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Month: March 2017

Channel 4 celebrates International Transgender Day of Visibility

Posted on by Besi
Stephanie Hirst
Stephanie Hirst

Award-winning radio star Stephanie Hirst joins Channel 4’s Continuity Team to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Channel 4 marks International Transgender Day of Visibility today, Friday March 31 by handing control of the continuity announcer’s mic to award-winning radio host Stephanie Hirst.

Stephanie will take command of Channel 4’s continuity announcer’s booth from 6pm, going into The Simpsons, and be on air until First Dates at 11.10pm. As she makes the links to the programmes she will also share her personal experiences to raise awareness for International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Dan Brooke, Channel 4’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Board Diversity Champion, said: “Diversity is the lifeblood of Channel 4 and it’s important we champion and hear all voices on the channel. I’m thrilled that Stephanie will be helping us mark International Transgender Day of Visibility and sharing her experiences as a transgender person with our viewers.”

Stephanie, who has been polishing her scripts with the help of Channel 4 Continuity Creative Managers Isla Paton and Barra Fitzgibbon, said: “It is so important to mark International Transgender Day of Visibility, helping educate society that trans people can be, and should be wholly accepted in all areas of their lives for whom they truly are. Alongside this, it is a true honour to share my positive story with Channel 4 viewers.”

Stephanie is well-known to millions of UK radio listeners with a career that has seen her work on some of the biggest commercial radio shows in the UK, including three years on the national Sunday top 40 show, Hit40UK, where she interviewed some of the world’s biggest stars.

Along with that success she suffered an inner turmoil that her gender was wrong – something she had known since her very early childhood.

This was compounded by a feeling that the more successful she became, the more imprisoned she felt which led to Stephanie seriously considering taking her own life on several occasions.

But she reached a point where she had to take what she has described as “the biggest risk I will ever take – to transition from male to female” and revealed she was transgender during a live national radio interview on October 11, 2014.

Now Stephanie says that she is living proof that anything is achievable in life. Her career has continued to flourish, the Radio Academy awarded her a fellowship, the highest honour it awards to people in the industry and she has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University for her contribution to public life.

She mentored on ITV’s Lorraine Change One Thing campaign, she’s presented on BBC Breakfast, BBC Inside Out and written for various national press and media, is proactively involved in the promotion of LGBT+ rights and is an inspirational public speaker.

Stephanie’s participation is the latest contribution to a long-term project run by Channel 4’s Continuity Team, Alternative Voices, which launched in 2013 when five people with communication difficulties joined the continuity to introduce some of its biggest peak time shows.

HIV charity apologise for Brighton Half Marathon course being short

Posted on by Besi

Earlier this month Brighton Half Marathon was contacted by UK Athletics following concerns raised regarding the length of this year’s course and the course in 2015 and 2016.

Over recent weeks the organisers of Brighton Half Marathon, The Sussex Beacon have been conducting a formal investigation into the matter and have found that unfortunately the course has been short by 146 metres (0.09 miles) for each of these particular race years.

The area of concern centred on the turning point just after mile four where the course passes Roedean School, on the cliffs between Brighton and Rottingdean, before turning and heading back towards Brighton.

Concerns raised by UK Athletics’ were not observational regarding the course layout, but were based on an analysis of GPS data.

The accuracy of GPS devices is a hot topic within running at the moment, with some runners reporting variances for the race both under and over the correct half marathon distance. However, internal investigation by the race organisers has looked not only at runner data, but also internal procedures for delivering how the course was set out for each event.

Organisers have concluded that the eastern turning point has been positioned incorrectly over the last three half marathons, resulting in a shortfall in the overall half marathon distance.

Sussex Beacon say they are “devastated” that this mistake has happened and apologise unreservedly to all runners who took part in the affected race years.

