29/09/2013 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Simon Seivewright – June 14, 1973 – September 13, 2013

Posted on 29/09/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Simon Seivewright passed away on Friday, September 13, 2013 following an eleven month fight against an aggressive brain tumour. He was diagnosed with the tumour in October 2012 and despite undergoing painful chemotherapy Simon succumbed to its progression just eleven months later in September 2013.

Simon was born in the Malvern Hills in Worcester on June 14, 1973. He came to Brighton when he was 19 to study fashion at Brighton University where he graduated as ‘graduate student of the year’. Following his graduation he moved into teaching and became a course leader at Northbrook College in Worthing, West Sussex where he taught fashion and design. While at Northbrook College he became a published author with the publication of his two volume academic book Research and Design.

Simon met his partner Gary Boxell better know to many in Brighton as Grace in 1992 when he was in his first year at University. They had their partnership blessed with a ceremony at the Royal Pavilion in 2002 followed by a Civil Partnership in 2006. Grace’s wedding dress was designed by their friend the fashion designer Julien Macdonald, the ceremony was the social event of the year and the couple were very, very happy and content.

When you think of Simon you think of Grace, when you think of Grace you think of Simon. The couple were inseparable and Icons on the club scene in Brighton and London for twenty years.

For years Simon and Grace were Brighton’s ‘golden couple’. No opening would be complete if they were not there. They were glamorous and fabulous, everything Brighton lacks in 2013.

Simon was loved by many people. He had a wonderful ability to make you think you were the only person in the room when he talked to you. He was one of the ‘good guys’ and did not have a bad bone in his body. Simon was a gentleman and the gay clubbing scene will never be quite the same without him and Grace, out together.

Simon will be cremated at the Downs Crematorium, Bear Road, Brighton, Sussex, BN2 3PL on Thursday, October 3 at 2.15pm.

No flowers please donations to the the Martlets Hospice.

The service will be followed afterwards by a wake at Audio, Marine Parade, Brighton.

Canada’s LGBTQ youth at greater risk of suicide than straight youth

Posted on 29/09/201309/11/2013 by Besi

LGBTQ youth in Canada are at significantly greater risk of suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender peers: 33% of LGB youth have attempted suicide in comparison to 7% of youth in general, and 47% of trans youth have thought about suicide in the past year alone.

ECHRT hosted experts from across Canada and the United States for the first ever LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention Summit in Canada. Participants included leading academics and researchers, educators, social service providers, medical professionals, coroners and medical examiners, LGBTQ and Aboriginal community leaders, and public policy developers.

The Summit culminated in the drafting of twenty recommendations for the prevention of suicide among LGBTQ youth in Canada, which are enumerated in the report.

Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of ECHRT, said:

“This reports represents a significant step toward ending the tragic and entirely unnecessary loss of so many precious lives. Today, we call on all levels of government to implement these recommendations as part of a critically needed national action plan to end youth suicide.”

Kennedy also announced the launch of a new campaign to provide education and resources on LGBTQ youth suicide prevention to parents and school communities.

Nancy Campana whose son Ricky committed suicide last year, said:

“As a family that has had to face one of the most excruciating losses any family can imagine, the death of our dear son Rocky, we are looking forward to being an integral part of sharing our story and making sure that both parents and youth have the knowledge and resources needed to help them in times of crisis.”

“Rocky was a shining star, an achiever and proud to be gay. He had everything in life to live for including a high profile new job and a family he adored and that supported him endlessly with great pride. It is now apparent that Rocky suffered from depression. We understand that if this scenario is possible in our family it is a risk for any family with an LGBTQ youth.”

The first recommendation of the report highlights the need to recognise and address the vast diversity of LGBTQ youth experiences across the country.

Jeremy Dutcher, co-chair of the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance and an attendee of the Summit, said:

“This intersectional approach is vital in supporting the most at risk individuals.”

“Egale has made working with Aboriginal and Two Spirit organisations on the challenge of LGBTQ youth suicide a major priority. Given the extremely high rates of suicide among Aboriginal people, especially those who are victimised and targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, the need for these recommendations to be implemented is paramount.”

Black History Month 2013

Posted on 29/09/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Black History Month presents a programme of culturally diverse events throughout Brighton & Hove for all ages this autumn, many of which are free.

From Diwali celebrations (October 27) and a Day of the Dead themed festival (November 2-9) to the hugely popular Rum n Bass reggae night (October 26) and Black History Month Family Day (November 17), this year promises to give the city a taste of sizzling live music, visual arts, film, literature, photography, food, fashion, debates, workshops right on its doorstep.

Brighton & Hove Black History Month (BHM) happens every year in October and aims to educate, highlight and celebrate the achievements, history and culture of people of African, Caribbean and minority ethnic descent.

