate diversity and show case role models for y oung people ”

TRANS EQUALITY –THE COUNCIL WANTS TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS

▼ Councillors in Brighton & Hove want more trans residents to get in touch with them The council’s cross-par ty scrutiny panel on trans equality will be calling for a number of changes and improvements to local services later this year To help shape this process they want as many local people as possible who consider themselves to be trans to let them know what problems, if any, they face and what they’d like to see change The panel needs your views by Friday, September 7 To have your say, anonymously, you can contact the panel via twitter: #bhtransscrutiny or email: scrutiny@brighton-hove gov uk or call: 01273 29 1110 or you can complete an online survey run by the city’s LGBT Health and Inclusion Project, which is advising the scrutiny panel View: www lgbt-hip org for full information

Councillor Phélim Mac Caffer ty, Chair of the Trans Equality scrutiny panel, said: “ We have already heard from dozens of local trans people about the prejudice and exclusion they face in society, and their experiences of living, working, studying and socialising in the city We’re trying very hard to engage with as many members of the trans community as possible, so that any changes we may call for can make a meaningful and lasting difference ”

LIBRARY’S HOURS ‘FINE-TUNED’ FOR LOCAL NEEDS

▼ Brighton’s Jubilee Librar y is to change its opening hours from the week beginning Monday, September 3 in response to demand The library will stay open for an hour longer until 5pm on Sundays as the demand for library services on Sundays remains high

The visitor numbers on Sundays build as the day progresses, with numbers still rising as the current 4pm closing time approaches

This extra hour will increase oppor tunities for families to visit the library together at the weekends, says a council spokesperson

This will be resourced by Jubilee Library closing at 7pm instead of 8pm on Thursday evening Research has shown that the library has its lowest use at that time The move will bring the closing time in line with other local libraries’ evening closures

The changes in opening hours in Jubilee Library were par t of an overall package of changes to Brighton & Hove Libraries, agreed at the Brighton & Hove City Council budget meeting on Februar y 23, 2012

COMMUNITY SAFETY IN ST JAMES' STREET COMPROMISED BY INADEQUATE STREET LIGHTING

▼ Local residents are concerned that street lights around New Steine Gardens in St James’ Street, par t of the Gay Village and an area which is a hot spot for LGBT Hate Crime, have not been working for the last few months Despite numerous repor ts to the City Council the lamps have not been repaired and concerns are growing that as days get shor ter and nights darker, the safety of local residents and LGBT visitors to the street is being compromised

Chris Cooke, Chair of the LGBT Community Safety Forum said: "Lack of adequate street lighting in St James' Street is a major concern for the LGBT Community Safety Forum in Brighton & Hove and an issue we have raised numerous times with council officers, but to no avail Lantern lights are lef t un- operational for months on end, we don't have enough lighting units on the street and those we do have are equipped with inadequate wattage to be of any effective use I believe these lighting problems are having a direct link to the rise in antisocial behaviour we are witnessing in the area, and 'black spots' on the street are actively encouraging such behaviour We need immediate action to resolve the situation and make St James' a desirable and safe destination once more"

Local businessman Mike Dally from Cardome card and gift shop said: "I have been reporting the light outside my shop 47 St James' Street, the one adjacent to New Steine Gardens and the light opposite the Co- op store for several months to the council now without any result "As a result I have been leaving my shop’s outside lights on at night to try and minimise the problem I'm quite concerned that the council rely on the general public to report light failures "

Brighton Council have confirmed they ordered new lanterns on July 11, but they are on a long lead time for delivery When Gscene asked to see the purchase orders the council said the lanterns had been ordered by their contractors and they were not able to provide copy of an external contractor’s purchase order

HOVE MP CALLS FOR REVIEW OF SUSSEX POLICE 101 NUMBER

▼ Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove & Por tslade, has called on the Chief Constable of Sussex Police to streamline the nonemergency 101 number for those calling from outside the county and those using switchboards

Following concerns raised by residents, Mike has written to Martin Richards, Chief Constable of Sussex Police, about the problems that callers face when attempting to contact Sussex Police from outside of Sussex Mike claims the current automated system is not fit for purpose and prevents crimes from being repor ted. The new system also presents a number of problems for callers with switchboards, both inside and outside of Sussex Worr yingly, Mike claims he wasn’t even able to get through to 101 from his own office in the House of Commons to repor t a crime Mike said: “It’s understandable that residents may w ish to get though to their local police force w hen they ’re not actually in the area or perhaps contact a police force somew here else in the countr y How ever, the present automated sy stem is downright obstructive A series of unhelpful options and long pauses leave callers unable to connect to who they are try ing to contact Frustrated at not being able to get through, I hung up ”

DINE WITH THE STARS TO RAISE MONEY FOR ALZHEIMER'S AND THE RAINBOW FUND

▼ The next Dine with the Stars at the Queens Hotel on Brighton Seafront on Thursday, September 13, will benefit the R ainbow Fund and Alzheimer's Society The theme is Black & White

The evening begins with a drinks and canapé reception at 7pm then guests move downstairs to take their place ready for a three course Gala Dinner

Each table will be hosted by one of the evening’s cabaret stars and after dinner each of the stars take to the stage to provide an evening of fabulous enter tainment

confirmed include:

Du Cann, Pooh la May, Sally Vate, Lady James, Jamie Watson and Tammy Twinkle

Tickets are on sale now at £25 per person with £10 from each ticket going directly to the chosen charities A raffle will be held on the evening Call 01273 321222 to book your place

Dine With The Stars, Thursday September 13, Queens Hotel, Brighton

Stars

Maisie Trollette

Davina Sparkle

Krissie

THE SUSSEX BEACON’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRITY GALA DINNER

▼ Ann Mitchell, EastEnders actress and Sussex Beacon patron, along with a group of her showbiz friends are hosting a very special gala dinner to celebrate the Sussex Beacon's 20th anniversar y on Saturday, November 24 at the Seattle Hotel in Brighton Marina Celebrity dinner hosts joining Ann on the evening include: Neil Bar tlett OBE, award-winning director, performer, translator and writer; Jonathan Har vey, acclaimed playwright and author; Louise Jameson, award winning director and actress, recent starring in ITV’s Doc Martin; Mar tina Laird, actress, best known as the tough and sassy Comfor t Jones in the BBC's Casualty; Ann Mitchell, currently starring in EastEnders as Cora Cross; Mark Stacey, one of the UK’s best known and most popular valuers from Bargain Hunt; Kim Thomson, a familiar face to fans of Emmerdale as Faye Lamb

Ann said: “As patron of the Sussex Beacon, I’m delighted to have been asked to host this Gala Dinner for them, especially in their 20th year The evening at The Hotel Seattle promises to be a night of good food, rousing entertainment, a fabulous auction/raffle and much more I'm so looking forward to meeting you all there to celebrate the incredible, healing work of the Sussex Beacon as well as raising lots of money for them on the night "

BIG FAT GAY BARN DANCE

The evening will star t with a champagne reception hosted by the celebrity guests, for VIP Gold ticket holders Following the exclusive reception everyone will move to the function room to enjoy a sumptuous three course meal whilst chatting to the celebrity guest on their table Dinner will be followed by an array of special guests including: Miss Hope Springs the ex-Vegas showgirl turned jazz nightclub chanteuse, described as one par t Peggy Lee, two par ts Blossom Dearie with a large Carol Burnett chaser; The Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus performing a selection of songs from their upcoming Pull A Cracker Christmas fundraiser in aid of the Sussex Beacon, due to take place at the Brighton Dome on December 15; and Neil Bar tlett performer, writer and director will also be performing There will also be an oppor tunity to place bids in the auction which will be adjudicated by Sussex Beacon Patron and well known auctioneer, Mark Stacey

Ticket options: VIP Gold Tickets to include pre-dinner champagne reception with the stars together with priority seating £95 each and Silver Tickets at £75 each Why not host a table? It is a great way to reward your staff or enter tain your clients VIP Table (seats 8) £700 – includes pre-dinner champagne reception and priority seating For more information about the event and to purchase tickets go to the official Gala Dinner website at: www.beacongaladinner.co.uk

Jennie Castelle and members of the Bear patrol will be singing their new single Smile composed by Al Roald Hughes All proceed from the single go to the Beacon All proceeds from the evening will go towards the work of the Sussex Beacon, a purpose-built care centre for men and women living with HIV For the last twenty years the Beacon has provided clinical services to people with HIV via their ten bed residential unit, day care and health management services

BOY GEORGE PRESENTS: BLEACH - NO AMBITION

▼ Hailed as the pop anthem of the summer, No

A mbition, produced by Kevan Frost, is the first track to be released from the album BL EA CH with vocals by the gorgeous Lloyd Dixon, a well known DJ on the London gay scene, and a poptastic video by Boy George and Dean Stockings (Stockings & Suspense) Dean shoots many of the Gscene front covers After just a few days of being published online, No Ambition has already had several thousand hits on YouTube and is currently featured on the NME website If you haven't already seen it, catch the video here: www youtube com/watch?v=2cD17OsVh8I

▼ The Big Fat Gay Barn Dance, suppor ting local charity, The Edward Starr Charitable Trust, takes place on Saturday October 6, from 7pm –midnight The Edward Star r Charitable Tr ust are a local charity raising funds to help children smile Based in Hove, East Sussex, with Olympic Champion, R obin Cousins MBE as one of their patrons, the Star r Tr ust helps children realise their dreams and aspirations through education, spor ts, healthcare and the ar ts Promoter Kat from GELtoday said: “We hav e prev iously aimed our ev ents to the lesbian market but are keen to add a mixed ev ent to our calendar and thought the fun env ironment of the Big Fat Gay Barn Dance w ould prov ide an ideal oppor tunity to tr y this ” Tracey Nar vaez, Edwin Star r Tr ustee, said: “We are delighted to team up w ith GEL today for this ev ent and introduce the w ork of the T rust to the local L GBT community We w ould w elcome applications for funding from any body w orking w ith L GBT children in the south east to help in making them smile ”

There will be live music and caller from local band Moves Afoot, prizes for Best Dressed Cowboy & Cowgirl, Charity R affle, Auction prizes and a Bucking Bronco competition, all at an authentic bar n in West Sussex Retur n transpor t will be available from Brighton & Hove Saturday October 6 from 7pmmidnight, Church Farm,

Coombes, Lancing BN15 0RS

£25 per person (early bird tickets £21 on sale now) from www.GELtoday.com

Retur n transpor t: £7 per person

More info about GELtoday view: www GELtoday com

More info about the Edwin Star r Tr ust view: www starr trust com

BRIGHTON GAY MEN'S CHORUS INVITES NEW MEMBERS TO JOIN

▼ Brighton Gay Men's Chorus is throwing open its doors to new members on Tuesday, September 4 at 7pm If you have ever fancied singing and socialising with 60 like-minded people, now is the perfect time to go along and give it a try

The chorus has a busy season of events and charity fundraisers raisers planned, culminating in their spectacular Christmas show at Brighton Dome Concer t Hall (which last year was enthusiastically received by more than 1,650 people, raising over £5,000 for the Sussex Beacon)

Joining Brighton Gay Men's Chorus is easy, there is no audition process and you will have the oppor tunity to find your your own voice within a fun and suppor tive environment

The chorus has members aged from twentysomething to seventy-something, some with years of experience in music and some just star ting out as beginners You are welcome to attend your first 2 or 3 rehearsals for free If you choose to then join, there is a monthly subscription of £20/£10 concessions Rehearsals usually take place Tuesday evenings at the Brighton Unitarian Church in New Road, Brighton from 7.30–10pm For more details please email Mark at: membership@brightongmc.org or view: facebook.com/brightonGMC www.brightongmc.org

OLD DAMES REUNION AT LEGENDS ON OCTOBER 28 TO BENEFIT SUSSEX BEACON

▼ This is one for the diary On Sunday, October 28 a unique event is being staged at Legends to raise money for the Sussex Beacon The Old Dames Reunion will see some of the greatest panto dames in the country gather in Brighton on one night, on one stage The show star ts at 7.30pm and ar tists confirmed to appear at present include: Bobby Davro, Phil Harlequeen, R oy Alvis, Jennifer Scott, Tony Page, Maisie Trollette, Jimmy Trollette, Brian R alfe, Dame Lettie Box and David Limslight

Mark Hodge will be on keyboards and the evening will be hosted by Lee Tracey

Keep the date in your diary clear for what promises to be a unique evening raising funds for the Sussex Beacon

MEMORIES OF DAME HILDA BRACKET

▼ Hinge & Bracket were arguably the most convincing female impersonation act of recent years Patrick Fyffe, one half of the popular act died ten years ago last May From humble beginnings in London pubs and clubs the duo quickly rose to stardom following early success at the Edinburgh Festival and with their West End show at the Mayfair Theatre where they created and developed these two lovable old spinsters, Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket who both had a chequered history and experience of life Their amazing mezzosoprano voices made them a popular act with gay audiences, family audiences and mainstream television audiences

They played venues from Harrogate Concer t Hall to Buxton Opera House to the Black Cap and their popular 1980s sit-com Dear Ladies pulled huge TV ratings

An autobiography by Dame Hilda in 1980 told the history of these characters, but sadly was never recorded by its author As a tribute to Patrick Fyffe and Hinge & Bracket, local actor David R umelle has recorded the autobiography in character as an audio book David insists this project is not an “impersonation" but a tribute to a highly unique and immensely talented duo, who brought pleasure to millions for nearly thir ty years

This 4 CD set along with other DVDs and CDs by the duo is available from: www hingeandbracket-official co uk More information can also be found at David’s website: www davidrumelle com

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED HEALTH ADVISOR IS PROUD2BE A LESBIAN TRANS WOMAN

▼ Christine Burns MBE, British political activist and internationally recognised health advisor, is the latest public figure to lend her suppor t to the Proud2Be Project by making a Proud2Be video In her video Christine says:

“There are so many things we are allowed to be proud of The thing I’m most proud of is the thing that would probably surprise people the most I am proud to be a lesbian trans woman ”

The brand new LGBT community interest company, founded by identical twin brothers, Mat and Jon Price, has already been nominated for a Prince’s Trust Award The Proud2Be Project star ted when Mat and Jon sat in front of their web cam and told the world they were proud to be gay Since then a number of high profile figures have come forward and recorded similar messages, including Stephen Fr y, Peter Tatchell, Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans MP, Michael Cashman MEP, Fox from Channel 4's My Transsexual Summer and the London Gay Men's Chorus Through the project, Mat and Jon not only run the video campaign but also facilitate workshops and social groups and create documentaries and exhibitions The brothers said: “As gay children, the overriding message we both received from our school and church, the media and society was that being gay was something to be ashamed of Af ter working for several years with children and young people, still the messages our LGBT youth receive are not too dissimilar We believe if these messages are not questioned, the likelihood is our LGBT youth will grow up feeling ashamed about who they are We’re thrilled that Christine has joined forces with the Proud2Be Project to help encourage and support all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people to be proud of who they are”

The Proud2Be Project invites everyone to make a Proud2Be video! Whether LGB or T, a friend, family member, co-worker or educator, Proud2Be are looking for more stars for their video campaign For more info and details on how to make your own Proud2Be video, view: http://proud2beproject.org/

MINDOUT NOMINATED IN NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARDS COMMUNITY CATEGORY

▼ The National Diversity Awards have announced this year’s shor tlist for the 2012 ceremony and MindOut the Brighton LGBT mental health project is nominated in the Community Organisation category This year’s awards will be hosted by Brian Dowling at the Midland Hotel, Manchester on September 21

The prestigious black tie event will celebrate excellent achievements of grass-root communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them the recognition for their dedication and hard work that positive role models, charities and community organisations do on a daily basis The awards are designed to showcase the effor ts of those who have shown an outstanding contribution to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion Thousands of nominations were received from across the UK telling the inspirational and unforgettable journeys of many who have achieved within their field The 2012 shor tlist can be viewed at: www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk

Paul Sesay, Chief Executive of The Diversity Group, said: “The concept behind The National Diversity A wards came just af ter the riots spread throughout the UK, when I realised there was little, if any, promotion of positive role models in the mainstream media especially from diverse backgrounds I wanted to create an event where role models in various communities were rewarded for their hard work and dedication, highlighting all that is great about Britain and how the diversity in our country is what makes it so valuable and special I have always been a great pursuer of equality and believe that diversity is the one true thing we all have in common and what better way to celebrate it than together!’' Winners will be announced on September 21 on the night of the ceremony at The Midland Hotel, Manchester

PRIDE DONATES A FURTHER £5,434 TO RAINBOW FUND FROM TICKET SALES

▼ Brighton Pride made a second donation to the R ainbow Fund at David R aven's bir thday par ty at Charles Street last month Trevor Edwards from Brighton Pride handed over a cheque for £5,434 to Paul Elgood, Chair of the Rainbow Fund, bringing the total to date donated to the Rainbow Fund from ticket sales by Brighton Pride to £10,546

Pride have agreed to donate £1 from every ticket sold for this year’s event to the Rainbow Fund to be distributed to wor thy LGBT and HIV organisations through their grant giving programme administered by the Sussex Community Foundation Kevin Richmond, Chief Executive of the Sussex Community Foundation, who administer the grants programme for the Rainbow Fund thanked Pride for delivering on their promises to donate to charity £1 from every ticket sold for this year’s event Kevin said: "I congratulate Pride CIC for delivering on their commitment to raise funds for the LGBT community in Brighton & Hove as well as organising a great celebration The Rainbow Fund is a great way to ensure that the community continues to thrive and that those people in difficulty get the support they need, when they need it Sussex Community Foundation is proud to work with Pride and we will ensure that all funds raised go to help vital LGBT community groups in the city "

Commenting on the donation, Paul Elgood, Chair of the Rainbow Fund, said: “ We are delighted that Pride Brighton & Hove is honouring its pledge to allocate £1 per ticket sold to the Rainbow Fund To have over £10,500 donated even before the first flamboyant float lines up on Madeira Drive is truly amazing

“All monies donated are being administered by the Sussex Community Foundation in their autumn grants round and any organisations wishing to apply for funding can do so now, with a deadline of October 5, 2012 Our aim now is to ensure that this money gets through as quickly as possible and starts benefitting the community groups who need it most ” Trevor Edwards, Director of Pride Brighton & Hove, said: “ W ith three weeks to go until Pride Brighton & Hove 2012, we are incredibly pleased to make a donation of this size to the Rainbow Fund W ith strong sales in the weeks to come as we approach the Pride celebrations on 1st September, we know we will be donating larger amounts still giving much needed funds to the LGBT and HIV groups within the community I would remind anyone planning to attend the Preston Park event to buy their tickets in advance to take advantage of our discounts ”

Sussex Community Foundation is a local charity which aims to inspire local giving and meet local needs It manages a wide range of grant programmes on behalf of local donors and communities Since 2006 it has awarded £4 5 million in grants to over 2,000 community groups

The Rainbow Fund is just one of the many ways in which the Foundation suppor ts local communities For more information call 01273 409440 or view: www sussexgiving org uk

COUNCIL AWARDS £11,000 TO GROUPS FOR PRIDE

▼ Brighton & Hove City Council have awarded an £11,000 package of grants to community groups involved in this years Pride celebrations Grants are to suppor t community led activities over Pride Weekend including the parade, the park and/or complementary events Grants Awarded include: The Trust for Developing communities £420; Allsor ts LGBT Youth Project £500; MindOut £450; LGBT Switchboard £500; Brighton Women's Centre £1,000; Calabash £1,000; Rainbow Chorus £500; Brighton Gay Men's Chorus £500; BLAGSS £490; Lunch Positive £810; LGBT Safety Forum £500; Radio Reverb £1,000; Sussex Beacon £490; Cheek2Cheek £500; Grassroots Training £420; Federation of Disabled £1,000; MERNET £420; B&H Gay Village Par ty £500

GAY VILLAGE PARTY TO FEATURE COMMUNITY STAGE AND PICNIC AREAS

▼ Sharon Barr, owner of the Zone Bar and Chair of the Gay Village Par ty has announced that this years Gay Village Par ty will take place on Saturday, September 1 from 6pm-midnight and Sunday, September 2 from 2pm8pm Sharon and fellow committee members, Ryan Atkin and Sam Warren along with David Samuel associates are excited to announce that this year, for the first time, on Sunday September 2 there will be a Community Stage and Picnic area in Dorset Gardens which has been sponsored by The Queens Hotel The Community Stage will feature a line up of familiar faces and new local talent

Also on Sunday in New Steine Gardens, Pink Fringe have been sponsored by Brighton & Hove Council to exhibit their familiar bathing machines, with acoustic music and performances by LGBT ar tists This is designed to encourage people to visit the New Steine Gardens and to draw attention to the beautiful memorial built to remember loved ones lost to or living with HIV and AIDS The picnic areas and performance spaces will not have any alcohol sales and have been designed for people to relax and celebrate pride Food concessions including Japanese, Hog Roast, Burritos and Indian delights will be available in the gardens and throughout the event Committee members are still collecting donations from local businesses and are confident they will raise the required amount of money, £23.000 by the end of the Pride weekend If you have not already made a donation and would like to, contact: gayvillagepar ty@gmail.com or call Sharon Barr on 07725418509 All accounts and donations will be available on the GVP website week commencing September 10, 2012 For more information view: gayvillagepar ty.org

SENIOR TORIES TO MARCH ON PRIDE PARADE

▼ Both local Conservative MPs, Mike Weatherley and Simon Kirby will be joined by fellow Sussex MP and Minister for Policing, Nick Herber t, on this year’s Pride Parade whose theme is the United Colours of Pride Simon Kirby said: “I’m looking forward to taking part in this year’s Pride Parade, which is a wonderful celebration of our city’s diversity I am proud to represent a constituency with a significant LGBT population and back the government in supporting equal marriage ”

Mike added: “It's really encouraging that so many conservatives - including one of our Ministers - will be out in support at this year's Brighton & Hove Pride Walking in the parade last year was a fantastic experience and I am delighted that this year we have even more to be proud of, with the government’s official support for marriage for same-sex couples "

They will be joined on the parade by senior Conservative Councillors on the City Council Geoffrey Theobald, leader of the Conservative Group said: “Pride is a fantastic celebration of our city’s diversity and is one of the highlights of the entertainment calendar in Brighton & Hove, attracting visitors from across the world Long may it continue!”

The recently selected Conservative candidate for Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne will also attend the parade

NICE ‘N’ NAUGHTY AWARDED 'BEST INDIVIDUAL STORE 2012' AT NATIONAL AWARDS

▼ Nice ‘n’ Naughty, (the adult shop on St James' Street next to the Bulldog) won the coveted Best Individual Store 2012 award at the prestigious ETO Industr y Awards, held at the NEC in Birmingham in June The award was accepted by Trish Murray, Director and Philip Price, Brighton store

manager The category was narrowed down to a shor tlist of five stores from across the UK, and voted for by the individuals within the UK adult industry

Philip said: “It is a privilege to receive this award from our peers, and is a testament to the team at the Brighton store and I would like to thank all the people who voted for the Brighton store The trophy will take pride of place”

Brighton Nice’n’Naughty has recently celebrated its third bir thday, and the award is the cherry on the cake for 2012 Nice ’n’ Naughty have 14 stores across the UK For more information view: www.nicennaughty.co.uk

SAME-SEX BALLROOM COMPETITION HEADS TO BL ACKPOOL

▼ Glitz and glamour will be on display as Blackpool hosts its very first SameSex Open international dance competition Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists the Sugar Dandies are organising the event with Marketing Blackpool and it is hoped crowds of spectators will descend on the resor t for this spectacular championship The Winter Gardens’ lavish Spanish Hall is the venue for the event where spectators will be treated to a sparkling and sizzlingly camp display of same-sex Ballroom, Latin and Show dancing on Saturday, October 27 Sugar Dandies, Soren and Bradley Stauffer-Kruse are delighted to be pioneering the event in Blackpool Bradley said: “ We’re very excited about launching this spectacular competition in Blackpool It’s the mecca for dancers so all our competitors are really looking forward to this We love Blackpool, it has the best structures for ballroom dance and it means so much to us to be welcomed in the world- renowned W inter Gardens We really hope this is the start of an annual event to go alongside all of Blackpool’s other wonderful festivals ” Competitors already registered for the event include both the current Female Same-Sex European Ballroom (standard) Champions and the Male Same-Sex European Ballroom (standard) Champions along with dancers from Austria, Greece, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and throughout the UK The international judging panel includes professional dancer, Matthew Cutler, winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2007 with Alesha Dixon

Spectator tickets for the Same-Sex Open are £18 50 (£16 for UKSSDC members) from www samesexopen co uk, Blackpool Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222, www visitblackpoolshop co uk or Winter Gardens Box Office 0844 856 1111 For more details about the Same-Sex Open or to book accommodation view: www visitblackpool com or www samesexopen co uk

As well the top classes, the competition also offers a beginners/star ters class and same-sex couples new to ballroom and Latin dancing are encouraged to take par t

NEW ARTS TRAIL TO RUN ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH

▼ Following on from the success of The Underground Open House Ar t Movement, Brighton-based Thir teen Ar t Productions launched First Thursdays in Brighton last month The new event sees Open Houses and Galleries throughout the city open their doors for some late night viewing from 6–9pm on the first Thursday of every month Organiser Hizze Fletcher, said: “'First Thursday is a great way to get people more interested in the open house scene outside of the May Festival and we're hoping it will really encourage artists out there to be more productive and creative

“ We are offering commercial galleries the opportunity to be involved as well to get a collective BUZZ going for the Brighton art scene We’re hoping participants will use the event to launch new work, websites, hold workshops, private view etc When things have taken off we will be organising a bus tour around the city on the night too '' Anyone interested in being involved should contact Hizze: hizjam@hotmail.com or view: www.firstthursdaysbrighton. co.uk

Hizze Fletcher is a Brightonbased fine ar tist and ar t director She has worked in ar t & design and events production for over 20 years and formed Thir teen Ar t Productions in 2006 when she relocated to Brighton The next first Thursday is on September 6

BOOK YOUR OWN SILENT DISCO

▼ A novel way to par ty was launched on Hove Lawns last month A must for house par ties, Klass Associates presents Silent Disco You can dance your hear t out with headphones on and no outside noise Happy neighbours guaranteed To find out more information view: www klassassociates com or call 07944 500518

POET INVITED TO SPEAK AT LGBT NATIONAL HEALTH SUMMIT

▼ Vince Laws, poet, ar tist and campaigner, has been invited to speak and display ar t at the National LGBT Health Summit at Canterbur y University on September 13 & 14

Vince, who is openly gay, openly HIV+, and openly mad will consider the theme of ‘isolation’ and perform one or two appropriate poems He will also collect phrases from the 350+ delegates and use them to create a brand new poem

Vince said: “It’s important that we learn to love ourselves and our sexuality and our illnesses – if I hate my illness I am hating a part of myself ” For more information about the National Health Summit, view: www lgbthealth co uk

KREEPY KEMPTOWN GHOST WALKS FIND NEW HOME BASE

▼ The Kreepy Kemptown Ghost Walks hosted by actor and storyteller Adrian J Andrews are going through a few changes As of Thursday, September 6 the three nights a week tours will begin from The Marlborough, 4 Princes Street, Brighton, star ting at 7.30pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and last approximately an hour and three-quar ters with a fifteen minute stop at the half-way point for specially designed cocktails exclusively for Ghost Hunters There's no need to pre-book; just turn up and pay on the night Tickets cost £8 for adults, £4 for children and £5 for students, seniors and the unemployed Adrian has a new assistant who will be pleased to answer any of your questions before booking your place on the tour Adrian has begun writing a book about the ghosts and hauntings of the Kemptown area Due to the numerous enquiries he gets about the unique walking cane he uses when in full Victorian costume, he has star ted producing them commercially

For the bargain price of £35, you could be the proud owner of a unique, hand-made crystal-skull topped walking cane that is sure to spruce up your evening wear and be an instant conversation piece

For more information view: www facebook com/adrian j andrews

NEW RECRUIT FOR THE LGBT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM

▼ R or y Smith, 29, originally came from Devon A few years ago he reluctantly went into John Street Police Station to repor t a transphobic incident which involved threatening behaviour and verbal abuse from flatmates After talking with Nick, the LGBT caseworker, Rory left the station with a very different view of Sussex Police

Roll on three years later and Rory is now sitting on the other side of the fence

Rory said: “Af ter my dealings with Nick I felt listened to and taken seriously Nick explained to me how Sussex Police could help and that I did not have to suffer in silence but that it was vital to report these types of incidents to the police For the first time I believed that the police were really trying to understand and help me It made me question why I and so many people from the same community are reluctant to report this type of hate crime

“I thought to myself that one day I might want to work for the police - coming from a section of the community which is fairly anti-police, that was quite a big deal for me ”

Rory moved to Brighton from Devon in 2001 to do a degree in music at University of Brighton and liked the city so much he stayed He has been working and volunteering for the Brighton & Hove LGBT community for the last five years

When asked what he thinks he can bring to his role as the new LGBT caseworker, Rory said: “I'm not from a policing background and have been until now on the other side of the fence so my outside perspective will be a real benefit when dealing with members of the LGBT community I can empathise with these people, I know their fears and concerns and what may stop them from reporting incidents of hate crime to the police Many people think that the police won’t take them seriously, that reporting verbal abuse, for instance, is wasting police time This absolutely is not the case ”

Asked about the challenges of his new role, Rory said: “Continuing the work previous caseworkers have done and maintaining their high standard will be a challenge I'm really looking forward to working closely with the community and finding new ways to keep people engaged with us Currently we operate online drop-ins on a monthly basis and use Facebook and Twitter, as well as going out to meet people face to face I’m really keen to reach out to minorities within the wider LGBT family who of ten have more barriers to accessing statutory services than most, for example, LGBT people who are also disabled, from an ethnic minority and/or don't feel their identity is represented within the LGBT acronym “It's only been a few weeks so thus far I'm just learning about the organisation and who's who However, I spent an interesting day with the Police Contact Centre (PCC) listening in to some of the calls which are made to the 101 number It gave me a good appreciation of what they do there and the kind of calls they receive Since May there has been an improvement with the recording of hate crime incidents that now allows them to be tagged making it much easier for them to be dealt with appropriately ”

Sergeant Alex Evans from Brighton Neighbourhood R esponse Team, said: “I am delighted that Rory has joined the team and he will enhance the work that both Rachel and Rich do in tackling hate crime within the city and looking at ways to enhance the service that we provide to all people that either identif y or don't identif y themselves as member of the LGBT community I want my team to be able to reach and be accessible to anyone that needs our support I believe the fact that Rory is a police support staff and not a police officer will be an advantage for those members of the community who find it difficult to talk to a uniformed officer We warmly welcome anyone to contact us through Facebook, Twitter, email, on the telephone or in person The LGBT team has a dedicated email address and all contact will be treated in the strictest confidence ” For more information view: www sussex police uk/lgbt

VACANCY FULL TIME OFFICE COORDINATOR/ JUNIOR SALES NEGOTIATOR

Justin Lloyd Estate Agents are a progressive and dynamic company that operate out of three prime locations across Brighton & Hove

We are currently recruiting for the above vacancy at our Kemp Town ofﬁce The position would suit someone who has a keen interest in property and who wants to start a career in the estate agency business You must have excellent customer service skills, be well organised, motivated and IT literate You should hold a full UK driving licence

To apply please send a covering letter and CV to: Mr Nick Kelly, Branch Manager, Justin Lloyd Estate Agents, 118 St James's Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH or email: nick@justinlloyd co uk

MARINE TAVERN RAISE OVER £885.94

FOR THE RAINBOW FUND

▼ Jamie and Nat from the Marine Tavern handed over £885 94 to Paul Elgood, chair of the R ainbow Fund and John Summers, Treasurer of the Rainbow Fund last month, the proceeds from their weekly Bonus Ball competition (£550) with the rest coming from bucket collections (£335 94) collected during the Marine Tavern's bir thday weekend in August The money will be distributed during the Rainbow Fund grants round in October to local LGBT and HIV organisations

RUSSIA URGED TO DROP WINTER OLYMPICS GAY BAN

▼ Protesters picketed the Sochi Park Winter Olympic exhibition in Kensington Park, London last month to urge R ussia to lift its ban on the inclusion of an LGBT Pride House at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi London 2012 was the first Summer Olympics to include a Pride House, which brings together the worldwide LGBT community to view live screenings of the Olympics and discuss relevant LGBT and spor ts related topics, with exhibits, photos, and videos celebrating LGBT spor t Despite its success in London, in March of this year, a Krasnodar judge ruled that Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics would not have a Pride House, saying, “[it’s] propaganda of nontraditional sexual orientation which can undermine the security of Russian society and the state, [and] provoke socialreligious hatred, which is the feature of the extremist character of the activity”

Suppor ters of repealing the ban include: Pride Spor ts, The European Gay & Lesbian Spor t Federation, The Federation of Gay Games, The Gay and Lesbian International Spor t Association, Peter Tatchell Foundation and Outrage!

