Scene Magazine - April 2024 by Scene LGBTQ+ Magazine

t @SceneLGBTQ f @Gscene.Brighton D www.scenemag.co.uk THE HEART OF LGBTQ+ LIVING APR 2024

TRANS*GENDER

Brighton & Hove Council LGBTQ+ Workers Forum and the Ledward Centre working together to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility with a photo exhibition on display

till April 5

) The Brighton & Hove Council LGBTQ+ Workers Forum and the Ledward Centre are working together to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility (TDov) with a photo exhibition in the main windows of the Ledward Centre, running alongside Jubilee Street, till April 5.

The title of the exhibition, Trans * Gender, explores ideas around gender identity, activism, trans lives, and community. The people represent their home cities, from across 15 European countries, each providing one photo symbolising trans joy, communities, and activism. A Brighton & Hove resident attending Trans Pride Brighton & Hove event is featured in the exhibition.

TDoV serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and diversity within trans, gender divergent and non-binary communities. The day is an opportunity to celebrate the unique experiences and identities of TNBI (trans, nonbinary and intersex) people as well as honouring their courage in living authentically.

Organisers of the exhibition said: “In Brighton & Hove we recognise and value the contributions of our TNBI individuals and the communities they are from. Their advocacy, activism, and presence enrich our city in countless ways, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals can thrive. As LGBTQ+ organisations dedicated to promoting diversity, equality, and social justice, we stand in solidarity with our trans and non-binary communities on TDoV and every day.”

Wolfgang Wilhelm from Vienna and curator of the exhibition, says: “We emphasise that every single person has the right to experience any gender identity in freedom and that the public space belongs to all citizens. It is your right to be who you are and to love whoever you like, and it is our duty to promote respect and acceptance towards gender diversity.”

Billie Lewis, Centre Manager at the Ledward Centre, says: “We are

“We stand in solidarity with our trans and nonbinary communities on TDoV and every day.”

delighted that this diverse and exciting exhibition is being presented so publicly at the Ledward Centre, in the heart of our city. The collection is both empowering and visually brilliant. We encourage you to take the time to visit us, or just walk by, and enjoy the photos.”

El Bridge, Steering group of the LGBTQ+ Workers Forum, says: “I welcome this display into Brighton, home of one of the largest trans communities in the UK. It highlights the international diversity of our trans experiences, and in many ways highlights how fortunate we are to be trans or gender divergent in a city where our community is increasingly vibrant and confident. By joining our voices internationally, we continue to raise visibility, fight transphobia and celebrate our trans and nonbinary lives.”

) TRANS * GENDER (Rainbow Cities Exhibition) at Ledward Centre, 14a Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE till April 5, free & open to all.

everyone under the sun Discover a beach playground unlike any other in Florida’s LGBT+ capital, from cosmopolitan dining and nightlife and the revelry of Wilton Manors to miles of golden beaches and Everglades eco-tours. As the world’s most progressive and inclusive destination, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s welcoming vibe is legendary. And we can’t wait to welcome you. Welcome Plan Your Adventure at VisitLauderdale.com/lgbt

University of Brighton graduate who lost both parents to AIDS awarded grant from Elton John AIDS Foundation

Caroline Mukebezi has been awarded $50,000 for her project aimed at improving access to HIV response for vulnerable people – especially adolescents and young girls – in her native Uganda.

Comedy legend and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Julian Clary to host 2024 British LGBT Awards

The announcement comes one year after Clary presented a posthumous award to the late Paul O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio, delivering a poignant speech for his friend which sparked a twominute standing ovation.

Gay Spanish matador urged to quit killing bulls

Super (Trouper) celebrations in Brighton & Hove to mark 50 years since ABBA's Eurovision win

To mark the historic event, and say 'Thank you for the music', the city will be celebrating in style with a weekend of exciting events between 4 - 7 April.

Gay professional footballer Zander to co-host Leicester Pride 2024

Zander Murray, one of only five 'out' LGBTQ+ professional footballers in the world, has been ‘signed’ to co-host Leicester Pride, as it makes its colourful return to the city on August 31.

All LGBTQ+ Voices welcome!

GLOW singing sessions at Ledward Centre in Brighton from Wednesday, April 17.

Peter Tatchell sent a letter to Spain’s first openly gay matador, Mario Alcalde.

BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE 2024

Go girls g-g-go go go! Brighton & Hove Pride 2024 hotting up with first ever sober dance tent and top acts including Girls Aloud, Mika and Peaches!

) Brighton & Hove Pride has announced exciting plans for FABULOSO Pride events at Preston Park on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4

Serving the new face of sobriety, the all-new sober dance tent will provide

a safe space to make amazing new Pride memories. DJs set to perform at the exclusive space include Ian Farrell, Baroness, StDavid, Joan Oh, Joey English and Prinx Silver.

The dance tent will be run by Sober Bright’huns, a Brighton-based sober

clubbing and events company which works closely with local social community group Tonic!. Its aim is to welcome festival goers who are curious to learn more about sober event experiences, and welcome those with open arms to enjoy the array of dance music on display.

The announcement follows the recent news that British pop icons Girls Aloud and global superstar Mika will headline the main stage at this year’s FABULOSO two-day community fundraiser event. Joining this line up is multi-awardwinning actor, musician and LGBTQ+ icon, Billy Porter; dancefloor darling, Sophie Ellis Bextor; pop faves, S Club; singer-songwriter, Gabrielle; New York

MIKA GIRLS ALOUD

PEACHES

legend, Kevin Aviance; Björn Again; House Gospel Choir; and Danny Beard, with more artists and acts to be announced over the coming months.

In addition to the main-stage, FABULOSO will continue to host an additional array of diverse and inclusive stages and entertainment zones across the park including the Pride Dance Tent, BEEFMINCE Dance Tent, Cabaret Big Top, Diva Dance Tent, Polyglamorous, the Cocoa Butter Club Stage, Queertown and more. Featuring over 150+ LGBTQ+ artists across the weekend including the likes of Peaches, Fat Tony, Beth McCarthy, Princess Superstar, DJ Paulette, Lynks, Horse Meat Disco, Girli and more.

