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‘A Different Light’ by Nicky Alex Ford.

At this time of year, we turn our thoughts to those in our community that have suffered illness or loss through HIV or AIDS.

Brighton Aids Memorial, 'Tay'
‘At the Vigil’ image by Nick Ford Photography

Since ‘TAY’ the Brighton Aids Memorial was erected in Kemp Town’s New Steine Gardens back in 2009, we have been fortunate to have a memorial that provides a comfort and a recognition of those lost to this terrible disease in our memories.

Romany Mark Bruce’s ‘TAY’ is, in my opinion, one of the most significant statues in our City. Although it was illuminated red three years ago in the snow, this year with the backing of The Sussex Beacon and Romany, it was lit up again in red. Instead of just blending into the background of shops and streetlights, ‘TAY’ caught the eyes of passers-by and made a statement to those who were unaware of the significance of World AIDS Day. The two entwined figures create a heart shape form and look highly appropriate lit in this manner echoing the image of the red ribbons that we wear at this time of year.

I agreed to display a photograph as part of the 100 Artist’s for World AIDS Day exhibition organised by local artist Hizze Fletcher. My immediate thought was to take a photograph of ‘TAY’. As time progressed, I thought it would be great to illuminate the statue in red, thus sharing my vision of ‘TAY’ fittingly lit for this time of year. I entitled the photograph, A Different Light.

I was thrilled to have the support of The Sussex Beacon and their CEO Simon Dowe about my work. They thought it a great idea to illuminate ‘TAY for World AIDS Day 2013. I was invited by The Sussex Beacon to go on BBC Radio Sussex and be interviewed by Sarah Gorrell to discuss my involvement for World AIDS Day offering the fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of HIV/Aids for listeners in Sussex and Surrey.

HIV/Aids awareness is important to me; it does not just affect our community but the World as a whole. If just A Different Light being shone makes one person stop and think about how they can help, whether it be volunteering with a charity such as Terrence Higgins Trust or The Sussex Beacon, expressing themselves creatively or donating much needed funds, then I hope our community will benefit.

In future, I hope that a week prior to World AIDS Day, and a little while after, we can have ‘TAY’ illuminated in red for all to see to help raise awareness annually.

The vigil was extremely well attended with many there for the first time. It was a very moving occasion and a tribute to those we remember. As candles were placed around ‘TAY’s plinth the red light was softened to a warm pink, which did not go unnoticed by people at the vigil.

The ‘100 Artists for World AIDS Day’ exhibition can be seen in the Founders Room at the Brighton Dome, which runs until the December 8. The artwork is for sale, with 20% of all proceeds donated to The Sussex Beacon.

 

 

 

Mandela dies peacefully aged 95

President Nelson Mandela died at 9pm, local time, this evening at his home in Johannesburg after a long period of illness.

Mandela is dead

Nelson Mandela was born in the Eastern Cape in 1918. While a law student in 1943 he joined the African National Congress to campaign against apartheid. In 1956 he was charged with high treason, but charges were dropped following a four year trial. In 1962 he was arrested, and convicted of incitement and leaving the country without a passport and sentenced to five years in prison. In 1964 he was charged with sabotage and sentenced to life in prison where he remained for 27 years.

Following an international campaign to free him he was released from prison in 1990. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was elected South Africa’s first black president in 1994.

In a statement on South African national TV announcing the death, South African President, Jason Zuma said: “Nelson Mandela had passed away peacefully in the company of his family.” He added: “Mr Mandela had departed and was at peace”.

David Cameron, MPFrom Downing Street, Prime Minister David Cameron, said: “Nelson Mandela was not just a hero of our time he was a hero of all time.” 

“A great light has gone out in the world. I believe that his inspiration for the future will be every bit as powerful as the extraordinary things he achieved in his remarkable life.”

President Barack ObamaIn a speech to the American people, President Obama said that the first political act he personally engaged in as student was to join the anti apartheid movement in the USA. He added: “Today he has gone home. He no longer belongs to us, he belongs to the ages.”

Paul Ward
Paul Ward

Paul Ward, Acting Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Nelson Mandela’s inspirational leadership has been as important in the fight against HIV as anti-HIV treatments. Whenever he addressed a World AIDS Conference, no one could fail to be moved to action. The ideals he stood for – freedom, compassion, and the universal human right to love, life and happiness – struck a chord at a time when people with HIV, myself included, were facing unacceptable levels of prejudice and discrimination. Nelson Mandela was one of the few world leaders who stood shoulder to shoulder with people with HIV, and the legacy of that will continue to be felt not only in South Africa, but in countries and communities worldwide.”

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust meets with Hastings and Rother trans* group

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust recently met with the trans* group from Hastings and Rother Rainbow Alliance (HRRA) to discuss their views on healthcare.

Hastings & Rother Rainbow Alliance

Concerns raised included changing gender on health records, recognising trans* peoples’ needs within care and single-sex accommodation.

These points will be responded to formally by the Trust with a plan to improve services in the New Year.

HRRA supports the LGB&T communities of Hastings and Rother.

