January 2018 – Page 9 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

London joins global HIV initiative

Posted on 10/01/201810/01/2018 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, 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 10/01/2018 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 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 10/01/201812/01/2018 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 10/01/201809/01/2018 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, 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.

BLAGSS celebrates 21 year anniversary in 2018

Posted on 09/01/201809/01/2018 by Paul Gustafson

This year BLAGSS celebrate its 21 year anniversary with a number of events throughout the year, starting with the annual Ten Pin Bowling Extravaganza on Wednesday, February 28.

BLAGSS (Brighton Lesbian and Gay Sports Society) have been providing sporting and social opportunities in Brighton & Hove for the past 21 years.

As winter turns to spring and new year’s resolutions are broken our thoughts turn to trying to get fit, losing a kilo or two and starting something new. With over 400 members and up to fifteen different sports happening every week, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up a sport you used to play, try a new sport, make new friends and most importantly get fit.

Sports on offer include: badminton, tennis, petanque, running, table tennis, golf, football, squash and walking, with netball and croquet to be added in the spring.

With many members new to Brighton and Hove, BLAGSS is an ideal organisation within which you can make new friends.

For more information on BLAGSS, click here:

To contact BLAGSS, click here:

B RIGHT ON LGBT Community Festival: Work & Volunteer Fair

Posted on 09/01/201818/01/2018 by Besi

As part of The B RIGHT ON LGBT Community Festival in February, the Rainbow Fund supports the LGBT Work & Volunteer Fair.

The fair, part of LGBT History Month, will take place in the Phil Starr Pavilion in Victoria Gardens on Thursday, February 22, from 10am-4pm.

Are you looking for work? Do you want to volunteer or get involved in your local LGBT+ communities?

There will be over twenty local community organisations, businesses and recruiting companies attending who will be offering job search, benefit guidance, engagement workshops, drop in support, CV support and help in overcoming the hurdles to employment.

Volunteer Fair in Phil Starr Pavilion at 2017 B RIGHT ON LGBT Community Festival

To book a stall for your organisation, email: events@brightonlgbtfestival.com

The B RIGHT ON LGBT Community Festival celebrates LGBT History Month, is organised by the volunteers of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum and takes place at the Phil Starr Pavilion – a multi functional, fully accessible, heated performance, conference and community space with a licensed bar which is located on Victoria Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1WN

To sign up to the B RIGHT ON Festival News Letter, click here:

How can we include transgender and intersex athletes?

Posted on 09/01/2018 by Besi

Inclusion of transgender and intersex people in athletics to be discussed at a free event at the University of Brighton.

Joanna Harper, a medical physicist and transgender athlete from the USA, and Professor Yannis Pitsiladis, the University’s Professor of Sport and Exercise Science, will discuss claims of unfairness levelled at transgender competitors who are considered to have an advantage over those born female.

Ms Harper, based at Providence Portland Medical Centre in Oregon, and Professor Pitsiladis, who researches the detection of drugs in sport, will present a roadmap to guide the implementation of rules for the inclusion for transgender and intersex athletes.

Both argue: “In the attempt to separate athletes into male and female categories, one should only look at those sex and/or gender based qualities that are important for athletic performance.”

They propose that evidence-based scientific research should be the foundation for making decisions on participation in sex-segregated sports and suggest that the concept of an athletic gender should be established in order to facilitate this segregation.

Professor Pitsiladis said the discussion addresses an increasingly important subject: “Sporting bodies remain entangled in debate over how to include transgender and intersex athletes with high levels of bio-available testosterone in competition with cisgender athletes. The recent ruling by the highest court in Germany in favour of the introduction of a third gender category for individuals who do not identify as either male or female or are born with an ambiguous sexual anatomy has brought this important matter to a fore.

“At this event, Joanna and I hope to present a roadmap towards a fair, objective and scientifically meaningful integration of transgender and intersex athletes into elite sport and in a manner that is consistent with the Olympic Charter.”

