Besi – Page 422 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Law Commission report calls for overhaul of outdated hate crime laws

Posted on 28/05/201430/05/2014 by Besi

An anti-homophobia and transphobia charity has welcomed a report calling for hate crime laws to be overhauled.

Galop, which helps victims of hate crime have called the current legal system nonsensical and ripe for change.

The Law Commission report calls for an end to courts using one system for anti-race and faith hate crime, and another less effective one for homophobic, anti-transgender and disability crimes.

Under the current system homophobic criminal damage can be punished with 10 years in prison, the same as if it had not been homophobic. But the same crime could be punished with 14 years if it was racist. Transphobic common assault has a 6 month maximum but anti-faith common assault can be punished with 2 years.

A Galop spokesperson said: “We welcome this report and are urging the government to act on it. Everyone should be able to feel the legal system is equally behind them whatever type of hate crime they experience.

“Many people are surprised that this difference exists and agree with us that it is outdated, nonsensical and needs to change. We hope that this is the first step toward giving police and courts the tools to tackle all types of hate crime on an equal footing.

“Our clients are usually living through a traumatic time and most will never see the inside of a courtroom. That means courts need to get things right for those brave few who stand up to their attackers in court.

“We were disappointed that the report did not recommend reforming the messy laws that prohibit extreme hate speech. We will continue campaigning for those protections to be extended to transgender and disabled people though.”

For more information about Galop, CLICK HERE:

Support your community and get a free ticket for Pride

Posted on 28/05/2014 by Besi

Brighton Pride is a non profit community interest company (CIC) with just two full time members of administration staff.

Last year with the help of volunteers and supporters Pride smashed their fund-raising target and raised over £43,000 for the Rainbow Fund to distribute through their grants programme to LGBT/HIV organisations in Brighton and Hove, through their grants programme.

Paul Elgood of the Rainbow Fund said of Pride’s fundraising role: “Pride has made a significant contribution to the local LGBT community sector, and have created a sustainable and secure source of funding for the smaller volunteer-led community groups who can rely on this funding to operate. Pride asked the Rainbow Fund to provide a fair and needs-led basis for distributing the funding to those local groups who need it most”.

Pride is in continual need of volunteers to help out on the day as Parade Stewards, Placard volunteers and Rainbow Flag Bearers. Brighton Pride simply does not happen without the essential contributions made by volunteers, and it is the perfect way to celebrate a Pride with purpose where community helps community.

Here just three ways to help:

1. Community Parade Steward: REGISTER HERE:

Register as a Parade Steward and help ensure the parade remains a rainbow of diversity highlighting and recognising LGBT communities around the world where they don’t have their Freedom to Live.

2. 78 Placards volunteers: REGISTER HERE: and Pride will contact you with further details

Volunteer to carry one of the 78 Freedom To Live placards on the Brighton Pride LGBT Community Parade and be part of a campaign we can all truly be proud of. Help Pride highlight the inequalities LGBTQ communities across the globe face in their daily lives and demand that everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender, deserves Freedom to Live. Help make Pride Matter!

3. Rainbow Flag Bearer: REGISTER HERE:

This year Brighton Pride will continue the proud tradition and include a giant 50ft long rainbow flag in the LGBT Community Pride Parade. Pride needs you to become a proud flag bearer. It’s a fabulous way to be a part of Brighton Pride as the parade celebrates, campaigns and sashays its way through the streets of our city.

Once you’ve registered Pride’s volunteer co-ordinator will be in contact in the next few weeks with more details.

You may also email volunteer enquiries to: billie@brighton-pride.org

For any other Parade related enquiries email: parade@brighton-pride.org

Budget accomodation available during Pride

Posted on 28/05/201429/05/2014 by Besi

During the summer, the Sussex University Residential Services are offering some budget and self catering rooms on their Falmer campus, bookable by individual visitors on a night by night or weekly basis.

Falmer Station is just nine minutes from Brighton train station, and trains run every 15-20 minutes. Falmer station is the third stop on leaving Brighton, after London Road and Moulsecoomb. Taxis do not run from Falmer Station to the residences.

