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Local drag artiste wins major award

Alfie Ordinary wins prestigious award at Brighton Fringe Festival.

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Local drag artiste Alfie Ordinary has won one of the most prestigious awards at the Brighton Fringe Festival, the International Touring Bursary in association with Pebble Trust Sussex artist Louise Arnell.

Alfie who debuted his first ever full length solo show “Help! I Think I Might Be Fabulous” to critical acclaim at the Marlborough Theatre during the Brighton Fringe Festival in May has worked alongside some of the UK’s top cabaret artists such as David Hoyle and Dickie Beau, and international drag stars such as Raja Gemini, Latrice Royale and Alaska Thunderfvck.

The £2,500 grant is to tour his show to an international fringe festival next year.

Love is Great Britain: A welcome country for all

The UK is the first foreign government to participate in Pride in 10 cities across the US, proud to be recognised as one of the most progressive countries in the world for LGBT rights.

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As part of the Love is GREAT campaign, the UK government will participate in local Pride events in ten cities across the US to highlight the UK as a champion of LGBT equality and a global leader in human rights across policy, business, arts and culture, and tourism.

The UK is proud to be recognised as one of the most progressive countries in the world for LGBT rights and a welcoming destination for everyone.

To celebrate this, between June and October 2016, the British Embassy Washington, the UK Mission to the UN, and each of the eight British Consulates will participate in marches and events in their consular regions including; Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.

The UK is the first foreign government to participate in Pride on such a significant scale. This will be the British Embassy’s fourth year participating in DC’s Capital Pride; in 2015 the British Ambassador was the first-ever Ambassador to walk in the parade.

In 2015, the UK received the highest score in Europe for LGBTI rights, with 86% progress toward “respect of human rights and full equality,” according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.

The UK has had civil partnerships for over a decade, and equal marriage passed in 2014, under the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.

In 2002, same-sex couples were granted equal rights to adopt. Since 2005, transgender people can change their legal gender in the UK, granting them a new birth certificate and affording them full legal recognition of their acquired sex.

Today, there are 35 LGB MPs in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which in 2016, was the most in any parliament around the world.

The work of the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) supports this commitment to LGBT equality in British diplomatic posts worldwide, including the British Embassy Washington and British Consulates in eight cities across the US.

The FCO is proud to have a number of LGBT Heads of Mission posted around the world, including in countries such as Greece, Israel, Mauritius, and Ukraine.

2016 marks the 25th anniversary of FLAGG (Foreign Office Lesbian & Gay Group), which actively works to ensure that being LGBT is no barrier to a successful career in the FCO.

LOVE IS GREAT

The Love is GREAT campaign was launched by VisitBritain, the national tourism agency responsible for inspiring the world to explore Britain, in 2014 to welcome the new same-sex marriage law in England, Wales and Scotland and reinforces the fact that Britain is an all-embracing choice for LGBT visitors, with unique experiences – from city breaks to countryside escapes – which are easily accessible and open to all regardless of sexuality.

visitbritain.com/LGBT lists an array of choices for the LGBT traveller, including Pride parades, LGBT arts and cultural festivals, LGBT sports and activities clubs, Britain’s best gay and lesbian nightlife, plus a vast spectrum of gay-owned and gay-welcoming accommodation throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

You can also win a four day holiday to the UK including round-trip economy flights to London; two nights’ accommodation in the Montague on the Gardens, London and two nights’ accommodation at the Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa in beautiful Dorset, courtesy of Red Carnation Hotels; round-trip train tickets to Dorset and London Travel Cards for four days.

It also contains mini gay guides to cities including London, Brighton, Birmingham, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester.

2016 is a milestone year for LGBT experiences in Britain, including LGBT film festivals BFI Flare and Iris Prize Festival, the London Gay Men’s Chorus, the 20th anniversary of Birmingham Pride, GMFA Gay Sports Day and Britain’s top-ranking gay football team Stonewall FC – all of whom celebrate special anniversaries in 2016.

Eastbourne Rainbow visit award winning garden

Members of Eastbourne Rainbow made an early summer visit in June to the award winning ‘Driftwood Garden’ in Marine Drive, Bishopstone, Seaford.

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The garden, designed and created by Geoff Stonebank and Mark Glassman, has been featured in many garden magazines and won several awards.

