James Ledward, Graham Robson, Gary Hart, Alice Blezard
SPORTS EDITOR Paul Gustafson
ARTS EDITOR Michael Hootman
SUB EDITOR Graham Robson
DESIGN Michèle Allardyce
FRONT COVER
MODEL Kelly Bennett
PHOTOGRAPHER Hugo Michiels www.hugomichiels.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS Simon
Michael Steinhage, Sugar Swan, Glen Stevens, Duncan Stewart, Craig Storrie, Mike Wall, Netty Wendt, Roger Wheeler, Kate Wildblood
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matt Brooks, James Ledward, Jack Lynn, Hugo Michiels photography
CHARLES STREET TAP
BRITNEY SPEARS HEADLINES BRIGHTON
& HOVE PRIDE
Megastar Britney Spears star ts her European Tour headlining Brighton & Hove Pride on Saturday, August 4, 2018.
) Legendary pop icon Britney Spears, one of the most successful and celebrated enter tainers in pop history with nearly 150 million records sales worldwide to her name, will be the headline act at Brighton and Hove Pride on Saturday, August 4 2018 Brighton Pride will be the first place in Europe to see the global megastar on her 2018 tour performing complete, her spectacular Las Vegas show ‘Britney –Piece of Me’ Britney says: “I’m so excited to be kicking off my UK tour this summer at Brighton Pride! I guarantee it’s going to be a night to remember and can’t wait to sing and dance with all of my LGBT+ fans ”
The Grammy Award-winning superstar will perform the exclusive show at Brighton & Hove Pride following her record-breaking, four-year headlining Las Vegas residency Britney: Piece of Me at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resor t & Casino Britney will be performing in the UK for the first time since the residency’s completion in her only UK pride appearance!
Alongside the smiles, sunshine and good times, Brighton Pride’s sole ethos through their inclusive events is to promote tolerance and diversity within all communities Suppor ting local charities and good causes through fundraising is the cornerstone of Brighton & Hove Pride, a ‘Pride with Purpose’ which has raised over £450,000 for local good causes in the last four years
Pride organisers are urging local residents to purchase their Pride tickets as soon as possible as they are selling very quickly The Pride website crashed from the amount of traffic the site received on the day the headline act was announced and ticket sales were suspended The next release of tickets will go on sale online on Februar y, 1 Tickets will also be available to purchase in person from Nice ‘N’ Naughty and the Sussex Beacon Shop on St James Street on the same day
You can obtain a fee ticket to Preston Park by volunteering just 2 hours of your time to Pride either on the big day or in the lead up to the event
NILE RODGERS & CHIC TO HEADLINE NEW LOVEBN1FEST ON PRIDE SUNDAY
) Grammy-winning composer, producer, ar ranger, guitarist Nile R odgers and his multi-platinum selling band CHIC are confir med to headline Brighton Pride’s LoveBN1Fest on Sunday, August 5 in Preston Park
LoveBN1Fest is the new Pride Sunday Festival on Preston Park celebrating ever ything Brighton & Hove, helping raise extra funds for the Pride Social Impact Fund while bringing all our communities together
Famed for tracks such as Le Freak, I Want Your L ov e and Good T imes, Nile Rodgers has written and produced for some of the most illustrious ar tists in the world
Nile & CHIC will per for m a unique set featuring some of the greatest collaborations of Nile’s four-decade career, including David Bowie, Madonna and Diana Ross, whose collaborations with Nile have sold over 300 million albums and 50 million singles worldwide, while his innovative, trendsetting collaborations with Daf t Punk, Avicii, Sigala, Disclosure and Sam Smith reflect the vanguard of contemporar y music
Their set, one of the highlights of Glastonbur y Festival 2017, will reverberate at the LoveBN1Fest to hit records produced by Nile Rodgers such as Phar rell Williams' Get L ucky , Diana Ross's I'm Coming Out, David Bowie's Let's Dance and a raf t of CHIC hits including Good T imes and Le Freak
With more ar tists to be announced, LoveBN1Fest will feature per formance and dance tents, a family tent, circus skills, cabaret and theatre, spoken word, community stalls and food village, accessibility tent and WellBeing area LoveBN1Fest has something for ever yone and, with children under 11 going free, it's the per fect Sunday in the Park for Pride.
Pride organisers urge local people to get their tickets early this year as sales expectations are ver y high Children under 11 are free (but still require a ticket).
To book tickets for LoveBN1Fest, £27 50 & £37 50, and joint tickets for Pride Saturday, view: www pride-tickets org/pride-festival-tickets/
NEW PLAY RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT LGBT+ PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
) Award winning play, The Purple L ist a gay dementia venture by Libby Pearson will be performed by Ian Baxter on Thursday, Februar y 15 at the opening of the R ainbow Cafe
The performance will take place at Brooke Mead, (the new extra care housing accommodation to be opened by Brighton & Hove City Council) in Albion Street, Brighton, from 11am- 2pm
The play, a 35-minute one-man performance explores the highs and lows of the lives of same sex couple, Sam and Derek, who live with the reality of dementia and memory loss
The performance will be followed by a Q&A session, and a chance to hear about Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboards new dementia café, The R ainbow Café, for LGBT+ people experiencing dementia
Daniel Cheesman, Switchboard’s CEO, says: “Through the Rainbow Café, we aim to raise awareness of dementia within the LGBT+ communities Our Older Person’s Project has highlighted the need for this service and we are thankful to the support that we have been given by the Rainbow Fund to get the service up and running ”
“Everyone is welcome to attend the launch event on February 15 Whether you’re interested in attending the group, want to find out more or if you’re interested in volunteering The play is a powerful portrayal of the impact that dementia can have and in this scenario in a same-sex relationship – I would encourage all to come and see it ”
The Rainbow Cafe has been made possible with an £11,725 grant awarded by the R ainbow Fund
The Purple L ist A Gay Dementia Venture by Libby Pearson will be performed at the launch of the R ainbow Cafe, at Brooke Mead, Albion Street, Brighton, BN2 9PY on Thursday, Februar y 15 from 11am-2pm Entry is free, and lunch will be provided
CELEBRATE WITH YOUR VALENTINE HIGH IN THE SKY AT BRITISH AIRWAYS i360
) Love is in the air, with breathtaking views by day, big sky sunsets and a carpet of twinkling lights below after dark - a flight on the British Air ways i360 with the one you love is a moving experience
Valentine’s Day Flights on Wednesday, Februar y 14: flights depar t 6.30pm/ 7pm/7.30pm, £30 per person Share a magical moment with the one you love at 450ft, looking out at the twinkling lights of Brighton and the south coast below Price includes a glass of Nyetimber sparkling rosé wine per person from the Sky Bar on board the pod and a box of chocolates per couple
Drag Me Up! Valentine’s Day Drag Queen Flight on Wednesday, Februar y 14, 8.30pm, £30 per person Enjoy a fun and raucous alternative Valentine’s celebration with the renowned cabaret ar tist Dave Lynn, during an extended 45minute pod flight Price includes a glass of award-winning Nyetimber sparkling wine per person
Marr y Me Proposal Package: Available year-round, £150 per couple Star t your future together looking out at the distant horizon from 450ft, across the sea, the South Downs National Park and the beautiful Sussex coastline The Marry Me Proposal Package includes two flights on the British Airways i360 pod at a time of your choosing, a bottle of local award-winning Nyetimber sparkling wine, half a dozen red roses and some chocolates
To book any Valentine’s package, view: http://BritishAir waysi360 com/romance or call 03337 720360 Alternatively, you can upgrade to a more private experience by booking the pod for your exclusive use – price available on application For more info, email: events@britishair waysi360 com
PRIDE COMES TO WORTHING!
) Wor thing hosts its first ever Pride on Saturday, July 14, organised by local events company Vivacious Events This is the first time the town will host such a high-profile LGBT+ event and organisers expect to attract a significant number of visitors to the town and promise the event will be fun and family-friendly Pride – Diversity & Dreams is free to attend but donations to help finance the event will be welcomed on the day
The organisational committee is made up of Josie and Andy Kelly from Vivacious Events, Mark Woollard from ML Events, Paul Batchelor from local Sound & Lighting Company Present Enter tainment, Brighton DJ and Enter tainment Manager Claire Fuller and local business woman and fundraiser from Tommy’s Fund, Jeanette Compton
A spokesperson for Wor thing Pride said: "There have been many motivations for launching Worthing Pride, the primary reason to show our love and support for the local LGBT+ community and to bring the whole town together to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Worthing and the surrounding area "
Wor thing Pride will also be suppor ting local charities West Sussex Coastal Mind and Allsor ts Youth Project with their fundraising
Josie Kelly added: "On a personal level, I was also very inspired by the movie Pride based on real life events which bought everyone together to celebrate the diversity of the local people in very difficult and challenging circumstances "
Detailed plans have been submitted to and now approved by Wor thing Council, and the main arena will be located on Beach House Grounds adjacent to the Splashpoint Swimming Pool complex on Wor thing seafront
The Pride Parade along the Promenade will star t at 1pm from opposite the Burlington Hotel Other activities planned for the day include a dog show in Denton Gardens and children's enter tainment provided by local company Nic & Ben’s Enter tainment
Enter tainment in the main arena will star t from 1pm and organisers are planning for some fantastic enter tainers and tribute acts on the main stage continuing until 10pm Following the event there will be an After Pride Par ty at local bar the Liber tine which will be ticketed only
Organisers need significant funding to make the event happen and would welcome enquiries from any local businesses or organisations that would like to suppor t and be par t of what will be a historic day for Wor thing and the local economy
The committee are also looking to involve local businesses, bringing everyone together to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of Wor thing’s LGBT communities
Pride will soon be launching its own exclusive website to keep everyone up to date with their progress
For any individuals, businesses or local organisations who would like to sponsor Pride, email info@wor thingpride co uk or call 01903 200333
MEN MUST STOP BEHAVING BADLY
)Men should star t behaving themselves was the message from University of Brighton honorar y doctorate Paris Lees, who has become the first openly transgender person to feature in British Vogue magazine
The award-winning writer, TV personality, presenter, equality campaigner, and University alumna is one of seven influential women featured to mark the 100th anniversar y since women were granted the vote
The Meet the New Suffragettes feature also includes politicians Stella
Creasy and Sophie Walker, ar tist Gillian Wearing, founder of gal-dem Liv Little, blogger Dina Torkia and writer R eni Eddo-Lodge
Paris graduated from the University of Brighton in 2009 in BA(Hons) English Language & Literature and was awarded an honorar y degree of a Doctor of Letters by the University in 2016 in recognition of her major contribution of transgender identity in contemporar y society and of her work as a jour nalist and social commentator
Paris says: “One thing that w ould improv e the liv es of w omen is if men w ould behav e themselv es – hashtag not all men, just a significant propor tion Feminism is about pushing for the rights of all w omen –because if y ou are not pushing for the equality and dignity for all w omen then it’s not equality y ou w ant, it’s diplomacy ”
THE CELLULOID CLOSET SCREENS IN EASTBOURNE FOR LGBT HISTORY MONTH
) To celebrate LGBT Histor y Month in Febr uar y, Towner Ar t Galler y, Eastbour ne will present a special screening of The Celluloid Closet
The Galler y is teaming up with Eastbourne R ainbow, a group for LGBT+ people aged 50+ in Eastbour ne and the sur rounding area, and Bourne Out, a social group for LGBT+ people living in Eastbour ne who helped organise Eastbour ne Pride in 2017
The screening will be introduced by Dr Niall Richardson, University of Sussex
Academy-award winning filmmakers R ob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman delve into the archive to present a comprehensive and immensely enter taining film histor y of queer representations from the last centur y
Based on Vito R usso’s seminal 1981 book of the same name, The Celluloid Closet is nar rated by Lily Tomlin and features inter views with a roster of stars including Tony Cur tis, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Shirley MacLaine, Gore Vidal and Armistead Maupin (who also wrote the nar ration).
Celluloid Closet will be screened at Towner Ar t Galler y, Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbour ne, BN21 4JJ on Sunday, Februar y 11 at 1 30pm
Tickets: £7/£5 50 Towner members & concessions
NEW TRUSTEE AT LUNCH
POSITIVE
) Local HIV charity Lunch Positive, who provide a weekly peer-led community lunch club for people with HIV every Friday at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Kemptown, have appointed a new trustee to the Board
In joining the board, Richard Jeneway, who cofounded the HIV charity Peer Action, brings a wealth of experience in the voluntary sector and impor tant insights into living with HIV This includes ageing with HIV, social disadvantage and the complexity of challenges that HIV can still present for many people Richard has been directly involved in suppor ting people with HIV for many years, including facilitating group work and service provision
Steven Foster, Chair of Lunch Positive, said: "We are delighted to welcome Richard to the Board, which we know will strengthen governance of our charity at a time when we continue to develop services to meet the needs of our communities Actively involving people who are HIV+ is absolutely fundamental to good governance of a peer-led organisation, and the provision of relevant and effective services "
Richard Jeneway added: "The unique service that Lunch Positive provides, together with the fantastic contributions of volunteers, have such an impact on our HIV community I feel privileged to join the Lunch Positive Trustee Board As this established and well- respected charity continues to grow from strength to strength, I am very much looking forward to being a part of the process as a Trustee ”
For more information about Lunch Positive, view: www lunchpositive org
LUNCH POSITIVE VOLUNTEER RECEIVES ROTARY CLUB CITIZENS AWARD
) At a presentation event on December 20, 2017 the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex presented Rotary Club of Brighton’s Citizens Awards to volunteers making an outstanding contribution to their communities Mark Lindsey Jones, a volunteer chef at Lunch Positive, the HIV Lunch Club received an award for his contribution to the work of the HIV charity
The lunch club is delivered by volunteers, and brings people with HIV together to share a regular healthy meal, build suppor tive friendships, and combat the HIV stigma that still exists for many Mark has volunteered as a chef at Lunch Positive for the last two and a half years
Gar y Pargeter, Lunch Positive Service Manager, said: "Mark is enthusiastic, a great team player, cares passionately about the food that he and the kitchen volunteer team provide, and the people who share this at the lunch club He produces amazing healthy and enjoyable food, all on a shoe-string budget and he feeds between 40 to 60 people every Friday This has also greatly enhanced the social support at the lunch club Mark truly is a great example of someone who fully immerses themselves in a cause they care passionately about, and this has had a huge and positive impact on many people, members and volunteers alike "
Mark, added: "I’m overjoyed to receive this award Volunteering at Lunch Positive is like being part of a happy family, and something I care deeply about Fridays at Lunch Positive are so important to me There’s nothing better than banging a few pots together, getting out some good food and feeding people! Thank you everyone for supporting me in getting this award, it means the world ”
) The annual Brighton Bear Christmas Quiz, organised by Brighton Bear Weekend at the Camelford Arms, raised £278 73 for R ainbow Fund, who give grants to local LGBT/HIV community groups who deliver effective frontline services to LGBT+ people in the city
The Camelford was so busy people perched on the bar and sat in the Moroccan garden in the back to join the fun Money raised from the quiz and raffle was boosted by a personal donation of £50 by Camelford owner, Alistair Mackinnon-Musson The winning team just missed out on the £300 cash prize, but everyone went home with chocolate bars from the night
Graham Munday, Chair of Brighton Bear Weekend, said: “The Camelford Arms has a wonderful atmosphere at Christmas time and is the perfect place for hosting our quiz Thanks to Ben and Tom for running a smooth night and Alistair for his generosity Everyone at Brighton Bear Weekend would like to say a big thank you to the Camelford manager, Jay Hopkins, who is leaving the Camelford Arms af ter several years His good nature, genuine warmth and support over the years have made holding Brighton Bear Weekend and other events at the Camelford a smooth, hassle- free process We all wish him great success in his new career ”
LGBTQ STOP SMOKING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
) “Quitting smoking was the beginning of a powerful and rewarding experience for me ”
LGBT Switchboard, through the LGBT health improvement project (HIP), has been working in par tnership with Brighton & Hove City Council to launch a new campaign encouraging LGBTQ people to quit smoking
It’s a concerning fact that more LGBTQ people are likely to smoke than straight people As many as one in three LGBTQ adults compared to one in five heterosexual adults The time has come for us all to come together as a community to raise awareness of the benefits that stopping smoking can have Stopping smoking has immediate health benefits, no matter how long you’ve smoked for, it’s the best thing you can do for your health
Switchboard has worked with local LGBTQ people in designing this campaign Through a series of focus groups and one to one interviews LGBTQ people told them what has worked for them
Switchboard’s Scarlett Langdon, who led the campaign, said: “It has been clear that what is important to people is that they do not feel like they are being told off Most people know the dangers of smoking but wanted some messages that conveyed the dangers in a brighter and more positive way Together we worked to create a campaign that aims to achieve this ”
Local Brighton & Hove LGBTQ residents worked with Switchboard to develop the awareness campaign and organisers say it was interesting to learn what motivated them to quit,
Eric who is par ticipating in the campaign, said: “I really felt like I was Bette Davis, and then I remember seeing Bette af ter 4 strokes and having been really ravaged by smoking, and I thought actually I am going to become that if I’m not careful ”
The aim of this campaign has been to ensure LGBTQ people know there is suppor t available for them to stop smoking Brighton & Hove’s ‘e-cigarette friendly’ service offers free one to one suppor t along with licensed stop smoking medications at the cost of a prescription
Local resident Pam, who also worked on the project, had this to say to those thinking of quitting: “Don’t think you can’t do it, I won’t say it’s easy because it’s not, there’ll always be an excuse not to give up, but set a date and stick to it ”
Be inspired by others stop smoking stories To find out what suppor t is available to help you stop, view: www switchboard org uk/stop-smoking
ROY DAVIS, 1935-2017
) Roy Davis passed away suddenly, unexpectedly and peacefully on November 30, 2017 in the company of close friends at the Sussex County Hospital having suffered a stroke at the age of 82
He maintained many friendships throughout his life, and was a dear friend to many in the LGBT+ communities of Brighton & Hove Having lived here for over 45 years, he is hugely missed, as is the keen involvement and enthusiasm he gave so happily to his many interests, always with a sense of fun, a generous hear t and a twinkle in his eye
Living more recently in Patching Lodge Retirement Apar tments, Roy came to Sussex from his home town of Bristol during the 1960s
A naturally friendly, sociable and gregarious man he successfully applied these personal qualities to his career and business ventures He and his late par tner, Richard (“my Richard”, as Roy always called him), owned and ran Rowland Guest House, St George’s Terrace in Kemptown, and both were renowned for their love of throwing big par ties and fancy dress!
Richard died in 1993 aged 54 and Roy always kept his photo by the bed After Richard died, Roy continued his generous socialising, only scaling down when he moved to Patching Lodge eight years ago However, never being one to think on a small-scale, for his 80th bir thday he invited 150 guests to the Royal Albion Hotel to help him celebrate this milestone!
Always public-spirited, Roy was a keen and valued member of both Brighton GEMS and Older & Out, and par ticipated in many charities, in the past having been Vice President of Brighton Cares, an early HIV/AIDS charity, and also being involved in the creation of the AIDS Memorial in New Steine Gardens
A very outgoing and forward-looking man, more recently he was determined to master the use of his smar t phone, and he was currently taking lessons with some success, since he saw it as a new way of keeping in touch with his many friends
Roy spent what proved to be his last day in a way that was typical of the man, and perhaps sums him up very well He joined his swimming group pals from GEMS for lunch, (also, as usual, making eyes at the waiter), and from where he sent out drinks par ty invitations to all the group members via his smar t phone Later that evening he was out to dinner with friends When back at home he was taken ill with what proved to be a fatal stroke
Greatly missed by his friends, he will live on in the hear ts of so many of us Roy’s funeral at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton on January 8, 2018, was very well attended, and proved to be an uplifting celebration of his life
By Paul Baddeley
QUEERYING CHRISTIANITY LGBT+ WORKSHOPS
) Queer ying Christianity is a free six-week series of workshops, organised by Village MCC, asking some honestly difficult questions without trying to teach trite dogmatic answers It’s a chance to genuinely explore faith questions in a safe environment with other LGBT+ people The course is designed to help you find your answers in ways that genuinely affirm who you are
Februar y 21: What is the ‘Good News’ – really?
Februar y 28: Who, or what, is God?
March 7: What is the Bible?
March 14: Does God approve of you being LGBT+?
March 21: What is prayer?
March 28: What is Easter?
The evening begins with a shor t presentation on the given subject followed by a cup of tea to share your thoughts and experiences Everyone then comes together to see what they have discovered from each other, and to see what living faith can look like
Rev Michael Hydes, Senior Pastor at Village MCC, said: "I've talked to so many people who loved most of the Alpha course but lef t with a bitter taste in their mouth They asked awkward questions that were met with evasive answers They were lef t feeling that the official position of the Church was probably 'don't ask - don't tell', or 'it's a sin, but we don't want to talk about it', or 'just keep coming and God will deal with it'
"Queerying Christianity will provide an opportunity to come and talk with LGBT+ Christians who live openly and proud Talk about real life experiences, where God is in the journey, and find your own answers Come and be a part of a conversation that will help others find their answers too No sales, no dogma, just real lives and good conversation "
The Village MCC Brighton & Hove is a church that was created by LGBT+ Christians, their families, friends, and allies It's an MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) called to suppor t the LGBT+ communities in whatever ways it can The Village MCC Brighton & Hove offers a safe space where anyone can feel at home, fully affirmed in their sexuality and gender identity Church members are active in the wider communities, offering emergency aid and suppor t to the homeless and vulnerably housed Their minister, Rev Michael, offers spiritual direction and pastoral care and they worship together every Sunday at 6pm at the Somerset Day Centre, 62 St James St, Brighton BN2 1PR There is a free car park at the rear of the building and refreshments are served
Queer ying Christianity Workshops by the Village MCC, Somerset Day Centre, 62 St, James St, Brighton, every Wednesday, Feb 21-March 28, 7.309pm Free entry and free car park For more info, call: 07476 667353
BEAR-PATROL RAISE ALMOST
FOR GOOD CAUSES IN 2017
£30,000
) The Bear-Patrol Christmas par ty at Camelford Arms in December raised £605 38 for the R ainbow Fund This makes the total raised by Bear Patrol in 2017 to £29,968.28, bringing the running total raised for good causes since the group star ted fundraising in January 2011, to £188,098.02
Amounts in 2017 were raised for: The Sussex Beacon, £15,416.01; MindOut, £5,305.56; Brighton &
Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, £4,193.04; Sussex Cancer Fund, £2,855.30; R ainbow Fund, £1,321 97; Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, £350 00; The Deans Beach & Environment Volunteers, £266 54; R ockinghorse Children's Charity, £259 86
Pictured: Chair of Rainbow Fund, Chris Gull with Danny Dwyer from BearPatrol and Tom Morris assistant manager at Camelford Arms
HOMELESS PRIDE COMMUNITY BLANKET DONATED TO BRIGHTON MCC
) Following Homeless Pride last summer, organisers needed to find a home for the Community Blanket that was woven on the day by those attending Homeless Pride 2017, a free family event to enable the homeless, members of the public and service providers to come together, took place at The Level on Sunday, August 20
There was something for everyone from live music to poetry, tug of war games and races, with food for those in need and tea for everyone During the course of the afternoon, attendees helped weave the Homeless Pride Community Blanket
Imogen Di Sapia of Brightmoon Weaving, said: “Homelessness is a complex umbrella term for what is a very real, vibrant and large community, especially here in Brighton I met so many wonderful people, and the loom was really calling to people to connect with their stories, journeys and
histories, and in its own special way, facilitated people to just talk and weave It was a huge privilege to be part of this event, and the outcome is this Homeless Pride Community Blanket (Pictured above) which was made by many hands "
Pastor Andrew R amage and MCC volunteers Pastor Andrew Ramage and MCC volunteers
The blanket was presented to MCC Brighton at their Street Church project which takes place every Wednesday at 4pm on the Old Steine
Pastor Andrew R amage from Brighton MCC,said: “It is an honour to receive the fruit of so much great community spirit MCC Brighton is very much involved in the Homeless and Rough Sleeping community and Homeless Pride 2017 was just one example of how that community comes together and supports one another I had a great day, caught up with some old friends, made new ones and saw a number of people I had helped during the year I look forward to the next one ”
PRIDE SOCIAL IMPACT FUND AWARDS
RECORD GRANTS TO DESERVING PROJECTS
Community groups across Brighton & Hove will put a little bit of pride back into their city thanks to grants wor th nearly £20,000 from the Pride Social Impact Fund (SIF).
