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Gender-queer sober clubbing event at Komedia on Sunday, January 14

Words by Vernon Collins at TransSober 
Dry January is here, it can be extremely hard staying away from drugs and alcohol when so much of life revolves around them, and living a marginalised community that constantly having to fight for our right to exist and live as true ourselves, Finding sober activities that you enjoy and have fun with yourcommunity is essential to drug and alcohol, free living and wellbeing. That’s why we’ve set up Rhythm Retreat. You do not have to be living completely drug and alcohol free to attend this event. You just have to want to come experience and enjoy a drug and alcohol free clubbing event 

Rhythm Retreat sober clubbing event for gender-queer and friends – free to attend

Come join us for Rhythm Retreat– a unique and inclusive event with DJ Xzan (co-founder of Gal Pals) with good vibes! Our gender-queer and friends, sober day clubbing event is happening on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 2-5pm at Komedia, 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN.

Why not retreat from the drugs and alcohol and join us to get high on the rhythm of bangin’ club tunes?

Get ready to dance, connect, and celebrate with a diverse community of like-minded gender-queer individuals and their friends!

We believe in the power of music to unite and heal, so leave your worries behind and let the beats guide you. Our gender-queer sober clubbing experience ensures a fun and vibrant atmosphere without the need for alcohol or substances. This is an over 18s only event and the venue is fully accessible.

Come as you are, express yourself freely, and make new connections. Together, we’ll create unforgettable memories and celebrate the beauty of diversity.

There will be club dancers Prince of Persia and Miz Lexia, face painting, mocktails and loads of sober fun – all for free!

Mark your calendar and don’t miss out on this incredible event!
To grab your free ticket, CLICK HERE 
TransSober runs a arranged drug and alcohol support groups, sober, socials and well-being events. For more info, CLICK HERE

REVIEW: ‘Cinderella’ with Jason Sutton and other Brighton favourites

It’s two hours of traditional slapstick panto family fun – and it’s running until December 30 in a Brighton seafront hotel. Cinderella – produced by Hove’s E3 – is playing to packed audiences at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole.

Ellie Earl plays the lead role with charm and confidence as she meets – and finally falls in love – with Prince Charming, alias Kane Matthews who shines throughout with his solo songs. Liam Joseph is a fun and loveable Dandini, while the Wicked Step Sisters – played by Brighton’s very own Jason Sutton and Josh Hanson – have a wonderful, comical connection.

There’s always room for a baddie in a panto and BBC Radio Sussex presenter Allison Ferns performs with passion from the outset as the crowd – old and young alike – love to boo her! Buttons – Carl Lovejoy – enjoys a great rapport with the audience while producer and director David Hill stars in the second half as Baron Hardup. Sharon Starr – another Brighton favourite – excels as the Fairy Godmother who ensures love finally wins in this traditional panto tale.

The first half is a full hour and while the second is shorter, with the tale ending after 25 minutes of the second half, there is fun and games after that with great renditions of The 12 Days of Christmas and, of course, The Music Man.

Cinderella runs at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole until December 30. There is seating for 800 at each performance.

Go to Cinderella – Brighton Family Panto 2023

“Concerning” rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced there has been a “concerning” rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

Since the beginning of 2023, the number of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella cases has increased by 53%. Much of this increase has been driven by a cluster of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella sonnei, of which there have been 97 cases in 2023 (up to and including November), compared to just four cases last year.

According to UKHSA, the strain is difficult to treat because it does not respond to the antibiotics typically used to treat Shigella. Cases have been diagnosed in all regions of England – but cases are concentrated in London (45), the North West (21) and South East (12).

In January 2022, there was similar rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections caused by another outbreak strain.

Cases of Shigella have been rising since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in July 2021, with annual cases now higher than the average before the pandemic. The month with the highest number of reported Shigella diagnoses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was 392 in September 2019, which increased to 485 in September 2023 – representing a 24% increase.

Shigella is a gut infection that causes diarrhoea (sometimes mixed with blood), stomach cramps and fever. It is caused by bacteria found in faeces.

