February 2017 – Page 6 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

New guidelines for those severely affected by ME

Posted on 18/02/2017 by Besi

The Sussex ME Society who support those in the county affected by ME has welcomed a recently published guideline for medical professionals that are caring for those most severely affected by the disabling illness.

The document has been produced by a British Association for CFS/ME (BACME) working group that includes experienced clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of patients with severe ME. It is designed to help professionals dealing with those that are house or bed-bound to feel able to better understand the condition, and find a way forward in managing the complex illness to improve the patients quality of life.

Myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness characterised by disabling persistent physical and mental fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunction and other symptoms.

At its most severe, ME/CFS can lead to individuals becoming housebound, wheelchair user or bed-bound and dependent on family and carers for many or all basic activities of daily living for many years, although others return to health within a much shorter time.

Colin Barton from the Sussex ME Society, says: “Sometimes those most in need are the most neglected and we hope that these guidelines will go some way to resolving that very unfair situation.”

Copies of the guidelines are available by calling 01273 674828 or click here:

COMPETITION: Win a pair of tickets to DIVAS on Sunday, February 19

Posted on 18/02/201718/02/2017 by Besi

Gscene have a single pairs of tickets left to give away for DIVAS, the show that brings the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival to a close at the Phil Starr Pavilion on Sunday, February 19.

Aneesa Chaudhry, Jennie Castell, Gabriella Parish and Hannah Brackenbury join forces to bring you an evening of jazz, show tunes and ballads.

Aneesa Chaudhry is a much-loved singer on the jazz and gay scene in Brighton and Hove. She loves surprising her audiences and has an extensive vocal range. Her gigs are full of humorous and unplanned engaging banter and the audience is invited to join in with the songs and vibe!

On Sunday, February 19, she hosts a night with Brighton’s greatest female scene Diva’s. You’ll be in for a treat as you hear her duet with guests during the closing show.

Jennie Castell has a hugely versatile voice and has shared a stage with Lulu, Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry. She sings regularly on the Brighton gay scene and knows exactly how to get an audience dancing!

Gabriella Parrish has risen to prominence on the south coast cabaret scene over the past few years. Born and bred in Brighton, she has always had a love for performing and has made a name for herself with her powerhouse vocals and a repertoire spanning musical theatre, power ballads, classic party anthems and pretty much everything in between. A versatile and professional performer with an infectious fun personality, and even handpicked by Adele herself to appear on her BBC special Adele at the BBC.

Brighton-based performer Hannah Brackenbury is an accomplished musician and vocalist, performing acoustic covers on piano and guitar by artists such as Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell and KT Tunstall. She has performed at Pride festivals across the country and is an established performer on the Brighton scene.

To win a pair of tickets email: info@gscene.com the answer to the following question by Sunday, February 19 at noon.

What LGBT choir is Aneesa Chaudhry the musical director of?

LGBT History Month is an international month-long annual observance of LGBT+History and the opportunity to commemorate and remember the bravery of those who campaigned and spoke out over the years to help us achieve the freedoms and equality we enjoy today.

The PHIL STARR PAVILION, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB has a fully functional stage, light and sound system with heating and licensed bar.

This ground breaking affiliation seeks to engage the city in the wide range of issues highlighted through the work of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, as well as partner/stakeholder work.

Event: DIVAS

Where: Phil Starr Pavilion, New Steine Gardens, Brighton

When: Sunday, February 19

Time: Doors open 7.15pm for 8pm start.

Cost: £8/£6 concs. plus booking fee. Tickets available on door also (no booking fee)

B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival: Soul Safari 3

Posted on 18/02/201718/02/2017 by Besi

Exploring LGBT spirituality as part of The B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival during LGBT History Month organised by the Village Metropolitan Community Church (MCC).

Events on Sunday, February 19 include:

10am -1pm
Card Readings

Discover yourself with the help of The Jesus Deck. These cards can speak to us whatever our beliefs to help us discover elements of our unique spiritual journey.

10am – 11am
Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah from Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue

11am – 12pm
‘Male and Female God created them’. Is the gender binary divinely ordained? – Rev Shanon Ferguson
Rev Shanon Ferguson is the senior pastor of the MCC of North London and a PhD research student at Roehampton University, West London, where they are researching the theology of non-binary gender. Shanon has a long history of LGBT activism, fighting for equal rights and personally identifies as gender fluid.

