Gscene News Archive

Kiya Survivors, a UK-registered charity which helps children with special needs in Peru, has partnered with ‘orbing’ specialist Orb360, to launch their first fundraising event: The Big Roll at the Devil’s Dyke in Brighton. Participants will roll down the Dyke at speeds of 30mph in a giant, cushioned ball.

With the Orb-run being the longest in the country at half a mile long, and the stunning location overlooking Brighton and the South Downs, this is a once in a lifetime, feel-good experience.

All money raised from the event will go directly to the educational centres in Peru that Kiya Survivors builds and supports for special-needs, abused and abandoned children. The educational centres are vital to Kiya’s work and urgently need funds to continue running.

Suzy Butler, the Founder of Kiya Survivors, says:
“In the UK children with special needs are recognised as such and there are systems in place to give them adequate support. In Peru, there is very little understanding of children with these needs and what they require, and so they are often ignored or abused. By giving them a proper education and the love and support they deserve, Kiya Survivors is able to offer these children a bright and positive future.”

‘Rollers’ need to raise just a minimum of £100 each in sponsorship to take part on the day. Participants can then roll for free, have a unique day out and raise money for a very worthy cause. Water lovers can choose the Aqua-Orbs, where two people and 50 litres of splashing water roll down the Aqua-slide.
The iconic Orb-Shack provides shade and music where you can enjoy a drink and some food, and take in the view while watching friends spin down the Dyke.

The Big Roll takes place on Saturday September 5 from 12.00-4.00pm. The minimum height is 1.5 metres and maximum weight is 15.5 stone to participate.

To sign up or for more information contact Pip Emmott at Kiya Survivors on 01273 721092 or e-mail: pip@kiyasurvivors.org

For more information on Kiya Survivors view:
www.kiyasurvivors.org

The Royal Navy, which sent 50 sailors to march in London Pride, had decided to not participate in Plymouth Pride.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said:
"The Royal Navy is guilty of rank hypocrisy. It sent 50 sailors to march in the London Pride gay parade in July but has failed to support the gay festival in its hometown of Plymouth. Is the navy ashamed of publicising locally its pro-gay policies?"

"The Royal Navy had a recruitment stall at London Pride. It could easily send four officers to staff a similar stall at the Pride event in the Plymouth Guildhall on Saturday August 22 . Its unwillingness to do so has seriously undermined the navy's gay-friendly credentials.

"Plymouth has a long, historic naval tradition and is one of the main ports of the Royal Navy. It is not the most tolerant city in Britain. Parts of the city are quite rough and homophobic.

"Given the sometimes less enlightened local attitudes, it is much more important that the navy has a presence at Plymouth Pride than at London Pride.

"The Royal Navy owes a full explanation for its absence to the Plymouth LGBT community and to the organisers of Plymouth Pride."

Tatchell is in Plymouth this week to support the Plymouth Pride LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) festival, which runs from August 15 to 22.

For more information about Plymouth Pride view:
www.plymouthprideevent.org.uk

For information about Peter Tatchell view:
www.petertatchell.net

Pictured: Peter Thatchell

THT (Terrence Higgins Trust) is launching a course of workshops for gay men who feel they behave compulsively or addictively when it comes to sex. The group will take place each Wednesday for 8 weeks from 6.30 – 9pm in Central London.

The ‘Call yourself a sex addict?’ group aims to help people who feel that their sexual behaviour is having an overwhelming and negative impact on their lives. It is led by expert facilitators who have training to deal with addiction issues.

Gordon Mundie, Group work co-ordinator at THT said:
“Having a lot of sex may sound fantastic, but some men find it taking over their lives. If they’re not having sex, they might think about it constantly, may spend a lot of time looking for it, or might put themselves in increasingly risky sexual situations. If you feel your relationship with sex is out of control, there is help available. Just get in touch.”

For more information, venue details or to book an assessment please call 020 7812 1773 or email groupworklondon@tht.org.uk

For more information about THT view:
www.tht.org.uk

Three pairs of dogs currently residing with Dogs Trust Shoreham, all with very different temperaments, are urgently looking for new homes.

Sugar and Patch are looking for a new home filled with sugar and spice and all things nice. Floyd and Snoopy are the perfect hair of the dog remedy for anyone feeling lethargic and bored. Chihuahuas Max and Tai Chi are in search of inner peace, tranquility and some home comforts.

To visit the dogs call: 01273 452 576

For more information view:
www.dogstrust.org.uk

One week after Pride in Brighton & Hove announced a projected £50,000 deficit, direct donations from LGBT community supporters have already accumulated over a £1,000.

Night club, Revenge has also announced that it will be staging a free-entry fund raising event on Sunday, August 23, where they will be requesting donations for Pride at the door.

“We are immensely encouraged by the way that the LGBT community has responded to the news that Pride may have to be scaled back next year, unless we can raise sufficient funds to plug this year’s likely deficit,” said Yvonne Barker, Chair of Pride in Brighton and Hove.

The announcement of Pride’s financial difficulties has also provoked debate in the LGBT community (as the extended letters’ pages of GScene’s September issue will reflect) about the purpose of Pride and whether the main park event should remain free.

“We have been closely following the debates on the Internet and the blogosphere and hope that those who have been contributing their ideas and views will attend the feedback event we will be holding on October 6, at a venue to be announced shortly,” said Ms Barker.

“We want to listen to as many views as possible to ensure that Pride meets the expectations of the community it serves – it is vital that we do.”

