19/03/2014 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Chancellor uses budget speech to announce creation of Alan Turing Institute

Posted on 19/03/201421/03/2014 by Besi

John Leech MP for Withington calls for new institute to be located in Manchester.

The Chancellor announced today the nation would honour Alan Turing, the Second World War code-breaker with a research institute in his name to be established with a five year £42m Government funding package part of a wider £222m science package. The Institute will focus on new ways of collecting, organising and analysing what is commonly called big data.

The Chancellor, said: “In my maiden speech here in this House, I spoke of Alan Turing, the code-breaker who lived in my constituency, who did more than almost any other single person to win the war, and who was persecuted for his sexuality by the country he helped save.

“I am delighted that he has finally received a posthumous royal pardon.

“Now, in his honour, we will found the Alan Turing Institute to ensure Britain leads the way again in the use of big data and algorithm research.

“I am determined that our country is going to out-compete, out-smart and out-do the rest of the world.”

John Leech, MP for Manchester Withington led the calls in the Parliament for the maths genius and computer pioneer to be posthumously pardoned. A royal pardon was granted in December 2013. He was quick to call for the Institute to be located in Manchester.

He said: “Alan Turing’s contribution to Manchester was enormous as well as his efforts in bringing the war to an early conclusion. He is a national hero.

“I am delighted that the Government have pledged support to create a fitting legacy for Alan Turing to ensure generations remember him for years to come.

“Given his huge contribution to Manchester, it is only right that the new institute will be here.”

Turing was prosecuted for having an affair with a 19 year old man in Manchester in 1952, when acts were still criminalised in the UK. He accepted chemical castration as an alternative to prison. Much of his ground-breaking scientific work was conducted at the University of Manchester where he committed suicide 16 days before his 42nd birthday.

Volunteers needed to model for charity posters

Posted on 19/03/201420/03/2014 by Besi

Jamie McCartney to produce new posters to raise money for Breast Cancer UK.

Following the launch of his bras and boobs posters which he created to raise money for Breast Cancer UK (25% of sales will go to the charity), local artist Jamie McCartney is now working on his next piece and needs people in Brighton to get involved.

To that end he is having a drop in scanning day on Saturday, March 22, at the Warehouse Gallery, Gloucester Road, Brighton between noon and 6pm.

Jamie particularly wants people to bring a selection of bras, particularly red, white, blue, bright colours and patterned/striped/polkadot ones.

He is also producing a fundraising poster with knickers and a groin one as well (again with a cancer charity in mind) and wants to find people with pubic hair for that one. It’s so rare these days!

Finally he is doing a poster of boys in pants for testicular cancer. Grab your Calvin Kleins and go on down with the ladies…

People can do as few or as many scans of these as they like.

Anyone over 18 can go along, whatever their body shape, alone or with a group of mates (women only) and get scanned in a private area at the gallery.

Just turn up or contact Jamie directly via email: jamie@jamiemccartney.com

The posters will be created in the same way as his larger Physical Photography body portraits using a converted document scanner as the camera. The process slightly abstracts the body in a comical, cartoon-like way, producing images that are at the same time realistic but non-representational.

They are analogous in some ways to his famous Great Wall of Vagina. By having hundreds of images of different women in a grid they demonstrate human variety as a whole and do not objectify the individual. They neatly sidestep pornographic or erotic connotations, instead showing the body and underwear in a new and highly original way.

One in eight women in this country will get breast cancer. In what is described by some as an epidemic, it is increasingly understood that environmental factors play a huge part. Breast Cancer UK works on a prevention strategy that Jamie believes is an excellent approach rather than focusing simply on a cure. He has no official connection with the charity. He just dreamed up this project and did it to raise money for them.

Portraying LGBT characters on the big screen is still a big deal

Posted on 19/03/2014 by Emelina Minero

A lesbian film starring Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel portrays a same-sex wedding in the theaters.

Katherine Heigl: Photo by Tiffany Laufer

It’s surreal that a lesbian lead role in a movie with a theatrical release is a big deal, but it is.

Following The Kids Are All Right and Pariah, Jenny’s Wedding is contributing to our film history, and with the global debate around marriage equality, this is a monumental moment in film history for the queer community because this film is portraying a same-sex wedding. All that being said, this film isn’t just about being gay. Yes, the film spotlights a lesbian lead character, and yes, the film revolves around her wedding, but Jenny’s Wedding has depth and a storyline that goes beyond sexual orientation.

