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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

Reclaim the Night Brighton: a trans-inclusive protest against street harassment and rape culture

Words by Reclaim the Night Brighton

Join us for Reclaim the Night Brighton 2023 on Friday, November 10 – a trans inclusive protest against street harassment and rape culture, which starts at Brighton Station at 6pm and ends at New Steine Gardens.

Bring placards, bring megaphones, bring flowers to lay at the rally point, bring your righteous anger, bring your friends.

Our after-party will be at Arcobaleno, hosted by Brighton’s own FemRock – back to mark 10 years of bringing grrrls to the front!

All genders welcome. This is a sex-worker inclusive march, and we actively advocate for the decriminalisation of sex work. This is a trans-inclusive march, and we actively advocate for trans liberation now. Given the chequered history of Reclaim the Night elsewhere in the country, we consider this vital to state clearly, and to do all we can to challenge the worrying rise of so-called ‘radical’ feminism (that seems in fact rooted in very conservative politics).

If you would like to volunteer to steward on the night, please fill in this form.

Any money raised at the march will go to the local Rape Crisis Centre, Survivors’ Network.

If you have any comments or questions, please contact us at reclaimthenightbtn@gmail.com

This is a reclaim the night march, and as such the central focus is on the threat to a woman’s safety when she walks alone at night, and on the issue of gender-based violence. That does not mean that this is not a safe space to discuss the many ways we are all threatened, in a variety of ways, because of our identities and the way we are perceived – particularly in terms of rising rates of racism, homophobia and transphobia in our society.

Not only do we march against street harassment and sexual violence, reclaiming spaces that are traditionally off-limits to lone women, but we seek to fundraise for Survivors’ Network, and to create an atmosphere of belief and support for survivors.

For more info, CLICK HERE

Brighton & Hove’s STI Testing Week from Monday, November 6 aims to encourage sexually active residents to get tested

Words by Terrence Higgins Trust 

Brighton & Hove’s STI Testing Week starts on Monday, November 6. The aim is to encourage sexually active residents to get tested. You can’t always tell if someone has an STI by looking at them, and people are often unaware they have an infection. Only by testing can you know for sure.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are easy to pass on but if you have condomless sex, with new or casual partners, you have a higher chance of catching an STI.

Left untreated STIs can develop into serious health problems. The good news is that by testing regularly, infections are detected sooner which means they can be treated sooner. Early treatment is good for you, meaning you get better quicker. Plus, it’s also good for your sexual partners as it’ll stop onward transmission.

We recommend testing for STIs between sexual partners. If you have frequent new or multiple partners, we recommend testing every three months.

Testing is easy. These days it can be done from the comfort of home. You can order a home test kit from SHAC (sexual health and contraception). The test kit involves taking your own samples, which might include blood and urine or a swab from affected areas. These are then posted to the lab for processing. You’ll get your results by text message. If it’s needed, treatment will be provided.

If you prefer a face-to-face consultation, you can get an appointment at Terrence Higgins Trust. In addition to getting tested, it’s an opportunity to talk about your sexual health and get more information about how to protect your health. Terrence Higgins Trust welcomes everyone over 18 years ago, especially LGBTQ+ people, people of colour, migrants, sex workers, and anyone else who feels uncomfortable going to a clinical space.

Rory Finn, Health Promotion Specialist at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “This Brighton STI Testing Week we’re encouraging people to quickly and easily get tested – because it’s the only way to know if you have an STI.

“Getting tested regularly should be something we’re all doing in order to protect ourselves. It’s quick and easy, and if your results come back positive, it’s always better to know. Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton can offer all the advice and information you need.

“Testing is nothing to be feared or embarrassed about. There is nothing embarrassing about making sure your sexual health is a priority.”

You can order your free home test kit directly from SHAC. More info HERE

Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton & Hove provides a range of HIV and sexual health services and is based at 61 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE. More info HERE or call 01273 764200. 

