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Month: May 2019

Trustee jumps from British Airways i360 for HIV charity

Posted on by Besi

Funeral Director Chris Sarson successfully completes abseil from top of the British Airways i360 on Saturday (May 18) morning, raising £1,801.28 (£2,199.10 with gift aid) for Lunch Positive the HIV Lunch Club.

FRIENDS and supporters turned out at 8am in the morning to support Chris and cheer him down the 162 meter drop in his quest to raise funds for the popular HIV lunch club.

Chris said: “All funds will go to supporting the good work of this amazing charity that I’m privileged to be a trustee of. I would in particular like to make sure the new evening super club is able to carry on in the future as this gives vital access to many service users unable to make lunch club on a Friday lunchtime due to work commitments.  The evening super club meets once evey 6-8 weeks but it would be great to get enough from my sponsorship for it to be made possible on a more regular basis.”

If you would like to make a donation, click here:

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UK’s biggest study of the bear scene comes to Brighton Bear Weekend 2019!

Posted on by Besi

UK’s biggest study of the bear scene comes to Brighton Bear Weekend 2019!

BRIGHTON’s bears, otters, cubs, chubs, and chasers are invited to take part in a first-of-its-kind study on June 15th 2019, when the Bearspace project comes to the Brighton Bear Weekend!

Funded by the University of Brighton, Bearspace is researching the experiences of men with different body types/sizes in bear bars, pubs, clubs, and events across the UK.

People attending Bear Weekend can share their thoughts and experiences in two ways:

♦      A relaxed pre-Garden Party focus group (Sat June 15, 11am to 12 noon @ the Camelford Arms)

♦      A private, one-on-one interview (Thursday June 13 to Sun June 16, time of your convenience @ a private location)

Bearspace is the UK’s biggest empirical study of bear communities, with bears in Manchester, Edinburgh and London having already shared their stories. The project will also visit 2 other UK sites soon – so keep your eyes peeled!

Dr Nick McGlynn
Dr Nick McGlynn

The project is the brainchild of University of Brighton researcher (and bear) Dr Nick McGlynn.

From May 2018 Nick has been compiling a database of every bear venue in the UK, and used this to find out where the project should visit. Nick has an extensive track record of LGBTQ-related research, including working on the EU-wide Health4LGBTI project and Brighton’s own award-winning Count Me In Too research.

Dr McGlynn, said: “This is the first time I have studied bears specifically, and was surprised to find so little empirical research on such a big global community. Although bears come in all shapes and sizes, the idea of Bear spaces as ‘safe spaces’ for bigger gay/bi/queer men jumped out from this limited research and I wanted to investigate further.”

Graham Munday
Graham Munday

Graham Munday, chair of Brighton Bear Weekend, added: “It is a privilege to have an honoured academic joining us this year for the first time. We feel the more that is understood about gay men their relationship with themselves and each other the better our communities will be. It will help with all aspects of LGBT+ society. I find it fascinating and a great opportunity for people to talk about their experiences and be listened to. A rare treat these days. If that wasn’t enough, the breakfasts in the Camelford are amazing and a perfect way to set yourself up for the Garden Party in the afternoon.”

If you want to secure a seat at the focus group or book an interview slot email: n.mcglynn2@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 642278

For more information about the project, click here: 

Or view @bearspacestudy on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Latest polling suggest Greens could send two South East MEPs to Europe

Posted on by Besi

Latest polling from highly respected YouGov shows the Greens in the South East are on track for the election of two Green MEPs in todays European elections.

THIS would mean that Elise Benjamin, former Lord Mayor of Oxford, would join the new Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Alexandra Phillips in the European Parliament as MEP from July.

It would also mean that Remain parties in the South East would occupy four EU seats, instead of the current two, depriving pro-Brexit parties of a seat.

Cllr Alexandra Phillips
Cllr Alexandra Phillips

Lead Green candidate in the South East, Alexandra Phillips, said: “The polls also show that people are leaving behind the discredited idea of voting tactically, as under the proportional system, that won’t guarantee more Remain MEPs and could actually split the vote further, to the benefit of Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party. Instead, people are intending to vote for who they really believe in: the party that will really address the greatest crisis we face – the climate – as well as saying no to Brexit.”

Elise Benjamin
Elise Benjamin

Elise Benjamin, second candidate on the Greens’ South East list, added: “As we’ve toured the South East in our all-electric Stop Brexit Bus, as we’ve held rallies, knocked on doors and received a great deal of warm applause in hustings, it’s been clear that support for Greens has been growing rapidly. It’s support for our Green message that says no to Brexit and yes to working with fellow Green MEPs across the entire continent of Europe, to lift the world out the climate crisis.

“It’s vital now that the UK elects as many Green MEPs as possible because if there’s enough of us in the EU, we can do this. We can make the difference the world needs.”

The poll also has the Green Party nationally at 12%, well ahead of the Conservatives’ 7% and within overtaking distance of Labour’s 13%. The Lib Dems nationally are polling nationally at 19% following a late surge after their showing in the recent local election.

