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OPINION: Transitioning with Sugar – Drugs and the Trans Community

Ms Sugar Swan looks at drug use and asks if trans people are overlooked as an at-risk group within the LGBT+ communities.

PARTY drugs are a problem, they always have been, and whilst I think some members of our umbrella communities are well looked after and catered to when it comes to party drugs and picking up the pieces when things go wrong, I fear that, as with many things in the community, trans people are often overlooked.

It’s impossible to walk into an LGBT+ venue which caters primarily or exclusively (through discrimination) to cis people without seeing posters advocating for services designed to help those who need support surrounding drug habits that may be becoming or which have already become out of control.

There is very little stigma left within the cis gay community when it comes to chems. It’s something that’s quite openly spoken of amongst my cis gay friends and there’s little taboo left around chems with people even stating their drug preferences on dating apps.

This cumulatively has never made it easier to turn for help. I’m aware that help surrounding chems for cis people is not always easy to ask for, if wanted. I myself have felt the tight grip and despair after losing someone I had loved dearly for 17 years when their addictions got the better of them 18 months ago.

Although I recognise it’s not easy for my cis gay siblings to ask for help, the help is there, and it’s something that can be accessed without judgement or question through charities, organisations and peer to peer support groups. Trans people are not so well catered to in the same way and we have a need for these kinds of services too.

I used to be a fairly heavy user of chems and party drugs as well as alcohol, tobacco and marijuana when presenting as a cis man. It was quite usual to use drugs when socialising and as a physical relaxant and mental stimulus when engaging in sexual activity.

Since transitioning, and finding my trans community, chem use seems and feels much more of a taboo subject. Many trans people aren’t as open about their chem use as their cis counterparts and I’m struggling to work out why.

Maybe it’s because paraphernalia around support aimed at trans people isn’t so prevalent? Maybe it’s because trans people are held under a higher degree of scrutiny and we therefore feel that we have to present our censored selves to the outside world?

I don’t interact with drugs like I used to some years ago, I don’t feel that I need to. I’m so much happier in myself now and I no longer feel like I need drugs (or alcohol) to engage sexually. I’m comfortable with how I look now and I don’t have that need to alter my mental state to have sex or to let my metaphoric guard down as I once did. I’m one of the lucky ones and I never became addicted to chems and for that I am truly grateful.

After the drug-related death of a loved one (mentioned earlier) I was asked to sit on the steering committee of a forum that created a safe space where all people could come together to talk about their relationships with drugs and sex.

I’ve spoken about this with other trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in doing prep for this article, and while I’ve heard from many different points of view – from the person who loves to go to sex parties with strangers and indulge in chems to someone who can’t bear to be around those under the influence in any circumstance and all sorts of people in between. One common theme seems to occur – trans people have often taken some form of chems and often as a way to help them cope with their gender dysphoria.

Pre-transition, people seem to have taken drugs as a release, in a similar way that we have high percentage rates of self-harm. It can be most hard to socialise with others when you’re presenting as, and assumed to be, a gender that you are not, and taking drugs is one way to make this a little more bearable.

Another trend seems to be that the use of chems amongst trans people pre-transition helps with sex when you’re not having the kind of sex you want, in the ways you want, with the people who you want it with.

During transition, which lasts up to 10 years or more for some of us, we are at a vulnerable point in our lives where we may be getting used to changes within ourselves and within our bodies, and again any kind of drugs can offer a temporary relief for us.

Another trend, within myself and others, is that at whatever point in transition we are, we face oppression, and again drugs help us forget that for a short spell.

Finally, of course, why should we, as trans people, not use drugs in the ways that our counterparts do, should we see fit, and why is it more underground?

If trans people are as likely to partake in drugs as cis people then why are we not being supported in the same way?

PREVIEW: Almost in Heaven – Allan Jay

Allan Jay’s new single Almost in Heaven is being released through Energise Records.

ALLAN is a Scottish recording artiste who over the past few years has made a big name for himself on the UK LGBT Dance music scene.

Known for his powerful vocals and high energy performances he has performed in Asia, Europe and across the UK supporting such acts as Venga Boys, Shane Ward, Lucy Spraggen, Whigfield, Tina Cousins, Blue and S Club.

Almost in Heaven is set to be a summer anthem. The track is produced by J Van Havenhand (Jason Havenhand) who has worked with artists such as Erasure alongside Record labels ‘All Around the Word Records’, Fierce Angel and Hed Kandi. He was part of the production team Riffs & Rays along with Deqoy’s own Phil Pendlebury, together churning out dance and pop hits from 2000 to 2010.