Peter Tatchell, Director of The Peter Tatchell Foundation and coordinator of the protest, said: “London 2012 has a LGBT Pride House but Russia won’t allow one at Sochi This ban is part of a wider crackdown on LGBT communities and visibility in Russia It is an attack on freedom of expression and association, and coincides with new laws in several parts of Russia that ban so-called homosexual propaganda ” The Sochi Park Exhibition is described as being a "high-tech, digital winter wonderland" and is ironically “where Russia greets the world ”

ANTWERP TO HOST WORLD OUTGAMES 2013

▼ The cosmopolitan city of Antwerp will be hosting the World Outgames in 2013

More than 8,000 par ticipants are expected to attend from over 172 nationalities

Antwerp is no stranger to major international spor ting events, having hosted the Olympic Games in 1920 and more recently the EuroGames in 2007 Spectators from all corners of the world will be able to enjoy the Games next year in this thriving and successful gay friendly city

Antwerp is the largest city in Flanders, and its population of over half a million creates a melting pot of culture, diversity and variety that is recognised all over the world The city boasts a rich heritage of fine ar t, cutting edge fashion and design, as well as a gastronomic following to rival the best cities in Europe

Its position as the largest diamond dealing city in the world, adds to its global brilliance

In recognition of the impor tance of the gay market, Tourism Flanders has launched a new LGBT dedicated micro site Out in Flanders to highlight the region’s best gay friendly attractions, bars, restaurants and events with tips on how to make the most out of a trip to Flanders

On the site you will be able to discover Flemish nightlife in terms of clubs, cabarets and par ties or if you are looking to drink at one of the numerous gay bars in town, the website guides you through the best LGBT friendly offerings in the region For more info view: www.visitflanders.co.uk/outin flanders

For more info on the Outgames 2013: www.woga2013.org/

POLICE MAKE A DONATION TO ANTI-HOMOPHOBIA IN FOOTBALL CAMPAIGN

▼ Funds from the Police Proper ty Act Fund (PPAF) have been used to suppor t a campaign which tackles homophobia in football Sussex Police's Diversity Team received a grant of £300 from the PPAF for merchandising including T-shir ts, banners and postcards for the Justin Campaign

The campaign was formed after the suicide of Justin Fashanu in 1998 and actively campaigns to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about the LGBT community and works towards a future where LGBT people in football are both accepted and celebrated

Brighton & Hove Police's LGBT team have strong links with the Justin Campaign and have done work alongside them including entering a team into an antihomophobia charity football tournament

Megan Wor thing-Davies from the Justin Campaign said: “The aim of the merchandise is to get the message out to people that homophobia in football is an issue and that it needs to be tackled so that football is inclusive for everyone The merchandise is also really important for us as a way to promote the campaign and get more volunteers involved We use the merchandise at our events such as Brighton People's Day and World Pride in London "

Paul Windsor, the financial director, said: “Every bit of money we get helps take the campaign and the message out to more people ”

The PPAF is made up of monies received by the police from proper ty confiscated by order of the cour t and then sold

Pictured (photo by Geoff Foster Diversity Officer Sussex Police) is Paul Windsor from the Justin Campaign being presented with a cheque by Deputy Chief Constable Giles York

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONS CELEBRATE EQUALITY WITH STONEWALL

▼ Leeds Rhinos, the Rugby League’s defending Super League Champions and World Club Challenge 2012 winners, teamed up with Stonewall, the LGB equality charity at a major rugby fixture last month on August 10 The Rhinos’ clash with the Widnes Vikings at Headingley was dedicated to LGBT equality, and the Rhinos wore Stonewall’s logo on their match kit

The Rhinos are taking over from the Sheffield Eagles as the R ugby Football League’s LGBT champions

The Rugby Football League (RFL), Rugby League’s governing body in England, is a strong advocate for equality and has been a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, which helps employers suppor t gay staff since 2008 In January, Stonewall announced the RFL as one of Britain’s Top 100 Employers for LGB people, reaching 56th place in the Workplace Equality Index

Shaun Lunt, Leeds Rhinos and England international hooker, said: “Rugby League has always been an inclusive game for all parts of the community It’s great that the RFL can lead the way with an initiative like this, and we’re happy here at the Rhinos to help promote that message "

Laura Doughty, Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive said: “Sadly recent polling by the University of Cambridge's Centre for Family Research for Stonewall’s School Report 2012 shows two thirds of gay young people don’t like team sports, of ten because they face homophobic bullying on the pitch and in the changing rooms Governing bodies and sport teams can help change that by following the RFL’s and the Rhinos’ lead in tackling homophobia and celebrating equality "

BLAGSS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT LGBT SWITCHBOARD

▼ BLAGSS, the LGBT spor ts group, are staging a Volleyball Tournament on the af ter noon of Saturday, October 6 Entrance fee for a team of six is £50 and all proceeds af ter expenses will go to the BL AGS S' official charity, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard.

Teams will compete to go into semi-final and final rounds and the tour nament will likely r un for 3-4 hours during the af ter noon

Final details will be confir med once teams are confir med Gene Johnson, Chair of BL AGS S said: "We'd lov e to see a good representation of our L GBT groups"

The event will be limited to eight teams, due to cour t space limitations Register your interest at: johnson gene@hotmail com

RUN THE BRIGHTON MARATHON FOR SWITCHBOARD

▼ Do you need a reason to get fit? If so why not raise funds for LGBT Switchboard at the same time? If you wish to set yourself the challenge of r unning in the 2013 Brighton Marathon, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard would like to hear from you

To discuss this oppor tunity contact Natalie Woods, Ser vices and Development Manager on 01273 234009 or : brighton manager@switchboar d org uk

Switchboard operates an evening telephone help-line ser vice (from 5pm daily) offering infor mation and suppor t to people and a face-to-face counselling ser vice. Help-line: 01273 204050

WALK & RUN 8K FOR RISE

▼ Rise, the Sussex refuge and domestic abuse charity, needs people to run or walk for them in their main annual fundraising event, the 8K Undercliff Women's R un and Family Walk

The 8K Undercliff run for Women is a scenic run by the seashore, alongside the famous chalk cliffs, from Saltdean towards Brighton and back and takes place on Sunday, October 7 2012 Runners raise sponsorship money to help survivors of domestic abuse in Brighton & Hove and West Sussex Runners can enter individually or as a fourmember Relay Team, each running 2km

Registered runners have also been invited by FitBitch R unning Club to take par t in free Wednesday training sessions to prepare for the challenge

Hove based spor ts therapists, Studio 57 Clinic, are offering prizes and discounts for runners

The Rise Undercliff Walk for Families takes place at the same time The route will follow the seashore for the first 4K and then wind back along the cliff top for breathtaking views of the Channel The walk is open to everyone – you can even take your dog along!

As well as refuge accommodation, Rise offers crisis appointments, helpline, counselling, housing, legal and financial advice, solicitor appointments, suppor t groups, play therapy and 1-to-1 suppor t Most of these services are free but it costs over £3,000 every day to keep these vital, life saving services available for local families

For run entry details: www riseuk org uk Twitter: #riseuk

Rise was founded in 1994 and suppor ts women, children and young people in Brighton & Hove and West Sussex who are affected by domestic abuse

HEP C INFECTION RATES SOAR

▼ The number of people chronically infected with hepatitis C in the UK is estimated at 216,000, according to the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) annual repor t on hepatitis C infection published in July The repor t also reveals that hospital admissions for hepatitis C-related End Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) and liver cancer are increasing, from 612 in 1998 to 1,979 in 2010, while deaths have risen from 98 in 1996 to 323 in 2010 An overall increase in registrations for liver transplants with post-hepatitis C cirrhosis has also been observed from 45 in 1996 to 101 in 2011 In 2011, 9,908 new diagnoses of hepatitis C were repor ted to the HPA in England, up from 7,892 cases in 2010, however, this rise is largely thought to be due to changes in laboratory repor ting

The future burden of hepatitis C-related infections and national progress in tackling the infection is set out in Hepatitis C in the UK , a repor t produced by the HPA to coincide with World Hepatitis Day on July 28

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) which causes inflammation of the liver and, when left untreated, can result in chronic liver disease, liver failure, or even death Because the liver is able to work even when damaged, many people are unaware they have the disease at first because they have no symptoms It is only when the liver becomes seriously damaged that symptoms occur and people repor t to their doctor

Dr Helen Harris, a hepatitis exper t at the HPA said: “Many of the 216,000 people who are chronically infected with the virus are unaware of their infection Therefore, it is vital that we continue to monitor the true burden of infection to help focus public health action on getting these people diagnosed and into treatment Although our latest report shows that we are having a number of successes in our fight against hepatitis C, many people continue to become seriously ill from this preventable infection, which is usually treatable if caught early enough We must therefore redouble our efforts and continue to develop new schemes to raise awareness in at risk communities and ensure that individuals who may have been exposed to the virus are tested, diagnosed and treated early, before they become seriously ill ”

Injecting drugs with unsterile injecting equipment, par ticularly needles and syringes, can put people at risk of infection, even if they injected only once or twice in the past Others at risk of hepatitis C include those who have received blood transfusions before September 1991 or blood products before 1986 in the UK People who originate from countries where hepatitis C is endemic, such as South Asia, are also at risk - often following medical or dental treatment with unsterile equipment

In recent years, campaigns by the Depar tment of Health, NHS and nongovernment organisations such as The Hepatitis C Trust have worked to raise awareness of the disease among health professionals and the public, so that it can be diagnosed and treated before severe liver damage occurs As a result of these campaigns, more people are contacting health professionals to be tested, and the number of confirmed cases of hepatitis C has increased steadily since 1995

Dr Harris continued: “It’s very encouraging that new drugs are now available that can help clear the most difficult to treat strain of the virus in most people Between 2006 and 2011, an estimated 27,500 people with chronic hepatitis C in England have been treated with NICE recommended combination therapy, but more people need to access this treatment if the future burden of hepatitis C infection is to be averted

“It’s important that hepatitis C provision continues to be a priority for the NHS, particularly for those marginalised groups of society who are most affected by the epidemic We also believe it’s vital that local commissioners continue to work together to ensure that all affected individuals are able to access prevention and healthcare services ”

ASPERGERS HELP GROUP!

▼ Charlie Huskinson is a gay man with Aspergers He would like to set up a group, based, probably, in Brighton, which would meet regularly for people like him, to share their experiences of life, and hopefully gain strength and companionship as the group develops over time

Charlie says: “A utism and aspergers (w hich is a form of A utism) manifest themselv es in the follow ing w ay : the person w ith it is, as w e all are, unique; usually highly intelligent; at times enigmatic (my sterious); and by no stretch of the imagination should they be classed or categorised as 'disabled' - rather they should be v iew ed positiv ely as 'differently able' ”

Autistic people find it difficult to communicate on a social level Making friends and relationships is hard as the nor mal 'r ules of engagement' with strangers are not there Therefore inappropriate behaviour may be obser ved and misunderstood

This group will enable sufferers to mix, talk, meet and discuss their difficulties in an equal, fair and open environment

Being given the oppor tunity to meet other LGBT sufferers will provide a safe and secure a nourishing platfor m on which to build meaningful relationships and friendships

Aspergers can be an isolating and lonely experience which prevents and inhibits the building of friendships And it leaves the person ver y lonely and feeling unloved, unaccepted and that they do 'not belong'

Charlie says: “We all need that sense of belonging A nd, of course Hugs and A ffection ”

If you are interested in Charlie's idea, and feel you might wish to join this group, then contact him at: charlie huskinson@tiscali co u k

If you are already aware of such work being done, please let him know so that unnecessar y duplication can be avoided

PEER ACTION THERAPY TASTER DAY A GREAT SUCCESS

▼ Peer Action's Therapy Taster Day last month was a great success with 46 therapies being administered on the day Star ting on the last Saturday of each month from September 29, Peer Action will be facilitating a complete day of complimentary therapies in par tnership with Active Light Works The cost is £6 per session with a qualified and insured therapist administering the treatment

Treatments available include: Indian Head massage, Shi Atsu, R eflexology, Hands Free Massage, Spor ts Massage, Ear Acupuncture will also be available with Pathways to Health throughout the day In addition, Peer Action will be introducing two Peer Massage therapists also insured and qualified or training

The treatments take place at the THT offices at 61 Ship street, Brighton where there is level access and parking for disabled service users THT provide the premises free of charge but have no involvement in the project

PEER ACTION SELF-DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

▼ Dan Weintrob, an ITOL-qualified coach, leads a workshop on how we can deal with the ups and downs of life by developing our resilience You might be surprised to discover how resilient you already are; the workshop will look at ways of building on these foundations to make you even stronger Places are limited to 10 people, booked in advance £3 per person at a central Brighton location

For more information and to reserve your place, email: peeraction@yahoo.co.uk

PEER ACTION YOGA CL ASSES

▼ Dan Weintrob also runs the weekly yoga class for Peer Action which at £2 a session has proved very popular but become oversubscribed As a result an additional new, slightly more strenuous class is being introduced during September

Everyone living with HIV and affected by HIV is welcome and there is no age limit

Steve, a member, said: “This is just what I needed to get me back into my yoga which lapsed with my lack of confidence " For more information view: www.peeraction.co.uk

SURVEY FINDS 1 IN 4 GAY MEN

WATCH PORN EVERY DAY

▼ Over 1,000 gay men responded to FS Magazine’s survey to find out how porn really figures in gay men’s lives An overwhelming majority (98%) of respondents watched porn, with almost one in four watching it daily (24%) and just over threequar ters viewing porn more than once a week

In recent years there has been a lot of discussion around whether bareback porn encourages gay men to have unprotected sex The survey results demonstrate that the answer may not be straightforward Although almost 96% of those surveyed had watched at least some bareback porn, fewer than 7% felt that it had led to them personally having unprotected sex However, a majority of men (53%) believed that watching bareback porn can lead to others having unprotected sex As one respondent put it:

“The glamorisation of unprotected sex can influence others into doing it ”

FS Magazine’s special porn issue also highlights disagreements about the impact of bareback porn from within the industry Dean Monroe, porn actor, told the magazine: “Porn is sometimes the first taste of sex a young person gets, so naturally what they see on screen, they might emulate in life Every scene should show the model putting the condom on ” Liam Cole, a producer of bareback porn countered: “My porn is not a fantasy, it’s a record of how some gay men f**k Bareback sex doesn’t take much encouragement ” Matthew Hodson, of GMFA, who publish FS, said: “It was clear from the response to the survey that gay men are interested in porn It’s impossible to say precisely how much impact watching porn has on people’s behaviour but it seems that many people, gay or straight, learn about sex from porn, and perhaps this is even more true for gay men, as we are less likely to get a gay sex education at school ” Other findings from the survey were that more than half of respondents had recorded themselves having sex and almost a quar ter of these had uploaded the results on to the internet The results of the porn survey are published in the latest issue of FS Magazine, alongside an exclusive interview with porn superstar Matthew R ush and a host of porn-related features and advice FS Magazine is available for free in gay venues and GUM clinics in London, can be viewed at: www.fsmag.org.uk and is now also available to download on your iPhone, iPad or Android device for free View: www.gmfa.org.uk/fsapp

KEMPTOWN MP REACTS TO HIV AWARENESS CONCERNS

▼ Sexual health exper ts and HIV charities are concerned that not enough young people are aware of the dangers of HIV, and believe that more must be done to ensure ‘at-risk’ groups understand the illness Simon Kirby, Brighton Kemptown MP and Vice Chairman of the All Par ty Parliamentary Group HIV/AIDS, has responded to repor ts by echoing these concerns and calling for immediate action

Simon said:“Educating young people and raising awareness of the danger of HIV is vital to prevention, which is the cornerstone of the fight against the disease The message coming from sexual health experts is concerning and it supports the House of Lords Select Committee Report of September last year, as well as the position of the All Party Parliamentary Group on which I serve That message is that the number of people living with HIV in the UK is increasing, and widespread public ignorance is fuelling the problem The Department of Health has announced that £8million will be spent on raising awareness over the next three years I welcome that commitment, but more will need to be done in this ongoing battle

“As a Brighton MP I represent a city that contains a large number of young people in the most ‘at- risk’ groups, and so I know that this is a very important issue locally Through my position on the HIV/AIDS All Party Parliamentary Group, and my discussions with Government Ministers, I will continue to work with health experts to ensure that this issue receives the attention that it requires ”

DOCTORS NEEDED FOR ME SUFFERERS

▼ Caroline Lucas, Brighton Pavilion MP , is approaching local health authorities to find out what progress is being made to identif y a specialist ME physician for Sussex

Much has been achieved over recent times to improve the recognition and treatment of those affected by Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in Sussex

One of the most impor tant developments was when Sussex Primar y Care Trusts, with help from the Sussex ME Society, established an NHS specialist ser vice now based in Mid-Sussex

The ser vice team of eight, that has dealt with over 2,800 referrals, included two specialist doctors who have retired during the last couple of years and have proved difficult to replace Unfor tunately the specialist ser vice now has limited medical input with just one doctor doing a session per month where he assesses some patients that require confir mation diagnosis using strict criteria

Colin Bar ton, chair man of the ME society says:

"A lthough the multidisciplinar y team are doing a good job in line w ith NICE guidance, there is presently no doctor specialising in ME that can be seen generally on the NHS in Sussex these day s T his situation is unacceptable considering that there are more than 6,000 people affected by the debilitating illness in the county many of w hom are v ir tually housebound and in need of care ”

LGBT SWITCHBOARD NEED A NEW TREASURER TRUSTEE

▼ Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard are looking for a new treasurer trustee to help the organisation move forward If you are retired or have time on your hands they would like to hear from you

The new trustee’s role will be to work with other trustees and the Ser vice & Development Manager to ensure that the finances of the organisation are properly accounted for, with records that are compliant with all statutory and accounting regulations and accord with the requirements of funders

R oles and tasks include:

• Line managing the voluntary book-keeper,

• Ensure that the income and liabilities of the trust are properly recorded and the liabilities discharged

• Ensure that all cash and bank accounts are regularly monitored and fully reconciled, at least monthly

• Liaise with the payroll services bureau and cashier to ensure that the monthly salaries are properly paid, that the PAYE/NIC is paid over to HMRC and that the end of year returns are properly completed and filed in accordance with statutory deadlines

• Through liaison with the book-keeper and Independent Examiner ensure that the annual accounts are completed and filed with Companies House in accordance with the statutory requirements, with a target that they be made available within 6 months of each financial year-end

• Work with the Services and Development Manager in respect of the preparation of annual budget updates, based on a 3 year rolling programme

• Work with the manager to put together any financial data required for funding bids

• Assist the manager to provide financial information to funders as required to suppor t the proper expenditure of grant income

• Attend trustee meetings and in par ticular repor t on the financial affairs of the trust

• Strengthen systems for the management of all funds including restricted funds

• Attend training as required by Switchboard

• Any other duties as agreed by the trustee group

To discuss this oppor tunity fur ther contact: Natalie Woods, Services and Development Manager, on 01273 234009 or by email: brighton manager@switchboard org uk

POLICE CLOSE NINE MONTH INVESTIGATION AGAINST COUNCIL CRITIC

▼ A critic of Brighton & Hove City Council who was arrested on October 23, 2011 on suspicion of abuse of a position of trust, has been told that no fur ther action will be taken against him due to insufficient evidence and had his client advocacy files and computer returned to him by Sussex Police

Steve Parr y, secretary for Kebbell Lodge

R esidents Association and a long time critic of the City Council was arrested on Sunday, October 23, 2011 when three police officers visited his home The police confirmed at the time to Gscene they did not need a search warrant to enter his proper ty

Despite there being a police car parked immediately outside Mr Parry's home at Kebbell Lodge, Mr Parry claims he was “frog marched” up the High Street to Edward Street in handcuffs so that, in his view, local residents could see his arrest

His flat was searched and the mattress on his bed was tipped over Mr Parry claims, damage was done to proper ty in his flat being stored for a friend Hundreds of personal paper files were taken away together with a computer and computer memory sticks

Confidential casework files that Mr Parry was working on for vulnerable local residents were seized as well as items that he claims could be of no relevance to any investigation about his activities as secretary of the Kebbell Lodge Residents Association, including a Co-op membership card

Mr Parry was interviewed the same evening and bail granted on condition that he had no contact with Brighton & Hove City Council other than through a solicitor He was told that the basis of the investigation against him was ‘fraud by abuse of public position’

Mr Parry claims that one of the arresting officers involved in the search and his arrest, confirmed during the car journey back to Mr Parry's home, that allegations had been made by a council manager, no longer working for the council, about Mr Parry's activities in his role as secretary of the Kebbell Lodge Residents Association

Mr Parry claims that his local councillor, Ben Duncan, a member of the cabinet, confirmed to Mr Parry, on Monday October 24, 2011, the City Council's cabinet and the City Council's legal depar tment were unaware that such allegations had been made to the police by any council officer This led Mr Parry to believe it was not an issue raised by the City Council as a corporate body

Mr Parry refused to sign Form MG4A (the Bail conditions) and informed the arresting officer and the Custody Sergeant that he refused to accept the conditions of the bail

During the next eight months Mr Parry broke the bail conditions on a daily basis by contacting council officials as par t of his advocacy work and ongoing investigations into activities in the council's Housing Depar tment The police took no action

Mr Parry expressed a wish to complain about the behaviour of the arresting officers but was told a complaint could not be recorded at that time

Mr Parry’s arrest coincided with his allegations that the council's Housing Depar tment were paying contractors for work not done The council agreed this to be correct and agreed to repay money to the lease holders involved

The police investigation surrounding Mr Parry was about his role as secretary at the Kebbell Lodge Residents Association and paperwork referred to 'fraud by abuse of a public position'

Mr Parry alleges that police put pressure on residents of Kebbell Lodge Residents Association including the chair to give statements during their investigation

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said:

“A 62- year- old man was arrested on suspicion of abuse of a position of trust on October 23, 2011, at an address in High Street, Brighton Following a police investigation it was decided that no further action would be taken against him at this time due to insufficient evidence and the man was informed of this decision on June 8, 2012

The arrested man was taken to the police car of the arresting officer, which was parked in the same street a short distance from where he was arrested He was then driven to custody There was another police car parked outside the property, but it was decided to use this car to load property into which was seized

during the section 18 search The decision to use these vehicles was made on practical and logistical grounds The arrested man was told that if he wanted to make a complaint he should contact Sussex Police on 101 or attend a local police station once released from custody This is standard procedure ”

A council spokesperson said:

“ We raised concerns on a number of occasions about the finances of the Kebbell Lodge tenants association Our concerns were around the lack of independently audited accounts and followed the resignation of committee members, including the treasurer in 2010

“ We felt it would be prudent to allow the police to act as an independent investigator, so we passed relevant records on to them They subsequently contacted us to inform us that they had arrested Mr Parry

“The decision to arrest Mr Parry was a matter for the police and we had no influence over it

"Concerns raised by Mr Parry about repairs work being paid for but not completed are an entirely separate matter The specific repairs issues he has raised with us have been addressed ”

“If Mr Parry or any other council tenants have concerns about repairs or the overall level of service they receive from the council we would be very keen for them to phone us on 01273 293020 or email housing customerservices@brighton-hove gov uk with specific details so that we can investigate and if necessary put things right ”

James Ledward, editor of Gscene said: “This story is deeply disturbing I tracked its progress since July 2011, six months prior to Mr Parry's arrest Mr Parry alleges he was arrested in October 2011 to silence him and stop his investigations into activities at Lavender Street Housing Department Whatever the rights and wrongs of this case in a democratic society you cannot have a situation were critics of any statutory authority are silenced without good reason ”

“Mr Parry is an old-school activist and operates like one His paperwork and audit trail on this issue is impressive I would be the first to say if he had done something wrong he should be punished The police have investigated Mr Parry, an investigation he alleges was politically motivated and informed him on June 8, 2012 that no further action would be taken at this time due to insufficient evidence

“Now is the time for an 'independent person' to look at Mr Parry’s claims, inspect his paperwork and decide if there is any substance to his allegations ”

EURO MEP SHOCKED AT RAIL FARE INCREASES. BRIGHTON COMMUTERS TO SUFFER FURTHER RISES

▼ Peter Skinner MEP, has expressed alarm at news that local rail users face massive train fare increases of 6.2% Inflation figures confirm that current Retail Price Index (RPI) figure is currently 3.2% This means regulated rail fares are set to increase on average by 6 2%, potentially adding hundreds of pounds to the cost of a season ticket

The massive increase is possible because the Coalition Government changed the formula used to calculate rail fares Instead of using a formula of RPI +1%, as the previous Government did, they increased this to the current formula of RPI +3% after the last General Election Labour believes that train companies should not be allowed to increase fares by more than 1% above inflation Commuters are already being hit by cost of living increases while their salaries remain the same

Peter said:“Living costs are rising and for many the daily commute is now their biggest household bill These inflation busting increases cannot be justified as families struggle to stay above the bread line It’s time for the Tory-led Government to do something to help the region’s many commuters

“Those already spending thousands of pounds on a season ticket to London will be hit hard by these increases if they go ahead Train companies should not be allowed to increase ticket prices by any more than one percent above inflation across all routes ”

Maria Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow Transpor t Secretary, added: “Ministers are putting the wrong people first by promising franchise bidders they can hike fares by eight percent above inflation in both 2013 and 2014 and then six percent above inflation every year for the rest of their contract Yet at the same time successful franchise winners will be allowed to cut rail services, introduce more expensive ‘super peak’ tickets and close ticket offices, so passengers face paying more for less ”

Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven has written to Norman Baker MP , the Transpor t Minister, to raise questions about the increase for residents in Brighton Simon said: “Many people here in Brighton rely on the rail service, whether that is for commuting to and from work, or for pleasure Any increase in the cost of tickets therefore has an impact on my constituents

"I have previously met with the Fair Fares campaign group who have been campaigning on this issue and I always keep in mind the need for the Government to strike the right balance so that both passengers and taxpayers get a great deal from the railways I want to see passengers receive excellent value for money, safety and convenient access to destinations that people want to travel to for business and pleasure ”

“ We need to ensure that increases in the cost of rail tickets translate to a corresponding improvement in services for those using the railways Therefore, I understand constituents who are somewhat questioning of any new announcements of fare rises ”

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: "It's been one massive rail fare hike af ter another and people have had enough The local commuters I've spoken to say they are really struggling One man at Brighton station told me he recently had to hand his notice in for his job in London because he can no longer afford to get there When people are struggling to find jobs and meet increasing living costs, these huge rail fares make no economic sense This government actually promised to end above inflation rail fares - in light of this week's announcement, we now need to hold them to account "

4 IN 5 PEOPLE FAVOUR SAME-SEX COUPLES BEING ABLE TO MARRY IN A CIVIL CEREMONY

▼ The Family Law Team at Brighton solicitors Mayo Wynne Baxter under took a sur vey of 800 people over the summer to tie in with the gover nment's consultation on civil marriage Headline findings include: 84% said they would vote in favour of equal mar riage if a referendum was held tomor row

92% said same-sex couples should be allowed to mar r y in religious buildings if the denomination wishes to welcome them This includes 88% of people with religious belief

74% of Christians said they would vote in favour of equal mar riage

59% of Christians do not see mar riage as “a par tnership founded in religious faith” 89% said the gover nment is right to look into this in 2012

68% said they think civil par tnerships are different to mar riages Asked to pinpoint the distinction the majority view was that they are almost the same but the difference in ter minology suggests samesex relationships have a lower status

There was an even split on how far equality has come with 50% saying equality has been “mostly achiev ed” and 47% thinking there is “still a long w ay to go”

95% of those in civil par tnerships see themselves as “married in all but official name”

To download the full repor t view: http://www mayowynnebaxter co uk

TORIES URGE RADICAL PL AN TO

STREAMLINE THE CITY

COUNCIL

▼ Cllr Geoffrey Theobald, the Conser vative Group leader on the City Council has urged the council’s Green Administration to draw up a radical plan to streamline the council in the wake of the the apparent turmoil caused by the depar ture of the Chief Executive plus three out of the four Strategic Directors Cllr Theobald said: “I believe that the uncertainty and turmoil that this mass exodus has created is very damaging, both to staff morale and to the day to day running of the council and the sooner things are sorted out the better The Conservative Group believe that this enforced hiatus should be used productively and a radical plan to streamline the whole organisation should be put forward

“In times of global financial turmoil, it is vital that the council does much more to save costs by, for example, outsourcing and sharing services with other councils and public bodies, particularly some of the back office functions The A udit Commission recently reported that this council’s services are still relatively expensive compared to some of our equivalent authorities so there is clearly still a lot of scope for making savings whilst maintaining the frontline "It is clear that the Green Administration does not have the political will to make these changes and this is likely to be at least part of the reason why so many senior staff are jumping ship The Greens need to stop blaming all their ills on Coalition Government cuts and instead knuckle down and make the changes needed to run an efficient and effective council to provide the frontline services that the residents and businesses of this city need and deserve ” Gill Mitchell, leader of the Labour group, said:

"It's a bit rich for the Tories to be now calling for a streamlined council when they implemented the expensive, top-heavy management structure that Cllr Geoffrey Theobald now professes to oppose

“Labour has been consistent in calling for reduced layers of senior management with clearer accountability and financial savings ploughed back into front-line services The Greens must deliver ”

AN AUDIENCE WITH MISS JASON

James Ledward discovers why Miss Jason will be ditching the flab for Christmas.