Ms Barker also went on to announce that Pride is to mount its own fundraising event later this year. She said that details of this would be released shortly.
“I am optimistic that we will bridge the gap in our finances,” concluded Barker, “but, whatever happens, Pride is determined to use this opportunity to have a fundamental review of its operation.”

Those wishing to donate to Pride can do so via its website:
www.justgiving.com/brightonpride/donate/ and can keep up with latest developments via Pride’s Official Facebook site.

A panel discussion about the state of human rights for LGBT groups in Eastern Europe, will take place as part of Manchester Pride’s ten-day festival line-up.

The 'Hate and Pride in Eastern Europe' event, hosted by Amnesty International and Manchester Pride, will take place in the City Inn Hotel on Monday August 24, at 7pm.

The discussion will look at discrimination faced by LGBT people in many parts of Eastern Europe. It will also celebrate the activists who organise and campaign for LGBT rights despite this type of discrimination.

The panel will include;

- Kapars Zalitis from Mozaika, Latvia
- Eduardas Platovas from The Lithuanian Gay League
- John Amaechi, a former professional basketball player and Human Rights Ambassador for Amnesty International
- Stonewall education officer, Lydla Malmedle
- Amnesty LGBT campaign manager, Kim Manning-Cooper (acting as chair)

Panellist John Amaechi, said:
"My experience living in America and seeing the legalised oppression of the LGBT community in parts of Europe and Africa has highlighted to me the need to expose institutionalised bigotry.

“The root of bigotry is ignorance teamed with misinformation, the new law for the ‘protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information’ in Lithuania will act to demonise and further damage both the LGBT community as well as anyone perceived to be different.”

Jackie Crozier, festival manager of Manchester Pride, said:
“Our event with Amnesty International is a great example of what Manchester Pride is ultimately all about. Although the week is also a celebration of diversity in the LGBT community, I hope this discussion will provoke some thought and trigger extra support in fighting discrimination.”

The event is free to attend, but expected to be popular so to avoid disappointment, RSVP to nicola.fisher@manchesterpride.com to confirm a place.

For further information about Manchester Pride, check out: www.manchesterpride.com

For further information about Amnesty International’s campaign for LGBT rights, visit:
www.amnesty.org.uk/lgbt

This October the UK’s biggest music festival, Oxjam, will be raising money and awareness for Oxfam and its Climate Change campaign.

Musicians who have supported Oxjam since its inception include Jarvis Cocker, Hot Chip, Kasabian, The Kooks, Klaxons, Jamelia and Editors and Brighton’s own Fatboy Slim.

Oxjam Brighton are calling for all unsigned bands to enter the Battle of the Bands competition. The competition will take place on October 20 at Hectors House and is open to any Sussex bands who are unsigned and over 18. The competition opens for entries on Monday August 24 and closes on Sunday September 6. Six bands will be then shortlisted to play a 20-minute set (subject to a £5 entrance fee) on the night. Successful bands will be contacted by Friday September 18

To enter, send the name of your band, number of band members and your music (i.e. MySpace link) to: OxjamBrighton.battleofthebands@gmail.com

For more information on becoming part of Oxjam view:
www.oxfam.org.uk/oxjam

Sussex Police have made an urgent appeal for anyone who recognises this man to come forward.

The man used a gun to commit a robbery on Preston Road in Brighton on Wednesday 19 August. A similar robbery was committed in the same week and the Sussex Police are concerned that his criminal activities may be escalating.

The black male is in his mid twenties, 5’9’ and of a slight build.

If you know him or have seen him recently – please contact Sussex Police immediately on 0845 60 70 999 and quote the crime number: CC1/079858/09.

The Brighton and Hove LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Anti-Bullying Working Group are holding a consultation event with LGBT young people to explore ways of improving safety in Brighton and Hove.

The kinds of questions that will be looked at include:
How can we reduce homophobic/biphobic/transphobic bullying in schools?; How safe is the LGBT scene in Brighton and Hove and how could it be made safer?; How can we make it easier for LGBT young people to report homophobic/biphobic/transphobic incidents at home and in the community?; How can we improve support services for LGBT young people who are victims of homophobic/biphobic/transphobic incidents or bullying?

The event is an opportunity for anyone with ideas on how to make Brighton and Hove a safer place for LGBT young people. All feedback will be written up in a report which will then be distributed to key agencies in the city.

The event will be hosted by Allsorts Youth Project, Spectrum and Sussex Police. Various other organisations across the city will be taking part in facilitating the consultation including the Children’s and Young People’s Trust, Hove YMCA, RISE, and Terrence Higgins Trust.

Sam Thomas of Allsorts said:
“I think it’s about time that LGBT young people are consulted about the issues of LGBT-bullying and their safety as too often young people’s experiences go unreported.”

Nick Antjoule, Brighton’s Police LGBT Liaison Officer said:
“Everyone in Brighton should have the right to live without facing other people’s prejudice. We want to hear from you about how we can work together to make that the reality for everyone.”

The event takes place on Wednesday September 23, 6-8pm at the Friends Meeting House on Ship Street.
For more information contact Allsorts Youth Project on 01273 721211 or info@allsortsyouth.org.uk

For more information on Allsorts view:
www.allsortsyouth.org.uk

Pictured: Sam Thomas from Allsorts

Broken Rainbow and Eighteen & Under have come together to explore the prevalence rates of domestic violence amongst 18-25 year-old LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people.