The Greens’ all-electric Stop Brexit Bus will be in Brighton and Lewes today (May 23), accompanied by Caroline Lucas MP after touring yesterday in Kent, Nigel Farage’s back yard.

 

Prowler win first Golden Handbag of the season

Posted on by Besi

They’re not just pretty faces and tight leather trousers down at Prowler on St James Street they are pretty good at general knowledge too!

Winners of the Golden Handbags Community Quiz 2019 Prowler
Winners of the Golden Handbags Community Quiz 2019 Prowler

PROWLER came out top of the class with 89 points at the annual Golden Handbag Community Quiz 2019 at Charles Street Tap last night (May 21) which was hosted in majestic style by Lola Lasagne.

Bear-Patrol and Sea Serpents Ruby Football Club came joint second (88 points) with Bar Broadway and Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus in joint third placed (84 points).

Twenty six teams battled it out to win the first Golden Handbag of the season with the new Eurovision style voting bringing the evening to an exciting nail-biting climax with Prowler triumphant by one point.

All registration fees paid by the teams (£540) will be donated to the Rainbow Hub in St James Street, a new charity in its first year, to help deliver their volunteers programme.

Lola's little helpers
Lola’s little helpers

Lola Lasagne said: “What a marvellous evening. I want to thank Sam, Ed, and all the staff at Charles Street Tap for their help making the evening go so smoothly, Nicki Delmege and Chris Goddard for their help adjudicating, Claire Fuller for sound, Rupert Ellick and DWNN for music and picture rounds, Kim Hobson, Robert James Taylor and the lovely audience. This is my favourite gig of the year and a community event we can all be very proud of.”

The purpose of the evening was to launch the voting for the Golden Handbag Awards 2019 which will be held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on Sunday, June 23.

To vote in the Golden Handbags, click here. and click the Golden Box at the top right of the website home page.

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Fringe PREVIEW: Mind Your Rhymes by Spit the Ink

Posted on by Craig Hanlon-Smith

Local writer and performer Aiden Bex makes his Brighton Fringe debut this bank holiday weekend as part of local initiative The Write Release and performance company Spit The Ink.

FOLLOWING his own experiences living with depression, Aiden took to performing his own writing through spoken word and poetry examining mental health within the LGBT+ communities.

The aims of The Write Release are to provide a safe space for LGBT+ writers and performers to network and showcase new material, and to launch work at open mic nights and to host discussion groups.

Describing their work as EduTainment their debut fringe performance is a fantastic mix of comedy, poetry and spoken word that truly “spits the ink”.

All profits from the performances will be donated to MindOut, the LGBT Mental Health Service who support the mental health needs of Brighton’s LGBT+ communities.

Event: Mind Your Rhymes by Spit the Ink

Where: The Bee’s Mouth Bar, Music Venue and Gallery, 10 Western Road, Brighton BN3 1AE

When: May 26 and 27, 2019

Time: 7.30pm

Cost: £5 – £6.50

To book tickets online, click here:

PREVIEW: Drag and improv, in my city? It’s more likely than you think.

Posted on by Ray A-J

The dragged up duo Dragprov Revue are making their Brighton Fringe debut –and you won’t want to miss it.

IMPROV. Drag. What’s not to love?

Making their Brighton Fringe debut this year at Komedia are a side-splitting dragged up double act that are guaranteed to have you chuckling – Dragprov Revue.

The cheeky couple of imporvvers Eaton Mess and Christian Adore made their mark at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, leaving the festival in fits of laughter, but they’re not done spreading their unique take improvisation comedy and theatre. Hungry for a taste of Brighton Fringe, the duo will be showcasing their fabulous concoction of music, mime, and made up stories, on May 22 and 23.

About the show, the duo have said: “Brighton just feels special to performers like us. It’s a place where cool and exciting things are being done, where there are vibrant queer and drag scenes (though we pride ourselves on our show being accessible and welcoming to everyone), and most importantly people here are really game for a laugh. The perfect recipe for Dragprov!”

“Give me a name and an occupation” are words that will not be heard from the quirky pair, as their whimsical blend of song and improvisation humour can be bellowed out of them on the spur of the moment, allowing them to craft music out of thin air by just seeing a member of the audience. Their chirpy brand of humour finds it roots in the so-called firey relationships between the self-described Softboy King and fruity Queen, but the quick quips and jabs towards one-another always feel charming.

With a good old plate of RuPaul’s glamour and a dash of Whose Line Is It Anyway, the duo will be serving you “wit as sharp as their contours, jinks as high as their brows, and memories that will stick with you longer than last night’s glitter.”

If you want to hear a song about a broken toilet, or the life of politician’s cat, you should grab yourself some tickets here.

PREVIEW: Herd – Queer Stories – Crushes

Posted on by Contributor

LGBTQ+ storytellers, roll up…………

BRIGHTON’S unusual underground storytelling club returns, hosted by Herd’s very own queer storyteller Leah.

Herd provides a unique opportunity to connect with others through the power of open-mic storytelling.

Join them for a night dedicated to first loves and frissons at ONCA Gallery from Brighton’s LGBT+ communities and allies.