The No. 25 bus runs every 10 minutes from Brighton to the University of Sussex (slowing to every 20 minutes in the evening, and every 30 minutes at night). The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. If you arrive in Brighton by coach the nearest stop for the No. 25 is at the Old Steine which is situated a short walk away behind the coach station.

The cost of the taxi from Brighton Station is approximately £15.

During Pride weekend, self catering ensuite single rooms with free weekend parking are available from £35 per night, and budget single rooms with shared bathroom cost £21 per night.

Similar rates are offered throughout the summer. 10% discount is given for group booking of 10 or more people. Meal options are also on offer if required.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

F.A. Centre to host cup final of world’s largest LGBT Football League

Posted on 28/05/2014 by Besi

This Saturday, May 31, the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN), national cup final will be held at the English FA’s state-of-the-art training facility in St. George’s Park near Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire.

The game will be contested between Village Manchester FC and London Romans FC.

The centre set in the National Forest, in 330 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland, is the training base for the 24 England teams and features world class facilities to improve the future of football at all levels.

The final will take place on the elite indoor 3G pitch which comes complete with a 200 seater viewing gallery.

The match kick off is at 4.30pm and everyone is welcome to attend.

GFSN spokesperson Simon Smith, said: “We are honoured that the FA have allowed us to use their amazing facility at St George’s Park for the GFSN Cup Final in this the 25th Anniversary year of our organisation. Showcase matches like this act as a great advertisement for the participation and inclusion of LGBT people in football.”

Angie Harper, Football Development Officer (Women, Girls and Inclusion), Derbyshire County Football Association added: “Derbyshire County FA are proud to support the GFSN Cup Final. Homophobia and discrimination against LGB&T people in football is unacceptable and Derbyshire County FA are committed to creating safe and inclusive football environment for everyone.”

Jodie Allard – Football Development Officer (Inclusion) at Staffordshire FA, concluded: “A key priority of Staffordshire FA’s work is to ensure that football is free from discrimination and harassment, and to promote the involvement of people from all backgrounds within football in Staffordshire. At Staffordshire FA, we have a clear strategy that is incorporated into our project planning, organisation and delivery to develop football and increase participation for all sections of society, ensuring that football truly provides opportunities for all.

“Throughout the implementation of this work, we recognise the Gay Footballers Support Network (GFSN) as a key partner who continue to provide opportunities and support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender football fans across the UK. The GFSN Cup Final on Saturday 31st May is a fantastic opportunity for the organisation to display the great work they are doing in supporting LGB&T people within football, by increasing opportunities for their members and providing a clear voice against serious LGB&T issues.”

What: Gay Football Supporters Network cup final

When: Saturday, May 31

Where: St. George’s Park, Newborough Road, Needwood, Burton-Upon-Trent, DE13 9PD

Time: 4.30pm

Oxford Pride Festival: ‘Role Models’ launches May 30

Posted on 28/05/201428/05/2014 by Besi

Oxford Pride commence their ten-day Pride festival with a launch party on Friday May 30.

The event takes place at the Oxford Beach, in conjunction with The Big Bang in the Oxford Castle Quarter, which plays host to this years’ Pride Arts Exhibition. The theme of Oxford Pride this year is Role Models.

The launch party runs from 6-9pm, and will feature live entertainment, speeches, a BBQ and cocktails.

During the opening weekend there are LGBT history workshops and walks, arts events, discussions, and a dog show. Throughout the week there are quizzes, book clubs, club nights, social gatherings, and parade workshops.

The main event is on Saturday June 7 and features a parade through the city starting at mid-day and ending at Oxpens Field, where there will be 8 hours of live entertainment throughout the afternoon and into the early evening,

The festival closes on Sunday June 8 with a series of Trans Cinema films at The Phoenix Picturehouse, exploring themes of gender, identity and the reception of trans characters.

A full listing of festival events is available on the Oxford Pride website and in the Pride Guide, which can be picked up from locations around Oxfordshire.