The evening was billed as an Audience with Miss Jason at the Queens Hotel on Brighton seafront We were welcomed with a glass of champagne, canapes and treated to a magnificent three course dinner before Miss Jason took the stage to recount her life to date and answer questions from the audience.

The show was completely unscripted so I took the opportunity to ask Miss Jason if she had always had problems with her weight! Fortyfive minutes and three breaths later the audience were convinced this tortured soul was indeed deeply troubled by her yo-yoing weight problems Among other things she recounted childhood experiences when she

was bullied for being the fat boy in the class and how she hated doing games at school

More significantly she revealed exclusively that she had been told to lose weight by the producers of the pantomime she is appearing in this Christmas so that she could fly during the show. To put it frankly, the wires would not take her weight. Oh the shame of it all Miss Jason!

Not one to sit on her laurels she revealed that she would go on a sponsored slim to lose weight so that she could fly in the pantomime, Peter Pan at the Assembly Rooms in Derby and at the same time raise money for

“I no longer want to be fat, I want to be able to fly.”

local charities in Brighton & Hove. Miss Jason said: “This is a real challenge, this is real life, real weight, real fat. I no longer want to be fat, I want to be able to fly.”

Can she do it? How much can she lose? What will Miss Jason look like without her belly? Will we all still love her? All these questions will be answered and you can keep up with the progress of Miss Jason's weight loss by regularly checking her Facebook page

The following venues are supporting Miss Jason's sponsored slim: Marine Tavern, Queens Arms, Bar 56, Legends, Zone and 112 Church Street in Brighton; DYMK in Bournemouth; The Park Tavern Stratford and Two Brewers in London; The London Hotel in Southampton.

All money each venue raises will be donated to the local charity of the venue ’ s choice.

Back at the Queens Hotel Miss Jason gave a sizzling performance and kept the audience chuckling for a full 90-minutes She was joined on stage by West End singer Paul ArdenGriffith who treated us to some classic numbers

Since the departure of Dockyard Doris and Phil Starr, Miss Jason has developed into one of the finest Drag Queens in the country. What you see is what you get. She just chatters away and makes the most mundane story sound funny and entertaining. Long may she reign!

PETER PAN is at the Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AH from December 5 till January 6 It stars Larry Lamb as Captain Hook and winner of Britain's Got Talent, George Sampson as Peter Pan Miss Jason plays Dame Able Mabel

To book tickets call: 01332 255800

A new Brighton-based website has just been launched to promote full LGBT equality and highlight discrimination around the world.

YouMakeMeProud.org is the brainchild of Brighton-based music producer Howard Alexander whose song You Make Me Proud won an international competition earlier this year to create the world’s largest virtual queer choir, singing out for equality and against discrimination. Howard explained what prompted the creation of the new website: “The purpose of the website is to provide a focal point to monitor and promote equality and diversity around the world. A place to come and show your support, to raise awareness and to share your stories. And to celebrate the efforts and achievements of amazing people in our local and global communities who take both baby steps and giant leaps for themselves and for others, on the road to full equality

“I have been so inspired by the amazing feedback and stories from people around the world singing my song, and I wanted to get involved myself and help the campaign for full equality

“I have personally been very lucky and never considered myself a victim of discrimination, but the more I looked into the issue of LGBT equality, the more I realised that even living in the Brighton or the London bubble, if you cannot happily hold hands with, kiss, or marry your partner in public, the same way that other people can, then you are not equal

“Therefore either your government or other people are treating you as a second class citizen Why should other people be dictating to us how we lead our lives? Why should some people be able to hold hands and kiss in public and others not feel comfortable to do so?

“With the very divisive issue of gay marriage equality in the UK and the USA right now, it feels like now is such an important time to do our bit to change the world for the better and to allow everyone to be free to love who they want to love.

“Unbelievably it's still illegal to be gay in 80 countries around the world”

“I was shocked to find that only nine countries have full legal equality, yet South Africa is one of them, where the reality on the street is very different Unbelievably it's still illegal to be gay in 80 countries around the world

“The website will enable people in all countries around the world to either Sing Out! (and join the global online LGBTQI choir), Shout Out! (record their own personal video to inspire others and celebrities or politicians around the world to get involved) or Write Out! (write messages or stories and attach photos to inspire others).”

The website is sponsored by REALBrighton.com. Sam Milford, Managing Director was keen to support the project: “We jumped at the chance to get involved, it's a fantastic song and the website offers an opportunity for everyone to help make a difference ”

REALBrighton designed, built and are hosting the new website which you'll find at www.YouMakeMeProud.org

MY CL AIM TO FAME

When Peter Stowelle Phillips read about Helen Marie Car ter ’s transition to being a woman in May ’s Gscene, he thought she was ver y brave and decided to paint her por trait from the photograph in the feature. James Ledward met Peter for a cozy chat

Peter asked me to give the painting to Helen, so I gave it to her on the patio at Legends. She was thrilled that someone was moved by her story and had taken the time to paint her

Peter trained as a chef at Westminster Technical College and arrived in Brighton in 1965 as a tender 17-year-old to start work at the Metropole Hotel He spent most of the following years working in the catering industry here in Brighton.

Art has always been Peter's hobby and second love. Over the years he has had several one-man exhibitions and has developed a range of greetings cards to accompany his paintings. Peter does not usually paint portraits but he so enjoyed reading Helen's story and says he especially liked the way her scarf was draped round her on the photograph accompanying the interview in the magazine that he thought he would give it a bash Peter said: ”It’s not the best painting I have ever done, but it's not my worst and I think it captures the moment ”

Peter’s claim to fame is that in 1976 he was so incensed at the Tate Gallery's purchase of the Bricks installation by the American minimal artist, Carl Andre, that he went into the Tate Gallery and painted them blue. His actions made front page news on every newspaper at the time. The Daily Express gave the story priority over Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor's divorce which was announced that day. The Sun dressed Peter in a pin-striped suit and bowler hat and placed him under the tits of the nude Page 3 model that day with the headline, ‘City Toff Throws Brick Bat’ They were heady days for Peter

Not long ago he featured in a Radio Four programme called 'Where are they now' The BBC came to Brighton to interview Peter and they also interviewed the sculpturer Carl Andre. They asked Peter if he had any regrets. He said no but made it clear to them why he had done it. He said: "At the time Jim Callaghan was the Prime Minister and everyone was being told to pull in their belts, just like now in fact. There was a 3% wage pay freeze and they spent £6,000 on the bricks which was a lot of money in those days I was so incensed that tax payers ’ money was being spent on this pile of bricks which Carl Andre had bought on a building site, put in a box and sent to the Tate Gallery Had he made the bricks himself there would have been some artistic endeavour involved I was furious I decided that this amateur artists would bite back "

Peter certainly did bite back Today, he lives a much quieter life in Kemptown, where he lives alone, paints in his flat and lives surrounded by his paintings.

MYKONOS

Roger Wheeler visits the Island of the Lotus Eaters

In ancient Greek mythology there was a race of people living on an island somewhere in the Aegean Sea who ate nothing but lotus flowers and lived a wonderful, sybaritic and relaxed life. This is a myth, or is it? I had never been to any of the (nearly) 3,000 islands of which 170 are inhabited, but I think that Mykonos comes pretty close to that ideal lifestyle Mykonos became popular with the gay community about 40-years ago as there were very few holiday destinations where we could go and really relax It fell out of fashion when places like Ibiza and Fort Lauderdale became popular; but today it is back where it belongs, right at the top of the gay holiday hot spots. Just under four hours from Gatwick it’s a really beautiful place with a laid-back lifestyle, and although the Greeks officially have no money they seem to be doing pretty well.

Mykonos town is a fascinating maze of tiny streets and alleys. They suggest that you wander around and get lost, we did, but it isn’t really that big The economy depends to a large extent on tourism which is about 60/40 gay/straight Every day a large cruise liner docks in the bay (spoiling the view) and offloads up to 3,000 tourists who flood the town and spend money at the hundreds of little shops selling all the usual souvenirs. There are plenty of highly priced designer shops including a brand new Louis Vuitton store who are there to help if you feel the need for a new handbag at 1am.

There are half a dozen or so gay bars, some very noisy – Jackie ‘O is one, to the quieter Lola’s and the Piano Bar which attracts a mixed fashionable crowd and offers a great range of cocktails. The rumour that this island is expensive is another myth; it’s no dearer than anywhere else. A beer costs 4.50€, about £3 60, and a cocktail 8€, no dearer than at home, but meals in most restaurants are really reasonable, around 20€-25€ for a decent meal with wine Be warned, if, like me you have an aversion to cigarette smoke you’ll find that the EU regulations are ignored and smoking is allowed in many of the bars and restaurants, which was the only problem

we found on this lovely island By the way they don’t pay taxes either, but that’s another story On the plus side there is hardly any crime or drugs

There is a huge range of accommodation from self-catering apartments to upmarket hotels. We stayed initially at the Town Suites, a very quiet building with four very lovely fully equipped apartments, right in the heart of the town. We had our own private balcony, large sun terrace, TV and an excellent kitchen. The flat was provided by the Mykonos Accommodation Centre which is owned and run by Belgian ex-pat John van Lerberghe John has been on the island for 30 years, living the dream and he knows just about all there is to know about gay Mykonos

There are no major international hotel chains on most of the Greek islands; the hotels are invariably family run and all the better for that. Our next stay was at the Leto Hotel on the sea front, which was the first large hotel on Mykonos, built in 1955 and whilst in need a slight re-vamp was absolutely great. It has

all the facilities you would expect from a four star hotel, with a dining area and bar by the palm fringed pool The rooms were large and airy with balconies, and the staff were very friendly with everyone speaking good English. The food all over the island was excellent with fish dominating, but we had some terrific pork and veal. Dinner at the Leto came close to being marvellous.

The famous Paradise and Super Paradise beaches whilst still very popular are now quite commercialised with buses running frequently from the town to both Super Paradise is in a truly stunning setting and they have just built a new club/bar with pool overlooking the beach, which is very popular with the boys

The newest ‘in’ place is Elia Beach, which is a large sandy bay with sun beds, umbrellas and bars with the gay nudist section at the far end just around the low headland There are a couple of hotels on the beach One of the loveliest I have ever seen was the Arte & Mare Elia Suites, a knockout small boutique hotel in a fantastic setting. Sadly we weren’t staying, but the low season price of 90€ per night was almost a giveaway, and they offer free transport into town (20 minute drive) so you don’t have to miss any of the atmosphere. This hotel is running a series of six gay beach parties throughout August and September.

The gay hotel on Mykonos is, without doubt, the Elysium, which is a very modern five star gay resort hotel perched high above the town with great views It’s run by Vassilis, who, when it comes to gay Mykonos, is your man

Mykonos was and is once more a real party island With the six beach parties on Elia Beach, the Elysium Hotel hosts the S-Clash Pool Party on 1st September which runs all night. By far the biggest gay event is the Xlsior Festival with an impressive programme running from 22–26 August. Now in its fourth year it goes from strength to strength and last year attracted thousands of gay visitors over the five days

Mykonos is now one of the most affordable holiday destinations in Europe and it’s a fantastic time to visit the Greek islands It’s getting cheaper day-by-day to visit Greece as travel firms scramble to fill hotels and planes, so there are some amazing bargains around Go Greece, Go Gay, Go Mykonos!

http://mykonos-accommodation.com www.letohotel.com www.eliasuites.com www.elysiumhotel.com

THE RAIN IN SPAIN...

It’s not all sun, sea, sex and sangria on the Costa del Sol say Andrew and Geoff

When we moved out to Torremolinos eight years ago, it was a vibrant, exciting place to be The nightlife was great, with all the bars and clubs heaving until the early hours and rent boys in abundance. In fact whatever floats your boat was there on tap. The streets were safe and well policed. On the strength of our feedback, several friends also decided to move there. The euro was around 1.60 to the pound, so the cost of living was cheap, property was cheap and there were estate agents in abundance, cashing in on the boom.

At our favourite Spanish restaurant we quite often had to queue for a table and the food was cheap and of excellent quality The sauna was also very busy with desperate foreign tourists and obliging Spanish boys with smiling eyes In all the shops the assistants were helpful, friendly and smiling The changes came quite gradually. First, all the estate agents, apart from a few long established ones, closed down. The euro fell against the pound, but people just carried on enjoying life in the sun. Our friends bought a penthouse on a new complex, but others were left empty and unsold.

Bars began to change hands with alarming regularity. Our regular, where everyone went early evening, became a shadow of its former self The last time we visited there were only two other customers The Spanish stopped eating out, a great Spanish tradition, and eventually there were plenty of empty tables The quality and freshness of the food went down and after our last two visits my partner got food poisoning From being like old friends, the waiters became surly and slovenly Shop assistants became rude and unhelpful The late night bars died a death and anyone out late at night became fair game for muggers. We spoke to one guy who’d been mugged twice in a distance of 100 yards.

The smiling, welcoming eyes, something for which Andalusia had always been famous, virtually disappeared. This is hardly surprising in a province where unemployment stands at the highest in Spain and families are finding it difficult to put food on the table Every afternoon a battered old white van came around our crescent and a man got out to rummage through the wheelie bins for anything that could be sold on Shops and cafes around us opened and closed within weeks Even business at the brothels fell off and they were forced to close

Eventually the atmosphere became quite depressing and we made the decision to leave. Luckily the area we lived in was becoming popular with the Dutch and we were able to sell our apartment to a Dutch couple via the internet. With the euro in dire straits by now, we made a considerable loss on the transaction, but were just able to buy a flat in Brighton. Many of our friends who would love to return haven’t had our luck and are still waiting to sell. We wish them the best of luck.

Andrew and Geoff are now back in Brighton and loving it!

BY MORHAM WHITE

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CARER OR BENSON ABROAD?

Every now and again, Carer Benson with Art, his assistant, arrange a day trip for the elderly, a bit like ‘ care in the community‘ with a twist It’s usually dinner in Boulogne, perhaps a little different as a conversation piece. Today we have an early start as Eurotunnel has confirmed it’s ‘peak season ’ even if the return may be less hectic. Times are texted, the last pick-up at 8am on the terrace for boarding the train at 10.50am. Coats are placed in the boot and Mrs B has already sat herself central to the rear seat. To date the major issue has been whether it’s quicker via Dyke or London Road to minimise commuter delay.

As the elderly set into banter, that’s what the elderly do, ‘clever clogs’, the rear seat driver, says “So we ’ ve all got our passports then? Tee-ha” A hush descends before the assistant carer (the driver actually) says, “Just look in the glove compartment, I’m sure it’s there“ but lo! It isn’t. “So that’s sorted then, the A23 via Sainsbury’s I knew we’d find a solution.”

In a former mode of transport we were regularly told, “traffic is flowing freely” and it is, even if a little heavy, we make excellent time. Train departures are slightly delayed, so we pile out (that’s a technical term) for powdering of the nose, testing the nose (with applications of the latest pongs) and for once a quite respectable coffee with Chelsea buns and glory, a map for the back-seat driver The Carer provides a lavish Aldi spread for the journey, as we pull into the tunnel and dig in Benson buns with brie and bacon, boxes of orange or apple Mrs B has brought quiche and Milky Bars, a curious mix We soon pop out the other end to full sunshine, a marked improvement on our winter trips

We’re the second car off and our first stop is a wine outlet in the sticks with wine, beer, glassware, paté and confiture (jam) With a grape and glass make-over adorning the exterior elevation nothing else has changed. Empty handed but quite content, we ’ re on our way, with several hours to kill. Usually we head down the dual-carriageway for the Boulogne Auchun Supermarket, but today we ’ re off to the sea.

Pootling along, taking in the villages, the architecture, shops, restaurants and the glorious countryside. We’re aiming for a village called Wimereux and the Hotel Atlantic, an old haunt of Mrs B. En route there’s Cap Gris Nez, where those swimming the channel pull in It’s a large promontory and the sea particularly rough There’s plenty of landscaped parking with maps and walkways to viewing points along the cliffs Wraps would have been advisable but the group staggers off to the viewing points Mrs B stays behind to rest, which is a wise move as we ’ re freezing after 20mins in the elements

Back on the road we pass Rue du Sodit and Dunes De La Slack, the latter is not lost in the translation? Michel gets quite excited, insisting on a photo opp’!

Wimereux next and as the fair is in town we take a detour via the river bank, with the sea waves crashing into the narrow estuary, then along a road parallel to the seafront. Parking is challenging but achievable and it’s “ everyone out”.

Blowing a hooly, the sun is in hiding. Two rows of beach huts are firmly locked shut. It’s 2pm but the elderly only need a coffee so the search is on and the Hotel Atlantic is yonder if a tad salty of outlook. We pile into an almost empty bar; just two tables taken and we are re-invigorated with alcohol, coffee and a rest.

Next a walk along the prom ’ , with the sea receding fast the sun comes out at last After viewing some extraordinarily designed seaside buildings we are back in the car and Auchun, the supermarket, beckons It’s a Thursday, amazingly quiet, with loads of space in the car park Trolleys are assembled and the race is on with an hour before reconvening Spending our respective Euros on cheese, wine, and all things French. The boot is loaded in reverse order of our drop off back home, (all very clever) and then we ’ re off for a trot round the ramparts of old Boulogne. After a couple of rounds in The Ole In The Vole, the cutest of oldie worldie bars with a mere four tables, we go for a saunter in search of food.

Folk are determined to try something other than our regular haunt Le Swan, corny but consistent. We eventually alight on the Ramparts Restaurant, in the town square bedecked with a tableau of the Centre Pompidou covering the L’Hotel de Ville opposite Sat in the evening sun, a class bottle of Brouilly is a mere E20 and a stunner The food comes to E15 a head for three courses, though it is admitted by all that it doesn’t quite match Le Swan for choice and quality, even if the final bill is extremely competitive Service is fun, the place is distressingly quiet but it’s time for home!

The journey home is quite uneventful as we ’ re sent straight to the queue for the tunnel trip, just four cars, then we arrive home at the same time we set off, and before the pumpkins appear we ’ re back in old Brighton though who’s more exhausted, the elderly or the carers? I’m unsure.

BY CHARLIE NYEREYEGONA

CHARLIE’S CHEFS OF THE MONTH

On a crazy day of mix-ups and wild dashes through central London, I met up with two of London’s finest chefs: Ben Tish and Ed Baines

BEN TISH

Salt Yard Group www.saltyard.co.uk

A year after Sanja Morris and Simon Mullins opened their flagship restaurant Salt Yard (54 Goodge Street, London) in 2005, Ben joined as head chef and hasn’t looked back. In 2008, with Sanja and Simon, he opened Dehesa (25 Ganton Street) and in 2011 they opened their star Opera in the heart of theatre land (23 Catherine Street opposite Drury Lane Theatre), a fabulous, uber cool, two tier bar/restaurant with a charcoal grill. It was such a pleasure to meet this passionate, highly focused and talented chef

What makes your tapas different from the rest?

We take the best flavours from Spain and Italy and using the best produce marry together at most two to three of these flavours to create stunning dishes, unfussy and bold

When did the passion first begin for you?

I came to London aged 19 to become a chef; that’s all I ever wanted to be!

How do you cope with the pressure of running three award winning restaurants and 28 chefs?

I’m quite pragmatic. I think what’s going to happen, will.

What gives you a buzz and keeps you motivated?

Positive feedback from customers and watching our teams blossom. What ingredient can’t you do without in the kitchen?

Malden Sea Salt - it’s amazing what it does to flavour!

What will you be cooking at the Foodies Festival in August?

Big chargrilled lamb chops with peas, broad beans and mint butter sauce

What makes the restaurants’ tapas stand out?

It has to be our Iberico pork from the king of the breed! Most tapasstyle restaurants only serve it cured but we cook ours fresh: medium rare on a charcoal grill. Unusual, but our customers at Opera love it. What are your favourite dishes on the menu at the moment?

Salt Yard: the truffled macaroni; Dehesu: almond and cherry pudding with salted caramel ice cream; Opera: Buffalo mozzarella with herbed peaches and thyme megas

What food do you like to cook at home?

Indian – influenced heavily by my beautiful girlfriend, Nykeeta! What lies in the future?

A Salt Yard cookbook will be out around Christmas: collaboration between Sanja, Simon and me We’re also looking for a new site to open another grill type restaurant Very exciting stuff!

How would you sum up your restaurants?

Good value for money and not an experience to be missed!

Who would you invite to a dinner party and what would you cook? Nykeeta of course, family and my four best friends. An enormous Indian Banquet!

ED BAINES

Randall & Aubin. 16 Brewer Street, London, W1F OSQ 0207 7478 0507 www.randallandaubin.com

Ed Baines (Masterchef and Britain’s Best Dish) set up iconic restaurant

Randall & Aubin in Soho 16-years ago with friend and business partner, Jamie Poulton I was in the presence of a chefing legend! I had always wanted to meet Ed and he didn’t disappoint! In addition he left me with a lunch of grilled prawns with shaved fennel and citrus salad

and baked salmon with garlic mash, asparagus and homemade hollandaise Beautiful!

What makes your restaurant so special?

The provenance of the ingredients, the simplicity of the dishes, clean tastes on the palate and freshness We have an inviting space where there is “everything for everyone ” We’ re established and have the only original shop fit of its kind still existing in Soho From the first impression of fresh seafood in the window you know what we ’ re about!

What are your first memories of food?

So many! Paté on toast, fish soup. At age 11 we moved to the States and I remember ice cold grape juice. The memories are filled with love because we all sat around a table and ate, sharing wonderful dishes…

Where does your produce come from?

We use a few very good British suppliers for our fish and meat in line with our very clear identity.

How did Randall & Aubin start?

I’d worked at Bibendum Oyster Bar, Rotisserie Jules and had always been into seafood Jamie loved the idea of rotisserie meals so that was that!

What motivates you?

Love of good food and the excitement of not knowing what’s going to happen on a daily basis!

I’ve noticed a mirror ball and some risqué paintings on the walls of this very inviting space. Has it always looked like this?

That was our crazy gay friend, Daniel Griffiths, who introduced the mirror ball and the more camp elements after we’d been here a few years. They helped increase our trade and still lend a pleasant element of surprise for our customers.

Do your wife and children share your love of good food?

Yes, Anne and I love simple, delicious, good food and my eldest sons have recently developed a palate for nothing but properly prepared and cooked food!

What do you like eating?

Beautifully prepared Italian food Slow cooked food

So what’s happening at the moment?

We’ve started a spin-off catering business, the Randall & Aubin way It’s very exciting and brings the Randall & Aubin experience to your table In addition we are looking to open another Randall & Aubin

UNITED COLOURS OF PRIDE SATURDAY

PARADE

The United Colours Of Pride Parade starts at 11am on Saturday, 1st September 2012, from the Brighton Wheel on Madeira Drive The cavalcade of up to 60 entries will make its way along the seafront and though the centre of Brighton, finishing at Preston Park Entries this year vary from community groups, faith groups, charities, businesses, unions and national names, with everything from floats to fire engines, roller skaters and samba bands. This year Pride Brighton & Hove are very pleased to welcome on the parade the Hankie Quilt Project remembering those affected by HIV/AIDS. For a full list of entries: www.pridebrighton.org

PRESTON PARK

On Saturday, 1st September, Preston Park will be transformed into the biggest LGBT event in the UK. The park opens at noon and closes at 8pm. No alcohol or glass is allowed to be brought onto the park. There are nine entrances to the park including the VIP entrance near the Revenge VIP lounge and Disabled Access entrance at the top of the park Don’t wait until the day to buy your ticket, it costs more (£17 50) and you’ll have to queue for longer to buy it

Please recycle your rubbish, respect your fellow festival goers and the nearby residents and importantly, throw some money in the Pride collection buckets! This year all the money raised will be donated via the Rainbow Fund to local LGBT community groups, so help to support them by giving generously

BIG SCREEN

The big screen will keep you up to date with everything and any safety announcements

COMMUNITY VILL AGE

In the heart of the park is the Community Village with stalls by local and national charities, groups and organisations. Many of the stalls are given free by Pride Brighton & Hove so these organisations can promote their LGBT work, issues and charitable aims.

ACCESS TENT

The Federation Of Disabled People Access Tent is safe base and chill out for people with disabilities or mental health difficulties Please see www.pridebrighton.org for full details on Access Pride

THE MARKET STALLS

Selling everything from toys, clothing, jewellery, DVDs and novelty gifts.

BARS

There will be seven bars around the park so you won’t need to wait long to get hold of your favourite tipple.

BEARS TENT

The popular Bears Tent is especially for the guys and features eight of the best male DJs that Brighton’s diverse club scene has to offer

BEARS TENT DJ LINE UP

■ 12.00pm: Missy

■ 2.00pm: Phillovedisco

■ 3.00pm: Mr King

■ 4.00pm: Chris Barker

■ 5.00pm: Mike Mikalis

■ 6.00pm: Josh The Barber

■ 7.00pm: Hi Fi Sean

CAL ABA SH TENT

Calabash returns to Preston Park for 2012 with a range of local artists to reflect the diversity of the LGBT community. The focus is on urban dance music, including bhangra, grime, dub step, r&b, soul, disco and all things funky featuring live performers, dancers, VJs and and DJs: Gustav of Heavy Disco (soul); Miklos (lover’s rock/reggae); Pushy Kat (bhangra/dub step/drum & bass); Rob & Gideon of NY Downlow Lovebox, Glastonbury, Downlow Radio (hip hop/r&b); DJ Melody Kane (UK funky/r&b); Go Bang DJs, Brighton’s ambassadors of disco (good time soul/disco).

GIRLS ON TOP POP BIG TOP

For the first time Pride on Preston Park will feature a 3,000 capacity Pop Big Top featuring a fantastic sound and light system, dancers and out of this world special effects. The big top will be hosted by Revenge's multi-award winning club night Girls On Top with the UK’s finest female DJ talent and Revenge residents plus an appearance from X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke

GIRLS ON TOP DJ LINE UP:

■ 12.00pm: Claire Fuller

■ 2.00pm: Trick

■ 3.00pm: Kelly & Alpha

■ 4.30pm: Alex Baker

■ 5.30pm: Smithy & Fifi

■ 7.00pm: Missy B

LEGENDS CABARET TENT

The Cabaret Tent is one of the main attractions on the park and after a break of two years is once again sponsored by Tony Chapman at Legends It features the best the UK cabaret scene has to offer with a mix of local and national talent, the line up promises entertainment with something for everyone.

LEGENDS CABARET LINE UP

■ 2.00pm: Lola Lasagne

■ 2.10pm: Sally Vate & Tammy Twinkle

■ 2.25pm: Jennie Castell

■ 2.40pm: Davina Sparkle

■ 3.00pm: Pride’s Got Talent Winner

■ 3.05pm: James Bedford

■ 3.20pm: Maisie Trollette

■ 3.35pm: Miss Jason

■ 3.50pm: All Mouth No Trousers

■ 4.10pm: Drag With No Name

■ 4.30pm: Titti La Camp

■ 4.50pm: Lola Lasagne

■ 5.00pm: Rose Garden

■ 5.20pm: Trashville Tennessee

■ 5.40pm: CK (Crystal D'Canter & Kelly Mild)

■ 5.55pm: Sandra

■ 6.15pm: Eva La Diva

■ 6.30pm: Dave Lynn

■ 6.50pm: Dame Edna Experience

■ 7.20pm: Finale

REVENGE VIP LOUNGE

A VIP ticket not only gives you swift entry to Preston Park via the VIP entrance, but also exclusive access to the Moroccan-themed Revenge VIP Lounge and dedicated bar, luxury VIP toilets, a glass of champagne on arrival, a themed lunch served noon–4pm, VIP access to the dance, cabaret and pop tents and your own dedicated hostess for the day.

WILD FRUIT DANCE TENT

Wild Fruit are back on the park for 2012 hosting the massive dance tent with an exceptional line up of international DJs including Norman Cook and The Freemasons along with Brighton’s best DJ talent, amazing lighting and sounds systems, Wild Fruit‘s sexy production dancers and special PAs and live performances throughout the day.

