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Free Community Conference: Austerity and Us at Brighthelm Centre

Speakers from around the country are coming to Brighton on Saturday, May 31 to speak on the economic crisis, austerity and our local community.

Secret City

The free conference is supported by the University of Sussex’s Public Culture Research Hub, and the event will end with a screening of the award-winning documentary film, Secret City.

Academics, film makers, campaigners and researchers from Bristol, Cardiff, London and beyond are coming to the Brighthelm Centre this weekend to discuss the impact of the economic crisis on our communities.

Austerity and Us will see the local community come together to discuss the economics behind the crisis, how the media portrays it compared to our own experiences of it and what we can do about it.

Lee Salter (University of Sussex), the event organizer said: “People from around Brighton have gathered a great line-up of speakers to present the reality and effects of the economic crisis on our communities. The aim is to explore what’s behind economic news that we’re told”

Anthony Killick (Bristol Radical Film Festival) added: “We’re really pleased to be coming to speak to people in Brighton about how they understand what’s going on and how it’s affecting real people, especially those worst affected by the cuts, and what their lives are really like, beyond ‘Benefits Street’”

The event begins at 10:30am on Saturday, and will start by introducing the real economics behind the crisis, before moving to look at how the crisis and our experience of it is mediated.

Then campaigners and other groups from around Brighton and Sussex will be explaining what alternatives there are and what help people can get right now.

The event is open to all and is free. Teas and coffee provided and a cheap lunch will be provided.

What: Austerity and Us

 

Where: Brighhelm Centre, North Rd, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1YD

When: Saturday, May 30

Time: 10.30am

For more information, CLICK HERE:

 

The future of UK energy – New dawn or same vested interests?

Doug Parr, chief scientist and policy director at Greenpeace is to speak at Brighthem as part of Power to the People a series of  talks on community energy.

Power to the People
Power to the People

This follows the announcement last month that Brighthelm is in the process of removing all its investments from fossil fuel producers and suppliers.

Rik ChildRik Child, the Director of Brighthelm, said: “We are delighted to welcome Doug Parr, Chief scientist and Policy Director of Greenpeace to Brighthelm to what will be our second lecture in a series about community energy generation. We expect a very interesting evening and there will be plenty of time to network with people from various groups around East and West Sussex and Brighton & Hove who are already involved in community generation and distribution. All are welcome.”

 

What: Power to the People a series of illuminating talks on community energy

Where: Brighthelm, North Road, Brighton

When: Tuesday, June 3

Time: Doors open at 7.00pm

Cost: £5/ £3 concessions

For more information, CLICK HERE: 

 

Law Commission report calls for overhaul of outdated hate crime laws

GalopAn anti-homophobia and transphobia charity has welcomed a report calling for hate crime laws to be overhauled.

Galop, which helps victims of hate crime have called the current legal system nonsensical and ripe for change.

The Law Commission report calls for an end to courts using one system for anti-race and faith hate crime, and another less effective one for homophobic, anti-transgender and disability crimes.

Under the current system homophobic criminal damage can be punished with 10 years in prison, the same as if it had not been homophobic. But the same crime could be punished with 14 years if it was racist. Transphobic common assault has a 6 month maximum but anti-faith common assault can be punished with 2 years.

A Galop spokesperson said: “We welcome this report and are urging the government to act on it. Everyone should be able to feel the legal system is equally behind them whatever type of hate crime they experience. 

“Many people are surprised that this difference exists and agree with us that it is outdated, nonsensical and needs to change. We hope that this is the first step toward giving police and courts the tools to tackle all types of hate crime on an equal footing.

“Our clients are usually living through a traumatic time and most will never see the inside of a courtroom. That means courts need to get things right for those brave few who stand up to their attackers in court.

“We were disappointed that the report did not recommend reforming the messy laws that prohibit extreme hate speech. We will continue campaigning for those protections to be extended to transgender and disabled people though.”

For more information about Galop, CLICK HERE:

 

Kemptown MP launches World War One commemorative poppy project

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton and Peacehaven is sending out 2 million poppy seeds to local constituents to launch his poppy planting project in the constituency to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One.

Simon Kirby MP

The seeds can be planted in gardens or pots in time to flower on the August 4 to help mark this important event.

