April 2014 – Page 2 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

500 miles 4 smiles – 21 days to go

Posted on 29/04/201408/05/2014 by Besi

Despite good news published today by Cancer Research UK, that half of people in England and Wales being diagnosed with cancer will survive at least ten years – double the survival rate in the early 1970s, sadly this does not extend to cancers of the mouth.

Dental Hygenist of the Year, Christina Chatfield is trying to draw attention to this with her campaign 500 miles 4 smiles.

Later this month Christine will commence walking from Kirriemuir in Scotland to Brighton in Sussex to raise awareness of the health benefits of a healthy mouth, while highlighting issues such as mouth cancer, the HPV virus, diabetes and heart disease, as well as addressing the self-esteem of people suffering with dental anxiety.

Christine has been in training for the last 6 months to get ready for her monumental walk which commences in Kirriemuir on Monday, May 19.

She will be taking a route down the east coast of England, passing though Edinburgh, York and London before arriving in Brighton where she has her own Dental and Hygiene Practice on Queens Road.

All money raised will be shared between the British Dental Health Foundation and Heart Your Smile.

You can get yourself sponsored to accompany Christina on any section of the walk, or simply make a donation to recognise her amazing efforts.

For more information about Christina’s challenge, CLICK HERE:

To get sponsored or make a donation, CLICK HERE:

G is for………

Posted on 29/04/201429/04/2014 by Contributor

JG has something he wants to share with you!

As you are probably aware, GHB is a massive influence on the Brighton scene.

Your first shot, is exactly like how you feel when you have your first cigarette. You don’t like it, it makes you feel ill. You have to force yourself to like it, then your hooked but instead of cancer you end up with a selection of STDs and flash backs of a pillow case in your face and you end up partying and having sex with the same people every weekend.

You lose respect on the scene (and for yourself) because you are not seen as someone that is viable for a relationship.

If G (Gina) was a person, this is the letter I would have sent her… I think its important for people to remember how they felt before they fell in love with Gina…

G is for…

I was supposed to start writing this about twenty minutes before my fingers hit the keyboard. I was caught in a moment between the bucket at my bedside and my churning stomach. As painful and hideous as the experience of puking up everything including (the last remnants of) my soul, I was still able to catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror and make a mental note to not wear guy-liner on a night where drugs are going to be involved… My vanity makes me digress..

The issue…

The people I know around here seem to love you Gina and I have tried to. I really have. I’m a full fledged to the absolute max addict.

But my experience with you has never been great. Am I the only one? It’s a pretty fucked up world I live in to ask myself, “hmm- the drain cleaner your putting into your body doesn’t make you feel like you’re having a lovely time like everybody else appears to- maybe there’s something wrong with you?”.

Oh Gina, Why am I not entirely sure what you do for me exactly?

I have used you with caution… and I have abused you… and everything in between.

Why did you have to stain my Vivienne Westwood manbag Gina…WHY?

Read this not as me frowning upon – I judge absolutely no one. I’m a trash bag too- Its just Gina is not my tipple. I have tried to get into it… tried to understand it and I just don’t.

I cannot really write any of this without being hypocritical, but I am just going to put it out there regardless.

What will be our next new thing? Once we’ve tired of all the people overdosing on dancefloors, putting ourselves in compromising situations, squiffing out, watching others get hooked and be dependent, seeing yourself looking amazing babe with your whole zombie shuffle neigh like a horse thing going on. Its so grimy.

We used to be fabulous bitches that could have amazing sex and party for days on other things without the requirement for paint stripper…

I don’t know why I’m so angry at you Gina… I think its because this is the 2nd time in 4 days you’ve made me puke. yes YOU have made me ill.

This is my final statement- sashay away your ruining the gays, stick to your drains…

New LGBT Community Groups Network

Posted on 29/04/201429/04/2014 by Besi

Representatives from twenty-four local LGBT community groups gathered on Saturday in Brighton to form a new support network.

Smaller groups are those with an annual income of £35,000 or less and which are often voluntary and peer led.

Despite lower levels of funding, and sometimes no funding at all, these groups help a very large and growing number of people in our LGBT communities.

The new LGBT Community Groups Network, the first of its kind locally will provide opportunities for smaller community groups to meet, get to know and support each other, share ideas, news and information; discuss issues which are important to them, access specialist support and advice and work creatively to further their own groups aims.

