04/03/2015 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Slovenia delivers same-sex marriage legislation ahead of annual Pink Week

Posted on 04/03/201507/03/2015 by Besi

Slovenia has become the first post-communist country to announce same-sex marriage legalisation in time for the second annual Pink Week celebrations in May.

ON Tuesday, March 3, the Slovenian Parliament voted to legalise same-sex marriages, making Slovenia the first of any former Yugoslavian/Balkan country to pass such a law.

In the past two years, Slovenia has become increasingly popular as one of Europe’ s most LGBT-friendly locations, not least due to the establishing of special LGBT tours and the country’s annual Pink Week, which allows visitors to discover Slovenia’s hidden gems and culinary delights in a single three-night break.

Matej and Mattej, co-creators of Slovenia’s Pink Week, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Slovenia has become the first post-Communist country to legalise same-sex marriage. It is yet more proof that this beautiful country is now one of Europe’s top destinations for LGBT travellers.”

Tourism opportunities for the LGBT tourist in Slovenia include:

LGBT tours: 4 days of wonderful adventures in hand-picked locations throughout Ljubljana and elsewhere in Slovenia. Experiences can include superior spa treatments in the Dolenjska region, night walks around picturesque Ljubljana Old Town with a private guide, half-day tours to Lake Bled or the Slovenian Riviera, morning workouts with a personal trainer and tickets to the signature Dragon Ball.

For complete details on the tour packages available, including prices, click here:

Pink Week 2015:

One of the biggest dates on the calendar for 2015 is May 28-31, when Slovenia truly turns pink! 3-night packages start at €399, offering people great accommodation at a very affordable price.

To view All Pink Week packages including the luxurious Deluxe option, click here:

MP’s campaign saves community transport services

Posted on 04/03/201506/03/2015 by Sarah Green

Simon Kirby, MP for Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs, has been campaigning to save a community bus service used predominantly by elderly and disabled residents.

Mr Kirby recently met with the Community Transport Lewes Area (CTLA) charity, which offers a door-to-door service for people who are not on, or near, a bus route and to people who struggle to access other public transport. These services are particularly popular with disabled and elderly residents.

The charity plays an important role for people in need and helps reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation in vulnerable service users.

Simon said: “Following my meeting with the CTLA I made numerous representations to Councillor David Elkin, Deputy Leader of East Sussex County Council, about this issue as I was very keen to ensure that the towns of Peacehaven and Telscombe were not treated unfairly, particularly as they have a significant elderly population who I know value this service.

“I was reassured that following my intervention, Councillor Elkin agreed to look into this matter and I continued to press the Council on behalf of the residents of Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs to seek a positive resolution.

“I am pleased to say that following my representations to East Sussex County Council, I have now received confirmation that the CTLA and East Sussex County Council (ESCC), are in agreement that funding will be provided by the County Council to enable CTLA to provide an alternative service that will cater for the current passengers of the Peacehaven Taxi-Rider service.”

Derek Barnett, General Manager of CTLA, said: “We would like to thank Simon for campaigning on behalf of the CTLA. We are delighted that alternative funding has been agreed and this would not have been achieved without the support from Simon and others including local Community Groups. We hear from so many local residents in Peacehaven and Telscombe just how important our services are to them so this is really great news for local people. With the funding issue resolved we look forward to continuing to provide this service to existing and new users.”

Cllr David Elkin, Conservative Deputy Leader of East Sussex County Council, added: “Simon made a very forceful case on behalf of his constituents and I am pleased to confirm that following his representations, we have looked into this issue again and can confirm that the Council will fund the CTLA to enable passengers across Peacehaven and Telscombe to continue to receive this door-to-door service.”

Simon is also backing the CTLA “Get On Board” fundraising campaign to raise funds for a new bus to extend the successful 4 Towns community service that will provide the replacement service which will be invaluable in providing community transport services for some of the most vulnerable residents of Peacehaven, Telscombe and East Saltdean.

To make an online donation to the Get on Board campaign, click here:

Or send a cheque made payable to CTLA to:

Hillcrest Community Centre
Hillcrest Road
Newhaven
East Sussex
BN9 9EA

‘Herstory’ Exhibition comes to Hove school as part of Women in History festival

Posted on 04/03/201505/03/2015 by Paul Gustafson

In the run up to International Women’s Day (Sunday March 8) students from Hove Park School will be taking part in a forward-thinking educational initiative to better recognise women who have helped shape our history.

THE project, created by art graduate Alice Wroe, uses an interactive art exhibition to teach pupils about women who have made significant contributions to history, but whose stories have been overlooked by the national curriculum.

Alice Wroe said: “I’m really excited about working with students from Hove Park School. The classes aim to promote critical thinking, develop confidence and provide young people with a more inclusive history in which to negotiate the world”.

The school’s involvement is part of Brighton & Hove’s first ever festival dedicated to women in history, which takes place on Saturday, March 14 at the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton.

Participants will learn about the Brighton & Hove Suffragettes, the African Princess in Brighton, the women who inspired the Trades Union movement and many others who shaped today’s world but have been largely overlooked by traditional historical narratives.

The free event is open to all and runs from 10am to 6pm.

Hove Park pupils’ collaboration on the Herstory exhibition will be on display, and everyone attending will be encouraged to add their own responses to the work.