After an introductory talk by Geoff the group toured the seaside themed front garden and the sheltered rear main garden offering softer and colourful planting schemes followed by tea and homemade cakes.

Eastbourne Rainbow is a group for LGBT people aged 50+ living in Eastbourne and surrounding areas. The purpose of the group is to enable older LGBT people to socialise, make new friends, gain support and find out what events are happening locally.

Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month from 2-3.30 pm in the Girder Room at AGE Concern’s Venton Centre which is in Junction Road, Eastbourne BN21 3QY.

There are also coffee mornings held on the first Wednesday of each month in the Pantry Café at the Venton Centre from 10.30 to 11.30 am.

For more information about the group you can leave a message or text on the Eastbourne Rainbow phone: 07516 670654 (text and voice mail only).

Email: derek@eastbournerainbow.org.uk or ken@eastbournerainbow.org.uk

To visit their website, click here: 

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REVIEW: Legally Blonde the Musical

Brighton Theatre Group Youth opened with their latest production Legally Blonde at the Corn Exchange last night (June 8).

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The production is quite magnificent, and manages to capture the charm of the absurd storyline while effectively making sure we don’t miss the point that this is a show about strong women.

Elle Woods, a blonde fashion student is dumped by her posh boyfriend Warner Huntington III, for a more ‘serious’ girlfriend when he goes to study law at Harvard.

Elle decides to become more ‘serious’ and gains entry to Harvard where she excels as a lawyer despite presenting as a dumb blonde bimbo, dressed in pink, complete with her little chihuahua. 

The moral of the story is be who you are and Elle learns you are not defined by what you wear or how you talk, rather by how you are inside.

Elle, like all the other women characters in this show is strong and principled and the male characters play second fiddle to the ladies.

For a full synopsis of the show, click here:

This production ticked all the boxes and pressed all my buttons. I came away from the theatre not singing the tunes but feeling good that the underdog had come out so spectacularly on top. It gave me a real lift and I felt better about myself.

The star of this show is undoubtably Madison Horne who plays Elle Woods a fashion student and president of her hometown college sonority. Madison manages to combine the goofiness of the dumb blonde with the ‘serious’ requirements of her role as a successful attorney at law. I totally believed her as she strutted round the court room defending her client who was charged with murder. She was sexy and strong yet managed to remain vulnerable.

Her vocals and American accent were secure while the pathos in her voice ideally suited many of her numbers. Her connection with the audience was immediate and she did not lose them all night. Her performance was commanding.

However, I personally found the real stars of this show to be the company. They were well-drilled, their enthusiasm was infectious and it was wonderful to see the ‘Big Girls’ in the chorus having such a great time and really shining on the front lines of the chorus line. The ensemble dancing was seriously impressive and created many of the show highlights.

Jimmy Haggar played posh tottie and bad boy, Warner Huntington III. After a shakey start he relaxed and let his vocals do the talking. He has a great voice, a great look and a lovely bottom!

Elles’ love interest Ollie Wray played trainee attorney Emmett Forrest who eventually fills the love interest in Elle’s life, filling Warner’s boots with great style and panache. He has a lovely lyrical voice with a huge register especially powerful at the top of his range and he was more than a match for all his solo numbers. His connection with the audience was authentic and he played the underdog to perfection.

Beth Yeates was glorious as manicurist Paulette Bonafonte. A great singer and actress the stage lit up every time she was on it. Her casting in this role was perfect.

The court scene when the pool boy witness was exposed as being gay was sheer genius as the complete company in the courtroom sang “Is he gay or European?”

The gay stereotyping was handled really well and provided many funny moments during the evening. The actor playing the gay hairdresser in particular deserves some onions to go with his mince.

Michael Burnie’s direction was first class. Fast moving with the pastiche moments in particular working really well. He never lost my attention.

Jodie Michele’s choreography was as good as I have seen in an amateur production for a long time. It tested the company but they all really rose to the challenge.

The set deserves special mention. The Corn Exchange is not one of the easiest venues to stage anything in, never mind a musical on this scale. However, the mix of projections and set worked very well and despite the heat inside the Corn Exchange, at times I felt transported to both California and Harvard Law Campus in Cambridge Massachusetts. Quite an achievement!

Musical Director, Josh Winstone was spot on with his tempos and the band rose to the challenges presented by what is a complex musical score. They really caught the flavour of the arrangements.

