Scene Magazine - June 2024

Queer cabaret and pro-wrestling night FIST CLUB to return to Brighton

FIST CLUB - a queer cabaret and pro-wrestling night from the most exciting grapplers around - promises a dynamite mash-up of fantastical comedy, sensational drag performers and hardhitting live wrestling.

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An incredible £1,500 raised for Allsorts Youth Project during Football v Homophobia

Allsorts Youth Project took part in local women’s football team, Brighton & Hove Seagals FC’s, first 'Super Sixes' fundraising event earlier in 2024.

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Tel Aviv Pride Parade to be replaced with rally for “pride, hope, and liberty”

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REVIEW: Brighton Gay Men's Chorus on top form for Eurovision spectacular

Review by Andrew Kay. READ MORE

Progress for trans communities in Czechia

A Czech court has struck down legal requirement for trans people to undergo surgery before they are able to officially complete transition.

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Brighton Bear Weekend launches hunt for Mr Brighton Bear 2024

Organisers of this year’s Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW), one of the city’s much-anticipated annual events, supporting local charities the Sussex Beacon and Brighton Rainbow Fund, are now accepting entries for this year's Mr Brighton Bear competition

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The major of Tel Aviv, Ron Huldai, has announced the city will not hold its annual Pride Parade in June.

FAREWELL, DEAR

Last month we said goodbye to Jason Sutton (Miss Jason). Brighton locals and people from further afield filled the city streets before flocking to St Mary’s, Kemptown and Legends Brighton to give a fitting send off to an icon of British drag and of our LGBTQ+ communities. All pictures by Simon Pepper Photography.

Eddie Izzard fears being trans may affect her chances of ever becoming an MP

Eddie failed in her bid to become the Brighton Pavilion Labour candidate at the next general election.

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Brighton & Hove lifeguards ready to go ahead of packed summer season

Last year, lifeguards responded to over 60 major incidents resulting in 30 lives saved and helped reunite over 90 missing people.

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How does Pride affect you? What do you think of current Pride events?

Brighton & Hove City Council want to hear your views!

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Brighton loneliness charity Together Co to launch Campaign for Social Health with Mr Motivator

The campaign, which promotes the benefits of community and connection, launches at Horatio’s Bar, Brighton Palace Pier, on Friday, June 14..

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Brighton & Hove Pride 2024: Dance Tent royalty at FABULOSO

This year’s FABULOSO event takes place at Preston Park, Brighton on Saturday, 3 and Sunday, 4 August.

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Sab Samuel, known as drag queen Aida H Dee, attacked in Cardiff

Sab was attacked in the city during the early hours of Sunday, May 19.

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Make Waves THIS

Organisers of Brighton International

Trans Film Festival seek short films exploring trans lives and experiences

The festival takes place at Duke of York's Picturehouse, Brighton on 19 July.

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JOB: Allsorts Youth Project seeks Fundraiser

The successful applicant will help maintain the charity's fundraising activities and communications.

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Mr Gay Europe Tim Küsters meets with Mayor of Oslo to talk mental health

In May, Mr Gay Europe Tim Küsters visited Oslo to finalise plans for his campaign Be Proud, Be Strong, Be Mentally Healthy.

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"A 24-carat performance!" Billie Gold wows with Fringe show, 'Praise Kink'

Review by Brian Butler.

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Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey raises £30,000 for Just Like Us

The money was raised for LGBTQ+ youth charity in just 24 hour after running a half marathon.

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Lunch Positive to celebrate 15th birthday at Arcobaleno

Hosted by Ophelia Payne, the event on June 15 features drink specials and top-flight entertainment from the fabulous Hoedown Honies and Morgan Harris.

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COME FLY WITH US!

Fly to this year’s Isle of Wight Pride, which takes place on Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday, 21 July, in under ten minutes on a hovercraft!

History

Hovertravel has been a supporter and headline sponsors of Isle of Wight Pride since 2017. That year, with the event being held on Ryde Harbour Beach, Hovertravel transported VIP guests and performers, including the late, great Miss Jason, directly on the shore.

Hovertravel followed up in 2018 by becoming part of the London Pride Parade with a unique Hover Float; the first time a hovercraft had been seen in London since 1963.

Hovertravel’s engineering truck transformed from an everyday workhorse into a fabulous manifestation of a working hovercraft, complete with skirt, propeller ducts and some specially adapted marine technology.

Emblazoned with Hovertravel’s distinctive union flag livery, this float carried 12 people including its own dedicated DJ. The all-white uniforms, including boiler suits for engineers, were given a Pride flourish with rainbow detailing on sleeves and the pilots’ epaulettes.