It can be passed on through the faecal-oral route during sex, either directly or via unwashed hands and only a tiny amount of bacteria can spread the infection. Symptoms are typically seen between one and four days after exposure and are commonly mistaken for food poisoning.

Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, said: “This is a concerning rise in cases of this antibiotic resistant strain, meaning treatment can be very difficult. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your partners is to practice good hygiene after sex. Avoid oral sex immediately after anal sex, and change condoms between anal or oral sex and wash your hands with soap after sexual contact.

“It’s important that GBMSM do not dismiss their symptoms and speak to their GP or sexual health clinic, mentioning Shigella, if they are unwell. GBMSM with Shigella may have been exposed to other STIs including HIV, so a sexual health screen at a clinic or ordering tests online is recommended.”

Shigella is very infectious and while symptoms can be unpleasant, in most cases they will subside within a week, but some individuals need hospitalisation and require intravenous antibiotic treatment. Effective antibiotic treatments are limited for this extremely resistant strain.

Antibiotic treatment is recommended in cases with severe symptoms, those requiring hospital admission, those with prolonged diarrhoea (beyond seven days) or in those who have underlying immunodeficiency.

UKHSA advises that if you have been diagnosed with Shigella, give yourself time to recover. Keep hydrated and get lots of rest. Don’t have sex until seven days after your last symptom and avoid spas, swimming, jacuzzis, hot tubs and sharing towels as well as preparing food for other people until a week after symptoms stop.

You can find out more information about Shigella and get advice on other topics at Sexwise or by calling the free National Sexual Health Helpline at 0300 123 7123.

Grassroots groups in Brighton & Hove encouraged to apply for funding for projects that improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people

Grassroots groups in Brighton & Hove are being encouraged to apply for funding for projects that improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people.

What funding is available?

Switchboard, in partnership with the Communities Health Inequalities Programme (CHIP), is offering grants of between £50 and £5,000 from a fund worth £20,000.

A total of £5,000 of the fund is ringfenced for Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous People of Colour (QTIBPOC) and people who experience racism, including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and Jewish people.

Who should apply?

Grassroots groups from Brighton & Hove with annual incomes of up to £150,000 are being encouraged to apply.

Why should my group apply?

Jane Woodhull, Switchboard’s Inclusion and Engagement Project Manager, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity as small grassroots groups and organisations make a massive difference to the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people throughout Brighton & Hove.

“Often, it’s difficult for these groups to access funding, so we wish to make these grants accessible to them.

“I’m delighted that a quarter of the total funding pot has been reserved for projects that help racially minoritised groups, and I’m very keen to receive applications from organisations that are keen to take these projects forward.”

Sounds good. How can my group apply?

To apply for a grant, please request an application form from Jane by calling 07743 734254 or emailing jane.woodhull@switchboard.org.uk.

Then answer the questions on the form, which will ask you to provide the following information:

  • What project are you planning? (e.g., one that will involve people in a new and healthy activity, making new social connections, or learning new information about a health issue or how to access support)
  • How will people benefit?
  • How will you know if people are benefitting? (e.g., from the number of participants, quotes, pictures, feedback on forms or Post-It notes, voice recordings, or other impact measures)

You can apply in writing, verbally or by video before 4pm on Sunday, January 7, 2024.

If you need it, Switchboard will support you with your application and with planning and evaluating your project. Please contact Jane if you’d like help.

How will my group’s application be assessed?

A panel of people from Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ communities will review your application following the deadline for submissions.

All grants will then be allocated before the end of March 2024.

Where can I get further information

Please contact Jane or email hip@switchboard.org.uk.

MindOut responds to the Clare Project’s accusations of “transphobia and ableism”

At the end of November, Brighton trans charity the Clare Project released a statement, accusing senior leadership at LGBTQ+ mental health charity MindOut of “a persistent disregard of both systemic and direct acts of transphobia and ableism”.

MindOut responded to these allegations with a post on their website, which reads: “The Clare Project released a statement that included some serious allegations against MindOut.

