28/03/2019 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Campaign launched to do away with archaic blasphemy laws in Northern Ireland

Posted on 28/03/201928/03/2019 by Graham Robson

Northern Ireland Humanists, part of the charity Humanists UK, launch campaign to do away with Northern Ireland’s ancient blasphemy laws, which make criticising a religion a crime.

ACCORDING to Northern Ireland Humanists, retaining blasphemy laws, even if they are not often used, legitimises their use in countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia where people face the death penalty. Conversely, the abolition of these laws can be a declaration to the world that free speech should not be a crime.

As part of its campaign, Northern Ireland Humanists is asking the public to write to their Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), calling on them to follow in the footsteps of other countries, which have abolished their blasphemy laws, such as New Zealand, Canada and the Republic of Ireland.

Iain Deboys, Northern Ireland Humanists Chair, said: “It is appalling that we still have blasphemy laws in Northern Ireland — these laws are used by some of the world’s most horrific regimes to justify the killings of people for exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression.

“The vast majority of people would surely agree that these archaic laws are damaging and have no place in a democratic society like ours that values both freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of expression. It is crucial that we uphold our rights to legitimate criticism of religious beliefs when necessary and that we are protected by the law in doing so.

“We urge the public to add their voice to our campaign and bring Northern Ireland into line with other progressive countries which have repealed their blasphemy laws.”

To see the campaign, click here:

The Big Toddle returns – Little feet really can make a difference!

Posted on 28/03/201928/03/2019 by Besi

The Barnardo’s Big Toddle is back for 2019 after raising an incredible £231,512 last year.

CHILDREN, families and nurseries are being called on to put their best foot forward for Barnardo’s, as the charity announces 2018’s Big Toddle raised an incredible £231,512.

Little feet can make a big difference this June as Barnardo’s Big Toddle returns to raise money for vulnerable children.

Last year’s Barnardo’s annual Big Toddle fundraiser saw thousands of under-fives take part in short, sponsored “toddles” to raise money for the UK’s largest children’s charity, which supports more than 301,000 children, young people, parents and carers across the UK.

The charity is now once again calling for children, families and nurseries to join in the fun this summer as Big Toddle Week returns with an animal theme from June 24 – 30.

With lots of opportunities for creative dressing up and exclusive animal-themed early years learning resources available to those who register, this year’s Big Toddles are sure to be roar-some!

Parents, carers and nurseries are encouraged to hold their very own Big Toddles to help raise money for Barnardo’s; this could involve a community Big Toddle, one for families and friends or one organised by nurseries or primary schools.

The charity’s public Big Toddle at Dudley Zoo also returns on June 11, where families can really embrace the animal-theme and enjoy a toddle around the zoo.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said; “The Big Toddle is a great opportunity for the under-5s to have fun with their friends and families and raise money to help vulnerable children.

“Whether you organise your own Big Toddle, take part in your nurseries’ event or join in the fun at Dudley Zoo, it is sure to be a really fun day.

“We are really grateful for everyone taking part as the money raised helps our vital services continue to support hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children, young people, parents and carers.”

Those who register by May 20 will receive a Big Toddle pack containing information and fundraising ideas.

To register to hold your own Big Toddle, find out more about the Dudley Zoo Big Toddle or for further information, click here:

Or call: 0800 008 7005

Win a giant Easter egg to raise money for Martlets

Posted on 28/03/2019 by Besi

Martlets runs a competition to win one of two giant 1.5kg Easter Eggs that have been donated to the hospice by STAS Chocolatier and the Friends of Sussex Hospices.

Martlets is a charity that cares for people living through a terminal illness in and around Brighton and Hove. The hospice in Hove is a place where patients and their families can use the therapeutic services, drop-in clinics, visit the in-patient unit or just sit and have a coffee in the café. The hospice’s community teams care for people living and dying at home. Families and loved ones are supported into bereavement. Martlets runs a 24/7 helpline for free, personal support.

Martlets’ care remains free thanks to the generosity of local people; every donation will help them change lives.

Liz Davies from Martlets’ Fundraising Team said; “We are grateful to STAS Chocolatier and the Friends of Sussex Hospices for their generous donation of these two fabulously decorated and extraordinarily huge Easter eggs!

“This is certainly a competition that will be tempting for chocolate fans, so we are hoping that it will raise lots of money for the hospice.”

To enter, all you need to do is to donate a minimum of £5 to the hospice on its website and leave the comment ‘EASTER’.

Two winners will be selected at random at 4pm on Thursday April 11 and will be contacted by Tuesday April 16.

All entrants must be over 16.

For full terms and conditions click here:

Purdah must not be used to stifle debate and avoid controversial discussions, say Greens

Posted on 28/03/201930/03/2019 by Gary Hart

Greens raise concerns as proposals to consider evictions, homelessness and climate emergency pulled at last minute.