Beyond the event

As well as supporting the Pride events on both sides of the Solent, Hovertravel

introduced two campaigns in 2023, aimed at raising awareness.

For many years Hovertravel has transformed the logo on the front of its craft with a rainbow design and for 2023, conscious that there had been some backlash from the LGBTQ+ community that such changes were mere marketing ploys, Hovertravel decided to keep the rainbow on for a full year, demonstrating that whilst Pride month is important, Hovertravel’s diverse approach is a continuous and evolving process.

For 2023 the company ran a social

Extra late flights to Isle of Wight Pride will ensure you enjoy all the fun of the biggest beach party of the year!

campaign which recorded what Pride means to the staff and then broadcasted these brief video clips across their social media networks.

The answers provided to the question ‘Why is Pride Important?’ were provided unscripted and spontaneously, so the campaign engaged the audience through its inherent authenticity.

Hovertravel fully supports the ethos that inclusive transport is good transport. Operating a transport system that ‘leaves no-one behind’ is vital.

www.hovertravel.co.uk

REVIEW: Actually Gay Men's Chorus: 'Gays & Dolls'

Words by Andrew Kay.

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OPINION: Amnesty responds to government's "dangerous" sex education ban

The response follows the UK government's announcement that Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum will not be taught to children until the age of nine.

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Shirley Temple-inspired cocktails to raise funds for Stonewall Housing

Stonegate Group has revealed plans to feature two of The Drinks Bureau’s premium RTD cocktails - Dirty Shirley and non-alcoholic Shirley Temple - as limitededition Pride cocktails during Pride Month.

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StoneCrabs Theatre to present Joe Carstairs, an exploration of queer power boat-racer and war hero

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Little progress for LGBTQ+ rights in UK, pan-European research shows

New research has shown that Europe is increasingly polarised over gay and transgender rights, as reports of hate crime and harassment reach record levels across the continent.

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Limited run of Miss Jason's Aperol

Pinkswag and Legends Brighton present a very special release: Aperol bottles featuring the iconic lyrics of the late Miss Jason's beloved song, Quando Quando Quando.

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The production shows during Omnibus Theatre’s 96 Festival in London in June.

SAFE AS HOUSES

Stonewall Housing launches housing scheme aimed at supporting vulnerable LGBTQ+ people in Brighton & Hove

) Stonewall Housing has launched a new housing scheme aimed at supporting vulnerable LGBTQ+ people in Brighton & Hove.

This initiative, which is supported by Brighton & Hove LGBTQ+ Switchboard, marks a “significant step” forward in addressing the “pressing need” for safe and supportive accommodation for LGBTQ+ people who are homeless or fleeing from abusive environments.

The housing scheme, which is equipped with “comprehensive welfare support”, offering residents a “much-needed safe space”, represents a collaborative effort between Stonewall Housing, CHISEL Neighbourhood Housing Association and Brighton & Hove City Council to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people.

Central to the scheme is the provision of dedicated support workers who will collaborate with each resident to co-produce personalised support plans tailored for their specific needs.

Stonewall Housing disclosed that 97% of service users have highlighted the importance of having caseworkers who understand the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Typically, residents will stay for six to 18 months, with ongoing support to facilitate their transition to longer-term housing solutions.

Founded in 1983, Stonewall Housing has assisted over 43,000 people and provided vital services to over 3,200 people in the last year alone.

Stonewall Housing’s 2023 Strategic Review disclosed that approximately one-third of service users have experienced some form of abuse and 47% of service users come from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

These figures underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the intersecting challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing safe and stable housing.

Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee at Brighton & Hove City Council, said : “I am very proud to collaborate with Stonewall Housing and CHISEL on the new scheme supporting vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth in our city.

“With LGBTQ+ homelessness on the rise, this scheme will provide a safe and secure environment and a muchneeded tailored support that can change the lives of LGBTQ+ people, empower them and help them pave the way for a more secure future.

“The launch of this scheme is a step towards our ambition as a council to live up to our national and international reputation and create a city that is truly

“With LGBTQ+ homelessness on the rise, this scheme will provide a safe and secure environment and much-needed tailored support.”

a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people of all ages and backgrounds.”

Steven McIntyre, CEO of Stonewall Housing, said: “There has been a growing need for supported accommodation for LGBTQ+ people in the city for many years now and I am just delighted that together with CHISEL Housing and Brighton & Hove City Council we are now able to provide safe accommodation for those who need it most.”

Miles Lanham, CEO of CHISEL Neighbourhood Housing Association, said: “We’re so pleased that that CHISEL can collaborate to make a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Brighton, and look forward to welcoming them to the CHISEL family here.”