As always, the Brighton & Hove Pride LGBTQ+ Community Day Parade will open the weekend under this

year’s theme of JOY, celebrating life, spirit, and resilience. The parade will wind through the city streets in its usual spectacular colour and style, delighting the thousands of people who take to the streets to watch the event which showcases over 100 local charities, community groups and small businesses, emergency services, the NHS and representatives of other Pride organisations. Other Brighton & Hove Pride favourites including the Pride Village Party and Pride Community Day & Dog Show will also make their rainbow-coloured return.

Brighton & Hove Pride has raised over £1.3million for the Brighton Rainbow Fund, the Pride Social Impact Fund, Pride Cultural Development Fund and Pride Solidarity Fund. The Brighton Rainbow Fund has a remit to receive donations and to use them to give grants to LGBTQ+ and HIV groups and organisations in Brighton & Hove. The Pride Social Impact Fund benefits local good causes giving grants to a range of local groups.

D Tickets and more info: www.brighton-pride.org

HORSE MEAT DISCO

DANNY BEARD

'One for the Books: The Maupin Marathon' to be screened in Hastings

The documentary from Seaford writer and director Rose Collis takes us back to 1984, when HM Customs raided the legendary Gay’s the Word bookshop and seized 2,000+ books, including Armistead Maupin's 'Tales of the City'.

A Spotlight on LGBTQ+ Charities

Courtney Love’s Women: iconic Hole frontwoman to share ultimate soundtrack to her life

BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds is to present this candid and raw new music series, in which Courtney Love shares the ultimate soundtrack to her life as she reflects on the women in music who have shaped her journey, her sound and her next chapter.

"We're both proud gay men." Luke Evans on gay drama 'Our Son' and working with 'Pose' star, Billy Porter

Welsh actor Luke Evans has opened up about starring in gay drama Our Son opposite Billy Porter.

Blackpool's rainbow zebra crossing vandalised after just one day

Jane Hugo, a member of Blackpool Council, reflected on the incident, highlighting the sad reality of such negative sentiments but remained optimistic about the overall positive reception.

King Alfred swimming pool, home of LGBTQ+ swimming club Out to Swim Brighton & Hove, receives £205,000

The money, from Sport England, will go towards replacing two of the 40-year-old boilers.

Joe Lycett’s 'Late Night Lycett' receives BAFTA nomination

The programme will go up against The Graham Norton Show, Rob & Romesh Vs, and Would I Lie to You? at the awards show which celebrates television broadcasting in 2023.

Welsh County LGBTQ+ Timeline Collection

The queer history of every county in Wales.

"I wish I could come out 20 times."

Ricky Martin reveals coming out "felt amazing".

Scene's pop music reviewer and influencer Dale Melita aka DaleyPop shares the best POP tracks and his album of the month!

YOU. ME. THEM. US.

Adorn your walls with Pride! A celebration of what Pride means to Queenie, sales from this artwork will raise funds for LGBTQ+ mental health charity, MindOut

) Queen Josephine’s You. Me. Them. Us. original 2023 artwork for Paul Smith’s The Pride Project is now available as limited edition A3 and A4 prints on GCLI textured fine-quality art paper.

A celebration of what Pride means to Queenie – it’s always about the people - this incredible original artwork,

commissioned by Paul Smith for MindOut, is now available for you to buy as a print to adorn your walls with, erm Pride.

A deep dive into the glorious history of Brighton & Hove Pride and Trans Pride Brighton & Hove, it represents everything Queenie loves about her city

and the trailblazing souls that make it so incredible to be part of. Ten per cent of each sale will be donated to LGBTQ+ mental health charity, MindOut.

Depicting the many delights that have come to encompass all that LGBTQ+ Pride means to Queenie, you’ll find many queeroes, trailblazers and allies drawing a proud crowd, including: campaigners Arthur Law and Shelia McWattie, Queenie’s own 1980s Bootsy Sue, Lunch Positive’s Gary Pargeter, drag royalty Lola Lasagne, Banksy’s Brighton kissing coppers, Wild Fruit queens Chrissy Darling and Dolly Rocket, Candy Bar wonders Joy, DJ Kinky D and Rach Red, DJ and Femme Fraiche Michelle Manetti, DJ and Calabash co-founder and campaigner Affy Go Bang, LGBTQ+ legend Peter Tatchell, musicians and songwriters Al Start and Nicky Mitchell, DJ and producer duo The Illustrious Blacks, DJ Honey Dijon, Gscene’s James Ledward, Brighton & Hove

Pride’s Paul Kemp, designer and Xi-Xi darling Meesh Mash, EJ Scott from the Museum of Transology, actress and campaigner Miss Kimberley, social activist Munroe Bergdorf, musician and singer-songwriter Romy, Trans Pride Brighton & Hove co-founder Sarah Savage, DJ legend and Brighton & Hove’s finest doggie sausage distributor Fatboy Slim, LGBTQ+ icon Kylie and two queer dears called Wildblood and Queenie.

) Queen Josephine’s You. Me. Them. Us. 2023: 30 limited edition prints representing 30 years a Queen.

D For more info and to buy online, visit: https://wildbloodandqueenie.com/ shop/

QUEENIE, WITH NIECE BECCA HOODLESS, OUTSIDE PAUL SMITH SHOP IN SOHO WHERE YOU. ME. THEM. US. WAS ON DISPLAY LAST JULY FOR PRIDE MONTH. PHOTO CREDIT KATE WILDBLOOD.

Corrie killer takes to Brighton stage

Brighton writer, artist and TV presenter Andrew Kay has called on legendary Coronation Street serial killer Brian Capron (aka Richard Hillman) to star in his latest play, Punchline.

"Yes, dear!" Fundraiser for Hastings Pride with iconic Miss Jason

Forbidden Fruit Hastings is to host a glamorous fundraiser for this year's Hastings Pride with the iconic Miss Jason on Thursday, May 23.

