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Sea Serpents RFC play Bristol Bisons tomorrow in Hove

Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, Sussex’s first fully inclusive rugby club, play the Bristol Bisons in Hove tomorrow, Saturday, January 27.

The Bisons, the South West’s only gay friendly rugby union team last came to visit the Sea Serpents at Brighton Pride, but this time they’re coming to play a rugby match!

The match kicks off at 2pm. You are welcome to join the Serpents beforehand in the club house where there’s a fully licensed bar and a cafe serving lots of delicious hot food.

Join the Serpents back in the clubhouse after the game for the post-match awards before they head out and about in town starting with a visit to their kit sponsors the Camelford Arms for a drink or two.

Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents are a fully inclusive rugby club, encouraging gay, bisexual, trans guys to learn, experience and play rugby in a non judgemental atmosphere.

For more information, click here:

 

Labour demand emergency money for NHS

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Shadow Health Secretary, Jonathan Ashworth MP, call on Government to introduce emergency budget to help end winter crisis in the NHS last night central London rally.

Jeremy Corbyn MP
Jeremy Corbyn MP

Labour has also revealed new Party analysis that all 20 Cabinet Members have had dangerously full hospitals in their constituencies this winter, with numerous patients stuck for over 30 minutes in the back of ambulances.

The latest analysis of the weekly winter statistics published by NHS England yesterday shows that so far this winter, 89,161 patients have waited between 30-60 minutes in the back of an ambulance, and 26,845 have been left waiting for over an hour, bringing the total number of patients to 116,006.

Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party, said: “There must be no mistake: the NHS crisis is being caused by the political choices of this Tory Government.
 
“The Government is failing staff, patients and their families across the whole country. All 20 members of the cabinet’s own constituencies have dangerously full hospitals, with patients stuck in the back of ambulances and on trolleys.

 “The Tories are failing our NHS. Labour built the NHS 70 years ago and it will be the next Labour government that secures our NHS for the next 70 years.”

“Having ignored repeated warnings from Labour, healthcare professionals and the public for urgent NHS funding this winter, Theresa May has overseen the worst winter crisis on record. 
 
“Under the Tories, our NHS has been left underfunded, understaffed and overstretched. Despite the heroic efforts of our NHS staff, thousands of vulnerable patients have been left languishing on trolleys, stuck in the backs of ambulances and unable to receive the social care packages they urgently need.
 
“Our new analysis reveals that her entire inner circle is facing a disastrous winter crisis in their own backyards, with average bed occupancy in the Cabinet at 95% this winter. Perhaps her closest allies will now pressurise the Prime Minister into heeding Labour’s call for an emergency budget of £5 billion for our NHS.
 
“Labour founded the NHS, our proudest achievement, and on the year of its 70th anniversary we will fight to save the NHS from Tory underfunding, cuts and toxic privatisation.”
 

Brighton Bear Weekend 2018 logo launches at Prowler

Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) will have the launch of its new 2018 logo in the Prowler store on Saturday, January 27 between 5 pm and 7 pm.

This year’s brand new logo has been created by international designer Bobo Bear who will be on hand in the Prowler store to sign, chat and do those all-important selfies.

This year BBW are producing  a very limited edition of light grey hoodies. These are available in three of every size and are very collectable. BBW t-shirts are also being launched in blue and red with sizes from small to 2XL.

Drinks and nibbles will be served to keep you shopping, so go along and join in all the fun of the bears.

Graham Munday
Graham Munday

Graham Munday said: “Bobo Bear is so well-loved on the bear scene and his work is available across the world. We are delighted he has produced our new logo this year and think it might be our best-selling yet.  The hoodies I know will sell quickly, however this year we will be changing the colours of the t-shirts though out the year, so do let us know if you would prefer a different colour. This also means that once a colour has gone it has gone so do buy the colour you like once you see it”

 

To purchase T-shirts from the BBW website store, click here:

Bobo Bear at Prowler in 2017
Bobo Bear at Prowler in 2017

 

LGBT radio station attracts worldwide audience

Listeners across the globe often risk their lives to tune into an LGBT radio station, based in the North East of England.

Pride World Radio, which operates from studios in Newcastle, now attracts an audience in 125 countries, including those where homosexuality is still illegal.

The station, which is available online, via a free app or through Apple TV, has regulars listeners in countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Iran where being openly LGBT is not only against the law but can also be punishable by death.

Yet despite the dangers, Peter Darrant, Chief Executive of Pride World Radio, insists that people continue to listen in.

He said: “We are listened to in 33 of the 72 countries which still have anti-homosexual laws.

“There are people who literally are putting their lives at risk by listening to us.

“But that just highlights what an important lifeline connecting with Pride World Radio is for them.”

Initially Pride Radio, the station was bought by Peter and three other directors six months ago and became part of the Pride World Media stable, which includes Out and Proud TV, which is due to launch in 2018.

