Author: Besi

Father Andrew Manson-Brailsford explains why Pride Matters to him.

“I have visited the Brighton Pride event for several years now. It is a good party but I also hope it reminds us of two important things. What we can achieve when we work together and respect each other and how far we have come from a time when there was far less respect and basic love.

“Since my arrival in Brighton 18 years ago the people who make up the congregation at my church St George’s in Kemp Town were looking at ways in which they could use their buildings to work with the area’s diverse communities. Together we were able to raise funds to build a much-needed community centre and cafe, a nursery and more recently St Mark’s Chapel where we work with local artists to provide an arts centre. All of these buildings help to create space for people to come together, to share experiences, express themselves, and build up a shared sense of community. To me this is a living out of parables like ‘The Good Samaritan’ where all of us need a helping hand and friends at some point. If we can’t give that in Kemp Town, then where can we do it?

“When we first began to think of community buildings, we decided that what happened on the inside should reflect what was on the outside, and that meant including a large LGBT community. I think that, quite rightly, we were viewed with suspicion at first. Not all LGBT people have had good experiences with faith groups. I hope, however, that trust has grown at least in St George’s case. The way I see things is that we are all part of Kemp Town, and we all have our part to play – and that includes people who are LGBT and who want to be a part of the worshiping community. Sometimes that also means speaking out against abuse and bigotry, and sometimes being unpopular amongst more conservative groups for doing so.

“The LGBT community now share our Community Centre and we have several LGBT groups, children from LGBT families have attended our nursery, and we host a good number of the LGBT choirs concerts each year. We are really pleased to welcome LGBT people to regular services, and St George’s hosts the CA and The Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement (LGCM) Christmas Carols service each year.

“For those who believe, whatever their faith may be, then I think blessing the parade is important. It allows us to think back and remember all those who have been persecuted, those who have fought for present freedoms, and not least those who have been scarred, injured or killed because of intolerance. It also enables us to look forward, with a sense of otherness and community, which God may bring.

“The Church, and especially the Church of England, has often been characterised as being anti-LGBT people. Some members of the CofE still have difficulties. Nevertheless, there are a large number who are supportive and aim to be inclusive of all people including LGBT people. The Anglican churches in Brighton, when asked, all said that they would not only welcome LGBT people but would encourage them. St George’s have supported local LGBT groups giving funds from their annular grants to both CA and LGCM which I believe helps them to be part of the parade. And of course we also have members of the congregation who will be entering into the fun, both members of the LGBT community and also friends and supporters.

“St George’s Church is a forward thinking Anglian church serving Brighton’s diverse community in the heart of Kemp Town.”

Neil Borrett explains why Pride Matters to him.

“I was born and raised in Brighton. I went to a local comprehensive during the 80s. As a shy, quiet, overweight lad with no interest in sports but with a great love of pop music, I was picked on and told I was gay. At the time, I didn’t really care what others thought. As long as I had my music and a few close friends to go out with, I wasn’t that bothered. I did have a few experiences at school which excited me, but I was in denial.

After leaving school, I went between jobs not knowing what to do, and started dating women. I fell in love, and after an 18 year on-and-off relationship, we married. During the 90s, we had often gone out with her gay friends, and went to Pride every year. I never had feelings towards men then; during our visits to Pride, I would get excited and think, “I wonder what it would be like? Am I bisexual?” Pride made me realise that being gay is normal, and that I was just kidding myself that I was straight. Could I ever love a man?

“Our marriage wasn’t going too well. I was mostly to blame, and we became increasingly distant. I started seeing a guy regularly, and then BANG! I started having feelings towards him. It was May, and Pride 2008 was coming up. I had to do something – I couldn’t lie any more to my wife, family and friends.

“One Saturday afternoon, my wife and I were having one of our good days. After a few drinks, I blurted out, “I’m gay!” Pride arrived and I went on my own, not having any other close gay friends. I watched the parade and went to the park. I felt at home and normal at last. I started to chat with people and form friendships. I left the family home and moved into a room with a gay landlord. I later met the man of my dreams and am lucky enough to be with him today.

“Pride is important to me because it made me realise that you don’t have to pretend to the world about the way you feel, and that being gay is normal. I just wish that I had had the courage to come out back in the 80s. It seemed like a different world then, but it wasn’t really.”