) In what has been a record year for grant applications, nearly 30 groups representing people of all ages from Mile Oak to Moulsecoomb, Saltdean to the city centre will benefit from money awarded by the independent grants panel The cash, most of which is raised from businesses who benefit from the annual LGBT celebration, will ensure that the positive impact of Pride extends beyond one weekend a year
Grants awarded this year will see parks and open spaces improved; community groups host events and day trips; equipment provided to spor ts groups; and charities suppor ting some of the city’s most vulnerable given a boost
Tim Ridgway, chairman of the Brighton Pride Social Impact Fund, said: “This year saw a record number of entries with bids from more than 45 groups from across the city requesting more than £30,000 to make their communities a better place W ith the fund oversubscribed, making decisions on individual bids was not an easy process But those groups who have been awarded money will ensure that the legacy of Pride is far- reaching, extending to all corners of the city We hope it will help some of the city’s amazing community and voluntary groups create a colourful rainbow of happiness and inclusivity all year round ”
Launched in 2016, the Pride Social Impact Fund has now distributed about £35,000 to groups across the city Projects put forward do not have to be LGBT+ related; or directly-linked to Pride (although applicants directly impacted by the foot print of Pride will be favoured) However big or small, the only criteria is that it brightens up people's lives by the time Pride comes round again later in the year
Funding comes from contributions made by businesses who are par t of the Pride Village Par ty in the St James’s Street area as well as a top up of extra funding from Pride
The grant panel was made up of representatives from the city's media organisations including The A rgus, Latest TV, Brighton & Hove Independent, Sussex Life, Brighton & Hove News, Juice 107 2 and Gscene
APPROVED GRANTS FOR 2018
• Brighton Oasis Project: £1,000 to run a series of holiday ar ts activities for young people affected by substance misuse in the family, in conjunction with poet Lemn Sissay and choreographer Charlotte Vincent
• Mile Oak R ecreation Action Group (MORAG): £775 to run regular ar t sessions which will explore the outdoor environment of the park
• Hangleton & West Blatchington Foodbank: £500 to allow trustees to give out vouchers of £10 per client per month to a local butcher to ensure the provision of fresh meat for those in need
• Diverse City Bowlers: £100 towards boosting par ticipation of ten pin bowling within the community, with emphasis on providing sessions for the elderly
• Brighton Table Tennis club: £1,000 towards continuing pilot table tennis sessions for up to 15 children with Down Syndrome
• Friends of Preston Park (bid one): £942 for the planting of three new trees
• Friends of Preston Park (bid two): £1,000 towards a Halloween event for young families and children
• The Manor Boccia & Lunch Group: £490 to run a 14-week programme of Boccia with healthy lunch for the over-50s in east Brighton
• Friends of Farm Green (bid one): £695 towards Mini Farm and Community Picnic in the park in Lower Bevendean
• Friends of Farm Green (bid two): £695 towards Mini Farm and Community Picnic in the park in Moulsecoomb
• OUTR each at the B Right On LGBT Community Festival: £1,000 towards the costs of the accessible adaptations needed to make the venue fully accessible for older, deaf and disabled attendees
• Creative Cascade R ecover y: £450 towards creating free community performances for a group which suppor ts people in recovery from addictions
• Honeycroft: £500 to establish a lone parent suppor t group at the community centre
• Stay Up Late: £974 towards building on the success of Wild Rainbows, a gig buddies scheme for LGBTQ+ communities established by Social Impact Fund
• Surrenden Field Group: £500 for improvements to Surrenden Field, including the creation of a
butterfly bank, community composting area and wild flower field
• Saltdean Lido: £500 towards plants for garden beds at the hear t of the pool and community centre
• Crew Club: £620 to fund a day out for low-earning families in east Brighton to Tulley's Farm, while also providing equipment for Messy Play sessions
• Dotties Cafe: £400 towards creating a ramp to improve accessibility to a cafe in east Brighton staffed by deaf people
• Young City R eads: £300 to allow two primary school classes who would otherwise be unable to afford it to attend the finale event of the giant book group
• Crew Club United: £400 towards new tracksuits for a newly established under-11s football team in east Brighton Some funding will also suppor t the club's end of season awards
• Say Aphasia: £200 towards funding day trips so that members can practice their communication skills in public
• Quiet Down There: £500 of match funding to help people explore the Open Market through culture, making the project accessible to 100 more people; 60 children and 40 adults
• Audioactive: £1,000 towards suppor ting a femaleled 'Young Woman's Music Tech Group' in Brighton
• Tarner Community Project: £1,000 towards weekly girls group, Tarner Young Women, which was set up to meet the needs of local girls and young women in the Tarner area, aged 12 upwards, many of whom are deemed at risk
• St Peters Cricket Club: £400 towards funding kit for one of the youth cricket teams
• Little Green Pig: £500 for printing books containing an anthology of stories created by young people
• Brighton & Hove Housing Coalition: £500 for costs towards a Homelessness Action Group specifically to contribute to practical services including shelter for those on our streets
• Friends of Dorset Gardens (bid one): £1,000 towards improved accessibility of Dorset Gardensnon-slip matting for the two entrance ways
• Friends of Dorset Gardens (bid two): £566 towards improved accessibility of Dorset Gardensnew handrails
• Up to £1,000 has also been allocated towards buying a projector and screen that will be held by Brighton Pride and used as a community resource This will be used by 4 Street in Hove and Pop-Up Brighton, as well as other groups
WHO RAISED WHAT FOR PRIDE SOCIAL IMPACT FUND IN 2017?
) The pot of money to award these grants came from fees received from businesses to be par t of the Pride Village Par ty and their general fundraising effor ts for Brighton Pride
Legends once again topped the list for money donated to Pride and the Social Impact Fund in 2017 contributing a total amount of £9,248.75
The following larger venues contributed £500 each to obtain a Temporar y Events Notice to be par t of the Pride Village Par ty (£250 per day): Amsterdam Bar & Kitchen, Charles Street (now Tap), Legends, R -Bar, Funky Fish and Patterns (Total £3,000)
Smaller venues contributed £250 (£125 per day): Block, Bulldog, Brighton R ocks, Bella Cafe, Camelford Arms, Kings Arms, Latest Music Bar, Marine Tavern, Mucky Duck, Macdoner, The Marlborough, Queens Arms, R anelagh, St James Tavern, Shor tts, Zone Bar, 119 St James Street and George Street Off license (Total £4,350)
The Co-op in St James Street donated £1,000 making a combined running total of £8,350.00
The following totals were collected from venues with Pride Shaking Tins: Legends £98, Amsterdam £4.35, Charles Street £38.19, R -Bar £25.03, Funky Fish £1.66, Patterns £2.20, Bulldog £1.32, Bella Cafe £4.49, Latest Music Bar £5.91, Marine Tavern £31.70, Mucky Duck £2.31, Marlborough
£19.19, Queens Arms £18.70, R anelagh Arms £2.88, St James Tavern £9.52, Shor tts £8.07, Zone Bar £1.14, R ust £5.91, Moni News £1.41, Moes Cafe £0.59, Hare & Hounds £6.16, Goodfellas £0.61, The Branch £10 24, Charlie Mears Market Store £1 26, Presuming Ed £2 60, Subway £1 15, Meat Liquor £100 26, Hisbe Foods £9 19, Tiffanys £1 66, Yellow Book £5 93, Nor th Laine £3 40, Brew House £4 23, Lemon Tea House £5 75 and Langees £8 30 and Pride Dog Show £141 33 (Total £584 64)
Fundraising donations from the Pride weekend were received from Charles Street £210 and Legends £3,650 75 (from their Pride Cabaret fundraiser on Pride Sunday and a fur ther £5,000 for sponsorship of the Pride Cabaret tent on Preston Park
To enable the Social Impact Fund to award the agreed grants, Pride topped the amount up to a total of £20,000
SWITCHBOARD LAUNCH NEW SURVEY FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CANCER
) Macmillan Cancer Suppor t and Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard are working together to learn about the experiences and needs of LGBTQ people in Brighton and Hove and Sussex who are affected by cancer This engagement work will be used to inform how LGBTQ people affected by cancer can be best suppor ted; and to identif y areas where improvements to patient experience can be made through Macmillan and in collaboration
Switchboard has created two surveys as par t of the project and would love to hear from as many people as possible One is for LBGTQ community members affected by cancer (including par tners, carers and family members of people with cancer); the other is for professionals (including volunteers) suppor ting LGBTQ people affected by cancer
Switchboard is also holding two focus groups to learn more about the experiences of these community members and professionals Take either of the surveys to receive details of the focus groups, or email: chris.brown@switchboard.org.uk
To complete the LGBTQ community members survey, view: www.sur veymonkey.co.uk/r/J7H7R7X
To complete professionals suppor ting LGBTQ people survey, view: www sur veymonkey co uk/r/J7H7R7Xestimated 93,000 by 20303
WHO ’S THE BOSS BEHIND THE BAR @LEGENDS
This month, Morgan Fabulous chats to the new management team at Legends: Dan Austin and Jemela Quick
) Legends, a stalwar t of the commercial gay scene in Brighton & Hove for many year and one of the few late night bars left in the gay village offering great value drinks until 5am, has two new managers Following the depar ture of Reece Rober ts, who managed Legends for the past 10 years, Dan Austin and Jemela Quick have taken over joint running of the multi-award-winning venue Last year, Legends went through a refurbishment, but when Dan and Jemela took over the reins they felt it was impor tant they didn’t change too much
Tony Chapman had spent a handsome amount of money on new floors, upgrading the bedrooms and new decor to suppor t the Legends’ staff who take great pride in the venue, enabling them to maintain their high standards During his time at Legends, former manager Reece Rober ts had created a fantastic working business model and with new management there was always going to be an impact of some sor t Some faces have changed but Dan and Jemela want their customers to continue feeling at home and relaxed when they visit the bar, the club or the hotel From a personal view it was nice to see a lot of familiar faces still behind the bar
originally worked for Barclays Bank as a mor tgage advisor, before changing career and moving into dentistry He trained to be a dental nurse at Kings, working in a dental surgery for a few years while also working par t-time at Legends, in the kitchen, as a housekeeper and behind the bar
Jemela, who originally worked in retail, star ted her bar career at Club Revenge, but when it was sold she moved up the road to Legends She loves all the familiar faces and says that going to work is more like visiting friends and family than working
Dan and Jemela have lived in the same par ts of the UK at similar points in their lives and are both from large families with seven and eight siblings Both were born in the West Country, Dan’s family moved to Scotland for a few years, and then returned to Her tfordshire, where Jemela’s family also lived Jemela says: “ We both love Brighton incredibly, the quirkiness and individuality that everyone has without anywhere near as much judgement as you feel in most other parts of the UK ”
Dan is in a new relationship He says: “It’s still early days I just want stress- free happiness and pink trainers! You can never have enough pairs of pink trainers!” He’s studying accountancy so doesn’t spend much time outside of work with anyone other than his cats Legends is his full-time passion His favourite film is Iron Man and his favourite reads are the Harry Potter books
Jemela has been with her par tner, Ali, for so long, they now have three cats together She says: "I just want to be successful in life and be happy Not sure where I see myself in 5 or 10 years’ time but hope it’s still in Brighton with my friends around me " She loves reading, watching movies and being social Her favourite film is a toss-up between Love Actually and Perfect Pitch and her favourite book is All Quiet on the Western Front She adds: "Like Dan said, there’s not really much time for ourselves, but we're doing what we’re passionate about and want to make sure we try our best "
BAR PERSON PROFILE: JAMIE
LEE JONES @ BAR BROADWAY
The first person many LGBT+ folk meet when they ar rive in Brighton & Hove is the bar person at their local LGBT+ venue These gatekeepers to the community provide an impor tant role both befriending and signposting new ar rivals to the city Gscene finds out a bit more about them and what makes them special
)Where are you from? Dorchester
What brought you to Brighton? I always heard it was great if you were gay and the nightlife was great (which it is)
How long have your worked at Bar Broadway? Two months officially, but I’ve been helping out on and off for the last two years
Oddest request? Honestly, been doing it 10 years, I can’t think of one
Worst kind of punter? Someone who clicks their fingers at you or waves an empty glass, it’s just r ude
Your best put down line? I’d love a drink, as long as you’re not under the impression that offering me one will entice me to hook up with you later
What do you do when it’s quiet in the bar? If there’s time to lean then there is definitely time to clean!
Can you pull a pint? I can definitely pull a pint, you have to pull not push!
Do you know the difference between Ale and Beer? Absolutely, who doesn’t?
Shaken or stirred? Definitely shaken, continuously!
Favourite tipple? A nice cold glass of vino usually hits the spot
What makes you roll your eyes? Ever ything, haha!
Are those really your photos on Grindr? Yes, haha, I don’t think I’m old enough to star t lying about that just yet
What makes a per fect bar person? Speed, product knowledge and a great personality
Where do you like to go out? Nor mally end up in Legends or the Casino where the bar ’s open till 7am
Tell us a secret? I’m pretty much an open book, I’ve never eaten a sweet potato fr y ever, they seem pretty popular now lol
Are you single? Recently single and feeling pretty content
Favourite book? Wuthering Heights, it’s got a dark edge to it that I just love
Favourite ar tist/s/group? Has to be Miley Cyr us, loved her since I was about 14
Your nickname behind the bar? Takeaway Jamie - I wonder how I u got a nickname like that, haha
What gets you swinging your hips? I like a lot of 1950/60s rock & roll like Buddy Holly and Elvis
Dan
BLAGSS CELEBRATE 21ST ANNIVERSARY
) Brighton Lesbian and Gay Spor ts Society (BLAGSS) celebrates its 21st anniversary with a number of events throughout the year, star ting with the annual Ten Pin Bowling Extravaganza on Wednesday, Februar y 28
BLAGSS have been providing spor ting and social oppor tunities in Brighton & Hove for the past 21 years As winter turns to spring and new year’s resolutions are broken, thoughts turn to trying to get fit, losing a kilo or two and star ting something new With over 400 members and up to 15 different spor ts happening every week, there are plenty of oppor tunities to pick up a spor t you used to play, try a new spor t, make new friends and most impor tantly get fit
Spor ts on offer include: badminton, tennis, petanque, running, table tennis, golf, football, squash and walking, with netball and croquet to be added in the spring With many members new to Brighton & Hove, BLAGSS is an ideal organisation within which you can make new friends
For more information on BLAGSS, view: www blagss org
NEON MOON LAUNCH TO RAISE MONEY FOR MINDOUT
) Brighton-based ar tist Matthew Callow will launch his debut electro synth-pop album Neon Moon at the Marlborough Theatre on Februar y 24 All proceeds from the event will be donated to MindOut, the LGBT mental health service
Work first star ted on the project in 2014 and the album includes contributions from Alistair Lock, also from Brighton, who has worked on many atmospheric soundtracks for Dr Who, and London-based sound engineer Jonathan Essex Matthew, a self-trained vocalist, has enjoyed a passion for singing from a very young age For him, creating Neon Moon is a dream come true and its sound has been inspired by many sources He says: “I have a very eclectic taste in music and I’ve tried to include elements of the sounds I’ve enjoyed by my favourite artists I love the bouncy rhythms of Goldfrapp, Lisa Gerrard’s strong operatic vocals, Björk’s unique use of vocal effects and the euphoric sounds achievable with new pieces of sof tware It’s important to me to try to create something unique, but at the same time recognisable and easy to listen to "
album
has produced many front covers for Gscene Manel has organised many exhibitions himself and his quar terly magazine Manolo is on-sale at The Tate Modern in London Creating a visual show that marries with the music has been very impor tant to Matthew and the launch par ty will also be the premier of the Neon Moon Video Project which was inspired by the early French cinematography of Georges Méliès
Neon Moon - Launch event for new album by Matthew Callow at Marlborough Theatre, 4 Princes St, Brighton, BN2 1RD on Saturday, Februar y 24 at 8pm
Proceeds from tickets sales (£8 each) will be donated to MindOut
The LGBT Community Safety Forum is an independent group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* (LGBT) volunteers in Brighton & Hove For more info visit: lgbt-help com
PUBLIC MEETING
WED 21ST FEB 2018
7PM THE PHIL STARR PAVILION
VICTORIA GARDENS, BRIGHTON, BN1 1WN
Find out about the changes to the Local Policing Model and how it impacts front line services and reporting Hate Crimes
With Guest Speakers from Sussex Police and Outgoing Head of BHCC Community Safety Team, Peter Castleton, who will discuss the recent changes, explain about the expanded Equalities Team and the new Safer Communities Team, and introduce the new Head of Safer Communities, Jo Player
PLEASE NOTE THE DATES FOR OUR 2018 PUBLIC MEETINGS
WEDS AT 7PM: 11TH APR • 11TH JUL • 24TH OCT
The
ar twork was shot by photographer Manel Or tega, (www manelor tega com) who
FRIDAY 16
LGBT RESTORATIVE CIRCLE
) A workshop for LGBT+ people facilitated by the Brighton & Hove Partnership Community Safety Team (B&H PCST) with support from the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum
Brighton & Hove aims to be a Restorative City and is committed to meeting the needs of those harmed by crime and conflict by ensuring safe, secure and effective restorative practices are embedded throughout the city
The B&H PCST continually seeks to reduce barriers that our diverse communities may experience in reporting harassment or hate crime
The Restorative Justice Council defines restorative practices as a range of various methods of bringing those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for harm, into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
The B&H PCST will be offering a Restorative Circle Workshop for LGBT+ people to share their personal experiences of the internal and external barriers that they may have in reporting harassment or crime. The intention is to offer a fair and equal space for people to speak as openly as they wish about these barriers with the intention of raising awareness for the B&H PCST to address these barriers where possible.
DURATION: 1 hour 15 minutes
FREE EVENT: Book your place online - only 12 spaces per session
SING -A- LONG -A ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
) The hit of the 2017 B Right On Festival, it’s the campest cult classic of all time With Sing-A-Long-A Rocky Horror you get onscreen lyrics and all the favourite sing-a-longa features. It’s never been so much fun. The host will lead you through a choral warm-up, judge the fancy dress competition and award prizes but it is YOU, the audience, who are the stars as you howl the night away! Numbers include: The Timewarp, Sweet Transvestite,
B Right On Festival celebrating
T LGBT HISTORY MONTH Z
FRIDAY 16TH FEBRUARYz SATURDAY 3RD MARCH 2018
ALL EVENTS AT Q PHIL
STARR PAVILION
c VICTORIA GARDENS, BRIGHTON BN1 1WN
The Phil Starr Pavilion is a multi functional, fully accessible, heated performance and conference venue with a licensed bar
There’s a Light, I’m Going Home, Whatever Happened to Saturday Night? and Science Fiction Double Feature. Even if you ’ ve done The Time Warp before, you’ll never have done it quite like this!
DOORS: 7pm; SHOW: 7.30–11pm
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 30 minutes, including the interval. No admittance under age of 12
TICKETS: £15/£12 available online or from Prowler, Nice ’N’ Naughty, New Steine Hotel, Cup of Joe Cafe, Sussex Beacon Shop in St James’ Street or at the onsite Box Office (from Wed, Feb 14)
SATURDAY 17
COMMUNITY LUNCH with
LUNCH
POSITIVE & FRIENDS
) Absolutely everyone is invited to go along to share good food and good company together The Community Lunch will be raising money for the Rainbow Fund, who give
grants to LGBT/HIV organisations who deliver effective frontline services to LGBT+ people in Brighton & Hove Lunch-goers, where able, will be invited to make a suggested donation of £3 for lunch
The Community Lunch will be prepared and delivered by volunteers from Lunch Positive, helped by other local LGBT+ community groups They will be serving a range of tasty home cooked food To check out the menu, view: www.lunchpositive.org
LUNCH SERVED: 12pm–3pm
FREE EVENT (suggested donation for lunch £3) There’s no need to book ahead, just turn up on the day and take along all your friends!
JA SON SUTTON: TWINKLE
) Philip Meeks’ one-man play starring Jason Sutton: Following recent performances in Brighton, which delighted audiences and critics alike, TWINKLE plays for one night only at the B Right On LGBT Community Festival when Jason takes a dramatic departure from his guise as one of Brighton and London's leading lights on the cabaret circuit to play the tragi-comic figure of Harold Thropp
“This is moving theatre that firmly establishes Sutton as a star who completely understands theatrical tradition” Stephen Vowles, Boyz Magazine
Harold, a veteran pantomime dame, reflects on his life in the blaze of the footlights, which has dimmed over the years as the world's recognition of star quality has turned on its head Harold's woes at being given a dressing room in the basement spark a chain of incredible memories and events that will ensure Harold is never forgotten
“Sutton is a revelation as Harold Thropp, an ageing pantomime dame in the twilight of his career, who is not only dealing with the indignity of a reality TV star taking over top billing and his dressing room in his latest panto, but more sadly the effect it all has on his deteriorating mental health” James Ledward, Gscene.
TWINKLE will make the audience cry with laughter and shed some tears of sadness as Harold's hilarious anecdotes and bitchy oneliners unmask a dame in her descent with one last punchline to deliver.
“While TWINKLE exposes the insecurities of an ageing gay actor it creates the perfect backdrop for him to share his darkest secrets with us The script is concise, sharp and funny with brilliant one liners appearing as fast as the next double entendre allows, all delivered from the glamorous surrounding of a boiler room of a theatre in Woking. That's show business!” James Ledward, Gscene.
Following the performance, Jason Sutton and director Allan Cardew will discuss the play and will be happy to answer questions from the audience.
“Sutton is a born trouper and Meeks a skilled writer of pathos, mood and captivating dialogue that tugs at the heartstrings and with Sutton performing in such a scintillating manner this play will move you to tears of pleasure” Stephen Vowles, Boyz Magazine
“Don’t be fooled by this ageing panto dame, there is evil in her eyes. She is Machiavellian and despite her ability to see the bad side of most things you cannot help but be charmed by her alarming honesty Harold Thropp is a victim of his time, but you would want him fighting your corner for you, rather than against you, His memories of cottaging are refreshingly honest and will have a special resonance with gay men of a certain age ” James Ledward, Gscene
DOORS: 7pm; SHOW: 7.30–11pm TICKETS: £13.50/£12 available online or from Prowler, Nice ’N’ Naughty, New Steine Hotel, Cup of Joe Cafe, Sussex Beacon Shop in St James Street or at the onsite Box Office (from Wed, Feb 14)
SUNDAY 18
PAUL DIELLO : EPICENE
) A Gender-blending Celebration of Iconic Women in Music Award-winning singer songwriter Paul Diello and his seven-piece ensemble bring Epicene, a gender-blending celebration of iconic women in music, to the B Right On LGBT Community Festival after a run of three sold out performances, five star reviews and award-nominated performances at the 2017 Brighton Fringe Festival.
Join the avant-garde performer and his band for a colourful, camp cabaret extravaganza as they re-imagine classic songs originally performed by legendary female artists such as
Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell and PJ Harvey, to name a few Dance, sing, laugh and cry as Paul interweaves his stories of childhood outcastings and social misfittery into well loved compositions. Every sense will be tantalised in this outrageous, rainbow coloured romp. With songs picked from a wide range of genres and time periods, some tunes will take people on an emotional journey of nostalgia and others will make people want to get up, dance and sing along (strongly encouraged).
Epicene is a musical event presented in a cabaret style that will appeal to a wide audience, bringing together regular gig goers, fans of the theatre and cabaret queens as well as the LGBT communities and its allies The production is a comedic but raw tale of growing up in a world feeling disconnected
Paul says: “I wanted to create a fun platform for me to share my story of gender confusion through music that was personal to me but that would reach others and spread the message of the It Gets Better’ project (an organisation whose mission is to communicate to LGBT youth around the world that life does get better)"
Paul has released two LPs, The Last Green Bottle (2011) and Looking Glass (2014), and has toured extensively, promoting both across the UK, Europe and America and supported artists including Texas, Jarvis Cocker and Kyla La Grange. He has made many festival appearances including Edinburgh Fringe, the Big Chill, Blissfields and in 2015 he opened the Brighton Pride Festival on the main stage in Preston Park Paul won Best Solo Artist at the Brighton Music Awards 2010 and was nominated for Best Video He also performed at a ceremony, held at the Brighton Centre, to an audience including Jimmy Page, Roger Daltrey and Arthur Brown.