Catherine Jessey, Associate Assistant Head Teacher At Hove Park School added: “We’re really excited to be part of the Festival and to work with Alice. It will help us on our journey towards developing a generation of students who have a greater awareness of gender equality. This work will help them develop an understanding of different people’s experiences and perspectives, as well as the historical, social and cultural influences that have affected people in the past and which continue to influence gender relations into the future. We’re looking forward to sharing our work with the public as part of the exhibition and we hope you enjoy it!”

The festival has been organised by Free University Brighton, a project that creates free and accessible educational events across the City. The event will also features talks, walking tours, workshops, films, exhibitions and activities for children.

For more information about the Women’s History Festival and Free University Brighton, click here:

A crowdfunder page has also been set up to raise money for the Festival.

To make a donation to keep the event free and accessible to all, click here:

Hooray for Hollywood!

Posted on 04/03/2015 by Besi

Walk for Life returns with Tinsel Town theme.

“Lights, Camera, Action!” This June, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be rolling out the red carpet as hundreds of charity supporters transform the 26th annual Walk for Life into a Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The charity is calling for action heroes, child stars, and sirens of the silver screen to take part in the 10km sponsored walk around central London on Sunday June 7, to help raise funds for people living with HIV in severe financial need.

The circular route starts and ends at Bloomsbury Square Gardens, winding its way through the City of London, across Tower Bridge and along the South Bank, before heading north over Waterloo Bridge and back to the finish line.

Participants are encouraged to put their own stamp on the Hollywood theme, whether that means donning Indiana Jones’ famous fedora, slipping into Dorothy’s ruby slippers, or simply getting gussied up in their Tinsel Town finest. Paparazzi-shy walkers are welcome to go incognito too.

The walk begins at 11am and takes around two to three hours to complete. At the finish line, participants will be given a medal, which unlocks a range of special offers at bars and restaurants in central London.

Registration for the event is £10.

To sign up and start fundraising, click here:

All money raised will be ring-fenced for Terrence Higgins Trust’s Hardship Fund, a project that offers grants to people living with HIV in severe financial need.

Sonya Trivedy, Director of Fundraising at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “All of our supporters are stars to us, so it couldn’t be more fitting to be rolling out the red carpet at this year’s Walk for Life. There’s no audition necessary; we’re just calling for matinee idols, leading ladies, and even pampered pets to sign up and help raise funds for people living with HIV. However much you help raise through sponsorship, it will make a real difference to people who are in desperate need, so please sign up to this year’s event.”

To join in the fun, either as an individual walker or as part of a team, click here:

Or telephone (020) 7812 1665.

Registration costs £10 per person, which helps THT cover the costs of the event.

Walk For Life was founded in 1989, when HIV charity Crusaid set up the event to raise awareness of HIV. In 2010, Crusaid merged with THT, who have been running Walk for Life since.

PREVIEW: MIRANDO – The Gay Tempest

Posted on 04/03/2015 by Besi

Brighton based Theatre North’s MIRANDO – The Gay Tempest has been selected to be part of WINDOW, Brighton Fringe’s Industry Showcase in May 2015.

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on…”

The award winning company (Star of the Brighton Festival 2011) returns with an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, a one man ‘tour de force’ imagining the play peopled by gay characters, with Prospero’s daughter transformed into his son Mirando, and all performed in a house in Kemptown.

Exploring the body as a tool for story telling, the play is located in the world of the senses. “How beauteous mankind is! Oh brave new world that has such people in’t”.

After previews in Brighton, Manchester, London and Barcelona to invited audiences, this will be Mirando’s World Premiere.

Following their huge success with Billy Budd Sailor performed in a bathroom in 2011, Theatre North are again performing in the intimate setting of a private house.

Event: MIRANDO – The Gay Tempest: Age 16+ (contains nudity).

When: May 1-6 and 8-10

Time: 8pm

When: May 3,9,and 10 at 3pm

Cost: Tickets £10 (£8 concessions)

To book online, click here:

For more information about Theatre North, click here:

Call us now

Day: March 4, 2015

Slovenia delivers same-sex marriage legislation ahead of annual Pink Week

Slovenia has become the first post-communist country to announce same-sex marriage legalisation in time for the second annual Pink Week celebrations in May.

MP’s campaign saves community transport services

Simon Kirby, MP for Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs, has been campaigning to save a community bus service used predominantly by elderly and disabled residents.

‘Herstory’ Exhibition comes to Hove school as part of Women in History festival

In the run up to International Women’s Day (Sunday March 8) students from Hove Park School will be taking part in a forward-thinking educational initiative to better recognise women who have helped shape our history.

Hooray for Hollywood!

Walk for Life returns with Tinsel Town theme.

PREVIEW: MIRANDO – The Gay Tempest

Brighton based Theatre North’s MIRANDO – The Gay Tempest has been selected to be part of WINDOW, Brighton Fringe’s Industry Showcase in May 2015.

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on…”

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Slovenia has become the first post-communist country to announce same-sex marriage legalisation in time for the second annual Pink Week celebrations in May.

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Simon Kirby, MP for Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs, has been campaigning to save a community bus service used predominantly by elderly and disabled residents.

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In the run up to International Women’s Day (Sunday March 8) students from Hove Park School will be taking part in a forward-thinking educational initiative to better recognise women who have helped shape our history.

Share this:

Walk for Life returns with Tinsel Town theme.

Share this:

Brighton based Theatre North’s MIRANDO – The Gay Tempest has been selected to be part of WINDOW, Brighton Fringe’s Industry Showcase in May 2015.

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on…”

Share this:

Latest News