The survey asks questions on experience and awareness of domestic violence. At the end of the questionnaire, if they choose, respondents can be entered into a free prize draw and have a chance to win an Apple iPod Shuffle 1GB or a pop up Quechua 2 Seconds Tent.

Rita Hirani, CEO of LGBT Domestic Violence charity Broken Rainbow said:
"Young people in their first relationships are more likely to experience domestic violence. Minority communities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans even more so because of the added cultural issues and stereotypes. Research indicates that young people are at greater risk of experiencing domestic violence. It's critical that we work together to find a way to identify why this is happening, and find ways to provide appropriate intervention and support so our young people can go onto healthier and happier relationships."

The survey will run until Wednesday September 30 at:
youth.questionpro.com

For more information on Broken Rainbow view:
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk

If the launch event is anything to go by then ‘WhiteAir 09’ is gonna be a good one. It was great fun and had load of sexy lads and ladies demonstrating their amazing skills with these fun sports.

It’s the biggest extreme sports and music event in the Europe and the hip team have worked hard to build on the success of the previous years sell out success. The fab thing about WhiteAir is that you can try all these sports out, with recognised instructors and international competitors, its cool and hands on, and if all you wanna do is go along and gawp, there’s enough astonishing tricks, sports and eye candy to keep you happy.

There’s over 40 sports to choose from, to watch, learn and take part in from Cage fighting and mixed martial arts, BMX , Thundercats and street style fighting, to Surf, Skate, long and rider boards. Bike ballet and free jumping, kite surfing, parkour, power fans, rope boarding and a host of other more exotic and extreme fun pastimes. Too many to list.

All this and a music stage too, over three days! The main stage has Biffy Clyro, The Lemonheads, Sky Larkin and Brighton favourite British Sea Power along with a myriad of other bands, the full line up for the stage is up on the website now.

There’s a host of different ticket prices, from VIP or family tickets to one day tickets and a few good discounts for all.

It’s gonna be a good weekend.

Extreme Sports and music festival
September 18th -20th
Brighton Beach,
Madeira Drive

Check out the website for more details and to book ticket:
www.whiteair.co.uk/

A Day In Hand - the campaign is designed to promote equality of respect for people who wish to hold hands with someone of the same gender in public - made the first ever same-sex hand holding relay team, as part of the 2012 London Games Open Weekend. The relay of hand-holding couples, which took place last month, started in the heart of the capital and finished in Greenwich.

Author Paul Burston who walked with his partner Paulo along the Southbank said:
“I believe very strongly that we should show affection in public. Straight people do it all the time, and if we're to achieve true equality in society as well as in law, we should behave no differently. Still I was concerned about the reaction we might get.”

Laura and Jenny who walked through Greenwich said,
"Our walk for A Day in Hand through Greenwich Park was a good experience and we never once felt threatened or unsafe.”

For more information view:
www.adayinhand.com

Prominent atheist Prof Richard Dawkins is backing the campaign to get an official apology for Alan Turing, the code-breaking genius and father of the modern computer who committed suicide in 1954 after being prosecuted for being homosexual.

More than 2,500 people have now added their name to the on-line petition calling for the Government to recognise the 'consequences of prejudice' that ended the life of the scientist aged just 41.

Professor Dawkins said that an apology would 'send a signal to the world which needs to be sent', and that Turing would still be alive today if itwere not for the repressive, religion-influenced laws which drove him to despair.

The author of The God Delusion, who is due to present a forthcoming television programme for Channel 4 on Turing, said the impact of the mathematician's war work could not be overstated:
"Turing arguably made a greater contribution to defeating the Nazis than Eisenhower or Churchill. Thanks to Turing and his 'Ultra' colleagues at Bletchley Park, Allied generals in the field were consistently, over long periods of the war, privy to detailed German plans before the German generals had time to implement them.

"After the war, when Turing's role was no longer top-secret, he should have been knighted and fêted as a saviour of his nation. Instead, this gentle, stammering, eccentric genius was destroyed, for a 'crime', committed in private, which harmed nobody."

Sign the petition at: petitions.number10.gov.uk/turing/

The Rise 2009 8k Undercliff Run for Women will raise money for Rise, the charity for women and children affected by domestic abuse. The run will take place on October 11 at 9am on the Undercliff Walkway by Asda in Brighton Marina.

Rise runs the only local telephone helpline for people suffering from the effects of domestic abuse; in 2007/08, when it opened for restricted hours, it answered over 1,800 calls. This year, it has expanded the service and needs to raise money to support this vital service.

A unique run along the scenic cliff-side path from Brighton Marina to Rottingdean and back to the Marina, in total 8k (5 miles), the Undercliff Run is an exciting opportunity for new and experienced female runners to experience the buzz and camaraderie of running with 400 other women, alongside the expanse of the sea.

Registration costs £12 and must be completed by September 30; no registration can take place on the day. Runners must be over 15 by October 11th, but there is no maximum age limit. Even though raising sponsorship is not obligatory, any sponsorship would be gratefully appreciated and will help Rise continue to support those affected by domestic abuse.

To register go to:
www.riseuk.org.uk

For more details e-mail: naomi@women'srefuge.org.uk

Mathematician John Graham-Cummings has started a campaign to get an official apology for the treatment of Alan Turing who, although he helped shorten World War 2 through cracking the Nazi's Enigma code, was prosecuted because of his homosexuality. He committed suicide aged 41.

