August 2017 – Page 12 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

HIV prevention drug PrEP available on the NHS from September

Posted on 03/08/201703/08/2017 by Besi

NHS England announces world’s largest single PrEP implementation trial to prevent HIV infection.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will be available through the NHS from September, as part of a three-year trial.

The announcement comes a year and a day after an historic win for NAT (National AIDS Trust) at the High Court that confirmed the NHS’s legal ability to fund the drug, which stops people from getting HIV.

The trial will provide PrEP to a minimum of 10,000 participants. Eligible participants for the trial will be able to access PrEP through sexual health clinics and will include men, women, transgender people, and individuals with HIV positive partners whose viral load is not known to be controlled by HIV medication.

Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, said: “This major new intervention should complement and supercharge the wide-ranging and increasingly successful effort to prevent HIV. It’s another milestone in more than three decade’s worth of progress in tackling one of humanity’s major health challenges.”

The medical effectiveness of the drug in preventing HIV infection is well established. The NHS will use this trial to gather evidence on how to optimise uptake and implementation of a PrEP programme on a large-scale.

Deborah Gold, chief executive at NAT (National AIDS Trust), said: “We already know that PrEP brings down rates of HIV infection, changing lives for those at risk and saving public money. We now need to work with NHS England, local authorities, and the sexual health sector to make sure the widest possible range of eligible people at high risk of HIV have access to the trial. We will continue to monitor the uptake of PrEP, aiming to learn as much as possible about how to get PrEP to all those who need it most.

“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against HIV. PrEP, if targeted properly at those in need and at high risk of HIV, offers the possibility of transforming the English HIV epidemic. From September, people at high risk of HIV will have access via the NHS in England to an empowering new tool that is truly individual controlled and not subject to negotiation with a partner, leading to the improvement of many, many lives. We warmly welcome this announcement.”

PrEP involves HIV negative people taking an antiretroviral drug to avoid getting HIV. Multiple studies around the world have shown the drug is highly effective in reducing the risk of contracting HIV.

The results of the PrOUD trial in England, released in 2015, prove that PrEP works and that concerns about it not working in a real world setting, were unfounded.

Most trials of PrEP involve taking the drug daily, however a French study, ANRS IPERGAY, has looked at the efficacy of PrEP when taken ‘on demand’, in other words not daily but only before and after sex and shows significant preventive benefit.

Ian Green, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, added: “We’re pleased that NHS England has announced a start date for the much anticipated PrEP trial. This PrEP trial has been gaining momentum in England, and is vital as we work towards ending HIV transmissions across the UK.

“The priority must now be to make sure that the trial reaches everyone at risk of HIV, and that it is rolled out speedily across the whole country, by the end of this year at the very latest. Spring 2018 is not soon enough.

“Now that the PrEP trial drug has been procured, we’re well on the way to protecting over 10,000 people at risk of HIV. To make sure no-one at risk of HIV is left behind, it is crucial that at the end of this trial in three years time, a clear process for routinely commissioning PrEP on the NHS is agreed.”

Dr. Will Nutland co-founder of PrEPster said: “PrEPster applauds the commencement of the IMPACT trial. International evidence on PrEP clinical efficacy is now so compelling that access to PrEP through the trial will have a significant impact on HIV in England. PrEPster will work alongside our colleagues for swift implementation across the country, and for diverse recruitment to the trial.”

wagamama to support Sussex Beacon during coming 12 months

Posted on 03/08/2017 by Besi

Pan-Asian restaurant wagamama extends its London campaign #makeitrainbow to celebrate Brighton & Hove Pride this weekend.

The day’s profits from wagamama bun sales (now selling an average of 1,000,000 yearly) will be donated to local charity, The Sussex Beacon, every time a rainbow is spotted in the sky above the city, from August 4.

Rain falls an average of 115 days a year on the South Coast and wagamama is calling on the Brighton communities to help spot rainbows to unlock the donation by tweeting a picture with the hashtag #makeitrainbow.

To ensure the charity benefits whatever the weather and in case we enjoy 365 days of sunshine on the South Coast, which is very unlikely, wagamama is committed to donating a minimum of £2,500 to The Sussex Beacon, to support people living with HIV.

