Friday, July 31, 2009
Tatchell to join Greens for Pride Parade
Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and the Green Party Leader, Caroline Lucas MEP, will be on the Greens' float in the Pride parade.Phelim Mac Cafferty, The Greens' LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) National Spokesperson explained:
“Our main idea this year was to emphasise a sustainable approach to Pride but to reflect how much fun Pride is too!
“The float will be built in the form of a ship ‘The Pride of Brighton’ captained by Caroline Lucas MEP; Green Party members will be dressed as mermaids and sailors.
“The float has been created according to sustainable standards: all of the wood used for the float is sourced from scrap; material being used for waves and for costumes on the float is sourced from landfill-bound sheets; wood for the puppet was donated by sustainable woodland projects; the DJ rig on board the float will be 100% powered by solar power, while the truck will be run on a biodiesel blend.
“Costumes have been made and designed by a professional dress designer, Shymeoni. She is a new name in sustainable fashion: young, innovative and inspirational, Shymeoni creates elegant one-of-a-kind pieces using vintage clothing and fabrics that would otherwise end up in landfill.
“Greens are proud to be once again on the streets celebrating the LGBT communities and we are looking forward to having a reflective time but one where we can also enjoy Brighton ’s best, free event. As well as having a float on the parade, we will have a community stall in Preston Park where more information about LGBTGreens is available. On behalf of LGBTGreens, can I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and sustainable Pride.”
For more information on LGBTGreens:
www.lgbtgreens.org.uk
Dame Vera Lynn attends Gay Choir Concert
Brighton and Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus returned to St Andrews last night with their new show On The Beaches.Guest of honour for the evening was Dame Vera Lynn, the forces sweetheart, who received a standing ovation as she took her seat in the church.
Maybe it was the presence of Dame Vera, but the Chorus certainly raised the bar last night with as good a vocal performance in the first half of the show as I have ever heard from them.
The show opened with a rousing performance of the Rhythm Of Life followed by a fabulous arrangement of Franz Lehar’s Entrance of the Merry Widow and Vilia featuring the fine soprano voice of Fiona Baines.
A contemporary arrangement of Robbie Williams Angels followed, accompanied by harpsichord, which gave the chorus the opportunity to show off their unaccompanied acappella singing.
Can’t Help Lovin The Man of Mine accompanied by saxophonist Nick Warr followed with both chorus and instrumentalist capturing the sexy smoochy feel this number needs.
Dies Irae from Mozart’s Requiem showed the choir off at its best. Big sound, no holding back it was wonderful, stirring stuff.
The closing section of the first half featured Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody which tested the ensemble strengths of the choir to its limit and a rousing version of Rogers and Hammerstein’s You’ll never walk alone complete with soaring vocals from Fiona Baines. The first half was beautifully put together and expertly compared by David Raven who the older he gets, the funnier his ab libs are. He was on particularly good form last night,
I could only stay for the first half but a quick look at the second half of the programme was mouthwatering. Dambuster March, Bless ‘Em All, Abide With Me, The White Cliffs of Dover and There’ll always be an England, the list goes on an on. All wartime classics and stirring patriotic numbers.
The proceeds from last nights concert will be shared between St Dunstans in Ovingdean and the Dame Vera Lynn Trust. The chorus also supports the Church Conservation Trust who along with the Friends of St Andrew’s do so much to ensure that St Andrews remains open for the use of the local community.
There is a second performance of the show tonight at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and are available from the Iron Duke, The Aquarium Theatre Bar and the Dome Box Office on 01273 709 709 and at the door.
For more information about the Brighton and Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus view:
www.bhagmc.org
The Chorus will be singing in the Three Choirs Concert on Friday, October 9 to celebrate the unveiling of the Brighton Aids Memorial that afternoon.
The Chorus is also looking forward to its popular Christmas show on Wednesday, December 23.
The Chorus rehearses every Thursday at St Andrews Waterloo St. Hove.
New chief executive for city council
Brighton & Hove City Council has appointed John Barradell the new chief executive following the retirement of Alan McCarthy earlier this year.Mr Barradell, 48, comes from Westminster City Council, where he has been Deputy Chief Executive since 2006.
His service in local government follows a 22-year career in various roles in the private sector before joining Westminster City Council in 2002.
Mr Barradell said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be asked to lead such an ambitious and innovative organisation in these challenging times. Brighton & Hove City Council is continually improving the way it provides services to residents and I want the organisation to perform even better.”
Cllr Gill Mitchell, leader of the Labour group said:
"John Baradell is clearly a city leader and demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge about Brighton and Hove and placed the need to address inequality among his priorities. I am pleased that his appointment was unanimous across all parties and look forward to working with him."
Lib Dem Group Leader Councillor Paul Elgood has welcomed the appointment of John Barradell as Brighton & Hove City Council's new Chief Executive, saying:
"John Barradell is a stunning candidate for the post. He has a near unique mix of experience and understanding, including a background across the corporate, voluntary and commercial sectors. He is exactly the right person to take on the challenge of leading the city through the recession and we look forward to working with him."
James Ledward editor of Gscene Magazine said:
"The biggest challenge facing the new Chief Executive is to re-build the confidence in the City Council to work in partnership with the Voluntary Sector. The sign of a dynamic city is a vibrant Voluntary Sector which, unfortunately in Brighton and Hove, has lost confidence in the City Council's ability to work in effective and fair partnership, especially with the communities of interest. I wish him well, he has a tough job on his hands."
Council Leader Cllr Mary Mears said:
“I’m very pleased to have been personally involved in John’s selection as I believe the council has got the right person for the job. John’s track record is impressive and I am confident he will bring vision and leadership to the city.
”This was a unanimous decision by the appointing panel, which consisted of the leaders and convenor of all the parties.”
The appointment is subject to a formal agreement at a special meeting of the Full Council. The Council will make a further announcement when Mr Barradell’s start date becomes known.
For more information on Brighton & Hove council:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
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Georgie Tier erotic art exhibition
The Square Hotel in Brighton will be hosting a weekend exhibition of erotic artwork by the erotic artists Georgie Tier.Georgie Tier was born in London in 1966, and studied art at Ravensbourne college. She is a full time artist, producing mainly figurative, erotic work. Her influences range from Beardsley, through to cartoon strips creating pictures that are both fun and tender. Her paintings and drawings can be found on permanent display at galleries in Zurich & Barcelona.
She designed the 2005 artwork and stage sets for the British tour of Hedwig and The Angry Inch, and has appeared in Volumes 1 and 2 of 'The Worlds Greatest Modern Erotic Art'.
The exhibition runs from Fri July 31 to Sun Aug 2 at The Square Hotel, 4 New Steine.
For more information view:
www.georgietier.com
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tatchell to talk in Brighton about the LGBT 'unfinished battle'
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell will join Caroline Lucas MEP at a public meeting this Friday (31) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. They subject of the meeting will be 'Stonewall 40: The Unfinished Battle for LGBT Freedom'.Highlighting some of the issues he will discuss on Friday Tatchell said:
“This year we are celebrating 40 years since the Stonewall Riots in New York, which triggered the world-wide movement for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) human rights.
“Brighton Pride is fun. It is a great celebration. But there is a serious side too. We are still campaigning for trans, bi, lesbian and gay equality: one example is that successive Home Secretaries have given visas and work permits to reggae singers who incite the murder of gay people. Such incitement is a serious criminal offence.
“Under legislation that was introduced under Thatcher, gay and bisexual men are still prohibited from donating blood, even if they always practice safe sex and have tested HIV-negative. This is entirely unjustifiable in a period when the National Blood Service is appealing for help to backup its reserves because of swine ‘flu.
“The LGBT community has made great strides towards equality, but we have not yet won equal treatment. The government’s current Equality Bill is supposed to ensure equal rights for everyone but it specifically denies lesbian and gay people protection against harassment. The government supports the ban on same-sex marriage. Civil partnerships are not equality. They are a form of sexual apartheid, with different laws for gay and straight couples. Labour’s many commendable law reforms are no excuse for its stonewalling on the abolition of these remaining aspects of trans, bi and homophobic discrimination.
“We won’t stop campaigning until we win full respect, acceptance, dignity and human rights."
The debate will take place Friday, July 31 at The Eagle,125 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AF
For more information about Peter Tatchell view:
www.petertatchell.net
For more information about Caroline Lucas view:
wwwcarolinelucasmep.org.uk
Disabled rights group win hospital victory
The Federation of Disabled People, a group for disabled people across Brighton and Hove, has helped change hospital policy to allow patients' carers to be with them outside of visiting hours.Historically, disabled people were not allowed a personal assistant or carer to be with them in Brighton hospitals outside of visiting hours. This meant that an unknown person would be looking after the disabled person’s individual and often very specific needs.
As a result of participation of the Federation's Get Involved! project, Brighton and Sussex Universities Hospitals Trust’s Privacy and Dignity policy has been amended to reflect these concerns. Working personal assistants and carers of family members and friends are now allowed full access rights to the person they are supporting 24-hours a day.
The Federation hopes this ground-breaking development will set the benchmark for access improvements in the future and inspire more disabled people to get involved to help influence local changes.
The Federation’s Get Involved! project would be interested to hear from people about issues that affect them and their community and ways in which these might be improved to encourage accessibility for all disabled people. Brighton and Hove City Council and NHS Brighton and Hove are working with the Federation to promote these developments.
If you would like to be involved in the project e-mail: alex.hawkey@bhfederation.org.uk
For more information on the Federation view:
www.bhfederation.org.uk
Anti-Fascists at Brighton Pride
Brighton Unite Against Fascism and Love Music Hate Racism will be leafleting at Pride in Preston Park this Saturday (Aug 1).
They will also be selling tickets for a coach taking antifascist protesters from the city to Derbyshire to protest at the BNP's Red, White and Blue festival. The coach, which leaves Brighton at 7.15am on Aug 15, will be one of over 50 traveling from across the UK to bring the fascist rally to a halt. Tickets are £5.
If you want more details of the coach and tickets, or are able to help leaflet at Pride contact:
brightonlmhr@googlemail.com
or phone: 07906508426
They will also be selling tickets for a coach taking antifascist protesters from the city to Derbyshire to protest at the BNP's Red, White and Blue festival. The coach, which leaves Brighton at 7.15am on Aug 15, will be one of over 50 traveling from across the UK to bring the fascist rally to a halt. Tickets are £5.
If you want more details of the coach and tickets, or are able to help leaflet at Pride contact:
brightonlmhr@googlemail.com
or phone: 07906508426
Big Push for spinal injury victim
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A group of twelve friends are to cycle from Brighton to Lands End this September in order to help a friend who broke his back and is now in a wheelchair.In May 2008, their friend Oscar had an accident and broke his back and has since been in a wheelchair. Determined that this will not remain the case, he found a clinic in London which gave him more hope than the NHS doctors, who had told him he would never walk again. After only six weeks of treatment he is starting to see really positive results - a twitching in his toe, and muscle tone returning to his right leg.
The treatment is not available on the NHS, so his friends have offered to help raise the money.
Oscar himself will be taking part by pushing himself to Lands End in his chair.
For more information view:
www.thebigpush.co.uk
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Rozalla and Hazell Dean at Cornwall Pride
Cornwall Pride takes place on Saturday, August 8 in Truro and will finish with with a ticket-only show in Lemon Quay, Truro, starting at 7pm. The top of the bill act is Hazell Dean who will be performing her hits including 'Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)', 'Who's Leaving Who?' and 'Searchin' (I Got To Find a Man)'.Also performing will be chart acts, Rozalla, Andy Scott-Lee and Mpho, who launched her debut single ‘Box N Locks’ this week. They will be supported by Kelly Pepper, The Vanity Girls, AJ, and Tania as Cher.
The parade starts at 11am from Lemon Quay. Leading the parade will be the activist Peter Tatchell, best known for his outspoken views on gay and human rights which have led him into conflict with authorities in Zimbabwe and Russia.
The party continues all afternoon in Victoria Gardens in Truro, where there will be free live music from the bandstand by upcoming and local artistes, including Melissa Crispo, InVocal, Sapphire Light and Opposite Worlds. There will be stalls, information and entertainment for the whole family, including children.
Carried in the parade will be a 40 m (130 feet) long rainbow Pride flag, one of the longest in the UK.
Christian Diamant, chair of Cornwall Pride, said:
"Our team has worked very hard sewing the flag together, and I know it’s going to look amazing and will be a highlight of the parade. We have bands, marchers, live music and costumes. Truro shoppers won’t be able to miss us."
Tickets are now available at £10 each from Qdos bar and Hall for Cornwall, both in Truro, or in Victoria Gardens on the day.
For more information view:
www.cornwallpride.co.uk
Page promotes sexual health on the fourth plinth
Gscene columnists Eric Page took his place on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth for an hour from 10-11am yesterday, as part of Antony Gormley’s One & Other exhibition.Eric spent part of his hour on the Plinth wearing a ‘THIVK you’re still negative?’ t-shirt to raise awareness of the work of Terrence Higgins Trust.
THIVK is a year long campaign developed by the CHAPS partnership and launched by THT to get men to consider if they have HIV without realising. The Health Protection Agency estimates up to 10,000 gay men in Britain have HIV without knowing.
Eric from Brighton, who has worked for THT as a sexual health outreach worker for 8 years said:
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I wanted to spend my hour on the plinth to highlight the issues of sexual health and gay men in particular as HIV is a risk for all people. I started my time on the plinth in a fabulous outfit, slowly changing until I ended up, in homage to Mr Gormley's previous work, naked. Leaving me, very literally exposed and vulnerable.”
Eric added:
“I wore a THT t-shirt to encourage gay men to take control of their sexual health by regularly testing for HIV. I’ve worked for the charity for many years and I know that many gay men are still being diagnosed late, at the point where they should already be on treatment. Late diagnosis brings a much higher likelihood of serious illness and premature death, it can reduce treatment options and can have an effect on onward transmission of the virus. I hope that my time on the plinth will get the message out far and wide about the importance of taking charge of your sexual health.”
Sue Peters from Terrence Higgins Trust said:
“I want to say a huge thank you to Eric for supporting us. It’s now recommended that gay men test at least once a year, or after any unprotected sex. Yet around a third of gay men in England have never taken an HIV test, with the figure even higher in Scotland and Wales. It’s fantastic that Eric is helping us to get the message out to men to take control and make testing for HIV a regular part of their lives in such a unique and visible way.”
IGLHRC campaign against transphobic violence in Chile
IGLHRC (The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission) has called for people to write to leading Chilean politicians demanding a full inquiry into recent attacks on transgender people in the city of Valparaiso.Last month two transgender women were attacked in Valparaíso City by six men. The attackers kicked, punched, and beat them with wood and iron sticks, leaving the women with multiple hematomas and cuts on their heads, legs and other parts of their bodies. Although the Chilean police have already detained the suspected attackers, these kinds of attacks are frequent in Valparaíso. According to reports issued by human rights organizations, the city is known for being highly dangerous to people of minority sexual orientations and gender identities because of homophobic neo-Nazi groups.
Between 2002 and 2008 Chile has had 389 accusations and confirmed cases of discrimination against people of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, affecting 11% of transgender people.
For more information, including a suggested letter and the e-mail addresses of leading Chilean politicians:
www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/article/takeaction/globalactionalerts/949.html
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Book review by Eric Page:When you're falling dive by Mark Matousek
This is a curious book, full of stories of ‘survivors’, people who have been through truly dreadful things in their lives, their stories boiled down into shortish stories all with a common theme. That hope is as cheap as despair, and no matter how bad, wretched or awful your life might become (and it will come darling) that there is the possibility of transformation from the pain and that you can, if careful with yourself, use adversity to bloom. You can learn to build your wings on the way down.My grandfather would have loved this book, he liked stories plummeting to the depths of life’s experience, he said that you needed the shit in life, to dig in and fertilize your fields, and then lay fallow for a while before you could grow, bloom and harvest again. This book is not full of such easy to digest homilies but it is full of personal testimony from folk who have lived through gut wrenching life changes and learned, changed and eventual recovered themselves from it.
It’s a tad ‘spiritual’ for my taste but for folk in a spiritual crises this could be a loadstone, or a lighthouse. It’s not a cheery read but it does leave you feeling a real sense of the strength dormant within all of us. Some of the stories are inspirational, others depressing but all real life and true.
The best selling author, also a journalist who having had his own HIV crisis, facing death and living fully past it has collected these stories to assist other people, to help them keep going, and find, in his words ‘the healing that lies on the other side.’
As Churchill said,
‘If you’re in hell, keep going."
Hay House publishing: £9.99
www.hayhouse.co.uk
Residents' views sought on redeveloping The Level
Residents will be able to take part in a plan to regenerate The Level open space in Brighton if agreed at the environment cabinet member meeting this Thursday (July 30). The cabinet decision would allow extensive public consultation, including events, focus groups, surveys, information in public buildings and on the website, and the opportunity to comment online. The council will work with the Friends of the Level on getting residents, businesses and visitors involved.The Level includes a skate park, a children’s play area and a large expanse of green space. The park is now in need of some repair and upgrading. One of the improvements will be a new skate park.
Although the council has around £250,000 for improvements, it also wants to submit a bid to the Parks for People Heritage Lottery Fund for additional funding so that the whole park can be improved.
Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for environment, said:
“The Level is an important park for the city. It provides recreation and outside space for a significant number of people in a densely populated area.
“We will be working extremely hard to get as much funding as possible to improve the whole park. We believe we have a strong case because it would benefit so many people and the council is really committed to conserving and improving open space as our six Green Flag parks show.”
For more information view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
Residents to be consulted on street access
Brighton & Hove City Council has set up a scrutiny panel to look at how street access is affected by items, such as A-Boards and scaffolding, placed on public walkways Three public meetings and a number of site visits are planned to find out what the issues are for residents and businesses.
The Street Access Issues Scrutiny Panel will talk to a variety of people, especially those with disabilities, about how restricted access to the pavement affects them. Members will also talk to businesses about their requirements.
The Panel will review current council policies relating to skips and scaffolds, A-Boards, tables and chairs, overhanging vegetation and abandoned vehicles.
Chair of the panel Cllr Sven Rufus said:
“We recognise there’s a balance to be struck between the needs of business and enabling everyone to get around the streets easily.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible about their experiences. We’ll be looking at best practice in managing street access in other areas too as it’s something that affects towns and cities across the country.”
Anyone wishing to contribute evidence to the meetings should contact the council in advance on (01273) 291110 or email: scrutiny@brighton-hove.gov.uk
The first public meetings will be held at Hove Town Hall, Norton Road on:
Fri Jul 31 10:30am-12:30pm and Thu Aug 13 10:30am-12:30pm
For more information view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
Pictured: Cllr Sven Rufus
Closure of Glastonbury Green festival is 'political'
This year's BGG (Big Green Gathering) in Glastonbury has been cancelled after the organisers surrendered the licence for the event on advice from their lawyers.According to the organisers Chief Superintendent Paul Richards admitted that the decision to shut down the Big Green Gathering was political and he confirmed to the Chair of BGG that orders had come from the highest level. Richards also said that the decision to shut down the BGG was taken over a week ago.
Big Green Gathering Chair Brig Oubridge said:
“At the multi-agency meeting on Thursday July 23 we were still negotiating with the police and the council under the genuine belief that things were progressing and we were continuing to spend money on infrastructure, wages and security. If they knew they were going to cancel the event, we can only conclude that this drive to increase expenditure appears to be a deliberate attempt to bankrupt the Big Green Gathering.
"The injunction served on the Big Green Gathering was primarily addressing the fact that the Big Green Gathering did not obtain the necessary road closure despite the fact that the Highways Agency had previously indicated that this would be done.
"The Big Green Gathering has been running an event since 1994 and never before has public safety been an issue. The BGG has an exemplary record on health and safety and crime levels have always been low for the number of people on site.
"Despite the concerns over the behaviour of the Council and the Police, event organisers will work with them to ensure the safety of those at the premises and ensure that they leave the land in an orderly fashion. We are very aware of our responsibilities to those already on the site and very sad for all those who were coming to enjoy one of the most peaceful festivals in the UK."
For more information view:
www.big-green-gathering.com
Gay Games open in Copenhagen
Outgames, the 'gay olympics', had its first sporting events yesterday (July 28) after a glitzy opening ceremony in City Hall square last Saturday.However, the city's reputation for open-mindedness has already been tested by a homophobic attack on three competitors and complaints that not one Danish minister attended the opening ceremony.
An editorial in the liberal newspaper Politiken stated:
"In Denmark we don't have a minister responsible for gay rights issues. We also don't have a minister who wants to welcome all the activists and participants, even though it is an event that gives Denmark unprecedented attention … It's embarrassing to have a government that doesn't want to come out of the closet."
For more information view:
www.copenhagen2009.org
Belfast man on trail for rape and GBH against ex partner
A Belfast man stands accused of rape, grievous bodily harm, administering a substance with sexual intent, imprisoning and threats to kill against his ex-boyfriend. Prosecutors also claim the victim was beaten with body builders weights, made to stand in a freezing cold shower and falsely imprisoned.In the High Court, twenty seven charges have been levelled against the man who can not be named for legal reasons.
His ex-boyfriend, a foreign national, claims he was too afraid to report the abuse as the accused had threatened to inform his parents, friends and work he was gay. Defence counsel has insisted the sex was consensual and that they were in a long term relationship until the accused's arrest in February this year.
Rita Hirani, CEO of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Domestic Violence charity Broken Rainbow, said:
"It's a sad truth that a lack of understanding and ignorance around LGBT domestic violence, results in cases like this where the victim continues to be persecuted further by the criminal justice system. Domestic violence includes sexual abuse, and the use of threats, particularly to out a gay person which is so clear as in this case. Same-sex domestic violence cannot remain behind closed doors; we need to bring these issues out into the open so LGBT people living with domestic violence can break free of their abuse and our communities can receive the help and support they desperately need and deserve. It's a basic human right."
To call the Broken Rainbow helpline phone 0300 999 5428, Mon 2-8pm, Wed 10-2pm, Thur 2-8pm.
For more information about Broken Rainbow view:
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
Monday, July 27, 2009
Eric Page draws attention to LGBT Domestic Violence
Tomorrow, Tuesday 27, Gscene columnist, Eric Page takes his place on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth for an hour from 10-11am as part of Antony Gormley’s One & Other exhibition.Eric has donated part of his hour to wearing a Broken Rainbow t-shirt and holding up a, "1 in 4 LGBT people experience domestic violence," placard to raise awareness of the services Broken Rainbow provide to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people experiencing domestic violence in the UK.
Eric said,
"Raising awareness not only of domestic violence affecting LGBT people, but more importantly, services available to help them, was the main reason for representing Broken Rainbow. Domestic violence is debilitating and damaging but help is available and I wanted to raise awareness of that,"
Rita Hirani, CEO of Broken Rainbow said:
"When we got Eric's offer we were amazed at the generosity and it shows that we are breaking down the shame and silence surrounding domestic violence in the LGBT communities. With 1 in 4 LGBT people experiencing some form of abuse, we still have a long way to go but opportunities like these - to let people know there is help available and that they are not alone - is invaluable."
Broken Rainbow's National LGBT Domestic Violence helpline: 0300 999 LGBT (5428) provides support, advice, information and referrals to LGBT people who are experiencing domestic violence, friends or family who need advice, or to service professionals, every Monday 2-8pm, Wednesday 10am - 1pm, Thursday 2-8pm. The helpline is run by LGBT people for LGBT people.