Turing was also a critical pioneer of computer science. He defined a theoretical model of computers (at a time when 'computer' meant a person who computed numbers) that holds true today. He suggested how we might determine whether a computer was sentient (with the Turing Test).

Turing's death should remind us how prejudice ruins and degrades. He was prosecuted for 'indecent acts' and eventually took his own life aged 41. This man, in his prime, killed himself because at the time homosexuality was illegal and having been prosecuted he was then chemically castrated in an attempt to 'cure' him. He had been stripped of his security clearance.

The petition states: We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to apologize for the prosecution of Alan Turing that led to his untimely death.

It can be signed at:
petitions.number10.gov.uk/turing/

GMFA, the gay men's health charity, are launching a new health promotion video, ‘Do You Have An HIV Detector?’, which aims to make men aware of the risks of making the wrong assumptions about a sexual partner’s HIV status. Studies have shown that about 40% of HIV negative men who say they know their sexual partner’s HIV status are actually guessing.

The video features a man using a fantasy HIV detector to try to find out if the guy he is picking up has the same HIV status. The message of the video is that you usually can not be sure of another person’s HIV status, but you can protect yourself and your partners by always having safer sex.

Matthew Hodson of GMFA, said:
“Lots of gay men believe that they can always tell the HIV status of their partners just by looking at them, or by where they meet or the sex that they’re into. The truth is that there are HIV positive and HIV negative men, of all shapes and sizes, in every city and in every gay venue across the country. Guesswork won’t keep you and your partners safe. Using a condom remains the best way to prevent the spread of HIV. The video is based on our previous ad campaign and we hope that it gets the message across in a way that’s a bit fun and a bit quirky.”

Studies have shown that while most negative gay men expect an HIV positive man to disclose his status before having sex, only 20% of diagnosed positive gay men say they always disclose. And with around a third of gay men with HIV not knowing that they are infected, trusting that someone will be able to tell you their HIV status can be risky.

Matthew adds:
“Our HIV detector ad campaign proved popular when we first ran it last year. We feel strongly about the subject, which is why we chose to tackle it through two new and very different resources. And with many gay men turning to the internet for information on health issues, the video is an ideal way for us to get across this serious message.”

The video can be viewed at:
tinyurl.com/gmfahivd

For more information on GMFA view:
www.gmfa.org.uk

Pictured: Matthew Hodson of GMFA

Brighton & Hove LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Switchboard are to launch their new service for victims of LGBT hate crime at R Bar, Marine Parade, on Friday August 21 from 6pm to 8pm.

Join Switchboard’s trustees, staff and volunteers and find out more about this innovative new service whilst listening to the delightful sounds of Nicky Mitchell and enjoy a drink and a finger buffet.

To confirm attendance e-mail: brighton.manager@switchboard.org.uk

For more information about Brighton Switchboard view:
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton

Menswear site Boomlads.com is donating all profits from every pair of pants it sells until the end of September 2009 to GMFA, the gay men’s health charity.

Boomlads.com is one of the largest men’s underwear retailers in Europe and promises to be 10% cheaper than any other UK online or high street retailer.

Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA, said:
“We are always immensely grateful when organisations such as Boomlads.com offer such generous donations to GMFA. The money we raise in this way goes directly towards campaigns that receive no government funding, such as our work for positive gay men and community-based projects, which is why it’s so crucial.”

Jim Sprague of Boomlads.com, adds:
“At Boomlads.com we wanted to support a gay men's charity that helped gay men with advice on all types of health issues. By shopping at Boomlads.com, you can be sure of getting the latest exciting brands at the best value and, at the same time, help towards GMFA’s vital work with gay men.”

For more information on GMFA view:
www.gmfa.org.uk

To view men in pants view:
www.boomlads.com

Let’s get some things clear, I’ve not seen the show before, not seen the film, nor read the comic book. I was an Annie virgin and this was a hell of a way to get my clogs popped.

I feel like I’ve been taken roughly down ‘Easy Street’ this evening by a bunch of screeching wailing waifs and a cast of ‘should know betters’. Wobbly pantomime sets, unconvincing characters and terrible, terrible singing, and that was just the opening number with a load of suspiciously healthy looking orphans with not a tooth missing or a case of rickets between them, nor the ability to hold a note either. Oh and the wigs! The horror! I held out for the sight of Sue Pollard as Miss Hannigan - a drunk, cruel and bitter women, surely she’d hit the spot. She hit the bottle definitely and the odd note but was the most unconvincing drunk since Mother Teresa. If I’d drunk as much as she pretended to I’d have probably enjoyed this show. She came on looking like an anorexic Dora Bryant but without the talent, in a bad wig with a funny walk straight off the end of the pier. Her one good song ‘Little Girls’ was hammed up with comedic glee but it went downhill from there.

Let’s get some more things clearer, I’m no obsessive musical queen nor a stage school mum although the audience was full of them, but they were either all related to the cast or too drunk to care, but even they had difficulty mustering up a laugh or more than slight applause. In the first half the only convincing performance and character was the dog, who padded on and fell asleep. This got a round of applause. I rolled my eyes. Annie couldn’t keep a note, even allowing for the terrible smugness of her faux precociousness and the wretched cheap wig. This is supposed to be The Child Role. The child should be able to sing, or perhaps that’s part of the charm. Personally I prefer talented kids. Ones who can dance, sing and act.