Jenny’s Wedding is about Jenny, played by Heigl (Gray’s Anatomy, Knocked Up), and her journey with coming out to her family and getting married in her rural, conventional hometown. The film explores what happens when we’re confronted with something outside of our norm and how that confrontation makes us reevaluate our lives and ourselves. Jenny’s Wedding explores the evolution of her relationship with her family after coming out, and the personal growth and journey that each character goes through in result of Jenny coming out.

Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel: Photo by Tiffany Laufer

Jenny and her family are conventional people who don’t like standing out, and through this experience they’re all ousted outside of their comfort zone together as Jenny’s wedding puts her homosexuality front and center in a town with a non-existent LGBT culture. Their way of life and who they are is being questioned. To save their relationships, and to continue to grow strong as a family, they all need to look at themselves and push past their personal limits in order to live outside of their comfort zone, and eventually to expand and change their comfort zone.

Jenny’s Wedding is an independent film that will have a theatrical release, but it’s not your average queer indie film. The movie is being created and supported by a lot of individuals within Hollywood.

It’s the brainchild of screenwriter Mary Agnes Donoghue who penned Beaches, White Oleander and Veronica Guerin. The film is loosely inspired by her niece coming out to her family, and is written, directed and co-produced by Donoghue.

The film is also produced by Michelle Manning, who produced many films, including Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club, and Gail Levin, who was the casting director of many films, including Jerry Maguire, Vanilla Sky, and We Bought a Zoo.

The talent is also reflected on camera with an incredible ensemble cast, starring Heigl as Jenny, with Bledel (Gilmore Girls, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) playing her fiancé, and with Tom Wilkinson (John Adams, The Debt), Linda Emond (Across the Universe, Julia & Julia) and Grace Gummer (Zero Hour, The Newsroom) playing Jenny’s family.

As with a lot of independent films, it’s also a low budget film, and they’re raising money on Indiegogo to fund the soundtrack, which is an essential aspect of any film. They have partnered with From the Heart Productions, Inc, which makes your contribution tax-deductible. Also, a portion of your contribution will be donated to PFLAG Cleveland, a nonprofit organisation based in the states that both rallies together and supports parents, families and friends of LGBT people to support the LGBT community.

You will also get perks from your contributions, from a digital download of the film, to the DVD/Blue-Ray Combo Pack, to autographed memorabilia from the set.

Jenny’s Wedding is going to have a positive impact on the LGBT community, as well as an impact on how heteronormative society sees same-sex couples, same-sex weddings and LGBT people.

Through this Indiegogo campaign, we have an opportunity to be a part of this change (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-the-filmmakers-of-jenny-s-wedding/x/486617).

For selection of campaign videos, CLICK HERE:

Subline and THT ‘Village Fete’

Posted on 19/03/201419/03/2014 by Besi

Subline will be opening their doors to everyone this Saturday, March 22, from 2pm to raise funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) with a Spring Village Fete

There’ll be a plethora of contests and attractions to partake of, including a milking competition, Whack-a-Rat, Pin-the-Penis-on-the-Pornstar, Electrifying Hand Jobs, a ‘Prizefighting’ Tournament, Custard Pie Flinging, and much much more!

They are also searching for a Brighton Master Baker – bake them a cake (shaped like a penis) and be in with a shot at fame and fortune.

Stephanie Starlet will be your hostess; and the boys of THT and Subline, along with a handful of lovable volunteers will be taking your money with ruthless efficiency, for a very good cause!

For more information, CLICK HERE:

New support group for LGBT organisations

Posted on 19/03/2014 by Besi

Brighton & Hove Community Works, the local voluntary and community sector support organisation is setting up a regular support group for people involved in organising or running smaller LGBT organisations.

Community Works LGBT representatives, Gary Pargeter and Chris Cooke have volunteered to facilitate the group which will have a special focus on helping volunteer led and lesser funded LGBT organisations.

The support group aims to bring organisations together in a safe space, help them get to know each other, network, share information and find a wide range of support. The group will be led by the needs of its members and with everyone’s involvement there’ll be plenty of opportunity to develop more ways LGBT organisations can benefit from meeting together on a regular basis.

Gary Pargeter Community Works LGBT rep, said: “On March 1 we had a get-together of eleven organisations, and the response to the idea of a regular group meeting was really enthusiastic. It’s clear that whilst some of our organisations know each other by name, many have not met in person and this is something which would be really useful for people.

