18/05/2014 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Proud2Be: Devon weekend Social

Posted on 18/05/201418/05/2014 by Mitchell Orriss

Proud2Be the national campaign group that seeks to support LGBTQI people from social and rural isolation is to host a social weekend in the heart of Devon countryside.

The event will take place from May 30 to June 1 and include a number of optional activities for attendees including skill shares, a disco night, a river walk, LGBTQI films, books and shared meals.

The Proud2Be Campaign is a pro-active media campaign that aims to offer a positive message and showcase a diverse mix of proud role models to help inspire all lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning & intersex (LGBTQI) people to be proud of who they are.

Since its inception in June 2011 various high profile figures, groups and organisations have contributed to the campaign including Stephen Fry, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, Andrew Solomon, Elly Barnes, openly-gay deputy headteacher Shaun Dellenty, Christine Burns MBE, Michael Cashman MEP and London Gay Men’s Chorus.

What: Proud2Be Social Weekend

Where: Sandwell Barns, Eden Rise, Totnes, South Devon

Prices: £80/70 concessions

When: May 30 – June 1

To make a booking EMAIL:

Or to book online, CLICK HERE:

Syphilis on the increase in Brighton & Hove

Posted on 18/05/2014 by Besi

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches campaign to make Brighton & Hove men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.

Gay and bisexual men in Brighton & Hove are being warned to be aware of the symptoms of syphilis, following an increase in the number of men contracting the infection in the city.

Between January and March 2014, there were 54 new cases of syphilis diagnosed among gay and bisexual men in Brighton and Hove, more than four times the number of diagnoses during the same period in 2013. Syphilis is a serious bacterial infection that is easily spread, and – if left untreated – can cause serious damage to the heart, brain and nervous system.

HIV and sexual health charity THT is working in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust to launch a new campaign making local men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.

Symptons include:

• A rash anywhere on the body, but particularly the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

• Painless ulcers on the genitals, mouth or anus

• Headache, fever, and fatigue

As syphilis is not always symptomatic, the partnership is encouraging men who may have been at risk of infection to attend a local testing service for a free and confidential test. Testing is available at the Claude Nicol Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, and at THT’s centre on Ship Street. It involves a simple blood test, and the results are available within 2 – 3 weeks.

Stephen Nicholson, Lead Commissioner for Sexual Health at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “Brighton and Hove has high rates of sexually transmitted infections and men who have sex with men are at particular risk. In order to protect themselves against syphilis and other infection we recommend that men always adhere to safer sex practices and get tested regularly.”

Dr Gillian Dean from Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust added: “It’s important to find out whether you’ve been exposed (or re-exposed) to syphilis, either recently or in the past. The blood test will tell you this. As well as visiting local sexual health services, you can also request the blood test from your GP. Remember, syphilis is completely curable with antibiotics, but if left untreated can lead to many complications.”

Ross Boseley, Health Promotion Coordinator at Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton & Hove, concluded saying: “It’s concerning to see such a marked increase in the number of new infections locally. Syphilis doesn’t always have symptoms, and because it can be spread through oral sex, condoms don’t always offer protection. That’s why we’re advising men who may have been at risk to book a clinic appointment, test, and get peace of mind.”

Tests are available at the Claude Nicol Centre (Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5BE) without an appointment from 8.30am – 10.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

THT also runs a weekly testing service from 6.00pm – 8.00pm on Monday evenings.

For further information, or to book an appointment, CLICK HERE:

Or EMAIL:

New LGBT Healthwalk

Posted on 18/05/2014 by Besi

Brighton & Hove Council are organising monthly Healthwalks for LGBT people and their friends in association with BLAGSS.

Healthwalks are a great way to get some gentle exercise and make new friends. There are a range of walks on offer on the first Sunday of each month exploring different parts of our beautiful city.

Full details, meeting points and times can be found in the Brighton & Hove Healthwalks Spring~ Summer 2014 Walk Programme.

To download a copy of the programme, CLICK HERE:

Next month the TAKEPART Festival is a two week showcase of hundreds of sporting events, activities and taster sessions.

TAKEPART 2014 will take place between June 21 – July 6, is the largest celebration of community sport and physical activity in the country and will be crammed full of great opportunities for you, your family and friends to have fun and get active together in Brighton & Hove.