12pm – 1:15pm
Explorations in Prayer and Intention – Rev. Anthea Balham

A short, fun, interactive workshop with a built-in opportunity to test the power of prayer, learn about research into prayer and set out on an intriguing journey of self-discovery. The workshop includes a reading list. Rev Anthea Ballam is an ordained interfaith minister, Secretary of the Interfaith Contact Group of Brighton and Hove and Chaplain to the Mayor of Brighton and Hove. She is a priest, teacher and writer and author of three books, including two prayer books. Her specialities are meditation and visualisation (she runs a monthly group) and the study of prayer and death. She is a busy celebrant and has a website featuring over 100 of her own funeral readings entitled http://www.funeralstoday.org and she can also be found on her own website http://www.antheab.com

1:30pm – 2:30pm
The Quaker experience – the Brighton Quakers

“Have you ever wondered what a Quaker Meeting for Worship is like? This is a perfect opportunity to find out, as a small group of LGBTQ+ Friends will talk about the Quaker experience and how it has impacted their lives, and about the relationship between their sexuality/ies and their faith. The workshop will include an opportunity to take part in a short Meeting for Worship, as well as a Q&A session in which you will be able to put any questions or queries to our queer Quaker panel.”

2:30pm – 3:30pm
The Buddhist experience – Damien Robert of The Bodhisattva Kadampa Meditation Centre

“Meditation functions to make the mind peaceful because when our mind is peaceful we are happy all the time, even if our external conditions are poor. It involves concentrating on a virtuous object, that is the main cause of mental peace. This guided meditation will be given by Damien, a student of Bodhiasttva KMC. It will include a talk explaining an aspect of Buddha’s teachings that we can immediately use to improve our daily experiences followed by a guided meditation.”

3:30pm – 4:30pm
Rev Michael Hydes brings to an end 3 weeks of spiritual events.

LGBT History Month is an international month-long annual observance of LGBT+ History and the opportunity to commemorate and remember the bravery of those who campaigned and spoke out over the years to help us achieve the freedoms and equality we enjoy today.

The PHIL STARR PAVILION, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB has a fully functional stage, light and sound system, it is fully heated with a fully licensed bar.

Event: Soul Safari 3

Where: Phil Starr Pavilion, New Steine Gardens, Brighton

When: Sunday, February 19

Time: 10.am-4.30pm

For more information, click here:

Archbishops of Canterbury and York respond to LGBT defeat at General Synod

Posted on 18/02/201718/02/2017 by Besi

OneBodyOneFaith welcomes the Church of England Archbishops’ bold proposal for a new and inclusive process following defeat of GS2055 at the general Synod.

In response to the joint letter from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York released yesterday, Canon Jeremy Pemberton, Chair of OneBodyOneFaith said: “The joint letter from both Archbishops to Church of England synod members is a bold and welcome response to address the disjunction between the House of Bishops and Houses of Clergy and Laity in their understanding of and response to human sexuality.

We applaud the tone set by Archbishop Justin as he seeks ‘a radical new Christian inclusion’ and his affirmation that, ‘no person is a problem or an issue [because] people are made in the image of God.’ In this we find echoed our own vision, longing for Christ’s body to be one, finding unity in a diversity which includes all whom Christ has called, that they might participate in God’s mission, leading to transformation for our world.”

“For Bishops to consult with local synod representatives in how to establish a way forward on human sexuality that is ‘about love, joy and celebration of our common humanity’ will indeed be a significant change.

We note with satisfaction the intention that the Pastoral Oversight group and the group that work on the large-scale teaching document that will provide for ‘good, healthy flourishing relationships’ reflecting a ‘21st Century understanding of being human and being sexual’ will be ‘fully inclusive’.

We take ‘fully inclusive’ in this context to mean that in both groups will be represented those who would affirm OneBodyOneFaith’s statement of conviction: that human sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity in all their richness are gifts of God gladly to be accepted, enjoyed and honoured as a way of both expressing and growing in love, in accordance with the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.

And that: it is entirely compatible with the Christian faith not only to love another person of the same-sex, but also to express that love fully in a personal sexual relationship; We believe that expressing our gender and sexuality with integrity is important as a way to grow in love and discipleship.

The Archbishops have set an ambitious task for members of the Church of England; they are right to

Recognising its urgency the Archbishops have set an ambitious task for members of the Church of England to find a far more representative way forward which will include a process involving lay, presbyteral and episcopal members of synod.