HIV Chaplaincy, active within community

Words by Revd. Heather Leake Date

Connecting and working with other people and with community groups is an enjoyable part of both my HIV Chaplain and HIV Pharmacist roles, and is essential to delivering an effective service (which I hope I do!). In both positions the needs of the person living with HIV and/or their loved one(s) are paramount, and it’s hugely helpful to be able to refer or signpost someone to people and organisations that I know personally, such as Lunch Positive for food, peer support, volunteering and befriending, Terrence Higgins Trust for benefits advice, and the Sussex Beacon.

By 2024 more than 70% of people accessing local HIV services will be over the age of 50, so the Sussex HIV Chaplaincy and Lunch Positive recently co-hosted a successful Ageing well with HIV networking event as part of the city’s annual Ageing Well Festival. It brought together a wide range of statutory and voluntary services along with potential service users and was a great example of partnership working.

It’s always a privilege when people feel safe enough to share their personal stories with me; whether it’s chatting over a meal at the lunch club, visiting someone in the Sussex Beacon, or keeping in touch with someone by phone and text for several years. When asked what the Chaplaincy meant to him, Ed said “It brought sunshine in my darkest hour”.

Heather Leake

The Chaplaincy offers a free, confidential service to anyone affected by HIV, regardless of their faith background: a listening ear, a friendly face and a supportive voice for anyone with emotional or spiritual issues related to their HIV status or that of someone close to them. You can get in touch by phone/text/WhatsApp on 07867 773360 or email susshivchap@gmail.com.

As Chaplain, on behalf of the Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day Community Partnership, I am responsible for the safekeeping of the list of names to be read at the WAD Candlelight Vigil, which is always held in New Steine Gardens on December 1 at 6pm. The Vigil is primarily intended to remember people with a local connection who died with HIV (not necessarily as a result of it), but proof is not needed. Initially, due to stigma or confidentiality concerns, some people just gave first names or nicknames, but now it’s more usual for someone’s full name to be listed. It’s never too late to add someone.

To submit a name, please email the details to me at susshivchap@gmail.com by midnight on November 26. Please include the correct pronunciation (especially if it may be unclear to a reader). Late entries can be made at the Lunch Positive marquee in New Steine Gardens on December 1 before the Vigil, but advance notice is preferred.

I also organise the annual World AIDS Day Service of Remembrance and Hope at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church. This year’s service (shared with the Village MCC) is on Sunday, December 3 at 6pm; all are welcome.

HIV, time’s up! A World AIDS Day message from Terrence Higgins Trust

Friday, December 1 is World AIDS Day. With every ribbon we remember those we’ve lost to HIV.

Many of those who died from AIDS-related illnesses in the early days of the epidemic were deliberately forgotten due to the stigma and discrimination that was rife at the time. That’s why it’s so important to pay tribute and give thanks to our forbearers who have fought for 40 years of progress. We have made tremendous progress around HIV which wouldn’t be possible without their contributions. The activists, doctors, nurses, friends, grieving partners and every single person who has worked for and volunteered for HIV charities across the UK to get to where we are today.

People on effective HIV treatment can’t pass it on to their partners. PrEP, a free pill that protects you from HIV, is now available in sexual health clinics across the UK. It used to take weeks to get the result of an HIV test, but now it can be done in the comfort of your own home using a self-test – with just minutes to wait before finding out your status.

“It’s so important to pay tribute and give thanks to our forbearers who have fought for 40 years of progress.”

The UK is in a time of hope as we work to end new cases of HIV by 2030 and we will do everything we can to achieve this life-changing and historic goal – because we owe it to those who shoulders we stand on. This opportunity, which would have been unimaginable in the 1980s is possible because we have all of the tools to do it. But we’re currently not doing enough to maximise them.

We need to urgently expand the highly successful opt-out HIV testing programme to all 32 areas where HIV prevalence is high in England. In just 16 months, more than 3,000 people have been found with HIV, hep B and hep C in London, Manchester, Brighton and Blackpool alone. This pioneering scheme is saving lives, saving money and relieving pressure on the NHS. Every day that passes is a missed opportunity, that’s why it’s high time we expand it.

We also need to make PrEP available outside of sexual health clinics for more people to access it including groups other than gay and bisexual men. Our Brighton & Hove team has been at the forefront of this mission to get PrEP to the people who need it most through their PrEP2U scheme, which removes the barriers to the HIV prevention pill by taking sexual health clinics out of the equation. Every Monday and Thursday we open our doors to people who want to start on PrEP. During an appointment we offer a full HIV and STI screening, advice, information, vaccinations for HPV and Hep A/B, and of course PrEP to take home.