Half way through I checked with some other folks, my companion thought it terrible too and the three Queens I met in the foyer, who’d seen Annie 15 times ‘loved it, loved it, loved it darling’ – sigh- but I suspect they would have clapped the dog for wagging its tail. Shortly afterwards they did.

We gave it the benefit of the doubt and endured the second half; I slipped off into deconstructing the story, a very odd thing indeed. Something unsavoury about money buying happiness, sad and lonely women who turn to drink getting carted off in straitjackets, incredibly stunted selfish children and an emotionally crippled millionaire (David McAlister’s Daddy Warbucks) who buys a child to fill up his empty life, then woos and dances with her. At least he could sing. Then there’s the very (very) bad wigs and a troupe of brain dead servants who thought they were in a ‘Britain’s got talent’ ensemble dance number. Trite and very wrong indeed, unless you’re in Malawi.

If you’ve got kids who don’t know what they’re in for then perhaps this is the thing to turn them off theatre for life. If you’re a Sue Pollard fan then you’ll never forgive her, unless you like drag. The sound was terrible, some special effects just weird – snow in a sweaty hot theatre?? - and the band, when not playing over the singers was only bearable. It was also way too long.

There were jokes about the ‘League of Nations’ for god’s sake! Nobody laughed.

Perhaps I’m missing something other than the last three hours of my life, but I think the sun’s going to set on this show, hopefully tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow…

Pass the bottle Sue.

Theatre Royal Brighton
Until 22nd August
www.ambassadortickets.com/1008/664/Brighton/Theatre-Royal-Brighton/Annie

A final decision on sentencing Palestinian human rights defender Ezra Nawi - an openly gay Israeli Jew - will now take place on September 21. An online petition with 20,000 signatures from the UK, US and all over the world has urged the court to not jail Ezra.

Human rights activist Peter Tatchell said:
"The online petition was organised and coordinated by the Jewish Voices for Peace campaign group.

"Ezra faces imprisonment over an alleged riot during his attempts to stop the demolition of Palestinian homes by the Israeli army and over an alleged assault on a police officer during his arrest - charges that Ezra, a well known pacifist, strongly denies.

"Among the witnesses who testified in court yesterday on Ezra's behalf were Yehudit Karp, a former deputy attorney-general of Israel, and Hebrew University professors Galit Hazan-Rokem and David Shulman.

"Several of the witnesses explained to the court that Ezra's actions in trying to stop Israel's bulldozing of Palestinian homes had to be understood in the context of Israel's military occupation of the West Bank, aggressive Israeli settlers trying to force the Palestinians off their land, and the extreme poverty of the displaced Palestinian families.

"In an apparent response to the global outpouring of support for Ezra Nawi, the prosecution has indicated that it is now not asking for the maximum sentence of 18 months to two years imprisonment; although it remains insistent that he should still serve a custodial sentence.

"Ezra has become a legendary figure among the Palestinians in South Hebron, left-wing and pro-peace Israeli activists, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) campaigners and international opponents of Israel's occupation of the West Bank.

"Being an out gay man is mostly easy in London or New York. But in the Middle East, it takes real guts, especially when there are fundamentalists on both sides who want to kill gay people.

"By supporting the human rights of the Palestinian people as an out gay man, Ezra is probably doing more than anyone else to undermine the homophobia that undoubtedly exists in sections of Palestinian society. His acceptance by growing numbers of Palestinians illustrates that homophobia can be overcome, even in very traditional communities. It refutes the common stereotype that all Arabs and Muslims are anti-gay.

"Ezra's exemplary life shows the possibility of unity, solidarity and respect between gays and straights and between Palestinians and Israelis. It suggests that prejudice and division can be conquered; that a kinder, gentler, fairer future can be won for all the people of the Middle East."

The petition can be signed at: www.freeezra.org

For more background about Ezra's case view:
peter-tatchell.livejournal.com/874.html

To mark the thirtieth anniversary of Alien, The Space (Southern Performance and Creative Energies) presents a special evening at Brighton's Duke of York’s cinema. Following a screening of the science fiction classic, the film’s BAFTA nominated editor Terry Rawlings and the costume designer John Mollo will be interviewed by Space presenter Lisa Holloway.

Terry Rawlings’s other credits include Blade Runner, Chariots of Fire, Watership Down, Yentl and Goldeneye. John Mollo’s include Star Wars, for which he won an Oscar, The Empire Strikes Back, Gandhi, Cry Freedom and Sharpe.

The Space is Brighton ’s unique monthly arts and media event, which brings together the creative community with special guest interviews.

The screening takes place on Sunday October 25 at the Duke of Yorks, Preston Cirucs. Doors 5.50pm for 6.20pm start.

For more information view:
www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema_home_date.aspx?venueId=doyb

For more information about The Space view:
www.thespace.me.uk

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) mental health project PACE has launched its national review of mental health support for LGBT people. Commissioned by the National Mental Health Development Unit at the Department of Health, the research will examine what is currently being done to promote better mental health for LGBT people in England.

Researchers will be contacting mental health services across the country and visiting mental health websites to find out how prepared they are to meet the needs of local LGBT populations. The project will be running throughout August and September.

The research project grew out of the fact that in 2008 the National Suicide Prevention Strategy was amended to include a specific goal to promote mental health amongst lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Subsequent efforts are being made to include trans people within this priority. The change followed the publication of a government report revealing the evidence of significantly increased risk of suicide among LGBT people. The report “Mental disorders, suicide and deliberate self-harm in lesbian, gay and bisexual people” highlighted that better awareness of mental health needs of sexual minorities should become a standard part of training for health and social care professionals. It also recommended that sexual orientation should be included in routine data collection.