GREEN Councillors have raised concerns over the use of pre-election guidance known as ‘purdah’ after key proposals around homelessness and climate change were pulled from the agenda of a planned council meeting today.

Usual procedure grants political groups the opportunity to put forward two proposals each – known as ‘notices of motion’ – for debate at a meeting of the Full Council. However, the decision to pull all notices of motion from the upcoming agenda means that planned items on housing, ending ‘no fault’ evictions and supporting student demands for climate action will no longer be considered by Councillors.

Greens say that plans to push ahead with the council meeting despite removing Councillor proposals is an affront to democracy and have expressed concern over the lack of remaining opportunity for the public to hear important debate.

The notices of motion scheduled for March 28 would have been the last proposals to be considered under the current Labour Council leadership.

Convenor of the Green Group, Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty said: “We were only told that political proposals wouldn’t be allowed when we had already gone through the usual process of submitting notices of motion. Despite having the date of this meeting in the diary for months, Labour took their eye off the ball and this means key debates have now been pulled from this council meeting – the last under the current Labour leadership.

“Greens had put forward for debate issues we know concern our communities: proposing motions on ending no-fault evictions, boosting support for our homelessness organisations, backing the demands of students wishing to bring an end to runaway climate chaos. We share the disappointment of our residents who were awaiting and anticipating debate on these issues.

“Sadly we also find ourselves concerned about the timing of this move. Unfortunately, this Labour Council has form when it comes to resisting scrutiny – they have sought to minimise the number of questions allowed at committee meetings, to restrict the nature of public involvement and their previous leader Cllr Warren Morgan frequently hinted at the need for a ‘behind closed doors’ cabinet system of council decision making. Despite not being allowed for debate, Greens will continue to champion the issues of climate change and homelessness, critical issues for our city.”

Responding, a Labour Group spokesperson said: “Clearly there is an election coming! This was not a decision by the Labour council administration – it was a decision by the Mayor not to take Notices of Motion due to the council being in purdah. Cllr MacCafferty is completely aware that this is the case, and Notices of Motion were not taken from any of the political parties as a result.”

MPs vote compulsory relationships and sex education into law

Posted on 28/03/201928/03/2019 by Gary Hart

Historic day as MPs vote in favour of new Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) regulations for England meaning they will be compulsory from 2020.

YESTERDAY (March 27) MPs voted 538 to 21 in favour of the Government’s new regulations for RSE, which means it will pending approval by the Lords, finally be compulsory in all schools in England from September 2020.

Alex Phillips, RSE lead at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘This is a historic day for both Relationships and Sex Education and for all young people across England. We now know that from September 2020 that RSE will finally be compulsory in all schools in England and that no more young people will be let down when it comes to learning about sex and relationships.

“However the fight isn’t over and we will continue to apply strong pressure to ensure that all lessons are fit for purpose. That includes being truly LGBT-inclusive, that HIV and sexual health are a core part of the curriculum and that schools are properly funded so that they can skill up their teachers and provide top-quality resources.”

Mo Wiltshire, Director of Education and Youth at Stonewall the LGBT equality charity, said: “We’re delighted the Commons have approved the regulations for teaching Relationships Education and Relationships and Sex Education in England’s primary and secondary schools.

“Pending approval by the Lords, from September 2020 all secondary schools will be required to teach pupils about sexual orientation and gender identity, and all primary schools will be required to teach about different families, which can include LGBT families.

“Currently, two in five LGBT pupils are taught nothing about LGBT issues in school. While progress has been made, nearly half of LGBT pupils are still bullied for being themselves.

“These new subjects have the potential to deliver real change in how LGBT families, people and relationships are taught about. This will help foster greater inclusion, acceptance and understanding in our classrooms, playgrounds and school corridors.

“All students, whether they are LGBT or not, should have the time and space to learn about the diversity that exists and makes our world beautiful.

“It’s now essential the Government sufficiently invests in training and resources to support teachers to consistently deliver high-quality LGBT-inclusive teaching.

“We look forward to working with Government and our network of School Champions and Children and Young People’s Services Champions to help them deliver these subjects, and building on this best practice, we’ll work to ensure that the guidance for teaching these subjects is further strengthened when it is next reviewed in 2022.”

Skydiving for the Beacon

Posted on 28/03/201916/03/2019 by Besi

James Preston has worked at the Brighton Sauna for the last six years, he throughly enjoys his job and the “interesting” people he gets to meet there.

James hails from a little town in East Lancashire called Nelson which lies in the shadows of the famed Pendle Hill. In 2010, while visiting a friend in Manchester he met someone who, later, became his partner of five years and with whom he moved to be with here in Brighton.