This year Oxford Pride is being supported by Unite the Union, South East who have provided invaluable help to the Pride organisers in organising the festival.

John Rowse, Regional Secretary of Unite the Union South East said: “Oxford Pride is an important opportunity for all of us to put out the message that ensuring equality in the workplace and society is perhaps the most important guarantee of Human Rights in a world where prejudice and intolerance is on the rise. Despite great leaps forward in industrialised countries, intolerance and prejudice is only under the surface and in many parts of the world it is literally a matter of life and death.

“That is why the Regional Committee of Unite the Union in the South East will continue to sponsor and actively support events like Oxford Pride across the Region and sends everyone our best wishes for great day on the June 7.

“Please visit our Regional LGBT webpages on www.unitetheunion.org website and clicking on “Regions” in the panel at the bottom of the page to see the activities and events we are involved with.”

All events supported or organised by Oxford Pride promote awareness of LGBT issues and lifestyle through providing information, education and entertainment in a safe and encouraging environment.

Oxford Pride Group is a charity, founded in 2003 and run by volunteers.

Patrons include: Lord Waheed Alli, Sir Ian McKellen, Peter Tatchell, Paul O’Grady, Clare Summerskill, Paul Gambaccini and Angela Eagle MP.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

What: Oxford Pride Festival May 30 – June 8, 2014

Launch event: Friday, May 30 2014

Parade & Fair Day Event: Saturday, June 7, 2014: Theme Role Models

Shared office space for smaller LGBT organisations

Posted on 27/05/201427/05/2014 by Besi

Member groups of the newly formed LGBT Community Groups Network have been given shared office space to carry out their day-to-day administration, and to hold meetings.

The office space is provided free, with electricity, insurance and wi-fi included. Centric Charity which manages unused office space at Prestamex House, opposite Preston Park, recently advertised for charities to take up free offices and Lunch Positive successfully bid for one.

Lunch Positive have extended their licence to facilitate a dedicated space for member groups of the LGBT Community Groups Network.

Gary Pargeter, is the volunteer project manager at Lunch Positive, and the Community Works facilitator for the Network.

He said: “We’re incredibly pleased to have secured this extra space for our smaller LGBT groups. From personal experience, running a community group often involves more administration that people realise. Having good facilities to carry this out and plan our work makes a huge difference to how well we are able to run our groups, and deliver our services. The cost of renting offices is prohibitive. Most of our smaller groups are run by volunteers. Working from home can sometimes be very difficult, especially when work is pressured. It’s important to be able to separate work and personal lives. We hope this space will help the people running groups and their groups work. Another fantastic advantage is that our groups will be able to spend informal time with each other, and hopefully also benefit from getting to know each other well.”

The LGBT office space is accessible 6 days a week during office hours, open plan, has nine ‘hot desks’, filing storage and a meeting area. Groups have use of a shared kitchen, and a larger meeting area out of hours by arrangement. The space has been furnished through the donation of equipment from Freegle, and a community development grant of £500 from Sussex Community Foundation.

To find out more about the LGBT Community Groups Network, EMAIL:

Or telephone: 07725 647455

Bourne Free announce theme for 2014

Posted on 27/05/2014 by Besi

Now in its tenth year, the organising committee of Bourne Free, Bournemouth’s LGBT Pride have announced the theme for 2014 will be Decades.

Bourne Free Trustee Chris Ashton, said: “With this theme you can choose from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and the naughties.. erm I mean noughties”

“We are expecting some great ideas from the community in designs for the venues floats for the parade and for peoples costumes throughout the whole weekend”.

Bourne Free takes place on the weekend starting Friday, July 11. The parade is on Saturday, July 12 starting at 11am on top of the East Cliff (by the East Cliff lift), making its way through the town and arriving at The Triangle at 12 noon.

Trustee Louise Clarke who is organising the entertainment, said: “We have some great new entertainment lined-up for this year, and we think that the crowd will be pleased. The Big Screen will be back in The Triangle showing live feed from the main stage as well as images from the crowd, so keep a look out, you may see yourself on the Big Screen!”

