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

Looking to adopt?

Posted on 28/08/2014 by Besi

PACT adopters to share their stories at coming information events.

PACT adopters will share their stories at upcoming information events in Oxford, London and Brighton in a bid to help find more loving homes for some of the 4,550 children waiting to be matched with new adoptive families.

Parents And Children Together (PACT) assesses, approves and supports people as adopters and dual approved carers across London and the South.

Information events are being held for those thinking about adopting or becoming dual approved and offering a loving home to children who aren’t able to return home to their birth family.

PACT adopters Jacek and Andrzej, who adopted two brothers last year, will be speaking at an event at PACT’s new Brighton office on October 1.

Jacek said: “Andrzej and I adopted two brothers through PACT last year, it was a dream come true to become dads and family life ever since has been filled with love, joy and laughter.

“PACT has been supportive throughout our journey and we are pleased they are coming to Brighton with a new office to help more families to choose adoption.”

PACT’s IAAM Manager Amanda Davies will also be at the events to talk about some of the children waiting to be adopted, and the support available from PACT’s therapeutic services.

Forthcoming PACT Adoption and Dual Approval Information evenings include:

Thursday 9th September, 7pm – 8.30pm, PACT Oxford, Watlington Road, OX4 6BZ

Monday 22nd September, 6.30pm – 8pm, St Saviour’s Church, Pimlico, SW1V 3QW

Wednesday 1st October, 6.30pm – 8pm, PACT Brighton, Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG

Thursday 23rd October, 6.30pm – 8pm, CAN Mezzanine, 49-51 East Road, London, N1 6AH

Thursday 6th November, 7pm – 8.30pm, PACT Oxford, Watlington Road, OX4 6BZ

For full event details and to register your interest in attending, CLICK HERE:

Or telephone 0300 456 4800.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Elly Barnes to open family-themed Herts Pride

Posted on 28/08/2014 by Besi

Elly Barnes, CEO and founder of Educate and Celebrate will open Herts Pride 2014 under the theme We Are Family on Saturday, August 30 at Cassiobury Park, Watford.

This year over 20 acts are due to appear on the various stages including the main stage, cabaret tent as well as in the wellbeing and market zones. Organisers say they are putting on an event that all the family can enjoy!

The event starts at 11am and Elly will be welcoming attendees and opening the festivities.

Elly said: “I’m very excited to officially open Herts Pride, it’s a complete pleasure and a great honour! I wholeheartedly believe that Pride events are incredibly important in keeping our journey to equality in people’s conscientiousness, to change hearts and minds and challenge the ongoing discrimination many LGBT people face. Pride is an opportunity to celebrate but also a fantastic opportunity to educate about how we can create a prejudice-free society.

“I am extremely proud that Educate and Celebrate has had a major presence at so many UK Pride events this year including Birmingham, London, Essex, Suffolk and Norwich. When we attend Prides we participate in all aspects: we march with teachers and students, meet with the crowds, distribute free resources, discuss current issues facing the LGBT community on panel debates and educate people from the main stage. Local press coverage also ensures positive visibility of LGBT people such as ITV coverage of Norwich Pride”

Herts Pride organiser Tyson Martin added: “The Hertfordshire Pride Society is a group of friendly, passionate, creative volunteers from the local lesbian, gay men, bisexual and trans community and their straight allies who organise an annual Pride event in Hertfordshire “Herts Pride”. Our theme for Herts Pride 2014 is “We are Family” a celebration of diverse families, same sex marriage, civil partnerships, relationships and friendships.

“Herts Pride is proud to have Elly Barnes opening our event we believe that it is important that our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans and straight ally youth feel empowered to find their places in the world, in their families, and in their communities.”

Thousands attended the first Herts Pride in Watford in 2013 and the organisers are expecting a big turnout again this year.

People attending the event can find the Educate and Celebrate stall in the ‘Market Zone’ and come and speak to representatives about how they can make their schools, colleges and workplace LGBT-friendly.

