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The Brighton Belles in concert

The Brighton Belles, Brighton’s newest gay choir are performing a Christmas Show on Friday, December 20 at the Brighton Arts Club starting at 7.30pm.

Brighton Belles
Brighton Belles

Singer and author Krissie DuCann is special guest for the evening. The choir will be singing to benefit The Martlets Hospice. They have begged, borrowed and freecycled everything for the concert and the Co-op Funeral Care have donated a raffle prize for the evening.

Previous ventures by the choir include the McMillan Coffee Extravaganza with the Rainbow Chorus, Krissie DuCann, Nicky Mitchell and Cat Harding performing which raised £500 for McMillan.

Event: The Brighton Belles in Concert

Where: Brighton Arts Club, 43 Providence Pl, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 4GE

When: Friday, December 20.

Time: 7.30pm

Gay music groups raise £1,812 for Lunch Positive

Brighton’s LGBQI music groups raise £1,812 for Lunch Positive.

Lunch Positive cheque presentation

The 2013 World Aid’s Day Concert: We All Live Together organised by Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and featuring all the city’s LGBTQI music groups performing together, raised an amazing £1,812 for Lunch Positive, the HIV charity and lunch club who provide a healthy meal for positive men every Friday.

The We All Live Together Concert is an annual event with music, songs and mince pies (donated by the Co-Op supermarket) which took place on World AIDS Day at St Mary’s Church in Kemptown, Brighton. For the first time all of the local LGBTQI music groups (and a few of their friends) were able to take part including the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus, Actually Gay Women’s Chorus, Brighton Belles, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, Rainbow Chorus, Resound Male Voices, Qukelele and The Theatre Workshop. It was a magnificent event.

A cheque was officially handed over to Lunch Positive, the HIV charity and lunch club who provide a healthy meal for positive men each Friday, during their weekly lunch at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church by a number of representatives from the various music groups that took part in the concert on December 13.

Gary Pargeter from Lunch Positive, said: “A huge and heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the concert. The ‘We All Live Together’ theme is incredibly relevant to our work at Lunch Positive, and especially poignant for World AIDS Day. Lunch Positive is all about being together, and the support this provides for one another. Knowing that members of our LGBT communities support us and help raise such valuable funds makes a massive difference.”

Picture taken by Nick Ford Photography

Member of General Synod advocates prison for gays

One of the Sussex Diocese of Chichester representatives on the Church of England General Synod, Andrea Minichiello Williams, recently attended a conference in Jamaica to urge the Government to keep the law which criminalises homosexuality.

Andrea Minichiello Williams
Andrea Minichiello Williams

She spoke  in derogatory terms about gay people, and peddled the old vicious lie that homosexuals are paedophiles saying that Jamaica had the opportunity to become a world leader by fending off foreign pressure to decriminalize same-sex intercourse.

“Might it be that Jamaica says to the United States of America, says to Europe, ‘Enough! You cannot come in and attack our families. We will not accept aid or promotion tied to an agenda that is against God and destroys our families,’” she said, adding to applause, “If you win here, you will have an impact in the Caribbean and an impact across the globe.”

She made the case that it is a “big lie” that homosexuality is inborn, arguing instead it is caused by environmental factors like “the lack of the father” and “sometimes a level of abuse.”

She illustrated her point with the case of 19-year-old British diver Tom Daley and his reported relationship with American screenwriter Dustin Lance Black.

Daley, she said, who is “loved by all the girls and had girlfriends,” had “lost his father to cancer just a few years ago and he’s just come out on YouTube that he’s in a relationship with a man, that man is 39, a leading gay activist in the States.”

Williams warned that removal of Britain’s sodomy law was the start of a process that has led to more and more permissive laws, including equalising the age of consent laws for homosexual and heterosexual intercourse.

She said: “Once you strip away all this stuff, what you get is no age consent … nobody ever enforces that law anymore.”

Adding: “We already have a strong man-boy movement that’s moving in Europe.”

She also described several cases in which she said people had been fired for their jobs for their opposition to LGBT rights and said people with views like hers are being silenced in the media and intimidated with the threats of hate-speech lawsuits. This was especially true, she suggested, when organisations like hers try to claim a connection between homosexuality and paedophilia.

She said: “They hate the line of homosexuality being linked to paedophilia. They try to cut that off, so you can’t speak about it. So I say to you in Jamaica: Speak about it. Speak about it.”

She took issue with the notion that advancing such arguments in opposition to expanding legal rights for LGBT people was hate speech.

On the contrary, she said: “We say these things because we’re loving, we’re compassionate, we’re kind, because we care for our children…. It is not compassion and kind to have laws that lead people [to engage] in their sins [that] lead to the obliteration of life, the obliteration of culture, and the obliteration of family.”

To read full details of her attack on LGB&T people, CLICK HERE:

Dr Keith Sharpe, Chair of Changing Attitude Sussex said:

“Williams’ bigoted outburst amounts to dangerous hatemongering.  It is reprehensible and highly irresponsible.”

