01/08/2014 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Kemptown MP visits Commonwealth war graves in Brighton

Posted on 01/08/201403/08/2014 by Sarah Green

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, today accompanied representatives of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on a visit to Brighton City Cemetery on Bear Road in Moulsecoomb, to pay his respects to the hundreds of soldiers from all over the world who are buried there.

The War Graves Commission commemorates the 1,700,000 men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the two world wars.

Simon said: “It was a very humbling experience to visit the graves of soldiers from all over the world as we mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War and I would pay tribute to the cemetery staff who work hard to keep the headstones in good condition.

“The Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries, burial plots and memorials are a lasting tribute to those who died in some 153 countries across the world and help to make sure we never forget the great debt we owe to those who sacrificed so much on our behalf.”

The MP has undertaken a number of initiatives to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War, including launching a poppy planting project and calling for a statue of Henry Allingham in Whitehall.

Local businesses rally to support Rainbow Flag project

Posted on 01/08/201415/08/2014 by Besi

Following an appeal for artists to paint the hoardings outside Tesco in St James’s Street for Pride, local businesses have donated money to help pay for the project.

Community activist Chris Cooke is one of the LGBT Reps for small community groups at Community Works and also the chair of Kemptown in Bloom. After extensive discussions he was able to persuade Tesco, Hyde Housing (project manager) and the building contractors Bouygues UK, to turn the hoardings outside Tesco into a huge rainbow flag for pride.

Hizze Fletcher from Thirteen Art Productions offered to project manage the installation, which will include contributions by established local artists including Lez, Paula Sigley, Bambi Brown, Briony Howell and Romany Mark Bruce, the sculptor of the AIDS Memorial in New Steine Gardens. A team of artists from Trans*Pride are also painting the Trans*Flag outside Superdrug.

Chris Cooke said: “The project has caught the imagination of people shopping on St James’s Street who have been stopping, chatting and congratulating the artists, who are all donating their time for free. This is a real community effort and thank you to the local businesses for paying the costs of the materials. I would also like to thank City Clean who I telephoned yesterday and who sent along a team to clean up the street and area ready for the artists to start their work this morning.”

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said: “I would congratulate all the artists on creating such a fantastic installation for Pride so quickly. For many people, Pride is the biggest community event of the year in our area and it is great that a number of businesses and residents have come together to get involved with this initiative, which will enhance the local environment.”

The following business have all made donations:

• A-Bar

• Avalon Hotel

• Bar Revenge

• Bar Broadway

• Bulldog

• Betty La La’s

• Camelford Arms

• Charles Street

• Doggy Fashion

• Ellis Collins

• Gelato de Luca

• Gregory’s Cafe

• Gscene Magazine

• Marine Tavern

• Legends

• Neighbourhood

• New Steine Hotel

• Poison Ivy

• Queen’s Arms

• Revenge

• Royal Oak

* The Zone

If you would like to contribute toward the cost of the installation, EMAIL:

Green MP calls for renewed push against ‘unscientific’ discriminatory blood donor rules

Posted on 01/08/201404/08/2014 by Besi

This Brighton Pride weekend, Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, will call for a ban on discrimination preventing gay men from giving blood.

Caroline, who will be attending the annual festival on Saturday, said: “I am incredibly proud to be an MP for a city that is known for being one of the most celebrated and progressive LGBTIQ cities not just in the country, but in the world.

“We have a great deal to celebrate this Pride. We stood up for the freedom to marry and now, at long last, we have that freedom. But other freedoms still elude us.”

“I’m proud to stand up for an end to the discriminatory restrictions on gay men donating blood.

“Not that long ago the rules were improved, but it’s still the case that gay men are discriminated against and it prevents gay men from giving others the freedom to live.

“This Pride, I hope you’ll join me in calling for a ban on discrimination preventing gay men giving blood.”

While the blanket ban on gay men giving blood has lifted, they are not allowed to give blood if they’ve been sexually active in the last 12 months. That restriction doesn’t apply if you are straight.

So if you are a monogamous gay man in a stable long term relationship, you face tighter restrictions than a straight man or woman who may have had unprotected sex with multiple partners.

To sign the petition for equal blood donor rules, CLICK HERE:

Caroline added: “The current rules are not backed by the scientific evidence, which supports a six month window before donating blood after a possible risk – for all donors regardless of sexual orientation – on the basis that tests for HIV and Hepatitis C can detect infection within that time.

“I have long lobbied Parliament for a change to these laws and will continue to campaign for the government to offer more opportunities for blood screening and ensure the increased supplies of safe blood our health service so urgently needs.”