For further details, CLICK HERE:

Herts Pride is a family fun day event in Hertfordshire that aims to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit, through raising awareness of discrimination on age, disability, race, religion and belief, and in particular the elimination of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Herts Pride main event is free but there are three types of wristbands available if you want to access the Cabaret Marquee and licensed bar areas:

• Cabaret Marquee £5 online in advance £10 on the day

• Load of Hay in the Park Access All Areas £20 online (not on sale on the day)

• VIP Wristband £10 in advance online £15 on the day

For details of the free entertainmenton offer from 11am-9pm, CLICK HERE:

From Broadway to Brighton

Posted on 28/08/2014 by Besi

With homage to Oscar and Centre Stage!

After a quick refit, Bar Broadway threw open its doors on the eve of Pride 2014 with the promise of bringing something ‘completely different’ to the Brighton commercial gay scene.

Business partners Alasdair Jarvie and Michael McGarrigle have joined forces to open Brighton’s only gay bar dedicated to the movies, musicals and all things camp. The concept is very simple, premium drinks, friendly staff, glamorous surroundings and singalongs with a live piano player which all creates a great social atmosphere for people of all ages.

The venue has been decorated very tastefully with plenty of high stools around the bar to sit and view the showclips on the TV screens, listen to the live piano player or watch the entertainment.

Even when the TV screens are on, sound levels aren’t too high and you can still chat and socialise. Michael says, “if you can visualise something like Centre Stage in the Canary Islands, or Oscars on Canal Street in Manchester, it’s that type of bar.”

Michael who formerly owned Oscars has worked as a costume supervisor and buyer in TV and film for the last 30 years, working most recently on Benidorm. His other credits include DCI Banks, Whitechapel, Prisoners Wives and the Syndicate. Over the years he has worked with A list stars including Laurence Olivier, Paul McCartney, Sean Connery and Joan Collins to mention just a few and is good mates with Brighton based actress Denise Black who hosted the karaoke evening at Bar Broadway on Pride weekend.

Alasdair comes from a computer product planning and finance background at Intel Corporation. He loves writing and his play Someone Borrowed, Someones Blue – The Musical won the 3MT best comedy play award at Manchester Pride in 2013. Bar Broadway allows him to combine the two passions of his life, musicals and beer.

He started and ran his own theatre company in Manchester in 2010 with Jayne Marshall called the New Attitude Theatre Company producing eleven different productions in that period, and are planning to bring some of the productions to Brighton starting with Life In A Bubble this December.

The theatre above Bar Broadway will continue as a theatre space called Other Place at Bar Broadway.

Every Monday at 8.30pm is the Big Showbiz Quiz with weekly prizes and a rolling cash jackpot. The Fireplace Sessions every Tuesday from 9pm feature live music, comedy and cabaret. The inimitable Trudy Styles hosts Name That Show Tune with the Piano man every Wednesday from 7pm and Tabitha hosts the Open Mic night on Thursday from 9pm. Every Friday and Saturday it’s easy listening from 4-8pm, then modern musical clips on the TV screens from 8-11pm finishing with the Broadway Jukebox from 11pm-3am. Every Sunday a live pianist brings you the Sound of Broadway from 5pm.

Happy hour is all day Monday and Tuesday and 4-8pm on all other days with bottles of fine wine from Matthew Clarke at £11, Budvar at £3.50 and Tuacca at £2.

Already word from the cocktail circuit crowd is that Bar Broadway is different and offers the more mature customer a great night out with a camp twist.

You’ll find Bar Broadway tucked away at 10 Steine Street around the corner from Subline and Poison Ivy.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Warwick Rowers march at Manchester Pride

Posted on 28/08/201428/08/2014 by Besi

Matt and Laurence, two of the stars of the Warwick Rowers calendar, joined Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton at Manchester Pride last weekend to raise awareness of their new charity Sports Allies.

The charity is being set up to fight homophobia through sport.

Over the last five years the naked oarsmen of the Warwick Rowers calendars have grown dramatically in popularity. The team did their first calendar in 2009 to raise money for the rowing club and now sell their products across the world, raising money for their new charity initiative Sport Allies as well.

