April 2017 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Rainbow Fund annual grants round opens

Posted on 30/04/2017 by Graham Robson

The Rainbow Fund 2017/18 grants programme is now open.

The Rainbow Fund makes grants to organisations delivering effective front line services to LGBT+ people in Brighton and Hove.

The Fund’s Independent Grants Panel will consider applications for core funding up to £1,800 from local LGBT+ and HIV related groups and organisations who are members of, and regular participants at, the LGBT+ small groups network.

New groups can apply, and the grant, if approved, will be conditional on becoming members of the LGBT+ small groups network.

Applications are also invited for project funding bids to be considered by the panel. Applications must be from Brighton and Hove based LGBT+ and HIV related groups and organisations, and for the first time this year, from any group or organisation seeking funding for projects specifically benefitting our LGBT+ and HIV communities in Brighton and Hove.

For a full explanation of the criteria for this year’s grants, click here:

Rainbow Fund Chair, Chis Gull, said: “In these difficult times we remain committed to making sure we get best value for the money donated to the Rainbow Fund and will continue to carefully evaluate the success and effectiveness of the projects we fund each year.”

The closing date for applications is Friday September 1, and the first instalment of approved grants will be made on October 1st.

In the last funding round in 2016, grants amounting to £74,122 were awarded to: Accessibility Matters, Allsorts Youth Project, Blueprint 22, Brighton GEMS, Brighton & Hove, LGBT Community Safety Forum, FTMB (now Navigate) Brighton, Lunch Positive, MindOut Mental Health Service, Older and Out, Peer Action, Radio Reverb, Rainbow Chorus, Trans Can Sport and Peer Action.

To make an application for a grant, click here:

For complete list of grants awarded by Rainbow Fund in 2016, click here:

For complete list of grants awarded in 2015, click here: and here:

For complete list of grants awarded in 2014, click here:

PREVIEW: ELVIS Las Vegas 1969 at The Woodville in Gravesend

Posted on 29/04/2017 by Contributor

Kent singer/actor, Scott Elvis, plays the title role of Elvis Presley in Anscombe Production Associates brand-new theatre musical production, ELVIS Las Vegas 1969, at The Woodville in Gravesend.

The production received its world premiere last night, (Friday, April 28) with two performances today at 5pm and 8pm, prior to embarking on a UK Tour before heading to London’s West End in 2018.

ELVIS Las Vegas 1969 is based on the final few hours leading up to Elvis Presley making his return to the stage following years away from live performances making movies.

Act 1: focuses on those tense hours where Elvis was surrounded by his closest and most trusted friends who helped to keep him calm in his preparation for the concert. We see the domineering behaviour of Colonel Tom Parker who ruled over Elvis throughout his career. We see the close friendship that Elvis had with Charlie Hodge and we then witness the sensitive and sometimes awkward relationship that he had with his wife Priscilla. The act 1 script has been carefully crafted by director/writer Gerry Tebbutt working from factual and historical information available from the time.

Act 2: is a replication of the famous concert that took place on July 31 1969 at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in the presence of a star-studded audience. Initially intended to be a one-off concert, it then went on to play over 50 performances at the 2000 seat venue.

Cast includes: Tom Dussek in the role of Colonel Tom Parker. Joe Connors plays Presley’s right hand man and confidant Charlie Hodge and Francesca Peplow, a young and talented graduate actress from GSA takes on the role of Priscilla Presley.

There is a full supporting cast/band of nine actor/musicians making up this company of sixteen players. A truly talented team of actors and musicians bringing this brand-new production to Gravesend for its World Premiere.

The production is directed and written by Gerry Tebbutt, the former head of musical theatre studies at Guildford School of Acting. Gerry brings a wealth of experience to this production as both writer and director and he will be joined by his wife, choreographer Jill Francis.

Set and costume design by Stephen Holroyd, sound design by Marcus Wadland with lighting design by Brian Holt. The story is based on an original idea by Neale Hobday who can also be seen on stage in the production playing bass guitar.

