Stemme - Issue 2

where stud meets femme. a magazine for queers.

Issue 2

The marlborough gender free world winter queer prom Alpha bites lucy adams indigo club hans euff gluck

Cover art by kid squid illustration

Welcome...

December 2017

Creating the second edition of Stemme has had some unique challenges. Not having enough hours in the day is probably the biggest, but following in the footsteps of the first edition is a contender too. This time, we’ve focused on bringing some seriously talented writers to the table, speaking to those of our community who fill our diaries with revolutionary events (hello, Alpha Bites and Hannah Brackenbury!), and generally giving the creative types in LGBTQ+ Brighton a platform to shout from. As before, this is a magazine for all of us. Read, discuss, get angry and laugh. That’s what we’re here for and we’d be nothing without our writers, supporters and, of course, you lovely lot giving the magazine a read.

Welcome to the second edition of Stemme.

Freya Hughes Editor self portrait by Frankie fagerty-Evans

Stemme Magazine - we’re looking for contributors and support, get in touch! stemmemagazine@gmail.com @stemmemagazine Editor - Freya Hughes Design - Rosie Blackwell-Sutton Contributors - Howard Davies-Arai, Stuart Rolt, Nailor Swift, Alice Howard, Audrey Denne, Kelvin Hughes, Christina Doyle, Alex Adams, Frankie Fagerty-Evans Cover Art - Kid Squid Illustration - kidsquidkara.wordpress.com / @kidsquidillustration With special thanks to everyone involved.

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the marlborough pub & Theatre by freya hughes “Everybody’s queer living room!”

From a gay men’s space with darkened windows to a notoriously feminist dyke bar, The Marlborough Pub & Theatre is a venue that’s worn many a fierce hat in its time.

A penchant for subverting gender norms, inclusivity, and a raucous programme ranging the arts throughout the year, this pub evolves with the world around it, servicing the portions of society that require a place to call their own.

Perhaps you’ve made the most of their free pool table, or popped in for a vegan meal, seen a show that made you wonder what you just saw - whatever you’ve experienced there, you’ll know that no two visits are ever the same.

Tarik Elmoutawakil and Ema Boswood, two of the core four that make the Marly such a special venue, bring me up to speed as to how the pub has transformed into the multi-arts venue it is today. “I’ve been here for 15 years; I started working here when I came to university at Sussex in 2001,” Tarik explains.

“There was a frightening chance a few years back of the theatre closing due to a lack of innovation. I decided to take over the theatre with no theatre background... I had a vision and knew I had to make it happen, though I didn’t quite know how. I soon met David Sheppeard, who has a background in the theatre industry, and our two minds combined kept us going well for a while.” Each member of the team adds a new flavour to the cultural melting pot. Tarik says, “Whenever we get new staff it helps the Marly work, it shifts it up a gear and we’re able to do so much more.”

Since the days of Tarik and David going it

Photo by Rosie Powell

alone, they’ve had Creative Producer Abby Butcher and Programme Coordinator Ema join the team. With a flat hierarchy, Abby, David and Tarik now each carry the title of Creative Producer at the Marlborough, working together to program different seasons, keeping the shows diverse and unexpected.

Ema explains that the main goal is to ensure their shows will make audiences think, change their perceptions of others and life itself. “We love when people in the pub, who might not necessarily know what they’re letting themselves in for, come upstairs to the theatre and see something absolutely outrageous, radical, queer and messy, and not what they

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thought theatre was in the first place. A lot of people say they’ve found an interest or passion they didn’t know they had.” Those with a more traditional view of theatre tend to have that construct broken down. Tarik says, “Theatre’s an institution, people often go in the same way as they approach going to a museum: they’re going to look at dead things.

I love that the Marly isn’t like that; as soon as you come in the building there’s light and it’s all happening.”

change and develop.” The team are known for their sensitivity around trans people’s experiences, and that of queer people of colour. This is something Tarik in particular is very passionate about. “If people experience micro-aggressions, we don’t accept that. We’ll ask people, if they keep misgendering someone, to leave. We’re keeping a safe space and it’s important for us to stamp that out.” He continues, “as a person of colour myself, I’d like to do similar work to make sure queer people of colour also recognise this as a place where they can talk to staff about micro-aggressions they might have experienced. I’m going to be working with some other members of the bar staff to come up with some policies that we can then wear on our sleeves, like our commitment to decolonising the scene.”

While limited in what can be achieved in terms of making the building more accessible, this may well be the most open the Marlborough has ever been. Taking their theatre shows seriously, the team also ensure each and every customer can consider this pub a safe space. They’ve recently been donated a T Loop machine for those with hearing impairments, and encourage anyone with any accessibility needs to get in touch and they’ll do their best to accommodate them.

Accessibility is at the forefront of everything the Marlborough team do. Tarik contemplates his words, then tells me, “something I really like about the Marly is none of us going around pretending to be perfect. We’ve learnt over the years about that, as a result of programming, like cultural appropriation. We’re human beings who have a desire to grow,

The sense of community you’ll feel when visiting is unparalleled by any other venue I’ve been to; inclusivity is at the core of the team and venue’s mission objective. “We’ve tried to unify the building and excavate its queer political side, which has been at the root of the Marlborough for such a long time,” Tarik says, showing that their ethos runs throughout everything they do. Ema chimes in, telling me about their scheme to engage customers and staff even more: “We have our membership

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scheme called Marly Mates, and it’s something we’re really proud of. It’s very much based on love. There are loads of benefits like discount tickets to shows, discount drinks in the bar - which is really good because you make back the investment really quickly! Also invitations to our annual members’ party, which was amazing this year.”

Speaking with such impassioned staff it’s heartbreaking to hear the struggles of an arts venue in a time of austerity. Cuts left, right and centre are making things increasingly difficult.