DOORS: 7pm; SHOW: 7.30–10.30pm
TICKETS: £13 available online or from Prowler, Nice ’N’ Naughty, New Steine Hotel, Cup of Joe Cafe, Sussex Beacon Shop in St James’ St or from the onsite Box Office (from Wed Feb 14).
MONDAY 19
SuicideTALK
) Suicide awareness-raising session A onehour exploration and awareness-raising session suitable for all individuals and groups within our communities
If you are concerned about suicide in your community, this training can help you talk about one of the most taboo subjects in the world today
If you work face to face with members of the LGBT communities then SuicideTalk is for you. Grassroots Suicide Prevention, LGBT Switchboard, MindOut and the LGBT Community Safety Forum are working together to ensure that those working in the LGBT communities are trained in having conversations about suicide
In just one hour of training you will see that it’s okay to talk about suicide as well as find out more about the local services that are available to those wanting support This might be enough to save a life
If you work in a bar, club, cafe or any other LGBT venue, then take an hour out of your day to attend this workshop The session will run in a very relaxed way and it’s an opportunity to find out more as well as ask any questions that you might have
WORKSHOPS: 11am–12pm and 4–5pm FREE EVENT: Book your place online
CREAM TEA with LGBT SWITCHBOARD
) Go and have a cream tea with the LGBT Switchboard Team in the unique surroundings of the Phil Starr Pavilion. Learn more about LGBT Switchboard and the Switchboard Older Persons Project.
EVENT: 2–4pm
FREE EVENT (donations welcome)
BOOK your place to help with catering numbers: email: brighton.admin@switchboard.org.uk call: 01273 234009 or online: www.lgbt-help.com
TUESDAY 20
WOMEN’S RESTORATIVE CIRCLE
) Workshop facilitated by self-identifying women from the Brighton & Hove’s Partnership Community Safety Team (B&H PCST) with support from the LGBT Community Safety Forum
Brighton & Hove aims to be a Restorative City and is committed to meeting the needs of those harmed by crime and conflict, by ensuring safe, secure and effective restorative practices are embedded throughout the city The B&H PCST continually seek to reduce barriers that our diverse communities may experience in reporting harassment or hate crime
The Restorative Justice Council defines restorative practices as a range of various methods of bringing those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for harm, into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
The B&H PCST will be offering a Restorative Circle Workshop for self-identifying women to share their personal experiences of the internal and external barriers that they may have to reporting harassment or crime The intention is to offer a fair and equal space for women to speak as openly as they wish about these barriers with the intention of raising awareness for the B&H PCST to address these barriers where possible.
DURATION: 1 hour 15 minutes
SESSIONS: 12–1.30pm and 4–5.30pm
FREE EVENT: Book your place online - only 12 spaces per session
CELEBRATING STRONG SISTERHOOD
) A debate by a panel of inspirational women chaired by Cllr Emma Daniel, Lead Member for Brighton & Hove City Council’s Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equality committee
The panel will debate their authentic understanding of sharing strength, compassion and discussing ways of collectively repairing the harm caused by an unequal society by listening to women ’ s voices and lived experiences
The panel will consist of very different women who will take questions from the floor and discuss intersectional experiences of prejudice and how the strength of collective effort can build tangible resilience across our superdiverse communities
You are invited to join in, look at, discuss and explore practical and sustainable ways of making positive change in our city
DEBATE: 7.30–10.30pm
FREE EVENT: Book your place online
WEDNESDAY 21
UNDERSTANDING HATE- CRIME WORKSHOP
) Hosted by the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum and delivered by the Office of the Crown Prosecution Service
Understanding Hate-Crime: This free workshop will cover the following topics:
• What is a Hate-Crime?
• The different types of Hate-Crime
• The history and evolution of legislation
• How do the police and CPS deal with/make decisions about Hate-Crime?
• An overview of the criminal justice process and how to report including third party reporting.
• What support is available?
• What can we do as a community to reduce Hate-Crime?
• How YOU can challenge Hate-Crime Refreshments available.
WORKSHOP: 11am–12pm
FREE EVENT: Book your place online
ACCESS: If you have any access requirements: email access@lgbt-help.com or call 01273 855620 and select option 4
UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC ABUSE WORKSHOP
) Hosted by the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum and delivered by the Office of the Crown Prosecution Service.
This workshop will cover the following topics:
• What are different ways Domestic Abuse can manifest?
• Understanding physical, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour.
• Domestic Abuse and the law
• Who can be a victim of Domestic Abuse?
• Stereotypes of victims and perpetrators
• How do the CPS prosecute these cases and what special provisions are available?
• What are the benefits of reporting and going through the Criminal Justice System?
• Challenging attitudes and behaviours that permit Domestic Abuse to continue to be perpetrated.
Refreshments available
WORKSHOP: 11am–12noon
FREE EVENT: Book your place online
ACCESS: If you have any access requirements: email access@lgbt-help.com or call 01273 855620 and select option 4
LGBT COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUM PUBLIC MEETING
) Find out about the changes to the Local Policing Model and how it impacts frontline services in the city and reporting Hate-Crimes
With Guest Speakers from Sussex Police and the outgoing Head of Brighton & Hove City Community Safety Team Peter Castleton, who will discuss the recent changes, explain about the expanded Equalities Team, the new Safer Communities Team, and introduce the new head of Safer Communities Jo Player.
MEETING STARTS: 7pm
FREE EVENT open to everyone
• Specific Advocacy & Information Sessions:
THURSDAY 22
LGBT WORK & VOLUNTEER FAIR
) Supported by the Rainbow Fund: looking for work? Want to volunteer? Want to get involved in your community? Go along and meet over 20 local community organisations and businesses
• CV support
• Job search
• Benefit Guidance
• Engagement Workshop
• Overcoming hurdles to employment
• Drop-in Support
• Local Organisations
• Recruiting companies
To book a stall for your organisation, email: events@brightonlgbtfestival.com
EVENT: 10am–4pm FREE EVENT
HISTORY BINGO
) Hosted by Guy Lloyd from Juice 107.2 FM. Join in the fun at bespoke LGBT History Bingo and help raise funds for Accessibility
Matters Book now to avoid disappointment
DOORS: 7.30pm; EYES DOWN: 8–10.30pm
SUGGESTED DONATION: £5 on the night.
ACCESS: If you have any access requirements: email access@lgbt-help.com or call 01273 855620 and select option 4.
FRIDAY 23
MINDOUT DAY
) Workshops,advocacy & information sessions
Information Stalls:
• Living Well on a Low Income workshop
• BAME/LGBTQ Wellbeing workshop
• Stress, Drugs & Alcohol workshop
• MenTalkHealth & MindOut Podcast
• Advocacy Information Sessions
• Housing
• Welfare Benefits
• Trans & Non-Binary Issues
• Cupcake decorating
• Free hot food
FREE EVENT: for activity times, to reserve a place on a workshop or for more information, visit www.mindout.org.uk or email: info@mindout.org.uk
EXPENSES ONLY: THE MUSICAL!
) WORLD PREMIER: Dust off your sequins and get ready to spend time with Drag Queen royalty in Expenses Only: The Musical!
This new musical has been written by Andrew Stark, the writer of the ‘Alternative Pantomime’ which has played to sold out audiences in Brighton for the last 10 years
The story follows the adventures of Simon aka Gloria Whole, who has organised many Pride Cabaret Tents over the years, but this year might be his most challenging yet! Six Drag Queens, one stage manager and a ‘longforgotten’ female vocalist join forces as they prepare to entertain a small crowd in a small village in the UK as they hold their first ever Gay Pride event. They struggle through egos, failed dreams, sound issues, costume dramas, out of control tambourines and high heels to bring you the truth of what really happens behind the scenes at Pride It comes complete with catchy tunes, dazzling costumes, stunning dance routines and more sequins than your recommended daily allowance! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and sometimes both at the same time!
The show stars Eva Iglesias, a touring female vocalist and seen on TV in Britain's Got Talent; Jon Hughes, better known as his alter ego
Sally Vate, as Dame; Ben Hathaway, who tours the UK as his drag persona Lucinda Lashes, was also a blue coat entertainer; Chris Magdziarz performed in the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony and has appeared in countless musicals and choreographed many more; Christopher Howard has appeared in West End musicals Cats and Les Miserables and tours the UK in his one-man Magic of the Musicals tribute show; Jason Palmer is a vocalist who has appeared in many stage musicals; Grant Collingwood-Trewin is a newcomer to the cabaret scene as Lulu Delish, entertains audiences weekly at the Dreamboys show in Bournemouth; Peter Reid aka Candi Rell, has helped run the Brighton Pride Cabaret Tent in previous years so is no stranger to the demands of Drag Queens! He’s ready are you?
Richard Boaste Kelly directs this stellar cast and Chris Magdziarz choreographs, with lighting by Beverley Grover Produced for the stage by Andy Dunton in association with the B Right On LGBT Community Festival
Visit f @BRightOnLGBT for more details
The cast look forward to seeing you under the big top in Brighton for a rare glimpse into the crazy and beautiful world of ‘the backstage Pride Cabaret Tent!'
DOORS: 7pm; SHOW: 7.30–10pm
TICKETS: £15 available online or from Prowler, Nice ’N’ Naughty, New Steine Hotel, Cup of Joe Cafe, Sussex Beacon Shop in St James Street or from the onsite Box Office (from Wed, Feb 14)
SATURDAY 24
BE SAFE, STAY SAFE
) Personal Safety Workshop hosted by the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum will introduce the principles of Personal Safety, including how to keep safe without using any physical techniques
You will also discuss and practice some techniques to increase your confidence and help you distract or escape a potential attacker In this session, techniques will be adapted to suit differing physical abilities This is not a session in martial arts
WORKSHOP: 10am–12pm FREE EVENT: Book your place online REFRESHMENTS available
ACCESS: Requirements: access@lgbt-help.com or call 01273 855620 and select option 4
SATURDAY 24
THE SEVEN DOORS OF DANNY
A new musical with music by Ricky Horscraft, words by John McCullough and additional material for musical theatre adaptation by Tom Slater-Hyndman. Based on Shakespeare’s The Seven Ages of Man monologue, this recently-expanded work is the brainchild of Sussex composer Ricky Horscraft, awardwinning Brighton-based poet John McCullough and introduces new dramatic material by up and coming director, Tom Slater-Hyndman.
It tells the story of the title character, Danny, from childhood to old age, as he deals with a range of challenges, including bullying, rejection and criminality as another door of opportunity opens or closes for him. Seven soloists each present a snapshot in the character’s life through music and drama. The cast also includes one of Brighton’s leading cabaret entertainers, Kara Van Park, who appears as drag queen villain Tequila Heels
The performance follows a successful concert premiere of the work in April 2016. This production brings a cast of 12 from various local performing groups together with 20 singers from Actually Gay Men’s Chorus and 30 musicians mostly from the University of Sussex Symphony Orchestra
Tom Slater-Hyndman, said: “I’m so pleased to be helping take this superb work to the next level and working with such a range of talented people I encourage everyone to go out and buy a ticket to support what will be a truly memorable evening ”
Composer Ricky Horscraft said: “Brighton is rich in amateur musical and acting talent and I’m so pleased to have won so much support for this production, and to be producing in conjunction with Brighton’s LGBT Community Safety Forum as part of B RIGHT ON.”
Poet John McCullough added: “I’m delighted that all our hard work has come this far, and to be part of a celebration of Brighton’s LGBT Community history. I’m really looking forward to seeing everything come together.”
Kara Van Park concluded: “I’m very excited about this production. Playing a villain is very different from what I’m used to, but I know it’ll be fabulous! B Right On is a fantastic vehicle for showing off all the talent that exists in our community, while raising much-needed charitable funds.”
More info: www.thesevendoorsofdanny.com
DOORS: 7.30pm; SHOW: 8–10pm
TICKETS: £13/£10.50 available online or from Prowler, Nice ’N’ Naughty, New Steine Hotel, Cup of Joe Cafe, Sussex Beacon Shop in St James St or from the onsite Box Office (from Wed Feb 14).
SUNDAY 25
SOUL SAFARI
) Exploring Spirituality at the B Right On Festival with Village MCC.
FREE Workshops include:
• Everyday mindfulness
• Healing through poetry
• Is the gender binary divinely ordained?
• The depth of connection in sacred intimacy
FREE Activities include: Temporary tattoos, Egyptian healing, Henna tattoos, Jesus deck card readings, Tarot card readings, Shiatsu massage, Reiki healing, Fabric flower making, Drag and Wig station, Storytelling and music sessions, Crafting, Trans spirituality, Gender queer beauty parlour, Chit chat and colouring in station, Death Cafe Brought collectively by Pagans, Christians, Muslims, and groups from many other traditions
FREE EVENT: Book your place online or turn up on the day
DISABILITY PRIDE FUNDRAISER
) The first Disability Pride Brighton last July was a huge success with over 2000 disabled people attending The event will take place this year on Saturday, July 14 on Hove Lawns Organisers are staging a fundraising evening featuring four amazing acts to help finance the event
All of the acts have at least one member who has an impairment or disability, as was the case with the acts at last year ’ s festival
Sam Hughes: at 20, Sam is the youngest Sir Elton John Tribute Act, with songs from four decades of Elton’s career including: Your Song, Crocodile Rock, Pinball Wizard, and Candle in the Wind
One Eyed Jacks: 7 musicians who burst onto the music scene in 2015 are now one of the hottest live bands in Brighton.
Paper Dragon - a young local band who’ve played and headlined Concorde 2, Old Market, Dome and the Haunt. Lead singer Michael Jones has written a couple of songs about disability including Disablism & Mountain - which the band will perform on the evening
Tori and Elliot - the talented duo are just 18 but have been performing at live venues across the city and beyond for many years as a duet (acoustic sets) and also as part of a local Blues Band Lee Ainsley's Blues Storm. Elliot Young is a former student of BIMM Brighton where he studied guitar. Tori Mai Hobbs is currently studying for a singer/songwriting degree at BIMM They’ve written many original songs and have recently recorded their first EP, performed at the iconic 100 club in London and more locally at the Komedia as part of the Blues Band
SHOW: DOORS: 7pm SHOW:7.30pm
TICKETS: £10 available online or from the onsite Box Office (from Wed, Feb 14)
MONDAY 26
EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK
) Hosted by the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum with guest trainer
• Emergency first aid at work
• Nationally recognised course valid for 3 years
• Awarding body: FutureQuals and Highfield
• The course includes a certificate and booklet on all the elements covered during the day
The course includes: Prioritising treatments, management of an unconscious casualty, CPR, defibrillation, choking, burns, fractures, bleeding, medical conditions, causes of unconsciousness including anaphylaxis and how to administer an EPIpen
Refreshments available
EVENT: 10am–4pm
TICKETS: £35 available online
ACCESS: If you have any access requirements: email: access@lgbt-help.com or call 01273 855620 and select option 4.
TUESDAY 27
SOPHIE COOK - NOT TODAY: HOW I CHOSE LIFE
) TV presenter, writer, speaker, photographer, self-harmer, suicide survivor… and transgender. Sophie Cook talks about her inspirational journey; how she overcame fear, learnt to love herself, and turned her biggest anxieties into her greatest strengths. 50% of ticket proceeds go to the Rainbow Fund.
The first transgender woman to work in the Premier League, the first trans newscaster in Europe as news anchor for Brighton’s Latest LGBT TV, she now presents Sophie Cook Talks on RadioReverb
In April 2017 Sophie was selected by the Labour Party to contest the East Worthing & Shoreham seat, increasing Labour’s vote by 114% and narrowly missing out on becoming the UK’s first transgender MP, for now
Honest and poignant, yet delivered with humour, Sophie’s story is one of happiness in the end, full of advice and inspiration that will touch the hearts of many
DOORS: 7.30pm; SHOW: 8–10.30pm.
TICKETS: £8/£5 available online or from the onsite Box Office (from Wed, Feb 14)
WEDNESDAY 28
HISTORY QUIZ
)Join in the fun at the bespoke LGBT History Quiz! It's musical, it's visual, it's a laugh!
DOORS: 7.30pm; QUIZ: 8–11pm
TICKETS: £8 pp/£50 table of 8, available online or call 01273 855773, from the onsite Box Office (from Wed, Feb 14).
ACCESS: If you have any access requirements: email access@lgbt-help.com or call 01273 855620 and select option 4
THURSDAY MARCH 1
CELEBRATION DAY
) SCOPE’S LOCAL PEOPLE PROGRAMME, funded by People’s Health Trust and HealthWish CIC, the event is led by local disabled people and unpaid carers Events include: Find out more workshop, Taster sessions, Lunch, Funded project showcase, Presentations by Project Boards Scope’s Local People For more details email: harriet.cavanagh@scope.org.uk
EVENT: 11.30am–4.30pm
FREE EVENT: Book your place online
DINE WITH THE STARS
) Dinner, Dance, Cabaret hosted by Kara Van Park with Eurovision sensation Nicki French and Maisie Trollette, Jennie Castell, Krissie DuCann, Sally Vate, Pooh la May and Jason Thorpe. Sumptuous three-course meal prepared and served by chefs from Jurys Inn Waterfront Hotel. Raising Funds for Accessibility Matters. DINE WITH THE STARS MENU
STARTER: Tomato & Mozzarella Tian served with a crispy lettuce, basil pesto and an aged balsamic dressing.
MAIN: Lemon Roasted Chicken with carrot & lemon puree served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and a sage jus.
OR: Mediterranean Vegetable Tian served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes and a Provençal sauce
DESSERT: Chocolate Tart served with dark chocolate sauce and Chantilly cream
FOOD ALLERGIES: ask for info on allergens or dietary requirements when booking
EVENT: 7–11.30pm
TICKETS: £29 available online or call 01273 855773 or visit the onsite Box Office (from Wed Feb 14)
FRIDAY 2
OUTSIDE OUT
) Homelessness in our Community – Let’s do something! Come and hear the voice of lived experience, learn about current provision and support frameworks, consider what the key issues are for LGBT rough sleepers and homeless people explore what a community response might look like
EVENT: 3pm–5pm FREE EVENT
AN EVENING WITH GABRIELL A
) Gabriella Parrish with her live band, Human Jukebox sings musical theatre, power ballads and party anthems. She won the Golden Handbag Award for Best Entertainer (Singer) 2017, and appeared on Adele at the BBC, All proceeds go to Accessibility Matters.
DOORS: 7pm; SHOW: 7.30pm–12am
TICKETS: £7/£5 available online or from Prowler, Nice ’N’ Naughty, New Steine Hotel, Cup of Joe Cafe, Sussex Beacon Shop in St James St or from the onsite Box Office (from Wed Feb 14)
FOOD: Hot food available
SATURDAY 3
FAMILY DAY
) Go and join in the fun with entertainers, games, cafe, prizes, drama workshop, magician, fancy dress, info stalls
FREE EVENT
ACCESS: If you have any access requirements: email access@lgbt-help.com or call 01273 855620 and select option 4
70s/80s DISCO BALL
) With live acts: Abbalicious - the UK's number one ABBA tribute duo; EPIC80 - the South Coast's Ultimate 1980s live band; and The English Disco Lovers - supporting the utopian vision of disco! All proceeds go to the Rainbow Fund.
Dance the night away on the Disco Bunny dance floor while raising funds for the Rainbow Fund. Dress to impress! Prize for the best Disco Diva!
EVENT: 7.30pm–1am
TICKETS: £15 available online or from Prowler, Nice ’N’ Naughty, New Steine Hotel, Cup of Joe Cafe, Sussex Beacon Shop in St James Street or from the onsite Box Office (from Wed, Feb 14).
FOOD: Hot food available
F E B R U A R Y L I S T I N G S
AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN
l 11-12 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL, T: 01273 670976, www amsterdambrighton com
l OPEN daily from 11am–late
l FOOD Mon-Fri 11am–8pm; Sat & Sun 10 30am–8pm; Sunday roasts from 12pm, booking recommended: 01273 670 976 SPECIALS: Mon–Wed, 5–8pm: main course from specials menu and a pint or medium glass of house wine for £10
l DRINK PROMOS Grolsch £3 50 a pint; selected bottles of beer £3; house spirit and a mixer £3 or a double £5; house wine £10 90 a bottle; cocktails: two for £15
l VALENTINE’S DAY Wednesday (14) enjoy an intimate setting and a romantic delicious meal for two for £50 Price includes a free bottle of Prosecco! Call venue to make reservation
l REGUL ARS CABARET Fridays with top enter tainers lighting up the Amsterdam stage from 9pm: Sally Vate (2), Spice (16), R ose Garden (23) and Stephanie Von Clitz (30) l Saturday ENTERTAINMENT at 9pm: Jason Thorpe’s Karaoke (3, 10 & 24) and DJ Tony B (17)
Information is correct at the time of going to press Gscene cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings
THURSDAY 1
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request
Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Thursday Quiz: Ross Cameron & prizes 8pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO pre-par ty 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Games Night: bring your board games 7pm
l ENVY Throwback Thursday: host Joan
Bond & DJ Ruby Roo 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Tudo Bem 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Miss Jason
9 30pm
l REVENGE FOMO DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Mitch’s Quiz 7.30pm
FRIDAY 2
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Sally Vate 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BAR REVENGE Pop-Tar tz warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE T G I F: DJ Franco & competitions 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Old Skool Disco 6pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Friday Session: DJ Tony B 9.30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Krissie Du Cann 9.30pm
BAR BROADWAY
l 10 Steine Street, BN2 1TE, Tel: 01273 609777, www barbroadway co uk
l OPEN Mon–Thu 6pm–1am, Fri 5pm–3am, Sat 4pm–3am, Sun 4pm–1am
l DRINK PROMOS Download the Bar Broadway app for exclusive drink deals
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Wednesday (7) is EUROVISION – YOU DECIDE at the Brighton Dome and to celebrate, Bar Broadway is spoiling us with all things Eurovish all day from 4pm Bar Broadway say: “BBC have decided to select this year’s UK Song for Eurovision at Brighton Dome, and Bar Broadway is going Eurovision for the day The Screens will be all things Eurovision and the usual tenuous links ”
l VALENTINE’S DAY Wednesday (14) is Spice’s SERIOUSLY STUPID SPEED DATING, an alternative to Valentine’s Night for all Brighton’s single boys and girls from 9pm Bar Broadway say: “This is the dating solution before Grindr, with a twist! We get you to spend 3 minutes with potential life partners by asking those questions that are usually taboo on a first date “ There’s a chance to win a dinner for 2, or a bottle of Prosecco if the stars are aligned and the correct boxes are ticked
l REGUL ARS Tuesday is PIANO SINGALONG hosted by The R egency Singers at 9pm Everyone is welcome so get up, sing along, or just enjoy the performances! l Wednesday (28) is OPEN MIC NIGHT – STUDENT
WARS with host Jason Thorpe overseeing a singing battle between Brighton University Musical Appreciation Society, Brighton Per forming Ar ts College and University of Sussex SMUTS from 9pm l Thursday is BROADWAY’S BIG QUIZ is with R oss Cameron and prizes, incl cash, at 8pm l Friday and Saturday: BROADWAY JUKEBOX all night Download the app, click your favourite and the bar will play! l Sat (3) is BROADWAY REMIXED in the Broadway Lounge with R oss Cameron playing your fave Broadway numbers with an uptempo beat from 10pm l Sunday is the FIREPLACE SESSIONS at 8 30pm with Miss Disney’s Bir thday Bash (4), Allan Jay (11), Sam Chara (18) and Stephen Richards aka Lola Lasagne (25)
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Dave Lynn 9 30pm
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs 10.30pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Cabaret: Rose Garden 8pm
l SUBLINE Steam 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Stone & Street 10pm
SATURDAY 3
l AMSTERDAM Jason Thorpe’s Karaoke 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm; Broadway Remixed@Broadway Lounge: DJ Ross Cameron 10pm
BAR 7 CRAWLEY
l 7 Pegler Way, Crawley, RH11 7AG, Tel: 01293 511177, www 7crawley co uk
l OPEN daily from 6pm
l DRINK PROMOS Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat drink deals all night
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday (23) is CABARET with the sensational Mar tha D’Ar thur at 7pm
l REGUL ARS Friday is 7-UPSTAIRS with all-star DJs playing pop/dance /guilty pleasures at 8pm, free entry till 11pm l Saturday is 7-SINS with DJ Jazzy Jane spinning tunes at 8pm, free entry till 11pm
l Wednesday is CREWSDAY with resident DJ Lewis Osborne ensuring you gain some altitude with epic tunes from 7pm
l BAR REVENGE WTF warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Open Cocktail
Masterclass 8pm; DJ Prynesh, free CDs & comps 10pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions: Miss Disney’s Bir thday Bash 8 30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Club: DJs 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, free food & raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: Heart & Soul 7 30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm; roasts 12pm
BOUTIQUE
l 2 Boyces St, West St, BN11AN, 01273 327607 www boutiqueclubbrighton com
l OPEN 6pm–late Sat, 8pm–late Mon, Wed & Fri; closed Tue, Thur & Sun
l DRINK PROMOS daily specials including 5 J Bombs £5, 2 vodka mixers & 2 shots £5, 2 beers & 2 shots £5 Mon & Wed: Bottles of Moet £50
l VALENTINES DAY Wed (14) is the Valentine’s Day Special with a bottle of Prosecco, VIP table, private karaoke and pizza for £50
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Learn how to make your favourite cocktail every Saturday at the OPEN COCKTAIL MASTER CLASS in Bar 2 from 8pm All cocktail master classes are currently at a discounted price of £15pp till Feb 28 This includes a 1 5-hour master class in the private bar, an hour of karaoke and a VIP table For all bookings, contact Becky: 07572867585 In the evening, hit the dancefloor with renowned DJs/themes/giveaways from 10pm: Pr ynesh (3 & 10), Oli (17) and Franco (24) Take the par ty home with a free CD including the DJ’s tunes from the evening!
l REGUL ARS T G I F is every Friday with top-notch DJs, Franco (2 & 16) and Thierre (9 & 23), from 10pm Free entry for students, Fri (9); free entry for those quoting Gscene on the door, Fri (23) Boutique says: “Friday is let your hair down night, work has finished and the weekend has begun! Expect amazing drink deals all night and DJs kicking the antics off Listen out all night for competitions and amazing prices!”