The Sussex Beacon provides specialist care, promoting independence for people living with HIV.

Since its launch, wagamama has always internally championed inclusiveness, acceptance and diversity. Its public facing ‘no clone’ hiring policy has always encouraged colleagues to embrace who they are without conforming to a stereotype.

Head of Marketing at wagamama, Andre Johnstone, said: “wagamama has always supported its staff when it comes to Pride across the UK but we have wanted to do more publicly to support the LGBT+ community in previous years.

“I’m pleased we can expand our support following the success of London Pride and make a wider commitment to the community outside the capital to throw our support behind those who struggle to be who they are. We are who we are and we want you to just be you. What better way to ramp up our continued support and celebrate Pride than by backing a vitally important charity such as The Sussex Beacon.”

Sussex Beacon CEO, Simon Dowe, said: “The Sussex Beacon has been at the heart of HIV support in the Brighton community since 1991 and we are proud to be associated with wagamama as they look to further embed themselves in Brighton. Big brands normally support big causes and it’s a credit to wagamama to be a brand in the local area supporting local people. Make sure to tag a rainbow folks.”

National Treasure, Michael Fish MBE, said: “A rainbow is a beautiful meteorological phenomenon caused by light being refracted in water droplets. It is impossible to predict just how many will occur in a specific time period, but British weather being what it is makes the UK a great place to spot a rainbow. This Pride campaign really does prove the adage correct: there is a pot of gold at the end of each rainbow.”

Brighton & Hove Pride is a platform for everyone in the local communities to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues and campaign for the freedoms that will allow them to live their lives on a genuinely equal footing.

This year hundreds of thousands of people will visit Brighton to support Pride and show unity in support of the LGBT+ communities.

Councils warn sexual health services at ‘tipping point’

Posted on 03/08/201703/08/2017 by Gary Hart

NAT (National AIDS Trust) supports LGA calls for Government to reverse cuts to public health.

The Local Government Association (LGA) today warns that sexual health services are at ‘tipping point’ as significant increases in demand have coincided with dramatic cuts in the public health budget.

NAT’s recently published data from FOI requests to all UK local authorities, shows that HIV prevention services are also suffering hugely as a result of these cuts to the public health budget.

In areas with a high prevalence of HIV, NAT found that funding for prevention was down by almost a third in just two years.

Deborah Gold, Chief Executive at NAT, said: “The cuts to public health are short-sighted and store problems for the future. If cuts in HIV prevention continue at their current rate we will lose key services which we know to be effective at reducing HIV transmission. The impact of this will be worsened if wait times also increase for sexual health clinics. A failure to take public health investment seriously will lead to increased rates in HIV and other STIs, alongside further cost to the NHS and local authorities.

“NAT fully supports the LGA’s call for the Government to reverse the cuts to the public health budget. These cuts have been opposed repeatedly by us and others in the health sector, by the Health Select Committee last year and more recently by the Lords Committee on the Long Term Sustainability of the NHS.

“This stark warning from councils on the impact that public health disinvestment will have on the quality of sexual health services shows the pressure the whole system is under. It is now well past the time for the Government to start listening.”

Brighton businessman bids to become Mr Gay Europe – Campaign Day 20

Posted on 03/08/201701/08/2017 by Besi

Just two days left to vote!

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.

Research urges discussion about the term LGBT+ community!

Posted on 03/08/201702/08/2017 by Besi

The phrase ‘LGBT+ community’ can be problematic and must be used with caution, according to research from Sheffield Hallam University.

The UK-wide study, which included responses from more than 600 participants, explored the use of the phrase commonly used to describe and group people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans (LGBT).

The research, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, centred on questions around what the phrase ‘LGBT+ community’ means, with a number of the responses challenging the use of the word ‘community’.

Responses to the research revealed that many people felt excluded by the phrase ‘LGBT+ community’, as the language suggests that all LGBT+ people belong to one large homogenous group.

The results of the research have been used for the new book Exploring LGBT Spaces and Communities, by Eleanor Formby, senior research fellow at Sheffield Hallam’s Sheffield Institute of Education.

