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Hobbie Stuart to set city alight

It’s that time of year again, and the 2015 Brighton Christmas Lights switch on is due to take place this week, on Thursday, November 19 in East Street.

Brighton Christmas Lights

This year’s event is in partnership with local charity Rockinghorse, a Brighton-based charity which is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.

Rockinghorse raises money for life-saving and cutting edge medical equipment, and has been supporting children for almost fifty years.

This year’s event will see star presenters from Juice107.2 take to the stage, alongside Brighton Musician and YouTube star Hobbie Stuart, who is set to turn on the lights.

Hobbie StewartThe family friendly event marks the annual switch-on of the largest festive lighting display on the south coast, provided by Brilliant Brighton, a collection of 517 businesses in the heart of the city.

Analiese Doctrove from Rockinghorse, said: “Rockinghorse are delighted to be working with Brilliant Brighton, Brighton’s Business Improvement District again this year at their Christmas light switch on. It is a fantastic community event to be a part of, and the funds raised on the night help us to continue our vital work at The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital”

Take your place at the Juice Stage on East Street to get your free raffle ticket, where a selection of great prizes can be won!

The stars from Komedia’s own children’s Christmas show Pitschi, the Kitten with Dreams will open the show, followed by performances from The Theatre Workshop and Vocademy. Everyone involved has given their time for free, in support of Rockinghorse Appeal.

‘Humans of Kemptown’ a living encyclopaedia of people

Brighton is a city long-famed for its vibrant and diverse communities, with Kemptown the jewel in city’s colourful cultural crown.

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Diversity is something that can often be under-appreciated, when it instead deserves to be celebrated. With record crowds flocking to the 25th Anniversary of Pride in Brighton this year we are launching a new photography project which aims to do just that.

Our new project will combine street photography with human geography, using quotes and snapshots to create a catalogue of stories that showcase the vibrance of everyday life for those living, shopping and socialising in Kemptown. The collection of stories, past and present, will celebrate the people who come together to make Brighton such a brilliant city.

The history of LGBTQ+ culture in Brighton & Hove is both rich and extensive – lets keep it alive, and celebrate the differences which make each and every one of us unique. By sharing images and stories, the project aims to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of Kemptown village and it’s inhabitants.

Would you like to be featured as a part of this project?

If you have a story to tell, big, small or tall, then get in touch by sending us an email – please include some details about you, your story and ideally a photo.

Email: info@gscene.com

You can also follow the project on Instagram: @gscenemag

Garage sale trail comes to Brighton & Hove

The first ever Brighton & Hove Garage Sale Trail will take place on September 26.

Garage Sale Trail founders Andrew Valder and Darryl Nichols
Garage Sale Trail founders Andrew Valder and Darryl Nichols

Brighton and Hove is one of just three locations that will be hosting the UK’s first ever Garage Sale Trail, alongside Hackney and Todmorden.

The Garage Sale Trail is a new event that hopes to bring together communities, whilst providing a platform for fundraising and also championing up-cycling and re-use through the buying and selling of second-hand items.

The Garage Sale Trail is open to everyone: individuals, households, schools, community groups, local institutions and independent businesses are all encouraged to take part!

Whether you fancy a clear out and would like to become a seller, or if you’re keen to nab a bargain click here: to check out the Garage Sale Trail website.

The Garage Sale Trail first came into existence in 2010 in Sydney, Australia. An idea born to combat illegal dumping, Don’t Dump it, Sell it was conceived by two friends Andrew Valder and Darryl Nichols. In just over four years, the programme has grown from a partnership with one council and 126 garage sales, to a national initiative with over 133 councils and more than 8,000 sales registered all over Australia. It is now the fastest growing community and sustainability programme in the entire country, and the UK events hope to achieve the same success.

Anyone interested in hosting a sale can register for FREE on the Garage Sale Trail website right up until the day itself. The Garage Sale Trail will be promoting the campaign nationally, and the local hubs will be shouting about the sales on their doorstep.

The event website says: “You also get promotional material, tips and a pack of goodies to help promote your sale, both online and in real life. We’re massively encouraging people to get creative, club together and put on entertainments to add value to their sale experience if you’re up to it.

