Call us now

Day: January 10, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: 50 Queers Who Changed the World

Posted on by Eric Page

50 Queers Who Changed the World:

A celebration of LGBTQ+ icons

Dan Jones

Featuring beautifully illustrated of 50 Queers Who Changed the World, this smart book is a tribute to LGBTQI inspirational people from history.   We Queers are some of the coolest folk in history. The books looks at Freddie Mercury, Virginia Woolf, Laverne Cox, Harvey Milk and Audre Lorde (and 45 others)  all who have made an unforgettable impact. Queer subculture has had an enormous influence on style, music, art and literature – the queer community were often in the vanguard of style, change and social progress.

From Oscar Wilde, who defended his homosexual relationships in court, to RuPaul acting as an ambassador for drag on network television, queer people have fought to express their identities and make a difference. This book celebrates the lives, work and unique perspectives of the icons that changed our world.

Elegantly illustrated and packaged, these stories make inspirational reading and it’s just the most perfect coffee table book to show off.

Our now, for more info or to buy the book see here: 

Don’t Stew – Get together for a brew, say Samaritans

Posted on by Besi

Beat ‘Blue Monday’, often referred to as the most depressing day of the year, by getting together for a friendly cuppa while raising funds for Samaritans to continue providing emotional support.

The charity is declaring, January 15, Brew Monday and will be asking friends, neighbours and work colleagues to help Samaritans – Brighton, Hove and District simply by taking time out for a cuppa and a chat.

“Pick up one of our free fundraising packs from us, and you can organise your very own Brew Monday event,” says Alison Pratt, volunteer and branch director.

“Here at Brighton Samaritans we are hoping people will support Brew Monday and get together for a cuppa and a chat, and make a donation too. Funds raised will help ensure that anyone who’s feeling overwhelmed can contact our free helpline, email us, or call in at our branch to talk face to face.

“Isolation and loneliness are among the main reasons people contact Samaritans. Joining up and having tea with someone can provide a lift when dark days, cold weather, broken resolutions and credit card bills may otherwise take centre stage.”

Comedian Vic Reeves is one of a host of celebrities who are backing the campaign.

Brew up with Vic Reeves
Brew up with Vic Reeves

Vic said: “I love nothing more than a good brew, so Brew Monday is a great excuse to do that and also to catch up with your nearest and dearest.”

The Brighton branch volunteers will be hosting events at Brighton, Hove and Lewes train stations during peak times and offering sets of tea bags to be shared on a tea break with a friend, family member, colleague or anyone you invite to meet over a brew.

 

Whatever you’re going through, you can call Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill), or you can email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.

BOOK REVIEW: Aphra Behn: A Secret Life by Janet Todd

Posted on by Eric Page

Aphra Behn: A Secret Life

Janet Todd

This book look at the astonishing life, work and history of Aphra Behn: 17th century dramatist, poet, novelist, political propagandist, bisexual writer, and spy.  Virginia Woolf  said of Behn ‘All women together ought to let flowers fall on the tomb of Aphra Behn…For it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds.”  Behn, a spy in the Netherlands and the Americas, was the first professional woman writer. The most prolific dramatist of her age, innovative novelist, translator, lyrical and erotic poet, she expresses a frank sexuality addressing courting and loving ladies, orgasm and bisexuality, whilst serving as political propagandist for the monarch.

This revised biography of the extraordinary, ground-breaking writer is set in conflict-ridden England, Europe, and in the mismanaged slave colonies, following the Puritan republic in 1660.  Behn is emblematic of the Restoration period, a time of masks and self-fashioning. Tod’s writing is as appealing as her research is remarkable and the books bounces along at a delightful pace while scrutinizing  serious issues in a time of extreme political, social and religious upheaval.

Janet Todd is a novelist and internationally renowned scholar, known for her non-fiction feminist works on women writers. She is an expert in her field and has published books on Mary Wollenstonecraft, Jane Austen and now this much anticipated paper back edition of her superb book on Aphra Behn.

Buy the book here

London joins global HIV initiative 

Posted on by Besi

Today the Mayor of London, London Councils, Public Health England and NHS England signed a historic pledge to join the international Fast-Track Cities initiative – part of a global effort to reduce HIV and HIV stigma.

London joins Brighton & Hove, who became the first UK city to sign up to the Fast-Track Cities initiative in August 2017.

The Fast-Track Cities partnership for London aims to exceed UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, end HIV transmissions in London by 2030, stop preventable deaths from HIV-related causes, improve health and well-being for people living with HIV and eliminate stigma and discrimination.

The Fast track Cities 90-90-90 targets are:

♦ 90% of people living with HIV to be aware of their status
♦ 90% of people who know they’re HIV positive to be on treatment and
♦  90% of people on treatment to have an undetectable viral load, at which point there’s a better chance of having a healthier and longer life

Deborah Gold
Deborah Gold

Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), said: “I am absolutely delighted that London has signed up to be a Fast Track City, working to eliminate HIV. As one of the largest and most politically complex cities in the world, the Mayor of London, London Councils, NHS England and Public Health England should be particularly congratulated on coming together to commit to coordinate work in this crucial area.

“London is a world leader in its response to HIV, and the latest data shows that it meets the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets for diagnosis, treatment and numbers of people living with HIV who have an undetectable viral load. The challenge in London will be to look beneath these figures and ensure that there are no excluded communities which are not benefiting from this progress. We will be unable to make real progress without also eliminating HIV stigma and discrimination, which permeates all areas of life for those at risk of and living with HIV. We look forward to working to create the first HIV stigma free city.”

