Co-op unveils its first rainbow hearse at Brighton Pride.
Co-op Funeralcare’s first Rainbow hearse will be unveiled this weekend.
Believed to be one of only two in the UK, attendees at Brighton Pride will be the first to see the new vehicle. It is the most recent addition to Co-op Funeralcare’s growing fleet of 7 specialist hearses, now ranging from a Land Rover hearse to a 1933 Austin and a Japanese Buddhist themed vehicle.
Originally a Ford Cardinal, the hearse has been transformed with the full colours of the rainbow.
Its introduction to Co-op’s existing fleet was driven by a request that came through Brighton’s Funeralcare team, followed by a nationwide rise in requests from loved ones who want to personalise funeral services as tributes to the lives of gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual friends and relatives.
The multi-coloured launch follows on from a shift away from sombre send offs, a trend witnessed across the 100,000 funerals that the Co-op conducts every year.
Data released by the Co-op reveals that this is set to increase in the future as almost a quarter (23%) of Britons say they want to make their last journey in a personalised vehicle.
In addition to these findings, two-thirds (66%) of adults say that funerals are becoming more of a celebration of life and almost half (47%) of UK adults would like their own funeral to be conducted this way.
Speaking about the launch, Martin Baker, Head of Central Operations for the Co-op, said:“Personalisation within funerals is something we’re seeing more and more of as families want to reflect the personalities and interests that our loved ones had while they were alive. If a request is possible to do and there’s a demand for it, our funeral directors and arrangers will do their utmost to make it happen.
“At Co-op Funeralcare we always listen to our clients’ wishes which is why we’ve introduced the rainbow hearse to our fleet, we’re hoping it gives more families the unique and memorable send-off their loved one would’ve wanted.’’
The new vehicle will be available immediately for funerals organised by Co-op Funeralcare and can be transported to any location within the UK where requested by a loved one.
It forms part of a broader commitment to equality and diversity at Co-op, not only within local communities but also via Respect; Co-op’s award winning, inclusive lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) network.
In a first for Scotland, professional football clubs in all four of the SPFL divisions have teamed up to better include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people by signing up to the Scottish LGBT Sports Charter.
Rangers Striker Kenny Miller
It’s the first time in Scotland that so many clubs have made a commitment to better include LGBT+ people in the beautiful game and it includes the biggest clubs in Scottish Football.
The Charter includes a set of five principles which aim to remove the barriers to sport for LGBT+ people. Over thirty governing bodies of sport have already signed up, including the Scottish Football Association.
Signing up to the charter today are Aberdeen, Celtic, Hearts, Hibs, Partick Thistle, Rangers, St Johnstone, Dumbarton, Airdirionans, Albion Rovers, Forfar Athletic, Elgin City and Peterhead.
Scott Cuthbertson
Scott Cuthbertson, Development Manager of the Equality Network, said:“We’re delighted that these clubs, from across all four SPFL divisions, are today making a commitment to LGBT+ supporters, officials and the next generation of LGBT+ players.
“Today’s message is loud and clear, everyone is welcome at football and we are working for a more inclusive game.
“We don’t yet have any openly LGBT+ professional players in the men’s professional game in Scotland but we know there are plenty of LGBT+ fans. Thank you to those clubs who have already taken this step. For clubs who haven’t yet signed up and who want to make their club more inclusive, our door is always open.”
The charter states as its aim that “Scotland will be a country where everyone can take part, enjoy, and succeed in sport at all levels whatever their sexual orientation and gender identity”, it was developed in consultation with sports governing bodies (SGBs), other sports stakeholders and LGBT+ people.
Rangers striker Kenny Miller commented: “Rangers is an inclusive club and strives to promote equality and inclusion and we are delighted to sign up to the Scottish LGBT Sports Charter.
“Everyone should be able to take part, enjoy and succeed in sport whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity and we are proud to support this initiative.”
The Equality Network say this is the first step in coordinated efforts that they hope will encourage more LGBT+ people to get involved in football.
A study by the Equality Network launched in 2012 showed that 57% of LGBT+ people would be more likely to participate in sport if it was more LGBT+ friendly, and that football was the sport identified as having the biggest challenges to overcome in relation to LGBT+ inclusivity.
Green Party calls for radical reforms to Gender Recognition Act ahead of Brighton Pride!
The Green Party has called for an overhaul of the Gender Recognition Act to give trans people more rights ahead of Pride in Brighton and Hove, which runs from August 4 to 6.
The Government Equalities Office announced a review of the Gender Recognition Act on July 23. The Green Party is campaigning to allow trans youth and non-binary people to obtain legal gender recognition and to remove the medicalisation of the process.
