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Month: June 2014

Charity cabaret night supporting Brighton Pride with Rose Wilby, VG Lee and many more

Posted on by Besi

A fully inclusive LGBTQ night of fabulous music and comedy at The Basement.

Brighton Pride comedy fundraiserActs appearing include Rosie Wilby, VG Lee, Claire Parker, Jonwayne Connolly, Chick Atkinson and Judy Theobald.

Rosie Wilby said of the event: “I’m excited to be involved with the event as its a great venue and I’m a fan of VG Lee who is also on the bill. Its great to raise money for Brighton Pride which is always huge fun (apart from when you need a wee!)”.

Award-winning performers doing their thing with style for a cause with purpose. What could be better than that?

The evening is hosted by Annabel Pribelszki.

There will be a cash only licensed bar and raffle with fantastic prizes!

The venue is accessible with a stairlift for manual wheelchair users

What the papers say:

Rosie Wilby: “A solid gold half hour … a lesbian Eddie Izzard.” Diva Magazine

“VG Lee is funny, smart, clever, witty, not afraid to be honest and poignant at the same time.” Stella Duffy.

“Claire Parker, lesbian transgender stand-up, provides comic insight, perky sexual politics and a personality somewhere between Jo Brand and Jack Dee.” GScene

Jonwayne Connolly: “Fiercely funny, fresh and yet sentimental. Dave Allen for a new generation.” The Irish Times

What: Charity Cabaret Fundraiser for Brighton Pride

Where: The Basement, Kensington Street, Brighton BN1 4AJ

When: Saturday, July 26 2014

Time: Doors 7pm show at 8pm

Tickets: £12 (advance) £14 (on door) £10 (concessions)

To book tickets online, CLICK HERE:  Tickets available here

Lewes MP slams proposed changes to local bus services

Posted on by Besi

Norman Baker, MP for Lewes has criticised East Sussex County Council about the level of proposed cuts to local bus services announced.

Norman Baker, MP for Lewes
Norman Baker, MP for Lewes

In a bid to save £1.79 million East Sussex County Council has announced a consultation of proposed cuts and alterations to bus services across the county which will see hundreds of people affected.

Routes included in the consultation cover some the rural services in the area, proposing reductions from every 2 hours to a twice weekly service, such as Barcombe – Lewes – Alfriston and the 824 Village Rider service for off peak periods.

Some Lewes local bus routes would see services reduced from a half hourly service to hourly, to include Winterbourne to Lewes Town.

Seaford are facing losing their Sunday service to Eastbourne and reducing the daily hourly service to 2 days a week. People seeking to travel between Tunbridge Wells and Brighton Monday to Saturday of an evening, which includes Ringmer and the Malling area of Lewes, could also lose their service.

Newhaven, which is also braced to lose their last bank being advised to travel to nearby branches, face having their travel plans scuppered as cuts are proposed to the Lewes to Newhaven service, covering much of the Ouse Valley, from an hourly service to a 2 hourly off peak service and the Newhaven Local 145.

Norman said: “I am astounded at these significant proposed cuts to local bus services. This will not only greatly affect how people choose to travel, at a time when we are all being encouraged to use public transport, but for many this is their only link to important services such as medical appointments, education, essential shopping and work. Residents of local villages are particularly at risk from becoming completely isolated without access to public transport.

“These types of cuts are not just an inconvenience but will greatly affect people’s day to day living. I can appreciate the difficult financial challenge, but it is difficult to accept with millions being invested into the Hastings to Bexhill by pass.

“I would encourage East Sussex County Council to listen very carefully to local residents during this consultation and consider the wider impact on people’s lives.”

University of Leicester celebrates 50th anniversary of Joe Orton’s ‘Entertaining Mr Sloane’

Posted on by Besi

Free public event featuring luminary speakers to mark 50 years since the West End premiere of Leicester-born Orton’s first stage play tomorrow, Sunday June 29.

Joe Orton
Joe Orton

The University of Leicester will be marking the 50th Anniversary of Joe Orton’s black comedy Entertaining Mr Sloane on Sunday, June 29 by hosting a free public event to celebrate the play.

Entertaining Mr Sloane was the summer sensation of 1964. Orton’s satire on social and sexual conservatism was labelled “a real shocker” by the London Evening News but went on to win a Play of the Year award.

This special event presents an opportunity to find out about the work of a famous Leicester writer and offers Orton enthusiasts a chance to learn more about one of the most radical, important and funny plays of the post-war period.