To read the Fast-Track Cities Paris Declaration, click here:

Men must stop behaving badly

Posted on by Gary Hart

Men should start behaving themselves was the message from University of Brighton honorary doctorate Paris Lees, who has become the first openly transgender person to feature in the British Vogue magazine.

The award-winning writer, TV personality, presenter, equality campaigner, and University alumna is one of seven influential women featured to mark the 100th anniversary since women were granted the vote.

The Meet the New Suffragettes feature also includes politicians Stella Creasy and Sophie Walker, artist Gillian Wearing, founder of gal-dem Liv Little, blogger Dina Torkia and writer Reni Eddo-Lodge.

Paris graduated from Brighton University in 2009 in BA(Hons) English Language and Literature and was awarded an honorary degree of a Doctor of Letters by the University in 2016 in recognition of her major contribution of transgender identity in contemporary society and of her work as a journalist and social commentator.

Paris Lees
Paris Lees

Paris says: “One thing that would improve the lives of women is if men would behave themselves – hashtag not all men, just a significant proportion.”

“Feminism is about pushing for the rights of women and that includes all women – because if you are not pushing for the equality and dignity for all women then it’s not equality you want, it’s diplomacy.”

Pride comes to Worthing!

Posted on by Besi

Worthing hosts its first ever Pride on Saturday, July 14, 2018, organised by local events company Vivacious Events.

This is the first time the town will host such a high profile LGBT+ event. Organisers expect to attract a significant number of visitors to the area and promise the event will be fun and family friendly.

Pride – Diversity & Dreams will be free to attend but donations will be welcomed on the day from those attending to help finance the event.

The organisational committee is made up of Josie and Andy Kelly from Vivacious Events, Mark Woollard from ML Events and Paul Batchelor from local Sound and Lighting Company Present Entertainment, Brighton DJ and Entertainment Manager Claire Fuller and local business woman and fundraiser from Tommy’s Fund, Jeanette Compton.

A spokesperson for Worthing Pride said: “There have been many motivations for launching Worthing Pride, the primary reason to show our love and support for the local LGBT+ community and to bring the whole town together to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Worthing and the surrounding area.”

Pride will also be supporting local charities West Sussex Coastal Mind and Allsorts Youth Project with their fundraising.

Josie Kelly added: “On a personal level, I was also very inspired by the movie Pride based on real life events which bought everyone together to celebrate the diversity of the local people in very difficult and challenging circumstances.”

Detailed plans have been submitted to and now approved by Worthing Council, and the main arena will be located on Beach House Grounds adjacent to the Splashpoint Swimming Pool complex on Worthing seafront.

The Pride Parade along the Promenade will start at 1pm from opposite the Burlington Hotel. Other activities planned for the day include a dog show in Denton Gardens and children’s entertainment provided by local company Nic & Bens Entertainment.

Entertainment in the main arena will start from 1pm and organisers are planning for some fantastic entertainers and tribute acts on the main stage continuing until 10pm in the evening.

Following the event there will be an after Pride party at local bar, the Libertine, which will be a ticketed only event.

Organisers need significant funding to make the event happen and would welcome enquiries from any local businesses or organisations that would like to support and be part of what will be a historic day for Worthing and the local economy.

The committee are also looking to involve local businesses, bringing everyone together to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Worthing’s LGBT communities.

Pride will soon be launching its own exclusive website to keep everyone up to date with their progress.

For any individuals, businesses or local organisations that would like to sponsor Pride, click here:

Or telephone: 01903 200333

 

Brighton Pride announce theme for 2018

Posted on by Besi

Colour My World – Brighton Pride theme for 2018 celebrates Rainbow Flag.

After last year’s glorious Summer Of Love, Brighton Pride 2018 will be celebrating   the 40th anniversary of the iconic Rainbow Flag with the theme Colour My World.

Originally commissioned by politician and activist Harvey Milk and devised by artist Gilbert Baker in San Francisco in 1978, the Rainbow Flag is a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) pride and LGBT+ social movements.

The Rainbow Flag has no rules, no protocol that governs its display and is the community’s for the taking.

For 2018’s Colour My World, Brighton Pride will return to the flag’s original eight colours of pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet representing, respectively: sexuality, life, healing, sun, nature, art, harmony, and spirit.

The eight colour Rainbow Flag reminds us that ours is a diverse community – composed of people with a variety of individual tastes of which we should all be proud.

The Brighton Pride Carnival Of Diversity Community Parade is forever surprising, always engaging, constantly educating and in 2018 will fill Brighton & Hove’s streets with love, light and laughter as the colour and cohesion of our varied communities combine to create an explosion of life-affirming brilliance.

Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp

Paul Kemp, Director of Brighton Pride, said: “Coming together as a community to declare our unity is ever more important, as we continue to face the challenges of those around the world who would take back LGBT+ rights and equality.

“Join us on August 4 for Brighton Pride 2018 and ‘Colour My World’. Together we can keep moving forward, celebrating, campaigning and connecting with Pride, proving love wins.”

Tickets for the 2018 Pride Festival will be on sale soon.

Latest News

Community News Scene to publish your memories of Miss Jason in May issue
Books New book on UK Bear spaces to explore experiences and attitudes around the ‘Bear’ community
Community News A giant of our community: Jason Sutton aka Miss Jason has died
International News Streets flooded with colour for Tokyo Pride 2024
X