Allan Jay’s previous success includes I go to pieces reaching as high as number 3 on the Italo NRG top 40 Chart and reaching number 4 in the Eurodance Hits Chart.

Following that success Allan recorded Boom Boom Boom a cover of the 1980’s track by Paul Lukakis which reached No.6 in the DJ Strong Dance chart and No.9 in the Euro Dance Hits Chart.

In recent years he received awards for his music including the ‘LBGTQ MUSIC AWARD 2016 ‘ for his duet with 90’s legend Rozalla (which reached No.8 on the Electronic Album Chart) and previously being named winner of ‘Best Male Artiste 2015’ in Reloaded Music Award, and in the same year a Finalist at the Icon Awards 2015.

Almost in Heaven is a power dance floor filler in the style of ‘Cascada’/’BaseHunter’. The song is very much about letting go and enjoying yourself on the dance floor with someone who takes your eye on a night out.

With powerful musical riffs and impression drop down section this is guaranteed to get any club, festival or event going this summer.

Almost in Heaven will be available across all digital platforms and from www.energiserecords.com

From iTunes, click here:

From Amazon, click here:

Rita Ora to headline Manchester Pride

Rita Ora, Jake Shears, Sigala, Alexandra Burke, Nadine Coyle and Louise head up Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend in August.

THE Big Weekend is renowned for bringing some of the best homegrown and international artists to the heart of Manchester City Centre every August bank holiday weekend to celebrate LGBT+ life in the city.

Topping the bill on the Thomas Cook Airlines Stage will be artists including Rita Ora, Jake Shears, Sigala and Alexandra Burke.

The Gaydio Dance Arena will welcome TCTS, Ana Matronic, Jon Pleased Wimmin, and Pete Tong along with some familiar faces including DJ Paulette, Jamie Bull, Kriss Herbert and Danny Howard.

Lucy Spraggan, will be performing at her 10th Big Weekend and as a seasoned performer has played every stage at the event throughout her musical career.  Plus across the weekend The Sackville Stage will play host to Proms In The Park, Heather Peace Presents and new addition – Bongo’s Bingo.

Two of the original DJ’s from New York Iconic Club Studio 54 – Nicky Siano and Jellybean Benitez – will recreate ‘A night at Studio 54’ in the Gaydio Dance Arena.

After the success of the Silent Disco and Sing-along-Cinema last year, both events will be back this year, providing audiences with a truly immersive experience, where visitors become the stars of the show.

Mark Fletcher
Mark Fletcher

Mark Fletcher, Chief Executive for Manchester Pride, says: “This year we’ve curated the most eclectic, yet musically credible, line-up The Big Weekend has ever seen. From international artists like Rita Ora and Jake Shears, to underground stars such as Big Freedia and TCTS, we feel that this is a selection of artists that only Manchester Pride could present. It’s going to be an incredible celebration!  

“The line-up for the Gaydio Dance Arena is huge. Disco legends Nicky Siano and Jellybean Benitez are flying in especially to give us a taste of Studio 54. It’s not to be missed!”

The Manchester Pride Festival, an award-winning four-day event celebrating LGBT+ life is made up of The Big Weekend, The Manchester Pride Parade, The Candlelit Vigil and The Superbia Weekend. The event takes place in August, with this year’s The Big Weekend set to run from Friday August 24 – Monday, August 27 with the parade on Saturday, August 25.

Third release Big Weekend tickets are priced at £28 for the full weekend, £20.00 for day tickets and family and children’s tickets are also available.

Tickets provide guests with access to the event site, including the Main Arena, Sackville Gardens Boutique Stage, the Gaydio Dance Arena and the Expo and help Manchester Pride raise money for LGBT+ causes in Greater Manchester.

For more information on The Big Weekend, click here:

Woman Over 50 Film Festival 2018 open for submissions

Women Over 50 Film Festival (WOFFF), the international film festival which aims to redress the inequality older women in the film industry face, is now open for submissions.

WOFFF is a celebration of women over 50, in front of and behind the camera, and will hold its fourth annual festival of films and activities in September 2018, showcasing older women’s talents.

WOFFF looks at what it means to be an older woman in today’s society. It aims to start conversations between generations about age and ageing and to help end older women’s isolation.