WILD FRUIT DJ LINE UP

■ 12.00pm: Lil Alex

■ 2.00pm: Mark Doyle (Fierce Angel)

■ 3.00pm: Neil Duffie & Kate Wildblood

■ 4.00pm: Freemasons

■ 5.00pm: Dulcie Danger & King K

■ 6.00pm: Norman Cook

■ 7.00pm: Steve Pitron

WOMEN’S PERFORMANCE TENT

The Women’s Performance Tent returns to Preston Park this year with a bang! Renowned for showcasing the UK’s top women performers from the LGBTQ community, the Women’s Performance Tent host the chart toppers, the alternative, the quirky and fresh new talent, covering an eclectic mix of folk, rock, rap, reggae, soul, jazz, punk and pop! For more information check twitter @WPTBrighton and www.womensperformancetentbrighton.com

PERFORMANCE LINE UP

■ 2.00pm: Ari Scott

■ 2.16pm: Juey

■ 2.32pm: Elliots Sleeping

■ 2.55pm: Nina McCann

■ 3.13pm: Neon Choir

■ 3.36pm: Al Start

■ 3.49pm: Sofia Antonia Milone

■ 4.07pm: Red N Pink

■ 4.30pm: Nicky Mitchell

■ 4.48pm: Barcode Zebra

■ 5.15pm: Kenelis

■ 5.40pm: The L Project

■ 5.48pm: Qukulele

■ 6.01pm: Joan Ov Arc

■ 6.28pm: The Tatsmiths

■ 6.53pm: Amity

■ 7.20pm: Greymatter

SEPTEMBER LISTINGS

A-BAR

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Sat (1) is the PRIDE PARTY Sun (2) is PRIDE CHILL OUT

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Look out for the return of rockabilly/rock & roll/r&b night HONEY HUSH with DJ Lonesome M & guests on Sat (6), Oct

■ REGULARS: Wed & Thur are COCKTAIL nights from 9pm; buy one get the other half price

■ Sat is Pre- Club music with drink promos, including shots from £1 50

■ FOOD: served Mon–Fri bar food noon–5pm & new Italian menu 5–10pm; Sat bar food noon–7pm; Sunday roasts served noon–till gone

■ DRINK DEALS: Mon–Fri bottle house red or white wine £9; guest ale £3 a pint; double up on your spirits (Smirnoff, Bells, Gordons Gin & Morgan’s Spice) for an extra £1 50, all day every day

■ OPEN: Fri & Sat from noon–2am; Sun–Thur from noon–midnight or till 2am through side entrance for friends/regulars only ■ A-Bar offers unrivalled sea view, large heated smoking terrace and all big spor ts events Sauna closed ■ www amsterdam co uk

WEDNESDAY 29

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Thai menu 610pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 School Night Challenge: Davina Sparkle 9pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pulse: DJs Claire Fuller or Ben Castle 11pm

■ BULLDOG Red Light Rush: DJ Marcia 9pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Sonia Marmite’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Pride’s Got Talent Grand

Final with judges Kevin Cruise & Drag With No Name 9pm; open noon

■ SUBLINE Backlash 9pm

■ ZONE Reggae Night: DJ Micklos 8 30pm; open 11am

THURSDAY 30

■ A-BAR food noon-9pm; Thai menu 6-10pm; cocktail night 9pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 Bar 123; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Girls On Top Official WarmUp: DJ Kelly L 8pm; open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pride Frisky Disco: DJ Ben Castle 11pm

■ BULLDOG 92 Hour Non-Stop Pride

Weekend: DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Mad Cow Pride Kick Off Par ty

& Fundraiser: 2 floors, hostess Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex & LeeRoy in bar, DJ Ruby Roo in club 8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS The Big Gay Pub Quiz 8pm; open 3pm

■ ENVY Mad Cow: 2 floors, hostess Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex, LeeRoy & Ruby Roo 8pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Dixie Normous’ karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Pasty Cline’s karaoke/ tunes 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Gaydar Girls On Top Official Pride

Opening UV Fundraising Par ty: DJs Alpha, Smithy, Fifilicious, Missy B, King K, Cheeks Du Rhyth + UV lighting, free glowsticks & facepainting 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE Leathered 9pm

■ YE OLDE BLACK HORSE Dean Factor semiFinal: talent comp host Patti O’Dors, showbiz judges, £500 cash prize, 01273 300491 to enter 9pm; food 12-2 30pm & 6-9pm; open 11am

■ ZONE Chillout 8 30pm; open 11am

FRIDAY 31

■ A-BAR food noon-8pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 TransNation Launch Par ty 8pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Gaydar Girls On Top PrePride Lounge Par ty & Fundraiser: all-female line-up, GOT regulars 8pm; open noon-6am

BAR 56

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Fri (31), Aug is TRANSNATION the launch par ty at 8pm ■ Sat (1)

features an outside bar with BEAR BAR BOYS, hotdogs/burgers bar and shots bar; DJs Trashbag & Earl Grey play in the evening with laser & light show and balloon drop, open 10am–4am, free entry ■ Sun (2) is the PRIDE CLOSING PARTY with outside bar, food, DJs and triple cabaret: Lady La R ue at 7 30pm, All Mouth & No Trousers at 8 30pm and Laurie Le R e at 9 30pm, open noon–2am, free entry

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sun CABARET at 8 30pm: Sophie Causebrook (9), Davina Sparkle (16), Lady James (23) and Maisie Trollette (30)

■ REGULARS: Wed is SCHOOL NIGHT CHALLENGE with Davina Sparkle from 9pm

■ Thur is BAR 1-2-3 ■ Fri CABARET at 8.30pm: Krissue Du Cann (7), Phil Lawrence (14), All Mouth & No Trousers (21) and JP Christian (28) ■ Sat is with DJ Trashbag from 9pm

■ FOOD: Tue, burgers and a standard drink £8

■ DRINK DEALS: from Sun–Fri

■ OPEN: Sun–Tue from 11am–11pm; Wed & Thur from 11am–midnight, Fri & Sat from 11am–1am Closed Mon (3) ■ The function room is free to hire Sun–Thurs and for bookings on Fri & Sat, call 01273 623399

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pre-Pride Terrace Party: 2 floors, DJ Claire Fuller in bar 7pm, Peter Castle & Ben Castle in club 11pm; terrace open extra late

■ BRIGHTON SAUNA Pride Weekend: licensed bar all day & night; open 10am

■ BULLDOG 92-Hour Non-Stop Pride Weekend: DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; Amy’s 150 karaoke 10pm

■ CHARLES ST Fri Fix Pride: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7 45pm

■ 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Jennie Castell 9pm; open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Pride Funky Fri: DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne 9 30pm; open 1pm

■ ENVY Come To Daddy: bears & their

BRIGHTON SAUNA

admirers 10pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR DJ 5pm; opens noon

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Disco Daze 10 30pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Pre-Pride Terrace Party: 2 floors, DJ Claire Fuller in bar 7pm, Peter Castle & Ben Castle in club 11pm; terrace open extra late; food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Betty Swollocks’ karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Pre-Pride Camp Attack & karaoke 9pm-3am; open noon

■ REVENGE Gaydar Radio Takeover pre Pride fundraiser: DJs Phil Marriot, Tony English, Simon Levans, Alex Baker, residents, Gaydar dancers, freebies 10pm

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Open from 10am on Fri (31) Aug to 9am on Sun (2); get in early to avoid disappointment Closed for 1 hour for cleaning 9am–10am, then open again 10am Sun (2)–1am Tue (4) Licensed bar ALL opening hours, all drinks £3, Cidre £3 50 £15 flat fee entry Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, no concessions, no weekend passes Anyone entering from 7am Sun (2) will be allowed in after 10am for no extra charge with wristband

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Wed events: BEARS NIGHT (5) for bears, cubs & their admirers; licensed bar, drink offers, club music from 7pm–1am; NAKED NIGHT (12 & 26), no towels to be worn from 7pm; mandatory UNDERWEAR NIGHT (19), including thongs, briefs, speedos etc, licensed bar 7pm–1am

■ DRINK DEALS: Licensed bar; Sun–Thur 11–1am and Fri & Sat 11–2am

■ OPEN: For future listings visit: www thebrightonsauna com

■ SUBLINE Pride Opening Par ty: DJs Jordaliscious & Screwpulous 9pm

■ YE OLDE BLACK HORSE food noon-

2 30pm & 6-9pm; open 11am

■ ZONE cabaret: All Mouth & No Trousers 9.30pm; open 11am

SATURDAY 1

■ A-BAR bar menu 12-7pm; Pride Party; open 12

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 Pride St Par ty: day: bear bar boys, hotdogs/burgers; eve: DJs Trashbag & Earl Grey, laser & light show, balloon drop; open 10am

■ BAR REVENGE Official Pride Afterpar ty & Fundraiser: DJs Kelly L, Alpha, Trick, Alex Baker 6pm; open noon-6am

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ultimate After Pride Par ty: 2 floors, DJs Lee Harris, Peter Castle, Claire Fuller & Richard Jones 6pm; terrace open extra late

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Happy Pride!

■ BRIGHTON SAUNA Pride Weekend: licensed bar all day & night

■ BULLDOG 92 Hour Non-Sop Pride Weekend Street Par ty 6pm-midnight; DJ V John midnight; karaoke 11 30pm

■ CHARLES ST Fierce Pride: 2 floors, DJs Lil Alex, Leeroy & Grant Knowles in room 1, DJs Ruby Roo, Jonesy & Ali in room 2 9pm; food noon-7 45pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST Classic Hi-NRG Pride Party: free buffet, charity raffle 7.30pm; open 12

■ DR BRIGHTONS Pride Day: pre-Parade

BEDFORD TAVERN

refreshments 10am; street par ty late afternoonmidnight with DJs 7pm; open 10am-4am

■ ENVY Fierce Pride: 2-floors, DJs Lil Alex, Leeroy & Grant Knowles in room 1, DJs Ruby Roo, Jonesy & Ali in room 2 9pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR Resident DJ 4pm; open 12

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB The Dreamboys: striptease, adv tickets/bookings only, welcome drink, buffet, 0844 656 0169 6 30-9 30pm; Deca-Dance: hunky boys & guest Lady La Rue 10pm-ver y late

■ GAYDAR/GIRLS ON TOP@CONCORDE 2

3D UV Rave Pride Fundraiser: DJs Missy B, Smithy, Fifilicious, Kelly L, 3D/lasers, glow sticks /Gaydar freebies/3D glasses 10 30pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Ultimate After Pride Terrace Party: 2 floors, DJs Lee Harris, Peter Castle, Claire Fuller & Richard Jones 6pm; terrace open extra late; food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon-5pm

■ POISON IVY Pride Non-Stop Karaoke with Spice, Betty, Mimbo, Dixie Normous, Sonia Marmite, outdoor shots bar; open 9am-2am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Pride Party Inside & Out: parade refreshments 11am; karaoke & dancing, Drag Hosts, outside bar 5pm-3am; open 11am

■ REVENGE Kinky Dangerous Utd Colours of Pride Official Par ty & Fundraiser: 2 floors, DJs Alex Baker, Smithy, Missy B, Trick, Esquire, Massimo Paramour, Max Sanna, Zach Burns, King K & Dulcie Danger 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE Pride Par ty: DJs Jordaliscious,

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Fri (31), Aug is PRE-PRIDE PARTY, cabaret with Cr ystal

D’Canter ■ Sun (2) is the Special Pride PIANO BINGO from 5pm

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Wed (26) is Peer Action Charity Quiz at 8.30pm

■ REGULARS: Wed is BUZZ game show quiz at 8 30pm ■ Fri is KRAZY KAMIKAZE

KARAOKE, drink deals 8pm ■ Sat is SHOT-TASTIC all house shots £1, inc Jaffa Cake and Lemon Pie flavours, when Whigfield’s Saturday Night plays ■ PERFECT SUNDAY, JB plays well-known songs 5pm, PIANO BINGO follows ■ OPEN: daily from noon–late

BULLDOG

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: 92 HOUR NON-STOP: Thur (30) Aug, DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm; Fri (31), Aug DJ Grant Knowles from 10pm–6am; STREET PARTY Sat (1) from 6pm–midnight, DJ V John from midnight, KARAOKE from 11 30pm; STREET PARTY on Sun (2) from 2–8pm, DJ Grant Knowles from 8pm

■ REGULARS: Fri is with DJs Simon Blanch/Grant Knowles at 10pm, AMY’S 150 KARAOKE upstairs at 10pm ■ Sat is with DJ V John at 10pm, DJ Lil Alex at 3am, and JPs KARAOKE upstairs at 10pm ■ Sun is with DJ Grant Knowles at 8pm, Micky’s CASH KARAOKE with £100 give-away is upstairs at 6pm ■ Mon is DJ Marcia’s GLIT TER BALL with 70s/80s tunes at 9pm ■ Wed is RED LIGHT RUSH with DJ Marcia at 9pm ■ Thur is RELEASE with DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm

■ DRINK DEALS: Mon & Tue from 3–7pm & 11pm–midnight; Wed from 3–7pm & 9pm–1am, when drinks £1 50 when music vid is played; Thur from 3–7pm & 9pm–midnight; Fri from 3–7pm & all drinks £1 50 10pm–midnight; Sat from 10pm–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

Bozzy Bear 9pm

■ WILD FRUIT@AUDIO Miami: DJs Seamus

Haji, Oliver M, Fat Tony & Neil Duffie 10pm-5am

■ WILD FRUIT@HONEYCLUB International

Jet Set: DJs Danny Verde, Kris Di Angelis & Doug Silva 9pm-4am

■ ZONE Pride Gay Village Par ty 6pm; open 104am

SUNDAY 2

■ A-BAR Pride Chill Out: Sun lunch 12-till gone; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 Pride Closing Par ty: DJs, outside bar, food & cabaret: Lady La Rue 7.30pm; All Mouth & No Trousers 8 30pm; Laurie Le Re 9 30pm; open noon

■ BAR REVENGE Pre-Girls On Top Foam Par ty Warm-Up, Karaoke & Pride Fundraiser: DJs Trick & Kelly L 4pm; Pride Karaoke: DJs Smithy & LouBag; Sun roasts noon-7pm; open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pride Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 10pm-4am; terrace

open extra late

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Pride Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon

■ BRIGHTON SAUNA 24-Hour Weekend: licensed bar all day & night; open 10am

■ BULLDOG 92 Hour Non-Sop Pride Weekend Street Par ty 2-8pm; DJ Grant Knowles 8pm

■ CHARLES ST Apres Pride Afterpar ty: DJs, bar entry 3pm, two floors 10pm; Sun roast noon3pm

■ 112 CHURCH ST Richard’s Sun Roast noon-late; open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Pride Par t 2: DJ 8pm; open noon ■ ENVY Apres Pride Afterpar ty: DJs, bar entry 3pm, two floors 10pm

FUNKYFISH BAR Resident DJ 4pm; open 12 ■ LEGENDS BAR Rainbow Fund Pride Cabaret Marathon Fundraiser: host Lola Lasagne & cabaret stars: Miss Jason, Eva La Diva, Dave Lynn, Lady La Rue, All Mouth & No Trousers & many more 3pm; terrace open extra late; open 11am

CHURCH STREET

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Sat (1) is the Hi-NRG Pride Par ty with free buffet & charity raffle from 7.30pm; wear your colours and dance to your all-time favourites

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Friday CABARET from 9pm: Krissie DuCann (7), Lola Lasagne (14), JP Kristian (21) and Pooh La May (28)

■ FOOD: Richard’s Golden Handbag Award-winning Big Sunday Lunch served from noon till gone

■ OPEN: Check out the secret beer garden great for a drink and a smoke!

CHARLES STREET BAR

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Thur (30) Aug is the MAD COW PRIDE Kick Off & Fundraiser Par ty on 2 floors with host Miss Joan Bond and DJs Lil Alex & Leeroy in bar playing funky commercial dance, DJ R uby R oo plays floor-filling char t and pop in club, entry £2 b4 10pm, £3 after with a contribution to Pride ■ FRIDAY FIX PRIDE (31) Aug is with DJ Leeroy playing funky commercial house from 9pm ■ Sat (1) is FIERCE PRIDE on 2 floors with DJs Lil Alex, Leeroy & Grant Knowles play funky house & dance in room 1, DJs R uby R oo, Jonesy & Ali play commercial dance/char t in room 2, free b4 10pm, £8 b4 midnight or £8 Q-Jumpers available from bar now! ■ Sun (2) is APRÉS PRIDe After Par ty in the bar from 3pm with resident DJs playing house, then on 2 floors from 10pm, free entry, Sunday lunch served noon–3pm ■ Mon (3) is PRIDE CABARET with Kandi Kane at 7 30pm

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sun (9) is CHRIS & RUBY’S 4TH ANNUAL CHARITY

BIRTHDAY BASH in aid of The R ainbow Fund with hostess Lola Lasagne and cabaret stars Laquisha Jonz, Nan, Davina Sparkle, Sandra, Tammy Twinkle, Sally Vate, Maisie Trollette, Dave Lynn, Lady James, Connie Conway & many more from 6pm, followed by Sally Vate’s Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo with £200 jackpot at the time of print

■ REGULARS: Sat is FIERCE with DJs on rotation till 3am Sat (29) is FIERCE SKOOL

DISCO to celebrate Freshers Week with Head Mistress Joan Bond, Head of Games Sally Vate, DJ Leeroy playing requests, drink offers and give-aways ■ Sunday CABARET at 7.30pm: All Mouth & No Trousers (16), Mrs Moore (23), Lola Lasagne (30); Tranny R ock & R oll Bingo with Sally Vate and a rolling jackpot currently standing at £150 at time of print follows from 8.30pm

■ FOOD: served: Mon–Sat noon–8pm; Sunday Lunch: home roast beef, chicken or veggie served noon–7pm, £5 95 2-4-1 deals: all mains on Mon; all gourmet burgers on Tue; all homemade pizzas on Wed ■ DRINK DEALS: All drinks half price (excl champers, cocktails & not in conjunction with other offers) Mon–Sat from 5–9pm, till 8pm on Thurs, on Sun after the show till close, from £1 on Thur from 8pm ■ OPEN: daily from noon ■ www charles-street com

■ MARINE TAVERN open 1-2pm

■ POISON IVY Pride Non-Stop Karaoke with Spice, Betty, Mimbo, Dixie Normous, Sonia Marmite + outdoor shots bar; open 9am-2am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret/Karaoke/Dancing Street Party: outside bar noon; Betty & Kamp Kevin’s Karaoke 3pm; cabaret: Lola Lasagne 6pm; Benji O’fficial 8 30pm; AbbaMia 10 30pm; open noon

■ REBEL AF TERHOURS@DIGITAL Pride Afterhours Par ty: DJs Paul Heron, HiFi Sean, Jonny M 4am

■ REVENGE Gaydar Girls On Top Official Pride Foam Par ty & Fundraiser, Closing Par ty v Fierce Angel: DJ Mark Doyle, guests, GOT DJs 11pm

■ SUBLINE Strictly Fetish T Dance: DJ Screwpulous 4pm; Pride Finale: DJ NUDE 9pm

■ SUNDAY SUNDAE@AUDIO DJs Thomas Gandey, Kate Wildblood, Queen Josephine, Fat Tony & Kris Di Angelis 3pm

■ ZONE Pride Gay Village Par ty 2pm; open 10-3am

MONDAY 3

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 closed

■ BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm; DJ Picadilly till midnight; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Recovery; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 9pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Pride Cabaret: Kandi Kane

7 30pm; food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm

■ ENVY Studio 150 Pride’s Final Par ty: NUS night, DJ Ali 10 30pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR Pride Mon: Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9.30pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Alternative End of Pride Party & Cabaret: Kitty Litter 9.30pm; open noon

■ ZONE Tony’s Fun Factory: karaoke, Wii & tunes 6 30pm; open 11am

TUESDAY 4

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 burger & drink £8; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Karaoke Queen of Brighton

2012: Official Pride fundraiser with DJ Alpha, hostess AJ & £250 prize 8pm; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Games Galore; open noon

■ BULLDOG open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

ENVY @ CHARLES ST

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Fri (31) Aug is COME TO DADDY, a night for real men to star t the Pride weekend from 10pm, entry £5 all night ■ Sat (1) is FIERCE PRIDE on 2 floors with DJs Lil Alex, Leeroy & Grant Knowles play funky house & dance in room 1, DJs R uby R oo, Jonesy & Ali play commercial dance/char t in room 2, free b4 10pm, £8 b4 midnight or £8 Q-Jumpers available from bar now! ■ Sun (2) is APRÉS PRIDe After Par ty in the bar from 3pm with resident DJs playing house, then on 2 floors from 10pm, free entry, ■ Mon (3) is STUDIO 150 Pride’s Final Par ty with DJ Ali from 10.30pm, drinks £1 50 for single spirits & bottles, entry £2

■ REGULARS: Mon is STUDIO 150 Student Night with single spirits and bottles £1 50, entry £1 50 ■ www charles-street com

■ MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open 12

■ POISON IVY Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Brenda Snap’s karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Supersonic: DJ Trick & Picadilly Boy 11pm

■ ZONE U Say We Play 7.30pm; open 11am

WEDNESDAY 5

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; cocktail night; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 School Night Challenge: Davina Sparkle 9pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pulse: DJ Ben Castle 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Buzz Tournament: game show quiz night 8 30pm; open noon

■ BRIGHTON SAUNA Bears Night: bears, cubs, admirers, licensed bar 7pm

■ BULLDOG Red Light Rush: DJ Marcia 9pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Sonia Marmite’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Candi’s Capers: karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ SUBLINE Backlash 9pm

■ ZONE Reggae Night: DJ Micklos 8.30pm; open 11am

THURSDAY 6

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; cocktail night; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 Bar 123 8pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Girls On Top Warm-Up: DJ Kelly Lloyd 9pm; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Thur Social; open noon

■ BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; open 11am

■ 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 open noon ■ DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm ■ ENVY Mad Cow: 2 floors, hostess Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex & LeeRoy in bar, DJ Ruby Roo in club 8pm

SEPTEMBER LISTINGS

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Pasty Cline’s karaoke & tunes 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Girls On Top v Emergency Room:

Level 1 DJs Smithy, Fifilicious, Missy B & Alpha; Box Bar DJs Dulcie Danger & Cheeks Du Rhythm 10.30pm

■ SUBLINE Leathered 9pm

■ YE OLDE BLACK HORSE The Dean Factor Grand Final: talent comp hosted by Patti O’Dors, showbiz judges, £500 cash prize 9pm; food noon-2 30pm & 6-9pm; open 11am

■ ZONE Rachel’s Thrifty Thur: karaoke, videos & Wii 8pm; open 11am

FRIDAY 7

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 cabaret: Krissie DuCann 8.30pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Disco Bomb: Alpha DJ 9pm; open noon-6am

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor party with Lady La Rue & Butlers in the Buff promo boys, DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm-4am

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Karaoke 8pm; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJs Simon Blanch/Grant Knowles 10pm; Amy’s 150 karaoke 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7 45pm

■ 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Krissie DuCann 9pm; open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne 9 30pm; open 1pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Back 2 the Old Skool 10.30pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor party with Lady La Rue & Butlers in the Buff promo boys, DJ Peter Castle in club; food noon-5pm; open 11am-5am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack Ice Cream Party: DJ Andy B, karaoke, free ice creams 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Lollipop: DJs Missy B, Trick, Fifilicious & Ruby 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE closed for private hire

■ ZONE cabaret: Stone & Street 9 30pm; open 11am

SATURDAY 8

■ A-BAR food noon-7pm; Pre-Club Music; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 DJ Trashbag 9pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Kinky Classics: DJ Fifilicious 9pm; open noon-6am

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm

FUNKY FISH

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Shot-tastic; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Fri (31) Aug bar: resident DJ plays requests from 5pm; club: DISCO DAZE, 70s/80s/90s disco, 10.30pm, free entry ■ Sat (1) is THE DREAMBOYS striptease from 6.30–9.30pm, tickets & advanced bookings only, includes welcome drink, buffet & show: 0844 656 0169 or www dreamboys co uk; then from 10pm it’s Deca-Dance with hunky boys, the best 60s–90s tunes & par ty faves, then guest cabaret from Lady La R ue at 11pm, free entry Resident DJ in the bar from 4pm, open noon ■ Sun (2) bar opens noon with resident DJ at 4pm ■ REGULARS: Fri is BACK TO THE OLD SKOOL with soul/Motown/disco /breaks from 10 30pm, free before 11pm, £2 after ■ Sat is FUNKY 60s/70s & 80s from 10pm, entry £5/£6 ■ www.funkyfishclub.co.uk

DR BRIGHTONS

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Thur (30) Aug is THE BIG GAY PUB QUIZ from 8pm, £2 pp or £10 for teams of six people ■ Fri (31) Aug is with DJ Nick Hirst from 9pm, open till 5am ■ Sat (1) is PRIDE DAY with pre-Parade refreshments from 10pm and a STREET PARTY afternoon–midnight with DJs from 7pm, open 10am–4am ■ Sun (2) is PRIDE PART 2 with a DJ from 8pm

■ REGULARS: FUNKY FRIDAY with DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne is from 9 30pm, free entry ■ SEXY SATURDAY with DJ Tony B is from 9 30pm, free entry

■ DRINK DEALS: from Sun–Thur all day and Fri & Sat from 1–7pm: small Smirnoff & mixer £2 75, large £3 75, pints of Fosters £2 90 and large wine £3 90 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 3pm–midnight, Fri & Sat 1pm–2am, Sun 1pm–midnight www doctorbrightons co uk

3am; JP’s karaoke 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs 9pm; food noon-

7 45pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B

9 30pm; open 1pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Funky 60/70/80s 10pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Pre-Club DJs 7pm; food

noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 3pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Nicole 4 30pm; Guest Host Karaoke 6pm; Sissy Sucks & Kamp Kevin’s Sin Bin: karaoke, tunes 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Kinky Dangerous: Stephanie

Starlet & go-go boys host DJs Alex Baker & Trick on level 1 & box bar DJs Dulcie Danger, King K & guests 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE The Furnace 9pm

■ ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm; open 11am

SUNDAY 9

■ A-BAR Sun lunch noon-till gone; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 cabaret: Sophie Causebrook

8 30pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Sublime Sunday: Karaoke

Queens LouBag & Smithy 8 30pm; Sun roasts

noon-7pm; open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy:

DJ Claire Fuller 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Perfect Sun: bar snacks; JB’s piano sing-a-long 5pm; Piano Bingo 6pm; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 8pm; Micky’s Cash Karaoke: £100 prize 6pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Chris & Ruper t’s 4th Annual

Bir thday Cabaret Charity Fundraiser for Rainbow Fund: hosted by Lola Lasagne with guest cabaret Laquisha Jonz, Nan, Davina Sparkle, Sandra, Tammy Twinkle, Sally Vate, Maisie Trollette, Dave Lynn, Lady James, Connie Conway & many more 6pm; Sun lunch noon-7pm

■ 112 CHURCH ST Richard’s Sun Roast noon-late; open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open 1pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Laquisha Jonz 3.15pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open 1pm

■ POISON IVY Mimbo’s Karaoke 3pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Dave Lynn 6pm; Brenda Snap 9 30pm; karaoke till 1am; open noon

■ SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N U D E, underwear par ty 9pm

■ ZONE Carrie O’Kay’s karaoke 8 30pm; open 11am

MONDAY 10

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm; DJ Picadilly till midnight; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Recovery; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 9pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

GAYDAR/GIRLS ON TOP @ CONCORDE 2

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Sat (1) Sept is GAYDAR GIRLS ON TOP Mega Pride 3D UV R ave Par ty with 3D laser show, DJs Missy B, Smithy, Alpha, Fifilicious & Kelly L play par ty anthems/requests/upfront char t; hundreds of glowsticks, Gaydar freebies & 3D glasses giveaways, early bird tickets £7 from www concorde2 co uk, entrants get free pass to the GIRLS ON TOP FOAM PARTY at R evenge on Sun (2) Sept raising funds for Pride

SEPTEMBER LISTINGS

LEGENDS BAR

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Fri (31) Aug is the Pre-Pride TERRACE PARTY on two floors with DJ Claire Fuller char t/retro tracks in bar from 7pm, then DJs Peter Castle & Ben Castle in the club from 11pm, free entry b4 9pm, £5 after, terrace open very late! ■ Sat (1) is the Ultimate After Pride TERRACE PARTY on two floors with DJs Lee Harris, Peter Castle, Claire Fuller & Richard Jones from 6pm, free entry b4 8pm, £5 after, terrace open very late ■ Sun (2) is the MEGA CABARET FUNDRAISER for the R ainbow Fund with host Lola Lasagne and 16 cabaret stars including Miss Jason, Eva La Diva, Dave Lynn, Lady La R ue, All Mouth & No Trousers & more at 3pm, terrace open very late ■ Mon (3) is Pride Monday with all-day terrace and Miss Jason’s MONDAY MADNESS from 9.30pm

■ REGULARS: Every Fri from (7) is FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE with LaR ue on 2 floors with Lady La R ue, Butlers in the Buff promo boys, £1 50 shots all night, a free bottle of champers if it’s your bir thday, DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm-4am, bar till 5am ■ PreClub DJ sounds every Sat from 7pm ■ Sun CABARET at 3 15pm: Laquisha Jonz (9), Sandra (16), Dave Lynn (23) and Lady Imelda (30) ■ Miss Jason’s MONDAY MADNESS is at 9 30pm

■ FOOD: served noon–5pm Mon–Sat, including plain gourmet burgers £5 95, avocado & bacon burger £6 95, all served with chunky chips and relishes Other options from £3 95, check Legends’ website or Facebook group for special offers

■ OPEN: daily from 11am–5am Heated smoking area, free entr y and all day sunterrace ■ www legendsbrighton com

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm

■ ENVY Studio 150: NUS night 10 30pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9 30pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ ZONE Tony’s Fun Factory: karaoke, Wii & tunes 6 30pm; open 11am

TUESDAY 11

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 burger & drink £8; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Karaoke Queen of Brighton

2012: official Pride fundraiser with DJ Alpha, hostess AJ & £250 prize 8pm; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Games Galore; open 12

■ BULLDOG open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open noon

■ POISON IVY Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Brenda Snap’s karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Supersonic: DJ Trick & Picadilly Boy 11pm

■ ZONE U Say We Play 7 30pm; open 11am

WEDNESDAY 12

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; cocktail night; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 School Night Challenge: Davina Sparkle 9pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pulse: DJ Ben Castle 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Buzz Tournament: game

show quiz night 8 30pm; open noon

■ BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Night: naked only, no towels, licensed bar 7pm

■ BULLDOG Red Light Rush: DJ Marcia 9pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB

■ FREE ENTRY to the Basement Club every day, exl Pride Weekend

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Thur (30) Aug is PRIDE FRISKY DISCO with DJ Ben Castle playing a mash-up of electro & classic pop, free entry ■ Fri (31) Aug is the Pre-Pride TERRACE PARTY on 2 floors with DJ Claire Fuller char t/ retro tracks in bar from 7pm, then DJs Peter Castle & Ben Castle in club from 11pm, free entry b4 9pm, £5 after, terrace open very late! ■ Sat (1) is the Ultimate After Pride TERRACE PARTY on 2 floors with DJs Lee Harris, Peter Castle, Claire Fuller & Richard Jones from 6pm, free entry b4 8pm, £5 after, terrace open very late ■ Sun (2) is Pride POP!CANDY, promos, DJ Claire Fuller, recent /classic pop from 10pm, free entry, terrace open very late

■ REGULARS: Every Fri from (7) is FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE WITH LARUE on 2 floors with Lady La R ue, Butlers in the Buff promo boys, £1 50 shots all night, a free bottle of champers if it’s your bir thday, DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm-4am ■ Sat is FUSION with DJ Peter Castle, house/char t sounds ■ Sun is POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller, recent/classic pop DJ Jaykey on (16) ■ Wed is PULSE with DJ Ben Castle playing crowd pleasers all night

■ DRINK DEALS: drinks from £2 every Sun & Wed

■ OPEN: at 11pm Closed Mon, Tue & Thur (excl Pride) ■ Legends will host your par ty from £150, call Matt on 01273 624462 for more info ■ www.legendsbrighton.com

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Candi’s Capers: karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ SUBLINE Backlash 9pm

■ ZONE Reggae Night: DJ Micklos 8 30pm; open 11am

THURSDAY 13

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; cocktail night; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 Bar 123 8pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Girls On Top Warm-Up: DJ Kelly Lloyd 9pm; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Thur Social; open noon

■ BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Mad Cow: 2 floors, Joan Bond, bar DJs Lil Alex & LeeRoy, club DJ Ruby Roo 8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm

■ ENVY Mad Cow: 2 floors, hostess Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex & LeeRoy in bar, DJ Ruby Roo in club 8pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s Birthday with Sandra, guests & buffet 8pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Girls On Top v Emergency Room: Level 1 DJs Smithy, Fifilicious, Missy B & Alpha; Box Bar DJs Dulcie Danger & Cheeks Du Rhythm 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE Leathered 9pm

■ ZONE Rachel’s Thrifty Thur: karaoke, videos & Wii 8pm; open 11am

FRIDAY 14

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian 5-10pm

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 cabaret: Phil Lawrence 8.30pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Disco Bomb: Alpha DJ 9pm; open noon-6am

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor party with Lady La Rue & Butlers in the Buff promo boys, DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm-4am

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Karaoke 8pm; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJs Simon Blanch/Grant Knowles 10pm; Amy’s 150 karaoke 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7 45pm

■ 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Lola Lasagne 9pm; open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne 9 30pm; open 1pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Back 2 the Old Skool 10 30pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with LaRue:

2 floor party with Lady La Rue & Butlers in the Buff promo boys, DJ Peter Castle in club; food noon-5pm; open 11am-5am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: DJ Andy B & karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Lollipop: DJs Missy B, Trick, Fifilicious & Ruby 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE Bear Ball: DJs Screwpulous & dancing bears 9pm

■ ZONE cabaret: Jannine 9 30pm; open 11am

SATURDAY 15

■ A-BAR food noon-7pm; Pre-Club Music;