In December 2010 Caroline co-sponsored a parliamentary motion urging Ministers to end the lifetime ban on gay men giving blood. The 2011 12-month compromise, while still discriminatory, was a step in the right direction following many years of inaction under the previous Labour Government. Leading Labour politicians Ed Miliband and Ed Balls admitted they didn’t do enough, while Labour’s shadow health secretary Andy Burnham wants the ban to remain in place.

This autumn, Caroline will table a new Parliamentary motion calling for full equality in blood donation and abolishing the 12 month deferral rule for gay men.

To view Caroline’s Pride video message, CLICK HERE:

Former police chief to stand for Conservatives in Hove

Posted on 01/08/201405/08/2014 by Sarah Green

Hove and Portslade Conservatives have selected a local man, Graham Cox, as their Parliamentary candidate for 2015.

Graham Cox, 52, was born in Portslade and has lived and worked in Hove for most of his life. He is the serving local Councillor for Westbourne Ward on Brighton and Hove City Council, having won the seat in a closely fought by-election in 2011.

Prior to entering local politics Graham was well known as the last Superintendent in charge of Hove Police Division before its merger with Brighton. He went on to establish the Sussex Police Major Crime Unit, overseeing all investigations into murders and organised crime in the county. As a Detective Chief Superintendent, he led Sussex CID for three years before transferring to the Home Office to lead the introduction of the national police intelligence system across the country.

Graham is the Conservative opposition spokesman for transport on the City Council and has gained a reputation as a respected councillor who speaks out persuasively on behalf of residents.

He said: “I am delighted to have been selected by Hove and Portslade Conservatives. To be chosen to stand for Parliament for my home town is a great honour. I aim to build on all the hard work done by Mike Weatherley, and ensure Hove continues to be represented by a Conservative in the next Parliament.

“I would like to thank all those who have sent their best wishes, including many political opponents, and look forward to a positive campaign which can do Hove proud.”

Away from the council chamber he digs his allotment in order to relax and occasionally successfully grows some vegetables. He is a keen supporter of Brighton and Hove and Sussex County cricket clubs and a season ticket holder at the Amex Stadium.

Linda Freedman, Chairman of the Brighton and Hove Conservatives, said: “We are thrilled to have Graham Cox representing us as our Parliamentary Candidate for 2015. Graham has many qualities and is respected by all parties and all backgrounds as can be evidenced by his vast number of Twitter followers. He is a very hardworking councillor and those skills will serve him well in the wider constituency.”

Peter Kyle, the Labour parliamentary candidate for Hove and Portslade, said: “Well done to Graham Cox on his selection. As the longest serving parliamentary candidate from a mainstream party in Hove and Portslade I know what a privilege it is.

“I fear this selection is a problem for David Cameron, however. It’s almost ironic that during Pride Week when our city showcases its diversity to the world the Tories present three straight white men in their fifties as the face of their parliamentary campaigns across our city.”

Mike Weatherely, MP for Hove & Portslade, said: “Following my recent announcement that I will not be standing for re-election in 2015, I am absolutely delighted to introduce the new Conservative candidate for Hove and Portslade, Cllr Graham Cox. Graham was selected last week by local members of our association and I know that he will make a fantastic candidate.”

Conservative Party Vice-Chairman to attend Brighton Pride

Posted on 01/08/201403/08/2014 by Sarah Green

Mike Freer MP, Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party with responsibility for Equalities, will be joining Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, at this year’s Pride celebrations.

Mike Freer MP, Conservative Party Vice Chairman

The Kemptown MP will again be marching in the Pride Parade this year. Last night he attended the raising of the Pride Flag in New Steine Gardens to signal the start of the Pride festivities.

He said: “Mike is an another strong champion for the LGBT community in Parliament and it will be great to welcome him to Brighton Pride, which promises to be a fantastic event again this year.”

Mike, who is the MP for Finchley and Golders Green, added: “I am looking forward to coming down to Brighton for Pride this year. The LGBT community in Brighton is lucky to have such a vocal supporter in Simon and, working alongside him, I was pleased to play a role in passing the Equal Marriage Act onto the statute book, allowing LGBT people to marry.”

Pixie Lott joins Manchester Pride line-up

Posted on 01/08/201403/08/2014 by Besi

The triple-Platinum princess of pop, Pixie is the latest headline act to be announced for the festival’s Big Weekend, joining All Saints, Conchita Wurst and Anastacia.

Pixie will be joining Eurovision phenomenon Conchita Wurst, All Saints and international pop sensation Anastacia.

Mark Fletcher, Chief Executive of Manchester Pride, said: “We’re really pleased to be welcoming Pixie Lott back to Manchester and we’re sure her performance will wow the crowds once again.