Angus Malcolm, photographer and producer of the Warwick Rowers calendar, said: “We had a great time at the event – the LGBT community are fantastic supporters of the boys and we wanted them to know more about our ambitions for the charity.”

Sport Allies was launched in February this year and has already won the backing of top professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY).

The aim of the charity is to create a world where all young people can access sport as an opportunity to define, develop and express themselves without fear of prejudice.

In April, leaders from 17 university sports groups across the UK attended a summit in London to plan the development of the Sport Allies outreach programme.

Antony Cotton, who is a long-time supporter of the calendar and the charity, said: “This is an amazing initiative, because it’s really important to tackle homophobia in sport. I’m proud to call the Sport Allies my friends.”

The Warwick Rowers have launched a crowdfunder campaign to make 2015 another record-breaking year and raise even more money for charity. There are crowdfunder options for every pocket – from £10 for a digital download of the new calendar up to £400 for the opportunity to meet the boys in person at a live calendar shoot!

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Access facilities first class!

Posted on 25/08/2014 by Contributor

I would like to thank the Pride Access team for the services they provided at Preston Park this year which were first class.

The assistance offered at the dedicated Access tent, together with the ability to recharge my scooter battery enabled me to leave the scooter charging in a safe area while I was able to wander around the park with my stick, makeing it a stress free and enjoyable pride. The provision of the dedicated toilet cubicles for our use was another great and welcome idea.

So was the idea of the Lunch Positive Community Café. I was very happy to make use of the café knowing that what we paid for our meal was going towards charity. Unfortunately, I understand they had experienced some difficulties with the food preparation/delivery to the park so there was only curry which I am unable to eat. I did have a cake and coffee which was very nice. Friends with me did have the curry and they told me it was very good.

Well done to everyone involved and a very big thank you from me.

Jeff and Paul, High Street, Brighton.

It’s what pride should be about!

Posted on 25/08/2014 by Contributor

I would like to say a big thank you to the Pride Access volunteers for helping me get to this years Pride.

Because of major health problems I was not going to go, due to problems getting into the park and the need to access a toilet urgently.

Pride Access volunteers sorted both problems out, I got into the park through the disabled entry and was given access to the disabled toilets and cleaning area.

I had a great day with no problems at all as I could plan ahead making sure I was near the access tent and facilities on a regular basis.

Your efforts made a massive difference to disabled people who otherwise would be excluded from the event.

It’s what pride should be about, including everyone.

Robert, Hove

Thank you for caring

Posted on 25/08/2014 by Contributor

I attended the Pride Parade and event at Preston Park – and had a wonderful time.

Access Tent

I am writing to thank the Pride Volunteers who assisted me on the day.

I have a non-visible disability – and am not registered disabled, as such. On the day, I found the queues quite a challenge for the toilet facilities. I approached your Volunteers at the Disability tent to ask if it would be possible to utilise the facilities there. As I was not keen to discuss the personal nature of my disability and having been informed that there was a requirement to pre-register as ‘disabled’ to avail of the services provided to those with disabilities, I, somewhat reluctantly disclosed the personal nature of my disability to one of your Volunteers.

An extremely helpful and very sensitive lady called Sam listened attentively and immediately set about seeking permission to allow me to use the facilities. Furthermore she organised a wristband so that I did not have to go through the embarrassment or repeat of the exercise at later points in the day.

I appreciate fully that at events such as these, measures must be in place to afford priority to those with disabilities, but I wanted to write to extend my warmest thanks to Sam, and the team there on the day – both for their flexibility but moreover for their sensitivity and kindness. I was only able to stay at the event and really enjoy the day as a direct result of Sam’s actions.

Well done to the Pride organisers for their expert training of Volunteers. As a result of this action – I would like to make a financial donation to the Pride fund for next year if you could advise to whom a cheque should be made payable and to where it should be sent.

With my warmest regards and very best wishes.