Whatever your interests, age or ability, TAKEPART gives you the chance to explore what is on offer across the city and will help you lead an active lifestyle. Activities range from Archery to Zumba and everything in between!

The TAKEPART Festival programme will be released May 30, 2014 and will be available at bars, cafes, libraries and leisure centres.

To download a copy, CLICK HERE:

London bars ‘cape up’ in support of Walk For Life 2014

Posted on 18/05/2014 by Besi

A number of bars and restaurants across Soho and central London have announced special offers for participants in this year’s Walk For Life.

The walk is on Sunday, June 8 and the theme is ‘Heroes, Heroines and Villains’.

All adults who complete the 10km sponsored walk around central London will receive a medal at the finish line, which they can then use to unlock special offers and discounts at participating venues.

Offers include:

• Circa, Frith Street: 25% off drinks until 8.00pm

• East Street Restaurant, Rathbone Place: 50% off total food bill all night

• G-A-Y Bar, Old Compton Street: Drinks for £1.50 all night

• Green Carnation, Greek Street: 25% off drinks all night

• Ku Bar, Frith Street and Lyle Street: First drink free

• New Bloomsbury Set, Marchmont Street: Selected discounted drinks all night

• She Bar, Old Compton Street: First drink free

• The Queen’s Head, Acton Street: 10% off drinks all night

The walk starts and ends at Bloomsbury Square Gardens, with a circular route that takes in the South Bank, Theatreland, and The City.

Registration costs £7, and funds raised go to Terrence Higgins Trust’s Hardship Fund, a project that offers small grants to people living with HIV in severe financial need. Anyone who raises more than £100 in sponsorship will also receive a free Walk For Life T-shirt.

Sonya Trivedy, Director of Fundraising at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We’re thrilled that so many venues are getting behind this year’s event, either by providing special offers for our walkers, or by registering a team themselves. The money raised through the walk will help some of the most vulnerable people in the UK, so please sign up today and be someone’s hero.”

To join the fun, either as an individual walker or as part of a team, CLICK HERE:

Or telephone (020) 7812 1665.

Registration costs £7 per person, which helps Terrence Higgins Trust cover the costs of the event.

Woof, the men’s dance tent and bears zone returns to Brighton Pride

Posted on 18/05/201418/05/2014 by Besi

If you go down to Preston Park on August the 2 you’ll be sure of big bear surprise!

Yes the Brighton Pride Men’s Zone, supported by Brighton Bear Weekender, is back; bigger, better and more Bear-tastic than ever before.

2014 will see the return of the much loved, Men’s Dance Tent with the scene’s best loved DJs keeping the dancefloor hot, hot, hot from 12noon till 10pm. Add the Men’s Zone alfresco area, Bears bar, food stalls, Hog Roast, seating area, picnic area plus lots of Bear surprises, and the Men’s Zone will be the perfect spot to get your grr! on and grab yourself some big burly bear, silver daddy and bear cub grizzly action.

What: Pride Brighton & Hove 2014: Freedom To Live: The Men’s Zone: The daddy of all proud days this summer.

Where: Pride Festival Preston Park

When: Saturday, August 2

Time: 12noon – 10pm.

Cost: £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.

To book tickets, CLICK HERE:

PREVIEW: Jubilee Library to host city’s first glass exhibition

Posted on 18/05/2014 by Besi

Everyday Matters, an exhibition by Lumini Glass Group, will be held at the Jubilee Library in Brighton between Monday, June 2 and Saturday, June 7.

This will be the first ever glass exhibition to be held at the library and will show works by seven members of the glass group: Emma Rawson, Sophie Sheehan, Pippa Davismoon, Charlotte Morrison, Jenny Sharp, Jennifer Anne Brown and Maria Beddoes, who each share skills and raise public awareness of glass art in its widest sense.

Event: Everyday Matters Glass Exhibition

Where: Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE.

When: Between Monday, June 2 and Saturday, June 7.

Entry: Free.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Reports shows UKIP has the laziest MEPs whilst Greens “work hardest”

Posted on 18/05/2014 by Besi

New research from Vote Watch Europe, shows that UKIP has the laziest MEPs from the UK.