Event: ELVIS Las Vegas 1969

Where: The Woodville, Woodville Place, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1DD

When: Saturday, April 29

Time: 5pm and 8pm

Cost: Tickets £21/£17 concs

To book tickets online, click here:

Tory MP steps down after making homophobic comments to students

Posted on 29/04/2017 by Besi

Just hours after he is alleged to have made homophobic comments to a class of students, Isle of Wight MP, Andrew Turner resigns.

The Conservative MP, elected to parliament in 2001 allegedly told A-Level politics students at Christ the King College that homosexuality is ‘wrong’ and ‘dangerous to society’. The comments resulted in calls for him to step down, which he has now done.

Mr Turner, said: “It has been my privilege to serve the people of the Isle of Wight as their MP.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to represent such a beautiful constituency. After 16 years I have come to the decision that it time for a new generation to take up the mantle of representing my fantastic constituents.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from islanders and proud of the record that Conservatives have in delivering for the Island.

“In the forthcoming election I will be supporting the Conservative candidate to ensure the strong and stable leadership of Theresa May is returned to Downing Street.“

Vix Lowthion, Green Party candidate for the Isle of Wight, commented on Turners behaviour, saying: “Andrew Turner was unfit to represent the Isle of Wight and his recent, abhorrent comments left his place in Parliament completely untenable. People here deserves someone who will stand up for them. Today the Green Party announced radical plans to protect LGBT+ refugees, provide decent HIV protection and promote rights for intersex and trans people – that is the kind of politics people in the Isle of Wight need and only the Green Party can offer.”

Ms Lowthion is a teacher on the Isle of Wight and Green Party national education spokesperson

Organisers of the inaugural Isle of Wight Pride, who were the topic of the convsersation when the remarks were made – have said: “As a group we avoid making political comments, but in the light of the allegations, we are deeply shocked and saddened.

“Any person who makes such a statement in a public forum as our MP is dangerous.

“Suicide rates amongst LGBT young people are still disproportionately high. Mr Turner did not know if anyone in the room was struggling with their Sexuality or Gender identity and he does not know how his comments may impacted on those present.

“There are lots of organisations available to provide support and guidance to LGBT+ young people, including Stonewall and also our own Breakout Youth service.

“Nobody should be told they are a danger to society based on who they love or their Gender identity”.

Mr Turner took the seat in 2015 with 40.7% of the vote, followed by UKIP candidate Iain McKie with 21.2% and Green candidate, Vix Lowthion with 13.4% of the vote.

Former US Presidential candidate to speak at Brighton Dome

Posted on 28/04/2017 by Besi

Bernie Sanders comes to Brighton for special Festival Extra event in June.

Former Democratic candidate for President of the United States Bernie Sanders will speak about his new book Our Revolution at a special Brighton Festival Extra event on Thursday, June 1, with tickets on sale from Wednesday, May 3 at 10am.

Sanders stormed to international headlines after running an extraordinary campaign for the Democratic primaries that saw over 13 million people turn out to vote for him, and changing the global discussion surrounding US politics.

But how did a complete unknown and an avowed socialist make such waves?

In Our Revolution, Sanders provides a unique insight into the campaign that galvanized a movement, sharing experiences from the campaign trail and the techniques that shaped it. And it wasn’t just his use of new media; Sanders’ message resonated with millions. His supporters are young and old, dissatisfied with expanding social inequality, struggling with economic instability and who rebelled against a political elite who has long ignored them. This is a global phenomenon, driving movements from Syriza in Greece to Podemos in Spain and Jeremy Corbyn in the UK.

Drawing on decades of experience as activist and politician, Sanders outlines his ideas for continuing this political revolution. He shows how we can fight for a progressive economic, environmental, racial and social justice agenda that creates jobs, raises wages and protects the environment. Searing in its assessment of the current political and economic situation, but hopeful and inspiring in its vision of the future, this book contains an important message for anyone tired of ‘same as usual’ politics and looking for a way to change the game.

Bernie Sanders ran to be the Democratic candidate for President of the United States in 2016. He is currently serving his second term in the U.S. Senate after winning re-election in 2012 with 71 percent of the vote. Sanders previously served as mayor of Vermont’s largest city for eight years.