OneBodyOneFaith maintains that the homophobia long present in the Church of England has skewed its population and that this needs to be taken into account in Diocesan consultations, in the development of pastoral practices, and in formulating the wide-ranging and inclusive new teaching document on human sexuality.

Tracey Byrne, Chief Executive of OneBodyOneFaith, added: “Care needs to be taken that a process which focusses on synod members will represent and reflect the interests of the whole of the Church of England and is mindful of the needs of the nation. To that end, this process needs to involve Anglicans who are not part of synod. The process needs to allow each participant to speak without fear for their own safety or fear of recrimination. OneBodyOneFaith stands ready to resource the Church of England as it embarks on this process of embodying more deeply the radical and transforming love shown by God in Christ which is for all.”

To read the full text of the Bishop’s letter, click here:

PICTURE Diary: B RIGHT ON Festival: Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror Picture Show

Posted on 18/02/201719/03/2019 by Contributor

Photos from the Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror Picture Show, hosted by Davina Sparkle in the Phil Starr Pavilion on Friday, March 17 during the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival celebrating LGBT History Month.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Photos by StellaPix and Jack Lynn

B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival: Rainbow Chorus to sing at family fun day today at 1pm

Posted on 18/02/201718/02/2017 by Besi

As part of the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival celebrating LGBT History Month, the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (B&H LGBT CSF) are staging a Family Fun Day for children today, Saturday, February 18.

Throughout the afternoon there will be kids entertainers, side shows, kids disco, first aid workshops, live music, Rainbow Families ‘History Pin’ and Lunch Positive, the HIV Lunch Club, will be providing a community cafe serving free snacks and light lunches all afternoon on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis.

There will be a music workshop with RHYTHMIXMUSIC, live music from the Qukulele and the Rainbow Chorus, Brightons only LGBT+ choir will be performing a set for the children at 1pm.

Rainbow Chorus, Brightons only LGBT choir will sing at 1.30pm — Rainbow Chorus, Brightons only LGBT choir will sing at 1pm

LGBT History Month is an international month-long annual observance of LGBT+ History and the opportunity to commemorate and remember the bravery of those who campaigned and spoke out over the years to help us achieve the freedoms and equality we enjoy today.

The PHIL STARR PAVILION, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB provides a fully functional stage, light and sound system with heating and licensed bar.

This ground breaking affiliation seeks to engage the city in the wide range of issues highlighted through the work of the B&H LGBT CSF, as well as partner/stakeholder work.

Event: Family fun day with Rainbow Families

Where: Phil Starr Pavilion, New Steine Gardens, Brighton

When: Saturday, February 18

Time: 10am – 4pm

Cost: Free entry all day

PREVIEW: My Brothers and Sisters @ Sarah Siddons Theatre, London

Posted on 17/02/201717/02/2017 by Contributor

Play about radicalisation commissioned by City of Westminster College receives additional funding from Westminster Prevent.

MAD ‘ED THEATRES production of My Brothers and Sisters, a play written by Gscene columnist Craig Hanlon-Smith, originally commissioned by City of Westminster College last year to demonstrate its commitment to the government’s Prevent duty returns on February 20.

Following the success of the original London run, the production returns to the Sarah Siddons Theatre for two weeks in February and March after receiving additional funding from Westminster City Council’s PREVENT programme.

This one-act play revolves around missing 15-year-old Shamilla and her older brother Mohammed, whose whereabouts alert the authorities to a previously unremarkable family.

Offering the audience a window into the lives of a family and their friends in modern Britain during the most challenging 48 hours they are ever likely to experience, the production draws uncomfortable connections between racism, austerity, immigration and a growing desire, in some, to head to the Middle East. Furthermore, the play examines our relationship to community and the casual exploitation of young women.

My Brothers and Sisters garnered much attention when it premiered last January during a month dedicated by the College to addressing radicalisation.

The Times Education Supplement said: “My Brothers & Sisters, use(s) the power of theatre to prevent radicalisation. It is genuinely thought-provoking and at times genuinely funny, the audience is a near interactive presence.”

Following the run at the College, the production performed at schools and colleges throughout the country, and has garnered much interest.

The new run has been fully funded by Westminster PREVENT with pupils from schools across Westminster being invited to attend. Two evening performances, that are free, for members of the general public have also been programmed.

Following the run last year, 96% of students surveyed said they enjoyed the production and 87% said they knew more about radicalisation after the performance and related tutorial activities.