The network will be supported by social media, and a new website which will also include a resource sharing facility, and keep members and the wider community updated with news and information.

The network is supported by Community Works (formerly the Community Voluntary Sector Forum) and will be facilitated by Community Works volunteer LGBT Reps Gary Pargeter and Chris Cooke.

Gary Pargeter, said: “This is an incredibly exciting resource for us all with a fundamental grass-roots approach and emphasis on peer support and involvement. This network will be one which will be provided ‘by and for’ our member groups.

“Following our recent meeting, insight and the contributions from groups, we are putting together our framework and getting the ball rolling on making new activities happen.

“I’m really looking forward to supporting the energy and enthusiasm already shown by groups, help the network carry out its work and ensure we have resources in place to make this effective.

“I can’t wait to get to know and work alongside the fantastic group of people we’ve already met, and welcome more as news spreads of our work. Its early days of something very new and I have every confidence that this network will flourish as one which is enjoyable to be part of and that brings benefit to groups and people who use their services.

Chris Cooke added: “What an amazing and exciting experience to have such energy from all 24 LGBT groups gathered together in one room. There is so much we can do if we all work together and I really believe this new network is the vehicle for bringing everyone together. I haven’t seen such vibrancy and positivity for a long time – hence my excitement. Let’s build on this”

The Network plans its framework to be published by early May, its website to be online by the end of May, a community picnic for member groups and volunteers in July, and its first quarterly meeting in August.

Startup costs for the new Community Groups Network will be met from some of the profits from this years Golden Handbag Show organised by Gscene Magazine at the Metropole Hilton Hotel on Sunday, June 22 and will include a new community sound system for all the groups to use at their own public community events, where and when necessary.

Representations from the following organisations attended the meeting:

BLAGSS: Rainbow Chorus: Resound Male Chorus: Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus: Lunch Positive: Peer Action: Bear Patrol: Brighton GEMS (Gay Elderly Men’s Society): Older & Out: Lesbian Link: Older People’s Council: MCC (Metropolitan Community Church): Brighton FTM: LGBT Liaison Sussex Police: Clare Project: Brighton Bothways: LGBT Community Safety Forum: LGBT Community Safety Forum BME: Regard: Rainbow Families: Zhoosh: LGBT B&H Network: Allsorts (shadow rep) also for smaller projects: LGBT Sussex Wills: Community Works Reps.

If you run or organise a smaller LGBT group and want to find out more, EMAIL:

Or telephone Gary: 07846 464384.

Viva Glam! M.A.C Cosmetics volunteers support Lunch Positive

Posted on 28/04/2014 by Besi

M.A.C Cosmetics have a fund which supports HIV organisations.

This fund has helped Lunch Positive over the current year.

Since January a team of M.A.C staff have also helped Lunch Positive by volunteering regularly for one lunch club session each month. M.A.C volunteers are involved in every aspect of volunteering and travel far and wide throughout the South-East to get to Lunch Positive.

On Friday, April 25 the entire Lunch Positive team took part in food safety training and M.A.C volunteers stood in to ensure the lunch session could go ahead. A team of five prepared and cooked a fantastic meal from scratch which was shared by 55 service users and volunteers.

Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager: “It’s always a huge pleasure to have M.A.C volunteers with us. They have a sincere interest in what we do and go to huge lengths to help the session run smoothly. I know that many of our service users really enjoy meeting and talking with them. Our extra special thanks for their help last week when Sat, Emma, Emma, Rups and Suzie covered our kitchen and enabled our volunteers to attend training. They cooked a great meal, and there were loads of laughs in the kitchen! All proceeds of sales from M.A.C Viv Glam Lipstick and Lipgloss are donated to the AIDS Fund. I know from talking to the M.A.C Team that they go to huge lengths to support these sales in their paid work. It was great to hear from them how much it means to see where the funds raised are spent, and how much difference it makes to people with HIV.”

New Chair of trustees for Peer Action

Posted on 28/04/2014 by Besi

Peer Action, the HIV+ peer support and social group for people living with HIV has elected Michael Nelson as their chair of trustees.

Michael, a Consultant Engineer has a long history of voluntary work within the HIV sector in Brighton and Hove extending over two decades. This includes involvement over the years with St Peters House, Open Door, Lunch Positive and Peer Action.