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 DJ Trashbag 9pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Kinky Classics: DJ Fifilicious 9pm; open noon-6am

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Shot-tastic; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; JP’s karaoke 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs on rotation 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B

9 30pm; open 1pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Funky 60/70/80s 10pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Pre-Club DJs 7pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 3pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Candi Rell

4 30pm; Guest Host Karaoke 6pm; Sissy Sucks & Kamp Kevin’s Sin Bin: karaoke, tunes 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Kinky Dangerous: Stephanie Starlet & go-go boys host DJs Alex Baker & Trick on level 1 & box bar DJs Dulcie Danger, King K & guests 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE The Furnace 9pm

■ ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm; open 11am

SUNDAY 16

■ A-BAR Sun lunch noon-till gone; open 12

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 cabaret: Davina Sparkle 8 30pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Sublime Sunday: Karaoke

Queens LouBag & Smithy 8 30pm; Sun roasts noon-7pm; open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Jaykey 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Perfect Sun: bar snacks; JB’s piano sing-a-long 5pm; Piano Bingo 6pm; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 8pm; Micky’s Cash Karaoke: £100 prize 6pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST cabaret: All Mouth & No Trousers 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

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Sandra 3 15pm; open 11am

SEPTEMBER LISTINGS

MARINE TAVERN

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Sat (1), open till 5pm Sat (2), open till 2pm

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Tue is NAT’S QUIZ from 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

■ MARINE TAVERN open 1pm

■ POISON IVY Mimbo’s Karaoke 3pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Kitty Litter 6pm; Maisie Trollette 9 30pm; karaoke till 1am; open noon

■ SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N U D E, underwear par ty, £40 Prowler voucher for the best underawear, discounts for all 9pm

■ ZONE Carrie O’Kay’s karaoke 8 30pm; open 11am

MONDAY 17

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 open 11am

QUEEN’S ARMS

POISON IVY

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Sat (1) & Sun (2) is PRIDE NON-STOP KARAOKE all day & night with Spice, Betty, Mimbo, Dixie Normous, Sonia Marmite, and an outdoor shots bar

Open both days 9am–2am

■ REGULARS: KARAOKE seven nights a week Check out the newly refurbished bar

■ DRINK DEALS: 11am–7pm every day; all day Sun & Mon; £1 drinks on Tue

■ OPEN: daily from 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm; DJ Picadilly till midnight; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Recovery; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 9pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm

■ ENVY Studio 150: Student night 10 30pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9 30pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ ZONE Tony’s Fun Factory: karaoke, Wii & tunes 6 30pm; open 11am

TUESDAY 18

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 burger & drink £8; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Karaoke Queen of Brighton 2012: official Pride fundraiser with DJ Alpha, hostess AJ & £250 prize 8pm; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Games Galore; open 12

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Fri (31) Aug is a Pre-Pride CAMP AT TACK with karaoke at 9pm

■ Sat (1) is PRIDE PARTY INSIDE & OUT, post-Parade refreshments, karaoke & dancing, drag hosts from 5pm–3am, free entry, open 11am ■ Sun (2) is CABARET /KARAOKE/ DANCING STREET PARTY, outside bar from noon, karaoke with Betty & Kamp Kevin inside at 3pm and Lola Lasagne 6pm, Benji O’fficial 8 30pm, AbbaMIA 10 30pm, free entry

■ Mon (3) ALTERNATIVE END OF PRIDE with Kitty Litter at 9 30pm

■ REGULARS: Check the main listings for regular events and Sat & Sun cabaret

■ OPEN: daily from noon

■ BULLDOG open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

QUEEN’S HOTEL

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open 12

■ POISON IVY Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Brenda Snap’s karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Supersonic: DJ Trick & Picadilly Boy 11pm

■ ZONE U Say We Play 7 30pm; open 11am

WEDNESDAY 19

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; cocktail night; open noon

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Fri (28) is Davina Sparkle Live, Filthy & Dangerous, a blue adult comedy show with 3-course Gala dinner, special guest Frank Sanazi, raffle, prizes, table & bar service from 7pm, followed by a disco till 1am, tickets £29pp, bookings 01273 321 222, all reservations to be paid in advance

■ REGULARS: Sun (30) sees Davina Sparkle take to the stage for a Sunday Cabaret 3 Course Dinner from 3pm, followed by the show, £19 95pp, bookings essential Look out for Lola Lasagne’s Sunday Cabaret 3 Course Dinner on Oct (28) For all bookings, call 01273 321 222

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 School Night Challenge: Davina Sparkle 9pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pulse: DJ Ben Castle 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Buzz Tournament: game show quiz night 8.30pm; open noon

■ BRIGHTON SAUNA Underwear Night: licensed bar 7pm

■ BULLDOG Red Light Rush: DJ Marcia 9pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Sonia Marmite’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Candi’s Capers: karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ SUBLINE Backlash 9pm

■ ZONE Reggae Night: DJ Micklos 8 30pm; open 11am

THURSDAY 20

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; cocktail night; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 Bar 123 8pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Girls On Top Warm-Up: DJ Kelly Lloyd 9pm; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Thur Social; open noon

■ BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; open 11am

■ 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 open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm

■ ENVY Mad Cow: 2 floors, hostess Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex & LeeRoy in bar, DJ Ruby Roo in club 8pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Pasty Cline’s karaoke & tunes 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Girls On Top v Emergency Room: Level 1 DJs Smithy, Fifilicious, Missy B & Alpha; Box Bar DJs Dulcie Danger & Cheeks

Du Rhythm 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE Leathered 9pm

■ ZONE Rachel’s Thrifty Thur: karaoke, videos & Wii 8pm; open 11am

FRIDAY 21

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 cabaret: All Mouth & No Trousers

8 30pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Disco Bomb: Alpha DJ 9pm; open noon-6am

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor party with Lady La Rue & Butlers in the Buff promo boys, DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm-4am

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Karaoke 8pm; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJs Simon Blanch/Grant

Knowles 10pm; Amy’s 150 karaoke 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7 45pm

BAR REVENGE

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Thur (30) Aug is Girls On Top Warm-Up from 8pm with DJ Kelly L playing GOT anthems, drinks £1 75 & £1 99, free entry ■ Fri (31) Aug is Gaydar Girls On Top Lounge Pre-Pride Par ty from 8pm with all girl DJs playing par ty anthems/upfront char t/dance/r&b, free b4 9pm, £5 after ■ Sat (1) is the Bar R evenge Official Pride Afterpar ty from 6pm with DJs Kelly L, Alpha, Trick & Alex Baker, par ty/pop/ char t anthems, free entry before 8pm, £5 after ■ Sun (2) is Pre- Girls On Top Foam Par ty Warm-Up & KARAOKE with DJs Trick & Kelly L from 4pm; PRIDE KARAOKE with DJ Smithy & Loubag follows, free entry with donations All events raising funds for Pride!

■ REGULARS: Tue is the Karaoke Queen of Brighton 2012 Official Pride Fundraiser with AJ & Alpha, £250 cash prize from 8pm Contact AJ or Pete at Bar Revenge to enter

■ Thur is Girls on Top Official Warm-Up with DJ Kelly L playing pop/char t from 9pm

■ Fri is DISCO BOMB with Alpha DJ playing r&b/pop/par ty tunes from 9pm ■ Sat is KINKY CLASSIC S with DJ Fifilicious playing pop tracks from past 5 years ■ SUBLIME SUNDAY Karaoke Queens with Smithy & Lou Bag from 8 30pm ■ Mon is QUIZ WITH LIZ with cash and boozy prizes from 8 30pm followed by DJ Picadilly till midnight

■ FOOD: Sunday roasts £6 95 served noon–7pm

■ DRINK DEALS: All drinks (exc champers/cocktail/doubles) from £1 99 all day Mon–Wed; £1 50 from 7pm on Thur; from £2 49 Fri–Sun; 2-4-1 cocktails 5–9pm Mon–Sat

■ OPEN: Open daily from noon–2am & till 6am on Fri & Sat ■ Revenge discount passes: Thur b4 11 30pm, Fri & Sat b4 midnight www revenge co uk

■ 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: JP Kristian 9pm; open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne 9 30pm; open 1pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Back 2 the Old Skool 10 30pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor party with Lady La Rue & Butlers in the Buff promo boys, DJ Peter Castle in club; food noon-5pm; open 11am-5am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: DJ Andy B & karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Lollipop: DJs Missy B, Trick, Fifilicious & Ruby 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE Bear Ball: DJs Screwpulous & dancing bears 9pm

■ VAVAVOOM Cheese: camp night; open 4pm

■ ZONE cabaret: Miss Jason 9 30pm; open 11am

SATURDAY 22

■ A-BAR food noon-7pm; Pre-Club Music; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 DJ Trashbag 9pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Kinky Classics: DJ Fifilicious 9pm; open noon-6am

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Shot-tastic; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; JP’s karaoke 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs on rotation 9pm; food noon-7 45pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B

9 30pm; open 1pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Funky 60/70/80s 10pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Pre-Club DJs 7pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 3pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Trudi Styles & The Piano Man 4 30pm; Guest Host Karaoke 6pm; Sissy Sucks & Kamp Kevin’s Sin Bin: karaoke, tunes 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Kinky Dangerous: Stephanie Starlet & go-go boys host DJs Alex Baker & Trick on level 1 & box bar DJs Dulcie Danger, King K & guests 10 30pm

REVENGE

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Thur (30) Aug is the Gaydar GIRLS ON TOP Official Pride Opening UV PARTY with DJs Alpha, Smithy, Fifilicious, Missy B, King K & Cheeks Du Rhythm on 2 floors, par ty anthems/UV lighting/ free face painting/ glowsticks & drinks from £1 50, entry £5 b4 midnight ■ Fri (31) Aug is Gaydar R adio Pre-Pride Take Over, Gaydar DJs Phil Marriot, Tony English, Simon Levans, Alex Baker, plus residents, Gaydar dancers, freebies, £7 b4 11 30pm, £10 after ■ Sat (1) is The KINKY DANGEROUS United Colours of Pride Official Par ty on 2 floors, DJs Alex Baker, Smithy, Missy B & Trick play top pop/char t, DJs Esquire, Massimo Paramour, Max Sanna, Zach Burns, King K & Dulcie Danger play top house, £10 b4 10 30pm, all attendees get free entry wristband to Sunday’s foam par ty (subject to capacity) ■ Sun (2) is Gaydar GIRLS ON TOP Official Pride Foam Par ty, Closing Par ty vs Fierce Angel, GOT residents play pop/char t/ dance/urban/requests main floor; superstar DJ Mark Doyle & guests play house the dry floor; top 10 drinks £2 50 all night, entry £5 b4 11pm Open: 10.30pm Thur, 10pm Fri, 9.30pm Sat & Sun ■ All events raising funds for Pride!

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Thur (27) is the GIRLS ON TOP FRESHERS FOAM PARTY with GOT residents, pop/char t/dance/urban/requests; drinks no more than £2 50 all night (excl champers/doubles/cocktails, free passes from Bar Revenge or £4 NUS entry for 2 weeks from Thur (27), freshers free b4 midnight with NUS card or £3 after Thurs–Sat

■ REGULARS: Thur is GIRLS ON TOP V EMERGENCY ROOM with DJs Smithy, Fifilicious & Alpha play char t/pop/trash/r&b/par ty tunes on level 1; DJs Dulcie Danger & Cheeks Du Rhythm house anthems/future classics in box bar, drinks from £1 50, entry free b4 11 30pm with flyer, £4 after, mems/NUS free b4 11 30pm, £3 after

■ Fri is LOLLIPOP with DJs Fifilicious & R uby R oo, cheesy anthems & DJs Missy B & Trick par ty cheese anthems, all drinks £2 50 (excl champers & doubles) b4 midnight, Jagerbombs £2 50 all night, entry free b4 midnight with pass, £5 b4 midnight, £6 after or £3 NUS International mash-up DJs Cut Up Boys join Lollipop residents (28)

■ Sat is KINKY DANGEROUS hosted by Stephanie Starlet & her sexy go-go boys, pyrotechnics, DJs Alex Baker & Trick current/past char ts level 1; DJs Dulcie Danger, King K & guests uplifting funky house in box bar, all drinks £2 50 (exc doubles & champers), £2 50 Jagerbombs all night, entry free b4 11pm with pass or £4, £6 b4 midnight, £8 after, £3 NUS

■ OPEN: 10 30pm on Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat Closed Sun (excl 2), Mon, Wed

www revenge co uk

JLS @ REVENGE

SEPTEMBER LISTINGS

SUBLINE

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Fri (31), Aug is the PRIDE OPENING PARTY with DJs Jordaliscious & Screwpulous at 9pm, priority tickets available now, limited number on the door, £3 mems/£5 ■ Sat (1) is the PRIDE PARTY with DJs Jordaliscious & Bozzy Bear from 9pm, priority tickets available now, £3 mems/£5 ■ Sun (2) is STRICTLY FETISH T DANCE with DJ Screwpulous from 4–8pm, entry £3; then PRIDE FINALE CELEBRATION with DJ N.U.D.E from 9pm, priority tickets available now, £3 mems/£5

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sun (30) is a FOAM PARTY with DJ N.U.D.E, £3 mems/£5

■ REGULARS: Wed is BACKLASH retro tunes and prices, including selected drinks

£2 80 all night for members ■ Thur is LEATHERED, free lockers if adventurously dressed

■ Fri is BEAR BALL with DJ Screwpulous, dancing bears, £2 80 pints, members free entry till 11pm, £3 after ■ Sat is THE FURNACE with £2 80 drinks, members free entry till 11pm, £3 after ■ Sun is COME IN YOUR PANTS underwear par ty with DJ N U D E Sun (16) win a £40 Prowler voucher for the best (or worst) underwear, plus discount vouchers for all

■ OPEN: Fri & Sat from 9pm–4am, Sun from 8pm–2am, Wed & Thur 9pm–1.30am

Closed Mon, Tue and for private par ty Fri (30) www subline-brighton com

■ SUBLINE The Furnace 9pm

■ ZONE Sally Vate 9 30pm; open 11am

SUNDAY 23

■ A-BAR Sun lunch noon-till gone; open 12

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 Lady James 8.30pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Sublime Sunday: Karaoke Queens LouBag & Smithy 8 30pm; Sun roasts: noon-7pm; open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Perfect Sun: bar snacks; JB’s piano sing-a-long 5pm; Piano Bingo 6pm; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 8pm; Micky’s Cash Karaoke: £100 prize 6pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST cabaret: Mrs Moore 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

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Dave Lynn 3 15pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open 1pm

■ POISON IVY Mimbo’s Karaoke 3pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Drag With No

Name 6pm; Sophie 9 30pm; karaoke till 1am; open noon

■ SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N U D E, underwear par ty 9pm

■ ZONE Sussex Cancer Fund Charity Bash: cabaret ar tists, donations encouraged 4pm; open 11am

MONDAY 24

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm; DJ Picadilly till midnight; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Recovery; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 9pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm

■ ENVY Studio 150: Student night 10 30pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9 30pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ ZONE Tony’s Fun Factory: karaoke, Wii & tunes 6 30pm; open 11am

TUESDAY 25

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 burger & drink £8; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Karaoke Queen of Brighton 2012: official Pride fundraiser with DJ Alpha, hostess AJ & £250 prize 8pm; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Games Galore; open 12

■ BULLDOG Reggae Night: DJ Micklos; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open noon

■ POISON IVY Spice’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Brenda Snap’s karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Supersonic: DJ Trick & Picadilly Boy 11pm

■ ZONE U Say We Play 7 30pm; open 11am

WEDNESDAY 26

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; cocktail night; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 School Night Challenge: Davina Sparkle 9pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pulse: DJ Ben Castle 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Peer Action Charity Quiz

8 30pm ; open noon

■ BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Night: naked only, no towels, licensed bar 7pm

■ BULLDOG Red Light Rush: DJ Marcia 9pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Sonia Marmite’s Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Candi’s Capers: karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ SUBLINE Backlash 9pm

■ ZONE Reggae Night: DJ Micklos 8 30pm; open 11am

THURSDAY 27

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; cocktail night; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 Bar 123 8pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Girls On Top Warm-Up: DJ Kelly Lloyd 9pm; open noon

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Thur Social; open noon

■ BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; open 11am

■ 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 open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm

■ ENVY Mad Cow: 2 floors, Joan Bond, DJs Lil Alex & LeeRoy in bar, DJ Ruby Roo in club 8pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Pasty Cline’s karaoke 9pm;

■ REVENGE Girls On Top Freshers Foam Par ty: GOT residents 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE Leathered 9pm

■ ZONE Rachel’s Thrifty Thur: karaoke, videos & Wii 8pm; open 11am

FRIDAY 28

■ A-BAR bar food noon-5pm; Italian menu 510pm; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open 3pm

■ BAR 56 cabaret: JP Christian 8 30pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Disco Bomb: Alpha DJ 9pm; open noon-6am

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor party with Lady La Rue & Butlers in the Buff promo boys, DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm-4am

AUGUST LISTINGS

WILD FRUIT @ HONEY CLUB

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Sat (1) is the INTERNATIONAL JET SET from 9pm with DJs Danny Verde, Kris Di Angelis & Doug Silva, entry £10 early bird

WILD FRUIT @ AUDIO

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Sat (1) is MIAMI from 10pm with DJs Seamus Haji, Oliver

M, Fat Tony & Neil Duffie, entry £10 early bird in advance

Sun (2) is SUNDAY SUNDAE from 3pm with DJs Thomas Gandey, Kris Di Angelis, Fat Tony, Kate Wildblood & Queen Josephine, entry £5 before 5pm

REBEL @ DIGITAL

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Sun (2) is REBEL AF TERHOURS at Digital from 4am with DJs Paul Heron, HiFi Sean & Jonny M, entry £10 in advance

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Karaoke 8pm; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJs Simon Blanch/Grant Knowles 10pm; Amy’s 150 karaoke 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7 45pm

■ 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Pooh La May 9pm; open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJs Nick Hirst or Wayne 9 30pm; open 1pm

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Back 2 the Old Skool 10 30pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with LaRue: 2 floor party with Lady La Rue & Butlers in the Buff promo boys, DJ Peter Castle in club; food noon-5pm; open 11am-5am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 7pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: DJ Andy B & karaoke 9pm; open noon

■ QUEENS HOTEL Davina Sparkle Live, Filthy & Dangerous: 3 course Gala dinner, guest Frank Sanazi, raffle, prizes 7pm; dancing till 1am; £29pp, bookings essential 01273 321 222

■ REVENGE Lollipop presents The Cut Up Boys: international mash-up DJs join Lollipop regulars 10 30pm

■ SUBLINE Bear Ball: DJs Screwpulous & dancing bears 9pm

■ ZONE cabaret: Maisie Trollette 9 30pm; open 11am

SATURDAY 29

■ A-BAR food noon-7pm; Pre-Club Music; open noon

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 DJ Lee Trashbag 9pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Kinky Classics: DJ Fifilicious 9pm; open noon-6am

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Shot-tastic; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; JP’s karaoke 10pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST Fierce School Disco: hostess

Ms Joan Bond, Head of Games Miss Sally Vate, DJ Leeroy, give-aways, drink offers 9pm; food noon-7 45pm; open noon

■ 112 CHURCH ST open noon

■ DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B

9 30pm; open 1pm

ZONE

■ PRIDE WEEKEND: Sat (1) is the PRIDE GAY VILLAGE PARTY from 6pm, open 10–4am, free entry ■ Sun (2) is the PRIDE GAY VILLAGE PARTY from 2–8pm, open 10–3am, free entry

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sun (23) is SUSSEX CANCER FUND CHARITY BASH to thank Colin & Gar y, cabaret stars offer their services for free from 4pm, donations on the door

■ REGULARS: Thur is R achel’s THRIF TY THURSDAY with happy hours, Wii, karaoke, videos and more from 8pm ■ Fri CABARET at 9 30pm: Stone & Street (7), Jannine (14), Miss Jason (21), Maisie Trollette (28) ■ Sat CABARET at 9 30pm: Sally Vate (8, 15 & 22) and John Paul (29) ■ Sun is Carrie O’Kay’s KARAOKE at 8 30pm

■ Wed is REGGAE NIGHT with DJ Micklos from 8.30pm

■ OPEN: daily from 11am

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ FUNKYFISH CLUB Funky 60/70/80s 10pm

■ LEGENDS BAR Pre-Club DJs 7pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open noon

■ POISON IVY Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 3pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Jon Borthwick

4 30pm; Guest Host karaoke 6pm; Sissy Sucks

& Kamp Kevin’s Sin Bin: karaoke, tunes 9pm; open noon

■ REVENGE Kinky Dangerous: Stephanie Starlet & go-go boys host DJs Alex Baker & Trick on level 1 & box bar DJs Dulcie Danger, King K & guests 10.30pm

■ SUBLINE The Furnace 9pm

■ ZONE cabaret: John Paul 9 30pm; open 11am

SUNDAY 30

■ A-BAR Sun lunch noon-till gone; open 12

■ AQUARIUM open noon

■ BAR 56 cabaret: Maisie Trollette 8 30pm; open 11am

■ BAR REVENGE Sublime Sunday: Karaoke

Queens LouBag & Smithy 8 30pm; Sun roasts noon-7pm; open noon

■ BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm

■ BEDFORD TAVERN Perfect Sun: JB’s piano sing-a-long 5pm; Piano Bingo 6pm; open noon

■ BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 8pm; Micky’s Cash Karaoke: £100 prize 6pm; open 11am

■ CHARLES ST cabaret: Lola Lasagne

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

■ FUNKYFISH BAR open 11am

■ LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Lady Imelda 3 15pm; open 11am

■ MARINE TAVERN open 1pm

■ POISON IVY Karaoke 3pm; open 11am

■ QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Cookie Monstar 6pm; Mary Mac 9 30pm; karaoke till 1am; open noon

■ QUEENS HOTEL Davina Sparkle’s 3 Course Cabaret Dinner 3pm; £19 95pp, bookings essential 01273 321 222

■ SUBLINE Foam Par ty: DJ N U D E 9pm

■ ZONE Carrie O’Kay’s karaoke 8 30pm; open 11am

SOLENT & BOURNEMOUTH

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BAKERS ARMS 77-79 Commercial Rd, BH2 5RT, Tel: 01202 555506

■ BAR VENTANA at CUMBERL AND HOTEL East Overcliff Dr, BH1 3AF, Tel: 01202 556529

www cumberlandbournemouth co uk

■ BRANKSOME ARMS 152-154 Commercial Rd, BH2 5LU, Tel: 01202 292254

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL East Overcliff Drive, BH1 3AF, Tel: 01202 290722

www cumberlandbournemouth co uk

■ DYMK 31 Poole Hill, BH2 5PW, www.dymk-bar.com

■ SAUNABAR 140 Commercial Rd, BH2 5LU, Tel: 01202 552654

www gaysaunabournemouth co uk

■ 2930 THE TRIANGLE CLUB 29-30 The Triangle, BH2 5SE, Tel: 0845 496 2934 www 2930thetriangle com

■ EASY TIGER 27 The Triangle, BH2 5SE; open: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6 30pm, Sun 11am-5pm Tel: 01202 554195 www.easytigerstore.com

■ XCHANGE 4 The Triangle, BH2 5RY, Tel: 01202 294321

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD 1 Hampshire Terr, Southsea, Tel: 02392 297509

www thehampshireboulevard co uk

Open: Mon: 3-11pm, Tue: noon-1am, Wed-

SATURDAY 1

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS main bar: Lost in Music: host Fanny Flaps & DJ Drunken Monkey; 2nd level: Chaps: leather & rubber men-only night 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Big Gay Night Out: guest DJs; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Hot Eye Candy: DJ Ruby Roo & Divine Diva till 3am

■ OLD VIC open 5pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE The Big One: resident/guest DJs, 2 dancefloors, 3 bars 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL DJ Neil Sackley 8 30pm; open noon

SUNDAY 2

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Sun Best: BBQ 3pm; Wilma’s Madhouse 4pm; cabaret: Cassidy Connors 5pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: Sun Lunch 12 30-2 30pm & 79pm; open 9am

■ DYMK open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sunday Shakedown: DJ Westie & karaoke 7pm; cabaret: Lucinda Lashes 11pm

■ OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE We Are 1: DJs, give-aways 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Dolly Par tem’s Sunday Service 8pm; Topping & Butch 9.30pm; Sun lunch noon-3 30pm; open noon

MONDAY 3

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS open noon

Thur: noon-2am, Fri-Sat: noon-3am, Sun: noon-2am, cabaret bar and club

■ OLD VIC 104 St Pauls Rd, Southsea

Tel: 02392 297013

www oldvicpor tsmouth co uk

Open: Mon-Fri: 11am till late, Sat: 5pm-late, Sun: noon-12,30am Tradition pub with regular cabaret, serves food

■ TROPIC S SAUNA 2 Market Way

Tel: 02380 296100 www.tropics-sauna.com

Open: Mon-Wed: 12-8pm, Thu-Sat: 11am-9pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ ISOBAR 100c St Mary’s Street

Tel: 02380 222028

Open: Sun-Tue: 2pm-11pm, Wed-Sat: 2pm-

midnight Modern bar, outside decked garden area, popular with younger crowd

■ LONDON HOTEL 2 Terminus Terrace

Tel: 02380 710652 www the-london co uk

Open: Mon-Thur: noon-11pm, Fri-Sat: noon12 30am, Sun: noon-11 30am Friendly cabaret venue, serves food

■ EDGE Compton Walk Tel: 02380 366163

www theedgesouthampton com

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: noon-2am

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Camp Karaoke; open 2pm PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Bar 150: DJs Ruby

Roo & Grant Knowles 9pm

■ OLD VIC food noon-3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ LONDON HOTEL closed

TUESDAY 4

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Paul Is The Landlord: adult humour, banter 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Bannister Billy’s Request Night; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ OLD VIC food noon-3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; open 6pm

WEDNESDAY 5

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Smar t-Ass Quiz: host Fanny Flaps 9pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Fabulashes: DJ & hostess Lucinda Lashes; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJs till 2am

■ OLD VIC Student Night 7pm; food noon3pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s karaoke 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Quiz Night 8.30pm; food noon-3pm; open noon

BRANKSOME ARMS BOURNEMOUTH

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: SUNDAY BEST features a BBQ from 3pm, WILMA’S MADHOUSE from 4pm and then CABARET from 5pm with Cassidy Connors (2), Adora Dix (9), Beverly Ball Crusher (16), Son of a Tutu (23) and Candy The Slag in Drag (30)

■ REGULARS: Tue is Paul The Landlord with adult humour and witty banter from 8pm ■ Wed is SMART-ASS QUIZ with host Fanny Flaps from 9pm ■ Thur is CASSIE’S LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX with intimate chat, games & live show from 9pm

■ Fri is GUILTY PLEASURES with DJ Sheridan playing vintage cheesy pop in the main bar, men only night MAN FRIDAY CLUB is on the 2nd floor from 8pm ■ Sat is LOST IN MUSIC with host Fanny Flaps and DJ Drunken Monkey playing dance/pop; men-only leather & rubber night CHAPS is on the 2nd floor

■ OPEN: daily from noon–2am

THURSDAY 6

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Cassie’s Let’s Talk About Sex: intimate chat, games & live cabaret 9pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Miss Jason’s Bona Balls Bingo 9pm; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love The 90s & 00s: DJ Westie & karaoke till 2am

■ OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-3pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Grew Up In The 90s: DJ Neil Sackley 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Pat Cruise 9 30pm; food noon-3pm; open noon

FRIDAY 7

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS main bar: Guilty Pleasures: DJ Sheridan, 2nd level: Man Fri Club: men only 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Supersonic Fri: Drag DJ; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sally Vate’s Controversial: DJs till 3am

■ OLD VIC DJs 8pm; food noon-3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Get Some: DJs Lady Bex & Lohands 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL cabaret: Miss Jason 10pm; food noon-3pm

SATURDAY 8

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS main bar: Lost in Music: host Fanny Flaps & DJ Drunken Monkey; 2nd level: Chaps: leather & rubber men-only night 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Big Gay Night Out: Guest DJs; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Hot Eye Candy: DJ Ruby Roo & Divine Diva till 3am

■ OLD VIC open 5pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE The Big One: resident/guest DJs, 2 dancefloors, 3 bars 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL DJ Ruby Roo 8.30pm; Jacquii Cann 10pm; open noon

SUNDAY 9

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Sun Best: BBQ 3pm; Wilma’s Madhouse 4pm; cabaret: Adora Dix 5pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: Sunday Lunch 12 30-2 30pm & 79pm; open 9am

■ DYMK open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sunday Shakedown: DJ Westie & karaoke 7pm; cabaret: Miss Thunderpussy 11pm

■ OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE We Are 1: DJs, give-aways 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Dolly Par tem’s Sunday Service 8pm; Davina Sparkle 9 30pm; Sun lunch noon-3 30pm; open noon

MONDAY 10

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Camp Karaoke; open 2pm PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Bar 150: DJs Ruby Roo & Grant

SOLENT & BOURNEMOUTH

EDGE SOUTHAMPTON

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Look out for BAR 150 BACK 2 SCHOOL on Wed (3), Oct with school uniform fancy dress

■ REGULARS: Sun is WE ARE 1 with DJs, £1 drinks, entry free before 10 30pm, £2/£4 after ■ Tue is Bomb It!, £2 Jagerbombs, free video jukebox & entry ■ Wed is BAR 150 with DJ Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s KARAOKE, £1 50 drinks, entry free/£2 before 10pm, £4/£6 after Wed (26) is the Bar 150 999-Themed Par ty, police, fire, medic fancy dress, open extra late till 5am ■ Thur is GREW UP IN THE 90S with DJ Neil Sackley, 90s tunes & 90s drinks, free entry ■ Fri is GET SOME with DJs Lady Bex & Lohands, entry £1 b4 10 30pm, £3/£4 b4 11pm, £5/£6 after Fri (28) is the GET SOME CO2 PARTY ■ Sat is THE BIG ONE with resident/guest DJs, DJ Lee Harris (22), 2 dance floors & 3 bars, free/£3 before 11pm, £3/£5 after

■ OPEN: Sun, Tue & Thur 10pm, Wed, Fri & Sat 9pm Closed Mon www.theedgesouthampton.com

SOUTHAMPTON

■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm; open noon

TUESDAY 11

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Paul Is The Landlord: adult humour, banter 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Bannister Billy’s Request Night; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ OLD VIC food noon-3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Girlfriends Get Together: TV/TS night; food noon-3pm; open noon

WEDNESDAY 12

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Smar t-Ass Quiz: host Fanny Flaps 9pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Fabulashes: DJ & hostess Lucinda Lashes; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJs till 2am

■ OLD VIC Student Night 7pm; food noon3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s karaoke 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm; open noon

THURSDAY 13

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Cassie’s Let’s Talk About Sex: intimate chat, games & live cabaret 9pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Miss Jason’s Bona Balls Bingo 9pm; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love The 90s & 00s: DJ Westie & karaoke till 2am

■ OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-3pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Grew Up In The 90s: DJ Neil Sackley 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Pat Cruise 9.30pm; food noon-3pm; open noon