Sean, Hove

‘Wir Geben ‘ne Party’ – Eurovision club night tomorrow

Posted on 22/08/201422/08/2014 by Besi

40 years ago Abba, the most successful Eurovision act to date, won the contest with their timeless classic Waterloo.

That historic Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 took place at the Dome in Brighton. Meanwhile, in a small delivery room some 80 miles away in Colchester, James Brett’s mother was giving birth to twins!

On that basis you could say that James and his brother had Eurovision in their blood from the day they were born!

James says: “My first memory of watching a full Eurovision Song Contest was back in 1985. A particularly memorable year for a young boy, featuring the first Norwegian win and a comedic host who controversially lost her skirt just before the voting!

What a Euro-bouncer of a winner emerged! The duo Bobbysocks sang ‘La Det Swinge’ and skipped their way into the Eurovision history books with their sparkly ‘Pink Ladies’ 50s outfits.

James continued: “Having trained in drama and dance, I starred in a show of Eurovision Parodies as Brotherhood of Man at the Empire Theatre in Southend on Sea! Though I feel I may have taken it far too seriously, correcting the other actors on their dance routine.

“In my twenties I worked for an Essex-based printer and produced a publication called ‘Eurovision Newspages’ for a group of fans, with quizzes, competitions, interviews and lots of geeky anorak info.

“Taking to the decks, I held the infamous ‘Eurofreak’ Club Nights at Hush Bar in Southend on bank holidays. With Eurovision previews of the upcoming songs, quizzes — and my friend Lynne making Eurovision badges too — we had a blast!

“In 2012 I created the website ‘Eurovision Central’. It is a fan site that covers the latest news and follows many artists who have appeared in the contest over the years, such as Bonnie Tyler, Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Lulu. With four major contributors and a great designer it now reaches 50 countries worldwide.

“Due to the success of Eurovision Central I was granted press accreditation to the 2014 contest in Copenhagen and was able to experience the buzz of the live contest from behind the scenes!

“Meeting the fabulous and extremely witty Conchita Wurst in London at the preview party was a real honour. What a great ambassador she has become! I also starred in Molly’s postcard to the UK’s song in a fetching blue pack-a-mac! A great afternoon’s filming with the Danish producers that was, in the BBC car park!

“So, I may be a little obsessed by this camp, comedic song-a-thon but if it brings fellow fans together for a great fun night out at ‘Wir Geben ‘ne Party’ I’m all for it!

“As Bobbysox sang back in 1985…’La Det Swinge’!”

DJs on the night spinning top Euro classics will include Mr Darcy and Kris & Dom. The final set will be from DJ Marcia, runner-up in the Golden Handbag Favourite DJ category. All profits from the evening will go the Rainbow Fund, which awards grants to LGBT/HIV organisations providing effective front-line services to the LGBT/HIV community in Brighton and Hove.

What: ‘Wir Geben ‘ne Party’ – Eurovision club night!

Where: Latest MusicBar, Manchester Street, Brighton

When: Bank holiday Saturday, 23 August

Time: 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Ticket: Advanced £5; £6 on the night

To book online: CLICK HERE:

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Free travel for Manchester Pride goers

Posted on 21/08/201421/08/2014 by Besi

To show its love for the city, Manchester Metrolink is offering Pride wristband holders free travel around the city centre in support of the bank holiday event.

Operating from the first tram on Friday morning, August 22 to the last service on Monday night, August 25, all wristband wearers will be able to hop on board free of charge.

Participating ‘City Zone’ stops, including Deansgate-Castlefield, St Peter’s Square, Market Street, Shudehill, Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly, will be highlighted by the pink heart logo.

Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director, Peter Cushing said: “Here at Metrolink, we fully support the LGBT community, and our offer of free travel will hopefully allow people to enjoy their time in Manchester and travel safely throughout the city during the event. It will also connect many of the city centre hotels, so will be beneficial for the influx of visitors we’ll welcome to Manchester during the festival.”

Equal age of consent pioneer to march at Manchester Pride

Posted on 21/08/2014 by Besi

Edwina Currie, the former MP who campaigned for an equal age of consent at 16, will lead the Conservative Party’s LGBT group in this Saturday’s Manchester Pride parade.

