09/08/2019 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Kings College London seek participants for LGBT+ healthcare research

Posted on 09/08/201915/08/2019 by Graham Robson

King’s College London launches ACCESSCare C, a major piece of research to improve the communication between health and social professionals, and LGBT+ people living with or affected by serious illness.

LED by Professor Richard Harding and Dr Katherine Bristowe, conducted by Dr Debbie Braybrook, and funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit Programme, the ACCESSCare team are looking for LGBT+ people over 18, and/or their partners, friends and relatives, who are facing a serious illness (such as cancer, organ failure, neurological conditions or other conditions that impact significantly on quality of life), for participation in a brief interview.

The findings of the interviews will be used to formulate evidence-based, best practice guidelines for future use by healthcare professionals and educators looking to practice and promote appropriate patient-centred care for LGBT+ people.

If you are interested in participating, email: debbie.braybrook@kcl.ac.uk, or telephone 0207 848 5627.

For more information, click here:

Gay Games gold medallist returns to compete at Brighton and Hove Triathlon

Posted on 09/08/201915/08/2019 by Gary Hart

Brighton and Hove Triathlon returns this year to Hove Lawns for the fourth time – dedicated as always to celebrating inclusivity in sport.

THIS year also sees the return of elite level athlete Mark Edmonds, who at the age of 49 is returning to the sport of Triathlon after 13 years. Mark has competed in over 250 triathlons over the years and is a 3 x Triathlon Gold Medallist at the Gay Games.

At the age of 16 Mark was a member of Team GB before progressing up the ranks and remaining as part of the team until he was 28. Throughout those 12 years of competing, Mark was too scared to admit he was gay.

Mark said: “Like many other boys my age, I was very scared in admitting to others I was gay for fear of being ridiculed or bullied. I didn’t have anyone close to me that I felt I could confide in. So I chose to put all my feelings and emotions in a box (figuratively) with an aim to deal with them later.

As a result of these insecurities and worries I became very shy in general. I didn’t want to arouse suspicion about me in general, so I withdrew from pretty much any social activity from 11 years old onwards. I poured all my energies into the triathlon training instead.

“When I got included in the Team GB set up, they were all faster than me and were much more well- rounded with life experience too. To be honest, I think had I been brave enough to come out to them at the time, I’m sure they would have accepted me fully.”

Mark continued: “After dealing with 12 years of being side-lined from competing due to various injuries that had effectively ended my sporting career, I really struggled emotionally and didn’t know what to do with my life. I adapted and found other pathways in life… but I always felt a big part of me had been taken away.

“I am so happy to be able to finally run again. Once it looked like all systems were go I decided to look for a late season triathlon. Brighton was the obvious candidate. It was perfect time of year. I had been an ambassador to support the LGBT+ aspect of the race for the previous two years and because I knew the race organiser, John Lunt, well, I knew it would be very well organised.

“Time has moved on and people’s perceptions of gay men/women has definitely moved on too. I must say when I train and race, I do not think of myself as a ‘gay’ triathlete though. I see myself foremost as an athlete who happens to be gay. I believe triathlon has many gay athletes racing. Some are open and out, many are not. It doesn’t matter either way. Triathlon is a sexy sport with many sexy fit bodies, tight fitting Lycra and rubber (wetsuits), so to that fact it’s actually a very gay friendly sport.

“It’s great the Brighton will be so welcoming to the LGBT+ athletes and I’m really excited to be competing there.”

Race Director John Lunt said: “We look forward to seeing Mark Edmonds returning to our sport after a 13 year lay-off. Mark is a great role model for the LGBT+ communities and we are honoured Mark has chosen Brighton as his comeback race. Brighton and Hove Triathlon is committed to making sport inclusive. We need to show that sport can be everyone’s game.”

Summer Garden Party fundraiser in Rottingdean tomorrow for Brighton Rainbow Fund

Posted on 09/08/201909/08/2019 by Besi

The annual summer garden party fundraiser at the Rottingdean Club is tomorrow Saturday, August 10 and this year will be raising funds for The Brighton Rainbow Fund.