Book review by Eric Page: Watermark by Mark Jenkins
Here we have another black and white photo book from an accomplished photographer of the male form. Mark Jenkins has something of a neutered Mapplethorpe about him, without the horn, whips or deviance but with all of the honest lingering viewpoint. The men he captures are all broodingly handsome and physically perfect, all taut skin and defined muscles, there’s a fair amount of wet skin, hair and ripped t-shirts too, but you can gloss over that by checking out the muscles; they are almost all WASPs too oddly enough. Not much diversity here even though Mr Jenkins comes from San Francisco.The photographs themselves are technically brilliant and Mark’s way of lighting his men and images adds his trademark touch: bronzed, muted and alive. The photographer himself says,
"water is a constant motif in my work, I’m attracted to the tactile quality of water drops against skin and the drama of a splash frozen in midair," it’s not the only thing he’s attracted to either.
This is the kind of high quality hardback 96 full size duo-tone hardback book I’d buy for a friend’s boyfriend who I didn’t like and who didn’t have any real character, but who looked good, always and had always been nice to me.
If you happen to know a Himbo with a bookshelf or an empty nest of tables that needs a classy erotic photo book to sit on it, then rush out and buy this now.
Publishers Bruno Gmünder Verlag
Price £24.99
In bookshops now Or available on line from
www.turnaround-uk.com
Mayor drops in on GEMS Pride event
The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Anne Norman and her consort, Cllr Ken Norman attended the GEMS (Gay Elderly Men’s Society), Old Time Music Hall, Pride event on Saturday, July 25, at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church. Entertainment for the evening was provided by David Raven aka Maisie Trollette with former chair of Pride in Brighton and Hove, John Mills on keyboard.David sang some old classics and led the GEMS members present in community singing with old favourites from the forties and fifties.
The Hall at the Methodist Church was decked out like a summer promenade on Brighton Beach with deck chairs and parasol’s and the entertainment was followed by a Pride picnic and buffet in the Methodist Church Hall.
Pictured from left to right: Cllr Ken Norman, Josh Mills, Cllr Anne Norman, Peter Otto and David Raven
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tatchell at Cornwall Pride
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Gay human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell will be appearing at Cornwall Pride, the annual LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) festival for Cornwall, which takes place in Truro on Saturday August 8.Tatchell has been a vocal campaigner on equality and rights issues for over 30 years. He is best known for attempting to perform a citizen's arrest on the Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe in 1999 and 2001 over alleged human rights abuses. In May 2009 Tatchell was held by authorities in Moscow following his support for a gay rights march in that city to coincide with the Eurovision song contest.
This is the first appearance by Tatchell at a Cornwall Pride event, but he is no stranger to controversy in the county, having previously called for increased self-rule for Cornwall and its own parliamentary assembly.
Tatchell will be leading the Cornwall Pride parade through Truro, leaving from Lemon Quay at 11am. He said:
"I am looking forward to attending Cornwall Pride. I hope that LGBT people from all over Cornwall will join me on August 8 in Truro, and bring your straight friends too because it’s going to be a fabulous party day for all the people of Cornwall.”
“This year we are celebrating 40 years since the Stonewall riots in New York, which triggered the worldwide movement for LGBT rights. The Pride festival is fun, but there is also a serious side. We are still campaigning for LGBT equality. The LGBT community has made great strides towards equality, but we have not yet won equal treatment. There is unfinished business.
“The government supports the ban on same-sex marriage. Civil partnerships are not equality. They are a form of sexual apartheid, with different laws for gay and straight couples. This is wrong. In a democracy, we should all be equal under the law. Gay and bisexual men are prohibited from donating blood, even if they always practice safe sex and have tested HIV-negative.
“Successive Home Secretaries have given visas and work permits to reggae singers who incite the murder of gay people. Such incitement is a serious criminal offence.
“The government’s current Equality Bill is supposed to ensure equal rights for everyone but it specifically denies lesbian and gay people protection against harassment. Labour’s many commendable gay law reforms are no excuse for its refusal to get rid of these remaining aspects of homophobic discrimination.
“We won’t stop campaigning until we win full respect, acceptance, dignity and human rights."
For more information view:
www.cornwallpride.com
For more information about Peter Thatchell view:
www.petertatchell.net
Book review: Bears of England by Mick Jackson
This is a charmingly eccentric book full of delightful illustrations, alongside these short stories that all weave together mixing folk story and myth, history and fantasy until it arrives at it’s strange and haunting ending.
Featuring bears in chains, and skirts, the circus bears of Bristol, the Sin Eating bears of yore and Victorian sewer bears, and a few more bears that now live under my bed. This book shows great affection and respect for Bears.
I enjoyed this book, it was fun to read, making me smile at the prose and dark feverish ideas in each story. Some terribly sad, some sadly terrible, all believable, if you ignore the cheeky wink that comes from the authors style.
Booker shortlisted Mick Jackson is a bit of a cult and his previously acclaimed oddities have left the reading public lurking around his bins for more scraps from his imagination, here we are treated to a full slap up tea, although it’s no party. His stories mix up cruelty with comedy and are delightfully disturbing for grown ups or kids. I dreamed about one of his bears after putting the book down one night, he’s that type of writer.
Beautifully crafted but sneaky, his stories, like the bears in them, creep up on you in the dark, look you in the eye and then hulk off into the twilight leaving you thoughtful and altered.
A great present for the grown up reading bear or much younger cub and perfect for someone with a fondness for our Ursine friends.
£12.99 Hardback
From all good book shops and online at:
www.faber.co.uk
Ford sponsor five aside Pride football tournament
The Ford Motor Company sponsored Pride’s five a side football tournament yesterday, Saturday 25, at The Brighton Rugby Club facilities on the A27 bypass.Twelve teams entered the tournament from London, Leicester and Brighton with Sonewall Lions winning the final.
Brighton entered two teams, the Brighton Bandits and The Justin Fashanu All Stars who reached the final stages of the competition.
The winning teams all received tickets to a champions league football match in the coming season.
Teams that entered included the Amsterdam sponsored Brighton Bandits, the Norman Cook sponsored, Justin Fashanau All Stars, the Black Cap sponsored Left Footers first and second teams, The Leicester Wildcats, the Trowbridge Tigers, The Stonewall Lions and Apprentices and The Roman Conquerors.
The winning team will play the Justin Fashanu All Stars football team who campaign against homophobia in football in a special exhibition game at Preston Park on Pride Saturday.
This is the first year Ford have sponsored the event at Brighton Pride.
For more information about the Justin Fashanu All Stars view:
www.thejustincampaign.com
For more information about the Brighton Bandits view:
www.banditsfc.org
Pictured: A representative from each of the teams playing in the Ford five a side tournament show their support for the Jason campaign
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Brighton Gay Men's Chorus are the 'first resort'
The Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus opened this year’s ‘Pride Week’ celebrations with their new show ‘The Last Resort’ at St George Church, Kemptown, last night.The show was delayed for 15 minutes to allow latecomers get to their seats safely. From then on it was all plain sailing. Well almost. An early entry, by someone waving a rainbow flag one number early, gave the evening one of its funniest moments, however this little ‘faux pas' was professionally covered up by the chorus.
The Last Resort charts the journey of a young gay man from Grimthorpe who leaves home to find love in Brighton! Well the Bulldog actually. His parents come to Brighton to find him and tempt him back from the sin of Brighton to the excitement of Grimthorpe, giving the show some of its most sensitive moments.
Musical director Ignacio Jarquin weaves musical lines from every part of the chorus, making sure all the clever harmonies in the arrangement are clear for everyone to hear.
The effect was very musical and warm.
Special mention must go to the Steve Humphries and Nic Collins who bring a vulnerability to their roles of the young boy from Yorkshire and Mr Right who he meets in Brighton.
What could have easily been sugar sweet and sickly was genuinely heart-warming and convincing.
Rod Edmunds as dad played a part in the two highlights of the show for me singing Sondheim’s ‘Losing my mind’ from Follies and ‘Bring him home’ from Les Miserables when the choir really came into their own with fabulously close and warm harmonies providing classic choral accompaniment to Rod's beautiful vocal line. Jonathan Cave as mum was a perfect foil both vocally and comedy wise to dad.
Chorus highlights included the anthemic Robbie Williams number 'Angels', 'I am what I' am from La Cage Aux Folles and the finale rendition of 'Aquarius and Let The Sunshine' in from the musical Hair.
The strength of this choir is in their close harmonies, which were ideally suited to the acoustics of St Georges, but some of the more up tempo numbers were less secure in the acoustics of such a large church.
The evening was held together by the talented Loraine Bowen who can do it all, comedy, singing and dancing.
The Brighton Gay Men’s chorus meet weekly and they have a vocal workshop once a month. You don’t need to read music and this is a great way to meet new friends off the commercial scene.
The choir clearly love their work which they effectively communicate to their audience.
There is another show tonight at 7.30pm. There are a few tickets left and well worth a Saturday night visit.
For more information about the chorus view:
www.cbmc.org
To become a members email:
membership@brightongmc.org
or telephone 07968 853625
Victorian bandstand re-opens after £1m restoration
Brighton & Hove's historic seafront bandstand was officially opened last night (Fri July 24), after a major restoration project to return the building to its Victorian splendour.Bands played on the Grade II listed bandstand for the first time in years at Friday's opening concert, and the bandstand was illuminated as dusk fell on the seafront.
Patcham Silver Band started off the evening of celebrations before Brighton & Hove mayor Cllr Ann Norman, performed the official opening by switching on the lights. Attending with the mayor was Mary Mears, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, Cabinet Member for Environment. Brighton & Hove Youth Orchestra's string ensemble performed, along with Samba band Estrondo and indie band Gloria Cycles.
Built in 1884, the ornate cast iron structure is regarded as one of the best examples of a Victorian bandstand in the country. The one-year project involved removing the bandstand’s eight cast iron pillars and transporting them to a foundry in Derbyshire where 40 layers of paint were grit blasted off. The intricate decorative arches - or spandrels - linking the pillars were also removed for restoration and a new bridge was constructed to link the bandstand once more with King's Road. Crowning the whole project is the oriental style-roof which has been transformed, among other work, with a new coating of copper.
The deck of the bandstand will now be used for regular concerts for the first time in decades, while the base of the building has been converted into a café.
Councillor Geoffrey Theobald said:
"The opening of the bandstand is a real cause for celebration. Local residents and visitors have been following progress on the restoration closely and it is wonderful to see it returned to its former glory.
"It is a much loved landmark and we look forward to enjoying many more concerts there in the future."
Giles Ings, director of a:b:i:r, the architects responsible for overseeing the project on behalf of the council, said:
"The design consultants, contractor and council have really pulled together in renovating this truly magnificent Victorian structure. The research and attention to detail, together with modern intervention will enable this much loved symbol of Brighton & Hove’s seaside architectural history to be brought back into use for our community, now and in the future."
There is a further programme of concerts throughout the summer.
For more information view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
New patron for ME Society
Simon Burgess who is Labour's candidate to succeed Des Turner as MP for Brighton Kemptown at the next General Election has joined the Sussex ME Society as a patron.Simon has worked in the NHS, in the transport industry and publishing, been a carer, and is unusual as a politician in having worked as both a private sector manager and as a public sector trade union representative. For the past twelve years he has been both a full-time and part-time parliamentary assistant to Des Turner MP. He served as a local councillor for eight years and for a year was the Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council.
The Sussex ME Society is a leading UK regional charity that supports many of the 6,000 adults and children affected by the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - ME - across Sussex.
ME currently has a high profile within the NHS due in part to the recent publication of the NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ME that has helped mainstream the illness. Simon joins fellow patrons: David Lepper MP, Sir Andrew Bowden, Elizabeth,Countess of Craven, Celia Barlow MP, Cllr Paul Elgood, Des Turner MP and actress Jenny Seagrove.
For more information view:
www.measussex.org.uk
Gay Humanists condemn excorcism
The gay Humanist charity PTT (Pink Triangle Trust) has condemned the exorcisms being performed on lesbian and gay people in a bid to purge them of their homosexuality.PTT secretary George Broadhead said:
"The revelation that these exorcisms are being carried out in a London Pentecostal Church and elsewhere is appalling. However, it comes as no surprise as this crackpot church, which originated in the US and goes in for speaking in tongues, is ultra homophobic. Such actions are much more dangerous than the so-called conversion therapy since they can cause physical as well as mental harm.
"It is worrying is that this could be much more widespread than it appears since there are almost 1 million Pentecostals in the UK.
"The sooner the authorities put a stop to these bizzare and dangerous practices, the better."
For more information on the Trust view:
www.pinktriangle.org.uk/
Homophobic human rights professor withdraws from NYU
Dr. Thio Li-Ann, a Singaporean academic and politician, had been invited to teach human rights as a Global Visiting Professor at the NYU (New York University) School of Law, despite her public vilification of homosexuality and her strong advocacy for its continued criminalisation in Singapore. Professor Thio withdrew her acceptance of the offer earlier this week citing pressure from the university community. Individual students, student groups, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) organisations, and other activists had signed a petition and written letters condemning Thio's hiring.
"It's like having a pro-apartheid professor teach human rights,"
says Anurag Gupta, a member of the board of NYU School of Law's Coalition of Legal Recruitment and the National Lawyer's Guild.
"Thio is a leading figure in Singapore who prevented LGBT people from gaining equality. She can say whatever she wants to say but she should not be teaching human rights law at NYU. How can she advocate for human rights when she takes a fundamental anti human-rights position? Her views encourage discrimination and scare people, compelling them to stay silent in Singapore and in her classroom. It leaves LGBT people vulnerable."
During the 2007 parliamentary debates in Singapore about the repeal of Section 377A, which prohibits sex between men, Thio stated:
"Demands for homosexual rights are political claims of a narrow interest group masquerading as legal entitlements…Homosexual activists try to infiltrate and hijack the noble cause of human rights. You cannot make a human wrong a human right."
Student groups have demanded a town hall meeting with the university to discuss the events surrounding Thio's hire and Dean Richard Revesz has agreed.
To read the full transcript of Thio's parliamentary speech view:
www.iglhrc.org/binary-data/ATTACHMENT/file/000/000/288-1.pdf
Kelly Rowland to headline Manchester Pride
Former Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland will headline Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend which takes place next month. The Freemasons and Peter Andre have also signed-up to appear alongside 80’s pop sensation Bananarama and ‘artist of the moment’ Little Boots.
Other confirmed artists include: Current Radio 1 favourite Kid British, fellow Manchester band The Whip, Australian pop group The Blow Waves, dance act Booty Luv, New York soul singer Lonnie Gordon, electro pop artist Frankmusik and alternative Swedish act Tommy Sparks
Natasha Hamilton and Rowetta Satchell are back by popular demand, as are last year’s headline act Alphabeat, who will perform a DJ set on the opening night of the Big Weekend.
Jackie Crozier, festival manager of Manchester Pride, said:
"We’ve got a terrific line-up this year. It’s become something of a tradition that we open the main stage with an 80s' favourite on the Friday night – and they don’t really come any bigger than Bananarama. Kelly Rowland is obviously going to be a big draw on the Sunday night and I’m really glad we managed to bring Alphabeat back again this year. I really think we’ve got something for everyone.”
Manchester Pride Big Weekend - Fri Aug 28 to Mon Aug 31
For the full line-up view:
www.manchesterpride.com
Friday, July 24, 2009
Council grants for Pride announced
Brighton and Hove Council have awarded Pride ‘Beside the Seaside’ Day Grants ’09 to many lesbian and gay groups. Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard, who have a float in the Parade, have been awarded £400. The Gender Trust has been awarded £500 for a Trans safe space, whilst Spectrum received £975 for their access tent for disabled people.
Calabash who are hosting the BME performance tent were awarded £1000, as were the Brighton Women’s Centre, who host the women’s performance tent.
The Brighton Lesbian and Gay Sports Group (BLAGSS) received £250 for their walking tableau on the parade and park info space, as did the Young People’s Centre (Impact).
The Rainbow Chorus received £400, towards their float, whilst the Allsorts Youth Project, were awarded £400 for a young people’s safe space.
The Justin campaign received £595 for organising a Tackling Homophobia football event on the park.
Finally, the Brighton and Hove LGBT bus staff group were awarded £230 towards the cost of their float.
Total amounts of grants awarded was £6000.
To find out more about the council’s grants programme for community & voluntary sector organisations contact Jonathan Best: Grants Officer on 291114 or E Mail jonathan.best@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Cornwall Pride
Colourful posters and booklets promoting the Cornwall Pride event on August 8, 2009 are on their way to a town near you! You can pick up a free Cornwall Pride 2009 booklet from community venues, voluntary organisations and many public buildings across Devon and Cornwall.
Cornwall Pride chairman, Christian Diamant said:
“These posters and booklets are a great way to attract attention and raise the profile of Cornwall Pride.
“We had a great time last year with the support of the whole community, and I know that Cornwall Pride this year will be even bigger and better. We have some amazing acts performing in the park and marquee, and it will be a day to remember.”
This year’s event starts with a parade through Truro city centre, starting from Lemon Quay at 10.30 am. During the afternoon in Victoria Park there will be free live music by upcoming chart acts and local favourites, stalls and entertainment for all the family.
The ticket-only evening event, in a marquee on Lemon Quay, runs from 7 pm until late and is headlined by Rozalla, Hazell Dean and Andy Scott Lee, as well as rising stars Mpho and Kelly Pepper. Amber Dextrous, hosts the show.
Tickets are £10 each, available from Bar Qdos and Hall for Cornwall, both in Truro.
For more informationa about Cornwall Pride view:
www.cornwallpride.co.uk
Need a hotel room for Pride, right on the park?
The Crown and Anchor Pub have rooms to let over Pride weekend. The pub is situated at 213 Preston Road, Brighton, just across the road from Preston Park.
From July 31 to August 2, there are six rooms available, all of them £320, for all three days. Three of them can sleep up to four people, one up to three and two premier ensuite rooms with one double bed in each.
There is some local parking available, breakfast is available at an extra cost as well as free WIFI. Full payment will be taken upon booking.
For more information contact the Crown and Anchor on (01273) 559494.
From July 31 to August 2, there are six rooms available, all of them £320, for all three days. Three of them can sleep up to four people, one up to three and two premier ensuite rooms with one double bed in each.
There is some local parking available, breakfast is available at an extra cost as well as free WIFI. Full payment will be taken upon booking.
For more information contact the Crown and Anchor on (01273) 559494.
Peter Tatchell Human Rights Fund
Donations are requested to help Peter Tatchell's campaigns promoting human rights, democracy and global justice. Peter Tatchell is unpaid and receives no grants. He depends on donations from friends and supporters.Peter is the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Oxford East and is also known for his work with the LGBT campaigning group OutRage!.
Please make cheques payable to: ‘Peter Tatchell Human Rights Fund’ and send to: PTHRF, PO Box 35253, London E1 4YF
Alternatively, to download a donation form or a standing order mandate, go to Donations at: www.tatchellrightsfund.org
You can also follow Peter on Twitter at:
twitter.com/PeterTatchell
or join the Peter Tatchell Human Rights Campaign Facebook group at:
tinyurl.com/cj9y6s
or view:
www.petertatchell.net
Book Review by Eric Page, Corbin Fisher: Playing hard to get
Well if there’s one thing the young, fresh faced and perpetually shirtless young men are not doing in this book it’s playing hard to get, in fact they don’t’ seem to be playing anything other than playing at looking as innocent as a well known porn model can look whilst pretending to be a ‘wholesome all American boy’. The book gushes (in its only bit of writing so don’t’ worry boys) about it being ‘hot and clean’ at the same time, I wonder if they meant cold and wipe clean.This is erotic photography as it’s most insipid. Unconvincing endless photo’s of shirtless men trying to pass as boys, mostly blonds, mostly doing what it is young porno stars do when they hang out, pretend to play American football, pretend to wrestle, pretending to garden ‘oh watch that hose boys, you might all get wet.. Too late!’ Pretend to be affectionate, pretend to play bridge (I made that one up).
It’s a high quality full colour hardback book with only a smattering of full frontal nudity and one or two innocently wholesome hard ons jutting out like Jordan at a summer fete. Still, if you’re a Corby Fisher fan then you’re obviously already beyond hope and will consider this heresy. (as in rubbish, not ‘Hear Say’ as in worse!) Only four pages in and my fingers were hemorrhaging enthusiasm for turning any more.
If you like your coffee table books, slick, pointless and pretty, like most of the men/boys in this book, then this is for you. For me this is the type of book you’d use to stop a wobbly table getting any more irritating or as kindling.
Out now £29.95
In book shops and from the publisher
www.turnaround-uk.com
Greens take Goldsmid Ward
Greens in Brighton and Hove took the strategically important Goldsmid by-election in Hove, taking the seat from the Tories last night.The result sees the election of the first Green councillor, Alex Phillips from Hove to Brighton and Hove City Council and deprives the Tories of their majority on the council.
Caroline Lucas, national Green Party leader and parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion constituency, said,
"This is a spectacular win.
"It signals an unstoppable surge to elect the first Green MP at Westminster, whenever Gordon decides to go to the country.
"With this result, we're on the threshold of taking Green politics to the heart of Westminster."
Alex Phillips said,
"Thank you to all the voters who put their faith in me. It's a ringing endorsement of Green policies and the work of Green councillors locally.
"I will be hard working and unswerving in my task of representing local people and delivering positive Green change."
"Hopefully this means we can put pressure on the Tories and concentrate on our policies of a 20mph speed limit and introducing a living wage, which is more than the current minimum wage."
Councillor Bill Randall, convenor of the Green councillors on the city council, said,
"With my council colleagues, we'll be reviewing the options and consulting our membership to ensure that we get the best, greenest deal for local residents.
"Between us we will do what is right in these very difficult times."
Alex won 38.5% of the votes - an increase of 17% over the last time the seat was contested with a swing of more than 12% from Labour to Green.
Greens 1,456 - 38.5% (+17.6%) Green gain from the Conservatives
Conservatives 1,104 - 29.2% (-0.9%)
Labour 816 - 21.5% (-6.8%)
LIB DEM 280 - 7.4% (-7.32%)
UKIP 129 - 3.4% N/A (others 6% last time)
For more information about the Greens view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk
Thursday, July 23, 2009
On The Beaches with the Brighton and Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus
As part of this year’s Brighton Pride celebrations, the Brighton and Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus are presenting two performances of their new Show, On The Beaches, at St Andrews, Waterloo Street, Hove on July 30 & 31.On The Beaches is a celebration of war time spirit and the chorus will sing their hearts out with renditions of many modern songs and some great period numbers which were popular in the 1940s and have remained firm favourites ever since. Proceeds from the concerts will go to the Mayors charities and other local charities.
Shows start at 7.30pm, tickets are £10 and available from the Iron Duke, the Aquarium Theatre Bar, the Bulldog, and at the door on the night.
Jason Pimblett is the musical director of the chorus who meet every Thursday at 7.45pm in St Andrews Church. If you are interested in joining the chorus, they are always looking for new singing members, as well as musicians. Just go along to one of their rehearsals.
You don't need to have previous experience, and you don't have to be able to read music - enthusiasm, commitment and a sense of fun are more important.