Two arrested in Russia's first LGBTQ+ 'extremism' criminal case

A Russian court has ordered a bar administrator and its art director to be placed in custody, accusing them of organising an "extremist organisation" under new legislation criminalising the LGBTQ community.

R-Bar announces first ever QUEER RUM FESTIVAL

The festival, which includes a Kraken Cocktail Experience, will run until April 15.

"Trans cinema that follows no rules."

Self-defined trans film, Anhell69, is to show at this year's Chronic Youth Film Festival, which returns to Barbican Cinemas in London in April.

Between the Capes: 'Superman Kissing Batman' by pop artist Rich Simmons

"Painting Batman and Superman in this embrace is my way of supporting equality."

NEW CEO AT SWITCHBOARD

Paul Hook “thrilled” to be joining Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard as charity’s new CEO

) Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, the charity that has provided services for LGBTQ+ people across Sussex for almost 50 years, has announced the appointment of its new chief executive.

Paul Hook will take up the post on Tuesday, April 2 following four years at the helm of Asylum Matters, a charity which works to secure social and political changes to improve the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum.

Simon Dowe, Chair of Switchboard’s Trustees, said “We are delighted to welcome Paul as we approach our 50th birthday. Paul brings with him a wealth of experience from within the third sector advocating for some of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of our society.”

Paul said he was “thrilled” to be joining Switchboard, adding: “It’s an incredible organisation that has been doing invaluable work in our community for decades.

“There’s a wonderful team of staff, volunteers and trustees who are continuing to deliver this work, and it feels very exciting to have been given an opportunity to join them.”

Born and educated in London, Paul studied Modern Languages and Politics at the University of Bradford before living and working in France and Germany.

After serving Oxfam as a campaigns officer for five years, he joined Compassion in World Farming as Deputy Communications Director.

Paul spent a decade working for the National Federation of SubPostmasters, first as Policy and Research Manager and later as Head of Policy and Communications.

For five years from 2015, he served Refugee Action as Head of Campaigns and as Advocacy Manager, taking up his current post as Director of Asylum Matters in 2020.

Paul said he was “excited” at the

“There’s a wonderful team of staff, volunteers and trustees who are continuing to deliver this work, and it feels very exciting to have been given an opportunity to join them.”

prospect of leading Switchboard, adding: “LGBTQ+ people still face many challenges and injustices that affect them all the time, so it’s really important that there are strong, responsive and expert organisations and teams – like those at Switchboard – who can work with the community to tackle some of these challenges.”

Paul, who is married and lives in Brighton, said he was keen to build on Switchboard’s “brilliant work” and said he was particularly looking forward to the charity’s 50th birthday celebrations next year, adding: “It will be important to look back, reflect and celebrate the achievements and contribution of everyone involved in Switchboard – past and present – and the community.

“It will also be a good opportunity to look forward and see what the next half century might hold.”

Simon added: “Myself and the entire LGBT Switchboard team welcome Paul on board and together we look forward to building on our outstanding achievements of the last 50 years.”

Paul will succeed Jacob Bayliss, who moved to a new role in January after three-and-a-half years at the helm, which, according to the charity, saw it “double in size and impact”.

D www.switchboard.org.uk

PAUL HOOK

"Lesbians

A Personal Perspective.

LGBT Humanists to celebrate 45th anniversary in 2024

For nearly half a century, its volunteers have been a driving force for LGBTQ+ rights, championing compassion, reason, and human rights across the country. But how did it all begin?.

That’s Brighton Fringe for you...

Clowns, a one-way mirror and the Cuban revolution

...

NHS bosses to ban gender questioning children from accessing ‘puberty blockers’

Puberty blockers stop the physical changes of puberty in teens questioning their gender.

Gay footballer Josh Cavallo proposes to boyfriend at Adelaide United's Coopers Stadium Josh Cavallo became the world's only top-flight openly gay male professional player when he came out in 2021. brought the rage and the riots to Brighton." The very Lesbian History of Brighton. Words by Xantippe Steele. Trans Survivor's Call for TransInclusive Domestic Violence Services

WHAT A CHAMP!

Paralympian Lauren Rowles becomes charity patron of Just Like Us to support its “vital” work

) Paralympian Lauren Rowles has become a new patron of Just Like Us, the LGBTQ+ young people’s charity, joining actor Jonathan Bailey Rowles is a two-time Paralympic champion rower, having won gold medals in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021, and she will soon be heading to the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. She has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, mental health and disabled representation throughout her career, and will now join Just Like Us as a patron to support the charity’s work.

Lauren Rowles said: “I am beyond excited to be joining the Just Like Us team in my role as a patron. I feel proud to represent the intersectionality of our community. I hope to increase visibility and raise more awareness for the rights of disabled LGBTQ+ young people.

“As a young queer person who was bullied for being different, I hid my identity and felt ashamed of who I am. Having the right support systems at school and education to explore

life as an LGBTQ+ person would have prevented me seriously struggling with my mental health and feeling like I had to hide who I am.

“That’s why the work of Just Like Us is so vital to ensure that no young person has to hide or suffer in silence and give them the space to experience queer joy at a younger age without prejudice. I look forward

“I hope to increase visibility and raise more awareness for the rights of disabled LGBTQ+ young people.”

to contributing to the invaluable work that Just Like Us do and hopefully change the lives of more LGBTQ+ young people for the better.”

As a patron, Rowles will support Just Like Us’ programmes, which enable more than 6,000 primary and secondary schools to celebrate School Diversity Week each June, support LGBTQ+ and ally school pupils have access to safe spaces through the Pride Groups programme, and deliver school talks through the Ambassador programme

Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, said: “The entire Just Like Us team is thrilled to have Lauren Rowles on board as a patron. Lauren is an intersectional role model to so many young people, as an athlete, as an LGBTQ+ disabled person, and as a mental health advocate.

“We know that LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to struggle with loneliness, shame, bullying and mental health problems, and they are less likely to feel optimistic about their futures. Though Lauren has been open about facing her own struggles as a LGBTQ+ young person, she is living proof that a happy, successful and positive future is possible, and her support will be invaluable to the young people we work with.”