LAUNCHED in 2018 the annual garden party aims to raise funds for a nominated charity and is a day not to be missed with lots of live entertainment, food and drink.

Set in the stunning SW facing garden at the Rottingdean Club, the day is one that brings people from all walks of life together giving them the chance to chat and socialise while raising money for a great cause.

This year entertainment will be provided by scene regular Gabriella Parrish and the amazing Abalicious Duo.

Phil Sherrington and Paul Carter – owners of The Rottingdean Club said: “We are immensely proud to be able to say we support The Rainbow Fund and what it stands for and we are pleased that our beautiful garden can play host to such an important cause. Its going to be epic”

Tickets are limited to 100 and cost £12 plus booking fee.

If the weather is not good the entertainment will move inside the club.

The Brighton Rainbow Fund is a Brighton based charity that gives grants to local LGBT+/HIV organisations who deliver effective front line services to LGBT+ people in the city.

New era and new boss for Allsorts Youth Project

Posted on 09/08/201915/08/2019 by Besi

Katie Vincent takes over the leadership of the project from Jess Wood MBE, who is retiring in the Autumn.

AFTER 20 years at the helm of Allsorts, Jess is stepping down to focus on her PhD at the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London. Katie Vincent has been appointed the new CEO and has been working closely with Jess in developing a new vision.

Katie says: “I’m really excited to be taking over from Jess, we’ve had a blast and I will continue the Allsorts culture of fun, openness, inclusion and warmth and ensuring children and young people are always at the heart of our service. My task is clear, to build on the foundations of our reputation & reach and expand our services. Jess’s creativity, spirit and energy is something that has constantly inspired me and will continue to drive the project & our mission forward.”

Allsorts Youth Project, was founded by Jess Wood, MBE and James Newton in 1999. The project has grown in 20 years from a small volunteer led project into a multi-award winning nationally recognised LGBT+ youth project.

In those early days Allsorts had no funding but a lot of enthusiasm! Jess, an artist, and James, a youth worker and postman, were motivated to provide something for LGBT+ and unsure children and young people because at the time there was almost no support services available in Brighton, and they saw a great need.

Jess says: “It’s been a wonderful 20 years working for Allsorts, we’ve always had the most fantastic staff team, trustees and volunteers, without whom the project could not have thrived the way it has. We’ve had so much fun and achieved so much and as with any youth project it is the children and young people that are the heart of everything that makes Allsorts so fantastic! I will treasure my memories of individual young people who have triumphed over terrible adversary in their lives and with the help of Allsorts, have been able to flourish.”

Everyone at Allsorts is looking forward to a new era under the dynamic leadership of Katie Vincent.

TAIMI becomes UKs first LGBT+ inclusive dating and social network app

Posted on 09/08/2019 by Gary Hart

TAIMI, the LGBT+ inclusive social network expands this weekend into the United Kingdom.

THE app has garnered attention as a dating and social network for gay men in the US will be fully LGBT+ inclusive.

TAIMI is adamant about spreading the message of equality, freedom and love around the globe.

The network’s staff include LGBT+ activists and allies who are committed to raising awareness and fighting state-sponsored homophobia.

TAIMI’s founder – Alex Pasykov says the dating app has evolved into a social network that gives its users an ability to form connections, network and date while staying true to themselves.

He said: “TAIMI continuously fights for equal rights. We tremendously value our freedom and want to do everything in our power to eliminate homophobia around the world. This is exactly why we are extremely excited to announce that TAIMI – LGBTQI+ Social Network is now available in the United Kingdom. In case you’re wondering, we kept the dating function as well! I always say, make love not war!”

TAIMI prides itself on being a reliable and safe network where users can freely post their opinions, create groups and form communities. The recently updated easy-to-use interface gives users an ability to produce interactive feeds, publish stories, make video calls and send ice-breaks without compromising their safety and security.

TAIMI is free and available to download in the App Store and Google Play.

A subscription-based premium version is also available.

