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New LGBTQ Church in the ‘Gay Village’

The Village Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), led by Reverend Michael Hydes, is a new church rooted in the LGBTQ communities and founded to primarily serve the LGBTQ communities.

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THE FIRST public worship service is at 6pm on February 1, 2015, at the Somerset Day Centre, Kemptown, Brighton, (free parking at the rear of the building).

Rev Michael Hydes
Rev Michael Hydes

Rev Michael Hydes, said: “We are a Christian church preaching a radically inclusive Gospel message, where people of all denominations (or indeed none) are most welcome to join us. Whatever your sexuality or gender expression come and celebrate with us in worship, make new friends, join in social events, and support community projects.”

For further information just turn up on any Sunday at 6pm!


Event: LGBTQ Church Community Service

Where: Somerset Day Centre, 62 Saint James’s Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1PR

When: Sunday, February 1

Time: 6pm

 

Gay American pastor to talk at Brighthelm

The Phoenix Faith Community are hosting a book reading and discussion tomorrow with Rev Glenna Tillery Shepherd who is visiting from America.

Phoenix Faith CommunityRev Shepherd is an openly gay pastor from the United Church of Christ in the US.  She will be reading from her new book called Out on a Limb at the Brighthelm Centre in central Brighton, tomorrow, January 27 from 7-8.30pm.

The event is free and her book will be on sale for those who would like to purchase a copy.

Glenna is an amazing speaker with “insight” into Biblical issues. She is “radical and progressive” in her approach to speaking and reaches out to those who have been left on the margins of society.

The event takes place in the Pelham Room and everyone is invited to attend.


Event: Book reading and discussion with Rev Glenna Tillery Shepherd

Where: The Pelham Room, Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton BN1 1YD

When: Tuesday, January 27

Time: 7pm-8.30pm

Cost: Free event

 

‘Out and Proud’ Ball returns to Worthing in March

Following last years successful first Out and Proud Ball, organisers have announced the 2015 event will be on Saturday, March 7 at Field Place in Worthing.

Out & Proud Ball

FOUR UNIQUE CABARET stars are now confirmed and the stage is set for a fabulous evening, cheekier and more risqué than ever!

Paul Roberts
Paul Roberts

Back by popular demand is the multi-talented singer, entertainer and compere, Paul Roberts who will be introducing the acts, performing classic songs, and holding the evening together with his own unique style of panache and unforgettable humour!  Paul is a former vocalist with the Stranglers who he recorded 30 albums and as many singles with and he is considered one of the rising stars of swing and big band music. In the summer of 2009 he received a stack of rave reviews and unanimous critical praise for his leading role in the Toby Cruse production of The Great American Songbook in London.

Paul will be joined by three exotic burlesque acts who will tease, tantalise and entertain you all evening.

Jolie Papillon
Jolie Papillon

The first is Jolie Papillon who was nominated Best Burlesque Act at the London Cabaret Awards, 2014. Jolie one of  Europe’s most highly skilled burlesque stars is an exquisite dancer, choreographer and model. She trained in dance and singing at one of Italy’s top theatre academy’s before making her mark on the glamorous world of burlesque. Jolie is a headlining star of London’s best cabaret clubs and beyond, including Proud Cabaret, Wam Bam, Cafe de Paris, Cellar Door, the Hippodrome Casino and the Bloomsbury Ballroom. She has been featured on Made in Chelsea on Channel 4 and presented the cast their BAFTA award in 2013.

Elsie Diamond
Elsie Diamond

Jolie and Paul will be joined by the fabulously patriotic Elsie Diamond. Elsie is an international burlesque performer, cabaret singer and compere, inspired by the music hall tradition of comic song, opera and pop culture. With the songs of WW2 and a background in costume design, Miss Diamond has an eclectic repertoire of sultry musical based routines.

Dave the Bear
Dave the Bear

Finally, Jolie, Elsie and Paul will be joined by ‘bear-lesque’ performer Dave the Bear! London’s biggest (literally!) and best male burlesque performer, singer, compere and sexy beast! Dave is no stranger to the burlesque scene and is a regular, performing in Central London at Proud Cabaret, Madame JoJos, Cafe de Paris and London Wonderground. He recently stole the show on 8 out Of Ten Cats Does Countdown. Dave likes to perform interactively, tantalising and teasing, playful and cheeky! And that’s Dave’s own shows summed up as a male ‘bear-lesque’ performer.

Doors open at 7pm when you will be offered a drink on arrival, followed at 7.30pm by a sumptuous three-course dinner, interspersed between the entertainments, followed by your chance to strut your stuff on the dance floor till late!


Event: Out and Proud Ball 2015

Where: Field Place, The Boulevard, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 1NP

When: Saturday, March 7

Time: 7pm for pre drinks meal starts at 7.30pm

Tickets: £45 and must be booked in advance

To book telephone 01903 244034.