“There’s a strong interest in providing this kind of support by and for our volunteer led and lesser funded organisations. People said that group should be accessible, safe and supportive, remain useful, manage it’s time well, and be equitable for its members.

“Organisations that came along have already given a whole range of interesting ideas that could become part of the group – ‘organisation speed dating’, a ‘resource bank’ and resource sharing, information exchange, invited speakers, funding information, and much much more. There’s real strength in bringing people together and it’s evident that amongst our organisations there’s a whole range of insight, experience, expertise and support we can bring, share and benefit from. The more LGBT organisations we can involve the better it will be for everyone. We’re hoping to hear more from a wide and diverse range of organisations.”

Their next step is to reach out to as many LGBT organisations as possible to gather more views and ideas, followed by an inaugural meeting to kick start regular meetings.

Gary and Chris ask that if you haven’t already, get in touch with them.

If you know of any organisation that would benefit, please tell them about this project.

To find out more, contact Gary at friends@lunchpsoitive.org or call 07846 464384

Get involved, give your thoughts, ideas and views.

To complete a short on-line survey, CLICK HERE:

Fundraiser for Brighton Women’s Centre raises £900

Posted on 19/03/2014 by Besi

Sell out fundraiser raises £900 for Brighton Women’s Centre, who are currently celebrating their 40th year of providing essential services to vulnerable women.

The night of comedy, music and cabaret took place on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at The Basement, Brighton and was organised by Annabel Pribelszki.

Hannah Brackenbury opened the show with a rousing range of comedic songs. Susan DeVere and Judith Theobald were in hot pursuit, with hilarious stand up sets.

Crooner Ronnie Rialto provided a chilled out musical interlude. The Short and Girlie Show closed the first act with a highly entertaining improvised comedy set.

Mystical mindreading from David Stewart opened the second act, leaving the audience mesmerised. Lara A King’s stand up set provoked hysterical laughter. Singer-songwriter Jan Allain delivered a soulful musical set, paving the way for Jay Walker’s full-frontal erotic poetry.

Clare Summerskill headlined the event with a side splitting performance, a fantastic way to close a night of fun and laughter.

Organisers send thanks to all the performers and crew who made the event a resounding success, in addition to all the local businesses who generously donated a wide range of fabulous raffle prizes.

The cheque presentation took place at the Dome, as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations.

Watch this space for Charity Cabaret’s next fundraiser for Brighton Pride, on Saturday, July 26 2014, CLICK HERE:

Hove MP Weatherley attends ‘WhaleFest’

Posted on 19/03/2014 by Sarah Green

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, attends WhaleFest, the international whale festival in Brighton

Mike Weatherley, MP signs IFAW petition at 'Whalefest' — Mike Weatherley, MP signs IFAW petition at ‘Whalefest’

The event was held on March 14-16 at the Brighton Hilton Metropole, where governments from around the world first gathered in 1982 to suspend international whaling.

WhaleFest is the world’s biggest celebration of wild whales and dolphins, and was attended by thousands of activists.

Mike met with campaigners from the International Fund for Wild Animals (IFAW), to discuss what they are doing to protect whales and is pictured signing a pledge for the IFAW against the serving of whale meat in Iceland’s restaurants.

Mike said: “Whales are an incredibly beautiful species that need special protection right across the planet. It was an eye-opening experience attending WhaleFest and nice to see so many dedicated activists championing their cause. I was delighted to back IFAW’s campaign against serving whale meat in Iceland’s restaurants.”

For more information about IFAW, CLICK HERE:

Blagss bowling team win annual tenpin bowling tournament

Posted on 19/03/201420/03/2014 by Besi

Twenty five LGBT community groups and businesses took part in the annual Blagss tenpin bowling tournament at the Brighton Marina Bowlplex last night (March 19).

The event is one of the highlights on the LGBT community calendar and one of the few events that brings LGBT community groups and LGBT businesses together each year.

Blagss Bowling Team came out winners, with Blagss Tennis Team second and Camelford Arms third.

Top scoring male bowler was Chris from the Camelford Arms Team and the top scoring female bowler was Lesley from Blagss bowling team.

The organisation Blagss are supporting in 2014 is Allsorts Youth Project and a bucket collection raised more than £140 for them.