Aimee Challenor, Green Party LGBTIQA+ spokesperson, and Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, will lead the Green bloc at the march on August 5.
Challenor said: “LGBTIQA+ rights are under unprecedented threat around the world. We must make sure our laws reflect the world around us and make society a more accepting and welcoming place, whether that’s in public, at school or in the workplace.
“When I was at school other kids called me names, pushed me around and threw things at me. The teachers rarely did anything about it and that hurt – it legitimised the behaviour of the bullies and made me think that I wasn’t worthy of respect.
“I’m proud to be marching this weekend and celebrating people like me who don’t ‘fit the mould’. We’re sending a clear message that it’s never acceptable to intimidate, harass or belittle someone because of who they are. It’s time for our flawed and outdated laws to be updated to recognise the rights of LGBTIQA+ people across the UK.”
Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Brighton, once again challenged the pre-conceptions about churches by bringing together many different faiths for this year’s Trans Pride Interfaith Corner at Brunswick Gardens on Saturday, July 22.
From L to R: Rev Denise Mascherpa (The New Christian Spiritualist Society), Rev Karen Barker (Also from NCSS), Pastor Andrew Ramage (MCC Brighton), Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah (Progressive Synagogue), Robin Taylor (Chairman of the Pagan Federation in Brighton and Wiccan), Rev Michael Hydes (The Village MCC)
They all worked together to help people connect with their own vision of spirituality. On offer this year were card readings from the Jesus Deck, healing, aura work and open discussions on all Faiths.
Andrew Ramage, Pastor of MCC Brighton and organiser of the interfaith corner, said: “This is the first event I have been at where these diverse faiths have come together in one place and worked together, supporting each other to reach out to the community, it was incredible.”
“I have not seen any other event where leaders from Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, Spiritualism and Wicca have all joined in a single endeavour. It really gives me hope for the future, after all only by understanding each other can we get past perceived differences. I look forward to future joint ventures.”
“Hannah Brackenbury has been described as Victoria Wood and Tim Minchin’s lesbian love child. She’s more than that. She’s Hannah, and her songs are both bloody funny and beautifully touching.”…..Vicky Nangle (Latest 7)
Hannah Brackenbury
Eric Pages catches up with local funny lass Hannah Brackenbury in a rare moment of quiet in her busy showbiz schedule.
When did you come out?At 14 I knew, I didn’t feel anxious about it. I went to Derby University at 18 and went to the LGB society meeting and there were people from my course and that was that… I shaved my head, pierced my nose, bought some combat trousers and away I went! I told my parents in the summer holidays, it was no great shock to anyone; I’d always been such a tomboy!
In 2009 after living in the Midlands, I took the plunge, handed in my notice, sold everything and moved to Brighton. It was the best decision I ever made. I was born by the seaside so being back by the sea just felt right and the LGBT+ scene added to that.
What makes you laugh? Sketch comedy, I adore Saturday Night Live, and obsessed with Kristen Wiig! Her performance in Bridesmaids makes me cry with laughter. I regret never seeing Victoria Wood perform live. She is my biggest inspiration and I always assumed that one day I’d get the chance to see her live. My favourite comedy sketch is the Two Ronnies ‘Swedish Made Simple’, they are in a restaurant pretending to speak Swedish using english letters to sound the words. It’s a simple idea, so clever and funny. Cracks me up every time! I love word play.
When was the last time you cried?A few days ago, listening to a Scottish folk song called ‘Caledonia’ by female country duo Ward Thomas. It’s the most beautiful, simple song, piano, acoustic guitar and two-part vocal harmonies… really tugs at the heart-strings. The lyrics talk about moving around and friends coming and going which really struck a chord.
What was the highlight of your recent tour? Oh I had so much fun! This was my first solo show on tour, a huge undertaking as I did everything myself. Norwich – the closest date to my home town of Great Yarmouth – was a room full of my family and friends! My mum hired minibuses to bring as many family members from Great Yarmouth as possible! That was a riotous night and my personal highlight.
What makes you angry?I don’t have much of a temper, I take after my dad who is the most laid-back man you could meet, I have a few pet hates, people eating with their mouth open, noisy eaters! Makes my blood boil!! KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!
What do you sing when no-one’s around and what gets you dancing?Songs from old musicals, classics like Oliver, My Fair Lady, and The Sound of Music… films I grew up watching. I am besotted with Julie Andrews. ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen. Never fails to get me moving, and it’s always my first choice karaoke song!
Where’s your favourite place in the city?Nothing beats a spot of people-watching from a window on St James’ Street! The sights you see! I’m a keen cyclist along the Undercliff Walk, especially early mornings in the summer months. It’s beautiful and so peaceful there at sunrise.