“Pixie is joining a stellar line-up for 2014 and we’re excited to see all of our performers. This is one of the strongest entertainment lineups that Manchester Pride has ever seen, with local, national and international acts from an array of musical styles, including pop, dance, folk and rock. We’re already feeling the love for this year’s Pride line-up, with so much buzz already building in the run up to the Big Weekend.”

Blonde bombshell, Amelia Lily, will also make a return to the city for a Big Weekend performance, joining fellow former X Factor contestants Marcus Collins and Lucy Spraggan.

MOBO award-winning R&B and hip hop music group Big Brovaz and female dance duo Booty Luv complete the latest artist announcement from Manchester Pride.

The Big Weekend, starts on Friday, August 22, runs until Monday the 25th, and sees the return of the popular Gaydio Dance Arena, which welcomed 22,000 visitors in 2013.

Jodie Harsh will set the Dance Arena alight with her big party tunes including international hit ‘The Night’ , featuring Mel C.

Also performing in the arena are DJs including Kidnap Kid, TCTS and Krystal Klear. The winner of the Manchester Pride DJ competition, chosen by Seamus Haji, will also play.

Big Weekend tickets are currently priced at £22 for a weekend ticket; day tickets are also on sale and start at £12.50. Children’s day and weekend tickets are now on sale too. A Big Weekend ticket provides guests with access to the event site, including the Main Arena, Sackville Gardens, the Gaydio Dance Arena and Expo, plus it helps Manchester Pride raise money for LGBT and HIV charities and organisations in Greater Manchester.

To purchase tickets online, CLICK HERE:

Where to get your pledgebands for Pride Village Street Party

Posted on 01/08/201403/08/2014 by Graham Robson

Pledgebands are now available for entry to the Pride Village Street Party from supporting venues and outlets listed below.

Organisers recommend that you purchase your Pledgeband in advance to avoid queues on the day.

Pledgebands will required for entry to the secure zone (see map) during village party hours and to purchase alcohol in venues and outlets on Saturday, August 2, from 4 p.m. to 12.30 a.m. and Sunday, August 3, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

No alcohol can be brought into the secure zone during Village Party hours.

Participating venues who are signed up to support the Street Party and only sell alcohol to people with Pledgebands include:

1. The Marlborough: website
2. Izzy Café: website
3. The Queen’s Arms: website
4. The King’s Arms: website
5. Betty LaLa: website
6. The Bulldog: website
7. The Zone: website
8. The Ranelagh: website
9. Royal Oak: website
10. Acorn (formerly Cornells)
11. Black Dove: website
12. Brighton Rocks: website
14. Neighbourhood: website
15. The St James: website
17. Marine Tavern: website
18. Café Bella: website
19. Mucky Duck: website
20. Poison Ivy: website
21. Subline: website
22. Bar Broadway(formerly Three in Ten)
23. Bar Revenge: website
24. Latest Music Bar: website
25. Charles Street: website
PRIDE WELCOME CENTRE (upstairs at Envy): website
26. Audio: website
27. A-Bar: website
28. Funky Fish/New Madeira Hotel: website
29. Legends: website
30. ThewitchEZ: website

You may also purchase them through the Pride website and collect from the Pride Welcome Centre (see here for opening times) or box office INSIDE Preston Park on Saturday, August 2.

For more information about Village Street Party click here

For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), click here

PREVIEW: Botchit & Scarper ‘Push Play’ for Sonia

Posted on 01/08/201403/08/2014 by Besi

Top names from the world of beats and bass music have donated an exclusive track to the double CD compilation album Push Play in support of the leukaemia charity the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust.

The compilation has been inspired by the untimely passing of Sonia Akow, a DJ, label A&R and PR associate, who was immersed in the scene until she died a year ago. Sonia was diagnosed with leukaemia in November 2012, and a plea was put out for a bone marrow donor. The beats and bass scene united to stage a benefit gig in March 2013, raising nearly £15,000 for various leukaemia charities, but sadly Sonia lost her fight for life on July 3 last year.

Released on August 25, the 25-track collection includes: the Ragga Twins with Aquasky, Deekline, the Freestylers, Atomic Hooligan, T-Power, Pyramid, Jay Cunning, Ben and Lex, the Moody Boyz, Rennie Pilgrem and Lawgiverz.

To pre-order the album for £7.99, CLICK HERE:

Curtain rises on Bar Broadway this evening

Posted on 01/08/201403/08/2014 by Besi

Brighton’s newest gay showbar opens its doors this evening, Friday August 1, with a weekend full of entertainment.