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Mar tha D’Ar thur 3 30pm; roasts 12–3pm
l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 125pm; Drag Open Mic with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Fleur de Paris 6pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Jason Lee double bill 6 30pm & 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Sunday roasts, jazz & raffle 12pm
l VELVET JACKS Sunday roasts 1pm
MONDAY 5
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles, board/card games 8 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR The Maisie Trollette & Dave Lynn Show 9 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Mick Hamer, Gerry Higgins & guests 2pm; Spike Andy Panayi 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Monday Club Cabaret: Kara Van Park & Ruper t 8.30pm
TUESDAY 6
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY The Regency
Singers pres Piano Singalong 9pm
l BAR REVENGE Lip Sync for Your Life: £50 cash prize + win a paid gig 9pm
l ENVY Bang Bang: DJ Ruper t Ellick 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Quiz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE Live blues: Blue Wolf 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Adonis Unzipped with host Davina Sparkle 8 30pm
CAMELFORD ARMS
l 30-31 Camelford St, BN2 1TQ, Tel: 01273 622386, www camelfordarms com
l OPEN daily from 12pm The most dog-friendly pub in town
l FOOD Mon–Sat 12–9pm; Sunday roasts and select menu served 12pm–till gone; seniors’ lunch Wed 2–3 30pm, two courses £9 50
l VALENTINES DAY Wednesday (14) enjoy a fine dining three-course candlelit romantic setting Book in advance for £50 per couple and receive a free bottle of wine or £25 per person on the night
l REGUL ARS Thursday is the BIG CASH QUIZ at 9pm with a £300 cash prize, free sarnies and a great atmosphere l Sunday is the BEAR BASH with free food and a raffle at 5pm
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 7
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Eurovision - You Decide: Eurovision-themed day 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch
2-3.30pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Mrs Moore’s Bona
Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Darren Beckett & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Straight Camp Presents: Take It Like a Man: DJ Parker Street + ar t, camp culture from Ali Hannon, Alfie Ordinary, Jenny & Jared, Juno Dawson, Misha MN, Stuar t Warwick, The Queer Historian & more 7.30pm
l VELVET JACKS Quiz: prizes 7 45pm
THURSDAY 8
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Thursday Quiz: Ross Cameron, prizes 8pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO pre-par ty 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Games Night: bring your board games 7pm
l ENVY Throwback Thursday: host Joan Bond & DJ Ruby Roo 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Babou & Abraham de Vega 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Spice 9.30pm
l REVENGE FOMO DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Mitch’s Quiz 7.30pm
FRIDAY 9
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Spice 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BAR REVENGE Pop-Tar tz warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l FOOD served daily from 10am–10pm, including: breakfasts from 10am; #MeatFreeMondays with a free smoothie with veggie & vegan meals; fresh homemade Sunday roasts from 12pm: hand carved roast beef or turkey £8 75, roast lamb shank £10.75
l OPEN Tue–Fri 4pm–late, Sat–Sun 1pm–late, closed every Mon
l DRINK PROMOS Daily gin and rum offers
l DRINK PROMOS 2-4-1 cocktails Mon–Thur 5–8pm; half price drinks every Fri 5–9pm and bottles of Prosecco £15 all night; 2 for £6 on any craft cans or bottles every Sun from 5pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Wednesday is the return of Mrs Moore’s BONA BINGO BONANZA from 9pm, raising money for THT South! Charles Street say: “Af ter the first season this is fast becoming a Brighton institution! And if you’ve never seen the chaos of a drag queen in a paddling pool, pulling giant bingo balls well you just have to!”
l REGUL ARS Monday is GAYMERS night with consoles and board games from 8.30pm Expect a night of Nintendo, Playstation and Xbox retro video game goodness plus everything from board games, card games and tournaments Everyone welcome and if you’ve got a game you want to play, bring it along l FABULOUS FRIDAYS are with DJ Morgan Fabulous spinning delicious house anthems to kick-star t your weekend from 9pm l Saturday is FIERCE from 9pm with top DJs on rotation: Morgan Fabulous (3), R ob D (10), Grant Knowles (17) and Claire Fuller (24) l Sunday is CABARET with some of the brightest stars of the scene at 7 30pm: Hear t & Soul (4), Lola Lasagne (11), R ose Garden (18) and Mar tha D’Ar thur (25) Stick around for Sally’s ROCK & ROLL BINGO straight after the cabaret
ENVY
@ CHARLES STREET TAP
l 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA, Tel: 01273 624091, www charles-street com
l DRINK PROMOS £2 all night Tue; bottles of Becks £1 and pints selected spirits & mixers from £1 50 all night Thur
l ONE FOR THE DIARY THROWBACK THURSDAY is with hostess Joan Bong plus DJ R uby R oo throwing out those 00s guilty pleasures and 1990s retro anthems from 10pm till 3am, £1 entry
l REGUL ARS Tuesday is BANG BANG with DJ R uper t Ellick playing guilty pleasures/requests from 10pm till 2am, free b4 11pm, £2 after
l BOUTIQUE T G I F: DJ Thierre & competitions 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Old Skool Disco 6pm
l DR BRIGHTONS The Doctor’s Par ty: DJ 9 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Mysterry
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday (3) Chills & Fever presents a night of Nor thern soul/ ska/popcorn/club/mod/jazz with DJs Finger Poppin Daddio and Hugh from 8pm
l REGUL ARS Thursday is GAMES NIGHT at 7pm Bring your board games for an evening of fun!
Tour 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter 9.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Gay Gongs: host Candi Rell 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Cherry Liquor 9.30pm
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs on level 1; Fat Lip with DJ Fifi on level 2 10.30pm
l SUBLINE Dir ty Tackle: spor tskit night 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Davina Sparkle 10pm
SATURDAY 10
l AMSTERDAM Jason Thorpe’s karaoke 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm
l BAR REVENGE WTF warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Open Cocktail Masterclass 8pm; DJ Prynesh, free CDs & comps 10pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce: DJ Rob D 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Saturday Session: DJ Tony B 9 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Spice 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Club
4pm
l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Gabriella Parrish 9 30pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Cabaret: Lola Lasagne 8pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs over 2 floors 11pm
l SUBLINE The Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SUNDAY 11
l AMSTERDAM Sunday roasts 12pmtill gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres: Allan Jay 8.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Club DJs 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, free food & raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: Lola Lasagne 7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8 30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Davina Sparkle 3 30pm; roasts 12–3pm
DOCTOR BRIGHTONS
l 16-17 Kings Rd, BN1 1NE, Tel: 01273 208113 www doctorbrightons co uk
l OPEN Mon–Thur 3pm–midnight; Fri & Sat 1pm–2am; Sun 1pm–midnight
Free entr y every day and night
l DRINK PROMOS all day Sun–Thur; 1pm–close on Fri; 1–7pm on Sat BOGOF Cocktails all day Sun–Fri and till 7pm on Sat Free pool with every round every day
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday (17) is HOUSE RULES with DJ Nick Hirst spinning decadent classic house tracks from 9.30pm
l REGUL ARS THE FRIDAY SESSIONS with DJ Tony B at 9 30pm l Fri (9) is THE DOCTOR’S PARTY with a DJ throwing out 1970s–2000s tunes from 9.30pm l Friday (16) is SOUL SOLUTION request night with DJ Tony B at 9.30pm VINYL FRIDAY (23) is with DJ Kai playing vinyl only at 9.30pm l The SATURDAY SESSIONS with DJ Tony B at 9 30pm l Saturday (24) is CURIOSITY CLUB with DJ Lizzie Curious at 9.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 125pm; Drag Open Mic with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Marilyn du Sax & band 6pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Son of a Tutu 9.30pm
l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Sunday roasts, jazz & raffle 12pm
l VELVET JACKS Sunday roasts 1pm
MONDAY 12
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles, board/card games 8 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR The Maisie Trollette & Dave Lynn Show 9 30pm
G R O S V E N O R
l 16 Western Street, Hove, BN1 2PG, www thegrosvenorbar com
l OPEN daily from 12 noon–late
l DRINK PROMOS 3–7pm every day
l RAFFLE The Grosvenor Bar raised £520 from their Christmas raffle, which will be donated to the Sussex Beacon
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday CABARET with local and national stars onstage at 9 30pm: Krissie Du Cann (2), Mysterr y Tour (9), Jason Lee (16) and Trudi Styles and the Piano Man (23) Trudi Styles and the Piano man (23) have been performing together for over five years and bring an eclectic mix of comedy, banter and music to titillate every audience Not to be missed!
l REGUL ARS Saturday is CABARET with stars of the cabaret scene at 9.30pm: Dave Lynn (3), Spice (10), Sally Vate (17) and Davina Sparkle (24)
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Mick Hamer, Gerry Higgins & guests 2pm; Geoff Simkins & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Monday Club Cabaret: Kara Van Park & Ruper t 8 30pm
TUESDAY 13
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY The Regency
Singers pres Piano Singalong 9pm
l BAR REVENGE Lip Sync for Your Life: £50 cash prize + win a paid gig 9pm
l ENVY Bang Bang: DJ Ruper t Ellick 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Quiz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE Live blues: Smoke Stack 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS C U Next Tuesday: Dave Lynn & guest 8.30pm
L E G E N D S B A R
L E G E N D S B A S E M E
N T C L U B
l 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR, Tel: 01273 624462, www.legendsbrighton.com
l OPEN daily from 11am–5am
l FOOD Mon–Sat 12–5pm Sunday lunch served 12–3pm: choose from beef, belly pork, chicken supreme or wholesome nut roast served with all the trimmings!
l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Fri 12–11pm buy one bottle of wine and get the second half price
l VALENTINE’S DAY Wednesday (14) is the VALENTINE’S PARTY from 9pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Monday is the return of the Dave Lynn and Maisie Trollette Show from 9 30pm Doyenne of Drag Maisie Trollette, the listed building of the cabaret circuit, is a legend on the scene, bringing glamour and camp repar tee to every venue Maisie has been treading the boards for over 60 years, and this incredible octogenarian still has the sharpest wit, and some of the most powerful pipes in the business Try heckling at your peril! Drag queen of drag queens and star of stage and screen, Dave Lynn has been bringing his distinctive cabaret shows to audiences in Brighton and around the UK for more years than he would care to remember On stage, Dave’s cocktail of song and caustic wit hits the right spot every time Dave says: “It's a night of chat, gags, stories and songs I love working with Maisie; she's an icon and was very helpful when I was younger Between us you will have about 150 years of experience; we don't rehearse, we chat in the dressing room Expect adlibbing and the songs we love - showtunes and camp standards It will be a classy and fun night, with the two of us ”
l REGUL ARS Friday is PRE- GLIT TER at 9.30pm with the ever-fabulous Stephanie Von Clitz, Cosmic & guests heating you up with songs and laughs before the big one downstairs l Sunday is CABARET at 3 30pm with top acts of the stage: Mar tha D’Ar thur (4), Davina Sparkle (11), Lucinda Lashes (18) and Drag With No Name (25)
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 14
l AMSTERDAM Valentine’s Day: romantic meal for 2 - £50 incl bottle of Prosecco 6pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Valentine’s Day: Spice’s Seriously Stupid Speed Dating 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Valentine’s Day Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Valentine’s Day Special 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch
2-3 30pm; Valentine’s Day 3-course
special menu: £50 per couple incl bottle of wine if booked in advance, £25pp on the night 7pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Mrs Moore’s Bona
Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Valentine's Shag
Tag Disco: host SVC 8pm
l 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR, Tel: 01273 624462, www.legendsbrighton.com
l OPEN Wed–Sun from 11pm
l DRINK PROMOS £2 50 drink deals all night on Sun, Wed & Thur, various promos on Fri
l VALENTINE’S DAY Wednesday (14) is VALENTINE’S ICE with DJ Claire Fuller melting the dancefloor, and a few hear ts, with hot tracks!
l REGUL ARS Thursday is NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL LEGENDS with DJ Claire Fuller taking you on a journey through the 1970s/80s/90s! l Fri is GLIT TER with DJ David Noakes’ char t & dance tracks l Saturday is FUSION at 11pm with DJ Peter Castle spinning char t /club remixes l Sunday is POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller’s mix of new/retro pop l Wednesday is ICE with DJ Claire Fuller melting the dancefloor with char t/house/r&b
l PARIS HOUSE Valentine’s Special: jazz singer Sara Oschlag & band + special French menu 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Valentine’s Day
Love Show: Sally Vate 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
l VELVET JACKS Valentine’s Day: love cocktails 4pm; Quiz: prizes 7 45pm
THURSDAY 15
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request
Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Thursday Quiz: Ross Cameron, prizes 8pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO pre-par ty 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now
That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Games Night: bring your board games 7pm
l ENVY Throwback Thursday: host Joan Bond & DJ Ruby Roo 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thursday 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Son Guarachando 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Lola
Lasagne 9.30pm
l REVENGE FOMO - 50 Shades of Gay: themed night celebrating the new 50 Shades film with DJs, bondage cages, blow up dolls, fetish & dildo giveaways & full-sized beds 11pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Mitch’s Quiz 7 30pm
FRIDAY 16
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Rose Garden 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BAR REVENGE Pop-Tar tz warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE T G I F: DJ Franco 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday:
DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Old Skool Disco 6pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Soul Solution Requests: DJ Tony B 9 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Jason
Lee 9 30pm
F E B R U A R Y
L I S T I N G S
M A R I N E T A V E R N
l 13 Broad St, BN2 1TJ, Tel: 01273 905578, www marinetavern co uk
l OPEN daily from 10am
l FOOD daily from 12–9pm; Curr y & Quiz on Tue for £1 (curr y 7 30pm, Quiz 9pm; roasts every Sunday 12–5pm, booking advised
l VALENTINE’S DAY Wednesday (14) Valentine's SHAG TAG DISCO: host SVC at 8pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday (9) is the MARINE TAVERN’S GAY GONGS with hostess Candi R ell dishing out the gags and the gongs from 9pm With a great atmosphere and light-hear ted categories, this will be a night to remember! Lee Cockshott, owner, says: “Last year’s was packed so we’re expecting this one to be even bigger! It’s a really fun night and the best bit - you decide the winner See you there!”
l REGUL ARS Sunday is DRAG OPEN MIC Night with Stephanie Von Clitz at 9pm l Sunday (18): DRAG OPEN MIC 2nd Bir thday Par ty with cabaret from Dave Lynn at 8pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE TC’s Joyful Noise: Soul Night 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Lucinda Lashes 9.30pm
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs 10 30pm
l SUBLINE Filth: mixed full-fetish par ty 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Topsie Redfern 10pm
SATURDAY 17
l AMSTERDAM DJ Tony B 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm
P A R I S H O U S E
l 21 Western Rd, BN3 1AF, T: 01273 724195, www parishousebrighton com
l OPEN daily from 12pm
l FOOD served 12pm–close every day
l VALENTINE’S DAY Wednesday (14) enjoy an evening of LIVE JAZZ from Sara Oschlag and special French threecourse meals served in a candlelit romantic setting
l REGUL ARS Sunday is LIVE MUSIC at 6pm: Fleur de Paris (4), Marilyn du Sax (11), Dave Williams (18) and Sam Chara (25) l Monday is free LIVE JAZZ: Mick Hamer, Gerr y Higgins & guests at 2pm; then acts with live bands at 8pm: Spike Andy Panayi (5), Geoff Simkins (12), Chris Coull (19) and Oli Howe (26) l Tuesday LIVE MUSIC at 8pm: Blue Wolf (6), Smoke Stack (13), Banned Sauce (20) and Area Code (27) l Wednesday is free LIVE MUSIC with a band at 8pm: Darren Beckett (7), Sam Carlese (21) and Paul Richards (28) l Thursday is free WORLD MUSIC night at 8pm: Tudo Bem (1), Babou & Abraham de Vega (8), Son Guarachando (15) and Pollito Boogaloo (22) l Friday is PARTY TIME with guest DJs at 9pm: Havoxx (2, 9 & 23) and TC'S JOYFUL NOISE Soul Night (16) l Saturday is AND ALL THAT JAZZ with live jazz at 4pm; TC'S JOYFUL NOISE with DJ Kenny at 9pm, free entry
l BAR REVENGE WTF warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Open Cocktail Masterclass 8pm; DJ Oli, free CDs & comps 10pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce: DJ Grant Knowles 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS House Rules: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Club 4pm
l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Kara Van Park 9.30pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs over 2 floors 11pm
l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Mar tha D’Ar thur 10pm
SUNDAY 18
l AMSTERDAM Sunday roasts 12pmtill gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres Sam Chara 8.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Club DJs 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, free food & raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: Rose Garden 7 30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Lucinda Lashes 3 30pm; roasts 12–3pm
l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 125pm; Drag Open Mic 2nd Bir thday Par ty with cabaret from Dave Lynn 8pm
L I S T I N G S
Q U E E N S A R M S
l 7 George St, BN2 1RH, T: 01273 696873, www theqabrighton com
l OPEN 5pm Mon–Thur, 12pm Fri–Sun
l DRINK PROMOS House Spirit & Mixer £2 50 (double up for an extra £1): 5–9pm Tue–Thur, 12–6pm Fri–Sun
l VALENTINE’S DAY Wednesday (14) is Sally Vate’s LOVE SHOW at 9 30pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Tuesday (6) is ADONIS UNZIPPED with Davina Sparkle on hosting duties from 8 30pm, tickets £10
l REGUL ARS THE MONDAY CLUB with Kara Van Park & R uper t at 8 30pm l Tue (from 13) is now C U NEXT TUESDAY with Dave Lynn and guest at 8 30pm l Wed is the Sally Vate SHOW at 9 30pm l Thursday
CABARET at 9 30pm: Miss Jason (1), Spice (8), Lola Lasagne (15) and Jade Justine (22) Jade Justine (22) is pretty new to the circuit and is going from strength to strength She’s performed in Drag Idol and Bette Rinse’s Its a Knockout and her diary is just getting fuller, now performing all over the UK! Jade has worked with many a seasoned queen and is a real life Disney Princess with amazing vocals You just know you’ll be in very safe hands l Friday CABARET at 9 30pm: Dave Lynn (2), Cherr y Liquor (9), Lucinda Lashes (16) and Drag With No Name (23) l Saturday CABARET at 9.30pm: Davina Sparkle (3), Gabriella Parrish (10), Kara Van Park (17) and Miss Terr y Tour (24) Expect outrageous antics from Miss Terr y Tour (24) who used to work in a Westlife tribute act before turning to sequins and bling, and spending hours in front of the make-up mirror! She says: ““I got into drag because I love singing! I’ve always been an entertainer and did a lot of shows in London’s West End Expect a night of entertainment brought to you by the blonde bombsite herself; an evening full of fun and frolic from the girl with a lot of bollock!” l Sunday is DOUBLE CABARET at 6 30pm and 9 30pm: Jason Lee (4), Son of a Tutu at 9 30pm only (11), Topsie R edfern (18) and Davina Sparkle (25)
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Dave Williams & band 6pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Topsie
Redfern double bill 6 30pm & 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Sunday roasts, jazz & raffle 12pm
l VELVET JACKS Sunday roasts 1pm; Live acoustic music: Mike Newsham 4pm
MONDAY 19
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles, board/card games 8.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR The Maisie Trollette & Dave Lynn Show 9 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Mick Hamer, Gerry Higgins & guests 2pm; Chris Coull & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Monday Club Cabaret: Kara Van Park & Ruper t 8.30pm
B A R R E V E N G E
l 5-7 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA, Tel: 01273 606064, www revenge co uk
l OPEN Sun 12pm-2am, Mon–Wed 12pm-1am, Thur 12pm-2am, Fri & Sat 12pm-6am
l DRINK PROMOS Sun 5pm–close & Mon–Fri 5–8pm is 10 @ £2 50 with the most popular drinks priced at £2 50; all bombs & shots (house spirits) £1 on Thur 10pm–close; selected drinks £2 50 every Sat Buy a drink on Thur, Fri & Sat to pick up discounted entry passes for Club Revenge
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Tuesday is the return of LIP SYNC FOR YOUR LIFE, a bit like karaoke but without the singing, from 9pm! Bar Revenge say: “This is your LGBTQ + cheeky-midweeky giving you the chance to sashay onto our stage and lip sync to your favourite songs for a £50 cash prize and the chance to win a paid gig at the next Powder Room show in the Club! And if you don't win first time?
Come back and slay us again!”
l REGUL ARS Thursday is the FOMO PRE-PARTY with all-star DJs warming you up with char t bangers from 9pm l Friday is the POP TARTZ WARM-UP with DJs at 9pm l Every Saturday, get warmed up for WTF! with DJs from 9pm
l Join the SUNDAY CLUB with all-star DJs chucking out top-notch tunes from 9pm
TUESDAY 20
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong with The Regency Singers 9pm
l BAR REVENGE Lip Sync for Your Life: £50 cash prize + win a paid gig 9pm
l ENVY Bang Bang: DJ Ruper t Ellick 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Quiz 7 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Banned Sauce 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS C U Next Tuesday: Dave Lynn & guest 8 30pm
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 21
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Tabitha Wild’s Blankety Blank 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Mrs Moore’s Bona Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Sam Carlese & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
l VELVET JACKS Quiz: prizes 7 45pm
THURSDAY 22
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Quiz: Ross Cameron & prizes 8pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO pre-par ty 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
R E V E N G E
l 32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL, Tel: 01273 606064, www revenge co uk
l OPEN Tue from 11pm, Thur, Fri, Sat from 10 30pm
l DRINK PROMOS all drinks £2 50 and double up for £1 50 on Tue; £1 drinks before midnight on Thur
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thursday (15) is FOMO – 50 SHADES OF GAY, a night celebrating the new 50 Shades film with DJs, debauchery and kinky fun! Revenge say: “FOMO is bringing back one of its most infamous theme nights featuring bondage cages, blow up dolls, fetish & dildo giveaways and full sized beds!”
l REGUL ARS Tuesday is BANGERS & TRASH with DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick celebrating the biggest char t bangers and the trashiest pop Revenge say: “It's all about sl*t-dropping to Sia, booty-shaking to Beyonce and twerking to Taylor Swif t courtesy of our two resident DJsbaby banger Toby Lawrence & trashy tart DJ Trick!”
l Saturday is WTF with DJs spinning tunes to get you moving and special guests over 2 floors l Thur is FOMO with Revenge’s all-star DJs spinning an eclectic mix of pop/ char t/house/ pop-punk/ bass and hip-hop l Fri is POP TARTZ with resident DJs sweetening up the dancefloor on level 1 with pop anthems l Friday (9) is FAT LIP on level 2 with DJ Fifi playing the best poppunk/indie/nu-metal/rock DJ Fifi says: “If you re wanting to let your hair down and are looking for a change, come give Fat Lip a go! We love requests too! Apologies in advance if your ears are ringing in the morning!”