Anyone can submit a film to WOFFF: there’s no upper age limit and all genders are welcome to enter a film. The key criterion for a WOFFF short film is that it features a woman over 50 in the starring role or has a woman over 50 in the core creative team (writer, director or producer).

Research consistently shows that women, particularly older women, continue to face unequal representation in film. A study by The Centre for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego University found that only 24% of the 100 highest grossing films in 2017 where led by women and that women over 40 accounted for just 29% of characters compared to 40% for men over 40. The study also highlighted some good news; 65% of independent films had female leads.

Actress Greta Scacchi, star of Versailles and War & Peace, supported last year’s festival, particularly because it tackled the discrimination older women face in the media.

She said: “This festival is unique in celebrating rather than hiding or ignoring older women in film. WOFFF rejoices in our older stories, older faces and older hearts and it is my pleasure to be associated with the Festival.”

WOFFF will take place on September 20, 2018 at Duke of York’s Picturehouse Brighton and in its new home at Depot, Lewes, on September 22 and 23, 2018.

Depot is an accessible, independent community cinema and cafe-restaurant with education facilities, created and operated by the charity Lewes Community Screen, just two minutes from Lewes station.

This year, WOFFF is introducing a Student Prize to encourage younger filmmakers to actively consider older women and to collaborate with them when producing their films.

Prizes for the winning student film include £200 cash, a winner’s certificate and the film being part of WOFFF’s Best of the Fest Tour which screens in cinemas and community venues around the UK.

Women Over 50 Film Festival Director, Nuala O’Sullivan, said: “We’re proud to be introducing free student submissions this year. Campaigns like #TimesUp and #MeToo highlight how much festivals like WOFFF are needed. At WOFFF we want to play a part in the fight for gender and age equality and we hope this new initiative will encourage students to join us in this to and to become part of the WOFFF community.”

Creative Director of Depot, Carmen Slijpen, added: “As a new independent cinema, we have already won a number of awards for our accessible and inclusive ethos, so collaborating with WOFFF is the perfect fit for us. Depot shares WOFFF’s commitment to diversity and we’re delighted to be the festival’s new home.”

WOFFF is planning to have all its films subtitled to welcome people to the festival from the D/deaf communities, as well as those who are hard of hearing.

WOFFF is committed to screening a diversity of older women’s voices worldwide. A bursary fund is available to assist a small number of filmmakers to submit work to WOFFF.

In 2017 WOFFF offered bursaries to filmmakers with work from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Korea, Egypt and Iran to enable them to submit their film without a submission fee.

Film submissions should be in English or have English subtitles. Documentaries can be up to 25 minutes long, while dramas are up to 20 minutes, and animation and experimental films can be a maximum of 15 minutes. Submissions for entries are open until July 31.

To learn more about student submissions and the bursary scheme, as well as to submit an entry, click here: 

Union Square celebrates Grampian Pride

Union Square shopping centre celebrates first Grampian Pride with offer of free wedding altar and celebrant service.

IN celebration of Aberdeen’s first Pride, Union Square Shopping Centre will offer Pride-going couples the chance to get married at the centre.

An artist impression of the proposed pop-up wedding altar has been released by the centre, which will be constructed in response to any demand.

Akin to Las Vegas’ Little White Chapel, the ‘Union Altar’ pop-up will be available to one and all – and will present loved-up couples with a wedding space and celebrant for one day only, entirely free of charge.

While a marriage license must be obtained in advance, the centre will provide all other elements for the occasion – a rainbow-themed altar, a non-religious Humanist celebrant and a celebratory meal for two from one of the centre’s twenty restaurants.

A Union Square spokesperson, said: “Scotland is significantly more flexible about where and how you can get married, so we thought we would embrace this fact and welcome couples to tie the knot right here in Union Square – just a stone’s throw from the official Pride route. What better way to make Grampian’s first ever Pride a memorable one!

“Union Square is thrilled that Pride has made it to Grampian and we are keen to show our support. The ‘Union Altar’ pop-up is designed to celebrate the LGBT+ community and to welcome them with open arms.”

Deejay Bullock, Co-Chair of Grampian Pride, said: “It’s brilliant to have Union Square’s support for our first ever Grampian Pride march and to have them do something so special and generous to mark the occasion. Love is love, as they say.”

Named the best country in Europe for LGBT+ protection, Scotland has become a world leader when it comes to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex rights. Scotland was also the first country in the UK to abolish Section 28, three years before England and Wales.

Scotland already plays host to several successful Pride events, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, but this will be the first for Grampian.