REVIEW: 8 Hotels @Minerva Theatre, Chichester

Posted on 09/08/2019 by Brian Butler

In Shakespeare’s Othello, the black general of the title is driven to murder and suicide by the jealousy of his lieutenant who wrongly believes Othello has slept with his wife.

IN this world premiere, Nicholas Wright chooses to make many ironic and sometimes lame comparisons with that triangular relationship via a semi-factual depiction of the great black singer/actor/activist Paul Robeson and his love affair with his leading lady Uta Hagen, married to actor/director Jose Ferrer.

The link is that the trio are touring 1940’s America in Othello.

If that seems a bit laboured – you ain’t heard nothing yet. Robeson, played magisterially and sonorously by Tory Kittles is truth to tell a very wooden Othello, booming and intoning, we are told by his director, the redoubtable Peggy Webster, played sharply and astutely by Pandora Colin.

What he lacks is truth in his fury she tells him and us. When mid-play he has a flash of temper against Ute and tries to strangle her in her hotel room with a pillow – a la Othello, by George he gets the hang of acting angry ! Really ? Yes .

It gets worse. Jose, played with an angry pomposity and brutishness by Ben Cura, plays chess with Robeson the night he discovers the affair with his wife. “Your move” they say to one another throughout the game of chess pieces and verbal manoeuvres. Wright isn’t laying on the idea with the deft light touch of an artist’s palette knife, but with the heavyweight clumsiness of a bad bricklayers trowel.

Emma Paetz as Ute is beautiful, energetic, boundlessly talented, honest and we really like her.

Robeson can’t see the irony of accusing her of “cheating” by sleeping regularly with her husband, though it does get one of the few laughs in the play.

Richard Eyre directs the 8 episodes of their story – each in a different US city hotel, with speed and clarity, but he really can’t correct the play’s flaws.

There’s a second storyline about Robeson’s civil rights activism and his many visits to Soviet Russia. His espousal is of the communist ideal but not of their methodology but as Ute points out he can’t bring himself to criticise the brutal regime.

This might have been more interesting as a theme than their rather tawdry love affair. It’s a play full of irony- rather too much for its own good.

The acting is superb; the direction clear and unfussy – but the writing – oh dear the writing!

8 Hotels is at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester until August 24.

Review by Brian Butler

Youth project launches new podcast for LGBT+ young people

Posted on 09/08/2019 by Graham Robson

LGBT+ Youth Project launch first-ever Allsorts Podcast: Allsorts of Thoughts.

MADE by LGBT+ young people for LGBT+ young people – listen in to their first episode Allsorts of Pride!

Young people from Allsorts Youth Project have spent the last year producing a podcast about what it’s like growing up and identifying as LGBT+.

Allsorts of Thoughts provides a relatable, fun, friendly and inclusive voice to young people, particularly those who are LGBT+ or unsure.

It’s a space that increases representation and visibility of LGBT+ young people whilst reaching out to those who are isolated, letting them know that they are not alone.

The presenters, Colin and Ray, skillfully entertain their listeners, offering their thoughts and feelings on a variety of different topics, as seen through the eyes of a young LGBT+ people.

Over the series they reflect on their lived experiences, including attending Pride, what it was like coming out, talking to parents about their identity, and being part of Allsorts Youth Project.

This first episode is about Pride and what it means to them and is also a taster of what the Allsorts community is about!

“We are using our safe space to create your safe space,” said presenter Ray.

“Young people from Allsorts Youth Project have created a fun and entertaining first episode with more in the pipeline. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed making it…so tune in and don’t forget rate and review on your podcasting platform! “

Funded by Sussex Community Foundation, everyone involved also took part in broadcast training which was a fantastic opportunity to increase knowledge and enhance skills.

Youth Support Worker Jo, added: “I have genuinely been on a creative journey with these young people to get us here today with a finished episode of our first ever Allsorts Youth Project Podcast! We have all given 100% to its creation and I am very proud of our achievements!”

