Thursday, December 25, 2008
Cruise in safety in Brighton
Cruising for sex can be a tricky business. Some gay men seem to be able to walk into a bar, walk straight up to the person they fancy and leave with them at the end of the evening. Others spend the whole evening trying to pluck up the courage to speak to somebody and end up either going home alone, or going home with someone that they don’t really fancy. Thanks to GMFA’s Confident Cruising course, which will be delivered In Brighton on Saturday January 24, anyone can learn to be a confident cruiser and take control of the sex they have. The one day course is designed to help men approach the men that they like, whether they meet in bars, clubs, saunas, cruising grounds or even online.
“Nobody plans to go out and have crap sex but lots of men find it really hard to approach the people they fancy - and so they get drunk and end up having sex that they’re not in control of, with somebody they’re not attracted to,”
said Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA.
“This course will help men to feel confident when they’re out cruising, and increase their ability to talk about the sex that they want and to say no to the sex that they don’t want.”
There are practical tips on gaining confidence, ways to start conversations with strangers and to talk about the sex that you want.
The course also looks at non-verbal communication and safety in situations where gay men aren’t expected to speak to each other, such as saunas and cruising grounds.
“There’s something for everyone, no matter how old you are or where you go to meet men for sex,” added Hodson.
All of GMFA’s courses and workshops are free of charge to participants but places are limited and must be booked in advance.
To book a place, go to www.gmfa.org.uk/national or call 020 7738 6872.
Confident Cruising is a one day course which takes place on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.
"Is the Pope ignorant or malevolent?
Gay human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has reacted angrily to the Pope's latest bizarre claim that saving humanity from homosexual and transsexual behaviour is just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction."By choosing to highlight homosexuality instead of hunger, war and homelessness, the Pope has lost his moral bearings and sense of priorities.” said Peter Tatchell of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender human rights group OutRage!
"Free market capitalism, and its culture of greed and consumerism, is a far greater threat to the ecological survival of our planet than homosexuality or tran sexuality," added Mr Tatchell, who is also the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Oxford East.
"The suggestion that gay people are a threat to human survival is absurd and dangerous. It is poisonous propaganda that will give comfort and succour to queer-bashers everywhere. "The Vatican's continued rejection of a modern scientific understanding of homosexuality is a throw-back to the Dark Ages. It defies rationality and compassion."
"Why is Benedict so obsessed with gay sex? He seems to talk about it all the time, issuing an almost weekly tirade of denunciations that borders on a compulsive disorder. "This prejudice is par for the course. The Vatican recently opposed a United Nations statement condemning homophobic violence and the criminalisation of same-sex relations."
"Without gay priests and bishops, the Catholic Church could barely function. At least a third of the clergy are gay, which makes this latest outburst by the Pope totally hypocritical. If Benedict objects so strongly to homosexuality, why does he surround himself with gay advisors and Vatican officials?" queried Mr Tatchell.
The Catechism, which sets out the basic doctrines of the Roman Church denounces same-sex relationships as a "grave depravity" and "intrinsically disordered." It also states that lesbian and gay relationships are "contrary to natural law ... and do not proceed from genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved."
Various other Papal pronouncements condemn homosexuality as a deep-seated personality disorder and psychological flaw; variously condemning same-sex acts as "grave sins….objectively disordered….(and) intrinsically immoral. Even people who have a gay orientation but abstain totally from sex are condemned by the Pope as possessing a "tendency towards an intrinsic moral evil."
"Despite the fact that 40 million people are infected worldwide with HIV, the Pope condemns safer sex and condoms. He has turned his back on a proven method of stopping virus transmission, and instead promoted the lie that condoms have tiny holes that HIV can pass through. This irresponsible scare-mongering is tantamount to complicity with the needless deaths of millions of people who have died because they had unsafe sex," added Mr Tatchell.
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Peter Tatchell is the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Oxford East.
www.greenoxford.com
www.petertatchell.net
Brighton and Hove (actually) Gay Men's Chorus - Concert Review
It was standing room only for the annual, Brighton and Hove (actually) Gay Men’s Chorus, Christmas Carol Concert at St Andrews Church, Hove, last night.‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ had something for everyone. Traditional and not so traditional Christmas carols and readings all performed in the magnificent surrounding of St Andrews Church.
The High Sheriff of East Sussex, The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex and The Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton and Hove were all in attendance and participated in the concert helping with the readings.
The actress Jacqueline King hosted the evening brilliantly while the soprano Fiona Baines set the tone for the concert with her touching performance of Panis Angelicus and her emotional delivery of ‘O Holy Night”.
However, the stars of this show were the choir, trained and conducted by Jason Pimblett, in great voice, and adapting well to the restrained performance needed to deliver Christmas Carols, in a church setting, convincingly.
A BHAGMC concert is a team effort, with the skills needed to put on a concert of this nature shared between members of the choir. Nothing was left to chance, resulting in a great community event, delivered by a great choir with a community focus. £2 from every ticket sold will be shared between The Friends of St Andrews, The Churches Conservation Trust and The Mayor’s Charities.
The choir are always looking for new singers and musicians. Go along to one of their rehearsals every Thursday at St Andrew’s Church, Waterloo Street, Hove at 7.30pm. Next date in the choir’s diary is their Spring Show on May 23 at St Andrews Church, Waterloo Street, Hove.
For further details about the choir go to: www.bhagmc.org
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Letter to Editor: The Pope is wrong!
Pope Benedict’s Christmas assault on gay rights seems outrageous given the unearthing of never-ending child sexual abuse scandals in the Catholic church. The Roman church has lost credibility and incredibly now seeks to moralise others in their personal behaviour. The Pope has also given great offence to those who are gay Catholics and homosexual priests, in what is becoming a crusade by the Catholic Hierarchy to hold back a changing world. Perhaps, the greatest problem of all is the amount of air-time given to the Vatican state on western television. The Pope is beamed in to everyone’s living rooms in an arrogant and presumptuous fashion as if everybody was of the Catholic faith, gay or not. It’s high time the Catholic church reformed and put it’s own house of horrors in order before in crumbles to the ground with it own internal scandals.Maurice Fitzgerald,
Shanbally,
County Cork. Rep of Ireland
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Have you seen these men?
Sussex Police have released images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with a homophobic assault, which took place in West Street, Brighton on Saturday September 20, 2008 into Sunday September 21, 2008.A 50 year old male victim was subjected to homophobic and racist abuse and was then struck with a glass, which caused an extensive injury to his face.
