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10 Years of Trans Pride: new exhibition from Sharon Kilgannon celebrates 10th anniversary of Trans Pride Brighton & Hove

The Ledward Centre, Brighton’s LGBTQ+ cultural and community centre, is hosting the exhibition 10 Years of Trans Pride from Friday, July 14 until Monday, August 7.

Sharon Kilgannon has documented Trans Pride Brighton & Hove since its first event back in 2013, which had 750 visitors, through to 2022 when it returned as an in-person event after two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the most recent event, 20,000 trans people and allies took to the street to march for trans rights and celebrate their community.

Sharon has curated this exhibition from their archive of 10 years of photography in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Trans Pride Brighton & Hove.

You can find more of their work on Instagram (@alonglines) and they are also a contributor to My Genderation, a not for profit film and resource project that celebrates trans lives and trans experiences.

Sharon Kilgannon: 10 Years of Trans Pride from Friday, July 14 until Monday, August 7 at the Ledward Centre, 14a Jubilee St, Brighton, BN1 1GE.

The main event of year’s Trans Pride Brighton & Hove takes place on Saturday, July 15. More info HERE

Carly Rae Jepsen announces new album ‘The Loveliest Time’ to be released July 28

GRAMMY-nominated pop icon Carly Rae Jepsen announces the companion piece to her 2022 release, The Loneliest Time. A continuation of that critically acclaimed album, and the third in a series of fan-favorite B side albums, The Loveliest Time will be released July 28 via 604/Schoolboy/Interscope Records and features 12 new tracks including the recently released single Shy Boy.

Jepsen spent the past 10 months between studios and a world tour, reworking a collection of songs that were born in isolation. She enlisted a team of trusted all-star collaborators (John Hill, Patrik Berger, Rostam Batmanglij, Kyle Shearer and more) to distill The Loveliest Time into her most introspective and effervescent work to date.

Produced by James Ford, Shy Boy is the pop phenomenon’s first single from The Loveliest Time. Jepsen’s B sides projects have always offered a deep dive into her creative process but The Loveliest Time feels even wilder and freer than what came before. In it she expands upon the multi-layered soundscapes she created on 2019’s Dedicated and 2020’s Dedicated Side B as well as 2015’s critically lauded and culture-defining E*MO*TION — a project that spawned bangers like Run Away With Me and Your Type.

“I got to know loneliness and discover the beauty in it,” said Jepsen on social media. “The loneliest time taught me that growth comes from being planted in darkness. But now the world has opened itself back up again and in turn so have we.”

Repeat attacks on Gay Village store in Manchester triggers £2,000 reward and appeal by charity Crimestoppers

The charity Crimestoppers is offering its support to help find those involved in a series of attacks on an adult store based in Manchester’s famous Gay Village.

Clonezone, on Sackville Street, has been targeted four times over recent months. In the latest attack on Monday, May 22, masked men on a motorbike smashed the glass door before speeding off in the direction of Bloom Street.

The bike is believed to have been used in a previous violent attack on Monday, April 24. It’s a distinctive red/orange off-road style GASGAS bike.

Another bike was used for the first two attacks on the store on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, April 13.

Crimestoppers is independent of the police and ensures everyone who contacts them stays 100% anonymous, meaning no details are ever asked for or stored.

Crimestoppers is offering up to £2,000 for information the charity exclusively receives – either online or by calling freephone 0800 555 111 – that leads to the arrest & conviction of those involved. 

Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Manchester is renowned for many things, including its diversity and world-famous Gay Village. A series of attacks on a store in the district contrasts with its reputation as a welcoming place for celebration.

“We know that some people won’t speak to the authorities, which is why we exist: to give everyone the option of telling us what they know without giving any of their own personal details. Our charity knows it can be hard to give information about crime, especially if it’s about someone close to you or in your wider circle of friends and associates.

“Crimestoppers has been taking information completely anonymously since we began in the late 1980s. Every day, over 1,500 people trust our charity with their information, given online or over the phone. We have always kept our promise of anonymity to the millions of people who have contacted us. You can speak to us anonymously by calling our UK Contact Centre which is open 24/7 on freephone number 0800 555 111 or you can use our secure anonymous online form. Remember, that with Crimestoppers, there’s no comeback.”