For more information about the chorus view:
www.bhagmc.org
Anti-homophobia campaigner on fourth plinth
The Justin Campaign – founded in memory of Justin Fashanu, the first openly gay professional footballer, who committed suicide – made a stand against homophobia in football on Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth yesterday, July 22. Campaign founder and Brighton-based artist Jason Hall donned the Justin Fashanu All-stars strip and carried a banner raising awareness around homophoba in football in his 7.00am to 8am morning slot on the plinth.
Television crews from BBC Southern Counties and Sky Arts were in attendance, along with other members of the campaign team.
The aim of the Justin Campaign is to demonstrate the prevalence of homophobia in football and show how damaging the consequences of this can be on a society that holds the sport in such high regard.
Through art, events, education and football this unique organisation hopes to persuade the football authorities in England to observe Sat, May 2, 2009 as Justin Fashanu Day and, more generally, to make May 2, the annual international day of protest against homophobia in sport.Campaign Founder Jason Hall said:
“I used my hour on the Plinth to highlight the fact that gay and bisexual men are equally passionate about both playing and supporting ‘the beautiful game’, whilst increasing awareness as to how absurd it is that there have been no other ‘out’ gay players since Justin Fashanu.”
For more information on the Justin Campaign view:
www.thejustincampaign.com/
Brighton men to be living statue on ‘Fourth Plinth’ in Trafalgar Square
Gscene columnist Eric Page has been selected by international-award-winning artist Antony Gormley to be part of his new art work ‘One & Other’ and create an astonishing ‘living monument’ on the empty Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, a space normally reserved for statues of Kings, Generals and Queens.Eric will spend an hour on the plinth, which is intended to be a representation of the whole of humanity on July 28. Local artist and campaigner Jason Hall will appear on the plinth on July 22 at 7am and Gscene travel writer David Hodgson will appear on August 27 at 9pm.
David has yet to decide the theme for his appearance but promises something 'challenging and engaging' in a North East of England way. Local artist and one of the founders of the Justin Campaign intends to highlight issues surrounding homophobia in football.
Eric intends to use his morning slot on July 28th to be extraordinary and challenging in a fun way and to represent himself and the diversity of Brighton and Hove’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender population.
Participants can use their time on the plinth as they like – to perform, to demonstrate, or simply to reflect. All activity from the plinth will be screened by Sky Arts online 24 hours a day on the One & Other website.
‘One & Other' will see a different person take their place on the Fourth Plinth every hour, 24 hours a day for 100 days. The project, supported by Sky Arts, will provide a fascinating portrait of the UK in the twenty-first century and has set the country talking.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said:
“Ever imagined what it's like to be Nelson - looking down on Trafalgar Square and being stared at by thousands of passers by? ‘One & Other’ is an opportunity to be a work of art and create something unprecedented and inimitable."
One & Other will run from July 6 – October 14, 2009 and is currently a plotline on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers.
For more information view:
www.oneandother.co.uk
Pictured: David, Jason and Eric
London council support for elderly LGBT residents
Merton’s older LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) locals are invited to have their say at the council’s next LGBT Forum on Monday July 27, as well as meet officers from Age Concern and chat to LGBT representatives from the surrounding boroughs of Sutton, Wandsworth and OutWest - an organisation including seven west London boroughs.Camden Council’s LGBT development co-ordinator Debbie Neil will be discussing the Open Doors project, which supports older LGBT people in central London, at the forum.
The meeting at Vestry Hall, in Cricket Green, London Road, Mitcham, starts at 6.30pm. The forum welcomes all LGBT people from the community but this meeting will particularly focus on older people’s concerns and how partnership working with other boroughs can help tackle the problems they face.
Merton Council’s cabinet member for community safety and engagement Councillor Henry Nelless said:
“Older LGBT members of the community have a host of different concerns to younger LGBT locals and we are determined to put the needs of all our residents first. The aim of this forum will be to better understand these needs and also to find out what other councils and organisations are doing to support their different LGBT communities. We hope in the future to work closely with these London boroughs and with charities in ways which will best help our own residents.”
For more information view:
www.merton.gov.uk
Pictured: Cllr Henry Nelless
Ex Labour Councillor urges voters to back Greens in Goldsmid by-election
Vince Meegan, the former Labour councillor for the Goldsmid area, has endorsed Green candidate Alex Phillips' campaign to be elected the area’s first Green councillor. Vince, who lives in Goldsmid said:
“I'm backing Alex for city councillor as the best way to stop the Tories. As a former Labour councillor for the area, I urge all Labour and LibDem voters to back her, too.
"Labour can't win here now; the Greens can. Swing your support behind Alex and help defeat the Tories.”
Alex said:
“I’m delighted that such a respected and popular former councillor for the area is backing my campaign. It really shows how important it is for Labour voters to go Green this time if we are to prevent the Tories from winning.”
Cllr Melanie Davis, former Goldsmid Labour Colleague of Vince Meeham said:
"Vince is entitled to his view but could not be more wrong about who is best placed to beat the Tories and win this election. He has only given negative reasons for defecting. Vince put himself forward to stand as Labour's candidate for Goldsmid last year but withdrew at the last minute in the face of strong competition for the post from our popular election candidate Lis Telcs."
The election takes place on Thurs July 23
For more information on Brighton and Hove Green Party view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk
European funding for night-time festival in Brighton
White Night, Brighton & Hove’s all night cultural festival held for the first time last year, has won a share of £300,000 worth of European funding to develop the event for the next four years.Brighton & Hove will be working with the organisers of the ‘Nuit Blanche’ event in Amiens, France to develop cultural programmes that will benefit both cities.
The event is inspired by cities such as Paris, Berlin and Madrid which have staged White Nights (Nuit Blanche) for many years. Uniquely, Brighton’s event marks the clocks going back at the end of British Summer Time. It’s an opportunity for residents and visitors to do something different in the middle of the night.
CouncillorDavid Smith, cabinet member for culture, said: “It’s a fabulous event that transformed the whole atmosphere of the city centre last year. As a result, people that wouldn’t normally venture out late on Saturday came along to enjoy what was on offer.”
Last year, around 15,000 people attended the events and venues that opened late or all through the night which included the Jubilee Library, Prince Regent swimming pool, the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Thousands more gathered for illuminations, tours of the city enhanced by film projections and a specially-commissioned dance performance through the streets.
In April this year, Brighton & Hove City Council was named a Beacon Authority for the way it manages the night time economy in the city.
The 2009 White Night spectacular will be held on the weekend of October 24–25 and will feature many of the venues that took part in 2008.
For more information view:
www.whitenightbrightonandhove.com
Anti BNP Rally in Derbyshire
The BNP will be holding its annual festival next month and a major protest against it has been organized by UAF (Unite Against Fascism).
This year the BNP will be seeking to celebrate winning two seats in the European parliament, and has invited leading fascists from across the continent and from around the world to speak at its rally.
Everyone who opposes the fascism and racism of the BNP has been invited to attend the UAF protest to show their opposition to the BNP.
A coach from Brighton is taking protesters to the event, which is in Derbyshire, on August 15. The coach leaves at 7.15 am and tickets are £5.
Tickets will be on sale this Saturday (July 25) from the SWP stall in Churchill Square, 11.45 to 1.45 and at the Unite against Fascism Stall, St James Street, 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
For more info e-mail: brightonlmhr@googlemail.com
This year the BNP will be seeking to celebrate winning two seats in the European parliament, and has invited leading fascists from across the continent and from around the world to speak at its rally.
Everyone who opposes the fascism and racism of the BNP has been invited to attend the UAF protest to show their opposition to the BNP.
A coach from Brighton is taking protesters to the event, which is in Derbyshire, on August 15. The coach leaves at 7.15 am and tickets are £5.
Tickets will be on sale this Saturday (July 25) from the SWP stall in Churchill Square, 11.45 to 1.45 and at the Unite against Fascism Stall, St James Street, 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
For more info e-mail: brightonlmhr@googlemail.com
Brighton parks amongst UK's best
Easthill Park, Hove Park, Kipling Gardens, Preston Park, St Ann’s Well Gardens and Stoneham Park are all on a par with the country’s finest parks after receiving Green Flags.The Green Flag awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country, and Brighton & Hove’s parks impressed the judges with excellent facilities including well managed green space, signage and amenities.
St Ann’s Well Gardens in Hove flies the flag for the 12th year running, while Preston Park celebrates a 10th successive year. Easthill Park in Portslade has picked up its 8th award, Hove Park is celebrating a sixth success while Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean has won its third award.
Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for the environment, said:
“It’s fantastic news that we will once again be flying Green Flags in parks in Brighton, Hove, Portslade and Rottingdean – a real city-wide success story.
“From the smaller spaces, like Kipling Gardens in Rottingdean, to the large municipal parks such as Preston Park , our dedicated staff work tirelessly to make sure that the quality is maintained and our parks and gardens are a pleasure to visit all year round.”
For more information about Brighton & Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
Pictued: St Ann's Well Gardens, Brighton
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Peter Tatchell endorses the Green candidate in Goldsmid, Alex Phillips
The by-election tomorrow (Thursday) for the third seat in Goldsmid ward could be an important turning point in Brighton and Hove’s history, as the Conservative control of the Council would come to an end if they do not hold the seat.The seat was held by the Conservative Cllr Paul Lainchbury who resigned last month, after drawing councillor expenses for 18 months yet failling to turn up to council and community meetings.
At present the Labour Group have 13 seats and the Greens have 12 seats.
Peter Tatchell LGBT human rights campaigner says:
“Tired of inaction on lgbt equality? Now is the time to vote for Alex Phillips, the candidate from the party with the best record on LGBT human rights. The Greens are the only party that support an end to the ban on same sex marriage. If you support marriage equality, vote Alex Phillips tomorrow on 23rd July!”
Phelim Mac Cafferty, LGBTGreens National Spokesperson explained:
“It is now clear that the Goldsmid by-election is a 2 horse-race: either we will continue with the failed slash-and-burn policies of the Conservatives or, in voting for Alex Phillips and the Greens, we can deliver a victory for the equality of our city’s citizens.
“Brighton and Hove City Council Conservatives may pay occasional lip service to LGBT equality but their actions contradict this: they threw out a Green Party proposal for funding for the Albert Kennedy Trust, which supports young homeless LGBT citizens.
Phelim concluded:
“Open Door, a charity which provided services for those living with HIV in Brighton and Hove has closed under a Tory administration while there has been no effective opposition to government-imposed cuts in the HIV budget for the city. Now is the time to end the continuous Tory dulling down of our equality. Vote Alex Phillips.“
For more information about Alex Phillips view:
www.alexforgoldsmid..org.uk
For more information about the Greens view:
www.lgbtgreens.org.uk
Pictured: Peter Tatchell
Local patients happy with GP services
Ninety percent of Brighton & Hove patients say they are satisfied with the care they receive from their doctor or practice nurse, praise surgery receptionists for being helpful, and are happy with their surgery’s opening hours and cleanliness.Most patients report that it is easy to see a doctor within 48 hours, book an appointment with a specific GP, contact their surgery by phone, and contact the out-of-hours GP service.
The findings come from the third national survey of GP services conducted by MORI on behalf of the Department of Health. More than 11,000 Brighton and Hove residents returned survey forms.
This year’s results show that GP services across the city have made good progress on one of the key findings in last year’s survey – a public wish for longer surgery opening hours. Seventy percent of local practices now offer early morning, evening or Saturday opening hours. Patients can also attend the new Brighton Station Health Centre, in Queens Road, which opens from 8am to 8pm every day.
Chief executive of NHS Brighton and Hove, Darren Grayson, described the survey results as 'extremely positive' and praised GPs and practice staff for the efforts they make to offer high quality treatment and care.
“It’s good to see such high levels of patient satisfaction and to know that Brighton and Hove is rated above the national average in many areas,” he added.
To see the results in full view:
www.dh.gov.uk
Tatchell to talk in Brighton about the LGBT 'unfinished battle'
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and Caroline Lucas MEP are to discuss 'Stonewall 40: The Unfinished Battle for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Freedom' in a debate organised by the Brighton and Hove Green Party. According to a Green spokesman:
"While it’s tempting to consider the battles for equality a thing of the past, we have a considerable way to go: in Brighton and Hove we have had the closure of Open Door; there’s been a growth in HIV with no increased funding for our health facilities; Conservatives councillors block work with the Albert Kennedy Trust which works for young, homeless LGBT people. Nationally the ban on gay and bi men donating blood to the National Blood Service continues; the election of two fascists in the Euro Parliament allows them to spout bigotry which will result in increased violence on LGBT communities; trans rights have not been dealt with in the Single Equalities Bill; same sex couples are still barred from marriage.
"Trans, bi and homophobic persecution, oppression and murder are still prevalent throughout the world. Now is the time when we need to prepare ourselves for the battles ahead.
The debate will take place Fri July 31 at The Eagle,125 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AF
Brighton Labour candidate to support animal welfare alliance
Labour & Co-operative Party candidate, Simon Burgess, has pledged his support for Vote Cruelty Free, a new non-partisan coalition of animal protection organisations working to put animals on the political agenda.The alliance has sent its manifesto to all candidates announced for the next General Election and asked them to show their support for the issues raised.
Simon Burgess said:
"There is still so much to do to improve animal welfare from more humane farming to ending whaling and commercial seal culls, from cutting the number of animal experiments to labelling all fur products. Whilst as a society we accept the barbaric treatment of animals I do not believe that we will learn to treat our fellow humans with respect. I hope everyone will back this vital campaign."
A Vote Cruelty Free spokesperson said:
“Animal protection is an issue close to the UK public’s heart but this is often not reflected in current political debate. It is fantastic that Simon Burgess has shown he believes in animal protection issues as much as his potential future constituents in Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven; we are calling on all candidates to follow his lead by pledging their support for Vote Cruelty Free.”
Vote Cruelty Free covers a broad range of animal welfare issues including wild and marine animals, animal experimentation, cruel sports, the fur trade and farming.
Vote Cruelty Free is urging all candidates to pledge their support for the initiative.
Voters can track candidates who have signed up by visiting:
www.votecrueltyfree.org
Green Party and surfers team up to clean beach
Green Party and SAS (Surfers Against Sewage) are to help make Brighton beach 'Barefoot Friendly' in a clean-up operation on August 3.The ‘Barefoot Friendly Beach Cleaning Tour’ stops at six beaches on the south coast, and allows residents the opportunity to make a real and very positive difference on their local beach
Caroline Lucas, Green Candidate for Brighton Pavilion, who is also leader of the Green Party and an MEP for the South East, said:
“Litter is a very serious problem for beaches all over the country. It pollutes the shorelines, threatens wildlife and the ecology of the seas”.
“This SAS tour is exactly the kind of initiative we need – it gives members of the community a great opportunity to come together and make a real and positive difference to Brighton’s much-loved seaside.”
The tour, which stops at Newquay, Croyde, Bournemouth, Llangennith, Saltburn-by-Sea before arriving at Brighton was last year successful in removing over 1 tonne of litter from the British coastline.
The session starts at 3pm at The Yellowave Beach Sports Venue, Madeira Drive, Brighton and will be followed by a free BBQ and an evening of entertainment including quizzes and free wine.
For more information contact: Brighton & Hove Green Party telephone 01273 766673 / 07977239406
For more information on Surfers Against Sewage view:
www.sas.org.uk
Crusaid Summer Party back after three-year absence
The Crusaid Summer Garden Party is to take place on Sunday August 16 after a three-year break. Money raised will go towards giving financial support to people and communities affected by HIV.
Jordan Hay, Crusaid’s Head of Fundraising, Marketing & Communication said:
“We’re coming back with a bang! Think: more style than Ladies’ Day at Ascot, more divas than Glyndebourne and more muscular forearms than you’d see at Henley, all collected around a pool in the beautiful garden of a private town house in Earl’s Court. Thanks to the generous support of Rupert Cavendish, Crusaid will be able to bring back this elegant event, sharing an exquisite Mediterranean buffet, live music and glamorous company.
"The Crusaid Summer Garden Party has a serious side too. We may be lucky enough to enjoy the amazing food at the event but, for many people, food and other basic necessities are beyond their reach. We’ll be raising money for the millions of people in this country and around the world who, as a result of living with HIV and AIDS, face extreme levels of poverty.”
Crusaid, with the Crusaid Hardship Fund, is currently the largest single source of financial aid for people in the UK living with HIV and AIDS and has helped over one third of people in this country who have been positively diagnosed.
The event will also include a raffle where guests will have the opportunity to win a champagne dinner at Scott’s, grooming treatments at Nickel Spa and Selfridge’s vouchers. There is also a charity auction where they can bid on a two-night break at the historic Spread Eagle Hotel in Sussex or a week’s stay at the stunning Palazzo San Pawl in Malta.
Tickets for the Crusaid Summer Garden Party cost £65. For bookings and more info contact Hugh Wright on 020 7539 3896 or email hughw@crusaid.org.uk
For more information on crusaid view:
www.crusaid.org.uk
Greens claim Hanover area proves 'Tories wasteful'
Cllr Bill Randall who represents Hanover and Elm Grove, and is Convenor of the Green Group of councillors, has accused the Tories of being wasteful with public money.Cllr Randall said:
"Perfectly good and legible cast-iron road signs that fit the character of the area have been replaced with tacky modern signs, with no consultation with local people. Hanover may not be a conservation area, but it has characteristics that need conserving. Furthermore, there’s and no rhyme or reason to what’s been done. Some streets have new signs, some signs on both side of the street and some on only one side. In an act of near-vandalism one cast-iron sign was ripped off the wall of a recently decorated local pub leaving an ugly gap in the fresh paintwork.
“And there’s a cost to all this. At a time when the city is strapped for cash and cutting vital services in deprived areas like Tarner, it is criminal to replace road signs unnecessarily. Add this to the cost of extra free meals for Tory councillors when they meet before planning committee meetings and the extra money spent on grass cutting, most of it in Tory wards, and it’s clear the Tories are not looking after the pennies, as they claim.
"The Tories have accused the Greens of wanting to put up the council tax to fund our ‘pet project’. The ‘pet project’ was insulating every home in the city at a cost of 10 pence a week on the average council tax bill. The average household saving in fuel bills would have been £150, hundreds of jobs would have been created in the city and the city’s carbon footprint would have been cut. Their rejection of the scheme is further proof that they have no real understanding of the climate change or the opportunities its presents.
“Instead they fiddle about in the dark, changing road signs, grazing before meetings and spending a small fortune on grass cutting. It’s the same old Tories and the same old stories.”
For more information about the Greens view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk
Book Reiview by Eric Page UN*/CUT (Hardcover) by Giovanni
This little book is a collection of photographs of the male member, uncircumcised and with all the delights of the foreskin shown in close up high resolution detail. Giovanni, the pseudonym for a well-known photographer, works in the fashion industry and has been photographing male nudes for several years now with great success. Most of us would recognise his works without realising it stems from his lens. His previous book ‘BITES’ was a best seller.There is every type of cock you can imagine in this book, bar one; the mutilated penis. Being uncut myself I don’t really see what all the fuss is about, but in America and other barbarian places where they cut off the end of mens cocks in a pseudo-hygienic rituals of unfathomable mania this book is a real hit, I suppose (as dear old Joni Mitchell sang) you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
There are no male faces in this book, no come hither smiles, no writing and no text, just 112 pages of full coloured page turning homage to the perfection of the prepuce, fat ones, short ones, long ones, wrinkled ones, black ones, wide ones, drippy ones, hard ones, grabbed ones, soft ones, ones you could take home to introduce to your mother, you get the idea. There is the odd digression into wet and sticky Glans worship, a few photo’s of the praeputail sphincter and an extreme close up or two of the sulcus and frenulum. If nothing else; it’s wipe clean pages will keep you amused for a while if that’s your type of thing.
I found the book oddly soulless, like the men’s fashion section at Harvey Nicks and altogether as pointless. However if it’s foreskins that jiggle your boat, or you just fancy a high quality coffee table book with lots (and lots) of close up of cocks kicking around hiding your latest copy of ‘Closer’ then this might just be the book for you.
From publishers: www.turnaround-uk.com priced £16.95
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
First ever Torbay Pride hailed a success
Last week's Torbay Pride was attended by close to a thousand people and, according to its keynote speaker human rights activist Peter Tatchell:"It has established a benchmark, from which the organisers can build something bigger and better in the future."
Its four-day series of events, which was launched by openly gay mayor Nick Bye, included a boat party, an open air screening of Milk in the grounds of Torre Abbey, a pool party at the Key West gay hotel complex, a beach party on Oddicombe Beach and a street party in Meadfoot Lane.
Tatchell added:
"In every town where they hold their first Pride festival it starts off quite small and builds. When a big city like London held its first Gay Pride event in 1972 there were only 700 participants, but now it has grown to hundreds of thousands of revellers. I predict that Torbay Pride will draw crowds of 3,000-plus, including visitors from far and wide, within a few years.
“Torquay has a proud LGBT history, with an openly gay mayor. It is also the birthplace of the legendary and heroic lesbian peace activist Pat Arrowsmith who was a pioneer of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and was jailed many times for her anti-war protests."Torbay Pride organiser Matt Newbury said he was very pleased with how the festival turned out:
"There were 12 well attended events over the four days. We had support from local businesses and the tourism authority. The response from the local straight community was positive.
"The pool party was fantastic. Roughly 400 people attended. While the big cabaret street party to close Pride was also a massive success. We have big plans for next year, but wanted the first one to feature a series of sensibly sized events, that were diverse in both location and content. We have had so much wonderful feedback and I must thank everyone involved in the organisation, as well as both the locals and visitors who came to show their support.
"This event was a great celebration for the LGBT community. It is also an asset to the local economy, boosting the tourism industry" said Mr Newbury.
For more information about Torbay Pride view:
www.pridetorbay.org/
For more information on Peter Tatchell view:
www.petertatchell.net
Want to be a Fire Fighter?
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is now recruiting for full-time firefighters and will be holding Recruitment Open Days on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25 at the Service Training Centre in Maresfield. During the day there will be advice on applying, written tests and fitness. There will also be opportunities to view the equipment and observe demonstrations.
Working in the Fire & Rescue Service is not just about fighting fires, but also about looking at ways to prevent fires and accidents in the first place. A number of staff representing the different areas of work within the Service will be on hand at the Open Days to share their own views and experiences working with the service.
Neal Robinson, Head of Organisational Development said:
“There are many career opportunities available within East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, and we would encourage anyone with an interest in the Service to come along to the events and find out about the exciting and interesting opportunities available.”
The open days will run from 10am - 3pm on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25 at the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Training Centre on Batts Bridge Road, Maresfield, Sussex, TN22 2HN.
For more Open Day information call Carmen Stevens on 01323 462399
or view: www.esfrs.org
Lib Dems look to double their gay councillors in Goldsmid election
The Lib Dems are hoping to double their number of gay councillors on the City Council through the election of openly gay candidate Howard Spencer at the coming Goldsmid Ward election.Currently only two councillors hail from the LGBT community - Lib Dem Paul Elgood from Brunswick & Adelaide and Tory Brian Oxley from Westbourne.
Goldsmid residents go to the polls this Thursday (23), in a by-election caused by the failure of the sitting Conservative Councillor to turn up to community and council meetings.
According to Spencer:
"This election is about who best serves you. It is time for change and I am standing on a commitment to finally sort out Goldsmid's problems - from school places to speeding. The old parties have had long enough to sort these problems out, and have not bothered.