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the assault. The male victim was distinctive as he was wearing smart clothing including a waistcoat and a hat.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Amelia Neel on 0845 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Dr Who Star hosts gay choir concert
Dr Who Star, Jacqueline King, who plays Sylvia Noble in the latest series, will be hosting this years Brighton and Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus popular Christmas Concert, ‘Twas the night before Christmas’ tonight at St Andrew’s Church, Waterloo St, Hove at 7.30 pm. The Lord Lieutenant, The Mayor and The High Sheriff will also attend and read.Musical Director Jason Pimblett said;
‘This will be a very special show and will set the scene for the Christmas season and festivities. We are delighted that Jacqueline King of Dr Who fame will be with us. The show will include many fond Christmas favourites. There will be some lovely readings as well. So forget the stresses of the Christmas rush and come along for a happy evening with family and friends.’’
Tickets available from the door and from the Iron Duke and Bulldog at £6.50, which will include mulled wine and mince pie .
For further details about the chorus go to www.bhagmc.org
Sussex Beacon fundraiser dies
News has just reached the Gscene news desk of the sudden death of Sussex Beacon fundraiser, Kevin Davies last night (Monday 22). Kevin had only been in post for a short time and news of his death has come as a great shock to the staff team at the Sussex Beacon. We are waiting for more information from the family and when funeral arrangements have been made we will post them on the website".
Victory for Brighton Council tenants
Brighton & Hove City Council was awarded full, immediate possession of a property in Craven Vale last week following one of the worst cases of antisocial behaviour experienced on a housing estate in the city.
The eviction follows ongoing serious antisocial behaviour in Craven Vale involving several families. It has been one of the most serious cases of nuisance, the council housing antisocial behaviour team has ever dealt with.
Not only did the family cause a tremendous amount of nuisance, which affected many of the homes at Craven Vale, the house they were living in became a meeting point for all the people who were causing nuisance in the area.
During the summer lots of people would sit outside the house (which looked over the whole estate) for hours, drinking, shouting and swearing, often late into the evening. Neighbours were threatened and even assaulted causing a climate of fear and intimidation. There was also litter strewn around, spitting on the grass, arguments and public urination at all hours of the day and night. Sometimes the noise was so loud in the early hours it woke neighbours causing a lot of distress.
The court order has enabled the council to remove one of the most serious perpetrators off the estate and the address will no longer act as a magnet and social centre for people who caused such severe nuisance from the property.
Brighton & Hove City Council’s housing antisocial behaviour team co-ordinated actions and exchanged information continually with the police. The team also worked with other agencies, including the Family Intervention Project which provided a parenting contract, a parenting order and organised a private leased property for one family to move into with continued parenting support.
Following the eviction another neighbour who gave evidence said:
“We have never spent Christmas here because the nuisance was so bad we always had to go and stay away to get some peace and quiet. This is the first Christmas we will be spending here and I am so looking forward to it.”
Avenue Q - Theatre Review
I hate using the lazy superlatives in reviewing any piece of theatre but in the case of Avenue Q, I can't find any other words suitable to explain how incisive, clever, funny and, yes, fantastically, wonderfully brilliant this show is.First conceived in 1999 as a musical theatre workshop project, it opened to rave reviews in March 2003 and won the Best Musical Tony in 2004. It’s still running on Broadway and now in Las Vegas and London. Music and lyrics are by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, book is by Jeff Whitty.
A friend explained the concept of the show as “Sesame Street for grown ups”, but it’s much more than that. A sharp script, memorable songs and yes, those engaging puppets come to life in this two hour laugh-in-cum-love-in which makes you feel good, even if it's sometimes at the expense of others (Schadenfreude). Elsewhere, refreshing takes on Political Correctness (Everyone's A Little Bit Racist, If You Were Gay) blend seamlessly with a love song of sorts (There's A Fine, Fine Line) to deliver a delightfully twisted musical even the most hardened LesMisaphobe will love.
Daniel Boys, one of the finalists on Any Dream will Do, delivers a virtuoso performance in two of the male leads with brilliant manipulation of the puppets. After the first five minutes I couldn’t take my eyes off the puppets but somehow was able to follow Daniel's facial expressions which are in turn eerily matched by the puppet he controls.
Joanna Ampil's over the top performance as the formidable Christmas Eve is perfectly judged as is the salacious Julia Atherton who impressively breathes innocence and naughtiness into Kate Monster and Lucy Slut respectively. Tom Parsons played Nicky, porn-mad Trekkie Monster and Bear and captured the outrageous nonsense of it all perfectly.
If you don't see any other West End show this year, make sure you take in Avenue Q before it's current run ends in the spring, you won't be disappointed.
Avenue Q runs at the Noel Coward Theatre, St Martins Lane, London.
www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Camp As Christmas raises over £3,000 for Sussex Beacon
Camp As Christmas, the community Christmas Party at Stanmer House last night (December 16) was an outstanding success and raised £3,215 for the Sussex Beacon.Dave Lynn, Miss Jason, Lady James, Jamie Watson, Rupert Ellick, Connie Conway and Mercedes Bends provided the entertainment while Tommy Turntables (Popstarz), Alex Baker (Legends), Queen Josephine (Wild Fruit) and DJ Masters (Charles Street) provided the music. The Brighton and Hove (actually) Gay Men's Chorus sang christmas carols as people arrived.
Brighton and Hove Bus Company supplied two buses including the Phil Starr bus to drive everyone up to Stanmer House. The buses were driven by Pride’s chief steward, Gavin Owen and most recent addition to the local cabaret scene, Auntie Robbie who drove his bus in full drag. Davina Sparkle and Cassidy Connors were the clippies and checked everyones tickets.
Total income from the event was £4,710, Outgoings were £1,495 leaving £3,215 for the Sussex Beacon.
The event was sponsored by Corbett Lee Estate Agents www.corbettlee.com Just Jean www.justjean.co.uk Real Brighton www.realbrighton.com and Gscene Magazine www.gscene.com
The event was organised and produced by Rupert Ellick
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
New bi and trans report
Spectrum, the LGBT Community Forum and the University of Brighton will be presenting additional findings from the Count Me In Research tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17 at the Friends Meeting House, Meeting House Lane, Brighton.Since the launch of the Count Me In Too Initial Findings in June 2007, the project researchers have disseminated further detailed findings based on additional analyses of data collected from 847 local LGBT people in the summer of 2006.
New Bi & Trans analyses were supported by community, voluntary and statutory sector stakeholders, which for the first time evidence the views, experiences and needs of Bi and Trans people across the city. Two separate reports on Bi people and Trans people make respective recommendations for future strategy and service development.
Dr Kath Browne from the University of Brighton will present an overview of the two reports’ findings. These reports will be available for the first time at this event and can be downloaded from the Count Me In Too website www.countmeintoo.co.uk following the launch on December 17.