This year, 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the Criminal Justice Act, the first successful attempt to improve the law on homosexuality since it was decriminalised in 1967. Currie, a Conservative MP, proposed the equalisation of the age of consent at 16. Her all-party amendment split both the Labour and Conservative Parties and was defeated by a narrow margin, though the age was lowered to 18.

Following years of campaigning an equal age of consent was eventually achieved in 2000.

Edwina, said: “I’m so glad we achieved equality. The old law anachronistically “protected” gay men up to the age of 21, but it was ludicrous that they could join the army, vote and drink alcohol all before they could legally have a partner.

“I’m pleased to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of my amendment at Manchester Pride. We will be out there showing Conservatives not only believe in equality, but fight for it!”

LGBTory Chairman, Colm Howard-Lloyd, added: “I am delighted that Edwina, a pioneer of equality, will be leading the parade. I remember campaigning with groups such as Stonewall outside parliament in the late 90s for an equal age of consent and it’s great to be marking the 20th anniversary of the start of this battle with the women who kicked it all off!

“There is a popular myth that Conservative politicians’ interest in equality began and ended when we delivered equal marriage. Edwina’s fight against opposition from all parties shows how wrong that is.”

Call us now

Month: August 2014

Looking to adopt?

PACT adopters to share their stories at coming information events.

Elly Barnes to open family-themed Herts Pride

Elly Barnes, CEO and founder of Educate and Celebrate will open Herts Pride 2014 under the theme We Are Family on Saturday, August 30 at Cassiobury Park, Watford.

From Broadway to Brighton

With homage to Oscar and Centre Stage!

Warwick Rowers march at Manchester Pride

Matt and Laurence, two of the stars of the Warwick Rowers calendar, joined Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton at Manchester Pride last weekend to raise awareness of their new charity Sports Allies.

Access facilities first class!

I would like to thank the Pride Access team for the services they provided at Preston Park this year which were first class.

It’s what pride should be about!

I would like to say a big thank you to the Pride Access volunteers for helping me get to this years Pride.

Thank you for caring

I attended the Pride Parade and event at Preston Park – and had a wonderful time.

‘Wir Geben ‘ne Party’ – Eurovision club night tomorrow

40 years ago Abba, the most successful Eurovision act to date, won the contest with their timeless classic Waterloo.

Free travel for Manchester Pride goers

To show its love for the city, Manchester Metrolink is offering Pride wristband holders free travel around the city centre in support of the bank holiday event.

Equal age of consent pioneer to march at Manchester Pride

Edwina Currie, the former MP who campaigned for an equal age of consent at 16, will lead the Conservative Party’s LGBT group in this Saturday’s Manchester Pride parade.

Latest News

Call us now

PACT adopters to share their stories at coming information events.

Share this:

Elly Barnes, CEO and founder of Educate and Celebrate will open Herts Pride 2014 under the theme We Are Family on Saturday, August 30 at Cassiobury Park, Watford.

Share this:

With homage to Oscar and Centre Stage!

Share this:

Matt and Laurence, two of the stars of the Warwick Rowers calendar, joined Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton at Manchester Pride last weekend to raise awareness of their new charity Sports Allies.

Share this:

I would like to thank the Pride Access team for the services they provided at Preston Park this year which were first class.

Share this:

I would like to say a big thank you to the Pride Access volunteers for helping me get to this years Pride.

Share this:

I attended the Pride Parade and event at Preston Park – and had a wonderful time.

Share this:

40 years ago Abba, the most successful Eurovision act to date, won the contest with their timeless classic Waterloo.

Share this:

To show its love for the city, Manchester Metrolink is offering Pride wristband holders free travel around the city centre in support of the bank holiday event.

Share this:

Edwina Currie, the former MP who campaigned for an equal age of consent at 16, will lead the Conservative Party’s LGBT group in this Saturday’s Manchester Pride parade.

Share this:

Latest News