"Goldsmid finally needs a local councillor who will work hard and stand up for this community. Residents are sick of the inaction of Labour and the Conservatives.
"I've promised to be a strong voice for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community at the council and work with the Lib Dems to continue their campaign for equality in the council."
Polls open 7am on Thursday. To find out where to vote or if you need a lift call Howard's team on 01273 722474 or view:
www.liberalhove.org.
Paddle Round the Pier raises £30k for charity
This year’s Paddle Round The Pier, sponsored by Feelfit, raised an estimated record-breaking £30,000 for this year’s charities – The RNLI, SurfAid International and local children’s charity, The Rockinghorse Appeal.Around 23,ooo people visited the event, which was held earlier this month on Hove Lawns.
Dave Samuel, Paddle Director said:
“Well, what a fantastic weekend. Good weather and great sea conditions made this the best and biggest Paddle Round The Pier event ever. All of the events in the water and on the land were really well supported, but what was hugely satisfying was to see a record number of people take part in the ‘Paddle Round The Pier’ itself on Sunday afternoon.
“I would also like to give a huge thanks to everyone who helped make this event as successful it was – the other organisers, all the volunteers, the bands, Brighton & Hove Council, the Seafront Office, the local businesses and of course our sponsors, in particular Feelfit.
“And on behalf of the charities I would like to thank all of the people who came down and joined in the fun. Their generous donations will make a huge difference.
“Get your diaries out now and make sure you write in the weekend of July 3–4 for the 2010 Paddle Round The Pier.”
For more information view:
www.paddleroundthepier.com
IGLHRC condemns human rights abuses in Honduras
The IGLHRC (International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission) has condemned the recent murder and arbitrary arrests of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) activists in Honduras following a military coup last month which ousted the country's democratically elected government. IGLHRC executive director Cary Alan Johnson said:
"The recent coup in Honduras is an illegal assault on democracy that violates the rights of all Honduran citizens, including those who identify as LGBT. We especially deplore the vicious murder and arbitrary arrests of LGBT people in the wake of this crisis."
A transgender activist was murdered on the night of June 29 after she went to work during the military-imposed two-night curfew. She was found dead with two gunshot wounds: one through her head and one in her back. Local activists in Honduras claim she was killed by military police patrolling the streets.
Five other LGBT activists were arrested, detained and then beaten while in custody. The arrests occurred while the activists were participating in a demonstration in support of the democratically elected government. All of the activists are public figures, known to be leaders in the LGBT movement.
Honduras has a checkered history on LGBT rights. IGLHRC contributed to a 2006 report about human rights violations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in Honduras. The report emphasized that the Honduran government engages in widespread discrimination against the LGBT community. It documented over 200 murders of transgender people and sex workers by state and non-state actors, as well as numerous incidents of police brutality. In 2007, IGLHRC issued an action alert after four transgender people were arbitrarily arrested and physically, verbally and psychologically abused in police custody.
Marcelo Ferreyra, coordinator of IGLHRC's Latin America and Caribbean Program said:
"Human rights and fundamental freedoms are being challenged in Honduras in the aftermath of the coup. Under such circumstances, there is always danger for those whose sexual orientation or gender identity does not conform to social norms. We ask for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Honduras."
For more information about IGLHRC and its work on Honduras view:
www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/region/102.html
The mission of The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) is advancing human rights for everyone, everywhere to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. A non-profit, non-governmental organization, IGLHRC is based in New York, with offices in Cape Town and Buenos Aires.
Pictured: IGLHRC executive director Cary Alan Johnson
Theatre review by Eric Page: 'Let right be done', The Winslow boy
This is a lovely fresh and surprisingly funny version of Brighton gay boy Terrance Rattigan’s famous play. The true story of The Winslow Boy was as controversial in its day (1910) as anything in the tabloids today. Terence turned the facts into one of his finest and most engrossing plays, the winner of awards on both sides of the Atlantic. The plot is deceptively simple, a young boy is expelled from is navel college for the alleged theft of a five shilling postal order. He denies it, is not given the chance to defend himself and then his father takes the battle to prove his sons innocence to parliament and then to the high courts. Like all of Rattigan’s plays, it’s not really about that at all, it’s an in depth study of family loyalty, the price of honour, the meaning and consequence of sacrifice and a solid cry against the way that petty tyrannies against a defenceless individual can accumulate to erode all our rights. It’s also a study of loyalty and finding allies in the strangest places.
These heavy motifs are deftly handled in the confines of an Edwardian sitting room, and the emerging struggles just before the First World War. Oddly enough, this period setting makes this play strikingly relevant today. In a time of national emergencies when we are ‘threatened’ by global terrorism or financial meltdown our fundamental values are being questioned. The brilliance of Rattigan’s play is the way in which it shows that something utterly insignificant can become an issue of national importance.
The cast are accomplished and easy in their roles with Timothy West’s father role being suffused with nobility and also getting some of the best laughs. His timing is perfect. I don’t recall this play being as funny as it is in this production, perhaps it’s time has come again, some of the lines sparkle with a Wilden wit and Adrian Lukis’s Sir Robert Morton plays this epigramic style as dear old Oscar would have loved to have done.
Claire Cox as Catharine Winslow brought feeling to her role as the suffragette daughter who ultimately sacrifices her future happiness for what is right and Hugh Wyld (aged 17) as The Winslow boy himself, does well in a role meant for a 14 year old. They catch the atmosphere of a safe Edwardian world slowly turning into the storm of change
Special mention also to Sarah Flind as the parlour maid Violet, who rung every laugh she could out of her entrances, exits and breathless gossipy reports. Lovely!
All in all a fine production with some fine acting, the second act heats up well and the play zings along with the dialogue taking up the slack. If I have to criticise something it would be the unconvincing female reporter and the fact that the Edwardian drawing room set had bare floor boards, not a rug or carpet to be seen. This let the otherwise clever set down. Research darlings, research!
Everything changes, but something’s, it seems stay the same; ‘Let right be done’ is a rallying cry that rings down through the generations to our own lives today.
Runs until the July 25 at the Theatre Royal, Brighton
www.ambassadortickets.com/1052/664/Brighton/Theatre-Royal-Brighton/The-Winslow-Boy
Monday, July 20, 2009
Citizens Advice at Brighton Pride
As part of its continuing commitment to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, national charity Citizens Advice is to have a stall at Brighton and at a number of other Pride events around the country.The organisation will be at Pride in Brighton (August 1–2); Newcastle-upon-Tyne (July 18) and Cardiff (August 29–30). The stalls are being funded and promoted by the charity’s NLGBG (National Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Group) which is one of several self-organised networks within the charity. The groups provide support and networking for LGBT volunteers and paid staff.
In the last year, the Citizens Advice service has seen a 17% increase in employment discrimination enquiries. Many bureaux have also helped with over 25,000 discrimination problems in 2008/09. Citizens Advice is also one of only four voluntary organisations to appear in Stonewall Workplace Equality Index of the top 100 gay-friendly employers, coming 37th out of a possible 100 workplaces.
David Harker, chief executive of Citizens Advice said:
"Being part of Pride celebrates our diversity within the Citizens Advice service. We want to send the vital message to the LGBT community face to face that we are here for everyone. We hope lots of people will stop by our stall to find out more about our services and volunteering opportunities".
Ali Harris, Head of Equality Strategy of Citizens Advice said:
“Citizens Advice Bureaux can help people make their rights a reality, especially for those who have been on the receiving end of unfair treatment or discrimination. The charity also provides advice on issues such as benefits and debt. We also have our website which gives up to date information on many issues that affect the LGBT community".
For more information on Citizens Advice view:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Count Me In Too exhibition this Saturday
An exhibition celebrating Count Me In Too, the project researching the needs, views and experiences of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual & transsexual) people who live in Brighton & Hove, is to open next Saturday (July 25) at the Sallis Benney Theatre.This June saw the launch of the final themed analysis report on Drugs & Alcohol, and the completion of two-and-a-half years of analysis of the data collected by the Count Me In Too research project in 2006.
In addition to the 819 people who completed the questionnaire and the 69 people who took part in focus groups, over a hundred people have contributed to shaping, designing, carrying out, interpreting and reporting on the research. People have contributed as employees of local service providers, and/or as LGBT volunteers with the project.
The exhibition's opening will take place at the Sallis Benney Theatre foyer on Grand Parade, on July 25 from 4pm-6pm. There will be speeches, updates about plans for the coming year and a cake cutting at 5pm.
The exhibition will be at the Sallis Benney from July 27 to August 1 (10am-5pm), and will also be on display as part of the LGBT Research tent at Brighton Pride in Preston Park on August 1 (12 noon - 7pm). There will also be other events over the coming months.
For more information contact Nick McGlynn: nmcglynn@brighton.ac.uk
Or view:
www.countmeintoo.co.uk
Railway Club benefit for Sussex Beacon
The Railway Club, at Seven Dials is holding a pre-pride party and benefit for the Sussex Beacon on Friday July 31. Providing the entertainment will be the fabulous Davina Sparkle, bringing her special brand of humour and song to the evening, plus DJ Barrie playing camp attack and house groves till very very late into the night.
The Brighton Railway Club is a members club and is air conditioned. A wide selection of refreshment are available from real ales to soft drinks. It is situated at 4 Belmont, Brighton, BN1 3TF, which is in the Seven Dials area of Brighton, and just a ten minute walk up from Brighton station.
Alternatively you can take a bus from town. Get off at Seven Dials roundabout and take a short walk towards the HSBC bank. Belmont is a cul-de-sac opposite and the Railway Club is up there on the left.
For more information view:
www.narcbrighton.co.uk/index.html
Friday, July 17, 2009
Your chance to take part in sex education consultation
Last October the Government announced its plan to make SRE (sex and relationships education) a statutory part of the National Curriculum by 2011.
Although this public commitment has been made, there is currently a review of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education taking place. This is where sex and relationships would be taught. There is concern that unless there is a strong show of support for making PSHE part of the curriculum, the Government may decide not to make this important change.
Those who oppose making SRE a compulsory part of the curriculum are mobilising support, and if opposition is strong, this change will not happen. Making PSHE a part of the National Curriculum will be essential to improving the UK 's future sexual health
As part of the review, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is running a consultation, framed around a short questionnaire and the more responses the Government receives in favour of this change, the stronger their mandate for implementing it.
The consultation closes on July 24.
To complete the questionnaire view:
www.qca.org.uk
Although this public commitment has been made, there is currently a review of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education taking place. This is where sex and relationships would be taught. There is concern that unless there is a strong show of support for making PSHE part of the curriculum, the Government may decide not to make this important change.
Those who oppose making SRE a compulsory part of the curriculum are mobilising support, and if opposition is strong, this change will not happen. Making PSHE a part of the National Curriculum will be essential to improving the UK 's future sexual health
As part of the review, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is running a consultation, framed around a short questionnaire and the more responses the Government receives in favour of this change, the stronger their mandate for implementing it.
The consultation closes on July 24.
To complete the questionnaire view:
www.qca.org.uk
Workout with Manchester Pride
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A 10km run along a canal towpath and a game of water mini-polo are just two of the sports events that can be enjoyed at this year's Manchester Pride festival.The towpath run is organised by Manchester Frontrunners, the city's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) running club, and starts at Sugden Sports Centre at 6.30pm on Thursday August 27. The water mini-polo is organised by Manchester Sharks and takes place at Manchester Aquatics Centre at 2.30pm on Saturday August 22.
For those looking for something a little less strenuous, the Marlin Swimming Group will be hosting a special Pride Pool Party for transgender people at Levenshulme Swimming Baths on Monday August 24.
In addition to these sports activities, Dietcare will be hosting Healthy Living and Exercise Talks in Taurus Bar on Canal Street and An Outlet on Dale Street during August.
Jackie Crozier, festival manager of Manchester Pride, said:
"Sports activities are a great way to bring together members of the community from all backgrounds and from across a wide age group. I think we've got a nice mix of activities this year and I'm hoping we can do even more next year."
For more information view:
www.manchesterpride.com
Help influence NHS policy and earn £20
Research into how STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) testing services should be delivered will be taking place at 6.30 pm on weekday evenings between late August and early October. Everyone attending these informal discussion groups will earn £20.This research will give ordinary people an opportunity to influence NHS policy by contributing their voice to discussions about how STI testing services should be delivered. There will be a number of small, single-sex discussion groups during which people can discuss how sexual health testing services could be improved.
The study focuses on changing the process and policy of services, not medical issues. There is no expectation that people will necessarily discuss personal issues - although eligible participants must have used some type of sexual health service within the last two years.
A discussion group is a very relaxed opportunity for up to six men, or six women, to discuss their ideas about how they would like STI testing delivered - things like: waiting times, appointment systems, GPs, clinics, methods for receiving results, etc.
There will be 11 focus groups that people can choose to attend:
Gay men 24 years and under
Gay men over 24
Lesbian 24 years and under
Lesbian over 24
Bi-sexual men and women (any age)
HIV+ (any age)
Female Heterosexual 24 years and under
Female Heterosexual over 24
Male Heterosexual 24 years and under
Male Heterosexual over 24
Black and Minority Ethnic (any age)
Groups last approx. one hour, and will be held in a suitable private central Brighton location. All participants will receive £20 cash as a thank you for taking part.
For more information call Alex Pollard on 01273 641887 or e-mail: a.pollard@bsms.ac.uk
GMFA's Gay Sports Day
GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern are to hold a Gay Sports Day in London on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.Registration is now open and teams of five are invited to participate in the games to help raise money for three great causes – GMFA, Vauxhall City Farm and the Friends of Spring Gardens. This year's event is set to be bigger and better than last year with events such as the drag relay, the handbag throw and the fabulous 50m mince.
Matthew Hodson of GMFA says:
“It’s no surprise that the Gay Sports Day has already become one of the highlights of the gay calendar. You never know quite what to expect and that’s what makes it so brilliant. Last year some of the teams made a real effort with their costumes and the whole event has this carnival atmosphere, but the sporting competition can get pretty intense too.”
There will once again be a trophy for the winning team and another trophy for the team that manages to raise the most money. Last year the event was won by the fabulous 'Sodomites', and the top fundraisers were 'Mighty Metamorphic Zebras', who managed to raise over £1,000.
Places for teams will be strictly limited to the numbers allowed by the local council, so entry will be on a first-come first-served basis.
For registration information, view:
www.gmfa.org.uk/sportsday
The sports day will start at 2pm in Spring Gardens, Vauxhall (behind the Royal Vauxhall Tavern).
For more information about GMFA view:
www.gmfa.org
Pictured: Matthew Hodson
Thursday, July 16, 2009
An Evening with Ivor Novello
Some of Brighton’s most popular singers and musicians are to perform their acclaimed show ‘An Evening with Ivor Novello’ to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the CCT (Churches Conservation Trust). The trust supports redundant churches such as the show's venue, St Andrew's.This entertaining show has been performed around the south of England but has never previously been staged in Brighton. The cast will include Jason Pimblett, Samantha Howard, Gerry McCrudden and Dame Margot Hamilton, DBE, The Dowager Countess of Richborough. They will be joined by a choral ensemble.
Dame Margot, who despite her advancing years, still has many happy and vivid memories of Ivor Novello said:
"I learned everything I know from dear dear Ivor. I rather fell in love with him but for many reasons our love was not to be. What can I say - a girlish infatuation. This show is a tribute to him from those who loved him well.’’
An Evening with Ivor Novello, St Andrew's Church, Waterloo St, Hove, Sun August 16 at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £8 and are available from the Dome Box Office on 01273 709 709, The Iron Duke, The Aquarium Theatre Bar and on the door.
For information on the CCT view:
www.visitchurches.org.uk
or www.visitstandrews.org
Pictured: Dame Margot Hamilton
Gay church to perform blessings at Pride
The MCC (The Metropolitan Community Church) of Brighton are having an area for blessings at Preston Park. The MCC is a fully inclusive worldwide denomination that was established by a gay minister in the States in 1968. It is now the largest LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) charity in the World.The church will be offering blessings for individuals, couples, children, pets, rings and prayers for healing. There will be ministers there from a Christian background, as well as inter-faith ministers. The blessings area is there for everybody to receive a blessing from God as they understand God to be.
This is the third year running Rev Debbie Gaston’s has been asked to bless the Pride parade at Marine Drive.
Rev Debbie Gaston said:
“I am absolutely delighted to have been asked to not only bless the parade but also to provide blessings in the park. Of course it will be busy- after blessing the parade I will run to join my congregation and our children on our float as we sing and dance our way to the park."
The blessings will take place by the clock tower in Preston Park at Pride on Sat Aug 1.
For more information contact: Info@mccbrighton.org.uk or call Rev Debbie Gaston on 07887 620 921
Brunswick Festival
The Brunswick Festival is one of the longest running festivals in the city, and this year it celebrates its 28th consecutive year. Through the work of a small team of local residents and volunteers, this vibrant community festival has grown over the years from being a low key picnic on the green to now encompassing two weekends of outdoor events.
The exciting programme offers a variety of free events and activities for all the family. Highlights of this years festival include:
A 'Rural Day' on Sun Aug 16 which aims to bring the countryside to the City and raise an awareness of the environment. Featuring the ever popular 'Scruffs' Dog Show, arts and crafts, conservation stalls and children’s activities. It takes place in St. Anne's Well Gardens from 1pm - 6pm
Brunswick Festival in the Square is on the weekend of Aug 22–23. It will feature live music, dance, street theatre, circus skills, a healing area, arts crafts and bric-a-brac stalls, world food and a beer tent. This takes place in Brunswick Square from 12.00pm – 7pm
For More information, to volunteer your services or to book a stall contact:
John or Veronica on 01273 204 404
E-Mail: brunswickfestival@hotmail.com
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Surrey Police Appeal
Surrey Police were called to Old Lane, Wisley at around 3.15pm on Monday July 13, following the discovery of a body of a man, believed to be in his 30s, in some bushes.
An investigation into the circumstances of his death is currently being carried out but it is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.
Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have seen a green Vauxhall Corsa parked in the area in the days leading up to this incident. The car is believed to have belonged to the deceased.
Anyone with information is asked to call DS Anna Leahy on 0845 125 2222.
An investigation into the circumstances of his death is currently being carried out but it is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.
Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have seen a green Vauxhall Corsa parked in the area in the days leading up to this incident. The car is believed to have belonged to the deceased.
Anyone with information is asked to call DS Anna Leahy on 0845 125 2222.
THT joins forces with telly doc and private clinic
Better2Know, the UK’s largest network of private clinics offering sexual health testing, has entered into a partnership with THT (Terrence Higgins Trust) to increase access to testing and sexual health information for people living in the UK. Its newly appointed Medical Director is Dr Christian Jessen the presenter of popular television programmes Embarrassing Illnesses, Supersize Vs. Superskinny and BAFTA award winning Embarrassing Bodies.
Dr Jessen said:
"STI rates are continuing to soar in the UK, so it is really important that there is a continued commitment to raise awareness of sexual health issues and make testing more accessible and convenient for everyone."
In addition to the unprecedented STI infection rates amongst the UK’s under 25s, there has been a recently reported surge in STI diagnoses in the over 45s. Recently-published government data show that between 1998 and 2007 rates of Chlamydia rose amongst 45-64 year olds by 231% in men and 160% in women.
Bronwen Roberts, Director of Service Development at THT said:
“To encourage more people to come forward for STI testing, it needs to be quick and easy to take a test. Clinics should be accessible both in terms of location and opening times. People may prefer to test at their local GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic, at a THT clinic or at a private clinic. The more options people have, the better.”
Appointments can made with Better2Know by calling 0870 783 8378
For more information about THT view:
www.tht.org.uk
Pictured: Dr Christian Jessen
GMFA Websites win award as visitor numbers double
GMFA the gay men’s health charity, are the first gay charity in the UK to receive the HONcode (Health On The Net Code) accreditation. This is awarded to the increasingly popular group of health information websites at www.gmfa.org.uk and is validation of their adherence to the ethical and quality HONcode. Its Sex & Sexual Health site alone saw traffic double in the past year, reaching over 60,000 visitors between April and June 2009.GMFA launched its Sex & Sexual Health website in December 2006 in response to the lack of online information specifically targeting gay men. The site was one of the first to provide frank and comprehensive sexual health information for gay men, containing up-to-date and friendly advice on topics such as the HIV risks of oral sex, PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis), HIV testing, and techniques for better sex.
Matthew Hodson of GMFA said:
“Gay men are more likely to turn to the web for safer sex information than any other source. We work to provide the services that the gay community wants and needs and it is important that we can deliver relevant and credible sexual health information online. The HONcode exists to help people tell which websites they can trust to give them reliable information about their health so this is an important endorsement for us and for gay men.”
In addition to the main sexual health site, GMFA also provides detailed listings of sexual health services for gay men in London, specific advice for HIV positive gay men and a guide to gay sports and social groups in London.
The HONcode was created by the HON Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that is internationally known for its pioneering work in the field of health information ethics, notably for the establishment of its code of ethical conduct, the HONcode. The code is the oldest and most used ethical and trustworthy code for medical and health related information available on the internet.
Matthew adds:
“Gay men are at the heart of what we do. Like all of our work, our websites draw upon our 17 years’ experience of delivering gay men’s work. We created the sites with our volunteers, most of them gay men, which I believe is what makes them so relevant, accessible and honest.”
For more information on GMFA view:
www.gmfa.org.uk
and on the HON Foundation:
www.HealthOnNet.org
Tories 'complacent' on 20mph speed limit
Alex Phillips, Green candidate for the Goldsmid by-election in Hove, has accused Tory-run Brighton & Hove City Council of ‘complacency’ when it comes to road safety, as it has 'dragged its feet' on introducing 20 mph speed limits.Alex made her claim after attending a council cabinet meeting last week where she questioned Tory council leader Mary Mears on the issue.
Alex said:
“More people aged between 5 and 35 die from road accidents than anything else. It’s no wonder towns across the UK - such as Portsmouth, Norwich and Oxford – are considering introducing 20mph speed limits on all their residential roads.
“Here in Brighton & Hove, 141 people were killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents over the last year. The council should be looking at any and all ways to reduce this figure, as soon as possible.
“It’s clear that the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on residential roads would go a long way to making the city’s roads safer, our communities healthier and our streets more pleasant.
“But the Tories don't appear to think the situation is urgent. More than a year ago they promised to investigate introducing a 20 mph limit, but they haven’t even begun to look into it.
“The Tories seem complacent in the face of so many deaths on our city's roads."
The Goldsmid council by-election is on Thursday 23 July 2009.
For more information view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk
and www.alexforgoldsmid.co.uk
Labour calls for inquiry into Tory 'cash for favours' allegations
Cllr Gill Mitchell, The Labour Group Leader on Brighton and Hove Council, is calling for a National independent inquiry into allegations that Shadow Minister Andrew Lansley MP, was allegedly involved in a cash for favours row at Conservative controlled Brighton & Hove City Council.Fash Ghiaci, of the development company City Gateway, made a £2,000 donation to Hove Conservative Association at the same time as the Tory dominated planning committee on Brighton & Hove City Council waived a £140,000 obligation for City Gateway to invest in the local community which was previously agreed as a condition of planning approval.
Weeks before this decision took place Shadow Minister Andrew Lansley MP, visited Brighton allegedly for a private meeting with the developer and Cllr Ayas Fallon-Khan , Deputy Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council.