D www.justlikeus.org

NEW QUEERS ON THE BLOCK 2024

A space to develop and celebrate LGBTQ+ artists and communities across England.

) As a leading UK producer of queer-led intersectional performance and events, newly Arts Council England NPO-awarded Marlborough Productions has released details of New Queers on the Block 2024, a space for the development and celebration of LGBTQ+ artists and communities across England.

Since the scheme began in 2018, Marlborough Productions has brought queer joy to towns nationwide, including Blackpool, Bradford, Brighton, Folkestone and Hastings, with a programme in development in Crawley for the very first time.

By bringing bold performance, visual art and community gatherings to these underserved queer culture capitals, New Queers on the Block has helped to highlight the efforts of queer arts communities and signpost members of both the LGBTQ+ community and wider communities towards these events

This year, the company is working with five Local Associate Producers to curate and present their own queer-led arts programmes, cementing that LGBTQ+ people and their art is welcome here.

Each local festival features leading LGBTQ+ artists with highlights of this year’s programme including Whiskey Chow, Katy Baird and Symoné.

Local Programmes

Folkestone plays host to QUEERCALL, a new multi-venue festival curated by action-based artist Ash McNaughton in collaboration with Creative Folkestone. The festival will showcase the best LGBTQ+ art, with exhibitions featuring cutting-edge 360° sound design, analogue animation, immersive computer game experiences, live photo printing, and participatory storytelling.

In addition, seven artists will be making live site-specific performance art works across the coast and public spaces.

Events include an artist residency with performance and visual artist Jake Wood; an exhibition of work from multidisciplinary live artist Symoné; an interactive performance from the Istanbul Queer Art Collective at Folkestone Bookshop; and a triple bill of radical queer live art and performance from Katy Baird, Wet Mess and Ray Felix Carter

Performance artist Harry ClaytonWright will present Queer Amusements, a season of multidisciplinary works across the year in their hometown of Blackpool. The seaside festival will include artist talks, workshops, public art and performances from leading LGBTQ+ artists from the worlds of cabaret, dance, drag and visual art. Full lineup to be announced soon.

In Bradford, Alice Parsons and Sonia Sandhu team up with Theatre in the Mill to programme Right Queer Right Now, a two-weekend long festival of

OOZING GLOOP. CREDIT KALEIDO SHOOTS

LGBTQ+ performance, live art, parties and workshops, including a season of New Queers on the Block-supported seed commissions.

One such commission comes from the pioneering artist, activist and Chinese drag king, Whiskey Chow, and another is from the provocative Leeds-based artist and writer, Jamal Gerald.

Alice is also expanding OUT OUT, the drag king project she established in 2022, across the year by offering artistic development opportunities, scratch events, and commissioning new live art and theatre works. The expansion sees

Alice broaden the scope of the project to welcome new performance styles in addition to drag.

And finally, in Hastings, Hannah Rose Fox curates a series of performance works with local partner Home Live Art, based at the town’s volunteer-led theatre, The Stables. Titled Giddy Up, the programme aims to encourage and support a varied range of artists to perform in a stage-based venue and provide a platform to bring compelling queer work to the south east coast.

Already announced is a performance from Tink Flaherty whose work lies

at the intersection of class, gender, neurodivergence and marginalisation, and will take place during Hastings Trans Pride in July.

David Sheppeard, Co-Creative Director of Marlborough Productions, said: “New Queers on the Block has grown in the last year beyond our wildest expectations and this is largely because of the phenomenal group of producers, activists and organisers we are collaborating with in Bradford, Blackpool, Folkestone, Hastings and Crawley.

“They have brought such distinctive flavours to each festival programme that truly reflects what it means to be queer and living right now across the UK. We can’t wait for audiences to experience queer culture, from the subtle and moving, through to the bold and brash – it’s all there – and as inspirational queer artist Adrian Howells used to say, ‘it’s all allowed’.”

Supported by Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Marlborough Productions is one of the UK’s leading producers of queer-led, intersectional performance, parties, heritage and radical community gatherings. It has supported New Queers on the Block since 2018 with previous contributors including Amrou Al-Kadhi, mandla rae and Ray Young

D www.newqueersontheblock.com

ROWDY SS, PREVIOUS PERFORMER AT NEW QUEERS ON THE BLOCK

GUILLAUME VALLI

CREDIT:

WHISKEY CHOW. CREDIT: ROSIE POWELL

Gay man from Worthing, diagnosed with Testicular Cancer, shares his story

Macmillan Cancer Support has partnered with Lovehoney to encourage more people to have open conversations around sex and cancer.

Brighton LGBTQIA+ History Club to celebrate 10th anniversary of groundbreaking trans project

In 2014 Brighton Trans*formed set off to record and document the lives and experiences of Brighton & Hove’s trans community. Ten years later Brighton LGBTIQ+ History Club invites all project participants to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the project.

As a lesbian woman, Sarah's journey as a survivor has been marked by resilience, courage, and a fierce determination to advocate for change.

Chase Pride postponed until 2025 due to "financial difficulties"

The event, which was to be held in Hednesford Park on August 31, has been postponed until 2025.

Actually Gay Men's Chorus' 'Gays and Dolls' at Brighton Open Air Theatre in May

Don't miss out on surprises and heart-soaring moments as ActuallyGMC celebrates love, acceptance, and self-discovery in a fabulous musical extravaganza!

Birmingham Pride 2024 hotting up with more acts announced!

Birmingham Pride announces another batch of performers for their 2024 festival: Natasha Bedingfield, Beth McCarthy, Dylan and the Moon, Gok Wan, Raven Mandella, and Loreen

PRIDE IN KEMPTOWN

“Kemptown has become a lot worse with regards to safety and LGBTQ+ Hate.”

• Encourage all venues to sign up to the Back Off Back Up street safety campaign to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people feel safe on a night out –www.backoffbackup.com;

• Ensure street lighting is fit for purpose;

• House / support homeless individuals and crack down (no pun intended) on drug dealing in the area.

Will you push to secure the future of Pride Street Parties on St James’s Street?