FRIDAY 14

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS main bar: Guilty Pleasures: DJ Sheridan, 2nd level: Man Fri Club: men only 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food/afternoon tea/drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Supersonic Fri: Drag DJ; open 2pm

LONDON HOTEL SOUTHAMPTON

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: R ay and David celebrate 9 years at The London Hotel from Fri (21) – Sun (23) ■ Tue (11) is GIRLFRIENDS GET TOGETHER, a TV/TS meeting night

■ REGULARS: Wed (5) is monthly QUIZ NIGHT with cash prizes from 8 30pm Thur is Pat Cruise’s KARAOKE CRUISING from 9 30pm ■ Fri CABARET at 10pm: Miss Jason (7), Eva La Diva (14), Lola Lasagne (21) and Fanny Dazzle (28) ■ Sat is PARTY TIME from 8 30pm with DJs: Neil Sackley (1), R uby R oo with Jacquii Cann at 10pm (8), Dazza & His Guilty Pleasures (15), Tiny & His Guilty Pleasures & James Bedford from 10pm (22) and Pat Cruise (29) ■ Dolly Par tem’s SUNDAY SERVICE at 8pm, cabaret follows at 9.30pm: Topping & Butch (2), Davina Sparkle (9), Dave Lynn (16), Drag With No Name (23), Miss Thunderpussy (30) Free pool on Mon, Tue & Wed

■ FOOD: traditional pub food served Mon–Fri from noon–3pm; Sunday lunch from noon–3 30pm, two courses £7 95 ■ OPEN: daily from noon www the-london co uk

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sally Vate’s Controversial: DJs till 3am

■ OLD VIC DJs 8pm; food noon-3pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Get Some: DJs Lady Bex & Lohands 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL cabaret: Eva La Diva 10pm; food noon-3pm

SATURDAY 15

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS main bar: Lost in Music: host Fanny Flaps & DJ Drunken Monkey; 2nd level: Chaps: leather & rubber men-only night 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Big Gay Night Out: Guest DJs; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Hot Eye Candy: DJ

Ruby Roo & Divine Diva till 3am

■ OLD VIC open 5pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE The Big One: resident/guest DJs, 2 dancefloors, 3 bars 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL DJ Dazza’s Guilty Pleasures 8.30pm; open noon

SUNDAY 16

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Sun Best: BBQ 3pm; Wilma’s Madhouse 4pm; cabaret: Beverly Ball Crusher 5pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: Sun Lunch 12 30-2 30pm & 79pm; open 9am

■ DYMK open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sunday Shakedown: DJ Westie & karaoke 7pm; cabaret 11pm

■ OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE We Are 1: DJs, give-aways 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Dolly Par tem’s Sunday Service 8pm; Dave Lynn 9 30pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon

MONDAY 17

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food/afternoon tea/drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Camp Karaoke: Lucinda Lashes; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Bar 150: DJs Ruby Roo & Grant Knowles 9pm

■ OLD VIC food noon-3pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm; open noon

TUESDAY 18

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Paul Is The Landlord: adult humour, banter 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Bannister Billy’s Request Night; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ OLD VIC food noon-3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm; open noon

WEDNESDAY 19

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Smar t-Ass Quiz: host Fanny Flaps 9pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

SOLENT & BOURNEMOUTH

HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD PORTSMOUTH

■ ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sunday Shakedown is with DJ Westie & KARAOKE at 7pm, CABARET at 11pm: Lucinda Lashes (2), Miss Thunderpussy (9), Lady Imelda (23) and Titti La Camp (30), all drinks £2 50 all night, free entr y

■ REGULARS: Mon is BAR 150 with DJs R uby R oo & Grant Knowles playing commercial floor fillers/char t/cheese/pop/r&b/pure funk at 9pm, £1 50 drinks, free entr y till 10 30pm, £3 after ■ Wed has DJs till 2am and 2-4-1 drinks ■ Thur is WE LOVE THE 90S & 00S with DJ Westie till 2am; bottle of VS £1 50, jug of Carlsberg or cocktail pitcher £10, jager bombs £2 50; free entry 7pm–2am ■ Fri is CONTROVERSIAL with host Sally Vate and DJs till 3am, free entry till 11pm ■ Sat is HOT EYE CANDY with DJs R uby R oo & Divine Diva playing char t/cheese till 3am ■ Closed Tue ■ www.facebook.com/pubhb

■ DYMK Fabulashes: DJ & hostess Lucinda Lashes; open 2pm PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJs till 2am

■ OLD VIC Student Night 7pm; food noon3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s karaoke 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm; open noon

THURSDAY 20

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Cassie’s Let’s Talk About Sex: intimate chat, games & live cabaret 9pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Miss Jason’s Bona Balls Bingo 9pm; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love The 90s & 00s: DJ Westie & karaoke till 2am

■ OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Grew Up In The 90s: DJ Neil Sackley 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Pat Cruise 9 30pm; food noon-3pm; open noon

FRIDAY 21

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS main bar: Guilty Pleasures: DJ Sheridan, 2nd level: Man Fri Club: men only 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sally Vate’s Controversial: DJs Grant Knowles & Tim Sandford, cash drops till 3am; open noon

■ OLD VIC DJs 8pm; food noon-3pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Get Some: DJs Lady Bex & Lohands 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Ray & David Celebrate 9 Years at The London with Lola Lasagne 10pm; food noon-3pm

SATURDAY 22

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS main bar: Lost in Music: host Fanny Flaps & DJ Drunken Monkey; 2nd level: Chaps: leather & rubber men-only night 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food/afternoon tea/drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Big Gay Night Out: DJs; open 2pm PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Hot Eye Candy: DJ

Ruby Roo & Divine Diva till 3am

■ OLD VIC open 5pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE The Big One: DJ Lee Harris & residents, 2 dancefloors, 3 bars 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Ray & David Celebrate 9 Years at The London with DJ Tiny’s Guilty Pleasures & cabaret from James Bedford 10pm; open noon

SUNDAY 23

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Sun Best: BBQ 3pm; Wilma’s Madhouse 4pm; cabaret: Son of a Tutu 5pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: Sun Lunch 12 30-2 30pm & 79pm; open 9am

■ DYMK open noon

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sunday Shakedown:

DJ Westie & karaoke 7pm; cabaret: Lady Imelda 11pm

■ OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE We Are 1: DJs, give-aways 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Ray & David Celebrate 9

Years at The London with Dolly Par tem’s Sunday Service 8pm; cabaret: Drag With No Name 9 30pm; Sun lunch noon-3 30pm; open noon

MONDAY 24

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Camp Karaoke: Lucinda Lashes; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Bar 150: DJs Ruby Roo & Grant Knowles 9pm

■ OLD VIC food noon-3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Grew Up In The 90s: DJ Neil Sackley 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Pat Cruise 9.30pm; food noon-3pm; open noon

FRIDAY 28

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS main bar: Guilty Pleasures: DJ Sheridan, 2nd level: Man Fri Club: men only 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm; open noon

TUESDAY 25

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Paul Is The Landlord: adult humour, banter 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food/afternoon tea/drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Bannister Billy’s Request Night; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ OLD VIC food noon-3pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm; open noon

WEDNESDAY 26

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Smar t-Ass Quiz: host Fanny Flaps 9pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Fabulashes: DJ & hostess Lucinda Lashes; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJs till 2am

■ OLD VIC Student Night 7pm; food noon3pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Bar 150 999 Themed Par ty: DJ Lady Bex & Cheeky Pete’s karaoke 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm; open noon

THURSDAY 27

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Cassie’s Let’s Talk

About Sex: intimate chat, games & live cabaret 9pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Miss Jason’s Bona Balls Bingo 9pm; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love The 90s & 00s: DJ Westie & karaoke till 2am

■ OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-3pm

■ DYMK Supersonic Fri: Drag DJ; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sally Vate’s Controversial: DJs Grant Knowles & Tim Sandford, cash drops till 3am; open noon

■ OLD VIC DJs 8pm; food noon-3pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE Get Some CO2 Par ty: DJs Lady Bex & Lohands 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL cabaret: Fanny Dazzle 10pm; food noon-3pm

SATURDAY 29

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS main bar: Lost in Music: host Fanny Flaps & DJ Drunken Monkey; 2nd level: Chaps: leather & rubber men-only night 8pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: food, afternoon tea, drinks; open 9am

■ DYMK Big Gay Night Out: guest DJs; open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Hot Eye Candy: DJ

Ruby Roo & Divine Diva till 3am

■ OLD VIC open 5pm

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE The Big One: resident/guest DJs, 2 dancefloors, 3 bars 9pm

■ LONDON HOTEL DJ Pat Cruise 8 30pm; open noon

SUNDAY 30

BOURNEMOUTH

■ BRANKSOME ARMS Sun Best: BBQ 3pm; Wilma’s Madhouse 4pm; cabaret: Candy The Slag in Drag 5pm; open noon

■ CUMBERL AND HOTEL Ventana Bar & Brasserie: Sun Lunch 12.30-2 30pm & 79pm; open 9am

■ DYMK open 2pm

PORTSMOUTH

■ HAMPSHIRE BLVD Sunday Shakedown: DJ Westie & karaoke 7pm; cabaret: Titti La Camp 11pm

■ OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon

SOUTHAMPTON

■ EDGE We Are 1: DJs, give-aways 10pm

■ LONDON HOTEL Dolly Par tem’s Sunday Service 8pm; Miss Thunderpussy 9 30pm; Sun lunch noon-3 30pm; open noon

DANCE MUSIC

BY WILDBLOOD & QUEENIE

As we head towards a proud summer finale of hands in the air and sing-a-long anthems, it seems only right that we turn up the temperature one last time with some delicious sunshine soundtracks

■ One of the must-hit websites of the year is thehouseofdisco com and their spanky new compilation delivered by label mates Disko cunningly called House Of Disko Twelve tracks of house and disco that skip delightfully across the genre spectrum to deliver a session you’ll want to succumb to. ■ Another album playing with the spectrums of all things electronic is the wonderful Freedom Street by Chris Coco on

Melodica. The influences are chilled but the result is so much more A melodic moment to treasure

■ Other wonders tickling our bass bins this month include the house music with personality that is Electro Funkin Disco Breakin

Vol.1 Seven Years of Heavy Disco and MoHifi, the class house of Ralf Gum’ s Never Leaves You on GOGO Music and the pure class of Joey Negro & The Sunburst Band’ s The Secret Life Of Us on Z Records

Never have so many DJs owed one producer so many golden dancefloor moments.

■ Our September ‘blimey missus how good?’ longplayers include the excellent Suol Records’ Chopstick & Johnjon mix for Brighton’s own MOTEL, a Berlin beauty that makes life in Brighton beautiful. soundcloud com/motelmusic

■ Then we have the class act that is FUR COAT’ s Mind Over Matter on Crosstown Rebels, a true taste of the future of house music

■ Finally the excellence of Mixology: Sam Records Extended Play on Harmless. Classic disco but not as we know it, remixed and re-edited to produce contemporary beats of the exquisite kind. Be prepared to fall head of heels in love with Sam

Catch Wildblood and Queenie at Wild Fruit Dance Tent, DSD, Disco Deviant and Sunday Sundae katewildblood.wordpress.com

WILDBLOOD & QUEENIE’S SEPT SCORCHERS

■ JULIO BASHMORE Au Seve (original) Broadwalk Records

It’s simple - no one make you wanna dance more than Julio.

■ FREAKS BLACK SHOES White Socks Hot Creations

Seven minutes of pure seduction pouring out of your speakers

■ NOIR & HAZE Around (Subb-an remix) Defected

If you doubted this is the summer of deep house, Noir will see you right

■ WAYNE G ft SHAUNA JENSEN Give Me A Break (Cowbell Dub) Bennu

Feeling the love for this grrrr disco house as Hifi delivers again

■ JOYCE BROOKE Slutty Disco Channelled

It’s the jackin’ groove, not the title Although to be honest it helps

■ MIGUEL MIGS Dance and Clap (Deep & Salted mix) Salted

Another masterclass from Migs as the hot Salted house keeps coming.

■ STEVE MILL ft ELLI You Really Know Madhouse Records

A Queenie must dance DSD wonder that’s perfect sunshine stuff.

■ DMARCO Class Of '86 (original) Arcko Digital

Destined to soundtrack plenty of Pride action under the canvas or stars.

■ CHEETS & HUTSON v HUNT Can’t Fake the Feelin (classic mix) White

Local deck heroes produce pumped up disco of the deadly kind.

■ DANNY QUATTRO Little Love (original) Maquina

A moment of Lisa love all the way from the White Isle

DJ PROFILE

September is all about the classic and funky, so this month Queen Josephine caught up with DJ Ninebobrob to talk about mud in the eyes, sunrise tears and why it’s still cool to be one of the Old School.

Where can we see/hear you playing?

On September 1st I’m at Brighton Pride in the Calabash Tent which I helped set up back in the day I’ve always been proud to be a part of this collective and always happy when Affy and Pushy C ask me back I’ll be at Bestival for some back stage bar action, which is always good fun! You can also hear my mixes on Downlow Radio I’m not a working DJ, it’s always been more of a hobby and I guess you could say I'm from the old school! I have been playing for 20 years now, been around the block a few times, gone through a lot of slip mats and head phones and still strictly vinyl. I’ve been involved in many underground nights in Brighton and London, way back in the day with Slack at The Warehouse and all over the beach, PacMan (gay hip-hop night) and for the last five years with NYC DownLow at Glastonbury. But I am free for all weddings, funerals or Bar Mitzvahs…

Describe your style.

Like an old rare vintage car you’d find in Harlem that's been customised, needs loads of old bits to keep it going plus a few new brake pads, a dream to drive that makes everyone smile as it goes by and that has a real funky back fire!

Favourite song of all time?

It changes depending on my mood, and there are so many (but I still have time!) SOS Band’ s Weekend Girl always gets me up singing Which tune always fills up/rescues your dancefloor?

Easy! Prince’ s I Wanna Be Your Lover. Your ultimate dream gig?

In Asgard on the Rainbow Bridge with Thor by my side. The tune you wish you’d never played?

Good question! Playing Black Eyed Peas’ Where Is The Love at PacMan with everyone looking at me and saying “No girl, get it off!”.

Guilty pleasure?

Natalie Geographic - I always feel guilty but she is always a pleasure! Best ever gig?

So many! Brighton Beach Party at Shoreham Power Station at sunrise playing Martin Luther King’s I Have A Dream speech over Derrick May ’ s It Is What It Is and starting to cry with my hands in the air (I wasn’t the only one) And my last set on the last night at NYC DownLow at my first Glastonbury Mud up to our eyeballs and over our high heels Pure joy!

Tell us a secret!

We’re all perfect just as we are and we hold the power within us to change the world.

Current top five?

Well, I haven’t brought a new release in the last five years...

■ CHAKA KHAN I Know You I Live You MCA

■ CARL BEAN I Was Born This Way Motown

■ NORMA JEAN BELL I’m The Baddest Bitch (Moodyman mix) NRK

■ ALICIA MYERS I Want To Thank You MCA

■ ERYKAH BADU Turn Me Away Universal Motown

Catch Ninebobrob in the Calabash Tent, Brighton

SMILE PLEA SE!

Jennie Castell and some members of Bear-Patrol, the social group for Bears and their friends, have recorded a new single and the proceeds from sales of the track will go to the Sussex Beacon. Gscene talks to Al Roald Hughes, who wrote Smile, about his new album

Written by Al Roald Hughes

, Smile will be performed live at the Sussex Beacon's 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the Seattle Hotel on Saturday, November 24 The single will be available straight after the Gala from the usual download sites.

Al Roald Hughes has just finished writing and recording his album Roald which is a perspective of emotions, featuring the bouncy 1980s vibe of Yoyo to the heartbreaking ballad Brighton. The lead single ‘Universal’ has been remixed by 7th Heaven and Bright1s and is currently being promoted and played on the club scene

Al's background is in fashion He obtained a degree at The London College of Fashion studying menswear and fetishism His final collection concentrated on early aviation and motorcycle gear and how it continues to

influence mainstream fashion and fetish wear Al said: “Studying for a degree in the arts does make you view things differently I used to take things at face value I never used to look at something and wonder where the design came from and what influenced the initial proposal. It’s definitely made me look at music differently and affected the way I now write."

Al's musical influences are very varied. He especially likes the band Hurts, George Michael is an inspiration to him, and he loves Alison Moyet and how she uses her voice like an instrument Adele is an obvious influence but he tries to be original and use the whole of the range of his voice right up to the falsetto and down to the bass when he is writing

Al continued: “I’ve been singing since I was a kid with my brothers I used to make up stories to well known songs but never wrote them down, it was always done by memory. Then once in my teens I started writing more serious stuff. Since then I’ve written and recorded hundreds of songs. I was also involved in a male voice choir for a time, which taught me a lot about harmonisation and how to use different vocal techniques.

“I’m quite a spiritual person and I find good in bad I actually dream songs I wake in the night and sing into my voice recorder The songs grew in number and suddenly I realised I was writing an album I was working on a track around 18 months ago which turned out

quite well A successful song leads to a positive outlook and as usual with art, the album came fast and furious from then on

“I was at the point in life where I was dealing with baggage from my past. I was sifting through it all mentally, processing hurtful memories and embracing good ones. I believe you have to go through the dark days and nights in order to help you appreciate the bright ones. The album is very dark and light, emotionally I found myself scribbling down so many lyrics The melody often comes to me with the lyric and the best songs are the ones you don't fight with They have a life of their own and will make themselves heard There was a promo out last summer of a Daz Bailey Club Mix of my song Pulse I got a lot of good feedback from that

“The album is simply called ROALD and was released on Monday, August 6. It’s available as a download from itunes and Amazon and all the usual download sites. It includes many mixes including 7th Heaven Club mixes of the lead single Universal, a song that is all about connecting to the universe and the vibrant energy, about real love It's in us all but we can fail to connect

“ Too many people today concentrate on material wealth and goods. Real music isn’t about making money, it's about connecting”

“Too many people today concentrate on material wealth and goods. Real music isn't about making money, it's about connecting. My real aim is to write more songs for other artists. Although the artist and DJ are the ones who get the song known to the masses, I always think of a writer as deserving more credit than the artist or even the DJ. I don’t think we give enough focus on the writer, without them there is no music business and that never seems to be understood On download sites etc, the writers are almost overlooked If there’s one thing I hope to change about the music industry, it’s that! I’d sum up of the album as a perspective of emotion, universally ”

DOME

Church St, Brighton Box office: 01273 709709 www.brightondome.org

■ SANDI TOKSVIG LIVE! MY VALENTINE (Sat 1) Toksvig, comedian, novelist, actor, broadcaster, show-off and international treasure, is the longstanding host of BBC Radio 4’s News Quiz and Excess Baggage and is a regular QI panellist. Her new show is a uniquely witty evening of stand-up, stories and fascinating facts. It marks the publication of Sandi's new novel, Valentine Grey, a rip-roaring story of gender, liberty, empire and injustice, set against the vibrant backdrop of Victorian London and the Boer War Sandi will be signing copies of the new novel after the show in the Brighton Dome foyer

IAMBIC ARTS THEATRE

38 Gardner St, Brighton Box office: 01273 572101 www.iambicarts.co.uk

■ VITA & VIRGINIA (Aug 31–Sep

1) Valerie Dent and Tamar K Karpas, star in a two women play directed by Alison Grant about the relationship, influences and literary styles of aristocrat Vita Sackville-West and Bloomsbury set member and novelist, Virginia

Woolf As love stories go, this tale was one of the most passionate in the literary world and spanned almost two decades; they nurtured their physical and literary love affair through their intimate correspondence. The script was created by actress and playwright Eileen Atkins, who compiled extracts from letters and diaries, to present a unique portrait of Vita and Virginia in dialogue

MARLBOROUGH THEATRE

4 Princes St, Brighton Box office: 0800 411 8881 www.marlboroughtheatre.co.uk

■ THE LIPSINKERS (Sat 1). East London's infamous troupe of crossdressing superstars perform an hilarious offbeat romp through popular music in all its glorious guises; high-kicking, prosecco drinking, gender bending live entertainment with dance, mime, satire, skits, dodgy magic, bumps 'n' grinds, jazz hands and high fives. Topical, trivial, transvestite mayhem! Enjoy your Pride - they have none left... “Bloody hell The Lipsinkers are amazing” The Guardian; “Hilarious twisted style” Time OutRecommended.

■ ROSE COLLIS: TROUSERWEARING CHARACTERS (7.30pm, Sun 2) Rose Collis returns, shedding light on some of her favourite, eclectic trouser-wearing characters Expect ‘ cameos ’ from the likes of Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich and Vincent Price £6/£5 www pinkfringe org uk

■ STARK NAKED DALLAS (8pm, Fri 14). Jonny Woo, David Mills and Timberlina re-live the greatest prime-time TV soap opera from Texas, but this time with bigger wigs, higher heels, more gin and poppers. £8 in advance: www.brownpapertickets.com/event /262646

THE OLD MARKET

Upper Market St, Hove Box office: 01273 201801 www.theoldmarket.com

■ JULIAN CLARY: POSITION VACANT, APPLY WITHIN (Fri 14). The master of camp is scouring the land in search of love, promising to leave no straight unturned. “Because I’m still considered to be quite a catch and because your town is noted for its heterosexuals on the cusp, there’s bound to be stiff competition”, says Julian “Therefore I’ll be hosting ruthless elimination games You can be sure of one thing By the end of the evening, we’ll all be celebrating my new partnership ” A glass of Blue Nun may be available to those who make an effort or anyone named Jason. But please bring your own confetti.

GULLIVER'S HOTEL

12a New Steine, Brighton, www.gullivershotel.com

Gulliver’s Hotel are exhibiting work by fine artist and photographer KERRY RICE (now until Oct 15) who lives and works in Brighton but travels widely, taking inspiration from locations around the globe Her work provides a striking contrast between the grandiosity of epic natural landscapes and the private, intimate lives they play host to Kerry looks at the way in which our surroundings shape our lives, and the indelible and startling ways that our lives shape our surroundings The exhibition shows her studies of life within the ever changing vistas

of the world, from the frozen seas of Finland, past the shifting political and architectural landscapes of Zakynthos, through the mountains and valleys of Andorra to the musical alleyways of Dublin. The work is a celebration of humanity's urge to explore and adapt, the planet's diverse and spectacular habitats, and the ability of art to bring it all together www.rice-photographics.co.uk

JUBILEE LIBRARY

Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE Brighton-based travel writer and photographer, Adam Wikierski, is hosting an exhibition inspired by his journey into the Amazon Rainforest (Sat 15–Sun 30) A colourful set of photographs, depicting Adam immersing himself in the culture will be displayed alongside a selection of souvenirs including pottery and a piece of crocodile skin. Adam hopes to open people’s eyes to unique cultures, and convey how important it is to preserve the Amazon Rainforest and protect its indigenous people, in particular those within the Xingu region. “I want to show people how important it is to protect the Amazon and its

people, especially in the Xingu region where they’re building a dam in Belo Monte This is my little touch to save the Amazon!” His book, Amazonia: My Journey Into The Unknown, follows his travels in pictures Available in all good bookshops or online: www.amazon.co.uk/Amazonia-My-Journey-intoUnknown/dp/190904900X

NAKED EYE GALLERY

5 Farm Mews, Farm Rd, Hove, www.nakedeyebrighton.com

REVELATIONS (Sept 22–Oct 14) is an exhibition by GROUP 5, a collective of established artists, showing an eclectic mix of painting, drawing and sculpture. Their work explores acts of uncovered ‘truths’. The Group 5 artists are Ian Hodgson, June Frickleton, Eve Shepherd, Patrick O’Donnell and Chris Tongue who have all previously collaborated in various incarnations on a variety of projects, but this will be the first time all five have shown together in a curated exhibition

BRIGHTON ART FAIR

Corn Exchange, Church Road, Brighton, www.brightonartfair.co.uk

The BRIGHTON ART FAIR (Fri 21–Sun 23) showcases over 120 contemporary artists including Frickleton Fine Art with recent paintings by Stig Evans and Patrick O'Donnell, Geoff Hands with his paintings, drawings and monotypes made from studies of the coastlines of Sussex and Cornwall and Sam Lock and his textural urban imagery. Admission on the door is £6 with children under 14 free.

WALKER ART GALLERY

William Brown St, Liverpool, L3 8EL, www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/johnmoores

Moving on to my recent successes, I’ve been selected for the JOHN MOORES PAINTING PRIZE at the Walker Art Gallery (Sept 15–Jan 6 2013) Emma Biggs and Matthew Collings, Theo Cuff, David Dupre, Jarik Jongman, Elizabeth Magill, Rui Matsunaga, Andrew Seto and Amikam Toren are also amongst the 62 artists selected. A first prize of £25,000 will be awarded along with four further prizes, each of £2,500. In addition, the winner of the popular visitors' choice prize (of £2,012) voted for by the public will be announced towards the close of the exhibition Artists Fiona Banner, Angela de la Cruz and George Shaw, Director of Whitechapel Art Gallery, Iwona Blazwick, and the BBC's Alan Yentob were on the jury

MALL GALLERIES

17 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5BD, www.threadneedleprize.com

I’ve been included in the selection of 154 works for the Threadneedle Prize (Sept 26–Oct 13), the UK's leading showcase for contemporary figurative and representational painting and sculpture. The aim is to promote and display works using a variety of different mediums, styles and approaches, with overall focus being on the quality and confidence of the finished work. Selectors included artist Peter Randall-Page internationally renowned for his sculptures, drawings and prints; Christopher Riopelle, Curator of post-1800 paintings at the National Gallery, London since 1997; and Nicholas Usherwood, writer for The Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, Arts Review and Resurgence and current features editor of Galleries Magazine

Even if you aren’t able to travel to London or Liverpool, I hope you can visit the other local exhibitions

REVIEWS

■ In Canadian pianist LOUIS LORTIE’ s second volume of his complete Chopin collection, he again alternates Nocturnes with more substantial works – here, the four Ballades, with the Barcarolle and Berceuse Pieces in connected keys flow together more satisfyingly than the usual systematic or chronological approach Lortie’s style is less overtly dramatic than some others, allowing the music to speak for itself That is not to say that these are totally passive performances –virtuosity is certainly on display, and the Ballades in particular receive full-blooded expression. You’re just left with a sense of ‘this is the wonder of Chopin’, rather than solely ‘this is an amazing pianist’ – paradoxically, the sign of a truly great pianist Chandos CHAN10714

■ The GOULD TRIO have just celebrated their 20th year, and to mark this occasion performed the Beethoven Piano Trios in a series of concerts at St George’s, Bristol. The performances have been recorded, and the first disc includes the ‘Ghost’ Trio and the Second Trio (Op. 1 No. 2), together with two single movement works – an Allegretto from 1812, and an early Theme and Variations There is a real energy to their playing, with spirited fast movements, and tender and sensitive playing in the slow movements The price of live recordings is occasional rough edges in the presto sections, and a slightly dry acoustic, but the payoff is a level of energy and immediacy rarely found in studio recordings. The sign of a good live recording is that you wish you were there, and also that it will survive repeated playing – this scores on both counts Somm SOMMCD0114

■ Following complete sets of the songs of Butterworth and Delius, amongst others, baritone MARK

STONE has now turned his attention to Havergal Brian (1876-1972) (who ended his days in retirement in Shoreham). Last year I sang in a Proms performance of his mammoth Gothic Symphony, with a massive orchestra, four choirs, children’s choir, four brass orchestras, and soloists –supposedly the largest symphony ever written A great event, but the work doesn’t really hold up to much scrutiny So I was curious to hear how he managed at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of scale. In fact, this disc proved rather a revelation. I was particularly taken by the delicacy of his piano writing, sensitively performed here by Sholto Kynoch Little Sleeper is especially delicate and elegiac, with almost Debussian harmonies in the piano supporting a beautifully wistful solo line Kynoch also performs Three Illuminations, and John Dowland’ s Fancy for solo piano, and accompanies Jonathan Stone (violin) in an impressively engaging Legend, and in fact these works stand out for me in interest. Mark Stone’s voice has a beautiful tone, with only an occasional loss of focus at the top of the range, and he performs these songs with great conviction He sings Day And Night with particular intensity, and once again, the piano writing is very atmospheric This disc has certainly made me reconsider Brian anew – I look forward to the next volume! Stone 5060192780154

■ The CHOIR OF ST JOHN’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, are on fine form in their latest disc of Mozart masses The movements of the popular ‘Coronation’ Mass are combined with two Church Sonatas The boy trebles sound secure at the top, supported by a period instrument band (the St John’s Sinfonia) creating an engagingly intimate feel. Soloists Susan Gritton, Frances Bourne, Sam Furness and

George Humphreys match the scale of the performance expertly The well-known Ave Verum Corpus comes next, but unfortunately here they follow the ‘tradition’ of performing this at an incredibly slow speed, which is a shame. Then follows the delightful F major Missa Brevis, and here they’re back on form. They end the disc with the popular favourite showcase for Susan Gritton, Exsultate, Jubilate, and she doesn’t disappoint, providing a suitably joyous finish to an enjoyable programme Chaconne CHAN0786

■ Clarinetist

MICHAEL COLLINS begins his exploration of British Clarinet Sonatas in style, with works from John Ireland (1879-1962), Arthur

CONCERTS

Bliss (1891-1975), Charles Stanford (1852-1924), Arnold Bax (1883-1953) and Herbert Howells (1892-1983) Michael McHale ably accompanies him on piano. As ever, Collins produces an exquisite tone, combined with effortless and fluid virtuosity when required. Ireland’s Fantasy-Sonata is particularly beautiful, and the slow movement of the Stanford Sonata is dramatically expressive Bliss’ Pastoral is typically English, with lilting and rolling lines, once again played here with a warm, liquid tone Another great disc from a soloist at the top of his game Chandos CHAN10704

For more reviews, comments and events: nicks-classicalnotes.blogspot.co.uk Email: nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, CUCKFIELD

Box office: 01273 415384, www.ssomusic.co.uk

■ The SUSSEX SYMPHONY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, conducted by Mark Andrew James (Sat 8), perform Mozart’ s Clarinet Concerto (soloist Michelle Andrews), and Handel’ s Music for the Royal Fireworks, in celebration of the newly refurbished church.

ST LUKE’S CHURCH Queen’s Park Rd, Brighton www.stlukesconcerts.webeden.co.uk, £6/£4 concs

■ Saxophonist NATHAN HASSALL and friends (7.30pm, Fri 14) explore the lyrical side of John Coltrane.

■ The ALBANY PIANO TRIO (7.30pm, Fri 28) perform Haydn, Bridge, Clara Schumann, John Ireland’ s beautiful Phantasie, and D’un Matin de Printemps by Lili Boulanger

ST BARTHOLOMEW ’S CHURCH

Ann St, Brighton. Details and series discounts at www.bfc.org.uk/concerts.htm or 01273 709709

■ BRIGHTON FESTIVAL CHORUS launch their subscription series of concerts (8 30pm, Sat 22), with music by Stanford and Brahms, as well as Gorecki’ s beautifully atmospheric Totus Tuus. Future concerts include music by Gabrieli, and a performance with the BBC Singers.