To listen to the Podcast, click here:

Website: https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/allsortsyouth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsortsyouthproject/

Out to Swim South learner sessions start September 16

Posted on 09/08/201915/08/2019 by Besi

On September 16 Out to swim south, the LGBT+ swimming club will be starting new learn to swim sessions every Monday from 8.30pm-9.30pm.

THE lessons will take place at the Prince Regent swimming pool in central Brighton.

A dedicated lane and coach will be made available for all people wishing to learn to swim or who are not confident in swimming

The set for the other lane will be adjusted to accommodate all those who are not participating in the lessons.

Members will be required to purchase and required to buy a PAYG pass which will cover all the 10 learning sessions on Mondays.

For information about membership, click here:

Performers fundraise for trans equality in Leith this Sunday

Posted on 09/08/2019 by Besi

More than twenty performers, artists and authors will come together this Sunday, August 11 for a day of music, comedy, storytelling, poetry, zines and artwork, to celebrate and fundraise for trans equality.

SOLIDARITY on the Shore will take place on Giles Street, Leith, and in Harmonium Bar (Giles St) and Sofi’s Bar (Henderson St), from 2pm to 10pm.

It is organised by the Equality Network, Scottish Trans Alliance, Harmonium and Sofi’s, and sponsored by Absolut and Electric Spirit Co.

The line-up includes Teddy Lamb, Kate Charlesworth, Emilie Hwang, Sheboom, Rachel Plummer, Jo Clifford, Lavender Menace Returns, Ryan Brown, James Cuddihy, Helen Reeves, The Prettiest Dunce, Hawf a Dug Crisp Box, Hidden Ink Child, Bombinate, Gordon Shaw, Wild and Kind, Andres Ordorica, Gloria Bittman and Ink Asher Hemp.

There will also be vegan street food and an outdoor bar on Giles Street.

Solidarity on the Shore is a fundraiser for the Equal Recognition campaign, which is campaigning for reform to Scotland’s Gender Recognition Act, to make it easier for trans people to change their legal gender to match the gender in which they live. The Scottish Government has proposed making such changes, and later this year will be consulting the public on a draft bill to do that. All parties represented at Holyrood had manifesto commitments on this at the 2016 Holyrood election.

Becky Crowther, organiser of the event at the Equality Network, said: “Showing solidarity with the trans community in Scotland is so important right now. Whilst trans rights and trans people are under attack online and in the media, we are so grateful to all of our contributors for standing with them to do something positive and celebratory.”

Jo Clifford, world-renowned playwright who is performing at the event, said: “This is a difficult time for everyone in the LGBTI and queer community, and it’s really important we find occasions to show our pride and our solidarity for each other. So I’m really happy this event is happening in the middle of the Edinburgh Festival, and really proud to be taking part in it.”

Ben Thomson, manager of Harmonium Bar added: “We wanted to team up with Scottish Trans Alliance on this because this is a positive campaign to be involved in. As a venue we value equality and diversity and we want to be a place that does good food, good booze and is open to everyone.”

Foresters Friendly Society appoint first openly Gay President

Posted on 09/08/201912/08/2019 by Gary Hart

Michael Charlton-Hubble of Lower Lydbrook, Forest of Dean, was sworn in as the new President of Foresters Friendly Society on June 24, 2019 – their first openly gay President.

FORESTERS Friendly is a mutual financial services provider offering a range of savings and investment products. Owned by its members, with no shareholders to pay, the Society provides additional benefits and gives back over £1million each year to its members in the form of discretionary grants.

On his appointment, Michael said: “I am delighted and honoured to accept this role. As an openly gay and proud man, it is an incredible time to spearhead the Society and encourage more members to join our “Foresters family”.

Each year the new President chooses a charity for Foresters members to fundraise for and support. For Michael’s year in office, he has chosen children’s charity Rays of Sunshine.

Explaining his choice of charity he said: “My one regret in life is not having children and my husband feels the same. However, we are lucky in that we have 22 Godchildren. While we are too old to raise a family of our own now, choosing a charity that brings some happiness to children seems the perfect fit. There will be fundraising events held all over the country with a sponsored ‘Let’s do 10’ in March, involving large scale events and one-off collections all to help more children have their wishes granted.”

