THE sold out event attracted a diverse, mixed crowd to the seafront attraction, with both performers working their socks off, despite the poor sound system, to get the crowd on side.
Once the sound is sorted out, this venue has the potential to become a real option for cabaret with the stars.
Photographs by Marina Arretche Marzotto.
THE Supreme Court of India made the historic decision to repeal the ban on same-sex relations on September 6.
The colonial-era Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code made sexual behaviour “against the order of nature” illegal and punishable by imprisonment and served as a model for similar laws across the British Colonial Empire.
India decriminalised same-sex relations in July 2009 by the High Court of Delhi after a movement to repeal the article began in the early 1990s. The ruling was overturned by a 2-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India in December 2013, ruling that Section 377 was not unconstitutional.
The new ruling comes after a five judge bench reviewed the case, after a petition was filed by a group of LGBT+ citizens with the claim that the earlier ruling needed to be reconsidered by a larger panel of judges. The petitioners also argued that the article violates one’s right to privacy, a fundamental right that was recognised in a landmark 2017 Supreme Court judgement.
Peter Tatchell, Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation, said: “This historic legal ruling sets free from criminalisation almost one fifth of the world’s LGBT+ people. It is the biggest, most impactful gay law reform in human history. I hope it will inspire and empower similar legal challenges in many of the 70 countries that still outlaw same-sex relations, 35 of which are member states of the Commonwealth.
“Ending the ban on homosexuality is just a start. There are still huge challenges to end the stigma, discrimination and hate crime that LGBTs suffer in India.
“Indian LGBTs now revert to the legal status of non-criminalisation that existed prior to the British colonisers imposing the homophobic section 377 of the criminal code in the nineteenth century.”
Jessica Stern, Executive Director, OutRight Action International, the global campaign organisation, added: “When you work on LGBT+ rights at an international level, your work constantly leads you back to colonialism and the penal codes that were imposed globally as instruments of control and domination.
“The sodomy law that became the model everywhere from Uganda to Singapore to the UK itself premiered in India, becoming the confusing and dehumanising standard replicated around the world.
Today’s decision to strike down the 377 law once and for all is a triumph. It is the culmination of years of community organising, changing social attitudes, strategic use of the courts, and an LGBT+ movement in India that refused to give up.
“The decision decriminalises homosexuality in India and also affirms the rights to privacy and non-discrimination. Today’s historic outcome will reverberate across India and the world.”
The case was presented by Arundhati Katju and Menaka Guruswamy and the India Institute of Technology who filed a 716-page petition arguing that LGBT+ Indians have a right to determine their sexuality as a component of their privacy, dignity, and equality.
Menaka Guruswamy, said: “This is a wide-ranging win for LGBT Indians across constitutional rights of equality, dignity, expression and freedom. It is a win for India as a constitutional democracy, and the court with this judgment had told young LGBT Indians that they are not alone. Their court, constitution and country stands with them.”
Arundhati Katju, added: “This is a historic win. The Supreme Court has affirmed that the Indian Constitution applies with full force to LGBT+ Indians. As a unanimous decision passed by all five judges, this will have wide-ranging repercussions in the years to come.”
BRIGHTON Pride was only a month or so ago, and we’re still not quite over it. From the legendary Britney Spears’ performance (even if she did momentarily forget where she was) to the always inspiring parade, and huge turn out, it proved to be a wonderful part of #Twenty-gayteen.
But one act on the Queer Eye Stage reminded us of the struggles we, as gay communities, are still facing, even today. Their name? Tygermylk.
A grand burst of orchestral synths introduces us to the Brighton based indie band’s debut single What God Would Keep Us Apart. A gorgeous flow of gentle guitar twills intertwine with warm sounds, as the track first heard on the Queer eye stage at Brighton Pride continues. Rich and welcoming strings begin to build their own wall of tension, as the crescendo of glowing notes hits our ears. And then, as the sound dissipates amongst whispering wind effects, a distant voice is heard.