Eventually they got married, but sadly it was not meant to be and they separated. After the divorce James was in a bad place. He didn’t know who to turn to until a friend suggested that he speak to The Sussex Beacon and ask for their help.

He did this, spending a week in The Sussex Beacon having respite care, receiving help with his mental health issues and getting his diet back on track amongst other things.

In more recent times, James has found himself back at The Sussex Beacon again needing their help after being in a new eight month long “abusive” relationship in 2018.

James says: “The whole team at The Sussex Beacon provide a wonderful service for anyone living with or who are affected by HIV/AIDs and the people there are just amazing. Without them I really don’t know where I would be today.

“I have been wanting to do my part to help this valuable service and the people behind the scenes, decided to do something that hasn’t been done in a while and something that I want to tick off on my own ‘bucket list’ as it were.”

So, this summer, on September 14, his thirty-third birthday James will be doing his part to give something back to The Sussex Beacon and say thank you for all their help by doing a sponsored skydive!

James adds: “I have set a modest target of £500 as, like I say, I think is a modest amount to want to raise for a worthy cause but I really hope to smash this target.

“Any and all help, support, donations and sponsors will be greatly received and appreciated, with all monies raised going directly to The Sussex Beacon.”

To support James and make a donation, click here:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-preston2019

New Zealand authors raise over £21,500 to create transgender children’s book

Posted on 28/03/201928/03/2019 by Besi

Creators of acclaimed LGBT+ Inclusive Book Series successfully fund Trans Fairy Tale Raven Wild.

THE New Zealand-based creators of internationally acclaimed LGBT+ children’s books Promised Land and Maiden Voyage have successfully funded a third book on Kickstarter after raising over £21,691 in the first two weeks of their campaign.

The team is now trying to reach $100,000 USD or more in order to supply a major bookstore chain in North America interested in selling the books in their stores (where 44% of their existing readers are).

Promised Land Tales was co-founded in 2016 by Adam Reynolds and Chaz Harris after their first book funding campaign went viral.

Their books have so far garnered support from New York Times bestselling author Becky Albertalli (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda/What If It’s Us) and LGBT+ activists including Sir Ian McKellen and George Takei.

In Raven Wild, a courageous young woman who was raised as a boy learns of an evil poacher’s plan to steal a powerful gem. On her dangerous jungle quest to save an animal kingdom from harm, a childhood friendship transforms into love.

“We’ve collaborated with trans co-author Caitlin Spice to welcome another underrepresented LGBTQ+ storytelling voice into the Promised Land Tales universe,” said co-founder Adam Reynolds.

Co-founder Chaz Harris added; “With trans rights under attack and ongoing negative media coverage, it’s more important than ever for positive representation of trans people to exist.”

“I want trans kids to have a role model that shows them they’re worthy of love in a world that continues to say they’re not,” said co-author Caitlin Spice. “To tell a story in the Promised Land Tales universe – where all are equal – was an exciting opportunity and as a fan of the previous books I’m thrilled to be part of the team bringing Raven Wild to life.”

Promised Land and Maiden Voyage received international media coverage from BuzzFeed, Upworthy, TeenVogue and more after both campaigns raised over $30,000USD on Kickstarter.

Since their release, the books have attracted reader acclaim and interest from major booksellers. However, despite this support and interest, the publishing industry has yet to support the books in reaching a wider audience.

Raven Wild is scheduled for an estimated release in June 2020 (Pride Month).

To support the funding campaign for the book which ends on April 16, click here:

St James’ Street attacks on three gay men.

Posted on 28/03/201912/04/2019 by Craig Hanlon-Smith

In the early hours of Saturday morning (March 23), a local man was brutally attacked on St James’ Street after leaving The Zone, one of the area’s popular weekend cabaret haunts.

After leaving the bar at closing time around 1am his mobile phone was snatched from him as he passed the Bulldog. As he gave chase, he was set upon by four men at the junction of Dorset Gardens who punched and kicked him repeatedly in the face.

The attack was so vicious the victim, a local 35-year-old who does not wish to be named, was transferred from The Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton to The Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead where he underwent reconstruction surgery with metal rods to his jaw. Friends described his head as having swollen to twice its usual size.

The same night another local man, Felix White, was robbed twice within 90 minutes. First at around 1am near The Zone his bag containing his phone and wallet was snatched from him. His attacker was described as slim and around 1.75m tall.

At approximately 2.30am opposite Brighton Police Station, a group of six teenagers then robbed his hat and headphones, the headphones were later recovered.

Later that weekend Mr. White managed to track the location of his phone to the Island of Guernsey. He reported the incident to the police including the tracking information but when we spoke to Mr.White he said he was disappointed by the police response. They said to him; “‘There’s nothing we can do’ and just gave me a crime number. When I told them that my phone is in Guernsey and will they call the police there, they said ‘no’”.