Cllr Fallon-Khan allegedly went on to have a further meeting with the developer and the now Conservative appointed acting Chief-Executive of the Council, Alex Bailey, which he failed to declare, before going on to substitute himself on to the planning committee and organise the crucial vote which waived the £140,000 obligation for the developer.
Following the meeting a complaint was made to the standards committee and the Conservative Administraton by Labour Councillors. The Conservatives have confirmed that they accepted a £2,000 donation from the developer.
Since news of the story broke the Conservatives have removed pictures of the developer meeting with Andrew Lansley MP and Councillor Fallon-Khan from their website and have refused to comment on the matter.
Gill Mitchell said:
"The actions of the Conservatives in this matter are nothing short of scandalous. Answers must be given as to why Conservative Councillors allowed a developer to get out of paying £140,000 for the community, while at the same time accepting £2,000 for their Party funds.
"I am calling for this matter to be referred to the National Standards Board for England & Wales as I have no confidence in the Council’s ability to investigate this matter itself. Questions must also be asked as to the involvement of Tory shadow minister Andrew Lansley MP, in this affair."
Cllr Bill Randall, the Green Party Convenor issued the following statement:
"To help clear the air and protect the city council’s reputation the Tory Party should immediately donate £2,000 to a local charity and the planning permission should be put on hold, pending the findings of an independent inquiry into ‘Flexergate."
"The Tories have serious questions to answer to an inquiry about the meetings between Goldsmid Councillor Ayas Fallon Khan, Mr Ghiaci and Tory front-bench spokesman Andrew Lansley.
"The public needs to be reassured that the £2,000 donation to the Conservative Party and the decision to remove the £145,000 community contribution from the planning permission, against the advice of the planning officers, are nothing more than an unhappy coincidence.
"We expressed our doubts about the planning decision in a press release immediately after the meeting. The information that has come to light since then has only added to our concerns."
Leader of the Lib Dems, Cllr Paul Elgood said:
"The allegations being made are extremely serious, which if found to be justified could lead to disqualification. The internal inquiry needs to be report as quickly as possible now, it has already taken too long.
"If David Cameron is seeking to place his party above the recent political scandals, then he must ensure that this donation is returned so that local planning practices can be above criticism."
For more information on Brighton & Hove Labour Party view:
www.brighton-hove-labour.org.uk/
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
New study to help reduce underage sales of alcohol
Successful initiatives in the fight against underage sales of alcohol have been highlighted in a new study by the public body for better local regulation, LBRO (Local Better Regulation Office), as part of a drive to help local councils and police forces keep alcohol out of the hands of the under 18’s.LBRO is now urging others to adopt the best practice undertaken by local authorities and police forces in small cities and towns across the UK .
The study into reducing underage sales has recognised how skilled young people are at finding new ways to get hold of alcohol and the need for authorities to always stay one step ahead.
Other key themes include the importance of partnership working between the relevant organisations - engaging businesses who see themselves as part of the community and want to be part of the solution.
Brighton and Hove is an area with a thriving night-time economy and a high concentration of licensed premises. It has a high youth population and has suffered from problems such as street drinking and alcohol misuse. The city council has set out to change the culture of the night-time economy by encouraging activities where alcohol is not central to the event. Their focus has been around business support with 84 per cent of licensees stating it as an effective method. Trading Standards offer advice and support to licensees through Business Support Visits, helping them consider the location of alcohol in the premises, building up staff confidence to challenge and refuse sales and generally raising awareness of underage issues.
LBRO Chair Clive Grace said:
“According to a recent survey over a quarter of 14 to 17 year olds are able to purchase alcohol for themselves. Initiatives such as the ones identified in the study can lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviour and can make communities better places to live particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. This is why LBRO is keen to take its work forward with local authorities to find the best ways to reduce the problem.”
According to the Department for Children, Schools and Families the number of alcohol units consumed by 11 – 15 year olds has doubled between 1990 and 2000 and has remained at the same level since. Alcohol misuse costs the health service around £2.7 billion per year as well as imposing wider costs on society such as crime and disorder, social and family breakdown and sickness absence.
For more information view:
www.lbro.org.uk
Lords launch for Iran Solidarity
Parliamentarians, human rights campaigners, trade unionists, exiled Iranians and prominent LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people joined together to launch Iran Solidarity yesterday (July 13) in the House of Lords. Also at the launch were LGBT Iranians who have secured, or who are seeking, asylum in the UK. They fled Iran fearing arrest, torture and execution.
Iran Solidarity's aim is to support the Iranian people's current protests for freedom, including freedom of expression and an end to the tyranny of religious rule in Tehran.
Speakers included philosopher AC Grayling, Maryam Namazie the Iranian feminist and member of the Worker Communist Party of Iran, and LGBT human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell. They highlighted gender apartheid and the second class legal status of women in Iran, as well as the regime's state-sponsored homophobic persecution.
Peter Tatchell said that Iran Solidarity rejected the imposition of western solutions on Iran; describing the new organisation as an internationalist solidarity campaign similar to the anti-apartheid movement, with the sole aim of supporting the Iranian people's efforts to free themselves from dictatorship. He called for an end to all oppression in Iran, including oppression based on a person's political beliefs, ethnic origin, gender, trade union activism, religious dissent and sexual orientation.
In a speech to the Lords Tatchell highlighted just one of the regime's acts of barbarity. He said:
"The regime's crackdown includes the enforcement of harsh morality laws. In 2004, in the city of Neka, a 16 year old girl, Atefah Rajabi Sahaaleh, who had been raped and sexually abused by men for many years, was convicted of 'crimes against chastity'. She was hanged by the method of slow, painful strangulation, hoisted by a crane in a public square. This strangulation technique, sanctioned by the Iranian regime, is deliberately designed to prolong the suffering of the victim. The hanged person is left dangling and writhing for several minutes before they eventually asphyxiate and die."
For more information on Iran Solidarity view:
www.iransolidarity.org.uk
Calling all parade wannabes.....
Manchester Pride is encouraging people that are not members of an LGBT group or commercial entry to take part in this year’s parade by organising a community float that will lead the celebrations alongside human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.The ‘Out in the Community’ float is open to all and will be designed at free workshops with carnival artists throughout July.
Jackie Crozier, festival manager of Manchester Pride, said:
“The parade is always a highlight of the Big Weekend and I’m really glad the community float gives everyone the chance to take part. Watching the parade is lots of fun, but to take part is something else.”
The ‘Out in the Community’ float is supported by the Big Lottery Fund and Manchester Art Gallery.
For workshop bookings and information contact
Katy Stewart on 0161 236 7474
or email: katy.stewart@manchesterpride.com
For more information about Manchester Pride view:
www.manchesterpride.com
Humanist charity condemns Equality Bill's exemption for faith schools
The gay Humanist charity the PTT (Pink Triangle Trust) says it is critical of the government's Equality Bill and of its intention to exempt faith schools from its plan to tackle homophobic prejudice and bullying.PTT secretary, George Broadhead, commented:
"As a gay educational charity, we were delighted that the government plans to compel schools to teach sex education but shocked to learn that it will grant exemption to faith schools and allow them to educate pupils in line with their religious beliefs.
"It seems that a get-out clause for faith schools will permit them to present sex education 'in line with the context, values and ethos' of the schools and clearly this will permit them to tell pupils - in line with the teachings in their holy books - that lesbian and gay sexual relationships are morally wrong.
"Homophobic bullying plagues the majority of our schools and shocking levels of bullying are meted out to school pupils and teachers who either are gay or perceived to be gay. That is the conclusion of a wide-ranging study carried by the gay equality organisation Stonewall. The study found that nearly two thirds of lesbian and gay pupils reported instances of homophobic harassment and significantly this figure jumps to 75% for those attending faith schools.
"It is surely unacceptable that a large proportion of our schools should be allowed to tell their pupils that same-sex relationships are wrong with the inevitable consequence that anti-gay bullying will increase.
"It seems that Stonewall is happy to go along with the exemption even though its own study found that homophobic harassment was higher in faith schools."
For more information about the Trust view:
www.pinktriangle.org.uk/
Pictured: George Broadhead, secretary of the Pink Triangle Trust
Theatre Review by Michael Hootman: Agatha Christie's Spider Web
A few years ago I had a minor falling out with a friend when I happened to refer to his choice of bedtime reading as "rubbishy old Agatha Christie". In the ensuing row I tried to highlight the fact that her works don't involve any real, living, human characters; instead they're populated by stereotypes who have to jump through a number of plot hoops before the murderer is unmasked. For some reason I forgot to mention that, although this is true, they can also be great fun. Spider's Web doesn't scale the dizzy heights of Witness for the Prosecution or The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, but for a rubbishy old thriller it certainly delivers.The plot: Clarissa, the wife of a high-ranking civil servant, finds a body in the drawing room. Because she doesn't want to embarrass her husband, and because she thinks another member of her family committed the crime, she gets her houseguests to dispose of the body. But the police are mysteriously summoned to the house, and the body is discovered. Clues and red herrings come at the rate of about three a minute. Gardener Mrs Peake had already mentioned that she's digging a trench in the garden. The civil servant's former wife is married to a drug dealer. Clarissa rented the house for considerably below its market value. There's an autograph of Queen Victoria. The step daughter likes chocolate mousse (by this time I had no idea what was relevant and what wasn't).
This production is played mainly for laughs, though it's hard to tell if it's actually a comedy. The cast's disregard for the loss of human life would be callous in a straight drama but here it's all part of the fun. The acting is splendidly fruity - Catherine Shipton's Miss Peake is a great English eccentric and Bruce Montague, as Sir Rowland Delahaye, occasionally gives us some aristocratic camp which would give the late Charles Gray a run for his money.
As for the plot. From what I worked out it hinges on one gobsmackingly huge coincidence, some incredibly strange motivations for a couple of attempted murders, plus a bit of real foolishness from the murderer who commits his murder for, as far as I could work out, no real reason. In short it's business as usual for Ms Christie. And at two and a half hours it certainly could do with a bit of chopping - especially as there's a fairly pointless ten minute section after the murderer has been unmaksed.
Spider's Web occupies the lower-middle ground between great art and Dinnerladies - it won't make you re-evaluate the meaning of existence, but it will pleasantly entertain you for a few hours.
Spider's Web is playing at the Theatre Royal, Brighton until Sat July 18
Box office: 08700 606 650
www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton
Monday, July 13, 2009
City project on climate change receives government funding
The Brighton Peace and Environment Centre has been awarded over £180,000 from DFID (Department of International Development) to lead a joint project that will raise awareness on global poverty and engage residents and communities across Brighton & Hove in acting on climate change.The winning project, called 'Climate Connections', is the outcome of a partnership between the Peace Centre, Brighton & Hove City Council and Oxfam UK , and will be delivered over the next three years.
It will use a variety of ways to engage and inspire residents to take practical action and prepare for the impacts of climate change locally and globally.
The project will include an outdoor photographic exhibition illustrating human stories of people living in developing countries alongside those of Brighton and Hove residents. It will show how individuals in different parts of the world are intrinsically linked through the challenge of climate change.
Education workshops will be available to community groups to raise awareness of climate change and to share information on different local projects, initiatives and businesses that can help individuals take action.
Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander said:
"I'd like to congratulate Brighton Peace and Environment Centre on their successful collaboration in receiving this development grant award. This project offers an innovative way of spreading awareness among the British public of the challenge of global poverty and how we fight it, and I look forward to hearing the results of their good work."
The Centre's Education Coordinator Ruth England said:
“We're delighted to receive the award and are excited to be able to develop our education programme to reach Brighton & Hove residents in recognising the common challenges we share in responding to climate change.”
For more information on the Brighton Peace and Environment Centre view:
www.bpec.org/
Pictured: Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development
Barrowman dons a frock
Star of screen and stage John Barrowman will become the fourth actor to slip on Zaza’s sparkly stilettos when he joins the cast of the hit West End show La Cage aux Folles. He takes over from current leading man Roger Allam on September 14 and will continue in the role until November 28th.Having created the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the first series of Russell T Davies's revamped Doctor Who for BBC TV, John Barrowman was given his own spin off series, Torchwood. In January 2008 his autobiography, Anything Goes, reached number two in the Sunday Times Best Seller's list, remaining in the top ten for 13 weeks.
The paperback version was published in February 2009, and a follow up autobiography, I Am What I Am will be published in October 2009.
La Cage aux Folles is a timeless tale of family values, unconditional love, and above all, the need to celebrate who we are.
Critics and public alike praised the production which won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in 2008.
La Cage aux Folles is at The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5DE
Box Office: 0870 060 6631
www.lacagelondon.com
Mayor prevents parent from addressing Council
Local resident Alex Phillips, who is also the Green candidate for the Goldsmid by-election, asked Brighton & Hove City Council to allow her to speak at their next meeting on the issue of lack of school places in the city.But the Tory Mayor has refused to allow her to address the meeting.
Alex, who is involved with the independent residents group 'Action4Kids' which is lobbying the council to solve the primary school problem, said:
“Currently there are around 120 primary-aged children in the BN3 area who have to travel either to Portslade or to Brighton to go to school. I know of one case where a reception class pupil will face almost 2 hrs of travelling on a daily basis.
“It’s unacceptable to expect children to travel this far for their education and it’s high time the council sorted the situation out. But the Tories aren’t even prepared to discuss the problem, let alone try and fix it.
“Local parents feel well and truly let down. The council urgently needs to stop side-stepping the issue, and expanding existing schools isn’t good enough.
“We desperately need one - if not two - new primary schools in Hove. The current situation is bad for the local community, bad for local families and - worst of all - means failing local children."
A spokesperson for the Tory administration said:
“Alex Phillips was asked to refrain from speaking at the next meeting as she is a candidate in the forthcoming Goldsmid By-election and as such is subject to purdah ruling. This rules that in the period corresponding with the election campaign politically sensitive announcements cannot or should not be made by councillors and candidates from all parties.
“The mayor determined that the deputation cannot be included and can be held over to the next council or cabinet meeting.”
For more information on the Brighton & Hove Green Party view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk
Pictured: Alex Phillips
Dogs' Trust Show raises over £7,000
Dogs' Trust Shoreham had their annual Fun Dog Show last month during which £7,750 was raised and new homes found for some of its residents.Attractions included a Rehoming Parade, which featured some of the rehoming centre’s four-legged residents still looking for loving new homes, and a Dog Dash, which revealed the fastest of the day to be a former resident! There was also a display from Sussex Police’s Explosive Search Dog Unit.
Other highlights include a bouncy castle and games, charity and trade stalls, bric-a-brac and craft stalls, face painting, a tombola, and lots of delicious refreshments.
Organisers, Naomi Tucker and Nicole McCallum say it is the most important fundraising day of the year for Dogs Trust Shoreham:
“It was a fantastic day and we couldn’t believe how many people came along to support us. We couldn’t have hoped for better weather and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. It was great to see so many former four-legged residents again and we’re delighted with how much money we’ve raised. We’d like to thank everyone for supporting us and also a big thank you to all our helpers and volunteers who worked so hard on the day.”
Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity caring for over 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs each year through a network of 17 Rehoming Centers. Dogs Trust never destroys a healthy dog.
For more information on the Trust view:
www.dogstrust.org.uk
Photo credit: beeskneesphotography
Green Councillor to be sole representative for Brighton & Hove on Sussex Police Authority
Brighton Green Councillor Ben Duncan has been re-appointed to represent Brighton and Hove on Sussex Police Authority for the next two years. He will be the city’s only voice on the authority as Councillors from West and East Sussex voted to deny Brighton and Hove a second place on the authority at last Friday’s meeting (July 10) of the appointment committee, despite protests from the city’s two representatives.Cllr Duncan, the Greens' spokesperson on policing, said:
“We believe the current arrangement, which is based on population and guarantees the city only one member, should be scrapped. Brighton and Hove should always have two members on the authority, given that there is so much more crime here than in much of rural Sussex – and we see an influx of some 8 million tourists a year. But that argument didn’t prevail. Of the nine councillor members of the authority, East Sussex has three, West Sussex five, and the city just myself."
Talking about his role he added:
“I’ll continue to push for more PCSOs (Police Community Support Officer) and more cash for neighbourhood policing and community safety groups, better services for the victims of domestic violence, better protection for communities, children and vulnerable adults from alcohol-related harm, and environmental improvements in the way policing is delivered.
“We’ve already seen improvements in all these areas over the last two years – and I am really looking forward to pushing for a model of policing that reflects Brighton and Hove’s ‘green’ aspirations, based on human rights, enhancing communities, compassion – and more help for the victims of crime.”
For more information on the Green view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk
Pictured: Cllr Ben Duncan
Free legal seminar for LGBT parents
Rainbow Families - the group for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) parents and their children in Brighton and Hove - is to hold a free legal seminar sponsored by Pride. Children can play whilst parents attend a legal seminar by Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors, expert in family law and LGBT issues.
The seminar takes place on Sunday July 26 at Westows Softplay, School Road, Hove.
For more information view:
www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk
The seminar takes place on Sunday July 26 at Westows Softplay, School Road, Hove.
For more information view:
www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk
Sunday, July 12, 2009
GMFA's Gay Sports Day 2009
GMFA (Gay Men Fight Aids), the gay men’s health charity, and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern are holding a Gay Sports Day in London on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31.Registration is now open and teams of five are invited to participate in the games to help raise some money for three great causes – GMFA, Vauxhall City Farm and the Friends of Spring Gardens. This year's event is set to be bigger and better than last year. Expect more fun, frolics and frivolity with events such as the drag relay, the handbag throw and the fabulous 50m mince.
Matthew Hodson of GMFA says:
“It’s no surprise that the Gay Sports Day has already become one of the highlights of the gay calendar. You never know quite what to expect and that’s what makes it so brilliant. Last year some of the teams made a real effort with their costumes and the whole event has this carnival atmosphere, but the sporting competition can get pretty intense too.”
There will once again be a trophy for the winning team and another trophy for the team that manages to raise the most money. Last year the event was won by the fabulous 'Sodomites', and the top fundraisers were 'Mighty Metamorphic Zebras', who managed to raise over £1,000.
Places for teams will be strictly limited to the numbers allowed by the local council, so entry will be on a first-come first-served basis.
For registration information, view:
www.gmfa.org.uk/sportsday
The sports day will start at 2pm in Spring Gardens, Vauxhall (behind the Royal Vauxhall Tavern).
For more information about gmfa view:
www.gmfa.org
Community award for Schools Out co-chair
Sue Sanders, co-chair of Schools Out - the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) teachers' organisation - has received an award in recognition of her lifetime’s campaigning for LGBT rights. Veteran campaigner Ray Gosling presented Sue with the Derek Oyston Award at a celebration of the 30th anniversary of GALHA (Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association) and the 40th anniversary of CHE (Campaign for Homosexual Equality).
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell talked about the Gay Liberation Front - describing its direct action approach, its grass roots, anti-imperialist ideology and its anarchic sexual libertarianism.
Labour MEP Michael Cashman announced the arrival of LGBT History Month Europe.
Commenting on her award, Sue said:
"When I helped set up the London Gay Teachers' Group, in 1974, I never dreamt it would be so successful, or that I'd still be chairing.
"It's been a rollercoaster of a ride, through the dark ages of Section 28 to the phenomenal success of our current project, LGBT History Month.
"This year's Downing Street reception for LGBT History Month was an obvious highlight, but it means the world to receive an award from an organisation I've got so much respect for.
"GALHA has always been a vocal opponent of anyone abusing religious privilege, to promote homophobia and transphobia in schools. I wish them a fantastic anniversary celebration and look forward to the next 30 years, campaigning alongside them."
For more information on Schools Out view:
www.schools-out.org.uk
Theatre review by Eric Page: The Catalyst Club
Springing up on stage as only a man with a long running successful club can do Mr (Dashing) David Bramwell, in his hip and sexy grey 70’s suit opened the night with a charming ramble and light banter through his favourite paper of the day, The Fijian Times. Dave is capable of making the back of a cheese wrapper seem funny, relevant and deeply ironic and I think I may well have seen him do so. This was the 5th birthday party of the Catalyst Club and it was as busy as always, every table taken and standing room only. They don’t let riff raff in either. The premise of the club is that a speaker- and anyone is welcome to speak- gets 15 whole Warholian minutes to talk and offer a light presentation on a subject close to their heart. It all sounds jolly civilised and indeed it is, but this is the same Dave Bramwell of the Cheeky Guide guidebooks, so you know it’s going to take a fun, curious and downright weird turn. It’s also Brighton and a quick list of some of the previous lecture titles give you some flavour of what to expect, folk have spoken about Hitler’s Moustache, Cunnillingus, The exciting world of Slime Mould, Giant Squid & Victorian lantern shows.
The stakes are high, as were the expectations of the audience and we were treated to four speakers of widely different subjects and quality. First up was newbie Christian Slater, promising to talk about his death row pal but unfortunately letting his nerves get the better of him and rambling on about capital punishment instead, he was charming, funny and over time but the audience loved him, I warmed to him too in the end. Next up we had the experienced and well-honed power pair of Tim Pilcher and Sue Bradley doing a double act on ‘Pecha Kucha’, a simple presentation technique of 20 photos’ given 20 seconds each. Tim seemed to forget the simple premise he’d introduced and went on to talk about his erotic cartoon interests ‘the Tijuana Bibles’ handing over to the rather slicker Sue who choose the dullest subject and the dullest facts but managed to both entertain and inform the audience with her whistle stop, and timed to the second elegant and funny presentation.
To close the night we had Dan Hume, the uncrowned King of the Catalyst Club, with his beautiful presented, formatted and delivered talk on his ‘Hero’s of Science’, he humorously handled questions on a drunk Elk, his favourite moon rock and Buzz Aldrins famous punch up. Dan was on top form and a delight to watch.
The Catalyst Club is a unique monthly Brighton event that pays tribute to the old traditions of French Salon, debating societies and Gentleman's Clubs. It’s also great fun, very social and makes a great night out, if you’d like to talk get in touch via their website. I’ve been a few times and have left a little drunk, better informed and heavily entertained each time. Do it, you’ll love it.
The next Catalyst Club is September 10
www.catalystclub.co.uk/
Latest Music Bar?14-17 Manchester St
Tickets £5 on the door
www.cheekyguides.co.uk
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Run Brighton's first ever marathon for Switchboard!
Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard has secured places for Brighton's first ever full 26-mile marathon which will take place on Sunday April 18, 2010.If you wish to take part, Switchboard is asking for runners to raise a minimum of £1,000 sponsorship money in return for the place.
To discuss this opportunity or book yourself a place contact Natalie Woods on 01273 207050 or email brighton.manager@switchboard.org.uk
Switchboard operates a telephone helpline service (5-11pm daily) and a face-to-face counselling service. The helpline can be contacted on 01273 204050
For more information about Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard view:
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
Kemp Town in bloom winner
Pictured is the winner of Kemp Town in Bloom's 'Most florally attractive window display'.The display was designed by Peter Pointing of the Brighton Flea Market on Upper St James's Street.
He received a trophy presented by Chris Cooke, chair of Kemp Town in Bloom and a meal for two donated by La Marinade Restaurant, Kemp Town.
For more information about City in Bloom view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1194055
Tatchell: "Lords are right to limit homophobic hatred law"
The House of Lords have voted in favour of an amendment to restrict the scope of the bill banning incitement to homophobic hatred.Commenting on the Lord's vote, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said:
"I am content with the Lord's decision on free speech grounds, although I am concerned that some of their lordships used the free speech argument as a cover for their true homophobic motivation.