For more information about Bourne Free, CLICK HERE:

Make it a Knight to remember at Stonewall’s Summer Party!

Posted on 27/05/201427/05/2014 by Besi

Beverley Knight will perform an exclusive set at Stonewall’s annual Summer Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens on June 13.

Beverley, whose hits include Come As You Are, Shoulda Woulda Coulda and Piece of my Heart and has recently become a West End sensation with her starring role in The Bodyguard, will sing at the event in aid of Stonewall’s work in Britain and around the world.

The Summer Party supports the charity’s work to tackle homophobic abuse. Stonewall currently works with 10,000 schools in Britain and recently launched a high profile campaign – Gay. Let’s Get The Meaning Straight – to tackle homophobic language.

Stonewall’s International Team also works with LGBT activists from 30 countries around the globe – from Armenia to Peru – to help them plan effective ways to achieve change in their country.

As well as Beverley’s set, guests will enjoy a two course barbecue and entry to the Roof Garden’s popular club night, which runs through until 3am. The Stonewall Summer Party is supported by Societe Generale, with media partner Square Peg Media.

Catherine Bosworth, Stonewall Director of Fundraising, said: “We’re excited to welcome Beverley Knight at our Summer Party. 2014 is a special year for us, as it marks our 25th anniversary. While much has been achieved here in Britain we know that there’s so much still to be done both at home and around the world to secure equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.”

Tickets for the Summer Party cost £70 – including the barbecue and a glass of bubbly.

To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE:

For more information on Stonewall’s current international work, CLICK HERE:

To share your ideas on how Stonewall should work internationally, CLICK HERE:

City lifeguards take up their posts

Posted on 27/05/2014 by Besi

Teams of lifeguards took up their posts on Brighton & Hove’s beaches this weekend to get the summer season off to a safe start.

30 new recruits have joined Brighton & Hove City Council’s seafront team, to help ensure visitors enjoy a safe and happy time on the beach this summer. Many of the lifeguards will be familiar to regular beach goers as they return to the job they enjoyed last year.

The new lifeguards have spent this week preparing for the summer season, when they will patrol the city’s beaches from the Marina to Hove Lagoon.

The team, of male and female lifeguards, have all successfully completed a beach lifeguard qualification and a week-long induction course acquiring a wide range of skills from assessing sea and weather conditions and dealing with beach hazards, to carrying out first aid and water rescues.

During an average year Brighton & Hove’s lifeguards carry out over 100 water rescues, and save many lives. They also administer first aid to around 250 beach goers, give safety advice to around 10,000 people and reunite hundreds of children with their families.

Easily to spot in their red and yellow uniforms, the lifeguards will be on duty each day from 9.30am to 7.00pm, supporting the council’s year round seafront team.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chair of the council’s Economic Development and Culture committee said: “Once again we are delighted to have recruited a dedicated team of lifeguards to patrol our popular beaches.

“The new lifeguards are committed to supporting our regular seafront officers in ensuring the millions of visitors from all over the world who flock to our beaches every summer return home safe and happy.”

Recruiting a team of lifeguards is just one of the ways in which the council is preparing for a busy summer season. Other new additions to the seafront include 12 new large recycling bins for glass, cardboard, plastic bottles, newspapers, magazines and food and drinks cans.

Situated between the two piers, the brightly coloured bins will be emptied every day and should help keep the beaches litter free while boosting recycling rates in the city.

The council has also installed an additional 20 double barbeque bins to help beach goers safely dispose of their waste and extra beach cleaning teams will be on duty every day throughout the summer from 5am to 10pm.

500 miles 4 smiles: Local business supports epic fundraising walk

Posted on 27/05/2014 by Besi

The Sussex Sign Company is supporting Dental Hygienist of the Year, Christina Chatfield in her monumental fundraising walk from Scotland to Brighton to help raise awareness of mouth cancers.

Sussex Sign Company staff team with Christina

The company not only designed and wrapped the Camper van that is escorting Christina throughout her journey but has also made the 10 metre banner that will greet her on her return to Brighton.