Dr Emma Parker of the School of English at the University of Leicester said: “Orton’s work has been overshadowed by his life for too long. It’s time to focus on his achievements as a writer.”

The day will start with a rare screening of the 1968 ITV Playhouse production of Entertaining Mr Sloane, starring Sheila Hancock and Edward Woodward, on loan from the British Film Institute.

Acclaimed theatre director Nick Bagnall (currently directing Simon Armitage’s new play The Last Days of Troy at The Globe) will discuss his 2009 production of the play starring Imelda Staunton and Matthew Horne.

Bestselling novelist Jake Arnott – author of The Long Firm which became a television drama starring Mark Strong – will consider Orton’s influence on contemporary writers.

Leading scholars Professor Simon Shepherd (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) and Dr Francesca Coppa (Muhlenberg College, USA) will outline key debates about the play.

The event will close with Joe Orton’s sister Leonie Orton Barnett reading some of her brother’s hilarious Edna Welthorpe letters and other unpublished material, including a letter of complaint to Santa Claus.

The day also provides a chance to visit an exhibition of material from the Joe Orton archive in the University’s David Wilson Library. Joe Orton in 1964 runs until, August 29 2014.

The free public event will take place on Sunday, June 29 between 10.30am – 16.30pm at the Peter Williams Lecture Theatre at the University of Leicester.

Oldest Gay in the Village on London Community Parade

Posted on by Besi

In his last month as an Ambassador for Pride in Brighton and Hove, George Montague appears on the London Pride community parade to raise money for Rainbow Fund.

George Montague, Oldest Gay in the Village
George Montague, Oldest Gay in the Village

91 year old George, a Brighton resident and a current Ambassador for Brighton Pride took to the streets of London today on his mobility scooter for the London Pride Community Parade despite the pouring rain.

He said: “It was wonderful to come to London Pride and despite the pouring rain I have throughly enjoyed myself.”

George was at London Pride to promote his new book The Oldest Gay in Village where he recounts his fascinating life story.

George was born in 1923 and has seen many changes in his lifetime, few greater than the attitude towards being gay – attitudes that saw him criminalised for the sin of loving another man.

His new book is a moving, often humorous memoir of an indefatigable man, committed to helping people accept homosexuality, even if they may not understand it. After all, as he puts it, “If I don’t understand why I am the way I am, why should anyone else? But why should it matter?”

Now in his nineties, George is finally beginning to see the acceptance he longed for through his younger years – and is proud to be the oldest gay in the village.

George is supporting the Brighton based Rainbow Fund with proceeds from the sale of the book.

The book is being produced by John Blake Publishing www.johnblakepublishing.co.uk

Available from Waterstones:

Available from Amazon: 

Available from the Guardian Bookshop:

 

Woofty woofty! Pride Dog Show returns on July 20.

Posted on by Besi

Its time to fetch those pooches and paw your way to one of Brighton Pride’s most popular and accessible events.

Doggy Pride

The 2014 Pride Dog Show will once again this year take place at Hove, Rugby Football Club in association with Coastway Veterinary Group and the Dogs Trust. Take along your four-legged best friends for a day of fun and barking frolics, as dogs and dog lovers come together and shine with Pride.

There will be numberous classes to enter your dog including the ever popular “Best Bitch” and “Bitch with the longest tongue” categories.

Located around the park will be retail stalls offering the latest doggy fashion accessories, a glamorous catwalk doggy fashion show, bar and refreshments.

Coastway Veterinary Group, who have organised and supported the event for many years, will oversee all entries and judge each category, ensuring every star pooch gets the recognition their proud paws deserve.

Brighton Pride’s Dulcie Weaver said of the event: “It’s a fantastic day out which is full to the brim with happy dogs and dog lovers alike. I especially love the cheeky category, ‘The Owner the judge would most like to take home’ and can’t wait for this most fabulous of doggie days.”

Entries for 2014 will start soon so watch the Pride website for more details.

If you are interested in running your own trade stall at this event, or entering your pooch, register your interest by, CLICKING HERE:

What: Pride Dog Show 2014

Where: Hove RFC, Hove Recreation Ground Shirley Drive, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6NQ

When: Sunday, July 20

Time: Noon – 5pm

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Doggy Pride

 

 

What Trans*Pride means to me

Posted on by Besi

Kit Roskelly explains what Trans*Pride means to him.

Kit Roskelly
Kit Roskelly

“This time last year, I went to Britain’s first ever Trans* Pride.