The research shows that UKIP MEPs missed 40% of key votes in the European Parliament between 2009-2014. The Green Party’s two MEPs attended over 90% of the key votes during the same period while Greens across Europe attended more votes than any other party.

Participation of UK Parties in roll call votes (key votes) in the European Parliament were:

• Greens- 91.40%

• Lib Dems- 86.89%

• Labour- 84.97%

• Tories- 80.39%

• UKIP- 61.08%

Keith Taylor, the Green Party MEP for South East England, attended 92.8% of key European Parliament votes. He said: “This new research makes it clear that UKIP simply can’t be trusted to represent their constituents. Their MEPs happily claim the parliamentary salary and expenses, but they don’t even show up to four in ten of the key votes. Many people don’t realise that a vote for UKIP is a vote for the laziest party in the European Parliament.

“Greens work hard in the European Parliament to represent the views of our constituents. We always try our best to get to key votes and ensure that we stand up for those who voted for us.”

The latest ICM Guardian Poll puts the Green Party in 4th place ahead of the Lib Dems for the Euro Elections.

Keith went on to say: “The good news is that the polls are predicting that there will be more Greens representing the UK in the European Parliament after May 22. That means more MEPs working for the common good and voting for laws which protect people and the environment.

“When Greens say we’re going to put people first and protect the environment, we mean it. That’s why we’re always active in the Parliament.

“At this election Greens are offering voters a chance for a real change in direction. We want radical change from business as usual, and when we say we’ll stand up to vested interests, we mean it.”

Kemptown MP Kirby supports drive to reach carers in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven

Posted on 18/05/2014 by Sarah Green

Simon Kirby the Conservative MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven has pledged his support to carers across Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven as part of the national awareness campaign Carers Week, which runs from June 9-15.

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven

One in eight adults are carers, but the very nature of caring – of being there for a loved one facing ill health or disability – means too often people don’t identify themselves as carers and, therefore, miss out on support.

Without the right help and support, caring can have a serious impact on their physical and emotional health, work and finances.

Carers Week Quest 2014 is calling on individuals and organisations across the UK – including community groups, GPs, health and social care professionals, employers – to connect with families in their local communities who are providing care.

To show their support for local carers, Mr Kirby met with the Carers Week supporter charities in Parliament – including Carers UK, Age UK, Carers Trust, Independent Age, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, MS Society and Parkinson’s UK.

Simon said: “I am proud to be a Patron of the Carers Centre here in Brighton and will continue to stand up for those who give so much to help others.

“Carers make a hugely valuable contribution to society and they need support to carry on the work they do – without carers the UK would face a £119 billion care bill.

“These are the reasons why I am supporting this campaign to reach out to carers across Brighton and Peacehaven and to help ensure they don’t miss out on support.”

A spokesperson for Carers Week added: “By individuals and organisations working together during Carers Week we have a huge opportunity to help thousands of carers and get them support which can mean the difference between coping and crisis.”

Events will be taking place across the UK during Carers Week in June, to provide carers with advice, information and support with caring.

To find out more about events in Brighton and Peacehaven, CLICK HERE:

IGLTA hosts its largest convention outside of North America

Posted on 18/05/2014 by Besi

First conference in Spain for the LGBT travel association includes delegates from 32 countries.

James Costos, US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra: Photo credit: Gabriel Rega/IGLTA

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association hosted its most attended and globally diverse convention outside of North America on May 8-10. Approximately 275 delegates from 32 countries gathered in Madrid for networking and education to further lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender tourism globally.

They were welcomed to Madrid by a high-level roster of Spanish dignitaries that included Isabel Borrego, Secretary of State for Tourism/President of TURESPAÑA; José Francisco García, General for Cultural Heritage at Madrid City Council; Carmen Gonzalez, Vice Minister of Tourism and Culture for the Region of Madrid; and Doña Ana Isabel Mariño Ortega, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Culture for the Community of Madrid.

The opening session also included a greeting from James Costos, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and Principality of Andorra, and a keynote speech from David Scowsill, President/CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council.

IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella, said: “Spain is a longtime partner to IGLTA and the LGBT tourism community. It was an amazing conference that showcased Spanish support for gay travel and resulted in our biggest, most diverse group of attendees for a non-North American event. It also attracted the most media attention in our 31-year history. We thank the national tourism office of Spain, the region of Madrid, and the city of Madrid for doing so much to raise the visibility of LGBT tourism and IGLTA.”