Through June, National Smile Month 2014, Christina will be walking ‘500 Miles 4 Smiles’ from Scotland to Brighton to raise awareness and funds for oral cancer.

The walk began on May 19 in Kirriemuir, Scotland, at the dental surgery where Christina’s career began and she had her first dental practise.

All money she raises will be shared between the British Dental Health Foundation and Heart Your Smile.

Christina said: “Mouth cancer is one of the very few forms of cancer on the rise, and it currently claims more lives than testicular and cervical cancer combined. We all have a responsibility to help beat the disease, and you have the chance to join me and help to make a difference.

“By donating just £10, you could potentially prompt someone into getting checked out, a move that could save their life.”

You can get yourself sponsored to accompany Christina on any section of the walk, or simply make a donation to recognise her amazing efforts.

Christina will arrive back at the Beach Cafe in Hove on June 19

To sponsor Christina or donate, CLICK HERE:

For more information about the Sussex Sign Company, CLICK HERE:

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Author: Besi

Law Commission report calls for overhaul of outdated hate crime laws

An anti-homophobia and transphobia charity has welcomed a report calling for hate crime laws to be overhauled.

Support your community and get a free ticket for Pride

Brighton Pride is a non profit community interest company (CIC) with just two full time members of administration staff.

Budget accomodation available during Pride

During the summer, the Sussex University Residential Services are offering some budget and self catering rooms on their Falmer campus, bookable by individual visitors on a night by night or weekly basis.

F.A. Centre to host cup final of world’s largest LGBT Football League

This Saturday, May 31, the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN), national cup final will be held at the English FA’s state-of-the-art training facility in St. George’s Park near Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire.

Oxford Pride Festival: ‘Role Models’ launches May 30

Oxford Pride commence their ten-day Pride festival with a launch party on Friday May 30.

Shared office space for smaller LGBT organisations

Member groups of the newly formed LGBT Community Groups Network have been given shared office space to carry out their day-to-day administration, and to hold meetings.

Bourne Free announce theme for 2014

Now in its tenth year, the organising committee of Bourne Free, Bournemouth’s LGBT Pride have announced the theme for 2014 will be Decades.

Make it a Knight to remember at Stonewall’s Summer Party!

Beverley Knight will perform an exclusive set at Stonewall’s annual Summer Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens on June 13.

City lifeguards take up their posts

Teams of lifeguards took up their posts on Brighton & Hove’s beaches this weekend to get the summer season off to a safe start.

500 miles 4 smiles: Local business supports epic fundraising walk

The Sussex Sign Company is supporting Dental Hygienist of the Year, Christina Chatfield in her monumental fundraising walk from Scotland to Brighton to help raise awareness of mouth cancers.

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An anti-homophobia and transphobia charity has welcomed a report calling for hate crime laws to be overhauled.

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Brighton Pride is a non profit community interest company (CIC) with just two full time members of administration staff.

Share this:

During the summer, the Sussex University Residential Services are offering some budget and self catering rooms on their Falmer campus, bookable by individual visitors on a night by night or weekly basis.

Share this:

This Saturday, May 31, the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN), national cup final will be held at the English FA’s state-of-the-art training facility in St. George’s Park near Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire.

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Oxford Pride commence their ten-day Pride festival with a launch party on Friday May 30.

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Member groups of the newly formed LGBT Community Groups Network have been given shared office space to carry out their day-to-day administration, and to hold meetings.

Share this:

Now in its tenth year, the organising committee of Bourne Free, Bournemouth’s LGBT Pride have announced the theme for 2014 will be Decades.

Share this:

Beverley Knight will perform an exclusive set at Stonewall’s annual Summer Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens on June 13.

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Teams of lifeguards took up their posts on Brighton & Hove’s beaches this weekend to get the summer season off to a safe start.

Share this:

The Sussex Sign Company is supporting Dental Hygienist of the Year, Christina Chatfield in her monumental fundraising walk from Scotland to Brighton to help raise awareness of mouth cancers.

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