Jane Woodhull, Inclusion & Engagement Project Manager of Brighton & Hove LGBTQ+ Switchboard, said: “Switchboard has been amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ communities in Brighton & Hove calling for LGBTQ+ specific safe housing to be prioritised.

“Our night shelter pilot, in partnership with Stonewall Housing and The Outside Project and funded by the Brighton Rainbow Fund last year demonstrated the great need for supported LGBTQ+ accommodation across Sussex.

“We are absolutely delighted with this new LGBTQ+ housing scheme and believe this will be the start of addressing the significant issues LGBTQ+ people face in accessing safe, inclusive housing.”

Standing Against Hate: Brighton marks IDAHOBIT

On May 17, the vibrant Ledward Centre pulsed with the energy of unity and resistance as the community came together to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). This annual event, which raises awareness of LGBTQ+ rights and combats discrimination, saw community, activists and allies participate in an inclusive and impactful evening.

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Our pop music reviewer and influencer Dale Melita shares his favourite new tracks and album of the month.

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GAY SOBER SOCIALS

SNOW WHITE TRASH LOADED WITH SAX APPEAL

Brian Butler chats to Ed Parry aka Snow White Trash ahead of performing at Classical Pride

) When you meet Ed Parry - better known as drag performer Snow White Trash - you have to keep reminding yourself he’s just 28 with a 17-year career of performing.

And now the Brighton-based entertainer is breaking new ground taking part in a unique evening of entertainment as part of Classical Pride.

He’ll be one of a group of drag artists who will play or sing genuine classical music in a contest not unlike Ru Paul’s Drag Race.

But when we met I wanted to ask him first about his already long career. “I was in the local drama club in North Essex to begin with,” but he soon had a monumental break at 11, getting the role of Friedrich, the oldest of the Von Trapp children, opposite Connie Fisher in The Sound of Music at the London Palladium - a role he kept for nine months.

But acting/singing was just one of his childhood talents. He studied the piano, the recorder and the clarinet. “I was a kid who said yes to everything - dancing classes, singing, drama, the lot. I was precocious - I did grade eight saxophone and then the flute.”

While following an acting/musicianship course at Rose Bruford, he performed at Madame Jo Jo’s in Soho in 2014 as part of its weekly contest Tranny Shack Academy, coming second.

The same year he played saxophone

on the main stage at London Pride, and then went back to drama school.

Moving to Brighton in 2019 he relaunched Snow White Trash, a name he had found in a drag queen generator years earlier. His first gigs were at the Bedford Tavern - “which I adore”, he tells me.

And after the pandemic lockdown? “I came out of it running. I’d moved out of Brighton, with no work and no grants.”

But he came back big time and now plays in venues in many parts of the country. “I always sing a bit first then play the sax, to prove it’s live,” often featuring sax solos from Careless Whisper and Baker Street

“I’m having a lovely time and still learning and growing. I do something different from other drag acts.” And that something different includes playing with Jake Shears from Scissor Sisters, including at Glastonbury. And this year he’s lined up for Cardiff Pride and the Isle of Wight Festival.

His future plans might include his own one-person Fringe show but as he said: “it would have to be something special.”

Meanwhile his plans turn to Classical Pride, a week-long series of events in London. He’ll compete with other drag acts in Classical Drag, and they’ll be backed by a live orchestra. “I think I’m going to play the sax. I want to push myself. I play the sax as if it were a

voice - so maybe an operatic aria.”

To find out more, I spoke to Jack Cullen, director of the drag event, and Classical Pride curator and conductor Oliver Zeffman

Oliver told me: “Last year we did a classical concert with gay performers at Pride - no-one had ever done one before outside the USA. Some of the most important composers were queer - Barber, Poulenc, Saint Saens, Britten, Bernstein. It reached a different audience, for people who wanted to celebrate Pride in a different way. It was a big success.

So this year it’s a five-day festival, including the London Symphony Orchestra, an LGBTQ+ community choir, and Classical Drag. As Oliver pointed out: “how people write music is based on their life experiences - Tchaikovsky was in love with his nephew while in an unhappy marriage.”

Jack told me more about Classical Drag, in which Snow White Trash will feature. “It will have a party feel to it - a kind of tribe event that classical music can move into. It will show a new side to drag performers, with new skill sets. Who knows? It may be the beginning of a new franchise.”

