03/12/2015 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Beacon supports ‘PrEP Now’ campaign

Posted on 03/12/201503/12/2015 by Gary Hart

The Sussex Beacon are supporting the Needs PrEP Now Campaign.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the new component in HIV prevention programmes and plays a key role in the preventing transmission of HIV.

PrEP is for HIV negative people and involves taking part of a treatment regimen using a drug called Truvada to stop them contracting HIV.

Truvada has been licensed and recommended for people at risk of HIV in the United States since July 2012 but it is still not available in Europe.

The European campaign has today sent a letter to Gilead Sciences calling for them to reduce the price of Truvada. The letter has been signed by a number of organisations across Europe and Russia.

Simon Dowe, Chief Executive at The Sussex Beacon, said: “Ensuring that people have access to PrEP is essential to stopping the spread of HIV. Year on year we have seen an increase in the number of people living with HIV highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies. PrEP has been proven to be effective and must be funded in the UK and Europe and that is why I have added my signature to the letter.”

The PrEP Now Campaign calls on Gilead Sciences the company that makes the drug Truvada to reduce its price so that this vital medicine is available to people at risk of becoming infected with HIV in the UK and Europe.

PrEP provides near perfect protection when taken during periods of risk – adding this to traditional prevention packages has had a dramatic impact on HIV rates in San Francisco.

Jason Warriner, Lead Nurse at The Sussex Beacon, added: “Signing the letter has contributed to the call to action highlighting that PrEP should be accessible to all those at risk of HIV. Research has shown that it is an effective method of prevention.”

The Sussex Beacon is based in Brighton, is open 365 days a year and supports people living with HIV, responding to their changing needs and offering specialist care and support.

Brighton, has the highest proportion of people living with HIV outside of London. The charity helps people manage the everyday realities of living with this life-long condition that has no cure.

Inpatient and day services help people living with HIV related illnesses, initiating new drug therapies, or supporting those struggling with extreme side effects of HIV medication.

The Sussex Beacon supports people living with HIV to lead independent and healthy lives.

To read the letter in full, click here:

For more information about the Sussex Beacon, click here:

PICTURE DIARY: Charles Street World AIDS Day fundraiser for THT

Posted on 03/12/201516/12/2015 by Graham Robson

Charles Street staged their annual World AIDS Day (WAD) fundraising benefit for the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) hosted by Drag With No Name, on World AIDS Day (WAD), December 1.

Artists appearing included: Stephanie Von Clitz, Elisha Moses, Mrs Moore, Rose Garden, Sally Vate, Kara Van Park, Gabrielle Parrish, Lucinda Lashes and a special appearance by Adrian Robins aka Tammy Twinkle who was visiting from the US of A with his new man.

Chris Marshall, manager of Charles Street, said: “I would like to thank everyone for an absolutely incredible World AIDS Day fundraiser for the THT. Thank you to all the artists who donated their time on stage, a special mention for Rupert Ellick for providing such spot on production values, and of course, the Charles Street team Sam, Ed, Lee, Lucas, Dylan, Christina, and the door team for all their hard work! But, most of all to Scott for making this night what it is each year! Just sublime guys- thank you!”

Scott Burey, The Drag With No Name, said: “The love, respect and generosity from the crowd for EVERYBODY that stepped on the stage, was just magical. Thank you Brighton – a stunning atmosphere and wonderful night.”

The evening raised £766.75 for the THT.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Photographs by James Brooks and Graham Hobson

PREVIEW: ‘Camp’ at the Spire

Posted on 03/12/201503/12/2015 by Gary Hart

Peter Kay lookalike Scottee has rounded up some of the UK’s most mediocre talent for a night almost worth the ticket price on December 5.

Presented by The Marlborough Theatre and Pink Fringe, Camp (as Christmas) is a special festive edition of his now infamous, sell out variety knees up.

A mixed bill of camp clichés, limp wrists and naff catch phrases smashed together with some cheap tinsel, fizzy wine and lots of good old-fashioned light entertainment.

Suitable for mums, the gays and snowball drinkers.

Featuring: Scottee, Dickie Beau, Jayde Adams, Ginger Johnson, Jess Love and Japan’s People.

Event: Camp

Where: The Spire, St Mark’s Chapel, Church Place, Brighton, BN2 5JN

When: Saturday, December 5

Time: 8pm till late

Tickets: £15/£10 concessions table deals available

To book tickets online, click here:

First Syrian refugee families arrive in city

Posted on 03/12/2015 by Gary Hart

Council welcomes first Syrian refugees to the city and calls for more landlords with properties to come forward.

Brighton & Hove has welcomed two Syrian refugee families and will welcome another next week as part of the government’s resettlement scheme.