Bran or Brandy? Do you lead a healthy life?I try very hard to be healthy but my sweet tooth beats me! Vodka for me, not brandy. I wrote a song that ended up as the title track of my last album – Jumbled (The Vodka Song).
What makes you proud to be LGBT+?I’m very proud to live in a city with such a liberal outlook; it’s easy to forget how difficult so many LGBT+ folks still have it. I’ve loved being involved with the Rainbow Chorus and I’ve found the gay community in Brighton to be welcoming and inclusive, and gay women naturally make up the majority of my audiences. It’s nice to give something back; I now run a monthly women’s social night called Indigo Club which offers quality entertainment for gay women.
What’s an overrated pleasure?Having a massage. I always come away aching more than I did before or feeling that it just didn’t quite hit the spot!!
Can you whistle?Yep. But I firmly believe it’s NOT something that should be done in public! Another pet hate is when older men whistle a really ‘showy’ tune and add a little vibrato-like wobble on the notes! I always end up behind one in the supermarket, you can hear them all the way around, there’s no escape!
What’s your favourite rhyme?
There once was a man from Bengal
Who went to a fancy dress ball
He thought “Yeah I’ll risk it”
“I’ll go as a biscuit”
But a dog ate him up in the hall
Up and coming gigs? I host a women’s social night at Latest Music Bar called Indigo Club. A mix of live music, comedy and cabaret then a dance party till 2am with a different music theme each month! The 80s themes have been very popular!
Matt Rood has lived in Brighton for the last fifteen years. His job is his passion. He’s a dog walker and trainer and has his own company called ROODDOG. His other passion is fitness and he goes to the Underground gym in Brighton five or six times a week.
The last two years have been an emotional journey for Matt following the breakdown of his marriage. A friend came across the competition for Mr Gay Europe and encouraged him to apply.
Matt said: “I’m a very enthusiastic guy and love setting myself new challenges so I went for it. I hired the best personal trainer in town Sam Bird to help keep me focused and positive enabling me to be successful and reach my goals.”
A formal interview with Stuart Hatton former Mr Gay World 2014 followed, then a cv round, a photo round and two Skype interviews with the board of directors of Mr Gay Europe. He completed each round successfully and was awarded his new title, Mr Gay England.
Contrary to common perception, Mr Gay Europe isn’t a beauty pageant, it’s more about understanding LGBT+ law, LGBT+ rights and being cultured within the LGBT+ communities.
The Mr Gay Europe competition takes place in Stockholm, Sweden from August 1-6 when Matt will be competing against contestants from fifteen other countries.
The competition includes different rounds ranging from a formal interview, a written exam on the contestants knowledge of LGBT+ law, a social media challenge, a team challenge, a congeniality round, a fitness round and a round on the contestants campaigning work.
Matt’s campaign for the competition is called Pride Families. For three years he was a foster carer and helped ten children. He wants to use his new title as Mr Gay England and his experience as a foster carer as a platform to promote awareness showing that LGBT+ people can adopt and foster children providing them with loving, safe and nurturing homes.
In September, Matt will be working with Brighton and Hove City Council to launch a new fostering and adoption campaign and on July 8 he walked on the London Pride march with the fostering and adoption charity, New Family Social.
He added: “I’ve linked up with a local school too, as I believe the only way to combat discrimination in future generations is to work with children and teach them through respect, happiness and love for each other.”
Voting for Mr Gay Europe goes live on July 17 and you can vote online until August 4. Matt needs your votes as this counts for 20% of his final marks. Most importantly you can vote everyday the online voting is live to get a campaign going for him.
Matt concluded: “This has definitely been a whirlwind journey so far. I am loving every minute and I know if I win Mr Gay Europe the hard work starts there. I have the passion, motivation and drive to be a positive role model for our LGBT+ communities. So please vote for me.”
To vote for Matt and bring the title of Mr Gay Europe to Brighton, click here:
You can vote each day as Matt’s campaign gathers speed.
London’s multi award-winning LGBT literary salon returns to the Marlborough Theatre on Friday, October 20, as part of its tenth birthday tour, funded by Arts Council England.
Paul Burston
Curated and hosted by author Paul Burston with readings and performances from Sylvia Brownrigg, Cerys Evans, Alexis Gregory, VG Lee and John McCullough.
This event will be BSL interpreted.
Previous events at the Marlborough have sold out so book early to avoid disappointment.
“The most exciting literary movement in London… crackling with energy, ideas, excitement”….. Huffington Post
“Lively, funny and inspiring – a gay-themed salon of interest to anyone remotely interested in literature, whatever their sexual bent”….. Patrick Gale
“Always fun, alway thought-provoking – a guaranteed good night out”….. Sarah Waters
Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans call on the nation’s hairdressers and barbers to help people know that listening can save lives.