Jamaica is one of the most dangerous places in the world for LGB&T people who suffer homophobic intimidation and violence on a daily basis, including from the police.  The brutal murder of gay men is commonplace.  The community lives in constant fear and is unable to access the legal and justice systems.

“Either Minichiello Williams did not know this, which is culpable ignorance, or she did know it and endorses it, which is sheer wickedness.”

“The Archbishop of Canterbury and the House of Bishop’s report on Human Sexuality have recently called on the Church to repent of its homophobia.  And yet here is a Sussex member of the General Synod advocating the vilest form of homophobia in a most terrible cultural situation.  What she has said and done is contrary both to the Church’s Christian teaching and to common human decency.   She has brought disgrace upon the  Church of England and its General Synod as well as the Diocese of Chichester.”

The Bishop of Chichester, Martin Warner, sought to distance himself from her remarks, saying: “The comments by Andrea Minichiello Williams about the decriminalisation of same sex intercourse in Jamaica have no sanction in the Church of England or the diocese of Chichester.  Insofar as such comments incite homophobia, they should be rejected as offensive and unacceptable.

“The Christian Church is widely perceived as homophobic and intolerant of those for whom same sex attraction is the foundation of their emotional lives.  It is urgent, therefore, that Christians find legitimate ways to affirm and demonstrate the conviction that the glory of God is innate in every human being, and the mercy of God embraces each of us indiscriminately.”

 

 

Green MEP backsEuro proposals to eliminate homophobic bully from schools and workplaces

London’s Green MEP Jean Lambert has backed a decision to take EU-level action to stamp out homophobia.

Jean Lambert MEP
Jean Lambert MEP

Members of the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee have voted with a large majority to establish an EU road-map against homophobia and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, including the need to deal with bullying in schools and workplaces.

Ms Lambert, a member of the committee which called for the plan, said: “The UK has made a lot of progress in promoting LGBTI rights – including tackling homophobic bullying – over the years and has much to contribute towards an EU-wide policy. “But there is room for improvement – particularly in schools, where homophobic bullying is all too frequent.

“The reality is that despite EU legislation to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, there is still massive discrimination, bullying and violence – in schools, workplaces and in everyday life situations in many parts of the EU.

“To address this, MEPs have today supported the call for an EU road-map against homophobia and discrimination based on sexual identity: the European Commission must finally outline a coherent approach at EU level, with concrete action.

“The strong support from almost all political groups for this report shows that homophobic tendencies in Europe are losing ground and a large majority in Europe no longer wants to accept this intolerance.

“Homophobic laws are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in Europe. We now hope for broad support from all political groups for this important issue when Parliament votes as a whole in plenary.”

A final decision will be taken next year by the full European Parliament.

 

 

Kemptown MP Kirby calls for urgency in allowing civil partnership to marriage conversions for same sex couples

Simon Kirby, Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has called for greater urgency in allowing same sex couples to convert a civil partnership into a marriage.

Simon Kirby MP

Last week the Government announced that, following the passage of the Equal Marriage Act, the first same sex weddings will be able to take place in England and Wales from the 29th March 2014. The legislation also allows for the conversion of civil partnerships into marriages, however a commencement date for such conversions has not yet been set.

The Government has stated that the delay owes to the fact that the necessary legislative and administrative changes to allow civil p0artnership conversions take longer to apply, however there is a commitment to implementation by the end of 2014.

Mr Kirby has written to the Culture Secretary Maria Miller, seeking greater clarity from the Government and calling for urgency on behalf of his constituents.

Mr Kirby said: “During the consultation on the Equal Marriage Bill, the Government acknowledged that there are around 50,000 couples who have entered into Civil Partnerships who would have chosen to get married if it were possible. Many of those couples live in my constituency, and I have received a great deal of correspondence from people who are deeply disappointed that they will have to wait even longer before they can enter into a marriage.

“I have written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, making her aware of my constituent’s concerns, and seeking greater clarity from her on when the necessary arrangements will be in place. Whilst I fully appreciate the efforts that this Government has gone to in introducing equal marriage, I have called for greater urgency in this matter so that couples in civil partnerships are able to marry as soon as possible. The fact that the March 29 date for the first same sex marriages is earlier than many anticipated is an encouraging sign, and I am confident that the Government are doing what they can to make these changes in a timely manner.”

 

Christmas and NY opening hours for MindOut online support service

The MindOut LGB&T online support service will be opening over Christmas and the New Year.

MindOut

The service will be open of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day from 2pm – 6pm.

The service is delivered by trained LGB&T volunteers. They provide mental health support, advice and information as well as sign posting to other services.

For more information about MindOut, CLICK HERE:

 

THT launches ‘Living Positively in West Sussex’ project for local people with HIV

This December, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new three-year project to help people with HIV in West Sussex live well with the condition.

THT

The Big Lottery-funded ‘Living Positively in West Sussex’ project will see people living locally with HIV come together at monthly sessions where they can build networks of support and receive information and advice on issues related to the condition. The project will run in conjunction with local HIV charity St Peter’s House and launches in Worthing on Tuesday, December 17.