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Games Night: bring your board games 7pm
l ENVY Throwback Thursday: host Joan Bond & DJ Ruby Roo 10pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Pollito Boogaloo 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Jade Justine 9.30pm
l REVENGE FOMO DJs 11pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Mitch’s Quiz 7 30pm
FRIDAY 23
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY cabaret: Myra Dubois 7pm
R O T T I N G D E A N C L U B
l 89 High Street, Rottingdean, BN2 7HE, Tel: 01273 309529 f therottingdeanclub
l The R ottingdean Club, a members bar in the hear t of the village, is ideal during the day as a place to meet with friends and clients, work remotely with a coffee or mix and mingle with other like minded members With regular enter tainment and a large sunny garden suitable for a range of events, the Rottingdean Club is a unique little club venue and they would love you to join The Rottingdean Club say: "The venue was built in the 1500s and has a unique charm that many other venues simply don't have anymore We’re popular with people of all ages and backgrounds - from older Rottingdean residents looking for a quieter private space to young professionals who want a place to kick back away from the stresses of work life "
l MEMBERSHIP If you’re interested in joining the Rottingdean Club, please email bar@therottingdeanclub.co.uk and mention Gscene to get a free drink on joining!
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday (2) is CABARET with R ose Garden live at 8pm The Rottingdean Club say: “Rose is a maniac on the floor and she's here to entertain us all! The belle of Belfast, the blonde bombshell, one of London's hardest working Drag Queens will be here direct from her recent trip to A ustralia and she will no doubt regale us with some of her stories Rose will leave you wanting more, more, more!”
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday (10) is CABARET with Lola Lasagne at 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Drag With No Name 9 30pm
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs 10 30pm
l SUBLINE Steam 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BAR REVENGE Pop-Tar tz warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE T G I F: DJ Franco & competitions 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Old Skool Disco 6pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Vinyl Friday: DJ Kai 9.30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Trudi Styles & Piano Man 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Spice 10pm
SATURDAY 24
l AMSTERDAM Jason Thorpe’s Karaoke 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm
L I S T I N G S
S U B L I N E
l 129 St James' St, BN2 1TH, Tel: 01273 624100, www sublinebrighton co uk
l OPEN Sun, Wed & Thur from 9pm, 10pm Fri & Sat
l DRINK PROMOS draught pints £1 off all night Wed
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thursday (7): Straight Camp Presents: TAKE IT LIKE A MAN with ar t, camp and culture from 7.30pm, performed by Ali Hannon, Alfie Ordinar y, Jenny & Jared, Juno Dawson, Misha MN, Stuar t War wick, The Queer Historian and more! All welcome, and £5 door Stick around and par ty into the night with DJ Parker Street spinning tunes to get you moving! The organisers say: “Take It Like A Man includes camp, drag, spoken word, live art installation, video projection, durational pieces, straight up drama and more!”
l REGUL ARS Wednesday is HUMP DAY with 1980s/90s alternative music, free entry! l Friday (9) is the DIRTY TACKLE spor tskit night, £3 in spor tswear or £5
l Friday (16) is FILTH mixed full-fetish par ty, advance tickets online l Saturday is THE MEN'S ROOM with DJ Screwpulous at 9pm, free till 11pm, £3 after, guests £5 l Sunday (25) is CUM IN YOUR PANTS underwear par ty from 9pm, free for members, £5 for guests Subline say: “Our monthly underwear party cums around again with DJ Nude playing High Energy tunes, and a Monday- need- nevercome vibe!”
l BAR REVENGE WTF warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Open Cocktail
Masterclass 8pm; DJ Franco, free CDs & comps 10pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Curiosity Club: DJ
Lizzie Curious 9.30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Davina Sparkle 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Club 4pm
l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s
Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Miss Terry Tour 9.30pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs over 2 floors 11pm
l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ
Screwpulous 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SUNDAY 25
l AMSTERDAM Sunday roasts 12pmtill gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres: Stephen Richards aka Lola Lasagne 8 30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Club DJs 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, free food & raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: Martha
D’Arthur 7 30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Drag With No Name 3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm
l OPEN Tue–Thur 4–11 30pm, Fri & Sat 12–11 30pm, Sun 1–11pm
l FOOD Delicious Sunday roasts served from 1pm; Jaldee Jaldee Indian veggie & vegan food on Thur (excl 1) 6–10pm; l Mosaic Pop Up Kitchen on Tue (13 & 27) from 7pm Booking recommended, please call: 07720 661290
l VALENTINE’S DAY Wednesday (14) with intimate atmosphere and cocktails of love all day!
l REGUL ARS Wednesday is QUIZ NIGHT with prizes from 7 45pm for 8pm star t Sunday (18) is LIVE MUSIC with Mike Newsham from 4pm
l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 125pm; Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Sam Chara 6pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Davina Sparkle double bill 6 30pm & 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Cum in Your Pants: underwear par ty 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Sunday roasts, jazz & raffle 12pm
l VELVET JACKS Sunday roasts 1pm
MONDAY 26
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles, board/card games 8.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR The Maisie Trollette & Dave Lynn Show 9.30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Mick Hamer, Gerry Higgins & guests 2pm; Oli Howe & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Monday Club Cabaret: Kara Van Park & Ruper t 8 30pm
TUESDAY 27
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong with The Regency Singers 9pm
l BAR REVENGE Lip Sync for Your Life: £50 cash prize + win a paid gig 9pm
l ENVY Bang Bang: DJ Ruper t Ellick 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Quiz 7.30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Area Code 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS C U Next Tuesday: Dave Lynn & guest 8.30pm
T H R E E J O L L Y B U T C H E R S
l 59 Nor th Rd, BN1 1YD, Tel: 01273 608571, www.3jollybutchers.com
l OPEN from 12pm on Mon–Sun Private function room available
l FOOD Mon–Fri 12–7.30pm, Sat 12–6pm, Sunday roasts 12–6pm Mon–Thur Meal Deal: two for £15, 12–7 30pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday Jazz and R affle at the JAZZ ROAST with chilled jazz at 12pm, free entry
l REGUL ARS Thursday is Mitch’s QUIZ NIGHT at 7 30pm, all welcome
T H E Z O N E
l 33 St James’ St, BN2 1RF, Tel: 01273 682249, www zonebrighton co uk
l OPEN 11am Sun–Thur, 10am Fri & Sat
l DRINK PROMOS all day Sun-Thur, till 10pm Fri & Sat
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday is top CABARET onstage at 10pm: Stone & Street (2), Davina Sparkle (9), Topsie R edfern (16) and Spice (23)
l REGUL ARS Saturday is CABARET with sensational acts at 10pm: Kara Van Park (3), Sally Vate (10 & 24) and Mar tha D’Ar thur (17) Mar tha D’Ar thur adds sparkle to any occasion, for cash or Bacardi and coke! Expect great vocals and cutting patter Mar tha says: “I’m an intercity substar who has been caught on numerous occasions trying to sneak illegal immigrants into the country under my skirt! Not to be trusted, and rarely wanted Dead or Alive ”
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 28
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Open MicStudent Wars: host Jason Thorpe + Brighton University Musical Appreciation Society, University of Sussex SMUTS, Brighton Performing Ar ts College 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3 30pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Mrs Moore’s Bona Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Paul Richards & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
l VELVET JACKS Quiz: prizes 7 45pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD
1 Hampshire Terrace, Southsea TEL: 02392 297509
OPEN: Sun & Mon 9pm-2 30am, Wed & Thurs 7pm-2 30am, Fri & Sat 7pm-3am
HAPPY HOURS: Sun all night, Wed & Thur 7pm-12am, Fri & Sat 7-10pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Compton Walk, SO14 0BH TEL: 023 8036 6163
www theedgesouthampton com
OPEN: daily at 4pm
HAPPY HOURS: 4–6pm & 6-10pm daily
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD
1 Hampshire Terrace, Southsea
TEL: 02392 297509
OPEN: Sun & Mon 9pm-2 30am, Wed & Thurs 7pm-2 30am, Fri & Sat 7pm-3am
HAPPY HOURS: Sun all night, Wed & Thur 7pm-12am, Fri & Sat 7-10pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Compton Walk, SO14 0BH
TEL: 023 8036 6163
www theedgesouthampton com
OPEN: daily at 4pm
HAPPY HOURS: 4–6pm & 6-10pm daily
FOOD: 4–10pm daily
l EDGE Compton Walk, SO14 0BH
TEL: 023 8036 6163
www theedgesouthampton com
OPEN: Sun, Tue & Thurs 11pm-4am: Wed
10 30pm-4am: Fri & Sat 11pm-5am
l LONDON HOTEL 2 Terminus Terrace, SO14 3DT
TEL: 02380 710652, www the-london co uk
OPEN: Mon-Wed 12-11pm, Thu 1212 30am, Fri & Sat 12-1 30am, Sun 1211 30pm
FOOD: Mon-Sat 12-3pm; Sunday roasts 123 30pm
THURSDAY 1
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Danii Dior’s Weekend Warm Up: tunes/karaoke 7pm SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Les Quizerables: win a VIP package 8pm
l EDGE When Pop Takes Over: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm
FRIDAY 2
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD The Weekend Star ts Here: DJ Toby Lawrence 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Glow: DJs 10pm
l EDGE Glow: DJs 10.30pm
SATURDAY 3
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD The Big One: DJ Ruper t Ellick 7pm
l LONDON HOTEL 2 Terminus Terrace, SO14 3DT, TEL: 02380 710652,
www the-london co uk
OPEN: Mon-Wed 12-11pm, Thu 1212 30am, Fri & Sat 12-1 30am, Sun 1211 30pm
FOOD: Mon-Sat 12-3pm; Sunday roasts 12-3 30pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Missy B & KT 10pm
SUNDAY 4
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD ReWind 80s/90s night 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Shout Out Sunday: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
MONDAY 5
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs
Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Reboot: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
TUESDAY 6
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD cabaret 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Open Mic Sessions 8pm
l EDGE Throwback Tuesday: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 7
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night: karaoke with host Aura J 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bar 150 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Lee Harris & Liam Searle + karaoke v cabaret with Cassidy Connors 10pm
THURSDAY 8
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Danii Dior’s Weekend Warm Up: tunes/karaoke 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Les Quizerables: win a VIP package 8pm
l EDGE When Pop Takes Over: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm
FRIDAY 9
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD The Weekend
THE EDGE & BOX BAR SOUTHAMPTON
l Compton Walk, SO14 0BH, Tel: 023 8036 6163, www theedgesouthampton com
l OPEN The Edge: 11pm Mon–Sun, 11pm Tue–Sat; l Box Bar: 7pm Tue–Sat
l FOOD Box Bar: 7–10pm Tue–Sat
l HAPPY HOURS Box Bar: 2-4-1 cocktails 7–10pm Tue–Fri (till 8pm on Sat);
l The Edge: £1 selected shots & £2 drink offers on Mon, £2 50 bombs on Tue & Sun, £1 50 drinks on Wed, £2 50 bombs on Thur, £1 shots & £2 50 bombs on Sun Cactus Jack: six for £5 every Tue & Thur
l VALENTINE’S DAY Wed (14) is LET ME BE YOUR FANTASY with DJs Lee Harris and Liam Searle spinning a soundtrack of love!
l REGUL ARS Tuesday OPEN MIC SESSIONS with local live talent from 8pm, then THROWBACK TUESDAYS are with Audio K9’s 80s/90s tunes all night long! l Wednesday is BAR 150 with DJs Lee Harris and Liam Searle, plus KARAOKE V CABARET with Cassidy Connors! l Win a VIP Package at every Thursday at LES QUIZERABLE quiz night in The Box Bar from 8pm Stick around for WHEN POP TAKES OVER in The Edge with DJ Neil Sackley l Friday is GLOW at 10pm with char t/dance from DJs playing the best tunes to get you moving all night! l Saturday is THE BIG ONE at 10pm with 3 bars, 2 dancefloors (pop/r&b upstairs, dance downstairs) and DJs: Missy B & KT (3), Claire Fuller & Lee Harris (10), Craig Law & Darcy Buckland (17) and Danny Dove, Darcy Buckland & Neil Sackley (24) l SHOUT OUT SUNDAY is with DJ Darcy Buckland playing all your requests l Monday is REBOOT with DJ Liam Searle
Star ts Here: DJ Toby Lawrence 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Glow: DJs 10pm
l EDGE Glow: DJs 10 30pm
SATURDAY 10
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD The Big One: DJ Ruper t Ellick 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Claire Fuller & Lee Harris 11pm
SUNDAY 11
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD ReWind 80s/90s night 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Shout Out Sunday: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
MONDAY 12
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Reboot: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
TUESDAY 13
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD cabaret 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Open Mic Sessions 8pm
l EDGE Throwback Tuesday: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 14
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night: karaoke with host Aura J 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bar 150 10pm
l EDGE Valentine’s Day - Let Me Be Your Fantasy: DJs Lee Harris & Liam Searle 10pm
THURSDAY 15
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Danii Dior’s Weekend Warm Up: tunes/karaoke 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Les Quizerables: win a VIP package 8pm
l EDGE When Pop Takes Over: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm
FRIDAY 16
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD The Weekend Star ts Here: DJ Toby Lawrence 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Glow: DJs 10pm
l EDGE Glow: DJs 10 30pm
SATURDAY 17
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD The Big One: DJ Ruper t Ellick 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Craig Law & Darcy Buckland 10pm
SUNDAY 18
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD ReWind 80s/90s night 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Shout Out Sunday: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
MONDAY 19
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Reboot: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
TUESDAY 20
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD cabaret 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Open Mic Sessions 8pm
l EDGE Throwback Tuesday: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 21
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night: karaoke with host Aura J 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bar 150: DJs/karaoke 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Lee Harris & Liam Searle + karaoke v cabaret with Cassidy Connors 10pm
THURSDAY 22
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Danii Dior’s Weekend Warm Up: tunes/karaoke 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Les Quizerables: win a VIP package 8pm
l EDGE When Pop Takes Over: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm
FRIDAY 23
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD The Weekend Star ts Here: DJ Toby Lawrence 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Glow: DJs 10pm
l EDGE Glow: DJs 10 30pm
SATURDAY 24
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD The Big One: DJ Ruper t Ellick 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Danny Dove, Darcy Buckland & Neil Sackley 10pm
SUNDAY 25
PORTSMOUTH
S O L E N T
L I S T I N G S
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Shout Out Sunday: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
MONDAY 26
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Reboot: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
TUESDAY 27
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD cabaret 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Open Mic Sessions 8pm
l EDGE Throwback Tuesday: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 28
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night: karaoke with host Aura J 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bar 150: DJs/karaoke 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Lee Harris & Liam Searle + karaoke v cabaret with Cassidy Connors 10pm
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD ReWind 80s/90s night 9pm
DANCE MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD
ALBUMS
) If music is the food of love, turn it up! Yes it’s time to fall for some sweethearts this February with some fine spring action
First up the seductive R&B, new jack swing and funk sounds of Onra and his charming new album
Nobody Has To Know on All City Records One for the lovers As is the deep housefocussed
Kindisch label’s latest release from Art of Life as they dare to deliver a Poet’s Dream.
You can live your dream on the dancefloor thanks to Big Miz‘ s Build/Destroy on Dixon Avenue
Basement Jams as they ensure the sweat is had, or head over to ON IT
Recordings’
Retrospective Collection with some oh so addictive grooves And if you need to feel the love a little longer then Get Physical presents Cocada mixed by Leo Janeiro will see you right All night As will the fine tunes gathered to keep you
dancing courtesy of the Wankelmoods Vol 3 on Poesie Musik Tunes as fabulous as the name suggests
For our Feb wonders NYMA’ s new album, XYXX on It’s All In You, has our hearts a fluttering whilst our addiction to compilations continues with the Bunker New York label’s latest adventure as Mike Servito, Justin Cudmore and friends keep it underground and undulating with 15 Years of The Bunker, the sublimely twisted house of New Shoots on Lo Recordings, or the delectable Irish disco of Quare Groove Vol 1 on All City Records, we want our artists various and voluptuous this month But then don’t we always?
Enjoy
) Catch Wildblood and Queenie on 1BTN 101.4FM 2nd & 4th Wed 810pm plus 2nd Fri 1-4pm and at DSD The Last Dance Sun, Feb 4, 7pm-late at the Farm Tavern, Hove. perfectdistractions.com
WILDBLOOD + QUEENIE’S FIERCE FEB 12”S
) KERRI CHANDLER Get Out (Detroit Swindle remix) Madhouse
A remix package you need to get your hands on, this is too good
) BASSICALLY All F***in' Night (original) Fossil Sounds
Introducing EP action that delivers – with added expletives Perfect
) JESSE PEREZ Begun Do Not Sleep
Raw and raucous this will rev up any Valentine’s night plans a treat.
) PROK & FITCH Why Solid Grooves Records
Local heroes deliver another reason to keep us hot for them
) TKNO Neptune (original) Nightshift Records
Techno of the brilliant Brighton kind, which is just how we like it
) STRANGE BOY Corbusier Glass Guts
Feel the Annunciation EP beauty as the boys deliver a masterpiece.
) XOA & CONTOURS Too Much Talking Banana Hill
Wake up and smell the coffee beats, people.
) AVON BLUME Slowly Diving On Loop
On point production ensures the grin will be large with every play
) FELIPE GORDON Run Run Run (original) Forbidden Cuts
A Jambalaya EP wonder that charms with its loose and lovely grooves.
) NESTA Hold Me Fantome de Nuit
Lebanese disco destined to delight and move you.
DJ PROFILE: CLAIRE FULLER
We’ve survived January and are still coping with all the rubbish this crazy world seems determined to chuck at us. So it must be time for a bit of healing, particularly in February when Cupid’s set to twang that arrow. Yes – it’s the month of St Valentine, so who could be better to hear from than the DJ you all adore? This month, Queenie once again feels the love with the legendary award-winning DJ Claire Fuller
How are you and are you in the mood for love this Valentine’s? Hi, I’m good thanks - things are all moving in the right direction and I’m the happiest I’ve been for years! For Valentine’s I have a gorgeous lady in my life so I intend to make it very special. Plus, we are off to Thailand and Australia in a few weeks so it’s going to be an amazing month!
Where can we see you playing this month and are you involved in any particular Valentine’s events? On Wednesdays I’m at Ice at Legends playing chart/house/R&B We recently started a new night at Legends playing 70s/80s/90s every Thursday called NOW! That’s What I Call Legends and it’s been a massive success so far! Fridays I DJ in Uckfield at The Broadway club and Saturdays you can usually find me in Southampton at either the London Hotel or The Edge On Sundays it’s back to Legends DJing at Pop!Candy playing all things pop, cheese and a bit of Disney!
Tune you’ll definitely be playing this Valentine’s and fave ‘love’ tune of all time? I’m not sure love tunes will go down well at Legends on Valentine’s Day, haha, but if I had to choose one I would probably play Christina Perry’s Thousand Years
Your dream gig and best gig during this month d’amour? I think I ticked my dream gig box last year at Brighton Pride, having a massive tent full of people partying with me for hours on the Friday night in the Old Steine Now I just dream of DJing abroad – that’d make me a very happy DJ!
Tune you wish you’d never played? Yeah anything grime, the clubs I work in just don’t like it and it totally kills my dancefloor!
Guilty pleasure? DISNEY naturally!!
Describe yourself in three words... Honest, Friendly, Loyal.
CL AIRE FULLER’S CURRENT TOP FIVE
) RAYE Decline (Wideboys remix) Universal Music Operations Ltd
) ARMAND VAN HELDEN I Need A Painkiller All Around The World Ltd
) ONE BIT & NOAH CYRUS My Way (Joe Reece Mylo remix) MOS
) JAMES HYPE ft Kelli-Leigh More Than Friends Warner Music UK
GEEK SCENE
COMICS
) This month sees the release of the hotly anticipated Black Panthera movie that has been long in development hell since 1992 Starring Chadwick Boseman as the titular character, the movie follows T’Challa as he must rise to become the king of his secret African nation, Wakanda, following the death of his father in the events of Captain America: Civil War. Upon returning, he finds his claim to the throne challenged as two enemies conspire to bring down not only Wakanda but also the world at large.
Black Panther first appears way back in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966) in the silver age of comic books. Created by the talented duo of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Black Panther was the first superhero of African descent to appear in mainstream American comics He debuted years before characters of African-American heritage such as The Falcon (1969), Luke Cage (1972) and DC Comics John Stewart aka Green Lantern (1971) After a few guest appearances, he would eventually join The Avengers two years after his debut and stay there until his first starring feature with Jungle Action #5 (July 1973), which was a reprint of the Panther-centric story from The Avengers #62 (March 1969). The critically acclaimed series would run from Jungle Action #6-24 (Sept 1973–Nov 1976).
T’Challa is the king and protector of Wakanda, a fictional African nation that is far more technologically advanced than the rest of the World. He is also the Black Panther, a powerful protector of the nation granted extraordinary powers thanks to ingesting the sacred heart-shaped herb. This gives the Black Panther enhanced senses, speed, stamina and reflexes as well as powerful durability and healing. The title of Black Panther passes from parent to child when they take on the mantle of ruler of Wakanda and must go through a set of trials to earn the right to eat the heartshaped herb As well as having super-human powers, T’Challa also has genius-level intellect, martial arts skills and is an Olympic level athlete, acrobat and gymnast
Wakanda is also home to a vast source of vibranium, remnants of a meteorite that crashed there many thousands of years ago T’Challa’s father, T’Chaka, knew that others would attempt to dominate Wakanda for this rare and valuable resource and so decides to conceal Wakanda from the outside World. By selling off minute amounts to other nations, Wakanda became one of the world’s richest countries as well as the most secretive. Eventually the explorer Ulysses Klaw found his way into Wakanda and subsequently covers up his work on a vibranium-powered sound-based weapon After being exposed, Klaw tries to escape and ends up killing T’Chaka in the process After discovering the murder, a grieving teenage T’Challa turns Klaw’s sound weapon back on himself destroying Klaw’s right hand After the conflict, Klaw and his men flee Klaw would eventually return again and again becoming the Black Panther’s arch enemy
GAMES
) Like every gamer past and present, I have my own personal list of favourite games They range from RPGs to fighting games and this month sees the remake of probably my most cherished Playstation game ever: Shadow of the Colossus
First released way back in 2006, Shadow of the Colossus was developed for the Playstation 2 by SIE Japan Studio and Team Ico, the same people behind the beloved game Ico The game focuses on a young man named aptly named Wander, who travels to an unknown forbidden land on his loyal horse, Argo, in order to resurrect a girl named Mono Wander arrives at a temple where he is told by a mysterious entity named Dormin that he must travel the vast land and defeat 16 massive creatures referred to only as the Colossi. Only then will Dormin restore Mono to life.