Explaining why he thinks this review is necessary, Tim Franks, Chief Executive of PACE said:
“At the time we were delighted with the recommendations of the report. I personally believe that the rates of attempted suicide in our community, particularly among young people, are of great concern. Over one year on from changing the national strategy we are keen to see what, if anything, has been done to implement these proposals. We want to identify those parts of the NHS and voluntary sector that have taken a lead in addressing this issue and can be used as examples of good practice for others. We also want to hear from LGBT people who have personal experience of struggling with suicidal thoughts about their views of what has helped them and what could be done to help further. To those people I would say: ‘Please help us, to help others by telling us about your experiences’.”

Keith Foster, the Suicide prevention Strategy Implementation Lead for England said:
“Following the publication of the systematic review in February 2008 we now include LGB people as a specific group who have special needs under Goal Two of the Suicide Prevention Strategy. We now need to support those organisations working with LGB and trans people, including health and social care agencies, on actions that are required to enable us to reduce the risk of suicide in this group of people. This review will provide us with practical recommendations in policy and service provision leading to an improvement in the mental health and well-being of LGBT individuals”.

An online survey for LGBT people who have experienced suicidal thoughts is accessible from the PACE website at: www.pacehealth.org.uk/research

To find out more about PACE and ways of supporting the project email: tim.franks@pacehealth.org.uk.

Switchboard seek marathon runners

Brighton & Hove LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Switchboard is currently seeking people to run in Brighton’s first ever marathon in aid of this local charity. The marathon, which is 26 miles, is taking place next year on Sunday April 18.

To discuss this opportunity and fundraising requirements or book yourself a place contact Natalie Woods on 01273 207050 or by e-mail: brighton.manager@switchboard.org.uk

For more information on Switchboard view:
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton

Brighton & Hove LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Switchboard are to launch their new service for victims of LGBT hate crime at R Bar, Marine Parade, on Friday August 21 from 6pm to 8pm.

Join Switchboard’s trustees, staff and volunteers and find out more about this innovative new service whilst listening to the delightful sounds of Nicky Mitchell and enjoy a drink and a finger buffet.

To confirm attendance e-mail: brighton.manager@switchboard.org.uk

For more information about Brighton Switchboard view:
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton

Black Pride took place on Saturday (15) in the beautiful setting of Regents College on the Inner Circle in Regents Park, London attracting a huge diverse crowd of people who enjoyed the glorious sunshine.

Headline act on the main stage was Soul Diva Beverley Knight who was joined by Funky Diva Meleka, live band Frenglish featuring Guess Forever, Daley UK and a special tribute to Michael Jackson by Michael Anthony aka Moonchild. There were guest speakers from Trade Unions and LGBT Community organisations.

Hosts MC Brandy and Oh Wow Boyz introduced some of the UK's best DJ's on the Main Stage and in Urban World Tent including DJ Big John, Biggy C, Terry T-Rex and Jeffrey Hinton, Philly, DJ Saj & V– Urban Desi, Nubian Soul, DJ Sensi, DJ G & DJ Goodaz.

There was a chill out zone, market place, secret garden, games area, information zone, VIP tent, licensed bars and food stalls plus well attended 'Empowerment Workshops'.

The Duke of York's Cinema is launching a fundraising appeal to save its 99-year-old clock.

On September 22 the Duke of York’s Picturehouse celebrates 99 years in operation as a cinema, and the Grade II listed building needs a little attention. Over £2,000 is needed to bring its beautiful public clock back to life. To help raise the money there will be a screening of Casablanca and all profits from this screening will go towards the repair.

The cinema will also be re-launching its Sponsor-A-Seat programme, allowing the nearly 100 seats left in the cinema to be sponsored. For £100 you can dedicate a small plaque with a message of your choice for life.

Casablanca screening at 9pm, September 22, at the Duke of Yorks Cinema, Preston Circus, Brighton.

For more information view:
www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema_home_date.aspx?venueId=doyb

Roll up! Roll up! The circus has come to town! Or to be more precise, Hove Lawns by the King Alfred, and for one night only will feature local stars from the gay cabaret circuit and circus performers, together in a gala night to benefit The Sussex Beacon on Friday, August 21 at 9pm.

Oh! What A Circus, Oh! What A Show is an outrageous adults only show produced by Trevor Pharo, featuring Lola Lasagne, Mandy Muden, Lorraine Bowen, Samantha Howard, Josh Mills and Robert James, who will perform in various stages of undress as The Naked Boy Singing.

Your ringmistress for the evening is Maisie Trollette, who will be joined by The Brighton & Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus. Zippo’s internationally famous ringmaster Norman Barrett will present circus acts including the Konyot Clowns, Tom Roberts, Duo Fusion, Disa Trapeze, Mr Twix and The Marinhos, a father-and-son act from South America who will be performing their nailbiting Wheel Of Death stunt.

Zippo Circus has kindly donated the complete facilities of its tent and production for this one performance free of charge.

Tickets, £15, are available from the Dome
box office (01273 709709) and from most
gay bars in the village.

For more info view:
www.brighton-dome.org.uk

A Fraudster pretending to be from Pride in Brighton and Hove has been attempting to get cash donations from Hoteliers, following the front page news story in today’s Argus, highlighting that Pride in Brighton and Hove have a cash crisis deficit.