For more information about HRRA, CLICK HERE:

For more information about the HRRA Trans Group, CLICK HERE:

 

 

Brighton Film School launches new Art Direction course

Love film? Excited by the creative process? Do you have artistic flair and an eye for design?

Brighton Film School

Brighton Film School are launching a new, industry focused Higher National Diploma course in Art Direction and Production Design. The BTEC HND Level 5 is a high-level, certified qualification equivalent to the first two years of a degree programme and the film school is accepting applications now for a start date in September 2014.

This course will be delivered by industry professional Anna Deamer at the specialist facilities in Brighton Film School, located on Ditchling Road in Brighton. Students will develop their skills and working practice in preparation for a career in the Art Department in the film, television and related industries. It is ideal for any student coming to the end of their Art Foundation Diploma or in their final year of their A levels of an art or related course, although applications will also be welcomed from those who can demonstrate a passion and desire to work within the industry or can provide a creative portfolio instead.

Anna Deamer, lead lecturer for Art Direction at the film school and an industry professional from film and theatre commented: This is a fantastic new course for those with an artistic background or qualification from school or college to take an industry focused, practical, degree level course. The course teaches art and design skills that are transferable and relevant for a wide range of career paths and professions.”

Head of School, Gary Barber added: We are delighted to add this exciting new art course to our growing curriculum for 2014. Students will have the opportunity to learn practical skills and take an idea from script to delivery in both theoretical and live projects and have an opportunity to actualize their designs in our film school studio or on location on film school shoots.”

“Students will get a brilliant, practical and valuable education here and have the opportunity to work alongside other students from the Filmmaking HND and Cinematography and Directing Diploma to create exciting sets and fulfil the role of the art director in several short films, music videos and documentaries.”

The new Art Direction and Production Design HND is a 2-year course starting in September 2014. As well as being led by Anna Deamer, an experienced University lecturer and Art Direction industry professional, the course will welcome film industry guest speakers throughout the year which in the past have included the legendary cinematographer Brian Tufano (Trainspotting, Billy Elliot, East is East) and writer David Scinto (Sexy Beast, Gangster No.1, 44” Chest). Students in the 1st year will earn a Higher National Certificate qualification before progressing onto the 2nd year to the Higher National Diploma.

Course fees are just £5,250 a year, which are significantly cheaper than most Universities and students can apply to finance their studies with student loans.

For full course information, CLICK HERE:

Brighton Film School is accepting applications for the new Art Direction and Production Design HND directly through their website: http://brightonfilmschool.co.uk/

Documentary following gay cyclist Graeme Obree needs further funding

Journey Pictures Ltd, need additional funding if a documentary following the gay cyclist Graeme Obree they have been making  is to be released.

Graeme Obree
Graeme Obree

Over 200 hours of material has been filmed for the documentary, which has been two years in the making and follows the twice world record holder and twice world champion who came out in 2011. The film covers Graeme’s entire story; from the fight with his demons to his cycling victories.

Zoe Lavoie-Gouin, Production Manager, said: “In the light of the recent revelations concerning Tom Daley, we feel that it is fundamental to keep trying to bridge the gap between homosexuality and sports.

“Graeme’s fear of coming out was enhanced by the homophobia still present in sport and it is our duty to share his story so the future can be brighter for the new generation of athletes.”

To complete the process an additional £20,000 must be raised to cover the cost of a craft editor, an editing suite, the sound mix, the completion of the final big screen version, colour corrected with titles and graphics as well as the master for the streams, downloads and DVDs.

To donate, CLICK HERE:

 

 

Opportunity to enter global photography contest

The Thomson Reuters Foundation and Nokia have launched an international photography competition aimed at empowering women around the world through images.

WEB.600

The contest invites creative individuals and aspiring photojournalists to submit photos to document the many aspects of women’s empowerment and explore themes such as: leadership, courage, passion, opportunity, innovation and motherhood.

Photo entries will be submitted to the public vote and judged by a distinguished line-up of experts from the world of photography, journalism and women’s rights.

The judging panel will be looking for submissions that are able to both spark debate and inspire others.

Thomson Reuters Foundation CEO, Monique Villa said: “This award is an opportunity to give those on the ground a creative platform to showcase women’s empowerment in its very different forms.”

She continued: “A picture of a woman driving a car can have a very different meaning depending in which country they drive, and this contest aims to showcase precisely that.”

Ten finalists will be chosen from the pool of entries and asked to put the new Nokia Lumia 1020 to the test by using the smart phone to create a portfolio of photos that capture the empowerment of women.

The winner will receive the first Thomson Reuters Foundation–Nokia Photography Award, which includes: an all expenses paid trip to attend a week long professional training on mobile journalism organised and run by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. A Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphone, full promotion across Talenthouse’s global platform and the opportunity to have his or her work published on the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s website.

Carla Eid, Global Head of Social Engagement at Nokia said: “Cameras are used to explore the world and in this way, they become tools of change. By capturing the best possible images on a small device such as our Lumia 1020, which is always with the photographer, we can empower through the eye of the lens.”