Following Brexit and the policies of the new US administration, the 2017 production has undergone some recent re-writes

In July 2015, all schools became subject to the Prevent duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 – this is intended to help schools think about what they can do to protect young people from the risk of radicalisation.

Mad ‘Ed Theatre was set up by theatre and education professionals to develop interactive performance work connected to our everyday mental health and well-being. Founding and associate members, in addition to working with and supporting the company are employed by City of Westminster College, Kings College London and HM Prison Education Service.

Event: MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Where: Sarah Siddons Theatre, City of Westminster College, Paddington Green, London W2 1NB

When: Monday, February 20 – Friday, March 3

Time: 3 shows daily at 11am, 1pm and 3.30pm: There will be four evening performances on Wednesday February 22 and Thursday 23 and Wednesday, March 1 and Thursday, March 2 which will be followed by a Q&A with the writer, director and cast of the play.

Cost: Free

To register online, click here:

Church of England rejects Bishop’s report

Posted on 16/02/2017 by Besi

In an unprecedented development within the Church of England, the General Synod refuses to take note of the Report of the House of Bishops’ reflection group, GS2055.

Both the defeat of the motion by the House of Clergy and the rebellion against it in the House of Laity sends an unequivocal message to the House of Bishops that their approach to human sexuality is lamentably out of step with membership of the Church of England and with the nation at large.

The Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement, OneBodyOneFaith group led the campaign to reject this report.

Chief Executive of Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement, Tracey Byrne, said: “The homophobia present in the Church of England is evident when people feel afraid that, by talking about the person they love, they risk losing their home, their job and their vocation. For too long clergy and laity have lived in fear. The report promised no change but a change of tone; we need to see LGBT people in the Church of England creating this change on their own terms.”

Chair of OneBodyOneFaith, Jeremy Pemberton, added: “We welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury’s aspiration to achieve radical new Christian inclusion in the Church. In order to achieve this, he will need to work in partnership with LGBT representatives with OneBodyOneFaith key among them.”

OneBodyOneFaith celebrated the launch of their new identity as an organisation with a glittering celebration at the Institute of Civil Engineers on Valentine Day, February 14. Champions of the work being done to support and liberate LGBT+ Christians from all churches were show-cased, making a stark contrast with the lack of vision in the House of Bishops’ report.

Now that the report GS2055 has been rejected, OneBodyOneFaith looks forward to equipping the Church of England to lead the work that needs to be done to realise the Archbishop of Canterbury commitment to “realise more fully the Kingdom of God, building the kind of the community of Jesus of Nazareth – with room for all God’s children at his table.”

For more information about OneBodyOneFaith, click here:

Join the ‘Big Community Lunch’ tomorrow

Posted on 16/02/201716/02/2017 by Besi

As part of LGBT History Month and the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival, Lunch Positive, the charity providing a weekly HIV Lunch Club will stage the Big Community Lunch at the Phil Starr Pavilion on New Steine Gardens tomorrow, Friday, February 17.

This is an event for all communities and everyone is welcome to attend.

Staffed by Lunch Positive volunteers, the Phil Starr Pavilion will be set up café style with plenty of tables and chairs, and food will be served from the Lunch Positive marquee.

There is no set charge for food and drink, but donations are welcomed on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis. All funds raised will go towards running the weekly HIV lunch club.

Over the last two weeks of the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival, Lunch Positive volunteers have given over 400 hours staging the Community Café, supporting the daytime events, grassroots community groups and initiatives; and fundraising at the evening entertainment events.

The menu at the Big Community Lunch this Friday will include two soups, pasta dishes, veggie rice dishes, casseroles, quiche, roasted vegetables, jacket potatoes, tea & coffee and homemade flapjack.

There’s no need to book ahead, just turn up when suits you best. Refreshments will be served from 11am and food from 12.30am.

Go come along, spend time together, while enjoying the community atmosphere, and helping raise funds for this effective frontline small charity.

Event: Lunch Positive Big Community Lunch

Where: The Phil Starr Pavilion, New Steine Gardens, Brighton

When: Friday, February 17

Time: 11am – 4pm Lunch Served from 12.30pm

Cost: Free entry

For more information, click here:

B RIGHT ON Festival: LGBT Work and Volunteer Fair today

Posted on 15/02/201719/03/2019 by Besi

As part of LGBT History Month during the B Right On LGBT Festival the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum are staging a Work and Volunteer Fair on Thursday, February 16 at the Phil Starr Pavilion in New Steine Gardens.

♦ Want to Volunteer? Looking for Work?