The book examines a number of ideas around LGBT+ identities including community ownership, difference, diversity, spaces, symbols, and consequences for wellbeing, whilst also exploring the experiences of LGBT+ people to offer a broad analysis of commonalities and differences.

Eleanor said: “How we understand and use the term ‘LGBT+ community’ has implications for the delivery of social policy and service provision, and ultimately LGBT+ people’s lives.

“The concept is important but when it is used in the singular, which it so often is, this is not helpful to many LGBT people, not least because not all feel, or wish to be, included within a singular uniform community.

“The word ‘community’ is rarely, if ever, used for people identified as part of ‘majority groups’, for example “white community, “able-bodied community” or “heterosexual community”, so why do we use it for so-called ‘minority groups’?.

“Whilst community can offer benefits to some, in terms of affirmation and the suggestion of safety, it also poses potential dangers through perpetuating misconceptions and stereotypes, and ultimately risks implying that LGBT people are all the same, which they are obviously not, although they may of course share some experiences in common.”

For more information about the book, click here:

Proud2Be will paint the town gold at fifth Totnes Pride

Posted on 02/08/2017 by Besi

The historic market town of Totnes in Devon, will host the fifth Totnes Pride on Saturday, September 2, 2017.

Social enterprise Proud2Be are organising a host of events, which will bring the LGBT+ communities together with their friends, families and supporters, to celebrate diversity in the town.

This year’s theme is Paint It Gold and is inspired by the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, which repairs smashed pottery by using beautiful seams of gold.

Explaining why the theme resonates with her, Proud2Be’s volunteer coordinator Julie said: “It reminds me that whenever life has broken me, I have been able to find the light in the darkness. I have had the courage to pick up the pieces and with compassion and love put myself back together. In doing so I am a stronger and better person for having been broken.’’

This year’s special guest is CN Lester, a singer-songwriter, writer, classical musician, and activist, named as one of the most influential LGBT+ people in the country two years running by The Independent.

About their experience of the event 2 years ago, CN said: “Totnes Pride 2015 was…inclusive, intersectional, challenging, supportive and genuinely welcoming.”

The day starts at 10.45am outside The Dartmouth Inn with a special performance from Spectrum Choir and opening speeches.

The award-winning Samba ROC Band, will then lead a procession up Fore Street and High Street to Totnes Civic Hall at 11.30am.

Road closure will be in place between 10.30am – 1pm at Ticklemore Street and from the bottom of Fore Street up to where the High Street meets Castle Street.

Community bus service Bob the Bus, will be running a park and ride service from 10am at King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) and will also be transporting those with mobility issues up the procession at 11.15.

At the Civic Hall from midday, visitors can enjoy workshops and talks, community stands, Dot’s Cafe, a youth space and a variety of family-friendly activities including art and craft, scrap modelling, silent cinema and face painting.

There will be a panel discussion from 3:00pm at Bogan House, where local and national activists will discuss the theme: Labels- Limiting or Liberating?.

The fun continues into the evening at Totnes Pride After Party from 7.00pm at Totnes Civic Hall, which will feature live music from popular Disco Funk band Golddust and DJ sets from Mamma Boogie Oogie, Rhi Rhi Rhythm and Madame Souza.

Due to a successful People’s Health Trust bid, entry to all daytime events are free. Tickets to the After Party are £10.00 (16 and over) and can be purchased on the day.

To book tickets online, click here:

To mark the event Totnes Town Council will once again, raise the rainbow flag over Totnes Civic Hall. The flag raising ceremony will take place on Monday, August 28 at 6.30pm with a special performance by St Thomas Gospel Choir, followed by a Totnes LGBT+ History Walk led by local Writer, Historian and Publisher Bob Mann.

Inspired by their own experiences of bullying, discrimination and shame-gay, non-binary twins Jon & Mat Price set up Proud2Be in 2011 when they recorded the first Proud2Be video. Since then several public figures and members of the public have contributed to the campaign.

As well as hosting Totnes Pride, Proud2Be delivers awareness training and facilitates various groups throughout the year, including a social group, craft days, fundraiser discos and a youth group.