Note: Computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. For telephone calls, there is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and calls have never been traced.

Information passed directly to police will not qualify for a reward. Only information passed to Crimestoppers using the anonymous online form or via the 0800 555 111 freephone number will qualify. 

London Stags RFC and Mitcham & Carshalton RUFC announce the date of London Pride 7s tournament

Lead Pic from London Pride 7s 2022. Copyright Colin Jones

Mitcham & Carshalton RUFC and the London Stags RFC have announced the date for their third London Pride 7s tournament, which will see Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents take on gay and inclusive rugby clubs across the country. Launched in 2021, the annual inclusive Sevens Rugby tournament, which is this year supported by Gallagher, Oddballs Foundation, Grindr, Proud BeerOut For Sport, Hoemo World and Signal Brewery, will be returning to Dewsbury Cottage in Carshalton on Saturday, July 22.

James Ledward, 23/24 Club Chairperson of the London Stags, said: “It’s with great pleasure that we host our annual Pride 7s tournament in partnership with Mitcham & Carshalton for the third time. It’s always a fantastic event to bring IGR teams together for a great day of rugby. As the last year has seen steps backwards in terms of inclusion in sport for all, it’s events like these that are more important than ever to highlight the opportunities and the good that comes from inclusive sport and the benefits to all involved.”

Expected to attend this season will be a number of IGR (International Gay Rugby) clubs from across the county including the Kings Cross Steelers, Reading Renegades and the Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents to name but a few.

M&C Club Secretary, Keir Waller, added “We’re hugely proud of our partnership with the London Stags and to once again be hosting London Pride 7s alongside them. We’ve wanted to create a tournament that champions inclusivity in a space that’s safe and fun for everyone and we’re thrilled that London Pride 7s has returned for its third year.

“Over the last year or so, we’ve seen a huge spike in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes across the UK and it’s the responsibility of every rugby club across the country to do their bit, promote inclusivity, and stand alongside their friends and families who are part of the LBGTQ+ community. We’re privileged to have this relationship with the London Stags as well as the wider IGR community and we hope it continues for many years to come.”

Following the 7s Tournament, the club will host the award-winning drag queen and cabaret performer, Poppycock. Known up and down the country as one of the top artists performing as a singer, dance and host, they have regular spots at the famous Two Brewers, Heaven and Halfway to Heaven.

Isle of Wight Pride postponed till 18, 19 and 20 August

Due to high winds forecast for this weekend, Isle of Wight Pride 2023 has been postponed until August 18, 19 and 20. Isle of Wight Pride returns in August with a weekend event at Eastern GardensRyde Esplanade.

Starting on Friday, August 18 with the Pride Launch Party from 5 – 9pm featuring StarStruck, a Years & Years tribute, plus Gay-Ties Revival Show with DJ. At the event there will be a variety of food and drink served including a newly launched IW Pride Cocktail.

On Saturday, August 19 the Pride Parade will start at 12pm from Ryde School heading down West Street, Lind Street, Union Street, along the Esplanade until it reaches the Pride Community Village in Eastern Gardens. Entertainment on the main stage will be hosted by Island drag sensation Quivers and boasts a fabulous variety of acts including Christavie Francisco, Solent Gay Men’s Chorus, Brighton drag queens Raiine and Glew, MDNA – Madonna Tribute, Cherry Liquor, Diva-Licious ’90s show, star of The Voice UK, Amrick Channa, and a DJ set from Woody Cook starting at 9pm.The Pride Community Village will be open all day from 12pm on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16  including bars, a range of food stalls, local business and charity stalls and the all new Selfie Island featuring the Pride Unicorns!


Pride Plus, on Sunday, August 20, will start at 12pm in Eastern Gardens with all day entertainment including performances from local theatre groups and singers, Kylie and Dolly Parton tributes, burlesque, drag and a Promise Ceremony.

Isle of Wight Pride 2023 is a FREE event and open to all.Organisers say: “This event champions the importance of equality and diversity by highlighting the advances that have been made for the LGBTQ+ community in the UK and around the world, whilst also raising awareness of the prejudice and danger that many still face. Isle of Wight Pride is open for all to enjoy who share our vision for a world in which people can be their authentic selves with no fear of censure, judgement, inequality, or abuse, proving that ‘Love Wins.’”