Event: Beyond Fairness

Where: Sallis Benney Theatre, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY

When: Tuesday, March 20

Time: 6.30pm

Cost: Free entry

To register attendance, click here:

Places still available to run in Brighton Grand Half Marathon

Posted on 08/01/2018 by Besi

The Sussex Beacon still has places available for this year’s Half Marathon and Corporate Relay races on Sunday, February 25, 2018, and is looking for more runners to support the charity.

Every year, Brighton-based charity The Sussex Beacon organise and deliver The Grand Brighton Half Marathon, a popular event featuring a beautiful seafront course which is one of the first half marathons on the running calendar.

Running a half marathon is an enormous challenge, and The Sussex Beacon is proud of its team of runners, who have fundraised £66,000 over the last two years of The Grand Brighton Half Marathon, enabling The Sussex Beacon to be able to continue offering specialist inpatient and outpatient treatment for people living with HIV. These support services cost over £2 million a year to maintain.

Executive Director Bill Puddicombe, said: “Here at the Sussex Beacon, we support people who are finding life with HIV tough or even unmanageable. Team Beacon runners play an important part in our work. Their effort and sponsorship mean that we can provide care and support to people who need it – when you run for us, you make a real difference.”

Team Beacon runners are required to fundraise a minimum of £150 in sponsorship. In return, they receive plenty of training and fundraising support, a vest and fundraising pack, and access to an exclusive marquee in the race village with separate baggage and toilet facilities.

Registrations need to be complete by Friday, January 26. To join Team Beacon, click here:

Alternatively, runners can divide the distance by entering The Sussex Beacon Corporate Relay in teams of five to enjoy exclusive race day perks.

For full details, click here:

For those wanting to be part of the incredible atmosphere of the Brighton Grand Half Marathon without running 13.1 miles, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities on the day, such as cheering for Team Beacon runners on the course or helping the team in the race village.

For further information about how to get involved, click here:

Or contact their Challenge Events Fundraiser, Rosie Hemming on 01273 694222 or email: rosie.hemming@sussexbeacon.org.uk

The Sussex Beacon provides specialist support and care for people living with HIV through both inpatient and outpatient services. It helps hundreds of people living with HIV in Sussex each year and was rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission in 2016.

Mildmay CEO leaves charity to take on new post

Posted on 08/01/201806/01/2018 by Besi

Chief Executive of Mildmay leaves the charity after nine years, to take on a new position.

Dr Ross White is stepping down from his role as CEO of Mildmay to take on another Chief Executive role at a charity in Surrey.

Dr White has headed the East London HIV Charity which also works in East Africa, for the last nine years, overseeing the opening of the brand new Mildmay hospital which was officially opened by HRH Prince Harry in 2015 and marked the organisations 150th year in 2016.

In 2017 Mildmay achieved Outstanding, the highest rating possible, in their Care Quality Commission inspection (CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England).

Carol Stone, a Mildmay trustee for the past two years who has dedicated almost four decades of her life to the health-care sector, will step into the interim CEO role until a permanent appointment is made.

Dr White said: “This been a very hard decision to make, I feel an enormous personal attachment to Mildmay and a huge sense of pride in all we have achieved as a team. I believe however that I have one last big role to take on and although I am sad to be saying goodbye to my Mildmay family I feel confident that they will continue to go from strength to strength.

“I am indebted to our wonderful board of dedicated trustees, our exceptional staff, volunteers and supporters and thank them for their unceasing commitment which has enabled Mildmay to achieve so much.”

HRH Prince Harry visits Mildmay Hospital December 14, 2015

REVIEW: Holiday On Ice – Time @Brighton Centre

Posted on 07/01/201807/01/2018 by Besi

TIME, the latest offering from the institution that is Holiday On Ice opened at the Brighton Centre on Friday, January 5 and runs until Sunday, January 14.