While some may be disheartened, there’s a special kind of strength that the Marlborough team possess. Ema sums it up perfectly: “I think it’s important to keep that anger and rebellion that comes with the LGBTQ+ movement, and the history of this building, but to channel it into the right places and make the Marlborough a welcoming space for everyone.”

The Marlborough Pub & Theatre is at 4 Prince’s St, Brighton marlboroughtheatre.org.uk All photos on this page by Helen Copping.

Follow Helen on Instagram @hjvs_

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velvet jacks by freya hughes Thrilled at the prospect of a fairly cheap night, I went for the Classic Jacks (£8.50), adorned with mozzarella, prosciutto ham, olives, red onion and mushrooms. The base had a nice crunch to it, while the cheese sitting on top of it made for an enjoyable difference in textures.

The toppings were all full of flavour, and generously applied. My partner opted for the Meat Treat (£8.90), topped with mozzarella, chicken, prosciutto ham, chorizo, pepperoni, red onion and olives. Her feedback was evidently positive, as we both went very quiet as we ate! To the side of the pizzas was a portion of fresh rocket salad with just the right amount of balsamic drizzled on top. Adding a refreshing hit to the dish, we also enjoyed some well-flavoured garlic and chilli oils, the perfect accompaniment to our meal.

The booze and food are both winners, and the bar has some exciting live music events dotted throughout the calendar. They’ve just started serving Sunday roasts too, but be warned: it gets so busy you can barely get in the pub if you’re late!

Heading into Velvet Jacks on a particularly freezing Thursday evening, it struck me that this is the only bar in Brighton that’s geared solely to the lesbian crowd. While others are of course welcome, this pub is lesbian owned and run - a rarity in any city.

Delighted to grab the window seat, for a good spot of people watching, I got myself pint of Oranjeboom, a steal at just £3.50 as it was happy hour (usually £4 a pint). My girlfriend chose a pint of Aspalls, which was served quickly and with a smile. Off to a flying start, we scanned the chalkboard menu on the wall. The pizzas are made in house, and are all under £9. A bustling atmosphere will make you feel right at home, too.

Velvet Jacks is at 50-52 Norfolk Square, Brighton BN1 2PA facebook.com/velvetjacksbrighton

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Gluck by stuart rolt Paradoxical, brilliant and boundary-pushing, Hannah Gluckstein (1895 – 1978) was ahead of her time in many ways. An artist of astounding talent, she wilfully subverted early 20th century convention in both her work and personal life. Born into a wealthy family, she ran away to Cornwall with fellow art students during the Great War. There she was inspired to develop a controversial masculine identity and adopt the name Gluck – a title with “no prefix, suffix, or quotes”.

While icons like Rain Dove and Casey Legler have brought gender fluidity into modern fashion, they both owe a debt to Gluck’s androgynous and rigidly tailored style. “They’re newsworthy now for the way they look, but Gluck was doing that 100 years ago,” says Martin Pel, Curator of Fashion at Brighton Museum. “She’s become a role-model for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. Yet her work and her reputation as an artist has taken a kind of second role.” Now, Gluck is under new scrutiny with a major new show in Brighton & Hove. It gathers around 30 rarely-seen paintings and extensive personal ephemera in the first major exhibition exploring her life – examining how an image can be constructed through clothing, and how contemporary Gluck still seems.

portraiture and landscape. A lack of money worries meant her art became biographical.

“Someone that wealthy can afford to be what they like,” confirms Pel. “Similar women who were working class generally had to get married, because they didn’t have access to education or great jobs. She could afford to just be Gluck.”

Developing a cult following among collectors and celebrities in the 20th century’s later half, many Gluck paintings are seldom exhibited.

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery’s Gluck: Art & Identity brings together key pieces like The Pine Cone (1919), to Credo (Rage, Rage Against the Dying of the Light) (1970/73) which was her last major work. She didn’t want to be part of a ‘school’, so her works span still-life,

Not only benefiting from being part of the family owning the successful Lyons tea shop

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chain, she also established herself at a time of significant social upheaval. After World War I Britain changed and women started demanding more rights. “You started seeing this neurosis in society about the modern women, and this ‘scary man-woman’. In the 20s it becomes a fashion, like the flapper, and Chanel are doing women in trousers - but all of this is a new form of femininity. You look at a picture of Gluck, and she’ll look like a man. It was revolutionary to wear trousers, because it was so unacceptable back then.”

This androgynous self-image flowed effortlessly into Gluck’s paintings. Each lend a sensual and gentle effeminacy to their subjects. So much in her work is gently elongated, whether it’s human limbs or flower stems. It’s hard to tell if this a reflection of the times or the way she interpreted the world. “There’s a painting in the show called Bank Holiday Monday, of a figure which is very androgynous. We can’t tell if it’s a man or woman. This figure wears the clothes Gluck wears, so a zip top and quite-masculine plus-fours, yet it has bleached blonde hair and seems to be wearing cosmetics.”

Credo (Rage, Rage Against the Dying of the Light)

Gluck was unafraid to destroy her work and make a fresh start. There were spats with paint manufacturers, as she demanded they improve the quality of their mediums. After being ‘banned’ from helping organise her last public show, she rented a room across the street to monitor progress. This turbulent genius forged her own view of society, and everything was poured into her craft. This year has seen renewed interest in this singular artist, with the Fine Arts Gallery holding a retrospective, and her work heavily featuring in the Tate’s Queer British Art event. “It seems Gluck is the ‘artist du jour’. Her profile has grown quite large in 2017. She will always be an LGBTQ figure, but I think her artworks will become much more appreciated for what they are. She’s not a major figure in British modern art, but she should be.”