Last month, the group were shortlisted from over 22,000 nominations and votes for the ‘LGBT Community Organisation’ award at this year’s National Diversity Awards.

Proud2Be co-founder Mat said: “The Pride Action Group have been working tirelessly for the best part of a year to ensure that Totnes Pride continues to be a community event that we can all be proud of. For us, Pride is a chance for the whole community to come together to celebrate diversity in our town. Everyone is welcome!”

If you would like to volunteer to help at Totnes Pride, email: volunteer@proud2be.co.uk

Proud2Be are encouraging local businesses and residents to show their support by displaying rainbow flags during the week of Pride. These are available to buy for £5 from Proud2Be.

Polari First Book Prize shortlist announced

Posted on 02/08/2017 by Besi

Polari Salon celebrates ten years of championing LGBT+ voices with UK-wide tour.

The shortlist for the Polari First Book Prize 2017 was announced last night at the Polari Literary Salon in London’s Southbank Centre.

The prize, now in its seventh year, is awarded annually to a writer whose first book explores the LGBT+ experience, whether in poetry, prose, fiction or non-fiction.

This year’s shortlist brings together three male and three female writers hailing from Kuwait to Cardiff, whose eclectic body of work offers a range of perspectives on the LGBT experience.

The Polari First Book shortlist 2017 is:

♦ Expecting – Chitra Ramaswamy (Saraband)

♦ Guapa – Saleem Haddad (Europa Editions UK)

♦ We Go Around In The Night And Are Consumed By Fire – Jules Grant (Myriad)

♦ Straight Jacket – Matthew Todd (Bantam)

♦ The Vegetarian Tigers of Paradise – Crystal Jeans (Honno)

♦ Jerusalem Ablaze – Orlando Ortega-Medina (Cloud Lodge)

The 2017 shortlist covers a variety of genre and form including crime fiction, short story and memoir – from Crystal Jean’s 1990s coming of age tale and barrister-turned-author Jules Grant’s female gang thriller, to Saleem Haddad’s depiction of gay life in a post-Arab Spring dictatorship and Chitra Ramaswamy’s refreshingly different meditation on pregnancy.

Chair of judges Paul Burston, said: “We are delighted with the breadth and strength of the work this year, which spans such a broad range of countries, cultures and experiences. Choosing six books from such a strong long list was extremely difficult. But in the end the judges came up with a shortlist we all agreed upon, and one which reflects the ethos of the prize. These six books are exceptionally well written and wonderfully diverse. Together they contain a wealth of insights about what it means to be LGBT today.”

Judges for the 2017 prize include:

♦ Paul Burston: author, journalist, host of Polari Literary Salon and chair of the panel
♦ Rachel Holmes: author and former Head of Literature and Spoken Word at the Southbank
♦ Suzi Feay: literary critic
♦ VG Lee: author and comedian and
♦ Alexis Gregory: playwright, actor and producer

The overall winner will be revealed at the London Literature Festival on Friday, October 13 at the Southbank Centre.

The shortlist announcement at Southbank coincides with a bumper series of events as the Polari Salon celebrates 10 years of championing LGBT voices, with the largest ever LBGT literary tour undertaken in the UK.

Beginning in July, it will showcase over 80 writers, including Val McDermid, Matthew Todd and Paul Flynn.

Polari 10th anniversary tour. Key dates include:

♦ September 13 – Printworks, Hastings

♦ September 15 – Lewisham Library

♦ September 17 – The Place Theatre, Bedford

♦ September 22– Assembly Roxy, Edinburgh

♦ October 8 – Birmingham Literature Festival

♦ October 20 – Marlborough Theatre, Brighton

♦ December 2 – City Library, Newcastle

For more information on the tour. click here:

Local businesses support The Sussex Beacon during Pride

Posted on 02/08/2017 by Besi

A number of local businesses are raising money for HIV charity The Sussex Beacon, in the run up to and during Brighton Pride this week.

A team from The Sussex Beacon will be on an open top bus during the Pride parade, to thank local people for their support.

Some of the fundraising efforts going on across Brighton for The Sussex Beacon include:

♦ A Disco Lovers Pride Street Party at Brighton Rocks Kemptown is raising money all weekend. A percentage of money raised from a special drink ‘the disco lovers drinkie’ will be donated and a glitter T-shirt stall will also raise funds, alongside a bucket collection.