Simon said: “As the Member of Parliament for Brighton and Peacehaven I am conscious of the great debt we owe to the brave individuals who fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. That is why I was keen to commemorate this occasion.”

The total number of military and civilian casualties in the conflict was over 37 million.

He added: “I hope that residents will feel able to take part in this initiative which will help make sure we never forget the huge price paid 100 years ago by so many people.”

The project aims to raise money for the British Legion.

 

Support your community and get a free ticket for Pride

Brighton Pride is a non profit community interest company (CIC) with just two full time members of administration staff.

Free tickets for Pride

Last year with the help of volunteers and supporters Pride smashed their fund-raising target and raised over £43,000 for the Rainbow Fund to distribute through their grants programme to LGBT/HIV organisations in Brighton and Hove, through their grants programme.

Paul Elgood of the Rainbow Fund said of Pride’s fundraising role: “Pride has made a significant contribution to the local LGBT community sector, and have created a sustainable and secure source of funding for the smaller volunteer-led community groups who can rely on this funding to operate. Pride asked the Rainbow Fund to provide a fair and needs-led basis for distributing the funding to those local groups who need it most”.

Pride is in continual need of volunteers to help out on the day as Parade Stewards, Placard volunteers and Rainbow Flag Bearers. Brighton Pride simply does not happen without the essential contributions made by volunteers, and it is the perfect way to celebrate a Pride with purpose where community helps community.

Here just three ways to help:

1. Community Parade Steward: REGISTER HERE: 

Register as a Parade Steward and help ensure the parade remains a rainbow of diversity highlighting and recognising LGBT communities around the world where they don’t have their Freedom to Live.

2. 78 Placards volunteers: REGISTER HERE: and Pride will contact you with further details

Volunteer to carry one of the 78 Freedom To Live placards on the Brighton Pride LGBT Community Parade and be part of a campaign we can all truly be proud of.  Help Pride highlight the inequalities LGBTQ communities across the globe face in their daily lives and demand that everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender, deserves Freedom to Live. Help make Pride Matter!

3. Rainbow Flag Bearer: REGISTER HERE:

This year Brighton Pride will continue the proud tradition and include a giant 50ft long rainbow flag in the LGBT Community Pride Parade. Pride needs you to become a proud flag bearer. It’s a fabulous way to be a part of Brighton Pride as the parade celebrates, campaigns and sashays its way through the streets of our city.

Once you’ve registered Pride’s  volunteer co-ordinator will be in contact in the next few weeks with more details.

You may also email volunteer enquiries to: billie@brighton-pride.org

For any other Parade related enquiries email: parade@brighton-pride.org

Budget accomodation available during Pride

During the summer, the Sussex University Residential Services are offering some budget and self catering rooms on their Falmer campus, bookable by individual visitors on a night by night or weekly basis.

Sussex University Campus residences

Falmer Station is just nine minutes from Brighton train station, and trains run every 15-20 minutes. Falmer station is the third stop on leaving Brighton, after London Road and Moulsecoomb. Taxis do not run from Falmer Station to the residences.

The No. 25 bus runs every 10 minutes from Brighton to the University of Sussex (slowing to every 20 minutes in the evening, and every 30 minutes at night). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. If you arrive in Brighton by coach the nearest stop for the No. 25 is at the Old Steine which is situated a short walk away behind the coach station.

The cost of the taxi from Brighton Station is approximately £15.

During Pride weekend, self catering ensuite single rooms with free weekend parking are available from £35 per night, and budget single rooms with shared bathroom cost £21 per night.

Similar rates are offered throughout the summer. 10% discount is given for group booking of 10 or more people. Meal options are also on offer if required.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

F.A. Centre to host cup final of world’s largest LGBT Football League

This Saturday, May 31, the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN), national cup final will be held at the English FA’s state-of-the-art training facility in St. George’s Park near Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire.

St. George's Park
St. George’s Park

The game will be contested between Village Manchester FC and London Romans FC.

The centre set in the National Forest, in 330 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland, is the training base for the 24 England teams and features world class facilities to improve the future of football at all levels.

The final will take place on the elite indoor 3G pitch which comes complete with a 200 seater viewing gallery.