The Pine Cone

Gluck: Art & Identity runs at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery until Sun 11 March 2018. brightonmuseums.org.uk

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Gender free world clothing by alex adams “It’s unfair that gender restricts your clothing choices everyone should be free to dress how they like.” had something to wear, even if it’s not what I want.” So, Lisa decided to do something about the lack of choice.

If you’re not drawn to the ‘traditional’ gender-divided garments found in high street stores, what are you supposed to wear?

From everyday outfits to party getup, shopping for gender neutral clothing or simply clothes you feel represent you, can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. Gender Free World Clothing, located on Portland Road, Hove, was co-founded by Lisa Honan and she can relate.

“The idea for GFW Clothing began from my own personal frustration in shopping in the high street. I would often go out shopping for hours only to return home with one or two items chosen as a compromise so least I

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Her sharp sense of style has developed over the years, which is clear as Lisa explains her sartorial choices stem from the punk movement, and has been evolving ever since.

“On a day to day basis I like comfortable clothes: jeans, tees, and shirts obviously! For going out, creepers, turn up jeans, smarter shirts. I am a big fan of orange, and have a number of different orange coats and a brilliant striped orange and yellow blazer.” If you’re not drawn to the offerings of your average women’s section in a clothing store, you’ll be familiar with the struggles of finding the right cut to suit your body. It’s this frustration that made Lisa start tailoring her own clothes, and eventually launching the brand.

Alongside Lisa at the helm of GFW is business partner Nel. They design the clothes, which are then made in London. Going from a range of just five shirts - the legendary penguin print being one of the first - the growth the company has seen since 2015 is more than impressive. The pair make sure they keep their notorious fun and lighthearted approach to fashion: “We’re working our way through the animal kingdom… lobsters, dolphins, bees, flamingos and, of course, penguins! We have a fruit-based collection coming out in the spring too, so look out for strawberry, cherry and watermelon prints.”

And as well as choosing prints that will represent your inner animal (or make you a bit peckish), you’ll know the garments you’re wearing come from sustainable sources. In a city like ours, this is an important factor and the owners have ensured their customers will not only look good but feel good: “most of our fabrics come from mills in Spain and the Netherlands, and we have checked out the provenance of the fabrics we use. Our t-shirts are made from a blend of organic cotton and recycled bottles!” So it’s not just gender-free designs that are alluring for customers. When you can help the environment and choose from 28 variations of a single shirt, you’ll find yourself loving the fact that one size doesn’t fit all.

It’s businesses like GFW that underpin smaller communities and portions of society. For some, clothing choices are an expression of self, and being able to choose what one wears in a safe space away from judgement is crucial. It’s amazing to have such a fashion trailblazer on our doorstep as GFW, and Lisa has exactly the ethos the LGBT+ community in Brighton, Hove and further afield need: “Community is incredibly important to me, in this increasingly fragmented society where globalisation and capitalism dominate, community is vital for mental health, sense of belonging and a route to petition for change.”

Find GFW Clothing at 102 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5DN genderfreeworld.com

“We’re working our way through the animal kingdom… lobsters, dolphins, bees, flamingos and, of course, penguins! We have a fruit-based collection coming out in the spring too, so look out for strawberry, cherry and watermelon prints.”

lucy adams by freya hughes

Photo by Lex Kembery Filling your life with something you love is unequivocally the only way to live. Live unashamed of who you are and what you want, take on anything (and anyone) who might stand in your way. I’ve thought about this a lot lately, and speaking to pro skater Lucy Adams recently only reinforced the idea.

Taking skateboarding to new heights for the

last 20 years, she’s taken her passion from a hobby at her local park across the world, forged her own unique path, and of course married her wife Emily. Commendable to say the least, if you ask me.

Lucy is certainly one for pushing herself. A sport that takes practice and patience,

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skateboarding also takes a good amount of discipline if you want to excel at it. While anyone living in Brighton & Hove will recognise that distinctive sound of wheels on concrete, where is it that leaders in the sport go to hone their skills? “In the street there might be rough ground, maybe a crack in the edge you want to grind - it’s just harder. If I’m feeling like I want a challenge then definitely street. But obviously you can’t beat your local skatepark!” Frequenting Brighton Youth Centre (BYC) skatepark, the Level and a quieter spot in Woodingdean, these places have always been somewhat of a safe space for Lucy.

girlfriend she was introduced like that and it was quite easy.”It’s not always easy to meet people when you live in a small town, let alone when you’re searching for a same sex partner.

Similarly, you don’t always expect your younger sibling to inadvertently matchmake you with your future wife. Knowing one another at school, Adams and her wife Emily were a few years apart so their lives ran adjacent for a number of years.

“Rosie and Abbie, our sisters, were best friends, and we heard about each other more because of them. Nearly 11 years ago, one Christmas when I was back from Manchester, we all went to the theatre to see a musical.

My sister made sure I came, and Emily came as well, and we re-hit it off.”

Her more masculine sense of style sits comfortably in this kind of environment, but the journey she’s been through to be so secure in herself hasn’t been quite as smooth. I wondered if she’s faced negativity for not fitting the mould of a feminine girl when growing up. It can be hard to experiment with your sense of style at a younger age - school days can be challenging for the most self assured of us.

They’d grown up a lot in this time, and what was once kids playing out together turned into something incredibly special.

Together for a few years, the pair married just a couple of months after equal marriage was legalised in 2014. She remembers it clearly, her voice becoming nostalgic. Lucy wore a suit, while Emily had her pick of three dresses. She tells me:

“It was really difficult, even when I got more confident with my style and thought I’m going to wear more of a men’s look, there would just be times at work where I thought I’m so out of place with these people. I would just sit there and think ‘oh my god, why do I look like this and why am I here?’”

“We married at Horsham registry office, and were their first gay couple to marry. They were all really nervous, probably as nervous as we were! Then fortunately my wife’s parents own a really nice pub in Horsham, a bit out of town with a big garden, which we put some big marquees up in, and my dad’s a butcher so we did a big hog roast too. It was pretty packed, and definitely a day to remember.”