The launch is at the Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton
Monday, December 15, 2008
Jewels of the Raj exhibition moves to the Amsterdam Hotel
After a successful showing at the Iron Duke in Waterloo Street, Hove. Jack Dixon’s Exhibition, Jewels Of The Raj has transferred to the Amsterdam Hotel were the paintings are being exhibited in the new lobby and reception area. The acrylic abstracts depict India after partition in 1947.Jack Dixon is an ex-soldier and is disabled. He lives in Saltdean and is a active member of GEMS (The Gay Elderly Men’s Society). Jack's suggestion for a design for the Brighton Aids Memorial was one of three put to a public vote early last year. Romany Mark Bruce's proposal for a Bronze Statue to be sited in New Steine Gardens was the eventual winner of the competition and public vote.
Jack is a former licensee and bar manager.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Ruth Lorenzo at Revenge
X Factor finalist, Ruth Lorenzo belted out rock classics to a packed and appreciative crowd at Revenge last night. Surprisingly eliminated two weeks ago from X Factor, the Spanish Diva showed that she could perform live and brought the house down with her rendition of Purple Rain.Next Friday (19), quirky Diane Vickers will be appearing after being eliminated last Saturday.
The X Factor Final in on ITV tonight (Saturday 13) at 7.10pm and features boy band JLS, Irish singer Eoghan Quigg and Diva and hot favourite Alexandra Burke.
For more details: www.revenge.co.uk
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tories admit plans to cut funding for domestic violence and community safety and that jobs will be lost
Brighton Tories plan to cut funding to community groups who work on stamping out domestic violence and improving community safety.
Brighton & Hove City Council cabinet member for communities, Cllr Dee Simson refused to promise groups throughout the city centre would be safe from cuts when she faced a grilling from residents at a meeting of the Eastern Road Partnership.
She said that the Tarner and Eastern Road areas would still get some help, but confirmed that some staff would go.
Green city councillors Ben Duncan and Paul Steedman who attended the meeting on behalf of residents, said the decision was 'a disgrace'.
“The two areas under threat have been identified as the city’s most deprived – but the Tory council is attempting to blame the government for the cuts while refusing to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to helping residents in the city centre.
“The Tarner area has one of the highest levels of mental health problems in the country – and Eastern Road has one of the region’s highest concentrations of older people and other vulnerable residents.'
At last week’s meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council Cllr Simson said she could not confirm that no groups would face closure – today (11), she said her budget for next year had not been finalised, but that because of the council’s political priorities Council Tax would be kept as low as possible and that would mean there was less money in the pot for everyone.
The Eastern Road Partnership, which consists of ward councillors, residents of sheltered housing, council tenants and housing association homes in the area, agreed to spend its remaining money on funding drug and alcohol outreach work, a Nintendo Wii to help elderly and other high-rise residents keep active, community safety black-spots in the area – and a number of other community projects.
Cllr Duncan added:
“I am deeply saddened that this Tory administration would rather spend its cash on cutting taxes for the better off residents in the leafy suburbs – and divert what little is left to supporting projects in Tory-held wards instead.” www.lgbtgreens.org.uk
Cllr Gill Mitchell, Leader of the Labour Group, who will be presenting a petition from the community to the Tory Cabinet protesting at the cuts said,
"The Tories have said that they want to take funding away from areas like Tarner and give it to individuals instead. This is crazy as the projects that are helping so many will now end and all the investment in the community will be wasted."
Brighton & Hove City Council cabinet member for communities, Cllr Dee Simson refused to promise groups throughout the city centre would be safe from cuts when she faced a grilling from residents at a meeting of the Eastern Road Partnership.
She said that the Tarner and Eastern Road areas would still get some help, but confirmed that some staff would go.
Green city councillors Ben Duncan and Paul Steedman who attended the meeting on behalf of residents, said the decision was 'a disgrace'.
“The two areas under threat have been identified as the city’s most deprived – but the Tory council is attempting to blame the government for the cuts while refusing to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to helping residents in the city centre.
“The Tarner area has one of the highest levels of mental health problems in the country – and Eastern Road has one of the region’s highest concentrations of older people and other vulnerable residents.'
At last week’s meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council Cllr Simson said she could not confirm that no groups would face closure – today (11), she said her budget for next year had not been finalised, but that because of the council’s political priorities Council Tax would be kept as low as possible and that would mean there was less money in the pot for everyone.The Eastern Road Partnership, which consists of ward councillors, residents of sheltered housing, council tenants and housing association homes in the area, agreed to spend its remaining money on funding drug and alcohol outreach work, a Nintendo Wii to help elderly and other high-rise residents keep active, community safety black-spots in the area – and a number of other community projects.
Cllr Duncan added:
“I am deeply saddened that this Tory administration would rather spend its cash on cutting taxes for the better off residents in the leafy suburbs – and divert what little is left to supporting projects in Tory-held wards instead.” www.lgbtgreens.org.uk
Cllr Gill Mitchell, Leader of the Labour Group, who will be presenting a petition from the community to the Tory Cabinet protesting at the cuts said,
"The Tories have said that they want to take funding away from areas like Tarner and give it to individuals instead. This is crazy as the projects that are helping so many will now end and all the investment in the community will be wasted."
Government backtracks on Civil Partnership commitments
The Green Party has slammed the government’s decision to lend its support to EU countries that do not offer gay civil partnerships, and questioned its commitment to LGBT rights after it backtracked following pressure from the House of Lords.Despite the UK’s own recognition of civil partnerships, the government made a submission to the European Court of Human Rights saying Austria should not have an obligation to provide the same rights to same sex couples.
The opinion was submitted as part of a case brought by an Austrian couple who argued that Austria had violated their right to a private and family life, the right not to suffer discrimination, and the right to marry.
Green Party MEP for London, Jean Lambert, said:
“Across the EU and in the European Parliament we are pushing for the equal recognition of civil partnerships in all member states. However, it seems that the UK government voluntarily lent its support in this case to EU Member States who do not wish to allow the same rights to same sex couples as heterosexual couples.
“One would hope that a government supposedly committed to equal treatment would also promote the principle outside its own borders.
“This clearly displays the government’s own confusion with what it hopes to achieve for LGBT human rights. Human rights are meant to be universal and indivisible, however, it would appear that the British government does not think so and is making it more difficult for those at the EU level who are arguing for the mutual recognition of civil partnerships and marriages.” www.lgbtgreens.org.uk
No show from BNP at Hove Station
A large crowd of demonstrators rallied outside Hove train station last night (Wednesday, 10), after news leaked that the British National Party (BNP) were intending to set up a new branch of the party in Hove.BNP supporters had been told by email to meet at Hove Train Station at 7.30pm were they would be met and taken to a secret location in Hove for a meeting.