1st place: Blagss Bowling with 272 points

2nd place: Blagss Tennis with 251 points

3rd place: Camelford Arms with 249 points

For more information on Blagss Bowling, CLICK HERE:

St James’ Community Action Group AGM

Posted on 19/03/201425/03/2014 by Graham Robson

The St James’ Community Action Group AGM takes place at St Mary’s Church Kemptown on March 26 at 7pm.

Door open at 6.30pm and the meeting is open to all residents and local businesses.

Elections will be held for the following posts, Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Communications Office.

If anyone would like to stand for election to any of these posts can they register their interest by e mail to SJCAGcommunications@mail.com no later than Noon on Tuesday March 25, stating post they are standing for.

An updated constitution has been posted on the SJCAG website. To read before the meeting, CLICK HERE:

Topics to be discussed on Wednesday include:

• Policing

• Cleaning and greening including graffiti and lighting

• Improvements to Upper Ropck Gardens

• Vision for shared space including measures to tackle pollution.

A spokesperson for SJCAG, said: “At the AGM next Wednesday, the newly elected officers of the SJCAG have proposed amending the constitution to avoid some of the problems that existed before. In the main, we are proposing appointing a steering committee to manage the action group comprising the 5 officers and three heads of the key working groups, namely Policing, Shared Space and Cleaning and Greening.”

“All will be elected at the AGM with a maximum of twelve on the committee. The problem with the previous LAT was that the officers did not attend any meetings and the volunteers on the steering committee had no authority. What we are proposing now is that the steering committee will have power to make decisions on behalf of SJCAG and be appointed by the community at the AGM.”

What: St James’ Community Action Group AGM

Where: St Mary’s Church, 61 St James’s St, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1PR

When: Wednesday March 26

Time: 6.30pm for 7pm

Attendees are invited to take a bottle along.

AGM Wednesday, March 26 2014

St Marys Church

Doors open 18.30hrs

1. Introduction
2. Statement from Simon Kirby
3. Constitution
4. Election of officers
5. Policing update
6. Cleaning & Greening update
7. Shared space update
8. Agree priorities 2014/2015
9. Committee members election
10. Funding panel
11. Business Improvement District-BID update
12. AOB

Call us now

Day: March 19, 2014

Chancellor uses budget speech to announce creation of Alan Turing Institute

John Leech MP for Withington calls for new institute to be located in Manchester.

Volunteers needed to model for charity posters

Jamie McCartney to produce new posters to raise money for Breast Cancer UK.

Portraying LGBT characters on the big screen is still a big deal

A lesbian film starring Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel portrays a same-sex wedding in the theaters.

Subline and THT ‘Village Fete’

Subline will be opening their doors to everyone this Saturday, March 22, from 2pm to raise funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) with a Spring Village Fete

New support group for LGBT organisations

Brighton & Hove Community Works, the local voluntary and community sector support organisation is setting up a regular support group for people involved in organising or running smaller LGBT organisations.

Fundraiser for Brighton Women’s Centre raises £900

Sell out fundraiser raises £900 for Brighton Women’s Centre, who are currently celebrating their 40th year of providing essential services to vulnerable women.

Hove MP Weatherley attends ‘WhaleFest’

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, attends WhaleFest, the international whale festival in Brighton

Blagss bowling team win annual tenpin bowling tournament

Twenty five LGBT community groups and businesses took part in the annual Blagss tenpin bowling tournament at the Brighton Marina Bowlplex last night (March 19).

St James’ Community Action Group AGM

The St James’ Community Action Group AGM takes place at St Mary’s Church Kemptown on March 26 at 7pm.

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John Leech MP for Withington calls for new institute to be located in Manchester.

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Jamie McCartney to produce new posters to raise money for Breast Cancer UK.

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A lesbian film starring Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel portrays a same-sex wedding in the theaters.

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Subline will be opening their doors to everyone this Saturday, March 22, from 2pm to raise funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) with a Spring Village Fete

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Brighton & Hove Community Works, the local voluntary and community sector support organisation is setting up a regular support group for people involved in organising or running smaller LGBT organisations.

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Sell out fundraiser raises £900 for Brighton Women’s Centre, who are currently celebrating their 40th year of providing essential services to vulnerable women.

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Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, attends WhaleFest, the international whale festival in Brighton

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Twenty five LGBT community groups and businesses took part in the annual Blagss tenpin bowling tournament at the Brighton Marina Bowlplex last night (March 19).

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The St James’ Community Action Group AGM takes place at St Mary’s Church Kemptown on March 26 at 7pm.

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