Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion will be holding a surgery at the offices of Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) on Friday, February 24 from 4pm-6pm.
If you live in Caroline’s Brighton Pavilion constituency, and would like to seek help with a problem you are experiencing, eg. housing, the NHS, welfare benefits, or to lobby her about government policy you will be required to pre-book an appointment.
To arrange a pre-booked appointment or for further information contact her Brighton Pavilion Constituency Office on: 01273 201 130
2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality for men in England and Wales.
For more than eighty years this Victorian piece of legislation forced gay men to live their lives closeted and in the shadows. Meeting potential partners or even just meeting with friends socially was fraught with danger, as vigilante queer bashers or the risk of prosecution and imprisonment by the police posed a constant threat.
In 1967, thanks to the Wolfenden Report and campaigning by the Homosexual Law Reform Society, the law was finally repealed and the Gay Liberation Front and Gay Pride movement were established.
Finally gay men emerged from the shadows and began the long journey to acceptance and full equality for the LGBT+ community.
To celebrate this landmark anniversary, Pride are looking for a few good men to take part in their Summer Of Love exhibition.
Curated by well-known photographer Chris Jepson MA ARPS, working alongside researcher and co-curator Kate Wildblood, the exhibition will feature some of the brave men who lived through those early dark years, whose only chance of social contact with other gay men was at underground clubs where the risk of discovery and imprisonment were ever-present.
A celebration of their lives, battles and victories, Summer Of Love will connect us to the reality of life before decriminalisation and reflect upon the rewards we all now enjoy because of their fight for LGBT+ equality.
It will not take a lot of your time. Chris will meet you at a location convenient to you or a venue that holds particular memories to take portraits, chat and possibly take a video.
If you would like to participate, or would like more details, please email chris@brighton-pride.org or telephone: 07885 958 953
For more information about the exhibition, click here:
The Royal Pavilion’s sumptuous Music Room plays host to the Drawing Circus’s unique brand of theatrical life drawing at this unique, after-hours event.
Having won Best Museum Drawing Event for its night-time event at the Booth Museum in October 2015, the Drawing Circus is returning to Royal Pavilion & Museums for its 100th production!
With 12 models posing nude and in costume, accompanied by live music from the Drawchestra, a night to remember is promised.
Boasting a gilded dome ceiling, lotus-shaped chandeliers and walls decorated with Chinoiserie-style canvases featuring painted dragons, there can be few more inspiring interiors in which to unleash your artistic talents.
Jake Spicer, Co-director of the Drawing Circus, said:“Since our first events in Brighton it has been our ambition to run a life class at the Royal Pavilion – it’s so exciting for us to finally be able to hold a session there!”
The event is suitable for all drawing abilities from complete novices to experienced artists.
Event:The Drawing Circus
Where: Royal Pavilion Music Room, Brighton
When: Tuesday, March 28
Time: 7-10pm
Cost: (£25, £20 students, includes drink and materials, book in advance), 16+
“Did we know that we were standing on the threshold of a very different and much darker new world?” said Moira Smyth, Winner of the positive Role Model Award for LGBT+.
Reflecting on events since The National Diversity Awards 2016, the driving force behind the LGBT+ network at Hampshire County Council expressed her uncertainty for what is yet to unfold in 2017, and how recent events across the globe will impact diversity and inclusion.
“Hints of the new world were present as we had already received the reports of hate crime in our Country, but could we see the events that have since unfolded in America? Not really.” She continued.
The National Diversity Awards are a shining light in this darker new world. Nominations opened on February 20, and organisers expect an influx of entries from community organisations and positive role models from across the UK, in a defiant stance to promote and recognise our nations unsung diversity heroes.
Funke Abimbola, Senior Lawyer and Diversity Leader, and most recently a judge for The National Diversity Awards, echoes this sentiment.
He said:“These awards are vital as they celebrate and encourage those unsung diversity heroes working tirelessly to level the playing field within our communities.”
A previous winner of the positive role model award for gender, Funke, continued:“Others can then learn from and be inspired by their example. Never has this been more important than now in our post-truth and post-BREXIT era.”
With the ever-increasing need for cohesion between communities from all walks of life, the National Diversity Awards aims to deliver this year’s grandest celebration of diversity.
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral plays host to the 2017 ceremony, on September 8 when the UK’s most inspirational and selfless people will come together to honour the rich tapestry of our nation, recognising individuals and groups from grass-roots communities.
Graham Norton
The awards have recently announced new supporters and Microsoft are returning as Headline sponsor. The prestigious black tie event has also attracted a growing list of endorsements from celebrities who are actively supporting the diversity agenda including Sir Lenny Henry, Stephen Fry and Katie Piper.
“Promoting and celebrating diversity is close to my heart” said talk show legend Graham Norton. “Which is why I am thrilled to support The National Diversity Awards! I want to wish all of this year’s nominees the best of luck for the ceremony, you all deserve to win!’’
There can only be one winner for each of the 15 award categories; but with 20,000 nominations and votes received annually, The National Diversity Awards will without a doubt showcase the best of British diversity at such a crucial time.
Paul Sesay
Founder and CEO Paul Sesay, said:“Unlocking Britain’s diverse talent and rewarding unsung champions remains at the heart of these awards.”
Sesay, who was fostered as a young child, is the guiding light behind The National Diversity Awards, and has made it his mission to bring communities together.
He continued: “As we enter our sixth year, I know there are still so many game changers who remain unnoticed and unheard. We aim to provide a platform for those who have the passion and determination to spread the positive message of inclusivity. I look forward to learning about this year’s nominees and witnessing their spectacular journeys.”
Nominations for the National Diversity Awards, close on June 9.
Young people’s charity The Budding Foundation, have been donated a bag of 580 mint uncirculated old pennies from 1967, the year the sexual offences law changed.
They are looking for an artist to use them for a piece to display as part of the Brighton Pride Arts & Film Festival and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 which decriminalised homosexual acts between two men
They could be used to clad a 3D sculpture, welded together to create a structure, set in clear acrylic to make a picture or something else.
Proposals are invited from local artists.
The Budding Foundation accept donations of items to be sold on or used to raise funds for the charity and any fund raised would be designated for use locally in Brighton.
Members of Eastbourne Rainbow, AGE Concern Eastbourne’s 50+ LGBT+ social group, receive cheque for £200 from Andrew and Gary at The Hart, Eastbourne’s premier gay bar.
The money was raised from ticket sales for the sell-out musical evening Till I Hear You Sing.
The event was organised by George, Andrew and Gary from The Hart with songs performed by the very talented cast of The Hart Players who donated their time free of charge.
For more information about Eastbourne Rainbow, click here:
Or text/voice mail on 07516 670654.
George, Gary, Andrew and the Hart Players regularly fundraise for good causes. Their next show will be The Transexualvanian Show on July 16, 17, 18, 21 and 22 at 7.30 to raise money for a defibrillator for the town centre.
Tickets are £10, for more information, click here:
During the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival, part of LGBT History Month the LGBT Community Safety Forum OUTReach project organised a Family Fun Day on Saturday, February 18 in the Phil Starr Pavilion in New Steine Gardens.
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Kids entertainers kept the children busy with a disco, side shows, first aid workshops and the Rainbow Families ‘History Pin’. The Rainbow Chorus kept the children enthralled for 45 minutes while Aneesa Chaudhry the musical director of the Rainbow Chorus, spun her magic on everyone.
It was a fascinating day with plenty of children and their parents participating, making it all round a great community event for same sex families to enjoy and meet each other.
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