On Saturday, September 26, bargains will be found, treasure discovered, friends made, money raised and fun had by all. Cupboards, garages and sheds will be de-cluttered, stuff reused and landfill everywhere heave a sigh of relief.”

For more information, click here: 

Holiday home Brits urged to review wills

A change in EU inheritance law has prompted solicitors to warn Britons with holiday homes in European countries to check their wills.

Law Society

Under new rules which came into force on August 17, UK residents with assets in Europe may be unnecessarily subjecting their property or assets to local laws.

The law of ‘forced heirship’ in European countries such as France, Spain, Portugal and Italy means that you are compelled to leave a certain percentage of your estate to your descendants, regardless of your wishes. This can cause distress and hardship to a surviving spouse or civil partner.

The change in EU Law makes it easier for UK nationals to avoid this, however they need to make this clear in their will, and explicitly state what legal jurisdiction they want their estate to be handled in.

Gary Rycroft, a solicitor and member of the Law Society’s Wills and Equity committee says that the recent high-profile death of TV star Cilla Black has brought the issue into focus.

He said: “It is assumed Cilla had her legal affairs in order and the beneficiaries of her estate will be her children. But ownership of foreign property is an extra complication when a loved one dies and with Spain for example, there are issues with regard to Spanish ‘death duty’ and how that interplays with inheritance tax payable in the UK.”

Gary said that Britons who were unsure of their position should speak to a solicitor.

He added; “A solicitor will be able to help people update their will by making a ‘choice of law’. This means people can choose whether to have English law apply upon their death or the law of the country where they have property or assets.”

To find a solicitor in your area that specialises in wills and estate planning, click here:

 

In Search of Lost Boys – Open Auditions in Eastbourne

Eastbourne Theatres will hold open auditions for their professional Christmas pantomime Peter Pan this weekend.

Twist & Pulse
Twist & Pulse as Pirate Swash and Buckle

Open auditions to find boys to play the parts of John, Michael and the Lost Boys in this year’s Eastbourne Theatres’ professional pantomime Peter Pan will take place this Sunday, September 6 at the Winter Garden starting at 10am. Registration is from 9.30am.

Producers are inviting male actors with an unbroken voice, aged between 7 and 14 years and with a maximum height of 5ft, to join a fun group audition of movement and singing at 10am. Recalls to read for the parts of Michael and John Darling will be held at 11am, and are expected to finish by 12.30pm. There is no need to prepare anything, but clothing and footwear that is easy to move in is advisable.

In total, Eastbourne Theatres are looking for 2 Michaels, 2 Johns and 2 teams of 6 Lost Boys. Those auditioning are asked to ensure that they are available for the full run and rehearsals of Peter Pan, from November 29, 2015 until January 17, 2016.

Interested individuals should email; theatresmarketing@eastbourne.gov.uk for a pre-registration form or click here:

Pre-registration is advisable.

Those arriving on the day having not pre-registered should arrive early to ensure they have sufficient time to complete the necessary registration paperwork before auditions begin promptly at 10am.

Peter Pan tells the magical story of a boy who refuses to grow up. Peter and his tiny fairy friend Tinker Bell invite the Darling children to take to the skies, flying second to the right and straight on until morning to Neverland, an enchanted island where children stay perpetually young. Swashbuckling escapades with Pan’s nemesis Captain Hook, a ticking crocodile, Tiger Lilly and a hoard of misfit pirates bring them excitement and adventure but what will happen when Wendy Darling longs for home?

Peter Pan will star Brian Capron (Coronation Street) as Captain Hook and Britains Got Talent dance sensation Twist & Pulse as Pirate Swash and Buckle. Plus back by popular demand Tucker and Martyn Knight who we be playing Smee and Mrs Smee.


Event: Peter Pan

Where: Devonshire Theatre, Chiswick Pl, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4BJ

When: December 11, 2015 – January 17, 2016.

Tickets: from just £12.50.

For full details click here:

Diseased elm logs could threaten city trees

Brighton & Hove City Council’s Arboriculture team calls for residents’ help in the fight against Elm Disease.

Dutch Elm Desease Logs

The council is urging people to be vigilant when buying logs for burning as diseased elm logs could threaten the city’s trees.