For more information, click h  ere:

Or email: 

 

Hove MP Weatherley back Gatwick expansion plans

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has added his support to Gatwick Airport’s case for a second runway.

Mike Weatherley MP for Hove and Portslade
Mike Weatherley MP for Hove and Portslade

MIKE is encouraging all interested parties to respond to the Airports Commission consultation on whether another runway should be built at Gatwick or Heathrow airports.

You can do this by sending an email to the Airports Commission at airports.consultation@systra.com, filling in its online survey or by post to: Freepost RTKX-USUC-CXAS, Airports Commission Consultation, PO Box 1492, Woking GU22 2QR,

Mike said: “Gatwick’s plan is best for the UK, the region and the local community – it will deliver the economic growth and benefits we need while affecting far fewer people. The aviation industry has benefitted from more competition since the break-up of BAA and expanding Gatwick will only serve to deliver more for the passenger.”

He added: “The key is that Gatwick can actually happen – Heathrow has put up plan after plan for expansion but none have got off the ground. Gatwick is doable so let us get on and do it.”

Cllr Graham CoxCllr Graham Cox, Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Hove and Portslade said: “Gatwick provides a cheaper, faster and simpler option for expansion that will meet our capacity needs now and into the future. After years of political stalemate and inaction, there is real potential for a solution that can actually be delivered.”

PREVIEW: “Pop Saints and Sinners, and Other Stories…”

New exhibition produced and curated by Kev Clarke and Sina Sparrow runs at 69 Camden High Street, London, from January 27 to February 8

“Pop Saints and Sinners, and Other Stories”

“Pop Saints and Sinners, and Other Stories” brings together work from a diverse range of contemporary artists, illustrators and cartoonists, working in different media, and converging on the notion of the pop art portrait of everyday heroes and villains.

Pop art interprets the portrait as an icon, transforming run-of-the-mill, everyday pop culture celebrities and anti-heroes into contemporary saints and sinners.

The theme of the show is inspired by pop culture’s notion of the portrait as icon, but is open to interpretation; some of the artists in this group show look to the past, reinterpreting traditional notions of saints and sinners, while others look to the celebrities, stars, and anti-heroes we love to hate, or admire and adore in the contemporary church of media and spin.

A queer strand runs throughout the show, as many of the artists are LGBTQ or share a queer sensibility.

Queer artists have traditionally felt excluded from open representation both in the world of fine art and in that of commercial popular culture, and are branded by culture and religion as sinners rather than saints.

This show creates a space for the work of those queer artists who have had to search through the detritus of art and pop to reclaim, reconstruct and create their own heroes and villains, and to reinterpret what saintliness and sin might look like.

The artworks in the exhibition are for sale, but the exhibition will also house a shop space – inspired by the likes of Keith Haring’s Pop Shop – where you can buy one-of-a-kind zines, comics, and artist-made goodies as well.


Event: “Pop Saints and Sinners, and Other Stories…”

Where: 69 Camden High Street, London

When: January 27 – February 8

Time: 10.30 a.m.- 6 p.m.: closed on Mondays

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PREVIEW: LGBT photographic exhibition set for Brighton this August

A photographic exhibition featuring portraits of gay, lesbian, bi and transgender (LGBT) people from a variety of backgrounds and professions, and with a range of interests, experiences and passions, is set to come to Brighton in the summer.

Outcome#Outcome: Growing Up. Coming out. Living Life. is a project by Greenwich-based photographer Tom Dingley, consisting of a series of portraits of LGBT people, where each subject holds a personally chosen printed photograph of themselves as a child.  Tom’s photographs demonstrate the subjects’ transition from the children they once were to the adults they have become after coming out, the ‘outcome’ being that they have grown up, and are living fulfilling lives where their sexuality, gender and the process of coming out has not held them back.

The photographer’s primary aim is to inspire and give hope to anyone who is starting to question or come to terms with their sexuality and is afraid of the journey that lies ahead of them.

Says Tom: “The process of coming out can understandably be a daunting one. I want people to know that although times may seem hard, and although they may feel isolated, there are so many people out there in the LGBT community who are happy, successful, and optimistic about the future. I want #Outcome to show that there are countless opportunities out there for everyone, no matter who they are or where they’ve come from!”

Outcome


Event: #Outcome: Growing Up. Coming out. Living Life

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

When: August 4-10

If you’d like to be part of the project, email: tomdingley@hotmail.co.uk or follow on Twitter @TomDingleyPhoto, facebook.com/tomdingleyphotography or visit www.tomdingleyphotography.com/outcome-portraits.

Wotever DIY Film Festival recruits volunteers for two key posts

The Wotever DIY Film Festival is recruiting for two voluntary posts: a sponsorship and fundraising manager and a press and marketing manager to help deliver this year’s festival.

Wotever FIlm Festival

The Wotever DIY Film Festival is a celebration of queer lo-fi filmmaking. The Festival aims to show work from established directors and first time newbies, and demonstrate that you don’t need a million pounds to make a great film – or a great festival!