This year’s programme is dedicated to Brighton artist, poet, and dancer Irene Mensah, who passed away on April 12, 2013, short of her 50th birthday. Irene was a dedicated member of the Black History Month group. A special event (October 15) and exhibition of her art work (October 5-25)) have been organised to celebrate her rich artistic life and contribution to the city of Brighton & Hove.

A riotous musical explosion is in store for Brighton with Congolese soukous and rhumba band Congo Dia Ntotila at African Night Fever (September 29), 70s reggae legends Black Slate at Rum n Bass, West African singer songwriter Rokia Traore at Brighton Dome (November 6), West African Roots AfroManding band YIRI BAA plus Kora Maestro Jali Burama Mbye at Brunswick Pub (November 2), Mbira player Linos Wengara at Inner Visions (October 8) and Lady Matto at Nigerian Independence Celebration (October 12).

Every year, Black History Month provides the city with some of the best family-friendly activity and days, all for free. Explore the worlds of Burma, India, Africa, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America with these free events: Kachin Day of Solidarity & Celebration (September 28), Eid ul Azha October 15, BHM Family Activities (October 19), Diwali Celebrations (October 27), Latin Voices Live! Festival (November 2-9), and Brighton & Hove Black History Month Family Day (November 17).

Other not-to-missed highlights include acclaimed poet Patience Agbabi (October 24), Caribbean writer Jacob Ross (November 30), Rwandan survivor and author Alex Mvuka Ntung (October 8) and Ink On My Lips book launch with Brighton publisher Waterloo Press (November 2).

There are many free workshops for all ages – creative writing with, drumming and dance workshop, children’s bilingual storytelling, and arts and crafts workshops and more.

Ebou Touray, Chair of Brighton and Hove Black History Month and promoter for African Night Fever, who’s coordinating the Rum n Bass launch and the Family Day event, says:

“I’m so happy that we have Brighton & Hove City Council’s, Brighton Dome’s and the local community support’s for this year’s Black History Month. There is so much rich talent and cultural diversity here in Brighton & Hove, it’s wonderful that our partners are recognising the skills, experience, and knowledge these communities offer the city.”

Cuthbert Williams MBE, Chair of Brighton Black History, member of Black History Month and Writing Our Legacy added: “It’s such a pleasure to see all of the different ethnic communities in the city taking part in this year’s programme. It’s a real testament to the hard work of the volunteers to make Black History Month as inclusive as possible, and I hope everyone in the city feels welcome to come to our events.”

This year’s Black History Month programme is supported by funding from Brighton & Hove City Council and several arts and cultural partners including Brighton Dome, Brighton Museum, and Brighton & Hove Library Services.

Brighton & Hove Black History Month programme takes place from September 18 to November 30 2013 in venues all across the city.

Brighton and Hove Black History Group is a small grass roots community organisation whose primary aim is to challenge racism by raising awareness of the multi-cultural history of Brighton and Hove.Black History Month has been celebrated in Brighton since 2003, where it was first held at the Old Market, organised by Bert Williams and Sarah Lee from Black History. Black History month has been celebrated in the UK since October 1987.

For more information and listings, CLICK HERE:

New manager at Brighton Prowler

Posted on 29/09/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Prowler in St James’ Street has a new manager. Peter Booth, from Doncaster in South Yorkshire, studied for a couple of years at college before he jumped into retail and has stayed with shop work ever since.

He arrived at Prowler via Comet, House of Fraser and Toys R Us. For a few years he had his own internet business which he says was great fun, but incredibly stressful and time consuming. It isn’t something he misses.

In 2009 he moved to London to work, falling in love with the city and the commercial gay scene, which he had never experienced up north. However, working just outside of London and having to travel with work, he felt isolated from central London and the gay scene.

After dropping off random CVs in Soho, he ended taking up a job offer with Prowler at their Soho branch in June last year. Peter said: “This was a huge boost to my career and social life. Through Prowler I have met a lot of great people and I even flat share with a Prowlette.”

In May this year he requested to be transferred to Prowler’s Brighton branch when a position became available. Working with the Brighton team he has revamped the shop with a fresh new look, introduced new product ranges and says the company have exciting plans for the shop over the next 12 months.

His ties to the north are still strong as his family is still living there. He currently lives in Croydon which keeps him nicely placed to enjoy both Brighton and London and he visits his family regularly. He admits to being a massive ‘geek’, loves Tudor history, David Lynch, Games of Thrones, which he is still catching up on, and says the hottest guy on the planet besides his boyfriend Marcel is the actor, Will Smith. The thing he likes most about working for Prowler is the charity support work they do. Prowler have six charity partners and last month they supported the HIV charity Positive East.

Peter added: