James Ledward, Graham Robson, Gary Hart, Alice Blezard, Ray A-J
SPORTS EDITOR Paul Gustafson
ARTS EDITOR Michael Hootman
SUB EDITOR Graham Robson
DESIGN Michèle Allardyce
FRONT COVER
MODELS Neil Borrett, Matt Brooks, Russ Brownrigg and Peter Sharkey
PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Lynn www.facebook.com/jack.lynn.353
CONTRIBUTORS
Simon Adams, Ray A-J, Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Brian Butler, Suchi Chatterjee, Bright Daffodil, Morgan Fabulous, Craig Hanlon-Smith, Samuel Hall, Adam Mallaby, Enzo Marra, Tin Nguyen, Carl Oprey, Eric
Page, Del Sharp, Gay Socrates, Brian Stacey, Michael Steinhage, Sugar Swan, Glen Stevens, Duncan Stewart, Craig Storrie, Mike Wall, Netty Wendt, Roger Wheeler, Kate Wildblood
All work appearing in Gscene Ltd is copyright It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated on the page concerned No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or other retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers The appearance of any person or any organisation in Gscene is not to be construed as an implication of the sexual orientation or political persuasion of such persons or organisations
RAINBOW FUND ANNOUNCE ANNUAL GRANTS ROUND
The Rainbow Fund Annual Grants Round opens on Friday, June 1.
) Applications are invited from groups and organisations to fund, or par t fund, LGBT+ specific, or HIV specific, projects in Brighton and Hove
Chris Gull, Chair of The R ainbow Fund, says: "As in previous years there is no cap on the amount that can be applied for, nor on the number of projects that any group or organisation can apply for, but the remit of the independent grants panel is to ensure that funds raised within our communities through the efforts of volunteer fundraisers, and from individual donations, is spent to achieve the most benefit from the limited amount of money available We also need to be convinced that applicants have the ability to deliver their projects to completion
“From June 1 the application form can be found at www rainbow- fund org/application- form together with a link through to a detailed description of the criteria for this years grants round
ªThe website also has a contact form, and if there are any questions regarding making an application, contact us there and we'll be happy to help "
Last year LGBT/HIV organisations including Allsor ts Youth Project, MindOut, Brighton GEMS, Older and Out, Peer Action, Sussex Beacon, Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, R ainbow Chorus, The Clare Project, Accessibility Matters, Trans Alliance, Whitehawk LGBT+ Suppor t Group, LGBT Switchboard, Lunch Positive and Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, received grants totalling £110,688
COMMUNITY ONE STOP SHOP TO OPEN ON ST JAMES STREET
) The R ainbow Fund facilitated an LGBT+ and HIV Summit last October at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, and amongst the things discussed was the value of an LGBT Centre/Community Hub/One Stop Shop
There was considerable suppor t expressed by those groups present for the concept of a One Stop Shop were LGBT+ people could go to get information As a first step The Rainbow Fund has secured a three-year lease on premises at 93 St James Street on behalf of the LGBT+ communities in Brighton and Hove The new Community Hub will also act as the base for
the Outreach work delivered by The Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, which until now has had to respond to call outs from a base in Por tslade
Chris Gull, Chair of The Rainbow Fund, says: “These are early days, and we’re working on how we best develop the opportunities that the premises bring Clearly we’re going to need a team of volunteers to help to decide the paths we take, and deliver the services that are decided upon If you'd like to be considered to be part of these developments please contact us through The Rainbow Fund website: www rainbow-fund org ”
PRIDE DOG SHOW RETURNS TO PRESTON PARK AGAIN IN 2018
) The Pride Dog show, one of the most popular community events staged during the annual Brighton Pride celebrations is once again at Preston Park on Sunday, July 29, from noon-5pm
Pamper those pooches and paw your way to one of Brighton Pride’s most wonder fully accessible community events with a day of fun and barking frolics, as dogs and dog lovers come together to shine with Pride and celebrate our four-legged friends.
Par t of the Pride Community Day programme of events in association with Coastway Vets, the Pride Dog show will feature awards in numerous categories including Best Bitch, Dog most like their owner and of course Best in Show!
There will be retail stalls, a glamorous catwalk doggy fashion show, a bar and refreshments for you to spend some pennies at..
Cabaret ar tist Drag With No Name will judge the Novelty Classes, while industr y professionals will be overseeing all entries and judging each categor y, ensuring ever y star pooch gets the recognition their proud paws deser ve
To enter your dog or apply for a market stall, view: www brighton-pride org/pride-dog-show
RECORD NUMBERS EXPECTED FOR BRIGHTON BEAR WEEKEND, 2018
) Organisers of Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) secure biggest prize fund yet, for this year’s fundraising raffle, wor th over £2,500.
Raffle prizes include a money can't buy one-off piece of ar t wor th over £1,700 from the Strange Case Company called Master Tom, and ten par ty packages from the Boiler R oom Sauna in Hove, wor th over £700 Other prizes up for grabs include an overnight stay at the New Steine Hotel in Brighton, tickets for Bent Double at the Komedia, cinema tickets at the Duke Of York’s, haircuts, afternoon teas in the best hotels in town and gift cards totalling over £200 Whether you want to be drinking Brighton Gin, shopping at Gresham & Blake, jumping off a zipwire, or par tying with Dublin bears, there are prizes for everyone
Raffle tickets will be on sale at all events over BBW Money raised will be donated to the R ainbow Fund, who give grants to LGBT/HIV organisations delivering effective frontline services to LGBT+ people in Brighton & Hove The draw will take place at the Camelford Arms on Sunday, June 17 at 6pm All winning tickets will be posted on the BBW Facebook group and website where you will also find a full list of prizes to be won
Brighton Bear Weekend 2018 takes place from Thursday, June 14 - Sunday, June 17, kicking off with a quiz night at the Camelford Arms on Thursday 14 at 9pm, followed by a welcome par ty at Bar R evenge on Friday 15 from 711pm, where you can meet visiting bears and pick up wristbands that you have ordered online
Wristbands, costing just £6, can be ordered from BBW's online shop or purchased in Prowler, Camelford Arms, Subline and at the welcome par ty at Bar R evenge A wristband gives you great deals during the weekend, including reduced entry to events, drink deals, and store discounts You don’t have to buy one to enjoy the weekend, but you’ll find that it pays for itself very quickly!
Zoe Lyons, Patron of the Rainbow Fund and a great suppor ter of BBW, said: "June 14 marks the start of Brighton’s brilliant Bear Weekend Four days full of fantastic events guaranteed to keep every fun-loving Bear entertained The weekend has been a huge supporter of the Rainbow Fund over the years, helping to raise muchneeded funds for local LGBT/HIV groups A t a time when government funding for such projects is much reduced, communities really do have to look af ter each other, so thank you gorgeous Bears W ishing you all a fun, happy and safe weekend ” For full line-up of BBW events, view: http://brightonbear weekend.com/events/
MARTIN FISHER FOUNDATION WINS
PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD
) Mar tin Fisher Foundation won the Innovations category of the national BMJ (British Medical Journal) Awards on Thursday, May 12 at the Park Plaza Westminster in London This highly prestigious award was given for developing a world-first touch-screen digital vending machine for dispensing free HIV self-tests at the Brighton Sauna
With the help and suppor t of the sauna staff, the pilot star ted in June 2017 and has since distributed over 300 tests The project has been highly evaluated with 95% saying they would recommend this type of testing to others
Now the second generation of machines are ready to be rolled out across the city with the aim of ensuring everyone is aware of their HIV status Are you ‘tested’ or ‘untested’? This project was funded by Public Health England, as par t of the HIV Innovations grant 2016/7
THT FREE HIV SELF TESTING PROGRAMME
) Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), Britain’s leading HIV and sexual health organisation, has launched a programme that will enable all gay and bi men, men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans women to order free HIV self testing kits The service will provide free HIV self tests, provided by BioSure, that people can do in the privacy of their own home (or wherever they feel most comfor table), receiving results in minutes The tests will also be available for anyone based in the UK who identifies as black African People who order one of the kits will also have access to suppor t from THT Direct, the charity’s information and advice line, who are there to provide information and suppor t whatever the result
The development and launch of the service has been made possible, for up to a period of six months, by a legacy left by the late actor Alec McCowen CBE However, the charity is seeking charitable donations from suppor ters with the aim of being able to extend it for longer
The aim of the programme is to test the effectiveness of self testing as a method to reduce barriers to HIV testing among groups most at risk of contracting HIV
Ian Green, CEO of THT, said: "One of our strategic aims as a charity is to end HIV transmission in the UK, and increasing testing among at risk communities is an effective way to achieve this We know that different methods of testing suit different people, and so we’re thrilled to launch this programme for those who prefer to use self testing kits at home but who perhaps can’t afford it The programme, which is currently funded for up to six months, will enable more people from at risk communities to know their status and access early, effective treatment if required This will ensure that fewer people are living undiagnosed with HIV, and that they can live long, healthy lives, with no risk of passing the virus on to future partners ”
There are an estimated 10,400 people in the UK who don’t know that they’re living with HIV, which means that they are not on effective medication and could unknowingly be passing the virus on Regular HIV testing enables people who have a reactive (positive) result to access effective treatment earlier, which increases their ability to live a long and healthy life, and prevents them from transmitting HIV on to current or future sexual par tners
To find out how to suppor t the programme or, if eligible, order a free self testing kit, view: http://test tht org uk
HIV DISCRIMINATION REMOVED FROM NEW INSURANCE POLICY GUIDANCE
) The Association of British Insurers (ABI) Guide to Minimum Standards for Critical Illness Cover (CIC), published last month, has removed discriminator y content about people living with HIV Previously, the guidance stated that a claim for an HIV diagnosis could only be made where HIV had been acquired from a blood transfusion, a physical assault, or at work in an eligible occupation This was clearly a moralising and discriminator y attempt to frame some people as being ‘innocent victims’ of HIV and, by implication, others as not
It was also the case that if a policyholder was diagnosed with HIV af ter purchasing a CIC policy, their policy would effectively be rendered void as HIV excluded them from claiming on any other illness listed in their policy
National AIDS Trust (NAT) highlighted this discriminator y wording in their 2017 repor t HIV and Finance, then met the ABI to discuss how the guidance could be improved,
and influenced both the ABI consultation d o c u m e n t a n d t h e r e v i s e d A B I g u i d a n
Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of NAT, said:
“We w elcome the new guidance on critical illness cov er published by the A BI T he prev ious w ording on HIV included in the guidance w as judgemental, stigmatising and discriminator y No other critical illness w as treated in such a manner, and w e’re grateful that the A BI hav e listened to our feedback and made this v ital and long-aw aited change It’s now crucial that insurers rev iew their CIC policies as soon as possible to ensure they do not contain discriminator y w ording on HIV
“Despite these w elcome steps for w ard, CIC remains unav ailable to those already liv ing w ith HIV because insurers deem them too risky for cov er We hope the publication of this new guidance w ill encourage insurers to rev iew their terms and make their CIC policies av ailable to people liv ing w ith HIV ”
HIV CHARITY CELEBRATES 9TH BIRTHDAY
) Lunch Positive is nine on Friday, June 1, which is also the star t of National Volunteers’ Week The lunch club, attended by 40-60 people each week, aims to provide a suppor tive, safe, peer-led community space where people meet to socialise, share peer suppor t, a healthy meal, and have access to a range of suppor t ser vices.
The input of people with HIV and volunteering underpin ever ything achieved by the lunch club, with volunteers involved in ever y aspect of the ser vice and the charity. Since 2009 Lunch Positive has provided a weekly lunch club for people with HIV, delivered by volunteers and led by people with HIV Volunteers have given a total of over 30,000 hours to deliver the lunch club
The charity are celebrating with a series of special lunches during June, and the publication of its 2017-18 annual repor t, highlighting its achievements, contributions to the community, members and peers, stakeholders and volunteers
Bir thday celebrations also include two special videos demonstrating what the charity does and celebrating the contributions of their volunteers. Volunteers will take par t in a special National Volunteering Week video, produced by Brighton & Hove City Council, and in a special video being commissioned by the charity itself
Gary Pargeter, Ser vice Manager, said: “Producing our annual ser vice evaluation and repor t is a meaningful reminder of the challenges that being HIV still present, and the pow er ful impact of peer suppor t w hen people spend time together at the lunch club
T he people w e get to know as members, the amazing contributions of volunteers, and the support of the w ider community, really are w onder ful things to be par t of, and w e’re incredibly grateful for T hank y ou absolutely ever y one for w hat y ou bring to our community, and helping us to continue to provide this suppor t into our 10th y ear!”
LGBT+ PEOPLE AND CANCER
New research published into the experiences of LGBT+ people in Sussex affected by cancer
) Macmillan Cancer Suppor t and Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard have published the findings from recent research about the experiences and needs of LGBT+ people in Sussex who are affected by cancer It provides an insight into how LGBT+ people affected by cancer in Sussex can be best suppor ted, and areas where patient experience can be improved The repor t is based on findings from a small online survey, several in-depth interviews and two small focus groups with LGBT+ people affected by cancer and healthcare professionals
Issues raised by par ticipants included a lack of LGBT+ specific information and suppor t; LGBT+ people being afraid to disclose their sexual orientation or trans status because of fears about homo/bi/transphobia; lesbians being told they don’t need cervical screening; and transgender people not receiving adequate information about the need for cervical and prostate screening
Jackie Hutchinson, research par ticipant, said: “This research into the experiences of LGBT+ people affected by cancer is an important piece of work A ttending the consultation has already improved my experience of accessing healthcare for cancer as a bisexual person, because it gave me a chance to review things, share information and gain perspective Monitoring of LGBT+ people is an important step to improve our experiences of service provision and reducing inequalities in healthcare ”
Recommendations in the repor t include providing LGBT+ awareness training for all cancer healthcare professionals; develop LGBT+ specific cancer information resources; and develop LGBT+ specific peer suppor t groups for those affected by cancer
Valentine Mulholland, another par ticipant, said: “A cancer diagnosis is already devastating and touches on every part of your life Providing the support cancer patients need means recognising who they are, including their sexual and/or gender identity and who their significant others are Whilst the NHS services in Brighton were amazing, I did encounter some issues with a national charity and a hospital outside of Brighton that were unhelpful at a time when the last thing you need to do is fight to be recognised I participated in this research to shine a light on why all cancer healthcare services and providers need to be inclusive of LGBT+ people ”
Daniel Cheesman, CEO of Switchboard, said: “This is an important piece of research and one that highlights the barriers that LGBT+ people face receiving and experiencing care Whilst there is so much good work happening with regards to equality, it is disappointing to learn that many people still face significant prejudices, and at times when they are most vulnerable W rong assumptions are of ten made about a patient’s sexuality or gender identity and this is very damaging It is encouraging that Macmillan are so open to improving the patient experience for LGBT+ people and we welcome the opportunity to work with them through our successful improving health project ”
DISTRESS IN MEN FOLLOWING PROSTATE CANCER CAN BE REDUCED
) A new web-based suppor t programme, offering online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions and filmed and interactive peer suppor t to help reduce the psychological stress impacting men recovering from prostate cancer has been developed by researchers at the University of Surrey and NHS clinicians
Prostate cancer is the UK’s most common cancer in men with over 47,000 cases diagnosed annually and side effects of treatment, such as urinary, sexual and bowel problems, and body issues, can have a negative effect on men’s psychological wellbeing Recent studies have shown that 65% of men with prostate cancer repor t unmet psychological needs and up to a third experience anxiety and depression Men with prostate cancer also have a higher risk of suicide than their healthy male counterpar ts, showing a lack of provision for psychological wellbeing within this group
A study based on the new platform, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research Cancer, repor ted that men who used the new system found
it helped them cope after having prostate cancer Men repor ted feeling empowered by the programme, signalling a change of attitude in how they approach life postcancer
Lead author Jane Cockle-Hearne, a Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, said: “Men traditionally are reticent about seeking help for their mental health, particularly when it is related to prostate cancer This may be due to embarrassment about asking for help or a reluctance to admit they have a problem, either physical or emotional What we have found is that this can lead to longer periods of depression and anxiety, which over time can seriously affect a person’s quality of life and how well they cope with their physical problems
“Thanks to medical advances in diagnosis and treatment, increasing numbers of men are surviving prostate cancer, which is incredibly welcome But we must act now to treat their mental health too This new programme will enable men to get the information and support they need, as well as providing the NHS with a cost-effective way to deliver high quality healthcare ”
To read the repor t in full, view: http://cancer.jmir.org/2018/1/e8/
NEW LGBT+ SUPPORTERS’ GROUP FOR SEAGULLS FANS
Richard Longrigg, Par tnership Quality Lead South East, added: “ We’ve gained valuable insight from this work about the experiences of LGBT+ people living with and affected by cancer It’s shown what areas to consider to further improve patient experience; and where support and information is required to enable professionals to feel confident identif ying specific areas of support relating to a patient, carer or family members’ LGBT+ identity We would like to thank all of the participants, both LGBT+ community members and professionals, who volunteered their time to share their personal experiences to help us better understand the needs of LGBT+ people living with and affected by cancer ”
) Proud Seagulls, a new Brighton & Hove Albion LGBT+ suppor ters’ group, was launched last month Stuar t Matthews, founding member of Proud Seagulls, originally had the idea for this LGBT+ fan group some years ago then, after Albion’s promotion to the Premier League last season, felt it was the right time to set up the group
Stuar t said: “Most Premier League and Championship sides have a recognised LGBT+ supporters’ group, and we should be no different In fact over the years we, as a club and fans, have suffered more with homophobic/ transphobic chants from opposing fans than any other supporters This is something we intend to tackle to reduce and ultimately eradicate homophobia,
transphobia, racism and sexism not just from football, but from society as a whole ”
The group has gained momentum over the past six months and has been working with Albion to become an official suppor ters’ club Stuar t continued: “ We’re excited by the club’s partnership with Brighton Pride 2018 and looking forward to supporting the club for the city’s biggest annual event ”
Proud Seagulls is a member of Pride in Football an alliance of the nation’s LGBT+ suppor ters’ groups engaging with their own clubs with the aim of combatting prejudice together
For more info check out the Proud Seagulls Facebook Group
WORLD’S OLDEST WORKING DRAG QUEEN JOINS MAISIE ON STAGE AT LEGENDS
) Darcelle XV, official holder of the Guinness World record for the oldest working drag queen, joined legendary drag queen Maisie Trollette, aka David R aven, on stage at Legends on Monday, May 14 as par t of a series of events to celebrate Maisie's 85th bir thday
Darcelle XV, aka Walter W Cole, has been performing in drag for 51 years and is the owner and operator of Darcelle XV Showplace in Por tland, Oregon, which hosts the West Coast's longest running drag show
Walter came to Brighton especially to have afternoon tea with David Raven at the Brighton Hotel on the seafront, where he presented David with a pair of diamanté earrings to celebrate his for thcoming 85th bir thday The historic meeting was filmed for a documentary about the life of Maisie Trollette/David Raven which has been in production for the last two years
Later in the evening at Legends, Miss Jason introduced Darcelle XV and Maisie Trollette on stage to an audience of invited guests Darcelle XV joined Maisie for a couple of numbers, and bared his 87-year-old bottom in a country & western number while wearing a pair of revealing cowboy chaps
POPPERS AND VIAGRA TOGETHER - WHY IT MAY BE TIME TO THINK AGAIN
) Following recent medical repor ts, urgent research is underway by Assured Pharmacy to fur ther explore a potentially dangerous consequence of poppers and Viagra when used together Initial concerns suggest that in some users, the combination could be fatal
Viagra and poppers use is not uncommon in gay communities, often along with alcohol and recreational drugs The most common side effect repor ted amongst combination users is a strong headache, but often dizziness, sickness and even a temporary loss of consciousness know as syncope However, it is a serious and sudden drop in blood pressure that’s causing the most concern as this can prove to be fatal
This is the second serious health risk now linked to the use of poppers in little over a year, following the identification of poppers maculopathy which affects the eyes In 2006 one of the key ingredients of poppers, isobutyl nitrite was reclassified as a cancer-causing drug and replaced with isopropyl nitrite It is this substituted ingredient that is thought to be linked to poppers maculopathy although it is
not yet known what is the cause of these newly recorded symptoms