A coalition of Brighton & Hove Trades Council, Brighton & Hove Trade Unions including Unison and the Public and Commercial Service Union (PCS), representatives from Students Unions, politicians from the Labour Party and Green Party and representatives from Love Music, Hate Racism rallied at very short notice to demonstrate their opposition to the BNP setting up in Brighton and Hove.
Nobody identified themselves as members of the BNP.
Various speakers including former leader of Brighton and Hove Council and Labour candidate for Kemp Town, Simon Burgess addressed the crowd who dispersed quietly around 8.30pm.
Simon Burgess, Labour candidate for Kemp Town said,
"It was very heartening to see that so many politically diverse people could come together at such short notice, in freezing weather, to give a loud message to the BNP that they are not welcome in our city.
"Though the BNP still pedals the same old message of hate they are better these days at selling themselves as reasonable. It's vital that all of us who want a diverse and inclusive city spread the truth about them so that they can not get any foothold here.
"They are organising now because they hope to get a south-east MEP elected - which ever party you support make sure you vote in June to stop them." www.simonburgess.co.uk
Phelim Mac Cafferty from Brighton Green Party said,
“LGBT Greens are proud to have joined the successful protest yesterday against a proposed meeting of the BNP and we will continue to oppose the BNP’s fascism and race hatred.” Stated Phelim Mac Cafferty on behalf of the Green Party LGBT Group.
“The BNP hoped and failed to use their meeting yesterday to whip up hatred against the LGBT community. Again we are reminded why it was not only crucially important for us to oppose the BNP on this occasion but more fundamentally why our opposition must now be deepened and broadened throughout the LGBT community.
“We call upon every LGBT person in Brighton and Hove to have as their first New Year’s Resolution continued opposition to the fascists. The likelihood of a prolonged economic recession and the rising cost of food and fuel could yet be the life-support machine for the BNP’s electoral strategy. This is why we must ensure that we continue to be vigilant about the BNP’s activities to ensure their politics of hatred is stopped.
“Further we must ensure that the Nazi death camps, where hundreds of thousands of LGBT people were ritually tortured and gassed and shot to death, serve as a warning from history that we can never forget.” www.lgbtgreens.org.uk
A spokesperson for the police said,
“The demonstration was very well organized and good tempered.”
The demonstration was organized by Unite Against Fascism. www.uaf.org.uk
A BNP Quiz night and social at the Ore Community Centre in Old London Road, Hastings on Monday 8 was cancelled by the manager after local representatives from the Public and Commercial Services Union pointed out that the community centre was a council owned building. Campaigners will be writing to the East Sussex County Council for an explanation and assurance that the BNP will not be welcome to use council facilities in the area in the future. www.pcs.org.uk/en/news_and_events/news_centre/index.cfm/id/0F995138-D91F-4239-B06D47488681F9E3
Anti Fascist campaigners are next targeting a BNP event in Crawley this Saturday (13).
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Glamorous tranny grannies at the Bulldog
The Bulldog in St James Street are staging a fundraiser for the THT tonight, Wednesday December 10, to help pay for the free condoms they handout. Presented by Joe McJoe and hosted by the High Priestess of Camp, Sandra, the winner of the Bulldog's Glamorous Tranny Granny Title, will get a cash prize of £100.
Open to anyone over 40 prepared to slap on some lippy, lashes and wiggle their way down to the Bulldog to join Dean, Joe McJoe, Paul Max and DJ Marcia for the quirkiest event in the run up to this year Christmas celebrations.
Remember pick up a condom and pop a £1 in the box. If your feeling generous pop in £5.
The Party starts at 8.30pm, happy hour is from 9pm-midnight.
All proceeds go to the Terrence Higgins Trust: www.tht.org.uk
For further Bulldog details: www.realbrighton.com/company/Bulldog/listings
Anti Scientologist Protest in Churchill Square
Anonymous a local protest group that holds regular demonstrations against the Church of Scientology were joined by members from the London branch of Anonymous last weekend.They were highlighting the fact that some members of Brighton Anonymous have allegedly been forced to quit the protest group for their own safety.
Brighton Anonymous, have been holding regular demonstrations outside the Church of Scientology's Brighton office in North Street on the corner of Churchill Square. In recent months, they claim that several of their members have experienced threats by Scientology members, including emails, phone calls and solicitors letters. It is alleged that one member has had to quit the group after receiving threats to him and his family.
Sister group, London Anonymous, aware of these recent issues came to support the Brighton group in last Saturdays demonstration.
The protest highlighted the anniversary of Lisa McPherson’s birthday. Lisa was a scientology member found dead in 1995 after being locked in a room belonging to Scientologists for 17 days. It is thought she was locked away to prevent psychiatric treatment being administered after she had an accident. Scientologists are completely opposed to psychiatry. Scientology also opposes homosexuality, viewing it as an illness or perversion causing danger to society.
The theme of the protest was Christmas, the time of year where families can be forced to disown each other within Scientology if members have family or friends that don’t support the religion.
This is part of their ‘disconnection policy.’
For more information: www.brightonanon.com/forums
Peaceful Anti Fascist Demonstration at Hove Train Station
The British National Party are aiming to re-launch a branch of the organisation in Brighton & Hove, with a first meeting planned for Wednesday December 10, at 8pm. Unite Against Fascism have circulated an email from the BNP in which they call for their supporters to meet outside Hove train station on Wednesday 10, between 7.15pm-7.30pm were there will be someone to re-direct them to a secret venue in Hove, where the meeting will take place.
Brighton and Hove Unite Again Fascism are calling on supporters and people opposed to the BNP to gather in front of Hove train station from 6.30pm.
A spokesperson for Unite Against Fascism said,
"This Nazi organization wants to exploit people’s fears and anger at a time of recession by scapegoating ‘minorities’ and ‘foreigners’. In Germany this led to the industrialised murder of six million Jews and millions of others in the Holocaust including homosexuals. What ‘normal’ political party, would feel unable to openly advertise the venue for their ‘re-launch’ meeting? The recent on-line publication of the BNP’s membership list underlines the fact that many of it’s members want to keep their affiliation to the BNP a secret, hardly the hallmark of a 'normal' political party. We call on everyone who can come to help create a mass peaceful protest that prevents the BNP meeting in our city.”
Simon Burgess, Labour Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown said,
"Taking a stand against extremists, bigots and neo-fascists was one of the things that brought me into politics. They must not be allowed to establish a foothold in Brighton and put at risk members of our minority ethnic and LGBT communities.