Simon Dowe
Simon Dowe

Simon Dowe, CEO of the Sussex Beacon, HIV charity which organises the race, said: “We can’t apologise enough for this mistake. I know it’s hugely disappointing to everyone who trained so hard. I also know that for some, the news will be devastating as it affects race times, personal bests and records. Our thoughts are very much with the runners. I’m so sorry that their remarkable achievements and the money raised for good causes may be overshadowed by this error.”

Martin Harrigan
Martin Harrigan

Race Director Martin Harrigan from E3 Group, added: “We are a team of runners ourselves so we fully understand the impact of this news. We are really upset that this mistake has happened and we take full responsibility for this situation. We remain committed to making the 2018 Brighton Half Marathon a great event.”

This years half marathon was started by international Superstar DJ Norman Cook (aka Fat Boy Slim) who after starting the 8,000 runners off ran himself in the race to raise money for the charity Young Epilepsy.

Team Beacon runners who ran to raise money exclusively for the Sussex Beacon who are presently in danger of closing, raised in excess of £30,000.

The Sussex Beacon offers specialist care and support for men, women and families affected by HIV. They operate 365 days a year to help people manage the everyday realities of living with this life-long condition.

Their 10 bed Inpatient Unit helps people living with serious HIV related illnesses, initiating new drug therapies or struggling with some of the extreme side effects of anti-retroviral drug regimes.

They run services for women and families and a regular day service for socially isolated people with complex medical conditions associated with HIV. They also offer end of life care.

 

Transgender Day of Visibility Vigil

Posted on by Besi

“It’s time for transgender people to come out of the shadows”…says Broadcaster Sophie Cook.

Over the past few years transgender visibility has improved greatly with a number of trans people becoming very public through the media including Brighton based broadcaster and news anchor Sophie Cook who was even featuring on Match of the Day’s Premier League football show recently.

So why do we still need a Transgender Day of Visibility?

Unfortunately that visibility has also brought an increase in abuse and bigotry, following Sophie’s appearances on the BBC the online trolling she received escalated to the point where she received death threats via Twitter.

Sophie Cook
Sophie Cook

Sophie says: “The fight for freedom from bigotry isn’t over yet and it won’t be until every trans person can walk down the street, use the toilet of their choosing and express their identity free of fear.”

Transgender Day of Visibility will be celebrated with music, speeches and friendship at 2pm on Friday, March 31 at New Steine Gardens in Brighton.

Speakers will include:

♦ Broadcaster and trans activist Sophie Cook

♦ Daniel Cheesman, CEO Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

♦ Sgt. Peter Allan, Hate Crime Sergeant & Trans Equality Advocate at Sussex Police.

♦ Joanna Rowland-Stuart, Volunteer Brighton & Hove, LGBT Community Safety Forum

Event: Transgender Day of Visibility Vigil

Where: New Steine Gardens, by Brighton Aids Memorial, Kemptown, Brighton

When: Friday, March 31

Time: 2pm

Kemptown MP asks Culture Secretary to consider Brighton for Channel 4 move

Posted on by Gary Hart

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven has today written to the Culture Secretary, the Rt. Hon Karen Bradley MP asking her to consider Brighton as the best place to relocate Channel 4.

 

Rt. Hon Karen Bradley MP
Rt. Hon Karen Bradley MP

Today while addressing the National and Regions Media Conference in Salford, the Culture Secretary spoke about Channel 4 and announced that “the Government will not give further consideration to privatisation at this time.”

She said: “We want Channel 4 to have a major presence outside London, stimulating creative and economic activity – including jobs – right across the country. In so doing, it can play a leading role in a public service broadcasting system that reflects our United Kingdom.”

Simon Kirby MP
Simon Kirby MP

Mr Kirby said: “The Culture Secretary has said she wants to hear about potential new homes for Channel 4. I believe that Brighton would be an ideal place for Channel 4 to relocate to. I have suggested this to the Culture Secretary and hope that she considers Brighton when deciding where to relocate this world-class organisation.”

 

REVIEW: Noel & Gertie@Devonshire Park Theatre

Posted on by Eric Page

Noel & Gertie

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne.