Since its name change the network, which broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, claims around 800,000 listeners on-line every month, with 30,000 people having downloaded the app.

Peter, a former presenter and producer on Made In Tyne and Wear television, was also the innovator behind Made With Pride – a live tv radio show – and also created televised ballroom dancing competition, Made On The Dance Floor which was won in the first year by a same-sex couple.

At its height Made With Pride attracted an audience of more than two million listeners and viewers and was singled out in the regional Royal Television Society awards.

Peter a former Chair of Northern Pride, continued: “I first worked for Pride Radio as a volunteer and saw the huge potential it had to lead the way in bringing the global LGBT community together.”

The station is also currently sharing its morning output with community radio station, NE1 FM, in the North East and is in discussions around the UK and beyond to further share its content and to set up international radio stations.

Peter became a presenter following more than 20 years working in various business development roles in the hospitality industry and in entertainment before being offered a job when Made In Tyne and Wear set up.

This was followed by three years working as both producer and a presenter, before leaving to concentrate on developing Pride World Media.

National Student Pride to tackle homelessness this year

National Student Pride, now in its thirteenth year returns to the University of Westminster’s Marylebone campus in London, from February 9-11.

The centre piece of the event for the 1,700 people attending will be the main daytime festival on Saturday, February 10 featuring discussion panels, performances and a careers fair. The evening entertainment will be hosted by the infamous G-A-Y night clubs, culminating with a party at G-A-Y Heaven.

The focus of National Student Pride in 2018 will be LGBT Homelessness Vulnerable young LGBT+ people are still getting kicked out of their homes when they come out – and it destroys their lives.

Figures published by The Albert Kennedy Trust, who help LGBT+ people who are homeless, who live in a hostile environment or are in housing crisis, show that of young homeless people, LGBT+ kids are much more likely to be suffering:

●   One in four of homeless young people identify as LGBT+

●   Nearly four in five of them say coming out to parents was the main factor in becoming homeless

●   Once homeless, LGBT youth are more likely to experience targeted violence and discrimination, develop substance abuse problems, be exposed to sexual exploitation, and engage in higher levels of risky sexual behaviour, than their non-LGBT peers

The Albert Kennedy Trust, Attitude Magazine and National Student Pride’s panel will bring together young LGBT+ homeless voices, with soon to be announced special guests to amplify the discussion needed on this debate, to empower those young people and kick start a wider discussion on the crisis of LGBT+ youth homelessness.

Chair of Student Pride Hatti Smart, says: “The figures from the Albert Kennedy Trust are truly devastating. I’m lucky my mum was very supportive when I came out. But for many, it’s a different story and they are kicked out of their homes.

“We hope our event this year inspires the media, influencers and activists to support charities such as AKT and lift the voices of young LGBT+ homeless people”

Tim Sigsworth Albert Kennedy Trust CEO, adds: “AKT believe that youth homelessness is the most pressing human rights issue facing LGBT+ communities today in the UK. No young person should have to choose between a safe home and being who they are.”

For a full lineup of events, click here:

PREVIEW: Love is…. a concert in support of Samaritans

Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans invite you to join them for an evening of song and celebration on Saturday February 3, in Brighton.

The Brighton Welsh Male Voice Choir and The Ouse Valley Singers will head the bill with a starring guest appearance from the mezzo-soprano soloist, Fiona Hunniset in a glorious night of musical entertainment.

Brighton Samaritans is fully run by volunteers. The proceeds from the concert will go towards helping fund this much-needed and universal life saving service.

2018 is a special year for Samaritans and its volunteers as an organisation as it celebrates its 50th year answering the phones to people in need of emotional support. That’s something to celebrate!

Refreshment will be available and there is limited parking.

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).


Event: Love is… a concert featuring the Brighton Welsh Male Voice Choir and The Ouse Valley Singers with guest soprano Fiona Hunnisett.

Where: The Church of the Good Shepherd, 272 Dyke Road, Brighton BN15AE

When: Saturday, February 3

Time: 7.30pm

Cost: £10 available on the door or from Eventbrite

To book online, click here:

For details of your nearest branch, click here:

To donate to Samaritans, click here:

New play raises awareness of LGBT+ people with dementia

Award winning play The Purple List… a gay dementia venture by Libby Pearson will be performed by Ian Baxter on Thursday, February 15 at the opening of the Rainbow Cafe.

The performance takes place at Brooke Mead, (the new extra care housing accommodation to be opened by Brighton & Hove City Council) in Albion Street, Brighton, from 11am- 2pm .

The play, a 35-minute one-man performance explores the highs and lows of the lives of same sex couple, Sam and Derek, who live with the reality of dementia and memory loss.

The performance will be followed by a Q&A session, and a chance to hear about Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboards new dementia café, The Rainbow Café for LGBT+ people experiencing dementia.