As you’ll be aware, following last year’s Pride I wrote to The Argus with my points of view regarding Pride and the future of it and I still feel the same about this.

) Gay man Robert Brown, who has has been selected as Liberal Democrat candidate for the Kemptown Ward byelection, talks to Scene magazine about the state of Brighton’s ‘gay village’ and the future of Brighton & Hove Pride street parties on St James’s Street.

Since standing in the May 2023 local elections, Robert has been working hard to help residents and businesses all over Kemptown. Robert says he feels “let down and ignored” by the current councillors elected to represent Kemptown.

If elected, what will you do to ensure a bright future of our ‘gay village’?

There are many things challenging the LGBTQ+ night-time economy which include rough sleepers, aggressive beggars, LGBTQ+ hate crimes, lack of street lighting, lack of street patrols (despite the police station being less than five mins away) . . .

As one of the venue owners told me: “more needs to be done in St James’s Street to clean it up. What was once an eclectic part of the village is now just scary and dangerous and affects the desire to go on the street which is where much of our gay scene is.”

I would like to ensure we work with venues across the ‘gay village’, which is not just St James’s Street as there are venues in the other side of Kemptown Ward ie: Fallen Angel, Arcobaleno, Kemptown Klub and create a new map of LGBTQ+ friendly venues across the whole of Kemptown which would be supported and promoted by Visit Brighton, Brighton & Hove City Council, Sussex Police and the St James’s Street Business Association.

Unfortunately Kemptown has become a lot worse with regards to safety and LGBTQ+ Hate.

A friend was attacked one night last year along the Marine Parade and, unfortunately due to a lack of CCTV, no-one was arrested. I would ask that there be an increase in CCTV in areas of increased hot spots for attacks to ensure that police area aware and we could instigate the creation of Village Angels – as in other cities – who are volunteers who have taken the time to get to know the venues, are unbiased and can be a point of contact for the LGBTQ+ community across the ‘gay village’ and further afield.

I also believe that we need to:

• Recreate the LGBT+ Business Forum to get venues to work closely together and as one voice to the Council when requesting support;

• Have targeted campaigns by Visit Brighton, highlighting the various venues that are welcoming for all, yet highlighting the need for those from outside the LGBT+ community to be respectful;

• Create venues for our lesbian / nonbinary communities;

• Create sober spaces for all (and Brighton & Hove Pride‘s sober tent at Pride is a huge welcome for many);

• Encourage cafes to open later in the evening as many don’t want to go to a bar;

• Increase street patrols (Safer Streets / police);

• Increase in use of CCTV in areas known to have issues;

With regards to the street parties, Saturday needs to have a huge rethink. Sunday, by all comparisons, is a lot nicer, friendlier and less trouble. Last year on the Saturday I was on the receiving end of a couple of homophobic incidents and by all accounts and purposes, by late in the evening, the street party was predominantly straight and it felt unsafe (say a few others I’ve spoken to about this).

There needs to be more discussions and engagement with the residents and businesses with less secrecy surrounding the contracting of that event. Last year was a mess. Due to fallen tickets sales, many were given out free of charge and some people who had actually purchased tickets were refused entry due to the extremely large numbers. Many venues on Marine Parade end up having to close early on Pride Weekend due to the increase in aggressive and bigoted straights coming into the area to continue their drinking, without giving any concerns regarding Pride and why it exists. The lack of policing, along with the out of town security who also don’t care about Pride, means that incidents of hate crime go unchallenged, unreported and creates a culture of it being acceptable.

The areas outside of St James’s Street (ie: in front of Legends, Charles Street Tap, R Bar and Centre Stage) were well managed and safer, yet when you ventured into the main St James’s Street area it was packed, unsafe and at times homophobic – this needs to drastically change, however without the engagement of Brighton & Hove Pride itself, it seems a lost cause and will only turn residents against the street parties moving forward.

Robert Brown, a gay man selected as Liberal Democrat candidate for Kemptown Ward by-election, talks to Scene magazine

Local queer artist Ladypat designs

'FABULOSO' artwork for Brighton & Hove Pride 2024

The artwork for this year's Brighton & Hove Pride celebrates queer identities and the rich diversity and flamboyance of the LGBTQ+ community.

Brighton & Hove charity tackling loneliness wins top UK health award

Together Co was awarded for its work to reduce the impact of loneliness and isolation on people's mental and physical health.

Pub Pride to return in May to celebrate local LGBTQ+ communities

Returning for its fourth year, Pub Pride 2024 will take place in venues across the UK on Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2. It’s a night for venues to celebrate local LGBTQ+ communities, and welcome Pride Month in their home town.

ELSKA spotlights bodies and voices of gay Madrid

Readers can get to know a selection of ordinary men from the Spanish capital, through a combination of honest photography and personal storytelling.

Classical Pride 2024 to run over over five days from 3-7 July

Kicking off with a world-first, Classical Drag will take over Outernet in the heart of Soho on Wednesday, July 3, showcasing some of the biggest names in drag and classical music.

Even Still: non-binary indie artist Noah Elliott releases sophomore EP

Even Still is unique blend of intimate melodies, minimalistic arrangements, and introspective spoken word.

First wine bottles filled in Brighton by new non-binary led ethical winery

Beck Cedar started Haar Winery after studying for a degree in winemaking and realising the lack of nonbinary representation in the industry.

Jonathan Bailey signed scarf and Joe Lycett’s ‘Slags’ to be auctioned for Terrence Higgins Trust

The charity auction at Christie’s in London on Monday, April 15.

Croydon Pride 2024 cancelled due to lack of funding

Instead of a traditional Pride this year, organisers have announced they will instead be partnering with local venues to run a series of events in Croydon for Pride Month this year.

Private members' club and 'aparthotels' form part of new application to "transform" Brighton Hippodrome

An application to transform Brighton Hippodrome and Hippodrome House into a mixed-use development including a performance space, hotel, shop, bar and private members’ club will be decided by councillors at Planning Committee on April 3.