For more info, CLICK HERE

Kylie Minogue and Stephen Fry donate to charity shop to mark £1million raised for HIV

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is celebrating having raised £1million from their charity shop. Celebrities including Kylie Minogue and Stephen Fry have helped the charity mark the milestone by donating items to the shop.

Boutique in Pimlico has been raising much needed funds for Terrence Higgins Trust for almost two decades, helping fund the charity’s work to fight HIV stigma and discrimination and support people living with HIV. Today Terrence Higgins Trust are working towards the ambitious goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030 – and every pound raised by Boutique brings the charity closer to making this life-changing goal a reality. With Mary Portas having described Boutique as “…one of her most loved charity shops”, and Time Out has labelled it one of London’s best, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

Kylie Minogue has donated a limited edition watch as well as a signed print of her Step Back In Time album artwork while Terrence Higgins Trust patron Stephen Fry donated a collection of his ties, which are known to be his ‘greatest clothing companion’.

 

Terrence Higgins Trust hosted a party to mark the occasion at the West London charity shop with influencers, including the cast of BBC Three’s I Kissed A Boy, shop volunteers and the charity’s Chief Executive, Richard Angell, who presented Boutique with a commemorative plaque to celebrate their £1million fundraising milestone.

Richard Angell, Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Terrence Higgins Trust has the best supporters – your generous donations and avid shopping at our one charity shop Boutique has raised £1million for HIV since doors opened in 2008. What an important milestone and an incredible reminder than every pre-love good and unwanted gift donated adds up to game changing amount of money in the fight to end new HIV cases and support people living with HIV. Thank you.

“As we endeavour to be the first country to end the HIV epidemic, all before 2030, it is all hands to the pumps as we find the undiagnosed and support those diagnosed to live well with the virus. We will not rest until this ambitious goal is achieved, we hope you won’t too. Boutique is just one of ways you can support our work and is always open to received donation and always worth of a browse – I hope to see you in the shop sometime soon.”

Brighton & Hove City Council announces new plan for the city, making it a “better Brighton & Hove for all”

A vision for a ‘better Brighton & Hove for all’ has been announced by Brighton & Hove City Council in a proposed new Council Plan for 2023 to 2027, which will go before all 54 councillors for approval on Thursday, July 20.

Talking about the bold new vision for the city, Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council said: “We all deserve to live in a city that we can be proud of – where everyone is included and has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

“We know that there’s inequality and injustice throughout Brighton & Hove and hardship felt by many of our residents. There’s a great desire to see essential every-day council services restored and revitalised.

“I am determined that this council will deliver the services the city deserves and help alleviate hardship. We are close to our residents, visitors and businesses and will actively listen and respond to their needs.”

The council’s new plan of action for the city outlines its core priorities for 2023 to 2027. Commenting on what a “better Brighton & Hove for all” means in practice the Council Leader said:

“Whether you live, work, study or just visiting, our vision is that Brighton & Hove can be:

  • A city to be proud of – we will champion a flourishing economy and a sustainable, safe and clean environment
  • A fair and inclusive city – with homes for all, we will work to reduce inequality, challenge discrimination, improve accessibility and keep people safe
  • A city where people can thrive – we will secure a better future for children and young people and enable people to live healthy and fulfilling lives
  • A city with responsive and well-run council services – we will put the needs of our residents, businesses and visitors at the heart of what we do and enable our hard-working staff to do their best.”

“We are not just words. This is our plan setting out the real things we will do to create a better Brighton & Hove that can deliver real change and decent public services – from the seafront and city centre, up to the suburbs and the South Downs!

“I don’t underestimate the challenges the city and the council faces. But I promise we will work hard, and I know we can meet them together and unlock our potential.”

Brighton & Hove City Council say that if approved, the “plan for a better Brighton & Hove will shape council policy and services for years to come”.

You can read the proposed plan and the council’s priorities for Brighton & Hove HERE

Joe Lycett, Calum Scott, Billy Porter and Jill Scott among winners in this year’s Hits Radio Pride Poll

Joe Lycett, Billy Porter and Jill Scott are among the winners in this year’s Hits Radio Pride Poll while Manchester, Brighton and Margate Pride events also take top spots.