Poppers use alone reduces blood pressure and increases the hear t-rate, while recorded common side effects of Viagra include headaches and blurred or impaired vision Over 1% of the UK’s population state that they have used poppers in the past twelve months, making it the UK’s four th most popular recreational drug
Assured Pharmacy have created a survey, that takes less than 60 seconds to complete which is completely anonymous, as par t of their research
To complete the survey, view: www assuredpharmacy co uk/blog/vi agra/poppers-viagra-awareness/#
Results from the survey will be used to determine how little is known about the issue and if there’s a par ticular demographic that requires a more urgent focus These will be shared with Gscene and published here as soon as we have them
TEN YEARS OF SUPPORT FOR CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE
) Chestnut Tree House, the children’s hospice for Sussex, organised a special celebration recently for David Hill, Director of Brighton-based events company, the E3 Group, in recognition of his 10 years suppor ting the charity
David first star ted working with Chestnut Tree House in March 2008 when he was planning his Feather & Fireworks Ball, which took place in June 2008 celebrating E3’s 10th anniversary and David’s 40th bir thday During the following decade, he has suppor ted Chestnut Tree House, both through his company and as an individual, including organising a 10k run in Mallorca, two movie premières (Spectre and Star Wars), hosting a luncheon, taking par t in the charity’s China Trek in 2015 and even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, despite his fear of heights
David has also taken par t in the hospice’s Pay for a Day initiative, sponsoring an incredible seven days of care It costs £6,850 every day to provide all the charity’s care costs, both at the hospice and in families’ homes across Sussex and South East Hampshire Since 2012, David has produced the charity’s annual flagship event, the Snowman Spectacular Fundraising Ball, and has introduced many new contacts and suppor ters to Chestnut Tree House over the years
Juliette MacPherson, Fundraising Development Manager, and Sarah Colbourne, Head of Fundraising, presented David with a special photo book to commemorate his suppor t at a small gathering of suppor ters and staff who have worked closely with him over the years They also presented him with a 50th bir thday cake to mark his own special celebration in June Juliette said: “ We’d like to say a huge thank you to David for his fantastic support, not only financially, but also for his loyalty and commitment over the last 10 years We truly appreciate everything that he does for Chestnut Tree House ”
Chestnut Tree House provides specialist palliative care services to 300 children and young people aged 0-19 with life-shor tening conditions in East Sussex, West Sussex and South East Hampshire The services they offer include assessment, advice and information for children and young adults with life-shor tening conditions, specialist shor t breaks, emergency care, step down from hospital and end of life care
The Community Team cares for families in their own homes in East Sussex, West Sussex and South East Hampshire, while the multi-disciplinary team offers suppor t for the entire family following diagnosis and through the whole disease process The charity also offers bereavement suppor t, which includes therapy, counselling and spiritual care There is also a specialist neonatal care service, services for under 5s, and transition advice for young people moving to adult services They also offer care for families after the unexpected death of a child or young person, including the use of their ‘Stars’ bereavement suite
Chestnut Tree House aims to provide the best quality of life for children and their families, and to offer a total package of practical, social and spiritual suppor t throughout each child’s life, however shor t it may be These combined services cost well over £3 5million each year to provide Families are never charged for their care and the hospice receives less than 7% from central government, so it relies heavily on the generosity, help and suppor t of the local community www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk
PUT YOUR WELLBEING FIRST, SAY SAMARITANS
) Samaritans are calling on parents, teachers, students and employers to put wellbeing ahead of grades this exam season By keeping results in perspective, they says young people are more likely to do themselves justice than if they face intolerable levels of pressure and stress
The call comes as schools, colleges and universities get their exam season underway It also echoes the theme of last month’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which focussed on coping with stress
Samaritans volunteer Alison Pratt, Director of Brighton, Hove and District branch of Samaritans, said: “Learning to manage your emotions is as important as learning to read and write Teachers, employers and parents value good grades, and students put themselves under pressure to achieve We urge anyone involved with young people and their studies to support them to look af ter their emotional health and
wellbeing That way they are likely to cope better with the stress of exams and achieve more too Whatever your stage in life, exams are not everything ”
Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans run a full programme of talks in local secondary schools
For more information about Samaritans, view: www samaritans org/branches/bri ghton-hove-and-districtsamaritans
Anyone who is feeling overwhelmed because of work or exam pressure, or who is worried about someone else, can contact Samaritans free from any phone on 116 123 The number will not show on your phone bill
Or email jo@samaritans org or go to www samaritans org to find details of your local branch of Samaritans where you can talk to a trained volunteer face to face
WORKING IT OUT WITH ME
) The Sussex ME Society that works for those affected by myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) across the county welcomes recently published research highlighting the cognitive problems experienced by patients
Researchers reviewed 52 studies and found high rates of subjective cognitive symptoms, including forgetfulness, distractibility and word finding difficulties along with slow information processing
The work published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry indicates a similarity to deficits repor ted in patients with mild traumatic brain injury and whiplash
The authors of the research hypothesise that pain, fatigue and excessive interoceptive monitoring produce a decrease in externally directed attention This increases susceptibility to distraction and slows information processing, interfering with cognitive function, in par ticular multitasking Routine cognitive processes are experienced as unduly effor tful
Colin Bar ton of the Sussex ME Society, said: “Many of our members report that the cognitive problems they experience are as disabling as the physical symptoms of the illness ”
ME or CFS that can sometimes follow a viral infection or trauma is classified as a neurological disorder Symptoms include profound physical and mental fatigue, concentration and working memory difficulties along with mild confusion, muscle pain, sleep and mood disturbances, gastric and vision problems
To read the research, view: http://jnnp bmj com/content/early/ 2018/05/06/jnnp-2017-317823
DANNY ’S BIRTHDAY PARTY RAISES
£2,206.95
FOR GOOD CAUSES
) Danny Dwyer, organiser of Bear-Patrol, held his bir thday par ty at Amsterdam Bar and Kitchen on May 19, raising an impressive total of £2,206.95 for local good causes Danny asked friends attending not to buy bir thday presents or cards but to make a donation to his JustGiving Fundraising page to raise money for MindOut, the LGBT Mental Health Service £1,465 was raised for their Counselling Ser vice and a raffle on the night raised a fur ther £741.95 for the R ainbow Fund, who give grants to local LGBT/HIV organisations providing effective front line services to LGBT+people in the city
The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Dee Simson, was in attendance and enter tainment was provided by Dave the Bear, Davina Sparkle and Jennie Castell who hosted the evening Danny said: “It was a truly magical night with a wonderful group of friends I arrange the party every year not only for myself, but for everyone to relax, smile, enjoy, catch up and engage with friends old and new in a safe and friendly environment I can only but thank everyone for supporting me and my chosen charities ”
LUCY MALLOWS
) Lucy Mallows sadly and unexpectedly died on Easter Saturday, March 31, 2018, at her home in Newhaven A much-loved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, she passed at the untimely age of 56
Lucy was a woman of many and varied interests She was a skilled photo journalist who loved working in Eastern Europe, par ticularly Slovakia and Hungary A translator, linguist and published travel writer, she spent years living and working in Bratislava and Budapest
On returning to Sussex, Lucy became an active member of the LGBT+ communities A tenor in the R ainbow Chorus, she both sang and volunteered with the choir As a keen BLAGSS pétanque player, Lucy will be remembered for her magic, black boule and reviews of soda and lime purchased at different drinking establishments
Walking was a passion for Lucy She liked nothing better than organising walks for the Casual Cake Walkers (a Facebook group walking group that she set up) and the Over 35s Lesbian &
5 10 1961 - 31 03 2018
Queer Women’s Group Seaford Head and Lewes were par ticular favourites, with literary walks a speciality
Lucy was an active environmentalist As a proud resident of Newhaven she was involved with campaigns to access the beach and clear litter on the beach
Seagulls were close to her hear t; not the football team (she was an ardent Chelsea suppor ter), but rather the sea birds She photographed them and published pictures of them in settings across Brighton Animals in general were close to Lucy’s hear t Casper, her beloved cat, often featured as a true champion on Facebook
Lucy you will not be forgotten Rest In Peace lovely Lucy
Obituary written by Jane MacDonald
) Celebrating Lucy Mallows - an evening of song, and recollections of Lucy will be held on Saturday, June 23, 7-10pm, at St George’s Church, St George’s Rd, Kemptown
No flowers please Instead, please consider making a donation to the R oyal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) - a charity in which Lucy was actively involved The branch in Newhaven were shocked to hear Lucy had passed away, and would be most grateful for any donations in her memory
RNLI Direct Credit FR Acc Sor t code: 20-68-95
Account No: 93032671
Reference: 952064 Lucy Bank name: Barclays Bank PLC, High Street, Poole, Dorset
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING...
) After 33 years of dedicated service, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard’s longest serving volunteer, Jenny Bennett, is hanging up her phone headset as she moves on to pastures new up nor th
To thank Jenny for the huge contribution that she has made over the years, Switchboard threw Jenny a leaving par ty at the Bedford Tavern last month Joined by Switchboard team members old and new, Jenny reflected on her time with the charity: “ When I joined, you could only tell a close friend where the Switchboard office was and you could only join by being recommended by a friend I felt it was like being part of a secret society with all the secrecy!”
When asked what she has most enjoyed about her time with Switchboard and what she would miss most, Jenny said: “The highlight for me was being one of the four Pride Ambassadors in 2014, it was a real honour I’ll miss supporting the callers, of course, as well as working with the other Switchboard volunteers, and I‘ll miss the routine of going into the office for a shif t ”
Dawn Draper, Switchboard’s Chair of Trustees, said: “ We thank Jenny for all of her enthusiasm, contribution and support to Switchboard; we have all really appreciated the time and commitment she has given over many years to our staff, volunteers and those in the LGBT+ community who have used our helpline ”
Daniel Cheesman, Switchboard’s CEO, presented Jenny with a leaving cer tificate and gift, and said: “ We talk a lot nowadays about LGBT+ icons – we of ten look in the media and to celebrity for them, when they are normally much closer to home Over the years, Jenny has become a local icon, for her dedication to LGBT+ people in her community and to those she has supported at Switchboard We thank Jenny on behalf of the hundreds of callers she has supported over the last 33 years and hope she enjoys her well-earned retirement ”
Taking the oppor tunity to encourage others to consider volunteering for Switchboard, Jenny said: “In this mixed up world we live in, by giving a little of yourself, your time and a listening ear, you would be helping another LGBTQ person to unburden their soul as they talk through what might be troubling them ”
If you’re considering volunteering with Switchboard and training as a listening volunteer, view: www.switchboard.org.uk
NEW LOOK FOR SWITCHBOARD
) Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard launched their new brand and logo last month to give clarity to how they suppor t local LGBT+ people Switchboard is the city's longest established LGBT+ organisation providing a listening ear to LGBT+ people in Brighton & Hove since 1975
Daniel Cheesman, CEO, said; “L ast summer, w e engaged w ith the local L GBT + communities through the ‘ Your Sw itchboard Needs You’ campaign It w as clear that w hilst people w ere aw are of the long, 43- y ear, histor y of Sw itchboard, there w as sense of not being sure of w hat w e offer, other than the helpline “We’v e listened to this feedback and our new logo and brand aim to highlight all Sw itchboard projects under our new tag line ‘connecting y ou to L GBT Q suppor t’ We w ant to tell people that Sw itchboard is a charity for L GBT + people looking for a sense of community, suppor t or information We suppor t them directly through specially dev eloped ser v ices, or link them to other organisations ”
One of the considerations of Switchboard was whether or not they should change their name Daniel continued: “We thought long and hard
about changing the name. One of our challenges w ith the ‘Sw itchboard’ name is that some people only associate this w ith the helpline We’re v er y proud of the 43 y ears of ser v ice that the charity has prov ided to the community and the trust that comes along w ith this legacy and, as such, felt it w as impor tant to keep our name Instead, w e’re confident that our w ebsite, communications and logo w ill help us tell our stor y and communicate our offer in a more coherent and relev ant w ay ”
Switchboard is rolling out their new logo and brand in the lead up to the summer and various outreach events, including Pride and Trans Pride Daniel added: “We’v e w orked w ith a v olunteer on dev ising the new brand and logo. We didn’t w ant to spend money on pay ing someone to do this at a time w hen charity funds are increasingly needed to finance our front line ser v ices
“Connecting people to L GBT + suppor t is w hat w e do, through our general or trans sur v iv ors’ helpline or one of our L GBT + specific projects, including the Health and Inclusion Project, Older L GBT Q Project, L GBT Q Disability Project and the R ainbow Cafe for those liv ing w ith dementia We’re clearer about communicating w hat w e do and how it suppor ts and aligns w ith other organisations in the city ”
For more info, view: www switchboard org uk
GSCENE COLUMNIST WALKS FOR FRIENDS OF SUSSEX HOSPICES
) To mark and celebrate the 50th anniversar y of the moder n hospice movement in the UK, Gscene columnist Duncan Stewar t has completed a 200-mile trek round Sussex to raise funds for the Friends of Sussex Hospices (FOSH)
FOSH raise funds for all 12 of the county's hospices, who annually have to raise 80% of their r unning costs with the NHS contributing only 20%
Duncan says: “I w as lucky enough to hav e met Dame Cicely Saunders, w hose w ork in L ondon in the 1960s laid the
foundations of the outstanding hospice care netw ork that w e hav e today From my w ork as a GP and, more recently from being inv olv ed at T he Mar tlets, I’v e seen first-hand just how much v ital suppor t and comfor t hospices prov ide T heir w ork touches all our liv es; it’s freely open to all and y et is only par tly funded by the gov ernment ”
Duncan's walk to date has raised a magnificent £3,439 26, plus £575 75 Gif t Aid, and is still rising
If you would like to add to Duncan’s total, view: www justgiving com/fundraising/d uncan-stewar t3
Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex Annual Conference
University of Brighton 19-20 July 2018
The third annual conference is being held at the University of Brighton in the run up to Trans Pride
The Annual Brighton Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex Conference seeks to bring trans, non-binary and intersex people, researchers and allies (as well as those who seek to work better with trans, non-binary and intersex people) together in order to work towards making a more trans, non-binary and intersex inclusive society
This year, following feedback from last year, the organisers have linked up with Intersex UK to improve the representation of intersex issues within the programme including a panel, films and Q&A
Keynote speakers include: Prof Stephen Whittle (Manchester Metropolitan University), Munroe Bergdorf (activist and model) and a panel of speakers from Intersex UK facilitated by Holly Greenbury and Dawn Vago
The conference is funded by University of Brighton, University of Sussex, Brighton & Hove City Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust and the Clinical Commissioning Group
The event is free for a small number of staff from these organisation and members of the trans, non-binary and intersex community A small attendance fee is charged for all other participants
Registration is now open and the event is likely to sell out early Tickets can be found at the University of Brighton shop or by following this link https://shop.brighton.ac.uk/conferences-andevents/social-sciences/research-conferences/the-annual-brighton-trans-nonbinary-and-intersex-conference-2018
If you have been subjected to any form of Hate Crime, Harassment, Verbal or Physical Abuse we can assist you in reporting it Don't be put off from REPORTING a CRIME
We can suppor t you in the following way: ) Third Party Reporting ) Assisting you at the Police Station ) Advocating on your behalf to ensure your case is processed appropriately by the Police/Council ) Advice on Personal Safety ) 24/ 7 emotional support (via our helpline) If you need our support contact us on 01273
or email us at
SEA SERPENTS RFC END SEASON ON WINNING STREAK
) Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC won their first league match, against East Grinstead third team, at the end of April (28) The match was played at Hove RFC as par t of the Club’s league commitments of playing 18 matches over the season
Dan Humphrey scored a try within a minute of kick off Three more trys followed scored by Kevin Mann, Nick Simpson and Ryan Ir vine (all conver ted by Mann) to take the score to 26-0 after 30 minutes
East Grinstead responded with two tries (one conver ted) to finish the half 26-12 In the second half East Grinstead rallied but, despite scoring two tries (unconver ted), the match finished 33-31 for the Serpents
Celebrations followed with a few bottles of por t in the changing rooms, continued in the club house, then later in the evening at Envy where the club hosted a Masked Ball to raise funds for themselves and for MindOut, the LGBT mental health service
On Saturday, May 5, the Sea Serpents RFC played a post-season friendly against the Wessex Wyverns RFC from Southampton as they both prepare to play in the Bingham Cup in Amsterdam in June
The sides previously met twice in the 2016-17 season, with the Serpents losing on both occasions, 32-0 away and 10-58 at home After a year having gained experience playing a full season of league rugby in Sussex RFU Harvey’s of Sussex 4 East ‘Bonfire Boy’ division, the Serpents ran out 78-5 winners
Following the match, both teams went to the Camelford Arms, the sponsors of the Sea Serpents’ kit, for a well deserved beer and buffet laid on for the players
The Sea Serpents under take a sponsored fundraising static cycle ride on May 26 at the Amsterdam Bar & Kitchen, cycling from Hove RFC (their home ground) to Amstelveense RFC (the ground for the Bingham Cup in Amsterdam), a distance of 320 miles
They star t at noon with the Chairman, Captain and Coach leading the way Static Bikes have been lent by David Lloyd Clubs at the Marina The day will continue into the evening with Jason Thorpe hosting karaoke There will be a fundraising raffle also throughout the day
Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents are Sussex's first fully inclusive rugby club, encouraging GB&T guys to learn, experience and play rugby in a nonjudgmental atmosphere They are members of the Sussex RFU, the RFU and IGR - the body that encourages inclusive rugby across the world
For more information check out Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC on Facebook, or email: info@bhssr fc.com
ORGANISERS PROMISE A BIGGER TRANS PRIDE, 2018
) Organisers of Trans Pride 2018 are planning a week long series of exciting events culminating with a march along Brighton and Hove seafront to a park event in Brunswick Square Gardens, Hove on Saturday, July 21
Trans Pride Committee (pictured above from left to right): Ashleigh (Site Manager); Grace (Community Outreach Lead); Dani - (Project Coordinator); Angela (Stage Lead & Trustee); Sarah Savage (Trustee); Natalie (Project Lead & Trustee); Sukey (Treasurer); Michelle (Volunteer Lead); Kai (Accessibility & Trustee)
The organising committee for Trans Pride 2018 are planning to increase the number of official events throughout Trans Pride Week, to reflect the diverse and different needs of the city's varied Trans communities including exhibitions, creative workshops, a vinyl night, gaming night, ar ts night and live music
A spokesperson for Trans Pride said: "We've worked incredibly hard this year to put together a much more diverse programme to suit all tastes and we feel like the communities should expect something bigger and better this year "
On Saturday, July 21, there will be a march star ting from central Brighton (location to be confirmed), proceeding along the seafront to Brunswick Square Gardens in Hove for the main par ty in the park event featuring spoken word, poetry as well as community stalls and live music The park will have accessible toilets, a hearing loop for the stage, places to get food and drink, but sorry, only assistance dogs are allowed in Brunswick Square Gardens In the evening following the park event there will be an after par ty and DIY live music gig
The much-loved film night will take place on Friday, July 20, while The popular picnic will take place (weather permitting) on Sunday, July 22
If you’re interested in volunteering, email: volunteer@transpridebrighton.org, otherwise for ALL other queries, email: info@transpridebrighton.org
For up to date daily information check out the Facebook group: Trans Pride Park Event 2018
MAYOR RAISES £70,000 DURING YEAR IN OFFICE
) Cllr Mo Marsh, the retiring Mayor of Brighton & Hove, announces to representatives from her five chosen charities The Sussex Hear t Charity, Mar tlets, Rise, The Clock Tower Sanctuar y and Albion in the Community, she had raised £70,000 during her year in office to be shared between them
BEAR-PATROL QUIZ RAISES £305 FOR THE GIVEGAIN GROW PROJECT
) The Bear-Patrol quiz night and raffle, held at the Camelford Arms, raised much-needed funds for GiveGain Grow, a Gospor t-based mental health project which suppor ts adults with lear ning disabilities and mental health issues in the Gospor t area.
£305 was raised for the project, which is recovering from a break in to their premises The money will cover a full year ’s room rental enabling their Craf t Group to continue, two years of rent on their #Gospor tWildGardeners Allotment in Rowner, with enough money lef t to replace specialist tools stolen during the break in
The quiz was won by 'Michelle Obama's Vagina is on the Dole' team who failed to win the £300 cash prize and went home with a tin of mushy peas
NO TO STIGMA IN 2018
The Martin Fisher Foundation are launching an HIV-stigma information campaign in July 2018, using traditional and digital platforms.