For couples looking to register their interest and reserve a place at ‘Union Altar’, email:  unionsquare@mcfrank.uk or click here:

Can you complete a Marathon in May for PACT?

Adoption charity Parents And Children Together (PACT) has launched an exciting new fundraising appeal that challenges people to complete a marathon in a month in support of its work!

TO take part in Marathon in May people need to cover 26.2 miles during the month of May.

Participants can run, walk, cycle or swim the miles and can cover the distance either individually or together as a family or team of colleagues or friends.

All the proceeds will be used to help PACT’s work building and strengthening families. The charity supports families across the south-east and beyond through adoption, award-winning therapeutic support and community projects.

Jan Fishwick OBE
Jan Fishwick OBE

Jan Fishwick OBE, Chief Executive of PACT, said: “Marathon in May is a fun and easy way in which people of all ages and abilities can support our work by completing the challenge however they would like, whether walking a mile a day, or running or cycling a few miles every weekend. It’s also perfect for families who can take part together, and for children to enjoy the sense of achievement that comes from completing a challenge for a good cause.”

It costs £12 per adult to register, which includes a medal and a colour-in chart to track your progress. Children taking part alongside a registered adult can take part for free but extra medals can be ordered for £2.50.

Participants can also choose to further support PACT’s work by getting sponsored to complete a Marathon in May.

PACT’s Fundraising Manager Lina Artunduaga, added: “We’re all really excited by this challenge and are delighted to see it being so well received by staff, PACT families, corporate partner colleagues and other supporters.

“As a small charity we are always looking for new ways to raise funds to help us continue our vital work and we look forward to this challenge becoming part of our annual fundraising programme. Thank you to everyone who has signed up already and good luck to all taking part in Marathon in May!”

The deadline for people to register is Friday, May 4

PACT has been building and strengthening families since 1911 through its community projects across the Thames Valley and as an independent adoption charity in London and the South.

The charity is one of the leading adoption charities in the Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies (CVAA) in terms of placing more children with loving families. In 2017 PACT placed 82 children with 57 PACT families through its adoption services.

To register to run, click here:

For more information about PACT, click here:

REVIEW: The Greatest Love of All @Hammersmith Apollo

There’s not much to say but to offer ecstatic praises for Belinda Davids’ Whitney Houston tribute show so aptly titled The Greatest Love of All.

THIS lavish production boasts many fine details, such as an accurate representation of what the iconic singer was known for – from her stage presence and powerhouse voice to the iconic red high neck dress from Houston’s 1993 Billboard performance of I Have Nothing.

Davids’ vocal ability and agility are a ridiculously unparalleled resemblance of Houston’s trademark sound. One would almost believe that it were actually Houston herself as she gracefully waltzes off stage and into the crowd with her bodyguard.

The Greatest Love of All features every hit a Whitney fan would want to hear, including a breathtaking rendition of One Moment in Time, anthem of the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. An absolutely worthwhile show for any Whitney fan, great or small and one that would surely have made Houston proud.

Reviewed by Tin Nguyen at Hammersmith Apollo in London on April 17.

For future shows, click here:

A ‘snailey’ date for your diary

Martlets Hospice announce dates for the much-anticipated Snailspace Art Event this autumn.

THE 50 giant snail sculptures, each uniquely decorated by artists, will sneak their way onto the streets of Brighton & Hove from Saturday, September 15 until Sunday, November 18, 2018.

The colourful creatures will be on show for nine weeks, encouraging locals to be tourists in their own city while generating a giant snail sized ‘feel-good’ factor.

This will be followed by a celebratory Farewell Event; a chance to see all the snail sculptures together. Finally, these giant gastropods will be auctioned to raise money for Martlets Hospice and its life-changing care.

Children from the Pumpkin Patch nursery meet one of the snails and Norman Cook. Image Simon Dack/Vervate
Children from the Pumpkin Patch nursery meet one of the snails and Norman Cook. Image Simon Dack/Vervate

As a busy city, with a vibrant events calendar, autumn is a perfect time for an event of this size and scale, offering another reason for day-trippers to visit while enticing tourists to stay longer in the city. It’s also a great opportunity for residents to spend time with family and friends exploring the ‘snailway’, especially during Brighton’s two week October half term.

As part of Snailspace, on Friday, October 12, Martlets are organising a Snailway Safari, a sponsored walk with a difference. For one night only the Snailway will become an evening spectacular, with sights, surprises and entertainment along the way.