For full details of the Brighton Festival 2017 Books and Debate programme, click here:

Event: Bernie Sanders Our Revolution: A Future to Believe in

Where: Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UE

When: Thursday June 1, 2017

Time: 8.30pm (doors 7.45pm)

Cost: £15.00

To buy tickets online, click here:

BSL interpreted

Bar Girl Profile: Lou Foley @Bar Revenge

Posted on 28/04/201723/05/2017 by Morgan Fabulous

The first person many LGBT+people meet when they first arrive in the city is the bar person at their local LGBT+ venue.

These gatekeepers to the community provide an important role both befriending and signposting new arrivals. Over the coming months we will be finding out a little more about them and what makes them tick.

Where do you originally come from? I was born in Isleworth, West London and lived in Bedford where I went to school. After school I went straight into catering gaining a lot of experience in bars and restaurants over the years, so when I decided to move to Brighton I knew I wouldn’t have trouble getting a job down here

What brought you to Brighton? After spending a weekend down here I fell in love with place. It’s atmosphere and the vibrant social scene. I’ve been here for about 16 years now

Oddest thing you’ve been asked for? Erm…. Asked where the nearest men’s sauna is.

What’s the worst kind of punter? Those who ask me to name what gins we offer… then after all that ask for a pint of bitter

What do you do when it’s quiet in the bar? Clean..restock the bar…put tunes on the jukebox to keep me going and of course, check my makeup

Do you know the difference between Ale and Beer? Yes of course..next question

Can you pull a pint? I would hope so being here so long at Bar Revenge

Prefer to be shaken or stirred? Shaken as long as I’m wearing my sports bra

Whats your favourite tipple? JD and coke with lots of ice

What makes you roll your eyes? Lou knows me when customers try to get guest list for club

What makes for a perfect bar girl? Patience, energy, a sense of humour is a must… Being organised and ready because you never know what’s gonna happen when you open them front doors

Where do you like to go out when you’re not working? Out for dinner. Maybe a gig in Brighton, walks on the beach with my partner and our dog Meryl and spending time with friends

Tell us a secret about yourself? I used to play for the original Chelsea ladies football team for about 8 years when I lived back home

What’s your nickname behind the bar? Loubag …that’s all!

Trousers or skirt? Trousers …I haven’t shaved my legs this week…now the weather is getting better I will

You prefer Butch or femme? Tomboy

‘Oldest Gay in the Village’ receives Home Office letter in apology

Posted on 28/04/201728/04/2017 by Besi

George Montague know as The Oldest Gay in the Village has received a letter from the Home Office pointing to an apology issued to all gay men pardoned of historic sexual convictions where the activity involved would not constitute a crime today.

The apology was issued during a Government debate by Home Office Minister Brandon Lewis MP on January 10, 2017.

George had run an online petition calling for an apology to be issued to accompany the pardons.

He presented a petition with 14.400 signatures in support of his campaign by hand to The Prime Minister, Theresa May in Downing Street on November 2 2016.

George aged 93 was forced to resign in 1974 from his position as a Senior Commissioner in the Boy Scout Association where he ran camps for severely physically disabled boys from six southern counties in the UK.

He says: “As a consequence of the Gross Indecency Laws at the time, I was arrested and charged enthusiastically by homophobic police officers, assisted by provocateurs and informers. Then, if one was born to be “in love” with another man, one was automatically presumed guilty of these offences.

“Myself, and 49,000 others, still have criminal convictions. I am therefore petitioning for an apology from this Government on the part of their predecessors. Some of those past legislators are still alive, often asleep in the House of Lords on £300 per day, many of them refusing to accept the fact that being homosexual is NOT a choice.

“I agree that any indecency of a sexual nature IN PUBLIC should still be an offence but our ‘offences’ were often ‘committed’ in private. I don’t seek a pardon, for that admits guilt (eg. Alan Turing), I believe that these convictions should be quashed and want that apology from my Government BEFORE I die.”

The Home Office letter reads:
Thank you for your letter of November 1 to the Prime Minister about past convictions incurred by gay men, to which I have been asked to respond. You request an apology from the Government on behalf of its predecessors.