It costs a fortune to stage these productions and Brighton Theatre Group Youth productions give young performers of the future a great showcase for their talents and deserve full support in their efforts.

There are still some tickets available. I can throughly recommend the show and maybe like myself you will leave at the end of the evening feeling uplifted and good about yourself.

To book tickets online, click here:

BRIGHTON PRIDE: D.E.Experience returns to Legends Cabaret Tent

Jonathan Hellyer aka The D.E. Experience, one of the country’s top drag queens makes a welcome return to Brighton Pride, where for many years he headlined the Legends Cabaret stage.

WEB.600After a break away from performing, Jonathan made a triumphant return to Birmingham Pride, last month, where he headlined the Cabaret stage, after appearing at the first Birmingham Pride 20 years ago.

In July he returns to his spiritual home of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, where he was the resident artiste, every Sunday, for S.L.A.G.S – the South London Action Girls Society

As the D.E. Experience, Jonathan was a regular performer in Brighton for many years, at Legends and Revenge, and headlined the Brighton Pride Cabaret stage for many years, with his last appearance in 2012.

WEB.600.5Jonathan says: “I’m so excited to be returning to Brighton and headlining the cabaret stage at Brighton Pride. Not only do I get the chance to reacquaint myself with the wonderful audience assembled, I will rub shoulders with the amazing array of talent also performing. And naturally there’s nothing better than being brought off by Lola Lasagne!”

Lola Lasagne, Cabaret Tent head honcho, added: “Every year at Brighton Pride I try to put together a line up of the best that our cabaret scene has to offer. We are so lucky that Jonathan is able to be the cherry on an already delicious cake. His powerhouse vocals, delicious humour and view on the world will provide a high energy climax on the cabaret stage of one of the best Prides in the UK.”

To buy tickets for Brighton Pride Festival, click here:

 

REVIEW: Brighton Fringe: Sweetie Darling Comes Again

On June 4 excitement was in the air across the city after a fantastic month of high-class entertainment at this years Brighton Fringe Festival.

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We excitedly skipped down to check out some of Brighton’s local cabaret talent taking to the stage for the final show in another hilarious Ab Fab dragged twist at the Gods ‘above Bar Broadway in Kemptown’ in Sweetie Darling Comes Again.

Playing to a sold out audience, the hilarious, hi-camp remixed script brought the show straight to life with the strong, well cast team performing, miming and bringing a whole new dimension to many loved scenes from the TV series.

With clever outlooks and double meanings the cast of this year’s Sweetie Darling Comes Again were on top form.

The performance featured some fabulous talent, including a word-perfect lip-sync of a very fast and intricate script by Saffy (Stephanie Von Clitz aka Steven Bank), and perfect character capture by the full cast.

All in all, a loveable, excitable enthusiastic performance by the full cast and crew, with all our favourite lines from the TV show, including ….. Is it a bee, …. A knitting needle and she’s inhaled the whole kitchen….

It was an Absolutely Fabulous fun-filled show bringing a camp evening of entertainment to Brighton.

Review by Sam Pink

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Lunch Positive celebrate 7th birthday on Saturday

WEB.400Lunch Positive, the HIV charity that provides a weekly lunch club for people with HIV celebrates its 7th Birthday on Saturday, June 11.

As part of their birthday celebrations they will be holding an al fresco community buffet for supporters, friends and the local HIV & LGBT communities in Dorset Gardens.

Everyone is invited from noon to 3pm to share a hot and cold food, pasta and rice dishes, salads, tea and coffee and cold drinks.

There’s no charge, but donations are welcome.  Tables and chairs will be provided, together with volunteer support for anyone with mobility needs.

Gary Parteger
Gary Parteger

Gary Pargeter, Service Manager at Lunch Positive, said: Everyone is invited to our community buffet, that’s friends we already know, and those who we haven’t yet met. We want to thank everyone in the community for their support and interest in what we do because without it our lunch club would not have grown as successfully as it has.

“At Lunch Positive, We’re all so grateful for the support we’ve been shown over the years, in all sorts of ways. There’ll be loads of food, good company and hopefully a sunny day!  Please come along so we can give something back to our wonderful community and celebrate together!”


What: Lunch Positive Celebration Alfresco Buffet

When: Saturday, June 11

Where: Dorset Gardens Peace Park, Dorset Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1RL.