Around 160,000 hairdressers in the UK spend an estimated 2,000 hours a year hearing about the ups and downs of their clients’ lives.
By highlighting hairdressers’ listening expertise, Samaritans hopes to illustrate the value in everyone becoming better listeners, during the The Big Listen which began on Monday, July 24.
On that day, Samaritans asked the nation to build their listening skills by using its SHUSH! Listening Tips to help a friend, relative or family member who may be going through a tough time:
Samaritans Listening Tips or S-H-U-S-H:
Show you care: focus just on the other person, make eye contact, put away your phone
Have patience: it may take time and several attempts before a person is ready to open up
Use open questions: that need more than a yes/no answer, & follow up e.g. ‘Tell me more’
Say it back: to check you’ve understood, but don’t interrupt or offer a solution
Have courage: don’t be put off by a negative response and, most importantly, don’t be afraid to leave silence
Samaritan volunteers are available anytime from any phone to help people who are struggling.
“Suicide is everybody’s business and we can all do our bit to encourage people to be better listeners and reach out for help if they need to,”said Alison, Branch Director at Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans.
Henry from Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans spoke to celebrity hairdresser Stephen Webb from Gogglebox about how listening to his clients can make a real difference to their wellbeing.
Stephen Webb
He said:“When you’re a hairdresser you get to know that maybe the person who’s sitting in the chair in front of you might be the only person that they can really talk to. That’s something you really learn. You’re kind of reaching out to them. You’re never crossing the line that you strike up a friendship outside of the salon, it’s always within the salon walls.
I think it’s really important to give everyone the time, because it might take them time to actually want to open up and they might be nervous on top of the issues they may be experiencing.”
Traditionally, people feel they can confide in their hairdresser or barber and those working within the profession understand the importance of their role in providing a listening ear.
“As a hairdresser over time you realise that the person sitting in front of you could be in real need of a chat. A massive part of my job is to simply listen and as a hairdresser we take the role as listeners very seriously. You go through so many things with your client’s deaths, births and marriages. And you’re there for each other every step of the way.”
For more information about Samaritans, click here:
Look for the Big Red Shoe in Preston Park on Saturday, August 5.
The Florida Keys has long been a favourite holiday destination for LGBT+ visitors, who receive a warm welcome to the island chain where the official motto, One Human Family, signifies an atmosphere of inclusion and recognition that all people are created equal.
In the subtropical island city of Key West, nearly a quarter of the year-round residents identify themselves as gay or lesbian, and from the moment visitors arrive, the ‘all welcome’ atmosphere is apparent.
On Saturday, August 5, visitors to Brighton & Hove Pride can ‘transport’ themselves to the Florida Keys with a stop at the Keys’ Preston Park stand (N5) for a ‘Sushi shoe selfie.’ Just look for the giant red shoe!
The shoe is a Key West icon. Every New Year’s Eve at midnight the Keys’ best known drag queen, ‘Sushi,’ whose real name is Gary Marion, is lowered from a balcony above Duval Street in the heart of gay Key West, dazzlingly gowned and perched in a sparkling six-foot red high-heeled shoe. An amazing sight to see, it’s an irreverent alternative to New Year’s Eve celebrations in other parts of the world. The party atmosphere is uniquely Key West, as is the balmy subtropical weather on a December night.
By jumping into a replica of the glittery high heel for a photo and sharing their picture on social media, using the hashtag #FLKeysShoe, Pride attendees will have the chance to win their own unforgettable holiday to the Keys which will include a four-night stay at LaTeDa Hotel in Key West, international flights and car hire.
There will also be plenty of useful Keys travel information available on the stand along with details of special holiday offers.
For more information about Florida Keys and Key West, click here:
Lunch Positive, the local HIV charity that provides a weekly HIV lunch club is staging it’s Community Café at Pride again this year.
The café will be located in the Community Village at the south end of Preston Park on Saturday, August 5. Volunteers from Lunch Positive will be preparing and selling a range of affordable food and drink, with every penny raised on the day going to help run the lunch club over the coming year.
Gary Pargeter
Lunch Positive Service Manager, Gary Pargeter, said:“Staging our café at Pride is always a hugely exciting and important community event, and a very important fundraiser to us.
“This year the support we’ve had in putting this together has been amazing with over 40 people who use the lunch club, our volunteer team, friends and supporters offer us their help.
“Everyone’s been amazing. It’s a wonderful example of community engagement, Lunch Positive being valued, and genuine empowerment for everyone involved. We’re so incredibly grateful, and hope that everyone has a fabulous day!
“Please come along and see us, and know that every penny raised goes to a charity that helps people locally.”
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