Peer Action is a volunteer led charity with Peers setting up and running a variety of health related and social activities for those living with or affected by HIV.

Peer Action trustees are delighted Michael has been elected to this important role. He is already a trustee and steering group volunteer. Peer Actions trustee positions are reviewed periodically as laid out in their constitution.

Mike said: “Helping Peer Action move forward is an amazing opportunity. I am honoured to be offered this role; especially at this time of growth for Peer Actions activities. Although it may mean I have to step back from some other commitments, my plan is to build our support network and ensure the continued provision of services for the coming years.

“Being a volunteer-led organisation gives us great prospects to meet the demands of the future and I shall try my best to ensure we grow in a sustainable and user led manner. Naturally we always have vacancies for volunteers in all roles and I would ask anyone who is interested to consider joining our team.”

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Stonewall’s Youth Volunteers honoured for leading anti-homophobia campaigns

Posted on 28/04/2014 by Besi

Annual Youth Awards, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, recognise local campaigners.

Sir Ian McKellen joined more than 30 Stonewall Youth Volunteers on Friday April 25 to recognise their dedication to tackling homophobia in their local communities. The annual Youth Awards, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, saw Sir Ian presenting awards to individuals who have helped to promote equality right across Britain.

Youth Volunteers Alice McKee and Michael Young were named as Stonewall Young Campaigners of the Year 2014 for their work to improve the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people.

18-year-old Alice McKee from Kent impressed the judges with the breadth of her campaigning activities which included setting up a website that links local schools’ LGBTQ student societies.

Alice said: ‘Taking part in the Youth Volunteering Programme has enabled me to see how homophobia and transphobia affects a whole range of people, which has given me the motivation to make change happen faster. Stonewall has helped me to believe that this change can actually be achieved.”

21-year-old Michael Young from Newcastle was recognised for his commitment to highlighting the need for more work to be done in the fight against homophobic bullying in his local area. He carried out detailed research and spoke to over 100 school pupils and teachers before producing a report with recommendations to help a local school and college.

Michael said: “To be recognised for my work as a Stonewall young volunteer is very rewarding, as not only is the work that Stonewall does very important to me, it is also very inspiring to know that I have been involved with other young people to change attitudes. I feel really proud of this achievement.”

The Stonewall Youth Awards marked the end of this year’s Stonewall Youth Volunteering Programme, supported by Lloyds Banking Group. The free six-month Programme launched in 2009 and has helped hundreds of young people develop and run campaigns to tackle homophobia.

Lloyds Banking Group Director for Retail, Alison Brittain said: “It was an inspiration to meet so many young volunteers who are passionate about eradicating homophobia in their communities. Lloyds Banking Group is extremely proud of our partnership with Stonewall. Supporting the Youth Volunteering Programme is very important to us as a responsible business as it works so closely with the communities across Britain.”

Stonewall Head of Education Luke Tryl said: “Over the past six months this group of Youth Volunteers have challenged the idea that homophobic bullying is a fact of school life. Across Britain they have run campaigns which have reached over 10,000 of their classmates and inspired a new wave of young people to take action against homophobia. We’ve been overwhelmed by their passion, drive and creativity and are hugely grateful for the support of Lloyds Banking Group who make their campaigns possible.”

The 2014-15 Stonewall Youth Volunteering Programme will be launched during Youth Pride in London on June 28.

Applications will open online at www.youngstonewall.org.uk in July.

Manchester Pride strengthens board with new appointments

Posted on 28/04/201429/04/2014 by Besi

Manchester Pride appoint prominent Canal Street business owners as newest trustees.

Manchester Pride, the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) charity, has made a raft of appointments to strengthen its existing board of trustees and directors. This follows public concerns over the reduction in money raised for local LGBT organisations in the last two years.

Following a thorough recruitment process, Tracey Walsh and Nick Curtis have joined the charity as Trustees.

Tracey is the owner of established village venue New York New York, located on Bloom Street. She is an active supporter of multiple charities, including Albert Kennedy Trust and George House Trust, and a longstanding fundraiser for Manchester Pride.

Owner of popular village venues The Eagle, The Lodge and Richmond Tea Rooms, Nick Curtis is an experienced entrepreneur and supporter of LGBT charities across Greater Manchester.