Less than a week earlier local barman Neil Bray who works at the The Marine Tavern sustained injuries following an attack outside the Co-op supermarket. On Sunday March 17 he left the Co-op eating a packet of crisps which were snatched from his hand. He shouted after the individual only to be attacked from behind and repeatedly punched and shoved into the Co-op store window. Although the window did not break, Mr. Bray sustained a serious cut to his arm and is still bruised some ten days later. He too reported the incident to the police:

Mr Bray said; “I offered them photographs of my injuries but they didn’t want them. They did contact me some days later to say they had seen the CCTV and that as the attackers were wearing hoods there was no more they could do”.

St James’ Street is often referred to as ‘the gay village’ and a number of community bars are based on or near there. It is also the focus of the street party over the Pride in Brighton and Hove weekend.

If you have been attacked in St James Street recently please email info@gscene.com giving as many details as possible. Three attacks on three local men is three too many!

LGBT swimmers receive help from Olympic coach

Posted on 28/03/201922/03/2019 by Besi

Out to Swim South, Brighton and Hove’s dedicated LGBT swimming club are part of the larger national Out to Swim club, based in London.

EARLIER this year members had a visit from their head Olympic swimming coach who put everyone through their paces to help them brush up on their technique.

There was a great turn out at the pool with people of all ages, shapes and abilities attending – all with a common goal, to improve their swimming and fitness. Out to Swim South have a wide range of members from those who can swim two lengths to those who can swim marathon distances.

The ethos of the club is that everyone can join in and gain something. The coached session was brilliant for those who attended, with excellent tips on technique to improve their swimming and enhance their fitness.

Out to Swim have recently employed a new coach, so if you have considered improving your swimming, getting fitter or want to make friends go along to any of their sessions and try them out.

For more information view: https://www.outtoswim.org/brighton/

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Day: March 28, 2019

Campaign launched to do away with archaic blasphemy laws in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Humanists, part of the charity Humanists UK, launch campaign to do away with Northern Ireland’s ancient blasphemy laws, which make criticising a religion a crime.

The Big Toddle returns – Little feet really can make a difference!

The Barnardo’s Big Toddle is back for 2019 after raising an incredible £231,512 last year.

Win a giant Easter egg to raise money for Martlets

Martlets runs a competition to win one of two giant 1.5kg Easter Eggs that have been donated to the hospice by STAS Chocolatier and the Friends of Sussex Hospices.

Purdah must not be used to stifle debate and avoid controversial discussions, say Greens

Greens raise concerns as proposals to consider evictions, homelessness and climate emergency pulled at last minute.

MPs vote compulsory relationships and sex education into law

Historic day as MPs vote in favour of new Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) regulations for England meaning they will be compulsory from 2020.

Skydiving for the Beacon

James Preston has worked at the Brighton Sauna for the last six years, he throughly enjoys his job and the “interesting” people he gets to meet there.

New Zealand authors raise over £21,500 to create transgender children’s book

Creators of acclaimed LGBT+ Inclusive Book Series successfully fund Trans Fairy Tale Raven Wild.

St James’ Street attacks on three gay men.

In the early hours of Saturday morning (March 23), a local man was brutally attacked on St James’ Street after leaving The Zone, one of the area’s popular weekend cabaret haunts.

LGBT swimmers receive help from Olympic coach

Out to Swim South, Brighton and Hove’s dedicated LGBT swimming club are part of the larger national Out to Swim club, based in London.

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Northern Ireland Humanists, part of the charity Humanists UK, launch campaign to do away with Northern Ireland’s ancient blasphemy laws, which make criticising a religion a crime.

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The Barnardo’s Big Toddle is back for 2019 after raising an incredible £231,512 last year.

Share this:

Martlets runs a competition to win one of two giant 1.5kg Easter Eggs that have been donated to the hospice by STAS Chocolatier and the Friends of Sussex Hospices.

Share this:

Greens raise concerns as proposals to consider evictions, homelessness and climate emergency pulled at last minute.

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Historic day as MPs vote in favour of new Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) regulations for England meaning they will be compulsory from 2020.

Share this:

James Preston has worked at the Brighton Sauna for the last six years, he throughly enjoys his job and the “interesting” people he gets to meet there.

Share this:

Creators of acclaimed LGBT+ Inclusive Book Series successfully fund Trans Fairy Tale Raven Wild.

Share this:

In the early hours of Saturday morning (March 23), a local man was brutally attacked on St James’ Street after leaving The Zone, one of the area’s popular weekend cabaret haunts.

Share this:

Out to Swim South, Brighton and Hove’s dedicated LGBT swimming club are part of the larger national Out to Swim club, based in London.

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