Conchita Wurst the winner of this years Eurovision Song Contest will headline London Pride today along with Sinitta, Sam Fox and Lucy Spraggan.
Conchita Wurst
Sinitta and Sam Fox will join Conchita on the Trafalgar Square main stage and Sinitta will appear on one of the 35 floats on the parade which leaves Baker Street at 1pm.
At around 3.15pm, Pride’s Got Talent winner Dorian Reland will be on stage supporting Conchita who will appear at around 3.30mp
Fresh from her semi final appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, La Voix will appear with the London Gay Big Band at 4.30pm, followed by the Pink Singers.
Trafalgar Square hosts include Dusty O, Dr Christian Jessen, Harry Derbridge as well as Emma and Chris from the Gaydio breakfast show.
Over at the Dean Street Stage, other performers from Pride’s Got Talent will be performing between 1pm and 4 pm while at 4pm the women take over, with Lucy Spraggan headlining at 5pm.
For great food and the chance to chill out with your friends and family, head over to Golden Square where the Rainbow Fete, sponsored by Out with the Family, will be open from 1pm onwards. The square will be carpeted in a rainbow. For food and drink you can choose from lollies, delicious Thai food, crepes, coffee and Greek dishes. There’s also a band stand, a bar, ping pong, bouncy castles, and face painters making a lovely day out – not just for families!
Sinitta
Sinitta said:“I’m looking forward to performing at Pride in London because it’s like going back to my roots! I am not gay, but the British gay community have pretty much shaped a lot of my early days out on the club and party scene with my closest friends and my many gay husbands and wives who mean so much to me. London is the best city in the world and it’s great to be recording, dancing, singing and having fun as an artist again. There have been huge land marks this year in the gay community that we should celebrate!
Dorian Reland
Dorian Reland, winner of Pride’s Got Talent, added:“I’m so grateful for the Pride’s Got Talent win! Pride’s a great opportunity to let your colours shine. It’s a chance to celebrate freedom, diversity and to stand against discrimination. I’m looking forward to performing and spicing things up by summoning up everyone’s wildest instincts!”
Pride in London is the city’s annual celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and culture and consists of a week-long festival celebrating all aspects of the LGBT community which runs from June 22-29.
Actually Gay Women’s Chorus will perform their new production Pride! (In the Name of Love) celebrating Freedom, Pride and Love on July 31.
The show will start off the celebrations to Brighton Pride with music ranging from the huge harmonic realm of Beethoven to the Power of Pink, from the magic of Disney to the electricity of David Guetta.
Conducted by Dee Ruddock and hosted by comedienne Julie Jepson the performance promises to be a joyful journey In The Name of Love.
This year Actually Gay Women’s Chorus will be raising money for Inclusion For All (IFA), an award winning training strategy working across the UK, to prevent homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools.
IFA founder and anti LGBT bullying champion Shaun Dellenty, said:“The funds being raised by Actually will enable IFA to provide vital teacher training across the UK.”
What:Pride! (In the name of love)
Where: St Andrew’s Church, Waterloo Street, Hove
When: Thursday, July 31
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £8
To book tickets, CLICK HERE:also available from The Bulldog , St James Street, Brighton and The Iron Duke, Waterloo Street, Hove.
For further information regarding Inclusion For All, CLICK HERE:
Following a successful launch in the US earlier this year – Facebook has announced a new custom gender option on the social networking site to help people better express their own identity on Facebook.
After collaborating with LGBT advocacy organisations in the US earlier this year, Facebook has now teamed up with UK experts Press For Change and Gendered Intelligence to update the list of ways people can choose to describe themselves – making sure it’s relevant to people in the UK.
In addition, people who select a custom gender will now have the ability to choose the pronoun they’d like to be referred to publicly — male (he/his), female (she/her) or neutral (they/their).
People can also control the audience with whom they want to share their custom gender – as some people face challenges sharing their true gender identity with others, this setting gives people the ability to express themselves in an authentic way.
Simon Milner
Simon Milner, Policy Director, UK Middle East & Africa at Facebook, said: “When you come to Facebook to connect with the people, causes, and organisations you care about, we want you to feel comfortable being your true self.
“An important part of this is the expression of gender especially when it extends beyond the definitions of just ‘male’ or ‘female.’ Today’s announcement provides significantly more options for people in the UK.”
Jay Stewart
Jay Stewart, Co-founder and Director at Gendered Intelligence, added: “Gendered Intelligence supports the launch of Facebook’s custom gender options. The comprehensive range reflects the diversity of identity among trans people in the UK. We welcome the inclusion of non-binary identities that are so often overlooked or erased. Facebook’s decision to better reflect trans lives online sends a message to young trans people that their identities and concerns are legitimate and that their voices have been listened to.”