We are taking time to address these allegations both internally and directly with the Clare Project.

“We are disappointed that an organisation we work closely with in the sector would choose to take such action. This way of communication can be divisive and create distress and anxiety for people within our LGBTQ communities, the very people we’re here to support.

“We are concerned to read the comments which are defamatory and have written to the Clare Project with the aim of addressing these and prevent further harm in the sector, to partner relationships and our communities we both serve.

”We want to reassure our service users, stakeholders, and supporters that MindOut:

  • Has always, and continues to provide inclusive services for all members of our LGBTQ communities, including specific services for trans and gender-diverse people.
  • Has implemented changes and redundancies in order to protect front line services and our future sustainability
  • Remains committed to listening and learning from feedback across the sector.

”We believe in open dialogue and trust that this situation can be resolved swiftly.

“We appreciate your ongoing support and trust in MindOut’s mission.”

Let Communities Lead: Working towards zero HIV stigma and discrimination in Brighton & Hove

Words by Eileen Nixon, Consultant Nurse and co-chair of HIV Stigma Group. Photos by Simon Pepper Photography. 

In spirit of the global theme for this year’s World AIDS Day Let Communities Lead – I am writing on behalf of the Brighton & Hove Fast Track City Towards Zero HIV Stigma Group.

The HIV Stigma Group brings together key partners and stakeholders across the city with knowledge, expertise and experience in HIV related stigma to plan and monitor a range of innovative activities to work towards zero HIV stigma and discrimination in Brighton & Hove.

The membership of the group incorporates clinicians, academics and HIV Community organisations – Lunch Positive, Terence Higgins Trust, Positive Voices, More to Me than HIV, the Sussex Beacon and the Martin Fisher Foundation. I believe the strength of this group lies in how many members are people living with HIV themselves who also have a role in service provision in the HIV field.  The Stigma Group has three main work streams:

  1. Reducing HIV stigma in healthcare in Brighton & Hove
  2. Empowering people living with HIV
  3. Public awareness

There have been many achievements by individual group members and as a team since the formation of the Fast Track City in 2015.

  • Development of education tools for hospital workers and the public
  • Education and research projects on HIV stigma in different healthcare settings
  • Recruitment of HIV Allies at University Hospitals Sussex
  • Raising awareness of HIV Stigma through a range of mediums including Positive Speakers and video stories
  • Multi-centre research on the embodiment of HIV stigma in five cities across the world
  • Art exhibitions by people living with HIV
  • Workshop development to build resilience for people with HIV with internalised stigma
  • Engaging with arts and entertainment organisations in Brighton & Hove to reach a range of audiences

Many of you will be familiar with the Martin Fisher Foundation Bus that carries key messages about HIV and stigma around Sussex.

More recently the Stigma Group worked alongside key organisations in Brighton & Hove and co-ordinated a day of action in Jubilee Square on Zero HIV Stigma Day21 July 2023. This was a real coming together of many communities and it was truly special having so many people living with HIV sharing stories, photos, books and experiences. We are looking forward to the next one in 2024.

We know that many of you reading this are already working hard and contributing a great deal to support and raise awareness about HIV in your own communities. Let’s continue to change hearts and minds together as a wider community and send HIV Stigma off packing.

Our key messages for World AIDS Day 2023 are:

  • Talk openly about HIV in general your daily lives, no more whispered conversations. While it is important to respect the confidentiality of individual people, talking openly about HIV as a long term health condition will help to address stigma
  • Educate yourself and keep up to date – see the rest of the website for information and watch our digital animation video
  • Challenge HIV stigma when you see or hear it and direct people to up to date information
  • Sign up to be an HIV Ally and we will keep you up to date with activities and information about HIV stigma locally click here.

World AIDS Day Community Partnership announces plans for World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil

The Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day Community Partnership has announced details of this year’s World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil, being held from 6 – 7pm on Friday, December 1, in New Steine Gardens.