Lorraine Kelly conducts gay marriage on TV to mark 10 years since England and Wales’ first same-sex marriages

Lorraine Kelly conducted the marriage of Welsh gay couple Luke Avaient and Gavin Sheppard live on her daytime programme Lorraine on Thursday, March 28.

GLAMOROUS BRIGHTON CLOSES ITS DOORS

The gay bar has closed after less than a year, with its owner blaming a saturated market

) Glamorous Brighton, which opened its doors last year – taking over the premises occupied by Le Village –closed its doors for the final time on Monday, March 18

Glamorous opened in July last year with big plans for club and drag nights - but just eight months later the Brighton venue shut its doors for one final time.

In a statement published on Facebook, owner Matthew Eason said: “So then!

I can now officially announce that Glamorous Brighton will be officially closing its doors.

“We have reached an agreement with Stonegate Pub Partners that this site is just too small to be a Glamorous and doesn’t work in its current form. Glamorous is about super late night clubbing and this just isn’t that.

“The Brighton gay scene already has a wide selection of venues and in this day and age some might say saturated with venues and there just isn’t the demand like there used to be! I don’t think we did a bad job with the size of the venue but unfortunately it’s not worked out!

”I would like to thanks Simon Ebers of who we took the venue over from when it was Le Village for the help and support him and his team have given us whilst we have been there and I wish him the best of luck with his other venues and that they continue to play an important part of the Brighton gay scene.

“Moving forwards Glamorous will continue with Glamorous Birmingham, Glamorous Coventry and Glamorous Oxford! And who knows if there will be another one in the future! Myself and Stonegate are always open to another one appearing in a city near you should the right place be available.

“Also thanks to Adam Hale from our straight pub The Grey Lantern Birmingham for holding the fort in Brighton whilst we run things down.

“And finally no for the millionth time I don’t want to open a Glamorous in Benidorm!”

WHAT’S ON IN LGBTQ+ BRIGHTON & HOVE CABARET CLUBS

BARS FOOD DJS WHAT’S HOT? OUT & ABOUT

ACTORS

Prince's St, Brighton BN2 1RD AFFINITY BAR 129 St James's St, Brighton BN2 1TH BAR 7 @ CRAWLEY 7 Pegler Way, Crawley RH11 7AG LGBTQ+ VENUES FOR LISTINGS, VISIT: WWW.GSCENE.COM/EVENT-DIRECTORY/ BAR BROADWAY

Steine St, Brighton BN2 1TY BAR REVENGE 5-7 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TA BEDFORD TAVERN 30 Western St, Brighton BN1 2PG BRIGHTON SAUNA

Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 9JA BRIGHTON TAVERN 99-100 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AP BULLDOG 31 St James's St, Brighton BN2 1RF CHARLES STREET TAP 8 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TA CENTRE STAGE 11-12 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TL CAMELFORD ARMS

Camelford St, Brighton BN2 1TQ

75-76

30-31

Gscene 21 CURZON 7 Rock St, Brighton BN2 1NF EDGE & BOX BAR Compton Walk, Southampton SO14 0BH FALLEN ANGEL 24 Grafton St, Brighton BN2 1AQ FOUNTAIN@HASTINGS 93 Queens Rd, Hastings TN34 1RL GROSVENOR PUB 16 Western St, Hove, BN1 2PG HAMPSHIRE BLVD St Pauls Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth PO1 2QN LGBTQ+ VENUES FOR LISTINGS, VISIT: WWW.GSCENE.COM/EVENT-DIRECTORY/ GLAMOROUS BTN 2-3 High St, Brighton BN2 1RP HART@EASTBOURNE 89 Cavendish Pl, Eastbourne BN21 3RR IRONWORKS 30 Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD LEGENDS BRIGHTON 31-34 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TR LONDON HOTEL 2 Terminus Terr, Southampton SO14 3DT MARINE TAVERN 13 Broad St, Brighton BN2 1TJ CLOSED

NAUTILUS LOUNGE 129-130 St James's St, Brighton BN2 1TH NEW STEINE HOTEL 10-11 New Steine, Brighton BN2 1PB QUEENS ARMS 7-8 George St, Brighton BN2 1RH RAILWAY CLUB 4 Belmont, Dyke Rd, Brighton BN1 3TF REGENCY TAVERN 32-34 Russell Square, Brighton BN1 2EF REVENGE CLUB 32-34 Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1EL LGBTQ+ VENUES FOR LISTINGS, VISIT: WWW.GSCENE.COM/EVENT-DIRECTORY/ TRADING POST 28 St George's Rd, Brighton BN2 1ED THE SUSSEX 17 St Catherines Terrace, Hove, BN3 2RH ROTTINGDEAN CLUB 89 High St, Rottingdean, BN2 7HE VELVET JACKS 50-52 Norfolk Square, Brighton BN1 2PA ZONE 33 St James's St, Brighton BN2 1RF