"The vote was quite hypocritical. The same lords who voted for this free speech amendment on homophobia have never insisted on a free speech clause in the laws banning incitement to racial hatred. Why the double standards?
"To be frank, I'd like to see all the incitement to hatred laws repealed. They are unnecessary. There are already enough laws to deal with abusive and threatening words that go beyond reasonable criticism.
"Many of the existing laws are already open to police abuse, as in the case of the Bournemouth lay preacher, Harry Hammond, who was unjustly convicted under the public order laws for merely saying that he believed homosexuality is 'immoral'. Harry was a bit of a bigot, but a fairly gentle one. He should have never been criminalised."
For more information on Peter Tatchell view:
www.petertatchell.net
Sussex Beacon Charity Shop need new stock for summer
The Sussex Beacon Charity Shop in St James Street, has a new intake of volunteers. They are looking for more stock including unwanted household items and clothes to sell and raise much needed funds for the Sussex Beacon, the HIV/Aids centre giving respite care to people who are HIV positive.
If you have anything that you want to throw away especially good quality summer clothes and shoes and they are in resalable condition telephone 01273 682992 for details of opening times.
Donation can be taken to the shop during opening hours.
For more information about the Sussex Beacon view:
www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
Friday, July 10, 2009
Switchboard launch service to help LGBT victims of crime
Switchboard are launching a LGBT Hate Crime Support and Reporting Service to help victims of crime by both liaising with the police and also offering counselling.Campaigners and action groups in the UK are reporting a surge in hate crimes against LGBT people. Scotland Yard reported a 9% national increase from last year, while prosecutions for crimes involving homophobia rose 60% over the past two years.
Locally, Brighton and Hove’s ‘Count me In Too’ 2007 survey showed that 73% of respondents had experienced some form of hate crime in the last five years related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In response to these figures, and the knowledge that the overwhelming majority of hate crimes go unreported, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard has created a framework to assist with bringing offenders to justice and supporting those affected. Switchboard will report the crime on the victim’s behalf (including anonymously), and provide full support via the helpline and counselling service to all victims. They will also provide victims with information about what constitutes a crime, police systems and processes, and possible outcomes.
This information will help individuals make an informed choice about whether to report the crime to the police. By hearing about the crimes which aren't then reported Switchboard will get a better picture of the true rate of LGBT hate crimes and enable police to identify patterns and profiles, which can aid prevention and detection.
The service will be launched on Friday, August 21, from 6pm - 8pm at R Bar on Marine Parade. There will be influential guest speakers, a finger buffet and music by Nicky Mitchell.
If you want to report an incident, or simply need someone to talk to, call Switchboard on 01273 204050 between 5-11pm, 7 days a week.
For more information about Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard view:
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
BBC documentary: LGBT persecution in Iraq worse since 'liberation'
Gay Life After Saddam, a BBC radio documentary about the persecution of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) people in Iraq, will be broadcast this Sunday (July 12) on Radio 5Live after being previously cancelled.Made with the assistance of the underground gay rights movement Iraqi LGBT, the programme includes interviews with the Iraqi Prime Minister, religious leaders and ordinary people on the streets of Baghdad, where homosexuality is still viewed by many as an illness or deserving of death - as well as LGBT victims of arrest, jailing, torture and rape, and brave gay Iraqis who run a 'safe house' in Baghdad.
Presenter Aasmah Mir discovers how life for the country's LGBT community has got much worse since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Human rights campaigners claim hundreds of LGBT people have been killed or tortured while others have fled the country fearing for their safety since Saddam was toppled from power six years ago.
Meanwhile, in the UK, gay Iraqis seeking asylum are struggling to persuade the Labour government to let them stay. A few have been granted refugee status. Others have been refused.
Through some harrowing testimonies, Aasmah hears from campaigners and those who've been persecuted to see how life has actually changed for LGBT Iraqis.
Producer Ashley Byrne, Creative Director of the programme production company, Made in Manchester, said:
"We're proud to be making our 5Live debut with such an important documentary which tackles a subject that doesn't usually feature as part of the usual narrative from Iraq.
"The programme includes an interview with a gay Iraqi who was kidnapped and raped before fleeing the country, we hear from a young man who fled to Paris after being tortured and we get exclusive access to a so-called 'safe house' harbouring vulnerable LGBT Iraqis on the outskirts of Baghdad."
He adds:
"Some of the evidence is very difficult to comprehend, especially a form of torture involving glue and diarrhoea-inducing drugs."
Mir also meets a now London-based gay Iraqi whose life is under threat for the work he's doing to help LGBT people in his homeland. Ali Hili (a pseudonym), who founded Iraqi LGBT, reports that he has had two fatwas issued against him from extremists in Iraq. As well as securing asylum himself, Mr Hili has assisted fellow Iraqi gay refuges to win asylum in the UK.
Co-producer Gail Champion says:
"What becomes clear throughout this programme is that not one person, one group or another, is responsible for this persecution. It seems like it's chaos in Iraq with the authorities struggling to keep control. What surprised me more than anything was how much life was easier for LGBT people under Saddam Hussein."
As part of the programme, the US Government is put on the spot over the issue. According to Byrne:
"It was our reporter who managed to illicit a response from the US Government during a State Department Briefing in Washington earlier this month. The Obama administration's reaction to the recent killings and violence can be heard during this programme."
Gay Life After Saddam, BBC Radio 5Live, Sunday July 12, 9pm
Listen from anywhere in the world:
www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/
Or, if you miss the programme, it is available to listen to on the BBC iplayer for 7 days after the programme has aired on Sunday 12 July:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/bbc_radio_five_live
Pictured: presenter Aasmah Mir
NHS looking for women to discuss pregnancy and birth
NHS Brighton & Hove is looking for mothers and their partners to talk about their experience of local NHS maternity care during pregnancy, birth and the few weeks following birth in supportive drop-in groups around the city.Stories and information shared in the group are treated confidentially and will be used by the NHS to ensure maternity services are planned to meet the needs of women and their partners at this important time in their life.
Groups take place at Hollingdean, Whitehawk and Conway Court Children’s Centres. Children are welcome and lunch is provided.
For dates and times contact charlotte.graham@bhcpct.nhs.uk or call 01273 545331
Film Review by Eric Page: Antichrist
This new film by acclaimed director Lars von Trier opens with one of the most beautifully filmed sections I have seen at the cinema. It was visually stunning and shocking at the same time. There’s death, unbearable beauty, and explicit sex all in the first few minutes. The opening ultra slow motion black and white sequence all exquisitely filmed and breathtakingly choreographed to a perfect Handel aria 'Rinaldo, Let me Weep' if you’re interested, is stunning.From there the film, which is uncut and rated 18, is a harrowing descent into grief, confusion and supernatural madness. The story is simple, a young couple (Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe) lose their young child in an accident, the husband – who is therapist, then attempts to work through his wife’s grieving process by exposing her to her fears, most of which seem to centre around nature, the wilderness and a cabin she had spent the previous summer at researching her thesis on Witch hunts. They then trek to the cabin.
If you think you know where this is going, like I did, then prepare to be fooled, confused, shocked and then dazed for the rest of the day. I had two other film critics sitting each side of me, one was openly weeping, the other had their hands over their ears and eyes trying to block out the film. I turned away myself at a few nauseatingly shocking points but was also seduced by the pure simple beauty of the filming. It echo’s those films like The Shining, Rosemary’s Baby, Don’t look now & Wicker Man that slowly build up into an unbearable and shocking climax, in more ways than one.
This is an art house horror film, but it’s also more, and less than that. You can read other reviews for the rhetoric of cinematic construction and the Dogme’esque style. I think the Director has some very funny ideas about women and also a peculiar love of Disney, but if you want to see a film that will make you gasp at it’s beauty, recoil at it’s full-on content and leave you talking about it afterwards, then this is the film for you. Just don’t take Aunt Ida Doom.
Antichrist opens at the Duke of York’s Cinema, Preston Circus on July 24
View Ttrailer: www.antichristthemovie.com/?page_id=162&language=en
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Count Me In Too celebration and exhibition
Count Me In Too, the project researching the needs, views and experiences of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual & transsexual) people who live in Brighton & Hove, is to hold an exhibition celebrating its achievements.June 2009, saw the launch of the final themed analysis report on Drugs & Alcohol, and the completion of two-and-a-half years of analysis of the data collected by the Count Me In Too research project in 2006.
In addition to the 819 people who completed the questionnaire and the 69 people who took part in focus groups, over a hundred people contributed to shaping, designing, carrying out, interpreting and reporting on the research.
People have contributed as employees of local service providers, and/or as LGBT volunteers with the project.
The exhibition opening will take place at the Sallis Benney Theatre foyer on Grand Parade, on July 25 from 4pm-6pm. There will be speeches and cake cutting at 5pm.
The exhibition will be at the Sallis Benney from July 27 to August 1 (10am-5pm), and will also be on display as part of the LGBT Research tent at Brighton Pride in Preston Park on August 1 (12 noon - 7pm). There will also be other events over the coming months.
For more information contact Nick McGlynn:
nmcglynn@brighton.ac.uk
Or view:
www.countmeintoo.co.uk
Seafront traders protest against rents rise
Members of the SBA (Seafront Business Association) presented a petition to Council Leader Cllr Mary Mears at a Cabinet meeting of Brighton & Hove City Council which will call for an urgent review of seafront rents, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Seafront Office has recently raised rent and patio licence costs for many seafront businesses. The SBA asked Green Cllr Jason Kitcat to present the petition protesting against the changes, to the city’s Cabinet which met today (July 9).
Cllr Kitcat said:
“Difficult weather over the last few summers, combined with the ongoing recession, means life is already hard for many of the city’s seafront traders. Despite this, the Tory council are forcing through huge increases in rents and patio licence costs, ignoring calls by traders to reconsider.
“Squeezing traders for ever last drop risks destroying our unique seafront, built up during years of hard work by so many in the community.”
For more information about the Green Party view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk
THT to run new City & Guilds course on HIV
HIV and sexual health charity THT (Terrence Higgins Trust) has just been approved to offer a new City & Guilds course in understanding HIV and AIDS. The course was developed as a partnership between THT and City & Guilds and it is the first of its kind. Courses will be run at locations across the UK. The qualification is designed for people interested in HIV and AIDS or working in a role where knowledge of the issue would be beneficial to their work. It’s ideal for people who work in a variety of roles including nurses, GP reception staff, voluntary workers, probation officers, police officers, teachers, social services staff, staff in drug support services and residential care services as well as interested individuals.
Joanna Hurren Head of Function at City & Guilds said:
“The course could help to open the door to a career in the HIV sector, or could help to support a person’s career development if already working in a role where it’s beneficial to be aware of the issues relating to HIV and AIDS. We’re very pleased to have given THT the official accreditation they need to run this course. HIV is a complex issue and it makes sense to have the experts delivering the qualification.”
This distance learning based course is structured into three units with 20 hours of study time for each unit. Areas of study include: Transmission and prevention of HIV; Stigma and discrimination in HIV and AIDS and Managing HIV and AIDS
Jackie Redding, Director of Social Care and Service Development for THT said:
“We’re delighted to be running this course. It aims not only to raise awareness of HIV but also to reduce the stigma that still exists. I’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch and find out more.”
The dates of the first course are to be confirmed, but to sign up or get further information view:
www.cityandguilds.com/healthandsocialcare
or contact Justin Barrett on 020 7812 1727 or email hivvrq@tht.org.uk
For more information on THT view:
www.tht.org.uk
Survey looking for recovered ME patients
The Sussex ME Society is running a survey about the experiences over the last two years of people in Sussex affected by ME, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.Being run in conjuction with the Brighton & Sussex Medical School, the survey is the first professionally run comprehensive study of its type and the results will hopefully be seriously viewed by service providers and users alike.
The project is looking in particular at which NHS and other services people are using and how helpful these services are to patients. The questionnaire also enquires about which treatment approaches are being tried and how helpful those are.
Colin Barton of the ME society said:
“We are particularly interested to hear from the large number of people that are no longer associated with support organisations as they have recovered from ME and returned to active lives. This group could provide the most useful information”
ME currently has a high profile within the NHS due in part to the recent publication of the NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ME which has made doctors more aware of the illness.
ME that can follow a viral infection or trauma affects an estimated 6,000 adults and children across Sussex and can render many virtually housebound and in need of care. Symptoms include profound physical and mental fatigue, pain, gastric problems along with concentration difficulty, sleep disturbance and momentary confusion.
Questionnaires available by contacting 01273 674828
For more information view:
www.measussex.org.uk
Pictured: Colin Barton
Des Turner MP chairs all-party ME Inquiry
Starting today (July 8) an APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group) is hearing evidence from ME patient groups, individual patients and ME medical specialists. Research into ME has shown that it's not 'all in the mind' and the disease is now recognised by the World Health Organisation as a neurological illness which can have a devastating impact on people's lives. Approximately 200,000 individuals in the UK suffer from ME.
The Inquiry is expected to report in the autumn. Brighton Labour MP Des Turner has been a patron of the Sussex ME group since he was elected in 1997. Des has a background in medical research, specialising in diabetes and obesity, and is a member of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee.
The Inquiry will evaluate the extent to which the NHS is providing care for people with ME in England, particularly in primary and secondary care and in specialist centres. It will specifically focus on collecting data from each Strategic Health Authority and Primary Care Trusts. In addition, evidence and data will be gathered from specialist centres, directors of public health, patients and patient groups.
It will inquire about: the service frameworks for caring for people with ME; the funding available for caring for people with ME; any plans for establishing new clinical services where no service currently exists and what currently happens where a referral is required but no local service exists.
Des Turner said at the opening of the inquiry:
"There appears to be a lot of inconsistency in the diagnosis, care and treatment of people with ME. We will be carefully evaluating a great deal of evidence so that we can make thorough and substantial recommendations to care providers in this country. ME sufferers and their families deserve that and we will listen carefully to their evidence to see what needs to be done."
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Theatre review by Eric Page: Dinner Ladies by Victoria Wood
The evening started with a little drama as the two main actors were caught up in a traffic accident and just before the heroic understudies stepped in they turned up, starting ten minutes late but the warm and obviously excited audience didn’t mind. Glorifying in the subtle northern humour of working class hopes and angst is Victoria Wood perfect talent and every line and joke works perfectly. Bang, bang, bang they come, line after line after line, it’s like being at an Amy Winehouse house party just with more laughs.
Nobody does heartbreaking northern glumness like Wood and the mainly middle class audience seemed to enjoy it without irony. This show is the whole of the TV series plotline pared down and popped into one delightful show, for those (like me, imagine!) who’d never seen the TV version it’s the story of Bren, a working class women working in a staff canteen who’s had a bit of a rough time with men and trying to find new love and romance. It’s a simple story, about simple people, done simply. One set, no flash effects, just wonderfully funny dialog.
With none of the main actresses from the TV version in the stage version it was a slightly odd experience watching three very accomplished actresses doing an ‘impersonation’ of three other actresses doing their famous roles.
They were even made up to look like them and had studied the ‘Wood, Walters & Imrie’ well. ‘Recreating’ they call it; odd I’d call it. It left me with the feeling of watching a copy of a copy.
Special mention to Bren’s mother who managed to pull off a very funny and touching performance of her own, whilst still alluding to the her more famous predecessor but the only ‘original’ dinner ladies ( and lads) were sadly not very original at all. Their lacklustre acting polished by Ms Wood’s endlessly clever lines, perhaps I should give them the benefit of the doubt and think it was the traffic accident that effected them rather then the exhaustion of touring.
This is obviously a well loved TV show and the audience knew it well, the performance was slightly marred by the endless ringing of the intermission bell in the Theatre, but the game cast improvised this into the show with some good knowing laughs from the audience.
Special mention for Stella Rose as ‘Jean’ giving real depth of feeling to her touching story of bitter breakup and finding new romance, real passion in her acting and I felt moved.
Overall this was a show for the fans who enjoyed it, with only one, cringe inducing moment at the end where the whole cast came on to take their bows to the sounds of ‘Agado’.
Yet again, the rest of the audience loved it; spontaneously clapping along and giving the cast three curtain calls. They left a happy crowd, I couldn’t wait to get out.
Dinner Ladies is at the Theatre Royal until Sunday 7.45pm
For more information view:
www.ambassadortickets.com/1032/664/Brighton/Theatre-Royal-Brighton/Dinnerladies
THT offers one-hour HIV 'Fastest' in Brighton
In a bid to reduce levels of undiagnosed HIV in Brighton & Hove, THT (Terrence Higgins Trust) is encouraging gay and bisexual men who may have been at risk to attend a free local service offering one-hour HIV testing.One in four people who have HIV in the UK are undiagnosed, and there are now more people living with the condition than ever before.
THT’s ‘Fastest’ service is free and confidential, and involves taking a finger-prick blood test which is analysed straight away, with the results generally provided within one hour. Those who attend the clinic, which is run in partnership with the Claude Nicol Clinic, will be given information and support before and after the test, and anyone who tests positive will be given full support in choosing a treatment centre. They will also be given information on the range of support services available, including counselling and peer support.
THT clinics and workers also offer information and advice on STIs and safer sex, as well as giving out free condoms.
Mark Cull, Health Promotion Co-ordinator for THT in Brighton, said:
“With recent medical advances, it’s now possible for people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. However, if they leave it too late to get tested, they’re inevitably setting themselves up for serious health problems. If you’ve had unprotected sex you may have put yourself at risk, so we’d urge you to get tested as soon as possible.”
The drive to encourage more men to come forward for testing comes following the results of a recent survey of men who used ‘Fastest’, asking them to rate their experience of the service. Over sixty men took part in the survey and 98% were either ‘happy’ or ‘very happy’ with every stage of the ‘Fastest’ process including pre and post test discussions and the testing process itself.
‘Fastest’ takes place at THT’s Brighton centre at 61 Ship Street every Monday (not including Bank Holidays) from 6.00pm to 8.30pm. The number of men who can be tested at each session is ten, so people are advised to arrive early.
For further information on the ‘Fastest’ service, please contact THT in Brighton on 01273 764 200.
For more information view:
www.tht.org.uk
Workshop to help make Brighton a sustainable city
Transition Brighton and Hove are running a unique collaborative workshop on Saturday July 18 aimed at developing a major environmental strategy for the city.The Transition movement was founded in by the environmental activist Rob Hopkins in 2005. The aim of the Transitions project is to equip communities for the dual challenges of climate change and peak oil - the point when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached.
The workshop will provide a forum for participants to: share their latest research and information; support not-for-profit organisations in developing skills and knowledge to organise their resources effectively; develop a joint action plan for how partners can respond positively to the challenges of climate change, fossil fuel depletion and other sustainability issues facing the city.
Caroline Lucas, Green Party candidate for Brighton Pavilion and a member of the advisory board of the Transition Town Movement, said:
“The issues of climate change and peak oil are of critical importance – globally, nationally and locally here in Brighton and Hove – and require an imaginative diversity of practical and political solutions. The Transitions movement is at the very heart of community level solutions and deserves widespread support.”
Transition Brighton and Hove are a networked collective of volunteers – each specialising in a particular area; be it food, transport, waste or recycling – who are united in working towards the united goal of energy resilience and reduction.
The workshop offers 50 places and will start at 10am on July 18 at the Community Base conference room on Queens Road.
For more information view:
www.transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk/
For more information about the Greens view:
www.greenparty.org.uk
Pictured: Green MEP Caroline Lucas
Book Review by Eric Page: Daddies Gay Erotic Stories
This new collection of erotic stories edited by Richard Labonte, focuses on the sexual and emotional bonds between older and younger men, from tender romantic stories of shagging and love through to hardcore role-playing, kink and S/M. The collection covers it all, featuring well known authors like Doug Harrison, Jeff Mann and Dale Chase though to some new writers all of who handle the mysteries and delights of intergenerational man on man action and love with a deft flick of the writers wrist.
All the stories are short and the paper book is light, a boon for the one handed reader. Some are funny others heave with the musky hankering of silver foxes and their spunky twink lovers.
This is a good anthology for lovers of easygoing erotica about young gay men searching for the perfect older lover.
Out now £9.99
Available on line from the publisher and all good bookshops
www.turnaround-uk.com
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Fire Service seminar for women
Women Inspiring Change in the Fire Service will look at the variety of career opportunities available to women within the ESFRS (East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service).The seminar will not only look at fighting fires but also at taking a proactive approach to preventing fires and accidents from happening. A number of staff, both female and male, representing the many different areas of work within the ESFRS will be on hand to share their own views and experiences of what it’s like for a woman working in the Service.
Topics covered throughout the day will include: Life through the eyes of a female firefighter; Not just ‘a job for the boys’; Training and personal development; Working in the community; ‘Worklife’ balance and managing a family while working in the Service; Specialist roles within the Service
The event will also provide opportunities to discuss the issues covered through Question & Answer sessions and networking opportunities.
Gwyneth Wint, of ESFRS's Positive Action Team, said:
“We hope that by attending the event, women will feel empowered to make a real contribution in the Fire & Rescue Service. We want to show that women can serve the people of East Sussex and become positive role models for generations to come, whilst also giving women the confidence to say ‘It’s great to be a woman in the fire service’.”
Cheryl Rolph, Assistant Chief Officer added:
“As well as the role of a firefighter, there are many other career opportunities available at East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, and we would encourage girls and women to come along and find out what your Fire & Rescue Service has to offer in the way of exciting and interesting opportunities”.
The seminar will take place in the Westlain House Lecture Theatre on the Falmer Campus of the University of Brighton from 10am – 1pm on Saturday July 18. If you would like more information or are interested in attending, please call 01323 462399 or email womensevent@esfrs.org
Alternatively, please arrive promptly at 10am for registration on the day.
For more information view:
www.esfrs.org
New employers guide from Stonewall
Stonewall - the gay, lesbian and bisexual equality charity - is publishing a guide to help employers and service providers explain to their staff and service users why monitoring information is being collectedTitled ‘What’s it got to do with you?’, the guide is a 10 point plain English guide to help employers and service providers explain to their staff and service users why monitoring information is being collected.
It explains why a range of data – such as age, gender, sexual orientation and belief – may now be requested, and what the benefit is. With many organisations anticipating new measures in the Equality Bill ‘What’s it got to do with you?’ makes the case for monitoring across all equality characteristics.
Ruth Hunt, Head of Policy and Research at Stonewall, says:
"People worry about being asked what can seem to be personal questions – including questions about their sexual orientation. No other resource exists that explains the rationale for monitoring in a clear and straightforward way. ’What’s it got to do with you?’ will help people understand why they should complete monitoring forms. Organisations will benefit by receiving accurate and complete information as a result. Most important of all, services will be better attuned to the diverse communities they serve."
For more information view:
www.stonewall.org.uk
The guide can be downloaded at:
www.stonewall.org.uk/monitoring
Copies of the 12-page guide are available by calling Stonewall’s free Infoline on 08000 50 20 20
Pictured: Ruth Hunt
Tatchell criticises Queen for supporting homophobic religious group
Gay-rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has said that the Queen's letter of support for a breakaway anti-gay faction of the Church of England is "collusion with prejudice".According to the Daily Telegraph the Queen wrote twice to the FCA (Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans) offering her support, expressing her understanding and wishing them success. The FCA is a coalition of conservative evangelicals who oppose the ordination of gay clergy and same-sex blessings.