“I knew when I first held your hand, the people who made you wouldn’t understand,” the sweet voice of lead singer Harland confesses, as she calls us in to listen, her peaceful voice masking the darkness behind her words. Despite her delicate timbre, and gentle fingerpicking guitar, that seems to hold an air of serenity, plodding along beside her, the lyrics Harland has penned detail a painfully heart-wrenching story that is all too familiar with the LGBT + communities – one of isolation, mistreatment, and fear.
“If only one seventeen year old who’s going through a similar thing hears this, it would have all been worth it.”
Unfortunately, at just the age of seventeen, Harland’s first girlfriend was torn away from her. Once they found out their daughter was gay, the singer’s sweetheart was completely denied by her parents and treated unjustly. Even going so far as to lock their own daughter away for two weeks, they met the discovery of their daughter’s sexuality with fear and rage. And, as Harland explains, the young girl was only released from her prison of sorts, once she had vowed to give up her relationship with Harland, and pretend to play straight. In other words, the poor girl had to deny herself of her own identity, in order to appease her parents. She had to become something else, in order for the people that she loved to love her back.
Reliving such a harrowing situation would have undoubtedly broken the best of us but, for singer Harland, the very fact that an injustice like this could still exist in a so-called modern year was too powerful to ignore.
“In the studio, I could barely get through singing it without crying, because I had the sense that this was something really important,” she recalls. With nearly 700,000 LGBT+ people reported to have been sent to conversion therapy in the US, as of 2018, we’re glad Tygermylk chose to expose this topic of mistreatment, in acceptance, and outright refusal to allow the existence of queer people. And, as every tear-jerking chorus gushes from the band, and singer Harland challenges “What God Would Keep Us Apart?”, the message stands strong, and unwaveringly vows for change.
“It’s only because of the courageousness of others that I’ve been able to open up about this experience,”
“They tried to lock you in a cage,” Harland weeps, as the story bleeds through her almost literal words, and breaks our hearts wide open. An almost Kodaline inspired vocal melody ripples through our ears, coating each word with an overwhelming feel of vulnerability, as the silent revolution of a track continues. In its stripped back, thinly textured, approach the band’s first single from their soon to be released debut E.P. I Killed The Bees, hammers home the message of injustice, with the need for aggression. But the band always manage to swerve away from the serious tone of the track, just before things become too dark, adding a dash of hope and an empowering reminder to love our identities, with each repetition of the refrain “but I wasn’t ashamed.” After all, none of us should be.
“It’s only because of the courageousness of others that I’ve been able to open up about this experience,” Harland divulges about the brave decision to detail the story through the song that had poured out of her during a time of reflection aboard a train. “I didn’t realise how much this event had affected me until after writing about it; I couldn’t talk about it for months without breaking down into tears.” But we are truly grateful the singer is able to share her story with this beautiful track, as it reminds us there is still work to be done, in order for us to truly be accepted, and as the singer herself says: “If only one seventeen year old who’s going through a similar thing hears this, it would have all been worth it.”
Bitter Sours present Count Addiction and Cherry Fakewell in an epic Halloween show blending the best in Brighton’s underground drag scene and the best of Sunnydale High to the most amazing seven seasons of television the world has ever seen!
So grab Mr Pointy, go down to the (Caroline of) Bronze’wick and hail Halloween in once more with feeling!!
Appearing in their Scooby gang of Brighton’s finest performers?
♦ Drag Idol winner Felix Le Freak – Fresh from her debut Bitter Sour performance, she’s back for more, and it’s Grim!
♦ Here for their drag debut… it’s Ophelia Payne!
♦ And lastly it wouldn’t be bitter sour without your hosts Count Addiction and Cherry Fakewell!!!
Event: Buffy, Slayer of the Vampires
Where: The Caroline of Brunswick, 39 Ditchling Rd, Brighton BN1 4SB
When: Saturday, October 27
Time: Doors 7.30pm – Show starts at 8pm
Cost: Tickets: £7.50
WITH music and lyrics by the legend that is Cyndi Lauper, the slightly kitsch aesthetic and old-school sound partner beautifully together into an unexpected story of self-affirmation created from a book by Harvey Fierstein.
It has everything one could ask for in a musical – glamorous and garish highs to sombre lows, all topped off with a cascade of red sequins, memorable melodies, and standout performances.