Prof. Stephen Whittle
Professor Stephen Whittle, Vice-President at Press for Change, concluded saying: “Gender identities are complex and for many people, describing themselves as just a man or just a woman has always been inadequate. The European Court of Human Rights has upheld the right to develop our gender identity, as key to our personal autonomy. By challenging the gender binary, Facebook will finally allow thousands of people to describe themselves as they are now and it will allow future generation of kids to become truly comfortable in their own skins.”
The new custom gender option is now available to everyone who uses Facebook in U.K. English.
Fresh from their appearance in Dublin at the Various Voices LGBT Choral Festival, The Rainbow Chorus, Brighton and Hove’s only LGBT choir, invite you to an evening of song and harmony.
The evening launches their new logo and celebrates their Strength in Harmony strapline. Led by the talented and vivacious Aneesa Chaudhry, Rainbow Chorus will take you on an aural and visual magical mystery tour with a selection of pieces from their eclectic repertoire proving that there really is Strength in Harmony.
The concert will feature sign language interpreting by Marco Nardi
Rainbow Chorus, Brighton’s only LGBT Choir
Event: The Rainbow Chorus – Strength in Harmony – Summer Concert
Where: St George’s Church, St Georges Road, Kemp Town, Brighton, BN2 1ED
Date: Saturday 12th July 12 19.30 (Doors open at 19.00)
Time: 7.30pm – doors open 7pm
Tickets: £12, £10 concessions. (Children under 12 – half price) Available from choir members or on the door.
HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has launched a short video clip for gay and bisexual men.
The video outlines the risks of recent infection – the initial period after HIV is contracted, when a person is super-infectious but won’t yet know they have the virus – and urging men to use condoms with new or casual partners.
The 1:30 clip Ben and Will, has been released as part of It Starts With Me, the flagship campaign from THT and HIV Prevention England (HPE). It demonstrates how men who have recently contracted HIV are often unaware of their status, and – if they have contracted HIV within the last six weeks or so – will have such a high level of the virus in their body, they will be more infectious than at any point afterwards. Among gay men, as many as eight out of ten HIV transmissions are passed on by a partner who doesn’t know he has it.
Cary James, Head of Health Improvement at THT, said:“Too many guys are deciding not to use a condom because they believe they or their partner are HIV-negative. It’s called serosorting, but really it should be called seroguessing. If either guy has had unprotected sex since his last negative result, he could not only have picked up HIV but now be super-infectious. As tests often won’t detect HIV during these first few weeks either, it’s really important men protect themselves by continuing to use condoms.”
In the UK, one in five gay and bisexual men with HIV remain undiagnosed, meaning there are currently more than 7,000 men in the UK’s gay community who have HIV but don’t know it. It Starts With Me focuses on a combination approach of condoms, testing and treatment to halt the spread of infection among the gay community. Using condoms and lube when having anal sex significantly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, being passed on.
HIV Prevention England is a partnership of community organisations headed by THT and funded by the Department of Health to carry out national HIV prevention work in England among communities at an increased risk of infection.
Gay and bisexual men are invited to sign up to It Starts With Me by CLICKING HERE:
To join the conversation on social media, CLICK HERE:
Music lovers can now grab a golden ticket to one of the UK’s biggest LGBT events.
Vengaboys
Newcastle Pride, the second largest free LGBT festival in the UK, is returning for an extended three day run from Friday July 18, with a host of top name performers on the main stage, including Shayne Ward, Sinitta and the Vengaboys.
Organisers, Northern Pride, have teamed up with leading North East events management company, 1879 Events Management, to offer visitors a chance to get closer to the action with a special three tier ticketing system.
While Newcastle Pride remains free to attend, those who purchase Golden Circle tickets will be given entrance to an exclusive viewing area close to the main stage at Newcastle’s Town Moor.
Shayne Ward
A VIP option, including a welcome drink and access to private bar facilities, is also available, with the top tier Platinum pass incorporating a three course meal, as well as the arrival drink and priority view of the stage.
1879 Event Management’s have signed a three year contract to cater for Newcastle Pride, which also includes the supply of the food outlets and bars.
Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director for 1879 Event Management, said:“We know from our experiences managing concerts by the likes of Take That and Rihanna at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, that visitors respond well to a tiered ticketing system.
“This offers those who want the best possible viewpoint to secure a closer position and to enhance their experience with the potential to add catering and hospitality.”