"The BNP are focusing on the South coast as a possible target for the forthcoming Euro elections and statements seen on their website about Brighton, show how out of touch and removed from our diverse society this right wing party is." go to www.simonburgess.org
Green Councillor Vicky Wakefield Jarrett said:
“Brighton & Hove politicians must represent the interests of everyone who lives and works here. What this city needs is social inclusion not division. It's unacceptable that the BNP, with it’s politics of race hate and division, feels it can operate in this area.
“We must show that there is united opposition to the BNP and ensure Brighton & Hove is a fascist-free zone. Only then can we begin to claim that all who live and work here are able to do so free from fear.”
www.uaf.org.uk
www.lovemusichateracism.com
X Factor Rachel wows them at Revenge
X Factor finalist Rachel Hylton was the first of the departing X Factor finalists to appear at Revenge last Friday night. An enthusiastic crowd gave Rachel a fantastic reception as she sang songs she had performed on the reality TV show. After performing Rachel signed autographs at the bar.Next Friday (12) Spanish Diva, Ruth Lorenzo will be appearing at Revenge followed by Diane Vickers the following week (19).
Ruth was surprisingly eliminated from the show two weeks ago followed by Diane Vickers last Friday night.
The X Factor Final Show on TV is next Saturday (13) and features boy band JLS, Eoghan Quigg and Diva and new favourite Alexandra Burke.
For more details: www revenge.co.uk
Review: Theatre Royal, The Wizard of Oz
After the disappointment of last years Panto, Cinderella, the Theatre Royal chose to move away from a traditional panto format this year with The Wizard Of Oz.I have to admit I was left slightly bemused by the production. Great individual performances, good singing and dancing, clever script, maybe a little more could have been spent on the production but overall a great night out…… for grownups. And there lay the problem. The show did not engage the children sitting round me. They were noisy and to be honest bored, clearly having trouble following the fast moving script.
Half way through the show everyone started to enter into the spirit of the evening, booing the bad witch and cheering the lion, but it took far too long for the audience to feel comfortable engaging in the traditional type of audience participation associated with a Christmas Show.
Toto the dog and the lion played by Gareth Marks steal the show. Marks' performance is masterful playing every camp innuendo for its worth and more. The subtleties of his performance appeal to the grownups while his hi camp delivery engages the children. Aimie Atkinson playing Dorothy, Tim Flavin playing Scarecrow and Jon Clairmonte playing Tin Man all give strong performances as does Julia J Nagle as Glinda the camp witch, while the troupe of Munchkins are adorable.
If you go expecting a traditional panto you might well be disappointed, but go with an open mind and you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality and standard of the performances.
My advice for LGBT theatre goers is leave the kids at home and take your granny. She will love it!
The Wizard of Oz plays at the Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton till Sunday January 4.
For further details go to:
www.theambassadors.com/tickets/brighton/theatreroyal/4340/the-wizard-of-oz.html
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Gay choir to sing at Royal Academy of Music
Brighton and Hove (actually) Gay Men’s Chorus are joining the Pink Singers, one of Europe’s oldest established gay choirs for their Winter Concert at the Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road, London on Saturday December 13, at 7.30pm.The programme for this musical extravaganza includes everything from In the Bleak Midwinter to a compendium of Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols to a medley of popular Christmas tunes. A night that’s destined to be gay, merry and bright!
Tickets are now on sale, priced at £15 each (£12 concessions). Advance bookings are being taken on the Pink Singers ticket line: 07020 934 678 and on the Pink Singers website at: www.pinksingers.co.uk
Tickets will also be available on the door.
Doors open at 7.00p.m. and the concert starts at 7.30p.m. The nearest tube station to Duke’s Hall is Baker Street.
For further information about the Brighton and Hove (actually) Gay Men’s Chorus: www.bhagmc.org
Creating strong and safe queer communitites
On December 10, the Brighton and Sussex Sexualities Network welcomes Canadian researcher, Cindy Holmes to speak at the University of Brighton. Under the title Creating Strong and Safe Queer Communities, Cindy will discuss the challenges faced in educating about violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) communities. Dr Catherine Donovan will open the event discussing her 2006 research that compared same-sex and heterosexual domestic violence.
This is an opportunity to have an informed discussion about violence in LGBT relationships and how we can work to combat violent and abusive ways of life. Supported by the Domestic Violence Forum and the LGBT Domestic Violence and Abuse Working Group and sponsored by Broken Rainbow, it is part of the ongoing work to prevent domestic violence within LGBT communities.
Cindy will focus on two violence-prevention and training projects she's coordinated. Speaking about some of the challenges and complexities faced in this work, She will focus on how we conceptualise and educate about what is healthy or unhealthy in queer relationships and the need to integrate an analysis of racism and colonialism in our LGBTQ anti-violence strategies.
Refreshments will be provided during the event.
For further details and to book your place:
contact mail@broken-rainbow.org.uk
www.cmis.brighton.ac.uk/bssn/events/Creating%20Strong%20and%20Safe%20Queer%20Communities.pdf
This is an opportunity to have an informed discussion about violence in LGBT relationships and how we can work to combat violent and abusive ways of life. Supported by the Domestic Violence Forum and the LGBT Domestic Violence and Abuse Working Group and sponsored by Broken Rainbow, it is part of the ongoing work to prevent domestic violence within LGBT communities.
Cindy will focus on two violence-prevention and training projects she's coordinated. Speaking about some of the challenges and complexities faced in this work, She will focus on how we conceptualise and educate about what is healthy or unhealthy in queer relationships and the need to integrate an analysis of racism and colonialism in our LGBTQ anti-violence strategies.
Refreshments will be provided during the event.
For further details and to book your place:
contact mail@broken-rainbow.org.uk
www.cmis.brighton.ac.uk/bssn/events/Creating%20Strong%20and%20Safe%20Queer%20Communities.pdf
Safe space extends opening hours
Safe Space, the partnership between Hove YMCA and the British Red Cross, is now be open for an extra hour at weekends. The Safe Space site, at St Paul’s Church in West Street, will now be open from 11pm to 3.30am on Friday and Saturday nights, until summer 2009. It will also be open on New Years Eve.
Safe Space offers support, first aid services and a place of safety for people in the town centre who have become vulnerable, injured or distressed often as a result of excess drinking or drug use.
The seafront site, at the seafront offices on the lower esplanade, will not be open for the time being.