The duo have been appointed as Trustees to support the organisation and provide overall governance and strategic direction for the charity. Both Tracey and Nick are volunteers who will act as representatives of the Village Business Association, the organisation that works with the bars, restaurants and other businesses within the village.

The pair are joined by Becki Scott, Michael Stephens and Peter Edwin who will join the organisation’s trading subsidiary, Manchester Pride Events Limited, as directors.

Becki, an experienced marketeer and manager, has a passion for strategic communications and brand awareness. She works as a Marketing Director for The Lazy Camper, which provides camping kits and accommodation at festivals across the UK.

Senior Developer Michael Stephens works at award-winning, creative agency, Raw, and has managed the delivery of work for high profile clients, including Nandos, the BBC and the NHS. Michael co-founded Geek Pride – in honour of Alan Turing – which participated in the Manchester Pride parade and has been a Manchester Pride volunteer since 2011.

Peter E Allen MBE completes the new appointments. A retired prison manager and equality advisor, Peter is former National Chair of GALIPS – the LGBT Staff Support Network – and brings a wealth of experience to the organisation.

Vicken Couligian, Chair of Manchester Pride said: “We are delighted to announce the new appointments and to welcome such experienced individuals to the board each of whom come from very diverse parts of our community.

“We are confident that the volunteer trustees and directors’ wealth of experience will strengthen the existing board and their diverse skills will help to steer the organisation and ensure that we continue to meet our charitable aims.”

Also as part of Manchester Pride’s “Be Involved” campaign, the charity has invited a number of community representatives to take part in bi-monthly meetings that will discuss the future of the charity in the form of a “Community Collective”.

The Collective, which represents a wide range of organisations within the LGBT community, will meet every other month to discuss ideas and feedback on the charity. The panel will also act as facilitators to engage with the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities , before feeding back to the board of Trustees.

Lead by another prominent Canal Street businessman, Manchester Pride Community Patron; Anthony Cooper, the group will provide a vital insight into the local community and give them the opportunity to present new and exciting ideas to the board. They will also play a vital role in reporting back to the wider community groups with initiatives and ideas that both the Manchester Pride team and the board of trustees look to implement, before gathering feedback on the idea they have presented from within the LGBT community.

Anthony Cooper is manager of Via on Canal Street, he has a long history of working with Manchester Pride, community organisations, fundraising and the village. Cooper is also actively involved with the Sparkle Transgender festival and also spearheaded the Trans Memorial, recently installed in Sackville Gardens.

Individuals who represent LGBT groups can still apply to join the collective via the charity’s website.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Justice Minister visits Brighton on Friday

Posted on 28/04/201428/04/2014 by Sarah Green

Rt Hon Damian Green MP, Minister of State for Police and Criminal Justice is to visit Hove and Portslade on Friday, May 2 as part of a tour of the South.

Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portslade

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, will be welcoming his colleague to the city and says he is keen to discuss with Damian various local policing and justice issues.

Mike said: “I am looking forward to meeting Damian in Hove and will take the opportunity to meet some officers from Sussex Police with him. I will be highlighting a number of local issues with the Minister, as it is important for the Government to properly understand what the reality is on the ground.”

Reported crime in Sussex falls by 13%

Posted on 27/04/2014 by Besi

Reported crime has fallen once again over the last twelve months in Sussex.

Latest figures from the independent Office for National Statistics show that since 2010 recorded crime in Sussex has fallen by 13%.

This trend of falling crime is supported by the independent Crime Survey of England and Wales and a fall in violent crime shown by fewer people going to hospital with injuries from violent incidents.

Simon Kirby MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven says the drop in local crime will mean safer streets in Sussex.

He said: “It is great news that crime has fallen in Sussex. Local police officers in Sussex can be rightly proud of their success in cutting crime.

“The Government has cut police red tape and given them one simple target: cut crime. And that’s what they are doing.

“This means people are safer on the streets, at home, and at work – helping to build better communities in Sussex.”

Brighton will be turned Blue at Pride

Posted on 27/04/201428/04/2014 by Besi

Global boy band Blue to appear on Pride main stage on August 2.