A man calling himself Philip, has been calling Hoteliers in the Kemp Town area of Brighton, saying he was soliciting donations to help Pride resolve its cash problems.

A spokesperson for Pride in Brigton and Hove has confirmed to Gscene that no one called Philip works for Pride.

Furthermore they would not solicit donations by telephone in this manner.

If you want to help Pride’s cash deficit you can donate at:
www.justgiving.com/brightonpride/donate

Pride in Brighton & Hove trustees called a press conference today to announce a public appeal for funds.

The Pride Trustees have identified a potential financial deficit following this year’s event of £50,000, caused by increased costs in staging the event, rising office utility costs, the general economic downturn and lower donations on the day caused by the dreadful weather.

The possible shortfall puts a question mark over whether it will be possible to mount a free event on the same scale in 2010, unless substantial funds are generated by December 2009.

Pride will be launching an appeal for donations to its members and the more than 3,000 subscribers to the Pride official Facebook site, many of whom enjoyed themselves on the park this year despite the rain.

Yvonne Barker, Chair of Pride said:
“It costs us £300,000 to stage this event. We are a charity and rely on the generosity of local businesses and individuals, who raise much needed funds. However, the truth is there are many more businesses in the city both straight and LGBT run that benefit enormously from the Pride festivities and yet contribute nothing towards the running costs. We will be approaching those businesses for donations, as well as going back to our traditional supporters for help.”

She continued:
“If we are unable to raise sufficient funds to cover the expected shortfall, we will need to seriously scale back next year’s Pride festivities and reduce the support we are able to give to local LGBT community groups." She went on to say: "Over the coming weeks Pride will be announcing a series of fundraising initiatives and will be reaching out to individuals, business and community groups supports for donations and to tap into their own ideas to help raise money."

The Lib Dems were the first political party to react to the news of the Pride deficit calling on the Council to do more to keep Brighton Pride free by stepping in to meet the funding gap.

Lib Dem Leader, Cllr Paul Elgood commented:
"The council subsidies a range of events in the city from the Brighton Festival to party conferences. It should now look at grant funding to meet the £50k deficit from this year's event. The event is so crucial to summer tourism and attracting visitors, it would be money well spent."

You can donate to Pride online at:
www.justgiving.com/brightonpride/donate/

Converting empty shops into art galleries and introducing a new local ’currency’ are among the innovative ways in which London boroughs are helping to ease the impact of the recession on their local communities and firms. They are just two examples of the good practice initiatives featured in a new guide produced by London Councils’ improvement and efficiency partnership Capital Ambition.

Others include publicity campaigns to make people aware of all the benefits to which they are entitled, special networking meetings for small businesses to build contacts with larger organisations, and partnerships with DIY stores to offer cut price loft insulation to help cut people’s energy bills.

The Waltham Forest High Streets Arts initiative is designed to help keep shopping areas vibrant and interesting by using empty shops to hold exhibitions of work by local artists and groups. This has included using an old branch of Woolworths in Leytonstone to display the work of 60 artists.

From next month residents in Lambeth will be able to use the special currency ‘The Brixton Pound’ to buy local goods from participating shops around the borough. The scheme, supported by a range of local shops, is designed to boost the local economy and get people thinking about buying locally produced items.

In Sutton a special initiative has been set up to give executives and professionals who have been made redundant help and advice on finding a new job or training opportunities, or starting their own business.

London Councils lead member for Improvement, Councillor Michael White, said:
“These are still very difficult and troubling times for families and businesses across the capital but Londoners should be assured that boroughs are determined to do everything they can to help ease the impact of the recession on them.

“Boroughs and their partners have come up with a package of common sense and innovative ways to help families save money, keep our town centres vibrant provide training and support to people made redundant and to help local businesses maintain a solid foundation in this bleak economic climate.

“This guide just outlines the foundations that boroughs and their partners have laid. As councils gain a deeper understanding of the recession’s impact in their local areas they will develop the appropriate responses.”

The guide can be downloaded at:
www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/media/current/pressdetail.htm?pk=768

For more information about London councils view:
www.londoncouncils.gov.uk

The World’s first Fertility Show takes place November 6–7 at London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre. The event, specifically aimed at the general public, features more than 80 exhibitors plus a speaker programme of 45 talks from Britain’s top fertility experts.

Aimed at everyone concerned about their ability to conceive – from those just starting to try for a child to those already diagnosed with fertility problems – the show’s speaker programme will address some of the most common questions:
How fertile am I?; What can I do to improve the odds?; Am I too late to start a family?; How can I find out if I have a problem?; Is egg freezing a sensible option?; We’ve been trying for a while – where can we get help?; Will the NHS pay for treatment?; I’m considering IVF – where’s the best place to go?; I need an egg donor – should I go abroad?

Fifty top speakers include Sam Abdalla (Medical Director, Lister Fertility Centre), Yacoub Khalaf, (Medical Director, Guy’s & St Thomas’ ACU), Stuart Lavery (Medical Director, IVF Hammersmith), Lesley Regan (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Imperial College), Robert Forman (Medical Director, CRM Clinic) Julian Norman-Taylor (Consultant Gynaecologist, Chelsea and Westminster Assisted Conception Unit), Simon Fishel (MD of CARE Fertility Clinics), Zita West (midwife to the celebrities and fertility Counsellor), Gerad Kite (Kite Acupuncture Clinic), Dr Zhai (Zhai Chinese Medicine Clinic, Kate Brian (I N UK).