A young woman who used Safe Space during Christmas 2007 said of her situation:
“I lost all my friends and was getting harassed and touched up by men walking up West Street. Safe Space took me out of a potentially dangerous situation and got me home safely, it was really helpful. Thank you”
For further information: www.hoveymca.org.uk
Safe Space offers support, first aid services and a place of safety for people in the town centre who have become vulnerable, injured or distressed often as a result of excess drinking or drug use.
The seafront site, at the seafront offices on the lower esplanade, will not be open for the time being.
A young woman who used Safe Space during Christmas 2007 said of her situation:
“I lost all my friends and was getting harassed and touched up by men walking up West Street. Safe Space took me out of a potentially dangerous situation and got me home safely, it was really helpful. Thank you”
For further information: www.hoveymca.org.uk
Friday, December 05, 2008
Starbucks forced to stop operating as a cafe
Brighton and Hove City Council have served an enforcement notice on Starbuck’s in St. James Street, to stop it operating as a café.The notice will be in force from January 9 and stops Starbucks from selling food and drink to be consumed on the premises. They are allowed to remain selling takeaway items only.
Starbucks have been told to remove all tables and chairs in the shop and must fully comply with the notice by February 20.
The council have issued the notice, because the shop did not receive planning permission to use the site as a cafe when it opened in May. A petition of 2,000 signatures protesting against the shop was presented to the council this week.
Local campaigners have protested outside the St James Street store every weekend since it opened in May.
Local traders fear that an increase in corporate stores on St James Street will increase rental costs for small businesses.
Starbucks can appeal this notice before January 9 and are considering their options.
A spokesperson for Starbucks said:
"We believe that our coffee houses make positive contributions to the local areas and, in particular, Starbucks store on St James's Street has helped its community by creating around 14 new jobs and providing a relaxing and safe environment for customers to enjoy great tasting coffee."
Councillor Lynda Hyde, chairman of the council's planning committee, said:
"We are responding to local concerns and making it clear we will not tolerate planning regulations being flouted in this way.”
Mike Dalley of Cardome an independent card shop in St James Street said:
“For once the Council is listening to local businesses. We have been protesting because Starbucks flouted the law. Already private landlord are attempting to rack up local rents. This is a big success for local democracy.”
Anti Scientology Protest This Weekend
A local protest group that holds regular demonstrations against Scientology in Churchill Square, will receive support from their London counterparts this Saturday (6), after some members have allegedly been forced to quit the protest group for their own safety. Brighton Anonymous, have been holding demonstrations outside the Church of Scientology’s Brighton office in North Street on the corner of Churchill Square regularly, but in recent months, they claim that several of their members have experienced threats by scientology members, such as emails, phone calls and solicitors letters. It is alleged that one member has had to quit the group after receiving threats to him and his family.
Sister group, London Anonymous, aware of these recent issues are coming to support the Brighton group this Saturday, which could result in one of the biggest local protests for some time.
The protest will highlight the anniversary of Lisa McPherson’s birthday. Lisa was a scientology member found dead in 1995 after being locked in a room belonging to Scientologists for 17 days. It is thought she was locked away to prevent psychiatric treatment being administered after an accident she had, as Scientology is completely opposed to psychiatry. Scientology also opposes homosexuality, viewing it as an illness or perversion causing danger to society.
The protest will also focus on Christmas, the time of year where families can be forced to disown each other within Scientology if members have family or friends that don’t support the religion.
This is part of their ‘disconnection policy.’
The protest will be at 79-83 North Street on Saturday December 6th, between 11am-4pm.
For more information go to www.brightonanon.com/forums
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Martlets Lottery tops 6,600 members
The Martlets Lottery launched in 2000 broke all records at the start of December when lottery staff signed up their 6,600 member.The Lottery is drawn every Friday with over forty prizes on offer – tickets are £1 each with the top prize £1000.
The Lottery is a huge source of funds for the Martlets Hospice raising £750,000 to date, and, as many people play regularly, it’s a reliable source of income, which enables the hospice to plan for the future.
Lottery application forms can be downloaded from the website at www.themartlets.org.uk/lottery/index.php or picked up from any of the Martlets Hospice shops.
You don’t even need to claim any prize you win as a cheque is automatically sent to each of the winners within a few days of the draw.
Help the Martlets hit 8000 members by joining the Lottery today.
If you’re looking for something a little different this Christmas - Lottery Gift Vouchers are available now from the Martlets Fundraising Office on 01272 747455.
The Martlets Hospice offers compassionate care for adults who are approaching the end of their life.
Royal Alex site safe
Green Party Councillors in Brighton and Hove are celebrating today after yesterdays last ditch attempt to save the Royal Alex hospital, a landmark Victorian building, from demolition was successful.Regency ward Cllrs Jason Kitcat and Sven Rufus joined with their colleagues Cllrs Keith Taylor and Pete West in submitting a comprehensive rebuttal of developer Taylor Wimpey’s plans to Brighton & Hove City Council’s planning committee, and Cllr Kitcat addressed the planning committee late yesterday.
Welcoming the planning committee’s decision to reject Taylor Wimpey’s bid, Cllr Jason Kitcat said:
“I’m delighted with this decision. The planning committee have recognised the strength of local feeling, and made the right choice."
“The proposals on the table were bland and uninspiring. A site with so many ties to the local community deserves more than an off-the-shelf approach to design."
“Taylor Wimpey’s plans don’t do justice to the history and local significance of this building, and worse, risk increasing levels of car traffic and pollution in this conservation area."
“The biomass plant proposed would have needed regular deliveries of fuel, which would have meant large heavy goods vehicles routinely travel through largely residential streets."
“Any future plans must recognise that this building was once at the very heart of the local community, and is still an important landmark in the area."
Christmas Concert at St Andrews, actually!
Four of the Cities favourite choirs will join forces for the annual Winter Festival Concert at St Andrews Church, Waterloo Street, Hove on Saturday December 6, at 4pm. The Brighton and Hove (actually) Gay Men’s Chorus will be joined by Naked Voices, Lipsynch, the a cappella group and the Brighton City Singers performing Christmas songs and carols along with seasonal readings. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served at the Iron Duke bar opposite.
Friends of St Andrew’s chair Jo Heard said,
“Our Winter Festival has become a popular event in Brighton’s Christmas calendar. We are delighted that the Mayor will join us as we kick off the seasonal celebrations. Everyone is invited to join us for our special day.”
For more information about St Andrews Church www.visitstandrews.org
For more information about The Brighton and Hove (actually) Gay Men's Chorus www.bhagmc.org
Experience Livinia Slutford, for two nights only!