Submissions are open until February 11, 2014 and participants can enter the contest via the Thomson Reuters Foundation website:

To enter, CLICK HERE: 

Entries will be submitted for the public to vote between February 12 and February 19. The shortlisted candidates will be notified on March 5, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 2.

Gay. Let’s Get The Meaning Straight!

Last month Stonewall, the LGB equality charity launched a new campaign with pop star Will Young and Mumsnet to tackle homophobic language in Britain’s schools.

Ben Summerskill
Ben Summerskill

The campaign, devised by young people, is in response to research conducted for Stonewall by the University of Cambridge that showed that 99 per cent of gay young people still regularly hear phrases like ‘that’s so gay’ and that 84 per cent of those young people are distressed by it.

Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall said: “Homophobic language has a devastating impact on gay young people’s self-esteem. With your support, we’ve already been able to send our resources to over half of all secondary schools in Britain. But we know there’s still much more to do. We want to ensure that every secondary school can access our posters and new guidance for teachers and young people.

To help Stonewall make this possible:

* Make a donation – just £5 allows Stonewall to send these materials to a secondary school, ensuring that hundreds of pupils understand why it’s wrong to say ‘that’s so gay’. Simply text GAY to 70500 or to donate to donate £5 online, CLICK HERE:

* Buy a ‘Gay. Let’s Get The Meaning Straight’ t-shirt to show your support to young people.

To take action to help tackle homophobic language in your local school or workplace, CLICK HERE:

Ben concluded: “Since launching the campaign we have received cross-party support and commitments from schools up and down the country to tackle the problem. With your support they will be able to turn those commitments into real action so they can realise their ambition that every single child in Britain should be able to reach their full potential – regardless of their sexual orientation.”

 

 

 

Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Patient Survey

East Sussex Healthcare, a Trust providing NHS hospital and community services, has launched a survey in partnership with Stonewall’s Healthcare Equality Index for lesbian, gay and bisexual patients in East Sussex.

StonewallThe questionnaire takes five minutes to complete and will be an opportunity for patients to give feedback on the Trust’s healthcare services to LGB people.

All information provided is completely confidential and will go to Stonewall’s Health Team, not to the services discussed.

Those surveyed are asked to use the code 302 to identify the Trust when prompted.

To complete the survey, CLICK HERE: www.stonewall.org.uk/patientsurvey

Brighton DJs head up Friday nights on Gaydio radio

Local DJ’s Jonesy and lil Alex take up residency on Gaydio every Friday night between 8pm and 10pm starting Friday, December 6.

lil Alex and Jonsey
lil Alex and Jonesy

The station’s relaunch of Friday nights is the latest in a series of changes to both the image and sound of Gaydio over the past year. Jonesy and lil Alex are renowned for their unique ‘party house’ sound, blending anthemic samples with body shaking basslines and beats alongside the latest trends in house music.

Jonesy and lil Alex (aka Steve Jones and Alex Ryan) have been playing around Brighton and the South of England for the last 6 years. Jonesy is no stranger to music or radio, having hosted the lunchtime show on Juice 107.2 for several years and more recently founding Brighton’s biggest music festival, Shakedown. He is also now Promotions Manager and resident DJ at the South Coast’s number one LGBT club, Revenge.

Meanwhile, lil Alex claims to have played every decent dance floor in the UK, with a list of credits including the infamous Wildfruit dance tent at Brighton Pride, Ministry Of Sound, Fire, Hed Kandi and has played alongside acts like Freemasons, Laidback Luke and Fatboy Slim.

“We can’t wait to get back on the airwaves playing the music we love,” said Jonesy. “House music has had a huge resurgence and this is an exciting opportunity to lead the way and entertain both gay and straight alike!”

Lil Alex added: “The world of clubs, bars and house music can be a hard one to navigate, but both Jonesy and I have worked hard to keep our sets fresh and original. We’ll be hunting out the best remixes, mash-ups and bootlegs exclusively for our show on Gaydio”.

Gaydio  claim audiences of 850,000 listeners a month following the acquisition of DAB Digital Radio licences formerly operated by GaydarRadio. The station is available on DAB in Brighton and across the Sussex Coast, in London and also in Manchester on FM.

To listen, CLICK HERE: 

 

 

 

 

Older and Out 2

On Friday, November 29, Somerset Day Centre and Lifelines hosted a get together for the newly formed Older and Out group.

Somerset Day Centre

It was held at the Somerset Day Centre and was well attended by the LGBTQI community who enjoyed the venue, the opportunity to meet others and the cake!

At a previous event, held to gather information about what the older LGBTQ community want, concerns were expressed about the lack of support networks in older age, ‘As you get older the worry is that the support networks aren’t there – and not everyone has children.’

Older and Out

Volunteers manned the decks and provided a mouth watering selection of cakes and tea and coffee. There was a very friendly atmosphere and attendees and volunteers are all hopeful that this will become a regular gathering with other activities and social events also being organised.

The intention, moving forward, is for older people to also be able to use this as an information service and for confidence building to enable the formation of lobbying or other groups.

The next event, on February 14 is keenly awaited.

 

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