♦ Want to get involved in your community?

Go along to New Steine Gardens and meet over 20 local community organisations and businesses.

CV support
Job search
Benefit Guidance
Engagement Workshop
Overcoming hurdles to employment
Drop in Support
Local Organisations
Recruiting companies

The PHIL STARR PAVILION, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB has a fully functional stage, light and sound system with heating and licensed bar.

Event: LGBT+ Work and Volunteer Fair

Where: The PHIL STARR PAVILION, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB

When: Thursday, February 16

Time: 10am – 4pm

Cost: Free Entry

Call us now

Month: February 2017

New guidelines for those severely affected by ME

The Sussex ME Society who support those in the county affected by ME has welcomed a recently published guideline for medical professionals that are caring for those most severely affected by the disabling illness.

COMPETITION: Win a pair of tickets to DIVAS on Sunday, February 19

Gscene have a single pairs of tickets left to give away for DIVAS, the show that brings the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival to a close at the Phil Starr Pavilion on Sunday, February 19.

B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival: Soul Safari 3

Exploring LGBT spirituality as part of The B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival during LGBT History Month organised by the Village Metropolitan Community Church (MCC).

Archbishops of Canterbury and York respond to LGBT defeat at General Synod

OneBodyOneFaith welcomes the Church of England Archbishops’ bold proposal for a new and inclusive process following defeat of GS2055 at the general Synod.

PICTURE Diary: B RIGHT ON Festival: Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror Picture Show

Photos from the Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror Picture Show, hosted by Davina Sparkle in the Phil Starr Pavilion on Friday, March 17 during the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival celebrating LGBT History Month.

B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival: Rainbow Chorus to sing at family fun day today at 1pm

As part of the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival celebrating LGBT History Month, the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (B&H LGBT CSF) are staging a Family Fun Day for children today, Saturday, February 18.

PREVIEW: My Brothers and Sisters @ Sarah Siddons Theatre, London

Play about radicalisation commissioned by City of Westminster College receives additional funding from Westminster Prevent.

Church of England rejects Bishop’s report

In an unprecedented development within the Church of England, the General Synod refuses to take note of the Report of the House of Bishops’ reflection group, GS2055.

Join the ‘Big Community Lunch’ tomorrow

As part of LGBT History Month and the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival, Lunch Positive, the charity providing a weekly HIV Lunch Club will stage the Big Community Lunch at the Phil Starr Pavilion on New Steine Gardens tomorrow, Friday, February 17.

B RIGHT ON Festival: LGBT Work and Volunteer Fair today

As part of LGBT History Month during the B Right On LGBT Festival the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum are staging a Work and Volunteer Fair on Thursday, February 16 at the Phil Starr Pavilion in New Steine Gardens.

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Call us now

The Sussex ME Society who support those in the county affected by ME has welcomed a recently published guideline for medical professionals that are caring for those most severely affected by the disabling illness.

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Gscene have a single pairs of tickets left to give away for DIVAS, the show that brings the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival to a close at the Phil Starr Pavilion on Sunday, February 19.

Share this:

Exploring LGBT spirituality as part of The B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival during LGBT History Month organised by the Village Metropolitan Community Church (MCC).

Share this:

OneBodyOneFaith welcomes the Church of England Archbishops’ bold proposal for a new and inclusive process following defeat of GS2055 at the general Synod.

Share this:

Photos from the Sing-a-long-a Rocky Horror Picture Show, hosted by Davina Sparkle in the Phil Starr Pavilion on Friday, March 17 during the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival celebrating LGBT History Month.

Share this:

As part of the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival celebrating LGBT History Month, the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (B&H LGBT CSF) are staging a Family Fun Day for children today, Saturday, February 18.

Share this:

Play about radicalisation commissioned by City of Westminster College receives additional funding from Westminster Prevent.

Share this:

In an unprecedented development within the Church of England, the General Synod refuses to take note of the Report of the House of Bishops’ reflection group, GS2055.

Share this:

As part of LGBT History Month and the B RIGHT ON LGBT Festival, Lunch Positive, the charity providing a weekly HIV Lunch Club will stage the Big Community Lunch at the Phil Starr Pavilion on New Steine Gardens tomorrow, Friday, February 17.

Share this:

As part of LGBT History Month during the B Right On LGBT Festival the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum are staging a Work and Volunteer Fair on Thursday, February 16 at the Phil Starr Pavilion in New Steine Gardens.

Share this:

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