The giant gastropod sculptures will also be joined by a host of more than 50 smaller snails as part of the Junior Snailway. Schools and youth groups will decorate their own snails which will be displayed in accessible locations across the city.

Put the dates in your diary (September 15 until November 18) and don’t miss the chance to be part of this unique snailey event.

Greens call for action as another GP surgery in the city closes

Greens call for action on GP shortages as Hove Park Villas Surgery faces closure as Practice struggles to replace outgoing GP.

Cllr Dick Page
Cllr Dick Page

GREEN Councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council have repeated their call for action on GP shortages following news that another surgery in the city faces closure.

Hove Park Villas surgery, which has a list of 4,350 patients, could shut its doors in October 2018 due to a shortage of doctors.

A letter from the Clinical Commissioning Group to local Health and Wellbeing Board Chair Cllr Daniel Yates, the new leader of the Labour group on the city council and council leader in waiting, said the surgery had struggled to recruit a replacement for a retiring GP, “despite considerable effort.”

Greens continue to challenge the Labour-led Council to do more to address the worsening number of GPs in the city and called on Cllr Daniel Yates to detail actions taken to address the problem at a Council meeting last Thursday.

Figures obtained by Green Councillor Dick Page last year revealed the city faces an estimated shortage of one GP to every 2,500 patients.

Cllr Page, Green Health and Wellbeing spokesperson, said: “It is important that local health leaders can reassure patients that when their retiring doctor cannot be replaced, it does not mean ongoing disruption to their care. However the number of surgery closures in our city should be a matter of urgent action and concern for this Labour Council. Greens raised the alarm on dangerously low number of GPs in our city long ago. Yet the response from Labour has been to push for NHS ‘integration,’ even though we know many of these new plans for the NHS are underpinned by a series of further, damaging cuts instead of desperately needed investment into primary care.”

Daniel Yates
Daniel Yates

Cllr Daniel Yates responded: “I made clear at the Council meeting that this was a long-standing issue of concern for the whole health system that has been evident across the city for at least 4 years.

“In 2015 I asked the Health Overview Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) to investigate the issue as it is clearly a national undersupply of GPs coupled with local factors such as retiring GP’s and a shift in the working pattern of many GPs from becoming partners in GP practices to more flexible GP roles. The report that came to the HOSC in December 2015 was comprehensive and made clear how the CCG was working to tackle these factors. Additionally there is, subject to confirmation, around 300k being made available to support GP recruitment and retention across the city by the CCG.

“In a tough world for GP recruitment the City is responding and working to ensure that our primary care services are stable and sustainable.”

Mayor’s Annual Charity Walk – Have you signed up for the big day out?

There is still time to sign up for this year’s Mayor’s annual charity walk of the Brighton & Hove Way, which takes place this Saturday, April 28.

ONLINE registration remains open until noon tomorrow, Friday, April 27, alternately you will can turn up and enter on the day (cash payment required).

To register online, click here:

The walk starts at 09:30 from Saltdean seafront, and will set off in the afternoon from Stanmer Park at 13:30. To join on the day please arrive in advance of these times.

While the route will be fully signed, volunteers are needed at a number of key points to help ensure none of the 100 plus walkers get lost. City Park rangers will get volunteers out to the remoter locations, and it’ll probably take only a couple of hours to direct all the walkers round the walk.

If you would like to help please email Fiona Gray: fiona.gray@riseuk.org.uk

The walk will be raising funds for the Mayor Mo Marsh’s Famous Five chosen charities: Albion in the Community, The Clock Tower Sanctuary, Martlets Hospice, RISE UK and The Sussex Heart Charity, Emmaus the homeless charity or any charity of your personal choice.

You can walk as much or as little of this stunning 19-mile downland pathway as you like – the route includes a section suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Starting on Saltdean seafront, experience the best of The Living Coast UN designated Biosphere while passing through Falmer, Stanmer and the Chattri, finishing in North Portslade, hopefully in time for tea hosted by Emmaus.

This family-friendly event aims to bringing together all our diverse communities. We encourage support for the named charities, however if you wish to benefit another favourite charity please select the “All Mayor’s Charities” option when registering. Adults £6, children free, dogs welcome on a short lead – follow this link to register.

This event is supported by Brighton & Hove Way Association, Emmaus Brighton, Healthwalks Brighton Hove and City Parks (Brighton & Hove City Council).

You’ll also find links to this event at the websites, www.brightonandhoveway.org.uk and www.riseuk.org.uk

 

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