Brighton and Hove is home to the National Elm collection, which is under constant threat from the voracious disease spread by the Elm Bark Beetle that lays its eggs beneath the bark of unhealthy trees.

The arboriculture team’s efforts to curb the spread of the disease have won international acclaim, but infections – which can often be linked to Elm tree logs – continue to occur.

Ian Brewster, Arboricultural Manager for Brighton & Hove City Council, said; “It is imperative for the survival of the internationally recognised National Elm Collection that residents take responsibility for their actions when purchasing logs.

“If in doubt, always ask the log merchant beforehand what species of wood they sell. If Elm is mentioned then don’t take them. If you suspect Elm logs are in the delivered bags, or are loosely piled then please inform our team immediately.”

Even healthy fresh cut Elm wood can attract the Elm Bark beetle, and many thousands of pounds are spent by the council each year in disease control. This cost could be significantly reduced if the public, woodworkers and log merchants know what they can do to help.

To contact the Brighton & Hove City Council Arboriculture team telephone: 01273 292929.

 

A rural Pride in Totnes

Historic Devon market town Totnes is set to host it’s third Pride celebration on Saturday September 5.

Totnes Pride

Preparations are underway for the third Totnes Pride, which will bring together the local LGBTQ+ communities along with their friends, families and allies for a full day and night of celebration in the town.

Totnes-based social enterprise Proud2Be Project is organising a host of events in the town, which has become regarded as the UK’s largest rural Pride event.

This year’s Pride brings two special guests to Totnes. CN Lester, is a singer-songwriter, writer, classical musician, and activist. Named as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the country two years running by The Independent, and having founded the first Gay/Straight Alliance in the UK, CN Lester co-founded Queer Youth Network, has run cross-genre art night Transpose, and consults on trans issues with the London Assembly, NASUWT, NUS and Channel 4.

CN Lester

CN said: “There’s a dangerous myth that LGBT people only exist in large cities, in gay districts – that we’re not a normal part of everyday life. The best Prides I’ve ever attended have been smaller Prides around the country that celebrate and support all members of the LGBT communities, showing us in all our complexity, including us in the fabric of our wider communities. I’m absolutely thrilled to have been asked to participate in Totnes Pride – here’s to breaking down barriers and stereotypes together.”

Joining CN will be Jacq Applebee, the Co-founder of Bi’s of Colour as well as being an activist and a writer.  She is the winner of a Bisexual Cake Award, and made it on to the first ever Purple List, which honours bisexual activism. Jacq has delivered presentations and workshops on bisexuality to organisations such as the British Psychology Society, the Metropolitan Police, and at Cambridge University.

About her involvement, Jacq said; “I am a firm believer of the importance of reaching LGBT people who are isolated, including those in rural areas. In the first bisexuals of colour survey and report, which I produced, isolation was one of the regular themes that resulted in participants not feeling part of their LGBT communities. Totnes Pride will be my first Devon LGBT event, but hope it won’t be my last!”

The day starts at 11am outside The Dartmouth Inn, where there will be opening speeches from CN Lester, Jacq Applebee and Proud2Be founders Mat and Jon Price. They will then, together with award winning Samba ROC Band and an 8ft willow peacock, lead a procession up Fore Street and High Street to the Totnes Civic Hall at 11.30am.

Community bus service Bob the Bus will be running a park and ride service from 10am at KEVICC, and will also be transporting those with mobility issues up the procession at 11.15am.

It is at the Civic Hall from midday where visitors can enjoy workshops and talks along with a variety of community stands including: Dot’s Cafe, a craft area, a family area, face painting, Loz’s clay room, an LGBT+ library and much more.

There will be a panel discussion at 1.15pm at The Barrel House Ballroom, where CN and Jacq will join local activists, to discuss the topic of gender. The fun continues into the evening at Totnes Pride After Party from 7.30pm at The Royal Seven Stars Ballroom, which will feature live music from popular Disco Funk band Golddust, Rococo Chanel and DJ sets from Madame Souza & Rhi Rhi Rhythm.

Entry to the daytime events at Totnes Civic Hall and The Barrel House is just £2 for adults, £1 for 11-18 year olds, and is free to those under 11.