Mtp’s new production of Noel & Gertie, based on the playwright’s 54 year friendship with Gertrude Lawrence is a perfectly charming night out. The love story, devised by Sheridan Morley from the couple’s letters and diaries, is told with all the Master’s flair and wit. Featuring song and scenes from Privates Lives and Blithe Spirit, this beautifully set and smartly executed production from Matthew Townshend takes us on a perfectly orchestrated trip down memory lane.

This is a charming duet (trio including pianist Jonathan Lee who was an accomplished accompanist and kept the music light, frothy and refined with just the right amount of Cowardesque fancies for the duration of the performance).
The set is a split dressing room, his and hers with the stage in-between, it’s a simple design and allows the actors to do effective personal narrative across imagined distance and separation, then coming together for the moments and performances that they shared. It worked well and with the well-crafted stage movements and choreography it never seemed too busy or cramped.

The narrative is firmly set in memory and reminiscing, with Noel being the man of fact, Gertie having more of the emotional content and we watch their friendship and careers develop from their earliest day on the stage, as pre-teens in Liverpool to their last great performances in American and England. There’s plenty of the waspish wit they were famous for but also a lot of truly warm loving details which utterly convinces of the depth of feeling that is shared between these two difficult, talented people who chose to – in their different ways – keep a lifelong friendship going and gently holding the flame after one of them dies so tragically.

It’s tightly directed and both set and lighting allow the changes from home, to dressing room to theatre stage to be effectively managed and the pleasantly humming along pace of music, funnies, songs and experts from Coward’s plays and Lawrence’s performances, most of them together, works very well to both show us the narrative arc of their mutual and join careers but also the ups and downs of their personal lives and dedicated friendship.

You can see full cast and crew info here on the company website: 

We end at the sudden death of Gertie, it’s a beautifully handled piece of theatre, one moment it’s all glitter, dance and music; race horses, winners and silly society froth and the next Noel reels and reflecting and putting  on his jacket,  tears well up, we feel his loss, he does what must be done, but seems lost. It was a very convincing performance from Ben Stock  and although I never felt he quite nailed THAT voice, he certainly convinced with his mannerisms, delicate offhand well-timed bon mots and the charming, gentle dedication and admiration that Coward felt for Lawrence. Helen Power’s Gertie is just the right combination of diaphanous full beam talent with a core of sharp diamond hardened steel, she reflects the brilliance of Cowards wit while concentrating her own talent mercilessly. Her voice is flawless, taking us back to a time of pure vocal control and supreme masterly of lyrics, she was a delight. My companion enjoyed herself immensely and giggled throughout this thoroughly delightfully and perfectly balanced performance.

It’s a lovely jaunt out to the Devonshire Park in Eastbourne; with free parking right outside, a very comfortable fully refurbished Victorian flourish of a theatre and very reasonable bar and ticket prices, it’s a lovely night out.

Runs until April 1

For more info or to book tickets see the Devonshire Park Theatre Website here

 

BRIGHTON FRINGE PREVIEW: Tricyclic Transform – A genderqueer musical cabaret

Posted on by Contributor

Solo musical cabaret exploring genderqueer identity with songs and drag. Miss Liliane, ‘biologically-challenged drag-queen’, has penis envy and that makes her slightly unhinged!

Join them round the gender wheel as they try on alternate personas by performing iconic torch songs.

From heart-wrenching jazz diva standards to the pissed-off ladies of gritty blues and Brecht, from the broken men protest songs of Johnny Cash, Scott Walker and Jacques Brel, to the empowering queer anthems of Marc Almond and Boy George, with sprinkles of Victor Victoria and La Cage aux Folles.

Event: Tricyclic Transform A Gender Queer Musical Cabaret

Where: New Steine Hotel, Bar and Bistro, 10-11 New Steine, Brighton BN2 1PB

When: May 26, 27, 28; June 2, 3, 4

Time: 8pm except May 28 & June 4 (5pm)

Cost: £10

To book tickets online, click here:

Let me know if you can use it at all.