The winners of the annual Hits Radio Pride Poll 2023 are comedian Joe Lycett, named TV/Film Icon; Queen of the Jungle and football star Jill Scott, named as the nation’s Sporting Icon; Callum Scott, named as this year’s Music Icon; and Billy Porter, the only international name on the list, taking home the Style Icon title.

Voted by fans and listeners of dedicated LGBTQ+ station Hits Radio Pride, the poll also highlighted the best Small, Medium and Large Pride events that take place across the UK. Controversially, Manchester Pride – a previous winner – was recognised as the best Large event, Brighton & Hove Pride took top spot in best Medium event and Margate Pride got a shout out as the best Small event.

Jordan Lee, Hits Radio Pride Presenter, said: “Whilst we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community all year round, Pride Month is a special time for all of us at Hits Radio Pride. It lets us highlight, celebrate, and support those communities nationwide that are making a huge difference.

“We’re here to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and it is always a beautiful experience to see how passionately our listeners join us to offer support to and for the best Pride events each year as well as celebrating those LGBTQ+ icons using their platforms to make a difference over the last 12 months.”

Jordan Lee spoke to Billy Porter on Hits Radio Pride and revealed to the Broadway star that he had been named this year’s Style Icon. Billy was thrilled and shared just how much making a statement with his style means to him: “My Great Aunt Dorothy told me to dress for the job you want, not the one that you have. I’m first generation post-civil rights movement and I dress to impress – first impressions are important. And I’m just grateful that I never cared about what anybody else thought about how I expressed myself though clothing so I’ve never been limited. What you see is who I’ve always been and I think that’s why folks resonate so much because I’m not putting it on.

“You can go back to photos of me and people would call me crazy and tell me I looked ridiculous and made fun of me and it never mattered to me. I hear people say all the time ‘I could never pull that off’ but all you have to do is put it on! It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about your choice.”

Listen to Hits Radio Pride HERE

Magic Still Exists! Swedish icon Agnes confirmed for Stockholm Pride – her first festival performance in Europe in eight years

Following her acclaimed performance at World Pride 2023 in Australia, it is now confirmed that Swedish singer Agnes will make her first festival performance in Europe in eight years at Stockholm Pride on Friday, August 4 where she will take the stage in Pride Park as Stockholm Pride celebrates its 25th anniversary with the theme Celebrate Diversity.

“We’re incredibly thrilled that Agnes is coming to Stockholm Pride to celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary. Agnes has long been a dream booking for us, and it’s fantastic to welcome her back to Pride Park”, says Mia Modin, Festival Director of Stockholm Pride.

Since her debut album in 2005, Agnes has had a stellar career and made her major international breakthrough 14 years ago with the song Release Me. Her music has been played around the world, topped the American Billboard charts, and has several hundred million streams on Spotify.

“It will be wonderful to perform in Sweden again, and it feels great that it is specifically at Stockholm Pride. It is an event that means a lot to me and to the entire LGBTQ+ community. My lyrics and music often revolve around freedom, and it feels like it will beautifully underscore everything that Pride stands for. I look forward to sharing this experience with the audience. It will be unforgettable and magical,” says Agnes.

In 2021, Agnes released her latest album, Magic Still Exists, where many songs are grounded in what Stockholm Pride stands for – Freedom, Love & Appreciation – to be your true self.

“When global artists like Agnes stand before our sparkling Pride audience, it’s not just an ordinary performance. It also becomes an important statement for human rights and standing up for the equal value of all. I look forward to seeing all of Pride Park let loose in true disco spirit”, concludes Mia Modin.

Other artists confirmed for Stockholm Pride 2023 include Oscar Zia, Linnea Henriksson, Petra Marklund, Viktor Norén, Storm Dunder, Admira Thunderpussy, Eden Alm, and many more.

MindOut launches new Online Support Service for GBTQ+ men seeking confidential mental health advice

MindOut, the LGBTQ+ mental health charity, announced the launch of new service on Wednesday, July 12.

These themed Online Support Service for GBTQ+ men will be an opportunity to speak with GBTQ+ identifying staff for confidential mental health advice.

The service runs from 3.30 – 5.30pm every Wednesday via the pink bubble on the MindOut website. 
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