) Having gained a prestigious Public Health England HIV Innovations grant in 2017, the Foundation has been working with local filmmakers, animators, illustrators, designers, patients, clinicians, and researchers to create a thought-provoking campaign which will convey accurate and consistent information to the general population of Brighton & Hove. In fact, by connecting through social media with no geographical boundaries, they hope the project reaches a wider national and international audience They aim to improve knowledge of recent advances in HIV andc encourage the public to stop and think about how people with HIV might feel when they hear insensitive, inaccurate and tactless comments, and what we can ALL do to change the status quo
What is the Martin Fisher Foundation? Why Brighton & Hove?
The Martin Fisher Foundation was set up in 2015 after the death of Professor Martin Fisher to ensure there was a legacy for his passion, vision and innovation We are working with partners across the city to ensure ‘HIV prevention’ is prioritised. This means more HIV testing, better access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the maintenance of outstanding clinical services.
Last year, together with Brighton & Hove City Council and other collaborators, the Foundation secured Brighton & Hove as the first Fast Track City in the UK This means we are all working together across the city to achieve the 90-90-90 targets, that is 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) know their HIV status, 90% of PLHIV who know their status being on effective treatment, 90% of PLHIV on ART achieving viral suppression and zero discrimination and stigma.
In fact, the Martin Fisher Foundation wants to surpass these targets and work Towards Zero HIV across the city Current figures for Brighton & Hove stand at 87-98-98
What is HIV stigma? Why do we need an information campaign?
Stigma is defined as ‘ a mark of disgrace’ or ‘feeling disapproved of by society’ HIV stigma is when people with HIV are made to feel they have something to be ashamed of. In 2018 this is completely unacceptable, and something we can ALL do something to change.
HIV has changed dramatically since the 1980s and 90s. Treatment is much easier to take, with few or no side effects. By taking as little as one pill once a day, people can lead normal healthy lives… and are doing, all around you. The treatment is now so effective that if you ’ re HIV positive and on the right tablets, you can’t pass on the virus to anyone, even during sex! Apparently there are some people who still feel sceptical about this well, you can take it from me, an HIV Doctor it’s completely true!
So, what about the stigma… why do some people still fear HIV?
Is it because they don’t know the facts? Is it because they haven’t moved on from the ‘tombstones’ and the ‘icebergs’? Is it because they’ve never met anyone with HIV and don’t realise they’re just the same as the rest of us?
The sad thing is, HIV stigma can have a profound effect on people’s lives to the extent they can be isolated, intimidated and even
threatened with violence In society as a whole HIV stigma acts as a major barrier to HIV testing, both by preventing people from requesting the test, and also health care professionals offering it.
This campaign will draw on the experiences of PLHIV to break down stereotypes and misconceptions, dispel common myths and show how stigma can adversely affect an individual. Through a series of participatory workshops with people living with and without HIV, we ’ ve heard what the issues are in Brighton & Hove in 2018. Our mantra, 'We Learn, We Think, We Change', will emphasise how important it is for us all to have the correct information and spread the good news! We hope to shift the emphasis from whether individuals are ‘positive or negative’ or 'dirty or clean' to whether they are ‘tested or untested’ We have created a unique local team with a passion for innovation to deliver this project
Is it really possible to work Towards Zero HIV?
This is the exciting bit! If everyone with HIV was diagnosed by increasing the availability of HIV testing, and if everyone with HIV was taking effective treatment, and if anyone without HIV but at significant risk was taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), we really can eliminate HIV. How amazing is that! We can be part of the generation which eliminated HIV!
What can I can do to help?
We all have a part to play - whether it’s learning the facts and talking openly about HIV, and setting people right when their knowledge is outdated; whether it’s testing regularly and encouraging others to test; whether it’s taking PrEP if you need it; whether it’s taking HIV medication every day to ensure your virus is suppressed; whether it’s sharing the stigma campaign with all your contacts when it’s launched in July; whether it’s making sure that no-one living with HIV is made to feel ashamed - we have a unique city with a unique opportunity to be world leaders in tackling stigma and ultimately eliminating HIV, so let’s get on with it!
HELP US SPREAD THE WORLD
We’re seeking social media influencers, celebrities and sponsors to join this beautiful campaign, so please help us spread the word! Please get in touch if you know of anyone who might be able to help, or if you would like to know more about the Martin Fisher Foundation or the 2018 Stigma Campaign ) email us on martinfisherfoundation@gmail.com) t or follow us on Twitter @MartinFisherFo1 and @Stigma saur ) or visit our website www.themartinfisherfoundation.org
Collaborators: Martin Fisher Foundation (MFF); Public Health England (PHE); Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust (BSUH); Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS); University of Brighton (UoB); patient representatives; Film & Content; Diptico
IT ’S OFFICIAL - RAINBOW CHORUS ARE TOP OF THE CL ASS!
) Twenty-seven teams from local LGBT+ community organisations and businesses battled it out at Charles Street Tap on Tuesday, May 15 to establish who has the brightest LGBT+ suppor ters, staff and volunteers in the city The R ainbow Chorus, Brighton's longestablished LGBT choir, came top of the class of 2018, taking the first Golden Handbag Award of the season with 98 and a half from a possible 117 points Charles Street Tap and Bear-Patrol came joint second with 96 and a half points
Teams took par t from all sections of the city's LGBT+ communities, including two teams from the Gay Men's Dance Group, making their Quiz debut, a team of HIV consultants from the Mar tin Fisher Foundation, three of the main local LGBT choirs and Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC Businesses represented included Charles Street Tap, Doctor Brighton’s, Subline, Legends, Marine Tavern, Camelford Arms, Bedford Tavern, Bar Broadway, Bone Idol and Amsterdam Bar & Kitchen
The winners will be presented with a Golden Handbag Award at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on Sunday, July 1 and will be given the front cover of Gscene Magazine in October to promote their community activities
Special thanks to Stephen Richards aka Lola Lasagne, Jon Hughes aka Sally Vate, Nicki Delmege, R uper t Ellick, Chris Marshall and all his
staff at Charles Street Tap for delivering another memorable community evening, and most impor tantly all the teams for entering into the spirit of the occasion
Jon Hughes aka Sally Vate, spor ting a Vote Vate Tshir t, said: “ What a fantastic evening, bringing everyone together in one place This is what community is all about! Oh yes, vote for me in the Golden Handbag A wards ”
£540 was raised for the R ainbow Fund to distribute in their October grants programme The Rainbow Fund give grants to LGBT/HIV organisations who deliver effective frontline services to LGBT+ people in the city
FINAL PL ACINGS:
First place: Rainbow Chorus; joint 2nd: Charles Street Tap and Bear-Patrol; 4th: Brighton Gay Men's Chorus; 5th: Sea Serpents; joint 6th: Brighton Bear Weekend, Bar Broadway and Marine Tavern; 9th: Bone Idol; joint 10th: Legends Team 2 and Mind Out; 12th: Subline; joint 13th: Bedford Tavern, Gscene and Lunch Positive; 16th: LGBT Switchboard; 17th: Actually Gay Men’s Chorus; joint 18th: Camelford Arms and Amsterdam Bar & Kitchen; 20th: Doctor Brighton’s; 21st: Gay Men’s Dance Company 1; 22nd: Brighton & Hove LGBT Workers’ Forum; 23rd: Legends Team 1; 24th: Mar tin Fisher Foundation; 25th: Gay Men’s Dance Company Team 1; 26th: LGBT Community Safety Forum; 27th: Brighton GEMS
LUNCH POSITIVE
BRIGHTON GEMS
MINDOUT
CHARLES STREET TAP
AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN
SUBLINE RAINBOW CHORUS
BRIGHTON
BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT WORKERS’ FORUM
BEDFORD TAVERN
BEAR-PATROL
MARTIN FISHER FOUNDATION
MARINE TAVERN
BRIGHTON
GSCENE MAGAZINE
CAMELFORD ARMS
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 10 30am–8pm; Sunday roasts 12 30pm till gone, booking recommended: 01273 670 976 Full tea and coffee menu available
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday ENTERTAINMENT with some of Brighton’s best singers serenading you after lunch from 5pm: Will Mavin (3), Paul (10), Jason Thorpe (17) and Jason Lee (24)
l REGUL ARS CABARET Fridays with top enter tainers sparkling up the Amsterdam stage from 9pm: Dave Lynn (1), Sally Vate (8 & 22), Kara Van Park (15) and Mrs Moore (29) l Saturday (2, 9, 23 & 30) is KARAOKE with Jason Thorpe at 9pm; (16) is with DJ Tony B spinning tunes at 9pm
Information is correct at the time of going to press Gscene cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings
FRIDAY 1
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Dave Lynn 9 30pm
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 Thierre/
competitions/CD giveaways 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday:
DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Nor thern
Soul/Motown/Ska night 6pm
l DR BRIGHTONS House Rules: DJ
Nick Hirst 9.30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Jason Thorpe 9.30pm
l INFINITY BAR Self-Serve Karaoke 12pm; Fabulous Friday 6pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Gabriella
Parrish 9 30pm
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs 10.30pm
l SUBLINE Steam 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Mar tha D’Ar thur 10pm
SATURDAY 2
l AMSTERDAM Jason Thorpe’s karaoke 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm; A Month of Make Up Grand Finale: Mark Edwards/cabaret/hook-a-duck/raffle 8pm
l BAR REVENGE WTF warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
BAR BROADWAY
l 10 Steine Street, BN2 1TE, Tel: 01273 609777, www.barbroadway.co.uk
l OPEN Mon–Thur 6pm–1am, Fri 5pm–3am, Sat 4pm–3am, Sun 4pm–1am
l DRINK PROMOS Download the Bar Broadway app for exclusive drink deals
l BTN BEAR WEEKEND Sat (16) is the BBW present BEAR -A- OKE with Jon from the Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC and Candi R ell on hosting duties from 5 30pm Bar Broadway say: “ You'll be able to sing your favourite songs and impress your friends If you need a Tony to your Maria, A udrey to Seymour, or even a Roxie to your Velma, our talented hosts will only be too glad to help you out, but we’re not saying which one will do what ” BBW say: “Last year’s karaoke evening was a smash hit, so arrive early at this intimate venue to be sure of a place near the stage ”
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Monday (11) is STUDENT WARS - The Grand Final with the seven winners from the monthly contest competing for the trophy at 9pm
l REGUL ARS Wednesday: win up to £100 at Tabitha’s BLANKETY BLANK from 10pm l Thursday is Broadway’s BIG QUIZ with R oss Cameron, win great prizes (including cash) every week from 8pm l BROADWAY JUKEBOX every Fri & Sat: download the app, pick, click, and the bar will play! l Sat (2) is A MONTH OF MAKE UP - Grand Finale, Mark Edwards’ final night including special cabaret, Hook-A-Duck and a raffle from 8pm, make-up and facepaint encouraged l Sat (9) is BROADWAY REMIXED in the Broadway Lounge with R oss Cameron playing your fave Broadway numbers with an up-tempo beat from 10pm l Sun is The FIREPLACE SESSIONS present top local and national acts from 8 30pm: YOU ONLY LIVE SPICe – A James Bond Special (3), Miss Treated (10), Paul Middleton (17) and Sophie Causbrook (24) l MONDAY CLASSIC S: star t the weekend off with classic musicals from 6pm l Tue is PIANO SINGALONG with The R egency Singers from 9pm All welcome to get up, sing along, or enjoy the performances
l BOUTIQUE DJ Franco, free CDs & competitions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce: DJs 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Saturday Session: DJ
Tony B 9 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Trudi
Styles & Piano Man 9 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Chillax 6pm
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: Cosmic 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Lady Imelda 9pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE The Men’s Room: DJ
Screwpulous 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SUNDAY 3
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Will Mavin 5pm; Sunday roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres: You Only Live Spice - James Bond Special 8.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Shuffle: Alfie Ordinary & special guest 9pm
BOUTIQUE
l 2 Boyces St, West St, BN11AN, 01273 327607 www boutiqueclubbrighton com
l OPEN 5pm–late Sat, 8pm–late Mon, Wed & Fri
l DRINK PROMOS daily specials including 3 J -Bombs £5, 2 vodka mixers £5, 2 cocktails £10
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Every Saturday, hit the dancefloor with renowned DJs/themes/giveaways from 8pm: Franco (2), Sol (9 & 23) and Klipz (16 & 30) Take the par ty home with a free CD of the tunes from the evening!
l Saturday (9): free KARAOKE to groups over 10 or more when quoting Gscene on the door Boutique say: “ We have DJs playing the best loved tunes, including our newest DJ Sol, who plays for the most exclusive venues and will be bringing down the house and showing us some new tricks!”
l REGUL ARS Friday is T G I F with superstar DJs Thierre (1, 8 & 29), Sol (15) and Franco (22), plus competitions, giveaways and lots of antics!
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, free food & raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: Lady Imelda 7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8 30pm roasts 12pm
l INFINITY BAR cabaret: Miss Terry Tour 2pm; Sunday Funday 7pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Topsie Redfern 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 Guest Spot: Tom Kholer 3pm; Double cabaret: Dave Lynn
6.30pm & 9.30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN roasts 12-5pm
l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Sunday roasts, jazz & raffle 12pm
l DRINK PROMOS Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat drink deals all night
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Tuesday (29) is the BACK TO SKOOL DISCO with Tutu from 8pm, fancy dress encouraged!
l REGUL ARS Friday is 7-UPSTAIRS with all-star DJs playing pop/dance/guilty pleasures at 8pm, free b4 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 from 7pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA You Takin’ the Piss? waterspor ts night 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles, board/card games 8.30pm
l INFINITY BAR Self Serve Karaoke 12pm; Hosted karaoke 8pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Mad Mondays 9.30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Andy WoonMick Hamer & Gerry Higgins 2pm; Will Gardener & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Monday Madness: Kara Van Park & Ruper t 8 30pm
TUESDAY 5
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong with the Regency Singers 9pm
l BAR REVENGE LipSync for Your Life: cash prize + win a paid gig 9pm
l INFINITY BAR Infinity Music Your Way 12pm; You’re the DJ 6pm
l MARINE TAVERN Quiz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE Live blues: Dr Blue 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Vicki Vivacious 9.30pm
CAMELFORD ARMS
l 30-31 Camelford St, BN2 1TQ, Tel: 01273 622386, www.camelfordarms.com
l OPEN daily from 12pm The Camelford is dog friendly
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 Brighton Bear Weekend: hear ty full English breakfasts for £9 90 with a wristband, including free tea or coffee, served from 10.30am on Sat (16) BBW say: “This is a great way to recover af ter Friday night and prime yourself for another fun-packed day!”
l BTN BEAR WEEKEND Thur (14) is the £300 BBW QUIZ at 9pm, arrive early or book to secure a table! BBW say: “Get ready to rack your brains and have fun (and a few beers) while doing it! The team with the most points will have a chance to win £300 cash or another prize It’s just £2 per player to enter the quiz, each team can have up to six players, or you can play by yourself if you wish ” l Sun (17) is BBW & Father ’s Day Sunday R oasts, BEAR BUST and raffle at 5pm l Mon (18) is the BBW COME DOWN at 12pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun is BEAR BASH with free food and raffle at 5pm
l REGUL ARS Thur is the BIG CASH QUIZ at 9pm with a £300 cash prize, free sarnies and great atmosphere
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Quiz 8pm
WEDNESDAY 6
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Tabitha’s Blankety Blank: cash prize 10pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch
2-3 30pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Silly Willy Wednesdays with Drag With No Name & cash prizes 8.30pm
l INFINITY BAR Quiz 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Tim Wells & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS 1st Anniversary
Par ty: celebrate John’s 1st year 5pm; Sally Vate Show 9.30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Quiz Night 8pm
l SUBLINE Joystick Jockeys: gayming night 9pm
THURSDAY 7
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
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Throwback
Thursday: DJ Ruby Roo 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Abel Mabel’s Bingo 8 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Thirsty Thursday 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Tres Amigos 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Miss Jason 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Open mic with Jason Thorpe 8pm
l REVENGE FOMO Jurassic Jungle:
Jurassic World special with DJs & decor/visuals 11pm
CHARLES STREET TAP
l 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA, Tel: 01273 624091, www.charles-street.com
l OPEN daily from 10am
l FOOD served daily from 10am–10pm, inc: breakfasts from 10am; MEAT FREE MONDAYS 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 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 BTN BEAR WEEKEND Sun (17) is Lola Lasagne’s BEAR WEEKEND SPECIAL with charity fundraising ROCK & ROLL BINGO hosted by Sally Vate from 7 30pm Lola says: “I'm spoiled! Not only am I performing at Charles Street, which is always a joy, but I'll be surrounded by loads of Brighton Bears! As a performer you don't just want to hear applause and laughter but you want something nice to look at too Providing Rupert isn't going nuts on the bloody smoke machine! So join me for Drag Queens, bingo and bears - Oh My!”
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday is CABARET at 7 30pm: Lady Imelda (3), Mar tha D’Ar thur (10) and Drag With No Name (24) Stick around for Sally’s ROCK & ROLL BINGO straight after the cabaret
l REGUL ARS Monday is GAYMERS night at 8 30pm l SILLY WILLY WEDNESDAYS with Drag With No Name, hilarious antics and prizes galore at 8 30pm Drag With No Name says: “It’s as obvious a title you could possibly imagine! Expect lots of silly willyness, games and camp competition between teams - there is something for everyone! Plus it gets you out of the house for a couple of hours so you’re not stuck indoors watching The One Show It’s a no brainer really ” l THROWBACK THURSDAY is with DJ R uby R oo 00s guilty pleasures/90s retro anthems from 9pm
ENVY @ CHARLES STREET TAP
l 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA, Tel: 01273 624091, www.charles-street.com
l BTN BEAR WEEKEND Fri (15) is UPROAR BBW PARTY with DJs Bozzy Bear and R ob C London with beats to get you hot and sweaty from 10 30pm, cheap drinks with BBW wristband, entry £5 with wristband/£7 without BBW say: “We’re back to Envy for our first wild dance night of the weekend!”
l REGUL ARS Sat (23) is QUEER BASH, par t club night, par t drag show and par t bir thday par ty, with acts Alpha Bites, Anchovy, Daphne the 10 Year Old, Fuchsia Von Steel and Hans Euff from 11pm, £4 in advance, £5 on the door
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Mitch’s Quiz 7.30pm
FRIDAY 8
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm
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 Thierre/ competitions/CD giveaways 8pm
l OPEN Mon–Fri 4pm–late, Sat–Sun 1pm–late The Crown Kemptown is a dog-friendly pub
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (16) is the 1980s-themed FANCY DRESS PARTY serving up loads of 1980s classics from 8pm, free entry in 1980s costume
l REGUL ARS Fri is with nor thern soul/Motown/ska tunes all night from 6pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Nor thern
Soul/Motown/Ska night 6pm
l DR BRIGHTONS The Doctor’s Par ty: DJ Tony B 9.30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm
l INFINITY BAR Self-Serve Karaoke 12pm; Fabulous Friday 6pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN cabaret: Pat Clutcher 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Lucinda
Lashes 9 30pm
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs 10.30pm
l SUBLINE Dir ty Tackle: spor tskit night 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Stone & Street 10pm
SATURDAY
9
l AMSTERDAM Jason Thorpe’s karaoke 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm; Broadway Remixed@Broadway Lounge: Ross Cameron 10pm
l BAR REVENGE WTF warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ Sol, free CDs & competitions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce: DJs 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Saturday Session: DJ Tony B 9 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Pooh La May 9.30pm
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 (except Fri 22)
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 Thur (21) is the Welsh-themed Night with DJ Tony Bspinning Welsh tunes from 7pm, donations to charity
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (22) is the Pure Kylie v Dannii Minogue theme par ty with DJ Cheer Up from 7pm The organisers say: “Put the Needle on It and go WOW, WOW, WOW for our Minogue Mash-Up with superstar sibling rivalry from Kylie and Dannii! All You Wanna Do is join the Celebration with us!” Get tickets online www doctorbrightons co uk
l REGUL ARS Fri (1) is HOUSE RULES with DJ Nick Hirst spinning decadent house from 9 30pm l Fri (8) is The DOCTOR’S PARTY with DJ Tony B spinning 70s–00s tunes from 9 30pm l Fri (15) is SOUL SOLUTION with DJ Tony B at 9.30pm l VINYL FRIDAY (29) is with DJs playing vinyl at 9 30pm l The SATURDAY SESSIONS with DJs Tony B (2, 9 & 23) and Nick Hirst (16) from 9.30pm
l Sat (30) is the CURIOSITY CLUB with DJ Lizzie Curious at 9 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Chillax 6pm
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: Spice 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Sally Vate 9pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE Leathermen Meet 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Kara Van Park 10pm
SUNDAY 10
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Paul 5pm; Sunday roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions
pres Miss Treated 8.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Shuffle: Alfie
Ordinary & special guest 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
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 INFINITY BAR cabaret: Miss Terry Tour 2pm; Sunday Funday 7pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Lola Lasagne
3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm
l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 125pm; Drag Open Mic with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Undead Musicians 6pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Guest Spot: Tom Kholer 3pm; Double cabaret: Jason Lee
6 30pm & 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN roasts 12-5pm
l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Sunday roasts, jazz & raffle 12pm
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 all pints £3 50 Mon–Fri 3–5pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday CABARET at 9 30pm: Jason Thorpe (1), Miss Jason (8), Spice (15), Davina Sparkle (22) and Jennie Castell (29) Jennie Castell says: “My audience can expect to be entertained, not just by great vocals but off the cuff humour and cheekiness! I like to give an up-tempo performance but I'm equally at home, and known for, belting out a power ballad or two! I’m really inspired by Queen, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Holliday and Annie Lennox; I love a bit of rock music but also appreciate the old school sounds of soul music The Grosvenor is a fun, lively gig with a friendly, appreciative crowd, I've always find that the faces I see there smile easily which is a blessing in this job”
l REGUL ARS Thursday is ABEL MABEL’S BINGO at 8.30pm l Saturday is top-flight CABARET at 9 30pm: Trudi Styles & the Pianoman (2), Pooh La May (9), Dave Lynn (16), Sally Vate (23) and Miss Jason (30)
MONDAY 11
l BAR BROADWAY Student WarsGrand Final 9pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Bears’ Night 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles, board/card games 8 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Self Serve Karaoke 12pm; Hosted karaoke 8pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Mad Mondays 9 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Hot Club Trio 2pm; Geoff Simkins & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Monday Madness: Kara Van Park & Ruper t 8.30pm
TUESDAY 12
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong with The Regency Singers 9pm
l BAR REVENGE LipSync for Your Life: cash prize + win a paid gig 9pm
l INFINITY BAR Infinity Music Your Way 12pm; You’re the DJ 6pm
l MARINE TAVERN Quiz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live blues: Harry Hornsey & Alfie Bernardi 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Vicki Vivacious 9 30pm
INFINITY BAR
l 129 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH, www.InfinityGayBar.com
Facebook: Infinity Bar Brighton Text Aler ts: text ‘Infinity’ to 88802
l OPEN daily 12pm–12am Follow social media for announcements and updates
l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Thur 12–5pm; After Work half price cocktail hour from 5pm on Fri; Bubbles Sundays with specials on Mimosa, Prosecco Royale and Bloody Marys
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday is the Miss Terr y Tour spectacular CABARET show from 2pm; SUNDAY FUNDAY is from 7pm The amazing Miss Terry Tour does comedy sketches, songs and laughs in her own unique way Bring your sense of humour for what promises to be a raucous afternoon of top cabaret!
l REGUL ARS Monday is SELF-SERVE KARAOKE at 12pm; Hosted KARAOKE at 8pm l Tuesday is INFINITY MUSIC YOUR WAY at 12pm; You’re the DJ with free jukebox credits all night from 6pm l Wednesday is INFINITY QUIZ at 7pm
l Friday is SELF SERVE KARAOKE at 12pm; FABULOUS FRIDAY is at 6pm
l Saturday (23) is CABARET with Stephanie Von Clitz at 6pm
Cameron & prizes 8pm
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Quiz 8pm
WEDNESDAY 13
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Tabitha’s Blankety Blank: cash prize 10pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Silly Willy
Wednesdays with Drag With No Name & cash prizes 8 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Quiz 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Neal Richardson & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Quiz Night 8pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
THURSDAY 14
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request
Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Quiz: Ross
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 BBW Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Throwback Thursday: DJ Ruby Roo 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Abel Mabel’s Bingo 8.30pm
l INFINITY BAR Thirsty Thursday 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thursday 80s Jukebox 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Pollito Boogaloo 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Lola Lasagne 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Open mic with Jason Thorpe 8pm
l REVENGE FOMO - World Cup Special: DJs 11pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Mitch’s Quiz 7 30pm
L E G E N D S B A R
l 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR, T: 01273 624462, www legendsbrighton com
l OPEN daily 11–5am
l FOOD Mon–Sat 12–5pm Sunday lunch served 12–4pm: choose from beef, belly pork, chicken supreme or wholesome nut roast served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, homemade Yorkshire pudding and real stock gravy Make sure you leave room for one of the moreish desser ts l DRINK PROMOS Buy one bottle of wine get 2nd half price, Mon–Fri 12–11pm
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, T: 01273 624462, www legendsbrighton com
l OPEN Wed–Sun from 11pm
l DRINK PROMOS £2 50 drink deals on Wed & Thur, various promos on Fri & Sun
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday is CABARET at 3 30pm with top acts: Topsie R edfern (3), Lola Lasagne (10), Miss Jason (17) and Mar tha D’Ar thur (24)
Expect a vocal heavy set from good time girl and scene favourite Mar tha D’Ar thur (24), known for being somewhat of a jukebox diva! She says: “My style is very vocal heavy; I love singing with a passion and I choose songs that either get you on the dance floor at a wedding, or ones that you can heartily sing along to I normally do something I call Juke Box Drag I'm fortunate enough to be blessed with a good memory for lyrics so there are over 100 songs on my list that an audience can make selections from and then we piece the show together as a group Basically I'm an old- fashioned good time girl; I like a tipple and a sing along I like to have a fun time with the crowd and I never pick on anyone, it's not my thing Myra Dubois calls me easy listening hospital radio, and I quite like that Sit back, hum along and enjoy That's my style ”
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday 1 July is DOUBLE BILL CABARET to celebrate the Golden Handbags with Lola Lasagne at 3.30pm and THE BUTCH SHOW, with one half of Topping & Butch, at 4 30pm
l REGUL ARS Friday is PRE- GLIT TER at 9 30pm with hosts heating you up with tracks and giggles before the big one downstairs l Pre- Club sounds every Saturday from 7pm l Miss Jason’s MAD MONDAYS from 9.30pm
FRIDAY 15
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Kara Van Park
9.30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BAR REVENGE BBW Welcome Par ty: Jon B, Spice & DJ Grant Knowles + merch/wristbands for sale 7pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE T G I F: DJ Sol/ competitions/CD giveaways 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Nor thern
Soul/Motown/Ska night 6pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Soul Solution: DJ
Tony B 9 30pm
l ENVY Uproar: BBW event: DJ Bozzy
Bear & Rob C London 10 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Spice
9 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Self-Serve Karaoke
12pm; Fabulous Friday 6pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter 9.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Up Close & Personal with Yuna Steebich 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Jade
Justine 9 30pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday is FUSION at 11pm with DJ Peter Castle spinning char t /club remixes Basement Club says: “HOT? Then come and get ya legs out at Fusion! Have a few pre-club drinks on the terrace followed by dancing at the big Saturday Night Dance Party with DJ Peter Castle fusing your favourite club and chart remixes together!”
l REGUL ARS Thursday is NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL LEGENDS with DJ Claire Fuller taking you on a journey through the 70s/80s/90s! l Friday is GLIT TER with DJ David Noakes’ char t/dance tracks l Sunday is POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller’s pick & mix of new /retro pop l Wednesday is ICE with DJ Claire Fuller melting the dancefloor with char t/house/r&b
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs 10.30pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB cabaret: Davina Sparkle 9pm
l SUBLINE Steam 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Topsie Redfern 10pm
SATURDAY 16
l AMSTERDAM DJ Tony B 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm; BBW pres Bear-a-oke: karaoke with hosts
Jon B & Candi Rell 5 30pm
l BAR REVENGE WTF warm-up 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ Klipz, free CDs & competitions 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS BBW Breakfasts 10.30am
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce: DJs 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN The Big 80s
Fancy Dress Par ty: themed night 8pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Saturday Session:
DJ Nick Hirst 9 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Dave Lynn 9 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Chillax 6pm
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 Double cabaret: Miss Jason 6pm & 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Candy Slag in Drag 9pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs 11pm
l SUBLINE BBW Subwoofer: DJ Bozzy Bear 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SUNDAY 17
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Jason Thorpe 5pm; Sunday roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres Paul Middleton 8 30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Shuffle: Alfie
Ordinary & special guest 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS BBW/Father’s Day Bash, free food & raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP Lola Lasagne’s BBW Special with charity fundraising Rock & Roll Bingo hosted by Sally Vate 7 30pm; roasts 12pm
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 12pm
l FOOD daily from 12–9pm; Curr y & Quiz on Tue from 7.30pm (quiz star ts 9pm); Sunday roasts 12–5pm, booking advised
l DRINK PROMOS Gin Club offers every Wed from 6pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE (8) with Pat Clutcher at 9pm l Fri (15): AN EVENING UP CLOSE & PERSONAL with Yuna Steebich at 9pm Yuna says: “The Agony Rant Show Extraordinaire (A R S E) is like a night with a counsellor, chat show host, agony aunt I’m a host with a mind like a firework in a wheelie bin! Expect guests from the drag/performing scene, and you’rewelcome to share personal problems and seek advice Although who knows what kind of advice you'll get!”
l REGUL ARS THROWBACK THURSDAY 80s music at 8pm l Fri is JUKEBOX DISCO at 8pm l Sun is DRAG OPEN MIC with Stephanie Von Clitz at 9pm
l INFINITY BAR cabaret: Miss Terry Tour 2pm; Sunday Funday 7pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Miss Jason 3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm
l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 125pm; Drag Open Mic with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Sam Chara 6pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Guest Spot: Tom Kholer 3pm; Double cabaret: Cherry Liquor 6.30pm & 9.30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN roasts 12-5pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Father’s Day roasts 12pm
l SUBLINE BBW Underbears underwear par ty 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Sunday roasts, jazz & raffle 12pm
l VELVET JACKS Live acoustic music: Mike Newsham 4pm
MONDAY 18
l BAR BROADWAY Mon Classics 4pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Fetish Night 6pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS BBW Comedown
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 daily from 12pm–close
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday is LIVE MUSIC at 6pm: Fleur de Paris (3), the Undead Musicians (10), Sam Chara (17) and Dave Williams & band (24)
l REGUL ARS Mon is free LIVE JAZZ at 2pm: Andy Woon, Mick Hamer & Gerr y Higgins (4), Hot Club Trio (11), Nils Solberg and Mick Hamer Trio (18 & 25); then acts with live bands at 8pm: Will Gardener (4), Geoff Simkins (11), Sara Oschlag (18) and Sam Carlese (25) l Tue LIVE MUSIC at 8pm: Dr Blue (5), Harr y Hornsey & Alfie Bernardi (12), Banned Sauce (19) and Annie Lennox Tribute (26) l Wed is free LIVE MUSIC with band at 8pm: Tim Wells (6), Neal Richardson (13), Mike Fletcher (20) and Paul Richards (27) l Thur is free WORLD MUSIC at 8pm: Tres Amigos (7), Pollito Boogaloo (14), Son Guaranchando (21) and Babou with Abraham De Vega (28) l Fri is PARTY TIME with DJ Havoxx at 9pm l Sat is AND ALL THAT JAZZ live 4pm; TC'S JOYFUL NOISE with DJ Kenny at 9pm, free
12pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles, board/card games 8 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Self Serve Karaoke 12pm; Hosted karaoke 8pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Mad Mondays 9 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Nils SolbergMick Hamer Trio 2pm; Sara Oschlag & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Monday Madness: Kara Van Park & Ruper t 8.30pm
TUESDAY 19
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong with The Regency Singers 9pm
l BAR REVENGE LipSync for Your Life: cash prize + win a paid gig 9pm
l INFINITY BAR Infinity Music Your Way 12pm; You’re the DJ 6pm
l MARINE TAVERN Quiz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Banned Sauce 8pm
WEDNESDAY 6JUN
1ST ANNIVERSARY PARTY
CELEBRATE JOHN’S 1ST YEAR
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE TILL 9PM SALLY VATE SHOW 9.30PM
FRIDAY AT 9.30PM
1 JUN GABRIELLA PARRISH
8 JUN LUCINDA LASHES
15 JUN JADE JUSTINE
22 JUN ALLAN JAY
29 JUN MISS PENNY6.30PM & 9.30PM
MONDAY 8.30PM MONDAY MADNESS WITH KARA VAN PARK & RUPERT MONDAY 25JUN MISS TERRY TOUR
TUESDAY AT 9.30PM VICKI VIVACIOUS
SATURDAY AT 9.30PM
2JUN COSMIC 9JUN SPICE
16JUN MISS JASON 6PM & 9.30PM
23JUN DR BEV BALLCRUSHER
19 JUN & 26JUN MIGUEL GUEST VIOLINIST
WEDNESDAY AT 9.30PM
SALLY VATE SHOW
THURSDAY AT 9.30PM
7 JUN MISS JASON
1 4 JUN LOLA LASAGNE
2 1 JUN DAVINA SPARKLE
28JUN STEPHANIE VON CLITZ
30JUN DAVE LYNN
SUNDAY CABARET
GUEST SPOT TOM KHOLER 3PM
DOUBLE CABARET 6.30PM & 9.30PM
3JUN DAVE LYNN
10JUN JASON LEE
17JUN CHERRY LIQUOR 24JUN KARA VAN PARK
HAPPY HOURS
5-9PM FRI-SUN 12PM-6PM
J U N E
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–Fri, 12pm Sat & Sun
l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Thur 5–9pm, Fri–Sun 12–6pm: house spirits & mixer
£2 50, double up for an extra £1
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Wednesday (6): celebrate John’s one-year stint with BOGOF on all drinks till 9pm and Sally Vate’s Par ty Show at 9 30pm
R E G E N C Y T A V E R N
l 32-34 Russell Square, Brighton BN1 2EF Tel: 01273 325 652
l OPEN Sun–Wed 12–11pm, Thur 12pm–12am, Fri & Sat 12pm–1am The Regency Tavern is a dog friendly pub
l FOOD Tue–Sat 12–8pm, Sunday roasts 12–5pm, 2 for £19 95, booking recommended
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday ENTERTAINMENT at 9pm, free entry all night This month’s line-up: Lady Imelda (2), Sally Vate (9), Candy Slag in Drag (16), Kara Van Park (23) and Gabriella Parrish (30)
Candy Slag in Drag (16) is rude, crude and has been appearing at venues in Spain and the UK for over 28 years! She says: “I write lyrics to well known songs to make them funny and rude Expect songs about rimming, Grindr, c*ck etc My show otherwise isn’t scripted, most of the patter is made up as I go along!”
l REGUL ARS Wednesday is QUIZ Night at 8pm, £1per person
l Thursday is OPEN MIC Night with Jason Thorpe from 8pm
l REGUL ARS Mon is with Kara Van Park and R uper t at 8 30pm; (25) sees Miss Terr y Tour take to the stage l Tue is CABARET with Vicki Vivacious at 9 30pm, (19) and (26) with guest violinist Miguel l Wed is the SALLY VATE SHOW at 9 30pm l Thur CABARET at 9 30pm: Miss Jason (7), Lola Lasagne (14), Davina Sparkle (21) and Stephanie Von Clitz (28) l Fri CABARET at 9.30pm: Gabriella Parrish (1), Lucinda Lashes (8), Jade Justine (15), Allan Jay (22) and a double-helping of Miss Penny at 6.30pm & 9.30pm (29) l Sat is CABARET at 9 30pm: Cosmic (2), Spice (9), Miss Jason at 6pm & 9 30pm (16), Dr Bev (23) and Dave Lynn (30) l Sun is afternoon guest spot Tom Kholer at 3pm, then it’s a DOUBLE CABARET at 6 30pm and 9 30pm: Dave Lynn (3), Jason Lee (10), Cherr y Liquor (17) and Kara Van Park (24) Cherr y Liquor (17) is tacky, camp, eccentric and sure to get the par ty star ted! Known for her over the top style, Cherry performs all over the UK and internationally in San Francisco and Iceland (not the supermarket) Cherry says: “Come on down for a camp old time! I'm from Portsmouth and pretty new to the Brighton scene but I’ve been doing Portsmouth and Ladies Nights for five years I'm 28 years young, even though I look like an old cow when dolled up! Cherry is described as camp, over the top, and of ten accused of being extremely pissed or worse when I'm just a crazy bitch when completely sober Amanda Holden once described Cherry as being ‘Bonkers’ I know, what a privilege, haha My show is really interactive, I like the entire audience to be involved, even those hiding at the back They’re energetic with camp medleys, parodies, games and lots of patter I do lots of pop songs, old and new, and musical theatre I’m known for having huge hair, huge lashes, huge heels and a huge personality! When out of drag I like to think of myself as a twink that hasn't aged well!”
l QUEEN’S ARMS guest violinist
Miguel 9 30pm
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby
Lawrence & Trick 11pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Quiz 8pm
WEDNESDAY 20
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy
Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Tabitha’s Blankety
Blank: cash prize 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Silly Willy Wednesdays: Drag With No Name & cash prizes 8 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Quiz 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Mike
Fletcher & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Quiz Night 8pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
THURSDAY 21
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
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Throwback
Thursday: DJ Ruby Roo 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Welsh-themed night: DJ, charity fundraiser 8 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Abel Mabel’s Bingo 8 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Thirsty Thursday 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday 80s Night 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Son
Gauranchando 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Davina
Sparkle 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Open mic with Jason Thorpe 8pm
l REVENGE FOMO DJs 11pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Mitch’s Quiz 7.30pm
FRIDAY 22
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm
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/CD giveaways 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Nor thern
Soul/Motown/Ska night 6pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Pure Kylie & Dannii Minogue 7pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Davina
Sparkle 9 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Self-Serve Karaoke 12pm; Fabulous Friday 6pm
R O T T I N G D E A N C L U B
l 89 High St, Rottingdean, BN2 7HE, Tel: 01273 309529 f therottingdeanclub
l FOOD served daily; ask at the bar for full menu Sun (17) is Father ’s Day with roasts served from 12pm, £11 50 per head, booking recommended
l MEMBERSHIP The Rottingdean Club is a members’ bar in the hear t of the village It’s the perfect place to meet friends and clients, work remotely with a coffee or mix and mingle with likeminded members With regular enter tainment, a large suntrap garden with lager and cider on draught and free Wi-Fi, it’s a unique venue so pop in and ask at the bar for membership details The Rottingdean Club says: "We’re a private members’ bar where there’s always a warm welcome We offer the comforts of a traditional pub with modern standards of service and superb food!” If you’re interested in joining, email bar@therottingdeanclub.co.uk
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday (23) is live ENTERTAINMENT with Jason Lee at 9pm l Summer BBQ (30) with The Diablos at 5pm, £5
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday (24) Joss and Jason SUNDAY SESSIONS
l REGUL ARS Tuesday is QUIZ night at 8pm, £1 per person, max of 6 per team l Friday is free live ENTERTAINMENT at 9pm: Davina Sparkle’s debut at the Rottingdean Club (15) and the A-Z OF MUSICALS with Jason Thorpe (29)
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Allan Jay 9 30pm
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs 10 30pm
l SUBLINE Filth: full fetish par ty 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Dave Lynn 10pm
SATURDAY 23
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 DJ Sol, free CDs & competitions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce: DJs 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Saturday Session: DJ Tony B 9 30pm
l ENVY Queer Bash: live acts Alpha Bites, Anchovy, Daphne the 10 Year Old, Fuchsia Von Steel & Hans Euff 11pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm
l INFINITY BAR cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 6pm
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: Dr Bev Ballcrusher 9.30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Kara Van Park 9pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs 11pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB cabaret: Jason Lee 9pm
l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Davina Sparkle 10pm
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 5–9pm, all night on Sat; all bombs & shots (house spirits) £1 10pm–close on Thur Buy a drink on Thur, Fri & Sat to pick up discounted entr y passes for Club Revenge
l BTN BEAR WEEKEND Friday (15) is the BBW WELCOME PARTY with special drink deals for wristband holders and enter tainment from Jon Bee, Spice and DJ Grant Knowles from 7pm BBW say: “Meet and greet old and new friends, and collect your clothing and wristband orders from the BBW crew We'll also have them on sale if you would rather just buy them on the night!”
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Tuesday is the return of LIP SYNC FOR YOUR LIFE, which is kind of like karaoke but without the singing, from 9pm Bar Revenge say: “Simply move your lips to your favourite song and you could be in with the chance of winning a £50 cash prize PLUS the chance to compete at the grand finale where you could win a paid gig at our next Powder Room show!”
l REGUL ARS Friday is the POP TARTZ warm-up with DJs at 9pm l Every Saturday, get warmed up for WTF! with DJs from 9pm l SUNDAY SHUFFLE is with Alfie Ordinar y and a special guest at 9pm
SUNDAY 24
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Jason Lee 5pm; Sunday roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Bullard’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions
pres Sophie Causbrook 8 30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Shuffle: Alfie
Ordinary & special guest 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, free food & raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: Drag With No Name 7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8 30pm roasts 12pm
l INFINITY BAR cabaret: Miss Terry Tour 2pm; Sunday Funday 7pm
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: Dave Williams & band 6pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Guest Spot: Tom Kholer 3pm; Double cabaret: Kara Van Park 6 30pm & 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN roasts 12-5pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Quiz 8pml SUBLINE Cum in Your Pants: underwear only 10pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Sunday roasts, jazz & raffle 12pm
MONDAY 25
l BAR BROADWAY Monday Classics 4pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Transgender Night 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles, board/card games 8.30pm
l INFINITY BAR Self Serve Karaoke 12pm; Hosted karaoke 8pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Mad Mondays 9 30pm
R E V E N G E
l 32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL, Tel: 01273 606064, www.revenge.co.uk
l OPEN Tue 11pm, Thur, Fri & Sat 10 30pm
l DRINK PROMOS drinks £2 50 on Tue; £1 drinks before midnight on Thur
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thur is FOMO with special themes and Revenge’s allstar DJs spinning an eclectic mix of pop/ char t/house/pop-punk/ bass and hip-hop
Themes this month: Jurassic Jungle pre-historic paradise to celebrate the launch of the new Jurassic World film (7) and World Cup Special to celebrate one of the biggest spor ting events of the year (14)
l REGUL ARS Tuesday is BANGERS & TRASH with DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick spinning a mixture of pop/house/r&b/requests all night long l Friday is POP TARTZ with resident DJs sweetening up the dancefloor on level 1 with pop anthems l Saturday is WTF with Brighton’s best DJs and a range of guests over two floors! Get moving to char t/pop/r&b/cheese/requests on level 1 and vocal anthems bringing the house down on level 2
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Nils SolbergMick Hamer Trio 2pm; Sam Carlese & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Miss Terry Tour 8 30pm
TUESDAY 26
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong with The Regency Singers 9pm
l BAR REVENGE LipSync for Your Life:
cash prize + win a paid gig 9pm
l INFINITY BAR Infinity Music Your Way 12pm; You’re the DJ 6pm
l MARINE TAVERN Quiz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Annie Lennox Tribute 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS guest violinist Miguel 9.30pm
l REVENGE Bangers & Trash: DJs Toby Lawrence & Trick 11pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Joss & Jason Sunday Sessions
S U B L I N E
l 129 St James' St, BN2 1TH, T: 01273 624100, www.sublinebrighton.co.uk
l OPEN Sun, Wed & Thur from 9pm, 10pm Fri & Sat
l DRINK PROMOS £1 off draught pints all night Wed
l BTN BEAR WEEKEND Saturday (16) is SUBWOOFER with tunes from DJ Bozzy Bear at 9pm, £5 with BBW wristband/£7 without BBW say: “Explore dark corners in the subterranean cavern of Brighton’s men- only cruise bar! This event is always packed until the early hours and, while fetish wear is encouraged, there is no dress code so wear whatever you want!” l Sunday (17) is UNDERBEARS underwear par ty at 9pm, £5 with BBW wristband/£7 without BBW say: “Get your kit off at this legendary Sunday night underwear party! Dance to the DJ or cruise in the dark rooms and corners The dress code isn’t strict (you can wear whatever you want) but it’s warm down there, so you’ll probably want to whip ’em off anyway!”
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Wednesday (6) is JOYSTICK JOCKEYS gayming night from 9pm
l REGUL ARS Wednesday is HUMP DAY with 1980s/90s alternative music, all welcome! l Thursday is BRACE YOURSELF men’s night, free entry l Friday (8) is the DIRTY TACKLE spor tskit night, £3 in spor tskit/£5 otherwise l Friday (22) is FILTH mixed full fetish par ty, advance tickets only l Saturday is THE MEN'S ROOM with DJ Screwpulous at 9pm, free till 11pm, £3 after, guests £5 l Saturday (9) is LEATHER MEET with free entry in leather or rubber fetish gear/£5 otherwise l Sunday (24) is the CUM IN YOUR PANTS underwear-only par ty, free entry members/£5 otherwise
WEDNESDAY 27
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Tabitha’s Blankety Blank: cash prize 10pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch
2-3.30pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Silly Willy
Wednesdays with Drag With No Name & cash prizes 8 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Quiz 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Paul Richards & band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Quiz Night 8pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
THURSDAY 28
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
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Throwback
Thursday: DJ Ruby Roo 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Abel Mabel’s Bingo 8 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Thirsty Thursday 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday 80s Night 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Babou with Abraham De Vega 8pm
V E L V E T J A C K S
l 50 Norfolk Sq, BN1 2PA, Tel: 07720 661290 tinyurl.com/VelvetJacks
l OPEN Tue–Thur 4–11 30pm, Fri & Sat 12–11 30pm, Sun 1–11pm
l FOOD pop-up kitchens throughout June
l DRINK PROMOS two cocktails £12 and Orangeboom £3 60 Sun–Fri 4–7pm Constant Wimbledon coverage on the TV
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday (17) is LIVE MUSIC with Mike Newsham from 4pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Stephanie
Von Clitz 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Open mic with Jason Thorpe 8pm
l REVENGE FOMO DJs 11pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Mitch’s Quiz 7 30pm
FRIDAY 29
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Mrs Moore 9.30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Back 2 School Disco with Tutu 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 Thierre/ competitions/CD giveaways 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l CROWN KEMPTOWN Nor thern
Soul/Motown/Ska night 6pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Vinyl Friday: DJs play vinyl records only 9 30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Jennie Castell 9 30pm
l INFINITY BAR Self-Serve Karaoke 12pm; Fabulous Friday 6pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-Glitter 9.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Double cabaret: Miss Penny 6 30pm & 9 30pm
l REVENGE Pop Tar tz DJs 10.30pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB A-Z of Musicals with Jason Thorpe 9pm
l SUBLINE Steam 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Spice 10pm
SATURDAY 30
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 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 Thur is Mitch’s QUIZ night at 7.30pm, all welcome
l REGUL ARS Sun jazz and raffle at the JAZZ ROAST with chilled jazz at 12pm, free entry
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, every day
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat is CABARET with the scene’s most sensational acts at 10pm: Sally Vate (2, 16 & 30), Kara Van Park (9) and Davina Sparkle (23)
l REGUL ARS Fri is top-flight cabaret with stars of the stage at 10pm: Mar tha D’Ar thur (1), Stone & Street (8), Topsie R edfern (15), Dave Lynn (22) and Spice (29) Topsie R edfern (15) is a class act with excellent live vocals, glamour, wit and a warm stage presence She says: “Topsie has been described as the Mary Poppins of drag, she is warm and friendly, elegant and slightly kookie, single and a little bit desperate Her ovaries are drying up and she wants a good man to be the wind beneath her wings and father to her third world adopted babies Topsie sings live, indeed people of ten praise her oral skills ”
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ Klipz, free CDs & competitions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce: DJs 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Curiosity Club: DJ
Lizzie Curious 9.30pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Miss
Jason 9.30pm
l INFINITY BAR Chillax 6pm
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: Dave Lynn 9 30pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Gabriella Parrish 9pm
l REVENGE WTF!: DJs 11pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Summer BBQ with The Diablos 5pm
2 Terminus Terrace, SO14 3DT TEL: 02380 710652, www the-london co uk
FRIDAY 1
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ Toby Lawrence 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR GLOW: DJs 11pm
l EDGE GLOW: DJ Darcy Buckland, guests & UV lights 11pm
SATURDAY 2
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ Ruper t Ellick 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Claire Fuller & Neil Sackley 10pm
SUNDAY 3
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD ReWind 80s/90s night 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Camp Rock: DJ Black Feather 10pm
MONDAY 4
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Reboot Reloaded: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 5
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Drag Show: host Cherry Liqour, special guest Tanya Hyde & Innuendo Bingo 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Winner Takes It All Quiz with prizes 7pm
l EDGE Time Out: DJ KT 11pm
WEDNESDAY 6
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night: karaoke with host Aura Jay 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bar 150 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Lee Harris & Missy B + karaoke v cabaret with Cassidy Connors 10pm
THURSDAY 7
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD A Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes, karaoke/DJ 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bingo Balls: Misty Lee & prizes 7pm
l EDGE Smar t: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 8
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ Toby Lawrence 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR GLOW: DJs 11pm
l EDGE GLOW: DJ Darcy Buckland & guests + UV lights 10pm
SATURDAY 9
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ Ruper t Ellick 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Claire Fuller & Darcy Buckland 10pm
THE EDGE & BOX BAR SOUTHAMPTON
l Compton Walk, SO14 0BH, Tel: 023 8036 6163, www.theedgesouthampton.com
l OPEN The Edge: 10pm daily; l Box Bar: 7pm Tue–Sat
l FOOD Box Bar: 7–10pm Tue–Sat
l HAPPY HOURS The Box Bar: 2-4-1 cocktails 7–10pm Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (till 8pm on Wednesday & Saturday); The Edge: £1 selected shots & £2 selected drinks on Monday, £1 50 drinks on Wednesday & Sunday
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday is now CAMP ROCK with DJ Black Feather spinning the best rock tunes
l REGUL ARS Tuesday is THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL Quiz Night where you can win cash a VIP package and more from 7pm! In the evening it’s TIME OUT with DJ KT playing r&b/pop/char t tunes l Wedesday is BAR 150 with DJs Missy B and Lee Harris, plus KARAOKE V CABARET with Cassidy Connors! l Thursday is BINGO BALLS with Misty Lee and prizes from 7pm, entry £1 per bingo book Stick around for SMART, a night dedicated to you being you, with DJ Liam Searle on the decks l Friday is GLOW with DJ Darcy Buckland, guest DJs and UV lights! l Sat is THE BIG ONE at 10pm with 3 bars, 2 dancefloors and DJs: Claire Fuller & Neil Sackley (2), Claire Fuller & Darcy Buckland (9), Craig Law & Darcy Buckland (16), Lee Harris, Claire Fuller & KT (23) and Claire Fuller & KT (30) l Monday is REBOOT RELOADED with DJ Darcy Buckland spinning char t/house
SUNDAY 10
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD ReWind 80s/90s night 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Camp Rock: DJ Black Feather 10pm
MONDAY 11
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Reboot Reloaded: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 12
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Drag Show: host Cherry Liqour & special guest Drag
With No Name & Innuendo Bingo 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Winner Takes It All Quiz with prizes 7pm
l EDGE Time Out: DJ KT 11pm
WEDNESDAY 13
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night: karaoke with host Aura Jay 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bar 150 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Lee Harris & Missy B + karaoke v cabaret with Cassidy Connors 10pm
THURSDAY 14
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD A Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes, karaoke/DJ 7pm
HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD
PORTSMOUTH
l Hampshire Terrace, Southsea, PO1 2QN, Tel: 02392 297509
l OPEN Sunday & Monday 9pm, Tuesday–Saturday 7pm
l HAPPY HOURS selected drinks £1 50 on Monday, 2-4-1 selected drinks on Tuesday, till midnight on Wednesday (incl selected doubles £3), 7–10pm on Friday, all night on Sunday
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Tuesday is the DRAG SHOW with host Cherr y Liquor, guests and INNUENDO BINGO with a cash prize! This month’s cabaret: Tanya Hyde (5), Drag With No Name (12), Mrs Moore (19) and Vicky Vivacious (26)
l REGUL ARS Thursday is A NIGHT ON THE LASHES with the legendary Lucinda Lashes tearing up the stage with banter, karaoke & tunes! l Friday is with DJ Toby Lawrence spinning tunes to get you moving, entry free till 10pm, £3 till 11pm, £5 after l Saturday is with DJ R uper t Ellick spinning char t/par ty anthems, entry free till 10pm/£3 till 11pm/£5 after l Sunday is REWIND with 80s & 90s dance classics brightening up those end-of-weekend blues l Monday is 20SOMETHING with DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor bringing the tunes, free till 10pm/£3 till midnight/£5 after l Wednesday is BIG NAVY NIGHT OUT with host Aura- Jay’s KARAOKE
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bingo Balls: Misty Lee & prizes 7pm
l EDGE Smar t: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 15
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ Toby Lawrence 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR GLOW: DJs 11pm
l EDGE GLOW: DJ Darcy Buckland & guests + UV lights 11pm
SATURDAY 16
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 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 17
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD ReWind
80s/90s night 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Camp Rock: DJ Black Feather 10pm
MONDAY 18
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Reboot Reloaded: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 19
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Drag Show: host Cherry Liqour & special guest Mrs Moore & Innuendo Bingo 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Winner Takes It All Quiz with prizes 7pm
l EDGE Time Out: DJ KT 11pm
WEDNESDAY 20
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night:
karaoke with host Aura Jay 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bar 150 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Lee Harris & Missy B + karaoke v cabaret with Cassidy Connors 10pm
THURSDAY 21
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD A Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes, karaoke/DJ 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bingo Balls: Misty Lee & prizes 7pm
l EDGE Smar t: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 22
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ Toby Lawrence 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR GLOW: DJs 11pm
l EDGE GLOW: DJ Darcy Buckland & guests + UV lights 11pm
SATURDAY 23
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ Ruper t Ellick 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Claire Fuller, Lee Harris & KT 10pm
SUNDAY 24
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD ReWind 80s/90s night 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Camp Rock: DJ Black Feather 10pm
MONDAY 25
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Reboot Reloaded: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 26
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Drag Show: host Cherry Liqour & special guest Vicky Vivacious & Innuendo Bingo 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Winner Takes It All Quiz with prizes 7pm
l EDGE Time Out: DJ KT 11pm
WEDNESDAY 27
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night: karaoke with host Aura Jay 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bar 150 10pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Lee Harris & Missy B + karaoke v cabaret with Cassidy Connors 10pm
THURSDAY 28
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD A Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes, karaoke/DJ 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Bingo Balls: Misty Lee & prizes 7pm
l EDGE Smar t: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 29
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ Toby Lawrence 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR GLOW: DJs 11pm
l EDGE GLOW: DJ Darcy Buckland & guests + UV lights 11pm
SATURDAY 30
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ Ruper t Ellick 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One: DJs 10pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Claire Fuller & KT 10pm
DANCE MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD
ALBUMS
) Well that is definitely sunshine beaming down on us so let’s keep things hotter than, erm, June (sorry Mr Wonder) and soundtrack your summer adventures with nothing but the hot stuff
Be it the sunshine vibes of Ibiza 2018 by Ben Hoo on Get Physical, the blissful blend of dub, ambient, boogie and proto house that is Jura Soundsystem Presents Transmission One on Isle of Jura, the synth sensation that is Nesta’ s Eclectic Electric - Nightfall on Fantome de Nuit, the Latin-infused sounds of Electropical by Juan Laya & Jorge Montiel on Imagenes Recordings, or the delicious deep house of DJ Sprinkles & Hardrock Striker’ s Skylax House Explosion on Skylax, you’ll need no more than these and your sunnies to keep you cool this summer.
Add our June jewels that are the seamless mastery of Sasha’ s fabric99: Sasha, the dreamy nu-grooves and house of Valerie from the Galerie’s Tape One on What About Never, the acidic deftness of DJ Pierre presents Acid 88 Vol 2 on Afro Acid, the epic longplaying debut of Demuja’ s Hidden Paradise on MUJA, or the ever playful, ever cheeky Seth Troxler and his cute as This is Then on Play It Say It and you have a sun-drenched soundtrack worthy of a bounce in your bikini or a squiggle in your Speedos. If you know what we mean. Enjoy.
) Catch Wildblood + Queenie at the Tempest Inn for Wild Family on Friday, June 8 and tune into 1BTN 101.4FM 2nd & 4th Wed 810pm and 2nd Friday 1-4pm for the Queenie & Wildblood Show. perfectdistractions.com
WILDBLOOD & QUEENIE’S JUICY JUNE 12”
) ROISIN MURPHY All My Dreams / Innocence The Vinyl Factory
First of four 12” from Ms Murphy and Maurice Foulton Believe the hype
) PITTO Late Night Studio Moves (original mix) Heist Recordings
African percussion heaven awaits you courtesy of Pitto’s perfection
) DJ COUNSELLING Mitcham Tuxedo SoSure Music
No tissues required – just your undivided dancing attention.
) MELODYMANN Disco Switch Melodymathics
Luscious disco loops and then some Just too, too good
) AUSTIN ATO Ben's Groove Me Me Me
Busting with sunshine as Man Power’s label deliver again
) HIFI SEAN featuring Celeda The Music Classic Music Company
Mainlining heat into our British summer – whatever the forecast.
) YARNI 28 Years Of It (Layer Disco mix) Night Noise Music
Entkommen remix EP action that will impress you and yours.
) JAVI BORA Here Comes The Music (Jansons remix) Do Not Sleep
Iban Montoro and Jazzman Wax B-side brilliance
) NIGHTFUNK Crazy Time Del Sol
A Belgian import tastier than any waffle you’ll devour this June.
) LAUREN FLAX featuring DJ Heather The Acid Apollo Music Group
The seminal meets the sublime for a lesson in acid house.
DJ PROFILE: ROB D
Well you gorgeous sun bunnies you – it seems that the early summer is upon us now that June has arrived! And what better way to drench those sparkling days and balmy nights (I’m ever the weather optimist) is there than with a soundtrack filled with fun and joy? This month, Queenie has a chat with Rob Davis, the fabulous DJ Rob D, to find out where we can hear him, what he loves to hear and even where he’d like to reside
How are you? Very well, thank you I’ve actually just got back from the United States after spending three weeks out there visiting family and friends I would absolutely move out there tomorrow if I could!!!!
Where can we hear you? It does change from time to time, but I generally play in either Brighton or Central London these days You can find me at the Freedom bar in Soho and the Two Brewers in Clapham amongst others in London I love playing at both Revenge and Charles Street Tap in Brighton You can also spot me at the Hampshire Boulevard in Portsmouth.
What are you playing these days? Well, I’m always mainly commercial I play pop, I love my R&B an, of course, I’ll always play some great house bangers, particularly house remixes of old 80s and 90s classics You can never go wrong with those! I also like some cheese ;)
Fave song of all time? Oh gosh There are so many songs out there I could listen to again and again But if I had to choose one it would have to be DJ Sammy’s Heaven If I could be cheeky and choose an artist as well RIP Avicii!!!! He really was my absolute favourite DJ! All his music was unique and he just had the best songs! My favourite one he did was Seek Bromance.
Best ever gig? I don’t really have just the one best ever gig, but I have a few up there! Norwich Pride back in 2014 was amazing – a really fabulous crowd! Also back in 2012 DJing on Soho Square on a beautiful hot sunny day to hundreds of people! That was cool – or should I say hot, hot, hot!!!!
Tune you wish you’d never played! I never play a tune I regret ;)
Describe yourself in three words... Outgoing Motivated Energetic
ROB D’S CURRENT TOP FIVE
) ARIANA GRANDE No Tears Left to Cry Republic Records
) SIGALA & PALOMA FAITH Lullaby Ministry of Sound
) ANTON POWERS FT. PIXIE LOTT Baby 3 Beat Productions
) JONAS BLUE feat JP COOPER Perfect Strangers Positiva
) GALANTIS Pillow Fight Atlantic
) THE TOUCH (BFI blu-ray) Ingmar Bergman’ s first English-language film stars Bibi Andersson as a woman who is married to Max von Sydow and has an affair with visiting archeologist Elliott Gould Early on there’s a scene where von Sydow, showing slides of his family, accidentally compares the death of a donkey to the death of his ex-motherin-law. It’s very funny - it's the only time I’ve roared with laughter at a Bergman - but by the end of the film it’s hard to know if it was deliberate or just another example of the film’s awful dialogue. Poor Gould has to contend with lines like ‘I don’t know what to do with all these churned-up emotions’ and berating Andersson for her bourgeois life which includes the terrible crime of cooking a pot roast Early on in their affair he hits her but I think this is because his family were killed in the Holocaust For added beard-stroking symbolism he’s excavating a statue of the Virgin Mary in a church Some critics have seen this as a brilliant dissection of human emotions, though I’d agree with the director who called it an embarrassing failure
) Tom of Finland Books £6.99; Bear T-Shirt £14 (Prowler, 112-113 St James's Street, Brighton, 01273 603813)
EL GEEBEE TEA QUEUE
The Brunswick, Holland Rd, Hove, Box office: wegottickets.com
) EL GEEBEE TEA QUEUE (Sun 10). A night of LGBT+ cabaret, comedy and live music hosted by PAUL DIELLO. Award-winning Kiwi comedian JAKE HOWIE offers an irreverent comic style with a warm, quick-witted and frank take on life, love and social politics Brighton singersongwriter KRISTOFER uses cutting edge pop music to spread his message of diversity loud and clear and bridge the gap between gender stereotypes MS COCO DEVILLE has over a decade of professional stage experience and comes armed with a BA Honours degree in contemporary theatre and choreography. FELIX LE FREAK combines music, comedy and an unsettling sense of deja vu. When she isn't shaking the earth with provocative live art or melancholy ballads, Felix enjoys pubic topiary and quality time at home with her two elderly hostages, Errol and Babs With a mix of powerful and soulful tones, catchy love songs and relatable lyrics, MARIA MAE shares her experiences and adventures, through a neo soul/pop vibe with simple yet strong melodies, as well as creative covers with her own twist JULIA GILLICK has been active on the Brighton comedy scene for four years; her set is a buoyant mix of surrealism, filth and animal impressions.
KOMEDIA
Gardner St, Brighton Box office: 0845 293 8480
) BENT DOUBLE (Sun 3) A gayfriendly, irreverent night of fun and frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons (Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, Just a Minute and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow) Featuring headliner Angela Barnes with
Andrew Doyle (co-writer of Jonathan Pie) and Joe Sutherland ) EDINBURGH PREVIEW (Sun 24) with hugely popular comic ZOE LYONS and Richard Todd (Chortle One to Watch 2018 and as seen on Comedy Central Online). A chance to catch a preview of Zoe’s Edinburgh Fringe show with a fresh
crop of quick-fire observational gags, delivered with utter conviction not to mention ‘ proper laugh-out-loud one-liners’ The Herald ‘Lyons is on top of her game in command of her material, her audience and her stage’ Chortle
THEATRE ROYAL, New Road, Brighton, Box office: 08448 717650 ) LES MUSICALS (Sun 3). Features hit songs from the West End and Broadway sung by Jonathan Ansell and Rhydian Roberts Includes tunes from Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Blood Brothers, Wicked, Jesus Christ Superstar, Carousel and many more
) LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (Mon 11–Sat 16). The show follows beautiful and popular sorority sister Elle Woods who gets dumped by her boyfriend Warner Huntingdon III Packing up her trusty pooch, Bruiser, she bags herself a place at the prestigious Harvard Law School to try and win him back Stars Rita Simons, Lucie Jones and Bill Ward
) A GAY AND A NONGAY (Sat 2). In a time when we ’ re all threatened by a rhetoric of hate from the people in power, this show challenges many of our differences head on and promises that no matter who you are, or what you ’ re
into (Bruce Springsteen or Britney), love is love and gays and non-gays can be friends. Join James Barr and Dan Hudson for a live show based on the massive LGBT+ podcast that the Radio Times calls 'One of the most fundamentally kind and funny podcasts in Britain' Covering it all from non-gay perceptions of gay people (and vice versa), sex, and getting your douche through airport security! Plus Q&A fun.
) SHE GOAT: DOPPELDÄNGER (Thur 28) After years of being mistaken for one another, real-life doppelgä ngers, Eugénie and Shamira, have finally made a show about it With gender-twisting visuals and gothic storytelling,
DoppelDä nger is an exploration of dangerous doubling that reclaims what it means to be two women on stage. With experimental live music and Baroque-pop mash-ups, and an uncanny blend of 1630s-inspired Euro retrofuturism and 1930s wrestling, DoppelDanger is a bilingual boundary-bending attic takeover about the self, the other and togetherness
) QUEER MIGRANT TAKEOVER PARTY (Sat 16) TRAUMFRAU thinks that as borders are closing and migrants are being vilified, it’s time to rebalance the power and throw a party to celebrate everything migrants bring to the UK. The evening includes DJ sets, shows, and installations by local migrant artists, as a celebration of multi-culturalism, identities, and migrant communities Artists include KASHFI playing prerevolutionary Iranian pop, 1960s/70s Turkish funk, psych and disco, Palestinian, Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, Syrian, Yemenite and Israeli pop; Ireland’s 2017 LGBT+ Entertainer of the Year XNTHONY, a comedy-awardwinning-performer fusing popular and queer culture with his own unique outlook and Ireland’s 2017; KATY JALILI, a gender-queer
Iranian-born multidisciplinary artist, performer and writer. Their work mainly focuses on queer ancestry for people of diaspora. Some have described Katy’s performances as provocative, terrifying, erotic, political and wickedly entertaining, whilst channelling the spirit of punk
ART MATTERS
For your delectation in June I’ve found a trio of exhibitions for you to enjoy. But first a little news on a show I am currently included in...
TOWNER GALLERY
TREGONY GALLERY
Cornwall, tregonygallery.co.uk
At the Tregony Gallery in Cornwall I’m one of the artists included in Emergent Forms (until Jun 30), a group show that explores the way artists’ expression of form crystallizes during the eye-to-hand process of creation
Eastbourne, www.townereastbourne.org.uk
) AT ALTITUDE is an Arts Council Collection National Partner Exhibition (Jun 2–Sep 30) exploring how our experience of landscape, time and space has altered through the introduction of new elevated perspectives on the world that were unknown to earlier generations. Ranging from early aviation to drone surveillance, the exhibition will chart these changing perspectives, illustrating how perception has shifted from when aerial images were rare and exhilarating, to the allenveloping vantage point of Google Earth and satellite technologies that grant access to places and information one is not usually afforded At Altitude presents historical and contemporary works that elucidate the links between the ever-changing methods of observing the world and how this has been interpreted by artists through painting, sculpture, photography and film Artists include Mishka Henner, Jananne Al-Ani, Tacita Dean, Wolfgang Tilmans, Cornelia Parker and more.
ALL THAT JAZZ
) DJANGO BATES BELOVED The Study Of Touch (ECM) Apologies for missing this excellent set when it first appeared last autumn, but better late than never. British pianist, composer, big band leader, and educator Django Bates first became known as one of the mainstays of maverick big band Loose Tubes in the early 1980s, and has since performed with varied and numerous ensembles. His most recent album was a poorly received (and rather unnecessary) big band tribute saluting Sergeant Pepper, 50 years after its release, but out of the blue he has now made his ECM debut as leader Bates has always said he would never lead a piano trio (too staid for his adventurous tastes?) but with Petter Eldh on bass and Peter Bruun on drums, he has certainly struck gold with this trio. All but two of the compositions are his, all of them ingenious in their differing complexities yet gently beguiling in their simple effectiveness. For someone who has often seemed to be an ageless court jester, this set is surprisingly mature, and quite wonderful.
) Also at the Towner: OMER FAST: 5000 FEET IS THE BEST (Jun 2–Sep 30) is a film (2011) about drone warfare and the pilots who operate these machines. Based on a series of interviews the artist conducted with a former drone operator, now working as a Las Vegas casino security guard, the work takes its name from the optimum operational flight altitude of a US Air Force Predator drone – at a distance of 5,000 feet drones can identify virtually anything The film weaves together the operator’s account of his life and work to explore the shifting divisions between reality and representation, truth and memory 5000 Feet is the Best was acquired for Towner’s Collection, in partnership with the Imperial War Museum, through Art Fund’s Moving Image Fund for Museums Towner, along with the Whitworth in Manchester, was one of the first two venues to be awarded this fund.
CANDIDA STEVENS GALLERY
Chichester, candidastevens.com
) JEREMY GARDINER: GEOLOGY OF LANDSCAPE (Jun 9–Jul 7). Jeremy Gardiner has been painting for four decades, initially the urban landscape, but for the past 30 years, the natural environment. Over time, this style has evolved, and his work has become more textural. His current work aims to express layers of time and meaning. Jeremy's approach to the landscapes he paints is fuelled by a strong sense of what lies beneath Among the landscapes he has explored in this way are the coasts of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, to parts of Brazil, Greece and the Lake District
) BILLIE HOLIDAY The Complete Billie Holiday Songbook (Essential Jazz Classics). Of all jazz vocalists, Billie Holiday was one of the greatest, but she was also a fine composer of a few notable songs. It must, therefore, have seemed to the record company like a good idea to collect together all the songs she wrote or co-wrote and promote them as a double CD songbook Unfortunately, this good idea crumbles in the face of the fact that Holiday only wrote 14 songs in total, and some of those she never recorded herself Faced with this insurmountable problem, this collection has packed in not just numerous versions of Holiday singing God Bless the Child, 12 times in all, and her other favourites in multiples, but then rounded up various singers who have interpreted Holiday’s songs to fill up the space. Hence you get Nina Simone singing Fine and Mellow, and Aretha Franklin tackling Who Needs You? Some might judge this a bit of a con, but needs must to pad out this double CD.
LIVE JAZZ
) Love Supreme sets up its marquees and stages once again at Glynde Place outside Lewes (Jun 29–Jul 1). Headlining are Earth Wind & Fire, Pharoah Sanders, George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic, Level 42 and Steve Winwood, as well as the inspirational Mavis Staples Of more direct jazz interest are the Dave Holland/Zakir Hussain/Chris Potter Trio, the James Taylor Quartet, the Ezra Collective, Nik Bartsch’ s Ronin, African drummer Tony Allen, and many more. The great thing about this festival is that if you don’t fancy the music in one tent, you can just drift in to the next or gawp at the main stage and find a totally new sound to absorb you. For those allergic to festivals, this one might be the best antidote
CL ASSICAL NOTES
REVIEWS
) LÁZSLÓ RÓZSA, JONATHAN
REES & ALEX MCCARTNEY
Rondeau Mélancolique Veretum
Musica VM017 Regular readers
may recall the lute/theorbo player Alex McCartney from previous columns Now he’s joined (playing theorbo and Baroque guitar here) by recorder player Lázsló Rózsa and viola da gamba player Jonathan Rees for a pleasing collection of late 17th and early 18th-century French repertoire. They begin with the delightful Suite No. 5 by Pierre Danican Philidor (1681-1731). The blend between the three instruments is perfectly judged, and in the final Gigue, Rózsa enjoys the more virtuosic, dancing lines given to the recorder A solo Suite by M de Sainte-Colombe (c 1640-1700) for the viola da gamba follows, and Rees performs this stylish work with great presence and intensity A Suite by Jacques Martin Hotteterre (1673-1763) next, with more rhythmic and virtuosic interest in the livelier movements, and the dancing final Gigue is dashed off with energy and panache. McCartney has a solo spot next, with a Suite for the theorbo by Robert de Visée (c 1655-1732/33) This has wonderful melodic lines, which McCartney articulates over the harmonies with great precision, making this a particular highlight of the disc All three return with a virtuosic Sonata by Charles Buterne (c 1710-c 1760), and the disc then concludes with two nightingale-inspired pieces. The birdlike ornamentation of the recorder is delicate and tender in Le Rossignol-En-Amour by François Couperin (1668-1733), and McCartney’s gentle introduction on the guitar to
Pourquoy, Doux Rossignol by Jean-Baptiste de Bousset (16621725) sets up a beautifully bittersweet conclusion to this delightful collection
) MCGILL/MCHALE TRIO Portraits
Çedille CDR90000172 Pianist
) HIDEKO UDAGAWA & ALEXANDER PANFILOV Russian Romantics Northern Flowers NF/PMA99130 Jumping forwards a couple of centuries, we now explore the world of some forgotten Russian Romantic chamber music, with violinist Hideko Udagawa joined by pianist Alexander Panfilov performing a collection of works for the violin and piano. There are works by Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857), through to Alexander Glazunov (18651936), so spanning just less than one hundred years of Russian music Glinka’s incomplete Sonata for viola receives its first recording here for violin and piano – a delightful piece, the second movement in particular containing some beautifully lyrical melodies. Udagawa’s performances here are full of vigour and passion, although the recorded sound is a little on the thin side at times, with more depth of tone needed in places These are not the most profound compositions, focusing mostly on melody and with few harmonic surprises Glinka’s pleasing Mazurka, and César Cui’s (1835-1918) lively Alla Spagnuola are cases in point, the latter in particular clearly a technical showpiece for the violin more than anything else. But Udagawa also convinces in the lighter pieces, such as Anton Rubinstein’s (1829-1894) Romance, and Glazunov’s Méditation. The one piece that rose above the others for me was by the composer I am least familiar with – Viktor Kossenko (1896-1938) His Two Pieces, Dreams and Impromptu, once again combine lyricism with virtuosic display, but have greater individuality and invention, with rich harmonies and rippling piano accompaniment. So despite not being totally won over by all the repertoire here, these are strong and authoritative performances throughout.
Michael McHale has joined two American brothers, clarinetist Anthony McGill and flautist Demarre McGill to form the McGill/McHale Trio, and their first recording includes a variety of works from the last twenty or so years. The centrepiece of their recording is a six-movement suite, Portraits of Langston, by Valerie Coleman (b 1970), each movement a contemplation on different poems by Langston Hughes, jazz poet and leader of the Harlem Renaissance in 1920s New York The poems, with themes ranging from Helen Keller, to Parisian cabaret and nightlife, and a Harlem summer night, have common links in their messages of strength, power and defiance. The poems are read here by actor Mahershala Ali. The fight in the Montmartre nightclub in ‘Le Grand Duc Mambo’ is cleverly captured by the duelling flute and clarinet, and the Debussian piano writing under lyrical lines exchanged between the wind instruments in In Time of Silver Rain creates an atmosphere of calm and tranquility Chris
CINEMA
Rogerson’ s (b 1988) A Fish Will Rise has an American folk-inspired feel, reminiscent of Copland, but also an insistent rhythmic energy that might hint towards John Adams. Even more driven is the breathless, virtuosic Techno –Parade by French composer Guillaume Connesson (b.1970), and here all three players demonstrate impressive technical command, as well as tight and precise ensemble Paul Schoenfield’ s (b 1947) three movement Sonatina is great fun, subverting jazzy dance rhythms such as the Charlston and Rag, and is once again highly demanding technically The trio ends their disc with two more subdued works, a contemplative piece by Philip Hammond (b.1951), The Lamentation of Owen O’Neil, and then McHale’s own arrangement of the Irish traditional song The Lark in the Clear Air. Both allow for the players to demonstrate their abilities to convey their long lines with warmth and simplicity, making for a calming conclusion to a programme full of contrasts
Reviews, comments and events: v nicks-classical-notes.blogspot.co.uk t @nickb86uk ) nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
) You can see the Royal Ballet’ s new production of Tchaikovsky’ s Swan Lake live from the Royal Opera House (Tue 12).
) And Puccini’ s Madama Butterfly comes live from Glyndebourne in Annilese Miskimmon’ s 1950s-set production (Thur 21) In a range of local cinemas, including: Dukes at the Komedia, Brighton, Cineworld Eastbourne, and the Connaught Cinema, Worthing Check for times
) The Lewes Chamber Music Festival (Thur 14–Sat 16) has a Viennese theme this year, with music by Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, right through to Strauss, Schoenberg and Korngold. Twenty top musicians, including pianists Bengt Forsberg and Alisdair Beatson, baritone Christopher Purves and clarinetist Jānis Tretjuks, perform in a series of seven concerts over three days. Highlights include Korngold’s Piano Quintet, and Schoenberg’s Serenade for Baritone and Septet, which includes guitar, bass clarinet and mandolin Anyone under the age of 26 can apply for free tickets
) The Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra’ s Summer Concert (7.30pm, Sun 10) includes music by Rozsa, Britten, Tchaikovsky, and Nielsen’ s Flute Concerto with Sarah Bennett (flute).
) NICK’S HOUSE by John Roman Baker. This is the third book in the sagas of Nick and Greg and we ’ re immersed in the heaving social changes of the 1960s. Nick and Greg are both mature established men with their own lives, lovers and ideas of how to behave Their desires -no longer so entwined with each otherhave also grown to other men and possibilities This leads to challenge and change, the narrative is handled with fun and flair by author Roman Bajer who has settled in well to this series and given the characters depth to develop into complex, fallible men but with hope and love their hearts and this next instalment of their lives has his hallmark mix of intrigue and excitement gorgeously written up with Brighton as the background
hug Sharing in one-liners, short poems, and some longer poems, it’s the perfect book to keep on your desk and open randomly and – in an instant - remember we ’ re never alone and words hefted by a careful artist can enlighten us. This book does that.
) LEAF SUPPLY (Smith Street) by Lauren Camiieri & Sophia Kaplan. A comprehensive and easy to follow book for the enthusiast or budding indoor gardener, written by authors who love growing Full of ideas and inspiration for growing some familiar and unusual plants and how to give them the best conditions to transform your home or office into a health-giving green oasis Not only full of growing hints and instructions, it also gives you some styling and design advice about where, how and when to use luscious, healthy green plants to their best affect. There’s 10 profiles on famous plant stylists who use plants in homes and workplaces in stunning ways. It’s a superb book, beautifully presented, with gorgeous photos and some seriously good advice, it will give you the tools and inspiration to green your space
and embark on some exciting, lifeaffirming indoor gardening.
) TAKE ME WITH YOU (Plume) by Andrea Gibson and Sarah J Coleman (illus). This pocket-sized book explores themes of love, gender, politics, sexuality, family, and forgiveness with evocative line drawings It’s an exploration of what it means to heal and to be different in this strange age Take Me With You is small enough to fit in your bag, with messages that are big enough to wake even the sleepiest heart. Gibson’s strong, bountiful and reassuring American voice never lies to us, often lifts us out of our own smallness and can deliver quite the shake up, but at its heart this book is a prose
) BADGE OF LOYALTY by Jude Tresswell. This is a fun and curious book. It’s a police procedural about a gay cop, which is pretty brutal in it’s dealings with crime and the seedier side of life It’s also a complex love story of a working polygamous relationship and the heaving passion and intimate relationships that interweave in the main protagonists life. It’s a fun and fast paced read, part erotica, part police procedural, wholly gay and explores the power dynamics and sexually geometry of a successful polygamous series of relationships and men and how they make their interwoven work, sex and love lives work for them
) QUEER SEX by Juno Roche. Roche brings her wonderfully delicate bluntness to this guide to
intimacy, pleasure and relationships for Trans and NonBinary people I adore reading Roche’s work, her insight and clarity empower the reader to embrace ideas than can often be challenging in our sexed up mixed up world. This book is many things: an exploration of Roche’s own experiences, a clear clarion call for embracing diversity in sexual practices and relationship set-up, an advice book on getting through and past prejudice and a bold testament to an authors own honest journey to their own satisfactions and desires It’s also in Roche’s trademark way a beautiful mixture of funny and poignant and it’s this almost offhand ability to move with her luscious prose that makes Roche stand out. The collection of interviews from well-known activists living authentic and diverse lives and exploring stories of sex and desire from the trans and non-binary communities gives a gentle personal touch, but it’s Roche’s frank narrative which give this book it’s power to transform
) GENTLE AND TENDER, ACT OF CONFESSION by pp hartnett
Another of these perfectly formed books, crafted with care by this most filthy and delightful of poets Hartness fucks us with his words, allows intoxicating intimate desire to speak directly to us, stripped of fantasy and illusion he gives us raw, hard, fleshy words which penetrate, stretch and posses us. His exuberant celebration of sexual uninhibitedness is wrapped in a contradictive sensuality of word play and lightness which often brings a smile, is beguiling, shocking, tempting and satisfying Never easy Hartnett leaves us bruised, startled by our own depravity but wanting more
When Trevor Nunn decided to use some of the same actors in two shows, Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost and the musical Anything Goes at the National Theatre, Stephen encountered actors who were convinced they couldn’t dance. “So I put some dance moves into the actors’ warm-ups and suddenly they realised they could dance. As long as they know you won’t make them look stupid, they grow into it.”
His preparation for a new show is to take some of his routines to stage schools and colleges and try them out on the students. It also allows him to spot emerging talent and he’s always keen to use new performers.
Stephen believes today’s musical theatre benefits from what he calls “the triple threat" –young performers who excel at singing, acting and dancing.
“Producers are keen to cut costs and tend to go for all-round performers I think we ’ re at the peak of that now – it’s harder now if all you can do is dance ”
Stephen has moved into directing and would like to do more: “But only if I know the show backwards ”
MAKING ALL THE RIGHT MOVES
Brighton-based Stephen Mear has established himself internationally as the go-to choreographer for big classy stage musicals. Fresh from his triumph with Chess in the West End, he talks to Brian Butler about dyslexia, Strictly, and working with Stephen Sondheim.
) At the age of three, Stephen started running in and out of his mother’s dance class, so she decided to teach him. The rest is the story of a phenomenal career as a dancer, choreographer and director, picking up two Olivier Awards and many other accolades along the way, and a career that has seen his work many times in the West End, in Paris and on Broadway
Stephen was lucky enough to appear as a dancer in two West End shows while still a student at London Studio Centre: the sixth year of Evita and the original cast of 42nd Street, something that students wouldn’t be allowed to do today
After college it was straight back to the West End and Cats, playing a swing dancer, then Mungojerrie, and finally Mr Mistoffelees “At college I knew ballet was my weakness so I took 14 lessons a week Without that I wouldn’t have been able to do Mr Mistoffelees ”
Stephen admits that he is badly dyslexic: “It wasn’t identified till I was 16 but dancing was something I could do ”
His dancing career included eight West End shows. As his dancing days were drawing to a
close, he started assisting. His first big job was the UK tour of Soul Train starring Sheila Ferguson.
“That got me noticed, though it was only in the West End for six weeks “
Stephen usually works with a music arranger, which is quite unusual in the UK.
“Some composers won’t let you change their orchestrations, but many will The musical director has to be on board for it - it has to be a collaboration ”
Having new arrangements allows Stephen full scope for his inventiveness and creativity outside the confines of what might have been originally conceived for the show
He has worked with many of the most brilliant directors and performers in a career spanning over 30 years, including twice with Stephen Sondheim on Follies and Gypsy
“Steve gives notes every now and then, but he has no ego – his whole aim is to make the show better ”
The Mear philosophy is that dance should move the story and the characters forward: “I don’t believe in dance for dance’s sake ”
On his to-do list are Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Grand Hotel and Mame, but his next projects are a concert version of Guys & Dolls and a production of White Christmas in Leicester
He sees a positive benefit from the huge success of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing “It’s not thought to be bad now for boys to be dancers It’s great to see people learn a craft and get better every week It’s encouraged people to take up dancing or even just exercise ”
His partner, choreographer Mark Smith, has been deaf since childhood, and now teaches dance at all the major stage schools Stephen incorporated sign language into a recent production of Mary Poppins. Mark is currently choreographing a UK tour of an all-male Iolanthe which is at Brighton’s Theatre Royal from June 19-23.
Stephen worked for nine years in Chichester, “It was very important to me, ” and he worries about the future of theatre outside London.
“People used to learn their craft at regional rep theatres. It breaks my heart they don’t get the funding they deserve.
“I love doing classy theatre and I’m optimistic about the future of dance. The talent coming out of stage schools is so much better than I ever was It’s why I like my connections with colleges – working with all that future talent ”
And how was his latest venture, the long overdue revival of Chess?
“It’s out of this world - 46 people on stage and a 50-piece orchestra – it’s spine tingling ”
Chess is at London’s Coliseum till June 2
Iolanthe is at Brighton’s Theatre Royal from June 19-23
CRAIG’S THOUGHTS
We all belong. Or the quest for a tribe. Part one. By Craig Hanlon-Smith
) Is that my tribe? Asked the awkward sevenyear-old, skirting along the outer perimeter of the all-weather pitch on a 1970s wet spring Lancashire lunchtime Envying the gaggles of energetic boys and their temporary but automatic friendship Staring lost at their heptathlon of sports that he was certainly the master of none nor understood the appeal of fast bowls, off-cut plank cricket bats and grazed knees. Instead he prised his way into a group of disinterested but begrudgingly accommodating girls playing a much more accessible ‘horsey on the loose’, but after a time of trying that pleases no one, the boyshaped cuckoo limps off to another meandering of solitude
He senses a sadness that he neither comprehends nor has the intellect to analyse, but this passes as thoughts of a television date with Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman lick his wounds Is she my tribe? He wonders Perhaps
“Is that my tribe?” Asks the boy as the summer Saturday night ritual of Seaside Special launches into the family sitting room He sits agog yet unguarded amongst oblivious relatives, week after week, glued to a white plastic television sprayed green and locked in repeated fascination with the sequined dresses of The Three Degrees and white feathered headdresses of Boney M Although unsure why, he has sense enough to know that when returning to class on Monday, he is not to record in the weekend news book that he might have choreographed his own routine to Ra Ra Rasputin, nor that he masking taped homemade Christmas decorations to his head in a now eight-year-old’s attempt to recreate the televised costumes.
“Will this be my tribe?” He wonders aged nine and he joins the cub scouts desperate to be
able to claim the tribe for him is out there somewhere Who knew that Baden Powell’s motto ‘Be Prepared’ was the overture to a more rounded statement of be prepared to be mercilessly bullied like never before nor since and, despite the organisation’s close links to the Church of England and their preaching of Christian love and understanding, everyone present will turn a blind eye or, in the case of one unforgotten but irresponsible adult, even join in with the harassment.
A particularly horrible weekend camping trip sat weeping on the lap of one of the female group leaders named after a Jungle Book character (the adult him would now remove his eyeballs in order to relentlessly roll them) was confirmation enough that this was not to be his tribe and a cue to leave and quickly, no questions asked
For a short burst, pre-teen aerobics felt as though it may be his tribe. Being the only boy in a group of 12-year old girls did not phase him as he quickly learned he could back-step lunge to Automatic by The Pointer Sisters and Michael Jackson’s Beat It better than the rest of them The leg-warmers and Kids From Fame sweatshirt might have been a giveaway to a child psychologist, but the 12-year-old boy only wore them for comfort and thankfully, at that time, he remained oblivious to being the
focus of gossip in the local bakery “that boy in the leg-warmers is a Mary-Anne” But it is of course no tribe at all if our protagonist is too embarrassed to tell anyone that aerobics for fun is exactly what he’s up to every Wednesday at 7.
Aged 13 he unexpectedly discovered a tribe of sorts, a tribe of two Two unknown homosexuals, although the scientific vocabulary remained unspoken, spending their schoolboy lunchtimes running off to a distant field in the shadow of a derelict farmhouse during the summer months, or a patch of concrete behind the garage car-wash as the air became fresher and the ground damper. Sloppy snogging, clumsy penis grabbing and shameful semen shooting days of something sordidly secret
Both taking advantage of the Thatcherite industrial action by teaching staff for extended liaisons that now graduated to the bedroom carpet, which was at least centrally heated
A happy spell, until one of the boys developed a psychological upper-hand and blackmailed the other Paper-round money spent on silencebuying chocolate bars, cans of pop, Now That’s What I Call Music 5, Chain Reaction by Diana Ross and How Will I Know? by Whitney Houston
An arrangement which continued for months until oversized Cadbury’s Fruit & Nut and soul divas no longer counted as satiating currency, and one began demanding the other gave him cash. For almost a year, a pound here and a fiver there was stolen from parents, grandparents and the pocket money of a younger brother. His true tribe never to be revealed, whatever the cost.
Although it would take him almost 30 years to appreciate it, there was at that time a sanity saving tribe of three, he just didn’t see it, then. A tribe of three fellow misfit teenagers, all girls who also did not fit the mould of expected cool or sporting triumph Who neither could, nor would, attend the hockey trials with enthusiasm in the way that he would run away from the football during soccer practice for fear of actually being selected for a team A group of four who would never be picked, but who also strangely didn’t want to be. A tribe who, between them, were tall, short, gangly, tubby, fantastically awkward and, perhaps without knowing or realising, were a supporting foundation for one another when they needed it most.
And for him, a tribe who never asked that question, or called him those names, which was exactly what he wanted.
To be continued
“The leg-warmers and Kids From Fame sweatshirt might have been a giveaway to a child psychologist, but the 12-year-old boy only wore them for comfort and thankfully, at that time, he remained oblivious to being the focus of gossip in the local bakery ‘that boy in the leg-warmers is a Mary-Anne.’”
) Dear Daddy Bear,
CHARLIE SAYS
A letter to Daddy Bear, by
Charlie Bauer Phd http://charliebauerphd.blogspot.co.uk
I thought of you the other day The press have been having a field-day in London about two men kissing in what’s considered to be a public gay space. That is, they were in a gay venue adjacent to Gay Corner in Soho-mo. When I saw them in the paper, I thought their only crime might be that they looked like a pair of straight boys.
I visited the same pub last week and as I wandered down Old Compton Street afterwards, I noticed that the majority of the men appeared to be quite young and healthy looking. What really hit me was that they all seemed to be so clean and shaved. Even in Compton’s after 10pm, I could hardly see any hair at all
I stood by myself at the bar and thought of our times at the Lone Star in San Francisco all those years ago - round about the time you were trying to cultivate your redneck body It made me quite teary wondering where you’d gone, Daddy Bear
Only last week I was trying to explain to a gay-identified first-year student a little bit about our collective history This young guy said he’d never really heard of HIV (or Hi-five as our friend Normy calls it) I was a little shocked I asked him if he knew what a Bear was You can imagine his answer ‘How about an Otter?’ I said He replied that it was something like a wet rat. I had to put him straight
I told him that before ‘Bears’ there used to be ‘Clones’ – muscled, badass men with moustaches, smelling of poppers and sex. Nothing was ever taboo with Clones. These boys put what effort they had into their bodies - gone were the limp-wristed ideas of prize queens - they were the sexual warriors from the shadows Sometimes they were shaved, sometimes not But they were always hypermasculine, think Tom of Finland in 3D
I told the student how consumerism then took us over (he had no idea who Ronald Regan was) and how those gorgeous, mustachioed, macho heroes morphed yet again I handed him a copy of a 1982 GQ that I keep handy He studied the back page for a while, then ran his index finger down the smooth torso of the chiseled, tanned man before him, stopping only at the white undies.
I remembered when I first saw the Bruce Webber billboard of the pole-vaulter in his tiny-whitey Calvins - I couldn’t believe that there could be anything more perfect that breathed oxygen. Then, before we knew it, everyone was at the gym and Polk Street was
awash with Calvin Klones - all fuelled up with the pink dollar Happy times! But no matter how hard we pumped, we never looked as buff as the pole-vaulter, or as handsome
Then something happened in the period between the Death of the Adonis and our arrival into the Bear Pit Do you remember seeing those Benetton billboards for the first time? No Olympic athletes anymore but a Christ-like man dying of AIDS - his father holding onto his head as if there were something he’d forgotten, or never managed to tell him. Remember how cheated we felt? How incensed we became? Not long after that you began, for some reason, to get bigger and bigger I was horrified when you stopped going to the gym and began ‘porking up ’ I told you to shed some weight because we had to be even healthier in those dark times But, as always, you had other ideas
For a while it was beyond me why you even wanted to look like a redneck But then I somehow got it After a while I did see your vision of healthiness in your new huge body I knew that it was possibly the end result of that long winter of Hi5 and AIDS that we’d shivered through together I remember you saying that it wasn’t just another body fad, that your size was a statement of your survival.
In another letter you told me that being a Bear made you closer to heterosexuallyidentified men because there was never any threat. You told me that Bears got more straight sex because there was never a clash of masculinities (I dreamt on that one for ages!) You said that being a Bear was about as male as you could get while still being ‘ gay ’ . You told me that Bears were narcissists. You told me that most Bears were white; that they were more often than not, professionals You told me that Bears weren’t as wild as we think because Bears were always urban You told me that Bears were reductive and GAYdepoliticized You told me that porn had become too ‘shaved’ and hence, unnatural You told me that Bears were the finest assault to the over-groomed and more virile than the bubble-butts could ever be. You told me that Bears were the way forward.
Anyhow, when I looked back at the student he was staring back at me in horror - the beautiful pole-vaulter having slid to the floor between his feet. I wondered if he’d ever find a true hero. Maybe he never will…
Are you still there, Daddy Bear? Can we kiss in public now? Charlie B (Remember me?)
“ You told me that Bears were the finest assault to the over-groomed and more virile than the bubble-butts could ever be. You told me that Bears were the way forward”
WALL’S WORDS
BY M I K E WA L L
THE BEARS ARE BACK IN TOWN
) Well another year has just rolled around again and it is time for the bears to descend on Brighton like bees to honey, and the honey traps have been set for yet another great time. By the way, did you know the collective term for a group of bears is a sleuth or sloth? I actually think that the collective term for gay bears should be a blunder of bears. I mean the movement not the alternative definition for a mistake! Anyway, I digress
From looking at the programme of events it looks like another funpacked, hairy, alcohol-induced, sweaty weekend, starting on Thursday evening and running until Monday at 4am. It would appear that there are going to be a lot of bears with sore heads blundering (see what I did there?) their way through the streets of Brighton early on Monday morning
Guess who just got back today
Every year I like to have a little fun and write a piece about the bears’ natural environment or their nocturnal exploits This year I thought that the late Phil Lynott, showing my age here, would not mind me have a bit of fun with one of his most wellknown songs and adding my own twist to the lyrics.
Them wild-eyed bears that had been away
Haven't changed that much to say
But man, I still think them bears are crazy
They were asking if you were around How you was, where you could be found
Told them you were living downtown
Driving all the old men crazy
The bears are back in town...
You know that cub that used to dance a lot Every night he'd be on the floor, shaking what he got When I say he was cool he was red hot I mean, he was steaming
And that time over at Johnny's place
Well, this cub got up and he kissed Johnny's face Man, we just fell about the place
If that cub don't want to know, forget him
The bears are back in town...
Spread the word around Guess who's back in town
Just spread the word around Friday night they'll be dressed to kill Down on St James’s Street (hill!)
The drink will flow and the bears will thrill And if the bears want to play, you better let them
That speaker in the corner blasting out my favourite song
The nights are getting warmer, it won't be long
Won't be long till the summer comes
Now that the bears are here again
The bears are back in town
Spread the word around
The bears are back in town
Been hanging down at Brighton town
The bears are back in town again
And they sure will be Have a great weekend my ursine friends
GAY WISDOM
WE ARE STARDUST!
) A friend, just recently back from a meditation retreat in India, was reflecting with me on the meaning of Life, the Universe and Everything… We got to talking about death and suffering, and the extent to which the unarticulated fear of death and chronic, painful terminal illness can loom over us, limiting how we might live our lives in the fullest possible way. My friend asked me, “Do you believe that all that you are disappears when you die?”
My answer: “I don’t know - nobody knows!”
That, for me, is what makes it such an interesting journey to be on. It’s a journey I’ve been on from the moment my germinal ovum kissed one microscopically small tadpole of a sperm cell Death and dying are the YIN to the YANG of life and living
I told my friend I was ready for death. Cultivating a fascination for my creeping decrepitude and decay was becoming my Next Big Project. He wondered how I had reached this contented level of equanimity towards a subject that most are programmed to avoid like the plague
On reflection it’s probably something to do with how I have come to feel about the questions ‘Who am I?’ and ‘What happens to ‘who I am ’ in death?’
So, who am I? Apart from being a big old queer! My presence is indisputably in existence on a number of parallel levels:
The scientist/materialist would say I am the sum total of all the atoms and molecules which make up the compounds, water, salts, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, cell walls and DNA of my body and all the electrostatic and electromagnetic forces around and between them. In death, every atom of this aspect of my presence is available for re-purposing elsewhere: Stardust to Stardust!
The zoologist would say that I am a mammalian creature who has a survival instinct; hardwired to breathe, keep warm, drink, piss, eat, shit and f**k.
The magician would say that I am a magickal creature, invested with my very own sovereign power to purposefully manifest To energise thoughts and ideas, to authentically articulate and express emotions and to cultivate nature in all its aspects.
As a Faerie, my presence is about acknowledging the full spectrum of my emotional life and giving this permission to take up space I’m acknowledging my fears and developing a fierceness in my determination to become who I am purposed to be. Feeling relief as I connect to nature. Allowing myself to feel anger, awe, joy, love compassion and intuition.
As a thinker, I have a presence which shows up as my thoughts, ideas, values and beliefs. Some believe this presence is who they are!
I’m certain that all of these aspects of who I am will have an impact beyond the date of my death Just as the presences of all my queer ancestors have impacted on my own sense of purpose.
Beyond this, who knows what lives on Soul? Nature Spirit? Back to the Garden? I’ll know when it happens!
MINDOUT
Breaking point or breakthrough point? www mindout org uk
) Just when David thought things couldn't get any worse He’d been feeling low for a while, he'd lost a close friend last year, and his relationship with his partner Will had ended a couple of years ago They were together for seven years and David thought things had been going really well until Will talked about wanting different things. That's when things really changed for the worse.
David had felt depressed ages ago, before he was ‘out’, and when he was bullied at college; but being with Will made him feel much better about himself. Now David had gone to work only to find out he was going to be made redundant. When his manager told him he felt shock go through his body, thoughts racing through his mind: “What am I going to do now? I’ll never get another job, was I just no good?”
David had run up debts after his relationship ended, he didn't want to give up the flat they had lived in together, but it cost too much He was scared he’d lose his home, become destitute He had no friends to turn to, he'd drifted away, lost touch “No point calling family,” he thought, “they never visit and they've never really liked me being gay ”
Just when he needed someone, there wasn’t a soul Memories of feeling hurt and rejected came flooding back, making David feel worthless “What's the point?” he thought, “I've got no-one, and I have nothing, I can't see any point in living, it's always going to be a struggle and I'll never be happy.” David had experienced depressed thoughts like this before, wishing he didn't have to wake up or that he'd be killed in a freak accident.
David took himself to bed, it was a struggle to get up even to go to the toilet. He just wanted to shut the world out, it was all too much to cope with. He decided he couldn't go on like this, and thought about taking lots of sleeping pills so he didn't ever wake up again, so he didn't have to face the pain of his life. If nothing changed by this time next month, he decided he'd take an overdose When that day came, David took a handful of pills, with tears rolling down his face He managed a small handful but stopped, unsure about whether he really did want to die
He was so confused In a split second, a part of him decided he needed help, so he grabbed a copy of Gscene magazine and rang the help numbers at the back – it was 2am, so he wasn't expecting any services to be open The next day he woke up to the phone ringing It was MindOut, where he had left a message with his name and number. They sounded calm and friendly and said they were from an LGBT+ mental health service. David decided he did
need help, so he rang them back and agreed to meet someone for a chat
He found the MindOut worker welcoming and kind It was good when they asked if he was or had been feeling suicidal - David found himself saying more than he had done in months It was good to tell someone about wanting to end his life, they didn't seem to judge him or tell him what to do. They said they would keep everything confidential unless he was at risk.
The worker talked about a support group for LGBT+ people called Out of the Blue. This was somewhere he could meet other people who were struggling like he was. He liked the melancholic picture on the flyer – someone sitting on a beach, looking out to sea.
David joined the group Listening to other people talking about their feelings made him feel like he wasn't the only one coping with feeling suicidal. The group gave him something to look forward to, he liked the other people very much, and wanted to be supportive of them. The more he talked, the more David started feeling better, regaining a sense of himself. Even though life was still really tough, he decided he didn't want to end it any more. In fact, he found himself getting worried about getting older, and wanted to do things to take care of his health
OUT OF THE BLUE PEER SUPPORT
MindOut is expanding its suicide prevention work, with an additional peer support group to run each week This means MindOut will be running two Out of the Blue peer support groups each week, alongside its other peer support groups, counselling, peer mentoring, advocacy and online support services
Phil Brooke, MindOut's Suicide Prevention worker, said: “LGBTQ people are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or take their own lives than heterosexual people I’m so pleased MindOut is expanding our suicide prevention services, including more peer support group sessions, more face-to-face support and instant-chat online support. We also want to encourage conversations about suicide in our communities, and reach more LGBTQ people who don’t currently seek support.”
MindOut’s services are independent, nonjudgemental and empowering. For more info see www.mindout.org.uk, call 01273 234839 or email info@mindout.org.uk
EMERGENCY SELF-HELP PL AN
If you're feeling suicidal, try this:
) Wait: try not to act in the heat of the moment, don’t do anything on impulse, decide not to do anything to harm yourself in this moment. When we ’ re very distressed, our brains shut down, which makes it very hard to know if we ’ re making good decisions It feels like things will never change, but thoughts and feelings are always changing
) Talk to someone: try talking to someone before you do anything – it could be a family member, friend, a health professional or someone from a helpline There are people out there who care and want to hear what you have to say
) Seek help: make a decision to look after yourself and get help This could be friends or family, your GP, A&E, crisis services or help lines
) Keep yourself safe in the here and now: make a safe plan, this means making an agreement yourself, and someone else if you can, that you will not attempt suicide whilst help and support are being arranged
WHERE TO FIND HELP IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING SUICIDE
) If you (or someone else) have harmed yourself and/or you think your life is at risk, then call emergency services on 999.
) If you feel you ’ re not able to keep yourself safe, and that you feel you ’ re in crisis or you ’ re considering A&E and don’t need immediate medical assistance, you should contact: Brighton Mental Health Rapid Response Service (MHRRS) who can offer immediate support Call 0300 304 0078 (24-hrs) Keep this info in a safe place in case you need it
) Alternatively, go to A&E at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, where you can see
a mental health nurse from the Mental Health Liaison Team (you may have to wait)
) Call NHS Direct (24-hrs) 111 for advice, information and support.
) Contact GP and tell them how you ’ re feeling.
HELPLINES
) Samaritans (24-hrs): 01273 772277 or 116 123 (free to call), text 07725 909090, email jo@samaritans.org, or drop-in any day 10am10pm at Dubarry House, Newtown Road (near Hove Park Villas), Hove, BN3 6AE,
) Sussex Mental Health Line (5pm-9am, 24-hrs weekends and bank holidays): 0300 5000 101.
HYDES’ HOPES
BY R E V
THE HEART OF THE MATTER
) I grew up believing that I wasn't wanted Not by my family, who only loved the character role that I played. Not by my church, who only loved the young straight boy I pretended to be. Not by God, who I had been taught to believe hated homosexuals.
It's a horrible feeling, not being wanted, and as I grew up it was ground for some very unhealthy relationships. Even later in life it wasn't easy. The only gay men I knew were on TV. Camp caricatures I couldn't relate to. And when I went to the local provincial gay bar I was ignored. I wasn't pretty, camp, or a clone. I couldn't dance. I didn't like drugs. I was a wallflower in bars, certainly not part of a community.
Even when I moved from the town to the city, the only places I really felt comfortable were the back rows of some porno cinema, or cruising on Hampstead Heath. I felt sheltered by the anonymity, and as superficial as it was, if someone wanted to have sex with me I felt wanted. Certainly not a healthy foundation for self-worth.
But then the bears started to come out of the woods and my world changed. I became a regular at the Kings Arms in Poland Street and XXL, and started to feel comfortable in my own skin. It was liberating.
Then I came to MCC, where I found a God who wanted me just the way I was and who had given sex and sexuality as gifts to enjoy. It was amazing.
Only when I began to see myself as attractive and desirable did I begin to look for what I truly found attractive and desirable in others. And only when I was sure that God wanted to be a part of my life, and didn't want to change me, was I able to challenge some long held beliefs. Some I kept, most I ditched. Freedom.
I went to the Big Apple Bearfest in New York and met my husband. Handsome, tall, slim, athletic, but more than that he was generous, principled, and educated. Under any other set of circumstances I would have seen him as way out of my league. But he was running the bear event so I reckoned that there was a pretty good chance he liked bears. We've been together over 15 years now, and I love him more and more deeply every day.
I became chaplain to the New York Metrobears. Friday night and the Dugout would be packed with bears and admirers enjoying cut price beer. I would often be found in a corner praying with someone, or listening as they unburdened themselves of some problem. My community My people My calling For a boy who grew up feeling unwanted it was surreal And amazing
The message at the heart of the bear community is that you are fabulous just the way you are. The message at MCC is that you are perfect just the way you are Both messages affirm who you are And only when you feel secure in your own skin can you truly find out who you are, or dare to be vulnerable with another human being For a big chunk of this I thank God And for the rest, I thank the bears
SCENE & DONE IT
IT ’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT
) I'm somewhat lost in the woods with this Bear Pride issue, being more of an epilated Otter myself. What I do have in common with my hairier cousins though is the conviction of knowing who I am, and isn't every Pride event about celebrating just that?
So this month, I'm sharing a letter I once wrote, because it wasn't always so...
Dear 16-year-old Mike, Wait, let's have a second to picture you There Holy Gaga, I forgot that acne! Zoom out! Ah, never mind, it clears up in a few years, believe it or not So, where to start? Hello I guess It’s me I mean you Us
Indeed We certainly have changed Afraid so, not a single hair left on that head, but we suit the beard don’t you think?
One thing you can relax about. We also go to the gym now and don’t look like a toast rack anymore Indeed, you, the boy who can’t throw, kick, or catch anything apart from the cold Gonna catch a few more things in your time!
But let’s not scare you off, I’ve come here to talk about... oh don’t blush, I’m you, remember? I was there last night, the dance, Stephanie And you're absolutely right, you ’ re not in love with her But that’s not the reason you didn’t try to snog her or put your hand under her crop top when Purple Rain started playing and she pulled you close It’s, uhm how to best cut through this thick pink fog of denial? Well, remember the other day when you walked past Mark in the showers? Mark with the abs, wrapped in a short towel, and the towel slipped? Yeah That's why
“I know how lonely you are right now. I know that you feel like there’s no one like you and that you’re scared and ashamed and hopeless...”
Hey, don't start crying! Really, don't, cause guess what? That’s what I came here to say, it's not all bad! In fact, it's actually rather great! As astonishing as it sounds now, our life will be filled with friends, fun and more good times than is really good for us.
Stop agonising about the family too, you should see what mum put on Facebook just the other day! What’s face..? Ah, incredible! Seems impossible that there was a time when we used to... but back to the point. You’re okay. Or rather, you will be.
I know how lonely you are right now. I know that you feel like there’s no one like you and that you ’ re scared and ashamed and hopeless. I also know how hard you ’ re pretending. You have to be none of those things. I’m here to tell you that it’ll all be fine and that it gets better. So much better! Chin up, you hear me? You could save us a few years you know
Oh and just before I go, in the late 1990s make sure to invest in a company called Apple, the ones who made the PC we got from uncle Jeff.
And for God’s sake, stop dying your hair red, you look like an idiot!
TRANSITIONING WITH SUGAR
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
By Ms Sugar Swan
) The Munchkins, a good witch, a wicked witch, and ruby slippers. A yellow brick road, a paradise, an all-seeing entity that can grant us that which we are lacking We all know the story, we can all relate As a lifelong 'friend of Dorothy' I have always felt close to this story, and in this month’s 'Bears' edition of Gscene, its narrative is one that mirrors many aspects of LGBTQ subculture
Just as our young protagonist, Dorothy Gale, a scared, confused girl sung of a place where dreams really do come true, when we find LGBTQ subculture that works for us, we can often feel like we have found our very own somewhere over the rainbow. After a lifetime of being told that we ’ re too tall, short, fat, thin, femme, butch or awkward to fit in anywhere else, queer culture finally feels like a place where we belong - but what happens when that place no longer feels that you belong to it? This is where the intersectionality of being seen transitioning from bear to trans woman clashed
For many years I did a relatively good job of hiding my gender underneath a bear costume,
but that's all it was for me, a costume. I grew in a huge beard, my tall, wide frame lent itself to a belly and plenty of muscle which I adorned with tattoos, a chest pelt and my pathetic wisps of hair that remained from my male pattern baldness, wet shaved, completed the look It was a good look on me I fitted in, it was comfortable and I was deemed a very attractive bear - there was only one problem, I wasn't one
The bear scene turned out to be a very unhealthy place for me The type of masculinity portrayed in bear subculture was one which was really quite toxic to me I was praised for a set of physical attributes, attributes that I had carefully cultured, but unfortunately were a hiding place for me. Instead of being a place that I felt at home, that I belonged, the bear label soon became a prison to me.
When I first came out as non-binary and started presenting as a femme bear, albeit still with the beard and chest hair, but in makeup, I started to get the side eye. I was no longer conforming to a rigid stereotype of what a bear was, and the subculture didn't like that. I was told, many times, directly to my face and online that I was 'losing my bearishness' and that that was something negative
When I started to wear breast forms, I think, that was the straw that broke the bear’s back. I was no longer made to feel welcome as part of this community It struck me as most strange at the time as by its very definition the bear subculture is one that understands what it’s like to be rejected by the mainstream LGBTQ culture and I’d hoped for a little more understanding, however I was not afforded it
As I moved across from my non-binary femme identity to that of a binary woman and I began my hormonal and surgical transition, the beard went and the facial surgery came,
the chest hair went and my breasts came, and the hair surgery brought back my (goldie) locks I shed the muscle that I’d worked so hard to hide behind and my belly started to roll into my new found hips, and as time elapsed I looked less and less like a bear. With the passage of time, I’m now able to go for a drink on the bear scene without the hostility I was once met with. This begs the question: Why? Why am I accepted now but I wasn’t then? After a lot of consideration and discussion I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m now seen as the female friend of a bear rather than someone trying to be part of the community - and a friend of the scene is something they can get their heads round whereas a trans feminine bear was something they made very clear to me they would not
This saddens me and I would have hoped for more tolerance and understanding around this, for if bears did not feel oppressed by mainstream LGBTQ culture there would be no need for events like Brighton Bear Weekend
So it had been made very clear to me that a trans feminine bear was not something that would be tolerated (apart from the beautiful Brighton Muscle Bear who still kisses me with as much gusto and excitement under his kilts as he did 10 years ago, you know who you are), but how would the trans masculine be tolerated?
I spoke to a range of trans masculine bearidentifying people and they had very mixed experiences to report Some trans men who identify as bears say they have to fight hard for their place in the community and despite their beard, their shaved head, their tattoos and their chest hair, having a vagina seems to disqualify them. This is disappointing to hear but not exactly surprising.
It’s counteracted somewhat though by friends of mine who feel that the Brighton bear scene, at least, does not exclude them solely on account of being vagina owners. They tell me that bears understand what it feels like to be excluded and to be pushed aside for someone younger, fitter and adhering to the white, hairless, tanned, muscle guy we see on flyers for most gay male events This acceptance at the intersectionality of trans men and bears brings me hope for the joined future of all LGBTQ subcultures
I wish all you bears out there a very Happy Brighton Bear Weekend and I hope that somewhere your dreams really do come true
“I’m now seen as the female friend of a bear rather than someone trying to be part of the community - and a friend of the scene is something they can get their heads round whereas a trans feminine bear was something they made very clear to me they would not”
SAM TRANS MAN
The society we live in. Dr Samuel Hall on perpetuating toxic masculinity and the privileges afforded to men.
) I keep all my Gscene columns in a folder on the desktop of my laptop. Every now and again I have cause to read back through my previous musings, sometimes out of curiosity, at other times looking for inspiration or a different angle on trans lives A piece of advice I often give patients who are struggling with their mental health is to look back a year, or even just six months, and see how things have changed Because we are all moving forward, all the time, and we ’ re far better at remembering the negatives, it’s inevitable that this kind of retrospection offers some relief from present distress, even if only by reminding us that things have changed.
So I took a peek at this time last year ’ s column to see how I have moved forward I’m well and truly ‘out’ in all aspects of my life. Compared to a year ago, this is notable. I was struggling with being out in the workplace, fearful of discrimination at the hands of my colleagues or faceless entities in the wider NHS. I still have a morbid fear of the GMC, the doctor’s regulatory body, an organisation I consider to be extremely bigoted, and which represents the worst aspects of my profession It’s unfortunate that cis, hetero, white male privilege still presides in the medical hierarchy, and in my opinion drives continuing healthcare inequalities But I don’t want to get too political here Or rather, I do, but not about the NHS That is for another day and another time Suffice to say that my personal progress, in the last year, has been significant in that I’m finally out at work This is courtesy of the people around me who give me the support I need to exhibit the necessary courage. Being ‘out’ as trans feels increasingly uncomfortable in the UK today. There’s an ongoing and unpleasant tension between the demand for equality for trans and non-binary people, and the very real threat perceived by women who have fought long and hard for their rights as
PROJECT WEEKLY DROP-IN
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
an oppressed minority. Wading into this battle as someone who is often seen as a cis, heterosexual man feels somewhat dangerous at times, yet wade in I must
As a transgender man who passes (is seen as a man by society), I’ve acquired male privilege. I didn’t ask for it, it came my way unbidden as I progressed through my transition As a result I feel a constant internal battle going on, because I move through the world with such ease, expecting (and getting) my needs met, and being listened to an afforded kudos I don’t deserve, warrant, or ask for People often express surprise when I try to explain thisthey ask me for examples but I’m unable to supply any. I just feel it. I cant really explain or illustrate it. All I know is that I’m being afforded more respect now that I’m seen as male. This is both horrifying and revealing. I like it - who wouldn’t?
“We all participate in perpetuating a toxic masculinity which in turn creates a hierarchy that continues to oppress others”
But I hate that this is a real thing, that men, and white men in particular, are privileged by all of us. We all participate in perpetuating a toxic masculinity which in turn creates a hierarchy that continues to oppress others; women, gender and sexual minorities, people with disabilities and mental ill-health, the homeless, the poor, those with a different culture, creed or colour. All of these, and many more, with a multitude of often intersecting disadvantages, are being trodden on by the
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meets every TUES 2.30– 5.30PM at DORSET GARDENS METHODIST CHURCH
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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
race to the top, which can only be won if you ’ re none of the above
We live in a capitalist, business-driven, money obsessed society that tells us we’ll do better, be better, live better lives if we only work a bit harder to achieve our dreams But the reality is you have to have some kind of head-start to get ahead, and life deals out golden tickets only to those who can afford them. I know this is a generalisation and that there are plenty people who have done amazing things with their lives despite atrocious starting positions, but the point is simply that a head-start translates for the most part into a top slot in the hierarchy. If you get a head-start simply by being born in that place, at that time, into that family, it’s not really your hard work that counts towards your success, it’s your privilege
I can see this in relation to my career as a doctor I came from a middle-class family who encouraged a university education and was led to believe that it was my right to do so I was entitled and privileged as an 18-year-old entering medical school, thinking I had worked hard to get there But really I didn’t, I was quite bright with an aptitude for science and had little difficulty in passing exams, but I was extremely lazy. What saved me was being sent to a boarding school from 13-18 years old. This last fact alone accounts for my medical school place, and it cost money. I didn’t get there on merit, I got there on a golden ticket and a special form of nepotism in the medical profession. A leg up or a shoe-in.
My grandfather had been a GP, and although no longer alive at the time, my perception was that this career choice was open to me for the simple reason that he’d been there and done it. I must have carried that confidence into my interviews and beyond, because even though at the time I was presenting as female, I was claiming something I saw as rightfully mine, which wasn’t the case at all Such arrogance isn’t malicious or intentional It’s the mark of an undeveloped person
Thankfully I’ve moved on since then, and see my professional qualification not only as something to be extremely grateful for, but also hope that I can and will continue to use it for the good of humanity Which is best done, I suspect, as an openly proud transgender man.
I HAVE A PHOBIA
How a TV character taught me about my phobia.
By Ray A- J.
) Have you heard of the Shadow King? He’s a creature: a disgusting, bloated, leech of a creature that exists in the Marvel Comics' universe. His ‘ power ’ is to latch onto a person, slowly sucking the consciousness out of them until he can take over their whole body, controlling it like his puppet. He’s an entity of physic energy that feasts on negative emotions. He is a phobia.
Throughout the story of the superhero Legion, the Shadow King plagues Legion's mind with warped memories and false insecurities. He manifests himself into a barrage of memories, manipulating them to his will, and inserting himself into the hero's life He even goes so far as to make Legion think he's schizophrenic
But how is he like a phobia?
The Shadow King was born out of the first nightmare. Created from fear, the creature absorbed the feeling - fed off the pain like a disease He feasts on the host's terror, residing as a manifestation of the darkest parts in their subconscious Ironically, this is where a phobia lives too
Not only can he control your mind, robbing you of all rationality, but he can morph into anything and shape-shift into various creatures For Legion, the monster took on the guise of best friend Lenny and even a fake pet dog named King And like a phobia he can develop - manifest himself into more than your original fear
Once he has control of you, he can produce volts of a psionic force, which cause severe psychic shock, or freeze you in fear A phobia too forces your body to react in a way that is
out of control from your conscious. All the beast wants is power, and he cannot be stopped by willpower alone To destroy the monster thoroughly, you need to block his psychic wavelength/energy and dissolve him through your brain's power. Much like a phobia, you can’t kill it without cutting out its imprint on your mind and body's response. In the comics, the character Forge created a neurosynaptic buffer to carry out this task. Thus, they were snipping the beast’s ability to tap into the victim's brain and set off the remnants of energy
In the TV series Legion, the main hero, David Haller, is forced into a conversation with his rational mind in order to defeat the villain controlling him David’s in a panic, trapped in a ‘mental coffin’ and desperately trying to understand what’s just happened to him Then all of a sudden he’s joined by an English version of himself The other David explains: “I’m your rational mind You're having a breakdown, a stress response. Your power is kicking in to save you. It created me. ”
And just like David, when you experience a phobia your brain scrambles for a way of rationalising it. Your body’s fight or flight (‘stress response’) is called to action, forcing you to panic. And thus ‘ your power is kicking in to save you ’ . But your brain tries to regain control, vainly attempting to understand
what’s happening It talks you through possible reasons as to why you feel this way But often we try to shut this out as our stronger, panicky brain takes control Thus, we fail to process the feeling fully and can't move on, or in David's case find a way out.
Previously, another hero, by the name of Xavier, made an attempt on the Shadow King’s life via a telepathic battle. Unfortunately he failed. Xavier killed the mutant’s physical form, sending him to the ‘astral plane’. But remnants of the creature still existed, and so he’s able to take over his victims once again.
I too fed into the belief that I’d killed off my phobia, when I tried cognitive behavioural therapy. I subjected myself to the trigger over and over until my response was tamed. Stupidly, I thought that meant I was over it - I was free. But seeing that trigger again recently, I realised I was wrong I had only ‘killed its physical form’; it still remained deep in my subconscious or ‘astral plane’ Because of the sheer time that method takes, I wasn't fully rid of my phobia and there was still room for my Shadow King to reappear
Just like a phobia that has lived with its victim for years, the Shadow King has unnervingly favourable qualities When you have a fear for a long time, you can become attached to it; you believe it’s a part of you which makes it difficult to let go of Naturally, fear protects us from harm - without it we’d get run over or die. So our mind needs it.
However, an irrational phobia thinks it’s protecting you from harm, but it’s not It’s irrational so the trigger can’t actually hurt you. Therefore we don’t really need it to survive. But we still think we do. This belief is a ‘secondary gain’. The body tries to heal itself by triggering the fight or flight, and craftily convinces you to rely on that to the point where you become attached to your phobia. The Shadow King too utilises this manipulation; he can physically heal his host’s body Therefore they’re tricked into keeping him and surrendering control
Even how the Shadow King first took over David is reminiscent of a phobia The first seed in the tree of fear (known as an initial sensitising event) is when David was introduced to a book as a child, The World's Angriest Boy in the World - yes that's really the title The story details a young boy whom becomes so enraged when told to go to bed that he kills his mother and various other people. This disturbing memory struck David first, and was imbedded into his brain by the monster. Having been repressed by David, the event waits patiently to be retriggered - just like a phobia.
“ When you have a fear for a long time, you can become attached to it; you believe it’s a par t of you which makes it difficult to let go of.”
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