The gameplay within Shadow of the Colossus occurs in cycles Starting at the centre of the landscape, the player must explore the expansive open world to seek out and defeat each Colossi. Once a Colossi has been defeated, the player is returned to the central temple and repeats the process. To find every Colossi, Wander must raise his sword in a sunlit area to reflect beams of light which will centre in on the next encounter. Even though it is easy to find the general direction to go in to find a colossus, the journey to said Colossi is never straightforward. Most are located in remote areas with varied terrain and whilst some can be found out in the open, many are in specific locations such as atop cliffs or within an ancient structure
Once Wander locates a colossus, it is up to the player to locate the creature’s weaknesses in order to defeat it. Each Colossi has at least one weak point, which can be found by using the sword to once again reflect light but this time aiming it at various points on the creature’s body until a glowing sigil is revealed Only then should the player attempt to reach said weak points by climbing upon the fur or jutting shell of the colossus Usually the pattern of the fur or ledges upon the body of the colossus will reveal a way to reach every sigil that needs to be attacked in order to defeat the creature
What makes this game different from most monster slaying games is the fact that the majority of these Colossi are peaceful beings who just wish to be left alone In fact, the game seems to take the view that it is Wander who is the true monster A man who goes about destroying unique and beautiful creatures for his own selfish gain. Every blow you strike to each Colossi resonates with the haunting orchestral music and stunning visuals to make you not want to push on. As well as helping you realise that what you are doing is fundamentally wrong in every sense of the word
B RIGHT ON LGBT COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
The Phil Starr Pavilion, Victoria Gardens, Brighton Box office: www.eventbrite.co.uk
) SING-A-LONG-A ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Fri 16) Watch the classic camp musical with on-screen lyrics and all the favourite sing-along-a features: live host, fancy dress competition and award prizes ) TWINKLE (Sat 17) Jason Sutton (aka Miss Jason) plays the tragicomic figure of Harold Thropp, a veteran pantomime dame. He reflects on his life in the blaze of the footlights, which has dimmed over the years. Harold's woes at being given a dressing room in the basement spark a chain of incredible memories that will ensure Harold is never forgotten. ’Will move you to tears of pleasure’ Boyz.
) EPICENE (Sun 18). Paul Diello invites you to a gender-blending celebration of iconic women in music Join the avantgarde performer and his band on a colourful, camp, cabaret extravaganza as they reimagine classic songs originally performed by legendary female artists such as Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell and PJ Harvey, to name but a few
ERA SURE
The Dome, New Road, Brighton Box office: 01273 709709
) ERASURE (Mon 19) Singing hits such as A Little Respect, Sometimes, Blue Savannah, It Doesn’t Have to Be plus material from their latest album, World Be Gone
FREE LGBTQ+ FILMS
Jubilee Library, Jubilee St, Brighton
current mental state A meditation on osmosis and internalisation, the responsibilities of blackness and queerness, the pressure to ‘take space ’ , the feeling of being possessed by other people’s fantasies and the fear that my own would just be too rude.’
THEATRE ROYAL
New Road, Brighton Box office: 08448 717650
) EXPENSES ONLY: THE MUSICAL! (Fri 23). This new show, written by Andrew Stark (writer of the Alternative Pantomime), follows the adventures of Simon (aka Gloria Whole) who has organised many Pride Cabaret Tents over the years, but this year ’ s might be his most challenging yet! Six Drag Queens, one stage manager and a ‘long-forgotten’ female vocalist join forces to entertain a small crowd in a small village at their first Gay Pride event. Starring Eva Iglesias, Jon Hughes (aka Sally Vate), Ben Hathaway (aka Lucinda Lashes), Chris Magdziarz, Christopher Howard, Jason Palmer, Grant Collingwood-Trewin (aka Lulu Delish) and Peter Reid (aka Candi Rell)
) THE SUNDAY FILM SCREENINGS at the Jubilee Library (1.30pm, 4, 11, 18 & 25) are specially themed for LGBT+ History Month Due to copyright licence restrictions the library can only publicise the films that are to be shown on posters within the library so pop in to see what contemporary and classic LGBT+ film treats are on offer Screenings are free but donations are welcome.
) THE SEVEN DOORS OF DANNY (Sat 24) A new musical based on Shakespeare’s The Seven Ages of Man performed by Actually Gay Men’s Chorus and University of Sussex Symphony Orchestra. With guest performers and featuring Kara Van Park as Tequila Heels.
BRIGHTON CENTRE
Kings Road, Brighton Box office: 0844 847 1515
) PAUL WELLER (Sat 17). Marking the 40th anniversary of Weller’s first album, In the City, with The Jam in May 1977, he’ll be playing his hits and tracks from his latest album, A Kind Revolution
) STEREOPHONICS (Tue 27)
Playing material from their latest album, Scream Above the Sounds, and from hit albums: Word Gets Around, Keep the Village and Pull The Pin
EL GEEBEE TEA QUEUE
The Brunswick, Holland Rd, Hove www.wegottickets.com/event/42 1098
) EL GEEBEE TEA QUEUE (Sun 11)
Paul Diello presents a rainbow coloured variety evening of LGBT+
talent, featuring comedy, live music and cabaret with: singer/guitarist
Samuel Declan Kelly; Birte Paulsen, who is inspired by folk, chanson, Americana and Scandinavian eccentricity; Annabelszki‘s fusion of stand up, audience interaction, improv and comedic poetry; Max Legroom, a saint with a cowboy mouth; Bryony No‘ s storytelling and wordplay involving depression, baking and feminist shoes.
KOMEDIA
Gardner Street, Brighton Box office: 08452 938480
) BENT DOUBLE (Sun 4). A gayfriendly night of frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons (Mock The Week and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow) with Jayde Adams, Heidi Regan, Stephen Bailey.
PINK FRINGE
Marlborough Theatre, 4 Princes Street, Brighton, Box office: www.brownpapertickets.com ) NEON MOON (Sat 24). Launch party for the new album release by Matthew Callow with guest
musician Greg Isaacson. Featuring the premier of the Neon Moon video project, which was inspired by the early French cinematography of Georges Méliès. Contains male nudity. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to MindOut.
) I RIDE IN COLOUR AND SOFT FOCUS, NO LONGER ANYWHERE (Thu 15) According to its creator, Jamila Johnson’ s show looks at 'Body as oracle, a trance, a rhythmic interface, an atmosphere, a landscape with the texture of my
) AN EVENING WITH KATYA ZAMOLODCHIKOVA (Sun 4). Star of RuPaul's Drag Race, Katya performs her new stand up show, Help Me I'm Dying. Known for her variety of personas and characters, including everybody's favourite dumpsterliving hairdresser, Trish ) THE ROCKET MAN – A TRIBUTE TO SIR ELTON JOHN (Fri 9) The show combines vocal and piano performances, flamboyant costumes and a dazzling light show Expect hits like Crocodile Rock, Are You Ready for Love?, Philadelphia Freedom, Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting, I’m Still Standing, Tiny Dancer and Your Song.
COMING SOON...
SIT DOWN - STAND UP! Sweet Dukebox, The Southern Belle, Waterloo St, Tickets: www.sweetvenues.com
STEVE LEE: SIT DOWN - STAND UP! (8pm, Sat, Mar 3). For one night only, comedian and raconteur Steve Lee reprises his Fringe debut show, Sit Down - Stand Up! with musical accompaniment by Peter Martin Steve talks about his 47 years in showbiz, two unpublished novels and two TV scripts, one of which has been filmed in five languages Appearing at festivals in Japan, Italy, and Hong Kong, Steve, with glass of brandy in hand, recounts the tales of a well lived raconteur. Sex, drugs and brandy are NOT included in the ticket price! Probably unsuitable for the under 18s, so lie about your age and get an education, kids!
ART MATTERS
This month I’m concentrating on my shows, which are either opening or closing this month. Ranging across the UK and into Europe, I hope you will be interested in my ongoing creative activities.
) Beginning with the closest in London, I’m taking part in a Q&A session related to the In the Studio project that they’re exhibiting which pairs students and young artists with more established artists, to help them explore what it is to work as a professional artist As part of a short film screening, they are including The Art Life - Enzo Marra, which was produced by Damien Beaton and Michael Bel Gil of Meshes (http://meshes tv)
PS MIRABEL GALLERY
Manchester, www.psmirabel.co.uk
) I am exhibiting Fluorescent Artists & Observers (2016) a multi-part mixed media artwork, as part of Diptych, Triptych and Polyptych (until Feb 10)
The exhibition is open every Saturday 11am–5pm and by appointment.
SYSTEM ART GALLERY
Newcastle, www.systemarts.co.uk
) I’m exhibiting Personal Fictions (Feb 7–26), a solo show of painted and drawn works with connected mixed media and ceramic sculptures.
KRYON GALLERY
Amsterdam, kryonamsterdam.com
) SPACES BEYOND (until Feb 2) is a twoperson show of mixed media works by me and Maria Kazakova. Born and raised in Varna, Bulgaria, where she followed her secondary education in fine arts, Maria continued her art studies, graduating with honours from the art academy in Genova, Italy For about 15 years she’s been living and working between the two countries and nowadays she is based in Varna, where she works in the field of performance and mixed media The main techniques used in her works are photography, painting and 3D elements
SOUTHWELL MINSTER
Nottinghamshire www.southwellminster.org.uk
) CROSSINGS: ART & CHRISTIANITY NOW (Feb 9–May 10) is a major two-part art exhibition by 36 contemporary artists. The Minster will be filled with over 100 artworks made specially for this unique exhibition and the artists come from a mixture of belief backgrounds but all are interested in exploring the themes of crucifixion and resurrection, and refreshing them visually for today Each artist has made two artworks with one replacing the other halfway through the run, showing how these two themes interact Crucifixion Now (Feb 9–Mar 21) and Resurrection Now (Apr 1–May 10) Crossings will be visited by school groups and is also supported by over a dozen events, including a day conference, quiet days, art workshops, manga painting performances, a poetry day and musical concerts
I’ll return to reporting on local shows for next month's installment, I hope you are able to experience one of these if you are on your travels
ALL THAT JAZZ
) NILS ØKLAND BAND Lysning (Hubro) Norwegian Nils Økland plays that rarest of string instruments, the Hardanger fiddle. The highly decorated and ornate Hardanger which originates in western Norway looks very similar to a normal violin but has eight or nine strings, four of which are played like a violin while the rest resonate beneath them. It produces a most remarkable sound, an echoing, resonant noise that, in Økland’s hands, lends itself perfectly to his engaging, timeless jazz-folk tunes Økland is supported by the harmonium of Sigbørn Apeland, which sounds as if it is being played in a chapel, adding to the old-worldly feel of this set, as if we have gone back together to a simpler, more idyllic life. Most of the tracks proceed at a stately pace, although Flukt picks up its skirts and dances a bit. The Hardanger is rarely heard, so catch it while you can.
) MOSE ALLISON Parchman Farm (Not Now) Good ole’ Southern boy from rural Mississippi and all-round legend, Mose Allison was a jazz and blues pianist, singer and songwriter, whose catchy tunes, astute lyrics and droll delivery marked him out from the start. It has been said that Allison was a social critic before Bob Dylan and a musical satirist before Randy Newman, but his career was uneven, as Prestige Records tried to market him as a pop star and Atlantic as a blues artist, while Jet magazine wanted to interview him because they thought, wrongly, he was black Over the course of almost 60 years – he died in 2016, aged 89 – he recorded 31 live and studio sets, many of them now out of print. In their absence this cheap-as-chips double CD covers 40 of his greatest songs. Many, including The Seventh Son, Eyesight To The Blind and the famous title track a wry observation from the singer wondering why he is in the feared Mississippi State Penitentiary when he is innocent of every crime, other than shooting his wife are covers of famous blues songs. Allison was a master stylist whose records deserve constant replay. Anyone who can write Your Mind Is On Vacation “but your mouth is working overtime” is all right by me
) ELLA FITZGERALD Complete 1950–60 Piano Duets (Essential Jazz Classics). One most associates the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald with big bands, but arguably her best work was with a single accompanist, where you can concentrate on her impeccable timing, diction, and feel for a song This compilation focuses on four duets With pianist Ellis Larkins in 1950, she recorded a set of Gershwin songs, a precursor of her justly important Norman Granz songbooks from later in the decade. Larkins was a self-effacing pianist, but his elegant, minimalist frameworks support Ella perfectly. The 1960 tracks with pianist Paul Smith were recorded for the poorly received film Let No Man Write My Epitaph, but stand well on their own, while this double CD also includes a few songs with guitarist Barney Kessell and pianist Oscar Peterson It’s Ella What’s not to like
CL ASSICAL NOTES
REVIEWS
) Identifying expressions of sexuality in music is dangerous territory, the ‘ gayness ’ or otherwise of Tchaikovsky’s music being the most notable example, with analysis often revealing frankly homophobic stereotyping However, regardless of the fact that Polish composer Karol Szymanowski’ s (1882-1937) was gay, it’s hard to deny the sensuality and eroticism in his music, particularly in the first Violin Concerto. There’s a rich, sumptuousness in the orchestration and the seductively wandering solo violin lines are intriguingly captivating Written for violinist Paweł Kochański, who also wrote the closing cadenza, the solo part dominates throughout, and the single movement work flows without break And this month, two recordings of the work are out
) SZYMANOWSKI Violin Concertos Chandos CHSA5185 Tasmin Little is joined by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edward Gardner, and her reading of the first Violin Concerto is taught and precise, as well as allowing the fuller, overtly romantic moments to blossom with full intensity Gardner extracts precision from the BBCSO, as well as giving freer rein in the more ecstatic outbursts Little couples the first Violin Concerto with Szymanowski’ s Violin Concerto No. 2, and also the Violin Concerto by Polish contemporary, Mieczysław Karłowicz (1876-1909).
Szymanowski’s second Concerto is less overtly sensual, with perhaps more edge and bite, and its final swirling cadenza has great energy from Little, ably supported by Gardner and the BBCSO. Karłowicz’s Concerto that completes Little’s disc is a lighter affair, with delicate woodwind writing in the orchestral textures, and Little enjoys the lyrical melodies and expressive flourishes here
) SZYMANOWSKI Fantasia Avie AV2385. American violinist Anne Akiko Meyers places the Szymanowski at the centre of her disc, preceded by a work she
commissioned from Finish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016), which turned out to be his penultimate composition Fantasia, from which Meyers took the title for her disc, is a single movement work, with a slow, lyrical solo line supported by warm orchestral textures, also relatively slow
moving in terms of pulse and harmonic direction. Meyers’ tone is warm and sweet, and she is supported in the music’s wandering ebb and flow by the rich tones of the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Kristjan Järvi Meyers’ Szymanowski is full-bodied and incisive, and the Philharmonia and Järvi match with a strong dynamic range and rich string sound in particular. Meyers closes her disc with a lively rendition of Maurice Ravel’ s (1875-1937)
Tzigane, full of delicate touches and fine articulation, and if the opening cadenza could be grittier, she has great fun with the orchestral dance, and her race to the finish is exhilarating
Both Szymanowski interpretations are strong, with little to separate them – Little just edges ahead in terms of expressiveness for me On value for money, Meyers disc at just over 48 minutes is a little sparse in comparison to Little’s 73 minutes
) CHERYL FRANCES-HOAD
Katharsis for Cello & Ensemble
Champs Hill CHRCD119 Cheryl Frances-Hoad’s (b 1980) continues to demonstrate great originality and variety in her compositions The opening work on her new disc, Katharsis for Cello & Ensemble, was commissioned by and is performed here by cellist David Cohen, with the Rambert Orchestra, conducted by Paul Hoskins. Frances-Hoad trained as a cellist, so clearly has great understanding in writing for the instrument, but what strikes me most here is the writing for woodwind, particularly in the Minuet and Trio, with wind instruments delicately dancing around the solo cello harmonics Throughout, whilst there is plenty for the cello to display, much of the interest is in the interplay
between soloist and the chamber ensemble The Forgiveness Machine, performed by the Phoenix Piano Trio is inspired by Beethoven’s Archduke Trio, and has an ethereal, almost stationary feel, building to a full-blooded climax, before falling away to nothingness. Quark Dances was written for a slightly larger ensemble, again performed here by the Rambert Orchestra and Paul Hoskins, and originally formed part of a ballet inspired by a visit to the Large Hadron Collider at CERN Again, Frances-Hoad’s imaginative orchestration is striking. Her seven solo piano pieces, Homages, have clear inspiration in specific works by seven different composers, yet she takes these initial inspirations
in unexpected directions Pianist Ivana Gavrić negotiates the demands of such diverse styles and moods with ease and convincing commitment. A Refusal to Mourn for Oboe and String Orchestra closes the disc, with oboist Nicholas Daniel joining the Rambert Orchestra and Hoskins. Frances-Hoad exploits the plaintive tones of the oboe in the opening Recitative, then makes great use of the instrument’s quirkier side in the bouncing Fugato, before long lyrical lines return for the oboe in the closing Chorale, and Daniel’s breath control in the final extended solo line is highly impressive
Reviews, comments and events: v nicks-classical-notes.blogspot.co.uk t @nickb86uk ) nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
CINEMA
) Jonathan Kent’ s production of Puccini’ s Tosca is live from the Royal Opera House (Wed 7), with Adrianne Pieczonka, Joseph Calleja and Gerald Finley.
) Donizetti’ s L’Elisir d’Amore live from MET Opera (Sat 10), with Matthew Polenzani and Pretty Yende Then, Puccini’ s La Bohème (Sat 24) stars Sonya Yoncheva and Michael Fabiano
) The Royal Ballet perform Christopher Wheeldon’ s production of The Winter’s Talet (Wed 28), with music by Joby Talbo In a range of local cinemas, including: Dukes at the Komedia, Brighton, Cineworld Eastbourne, and the Connaught Cinema, Worthing Check for times
CONCERTS
ST LUKE'S CHURCH
Queens Park Road, Brighton, www.musicandwineatstlukes.com
) Pianist Margaret Fingerhut (7 30pm, Fri 2) performs Haydn, Chopin, Ireland, Rachmaninov and a new work by Peter Copley
ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE
University of Sussex, 01273 678822, www.attenboroughcentre.com
) The Castalian Quartet (11am, Sun 25) with Simon Rowland-Jones (viola) play Haydn, Britten and Brahms.
) ACCA are hosting a mini festival (8-11 Feb) of creative responses to the music of Thomas Tallis (1505-1585), including a performance of his 40-part motet Spem In Alium (8pm, Sun 11) by BREMF Consort of Voices, the Laycock Scholars and the University of Sussex Chamber Choir
BRIGHTON DOME
Box office: 01273 709709
www.brightondome.org
) The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra (2.45pm, Sun 11), conducted by pianist Howard Shelley, perform Schubert, Mendelssohn and Dvořák
) The London Philharmonic Orchestra (7 30pm, Sat 24), conducted by Vasily Petrenko, perform Berlioz, Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov, with Albrecht Menzel (violin)
) THE TRIAL OF ROGER CASEMENT (SelfMadeHero) by Fionnuala Doran. The life of Roger Casement, celebrated humanitarian, gay and condemned Irish revolutionary, is given this sparkling graphic novel treatment by artist and author Doran We don’t hear much about Casement in England but he’s a true hero and his outing all but sealed his horrible fate Casement was knighted by King George V for his humanitarian work in Africa and South America Five years later, he was hanged for treason. The book charts the events that led a man renowned for his compassion to the noose.
Doran’s absorbing narrative explores Casement’s downfall, from his efforts to secure German backing for an independent Ireland to his disastrous return home and subsequent arrest Based on his true life story; condemned as a revolutionary, his sexuality exposed by the circulation of his private journals, and on his final day in the courtroom, he delivered a brave, impassioned speech that still resonates
) NATALIE AND ROMAINE (riverrun) by Diana Souhami. Natalie and Romaine met in London and their partnership lasted 52 years. They were both expatriates; unconventional, energetic, flamboyant and rich Natalie had numerous affairs with other women: Renée Vivien who nailed shut the windows of her apartment, drank eau de cologne and died of anorexia aged 30; and Dolly Wilde, niece of Oscar, who ran up terrible phone bills and died of a drug overdose. Her Friday afternoon salons in her Parisian house were for ‘introductions and culture’ and were frequented by Gertrude Stein, Colette, Radclyffe
Hall and Edith Sitwell. Romaine achieved fame as an artist. She painted her lovers, including Gabriele d’Annunzio and the ballerina Ida Rubinstein Her relationship with Natalie was constant and together they threw up a liberating spirit of culture, style and candour This wonderfully warm, witty and insightful biography into their lives is suitably subtitled ‘Paris, Sappho and Art: The Lives and Loves of Natalie Barney and Romaine Brook’ , and Souhami’s style is effortless and leads you into the narrative fully seduced. Souhami’s eye for detail and her enormously kind and generous emotional insight gives us not just the facts of their existence, but the feeling, yearning, passions and desires of two perfectly fascinating and indomitable women with the world at their feet I learned, laughed and found myself delighted by this pair of inspirational women.
) A NEW MAN (Matador) by Charlie Kiss A story of broken families, isolation and total collapse, then vibrant rebirth of identity. It is inspirational in showing us passion and activism from a committed lesbian, feminist, socialist and anti-nuclear campaigner. Kiss never flinches
from showing us their mental health struggles and the huge impact it had on them, and their loved ones. Then with care, consideration and remarkable honestly, Kiss tells us how stopping medication led them to learn to live with the conflict of self-identity Charlie acknowledged that he is male, but this is repressed As a lesbian feminist, Charlie believed that he should fight against stereotypes but the repressed feelings resurface. Kiss transitions. He is much happier, life stabilises. He then experiences life from a new perspective but there are surprises. This narrative is an enlightening and interesting read, and the throb of political engagement, fairness and the conviction of being able to change and build a better world is a fiery undercurrent to what can be a tender vulnerable tale, honest and soul baring It’s an enticing ambiguity, of fire and ice, with a happy ending What could be better than that?
) THE LAST WORD: An Autobiography (MB Books LLC) by Quentin Crisp This is the final part of Crisp’s autobiography and his “The Last Word” following The Naked Civil Servant and How to
Become a Virgin, and this wonderful Queerist of Queers doesn’t fail to impress, annoy and make me feel that he’s still having the last laugh on our callous times. He’s breathtakingly honest, opening with the statement ‘At the age of 90, it has finally been explained to me that I am not really homosexual, I’m transgender. I now accept that’ and Crisp continues to challenge and shape their own narrative, with death hanging over every page they seem happy to digress, but each time bringing us back to a fundamental truth with a thump I adored Crisp, the Icon none of us wanted, uncompromising, angular and with the very best hats, but Crisp came none the less. He was a great gay man who had survived decades of oppression, triumphed by outliving his opponents, and lived out his old age in comparative freedom. The last words this month will be theirs: “It seems to me that epitaphs and tombstones exist only for those who weep for the dead and bring them flowers In which case, the perfect epitaph for me would be ‘I am not worthy’ Yes, that would be lovely ”
) LARRIKIN YAKKA (Paul Freeman Publishing) by Paul Freeman Australian photographer Freeman has a seriously good eye for a well-polished rough gent, stripped down and buffed up. His new large photo book Larrikin Yakka is an erotic delight. ‘Larrikin’ is an Aussie term meaning “ a mischievous young person, an uncultivated, rowdy but good hearted person ” - just the type you want sprawled with his tools out across your coffee table Freemans’ photographs manage that contradictory queer state of being quality honest portraits of the men while also being superbly realised erotic fantasy images for the modern urban gay man
) BoBo Bear New Season T-Shirts from £24.95 (Prowler, 112-113 St James's St, Brighton, 01273 603813)
) Valentine’s Cards, £3 each from www.11rugbyroad.com
) Japanese Pottery Plates from £20 (Workshop, 13a Prince Albert St, Brighton, 01273 731340)
CRAIG’S THOUGHTS
Child’s Play. Or the exhausted Funcle.