There is obvious synergy in the cast, especially between Simon-Anthony Rhoden (Lola) and Oliver Tompsett (Charlie Price) who between them create a powerful and contrasting juxtaposition while demonstrating acceptance between cultures.
Highlights include an unapologetic Lola coming out alongside her ‘Angels’ for a fabulous introduction, Natalie McQueen’s (Lauren) hilarious realisation of her feelings for Charlie and a memorable walkup and finale.
A must-see modern take and a feel good spectacle with a dash of glitter on top.
Kinky Boots shows at the Adelphi Theatre until January 12, 2019.
STARTING in the Chapel, the group were told by the school’s archivist about the history of the college from its establishment in 1867 to the present day. From there they were shown the war memorial panels and the oldest part of the college, known as Larkfield.
The tour finished with an exclusive look at the new facilities of the Project 150 development, yet to be officially opened, such as the sports centre, swimming pool and dining hall.
Eastbourne Rainbow is a group for the 50+ LGBT+ communities living in Eastbourne and the surrounding area, for socialising, making new friends, gaining support and obtaining information which is relevant to the group.
Meetings are held from 2.00pm until 3.30pm on the last Wednesday of the month in the Girder Room at AGE Concern Eastbourne’s Venton Centre which is in Junction Road, Eastbourne BN21 3QY.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided and there is a £1 per person charge to cover costs.
If you would like to make contact prior to attending a meeting leave a message or text on their telephone line 07516 670654.
If you are a first timer and prefer it, you can be met at the AGE Concern reception desk by a group member who will be pleased to accompany you to the meeting
For more information about Eastbourne Rainbow, click here:
GENERAL Manager, Jimmy Smith, received the coveted trophy at a glittering awards ceremony, which took place in London on September 6.
The Two Brewers prides itself on providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Having served the community for 37 years, the pub is firmly cemented in the hearts of both its LGBT+ customers, who come from far and wide to visit the pub, and Clapham locals.
Known for the hundreds of entertainment events that take place throughout the year, the Two Brewers is a legend across the late night and entertainment industry. Popular events include ‘Drag-Bingo’ and performances from a multitude of stars, including Lily Savage and wonderfully-edgy Pam Ann.
A flamboyant feather in its cap is the development, and subsequent phenomenal growth of, Drag Idol, with heats now attracting over 200 acts and the semi-finals encompassing 19 venues across the country. The final stage is held at the Two Brewers.
Jimmy Smith, who has been with the Two Brewers since the 90’s is no stranger to winning awards himself, having recently been bestowed the honour of the Lambeth Coat of Arms – an accolade usually reserved for councillors or significant contributors to the community – and the Outstanding Support for the Community award from the organisers of London Pride.
Both awards recognise the exceptional work Jimmy and his team do for their communities, year on year, as they frequently raise over £40,000 for a plethora of UK charities.
The Two Brewers has also been recognised for its Outstanding Support for the Community for its engagement with Pride London, and most recently it received the Certificate of Recognition for its contribution to the community from Lambeth.
The pub works closely with Amy Lamé, the Mayor of London’s appointed Night Czar, to protect and build a strong future for LGBT+ venues across the capital.
Jimmy Smith said as he collected the award: “It’s been a long time coming! To be recognised nationally as the best in the industry really is the icing on the cake, topping of all of the other awards we’ve won. I am so incredibly proud of the whole team and our wonderful customers – who make it all worthwhile.”
Chief Executive of Stonegate Pub Company, Simon Longbottom, said: “The Two Brewers is consistently one of Stonegate Pub Company’s best performing venues, frequently topping the table for revenues. I know how hard Jimmy and the team work to create a fun and entertaining, yet safe, environment for all customers. They thoroughly deserve this award and I can’t thank them enough for all the hard work they put in, year after year.”
The Awards have been running for 18 years and this year more than 1,000 pubs were in the running, across 19 different categories.
Ed Bedington, organiser of the John Smith’s Great British Pub Awards, said: “These awards are the most rigorous of their kind for the pub sector so it’s a real achievement to come out as a category winner. Congratulations to the team at The Two Brewers!”
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