♦ The Royal Bank of Scotland customer care centre in Brighton is fundraising all week.

♦ OS Barber Shop in George street, Kemptown, will be donating Friday’s takings.

♦ The Sussex Yeoman pub is donating 10% of its brunch takings on Saturday.

♦ The Railway Club is running a Pre-Pride fundraising party on Friday night.

♦ The Duke of York’s Picture House on Preston Road has a unique way of raising money for The Sussex Beacon during Pride, it will be charging revellers £1 to use its toilets – £1 a pee!

♦ The Amsterdam Bar & Kitchen is selling glittery Brighton Pride T-shirts in aid of the charity. T-shirts are £12.50 and they have samples at the bar for people to try before they buy.

♦ Fundraising T-shirts are also available to buy from ‘The T Chest’ on Gardner Street.

The Sussex Beacon has had a difficult year, after funding cuts put services at risk. A successful campaign #savethesussexbeacon was launched and has helped enable the organisation to continue delivering its services.

This, alongside non-statutory grants and a restructure, has meant the charity has been able to keep its doors open. The organisation is now in the process of being adapted to become more sustainable and less reliant on NHS funding.

Simon Dowe, Chief Executive of The Sussex Beacon, said: “Local businesses are really pulling out all the stops to support us this week and we’re so grateful. There are loads of ways to help us – buy a fundraising drink or T-shirt, drop a few coins in a bucket or even pay to go to the loo! The money raised ensures we can help those people with HIV who really need us in the year ahead. Thanks so much and have a fabulous Pride!”

The Sussex Beacon provides specialist support and care to over 500 people living with HIV a year, offering both inpatient and outpatient services to improve health and promote independence.

Those using the charity’s services may be facing serious HIV related illnesses, dealing with mental health issues or struggling to cope with the side effects of new drug regimes.

Recently rated ‘outstanding’ by the independent health regulator, The Sussex Beacon provides first class care and support to those in need.

For more information, click here:

New LGBT Powerlifting Union formed

Posted on 02/08/2017 by Besi

LGBT Powerlifters from all over the world attended the inaugural LGBT International Powerlifting Championships (LGBT IPC) held in London on Saturday, July 29.

Nine countries were represented including Australia, Belarussia, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, United States of America and Great Britain with a group of 40 including lifters, coaches and partners in attendance.

Athletes participating in the event ranged from complete novices, right through to World champions and World record holders.

The Championships were staged as a direct reaction of Powerlifting not being included in the Gay Games in Paris 2018 and following subsequent discussions with The Federation of Gay Games, where a recommendation was made for LGBT Powerlifters to have their own annual championships for three years of the Quadrennial cycle.

The main purpose of these annual Championships is to grow and develop LGBT Powerlifting in preparation for the Gay Games in 2022. The host city for 2022 will be announced in October at the Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Gay Games in Paris and will be either Guadalajara (Mexico), Hong Kong (China) or Washington DC (USA).

There was a Congress meeting during the LGBT IPC weekend which was attended by the widest and most diverse group of LGBT Powerlifters ever assembled, with some attending Gay Games since as 1982, along with novice lifters new to the sport and participating in their first championships.

The group decided to form an athletes Union of LGBT Powerlifters to give them representation with The Federation of Gay Games and with mainstream powerlifting Federations.

Currently LGBT Powerlifters have no representation within the Federation of Gay Games, which was one of the reasons the sport was not included in next year’s Gay Games in Paris. Also a number of mainstream Powerlifting Federations have rules that could prevent LGBT lifters attending Gay Games in the future, and the new Athletes Union aims to clarify these rules and open discussions where appropriate to increase participation in future Gay Games.

Chris Morgan, male Co-President of the LGBT Powerlifting Union, Gay Games Ambassador and an eight time world champion in the sport, said: “LGBT IPC 2017 was a great success bringing together LGBT Powerlifters from all over the world, along with their coaches, partners, families and friends.