“The UK is in a time of hope as we work to end new cases of HIV by 2030 and we will do everything we can to achieve this life-changing and historic goal…”

We also can’t make ending HIV transmissions a reality without ending the stigma around HIV and the devastating impact it has on the lives of people living with HIV. It’s felt every time someone is cruelly rejected on a dating app because of their HIV status, in a hospital when someone takes extra precautions while taking blood, or when HIV is the punchline of a joke.

Stigma also makes people too scared to test – but not getting a test doesn’t change the result and means you’re living with HIV and not getting treatment. Our Positive Voices volunteers are doing an incredible job of tackling stigma by sharing their lived experience in schools, and other organisations. If you’re living with HIV and interested in joining the team, or booking a talk at your workplace, visit their webpage.

There is a clear disconnect between the reality of living with HIV in 2023 and the public’s knowledge and awareness. Tackling HIV stigma needs to be a priority – everyone needs to play their part through shouting about the advancements we’ve made in the fight against HIV and challenging misinformation about the virus. Because we will never end the HIV epidemic without ending the stigma.

“We also can’t make ending HIV transmissions a reality without ending the stigma around HIV and the devastating impact it has on the lives of people living with HIV.”

Take action to support people living with HIV and end new cases in the UK by 2030. Fundraising is one of the best ways you can help. Any amount of money you raise through marathon running or taking on a challenge is going to make a big difference. Our charity provides free HIV testing to people across the UK – one test costs us £15, which means you can help 135 people find out their HIV status by raising £2,030. Our community fundraising team are here to help you. If you have any questions or just would like a chat about ideas, email fundraising@tht.org.uk  and they’ll be in touch.

Together we can be the generation that ends the HIV epidemic and eradicate the stigma associated with the virus for good. HIV, times up!

Change Grow Live: Helping overcome drug and alcohol challenges

At times, living life as a LGBTQ+ person can seem like the most wonderful thing. A diverse community where we can find acceptance, to support each other, to know that others understand who we are. However, sometimes life can throw challenges our way. Some of these are unique to our diverse community. At these times it can be helpful to have the support from someone who understands the challenges.

Change Grow Live (CGL) provides tailored drug and alcohol support to adults in Brighton & Hove who identify as LGBTQ+. We offer 1-to-1 support from recovery coordinators and a variety of online and face-to-face groups to help motivate and support people to address substance misuse, whether that be abstinence or reduction.

We have well established links with a wide range of LGBTQ+ services and support networks in the city. In recent years we have had the emergence of chemsex and in response to this we have created effective connection with other agencies ensuring people accessing the service get the holistic support they need.

A number of people accessing support are living with HIV and many have been supported to attend HIV services like Lunch Positive, and other services in the community. Some of whom have gone on to become volunteers themselves.

We have discovered that a number of individuals from the trans community struggle to access drug and alcohol services due to various factors. As a result of this finding we have attempted to rectify this by engaging with other organisations and subsequently a significant amount of our clients now identify as part of the TNBI community.

We provide a community detox alcohol programme, a prescribing service, needle exchange and have specialist mental health nurses. We support you whether you want to stop, reduce or simply use more safely. We also provide a Family & Carers Service (FACT) for concerned others, who may benefit from support around the substance use of a partner, friend or loved one.

From people’s first contact with us, we hope to provide a space to explore the challenges faced, and with the understanding from an LGBTQ+ perspective.

Of course, a dedicated LGBTQ+ team is not always required from someone needing help. However, we hope by offering a tailored programme of support, people who have previously been reluctant to ask for help can feel they have one less barrier to overcome.

To self-refer or refer someone else is quick and easy by using our online form or you can contact us by phone (01273 731900), Monday to Friday, 9 – 5pm and until 7pm on Thursdays. Alternatively register in person at our office at Richmond House, Richmond Road, Brighton BN2 3RL

Words by Gary Smith, LGBTQ+ Worker

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