Newcastle Pride, now in its seventh year, will host a main stage at the Town Moor on Saturday July 19 and Sunday July 20, with artists including X Factor star Joseph Whelan, The Voice favourites Diva, Australian singer Kelly Wilde and former S Club 7 singer Jo O’Mera.
The event, which is extended beyond one day for the first time, will also offer a second stage in the town centre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, with additional highlights including a parade and pet show.
Mark Nichols
Mark Nichols, Chairman of Northern Pride which organises the event, said: “This is the biggest event we’ve ever staged and, with more than 65,000 visitors expected to attend, it’s great to be able to work with 1879 Events Management and give people the chance to make the most of it.”
The Golden Circle, VIP and Platinum tickets apply to Newcastle Pride’s Town Moor main stage events only. They are available for one or two days, with prices starting from £10, £25 and £55 respectively. All tickets are strictly limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
For more information or to book, CLICK HERE: and register as required.
You can also telephone: 0871 911 1973
Or visit the main ticket office at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
For Platinum tickets only telephone: 0871 911 1555
Controversial poet, artist and campaigner, Vince Laws, intends to highlight homophobia in the Commonwealth during the forthcoming Commonwealth Gaymes in Glasgow on July 23 – August 3, 2014, with his Umbrellas of Love.
Vince Laws and poet Trudy Howson with 100 Umbrellas of Love before painting: Photo by AD Thacker
Vince explained: “There are 53 countries in the Commonwealth, and in 41 it is illegal to be lesbian, gay or bisexual. In 7 Commonwealth countries I could be imprisoned for life for being myself.”
“And in 2 countries – in parts of Nigeria and parts of Pakistan under Sharia law I could be executed because of who I love. I decided to paint the names of the 41 countries in blood red on white umbrellas and get them seen during the Commonwealth Gaymes.
“Because I’m a penniless poet, I appealed for donations to create ‘Umbrellas of Love’ and soon got enough to do all 86 countries around the world where homosexuality is illegal. I chose umbrellas because they are light and easy to carry, and because the Commonwealth is like a giant umbrella, only some people aren’t allowed to step under its protection.
“Each umbrella will have a giant letter on it, so collectively we can spell out LOVE IS A HUMAN RIGHT, NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL, WE ALL BLEED RED, LOVE AND LET LOVE, and COMMON WEALTH GAYMES.”
Vince is currently painting the umbrellas at his rural Norfolk home. Once painted, the Umbrellas of Love will be sent to Glasgow, where Amy McLachlan Sayer will organise a photo-opportunity or two during the Commonwealth Gaymes.
To get in touch with Amy if you’d like to be involved in Glasgow, EMAIL:
After Glasgow, the Umbrellas of Love will appear in the Norwich Pride Parade on Saturday July 26.
To get in touch with Vince if you’d like be involved at Norwich Pride, EMAIL:
Vince said:“Thanks to everyone who has helped. Over 30 people chipped in and raised over £500 to make Umbrellas of Love happen, I’m very proud of that.”
Peter Tatchell
Here’s what Peter Tatchell wrote about the Commonwealth recently:
“The Commonwealth Games take place in Glasgow this summer. However, a report by the international LGBTI lobby group, the Kaleidoscope Trust, reveals shocking levels of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic persecution in four out of five countries belonging to the Commonwealth association of nations.
“This persecution casts an ugly shadow over what will otherwise be a joyous sporting celebration. It makes a mockery of the Commonwealth Charter’s commitment to universal human rights.
“The Kaleidoscope Trust report is titled: Speaking Out: The rights of LGBTI citizens from across the Commonwealth.
“Of the 53 member nations of the Commonwealth, 41criminalise consensual same-sex behaviour between adults. They make up over half the countries in the world that have a total prohibition on homosexuality. Seven of these Commonwealth states stipulate life imprisonment. Two have Sharia law in certain regions – Pakistan and Nigeria – where the maximum penalty is execution.
“Homophobic criminalisation, prejudice, discrimination and violence is routine – and occurs with impunity – in 80% of Commonwealth countries. Governments of these nations reject dialogue with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter-sex (LGBTI) organisations.
“The biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is no better. It refuses to even discuss the widespread violation of LGBTI human rights by its member states.
“It is only since 2011 that a Commonwealth Secretary-General has, for the first time ever, declared against homophobia.
“This was in response to pressure from LGBTI groups, including my stinging public rebuke of decades of Commonwealth silence and inaction.
“Although this declaration was a pioneering, positive turning point, we’ve also experienced a fair degree of subsequent disappointment.
“Despite the recriminalisation of homosexuality in India, the homophobic witch-hunts in Cameroon, gay-bashing attacks in Jamaica and the draconian new anti-gay laws in Uganda and Nigeria, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, has been mostly muted or totally silent.