Thanks hervé

OPINION PIECE: Time for Trans people to come out of the shadows

Posted on by Sophie Cook

Ahead of Transgender Day of Visibility, broadcaster Sophie Cook explains why the day remains important for trans people all over the world.

Over the past few years transgender visibility has improved greatly with a number of trans people becoming very public through the media – I was even featured on Match of the Day’s Premier League football show recently.

So why do we still need a Transgender Day of Visibility?

Unfortunately that visibility has also brought an increase in abuse and bigotry, following my appearances on the BBC the online trolling I received escalated to the point where I received death threats via Twitter.

The fight for freedom from bigotry isn’t over yet and it won’t be until every trans person can walk down the street, use the toilet of their choosing and express their identity free of fear.

For so many Trans people our overriding aim is to ‘pass’ or to achieve invisibility, to go about our lives as if our transness never existed, we want other people to accept us in our chosen gender without question or judgement.

But is this actually doing us all a disservice?

My self-confidence and self acceptance greatly improved when I let go of the concept of passing. The fear of being ‘read’ and the fear of people discovering that I wasn’t a ‘real’ woman.

It’s now more important to me to be perceived as a woman, even if logically people see a slight anomaly. It’s important to me to be authentic to myself.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be the most beautiful, feminine version of me possible and I do love it when people call me Miss, but I’m not scared of people realising that I’m trans, in fact I’m very open and forthright about it.

In the same way that gay rights and acceptance improved greatly after they stopped hiding in the shadows and stood up to express their Pride is it now time for us to proclaim that we are Trans and proud of it.

Gender dysphoria can be a terrible thing that takes a huge emotional, mental and social toll on people, do those of us that have reached the stage of feeling comfortable with ourselves and our condition owe it to those that are still struggling to show that there is a light at the end of the tunnel?

Do we owe it to ourselves (and our younger, more scared selves) to stand up and fight for our rights to be recognised as valid members of society?

Transphobia seems to be the form of social hatred and bullying that is still, if not accepted, ignored by society. Whilst racism and homophobia are abhorred by all but the very narrow-minded few trans people still get the sniggers, tranny jokes and, as happened to me last week, outright abuse.

We go through hell to finally be our authentic selves and we should be proud of the fact that, even if we haven’t quite won the battle yet, we’re on the road to liberation.

Why, just at your moment of self realisation would you come out of one closet only to lock yourself in another, yet again in fear of being outed.

So perhaps it’s today that we put on our best face, most amazing outfit and strut, proud as hell down our local High Street.

I’m here, I’m Trans and I love who I am, and no ones petty minded bigotry is going to take that away from me!

Sophie is a former RAF engineer, motorbike racer, newspaper editor, football and rock photographer. She is a self harm and suicide survivor and the first transgender newscaster on European terrestrial TV for Brighton’s Latest TV, and is the head of Latest LGBT+ TV, the UK’s first terrestrial LGBT+ TV channel where she hosts Beyond The Rainbow, a weekly LGBT+ news and chat show.

She is the first trans woman to work in the Premier League as club photographer for AFC Bournemouth, she is an ambassador for Kick It Out, patron of Just A Ball Game? and has spoken at Wembley Stadium and the TUC.

Sophie is also a Hate Crime ambassador for Sussex Police and speaks regularly at conferences about LGBT+ issues and consults with a number of major companies about inclusion and diversity.

Transgender Day of Visibility?, celebrated on Friday, March 31, is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of the discrimination they face worldwide.

The holiday was founded by US-based transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009 as a reaction to the lack of LGBT holidays celebrating transgender people, citing the frustration that the only well-known transgender-centered holiday was the Transgender Day of Remembrance which mourned the murders of transgender people, but did not acknowledge and celebrate living members of the transgender community.