Every month, people can attend any of three meetings in Chichester, Crawley and Worthing. The sessions will be a chance to share experiences of living with HIV, meet others facing similar challenges, and learn about topics such as managing health and relationships, building confidence and managing finances. The project will also see expert guest speakers join the group to share practical tips on subjects including nutrition, complementary therapies, or accessing support from local agencies.

Each ‘Living Positively in West Sussex’ session will be delivered by staff from THT and St Peter’s House, who will be joined by trained volunteers with personal experience of living with HIV.

The sessions will take place across West Sussex at the following times:

  • Worthing: Tuesday 17th December (5.30pm – 7.30pm), and on the third Tuesday of every month thereafter
  • Crawley: Wednesday 18th December (11am – 1pm), and on the third Wednesday of every month thereafter
  • Chichester: Monday 3rd February (5.30pm – 7.30pm), and on the first Monday of every month thereafter

According to Public Health England, there are now more people living with HIV in Sussex, Surrey and Kent than ever before. In 2012 there were an estimated 6,500 people with HIV in the region, including 346 new diagnoses that year.

Alice Booth, Manager of the Living Positively in West Sussex project for Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ”Thanks to modern treatments, someone with HIV can live a long life, well into old age. But sometimes people need extra support to help them live well with the condition. The ‘Living Positively in West Sussex’ project is designed to give people a local hub where they can meet new people, build social networks, and learn skills and to manage their health and relationships. I would urge anyone locally living with HIV who thinks they could benefit from our sessions to get in touch.”

The sessions are open to anyone living with HIV in West Sussex and surrounding areas.

To register your interest in being involved, EMAIL: 

Or telephone 07769 239 295.

Refreshments will be provided.

Noel Anthony Bateman

Noel Anthony Bateman (known as Tony Bateman) died suddenly last Tuesday, December 10 at home in Ovingdean aged 80. Tony had lived in the area for 25 years.

He was a lovely, kind hearted man who was devoted to his dogs.

All friends are welcome to attend his funeral which is planned for noon on Wednesday, January 8 at Woodvale North Chapel, Woodvale Cemetery, Brighton.

Contact his nephew, Neil Bateman or 01473 289378 and 07798783574 so that he can confirm arrangements.

Donations to the Dogs Trust rather than flowers please.

 

Council cleansers clean up at the Loo of the Year Awards 2013

Brighton & Hove has been named as the overall UK Loo of the Year Award 2013 winners, beating global businesses such as Asda, Wetherspoons, McDonalds and other leading authorities to the top spot.

WEB.600

The awards were for:

  • National award for toilets in Crematoriums
  • National award for toilets in Historic buildings
  • Premier League Winners
  • Championship League Winners
  • National award for Pubic Toilet Entries
  • UK award for Public Toilet Entries
  • Overall Loo of the Year Award (including both public and private sector)

This year 34 loos were visited, 19 entries were nominated for Platinum awards and 16 for Gold. Last year the authority was awarded 14 gold awards and 18 silver. Three of the loo’s that have been awarded with a grade this year are Western Esplana, Rottingdean Undercliff and Kings Esplanade Hove.

Cllr Pete West, Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee, said: “All credit must go to the dedicated team of staff from Wettons Cleaning Services who work so hard to achieve these constant high standards which continue to rise year after year.”

Loo of the year

A spokesperson from Wettons, said: “These awards have been the culmination of Wettons teamwork and our partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council. We are all very proud of the achievements”

Mike Bone, Loo of the Year Awards managing director, said: “For the third year running a council has deservedly won the top award – the Overall Winner Trophy. Brighton & Hove City Council places significant importance on provision of a range of public toilets that meet the needs of all types of users including Changing Places Toilets. Although not all new, the toilets are cleaned and maintained to a high standard and provide much needed facilities throughout the city, vital to residents and visitors”.

Local estate agent wins top awards

Justin Lloyd received top awards for both sales and lettings at the 2013 International Property Awards.

Justin Lloyd Estate Agents

Justin Lloyd Estate Agents received two awards, one for Sales and one for Lettings from the International Property Awards.

The UK’s finest estate agents and property consultants gathered at the glamorous Grosvenor House Hotel in London to attend a glittering gala and to hear the long-anticipated results of the competition.

The International Property Awards are the world’s richest competition when measured by the value of the projects entered. The award winners’ logo is recognised as a symbol of excellence throughout the global industry. A high calibre of international experts identifies the most significant building projects as well as the highest quality UK estate agencies.

Speaking after the event, Justin Lloyd commented: “I am delighted to receive these prestigious awards which are testament to our fantastic team and recognise the great feedback we receive from our clients every day. As members of The National Association of Estate Agents, The Association of Residential Letting Agents and The Property Ombudsman, we operate to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. We look forward to 2014 being another year of successful sales and lettings on behalf of our clients and building even further on our already exacting levels of service”.

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