On January 10 2017, in the debate to introduce pardons for men convicted of gross indecency offences where the activity involved would not constitute a crime today, Home Office minister Brandon Lewis made the following apology.

“At this point, I want to take the opportunity to apologise unreservedly, on behalf of the Government, to all those men who will receive a pardon. The legislation under which they were convicted and cautioned was discriminatory and homophobic. I want to make sure that all who were criminalised in this way and had to suffer society’s opprobrium, and the many more who lived in fear of being so criminalised because they were being treated in a very different way from heterosexual couples, actually understand that we offer this full apology. Their treatment was entirely unfair. What happened to these men is a matter of the greatest regret, and it should be so to all of us. I am sure it is to Members across the House. For this, we are today deeply sorry” (See House of Commons Hansard for January 10 2017, volume 619, column 283.”

I hope this addresses the concerns you have raised.

George Montague with Sir Ian McKellen at Brighton Pride

For more information about George, click here:

PREVIEW: Bananarama to play Brighton Centre in November

Posted on 28/04/2017 by Graham Robson

Dig out your dungarees! Bananarama, the record-breaking girl group of the 1980s, are back!

They will be playing a string of live shows in the UK, the first ever for the original line-up, including the Brighton Centre on Thursday, November 30.

Known for their gleefully shambolic pop hits and punk attitude, Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward and Siobhan Fahey last performed together at the BRIT Awards in 1988 – a performance of Love in the First Degree which saw the ladies flanked by a mini army of topless male dancers. Camp, you say?

Unhappy with their “ultra-pop” direction, Siobhan left Bananarama and formed the moody duo Shakespeare’s Sister, who struck gold with the Number One goth-pop hit, Stay. Her replacement, Jacquie O’Sullivan, lasted in Bananarama until 1991, when Sara and Keren continued as a duo.

With hits like Venus, Really Saying Something, Shy Boy, Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye, Cruel Summer, Robert De Niro’s Waiting and I Want You Back, this is one trip down memory lane you don’t want to miss!

Event: BANANARAMA

Where: Brighton Centre, King’s Road, Brighton, BN1 2GR

When: Thursday, November 30.

To book tickets online, click here:

Brighton couple marry in Las Vegas

Posted on 28/04/201728/04/2017 by Besi

Michael Gaunt and his partner Ben Citron who live in Saltdean recently tied the knot in Las Vegas.

The couple met for the first time at the Golden Handbag Awards in Brighton back in 2012.

Mike told Gscene: “Several months into our relationship Ben told me it had always been his wish to get married in Las Vegas, but at the time same-sex marriage wasn’t legally recognised in the U.S. state of Nevada”.

When same-sex marriage was legalised across the United States in 2015, the couple decided to set the date.

The happy couple would like to say a huge thank you to their family and friends that have shown them so much support, especially those who travelled to Sin City for their special day.

Lady Imelda sings for slain policeman

Posted on 28/04/2017 by Besi

While performing on stage at Legends last month, Lady Imelda sang a song in tribute to PC Keith Palmer who was sadly killed in the Westminster atrocities in March.

Balancing a glass on her head throughout the number, she invited the audience to put money in it while she sang.

A total of £53.01 was raised and handed to City of London Police Officer Neil McMillan who was in the audience.

The money has been donated to the Metropolitan Police Federation account which has been set up in PC Palmer’s name and presently stands at £736,133

To make a donation to the JustGiving account set up to benefit PC Palmer’s family, click here:

Greens to launch LGBT+ manifesto in London church

Posted on 28/04/201727/04/2017 by Besi

Greens to commit to making LGBT+ refugees welcome, decent HIV prevention, and rights for all gender identities at manifesto launch.

The Green Party will commit to supporting LGBT+ asylum seekers at the launch of its LGBT+ manifesto today (April 28) and set a clear distance

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader, and Aimee Challenor, LGBT+ spokesperson, will also set out the party’s commitment to ensuring HIV prevention drug PrEP is provided by the NHS, and putting trans and intersex recognition and rights in law.

Bartley and Challenor will launch the manifesto in The Trinity United Reform Church in Camden and set clear distance between themselves and the Lib Dems,

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, is expected to say: “The Green Party has a proud history of leading the way when it comes to LGBTIQA+ rights. While other political parties struggle to say what they believe, Greens are clear – we will always stand up for LGBTIQA+ people.