Tatchell said:
"The Queen has made a serious error of judgement. She has insulted lesbian and gay people and breached royal protocol by embroiling herself in an issue of religious and political controversy.
"It is very alarming to see the Queen endorse a homophobic grouping within the Church of England. She is taking sides, against gay equality.
"Her Majesty is aligning herself with a Christian fundamentalist grouping that is founded almost entirely on its opposition to gay priests and gay human rights. Homophobic prejudice and discrimination is central to its religious ethos.
"Many leading members of FCA believe the civil and criminal law should discriminate against gay people. They do not believe that we are entitled to equal rights.
"That is why they opposed the gay law reforms of the last decade, including an equal age of consent, civil partnerships, protection against discrimination, the repeal of Section 28, fostering and adoption by same-sex couples, and access to fertility treatment for lesbian partners."
For more information view:
www.petertatchell.net
To see the original Telegraph article view:
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/5750361/Queen-sends-supportive-letters-to-leaders-of-church-movement-that-has-angered-gay-campaigners.html
Minister condemns homophobic bullying
At Stonewall's conference on education Vernon Coaker MP said that "schools must be sanctuaries" as 90% of secondary school teachers and 40% of primary school teachers report that pupils currently experience homophobic bullying, name calling or harassment in their schoolsCoaker, Minister of State for Schools and Learners, condemned homophobic bullying and hailed new measures in the Equality Bill to help reduce it. Speaking at Stonewall’s annual Education For All conference on Wednesday July 1, the Minister and former teacher recalled confronting bullying in his teaching days and praised the charity’s work to reduce it in recent years.
Joined by Fiona Blacke Chief Executive from the National Youth Agency who also gave a keynote speech, the Minister commended Stonewall’s Education Champions Programme which focuses on preventing and reducing homophobic bullying.
‘The Teachers’ Report’, Stonewall’s survey of staff in primary and secondary schools across Great Britain, demonstrated that homophobic bullying is widespread and frequent. Speaking at the Education for All conference the Minister was 'astonished' by the research and said:
"These statistics make you realise the importance of why the Minister is there. Our schools must be sanctuaries where people are free to learn and discover in the knowledge that their views, their culture, their abilities, and their identity will be respected."
"Bullying has the greatest impact on failing in learning," agreed Fiona Blacke.
The Equality Bill and a review of National Strategies into teacher training needs are designed to help address bullying. Over twenty local authorities are now working with Stonewall through the Education Champions programme, which launched at last year’s conference, to tackle homophobic bullying in their local schools.
For more information view: www.stonewall.org.uk
Lib Dem's choose Gay candidate for Goldmid by-election
The Lib Dem candidate in the Goldsmid by-election, Howard Spencer, has promised to be a strong voice for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, if elected on July 23.Howard, who is openly gay and has co-habited with his partner Matt since 1994, has worked with Lib Dem campaigners including Cllr Paul Elgood on equality issues for some years.
He is also a regular participant in the Stonewall Equality Walk, and Pride events. One issue he wants to raise if elected to the council includes homophobic bullying in schools, which was the theme of this year's Stonewall Walk.
Howard commented:
"I've lived in Hove for seven years and it's a great place to be - my sexuality is just not an issue, and that's the way it should be. Unfortunately this is not the case everywhere in the country, and still less in other parts of the world, where people are still persecuted and even killed for the 'crime' of loving someone of the same gender.
"Locally and nationally, I am particularly keen to promote action against homophobic bullying in schools, and have twice joined in the Stonewall Equality Walk in Brighton to help raise awareness on this issue."
For more information view:
brighton-hovelibdems.org.uk/
Green candidate to chair 'Question Time' at Brighton Peace Festival
Alex Phillips, Green Party Candidate for the Goldsmid Ward by-election is to chair a question time-style debate on 'The Future of Our City' at the 2009 Peace Festival.The hour-long debate will see representatives from the University of Sussex, University of Brighton, Brighton Institute of Modern Music and local schools discuss the city's future. Everyone is welcome and the event is free.
Alex said:
“Brighton and Hove is a vibrant, dynamic city with a thriving creative and cultural sector. Almost 300 000 people are expected to have made the city their home by 2026.
“A recent report predicted the next 20 years will see the city become one of the UK’s ‘Super Cities,’ with our growing ‘knowledge-based’ business sector enabling us to become one of the UK’s top ‘alternative economies.’
“But we’ve got our problems - 1 in 5 children growing up Brighton and Hove are living in poverty, there are huge health inequalities across the city and our carbon emissions are rising.
“Making sure the city is a fairer, greener place for all who live here is core to what I want to achieve as a Green Cllr, and I look forward to hearing what reps from local universities, schools and colleges have got to say about Brighton and Hove’s future”
The debate takes place on Saturday July 19 on Hove Lawns at 3.30pm
For more information about Alex Phillips view:
www.alexforgoldsmid.org.uk
For more details about the Peace Festival view:
peacemessenger.wordpress.com/
For more details about the Greens view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk
Monday, July 06, 2009
Cambridge Pink Festival cancelled
This year's Pink Festival, which was to be held in Cambridge on August 22, has been called off due to difficulties securing funding and sponsorship.Organisers felt that without the appropriate backing, this year’s voluntary run free community festival would not reach the high expectations after the success of last year’s event. Instead, organisers are planning a series of fundraising events between now and the summer of 2010 and calling on local businesses to get in touch and show their support for the next festival, planned for August 21, 2010.
The Pink Festival is a not-for-profit event run entirely by volunteers and dedicated to supporting the region’s communities. A massive hit with the local community it has built itself an impressive reputation both locally and nationally as the only diversity festival in the East of England. Last year saw crowds of over 12,000 gather on the sun-drenched grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall and enjoy free live entertainment, music, art and cabaret at the one-day event. Hundreds have been in touch to volunteer their efforts for this year. Raising the capital for the 2009 event has proved difficult. However, organisers are calling on all those who love the festival and all that it represents to get in touch and show their support.
Lara Jaffey, organiser says:
“It is with a heavy heart we have had to make the decision to postpone Pink Festival 2009, however, we look forward to taking this opportunity to strengthen ourselves, relationships with our partners and we look to the future of the festival with hope and positivity. Thank you to everyone who has dedicated their time and energy to the event this year and in the past.”
For more information view:
www.pinkfestival.com
Labour out in force at London Pride
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Labour members and supporters were out in force and warmly received at this year’s London Pride. In contrast, there was no official contingent from the Conservative Party on the parade, with London Mayor Boris Johnson and gay Tory MPs also missing the event.The Prime Minster’s wife, Sarah Brown marched with Labour MEP Michael Cashman and other pride-goers, whilst the rally afterward saw speeches from Equality Minister Harriet Harman and Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant.
LGBT Labour co-chair Katie Hanson said:
“At London Pride we saw the strength of Labour support for the LGBT community – and it was great to see pride-goers’ support for the achievements we’ve won over the past 12 years.
“I know the Conservatives have been making overtures to the gay community recently – but actions really do speak louder than words. Not only do Tories, including David Cameron, continue to vote against equality laws, but they couldn’t find anyone to represent them on the parade at London Pride.”
For more information view:
www.lgbtlabour.org.uk
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Bishop urged to repent his homophobia
In an article on the front page of the Sunday Telegraph (July 5). The Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali has called on gay people to “repent and be changed”. He said:
"We welcome homosexuals, we don’t want to exclude people, but we want them to repent and be changed."
Commenting on the Bishop’s remarks, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said:
"As an Asian man, the Bishop knows the pain of racial prejudice. I am shocked that he wants to inflict similar prejudice on gay people.
"Homophobia is a social and moral evil, just like racism. Bigotry, even in the guise of religion, has no place in a compassionate, caring society.
"I call on the Bishop to repent his homophobia. His prejudice goes against Christ's gospel of love and compassion".
Rev Debbie Gaston of the Metropolitan Community Church of Brighton said:
"I find the attitude of Dr Nazir-Ali so demoralising for people of the LGBT community and for churches like us who work so hard to show people that Jesus did not discriminate. Has he not yet realised that we are born with our sexuality whatever it is, in the image of God, just as he was created from an Asian culture also in the image of God. We no more choose our sexuality than people from different races choose the colour of their skin.
"I didn't realise that to be the Bishop of Rochester meant that you became God and therefore have the right to judge others over matters that he clearly has no understanding of!
"The most natural thing in the world to me is to have a relationship with a woman, so would he rather I acted unnaturally and went against the way God had created me to be?"
George Broadhead, secretary of the gay Humanist charity the Pink Triangle Trust, said:
"The bishop's homophobic outburst is hardly surprising given that he has repeatedly spoken and voted against gay human rights in the House of Lords, defending homophobic laws like the unequal age of consent, criticising civil partnership legislation and opposing IVF fertility treatment for lesbian couples."
Predictably the bishop defended his view by referring to the deity saying:
"We believe that God has revealed his purpose about how we are made. People who depart from this don't share the same faith. They are acting in a way that is not normative according to what God has revealed in the Bible'. Equally predicable is the view of Christian apologists for homosexuality like the Rev Dr Giles Fraser, the president of the Inclusive Church, who said: 'Homosexuality is not a sin. It is the way many people love each other and is a gift from God".
"Of course these positions can't both be right, and in any case they are preposterous since neither protagonist can prove that the deity exists, let alone what he/she/it thinks about homosexuality.
"What is really reprehensible, however, is that ghastly homophobes like the Bishop of Rochester are permitted to sit, as of right, in the House of Lords and influence our legislation".
For more information view:
www.pinktriangle.org.uk
www.gayandlesbianhumanist.org
One million take to streets for London Pride
Crowds estimated at one million attended this years London Pride yesterday (Saturday 4). The parade started at Baker Street winding its way to Whitehall, via Oxford Street, ending up with a rally in Trafalgar Square were speakers included Deputy Prime Minister, Harriet Harman, Chris Bryant, shadow Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Lib Dem energy spokesperson Simon Hughes.
London Mayor, Boris Johnson addressed the rally by video link. High profile gay Conservative MP's Alan Duncan and Nick Herbert were noticeable by their absence.
Following a reception at Downing Street earlier in the day the Prime Ministers wife Sarah, joined among others MEP Michael Cashman, Stonewall Director Ben Sumerskill and Human Rights Campaigner Peter Tatchell on the march.
Peter Tatchell despite promising to be on his best behaviour reminded Sarah Brown of the fact that she and Gordon were allowed to marry while gay people are not.
Harriet Harman was booed and heckled during her speech and the Conservative spokesperson Jeremy Hunt, who is not homosexual had a bottled thrown at him during his.
For more information about London Pride view:
www.pridelondon.org
Roll Up…Roll up for Bourne Free this Saturday in Bournemouth
Bourne Free, Bournemouth's Pride Festival, takes place this Saturday (July 11)This year there is a circus theme to the Pride Parade with everyone invited to get dressed up and organisers expecting to see hundreds of clowns in a huge fancy dress competition. Prizes will be awarded to the sexiest, wackiest and weirdest outfits.
The parade starts at 1pm in Meyrick Park and will travel all around town with the biggest crowds expected at busy shopping area 'The Square' and local gay village 'The Triangle'. Big Top entertainment includes a Ringmaster and team of stiltwalkers and jugglers alongside street dancers 'Dance Pumped' and Bournemouth community band 'Samba Panashe'.
A 12-hour street party, starting at 11am, will take place in the 'Triangle' area of the town. The main stage will host a great line up of performers, from singers and musicians to drag artists and circus acts. There will be plenty of stalls and also a bar tent selling a wide range of food.
For more information view:
www.bournefree.co.uk
Pride companion dog show today
The Companion Dog Show, one of the highlights of Pride celebrations starts today, from noon at Hove Rugby Football Club, Old Shoreham Road, Hove (in association with the Coastway Veterinary Group). This Kennel Club registered event promises to be more fun and entertainment than ever before. Registration costs £2 per class and will be taken from 11.30am.
Entry for spectators is free and everybody is welcome. The pedigree classes will be judged by Peter Jolley; and of course everyone’s favourite, the novelty classes, will be judged by Scott Burey, better know as Brighton’s very own Drag With No Name.
For a full list of the class categories see the Pride website:
www.brightonpride.org
Spectators can enjoy an agility display put on by the Sussex Canine Centre, to show all those pampered pooches of yours how it’s really done!
Rings one, two and three will hold the various classes from 1pm onwards with prizes sponsored and donated by shops, businesses and Pride supporters from across the county.
The team from Coastway will be overseeing all entries, including judging. This is the seventh year Coastway Veterinary Group has organised and supported the show on behalf of Pride in Brighton & Hove.
Hove Rugby Football Club has donated its facilities free of charge. There is a bar, refreshments and trade stands to keep all owners, friends and families entertained. Entry to the dog show is free, although donations will be greatly received. All proceeds go to Pride in Brighton & Hove.
Pictured Drag with no name and friend.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Gala night at the Circus to benefit the Sussex Beacon
Roll up, roll up, the circus is coming to town and for one night only will be featuring local cabaret stars and circus performers in a gala night to benefit the Sussex Beacon.Oh! What a Circus, Oh! What a Show is produced by Trevor Pharo and features Lola Lasagne, Mandy Muden, Lorraine Bowen, Samantha Howard, Josh Mills and Robert James who will be performing a first with “The Naked Boy Singing” in various stages of undress.
Your ring mistress for the evening is Maisie Trollette who will be joined by The Brighton & Hove (actually) Gay Men’s Chorus
Zippo’s famous ring master Norman Barrett will be presenting circus acts including the Konyot Clowns, Tom Roberts, The Marinhos, Duo Fusion, Disa Trapeze and Mr Twix.
Zippos have donated the complete facilities of their tent and production for this one performance free of charge.
Tickets £15, are available from the Dome Box Office on 01273 709 709 and from most gay bars.
For more information view:
www.brighton-dome.org.uk
Pictured: David Raven, Bingo the Clown and Josh Mills at the launch party for the show at the New Steine Hotel.
Friday, July 03, 2009
A Gay Outing at Charleston
Charleston’s gay heritage will be celebrated in style this July with the help of Brighton Ourstory and support from Brighton Pride in its annual Gay Outing event.‘A Gay Outing’: The Other Side of Bloomsbury’ will this year centre around a lively discussion in the atmospheric Charleston barn at which speakers and audience members can cast votes as to whether the provocative motion: 'There is no such thing as a gay artist' should be carried.
Simon Watney, a Trustee of The Charleston Trust and Director of the Red Hot AIDS Charitable Trust, will chair the debate and will ask 'Are there are some circumstances in which it is helpful to describe someone as a 'gay artist' and others in which it is not?'.
Speakers include visual artist Sadie Lee, with writers Neil Bartlett and Stella Duffy.
There will be tea and cakes made, wine in the garden, an open house and musical accompaniment from Brighton’s Rainbow Chorus.
Holly Wood, Charleston’s Events Manager who has organised the event with the help of Charleston’s Gay Outing Committee said:
"2009’s ‘A Gay Outing’ will be bigger, better and brighter than ever as we proudly celebrate our gay heritage at Charleston”.
Tickets are £15 and include tea, cake, a visit to the house and a glass of wine.
The event will take place at Charleston Farmhouse, East Sussex on July 28 from 4 pm – 9 pm.
To book call Holly Wood on 01323 811626
For more information about Charleston view:
www.charleston.org.uk
Pictured: Neil Bartlett
Have you seen this woman?
Sussex Police need your assistance in finding a local missing person.
73 year old Joan Clegg of Longhill Road, Ovingdean was reported missing by a neighbour on Sunday June 28. The neighbour was particularly concerned as Joan has recently been in bad health.??
Joan is described as white, 5ft 2" tall, of slim build with grey eyes and collar length grey, thinning hair. She is also missing her right hand.??
Enquiries show that Joan's car is not at her home address - a black Daihatsu Charade, vehicle registration number N209 AKN.
Any sightings or information please contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999
Terrence Higgins Trust encourages gay men to test for HIV
THT (Terrence Higgins Trust) is launching a new campaign encouraging gay men to take control of their sexual health by regularly testing for HIV.In a bid to reduce dangerous levels of undiagnosed HIV among gay men the campaign ‘THIVK – Test – Take Control’ will be run through a dedicated website www.thinkHIV.co.uk and through adverts in the gay press, posters, leaflets and condom packs. The campaign will carry the following messages:
'Treatments have never been so good. If you have HIV, the sooner you find out the better.'
'Think HIV testing takes too long? Some clinics offer ‘rapid tests’ with results in 20 minutes.'
'You think you’re HIV negative? You might be wrong.'
The HPA (Health Protection Agency) estimates that, in the UK, up to 10,000 gay men have HIV without knowing – one in four men infected with the virus don’t know they have it. Despite this, around a third of gay men in England have never taken an HIV test, with the figure even higher in Scotland and Wales. Reasons men don’t test include not realising how much they’ve put themselves at risk, concern about the length of time they’ll have to wait for the result, and fear of getting a positive result.
THT’s new campaign ‘THIVK - Test - Take Control’ directly addresses these concerns, outlining why - if you have HIV - it’s vitally important it be diagnosed as early as possible. People diagnosed late (when their CD4 count is less than 200) are much more likely to die within a year of diagnosis than those diagnosed sooner, while those who leave it too long to start HIV treatment are also more likely to pass the virus on to their partners than those who are already receiving treatment.
Marc Thompson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion says:
“Recent medical advances mean HIV treatments are now more effective, easier to take and have fewer side effects. Doctors are now confident people with HIV will live long and healthy lives if diagnosed soon enough. However, if gay men leave it too late to get tested, they’re setting themselves up for serious health problems and the risk of early death.
“It’s now recommended that gay men test at least once a year, or after any unprotected sex. With the new rapid HIV tests available in testing centres such as THT ‘Fastest’, it’s never been easier to test. Part of the reason gay men don’t test as often as they should may be that they under-estimate the importance of being aware of your HIV status. We hope that, through the new campaign, we can encourage men to take control and make testing for HIV a regular part of their lives.”
For more information view:
www.thinkHIV.co.uk
www.tht.org.uk
Pictured: Marc Thompson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion THT
New trustee for Terrence Higgins Trust
Professor Peter Piot, Director of the Institute for Global Health at Imperial College, is joining the Board of Trustees at THT (Terrence Higgins Trust) this month. The Board is responsible for setting the overall strategy and direction of the charity, and for ensuring THT uses its resources effectively in pursuit of its mission statement.Professor Piot was the former Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under Secretary-General of the United Nations. He comes from a distinguished academic and scientific background focusing on AIDS and women’s health in the developing world. In the 1980s he launched a series of research projects in Africa. Project SIDA in Zaire, was the first international project on AIDS in Africa and is widely acknowledged as having provided the foundations of our understanding of HIV infection in the continent.
Born in Belgium, Professor Piot is fluent in three languages and is the author of 16 books and more than 500 scientific articles. He has received numerous awards for scientific and societal achievement, and was knighted as a Baron by King Albert II of Belgium in 1995.
Sir Nick Partridge, Chief Executive at THT said
“We’re delighted that Professor Piot is joining our Board of Trustees. He brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise and is very well respected in the HIV sector worldwide. Professor Peter Piot will further strengthen the board to help lead Terrence Higgins Trust in the coming years.”
Professor Piot said
“I am thrilled to be able to support Terrence Higgins Trust in this way. More people are living with HIV in the UK than ever before and rates of many sexually transmitted infections are rising. Community organisations like THT play a vital role offering testing, information and support to those affected.”
For music information view:
www.tht.org.uk
Pictured: Professor Peter Piot
Appeal Court refuses to intervene in Liverpool Homophobic Murder case sentence
An appeal court has said they are not prepared to intervene in the sentencing of Michael Binsteen, the man who admitted perverting the course of justice in the Michael Causer murder case in Liverpool last July. Michael Binstead had claimed he had tried to stop the vicious attack on Michael Causer by James O’Connor and Gavin Alker, and had led Causer to safety before calling an ambulance.
When the 999 operator asked Binsteen what had happened he said Causer had been attacked by three different men. He later explained to police he was in shock and in fear of Alker and O’Connor.
The case was heard before Lord Justice Keene, Mrs Justice Dobbs DBE and Recorder of Nottingham
The Court concluded that a non-custodial sentence was unduly lenient. However, the Court, in its discretion, did not interfere with the suspended sentence order.
They also said that perverting the course of justice is so serious it is almost always necessary to impose a custodial sentence.
Tellingly, they said he repeated his lies until confronted with the inconsistencies and he did not voluntarily tell the truth.
None of Binsteed's various explanations for his behaviour persuaded the Court that a custodial sentence could have been avoided.
However, concluding that this was an unduly lenient sentence the Court exercised its discretion. It was noted that he has already done over 130 hours of the 200 required of the unpaid work requirement and immediate custody would not have been lengthy whilst taking into account the reduction for Double Jeopardy.
In the end they said they were not prepared to intervene.
The custodial term of 34 weeks detention, suspended for two years still stands.
Pictured: Michael Causer
BBC documentary: life for gay Iraqis worse since 'liberation'
Gay Life After Saddam, to be broadcast this Sunday (July 5) on BBC Radio 5Live at 7pm, examines the persecution of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in Iraq.The harrowing documentary was made with the assistance and co-operation of the underground gay rights movement, Iraqi LGBT. It includes interviews with the Iraqi Prime Minister, religious leaders and ordinary people on the streets of Baghdad, where homosexuality is still viewed by many as an illness or deserving of death - as well as LGBT victims of arrest, jailing, torture and rape, and brave gay Iraqis who run a 'safe house' in Baghdad.
Human rights campaigners claim hundreds of LGBT people have been killed or tortured while others have fled the country fearing for their safety since Saddam was toppled from power six years ago. Meanwhile, in the UK, gay Iraqis seeking asylum are struggling to persuade the Labour government to let them stay. A few have been granted refugee status. Others have been refused.
Producer Ashley Byrne, Creative Director of the programme production company, Made in Manchester, said:
"We're proud to be making our 5Live debut with such an important documentary which tackles a subject that doesn't usually feature as part of the usual narrative from Iraq.
"The programme includes an interview with a gay Iraqi who was kidnapped and raped before fleeing the country, we hear from a young man who fled to Paris after being tortured and we get exclusive access to a so-called 'safe house' harbouring vulnerable LGBT Iraqis on the outskirts of Baghdad".
He adds: "Some of the evidence is very difficult to comprehend, especially a form of torture involving glue and diarrhoea-inducing drugs."
Programme presenter Aasmah Mir also meets a now London-based gay Iraqi whose life is under threat for the work he's doing to help LGBT people in his homeland. Ali Hili (a pseudonym), who founded Iraqi LGBT, claims he has had two fatwas issued against him from extremists in the Middle East. As well as securing asylum himself, Mr Hili has assisted fellow Iraqi gay refugees to win asylum in the UK.
Co-producer Gail Champion says:
"What becomes clear throughout this programme is that not one person, one group or another, is responsible for this persecution. It seems like it's chaos in Iraq with the authorities struggling to keep control. What surprised me more than anything was how much life was easier for LGBT people under Saddam Hussein."
As part of the programme, the US Government is put on the spot over the issue. Ashley Byrne says:
"It was our reporter who managed to elicit a response from the US Government during a State Department Briefing in Washington earlier this month. The Obama administration's reaction to the recent killings and violence can be heard during this programme."