A relatable feeling, it goes to show that even influential athletes may not always feel completely at ease. Despite this feeling of detachment, for Lucy coming out was fairly expected by her loved ones. She explains that, as many will have experienced, it was over time to different people. Her mother having been in a same sex relationship for a number of years took the surprise out of the revelation.

She recalls telling her mother, “that was pretty easy. When I told other people it wasn’t a shock either, so once I started having my first

Follow Lucy on Instagram: @lucyadamsskate

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- what’s on -

Kingdom: Christmas Packers Fri 8 Dec Latest Music Bar

Boogaloo Stu presents Much Ado About Crimbo!

Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec Marlborough Pub & Theatre

Forget Christmas Crackers, it’s all about Christmas Packers at Kingdom’s festive show!

Remember it’s not about the size, but what’s on the inside that counts.

Get merry with the tinsel-trimmed showbiz legend Derek Daniels for this seasonal and slightly Shakespearean game of musical bingo – it’s Much Ado About Crimbo! Listen carefully as your host sings a medley of fabulous festive classics, all the while casually dropping Shakespearean quotes into his unique retelling of the nativity.

Hosted by the legendary Mr Nailor Swift, your stocking will be bulging this year with festive delights from Sigi Moonlight, Mark Anthony, Oedipussi, Georgeous Michael, and the incredible Zayn Phallic. This time around there are two open mic slots available (email the team on kingofthefringe@gmail.com to secure your place), the best prizes in town at the Meat Raffle, and of course, the best dressed audience member competition. This is one for your diary, and more treats will be on offer on the night - but they’re all wrapped up for now.

Tick off the songs and quotes on your bingo card as you hear them, competing your way to victory. Get a full house and claim your present from under the tree.

Derek will be joined onstage by his old showbiz sidekick Ronnie Hazelnut on the piano. ’Tis the season to make merry, after all. This is an hour and 10 minutes of festive weirdness.

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- what’s on -

Photo by magnus hastings

Tina C - Happy Birthday Jesus!

Mon 11 - Tues 12 Dec Komedia

Kitty Glitter: December Will Be Magick Again Sat 23 Dec Komedia

Warm those cockles around a fire of top quality music and comedy with the legendary Tina C. Country music icon and all-round Christmas lover, let the good times unwrap. While the planet warms up and the hearts of global leaders freeze over, Tina C thrives in this climate, ready to explain her unique life, view of the world and sing up a winter storm. She invites you to celebrate the birth of a baby who was supposedly born to bring people of all religions together as one.

Happy birthday, babe.

Following on the success of last year’s event, Kitty Glitter are excited to announce the third annual December Will Be Magick Again! An evening of Kate Bush and all things related, expect Kate Bush music and visuals ALL NIGHT LONG. The Kitty Glitter Kollective present to you the post-gender apotheosis of glamour, style and excess. They’ll be pumping out a blend of genres, such as disco, techno, electro, italo, pop, hip-hop, house and more. The threesome is made up of Saint Violet, Ms. Amanda Robotnic and Kate St. Shields.

You may remember Tina C from her annual festive shows, and if you’re so inclined, you’ll know she was the winner of the First & Foremost Cabaret Award for Best Show at Brighton Fringe 2017 too.

Their simple ethos will appeal to everyone in the room: “Dressing up – encouraged. Self expression – desired. Being yourself – required.”

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indigo club by alex adams big deal in the local arts scene. Involved with Funny Girls at The Caroline of Brunswick, the Rainbow Chorus and Brighton Dance Flash Mobs, she’s firmly on the LGBT+ centrestage.

With a hard-earned repertoire, she’s put emphasis upon uniting the queer and non-binary community. “The idea of Indigo Club is that it is warm and relaxed. As the host I try to get around and chat to people and I’ll do my best to introduce individuals to some of our regulars.”

Curator, musical comedy star and member of the Short & Girlie improv troupe, Hannah Brackenbury has many strings to her bow. Creating Indigo Club out of necessity, as there simply weren’t enough events on the calendar for queer women, she books three fantastic and diverse artists for each show. “We try to have a mix of live music, a stand-up comedian and something a bit different from the cabaret scene, like a drag king, burlesque performer, a poet or a sketch or improv act,” she explains.

For those of us with few LGBT+ friends, this inclusive environment can see you arrive alone but leave with a whole new group of mates.

Hannah appreciates the importance of bringing together members of our community.

The evening of entertainment is sectioned off into three enjoyable parts. Doors open at 7:30pm for a chat and a mingle, followed by three acts providing sterling entertainment, finishing up around 10pm. Then the stage becomes a free for all, as the audience are welcome to throw some shapes on the dancefloor. “It’s something that is slowly improving but there is definitely still a lack of events and venues in general where women and non-binary people can go specifically to meet others.”

After a while, clubbing can get boring and spending an evening down the pub can be a little lacklustre. Carving its own sweet spot somewhere in the middle, Indigo Club is an amalgamation of the two, but a whole lot more entertaining! With some fierce performers sprinkled into the mix, this really is a safe space to let loose. Exciting themes keep the regulars enticed, too: “each month the audience has the opportunity to vote for next month’s music theme – we’ve had all sorts… Brit Pop, 70s disco, movie themes… but the 80s and 90s themed nights are always the most popular!”

So dig out your shoulder pads and jelly shoes

Reminiscent of an old fashioned variety show, but with a queer and modern twist, you really get to enjoy the best of the city’s nightlife in one hit.

A Brighton resident since 2009, Hannah is a

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- the energy that comes from these brilliant themes is infectious.