By Craig Hanlon-Smith @craigscontinuum
) Within almost a month of meeting my then boyfriend, now husband, he became an uncle for the first time I remember receiving the text from him, which screamed in capital letters; I AM AN UNCLE My automatic, and I concede extremely unattractive response, was one of searing jealousy. I had, until this moment in life, managed to avoid boyfriends worth any mention (because if you don’t ‘feel’ it why bother, right?) but this one was serious and I did not intend to compete for him with a frickin’ baby. A few days later we both met baby Ryan It was an intense affair as this was also the first time I had met the tiddler’s parents too - the boyfriend’s brother and longterm partner This is where I should poetically write something beautiful about the joy of a baby child and the love that leapt from my chest, but I really didn’t feel anything then Now, yes, but then no He was just somebody else’s baby. And let’s be honest, except for immediate family (and I was the new boy remember), newborn babies are a bit rubbish –they don’t even do anything.
Time changes the cynic, I quickly became a member of the family establishment and as baby Ryan grew, we began to spend more and more time with him and he was a joy. The hilarity of his obsessive dancing to Kylie’s Can’t Get You Out of My Head and our marching him all the way home from Brighton seafront teaching him Beyoncé’s Crazy In Love – of course Our gratuitous present buying, which included an electric car we used to parade him up and down the seafront in Filming his birthday present opening ceremony on behalf of the family and narrating to my future husband how awful most of the presents were compared to ours, not realising there was a built in microphone in the camera which
played back on the home-DVD Rookie-Uncle error There would be others
Seventeen years later and baby Ryan has just passed his driving theory test and has graduated from an electric car to the real deal What’s more, there are now a total of six offspring between our shared families, three from each end, four nephews, two nieces and every one has been a delight to have in our home. Even when crayoning the table, pouring shower water through the ceiling and light fittings below, and my all time favourite (the individual shall remain nameless) when nearing the end of potty training and following my exact instruction to take the nappy off and have a proper pee, the little angel promptly weed against the wall and decorated my Laura Ashley wallpaper You may think I had a hysterical gay moment at the time, but actually I laughed He was, after all, just following an instruction To the letter Shame the little bugger’s never followed one since.
In our days of growing acceptance and familial integration, much is being made of the gayUncle or ‘Guncle’, and what is the Auntie equivalent? A ‘Guntie’ ? I prefer Funcle, which an acquaintance shared with me recently. But in reality, we ’ re just Aunts and Uncles who happen to be gay – is that really special? It may have helped our brood of borrowed Von-
Trapps that we do not have children of our own, so that when they visit, they are the absolute focus of our planned activities and consequently feel special Each band of three has only ever had to compete with one another for our attention, not one another and another set to boot. It is also not every day, and so the visits are occasions and marked as such.
And so the Guncles make the effort to get up on Saturdays and Sundays at 05:30 for early morning baking, painting, and Twister sessions. (I’m being kind, one of us did, in fact we used to knead bread dough to the rhythm of Uncle Keith still snoring). To rotate the activities every 15 minutes so that the kiddiewiddiewinkies don’t bore easily To quickly learn that anything brightly coloured and liquid in form should not go into the child’s digestive system after midday if anyone wants any sleep that weekend To learn that you cannot go onto the pier with a budget, because if the tiddler sees it, it’s easier to just go with it and say yes To kick yourself for not realising candyfloss has the same effect as brightly coloured liquid and you gave it to them at 4pm. To enthuse about terrible films and pretend how great they are so as not to bruise their enthusiasm (even if you hated Street Dance 4 – who knew there was a 1, 2 & 3?), to visit every play park within a threemile radius of the house. To exhaust them with races, treks, games, camel rides (I am the camel), to wonder amidst the 30, now 40something exhaustion, why they are never seemingly exhausted As they grow, to rifle through their bags for missing hair-wax and mobile phone chargers but to love them when they convince you they had no idea how it got there To race upstairs to the tantrumtastic fiveyear-old who has strewn your books and cosmetics across the room and when you ask what on earth is going on, not lose your head when he tells you it was a mouse. A mouse. A frickin’ mouse. And now to be slightly disappointed at the lie-ins they have inherited from my husband. Although coffee in silence –who knew it held such beauty. And to be secretly thrilled as you over hear one of them say to your brother: “You’re funny Dad, but Uncle Craig is funnier” BOOM!
And this is where I finish with another seemingly poetic moment about how the joy is all mine and I never want anything in return, I did it with love Uh-uh If anyone of those six reads this, let me tell you how this inheritance thing works In the words of our lady Britney Spears: You better work b*tch I changed your nappies for years and dealt with everything that went with it Me I did it So in 40 years time, you ’ re changing mine kids. Twister. 05:30am. Just saying.
“And so the Guncles quickly learn that anything brightly coloured and liquid in form should not go into the child’s digestive system after midday if anyone wants any sleep that weekend”
CHARLIE SAYS
On the course of events, I hate to say we told you so, but we told you so says Charlie Bauer Phd http://charliebauerphd.blogspot.co.uk
) I’m referring to the global population with the royal ‘ we ’ here - we did tell you so America We told you that the administration was a dangerous joke We told you it is headed by someone suffering mental health issues that have to be checked when in positions of such power We told you that every other skin shade other than pinky white trash would suffer, and it has We told you that the Queer community would be sidelined and held to blame again. We told you that gun crime would blow out of all proportion. We told you that you would destabilise the world, and you have, the Haitian Americans, the Latinx… In our paranoia we panicked about a nuclear option. We are not being paranoid in the slightest We told you of racism from our Shit Hole countries
We didn’t tell you that the economy would soar. A response of the bankers, solely because of the chaos of the current US administration But it’s just another flash and grab This happens in times of chaos, cholera epidemics, global pollution, despot elections, genocide, oil slicks, by-product cancers, famine, global drug shortages This is what capitalism does best, Identify a market If there is human suffering attached to that, then so be it because, as we know already, the dollar is king.
Despite a call from the soul of the world, America didn’t listen Bob Mueller treads a slow legal train to actually prove any of this stuff went on because this is the way it has to be. The proof comes quickly from secondary and multiple witnesses, in emails, in news bulletins, tweets and live on air – all disregarded for the sake of some other harder evidence. However, if anyone were to bend the
law to rush away from the upcoming shit hole storm, or practice the second amendment, it would leave a democracy in tatters If there was a violent response to what has been in place for 200 years, the world as we know it might not get back on track I know it’s slow and therefore dangerous, but getting rid of this cancer legally would only guarantee some form of democracy when it’s over. Force, outside the legal frameworks, where the President operates, will not win.
When the US comes back to order it will send a nod to Putin that he will not be able to invade Europe - as in “Russia doesn’t have any borders” statements he once made. NATO will be recovered and it’ll all settle down again. Hopefully the world will breathe a collective gasp and move on. Perhaps for all except the UK who will swirl like a turd between this ‘ new ’ America of that old ‘special’ relationship, and the newer Europe of the “UK who?” regimes The UK will be the only country in a continual identity crisis within the swamp of the world
Apparently, it’s nobodies fault But perhaps Murdoch will stop infiltrating the media with untold and unproved sexual misconduct bots as he did with the Millie Dowler/Jimmy Savile
debacle which destabilised the UK media way back when His sons will have completely moved his empire into social media and data by then and they’ll be in control Literally
Let’s just hope there’s a complete rout of the patri and in the case of the Murdochs, Fratriarchy of hatred. That is, if we ever see it coming. That it doesn’t blind-swipe us because we would never suspect it.
A readjustment would mean that what we scathingly believed in, that thing called democracy, will be slightly intact and corrected. We should take some form of joy and optimism in this. Happiness that it corrects itself through default is a good thing
We might be able to look out of the UK at the world sorting itself out. At the hidden forces of good who saved the planet at the last hurdle Who shifted opinion overnight so it looked like we, the people, really did have control And we would feel better for that Even in the UK we might feel there would be hope for us yet Perhaps a referendum on allowed bandaged numbers at the only remaining NHS walk in centre We’d be free from all those European statues on trade, and education, and workers rights, and straight bananas, and disabled access to public buildings that are publicly owned no more, of re-privatised railways on eBay not serving us a second time but with more crashes because of the industrial protection of the EU. Or the workers’ rights only offering a measly wage on extended working hours leading to more mistakes and more fatalities Of a group responsibility that means that civil law, regulated by the EU would cease to be
Or that we would finally stop the rot of our own minds The rot that thinks that perhaps this time the Torys will not end the NHS But, despite the Boris Johnson lies designed to forge a leave vote, lies forgotten less than a week afterwards, starving a health service that was the only functioning one of its kind Whenever a Tory is elected their first job is to dismantle the NHS and the BBC. I didn’t Google this, I lived it. I remember it, why can’t everyone else? Why cant we pass this on to the kids? Smash their £1,000 telephones (I so wish I could have written that even five years ago without a gasp of disbelief) and take control collectively. The UK democracy will not return to a default because there never was one It will just invent a newer fault for the unknown future It’s the way it’s always been
“Whenever a Tor y is elected their first job is to dismantle the NHS and the BBC. I didn’t Google this, I lived it. I remember it, why can’t ever yone else?”
WALL’S WORDS
BY M I K E WA L L
MEET THE GUNCLES!
) So apparently the new word for a gay uncle is guncle. Am I happy to be called guncle? Well in short, no-ish. I’m gay and I’m an uncle but the word guncle makes me sound somehow strange. Would a child not expect to find a guncle to be a character in a book that lives in the shed at the bottom of the garden? But then I remind myself on a regular basis that, yes, I’m getting older and therefore won’t always understand what is going on in a younger person ’ s world
Anyway, I digress. I was thinking recently: what’s expected of me in my role as an uncle, gay or whatever? When I was growing up, my aunts and uncles fell into distinct categories: ones that were close and ones that weren’t I think that the common theme across them all was that I would never have dreamt about ever asking them for advice on sexuality matters This wasn’t only a generational discomfort but also a social discomfort Remember folks we ’ re talking about mid1980s rural Ireland, so think 1950s Brighton
So, here I am today with six nieces and nephews of my own and four nieces and nephews through marriage, which includes the spouse ’ s We also have Roger’s great-niece and great-nephew Would a gay greatuncle be a guncle? Again, I digress So what should our role as uncles be today? I remember back to my youth and I would have loved to have been in a position where I felt I had any senior member of my family that I could have approached to talk about my sexuality. So, I feel that as a guncle it’s now my role just to be there for my nieces and nephews if they need me. To date not one of them has approached me to ask me advice or even just to have a chat about their sexuality, but I hope that any one of them would be comfortable chatting to me about it if they wanted to.
“Every one of my nieces and nephews have grown up knowing that their uncle Mike is gay and has a husband”
The one part of being a gay uncle that I very much enjoy is that every single one of my nieces and nephews have grown up their entire lives knowing that their uncle Mike is gay and has a husband I remember one particular story that my sister told me where our nephew asked her a question in the car to my house one day several years ago It was the same year that Roger and I had got civil partnered so we were basically newly weds and they were on their way to visit for the day
During the journey my nephew piped up; “Aunty, can I ask a question?”
“Of course, ” responded my sister
“Can men be married to each other?”
“Yes, they can, ” responded my sister
“I knew my friends at school were wrong, ” he said, and quietly went back to staring out the window. My sister said that it was a lovely moment to be able just to say yes and that it was completely normal in a six-year-old’s mind.
GAY WISDOM
BY
THE EPIPHANY AS MAGICAL RADICAL POLITICO -SPIRITUAL DIRECT ACTION
) I’ve had a few major Epiphanies during my life so far That dawning realisation at a time of crisis The seeing of the truth of something unprov-en That sudden recognition of purpose There’s always a numinous sense of ‘Higher Power’ An alliance of self with ethereal
My first Epiphany was when I could see no other way than to be true to myself and my sexuality when I (finally) came out aged 20 I was depressed, hopeless and in despair at the time, and, 'coming out' was this profoundly religious resolution for what had become a totally f***ed up unhappy life And thus was created a reality receptive to my starved appetite for sexual encounters with men
Subsequently, taking ‘coming out’ to its logical political conclusion I became one of the Stonewall supporters pushing for assimilation (accept us please because we ’ re just the same as you apart from our sexuality) and basic equality rights At the time I never imag-ined that there would ever be rights for LGBTQ+ers to adopt children or to marry in my lifetime The very fact of this immense socio-political shift in the course of just a few years, for me, is testament to the existence of Magick: the art of changing consciousness at will by the setting of intention (against all odds!).
I’ve had other sizeable Epiphanies but my most recent one, around 10 years ago, happened after I’d cornered myself into a heteronormative assimilationist lifestyle. Ostensibly monogamous and middle class, locked into a busy professional career, partnered to a lover who had become asexual and was suffering from chronic fatigue - I was thoroughly miserable! Once again the Epiphany came to the rescue.
Thankfully my openness to that leap of imagination, into something unestablished, unproven, messy and chaotic, my spirituality allowed the Faerie Tribe to enter into my life and in this way I entered into the Faerie Tribe.
On reflection, whenever the chips have been down and there’s been nowhere else to turn, suddenly from out of the blue comes this unfolding of what hadn’t been there before: the offering of a future ‘ warp ’ to what is seemingly the meaningless ‘weft’ of my life until now. And there it is again: the glimmering promise of future purpose!
As an Intersectional Radical Faerie I’m beginning to realise that my queer politico-spiritual purpose is to remain as open as I can be to this very act of Epiphanising: to keep re-imagining an inclusive future. It isn’t present just yet, but it will become that future allowing our uniquenesses to keep eroding at the intersectionalities of heterosexism, gender binaryism, ageism, classism, racism and ableism
Faeries can find the ways for our diverse tribe to keep growing, flourishing and thriving together in harmonious and mutually supportive ways! So Mote It Be!
MINDOUT
www.mindout.org.uk
) Mary always wanted to have children, one day, when the time was right One big issue for her was whether she could be a good parent, or at the very least a good enough parent Coming out to her own parents hadn’t increased her confidence at all – one of the first things her (tearful) mother had said was that now she wouldn’t have any grandchildren Mary tried to say that maybe she would have kids, to which her parents expressed disbelief and worse still disapproval: ‘how could she do that to the poor innocent children?’, ‘they would have a terrible time being bullied’ and numerous varieties of the ‘but it’s not natural’ argument.
Over the years, her plans to reproduce faded as an issue within her immediate family, overtaken by more pressing issues of the day. Mary was in the long and weary battle to educate and challenge the persistent prejudice, overt and hidden, in virtually every conversation she had While she had no active plans to have a child, it didn’t seem worth the energy to take on a theoretical issue
When Mary met the love of her life, that all changed She was going to try to get pregnant! Regardless of what her mother, her father or the rest of the world thought about it
Mary was very aware that she had a number of privileges which were going to make her life as a parent easier, and more possible, than for some of her LGBTQ friends First off, she had a supportive partner and a good, healthy relationship She had a secure home She had a fairly well paid job, was entitled to standard maternity leave and would have a job to go back to. It wouldn’t be easy financially,
especially when it came to paying for child care, but between them they would afford it Mary knew only too well of women and men who didn’t have the luxury of choosing children at all
She was worried about what the kid/s would have to face Living in a small, conservative town wouldn’t be easy, they would be all too visible, easily marked as ‘different’ Tolerance towards adult homosexuals who were relatively non-threatening was one thing, but would the townsfolk turn once they knew children were coming? Would the liberal veneers peel away to reveal bigotry lurking beneath? Again, she was all too well aware of her privilege as a cis woman mother-to-be: the awful stuff her father said about gay men as parents was shocking She knew, too, that many trans parents faced huge hurdles to have children and to keep being parents after coming out
Mary knew she had to face discrimination and armed herself ready She would often quote the brilliant research articles she had read, especially the American study done over 25 years with lesbian parents and 78 children all of whom were conceived by donor insemination Gatrell and Bos (2010) found that at age 17 ‘ daughters and sons of lesbian mothers were rated significantly higher in social, school/academic, and total competence and significantly lower in social problems, rule-breaking, aggressive, and externalising problem behaviour than their age-matched counterparts in Achenbach's normative sample of American youth’.
Closer to home, the work of Susan Golombok at Cambridge University confirms that children brought up in ‘ new family forms’ do just as
“LGBTQ parents need all of our support, we need to celebrate ‘new family forms’. Many parents and their kids will have that support, but some may have times of crisis or need, as a family or as separate people”
well as children raised in traditional families
Crucially, she has found that for children to develop happily they do not need to have a male parent or a female parent, and that’s the case for children of both genders or none. The evidence suggests, therefore, that the presence of fathers in children’s lives is not essential per se.
What about mothers? Our findings lead to the controversial conclusion that the presence of a female parent is not essential for children’s well-being or their development of sex-typed behaviour. What’s the evidence? Although only a small number of studies have been conducted, the available findings show no evidence of raised levels of child adjustment problems or atypical gender development between children with two-parent gay father families and children from either two-parent lesbian or two-parent heterosexual homes
Children can, it seems, do fine without a mum Mary was lucky and became pregnant quickly What she didn’t anticipate was how much her fear of being judged as a parent-to-be would be increased by casual prejudice: from introducing her female partner to a disbelieving and totally heterosexual antenatal class through to her mother’s continued insistence that this unnatural family would damage their offspring. She found it hard to control her anxiety, especially after Charlie was first born, she began to doubt her abilities as a mother, began to fear for both of them. What would have helped Mary? The challenges for parental mental health are well known (stress, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, financial worry, renegotiating relationships, attachment issues, social isolation etc). For all LGBTQ parents any or all of these are complicated by having few or no public role models, no public support, heteronormative expectations of parenting, poor treatment and fear of poor treatment by health and social care services, exclusion from LGBTQ spaces, isolation from prior support networks
LGBTQ parents need all of our support, we need to celebrate ‘ new family forms’ Many parents and their kids will have that support, but some may not or may have times of crisis or need, as a family or as separate people
MINDOUT
MindOut offers safe LGBTQ spaces to explore mental health We have advocacy workers, out of hours online support, peer support group work, peer mentoring and a counselling service All of these are available for parents, parents-to-be and those without children
All of our services are confidential, nonjudgemental and independent
) Visit: www.mindout.org.uk
) Email: info@mindout.org.uk
) Call: 01273 234839
HYDES’ HOPES
BY R E V M
WHAT’S NEW, PUSSYCAT?
) In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything...
I'd been in the USA for a year. I was lonely and thought that a cat would help keep me company. Chris was okay with the idea, as long as we could find one that had personality, that would be a part of the family and not just an occasional lodger. So I checked the local ads, and found Fred. His owner was moving to the UK and couldn't take him with her. I mentioned that I was looking for a cat with personality. “Oh, don't worry, ” she said, “Fred has bags of personality ”
It turned out that Fred had way too much personality for one animal. If we left him alone he wrecked the place. He would disembowel cushions, scratch furniture, and urinate on clothing. We took to locking him in the bathroom when we went out simply to limit the damage But he would get into the bathroom cabinet and pull everything out into the sink Not wanting this we began to put trays of water on top of boxes of medication so that if he pulled them out he'd get wet It worked He stopped pulling stuff out of the bathroom cabinet and shredded the shower curtain instead
“It worked. He stopped pulling stuff out of the bathroom cabinet and shredded the shower curtain instead”
One night I came home, and instead of paying him attention I went straight to the computer to send an email I'd forgotten to send earlier in the day. Fred was so angry with the rejection that he defecated on the bed behind me, three feet way from me, as I sent the email Not some little easy-to-clean turd Nope: the biggest, sloppiest, smelliest mess imaginable I could hear it, and smell it I turned around The look on his face said: ‘Now ignore me - if you dare'
We got a little cat to keep him company He tortured her We had a guest visit from the UK Fred urinated in his suitcase We got a dog Fred became obese We couldn't work out the connection until we found him buried deep in the sack of dog food gorging himself Alas, the salt level in dog food is way too high for a cat. Fred developed kidney problems and a urinary tract infection. The vet had to remove his penis.
He was extra affectionate the day he came home from the vet I think he even tolerated our other cat and the dog. But by the following day he was as ornery as ever.
Fred is 18 years old now He still tortures our other cat, torments the dogs (now we have two), pesters guests, steals food, and urinates on something whenever he doesn't get his own way. Yesterday it was the lounge rug and a dog bed. We've learned over the years to ensure everything is washable.
There are moments I wish he'd change There are moments when I wonder if he'll mellow with age. But there's no sign of it so far, and, anyway, imagine how bland the flavours of life would be without a little salt. And vinegar. Definitely a little vinegar.
SCENE & DONE IT
BY
A PATCHWORK FAMILY
) “So Mike, being gay, did you do it?”
Desmond at work is one of those butter knife blunt people, somewhere on the high-functioning spectrum many say, but I've always found him refreshingly direct and honest.
A valid question, is it not? Most people want to ask Most people are too polite to. But most people want to know whether I had sex with a lesbian to make a baby.
Now the funny thing is, they could just ask because I'm not at all shy about the answer, so I tell Desmond: “Of course not, don't be gross! We used plastic containers, as it should be!”.
So how do you make a family? My parents, they met in high school. They started 'going out'. When my dad was in the army for two years, his picture was on the bedside table, bar a handful of times when, I'm told, it was put in the drawer for an hour or two.
They got married and then had my sister and me. Their family. A traditional family, if you want to call it that.
My own family started roughly a decade ago. The lesbians said they wanted to have my baby, and I looked at them and told them they were crazy. We'd long been the best of friends, and periodically, the topic would crop up again. And before long, I didn't find it so crazy anymore. I've always liked children, I've always wanted children. In fact, arguably inspired by my parents and their journey, I always saw myself finding a boyfriend, getting engaged and married, buying a house with a garden and all the trimmings and then, at some point, adopting one or two
“The lesbians said they wanted to have my baby, and I looked at them and told them they were crazy”
My life was not going to turn out like that, but it offered me an alternative Before long, I started thinking: “So what if? What if I had a kid with these two?” Outsource having children to lesbians you might say. Could be kinda cool. Plus who would be more equipped to bring up a new human than them? Leave better kids for the planet and all that.
So I said yes. The next time we spoke, I said yes and they ordered the kit, on Amazon. (Plus they'd said if I wasn't going to do it then they'd ask Gavin. Who's Gavin? Exactly. What kind of a kid would they have gotten from Gavin!).
And so that's how we made our family. At the second attempt I proudly add. A man is a man after all, modern family or not. Yes, we're often called a 'Modern Family', but I don't think that's what we are. My parents use the word 'Patchwork', and that's how it makes sense to them. They love their patchwork family fiercely. Two mummies, a daddy, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and a whole lot of Godmothers, fairy and otherwise. And in the middle of it all, a very special little boy To me, we're just a family, nothing more, nothing less
When it came to my transition I was asked twice about freezing my sperm for future use should I wish to become a mother, once before starting HRT and again before 'The Op' Unfortunately, this wasn't a viable option for me being HIV positive. So I, like many other trans people, am infertile. It’s something I have to struggle with on a daily basis. I so desperately want a child of my own. I long to experience pregnancy and childbirth and bonding with my baby, something I’ve watched countless people do with a tear in my eye I’m painfully aware that if I were to meet a male partner and he desired children I cannot give them to him Yes, plenty of cis women are infertile too, but it still doesn't help make me feel any less of a woman
TRANSITIONING WITH SUGAR
TNG - The Next Generation. Ms Sugar Swan looks at her feelings towards children and motherhood
) Firstly, I need to apologise to my regular readers. I’m sorry there was no January column from me, I’ll be open and honest as to why. A lot of people look up to me and I get a lot of positive feedback from my work, other trans people are glad to see trans representation in Gscene and strangers get in touch telling me how great it is that I’m holding space for trans people and that they can often relate to what I write, whether they’re trans masculine, feminine, non binary and regardless of whether they’ve been transitioning for two months or 20 years. People think I’m brave and strong to do what I do, but it's important that you know I’m not Wonder Woman. I’m not always strong and brave and my smile often hides sadness, just like everyone else.
These last few months I’ve been struggling, struggling hard. Last year was a huge one for me in both losses and gains and in December and January it all came to a head. December marked the first anniversary of Mouse’s death and January marked the 20th anniversary (yes, I’m that old) of my first partner Clare and our baby’s death Whilst 2017 was the best and most productive year in my transition it was the most painful personally for me Losing Mouse was horrific and something a year later I haven't even begun to fully unpack The 20th anniversary of the fatal road traffic accident is a big one, an anniversary that shouldn’t have happened would have left me with a 20-yearold child of my own and I can't help but wonder how that would have turned out. This
brings me onto this month’s topic of children. Would I have made a good parent? Would I have made better life decisions, would I have transitioned earlier or not at all? Would they be proud of their parent and what I’ve achieved in life, or would they be estranged to me? I’d like to think that I’d have been more responsible with my young life if I had someone 100% dependant on me as their single parent I’d like to think that I’d have taken fewer risks
However, this is just speculation and I’ve no way of predicting how things would have panned out What I can do is look forward and look at the relationships I have with children now and possible relationships in the future.