Anyone can join Foresters Friendly Society by purchasing either a financial policy or by becoming a fraternal member at £25 a year. Membership benefits are the same with both types and include help with further education, times of need and the everyday costs of things like dental and optical care, practical and emotional support for members and their family via Foresters Care – a Personal Nurse Adviser service, and access to social events taking place both locally and nationally.

For further information on getting involved,
email: mcharlton-hubble@forestersfriendlysociety.co.uk or call 01594 860239.

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Day: August 9, 2019

Kings College London seek participants for LGBT+ healthcare research

King’s College London launches ACCESSCare C, a major piece of research to improve the communication between health and social professionals, and LGBT+ people living with or affected by serious illness.

Gay Games gold medallist returns to compete at Brighton and Hove Triathlon

Brighton and Hove Triathlon returns this year to Hove Lawns for the fourth time – dedicated as always to celebrating inclusivity in sport.

Summer Garden Party fundraiser in Rottingdean tomorrow for Brighton Rainbow Fund

The annual summer garden party fundraiser at the Rottingdean Club is tomorrow Saturday, August 10 and this year will be raising funds for The Brighton Rainbow Fund.

New era and new boss for Allsorts Youth Project

Katie Vincent takes over the leadership of the project from Jess Wood MBE, who is retiring in the Autumn.

TAIMI becomes UKs first LGBT+ inclusive dating and social network app

TAIMI, the LGBT+ inclusive social network expands this weekend into the United Kingdom.

REVIEW: 8 Hotels @Minerva Theatre, Chichester

In Shakespeare’s Othello, the black general of the title is driven to murder and suicide by the jealousy of his lieutenant who wrongly believes Othello has slept with his wife.

Youth project launches new podcast for LGBT+ young people

LGBT+ Youth Project launch first-ever Allsorts Podcast: Allsorts of Thoughts.

Out to Swim South learner sessions start September 16

On September 16 Out to swim south, the LGBT+ swimming club will be starting new learn to swim sessions every Monday from 8.30pm-9.30pm.

Performers fundraise for trans equality in Leith this Sunday

More than twenty performers, artists and authors will come together this Sunday, August 11 for a day of music, comedy, storytelling, poetry, zines and artwork, to celebrate and fundraise for trans equality.

Foresters Friendly Society appoint first openly Gay President

Michael Charlton-Hubble of Lower Lydbrook, Forest of Dean, was sworn in as the new President of Foresters Friendly Society on June 24, 2019 – their first openly gay President.

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Call us now

King’s College London launches ACCESSCare C, a major piece of research to improve the communication between health and social professionals, and LGBT+ people living with or affected by serious illness.

Share this:

Brighton and Hove Triathlon returns this year to Hove Lawns for the fourth time – dedicated as always to celebrating inclusivity in sport.

Share this:

The annual summer garden party fundraiser at the Rottingdean Club is tomorrow Saturday, August 10 and this year will be raising funds for The Brighton Rainbow Fund.

Share this:

Katie Vincent takes over the leadership of the project from Jess Wood MBE, who is retiring in the Autumn.

Share this:

TAIMI, the LGBT+ inclusive social network expands this weekend into the United Kingdom.

Share this:

In Shakespeare’s Othello, the black general of the title is driven to murder and suicide by the jealousy of his lieutenant who wrongly believes Othello has slept with his wife.

Share this:

LGBT+ Youth Project launch first-ever Allsorts Podcast: Allsorts of Thoughts.

Share this:

On September 16 Out to swim south, the LGBT+ swimming club will be starting new learn to swim sessions every Monday from 8.30pm-9.30pm.

Share this:

More than twenty performers, artists and authors will come together this Sunday, August 11 for a day of music, comedy, storytelling, poetry, zines and artwork, to celebrate and fundraise for trans equality.

Share this:

Michael Charlton-Hubble of Lower Lydbrook, Forest of Dean, was sworn in as the new President of Foresters Friendly Society on June 24, 2019 – their first openly gay President.

Share this:

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