Tickets to the After Party are £10.00 (18 and over only) and are available to purchase from Totnes Pride day event and on the door.

Jon and Mat Price
Jon and Mat Price

Proud2Be founders Jon and Mat Price, said; “We are so excited about this year’s Pride; we have been working hard to ensure that Totnes Pride is a community event we can all be proud of. We are thrilled with the support we have received from the local community, in particular Totnes Town Council. For us Totnes Pride is a chance for the whole community to come together and celebrate diversity in our town and to also raise awareness about the issues still faced by the LGBTQ+ communities, in the UK and around the world.”

To mark the event Totnes Town Council will raise the rainbow flag over Totnes Civic Hall for the week of this year’s Totnes Pride, as a sign of solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ communities of Totnes and beyond. The flag raising ceremony will take place on Monday, August 31, 2015 at 6.30pm and everyone is invited to attend.

Totnes Mayor, Councillor Jacqi Hodgson who will open the event, said: “Raising the flag to celebrate diversity highlights the diversity in our community in Totnes.  As Mayor I am really proud of the wide mix of people in this wonderful town and delighted that we have come together to celebrate the LGBT communities and the Proud2Be group who work hard to raise awareness of LGBT issues.”

How to get involved:

Proud2Be are looking for volunteers to help out on Saturday, September 5. If you would like to get involved email Julie & Dot at volunteer@proud2beproject.org

If you are an organisation or community group and would like to participate in the procession, click here:

To find out more about these exciting events or to buy a rainbow flag, click here:

Or email: info@proud2beproject.org

Vogue face LGBTQ backlash

Vogue face LGBTQ backlash following interview with model, singer and actress, Cara Delevingne.

Vogue Backlash

More than 10,000 people have signed a Care2 petition demanding that Vogue Magazine apologise for publishing harmful stereotypes about bisexual women.

In their July 2015 issue, Vogue interviewed English model, actress and singer Cara Delevingne. During the interview she revealed that she is in a committed same-sex relationship with musician Annie Clark (also known by her stage name, St. Vincent.)

In response to the interview, more than 10,000 people have signed a Care2 petition demanding an apology from Vogues Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour for publishing the piece.

The petition takes the article’s writer. Rob Haskell, to task for characterising Delevingne’s relationship with women as a ‘phase’ – a harmful LGBTQ stereotype.

Haskell writes: “Her parents seem to think girls are just a phase for Cara, and they may be correct… When I suggest to Cara that to trust a man, she might have to revise an old and stubborn idea of hers – that women are perennially troubled and therefore only women will accept her – her smile concedes the point.”

Julie Rodriguez, author of the Care2 petition, says that it’s wrong of Haskell to equate same-sex relationships with childhood trauma or to characterise them as a phase.

Julie writes: “The idea that queer women only form relationships with other women as a result of childhood trauma is a harmful (and false) stereotype, that lesbian and bisexual women have been combating for decades.

“How could Vogue’s editorial staff green light this article and publish it without anyone raising concerns about this dismissive and demeaning language?”

Many of those who have signed the petition have added comments along with their signatures:

“Dear Vogue, I have been in a queer ‘phase’ for the entire 50 years of my life. I think it is much more than a phase for millions of us. And I would have thought that you would know better than to perpetuate such dismissive, demeaning, and harmful stereotypes. I am deeply disappointed and believe a full, prominent apology is the very least that you can do for your readership.” James Ferguson, NY

“My daughter is gay and it is NOT a phase; it is an integral part of who she is and I love and accept her, for who she is! – Robert Wallace, CA

“As a longtime subscriber to Vogue, I am very disappointed in the lack of empathy and care that Rob Haskell shows in his interview with Cara Delevingne. Surely Mr. Haskell is a better listener, interviewer, and writer than this piece of his demonstrates. Vogue has made efforts to support the LGBT community; however, allowing this article to go to print makes me question how sincere this support is on their behalf. Vogue, please apologise for publishing such a careless and offensive piece in your pages. Thank you.” Michelle Sorensen, TN

To sign the petition, click here:

 

Carmine Amoroso launches crowdfunding campaign

LGBT activist filmmaker Carmine Amoroso launches crowdfunding campaign for post production cost on his documentary, PORN TO BE FREE.