Jonathan Hellyer better knows as the D.E. Experience continues his crossover into the mainstream with two shows at the Cochrane Theatre in London this weekend.Recognised as the UK’s leading gay cabaret performer, in the first half he brings elements from his hugely successful sellout Edinburgh Show to London’s West End, with his new creation ‘Miss Livinia Slutford’, an American porn star who ‘walks on the wild side’ and has an opinion on everything. In the second half of the show Jonathan appears as himself, supported by a seven piece combo band singing impressions of ‘Decades of Diva’s’.
He introduced ‘Miss Livinia’, to a Brighton audience during the Paramount Comedy Festival in October this year. Observational comedy at the highest level. Drag performance at its very best. ‘Livinia’ touches a nerve with all audiences, straight and gay. Bold, brassy and opinionated with a touch of pathos.
Jonathan headlined the cabaret tent at Pride in Brighton and Hove for many of the last ten years, made numerous cabaret appearances at Revenge and Legends and was a regular at community fundraising events, such as the Golden Handbag Shows and The Phil Starr Tribute Show. His support has helped raised thousands for local LGBT organisations.
Jonathan is appearing at the:
Cochrane Theatre, Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AP,
for two nights only on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 of December.
Tickets are £15
Box office 020 7269 1606 (Mon-Fri 10am to 6pm)
www.cochranetheatre.co.uk
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
King of Malaysia awards medal to Brighton and Hove gay veteran
Derry Maher, a singer with the Brighton and Hove (actually) Gay Men’s Chorus has been awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal by the King of Malaysia. Derry formally received his medal from a Malaysian Armed Forces General at a ceremony at St Dunstans, Rottingdean at Noon today.
The medal is awarded to surviving British veterans of the Malaysia (Malaya as it was then called) campaign 1957 – 1966. Her Majesty the Queen gave Her approval for this award to British citizens in 2006.
Derry said,
‘Like many veterans I always ask myself – How have I survived unscathed when so many others became casualties? After this somber reflection, I then wear my medals with pride to commemorate my fallen and injured comrades’.
Give a dog a dinner!
Dogs Trust Shoreham is appealing for food for its four-legged residents.Staff at Dogs Trust Shoreham are appealing for food for the 70 four-legged residents currently in their care, but not normal tinned dog food. They are desperate for fresh, frozen or tinned fish, meat, fruit or vegetables, dried pasta, dried rice and couscous.
Centre manager, Tracey Rae, says:
“For the dogs in our care, having a yummy meal is very important for their emotional well-being. Like us humans, eating tasty food makes them feel much better so we try to vary their diets as much as possible. The public are always wonderful with their donations of tinned food, but very few people are aware that we like to give our dogs fish, meat, vegetable and fruit as well as bulking it out with rice or pasta. Any donations would be extremely welcome and much needed!”
If you would like to cheer up a homeless hound and take them a tasty treat, please pop into the rehoming centre at Brighton Road, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex with your donations.
However, the staff have asked that should anyone be kind enough to donate anything fresh or frozen, that they contact the centre on 01273 452576 or email nicole.mccallum@dogstrust.org.uk to ensure that there is enough fridge or freezer storage space for your donations.
For further infomation about The Dogs Trust go to: www.dogstrust.org.uk
Last ditch attempt to save Royal Alex
Four Green, Brighton and Hove Councillors have joined together to make a last ditch attempt to save the Royal Alex hospital, a landmark Victorian building, from demolition.Regency ward Cllrs Jason Kitcat and Sven Rufus have joined with their colleagues Cllrs Keith Taylor and Pete West in submitting a comprehensive rebuttal of developer Taylor Wimpey’s plans to Brighton & Hove City Council’s planning committee, who are expected to make their decision today.
Cllr Jason Kitcat, who alongside Cllr Sven Rufus represents Regency ward where the building is located, said:
“The proposals on the table are bland and uninspiring. This building was once a thriving children’s hospital, and many local people have passed through its doors at one point or another. A site with so many ties to the local community deserves more than an off-the-shelf approach to design."
“Taylor Wimpey’s plans don’t do justice to the history and local significance of this building, and worse, risk increasing levels of car traffic and pollution in this conservation area."
“The biomass plant proposed will need regular deliveries of fuel, which would mean large heavy goods vehicles routinely travelling through largely residential streets."
“While we do want to see a good use of this significant site, catering for the needs of the city, any plans should recognise that this building was once at the very heart of the local community, and is still an important landmark in the area.”
Met accused of hypocrisy by Tatchell
The Metropolitan Police approved a concert to go ahead by a homophobic singer who has refused to sign an agreement banning anti-gay lyrics during his concerts.Bounty Killer, a reggae and dancehall DJ from Jamaica, performed in London’s Stratford Rex on November 23, after refusing to sign the Reggae Compassionate Act (RCA) which involves singers promising not to include lyrics that incite homophobic hatred or violence. This opposes the Met’s previous statement that singers who fail to sign the RCA would not be allowed to perform at all.
In March, police in both Bradford and Birmingham cancelled Bounty Killer’s concerts to avoid undermining community relations, after protests by gay human rights group, Outrage! That same month, the Met authorised Bounty Killer’s London concert to go ahead.
In July 2006, Buju Banton’s concert in Brighton was cancelled, after gay councillor, Simon Williams, campaigned for it to be stopped due to Banton’s anti-gay lyrics encouraging the killing of gay people.
Bounty Killer’s lyrics include; “Bun a fire pon a puff and mister fagoty (Uh huh)” which translates as: Burn a fire on poofs and faggots, and “Poop man fi drown an dat a yawd man philosophy” which means: Shit men [queer men] must be drowned and that's a yardy man [Jamaican] philosophy.
A spokesperson from the Stratford Rex told the Daily Mail before the concert,
"He performed two months ago at the Stratford Rex and we were assured by his agency that he had signed the RCA. We wouldn't have booked him otherwise because we know the consequences of this. We've worked with the police, and they seem satisfied."
Co-ordinator of the Stop Murder Music campaign, Peter Tatchell, feels that the matter would have been handled differently if the lyrics were instead racist;
"The Metropolitan Police is hypocritical on hate crimes. Equivalent racist performers would have their concerts cancelled by the Metropolitan Police. In contrast, the police are dismissing the concerns of the LGBT community. It is a complete disgrace. Police claims that they are cracking down on homophobic hate crimes now look like a public relations stunt at the expense of the lesbian and gay community."
The Met defended themselves by stating that Bounty Killer would not be permitted to perform songs that incited homophobic violence, but Tatchell disagreed with the decision and said,
"There must be zero tolerance of singers like Bounty Killer who advocate the murder of other human beings.”
J-Flag, the Jamaican gay rights movement and C-Flag, the coalition of Black gay and straight human rights, supported the campaign to stop Bounty’s concert and are fighting for an end to musical lyrics that incite murder, homophobia and racism.