Following last years production BELIEVE, choreographed by Olympic champion Christopher Dean, this year’s creative director and choreographer David Liu continues to move the choreography away from traditional straight lines, such a trademark of Holiday on Ice productions over the years, and creates a wonderful extravaganza of pure free ice dance. His choreography is quite simply first class.

A retrospective piece, TIME invites us to remember those special memories from our past, including our first kiss, first love and first dream holiday among many others.

The story telling, especially in the first half, is exquisite, easy to follow, and allows the skaters to express themselves and treat the audience to as good an example of free expressive ice dance I have seen in any Holiday on Ice Show over the years. My only observation is that while the first half is great for adults to watch, its pace is slow and was hard work for the some of the kids in the audience who were at times slightly restless.

The second half contains more of the ‘tricks’ associated with a Holiday on Ice show, is more likely to engage the youngsters in the audience and contains the wheel, which, unusually, is reprised later towards the end of the show, in the finale, which is mesmerising, structurally the strongest for years and builds the production up to a glorious climax.

TIME is more of a company effort than many recent Holiday on Ice shows. All the chorus skaters were sound and impressive as were the principals and semi principals. The pairs team of Yannick Bonheur and Annette Dytrt deserve special mention for their presence and skill on the ice, as does the acrobatist Donet Collazo Valdez who apart from being stunning to look at commanded the ice and the attention of the audience each time he appeared.

The musical score, specially recorded for the show is excellent as are the music choices, while the use of the LED screen and graphics helps transport us back in time to those magic moments of our youth. The original costume designs, lights and in particular the sound, ensure this Holiday on Ice production remains world-class.

I say it every year, for me personally Holiday on Ice is one of the most magical evenings out in Brighton. This years show, at times balletic with obvious references to Holiday on Ice of the past, incorporates all the production values of a Cirque du Soleil production and is fantastic value for money.

Highly recommended.

To book tickets, click here:

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Month: January 2018

London joins global HIV initiative

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.

Men must stop behaving badly

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.

Pride comes to Worthing!

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

Brighton Pride announce theme for 2018

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

BLAGSS celebrates 21 year anniversary in 2018

This year BLAGSS celebrate its 21 year anniversary with a number of events throughout the year, starting with the annual Ten Pin Bowling Extravaganza on Wednesday, February 28.

B RIGHT ON LGBT Community Festival: Work & Volunteer Fair

As part of The B RIGHT ON LGBT Community Festival in February, the Rainbow Fund supports the LGBT Work & Volunteer Fair.

How can we include transgender and intersex athletes?

Inclusion of transgender and intersex people in athletics to be discussed at a free event at the University of Brighton.

Places still available to run in Brighton Grand Half Marathon

The Sussex Beacon still has places available for this year’s Half Marathon and Corporate Relay races on Sunday, February 25, 2018, and is looking for more runners to support the charity.

Mildmay CEO leaves charity to take on new post

Chief Executive of Mildmay leaves the charity after nine years, to take on a new position.

REVIEW: Holiday On Ice – Time @Brighton Centre

TIME, the latest offering from the institution that is Holiday On Ice opened at the Brighton Centre on Friday, January 5 and runs until Sunday, January 14.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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This year BLAGSS celebrate its 21 year anniversary with a number of events throughout the year, starting with the annual Ten Pin Bowling Extravaganza on Wednesday, February 28.

Share this:

As part of The B RIGHT ON LGBT Community Festival in February, the Rainbow Fund supports the LGBT Work & Volunteer Fair.

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Inclusion of transgender and intersex people in athletics to be discussed at a free event at the University of Brighton.

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The Sussex Beacon still has places available for this year’s Half Marathon and Corporate Relay races on Sunday, February 25, 2018, and is looking for more runners to support the charity.

Share this:

Chief Executive of Mildmay leaves the charity after nine years, to take on a new position.

Share this:

TIME, the latest offering from the institution that is Holiday On Ice opened at the Brighton Centre on Friday, January 5 and runs until Sunday, January 14.

Share this:

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