Time: 12 noon – 3pm

For more information on Lunch Positive, click here: 

Report says LGBT people face discrimination as they die

Nearly three-quarters (74%) of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people are not confident that health and social care services provide sensitive end of life care for their needs.

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As a result, they often delay accessing the care they need and are more likely to experience unmanaged symptoms and pain at the end of their lives.

These are the findings of a new report from the terminal illness charity, Marie Curie. ‘Hiding who I am: Exposing the reality of end of life care for LGBT people,’ looks at the barriers that prevent LGBT people from accessing end of life care and highlights their real-life experiences.

The report draws on interviews with LGBT people living with a terminal illness, and their partners, by the University of Nottingham (The Last Outing) and King’s College London (ACCESSCare). It includes examples of indirect and direct discrimination, including a dying lady whose doctor refused to see her without a chaperone because she was a lesbian.

Many people interviewed said they felt anxiety about having to hide who they are when accessing end of life care, with one in four experiencing discrimination from health and social care professionals in their lifetime. Others feared ‘outing’ themselves to care professionals, having grown up at a time when being gay was illegal.

Scott Sinclair
Scott Sinclair

Scott Sinclair, Head of Policy and Public Affairs for England, at Marie Curie said: “No one should have to hide who they are at the end of their lives. If LGBT people are not confident about services, or have experienced discrimination from healthcare providers in the past, they may not feel able to be open about themselves and the people who are important to them – factors that are all crucial to dying well.”

“Learning about the prejudice LGBT people experience as they are dying, when they are at their most vulnerable, is deeply saddening.”

Hannah Kibirige, Head of Policy, at Stonewall said: “Lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in later life often experience specific forms of discrimination that go unnoticed by others around them. Often older LGBT people are extremely vulnerable, particular if in care or terminally ill, and so it’s vital that healthcare staff are aware of the experiences they face. It is a great step to see Marie Curie address this in their research and we hope that the findings go on to effect practical and positive change for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.”

It is estimated that more than 40,000 LGBT people die each year in the UK. However, research suggests that a significant number miss out on the care and support they need, despite experiencing higher rates of life-threatening diseases than the national average.

Support for ‘Stronger In Europe’ campaign transcends party politics in Brighton & Hove

Politicians in Brighton & Hove put aside party differences to demonstrate cross party unity in order to make the case for Britain being Stronger In Europe.

WEB.600A new leaflet has been produced in conjunction with three of the major parties in Brighton & Hove, showcasing the support of local Greens, Labour and Liberal Democrats. These will be delivered to 150,000 homes across Brighton & Hove.

This is the latest in a series of cross party efforts by the parties, who are keen to promote the positive aspects of EU membership to the people of Brighton & Hove.

Previous highlights have included leafleting and a youth vote registration drive.

The parties will be hosting a community meeting on June 15 to answer any questions that Brighton & Hove voters may have about why it is important to stay in the EU.

The meeting will be chaired by Abe Baldry, the President of the Sussex Student Union. Members of the public who haven’t yet decided how to vote are invited to attend and put their questions to the Stronger In Europe campaigners.

Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “Brighton and Hove is fairer, safer and greener because of our membership of the EU. Not only are small businesses better off but our beaches are cleaner and our rights at work are protected too. Leaving the EU would be incredibly risky for Brighton & Hove – at a time when people are already struggling to get buy. I’m really pleased that we’re working across party lines for a ‘remain’ vote.”

Peter Kyle, Labour MP for Hove and Portslade, added: “Our economy in Brighton and Hove is dominated by small businesses and leaving the EU will create masses of red tape for them when they trade in Europe. Big businesses can absorb additional regulation, red tape and extra costs and if they don’t like it they can often leave the country for one they feel is a better environment for them. Small businesses simply go bust”

Sharon Bowles, Liberal Democrat MEP for South East England 2005-2014, concluded: “As part of the EU Britain has amplified its position as a world power, working to promote freedom, tolerance, hope and prosperity throughout Europe and the World. Voting to remain in Europe is a vote for Britain to lead, not leave.”

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Event: Britain Stronger in Europe Meeting

Where: Brighthelm Centre, North Rd, Brighton BN1 1YD

When: Wednesday, June 15

Time: 7.30pm

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