PORN TO BE FREE

PORN TO BE FREE is a provocative political documentary that explores the sexual revolution from the 70s and 80s, through the genesis of porn, from the first magazines and photoshoots to the first porn stars.

Directed by controversial gay Italian director Carmine Amoroso, the film is an entirely independent production. PORN TO BE FREE documents the generation who fought for freedom of expression and sexual liberation.

The production is still ongoing, and a crowdfunding campaign has now been launched on Indiegogo to help fund post-production costs and complete the title so it’s ready for festivals and theatrical distribution.

Carmine Amoroso, is a writer, screenwriter and director. After writing numerous award-winning screenplays, he marked his debut with Embrasse-moi Pasqualino starring Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci – the first Italian movie to talk about the life of being transgender.

His second feature film, Cover Boy, which represented Italy in more than 90 film festivals worldwide, won multiple awards and was one of the 3 finalists to represent Italy at the Academy Awards in 2009.

From Italy, to Denmark and California, PORN TO BE FREE follows those who have made the sexual revolution possible. It is an archive and a social commentary on being sex positive in a society that prevents us from being sexually free. The film aims to present this in a light-hearted, yet deep and political way.

In the wake of the protest movement of 70s and 80s Europe, a freedom group of porn stars and filmmakers fought to break down social barriers and taboos in a continent that was still a prisoner of the catholic and communist sexual hypocrisy.

The film features the main protagonists of that time, including porn star Cicciolina and her mentor and pornographer Riccardo Schicchi, pioneer director Lasse Braun, LGBT activist Helena Velena as well as key feminist figures Giuliana Gamba and Lidia Ravera. The film also reveals the story of an unpublished short porn animation by Charlie Hebdo’s caricaturist Siné.

Fans and supporters who pledge towards the project can be amongst the first to see this revolutionary documentary as well as receiving very rare films such as Amoroso’s LGBT movies Embrasse-moi Pasqualino and Cover Boy, the cult porn Cicciolina and the Nuclear Orgy or even the first feminist porn film directed by Giuliana Gamba. Other perks for people who make financial pledges include invites to the film premiere and a weekend of debate in the extravagant Repubblica di Frigolandia in Italy.

For more information and to donate, click here:

$100,000 to Change LGBTI Lives – Vote Now!

The International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHR) need your vote!

International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHR)

CREDO Mobile will give them a much-needed grant this month – but your votes will determine how much they get, up to a staggering total of $100,000.

When LGBTI people are in need, the IGLHRC answers their call. Your vote, and the critical funding that it will bring them, will go a long way towards changing the lives of LGBTI people all over the world.

Funding received by the IGLHRC will be used to support LGBTI people in many ways, including:

Emergency support: When new laws violate LGBTI rights, activists are abused and must flee, or an LGBTI centre is attacked or destroyed, they respond. Just this month the IGLHRC sent thousands of dollars to Nepal’s LGBT group, the Blue Diamond Society in their time of crisis.

Representing LGBTI people at the UN: Every country has a seat at the United Nations, and yet many discriminate and persecute their own LGBTI citizens. The IGLHRC speaks up and speaks out for LGBTI people around the globe, and brings activists to the UN so they can advocate for themselves.

LGBTI training for law enforcement: Many people suffer from anti-LGBT violence – but sometimes face further discrimination by those sworn to protect them. IGLHRC staff on the ground in the Philippines train police in the metropolitan area of Quézon City, and around the country – making sure that LGBTI people receive support and fair treatment when they face harassment or violence.

Voting is only open for a short time, so take a few seconds and vote for the International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission – simply check the box that says “CREDO Action Member” when you click submit, and your vote will count towards the total.

CREDO Mobile offer regular grants to not-for-profit causes. The CREDO website states: “Every month CREDO members generate donations by talking on their CREDO mobile phones, using our long distance service or making purchases with their CREDO credit cards. And every month our members get to vote to distribute those donations among three progressive nonprofits. The more votes a group receives from our members, the greater its share of the donations generated that month, for a total of 36 groups a year. To date, CREDO has donated more than $78 million to hundreds of progressive groups including Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, 350.org, Jobs with Justice, and Freedom to Marry.”

To register your vote, click here:

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