The three households will settle in Brighton as the city plays its part in helping traumatised families fleeing war.

The refugees, identified by the UN in countries bordering Syria will receive support and funding from the government for five years. This will include schooling and health care. Accommodation has been provided by local landlords who have stepped forward to offer housing specifically for these refugees.

The council has also recently welcomed several unaccompanied young people as part of a joint initiative with Kent County Council. This is in addition to welcoming refugees who have come to the city in the past from Syria and other areas of conflict in the world.

Cllr Emma Daniel, Chair of the Neighbourhoods, Communities and Equalities Committee, said: “Today we are seeing the first Syrian refugees arrive in the city through the government’s programme to relocate people into Britain. We have got everything in place for the three households and we feel really positive that they will be fully supported. The government has provided funding for this and has also confirmed funding for future years.

“I’d like to reassure people that the properties that are being used are properties that people have put forward specifically for refugees and wouldn’t normally be available so no one is being pushed down a queue for social care, education and housing. We are able to fully play our part in this global humanitarian effort without anyone in the city feeling like they are missing out.”

Brighton & Hove City Council has a history of working with charities and community groups including local charity Brighton Voice in Exile, who are coordinating help from the community to welcome and support the refugees.

“Once again we are appealing to people who may have a property in the city that they don’t normally let out but who would be willing to help us meet this tragic crisis by providing self-contained long-term accommodation for refugees,” added Cllr Daniels.

“We are not asking for rooms in people’s homes – we are looking for flats or houses or holiday lets. If you have a property you are willing to offer please get in touch.

“We are working closely with charities and community groups on this programme – so there will be lots of practical support for the refugees and for landlords who come on board.”

If you are a Landlord and have a self-contained property where you would be willing to house Syrian refugees long-term, email:

Mayor to attend LGBT Christmas carol service

Posted on 03/12/201503/12/2015 by Gary Hart

The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Linda Hyde will attend a Christmas celebration for LGBT people and their friends organised by the Brighton Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) and Changing Attitude Sussex.

The service will take place at St Georges Church, Kemptown, Brighton on Monday, December 21 at 7.30pm.

The preacher will be the Rev Martin Williams, Archdeacon of Brighton and Lewes and the service will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

Event: Brighton LGCM and Changing Attitude Carol Service

Where: St Georges Church, St George’s Rd, Brighton BN2 1ED

When: Monday, December 21

Time: 7.30pm

For more information, email:

Local HIV charity plant red tulips to mark World Aids Day

Posted on 03/12/2015 by Graham Robson

Business owners and individual supporters of The Sussex Beacon, planted red tulip bulbs in the shape of a red ribbon to mark World Aids Day on Tuesday 1 December 2015.

When they bloom, the tulips will form a large red ribbon in the garden of The Sussex Beacon. The red ribbon is a universal symbol of hope and solidarity for people living with HIV.

The supporters who planted the bulbs had all recently paid for either an hour of care, or the cost a nurse for a week, at The Sussex Beacon.

The Sussex Beacon is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and it costs £192 to run all the centre’s services for one hour.

Those who attended included Oliver and Graimes’ Managing Director, Gavin Graimes, Co-operative Funeralcare Director, Chris Sarson, and McKenzie Associates Managing Director, Lukasz Wojcik.

Simon Dowe, CEO at The Sussex Beacon, said: “HIV is a serious, life-long condition with no cure. At The Sussex Beacon, we support men, women and families affected by HIV to lead independent and healthy lives. Without the support of our local community, this work would not be possible.”

Also in attendance at the event were representatives from the event and entertainment production company E3 Group who work closely with The Sussex Beacon to produce their annual Halloween Horror Show, plans for which are already being hatched for 2016.

To guarantee yourself a ticket for 2016, click here:

To find out more about the work of The Sussex Beacon and how you can support the charity, click here:

Public Health Minister says tackling HIV stigma is vital

Posted on 03/12/2015 by Gary Hart

Jane Ellison, Lord Fowler and Baroness Gould were among speakers to a diverse audience of MPs and celebrities at the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) World AIDS Day parliamentary reception on December 1.

Jane Ellison MP, Jackie Morton CEO THT, and Robert Glick Chair of THT Trustees at reception

Nancy Dell’olio, African talk show host Sporah and actor Lucian Msmati were among supporters attending the event.

To mark World AIDS Day, THT released a snap shot poll of gay men living with HIV in Britain which highlighted more than three-quarters living with HIV experience stigma.

This was most prevalent :

♦ In the gay community itself, where nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) had experienced stigma;

♦ In online dating environments – 60 per cent; and

♦ When dating – 58 per cent.