2015 is the fourth year of the festival, which is once again being hosted in the Cinema Museum in Kenning in August.


 

Sponsorship and Fundraising Manager – Voluntary Position

There is an opening for a Sponsorship and Fundraising Manager to join the small, dedicated team delivering the festival.

You will be responsible for creating and delivering this year’s fundraising strategy, identifying new sources of funding and sponsorship and liaising with existing sponsors.

You must be passionate about Queer/LGBT+ film, arts or community events and committed to helping organisers deliver a successful festival. Some experience is desirable, but enthusiasm and great interpersonal skills go a long way!


Press and Marketing Manager – Voluntary Position
Press and Marketing Manager needed for a small dedicated team. You will be responsible for creating and delivering this year’s marketing strategy and raising awareness of the festival.

Responsibilities include liaising with press to secure previews and reviews, developing new and existing marketing strategies and helping to maintain social media presence.

You will be highly creative and have excellent writing and interpersonal skills.

Some press contacts and experience/knowledge of dealing with writer and journalists highly desirable, but passion for Queer/LGBT+ film, arts or community events a must.


 

Both roles will require a commitment of 4+ hours per week, increasing as the festival approaches, and attendance at fortnightly meetings. In return you will receive valuable work experience on a popular queer film festival, the opportunity to meet and network with others in the queer arts scene and the chance to see a lot of really great queer film.

Although the festival is run by volunteers, organisers passionately believe that people should be paid for their work and as such any profits from the festival will be divided between volunteers, but be aware this will not make you rich!

Although the team is broadly organised according to role, they try and operate as non-hierarchically as possible and welcome all ideas and suggestions.

Apply with covering letter and CV to Theresa and Tara at woteverfilm@gmail.com

 

Saltdean Lido to receive £2.3 million funding from Government

Simon Kirby, the Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, will be announcing today (Monday, January 26) that the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC) is to receive £2.3 million in funding from the Government to restore the outside area and pools of Saltdean Lido.

Simon Kirby MP
Simon Kirby MP

THE SALTDEAN LIDO is the UK’s only Grade 2 listed lido. The funding will be used to help create a unique tourist and leisure destination and community hub, also creating 60 jobs.

The funding is coming from the Department for Communities and Local Government as part of the Coastal Communities Fund.

Mr Kirby has been actively championing the Lido since being elected to Parliament, repeatedly lobbying Ministers on behalf of the CIC and bringing Ministers to see the Lido for themselves.

Speaking ahead of today’s announcement, Simon said: “I have been working hard to secure this funding and I am delighted to be able to announce today that the Lido will benefit from an additional £2.3 million of funding which will make a huge difference. I would also like to again pay tribute to the work of the CIC and also to the many local residents who have supported this campaign.”

Rebecca Crook, chair of Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company, added: “Today’s news is a massive boost for both the lido and our local economy. We will now be able to restore and refurbish the pools and outside area and provide local residents and visitors with a beautiful place to swim, relax and enjoy being outside.

I would like to thank the volunteer directors of our group, who continue to dedicate hours and hours to restoring this unique space, and also our local MP Simon Kirby, who has supported the project from the outset.”

Saltdean Lido

BOOK REVIEW: The Love God

The Love God

The Love God by Martin Campbell (£11.99).

Brighton-based author Martin Campbell must have spent the last ten years researching his new book as the level of detail and accurate historical, geographical and political detail is impressive.  This just gives a firm thick and dense foundation to telling the extraordinary story one of the ancient worlds greatest love stories, more passionate that Antony and Cleopatra and much more world changing, and just as tragic. Campbell brings us his version of the love between Antinous and Hadrian, the roman emperor of Wall fame.

Narrated by the boy loved and then made a God by Hadrian.  Although many of us are familiar with Alexander the Great and Hephaestions powerful relationship, fewer of us know Hadrian’s all consuming love for this simple low born but stunning man.  The Love God brings us this story in full technicolor delight, the book delves into historical and passionate territory that allows the narrative to grip and thrust and plough itself onwards with an urgent power not bad for a book this thick. Campbell writes with a subtle grace, giving us just enough information to really understand the context of this powerful erotic love story and also why it caused so many ripples to the Emperor, his family and the empire.

On occasion the detail can detract from the pleasure of the telling of the men and their developing adoration and worship of each other, but perhaps without such in depth background it would be more fantasy and less history.  I get the impression this is historical fiction with an emphasis on the historical.

0024MAN-AntinousWhile reviewing this book I visited the Prada art galley, they have a carved marble bust of Antinous there, it is breathtakingly beautiful, pure lustful male perfection, seduction rendered in marble. I felt myself Hadrian for a moment and wanted to kiss it.  This book lets us feel the passion of the Emperor for this forbidden, worshiped man who became a Love God.

Out now from the publishers website here.

£11.99

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