With plans to start up a second night in Hove every other fortnight, the Indigo family is set to expand. “We’ve done a couple of Hove shows previously which seemed to attract some new faces.” And Hannah’s ambition doesn’t end there; I think she’s planning to slowly take over all of our free time. “A lot of the men’s venues have drag cabarets [on Sunday nights], which are really popular so to offer an alternative aimed more at women and non-binary people might be good.” Watch this space...

Any budding artists out there, “get out there and have a go!” Hannah exclaims. She’s certainly done her time of the arts circuit to know exactly how to get started with performing, and knows it can take you further than you’ve ever dreamed.

“There really is no better place than Brighton to experiment and try out new ideas in a safe environment. There are loads of open mic nights for comedy, music and drag that are all really welcoming and supportive. Remember that every successful performer out there on the circuit started somewhere, usually at open mics or similar. Get to know other performers too - share ideas, you never know where it might lead.”

Indigoclub.xyz facebook.com/indigoclubbrighton

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alpha bites by freya hughes “Faux Queen as a label can fuck off there’s nothing fake about what we do.”

Chatting to Alpha Bites over a glass of wine and some particularly nice olives, I soon came to realise just how diverse the art of drag is.

If you’ve not come across Alpha Bites before, she characterises the extremes of femininity, mixing known tales with an edgy twist to create seriously unique and scintillating shows. As a female drag queen, I wonder how she’s created her alter ego without stepping on the toes of her everyday self - Alex. Thoughtfully sipping her Pinot Grigio with a smile, I’m told, “doing drag has changed my life in terms of my confidence as a person. I’m much more able to express myself, I know who I am. To do drag you’re creating someone else. It’s an extension of yourself and you’ve got to get the base right to grow from there.” It’s always fascinating to hear what inspires people to explore another side of themselves, and more often than

not it helps a person evolve and find out more about themselves. To extend one’s self in such a way involves knowing exactly who you are, and what you’re capable of.

For women becoming drag queens, it can be harder than other drag artists to break through into the limelight. Alpha recalls her debut into the scene, explaining: “I learnt about Revenge’s Lip Sync for Your Life, entered, and got to the final. After that I put an act together which I still do now. It’s based around Cinderella and her dream will come true but it’s her sexy side.”

With her ability to twist a story most of us grew up hearing, taking the underlying themes to a new level, it’s no surprise she’s able to broaden minds and get a crowd going.

But let’s take this back a minute.

How do you go from a RuPaul fan to one of the biggest drag acts in the south east?

Photo by eddie adams

According to Alpha, the best thing is to just bite the bullet, “Drag allows you to play with perceptions of gender. The more people that are doing it, the more mainstream it becomes, the better world we live in.”

wear so much of it you realise you don’t need it at all.”

Creating such a unique character as Alpha Bites, you’d be forgiven for assuming that would be quite enough for one performer.

Not Alex though, as she tells me, “Alpha brought out a certain power in me, and allows me to own what I already have.” Introducing the second persona in her armoury, Jonny Don, she explains: “With Jonny I sometimes think ‘this could get out of control!’ because I’ve never explored him before.” He’s the cheeky ‘lad’, if you will, of Alex’s personality. A huge contrast to Alpha Bites, it’s an interesting dichotomy to see unfold. She’s adamant that Alpha and Jonny would not be friends!

Brighton’s first femme drag queen night, Female Trouble (co-curated by Stella Pint), has helped her career skyrocket too. Creating her own space to perform and experiment, she says there is a growing movement away from the traditional male-dominated drag scene at the moment, spearheaded by local legends Hans Euff, Felix Le Freak, Bitter Sour, the Kingdom team and more. “We need those big queer dance places that are legitimately queer inclusive, like Traumfrau. That’s one big reason Stella Pint and I set up Female Trouble.

For me particularly, I know Brighton has so many great venues - and really wants these kinds of nights.” These places are redressing the lack of queer spaces on the scene. It’s an age-old problem these artists are smashing through, the patriarchy being thoroughly ignored by these inspiring individuals.

To present two completely different sides of herself while out and about in town, I wonder aloud if it’s difficult for Alex to understand the two opposing personalities, that are both her own. “It’s jarring when people ask about your gender because they feel they need to put you in a box and bring in all their assumptions and understandings of the world. The key is who you are.”

Confidence is becoming more and more of an issue for younger people, especially with the domination of social media platforms demanding people to conform. It’s a double-edged sword, though, as it allows young people to connect in a way we never could before. “I used to not be able to leave the house without wearing any makeup, mascara, foundation… now I don’t wear any makeup, you realise as you put it on the performativity of it. You’re performing a feminine thing. When I’m not Alpha, I want (and need) to be Alex.”

Photo by lucy le brocq

While drag is certainly an exploration of one’s self, it’s crucial performers do take time to nurture their day-to-day selves. She continues, “the way I do that is not putting on makeup.

It’s the mask I wear to be confident. When you

facebook.com/alphabitesqueen

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Hans euff drag you under the bus How do you identify?

As a rule, when I’m in drag then it’s Hans and out of drag Sian. However, I tend to find that only close friends and family call me Sian these days! I’m sure there are many people in Brighton who don’t know my given name. It really doesn’t bother me. As long as people are using my name in a positive light, they can call me what they like! I identify as non-binary.

Gender is a complicated subject for me. I used to say gender was not important but I think that’s the wrong way of putting it. The non-assignment of gender and being addressed as ‘they’ is now incredibly important to me. It makes me uncomfortable when people refer to me as ‘she’ because of my birth given anatomy. If I’m in drag though, I prefer to be called ‘he’.

Photo by veronika teo

How do you find Sian and Hans coexist?

What’s coming up in Hans’ diary?

There are certainly echoes of my personality in Hans however, he is a lot braver than I am.