BRIGHTON DOME

Church St, Brighton, Box office: 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org

■ The BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA return to Brighton (7 30pm, Sat 22), to perform Dvořák, Beethoven, and Bruch’ s Violin

Concerto No. 1 with Barnabas Kelemen, conducted by Rory Macdonald

BRIGHTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL

■ The BRIGHTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL are running two choral workshops. Sing Gabrieli, with Deborah Roberts (Sun 23) is for all singers, with the opportunity to perform some of the music with BREMF Consort of Voices in concert (Nov 4). The Glories of Tudor England, with David Allinson (Sat 29) is for experienced singers, followed by a free concert. For details, visit www.bremf.org.uk/workshops.

KEYHOLE

Dir: Guy Maddin

Stars: Jason Patric, Isabella

Rossellini, Udo Kier

Plot: In a house haunted with memories, gangster and father

Ulysses Pick arrives home after a long absence towing the body of a teenaged girl and a bound and gagged young man

Word on net: “Infectiously somnambulant, so convincingly and unrelentingly dreamlike that its sudden end mimics the sensation of snapping awake from deep sleep.” ■ “Creepy, depraved and often funny.” ■ “An avant-garde melodrama to cleanse you palate of all of the insipid Hollywood crap you've ever seen. ”

HYSTERIA

Dir: Tanya Wexler

Stars: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, Jonathan Pryce

Plot: The truth of how Mortimer Granville devised the invention of the first vibrator in the name of medical science

Word on net: “Carefully composed images, excellent period costumes and frilly score decorate the film to such an extent it becomes wholesome and staid ” ■ “True story about the invention of the vibrator, film however generates very little buzz.” ■ “Final third of the story meanders during tedious trial and clumsy speechifying.”

L AWLESS

Dir: John Hillcoat

Stars: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce

Plot: Set in the Depression-era Virginia, a bootlegging gang is threatened by authorities who want a cut of their profits.

Word on net: “Nothing seems to be at stake for anyone, and the brutality seems to be there simply to underline how tough and real it all is ” ■ “A great deal of rowdy, crowd-pleasing fun, and there ain't nothin' wrong with that ” ■

“Intermittently intriguing, wildly uneven ” ■ “Stylishly elegant, ultra violent gangster-Western is only sporadically involving.”

LOVE

Dir: William Eubank

Stars: Gunner Wright, Corey Richardson, Bradley Horne

Plot: After losing contact with Earth, astronaut Lee Miller becomes stranded in orbit alone aboard the International Space Station As time passes and life support systems dwindle, Lee battles to maintain his sanityand simply stay alive

Word on net: “Intellectual sci-fi borrows from Solaris and 2001 amongst others Poses existential quandaries whilst framing some extraordinary images ” ■ “Impressive show of imagination and design so intelligently resourceful that most viewers will enjoy the ride regardless of its ambiguous, enigmatic destination.”

THE QUEEN OF VERS AILLES

Dir: Lauren Greenfield

Stars: Jackie Siegel, David Siegel, Virginia Nebab

Plot: A documentary that follows a billionaire couple as they begin

construction on a mansion inspired by Versailles During the next two years, their empire, fueled by real estate bubble and cheap money, falters due to the economic crisis.

Word on net: “Often hilarious, mostly infuriating chronicle of the rise and fall of one of America's most obscenely wealthy families.”

■ “Extravagant yet surprisingly compassionate, it's a unique chronicle of the collapse of the real estate market ” ■ “A rise-andfall story that’ll have you laughing and shaking your head in pity, disgust and, occasionally, outrage ”

HUSBANDS

Dir: John Cassavetes

Stars: Ben Gazzara, Peter Falk, John Cassavetes

Plot: Re-release for 1970s indie classic. The sudden death of a mutual friend brings three men who are married with children, to reconsider their lives.

Word on net: “Devoid of story but filled with a present-tense vitality and emotional honesty ” ■ “Characters indulge their worst, most selfish instincts in attempt to

outrun their fears of mortality and frustrations of compromised lives.”

■ “Overlong improv piece veers between tedious and startling ” ■ “Shows director not merely failing, but not even understanding why ”

ABOUT ELLY

Dir: Asghar Farhadi

Stars: Golshifteh Farahani, Shahab Hosseini, Taraneh Alidoosti

Plot: A joyous, light-hearted weekend break to an idyllically situated, if rather dilapidated, seaside villa quickly turns into a nightmare for a group of attractive,

and

wealthy young Tehranians, when one of their party disappears, presumably drowned.

Word on net: “Tone is primarily reflective; observing human behaviour simply because humans are interesting ” ■ “Story of great emotional and philosophical depth, will leave you considering the nature of choice and dangers of deception ” ■ “Enthralling, engaging, suspenseful and full of life ”

ALSO OUT...

■ COCKNEYS v ZOMBIES hopes to be the next Shaun Of The Dead as a gang of bank robbers fight their way out of a zombie infested London Stars Michelle Ryan, Honor Blackman, Harry Treadaway and Richard Briers. ■ Tom Stoppard adapts ANNA KARENINA for director Joe Wright (Atonement). Keira Knightley is in title role supported by Jude Law, Emily Watson and Matthew MacFadyen. ■ ST GEORGE'S DAY stars Craig Fairbrass, Charles Dance, Sean Pertwee and Dexter Fletcher in a story about two London gangsters whose world is turned upside down as they lose a shipment of the Russian Mafia's cocaine ■ More hard-nosed British villainy in an all-new adaptation of 1970s cop show THE SWEENEY Ray Winstone stars as Jack Regan, with support from Damian Lewis and Steven Mackintosh.

as a middle-aged couple who attend an intense, week-long counseling session to work on their relationship. To win two tickets to the Odeon Brighton send the answer to the following question to Gscene Competition, 111 Western Road,

1DD

won her third Oscar for her portrayal of which British politician?

■ HOPE SPRINGS stars Meryl Streep

Tommy Lee Jones

Hove, BN3

: Streep

Font Mug - also available in Helvetica, Futura, Bauhau and Bodoni, £10.99 (Junkfunk, 27 Gloucester Road, Brighton, 01273 680555)

ashsh, (This A 's, St, 7796)

Alessi Nutcracker, £65 (Caz Systems, 17 Church St, Brighton, 01273 326471)

Little Roos vibrating al that wakes you up with pleasure, includes snorgasm and play modes, £69, (www.littleroosterstore.com)

Barcode sportswear: socks, £14; football shorts, £33.99; biker shorts, £41.99; all-in-one, £41.99 (Prowler 112 St James' St, 01273 683680)

Looking for the ultimate something for the weak end? Get your supplies of Ultimate from Cardome (47a St James’ ghton, 01273 692916, uk) Happy Pride everyone!

Seedbom - just throw in the garden and watch it sprout; from £2.95 (Edited, 3 Gardner St, Brighton, editedbrighton com)

Birdie Can storage jar; from £12.95 (Pussy, 3a Kensington Gardens, Brighton, 01273 604861)

OEDIPUS REX (Eureka). Pasolini's retelling of Sophocles' play is perhaps my favourite of the director's films. Its sense of the ancient world is stunning - not for one second does it look like a load of thesps running around in period costume (of which there's a whiff in even the best Hollywood epics) This is achieved, paradoxically, by being filmed, and even acted, in a distinctly modern style This naturalistic approach gives the tragedy an immediacy which can be missing from productions which treat the source material too reverently As in Medea, the director's evocative, sensual landscapes make the land itself almost one of the characters. Franco Citti, a Pasolini regular, gives his best performance as the doomed hero. The framing story, set around the time of the director's birth, is the finishing stroke of genius which transforms a 2,000-year-old play almost into a work of autobiography.

£50 of f complet e glasses (unt il 18t h Sept 2012)

VERTIGO COMICS

These days, thanks mostly to movies and cartoons, everyone has heard of DC or Marvel Comics As much as I have to admit that I miss the days when not many people had heard of a certain character or story arc, it is a fantastic thing that comics are finally getting the respect and attention that they have always deserved With Marvel and DC being the most popular and well known publishers out there, I wanted to write about two other publishers that I think deserve the same love and recognition as the two giants of comics. As there are many titles with each publisher that warrant coverage, I’ll do one this issue and the other next time. The first of these is basically the dark side of DC Comics.

Whereas Marvel has the MAX imprint for stories that deal with more adult themes and experiences, DC has their own version: Vertigo comics Ever since its inception in 1993, Vertigo has mainly been involved in the horror and fantasy genres but has also dipped its toe into crime, biography and social satire Many of their on-going series’ have won the prestigious Eisner Award, basically the Oscar for comics, which only goes to show what kind of talent they have on their side

The following are, in my opinion, the best series’ that Vertigo has to offer:

■ HELLBLAZER follows the exploits of John Constantine, a cunning bastard from Liverpool who also happens to be a powerful magician. He smokes, drinks, f*cks and worms his way through life charming new friends and using up old ones along the way He is a character that is just damn fun to read about and always has a surprise or trick up his sleeve that you never see coming Ironically he first appeared in the next series on my list, Swamp Thing, back in the 1980s

■ SWAMP THING is a powerful plant elemental who fights to protect his swamp home, the environment and humanity from various supernatural or terrorist threats. After first appearing in 1971 he was revived by comics god, Alan Moore, in 1982 and reinvented to be just vegetation with memories of scientist Alec Holland, but was never actually him It was a massive twist that became a defining trait for Swamp Thing and helped him become his own entity with goals and a purpose

■ The final book that warrants your time is the SANDMAN by genius writer Neil Gaiman. The Endless are seven siblings who embody powerful forces or aspects of the universe. The Sandman follows the exploits of Dream, the personification of dreams and stories, as he tries to retake his home and repair his broken relationships with family and past loves. It is a beautifully drawn and told story that is stunning from start to finish If you can get your hands on any of the collections then do so, you won’t regret it and will have in your collection some of the finest stories ever told

TOP FIGHTING GAMES

A few months back I did a retro piece on one of my favourite games of all time: Street Fighter 2. Ever since then I have adored beat ‘ em ups and I try to play every fighting game that is released on the market, be they side scrollers like Final Fight or typical player against player ala Mortal Kombat So as a follow up to that article, I thought I would give my opinion on what I think are the best fighting games available at the moment on the current gen consoles So here we go:

SOUL CALIBUR 5 (PS3/XBOX 360)

The series is now six games in and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down Impressive new characters are thrown into the mix (including guest character Ezio from Assassins Creed 2 who is a ton of fun to play), and an improved fighting system makes this instalment a much more offensive game than the ones before. Superb online features and an extensive character creation mode make this the best true 3D fighting game available at the moment, though it’s a shame about the single player modes. Also, don’t forget the real stars of the show, Ivy’s massive breasts!

STREET FIGHTER X TEKKEN (PS3/XBOX 360/PC/PS VITA)

The impossible has happened, two of the greatest fighting franchises have come together in a memorable gaming experience Using the classic Capcom two-on-two tag system, choose from over 15 fighters from each series (including Sony only characters like Pac-Man and Cole from Infamous) to do battle in multi-layered arenas with impressive graphics Fights are brutal and it’s just awesome to see Tekken fighters like Kazuya doing battle with Ryu from Street Fighter. Fans of either series should get this now and kick in some heads. Oh and it’s one of the only games that features a character who is transsexual. Brilliant!

SUPER SMA SH BROS BRAWL (WII)

Smash Bros Brawl is more than worthy of the award of best fighter currently available on the Wii Featuring all the most popular characters from various Nintendo franchises, Brawl seeps quality from every pore Amazing sound, music and bright colourful graphics hide a deep fighting system that helps in keeping you coming back for more With tons of features available such as a level creator, trophies and music to collect and many hidden characters, it’s a blast to play and also has support for up to four players.

MORTAL KOMBAT (PS3/XBOX

360/PS

VITA)

Every time a new Mortal Kombat was released, gamers seemed to lose more and more interest in the series. They demanded a Mortal Kombat that was as good as the second, and by gosh, here it is Bringing back all of the classic characters from the original trilogy was an inspired move Add to this a fantastic story mode, a challenge tower with over 300 formidable tasks to complete, and many collectables With eye watering fatalities and painful new X-Ray moves, it’s the game Mortal Kombat fans have been waiting years for!

CRAIG’S THOUGHTS SPEAK OUT!

IT AIN’T OVER OR IT’S NOT EA SY BEING GREEN S AYS CRAIG HANLON-SMITH

On June 27th, 1969 in New York’s Greenwich Village something unremarkable occurred. The police raided a gay bar. But that night, the patrons of the bar did something that would change history. They fought back.

Depending upon when in the month you are reading and indeed where on or off the fence you sit, the Pride season will either be reaching its South Coast climax or will have rolled off the edge of the prom with barely a damp flag wave The cost debate rolls on; to pay or not to pay Why are we so obsessed in this country with free stuff? The queues at London’s Victoria Station for a thimble of free apple juice or soya yoghurt are an embarrassment Do you not need to be on time for work today? “Apologies for my late arrival this morning nope, nothing to do with the tubes but there was an almighty scramble for a free panty pad on the station concourse ” .

I have been on an all inclusive holiday once. The collective shame I still feel observing my fellow country men and women stuffing the contents of the breakfast bar into their pockets and bags; “It’s for the beach. Later”, was enough to drive me into a lifetime commitment to anorexia nervosa. We are all well aware of ropey insurance claims that pump up the premiums for the rest of us and probably have a view on it (you should) – are the Pride events any different?

We live in challenging economic times but we have for many years lived off the fat of the land The UK/European/World economy has turned out not to be the magic porridge pot we had all assumed it was; it will have to stop pumping out if there’s not a lot more going back in Pride events are surely the same I know there has been catastrophic financial mismanagement of Pride in Brighton & Hove and most recently Pride London (erm... did we not know for five years that World Pride was coming? Could we have scaled back The Olympics ten days before it happened?) and these stories are nothing new. Manchester Pride, one of the biggest events in Europe, has been beset by financial scandal in the past, and we should as a community up and down the country be angry about how funds have been ‘lost’, misappropriated and significant debts mounted up but the reality is that for events to continue to challenge, inspire and indeed entertain they have to be paid for and why shouldn’t we have to do it?

“It’s wor th remembering how and why these Pride events star ted in the first place and that they were all about community, par tnerships and solidarity”

Pride events, which were free to us the punters, were essentially funded by the bars, clubs, promoters, and it’s not unreasonable for them to expect to make their investment back at the bar. If we the punters then bought cheap booze from the white van man fresh from the booze cruise hanging around under the viaduct, eventually the maths will not add up and something had to give First to go is the ‘ spare ’ cash, therefore charitable allocations and then eventually come the losses which are not sustainable If when the fundraising buckets do the rounds we turn our backs, marginally embarrassed, saving an additional

£1 50 for that fourth bottle of WKD, eventually the maths will not add up Perhaps simplistic equations but contributing factors

I don’t want to appear a killjoy (and let it be known that I sipped champagne from a plastic cup in Trafalgar Square this year before descending upon my nearest gay holstery for a fine dose of cabaret), but it is worth remembering how and why these Pride events started in the first place and that they were all about community, partnerships and solidarity.

Manchester Prides were, in their infancy, jumble sales, on the as yet undeveloped cobbles of Canal Street, to raise money for victims of HIV/Aids There was neither a whistle nor a brash neon club sign in sight but a community taking action to support itself in the face of international animosity and fear The early Pride marches, and they were marches not parades (we didn’t give a f**k about floats thirtyfive years ago) were about visibility and standing up in public for ourselves and for an equal slice of, at that time, daylight and whether twink or tranny, daddy or dyke (there are other stereotypes available) I’m sorry to say that the fight ain’t over and we ’ re still a long way from skipping in the daisies singing show-tunes.

Mike Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City, marched at the head of the Parade in June of this year. Boris Jonson, democratically elected Mayor of London, was too busy with Olympic preparations to attend World Pride in July some two weeks later, but not too busy to sit on his arse watching the men ’ s Wimbledon final the very next day. Have an opinion about this and speak out

Yes World Pride was mismanaged by London Pride, and funds were not in place, but the rescue packages which were offered by gay businesses and entrepreneurs that would have more than covered the shortfalls were blocked by City Hall in London as “too late” Have an opinion about this and speak out

Christina Summers, Green Party Brighton & Hove City Councillor, democratically elected by you and I, has voted against supporting civil marriage rights for the gay community which also flies in the face of Green Party policy; “I am accountable to God above any political party” Have an opinion about this and speak out

Mitt Romney, US presidential hopeful, who at the time of writing is drumming up support for his campaign in the UK, is bankrolled by organisations who actively refuse to protect the civil liberties of gay and lesbian employees. Have an opinion about this and speak out.

Farooq Murad, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, has joined forces with other Abrahamic faiths to echo statements made by Christian groups and organised religion in the UK to oppose civil marriage rights for the gay community. Have an opinion about this and speak out.

Over forty members of The Commonwealth, of which our Queen is the head, have laws which actively oppress their gay citizens and in some countries homosexuality is punishable by long prison terms and in some cases public execution Have an opinion about this and speak out

You can follow Craig on twitter @chanlonsmith

AN UNHOLY MESS

A WAR OF WORDS BY KEITH SHARPE, CHANGING ATTITUDE SUSSEX

There is a famous tabloid headline which always brings a smile to my lips. ‘Homosexuality splits bishops!’ declared a notorious rag after one of the many unseemly rows the Church of England engages regularly in over the gay issue What a lovely image this conjures up in the mind All Gas And Gaiters with Derek Nimmo in frightful disarray The actual truth nevertheless, is that homosexuality does indeed split the bishops There is a great diversity of view, and despite the best intentions of the Church hierarchy to maintain a party line and a semblance of unity, it is becoming ever more apparent that the lords spiritual do not all agree

The Church of England recently issued its official statement in response to the Government’s consultation on same-sex marriage. The statement is unremittingly hostile to gay marriage and engages in some unworthy alarmist scaremongering to try to frighten people off the idea. It trots out the usual mantra that ‘marriage is the lifelong union between one man and one woman ’ , all the while ignoring the fact that current stratospheric divorce rates and the practice of serial monogamy and remarriage (which the church supports) make the word ‘lifelong’ all but meaningless But then it goes beyond the general (absurd and irrational) proposition that allowing gay couples to marry will ‘undermine traditional marriage’ to suggest that it may lead to the disestablishment of the Anglican church and possibly the withdrawal of the church from marriage altogether

“Christians in this countr y saw slaver y as having Biblical suppor t for what was the God-given in the ordering of creation. In South Africa, Apar theid was seen in the same way by the Dutch Reformed Church”

Now we at Changing Attitude are well aware that bishops hold different ideas about homosexuality and about gay marriage, so how did this risible document purporting to represent the unified mind of the church come to be produced?

Step forward our old friend, William Fittall, the Sir Humphrey of Church House Readers of this column will remember Changing Attitude’s previous run-ins with this character On the national Changing Attitude website blog, director Colin Coward, accused him directly of being behind the statement which failed to represent the actual range of opinion which exists across the church and within the House of Bishops.

Colin wrote: “Is this another case of those holding the reins at Church House, William Fittall and the legal department, producing something with which many in the church vehemently disagree? The dissonance seems to become more extreme with each authoritative announcement ”

This obviously hit home and rattled William’s cage He responded directly to Colin: “I entirely understand why you want to be critical of the submission that the Archbishops sent the Home Secretary on same-sex marriage but am a bit disappointed that you should personalise your attack to me and other unnamed officials at Church House who seek to

serve the various member level bodies to which we are accountable and are not in a position to answer back publicly to your criticisms We are here to serve not to dictate ”

In his response Colin wrote: “Dear William, as you know, Changing Attitude has an issue with statements that begin: ‘The Church of England says... ’ . We are aware of the constituent parts of the Church – the boards, staff at Church House, Archbishops’ Council, House of Bishops and General Synod. But we are never clear on whose behalf such statements are released – a question also often asked across Changing Attitude’s network of supporters These statements frequently do not represent the breadth of opinion in the Church of England In the case of the equal marriage submission we do not understand how the diversity of views which we know perfectly well exist in the House of Bishops, and are in some cases a matter of public record, came to be omitted ”

Subsequent statements by some leading church figures have suggested that there was indeed very little consensus-seeking prior to the issuing of the statement And it is clearly not in line with statements made, for example by the Bishop of Salisbury, Nick Holtham. In April he told the Cutting Edge Consortium conference on Homophobia in the Church, which I attended, that “It is a disaster that we have allowed the Church to be seen as the opposition to gay marriage. ”

He went on to caution against using biblical arguments to claim that any social institution is divinely ordained: “Before Wilberforce, Christians in this country saw slavery as having Biblical support for what was the God-given in the ordering of creation In South Africa, Apartheid was seen in the same way by the Dutch Reformed Church ”

Nick Holtham is not alone James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, recently announced ‘I have changed my views in the sexuality debate ’ Others have done likewise

None of this is reflected in the document written by William Fittall, who by the way is a conservative evangelical Christian.

Colin was also rightly critical of the tendency of conservative Church spokespersons, including John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, and in this case our William too, to ‘misremember’ how the Church opposed the introduction of civil partnerships.

“As Secretary General to the General Synod, we believe you are responsible for having allowed a submission to go forward which contains serious errors The response claims in paragraph 15 that ‘the introduction of civil partnerships was supported by the majority of our bishops who voted on the legislation in 2004 when it was before the House of Lords’, referring to the final vote This ignores the fact that in the principal Lords debates on the Bill (in Grand Committee and Report), the initially successful wrecking amendment was co-sponsored by one bishop and supported by five others Paragraph 15 of your statement is therefore seriously misleading.”

This unedifying squabble is not a pretty sight, is it? But we have to stand up for what we believe to be true.

OPEN AND WELCOMING CHURCHES

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

A very great champion of truth, Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Alban’s, who was stopped from becoming a bishop because he is openly gay, will be the keynote speaker at a public meeting of Changing Attitude Sussex on Thursday October 25 at 8pm at the Chapel Royal, North Street, Brighton. Put the date in your diary. Everyone is welcome.

HOMELY HOMILY

BY GLENN STEVENS

A SIMPLE GESTURE

During the 1980s, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, people across the globe were getting together to make a 12” x 4” panel for the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt; stitching, gluing or painting the name of someone they had loved and lost to AIDS I can still remember the strong impact I felt when I saw the Brighton AIDS Memorial Quilt spread out in a quiet area of Preston Park during one of the early Brighton Gay Prides.

During that period a week didn’t pass without there being sensationalist or gutter raking headlines in the tabloid press about someone dying from AIDS, and so for many of us it was extremely important that the names quilt existed. Without having to shout, this simple gesture helped us all take time to remember those we had lost either through making a panel or observing the many names that lay out in front of us

Over the next couple of decades we welcomed the incredible medical breakthrough we’d all been waiting for in the shape of protease inhibitors, that for the first time gave us hope, as we began to see the flow of multiple deaths from AIDS slow right down As a consequence we stopped making the quilts and the ones that had been made were rolled up and stored away for safe keeping.

Over time I had had forgotten how powerful the quilts were until I was reminded of them after reading about the Hankie Quilt Project that was being organised by two members from the Bear-Patrol team, Maurice McHale Parry and Peter Moxom

Again the premise was simple, this time the panels would be 12” x 12” with a name, stitched, painted or glued to remember someone who had either died from AIDS or a panel could be made to for someone living with HIV.

The power of such a simple gesture really hit home when I got a group of friends together to make individual panels for the project. Although all of us take time to think of friends we have lost to AIDS, the making of our Hankie Quilt gave us a chance to talk about the individual, (each of us brought a photo along of the person we were making the panel for) and along the way memories of that person resurfaced through stories filled with laughter and happiness

“I had forgotten how powerful the AIDS Memorial Quilts were until I was reminded of them after reading about the Hankie Quilt Project”

At the time of this column being published the team behind the Hankie Quilt Project including the local Women’s Institute, will have stitched all the panels together ready for this year ’ s Brighton LGBT Pride March This simple act of spending some time to create a panel, remembering and celebrating the lives of all those who lost their lives to AIDS and to those living with HIV will have a real impact on those who have contributed and carried the quilt as well as reminding us all that HIV has not gone away and continues to have a huge effect on many of our lives

NOISY NOISE ANNOYS

Noise pollution: that’s my pet hate To me, excessive noise is a form of mental torture We live in an increasingly cacophonous world Wherever we go, we are assailed, 24/7, by a constant clamour of jingles and beeps, revving vehicles, DIY, heavy metal thumping away in stationary cars In the 21st century, we ’ re certainly spoilt for choice

The 0ED definition of Noise is: ‘Any sound, especially loud or harsh or undesired one ’ . Undesired is the key word here… Unwanted sound is a definition of noise which, according to scientist and author, Mike Goldsmith, dates back to the Middle Ages, or even earlier. In his fascinating and accessible book, Discord – The Story Of Noise (OUP, September 2012), Goldsmith examines the bigger picture. It’s a cogent, comprehensive account of the story of noise, from the cries of Victorian street vendors to the din of flight-paths and our neighbours’ late-night parties He also describes how the science of sound developed, enabling noise to be measured and managed

“In too many shops and stores these days there is little or no escape from muzak”

In 2012, shops and restaurants are regular offenders Even Jamie Oliver is not immune A food critic popped into one of Jamie’s eateries in Covent Garden recently, complete with decibel counter The music (inside) and entertainers (outside) proved a deadly, deafening combination, resulting in a decibel reading of around 90 – equivalent, I’m told, to an alarm clock going off next to your ear. Painful, or what?

Only the other day I was having lunch with a friend in a popular Brighton restaurant. Although music free, noise levels – the voices of dozens of diners plus the clatter of utensils - rose to a raucous crescendo, so that I could hardly hear myself think, let alone frame a coherent sentence. Not altogether surprising. This was le weekend, after all, and we were sitting uncomfortably close to two very merry birthday ‘parties’

I know I can eat elsewhere if I so choose in future, or simply avoid summer Saturdays in the city But in too many shops and stores these days there is little or no escape from muzak Worse is the drip-drip of Special Offers and related websites etc from a store’s loudspeakers Even in the in-store café, there is often no respite Is it some ploy to seduce us into increasing our tally of purchases? – into acquiring a spend-spend-spend mindset? It has the opposite effect on this shopper who will take her custom elsewhere.

And do we really have to listen, on trains, to continuous updates about the next station stop plus assorted snacks? And, similarly, on Brighton & Hove buses (minus food or drink) ? I avoided London during the Olympics for obvious reasons, but also because of the larger-thanlife presence of Boris, his voice booming out on public transport

Discos are generally a no-no for me This is not just an age-related thing - the music definitely is louder than it used to be! I do like to be able to have a proper conversation, and in your average disco this ain’t possible. And if I can’t talk to someone I like (or fancy!) I feel irritable, frustrated and kind of deprived. Having to repeat stuff over and over again is not fun, let alone sexy.

As I write, a car alarm has just gone off – arrgh!

CHARLIE SAYS 7 SHADES OF BLUSH

CHARLIE BAUER PhD FINGERS HIS WAY THROUGH SOME CLIT LIT

I’m no prude but I never thought I’d be quite so shamed by all the ‘Mummy porn ’ out there. I mean, this is England, for lords’ sake. The acuteness of my own porno embarrassment peaked at age seventeen, when I went away for the weekend to Birmingham to see Bronski Beat I was so terrified the family would discover that I was off to see a bunch of falsetto chicken homos, I told them I was going to see Bob Dylan instead And it worked

My big fail however, just before I boarded the coach to the Black Country, was that I accidently left some recently shoplifted copies of Zipper, Him International and an American fisting magazine called Stunk! (?) in the most unlikeliest of places - under my mattress. All okay so far, except that for the first time since I was a toddler, my mother had been suddenly moved to change my bedding. Not the best way to come out, but there we go.

My brother, who slept across the bedroom from me, had a well stacked porno library that he left in full view Above his bed were life size photos of Debbie Harry, pouting I loved her too, I loved her music, I even loved her drummer - but there was no way I wanted to wake up next to her image I wanted my own pinups And there I was, named and shamed by all the cowboys under my soggy mattress and, although nobody said anything about it, I was very much aware that shameful assumptions were already being made I mean, when could fisting ever be seen as a ‘passing phase’? I also knew that my sexuality wouldn’t be silently celebrated by my parents, as my brother’s had been. (I had no IDEA what fisting even was up til’ and I’m still trying desperately to find out.)

In spite of all this, my family still cannot bring themselves to talk about the love that dare not speak its name - heterosexuality. Even today, throughout my extended family people just ‘get pregnant’ but they never have sex They ‘court’, sometimes even ‘strongly’, but they never shag Occasionally a genital will be mentioned, but only if there’s a cancer attached They can talk about Gayers but that’s only limited to the vaudeville campness of Alan Carr and Graham Nortonwho they think are just ‘hilarious’

“Given my sordid por no past you can imagine my shock, my mind numbing ter ror, when I discovered that my aging aunty had accidentally downloaded Fifty Shades Of Grey”

When it comes to porno fiction, I’m still a fan of a good ‘one-handed read’ but recently the tables have well and truly turned Given my sordid porno past you can imagine my shock, my mind numbing terror, when I discovered that my aging aunty had accidentally downloaded Fifty Shades Of Grey onto the Kindle that we had clubbed together to buy her for her 82nd birthday. I discovered it wedged between Catherine Cookson and Michael Palin in her Amazon slush pile –beneath the soggiest literary mattress I’d ever seen.

I was shocked I am shocked! And I really don’t know how to approach her about it Any suggestions? I could sit her down with a cup of tea and a vodka (her that is and by the bottle)

I’m affronted that she didn’t begin someplace better. If she only would have been a bit more open, I could have sat her down and had a loving Gayer/aunty conversation. The type normally reserved for clothes – about all things turquoise and navy-blue.

I could have prevented her from jumping in at the deep end of dodgy writing but eased her in with Anais Nin or Erica Jong. I could have subtly introduced her to the Cliterati website; made her coming out a bit more pleasurable rather than have to suffer the onslaught of dark alley literary violations such as Fifty Shades - the literary equivalent of Downton Abbey

I could have revealed the sensuality of The Story Of O, Fanny Hill and My Secret Garden or even Nancy Friday if it were just about a quick wristie It’s so difficult to approach older family members - you don’t want to damage their future reading habits but, embarrassing as these things are, some things just have to be said.

It was the ‘sensational’ aspects of these books that had me questioning what all the fuss was really about. How could something this shocking ever be consumed by women? Or, a-hem, older women, housewives, pensioners…? Then I realised that actually nothing really changes It appears that women will always be denied a sexuality lest they be perceived as ‘loose’ It’s only when something like Fifty Shades hits the mass market that the world suddenly remembers that women do have a sexuality and the money machine then goes into overdrive Let’s face it - nothing sells faster than taboo

Before it ends I want to jump on the bandwagon I was thinking of calling my next book; Twenty Shades Of Greyness – How To Bag The Perfect Older Daddy; or maybe, Six Shades of Sh*te; When No Really Means No - A Guide To A Happier S/M Relationship. But since it is extreme dangerous taboo subjects that really sell, such as women doing other things with their nether regions other than having babies, I’m going to call my next book Fifty Shades Of Emotion and aim it exclusively at the male market.