Note: If the Wimbledon men's tennis final on Sunday overruns, this programme might start later than 7pm London time, or be postponed until another date.
You can listen live online from anywhere in the world:
www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/
Or listen for 7 days after the programme has aired on the BBC iplayer:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/bbc_radio_five_live
Fun Day at Brighton Station for Rockinghorse Appeal
Brighton Line Commuters (BLC), the rail user group, in conjunction with Southern and First Capital Connect, is organising a fun day at Brighton railway station on Sunday August 23 to raise money for the Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.The Mayor of Brighton is opening the day at 9am and Brighton MP David Lepper is drawing the raffle. There will be craft and food stalls, entertainers, music, games, competitions for adults and children, face painting, nail painting, tombolas and many other activities. So far, the raffle prize and tombola total is running at just over £1,600 worth of prizes. First prize is a flight in the Southern Railway hot air balloon.
Gavin Fisher, Rockinghorse’s Chief Executive said:
“We’re looking forward to a fantastic day where there is sure to be a significant amount raised to help make life better for children in hospital.”
The fun starts at 9am and goes on until 5pm. All proceeds from the fun day will go directly to the Rockinghorse Appeal.
For more information, you can contact Shelley at commuters@blcmaibox.wanadoo.co.uk
Brighton men to be living statues on Trafalgar Square's ‘Fourth Plinth’
Gscene's columnist Eric Page has been selected by international-award-winning artist Antony Gormley to be part of his new art work ‘One & Other’ and create an astonishing living monument on the empty Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square in London, a space normally reserved for statues of Kings and Generals. Eric will spend an hour on the plinth which is intended to be a representation of the whole of humanity. He will be joined later in the month by Gscene travel writer David Hodgson and Jason Hall from the Justin Campaign, who have also been selected. David has yet to decide the theme for his appearance but promises something 'challenging and engaging'.
Eric intends to use his morning slot on July 28th to be extraordinary and challenging in a fun way and to represent himself and the diversity of Brighton and Hove’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender population.
Participants can use their time on the plinth as they like – to perform, to demonstrate, or simply to reflect. All activity from the plinth will be screened by Sky Arts online 24 hours a day on the One & Other website.
Antony Gormleys ‘One & Other' will see a different person take their place on the Fourth Plinth every hour, 24 hours a day for 100 days. The project, supported by Sky Arts, will provide a fascinating portrait of the UK in the twenty-first century and is set to become a national talking point.
London Mayor Boris Johnson said:
"Ever imagined what it's like to be Nelson - looking down on Trafalgar Square and being stared at by thousands of passers by? One & Other is an opportunity to be a work of art and create something unprecedented and inimitable."
One & Other will run from 6 July – 14 October 2009 and is currently a plotline on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers.
For more information view:
www.oneandother.co.uk
Campaigners to target all Brighton Starbucks cafes
Following a public enquiries decision to allow Starbucks to remain open in St James's Street, The Brighton Against Starbucks action campaign group have said its campaign against the coffee chain will now be extended to include all seven of its Brighton branches.The US coffee chain was originally refused planning permission to open on St James’s St, but has been trading for more than a year despite the ban while the appeal was prepared.
According to a spokesperson for the campaign:
"'We don't want another Starbucks,' has been the majority view from Kemptown residents supporting the Brighton Against Starbucks campaign which has been staging protests outside the St James's St branch between noon and 2pm every Saturday for the past year.
"We are not and never have been fighting along narrow lines of planning regulations alone, which include terms like ‘vitality and viability’ of the area. Our arguments are all about: Community Before Corporation, People Before Profit and Keeping Brighton Unique."
There will be a demonstration outside St James St Starbucks, from noon-2pm.
Greens claim decision over Starbucks is 'slap in the face' for local people
Green Councillors on Brighton and Hove Council have condemned a decision to allow Starbucks to open an outlet in a conservation area of the city following an appeal that was heard last month.The US coffee chain was originally refused planning permission to open on St James’s St, but has been trading for more than a year despite the ban while the appeal was prepared.
Green Cllr Rachel Fryer, who alongside local residents and traders formed a campaign opposing the Starbuck’s planning application, today expressed her disappointment with the result:
“This decision is a slap in the face for the thousands of local people who campaigned against giving Starbucks planning permission.
“Over the past year local residents and traders have organised weekly protests, collected over 3,000 signatures on a petition against Starbucks, formed a Facebook group with almost 2000 Members and written to the council to object in their hundreds.
“Our reasons are many: There are already 12 coffee outlets on St James’s St and traders are rightly worried that the new Starbucks will take business away from independent stores and eventually push many of them out of business. Local planning officers feel a new Starbucks will not add to the diversity and vitality of the area or encourage people to the street. Many people are simply concerned about Starbucks’ dubious ethical practices – there is, for example, a Starbucks in Guantanamo Bay.
“But our objections have been ignored. Once again, it’s a victory for big business over local people.
"Greens have been calling for years to protect communities against the negative impacts of huge chain stores like this. We urgently need stronger planning law to ensure that in David versus Goliath battles such as this, local people are better able to defend their communities.”
Leader of the Labour group, Cllr Gill Mitchell, said,
“This decision seems to turn planning law on its head. Whatever the pros and cons of the Starbucks issue, there should be consistency in the application of the law.”
Green MEP and Green candidate for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas said:
“Today’s decision is a massive blow for local democracy.
“Not only does it threaten the viability of local businesses – local independent cafes are already reporting a loss of takings – but of the council’s ability to take planning decisions in accordance with local people’s wishes.
“Whatever we think of the local council, when it comes to planning decisions it’s all we’ve got. If its decisions are being ignored we must stand up to the bullies.”
Lib Dem Group Leader, Cllr Paul Elgood said:
"The news that Starbucks have won their appeal against the council's planning department is tragic. It shows that the multi-nationals have the might to send in their top legal team and fight any local decision which goes against them. They should have respected local planning regulations in the first place and then the clearly expressed will of the elected council. What concerns me is that officers will be even more reluctant to fight these multi-nationals who already think they can do what they want, where they want."
Pictured: Euro MEP Caroline Lucas joins the weekly protest outside Starbucks
For more information about the Greens view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk/
Jack Straw rallies the troups in Kemptown
The Justice Secretary, Jack Straw MP, paid a flying visit to Brighton yesterday (July 2). After holding a soapbox meeting in the centre of town were he engaged with local people on Labours policies, he went to Kemp Town to meet supporters for the campaign to elect the former leader of the Council, Simon Burgess as the next MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.
Simon said:
“We hold a weekly 'stuffing envelopes' group, always made the more enjoyable by gossip and good company. This week was extra special with Jack entertaining the packed room. More people are getting involved since the strong showing of the Conservatives and the BNP at the European elections".
For more information view:
www.brighton-hove-labour.org.uk/Burgess.htm
Carol Klein launches this year's Garden Gadabout
Gardeners' World presenter Carol Klein launched this year's Garden Gadabout event at the Sussex Beacon last week. The Garden Gadabout, takes place on July 12 and 19, and has supporters opening up their private gardens to members of the public for a small donation which goes to the Beacon. This year there are over 70 gardens to chose from.
When asked what had made her become patron of this event, Carol replied:
“I love the whole idea of sharing your garden; it’s wonderful and so inspiring to have the opportunity to see what other people have done with their space. What’s more, it’s all for such an important and fantastically worthy cause.”
The Garden Gadabout guide, available from locations around Brighton, or via www.gardengadabout.org.uk lists all the gardens taking part, showing its 16 easy to manage trails. The guide also gives a description and photograph of each garden, enabling visitors to plan ahead, or find their local trail. To make the day complete, many gardens are selling a delicious array of homemade lunches, cakes and teas, as well as plants and seeds. All proceeds go to The Sussex Beacon.
Entrance is £1 donation per garden on the door, or newly launched this year are the one- and two day passes giving access to all gardens on the trail. £6 for one day and £10 for two. These passes can be purchased in advance only from 19th June, from The Sussex Beacon Shop in St James St or The Brighton Dome on 01273 709709.
For more information about the Garden Gadabout contact Bridgette Saunders – event coordinator: gardengadabout@sussexbeacon.org.uk
For more information view:
www.gardengadabout.org.uk
For more information about the Sussex Beacon view:
www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
Oska Bright film festival 2009
The Oska Bright Festival, which screens films made by people with learning difficulties, takes place this November at The Old Market, Hove.
The films, which will be screened from Nov 17–19, have been selected from over 251 new shorts submitted to the festival committee.
In addition to the festival, the committee has launched a campaign to raise money for a mobile cinema bus. When the films toured the United Kingdom last year, some people found it difficult to get transport to the screenings. In order to give a greater access to the films, the committee hopes to raise enough funds to turn a double-decker bus into a cinema and take the cinema to the people.
For more information about the festival, screenings and a guide on how to make a film view:
www.oskabright.co.uk
Tatchell to march with Sarah Brown at London Pride
Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell says that he's looking forward to marching with Sarah Brown, Gordon Brown's wife, on this Saturday's Pride march in London."I won't embarrass her. I will be on my best behaviour," Tatchell promised. "But I do plan to remind Sarah that she and Gordon were able to get married, whereas gay couples cannot. Her husband supports the ban on same-sex marriage. He won't give lesbian and gay partners the same right to marry as him and Sarah have enjoyed.
"I hope Sarah will be persuaded that the time has come for marriage equality, and that she'll have a word in Gordon's ear when she gets back to Downing Street after the parade.
"Civil partnerships are not equality. They are a form of sexual apartheid: gay couples cannot have a civil marriage and heterosexual couples cannot have a civil partnership. It is wrong to have different laws for gays and straights. In a democracy, the law is supposed to apply equally to everyone. This means equal marriage rights for all.
"In March this year, at a Downing Street reception for gay community leaders, from which I was excluded, Gordon Brown condemned the way Proposition 8 in California outlaws gay marriage. But isn't this a tad hypocritical, given that his government also outlaws same-sex marriage?
Tatchell has already condemned the PM for only engaging with pro-Labour loyalists in the LGBT community and endorsing homophobic discrimination such as the ban on gay and bi men donating blood, and giving work visas to reggae singers who incite the murder of gay people.
For more information view:
www.petertatchell.net
New survey for male and transgender sex workers
Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in Brighton is launching a survey aimed at establishing the health and support needs of male and transgender sex workers. The survey can be completed at THT’s centre in Ship Street, Brighton. Anyone who takes part will be offered a £10 retail voucher.The results from the survey, which is launched in partnership with Soho Boyz (a free advice service for male and transgender sex workers in London), will help THT assess the support services it provides to male and transgender sex workers in the region. The charity currently offers one hour HIV testing, information and support around sexual health and provides free condoms and lube from its office in Brighton.
Mark Cull, Health Promotion Coordinator at THT in Brighton said
"We’re launching this survey because we want to get a clearer picture of some of the key issues that male and transgender sex workers face, and whether local services are meeting their needs. This survey is vital because it will help us develop and target our services and we really need both male and transgender sex workers to get involved. If you’ve sold sex within the last 12 months, or perhaps exchanged sex for somewhere to stay or for drugs or alcohol, please take the time to fill the questionnaire in – it’ll only take a few minutes and the information you’ll give us is invaluable.”
The survey includes questions about accessing sexual health services, HIV testing as well as questions on drug and alcohol use, housing and other issues. The surveys can be completed until mid September.
To take part in the survey and to find out about the services that THT offers contact Mark Cull on 01273 764223 or email mark.cull@tht.org.uk
There will also be an opportunity for people to take part in the survey at Pride on August 1. Soho Boyz will have a stall at Preston Park from where people can take part.
For more information view:
www.tht.org.uk
www.sohoboyz.org.uk
TUC warns that spread of far right across Europe could increase gay hate crimes
In a speech to the 12th annual TUC, LGBT conference yesterday (Thursday 2), TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber celebrated recent advances in lesbian and gay equality but warned there’s still a long way to go before social attitudes catch up with changes in the law.According to Barber:
“The past year has been one of genuine progress, we’ve seen welcome movement from the Government in dealing with bullying in schools and colleges, and the introduction of a single Equality Bill which will place a new duty on public bodies to promote LGBT equality.
“But while we have made real strides on the legal agenda, the wider battle for hearts and minds goes on. Stronger legal rights have yet to be fully mirrored by more progressive social attitudes. Britain may be a more tolerant, diverse place than a decade ago but the ugly scar of homophobia still continues to disfigure sections of our society.
“Attacks like those on Jeff Akers - who was fatally stabbed in a homophobic attack - are a scar on the conscience of modern Britain. While terrible tragedies such as this are mercifully rare, other examples of hate crime remain commonplace. And the extent of the problem is much wider than is sometimes assumed. According to the Homophobic Hate Crime Survey 2008, seven in ten victims of such crimes do not report these incidents to anyone. That is a pretty alarming statistic.
“This underlines the need for real change, for a justice system that LGBT people can have real confidence in and for a fundamental shift in underlying social attitudes. The battle to defeat prejudice, discrimination and violence goes on.
“But we’ve also got to get to grips with another huge challenge, a political landscape that is becoming more hostile to our cause, both in this country and across Europe. In last month’s elections, we saw the deeply disturbing election of two BNP MEPs, and an alarming continent-wide drift from the centre to the right, and from the right to the far right.
“In the European Parliament the Tories have left the mainstream European People’s Party to build alliances with some of the most reactionary groups in Europe. This includes the Polish Law and Justice Party which has banned gay marches, closed down the government equality office, sought to link the LGBT community with paedophilia, and whose leader declared that ‘the affirmation of homosexuality [would] lead to the downfall of civilisation’.
“We all need to be alert to some of the potential political dangers ahead. Unions have always been at the forefront of the struggle for LGBT equality, and this is where we must stay. In spite of the difficulties we face, I’m confident we can rise to the mighty challenges that lie ahead."
Pictured: TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber
Police bring rise in homophobic attacks at Dukes Mound 'under control'
Sussex Police recently recorded a brief rise in the number of reported homophobic incidents occurring in the Dukes Mound area. The force believes that this has now been brought under control through proactive policing and a series of arrests.
A significant amount of time has been devoted to keeping users of the area safe by officers across the city. Investigation is ongoing but at present there have been seven arrests with conditions being imposed on suspects to prevent them returning to the area. Reported Hate Crime incidents in the area have returned to extremely low levels.
The site was visited numerous times by the city’s LGBT Liaison Officer to talk to men who used the popular cruising site. After these discussions uniformed police patrols formed a part of the operation to prevent homophobic incidents and identify those responsible. Positive feedback has been received on how these were carried out. Now that the incidents have subsided, police activity in the area will gradually return to normal levels for the time of year.
The Police Anti Victimisation Unit plays a key role in investigating hate crime and it has been active in supporting victims, securing evidence and dealing with suspects connected with Dukes Mound.
Last year there was a drop in the number of reported LGBT hate incidents in Brighton, however reporting has now returned to a level consistent with previous years. While there have been high profile critical incidents in other parts of the UK, there have been no critical reported LGBT hate incidents in Brighton this year.
Nick Antjoule, Brighton’s LGBT Liaison Officer said:
“During the ten years I have been working with the guys at Dukes Mound through various organisations, this is the strongest I have ever seen their relationship with the police. It can be a real tightrope act to keep guys who use cruising grounds safe while maintaining their confidence in us, so I’m very proud of what we have achieved. I would also like to thank Terrence Higgins Trust who’s help has been invaluable to giving us a platform to connect with Dukes Mound users.”
Pictured:
Nick Antjoule, Sussex Police, civilian LGBT Liaison Officer
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Better mental health provision for the LGBT people
Brighton mental health services are working closely with local charities to devise specialist staff training so that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) community are better able to access and benefit from mental health care.LGBT people can feel marginalised because of other people’s attitudes and beliefs about their lifestyles, and can experience prejudice from mental and health care professionals as well as GPs.
After listening to the local community and studying the local Count Me In Too research, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides NHS mental health services in Sussex, has commissioned local LGBT organisations Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, Mind Out, and The Gender Trust to design and deliver the first specialist LGBT staff training programme.
One-day ‘Affirmative Practice’ training sessions in Brighton and Hove began in March 2009 and run until the end of July. The sessions aim to ensure that mental health staff in the City have a clear understanding of the issues faced by the LGBT community, and gain insight and skills in assessing and addressing the needs of LGBT clients. The training will also give staff confidence in dealing with heterosexism, homophobia and transphobia.
Dr Richard Ford, Commercial Services Director and lead for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity at Sussex Partnership, said:
“This training is aimed at ensuring all participants have a greater understanding of the life experiences, needs, discrimination and prejudice that many LGBT people experience and how that can affect their mental health and approach to mental health services. Sussex Partnership expects that by helping staff to be LGBT positive and inclusive, people who need to use our services will see that their needs will be met and understood positively.
“The Trust and the community will both benefit because if people who need to use our services feel confident that we offer a service that meets their needs, then their experience is positive and there is a higher likelihood of a successful recovery from mental illness”.
For more information view:
www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton/
www.mindcharity.co.uk/servicesmindout.asp
www.countmeintoo.co.uk/
www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk
www.gendertrust.org.uk/
Jack Straw MP to visit Brighton for soapbox debate
Justice Secretary Jack Straw will visit Brighton tomorrow, July 2 to talk to local people about the government’s new policy plan ‘Building Britain’s Future’.Mr Straw will present the proposals and debate directly with the public from a soapbox outside the Brighthelm Church and Community Centre in North Road at 1pm.
Building Britain’s Future is the start of a process to engage with people on the big issues facing the country. The debate in Brighton is one of the first of a series of events being led by Ministers across the UK to explain more about the plan and to give the public the chance to put questions directly to Jack Straw.
Building Britain’s Future presents the government’s vision for a fairer, stronger and more prosperous society. Public service entitlements will for the first time be guaranteed to parents, patients and communities. New measures also aim to aid economic growth and create jobs, while other steps will address political reform.
The plan is based on three clear priorities: Putting Britain firmly on the path to recovery and seizing future opportunities for economic growth: Building on the improvements made in schools, hospitals and policing and modernising the national infrastructure: Cleaning up politics and renewing the democratic system.
Jack Straw said:
“These plans push forward radical changes to redefine our constitution and begin to rebuild trust in politics. They include completing the process of making Parliament’s second chamber smaller and answerable to the public. A programme of immediate reforms will help correct the most urgent problems and be complemented by a pledge to involve the people in discussions on even more fundamental far-reaching changes to our democratic processes that balance accountability, rights and responsibilities.
“Building Britain’s Future includes important steps to reinforce our guiding principles of trust, fairness and transparency across the justice system. These underpin our plans to make the family court system more open and accountable to the public, and to ensure our business and commercial dealings are clear of any taint of bribery.”
For more information view:
www.hmg.gov.uk/buildingbritainsfuture
Greens claim decision over Starbucks is 'slap in the face' for local people
Green Councillors on Brighton and Hove Council have condemned a decision to allow Starbucks to open an outlet in a conservation area of the city following an appeal that was heard last month.The US coffee chain was originally refused planning permission to open on St James’s St, but has been trading for more than a year despite the ban while the appeal was prepared.
Green Cllr Rachel Fryer, who alongside local residents and traders formed a campaign opposing the Starbuck’s planning application, today expressed her disappointment with the result:
“This decision is a slap in the face for the thousands of local people who campaigned against giving Starbucks planning permission.
“Over the past year local residents and traders have organised weekly protests, collected over 3,000 signatures on a petition against Starbucks, formed a Facebook group with almost 2000 Members and written to the council to object in their hundreds.
“Our reasons are many: There are already 12 coffee outlets on St James’s St and traders are rightly worried that the new Starbucks will take business away from independent stores and eventually push many of them out of business. Local planning officers feel a new Starbucks will not add to the diversity and vitality of the area or encourage people to the street. Many people are simply concerned about Starbucks’ dubious ethical practices – there is, for example, a Starbucks in Guantanamo Bay.
“But our objections have been ignored. Once again, it’s a victory for big business over local people.
"Greens have been calling for years to protect communities against the negative impacts of huge chain stores like this. We urgently need stronger planning law to ensure that in David versus Goliath battles such as this, local people are better able to defend their communities.”
Cllr Gill Mitchell, leader of the Labour group said,
“This decision seems to turn planning law on its head. Whatever the pros and cons of the Starbucks issue, there should be consistency in the application of the law.”
Green MEP and Green candidate for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas said:
“Today’s decision is a massive blow for local democracy.
“Not only does it threaten the viability of local businesses – local independent cafes are already reporting a loss of takings – but of the council’s ability to take planning decisions in accordance with local people’s wishes.
“Whatever we think of the local council, when it comes to planning decisions it’s all we’ve got. If its decisions are being ignored we must stand up to the bullies.”
Lib Dem Group Leader, Cllr Paul Elgood said:
"The news that Starbucks have won their appeal against the council's planning department is tragic. It shows that the multi-nationals have the might to send in their top legal team and fight any local decision which goes against them. They should have respected local planning regulations in the first place and then the clearly expressed will of the elected council. What concerns me is that officers will be even more reluctant to fight these multi-nationals who already think they can do what they want, where they want."
Pictured: Euro MEP Caroline Lucas joins the weekly protest outside Starbucks
For more information about the Greens view:
www.brightonandhovegreenparty.org.uk/
GMFA Sex Course comes to Brighton in August
Gay Men Fight Aids (GMFA) the gay men’s health charities popular Sex Course will be touring the UK this August.GMFA will run the free one-day course in Brighton and 11 other cities in order to help men improve their sex life and gain a better understanding of how their body works.
Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA, says:
“This is real sex education designed specifically for gay men - the kind many of us wished we’d had but didn’t get in school. It’s fun, informal and educational, providing lots of practical advice on how the mouth, cock, balls and arse work.”
The course includes hints and tips on making sex both safer and more enjoyable and will help you to explore what you want from your sex life in a non-threatening, non-judgmental and fun way. It covers a broad range of topics, including putting a condom on properly, how to use sex toys and practical tips for oral sex.
Matthew adds:
“The demand for this course is always high and I think that’s because there is a real need for this type of sex education across the UK . Through this course, our aim is for gay men to become better informed about sex and sexual practices, allowing them to be more confident and to make healthier choices.”
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, view:
www.gmfa.org.uk/national or call 020 7738 3712
The Sex Course takes place on Saturdays from 10am to 5 pm. The course will be in Brighton on August 29, in London also on August 29 and in Southampton on August 22.
Pictured Matthew Hodgson
East Sussex Fire & Rescue to advertise on prescription bags.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has become the first UK fire and rescue service to advertise free smoke alarms on prescription bags. Chris Pascoe, Head of Community Safety, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said:
“In partnership with Bag Media and pharmacies across East Sussex, this campaign has been designed as an extra way of targeting the harder to reach and more vulnerable people within the county. Certain individuals from these groups are likely to be receiving medication of some form and by placing messages on the prescription bags we are advising those people of the free smoke alarm service that East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service provides.”
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service hopes that the message also catches the attention of carers who collect prescriptions on behalf of those who are less mobile. The Service would like to encourage those carers to consider not just their own safety precautions, but also those of the friends, family and colleagues that they assist.
If you would like more information about the free smoke alarms that East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service provides, please call 0800 177 7069 or view:
www.esfrs.org