Daniel Cheesman
Daniel Cheesman

Daniel Cheesman, Switchboard’s CEO, says: “Through the Rainbow Café, we aim to raise awareness of dementia within the LGBT+ communities. Our Older Person’s Project has highlighted the need for this service and we are thankful to the support that we have been given by the Rainbow Fund to get the service up and running.”

“Everyone is welcome to attend the launch event on February 15. Whether you’re interested in attending the group, want to find out more or if you’re interested in volunteering. The play is a powerful portrayal of the impact that dementia can have and in this scenario in a same-sex relationship – I would encourage all to come and see it.”

The Rainbow Cafe has been made possible with an £11,725 grant awarded by the Rainbow Fund.


Event: Launch of Rainbow Cafe and performance of The Purple List by Libby Pearson

Where: Brooke Mead Albion Street, Brighton, BN2 9PY

When: Thursday, February 15

Time: 11am – 2pm

Cost: Free

New trustee at Lunch Positive

Local HIV charity Lunch Positive appoint new trustee to the board.

Lunch Positive provides a weekly peer-led community lunch club for people with HIV every Friday at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Kemptown.

In joining the board at Lunch Positive, Richard Jeneway, who co-founded the HIV charity Peer Action, brings a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector and important insights into living with HIV. This includes ageing with HIV, social disadvantage and the complexity of challenges that HIV can still present for many people.

Richard has been directly involved in supporting people with HIV for many years, including facilitating group work and service provision.

Steven Foster, Chair of Lunch Positive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Richard to the Board, which we know will strengthen governance of our Charity at a time when we continue to develop services to meet the needs of our community. Actively involving people who are HIV positive is absolutely fundamental to good governance of a peer-led organisation, and the provision of relevant and effective services.”

Richard Jeneway said: “The unique service that Lunch Positive provides, together with the fantastic contributions of volunteers, have such an impact on our HIV community.

“I  feel privileged to join the Lunch Positive Trustee Board. As this established and well-respected Charity continues to  grow from strength to strength I  am very much looking forward  to being a part of the process as a Trustee.”

For more information about Lunch Positive, click here:

Manchester Pride event – How to have a one woman show

Superbia curates unique celebration of women in performance.

Manchester Pride’s year round calendar of cultural events, Superbia, is holding a unique Q&A event with some of the city’s most talented female performers and theatre-makers.

2018 has already been dubbed by many as the year of the woman and on January 25 at the Royal Northern College of Music the city’s LGBT+ charity will bring together five creative women who are making diverse work for the stage. The show will find out what inspires them, how they made it, their successes and lessons along the way, what they really get out of performing, and what advice they would give to the up-and-coming makers of tomorrow.

The event will hosted by Kate O’Donnell (Big Girl’s Blouse; You’ve Changed) with special guests Cheryl Martin (Alaska; Who Wants To Live Forever?), Jackie Hagan (Some People Have Too Many Legs; Cosmic Scallies), Debs Gatenby (Hi, Anxiety; A Place Called Happiness) and Louise Wallwein (Glue; Skid 180).

Kate will speak about her own work and then interview each of the guests in turn, showing performance clips and asking probing questions. The audience will then have chance to ask their own questions to the performers.

The event will take place on Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 7pm till 11pm and tickets are priced at £6 for general admission and £4 concession.

To purchase tickets online, click here:

The Superbia website is a portal for everything that makes LGBT+ life special. It provides listings and information for events featuring debate, film, comedy, literature, music, sport, theatre, family and community-led projects all with the aim of encouraging engagement and well-being, and to culturally enhance the community.

LETTER TO EDITOR: Our Pride has a purpose

Having had to resign from Pride as a content writer and curator late last year due to health reasons, I find myself in an interesting position today.

Enviously on the outside looking in at the exciting plans, knowing the hard work, dedication and passion that goes into making Brighton Pride the best in the UK. Knowing just how important individual and city-wide support is and the difference it makes – not only to those involved with Pride but those benefiting from its year on year record amounts of fundraising.

So to every naysayer deriding the choice of 2018 headliner I say this. Brighton Pride is Pride with a purpose, passionately fundraising for the Rainbow Fund and Social Impact Fund who in turn award grants to local LGBT+ organisations and charities including the LGBT Community Safety Forum, MindOut, Lunch Positive, Allsorts, Brighton Gems, The Clare Project, Rainbow Chorus, Older and Out, Sussex Beacon, Accessibility Matters, Whitehawk LGBT+ Support Group, Trans Alliance, Peer Action, B&H LGBT Switchboard and more.

Be we young, old, Trans, Queer, positive, lesbian, gay, bi, non-binary, regardless of race or religion, (or whatever our opinion about Britney!) these are organisations you and I and those we love may need to be there for us one day. Organisations that ensure every pound raised will make a real difference to LGBT+ lives in our city.

Not just on Pride day but every day. So if partying with Britney at Brighton Pride means that support can continue then oops let’s do it again..and again…and again

Kate Wildblood

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