“We believe in a fairer world, a more equal economy, human rights protected by law, recognition and representation for all gender identities and education and health services which care for and include everyone.”

Aimee Challenor, Green Party LGBTIQA+ spokesperson, who is the only openly trans spokesperson of a UK Political Party, is expected to say: “Let’s be clear, LGBTIQA+ rights are under threat. From Gay and Bi men being tortured and killed in Chechnya, to Donald Trump weakening protections in the US and the UK’s threat to repeal the Human Rights Act, 2017 has already been a concerning year for everyone who cares about LGBTIQA+ people.

“The Green Party is proud to stand against the erosion of LGBITQA+ rights and launch a manifesto which proudly fights for bodily autonomy for intersex people, legal recognition for trans and non-binary people, for PrEP for all that need it, and for greater protection for LGBTIQA+ asylum seekers – and more.”

Call us now

Month: April 2017

Rainbow Fund annual grants round opens

The Rainbow Fund 2017/18 grants programme is now open.

PREVIEW: ELVIS Las Vegas 1969 at The Woodville in Gravesend

Kent singer/actor, Scott Elvis, plays the title role of Elvis Presley in Anscombe Production Associates brand-new theatre musical production, ELVIS Las Vegas 1969, at The Woodville in Gravesend.

Tory MP steps down after making homophobic comments to students

Just hours after he is alleged to have made homophobic comments to a class of students, Isle of Wight MP, Andrew Turner resigns.

Former US Presidential candidate to speak at Brighton Dome

Bernie Sanders comes to Brighton for special Festival Extra event in June.

Bar Girl Profile: Lou Foley @Bar Revenge

The first person many LGBT+people meet when they first arrive in the city is the bar person at their local LGBT+ venue.

‘Oldest Gay in the Village’ receives Home Office letter in apology

George Montague know as The Oldest Gay in the Village has received a letter from the Home Office pointing to an apology issued to all gay men pardoned of historic sexual convictions where the activity involved would not constitute a crime today.

PREVIEW: Bananarama to play Brighton Centre in November

Dig out your dungarees! Bananarama, the record-breaking girl group of the 1980s, are back!

Brighton couple marry in Las Vegas

Michael Gaunt and his partner Ben Citron who live in Saltdean recently tied the knot in Las Vegas.

Lady Imelda sings for slain policeman

While performing on stage at Legends last month, Lady Imelda sang a song in tribute to PC Keith Palmer who was sadly killed in the Westminster atrocities in March.

Greens to launch LGBT+ manifesto in London church

Greens to commit to making LGBT+ refugees welcome, decent HIV prevention, and rights for all gender identities at manifesto launch.

Latest News

Call us now

The Rainbow Fund 2017/18 grants programme is now open.

Share this:

Kent singer/actor, Scott Elvis, plays the title role of Elvis Presley in Anscombe Production Associates brand-new theatre musical production, ELVIS Las Vegas 1969, at The Woodville in Gravesend.

Share this:

Just hours after he is alleged to have made homophobic comments to a class of students, Isle of Wight MP, Andrew Turner resigns.

Share this:

Bernie Sanders comes to Brighton for special Festival Extra event in June.

Share this:

The first person many LGBT+people meet when they first arrive in the city is the bar person at their local LGBT+ venue.

Share this:

George Montague know as The Oldest Gay in the Village has received a letter from the Home Office pointing to an apology issued to all gay men pardoned of historic sexual convictions where the activity involved would not constitute a crime today.

Share this:

Dig out your dungarees! Bananarama, the record-breaking girl group of the 1980s, are back!

Share this:

Michael Gaunt and his partner Ben Citron who live in Saltdean recently tied the knot in Las Vegas.

Share this:

While performing on stage at Legends last month, Lady Imelda sang a song in tribute to PC Keith Palmer who was sadly killed in the Westminster atrocities in March.

Share this:

Greens to commit to making LGBT+ refugees welcome, decent HIV prevention, and rights for all gender identities at manifesto launch.

Share this:

Latest News