Eighty exhibitors include fertility clinics from the UK and abroad, fertility testing, holistic therapists including acupuncture, reflexology, yoga and massage, diet/nutritional and lifestyle advisers, patient information and support groups.

For more information view:
www.fertilityshow.co.uk

Father Jerome Lloyd took to the skies above Hove Lawns yesterday to highlight the coming fundraiser Oh What A Circus – Oh What A Show for the Sussex Beacon, at Zippos Circus on Friday, August 21.

Columbian High wire artist Chico Marinhos was meant to re-enact a stunt performed by 19th century French wire walker, Charles Blondin, who carried his manager across the Niagara Falls, 150 years ago.

He intended to carry Father Lloyd across the span of the big top of Zippos Circus tent without any safety equipment, eighty foot above the ground. However he couldn’t get the required leverage to lift the 12 and a half stone priest onto his shoulders and Father Lloyd instead walked the wire behind Chico holding onto his shoulders.

Father Jerome who received no training for the record breaking attempt said:
“The views were breathtaking. I hope we have raised loads of money for the Sussex Beacon and I hope that everyone comes to see the show next week.”

Oh What A Circus-Oh What A Show! an evening of cabaret and circus, takes place on August 21 on Hove Lawns at 9pm. All money raised from this adult-only show will go to the Sussex Beacon. The Sussex Beacon is a unique centre providing innovative services and continuing care to meet the changing needs of people living with HIV.

This event will help to raise invaluable funds for the Beacon.

Tickets are £15 and are available from The Dome Box Office, 01273 709709 or
www.brightondome.org or the Beacon Shop in St James's St.

For more information on the Sussex Beacon view:
www.sussexbeacon.org.uk

To donate money directly to the Beacon:
www.justgiving.com/sussexbeacon/donate

GMFA, the gay men's health charity, are to run their Friendships Course in Brighton on October 24 and in other cities nationally.

Friendships are the main source of support and advice for lots of gay men and can have a huge impact on how they feel about themselves. For gay men, it can be difficult to build friendships outside the social scenes they are involved in and get the support they want. In response, GMFA is running a free one-day course in 13 cities across the UK this October to help men understand what they want and need from their friendships.

Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA, said:
“This course is not about how to make friends. Everyone has those basic skills. This is about using and building on those skills and understanding your friendship needs. Once you know what you want, it’s easier to decide whether that is what you are getting – and if not, what to do about it.”

The course will help gay men explore the many different aspects of gay friendships in a fun, non-judgmental way. This includes the practical skills of friendship, such as how to ask the right questions. It also covers the different forms of friendships, such as fuck buddies – and, if sex does happen, how to keep it safe.

Matthew adds:
“This course has already proved popular when we ran it in London. One man who attended described it perfectly when he said it helped him ‘flex his friendship muscles’. We hope that those who come along will leave with a better understanding of their friendships and a happier, more confident outlook on how to take them forward.”

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, and to get details of the course in other cities, view:
www.gmfa.org.uk/national or call 020 7738 3712.

Pictured: Matthew Hodson

The Rainbow Chorus is looking for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people to join their group at a new members evening on Monday September 14. The choir has 40 members and has been going for over ten years. This year the choir is particularly looking to attract young LGTB people and male tenors/basses to sing with Brighton’s only lesbian and gay choir.

The Rainbow Chorus is an environment where gay and lesbians can be open about their sexuality, rehearsing, singing and performing with each other, developing new friendships and the opportunity to take part in concerts and socialising.

The Rainbow Chorus aims to give two concerts a year and is available for private gigs. They support local communities and aim to give an annual concert for World Aids Day. This year the choir has performed on three occasions with two further performances pipelined. The choir has many plans for 2010 including a concert during the Brighton Fringe Festival, taking part in Brighton Pride and expanding its boundaries in The South.

The evening takes place on Monday September 14, at Church Hall of the church of St. Michael and All Angels, Victoria Road (entrance Powis Road), Brighton at 7.30 pm.

For more information e-mail: secretary@rainbowchorus.org.uk

For more information about the Chorus view:
www.rainbowchorus.org.uk

The Worthing Light Opera Company is to hold auditions for anyone interested in joining the company to be part of the cast for Bad Girls - The Musical.

Bad Girls – The Musical takes as its starting point the original core characters from the first three series of Bad Girls on TV. Set in the fictional HMP Larkhall, it’s the story of new idealistic Wing Governor Helen Stewart and her battles with the entrenched old guard of Officer Jim Fenner and his sidekick Sylvia Hollamby. It also follows the love affair that develops between Helen and charismatic inmate Nikki Wade. Other featured characters include Shell Dockley and her runner Denny Blood, old-timer Noreen Biggs, The Two Julies and the ultimate Top Dog, King-of-Gangland’s missus, Yvonne Atkins.

A tragic death on the wing – in which Jim Fenner is implicated – leads to an angry protest from the women and forces Helen and Nikki to their opposite sides of the bars. But when it’s clear that Helen stands to lose her job over Jim Fenner’s misdeeds, the race is on for the women to nail Jim once and for all.

The production will be staged in March 2010. Auditions will take place on Tuesday Oct 6 at West Worthing Baptist Church Hall, South Street Tarring, Worthing.

For more info e-mail: info@jonathanphillip.co.uk