LOSING MY RELIGION

There is a photo of my mum as a child bridesmaid in the 1950s She looks terrified The reason is thus: she’s Catholic, and has just participated in a Church of England wedding Oh the horror According to the nuns who taught her at school, even entering a protestant church was a mortal sin, much as my grandmother told her not to be silly, poor mum thought her soul was toast.

Until the mid 1980s my mum was a deeply devout Catholic and forced us kids to spend untold hours at mass. During my first confession I made up sins to tell the priest rather than confess the most terrifying fact that I loved other girls Even now the Church claims homosexuality is “hazardous and dangerous” and no society should “facilitate or encourage it”

In May of this year I read how a Danish vicar had refused to bury a lesbian. I should point out she fitted the usual criteria for burial ie she was dead. His reason for denying the 74-year-old woman her basic human right was a fear she may be the thin end of the wedge. This sad stupid man worried he would be forced in future to conduct gay marriages too. Cue the Little Britain vomiting woman.

“This year I read how a Danish vicar had refused to bur y a lesbian. I should point out she fitted the usual criteria for burial, i.e she was dead”

As Scotland stands on the verge of legalising gay marriage, the subject of forcing bigots and haters to allow us access to God is raging. They won’t have us marry in ‘their’ venues. Whenever I see a straight wedding conducted in Brighton’s Bandstand I laugh ruefully to myself. Remembering what a hub of seafront gay cruising it used to be I always think “See, we let them marry in ‘ our ’ venues ” .

Will religion ever stop frightening children and damning queers? I fail to see how my being married to someone I love of the same sex can possibly undermine heterosexual matrimony And if, like the zealots say, marriage is strictly for procreation, every childless straight couple is in the same boat as us

I’ll never forget the last time we attended mass as a family My mother ushered me, my sister and my seven-year-old little brother in to the back pew of St Winifred’s. We were very late and she was cross. My hair was sticking up, my sister had a pillow mark on her face and my brother needed a poo. The priest eyed us with contempt and several parishioners turned to watch the kerfuffle. Mum smiled embarrassedly at the surrounding throng.

Father Lundy said, “Let us pray ” and my little brother farted so loudly it echoed round the rafters Every head in that church swizzled round and glared My mother’s hand flew to her mouth, and then something strange happened; she started laughing uncontrollably and so did we She ushered the three of us out and we laughed all the way home We never attended church again It seems it took something so fundamentally human as her child’s transgression to make mum realise our spirits were not ‘theirs’ to damn

TICKED OFF!

Well, here we are at the soapbox time of year and whilst I realise this is the perfect opportunity for me to have a proper good rant and rave about how I intend to put the entire world to rights I’m afraid it’s raining and I’ve eaten one too many custard creams So, I feel like Mrs Blobby (look like her too come to think of it) and am therefore only capable of having a bit of a moan about stuff that’s a little bit irritating but that I haven’t a hope of changing, never mind putting to rights. Gawd help us, I feel a list coming on.

1. Practically every morning the cat pees over the side of the litter tray, leaving a puddle of piddle for me to tread in whilst barefoot, half asleep and on my way to my toilet. Why do I never remember this and adjust my footwear accordingly?

2 Frequently when I visit Sainsbury’s/ASDA some twerp drives the wrong way around the car park This is not only irksome but dangerous It isn’t rocket science, just follow the f*cking arrows, they’re big enough NB – I think I may have mentioned this in a previous column

3. How infuriating is it when you try and open the last can of whatever and the ring pull breaks before even a trickle of beverage can squeeze itself out?

4. Itchy labels in clothing. Particularly annoying is that thing when it’s the one at the back of your T-shirt/vest irritating the back of your neck. Do you leave it as it is and spend the entire day scratching and writhing therefore giving the impression you have some nasty infestation or try to cut it off (usually with inferior scissors), which runs the risk of it still being itchy as the little annoying bit above the stitching is still there? Or worse still you over-compensate and make a bloody great hole in your lovely new garment. Just saying.

5. David Cameron.

6 People who come up to me when I’m DJing – and I’m sure they’re not trying to be rude – who say ‘I’m amazed to see someone like you playing like this’ Why? Because I’m an old bag and I should be at home knitting??

7 People who don’t put a bin bag in the bin properly

8. Delivery men of a strapping nature who are twice the size of me and ‘delivering’ is what they’re paid to do, yet who still feel the need to bitterly complain about carrying a washing machine up one flight of stairs. Who are also paid extra to plumb in said washing machine but who don’t do this properly causing a major flood which results in me and the missus having to get our kitchen and bathroom completely rebuilt. Luckily it all looks lovely, which is just as well as we can no longer afford to go out, having instead to stay in and admire our new vinyl flooring

Now, where are those inferior scissors? This label’s driving me bonkers xxx

LITTER PICKER!

DEL SHARP TAKES ON THE LITTER LOUTS, WITH

A

LITTLE HELP FROM THE OAPS

I’m sick of the sight of it all, seeing it drift in the street, gathering along the gutters and having to pick it up from the front garden Yes rubbish and litter has been much on my mind lately Obviously I have nothing better to get irritated over but it does seem to be everywhere I look at the moment. It’s not only me noticing either; someone on my road carefully chalks around any offending dog poo as soon as it appears on the pavement, with a request to “Clean it up!”

It may have something to do with the areas I frequent of course but even poor people and students can use a bin, surely? I often see wrappers being thrown down carelessly but am far too timid to say anything to the perpetrators for fear of being shouted at or stabbed I’ll wait until age is on my side when I can mutter and shriek in the street and wield a walking stick, though being a batty old woman won’t make anyone take any more notice of me, but I know it will make me feel better

“I often see wrappers being thrown down carelessly but am far too timid to say anything to the perpetrators for fear of being shouted at or stabbed”

I watched in admiration as such a woman scolded some teens sprawling across a narrow pavement and blocking the path; “I’m old, you ’ re not, get out of the way ” she snapped, the ‘rebels’ meekly got up and managed to slump against a shop window instead. I was a little scared I’d get shouted at too even though I hadn’t done anything, but I got a conspiratorial smile She must have sensed a kindred and mean spirit in the making I just know she wouldn’t put up with rubbish being flung down either This is the kind of litter patrol we need on the streets, an army of ferocious elderly women who can terrify anyone under forty (ish)

I know the seagulls are blamed for much of the littering on the streets but they wouldn’t be tearing up the rubbish bags if there wasn’t something in them to eat. My own bags are never pecked at due to the fact that I eat everything I buy except for the stray shrivelled apple. Oh and I don’t put them out the day after the collection.

Why people throw food away is a mystery to me except I can probably understand the mounds of discarded fish and chips in the beach binsthey really must be inedible. I feel a bit sorry sometimes for the poor tourists excited at the prospect of sampling this famous dish, who sometimes sit looking glumly at the huge pile of deep fried sogginess and then often get it snatched away by the gulls

But not content with leaving takeaway food and detritus, people actually take their own food to the beach, cook it and then leave all the mess behind Barbecues are just everywhere now I don’t remember this years ago but suddenly it’s as if no one has an oven at home anymore. They just want to engulf the beach with smoke, fumes and the reek of half burnt half raw meat and then walk away and leave it all. I even saw an abandoned one with a steak still cooking! The beach gets covered in them, along with assorted salads, bottles and

carrier bags (which could be used to carry it all to the nearest bin afterwards) As well as lacking a kitchen some people are missing a brain or two as well

But this constant littering of our beaches really does make me angry and bemused. Smashing bottles on the pebbles, hiding barbecues under them and leaving meat packets scattered. I always find it hard to believe that out of a group of people not one will have the idea of picking up the stuff they so meticulously planned and brought with them.

It sounds mean and generalising to blame day trippers and people that don’t live here but I’ll do it anyway Likewise youngsters who think they are very cutting edge by drinking a few cans of Fosters in the afternoon Sharp Words may be a middle aged old fogey now, but even if I had had a gang of friends when I was a teenager, doing the group hugs thing and blabbing about Facebook, I really don’t think it would have occurred to me to leave anything behind I’m sure the friends I never had would think the same too So what is it about the tight khaki trousered youth that makes them so immune to picking up their packets of Monster Munch and vodka bottles? Even the homeless guys who live in the sheltered seating of a night on the seafront manage to put their bottles in a bin.

Car parks too! I have been around and noticed the extraordinary amount of rubbish people will leave. Around the King Alfred leisure centre it tends to be banana skins, along Madeira Drive nappies and food Obviously none of these things you’d want in your car for long but the solution to deal with it appears to be to drive off and leave it How would these people feel if they came back and their less than fragrant deposits were still waiting for them?

I think I’ve found a solution to the litter problem Instead of the council workers picking it up and putting it in bins what about returning it to the rightful owners? More effective actually might be to swap it all over so everyone gets each other’s rubbish. Inevitably there will have to be some long-winded feasibility study involving projected costs, and deployment of staff (must be over seventy years of age, walking impairment desirable, definitely no bubbly personality) but that’s bureaucracy for you.

In the meantime I’m off to buy some chalk.

LOOKING BEYOND THE EQUALITY ACT

Amongst all of the work we do at Allsorts and specifically YPV we campaign to raise awareness for the rights and freedoms of LGBT young people One of the many stories about experiences in education though shocked me to the extent to which we needed legislation like the equality act For those who haven't seen it a 16-year-old transgender student called Ashlyn had to read her headmaster the equality act as he wouldn't let her wear female school uniform to her first GCSE exam as he didn't recognise her as transgender. And even after that she was made to sit on her own; the same symbolic isolationism that many transgender students can unfairly face in schools.

For me this strikes a personal chord As one of the many students who has gone through education and experienced bullying, and whilst having a parent who teaches, the hypocrisy can sometimes be too glaring But at the core of this, it comes back to the foundational question, should we as LGBT people be protected under the law and in the public sector? My answer will always be a resounding yes, but along with that, how many more examples will we see where it is up to young people to be aware and challenge people and institutions just to assert our rights?

The trend that I see follows most of what LGBT people have to face throughout coming out; the you ’ re too young to know something so complex for definite Whilst we probably all know the logical retort about straight people knowing from a very young age, it seems to be something of our society in general that despite arguments of younger people becoming more outrageous, outgoing and adventurous there is still that classic infantilism attached At 18 we ’ re legally recognised by the law as an adult, but until then we have to rely on the 'protection' of law as we ’ re seen as naive and teenage.

My call to the government would be to recognise these shortcomings. Why didn't a teacher feel comfortable enough to defend Ashlyn? Why was the head teacher unaware that he could be so challenged with the Equality Act? If the government has seen the logic and rights to protecting LGBT people, should we be pushing after more examples like Ashlyn to now be looking beyond the Equality Act to look at the next piece of legislation?

Young People’s Voice (YPV) is a campaigning and engagement project for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans (LGBT) youth aged 16-25 Together, we represent LGBT youth by promoting awareness of their issues and rights in the wider community We engage with LGBT youth on a number of platforms so they can get their voices and experiences heard.

Would you like to involved in this exciting project by campaigning for LGBT youth issues? Please go to www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/youthvolunteering/ or email samthomas@allsortsyouth.org.uk

ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT

Allsorts Youth Project supports young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or unsure (LGBTU) of their sexuality and/or gender. Allsorts Youth Project, Young People's Centre, 69 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE. Tel: 01273 721211 www.allsortsyouth.org.uk, www.facebook.com/allsortsyouth, twitter.com/allsortsyouth

S U C H I ’ S

FIT FOR WORK?

I’m a pessimist, or so says ‘she who shall be obeyed’ From an early age I’ve had a jaded outlook on life and some 40-years on, very little has changed In fact, if anything, my ‘jadism’, as I call it, has increased to the point that I can no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel Having watched two programmes about disability and benefits on Channel 4 (Dispatches – Britain On The Sick) and BBC1 (Panorama – Disabled Or Faking It?) on Monday July 30, I think you’ll understand why my jadism has expanded to the point of implosion.

Very little shocks me these days. I’ve worked with victims of hate crime for over a decade and I’ve seen the best and worst of people in ways that you can only imagine. However, these recent programmes appalled me so much that I feel compelled to put finger to keyboard and rant as loudly as I can because if I don’t, I’ll be complicit in a system that I can only call the ‘ new eugenics’ Harsh? I don’t think I am being harsh enough I’m lucky to be a person with disabilities who works, so at the moment the likes of ATOS Healthcare don’t have their beady eyes on me I don’t have to claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA) so I’ve not had the misfortune to find myself having a Work Capability test where I would surely be treated as appallingly as so many people have been since it came into existence.

“They weren’t skivers or scroungers, they were people with illnesses that prohibited them from taking up meaningful employment”

Stephen Hill died of heart failure only 39 days after being found fit for work. He had worked all his life until his heart started to fail - in fact his heart failure was spotted by the ATOS Doctor doing his assessment. The irony is that this same doctor passed him fit for work. Sadly, Stephen isn’t the only person with severe health problems who is being told that they’re well enough to work.

The people who were interviewed in these TV programmes all had or wanted to work They weren’t skivers or scroungers, they were people with illnesses that prohibited them from taking up meaningful employment One lady who had been a security guard for many years before succumbing to a degenerative disorder said to the interviewer, ”Who would employ me? I need my husband to take me to the toilet and pull my underwear down”. She has been put into the work support group, where it’s expected that she’ll be able to find a job. From my experience, I can tell you now she will never get a job. No employer in this day and age with the pick of bright young things fresh out of university will take on a person who has weekly hospital appointments, is in extreme pain and more than likely be more absent than present from work

I’m now going to make a prediction, that I sincerely hope won’t come to pass That predication is that more people like Stephen Hill will die from stress-related conditions brought on by the so called healthcare ‘business’ that our government has deemed to fit to pay an exorbitant amount of money to I call this Britain’s ‘New Eugenics’ and I fear it will become the norm in our media-led society Christopher Grayling, Employment Minister, had the audacity to say to one of the interviewers, “ the system is being improved and is about improving the lives of disabled people, rather than forcing them back to work”. Who is he trying to kid?

COULD WE MAKE PRIDE A BETTER PL ACE?

MindOut looks at why Pride can be a difficult time if you suffer from mental illness and offers advice on how to make the experience a better one.

Brighton Pride should be a time for celebration, having fun and partying In most cases it is, but for some of us it can turn into a total nightmare For those of us who suffer from some form of mental illness it can be a very difficult day to get through That can be a difficult concept for some people to understand seeing as the day is supposed to be about having a good time.

“My experience of Brighton Pride a few years ago brought me to the brink of suicide”

My experience of Brighton Pride a few years ago brought me to the brink of suicide and I was determined from then on that that would never happen again. Let me explain... I suffer from a form of illness that is not immediately obvious. Yet its affects can be equal to that of some severe forms of physical illness. I suffer from clinical depression and anxiety, amongst other things An illness that can be so debilitating that in many cases it can drive people to suicide It’s possible to manage the illness but it can be made worse by social and environment Pride was the trigger for me My experience of Brighton Pride a few years ago brought me to the brink of suicide

I had recently split up with my partner and was genuinely grieving for him which made my life difficult enough. My illness can make me feel worthless, ugly, unworthy and this was certainly the case on the weekend in question. All I wanted to do was hide under my blankets and sleep and I didn’t want to wake up Not a good state of mind for anyone

to be in I’ve never really felt that I fitted in to the LGBT world and yet all I’ve ever wanted was to fit in People think that I have a world of opportunity at my feet living in Brighton and that Pride would be ideal But mental illness can often take over and the vicious circle of depression and anxiety begins

It took me hours to feel ready to leave the house on the day of Pride. I was constantly checking my appearance in the mirror as if to look for approval and acceptance which of course never came. I had a few drinks to ease my nerves but, as I’ve learnt, this isn’t the answer. The sun was beaming down outside which should have been a cause for celebration but not for those of us that feel unable to show off our bodies in public So I was wrapped up in winter clothes, my anxiety levels were going through the roof and my stomach was churning but I soldiered on

“I was convinced that every laugh was aimed at me and every shout was from someone who was going to threaten me”

As soon as I saw the first of the party-goers I immediately felt the tell tale signs of my illness. I felt awkward, uncomfortable and wanted to run away. I felt I had no right to be there. My depression levels were through the roof again and I wanted the ground to swallow me up. All I wanted was to be accepted and feel part of the scene. I felt that everyone was looking at me, judging me, laughing at me and questioning why a freak like me was even there in the first place I

was convinced that every laugh was aimed at me and every shout was from someone who was going to threaten me I could see dozens of gorgeous guys walking around, confident and beaming. I wanted to be like them. I wanted to be accepted by them.

I ended up running home and going back to bed, the suffering was too bad. I could hear the party taking place from outside my window and desperately wanted to be there with a group of friends enjoying the day

On my better days I can see that there’s no reason for me to be afraid I have the same right to be part of Pride as anyone else and I’m not a bad person But when I’m feeling depressed I don’t believe this Because depression doesn’t require bandages or crutches, people often think I’m well but mental health problems don’t work like that. Events like Pride can be a nemesis for sufferers. I’m convinced that if we ’ re all a little bit nicer to each other and a bit more understanding then this can only serve to help people like me feel better.

If you see someone this year at Pride looking uncomfortable or sad then why not flash them a smile Just because mental illness can’t always be seen doesn’t mean it’s not there Happy Pride everyone

7 WAYS YOU COULD MAKE PRIDE A BETTER EXPERIENCE

• Question your assumptions, stigma hurts!

• Be kind

• Be open

• Listen to each other, you don’t need to ‘know’ how to help someone in distress, listening can be very helpful

• Talk about mental health, your own, other people’s, what helps you feel good about yourself?

• Be political! Get involved, demand a better deal for vulnerable people

• Support local mental health initiatives

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.

SUITS YOU, SIR

In the hot summer of 1966, towards the end of my time at Medical School, I was given the opportunity to leave London and spend six weeks at a hospital of my choice I chose Brighton and spent my days attending clinics and ward rounds During evenings and weekends I made a study of Brighton’s pubs, admired the architecture and walked miles Having been brought up in a dreary midland city, Brighton felt like a holiday and still does even after 46 years Ten years in public schools, to which I travelled by steam train, left me aware of homosexuality but it wasn’t a topic of conversation at home where the attitude was “he’s a very nice man, otherwise, but keep your distance”

On my first Saturday morning in Brighton I discovered Philken Casuals in Preston Street. Ken Buxton and Phil Pheasey ran a small boutique making men ’ s clothing, mainly trousers and shirts. They kept up a marvellous camp dialogue which became more outrageous as they tried to measure me while I was contorted by laughter. It was the late 1960s peacock years, men ’ s fashion was colourful with big lapels, high shirt collars, tight trousers or flares. Unlike today, there was a studied lack of uniformity, brighter was better and exotic better still Their shop catered mainly for fashion conscious gay men and they happily made garments in any style, colour or material They were hopelessly inefficient and nothing was ever ready when you turned up for a fitting, but their hilarious excuses always dissolved my irritation

I finally collected my trousers the day before I returned to London and was invited to “ our ” club. They knew I wasn’t gay but we were past the point at which that was a problem so I accepted and knocked on the door of a house at the bottom of Regency Square the next evening. “Oh, the Buxton/Pheasey recommendation service was it, come in dear and make yourself at home.“ The men only bar was packed with people only stopping talking or laughing while drinking! Little Jack Tinker, in a white corduroy suit, held court at one end and I recognised several faces, the only sad one belonged to the resident bloodhound. It was a hugely enjoyable evening and my introduction to Brighton’s gay scene

It wasn’t until the following year, by which time I was married and working at Brighton General Hospital, that homosexuality was finally decriminalised, 35 years after Sweden and even Poland I kept in touch with Phil and Ken who recommended me to friends when I started in General Practice a couple of years later Gradually, and with the catalyst of comedy, straight public opinion of the gay community softened and more importantly men who had hated being gay began, specially in Brighton, to celebrate and enjoy their relationships.

This honeymoon period was then largely destroyed by the advent of AIDS. I remember the sheer terror associated with receiving a positive blood test which then was a certain death sentence with a horrifying terminal illness. Newspaper headlines of the ‘Gay airline steward imports lethal virus to US after sex with East African gorilla’ variety gave the homophobes ammunition to attack the gay community Gay men had ’only themselves to blame, deserved the consequences of their promiscuity and were a lethal threat to the whole community’ This appallingly cruel hypocrisy was frighteningly prevalent and only diminished as new treatments improved life quality and expectancy and more enlightened voices appeared in the media

A gay friend who died recently would never have judged himself to be a progressive liberal, as he was a staunch Tory, but 40 years ago he decided to abandon an exclusively gay social life and made a point of holding “mixed” parties. This was very unusual at this time and he did more than most to break down the barriers, to everyone ’ s advantage. Phil and Ken who died in the early 1980s, would be saddened by the dreary style of menswear today, delighted by the confidence of the new generation of gay men and probably completely confused by Pride carnivals I remain very grateful to them

MEN OF BRIGHTON: 6 GOOD REA SONS TO WEAR A SEXY DRESS FOR PRIDE

1 If you ’ ve never done it before, there’s no better excuse than a Pride Parade to slip into something slinky ‘But being gay doesn’t mean I’m a woman ’ I hear you say That’s fine! Wearing a frock won’t change your gender but it could just get you in touch with the feminine side of your nature.

2. As gay men we have programmed ourselves away from anything, which on top of our wayward sexuality, might attract disapproval. Consequently, although our limp wristed, camp comedians are tolerated by society at large (if they’re funny enough to be really laughed at!), the gender portrayal that we seem most comfortable with is that of the Straight Acting Male What? You’re gay? You would never have guessed! So straight acting! Well done you! At the other end of the spectrum we have the screaming queen who seems to have no shame at the blatant portrayal of a feminine-like sexuality without so much as the slightest attempt to tone it down Those who, over the years have been able to get away with it, have repressed and concealed any clue as to their true sexuality often taking their macho caricature to an almost ludicrous and camp extreme. Those who don’t pass, often aggressively camp it up; attack being the best form of defence for them. But what are we scared about? Put something frilly on and celebrate that Anything Goes in 2012!

3 Wearing a dress can face us up to our internalised homophobia Slip on those nylons and feel the discomfort What’s wrong? What nasty taboo are you breaking? You are allowing yourself into a domain reserved for women and you ’ re boldly going where you as a man have not been before! You were told from an early age by parents, teachers and peers that any hint that a man might behave in a feminine way (like for instance fancying the pants off the boy sitting at the next desk) must be jumped on and annihilated at all costs.

4. And if we ’ re uncomfortable with being perceived as feminineacting what’s so bad about that? How about facing yourself up to your internalized misogyny. We exist in a patriarchal society. We have subliminally incorporated our sense of superior male entitlement right into the core of our personalities to the extent that we are hardly aware of it We might even deny its existence until we catch a glimpse of a high riding hemline in the mirror and we are horrified You are flying in the face of all your programming by blatantly disregarding the eleventh commandment: ‘Thou shalt not behave like a sissy’ Enjoy the subversion Stand in solidarity with yo ’ sistas and become an Effeminist!

5 ‘But what if people get the wrong idea and think I’m a tranny?’ Good! Let them think you have trans issues and enjoy their squirming disapproval. Feel the depth of your own internalised (or overt) transphobia and learn to love your inner girlie persona. Feel the danger of creating an ambiguous gender portrayal in the presence of people who might erupt into violence when faced with anything other than a simple gender binary Buy some daring red lippy from Boots and get a girlfriend to do your nails in a nice sparkly pink shade

6 ‘But I don’t look any good in a dress!’ Get over yourself You clearly haven’t looked hard enough to find THAT dress When you find it you will be transformed into the Belle of the Ball! And always remember the three golden rules for looking absolutely fabulous: Accessorise! Accessorise! and Accessorise!

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SERVICES DIRECTORY

LGBT SERVICES

▼ ACCESS 4 ALL

LGBT disabled people’s forum Safe and 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, meets 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 SWITCHBOARD

Tel Helpline, Hate Crime repor ting, Counselling service, Proud2connect service (relationship counselling in par tnership with Brighton Relate) www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton

• Helpline from 5pm daily: Tel: 01273 204050

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• email brighton manager@switchboard org uk

• or brighton admin@switchboard org uk

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Oral history projects including shows, exhibitions, books, suppor t to researchers Tel: 01273 207757 or 01273 328592 or www brightonourstor y co uk

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Info, counselling, drop-in space, suppor t groups Tel: 01273 698036 or www.womenscentre.org.uk

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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

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Twice monthly meeting for over 50s Tel: 01273 884285 or peterotto337@btinternet com www gems-bh org uk

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Local social group offers friendship, social events 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)

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Brighton based LGBT (welcomes others) Narcotics Anonymous group every Tue 6 30–8pm, Millwood Centre, Nelson Row, Kingswood St Tel: NA Helpline 604604

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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

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Suppor t group for lesbian and/or gay parents Tel: 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies.org.uk www rainbowfamilies org uk

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Practical, emotional suppor t for victims of crime Tel: Brighton 01273 234009 or Hove 01273 439942

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Appointments: Tue-Thur 9am-4pm, Wed 9am-12 30pm

Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, 1 Tisbury Rd, Hove, Tel: 0845 1203710 www.brightonhovecab.org.uk

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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

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Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials Tel: 01273 664722

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CRI / Sussex Par tnership Foundation Trust Open access drop in, assessment, suppor t, advice, info on drug & alcohol issues Tel 01273 607575 An LGB&T worker is able to provide a confidential, non judgemental outreach service Suppor t for people over 18 wishing to address substance misuse Tel 07717 774 658

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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, manage side effects, sex & relationships, understand meds, 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

NATIONAL HELPLINES

▼ BROKEN RAINBOW

LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline, Mon 2-8pm, Wed 101pm, Thur 2-8pm Tel: 08452 604460

▼ LONDON FRIEND

LGBT bereavement helpline, Tues 7 30-10pm, Tel: 020 7403 5969

▼ LONDON LESBIAN & GAY SWITCHBOARD Tel: 02078 377324

▼ POSITIVELINE (EDDIE SURMAN TRUST) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 4-10pm Tel: 0800 1696806

▼ MAINLINERS Tel: 02075 825226

▼ NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE 08005 67123

▼ NATIONAL DRUGS HELPLINE 08007 76600

▼ THT AIDS TREATMENT PHONELINE Tel: 08459 470047

▼ THT DIRECT Tel: 0845 1221200

Gscene September 2012

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

THE GREAT OLYMPICS OMISSION

TOUGHER ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN BY POLICE ON IRRESPONSIBLE LICENSEES

THE LEAD GOLDEN HAND BAG AWARD GOES TO...

THANK YOU

THANK YOU FROM THT

TIME FOR A SPRING CLEAN

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN?

RESEARCH REVEALS DIFFICULTIES FACED BY BLACK & MINORITY ETHNIC GAY PEOPLE

TRANS EQUALITY –THE COUNCIL WANTS TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS

LIBRARY’S HOURS ‘FINE-TUNED’ FOR LOCAL NEEDS

COMMUNITY SAFETY IN ST JAMES' STREET COMPROMISED BY INADEQUATE STREET LIGHTING

HOVE MP CALLS FOR REVIEW OF SUSSEX POLICE 101 NUMBER

DINE WITH THE STARS TO RAISE MONEY FOR ALZHEIMER'S AND THE RAINBOW FUND

THE SUSSEX BEACON’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRITY GALA DINNER

BIG FAT GAY BARN DANCE

BOY GEORGE PRESENTS: BLEACH - NO AMBITION

BRIGHTON GAY MEN'S CHORUS INVITES NEW MEMBERS TO JOIN

OLD DAMES REUNION AT LEGENDS ON OCTOBER 28 TO BENEFIT SUSSEX BEACON

MEMORIES OF DAME HILDA BRACKET

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED HEALTH ADVISOR IS PROUD2BE A LESBIAN TRANS WOMAN

MINDOUT NOMINATED IN NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARDS COMMUNITY CATEGORY

PRIDE DONATES A FURTHER £5,434 TO RAINBOW FUND FROM TICKET SALES

COUNCIL AWARDS £11,000 TO GROUPS FOR PRIDE

GAY VILLAGE PARTY TO FEATURE COMMUNITY STAGE AND PICNIC AREAS

SENIOR TORIES TO MARCH ON PRIDE PARADE

NICE ‘N’ NAUGHTY AWARDED 'BEST INDIVIDUAL STORE 2012' AT NATIONAL AWARDS

SAME-SEX BALLROOM COMPETITION HEADS TO BL ACKPOOL

NEW ARTS TRAIL TO RUN ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH

BOOK YOUR OWN SILENT DISCO

POET INVITED TO SPEAK AT LGBT NATIONAL HEALTH SUMMIT

KREEPY KEMPTOWN GHOST WALKS FIND NEW HOME BASE

NEW RECRUIT FOR THE LGBT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE TEAM

VACANCY FULL TIME OFFICE COORDINATOR/ JUNIOR SALES NEGOTIATOR

FOR THE RAINBOW FUND

RUSSIA URGED TO DROP WINTER OLYMPICS GAY BAN

ANTWERP TO HOST WORLD OUTGAMES 2013

POLICE MAKE A DONATION TO ANTI-HOMOPHOBIA IN FOOTBALL CAMPAIGN

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONS CELEBRATE EQUALITY WITH STONEWALL

SPONSORED WALK TO BENEFIT THE SUSSEX CANCER FUND

BLAGSS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT LGBT SWITCHBOARD

RUN THE BRIGHTON MARATHON FOR SWITCHBOARD

WALK & RUN 8K FOR RISE

HEP C INFECTION RATES SOAR

ASPERGERS HELP GROUP!

PEER ACTION THERAPY TASTER DAY A GREAT SUCCESS

PEER ACTION SELF-DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

PEER ACTION YOGA CL ASSES

SURVEY FINDS 1 IN 4 GAY MEN

WATCH PORN EVERY DAY

KEMPTOWN MP REACTS TO HIV AWARENESS CONCERNS

DOCTORS NEEDED FOR ME SUFFERERS

LGBT SWITCHBOARD NEED A NEW TREASURER TRUSTEE

POLICE CLOSE NINE MONTH INVESTIGATION AGAINST COUNCIL CRITIC

EURO MEP SHOCKED AT RAIL FARE INCREASES. BRIGHTON COMMUTERS TO SUFFER FURTHER RISES

4 IN 5 PEOPLE FAVOUR SAME-SEX COUPLES BEING ABLE TO MARRY IN A CIVIL CEREMONY

TORIES URGE RADICAL PL AN TO

STREAMLINE THE CITY

COUNCIL

AN AUDIENCE WITH MISS JASON

MY CL AIM TO FAME

MYKONOS

Roger Wheeler visits the Island of the Lotus Eaters

THE RAIN IN SPAIN...

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CARER OR BENSON ABROAD?

CHARLIE’S CHEFS OF THE MONTH

BEN TISH

ED BAINES

UNITED COLOURS OF PRIDE SATURDAY

PARADE

PRESTON PARK

BIG SCREEN

COMMUNITY VILL AGE

ACCESS TENT

THE MARKET STALLS

BARS

BEARS TENT

BEARS TENT DJ LINE UP

CAL ABA SH TENT