He is unashamedly brash and silly and is not too concerned about what people think. He also assumes everyone will like him because (in his mind) why wouldn’t they?! I suppose there is an element of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ effect with Hans. He thinks he is amazing and perfectly valid but the audience (and I as his creator) understand it’s preposterous.

For instance, one of his interpretive dances is based on a two hour trail shift he did at ASDA. Having said that, I think that’s why it works because even though the audience can see how ridiculous Hans is, I think there’s still a part of them that is routing for him. He’s a lovable fool.

Hans will be a very busy boy next year. He’s currently working on a show for Brighton Fringe called Inside the Mind of Hans. For the show, the audience will be inside Hans’ subconscious and will be taken on a journey through his memories and daydreams. It’s a one-person show and will require a lot of energy and planning but it promises to be a unique experience at the very least! He will also be launching a monthly cabaret show in Brighton early in the year featuring all schools of queer performance.

Tell us a bit about Drag You Under The Bus...

How did you get it started?

Drag You Under The Bus was born because I

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wanted to create more alternative drag and queer events in Brighton. Over the last few years, Brighton has seen some incredible nights popping up. Hans was born at Kingdom, which provides platforms for new and existing drag kings in Brighton every month. The work they do is so important, as without this space, I truly believe the pool of Brighton-based drag kings would be smaller (and Hans may not even exist!). Other drag events include Felix Le Freak’s Freak Show, Alpha Bites and Stella Pint’s Female Trouble, Fuschia Von Steele’s Sleep Paralysis, and Count Addiction and Cherry Fakewell’s Bitter Sour. It’s my belief that there can never be too many queer-friendly events and venues, particularly in Brighton which is re-nowned for LGBTQIA folks. Also, I really wanted to see Tammie Brown live and it became apparent that for that to happen, I would have to produce her event - so I did and it was a great success!

entertainment. That’s why I think it’s so special.

How do you find the acts that perform in your shows?

I choose acts that I have enjoyed watching as a fan. That’s my only selection criteria. I rely on the fact that if I find them entertaining then others will. Personally, I have a soft spot for the unconventional. If after an act’s performance I’m left thinking ‘What the hell just happened?’ then there’s a good chance I will be looking to book them!

Why is it important for you to give these performers space to get their voices heard?

The more people who hear them the better.

When I realised Tammie Brown wanted to come to Brighton, but would not be able to unless someone produced a show for her, it was a no-brainer to step up to the plate.

Queer performance often comes with an underlining message about important issues and even when this is not the case, as mentioned, the very notion of drag and queer performance is important and so should be spread as far and as wide as is humanly possible.

Where did the idea come from?

The business was born out of necessity. Once I started planning Tammie, it quickly became clear I would have to set up a business simply due to the scale of the project. Once I started I thought, ‘Well, I’ve set up this business so I may as well keep going!’.

What are your plans for the future?

What’s the dream?

Other than the projects mentioned above, myself and Alpha Bites will be launching a monthly club night in April which will encompass the ‘Club Kid’ vibe and will be a safe, inclusive and fabulous space. I have also secured four bi-monthly dates at the Komedia next year (starting in June) that will each have a headliner act (similar to Tammie) and incredible warm ups. Hans will host it and it’s called Drag You Under The Bus Presents... so keep an eye out!

I would like to take Drag You Under The Bus across the UK and eventually all over the world. It would be great to think that people could be inspired by the spaces that will be and are being created. I think drag is an important art form as it pushes the boundaries of gender and social normativity.

I think anything that forces people to question the status quo is positive and drag manages that in a very digestible, unassuming way. Even as a performer, it’s easy to forget that drag challenges the norm because primarily it is

Follow @dragyouunderthebus

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Cabarave by howard davies-arai ego can take a lot of time. “We were there from about one in the afternoon until six in the morning the first night.

We’re quicker now - we don’t have to get there until half past two,” they laugh. The effort that goes into the night is obvious when you first step in the door; stalls are set up, the walls are coated in fabric, decorations hang from the ceiling and glitter sparkles from the club’s darkest corners. It feels like a festival in full swing. “We really wanted to create something fun and inclusive, which everyone could come and enjoy.”

Even if you’re a regular to the Volks Bar & Club, you might not recognise it after Esme, Nina and Jerome have got their hands on it… Once a month, they transform the Brighton nightclub for a fancy dress, star sign-themed, performance studded, glitter-coated indoor festival - Cabarave.

If you haven’t had a chance to join in yet, it’s the creation of longtime friends Esme Sarfas, Nina Sarfas and Jerome Prud’homme. “Before any of this Cabarave stuff, we did a photobooth at Jerome’s night BassKonnection, dressed as ‘cabaravers’ and it all started from there,” Nina tells me. “Jerome wanted to put on a night at the Volks with a different theme every month, and asked if he could use our name,” says Esme. As the Volks’ events manager, Jerome is usually involved with many of Brighton’s drum and bass nights. “We wanted to put on a more interesting, crazy, friendly and glittery night than the Volks already had,” says Nina, who has previously toured several times as events manager with vintage night Itchy Feet, and can be found snapping pictures as Cabarave’s official photographer - Nina Collada Shots.

Cabarave isn’t just a club night but an interactive performance, one that gets bigger and madder as the night goes on.

Throughout, several live performers can be expected onstage in between music from both DJs and live bands. “We wanted to do something new,” says Esme. “Although there are a lot of alternative nights out in Brighton, we thought there was nothing regular enough.”

As well as being Cabarave’s creative director and stage manager, Esme is also a talented singer-songwriter in the Brighton scene. “I started writing and performing my own music when I was about 14,” she recalls. “I grew up in a very musical family.” She’s played at almost every venue in Brighton and has a regular gig at Brighton’s Casablanca nightclub with her band, We R Disco, and it’s evident she approaches her gigs and events in a similar way. “We like to include a lot of local talent,”

Working together to book DJs and performers, the team’s first Cabarave was a roaring success back in April. “We got a very good response. People were telling us they loved seeing the Volks dressed up!”