I got talking to a group of people who had travelled down from Leeds to attend, and were inspired to go back and run their own event. I heard musicians and writers telling the world, with passion and intensity, what it means to be them. I sat on the grass, surrounded by people like me, and felt safe and secure. I watched a tough young poet power on as a thunderstorm washed away their audience. Later I danced at the evening event, saw more awesome acts, and stayed out late celebrating the diversity of gender. It was a fantastic day, and this year’s event looks set to be every bit as good.

“With LGB Pride a firm fixture in the annual calendar of every city I’ve lived in – and nowhere more so than here in Brighton – it feels strange to say that Trans* Pride in the UK is not even a year old yet.

“But as we’ve seen from the evolution of the LGB Pride movement, events like this don’t fade away while they’re still needed. They make a space for people to be present and proud, to connect with others who share their experiences, to demand equality and to celebrate uniqueness.

“And for those who weren’t there last year, but who will come along in future, for those who are just beginning to question their gender, or experiencing the isolation that coming out as Trans* can plunge you into, it’s especially important that there’s a wonderful group of people raising the pink-white-and-blue flag, and saying “We’re here. You are not alone.”

“I was privileged to be there last year, I’ll be there this year, and I hope for many more years to come.”

Sensational cabaret line-up announced for Legends Pride cabaret tent

Posted on by Besi

The Legend’s Cabaret Tent hosted by Lola Lasagne, have announced the line-up for Pride 2014.

Legends Cabaret Tent

It’s the best line-up for years, with internationally acclaimed performers and drag artistes from across the UK and beyond set to give Brighton a day of incredible cabaret.

This years line-up includes Sally Vate, the maid to make your mouth water, Two Brewers wonder Mrs Moore, the delightfully dizzy blonde Tammy Twinkle, Priscilla princess Cassidy Connors, the always open for business Baga Chipz, the outrageous award-winning Drag With No Name, Brighton’s Baywatch babe Davina Sparkle, Brighton’s  favourite drag entertainer (and she has the handbags to prove it!) Miss Jason with Maisie Trollette.

They will be joined by the drag queen of drag queens Dave Lynn, the unique star that is Lady Imelda, sensational singer Jennie Castell, London must-see Mary Mac, the hot stuff that is Rose Garden, West End doyenne Crystal D’Canter with Kelly Mild and the irrepressible Sandra.

The finale will be more than fabulous as Brighton Pride welcomes Britain Got Talent golden girl Eva Iglesias and the stunning La Voix with her handsome hunks the Va Va Voom boys to Preston Park.

Add the glorious Lola Lasagne to the mix and you have a Legends Cabaret Tent line-up fit for any queen.

The Legends Cabaret Tent at Brighton Pride 2014 promises to be a legendary ride.

Confirmed artists include:

• La Voix and her Va Va Voom Boys

• Eve Iglesias

• Sandra

• Crystal D’Canter

• Rose Garden

• Lola Lasagne

• Mary Mac

• Jennie Castell

• Lady Imelda

• Dave Lynn

• Miss Jason

• Davina Sparkle

• Drag With No Name

• Baga Chipz

• Cassidy Connors

• Tammy Twinkle

• Mrs Moore

• Sally Vate

What: Pride Brighton & Hove 2014: Freedom To Live

Where: Pride Festival Preston Park

When: Saturday, August 2

Time: 12noon – 10pm.

Tickets: Early bird /discounted advance tickets are SOLD OUT. £17.50 until end of June. Tickets now £20 and more on the day.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

 

 

 

Proud2Be project release video to celebrate third birthday

Posted on by Besi

To mark its third birthday the Proud2Be Project have released a video featuring project founders Mat and Jon Price reflecting on their journey with Proud2Be over the last three years.

Proud2BeSouth Devon based, Proud2Be exists to empower all lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning & intersex (LGBTQI) people to be proud of who they are.

The gay identical twin brothers Mat and Jon talk candidly with one another about their experiences and the things they are most proud of.

In the video Mat says: “I’m really proud that Proud2Be offers something different…and it may be that you have lots of messages in your life that tell you that you should be ashamed, but there is a message out there that says you don’t need to be.”

The Totnes-based social enterprise began when the brothers sat in front of their web cam and recorded a short video. In the video they explained how they are both “proud to be gay”.

Since then a number of high profile LGBT figures have contributed to the international campaign including Peter Tatchell, international bestselling author Andrew Solomon, political activist Christine Burns MBE and Stephen Fry who said: “I am happy to be counted as a supporter of Proud2Be at every turn”.

Earlier this month Proud2Be announced human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell as their new Patron.