The vigil is held each year, to remember people connected to Brighton & Hove, who have died with HIV. Hundreds of people are expected to attend this year’s vigil, which is a highlight of the city’s World AIDS Day commemorations. This year’s World AIDS Day theme is Let Communities Lead.

The event will include a welcome by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Jackie O’Quinn, followed by a Reading of Names by representatives of a wide range of civic, statutory and voluntary organisations. Volunteers from across the Community Partnership will be on hand at the vigil to distribute candles and candle holders, for anyone wishing to light a candle in memory of a loved one.

A memorial bench honouring the late James Ledward will be a new point of interest at this year’s vigil. The bench is one of a series forming a friendship trail organised by the Brighton & Hove Tourist Alliance. It was decorated by Romany Mark Bruce, the designer and sculptor who created TAY (the Brighton AIDS Memorial) in New Steine Gardens. James was a very much-loved champion of the LGBTQ+ community in Brighton & Hove, for many years. Editor of Scene Magazine (formerly Gscene), James was a true community leader, whose work continually inspired and helped the lives of many.

 

HIV charity Lunch Positive will once again have its marquee at the event, providing information from 4pm about the vigil and serving hot drinks. There will be a wheelchair accessible area, in addition to a BSL signer providing translation of speeches and the Reading of Names.

The annual World AIDS Day Service of Remembrance and Hope, hosted by the HIV Chaplaincy and the Village Metropolitan Community Church, will be held at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church on Sunday, December 3 at 6pm; all are warmly welcome.

In addition to the vigil, community-focused activities and events have been organised by members of the Community Partnership, to mark World AIDS Day. Brighton & Hove City Council has announced it is honoured to be flying the Red Ribbon flag from the town halls for the second time, to mark World AIDS Day. The red ribbon is an important symbol of awareness. Its display is just one means of demonstrating a commitment to the fight against HIV and to remember that 40 years ago Brighton & Hove lost its first citizen to AIDS.

The Brighton AIDS Memorial will be proudly displaying two UK AIDS Memorial Quilts, last seen in the city at the Corn Exchange in June 1993. Alongside the quilts on display, four stories curated by the project will give a glimpse into the lives of some of the remembered. The exhibition takes place at Jubilee Library from Monday, November 27 until Sunday, December 10.

For more World AIDS Day events, CLICK HERE 

Issued on behalf of the Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day Community Partnership, which is made up of: Brighton & Hove City Council – Communities, Equality and Third Sector Team, Frontline AIDS, HIV Hour, Lawson Unit, Ledward Centre, Lunch Positive, Martin Fisher Foundation, More to Me Than HIV, Romany Mark Bruce, Sussex Beacon, Sussex Ecumenical HIV Chaplaincy and Terrence Higgins Trust South. 

Brighton LGBTQ+ venue, R-Bar, seeks Bar Manager

R-Bar, the LGBTQ+ bar on Brighton seafront, is seeking a new full-time Bar Manager (40-45 hours per week). The bar is looking for serious candidates who are looking to advance their careers in the industry. Working alongside the wider management team and the General Manager, R-Bar is looking for someone passionate about the development of the venue and safe space, whilst motivating and energising staff to support that vision.

Required skills & experience:

  • Venue and people management experience in the hospitality industry
  • Deep understanding of the LGBTQ+ community
  • Ability to lead and inspire a diverse team
  • Exceptional attention to detail and high standards
  • Prepare to ‘muck in’ and lead by example
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent time management and organisational skills
  • Strong with administrative skills, using Word & Excel

Responsibilities will include: 

  • Managing the venue
  • Stock ordering, rotation, and management
  • Staff rotas, training, and recruitment
  • Renewing product lists and pricing
  • Creative input for events and marketing
  • Opening and closing procedures
  • Liaising with security and the wider management team
  • Dealing with customer queries or complaints

Salary: £27,000 – £32,000, plus additional performance-related bonuses of up to £3,000 per year.

Deadline for applications is 6pm on Wednesday, November 29. Send a cover letter and CV to info@revenge.co.uk. Start date is December 11, or flexible for the right candidate.