REVIEW: Invincible@Theatre Royal

Posted on by Eric Page

Invincible

Directed by Stephen Darcy

Theatre Royal, Brighton

Torben Betts is an interesting and funny playwright and this play from him is produced by the award winning Original Theatre Company who give us a quality nights entertainment.

With the recession biting hard, Southerners Emily and Oliver have been forced to downsize and shift their middle-class London lifestyle to a more affordable small town in the north of England, Emily has roots there, although she is pure right-on Veggie Londoner at heart, Oliver tries to be a man of the people but has had the benefit of a privileged upbringing, they hope living among ‘real people’ will give their children a decent start in life.

One night they open their doors and invite next door neighbours, Dawn and Alan into their home. Over the course of this disastrous evening of olives, anchovies, Karl Marx and abstract art the various views, attitudes, presumptions and prejudices of their class and culture collide as we observe the underlying passions, and expectations of the two couples playing out.

It’s an odd play, the first half pure Alan Ayckbourn, funny, sharp, some acute social observations, the delicious awkwardness of British social situations where no one really knows each other. The actors all shine and it’s an accomplished bit of ensemble work, with some wonderful clowning from Graham Brookes as working class postman with a heart of gold Alan.  It got some good laughs from the audience and they seemed entertained enough to overlook some of the plot holes…

The second half is an altogether more crepuscular and dark piece of work, although it starts with some wonderful knock about farce and a major misunderstanding about a dead cat and an extra marital fling which leads us into the root causes of both couples problems.

We then move swiftly on to peeling back to the causes of the tensions, the worries, the clashes the vicious unkind political treachery of the working classes in the United Kingdom by it’s ruling elite both now and over time has caused. It exposes the political lies of patriotism and a ‘noble death’ and the harm it does to communities, families and mothers.

I was surprised by its impact and it’s a savaging of the British stiff upper lip and particularly of the Armed Forces ‘cannon fodder’ relationship with the men (and women) of the working class. There’s a lot  going on,  the impact of loss and grief are explored with dignity and humour,  the unbearable mothers loss of a child the central bridge of the piece, the reflection of men on their worth and self-worth and the recognition of there being more to life than football on TV, shopping and endless empty repetitive conversations.

It’s a tragic ending, hard, sad, savage and all the more real for it and although it appears to be a play about social froth it’s a more incisive play looking at the modern struggle for a significant identity and the desperate need for people to have some meaning, some intelligent direction to their lives and futures, done with dignity, intelligence and humour.

Runs until Thurday, March 30

 

BRIGHTON FRINGE PREVIEW: Heroes Exhibition

Posted on by Contributor

Before being admitted into the Fine Arts of Monaco in 2013, Charly N’doumbe, studied at the Beaux-Arts Biarritz, graduating with a DNAP (National Diploma of Visual Arts) with special congratulations and accreditation of the awarding body.

Using nudes both feminine and masculine and practising different techniques such as photography, drawing and sculpture, Charly produces pieces that combine all three of these mediums to magnify the body’s natural beauty in both figurative and abstract forms.

Event: Heroes Exhibition by Charly N’Doumbe

Where: New Steine Hotel, Bar & Bistro, 10-11 New Steine, Brighton BN2 1PB

When: May 5 – June 4

Time: Drop in daily from 8am. Open 24 hours

Cost: Free, non-ticketed

BRIGHTON FRINGE PREVIEW: Coming Clean: Life As A Naked House Cleaner

Posted on by Contributor

Coming Clean: Life As A Naked House Cleaner is an immersive theatre show about sexual fantasy.

This piece of new writing comes from Ethan Mechare who takes you through his stories as a naked house cleaner when he moved to London from Los Angeles.

It’s also funny and true and asks us to look at our own vulnerabilities.

Are you ready to get cleansed?

Event: Coming Clean: Life As A Naked House Cleaner

Where: New Steine Hotel, Bar and Bistro, 10-11 New Steine, Brighton BN2 1PB

When: May 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 8pm: May 14 & 21 at 4pm

Cost: £12

To book tickets online, click here:

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