♦ 74 per cent of men polled felt a level of self-stigma, which they impose on themselves

Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of those polled felt shame, 56 per cent blamed themselves, while half said they felt guilty.

Minister for Public Heath, Jane Ellison MP, said: “We can not fight HIV without everyone taking part – getting tested, knowing their status.

“I welcome the Terrence Higgins Trust approach to stop stigma, because tackling stigma is vital in this.”

Lord Fowler, who was responsible for the high-profile public education campaign in the 1980s on HIV/AIDS in the UK and introducing the clean-needles policy, spoke out against public health cuts saying it should be an “investment” which leads to future savings, and pointed to stigma as a barrier.

He said: “HIV is not just a medical problem, there is a barrier of stigma and prejudice. If we do not overcome these we will never overcome HIV.”

Baroness Gould urged the government to examine SRE in schools as a means to tackling stigma and as a tool in the fight against HIV, called for the availability of PrEP in the UK and denounced the £200m cuts to local health budgets.

This World AIDS Day Terrence Higgins Trust challenged HIV stigma through positive action, support and education. Thousands of people wore the iconic red ribbons following the ‘Wear it’ campaign, with others taking red ribbon selfies, showing solidarity with the #StopStigma campaign.

There are more than 107,000 people living with HIV in the UK, with one in six undiagnosed and unaware they are living with the virus.

THT CEO Jackie Morton, Pastor Elizabeth, Lord Fowler and Baroness Gould

Author crowdfunds debut LGBT+ novel

Posted on 03/12/2015 by Gary Hart

Author Klara Piechocki-Brown crowdfunds her debut LGBT+ novel using Unbound, an innovative publishing platform.

Unbound is both a funding platform and a publisher, helping authors to become published with the support of their readers. The readers help to get great ideas published, and in return receive an insight into the writing process as well as having their name printed as a patron in that and every subsequent edition of the book.

Klara works as an illustrator as well as an author, and so patrons of her book will have exclusive access to illustrations of her characters and settings from the book itself.

The Death of Poppy Kusch features LGBT characters as well as an ethically non-monogamous bisexual protagonist. Klara herself identifies as both genderqueer and bisexual, and is passionate about LGBT activism – especially the encouragement of accurate portrayals of bisexual and trandsgender characters in the media.

Klara said: “It was important for me to show that you can fall in love with more than one person and gender and be happy; I wanted to really normalise what mainstream society still thinks of as an alternative lifestyle.”

Synopsis:

Poppy Kusch, a time travelling immigrant from the 1920s escaping scandal, lives quietly in modern-day Oxford as a neonatal nurse with her family; three lovers who are also time travellers.

After watching her future self die childless, Poppy pays to take part in a controversial study to artificially raise her luck in order to conceive a baby. When her family die as a result she must evade the Corporation as they try to stop her rewriting history to save them.

To become a patron of Klara’s book and help it become published, click here:

You will also be able to read the first chapter for free!

PICTURE DIARY: Brighton and Hove remembers those lost to HIV and AIDS

Posted on 03/12/201503/12/2015 by Graham Robson

The Annual Candlelight Vigil and Reading of the Names of those lost in Brighton and Hove to HIV/AIDS brought hundreds to the Aids Memorial in New Steine Gardens last night, Tuesday, December 1.

The event was organised and delivered by the Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day (WAD) Partnership which is chaired by Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) and includes: Lunch Positive, the Sussex Beacon, Gscene Magazine, Sussex Ecumenical HIV Chaplaincy, Peer Action, the BHCC Partnership Community Safety Team and the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum.

The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Lynda Hydes, was joined by the leaders of the Labour, Conservative and Green Groups on Brighton & Hove City Council, Sussex Police Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, the local ward Councillors for Queens Park Ward, Paula Murray for Brighton and Hove City Council and Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, the LGBT Champion for Sussex Police.

James Ledward from Gscene magazine welcomed everyone to the event, and highlighted the results of a snap poll for World AIDS Day commissioned by Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), which found that 77% of gay men living with HIV who had responded to the poll had experienced stigma, with:

♦ 63% of respondents saying it was most prevalent within the gay community

♦ 60% saying it came from online dating platforms and

♦ 58% when dating.

He reminded everyone that while the Leader of the Council, Cllr Warren Morgan had committed the city to achieving zero stigma, zero transmissions and zero deaths from HIV by 2020 at the launch of the Martin Fisher Foundation in September, in 2016 everyone should concentrate all their efforts first and foremost on challenging all forms of stigma and discrimination so that at the World AIDS Day Candlelit Vigil in 2016 we were not listening to similar depressing statistics.

The reading of the names followed then people laid their candles round the base of ‘TAY’ the Brighton AIDS Memorial.