This month’s theme is CRUSHES. Expect to hear and share stories about falling head over heels, arse over elbow and that first kiss.

If you want to tell a story on the night, you can add your own name into the hat and are then allocated a slot at random.

Here are the basic rules:

1. Stories have to be true. 
2. Stories have to be five minutes
3. Stories have to be yours to tell. They aren’t harmful or hurtful to a section of society.

Be brave. It feels great to share. But don’t worry, you don’t have to tell a story if you don’t want to. Being a receptive and welcoming audience is just as important!

Spaces are limited, so make sure you register for your ticket online to guarantee entry.

Organisers are using a sliding scale of payment, with suggested ticket price at £5 and concessions at £3.50 – but feel free to pay what you can afford.

Event: Herd – Queer Stories – Crushes

Where: ONCA, 14 Saint George’s Place, Brighton, BN1 4GB

When: Wednesday, June 5

Time: 7.30 – 9pm

Cost: Donations requested. £5

To book tickets online, click here:

Seaside Special fundraiser for Sussex Beacon

Posted on by Besi

Drag royalty collaborate to bring a Seaside Special to The Grand hotel, Brighton on July 19.

A spectacular variety show, SEASIDE Special will be hosted by Miss Jason, Maisie Trollette, Miss Pooh La May and Davina Sparkle, with games, magic, prizes and a traditional seaside supper.

All proceeds will be donated to The Sussex Beacon with more exciting acts being announced shortly!

Tickets cost just £40 per person and will include an evening of entertainment and The Grand Hotel’s famous fish and chips.

The Brighton based Sussex Beacon charity, provides specialist care and support to people living with HIV. All proceeds raised from this event will support the charity to continue providing its vital services, which include a ten bed inpatient unit.

For more information about the charities work, click here:

Event: Seaside Special – A fundraiser for the Sussex Beacon

Where: The Grand Hotel,  97-99 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2FW

When: Friday, July 19

Time: 7pm-11pm

Cost: £40

Tickets are available from the Sussex Beacon charity shop, St James Street, 130 St James’s St, Brighton BN2 1TH and The Grosvenor Bar, 16 Western St, Hove, Brighton BN1 2PG

Labour and Green politicians to work with each other on key local issues

Posted on by Besi

Labour administration and Green opposition agree to work together to tackle key issues affecting the city.

TODAY, both parties have announced a new approach to managing local government in Brighton and Hove

The annual meeting of the council on Wednesday, May 22 will see the Labour Party form the administration of the council with the Greens forming the official opposition.

Councillor Nancy Platts will be Leader of the Council and Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty the Convenor of the Official Opposition.

However, both parties have announced today their shared intent to work proactively with all the city’s interested groups to deliver urgent action on the key policy areas of:

♦  the city’s housing and homelessness crisis
♦  climate crisis
♦  challenging austerity
♦  work on diversity, inclusion, equalities and Brighton and Hove’s status as a City of Sanctuary.

Councillor Nancy Platts, Leader of the Labour Group, said: “Residents have sent a very clear message that they want and expect the progressive parties they voted for to work together. I am excited at the prospect of working with Green Party Councillors and all interested groups to deliver positive change in our city. While we are two distinct parties, we share many important objectives and will work together proactively to change the nature of council decision making to become more inclusive and transparent, as well as more collaborative.”

Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty
Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, Convenor of the Green Group, added: “As in the past four years, Greens will be constructive where it is needed in our role as Official Opposition. However, one thing is clear – our residents and our city deserve and need action on the critical issues of homelessness, climate crisis, austerity and city of sanctuary.

“We will work with the Labour Council and pledge to stand up for what is best for our city; and continue to hold our council to the high standards our city expects and deserves.”

Following the local elections on May 2 the political makeup up of the council is Labour – 20 seats, Green – 19 seats, Conservative – 14 seats and Independent – 1 seat.

 

LGBT funding evening on June 13

Posted on by Besi

Are you an LGBT+ group or organisation in Brighton & Hove looking for funding?

WANT to find out about any local grant opportunities available and what funders are looking for?

Want to explore the chance for collaborative bids?

Pop along to the Funding Evening in The Sanctuary Room on Thursday, June 13, 5.30pm – 7.45pm at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, Brighton BN2 1RL

Meet representatives from The Rainbow Fund, Sussex Community Foundation and Brighton & Hove City Council (Communities Fund) to hear about the grants and funding streams on offer and how to apply for them.

You can get your questions answered in the Ask the Funder panel session on ‘What makes a good bid?’ and play ‘Funding Bid Bingo’ with other LGBT+ groups and organisations and discover opportunities to collaborate

This event is being organised by Consortium, in partnership with Working to Connect the Brighton based organisation that brings small groups to work together. Tea, coffee and nibbles will be provided.

Event: LGBT Funding Evening

Where: Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, The Sanctuary Room, Dorset Gardens, Brighton

When: Thursday, June 13

Time: 5.30pm – 7.45pm

Cost: Free event

To reserve a place at the event, click here:

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