Bar Broadway offers premium drinks, cocktails, and musicals shown on gilded screens, with something bound to suit everyone’s taste.

With Peroni, Estrella, Kozel and Rekorderlig on draught, Bar Broadway aims to offer Kemptown something a little bit different, a little bit special and, most importantly, very original.

Opening night sees YouTube sensation and Royal Vauxhall Tavern resident Charlie Hides on stage in the theatre upstairs. Entry is free, but capacity upstairs is restricted, so get there early to make sure you can get in. The performance starts at 9 p.m.

On Saturday and Sunday, Steine Street will be transformed into a Benidorm Street Party, as the Broadway DJs take a trip back to the eighties and nineties, bringing back those holiday memories.

Spanish drinks and Spanish flags will indicate the Pride Village Party has really started, not to mention a couple of native Spanish bar-staff flying in from the Costa Blanca just to add to the authenticity.

When the Benidorm Street Party ends on Sunday night at 8 p.m., Denise Black will host the inaugural ‘Hazel’s Karaoke’ inside the bar.

The Brighton-based actress, best known as the karaoke queen and rainbow flag-flying mother Hazel Tyler in Queer As Folk, not to mention Coronation Street’s siren hairdresser Denise Osbourne, is soon to be seen in the ITV smash hit comedy Benidorm.

This will be your chance to shine and party your socks off!

Maybe even sing a duet with Hazel?

Entry is free, but collections will be made for The Rainbow Fund, so please give generously.

Bar Broadway is open from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Pride Friday and from noon to 4 a.m. on Pride Saturday and Sunday.

What: Bar Broadway

Where: 10 Steine Street, Brighton, Telephone: 01273 609777

Opening hours: Sun – Thurs 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri/Sat 4 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Call us now

Day: August 1, 2014

Kemptown MP visits Commonwealth war graves in Brighton

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, today accompanied representatives of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on a visit to Brighton City Cemetery on Bear Road in Moulsecoomb, to pay his respects to the hundreds of soldiers from all over the world who are buried there.

Local businesses rally to support Rainbow Flag project

Following an appeal for artists to paint the hoardings outside Tesco in St James’s Street for Pride, local businesses have donated money to help pay for the project.

Green MP calls for renewed push against ‘unscientific’ discriminatory blood donor rules

This Brighton Pride weekend, Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, will call for a ban on discrimination preventing gay men from giving blood.

Former police chief to stand for Conservatives in Hove

Hove and Portslade Conservatives have selected a local man, Graham Cox, as their Parliamentary candidate for 2015.

Conservative Party Vice-Chairman to attend Brighton Pride

Mike Freer MP, Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party with responsibility for Equalities, will be joining Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, at this year’s Pride celebrations.

Pixie Lott joins Manchester Pride line-up

The triple-Platinum princess of pop, Pixie is the latest headline act to be announced for the festival’s Big Weekend, joining All Saints, Conchita Wurst and Anastacia.

Where to get your pledgebands for Pride Village Street Party

Pledgebands are now available for entry to the Pride Village Street Party from supporting venues and outlets listed below.

PREVIEW: Botchit & Scarper ‘Push Play’ for Sonia

Top names from the world of beats and bass music have donated an exclusive track to the double CD compilation album Push Play in support of the leukaemia charity the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust.

Curtain rises on Bar Broadway this evening

Brighton’s newest gay showbar opens its doors this evening, Friday August 1, with a weekend full of entertainment.

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Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, today accompanied representatives of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on a visit to Brighton City Cemetery on Bear Road in Moulsecoomb, to pay his respects to the hundreds of soldiers from all over the world who are buried there.

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Following an appeal for artists to paint the hoardings outside Tesco in St James’s Street for Pride, local businesses have donated money to help pay for the project.

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This Brighton Pride weekend, Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, will call for a ban on discrimination preventing gay men from giving blood.

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Hove and Portslade Conservatives have selected a local man, Graham Cox, as their Parliamentary candidate for 2015.

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Mike Freer MP, Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party with responsibility for Equalities, will be joining Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, at this year’s Pride celebrations.

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The triple-Platinum princess of pop, Pixie is the latest headline act to be announced for the festival’s Big Weekend, joining All Saints, Conchita Wurst and Anastacia.

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Pledgebands are now available for entry to the Pride Village Street Party from supporting venues and outlets listed below.

Share this:

Top names from the world of beats and bass music have donated an exclusive track to the double CD compilation album Push Play in support of the leukaemia charity the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust.

Share this:

Brighton’s newest gay showbar opens its doors this evening, Friday August 1, with a weekend full of entertainment.

Share this:

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