Peter said: “I’m very proud to be a Proud2Be patron. Congratulations on your wonderful work for the LGBT community. Much admiration and appreciation”

As well as running the campaign, Proud2Be; holds a number of social events in South Devon, has their own community radio show, facilitates workshops and provides consultancy to a number of organisations in Devon and Cornwall.

In September of last year, Proud2Be held the first ever Totnes Pride, which saw nearly 1000 people coming from all over Devon & Cornwall, to celebrate the local LGBT community.

Peter Tatchell said about Totnes Pride: “I was very proud to be a part of Totnes Pride 2013. It was a great success, with a wonderful community atmosphere and double the numbers expected…Bring on Totnes Pride 2014!”

Proud2Be are now busy planning this year’s event which will be held on Saturday, September 6 and intend on launching a Devon-wide Youth Service and opening the first rural LGBT community hub in South Devon, next year.

Mat and Jon said: “Through Proud2Be, both of our lives are richer and more fulfilled than we could have ever imagined possible. Over the last three years we have experienced countless life changing moments and have had the privilege of meeting some amazing people, some of whom we are now proud to regard as our greatest friends and supporters. We are as passionate now as when we started the project in our mum’s spare room. We would like to thank all our friends, family, volunteers and supporters. It has been a joy to share the last three years with you. Here is to the next three!”

For more information about the Proud2Be Project and to see the video, CLICK HERE:  

La Voix headlines Legend’s cabaret tent

Posted on by Besi

La Voix joins Legends Cabaret Tent for a spectacular finale on August 2.

La Voix
La Voix

Britains Got Talent semi finalist La Voix will be this years Legend’s Cabaret Tent finale queen with her sexy dancing hunks the Va Va Voom boys.

La Voix is an internationally acclaimed drag diva whose spine tingling vocals are the finest in the industry. Her uncanny ability to switch between the vocal styles of Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland or Cher with the click of a finger will leave the Brighton Pride audience mesmerised as she is poised to make this years Legends Cabaret Tent finale the best yet.

Expect a performance filled with sophistication and glamour as La Voix joins the amazing line-up of drag artists and cabaret performers in Britain’s biggest Pride Cabaret Tent.

La Voix said: “I am so thrilled, honoured and excited to be the Legends Cabaret Tent finale act with my Va Va Voom Boys. Pride is so important to help raise awareness of inequality in our own country and abroad. With the massive accomplishments in the UK this year it is important we don’t lose momentum on demanding total equality for all. Brighton Pride does this so well by sending a powerful message out for the LGBT community whilst wrapping it all up in a no attitude, friendly, family party atmosphere”.

What: Pride Brighton & Hove 2014: Freedom To Live

Where: Pride Festival, Preston Park

When: Saturday, August 2

Time: 12noon – 10pm.

Tickets: Early bird /discounted advance tickets are SOLD OUT, Tickets now £20 and more on the day.

 

Stonewall celebrate at London Pride

Posted on by Besi

Sir Ian McKellen joins Stonewall supporters to celebrate London Pride this afternoon.

Sir Ian McKellen leads Stonewall volunteers
Sir Ian McKellen leads Stonewall volunteers

Hundreds of Stonewall supporters joined thousands of people on the streets of London today, celebrating London Community Pride.

More than 400 supporters took part in the parade carrying placards in five languages to support the charity’s campaign for equality in Britain and around the world.

The charity, celebrating its 25th anniversary, was joined on the London Pride parade by Stonewall founders including X-Men star Sir Ian McKellen, Olivette Cole-Wilson, Simon Fanshawe and Lisa Power.

Before the parade 150 young people joined Stonewall’s annual Youth Pride Brunch, allowing many of them to celebrate Pride for the first time. The Brunch is a major part of Stonewall’s Youth Volunteering Programme, supported by Lloyds Banking Group. During the morning event young people heard a powerful speech from Sir Ian McKellen.

Stonewall’s Acting Chief Executive Ruth Hunt said: “London Pride is a celebration that the whole capital can be proud of. It’s inspirational to see so many thousands of people not just celebrating everything we’ve achieved as a community but also continuing to fight for LGBT equality here in Britain and around the world. The fact that so many young people marched with Stonewall shows that the spirit of Pride is alive and well.”

In nearly 80 countries homosexuality is illegal, and in five countries people can be executed for being gay. Stonewall works with campaigners worldwide, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and international partners, to support campaigns for lesbian, gay and bisexual equality.

For more information, CLICK HERE: 

In Britain, Stonewall works with more than 10,000 schools and runs an annual Youth Volunteering Programme to help tackle homophobic bullying in schools:

For more information, CLICK HERE: 

 

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