“The Kaleidoscope Trust explains in its report why and how he should be challenging these human rights abuses.
Compiled with input from LGBTI people in many Commonwealth countries, it presents shocking, graphic evidence of the immense oppression they suffer. Indeed, one of the most powerful aspects of this report is the first-hand testimony from the victims of homophobia and transphobia:
“I have lost two teeth, had my family property invaded and car damaged by two masked men…I have had stones thrown at me, experienced simulated gun shots, insults and physical harm on public transportation.”Caleb Orozco, Belize.
“A mob had gathered there saying they wanted to kill gays. I was getting into a public minibus and the conductor started to beat me. Then everyone started beating me.”Anonymous, Tanzania.
“I was attacked beaten and paraded naked on the street of Dakwo village, Abuja in July 2013 on the allegation that I am gay. People brought several video camera and mobile phone to record my nakedness. This inhuman degrading treatment has ruined my life and I have been banished from Dakwo village.”KC, Nigeria.
“With a prestigious forward by the former Commonwealth Secretary General, Sir Shridath Ramphal, and a damning critical introduction from the ex-head of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Human Rights Unit, Dr Purna Sen, the report is an authoritative, illuminating call to action.
“Dr Sen notes that criminalisation and hate crime are not the only persecutions suffered by Commonwealth LGBTI citizens. There is also widespread discrimination: the denial of “equal access to rights, education, employment, housing and healthcare.” These abuses happen in defiance of the human rights obligations enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.
“Based on the evidence amassed, the report urges all Commonwealth governments to repeal legislation criminalising same-sex behaviour and, in the meantime, to agree a moratorium on the enforcement of any such existing laws.
“It also calls on member states to engage in dialogue with their LGBTI communities and to approve the formation of a Commonwealth-wide LGBTI association with formal consultative status.
“The biggest, most challenging demand is the discussion of LGBTI equal rights at the next CHOGM. We live in hope and, if there is any justice, this commendable, excoriating report will prompt the Commonwealth to ensure that it happens.”
The countdown is on for the city’s proudest day, Brighton Pride 2014 is almost here.
With a main stage line-up that includes Sam Bailey, Blue, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and Martha Wash; the all new Q Alt Music Live Stage with Republica, Massive Ego, Q-Boy and Lucy Spraggon, plus Brighton Pride favourites Calabash, The Legends Cabaret Tent, The Women’s Dance Tent, Men’s Zone, Community Village, Literature Live Tent and the super-sized Wild Fruit Dance Tent, Brighton Pride 2014 is set to deliver the UK’s most colourful and flamboyant Pride celebration yet.
With more acts to be confirmed and the fastest selling ticket sales in Brighton Pride’s history, 2014, organisers expect to surpass all fundraising records and deliver a glorious Pride for everyone.
Tickets went on sale in February and all early Birds and discounted advance tickets have now sold out!
Make sure you are part of this best of Brighton events and grab the last of the Pride Festival £17.50 advance tickets today.
What: Pride Brighton & Hove 2014: Freedom To Live
Where: Pride Festival Preston Park
Time: 12noon – 10pm
Price: Make sure you grab a £17.50 Advance second release ticket which is available until the end of June/£20 in July/ and more on the day.
The government have announced that same-sex couples in civil partnerships will be able to convert their partnerships into a marriage from December 10.
Neil Allard and Andrew Wale became the first same sex couple married in England on March 29
The first same-sex marriages in England and Wales took place just after midnight on March 29 however, couples who were already in civil partnerships were not able to take advantage of the change in the law.
From December 10 couples who wish to convert their civil partnerships to marriages will simply need to attend a registry office and declare their wishes for the conversion to take place. The new marriage will be back dated to the date of the couple’s original civil partnership ceremony.
The rule change only affects couples in England and Wales. Scotland has separate legislation while Northern Ireland currently has no plans to legalise same-sex marriage.
Following a consultation conducted by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport involving more than 10,000 people the government have also announced that changes to how civil partnerships are not needed at this time despite some campaigners including human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell arguing heterosexual couples should be treated the same. However, the goverment has indicated the issue may be revisited in the future. For the time being civil partnerships being will only be offered as an alternative to marriage for same sex couples.
Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portslade
Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has welcomed the announcement and hailed the move as a great day for equality.
He said:“I am a strong supporter of same-sex marriage and called for this equality legislation to be introduced back in 2011. Since the law came into force, I know that many couples have had the joy of being able to marry the love of their life and am pleased that the Government has announced a date for those wishing to convert existing Civil Partnerships to Marriage. Wednesday 10th December will be another a great day for equality.”