HOVE

SACKVILLE

HOVE ST

GEORGE ST 1ST AVE

THE DRIVE E DRI PALMERIA SQUARE

KINGSWAY CHURCH RD

1 Affinity Bar m

129 St James’s St, BN2 1TH

www.facebook.com/AffinityGayBar/

2 Bar Broadway m

10 Steine St, BN2 1TE 01273 609777

www.barbroadway.co.uk

3 Bar Revenge m

5-7 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA

www.revenge.co.uk

4 Barber Blacksheep m

18 St George’s Rd, BN2 1EB 01273 623408

wwww.barberblacksheep.com

5 Bedford Tavern mm

CHURCHST

30 Western St, BN1 2PG 01273 739495

6 Brighton Birdcage m

35 Gloucester Rd, BN1 4AQ 01273 624010

7 Brighton Box m

HOLLAND D RD

OLDSHOREHAMRD RD

DYKERD

GOLDSMID RD

N SEVEN DIAALS LS

DYKE RD

MONTPELIER RD

WESTERN RD

KINGS RD

WEST PIER

8 Brighton Sauna m

75 Grand Parade, BN2 9JA 01273 689966

www.thebrightonsauna.com

9 Brighton Tavern m

99-100 Gloucester Rd, BN1 4AP 01273 680365

10 Bulldog m

31 St James’s St Mews, BN2 1RF

11 Camelford Arms mm

30-31 Camelford St, BN2 1TQ 01273 622386

GRAND PARADE

25 Dukes Lane, Ship Street, BN1 1BG, 01273 722 036

NORTHST

ROYAL PAVILLION

12 Charles Street Tap mm

8-9 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA 01273 624091

www.charles-street.com

13 Centre Stage mm

11-12 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL 01273 688 826

www.facebook.com/centrestagebrighton

14 Curzon m m

7 Rock St, BN2 1NF, 01273 697054

C CLOCK T TOW TOWER

BRIGHTON STATION

WEST ST QUEENS R RD EEN

www.facebook.com/CurzonBarBrighton/

15 Dental Health Spa m

14–15 Queens Rd, BN1 3WA 01273 710831

www.dentalhealthspa.co.uk

16 Engleharts m

49 Vallance Hall, Hove St, BN3 2DE 01273 204411

www.engleharts.co.uk

17 Fallen Angel m

24 Grafton St, BN2 1AQ

18 Glamorous Brighton m

24 Grafton St, BN2 1AQ

19 Grosvenor Bar m

16 Western St, BN1 2PG 01273 438587

20 HITZone Hove m

Unit 23, Waterside House, Basin Rd N, Hove, BN41 1UY

21 Legends Bar, Club & Hotel mmm

31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR 01273

Advertisers’ Map

LONDONRD LON RD

TRAFALGAR ST

NORTH RD

CHURCHST C ST

NORTHST O

GRAND PARADE G

LEWESRD LE

SOUTHOVERST

QUEENSPARKRD

OLD STEINE

PRINCES STREET

GEORGE STREET

ST JAMES’ STREET

STEINE STREET

MANCHESTER STREET

CHARLES STREET

MARINE PARADE

MADEIRA DRIVE

BRIGHTON PIER

BROAD STREET

DORSET GARDENS

HIGH STREET

EASTERN RD NEW RD

OLD STEINE

EDWARD ST

ST JAMES STREET

MARINE PARADE

BRIGHTON PIER

624462

www.legendsbrighton.com

22 Marine Tavern mm

13 Broad St, BN2 1TJ 01273 681284

23 Nautilus Lounge m

129 St James’s St, BN2 1TH www.nautiluslounge.com

24 New Steine Hotel & Bistro mmm

12a New Steine, BN2 1PB 01273 681546

www.newsteinehotel.com

25 Paris House mm

21 Western Rd, BN3 1AF 01273 724195

EDWARD ST

DEVONSHIRE PLACE

MADEIRA PLACE ST JAMES’ AVENUE

CAMELFORD STREET

FRESHFIELD RD

BRIGHTONMARINA>

26 Prowler m

112-113 St James’s St, BN2 1TH, 01273 603813 www.prowlerpoppers.co.uk

27 Queen’s Arms m

7 George St, BN2 1RH www.theqabrighton.com

28 Railway Club m

4 Belmont, Dyke Rd, BN1 3TF 01273 328682

29 Regency Tavern mm

32-34 Russell Sq, BN1 2EF 01273 325 652

30 Revenge m

32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL www.revenge.co.uk

31 Three Jolly Butchers mm

59 North Rd, BN1 1YD 01273 608571

32 Trading Post & Cup of Joe’s mmm

28 St George’s Rd, BN2 1EE 01273 698873

33 Velvet Jacks mm

50 Norfolk Sq, BN1 2PA http://tinyurl.com/VelvetJacks

UPPER ROCK GARDENS

34 Zone m

33 St James’s St, BN2 1RF www.zonebrighton.co.uk

Key m Bars/Pubs

m Food

m Clubs

m Hotels

m Legal Services

NEW STEINE

AIDS MEMORIAL LOWER ROCK GARDENS

NEW STEINE

ROCK PLACE

m Cafes

m Shopping

m Fitness/Health

m Sauna

STATION STATIO

RD D VILL

ELM GROVE ISLINGWORDRD

1 2 19 11 4 5 7 8 12 14 15 16 17 10 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 18 9 6 3 13 30

SERVICES DIRECTORY

LGBTQ+ Services

l Allsorts Youth Project

Youth Groups and One-to-One Support for LGBTQ+ young people under 26 (in-person & online). Weekly sessions 01273 721211 or email info@ allsortsyouth.org.uk allsortsyouth.org.ukk

l Brighton & Hove Police

Report all homophobic, biphobic or transphobic incidents to: 24/7 assistance call police on 101 (emergencies 999) Report online at: www.sussex. police.uk

LGBT team (not 24/7) email: LGBT@sussex.pnn. police.uk

l Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

• LGBT Older People’s Project

• LGBT Health and Inclusion Project

• LGBTQ Disability & Neurodiversity Project

• Rainbow Café Project: support for LGBT+ people with dementia

• Trans and Non-Binary Link Project

• LGBT Grief Encounters Project

• Volunteering opportunities, call Riley 07599 434057

Helpline hours: Wed & Thur, 7–9.30pm; trans-only webchat on Sun 3–5pm: call 01273 359042 or email info@switchboard.org.uk or helpline@ switchboard.org.uk Webchat www.switchboard. org.uk/helpline. www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton Office Number: 01273 234009

l Brighton OneBodyOneFaith

Brighton sexuality, gender, & faith Group. Meets monthly. Contact: Nigel Nash nigelnash@me.com. www.onebodyonefaith.org.uk

l Brighton Women’s Centre Info, counselling, drop-in space, support groups admin@Womenscentre.org.uk or visit www. womenscentre.org.uk

l Lesbian & Gay AA

12-step self-help programme for alcohol addictions: Sun, 7.30pm, Chapel Royal, North St, Btn (side entrance). 01273 203 343 (general AA line). www. alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

l LGBTQ+ Cocaine Anonymous

Meeting every Tues 6.30-8pm, 6 Tilbury Pl, Brighton, BN2 0GY, CA isn’t allied with any outside organisation, and neither endorses or opposes any causes. Helpline 0800 6120225, www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk www.sussexcocaineanonymous.co.uk