Councillor McCafferty, convener of the Green group on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “I’m deeply moved to be a part of this event and pleased that I can make some kind of contribution in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It’s so important that we remember those who are no longer with us, and support those who are still living with and fighting against HIV/AIDS. Reading the names of lives lost is an incredibly humbling experience, and I hope in some way pays tribute to the amazing people who we have lost.

“The fight against HIV/AIDS has come a long way, with treatments now available which mean many people with HIV are living longer and healthier lives. But much remains to be done. Regular HIV tests are important for anyone who is sexually active, as 1 in 6 people with HIV don’t know they have it. There’s still a huge stigma and a number of myths associated with HIV/AIDS which hamper effective treatment, and globally there are still challenges in providing equal access to treatments.

“It is still critical to support the organisations who provide advice, treatment and education for people living with HIV/AIDS, and World Aids Day helps to raise essential funds needed to ensure this vital work can continue. We all have a part to play in tackling the ongoing rise of HIV in the city”

James Ledward, commented after the event: “It is so depressing to find that after all the work that has been done to tackle stigma suffered by people with HIV, this THT poll indicates that much of it comes from within the LGBT community. We need to put our house in order and a good start would be to commence challenging the internalised stigma and poor behaviour that is manifesting itself in sections of the LGBT community locally.”

Warm drinks were provided by Lunch Positive the weekly HIV lunch club that provides a healthy meal, community and social space for people with HIV.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Photos by James Brooks and Graham Hobson.

To view Latest TV report, click here:

Call us now

Day: December 3, 2015

Beacon supports ‘PrEP Now’ campaign

The Sussex Beacon are supporting the Needs PrEP Now Campaign.

PICTURE DIARY: Charles Street World AIDS Day fundraiser for THT

Charles Street staged their annual World AIDS Day (WAD) fundraising benefit for the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) hosted by Drag With No Name, on World AIDS Day (WAD), December 1.

PREVIEW: ‘Camp’ at the Spire

Peter Kay lookalike Scottee has rounded up some of the UK’s most mediocre talent for a night almost worth the ticket price on December 5.

First Syrian refugee families arrive in city

Council welcomes first Syrian refugees to the city and calls for more landlords with properties to come forward.

Mayor to attend LGBT Christmas carol service

The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Linda Hyde will attend a Christmas celebration for LGBT people and their friends organised by the Brighton Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) and Changing Attitude Sussex.

Local HIV charity plant red tulips to mark World Aids Day

Business owners and individual supporters of The Sussex Beacon, planted red tulip bulbs in the shape of a red ribbon to mark World Aids Day on Tuesday 1 December 2015.

Public Health Minister says tackling HIV stigma is vital

Jane Ellison, Lord Fowler and Baroness Gould were among speakers to a diverse audience of MPs and celebrities at the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) World AIDS Day parliamentary reception on December 1.

Author crowdfunds debut LGBT+ novel

Author Klara Piechocki-Brown crowdfunds her debut LGBT+ novel using Unbound, an innovative publishing platform.

PICTURE DIARY: Brighton and Hove remembers those lost to HIV and AIDS

The Annual Candlelight Vigil and Reading of the Names of those lost in Brighton and Hove to HIV/AIDS brought hundreds to the Aids Memorial in New Steine Gardens last night, Tuesday, December 1.

Latest News

Call us now

The Sussex Beacon are supporting the Needs PrEP Now Campaign.

Share this:

Charles Street staged their annual World AIDS Day (WAD) fundraising benefit for the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) hosted by Drag With No Name, on World AIDS Day (WAD), December 1.

Share this:

Peter Kay lookalike Scottee has rounded up some of the UK’s most mediocre talent for a night almost worth the ticket price on December 5.

Share this:

Council welcomes first Syrian refugees to the city and calls for more landlords with properties to come forward.

Share this:

The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Linda Hyde will attend a Christmas celebration for LGBT people and their friends organised by the Brighton Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) and Changing Attitude Sussex.

Share this:

Business owners and individual supporters of The Sussex Beacon, planted red tulip bulbs in the shape of a red ribbon to mark World Aids Day on Tuesday 1 December 2015.

Share this:

Jane Ellison, Lord Fowler and Baroness Gould were among speakers to a diverse audience of MPs and celebrities at the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) World AIDS Day parliamentary reception on December 1.

Share this:

Author Klara Piechocki-Brown crowdfunds her debut LGBT+ novel using Unbound, an innovative publishing platform.

Share this:

The Annual Candlelight Vigil and Reading of the Names of those lost in Brighton and Hove to HIV/AIDS brought hundreds to the Aids Memorial in New Steine Gardens last night, Tuesday, December 1.

Share this:

Latest News