Transforming the Volks into its glittery alter

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she says. “We like the idea of local performers getting in touch… we like fresh blood!”

The amalgamation of various backgrounds in the Cabarave team brings an eclectic, fun vibe to the night. Fancy dress is very much encouraged, with prizes going to the best dressed, and the live acts are captivating and diverse. Entertainment comes from live bands, cabaret, burlesque, dance, mimes, drag artists, walkabout performances and even an award-winning magician. There are stalls where you can get your fortune told, astrological readings, or simply be covered in glitter. There is, as the cliché goes, something for everyone.

“We ended on a high this year!” Reminiscing about their inaugural year, the three of them laugh, “we had our Halloween night, which was insane! The Volks was packed; it was a really high energy party.” Cabarave will return in February 2018. And for those who’ve never been? “Come and check it out! There’s dancing, dressing up, music, performances, glitter and the drinks are cheap!” facebook.com/cabaravebrighton All photos by Nina Collada Shots

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QUEER WINTER PROM by freya hughes “Do it again. do it right. do it queer af.”

It’s the right of passage ‘dance’ that brings our school years to an end, filled with teenagers in ill-fitting high street suits and gowns. For many LGBT+ young adults, the prom can be an awkward evening of presenting differently from your true self. The L Word’s Alice Pieszecki sums it up: “I went, it sucked.”

Alice got a do-over in the series, and now here in Brighton we do too: the team behind FemRock Brighton present the Winter Queer Prom, coming to Komedia on Fri 12 Jan.

band will be playing your favourite prom-themed covers, plus performances from local drag superstars and performers. A stellar lineup of DJs includes Alfie Ordinary, Alex Spinks, Jumeau and Rebel Girl. A cocktail of disco, pop, hip-hop, R&B - expect tunes ranging from the 80s to 90s as the soundtrack to your big night.

Grab your date and don your crowns, because at this Winter Queer Prom, everyone is royalty!

One of the organisers, Vicki Cook, explains, “not many people within our community have a positive prom story. Either they didn’t go to prom, or couldn’t have the experience that they wanted to because of their gender or sexuality, among other reasons.” Because of this, there’s no dress code; you’re encouraged to wear what you’d have wanted to wear to your own prom.

This is a not-for-profit night and proceeds from the evening will be donated to local LGBTQ organisations that will be voted for on the night.

Prom checklist • •

Continuing, Vicki explains her personal motivation, which will be familiar for many of us: “I went to my prom but not before being forced into a long dress, heels, a spray tan and a Debenhams make-over. I spent the entire night feeling so alienated and invisible.

I had no idea who I was at this time and was totally oblivious to what a queerdo I was.”

• •

There will be a photo booth to commemorate your prom experience so you can replace that old picture of your awkward school prom that lives on your parents’ mantle piece. A live

Tiaras, because you can’t have too many sparkles! At Winter Queer Prom, everyone is a queen or a king!

Horse drawn carriage to make an entrance. There’s fashionably late, and then there’s Southern Rail late. Consider organising a parade to arrive in style if you’re local.

Hip flask. It doesn’t matter what you fill it with, but please bear in mind WKD won’t come out of your clothes.

Corsage. Yes, we’re going full America here… Drape your wrists and fill your lapels with flowers. Werk!

Sissy that walk, girl, it’s the prom.

Tickets available at the Marlborough Box Office and WeGotTickets.com

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glossary of polyamorous terms by alice howard Polygamy – having multiple spouses, often with the stereotype of not all parties being happy with polyamorous set up. Not to be confused with polyamory, where connection and freedom are fundamental.

Affair – a sexual liaison based on secrecy, occurring outside of a marriage or monogamous relationship. Polyamory is not an affair.

Bigamy – the illegal practice of being married to one person while still married to another.

This is not polyamory.

Primary Relationship – a polyamory pairing where more emotional, financial and time entwinement occurs, compared to the Secondary Relationship. Cath and Sonny are the Primary Relationship, Cath and I are the Secondary Relationship, although none of us are keen on these labels.

Compersion – the feeling of happiness that your partner is enjoying time with another partner. Sometimes called ‘Frubble’.

Ethical Slut – reclaiming the word ‘slut’ and using it to describe someone who is responsibly muti-partnered.

Swingers – usually a couple who sleep with others for sexual gratification. Different from polyamory in that love and connection often aren’t part of the sexual encounter.

Lover – the non-married sexual partner in polyamory. Sometimes called ‘Sweetie’.

Threesome – usually a couple who bring in a third person for sex, and who neither are emotionally connected to. This is not polyamory.

Metamour – the partner of one’s partner who you don’t sleep with. This is what Sonny and I are to each other. Sometimes called ‘lover-in-law’.

Thruple – three people in a polyamorous relationship, who are all emotionally and sexually connected. This is not currently our situation, as Sonny and I are friends but not lovers.

Monogamy - having one sexual and emotional partner.

NRE – New Relationship Energy. The excitement at the start of a new relationship.

Alice Howard writes for various queer publications, as well as writing plays, blog entries and Aldi London Road shopping lists.

Her writing interests are sexuality, gender and inclusion.

ORE – Old Relationship Energy. The feeling of security in an established relationship.

Paramour – a partner outside of the primary coupling. In this case, me! The literal translation is ‘Passionate’… I’ll take that.

@TheAliceHoward

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polyamory: Many loves by alice howard people’s reactions. The negative responses have all come from those insecure within their own relationship status.

We are not swingers. We are not having an affair. This is not bigamy. We are not greedy, or unable to commit. Polyamory means having more than one loving, sexual partner.