The conference next year will be held in Los Angeles, California from April 9-11m 2015.

Host city reception, Madrid City Hall: Photo credit: Gabriel Rega/IGLTA

For more information about IGLTA, CLICK HERE:

Record number of tourists visit the UK in 2013

Posted on 18/05/2014 by Sarah Green

Simon Kirby, the MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven says the Government’s Tourism Strategy is benefiting Brighton as record number of tourists visited the UK in 2013.

In a letter to MP’s, Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has announced that a record 32.81 million tourists visited the UK in 2013 spending a record £21 billion while they are here.

The Government has invested £145 million in several marketing campaigns and has also secured match funding from the private sector.

Reacting to the news, Simon said: “Brighton’s vibrant tourist industry with its fantastic and unique attractions will benefit from the increasing number of overseas tourists choosing to come to Britain.”

“Having a strong tourist strategy is vital for Brighton’s continued prosperity as 14% of jobs are supported by tourism. Brighton already attracts 8 million day visitors each year and 400,000 overseas visitors who stay at least one night which makes Brighton the most popular seaside resort in the UK.”

“There is however more to do to make sure Brighton benefits from the improving national economy. I will continue to work with the Government and local businesses to promote Brighton as a place to visit to support more job opportunities here in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.”

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Day: May 18, 2014

Proud2Be: Devon weekend Social

Proud2Be the national campaign group that seeks to support LGBTQI people from social and rural isolation is to host a social weekend in the heart of Devon countryside.

Syphilis on the increase in Brighton & Hove

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches campaign to make Brighton & Hove men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.

New LGBT Healthwalk

Brighton & Hove Council are organising monthly Healthwalks for LGBT people and their friends in association with BLAGSS.

London bars ‘cape up’ in support of Walk For Life 2014

A number of bars and restaurants across Soho and central London have announced special offers for participants in this year’s Walk For Life.

Woof, the men’s dance tent and bears zone returns to Brighton Pride

If you go down to Preston Park on August the 2 you’ll be sure of big bear surprise!

PREVIEW: Jubilee Library to host city’s first glass exhibition

Everyday Matters, an exhibition by Lumini Glass Group, will be held at the Jubilee Library in Brighton between Monday, June 2 and Saturday, June 7.

Reports shows UKIP has the laziest MEPs whilst Greens “work hardest”

New research from Vote Watch Europe, shows that UKIP has the laziest MEPs from the UK.

Kemptown MP Kirby supports drive to reach carers in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven

Simon Kirby the Conservative MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven has pledged his support to carers across Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven as part of the national awareness campaign Carers Week, which runs from June 9-15.

IGLTA hosts its largest convention outside of North America

First conference in Spain for the LGBT travel association includes delegates from 32 countries.

Record number of tourists visit the UK in 2013

Simon Kirby, the MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven says the Government’s Tourism Strategy is benefiting Brighton as record number of tourists visited the UK in 2013.

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Proud2Be the national campaign group that seeks to support LGBTQI people from social and rural isolation is to host a social weekend in the heart of Devon countryside.

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Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launches campaign to make Brighton & Hove men aware of the symptoms of syphilis.

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Brighton & Hove Council are organising monthly Healthwalks for LGBT people and their friends in association with BLAGSS.

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A number of bars and restaurants across Soho and central London have announced special offers for participants in this year’s Walk For Life.

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If you go down to Preston Park on August the 2 you’ll be sure of big bear surprise!

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Everyday Matters, an exhibition by Lumini Glass Group, will be held at the Jubilee Library in Brighton between Monday, June 2 and Saturday, June 7.

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New research from Vote Watch Europe, shows that UKIP has the laziest MEPs from the UK.

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Simon Kirby the Conservative MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven has pledged his support to carers across Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven as part of the national awareness campaign Carers Week, which runs from June 9-15.

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First conference in Spain for the LGBT travel association includes delegates from 32 countries.

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Simon Kirby, the MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven says the Government’s Tourism Strategy is benefiting Brighton as record number of tourists visited the UK in 2013.

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