) Classical Pride is at various venues across London from 3-7 July

) More info and tickets: www.classicalpride.uk

ONE PARLIAMENT LEFT

Charities urge next government to deliver on “historic goal” of zero HIV cases by 2030

) Over 20 HIV and sexual health charities, including Terrence Higgins Trust and National AIDS Trust, have joined forces to call on the next Government to end the HIV epidemic in the UK — and become the first country to do so.

With just five years left to deliver the UK’s commitment to end new HIV cases by 2030, One Parliament Left, a manifesto launched by National AIDS Trust, Terrence Higgins Trust and their partners, sets out the urgent actions Parliament must take to achieve this historic goal.

According to the charities: “Incredible advances in treatment and prevention mean the goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030 is in reach. People living with HIV on effective treatment can live a long, healthy life and can’t pass HIV on. HIV prevention pill, PrEP, stops HIV-negative people from contracting the virus. And huge leaps forward in HIV testing mean that we can – and must – find every person living with undiagnosed HIV and get them the

care they need”.

The charities say with bold, targeted, and urgent action these life-changing interventions will end transmissions and make living well a reality for all who live with HIV.

The 2019 to 2024 Parliament has seen “considerable progress” – the first UK Government HIV Action Plan was published, opt-out HIV testing introduced in 81 A&E departments, PrEP commissioned in sexual health services, and discrimination is being tackled across multiple settings including; the military, pilots, driving, blood donation and fertility rights.

But the charities say there is so much more to be done. They add: “Vital progress made so far is threatened by a new sexual health crisis. Rates of STIs are higher than ever, demand for services is ever increasing, and access is limited for many.”

Produced in collaboration with expert charities, doctors’ groups and public health professionals, the manifesto calls

for the following six actions to ensure the UK achieves zero HIV transmissions by 2030:

• An expansion of opt-out HIV testing;

• The introduction of a national onestop-shop online PrEP, HIV and STI postal testing service;

• The creation of a national reengagement programme for people living with HIV who are not in care;

• The provision of year-on-year, above inflation public authority health grant funding;

• The development of a national sexual health strategy;

• Justice for those impacted by the contaminated blood scandal.

Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “MPs elected in July have a simple choice: Be the generation to end the HIV epidemic and stop new HIV cases or not. We are in touching distance but we need to pull our finger out to make it happen.

“While progress has been made –PrEP free on the NHS, opt-out testing across the highest prevalence parts of the country and the rolling back of stigmatising laws – every day we are missing chances to make this goal a reality. To end new HIV cases, we have to turn this around.

“If our leaders are serious about ending this epidemic, this is the last parliamentary term to do it. Get it right and we could be the first country in the world to end new HIV cases. What a legacy that would be.”

Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of National AIDS Trust, said: “We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to end new HIV infections in the UK by 2030, whilst also making living well with HIV a reality for everyone affected. That’s why it’s so vital that we don’t lose momentum and political commitment now. So we are calling on all political parties to commit to this manifesto, and asking our supporters to join with us in holding the next parliament to account.

“The manifesto’s six clear asks have been produced by experts in the sector, including charities, doctors’ groups, and public health professionals. When adopted, they will ensure that we are on track for the 2030 goal. They can and must be prioritised by the incoming government.”

) www.tht.org.uk/news/oneparliament-left-charities-urge-nextgovernment-deliver-historic-goal-zerohiv-cases-2030

LGBT+ Labour raises "record funds" to support LGBTQ+ parliamentary Labour candidates

The funds were raised ahead of the general election on July 4.

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FEATURE: A 63-year struggle for intersex recognition and rights

Peter Tatchell Foundation shares the heart-breaking personal story of an intersex woman, Yvonne Grey, to shine a light on the ill-treatment and struggles of intersex people.

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Show at Camden People's Theatre to revive vital yet overlooked history of UK's only dedicated lesbian centre

Camden People's Theatre, in partnership with MIRRORBALL, present GRILLS, a theatre production and interactive installation.

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INTERVIEW: Frances Ruffelle to head cast in new production of iconic queer musical, Closer to Heaven

The show, written by gay icons Jonathan Harvey and the Pet Shop Boys, will run at Battersea’s Turbine Theatre till 30 June.

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Pope Francis apologises for using “extremely homophobic language”

Pope Francis has apologised following reports that he used extremely derogatory language towards gay men.

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New book explores UK’s only known 'drag farmer'

UK’s only known drag-farmer, Boo La Croux, captured in photographs by award-winning photographer Billie Charity.

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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

30 Western St, BN1 2PG 01273 739495

6 Brighton Birdcage m

35 Gloucester Rd, BN1 4AQ 01273 624010

7 Brighton Box m

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

m Cafes

m Shopping m Fitness/Health

m Sauna

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