Peter Thatchell said,
"There is no need for singers to spout violent anti-gay hatred. They choose to do so. It is willful and malicious homophobia and therefore they must expect to suffer a backlash. Our campaign is in solidarity with black lesbian and gay people in Jamaica and the Caribbean who suffer nightmarish levels of homophobic violence. We are acting at their request and in support of their right to live their lives free of the threat of violence."
For information about Peter Tatchell's campaigns: www.petertatchell.net
New Anti-homophobia leaflet
A new leaflet, Safe Spaces For All Children & Young People: Challenging Homophobic Language has been distributed to all school staff in Brighton & Hove by the Children & Young People’s Trust. The new leaflet is the result of sustained joint-work by an LGBT anti-bullying working group and was developed in partnership with local LGBT groups. Stonewall’s 2007 School Report reported that 98 per cent of young LGB people hear the phrases ‘that’s so gay’ and ‘you’re so gay’ in school, and over 72 per cent hear such comments often or frequently.
In schools that challenge homophobic bullying, Stonewall’s research found young LGB people were 60 per cent more likely not to have been bullied and more than three times as likely to feel that their school is an accepting, tolerant place.
Allsorts, the LGBT Youth Project was keen to help put together the resource for schools.
“Many of the young people attending our project testify to the devastating effect that homophobic language has had on their self-esteem,”
said Marianne Lemond, volunteering development worker at Allsorts.
“This resource should give teachers and other school staff practical tools for challenging homophobic language and making schools generally safer spaces for LGBT youth.”
Allsorts provides additional support through LGBT awareness training for school staff and peer-led workshops for school pupils.
Last year the Children & Young People’s Trust launched an LGBT anti-bullying resource, All of Us, at a training event attended by almost all local primary, secondary and special-needs schools. An action plan for the city identifies additional work to develop self-reporting and support mechanisms for LGBT young people, targetted work around gender identity, recruitment of LGBT governors, and work to support LGBT parents and parents of LGBT young people.
Copies of the leaflet and other LGBT anti-bullying resources are available online at www.spectrum-lgbt.org/bullying
For more information about Allsort Youth Project go to: www.allsortsyouth.org.uk
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Lucas calls for EU HIV/Aids strategy
EURO-MPs have called for an EU-wide strategy to combat HIV/Aids. Caroline Lucas, Green Party MEP and Brighton MP hopeful, backed a motion passed by the European Parliament calling for:An end to all discrimination against people living with HIV/Aids.
Access to free and anonymous HIV testing throughout the union.
Widespread information and education campaigns on the prevention, testing and treatment of HIV/Aids.
Dr Lucas said,
“As we mark another World AIDS day, it fills me with sadness that the number of new cases is rising (according to EuroHIV, 269,152 people were newly affected with HIV in the EU between 1999 and 2006), and that people living with the condition continue to suffer discrimination at home and in the workplace."
“This motion calls for all EU states to fully respect the rights to free movement of those living with HIV/Aids – and spend the money and political will required to make an EU HIV/Aids strategy work.”
Dr Lucas, a member of the European Parliament’s cross-party LGBT working group, made her comments as politicians of all parties marked World Aids Day with a candlelit vigil from Brighton Town Hall to the New Steine. The Green Party were represented by Cllrs Bill Randall and Ben Duncan.
She also said she hoped we could see some quick progress on developing a cure for HIV, following recent research successes.
Rugby League join Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme
Rugby League has become the first national governing body of any major sport to join Stonewall's Diversity Champions Programme.
There are currently no openly gay Rugby league players but Sarah Williams, RFL's Equality and Diversity Manager said:
“I am very proud to be part of an organisation that has genuine commitment to equality and diversity. I am confident that the RFL and the wider Rugby League family will rise to the challenge and look forward to working with Stonewall to make a real difference.”
Stonewall will be sending posters to all RFL clubs when the new season begins in March with the statement, 'Some People are Gay, Get Over It!' that will provide advertising and community engagement.
The RFL will hold an event at the start of the season to officially launch their partnership with Stonewall.
Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall said:
“We hope that we'll soon see a British Ian Roberts, an iconic Rugby League player, able to come out and play world class rugby.”
Nigel Owes was the first openly gay referee to officiate in a World Cup last year. He was also awarded Stonewall's Sportsperson of the year award in 2007.
“We're delighted at the vision being shown by the RFL,” said Ben Summerskill.
There are currently no openly gay Rugby league players but Sarah Williams, RFL's Equality and Diversity Manager said:
“I am very proud to be part of an organisation that has genuine commitment to equality and diversity. I am confident that the RFL and the wider Rugby League family will rise to the challenge and look forward to working with Stonewall to make a real difference.”
Stonewall will be sending posters to all RFL clubs when the new season begins in March with the statement, 'Some People are Gay, Get Over It!' that will provide advertising and community engagement. The RFL will hold an event at the start of the season to officially launch their partnership with Stonewall.
Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall said:
“We hope that we'll soon see a British Ian Roberts, an iconic Rugby League player, able to come out and play world class rugby.”
Nigel Owes was the first openly gay referee to officiate in a World Cup last year. He was also awarded Stonewall's Sportsperson of the year award in 2007.
“We're delighted at the vision being shown by the RFL,” said Ben Summerskill.
Winter Pride 2009
Want to organize a Winter Pride event?Pride in Brighton & Hove is calling for all LGBT community groups, individuals and businesses to organise events for the 2009 Winter Pride festival (which runs from Saturday March 7 – Sunday March 15).
Over the past five years Winter Pride has grown with community groups, local businesses and LGBT individuals putting on a range of events that appeals to our broad and diverse LGBT communities.
This year Pride is looking to support community based events through offering more avenues of support than ever before.
To get events advice, options for room hire, free advertising, simply complete an application form go to www.brightonpride.org and tell Pride what you need to put on a Winter Pride event. There is some money available in the form of grants, this can be applied for using the same form, and must be submitted by December 15, 2008. Events that are not looking for financial help can also be supported; this includes free advertising for LGBT Sussex based groups.
Kath Browne (Community and Diversity Lead Trustee) says, ‘This year we want a bigger and more diverse community involvement for Winter Pride. Just let us know what support you need to put on an event and we will do our best to match that need. We are able to offer a more involved approach where you want/need it.’
As well as the community groups every year more and more local businesses get involved by holding Pride fundraising events during Winter Pride. If you’re a local business and have a fundraising idea you can register your event by calling Pride on 01273 775939 before Tuesday January 6, 2009.
The Winter Pride brochure will be available in February from venues around the City with full details of all the Winter Pride events