New tampon for men aims to “reduce gender dysphoria” and alleviate distress trans men feel related to menstruation

Menstrual pain is not just physical discomfort for transgender men with research showing that 93% of transgender men have experienced gender dysphoria related to menstruation. With a tampon designed for men, Vuokkoset aims to change perceptions of menstruation and reduce the distress it causes to transgender men. The tampon is manufactured by Finnish Delipap Oy.

“When I was young, menstruation felt not only strange but somehow wrong. Our culture does not really acknowledge the diversity of menstruating individuals,” says DEI consultant Dakota Robin, who has been through the gender affirming process himself.

Trans men might continue to experience menstrual cycles even while undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, some trans men choose not to undergo hormone replacement therapy, in which case their menstrual cycle remains unaffected. People who are non-binary can also have periods. This highlights the diversity in experiences related to menstruation among different gender identities.

“Menstrual products – from visuality, advertising to store location – are strongly feminine. The discrimination spans to men’s bathrooms that lack waste bins for menstrual products. It’s time to acknowledge the diversity of menstruating individuals,” says Sanna Karhu, CEO of Delipap Oy, the company that manufactures Vuokkoset products.

The Tampon for Men will be available as a limited edition in Finland and wider distribution will begin in early 2024. Total sales proceeds are donated to Trasek ry – an organisation focused on gender diversity and sexual health. A fully gender-neutral tampon product by Vuokkoset is also being considered.

“This is definitely a step in the right direction. By changing attitudes and broadening perspectives, we can also remove discrimination against gender minorities,” concludes Dakota Robin.

DIARY: World AIDS Day 2023 in Brighton & Hove

What’s on in Brighton & Hove in the run up to and on World AIDS Day Friday, December 1.

WORLD AIDS DAY CABARET FUNDRAISER for Terrence Higgins Trust South with hosts Drag With No Name and Portia at Charles Street Tap, Brighton on Thursday, November 30 at 7.30pm.

Acts include: Kara Van Park, Mrs Moore, Sally Vate, Rose Garden, Davina Sparkle, Gabriella Parrish, Lovinia Belle, Woe Addams, Darcey Nox, Sam Solace, Ophelia Payne and Mary O’Kart.

BRIGHTON AIDS MEMORIAL CANDLELIGHT VIGIL in New Steine Gardens, Brighton on Friday, December 1 at 6pm. 

All are welcome to attend the remembrance event of those we have lost to HIV/AIDS in Brighton & Hove.

There will be a reading of the names and a candle light vigil. Space will be available for anyone seeking quiet moments of reflection

Information HERE

The annual Brighton AIDS Memorial Vigil is hosted by the Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day Community Partnership. New names to be read (in addition to those read in previous years) can be emailed to susshivchap@gmail.com by midnight on November 26, or can be added to the list at the New Steine Gardens Memorial Space between 4 – 5pm on the day of the vigil. 

WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT with Actually Gay Men’s Chorus, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and Rainbow Chorus raising funds for Lunch Positive at St Mary’s Church, Kemptown on Friday, December 1 at 7.30pm. 

COMMUNITY LUNCH with Lunch Positive on Sunday, November 26 from 12.30pm (lunch 1pm) at Community Rooms, Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, BN2 1RL. 

An open invitation to the whole community to spend time together over an enjoyable community lunch as part of the city’s World AIDS Day activities. Provided by Lunch Positive volunteers. No charge, donations welcome.

Information HERE or email

Display of UK AIDS MEMORIAL QUILTS featuring Brighton names from Monday, November 27 Sunday, December 10 at Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton BN1 1GE. 

The Brighton AIDS Memorial Project is a remembrance project showcasing the stories and history of the AIDS epidemic in the Brighton & Hove area. The project is proud to display two UK AIDS Memorial Quilts featuring Brighton names. Alongside the display are stories from these quilts which give a glimpse into the lives of some of the individuals featured.

You can find the Brighton AIDS Memorial project on Instagram and Facebook and Queer Heritage South website.

For information email

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