It wasn’t long ago that I too had less than generous views on polyamory. Wasn’t it something those hairy American weirdos do in cults?

To paraphrase the film Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (which incidentally is one of the rare movies showing polyamory in a positive light, along with Netflix series You Me Her), polyamory: respect, love, and never boring.

Today I am ashamed of those prejudices; I am certainly not anti-American or anti-hairy. Cults, I’m still not so keen on.

When I came out over a decade ago, I remember worrying,

There are many combinations in polyamory.

First let’s lay sex, gender identity and sexual orientation on the table. Polyamory can be a combination of any and all of the above, involving three and upwards people.

Who should I tell?

What will be their reaction?

My polyamorous status has resurrected these questions. It’s exhausting trying to second-guess

The relationship covered most in the media is

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an established heterosexual couple bringing in a third person, usually a woman. Social theory would suggest this is the tamest combination, but research would suggest variety is the spice of life in polyamorous make-ups.

We are three cis females. Cath and Sonny are a happily married couple. Both had the desire to open up their relationship. Cath and I are sexual partners; Sonny and I are friends.

Doesn’t that make me The Other Woman? If it was an affair, yes. But it’s not a secret. The three of us hang out together, fully aware of what we mean to each other.

A couple where only one sleeps with one other. Or both sleep with the same other. Or two people who each have their own other.

Or all four sleeping together. Or five, or six.

For us, the situation raises a range of exciting possibilities. Cath discusses bringing in another lover who may or may not sleep with Sonny or me. Sonny explores short-term lovers, and I have occasional one-nighters.

Every which way, as long as we are talking consensual, open, human connection. There is no established model to follow, which has given me the pleasure of freedom within connection.

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We each take health precautions. Sexual adventure isn’t any less exciting when doing it responsibly. Catching an STD is not only dangerous, it is not in the spirit of polyamory.

Opening up your relationship doesn’t mean a free-for-all. It can add a level of honesty and depth of understanding that would not have grown otherwise.

Yes, there is jealousy. A valid emotion in all relationships. Let it in and mix it with compersion (see Glossary.) Recently when my lover and her wife went on holiday I started feeling excluded. Then I focused on the fact that the woman I love is having a well-deserved rest in a fantastic location with someone she loves. From this I felt genuine joy.

The most difficult part was deciding what to call Cath. I’ve settled on ‘lover’ but it’s still not quite right. Accepting we will not have all the answers has been a big part of my polyamory journey.

So is this the way of the future? Will we all eventually be multi-partnered? Having attended several weddings this year I’ve sat listening to the monstrous list of promises. It is unreasonable to expect everything from one person.

This situation works for me on so many levels.

Years of relationships turning into merging, co-dependent nightmares where sex disappeared as matching onesies appeared.

But this is unlikely to happen in a relationship where the desire is for growth. Stagnation is not an option, and Cath hates any kind of matching nightwear.

My sexual appetite remains peaked. Cath and Sonny’s relationship has developed in new and fulfilling ways. Change begets change.

How does it work?

Communication. I have never talked so openly in a relationship before. We have three people to consider. Three sides to our story. Three sets of emotions. Three, as yet, uncoordinated menstrual cycles.

Want to find out more about polyamory?

Check out these websites, blogs, podcasts and books:

On a practical note, a WhatsApp group and online calendar are paramount. Also, it sounds trite but respect is key. Consider this: you don’t need to know everything about each coupling.

Before you ask a barrage of questions, give thought to whether you actually want the answer, or you just want them to know you are thinking about a topic.

morethantwo.com/polyglossary camerynmoore.com/category/sexploreum Polyamory Weekly Podcast Opening Up: Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships by Taormino

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DRAGONY UNCLE nailor swift

Nailor Swift is the host of Kingdom and now Stemme’s very own Dragony Uncle.

He sits down to tackle your questions, dishing out advice on dating, love and sexuality. Submit your questions to stemmemagazine@gmail.com.

Photo by lucy le brocq

I struggle to be happy over the Christmas period. What can I do?

I’m thinking of coming out over Christmas dinner. Any advice?

You’re not alone. This time can be hard for all kinds of people, for a range of reasons. I think the first thing I want to acknowledge is the importance of good self care, and this applies all year round too. Practising self care is something we all forget to do, and around Christmas it’s really the most important. This can include such a wide range of things, and is as unique as each of us. But here are some general suggestions to get you started:

I totally get that telling everyone at once and ‘getting it out there’ is a very tempting option, but here are some things you may want to consider before making a decision.

Firstly, I’d assess the situation and think about if ‘coming out’ at Christmas will be a safe and open space for this disclosure… Christmas tends to already be an intense and emotional time for individuals and families alike. Maybe step back and look at why you want to do this in such a setting and if you’re going to be ok if it leads to some hard conversations. Perhaps try visualising and even practising the way in which you’d like to tell people, and some honest answers to questions you may be asked. I would offer that honest conversations with people one on one will lead to a more real and hopefully understanding conversations on both sides. It could also be less overwhelming than a lot of people’s input all at once. If you think these things through and still decide this is the choice for you; make sure you have some support outside of the group you’re telling, so you can decompress by talking it through with them. Whatever you choose, best of luck and a proud festive season to you.

1. Make time for yourself and for the things you enjoy.

2. Look after your body, make sure you are eating and sleeping as best you can.

3. Engage your mind, find things that stimulate your brain and interest you.

4. Find or create your safe space, it can be anywhere, this is totally up to you.

Alongside self care, I would suggest some form of support. Again this means different things to everyone. It could be talking to a friend, joining an online support forum, accessing a service such as your GP or a support group*. I know asking for help can feel scary, and that’s ok.

What I would say is that you’re stronger than you know, and are worthy of people’s time and support.

*switchboard.org.uk

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brief moment by Frankie fagerty-Evans @scribblesandink