Get ready to scream, faint and behave like a loved–up teenager as Brighton Pride welcomes the multi-platinum selling, award winning and completely gorgeous boy band Blue to perform on the Pride Main Stage at Preston Park.

Anthony Costa, Lee Ryan, Simon Webbe and Duncan James will be strutting their glorious boy band selves for Pride and we can’t wait.

Blue have sold over 15 million records worldwide, enjoyed three No.1 albums, numerous Top Ten singles, sell out tours as well as performing live with the likes of Elton John and Stevie Wonder. While teenage heartthrobs and poster boys for so many in the 90s, they are a now older, wiser and stronger, stepping gracefully into manhood with charisma, style, charm and camaraderie.

After a break in 2005 which saw the boys pursue critically acclaimed solo projects, Blue are now reunited and delivering their trademark sound for fans around the globe. This Brighton Pride expect a perfect boy band mix of emotive ballads and energetic dance tracks from their new album Roulette alongside those much-loved Blue classics including their number one singles Too Close, If You Come Back and Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.

So whether you are dancing, admiring or singing along with your hands in the air, Blue’s Brighton Pride Main Stage performance promises to be one of the highlights of the days entertainment.

Artists announced to date include Disco Diva and original Weather Girl Martha Wash, former Pussy Cat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, local Diva and local actress and singer songwriter Heather Peace.

In order to build excitement for Pride 2014 the eagerly anticipated main stage artist announcements will be staggered over the next few months running up to Pride. With new extended hours and an after dark finale show, now is the time to get excited.

What: Pride Brighton & Hove 2014: Freedom To Live

Where: Pride Festival Preston Park 12noon – 10pm

When: Saturday, August 2

Time: 12 noon – 10pm

Tickets: £9 /£12.50 Early Bird tickets Sold out.

Discounted £15 advance (first release) until end of May. Then £17.50 in June /£20 in July and more on the day.

Call us now

Month: April 2014

500 miles 4 smiles – 21 days to go

Despite good news published today by Cancer Research UK, that half of people in England and Wales being diagnosed with cancer will survive at least ten years – double the survival rate in the early 1970s, sadly this does not extend to cancers of the mouth.

G is for………

JG has something he wants to share with you!

New LGBT Community Groups Network

Representatives from twenty-four local LGBT community groups gathered on Saturday in Brighton to form a new support network.

Viva Glam! M.A.C Cosmetics volunteers support Lunch Positive

M.A.C Cosmetics have a fund which supports HIV organisations.

New Chair of trustees for Peer Action

Peer Action, the HIV+ peer support and social group for people living with HIV has elected Michael Nelson as their chair of trustees.

Stonewall’s Youth Volunteers honoured for leading anti-homophobia campaigns

Annual Youth Awards, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, recognise local campaigners.

Manchester Pride strengthens board with new appointments

Manchester Pride appoint prominent Canal Street business owners as newest trustees.

Justice Minister visits Brighton on Friday

Rt Hon Damian Green MP, Minister of State for Police and Criminal Justice is to visit Hove and Portslade on Friday, May 2 as part of a tour of the South.

Reported crime in Sussex falls by 13%

Reported crime has fallen once again over the last twelve months in Sussex.

Brighton will be turned Blue at Pride

Global boy band Blue to appear on Pride main stage on August 2.

Latest News

Call us now

Despite good news published today by Cancer Research UK, that half of people in England and Wales being diagnosed with cancer will survive at least ten years – double the survival rate in the early 1970s, sadly this does not extend to cancers of the mouth.

Share this:

JG has something he wants to share with you!

Share this:

Representatives from twenty-four local LGBT community groups gathered on Saturday in Brighton to form a new support network.

Share this:

M.A.C Cosmetics have a fund which supports HIV organisations.

Share this:

Peer Action, the HIV+ peer support and social group for people living with HIV has elected Michael Nelson as their chair of trustees.

Share this:

Annual Youth Awards, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, recognise local campaigners.

Share this:

Manchester Pride appoint prominent Canal Street business owners as newest trustees.

Share this:

Rt Hon Damian Green MP, Minister of State for Police and Criminal Justice is to visit Hove and Portslade on Friday, May 2 as part of a tour of the South.

Share this:

Reported crime has fallen once again over the last twelve months in Sussex.

Share this:

Global boy band Blue to appear on Pride main stage on August 2.

Share this:

Latest News