I’m estranged from my only sibling as she turned out to be terribly transphobic so I’ve no scope for being an auntie there. I have friends with young children in our home town, but due to the distance I’ll never be anything more than a family friend, albeit one who they hold very dear. I was absolutely honoured when, in November, I was asked to be godmother to the son of a long-standing friend who I’ve known from the Brighton scene for around 15 years and now we ’ re busy planning a christening
To make the whole thing worse I go through a period of symptoms once a month Yes, female hormones Oestrogen and Progesterone make me not only crave a baby I can't have, but they also put me through hell and back once a month just to remind me I can't conceive I go through all the standard pre menstrual symptoms that my cis counterparts do, except I don't bleed. I start with the emotional imbalance and find myself teary-eyed for a day or two, followed by a loss of appetite and the smell of food making me feel sick, then comes the diarrhoea and vomiting, often both together at the same time while I spend a day or two in bed with a hot water bottle feeling sorry for myself that I have to go through all these symptoms but will never get to the end goal of what they are all about
My best hope is that I meet a partner who already has young children and are in need of another parental figure in their lives But then of course, my relationship with them is determined by my relationship with their parent and if that relationship were to not work out some years down the line, the likelihood is that I’ll stop seeing these children too at some point, so I’d lose not only a partner, but children too.
Fostering queer kids that don't fit into mainstream foster accommodation is something that I think I’d be good at and am looking into for the future. Uterus transplants (whilst being trialled on trans women) are still some way in the future yet and I don’t have time on my side. I’ll be 40 in a few years and I don't want to be the 60-year-old mother waiting at the school gates with the 40-year-olds. I was born to older parents myself and spent my whole life wishing they’d had me earlier in life.
Whatever the future holds for me in the way of children, I hope that I get the chance to be there for some in need and to help shape them into well-rounded adults, starting with my oneyear-old god son who’ll certainly grow up to be no transphobe!
“Female hormones Oestrogen and Progesterone make me not only crave a baby I can’t have, but they also put me through hell and back once a month just to remind me that I can’t conceive”
SAM TRANS MAN
Dr Samuel
Hall on
why we must do better to suppor t and faciliate people’s desire to raise a family
) I came from a reasonably large family by modern Western standards - I’m the eldest of four, and four or even five children was the norm in my extended family, especially on my (Catholic) father’s side. My wife is the youngest of five, and we have five children between us
I was raised in a traditional, conservative Christian environment, growing up with an extremely narrow-minded view of what constitutes a family One mother, one father, with children expected as the natural product of the union between two people who had made a life-long commitment to one another In my uneducated Catholic bubble, the only way to have children was to get married, get procreating, and stay married no matter what I not only saw it as my Catholic duty to have children, but also selfishly as my right. I don’t think this way any more, but it’s been a long haul to break out of these old patterns of thinking, this traditional Christian value set, and a morality that sits in judgement of others. It was expected of me to bring children into the world, and I expected it of myself. So I did. And I’m immensely glad that I did. I can’t imagine my life without my children. That’s not to say I don’t sometimes long for the freedom to spend my time and my money on myself, or wish that I could have just one morning when no-one knocks on the door before I’m ready to wake up I do yearn for those things, but at the same time I’ve a niggling suspicion that my already selfish tendencies would be manifold and intolerable were I not subject to the moderating influences of my family
Alongside my steadfastly loyal and ridiculously patient wife, I count my children as the most stabilising elements of my life, and I am deeply grateful for them I don’t deserve them or their unquestioning devotion, their love and their faithfulness are totally unmerited as far as I’m concerned. I’m grumpy and shouty, strict and
impatient. Like many parents, I struggle to be consistent and objective, and with the recent adoption of my wife’s twins, (at their request) I sometimes feel overwhelmed by my inadequacy; the enormity of responsibility, both emotional and financial, that comes with conscious parenting I do not feel I deserve them, and they certainly don’t deserve crotchety old me!
And yet ever since I can remember I wanted children of my own As the eldest child with 12 years between myself and my baby brother, (two sisters in between), I was raised to interact with and look after younger kids, and I always enjoyed it. I babysat for my parents’ friends, and was confident and bossy around younger children. I was considered responsible enough to look after my brother, then nine or 10 years old, on his half-term breaks from boarding school, whilst living in a squalid South London flat as a cash-strapped medical student. So you see, all my life I was bred to breed I was always going to be a parent For better or for worse, fate has put these young people’s futures in my hands, and I strive daily to be respectful of that, and to maintain an attitude of gratitude As a transguy I am incredibly lucky
Most transmen have in the past, and continue today, to forfeit their future fertility in their quest to live an authentic, stable and mentally healthy existence It’s rare to meet a trans guy who has carried a child post-transition, although increasing numbers are doing it It’s tough because you have to stop your hormones, the very thing that likely has given you a bit of peace of mind after a tumultuous battle with gender dysphoria. It’s also a scarily public thing to do - a pregnant man is sensationalist tabloid fodder - he shouldn’t be, but he is. Others may intend to or do seek to adopt or foster, but there are barriers; whether
to do with hidden transphobia within officialdom, or a deep internal sense of shame and unworthiness, relatively few of us succeed in raising our own families
It’s a travesty of modern times that although we do now, thankfully, have access to the treatment we need to deal with our gender dysphoria, we don’t have (despite NHS recommendations) access to help with the loss of fertility that ensues a transition from a female body to a male one. And vice versa. People who are transitioning should be routinely offered egg or sperm storage. These are often young people making agonising decisions.
For a transman, once taking regular testosterone, there is a theoretical risk that the native uterus could become susceptible to cancer. The long-term studies have not been done, and no-one wants to or should be a guinea pig If a trans masculine person like me is comfortable on cross-sex hormones, it’s likely because somehow this is the right milieu for their brain, the right fuel for their engine Again, the studies are not there to prove this, but it’s a pretty universal experience to finally feel comfortable in one ’ s own skin once the hormones are right, regardless of what other people think of you.
The next steps, involving surgery, feel like a total relief, and progressing to hysterectomy is often inevitable, not only for reasons of safety but because the presence of the wrong genital and fertility organs can be seriously distressing. I managed, largely because of the sheer magnitude of my own self-repression, to override the instinct to pursue transition for long enough to conceive and carry children naturally, using my female body to do so, and being seen as and treated as a female For a young trans person growing up in today’s more tolerant society, this is likely to be an unimaginable state of affairs that would inevitably lead to worsening suicidality and poor mental health
We must do better as a society to support and facilitate people’s desire to raise a family of their own, however that may come about We were all children once, and we all need children in our lives They make us better people
is based in central Brighton in a safe and confidential space to explore issues around gender identity Facilitated peer support is an important element, as well as providing access to low-cost psychotherapy and speech therapy
meets every TUES 2.30– 5.30PM at
Dorset Gardens (off St James Street) Brighton BN2 1RL Except 1st Tues when there’s an optional meal out preceded by the drop-in 5–7 30PM www.clareproject.org.uk fClare Project clareprojectinfo@gmail.com
I HAVE A PHOBIA
What is a phobia? What defines it? What separates it from a fear? By Ray A- J
Fear has me trapped, Like a bird in a cage; It wasn't his fault, But it grows with age.
Green vines, Twisted and skewed, Pull at my skin. Feathers left, few. Until my beak, Bent and broken, Falls off.
Amidst a sea, Raging ocean of blue.
It had me Consumed, Soul raptured, With the splinters of before, Thirteen years old. The shrapnel, Married to my Core
And it is now, That I can stand, Finally,
Having taught myself To forget, Leave feathers behind
I am not a bird, No longer am I caged; But I am a surviver, Released unscathed In burning hope, I learnt
I don't mourn my wings, For a phoenix has to lose a few before it can begin
Again
) Okay, so I have a phobia I'm not the only person either Around 6-8% of people in the West suffer from the excruciatingly debilitating hold of a phobia Previously we
established the unrelenting pain and suffocating effect an intense fear can have on its victim, and I think it's only fair that the severity of the barbed wire phobia that wraps itself around your life and digs into you at every moment should be explored
So, the first stop on our map of such intense fears: identifying your phobia
The turning point for me was realising what this exaggerated and often embarrassing response to something as normal as someone's face was As long as I could remember I was unable to look at anything resembling the Harry Potter character Peter Petigrew, and I knew this was weird; I had been taught by the mockery I received that this wasn't normal.
But if no one else could understand the response the way I did, what exactly was going through my head to make me the weird one?
I was taxed with questions as to why the fear never left me as I grew up, and what would happen when I'm an adult and still break down in a fit of frenzy if I happen to pass another person with rat-like features. I can't remember exactly, I think I actually started googling phrases like ‘random panic attacks’ or ‘fear for more than a year ’ in a desperate attempt to understand this thing better. I wanted to be able to talk it through with someone, or get it straight in my head at least
It was like being lost in a foreign country, surrounded by people who don't speak like you, and scrambling through a phrase book for a way to communicate with anyone So I searched the terms Pages and pages of irrelevant lacklustre information later, I found a key phrase - light for the dark path; "A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal Phobias are more pronounced than fears. They develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object".
That was it That's exactly what I felt Finally the tangled mess of panic attacks and uncontrollable crying was put into a clear stream of words. So I clicked the link.
Luckily I had happened upon an NHS page entitled ‘Phobia’ - relief If it was on the NHS, it must be real Reading through the symptoms and recipe for my condition, I realised that the thing I was experiencing was a phobia, a clinically diagnosed proper medical thing. So I wasn't crazy. I wasn't being an over sensitive crybaby. Honestly if you're reading this, regardless of whether you suffer from a phobia or not, read that page. It helps.
Finally I wasn't weird, I was just unfortunate to be inflicted with such an under the radar condition. It's an anxiety disorder - real.
Of course I was desperate to find a cure, a way out, so I clicked straight onto the treatment section of the page. Ah, ‘Medication’ and ‘Professional Help’, maybe not. I’d recommend these to any adult struck with a debilitating fear like flying or people, but for me, aged nine, with my fear in particular, they weren’t options So I was left on my own to figure out what to do
To save you the confusion and time to get over your phobia, I’d say that step one is naming your demon What is your particular phobia called?
I still don't have the exact name for my condition It's probably something to do with anamorphia But knowing it was similar to other fears (like musophobia, the fear of mice and rats), was enough for me to begin to tackle it So step one: name your phobia Try googling your symptoms and triggers, or seeing a psychologist
Recently, I looked up my phobia again After a lot of research and desperation to properly name it (vainly), I found there was so much more to them then first thought As it turns out, as well as the name (like arachnophobia for fear of spiders), phobias can be broken into two main types: complex and specific. The latter picks its victim when they are young and is easy to overcome, whereas complex phobias set in during adulthood and are much more crippling - think agoraphobia (fear of people or venturing out of your home) and social phobias
In the next issue, I'll cover this in more depth, so don't worry. But if you're reading this and you do suffer from a phobia (big or small), please feel free to send your opinions or stories on it and perhaps it may help both me and anyone else understand them better
Also, if you feel like sending in any artwork or poetry or anything about your phobia or experience with the topic, go for it I'd love to include more than just my own experiences
“Finally the tangled mess of panic attacks and uncontrollable cr ying was put into a clear stream of words. So I clicked the link...”
TRAVELS WITH MY GUNCLE
) Splashing in puddles, laughing at endless fart jokes and telling stories of singing whales and their visit to Dr Foster’s holographic nail & flipper bar in a West Sussex park is only acceptable in the presence of your carer/warden or your five-year-old niece. We’re lucky to be in the company of the latter today. We get to bring all our parenting skills (zero years between us) and are left to run riot with our niece. We’re Guncle Pikky & Tio Ze She is slightly obsessed with a grossly bloated face doll whose head you squeeze in some oedema nightmare to make it piss or spit over you, foul and filthy toy it is We’ve all been there
Off we ramble, into the park, swinging her up into the sky between us like a pigtailed monkey in wellies, laughing with delight, worrying her arms will come out of her sockets (and then dealing with her mother’s ‘I told you so ’ frown), fuelled by one ice cream and all the imagination in the world, what a treat, for us, and her We can eat ice cream whenever we like, but with her we understand the wonder of it once again, and the worth of it Just in the moment, completely in the now Zen is a whale fart joke
Appraising the sense of acceptance in being part of a family is incredibly nourishing and younger members provide us with a level of inclusion sometimes not shown by older generational family members They make us more creative with our time, more expansive with our thoughts, teach us real patience and remind us that mess doesn’t matter, and being in control is overrated I’ve more than a dozen nephews and nieces but they are far, far away on Unst, in the Shetland Islands so I hardly see them and hardly understand them, as their dialect is so thick and different from our own dear received speech Our closest niece, in West Sussex, we ’ ve always been able to understand, from gurgle to chuckle, from twaddle to early goo-goo speech it’s been clear that her intent is to be adorable.
Best of all, we can be the Guncles we all wished we’d had - the carefully carefree, stylish, charming, slightly magical Guncles brimming with facts, places to visit, secret chocolate stashes, archaic naughty words, new braiding designs, peculiar takes on the toy box and no boundaries at dinner time. We’re found singing Disney princess songs one day, whistling Bach the next, teaching suffragette umbrella ninja techniques and dinosaur pizza skills, sneaking Robyn CDs into her singing stack, being as unfiltered as it’s possible to be around the PG parents, dissing exploitative merchandise with class, tooling her up with age appropriate heroines and stories, showing her how to throw shade and why, and teaching our kith and kin the importance of accepting and celebrating difference
Using glittery trolls and sequins, botany, archery and fart jokes to celebrate difference, in themselves, their friends and the wider world they’re gonna be running in a few short decades Our super diverse niece is already a wondrous mix of cultures but first and foremost she’s her own being and as Guncles we can accept that unconditionally, and show her, by our breathtakingly odd examples, that she can be what she wants and also be exquisite and never explain.
SERVICES DIRECTORY
LGBT SERVICES
) ACCESS 4 ALL
LGBT disabled people’s forum: safe, welcoming, suppor t, activities, awareness 07981 170071 or email stevenwithn@talktalk net
) ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT
Drop-in for LGBT or unsure young people under 26 Tues 5 30–8 30pm 01273 721211 or email info@allsor tsyouth org uk, www allsor tsyouth org uk
) BRIGHTON & HOVE POLICE
Repor t all homophobic, biphobic or transphobic incidents to: 24/7 assistance call Police on 101 (for emergencies 999) Repor t online at: www.sussex.police.uk
LGBT team (not 24/7) email: LGBT@sussex pnn police uk
• LGBT Officer PC Sarah Laker: 07912 893557 f Brighton LGBT Police t @policeLGBT t @PCLaker
) BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SAFETY FORUM
Independent LGBT forum working with the community to address and improve safety issues in Brighton & Hove 01273 855620 or info@lgbt-help com www lgbt-help com
) BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SWITCHBOARD
Help-line with email & webchat facility: 01273 204 050 (opening times on the website)
Info, counselling, drop-in space, suppor t groups 01273 698036 or visit www womenscentre org uk
) BRIGHTON GEMS
Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG
Social group for gay men over 50 with several events every month inc meeting at Dorset Gardens last Fri of month 7-9pm For info email info@brightongems.com www brightongems com
) LESBIAN LINK BRIGHTON
Local social group offers friendship, social events, meet 1st Thur at Regency Tavern, 7 30pm 07594 578 035 www.lesbianlinkbrighton.co.uk
) LESBIAN & GAY A A 12-step self-help programme for alcohol addictions: Sun, 7 30pm, Chapel Royal, Nor th St, Btn (side entrance) 01273 203 343 (general AA line)
) LGBT NA GROUP
Brighton-based LGBT (welcomes others) Narcotics Anonymous group every Tue 6 30–8pm, Millwood Centre, Nelson Row, Kingswood St 0300 999 1212
) LGBT MEDITATION GROUP
Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5 30–7pm, Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Brighton 07789 861 367 or www bodhitreebrighton org uk
) LUNCH POSITIVE
Lunch club for people with HIV Meet/make friends, find peer suppor t in safe space Every Fri, noon–2 30pm, Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset Gdns, Brighton Lunch £1 50 07846 464 384 or www lunchpositive org
) MCC BRIGHTON
Inclusive, affirming space where all are invited to come as they are to explore their spirituality without judgement 01273 515572 or info@mccbrighton.org.uk www.mccbrighton.org.uk
) MINDOUT
Independent, impar tial info, guidance for LGBT people with mental health problems 24 hr confidential answerphone: 01273 234839 or info@mindout.org.uk www mindout org uk
) NAVIGATE
Social/peer suppor t group for FTM, transmasculine & gender queer people, every 1st Wed 7-9pm & 3rd Sat of month 1-3pm at Space for Change, Windlesham Venue, BN1 3AH For info see https://navigatebrighton wordpress com/
) PEER ACTION
Regular low cost yoga, therapies, swimming, meditation & social groups for people with HIV contact@peeraction.net or www.peeraction.net
) RAINBOW FAMILIES
Suppor t group for lesbian and/or gay parents 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies org uk www rainbowfamilies org uk
) SOME PEOPLE
Social/suppor t group for LGB or questioning aged 14-19, Tue, 6-8pm, Hastings Call/text Nicola 07974 579865 or email Neil or Nicola: somepeople@eastsussex gov uk
) VICTIM SUPPORT
Practical, emotional suppor t for victims of crime 08453 899 528
) THE VILLAGE MCC
Christian church serving the LGBTQ community Sundays 6pm, Somerset Day Centre, Kemptown 07476 667353 www thevillagemcc org
HIV PREVENTION, CARE & TREATMENT SERVICES
) AVERT
Sussex HIV & AIDS info service 01403 210202 or email confidential@aver t org
) BRIGHTON & HOVE CAB HIV PROJECT
Money, benefits, employment, housing, info, advocacy Appointments: Tue-Thur 9am-4pm, Wed 9am-12 30pm Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, Brighton Town Hall 01273 733390 ext 520 or www brightonhovecab org uk
) CLINIC M
Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV, plus Hep A & B vaccinations Claude Nicol Centre, Sussex County Hospital, on Weds from 5-8pm 01273 664 721 or www brightonsexualhealth com
) LAWSON UNIT
Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials 01273 664 722
Drop-in: Richmond House, Richmond Rd, Brighton, MonWed & Fri 10am-4pm, Thur 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-1pm; 9 The Drive, Hove 01273 680714 Mon & Wed 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm, Tue & Thu 10am-4pm, info & advice only (no assessments), Fri 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
• Gary Smith (LGBT* Suppor t) 07884 476634 or email gsmith@pavilions org uk
For more info visit weblink: pavilions org uk/services/treatment-recovery-options/
) SUSSEX BEACON
24 hour nursing & medical care, day care 01273 694222 or www sussexbeacon org uk
) TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SERVICES
For more info about these free services go to the THT office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm 01273 764200 or info brighton@tht org uk
• Venue Outreach: info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety, safer drug/alcohol use, free condoms/lubricant for men who have sex with men
• The Bushes Outreach Ser vice @ Dukes Mound: advice, suppor t, info on HIV & sexual health, and free condoms & lube
• Netreach (online/mobile app outreach in Brighton & Hove): info/advice on HIV/sexual health/local services THT Brighton Outreach workers online on Grindr, Scruff, & Squir t
• Condom Male: discreet, confidential service posts free condoms/lube/sexual health info to men who have sex with men without access to East Sussex commercial gay scene
• Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV
• Fastest (HIV testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men, results in 20 minutes: Mon 10am-8pm, Tues-Fri 10am5pm (STI testing available)
• Sauna Fastest at The Brighton Sauna (HIV testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men,results in 20 minutes: Wed: 6–8pm (STI testing available)
• Face2Face: confidential info & advice on sexual health & HIV for men who have sex with men, up to 6 one hour appointments
• Specialist Training: wide range of courses for groups/ individuals, specific courses to suit needs
• Counselling: from qualified counsellors for up to 12 sessions for people living with/affected by HIV
• Informed Passions: exper t volunteers project to identif y & suppor t sexual health needs of local men who have sex with men and carry out field research in B&H on issues affecting men’s sexual health, extensive training provided
• What Next? Thurs eve, 6 week peer suppor t group work programme for newly diagnosed HIV+ gay men
• HIV Suppor t Ser vices: info, suppor t & practical advice for people living with/affected by HIV
• Volunteer Suppor t Ser vices: 1-2-1 community suppor t for people living with or affected by HIV
• HIV Welfare Rights Advice: Find out about benefits or benefit changes Advice line: Mon–Thur 1:30-2:30pm 1-2-1 appts for advice & workshops on key benefits
) TERRENCE HIGGINS EA STBOURNE
Dyke House, 110 South St, Eastbourne, BN21 4LZ, 01323 649927 or info.eastbourne@tht.org.uk
• HIV Ser vices suppor t for HIV diagnosis, managing side effects, sex & relationships, understanding medication, talking to your doctor, finding healthier lifestyle Assessment of suppor t needs and signposting on to relevant services Suppor t in person, by phone or email
• Suppor t for people at risk of HIV confidential info and advice on sexual health & HIV for men who have sex with men Up to 3 one hour appointments depending on need Sessions in person or on phone
• Web suppor t & info on HIV, sexual health & local services via netreach and myhiv org uk
• Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV
) SEXUAL HEALTH WORTHING
Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIV; Hep A & B vaccinations Wor thing based 0845 111345645
NATIONAL HELPLINES
) NATIONAL LGBT DOMESTIC ABUSE
HELPLINE at galop.org.uk and 0800 999 5428
) SWITCHBOARD 0300 330 0630
) POSITIVELINE (EDDIE SURMAN TRUST) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 4-10pm 0800 1696806
2 Boyces St @ West St, 01273 327607 www boutiqueclubbrighton com
7 ENVY (above Charles St Bar) 8-9 Marine Parade 01273 624091 www charles-street com
20 REVENGE
32-34 Old Steine 01273 606064
www revenge co uk
) FOOD
1 AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN
11-12 Marine Parade, 01273 688 826
www amsterdambrighton com
3 BAR REVENGE
7 Marine Parade, 01273 606064
www revenge co uk
6 CAMELFORD ARMS
30-31 Camelford St 01273 622386
www camelford-arms co uk
7 CHARLES STREET BAR
8-9 Marine Parade, 01273 624091 www charles-street com
21 CUP OF JOE
28 St George’s Rd, 01273 698873
www cupofjoebrighton co uk 11 LEGENDS BAR 31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462 www legendsbrighton com 12 MARINE TAVERN 13 Broad St, 01273 681284 www marinetavern co uk
25 HOTEL PELIROCCO
Regency Sq 01273 327055
STEINE HOTEL 10/11 New Steine, 01273 681546 www newsteinehotel com
26 QUEENS HOTEL 1/3 Kings Rd, 01273 321222 www queenshotelbrighton com
) SAUNA S
27 BRIGHTON SAUNA 75 Grand Parade, 01273 689966 www thebrightonsauna com
) HEALTH & BEAUTY
28 BARBER BLACKSHEEP
18 St Georges Rd 01273 623408 wwww barberblacksheep com
29 CLINIC M Claude Nicol Abbey Rd, 01273 664721 www brightonsexualhealth com/node/11
30 DENTAL HEALTH SPA 14–15 Queens Rd, 01273 710831 www dentalhealthspa co uk
31 THT BRIGHTON 61 Ship St 01273 764200
32 VELVET TAT TOO 50 Norfolk Square 07720 661290 http://tinyurl com/VelvetJacks
) SHOPS
33 BARBARY LANE
95 St George’s Rd, Kemptown
34 PROWLER 112 St James’ St, 01273 683680
35 SUSSEX BEACON Charity Shop
130 St James’ St, 01273 682992 www sussexbeacon org uk
36 SUSSEX BEACON Home Store 72-73 London Rd, 01273 680264 www sussexbeacon org uk