The match kick off is at 4.30pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

GFSN spokesperson Simon Smith, said: “We are honoured that the FA have allowed us to use their amazing facility at St George’s Park for the GFSN Cup Final in this the 25th Anniversary year of our organisation. Showcase matches like this act as a great advertisement for the participation and inclusion of LGBT people in football.”

Angie Harper, Football Development Officer (Women, Girls and Inclusion), Derbyshire County Football Association added: “Derbyshire County FA are proud to support the GFSN Cup Final. Homophobia and discrimination against LGB&T people in football is unacceptable and Derbyshire County FA are committed to creating safe and inclusive football environment for everyone.”

Jodie Allard – Football Development Officer (Inclusion) at Staffordshire FA, concluded: “A key priority of Staffordshire FA’s work is to ensure that football is free from discrimination and harassment, and to promote the involvement of people from all backgrounds within football in Staffordshire. At Staffordshire FA, we have a clear strategy that is incorporated into our project planning, organisation and delivery to develop football and increase participation for all sections of society, ensuring that football truly provides opportunities for all.

“Throughout the implementation of this work, we recognise the Gay Footballers Support Network (GFSN) as a key partner who continue to provide opportunities and support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender football fans across the UK. The GFSN Cup Final on Saturday 31st May is a fantastic opportunity for the organisation to display the great work they are doing in supporting LGB&T people within football, by increasing opportunities for their members and providing a clear voice against serious LGB&T issues.”

What: Gay Football Supporters Network cup final

When: Saturday, May 31

Where: St. George’s Park, Newborough Road, Needwood, Burton-Upon-Trent, DE13 9PD

Time: 4.30pm

Oxford Pride Festival: ‘Role Models’ launches May 30

Oxford Pride commence their ten-day Pride festival with a launch party on Friday May 30.

Oxford PrideThe event takes place at the Oxford Beach, in conjunction with The Big Bang in the Oxford Castle Quarter, which plays host to this years’ Pride Arts Exhibition. The theme of Oxford Pride this year is Role Models.

The launch party runs from 6-9pm, and will feature live entertainment, speeches, a BBQ and cocktails.

During the opening weekend there are LGBT history workshops and walks, arts events, discussions, and a dog show. Throughout the week there are quizzes, book clubs, club nights, social gatherings, and parade workshops.

Oxford Pride

The main event is on Saturday June 7 and features a parade through the city starting at mid-day and ending at Oxpens Field, where there will be 8 hours of live entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the early evening,

The festival closes on Sunday June 8 with a series of Trans Cinema films at The Phoenix Picturehouse, exploring themes of gender, identity and the reception of trans characters.

A full listing of festival events is available on the Oxford Pride website and in the Pride Guide, which can be picked up from locations around Oxfordshire.

This year Oxford Pride is being  supported by Unite the Union, South East who have provided invaluable help to the Pride organisers in organising the festival.

John Rowse, Regional Secretary of Unite the Union South East said: “Oxford Pride is an important opportunity for all of us to put out the message that ensuring equality in the workplace and society is perhaps the most important guarantee of Human Rights in a world where prejudice and intolerance is on the rise. Despite great leaps forward in industrialised countries, intolerance and prejudice is only under the surface and in many parts of the world it is literally a matter of life and death.

“That is why the Regional Committee of Unite the Union in the South East will continue to sponsor and actively support events like Oxford Pride across the Region and sends everyone our best wishes for great day on the June 7.

“Please visit our Regional LGBT webpages on www.unitetheunion.org website and clicking on “Regions” in the panel at the bottom of the page to see the activities and events we are involved with.”

All events supported or organised by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBT issues and lifestyle through providing information, education and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment.

Oxford Pride Group is a charity, founded in 2003 and run by volunteers.

Patrons include: Lord Waheed Alli, Sir Ian McKellen, Peter Tatchell, Paul O’Grady, Clare Summerskill, Paul Gambaccini and Angela Eagle MP.

For more information, CLICK HERE: 

 

What: Oxford Pride Festival May 30 – June 8, 2014

Launch event: Friday, May 30 2014

Parade & Fair Day Event: Saturday, June 7, 2014: Theme Role Models

 

 

 

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