l LGBTQ+ NA Group

Brighton-based LGBTQ+ (welcomes others) Narcotics Anonymous group every Tue 6.30–8pm, Millwood Centre, Nelson Row, Kingswood St. 0300 999 1212

l LGBT+ Meditation Group

Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5.30–7pm, Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Brighton. 07789 861 367 or www.bodhitreebrighton.org.uk

l Lunch Positive

Lunch club for people with HIV. Meet/make friends, find peer support in safe space. Every Fri, noon–2.30pm, Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset Gdns, Brighton. Lunch £1.50. 07846 464 384 or www.lunchpositive.org

l MCC Brighton

Inclusive, affirming space where all are invited to come

as they are to explore their spirituality without judgement. 01273 515572 or info@mccbrighton.org.uk www.mccbrighton.org.uk

l MindOut

Independent, impartial services run by and for LGBTQ people with experience of mental health issues. 24 hr confidential answerphone: 01273 234839 or email info@mindout.org.uk and out of hours online chat www.mindout.org.uk

l Navigate

Social/peer support group for trans, non-binary & intersex, AFAB, FTM, transmasculine & gender queer people. Every 2nd Friday of the month from 6-8pm (currently on Zoom) at Possability Place, Windlesham Venue, BN1 3AH (formerly Space for Change) navigatebrighton.co.uk

l Peer Action

Regular low cost yoga, therapies, swimming, meditation & social groups for people with HIV. contact@ peeraction.net or www.peeraction.net

l Rainbow Families

Support group for lesbian and/or gay parents 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies.org.uk. www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk

l Rainbow Hub

Information, guidance and hate incident reporting services for LGBTQ+ communities in Brighton, Hove, and Sussex. Based at the Ledward Centre, Jubilee Street, BN1 1GE. Call 07714 782585 or visit www.therainbowhubbrighton.com

l Some People

Social/support group for LGB or questioning aged 14-19, Tue 5.30-7.30pm, Hastings. Call/text Kerrie Tolley-Cloke 07874 637593 or email somepeople@ eastsussex.gov.uk

l TAGS – The Arun Gay Society Social Group welcome all in East & West Sussex Areas. Call/Text 07539 513171. More info: www.tagsonline. org.uk

l Victim Support

Anyone seeking help can contact our free 24/7 Supportline number on 0808 16 89 111 or get in touch via the website www.victimsupport.org.uk. A range of tools to help people cope and move forwards after crime can be found at www.mysupportspace.org.uk/moj

l The Village MCC

LGBTQ+ affirming church worship and pastoral care in Kemptown. See www.thevillagemcc.org, or call 07476 667353 for details.

HIV Prevention, Care & Treatment Services

l AVERT

Sussex HIV & AIDS info service 01403 210202 or confidential@avert.org

l Brighton & Hove CAB HIV Project Money, benefits, employment, housing, info, advocacy. Appointments: Tue-Thur 9am-4pm, Wed 9am-12.30pm Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, Brighton Town Hall. 01273 733390 ext 520 or www. brightonhovecab.org.uk

l Clinic M

Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV, plus Hep A & B vaccinations. Claude Nicol Centre, Sussex County Hospital, on Weds from 5-8pm. 01273 523388 or www.brightonsexualhealth.com

l Community HIV Specialist Service

NHS nursing team supporting patients with HIV in the community and offering free HIV training for groups across Brighton & Hove and West Sussex. www.

sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/hiv

l Lawson Unit

Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials. 01273 664 722

l The Martin Fisher Foundation

STI HIV self-testing kits via digital vending machines available from: Jubilee Library, Wellsbourne Centre, Portland Road (between Wish Park Surgery and Kamson’s Pharmacy), BMEC Partnership Centre, Prowler and Brighton Sauna. www. themartinfisherfoundation.org

l Substance Misuse Service

Brighton & Hove Recovery Service manages and delivers the adult drug and alcohol services for the city. Change Grow Live (CGL) provides tailored support to adults in Brighton & Hove who identify as LGBTQ+. CGL offers 1-to-1 support, a variety of online and face to face groups. They offer LGBTQ+ specific groups via the peer-led Speakout group and have established links with a wide range of LGBTQ+ services. To refer to the service, email brighton.info@cgl.org.uk or phone 01273 731 900. More info: www.changegrowlive. org/brighton-hove-recovery-service/info

l Sussex Beacon

24-hour nursing & medical care, day care 01273 694222 or www.sussexbeacon.org.uk

l Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton & Hove

For more info about these free services go to the THT office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm 01273 764200 or info.brighton@tht.org.uk, facebook.com/THTBrighton

For people living with HIV:

• HIV support services: Info, support & practical advice

• Welfare rights advice: find out about benefits

• Counselling from qualified counsellors for up to 12 sessions

Health Promotion in Brighton & Hove:

Provides services for men who have sex with men, anyone from African communities, sex workers of any gender, and trans or non-binary people.

• Visit clinic for free fast HIV & STI testing with results in <10 mins

• Free condoms and lube

• Confidential info and advice on sexual health & HIV

• Face2Face for gay/bi men; negotiating sex, chemsex, newly diagnosed

• Tailored support for sex workers, trans people and African communities

• Outreach - say hello online and in person for info, condoms & lube, and HIV/STI testing at Brighton Sauna, Boiler Room Sauna, Amsterdam, Charles Street Tap, and Legends bar. For details please check facebook.com/THTBrighton

l Sexual Health Worthing

Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIVA; Hep vaccinations. Worthing-based 0845 111345645

National Helplines

l National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline at www.galop.org.uk and 0800 999 5428

l Switchboard 0300 330 0630

l Positiveline (Eddie Surman Trust) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 4-10pm 0800 1696806

l Mainliners 02075 825226

l National AIDS Helpline 08005 67123

l National Drugs Helpline 08007 76600

l THT AIDS Treatment 08459 470047

l THT direct 0845 1221200

Scene Magazine - April 2024