“The weekend provided an opportunity for us to begin organising our affairs in preparation for re-entering the Gay Games in 2022. We aim now to continue discussions with the Federation of Gay Games and enter discussions with mainstream Powerlifting Federations to make certain that LGBT Powerlifting continues to grow globally”.

Charlotte Wareing, female Co-President of the LGBT Powerlifting Union and a two time world champion and four time European champion, added: “It is essential that we adopt a sports model that attracts as many lifters as possible to participate in LGBT lifting, including people who in the past may have been discriminated against due to their gender, sexuality or HIV status. Gay Games adopts the principles in inclusion, participation and pursuit of personal best and we aim to stay true to these principles through the new LGBT Powerlifting Union”.

LGBT International Powerlifting Championship weekend 2018 is scheduled once again in London, with a bidding process now underway for future events in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Throughout 2017 and early 2018 the LGBT Powerlifting Union will be aiming to boost participation in the LGBT IPC by continuing to connect with the LGBT Sports Community by reaching out to under-represented women, transgender, non binary and intersex athletes.

Next year’s competition will take part on Saturday, July 28, the weekend before the opening ceremony of Gay Games Paris at Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, which was established in 1926 and is well known for its strong commitment to diversity within the communities it serves.

Events being offered are Full Powerlifting (equipped and unequipped), Single Lift Squat (equipped and unequipped), Single Lift Bench (equipped and unequipped) and Single Lift Deadlift (equipped and unequipped).

For more details about the LGBT International Powerlifting Championships and to register your interest for LGBT IPC 2018, click here:

To check out their Facebook page, click here:

Brighton businessman bids to become Mr Gay Europe – Campaign Day 19

Posted on 02/08/201702/08/2017 by Besi

Just three days left to vote!

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.

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.

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.

Call us now

Month: August 2017

HIV prevention drug PrEP available on the NHS from September

NHS England announces world’s largest single PrEP implementation trial to prevent HIV infection.

wagamama to support Sussex Beacon during coming 12 months

Pan-Asian restaurant wagamama extends its London campaign #makeitrainbow to celebrate Brighton & Hove Pride this weekend.

Councils warn sexual health services at ‘tipping point’

NAT (National AIDS Trust) supports LGA calls for Government to reverse cuts to public health.

Brighton businessman bids to become Mr Gay Europe – Campaign Day 20

Just two days left to vote!

Research urges discussion about the term LGBT+ community!

The phrase ‘LGBT+ community’ can be problematic and must be used with caution, according to research from Sheffield Hallam University.

Proud2Be will paint the town gold at fifth Totnes Pride

The historic market town of Totnes in Devon, will host the fifth Totnes Pride on Saturday, September 2, 2017.

Polari First Book Prize shortlist announced

Polari Salon celebrates ten years of championing LGBT+ voices with UK-wide tour.

Local businesses support The Sussex Beacon during Pride

A number of local businesses are raising money for HIV charity The Sussex Beacon, in the run up to and during Brighton Pride this week.

New LGBT Powerlifting Union formed

LGBT Powerlifters from all over the world attended the inaugural LGBT International Powerlifting Championships (LGBT IPC) held in London on Saturday, July 29.

Brighton businessman bids to become Mr Gay Europe – Campaign Day 19

Just three days left to vote!

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NHS England announces world’s largest single PrEP implementation trial to prevent HIV infection.

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Pan-Asian restaurant wagamama extends its London campaign #makeitrainbow to celebrate Brighton & Hove Pride this weekend.

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NAT (National AIDS Trust) supports LGA calls for Government to reverse cuts to public health.

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Just two days left to vote!

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The phrase ‘LGBT+ community’ can be problematic and must be used with caution, according to research from Sheffield Hallam University.

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The historic market town of Totnes in Devon, will host the fifth Totnes Pride on Saturday, September 2, 2017.

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Polari Salon celebrates ten years of championing LGBT+ voices with UK-wide tour.

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A number of local businesses are raising money for HIV charity The Sussex Beacon, in the run up to and during Brighton Pride this week.

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LGBT Powerlifters from all over the world attended the inaugural LGBT International Powerlifting Championships (LGBT IPC) held in London on Saturday, July 29.

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Just three days left to vote!

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