Caroline Lucas MP for Brighton Pavilion
Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, added: We are gradually inching closer to equality and I am pleased the Government has announced a date for when civil partnerships can be converted into marriages. This needs to be an easy and affordable process, so I look forward to the details without further delay. I’ll also keep campaigning for civil partnerships for opposite sex couples and for LGBT couples who get married or enter into civil partnerships to have the same pension rights as opposite sex couples – both are examples of ongoing discrimination that need to be tackled.
Paul and Michael Atwal-Brice
South Yorkshire couple Paul and Michael Atwal-Brice had sought legal advice and campaigned for the Government to set a date as they believed it was unfair that same-sex marriage was not available to people who had already shown a serious commitment to their partners by entering into a civil partnership.
Paul said:“We were distraught when we found out at the start of this year that we wouldn’t be able to get married when we had previously planned and we believed it was very unfair that no one could tell us when those in civil partnerships could go through the marriage process.
“We have tried to put pressure on the Government to set a date so that we and other couples can plan for the future and we are so pleased that we now have a date to work towards. It is a shame that there are another seven months to wait but at least we can now look forward to our special day.”
Simon Kirby MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven
Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, concluded, saying:“I am delighted to hear that we now have a date, in December, for the conversion of civil partnerships to marriages. I have been working hard to ensure this procedure is available as soon as possible.
“I know this procedure has been eagerly awaited by so many LGBT couples and I am pleased for everyone who wishes to change their present status to a full marriage.
“There have been real issues in ensuring this change happens both regarding the status of couples with the Department for Work and Pensions and within the actual systems of Government itself.
“These issues have now been overcome and the waiting is over! As a longstanding supporter of full marriage for LGBT people who currently have a civil partnership, this is great news.
“However, I have written to Ministers at the Department of Culture, Media and Sports asking that the certificate that is given to same sex civil partners who convert their partnerships to a marriage is more than just what is being termed an ‘upgrade’ certificate.”
Stance Theatre are bringing their hit play Drag King Richard III to the Riverside Studios from July 28 – August 3 following a successful run at the Bristol Shakespeare Festival.
Drag King Richard III explores the complexity of switching gender as Laurie (the main character) embarks on the journey of transitioning from female to male.
Gender-subverting photographer Del LaGrace Volcano – and acclaimed writer Laura Bridgeman (The Butch Monologues) – will be in attendance for post-show discussions with the audience.
Drag King Richard III is funny yet serious, probing but light hearted and offers some genuine laugh out loud moments whilst exposing the taboo of the transgender person.
The issue has become highly topical lately with the increased exposure of trans people and their plight in the media. Actor Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) recently became the first trans woman to appear on the cover of Time Magazine, and new role models are emerging in the UK, including the writer Paris Lees and iconic DJ Munroe Bergdorf.
Life in the wrong body for Laurie, born biologically female, is explored through Shakespeare’s deformed villain, Richard III, and the long term friendship Laurie has with La Femme; a butch lesbian who occasionally enjoys dressing up in feminine attire. The play seamlessly weaves classical dialogue through contemporary text, and to stunning effect; the notorious seduction lines are quipped over a sexually charged Tango sequence.
La Femme finds her friend’s gender persuasion difficult to accept and begs Laurie not to “mutilate her body.” She exclaims “I’ve known her a lifetime and now she wants to change pronouns on those memories. Will he still look like my friend?” As Laurie’s transition progresses, their friendship becomes increasingly tested.
Drag King Richard III examines queer identity head on. Even La Femme (a liberated lesbian) is forced to confront her own prejudice; she is butch, but likes the trappings of femininity and passing for ‘straight’. Laurie has no inclination to play that game, it is more than mere costume, he is a man trapped in a woman’s body, the wrong body, and he sets out to change this. Gender identity is at the very core of Laurie/Laurence’s life; it is taken seriously, battled with, and ultimately provides salvation.
Timely and relevant Drag King Richard III takes its audiences on a spell binding and thought provoking journey, full of pathos and wit, as they follow Laurence’s struggle to transition at any cost. The play offers no easy answers, it enthrals and surprises while questioning one of the last social taboos of our modern age.
What: Drag King Richard III
Where: Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9RL
When: Monday July 28 – Saturday August 3 at 8 pm. Matinee Thursday 31 at 3 pm, Sunday’s performance (August 3) is at 5 pm
Cost: Tickets £17 and £15 concs
Del LaGrace Volcano is the guest speaker Monday July 28 – Wednesday July 30
Laura Bridgeman is the guest speaker Thursday July 31 – August 3
Volcano’s slide exhibition will be on display in the foyer.
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